Light was surprised to hear a response at all, and instead of completely carrying Kif, he provided a shoulder to lean on.

"There was a fight. In it, Varik blinded you. Sorry, now isn't really the time."

The doors slid open as he finished the sentence revealing a Republic soldier. Light pushed him into the hallway and began to trace his path back to the ship. Luckily it was only a few short turns to the stairs which lead to the roof, else Light might have gotten lost.

Why is it that every base always has all of these halls that look exactly the same?
Light pondered for a moment as he approached the stairs.

"Stairs ahead, be careful not to trip, Kif."

Of course, Kif stumbled when they reached the stairs and Light half carried him, but, after they were about halfway up, he was beginning to get the hang of them. They reached the top of the stairs, where Light saw Varik.

"Care to give me a hand here man?"

"There was a fight. In it, Varik blinded you. Sorry, now isn't really the time."

Kif wasn't really paying attention, as he stumbled when they reached the stairs.

"Care to give me a hand here man?"

Varik deactivated his lightsaber and walked up to Light and Kif. He went to the other side of Kif and draped his arm over his shoulder.

"C'mon, we have to move fast. That field isn't going to keep Zarev for long."

Balmorra, Base Exterior

Zarev. I don't know whether or not you can hear me, but I don't want to lose you. Against the Jedi Code, I'm beginning to fall in love with you, and don't see how I could ever want to stop. Even now, I pity you, and don't want you to fall under the complete control of this monster. Whoever he is, we'll defeat him together. No one has to know--no one MUST know--but keep faith in me!

Zarev's body stopped moving entirely as Per'dra's message forced it's way past the dark presence that was controlling him and into what remained of his personality. But it wasn't enough at the moment. The presence that was controlling him let out a chuckle as Zarev struggled to take control back.

"I apologize my dear." Zarev's voice was a cruel echo of what it had once been as the presence spoke. "But your friend here is mine now. And the less of you that live to tell about this the better."

"Now..." The presence chuckled. "Time to die" The stasis field around Zarev disappeared as he finally managed to break through and looked up at Per'dra with a triumphant grin that was begning to fade as the presence controlling his body noticed something.

It no longer had control of his legs.

You won't hurt Per'dra...I swear it! Zarev's mental roar echoed through his mind. I would rather die than have you hurt her and kill my friends! You won't win!

Zarev's mind was fighting against the presence even as he ran towards the edge and threw himself over. He didn't know if he would live or die...but he knew that whatever happened, the presence would most likely leave his mind.

You fool! If I am stuck within your body when you die you could kill me!

Thats the plan! Zarev shot back as he continued falling. As he fell his mind suddenly felt...clear and open.

The presence was gone.

Per'dra...He thought at her sadly. Goodbye.

((Don't worry, we haven't seen the last of Zarev yet.))

Varik turned his head to see Zarev break out of the stasis field. Varik's eyes widened as Zarev ran towards the edge.

"ZAREV!", Varik screamed, dropping Kif as he ran after him. Zarev dived off of the ledge, and Varik slammed his foot on the metal floor as he reached the edge. It sent waves of pain up his fractured leg, but he was able to ignore it.

"Zarev you idiot! You didn't have to make yourself a goddamned martyr!" He paced to right side of the ledge, angrily punching a metal column - the railing snapping off of it as it fell into the abyss.

Light had been prepared to drop Kif, but instead he practically carried him over to the ship in response to Varik leaving so suddenly. The ramp was low enough, for some reason, and the two were on the ship quickly.

"We need to get him to the med-bay I think. Check to make sure he has healed enough to be up and about. Give me a hand, Avriela?"

Per'dra let out a scream of rage and panic, abandoning all her previous training in this sudden moment of agony. What she'd said to Zarev had not been a trick in order to distract him or the Sith controlling his body. It had been the truth, and that's what made it so painful. If caught, and brought before Grandmaster Shan, she could be exiled from the Jedi Order on account of her feelings. One thing she had never understood about the Jedi Code was the forbidding of romantic love. Why couldn't Jedi have sons and daughters, who might grow up to follow in their parents' footsteps? Zarev was lost, and now the young Jedi Knight was as well. Yet when she closed her eyes, she could still hear the echo of his gentle voice.

Enough, she told herself, walking to the edge of the ship and jumping down so she could climb aboard the entrance ramp. We've got to get out of here, Zarev or no Zarev! If we don't escape, we're going to die, and then all we've fought for so far will have been for nothing!

Shan

"We need to get him to the med-bay I think. Check to make sure he has healed enough to be up and about. Give me a hand, Avriela?"

Avriela couldn't move for a moment as she watched Zarev throw himself over the edge of the building and into the abyss. Everything seemed to happen at once, Per'dra and Varik both screaming at him as he fell as the corrupted Republic solders got to their feet and raised their rifles.

"Hold on." She said quietly as she walked over towards Light and Kif. She took ahold of Kif and quickly escorted him to the medical bay before heading to the bridge.

"As soon as Varik gets onboard we need to get out of range as fast as possible!" She told Vlalkor as she settled into the co-pilot's seat and began hitting switches.

"What about Zarev? Did you manage to stop him?" Vlalkor asked.

Avriala didn't respond. She really didn't know how to answer that question.



What is this? Am I dead?

My apprentice...my wonderful apprentice...how could you throw your life away so carelessly? And yet...you managed to do something that no one else has had the guts to do. You drove it away...at the cost of your life.

I am dead...aren't I?

That is not for me to say...But I will say this: You should not have done what you did. There was another way to drive what it was away. There are many ways actually. The dark man feeds on the darkness within the heart and mind. He can be stopped by the right individual and that could have been you. But perhaps...you can still warn your friends. Let me teach you...and you may have a chance.

Light looked at the machines and at Kif.

"Would now be a good time to explain that I don't know a whole lot about being a doctor? I mean, a turnikit, a medpac, or a stim? I could help you with those. But this?" He pointed at the machines, "I don't have the slightest idea what to do with any of them."

"Would now be a good time to explain that I don't know a whole lot about being a doctor? I mean, a turnikit, a medpac, or a stim? I could help you with those. But this? I don't have the slightest idea what to do with any of them."

Avriela didn't turn around but she did raise her voice. "Put Kif in the bacta tank for now. We'll check his readings and see what we can do for him once we get out of here."

Vlalkor reached over and shut off an alarm that had begun to sound. "We've got a problem. The engines are still taking damage from the constant blasterfire. They must have set up some sort of heavy gun out there, the rifles aren't strong enough to punch through the shields but one of those could do it easily with our shields at their current state."

He looked over at Avriela. "Either we leave now or we don't leave at all."

She activated the ship's external comn system and hoped that Varik would hear it over the sound of blasterfire.

"Varik! We need to leave now before the engines take any more damage! Get onbard now!"



Balmorra

This...This isn't right...I shouldn't be dead.

You threw yourself down an abyss. I'm sorry my apprentice, but you died. And you were the one among your crew who knew the most about the Dark Figure. You must understand, his reach extends to places that would surprise you. Members of both the Dark Council and The Jed Council have been corrupted by him and they don't realize it.

But...Per'dra...If I don't help them she could be corrupted by him next...I...I can't let that happen to her!

Apprentice, there is nothing you can do...I'm sorry but your rash decision may have doomed her and the others.

Zarev's mind tried to move his body but there was no response. It appeared that the one who kept calling him his appentice was right. He was dead but somehow his mind was still alive.

Who are you?

You don't remember? I should have expected this and I know you don't want to hear this but I believe your mind is dying. it's the only part of your body thats still alive. In life, I was Jedi Master Tirel Beval. Your teacher and your friend.

Master...please...I may not remember much but I remember that you once fell in love...I love Per'dra and I won't let her be corrupted by whoever this is. Please...Please help me!

As one who is now one with the force there isn't much I can do to help you...but there is one thing and there's a good chance it won't work. But if you truly love this woman...then I will attempt it.

Zarev's mind slowly began to register something: Colors were begining to fill his mind. Different shades of hundreds of different colors. They were filling his mind all at once. It was almost too much too handle.

"Varik! We need to leave now before the engines take any more damage! Get onboard now!"

Varik turned his head to see everyone had went up the ship's ramp, and Republic troopers were firing at the Shan's engines. He ran to the ramp and used the Force to pick up a stray piece of metal to hurl at the troopers. Not looking to see if it accidentally killed anyone, he went up the ramp and into the main hold - clearly frustrated.

Avriela turned around and saw that Varik was onboard the ship. She was torn for a brief moment. Was it possible that Zarev was somehow still alive? That he could be saved?

But a moment later she was forced to dismiss the thought. Right now what mattered was getting the Shan away from the corrupted troopers.

"Everyones onboard! Now get us out of here!"

Vlalkor nodded and at that moment threw all of the spare power they had to the engines which caused the ship to quickly move out of the way of some of the heavier guns that the troopers had set up. As the Shan finally moved out of range of the weapons and headed for the sky Avriela turned to look at Vlalkor.

"I'm going to head back and check on everyone. Can you try to get some repairs done to the engines from here?"

Vlalkor nodded. "I should be able to reroute power from some of the other system so we can make it to our next destination. Where are we heading by the way?"

"Taris." Avriela said quietly. "Set course for Taris as soon as we are able."

Vlalkor nodded again and began to work on the repairs as Avriela headed for the cargo bay. The first person she saw was Per'dra.

"Excuse me...Jedi Per'dra?" She asked gently. "How are you holding up? Do you need anything?"


Vlalkor thought for a moment and snapped his fingers. He set the computer to begin calculations for the hyperspace jump to Taris and headed for the medbay where he saw Light and Kif.

"Alright." he said as he saw Kif. "I've had some medical training but I think we should put him in the kolto tank as soon as possible until he gets his strength back."


Balmorra
Canyon floor

At the bottom of the abyss...among the pieces of debries and the bodies of a few of the corrupted republic solders who had been knocked over the edge by Varik's final attack...there was movement.

A small piece of debries shifted slightly as something under it moved slightly. The debries moved a bit more as a slight groan of pain echoed through softly.

Too weak...Zarev thought as his eyes slowly opened. The Jedi was in a tremendous amount of pain. One of his arms was badly broken, three of his ribs were most likely broken but somehow his legs had escaped serious injury.

Master...he thought. How did you do this? How did you bring me back?

A soft voice echoed through his mind. You are my apprentice and there is a bond between us. I have used the last of my force energy to bring you back. This is my final gift to you: Your life, knowledge of how to drive away the corruption that this dark figure brings...and possibly saving Per'dra and your friends.

Zarev's eyes widened for a moment and then narrowed as he began to force his way out from the debries.

"Per'dra..." he whispered softly. "I promise that I'll see you again." he whispered as he managed to get out from under and forced himself to crawl towards a large outcropping of rocks.

"Per'dra...I promise that I'll see you again."

Per'dra blinked at Avriela, hearing Zarev's voice in her mind, and then sighed. Was it a message through the Force, or simply an echo of a fantasy in her own imagination? Regardless, she knelt before the exSith and spoke her mind:

"Thank you, Avriela, and yes, there is something I desperately need. You were Sith, and so you likely have more insight into the mind of this parasite and murderer than I do. Why did he take Zarev, for instance? Was he weak, or at least any weaker than the other Jedi aboard this ship? What about me? I could just as easily have been his target! Also, does he want anything more than the full conquest of this galaxy? Not so long ago, there was a Dark Lady Traya. She wished the death and destruction of the Force itself. Please think back. This presence, whoever he is, controls not only Voleran but others as well. Why has he chosen possession as his tactic over more conventional mass slaughter? I need answers, and though you may not have all, please help me understand..."

Shan

"Thank you, Avriela, and yes, there is something I desperately need. You were Sith, and so you likely have more insight into the mind of this parasite and murderer than I do. Why did he take Zarev, for instance? Was he weak, or at least any weaker than the other Jedi aboard this ship? What about me? I could just as easily have been his target! Also, does he want anything more than the full conquest of this galaxy? Not so long ago, there was a Dark Lady Traya. She wished the death and destruction of the Force itself. Please think back. This presence, whoever he is, controls not only Voleran but others as well. Why has he chosen possession as his tactic over more conventional mass slaughter? I need answers, and though you may not have all, please help me understand..."

Avriela shook her head. "I was in Zarev's mind on Tatooine and I remember that Zarev's mental defenses were quite strong. I still don't know how that voice got through them and they were even stronger when I helped him set up more mental defenses. No...Zarev was not weak. Personally...I think that whatever this thing was, it focused in on Zarev because he was possibly one of the strongest among us. And even then I doubt it had full control over him since he managed to briefly take back control of his body."

The former sith thought for a moment. "I don't think he wishes full control of the galaxy...At least not yet. So far we know that he has agents within the sith empire and the Jedi Order. I suspect that the sith we fought on Balmorra may have been a member of the Dark Council. This is just a theory...but I think that he hopes to take control of both the Republic and the Empire through the Order and the Dark Council with the agents he has in both. That could explain why he has chosen infiltration above an all out attack."

Avriela could see that Per'dra was still distressed. The former sith thought for a moment on what she had seen back in Zarev's mind on Tatooine: His love for Per'dra and his willingness to give his life for her.

"Per'dra...I...well...I think there's something you need to know about Zarev. I saw something in his mind on Tatooine and I think it's time you know what it was...if you want to know. I don't wish to cause anyone any further pain but it's your choice."

Per'dra gave a small, almost bitter, smile full of regret. "If Zarev's mind contained the secret of his love for me, please know that it has been returned in full." A tear dripped down her cheek, and the Jedi didn't bother to wipe it away. "I suppose it's for the best if he's dead, although I know in my heart it's far from it. I could be exiled for my feelings, because a Jedi is to know no passion - only serenity. One more thing: as a Sith, was there anything you were uniquely taught? I hear the Sith Order specializes in treating each member as if they were the only one in the galaxy of any importance. What did they tell you, and promise you, in order to get you to pledge your life to them?"

Light shrugged and helped Vlalkor move Kif into the kolto tank. Afterwords, he asked simply, "Where are we headed? Shouldn't we perform maintenance on the ship?"

He was tired--no. He felt the strain of others aboard the ship, a sadness, and how exhausted some of them were.

"How is Corsail? I didn't see him on my way in. I'm surprised he isn't in here, since he was pretty banged up when we went to get Kif."

Light sat and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to block out the feelings of others. With a bit of success, they were in the back of his mind. He opened his eyes and looked at Kif, floating in the tank.

Shan

"I suppose it's for the best if he's dead, although I know in my heart it's far from it. I could be exiled for my feelings, because a Jedi is to know no passion - only serenity."


"Really? That seems...well it seems very harsh. I was actually under the impression that under special circumstances that Jedi are allowed to begin a relationship or even marry. It was mostly from rumors that I heard from other students and jedi who had joined the sith but still...behind every rumor is a grain of truth."

"One more thing: as a Sith, was there anything you were uniquely taught? I hear the Sith Order specializes in treating each member as if they were the only one in the galaxy of any importance. What did they tell you, and promise you, in order to get you to pledge your life to them?"

Avriala smiled sadly at the memories that started to come to the surface of her mind at that question. "I was taught to find an enemie's weakspot and exploit it. And I was encouraged to test myself against the other students under threat of death." She said quietly. I was encouraged to fight rivals, enemies...even my friends all to the death."

"To be totally honest...I was taken to Korriban against my will. They didn't promise me anything except a painful death if I didn't pledge myself to the sith. I managed to barely pass my trials and my master tolerated my compassion towards others. But when she died the other students quickly turned on me and I was forced to flee."

A thoughtful expression appeared on her face. "I've often wondered what would have happened if I had been taken by the jedi. At times when I was on the run I considered turning myself over to them but I never had the courage to do it."

"How is Corsail? I didn't see him on my way in. I'm surprised he isn't in here, since he was pretty banged up when we went to get Kif."


Corsail sumbled into the medbay where Light, Vlalkor, and Kif were. Almost falling over, he gripped a near by shelf unit to help keep his balance. "Sorry for being late, I was busy standing up." He said sarcastically. He managed to make his way to one of the medical benches to sit down. "Anyone want to explain what just happened? One second we were fighting a sith lord, the next we're attacking Zarev, who was apparently attempting to destroy the ship."

Corsail was having trouble focusing on anything, and was close to passing out from all the pain he was in. "Why did he throw himself off the building? Was Zarev a traitor? Or...." He stopped, trying to connect the pieces.

Shan

"Where are we headed? Shouldn't we perform maintenance on the ship?"

Vlalkor was checking the Kolto tank making sure it hadn't sustained any damage during Zarev's attack on the ship. Luckily it looked as if it had managed to avoid any damage. He made sure that Kif was properly secured in the tank before turning to look at Light,

"Avriela said that we're heading for Taris. I don't exactly know why we're going there. The planet is filled to the brim with Rakghouls. I know that the Republic is attempting to reclaim the planet but it's not looking good. As for maintenance...I had to reroute power from a few systems to get us off Balmorra and into hyperspace. Right now the only weapon we have is our concussion missle launcher. Zarev managed to do a number on the laser cannons so those are gone for good."

"I could use some help with the repairs though. Certain repairs are going to require two people. If you've got a minute do you think you could give me a hand with them?"


He looked over at Corsail as he stumbled into the medbay. He looked as if he was about to pass out.

"Anyone want to explain what just happened? One second we were fighting a sith lord, the next we're attacking Zarev, who was apparently attempting to destroy the ship."

Vlalkor grabbed a painkiller and handed it to Corsail. "This should supress the pain for awhile while your body heals." He said. "As for Zarev...I don't know what happened with him. But something was...off about him before he attacked us. He used to force to press me against the pilot's seat until I had trouble breathing. As far I know he started killing those republic troops that we're attacking us and then he just stopped and then the next thing we knew the troops formed up on him and he used the force to take out the majority of our weapons and damage the engines."

"Why did he throw himself off the building? Was Zarev a traitor? Or...."

Vlalkor didn't know that Zarev had thrown himself off the Republic HQ. He had assumed that someone had managed to kill him. "I don't know." He said simply. "I just don't know."

"I could use some help with the repairs though. Certain repairs are going to require two people. If you've got a minute do you think you could give me a hand with them?

"Yeah, of course. I'm pretty good with ships, so just let me know what you would like me to help you with. And if you let me know what systems you think I should fix or salvage in my free time, I can handle that too."

Light looked at Corsail, noting his comment about standing up and felt bad for not having seen him on the way in. At least Kif could've gotten to the med-bay with only one person's help. Corsail looked like he should have been carried in on a stretcher.

He waited for the conversation to reach a point where he could interject his theory on the events.

"I just don't know."

"There was a lot of Force activity going on back there. We know someone was controlling the troops from what we encountered at the base before leaving. I think very few people would have the power to take control of those troops. He might have gotten to Zarev somehow. Seems like he had no problems controlling many people, so Zarev must have been strong enough to fight him, at least somewhat. My guess is that he is either the guy we are tracking, or that guy is just a puppet and this mission is a lot more complicated than we thought."

((Sorry for the long wait, Computer problems so I had to use a different one.))

"Yeah, of course. I'm pretty good with ships, so just let me know what you would like me to help you with. And if you let me know what systems you think I should fix or salvage in my free time, I can handle that too."

Vlalkor nodded. "First off we have to fix the shields and the shield generator. Both took quite a beating from Zarev and knowing our luck we'll probably run into trouble again."

Like I said earlier the laser cannons are beyond repair but we do have a concussion missile launcher so we're not totally helpless. The main repair priorities are Shield, Engines, computer core and hull damage. The damage to the hull can wait until we land on Taris but the computer core lost quite a bit of data during the attack so we need to work on trying to recover what data we can. After that we can work on shields and engines."


"There was a lot of Force activity going on back there. We know someone was controlling the troops from what we encountered at the base before leaving. I think very few people would have the power to take control of those troops. He might have gotten to Zarev somehow. Seems like he had no problems controlling many people, so Zarev must have been strong enough to fight him, at least somewhat. My guess is that he is either the guy we are tracking, or that guy is just a puppet and this mission is a lot more complicated than we thought."

"I agree with Light. I think that someone is controlling these people. If someone is controlling Voleran than we're in trouble. I read up on his files. He was an extremely powerful Jedi master and if someone could break through his mental defenses and take control we're going to be in trouble when we find him."

Vlalkor looked over at Avriela and Per'dra and than over at Varik. "So...who's in charge of the mission now? I assumed Zarev was the leader and now that he's gone...we need a new leader."

"First off we have to fix the shields and the shield generator. Both took quite a beating from Zarev and knowing our luck we'll probably run into trouble again."
"The damage to the hull can wait until we land on Taris but the computer core lost quite a bit of data during the attack so we need to work on trying to recover what data we can. After that we can work on shields and engines."

"The computer is probably also the easiest of the things we should fix, but undoubtedly the most crucial. We can slice any undamaged data stores and boot them on to a spare, then connect that to the hub and force the computer to boot from there. I can probably insert any missing data fairly easily, though we should get most of it back."

Light paused for a moment.
"Assuming we don't have another battle, the engines should be second priority, but if we could have someone work on the shield generator while we fix the other issues, we will cover all our bases."

"So...who's in charge of the mission now? I assumed Zarev was the leader and now that he's gone...we need a new leader."

Light raised an eyebrow at the trooper. "Isn't it obvious that it should be you? I don't think that you, Corsail, or Kif would trust the decisions of a Force-user right this minute, due to recent events, and both of the others are hurt and don't have the proper experience."

"I agree with Light. I think that someone is controlling these people. If someone is controlling Voleran than we're in trouble. I read up on his files. He was an extremely powerful Jedi master and if someone could break through his mental defenses and take control we're going to be in trouble when we find him."


Corsail took the painkiller and waited for it's effects to start, it only took a few seconds for it to kick in.

"Zarev and all those republic troopers were being controlled, and possibly Voleran aswell?" Corsail shook his head, "If we're fighting an enemy who can hack into our minds and do as he pleases anytime he wants to, then what chance do we have against him?"

He looked down at his holsters and remembered that Avriela still had one of his blasters. I'll have to get that back sometime. He thought to himself. "At any rate, we can't keep doing what we're doing. If we keep following Voleran around he'll always stay one step ahead, we have to figure out where he'll be before he's there."

"Isn't it obvious that it should be you? I don't think that you, Corsail, or Kif would trust the decisions of a Force-user right this minute, due to recent events, and both of the others are hurt and don't have the proper experience."

Corsail thought about it for a moment before speaking. "Actually, If I had my choice of the group, i'd probably select you, Light. I agree with the way you handle things, and it's seems you've had at least some experience in leadership. Just my personal opinion though." He said, looking around to see if there was a second kolto tank that he could use.

"Zarev and all those republic troopers were being controlled, and possibly Voleran as well? If we're fighting an enemy who can hack into our minds and do as he pleases anytime he wants to, then what chance do we have against him? At any rate, we can't keep doing what we're doing. If we keep following Voleran around he'll always stay one step ahead, we have to figure out where he'll be before he's there."

Varik got away from the wall and walked towards the group. "If this guy is so 'powerful', then why doesn't he just possess us all and get it over with?", he said.

"Isn't it obvious that it should be you? I don't think that you, Corsail, or Kif would trust the decisions of a Force-user right this minute, due to recent events, and both of the others are hurt and don't have the proper experience."

"I would, if only I didn't get possessed a while ago.", Varik butted in.

"Actually, If I had my choice of the group, I'd probably select you, Light. I agree with the way you handle things, and it's seems you've had at least some experience in leadership. Just my personal opinion though."

"Gotta agree with Corsail. You know the problems with both sides of the Force. Besides, I'd pick a Gray Jedi over a regular Jedi any day."

"Thank you once more, Avriela," Per'dra said. "I have the gut feeling that I'll need your help even more during the second half of this mission. This is horrible to say, but I'm glad you know the minds of our enemies better than I do. Specifically, you know their hate, and it's time to counter it with what we Jedi know is right: fairness and honor."

Light was surprised that Corsail and Varik agreed that he should lead the group.

"Well, if we are going to talk about who should take up the lead, we should have the whole group here. One moment please."

Light opened the door, looked one way, then the other and saw Avriela and Per'dra talking. He caught only the end of the conversation:
"...fairness and honor."

He walked down the hall towards the pair and started talking before he reached them.
"Hey, the group is trying to decide on a leader. Everyone else is in the med-bay, so if you will come with me, we can all discuss it."

Shan

"I have the gut feeling that I'll need your help even more during the second half of this mission. This is horrible to say, but I'm glad you know the minds of our enemies better than I do. Specifically, you know their hate, and it's time to counter it with what we Jedi know is right: fairness and honor."

Avriala smiled as she got to her feet. "Agreed." She said as she watched Light come into the room.

"Hey, the group is trying to decide on a leader. Everyone else is in the med-bay, so if you will come with me, we can all discuss it."

"Of course." Avriela said with a smile. "I'l be there in just a moment." She said quietly as she turned to Per'dra. "Let me know if you ever need someone to talk to."



Balmorra
Smuggler Spaceport

"Let me get this straight...you want to go to Taris? You have a nearly infinite choice of planets to go to and you choose to go to that Rakghoul infested toxic hole?" The smuggler shook his head. "I'm sorry but you have to be out of your mind to want to go there. I was there once and I don't plan on ever going again. I still have nightmares about that place."

The man facing the smuggler was dressed in a black cloak that he aquired in exchange for one of his few of his remaining kolto packs. The people of Balmorra needed help and though he hated himself for doing it, he had exchanged one of his three remaining packs in exchange for the cloak.

"Listen." The figure began quietly. "I am offering you quite a few credits in exchange for this journey to Taris. You don't even have to drop me off on the planet itself. Just the orbital station. I swear you won't even see a Rakghoul. You are the only captain that has a functioning kolto tank aboard his ship and Its a three day journey and I need at least two days to heal my injuries. I promise you won't hear a word from me."

The smuggler paused for a moment and finally shook his head in defeat. "Fine. You have a deal. Five hundred credits in exchange for a trip to the most nightmarish planet in galactic history. I saw that you were limping earlier, if your paying that much the least I can do is give you a hand to the ship."

"Much appreciated." The figure muttered as he got to his feet and the smuggler grabbed his arm and helped him walk out towards the hanger.

Aboard the Shan

"Thank you," the Jedi replied, meekly following Avriela to the medbay. The place in her heart where Zarev had so recently been, bound to her by comradeship in battle - and now love - felt cold and empty. She hoped that his sacrifice had been worth it, and that their foe in the Force would be more easily defeated. If so, there was still hope, and if not? Per'dra took a deep breath. There is no death; there is the Force. Zarev had been a Jedi until the end, despite his being possessed by an agent of the Dark Side. He had fought through agony and almost insurmountable control in order to try and save her, and she owed him more than doubt and despair. The courage you had left shall sustain me...

Light returned to the med-bay ahead of the two female members of the group,
"They're coming."

As he finished his sentence the door opened again, revealing Avriela followed by Per'dra. Now that everyone was assembled, Light felt he needed to share what had already been said with the previously absent pair.
"So, we were talking about who should be the new leader of our group. I suggested Vlalkor, due to two reasons. The first was that he has experience and training, and the second was that distrust of our Jedi --erm-- force-users may be higher due to our recent trials with Zarev and Varik. Corsail and Varik suggested that I would be a good candidate, being that I have experience and that, as a Gray Jedi, they agree with most of my decisions up to this point."

Light cleared his throat and continued. "I wanted to see what everyone thinks, and, with Kif being the obvious exception, now would be a good time for it. So, um, if you will?"

"I completely understand your reservations about...traditional Jedi," Per'dra said after an ever-so-slight pause. "After all, the presence that targeted Varik and Zarev assaulted them via the Force, and so what's to stop me from becoming the next victim? Neither Varik nor Zarev were weak in their mental defenses against Force attacks. However, they still fell prey to this dark enemy of ours. Thus, I vote for Vlalkor as our leader, taking no chances. Everyone feels the Force in some capacity, but those who are sensitive are vulnerable."

Very few members of the group recognize the differences between Zarev's and Varik's possessions, but, who knows? It is highly likely that at least Varik knows, and there is the possibility that Avriela knows as well. Per'dra doesn't seem aware, though it is possible she is covering for Varik.

With a glance and a nod in Varik's direction, Light spoke up, "Yes, it seems that our Force users are a little more vulnerable to these possessions."

He looked at each member of the group that he thought might know: Varik, Per'dra, and Avriela. "In any event, we don't know precisely how it is done. We have a mission to do, and it is convenient to have a leader. Who do you think should be the leader here, Avriela? Vlalkor?"

He directed the question at these two, both because they hadn't answered, and because it would distract everyone from the possessions.

I'll have to take Varik aside, and figure out all the details before we share it with the group. If it comes out at the wrong moment, in the wrong way, some of us may decide that he is the bad guy. We can't afford to lose more members of the group.

((Alrighty everyone. After everyone posts on more time we're going to have a three day time skip for the journey to Taris.))

Shan

"In any event, we don't know precisely how it is done. We have a mission to do, and it is convenient to have a leader. Who do you think should be the leader here, Avriela? Vlalkor?"

Avriela cleared her throat before speaking. She had given this a few moments of thought and had made her decision. "I hope you don't take any offense to this Light, but I'm going to have to go with Vlalkor. People who are more sensative to the force seem to be more at risk."

She turned to look at Vlalkor who shrugged. "I very well can't vote for myself, but if you want me to take command then I will."

"People who are more sensative to the force seem to be more at risk."

"Not really. He did take control of a whole platoon of Republic soldiers. Anyone seems to be at equal risk.", Varik said, speaking up in Light's defense. He was starting to get uneasy - he never felt comfortable taking orders from someone who can't even use the Force.

"Not really. He did take control of a whole platoon of Republic soldiers. Anyone seems to be at equal risk."

"As the record stands, it's fifty non force users to two jedi." Corsail said, agreeing with Varik. "I think he can take control of people who aren't sensitive to the force much easier then someone who can."

"Not that it matters to me I suppose, i'm not the best at following orders anyway. I'm use to being my own boss."

The painkillers aren't going to last much longer, I need to go get into one of those kolto tanks. "Hey sith-" Corsail stopped himself. "I mean Avriela, I need my blaster back sometime. Also, can someone help into one of these kolto tanks? I'm not exactly in perfect condition here."

"Well, I'm not against leading either, but we really shouldn't drag this out. Here is an idea that should suit everyone: Vlalkor takes up the leadership role, and I'll be his second-in-command. This way, if he should be absent for whatever reason, I can give direction without another one of these discussions, and, if any major decisions shall be made, he will consult me as an advisor. How does that sound?"

Light moved over to Corsail, and helped him climb into the tank. Then he nodded and left to begin repairs on the ship.

((Alrighty, after this post, Light and LDR's post and MisFicWriter's post we'll have our three day timeskip))

Shan

"Well, I'm not against leading either, but we really shouldn't drag this out. Here is an idea that should suit everyone: Vlalkor takes up the leadership role, and I'll be his second-in-command. This way, if he should be absent for whatever reason, I can give direction without another one of these discussions, and, if any major decisions shall be made, he will consult me as an advisor. How does that sound?"

Vlalkor let out a sigh of relief. That sounded good to him. Truth be told, he was content to be a solder for the time being and was going to suggest that Light be leader but this also worked.

"Sounds good to me." He said to the others as Corsail and Light left the room and Avriela followed the two of them. She got into the medbay just as Corsail was put in the tank. She put his blaster on the table next to the tank and quietly left. Vlalkor watched as they left and then headed to the bridge and began his work on the ship's damaged systems.

Light finished putting Corsail into the tank, and went to the computer core to begin his work there. After a brief examination, he began ripping data from the intact memory boards and putting the data on a datapad he had wiped and reprogrammed to serve as the ship's primary data source. His work continued, and in the back of his mind he thought:
I forgot to... Oh well, I guess I'm going to have to talk to Varik later...

"Agreed," said Per'dra. "As always, I'll be available for Force support, not to mention skill with the saberstaff." She winked. "As long as the Sith don't get me, I'll be fine."

Varik turned and left the main hold, feeling the painkillers starting to wear off. He entered his quarters and closed the door, laying on his bed. Kif, meanwhile, stirred slightly in his kolto tank.

((Alright, time for the three day timeskip))

Three Days Later


Vlalkor manned the controls of the Shan as the damaged ship gently settled in the hanger at the Olaris Republic base. There had been a few occasions where the Hyperdrive had began to develop problems due to the damage the ship had sustained on Balmorra. Hopefully the repair crews could repair some of the damage while the group took care of Voleran.

"Taris control. This is the Shan on special assighment from the Jedi Council. We have sustained damage on Balmorra and require repairs immediatly."

"Acknowledged Shan. Damage assement in progress...How exactly did you lose your laser cannons?"

"Rogue force user on Balmorra and blaster fire. Hyperdrive and the hull took quite a bit of damage as well.

"Acknowledged Shan. We'll put you on the top of the repair list. Are you able to compile a full list of damage to repair?"

"We did so in orbit. You've got your work cut out for you. Shan out."

Vlalkor turned to look at the group. "Well, we've arrived on Taris. Now we just need to track down our force user and take him out. Any ideas on where to start looking?"

"Well we know he can convert people to his cause. I wonder if he can control the Rakghouls... Regardless, if his operation in this area is new, there would be a lot of people or 'ghouls acting strangely. I'm sure that the Republic base would keep track of something like that."

Light glanced at the others, then looked at Vlalkor. "We should probably ask there first, chase down any leads they give us, and work on a way to differentiate the controlled and the free. Anything any of these people say to us could be a trap, so we should figure out how to tell them apart first."

Per'dra raised an eyebrow. "I wish I knew a way, because even though I've been trained to ferret out deception, my Masters never mentioned how to tell someone possessed from someone free in the Force. I did ask about such things, but they said it was too dangerous."

Corsail had only been out of the kolto tank for several hours, and he felt a little dizzy.

"Well, we've arrived on Taris. Now we just need to track down our force user and take him out. Any ideas on where to start looking?"

He shrugged, "I'm not very familiar with Taris. I've heard about the rakghoul plauge and how dangerous it is, but none of my jobs ever sent me here, so i've never seen the surface."

"I wish I knew a way, because even though I've been trained to ferret out deception, my Masters never mentioned how to tell someone possessed from someone free in the Force. I did ask about such things, but they said it was too dangerous."

"Do you think they would display lack of emotion? If they're being controlled, I would think the controller would have a hard time putting fake expressions over so many at one time, since his influence apparently spans over several worlds. I don't know much about how his power is supposed to work so i'm just making guesses."

Shan

"We should probably ask there first, chase down any leads they give us, and work on a way to differentiate the controlled and the free. Anything any of these people say to us could be a trap, so we should figure out how to tell them apart first."

Vlalkor nodded in agreement. "Agreed. If we do find anyone who has been controlled we should study their movements without raising their suspicians. We don't want another incident like the one on Balmorra."

"Do you think they would display lack of emotion? If their being controlled, I would think the controller would have a hard time putting fake expressions over so many at one time, since his influence apparently spans over several worlds. I don't know much about how his power is supposed to work so i'm just making guesses."

Vlalkor thought for a moment. "It's possible. Whoever the controller is may be focusing the majority of his abilities on those who are fighting back against his control while using only a small amount to take control of the ones who's mind's are already gone. Keep an eyes out for anything unusual."



Smugger Vessell

The smuggler looked at his passenger who was standing near the loading ramp and shook his head. "Be careful down there, I tried to find an area thats clear of Rakghouls but there may be a few I missed." He said as he manuvered the ship above a wrecked wall so his passenger could land on something other then the ground.

"Don't worry." The cloaked figure said as he jumped down from the ramp onto the wall and began to climb down to the ground . "The thing I'm worried about makes the Rakghouls look like Iriz." The smuggler's ship turned towards the sky and vanished after a few moments as the cloaked figure threw back his hood.

"Alright Voleran..." Zarev muttered as he turned towards a large building that was off in the distance. "I think it's time you and I have a chat." He started walking off towards the building with his hand down on his lightsaber just in case he ran into a rakghoul.

"Lack of emotion? The soldiers seemed that way, for the most part."

Light made a little cough, mostly to cover the fact that he looked a Per'dra, having detected... sensitivity to the passing of Zarev in the past few days, and he thought carefully about what he said next.
"Zarev's eyes were weird. Like there was another color mixed in.."

And Zarev and that Sith were making the weird little movements... Maybe that was my imagination...

((Lower pitched voices should be mentioned by someone.))

All of a sudden, Per'dra remembered something. "Also, when Zarev...last spoke, his voice was lower than normal, not quite a bass tone, but there was something peculiarly 'off' about it. The timbre was almost otherworldly, come to think of it, and that's what scared me so much."

Varik woke up and walked into the Main Hold, his legs almost completely healed in the last three days.

"...timbre was almost otherworldly, come to think of it, and that's what scared me so much."

"Wait a minute...you're scared of timber trees?", he asked groggily, letting out a yawn.

Shan

"Also, when Zarev...last spoke, his voice was lower than normal, not quite a bass tone, but there was something peculiarly 'off' about it. The timbre was almost otherworldly, come to think of it, and that's what scared me so much."

"I've been reviewing some of the security images that the computer was able to grab while Zarev was attacking us. " Vlalkor said thoughtfully as he remembered something. "It looked almost as if he was having small muscle seizures while attacking us. It's possible that seizures were casued by him trying to fight back against whatever was in his mind."

"Well, we have three things that may be able to tell us the difference between someone who is not possessed and who is. It's possible that there's more but at least we have something to work with now."

A small chiming sound came from the cockpit and Vlalkor got up. "Excuse me for a moment. Be right back."

As he reached the bridge he was able to see that there was some sort of high priority message coming in from the Taris spaceport command. It was on all frequencies and was being sent to all ships that were currently docked.

"Attention. Rakghouls have been sighted inside the defense perimeter. All troops are to divide into squads. Please be aware that this is a condition five alert. All crews should stay aboard their respective ships."

Condition five...He thought as he accessed what was left of the ship's computer and linked it to the Taris spaceport computer. The color left his face as he read what condition five meant.

He headed back down to the area where the rest of the group was and cleared his throat. "I think we can safetly assume that Voleran is here. The Taris spaceport has just issued a Condition five alert. I checked it, it means that the Rakghouls that are inside the defensive perimeter are using organized tactics against the republic forces."



Ruined Landscape
Taris

Zarev unleashed a massive force wave that sent quite a few of the Rakghouls back towards the runined walls and debries that littered the landscape of Taris. But they kept getting up and kept running at him

Time to switch strategies. He thought as he threw his lightsaber and used the force to adjust it's trajectory so that it cut down a group of Rakghouls.

I should have tried to shroud my presence in the force. He thought as he pulled a grenade off his belt and threw it into another group of Rakghouls that were coming at him. He turned away from the blast but as he reached out through the force he couldn't detect anymore of them coming after him.

Nice try Voleran. But it's going to take more than that to stop me. He thought as his lightsaber returned to his hands and he deactivated it. He had been given a second chance. And he would use to it to protect Per'dra and the others even if it cost him his life in the attempt.

Stay safe my friends. He thought as he continued on his way towards his destiny.

While Vlalkor was in the cockpit, Light addressed the recently awoken Varik. "Nice of you to join us. Have a nice nap? Oh, and is Kif up and about yet?"

Once Vlalkor returned and reported to the group, Light responded.

"We should send a message back offering to provide help. Then if any of the soldiers down there fire on us intentionally, it should tip us off that they have been contaminated."

"I know some of us might not want to chance being exposed to the Rakhgoul disease, but if we don't do this, we could end up waiting for the Republic to send reinforcements. We all know how thin they are spread these days. That said, what do you think, boss?" Light looked at Vlalkor, expecting him to agree that they should help.

Shan

"We should send a message back offering to provide help. Then if any of the soldiers down there fire on us intentionally, it should tip us off that they have been contaminated."

"I know some of us might not want to chance being exposed to the Rakhgoul disease, but if we don't do this, we could end up waiting for the Republic to send reinforcements. We all know how thin they are spread these days. That said, what do you think, boss?"

Vlalkor answered without any hesitation. "Good plan Light. I agree. We should head out there and help out as best we can. And I've been thinking, Avriela, from what I heard back on Balmorra you were able to tell that something was wrong with that sith that you fought back on Balmorra through the force somehow. Is it possible that if you concentrate you can tell us who is controlled and who isn't?"

The former sith thought for a moment. "It's more of a feeling than an ability but yes...I suppose I could. I should warn you that I can't pinpoint exactly who is being controlled, I can tell you if they're approaching or are near us but thats it."

"Good enough." Vlalkor said as he grabbed his blaster rifle and headed for the ramp but paused for a moment to turn and look back the group.

"I don't need to tell you all whats at stake here. Whatever Voleran is doing...we can't allow it to continue. If we fail, he will either kill us or use his abilities to turn us against the republic. It stops here whatever the cost."

"I think we can safetly assume that Voleran is here. The Taris spaceport has just issued a Condition five alert. I checked it, it means that the Rakghouls that are inside the defensive perimeter are using organized tactics against the republic forces."

Corsail scowled. They've always got a welcoming party ready for us. "We just killed a dark council member, Voleran knows that these rakghoul aren't going to stop us. He just wants to slow us down."

"I don't need to tell you all whats at stake here. Whatever Voleran is doing...we can't allow it to continue. If we fail, he will either kill us or use his abilities to turn us against the republic. It stops here whatever the cost."

Whatever the cost... Corsail focused on these words. What do I have to lose? He asked himself. Everything I ever really cared about about was taken from me. Everyone else here has a reason to fight, some of them have families they want to protect, and some of them are just fighting for what they believe in. And what am I fighting for? Credits? I'll never be like my father, a true hero, a jedi. What Varik said was true, i'm nothing more then a worthless piece of space trash. I have no purpose.

He closed his eyes and bit down hard on his lower lip. When he opened his eyes both of his blasters were in his hands, ready to be used. "I'm ready. Let's stop Voleran."