NationStates Jolt Archive

Taylor followed him to the bridge, hoping that Kurt was ok.

Jr looked up as they entered the bridge. "I see you've brought a couple of recruits with you," he said.

Quatre nodded. "It was on Master Blexe's suggestion."

Jr nodded. "Start the engines," he ordered and the engines came to life.

Gorgron saw the swip coming and quickly blocked. He was getting quite competitive and so there was no way he'd let Titan beat him.

Thought Titan wasn't the smartest kid, he didn't have the best memory or sense of direction, and he wasn't that mechanical or technical, he would soon find out that he had a certain natural knack for the glowing blade that he held between his hands.

As Titan brought his lightsaber across from the side, Gorgorn blocked it, but he was on the defensive and Titan was taking the initiative in the battle. He continued swiping, cutting, and occasionally jabbing at his 'enemy'.

Lialai looked around the ship and said, "Where exactly are we going?"

Each attack Gorgron fought off, each blocked attack gave him the slightest opening and each time he made a move to exploit that opening. He knew that eventually Titan would slip up.

*********

Jr looked out to space as they jumped into hyperspace. "We're heading for Tortuga," he said.

Lialai looked at him and said, "Okay. I am ready to go whenever you are."

Jr pointed out to the show that heperspace was giving them. Blue and white streaks flew past them. "We're already heading there," he said. "And I'm sure we'll head somewhere else after Tortuga."

"Any private rooms on this ship? I need to be alone for a little while. Gather my thoughts and all," she asked Jr.

Jr nodded. "Of course," he said. He placed his hand in his pocket and passed her a keycard. "Down the corridor, the card will lead you to your room."

Lialai accepted the card and said, "Thanks." She walked down the corridor to her room. While in there she began to meditate. She focused her mind and thought on all of the past events. She hoped there was a brighter future ahead.

The computer in front of Jr beeped. "Seems we now have a couple of stowaways," he said. "They must have sneaked onto the shuttle at the Jedi academy, Taylor could you go and see them? They're in the docking bay."

"Oh?" Taylor hid a smile. "Let's see, then."

His red cloak swishing behind him, Taylor headed down to the docking bay, preparing for anything.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Positive Douzu," came a reply. ""We're just going to offer up our help, besides I know where they should look."

Esteban quickly climbed out from the shuttle knowing the others were gone. In his hand he clutched one of the books from the library.

"Come on, let's find the bridge."

It didn't take long before Taylor reached the docking bay, now that he knows where it is like the back of his hand. When he neared it, he noticed two young boys heading out of the shuttle.

"So these are our stowaways..." Taylor smirked. "Well, let's see..."

In an instant, he disappeared, moving swiftly to a hard-to-see hiding spot to await their passage.

Esteban stopped walking away from the shuttle causing Douzu to almost bump into him.

"Hey why the sudden stopping?" he demanded.

"Shh!" Esteban said to quieten him before speaking in a whisper. "We're bing watched.

He crouched down and looked around the docking bay.

Each attack Gorgron fought off, each blocked attack gave him the slightest opening and each time he made a move to exploit that opening. He knew that eventually Titan would slip up.

With each block Gorgorn made, he was forced to take a step backwards in order to recover or face being split in two (if the lightsabers were not protected), and now that Titan had continued his onslaught, they were nearing a wall in the training room - Gorgorn with his back to it.

Though he might have been making little mistakes here and there, his continual attack did not leave a chance for Gorgorn to strike without becoming extremely open himself, and so it continued...

Gorgron was perfectly happy to fight defensively, one of the things his father had taught him was to wear out the opponent. So that way he began to let Titan do most of the work, let him wear himself out and make a mistake. He was aware that the wall was coming close and was prepared for that.

Lialai could sense Esteban and Douzu's auras from a mile away. Lialai stood up and said, "What the hell are they doing?" She teleported to exactly where they were. She looked at them and said, "What are you two doing?"

"Aww. You ruined my fun." Taylor complained to Lialai as he appeared from a corridor. "But yeah, what are you two doing here and why shouldn't we space you here and now?"

Esteban and Douzu jumped as Lialai talked to them, they hadn't been expecting it.

"We came to help, Lialai told us what was going on," Esteban told him.

Douzu just nodded.

"Hmm. Noble, but I hope you don't die on this mission, kids." Taylor said. "Wouldn't do well to have to explain to the King and Master Blexe why we lost two kids on a mission. For now, let's take you two to the bridge and figure out what to do with you."

Douzu placed his hands behind his head. "Don't underestimate us, we're just as good as Lialai is," he replied.

"And besides," Esteban began. "I think I know just where to look."

He held up the book he had with him.

Lialai looked at Taylor and said, "Sorry, I didn't realize that these two boneheads would follow me into deep space. They are my training partners. I don't know about them being just as good as me, but I am sure they can handle themselves." Lialai looked at the book Esteban held in his hand. "What is that?" she asked him.

Esteban looked down at the book. "It's about the dark side of the galaxy, the part everyone seems reluctant to explore," he explained.

Lialai looked at Esteban and said, "Why are you so interested in studying it?"

Esteban looked up at her. "Well why not?" he replied. "It's an important part of this galaxy."

Taylor watched the conversation and shook his head. I just hope this trip doesn't cost them.

Lialai looked at Esteban suspiciously. She then asked Taylor, "Do you think the king could be in that part of the Galaxy?"

Esteban looked around. "This is the Durandal isn't it?" he then asked. "This is a Kukai Foundation ship then."

Gorgron was perfectly happy to fight defensively, one of the things his father had taught him was to wear out the opponent. So that way he began to let Titan do most of the work, let him wear himself out and make a mistake. He was aware that the wall was coming close and was prepared for that.

With Gorgorn almost with his back touching the wall, Titan prepared to engage him fully. He poured all of his energy and effort into a series of devastating attacks...

[ooc: I had a post, but it seemed to never have made it on.]

Gorgron fought off each attack, still trying to wear out Titan. He was after all doing most of the work. As just a little trick, Gorgron kicked out at Titans legs in a bid to unsteady him.

Lialai looked at Esteban and said, "So what exactly do you plan to do out in the dark parts of the galaxy?" Lialai hoped that their trip wouldn't lead them to these parts of the galaxy, but knew they probably would.

"Well I don't know," Esteban replied. "I was just offering my help in time of need." He turned away and began to walk off. "I need to speak with those in charge."

Douzu looked toward Lialai and shook his head before heading off after Esteban.

Lialai looked at Esteban and said, "Who do you think you are?" She looked at the boy with a bewildered look. She then told him, "You need to stay put." She asked Taylor, "Is there a room on this ship where we can keep him until someone can talk to him?"

"The brig." Taylor smirked.

"Bring them to the bridge," suddenly came Jr's voice. "I've been listening to the conversation and I think what they know will prove very useful."

Esteban had ignored Lialai and was continuing to walk away, looking for the way to the bridge.

"Aww." Taylor moaned good-naturedly. He led the boys to the bridge, still wanting to put them in the slammer.

Lialai looked at Esteban and said, "You are walking the wrong way. Follow us." Lialai began walking towards the bridge.

Jr looked up as the four entered the bridge. "So wheres this book?"

"Here," Esteban saiid, walking over and passing it to Jr.

"Wow, I've been looking for this book for years, where did you find it?" he then asked.

Esteban placed his hands behind his head. "In the academy library."

A huge grin crossed Jr's face. "Man I just have to take a look at what books they have, this is a rare book," he explained. "There are only a handful of copies and all but this one are in private hands, you know what it's about right?"

Esteban nodded. "The true origin of the dark elves."

Lialai watched on as the two began talking.

"Well I do know that book states the location of Svartalfheim is in the dark side of this galaxy," Esteban then said.

Jr flicked through the book and raised an eyebrow. "Oh man are you a genius," he said, grinning broadly. "Everyone else who has read this book must have overlooked it, this is written in seriously ancient elven. Svartalfheim of course." He looked over at Taylor. "Of course, this has to be the location of Lady Dedlock and Lady Nocturne."

"So...it's possible Kurt may have gone to pursue and defeat them..." Taylor said. "We'll have to back him up."

Jr shook his head. "Doubt it, he's not one to do something stupid like that," he replied. "But it's still the lead we needed."

Quatre looked very worried.

"I guess we better follow that lead, then." Taylor sighed.

"We still need to pinpoint the exact location otherwise we could be going from system to system there," Jr then said and handed the book back to Esteban. "Can you do that Esteban?"

Esteban nodded. "Sure thing," he then said with a wide grin.

"In the meantime we'll continue to head for Tortuga since it's between here and where Svartalfheim is believed to be."

Gorgron fought off each attack, still trying to wear out Titan. He was after all doing most of the work. As just a little trick, Gorgron kicked out at Titans legs in a bid to unsteady him.

Gorgorn attempted to kick at Titan's legs, however it was an incredibly dangerous and stupid maneuver to attempt during a lightsaber battle. The reach of one's leg is nowhere near that of a lightsaber and attempting to kick would only leave the kicker off balance and exposed. Titan decided to use this foolish maneuver to his advantage. When Gorgorn kicked, Titan stepped it closer and slashed down...

But the kick attempt was a trick and Titan had fallen for it. As Titans's blade came down, Gorgron dodged the blade with quick speed and thrust himself at his expossed chest with enough force to knock him down.

Lialai asked, "How long do you think it will take for us to get Tortuga?"

Jr rubed his chin as he looked down at the console in front of him. "A little over five hours," he replied.

"Estimated time to arrive, five minutes," Mary cheerfully stated.

Jr smiled. "Good, exit hyperspace and send a message to the others to meet us down in the docking bay," he then said.

"Yes Little Master," she then said, sending the message to those from the academy.

Taylor shortly arrived at the docking bay.

Esteban and Douzu were already there when Taylor arrived. Esteban was still going through the book, sat at the back of the shuttle, transating a passage into Draconian.

Douzu was looking rather bored. "Hey... Taylor."

Lialai teleported down to the bay. She had been sleep when the message came. She sat down next to Esteban and said, "So how is it coming? Found any new information?"

Esteban looked up at her and shook his head. "No," he replied. "Ancient elven isn't the easiest language to translate, it took a while just to find out about Svartalfheim and since then its just been going on about the geography."

Quatre and Jr soon made it down to the shuttle. Jr of course took the shuttle controls.

"Belt up, we're heading down," Jr warned.

Lialai replied, "Okay," and did what Jr said. She then looked up and said, "Ready."

With everyone seated, belted up and ready to go, Jr started up the engines and left the docking bay. The planet of Tortuga DN began to grow larger upon the shuttles viewscreen. After a few minutes they broke through the atmosphere.

"This is Jr of the Durandel requesting clearence to land."

"Clearence granted,"

Steadily Jr directed the shuttle to the spaceport on the planets surface. Aside from the small settlement that was Tortuga itself, the planet was a mix of different blues and greens. Safely they landed.

"We're here," Jr grinned.

Quatre looked over at Lialai. "Any more telling people whats going on will jeoperdise the misson and put the entire kingdom at risk, I would advise you not to say anything to anyone," he warned.

Lialai nodded in agreement. She would keep her mouth closed.

Quatre nodded, "Jr, you take Esteban, Douzu and Lialai up to the Governors palace, Taylor you come with me," he then said.

"Ok," Jr nodded. "Come on you three."

Esteban grabbed for his book and followed them out of the shuttle.

"Right." Taylor said and began to follow Quatre.

As Jr and the padawans headed up through the centre of Tortuga, Quatre led Taylor along a different route. Instead, Quatre headed to a large mansion on the outskirts of Tortuga near the jungle. Sat on the doorstep was a young silver-haired woman.

"They're up in the meeting room waiting for you," she said.

"Thank you Kethoro," Quatre replied.

As she sat up, it was obvious to anyone that she was pregnant. "I'll show you in," she then told them opening the door.

"Congrats." Taylor mentioned as she showed them in.

"Thanks," Kethoro replied as she led them up the stairs.

Through another door, she led them into the meeting room. There were a few familiar faces there, Zathar, Salazar, Elrohir and Kazuma. Popping up behind Taylor was Shadow who just looked up at him.

"You don't really think he's gone to Svartalfheim do you Quatre?" Salazar asked.

Quatre shook his head. "I don't know."

Taylor shrugged. "It's a possibility. Only lead we have anyway."

Shadow rubbed himself against Taylors leg.

"And we have a lead on where Svartalfheim is, a padawan from the Jedi academy is translating a book from ancient elven," Quatre explained. "I'm certain he's close to finding the exact location."

Kethoro sat down with Elrohir. "And what of his uncle?"

"Kiwi's still missing," Salazar said. "We have no leads on his whereabouts."

Lialai looked at Jr. and said, "Who is the governor here?"

"Lady Rasputin," Jr replied.

They passed through the palace gates, the guards quietly nodding to Jr, before heading up the path toward the front door. A tall brown-haired woman was stood waiting for them.

"I am pleased you have arrived safely," she said. "I'll have the maids take you up to the guest rooms if you wish."

"Thank you Lady Rasputin," Jr then said.

Lialai bowed to Lady Rasputin and introduced herself. "I am Lialai Stone. It is very nice to meet you Lady Rasputin.

Lady Rasputin smiled. "A pleasure," she said and clapped her hands.

Two maids showed up and bowed.

"They shall show you to the guest rooms."

"Come with us," they said in unison and turned to head inside.

Lialai followed the maids to her room. As they came to her door she smiled and said, "Thank you." She then closed the door and walked over to her bed and laid down. She then thought, I wonder what Taylor and Quarke are doing?

Esteban and Douzu were shown into another room. Jr meanwhile had headed outside and was communicating back to the Durandel. Quietly he was typing something into a keypad.

But the kick attempt was a trick and Titan had fallen for it. As Titans's blade came down, Gorgron dodged the blade with quick speed and thrust himself at his expossed chest with enough force to knock him down.

Due to Gorgorn's fake, kick attempt, he was certainly off balance and less in control of his body and actions then Titan was. When his opponent hurled himself at Titan, Titan merely sidestepped the berserk act and let him go stumbling by...

Gorgron used Titans avoidence against him. As he passed Titan, the white-haired boy twisted on his heal and aimed an attack for Titans back.

The edge of the saber caught the side of Titan's back and sent him sprawling to the floor. He fell onto his front side and his ligthsaber dropped out of his hand. By the time he had gripped the lightsaber and turned to get up, he knew it was all over...

Gorgron stood above him victorious, his lightsaber pointed at Titan.

"Beware the tricks," he said. "Good fight, you put up a good one."

"Yeah... you two," Titan said disappointed that he had lost the duel.

"You just need practice," Gorgron said, putting his lightsaber aside.

He held out his hand to offer Titan help in getting back up.

"Thanks..." Titan replied as he grabbed Gorgorn's hand and hopped to his feet.

"That was fun!" he stated enthusiastically, despite now breathing heavily from exerting so much energy in the duel.

"Yeah," Gorgron grinned. "I think I'm going to enjoy being here."

Gorgron and the others awaited further instructions from Master Wescolum.

Master Wescolum smiled and said, "I see that most of the fights are over. I saw some real potential today. Some of you guys just need to work on your Force connections. Class is dismissed for today. If I were you I would check out the academy somemore or get a bit of eat. See you guys here in two days same time. I think there will be a guest here with me." Master Wescolum nodded to his class and teleported out of the room to his personal study.

Gorgron sighed, he was partly glad that class was over since he was a little tired from the fight, but the other part of him wanted to carry on. As the other padawans began to leave the room, he looked over at Titan.

"Want to get something to eat?"

"Not really hungry," Titan replied having eaten only a couple hours prior.

He watched Master Wescolum teleport away and stared, "I wish I could do that. It would be sooo cool!"

"Same here, it's a force ability so maybe one day we could learn it," Gorgron replied, looking over at Titan.

At this stage in his life and training, it was incredibly hard for Titan to picture that one day he might be able to teleport himself - nonetheless he looked forward to that day with great anticipation.

"Do we have any other classes today?" he wondered.

"I don't know," Gorgron shrugged. "I think the way Master Wescolum told us to check out the academy alittle more seems to suggest no."

"Awww..." Titan whined. Having only one class in the entire academy every two days would become very annoying for an ambitious and eager kid like Titan.

"More exploring...? You lead the way."

"I think something bad has happened though," Gorgron then said. "I can feel it."

"Huh? I don't feel anything," Titan said as he looked around bemused. "What are you talking about?"

Gorgron shook his head. "Just a feeling, I'm sure it's nothing," he replied.

"Okay then..." Titan said, unsure of what else to say or do. "I guess back to exploring then? Lead the way..."

Gorgron just shrugged and headed away. "I found out some of the no go area's," he then said.

"Like what?" Titan asked curiously, wondering if Gorgorn was thinking about going to them now.

"Well specifically the Masters floor, the top floor," Gorgron explained. "Plus the kitchens and any other door that has stay out on."

Jr sighed as he entered the meeting room. “This is taking too long, but I know how hard ancient elven is to translate,” he said.

“He is close, very close,” Shadow said, leaping up onto the table. “One all-nighter and he’ll have the exact location of Svartalfheim.”

Quatre looked over at Shadow, he certainly hoped that the blue cat was right.

“Perhaps you should help Esteban,” Kazuma suggested.

“No,” Shadow said, quickly rejecting the suggestion. The blue cat was a good judge of character and had seen something in Esteban when he first came to the academy. “He may not seem it, but Esteban in highly intelligent. He can do this alone, Douzu is just there for support.”

Lialai stood up and walked out into the hallway. She used the force to sense where Esteban was. She wondered if there was anything she could do to help. She walked down to there room and telepathically told Douzu that she was outside of the door. She didn't want to disturb Esteban from his translating.

Douzu quietly walked over to the door, opening he peered out. "Yes?"

Lialai quietly whispered to Douzu, "I was just sitting over in my room and then I wondered if I could help Esteban out in anyway. Can I come in?"

Douzu looked over at Esteban who was deep into the book. "Doubt it, even I'm of no help since only he can translate," he admitted. "I'm going to go get something to eat, want to come?."

Lialai replied, "Yeah let's go find some food. I haven't ate since we left the academy." She then began waited for Douzu to come out of the room.

Douzu nodded and turned to Esteban. "Hey Esteban, we're just heading out," he said.

Esteban didn't move or say anything.

"He'll be fine," Douzu then said, leaving the room and quietly shutting the door behind him.

After taking directions from a maid, the found the dining hall.

"I wonder if it's like at the academy."

Lialai said, "Only one way to find out." She then said aloud, "Spaghetti and meatballs with extra cheese." She waited to see what would happen.

For a few moments nothing, then a chef walked in and placed a plate of Spaghetti and meatballs with extra cheese in front of Lialai before returning to the kitchen.

"A little same, a little different," Douzu remarked. "Lasagna."

The same happened.

Lialai smiled and said, "Well everyplace is different." She began to eat the spaghetti. She looked at Douzu and said, "So how is Esteban coming along? Is he doing good with the ancient elven?"

"Doing well I guess," Douzu said, stabbing at the lasagna with a fork. "I understand nothing of it, but he does."

Lialai looked at the other padawan and said, "How does he know of the elven language?"

Douzu just shrugged as he began eating his lasagna. "His mothers elven," he said. "Even then, most elves don't understand ancient elven."

Lialai smiled and said, "He has a natural knack for translating." She then began eating her spaghetti.

Douzu just shrugged. "He picked it up from someone I guess," he replied.

"Well specifically the Masters floor, the top floor," Gorgron explained. "Plus the kitchens and any other door that has stay out on."

"Oh..." Titan said, still not sure what Gorgron's intentions were. "Well... what do you want to do? There doesn't seem like there is that much around here."

[ooc: I am not quite sure what to do... but then again, I am leaving tomorrow.]

"You want to go see the fire swans at the lake?" Gorgron then asked.

"Sounds cool! Let's go!" Titan said excitedly as he anticipated what a fire swan could look like. Maybe they have flames coming off of them!

Gorgron led Titan outside and headed down to the lake. There they could see some of the fire swans, their feathers a mix of red, orange and yellow, giving them the look of fire.

"Those are what fire swans look like," he then said.

"Oh..." Titan said, somewhat disappointed. "T-They look nice..." he said as he looked at the multicolored swans. I guess they are not on fire...

One nearby swan took offence to them being close to the swans nest. First there was the usual angry swan noise, followed by the fire swan spitting a large fireball at them. Gorgron managed to push Titan away just in time as them both fell to the ground avoiding the fireball.

"Cool!" Titan exclaimed as he picked himself off of the ground. "Now that was awesome.

[ooc: Gone]

Gorgron picked himself up from the ground and dusted himself off. "That's why they're called fire swans," he said.

"I do believe that Esteban has it," Shadow said, looking up at the others.

"The location of Svartalfheim?" Quatre asked. "That was quicker than expected."

Shadow leaped off of the table. "Of course, I did tell you Esteban is intelligent," the cat replied.

Jr headed for the door, "Then we should leave right away," he said. "I'll collect the padawans, you guys head for the shuttle."

Jr soon found Lialai and Douzu still in the dining hall. "Come on, we heading back to the ship," he said.

"Already?" Douzu asked. "He's found it?"

Jr just nodded.

Lialai took one last bite off her food and walked back to the ship with Jr.

Once they'd collected Esteban and his notes to the location of Svartalfheim, they headed back to the shuttle. The others weren't even there yet.

"Hmm, I'd have thought they'd leave right away," Jr said quietly to himself.

With everyone aboard the shuttle, Jr got the engines started and they took off. Minutes later they were safely in the docking bay of The Durandal and heading back to the bridge.

"You have a message waiting for you Lord Winner," Mary cheerfully told them as they entered the bridge.

Esteban and Douzu had headed to the bridge as well since the green-haired boys notes were needed.

"Alright, on screen?" Quatre asked.

Mary nodded and pressed a key on the console. The viewscreen came on and Gaara appeared. Upon closer inspection, the Kazekage appeared to be covered in large spots of ink and the wall behind him was covered. He didn't look very pleased.

"For a baby as young as Gabriel is, he is a monster," Gaara scowled.

"He is a handful, yes," Quatre agreed.

"How much longer will he be staying here?"

Quatre sighed, he didn't know. "As long as I feel he's in danger," he said. "We have co-ordinates for Svartalfheim and are heading there now. I'll let you know how things go."

Gaara nodded, his eyes went wide for a moment before the viewscreen went blank.

"So lets get to that location," Quatre then said.

Lialai didn't really say much. She was ready for the action to start. She looked at Esteban and felt that she wasn't do much of anything. Esteban had been the stand-out padawan. She wished she had never spoke of the mission to him. She stood up and walked towards her room. She needed some time alone.

"So what are the co-ordinates Esteban?" Jr then asked. He was now stood in front of the controls.

Esteban walked up and handed them to him. "Here," he said. "All written out."

"Thanks," he replied and looked down at the notes. "Looks like a days travel at least, gives us some planning time." His gaze turned to the viewscreen ahead, passing the co-ordinates over to Mary. "Mary, set a course for these co-ordinates."

"Yes Little Master."

As she got the ship prepared, Jr and Esteban walked back over to Quatre and Taylor.

"Now we have to plan our next move," Jr told them. "One does not simply walk into Svartalfheim."

"I see. So does it have any little-used areas we can use and the like?" Taylor asked.

"That's the problem," Jr sighed. "We don't know much about Svartalfheim, I assume it would be possible to send a probe into the system to find out as much as we can."

"We can do that. It's SOP in our Navy when we encounter unknown space." Taylor nodded.

"We can only assume that Lady Nocturne has some kind of fleet patrolling the system," Jr then said. "We'll have to be wary of that and avoid confrontation."

"So we go to stealth mode. I'm sure the Durandal has one, right?" Taylor asked.

"Of course," Jr replied. "What ship doesn't."

He lazily placed his hands in his pocket as the ship jumped to hyperspace. He still expected the journey to take a day or so to a part of the galaxy they had never ventured to before.

"We'll exit hyperspace well outside the system and go into stealth mode then, bringing out the probe to send in before we do."

"Good plan." Taylor said.

"Then we have to plan on what to do then, find if theres any Draconian ships in the area," Jr then said. "If there is then it's very likely that Kurt has gone there."

A day later...

"Readying probe, all systems checked."

"Ready for launch."

"Probe launched."

Jr sighed as he watched the probe head off into the Svartalfheim system. There were no ships around so it was unlikely they would be spotted even if they weren't cloaked.

Quatre didn't like the area, he could feel the darkness emitted from the system, he wasn't liking it at all. He was stood, leaning against the back wall watching what was going on.

"The Dark Side is strong here..." Taylor commented.

"It is, after all Svartalfheim is the origin of the dark elves," Jr said. "It's no surprise that dark Jedi were attracted here."

So far nothing was being picked up on the probe. Jr moved his hand over the console and hit a button bringing up a second screen. This screen showed the view from the probe as it headed toward the systems sun, looking for a habitted planet or ships of any kind. After a few minutes, a wrecked ship appeared on screen.

"That's familiar, it's the remains of the Pantera," Jr said, recognising it. "How did she get that ship all the way here after we destroyed it near Wundagore DN?"

"Maybe it wasn't completely destroyed. In any case, it lasted long enough to jump here." Tayor said.

"That's how she escaped," Quatre said, moving towards Jr. "Always wondered how she had survived ever since we found she was still alive."

Jr looked at the ship. "It's beyond repair in any case," he said. "But I wonder why it hasn't been scraped, just left out here."

The probe passed the stricken ship. The Pantera was completely lifeless, no doubt it had just been left there after Lady Nocturnes defeat. Continuing its journey, Jr noticed something on screen.

"Hello, whats this?" he wondered.

As the object grew large, they could make out a small cargo ship. It appeared to be heading toward their current location.

"This must be coincidence, I doubt they'd know we're here," Jr then said. "What do you think we should do?"

Jr rubbed his chin as he wondered that question. Should they let it go past them, or should they attempt to capture it. However capturing the small cargo ship meant their loction might be revealed to anyone else within the system.

"Let's see what happens as it nears us." Taylor said. "If it can't see us and goes past, maybe we can follow."

Jr nodded, "We'll see," he said.

The small cargo ship carried on until it reached the Pantera. There it stopped and didn't seem to do anything. That worried Jr.

"What do you think they're doing?" he said. "Stripping parts from it I wonder."

"Dunno. Let's keep watching." Taylor shrugged.

Jr nodded. He kept one screen on the cargo ship, while the other stayed on the probe showing what it saw as it headed deeper into the system. Something on the console beeped.

"Two lifesigns on the shuttle," Jr said, looking down at the console.

"I know that cargo ship," came Zathars voice. "It's a type usually used by vampires of the Toreador clan."

"So what are vampires doing here raiding the Pantera?" Taylor asked.

"We don't know if they're raiding it," Jr admitted.

Which was true because the cargo ship was just sitting there. It appeared that they were waiting for something.

"They must be here for a reason," Zathar said with a scowl. "If they're involved in human trafficking then I say we shoot them down right now."

Quatre put a hand on the vampire hunters shoulder. "You can't be sure about that," he warned. "Besides they may not be vampires on board."

Zathar narrowed his eyes. To think there would be vampires out here angered him.

"Hmm. Can we get a closer look or something?" Taylor asked.

"Oh we have a way," Jr then said. "Right Namus, better use of your talents then listening on the console."

"Oh how long did you know?" came Namus' voice from the console. "I was bored."

Jr sighed, not a good thing to do when bored. "Since you first logged on, now if you use the Pantera as a relay they won't track us."

"Oh, right."

Jr placed his hands in his pockets. "It'll take a few minutes."

Gorgron picked himself up from the ground and dusted himself off. "That's why they're called fire swans," he said.

"That was so cool!" Titan stated as he dusted himself off and stared at the fire swans. "We don't have any of those back home."

"What else do you guys have here that I don't know about?"

Gorgron grinned. "I wouldn't know where to start," he admitted.

The fire swan gave them one last, smoke bellowing hiss before returning to its nest.

"Well start with the cool ones!" Titan proclaimed enthusiastically, eager to hear or see more interesting animals that he had never before witnessed, let alone heard of.

"Well the nature here is different compared to back home," Gorgron admitted. "I'm finding alot of the creature here out for the first time."

"Where is back home?" Titan asked curiously, wondering if Gorgorn was from DN or not. Either way, he certainly knew more about it than Titan did. When he had arrived only a few days ago, it had been like stepping into a completely different world... although, he really had stepped into a new world... that was how the galaxy was.

"I'm from the Draconian homeworld," Gorgron then said. "Until now I had never left the planet." His eyes looked up at the sky. "It was strange going into space for the first time to come here."

"Hey I have a visual, don't be mad Zathar," came Namus' voice through the console after a few minutes.

Namus brought a view of the inside of the cargo ship on screen. There was a dark-haired woman and a Silver-haired man who looked similar to Zathar.

"Tavan," Zathar growled.

On screen Tavan appeared to sneeze.

"And Tiamat," Jr said. "What ever they are here for I can safely say that Tiamat dragged your brother along. Should we contact them?"

"Oh we have a way," Jr then said. "Right Namus, better use of your talents then listening on the console."

"Oh how long did you know?" came Namus' voice from the console. "I was bored."

Jr sighed, not a good thing to do when bored. "Since you first logged on, now if you use the Pantera as a relay they won't track us."

"Oh, right."

Jr placed his hands in his pockets. "It'll take a few minutes."
Taylor waited the few minutes to get the info.

"Hello Lord Winner," came Tiamats voice. "We've been expecting you."

Quatre's eyes narrowed. "Why are you here?" he demanded.

"The rest of the Dragon Elders sent me," Tiamat replied. "We'll be landing in your docking bay now, please show yourselves so that we don't bump into the ship."

Jr looked over and Quatre whom just nodded.

"Done," Jr said.

He tapped on the console and uncloaked the ship, he'd also silently ordered the weapons to come online just in case and waited for the cargo ship to dock.

"The dragon elders, eh? Just like the Council, always one step ahead of us..." Taylor smiled wryly.

"And resorting to kidnapping," Zathar remarked, leaning against the wall.

Once the ship had safely docked, Jr tapped the console and the ship recloaked. Tiamat and Tavan headed to the bridge.

"After the King as well," Tiamat remarked.

Zathar glared at his brother but stayed silent.

"So you've finally found Svartalfheim," she then said. "We've known about it for a few millenia or so, could risk the royal family finding it, they do have family tree ties to the dark elves after all."

"Interesting." Taylor noted.

Tiamat looked over at Taylor, a grin instantly crossing his face. "I know that look," she said. "Brother of Daniel Masaki if I'm not mistaken, right?"

"Yeah. Taylor." He said.

Tiamat raised an eyebrow. "And just as handsome too," she smirked.

Great...at least my brothers aren't here to laugh. Taylor blushed slightly at the comment. "Well, uh...thanks."

"Enough of that," Quatre snapped, growing impatient with Tiamat. Recent events had started to get to him. "What do you know?"

"The King is here, he's under the name Darth Karask," Tiamat told him, folding her arms across her chest. "Seems he's attempting and uprising against his sister."

Quatre didn't believe a word of that, "Is that true?" he asked Tavan.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "There is a Darth Karask but I haven't seen his face but I know he has silver hair."

"Knowing Kurt, might be an illusion." Taylor said. A powerful enough Genjutsu could stumble even Sith Lords.

"It's possible," Quatre agreed. "But if he's turned he would make sure everyone knew it was him." He looked sadly at the ground. "Since childhood he'd always wanted to be acknowledged for his work, that was almost his undoing under his grandfathers rule."

"I'm from the Draconian homeworld," Gorgron then said. "Until now I had never left the planet." His eyes looked up at the sky. "It was strange going into space for the first time to come here."

"Yeah..." Titan said in reflection. "It was strange going into space. I didn't really like the feeling," he commented. Even after they had landed, Titan had still felt the effects of space travel and it was not something he enjoyed.

"Space sickness, that's what you have to worry about," Gorgron then pointed out.

"Every time I have traveled I have gotten it," Titan acknowledged. "I would rather just stay on the ground..."

"Easier yeah," Gorgron grinned.

There was another burst of flame from the nest nearby, but evedently it hadn't been directed at them. Instead the flame swan was chasing away another.

"Vicious birds really."

OOC: Are Taylor and Quatre still on the ship or are they in that elf place? If they are in the elf place are Lialai and the other padawans with them?

"Easier yeah," Gorgron grinned.

There was another burst of flame from the nest nearby, but evedently it hadn't been directed at them. Instead the flame swan was chasing away another.

"Vicious birds really."

"We have some vicious animals back home... but they tend to stay away from the people," Titan added, remembering the beautiful fields of Naboo where sometimes the animals could be mean - however, for the most part, they were kind.

"But we did disturb the fire swan," Gorgron grinned.

"Oh, I know... I was just making an unconnected comment," Titan said.

"Let's go find something else to do."

"I don't know what else to do," Gorgron shrugged.

"I don't know what else to do," Gorgron shrugged.

"Well how much time do we have? When is our next class?" Titan wondered.

"It's tomorrow," Gorgron replied, placing his hands behind his head.

Lialai looked at them and said, "Who is Darth Karask?"

"It's tomorrow," Gorgron replied, placing his hands behind his head.

"I guess that gives us plenty of time... to get into mischief," Titan said as a smile crept onto his face. "Let's see if there is any to be had in the academy." He began heading up back towards the large structure...

Wooshaba']Lialai looked at them and said, "Who is Darth Karask?"

"That's what we're here to find out," Tiamat smirked, finally noticing Lialai's presence.

"I guess that gives us plenty of time... to get into mischief," Titan said as a smile crept onto his face. "Let's see if there is any to be had in the academy." He began heading up back towards the large structure...

Gorgron grinned. "Well everyone seems a little on edge right now," he replied, following Titan back to the academy.

"Prank?" Titan said, throwing out a suggestion and testing the waters to see if Gorgorn did that kind of thing.

"That's what we're here to find out," Tiamat smirked, finally noticing Lialai's presence.

Lialai looked at the speaker and bowed. She then introduced herself. "My name is Lialai Stone. I am a padawan accompanying Lord Quatre and Taylor Masaki on this mission."

"Prank?" Titan said, throwing out a suggestion and testing the waters to see if Gorgorn did that kind of thing.

Gorgron placed his hands behind his head. "Got any in mind?" he asked.

Wooshaba']Lialai looked at the speaker and bowed. She then introduced herself. "My name is Lialai Stone. I am a padawan accompanying Lord Quatre and Taylor Masaki on this mission."

"A pleasure to meet you then," Tiamat said, almost looking bored.

She walked toward where Jr was stood.

"Now you know, we can't go near the planet in this ship," she stated. "But there is a space station further in we can stop at and get a ride to the planet."

"A good idea." Taylor nodded.

"Then we split up," Tiamat then said. "I'm taking you Quatre and Tavan with me."

"Ah. Very well." Taylor sighed. He looked to Jr. "Looks like we part ways here."

Lialai nodded. She really didn't know what was going on, but she could sense that the action was about to start soon. She then said, "Well I guess Esteban, Douzu, and I are with you then Taylor."

Jr nodded, he opened a compartment on the console and brought out what looked to be silver balls. "These are communication devices, undetectable and almost impossible to decrypt, we can keep in touch this way," he said. "When you find His Majesty let the others know as soon as possible."

Wooshaba']Lialai nodded. She really didn't know what was going on, but she could sense that the action was about to start soon. She then said, "Well I guess Esteban, Douzu, and I are with you then Taylor."


"No he's coming with me," Tiamat pointed out with a smirked.

"Esteban and Douzu have already agreed to stay here, using my personal library for research," Jr said. "You'll be coming with Zathar, Namus and myself."

Lialai nodded and said, "Okay."

"Official Elder business you see," Tiamat said, walking up to the console beside Jr.

She pointed to an area on the map, it was missing locations because the system was unknown to the Durandal. "That area there is where the planet is," she said and moved her hand to another point. "The space station is there."

Jr nodded and set the co-ordinates for the space station.

Gorgron placed his hands behind his head. "Got any in mind?" he asked.

"Well fooling with the food is always a classic," Titan responded as he thought about pranks. "Or we could remove parts and pieces of equipment and normal things... like the screws out of a railing or the sensor out of a door."

"You've seen the food we have around here, there no way we could do that," Gorgron pointed out.

"Ah... good point," Titan replied, having not thought about the differences from home to DN. "Well what about removing the screws from handrails and the sensors from doors?"

Gorgron ran a hand through his white hair. "Could try that I guess."

Gorgron ran a hand through his white hair. "Could try that I guess."

"You don't seem too enthusiastic," Titan noted as they entered the main door of the academy.

"Still got space lag I think," Gorgron yawned.

"Alright..." Titan said, only partly believing him.

"Look there..." he said, pointing down the hall about twenty feet. There was a set of stairs that ended there followed by a door only a few feet away. "We can start there!"

"Alright," Gorgron said.

"Ah just what I was looking for, padawans with nothing to do," came Master Raven's voice from behind them.

Titan frowned slightly as he heard the voice behind them. As he turned to face the Jedi, his face was calm and casual. "Greetings Master. We were just on our way to the library to do some reading."

"Poppycock," Master Raven replied. He raised an eyebrow at Titan. "You were planning to do something, a prank, the force tells me so."

"What's a puppycock?" Titan asked, completely unfamiliar with the term.

"It means don't lie," Master Raven replied, his right eye twitching.

"That is an odd expression," Titan said, raising one of his eyebrows.

Master Wescolum walked by and saw the master with the two kids. He looked at them and said, "Hello Master Raven. Hey padawans. What are you two doing?"

"It is a strange culture to you as you are a stranger to the culture," Master Raven pointed out.

Even Gorgron was confused by what the Jedi Master had just said.

"Greetings Master Wescolum."

"Well said," Titan replied cheerily.

"Oh, greetings Master. We were just on our way to the library."

Master Wescolum smiled and shook his head. Master Raven could be strange at times.

He then said, "To the library, huh? What are you going to look up?"

"Not looking up, just trying to find something to read. I have there is a lot of free time here and I don't have much to do. I thought reading, though I don't like it that much, could be a good way to spend my time in a useful and productive manner."

Gorgron placed his hands behind his head and let Titan do all the talking.

Den looked at the boy suspiciously and said, "Uh huh." He didn't have to read his mind to figure out that his statement was full of dwarf dung. He looked at the two of them and said, "It is not good to lie to people you know. It could get you in a lot of trouble."

"Would you rather someone be foolish or deceitful?"

"Be truthful to yourself and those around you young padawan," Master Raven then said.

"I would rather a person to be neither while right now you are being both," Master Wescolum replied to Titan.

"Touché," Titan replied. A good answer... he must be wise.

Den smirked and said, "You two go on head to the library and don't try to pull any pranks. Believe me we will know if you do something. I'll be in touch with you Titan." Den began walking down the corridor towards his study.

Titan nodded his head in the direction of the stairs that lay only fifteen or so feet behind them. "Good day, Masters," he said as he turned to head to the library.

Gorgron walked off with Titan.

Master Raven looked over at Master Wescolum. "They'll get into trouble."

"They're no fun..." Titan pouted as he climbed the stairs with Gogorn. He didn't particularly want to go to the library and any attempt at pranks had just been thwarted. "Now what..." he said dejectedly as he sat down on the top most step.

Gorgron sat down and lay back, resting against the stairs. "Fucked if I know," he said. "They're going to be watching us now." His eyes traced a crack in the ceiling. "At least we got out of what ever Master Raven was going to drag us into."

"Yeah..." Titan said before his voice drifted off. Seeing as he was quite bored at the moment, maybe going with Master Raven would have been better.

"You don't sound disappointed," Gorgron remarked.

"Well we were looking for something to do... and now we are back to square one," Titan said with a slight sigh as they continued to sit.

Master Raven appeared in front of them. "So is that a yes you'll agree to come with me?" he asked.

"That is a maybe," Titan said, perking up a bit. "So long as we aren't doing menial work like cleaning or something."

"Well if you were to play pranks you would end up doing that," Master Raven said and leaned closer to the two young boys. "Don't think I don't know that that was what you two were planning."

Gorgron gulped.

Titan shrugged. They hadn't done anything, so as far as he was concerned, nothing could happen.

"Now do you want to come with me or should I seek more interested adventure seekers?" Master Raven then asked.

"Are you going to tell us what this is about or just string us along?" Titan asked.

"Hmm... No just string you along," Master Raven grinned. "Not going too far, just into the forest."

Titan looked at Gorgorn and then back again to Master Raven. 'Into the forest' was an ominous saying that sparked a little interest in the young padawan. The Jedi Master had also used words like adventure, which helped to draw Titan in.

"Fine..." He stood up and adjusted his robes. "Let's go."

A huge grin crossed Master Ravens face. "Good, then meet me out front in five minutes," he said and turned to head for the Masters floor.

"Why five minutes?" Titan wondered out loud after Master Raven had left.

More interested now than ever, Titan began descending the stairs. "Coming?" he asked over his shoulder as he reached the bottom of the stairs and turned the corner towards the main entrance.

Gorgron placed his hands in his pockets as he descended the stairs.

"Going to get something I guess," he shrugged.

Titan reached the main entrance and no time. He stood waiting outside with Gorgorn...

Wescolum telepathically replied, They won't get in trouble as long as they are with you. You should be careful in the forest. I here there is a new beast out there.

Oh don't worry, I know where I'm going, Master Raven replied and headed outside.

"Ready?" he asked the two boys.

The Jedi Master now had a backpack with him.

Upon the viewscreen above them, a large space station appeared. There were a couple of other ships there. One was a large cargo ship, a coperation from DN, the other they could recognise as the Ayreon.

"That's Kurts ship," Quatre said. His face paled somewhat upon the realisation that Kurt had indeed gone after his sister.

How he had found Svartalfheim he wasn't sure.

Oh don't worry, I know where I'm going, Master Raven replied and headed outside.

"Ready?" he asked the two boys.

The Jedi Master now had a backpack with him.

"Yeah...!" Titan said, as he looked up at the Jedi Master, expecting him to lead the way to where ever or whatever they were doing.

ooc: Some how I missed this post.

"Right, tally ho or whatnot," Master Raven then said and began to walk off.

Gorgron glanced at Titan, shrugging before he followed the Jedi Master down to the lake.

"Right, tally ho or whatnot," Master Raven then said and began to walk off.

Gorgron glanced at Titan, shrugging before he followed the Jedi Master down to the lake.

Titan fell in line behind Gorgorn and began following the Jedi Master on the mysterious adventure down towards the lake. "So... what's this about?" he asked curiously.

Master Raven whistled a tune.

"Just heading into the forest to pick up a few ingredients," the Jedi Master explained.

Upon the viewscreen above them, a large space station appeared. There were a couple of other ships there. One was a large cargo ship, a coperation from DN, the other they could recognise as the Ayreon.

"That's Kurts ship," Quatre said. His face paled somewhat upon the realisation that Kurt had indeed gone after his sister.

How he had found Svartalfheim he wasn't sure.
"Hmm. Let's begin, then." Taylor said.

With the Durandal finally docked, they disembarked onto the spacestation. In a lounge area they went their separete ways. Jr, Lialai, Zathar and Namus headed towards the Ayreon to find what answers they could.

Tiamat led the rest to the civillian shuttle bay that would take them to Svartalfheim itself. Settling down in the passenger area, they could see no other passengers.

"Looks like it's just us," Tiamat smirked.

"Yep." Taylor strapped in as well.

"Tens minutes until depature," Tiamat stated, putting her feet up on the seat opposite her. "Doubt there will be any other passengers, they should leave now."

She was in her usual impatient mood.

"Where are we heading to?" Quatre asked.

Tiamat gave him a smirk. "To the main city," she said. "It's called Nocturne City funnily enough."

Lialai looked towards the Ayreon. She looked at Jr and said, "That is an interesting ship. Who exactly are we going to go speak with?"

Jr looked over at Lialai. "To whomever is in charge," he told her.

The doors to the docking bay were closed and there seemed to be no one around as he tried the doors. They were locked tight.

"Of course getting inside is an entirely different thing."

Lialai looked at the door and said, "I don't suppose we can knock can we." She pulled out her lightsaber.

"Put it away," Jr warned. "We don't want to grab any attention."

Namus walked over and held his hand over the control panel, closing his eyes.