SithLore

Khar Delba
Outer Rim Territories
Khar Delba System

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Along the edge of Sith Space, a TZ-86 transport ship floated slightly above the ice planet Khar Delba. Thousands of years ago Khar Delba was inhabited by the Sith and the servants of the Dark Lord Naga Sadow. In the midst of a large power struggle, a rival bombarded Khar Delba from orbit named Ludo Kressh. The citadel placed on Khar Delba was merely a decoy as the Dark Lord attacked from a nearby moon Khar Shian. Although defeated, Kressh’s forces left a massive toll on the planet below. Craters covered the planet, while the citadel lay in ruins. Naga Sadow would go on to rebuild the citadel after the attack to keep his decoy in place.

Scavengers have recently descended on the planet after receiving information that the Citadel might have some hidden treasures left inside. The Citadel that was rebuilt is now in ruins, but more ruins hide below from the attack by Ludo Kressh. Most believe this to be untrue as his actual Citadel is located on the moon nearby, but scavengers seem to have been finding more and more treasures on the ruined planet.

A group of scavengers sit aboard the TZ-86 transport ship above the planet. The group takes shifts down to the planet on smaller ships to see if they are able to recover anything. With such cold conditions down below, it makes their shifts short and they have to coordinate where they have all been. The group has sent for more help with a transmission throughout the galaxy. Although this transmission was sent to specific groups, it can easily be intercepted.

Latest reports from the transmission suggest that there indeed is a valuable treasure somewhere below the ruins, a Sith Artifact. Whether this is just mere gossip or rumor, it should be worth investigating. The curiosity of more and more scavenger groups has peaked as a couple of ships have exited hyperspace in the system near the planet.

Exiting hyperspace the newly acquired Z-95 headhunter floated in the distance of the transport ship above Khar Delba. Raphael watched as smaller transport ships descended to the planet while other ascended back into the vacuum of space. There was diffidently something down there that they are interested enough to take so many shifts. The area where Raphael needed to be seemed to be swarming with multiple scavenger groups at this point.

The assignment was simple; see what all the interest of this planet was and take whatever the scavengers were after. It was easy for him and his master to intercept the scavenger’s transmission; he just hoped he was the first to arrive. After reading up on the history of this decoy citadel, there was no doubt in his mind another member of the Sith would come searching for what lay deep within it.

Sitting in the shadows of space on the cusp of the scavengers being able to detect him, Raphael watched as more and more transport and freighter ships arrived. Scavengers overran this planet at this point; realistically it should be considered a dead assignment. There was no way he would be able to get down to the surface undetected let alone just in the atmosphere.

Making a bold decision, the headhunter began to move forward towards the biggest freighter ship he could see. Multiple ships moved in and out making it easy for the headhunter to dock within it. The ship was massive, and the scavenger group running it must have made many credits on their travels.

As the headhunter docked aboard the ship, Raphael noticed how organized the group was. They had a sense of direction and were determined to make the most from their work on the planet below. Crews unloaded crates from their individual ships and marked them accordingly, sending them off to be stored away within the freight ship. The men were also lightly armed as they continued to work; the heavier armed people were the individuals departing to Khar Delba.

The hissing of air could be heard as the pilots hatch was open allowing Raphael to exit the ship. A member of the crew swerved a ladder over to the headhunter almost immediately as the young acolyte moved down it. He wore a set of light armor so he wouldn’t stand out and kept his cloak and vibroswords within the headhunter.

It was easy to move about the freighter, as everyone was so focused on his or her specific task at hand. Raphael blended in nicely as he moved through the docking bay to the hull of the ship. Everyone was in such as rush as people often clipped his shoulder running through the halls. The young man knew he had to get some information on where within the rubble of the citadel they were focusing in on, so he headed towards the deck of the ship.

Within the deck of the ship, the leaders of the group moved about. Some of the species within the room were very foreign to the young man. A small group began to form around a table, surely discussing their plan. Raphael blended in to the back of the group as he observed their strategies. They began to discuss were they were starting to zero in on as the repeatedly pointed to the map of the citadel on the table.

“This is the zone we need to start focusing on. The Found Fortune Syndicate is starting to zero in on this area, we need to as well.” One man spoke as the arguments followed.

“Could there truly be a Sith Artifact buried deep within the building?” One man shouted from the back.

Mumblings of the group followed as they debated what to do. Raphael got a quick glance at the coordinates before accidently bumping into one of the members.

“Who are you!?” the man shouted.

The group’s attention turned towards Raphael as he slowly began to back up. Hands started gravitating towards the weapons on their holsters as the acolyte hastily made the decision to sprint out of the deck towards his ship. The group quickly followed with weapons pointed directly at him.

As soon as Raphael turned the corner he was met by the end of a blaster pointed directly at his head. There was no way out for the young acolyte, as his hands went up acknowledging defeat. As the men moved to restrain him, Raphael made one last effort to escape. Ultimately he was dragged the ground and put in the restraints. He was then thrown into a small room behind a set of bars that were meant to hold him until they could question the acolyte.

Time after time, new men from the group came in to question him. Most of the questions were about the Found Fortune Syndicate and their plans. They assumed the young Sith to be apart of their group. Yet, Raphael bided his time and kept quiet, waiting for his chance to pounce.

Warvanus looked at his newly delivered Tosqan 8-Q Starfighter. He would name this fighter Scimitar, he was inspecting it, and brand new this ship would serve him well. This was his personal Star craft. His other ship had not arrived yet but these things take time. He had taken Lord Imatari’s advice on the arms dealer and he definitely did not disappoint. He had received a lead about a possible Sith Artifact. This would be a good time to break his newest acquisition in. He was still on Ziost as he had no real base of operations to call his own, at least not yet. After inspecting it, he instructed the flight crew to prep it for launch and to ensure it was fully armed. With that Warvanus would turn on his heel and head to the room he had taken while on planetside. In his room he packed his gear. He wondered if he should leave word with Vector. That was another matter entirely. Vector had been acting off, it was a sad state when trust in your own operatives was compromised. He would need to get to the bottom of that when he returned. He donned his armor and made sure his lightsaber was clipped to his side, he grabbed his bag and left and locked up his room. He made his way back to the hanger. There the flight crews were just finishing up prepping his craft. He stored the bag in the cargo hold it contained before climbing into the cockpit.

The layout was similar to the razorback, his hands went over some switches and buttons beginning his pre-flight check. He examined the data again Khar Delba was his destination. The ship started to hum as systems were now online and was ready to depart. He hit the button that closed the canopy to the cockpit. It slide closed and locked with a reassuring hiss. He hit a button and spoke

“Ziost Flight Control, this is Scimitar One requesting permission for departure”
The Reply back was immediate

“Scimitar One this is Ziost Flight Control, permission for departure granted, Flight plan has been logged”

With that he flicked a switch and pulled back the lever and the repulsors came to life bringing the craft upwards when it was hovering he brought the landing gear up and then hit another switch and brought the throttle forward and the engines came to life which automatically deactivated the repulsors the craft was off ascending as it climbed the skies and away from the surface. After a few moments he was heading away from the planet. Warvanus entered the co-ordinates into the Navicomputer, and then pulling back another lever the ship entered the nothingness of hyperspace.

Warvanus did not know how much time passed before he came out of Hyperspace as his ship was now entering the Khar Delba system, he did a sensor sweep and made his way to the planet itself. An Ice World good thing his armor would provide the heat he needed. The system was at the edge of the Sith Empire, so he had not picked up any hostiles. He approached the planet, keeping his senses open in the Force. Finally he had come across a Z-95 Headhunter it looked like it had been there a bit as it appeared to have a bit of a thin layer of snow. He circled around and landed a short distance away. Once he had landed he began shutdown and security measures. Once he was done the canopy snap-hissed open sending the frigid air into the cockpit. Warvanus exited the craft as the cockpit closed and locked. The planet looked like a winter wasteland. Definitely nothing noteworthy but there was the reports that he could not refute at least not until he had conducted his search. He went into the cargo hold and extracted his pack , he would grab what needed thermal flares, rations, his vibro blade. He closed the hold and began his trek to the Z-95 Headhunter he wanted to examine it. Upon reaching the headhunter he noticed nothing special or extraordinary about it. He pressed on.

Finally he came to what appeared to be a settlement, scavangers from the looks of them. He kept his senses alert. He could feel their presences, their lives were static, they did not walk in the current of the Force. He was about to move in closer when he felt it. He felt a presence in a way it was familiar but at the same time it was foreign to him. He made no mistake about it this person walked in the currents of the Force. He made his approach until he heard someone shouting in his direction. Had he been spotted? Quickly he took cover behind a hill. He saw someone who was not too far away answer.

“Is the prisoner secure?” he shouted

“Yeah” the closer of the two replied

“Was it a Sith?” the first one asked

“I believe so but I am not sure sir” the second one replied.

“I want 3 crews guarding him” he spat

“Yes Sir” with that he turned and started heading back to where this possible Sith was being held.

Should Warvanus attempt a rescue? The Empire needed every Sith but he did not know who this one was, if it was a rival or a member of his rival’s circle then he should let him rot and press on alone. However he felt his danger sense prick which caused Warvanus to turn around. Three scavangers all with blaster rifles raised at him.

“Don’t Move” they told him.

Warvanus could surely neutralize the three or he could allow them to take him to where this other Sith was being held. The choice was easy. Logic would tell him to be passive but the blood fever of battle was almost upon him and he itched for a fight. Warvanus answered giving into it. He chuckled.

“How Cute” Warvanus said as he called upon the Force *Telekinesis* to pull the rifles out of the hands of the scavangers dispersing them in all different directions. Warvanus was on them he lept drawing and activating his lightsaber as he effortlessly beheaded each of the scavangers. He turned around and saw two more who got a couple shots off from their rifles. With little effort Warvanus deflected the bolts sending them back to their source. He could hear in the background

“Boss” and at that word Warvanus saw a armored figure bearing the emblem of some forgotten Sith Lord , Lightsaber in hand he did not approach Warvanus but unleashed with one hand Force Lightning which Warvanus blocked using his lightsaber . This bought the scavangers that precious moment they needed as oe of their transports unloaded a couple of blaster shots at Warvanus. He had just a moment to react he called on the Force *Absorb Disapate energy* to absorb the blaster shots. He had not enough time to sink into that power enough as they both struck him in the chest sending him off his feet his head hitting a snow covered rock before losing consciousness. The blaster shots did not damage or even puncture his armor but the force of it was enough.

The Sith stood over Warvanus and bent over to take his lightsaber. “Remove his Armor and place it along with this in the armory” as he handed the lightsaber to the foreman. “Then put him in the Force cuffs. And throw him in with the other captive” He went back to his tent as the men obeyed.

Short time later, more men would come to Raphael’s holding cell and in the adjacent empty cell they tossed in Warvanus. He was still not conscious but his armor and weapons were taken from him. After the door locked shut Warvanus began to stir. Slowly, he sat up, and assessed his situation. He could still feel the Force but these cuffs would prevent him from using it. The floor was littered with rocks and various debris. One small torn up cot in the cell. It was cold in the dungeons they had fashioned. In the next cell was another man. He looked at him, still not placing a finger on his name

“I Know you , don’t I” maybe it was the trauma to his head, maybe not. Either way they would need each other to escape before they froze to death.

EARLIER
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The questions continued from the group hour after hour, till they had all been through. Some time had passed with no one coming by, just Raphael and the dark empty cell. Reaching down to his boot, the young acolyte pulled out a small vibro shiv that he had stowed away. Attempting to break the metal restraints around his wrists, he managed to cut himself in the process.

Footsteps could be heard in the distance as he concealed the shiv within his boot once again. Noticing drops of thick blood falling to the metal ground, Raphael covered his arm hoping to stop the bleeding. The steps grew closer as the locking mechanism in the door began to turn. The group of men that were on the deck of the ship entered the room. They crowded the space outside the cell as they looked in on the young man.

“We know who you are now, Sith….” One of the men laughed.

“The boss is going to love meeting you.” Another chimed in.

As the group chuckled to themselves, they exited the room and signaled for the guard to move in, "Tell the Boss the New Moon Brotherhood sends their regards.”

Once they had all cleared out three guards moved in with a cloth bag and placed it over Raphael’s head as he struggled to break free. The guards maintained a firm grip on the man as they carried him away.

“Make sure to bring his ship down with you!” A man shouted from the distance.

LATER
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Raphael had been carried down to the frigid planet aboard a transport ship along with his Z-95 Headhunter that sat outside the settlement. He was carried into the main base of the settlement and placed inside another holding cell. The cell was freezing and had two different spaces for individual captures. They didn’t have anything but a small cot in it.

Guards took off the bag on top of his head as they shoved him down into one of the cells. They closed the bars and waved a key card over a scanner to lock it completely. As they exited the room, a glimpse of the main room of the base could be seen. A large table similar to the one on the freighter ship sat in the middle with groups of men standing around it. One dark figure stood in the forefront of the group as the acolyte made direct eye contact with him. A human male, much taller than him, dressed in dark garments.

The door slammed shut as mumblings could be heard on the other side. Soon the dark figure motioned the door open and stepped inside. A smirk rolled off of his face as he eyed the silver one.

“Welcome to the hunt, little one…” a creepy smile began to emerge from his face.

“And you are?” the acolyte questioned.

“Darth Drukaan is the name, and this is my world you are in now boy.” The dark figure began to pace, arms crossed. “I see you are on a similar quest as I.” Using one arm he moved his cloak out of the way of his belt, revealing a lightsaber.

“My own quest of power and greatness has led me to this frozen wasteland. Those ships in the sky, mine!” His presence grew ever closer to the cell bars.

“My credits pay for the service of any scavenger group that can find me what I’m looking for. If they bring me what I want, they are handsomely rewarded. If not…. well they don’t usually like the repercussions.”

Crouching down to the level where he could meet the eyes of the young man, he spoke softly, “Once I obtain Revan’s Lightsaber, maybe I will show you a thing or two.”

The dark figure began to chuckle as he left the room, leaving Raphael in the cold cell. He began to dose off as the freezing temperatures numbed his body.

LATER
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Raphael awoke to the same three guards dragging in another man and placing him into the other cell. They threw him down on the ground and exited the room, locking the doors behind him. The acolyte knew this man…but how?

As the man began to stand up he recognized him from his time on Ziost, this was Kell Sangros or how he referred to himself “Warvanus”. He too had pledged his services to the new Dark Lord of the Sith, yet Raphael knew he was a rival to his father Lord Blood.

“I see you met Darth Bighead…” Raphael joked to the waking Warvanus.

The two would more than likely have to work together. Despite their difference, they still served the Dark Lord in the name of the Sith. Raphael would rather work with him than a man that blindly follows his own path, thinking he is obtaining greatness.

Warvanus forced himself to sit up as he scanned his surroundings. He looked over at his neighbor, he did recognize him now. This was the son of Lord Blood. He had recently learned that his rival had an offspring. He was not a Sith of blind hatred. He had reasons for his hatred of Lord Blood. His son was another matter, he had little interaction with the one called Raphael. Maybe he was a fool but he would give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides he would need him if they were to get out of here alive.

“Yeah I met our host Darth Dunderhead” He began now turning his head towards him he rubbed the back of his head, that bump was going to hurt for awhile. Times like these he wished the Darkside had better healing abilities.

“You must be the son of Lord Blood” he began “We never formally met, I’m Warvanus” He did not go by the name Kell anymore. He did not have a split personality it was his former idenity one he had shed completely when he murdered his estranged wife in the name of the darkside. He looked bout his surroundings he needed to get the cuffs off.

“Did they slap you with Force cuffs too?” he couldnt use the Force as long as he had them on. Which would inhibit his ability in the Force. He tested his bonds, he might be able to pick the lock if he had something to fiddle with the lock. They might have been smart enough to slap Force cuffs on him but there was enough give for him to try to neutralize the lock. He continued to look around his surroundings. “I’ve been in worse” he said more to himself than to Raphael.

He ignored the cold. They had a small window of escape or they would freeze to death or Darth Dingus would do them in. The Sith liked to fight with his resources to make sure that the numbers were in his favor. From what he saw this was the way Lord Blood liked to fight as he recalled the duel he had with Fox and then Lord Blood. Warvanus perferred a head on approach. It was how he was wired. As he looked around he finally stood up and started to attentively begin to search for something, what he could not say at this moment. One thing about Warvanus was he was already planning his escape.

Warvanus…He knew much of this brute of a Sith. Formerly known as Kell Sangros, he too followed Tormentous like his father did. Raphael remembered the story his father told of this man, one of betrayal. This brute rejected the tutelage of his father in favor of the other brute they call Kroxata. In his eyes, the man before him was a disgrace to the pack he now followed with his father. Raphael had to make peace with him for the time being, that fool that claims himself a Sith is too much of a match for the young acolyte alone.

Shivering in the cold, Raphael let out a quick and quiet reply, “Raphael….”

Now that the pleasantries of meeting were over it was down to business. Raphael intently ignored most of what Warvanus said following the greeting. Already within his mind, he was analyzing plans that could work to escape this frozen hell. He looked at his cuffs, they weren’t force cuffs but Raphael wouldn’t let his cellmate in on this, as he wanted the man to continue to overestimate him. At such a premature time in his training, there wasn’t much Raphael could do within the force. Escaping these cuffs would take something much trickier than the force.

The way the young acolyte looked at it is that they both needed each other. Raphael needs the brute strength and experience from this Warvanus. Warvanus needs the extra man to get passed the wannabe Sith and the location of the relic. This would be an interesting pair, as they would try to escape this hellhole.

Yet, it could be a simpler way to taking out a rival. Warvanus was already well trained within the force. This Darth Drukaan would want a student with Raphael but not him. Maybe he would do the dirty work and get rid of the waste that is Kell Sangros, and then Raphael could make his escape. It would be a daring escape that would take time, but would it be worth it?

Raphael was knocked out of his daze as Warvanus began searching for ways out. For now the young man would side with the Sith closest to him, one who follows the same leader. He looked down to his boot to retrieve the bloody vibroshiv hidden inside. His hand and the blade had dried blood around it at this point. The acolyte resumed the tweaking of his cuffs as he attempted to break free.

With one hard push he angled the shiv to a certain point that the shackles released. Raphael clenched his wrists as the cuffs were entirely too tight for the time he had been there. He then moved over to the cell door and began to angle the shiv again within the lock. Surely enough the lock sprung free and Raphael quietly swung the cell open.

Pressing his ear up against the cold door to the outside, Raphael could hear multiple people moving about. Stepping back his eyes closed, he focused intently on the room ahead. He could feel multiple life forms on the other side of the wall. From what he remembered it was their operation center. Most of the leaders of the groups that worked under Darth Drukaan gathered here to plan out their searches. More than likely there would be three guards outside of the door, two on each side and one roaming the room. The rest would be leaders of the group gathered around the center map more than likely.

Raphael searched out for Darth Drukaan, but with his limited ability he could not find him anywhere close. He figured that the man was already headed towards the area they narrowed down that could possibly contain the artifact.

The young man looked back at Warvanus, still trapped within the cage. He tossed him the vibroshiv and looked at him intently. “You’re up.”

Warvanus ignored the cold, as he was not able to find anything of use in his cell. He watched as the young Acolyte picked the locks to his cuffs and then the cell door. He was in a way surprised by the action of him offering him the shiv. He could have left him there. Yeah Warvanus would have escaped and left a bloody trail in his wake, but this made it easier. It was bad enough to be in this enemy encampment and the only one with you sees you as a rival. He had never said as much but if he was with Lord Blood and whats more his son then it did not take a rocket scientist to put 1 and 1 together.

Warvanus took the shiv, and angled it the cuffs snapped open quickly and he quickly tossed them aside as he rose to his feet. He looked at this young would be Sith. He did not know much about Raphael only that he was Lord Blood’s son. Part of him took pity for that, another part of him should have shanked him right here and there. No doubt the Acolyte has no like for Warvanus but they would need each other. He would not under-estimate him, nor would he over-estimate him if he could help it. He went over to the door and as easily as he picked the lock to his cuffs he did the same with the door. He stepped outside the cell and looked at Raphael “Thanks” he handed him the shiv back.

“I don’t think the armory is very far from here” He told him. He remembered passing by it He stretched out with the Force *life sense* he could feel the presences but nothing closing in on them , his danger sense was not prickling at least not yet.

“Let’s go” he said to Raphael and began to make his way to the exit of the small building. He would take the lead, because if they got into any trouble Warvanus most likely was better trained. Not just I the Darkside but in martial skills. Not to mention he did not like relying on people. He had been abandoned the last time he had done that. “Tormentous” he thought and his anger and hate rose, fueling his power in the Darkside. He felt more alive now, focused, bloodthirsty…..

Watching, as Warvanus finally broke free of his shackles, Raphael pressed his ear up against the door again to hear if there was any commotion. Going out into the room would prove a dauntless task for the two men, as they would be drastically overwhelmed. Plans began to form within the young acolyte’s head, as they had to figure out a way.

Just as he was exhausting his last thought, the room began to move again. The leaders had finally reached a conclusion on where they were going to focus on. Mass hysteria began to happen as the different groups scrambled to be the first to reach that point. If they were to make a move now would be the chance. The pretend Sith’s guards moved around the room to get a hold of all of the commotion.

Raphael looked back at the bigger Warvanus, “Better learn to blend in.”

The young man had practice with such a task, he found himself with the natural ability to stay within the shadows or crowds and avoid confrontation. He initiated the door opening and as it made no sound among the mass hysteria. Raphael waited for the best opportunity to move towards the armory. A group quickly rushed by as they were heading out of the command center. He took this opportunity to blend within the back of this group as they exited, hoping Warvanus was swiftly behind him.

Exiting the command center came with a realization that it was much colder outside than it was in the dark cells. Raphael’s teeth clanked together as his silver eyes met the massive citadel ahead. He stopped in his tracks, as the group kept moving forward. The building was a wonder to behold; if he had not discovered the plans earlier it would of taken weeks to fully search it.

The armory was not too hard to spot as one of the men from the command center came out of the building heavily armed. Raphael moved towards that way to find him within the medium sized armory. His vibroblades were easy to find from there as most of these men carried rifles. A quick decision was made once the blades were holstered, to find a rifle to use instead. He would let Warvanus do all the melee work while Raphael covered him.

As soon as they were prepared within the armory, the sound of an alarm went off. This would not be good news as the acolyte moved to open the door discovering guards were mobilizing outside around the camp. Most of the scavengers had gone to search for the relic, but the two Sith still had to deal with the guards.

“It seems they are missing some prisoners, we should deal with the guards sooner rather than later…” Raphael suggested.

Warvanus followed Raphael and kept close, keeping up was no issue. His body did not like the temperature change from the cells to outside, the wind did not help it, as it felt like it would go right through you, but the biting cold would not defeat Warvanus. They were able to get inside the armory. He was certain that this is where they brought his armor and lightsaber. He found a small room inside the make shift armory which was just a small room with multiple tables. On one table laid his lightsaber and his armor.

He quickly donned his armor and once again his face concealed behind the mask. His lightsaber clipped at his side. He exited the small room and back into the main room where he was still looking for anything of use for them. It had been a while since he last used a blaster and he would not need it. For Warvanus, he had the Force and his lightsaber. A small stray thought bubbled to his consciousness in his reading he remembered that the stronger in the Force one grew the less they would need melee and ranged weapons. He mentally shook himself back to the present.

He heard Raphael say something about the guards and he could feel *Life Sense* them mobilizing, he had hoped that the Rouge Darkside user Darth Dunderhead was occupied or he would more than likely feel their presences.

“Agreed” he said as he made his way to look out and gauge what he was up against. He noticed a group of men heading in their direction, by the looks it looked like it was about 8 to 9 of them. A couple were more armored and armed than the the other 6. He looked back at Raphael “Party time” his voice gave a hint of delight, as he stepped outside the make-shift armory.

The group of guards saw the lone figure standing by the entrance to the armory. The two heavily armed ones fell back kneeling. The remaining 6 slowly advanced 2 at a time, the first pair made their way to towards them, while the second pair was behind the first diagonal to the left, the 3rd pair to the right. The front two drew their rifles.

“Surrender” one of them barked.

Warvanus did not move, nor did his body language change. “You mean you wish to surrender to me? , very well I accept”

“Cute” the head guard spat. "Fire at will" The head guard called out.

Most of the shots seemed to be wild, not even coming close to Warvanus but a lot of them hitting the armory itself. The ones that found its mark, Warvanus deflected them effortlessly with the Force *Absorb/ Dissipate* This went on for a full couple minutes and then it stopped as they had exhausted their power packs, a few of them went through the motions of reloading, while the ones closest to the armory merely shouldered them and drew pistols ,” Blastech Dl-18s from the look of them Warvanus thought. They were a Standard side arm for most militant organizations.”

Warvanus lept into action, *Force Jump* he landed in front of them one was still reloading and he was the first to drop, as Warvanus threw a roundhouse kick connecting to the guard’s face, as he fell Warvanus with his armored boot stepped and crushed the throat of the down guard. All the while the other guards began to open fire. The second one that was in front of him he throw a block when the guard was pointing the blaster at point blank range. His forearm connected with the guards sending the trajectory of the blaster away from him and then followed up with a punch to the chest. It sent the guard back a bit, he had dropped his pistol. He watched as the guard scrambled for it, but he was too slow as Warvanus called it to his hand. *Telekinesis* He raised the pistol and shot the second guard point blank in the face. Warvanus tossed the pistol aside and turned to the next group of guards.

He began to advance on them, he un-clipped and activated his lightsaber the snap-hiss of the crimson blade hummed, it was music to Warvanus’ ears. As he advanced he would deflect bolts with ease. Also as he advanced on the second pair, four more guards passing in the chaos noticed the conflict and joined them, they drew their blaster rifles and stood in a row behind the 2 heavily armed guards. The newcomers joined in by adding their shots to the others.

Raphael watched as the other Sith struck down opponent after opponent, it seemed effortless to him. Blaster bolt deflection and increased physical ability, he looked impressive. If Raphael were to ever defeat him, he himself would have to get much stronger. Yet as he looked down the scope of his rifle, he aimed it at the head of the trusting Sith. It would be a very easy kill as he was unsuspecting, but yet again the guards and camp posed a problem to the acolyte. He still needed him, but the young man knew he would have to face Warvanus eventually.

A lightsaber unclipped as he unleashed havoc upon the guards. Raphael stood behind and took cover, sending some cover fire his way. As Warvanus dealt with the two heavily armored guards Raphael’s attention focused on the four newcomers to the battle. Aiming down his sight, a blast connected with the head of the first guard that set up behind the armored ones. He had reached a quick death compared to the others as Raphael continued to send shots their way. He hit the next guard in the chest and the following two in the their thighs. If they weren’t dead, they wouldn’t be getting up for a long time.

As soon as the two hit the ground roaring in pain, another guard came stalking around the corner. This one guard was the biggest of them all, he was heavily armored and his hands held onto leather ropes as they extended out. Barks could be heard as the man held back the beasts at the end of the rope. Raphael had studied these beasts before, Nexu, a predatory feline creature. They were small, they must of been adolescents. Both beasts had an impressive set of teeth and claws, their fur a little longer than most to adapt to the cold.

Pulling on the rope, the creatures begged to be released so that they could have their meals. As soon as Raphael lined his sight up on the bigger guard, he released the beasts. A blast was sent his way but it only glanced off the armor the guard was wearing. The Nexu went straight for the two injured guards on the ground, they didn’t stand a chance. Deathly screams came out as the beasts finally silenced them. Raphael took up a position on top of a crate so that he might have the higher ground on the beasts. He crouched down and sent blasts towards the heavily armored man, finally connecting with his head. He slowly tumbled to the ground as his last breath exited his body.

Cries came next, as the Nexu were extremely upset about their master falling. They both went over to sniff his lifeless body as Warvanus finished the guards off. The beasts were furious as one made a line towards Warvanus and the other to the crate Raphael was on.

The beast was easily able to climb the crate with its massive claws as it took position on top of the acolyte. Raphael fought back its teeth by letting in gnaw on the rifle, yet it was too strong. The young acolyte was struggling as the Nexu attempted to bite his head off. Somehow, he managed to get a hand free and reach for a vibroshiv in on his boot. With one swift motion he lodged the shiv deep into the beasts throat, sending blood splattering all over the crate and white snow. The beast cowered off of the crate and Raphael took advantage of the situation by blasting it.

The Nexu lay in a pool of red snow on the ground as the acolyte jumped from the crate. The beasts’ breathing was slow and labored as it struggled for a will to live. Raphael moved to its head, as it was no longer harmless; it whimpered in pain. A gentle hand met that of its head as he pet the beast.

“Sleep now dhasi… Your pain is over.” He whispered to the beast in an attempt to comfort it.

Raphael’s other hand moved to deepen the shiv farther into its throat. A last gasp of breath came and went as it soul exited the body of the Nexu. Once completed, Raphael removed the blade from its neck; whipping the blade off on his pants and placing it back into its boot. He was snapped out of it as he quickly recovered his blaster and moved to cover Warvanus if he needed it.