Cantina 8

[Kuuki]

*Irvine lowers his hand after being denined a formal greeting.*

 

Irvine trying to get into a converstaion: "Well yes, new weapony would be a nice thing to look at, but also how well they use them. It wasn't until a few days ago I only had the skills of a first class Fencer, but after my merging I suddenly gained the knowledge to properly wield duel and single Lightsabers, duel and single Lightfoils. Not only that I've seemed to also have quite the talent with wielding a LightScythe, a such model that I've tried to look up for any doublcates, didn't show, so what i have must be 'one-of-a-kind'. It's quiote an interesting weapon I have to say myself. Its like its 3 generations better then what we traditionally wield... I'd be glad to show ya after this..."

 

*meanwhile*

 

Marcus: "Hmm, when will this thing start, I think the Jedi are getting anxious too."

 

Ivan: "Oh, shut up Marcus. When it starts it starts."

[Redwing]

Farran: First, ladies and gentlemen of the Council, the abilities of the Jedi themselves against our current tactical forces will be demonstrated. Most of you have no firsthand experience with these beings; you know them only by reputation.

 

*The set of doors on one side of the arena open*

 

These Jedi were captured on Coruscant a week ago. *at the explosion of murmurs* The operation was done so they are believed dead. *smiles pointedly* There is no fear of retaliation.

 

*A large vehicle enters, holding a set of cages with Jedi occupants, with wireframes around them. Viewscreens display the scene close-up for the Council's benefit*

 

Farran: What you see down there are Universal Energy Cages. They are the only known cages that can hold a Jedi. Unfortunately, they are extraordinarily hard to find or produce. The creatures on the wireframes are ysalamiri. They are rare creatures that block the Force, the source of the Jedi's power.

 

*Farran smiles* In case you're wondering, no, the Vanguards do not wear ysalamiri. The creatures can only block the Force when they are alive, and Jedi have often been proven to be deadly fighters even when deprived of the Force.

 

*Farran motions to the other end of the enormous arena, which opens to reveal a vertible army of stormtroopers, with all kinds of weaponry*

 

This is the first part of the demonstration...the best of the Empire's shocktroopers, and the forces we send against the Jedi. Observe...

 

*Farran steps on a holotransmitter platform. The viewscreens show his holographic image appear on the Jedi cage vehicle*

[Redwing]

Farran: Greetings, Jedi. I'm sure you're wondering what why we've brought you here. *Farran makes a motion with his hand, and droids enter the arena and begin removing the ysalamiri* You are here to take part in a short...tournament. The rules are simple; defeat all your opponents, and you will all go free. If you don't, well, you'll all be dead. *waves to the troopers on the other side of the arena* Those are your first opponents. Oh, and by the way, don't bother considering escape. This arena is now walled in by force fields. There is no way in or out.

 

*The imprisoned Jedi simply stare at him. Farran shrugs amd waves his hand again. The energy cages snap open, and a set of droids advances towards the Jedi and hand them their lightsabers. Farran turns toward the Imperial troopers* Attack.

 

*the Imperials spread out and open fire*

[Cmdr. Cracken]

*Alys sat, with a small metal crate in front of her. It was an exercise, as instructed by the Holocron. A jedi padawan would attempt to lift the object, usually a rock, with the Force. Starr Watched over her.

 

She closed her eyes, and began to concentrate. "Let the Force flow through you", the Holocron said. Anger, hate, agression, those are the paths to the dark side, it said. Impaitence, frustration, the quick and easy path.

 

Well, she always liked to do things the hard way.

 

As she sat, she opended her self up to the Force. That much she learned from Starr, and her father when he had the time. She could FEEL everything around her, Starr, the Imperial patrols, the officers on the ship. She then focused on the empty space infront of her. She tried lifting it through force, but that didn't work. Not to e swayed, she tried gradually lifting it. no good.

 

Sithspit. She started to get angry, but then she realized what she was doing, and calmed herself. She tried again, this time simply visualizing it moving.

it worked. she opended her eyes, and saw it a good 6 ft above the ground. She started to smile, but doing that broke her concentration, and it fell tothe ground with a loud clang.

She turned and looked at Starr, who had his arms crossed She smiled at him and cheerfully waved.*

Alys: How was that?

[Admiral Odin]

*Odin, Heimdall, and Vidar found Frigg, and Tyr and were eating lunch at a local resturant*

 

Tyr: Latter today we are going to test out some of the new weapons.

 

Vidar: What have the scientist developed now?

 

Tyr: A resonance rifle. It should be powerful enough to kill a Jotun in a single shoot.

 

Odin: That will make things eaiser.

 

Frigg: What other things are going to be tested.

 

Tyr: Well a new cloaking shield. It is like the ones being installed on our warships. However this one is smaller. Small enough to place on fighters.

 

Heimdall: It still amazes me who quickly our scientist solve problems.

 

Odin: They strive to do so because they know what is at stake.

 

Vidar: If the Jotuns were ever freed from their containment. They would devstate the galaxy.

 

Frigg *in a bitter tone*: Only if it wasn't for Loki, we would have been rid of that threat a long time ago.

 

Odin: Come, lets not talk of him. Enjoy our meal.

 

Frigg: Your right.

 

Odin: How is Midgard coming along?

 

Vidar: Very well. The fortifications are growing by the day.

 

Heimdall: Midgard is very secured.

 

Odin: I never doubted that.

 

*They continue their meal talking about unimportant things. Occansionally laughing at jokes.*

[Kuuki]

*The Imperail Council and the other three watch as the fight is quickly swayed twards the Jedi*

 

Marcus: "Bah! I wouldn't need any prevoius knowhow that the Jedi would be winning over those stormtroopers!"

 

Ivan: "Just let me remind you that this is not the real demostration..." *ivan glances over at Farran, and smirks* "...this is merely just a pre-round, before the real thing, but they don't know it. All you to do is raise their moral, so that their hopes of victory is in thier grasp, then you crush them down like the little worms they are..."

 

Ravan: "Well you seem to forget if these Vangaurd aren't protectign ya, one of these Jedi would easily get rid of ya very quickly."

 

Ivan: "Who ever said anything about relying on the Vanguard for complete protection? What do you think Farran?"

 

*Meanwhile, close by Irvine walks around the force field matching the fight...*

 

Irvine to himself: "These Jedi aren't as powerful as my father, but would still prove to be a good enough fight. Maybei shoudl find one to spar with, maybe reletha's brother perhaps?"

 

*A stormstrooper slams on the force field as a taunt by one the Jedi.*

 

Irvine again to himself: "Nevermind, I just found my pray..."

 

Irvien shouting to Farran: "Hey councilman, I want this fool for myself! I still have yet to test my skills agenst someone."

[jokemaster]

*falls asleep*

*in dream, standing in the middle of the arena*

"where am I?"

*A Vangaurd approaches ands shoots Chavo*

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"

*wakes up*

"whew, what a nightmare"

[Deac]

*Lokpihet stares at his chronometer and Reletha yawns as they sat in the viewing area*

 

Lokpihet: Boooooooring

 

---------------------------------

 

NRI Operative: The moment you're well, we have one objective for you.

 

We want you to assassinate Lokpihet Darkstar. He's become a major threat.

We've identified his holdings in the asteriod remnants of Byss, and on several Core Worlds. It appears he's either trying to lead a coup in the empire, or take power from within. Either way, we want him dead.

 

Deac: Why me?

 

NRI: Your soldier training and force abilities make you the best man for the job.

 

Deac: This guy just cleaved my arm off.

 

NRI: You either take the job, or hand in your star

 

Deac:....I'm in.

[Redwing]

*Rwos watches through a window. His sharp hearing lets him hear the conversation, however faintly. His eyes narrow as he listens*

 

----------

 

*Farran simply smiles at Ivan and calls down to Irvine* Unfortunately, my dear Irvine, I have promised them their freedom if they survive this.

 

*The Jedi defeat the Imperial troopers easily, despite being vastly outnumbered. The Council members mutter mockingly at the "if they survive this" part*

 

Farran: And that ends the first part of the demonstration. As you can see, our current forces are no match for the powers of the Jedi.

 

*screens appear showing Jedi using various Force powers against the troopers, like push, pull, destruction, and speed*

 

Now for the second part of the demonstration. *looks at Lokiphet and Reletha* I think you'll find this part slightly more...interesting. *smiles*

 

*into comlink* There are a dozen Jedi left uninjured in the arena...send...six Vanguards in.

 

----------

 

*The red Vanguard turned toward the assembly of Vanguards* Those with callsigns one, two, three, four, five, and six will now enter the arena. *Six of the Vanguards nod and dissappear in a flash, green residual particles falling the the ground in their wake. Kioet and Nimalf were not among them*

 

----------

 

*Starr watched Alys attempting to lift the metal crate. He could sense her power, and she was using the light side. Why? She had obviously inherited everything her father had...if not more. She was an incredible person.

 

Why was he thinking that? She was nothing but a...child, really. Not much younger than him, but a child to the Force. But what kind of beginner could do all this?

 

Starr realized he was trying to suppress jealousy. Cracken treated her like...like his daughter. Starr felt he should hate her for it. She was taking a place he's never been able to achieve.

 

But somehow, he couldn't hate her. Of course I can hate her. I am a Sith. Hate, anger and aggression are my power. Except...as he stared at her, he couldn't bring up the right emotions. He felt something else...strange, foreign...

 

She was lifting the crate, high as his head. Wow. She must have sensed him staring at her, for she dropped the box, smiled and waved at him cheerfully.

 

Alys: How was that?

 

Starr: It was uh...eh...It was very good. *gets upset at having stuttered* But you still have a long way to go. *Starr looked away from her and stared hard at the wall*

[Rogue15]

*Kioet gets really angry*

 

Kioet: DAMMIT!!!!! They're going to slaughter those poor Jedi!!!

 

*Kioet looks at his wrist, thoughtfully, then aims it at the doors to the arena and fires off all his rockets at blinding speed, they don't even affect the door*

 

Kioet: WHY YOU LITTLE BASTARDS!!!!!

 

*Kioet tries to teleport into the arena, but unfortunately his teleporter is shut down, and he suddenly notices his voice modulator isn't working like it should*

[Redwing]

*Kioet suddenly finds his movement slowing rapidly, until he cannot move at all. Nimalf finds himself in the same predicament, in the midst of diving for the ripped-off weapons cabinent. Nimalf looks up with his eyes only to see the other Vanguards with weapons trained on him*

 

Red Vanguard: We found the bodies you stashed in the weapons lockers. Spies, are you? Lord Darkholme will want to deal with you personally. *motions to two of the other Vanguards, who advance and lift Kioet and Nimalf up*

[Rogue15]

Kioet: You idiots!!! Don't you have any mercy!!! Imagine yourself in my skin!! Let me go! I have information on someone that could be important!!!

[Redwing]

*The Red Vanguard looks at Kioet with distaste* Shut him up, please. *The Vanguard carrying Kioet places a blaster at the back of his neck, and fires a stunbolt*

 

----------

 

*Six Vanguards teleport into the arena. The Jedi stare at them, unrecognizing*

 

Vanguard Leader: Advance.

 

*The Vanguards spread out and advance on the Jedi. The produce long metal rods from their backs as they move forward.

 

The first Jedi rushes unexpectedly at the leader. Moving preternaturally fast with the aid of the Force, he swings his lightsaber at the Vanguard's head.

 

And his saber was met with the same speed and stopped by the metal pole.

 

The Jedi's astonished look mirrored those of some of the Council watching the holoscreens. They had barely seen the Vanguard move.

 

Farran smiled.

 

Several of the Jedi abruptly blur and vanish, using a Force speed technique. Instantly, the all of the Vanguard blur and vanish as well. Blurs streak around the arena in fast motion*

 

Farran: *to the Council* Any power the Jedi have, the Vanguard can either negate or match. They are the ultimate weapons.

 

*The Jedi drop out of Force speed, and the two sides regard each other. One Jedi sends a blast of Force destruction at the Vanguard, who make no attempt to move. The blast hits them and washes over with absolutely no effect. The Jedi then tries to pull their weapons, but nothing happens*

 

Vanguard Leader: Is that all you Jedi can do? *turns to the other Vanguards* Full attack.

 

*Three of the Vanguards fly into the air, letting loose a stream of rockets and concussion pulses. The other three draw weapons and dash at the Jedi. Several Jedi throw their sabers at the advancing opponents, but the sabers glance off the cortosis-laced armor.

 

The Jedi begin a full onslaught, but the battle is quickly, brutally over. The dozen Jedi lay unconscious or dead at the feet of their untouched opponents.

 

Farran turned to the Council* Any questions?

[Kuuki]

Ravan: "Yes I have one, How are these Vangaurd negating the jedi's movements? Or at least matching them as you say? Wouldn't the minds of the Vangaurd have to move as quick like the Jedi's, which they'd have a natural ability to have their thoughts transverse through their minds a lot more rapidly then a normal, even force sensitive Individual, sometimes they can out think a computer, but thats on rare cases. But I wouldn't doubt that on the case of Irvine here, I have to admit I am Sensitive to the force, and infact his power is infact increasing. But going back to my question, how could these people whom wear these suits could move so fast with out their minds moving as fast as well?

 

*Irvine looks on as the 'Demonstration' ends, and the Vanguard keep watch on the dead and knocked out Jedi, whom now all lay about in the arena that they have fought in, as the force field lifts, allowing Irvien to walk in and take a look at the 'pray'*

 

Irvine gwaking at the bodies laying about: "Hmm, pathetic... how ever, they did give out all that they could. I admire that." *walks up to a Vanguard: "Hmm, interesting, your armour, it has a small blemish on it, looks like Jedi got lucky..." *Irvine and the Vanguard soldier Laugh as Irvine wipes off the small blot.*

 

Irvine at the Council: "Last time I knew how this Empire ran, that it didn't tolerate such luck by the enemy... Is this correct? Or have times change?"

[Deac]

*Lokpihet stands*

 

Lokpihet: What are their weaknesses? How could our enemy overcome them-because if they do your "costumes" become useless...

 

Do superweapons really work? How many resources have we lost in our Death Stars and SSD's. And what did we gain? Nothing. We gained more from our people! We should train them better

 

*Reletha puts a hand supportively on her brother's shoulder*

 

Reletha: Peace, Lokpihet. Did you not see the Jedi die?

 

Lokpihet: Those jedi were easy enough to capture. Are they not then to easy to kill? Bring me Horn, or Solusar, or Starkiller, or even Luke Skywalker dead, and then-only then will I be satisfied!

[Cmdr. Cracken]

*Alys looks at Starr, and gave him a wierd look. He never stammers... Oh well, that's enough for today. SHe stood up, and walked next to Starr*

Well, i'm gonna go get some food from the mess hall, wanna join?

*Starr gave her an odd look, and was about to speak but Alys cut him off*

 

I know, hier to the empire, whatever, but i'm hungery NOW. Fathers' cooks take a good 30 minutes.

*She smiled* you can come if you want. you haven't ate anything since you got up i bet.

*She walked out, and the doors swished closed behind her*

[jokemaster]

*gaurd approaches Irvine and tells him about the prisoner*

[BattleDog]

Flax: We aren't sending you alone Deac. This is my son Kalran, he is a Knight, though not a very experianced one. You'll both enter the Seperatist Realm under false identities. Kal will pose as your Padawan.

 

We're going to drop you at a place where the Seperatists will "capture" you.

 

You'll notice we've regenerated some of your flesh, we've also refined your remaining prosphetics. Your a little less Cyborg.

 

I'd send Kyle on this mission but he's bowing up one of their greatest strongholds. *shrug.*

 

Bring my son back Deac.

[Redwing]

Artemis Omicron: Calm down, all your questions will be answered. *to Ravan* The Vanguard's ability to match a Jedi's movement is the very newest bit of technology we have added in. When a Jedi speeds up his reflexes, he involuntarily gives off a small amount of Force energy. The Vanguards are injected with a fluid that is designed to act as midichlorians in the presence of active Force energy. It increases the Vanguard's speed and reflexes to the level of their opponent's. When the Force power is no longer being used, the effect wears off. So to answer your question, Ravan, their minds and bodies are moving at super-speed.

 

*to Lokiphet* Their weakness is that they are mortal. The suit can take the same amount of damage as any blaster-resistant suit with personal shields could. Their armor is laced with cortiosis, so it will be harder for a Jedi's lightsaber to slice through it, as you saw, but they are not, of course, invulnerable. They are the height of technology, but we cannot make a truly invincible soldier. But as you can see, Force powers cannot affect them, and that is something no other soldier is capable of achieving. Tricks of the mind, telekinesis, you name it, they are unaffected by it. I, certainly, would not call these Vanguards useless...

 

----------

 

*Starr watches Alys go. He didn't really care about the mess hall...if was the fact she had offered to eat with him. Was that supposed to mean something else? If so, what about that Jedi she had been...with...when he had gone to fetch her from Corellia?

 

Speaking of Hal, would he try to find her? If she wanted to go with him...would he care?

 

He'd think about that later. Right now, on the spur of the moment, he decided to join her.*

[Kuuki]

*The gaurd tells Irvine about the gaurds in a low tone so the he'd be the only one hearing it...*

 

Irvine back to gaurd: "Good, I'll take care of it..."

 

Irvine turning to Omicron: "So, If, per-say, I'd get, well lets say, five Vanguard to act as my 'guards', My power, how ever how large it shall become, those who stand near me, their bodies would act on my Midicloron, and thus be as strong as I? That would be the best possible solution for any Jedi or Sith threats we mgiht encounter, reguardless if i can take on anyone alone, any Jedi or Sith, like we saw today, would be overwhemed by not only my powers, but the Vanguard around me leaching off my energy, thus giving the leverage..."

 

Ivan: "I should wait for Omicron to give an answer, but I believe that'd be also the most logical solution I've herd all day.."

[Admiral Odin]

*The group stands gets up after completing their meal and leave the resturant. They walk to a parking lot.*

 

Vidar: I'll take my leave now. I have some business I must attend to. Goodbye.

 

Odin: Bye son. I'll see you later.

 

Frigg: Bye honey.

 

*Vidar gets in a landspeeder and heads off to the palace. The others enter a large luxury landspeeder*

 

Odin: Any paticular destination?

 

Tyr: I need to go to the testing grounds to check on peperation for tonights weapon test.

 

Odin: Alright. We'll go there. *to the speeder* Take us to the alpha testing area.

 

*The Landspeeder heads off in the direction of the testing grounds*

 

Tyr: So will you be attending the test tonight?

 

Odin: Yes, I think I will go.

 

Frigg: We will be delighted to attend.

 

Heimdall: The resonance rifles will be spectular to watch. Their second setting are very powerful.

 

Tyr: Heimdall, I'll need your help to get everything set. If you don't mind.

 

Heimdall: Sure, I have nothing pressing to do at the moment.

------------------

*Meanwhile Vidar arrives at the palace. He enters his office and begins going through reports. Shortly later someone knocks on his door*

 

Vidar: Enter.

 

*Burnhilde enters carring a message canister*

 

Burnhilde: Good afternoon lord. I thought you may like to see this. A valkyre sent this a short time ago.

 

Vidar: Well put it in and let us see what she sent.

 

*Burnhilde inserts the canister into a computer terminal. A second later a movie began playing showing the demostration of the Vanguards against the jedi*

 

Vidar: Very interesting. Thank you for this. I'll make sure my father sees this. Oh give my compliments to the agent.

 

Burnhilde: Yes sir. Good bye.

 

Vidar: Bye.

 

*Burnhilde turns and leaves Vidar's Office, Vidar begins looking through files*

 

Vidar: Interesting, I have never seen these before. Lets see the Gotterdammerung prophecies.

 

*Vidar begins reading*

[Redwing]

((OOS: Omicron is not a Councilman. He is the scientist responsible for the Vanguard Project. Farran is the Councilman behind the project.))

 

Omicron: You are almost correct, however the technology is still being developed. For active offensive Force powers, in testing, the Vanguards were unable to rechannel the energies directed at them. Our solution was to use a different technology to cause a "wash" effect; Force power actively directed against a Vanguard will flow around the Vanguard and have no affect. However for active passive Force powers, such as increasing speed, agility, reflexes and precognition, you are correct.

[Rogue15]

*Kioet wakes up in a cell, binders are around his wrists and ankles, and he's strapped to the wall*

 

Kioet: "Come out, come out whomever you are!!!!"

[Kuuki]

Irvine: "Thats nice to hear. But Shall me finish this another time? I have a little business to take care of..."

[Cmdr. Cracken]

*a Lambda class shuttle drop out of hyperspace, in the heart of teh Corperate sector and begins to broadcast a messsage along most com frequencies.*

 

This is a diplomatic envoy from the Loyalist remnant. we wish to speak with teh Imperial Councel.