[center][b]Leonis and Company[/b]
A Casa Nova Adventure[/center]

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Leonis was busy reassembling his blaster, his feet kicked up on a desk nearby as they patrolled the trade routes along this hyperspace way. It had gotten to be a regular habit of his since Theo's passing. He had chased after the Sith culprit for a time, but somehow they managed to slip away. He still blamed her followers to a large extent. They were so dispirited by her passing they had slacked off and allowed them to get away. He growls to himself at their inability to see priorities. If they had loved his sister as they claimed and were so loyal to her, they would have been right here with him. The only one who had bothered to follow him in this course was the Mandalorian who had hardly known her though. He could not help but feel that in large part, he only enjoyed the thrill of a challenge. Hunting Sith, it had to be one.

Huffing to himself, he slaps the last piece in and peers down the sight. Spic and span, it would serve well in his next fight. He glances side-long at the Mandalorian, Joshua, inspecting his armour. He was a good soldier, to say the least. If nothing else, he might touch down to the Mandalorian homeworld and see if there were any who might join him in the near future. His head aches at the thought, though. He could not remember the last time he had touched ground for more than to investigate rumours, though. He ruffles his mane, looking at the gnarled braids and grimacing. When we the last time he even bathed. When had he last even eaten. His stomach growls at him contemptuously as he sits forward and sighs. Perhaps he would make his way to the mess hall.

“Approaching a ship. Merchant Vessel. Establish communications?”

Leonis perks up at that, “Yeah, patch me through.” His stomach growls and he smacks his gullet in response. “You can wait,” he snaps at it.

“Hello, this is Leonis Kra'avarr of the ship Illusio Decus. We are commencing a patrol along this route and looking for any word of enemies to the Republic. Have you encountered anything strange in your journeys?”

The captain of the other screen looks back at his crew before clearing his throat, “Well about time someone would listen. I tried filing a report with the Republic recently, but they thought I was making a joke!”

Leonis furrows his brow and leans forward, “I am here to listen to your concerns. What word?”

The captain throws his hands up in the air, “On Hok, I encountered this Squib. And do you know what he was doing?! He was waving around some red laser sword willy-nilly.” He leans in, utmost seriousness on his face, “And I assure you, that is not all. This squib is the leader of a cult of force-users. Can you believe it! I barely escaped his sith cult with my life!”

Leonis' ears lay back flat. Perhaps this captain had been hitting the liquor hard lately. “Thank you. Rest assured, I will investigate this incident with the respect it is deemed.”

From behind him, Joshua snorts and peers at him through a mirrored helmet, “You mean none at all, right, Leo?”

Leonis casts him a glare before responding to the captain, “Thank you for your report. May your travels be safe and trade prosperous.” He salutes the captain before having to feed terminated. “Well, pack up. We're going to Hok.”

“What, really? You have got to be joking. It's a [i]Squib[/i]. You were looking for some human wench, last I heard,” Joshua huffs.

“Then you will look twice as ridiculous if this turns out to be fact,” Leonis flashes him a toothy grin.

Joshua waves his hand in front of his face, “Leo. Hygiene. I can smell that breath of yours through my filters.”

Leonis crooks his head before breathing into his hand and whiffing curiously. His whiskers all but curled as his face blanches in reaction. “By the lightside of the force, why did no one tell me sooner,” he gags. “I'll be visiting the facilities before we touch down. Joshua, keep her steady in the meantime.”

The journey to the Hok system was uneventful and there seemed to be no trouble establishing a orbit over the planet, the locals used to ships arriving and departing at odd times and schedules to ferry loads of ore and crystals mined on the surface of the world.

Coming out, feeling refreshed and his armour donned and packing his personal arsenal, Leonis stretches and groans, feeling his body protesting after the movement after however long in his commander's chair. He grunts and looks at Joshua, “Possible cult, I'd rather go in heavy.”

Even if Leonis could not see his face, he felt there was an incredulous look being flashed at him before he's told, “You know what... Sure, let's do it. Two platoons. Touch down in two separate groups. Blood hunters as a forward party with yourself in the lead before we hit him with the Cathar heavy units. This can't go bad. Definitely not.”

Leonis looks at him through the helmet, “Of course it can't. Imagine the Squib's face when he's got 90 sem-odd guns pointed at his face.”

Joshua smacks his hand to his helmet before getting the groups ready to launch in two heavy support crafts. The only way this could go any worse is if Leonis wanted to load up the tanks too.

It took a while but the dropships came down on the surface and with much ruckus the troops marched out and assembled, looking fearsome the Cathar came out expecting a fight. As Leonis touched the planet surface he got a report that some of the advance scouts were bringing a local.

A moment later the Bloodhunters, looking a but unnerved, perhaps even shocked brought a local Gran miner before Leonis who did not seem at all surprised at the presence of so many heavily armoured soldiers, his three eyes looked at Leonis and he coughed but then smiled, "So... who is it this time? Pirates? CIS? We are currently under republic control so can't be them... unless Republic high command has forgotten that we were under Republic control? Well either case, welcome, we won't resist, we do prefer to not be made slaves or anything so just tell us what you want and we'll see how we can accommodate you, ok?"

Leonis looks at the smaller man before he removes his helmet and offers out his hand. “Leonis Kra'avarr. I'm currently following the report of a a supposed Squib force-user in this vicinity. If you have any information as to his whereabouts, it would be much appreciated.”

The local blinked all of his three eyestalks and took the offered hand, shaking it. "Squib force-user.... oh... him..." He snorts, "Yeah I remember him came to our settlement with grand tales and a lasersword of some kind he waved around, he actually cleaved two tables and some benches at the local cantina and instead of working off the debt he slept with the cantina owner's wife and then fled to terrorize the market and said he was trying to strike fear into the hearts of criminals with his dark powers when it became apparent there was a pickpocket on the loose."

"Lately he's in a abandoned warehouse in the southern district of the settlement, some of our youth have started worshipping him to learn his 'unimaginable powers'. Lazy bastards, we need them to work in the mines not worship some squib off-worlder." The Gran blinked again and cocked his head. "So... you are not here to invade us?"

Leonis laughs, “Nah. I'd rather not stir trouble with the Republic. If you keep out of our way, it would be for the better, though. I prefer no civilian casualties.” He looks to Joshua, “Lead the Blood Hunters up to set up a perimeter. If the Squib takes to running, use non-lethal force to stop him. This may not be the darksider we were looking to find, but if he has a saber, he probably has quite a tale to tell.” With that, he raises a hand before giving the signal to move forward, “Move out!”

The Gran blinked and hurried up to catch up to Leonis. "Uhm! Excuse me! EXCUSE ME! Hey!" He had looked confused before but now he seemed somewhat mildly annoyed. "Do you have any idea what you've done? We thought we were being invaded or raided, again. So, while I think we all would welcome if you deal with that irritating squib, we won't allow some kind of military force in these number to potentially wreak havoc to our settlement, take a few of your people and that's it, we don't want to have our youth be shot just because they are being idiots. Just get that Squib and get out."

Leonis gives the Gran a confused look before Joshua raises a blaster set on stun. “Allow me.” Leonis reaches out and lowers Joshua's gun for him. “I did say non-lethal force, sir. Even if we did accidentally shoot one of them, they'll be right as rain in a few hours.”

"For divine's sake!": The gran said holding up his arms, "It's just that squib and about two dozen of our most stupidest youth, two nephews and a niece of mine among them! Now unless you are here to invade us, which you apparently aren't then fine, set up a perimeter or whatever but we won't have armed troops to march in our streets." The gran looked scared but defiant.

Leonis huffs and plants his face in his palm. “Best ten marksmen, follow Joshua to set up a perimeter.” He glares at the Gran, “It really does go against my style, but do keep out of my way or I will let him shoot you.” Joshua smirks behind his helmet and pats his gun as he leads ten units forward, turning on his jetpack so he can get roof access himself and coordinate with Leonis who shoves past the gran and goes towards the warehouse.

The Gran leaves but not before Leonis catches his last words, "At least the previous invaders and pirates were polite!"

A perimeter was established and it seems the nefarious squib sith and his cult were unaware of the righteous retribution to befall on them.

Although if the two cult 'guards' at the warehouse entrance were any sign of how well guarded the place was... then Leonis and his people had not much to worry about. There were three Gran... children, roughly, if he were to guess in the age ranges of 8-14, standing guard, wearing oversized black robes that looked somewhat ridiculous on them and they were armed with long sticks.

Leonis strides up to the children and clears his throat, “I ask permission to see the Squib warrior.” He salutes at the children, “You must be his royal guard, and must I say, you are doing an impressive job, young soldiers.”

The three kids seemed to be havign a argument and al lyelepd when Leonis spoke up, scrambling, one tripping over his robes and falling on his face while another accidentally hit the third in the face with his stick and apologised.

Finally all three go to their feet and pointed the sticks to the Cathar intruder. "Halt! Uhm, yes halt!"

They were silent after that and then the oldest turned to the other two. "What were we supposed to say after that..." He turned to Leonis, "Uhm, 1 moment." And he quickly went inside, a moment later there were a few raised words and then the guard stumbled back out. "Remember now!" He waved a piece of paper and started reading from it. "In the event of a intruder...." He blinked and went to one of the other kids. "Can you read that, I think some moisture got on the ink and... oh wait's got it now." He cleared his throat and tried to look fierce and defiant, but then he stumbled and coughed, a little bit embarrassed but apparently it did not deter him as he spoke up in a high pitched voice. "State your name and purpose intruder, or have you come to bring offerings to the great master of the dark arts, he who wields the crimson blade, he who makes females tremble and males whimper in envy. He who is our master.... well have you? Uhm because we are supposed to hit you with our sticks if you did not come for that, and they hurt, a lot."

Leonis looks at the kids, happy his mask hid his expression. He was barely keeping from laughing at the rascals. “Oh mighty followers of the Sith Lord of Hok.” He bows at the waist. “I am the warrior Leonis and I come, offering tribute and my service to your master. But you must let me through, I heard tale of a planned attack on your master.”

One of the kids turned to the older one, "Told you your dad wasn't kidding he was calling the constables from the next town over, we are all going to get grounded." He whined the last part.

"Sssh, we are under the protection of the dark master, remember!" He turned to Leonis and nods, sagely but his hood fell over his eyes and he almsot stumbled again. "I, uhm.. yeah follow me, I guess... oh uhm, leave your weapons here, for they surely are no match anyway for the dark master."

Leonis stifles himself before he can laugh but sure enough leaves his blaster carbine and cortosis staff. At the rate it was going, he would not need more than his fists to clock this dark master.

"Hes got a blaster!" The youth who was afraid to get grounded took a few steps back.

"Oh uhm, well that doesn't change anything, clearly the reputation of our dark master precedes us, see he handed them over willingly!" He smiled, quite pleased with that smart observation he made and then turned around. "Follow me and stay close! Or the other disciples will bring swift retribution on you!"

As they went through the warehosue entrance Leonis had to adjust his eyes a moment at the darkness but when he did he saw several other youths sitting in small groups scattered around, one of the nearest jumped up in surprise and raised his weapon, a spatula at the Cathar, hoping the adult wouldn;t notice his hand shaking.

The youth leading him spread his arms. "Do not worry! He is another supplicant for our dark master! Rejoice that others have seen the light and are willing to follow him!" A cheer came from the youth and the child with the spatula smiled and rushed forwards, hugging Leonis's legs.

The older kid tapped the leg hugger on the shoulder and the young Gran let go, smiling shyly and waved before he hurried back to his group.

His guide continued and brought him to a room whose door was guarded by two other kids who did their best to snap to attention and at the urging of Leonis's guide opened the doors and followed them in.

What waited for them within, was a throne like chair, filled with cushions of all kinda, near the throne were platters filled with fruit and sweets. What captivated Leonis's eyes was the creature sitting on the throne, who blinked as he woke up, rubbing his eyes. "What's going o-" The squib blinked and widened his eyes. "You!?" Casa Nova exclaimed in surprise as he recognized the Cathar.

Leonis' brows shoot up in surprise as he crosses his arms over his barrel-chest. “Really, Novae?” His hand thuds against his forehead before he looks back up, “Do you know what would happen if a real Anti-Force unit showed up at your doorsteps? They don't take these things lightly.” He looks around at the little disciples about him, “And something tells me you've been reading old human novels. Don't tell me you've got them stealing knick-knacks and treats for you.” He couldn't help but wonder if one of the kids was called Oliver.

The Gran youth looked unsure and then pointed their sticks at Leonis. "What is he talking about dark master? Should we start hitting the infidel?"

Casa Nova recovered, placing his hands together and shook his head. "No, my loyal disciples, I will deal with this old.... acquitance of mine.... Myself! Leave us! And do not come in even if you hear screams!" The squib looked at Leonis, "Even if they are my own..."

The three gran looked at each other then one shrugged and started marching out, a second later the other gran followed, leaving Leonis with Casa Nova.

The squib stared intently at the door and when it was certain the Gran had obeyed him he hurried off his throne towards Leonis and jumped, grabbing him by his vest and dragged his upper body down so the Cathar was bending over and Casa Nova could whisper urgently to his face. "Get me out of here! Those kids are crazy!"

Leonis laughs and grabs the Squib by the scruff of his neck, hefting him up. “Well whose fault is that, huh, Novae? Maybe if you weren't flashing around some force-user's toy you probably stole, claiming to be some mighty Sith, this wouldn't have happened.” He crooks his head to the side, “Where did you get the lightsaber, anyways?”

"Taris, some tattoo chick who was enamoured with my charms and didn't saw where my hands were, look that beautifully furred sisters of yours with the amazing smile and delighted scent offered me a job once and I might be inclined to accept her offer now if you can get me away from those zealots!" He snorted, "Almost cut off my paw when I activated it for the first time!"

If his expression could be seen behind the reflective face shield, it would have dropped from thoughtful to hurt. Memories of his late sister flood to the forefront of his mind as he growls and lifts Novae up higher, “You don't have much choice, Novae. You're coming with me and telling me everything about this woman. Anyone who was with her, what she was doing.” He remembered clearly the disciples of the Sith woman. They had repelled them off once, even at the loss of a young Echani from the creche, but they still paid a toll against the man of the trio. He pauses, trying to smooth his ruffled fur as he continues, “And we'll call it community service. I'm sure you've wracked up quite a list of offenses against the Galaxy at large with your affairs since we last met.”

Casa Nova let out a shriek of indignation! "Well I'll be! I expect better treatment when you present me to your sister!"

Leonis' claws begin to dig into Casa's scruff, “She's dead.”

The squib blinked and his face fell, "Ah." For once in his life he looked quite serious and his next words were not some kind of quip or well hidden lie or subturfuge. "My condolences, I did not know." Next he groaned, "Look I would love to come with you, but if I leave those child zealots think I am going against my will and they will attack you, I am many things but I do not like to see kids get hurt... even if they are crazy... I mean it was cute at first, they even brought me offerings and asked me for my wisdom... but then they got a bit too serious and now I'm a prisoner!"

Leonis huffs and sets the Squib down. “I've got it covered.” He walks over to the door and peeks out, “Little disciples of the dark master. Your master is coming with me to plan against the offensive force. He has decided to come with me to my battleship so we might plan our next move against the scum who foolishly think to capture him. Fear not, we will return. But you must keep your village safe! Remain diligent young soldiers!”

Casa Nova blinked and quickly hurried to his side, "Yes! Yes, what he said! In fact, return to your homes, your familes, act like this was all a mistake but you all knwo the truth, you are to be hidden, hiding in plain sight for my return, it may take years, decades even but I will return to those disciples who remain loyal!"

The gran had all gathered outside the door and looked at each other, "Is that truly your wish dark master?" Casa Nova quickly nodded and the Gran children all nodded solemnly. "As the master commands, we will go home and pretend we are just children and while our parents may believe it they will never know we will one day rise up and cast them down!"

The gran let out a cheer but then one of the children spoke up. "Does that mean we also need to go back to school?"

Casa Nova blinked and nodded, "Yes, sad I know, but the illusion of your disguise must be complete, that includes school... oh and chores.... and other things you might not like, but I will return with my trusted acolyte at my side!" He gestured to Leonis, "But now we must leave, come acolyte, take me to my ship!" He blinked, "On second thought, carry me to my ship!" The squib crossed his arms and looked expectingly at Leonis to pick him up and carry him out of the warehouse and to whatever ship the Cathar had waiting.

Leonis' unamusement was clear as could be, even as he heft up the Squib ruffly and holds him over his shoulder, 'accidentally' smacking him into a lamp on the wall. “Whoops. Clumsy me,” he huffs as he carries the squib on his shoulder lack a sack of potatoes. As he goes out the front, he grabs her gear in one hand and gives a wave for his soldiers to move out and return to the ship. 

Casa Nova was whining and grumbled, "Please tell me I aren't stuck working with you.... didn't your sister, again my deepest condolences, have any other people, preferably, lovely creatures of feminity, I can work with? I am much more a people person than a.... well warrior. I am a lover, not a fighter."

“Maybe Ba'al would be happy to have you, Novae. But not without a trade. I need a force user on my team, already. They'd have been able to tell from the start it was just some idiot like you,” he grunts. He checks over his shoulder to see he was free from the sight of the kids before dropping Casa Nova roughly to the ground. “You walk from here, runt.”

"Awww... you are definitely no fun." Novae whines and sighs. "And my apologies but all I remember of the woman I stole the lightsaber from... one moment." He reached inside his clothes and came out with the saber hilt, handing it to Leonis. "Was that she was somewhat cute, you see I was hiding from a Herglic who apparently was under the ridiculous notion I had slept with his wife! Imagine me, a small squib, sleeping with a large Herglic female!" He shook his head as if it was a silly idea. "So tell me, this Ba'al, where is she and where can I meet her?"

Leonis removes his helmet, scratching through his hair. “Eh, only had one message from her for awhile yet. Apparently she was heading to the Nova Retreat?” He shrugs and looks over his shoulder as his ships began to load up. “I suppose we could change course and head that way. It's been a bit since I saw how she was faring.”

Leonis kept a hold on the scruff of Casa Nova's jacket and when he returned to his men he noticed the odd looks they were giving him and he looked at his 'prisoner' and was in for quite a surprise, he was still holding the jacket of the squib.... but he was no longer wearing it, a inflatable copy of Casa Nova was wearing the jacket instead, along with a taped on piece of paper that read the following:

'Forgive me for these hastily written words but I feel no desire to travel with you, I have heard of this Nova Retreat and it's wonderful casinos and hospitality to guests. I shall get to my own means of transportation and meet this Ba'al there myself, do not worry, I shall let you hear from me very soon.

PS, my thanks for the credits in your pocket, I shall put them to good use.'

Leonis sighs and tosses the jacket to one of the bloodhunters, “We're heading to the Nova Retreat, boys.”