Solas passed an approving gaze over his apprentice--Not just an apprentice anymore, a Knight--as she showed him some of the tricks she’d begun to pick up in her higher training. The Togrutan female beamed as he nodded his approval, sheathing her saber back within the folds of her cloak. She spared a glance at the scenery around them, the picturesque cliffs of Ahch-To painting a relaxing setting for their brief meeting. Before she became too distracted, Solas took a step forward. However, as he did so the pair noticed a deep hum coming from the clouds above them. As they watched, the Togrutan shielding her eyes against the vibrant sun, a dark colored vessel began descending towards the plateau across from them. Solas was able to clearly watch the vessel as his mask protected his eyes. As it approached it became clear that the vessel was a Delta-class T-3c shuttle, and Solas could suddenly feel a sense of dread surrounding it. He waved a gloved hand towards his apprentice.
“Tahiri, go back to your ship.”
She turned to him with an incredulous stare on her face as she tried to peer into the mask he wore. The ever-present companion, his hawk, glared back blankly as it rested on his shoulder.
“Why, master? Do you know who is in there?”
He shook his head in response; the hawk on his shoulder shuffled its feet in annoyance at the movement.
“”I do not. That is what is troubling. No one should know we are here.”
In defiance of his command, the Togrutan female stayed and watched in curiosity as the entrance to the vessel slid back in a rush of pressurized steam, and a ramp descended to touch the thin layer of grass below. Through the steam a figure began to saunter down the ramp, their stride conveying a dark purpose. They were shrouded in a matted grey cloak, but as they came closer Solas could make out the unmistakable features of a Zabrak face. His apprentice had mentioned a Zabrak on her recent mission for Tarentum, but was this the one she knew? He had his answer when she visually lowered her guard as the newcomer casually lept across the meter wide gap separating their plateaus. She took a step forward and waved in greeting.
“Kul’tak! What are you doing here?”
Something wasn’t adding up. Solas watched the Zabrak’s eyes flicker from the Togrutan to himself, a hidden something lingering in the gaze. His voice was as menacing as his tattooed visage. Gruff, but with a serious undertone about it.
“My intel mentioned you were alone, Tahiri. I suppose that’s how these things go, however.”
Solas felt a brief trickle of blood lust flow into him through the Force, it's origin the Zabrak. Still learning to pick up on the subtle nuances of it, Tahiri was not aware of the hint. Instead she appeared confused as to this “Kul’tak’s” meaning. It had become quite clear to Solas now.
“Tahiri, you need to leave. Now.”
The Zabrak gave a passing grin as he began to unravel his cloak. The image of a Krayt Draigon was sewn upon it, and it glinted as the sun caught it.
“Oh she’ll be leaving. With me. As a fellow beastmaster, she belongs under proper tutelage. I recognized her potential during our mission together, and I’ve been hunting her ever since.”
Realizing her position, the Torgutan gave a quick worried glance to her master. He kept his eyes upon the Zabrak, motioning his acknowledgement only with a nod.
“Go, my apprentice. I will be fine.”
As she fled, his gaze fell upon the Zabrak’s belt loop which held the insignia of Clan Plagueis on it.
“Plagueis? A bold move to so openly engage Clan Tarentum in this manner.”
Kul tossed his cloak aside and reached behind himself to grasp two handles at his lower back. With a careful pull, he drew forth two ryyk blades and swung them a few times to limber up.
“I care not for political games, Tarenti. Beastmaster’s of her quality are rare, a talent that should not be squandered in the likes of Tarentum. No, this is merely personal.”
Solas swept aside his own small cloak in order to grab his lightsaber. He pointed with his other hand at Kul’s ryyk blades.
“You realize those are not effective in a lightsaber duel, yes?”
Kul chuckled aloud, irritating Solas that he was possibly the butt of some joke. The Zabrak knelt into balanced stance, one that gave his ryyk blades almost complete coverage of his person.
“I will not need a lightsaber to defeat you, unless you prove you are worth the effort. Now, stand aside or fight.”
Solas answered with the activation of his saber, it’s unstable blade crackling.
Kul grinned with eagerness and began to approach Solas. But as he did so, Solas’ eyes lost track of him. One second he was there, and the next he wasn’t. Fighting the initial surprise, Solas concentrated on his immediate surroundings. As a seasoned Equite, it was no longer a hassle to stay aware of his sphere of influence. It was this training that saved his life.
From his rear and a bit off to the side, Kul suddenly emerged from within his Force cloak, driving a kick towards Solas’ legs. Such a blow would have unbalanced him, allowing the Zabrak to release his blades to their work. However, Solas had not lost his actual presence and countered the attack with a swing of his saber, forcing Kul to pull his leg back in lest he lose a foot. The Zabrak rolled awkwardly as he regained his footing and nodded in approval.
This will be entertaining at least.
