Fallenreaper

Mass Effect: The Face of Injustice

Sorry for the length but much of it is dialogue and summarizes the others up to her point. I need to stop waiting so long to post from now on. XD

Mass Effect: The Face of Injustice

Raa listened to Solares. She was still fiddling with the helmet he had passed her earlier as she tore out the ear piece, then inserted it into her inner ear. This allowed her to still hear the others without requiring the now useless and suffocating bulk, the air mask bit unrepairable. Her eyes tightened in her studying of his visor, her mind trying to determine if her gut was screaming liar. Sadly she failed, her vision unable to look past the darkened face piece and see his expression accurately. His body language was also hidden since she was currently being carried in his arms. His pace was slow and casual, keeping within the civilian group they were assigned to, while still tracking the Turian cabalists up ahead. His pace seemed off in the back of Raa’s mind but it could’ve been her stress from recent events. After all, according to Solares she was on the brink of temporary exhaustion period and that would likely affect her mind as well. At mention of a party, Raa smiled, a giggle starting up. “You need to ask your wife, Aviza, before you go partying all night. Else she’ll show you the meaning of pain if I recall the last time you had a wild party without informing her. “

Raa recalled Aviza’s last reaction to both Voira and Solares, the only one she wasn’t mad at was the younger Quarian. Thinking of Voira, Raa’s eyes shifted to view the Asari’s back. Naturally Voira had drawn her assault rifle and pulled to the group rear to lead the diplomats and civilians. Her eyes darted from end of the path to the other, seeking out potential threats, all the while keeping a steady pace between them. Something seemed to have upset her but Raa said nothing. She didn’t want to risk making the Asari’s mood worse, despite how much she wanted to ease over the hurt feelings. Of course Raa hadn’t heard the conversation RK and Voira had while she looked questioningly at the Asari’s relaxing posture shining through.

They continued down the lengthy hallway, drawing closer to their destination: the ship bay. A Turian, an officer under Sura’s command, had edged out of his hiding place and was immediately embraced by his commander. She naturally scolded him much in a way Raa knew Voira scolded her when she did something stupid. Tenderly and firmly. While the two exchanged information, Raa leaned into Solares’s shoulder to let her own emotions settle knowing they were likely to be out of this nightmare shortly. Sura had just moved to the open doorway, when a human voice popped up when Raa listened to Solares’ reply. The Qaurian blinked in confusion, until she realized the source and who it might’ve been. Gently she pushed her earpiece and listened to the information. She was relieved someone else was alive, her mind still rattled from the hostages being executed though she never saw or heard any of it, while she absorbed it.

"My group will provide covering fire and barriers as needed. We need to clear a safe path to the shuttle and eliminate any threat near it. Killing the hostiles in the areas is not our objective: Do it as we must, but we're not here to save the station. If any of you are injured, come see our medic immediately. We have plenty of Medigel and other supplies to ensure that you get out of here alive."

When the voice paused, a 3D map popped up on her Omnitool. Raa stared at wonder over the model, knowing it pretty well, as she couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. Though she knew she shouldn’t because of the danger and hostile threat baring down the smaller group. At any moment they could die and Raa still got excited over a ship. If she wasn’t distracted, then Quarian might’ve considered slapping herself for the silliness. Her mind returned to the mention of medical supplies and she couldn’t wondering outloud. “I wonder if they have immunoboosters I could use to keep my sickness at bay a little longer. It might help me later and prolong my collapse.”

The voice continued. "If there are any of you with stealth capabilities we'd like to you sneak in and get into position to attack the enemy from behind. Preferably any of those who are near the shuttle. Those with defensive capabilities I would suggest you stay with the VIP's to ensure their protection. Everyone else we need to shut down the enemy and prevent them from destroying the shuttle. I don't care how you do it. Any questions?"

Raa looked to Solares, and smiled sheepishly .She had shut off her ear piece then added what she knew. “Voira had me download a tactical cloak to hide. I can try to get into the-”

Anything else was lost when Sura’s reply caught Raa’s attention.

"No offense lady but you and your crew bailed on us earlier trying to save your own skin. You tell your people to get out here with your diplomat and to join the rest of the group. We are a cabal with the Turian military and per the treaty BOTH of our governments signed after the reaper war I outrank you. The plan is solid but me and my people train for these types of breaching scenarios. Give me Donny and we'll clear a path for you all. If you attempt to leave without us again you will be considered enemies of the Turian state and her clients. If we have an understanding let's go." Sura replied to the offered up plan, leaving the Quarian uneased at the tone and tension thickening among the group.

Even her squad seemed a little shocked she had pointedly threatened the humans and demanding Donny’s assistance. She knew conflict and stress wasn’t going to help anyone. The one Turian that had nearly caused Raa to be shot gave one of his companions a look and received a mouthed phrased in exchange, showing Raa how uncharacteristic this was of their leader. Seemingly not through, Sura turned on her heel then barked more orders. "We're doing a standard room clear here. Numso and Cactus, drop anyone with ranged weapons first. Everyone else, provide support and stay grouped and use your biotics to reach out and touch the bastards with the wrath of the spirit. Diplomats and Raa stay behind the spear and you'll make it out. If you panic and run away I cannot guarantee your safety. Are we clear?"

The other Turians bellowed out a ‘Yessir” as they scrambled to obey. Raa nodded, though she wasn’t sure how well she would do. Guns firing was one thing but watching people dying was another. She turned to Solares and smiled, adding her confidence into her next words. “I think I can walk now. The Turian diplomat will need help running and she falls behind, she’ll drag others with her.”

Plans seemed to change when Avatar spoke up. "Alert: a standard attack is not advisable. The probability that enemy forces are creating an ambush is approximately 96%. The Human pilots of the shuttle are still alive, and the shuttle has not been breached, but enemy forces are likely capable of doing so at any time, either with a security override, or explosives. Since they have not, it is probable they intended to use the shuttle as a lure for those who survived the initial ambush. Therefore, they will expect us to attempt to return to it. I recommend executing a non-standard plan of attack to confuse the defenders."

Still insisting on his plan, he pulled up a map of the room based off camera recordings, to show of his suggestion in a visual manner. Raa’s eyes were fixed on the image though she knew she wouldn’t be needed. "The station VI has erased most of the virus I uploaded into the station's systems, but there is one file of consequence remaining which I concealed in the systems. When activated, it will divert all power in the airlocks towards emergency lighting, which will deactivate the primary lights, and overload the emergency lights. Are any combat personnel incapable of low-light vision?"

“I think Solares has low-light vision.” Raa spoke out loud, recalling some of the trouble they were in and his keen eyes.

Coruscant Sacked: Aftermath

<Snipped quote by OP>

Sish may or may not have had something to do with that.

Whose SIsh you ask?

Join the RP and find out! He's cuddly and friendly!

@Rtron

Hint: His weakness is cute and cuddly bunnies!!!

Mass Effect: The Face of Injustice

<Snipped quote by EliteCommander>

*Looks at the layout.*

Yep. Cabalists can go first.

@Rtron

We all know Raa isn't going first...

Mass Effect: The Face of Injustice

I made a basic layout of the airlock: http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=137184

We're entering from the bottom, and can go through either of the two doors. There are also two doors in the upper left, but they go to hallways that would take a long time to get to if you wanted to go around and try to enter through there. The airlocks themselves are the three doors in the upper right. There would of course be consoles over there controlling them. The grass patches are plant decorations that are surrounded with waist high fences. They would provide visual cover, but of course would not stop bullets. The grey tiles are a recessed lounge area a bit lower than the rest of the room. There are chairs, couches, video screens, and a bunch of other stuff that isn't really important to us right now. The small walls I've scattered around mark the locations of cover that the enemy has set up. There are hostiles all around the room, but many are in defensive positions in those general areas. The room itself is a pretty large one, one that would be designed for a lot of people to pass through it.

@EliteCommander

I'll have a reply up here tonight as I need to get some things done as well as give my computer a break between this. >_>

Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG (Closed)

@Fallenreaper Don't know if you saw yet, but I posted a reply for you.

@EnterTheHero

I know, and thanks. Currently trying to give @Tearstone a chance to get involved but if I don't see a post from him by the end of the week, we'll turn this into a collab.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

Jarkel Tharscalera, the Scorched Land’s rightful Emperor’s selected diplomat, stood across the room. The whole time he could feel the heat of the opposing official glaring into his back and caused his wings to fold defensively about himself. It didn’t help he was distinctly aware, due to the examination, that he was much smaller and thinner compared to many of his kin. Some would say he was the runt in the race litter. He stood just barely six and a half foot high, his scales black and wings slightly tattered from his experience with both protecting his cart and bartering attempts gone horribly wrong.

It didn’t help his image gave off an ambiance that cried sneaky and snake in many co-trader’s eyes. This alone made cooperation greatly difficult without others judging him or second guessing how others he worked with felt, his mind lingered upon the white Eysire youth. She had pure white scale color with a narrow snout and two straight horns pointed from her skull, and wings thin and over double the width of most Esyire’s commonly was. She was currently conversing with the Eania diplomat while Jarkel was mentally bracing for his with the Djarkel’s. Though as reliable source before arriving, Jarkel had learned about the nation’s troubles. Personally, he knew there were various troubles throughout Tiien, many he learned first hand as a merchant, as he felt their chances of gaining favor with the college over the Chieftain’s was pretty slim at best.

Though his mission was strictly to better the Emperor’s own chances at ruling the Scorched Lands, his secondary object was to gain allies through the various diplomat’s troubles. After all, the college wouldn’t and couldn't handle everyone’s problems and in that truth, there was an opportunity to have been made. A chance to gain allies should the school become their worst enemy in the upcoming future.

The mage college might’ve been able to stay neutral, even create a working relationship out with Eania and Djarkel, but the Emperor had made it clear to every single of his followers: When it came to the Scorched Lands future… anyone who was against it, would one day become an enemy. To ignore that fact was a risk to everything they had come to work for.

It didn’t help faith in the College, by all the nations, had been shaken thanks to the last Opening Feast. He, like many others, had heard about the demon attack during the opening feast. How easily their loyalty quickly dissolved to the current demonomancer teacher and they ended up turning on the very students, ones they were assigned to defend. Among those thoughts, he couldn’t help but noting the strange absence of the headmaster Khan Jevarath. Was this Esyire, a powerful and favorite of the archmage Ovak, really as badly injured as he was lead to believe? The consideration was unsettling to anyone. The possibly was only concreted farther by the fact the archmage was up and walking around, many believed he was on his death bed due to his disappearance a few years back. Shock was the first among many other emotions that swam within his and likely other diplomats’ heads, their curiosity ignited by the appearance.

It was then he noticed another Esyire, the same blood school as himself, approached him. Jarkel, briefly out of habit, considered drawing his hefty axe from his waist back but resisted. He preferred to use his tongue instead of his blade since it was far more useful and sharper. Jarkel paused long enough for the Esyire to catch up to his position then bowed his head in custom greeting, followed by his name. “Jarkel Tharscalera.”

Just as he had done with the first diplomat, Ssarak approached the Emperor's representative with a respectful, polite posture. The representative was notably small, moreso than even the Esyire woman with him. His scales marked him as having Lues mageblood, which, for many, was enough to generate distrust. Of course, Ssarak obviously did not hold such a prejudice. Once the diplomat greeted him, he returned the bow. "Ssarak Dyreackthanose. A pleasure to meet you. You are the representative of the Emperor, correct?" He asked, his tone not suggesting that he held any negative opinion towards this Emperor.

Jarkel chose his words well, each one was slick with caution, and due to his experience held little reason for suspicion. He wasn’t here as an enemy of the College unless they intended to make him one. Sadly, he wasn’t eager to be attacked verbally or physically by another who didn’t line up with his views. “You’re either a follower, recent citizen of the Scorched Lands or have been talking with the so called ‘Scorched Lands’ diplomat. I’m leaning to the last one myself. So, my only question now is why the curiosity, Mr. Dyreackthanose? Forgive the rather blunt statements but few Esyires tend to approach me out of good will. It’s often a desire to insult, provoke, or satisfy a need to extend their knowledge. As you can guess, only one of those reasons ever end well for me. Which is yours?”

If the Esyire was intending on any of the negative reasons and pushed for a result that aligned with it, Jarkel intended to put the matter to rest. One way or another, even if the chance to ally with the college was lost.

Inwardly, Ssarak was not certain of what he would think about this Emperor, or his representative. He had heard the other diplomat's case against him, and had went along with it, but he knew it would be foolish to make a judgment before hearing both sides. However, he did have his worries. Namely the fact that this Emperor had risen so suddenly, and intended to rule the Scorched Lands as a sole leader. If those were true, then for Ssarak, it would cast doubt on any of his other goals. Jarkel himself seemed to be blunt, but reasonably polite. Although, given that he was of Lues mageblood, Ssarak made sure to keep his wards strong.

"I understand. I can see how many would be far from polite to someone in your position." Ssarak responded. "I confess, I was speaking to the other diplomat. I have been living away from the Scorched Lands for several years now, so I have been unaware of the events that have transpired in that time. I simply want to know more about the Emperor, and what he stands for. The Jev gave me his case and, as you would expect, it was not complimentary. I wish to hear your side. I have heard that the Emperor is challenging our traditions, which...intrigues me." He explained. Given that Ssarak was a younger individual, he hoped to establish himself as one who could be dissatisfied with the traditions of the older generations, which was precisely the kind of person the Emperor seemed to be recruiting.

“Naturally I wouldn’t expect anything different from those who are against our views. It’s part of the reason the Emperor wanted to send another to represent our views and become acknowledged as an independent power, one that might one day overthrow its oppressors.” Jarkel said, his arms crossed over his narrow chest. He studied the Esyire, mentally determining Ssarak’s age by several factors from battle damage to no fading luster in his scales. In Jarkel’s mind it put Ssarak at about somewhere in his twenties or earlier thirties at oldest, his hand gestured for Ssark to take a seat. Thankfully many chairs were made for the Esyire structure and it made telling a lengthy explanation easier.

When Ssarak sat down, Jarkel continued. “The Emperor is a powerful Esyire that just appeared from the wilderness one day. how he managed to survive is a mystery as few Esyire ever venture there to explore it. Slowly he made his way to Felldor with claims to an ancient bloodline and a right to the throne. Sadly, there’s no proof since the bloodline was believed wiped out centuries ago. The last child, heir of the chieftain that started the Esyire government, was believed tossed over a cliff side and was never found. His body believed consumed by the elements and wildlife. The strange part is that the Emperor knew much of the story details that few ever knew, he even looks like the chieftain with the same yellow-gold plates, magic and more. He claims the Esyire government has turned from its people and its origins, stolen by the clan’s ancestors long ago.

He wants to eliminate the neutrality we have in Tiien, because we can’t reap the benefits of allies and trade without risking ourselves. The perks are worth the pay off in the end as long as we come to a mutual agreement. The Emperor truly believes we can. In addition, all clans will be unified and able to practice any skills they feel is suitable for them. Not just the trade they were born into. It’s miserable to see a child fail at his or her destined trade. They are viewed with low expectations, disgusts and worse which makes uniting the clans all the more important. It eliminates that distrust and increase respect.

Other negativity is that the government takes far too long to establish laws, action and more when given the task by their civilians. They don’t get what needs to be required done. However, with the right leader, choices could be simply be made in weeks instead of months. Defenses established in week of an attack instead of the clan nearly being wiped out in the next week or longer. Long before the troops were ever sent out… Think how how many would be saved a cruel in that time saved alone? However, the currently running electives are afraid their influence would be lost among the Emperor’s rule and deny this option before ever considering it. They never once sat down to vote upon it as I witnessed it myself. They merely spat in my muzzle and escorted me out the gates, telling me to never come back to the capital again.”

Ssarak listened in silence to Jarkel's emotionally charged speech. He was either quite passionate about his Emperor, or skilled in acting. He could see the appeal of many of the points that Jarkel described, particularly in combining clans and seeking to work with allies. With the rising demon threat in Tien, the Esyire would need to work with the other races, for everyone's sake. However, some of the details about the Emperor immediately raised some suspicion in Ssarak's mind. Even Jarkel admitted that the Emperor arrived seemingly from nowhere, and he wished to rule as a singular leader. Ssarak could easily believe that the Jev diplomat would make the Emperor out to be worse than he actually was, both of those points were suspicious on their own. Regardless, he needed to appear supportive in order to gain Jarkel’s confidence.

”I see, so he is challenging the traditions. It is not a…comfortable goal, and I wish it were not necessary, but my time here makes me fear that it will be. The demon attack last year, I lived through it. I saw the sheer power that those demons held. Had they attacked anywhere else in Tien, I have no doubt they would have succeeded. This college, as strange as it may seem, is now perhaps the safest place in Tien against those demons, as its leaders have prepared against future attacks. But, more to the point, I fear those demons are a threat to far more than just the college. The largest of the creatures that day could have ravaged all of Tien on its own. Chaos has arisen all across the continent, and all at once, which has weakened our ability to fight back. It all seems too convenient for it to be unrelated. The Esyire will need to join together with our allies to face this foe, or we will be destroyed. ” Ssarak explained. He was curious what the diplomat would say about the threat of the demons, and if this Emperor was aware of it.

Jarkel examined Ssarak for lies, noting the earnest expression and then lowered his own head. His arms rested on his bent knees when he spoke kindly, a tint of hope in his voice.

“That is why the clans need to be united, so they can be stronger. Else they all crumble until no one is left, save the demons. The Emperor’s theory is a phenomena is happening and the Veil weakening, explaining the increase of demonic activity over the years. It will only grow worse if we are still divided. However, we have no clue as to the reason why. It could the numerous demonomancers or abuse to the world, even the gods themselves." He took a breath, his hand reached up to scratch his scaly under chin and his words were flowing again. "No one can know for sure. In addition to seeking aid from the college, purely for that reason you pointed out, I’m suppose to make contact with Djarkel, Eania and any other nation officials that are willing to help. You know these massive outbreaks aren’t just happening in the Scorched Lands but everywhere. The College, as powerful as it is, can’t handle all their needs. I already aim to plan a meeting date to have the Djarkel official meet with the Emperor. Hopefully, with the right persuasion, a possible pact between the Esyire’s aligned under the Emperor and Djarkel can be made. If we help them in their time of need then they might be willing to help us to reclaim our homeland.”

Ssarak nodded in understanding, being sure to show his interest, particularly on the points of making aliances with Djarkel and Eania. Even Ssarak had to admit that, with the threat of the demons looming over Tien, the idea of a war leader for the Esyire was appealing. After all, it would not matter what kind of government the Esyire had if they were destroyed by a demonic invasion. However, he still had to keep in mind the possibility that this Emperor had been influenced by these demons. "It is comforting to know that there are others in Tien who recognize the threat of the demons. However, just like the college, many of the other nations are facing their own struggles, and understandably, they will likely be concerned with their own stability before that of other nations. But, at least the attempt is being made. Tien will be stronger if it can stand together."

It was not greatly difficult for Ssarak to remain convincing, as there was truth to what he said. Whether or not the Emperor should be the one to lead the Esyire, it was likely they would need to make alliances outside of their homeland. ”At any rate, I do have other questions regarding claims I heard about the Emperor; concerns that you may be able to address. As the sole leader, the Emperor would be able to effectively make decisions in the coming war, but having a single, unrestricted leader could invite tyranny. I have heard that the Emperor is incredibly powerful, greatly capable, but not immortal. He may be able to handle the burden of power, but it is possible his successors could be unworthy of the position and cause harm for the Esyire. How would the Emperor address those concerns?” He questioned, making sure his tone was inquisitive instead of accusatory.

“Indeed. The Emperor figured if we were first willing to lend a hand over our own needs, than we might secure an ally in either Djarkel or Eania. Which if everything goes well, they will aid us in gaining control of the Scorched Lands. They can cut off supply routes, trade and more to cripple their forces and allow us to overwhelm them with less bloodshed.” Jarkel calmly said with a hint of coldness, adding a bit to the end. “The Emperor is patient enough to wait for his rightful place until his allies’ issues are primarily sorted out and when they are able to aid us of course.”

He paused to listen to Ssarak’s inquiry, chuckling as he knew they had already settled that issue. “It’s rather simple. A child, made from his own and another worthy bloodline, would be raised into the role. Isolated from the more negative influences, he or she would be fully able to rule correctly over the Scorched Lands. All youths reflect their parentage and nature through how they were raised. By controlling these factors, the child will grow up into the ideal ruler every time. This is a fact you, yourself, can vouch for because I can see you’re a fine warrior but imagine if your own history was altered. Instead of being raised a warrior, you were a merchant or scroll born, would your skill set and behavior still be that of a warrior? A leader’s teachings as well as his blood will affect greatly how he serves the people. Though if a child proves unworthy, or fails expectations, the throne can be passed through civilian minority vote to the next candidate. Each of the Emperor’s lineage will be expected to bear many heirs for this reason alone. One of them is likely to be an ideal fit.”

Jarkel's answer to Ssarak's question was not a strong one, though he did not intend to let him know of that opinion. Expecting to be able to raise children perfectly, for generation after generation, was not something Ssarak felt was possible. And, if he had many heirs, then that would invite the possibility of future civil wars, since there would be multiple claims to the throne. But, Ssarak had his answer to that question, so he could move on to the next. Forging alliances was something that would likely be necessary in the future, but to do so to the extent that the Emperor seemed to intend could cause problems.

"I see, it is good that he has considered the problem. Succession is a...dangerous issue for any government. Incompetent or malicious leaders can destroy a society. I am curious about these alliances, though. It does not seem possible to forge a military alliance with both Djarkel and Eania, given their hatred for one another. If we make an alliance with only one, would that not require us to enter their war as well?" Ssarak questioned.

Jarkel's eyebrow raised, his expression stated he knew the obvious answer as his next statement proved it. "Yes, but no alliance is without risk. Eliminating either Eania or Djarkel might be a sacrifice that is required. Currently their war doesn't benefit anyone, even themselves, and getting them to stop isn't possible either. They have been fighting a war for so long, there's little else they can accept now. Unless you're expecting a miracle,anyone trying to convince those two nations to cooperate and 'play' well together will find that task impossible. If you don't believe me then I suggest you talk and see where your words lead you."

He sighed in reaction to his bitter, but truthful words. He continued with a calm passion though he truly believed this was the best course of action. "Without allies, we'll risk being wiped out by the demons or worse, our own nation. The Chieftain will not allow us to exist because we put at risk what he sees to be important. Survival should hold more values than our past, yet he can't see that. Blind to it."

"I wish there were another way." Ssarak responded, turning his head to the side and letting out a sigh. "But, the world does not bend to our wishes, not unless we make it. I agree that the Esyire will have to change; it is unavoidable. These demons are going to force the change, no matter what we think about it. I will be honest with you, I do not know if the Emperor's solutions are perfect. I do not know if there is a such thing as a perfect solution. But...we have to do something. This threat is not like anything we have faced, and we will not be able to approach it as we have other challenges in the past. I want to help my people. I want to help the Esyire in any way I can. Although, from here at the college, I am not sure what I can do. I am only a student here, and while I have been of service to the college, it is not as if I can control who they aid. Still, there might be something I can do from my position here. If a student of the college wished to help you, what would you advise they do?" Ssarak asked. He elected to not show absolute support for all of the Emperor's policies and intentions in order to make his reaction seem more believable. Instead, he decided to show that he had some reservations about aspects of the Emperor's beliefs, but was willing to help regardless. Someone who simply agreed with everything Jarkel said might be considered more likely to be lying.

"No one's solutions are perfect." Jarkel admited in earnest, his tone calm and friendly. Even he knew the flaws and dangers in such an alliance but in his trade, there wasn't a gain without a risk or loss. One couldn't learn if they refused to change their approach. This was true in all aspects in life, and a fact the old government in the Scorched Lands refused to accept. "We can only attempt it and try to adapt as we move forward in the end. However, refusing to do that will only result in death and I can't bare to see that for the Esyires."

At the mention of wanting to help with the college, Jarkel studied him closer. "I assure you, any little mention or nudge will add up in the end. Until the College becomes our enemy by joining our enemies, we don't intend to give up parleying for support. However, if you can inform of us should the College swing one way or the other, it would be appreciated. I would hate for the Emperor's and my own continual effort to remain as nothing more than a waste of energy. If the College decides to support the Scorched Lands Chieftain than we have altered plans to deal with those complications should they come to pass. Is there anything else you like to be enlightened about?"

Ssarak shook his head. "No, I do not believe so. If a question comes to me later, I may ask, but only if you are not busy with other matters. I would not wish to interrupt you during negotiations, after all. And, I will tell you if I learn anything of interest. Though...actually, I do have one question. If the College does elect to aid the Chieftain, what would the Emperor do in response, and what would it mean for Esyire students here, such as myself and the Vitamancer with you? The student of the Jev diplomat informed me she was here to be a student as well."

Jarkel's eyes shifted away, his face unreadable for the first time within the whole conversation. He looked upon the Vitamancer, his eyes settled there for several minutes until finally he returned to Ssarak's. "Something is ready in the even we are forced to fight the College, something the Emperor suggested. We can't allow a threat as large as the College to become an object in our way to save the world and ourselves. It's a saddening fact if they chose to go against us but one we've not ignored. However, the details aren't an issue in the least. All Esyire students will be recalled before the plans are implicated."

Depression seemed to seep into his posture, his thoughts turned inward at knowing the vitamancer's orders. He feverishly hoped she would never have to put them into motion or the rune to prevent the Psychomancers from interfering in the steps to carry it out. It might end up costing her life during the plan but it woudl heavily cripple the College, stalling their threat and aid to their enemies. It was something Jarkel hated to be have been resorted to in the end for change.

"I...understand. I will not ignore the request to recall in the event it is given. I thank you for the warning." Ssarak said after a brief moment to think. His tone was similar to that of Jarkel, as it was natural for the direction the conversation had taken. Evidently, Ssarak's presentation of himself had been convincing for the diplomat to admit having such a plan. Although, it did make sense that Jarkel would expect an Esyire to have greater loyalty to the Scorched Lands than the College. Indeed, that was not far from the truth, as Ssarak did greatly care about his people, but he differed in what he believed would be best for them. "Although, what would happen if the College does not agree to a specific alliance with the Emperor, but also does not ally with the Chieften? If they remain neutral in our fight? The College does have a history of not choosing sides in conflicts between nations, and, as you said, it is quite powerful. That power would be useful in the fight against the demons, and in that fight, everyone in Tiien would be on the same side."

"I pray they know neutrality isn't option. In the past, they might've managed it but I doubt it will last. At some point, either Eania or Djarkel, someone will push for them to chose a side and they should be careful which side they pick. Because if they still insist on being isolated from the rest of Tiien than they will burn, no one will want a single power like the College to become a future threat to them." Jarkel's tone was heavy and warning, his head bowed when he was forced to deliver the message of warning. "Then, at least, Tiien will have a common enemy."

I do not like to admit it, but I do fear you are correct." Ssarak responded, his tone once again matching Jarkel's, but this time it required no acting. The diplomat's words were much more likely to be true than Ssarak would have liked. "The world...it seems to be reaching a pivotal moment. With chaos arising across Tiien, and the threat of demons looming over us, no one will be untouched by this. Who is to say who will remain standing after all of this is over? I suppose all there is for me is to do what I can to ensure that the Esyire are among them. Thank you for your time."

"I wish you good luck, Ssarak Dyreackthanose. With your history, you'll need it." Jarkel stated calmly than rose from his seat to continue his command and back up plot.

Coruscant Sacked: Aftermath

Jedi Prisoner it is then xD I might do a rescuer at a later date if possible.

@Chev

Multiple PCs are welcomed as long as you can handle them.

Coruscant Sacked: Aftermath

Is this RP still accepting? I'm out of town till tomorrow evening but if you are still accepting I could work on a character.

@Chev

Yes we are hun, namely due to Players dropping because of RL issues mostly. In fact we always accept Jedi Prisoners even when it looks like we're full because they are a key aspect of the rp. Ironically, we just put out an Int. Chk for new Players. Our main needs are Jedi Prisoners, followed by Jedi Rescuers, and if we managed to get a good number for those groups than we will be willing to accept more Sith characters as well.

Coruscant Sacked: Aftermath

~| Day 2, 01:03 - 01:25 GST |~
~|Kaggath - Sith Quarters: Zanna and Jayda|~

Zanna woke up immediately to the sounds of someone moving about in the room. Opening her eyes, one hand already going to her lightsaber, she saw it was Jayda. Slowly getting up and moving about. Damn the Zabrak and their pride. She thought wearily, considering just letting Jayda go. But she knew she couldn’t just risk Jayda pushing herself too far. Sitting up she spoke softly, watching the Zabrak. “You really shouldn’t be standing after losing that much blood. Much less preparing to go wherever you plan to go. You can barely stand, by the Force. It’s not a sign of weakness to realize your limits and to know when you need to rest and when you need to push yourself.”

Jayda was shivering, inside and out, her mind drenched in more questions than her body covered in sweat. It was poisoning her. All thanks to Sish, she needed to collect and calm her mind, there was only one thing that give her peace. Movement mediation, physically gathering her conflicting emotions then storing them away for another time.

The only problem was her body was failing to obey. Jayda's body stumbled a bit and immediately her hand came out, steadying herself against the bed fame. Her knuckles were pure white in their grip when she heard Zanna's voice ring out nearby. The Zabrak's head turned to spot the Red Sith sitting upon another cot, her body postured in a nonthreatening manner, as her legs settled over the edge and used it like a chair. It was then that Jayda's eyes drifted downward. She glimpsed the makeshift patches and blue traces of the goo lining the uncovered wounds, realizing slowly what had occurred.

Jayda edged from the bed frame towards Zanna. "I've suffered much worse from him. At least this time, I wasn't left hanging on the Kashyyyk forest floor."

She closed her eyes, fighting the edging vertigo, as she added. "Now why are you here?"

“Congratulations. The only problem is, this isn’t Kashyyyk. You’re in your room with someone who doesn’t want to kill you. I think you can afford to stop pushing yourself. Blood loss isn’t helpful, and I suspect that some of the other Sith will take Nyiss’s relaxation of the rules as ‘open season.’ If you walk out there, they’ll smell blood in the water. And when the swarm you, how will you kill him then?” Zanna replied, eyeing Jayda’s state. I could kill her now.

“We had an agreement, remember? I get to sleep in your room and not have to worry about people stabbing me in the spine, you train me in lightsaber combat, and I teach you how to better use the Force. Besides, I overheard Sish’s...lesson to you, and got a little too close. After Sish left, I managed to actually apply helpful goo to your wounds rather than leaving them to their own devices. Then I went to sleep. If you had died, then who would have taught me lightsaber combat and not killed me?”

"You should never had gotten close. You're lucky he didn't do much worse." Jayda growled as she noted the patch over Zanna's cheek.

Her eyes lingered over the likely to scar injury before her vision became blurry and she closed her lids, her stomach curled. Immediately her balance tilted backwards causing her arm to whip out and catch herself, stopping her path to plant her face into the floor. Knees threatened to give out from under her making her hiss internally at the weakness being shown. She knew if Sish been present, he would've sent her through a wall because of this.

She huddled out a sarcastic reply. "The trouble can't be worth teaching a simple lightsaber combat. You would've gotten sloppy if you managed to end up in having to engage someone."

“I’m well aware how lucky I am.” Zanna gave a slight smile, before her eyes widened with alarm and she shot to her feet as Jayda nearly hit the ground. “By the Force Jayda swallow your pride and get back in bed.” Zanna took a careful two steps towards her, ready to catch the Zabrak should she fall again. And here I thought pride would have been weeded out under Sish. The Red Sith couldn’t help a slight chuckle at the sarcastic reply. “I have a weakness. One of these days this weakness is going to kill me. You’re the only one I trust to not kill me while helping me fix this weakness, because you need me to help you fix your weakness. So yes, the trouble is worth it. I like living.”

"Then why encourage it? How, for complete certainty, can you so sure I won’t kill you one day? I won’t get tired of trying to overcome your weakness then end your life in a sparring accident?" Jayda hissed out, her mind trying to right herself. Her voice sounded strained with a mixture of anger and pain.

“I don’t. But I do know you don’t like your weaknesses. And I do know that I can beat you through your weakness, and you know it too. Any ‘accidents’ I’ll be able to stop with my own Force.” Zanna retorted.

Damn it… She internally cursed, feeling her lids become heavy, as her knees began to wobble underneath her. Her fingers tightened their grip to steady herself, determined to manage her own weakness, baring her teeth through it. All the time she continued to ignore Zanna’s reasoning. She wasn’t about to let Sish’s damage win and her mind was too stubborn to merely give up, her feet instinctively inching toward the door. Her emotions swirled in a chaotic energy about her thoughts causing her no sense of peace or control. All she got from it was pure, unmanageable rage at the thought he might win.

At seeing the movement outside her vision corner, Jayda’s hand jerked upward. A surprisingly powerful force energy caught the fellow apprentice’s figure and pushed her back a few feet, the Zabrak casting a warning glare in the Red Sith’s direction. Her voice was thick with leashed anger when she warned Zanna off. “Don’t push me… he’s not won yet. And this...energy isn’t for you, so make me use it.”

Zanna skidded back before her own Force came up and pushed back. Her eyes were wide with surprise, but she merely prepared herself better. She wasn’t going to let the damn Zabrak get herself killed because of stubborn pride. She tried a different tactic.

“The Zabrak are a warrior race, right? Warriors know when they need to rest, and when they need to push themselves. When you’re tired, you push yourself. When you’re sore, you push yourself. When you’re about to fall over and can barely walk without falling you rest. Think Jayda. You’re smarter than him. Stop thinking like a brute and start thinking like a warrior. If you push yourself like this, unnecessarily, you’re liable to kill yourself. And then where will you be?”

Jayda refused to let herself fall. Though her knees were clearly about to give and her bitterness clawing at her mind, needing an outlet she was being refused. Zanna didn’t understand she couldn’t take the mellow or relaxed form of mediation. Her fingers dug into the bedside and pulled herself upright, her legs twisted into water within while threatening to bring her back down. “I might be smarter but that hasn’t done me much good. It didn’t in Tattooine and it hasn’t here. Besides, you don’t understand and I don’t need your help.”

The Zabrak took another step toward the door against Zanna’s advice.

Zanna took a step, before rolling her eyes in exasperation and pausing. She didn’t want to fight the Zabrak, certainly not in as a public manner as the rage wafting off of her would seem to suggest. “You’re right. I don’t understand Jayda. But that’s because you haven’t told me anything.” Her mind stored that Tattooine was significant away for later, as she continued. “Everyone needs help at times. It’s one of the Sith’s faults, that we are so ambitious, so solitary that we often can’t trust each other beyond mutual hate. At the very least do whatever you plan to do here. That way, your weakness won’t be there for everyone and their friends to see, and I’ll be able to help you should you collapse. Fair?"

"Even if you knew, it won't make a damn difference...unless you can use it or it benefits you. Neither it will do.” Jayda growled.

She foolishly tried to increase her pace only to have her knee immediately give out and pulled her attention to her sudden drop. The knee hit the ground hard, sending pain into her focus, causing her to bit back a cry. She was hanging by her arm now and unable to get back up. One of the bandages had started to drown itself in red, clearly ripped open again by the her recklessness. Jayda reached her hand to stifle the leak as she gently lowered herself to the floor.

Zanna sighed, walking carefully towards Jayda. “You’re barely going to make it outside the door. Much less to where ever your going. I’m already well aware you’re about as threatening as a child right now. I won’t do anything to take advantage of it. But the other Sith don’t have anything to keep them in check. You think Jakali won’t use this? Or the other human? Lord Jewel? Stay here and do whatever you need to, but think for a moment and realize you’re only making your situation worse by going outside.”

Jayda’s head whipped up, her eyes narrowed and teeth bared in a low growl. Her nose snorted at the mention of Jakali, knowing he would no longer be trouble to anyone, her arm tensed while she gently edged into her bed. Her other hand feeling the wetness seep into her hand and lowered her gaze to see the damage. Her palm was stained red from her own blood. The bandage had already started to peel away and come loose into her hand, the wound still tinted blue. She slowed her breath, careful not to slip into a meditative state, when she tried to stop the wound’s bleeding. “Unless Jakali could come back from the dead, he can’t harm anyone. You were lucky to escape Sish because he ended up taking his wrath out on me before he got to you and killed the foolish apprentice. “

Zanna blinked, her only physical reaction to the news of Jakali’s death. Mentally, she was ticking off another enemy killed and removing him from consideration of her plans. “He wasn’t careful enough around a Sith Lord.” Zanna said simply. “I was.”

The Zabrak clutched her hand tightly to her side to ease her wound’s bleeding. Knowing she was losing more by the minute, her “Shit…”

The Red Sith raised an eyebrow, sarcasm entering her voice. “Oh, have you finally realized walking around and reopening your wounds is a bad idea? And here I thought you were going to ignore all those pesky and annoying things, like blood loss and your distinct lack of being in any condition to do anything, in favor of sheer stubbornness.” Zanna held up her hands, and the nearly empty jar of blue goo flew into one while bandages flew into the other.

“Shall I or can you do it yourself?”

“I can do it myself.” Jayda nearly snapped, her tongue held back as she tried to rise upright.

The attempt failed like the others. Her foot crumbled underneath her and the zabrak knee hit the bed frame, bring a sharp pain for her trouble when she slammed into the floor. It hurt like hell. Her hand, covered in blood, reached out to stop her and all it managed was a bloody smear on the mattress’ surface. She was down on her back and breathing harder, unable to purge her mind of the dizziness. Not the best place to be in when she was this weak, her instincts screamed at her, as she tried to rise back up.

Zanna sat crosslegged across from Jayda, sliding over both the bandage and the blue goo to the Zabrak with the Force. She didn’t want to get too close to Jayda when she was dizzy and liable to lash out at anything. Now that she was certain Jayda wasn’t going anywhere to do anything stupid, she felt a slight amusement at the Zabrak’s struggles. How many times will that happen, I wonder, before she gives up? Zanna thought idly, watching Jayda attempt to climb back up again. “If you keep trying that, you’ll lose more blood and not be able to patch your reopened wound. Soon to be wounds, at this rate.” She noted.

Jayda frowned at the Red Sith's amusement as she passed over the goo and bandages. The Zabrak's eyebrow raised in question and natural suspicion, her hand cautiously reached for the items. Still lying on her back, she took a few cleansing breaths when her fingers clasped the hard surface and dragged nearer.

Gingerly she pulled herself upright into a sitting position, Jayda paused to look at her wound. Her hand pulled away sticky and red. Her wound still bleeding profusely while she gritted her teeth through the pain. Removing the flimsy, soaked patch, she tossed it to the side then hoisted the goo in front of her. Mentally she was weighing the risk.

Jayda popped the lid open and coated a little on her finger tips, smearing it over it. She flinched and hissed at the flaring ache she caused. The apprentice inhaled and braced herself again, tending to another wound. The bleeding had clotted well leaving her to place the bandages on them, a practiced skill since she was often left to tend her own wound then usually cared for.

"How long have you been here?" Jayda asked through grinding teeth.

A light, amused, smile crossed the Red Sith’s face at the Zabrak’s suspicion. She applauded Jayda for it, but found it funny how blatant she was about it. You haven’t been in this world long, have you? “I assure you, it’s the same jar from before. Doesn’t even have anything added to it, if that’s what you’re worried about. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it while you were unconscious. It’s remarkably easy to break something important to someone’s breathing while they’re asleep.” With that disturbing comment, Zanna idly checked the time, mentally searching for when she had arrived. “Around five or so hours. I tended to your wounds and my own and then went to sleep. You woke me up as you struggled to get up and move around.”

"You should've just left after tending my wounds." Jayda growled, her attention aware of the wording used.

She didn't like the fact that Zanna had been in a prime position to kill her and continued to patch herself up, tightly. Sish had made the same mistake once and she chased him halfway across the galaxy. He never made that error again. She chose to keep silent about it as she flinched when her fingers pressed too hard, her bleeding budded again, and pulled back her hand. Her eyes lowered then thudded her head back. Instead of closing the wound on her shoulder, she had made it worse in her distraction causing her to growl in frustration. She cursed in Zabrak quietly.

“Perhaps.” Zanna agreed, eyeing the Zabrak. “But then you’d be bleeding out on the floor and I’d be wide awake waiting for a Sith to try and kill me in my sleep. You’d be dead, and I’d be out of a teacher for lightsaber combat. All in all, it’s better that I was here, don’t you think?” She looked on in exasperation as the Zabrak made her wound only worse. It was almost as if she wanted to hurt herself more.“Would you like help? I’m going to assume no because of your stubbornness, but it really seems like you’re only making things worse.” She didn’t move towards Jayda, waiting for the Zabrak’s expected denial.

Jayda's eyes were becoming difficult to keep open, weighing down over her sight. She was breathing heavier as she leaned further into the bed, feeling the weakness spread in her body. The realization partly worried her. It was a feeling she had only recalled a few times in her life and many times, she was close to dying. She couldn't die now. Not on this ship and certainly not before she killed Sish.

"No... I can... Do it." Jayda stated frankly and again proved Zanna correct, though she couldn't lift her hands.

“Oh by the Force you’re such a stubborn one. I wonder. Will you let pride kill you or will you give into sensibility?” Zanna smirked, watching as Jayda slowly began to pass out from the blood loss. Carefully she got up, walking towards Jayda. Once she was within arms reach, she picked up the forgotten bottle and dredged up the remnants of the blue goo and beginning to apply the alchemical substance to the Zabrak’s wounds. She ignored any of Jayda’s protestations, giving another amused glance at her unwilling patient, while waiting for the Zabrak to pass out.

When Jayda finally did pass out, Zanna breathed a sigh of relief, stopping in her movements. Critically, she examined the Zabrak’s broken body. “You’d better really appreciate this.” She muttered under her breath, hands above Jayda and moving in intricate gestures. The dark side grew in the room, though no more than if one was meditating with the dark side, as The Red Sith began to mutter in her native tongue.

When she was finally done, breathing hard and exhausted, she used the Force to move Jayda’s unconscious body back onto her bed. Crawling tiredly into her own bed Zanna muttered aloud, “We’re both going to get large breakfasts, and then work on killing each other in the morning.”