Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part VII: A Glimmer of Hope

[JediMaster12]

"If it's a gas, then the oxygen has no effect on it unless you mean using a counter gas measure," Tonatius pointed out. "What do you think Dr. Pradhes?"

[Alkonium]

(Since Tysy and Shana are effectively gone, I'll have to fill in for them.)

 

Geonosis

 

"Actually, that should work, though the by-products could be much worse than the gas as it is." Lenatha explained.

 

"Then I suggest we make use of our rebreathers, get in there, and find another way to neutralise the gas." Kalla commented.

 

Above Geonosis

 

This guy's good. The trap seems hostile enough, but with tech like that, he could easily have taken me out. Best not provoke him, at least not until I have the upper hand. Iyav thought, trying to figure a way out of his predicament. Coming up with nothing, he continued his descent into the atmosphere, finally coming to the view those around the Ebon Hawk.

[Castiron]

 

 

P.S. the anti-theft includes a timer that activates the ships cloak and shields.

[Chevron 7 locke]

((Is it alright if I bring Atora back? I'd like him to help out Alriana and the group on Geonosis.))

 

NISD Glory

 

"That shouldn't be difficult. We have nothing distinguishing us from the rest of the stormtroopers on the ship, and a firefight would be utter chaos."

 

Beroc nodded and then motioned for his troops to follow him. As soon as we get to auxillary control I should try to finish what I started. That sith has the blood of the crew of the Imperial Pride on his hands and he must pay.

 

 

Geonosis

 

Alriana nodded back at Tavaryn from her hiding place among the rocks. Her jedi senses were indicating extreme danger but she couldn't find out where it was coming from.

 

This is so odd...It feels as if the danger is coming from everywhere but yet I see nothing.

[Alkonium]

(Yeah, go ahead)

 

"At least the rebreathers are working; that's one less thing to worry about down here." Andorra commented, being able to clearly see the gas from their current position in the tunnels.

 

"We could do with a bit of light in here." Kalla added, activating her lightsaber and discovering to her horror, that the floor of the tunnel was filled with bodies, both New Imperial Stormtrooper and Republic Guardsman alike. "Oh, not good." She commented.

 

 

NISD Glory

 

"Of course, we'll have to do something about the bridge crew, sir. Gas it, depressurise it, eject the whole command tower, plenty of ways to do it." The security officer suggested, finally coming to the door to the Auxiliary Control Room. Quickly punching the likely code in, he managed to get it open. "It's all up to you now, sir."

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius agreed about the breathers and pulled his out. It was standard Jedi issue, well it was back in the days of the old Republic. His people had a fondness for those days. He looked around as Kalla lit her lightsaber. When he saw the bodies, his eyes went large. He signaled to R4 to scan for lifesigns.

 

The droid ran his scanners with minimal noise. He finally beeped a confirmation of one, barely alive. Tonatius motioned to Kalla with a finger indicating one and approached cautiously. It was a Republic Guardsman and he was barely breathing. "Help... gas..."

 

**********

 

Jun-la and Matton were heading down their approach path aware that at any time their presence could be detected. The tunnels were different from the map scans that Jun-la studied from R4's databanks in terms of appearance and some tunnels no longer viable. It was tough work slowly making their way to the main base.

[Alkonium]

"How long does he have?" Andorra asked. "Impossible to say. By all means, after two weeks, he should have succumbed to the effects of the gas." Lenatha pointed out. "Unless he was exposed more recently." Kalla then suggested. "Something's wrong here."

 

"What happened to you?" Andorra then asked the Guardsman, taking pity on him.

[Castiron]

<UNKNOWNTARGET> HEars a beeping noise and recieves an emergency action message telling them to return to their carrier, atthat point they race backto their ship,.... reach orbit and use their hyperdrive to return.

[Chevron 7 locke]

NISD Glory

 

"It's all up to you now, sir."

 

Beroc nodded to his security officer and contemplated the best way to get rid of the command crew of the star destroyer. Surely not all of them agreed with their captain's decision to obey the Sith Lord's orders and thus deserved at least a chance to prove their loyalty.

 

He thought for a moment and then the perfect idea came to him. He tapped out a series of commands on one of the consoles and watched as a live feed from the bridge appeared.

 

"We need to head for the bridge. The gas I released will begin to take effect within a few moments and I want to be up there by the time it wears off."

 

 

 

Geonosis

 

A sudden sense of danger filled Alriana's mind and she quickly whirled around just in time to see the business end of a rifle fill her view. She slowly raised her hands over her head and stared at the Geonosian who was holding the rifle.

 

The Geonosian spoke to her in it's native language which Alriana didn't understand. The last time she had been here there had been a droid that had helped her communicate with the Geonosians.

 

Tavaryn, she thought urgently. I could use some help.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn had managed to maneuver his way towards Alriana while using the phony talking in order to mask his movements. Haruka helped in that expedition and was now waiting patiently for the signal to move.

 

Tavaryn scampered along the crevices with ease until he had a clear drop on the Geonosian that was pointing a rifle at Alriana. He watched intently as his finger thumbed the razor edge of his hat until he decided to make his move. Silently he landed behind the Geonosian and said, "Hello there."

 

*********

 

The Republic trooper tried to say a few words, "Gas...tunnels...trap..." before collapsing into a state of unconsciousness.

 

Tonatius checked for a pulse and asked, "Pradhes, can you do anythign for him?"

[Alkonium]

"The best I can manage is painkillers and sedatives right now. It should hold back the effects of the gas for a while, and if we're lucky, we'll be able to find an antidote in time to save him, assuming the New Empire came up with one." Lenatha explained.

 

"I can't think of why they wouldn't. It doesn't matter how expendable they consider their subordinates, they'd still have to think of themselves, and they've have to control their bio-weapon." Kalla pointed out. "We should carry him out at least, to prevent further exposure."

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius said nothing but gently and firmly gripped the officer under his arms and began to drag him out of the tunnels. It was a ways to the ship but at least that air was cleaner and he liked to think that Lady Jun-la would have done the same thing. he toted the officer with measured speed as he exited the tunnels and headed towards the Ebon Hawk. He paused only once to take a breath.

 

The Republic officer managed to open his eyes then and saw him and said, "South tunnel...clear. Can get into lab." He then closed his eyes and passed out.

 

Tonatius wasted no time in getting the officer into the medbay where he managed to set up an apparatus to give painkiller/sedatives. Everything to make the officer feel comfortable. He then secured the ship and raced back to his companions. He reported, "South tunnel leads to the lab. That's what the officer told me."

[Alkonium]

"Very well. I suspect most of those bodies are dead, otherwise, we'd have woken up more than just that Guardsman. Still, we need to be cautious." Kalla pointed out, leading the group further into the tunnels. While there were few further incidents, Tonatius couldn't help but hear a voice at the back of his mind, saying, "She loves you, you love her, but can you trust her? She nearly doomed the entire galaxy.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Hello there."

 

The Geonosian quickly turned around and quickly aimed at Tavaryn before turning back to Alriana and began talking rapidly in it's own language. He sounds quite angry.

 

"Tavaryn"...she said quietly. "I think I can understand some of what he is saying. From what I can understand, I am recognized as the "Destroyer of hives"."

 

The Geonosian continued speaking in it's own language. "And...I may have not translated this correctly but I believe he is blaming us for some sort of...disaster."

 

She turned to Tavaryn with a confused look on her face. "Is it possible that our current mission may have something to do with this disaster he's speaking of?"

 

 

Ackbar

 

The Ackbar dropped out of Hyperspace near a republic space station that also had a small shipyard floating nearby. Garja opened up a communications line to the station.

 

"This is Admiral Garja of the Ackbar to whomever is commanding the station. We have Grand Admiral Belina and a Jedi Master by the name of Komad in our medical bay. They need urgent medical attention."

 

"This is Republic outpost 085. We will arrange for a medical team to be waiting for you in the main hanger bay." Garja opened up a link to the medical bay and ordered that Belina and Komad be sent over to the station as soon as possible.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn had snapped to an attack position when the Geonosian reacted but relaxed as he listened to Alriana's translation. When Alriana asked him if their current mission was the cause of a disaster, he replied, "More likely it was the whole building of the facilities and the release of the gas that is the disaster and the fact that we are here because of it makes us involved."

 

He then made some noise that sounded like Geonosian language to the Geonosian, introducing himself as Tavaryn Starlighter, his mother's name. He was not surprised when the Geonosian recognized it. His mother was well known in this part of the Republic. He asked the Geonosian, "Why call my companion the Destroyer of Hives when my mother was like her, a Jedi?

 

**********

 

Tonatius followed Kalla as they followed R4's map of the tunnels. He was certain they were close but he started having doubts that Kalla knew what she was doing. He kept hearing, "She loves you, you love her, but can you trust her? She nearly doomed the entire galaxy" in his mind. For no reason at all he asked Kalla, "Are you sure you are going the right way?"

[Alkonium]

"I'm only going by R4's map. If the map's wrong, it's not my fault." Kalla replied. "If you'd prefer to lead, be my guest." She too heard a voice in her head, saying "You left her for a man, her own cousin at at! You honestly thought she wouldn't hate you for it?"

 

However, the voice seemed at least somewhat familiar to her, having recognised it as possibly the laughing man from her vision, so she was a bit more skeptical about it. We're still friends, and I saved her life. How could she hate me? She thought, trying to reassure herself against these invasive thoughts.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Why call my companion the Destroyer of Hives when my mother was like her, a Jedi?"

 

The Geonosian uttered something in his language that Alriana couldn't understand. He then pulled a small device that was strapped to his back off and held it in front of him.

 

"Destroyed." The Geonosian uttered the word in his own language and it was translated by the small device. "The fugative came here seeking help. We hid her. The great destroyers came after the fugative. Turbolasers rained down and destroyed many hives."

 

The Geonosian angerly pointed at Alriana and said something that the translater didn't catch.

 

"The fugative ran. Escaped. Left us here to fight the great destroyers." The Geonosian turned to Tavaryn and nodded. "We have no issues with you. You are free to leave, but the one with you must pay."

[JediMaster12]

"Just making sure. It's not like we've been here before," Tonatius replied testily. He was feeling anxious about the upcoming battle, a feeling he had before but never in this extreme. It was as if someone or something were trying to make him doubt his capabailities as well as those of his friends. Still he couldn'tshake that voice that had been plaguing his mind. "You know it's alright to question and not take things for granted."

 

R4 listened to the conversation that was happening. He couldn't understand it at all since he was not a sentient. The best he could do was beep and direct the party through the tunnels.

 

**********

 

Tavaryn looked at the Geonosian with a sad look as if to apologise for Alriana. He knew that Alriana had been afraid during those times. To the extent he couldn't imagine but maybe he could since he spent his life on the run with his mother. He knew the Geonosian wanted revenge but he couldn't allow Alriana to be harmed. He said in Geonosian, "I then ask, in the name of my mother Ashira-Li Starlighter, that you spare her, for she is my companion in this quest to rid Geonosis of a new evil that could destroy us all."

 

He rarely invoked requests in the name of his mother but her name carried more weight than the "saintliest" of senators and even the Jedi themselves. So great was her generousity and kindness as well as her warrior ability that many would do favors because it was her. They did favors for him because he was her son and in turn he earned their respect. He was hoping the Geonosian would react to her name and he watched his expression.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"I then ask, in the name of my mother Ashira-Li Starlighter, that you spare her, for she is my companion in this quest to rid Geonosis of a new evil that could destroy us all."

 

The Geonosian made a low grunting sound and then lowered his weapon before turning to Tavaryn.

 

"The name of your mother has always been associated with trust and with honor. Your companion will be allowed to live for as long as she is with you. But know this: If she runs this time, we will not be so merciful in the future."

 

The Geonosian let out a loud chittering sound and suddenly the air was filled with the sounds of wings as many Geonosians appeared on the cliff above them.

 

"Son of the honored Ashira-Li Starlighter, our warriors are at your command. We ask that you aid us in driving the destroyers away from our world."

[Alkonium]

Tunnels

 

"I suppose you're right. Maybe I am too sure of myself." Kalla conceded. She continued to lead the group through the tunnels, but more carefully since Tonatius raised his doubts. "However, this looks promising." She commented, coming upon a steel door, which was clearly not made by the Geonosians.

 

Silver Eagle

 

"Republic Outpost 085, this is Republic Intelligence Operative Iyav Dourden. Please keep me informed on Jedi Master Komad Kaltas's condition. You'll find me listed under his emergency contacts." Iyav sent out to the outpost. Then, spotting the Ebon Hawk on the planet's surface, he set the Eagle down within walking distanct of the Hawk..

[JediMaster12]

It had been a tense moment as Tavaryn waited for the Geonosian's response. When the Geonosian spoke the affirmative for help he felt relief but when he saw hundreds of warriors, he knew that they would succeed. A small part of him was glad that they didn't harm Alriana. His reasons he wasn't willing to explore at the moment for his attention was focused on the gathering horde of Geonosians.

 

"Son of the honored Ashira-Li Starlighter, our warriors are at your command. We ask that you aid us in driving the destroyers away from our world."

 

Tavaryn nodded and said, "We are seeking the gathering place of this evil. We know that they have a poision which can kill. Do you know what I speak of?"

 

Haruka stood with Alriana while Tavaryn was talking to the Geonosians. He said to her, "Well he sure figured out how to get allies. Never knew he spoke Geonosian."

 

**********

 

Tonatius stared at the steel door. He lowered his head as if to listen. He then said, "Something is not right. This was not here before. Strange this tunnel has access to underground chambers according to the map."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"We are seeking the gathering place of this evil. We know that they have a poision which can kill. Do you know what I speak of?"

 

The Geonosian with the rifle pointed his free hand towards a cave that Alriana could barely see or sense. "The Destroyers have made that their lair. We have attempted to attack it before but we have always lost. It is heavily defended.

 

"Well he sure figured out how to get allies. Never knew he spoke Geonosian."

 

Alriana simply watched Tavaryn and nodded. "I feel that there is much about Tavaryn that we don't know. He seems to be full of suprises."

 

Republic Base 085

 

The commander of the base nodded as Iyav's message came through. "As you wish. But it's going to be touch and go with the Admiral Belina for awhile. For some reason she's bleeding internally again."

 

The Medical team escorted the Jedi and the Grand Admiral to the medical bay where they were both surrounded by doctors who immediatly began working on the two of them."

 

 

NISD Glory

 

Beroc looked at the monitors that showed the bridge which was now filled with chaos and confusion as the crew started to evacuate only to find the doors to the lifts locked. The crewmembers on the bridge began to fall to the floor out cold.

 

"Now we need to take the bridge before they wake up. The Captain is to be executed for following the Sith, but I feel we can give the rest of the bridge crew a chance to follow us."

 

He motioned for his troops to follow him but stopped as one of them spoke up. "Admiral Beroc, I'm picking up some sort of incoming signal. I can't seem to make out where it's coming from but it's being directed at the bridge."

 

Beroc nodded slowly. "Yet another reason we have to take control of the bridge. Remember, the captain is the primary target."

 

Beroc motioned his troops to follow him as he turned to leave and headed for the bridge.

[Alkonium]

"I wouldn't be surprised if the New Empire built over those tunnels. I doubt they'd care for the concerns of the locals." Kalla commented, opening the door before them. Unsurprisingly, the floor here was also littered with bodies, but Andorra noticed one of them starting to move, prompting her to unsheathe her sword. "They're waking up." She said to the rest of the group.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn nodded and asked, "What kind of defenses? Droids?"

 

Haruka replied to Alriana, "That's a given. Shinigami are not known for sharing information. They spend their lives in shadows watching us."

 

**********

 

Tonatius was surprised at the ease in which Kalla opened the steel door. Judging from the bulky look, even with the Force, it would have taken some concentration. He didn't have much time to think about that for the bodies were starting to stir. He sensed something wasn't right about them and whipped out his sword with a quickness that you didn't see it until he stood there holding it. He said, "Something isn't right about these bodies. Watch out."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"What kind of defenses? Droids?"

 

The Geonosians spoke in their own language for a few moments before responding. "Yes, the destroyers have battle droids but not many of them. The ones they do have are heavily armed. They also have auto-targeting laser cannons guarding the entrance. We only know of what they have guarding the entrance, we were never able to get in further."

 

The lead Geonosian nodded at Tavaryn. "We are sorry we can't be of more help. But as we said it is heavily defended."

 

 

 

 

"That's a given. Shinigami are not known for sharing information. They spend their lives in shadows watching us."

 

Alriana began watching the Geonosians as more and more of them appeared. "It sounds as if you don't trust them Haruka, but I trust Tavaryn more then I trust the Geonosians.