NationStates Jolt Archive

The next day Kurt was all ready to take Taylor back to Wundagore.

The next day, Taylor woke up, having gotten a good night's sleep. He stretched himself and pulled on his boots, then headed out his guest room.

Kurt was there waiting for him, "Time to go back," he said.

He waved his arm and a portal to the rainbow bridge appeared. Nodded at Taylor, he stepped onto the bridge.

"Let's hope she doesn't come before the kids are ready..." Taylor said before walking into the rainbow.

"As do I Taylor," Kurt agreed. "Last time she attacked by surprise, we will have to be ready."

Kurt soon stepped through and back into the grounds of the Jedi academy. The cool morning air felt fresh and the dew sparkled on the ground in the light of the rising sun.

"A little early here."

"Yeah, it is." Taylor smiled. "So what's going to be done today?"

"Master Blexe told me that the padawans will start with some light combat training," Kurt told him.

"Good idea. You starting with hand to hand?" Taylor inquired.

"Hmm possibly, what would you say is best?" Kurt asked.

"Basic martial arts, basic riflery, basic swordmanship." Taylor ticked off the three basics. "Then we need begin to augument the Force in the skills. Sense, push, pull, absorb/reflect, heal. All combat-oriented."

"We are at war, Kurt." Taylor sighed. Certainly not what the King of Draconis Nightcrawlis wants to hear, but needs to. "They need to learn the skills to survive Nocturne, and they need to do it quickly. I can probably do the martial arts portion."

"And they'll need to learn more about her and those cloned soldier she used," Kurt then added. "It is a brewing battle, but as of now we have the chance to avoid an all out war if we find her first before she tries anything."

"And they'll need to learn more about her and those cloned soldier she used," Kurt then added. "It is a brewing battle, but as of now we have the chance to avoid an all out war if we find her first before she tries anything."
"Yeah, but still, we must be ready for anything." Taylor warned him.

"Of course," Kurt nodded. His stomach rumbled. "But first, breakfast."

"Pancakes and sausage, here I come!" Taylor grinned.

A hyperspace reorientation point, just outside of the Correl system.

Standing in the starboard Flightdeck, less than 2 meters from his personal fighter, Brin looked up, and spoke.

"SevenEx, deactivate program Coverdown."

A simple whistle was followed by many sharp clicks and thuds as panels began returning to thier original positions. The Red, Platinum and Black fighter was quickly replaced by the single colored Space Black Fett's Revenge.

Depressing the Command channel button on his com-link, Treezago waited a brief momnet, until he heard Daris Rees reply. " Yes, sir?"

" Captain Rees, the time has come. Go to the Command Console, and enter code: TreezagoPrimeAlphaGammaFiveTwoOmega."

"One moment, sir." Daris stepped to the console, and entered the command he had been given.

Outside, in the deepest depths of space, began a magical transformation. The entire hull of the Seeker seemed to ripple and flow. Mere seconds later the transformation was complete. Where before the Seeker had been a ship painted in red and blue, now, her outer hull showed only a non-reflective and light absorbing black.

Touching the AllCall button on his Com-link, Treezago began to speak.

"Gentlemen, and ladies, this is your employeer. Know you now that my name is not, as you have believed, Brin Verrelis. In truth, my name, the name which shall soon resound in history, is Treezago.

"Today, we embark on a great and glorious mission. We, the crew of this marvelous starship Seeker, do hereby pledge our lives, and our sacred fortunes, to the defense of the Jedi Order.

"Each of you, here aboard this starship, have been chosen for two reasons. Not only have you been selected for your skills, which are great and vast, but because you, all of you, believe in a dream. That dream is the re-birth and life, of the New Republic.

"The New Republic has desperate need of it's Jedi Defenders. The Old Republic, before the rise of Palpatine and Vader, relied on it's Jedi as mediators and diplomats, as well as defenders. The New Republic will do the same.

"But, the Dark Side of the Force does not rest easy. It has attempted to raise many Champions in it's cause. Many of these have been defeated. Sent back to rejoin the Living Force.

"Now, one rises. Powerful beyond anything Vader, and his Master Palpatine could have imagined. This one seeks even now to destroy the Jedi Order that is slowly being recreated. Even with all of my resources, I can not tell who this one is, only that the one is filled with hate and loathing for all things good. I do have my ideas. There was one, a Dark Lady, called Nocturne. Many thought she had been defeated, but I am not so sure.

"We go now, to Wundragore. Home of the newest Jedi Training Field. Based on intelligence I have, this would seem to be this enemy's target.

"Our ship, the Seeker, is no Star Destroyer. But, she packs far more firepower than any other ship anywhere near her class. Faster and more manuerverable than anything else in the skies that we know of, with a complement of fighters unlike anything ever seen before.

"Anyone who desires to quit this quest now, report to the starboard lifepod bays now. You shall be released here, within easy range of returning to the Correl system. Fear not dishonor if you chose to leave.

"For the rest, I call to you now. We, the Few, shall defend and protect the Future.

"Long Live the New Republic!"

As Treezago shut down his Com-Link, he heard resounding cheers throughout the Seeker. Once again he activated the Command Channel.

"Captain Rees, set course for Wundragore. Prepare to make best speed to that system. We make our jump in one half a filled Timepart."

Treezago strode down to the starboard lifepod bays. Arriving with mere moments to spare, he was proud to see that noone had shown up to take him up on his offer of abandoning the mission to save the Jedi.

He stood, watching the viewports, as the Seeker reached out and grasped Underspace, and flung herself into the depths of Hyperspace, onward and outward, to save the Jedi. Smiling to himself, he turned and paced himself, oh so slowly, returning to the Owner's Cabin. There, he and the Knoctal Facet would commune with each other. 8 Days travel. 8 Days until he returned to Wundragore. Hopefully this time the Jedi there would accept him. If not, well, he would just have to work at defending them on his own.

"Pancakes and sausage, here I come!" Taylor grinned.


"Beat you to there," Kurt grinned and teleported himself to the dining hall.

"Aww, c'mon..." Taylor grumbled before he too apparated to the dining hall. Jacen and Ryujin were already there eating breakfast.

On board the seeker, in Hyperspace. The meditation chamber located in the Owner's Cabin.

Feel the Force. It lives in everyone. The time comes. Soon, all too soon, we will enter the battle. Save the Jedi we must.

Treezago floated, deep inside his own mind. The Knoctal Facet communed with him, deep inside.

Images of the future flowed through his mind. Much death was comming. Treezago only wished that he could get some training form the Masters at Wundragore, before he needed to enter the battles. The enhancements from the Facet would help him, but being untrained he could not be sure that his low level Force Sensetivity would be enough to help him win the day.

7 Days. 7 Days longer to reach Wundragore.

"Aww, c'mon..." Taylor grumbled before he too apparated to the dining hall. Jacen and Ryujin were already there eating breakfast.

Kurt looked at the two as he went to sit down. "Up early and eager I take it?" he said.

"Yep!" Jacen beamed amidst egg over easy. "What're doing today?"

"Combat training," Kurt told him as a plate full of pancakes appeared in front of him.

"Oh." Jacen replied, then went on eating the eggs.

"So Taylor, where were you last night? Didn't see you come in." Ryujin asked.

"Oh, trying to interrogate the guys Kurt's troops caught. Didn't work out very well." Taylor replied, digging into his pancakes.

"Mmm. Tough luck, eh?"

"Yeah..."

"Their minds are pretty fucked up," Kurt explained as he dug into the pancakes.

A few other Jedi had entered the dining hall and were going about their own breakfast sheadules.

"I see." Ryujin said, and everyone continued talking and eating.

OOC: Will wait for the others to get up.

OOC: Sorry I got to catch up with everything.

IC:
Lialai was just about to ask Alimar a question when she was contacted by her master. "Gotta go", she said as she teleported to her master. She walked in and said "What is it that you need Master?"
****
Den was looking out over the lake when he saw a big explosion of steam in the air. He thought to himself "That could only be those two cousins. Lialai would have more control than to be using her thunderstorm powers all over the place." He sat back and watched everything going on outside. It was tranquil here and he liked that. Den knew that Raist would be coming to the training rooms soon so he contacted Lialai. "Lialai I need you to help me with a new padawan". She responded quickly that she would be on her way soon. Master Wescolum began on his way to the training room. A second after he entered his padawan Lialai came in. "What is it that you need Master?" she asked him. "With Raist", he said as the young warrior entered the room.

He came out of the library and made his way to the training room where Master Wescolum, and someone he assumed was Lialia was waiting.
"Master, could you teach me the Ateru form? It's the one I would feel best to learn. But perhaps...well, I would like to blend the Ateru and Soresu forms. Since you are a master of all the forms, could you help me try?" He looked hopeful

He looked down at introduced the two of them to each other and told them each what they will be training in.
"Lialai you have already finished your training in Juyo so we will start with Ataru next."
"Raist you have chosen Ataru and Soresu so I you will start with Ataru first. You and Lialai will train with one another in this style. I will also teach you the Makashi form. Makashi will help you with Lightsaber on Lightsaber combat. You will never know when you might have to fight a person armed with a melee weapon. I hope that you have already mastered the first form of combat or Lialai will be a even more difficult opponent."
Den looked at Lialai quickly before he started them training and said "No Thunderstorms, ok."
Lialai responded "Yes, Master", as she withdrew her lightsaber hilt. It was a white gold hilt with Diamonds and Pink Stones in it. She extinguished her pink blade and said to Raist "You ready".

OOC: You are a day behind us now Wooshooba...

IC: Alimar woke up and stretched. He did his morning rituals and ate some grass. He ran about in the woods a while to stretch his legs. Then he decided to look at the lay of the land. He morphed into a kafit bird. It has six wings and very sharp talons. He flew around and examined the surrounding area.

Odcal woke up suddenly as if an alarm had been set off in his head. He groaned and sat up. He looked out the window and did a double take. There was a six winged bird flying off in the distance. I never knew that birds could have more than four wings... Odcal got dressed and went down to breakfast. "Hi there." He called to the others as a batch of bacon and eggs appeared in front of him.

"Morning Odcal," Kurt smiled, showing no sign of tiredness. He had hardly slept for he worried about Lady Nocturnes return.

"Hey, Odcal." Taylor beamed.

Zadeth yawned as he entered the dining hall for breakfast. His hair was a mess and there were bags under his eyes.

"I hope you prepare yourself better for combat practice," Kurt told him with a mouthful of pancakes.

The raven-haired boy mumbled some unintelligible as he sat down.

Alimar had demorphed and entered the Academy and walked into the dining hall.
Did someone say combat practice? Is that what we are doing today? inquired Alimar. Some more blue grass appeared in front of him.

Kurt nodded and let out a belch. "Yea, thought some combat training would be the perfect start," he told him.

A pot of coffee appeared in front of the blue elf.

Wooshaba']OOC: Sorry I got to catch up with everything.

IC:
Lialai was just about to ask Alimar a question when she was contacted by her master. "Gotta go", she said as she teleported to her master. She walked in and said "What is it that you need Master?"
****
Den was looking out over the lake when he saw a big explosion of steam in the air. He thought to himself "That could only be those two cousins. Lialai would have more control than to be using her thunderstorm powers all over the place." He sat back and watched everything going on outside. It was tranquil here and he liked that. Den knew that Raist would be coming to the training rooms soon so he contacted Lialai. "Lialai I need you to help me with a new padawan". She responded quickly that she would be on her way soon. Master Wescolum began on his way to the training room. A second after he entered his padawan Lialai came in. "What is it that you need Master?" she asked him. "With Raist", he said as the young warrior entered the room.



He looked down at introduced the two of them to each other and told them each what they will be training in.
"Lialai you have already finished your training in Juyo so we will start with Ataru next."
"Raist you have chosen Ataru and Soresu so I you will start with Ataru first. You and Lialai will train with one another in this style. I will also teach you the Makashi form. Makashi will help you with Lightsaber on Lightsaber combat. You will never know when you might have to fight a person armed with a melee weapon. I hope that you have already mastered the first form of combat or Lialai will be a even more difficult opponent."
Den looked at Lialai quickly before he started them training and said "No Thunderstorms, ok."
Lialai responded "Yes, Master", as she withdrew her lightsaber hilt. It was a white gold hilt with Diamonds and Pink Stones in it. She extinguished her pink blade and said to Raist "You ready".

"Oh, er, yea." He cleared his throat and tried to sound a little more impressive. Although he was a little intimidated from the comment
No thunderstorms
"Yea, lets do this" He took up a defensive stance and drew his new lightsabres from thier opposite holsters on his waist. He activated this with the sound of searing energy, but turned the setting down to practice levels.
He tried a few experimental spins of the sabres in his hands, and they seemed to be right in his hand. After a few moments it seemed that the world had come into sharp focus for him and he felt a little strange, not stronger as such....just...he felt his muscles were more under his control, each movement was precice and timed, and breathing came easier for him. He closed his eyes for a moment to revel in the sensation, then when he opened them he looked more confident than could have been hoped for.
"Now I'm ready"

Having drunk the last of the coffee, Kurt stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I have some national matters to attend to," he said and left the room.

"The ninja's are getting restless again probably," Zadeth reckoned. "Anyone up for a sword fight before combat training?"

"I'm in!" Taylor smirked.

"Count me in!" Jacen grinned.

"I'm out." Ryujin smiled apologeticly.

A cheeky smirk crossed Zadeth's face. "Not wanting to get your arse kicked again eh?"

"Not that. Just want to see them kick your ass." Ryujin growled.

Zadeth laughed as he stood up from the table. "Won't happen," he replied before leaving the dining hall.

"Oh yeah? well see about that!" Taylor yelled, hating any challenge to his ego. Jacen rolled his eyes and poured water on his cousin to cool him down. The fuming fire Jedi sat down, pouting in silence.

Zadeth headed for the training rooms, seeing that no one had followed he went there alone. He didn't mind it though as he often enjoyed practicing alone. Taking out his lightsaber, he ignited it and began to practice a few moves Kurt had taught him.

Lialai smiled at Raist and raised her blade. She quickly took up a Vaapad fighting stance. Using the force as a balance beam between dark and light she executed the first flick of her lightsaber. After her first strikes she quickly converted to a simple Makashi style. Using these techniques she quickly overpowered her opponent. She simply flicked her pink saber all over the place. She looked over her shoulder at her master he was standing there nodding. She thought to herself "Master you gotta see me in full action" She smiled as she did a backflip away from Raist and said "Come on Raist.

****

Den Wescolum sat back watching his two students graciously. He loved the way they were fighting. Raist was doing okay for his first duel with his lightsabers. He waited patiently for Lialai to finish the duel though. Den decided while they were there he would take them to the future of this training room. He was anxious to flex his timewarping abilities. He said out loud to both of them "I am going to take us a couple of hours into future." Before either of them could respond the room was filled with a great light and then they were taken to a the training room a day later. He looked at Lialai and told her to continue training with Raist. He looked around the room to see another person in the room. He looked at him and said "Well hello there, young warrior."

Still fuming, Taylor -followed by a Jacen ready to throw water on him- headed to the training rooms to cool off some steam. He noticed a couple of students dueling and decided to watch them play it out.

Alimar and Odcal both followed Zadeth to the training rooms. The moment they got there the room was filled with a great light and Den, Lialai, and Raist appeared in the room in front of them. Lialai and Raist were apparently dueling.

That's an interesting technique. Odcal thought to himself.

A Hyperspace re-orientation point, ETA to Wundragore, 6 days.

"Sir," the young Helmsman, Varrick, said, just loud enough to be heard over the din of standard re-orient operations on the Bridge," We may have a problem."

"All hold, " called Captain Rees, " status Helm?"

" Sir, I'm picking up a small formation of ships ahead. Range average 4300 KMeters, speed .4 sublight standard, bearing 010 tac 005, heading 000 tac 000. Readings indicate one CC-7700 interdiction picket, with Grav Well Generators spinning up, currently at 45%, one medium Capital Class 2 starship, possibly a Strike Cruiser, and one old republic escort frigate. Showing 12 Starfighter size craft, tenative ID is TIE-IN class. Current time to Intercept, 2 minutes, 45 seconds. Projections show Grav Well will be stable 45 seconds before we can Jump."

Darris Rees swore lightly under his breath. He tapped the AllCall button on his chair.

" Combat stations, I say again, Combat stations. All gun crews to your weapons. All pilots to your fighters. Set emergency condition Zebra in all spaces. Troops prepare to repel boarder if needed. This is not a Drill." He tapped off the AllCall. "Helm, hard over starboard, set course 175 tac 350, speed Flank. Tactical, Raise shields. Engineering, balance power to shields and weapons, reserve power to engines."

45 seconds later, main hanger deck.

Treezago faced his pilots arrayed about him in a semi-circle.

" OK people, I know we weren't expecting this battle, but, here's where you get to earn you pay for this week. We are outnumbered 3 to 2, but we outgun our opponets 5 to 3. We have shields, they don't. Let's do this one strictly by the numbers. We'll go in 4 2 ship elements. Brown group, you have the speed advantage here, you will run fast intercept ops. Remember, TIEs can outturn you, but you can outrun them..use that advantage. Red Group, we will run heavy clean up. Anything that gets past Brown Group is fair game. Level one bonuses for each kill. We have 1 minute to get off the deck. Go Go Go."

Treezago turned and ran for his Fighter. As he jumped into cockpit he glanced at the status display. SevenEx already had the repulsors online, the sublightdrives were 10 seconds from ignition, and weapons were hot. Good old SevenEx. Slamming his cockpit closed, Treezago made sure all space-tight seals were in place, and gave SevenEx the order to taxi to lauch position. His fighter turned and oriented on the launch runway just in time to see Brown group launch. Good men those, he thought. They should be hitting the TIEs just as we exit the bay.

"Report" he called over Red Group's FMC.

"Two"
"Three"
"Four"
"Launch" he called."Two, you're with me."

High Gee forces pressed Treezago back into his combat chair, as he punched his drives to maximum. By the time he cleared the Flight Deck he had already gained a speed of .6 Sublight standard, and was still accelerating. He only hoped his wingman could keep up with him. This fighter battle would be over fast.

Snapping his fighter over hard left Treezago went inverted over the hull of the Seeker, the hull less than 10 Mtrs above his cockpit. A Quick glance at his Tracker showed that his Wingman, Two, was less than 5 Mtrs behind him, at the same speed and attitude.

Clearing the Hull of the Seeker Treezago snap rolled left, lining himself up with the drive glows of Brown group, already nearly 50KMters ahead of him. He watched the first few seconds of Brown Groups attack, and was pleased to see 4 TIE-INs vanish in balls of flame, as Brown group flowed through the enemy formation.

30 KMtrs. Treezago toggled his Dennsia Quad cannons over to Machine Gun firing rate. He looked the formation of enemy fighters over. 3 of the enemy fighters were lined up in perfect left to right formation.

5KMtrs. Nearing gun range, Treezago lined his gunsight on the farthest left TIE.

2KMtrs. Extreme gun range. Treezago pulled his gun trigger, less than a second later he jammed his foot down hard on the left Ethereal Rudder pedal, walking his fire to the right. Two TIEs desintegrated instantly, the third, seeing the attack for what it was, tried to pull up and to the left before he was hit. He managed to get most of the way out of the line of Treezagos guns, but took a hit on his starboard Solar Panel, sending him kareeming off in a tight spiral.

Treezago watched as his wingman took down another TIE with a quick deflection burst. As he looked on, Brown Group returned to the battle, this time from behind. Before the TIEs realized thier predicament, all four remaining fighters had been wiped from the heavens by Brown Groups guns. Total dogfight time, less than 30 seconds.

"Brown Group, Red Group, form on me. Red Group, we will go in first. Switch to Ion Connons. Brown group, follow us in. Our target is that Interdiction Picket. Target forward section only."

"Brown Group, acknowledged."

The Bridge of the Seeker.

"Sir," called Varrick," entering weapons range of Strike Cruiser."

"Then, by all means, Fire. All guns, fire at will."

Exterior, the Seeker closes on the Strike Cruiser.

6 gun batteries opened up. 18 lines of energy, some blue, most red, converged on the Strike cruiser. The Ion Connon component of the batteries shorted out shields, allowing the Turbolaser blasts to poor through to unprotected hull.

Dozens of single bright green blasts emerged from the gunports of the Strike Cruiser, to splash nearly harmlessly on Seeker's Triple Depth shields.

Again, the Seeker fired. Due to manuervering and power consumption, this time only four batteries managed to deliver thier deadly barrage.

Slowly, the forward hull of the strike cruiser crumpled. Suddenly the Strike Cruiser was enveloped in a haze of white crystals. Escaping atmosphere, with it's water portion, turned quickly into a mist of purest, gleeming white. Obvious overloads and shorts began lighting up the hull of the Cruiser. Within seconds there came a massive explosion form the rear of the Cruiser, as her suddenly overpowered reactor core began melting down from it's inability to shunt the huge ammounts of power it was creating to any functioning systems. A blast of pure energy erupted as the Crusier tore itself apart.

Interior, starfighter cockpit.

"OK," said Treezago to his Fighter group," The Interdiction Picket is down. Gravity Well Generators are off-line." Looking over his left shoulder, he noted the glowing ball of expanding plasma fire that marked the death of the Strike Cruiser." Now, where's that escort carrier?'

"Sir, Brown Leader here. Escort Carrier is on escape vector. Range indicates she's too far away for intercept before she can jump."

"Well done all. All fighters, return to barn. Red Two, stay with me. I have an errand to run."

Reaching out with his new found awarewess of the Force, Treezago set his fighter on an intercept course. Within moments he came upon a lone TIE-IN, spinning in space, seeming to be derelict. The Force told him the pilot was still alive, and uninjured. Unable to eject form his damaged fighter, the pilot sat, seething in frustraion.

"SevenEx, activate grapping claw. When ready, take that ship in tow."

SevenEx whistled briefly. Taking control of the Revenge, he turned the Fighter gently around. When he had lined up his shot, he fired the Grapping Claw. A perfect hit, the Claw grasped onto the drive section of the TIE fighter. Setting a course back to the Seeker, SevenEx couldn't help but chortle to himself.

(Edit:Opps, had to change one number, or else accept a circle with more than 360 degrees in it.)

Zadeth stopped his traing and put his lightsaber away before leaning against a wall to watch the duel.

Wooshaba']Lialai smiled at Raist and raised her blade. She quickly took up a Vaapad fighting stance. Using the force as a balance beam between dark and light she executed the first flick of her lightsaber. After her first strikes she quickly converted to a simple Makashi style. Using these techniques she quickly overpowered her opponent. She simply flicked her pink saber all over the place. She looked over her shoulder at her master he was standing there nodding. She thought to herself "Master you gotta see me in full action" She smiled as she did a backflip away from Raist and said "Come on Raist.

****

Den Wescolum sat back watching his two students graciously. He loved the way they were fighting. Raist was doing okay for his first duel with his lightsabers. He waited patiently for Lialai to finish the duel though. Den decided while they were there he would take them to the future of this training room. He was anxious to flex his timewarping abilities. He said out loud to both of them "I am going to take us a couple of hours into future." Before either of them could respond the room was filled with a great light and then they were taken to a the training room a day later. He looked at Lialai and told her to continue training with Raist. He looked around the room to see another person in the room. He looked at him and said "Well hello there, young warrior."

Raist panted with his face slightly shiny with sweat, he was most definitley going to get an embaressing defeat if he carried on simply attacking his opponent and defending from her.
Then he grinned
"You might be more skilled with a sabre" His voice then came from a space to Lialai's left
"But I'm faster" He moved like a blur, darting around her to confuse her for a moment, then he used lighting fast slices against her as he ducked rolled and somersaulted in a tight space around her, flowing around his opponent like a liquid with smooth sharply defined moves. He could tell he was not going to win, she hadn't even used all her tricks against him, but he could at least try and impress his new master with a few moves.

Back in his quarters, Treezago changed out of his Flight Suit. The prisoner waited for him in the Brig. Thinking it over, he decided that this might be a good time to use the Fett reputation to it's fullest.

First, he put on the Torso armor section of his Clone War era armor. He then completed the vision by donning the pieces of Madalorian Armor he had managed to aquire. The grey of the Clone Armor did not match the muted forest green of the Mandalorian Armor, but still, he had to admit, the visage he projected was intimidating.

One final touch. He took the Knoctal Facet form it's hiding place, and slid it under the side of the Torso armor. It was not visable from the outside, but with the crystal in contact with his skin he could feel it's Force magnifying effect. He would be able to tell if the prisoner lied to him.

Striding out of his Cabin, he made for the Seeker's small Brig section. As he walked he heard many gasps from his crew. They had never seen him in his full Armor until now, and thier reaction was understandable.

Arriving at the Brig, he looked at the Gaurd.

"Open the door, Sargent Garril."

The stunned gaurd, awed by the sight of the Mandalorian Armor, complied instantly.

Treezago swept into the cell with no preamble. His sensors showed that his prisoner was Human, Male, roughly 1.7 Mtrs tall, 68 KGrms, still dressed in an old Imperial TIE Pilot Flight Suit. Without hesitation Treezago closed the few feet seperating the men. Even as the TIE pilot realized what was in the cell, and began to gasp, Treezago reached down, grabbed the man by his chest plate, lifted him easily out of his chair, spun a full 90 degrees to the right, and slammed the prisoner against the cell wall, holding him there, immobile.

"So, Lefttennant, is it? Now, you will tell me who you are, and who's forces those were we destroyed. You will tell me why you and your forces were waiting to ambush us. You will not lie. You will tell me how your men knew where we would be, and when. I give you one warning, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

"But, but...who are..."

"Wrong answer." Pivoting 180 degrees on his left heel, Treezago took one step forward and slammed his prisoner into the opposite wall. Using his free left hand he reached back, and delivered a sharp hard blow to the pilots ribcage. Waiting a brief momnet for the pilot to regain his breath, he moved his helmet into close range with the others face. Even through the voice amplifier his next words came out in a hiss. " That was one. Two will hurt worse. Five will kill you. Now, tell me what I want to know."

"OK, OK, please...I'll tell you anything you need to know. I am Leftennant Bargris Grell, of the Navy for his most noble Darkness Ingalo Fett, Master of the New Imperial Asteroid base k-234, in the Hoth System. I do not know how Master Fett got the information, only that my task force Commander recieved word a few hours ago to be at this Jumpoint, at this time, and be prepared to intercept an unmarked Bulk Cruiser. Our orders were to shoot out your drive systems, take your ship in tow, and return to Home Base.

"Please, please....I don't know anymore. I'm just a Pilot. No one tells me anything!"

Treezago lowered Grell to the floor, but did not release him. " So, Ingalo lives. I thought I had killed him years ago. And now he works for the Imperial Remnant. Well, I guess, at some point soon, I will have to rectify that mistake."

He dropped the prisoner to the ground, turned, and walked out of the cell.

"Sargent. Prepare one of the lifeboats we recovered from the wreck of the Interdiction Picket. Four days food and water supplies. Take the prisoner to the lifeboat, and drop him off here. Make sure that the only functioning comm systems are the Disaster Beacon, I don't want him making any calls. This jumpoint is well enough known and used, someone should pick him up in that time."

"Sir, yes sir....but.."

"What is it Sargent?"

"Are you...I mean..who are you...I mean..."

"Yes Sargent, I am Treezago, your employeer. Carry out your orders."

"Sir!"

Stopping next at the Flight Deck, Treezago approched the Salvage Team leader.

"Specialist Hithrir, report."

"Sir," the slight woman, Specialist Hithrir, looked up, gasped once, and began her report.

"As already reported, we managed to salvage 3 Lifeboats, 2 escape pods, and 1 Assault Shuttle from the docking bay of the Picket. Salvage team 2 recovered 3 droids, 2 of standard Astromech Class, and one we still haven't been able to fully identify. It appears to be basic heavy labor unit, but of a type we've never seen before, and with many upgrades and add-ons. One of those upgrades seems to be a fully independant logic and scanning module that was concealed inside the chest plates of the main unit. Team 3 reports that, given 48 hours, they can salvage most of the Picket's Subspace Drive. Team 4 found, and has already dismounted and are now returning with, 3 fully functional Medium Turbolasers.

"However, possibly the most important find was made by team 1. Deep in the inner core of the Picket we found a completly sealed off room. The room still had pressure and atmosphere. Inside, we found a woman. We were not quite sure what to make of her. She was attired in a heavy Blue cloak, and carried a staff we still have not been able to identify. The staff is of a metal we have never seen before. It is 5 feet long, and seems to glow with some form of internal light. As we entered the room, the woman looked up, and said, quite calmly, ' Ah, good, you are here. It's about time. I know, first you will take me to your Prison cells, but trust me, I am no threat to you, and have waited a long time for this meeting. Tell your Master Treezago that I await his convieniance in Cell 3.' , Um sir, we had to put her in Cell 3. Cell 1 holds that TIE pilot, Cell 2 is down, some malfunction with the locking mechinism we haven't been able to trace. Cell 3 was the only one left. How could she have known that?"

"Interesting. Tell team 3 to recover to Seeker. We don't have 48 hours to spend sitting here. Deliver a message to the Brig. Tell this woman, whoever she is, that I will be down to see her shortly. After we make our next Jump towards Wundragore."

Treezago turned without waiting for confermation of his orders, and strode off the Flight Deck. Female, he thought. Blue cloak, metal staff....why did that ring a bell in his mind? Something from a long time ago. Something he'd heard..but what?

Raist panted with his face slightly shiny with sweat, he was most definitley going to get an embaressing defeat if he carried on simply attacking his opponent and defending from her.
Then he grinned
"You might be more skilled with a sabre" His voice then came from a space to Lialai's left
"But I'm faster" He moved like a blur, darting around her to confuse her for a moment, then he used lighting fast slices against her as he ducked rolled and somersaulted in a tight space around her, flowing around his opponent like a liquid with smooth sharply defined moves. He could tell he was not going to win, she hadn't even used all her tricks against him, but he could at least try and impress his new master with a few moves.

Den nodded his head as he saw his padawan quicken he speed as he darted around Lialai. He looked away from his students and looked at the other people in the room. He looked at the padawans and said "Shouldn't you all be training?"

*****

The moment Lialai had looked away from Raist he speeded up. He had surprised Lialai. Lialai had to quickly adjust to his speeds. The Force surged through her body as she speeded up. She backed away quickly and took up her Juyo/ Vaapad once again. She walked in steadily and started blocking his attacks just waiting for him to mess up.

Zadeth shook his head. "We're watching instead, picking things up," he replied, dolding his arms.

The master looked down at the warrior and said "Okay, but I hope if you are in battle with an opponent you don't expect him to let you sit back and watch your friends battle." Den turned back to the duel. The fight had become a blur of pink and blue.

"But this isn't a battle," Zadeth pointed out. "This is training and we're here to learn and that includes watching a demonstration like this duel."

"But this isn't a battle," Zadeth pointed out. "This is training and we're here to learn and that includes watching a demonstration like this duel."

Den rolled his eyes and turned back around to Zadeth. "What do you think training is for? You train so that you will be ready for battle. If you don't train how will you do during a fight?

Zadeth rolled his eyes and wandered what far corner of space this Jedi Master was found crawling under a rock. "Like I said this is training and we're watching a demonstration," he repeated.

"Rebellion and bad attitudes toward your elder jedi is a path to the dark side young one. Which path will you choose?", Den replied.

"I choose another training room," Zadeth replied and left the room.

He headed inside one of the others to practice his moves alone.

Alimar was thinking to himself, For a Jedi Master, this Den Wescolum is incredibly dim. He said to Den, "There are several ways of training for combat. One way is to practice, another way is to observe. Observing is a way for you to learn techniques that you can then use in practicing. Also in real combat, you can still have an enemy that is evil yet still believes in honor. Many such enemies feel the need to prove themselves in one on one combat even if they have an army that listens to them.

This is getting out of control. And what kind of Jedi is this person, anyway? Taylor sighed. "I will be training these two afterwards. Right now, we're just watching the duel. Is that a problem?"

Zadeth looked around the empty training room as he brought out his lightsaber and ignited it. Slowly he began a few moves, they had been the first ones that Kurt had taught him.

Wooshaba']Den nodded his head as he saw his padawan quicken he speed as he darted around Lialai. He looked away from his students and looked at the other people in the room. He looked at the padawans and said "Shouldn't you all be training?"

*****

The moment Lialai had looked away from Raist he speeded up. He had surprised Lialai. Lialai had to quickly adjust to his speeds. The Force surged through her body as she speeded up. She backed away quickly and took up her Juyo/ Vaapad once again. She walked in steadily and started blocking his attacks just waiting for him to mess up.

After a while Raist accidently tripped up over his own feet and fell flat on the floor, his lightsabres spinning across the hardwood away from him.
"Oops" He got up a little ashamed he had lost by tripping
"Sorry about that. You're a good duelist" He smiled at Lialia

"Thank you", Lialai said to Raist as she helped him up. He had did quite well except he had tripped over his own two feet. Lialai looked around the room at her master who looking a little frustrated. She said to her master, "Did we do something wrong?".

****
He sat there and listened to what Alimar and Taylor were saying. He told Alimar that he knew about a person's honor and that most weren't that honorable. He looked at Taylor and replied to hime that the duel was over. He looked up at Lialai and saw her coming towards him. She asked him a question. Den shook his head. "You and Raist performed exactly how I knew you each would.", he muttered quietly.. Lialai smiled and headed towards Alimar who had been watching her and Raist duel. Den sat there thinking about what had just happened. He told himself he should had been more patient with the warrior. Den said outloud to himself "I gotta get used to these kids."

"Hmm. Hey, you're Den, right?" Taylor smirked. "How about a little one-on-one?"

Oh boy, this is going to be good! A grin creeped on Jacen's face.

Odcal stifled a laugh. This is going to be fun. He thought.

Alimar went into another training room and practiced lightsaber skills with a droid while using his tailblade every now and then. After five minutes he decided that the droid was much too slow for his quick Andalite reflexes so he switched it to a higher level. This time the droid was much quicker and smarter. This is a most suitable level.

Zadeth continued to train alone, perhaps Kurt would return sooner rather then later.

The bridge of the Seeker.

"OK, good job crew. When we reach Wundragore I will send out an authorization for standard Hazard Bonuses to be advanced to your accounts. For now however...Captain Rees, set new course for Wundragore. Use standard course, but offset by 4 degrees. I know this will increase our flighttime to the Academy slightly, but someone obviously knows we are on on way, and doesn't want us there."

"Very well, sir." Replied Rees. "Helm, set course as ordered, best posible speed."

"Aye, Captain" returned Varrick.

"Gentlemen, if you need me, I will be in Dentention Cell 3. It seems we have a guest."

"Master Wescolum to you young knight", Den said respectfully. "You want to duel me but you haven't properly introduced yourself. Who are you?"

Wooshaba']"Master Wescolum to you young knight", Den said respectfully. "You want to duel me but you haven't properly introduced yourself. Who are you?"
"I'm glad you asked." Taylor smirked, and a little fanfare and fiery background came out of nowhere as he stepped back and flashed a V-sign. "I am Taylor Masaki, the greatest Fire Jedi Knight you've ever seen!"

A sweatdrop ran down Jacen's head as his cousin seemed oblivious to the embarrassingly egoistical entrance he made. "Taylor?"

"What?"

"You're embarrassing."

The fiery background suddenly drowned under a tidal wave. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cousin."

"No prob." Jacen snickered.

Zadeth put away his lightsaber and dropped to his knees as he caught his breath. Maybe he had over done the training a little bit, but he didn't care it was not as if anyone had been there watching him. His eyes crossed the empty room before him, this was all too familiar to him, being alone like this.

Black dragons always turn down the path of evil, he thought to himself.

"Pyrokinetic and aquakinetic abilties, huh" said Den to Taylor and Jacen. "That is pretty cool. You guys gotta meet Lialai. She'll put a shock to your system." Den Wescolum smiled. I can't duel right now but, I gotta ask you guys a question. Will you two help me with a class I have coming up?"

******

Lialai had finally got her chance to talk to Alimar. She followed him into a room where he was fighting with a droid. She said outloud "Alright since my master can't call me way now, how about a couple of questions?" She smiled at the blue creature.

Sure. replied Alimar who deactivated the droid. What is it you want to know?

Wooshaba']"Pyrokinetic and aquakinetic abilties, huh" said Den to Taylor and Jacen. "That is pretty cool. You guys gotta meet Lialai. She'll put a shock to your system." Den Wescolum smiled. I can't duel right now but, I gotta ask you guys a question. Will you two help me with a class I have coming up?"
OOC: What, you didn't recognize three cliches of anime humor? :p

IC:
"Yeah, sure." Taylor shrugged. "I was going to do some classes anyway."

"I'm in as well." Jacen added, wondering if this Lialai was an electrokinetic like his late cousin...

Taan wandered into the training rooms to find a number of other Jedi and Padawans present, and occupied in their training regimens. Including, he noted warily, the Jedi he had faced down with a stick the previous day.

Trying to avoid notice, the young Togruta moved into the training room and thought about what he could do. He couldn't very well train in the way many of the others were doing, since he still didn't have his own lightsabre.

As he grumbled mentally about this increasingly annoying gap in his ability to learn, he found a 'stun-stick' and a reflex training droid with which to practice. He had shown remarkable aptitude for deflecting the low-power energy pulses from the droids, and found that he enjoyed the actions of doing so.

But he didn't activate the droid or the stun-stick yet, instead choosing to watch the goings on around him for a few minutes, as always, hoping to learn something new by observing the techniques of those around him.

"Excellent. Well let's go on head and get it started then. Younglings and padawans gather around me please. I am Jedi Master Den Wescolum and these are Jacen and Taylor. My padawan Lialai will be joining my cast of helpers soon. Today we will be going over special force techniques such as pyrokinesis; He pointed at Taylor; aquakinesis; he pointed at Jacen; and of course aerokinesis; he pointed at Lialai who was busy talking to Alimar about something. Is there any questions?"

*****

Lialai looked up at Alimar and said "Okay how did you end up becoming a jedi. You are like one of the first andalites I have ever known to be a jedi. It is even more rarer than a Wookie becoming a jedi.?"

OOC: Umm.. you're holding a class in the training rooms? And shouldn't the Force be able to cover all five elements? Or at least wind if earth is too hard.

IC: As the class started Alimar swiveled one of his stalk eyes to watch Den Wescolum. How did I become a Jedi? I guess that with our natural telepathy it was simple for a gene mutation to cause one of us to be Force Sensitive. Also the universe is a big place. There might be planets full of Jedi Andalites and we don't know about them. Alimar responded to Lialai.

Wooshaba']"Excellent. Well let's go on head and get it started then. Younglings and padawans gather around me please. I am Jedi Master Den Wescolum and these are Jacen and Taylor. My padawan Lialai will be joining my cast of helpers soon. Today we will be going over special force techniques such as pyrokinesis; He pointed at Taylor; aquakinesis; he pointed at Jacen; and of course eletrokinesis; he pointed at Lialai who was busy talking to Alimar about something. Is there any questions?"

*****

Lialai looked up at Alimar and said "Okay how did you end up becoming a jedi. You are like one of the first andalites I have ever known to be a jedi. It is even more rarer than a Wookie becoming a jedi.?"

"My grandpa used to be good at changing metal, he hardly had to touch it and it went into all kinds of really cool stuff. Like, one time he made this iron flower by....." He looked around and noticed everyone was looking at him
"Well he did" He said defensivley

At the call, Taan stopped what he was doing and moved nearer to Master Wescolum, sitting with the other padawans. Maybe he was about to start learning things after all. He listened attentively, as he usually tried to do when he thought he might learn something useful.

Unfortunately, the Master used some long words which weren't in Taan's vocabulary, especially since he had spent several years of his life on the streets, and not in schools. He raised his hand.

"I have a question, Master. What do pyrokinesis and the other two mean?" he asked, hoping desperately that he didn't appear stupid in front of the others.

He had a vague idea of what pyrokinesis might be, since Master Wescolum had indicated his antagonist from the previous day, now identified as Taylor, but he wanted to be absolutely sure of the meanings.

((OOC: He's only 11, and I suspect that there are other padawans roughly his age that wouldn't know either. They're children, not adults, and have vocabularies to match.))

"My grandpa used to be good at changing metal, he hardly had to touch it and it went into all kinds of really cool stuff. Like, one time he made this iron flower by....." He looked around and noticed everyone was looking at him
"Well he did" He said defensivley
"I believe you, 'cause my brother Jacob can do the same thing." Taylor smiled. "He's an alchemist."

OOC: Umm.. you're holding a class in the training rooms? And shouldn't the Force be able to cover all five elements? Or at least wind if earth is too hard.
OOC: Telekinesis can handle Earth, methinks.

"I have a question, Master. What do pyrokinesis and the other two mean?" he asked, hoping desperately that he didn't appear stupid in front of the others.
"Well, pyrokinesis is the ability to control fire." Jacen explained, as Taylor demonstrated by creating a small fireball on his hand. Jacen then poured water out of the water jug up front and manipulated it as well. "And this is aquakinesis, the ability to control water. Electrokinesis manipulates lightning."

Zadeth had returned and leaned against the door frame, watching, listening but staying quiet.

On board the Seeker.

Treezago stopped at his Stateroom. He decided that he didn't want to scare the woman in Cell 3. Something about the discription, and the fact that she knew his name long beofre meeting him, told him that this was a person he would do best to make friends with.

Several minutes later he emerged from his quarters, attired in a simple black Ships-Suit. Though his hair was slightly askew from being compressed beneath his Mandalorian helmet, the rest of him presented an aura of neatness and presicion.

Walking down the corridor, he approached Cell 3.

" Corporal Gath, I needs must speak to the prisoner. Please, open the door, and step aside."

The Guard reached out, and touched the control for the Cell door. The door vanished, moving swiftly up into the celing. Treezago stepped through the door.

" So, Milady, my men tell me you wish to speak with me."

Somewhere in the deepest parts of the M66 Galaxy

“Von Strohm,” Lady Nocturne growled.

A tall gaunt looking man approached her on the bridge, his hair was a wirey grey in colour. Black eyes appeared in sunken sockets. “Yes m’Lady?” he said.

“Has it been found yet,” she demanded.

The old man nodded.

“Good then get someone sent on it, get Count Jwolf onscreen.”

Her couple of personnel aboard the bridge tapped into the ships computers to get Count Jwolf’s attention. Lady Nocturne waited impatiently for him to appear onscreen.

“Master, the Dark Lady is calling us“ said Hart.

“Bring it up.” said the Count. Hart did what he was told and Nocturne appeared on the screen in front of him. Eric stood beside him.

“What do you need of me, Mistress?” he asked.

Lady Nocturne appeared on screen, her face hidden away. No one had ever seen it.

"I require your best warrior," she told him.

“Then that is Eric.” he said. Eric step forwards. “What is you need of me, Lady Nocturne.” he asked.

Lady Nocturne looked over him via the screen. "I need you to retrive an artifact for me," she told him. "You will accompany Amalia to a planet on the far side of the galaxy."

Behind Lady Nocturne a beautiful young raven-haired woman appeared.

“What every you wish, my Lady.” said Eric. “I will do.”

Lady Nocturne nodded. "Prepare to be teleported over then," she told him.

Not even waiting for a reply, the crew had tapped into the ships computer. Before Eric would even have noticed, he was aboard the bridge of the Pantera.

The Count saw his best warrior disappear right in front of his eyes and reappear on the bridge of the Pantera. “Eric, you will follow Lady orders.” said the Count.

“Yes, Master.” said Eric. He turned to Lady Nocturne and bowed, “When do we leave?” he asked.

"Right away," Lady Nocturne told him and turned to leave the bridge.

"We'll be taking my ship," Amalia told him, the outfit she wore didn't exactly leave much to the imagination.

“Yes, my lady.” said Eric. He then turned to Amalia. Tasty! he said to himself. “Led the way, Amalia.” he said. He would follow her as she walked to her ship.

"Follow me then," Amalia told him and headed down to the docking bay where her ship awaited. Black in colour, it could easily take a crew of two plus passengers, but Amalia had converted it into her own living quarters. She climbed aboard expecting Eric to follow.

Eric got aboard and sat in co-pilot chair. "Nice ship." he said "We have ten shuttles on the Count's ship." he added. "Three of them are only for the use of the Count or his Sith Generals."

“So what is this artifact that we are going to get.” he asked.

Amalia sat down in the pilots seat and started the engines.

"It's an amulet," she explained. "Lady Nocturne won't reveal it's powers though, but it'll help her thirst for revenge."

The docking bay doors opened and she gently flew out into space.

"I believe you, 'cause my brother Jacob can do the same thing." Taylor smiled. "He's an alchemist.
"Well, pyrokinesis is the ability to control fire." Jacen explained, as Taylor demonstrated by creating a small fireball on his hand. Jacen then poured water out of the water jug up front and manipulated it as well. "And this is aquakinesis, the ability to control water. Electrokinesis manipulates lightning."

Looking at Jacen, Master Wescolum said "Or you could call it aerokinesis." Lialai looked at Master Wescolum. "Master shall we go out to the yard so that all four of us can demonstrate the four elemental forms of the force." Den took what she said into consideration and decided that would be a wise idea. Class I would like to go down to the lake. Looking at Jacen he said "I think that would be a good place for you to demonstrate your aquakinetic abilities." Looking at Taylor he said "Then you will show them the art of pyrokinesis." Before he even looked at Lialai she said "I will show them aerokinesis." The room started to become a little breezy. Den looked at Lialai and said I am glad you were so eager. Looking at Raist across the room, Den said aloud, I will also be showing you geokinesis. Some of you all will have a gift with one of the four elements; some of you won't. For those of you who won't you will be enhancing your natural Jedi telekinetic and telepathic abilites while with me. Any more questions?

OOC: I think I'm going to have Alimar's become an aerokinetic.

IC: Alimar followed Den Wescolum and the rest of the class outside. Odcal went out to the lake for a swim.

The cousins Masaki headed down with the others to the lake area.

"Thank you," Taan said to Jacen, grateful for the clarification.

He followed the rest of the padawans out of the academy and into the grounds. As he walked, he found himself wondering which, if any, of the four abilities he would be able to use.

As he did so, his mind was trying to work out which would suit him more. Another observer might think that pyrokinesis would match his fiery temper, but Taan found himself thinking that water or air might be the most useful.

Whatever, he would have to wait and see. Knowing his luck, of course, he'd probably be unable to use any of them. A thought occured to him, and as soon as the opportunity arose, he asked Master Wescolum a second question.

"Master, is it possible for one person to be able to use all four of them?"

Zadeth wondered about Master Wescolum as he watched the others leave. It was supposed to be combat training and that was done in the training rooms. The various kinesis wasn't supossed to be taught by practical means until they had been through kinesis theory. Something about the way Master Wescolum acted made Zadeth suspicious. He decided to follow them out to the lake.

Amalia sat down in the pilots seat and started the engines.

"It's an amulet," she explained. "Lady Nocturne won't reveal it's powers though, but it'll help her thirst for revenge."

The docking bay doors opened and she gently flew out into space.

“Oh…” said Eric. He spun his black metal light saber on his right hand. Those evil-looking white eyes looked out into space in front of him. “So, Amalia, how long you been serving Lady Nocturne?”

All four elements? Taylor and Jacen exchanged glances.

"Someone would have to be really powerful to command all of them." Taylor said to Jacen.

"Yeah." Jacen replied.

Detention Cell 3, onboard the starship Seeker.

"Well met, Master Treezago."

The woman in the Blue Robe looked Treezago up and down.

"Somehow, I thought you'd be taller. I don't know why. I guess my visions on this matter were not as precise as most of my others. Well, I'm used to that. My visions are not always 100% acurate.

"To answer the questions you are about to ask: My name is Alcara Intresid. Yes, I can see the future, but it is not always completly accurate. Minor changes in the actors of the now effect the outcome of the soon. Sometimes I can see the far distant to be, but normally my sight is only for the near soon.

"I know, for example, that we are currently in Hyperspace. This ship is on it's way to Wundragore. There you hope to be a Force for good, defending the newest Jedi Academy.

" I'll tell you now...you have two possible destinys. In the one, the most prevalent one, you will succeed, and help to save the Newest Jedi Academy. But be warned. In the second, you will fall. And with you will fall the Academy on Wundragore. You carry with you an item, small and unseeming, this item will grant great power to your enemies, should it fall into thier hands."

Treezago found himself kneeling to this one. Never before, and possibly never again, would he find himself taking the knee. Somehow, he knew in his innermost being that this one was one he needed to listen too.

"The deepest Darkness approaches. A Lady of nearly infinite power comes, to hunt and kill those you would call friends. The ultimate Master of Life, he is is called Death, awaits those who faulter.

"But, this Lady can be beaten. It will take many warriors, fighting for the Light, to send her on her way. Know you now, Betrayal will be your greatest enemy. There are those, even now among the forces of Good, who can, and will, turn against you. Beware the Darkside. Easy and seductive it is.

"Listen to the Facet. It knows Evil, and can help you fight it. But, spurn it's warnings, and Darkness will fall upon you.

"The Facet must be rejoined. The Crystal from which it was spawned must be made whole again. On this, all depends.

" I can help you. My Powers are small compared to the vastness of the evil which you will soon face. And yet, those meager Powers will help you to defeat the Darkness which comes.

"Take heed of what Master Den will tell you. Not the oldest of the Jedi, nor the most powerfull, his wisdom will still lead to victory, if you can hear it."

Without a word, Treezago stood from his kneeling stance, and walked boldy out of the Cell.

"Gaurds," He called. " Take this passenger and put her in our best Quarters. She is to be given every curtesey. From this point on, she will hold the rank of Strageos. Her word is to be obeyed as if it were my own."

Waiting not for a reply, Treezago walked, as in a daze, back to his Owners Stateroom. He could feel the pulse of the Knoctal Facet, telling him that this was the correct course to take.

Entering his Stateroom, Treezago stumbled to his bed. Falling face first onto it's cushions, he fell into a deep meditative state.

Five days, he thought. Five more days until we reach Wundragore. Will it be soon enough?

Replying to Taan, he said "Yes it is possible for one to control all four of the elements. This person would be what we call an omnikinetic. There have not been many omnikinetic jedi. Looking around at the group Den noticed that some people had not been in the group was there. Smiling and hoping to himself that he had not made an enemy at the school, he said aloud that today the students would only be shown the four elements and would not be taught the elements. "I think that you should be shown what you a capable of before you actually jump straight into it. He looked towards Zadeth and then toward Taylor and said "If you will do us the honor of showing us your fire talents first, please". Den Wescolum took a step back and let Taylor take control of the group.

"All right." Taylor smirked. "Manipulating fire is my stock in trade. I can create fireballs..."

He demonstrated by creating and juggling three fireballs that soon were tossed into the lake in a burst of steam. Then he pulled on a pair of special gloves, and began to manipulate the air around him.

"...or I can snap my fingers and create 'bombs on demand'." He snapped his fingers, producing a red lightning-like spark that surrounded a nearby tree. Then, it burst violently into flames, literally exploding as the manipulation of air increased the oxygen content around the tree and the spark did the rest. "It's just two of my many fire skills."

Alimar watched this display very carefully. Interesting he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Odcal was diving under the lake. He resurfaced. "Watch where you toss those things! You almost hit me!"

"Whoops, sorry!" Taylor shouted back. "Get out of the water before Jacen here uses it as a demonstration!"

OOC: BTW, Ageaol, what's your AIM?

Zadeth placed his hands in his pocket and quietly watched.

OOC: Eh? It's asildon92

IC: Odcal climbed out of the lake grumbling. "Can't even take a swim without getting attacked." He jumped into a tree and watched the class from up there.

Omnikinetic? Cool! thought Taan, I hope I'm one of them. But I doubt it. For a few seconds he was lost in imagining the possibilities that being able to command all four elements would offer.

Then, as Master Wescolum told them they would not actually be learning how to manipulate the elements today, just watching the demonstrations, his mood dropped slightly.

Nevertheless, he watched Taylor's fire demonstrations with interest, eagerly anticipating the demonstrations of the other three, especially aerokinesis.

OOC: Sorry I was terrible in not RPing this thread for the past few weeks. RL got in the way and it will for the next 2 weeks. Please accept my apology.

Alcara's quarters, onboard the Seeker. A conversation is under way.

"And that, Master Treezago, is why I was onboard Ingalo Fett's Warship. I knew it would bring me to you."

"Milady, why do you keep calling me Master? I am no Jedi, let alnoe a Jedi Master."

"You are Master of this Ship, are you not? One does not need to be Jedi to earn the Title of Master form one such as I. Yes, you do have the Force about you, and I can feel your Sensitivity to it growing even as we speak, but I call you Master for other reasons. Your Destiny is to be one who is great. You will, if you survive the coming war, obtain the rank of Jedi Knight, but your powers will never reach the level needed to be known as Master Jedi. But, your powers in other areas will make you a great man...if you live long enough."

"Tell me, Milady, what exactly are you? You feel the Force, and yet you do not seem to be a Jedi."

Alcara looked at Treezago for a moment, a gleem of amusement in her eye.

"No, I am not a Jedi. I wanted to be. I trained under Master Doorsk 81 for many years, but when the time came I failed in my trials. Nothing Evil, mind you. You know, I assume, that every Jedi candidates Trial is different? In my inner battle, I could not bring myself to destroy an unarmed Devronian, even though he exuded a powerful aura of Evil. THe Devronian turned out to be the main focus of the Trial, and in the simulation, because I had let him live, he laid waste to four Systems before he could be stopped by a coalition of Jedi Knights. After failing Master 81, I found I could no longer continue my training, and left the Academy.

"I went first to Dathomir, where I learned much from the Lightside Witches there.

"Leaving Dathomir, I went to the little known Exocron System, and sought out the Ang-Tii monks therein. They taught me much about how to touch another side of the Force. I wear these Blue Robes in signal of my devotion to the Ang-Tii way.

" I returned to Master Doorsk 81 after years of learning from the others. After he and I had talked, I discovered that I could never be a Jedi. While I can use the Force in ways that the Jedi can not even imagine, my path is not thiers.

"However, I know that the Jedi Way is right for so many. It is right for you, at this time. I have searched the To Be, and have decided that my best contribution to the Light can be made fighting at your side, and teaching you what I can of the early stages of Jedi-ism. I can, and will, teach you meditation techniques, ways of feeling the Force, how to expand your mind into the Force, some various Force ways of battle, and perhaps for now most importantly, how to use that most ancient and powerful lightsaber you carry. I can only instruct you in the Saber Form known as Sorescu, as it is the only form I know. It will not be your final form, but it's basic methods will serve you well in the upcoming battles, until you can learn from a true Master the best ways of combat that fit you."

Treezago looked stunned. For a moment he could only sit and stare.

"Mistress Alcara, now I know why you seemed so familiar to me. My great friend, Master Doorsk 81, spoke to me of you, on several occaisions. Allow me to tell you now, he was most proud of you. He spoke of you as his most wonderful student. I never suspected I would ever have the honor of meeting you. Gladly will I accept any training you feel it wise to impart to me.

"I also despise the message I must deliver now, and yet, I feel glad that I can tell you of it.

"Master 81 has joined with the Living Force. He departed this mortal plane in the greatest of Jedi tradition, battling Evil at the very end. In losing his corporeal form, he took with him a Dark Jedi, whose name must never be spoken. Thier "deaths" were simultainous."

Alcara's eyes became shiny with unshed tears.

"I knew that my former Master had departed the Material Plane. I felt his death. I am glad to know that he ended his life, as he lived it, for the Good of all."

Treezago reached out and took Alcara's hands in his own. The two shared a moment of grief for thier lost friend.

"Thank You Taylor", said Den. Now Jacen it is your turn. Show them your water talents."

"All right." Jacen nodded. Now that Odcal was out of the water, he focused on it. It swirled and rose into a large and menacing-looking waterspout before splashing back down in a wave of wetness. He then drew a thin line of water and held it like a whip. "Water is more versatile than fire, able to do more things than just burn. You can knock your foes off-guard with a big splash, or..." He cracked the water-whip, sending it smashing into a tree, leaving a mark that could have been created using a high-powered hose. "...use it in direct assault. But it takes a lot of training, perhaps more than fire, to successfully manipulate water."

Zadeth walked over to the tree that Odcal was in and leaned against it, hands still in pockets. He may have looked bored but he was taking it all in.

Smiling at Jacen as he manipulated water around himself, Den spoke to his class. "This is aquakinesis and now it is time for wind and electric part of the course." Lialai stepped forward and bowed before the class. "They are all yours, Lialai" said the master. Smiling Lialai, said "Thanks". "Okay class as some of you probably have figured out I am an aerokinetic. Aerokinetic means that you can control wind and electricity." Lialai paused for a minute to gather her thoughts. She had never spoke in front of a class before and she liked it. "Okay now class if you all would look toward the sky". Above all of class a huge funnel cloud rested above them. Moving her hands in a circular motion Lialai brought down a tornado. Looking toward the amazed class she said "This is a minor technique that takes minimum control". Relaxing her hands she let the the tornado desperse into a light breeze. While rubbing her hands together Lialai said "But that is only half of the fun. Some of you might have heard of some Dark Jedi being able to conjure up a form of lighting. This is just a minor technique of aerokinesis. Watch this." Moving her hands in a triangular pattern she began to make static pressure throughout her hands. Then she released the lightning into the air. She allowed the lightning to flow around in front of the students and then threw it down into ground. She smiled to herself and then said "I am done, Master".

"Force lightning," Zadeth muttered. It didn't impress him and he continued to looke bored and uninterested, but still took in what they were doing.

((OOC: Technically, it's not Force Lightning. It's force-assisted aerokinesis.))

Taan watched the water display, impressed at Jacen's ability to manipulate so much water at one time, but wondering exactly how useful the water abilities would be overall. The thought that an aquakinetic could never die of thirst never occured to his young mind.

Then, as Lialai threw the diminuative bolts of lightning around, he just stared. That's what I want to be able to do, he thought. Even if I can't even begin to touch any of the others, I hope I'm one of them. Moving clouds hadn't impressed him that much, but he found the ability to create electricity at will very cool.

Then, his brain made a connection. An aerokinetic could control air, right? So, if they compressed a block of air beneath them, they could fly, couldn't they? By standing on the compressed air. If wind was powerful enough to blow buildings away, keeping a relatively light person airborne shouldn't be hard. His opinion had changed: He now thought it was insanely cool.

OOC: What Wooshba had Lialai do IS Force Lightning. Also, you don't need to be an aerokinesis to create and control Force Lightning. It just makes it easier.

And a strong enough Force user could fly through TK.

IC: Alimar was impressed with all of the demonstrations. With his calm and calculating Andalite mind he drew up the cons and pros of each of them in turn. He thought that the one he would most like to be is an aerokinetic but each of them is useful in their own way.

Odcal sat on a tree bored by the whole thing. He had seen it all before. He could do it most of it himself. He also thought that it was not good enough to use Force Lightning to demonstrate the electrical side of aerokinesis. He also wondered why Lialai moved her hands in a way similar to Ninjitsu hand-seals.

OOC: Yeah you guys Ageaol is right. She did use regular force lightning. Anyone who is a dark jedi can pretty much do it. Just wait to see what happens next.

IC: Smiling at Lialai Den said to her "Lialai I know I said simple techniques but I also met unique attacks. Show them something that a Sith cannot do." Lialai nodded and stepped forward again. Closing her eyes she began to meditate. As she meditate she was picked up into the air by an rush of air. When she opened her eyes the sky had turned black. She clapped her hands and lightning ran across the sky. As the lightning flicked down from the sky towards Lialai she stopped it directly above her head. Then she threw it towards the group of kids. She flicked her wrist and grounded the lightning directly in front of Raist. As she floated down she said "Is that good enough master." Den nodded and looked towards the class. "Does anyone have any questions before we continue on?"

Hyperspace. On board the Seeker.

Treezago sat in his quarters, meditating on all he had learned. Ingalo still lived. He had a trainer now.

His lightsaber floated in front of him. The fine control is what he was practicing. Easy enough to lift rocks and boxes, lifting the small items required great control.

Dropping farther and farther into meditation..he thought to himself...Four more days till Wundragore. He would be ready. The first battle had already been fought, and he and his men had proven more than up to the task.

SevenEx stood inside the Droid control room of the Seeker.These units are dumb, but, they can be taught. He rolled himself over to the nearest control droid, and slid his Connector into it's upload slot. He began uploading all of his repair manuals into it's system. With a little luck, and enough time, he could teach these units to repair anything.

OOC: Okay. I just assumed that since she is an aerokinetic, she would have created normal lightning, not (evil Dark Side) Force Lightning. My mistake.

IC:
Now that's cool, thought Taan again, watching Lialai float in the air and cause lightning to run all across the sky.

He couldn't help smiling in amusement as she grounded the bolt in front of Raist, and watched the other student's reaction with interest.

Typically for such a young and inexperienced mind, Taan wanted to be able to control the one that had been given the coolest demonstration, and at the moment, he thought that was aero, without a doubt.

He began attempting to work out exactly how they would be taught how to control these abilities, and how they would find out who showed aptitude for which one, but being young, he couldn't think of any answers.

Zadeth looked up at Odcal as he sat in the tree, the Jedi Knight looked as bored as he did. Perhaps they were alike.

OOC: Is anyone's character out in the class geokinetic because i really need someone to be geokinetic because Den isn't.

IC:"I guess no one has any questions. I know that some of you guys think this is boring but it is quite neccesary to get this done. We only have one more element to show you and then you can start on your lightsaber combat techniques or watch someone else duel. I will be busy after this but Taylor, Jacen, and Lialai will be here to explain the answers to your questions."

"Hmm. Hold on a minute." Taylor said, and he used a remote-control like device to open a small wormhole starting up a stiff breeze that blew leaves and twigs around. About five minutes later, he came back with a silver haired ninja, known to everyone who knows him as Kakashi. "I'm back. This guy is Hatake Kakashi, master of over a thousand techniques, including ground types. Kakashi-sensei? It's your show."

"Ahem. As Taylor-san said, I shall show you a couple of ground-type techniques that one can learn." The thirtysomething Jounin (Master) ninja said. He formed a series of handseals, then somehow dug underground, then grabbed Taylor's leg. Taylor yelped and found himself buried up to his neck, fuming at being used as a test dummy.

"Earth-type: Earth Decapitation Technique." Kakashi explained to the benefit of the students. "It leaves the target vulnerable to other techniques, such as this one!"

With a shout, he stomped the ground real hard, making it shake and crack towards Taylor, who yelped and apparated out of the way. Had he not done so, he would've been swallowed by the sudden groundquake. "Earthquake, or in this case, Groundquake. You can make the enemy lose concentration with this ability, giving you a chance to attack again. Slower ones or armies can be crushed with one attack. That will be all for today, kids!"

With that, a second wormhole opened and Kakashi pulled out his perverted book and jumped in, chuckling along the way. Taylor was not a very happy camper today.

Odcal rolled his eyes. This class was branching so far out that they were using ninjutsu, which was really useless unless Kurt added on a ninja section and invited some Jounin to train graduates.

Zadeth rolled his eyes, that was a Leaf Ninja, he'd heard about them. Still this wasn't the combat training they were meant to be getting.

Looking towards Taylor Den said "That is not quite what I was looking for in a geokinetic but I am sure that you and the leaf ninja had the best intentions". Speaking to the class the Master said "Okay I think that is enought for today. I am not sure when we will meet again but by then we will have five teachers including myself, Jacen, Taylor, and Lialai. The three knights will teach there respective elements and I will teach the forms of telekinesis, teleportation, telepathy, hypnosis, and many other techniques. For those of you who are geokinetic I will try to arrange for you a teacher but I all I can do is try. You may now start your combat training. Thank You and have a good day."


*******

After the class was over Den walked through the halls towards Master Blexe's chambers. He had to ask him a question a question about getting a new geokinesis teacher. When he reached the door he knocked and voiced telepathically "Master Blexe , this is Den. May I enter your chambers."

OOC: Who's doing combat training because the assigned teacher hasn't posted in a long while. And telepathy isn't a special technique.

IC: For those of you who are geokinetic I will try to arrange for you a teacher but I all I can do is try. You may now start your combat training. Thank You and have a good day.
Alimar thought to himself, About time. and looked for the combat training teacher.

Odcal rolled his eyes. It's about time he stopped interrupting the assigned lesson. Odcal got bored of this and silently apparated back into the training room where he started practicing.

OOC: I thought that Special Force techniques was the assigned class at that time. Sorry I didn't know there was an exact order of classes because it was not mentioned. @Ageoal- When I said telepathy I said enhancing them. I know that telepathy is not anything special I am just teaching them how to enhance there telepathy to the point that they can communicate with all living creatures.

IC: Lialai went to her own corner of the field and began practicing with her lightsaber.

OOC: Oh, communication with animals. That makes sense. Also, combat practice being this day was mentioned in posts 280-282 and somewhere earlier.

Taan stood up and began to head back to the academy building. He had been confused, not impressed, by the last demonstration. The person had not even remotely seemed like a jedi, and the young Togruta didn't know what an leaf ninja was.

He was slightly disappointed that they would not be doing anything further with the elements today, but at least he was going to be able to mess around with a remote training droid for a while. At least, assuming nobody stopped him.

By the time he got back to the training rooms, others were already there and training. He found the deactivated droid and the stun-stick where he had left them, and picked them up.

He set the droid to one of its higher difficulty settings and ignited the stun-stick. The droid floated in front of him, humming quietly. Suddenly, it moved, hissing as it did so. Quick as a flash, it was virtually behind Taan, and it fired off two energy pulses at his legs. The stun-stick moved in a blur, blocking both shots.

Within seconds, the droid was moving virtually constantly, firing shot after shot at the Padawan, all of which were deflected by Taan's stun-stick.


OOC: Just out of interest, how are Padawans supposed to refer to Jedi Knights? It's not 'Master', because they aren't, so what is it?

OOC: It's Master. it's an honorific (Like the 'Sir' in Sir Lancelot) as well as a title. Oh, and Taylor's doing the combat training.

IC:
*Crack* Taylor teleported to the training rooms in a puff of fiery smoke and smiled. He pulled out a kunai, and a scroll, and with practiced ease, tossed the kunai with the scroll attached to the ring on the end, and it smacked onto a bulletin board on the other side of the room.

http://www.narutofan.com/_content-images/kunai.jpg

The scroll reads:
Combat Training to commence in five minutes!

Now Taylor pulled out a chair and sat down to wait for his class.

OOC: Remember there is an OOC Thread.

IC:

Zadeth yawned and headed back inside to grab something to eat.

Alimar thought that the combat teacher might be in the training room. He followed Taan there and found Odcal training and Taylor sitting in a chair. He read the scroll. I guess Taylor is the teacher. Alimar waited for the class to start.

It took Taan a few minutes to notice Taylor sitting waiting in the training room, what with him concentrating on the droid, but as soon as he did, he deactivated the stun-stick and training droid.

He then saw the scroll pinned to the wall, so he went over and read it. If he was older, he might have thought Taylor was a little young to be training Padawans, but instead he just worried slightly about their incident before.

After so boldly facing the Jedi Knight down, Taan was worried about whether or not Taylor would do anything to get back at him.

Forcing this thought aside, he waited with the other padawan, who's name he didn't know.

Having grabbed something to eat he headed for the training rooms, he never liked training on an empty stomach. Most people would tell him that he shouldn't eat before training, but what would they know about him anyway. In the training room he could see some others already there.

"So whats the lesson plan?"

"Basic hand-to-hand, falls and rolls." Taylor replied as a few other students came in to start the lesson. "I wanna see what you guys know already, and at least do recaps if you do. Now start warming up."

Taylor began warming up as well, doing stretches, push ups, crunches, jumping jacks and lunges.

On board the Seeker. Recreation Room. 3 days to Wundragore.

The stun-seeker globe floated, peacefull for the moment. Treezago stood shaking his left hand, his right hand holding his deactivated saber.

"Good," Incara said. "Out of 41 shots, only one got through, and that one the last of the bunch. You must, however, learn not to anticipate the end of the battle. Just because the last time only 40 shots were fired, does not mean that that is all that will always come. Now, how's your hand?"

"Better, Milady. The numbness is gone."

"Very well then. For this next round, concentrate on the second group of 5 posistions." She raised the programming remote and enter in some commands." Ready.......begin!"

The stun-seeker shot upwards several CMtrs, darted right, and fired the first blast directly at Treezago's left leg. As the seeker mover he activated his Saber, it's flickering blade moaning in the silence. Bringing the Saber down at a 45 degree angle from right to left he easily deflected the first shot. And the battle was on.

Two minutes later it was over. Treezago looked at the seeker with wonder. He had finally managed to do that which he had been attempting all morning. Blocking the 27th shot, fired at his head, he had managed to redirect the blast back at the seeker, hitting it squarely in it's deactivation button, shutting it down early. Interesting. Maybe this Sorescu form was for him after all.

"Excellent work. We'll make a Swordsman of you yet." Again touching the remote Incara smiled.Well, well, she thought, he's not as hard headed and unable to learn as I was beginning to think. Good. "Ready.....go."

Once again the seeker began it's series of random moves, doing it's best to stun it's target, as per it's programming.

Involved in the Force, time lost all meaning for Treezago. Counter, and counter again. Parry, thrust, slash. Become one with the blade. Not a tool, this weapon, an extension of self. Step, turn, twist, bend,reach.

The Knoctal Facet, in it's new place at his chest, suspended on a chain of purest adamantite, reveled in the Force feelings of it's master. It could tell this new Master would never be a true Force Lord, but it could also tell that his lifepath would lead it into battle against the forces of evil it so despised. Even the Facet, in it's limited sentience, could not tell yet if this Master would be able to bring it to be rejoined with it's brother, the Kaibarr Crystal. But, it could hope. 9,000 years was a long time to be seperated from it's other part. It could feel that one of thier other brothers, the so-called Splinter of the Mind's Eye, had already been rejoined. SOmewhere, out there in the depths of the Galaxy, two others waited. When all five pieces of the Kaibarr Crystal were rejoined, the most important battle against the Sith, those who had splintered the crystal in the first place, because they could not stand it's inherant goodness, would occur.

Zadeth put his arms behind his head. "I've already warmed up," he said, a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face.

Alimar waited as the rest of the class warmed up. He was already warmed up and even if he wasn't he couldn't do many of the exercises anyways.

Zadeth brought up his lightsaber and rested it upon his shoulder. "So, whats first?"

Onboard the Seeker, later that day. ( 3 days to Wundragore.)

"Now, relax. Envision the object before you. Reach out with your mind. Feel it. Know it. When you are sure you understand it, stretch out, and give it a push."

Treezago stretched out, as instructed. He wrapped his mind around the Protocol Droid in front of him. Concentrating on the center of it's chest, he gave a shove with his mind.

The droid flew backwards, slamming into the wall of the Recreation room.

"Better," Alcara said. " You still need to develop control over the Force Push, but your basic understanding of how it works is improving."

Treezago smiled to himself. Yes, the learning seemed slow, but, he could never have learned even this much on his own.

SevenEx still sat at the input console for the multi-droid control unit. So far he had managed to download into the control group nearly 40% of his repair expertise. At this rate, the control group, and all of the Astromechs they ran, would have his level of knowledge of repairs before the day was out.

Specialist Hithrir continued working on the captured Lifeboats. With a little luck, she knew she could modify them the way Treezago wanted. Ahh, she did so love a challange. It was only too bad that Gareth was busy keeping the Engineering crew in form. His help would have been useful in installing these Force Forsaken Medium Turbolasers. At least the Sublight drive upgrades had gone without a hitch. Sighing, she bent over the control board once again, the micro spanner in her hand humming away.

Taan was already mostly warmed up after his practice with the droid, but did a few exercises anyway to finish the job. He found that he was quite looking forward to this, hand-to-hand combat was something he knew about.

He didn't know any specific style of fighting, but he did know what worked. Years of living on the streets of Coruscant had taught him that, fighting to keep what food he had or, and he was ashamed to admit, to take it from others weaker than him when he had none.

He had rarely lost, thanks to what he now knew were Jedi reflexes, the Force allowing him to see the moves his opponents would make just before they made them.

However, there were two things that differed in a serious way from his past fights. He was only practicing now, something which he had previously never needed to do, as practice came in the form of the next fight. And also, he was now practising against other Force users, who could anticipate his moves just as he could theirs. He had fought other Padawans at the Coruscant academy, each time earning a reprimand from a Master, but this would be different. He was the youngest person in the room, and probably the shortest. It would be interesting if nothing else.

"You guys may know a lot of fancy moves and stuff, but we shall do the basics now before I decide which of you are good and which of you still needs work." Taylor said. "I'll punch each and every one of you. You must block or dodge, then counterattack once."

He started with Zadeth, throwing a fast punch for his face.

Zadeth was ready for that. Quickly dodging the punch, to counterattack, he aimed a punch at Taylors stomach.

Alimar waited for his turn thinking, What kind of teacher starts out a lesson by punching his students?

Raist was a little dissapointed that the geokinesis had been left out of the training. He was sure he could do well at that if he had a little practice, his entire family had been earthworkers and metal shapers, so he was sure SOMTHING had rubbed off.
Problem was, he had no idea what to do. Unless...
"You have to see the shape inside the metal young Raistlin" His grandfather looked back at the young boy
"Metal working of this level aint just a matter of hammering away at it and hoping for the best. Now y'see, earth is a lazy damn element. It doesn't want to change, but you have to convince it that the change is worth it for what it'll become, or just ask it a favour. Respect it and it'll do ye well. Mark that, and you have half the craft down."
Raist picked up a pebble reverentially and cradled it in both hands.
Respect it, and it'll do ye well
He bowed his head to the stone and focused on the thoughts in his head, any thoughts, images, ideas, fragments of memories of his grandfathers workshop. He didn't feel anything and so he sighed dissapointedly. perhaps he needed a little more practice. He laid the pebble on the bench beside him and ran off to his lesson.
A few seconds after he ran off, the pebble blossomed outwards like a bud into the delicate shape of a flower.

Kurt looked toward the silent prisoner, neither had yet to tell the truth about Lady Nocturne and their mental blocks were still blocking everything he, Kazuma and even Elrohir could throw at them. The King sighed, they needed to get the info from them as soon as possible but things were looking serious.

"What else is there that we could try?" he asked Kazuma.

"We are all out of options," the young blond man said, shaking his head. He looked towards the King. "This is too similar to how my home was destroyed by one as dark as Lady Nocturne."

Zadeth was ready for that. Quickly dodging the punch, to counterattack, he aimed a punch at Taylors stomach.
Taylor grabbed the hand and twisted it slightly, not to hurt, but to show that he's done. "Good. Next."

Alimar's going to be a tough one... Taylor eyed the Andalite. The tail and eye-stalks would definitely make him a tough opponent, so Taylor kicked towards the legs, showing that an enemy will not always do what he tells you.

Alimar waited for his turn thinking, What kind of teacher starts out a lesson by punching his students?
OOC: A tough one! My old Sensei Bento did it to teach moves. Great guy, though tough. :)

Alimar did a short hop over the kick and then whipped his tail blade towards Taylor's head. At the last second he turned it to hit with the side so he wouldn't get in trouble if he accidentally killed a teacher.

Zadeth scowled as he rubbed his arm, he wasn't too impressed with Taylor.

Alimar did a short hop over the kick and then whipped his tail blade towards Taylor's head. At the last second he turned it to hit with the side so he wouldn't get in trouble if he accidentally killed a teacher.
Taylor ducked the blade just before it hit, grabbed the bladeless part and let it go, nodding respectfully to the Andalite. Now it was Taan's turn, after another student was swept off his feet. He made to punch Taan in the stomach.

OOC: Actually Alimar's attack was in a sort of arch so ducking would just give the attack more momentum and power but oh well.

IC: Alimar pawed the floor in a bored manner and then decides to grab a stunstick. Weird teacher. Says he's going to punch people then he starts kicking me. Little dishonest brat. thought Alimar.

OOC: Umm... DN, are you going to have Master Blexe respond or is he to busy doing something.

IC: Lialai walked up to the training rooms. She decided that she would help Taylor with his class.

Wooshaba']
After the class was over Den walked through the halls towards Master Blexe's chambers. He had to ask him a question a question about getting a new geokinesis teacher. When he reached the door he knocked and voiced telepathically "Master Blexe , this is Den. May I enter your chambers."

You may enter, came the reply.

OOC: Sorry missed it.

Den walked into Master Blexe's office. He bowed out of respect and then stood in front of him. He then spoke, "Master Blexe, I have just had a lesson about the special techniques of the force. I was wondering if you would let me bring in a friend of mine. We have someone to teach all of the elemental forms except geokinesis. My friend is a geokinetic. She would be perfect for the job. Her name is Dirta Belo. She is available upon request to help us with our geokinetic problems. What do you think?". Den stood their awaiting for his collegue's opinion.

Master Blexe bowed back. First he pondered Master Wescolum's request and then nodded. "If you believe it to be worthwhile," he began. "Then you may bring your friend here to teach geokinesis."

Raist had never had a lesson where you were told to hit the teacher. He smiled and hopped impatiently on one foot.

When Taylor explained what he was going to do, Taan couldn't help but feel just a little pleased. After Taylor's arrogant words following the fire prank the other day, Taan wanted to get something back. And here was the perfect chance to do so.

After watching Taylor kick out at the Andalite, Taan realised that just because it had been said, it didn't necessarily mean he was going to do it. When Taylor faced him, Taan's mind was trying to work out where the hit would come from or be aimed at.

Taylor's arm moved, angling low. Stomach, realised Taan. The Togruta dropped into a crouch, bowed his head and threw himself towards Taylor. The angle meant the punch would deflect off his horns, and his momentum would carry him forwards into Taylor, probably in the Jedi's own stomach.

Zadeth watched Taan's move with interest, this could certainly turn out very interesting. As long as someone decked Taylor then it would be a good lesson.

"Oof!" Taylor was actually surprised by Taan's counterattack and got the wind knocked out of him. He fell backwards, rolled on his back and got back up. "Good one, Taan! I'll make a martial artist out of you yet!"

They all have different styles, but none of them appeared to have a block/throw combination. Well, that'll be on the agenda later... Taylor analyzed the students as he recovered. Now it was Raist's turn. A punch was thrown towards his chest.

"Ah crap," Kurt sighed, he didn't want to hear something like this. "Dark Jedi?"

Lord Flack nodded. "I am afraid so your Majesty," he replied.

The King shook his head. "A Dark Jedi attack on an archeological site, they must have been after something," he then said. "I will have to return to the academy and investigate."

"Oof!" Taylor was actually surprised by Taan's counterattack and got the wind knocked out of him. He fell backwards, rolled on his back and got back up. "Good one, Taan! I'll make a martial artist out of you yet!"

They all have different styles, but none of them appeared to have a block/throw combination. Well, that'll be on the agenda later... Taylor analyzed the students as he recovered. Now it was Raist's turn. A punch was thrown towards his chest.

Raist placed both hands on the incoming fist and used it to swing beneath Taylor, the lightly jumped up and backflipped back to infront of the master and grinned. The jedi's feet had been tied together with his own belt.

Taan couldn't help grinning as he picked himself up from the floor. He had managed what he had set out to do, and quite clearly fulfilled the task set by Taylor. He purposely hadn't thrown himself that hard into Taylor, since injuring the Master probably wasn't such a good idea.

The move was fairly typical of Taan's current attitude towards a fight: Throw himself into it and do the most damage possible as fast as possible. However, if Taylor's statement had anything to do with it, this might change, but it was unlikely. Even with new moves and training in specific styles, Taan's overall attitude was unlikely to change unless in was proven to him that there were better ways of doing it.

He was also pleased with the praise he had received from Taylor. Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all. He returned to his previous position to watch Taylor take on Raist.

Raist placed both hands on the incoming fist and used it to swing beneath Taylor, the lightly jumped up and backflipped back to infront of the master and grinned. The jedi's feet had been tied together with his own belt.
"Well, we appear to have a winner..." Taylor grumbled as he held his pants up with his hands to the students' laughter. He untied the belt with the Force and slipped it back on. "Ok, you all have done well against me. But now, it's time to begin real learning. Zadeth, will you step forward and face me, please?"

Zadeth shrugged and stepped forward. "I'm ready," he smirked.

Master Wescolum bowed and exited the room. Now he had the hard task of trying to find Dirta Belo. "This is not going to be easy".

*****
Lialai had walked into the class fast enough to see Taylor with his pants down. She was even more thrilled that it had been Raist who had did it. She walked up and patted him on the back and stood their to watch the match between Zadeth and Taylor. She decided to that she would referree the match and explain everything that they were doing.

A rainbow bridge appeared from out of nowhere and the Draconian King appeared. He walked into Master Blexe's chambers and bowed.

"Master Blexe we have a problem," Kurt said.

Master Blexe raised an eyebrow.

"An archeological excavation site in a remote part of the galaxy was attacked by Dark Jedi," the King explained. "As yet, we don't know why, nor do we know if anyone survived. I propose we said a team of Jedi out to investigate."

Master Blexe nodded. "I shall leave that up to you."

Zadeth shrugged and stepped forward. "I'm ready," he smirked.
"This time, you get to punch me, kick me or...beat the living crap out of me if you can." Taylor smirked. "I will show you guys a simple trick and then under my supervision, practice it."

Zadeth wondered for a moment about how to do this. He had a small idea, strangely he could feel Kurt's pressence suddenly appear in the academy and it didn't feel good. At that moment he was about to launch his attack on Taylor as instructed but instead he stumbled slightly before going head first into the Jedi Knight.

Zadeth wondered for a moment about how to do this. He had a small idea, strangely he could feel Kurt's pressence suddenly appear in the academy and it didn't feel good. At that moment he was about to launch his attack on Taylor as instructed but instead he stumbled slightly before going head first into the Jedi Knight.
"Whoa, whoa!" Taylor stopped Zadeth from falling. "I don't know what you're doing, but it's not a good idea to stumble when you're attacking..."

Zadeth grimaced, he couldn't believe he had just stumbled his attack in front of everyone. He had a good excuse though.

"Sorry, but the King's returned and it feels bad," he replied.

Zadeth grimaced, he couldn't believe he had just stumbled his attack in front of everyone. He had a good excuse though.

"Sorry, but the King's returned and it feels bad," he replied.
"All right, but next time, no matter what, you must not lose concentration. I could very easily do you in. Now let's try it again." Taylor said.

Zadeth nodded. "I pick up bad news easier then anything else," he explained.

For a moment he watched Taylor, taking in his position. In a flash he moved forwards and aimed a punch straight for Taylor's face.

Taylor was faster, though, and he merely stepped aside, grabbed the hand by the thumb and pushed with his own thumb on the back, effectively locking Zadeth's wrist. "A simple wrist-lock, class. You grab the thumb like so with your opposing hand, then you push your thumb on the back of the hand, locking the wrist so you can control the person." He demonstrated further by making Zadeth move, by merely manipulating the hand, letting the pressure and threat of pain do it for him.

OOC: It's a real lock, one that was taught to me.

Zadeth scowled, he could really go for Kurt's teleportation ability right now. It was also at that time that Kurt appeared in the doorway, watching them. The young Jedi tried ignoring him, he was too busy thinking of a way out of the lock. Not exactly what he had in mind while going to combat training.

Taylor held the hand and noticed Kurt in the doorway, and gave a slight bow of respect to him.

Kurt bowed back, his face showed worry. He wondered whether or not to interupt the lesson, but for now he just stood and watched.

Zadeth began struggling to get out of Taylors lock.

Taylor released Zadeth from the lock and had the students use the lock on each other. Softly, that is. No one wants a broken wrist! Then he walked over to the King. "What's up? You don't look happy."

Alimar did the weird Andalite eye-smile. No one could really use a wrist lock on him because he attacked with his tailblade. He knew he could easily chop off anyone's hand if they tried to do it to him but he decided it would be better to go along with the lesson. It would allow him to develop his arms which were weak by nature and would let him analyze the strengths and weaknesses of humans and Togrutas.

Zadeth rubbed his wrist as he watched Taylor walk over to Kurt.

"An archeological dig in a far corner of the galaxy was attacked," Kurt explained. "By Dark Jedi."

Lialai nodded when she saw the simple move that Taylor was teaching the class. The Hand Lock. It was very effective on people with who didn't no what they were doing. She noticed that someone new had entered the room. It was the King she had heard so much about. She would have to introduce herself someday.

******

Den walked through the hallways looking for his two padawans. He wanted them to join him on his journey to find Dirta Belo. He could sense that there was something wrong in the air but he didn't know quite what it was. He needed to meditate on these feelings with the Force. But first he needed to find Dirta.

Aboard the Seeker. One day from Wundragore.

Treezago sat in his Stateroom, going over all of the lessons he had learned.

Lightsaber training was the least of what he had learned. Sure, knowing how to deflect Blaster attacks would come in handy, but the lessons in feeling the Force would be even better.

Less than a day now. Wundragore was soon.

Soon, the Seeker would be dropping out of Hyperspace, at the final waypoint into the Wundragore system. Treezago felt that it would be best if he were waiting on the bridge when they dropped into normal space on thier final checkpoint before jumping into Wundragore space.

Raist frowned and looked up, he had just gotten an intense feeling someone was looking for him. He shook his head to try and get rid of it but it wouldn't go away, so he slipped out of the class quietly. After a few minutes of wandering the halls he bumped into Master Wescolum
"Oh, hello Master" With a start he realised the feeling had dissapeared.

Zadeth rubbed his wrist as he watched Taylor walk over to Kurt.

"An archeological dig in a far corner of the galaxy was attacked," Kurt explained. "By Dark Jedi."
"An archeological dig? Odd that Dark Jedi would suddenly be interested in old bones and pottery..." Taylor mused.

"Theres more there then that," Kurt replied. "The last transmission recieved from the archeologists was that they had discovered a large underground tomb guarded by a minotaur, that was a couple of weeks ago." The King scratched the back of his neck as he looked over at Zadeth. "Both the Kazekage and the Maou have offered to send out teams to investigate but I think this is more suited for the Jedi."

A pained look crossed the young Fire Jedi's features. "And I've only started combat training today. It will take some time to train the students to a respectable level."

Kurt nodded. "I would suspect that the Dark Jedi will have left by now so there wouldn't be any fighting," he then said. "It would mostly be trying to find out what they were after, we can only hope that there are survivors."

On board the Seeker, Hyperspace reorientation point Lambda Gamma, 257. Just outside the Norrel system.

"Ok specialist Hithrir, what's your progress report?"

Treezago stood on the Hanger Deck floor, ten feet from the Fett's Revenge, near the area known colliquelly as "The Shop", the onboard repair and refit center.

"Well, sir," the young woman said, looking slightly nervous,"it's not going as well as we had hoped. Taking the two lifeboats we retrieved and kept from the Interdictor Picket apart and reworking them was no problem. We now have one Boat with a capacity of 12, and a crew of 4. It now has an armor layer roughly the same as the old Y-Wing class bomber, and shields comperable to an X-Wing. We installed one Astromech Brain unit to assist the pilots. Both engine systems have been combined, giving it the speed of a X-Wing, and plenty of power.

"The problem has been with installing the 3 Medium Capital Class Turbolasers we also captured. We've got them installed and calibrated fine. However, in firing tests, the heat generation build-up has been unacceptable. We can fire two of the Turbolasers just fine, but attempting to add the third creates so much heat that the cabin tempature becomes unbearable after only four shots at the full firing rate. We have used every available space to add in extra etheric Heat Sinks. The only way we can find to add more Heat Sinks up to the capacity we need is to drop out 4 of the Troop seats and go down to 8."

Treezago stood, thinking for a few moments.

"No, no, 12 Troops may be needed. I think even using only 2 Turbolasers, coming as they will from a normally unarmed transport, will be enough of a surprise. And, they can always fall back on the third one in emergencies. Yes, this will be very satisfactory. Good work, Specalist First Class Hithrir."

Treezago smiled, and turned to walk away. A name. The Boarding Boat must have a name. Hmmm. Ah ha. The Lying Bastard. Yes, that would work nicely for the deceptive little ship.

Specialist First Class Hithrir stood in shock. She had only been doing her job. She had not expected a promotion based on her work, and especially not a jump of 2 Pay Grades. Wait until her lover heard about this after shift change tonight. She hoped he would be able to take being suddenly Juinor to her.

On the bridge, Treezago stood listening to a report form his Communication Officer.

"Sir, this communication just came in a moment ago from somewhere inside the Norrel system. It is unencrypted, and is going out over seven different open chennels at once. It sounds like it may be a taped message. Putting it on speakers, now."

" ( a burst of static) ..please we beg you.

"Repeating, this is the New Republic Star Cruiser Valiant, out of Coruscant. We were dropping out of Hyperspace for standard course re-alignment, heading for Wundragore with supplies, when something went wrong with our primary Hyperdrive, and it exploded. Most of our crew is dead, most of the supplies destroyed. Life support systems are failing. This is an official request for help under the New Republic Charter. Our ship is falling in-system at Norrel, and our one remaing Astromech has determined that we have roughly 2 days before we intersect the uninhabited moon at Norrel V, and are detroyed. Save us, please, we beg you.

"Repeating..."

Treezago wasted no time. "Helm, alter course. Take us into the Norrel system, best possible speed. Comm, send confirmation message to the Valiant, tell them we are on our way. CO-ordinate with Helm for best possible arrival time. Sensors, scan all ahead, full sensors. Find me that ship."

A chorus of Ayes, and Yes, Sirs, followed his orders, as the view ahead rapidly shifted to show the course correction.

The Rescue at Norrel, had begun.

Kurt nodded. "I would suspect that the Dark Jedi will have left by now so there wouldn't be any fighting," he then said. "It would mostly be trying to find out what they were after, we can only hope that there are survivors."
"Hmm...If you need one or two, take Jacen and Ryujin. I'll be busy here." Taylor said. "They'll be outside somewhere, training I suppose."

Kurt nodded and looked towards Zadeth. "I think it would be best for Zadeth to stay here, he needs to work on his combat skills," he said.

To that Zadeth groaned.

"We might be gone for a few days or so."

The Seeker, Norrel system.

"Report."

"Sir, long range sensors have detected a large object, 3.12 Lightseconds from our current posistion. Astrometrics indicates is course is consistant with a collision course at NorrelVb, in approxomently 36 hours. It's size is roughly consistant with a Mol Calamari Star Cruiser, class M-80. At this distance we can read no power output. Our ETA to object is just under one hour at best speed.

"Readings seem to indicate that the Norrel system is indeed unihabited. We are the only functioning starship within sensor range.

"Rescue ops are in preperation. All fighter craft have been moved off of the Hanger Deck into Storage, and the Hanger Deck has been set up as emergency Triage and Surgery.

"Of the crew, we have one fully trained Healer, 2 Medical Droids of the Two-One class, and 11 people fully or partially trained in first aid. It's not much to work with, considering the size of the ship we are going in to, but from the communication it sounds like we won't have all that many causulities to deal with. I wish we had more, but, you didn't hire this crew to be a hospital Ship, and we are lucky that so many of the crew are former military and so do have some rudimentry medical training."

"Very well." Treezago reached out and turned off the COmm panel in his Quarters. He would give himself 45 minutes to meditate, and then head down to the Hanger Deck to offer what little assistance he could. Luckily Alcara had already agreed to meet him there when the time came, saying that her training had included some aspects of Force Healing.

If this ship was really a supply vessel for the Academy at Wundragore, he had no choice but to see if he could possibly salvage some of the supplies for the Jedi. Food, he knew, would not be so important, as Wundragore offered a large cross-section of available foodstuffs, from wild, to processed at it's cities, but who knew what kinds of equipment he would find were being transported. Some of it might be very nessecary to Academy.

Taan released the wrist of the student he was practising with [OOC: one of DNs faceless students to make up numbers], having found the lock to be reasonably effective. When the student had gotten Taan in the lock, the Togruta had become furious at how the lock limited his ability to attack.

He also thought he could find a way to break out of it, but it would involve serious pain for one or the other of them, depending on how well it worked, and Taylor had already told them to be careful and avoid hurting each other.

The one technique demonstrated so far still wasn't enough to make Taan think about reconsidering his fighting style, but he would admit the usefulness of such techniques.

He was quite good at listening in to other peoples conversations, and he overheard the words between Taylor and the King. Something about some place being attacked by, and it was these words that really got his attention, Dark Jedi. He then heard the King suggest that a small group was sent out to investigate.

He suddenly remembered the feeling he had yesterday, that something bad was going to happen. He wondered if the two were connected in any way. The King obviously thought the situation warrented sending Jedi, which could only be bad news.

Kurt nodded and looked towards Zadeth. "I think it would be best for Zadeth to stay here, he needs to work on his combat skills," he said.

To that Zadeth groaned.

"We might be gone for a few days or so."
Taylor nodded. "All right. Be careful." And he got back to the class, teaching yet another simple but effective technique.

"You behave," Kurt told Zadeth.

He then teleported away while Zadeth headed over to learn another technique. Kurt found Jacen and Ryujin outside.

"I have a mission for you two," the King told them.

"You behave," Kurt told Zadeth.

He then teleported away while Zadeth headed over to learn another technique. Kurt found Jacen and Ryujin outside.

"I have a mission for you two," the King told them.
"What is it?" Jacen asked, after the two exchanged glances.

"There was a dark jedi attack on an archeological dig on an uninhabited planet," Kurt explained. "I need someone to help any survivors and find out what they were after, Taylor suggested you two."

"There was a dark jedi attack on an archeological dig on an uninhabited planet," Kurt explained. "I need someone to help any survivors and find out what they were after, Taylor suggested you two."
"Sure, we'll go." Ryujin shrugged.

Kurt managed a smile. "Glad to hear," he said. "The Durandal is nearby so they'll be taking us to the planet."

He looked back towards the academy hoping the others would be alright here. Master Blexe would handle anything that might happen and at that moment he entered the training room to see how the padawans were getting on.

The Seeker, inbound to the Norrel system.

"OK, let's hear it."

"Sir, here's what we've got. Visual confirms it definatly was a Mon Calamari Star Cruiser, but of the older, bulkier, M-65 class. Make's sense actually, since they were using it to ferry supplies.

"Whatever exactly happened, it completely shredded the rear third of the ship. The middle third doesn't look too good either.

"From what we can tell from here, the forward most Hanger Deck, usually used by the Reserve fighter squadron on this class, is intact, but we won't be sure until we actaully try to board her. We are reading very minimal power generation in the forward decks, possibly enough to keep life support running in that area. The command deck appears to have power, but we can not make contact. THe distress signal is also no longer running."

"OK people, you heard him. We have a ship in major distress. Here's how we're going to do this, since we are low on time. We are taking in 6 seperate teams, in 3 Shuttles. Specialist First Class Hithrir, you will lead Salvage team 1. I will head Salvage team 2. THe other four teams will consist of two medics, one gaurd, and one of the Defense Upgraded Protocol units. Medic team one, your primary, and first, target will be the ships control decks. THe other three teams will fan out at thier discretion, searching every deck they can reach. Alright, man your shuttles, and let's go do this. May the Force be with you."

Seeing his padawan Den replied "Yes I do need you. I have found a teacher by the name of Dirta Belo. She is greatest geokinetic I have ever known. We have to go into to find her though. Are you willing to go and find her with me? Lialai is going." The master looked towards Raist.

Kurt managed a smile. "Glad to hear," he said. "The Durandal is nearby so they'll be taking us to the planet."

He looked back towards the academy hoping the others would be alright here. Master Blexe would handle anything that might happen and at that moment he entered the training room to see how the padawans were getting on.
"Alright. Let's go!" Jacen said.

---

Taylor was next teaching the class about several useful grapple and throw combinations when the Master entered. Shoulder throws, back-roll throws, even sweeps.

Kurt looked up to see a shuttle break through the clouds. "That'll be our ride," he said, heading for the hanger.

---

Master Blexe continued to watch Taylors lesson with interest. He was pleased to see how he was getting on with the young padawans.

Kurt looked up to see a shuttle break through the clouds. "That'll be our ride," he said, heading for the hanger.
Ryujin and Jacen headed to the hangar along with Kurt, eager to get on with the mission.

As the shuttle landed, they headed inside the hanger. The shuttle door opened and Mary, the blonde woman who often stood on the Durandal's bridge alongside Jr appeared.

"Hurry up," she told them.

Kurt nodded and went to sit in the co-pilots seat.

The twosome strapped in behind the King, awaiting liftoff.

With everyone sat down, Mary took off and soon they were aboard the Durandal. They climbed out and headed for the bridge. There Jr was waiting for them.

"Don't worry, it's a quick six hour journey," he smiled.

"That's good." Jacen smiled. "Now let's get going!"

Wooshaba']Seeing his padawan Den replied "Yes I do need you. I have found a teacher by the name of Dirta Belo. She is greatest geokinetic I have ever known. We have to go into time to find her though. Are you willing to go and find her with me? Lialai is going." The master looked towards Raist.

He jumped up with a grin, a chance to travel in time with his master and meet a master geokinetic?
"Yes master! Can she help me learn geokinisis?" Inside he jumped again in exitement, he so wanted to learn his grandfathers trade- and more.

"That's good." Jacen smiled. "Now let's get going!"

Jr nodded and the ship jumped into hyperspace. "I just hope we're not too late to save survivors," he then said.

Kurt looked out into hyperspace, the dark jedi attack worried him. What in the M66 galaxy could they have been looking for.

Jr looked glumly the view screen in front of him, the readouts from the computer were rather distressing. No signs of life. Then it would seem that they were too late. The young looking redhead left out a long sigh.

"Will you be heading planetside now?" he asked the King.

Kurt nodded. "Right away," he said. Ryujin, Jacen, come to the bridge.

Jr looked glumly the view screen in front of him, the readouts from the computer were rather distressing. No signs of life. Then it would seem that they were too late. The young looking redhead left out a long sigh.

"Will you be heading planetside now?" he asked the King.

Kurt nodded. "Right away," he said. Ryujin, Jacen, come to the bridge.
A cracking noise on the bridge announced the twosome's entrance.

"We're ready to go?"

"Better prepare yourselves for something that could be truely horrific," Jr warned as he and Kurt headed for the lift.

Soon the were climbing aboard the shuttle, preparing to head down to the planet.

"Everyone ready?" Jr asked.

Back aboard the Seeker, several hours later.

What a waste, Treezago thought to himself. Not only was the Cruiser lost, but all of her crew were dead. Well, at least we did manage to salvage some minor cargo. Granted, it's mostly hand tools, items easily replaced, but, the Academy might need some of them now. Especially the micro-fusion welders. From what I've heard those come in very handy for making Lightsabers.And I can be fairly certain that the Masters will be glad to see that we managed to retrieve the case of Coresca Cystals that are so important in forming the Lightsaber blades. 12 Crystals. That's anywhere from 4 to 12 lightsabers, depending on if the creators want the blades to be one size fits all, or be adjustable.

Some of the Scrap we salvaged could be usefull. Hithrir thinks she managed to save enough parts to recreate 1 of the 4 the Defender Ion Cannons that were being transported. We'll know for sure by the time we reach Wundragore. The other stuff, mostly small and medium power converters and the like, could be very handy.

Well, we Jump back into Hyperspace in less than an hour. One more day. One more day, and we reach Wundragore. I can't help but wonder how we will be recieved.

Above the planet, a ship silently flew in orbit. It's occupants discussing their orders.

"So this is the kid Lady Nocturne wants," one of them asked, looking at the screen in front of them.

They were secretly watching Taylors training lesson.

"Yep that's out target," another replied.

"Why does she want him?"

"Because he is the King's Jedi apprentice."

"What's his name?"

"Zadeth Tyrneanea."

The ship began to lower itself towards the planet. The time was now right to attack their target.

Hyperspace, just outside the Wundragore system.

"Com, give me AllCall."

"You're on, sir."

"OK crew, we are about to arrive at Wundragore. You all know about the rumors I've been hearing about something bad going to be happening there. For all we know, it's happening right now.

"Everyone, man your combat stations. Pilots, to your ships. All gun crews report to your assigned gunnery rooms. Prepare to raise shields as soon as we drop out of hyperspace until we know what the situation is. Set condition Dog Zebra throughout the ship."

The bridge took on a decidedly grim attitude, as the command staff began running through their routines. THroughout the ship, spacetight bulkheads began closing. As each gun room was manned, it's crew began running pre-combat checks, traversing each battery through it's entire arc, making sure there were no glitches.

On the hanger deck, Treezago held his Clone Armor helmet under his arm, watching as the 1st squad pilots manned their fighters. Seven-Ex, firmly in his Astromech interface slot, began running pre-flight warm ups of all ships systems.

Odcal stopped training suddenly. He had a bad feeling that something was going to happen soon. He grabbed a drink in the dining hall and apparated onto the roof. He looked out onto the horizon trying to find the source of his troubles.

Above Wundragore, Hyperspace Decant plus 5 seconds.

Onboard the Fett's Revenge Treezago activataed his comm system.

"Report."

"Sir, we have dropped out of Hyperspace, triple shields are active. We have begun systemwide scan. One moment.

"OK, scans show 4 vessels other than ourselves present in the system. In orbit, we show 2 Medium Bulk Freighters. Outbound from the system, we are reading one small passenger cruiser. We have one medium sized starship, exact class unknown, inbound to the Academy co-ordinates. At this time we are detecting no hostile activity."

Treezago popped the cockpit on the Revenge.

"Very well, secure from action stations. Go to Yellow Alert. All guncrews maintain posistion. Keep shields raised at this time. Pilots, stand down to Ready Level 2, do not leave the Ready Room, and be ready to launch at any time. Capatin Rees, you have the Conn at this time. Com center, route a main channel to the Pilot Ready Room, and prepare to send a signal. I will send my message from there."

Treezago jumped down from the cockpit, and strode off towards the Ready Room. On the way, he spotted Specialist First Class Hithrir. He called her over.

"Hithrir, what update on the salvage Ion Cannon?"

"Master Treezago, there were enough parts to complete the rebuiling of one Ion Cannon, as we thought. Reconstruction is proceeding, per your orders. Completion estimate is 8 hours.

"Oh, and we finally identified, or I should say that Master Sargent Icefingers identified, that unusual tool we recovered from the Mon Cal Star Cruiser. It's an Old Republic era Jedi Fusion Cutter. According to records, the Fusion Cutters were the only device capable of cutting and shaping the Corusca Crystals that form the primary Blade of Jedi Lightsabers.

"We have still had no luck identifying the two small grey boxes found in the same hold as the Fusion Cutter and the Corusca Crystals. All we can say for sure, is that they have some form of internal power source, and they are extremely old, on the order of 3 to 4 thousand years. Master Sargent Icefingers thinks they may be some form of holographic projector, but he can not be sure."

"Very well. Thank you Ms. Hithrir."

Treezago continued his short walk to the Ready Room, composing his message in his mind as he went.

On board the Seeker, the Pilots Ready Room. Fade in to Treezago sitting at a com station.

"Status?"

"Com line open, sir. You can send your message at any time."

"Thank You. Send this message:

"Greetings Masters of Wundragore.

"This is my second attempt to contact you. My name, as I have stated before, is Treezago Fett. I have returned to offer my services, and the services of my crew, in helping to defend your Jedi Academy.

"I bring with me, this ship, a heavily upgraded Bulk Cruiser, 2 Crack fighter units, and a crew of seasoned warriors, to put at your disposal. I also bring a group of highly trained engineers and repair personal, to assist you in any way possible. While we are not Jedi, we all believe in the Jedi Path, and feel that you and your cadets can use our help in maintaining your academy.

"Before you ask, we have no desire for monetary rewards. We are not mercenaries. We are patriots. Our loyalty is to the New Republic, and we offer our services to you, it's greatest defenders.

"Sadly, we must also be the bearers of bad news. The Mon Calmarian Star Cruiser Valiant was delivering supplies to this Academy. Unfortunatly, it suffered a catastrophic hyperdrive failure, and was damaged beyond repair. It's entire crew was killed. During our rescue attempt, we did manage to salvage a small portion of the ships cargo. We have brought that cargo to you. The ship itself, through judicous use of tractor beams, was placed into orbit of the only habitable moon of Worrel V. It is not repairable, but can be salvaged for parts and scrap.

"We are here to help you. We have heard some rather unsettling rumors about a Dark Lady who means to destroy your Academy. This can not happen. You, and your trainees, are the best hope for the continuation of the Republic.

"We humbly await your reply."

( Edit: oops, almost forgot to add..see the OOC thread. Info there.)

"There is no Dark Lady, please do not spread rumours that will stir up panic in the colonies," came the reply. "These are Jedi matters, any problems will be dealt with by the council."

A pause.

"We thank you for your concern."

"Better prepare yourselves for something that could be truely horrific," Jr warned as he and Kurt headed for the lift.

Soon the were climbing aboard the shuttle, preparing to head down to the planet.

"Everyone ready?" Jr asked.
"Yeah." Jacen steeled himself for whatever horrors will be seen. Ryujin did the same.

----
Back at the Academy...

Taylor concluded the training class, satisfied he has taught them the basics of unarmed combat training. "For your homework, I want you to practice the skills you have just learned. Next time we meet, I expect some improvement from each of you because I will quiz you."

The real reason he stopped the class was that he, like Odcal, sensed a ripple of darkness approaching. He wanted the kids to rest up before the darkness struck.

"There is no Dark Lady, please do not spread rumours that will stir up panic in the colonies," came the reply. "These are Jedi matters, any problems will be dealt with by the council."

A pause.

"We thank you for your concern."

"Greetings to you, Master.

"While it may be true that there is no Dark Lady, we still offer our services to you.

"I am preparing to send down a shuttle. Onboard this shuttle will be a complete list of all of the items we retrived form the NRC Valiant. Also, I will be send a complete recording of the events at Worrel V, as well as the a few items from that ship that I believe may be of great interest to you."

A moment later, the Lying Bastard launched from the Hanger Deck of the Seeker. On board were the Old Republic Era Fusion Cutter, the case of Corusca Crystals, and a data pad with the complete list of all items salvaged from the Valiant. The only crew were Treezago himself, Gareth Icefingers, the Tech master, and Master Chief ( Coxswain) Zivalo, the pilot.

Zadeth sighed and left the training room. Homework and the sense of impending danger, not a good day. Looking out of one of the many windows, he wondered if it had anything to do with what Kurt and Taylor had been talking about earlier.

**********

The shuttle landed next to the remains of the ship belonging to the archeologists. Jr and Kurt got out to take a look at it. They could see the bodies of men and woman scattered around the place, seemingly struck down where they stood.

"This looks bad," Kurt replied.

**********

"I would advice you not to enter Wundagore airspace. All ships are grounded."

Jacen could scarcely look at the bodies, while Ryujin checked one or two. "Lightsaber blows. The Dark Jedi have definitely come to call. But why?"

Kurt rubbed the back of his head as he looked around.

Jr was doing the same. "We'll have to find the notes the archeologists left behind," he suggested. "Unfortunately it looks as if they've been destroyed."

Kurt stopped as a wind blew through the area, he could feel a presence, a dragon. "Ryujin, do you feel that?" he asked. "There is a dragon here."

Whilst the Wundagore Air Control kept watch out for spacecraft entering the atmosphere, the ship with the wouldbe kidnappers had already long since landed and were on their way through the forest near the academy.

Master Blexe was growing increasing worried. He like the others could sense an approaching danger. Jedi Knights Odcal and Taylor, I wish for you two to lead a scout party, he asked them. There is an impending danger.

Odcal had been talking to Alimar about random things when he heard Master Blexe's message. He paused. I understand Master Blexe. Where would you like us to begin?

Alimar, being an Andalite, long knew the signs of private telepathic communication and walked off into the forest.

I sense that it is coming from the forest, Master Blexe told him. From which direction I do not know.

Kurt stopped as a wind blew through the area, he could feel a presence, a dragon. "Ryujin, do you feel that?" he asked. "There is a dragon here."
"Yes...I feel the presence." Ryujin said. "Let's go."

-----

Taylor was heading into the forest with some senior Padawans. I'm on it, Master. He sent as they began to search for the presences the Master felt.

Kurt, Jr and the others trekked to the open camp where the archeologists had obviously been studying some of their finds. Some bodies lay together and looked as if they had been moved. There were also some fresh footprints that had yet to be covered by sand. Jr knelt down and inspected the footprints.

"I think they belong to a child," Jr said, rubbing his chin. "I think between eleven and fourteen years old."

From atop a nearby dune, the boy was watching them.

*********

The padawans followed Taylor to the forest in the search for the bad pressences. After a while one of them, a purple haired female by the name of Gilraen stopped.

"I feel something up ahead," she told the others.

**********

"I would advice you not to enter Wundagore airspace. All ships are grounded."

Hmmmmmm. Treezago sat in thought for a moment. He reached out and touched the communiction stud again.

"Comm, this is Treezago, give me Allcall please."

"Sir, you're on."

" Action Stations, Action Stations. All pilots man your fighters. Prepare to launch. All weapons stations to alert. Helm, give me a Wundrgorsynchronious orbit over the Academy, range...2 planetary Diameters. Reason for action stations..somethings going on down there. We may be in a posistion to help.

"Disconnect Allcall. Comm, open a line to the Jedi Masters. Send this message.

"Greetings Masters. In light of previous communications I am assuming that you have a problem down there, and that, because of the Grounding order, it may invole risk of flight through space. At this time I am arraying my forces in posistion to possibly intercept any escape attempt. I have 8 highly modfied fighters,a boarding shuttle, and my Bulk Cruiser preparing to assist you.

"Please, send me any information you can on what we can expect to encounter."

Treezago disconnected the Commsystem, turned, and strode out of the Ready Room. He was pleased to see that all 7 of his other fighters, and the Lying Bastard, were already manned and ready for launch. Tonguing his helmet commlink, he asked SevenEx the Status of the Fett's Revenge.

*******************

SevenEx sat in his Astromech Interface slot, and burbbled to himself. All systems on the Revenge reported a confidence rating of 98% or better. While he and his friend Treezago had taken the Revenge into combat with systems reporting confidence levels of as low 40%, it was nice to know that the Tech Crew Treezago had hired was so compotent as too keep the Revenge at such high levels. Recieving Treezago's query, he sent back a burst of beeps and whistles that he knew Treezago would understand to mean that the Revenge was ready to fly anytime. Even that pesky number 5 laser cannon from the Densia Dual Quad guns mounted on the wings..the one that had always given him fits trying to keep operational...was running perfectly.

*******************

All around the Seeker, men hurried about thier business. All 30 Ion/Turbolaser batteries were manned and ready. The 5 tractor beam emplacements were powered up and ready to go. The reactors were holding steady at 100% output, and the shields were up.

*******************

Fingering the Knoctal Facet, Treezago mused to himself. He had no way of knowing what was comming. WOuld there be a battle? Or would the Master's on the ground take care of this problem themselves? Well...time would tell.

Activating the CommSystem stud on his flightstick, Treezago made the fatal call.

"All craft....Launch!"

First out was Brown Squadron. The 4 updated and modified A-Wings left the Hanger Deck in perfect formation.

Next, launched Treezago's own Blue Squadron. The four X-Wings...each modified in exactly the same way as the Revenge...accellerated off the deck one at a time, in excellent single file formation.

Last, but by no means least, the Lying Bastard followed the fighter squadrons off the deck.

Once outside the ship, the EV craft took up an agreessive posture. Brown Squadron split into 2 elements of 2, and rode the orbit 20 KMs below the Seeker. Blue Squadron remained in a tight diamond formation 5 KMs below the Seeker. THe Lying Bastard took up a posistion 10 KMs above the Seeker, hiding in it's sensor shadow from anything that might come up from the planet.

Treezago ordered his squadron to begin the engagement...if there was to be one...with only thier dual ion cannons. Depending on what they faced, Treezago wanted to capture, not destroy, any ships they would face.

Odcal met up with Taylor and the Padawans just in time to hear Gilraen speak. He stretched his senses in the direction indicated and could feel it too. He gestured towards the group to stay quiet and to be very cautious. Slowly the group made their way towards the unidentified feeling.

Meanwhile Alimar was 100 meters or so to the left of the group in a monkey morph. He was swinging through the trees with ease and was headed towards the same place the search party was going. However, he was having too much fun and didn't notice anything amiss.

Gilraen briefly noticed Odcal's enterance, but continued to watch through the tree's. She reached out with the force, looking for any sign of the presence she had felt.

"It's gone," she admitted, shaking her head.

"Well maybe if we head that direction we'll find something anyways." suggested Odcal. "It's better then searching randomly." he shoved aside a bush and continued onwards.

Like Alimar, Taylor has taken to the trees to get a better look at what's causing the disturbance nearby, easily keeping up with the others with his tree-jumping. Hmm...maybe this is another thing we can teach the kids...

Gilraen nodded and headed through the forest with the other Padawans. The area of forest had certainly been disturbed as there were visible footprints in the mud. The purple-haired padawan knelt down next to them, they appeared to be going around the academy.

"What do you think?" she asked.

Taylor stepped down so that he could see the footprints. "Hmm...looks like they're trying to double around the academy..."

Gilraen looked up. "Hit it from the front, or at least that's what they're hoping we'll think," she then said.

Gilraen looked up. "Hit it from the front, or at least that's what they're hoping we'll think," she then said.
Taylor nodded. "Yeah. We can catch up to them if we move quickly. Let's go." Taylor jumped into the trees once more, this time readying his weapons for battle.

Zadeth saw movement in the nearby bushes as he stood beside the main door. Something glinted, he took out his lightsaber.

"I see you out there," he growled.

One by one, dark shapes emerged from the bushes.

Taylor could sense slowly increasing disturbances in the Force, and spurred himself onwards towards the academy, knowing that the enemy has arrived...

"Padawan Zadeth, you must return inside," came Master Blexe's voice behind him. The academy head sent out a message to all Jedi, Come to the front of the academy, we have trouble.

A dozen or so figures dressed in black from head to toe stood in front of them.

"But Master Blexe..." Zadeth began but was cut off.

Go inside, it is for your own good as I believe they are after you Pdawan.

**********

"Wait a minute," Kurt said and turned around. All he could see was the dark figure stood atop the dune. "We have company."

"Wait a minute," Kurt said and turned around. All he could see was the dark figure stood atop the dune. "We have company."
"You just noticed?" Ryujin asked with a grin. "Been noticing him since he came."

Kurt scowled at Ryujin. "Hey my attention was elsewhere," he replied and looked back up at the figure knowing it was the dragon he had sensed. "Hey kid, come over here we're here to find out what happened."

The dark shape began walking towards them. "Dark Jedi happened," he replied. "Killed everyone, everyone but me."

Taan was feeling a little annoyed. Something was going on outside the academy, and he wasn't involved in it. When Taylor had taken some of the older padawans out with him, Taan and the other younger padawans had been sent back to their rooms.

Taan could sense just as well as any of them, well, maybe not as well, but he could still sense when something wasn't right. Like the time a couple of days ago, he had this nagging feeling that something bad was about to happen, only it was much stronger today.

He began to consider leaving his room and finding out what was going on. He was having trouble concentrating on the exercises he was trying to do anyway, and what harm could it do? All he wanted to do was see what was happening.

Zadeth began to move to do what Master Blexe had told him. The figures seemed to have the same idea and stepped forward.

Master, Zadeth told him.

Looks like we may have no choice but allow you to fight them, Master Blexe replied.

Taylor knew he was almost to the academy and prepared to unleash the fury of fire...

---

"Bummer." Jacen commented. "So what's your name?"

As the boy walked closer to them, they could finally see his face. Kurt's eyes widened as the boy looked remarkably like Eamonn, only the boy was tanned and looked rather scruffy. He was holding one hand behind his back.

Looking towards the bodies, the boy said, "They called me Daniel."

"Oh." Jacen said. "So, uh, how did you survive?" He asked, trying to make conversation.

In orbit of Wundragore.

Looking over the deployment of his force, Treezago came to a descision.He reached over, and tapped his comm button.

" Brown Flight, return to the barn. Blue flight, deactivate lasers. Switch to Ion cannons only.

"All shipboard guns. Deactivate Turbolasers. GO to full power on Ion Cannon. Tractor Beams, go to full power, and be ready."

The heavily overgunned Brown Flight's A-Wings moved off of their station, and began recovery ops. Blue flight, Treezago's special X-wing group, moved into lower orbit, maintaining a distance of 15 Kms from the Seeker.

Treezago had decided that whatever problems the masters were having, could most likely be handled without killing anyone. Assuming he was correct, in that his force would soon be facing an escaping ship, the 8 fighter class and 30 Capitol class Ion Cannons should be able to disable whatever they were facing. He only wished that the Masters of Wundragore would send him some message and let him know what he might be facing. WHile it would be nice to see something as simple as a freighter pop up...if something more along the lines of a Hapean War Dragon came climbing out of the atmosphere..well, there was only so much even his modifed Bulk Cruiser could face.

Waiting. Bah, how he hated waiting. It was the only aspect of combat that had ever worn on his nerves. Sitting around, after all preperations had been made. Cramped up in the pilot's chair. Even though his group of X-wings had twice the room of a normal fighter...it still was not enough.

At his side, pulsing in it's pouch, the Knoctal Facet agreed with him. SOmething was up. But even it couldn't tell what.

SevenEx ran diagnostic after diagnostic. Locked in it's Astromech interface slot, there was little else he could do. TIme would tell.