Lessons, lessons { Sa’ato + Aliclair | Closed }

[Aliclair Austjor]

With the retrieval of her Raquor'daan companion from the visit of her kingdom, Aliclair felt that he needed a partner other than herself when she's not able to have him at her side. She prepared her YT-2000, and ensuring it is up to par with the trip ahead before stepping out the pilot seat to do some reading up on where she was going. Of course, she would be assigned on a mission to recruit more underlings for the cult she'd be forced into but didn't object to where the recruitment would take place; a planet known as Sriluur. It so happens to be the birthplace of her Raquor'daan companion, Brutchus. She could potentially find him a partner for when she had to leave him on her ship or within her quarters ontop of it being an official mission to not raise too many suspicions. Though, she seriously doubted anyone would want this sort of salvation as their solution but orders are orders.

Aliclair exhaled softly, flicking her hair backwards before stopping at the small booth provided by the YT-2000, where she paused to say; "It shouldn't take us too long to reach Sriluur but I do have plenty of reads in my virtual library if you want to peek in there." ; Aliclair didn't object when Sa'ato decided to tag along. And, her Master didn't give her room to object. Either way, it rowed her boat; or her Starflighter.

[Professor Mors]

Sa'ato could only blink at Aliclair's remark, his arms full to bursting with a medley of holobooks and dataslates. "Ah, well", the professor answered a little sheepishly, "Perhaps on the journey back to Sith Space". Clearing his throat with some embarrassment, "I was more than happy to be invited on this excursion, but I didn't have the proper time to read up on the flora and fauna and, well–". The Neti exhaled in defeat, heaping his electronic tomes onto a nearby table before slumping into the first vacant seat, "My need for proper preparation borders on neurotic".

In an effort to recompose himself and move on, the academic tilted his head toward the Felidae and pivoted, "Have you spent much time in or around Hutt Space? I can't say it's an ideal tourist destination, but most worlds have at least some redeeming qualities". Sa'ato 'coughed' softly. Clearly, he still had a ways to go with re-acclimating to casual conversation. Still, he would make at least one more attempt– a simple gesture to his mind. "If nothing else, it will be sunny and warm", the Neti remarked with a legitimate smile, "Hopefully the weather will be clement for the duration of our assignment"...

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair's brows raised slightly, attempting to hold back a chuckle but it ended up rumbling her throat. "There will be time for that, Professor. I'd say, about a.. day and a half day flight. Unless we run into problems but, hopefully, we won't." she ensured, taking a few moments to organize and neatly stack the holobooks and dataslates. She thought on his question before answering; "I've been to a few planets, few cities. Nothing too memorable." she disregarded. She'd spent a good time of her youth in training with the Jedi. Then the rest in chains. But, she had to move forward with what life she had left and make up for lost time.

Ali paused for a moment before reaching into an overhead to pull out a holopad. "When Silas gave me this assignment, I ensured to download all information on the planet, if you're just looking to just read on that." She added on, adding that holopad ontop of his own pile she'd organized. Stretching out her limbs, Ali proceeded to climb on the table to take a heighted seat but careful to knock over the tower of digital books.

[Professor Mors]

"Ah, I see", the Neti sighed, still disappointed in his previous blustering, "I thank you– I shall certainly add it to my to-do…". Sa'ato eyed Aliclair briefly. She seemed content, or at least, more at ease about entering a foreign environment than the professor. Good, so much the better. The academic, for his part, did not have a spotless record when it came to two-man missions, and he was keen not to fall prey to any new mishaps on this assignment. Exhaling once more, Sa'ato calmed his mind and poured all of his attention into the tomes that lay on the table. Numbers, charts, archives, these were bosom friends, and ones whose company the Neti kept until their eventual arrival…

***Sriluur System, Si'Klaata Cluster, Grid Coordinates S-8***

Between Hutt warlords and nascent Alliance sector patrols, Sa'ato had no intentions of landing at one of the larger outposts dotting the arid Weequay home-world. Instead, the academic guided Aliclair to touch down at a reasonable plateau some three kilometers from the location they had arranged to meet their mercenary contact. A hot, dry breeze buffeted the Neti as soon as he exited the loading ramp. Though the pair would have to negotiate the red rock crags to descend to the grasslands and the river beyond, even from this distance, verdant, plentiful crop formations could be seen off and away.

Sa'ato allowed himself a slight smile and stretched out his shoulders some. So far, this all seemed to be fortuitous– surely a view this beautiful had to be a good omen. Just as surely, the professor found his assumption was deeply, deeply flawed. Had he been looking up directly into Sriluur's large, single sun, he still would have missed the large, winged avians barreling toward him from above. And, as they dove down with such intense speed, the academic's senses barely caught their approach. By then it was too late. Four pairs of talons drove their way into the Neti's oaken flesh and began to whisk him forcefully up into the air.

For the Felidae, it was sure to be an unexpected and odd sight. Sa'ato could only gasp in surprise and growl in pain as his 'brain' caught up with these new circumstances. Poison: probably kept in nodes just below the avians– no, he knew the name. These were kasham, liable to drag the Neti to some distant nest if he didn't act fast. Normally, the academic would simply call on the Force to neutralize the venom working its way through his system. But there was no time for that now, and whatever the compound was, it made his bark feel sluggish, less eager to alter and transform.

Thus, in the moment all the professor could think to do was pump a leg with all his might and smash his boot into the nearest beak he could find. The left-hand kasham screeched with rage, causing the duo to simply gain in altitude with greater speed. So much for that idea…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair, for the most part, was eager for this mission. She could potentially find a companion partner for her canine companion, Brutchus, as he was left alone on her ship most times when going on solo missions. He was a large beast, a formidable mount and her best friend. It pained her to have to leave him behind, so, she would be killing two birds with one stone on this mission.

{ Post Landing }

The hybrid feminine decided to hang back as Sa'ato took ahead to leaving. She had to gather supplies, ensure her mask was up and running. Her canine companion decided to follow behind the Professor but grew stiff at the ram entrance. If only he could understand the foreign because he barked in warning to no avail. Ali's ears swiveled and her eyes soon followed just to see Brutchus in a panic and the Professor in the sky.

Wait, that's not right.

Aliclair gasped softly and ran out to the ramp; "Professor!! Ohh.. Silas is going to actually take my tongue this time. she whimpered, her hands falling to her head. But she quickly shook that off, grabbing her long bow styled Bowcaster before rushing out her YT-2000 with her Raquor'daan by her side. Her main focus was essentially to be the Knight in the fairytale stories; to rescue the princess from the clutches of the dragon. Or, kasham. Her memory began to wonder on the creature; large and winged... those talons were no joke either. After awhile of running, Ali hopped on Brutchus' back, instructing him to run faster as she dug through her bag. "Poison paste, wraps.. it'll have to do for now." she mumbled before clipping her back closed and focused on the path ahead. She recalled a few fauna from this planet while researching Brutchus' origins, as there were few fauna on such a desert planet.

The Raquor'daan found his body being able to traverse this new world no problem. He allowed his inky tongue to loll out his mouth as he ran through the sandy plains but pricking his ears forward as he sensed another for a brief. "We can't stop, boy, cmon; we have to save the Professor." urged Aliclair before she lifted her eyes. They caught what he'd caught, which was a wild Raquor'daan. A female. Her goal. The three creatures stood there for a while, contemplating before the wild skull-faced canine ran off. Brutchus whined softly, awaiting orders. Ali shook her head lightly and exhaled in slight defeat. "Come, we have to save Sa'ato." she finalized before instructing the canine to dash forward in a full sprint.

[Professor Mors]

Mercifully for a half-dazed Sa'ato, he was not kept airborne for more than ten minutes. Unfortunately, when the ride was over, the Neti was unceremoniously dumped onto a bramble-ridden nest perched atop a winding rocky spire. A litter of juvenile kasham, more alike to larvae than newborn chicks, came slithering forward gnawing, gnashing, and chomping hungrily at the weakened professor. Groaning amidst the onslaught, the academic's problems were magnified when the prehensile fledglings began to shriek angrily once they had decided their meal was no good. The two adults, now joined by three others, not keen to see their work wasted, adjusted their agenda.

If Sa'ato wouldn't do as nourishment, perhaps he would suffice as extra lining for the nest. The 'chicks', while painful in their teething, had not threatened the integrity of the Neti's limbs. One beakful from a mature kasham however, and the professor was sure he would be cut down to size much too late for aid to arrive. Not about to casually submit to dismemberment, Sa'ato summoned what concentration he could muster, and activated his primarily lightsaber with a vengeful hiss. It was hardly an elegant sweep of the blade, but it evenhandedly shaved off part of the nearest avian's spiked mouth and sent it reeling in agony.

From there, every creature present descended on him in fury. The Neti was happy to lose a sore piece of bark here and there, and nearly donated a hand before he was able to cleave open an exit route in the side of the nest. Sa'ato had some mind to scale the rocky crag to safety, but a harsh gust of wind was more than his weary frame could handle. He half-bounced, half-fell some thirty meters before landing on outcropping. Laboring to rise to his feet, he continued to hold his blade aloft, listening intently for the flapping of wings or the tell-tale bird song that was sure to bring further misfortune…

[Aliclair Austjor]

Luckily, time was cut for Ali. She never really lost sight of her target and her mount companion was good on ensuring he didn't default in his sprint. When he began to zero in the area of where the sighting could be lost, the feminine put Brutchus in a canter while keeping her own ears on a swviel. These creatures knew how to use the sun to their advantage so she would just need to be extra careful. This went on for another few seconds until the screech of a wounded kasham where she picked up Brutchus' trot pace.

A few minutes passed and the predatory eyes of Sa'ato's hunter caught its target, roughly landing a few feet infront of him. Its eyes locked on and charged forward but then reeled back as if something had landed on its back. Sure enough, something did. It was Aliclair with claws dug into the bird to grab its attention and the attention of its pack mates. She'd lept from the top of the outcrop, leaving Brutchus to jump down to provide the professor with additonal protection if needed.

Aliclair let out a grunted snarl as the large bird reared and slammed into the ground to get this- thing off of its back but to no avail. Reaching behind her, Ali took out her lightstaff and quickly ignited it to stab it straight into its head. The beast collapsed straight down and stayed down. The hybrid immediately looked over to the Neti Professor while making her way to him. "I would ask if you are alright but those wounds say otherwise." she said while digging into her leg pouch for the temporary solution; the poison paste and wraps. Brutchus moved to a perch of sorts to keep his ears and nasal bone while Ali worked on properly preparing the paste for application.

[Professor Mors]

"I've been better", the Neti answered with a pinch of disappointment, "But at least you expedited my escape". Sa'ato cast a brief glance at the hybrid's medical supplies. In truth, now that the danger had passed, he would have been more than able to regenerate on his own. Nonetheless, the academic did not want to appear ungrateful, much less rude, and so remained still while Ali went about her work. Due to his unique biology, the professor had not often required the use of humanoid medicine, but welcomed a refresher on the experience for the sake of his own curiosity. "My thanks", Sa'ato addressed the Felidae in earnest, rising to his feet after their short rest, "Now, we should not keep our host waiting any longer…".

***

The exterior of Boss Kanda's compound glimmered from some kilometers away in the indifferent Sriluur heat. As the Sith duo and their canine companion reached the gates, the two guards on duty seemed only mildly surprised at their late appearance. Before entering, Sa'ato turned to Ali and retrieved a small vial from the inside of his cloak. "Distilled pheromones from the kasham you dispatched earlier", the Neti explained, swishing the almost-clear liquid about for emphasis, "The Weequay are famous for their powerful olfactory systems. They can read much from the musk and scent of each other and most sentients".

He paused to uncork the vial, "Being more plant than human they'll get no useful information from my odor, but the same cannot be said for you. We have good relations with this clan, but I don't want them getting any ideas of misconceptions about what we are capable of– or how they might undercut our agreement". With that, Sa'ato extended the glass receptacle toward the feline, content to apply its contents on her behalf or let her do so. Whichever Ali's preference, once it had been done the Neti nodded in readiness at the stone-faced duo that stood on either side of the entrance, and proceeded over the threshold.

The meeting hall at the center of the mercenary hideaway was roughly circular, with a depressed floor that steadily dropped into rows of seating. At the lowest level, on the opposite end of a simple but well-made table, sat Kanda. Cheek-horns filed and elongated with age, and sporting several scars along his chin, nose, and forehead, the elder clan head was an imposing sight for most Weequay as well as outsiders. Eyeing the hooded Sa'ato, Kanda inclined his head in a modest bow without breaking the Neti's gaze. The professor graciously returned the gesture, and looked to the Felidae to follow suit.

Once this was done, all were seated, and Kanda spoke in a low tone, "Welcome, Dilectus of the Sith". "We thank you for this audience", Sa'ato answered with equally brusque candor, "And for allowing us into your home to discuss our business– for that you have my master's gratitude". Kanda inclined his head again, "You have brought what was agreed upon?". The Neti smiled, and stretched a clenched fist over the table, "But of course". One by one, dark, brilliant gems with crimson and teal stripes dropped from the professor's sinuous fingers, twelve in total. "Trithlozeric canasoade", the professor explained for both Aliclair and Kanda's benefit, "Every last gram from the latest mining haul in The Reach. Harmless in its nature form– incredibly explosive once properly purified".

Kanda nodded and was quiet for some time. "I am not eager to send more of my sons to your wars", the elder spoke at last, "But the Vastar continue to attack our villages, and we need these weapons". Sa'ato knew that the paternal language was more figurative than literal, but nodded deeply with all the appropriate sympathy, "Your warriors are some of the finest in our ranks. They served me well during the prison riot on Tenara– and I assure you, I do not send them off to meet dishonorable deaths". Kanda was silent again, and after some minutes gestured to one of his lieutenants, who offered up a datapad to the Neti.

"I offer these men to your cause", the elder explained, "They shall join us at our eastern fortress– from we will escort you all back to your ship by ski–". They should have caught it. They all should have caught it, but only Sa'ato, and Aliclair more than likely felt the sudden malice in the air. Where smell failed, the Force provided. Standing up abruptly, the professor ignited his lightsaber and brought it around in a harsh counter-clockwise sweep. The crackling orange endpoint of the blade cut through the dim interior– before alighting all at once on a blasterbolt that could have easily struck the elder boss where he sat.

Channeling the Force as he moved, Sa'ato sent the stray shot ricocheting back the way it came, provoking a harsh cry from above. Most Weequay buildings kept an opening in the ceiling for the veneration of their patron moon deity. It was from this orifice that a single humanoid in a jet-black bodysuit fell onto the very table on which negotiations were occurring only a moment before. The now-dead assassin was obviously local, his attire, no doubt expensive, designed to mask his olfactory presence. The retired teacher turned about quickly to address their host, and had only parted his lips to speak when shouts, war-cry's, and a greater volume of laserfire thundered outside.

"We must gather what warriors you have", the Neti spat with aggression, igniting his shoto to maximize his arsenal, "I will buy you time to begin the withdrawal". More silence, briefer this time as Kanda nodded in assent as quickly as he pleased. Finally, Sa'ato spun on a heel and met Ali's gaze, "Our particular talents are needed here– let us engage these uninvited guests…"

[Aliclair Austjor]

Midway through preparations, Aliclair noticed the wounds beginning to self-heal. Her brow raised as she stopped and stared at them self-cauterize. "Y'know you could tell me when my makeshift remedies aren't needed. I don't bite. Hard, anyways." she said with a small quirk of brow while putting her medicine away. She then gave a small but swift nod before following him.

+++

Ali wasn't too alien to being led places. Though her leash was long, it was still present; always in the watchful eye of another. She'd learned how to be on her P's and Q's while looking the par. Neatly infront of her rested her hands as one palm rested ontop of the other hand. From time to time, she'd let her hands wonder onto Brutchus' skull head to give him assuring pats and it was until the professor suggested she cover her scent. Skeptical, sure. What could these humanoids get out of her scent? But, she knew better than to ask questions or defy so she allowed Sa'ato to apply it as he saw fit. Even putting abit extra on her wrists for safe measure. The meeting was going well. As well as it could; the Sith expanding their firearms and men for war. The looming sensation of bad intent caught her senses, however, and her knicked ear swiveled to the side and her opalescent eyes followed to spot a soul on the roof. Ali didn't say anything at first, but her ears picked up cocking of a gun. She turned to inform Sa'ato but his senses were just as sharp as hers and he was able to save the Elder from an untimely demise. Aliclair didn't hesitate to unsheathe her longbow styled Bowcaster, equipped with a few metal arrows surging with the red electricity that the Bowcaster emitted. While she really wasn't on the side of war, she was on the side of protecting. "With pleasure, Professor." she growled, raising a drawn back arrow to put a swift end to another who dared taking the roof route again.

[Professor Mors]

The Neti nodded appreciatively, both at the Felidae's answer as well as her martial readiness. Turning back around, the professor ascended the rows of seating, and narrowed his eyes as a trio of Kanda's men attempted to brace the door of the meeting hall. Their efforts were cut short by a bright flash as the muted blast of a small but effective explosive. The sheet metal door clattered sadly to the floor, and a fresh barrage of blasterfire rocketed through the entryway. The shots were perfectly-aimed, clearly the result of years of training and clan feuds. Perhaps it was because their accuracy and technique were so consistent that Sa'ato did not struggle to bat each bolt aside.

Still, the assailants were smart enough to know when to switch tactics. For a few moments, the lasers fell silent, and through the smoke the professor could just make out two humanoid forms barreling forth. The first leveled a vibrolance at the Neti's midsection, while a second came at the academic with an overhead strike with a vibrosword. While no expert, with the Force at his command, Sa'ato managed to hook the end of the lance on his shoto and maintain a high-guard with his lightsaber. The victory would be short-lived no doubt. The Weequay with the spear slapped the end of his weapon on the floor, causing it to bounce and angle toward the gap between the professor's boots and shin-guards.

Left with no alternative, Sa'ato was forced to leap back through the air to avoid having the loss of a limb. His sword-wielding foe would not let him disengage for free however. Once more, cold Sriluuran steel soared out. The Neti's neck and chest were spared only by the sturdy alloy of a clasp that held his cloak together at the shoulder line. The Darksider's forsaken cape and cowl were left to drift sadly to the floor, while their master was forced to quickly produce a strategy lest the melee continue. At the same time, the enemy Weequay toting blasters had reached the ruined doorway to continue the ranged pressure. With Sa'ato thus occupied, it fell to Ali, and perhaps her four-legged friend, to slow them down while Kanda led the others on in a fighting retreat…