It was a strange feeling being back on Aeotheran after all the time he had spent away from home to his Clan. A great many things had changed, there were security droids and guards everywhere. Neighbour spied upon neighbour with every rumour and claim made by anyone bearing a grudge against another being investigated thoroughly by the forces of Naga Sadows internal security department.

Even within the Houses of the Clan there were accusation and counter accusation, everybody seeing the Dominion lurking within every corner. The seeds of mistrust were germinating and taking hold, their flourishing buds sowing introversion and suspicion throughout the whole organisation, even the elders and leaders were not immune to its grip and control. The populace were so focussed on watching what their Clan mates were doing that it would be easy for any foreign agency to infiltrate the system and fuel the suspicions with their own schemes and disrupt the status quo.

Quo himself was not immune to the psychological effects of the rumours and stories doing the rounds in general society. He found himself checking and re-checking his weapons more regularly, training harder and for longer, preparing himself from the shadow of threat the the Dominion had deposited on the Sadowans. He had changed his routines and routes to and from his usual destinations, constantly on guard from being followed by enemy insurgents, employing all the techniques at his disposal to shake any follower that he had perceived, be they either real or imagined, or indeed the coincidental Sadowan whos route echoed his own.

He read constant reports on the search for, and in one case, the discovery of, a Dominion Cell that had infiltrated the planet. He checked and double checked all the information that filtered down through the Inquisitorious about the operatives, their insertion techniques, their mode of integration into the local populace, their plans, their intelligence gathering schemes, their planning and implementation of it, and the stroke of luck that had exposed them to the Sadowan Intelligence Service. He read of their capture and interrogation, and the secrets that they had been forced to reveal to their tormentors, which in turn revealed that they were not the only cell that was active on the Clans home world.

The Zabrak had internally collated all the information available to him, and made a précis of it, including it within the encrypted files that were contained within his data pad. The information that was filtering down to him was so abundant and frequent that he had to have an aide mémoire of some description, and his pad with its biometric security systems was the most secure and reliable source should he require his memoires aiding at any point. The file was substantial even now, several terabytes of information already amassed within the confines of the electronic repository.

It was through all this information that he had seen it, bringing him here to the heart of the city to sit in this food outlet with a mug of hot spice-caff waiting patiently for his suspicions to be either proven or dispelled. Patience wasn’t one of his strong suits, but he knew that to gain results that would satisfy his own mind, and by extension the minds of his superiors within his own House, he had to stay in position and see how this game would play out. Through his own intellect and logical processes he had come to his conclusions, and that they were not necessarily the accepted truth that the Clan propaganda merchants within the civil services were putting forward through the accepted literature being propagated was of little concern to the Sith.

Through the door of the cantina strode a human male. At first glance he appeared quite ordinary, wearing the garb of an everyday citizen he approached the raised counter. Quo’s eyes followed him from under the cowl of his hood, taking in every nuance and idiosyncratic movement of the man. The leather outfit was rough and looked like it had seen many adventures over its lifetime. From the boots on his feet to the haphazard look of the head gear that he wore this man was never going to be a forerunner in the race for fashionability. Hanging at the belt was an old blaster, its surface scuffed and grazed by years of usage, although it still appeared to be functional. On the opposite side hung a riot baton that looked a lot newer than the rest of his apparel even though it had been re-painted to reflect a camouflage pattern rather than the more usual white colouration that matched the First Orders troopers.

Ordering a drink the stranger went to a corner booth, away from the exposed entrance. Sitting in the semi circular seating he attempted to avoid attracting attention, even if the movement was subconscious it was still telling to the eyes of the observer seated towards the front of the establishment. Moving to the right of the booth he gave himself as much cover as possible without openly looking like that was what he was doing.

Quo sipped at his spice-caff content to see how this was going to unfold, his muscles primed to explode at a moments notice should the need arise. To everybody else he looked perfectly relaxed, enjoying his beverage, letting the day flow about him as he spent a day off in the sunshine of the city. Even with his breather prosthesis he could enjoy the taste of his drink as he sucked it through the feeder tube that extended from the lower bout of the mechanism. His data pad was laid on the table in front of him, the intelligence gathered given to him in bites of information as he required them, currently it carried a facsimile of the face of the stranger over to his right.

Reading as though it was the latest news, or some celebrity scandal that he was reading he looked like any other news feed reading civil servant in any other cantina across the Galaxy, semi bored, reading to kill an hour or so as they ate or drank. In reality he was engrossed in the data that was streaming across the page, informing him of all he needed to know about the subject. Bounty hunter, Human, thirty, several pages of completed contracts, and a synopsis of all the systems that he had visited. It all seemed solid information, from reliable sources, however, there was one thing missing from it. The fact that he was a First Order Intelligence Officer on a mission to infiltrate the Dominion.

The Dominion was a great unknown largely, and their hierarchy and driving forces were mysteries that the Brotherhood had attempted to ascertain. They had used their own operatives to try and infiltrate the Dominions forces and send back the information they had gleaned. Of over three hundred agents they had only heard back from a handful, and the intelligence raised more questions than answers. Many of the spies that Brotherhood had attempted to plant had either disappeared completely or turned up many months later, dead. Quo had little doubt that the others fates had duplicated their compatriots but they had never been found. The handful of agents that had returned gave conflicting reports making the young Sith wonder as to whether they were either brainwashed before they were abandoned to their own fate, or they were double agents sent to spread misinformation. Nevertheless some of the information had merit, including the piece that he was acting on now.

Another half hour passed uneventfully, several customers arriving and leaving the establishment without so much as a glance at the booth at the back. Quo had the feeling that the contact that he was expecting was not going to happen, that in fact his information had been erroneous, that after all the stranger was nothing more than an ordinary bounty hunter awaiting another contract. Even so the Zabrak sat and waited, feigning disinterest as he drank his way down another spice-caff.

Entering the cafeteria another woman, this one clad in the jump suit of a cadet pilot of the Sadowan Militia, ordered an sinth-ale before sitting at a small table near to the booth. As she sat she slightly obscured the leather clad male from Quos eye line, making his observations slightly more awkward. Placing a shoulder pack on the floor next to her she took out a plas-sheet containing the latest snippets of news from across the Galaxy. Reading she sipped at her ale apparently engrossed in the reports from the far flung distance of space, her eyes scanning quickly across the sheet as she read. Quo assessed her as he watched both her and the stranger behind her. She was dressed as a militia, but the finger nails of her hand were neatly trimmed and lacquered, the hands suggesting that she was unused to combat or heavy work, the lack of cuts and callouses evident of a life of prestige, not of manual labour. The hair also was mussed, but the cut was fine and well done, not done by the barbers of the Militia College. The make up was clean and simple, hiding any perceived imperfections, and although it was well applied it was far too much to be allowed under the regulations of the Militia.

As if by accident a passing waitress clipped the backpack sitting alongside the woman, spinning it round on its bottom panel, the front flap now facing away from Quos position. The woman’s spin on the chair sending it scuttering across the tiled floor as her heel smacked into the back panel. She made it look like it was an accident, even flailing her hands towards where the bag had sat in an effort to convince anybody that she had attempt to retrieve it before it had spun out of her grasp. Quo had to admit that it had been well choreographed well, and had obviously been rehearsed. Even he hadn’t seen the waitress as an accessory until she had skilfully flicked the bag without obviously looking like she had meant to do it. The bag itself had pirouetted towards the booth, landing underneath the table.

The stranger reached down with both hands, hefting the back pack up to the seat, and even Quo struggled to see the slight of hand as he dipped into the front pocket and retrieved the item that had been placed inside for him to collect. The sweep of his left hand as he offered the ‘lost’ item to its owner, received with a smile and a glance that was a little too quickly broken off. Finishing her drink she thanked him and rose to leave picking up the plas sheet as she made her way towards the door. She didn’t notice the dart which attached itself to her jump suit which Quo had blown across the diner from his drinking tube. If it was spotted it would appear to be some form of small insect zipping across the space, soon lost against the background of the city. The micro probe gripped itself into the fabric of her clothes securing itself against being dislodged. It would only transmit for just over an hour, but it should be enough for the security forces to home in on the woman once she was away from the drop. A quick glance at the data pad showed the little bug was already transmitting, Quo keyed the access for the real Militia to be able to read the frequency and capture the traitor.

Quo’s fingers were a flurry of activity as he also reported the actions of the waitress, leaning back with the pad in his hand as if trying to read something whilst capturing her image. Not bad he thought as he looked at the captured image before forwarding it to the leadership of his Clan. He would not move on her yet, the more she believed that she was under the radar the more useful she would be.

The stranger finished his own beverage, Quo finishing his own a couple of seconds later. Almost as one they arose from their individual seats, leaving credits for their refreshments and leaving within a pace of each other. This was where Quo would come into his own.

The stranger turned to the left heading down the boulevard of lights and advertisements into the citys main pedestrian thoroughfare. Quo walked across the plaza outside heading for a small stall seemingly to browse the news that was fed onto plas sheets to take away. All the while he watched the leather clad bounty hunter out of the corner of his eye. Moving away from the stand he followed on the opposite side of the wide walkway, watching his quarry in the reflections of the shops and bazaars that he passed as well as glancing over every so often as he kept a slight distance behind him.

Some two hundred meters he tailed the Dominion spy before he lost him. Closing the distance as quickly as he could he soon realised the reason why he had lost his target, he had climbed a stairway that climbed upwards leading off the pavement. Stepping into the narrow space that accessed the stair well the shadows engulfed him. Anybody watching would have seen the Zabrak seemingly disappear into fresh air. Moving slowly and deliberately he made his way upwards.

He could hear the bounty hunter up ahead of him, the footfalls echoing down the narrow enclosure as he climbed, oblivious to the Sith that was tracking him. Quo was almost silent in comparison, closing the distance, knowing that wherever this was leading would soon be over. There had been no exits from the climb at any level so Quo pushed on, a growing belief that this lead to only one place, the roof. Perfect place to park the vessel that had brought you, and with a growing feeling of certainty that they were the only ones that were up here, things couldn’t be better.

Quo entered the final landing, an open doorway before him showing the roof area open to the elements and empty apart from a solitary shuttle and a light speeder vehicle that was only able to travel inside the atmosphere, not in space. Making his way over to the shuttle he could see that the hatch was lowered and there were a leather clad pair of legs just about to ascend to the interior.

In a flurry of action Quo whipped out a throwing blade and in one fluid motion the blade was flying out from his hand, zeroing in on the thigh of the Dominion operative. The blade thudded into the muscle, all the fury and anger that the Zabrak felt being channelled into the throw. With a thud the leg was swept out from underneath the bounty hunter, his body hitting the metal of the hatch. Quo closed the gap between them to less than five meters with a leap that defied any watchers belief as the stranger started to bring up his blaster pistol to aim at the fully revealed Sadowan.

Rolling to get a bead on the black form was harder than the hunter expected, his muscles not responding as quickly as they usually did, it felt like he was moving through treacle. Within a couple of seconds of being speared through the thigh his bodily functions were becoming slower and slower. It felt like an age before his arm came up to the aiming position by which time the Zabrak was in front of him, up close and personal.

“You can try squeezing the trigger, but by now I’m sure my neurotoxin is fully enmeshed with your brain,” Quo was sneering as he said it, his red and gold eyes were burning into his soul, “and your muscles are unresponsive. Now it is time that I get you out of here and I can ask you some questions.” He half turned away before resuming his position, “And, yes...... it may well hurt”

Eyes gleaming he lifted the bounty hunter onto his shoulders carrying him up the access ramp and securing him into the third seat at the rear of the cockpit. Firing up the engines he knew a place where he could take him, without further ado he lifted the shuttle off the roof, swinging the nose round to the West.

“My Master will help you,” Quo hissed from the pilots seat, “help you fill in all the details we are missing.”

The reflected red from the controls added to the fire in his eyes as he took his prize to where he would be most useful, towards his Master, Tasha’Vel Versea, and towards revelation.

hopefully the formatting works.

Warrior DarkHawk
CNS Shadows Bane
We’re All Going On a Summer Vacation

The hallway seemed limitless. DarkHawk knew his quarters were just a few meters ahead. The Equite’s body riveted all over, the effects from Salbor Veir’s device was still resonating throughout his body. The mission’s synopsis was flooding in his mind. He could see it as vividly as video comm. DarkHawk wondered if the mission was a success or failure. The Lion left abruptly, nothing was accomplished he felt. His only mission with a Grand Master, and he was “forced” to expose him as a Jedi Sympathizer. The whole mission did not feel right, something was off and he felt he was missing a key piece.
Not The Lion, it cannot be, I studied him in my training, I learned from the same masters as he and Sith BloodFyre. I refuse to believe it, I will not believe it!

DarkHawk could almost feel himself stagger, he was exhausted. He never felt power like that. The device used against himself and Grand Master Muz was new, devastating, pure raw power. The Equite knew he must find out more about it and either destroy it or bring it to the Dark Council. DarkHawk reached the entry pad to his chambers, just as he was about to key in he heard it….

Soon, Warrior. All will be answered, all that was cloudy will be clear.

Master Muz, I am in need…..

“DarkHawk, there you are!” exclaimed Major Aexod. The Major was DarkHawk’s commanding officer and had just been recently promoted. DarkHawk was his Battle Team Sergeant (BTS), DarkHawk, recently back from his long hiatus, was indebted to the Major for giving him a command position of the team. The Major greeted the Warrior with a handshake, “You look troubled DH.”

“All is well sir, just in need of some meditation and I will be ready for your orders.” DarkHawk told his commander. Both men entered the Equites chambers, and DarkHawk removed his cowl. Aexod was quite astonished at the act, his second in command was always so elusive most of the time. That was out of ordinary for his BTS to do, Aexod felt a bit flattered.
“Speaking of orders, great job on Agua'tah, that was a big win for us,” said Aexod. DarkHawk gazed at his commander almost confused by that statement. “Your orders my friend, simply this, because of the great work from yourself and the entire Clan, you are as of this minute on leave status. No questions, I wanted to come tell you personally, and that funds have been added to your account.” Aexod said with a gratifying smile. Like a father proud of his children’s accomplishments.

“Yes, sir?” DarkHawk seemed to question the gesture. “Gather your things DH, enjoy yourself, you are to leave immediately” the Major exclaimed. “I will see you when you get back.” Aexod said as he headed for the door. The door opened and Aexod left, DarkHawk stood there wondering what was next.

The pinging of his quarters holocron messenger was emanating and DarkHawk hit the button to answer.
There Grand Master Muz and Master BloodFyre stood in front of the Warrior. DarkHawk bowed and uttered “Masters.”
The Equite noticed The Lion stood poised with his arms crossed as Master BloodFyre began to speak, “Muz has informed me of the actions on Agua'tah, you performed quite well.”

“Thank you, Master.” replied the Equite.

“You were placed in a difficult situation and you accepted it, impressive.” said BloodFyre. “So well that we want you to take this time you have to retrieve the plans for Salbor Veir’s device and bring them to us at the Dark Council.” explained Master BloodFyre.

Before the warrior could speak The Lion spoke next “Go to Dromund Kaas, meet with the Bounty Hunter Torin Nor.” The Lion's words pierced through DarkHawk. There was so much he wanted to say, to ask.

BloodFyre spoke, “I sense your anxiety warrior, all will be made clear. This mission has its many difficulties, believe nothing, you will be tested. Coordinates have already been placed in your ship.”

DarkHawk bowed and simply replied “Yes, Masters.”

What the hell is this all about? Now DarkHawk’s mind was racing, I will get to the bottom of this.

DarkHawk made his way back to the hanger, he entered his Sith Fury Class Interceptor. A magnificent specimen of a ship DarkHawk duly named Talon 1. Complete with many customizations and upgrades. He was proud of this, but his next ship would far overtake his Fury. 2V-R8 met him on the bridge. 2V was the ship's droid, and a damn good one.

2V’s voice crackled, “Master, I have the coordinates loaded and was instructed to tell you that you must enter a daily log of the events of this mission to bring forth to the Dark Council.”

“Understood 2V, I need to meditate and heal, take the ship out and prepare for the jump to light speed” instructed DarkHawk
“As you command, Master,” 2V replied and maneuvered to the ship’s controls.

DarkHawk made his way to his ships chambers. He stowed his battle uniform and put on his traditional garbs. He sat in the middle of the room and begun to channel his energy flowing one with the dark side. A calmness began to come over him and he could feel the power flowing through him.

2V maneuvered Talon 1 out of the hanger and made its way onto its flight path. The ship was smooth, due to its upgraded stabilization, its movements streamlined. 2V came over the intercom, “Master, we are clear of the spaceport and ready to make the jump to light speed.” One word came from the meditating equite, “Proceed.”

In a blink of an eye Talon 1 was gone, the vastness of space was all that was left.

DarkHawk dove deeper and deeper into meditation, his wounds were starting to heal. His chants seemed deep and shallow, he was entwining his fingers with the symbolic elements known as Kuji-In. His tune with the dark side was intact and present, a red glow encased his body and he was levitating. His chants deeper more controlled. Time seemed to cease and all-knowing was the goal. A Sith’s meditations were not only spiritual but mandatory for growth. This equite desired growth and knowledge, he was about to get an overwhelming dose of both.

Day 1
Voice log 1.1---Successfully made it to Rakata Prime, made my way to the Sith Temple. Though abandoned, its many secrets are still undiscovered and Sensei Mumashi my trainer, liked the ambiguity of its desolate location. Mumashi was a high ranking mercenary and loyal friend to the Keibatsu Clan. My father made arrangements that if anything happen to my parents, I would live and train with him. I landed Talon 1 and made my way into the temple. Strange, Sensei was not there waiting as usual. As I entered I could see a faint outline of a figure in front of the shrine of Exar Kun, Freedon Na, Markos Ragnos and Darth Bane. All four statues were the centerpiece of the great hall. Standing from floor to ceiling, Sensei says this temple was built so that true Sith could harness their knowledge. Their eyes followed you everywhere and to stand in their presence, was more than an honor, I could feel them.

As I walked closer the figure I could see was Sensei, meditating. As I approached him, I kneeled and bowed, cleansing the weariness I had felt off my body.

“You are perplexed with doubt and question young one, there is no need” a crackled aged voice of Mumashi spoke. “Sensei, that is exactly what The Lion told me, though the words have constraints and I do not see the path” replied the equite.
“Ahh, The Lion speaks in volume, take heed to his words. Release the confusion that is consuming you, it will only lead to your downfall. Trust in what you know, not what you cannot see” replied the old man.

“I understand Shidoshi”, replied DarkHawk.

I spent the rest of the day between explaining to Mumashi what Master Muz and BloodFyre had told me and some much needed training. We discussed the best scenarios of meeting with the bounty hunter Torin Nor. It was agreed I would arrive a day early and do some reconnaissance so that I could cover every angle of the meeting. I never heard of this bounty hunter, my senses tell me that a betrayal to my masters was in place. I had no qualms about killing a bounty hunter. I just want the intel before I do.

The rest of the day I trained. As old as Mumashi was, he fought like he was in his prime, I would take him on any mission. Though his days on the battlefield are over, his knowledge never ceases to amaze me.

Day 2
Voice log 2.1---Amazing how one feels after the clouds of doubt have been clear. I meditated on the prior day events through the night, what was said and what was not. I know now that whatever is in store for me it has already been determined and I must face it head on. This meeting this Torin nor, is going to prove useful, even if I do kill him.
Talon 1 was making its way to the final coordinates to Dromund Kaas, the jump to light speed was a little rough. Need to check the stabilization coils when I return to HQ.
Making my way to the spaceport I landed and “persuaded” the port master on my credentials and managed to place Talon 1 in a very secluded part of the port. If need be, it will be a nice and easy departure, or very quick departure. I was satisfied either way.
I punched in the coordinates and made sure 2V tracked me as I made my way. No need to making my way back to the spaceport if I needed to get the hell out of here in a hurry. I put on more “casual” attire so that I could blend into the cityscape and took a shuttle near the meeting locale.
I managed to slip into the diner adjacent from the rendezvous location. I sat at a corner booth and order a café’. The Twi’Lek waitress sized me up as she took my request. I disguised myself as a building fusion cutter, there was enough construction around the area no one seemed to question it. A little bit of grime from Talon 1 that I rubbed on my hands and across my forehead no one seemed to mind except for my dingy appearance. The soiled coverall I kept on hand was also a nice touch.
I the building I was observing looked to be a hotel and a casino occupying the upper floors. No doubt a front for the Hutt’s. Positive the higher the floor the seedier the occupants. As I sat there and drank my caf, I noticed a young human boy, shining shoes. Would have not have given it a second thought, except for the fact he was shining the same pair of shoes for the last hour. I could not make the individual who shoes were being worked on, but would bet he’s there for the same reason I am.
I left the diner and made my way across the busy street, pedestrians made their way through the streets like sheep. Sickening, they have no meaning, no purpose.
I joined a working party entering the construction site and walked right passed the group of what seemed to be the entry detail. I took the service elevator to the top and made my way to the northwest corner. From there, I can a clean shot of the rendezvous, I could stage myself here later and wait for the meeting party before I made my entrance. I scanned the area, I could make out silhouettes through the darkened window panes. Even during the peak hours of the day, seems the casino was quite busy.
As I made my final scans of the area, I heard footsteps coming up from behind me. “You there, what are you doing”, a deep beckoning voice aimed directly at me. I turned a saw a very over weight Rodian barking at me. His natural secretions which attracts the opposite sex was strong and appalling. “Nothing, enjoying the view” I replied. The Rodian made his way closer, my first thought was to throw him off the ledge, but a more discrete approach would need to be taken.
I reached into a hole in my overhaul pockets to get a blade, from my utility belt. The smell was awful, I need to make this kill quick. “You're new here, let me see your papers” said the Rodian. He held out his rough skinned hand, and I drove my blade into his neck. I covered his mouth and twisted the blade. Lifeless. He slumped to ground. I dragged his body to an equipment pod and threw the corpse in and closed the lid.
I made my way back down and out to the streets. I jumped onto a shuttle and headed back to the spaceport. I arrived back on Talon 1 and started prepping for tonight’s excursion. As I prepped my tools of the trade, I called upon the dark side empowering me, solidifying my will to achieve my goal. Tonight, tonight I will get my answers…

Day 3
Voice log 3.1---As I sheathed my last remaining throwing knives, I was at piece. I knew tonight was going to be a success. 2V brought me my fighting sticks and shurikens. “I fashioned your throwing stars just the way you like them master.” 2V explained. He was good droid to me, I like his little quirkiness. “2V going to need you to be my eyes in the sky tonight, and keep the ship on standby we may need to get out of here in a hurry.” I told my shipmate. “Indeed Master, would you like me to send out a few more observation drones?” replied the little droid.
“No, I don’t want to make it too obvious, this mission will take a bit of tact I feel.” I replied.
2V headed to the command console, pushed a series of buttons. A few moments later you could hear the sound of hatches opening and the scuttle of movement. I made my way down the ramp, as four small observations drones whizzed above my head. A small smile crossed my face, I love prepping for battle. I walked back in the ship and told 2V to monitor my standard communications channel and keep me posted of anything suspicious.
Time was 0130 hours, the crisp air felt good. You would think that at these hours the city would be vacant. Just the polar opposite, this city never sleeps and endless flow of lemmings never ceases in this place. I had to make sure that I stayed in the shadows and stay to the roof tops, I cannot take the chance of being seen, that will put an end to this mission a sure as the sun will rise. I had 2V plot me a course to get up high from the spaceport, and he did just that. I managed to work my way to the top of the spaceport and up to a large antenna array. That would do the trick.
I scaled the antenna and planted firmly on the small landing. The air was chillier at this height, the wind racing and I could almost hear the city’s heartbeat. I pulled up the coordinates on my gauntlet CPU and it was almost a straight shot to where I need to be. The wind was right, better now than never. Within that second my wings from my pack expanded and I dove off the landing.
The night rushed passed me as I plummeted towards the city streets. With just a small adjustment of my arms and torso I leveled out and made my way to my rendezvous point. The city seemed so much smaller from here. The cityscape was lit up so well, I could make out just about every part of the city. The observations drones were already in place and sending me live video feed from the casino rooftop. No movement yet, but that will soon change.
The winds shifted a bit and flight was more of struggle, I saw the construction yard where I was earlier and my stake out placement. With these winds it may be a bit of a sticky landing. I pushed my wings back and went into a subtle dive, the wind was pushing me fester than expected into a more sever dive. Definitely going to come in hot I thought. I lined myself up at the top of the rudimentary landing platform. As I came in I thrust my body forward so that I was upright to the platform and expanded my wings slightly forward to slow my descent. I knew this was going to be a tuck and roll moment.
The second my heels hit the platform I knew I only had about fifteen feet to complete my maneuver. As my heels touched I immediately went into my roll, my wings retracted and I was in midst of my second roll when I knew I was in trouble. The edge got closer, as I transitioned to my feet, I knew I came in to fast. I saw the edge fall past my sight, I spun myself around and drove my talons into the girder. A sudden stop like that probably should have ripped my shoulder out of socket. I pulled myself up on the platform and assessed myself. 2V came over the COMM, “Nicely done Master” in his best sarcastic voice. “You caught all that did you?” I asked. Droids…..
Made my way to the corner of the building so that I had a clear view. Drones were still feeding me their close up video, nothing yet. I will have to call them off once I see movement. I switched my cowls vision to night vision, there, there it was. To the left of the only access door, three crates and one ankle sticking out. “2V, move one of the drones to the southwest corner and concentrate on the crates” I whispered in my COMM unit. “As you wish Master”, 2V replied. I watched the small spherical drone move alongside the building and makes its way above the crates. There you are, just as the figure came into sight a red colored blaster bolt totally destroyed the drone. Damn it, those are not cheap!
Well better now than never. I took a few steps back and ran for the edge, just as I leaped off, I extended my wings once more and glided towards the casino rooftop. This time coming in hot may be a good thing, I thought. The figure moved their way out from the crates as they knew as well as I did we were both exposed. Just as the figure cleared the crates, from another dive and full extension of my body I drove my feet into their shoulder blades. I could hear the air leaving their lungs, I landed directly into a run and closed the gap between me and my target. I pulled my fighting sticks from their sheath and slid past my target and cracking off three strikes directly to the knees. A scream of pain, which I rejoiced at that. What caught me off guard was the octave in which it was produced.
“YOU IDIOT!!!” my-would-be assailant screamed. “Just back up for a second”, a muffled voice groaned, but I could clearly make it out to be female.
“Explain to me why I should not proceed in ending your life” I asked
The figure managed to stand up right, hands out and removed the mask they were wearing. “Because I Warrior DarkHawk, am Torin Nor.” As this Torin nor removed the mask, I was astonished that it was a female changeling, I was almost taken back.
“You’re the bounty hunter I was sent to meet?” I asked
“Yes, this meeting was designed by the one they call The Lion.” She replied
I hesitated for a minute as I starred at her features. Sloppy, why would you expose yourself so soon? “Why are you hiding if you were to meet me?” I asked. “The same reason you were staking me out from the adjacent building, you Sith are somewhat predicable.” She explained. “I have a good mind to gut you on this rooftop”, as I extended my talons in front of her face. “All fine and well, but you will never get what you are after.” said the bounty hunter. “And what would that be?” I said through gritted teeth.
Three simple words stopped me, from ripping this changeling into pieces……..
“He-Who-Remembers” she hissed.
What seemed like an eternity, was merely seconds. The mission with Master Muz flowed through my mind, detail by detail. “By your silence, this is someone you intend to harm?” Torin questioned. “That is none of your concern, if this is to be true, tell me what I need bounty hunter!” I growled. “Payment?” she replied. I reached to a pouch on my utility belt and pulled out 5000 credits, as I extended my hand, I pointed my fighting stick directly at the young bounty hunters face. “Same time, I don’t know you and killing you, regardless is a bonus” I said bass fully. The young changeling extended her hand and placed a holocron into my hand. “This, this is what I came all this way for?” I asked. “That is the locale of what you’re looking for, it’s an old temple, heavily guarded and my bet is they know you’re coming” said Torin.
As I put the holocron in my utility belt pouch, I could not help myself but to impose my will for the situation at hand. I snatched my left hand out and grabbed the changeling by the throat, picking her off her feet and getting nose to nose to her. “If this is in any way a ruse, there is nowhere in this universe you can hide that I won’t find you.” The bounty hunter pounded on my forearm to break the grip and that she found was not happening. Her gasps were quick and short, I could slowly see the life leaving her. She was trying to mouth words but my grip was to intense. I relaxed my grip and this Torin Nor spoke with painful discouragement, “Don’t you think that The Lion has already implemented such assurances for that?” gasped the bounty hunter.
You know this to be true warrior..
Master Muz, I don’t know what to do. As if Grand Master Muz was standing beside me I could hear his voice. The planes of the dark side have to boundaries.
This one has served its purpose, we have other agendas to attend too…
Yes, Master
I looked fixedly into the eyes of this changeling bounty hunter, I did not have to say a word, she knew I was fixed on making my words reality if needed. Just then the entry door to the roof blew open. I tossed Torin to the side and rolled away from the explosion. Five rebel troopers flooded out onto the roof top followed by one Jedi. The light sider walked with the very assurance that he would be coming out of this skirmish victorious. I love killing Jedi…..
I looked at Torin and told her to concentrate on the troopers I will deal with the Jedi. Blaster fire rocketed past our heads. I reached to my wing pack and pulled my collapsible Nightsister energy bow from its sheath. I drew upon the dark side and swelled in its power, I unlocked the bow and it was ready to do my bidding. I rolled to my right and into a prone position fired three bolts from my bow. The first was strategically aimed at the Jedi, which he deflected with his saber, without even looking the Jedi deflected my bolt right into the chest of one of the troopers. One down, you must be new at this…
I fired two more bolts from my bow and they both hit their mark. Center mass and sent the troopers soaring backwards. Three down. Torin was holding her own and was making short work of one of the troopers. Four down. The Jedi was closing in on the Bounty hunter as the last two remaining troopers were pinning her down with blaster fire. Normally I would have just let them have their way, but not today, today they get to see a Sith make little work of this newly appointed Jedi. Or so I thought.
As the Jedi rounded her flank for the killing stroke, I flanked the Jedi myself and as he came down with his saber for the kill shot, I blocked that stroke with a thrust block, followed by a massive spinning heal kick to the side of the Jedi’s head. The Jedi went sailing back and astonishingly he rolled mid-way through the assault and regained his composure. Judging by the look he was gazing towards the equite with, he did not expect that. It was almost a picturesque moment as he looked up at the Sith, blood red long hilted saber in one hand, energy bow in the other. The warrior was emotionless, letting the hate for the Jedi fuel him for the imminent battle.
Without missing a beat, the bounty hunter rolled from her cover and fired off blaster shot after blaster shot. Her aim was quite impressive barely missing the first troopers head my centimeters, only to follow up the second and third shot directly to the head. Four down. The last remaining trooper unleashed a melee of rifle fire and the bounty hunter found herself diving out of the way. One of those volleys happen to strike her solid to the left shoulder, the blaster she had in that hand went soaring across the rooftop. She managed to roll across avoiding the second wave of blaster rounds. Her shoulder burning from the wound. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Torin managed to get to her feet and launched herself into the air and return her own wave of blaster fire, thus landing the killing stroke two to center mass and one to the head. Five down, only one remains…
The Jedi stood upright and pointed at the Sith, “So you must be the one called DarkHawk” he sneered. DarkHawk said nothing, the warrior deactivated his bow, collapsed back down and stowed it to its sheath. DarkHawk took his second saber from its hilt and the hum of its activation drowned the air around them. The Jedi could feel the power surrounding the warrior in front of him. They maneuvered around one another in a circular pattern. DarkHawk never saying a word just sizing his opponent up for the kill. “You cannot leave with that holocron, I will not allow you to interfere with what we have planned for the Empire” the Jedi once again sneered his comment at the SIth. This time DarkHawk’s motion stopped squaring himself up to the Jedi, “You say that like you control the situation here” DarkHawk growled back.
That’s when the warrior saw it, the Jedi shifted his weight from his front leg to his back, the attack is coming, Wait for it, wait for it. Just as the warrior predicted the Jedi launched himself into the air, no doubt using the assistance of the force to aide him. The warrior waited for the descent of the Jedi, and in a semicircular motion crossed his sabers blocking the downward parry of the light sider. Then as DarkHawk pushed off from the Jedi, he simultaneously swept the front foot of his attacker just enough to knock him off balance. DarkHawk then parried with his right hand driving his saber towards the Jedi’s midsection. The Jedi countered that blow, though failed to see the saber from the Sith’s left hand severe his off balance front leg. The Jedi, screamed in agony as his leg fell parallel to him.
The Jedi rolled away as if he was making his escape. Torin walked over and looked at the chaos that was created. “This is going to bring in more troops, you have what you need, I have what I need. Let’s say that’s equal transaction” the bounty hunter said enthusiastically. DarkHawk just looked at the Bounty Hunter, then looked at the Jedi. The warrior looked back at the changeling and walked towards the Jedi. Without even removing his eyes from her, her drove his saber into the heart of Jedi. His dying breathes were soured by defeat only to become another victim of the Sith. “Should I be flattered” Torin asked? “Mark my words bounty hunter, if this fails to check out, I will find you” DarkHawk growled.
The Sith and the bounty hunter stood on the rooftop for another moment. “It will check out, I don’t want to have to look over my shoulders from the likes of you two, whatever you got planned” Torin said. DarkHawk leaned over and picked up the fallen Jedi’s saber, another for the collection. The sound of footsteps running upstairs was echoing out of the doorway, both the bounty hunter and Sith turned and made a hasty getaway off that rooftop. DarkHawk did not even bother looking where the bounty hunter fled to. He did not care. The warrior made it to edge of the rooftop on a dead run and leaped into the night. His wings extended from their wing pack and he soared silently above the city scape once again. The cold air feels once again good…
Day 4
Voice log 4.1----Making it back to the spaceport after the last night’s excursions was almost a relief. Though I did not feel as if I accomplished what I really needed to. I informed 2V to standby as I wanted to see what information this holocron was keeping. I placed the holocron in the ships reader, just then the shipped rocked violently. The holocron shut off and I ran to the bridge, “2V what the hell was that” I screamed. “Seems we have Republic visitors Master” squeaked the droid. “How in the hell did they find me”, I questioned both of us. “Get us the hell out of here NOW!” I screamed.
RV pulled back on the stick and Talon 1 began to lift and turn towards the departure gate. Just as we lined up to exit the space port the hangar doors started closing in. “Punch it Punch it!” I screamed. The little droid did just that, he mashed the throttles forward and Talon 1 jettisoned forward. We screamed out from the spaceport and closing hangar doors with room to spare. “Lock in coordinates back to Rakata Prime 2V, we don’t have time to paly cat and mouse with these Rebels” I said forcefully. 2V punched a few more buttons and we breached the atmosphere and within seconds 2V made the jump to light speed. Huh the droid adjusted the stabilization coils……..
Day 5
Voice Log 5.1----I spent most of the light speed jump trying to make sense of what I could get out that holocron. I could not do it alone. I needed Shidoshi, he would know its meaning. Or so I hoped.
We came out of light speed in the Rakata Prime sector and made our way to the Temple once again. This time, Shidoshi Mumashi was waiting near the landing pad.
“I see you have fulfilled your mission young one” the old man stated.
“Not quite sure Master, I cannot make heads of this holocron and I need your guidance”, I replied.
We walked into the temple and I drew upon its powers. The knowledge in this place, I still needed to claim it. But there will be time for that some other time. I bowed as I entered the throne room and the statues of our Sith Lords gazed upon me. We walked in silence the old man and I, our hands grasped behind our backs, these are the only moments I truly felt at peace with him. The eyes of the fallen seemed to follow us no matter where we walked in that room. The temple may seem to be in ruins, but she is very much alive.
We came into the control room, and I placed the holocron on the reader. Images flashed before us, far off places artifacts danced in front of us. Blurred images constantly repeating themselves. “Try adjusting the frequency” Mumashi stated. I obliged the old man and managed to fine tune the holocron a bit more. “It’s a fragmented holocron, we are missing a part of the message” said the old man. I looked over at him and he seemed puzzled at what was dancing before us. Then his eyes widened, “Stop” he exclaimed. “Go back” he ordered. I reversed the play back and once again adjust the frequency. There in a flash of bright light, there in front of us it appeared clear as day. The Planet Takodana, on the far outskirts of the planet. There it was hidden in the jungle. The laboratory that created that machine that almost killed Grand Master Muz and myself.
“I have to get this to Master Muz and BloodFyre. We need to make a play on this site quickly” stated DarkHawk. “Patience young one, always so eager to jump to the fight, never letting the fight expose itself to you” replied Mumashi. “The Lion and BloodFyre have already foreseen this, you are not showing them nothing they do not know” he said those words almost softly. “I don’t understand Master, why does The Lion not take care of this himself, he has the power to so” DarkHawk questioned. “He leads me to believe he is aligned with the Jedi, and I know that is not possible” DarkHawk exclaimed. “that freaking box damn near ended us and I knew something was off, the Grand Master was far to calm in dealing with it” the warrior stated overzealously.
“Young one you, still have much to learn, one does not become a Grand Master simply by force, or killing. There is more to it than that. Did you not think he was on to the ruse of you being there from the Council? Both The Lion and BloodFyre deserve much more than that from you, young one. Your training though extensive, is not complete. Though I have taught you the ways, there is more to be learned from the ones you must keep close, regardless of perception or thoughts from others” said the old man.
The words resonated within DarkHawk, “You are the one I trust old man” replied DarkHawk. Mumashi, held up a finger as to have his warrior pause for a moment. Silence bellowed through the room, the old man took in a deep breath, “Release your doubt young one, there is no need, for it clouds your mind to the truth and the end game of this mission” said Mumashi. “Seek out The Lion, and BloodFyre, they will take your teachings further, learn from them, and no matter what destroy the doubt inside you, or it will be your undoing” said the Shidoshi.
DarkHawk looked puzzled, but then the realization of what just transpired hit him. The Lion knew all along of my doubt and my dedication to the Clan. He knew that if he pointed me in the right direction I would come to this very instance, the realization that I would find this information. He knew that even though I was gone my hiatus was not for nothing. The Lion knew I would attack this with ferocity and tenacity. I was his vessel to uncover what needed to be uncovered. Oh One-Who-Remembers, you will surely feel the blade of the Sith….
Day 6
Voice Log 6.1----I made all the adjustments and repairs that I could to Talon 1. I said my goodbyes to my Shidoshi, and promised him I would be back. 2V was making his way to the bridge as I punched in the final coordinates back to HQ. This I had to get this information back to Muz and BloodFyre. I lifted the ship off and made my way to the outer rim of the planet and punched it forward and made the jump to light speed. My body was a bit sore from what took place over the past few days. I knew that it may only get worse in the days to come. Some vacation this turned out to be……

Dear Diary:

I can't tell anyone this, but need to tell someone, I need to do something to help me figure out what happened. But if I told anyone...well they would likely either have me committed to the medical bay, or have me under some sort of surveillance. So, it appears as though you will have to keep my secret. The past week was suppose to be about a week of relaxation, though I don't really know the meaning of the word, or so I have been told, it definitely was anything but that!

At the starting of the week I received a very interesting little package. There was no name as to who sent it, but it felt dark, like the force itself had sent it. Which is unheard of, at least as far as I know or have heard. But it is so far the only explanation for it. That, or someone had me in mind for a hidden plan or maybe experiment. Makes me smirk to think that perhaps it could have been my old master Macron. After all, he wasn't too thrilled about handing over the keys to his lab after a bet we had...Not sure I will find out who sent it...what was it? Well diary, it was a holo pad with coordinates and a small black crystal. It peaked my interest. Months ago I had been planning a trip to search some old catacombs, including one known for hidden treasures powerful in the force, and rare crystals holding many properties. But I had gotten side tracked with calls from the Clan....come to think of it, that had been planned with Maleous...maybe he sent it...

Diary, when I move you I can catch my reflection at times, and I can see that my eyes are almost black, at least when I think about how I may have gotten the package and blaming those I have trusted, and do trust, with my life. I don't understand...you see...no I can't tell you, not yet any way...sounds strange, but I don't even feel like I can trust you diary.....

Hmm, let me continue with what happened. Since we were not getting the call to help I decided to go. Commandeering a shuttle, I headed for the coordinates, not telling anyone, which was probably a bad move. Of course, I likely would have still gone even if someone had tried to stop me, if they somehow knew what the co-ordinates were...then again, the two I would have told would have been Macron and Maleous...both of whom I suspect may have...there it is again diary, the soulless black swirls in my eyes.

The flight was pretty uneventful and took about a day. When I landed the planet was dry, dusty. Wind would swirl up the sand and dirt making it hard to breathe and see. Thankfully I had been able to land near by the co-ordinates. Covering my mouth and nose with a cloth, I closed my eyes, using the force to guide me to the opening of the tunnel into the catacombs. It was more difficult then I thought though. It was as though the wind itself was created by something strong in the dark side, pulling at my robes and feet. Sometimes trying to help me to the entrance, others trying to pull me away, away into a trap. I had no doubt there were sand pits that the instant I stepped on the grains they would fall away and suck me into them....hmm something seems to be trying to make me forget, or change my memories...my eyes weren't closed the entire time...no, I remember now. I felt the wind turn into hands and pull at my heels, almost puling me off balance, drawing me to the side of my goal. I opened my eyes at the jerking motion, thinking maybe I had somehow missed the approach of an enemy in the whipping force driven wind. But there was no one there. The grains stung my eyes, but also whipped against my cheeks. Looking back at the tunnel I started running then, feeling the hands as though they were still trying to grab at my ankles, pulling me back. But it also made me more determined. As soon as I ran into the tunnels entrance, it was as though the wind stopped outside. I took a couple steps in before turning around to look at the opening, and I didn't see any sand blowing at all dairy...it was an eery calm. As though the wind itself knew the best way to get me into the tunnel was to try and keep me away from it...as I let the cloth fall from my face I shook the thought from my mind. It that was a possibility, then it mean that something had wanted me there, something or someone was waiting for me.

My boots made soft indentations in the floor of what I now realized was a well cloaked cave. It felt like I was walking on skin. The ground saturated just right, that if I made any sudden movements or vibrations I would break through the first layer and sink deeper into it. I would have to keep moving. Igniting a glow stick to help me see in the cave didn't do as much as I had hoped. The light almost being sucked into the darkness, as though it was a living breathing entity. I am not sure how far or how deep I went into the cave diary but...well...oh I am so not sure I can tell you what happened...what if you are linked to the QUAs data pads? What if Macron or Maleous are listening in or connected?...What if someone finds you?...

*Enter encryption code*
Dear diary:

How nieve this one is...Oh her body will serve me well...yes, a vessel that will get me where I need to go. I will just have to bide my time until I grow strong again...but until then, I can have some fun with her. At least it will keep me entertained while I'm in here...

*End encryption code*

I remember coming around this corner and feeling shadows around me. The force shivered with danger. My reflux was to ignite my sabre. The air was think with the black shadows, even with my sabre glowing and humming in dark energy, it was hard to swing it and fight what I'm starting to think wasn't really there in the first place. I planted my feet and swung my sabre in an arch ahead of me, only to feel a cold shiver run up my spine. Spinning on the toe of my foot I brought my sabre up in an upper cut, but it hit nothing, and dairy...I swear the purple light from it was gone, as though the darkness swallowed it whole...Amazed, stunned, and in awe, I looked into the blackness. I could feel the hilt in my hand, I could feel the vibrations of the humming blade, but I could no longer see it. I know I shouldn't have been so distracted, but it happened. And just like the sandy wind outside the caves entrance, two hands seemed to wrap around mine on the hilt and pull me forward. As I was thrown forward by the force of the pull, I swore I would see someone on the other end of my blade, as though they used it to end their life....but there was nothing there...but diary...oh i you could only hear me sigh or know that I've stopped writing at least 5 times now...I'm not sure if it is because I just don't want you to know, or if it is because I don't want to remember...

When I saw nothing on the end of my blade, when I couldn't even see the light from it, my mouth dropped open. Instantly I felt my hands drop to my sides, my back arch, my chest open and exposed to any blade that may come from the darkness, as something...well, the best way to describe it, diary, is swallowing a black cloud. I could feel it moving down my throat, almost choking me as it held onto my body. The tip of my blade sizzling against the skin like ground. I tried to scream, but nothing came out. Gasping for air, my body suddenly fell to the ground, I was choking but diary....I remember looking at my blade and once again seeing the purple light coming from it. The cave no longer dark. Blinking and feeling as though something cold and dark was moving through my veins I went to pick up my sabre but then....then everything went dark...the next thing I know I'm waking up in my shuttle, my hand clutching the crystal that was sent to me. I'm not sure if it was all a very long dream, like perhaps the crystal was laced with a sedative and by touching it I was sent into a long sleep....I wouldn't put it past Macron to have some fun with his alchemy skills...Wait what am I saying? Macron is like family to me...but then again...

Diary I've been sitting here in my shuttle ever since. However, I have to go back soon...I'm not sure what I'm going to do...I'm certain something is wrong...I feel as though I'm not the only one in my body.....

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

Dear Diary:

Made it back to my quarters, but the strangest thing has happened. I'm sure I have written in you over this past week, but I can not get into the files. They are either encoded so well, or someone deleted them. But I don't understand why someone would delete them, or even more so, why I would encode them so that even I could not access them...

**Enter Encryption Code*

Dear Diary:

She must not remember. If she did she might tip off those around her. I have searched her memories. The Alchemist she has known for so long and even trained her, and the Mystic she has recently met, could be a threat to my return...

**End Encryption Code**