Untimely Arrival

[Endo Freedoo]

The sea of stars surrounding Vjun were still, silent, and unwavering in their glistening through the black expanse. That serenity was suddenly broken as a flash of light erupted from nowhere, an event not all to uncommon, yet on this day it was a sign, a sign of things to come.

The Sith Infiltrator only known to a few as the Chimera, exited hyperspace and approached the dark foreboding planet, its crew, comprised of four members. The being in the pilot’s seat was a lanky and thin Rodian Endo. Sitting next to him in the co-pilot’s spot, was a gray skinned woman, some may mistake as being blueish in appearance, his partner the Nebari known as Tirsa. Further in the depths of the ship, away from the two watching the world become larger before them, were two others.

Dalethria and Sorsha occupied one of the small crew quarters on board. Dalethria alert and awake, looking over her Sister, who seemed to be lost in a sea of nothing, staring blankly up at the ceiling of the ship, while occupying a bunk. No signs apparent of the Sith she had once been. Upon Dalethria’s hand a red ring shone in the ships light, yet at the same time it reflected the light, a dark eerie aura surrounded it.

The motely crew were making their way to Vjun at the request of Dalethria, as far as Endo knew, but that was not the full story here. That would only be explained to him in time, if at all. Being unable to understand the Basic language made his ability to be completely informed difficult at best, in almost all situations.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She never rested as she sat by her sister's side. The day it took to get out this far had drained Dalethria mentally and her body protested against the abuse. Her stomach periodically reminder her that she hadn't had anything to eat in two days but neither did Sorsha. She tried to get any response from her sister, but Sorsha barely moved on the bed. Mostly just moving into a more comfortable position when she was tired of the one she was in.

What the hell was wrong with Rama? This was his damn fault. Stupid fool once again put her sister's life in danger. If he only respected her wishes of wanting out of the Empire this never would have happened. No, his word was law and he forced Sorsha to stay and listen to him. His actions forced Vicet to take drastic measures and leave Sorsha's body, proving to Rama that indeed she existed and was not some figment of her sister's imagination that Rama once thought.

Dalethria knew Vicet was quite real before yesterday. The dragon came to her at her home once and became a guide on her pilgrimage that led her here. She didn't know what to make of the Dark Jedi at first, but through Delirion's help ... she was able to find kinship through necessity. Now, Vicet had done the same. Vicet guided Dalethria here once again, but it was to save Sorsha this time, not herself.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: pokes her head in and frowns at the sight of them ::

"You need rest, and something to eat. Let me take over for a bit."

:: sits down and fidgets with her pet string ::


"Why did we come to this place anyway? We should have gone to Meras."

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Standing up, Dalethria stretches her arms and fights the urge to yawn. Her back is so sore from sitting that it cracks easily as she twists from side to side.

"Thanks."

She thought about Tirsa's question and to be honest, Meras would have made more sense then Vjun. Most likely Vicet wanted Sorsha to come here eventually or this truly was the only place where her sister could be healed.

"It's where Vicet told me to take her."

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: remembers what happened in<a href=http://pub4.ezboard.com/fheavenspassionogrescave.showMessage?topicID=191.t opic> Ogre's Cave</a> on Meras ::

"Vicet?"

:: her eyes fall upon the ring on Dale's finger ::

"You saw her?"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Dalethria unconsciously rubbed the ring between her fingers, "I've seen her before, yes, but not this time. She let her wishes be known to me."

She gently patted Tirsa's shoulder, "I'll be back soon after I had something to eat. You need to be up with Endo since I don't speak Rodian."

The door to the room opened and Dalethria stepped into the hallway. She then realized something before the door closed.

"Where do you get something to eat on this ship?"

[Tirsa Krylana]

"There's a stash of food in the cargo hold. Dried meat and fruit."

:: shrugs, then leans over and kisses Sorsha on the cheek ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

After rummaging through the cargo hold, Dalethria poked her head inside the cockpit to see how things were. Endo was looking over the readings on the console but it was the planet that came nearer that got her attention. The same bleak atmosphere swirled around in a yellow hue as the continent itself was dark and almost dirty in looks.

Nibbling on a piece of meat she walked in fully and looked over Endo's shoulder.

[Endo Freedoo]

His small round mouth was pursed in a bit of a frown as the readings flashed by on the display. Seeing the types of conditions this planet had to offer made him wonder why in the frell they would be coming to such a forsaken place as this. It was obviously not a very safe place for a prolonged visit, actually it seemed like one of the most hostile environments he had ever come to have the displeasure of having to put up with or witness first hand.

As far as he knew, it was Sorsha’s wish to come here, as relayed to him by Tirsa when they made their break from the underground hanger at TSE HQ, having to blow the hanger doors up so that they could pass, since someone there had ordered a total lock down on the planet. It was a good thing the Chimera had a cloaking device, else they would never have escaped through the dozens of ships patrolling nearby.

He looked up from the holo-display and out the forward facing view-screen, just as the ship entered the unfriendly upper atmosphere, and at that moment caught something out of the corner of his eye. Snapping his head to the side, he spied Dalethria, and recognized her as Sorsha’s apprentice, though they never had really met formally. Flashing what might pass for a smile. He spoke to her, wondering if she would understand his dialect.

We will be making our approach for a landing very shortly. I have only seen one place on the surface which seems to hold signs of sentient life.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She half frowned and thought she recognized some of the words but nothing that would make any sense. She swallowed the dry piece of meat and leaned forward to look at the readings better.

Holding up a hand to make sure Endo didn't think she was going to do something stupid, she punched some coordinates into the computer. Dalethria pointed with her finger to where a run down keep was and patted Endo on the chest before she left.

[Endo Freedoo]

He found it a little comical that the co-ordinates that Dalethria input into the computer already matched those he had plotted, but it was no matter. It only made it more obvious to him that she hadn’t understood what he said. He shrugged after she left and continued their ascent to the surface, landing as near to the Keep as possible, so that any ventures outside could be as brief as possible before arriving in a sheltered area again.

The sleek silver craft landed, it’s engines powered down as Endo unbuckled from his seat and stood, heading for the back to see if the rest of the crew was prepared to disembark. He himself would most likely remain with the ship, as was the custom, unless specified by Sorsha or Tirsa.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: Curiosity leads her to take a look at where they've landed. She runs down the hall and right into Endo, letting out a squeak as she falls on her ass ::

"Hey!!!"

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Endo watches as Dalethria makes her way down the hall with Sorsha in her arms. She stops behind Tirsa and clears her throat.

"We need to get moving along."

She walks past both of them and heads for the landing ramp.

[Tirsa Krylana]

:: picks herself up and follows with a pout ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

The door slid open and the ramp touched down to the ground with a thud. The metal clamps locked in place and the hissing sound of the repulsors permeated the air. Dalethria looked outside and was thankful that, unlike her previous visit here, there wasn't any sign of rain. She smiled a little and admitted that Endo did an excellent job landing as close to The Black Hand's keep as was possible.

Walking down the ramp, she eyed the gate curiously as to whether or not she would be greeted this time. It had to take her practically breaking into the place before anyone acknowledged her.

[Endo Freedoo]

To say he was surprised when he saw Dalethria carrying Sorsha, would be an understatement. The urgency of their departure had left him unknowing that she was in such a condition. But what condition was she in? Her eyes were open and she seemed to be breathing normally. He could see no obvious injuries.

Unsure of what to do, and not having any standing orders from his employer, Sorsha herself, he decided it best to stay on board the ship and await instructions or news from Tirsa or Sorsha.

Just before Tirsa exited the hatch and headed down the ramp, he placd a hand on her shoulder and spoke softly.

Keep me informed of any progress or events that transpire here. I will wait here and keep the ship ready for departure just as I normally do. You do have your comm. unit right?

She nodded to him indicating that she understood and that she did have her comm. device and continued to follow Dalethria and Sorsha down the ramp, looking rather sullen and distant.

He stood in the hatchway and watched silently as the trio made their approach to the keep.

[Darth Rane]

As she stood surveying the landscape, something caught Dalethria's attention, just barely, as movement flickered out of the corner of her eye. Casually, she tried to assess it's source: She hadn't seen many life-forms wandering about on her last visit, but it was a safe bet that any that were here would be unfriendly.

As she looked on, the tendrils of darkness, formed by the shade of the Keep, began to coalesce and spin together, taking form and shape, and she knew without doubt that their hosts had come to greet them. It took only moments for the shapes to become defined, taking form and substance: before them stood the Dark Jedi, Darth Rane. At his side was the stout Hobgoblin that had come to live amongst them, swaying this way and that in a simian-like manner. He stepped forth with a confident stride, the small creature swaying after him.

"Greetings, Dalethria Mal Pannis. You are expected."

His gaze fell upon her companions, evaluating each one individually.

"They may accompany you. Follow us, if you will."

[Evil Hobgoblin]

The entire company started forward, except for Hob. He stood before Dalethria with his arms held out and she looked at him, frowning.

~ Old Hob can shoulder this burden better than ye,~ the dwarf projected. ~ Put aside yer pride an' yer concern an' let those better suited take the task.~

Dalethria stared at him with an obvious dislike for the suggestion, but Hob slammed one fist impatiently on the ground and held out his arms again. Slowly, reluctantly, Dalethria placed her sister's limp body in the hobgoblin's arms.

The dwarf shifted Sorsha so she was slung over one shoulder, then took off towards the castle on one knuckle and two feet, going much faster than the others could on two legs alone.

Dalethria looked at Rane momentarily. "The way has been prepared," Rane growled in his cat-like voice. "The hobgoblin has shown a unique knowledge of Bast's passageways. He will deliver Sorsha where she needs to be."

Dalethria gazed towards where she had last seen Hob, but the smaller being was nowhere to be seen.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She blinked, thinking that the landscape of Vjun was playing tricks with her eyesight. It wasn't a trick though. Hob had disappeared with her sister somewhere inside Bast Keep. In her brief time with the Dark Jedi, Dalethria knew that she could trust the strange being ever since their first encounter.

Glancing over her shoulder, Tirsa could be seen following closely behind. The concern was etched in her face as her eyes never left the spot where Hob disappeared. The young Nebari continued to play with the string in her hands and seemed to be totally oblivious to Rane's and Dalethria's conversation.

"Lord Rane. I was led here once again in needing your help. As Delirion brought me back from my own hell, Sorsha needs to be brought back as well."

[Darth Rane]

Solemnly, he nodded his head.

"I know what it is that must be happening to you, even now. And to her. To depend on others is an admission of weakness. Or, at least, it feels that way. I know what it is to barely be alive, entrapped in your own personal hell."

He said the last word with a hiss, an obvious distaste for it in his mouth as memories Dalethria dared not guess at flashed through his mind.

"She will receive the absolute best we have to offer. No... more than that: She will recover, even if it takes more than we have to give. And I will stand by her side as she takes revenge on whoever caused this, laughing and cheering her on."