The interior of the cavern held vehicles of all sizes; from one-seated bikes to multi-seated landspeeders, there was a distinct lack of room for anything else within. Anari could feel the disappointment of a few people at her flank. She heard the relaxing of their weapons in hand as they scanned the area, but the minority among them trusted her senses enough to know that the area held no true danger. The only threat to the small infiltration unit were the explosive charges set along the walls leading to the inner ruins ahead and above. If Anari wasn't worried, then neither were they.
“This isn’t much for a raid,” a female soldier spoke up, resting her rifle against a shoulder. “Think this place was for fleeing?”
“Or running supplies,” said another member of the unit. He peered inside one of the more worn speeders. “They’re real junkers. Looks like something only a Jawa would sell. Is this what we’re here for?”
No response came. This caused each soldier around the cavern to look over at Anari. She faced the entryway to the ruins, but didn’t make a sound. Her holocommunicator blared with a combination of blaster fire, calls for assistance, mentions of those who were wounded and trapped across the battlefield, and horrifying reports cut short. Like on the shuttle, the sounds deafened all outside noise and distractions. Those who searched through the speeders continued to do so, but kept their comments to themselves. The others stood and listened with a firmer grasp on their weaponry.
The order to retreat was heard, but the sigh that followed filled Anari with disgust only made worse by the shift in blame that followed seconds later. She shuddered with frustration before turning to the stunned and depressed gazes of her unit, expression serious.
“Before Vasha gave the order, a Sergeant Garza called for assistance in the lower part of the temple. It’s too late to do what I came for, but we can still let that Sergeant and some of his men see tomorrow,” Anari spoke firmly. “Do not overstay your welcome. Do not be heroes. Suppress the enemy and give our people time to escape. Follow the nearest sound of battle. You'll find them ahead. Be quick!”
Anari walked briskly to the entryway they entered from. She caught the last transmission of Vasha risking everything before she placed the communicator near her lips. “Sergeant Garza, my team will cover you from within the temple. A shuttle is on its way. Prepare to evacuate.”
She switched channels to her personal shuttle, buzzing the two pilots that were left idle nearby.
“This is Shuttle Voractyl. Ready for extraction?”
“Negative. There’s been a change of plans. Warm up your laser cannons and reach Sergeant Garza’s position. Lower half of the temple ruins. He’ll likely have the only unit left alive in proximity. My men will move to cover them but I need you to be prepared for anything.”
“Understood, but what about you?”
“I’ll find another way to our fallback position. If you can extract my unit then do so, but Garza and his men take priority.”
“Roger that Master Jedi. We’re on the move,” the pilot replied before communication was cut.
The approaching hum of her shuttle’s engines assured her that getting Garza’s men out would be hasty. Glancing over her shoulder, the backs of her unit disappeared around a corner at the far end of the hallway. The glare of light against their backs hinted that their shields were active and ready to spare them the suffering of any stray blaster round. They weren’t here for direct combat, not at first, but they should be just enough of a threat to send the mercenaries that surrounded Garza scattering.
That only left her.
Stowing away her communicator, Anari closed her eyes and focused on her surroundings; the speeder bikes closest to the entrance wobbled and soon rose into the air, carefully being guided outside. As this happened, the explosives set against the cavern exits were delicately severed from the rocks they were attached to. The majority were placed within the largest vehicles the cavern held, while others were scattered on the ground beneath them…
~~~~~
Anari’s unit was determined to save Justus, but felt far more vulnerable to any and all dangers without her to lead them personally. They didn’t ask why she chose to stay behind. They placed trust in her, far more than any of them openly admitted. So when she asked them to move ahead to the closest sound of fighting that they could, they rushed through the ruins with faith that the thrill of impending victory would distract any and all remaining forces that remained within the temple and slowly pushed outward to drive their people back.
The sound of blaster fire drew closer. They readied their rifles, double checked their shields were active, and then found a suitable overlook just above the location of interest. Anari was right. Taking aim at the mercenaries still ignorant of their presence, the unit opened fire. The heads of multiple enemies bounced forward before they dropped dead against the cover they relied on, but it wasn’t long before they became aware that they were flanked. Some soon returned fire at them, to which the unit ducked behind their superior cover and made ample use of higher ground.
The roar of the shuttle that dropped them off deafened the sounds of their fighting. Green blasts flew from the mounted laser cannons, sending rock and limp bodies flying. Those that remained sought better cover, or simply knew when to give up.
Shuttle Varactyl opened its doors and set itself down between Garza and what little of the men that attacked him remained. Anari’s unit began to move lower with haste, looking to meet up with the others and aid them in getting aboard.
The rearmost shuttle’s soldiers shifted anxiously in their seats as the pilot navigated them through the atmosphere. It weaved carefully above the trees, falling farther and farther away from the others, before peeling off towards the west. Its momentum gradually slowed until it stopped completely and hovered behind a mountain of trees and natural rock. Every soldier inside exchanged glances, then moved their gazes to a feminine, robed figure near the cockpit who kept still. They listened as the explosions in the distance went off and their comm channel blared with tactical information. Most of the dropships made their landing. Others were less fortunate.
“What are we doing?” One soldier found the nerve to ask. “We should be fighting too, not just sitting here. I thought Jedi were supposed to be brave! We’re just sitting back here like cowards— “
The robed figure turned to face him, so quickly in fact that he nearly jumped in surprise. Dark, strong eyes met his beneath the shadow of the hood, until finally she pulled it back and exposed her face for the first time. The soldiers sat in their seats a little taller, while those that stood straightened their backs as much as they were able.
“Cowards?”Anari repeated, eyes narrowing. “What about this decision—my decision—makes us cowards?” His lip quivered to respond, but she beat him to it. “We will aid our people another way.”
“And what way is that?” he asked with a huff. “If Master Taal knew about this—“
“If Master Taal saw more paths than a direct one, maybe a dozen more men and women would be alive right now.”
Silence fell over the soldier in question. They could all hear the reports of dropships not making the drop or being shot down in the process. The thought that it could have been them that died before even having a chance to face the enemy rose, but none spoke a word. The reports grew more intense and the sounds of fighting escalated. Only when she was certain that there was no more argument did Anari turn around to face the pilots ahead of her.
“It’s time. Press forward and keep behind as many mountains as you can. Cover is key.”
The pilots complied and returned power to the engines, keeping low and doing just as instructed. A wide berth was given to the enemy stronghold until they were nearing the rear. The engines dulled as they made their approach. Anari focused her attention on points of entry even as the loss of life spiked with each passing second. She spotted just what they needed: a cavern, likely an escape route for Okussus, and hopefully an entry point for their own traps to be set.
“There, a possible entry point,” Anari pointed towards the mouth of it, leading outwards into the open wilderness of Ashal. “Take us as low as you can and pull back until I contact you again.”
“Yes, sir.” The pilots began their descent, hovering just several feet from the grassy grounds below. The soldiers within the shuttle ended their final weapons check while Anari opened the door with her own hand. She jumped down and landed with a crouch before the ship landed, and once it did the other soldiers joined her; armed with rifles and pistols, their heavy weapons were few, but their grenades and personal shielding units just might even the odds if things go awry.
The shuttle took off again once the last soldier left and peeled off, maintaining discretion in both speed and height to keep to Anari’s strategy. Once it was safely away, the soldiers looked to the Jedi for leadership. She looked forward again to the mouth of the cavern and began to hustle, her men and women keeping pace, hoping to make the trouble of this flank mean something.
Anari is a lean and lithe woman of 5’9, built strong from rigorous training and years of combat. Her skin is tight and tough to the touch with strong muscle beneath every fiber of skin, often hidden behind her clothing and robes. Her bare knuckles have faded scars, and her back has evidence of vibroblade scarring.
Apparel -
Lightsaber(s) -
This lightsaber has been carried with her since it was first constructed, helping her slay Sith and render weapons inoperable. The crystal burns a powerful yellow, shining in the darkest corridors.
Equipment – 500 credits, Homing Beacon x2, Computer Spike x3, Holocommunicator, personal Aurek-class fighter (contains two days’ worth of military-grade rations, as well as one vambrace belonging to her father, equipped with stun darts).
Force Powers –
In the four years after the war between Jedi and Sith, Anari spent considerable time focusing on a core group of Force powers that suited her personality and approach most. These powers enable her to make drawing her saber a last resort.
Force Push – Expert Force Pull – Expert Force Sense – Expert Force Jump – Expert Mind Trick – Expert Force Speed – Expert Force Clouding – Intermediate
Known Lightsaber Forms –
Shii-Cho – Expert Makashi – Expert Ataru – Expert
With the conclusion of the recent war, her interest in any other form is nonexistent. She seeks only to better her style with these three. However, despite having no interest in becoming a practitioner in other styles, Anari understands the role of those she does not practice and is familiar with the basics. Her lengthy period away from the Jedi prevented her from learning among others.
Skills –
Computer Use – Anari is impressive behind a computer console in speed and knowledge, able to bypass security systems with relative ease to unlock new routes and possibilities. Managing and rerouting power, accessing files sealed tight—a couple of many talents she possesses. What she cannot access with her own talents, she will utilize computer spikes to get around. If even computer spikes fail, she’ll… improvise, rare as it is.
Demolitions – Her time during war was not only spent practicing her skills, but also adapting to the skills of others. One of these skills was the handling and deactivation of explosive devices, specifically explosive charges. Setting and deactivating explosives was part of her wartime experience, and the knowledge has served her well even years after the war ended.
Indomitable Will – Even as a child Anari’s mental fortitude was beyond that of her superiors. She can withstand Force-assisted tortures and breaches into her mind, making her impossible to interrogate effectively for information regarding her or others. She would laugh at the frustration of those that tried if it wasn’t so pathetic.
Evasive Pilot – In the seat of a fighter, Anari is extremely difficult to lock on and shoot down. Those assisted by the Force have a better shot than more ‘normal’ aces. Get creative before she makes the jump to lightspeed.
Convincing – Anari can tell a lie as if it were truth, even without the aid of the Force to influence the mind of the one she works to convince.
Hand-to-hand specialization – Trained by her brother, Anari is not powerless even without her saber and Force powers. She knows of techniques to disarm foes in melee combat should her saber not be in reach.
Flaws –
Out of practice – Since the last war ended, Anari has taken a step back from her martial practices to bring more focus to the Force as well as her skills in technology and computer use. Due to her loner ways, she has not kept up with actual sparring practice with other Jedi, and is likely going to lose in a head-on fight with those who have more interest in swordplay and shootouts in the last four years.
Refusing Medical Assistance – Every wound is a lesson. Her stubbornness to accept medical assistance has made her stronger as both a Jedi and a person, at least in her mind. If she has taken a wound from combat, she will dress it however she can and continue forward. The only treatments she will accept are those designed to prevent the spread of infection and disease, as well as immunizations.
Loner – Anari has given up leading squads of soldiers and Jedi into battle, choosing to work alone for a majority of the last few years since the war ended. Because of this, she cannot effectively inspire any who work under her, nor does she wish to. This also makes her difficult to partner with. It will take time to get used to working with others again. Her ability to work as a teammate is a work-in-progress.
Lack of presence – Her strength as an agent against the Dark Side is also her weakness. Because she does not want to stand out in any circumstance, Anari works to maintain a low profile across worlds and operations, leaving her without a reputation to make use of. This means that, unless working with forces she fought with during the war, she cannot allocate resources or favors from military leaders. As a Shadow, she does not mind this for herself, but if it came to seeking outside help there would be few she could count on.
Insubordination – Anari has a problem with being ordered, even since she was a Padawan. If she sees a better opportunity than the one presented to her, she will often go ‘off script’ if she believes there are better results to obtain by doing so. While her skills as a Jedi are praised, her frequent inability to do as she is told has led many of her peers from requesting her aid. Recruiting her means accepting that you will be questioned, and that she will always try to find the best way to resolve something quickly.
Protector – As one who believes herself a protector of the innocent, the innocent can be used against her. Her life means nothing to her, but what of the innocents across the galaxy you place in front of yourself? She places the safety of others above her own wellbeing. This can be used against her, and it has.
Personality – Anari is compassionate and loving despite the neutral expression she often wears. She often places herself in the shoes of those that have been wronged and who seek justice against those that have wronged them. The Jedi way was to be neutral in most affairs, yet she always saw the angles that made the most sense to her and found a side to support if it was just. This often led her to conflict with those who followed the code by the letter, frowning at her blatant support of one over the other, and led to her graduating from Padawan to Knight later than what she was capable of.
To strangers she is ‘spooky’, always managing to appear and disappear when they least expect her to, but to her comrades and friends both in the Order and the military, she is a breath of fresh air. She jokes, she smiles, she laughs with them—all things that they aren’t used to. It raises the question of what kind of Jedi she really is, and she has not found an answer other than that she is only herself and her experiences up to that point. Not wanting to lose who she is to the Code she follows, Anari balances her Jedi self with what she believes she really is without the instruction she received.
When it comes to facing foes, all goodness is concealed behind her focused stare and state of mind. She works to end conflicts before they even begin, but time and time again she’s seen that she cannot defuse every volatile situation with words and kindness alone. It is because of this that she trained her body and mind into that of a peacemaker who always works to disarm a foe and allow them to tire out before landing a blow of her own.
If innocent lives are on the line, she is faster, stronger, and more abusive than any have bear witness to. She will always do what she must, even if the Jedi way disagrees with her.
Backstory –
Born a twin from the love between Republic Fleet Admiral Nay-Su Sato, and Mandalorian Sardei Vorne of Clan Vorne, a Jedi serving aboard Nay-Su’s vessel sensed the strength of the Force within only her daughter and brought her to the Jedi. That was the most she was told when she was old enough to ask questions, and only because she never stopped asking them.
Anari’s upbringing within the order was just the same as any other student she grew with. She asked more questions and wanted more answers than her peers, and put any new skills she was taught into practice. Eventually her curiosity attracted the attention of an olive-skinned Twi’lek Jedi Master named Eshami Karu, who spoke with her for a time before deciding her as her new Padawan.
It wasn’t long before the two became inseparable; Anari was always beside her, learning more of what it meant to be a true Jedi, and followed her instructions carefully. She later found out that Eshami was just as curious as her, choosing locations that were far from her peers and bettering the galaxy in her own way. Her methods weren’t conventional, but the results were undeniable; artifacts of the Sith were discovered and ‘dealt with’ in ways of her choosing, only this time she had someone to teach about the dangers these artifacts possessed. Knowledge was power, but some knowledge needed to be destroyed for the greater good.
It was Eshami’s approach to problems that caused Anari to admire her. She was peaceful even in the face of possible danger, yet was always prepared to unleash herself if need be. She was a Shadow who worked away from her brothers and sisters in the order, delving into dark places to help protect those from what lurked within.
The final war that emerged between Jedi and Sith called them to action, forcing them to abandon their pilgrimage across the stars and help defend the Jedi Order and the Republic that they served. Their exploits were many, but the exposure was few. Only those that took part in their assignments and the Jedi Council knew of all they had done during the war: Scouting behind enemy lines, freeing prisoners, and the occasional assassination of Sith within their own enclaves and temples. The names didn’t matter. Only results.
By the time the war concluded, Anari had risen from Padawan to Knight. It was Eshami’s wish that Anari see the galaxy with her own two eyes, being guided by the Force and her own instincts. The two parted, and for four years Anari traveled across the Core Worlds and Inner Rim territories to learn more about who she was—not just a Jedi, but where she came from, what blood ran through her veins, and what it meant to her now.
A decorated Fleet Admiral for a mother. A Mandalorian father. A brother she fought with, but never side by side.
In these four year’s she embraced her family and accepted the risk of the attachments fully, loving them regardless of the Jedi Code.
When news reached her regarding a dark cult amassing on Ashal, Anari abandoned her journey in solitude, ceased all practices of her growing strength in the Force, and made for the Task Force assigned to end this threat before it consumed anyone else.
Anari is a lean and lithe woman of 5’9, built strong from rigorous training and years of combat. Her skin is tight and tough to the touch with strong muscle beneath every fiber of skin, often hidden behind her clothing and robes. Her bare knuckles have faded scars, and her back has evidence of vibroblade scarring.
Apparel -
Lightsaber(s) -
This lightsaber has been carried with her since it was first constructed, helping her slay Sith and render weapons inoperable. The crystal burns a powerful yellow, shining in the darkest corridors.
Equipment – 500 credits, Homing Beacon x2, Computer Spike x3, Holocommunicator, personal Aurek-class fighter (contains two days’ worth of military-grade rations, as well as one vambrace belonging to her father, equipped with stun darts).
Force Powers –
In the four years after the war between Jedi and Sith, Anari spent considerable time focusing on a core group of Force powers that suited her personality and approach most. These powers enable her to make drawing her saber a last resort.
Force Push – Expert Force Pull – Expert Force Sense – Expert Force Jump – Expert Mind Trick – Expert Force Speed – Expert Force Clouding – Intermediate
Known Lightsaber Forms –
Shii-Cho – Expert Makashi – Expert Ataru – Expert
With the conclusion of the recent war, her interest in any other form is nonexistent. She seeks only to better her style with these three. However, despite having no interest in becoming a practitioner in other styles, Anari understands the role of those she does not practice and is familiar with the basics. Her lengthy period away from the Jedi prevented her from learning among others.
Skills –
Computer Use – Anari is impressive behind a computer console in speed and knowledge, able to bypass security systems with relative ease to unlock new routes and possibilities. Managing and rerouting power, accessing files sealed tight—a couple of many talents she possesses. What she cannot access with her own talents, she will utilize computer spikes to get around. If even computer spikes fail, she’ll… improvise, rare as it is.
Demolitions – Her time during war was not only spent practicing her skills, but also adapting to the skills of others. One of these skills was the handling and deactivation of explosive devices, specifically explosive charges. Setting and deactivating explosives was part of her wartime experience, and the knowledge has served her well even years after the war ended.
Indomitable Will – Even as a child Anari’s mental fortitude was beyond that of her superiors. She can withstand Force-assisted tortures and breaches into her mind, making her impossible to interrogate effectively for information regarding her or others. She would laugh at the frustration of those that tried if it wasn’t so pathetic.
Evasive Pilot – In the seat of a fighter, Anari is extremely difficult to lock on and shoot down. Those assisted by the Force have a better shot than more ‘normal’ aces. Get creative before she makes the jump to lightspeed.
Convincing – Anari can tell a lie as if it were truth, even without the aid of the Force to influence the mind of the one she works to convince.
Hand-to-hand specialization – Trained by her brother, Anari is not powerless even without her saber and Force powers. She knows of techniques to disarm foes in melee combat should her saber not be in reach.
Flaws –
Out of practice – Since the last war ended, Anari has taken a step back from her martial practices to bring more focus to the Force as well as her skills in technology and computer use. Due to her loner ways, she has not kept up with actual sparring practice with other Jedi, and is likely going to lose in a head-on fight with those who have more interest in swordplay and shootouts in the last four years.
Refusing Medical Assistance – Every wound is a lesson. Her stubbornness to accept medical assistance has made her stronger as both a Jedi and a person, at least in her mind. If she has taken a wound from combat, she will dress it however she can and continue forward. The only treatments she will accept are those designed to prevent the spread of infection and disease, as well as immunizations.
Loner – Anari has given up leading squads of soldiers and Jedi into battle, choosing to work alone for a majority of the last few years since the war ended. Because of this, she cannot effectively inspire any who work under her, nor does she wish to. This also makes her difficult to partner with. It will take time to get used to working with others again. Her ability to work as a teammate is a work-in-progress.
Lack of presence – Her strength as an agent against the Dark Side is also her weakness. Because she does not want to stand out in any circumstance, Anari works to maintain a low profile across worlds and operations, leaving her without a reputation to make use of. This means that, unless working with forces she fought with during the war, she cannot allocate resources or favors from military leaders. As a Shadow, she does not mind this for herself, but if it came to seeking outside help there would be few she could count on.
Insubordination – Anari has a problem with being ordered, even since she was a Padawan. If she sees a better opportunity than the one presented to her, she will often go ‘off script’ if she believes there are better results to obtain by doing so. While her skills as a Jedi are praised, her frequent inability to do as she is told has led many of her peers from requesting her aid. Recruiting her means accepting that you will be questioned, and that she will always try to find the best way to resolve something quickly.
Protector – As one who believes herself a protector of the innocent, the innocent can be used against her. Her life means nothing to her, but what of the innocents across the galaxy you place in front of yourself? She places the safety of others above her own wellbeing. This can be used against her, and it has.
Personality – Anari is compassionate and loving despite the neutral expression she often wears. She often places herself in the shoes of those that have been wronged and who seek justice against those that have wronged them. The Jedi way was to be neutral in most affairs, yet she always saw the angles that made the most sense to her and found a side to support if it was just. This often led her to conflict with those who followed the code by the letter, frowning at her blatant support of one over the other, and led to her graduating from Padawan to Knight later than what she was capable of.
To strangers she is ‘spooky’, always managing to appear and disappear when they least expect her to, but to her comrades and friends both in the Order and the military, she is a breath of fresh air. She jokes, she smiles, she laughs with them—all things that they aren’t used to. It raises the question of what kind of Jedi she really is, and she has not found an answer other than that she is only herself and her experiences up to that point. Not wanting to lose who she is to the Code she follows, Anari balances her Jedi self with what she believes she really is without the instruction she received.
When it comes to facing foes, all goodness is concealed behind her focused stare and state of mind. She works to end conflicts before they even begin, but time and time again she’s seen that she cannot defuse every volatile situation with words and kindness alone. It is because of this that she trained her body and mind into that of a peacemaker who always works to disarm a foe and allow them to tire out before landing a blow of her own.
If innocent lives are on the line, she is faster, stronger, and more abusive than any have bear witness to. She will always do what she must, even if the Jedi way disagrees with her.
Backstory –
Born a twin from the love between Republic Fleet Admiral Nay-Su Sato, and Mandalorian Sardei Vorne of Clan Vorne, a Jedi serving aboard Nay-Su’s vessel sensed the strength of the Force within only her daughter and brought her to the Jedi. That was the most she was told when she was old enough to ask questions, and only because she never stopped asking them.
Anari’s upbringing within the order was just the same as any other student she grew with. She asked more questions and wanted more answers than her peers, and put any new skills she was taught into practice. Eventually her curiosity attracted the attention of an olive-skinned Twi’lek Jedi Master named Eshami Karu, who spoke with her for a time before deciding her as her new Padawan.
It wasn’t long before the two became inseparable; Anari was always beside her, learning more of what it meant to be a true Jedi, and followed her instructions carefully. She later found out that Eshami was just as curious as her, choosing locations that were far from her peers and bettering the galaxy in her own way. Her methods weren’t conventional, but the results were undeniable; artifacts of the Sith were discovered and ‘dealt with’ in ways of her choosing, only this time she had someone to teach about the dangers these artifacts possessed. Knowledge was power, but some knowledge needed to be destroyed for the greater good.
It was Eshami’s approach to problems that caused Anari to admire her. She was peaceful even in the face of possible danger, yet was always prepared to unleash herself if need be. She was a Shadow who worked away from her brothers and sisters in the order, delving into dark places to help protect those from what lurked within.
The final war that emerged between Jedi and Sith called them to action, forcing them to abandon their pilgrimage across the stars and help defend the Jedi Order and the Republic that they served. Their exploits were many, but the exposure was few. Only those that took part in their assignments and the Jedi Council knew of all they had done during the war: Scouting behind enemy lines, freeing prisoners, and the occasional assassination of Sith within their own enclaves and temples. The names didn’t matter. Only results.
By the time the war concluded, Anari had risen from Padawan to Knight. It was Eshami’s wish that Anari see the galaxy with her own two eyes, being guided by the Force and her own instincts. The two parted, and for four years Anari traveled across the Core Worlds and Inner Rim territories to learn more about who she was—not just a Jedi, but where she came from, what blood ran through her veins, and what it meant to her now.
A decorated Fleet Admiral for a mother. A Mandalorian father. A brother she fought with, but never side by side.
In these four year’s she embraced her family and accepted the risk of the attachments fully, loving them regardless of the Jedi Code.
When news reached her regarding a dark cult amassing on Ashal, Anari abandoned her journey in solitude, ceased all practices of her growing strength in the Force, and made for the Task Force assigned to end this threat before it consumed anyone else.