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Dalveckor looked up, letting the shirt he had been levitating fall to the ground. He seemed reluctant to approach, but not afraid. Either the reputation of hyrbids wasn't well known, or his roommate was smart enough to know Dale wouldn't have been accepted if he had such... limitations.

"My name is Dalveckor, but people call me Dale for short. It's a... what's the phrase in Basic... pleasure to meet you?"

"Liam," he responded calmly. He had traveled across the galaxy numerous times to various planets and species, so hybrids were nothing knew to him. Nor would he be one to be nervous or scared of something he didn't know or understand.

"So... want to get breakfast with me... I'm starved," he commented.

Dalveckor blinked in suprise, then nodded slowly. He was quickly catching on to the fact that prejudice toward his particular hybrid combination was noexistent, at least in his roommates mind.

"It would be an honor to be at an equal level with a human. Certainly, I'll come."

"Please..." Liam began as he stopped, "Don't see me as a human..." He again started walking and exited through the door on his way to the cafeteria, expecting that his roommate would follow when ready.

Not knowing what his roommate meant, Dalveckor decided not to pursue the matter, lest he risk worsening his roommate's view of him. Shrugging, he changed into his own robes that he had been provided and made his way to the cafeteria.

Having already gotten his food by the time Dalveckor had arrived, Liam had sat down at an empty booth against the wall. As he saw him enter he waved over to him to signal where he was eating.

After going through the lunch line, Dalveckor takes his seat at Liam's table, against the wall across from him so as to be more inviting to other students to sit with them. He takes a quick sampling of each food item before speaking.

"You'll have to pardon my rudeness, Liam. I'm not used to natural foods, so I need to figure out what I like. So far, everything seems good."

"Quite alright," Liam said. He chuckled as he watched Dalveckor dig into the various foods he had acquired. "Be careful though... some of the foods are vile," he again chuckled as he remembered when he had first started expanding his pallette.

"So..." Liam began as he tried to make some light meal conversation, "What brought you to the academy?"

Dalveckor takes a while the think about it, primarily because he wasn't sure himself.

"Well... I have the aptitude for the Force, so that means I get sent to some Force academy... I most likely got sent to this one to learn self control, since it comes so hard to human-vaian hybrids. I doubt mother wanted to have her previously neglected son sent to a school that grants violent power and fosters anger..."

Dale realizes he may have overstepped a line and quickly turns his attention back to eating.

Neglected... eh? Liam thought as he continued to eat. He knew all about being neglected, though not by his parents who had died years ago; just by soceity in general.

"So... is this your first training in ways of the Jedi?" he asked curiously.

Sergeants Jim Braddock and Homer Johnson both had gotten breakfast. While it was better than field rations, this ship food was none too good. But both man gave the cooks a break because they had to make over 80,000 meals a day and synthesizers were sometime on the fritz. They then saw Liam and Dalveckor and decided to sit down beside them. Braddock started, "Hello boys. I'm Sgt. Braddock and this is Sgt. Johnson. We're the main tatics trainers. We teach everyone ground-warfare tatics so you can lead effectively.....Ah, Van, glad to see you again...I was just telling these guys about the offer Crazed Marines gives to all graduates." The new arrival, a pirate son and Mike's apprentice, finished, "Yea. I think I'll join the CM Space Fleet as an Ensign. I mean, the Corps is good and all, but I just like space better, plus the Raider Squadrons gave me a good offer."

Odcal and Alexu both then chose that moment to walk past and Braddock smiled at Alexu. Yup, he thought with some amusement, She's a heartbreaker.

"This my first time doing anything Force related that isn't self taught." Dalveckor would have elaborated if not for the new arrivals. He smiles politely as he continues eating, listening carefully. His meal is almost done, he realizes, and tries to make conversation some more. "I'm sorry, but I don't have a clue what you're talking about. Could you please explain?"

Liam didn't respond as he knew he wasn't going to be taking Crazed Marines up on their offer. He knew what he was going to do after graduation... and it wasn't fight in the military.

"Have a seat," Liam offered as he put down his fork for a momemt. He watched as Odcal and Alexu walked by and how Braddock's eyes followed them. He grinned slightly.

Johnson replied, "Dav, once you finish your schooling here, you have the offer to become a CM citizen and an Officer in any CM Military Branch, a New Exodus civil service or their military, and the same in Crystal Ireland. However, you have to be familiar with Magic to go with CI and certain scientific aspects and theology to go to NE. The NE SpecOps people aren't bad, just CM gets in more wars so we are better adapted."

Liam thought about the offer for another moment before simply replying, "Not my style..." and continuing to eat his food. Perhaps I should try to find David soon... Liam thought as he polished off the last remnants of food on his plate.

Braddock finished his small meal and said, "Sergeant Johnson, I think our friend Liam here should take a little walk with me while you talk with Dav, you agree?" Sergeant Johnson looked back, nodded his head affirmative, and Braddock motioned to Liam for him to follow. David was watching all this through the Force as he and Mike were discussing the next stages of the retreat which would lead around Core Worlds and to an end of the Universe conquered by a CM expedition just that year.

Meanwhile, Kas and Chu were staggering back to Mike and Kas' quarters to sleep off the booze and get a composure on what Chu said earlier.

Liam raised an eyebrow in question, but decided he might as well see what the man had to say. Standing up, Liam said a brief good bye to Dav and followed behind Johnson.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Sergeant Johnson, he just decided that it was best to be on alert. "So... what's up?" he asked after they had put some distance between them and the table they had ate at.

Braddock looked at Liam and said, "Look, I'm here to tell you that you will have to lead men during this war and that many lives will depend on your skill. We have roughly 40 divisions of ground troops, just ground troops, on just this cruise. We have roughly a million men committed overall to this mission. Mike Miles is in charge of their safety overall, but the Academy falls into your hands and that of every Master aboard. David has high hopes for you, so let's hope you pan out. Now, we begin your leadership training. To lead, you must know what your men have gone through. That is the basis of all leadership and why we have training..." Braddock continued on, including how to fight a ground war, when to attack, retreat, how to lead better, and basic comabt training was to follow when hee got out the training helmet.

"Here, this should expedite the process....Let's try my experiences of Basic training for a start." Braddock said, reliving the thirteen weeks of hell at Parris Island MCRD.

Liam began learning lots of information about war such as tactics and a certain leadership quality that was needed. There was only one thing he wanted to know, "Why me?"

"SImple. You don't want to have to do it, but you're willing to. You have natural leadership abilities and a knack for the Force...or at least that's what David says. I believe him now, because while you were exploring my memories, I was doing the same to you. I like you Liam, and I think you'll have a good shot here at the Academy." Braddock said, opening a coke and offering one to Liam.

"Ah. I see," Liam said as he took the coke and began drinking it. He began to understand what his whole role was going to be in the future and what he was going to have to do. He didn't want to be the hero of the war... but if that was the way it was destined, he wasn't going to turn it down.

Braddock sipped his coke and looked Liam in the eye....Yup, he had it in him. He could lead men and was prepared for battle if necessary. The eyes told all. It showed itself in th Miles clan's warriors, in the exiting President Kowalski, his friend Johnson, and now in Liam. A noble warrior resided in all of these people, and all it took to bring it out was training and the right cause or the plight of the innocent. Yes, David was right, Liam would do well leading the Academy as a whole.

~~~~~

Chu and Kas were both passed out on the same bed in Kas and Mike's quarters when Mike arrived home.

"This can't be good..." Mike said wondering what the partially clothed women did or said after a night of drinking. It wasn't so much the actions as much the words that frightened him, mainly because Mike didn't tell Kas everything about his relationship with Chu. He had mentioned a few times before about her, and him trying to help solve the problems he had created for Chu. He undressed to his skivvies and plopped onto the couch, waiting for the morning and the hell to come with it.

Liam returned Braddock's stare. "So... is there anything else you wanted to tell me... or should I go seek out David now?" he asked curiously. "I think perhaps he had more to teach me..."

Braddock stares at Liam and says, "You have much to learn." Patience is one of them. he added without saying. "However, I think you should begin meditating on this. It is a glass of water blessed by as many Monks, Jedi, and holy people we could find before we shipped out. Try and turn it into a power crystal for your lightsaber...excuse me, your new lightsaber. Master Miles wishes you build another on. He has given me this color crystal for you, he says it'll tell you how you're doing." Braddock then handed over a half-black, half-silver crystal to Liam. What Liam didn't know was that David also had one of these crystals. It would adapt to whoever had touched it last, showing the true color of their soul. This was why David's lightsaber was red and gold wrapped around each other, only seperated by a silver thread. Very impressive to the casual observer and explains why he was slow-moving in the Order. Not because of his age, but his soured soul caused by bitter wars.

Liam nodded in understanding as he took the two colored crystals and slipped them into his robe's pockets. "I will get right on it," he saluted and left down the hall towards a meditation room.

Finding it, he sat down slowly while removing the crystals from his pockets. He put them on the floor in front of him and began dropping into a deep state of meditation.

Mike woke up the next morning, showered, and got dressed. While he was showering, Kas got up and met Mike in there.

"I've got a doctor's appointment today." She said, entering the shower. Mike nodded, understanding the hidden meaning. He looked her square in the eyes before kissing his wife. She knew that he would never leave her, but she was still worried about Chu. "What," she asked politely, "exactly happened between you and Chu back in High School?"

Mike grimaced at this. "Honey. We dated back then. We got drunk and we were horny quite a bit. Her dad shot me twice, and fired upon me many times. And honestly, we may have gotten married if I hadn't been shot and in a coma for a month. She had to hide from her father that whole time, I had to disappear, and everything went to hell afterwards. Honey, I do love her. However, it is a different kind of love than we share. When I say I love her I mean I care for her above myself and if we hadn't of met at the Academy, I probably would have married her." Kas looked back at Mike, hurt, as he grabbed and hugged her, "Kas, I know this is trying, but I promise you I shall be forever faithful."

Being mechanically inclined as he was, Liam quickly went about constructing a new lightsaber. Taking apart his old one with ease and but the use of a few small tools, he gathered up the pieces that he was going to reuse in the new one. Some of the parts, he realized, were quite outdated and old at this point so he completely took them apart and set about finding or construcing the new parts.

In a short period of time, Liam had created a new lightsaber utilizing the two crystals he had been given. He only turned it on one once to make sure it was working before again returning it to his side and setting down on the ground. With the glass of blessed water in front of him, Liam began to meditate again, attempting to turn it into a power crystal...

David was watching this. He noted on what Liam was doing, and noticed he was striving for both power and control on this Saber. His mechanical skill was admirable, and with him meditating on the water it would alin itself with him and he'd be more effective both in power and use of it. David hoped this little gift would help him to where he could master himself quickly.
~~~~~~
The Fleet was passing minor worlds on its way to CW. It was expected three more days until that checkpoint was reached. Mike was on the Bridge at this time and looked around. "All halt..."

"Aye sir. All ships halting."

"Look at that planet, scan it. Tell me what you think Ensign Onnoda."

"Sir, the planet is made entirely of gold."

"That's what I thought. Have engineering transport that in the teleporters and keep it in an infinite loop until we reach CW. That'd be worth a lot back in CM."

"Aye Commodore. Engineering says they'll be done in ten minutes."

It had been a long process but after hours and hours of itense focus and meditation, Liam was finally able to change the blessed water into a power crystal suitable for increasing his abilities.

Tired from the conversion, Liam climbed onto his bed and took a short rest; no more than an hour or so. Awaking later and feeling slightly refreshed, Liam got out of bed and quickly took a shower.

Not knowing what time it was when he got out of the shower, Liam quickly got dressed in his robes and exited his room in search of someone to inform on his success...

OOC: Wasn't sure if there was anything special you wanted me to do in order to convert the water, so I will change it if you wanted it differently.

David looked on, astounded at Liam's ability to change the water so quickly. I see the student shall soon pass the master. Now I must teach him Force powers for the long road ahead.
~~~~~~~~~

Deep in the clutches of a shell of a planet formerly knows as Telekentris V, a mass was appearing. Pure evil at this point, it had no color or shape. It sucked all from the surrounding enviroment. His shape was beginning to form. True evil had appeared once more.

"Good....goood....." chuckled a fish-like creature. "Rise once more my Servant. They may have killed you twice before, but you are my creation. They cannot destroy what they cannot hit. Go to them, retrieve the book, and destroy all who dare interfere."

"There you are, master," Liam said hurriedly as he rounded the corner and found David, nearly barreling him over.

"I have done what you instructued of me," he stated. "Both tasks are complete and I am now ready to progress..." As he spoke he pulled his lightsaber from his side and presented it to David, showing that he had indeed forged it with the two crystals as indicated. He then reached into his pocket and removed the crystal, which had once been water, and held it out for David to gaze upon.

David slaps his head in frustration. "I meant for you to use all three crystals, including the one you meditated on to construct a totally new lightsaber. The problem is your saber is too small for modifications, so you will need to make a new body first. I have a metalshop onboard, and any element or alloy you want can be made quickly. However, you have to machine the body, we will provide you with only a block of the stuff. I, personally, used Gundanium for mine. Its your choice. A tough one albeit, so you have a half week to make the choice. We'll arrive at Coreworlds when the time is due, so now you know. I've arranged a meeting with Daniel Masaki and his father to evaluate you. You won't be in the room for very long, per se, but they will be evaluating you the entire time you're on CW. Oh, by the way, have fun while you're there. You're taking everything seriously, which is good, but you're taking it too seriously which can actually impede your performance. Kick back a little, go to a cantina or two, watch a show, and drink legally if you want to." David said smiling, knowing the full plan if Liam wnet to somewhere other than his dorm room and the Council chambers.

~~~~~~
The mass had a shape by now. It is a man, wretched as can be, scarred and corrupted by evil. He places the mask on his face and all is hidden. He is the incarnation of evil known as Tak-A-Tamen.
~~~~~~

"Did you feel that?" Mike asked as he and Kas exited the shower and dressed.

"Yes........" She said with a chill in her blood and voice, "He's back. We're in shit....."

"Yeah. Dad just summoned me, he's felt it too. He says there's always felt like there's been two presences in one, but now he's sure."

"TWO?!?!" Kas screamed, "But that means Taka is a construct....And if that's true, everyone's in a lot of trouble."

Liam had figured as much, - that he was supposed to use the crystal inside the lightsaber - but he had wanted to show it to David first. Either way it was not a big deal; Liam would get to work constructing a new one and then his blade would be done. Hearing that he would have all the metals and tools that he needed available to him, Liam quickly became excited. Finally... I will be able to construct my synthetic metal, he thougt to himself; it was something that he had thought of numerous times; something he had designed in his head... and now he was going to be able to build it. Cortosis, Adamantine, Omnium... I will call it, Omnimantisis.

"Core Worlds?" Liam repeated as he snapped back to reality and out of his thoughts. As he stood there listening he wondered if he should tell David.

Yes... I think I should, he decided as David finished up. "Um... sir, there is something I think should tell you. About ten years ago, during my journeys across the galaxy, I ran into a man named Jacen Masaki. I think you are familiar with the name?" he said letting it sink in. "He is the grandson of Alex Masaki of CoreWorlds. Anyway, after he completed the mission he was on he took me back to CoreWorlds with him and helped me train after presenting me to the High Council - I think I met Daniel while I was there... though ten years ago is a long time, I can't be sure."

David knew this of course, which was why he was returning Liam to the MAsaksis. They alone knew how much he had improved. At this, David smirked and left, levitating a manual on how to make the systhesizer work, its auto-align molecule software, and the simulator function.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Upon finding the A-wing of a stupid scavenger easily killed, along with ID cards and a few weapons to aid him, Taka slinked away from the broken planet and headed towards Corusant. There, he could easily find the Task Force through his Order of the Universe and Syndicate contacts. Something was seperating him from finding them through the Force.

Liam waited for David to leave before returning the crystal to his pocket and the lightsaber to his belt. After doing so, Liam sought out and found the metalshop that David had spoken about.

Quickly, he got to work on taking apart his old lightsaber and removing the crystals within. With his natural mechanical skills, it was done quickly and he could now start forging his new lightsaber.

Sifting through numerous bins and compartments, Liam eventually found the required parts and the three metals he would use: Cortosis, Admantine, and Omnium. He began working with the heavy machinery to create a mix of the three metals, making sure to use just enough Cortosis to make it resistant to Lightsabers and yet still enough Omnium and Adamantine to make it an unbreakable hilt.

It took a while but eventually his hard work payed off and he now had the hilt of his lightsaber completed. Just for good measure Liam put a little design on it to spruce up the otherwise solid silver appearance.

He held it up at eye level, giving it a thorough examination of a master craftsman. When it suited his picky eyes he hit the button and it buzzed to life. He had also created it to be what was known as a dual-phase lightsaber, enabling him to utilize two different lenghts of the blade. Having examined the multiple lenghts, Liam rushed off to show David the completed lightsaber...

David watched this in a mild bit of confusion as he melted the metals together instead of replicator-smelting them. However, he decided that this more involved way would make the bond between master and saber more powerful. He liked the styling on this new saber, sleek, elegant, well-balanced, and powerful. He then took out a highly-modified vibroblade, made it hover around Liam, activated it, and then said, "Liam, strike this vibroblade. It is one of the more powerful blades out there so I want to test something. Just concentrate and strike it."
~~~~~~~~~~
Mike and Kas were together on the bridge when a messenger came to. He held a sealed mesage in an envelope with just the CM Medical symbol on it. They opened it together and smiled as they saw it. Nobody else knew why, but they kissed and Kas returned to their quarters thinking about how to rearrange the furniture.

Liam arched in eyebrow in question, but then merely shrugged as he held his new lightsaber out in front of him. He ignited it and wathced the elegant blade buzz to life.

Watching the viroblade hover, he began concentrating and focusing, both on the blade and in the force. The next moment, in a blur of movment, Liam struck fast and hard at the hovering blade.

OOC: They are going to have a baby! :D

As liam struck the vibroblade, it was cut like any normal blade would have been. David smiled at this and said, "Your saber is powerful enough to defeat cortosis waves and slash through the bare metal like it was nothing. One last test. Try and disrupt this lightsaber as you did the vibroblade. With luck, you'll burn out the crystals and it'll be inactive." David finished as hed meditated on the saber making it fuse back together, working. He knew that not many sabers could break another plasma beam, and for that reason not many lightsabers had either fuse-breaks or circuit-break style feedback transcender so if the blast was powerful enough it would overload and shatter the crystals. David, of course, had seen this only once before and was sure with the aligned crystals that Liam had that this would work.

Liam simply nodded his understanding to David as his lightsaber cut cleanly through the viroblade with no problem at all. He slowly calmed himself and relaxed his muscles as he began to prepare to take a swipe at the other lightsaber. A few deep breaths and Liam could feel the Force flowing through him with a vast presence.

And then with uncanny speed all of his muscles tightened in uniformity as he put all of his energy into striking with his lightsaber. As the two beams collided the air seemed to be filled with electricity...

Kasandral grinned, resisting the urge to skip back to her quarters. What wonderful news! She plopped down on the couch, glancing around, concidering what the future might hold.

Her elation quickly subsided, however, as she became more relaxed, more sensitive to the Force.

Tak'a'Tamen...back once more. I joined him once, fell to him twice...but this time, the third time.... She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.

She frowned, finally opening her eyes several minutes later. She looked around the room for a moment, then stood, dressed in her signature purple and maroon tunic, breaches, and cloak, and made her way to the Cafeteria.

Kasandral forced a smile for the officers she passed, many of which she now named friends. How different that had been just a few years ago. Any one of them would have happily killed her, given the chance. Blinking a bit, Kasandral ducked into one of the many side corridors, taking a deep breath to regain her composure. I can not allow them to see me weak. That would only hurt Mike's command...something that we can not afford...not now.

Plastering the smile to her face once more, Kasandral entered the Cafeteria, got a tray of food, and sat alone at one of the tables in the corner, poking at her food occasionally, thinking.

OOC - Just a little post to prove that I'm not dead. ;) Expect more of me from now on.

OOC: I'll post later, jolt made me login and I lost the page

Liam's blade crashed violently through the lightsaber, breaking its beam. This, in turn, caused all the energy to spike into the crystals that once shattered exploded violently. Anyone who would be holding this would be minus one hand for sure. The enemy sure was in for a suprise after this.

"Now. time for some bookwork." David said with Liam sighing, "This..." David started grabbing an old, green-leather bound book, "Is the book of D'rea and Mosh. It holds the secrets of using the Force effectively and usefully. I used this to remain after I was killed. I want you to learn what is in here. This is why the Academy was attacked, why we have the same war on our hands, and what many men will commit genocide to posess. It holds many dark secrets and many golden uses. Take this wisely." HE then began the lesson.
~~~~~~~~~

Tak-a-Tamen had reached Corusant. He walked into a cantina and the bar just stopped cold, put down their drinks, and followed him to an awaiting floatilla of personal and medium-sized ships. They were headed for Korriban to retrieve the rest of the Order of the Universe's fleet and call up their sleepers.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Mike and Kas were going over the test results in their stateroom. Thanks to NE technology, they could tell what the baby would eventually look like, some characteristics, and scan for any genetic disorders. Thankfully the child, a boy by early scans, was in perfect health and plans for nanite-boost treatments at his third virthday were underway. By now, many babies in CM were injected with nanites to protect and enhance their growth and not one single death had been attributed to it.

Avon and Tarrant had managed to finish off all but two of the Order troops still remaining on the Liberator. During the last altercation, they had become separated from Cally who had now found herself in the clutches of Klegg and his last remaining henchman. The current situation was more dubious now than ever as Avon and Tarrant tried to quickly come up with a plan to take out Klegg and the other trooper without getting Cally killed. However the two minutes that Klegg had given them to surrender themselves was almost up.

Cally: "Don't listen to them Avon!" She felt Klegg pull on her arm sharply and it took everything she had not to let out a scream.

The long silence was soon broken with Klegg's next order,

Klegg: "Your time is up! Come out now, or your friend dies slowly."

Another silence, broken this time by Avon's footsteps as he entered the teleport chamber. Klegg levelled his weapon at him as did the trooper.

Avon: "Well I'm here. What do you want?" Despite the seriousness of the situation, Avon was as cold and unemotional as always,

Klegg: "Firstly, you will instruct the computer to take us to the nearest habitable planet. There you will disembark only after to have surrendered total control of the ship to me and me alone."

Avon: "And if I refuse?"

Klegg: "Don't make the mistake of assuming that you have a choice Avon. You and your friend will be allowed to go free after the ship is mine!"

Avon: "I see."

Klegg: "One other thing. Tarrant isn't part of the deal. He stays."

Avon: "I don't think he'll agree to that."

Klegg: "Persuade him."

Avon looked thoughtful for a second and then responded,

Avon: "Alright. Take the magazine from your blaster and give it to me," he then turned to the trooper, "when I give you the signal fire one shot into the corridor."

Klegg: "Very neat."

Cally: "No Avon!"

Avon didn't reply but merely glanced at her as though she were a piece of the furniture. He took Klegg's empty weapon and pointed it at him as he gestured at the trooper who fired the shot as instructed,

Avon: "TARRANT! Come here I've got them Tarrant!!"

Moments later, Tarrant thundered into the teleport chamber looking rather pleased with himself. That expression was however short lived as he felt the cold steel of a gun barrel pressed against his neck and saw Avon return Klegg's blaster to him.

Avon: "There are so few people you can trust these days." he said matter-of-factly as he took Tarrant's pistol.

Klegg began to reload his weapon as Avon shifted toward the corridor,

Klegg: "Where do you think you're going?"

Avon: "To reprogram the flight computer."

Klegg: "Not alone you're not!"

By this point, everyone had moved to Avon's calculated positions and he suddenly called out, "NOW!"

Tarrant twisted around, locking the trooper's arm, which held the blaster and snapped it. Cally meanwhile had shot her heel onto Klegg's foot who winced forward. As he did so she wrapped her arms around his head and neck and began to push all of her weight forward.

Despite the Trooper's broken arm, he managed to get Tarrant off of him as he levelled his weapon. He didn't account Avon in his plan who was still holding Tarrant's pistol and fired it at the trooper. The back of his head exploded and grey matter splattered onto the wall as the now dead trooper slumped to the ground. Avon and Tarrant moved closer together as they watched Cally with interest. She jolted and the nauseating sound of bones snapped echoed out. Klegg's body fell to the floor in a heap.

Tarrant: "Not bad is she?"

Avon: "I never doubted her."

Panting, Cally looked up at them both and then started laughing. Tarrant soon joined in and they all left the teleport chamber with Avon cracking a sly smile...
___________________________

The Scorpio cruised through space toward its destination. On board, Sothan Kor was carefully planning his next move. He had noticed that the distress beacon was coming straight from his intended destination.
___________________________

Villa was always the cowardly type. He sat by the fire as he huddled the transmitter. Korriban was the last place he wanted his escape pod to land. He sat and waited, hoping and praying that his distress signal would be heard...

Liam's blade crashed violently through the lightsaber, breaking its beam. This, in turn, caused all the energy to spike into the crystals that once shattered exploded violently. Anyone who would be holding this would be minus one hand for sure. The enemy sure was in for a suprise after this.

"Now. time for some bookwork." David said with Liam sighing, "This..." David started grabbing an old, green-leather bound book, "Is the book of D'rea and Mosh. It holds the secrets of using the Force effectively and usefully. I used this to remain after I was killed. I want you to learn what is in here. This is why the Academy was attacked, why we have the same war on our hands, and what many men will commit genocide to posess. It holds many dark secrets and many golden uses. Take this wisely." HE then began the lesson.


Liam was in awe as he gazed upon the book; the book that he could feel was full of power and persuasion. Normally he wasn't happy when forced to do bookwork opposed to practicing, but for the book of D'rea and mosh he would focus.

"My mind is an scroll..." Liam managed to say as he began listening to the lesson that David had started on.

David and Liam finished his lessons for the day eight hours later. Liam now understood how David had remained a spirit after his death, how both the Force Compression mask and bomb worked, and how another Force user could steal his aura basically devouring his soul. Now he knew how David had shredded an entire planet, killing himself in the process. Afetrwards, they both decided to unwind in their own settings. David went back to his stateroom and watched a Chuck Norris film with his wife and then went to bed not really tired yet.
~~~~~~~~~~~
After they went to sleep, Jenna and Mlasha, both in their mid-teens got up quietly and got dressed. They suppressed their Force signatures by shooting themselves with disruptor pistols, and crept along quietly over the cold floor. Upon reaching the ship's main hallway, they put on their shoes and entered the floor elevator where two other teens (males) met them. Their boyfriends were back and ready for a double-date. David had told them to remain honor-bound and their testicles would remain intact, but this was just-about stepping over the line. The night-life on any CM vessel is pretty good, but on the Monitor CMS Miles the clubs are second only to Parris Island or the Super Destroyer CMS Iwo Jima. They entered one notable club where the bouncer was a close friend and cousin of one of the boys. The four of them began to party, get drunk, and slip into two seperate VIP rooms for some "entertainment". Upon being rousted at 2 in the morning, the four staggered to their own rooms, Jenna and Mlasha almost making it inside without making a sound, just before falling and pushing over a vase. The crash awakened David who took the two to bed. This he could figure out in the morni.....well, later that morning...

Liam had learned so much in the last few days and it continued as David taught him more force techniques and about his past.

Eight hours later, when David said they were done for the day, Liam was surprised that it had gone by that fast. It certainly felt like a while that he had been learning, but eight hours was beyond his guess. His body felt it however. One wouldn't think that learning (and not about lightsaber techniques) could be so tiring, but as Liam stood up after being dimissed, he felt it bad.

Wandering back to his room, he collapsed on the bed and feel asleep quickly.

David woke up with a headache, though much less than his daughters suffered from. He roused them up and gave them a chance to get showered and dressed before he drug them into the living room. They sat down and he started.

"What the hell was that last night?" Both girls looked to the ground, "I told you that if you asked, I'd allow you to go places. Instead, you come home, drunk, disorderly, and without head for my instructions. You could have gone to Tabuu if you wanted, but you never asked and got yourself in a shitload of trouble. Your boyfriends acted foolishly and dishonorably. I was being nice in keeping on this ship, however since they can't keep it in their pants they're now your brother's problem."

"What right do you have to ship them off, and how did you know we did what you said?" Jenna screamed at her father, pissed.

"Did you have sex with him?"

"Yes. How did you know?" Jenna screamed.

"Well, I didn't know until just now." Another scream of anger. "Now you two confirmed my fears, they'll be transfered. I told them what would happen, and they're lucky to escape alive." Jenna and Mlasha exchanged a look of relief upon this. They knew their dad would kill, he'd done it all too often before they were born and had done so even to this day. At least, they thought, their BFs would live to see them again.

"Furthermore," David continued, "you two are restricted to quarters for six weeks save for your class assignments. And Mlsaha, don't do that werewolf thing where you transform and stick your were-tongue out at m. That's funny, but annoying at the same time." The younger one just looked dumbfounded as the remained half-way through her transformation.
~~~~~~~~
Three men escorted the two young Jedis to their new posting on Mike's main ship. He greeted the two of them personally and had a meeting with them in his conference room.

"Boys, I dunno what you done, but I know its bad and I know it involves my sisters. You have one chance to tell me right now your side of the story." Mike said, grasping weapons on his armament wall.

"Sir, we went to Club Tabuu with your sisters. It was around 2330 when we met them. We entered the club through connections we both hold, procded to get drunk, and I don't remember much after that besides us staggering home, sir."

"I see..." Mike said, the boys emotions and faces giving away just exactly what happened in that room. "You two are going to be here for a while. I don't expect you to like it, but rather accept it. You two are officially cut-off from tele-communications except when your jobs require it. Seamen Micca and Wrainwright, do you understand your punishment?"

"Yes sir!" Both Jedi shouted in unison, knowing that a breakup was inevitable for at least one of them.

Morning...

Liam woke up and was quickly alert, a normal occurrence, as he brushed the covers off him and stepped out of bed. He hopped into the shower and quickly washed himself as the waters seemed to restore his energy and relax him.

A couple of minutes later, Liam had finished getting dressed, complete with his brown robe and lightsaber, and headed out of his room. He began walking down the hall towards breakfast as his thoughts swirled in his mind... one more prevalent than the rest: What am I going to do when this is all over...?

He thought about it for much of his walk, but as he reached the cafeteria for breakfast he brushed it away. No point in thinking about it now... who knows if there even will be a later.

Getting his large breakfast, plates stacked eye with food, he found a booth and sat down to eat...

Jenna and Mlasha were in line at th commisary when Jenna saw Liam. "Dibs" she said to her sister quietly when the other just glared at her. Oh well, Mlasha thought, we're both grounded forever so why not risk it?

The pair got their food and Jenna walked over to Liam's table while Mlasha watched.

"Hi..." she started as liam looked at her.

"Hello......" was the cautious reply.

"So, how are the lessons my father is giving you going?" she said, her eyes shining.

"How...what...argh..." was Liam's confused reply.

"I can sense his aura around you. Most master-student relationships develop that."

"And I take it you're one of David's daughters." Liam shot back, "What do you want?"

"Some of your time. You know the demolitions class we teach here. Sign up. I'll meet you in it." Jenna replied with a playful smile and wink bound to hook him, Liam not knowing that she taught the mentioned class. Jenna then walked back to her sister's table to return to a mental conversation Mlasha began.

That wasn't very fair of you. Dad's gonna be pissed with the two of you now.

Well then, why are you complaining. You know how his mind works. If he's pissed at me and him, how will he be pissed at you, John, or Mitch.[/b] Jenna shot back, using Micca and Wrainwright's first names for the first time in a long while.

[i]Ok. I see your point. I'm not going to stop you in that case.

Liam didn't know what to think as Jenna walked away. Well, she certainly is cute... but if she is David's daughter...

"Ah well..." he sighed as he stood up nad bussed his tray of food.

After leaving the cafeteria he found his way to the sign up area for differnt classes. "What could be the worst that happens..." he said quietly as he signed up and then walked away...

Jenna smiled to herself as the class began to grow in size. She smiled outright as Liam showed and sat down in the middle of the class. Then she looked outward with her sister at her side.

"Ok, welcome Demolitions 101. We will be pairing with Engineering 202 simply because they build it, we break it down. Now, I want you to find a partner before we begin talking about detonators. And let me see...I'll need a partner as well. And let's see...." she pointed to Liam, "You'll do. Come down here." she smiled at this which only the three of them knew why. "Demolitions is fun, but remember that is you singe your eyebrows you cut it too close."

Liam took his seat in the class, expecting it to be just like any other - that all changed when he realized that Jenna, the girl who had approached him before, was actually the teacher.

His mind was racing when he vaugely noticed her pointing to him and instructing him to be her partner. Me...? he thought to himself. But as nobody else was moving forward, he realized it was indeed him. He slowly got to his feet and continued to the front of the class and stood to the side of Jenna.

"I didn't realize you meant that you really taught a class here..." he said quitely.

Jenna smile as he said it. She replied, playfully, "Well, all things have their suprises. You wouldn't expect it, but my sister's adopted. Even more, she was born a werewolf and has full control of her transformations." Jenna smiled before continuing her lecture about how detonators worked. The class ended successfully, meaning nobody got hurt and the ship was intact. Jenna then pulled Liam over after class, wrote down her cell phone number and told him to call her at precisely 1159 hours that day. It was 1159 precisely for some reason that only she knew why.

Most of the shock and surprise that Liam had suffered at the beginning of class had dispersed itself as the class progressed - even found some of it interesting, though he hadn't really signed up to learn.

As an exciting class ended, Jenna pulled Liam aside. Huh? What did I do... am I getting in trouble with someone younger than me?!? Liam thought, his mind racing. However, his fears were calmed as she simply handed him a slip of paper and told him to call her at 1159. Relieved, Liam simply smiled delightfully and left the class...

---

1157... Liam noticed as he looked at the clock a while later. He sat slightly nervous with phone in hand, waiting for the time to pass.

Finally, after what felt like two years, the two minutes had passed and the clock now read 1159. Liam had already easily memorized the number, so he quickly punched the number in and waited for an answer...

"Do you really think he's gonna call?" Mlasha asked.

"Yeah, why not?" Jenna shot back, "You saw the look in his eyes, and he's only a few months older than me. So why not?"

"You are bad. If he calls, you know he's wrapped around your little finger."

"That was the entire point of the awquard call.....speak of the devil." Jenna finished. She answered cheerfully, "Hey Liam. Look, I'm grounded at the moment, but I know how to get around that. I want to go to a movie, you want to come?" All that followed was static, apparently Liam hadn't had a girl make the moves in a long time. All the better for her, "All I need you to do is get my dad really tired. That way he'll drink a little and he'll be out within an hour of coming home. Mom's sympathetic of our plight and'll keep him down for the night as long as we tell her what's going on. I'm up for pretty much anything, and a good war movie wouldn't be bad."

As Jenna finished, Liam stood there holding his phone in silence; his thoughts swirling through his mind. After a minute, when he realized he had not said anything, he finally managed to utter a few quick words, "Uhh... y-yeh. I'll see what I can do about your dad..."

He hung up the phone and took a deep breath - a really deep breath. After a few minutes of relaxing and collecting his thoughts, Liam stood up and began heading to find David.

What am I doing... Liam thought as he walked along the halls, completely oblivious of anything else. I mean... it's his daughter - and she said she was grounded. But then again... he did tell me to have some fun... try to relax...

As he was still lost in thought, a small part of his brain realized that David was just ahead of him in the corridor. "Hey, sir!" he called as he ran up beside him. "I was thinking maybe you could teach me some more... or maybe we could spar or something."

David saw Liam come up to him. Spar is it? David thought, Its about damned time...

"All right Liam, let's step into the Gym. Choose your method. Saber, fists, Force Powers, armed, unarmed, what?"

Something's troubling him.........heh, a girl got to him. I wonder who? And didn't he sign up for a new class today?

"Oh, and how was the new class you took today? What do you think of the instructor?" David said, just thinking it idle talk and not meaning to trap Liam.

"Oh, the class was decently interesting and the instructor wasn't that bad," he said calmly before moving on from the subject. As he did so, he used a Jedi trick to calm himself and surpress any emotions that may be emitted.

"How about.... sabers no force powers," Liam suggested as he removed his cloak and dropped it slowly behind him. Reaching to his side, he removed the lightsaber and readied it in front of him.

Kasandral smiled to herself, wandering the corridors of the ship. Everything was so perfect now. True, Taka'Tamen had returned...but that was a long way off. She'd be ready when he came, she was sure.

Eventually she wound up in the Gym. She grinned a bit upon seeing David and one of the students preparing to spar. It was always enjoyable to watch David's fighting technique...many said he was one of the best. Offering David a nod and a smile, and looking the student up and down appraisingly, Kasandral adjusted her maroon tunic and black cloak, and took a seat against the wall.

To say that Villa was having a bad day was an understatement. To be stranded alone on a planet was one thing, but when that planet just happened to be the sacred world of the Sith then that was a whole other ball game.

Villa had been trying to make contact with the Liberator for what seemed like ages. He couldn't tell whether his comm bracelet was broken or if nobody could actually hear him. He was huddled up inside the wrecked escape pod which brought him to this God-forsaken planet. He was hungry, thirsty and almost certain that he was being watched,

"Come on Zen, answer me will you?"

He would continually repeat himself over and over. If it served nothing else, then at least it kept his mind sane. Even then he wasn't sure how long that would last,

"You don't have to talk to me. You don't even have to listen to me complain. Just tell me you're on your way and I'll shut up."

Still no reply.

"You're an idiot Zen. I should have gotten Avon to dismantle you ages ago."

Again there was silence and it was starting to dawn on Villa that the desert which surrounded him might be the last thing he would see.

"Good evening."

The voice was dark, calm and most definitely did not belong to Villa. Startled, he spun around and tried to level his blaster. But he lost his balance and fell hard onto his broken arm. He cried out in pain and the stranger laughed,

"How could a creature such as you survive in this environment?" he asked with a twisted guffaw,

Villa looked up at the stranger with expectations of meeting his own demise. He didn't recognise the individual who sported an elegant cloak which bore the crest of The Syndicate. A black lightsabre hung from a clip on his belt and his expression was one of pitiful humour.

"Are you going to kill me?" asked Villa, trying to avoid the stranger's piercing gaze,

"Believe me. Had I wished you dead, you'd already be there by now." replied the stranger as he slowly circled Villa, "You are trying to contact your ship?"

"How... how could you know?"

"I've been watching you Villa. Hearing your every word and listening with much curiosity."

"How do you know who I am?"

"Let us just say that I have certain 'insights' beyond that you would call normal."

Villa thought for a moment and all he could think of for a response was, 'Oh.' The silence which followed was soon broken by the stranger, as he stood closer to Villa,

"You are Villa Restal. A convicted thief with an unusual talent for getting into places where he is not welcome." Before Villa could respond, the stranger continued, "You joined a small uprising on an imperial prison ship which led to your eventual rendezvous with a powerful alien ship which you now call the Liberator."

"You certainly know your stuff." Said Villa timidly.

"I know far more that you may think. And one thing I do know which will be of interest to you, is that the Liberator is destroyed."

For the first time, a complete stranger with a threatening disposition didn't scare him, since he couldn't be more petrified than he was now. But then the stranger held out his hand and offered it to Villa,

"Come with me. I could use someone like you." His voice was still intimidating, but any intentions of harm were not directed at Villa who simply responded,

"Who are you, where am I?"

"I am Sothan Kor and welcome to the glorious world of Korriban!"
______________________

"Korriban?"

Tarrant was surprised as Avon stood there with his arms folded, "what makes you even think he's on Korriban?"

Without responding, Avon pressed the communicator playback and Villa's cracked voice played out over the speaker, "You're an idiot Zen. I should have gotten Avon to dismantle you ages ago."

Tarrant didn't appear very impressed, "That doesn't answer my question Avon."

"Well then perhaps you'd better pay more attention in the future." Replied Avon as he made his way toward the navigation station on the Liberator, "Zen has identified the source as coming from within the Horuset star system. And since there is only one planet in that system... well I'll let you figure the rest out."

Tarrant gave an irritated huff before rising up to join Avon at the navigation station,

"Okay so he's on Korriban. So what now?"

"We rescue him." Avon's voice was so icy that had he said that the sky was pink he would have sounded convincing.

"Rescue him how?" Asked Tarrant with growing frustration, "Korriban is the original homeworld of the Sith and I can assure you that we don't want to go there."

"You don't have to assure anything," replied Avon, "I don't want to go either. But the fact is that Villa is stuck on Korriban and as much as it pains me to say this... we need him."

"Why, because he's your friend?" snorted Tarrant,

"Hardly. He is a means to an end and a necessary one at that."

"And what if Cally and I refuse to go with you?"

"Then you can leave the ship through the nearest airlock." If Avon was attempting a joke, Tarrant certainly couldn't tell,

"Alright Avon, we'll play it your way. For now." And he left the flight deck leaving Avon deep in his own thoughts...

"Oh, the class was decently interesting and the instructor wasn't that bad," he said calmly before moving on from the subject. As he did so, he used a Jedi trick to calm himself and surpress any emotions that may be emitted.

"How about.... sabers no force powers," Liam suggested as he removed his cloak and dropped it slowly behind him. Reaching to his side, he removed the lightsaber and readied it in front of him.

David dropped his tunic for the first time near Liam. He was fairly well built, keeping in shape thanks to some nanites he had injected himself with when he was 25. Liam saw many scars, most on his side from close calls in knife fights and a few bullet wounds. Liam lost count at thirty and focused on his Master's powering up. While it wasn't a Force Power, David had thrown himself in a berserker mode by pushing his body adrenal glands making him ready for almost anything. Even Kasandral had never seen David do this before as it could have the effect of burning out his system. David's eyes flashed white before he shouted, "Liam, are you ready?" Among the hesistant response, David said, "Don't hold back. I'm not going to this time either, but I will not kill or permantly injure you."

A true fighter expresses himself through battle, and asks his questions with his punches and responds with his kicks. David shot into Liam's mind using the Force as a private conversation. By this time, a crowd had gathererd and watched as David's body suddenly relaxed totally. He then stood up and said, "I am ready. Liam, attack at your disgresion."

Tak'a-Tamen's ships were nearing the Tenekentris system.

"My lord, We are nearing the system."

"Are our fighters ready to engage any ship we see?" The Evil One replied.

"Yes sir. Anything else my liege?"

"Yes, do you keep yourself in good shape?"

"Why it is a requirement to be a servant of yours. I pride myself on being the best fighter in the fleet as well as the strongest in the Order." The puzzled ensign said.

"Good....." Tak'a said, turning around. He then dropped his mask to reveal a black mist that launched itself upon the ensign. The mist then entered the ensign's body heedless of the screams of pain. The body then dropped and arose again. It moved and put on the fallen robes and mask of Tak'a-Tamen.

"Ah..." Tamen's voice now came from the body, "Nothing says hello like a fresh body and tasty soul in the morning." He then walked to the bridge and began directing his fleet's entrance into the system using an old blind spot of any left-over sensors. His Fleet was now in reach and he could reclaim some of his old power even though his temple was in shatters.

Liam was impressed as David removed his tunic to reveal a solidly built body. Liam himself at a very impressive body ripped with muscles and toned to perfection as he used the Force to enhance his body. As he waited for David to ready himself for the battle at hand, Liam was calming himself and preparing himself for combat.

"I was born ready..." Liam replied in a simply voice that lacked emotion. It was true, too - his whole life he had been preparing for conflict. He had been taught nearly all known forms of lightsaber combat and had even been working on his own in recent years. It required precise movements and could be used in unison with the force well, but was at the same time erratic and fragmented - unpredictable.

As David finished his mental message, Liam sealed off his mind, blocking anyone from entering it in any form.

The word 'ready' was barely out of David's mouth when Liam launched into the first attack of the match, oblivious to all those who had formed up around them to watch. His lightsaber blurred with speed and began a series of variable swipes, jabs, and attacks…

Kasandral watched the student closely. He's strong...and his form is as none I've ever seen before.

I am sure you could defeat him, mistress. A familiar voice sounded softly in her head. Kasandral's hand absently drifted to the black hilt of one of her lightsabers, the one called "Zerghiel." She smiled slightly, closing her eyes.

Kind words will not make you a more valued weapon, Zerghiel. And besides...the point is not that I could beat him, but that he could defeat David.

A pause, then... He would be of great use to Master Tak'a-Tamen.

Kasandral's eyes shot open, narrowing slightly. You will utter no such thought again, Zerghiel. My times of servitude to that beast are through.

The voice in Kasandral's mind seemed amused at that. As you say, mistress. But remember all that he did for you. He taught you most of what you know. And it was because of him that you met your husband.

Betrayed my husband, I am sure you mean. I let Tak'a-Tamen's forces take him, without a word from my mouth.

Yes, but you are grateful, none-the-less.

I am no such thing. Tak'a-Tamen needs to die. Again.

Careful now, Mistress..such thoughts are dark.

So the pot calls the kettle black now, does it? Kasandral glared at the blade.

Remember the last time Tak'a-Tamen came. They took me from you, called you a blight upon the galaxy. Much blood was shed.

As I recall, it was you that was named the blight. I can be rid of you easily enough, and I shall if you continue this line of thought.

Oh, but you won't, mistress. I am far too useful.

Usefulness is shown through humility and respect, not manipulation. Kasandral took a deep, calming breath.

...As you say, mistress. And the blade fell silent.

Kasandral frowned. Might be that the thing needed to be launched out into the vaccuum of space, and soon. Of course, she'd kept it in check for over a year now...perhaps she could continue to do so.

She turned her attention back to the fight, a little shaken by the blade's words. Zerghiel was designed to read the users thoughts...perhaps there was some truth to what he had said. Still, Tak'a-Tamen did need to die. And soon.

David's lightsaber flung up from the ground all too quickly for Liam. Its twisted gold, red, and silver blade activated while rising and David took hold and secured it just before Liam's blade struck with his. Neither lightsaber faltered, and at Liam's suprise at having failed to blow David's blade apart. Electricity filled the air, sparks flying and even setting an unfortunate student's tunic on fire (which was quickly doused). This was just enough of a distraction for David to kick his apprentice's knees out from under him, get in a good judo hold and denied Liam any use of his saber hand without much pain to befall the user. David simply disarmed his student, placing Liam's saber on his belt before putting Liam in a hold with a lightsaber across his neck.

"Again. This time don't lower your guard when you scan for a threat. Don't push your blade forward when you are about to attack. Also, something is bothering you, like you want to ask me something but don't know whether you should. Ask, after all our blades are on training/stun settings." David said before adding through the force Tell me through the Force since its so secretive.

Sothan Kor was aware that Tak'a-Tamen had retrieved the last remaining Order troops from Korriban and had taken them along with their fleet to the microscopic remains of Tentenerikis V. The planet was once the very centre of the Dark Zone, until it and the planet along with Tak'a-Tamen's temple was destroyed in the last Great War with the Coreworld alliance... Or so it was thought.

In the vast void lay the empty shell of Tentenerikis V, restored by the nature of the unseen force of evil. Sothan Kor could feel the shadow of Tak'a-Tamen approaching Tentenerikis V and saw that his time had come.

Sothan Kor was revelling in the Sith essence of Korriban as Villa watched with reserved curiosity. He had only two choices, which was to either remain stranded on Korriban or agree to serve Sothan Kor as. Since he was convinced that the Liberator was destroyed, Villa opted for the lesser of two evils and was starting to wonder if being stranded wouldn't have been such a bad idea,

"Ah this is so invigorating don't you agree?" asked Kor as though it were the most obvious thing in the universe. Not really knowing what to say Villa replied,

"Uh, yeah. Never felt better." He had been glancing over at Soolin who was simply standing next to him with her arms crossed. Villa wasn't sure quite what to make of the blond who had demonstrated her lightening fast ability to draw her weapon. She obviously wasn't a Sith or a Jedi and she was keeping quiet about her relationship with Kor.

"The shadow of Tak'a-Tamen walks again, but it is I who will become the most powerful being." Kor said loudly, "The book of D'rea and Mosh is within my grasp and when I have possession I will rid the galaxy of the Miles' academy and every other puny Jedi who ever attended it."

Villa nodded, thinking it would be better to agree than otherwise, however Soolin was a stoic as ever,

"And what is Tak'a-Tamen gets it first?" she asked dryly. Sothan Kor seemed to ponder the question before brushing it aside as though it were of no importance,

"He is but a shadow of his former self. I can take care of that... after it and the Order of the Universe have destroyed the Miles' fleet."

Soolin didn't respond and certainly didn't appear convinced. Villa wisely chose to remain quiet...

OOC: Umm... okay, I will let it slide...
IC:

Liam was a quick learner; he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. He retrieved his lightsaber from David's hand and got to his feet. Brushing himself off, he returned to his offensive stance and readied himself for the next round.

"There is nothing important bothering me," Liam responded, "Just the normal anxieties that come along with being told you will face one of the most evil and powerful people in the world." It could have been taken as a joke had it not been for Liam's monotonous way of pronouncing it.

As his mind was sealed off to the Force, barriers erect, the message from David never reached Liam's consciousness. Instead, without warning, Liam began his second attack; lightsaber twirling and slashing seemingly erratically.

Avon, Tarrant and Cally materialised on the surface of Korriban with their blasters drawn. As always, Avon's look was one of cold and logical observation whilst Tarrant and Cally made a quick and inefficient scope of their desolate surroundings,

"Not much to look at is it?" Cally stated flatly,

"Certainly not for your average Joe," replied Tarrant, his guard easing ever so slightly, "The Order consider this to be their most sacred planet, what with its Sith affiliation."

"I find it mildly disconcerting that we haven't encountered any of their resistance yet." Said Avon as he concluded his own observations,

"Yes I was wondering about that," Tarrant replied as he walked forward, "when I served the Order of the Universe, the most basic law we had to obey was to never allow 'infidels' to land on Korriban."

"And yet here we are." Retorted Cally. A moment of silence passed, filled only by the sound of the passing breeze which carried with it the smallest grains of sand,

"I think Orac's preconception of a welcoming committee might have been somewhat overstated?" Tarrant finally asked,

"Orac knows only the information it can retrieve from other computers," Avon replied bluntly, "which means that any Order presence that was here previously have obviously only recently departed."

At that point a blaster bolt shot through the air missing Tarrant's head by mere inches. "DOWN!" Yelled Avon, but the others certainly didn't need to be told twice as everyone leapt to the ground nearest their respective covers. Avon raised his eye line to just above the boulder he was crouched behind as laser blasts peppered around them. The resulting dust made it extremely difficult for him to see anything resembling potential targets and so he blindly returned fire with the hope of trying to distract their attackers.

Tarrant meanwhile was making his way forward under the cover of the surrounding dust to try and pick out his own targets. Avon's fire was giving him some assistance as the attackers were obviously taking cover themselves. Reaching a large outcropping of rocks, Tarrant gazed in the direction of the attackers and for a split second, caught sight of a humanoid shape. A split second was all he needed as he levelled his weapon and fired. The sound of laser bolts striking flesh preceded the grunt echoed by his target, which confirmed to Tarrant that he had scored a direct, hit. He didn't start to celebrate too soon and wisely threw himself to the ground as returning laser blasts flew his way.

Cally had noticed one of their attackers fall and made a quick calculation as to where in relation the other one was standing. Quickly arriving at a solution, Cally opened up with her blaster with the ferocity of a charging rhino. Avon flashed a look of surprise before regaining his composure and joined Cally's fire with his. Soon there was silence again and the dust settled to reveal two dead bodies in Order of the Universe drapings. Tarrant kept his weapon level as he approached the pair and subsequently kicked their weapons away,

"I suppose it is feasible that the Order would have left a couple of guards behind." Said Avon, finishing his previous sentence. Cally caught a glimpse of something reflecting in the dull sunlight and pointed,

"Avon, isn't that one of the Liberator escape pods?" she asked anxiously. The trio walked up to it and Avon instantly agreed that it was the remains of Villa's escape pod, but there was no sign of Villa himself.

"Perhaps he didn't make it?" Said Tarrant, his mouth becoming dry. Just then, a ship flew low overhead and the three of them ducked instinctively as if to prevent their heads from being taken off. Avon looked up at the ship as it gained altitude and was suddenly struck by a sense of familiarity,

"He made it alright," he said morbidly, "and it wouldn't surprise me if he was now in the delightful care of Sothan Kor."

"The Syndicate agent?" Tarrant asked bemused, "Why would you think that?"

"Because that's his ship, the Scorpio," replied Avon, "and he nearly destroyed the Liberator...

David knew this was bound to follow. Liam was flustered. Something within him said more than his words. David countered with a parry, slash, and then brought out his spare lightsaber. The hilt struck Lim at the nape of his neck. Liam and David both knew that if David had activated it, Liam's head weould be severed. All he had now was just a painful bruise just where his hair started.

"Now. Come to my office. There is much we must discuss before you are able to fight truly." David said, putting his shirt back on and entering the door to the aforementioned office.

Liam eventually followed and sat in one of David's chairs.

"What's holding you back? What is occuping your mind. There is something on your tongue you don't know whether to tell me. Now is the time to tell me, because I won't be so nice in ten minutes when we go through the seashell helmet again. Oh, and by the way, when you finish today, I'll have taught you every Force power I know. You're that close and have come that far."

"Sir, I have already answered that," Liam said when they were securely in David's office. "Just the normal pressures of my studies and education combined with a few other things... not to mention the whole Dark Lord rising situation."

"I doubt many other people have to deal with taking on the burden of a prophecy and dealing with one much more experienced and powerful than theirself, knowing that the fate of many lies in their hands, their knowledge, and the movements of their lightsaber," Liam continued.

"It is just a lot to take in at once..." he sighed, making a note to himself of what David had concluded his sentence by saying; I'll have taught you every Force power I know. You're that close and have come that far.

"Very well then. I trust you're ready." David hesitated before speaking again. "One last thing, I'm not sure you're what the prophecy said when it quoted everything. Truth is, there is no prophecy saying you will defeat Tak'a-Tamen. We're not sure Tak'a-Tamen's the real bad guy either. We just know somebody will kill the real baddie and I felt it was prudent to take on a protege. Then in time, you will train someone as I have you and keep vigilant in case the day never comes when I'm alive. Now let's begin." David then took the helmet and placed it on his head, selecting a third switch on the side of both his and Liam's helmets. The training lasted for two hours before David took his helmet off, furious.

"Why didn't you tell me you were taking my daughter's class AND that she wanted to go somewhere with you.....Shoot, that day's her 17th birthday...." David vented a little more at nothing in particular and the air seemed to shiver as if a steam engine was letting off some pressure. David then broke down before saying, "Ok, you two can go. Just know I have ways of tracking you and anything dishonorable you do with her can be seen. Also know I am the one who sent those two Jedi to another ship so I wouldn't kill them."

It was just the two of them. Face to face. Each betraying no emotion, giving no hint whatsoever to any feelings they may be sensing. If one hadn't known better, one would assume the pair were carved from marble.

On one side of the bridge stood the new form of Tak'a-Tamen. A young and healthy body provided the shadow a vessel in which to exist and new Tak'a-Tamen was reborn anew. He looked very different from the form he had before. In many ways he was an entirely different person and yet... He had the memories. He had the knowledge. And he had the power. Tak'a-Tamen had been regenerated to exist again.

On the other side stood Sothan Kor. The Syndicate agent never flinched when he saw him. He had never seen the form standing before him now, but he knew. Despite the different appearance, the different voice, Kor knew that what he saw was nothing less than pure evil,

"You seem younger than the legend describes." Kor finally said.

"What manner of creature are you to presume to speak to me?" Replied the reformed Tak'a-Tamen,

"I am the one who presumes to speak whenever he chooses," said Kor, his voice rising ever so slightly, "and I do not require permission from the likes of a charlatan such as yourself for that or any other reason."

If it were the original warlord, Tak'a-Tamen would never have given any indication that he was provoked. Indeed the offender would most likely be dead right now. But the pride of the young man who once owned the body that Tak'a-Tamen now occupied still had a sparkle of existence and was so displayed when the young warlord took a step forward with his arms hanging loosely,

"Guard your tongue, lest I remove it myself.” he said with a noticeable hardness in his voice. Sothan Kor on the other hand simply stood his ground with his arms crossed,

"It would satisfy my curiosity to see you try," he replied, "I've always wanted to see how a twice defeated warlord fights."

Nothing and no one could have moved faster. For inside the time it takes to batter an eyelid, Tak'a-Tamen was in the air, his lightsabre alight and focusing down toward what looked like an unsuspecting Sothan Kor. Kor himself was surprised merely for a nano-second before igniting his own blood-red blade and deflected his opponent’s.

The speed and ferociousness of the clashing swords was beyond human. A blur of movement and red light seemed to merge into one being as it moved throughout the bridge. The Order troops who were at their stations had wisely moved out of the way long before the altercation started as sparks and flying debris spread everywhere created by the destructive force of the two combatants.

The duel looked as though it had been rehearsed a thousand times before and it was almost as if that were the case. Both Sothan Kor and Tak'a-Tamen's own skill and strength of the force allowed them to see the other's attacks before they happened. Many might call this a stalemate; others may hitch their own bets on a potential victor.

Tak'a-Tamen and Kor's blades locked together for a moment and the pair glared into each other's eyes with almost pure barbarism. A split second later, Kor thrust down and Tak'a-Tamen moved to counter. But his momentum was pushed so that he overbalanced slightly and Kor struck out with his fist, catching the warlord squarely on the chin making him reel backward. Kor gave a mocking grin as he spun forward his advantage. But his overconfidence got the better of him as Tak'a-Tamen's countermove under spun Kor's thrust making him stop too early. Tak'a-Tamen struck out with his leg, which winded Kor, forcing him to step backward,

"You've seen me fight," he said, twirling his lightsabre into a different posture, "care to see me kill?"

"Not particularly," replied Kor and he force-pushed out with all of his might, sending Tak'a-Tamen flying toward the other end of the bridge and crashing into the far side station. Sothan Kor composed himself as he moved forward, "Still profess to being the most powerful warlord in the galaxy?"

"I profess nothing," replied Tak'a-Tame getting up, "I AM the most powerful warlord in the galaxy!" And he struck out with his force-lightening. Kor deflected the first jolt with his lightsabre, which landed squarely into the chest of one of the bridge officers. However the second jolt was twice as powerful, knocking his lightsabre free of his grip and encasing him in an envelope of light and pain, which brought him to his knees.

"You were a fool to think you could destroy me!" Exclaimed Tak'a-Tamen, "You know not what you are dealing with!" And he jolted Kor again with another burst of lightening.

Despite everything, Tak'a-Tamen was actually surprised at how Sothan Kor resisted the urge to cry out in pain. But he was keen to hear this impertinent whelp beg for mercy and so he increased the pain. His face was seething and his lips were drawn back to reveal his teeth which gritted together with determination. After a while and much lightening later, Sothan Kor finally succumbed and let out a cry. Tak'a-Tamen revelled in the sound and doubled the voltage even more. No matter how hard he tried, Kor could not break free. Finally he fell to the ground, silent.

It was only after that that Tak'a-Tamen ceased his assault. Kor was flinching, his clothes smouldering after the punishing heat he had just endured. A moment passed and Tak'a-Tamen composed himself,

"No Jedi or Sith has ever bore the brunt of my power like that before. You have proven yourself worthy to live."

Kor could hear Tak'a-Tamen, but his voice sounded distant. He was still trying to regain his bearings and the warlord's voice helped him to focus. But then his voice changed. It started to sound more sinister and even more dangerous than what it had before,

"Consider yourself fortunate my friend. For the next time, I will not stop until every atom making up your existence is vaporised."

Kor lay there contemplating. He was beginning to understand the phrase, 'bitten off more than he can chew'. For him at least, this was not over...

"Very well then. I trust you're ready." David hesitated before speaking again. "One last thing, I'm not sure you're what the prophecy said when it quoted everything. Truth is, there is no prophecy saying you will defeat Tak'a-Tamen. We're not sure Tak'a-Tamen's the real bad guy either. We just know somebody will kill the real baddie and I felt it was prudent to take on a protege. Then in time, you will train someone as I have you and keep vigilant in case the day never comes when I'm alive. Now let's begin." David then took the helmet and placed it on his head, selecting a third switch on the side of both his and Liam's helmets. The training lasted for two hours before David took his helmet off, furious.

"Why didn't you tell me you were taking my daughter's class AND that she wanted to go somewhere with you.....Shoot, that day's her 17th birthday...." David vented a little more at nothing in particular and the air seemed to shiver as if a steam engine was letting off some pressure. David then broke down before saying, "Ok, you two can go. Just know I have ways of tracking you and anything dishonorable you do with her can be seen. Also know I am the one who sent those two Jedi to another ship so I wouldn't kill them."

"Well that certainly takes a load off," Liam said sarcastically in jest as David explained the prophecy. Liam gave a slight smile as David lifted and attached the helmet to his head; knowledge rushed in as his brain tried to absorb it all.

Then David ripped the helmet off furious. "Calm yourself, sir," Liam said, "It isn't good to become so angry - especially over trivial stuff."

"I didn't think telling you that I was taking her class - which I didn't know was her class until I got there - was important. Nor did I know it was her 17th birthday..." he explained. "I will do nothing to upset you further," he said as he stood up.

"If our training is over, I will go now, sir," he said, looking for permission.

"Liam. If you want to go with her, go. I won't stop you. I trust you to be honorable." David said, totally calm now. "I apoligise for losing my cool. You'll need a makeup lesson now. There are a few things we still didn't cover today. Meet me here in three days and we'll practice everything you have learned thusfar."

"Liam. If you want to go with her, go. I won't stop you. I trust you to be honorable." David said, totally calm now. "I apoligise for losing my cool. You'll need a makeup lesson now. There are a few things we still didn't cover today. Meet me here in three days and we'll practice everything you have learned thusfar."

Glad that his master had now calmed down, Liam relaxed. "I will be right here in three days," he said, glad that he had allowed him to go with Jenna. "I will see you later, sir," he said as he exited the room, his mind racing.

What was it that Jenna had told him to do? All I need you to do is get my dad really tired, she had told him. Liam had done what he could and not knowing what to do next set off for his room.

David got home and went to his living room where Jenna had already gotten him a beer.

"Jenna. There's no need in trying and getting me drunk. I already talked with Liam. Jenna's eyes went wide with this. "I am lifting your and your sister's restrictions. You can go with Liam. Just know that I will know if you repeat your previous actions I will not be so lenient on either of you."

Liam continued back to his chambers, ignoring the others he passed on his way. He was tired and wanted to save the energy he had left. When he arrived back at his chambers he removed his lightsaber from his side and put it on the bed. He then sat down on the ground and began meditating; relaxing.

Sothan Kor was a patient individual. He had underestimated the new Tak'a-Tamen's power, a mistake that he won't make in the future. Kor knew that once he possessed the book of D'rea and Mosh, he would be able to easily swipe the warlord with a mere fraction of the effort Tak'a-Tamen had used on him. The only part of Kor to suffer any long term injury from that altercation was his pride, something he could never take very well.

After much monologue, Tak'a-Tamen had 'decided' to make Kor his servant. 'Apprentice' would have been the very definition of understatements because of Kor's existing skills and 'master' would just plain be a major conflict of superiority. So Tak'a-Tamen had bestowed upon Kor the 'honour' of being his servant, something that the Syndicate agent accepted under gritted teeth. But this was a humiliation he was willing to bear... for a short time.

Sothan Kor was watching Soolin and Villa standing on the incarcerated side of the brig, eyeing the pair with a curiosity from a perspective of someone studying insects,

"I trust the pair of you are being kept well?" he asked with insincere concern. Soolin fired him a dangerous look,

"I'm surprised you'd bother to show up Kor. After all, don't you have your 'master' to serve now?" Kor had known Soolin for a great many years and had come to respect her. But even now he still would not tolerate such a disrespectful tone and demonstrated this by applying a gentle but uncomfortable force-grip around her throat,

"I am no one's servant. Am I clear!?" he snarled as he applied an invisible upward pressure. Villa said absolutely nothing and sat huddled in the corner watching the whole thing as though it were a horror movie,

"What's... ... the matter Kor?... ... " choked Soolin, her gaze still displaying fire in her eyes, "... not man... ... enough to... finish it!?" For the briefest of seconds, Kor considered snapping her neck. But something in his mind flared and he released his grip. Soolin fell to her knees trying not to show her discomfort,

"I have need of you both," Kor said, continuing as if nothing had happened, "we are approaching the intercepted position of the Miles fleet as reported to us by Bothan spies."

This time Villa spoke up, "Bothan spies? You can't trust anything they say!" Kor glared straight at him and Villa thought his life was over,

"Which is why you are being sent in ahead of us," he replied sounding no less dangerous than before, "the two of you will determine which ship Mike and David Miles are on and report it back to us. The fleet will then attack and myself and... Tak'a-Tamen will board their ship and take the book."

"What makes you think we're going to go along with that?" asked Soolin, her voice still sounding croaky. Kor directed them to touch the backs of their necks,

"You will notice a small implant each. They have been attached directly to your brain stems."

Villa felt the offending implant but was none the wiser as to what Kor was saying. Soolin seemed likewise baffled but the realisation was slowly dawning on her,

"Slave chips?" she said flatly. Sothan Kor smiled,

"Very good Soolin. But these are not just any slave chips. These are modified so that when you reach Miles' ship, they will send an undetectable signal directing us to his vessel and then deactivate completely."

"And if we don't go?" Asked Villa timidly,

"Then my friend," replied Kor with an unfriendly smug voice, "You and Soolin will die. Failure to cooperate will cause some discomfort and the more disobedient you are, the more powerful the shock. And since your brain stems control bodily functions such as breathing and heart beat... well, I'll let your imaginations think about that."

Villa couldn't have been more shocked than he was now and started clawing at the implant, desperately trying to get it off. Soolin fell silent and simply sat down whilst Sothan Kor laughed perversely at their predicament, "You leave in one hour. I'll let the two of you get better acquainted so that you may complete your mission successfully." And he left them.

Villa felt like he could cry and Soolin just looked REALLY angry, "If ever I get my hands on him, I promise you..." she said coolly, "I will kill that bastard myself."

Villa just sat there, scratching his neck and hoping that time would be soon...

Mike was watching the clock lying awake in bed. His wife next to him, his ship secure, everything in proper order. It all felt too good.
*Click*

The clock turned over to midnight again to begin its daily routie which usually involved Mike rolling over, kissing his wife, and going to sleep.
~~~~~~
Five and a half hours later he awoke, showered, got dressed, and went to his duty station. another boring day on duty station for him. Three more hours and his sisters would awake, Jenna preparing for her date with Liam.

Sometime during his meditation Liam had become so relaxed that he actually fell asleep; right there on the floor of his room.

It wasn't until much later when he began sensing the hustle and bustle of the normal daily activity beginning aboard the ship that he woke up. He looked at the clock, which read eight-oh-three, and began getting ready.

He disrobed and moved to the shower quickly where he began washing; his normal routine ensued...

"Impressive aren't they?"

Tak'a-Tamen had led Sothan Kor to the main docking bay where waiting for them were batallions of what looked like robotic soldiers. Behind them were wedge-shaped craft small enough to be considered one-man fighters. Kor eyed the display with a sense of uncomfortable familiarity. Tak'a-Tamen on the other hand seemed entirely impressed with the little collection he had gathered.

"Where did you find these?" asked Kor, his surprise still registering,

"The Order of the Universe have been quite thorough in salvaging 'forgotten' technology," replied Tak'a-Tamen as he circled one of the inactive robotic troopers, "They found one of these NOC-drones buried deep in the chasms on Solosis III."

"That planet is on the other side of the galaxy! Just what was this 'thing' doing there?"

"Apparently nothing," the warlord replied dryly, "Solosis III was the so-called last battle between the Turr'ala and the 8th Empire a hundred years ago. And now their technology is mine!"

"Just how could the derelicts of a long dead empire be of any use?" Kor asked not without a hint of impatience. Tak'a-Tamen ignored his servant's impetuous disposition and continued,

"The Order of the Universe have restored and rebuilt these NOC-drones which I might add are far more powerful and deadlier than any battle droid that has existed." He turned and outstretched his arms toward his new army in a biblical manner, "With this technology, I will crush the remaining Jedi and have the heads of both David and Mike Miles stuck on pikes for all to see. As soon as Villa and Soolin have located the Miles' fleet, we will attack and they will see that I, Warlord Tak'a-Tamen am the supreme master!"

Sothan Kor eyed the arsenal once again. Even he had to admit that with the technology of the 8th Empire, it would not be entirely unrealistic for Tak'a-Tamen to succeed. Then again, Kor could see how an army like this would be useful and started formulating plans to own it himself.

Villa was still confused as to how he and Soolin had arrived at the Miles' fleet. One moment the pair were sitting in their cell on board the lead Order ship, the next they had somehow ended up in the cargo bay on one of the supply ships in the fleet.

Frustration and confusion preceded the sudden reminder the implants gave them to continue with their mission. Fortunately for them, the cargo ship they were on didn't have a large crew and the intership traffic was fairly frequent. They had already covered a third of the fleet by the time they had entered one of the largest ships,

"This is a waste of time." Complained Villa as they walked through the boarding tube,

"That has got to be the hundredth time you've said that!" exclaimed Soolin as the pair tried to blend in with the rest of the crowd,

"I don't see why we can't just tell this lot what's really happening."

Soolin stopped and turned, her face was a picture of repressed rage desperate to be vented, "Let me make this clear to you one more time Villa. I know Sothan Kor and I know that what he has told us about these implants is true!"

"If you knew him so well why did you stay with him?" asked Villa impatiently, "and how can you be so sure about what he said? For all we know we could be out of range of their sensors!"

"Listen to me very carefully you bloody fool!" Soolin was now at boiling point and Villa's own frustration was quickly wearing thin, "I don't have to explain myself to you or anyone else! TRUST me when I say; if we don't do what Kor has said, WE... WILL... DIE!"

A steady but uncomfortable silence filled the void between them. Soolin turned away from Villa as she tried to compose herself. Villa on the other hand still had a few things to complain about but thought better of it when he suddenly noticed Soolin's implant blinking,

"Soolin?" he asked timidly,

"Shut it Villa okay?!" she snapped, "I don't want to hear another word!"

"But I think this is..."

"I said shut up Villa!"

"Your implant is blinking!!"

That caught Soolin's attention and she spun around to face her unlikely partner, "blinking?" she asked and directed Villa to show the back of his neck,

What is it?" he asked, almost fearing the answer,

"Yours is blinking too."

"What does that mean?" whimpered Villa, thoughts of a slow death creeping into his mind, "are these things going to go off?"

"It means that we are on or at least very near to the target ship." replied Soolin coolly, "These implants are sending their signal."

"Oh I've got a bad feeling about this." said Villa. Soolin had a very similar feeling...
______________________

In the deep recesses of space, large formations of NOC-fighters grouped together. Sensing the signal from the implants, they all disappeared into hyperspace toward their target...

Mike was walking on the bridge of his vessel. His dad shot him a message from the Miles. Mike reflected that it was wise the two top honchos were split on two ships in case of attack. Both had remembered lessons from the Battle of Midway well.
Mike, you there?

"Yeah dad, what is it?"

You can release those two guys from shit detail. Jenna's been forgiven.

"Ok. Now, what about a possible ambush? I mean, what are we going to do if we're attacked before we reach CW?"

We fight back, send a message for assistance to CW, hope for the best. Simple as that.

"Understood. Anything else."

Yeah, Kas is behind you.

Mike turned around and smiles.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna and Liam met outside the Theater just after noon to watch a slasher/horror movie.

Kasandral smiled right back, leaning forward a bit to give Mike a little peck on the cheek.

"I see you got up bright and early this morning, dear."

"Hey," Liam greeted nervously as he met up with Jenna. "I did my best with your dad, but he still got a little angry..." he explained as they entered the theater.

It was dark in the theater and several of the seats were already occupied, but for the most part Jenna and Liam had the pick of the litter. "Do you want anything to eat?" he asked politely, deciding that he best let Jenna decide where to sit.

Mike kissed Kas again and began to open his mouth, forming a reply when an ensign shouted out, "SIR! WE HAVE MASSES OF ENEMY DROIDS OFF OUR AFT CORNERS!" Mike jumped at hearing this unexpected news before asking, "SHIELDS UP NOW!!!" then he thought "HOW MANY?! WHAT TYPES!" as the protective energy barriers envelloped the Fleet. Now it wasn't widely known that on CM ships the energy shields had a built-in failure point to where they would intentionally collapse and then reset at full power much like a circuit breaker. The Entire Fleet was protected by this, but not that many people knew about this. Hopefully, Mike thought, These drones won't know about this either...

"All ships, launch fighters and arm disruptor arrays." Mike called as the battle was beginning.

~~~~~~~~~~
Liam and Jenna were watching the movie when the entire ship went under combat conditions. All unnecessary buildings, such as the theatre went to the low-power red lighting while everyone staggered to their battle stations. Jenna told Liam, "You're with me..." she then hesitated before taking his hand and dragged him all the way to the combat bridge where her father was waiting.

Wave after wave of NOC-fighters dispersed from hyperspace as they advanced upon the fleet. They moulded into formation the shape of which resembled a very intimidating barbed wire barrier. Their approach was slow to begin with as the CM fighters formed up ready to defend their fleet,

This is Red-Alpha leader to squad. Form up on my wing and stand by to engage.

This is Blue-Theta leader to squad. Begin advance and peel off when in weapons ranges.

The NOC-fighter's approach continued at a pace. It was as if a giant wall was slowly moving closer and closer to the fleet.

Red Alpha leader to all fighters. Accelerate to attack speed and engage, weapons free!"

The CM fighters accelerated and dispersed. The very second that happened the NOC-fighters themselves split into groups of three and sped after their own targets. The dark void was lit up with laser fire and explosions as the two sides clashed together in one gigantic battle. Single CM fighters were being chased by a three-formation of NOC-fighters as supporting ships tried to pick them off.

It seemed for a moment as though the CM forces were easily holding them back until a large group penetrated the left flank and sped toward the fleet. Anti-fighter flak guns and defence batteries opened up with everything they had. Some of the NOC-fighters were atomised instantly as the others broke distance and opened fire...
______________________

Soolin and Villa were feeling warm if nothing else. They had sought refuge in a small room on one of the emptier parts of the ship when the battle alert sounded. The room fell dark only to be bathed in red light as a voice neither of them had heard before rang out over the intercom,

"All ships, launch fighters and arm disruptor arrays."

Villa had already curled up into a ball as Soolin glanced out of the small porthole,

"These implants haven't come off!" exclaimed Villa seemingly oblivious to the commotion outside, "He said they would come off once the signal was sent!"

"He lied Villa," replied Soolin coolly. It was strange but she reminded Villa of Avon in some ways; cold, unsympathetic... annoyingly calm! "Sothan Kor gave us a false sense of hope and security and we fell for it!"

"You don't seem too angry about it!" said Villa desperately,

"Believe me I am." She replied, her gaze never wavering from the outside view. She could see in the distance what looked like a large wall moving slowly toward the fleet. It was a sight uncommon to her and she pressed her head harder against the glass as if the view would be any better that way. Suddenly the wall seemed to fall apart outward and the tiny 'bricks' that made up that wall had all split into groups of three before attacking the CM fighters.

Frustration took hold and Soolin crashed her fist against the bulkhead. Villa shook at the surprisingly loud noise it made and stared at his partner,

"GODDAMNIT!!" she proclaimed, her exterior shell of calm rapidly cracking away, "If only there was a way to unlock these infernal implants!"

Quickly, Villa's attention focused on Soolin, "These things can be unlocked?" he asked, any sense of fear he was feeling had quickly evaporated,

"Of course they can!" replied Soolin as though it were the most simplest of things,

"You mean you knew that we could have unlocked these things at any time... and you didn't tell my?"

Soolin turned to him with an aggravated expression, "No offence Villa, but you don't strike me as anything more than a snivelling coward."

"Looks can be deceiving you know!" Villa replied, his attitude gradually displaying signs of confidence, "I am actually a very good lock picker. In fact I would go so far to say that I am the best!"

Soolin didn't appear in anyway impressed. Instead she simply blew air between her lips impatiently, "Alright then 'Mr. Locksmith'! If you can get these off... I will give you my body."

Villa's eyes lit up and his mouth suddenly became very dry, "Really?" he asked timidly. Soolin was a very attractive young lady. Her curvaceous body was something Villa would dream about if the circumstances were normal.

"Yeah. Come on big shot!" she replied with a challenging tone. Villa let loose a smug half smile and cracked his knuckles,

"Alright then." was all he said as he produced a small pin-like device from his boot. Soolin pulled her long hair upward to give Villa better access to the back of her neck. He began to study the implant and was soon poking it with his implement.

"OW!" Soolin cried with irritation,

"Hold still then!" retorted Villa. Soolin was still looking out of the porthole and could see that a group of the enemy fighters had broken through and were coming closer. VERY close in fact,

"Hurry Villa, assuming of course that you know what you are doing."

Villa didn't respond at first but instead gritted his teeth at the challenging miniature locking mechanism. Soolin could see the ship's anti-fighter turrets come to life, atomising some of the attacking fighters. CLICK Soolin's implant fell to the floor,

"There we are." said Villa in a quiet triumph, "one safely detached implant and one promise of 'payment'." A mischievous smiled played across his lips. Soolin just stared at the deactivated and equally de-locked implant with a paralyzed sense of surprise. She slowly levelled her gaze with Villa who was still smiling,

"You... removed it?" Soolin asked, still surprised,

"Yes I did." replied Villa, still smiling.

Soolin knew what she had said earlier and was suddenly regretting it. However fate, which in her case was a perverse sense of fortune, came to her rescue as a deafening explosion rocked the ship. The decompression alert sounded as air rushed out through the hull breach on the other side of the room. Twenty seconds later, Soolin and Villa would be dead...

Liam and Jenna were watching the movie when the entire ship went under combat conditions. All unnecessary buildings, such as the theatre went to the low-power red lighting while everyone staggered to their battle stations. Jenna told Liam, "You're with me..." she then hesitated before taking his hand and dragged him all the way to the combat bridge where her father was waiting.

"What is the status sir?" Liam asked hurriedly as they arrived at the combat bridge in record time. His muscles showed signs of increased activity as the force was freely flowing through him. His senses were at a increased level of alertness and he was beginning to pick up pieces of the battle that was going on in space.

He gripped Jenna's hand tightly, reassuringly as he waited for a reponse.

As the alarms sounded, Kasandral swore, her hand instinctively drifting toward Zerghiel, which rested on her belt.

It would seem battle is upon us...be prepared, Zerghiel.

A faint purple glow came from the ornamental cracks in the hilt of the lightsaber in response. Kasandral drifted over to the viewport, placing her hands on the railing, and closed her eyes...focusing...

Drones...a great many. Incoming fire... Kasandral shifted slightly, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the railing. She reached out, past the drones, trying to find the source...

When the room began decompressing, Soolin and Avon were scared, but thankfully the door was made to be just a janitor's closet and would not hold over three pounds of excess pressure. It crumples and filled in a small hole nthat seemed to suck most of the air out of the room. The two looked at each other in suprise and ran out of the room, following those headed to the more pressurized areas of the ship and letting the Damage Control parties take care of the holes.
~~~~~~~~~~
David ganced at Liam, ignoring his hand, and replied "We are under attack...what does it look like, a friggin fairy came by and is handing out cookies. I need you and all the other Jedi meditate and try and disassemble the ships coming after us. I figure somebody can scan where they're coming from but we need some direct action NOW." David then turned and told the ensign to begin firing disruptors in a flak-pattern, set to explode when just fifty meters from a target. Now a disruptor is a powerful weapon, meant for destroying capital ships, and even against these drones they were so overpowered as to be comical. The battle lines were shifting again as the heavies began assisting the fighters in their tatical delivery and some fighters were releasing their mini-disruptor pods and leashing havoc into entire groups of drones.
~~~~~~~~~~
Mike called his Chief-Of-The-Boat and whispered to him for a second. The COB then approached Kas and said, Ma'am, your husband feels its safest if you're escorted to a more safe enviroment. Space combat and radiation do not mix well with pregnant women. If you'd like, I'll escort you to where my wife is and you could help out the Hospital take in casualities."

"Yes, sir!" Liam replied as he turned back to Jenna. He just stared at her for a few moments, holding her hand and eyes locked. But he had to go...

He let go of her hand and turned away from her. He began sprinting down the hall to find a more calm and relaxing room to meditate in. When he found one he quickly entered and sat down. His senses had already been hightened but now he was stretching his mind out as far as it could go. The force flowed around and through him freely as he tried to figure out what was happening...

Kasandral frowned slightly, her concentration broken as the Chief-of-the-Boat spoke to her. She turned to him, taking in his words, silent for a few moments. "...help out the hospital take in casualties..." Her frown deepened at that. I, not allowed to battle the enemy? Absurd... She considered his words again. "...space combat and radiation do not mix well with pregnant women..."

Of course...I've more to consider than myself now...

The chief-of-the-boat coughed slightly, wondering if Kasandral had even heard him. "...Ma'am?"

Kasandral blinked, then nodded slightly. "Of...of course. That would be...for the best."

COB looked at Kasandral's face and whispered, "Don't feel bad Kas, Mike just figures that the enemy knows our ship designs well enough to know where the bridge is. He's just worried about you two, that's all."
~~~~~~~~~~~
The NOC fighters were taking a pounding, but so were the CM forces. One Asguard mothership, the CMS Foxteca, erupted into flames and exploded, only a hundred of its two thousand crew surviving and beaming onto another ship. David swore at this and ordered the fighters recalled and the ships to prepare for jump. They would split into two groups and fire disruptors at each other. Then, at the last second jump past the disruptors and regroup. With any luck the NOCs would be a little slower and slam smack into the wall of death. The ships began grouping up and made the two seperate jumps to set things up.

Kasandral nodded slightly. "Of course. Lead on then."

As the CM fighters began combat landings on their respective ships, the NOC-fighters began to form up just as a slightly larger craft emerged from hyperspace and headed toward the ship with Villa and Soolin on...
_______________

The commotion on board negated the necessity to hide as Soolin and Villa followed the large rabble toward the safety of the shelters. Their ordeal with the decompressing room had distracted them from the fact that Villa still had his implant, which was still transmitting...
_______________

On the bridge,

"Sir, we have a security alert. Someone on board is... transmitting something!"

"That new arrival is heading straight for us. Quick, find that signal and stop it!!!"
_______________

The ship opened up with its disruptors as the fleet began to jump away one by one. The escorting NOC-fighters took the brunt of the vessel's firing solution, protecting the larger craft as much as possible as it quickly approached the nearest landing bay...
______________

The majority of people were entirely preoccupied with attending to their own needs. Only a handful regarded Villa and Soolin with suspicion and that in turn focused attention from a few others,

"I don't think we should be here,” whispered Villa suddenly feeling conspicuous,

"Just try to blend in will you?" replied Soolin with equal discretion. However two security guards were already scrutinising the pair. One of them appeared to have suddenly received a communiqué and promptly instructed his colleague via the medium of hand motion to approach the two stowaways.

"They've found us!!" Exclaimed Villa, his voice barely a choke,

"Excuse me. You two will come with us now!" Commanded the guard as he blocked their path...
__________________

The larger craft took several hits as the remaining escort fighters were wiped out. However it was still flying and it crashed down into the cargo bay. A deathly silence followed and then... movement...
__________________

The impact of the larger craft shook the ship and the guard lost his balance. Soolin caught her opportunity and took hold of his rifle. The guard refused to let go and tried to right himself. However Soolin was quick and landed an uppercut squarely onto his jaw. The guard fell backward dazed as the gathered crowd started to realise what was happening.

Soolin gathered up the rifle and fired it at the other guard who promptly took cover. She continued to keep him pinned down as she shouted, "GO!" to Villa who promptly started to run toward the second exit. Soolin was about to follow when she turned and saw that exit blocked by more security. She was a quick draw with any weapon, but even she was too slow as she raised her weapon, the guard levelled his and fired. The stun beam struck her squarely on the chest and she tumbled backward.

Villa was suddenly surrounded with guards all expecting him to make a quick move. But he was smarter than that and gradually raised his arms and gave a timid smile...
_____________

The landing bay was dark. The movement continued as the remains of the larger craft split open. One by one, NOC-drones filed out of the craft and began to visually scan the area. They quickly assessed their position and moved out to retrieve the book, their heavy construction clanking on the metal floor.

As Liam sat meditating in the empty room, his senses expanded into the vastness of space. The Force flowed through him and swirled around the room as he concentrating very heavily; more so than usual. As his mind reached out into the battle he began sensing the different combatants; he could feel their minds and even at times sense their thoughts - though they were often fragmented.

He continued trying to pierce the overwhelming presence of so many separate entities as he reached past the battle. He was trying to find the leader of this attack...

Prepare to repel boarders. Automated defenses active. Cortana's soothingly cold voice called out. The three AIs on board were controlling the fight, and only three squads of NOCs would make it out of the Miles cargo bay. Those twenty would be met in the next hallway by Blood rangers and destroyed quickly. Of course, that's to be expected when the armor and armament of the soldier is roughly equivalent to a medium capital ship. Five ships in all were infected before the bays were closed. The remaining fighters had long since bugged out to Coreworlds on orders from Mike, mainly to tell CW to expect an ally needing assistance.

Soolin and Villa were in the brig where a medical droid, controlled by Cortana, went to work on Villa's slave chip and deactivated after ten minutes time. The guards had bigger problems than these two now the incriminating chip was destroyed safely.

Other ships weren't as lucky as the Miles. Four others were infected. The Night Shade, Teuful Hounden, Death Stalk, and Mike's flagship the August Judgement were also being ripped apart. The Night Shade exploded rather quickly, NOCs reaching the engineering compartment and destroying the M/AM core resulting in a super-nova like explosion. The Teuful lost near a thousand of her twenty-five hundred in the massacre before the ships guns and security forces killed the droids. The Death Stalk had five hundred of the four thousand survive, barely enough to run the ship, and most of them were Jedi and trainees.

The August Judgement was hit pretty hard also. However, they had the aid of Blood Rangers there since it was a flagship. Five hundred were either dead or wounded, more pouring into the hospital by the minute for decompression sickness. The Blood Rangers mopped up the NOCs pretty well, and the AIs were going over video of the cargo bay to make sure evrything was secure.

But it wasn't...One had reached the bridge. It opened up the sealed doors and opened fire upon the entire bridge crew. Mike's reflexes and training saved him, but five others fell. He ignited his lightsaber as a sixth bought the farm, and slammed it home in the NOC's main control unit as a seventh died. He then sliced its weapons away and kicked it before it exploding, wounding another. The AI chirped in warning him one had escaped the guards and may be heading for the bridge.

"Thanks for the assist Lord Cornwallis. You're about 30 seconds late." Mike said with seething in his voice. The battle was more or less over, only 50 NOC fighters remained, soon to be destroyed by the millimeter-thin hyperlasers carried the few Covenant-designed ships or the literal wall of dirsuptors about to hit the remaining fighters. Already the orders to scoot were given and the last fighters were bound to either be destroyed be fire of follow the Fleet into a death trap via CW defenses.

Twenty NOC fighters survived and made their way with the Fleet to Coreworlds. The coaxial-drive sucked them in with the debris as well. Survivors would go too, so not all was lost for them. The CW defenses opened up on everythiing without a CM IFF tag. The remaining NOC fighters were destroyed, and the ships began launching shuttles to pick up survivors.

The vid screen on the Miles opened up with Daniel Masaki's face.

Welcome old friends. I hear you were in a tough spot.

David replied, "Yeah. Some old weapons were sicked upon us. Took a hell of a beating. Early reports show 20 thousand dead from this battle alone and two dozen ships destroyed. Mind if we find a nice place to belly-up for the week?"

Sure. We got some spots in the space docks for you. We'll send a few corvettes to help your survivor rescue. I see one advantage to your gravity-warp drive is the survivors are sent with you. Good job, they've been hurting. Why else would they send those things after you.

"Roger. Will do. Thanks again my friend." David said as the screen died, remembering his appointment with the Council within the next two days.

After the battle was over, Liam had felt extremely tired from overexerting himself and promptly fell asleep, all thoughts of Jenna gone for the time being.

When he woke up he wasn't sure of the time or place, but he soon found out that they had arrived near CoreWorlds. Quickly, he hurried to the bridge and found David. "Sir. I was wondering if I could have permission to go landside and meet up with Jacen Masaki... it has been a while since I have seen him and I left in a bit of a hurry last time that I didn't get a chance to thank him properly."

David looked at Liam. "You'll get your time on planet after we take care of some buisness. Also, here's your stipend. We like to pay at every port so our pockets are full entering and our ships are well-liked. Its already in Credits so you don't have to do any math going from Bullet-to-Credit-back-to-Bullet. Its roughly a thousand credits. You get combat pay for each action, and this trips a large chunk of the Navy's Hazzard Pay pool...Oh, and get yourself a nice suit while you're down there using my card. You've definately paid for it with your actions." David said tossing three cards to Liam before leaving himself. Jenna walked back to him and went with him to the shuttles planetside.

"Thanks," Liam said as he grabbed the cards and dropped them into his pockets.

A suit? he thought as he looked at the robe he was wearing. He had almost always worn a robe and wasn't sure he would like wearing a suit, but he would at least try it on to get the feel.

OOC: Did Jenna go with David or Liam?

OOC: Both, but separate parts of the same shuttle...got to go


IC:

All the shuttles departed, causing a massive influx planetside, reminding the Marines of taking a hill in basic training. Jenna, David, Mike, Kas, and Liam all were in the same group and went to a hotel together

David, Mike, and Liam reached planetside and entered a taxi that took them to the Council Chambers. Waiting seemed to take forever while David gave his report to the Masakis. Mike simply slept while Liam was told meditating was formally proper. Mike then went in, David left, and shot off to Liam,
You're up next. Just talk to them calmly and you'll be fine. They're not there to grill you, just see something me and Mike felt. after that, go to the address I gave you. My daughter will help you find something that suits you.

Liam entered the Council Chambers to see a few old friends.

"Good day old friend." Daniel said, Liam bowing as approperiate, "I see that you are better of now than when we last met. I notice you're now wearing a lightsaber and David has explained to me the training he has given you. Now we wish to see your saber and the training he has given to you." Laim activated his saber, its blade glistening a nice dull silver before going dead and being handed over. Daniel activated it and it turned a pure streak of gold.

"I see Master Miles has given you one of his famous soul crystals. He has become quite famous within the ranks because of the beauty of every blade he has made. He tells me it can even break other sabers and left a tip to install that new circuit breaker we came accross when the Academy came under siege two years ago." This went on for three more hours before Liam was finally released and Mike entered after him.

Man, that took a lot out of me, Liam thought as he entered the tailor shop, suprised to see Jenna there waiting for him.

"Hello dear, I figured you'd need some help deciding which would look best on you." Which, in woman-speak means she would decide for him but he'd have to go through the fittings and the agony of waiting to be pricked by pins hoping and praying it'd be over soon.

Tak'a-Tamen was not entirely surprised that the NOC-Drones were beaten back by the CM fleet defences. The main thing that really caught his attention during the whole skirmish was a... feeling. It was as though some distant presence was seeking out the origin of the attackers. Just before the link was broken, Tak'a-Tamen caught a name; Liam.
___________________

Sothan Kor was not entirely surprised that the NOC-Drones were beaten back by the CM fleet defences. He knew all too well that Warlord's power was merely a fraction of what it was originally. The main thing that really caught his attention during the skirmish was a... feeling. The regenerated form of Tak'a-Tamen could not hold back the curious soul seeking out the origin of the attackers. Just before the link was broken, Sothan Kor caught a name; Liam.
____________________

"So we now know where he's being held. Now what?"

Tarrant was impatiently drumming his fingers on the flight console as Avon outlined the facts for him and Cally. They had been travelling for days whilst keeping track of the unusual signal, which had ceased only seconds after they had locked onto it,

"We go and get him back." replied Cally as though it were the simplest solution. Avon however gave no visual indication as to whether he agreed or not,

"It may not be that simple," he said, his voice as hard as stone, "Villa has been caught up in the middle of a war between the CM forces and the Order of the Universe."

"So we just leave him there to die?!" Cally exclaimed

"Now hold on, Avon's right," replied Tarrant trying to sound diplomatic, "We can't just break in and get him. The CM fleet would have reached CoreWorlds by now and despite this ship's unique abilities, I doubt even we would make it out in one piece."

"Well that's just typical male defeatism. You're not even willing to try!"

"I'm not willing to die on a fool's errand trying to break someone out of a fortress!"

"I don't know why you two are arguing," Avon interrupted, breaking the verbal duel, "The two of you don't even know him!"

Silence filled the flight deck as both Tarrant and Cally became lost for words. Avon walked over to the computer interface and began to study some readings,

"Zen, what is the likely outcome of Liberator surviving a direct assault on the CM fleet?"

The Zen computer echoed into life as it responded with its customary English accent,

Tactical analysis indicates a low probability survival rate at 14.135%. Battle computers recommend against any such course of action.

"See?" Tarrant remarked with a subtle smugness.

"Well if we can't fight the CM fleet, we might as well join them." Concluded Cally, her voice almost as smug as Tarrant's.

"Join them?" said Avon sounding mildly surprised,

"Sure. The Order of the Universe is just as much a threat to us as they are to the CM fleet. I'm certain Tarrant's previous experience would prove a useful bargaining chip with their leaders. Add the firepower of the Liberator to the fleet and there you have a deal."

Avon and Tarrant glanced at each other, both with bemused expressions plastered on their respective faces. Neither of them could think of an answer to Cally's proposal, but she didn't give them time to answer,

"I'll take your mutual silence as an agreement then." And she then proceeded to plot a course to CoreWorlds...

David was lounging in his hotel room, listening to some heavy metal when his signaller activated, Cortana appearing inside his brain.

A little small in here, don't you think? the smart-ass AI started.

Hey, hey...no need for that. Remember, you were molded after me ten years ago and still alive due to me being able to tweak your program.

Yea, yea...anyways, we've got an incoming ship to CW. Traces are weak...Permission to send a few probes?

Granted. I sense something close I haven't felt since the Yavin academy, but I can't place it.

Great, another Jedi with his intuition. Let me guess, the long lost Liberator who was destroyed on a secret mission across enemy lines.

Well, stranger things have happened. Also, as part of that hunch get me those two prisoners we caught on my ship.

You'll have to give them twenty minutes then. Right now, they're rather enjoying themselves in the brig. Apparently she's a little kinky.

Thirty minutes it is. David responded, left in his own little world with the music before he picked up his guitar and began to play with the music.

"Hello dear, I figured you'd need some help deciding which would look best on you." Which, in woman-speak means she would decide for him but he'd have to go through the fittings and the agony of waiting to be pricked by pins hoping and praying it'd be over soon.

"Uh, yeah," Liam responded as he noticed Jenna dictating the terms of what could be a long day if he knew anything about women and clothes. "That would be nice... I haven't exactly been in a culture that wore these clothes," he said looking at the displays of unfamiliar styles, fabrics, and textures.

"I have always just worn this type of garb," he commented as he looked down at the clothes and robe he wore. "Oh... and make sure I can fit my lightsaber comfortably on the new clothes," he added as he remembered the lightsaber at his side.

"Now... I am all yours."


OOC: I'mmmm Back!

Jenna handed him a pair of boots with a cuff on the side. "Try these on, and keep your saber conceiled in there." she said, handing him a suit to try on. It was a gloss black three-peice suit Jenna said was perfect for certain occasions when his issued-uniform or robes wouldn't be approperiate. They went on.........

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Soolin and Villa were walked in on by the guards, were told to dress, and sent to the teleporters free of restraints. Little good it would do on the picker, who was mumbling about his only shot being messed up. They were teleported into David's room and he was just sitting down.

"So, what were you doing on my ship besides the obvious uses of your past time."

Liam took a deep breath before sighing; these clothes she picked out seemed... 'nice'... but they certainly were different.

After leaving for a short while to get the clothes on - which was no easy task - he returned to show them to Jenna. He felt offly wierd in the clothes and didn't know if he looked good or not.

Soolin and Villa were walked in on by the guards, were told to dress, and sent to the teleporters free of restraints. Little good it would do on the picker, who was mumbling about his only shot being messed up. They were teleported into David's room and he was just sitting down.

"So, what were you doing on my ship besides the obvious uses of your past time."

Soolin regarded David with curious suspicion. In a way she was grateful that the timely interruption by the guards precluded any real 'funny business' from happening. They had however gotten to a point where the smallest voice in Soolin's mind was actually saying 'relax, he could be worse'.

In any case the point was moot as the two of them stood before David in his room. Villa was visibly nervous and wasn't doing a great job trying to hide it. Soolin was a little calmer,

"We were spying on your fleet and were just beginning to enjoy ourselves when your heavies walked in on us." Soolin said, her voice was calm and dripping with sarcasm. David didn't appear amused and Villa quickly stepped forward and became diplomatically obsequious,

"What she means is we were tricked into coming here. Sothan Kor... you know, that Syndicate agent? He said that we would be killed if we didn't do what he said. You gotta believe me!"

David eyed Villa and betrayed no expression which would reveal his true emotion,

"So two complete strangers just happen aboard my ship, which is shortly thereafter attacked by a fleet of fighters. Fighters that seemed able to determine, very quickly I might add, just which ship in the fleet was ours. And you're telling me that you two were simply victims?"

Villa couldn't think of anything else to say,

"See... sounds reasonable. Doesn't it?" He played a friendly smile, which displayed more anxiety than anything else...

"Villa, give me one good reason why we shouldn't send you two to the gallows for inviting such an attack on my ship?"

Villa looked stunned, not knowing what to say when Cortana appeared on the holoscreen and interrupted. Maybe because they were forced to with slave chips. I've been able to track them a little bit, but they had a main time-delay that would simply had killed the two if Villa hadn't deactivated one and me the other.

"So what you're telling me is that Sothan Kor would have killed them anyways?"

To protect himself and his fleet, yes. But mainly himself.

"So, now that you know what he did to you, are you willing to tell us what you know?" David asked with all intent to find out.
~~~~~~~~~~
Mike and Kas were enjoying the local night life. Mike had made a few aquantinces in Coreworlds, namely of the Wookie and Jedi kind.

"Mike," Kas started in the voice that always makes mens heart drop, "What all happened on the bridge during the battle?"

"Exactly what I feared would Kas." Mike said, never having showed her the new burn on his arm, which she grabbed quite painfully a few times without him showing it. He still hadn't mastered epidermal regeneration.

"I know, but......I felt so useless in the Hospital. I'm a combat leader, not a nurse."

"But how many lives did you save, my dear?" Mike asked to corner her and end this before she went loopey.

"Several. I didn't count." Kas replied, trying to keep the conversation going.

"But COB did. He said you saved thirty seven people in total. Fifteen of them children. You did more than you give yourself credit for. And saving the lives of one's people and not crediting yourself is what a true combat leader is." Mike said, knowing he would win now.

"I guess you're right." She replied, knowing she might actually like working in the hospital.

"Villa, give me one good reason why we shouldn't send you two to the gallows for inviting such an attack on my ship?"

Villa looked stunned, not knowing what to say when Cortana appeared on the holoscreen and interrupted. Maybe because they were forced to with slave chips. I've been able to track them a little bit, but they had a main time-delay that would simply had killed the two if Villa hadn't deactivated one and me the other.

"So what you're telling me is that Sothan Kor would have killed them anyways?"

To protect himself and his fleet, yes. But mainly himself.

"So, now that you know what he did to you, are you willing to tell us what you know?" David asked with all intent to find out.

"And just what would we get in return for our cooperation?" Soolin asked dryly. David turned to her and with a sharp look replied,

"If you don't cooperate then I'll assume you're still working for the enemy and act accordingly!" He emphasised the last two words just enough to make sure that the pair of them got the message.

Villa's eyes darted between the two of them and he was sure that he could read Soolin's mind from her complexion. Soolin's gaze never left David's eyes even as she took a deep breath,

"Sothan Kor has formed an alliance with Tak'a-Tamen, who has somehow regenerated himself using the body of another. Sothan Kor had sent us here prior to the attack so that he could determine the location of this so-called book of the first Jedi."

"He seemed very eager to have it," Villa sang up nervously, "maybe it would save a lot of bother if you just... ... gave it to him?" Neither David nor Soolin paid him any attention,

"He's been after this book for many years now. He had even promised The Syndicate that his possession of it would give them greater power. But the if the truth be told, he wants it for himself and if he ever found it... let's just say that it wouldn't matter how many Jedi's OR Sith lords there were. He would be able to control the galaxy."

...

Jenna got Liam up the next morning (they had adjoining hotel rooms) ready to hit the town. She was so excited, especially since she had gotten them reservations to Fogo d'Chau, an imported all-you-can-eat steakhouse for that night. Liam knew that this would be a long day, but assumed correctly she was going to want him to wear his "suit" tonight.

In the morning, Liam went about his usual routine. he hopped out of bed and took a shower to quickly wake him up. Next he did some quick excercises to get his blood flowing and his muscles warm. And to end it all he meditated for thirty minutes.

"Ready," Liam said as he finished his routine and approached Jenna's open door.

Jenna's phone went off as she and Liam were leaving the hotel. It was Kas calling to see if Jenna and Mlasha wanted to go shopping with her and Mike. She quickly agreed, and Liam sighed a relief knowing there would be some testosterone to help balance out all the other stuff going around. Heck, he figued, Thermoplye had better odds than me and those three females.

They met up an hour later in front of a superstructure that was impressive by all standards. Mike was force-lifing a hefty stack of stuff that Kas and her credit agency had found fun.

Mike gave Liam the look of "C'est la guerre et l'amor."

"DRAIDUS contact bearing 230 mark 315!" Lieutenant Bashton called out the readings as Commander Makara entered the bridge,

"Set condition one throughout the ship and inform the rest of the CM fleet. Launch the reserve fighters and get an ID on that contact!"

No sooner than the order was given, the fighters had shot from their launch bays. Alarms rang out on the bridge as Commander Makara listened intently to Bashton's callout on the DRAIDUS readings,

"Contact on intercept course and closing. Estimated weapons range in thirty seconds."

"My GOD it's big!" said one of the ensigns as he studied his readouts. Makara appeared mildly shocked as he confirmed his subordinate's analysis,

"Mr. Bashton, anything from our fighters?"

"Call coming in now sir." replied the lieutenant as he held the receiver to his ear, "Red-Alpha leader reports visual contact. Configuration matches..."

"What is it Lieutenant!"

"The Liberator!"

...

"How's it going guys," Liam said as they met up with Mike and Kas, the former levitating a large stack of stuff in front of him.

"So... what are we going to do?" he asked curiously, not knowing if they had previously made plans or not.

Mike shot off, "We're going to survive while the women shop." Kas slapped him at that while everyone laughed at that quip. "Thankfully for me, I made a lot more money than anyone knows."

Liam then looked at Mike who attached a beacon to the pile which was transported to the ship. "Thankfully," Mike added, "Us guys get to shop for weapons and lightsaber stuff later today."
~~~~~~~~~
Wow. I must learn to keep my sarcasm alone. Cortana said as the Liberator appeared.

"Yes, you must. Hail them for me." David replied, then to Villa, "Looks like they have returned for you. Any chance you can act an an in-between?"

Liam decided it was best to stifle his laugh at Mike's joke though he did find it quite funny. Weapons and lightsaber stuff later today... "Cool..." he remarked remembering how he had been given some credits to use on CoreWorlds. I guess there isn't much else I would want to spend them on, he thought as the group began making their way to the shops.

However, the weapons and lightsaber accessories would have to wait as not it was time for the women to shop - and boy could they shop. They walked around for hours peering into shops, looking at displays, or trying stuff on. The women seemed delighted to spend money as Mike and Liam were stuck holding countless items as they tried them on.

Finally, it seemed that the women had enough or at least they had enough stuff. Now it was time for the guys to go shopping and it didn't take long to find a couple of shops that would have all they needed. They walked into the first one and saw that it was a shop dedicated completely to lightsabers and their accessories. While he perused the items, Liam took his lightsaber from his side and began examining it for anything it might need - however, he remembered, he had pretty much made it from scratch with all of the elements, pieces, and items he required so it was pretty much complete. However, that didn't mean he couldn't buy a few accessories or parts that he could build into a experimental lightsaber during his spare time, so he did just that.

On to the next store they decided - conveniently it was not far away and it was completely dedicated to weapons of all kinds; basic and advanced, big and small. He usually didn't use non-lightsaber weapons but he decided it could hurt to at least browse and try some. On a high shelf a little metal piece caught his eye. When he walked over and took them down from the shelf, he noticed that they were throwing stars ((OOC: like the ones used by ninjas IRL)) that were made out of cortosis and/or phrik. He decided to buy the stack and after not finding anything else he liked among the blades and weapons, they moved on to the next store.

It too was nearby, most likely for convenience of those like Liam and Mike that were shopping for battle gear. It was a store dedicated to armor, robes, and other small non-weapon items. It was a short stop at the store as it was, while useful, not as interesting as the other stores. Liam grabbed a couple of cortosis wristlinks and some spare parts that he could use later to create what he desired.

"Phew..." he said after leaving the third store. "I am nearly exhausted," he joked, "but I think I have everything I need - you guys need anything else?"

Mike nodded to Liam andt they left the weapons store. The women were obviosuly angered at the time spent there and not the megamalls, even though each one had also bought weapons as well. Mike attached another beacon to the new pile of goodies that were teleported to the CMS Classic Case before responding, "You know a country has a large military when they start naming capital ships after bands. My dad grew up listening to them, one of his best friends went to church with the band. So sad......."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Liam was getting dressed in his suit while Jenna in a dress. They got out, went to the resturaunt (who provided a hover limo free of charge due to the nature of their clients). They were immediately seated and the appetizers were good: fried banannas, potatos, and bread. Then came the men with the steak on skewers: Lamb, filet minon, ribeye, house special, mutton chops, four kinds of sausages, and other dishes were served to each's want. Jenna suprised Liam when she basically ate an entire steak skewer worth of stuff and then asked if he wanted some dessert.

Force Metabolism, I can metabolise food quickly and just make my Force Aura more powerful. Really useful, especially at buffets... she shot to Liam as he looked in awe.




OOC: if you're wondering who they are, go to www.classiccase.net and you can hear their 1st album free. Its a running joke with me and my friends to see how we can plug them.

"Uh, sure," Liam responded as he watched Jenna shove down more and more food. "I will just have something chocolate for dessert." It was quite a sight to see; Jenna out-eating pretty much every person in the restaurant.

"So by eating you become more powerful?" Liam questioned skeptically as it would make no sense in his understanding of the force and how one is endowed with your potential abilities and power.

OOC: If you haven't figured it out by now, Force Auras are very important in this thread.
IC:
"Simply put," Jenna said, returning with two slices of Turtle Cheesecake, one for each, "My body immediately turns the food into pure energy and amplifies my Force Aura using that energy much like an electric motor when you plug more power into it. Why do you think there were big feasts before everyone fought the huge battles? Well, that and so everyone would enjoythemself before they died."

OOC: Yeah - just seems a bit odd to me that eating would give you more power.
IC:

"I see," replied Liam. "Well, I guess that it is good you are eating so much then - I doubt there will be such a time of relaxation for long..."

Jenna laughed at that as they finished their meal. The waiter noted who they were, charged David for the meal as he had directed earlier, and they left to go to the apartment again. On the walk back a man appeared from the shadows holding a blaster and said "Your credits or your life."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mike and Kas were in their room, lazing around and watching the holovid. Nothing special really on so the two began thinking of baby names. Mike hated this but felt it necessary, as angering a pregnant woman was akin to pissing off mama bear. They eventually settled upon two per gender, either Josef or Daniel if it were a guy and Kim or Kelly if it were a girl. Mike vaguely knew someone his dad knew owned each of these names, but Kas liked them anyways so he didn't say anything. Add that to the fact his family had a history of naming their sons after Biblical characters and he wouldn't be breaking tradition in this case.

Jenna laughed at that as they finished their meal. The waiter noted who they were, charged David for the meal as he had directed earlier, and they left to go to the apartment again. On the walk back a man appeared from the shadows holding a blaster and said "Your credits or your life."

Liam had been so preoccupied with the wonderful night he was having with Jenna, that he hadn't even noticed the Force's warning about danger nearby. That and he hadn't expected an attack while they were in CoreWorld, so he had toned down his safety checks - he had, however, forgotten about the random mugger that one could encounter.

"Your credits or your life," a man said as he appeared from the shadows and pointed a blaster at the two of them.

Liam instantly inserted himself between the man and Jenna by taking a small step forward and to the right. "Woh... take it easy," he said as he held up his hands and at the same time attempted to calm the man through the Force. "Nobody is going to hurt you... just remain calm," he said with a reassuring voice as the man seemed to be getting tense about the mugging.

"You don't want to do anything hasty now..." Liam continued as he slowly moved his right hand from its place in the air towards a pocket on the inside of his cloak. "Just take it easy and we will let you leave..." As he moved his cloak away to get easier access to the credits in his pocket, he intentionally showed the lightsaber that was hanging from his belt.

...Wow. I must learn to keep my sarcasm alone. Cortana said as the Liberator appeared.

"Yes, you must. Hail them for me." David replied, then to Villa, "Looks like they have returned for you. Any chance you can act an an in-between?"

For the first time Villa's confidence grew, almost to the point of arrogance.

"Certainly. I know these guys more than anyone else. After all I did lead a valiant fight against..."

"Just open the goddamn channel!"

The mugger looked even more glum to the pair as he shot at the lightsaber, burning Liam's cloak. With this, Jenna did a Force push, knocking the man into a wall where he dropped his blaster, drawing a red bladed lightsaber.

"Your life, I take it..." The apparent Sith replied to the pair.

Dammit, I'm useless in this dress. Jenna thought aloud, and Liam understood the message. He was going have to kill this bastard alone.
~~~~~~~
Channel open Cortana called.

"Villa, I want you to get them to join our fleet in the hunt for Tak'a-Tamen. That's all I need at the moment." David whispered knowing this would be no easy task for such a lone wolf to want to follow.

This was no ordinary mugger, Liam noticed as Jenna knocked him back, forcing him to reveal his true identity. Liam's fear were confirmed as the man drew his lightsaber and it gave the penetrating and much feared red glow.

"You can try..." he responded as he drew his own lightsaber from his side and ignited it. The gray blade shot out and hummed as Liam dropped into a stance that would allow him to best utilize Soresu.

The Sith fought well, Jenna could see. He was a master of the offensive styles but his defense lacked as was too common in the Sith. Right before he attacked with an overhead blow, he would always drop his guard ever so slightly. Liam and jenna both noticed this and Liam's thrust hit him at the exact time and place where he dropped his guard. A bleeding hold appeared in the man's gut where he was paralyzed past all hope. His dying words echoed in Jenna's mind, "I am just the beginning. Lord Tak'a-Tamen is coming." He smiled as he died.

After the battle was finished and Liam had vanquished his oppose, he returned his lightsaber to his belt and took a deep breath. "Come, Jenna..." he said urgently. "We need to get back. We don't know if there are others and we should definitely inform your father as well as the CoreWorld authorities about this..."

Now that they had been attacked his senses were on full alert for anything that seemed odd or any inkling of a warning the force provided for him...

Jenna and Laim got to the hotel without incident. David was notified and recalled the fleet. Everyone was to report back ready at 0800. That gave Mike six hours to finish and Jenna five hours of sleep before she had to wake up to get ready.

Seeing that they had a few hours until they had to report back, Liam decided to lay on his bed and see if he could fall asleep. When he did so and was left with only his thoughts and silence, he began thinking about what happened earlier and what would happen in the future.

"I am just the beginning. Lord Tak'a-Tamen is coming."

Before he could think about it too much, he dozed off into a restless sleep.

Channel open Cortana called.

"Villa, I want you to get them to join our fleet in the hunt for Tak'a-Tamen. That's all I need at the moment." David whispered knowing this would be no easy task for such a lone wolf to want to follow.

Before he could reply, the image if the Liberator flight deck flashed on screen with Avon standing in the middle and two other individuals with whom Villa had no aquaintance. Avon's stern yet emotionless glare locked onto Villa, which perversly enough prompted the smallest feeling of relief within him,

"Hi Avon," was all Villa could think of to say, "... I see you've made some new friends?"

"The same could be said for you," came the cold reply over the visual link, "although I doubt that your 'charming' personality would've gained you much respect."

"Is that all I get from you? Is that all you have to say after we've been seperated for so long?"

"Be grateful you got that much."

An awkward silence filled the bridge and Villa looked to David who gave a 'get-on-with-it' gesture. By this point Soolin had moved to stand behind Villa who turned back to Avon,

"My hosts were wondering if you were willing to join them? ... y'know... to help find Tak'a-Tamen."

At that moment, the man and woman who were standing behind Avon moved closer to him. The man appeared to whisper something in his ear which caused Avon to react in a 'controlled' manner,

"I didn't come here to join any fleet, neither do I have any desire to help anyone track down a Dark Master."

"Then... why ARE you here?" Villa asked with genuine curiosity. It was hard for him to believe that Avon would have come all the way just to rescue him, which is why his next sentence was such a suprise,

"We thought you were in need of help. But that doesn't seem to be the case now." Again the man gestured toward Avon who gave a slight nod, "I'll let you know in ten minutes." And the screen blinked out.

At that moment Soolin stepped forward,

"He's lying. I recognised that other man on the Liberator!"

"What do you mean?" asked David,

"He's Del Tarrant, a member of The Order of the Universe!"
...
___________________________

... "My hosts were wondering if you were willing to join them? ... y'know... to help find Tak'a-Tamen."

At that moment Tarrant stepped forward and leaned closer to Avon,

"I know that woman standing behind him." he whispered. Avon arched an eyebrow at Tarrant's statement which sounded dubious,

"I didn't come here to join any fleet, neither do I have any desire to help anyone track down a Dark Master." Avon said as though Tarrant hadn't said anything,

"Then... why ARE you here?" Villa asked with genuine curiosity. Avon thought about it for a moment and had wondered why he had allowed himself to he talked into coming here,

"We thought you were in need of help. But that doesn't seem to be the case now." Was his only response. Again Tarrant stepped forward and gestured toward him, "I'll let you know in ten minutes." And the screen blinked out.

Tarrant was almost hysterical, barely controlling himself when the communication broke,

"I know that woman Avon. Her name is Soolin and she's Sothan Kor's closest associate."

"So something's going on then." Cally said sinicism,

"What ever it is, I'm certain that this is a trap!" replied Tarrant.

Avon sat down and began to think...

David knew this was going nowhere, so he decided on a better course of action. he began to open a Force channel to Avon so they could speak privately.

Avon. I take it all is not well with you. It has been too long since we first served together. Now we are at the homeworld of the Masakis, our old boss. Now, I ask you to forego your lies as I can see through them and tell me why you really came. I'll be honest with you too. We want the Liberator to help us. Now we have the firepower to destroy it in a heartbeat, but what it brings to bear equals what we have lost in the past few battles along with its commander who knows this evil abomination must be put down forever. If you want to join it is your choice, just know those two are my prisoners and not my advisor.

Liam woke up about four hours after falling asleep feeling refreshed and relaxed, though still sensitive to any force warnings or senses that he received. He had a little time before he even needed to wake up so he decided to take an extra long and warm shower. He climbed in and bathed for quite while with only the soothing feeling of the water and his thoughts to accompany him.

It was nearly forty-five minutes later when he finally stepped out and dried off. He tossed on his robe, making sure that his lightsaber was easily accessible and made sure that he had everything before heading out of the door. There wasn't much else to do so he walked towards Jenna's hotel room and sat down outside the door, waiting for her to be ready to depart.

Jenna awoke, showered, attached beamers to her luggage, and waited with Liam in the hall for the transporters to get them. Shouldn't be too long since they were VIPs.
~~~~~~~~~
Mike and Kas were ready, having gotten no sleep at all, they were teleported with their bags into their room where they finished getting ready for the coming day.

Jenna awoke, showered, attached beamers to her luggage, and waited with Liam in the hall for the transporters to get them. Shouldn't be too long since they were VIPs.

When Jenna opened her door and walked out with her baggage, Liam stood up and wiped away the thoughts that he had been mulling over. "Morning," he greeted her as she closed her door.

A few minutes later the transporters took their bags and they were able to return in order to report in and meet with David.

Avon could hear the words in his mind and knew instantly who it was when he heard them. He stood up and started to move toward the exit as Tarrant and Cally began to follow him,

"Zen, maintain current status and accept commands from my voice authority only!"

"Avon, what are you doing?" asked Tarrant axiously. Avon didn't respond and instead continued to walk out of the flight deck.

In the teleport chamber Avon clipped on his communicator bracelet as well as his usualy sidearm. Both Tarrant and Cally had been continually trying to get an explanation from Avon about what he was doing, but any clear answer was not forth coming. At the last moment when Avon was standing in the chamber he said,

"Zen is under my verbal commands only. If I do not return in one hour, the Liberator will take you all the way to Tatooine. After that the ship will come under your control."

"But Avon you haven't even explained anything yet!" exclaimed Cally as the entire process moved too fast for her,

"Yes." Was Avon's only response. Seconds later his form diminished from existance...

... and reassembled itself completely on the bridge of the CM ship. Everyone reacted by turning their weapons to face the disturbance. David however was more relaxed and slowly turned to face Avon who was staring at him intently,

"Been a long time." said David without any evidence of anxiety or terror,

"So you say," replied Avon, "so what's the deal?"
...

"It's time!"

Tak'a-Tamen was standing over Sothan Kor who was, until now sleeping. His instinctive reaction at the intrusive disturbance was to sit up and behead the source of the surprise. Tak'a-Tamen however was equally as fast and was easily able to deflect Kor's lightsabre,

"Wha... what the hell!" exclaimed Kor as he stood up. Not one living soul has ever been able to creep up on him whilst he was asleep. He was usually wide-awake before anyone had a chance to get within ten feet. Kor's disconcerting lapse in concentration immediately began to eat away at him,

"Your reactions are quite impressive," said the Warlord, moderately impressed, "You'll need them where we're going."

"And just where might that be?" Asked Kor as he composed himself,

"Where else? The CM fleet to destroy the Miles clan and everyone else."

...

When Jenna opened her door and walked out with her baggage, Liam stood up and wiped away the thoughts that he had been mulling over. "Morning," he greeted her as she closed her door.

A few minutes later the transporters took their bags and they were able to return in order to report in and meet with David.

"Shall we go report in?" Liam suggested/asked to Jenna as their bags had just disappeared back to the ship. "I believe that any sense of normality that we may have had recently will soon be gone in the coming days... and we should be prepared for the worst."

David looked at Avon, "Look, we have Tak'a-Tamen inbound again. He wants to kill us all, me especially since I destroyed his temple and posess a special book. We need your help, and you need ours. And we can't entirely trust our crews."
~~~~~~~
"Enemy inbound!" an ensign called as Jenna and Liam were on the Bridge waiting for David to return.

Jenna screamed, "I have the Conn! Launch fighters and get the SDS online to fire. AND GET MY BROTHER ONLINE!"

"I will do what I can," Liam replied as he moved off the bridge quickly and found an empty room nearby.

He sat down and began to meditate. As his senses had already been expanded, searching all around him, since the attempted 'mugging' the previous day, it did not take as long for Liam to reach out with the Force. He felt around at nearby space, searching for the enemy and trying to feel out their plans and intentions...

ooc: lol, I was beginning to wonder about you.

OOC: Was on a two-night ROTC trip and all I had to check the net was a PSP so I decided to forego forums. But hey, I got to take pics of me and an F-22 Raptor, and I was less than 1.5 meters from my fave plane (the 22)...Also last for the night (2347 here)
IC:
Mike sensed Liam getting him and headed up to his own bridge, but found his path totally blocked by luggage. Kas was going to hear about this for once. And the transporters needed de-gaussing or else somebody could get killed easily, and that would take 10 minutes..but so would rearranging the luggage as well even with the Force.

Jenna, its Mike, looks like you're gonna have to lead this battle for me. Dad's seeking a truce with the Liberator and I'm trapped for at least 10 minutes. Do your best.

"Just friggin great..." Jenna said aloud as she got this and the word the SDS would take five minutes to warm up. She hoped no super heavies would be in the first wave, and hoped the monitors, Asguards, and Snipers were ready by now.

"All ships, this is the Commander speaking. Open fire once enemy reaches medium effective range. Cross-link and double tap targets. Covies, I need your heavy plasma to lay down a defensive screen then hit them with your beams." Jenna said, just as calm as day.

ooc: Sounds cool.

ooc: Don't really have a way to respond to your post - Liam is just going to be sitting and meditating unless someone calls for him or the ship is boarded and he is needed to repel the attack (or if he gets some knowledge through the force).

It was a swarm unlike any other. A plague of ships, cruisers and destroyers all advancing upon the CM fleet like locusts descending on a cornfield before completely devouring it. Thousands of NOC-fighters escorting hundreds of boarding craft as the supporting cruisers powered up their main batteries.
_________________

Tak'a-Tamen and Sothan Kor were both preparing for the oncoming battle. Both sensed the same thing as before. That same Jedi reaching out with his mind, stretching far with his feelings to try and locate them,

"It seems that there is a strong opponent in their midst," said Tak'a-Tamen as he too started to feel his way out, "The one called Liam. His soul is strong.

Sothan Kor could feel it too, but his perspective was focused entirely on getting the book. He was starting to sense exactly where it was and a sly grin played across his lips.
__________________

The alert of incoming ships certainly did not fall short on Avon. He was going to have to fight now whether he wanted to or not,

"Very well. But after this, we're even." Was all he said before pressing the recall on his teleport bracelet.

Villa watched him disappear with a depressing sense that he was likely to be a permanent resident on David's ship.

...

Liam made a sharp intake of air as he felt something out in the vastness of space. Something powerful... something corrupted by the Dark Side...

Tak'a-Tamen

It was beyond anything he had felt before, but he now recognized it was close to the feeling he had only a few days before when the fleet was attacked.

Jenna... Mike... David Liam thought as he began reaching out with the Force to them. He is here... Tak'a-Tamen is coming...

OOC: what are the boarders? organic, droids, or a mix?
IC:
Mike and David got Liam's message and both began a powerful meditation, focusing on the fighters, maneuvering wires to short-circuit the fighters with much success. About 40% of the NOC fighters never even reached their own weapons range. The CM fighters went up hard against the NOCs but totally forgetting about the boarding ships for the moment. The wall of plasma Jenna ordered set up should definately slow down the boarding craft.

Liam, its David. Push out and try and short-curcuit the NOCs so our fighters can take care of the rest.

Already on it... Liam replied via the Force to David.

He was actually doing that and much more, depending on where the Force and his senses led him. He would momentarily find a couple of fighters and begin shorting out their circuits and engines, then he would find somebody's mind and try to discern the enemy's battle plan, and he would even find the allied fighters and encourage and aid them.

OOC: It'll be a mix however the majority will be NOC-drones since the Order of the Universe is still more or less scattered after the CoreWorld war. Let the battles begin! (p.s. F-22 Raptor kicks ass!!)

NOC-fighters began shutting down, many simply lost the ability to navigate and a few appeared to spontaneously explode. This combined with the efforts of the CM fighters aided in slowing the advance of the attacking forces and yet a small but gradually growing number managed to get through.
___________________

The flight deck shook violently as the Liberator took several successive hits along its broadside. The Zen computer with its calm demeanour repeatedly called out the ship's status,

Energy drain detected on banks two and three. Force wall is holding. Battle computers recommend an evasive course bearing one-three-zero.

Again another hit which preceded an explosion on the flight deck. Avon continued to call out instructions as Tarrant attempted to navigate the huge ship. Cally had taken control of the weapon systems and was only just starting to get the hang of operating them properly.

The Liberator came about and fired off several seeker missiles. The deadly payload locked onto the nearside cruiser and impacted the starboard side with devastating force. The explosion ripped through the ship crippling it almost instantly...
_________________________

A heavy formation of NOC-fighters enveloped the Scorpio as it advanced upon Liam's ship. Sothan Kor was handling the helm with his usual finesse whilst Tak'a-Tamen worked his own force 'magic' on the defensive systems of their target.

The target's main defences appear to have been successfully deactivated master, reported the Scorpio computer, I can confirm that it is now safe to board that ship.

Tak'a-Tamen smiled at the approaching success,

"Ah I do detect the faint signs of fresh blood on that vessel," he said rubbing his hands, "The one known as Liam will soon be calling me Master!"

"And what if he refuses?" Asked Kor as he prepared himself,

"Then like you, he will learn the lesson not to disobey me."

Kor said nothing. Instead he prepared the Scorpio for auto-navigation and went with Tak'a-Tamen to the main docking hatch.
________________________

The ship's security officers took cover and barricaded themselves as best they could. It wasn't long before the main hatch started to burn. Seconds later the explosion ripped the hatch from its secured position closely followed by the advancing NOC-drones.

The security officers opened up with their blasters striking the leading drones squarely in the chest area. However the next wave could easily make out the body heat signatures of each of the security team in the thick smoke of battle and began picking them off one by one.

Bodies were now littering the corridors as the security teams started making a hasty retreat. A couple of droids scattered past the crossfire as the NOC-drones continued their slaughter, following the retreating men deeper into the ship.

At the main hatch, Tak'a-Tamen emerged as did Sothan Kor. They admired the progress made as the sea of dead lay before them,

"Not a bad investment are they?" Tak'a-Tamen asked rhetorically, "Now let us find this Liam."

And they followed the path of the dead...

The transporters were back online by now. David was zapped abord the Miles where he gathered the Book of D'rea and Mosh, Liam, and Jenna on the bridge with him as it was the only place the drones hadn't touched, sealed it with all he could, and posted his fifty Blood Rangers to guard the door as best as they could. David knew they probably wouldn't last but would at least give him a decent chance. The Nocs were closing in, and the Bridge crew were teleported out before the computers for it went down.

"Liam, Jenna, I want you two to get out of here. I'll hold onto the book to get their attention while you escape." David said hoping these two would escape in the ruckus he was bound to cause.
~~~~~~~~~
The SDS was ready. Its MegaLaser warmed up, fired, and took out a 10km wath of space from existence, also wiping out a medium cruiser and close to fifty boarder craft and NOC fighters in that shot, another shot would follow in a minute, this time in a shotgun-spread pattern to eliminate a bunch of fighters specifically. The Covie Cruisers were working well in knocking down the enemies as well as spreading out the enemy fleet. CW's defenses were also taking a large toll on the fighters but mainly the capital ships. Tak'a-Tamen's forces would be lucky to survive with much of a fleet left. Mike knew this, but would Tak'a-Tame? He was transported aboard the Bridge of the August Judgement right. He now had control of the Fleet.

"Get everyone out of the bridge of the Miles"

Mike, leave me be, just get the other two out. This is my fight.

"BELAY THAT! GET LIAM AND JENNA OUT!" Mike yelled at the already frightened crewmen who did this quicker than usual. They arrived in the Onyx SSD's belly safely while the Blood Rangers killed all of the NOC drones, but also died by Sothan Kor and Tak'a Tamen's hands, immune to even the most powerful laser, projectile, explosive, and bladed weapons the CM military had ever given to men. David was waiting.

"No!" Liam screamed. "We can't leave them..." he said as he turned to Jenna, his emotions beginning to flare up. "He won't survive the fight up there, you know," he said. "I need to get back."

"Liam... don't go. You were ordered off that ship - it is lost," Jenna begged of him.

He turned his face from hers to look nowhere in particular. "I don't have a choice-"

"Yes. Yes, you do-"

"No I don't!" he snapped before calming down and kneeling down next to Jenna. "Jenna... I have to go. I have seen this day in my dreams for weeks. It has been foretold that I would have to fight the Dark Lord. You see... I don't have a choice. My destiny is calling for me and who am I to deny it. I must fight Tak'a-Tamen."

Jenna had no response and when she opened her mouth nothing came out.

"Get me back to that ship!" he yelled to the nearest crew member.

The ensign looked at Liam who held the rank of simulated Major and said, "I'm sorry, Master Miles has hit the 'Abandon Ship' command and ordered nobody to come after him. He sent you a personal message stating that this may or may not be the day in your dreams and to stay here and look after his daughter." The ensign blushed at this last one before Mike approached Liam and said, "You can help. Use your Battle Meditation and let him know your presence."
~~~~~~~~~~
The Blood Rangers were long dead by now. Tak'a-Tamen and Sothan Kor had entered the bridge by now, the latter licking a small wound from what appears to be a last-ditch vibroblade thrust. David knew he would die here and now, so began compressing the Force more, this time bigger than the one that destroyed the planet before.

"Tak'a-Tamen. Your time is ended. Your puppet master is to die today!"

The two dark masters moved outward, encircling David as they did so. The bridge was eerily silent except for the hum of apparent force energy building up in their target. Tak'a-Tamen's gaze pierced through David's eyes and deep into his soul,

"It would seem that your fleet is lost Master Miles," he said as he appeared to ponder a distant thought, "And your daughter... is certainly young."

David's lightsabre flared to life and Tak'a-Tamen responded in kind. Sothan Kor's attention was focused entirely in another direction,

"Yes she is indeed," he said with a mischievous smile, "and she is protected by the one called Liam."

David turned toward Kor... and came within millimetres of losing his head. Tak'a-Tamen had launched himself into the air and had curved his blade around to slice through David's neck. But the Jedi's reflexes prevented any sort of beheading as he deflected the stroke and countered. Within seconds both Tak'a-Tamen and David were locked in a mortal combat, each a blur of movement as they duelled at a speed far quicker that the human eye could comprehend.

Sothan Kor was following the sense he was getting. That same feeling as before, coming from that same Jedi; Liam. He tapped his comm pad,

"Slave, are you within transmat range?"

The ship is within the stated range master. I can bring you aboard at your convenience.

"No. Lock onto the nearest escaping ship from this cruiser and transmat me aboard."

At once master

Seconds past and then...

... Sothan Kor was standing behind Liam. The Jedi was shielding Jenna as he turned to face his opponent. Kor released a sinister grin as he eyed Liam and the young lady he was protecting,

"So you're the Jedi we've been detecting," a quick flick of his wrist and his blood red lightsabre flashed into existence, "it will be a great pleasure to kill you!"

...

Liam was certainly annoyed at the news the ensign had delivered, but he knew there was nothing he could do. He took Mike's sound advice and sat down on the hard metal floor to begin his battle meditation. He brushed his cloak behind him in a swift movement as he crossed his legs and took his seat.

He began reaching out with the Force to encourage and give aid to the revered Jedi Master David Miles. It was the famed battle meditation that could turn the tides of battle if used properly... but he noticed something was different in David's attitude as his senses reached the man who was now locked in battle. No... it can't be... Liam thought, outraged as he figured out what the odd sense was. He knows he isn't going to make it!

The thought had hardly crossed his mind when his astute Jedi senses alerted him of something wrong. The battle has come to me. Sothan Kor appeared behind him as he was teleported aboard the ship. Kor had barely materialized when Liam leapt to his feet - his robe cutting through the air as in one continuous move he through it off and snatched his lightsaber from his side.

"You should have never come here..." Liam replied as he ignited the lightsaber at his side and didn't even flinch as the gray blade purred to life. He dropped into the defensive Form III: Soresu, as he expected his opponent to be overly aggressive...

...

Jenna and Mike both looked at Kor, wondering how he was teleported through the full energy barrier surrounding the ship. And they knew Mike or Liam was a match for him but at what price?

"Ensign! Plan Baker!" Mike screamed as the rating transported Kor onto an escape pod that was quickly jessisoned and was totally shielded from any method of radio contact or most beaming technologies.

"Liam, back to meditating. Fighting can wait until Dad is safe.....Now, how the hell did he get on my ship like that? The shields should have blocked him?!?!" Mike screamed as his father wa doing much the same, using his best moves much in vain. David took a thrust to the right arm, then the leg, and left arm, and now he looked like a character in an absurd 1970's British comedy troupe screaming he could still bite ankles.

"I'm going to enjoy devouring your soul." Tak'a said coldly, as if another was controlling the voice.

"You underestimate me puppet master. Your servant reanimated from your rib forgets much." David said, compressing the Force to where it was actually visibile now. "Eat my soul all you want, and you will still die!'

At this moment, David's wife peeked onto the bridge to see her husband's death unfolding before her eyes. He screamed at her to leave, but to no avail. Tak'a-Tamen decapitated her in front of David who could do nothing but further the bomb process as his foe descended upon his chest like a leech.

Mike, this is Mlasha, I need an evac out of our cruiser. Mom told me to get all of Dad's war stuff for the museum and get out of here before she went to the bridge. I can't sense her anymore....oh God....help... the werewolf cried as she was teleported out and onto the bridge of the Autumn Judgement only to see, with the rest of her family and crew, her father die in an explosion of magnitudes larger than a nuclear bomb.
~~~~~~
The fish-like creature many thousands of parsects away began to choke. He had put too much energy into his puppet's new self that when he died the creature was dying as well, his Force Aura collapsing on itself and cascading out letting the souls of those absorbed escape the torment of slavery. The Last True Sith was dead, his species wiped out by the very thing they were trying to control.
~~~~~~
Sothan Kor just waited endlessly as the battle wrapped up around him as a thud hit his pos. He opened the airlock and saw a partially charred book enter its space. He now had the Book of D'rea and Mosh in his posession. Galactic control was just a step away.

...

Liam nodded to Mike and went back to his meditation. Soon afterwards though, he felt the deadly explosion and the death and destruction it caused...

David and Tak'a-Tamen still had not finished their fight, even after death. Thw two sould were still embattled. This fight would last for days and determine who would survive. Blow upon blow had been struck, each's FOrce Aura dwindling with the additional blow. Tak'a was losing, his patriarch dead and gone, while David was staying fairly constant. Liam's Battle Meditation providing just enough boost to restore the losses he took. If David won now, Tak'a-Tamen would be dead and gone forever. He could not afford to lose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Battle was winging down now. Only one heavy enemy ship survived the onslaught, all the NOC fighters destroyed, and a sparse medium force left. But for Sothan Kor it was a tatical loss and a strategic victory--the Book of D'rea and Mosh were his as he sat aboard the corvette sent to rescue him.

OOC: Just tell me when you want Liam's battle to continue (or make it blatantly obvious ICly).

OOC: it has ended. I teleported Sothan out of the ship. I wanted that battle to be at a later date.

OOC: it has ended. I teleported Sothan out of the ship. I wanted that battle to be at a later date.

OOC: Alright - I am just not sure what to do with Liam right now as Sothan isn't there.

OOC: elaborate more on the David/Tak'a fight as well as use the OOC thread

Liam was sitting on the floor with his eyes closed as he concentrated all of his energy into focusing on the battle that was ensuing between David and Tak'a-Tamen. He could feel that his Battle Meditation was giving David the slight edge he needed and was 'watching' (i.e. sensing it through the Force) the battle intently.

Do it! Liam thought as he strained his senses to their fullest extent. Finish the battle, David. End his reign of Terror once and for all.

Even as David had the slight edge in the battle, Liam felt as if something in the galaxy was not right. Something nearby was wrong...

The battle in the point between life and death was a struggle few could comprehend. David and the shell of Tak'a-Tamen were locked in mortal combat. The warlord's power was strong but fading fast thanks to the essence generated by Liam's aura. Yet it was still not enough.

"You will NEVER succeed here," said Tak'a-Tamen as the struggle continued, "I will keep you forever in this domain."

It was at that moment when what could be perceived as a flash suddenly appeared. The fight seemed to pause for the briefest of moments before a figure emerged,

"The time is nigh. Tak'a-Tamen, your lives are at an end."

To David the voice sounded familiar. It wasn't until the figure stepped forward did he understand. The ancient Jedi Justin. The sage who in his lifetime was charged with the unenviable task of guarding the temple of Tak'a-Tamen so that the warlord could never escape.

Tak'a-Tamen looked up. Even in his regenerated form, Just easily recognised him, "You!" cired the warlord, "You are dead!"

"And so are you." retorted the soul of Justin. Immediately another flash of light appeared and Tak'a-Tamen was enveloped.

David got up at this and "brushed off" his shoulders.

"I could have taken him..." David responded with his usualy sarcastic machismo. "So how are you doing Justin. Well I hope...Of course, as well as us spirits can do."

"Very much so spirits we are. You for another time. I take it you will be staying slightly longer this time." Justin called out.

"Yes, I shall be a resident from now on. I have neglected being with my wife for too long and its my fault she's here after all. I shall stay dead for good."

"Now, now...Yoda said that once and look how he returned. Never say never." Justin reminded him.

"Point taken oh wise one. I take it we got the puppet master as well?" David asked.

"What puppet master?" Justin asked, curiously.

"Damnit...get Kenobi, all the Skywalkers ayou can, Masakis as well, and Yoda. We need to go on a spirit hunt." David said amidst the confusion of the mage.
~~~~~~~~~~
Mike commanded a stand-down to his ships. All enemies were either dead or in the vacuum of space. SAR began as the Fleet began licking its wounds. The Jedi Council had convened on the matter of David's death. Jenna, Mlasha, Kas, and Mike all converged with Liam as their guest. Mike sat in his Father's place and they began.

"Liam, we need a 5th council. We feel Dad would have wished you take his place in this type of situation. What say you?

"What say I?" Liam echoed in thought. "I don't know what to say. I am greatly honored by your confidence in me and the fact that you are offering me a seat on the council... but I just don't know." He dropped his head heavily as thoughts swirled through his mind. Some thoughts of his own while others were echos of the Force. "It all seems so sudden - like someone just dropped a planet on my back and told me to help carry it."

"And something still seems wrong to me... a little off - but I can't put my finger on it." It was true - he had some inkling that he was receiving warnings that something was wrong in the balance of the Force. Like it was only going to be settled for a moment before another firecracker went off. "What can I say..."

"What you can say is that you'll think about it..." Mlasha snapped at Liam, "You know what to do whenever a despirate situation arises, but you still hesitate when there is no danger involved!"

"Hold your tongue Mlasha!" Mike shouted back at his undisciplined sister. "We don't want to force you in, but rather invite you to help us while learning some of the other htings about the Force Dad couldn't have taught you without the help of time."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
David had the named Jedi gathered in the ether world.

"So why are we here?" Anakin Solo asked.

"There is one more powerful than Tak'a-Tamen about. The puppet master is among us somewhere and has disguised himself for some time. He is now dead and I suspect he will revive himself unless we destroy him utterly here." David started.

"But what you're saying is you killed the last Sith when all of us couldn't?" Mace Windu asked, suspicously.

"Accidentally. I didn't even know what it was until I was killed myself. I just knew something more powerful than Tak'a-Tamen was pulling his strings, and that Tak'a-Tamen's reessurection both times were due to this being. He's hidden for too long and he knows the secrets of D'rea and Mosh so he can return at will. He is an imminent threat to all existence." David finished before a stunned crowd.

"What you can say is that you'll think about it..." Mlasha snapped at Liam, "You know what to do whenever a despirate situation arises, but you still hesitate when there is no danger involved!"

"Hold your tongue Mlasha!" Mike shouted back at his undisciplined sister. "We don't want to force you in, but rather invite you to help us while learning some of the other htings about the Force Dad couldn't have taught you without the help of time."

"No, no. She is right," Liam replied. "It is the least I can do after all that I have learned from your late father. I realize now that I must offer my help and aid to those who need protection and guidance. I will join you," he said calmly, nodding his head in confirmation of his words.

"However, it will not be forever," he added after a moment of silence. "I will stay for some time, but it will not be long. There is still that which I must do before I can rest peacefully..."

He couldn't believe it. He had been dreaming of this moment for so very long and now that he had achieved it he hadn't dared believe that it was true. Sothan Kor stared at the book of D'rea and Mosh with a look which was seldom seen by anyone else. Finally the text of the secrets of the first Jedi were his as the galaxy, nay the whole universe was soon to be.

The reincarnation of Tak'a-Tamen was dead. He had felt it and had always known it would happen. The charlatan of the original warlord had let his own quest for glory blind him to the weaknesses that he had inherited, weaknesses which in the end saw him destroyed. But now with the book, those weaknesses no longer existed.

Sothan Kor had ended up on Korriban. He wasn't sure how or why he got there but he had thought it an irony that of all the places in the galaxy, Korriban should be the one planet where he would end up. Kor took a deep breath and opened the book. At that moment dark clouds began to form above him. He turned a page and the deep rumbling of thunder rolled across the landscape. Kor ignored this, his focus entirely fixed upon the pages in the book.

His smile widened.

The clouds darkened.

The galaxy would know fear.

The Force was his...

The Sith knew it, he was dead. HE was the last of his kind, all the others were killed and their souls destroyed. Survival was keen for him, and the others were on his trail again. Once he had stolen the book of D'rea and Mosh to learn how to reincarnate himself and that had proven very useful, but eons had passed and his old masters' book was in the hands of a new member. This one evil, wanting all the power for himself. He would do just nicely for later, but now he must survive. Concealment and trickery were keen now. Meditation was began at once, even in the afterlife meditation was powerful. Echoes of himself and a guise for himself he would create. Humans were a weak species, never killing their young. Such a paradox for so violent a species, but that's how things went. A female would work nicely. His ghost image was ready, the picture of a 5-year-old female Padawan killed in one of the Academy attacks would work nicely.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the etherworld, David had gathered much of a militia in support. This had been done before, David learned in his last trip here when he accidentally killed himself. If the prevailing side of the souls wanted someone gone, they could just absorb their Force Aura which in turn destroyed all that was their soul. The Sith had purged themselves like this many times and became more powerful when they did only to be ganged up on by the superior Jedi numbers. This is how Palpatine had met his match, thanks to Yoda's skillful moves and a few distractions. While small in the world, Yoda's aura was much larger than his actual body. Now if only they could find this fish.

"Over there!" someone shouted, pointing at an echo. The mob raced towards it and "killed it" only to realise what it was.

"This one is crafty." Kenobi mumbled much to the agreement of all, "Everyone split up into sectors of twenty. We'll sweep that way. Kill even the echoes. It takes some power to make them and we might be able to track him using them."

"What is our next move?" Liam asked to the rest of the council, curious at what they had in mind. "Where is our status? What are our plans?" They would need to get organized and stable soon - uncertainty was never a good thing to have while attempting to lead.

Mike answered Liam, "We're licking our wounds right now. We've lost far too many good men and our main flagship. We're changing up our astronav route right now along with out ship priority right now. I hope you noticed we brought along about a dozen planet busters. Well, we're about to get reinforced with another ten when we shoot out of here. I have a haunting suspicion that we're going to have to go planet busting soon."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The council left the meeting and four days had passed since Mike said that. All the ships that need dock work had completed everything they wouldn't handle themselves. The Fleet was back up to 90% overall capability and reached 98% just after the planet busters came into play. Seven more Sniper Class ships and three Super Death Stars straight off the line, but sadly no more battleships, cruisers, monitors, or destroyers. Two percent of starting power was good for any fleet after a large string of battles, but not if they had been reinforced three times. Mike was at the CONN and an astrochart infront of him. he pointed and selected a system to travel to.

"Korriban. That's where the power surge is coming from. Helmsman, steer for Korriban and tell all Sniper BBs to have their neutronium shells ready and main railguns charged in when we jump. We'll use the 4 SDS' coaxial drives to jump the majority of the fleet in, fire, and reverse back into that same gravity well." Mike called, "We shoot the twin suns and these places are gone forever in ten minutes time...all in one supernova."

"I see..." Liam said as he slipped into deep thought, mostly oblivious to what transpired during the rest of the council meeting. So many changes, so fast....

---

Just as I sensed; Korriban, Liam thought as he stood on the bridge with Mike. Attempting to cause a star to supernova is dangerous work...

Before they arrived near Korriban, Liam decided to brush up on some much need meditation and deep concentration on the Force. He left the bridge and entered his chambers (now larger and only for himself as he was a council member). Once there he sat down on the floor, brushed his cloak behind him, and begun meditating - opening his senses to the Force.

The Fleet had just made it, the Korriban System lay a lightyear away. The Battleships were ready, their cannons charged, and they fired at maximum range. Each multi-million ton ship shuddered with the expulsion of the nautronium slug aimed at the suns. Impact would happen in ten minutes, and they would super-nova in another ten. The ships then reversed direction and shot back in the gravity well with a minute to spare on impact and the warp well was closed seconds before project impact.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Another echo and another dead projection. By now they had killed seven and David was tracing all of them along with the fourth group. Yoda, Obi Wan Kenobi, and David were meditating together and all three saw it at once. They sprang up and moved to an area where they saw fifty people meditating. This would be the difficult part.

The slugs slipped into blackness toward the Korriban star as the fleet disappered into warp. The star seemed to expand for a moment and then there was a sudden burst of energy as the force of destruction was directed outward toward the CM fleet.
_________________________________

Sothan Kor stood upon the highest mountain as he sensed the approach of the CM fleet's arsenal. It is time to test my new power, and he reached out with all of his might. The power surged from his body and engulfed the star. The force of the exploding arsenal became focused and was shot toward the CM fleet...

By the Time Sothan Kor had redirected the shots, the Fleet was long gone. But Mike did wonder what happened.

"Send Tempest Hope back in to scout it out. Have him go in black in a different route, release a probe, and go out another route." Mike called, sensing the Planet was still there. He knew he had failed on thta part of the plan but wanted to get intel on the specifics of the defenses.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Sith remained, meditating. He saw his new chance. There was Sothan Kor on his ancestral planet of Korriban. He had personally terraformed that planet many thousands of years ago, before humans had discovered the hyperdrive....and after that there went the neighborhood....His meditation was reaching Kor. Adding power to the human, the Sith was ensnaring him, hooking him on power like a common drug. Then, he would take it away when he needed it and from then forth the soul would be his to control, just like Tak'a-Tamen.

Liam felt a powerful surge of energy close by as he sat in his room meditating. The attack on Korriban... he remembered, but then he felt that its presence was still there. Odd...

He made up his mind to find out what happened and quickly left for the bridge. When he arrived he found Mike at his command station, "What happened?"

Mike looked to Liam. "Our initial plan failed. One of the suns supernovaed but the other one didn't. The blast got redirected around Korriban and the balck hole is......gone. I don't know how but its gone. And now that means we have to go in and kill Sothan Kor the hard way, and there will be a load of casualities. Me and Kas have to mind the Fleet, and Jenna and Mlasha's duties are to the Academy. And you saw what Kor did to those planet-killer shots. Looks like we're going to have to land. I guess its time to see if what Dad said about you was right."

"Me... eh?" Liam commented, though it was not really directed at Mike or asking for a response.

Perhaps this is the battle I was destined to fight... he thought as he remembered only a short while ago when he was woken up in the medbay by a ghost prophesizing his destiny.

"Alright. Lets do it."

The Sith remained, meditating. He saw his new chance. There was Sothan Kor on his ancestral planet of Korriban. He had personally terraformed that planet many thousands of years ago, before humans had discovered the hyperdrive....and after that there went the neighborhood....His meditation was reaching Kor. Adding power to the human, the Sith was ensnaring him, hooking him on power like a common drug. Then, he would take it away when he needed it and from then forth the soul would be his to control, just like Tak'a-Tamen.

Sothan Kor could feel the surge within him. He was loving every single moment of it and never wanted it to end. It was ecstasy. He could feel the force around him. It was so much clearer than before. He could hear the will of the force and the way of the Jedi.

He saw things and events from the distance past; the battle of Hoth, the rise of Masaki, the duel between Tak'a-Tamen and Justin... all things!

He saw things and events in the future. An echo of what might be. His ego and lust for power shaped his vision and he saw himself. He saw himself as the true Sith, the supreme ruler of The Syndicate. His power was infinate.

He sought out Mike Miles and Liam. He inticed them. He wanted to show them his power before he killed them.

He wanted more...

He wanted more...

The meditating Sith smiled. It was only a matter or time...

The meditating Sith smiled. It was only a matter or time before he too would fall victim to his trap. More power flowed from the Sith, more and more. but this power came at a price. David looked at the crowd of those meditating in what was the afterlife equivalent of a mall. He could sense somethign from the inner side of thr group. One by one, Kenobi moved the other souls and seeing no change in the power they felt so they knew he was still there. More than three quarters of them were gone and the field was down to fifteen souls left.

"Alright. Lets do it."

After a short escapade to his chambers to grab a few of his items that he required for the upcoming fight, Liam returned to the bridge of the ship. He noticed Mike returned to the bridge console to command the fleet and stepped up to see him.

"I believe.... I am ready," he said as he shifted his weight gently from one foot to the other. "Ready for the future... whatever it may bring for me."

"Right Liam. Something just came to mind. You and me will take the Outrider while Kas runs the Fleet. Something tells me you'll need someone to cover your six. I've been through this more than anyone else in the Fleet. I more or less know what to do in ceretain situations. Let me get my guns and we'll get going."

"Alright..." Liam replied as he began to mentally prepare himself for the coming battle as Mike left the bridge to retrieve his guns.

Liam just had his lightsaber and a couple other things he had thrown together. With the parts that he had bought while on land in CoreWorlds, Liam was able to put together a few items that might prove useful. As a master mechanic, Liam was only limited by his imagination...

The Korriban desert was usually inhospitable but now there was only an eerie silence. The howling winds had died down and the sky had turned to a sea of red and orange. Standing atop a large mountain was Sothan Kor. His arms were outstretched, pulling in the essence of the dark power from the planet. His eyes were glowing a bright red and his voice carried an echo which filled the air between peaks.

The remaining NOC-drone fleet had gathered around Korriban. Fighters, cruisers, capital ships, all that was left. The plethora of vessels were more a plague than anything else as they waited. It was inevitable that Mike's forces would show up. They knew that Kor had the book and they knew that he must be stopped... no matter the cost.

Mike grabbed a gun that was inordinately large, over three meters long, a satchel with a series of devil's toys, and a chain of tank-killer bullets. Mike and Liam then entered the capsule and dropped to the planet.
~~~~~~~~~
Down to two...David and the others did not know who was what. In reality they were the same. The Sith had split his Aura into two different appearances with equal power. it would take some time for the Jedi to figure this out.
~~~~~~~~~
"NOC FIGHTERS INBOUND! ENEMY FLEET MOVING!" An ensign called out. Kas snapped at this.

"Have the Snipers concentrate main gun fire into the middle of the formation. That should make a quantam singularity if even two collide and crush all of them. If nothing else the force of the shots wil lrip them apart. Then throw up the wall of plasma again. Deploy fighters when they come within disruptor cannon's main range."

Kas watched the screen nervously as the neutronium slugs impacted the first wave of NOCs. The force of the gravity fluctuation ripped many apart while the rest of that wave were destroyed by the neutronium splitting apart and acting like a rather large shotgun. A great cheer erupted at this destruction within the CM ships. Too many good men had died from those hell fighters. but the celebration was not long lasted as the second wave was inbound and from behind the demon planet, a Fleet appeared.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"DAMN IT ALL TO HELL!" The Sith commander screamed as his best fighters were cut in half. "Second wave attack. Fleet Division 1 forward and attack!" With that, only half of the Sith Armada spurred forward, the rest were hidden in the darkness, powered down to minimal waiting for their turn.

Sothan Kor sensed the conflict above. He drank from the feelings of fear, anger, hatred, all of the powerful dark emotions expressed by each and every single individual in the fleet. He drew in their strength as he again sensed the presence of Mike and Liam. They stood out above all else as though a light were illuminating them.

This was truly the final battle and with his power he knew he would easily defeat the two Jedi. He again stretched out and inticed the pair. He baited at them with his mind,

"YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED. YOU CAN NEVER HOPE TO DEFEAT THE ULTIMATE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!

The source of all evil had spoken. It was only a matter of time...

As Mike and Liam descended rapidly towards the planet, away from the space battle that was occurring overhead, Liam reached out with his senses and could feel everyone's emotions. Some were sad, some were happy, but most were just fearful...

The Dark Side had an immense presence on and around Korriban, more now than ever as Sothan Kor had found a source of amazing power and control.

"YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED. YOU CAN NEVER HOPE TO DEFEAT THE ULTIMATE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE!

Liam heard the words enter his mind like a shock to his system. Wherever there is darkness... light will soon shine, he thought...

Mike sent a message to all there, Darkness is only present as long as light is not there. And we're on our way. H knew he would inflame Kor and make him think there was something else Mike had up his sleeve besides his grit and determination.
~~~~~~~
David sat down and looked at the two and began to think. One was the Sith and the other an innocent soul. Was destroying an innocent worth destroying the ultimate evil? This was a question he had shut out of his mind since he enlisted in the Corps.

He felt the craft touch down. Sothan kor turned to see an escape pod resting on the sandy Korriban surface and knew what was inside. He smiled as his eyes began to glow a firey red,

"You have chosen to come here? That is most unfortunate... for you."

He felt as though Mike might have some kind of advantage. But for all of the power that the book had give him, what could possibly be a threat to him now? He waved his arm and the escape pod hatch was instantly ripped from the hull revealing Mike and Liam. Kor flicked his wrist and his lightsabre flared to life,

"Welcome to the last moments of your lives!"

...

"What... no party?" Liam asked as he stepped out of the escape pod onto the dusty and sandy planes of Korriban, his cloak brushing the exit as he did so. "I always imagined the end of my time would be much grander... but who better to spend it with then my friends here," he commented sarcastically.

But now it was time to get down to business. He stopped a few feet from the escape pod and ignited his lightsaber, the awesome blade blazing to life as he waited for Mike to join him.

Mike took the three meter gun and shot once at Kor. The enormous bullet travelled too fast for any normal Jedi to dodge or stop, but Kor was no normal Jedi. There was a good chance he would stop it. Mike activated his lightsaber and destroyed the gun.

Dad...we need a little help here. Any ideas?

Kor's quick reflexes deflected the bullet which impacted into a distant rocky mountain. His momentum brought him round and he immediately let loose a wall of lightening at the Jedi...

The mountain just crumbled with the impact of the bullet while Mike's lightsaber just absorbed the lightning and the blade hummed white for a moment. Before it tuned down Mike slashed at Kor with his overpowered blade, hoping to overload and explode Kor's blade. He aded a kick with this to assure at least one hit and give Kor to Liam.

Liam followed both Mike and Kor's movements and coordinated his attacks and parries to fit the overall strategy. To defeat Kor they would need to work together... at least at the beginning. He began speeding up with the aid of the Force and begun slashing at Kor.

Kor's smile widened as the duel of the fates continued. Mike's ferocity, coupled with Liam's speed would have been enough to overpower anybody. But the power of the book gave Kor that edge to stay ahead.

Mike and Liam were fighting as one. Their blades moving through the air with fluid of motion and rapid strikes would make one wonder if there really were two people fighting. Sothan Kor deflected one swing and followed through by parrying the other. His momentum continued so that his weapon would strike at Mike's legs, but the Jedi's reflexes predicted the attack and he jumped over the enraged Sith. Liam had backed up but now saw his chance as he moved in with an uppercut motion. Kor side-stepped and swung toward his back but Liam's momentum carried through and he blocked the strike before slicing around to counter. Kor's blade connected and for a second the pair were locked together,

"You fight well... for a Jedi!" He force-pushed at Liam who stumbled backward but quickly regained his balance. Mike had advanced forward and now the trio were standing in a triangular formation, "You both have great potential. Join me and together we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy!"

Mike felt his wife's presence overhead and knew what must come.

"Kor, you know back home in Alabama anyone trying to bribe the judges in his own trial was immeadiately flogged. The time for your punishemnt is nigh and we shall not stop until you have paid."
~~~~~~~~~
David was still meditating and an idea came upon Yoda.

"Master Miles. If there is no one correct option, would both options not be correct?"

David swore at this and knew he was right. The Sith was not either spirit, but rather both. The little girls looked at David in his eyes and knew the game was up. It transformed into its true form, a large fish was its face and it reminded David of a very large, pissed off otter.

"You both have great potential. Join me and together we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy!"

"Order through tyranny and fear is a despotic and tyrannical empire that subjects its people to the will of one and takes from them their civil liberties that are what define a people as free," Liam countered, making sure not to be lulled into a calm only to be struck down by Sothan Kor.

"We serve the people... we will not force them to serve us," he said, a line similar to that of a less commonly known version of the Jedi Code. His blade was raised and ready to strike in time with Mike's own movements, but for now it was a battle of wits...

Sothan Kor was not entirely surprised my the pair's responses,

"Then you are both FOOLS!" He swung his lightsabre up and around, bringing it to bear on the Jedi, "You will be the first to fall by my blade... but you won't be the last!"

And he let loose a wave of lightening...

Mike moved forward and absorbed all the lightning himself. He hadn't had time to install the transformer-type fuses because of his deployments and now he was to pay for it. His lightsaber turned plasma white and took even more punishment. He swung at Kor who deftly blocked the strike, but at that instant the lightsaber exploded filling the air with shrapnel. Mike's left hand was badly mangled and useless until he received medical attention and his right was bleeding profusely. he drew his secondar saber hile licking the blood off his arm.

"Kor, you're going to pay for that." He then charged Kor and was doing twice the forums he had done previously, unsettling the Sith and burning his tunic a little. He continued to fight when Liam started battling as well, the two working in tandem and Mike using he Force to stop the bleeding.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yoda, Kenobi, and David all looked at the aura. It was as big as it was powerful. The three, however, were more agile and Yoda had condensed his aura into the size he was in life, yet moved with much ferocity. The Sith began sapping at Kenobi's soul, looking for easy prey, but found none. The others began sapping at the Sith as well. This would be one interesting fight.

"You are injured Mike...!" Liam cried out in the midst of battle. "Take your time to heal yourself... I will try to hold him off - it will do no good if you are fighting at half strength and ability," he stated while maintaining his focus on the slashing lightsabers.

Kor had tremendous power and skill... victory seemed to be farther and farther off as they could not find away to break his defense.

Sothan Kor let loose a roar of laughter as Mike stumbled backward from his injuries. However his smug disposition lasted no longer as Mike fought back along with Liam. Kor defended himself with the ease of the skills and power given to him by the book... and yet deep within himself, he felt the smallest sensation that something was not right...
_________________

The Sith was surrounded. It felt trapped despite the connection it had with Sothan Kor...
_________________

Kor was surrounded. He felt trapped despite the connection he had with the power of D'rea and Mosh.
_________________

Within the Netherworld of the Force, the auras of good combined against the aura of evil. Forming as one the aura surrounded the Sith as it began to shrink.
_________________

Kor was starting to feel the effort. He felt as thought someone was sucking at his energy...
_________________

The Sith was drawing power from another source. It had fully connected with the corporial being and was drinking heavily from his energy to stay alive...
_________________

His breath grew short. His bones started to ache. With one gargantuan gathering of effort, he force-pushed both Mike and Liam backward by a few feet. The pair shot back up in unison ready to face Kor again, but o their surprise he was different...
_________________

The Sith was feeling stronger now. It felt the power of youth surging through its very being...
_________________

Standing before them was an aging Sothan Kor. The effort was clear accross his face on the focus he was keeping just to remain standing. But that didn't deter him from trying to maintain his stance as Mike and Liam advanced upon him, albeit cautiously...

.

"That is odd. What do you think is happening?" Liam telepathed to Mike via the Force as he saw the aging appearance of Sothan Kor in front of them. He seemed much weaker now in both the Force and his physical state.

"Maybe this is the break we have been waiting for. We need to press the attack." Liam continued walking forward in unison with Mike and raised his lightsaber and dropped into a Form V stance...

Mike had never gotten the hang of repairing nerve endings so repairing his arm was not possible. He continued fighting throughout the pain and Liam joined battle again. He even felt Kas ripping up the enemy fleet above. He was in the zone.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Sith was struggling. Kenobi was as well, however. David absorbed a large amount of power as did Yoda, but then Kenobi just disappeared. He was dead forever now. The Sith then turned on David who was now roughly the same power as the enemy.

OOC: I thought I had posted a reply which had taken me a while to do!!! Bastard thing didn't post! :mad:

IC: Sothan Kor was not about to admit that he was feeling weaker. In fact he didn't need to admit anything as it was perfectly clear just by looking at him. Despite the injuries and fatigue, both Mike and Liam were in far better shape than Kor,

"Give it up Kor, it's over!" Exclaimed Mike as the pair moved closer. Any sane person in their right mind would easily agree. But Sothan Kor was not sane and he most certainly wasn't in his right mind. The power of D'rea and Mosh had sucked the sanity from him as he hungrily absorbed the knowledge,

"I will... NEVER give up!" Cried the aging Sith with effort, "NEVER!!" And he charged.

The Jedi were still quick with their reflexes and they moved as one as they sliced their blades outwards accross Kor's mid-section. An eerie silence filled the air.

Mike and Liam had returned to their stances. Kor was just standing still.

After what seemed to be an eternity, Sothan Kor fell to the ground.

The last breath escaped him.

His lifeless eyes stared into nothingness.

...

Mike just stood there, caught looking, as Kor fell in two. All of a sudden he fell as well, grabbing his left arm, cut through the bone.

"You made the lethal blow Liam. His saber is yours." Mike called through the pain, "You've earned it...I see the Book has been destroyed as well." Mike finished referring to the Book of D'rea and Mosh sliced open and burning, unrecognizable a minute later. Mike keyed his beacon and the pair were swooped up by the beams, Mike sent immediately into the Medical bay to be healed, his left arm close to being severed. His last words before being put under anesthesia was, "Kas, torch it..."
~~~~~~~~~~
As the battle between Kor and the pair of Jedis was raging, a parallel battle was winding up against the Last True Sith. David and the Sith were engaged, each at a stalemate on the other while Yoda sapped off the monster. As Kor fell dead, the sith died forever as well. Yoda and David looked at each other, both the same size and density as the other. Too bad Obi Wan Kenobi's soul was the price for this necessary victory.

As his blade seemed to cut directly through Kor, Liam spun around and lifted the blade so that it was slightly back from his head and pointing directly at the enemy.

He stood in the same position, not a muscle flinching, for what seemed like an eternity. Neither side willing to react until the other. And then it was done... Kor collapsed and fell dead.

Immediately, Liam turned to Mike who had also collapsed to the ground and was holding his arm. "Mike..." Liam began. He was going to attempt to help him, but then a ship appeared and brought the Jedi aboard where he would receive medical treatment. Liam was left a little longer on the surface of Korriban - just him and the slain form of Sothan Kor.

Liam grabbed the fallen one's lightsaber and hooked it to his side before walking away toward's the ship. He paused momentarily and looked backwards before shaking his head and being brought aboard the ship. Korriban was once again the final resting place of the Dark Side...

Only the wind howled gently.

The body left to the elements.

The essence of D'rea and Mosh was silent and invisible.

But it found a new vessel.

Mike...

Liam...

... they would each inherit one without realising it.

The old ways of the Jedi were reborn...

... a new age.

Though it had been a relatively quick battle, Liam felt extremely tired and rained of his energy. Perhaps a side effect of the immense Dark presence there that had surrounded them throughout the fight. Whatever the reason, it was wearing on him and now that the war was hopefully soon to be over, he felt he could rest without worry of being needed...

The Jedi walked through the ship, occasionally receiving comments from those he passed, before he arrived at his councilor's chamber. When he lay down on the bed, he almost instantly fell asleep...

The message was relayed to Kas as the Super Death Stars entered the fray. Slower and more powerful than the normal ships, the Sith Fleet knew their time was up when these four superweapons entered.

"OH, shit....." The Sith commander screamed when he saw these weapons power up. "Focus on the flagships. All beam weapons fire!" WIth this the entire enemy fleet fired on The Autumn Judgement. Beautiful Monologue moved in a blocking position to shield its commodore and took the brunt of the fire, exploding. Some X-ray weapons made it through, however, one hitting the bridge where Kas was and barely struck her. The SDS had taken care of the rest of the enemy fleet, but she was gravely wounded. The Corpsmen took her to sick bay with her husband, both wounded and waiting to reach Coreworlds where both could be fully healed. One doctor, in briefing his relief, whispered "60% chance the kid won't make it period, and if he does there's only a 3% chance the rads won't really mess him up. Watch out for that...she's got three months go to. There's only one or two places where that three percent is almost guranteed and it ain't here. I guess all we can do is make sure she survives." the other nodded and adjusted the drip on both Mike and Kas' drip and smacked some more BioGel on Mike;s arm, it stating to take the form of new nerves and muscle tissue.

The roads were packed with dancing people and the evening air was filled with music as the celebrations continued. The entire planet was celebrating the galaxy's freedom from the scourge of the Sith once more and tonight was a night to remember.

Not a single soul slept, neither did they work as both the day and night sides of the planet sang and cheered. Huge feasts were being served in every street, the drinks flowed freely and even some animals were sensing the joy in the air.

Most of the officers, men and civilians from the Miles fleet had congregated in the capital city as they revelled in their victory.

Tarrant was dancing with a young lieutenant from the Battlestar Ulysses, Villa was chugging straight from a barrel of real ale, Kally was lapping up the attention she was getting from dancing on a table and Avon... Avon was standing quietly, observing the celebrations and letting his guard down just enough to let himself smile. It still hurt, but Avon allowed himself just enough to sniff the joy in the air before walking away.

The main square and the Coreworld palace grounds were all prepared for the anticipated hero's welcome of Liam and Mike...

Mike woke up with a hangover-like headache. He groused and grumbled for ten minutes before his feet hit the deck. When he tried to move his arm he found only pain. An orderly came over and flipped off the nerve interruptor switch and put Mike's arm in an electrosling that continued repairing the arm. He asked about what happened to his wife and was overcome with grief and worry before sobering up at the fact that not even the Living force could help now...just making it to New exodus would make a difference. He had Kas placed on a corvette and sent off where he'd join her when she got into the pre-natal hospital.

He then joined the revelery upstairs with a heavy heart, knowing he could do nothing else for his family besides what he had done. He saw some of his higher ranking officers cheering at Kally, who had not yet learned of the stigma given to dancing women in the CM military. He took a whiskey with cola to calm his nerves on this and disregarding the doc's orders about no booze for a month....after what he went through he needed a drink. He then approached Liam and got everyone's attention. He raised his glass and spoke.

"This long and bitter campaign has taken its toll. We have lost many dear friends, loved ones, fathers, sons, brothers, mothers, sisters, husbands, and wives. We must think 'Was it worth it?' In the end, did stopping tyrrany and evil constitute losing such great people. My answer is simple. Evil is not worth these men, but stopping evil and its acts are. I cannot replace all those lost but I can console myself that all those deaths in the end saved entire galaxies from a power-hungry empire. We shall sing an elegy tonight for the victorious dead and thank God that such men exist. To the dead and living, I toast." Mike finished and raised his glass. Everyone followed suit and not an eye in the room dry, nor a glass empty. Mike the ncontinued, "It has been an honor and privlege to lead such fine people into the heart of the Beast and emerge victorious. Now I must step down and be with my family as well as return the Jedi Academy to Core Worlds. As of midnight tonight I am giving command of the CM Fleet to Admiral Murphy...." a pause before someone metioned to Mike that Murphy was among the dead from the Beautiful Monologue. He continued with a tear in his eye, "Excuse me, a lot has happened since I was last concious. Liam, could you lead us home one last time?"

"This long and bitter campaign has taken its toll. We have lost many dear friends, loved ones, fathers, sons, brothers, mothers, sisters, husbands, and wives. We must think 'Was it worth it?' In the end, did stopping tyranny and evil constitute losing such great people. My answer is simple. Evil is not worth these men, but stopping evil and its acts are. I cannot replace all those lost but I can console myself that all those deaths in the end saved entire galaxies from a power-hungry empire. We shall sing an elegy tonight for the victorious dead and thank God that such men exist. To the dead and living, I toast."

"Amen," Liam said quietly as he raised in glass in reverence.

Mike finished and raised his glass. Everyone followed suit and not an eye in the room dry, nor a glass empty. Mike then continued, "It has been an honor and privilege to lead such fine people into the heart of the Beast and emerge victorious. Now I must step down and be with my family as well as return the Jedi Academy to Core Worlds. As of midnight tonight I am giving command of the CM Fleet to Admiral Murphy...." a pause before someone mentioned to Mike that Murphy was among the dead from the Beautiful Monologue. He continued with a tear in his eye, "Excuse me, a lot has happened since I was last conscious. Liam, could you lead us home one last time?"

There was a silence in the room as all eyes were on Liam, the young Jedi hero. While everyone else was celebrating the end of such a terrible war, something in the back of Liam's mind was telling him that his journey was not over. Yes, he had felt that a heavy burden had been destroyed with the death and destruction of the Sith, but he could not help but feel that there was something else calling for him. Call it an intuition of the Force or call it silly Jedi feelings, but Liam knew he had to go...

"Certainly..."

The ceremony continued.

Alone aboard the Liberator, Avon was sitting with Orac. It was an odd thing to see someone speaking to a transparent box on a table, but on the Liberator, seldom was anything other than odd,

"I took the liberty of accessing the database on Gauda Prime and I have confirmed that the probability of his presence is 100%."

Avon didn't appear to be looking at anything. Instead his gaze was fixed entirely onto nothingness,

"And all this time I thought he was dead."

Just then, Villa, Cally and Tarrant all entered the flight deck together,

"What's happening Avon?" asked Tarrant impatiently, "We've all been told by Zen to return to the ship immediately."

"I told you that we shouldn't have listened." Said Villa, his voice slurred through alcohol. Avon didn't give them a moment and went straight to the point,

"You have two choices; stay here or leave."

The trio were surprised by the abrupt question. Tarrant shook his head,

"What do you mean?"

"I can't make it any clearer than that." retorted Avon. All three pondered for a moment until Cally stepped forward,

"I'm staying. I've nothing down on Coreworlds or anywhere else for that matter."

"I doubt my past affiliation with the Order of the Universe would be popular down there so I choose the lesser of two evils." Said Tarrant.

Villa said nothing except, "I've got to lay down."

Avon turned to Zen, his arms folded authoritively,

"Zen, set a course for Gauda Prime speed; standard by eight!"

Confirmed

Tarrant walked up to Avon with genuine curiosity,

"What's on Gauda Prime?"

Avon turned to face him. A sly grin was neatly carved into his face,

"Blake is alive."

The [l]Liberator[/i] turned about and without anybody knowing, sped off into the dark void of space...

UNTIL NEXT TIME


...

Mikes wished the crew of the Liberator well, handing each a present as thanks for their help. Each one was a gift that reflected each's ability such as a master magnetic/electronic lockpick, lightsaber crystals, and new blasters. They had served well with the CM Fleet and earned much gratitude with the men. Included as well was a coin with the CM crest and the Jedi Lightsabers intertwined along with the Advanced Academy crest on the reverse. These gold coins were worth a lot, especially when given in gratitude. And in CM one of these presented would pay for anybody's drinks for a year.

The joint celebration of the end of the war and memorial for those who had given their lives in noble service of the fleet and everyone it protected was one of mixed emotions. Liam mainly kept to himself, often zoning out when people talked with him, as he tried to sort out the tangled web that had been formed. It had been a fun and interesting time learning from David at the academy, but now it was time to move on...

Lead them home...

"Home it is..." Liam whispered quietly to himself as he headed for the bridge of the starship. Not my home...

Months more rolled past and the Fleet was back home at Reach. They came back much lighter than before and it was simply noted by High Command. Some of the people killed had syncordings on files so they could be brought back but over a hundred thoudand others had their syncordings destroyed by Tak'a-Tamen's original attack and their brain chips fried. And not a parade was hosted in their honor, nor a well wisher. This was a more or less black operation and no civillians would hear of this for twenty years. A shame that such good men would be written off with nothing for their blood for over twenty years except another notch in the belt of the CM Military. Laim exited the Autumn Judgement and Jenna kissed him goodbye nowing he was gone. He then entered an Asguard mothership, the same class the CMS Miles was, and ten Artificial Intelligence constructs welcomed. Each had its own personality, modeled after Kas, Mike, Jenna, Mlasha, David, and even himself. Liam then left Reach at the same time as Mike, but in opposite directions. One to New Exodus and the other to whereever. Mlasha and Jenna were the only Jedis left on Reach, much alone now and needing to get back home.

As Jenna kissed Liam on the cheek, he paused momentarily and then turned and took her hands in his own. His eyes stared deeply into hers for several silent moments, wondering what could have been. He breathed deeply, "...Good bye..."

He entered the Asguard mothership and felt a little better when he noticed that the personalities of the Artificial Intelligence constructs were quite familiar. Soon the ship set off into the dark void of space...