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_ "So blinded by the potential of his weapon, he could not see flaw that undid it." _

~ Admiral Firmus Piett, on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin

Working alongside militias and mercenary groups was not a new experience for Saph- since she had left her warren to travel the stars, she'd had 4 years of adventuring and survival to show for it, often without any serious injury. Yet never in those 4 years did she feel any measure of apprehension seeking out and relaying a message to an ally. This was not strictly out of her aloofness- though she kept others out of arm's length to remain professional and efficient, she generally did not feel uncomfortable talking with others.

But now, as she approached Sith Knights Snaire and Apex, she felt her nerves tingling unpleasantly- moreso when the Knight abruptly looked in her direction as she approached. The Lepi slicer had an uneasy feeling that the Sith had noticed her internal agitation, validated when the Knight gave her a pleasant smile and spoke.

"Aww, there's no need to be afraid, little bunny," she purred. "I might have the ability to roast a man alive, but you're not in any danger of being hurt. And don't mind Apex- he might look imposing, but he's something of a big softie," she assured her, reaching up and rubbing his snout affectionately- the Chistori did not seem to react positively or negatively to the gentle touch.

"As far as she knows," a cruel voice responded from behind her. A second Knight, one Saph recognized as the one they called Yuda, was peering at her with an expression that the Lepi did not care for in the slightest. "Some of us may not hurt you... but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to hear you scream. If you're looking for attention, I can give it to you- among other things," he added with a leer.

"Please- I doubt you have the equipment to give a Jawa a pleasant evening," Saph returned coolly without missing a beat. The insult immediately wiped the disgusting grin off his face, causing it to flush and contort in anger.

"You little bitch, how da--"

"Spare us, Yuda," Snaire sighed, grabbing his wrist before his hand could reach his lightsaber. "I like this one, she's a gutsy little thing. Now, be so kind as to tell us why you have approached to speak with us- Saph, was it? It can't just be to mock Yuda- I'll warn you right now, he's a very easy target."

"I'll keep that in mind," the Lepi responded, smirking at the furious-looking human. " Anyway, we've made some progress- I managed to convince your leader to take a peek into the waste disposal system," she started.

"I suppose we're not fortunate enough that you ejected him into the vacuum once he was inside, are we?" Yuda asked sourly, still looking irate as he folded his arms.

"Orders were for me to return to you so we can get things moving," Saph continued, ignoring the red-haired knight. "The boss says we've found what we've been looking for- an 'Infinite Engine', he called it."

Snaire brightened, a genuine smile curling across her face. "Is that so? And you were the one who figured out where it was?" she clarified, prompting Saph to nod. "Very good, bunny- you saved us a lot of time. Now that it's been brought to our attention, I suppose we should do as he says." Her gaze turned to Yuda, regarding him with a subtle expression of professional contempt. "Yuda, be so kind as to contact the Grim Return, inform them that Knight Thresher has located what we've been sent to obtain."

"And why, pray tell, am I relegated to such a menial task?" the human Sith Knight asked with a chilly stare.

"You're being relegated to the task so it can be fulfilled," Snaire responded matter-of-factly. "Unless you intend to be difficult about it. I'll be sure to log in a report to Inquisitor Voyde that you had every intention of being difficult during this operation, assuming Thresher doesn't gut you for ignoring his selected second-in-command."

Yuda said nothing for a moment, but Saph felt like she could feel the hatred burning off of him. "Mind yourself, Twi'lek," he finally growled softly. "It would take little more than removing your head to replace you."

"Oh please," Snaire replied with a mocking smile. "He'd sooner have me replaced with Apex- no offense, big guy," she purred, turning to him and stroking the side of his snout.

"None taken," the Chistori rumbled gently. "I'll go to Thresher. He will want me to carry the device."

"Which leaves you and I to inform the troops," Snaire stated, striding past the rabbit and gesturing her to follow. "Get to work, Yuda."

"Bitch..." he muttered under his breath, as he walked to the dropship they had used.

Saph rolled her eyes as they exited the hangar. "So what is that asshole's problem?" she asked.

"Yuda is not an easy man to work with," Snaire explained. "He believes in the old Sith ways- that the Sith should consolidate their power into a master and apprentice, and that he alone is worthy enough to be one or the other. Where it concerns the Circle and the Remnant, he considers everyone to be expendable."

"Or rapeable, I guess?" Saph added.

"Be careful," the Twi'lek warned. "That was not an idle threat he just made. Thresher and I hold incredible disdain for the bastard primarily for that reason. As I said, he believes he possesses the power to be Sith, and to that end he'd 'dominated' many a female before coming in to the Circle. The Sith may embrace the dark side of the Force, but even we don't tolerate that kind of barbaric act."

"Then why's he even here?" Saph asked, shuddering. "You make it sound like it's something he'd be... I dunno... ex-communicated for."

"If he'd actually done it and gotten caught while within our ranks, he would be banished, but he remains because he hasn't actually done it- not for lack of trying," Snaire amended herself with a roll of her eyes. "Fortunately, he's like an inept hunter, always getting caught before the pounce. Nevertheless, watch yourself around him."

"Thanks for the warning," Saph responded. "So now that we've found what you guys've been lookin' for, what're you guys gonna even do with it?"

The Twi'lek shook her head. "Gutsy and admirable though you might be, little bunny, that question requires an answer well above your pay grade. It's enough for you to know that it must be secured and returned to the Grim Return. Not that it'll be difficult, this operation more or less went smoothly."

At that moment, the entire installation became flooded with a blaring alarm, red emergency lights flashing on either side of the hallway. Both women stopped short, looking around in bewilderment.

"Leave it to the fates to toss in a wrench the moment someone tempts them," Saph sighed.

"We need to hurry and rally the troops," Snaire told her, beginning to sprint ahead. "We won't have much time!"

In any other situation, Thresher would be in a rage- the operation had not yet completed, and the prize was not yet secure. Even with Knight Apex lifting the device up with a tremendous amount of strength and a dozen of their elite stormtrooper units at either side, it would take time for them to reach their ship, docked on the other side of Observer-V. More than anything, the shark was feeling a significant amount of agitation. It had taken tremendous focus to overlook the space battle when they had arrived, and now the warping of the Force wound from Malachor V clouded his ability to discern what lay beyond the hull of the station. All he knew was that time was running short.

"Get the Engine secured on the repulsor-cart and get it to the Wrath of Ragnos, quickly!" he snapped, leaping down from the scrap pile as they hurried to get the device centered and tied down to the hovering platform. Within moments, they were moving, with Apex bent over and guiding the cart forward. "Yuda, give me a report!"

"Where are you, fish?!" the Knight shouted back angrily.

"Report, Yuda!" Thresher repeated, his patience wearing thin. "Have you contacted the star destroyer!?"

There was a pause on Yuda's end, and for a brief moment Thresher considered using the Force to sprint his way ahead so he could grab Yuda and disembowel him- yet the value of the Infinite Engine was enough to keep him in place. After a minute, the human Knight spoke. "The Grim Return reports that a squadron of modified X-wings has engaged the TIE-fighter patrols and are attempting to cover the approach of a Corellian transport. Sensors suggest they have called for reinforcements."

Only two words seemed to stick with Thresher. "... 'Corellian transport.' And it's name?"

"It's the Gold Rush," Yuda responded heavily.

Rage coursed through the shark's nerves, though his response was quiet and tense. "Damn. Very well- if the Grim Return and its fighter squadrons have any sense, they'll prevent Surnahm's ship from docking with the installation long enough to make our escape. Have the ship ready to receive cargo and take off!"

Yuda said nothing, though the shark was certain that the order was being obeyed. Rather than chew out the Sith Knight for his insolence, Thresher started to wonder how the Jedi had managed to track them down. Remnant Intelligence knew that such stations were meant to call in frequently, and he had been present both times when contact was established. He had dominated the communications officer, forced him to respond normally- something had given them away.

"Snaire," he said abruptly, speaking into his headset. "What's your status?"

"I'm here with Saph, rallying the troops and having them direct the hostages to the ship," she replied.

"No, forget the hostages," he ordered abruptly. "We have our prize, leave them behind."

"But--"

"Leave them!" Thresher emphasized. "Order the Grim Return's troopers to stand guard over the hostages! Surnahm and his foolish Jedi ways will demand that he at least divide his forces to rescue the station's staff members instead of intercepting us- let him waste his time saving his precious Republic allies!" It was a simplistic plan that would gain them a few minutes at best, he knew- but even with the trooper squadron deployed from the Star Destroyer, they would not be enough to turn away Jedi of the Sentinel's skill. Their best bet was to divide the opposition.

"And the remaining artifacts?" she asked.

He grimaced, remembering they had found a handful of weapons, texts, even a holocron- yet he understood his priorities. "Leave them as well- they are meaningless. The engine is the greater prize. I need you and your troops to reinforce our position in the hangar, in case they manage to dock with us."

"Understood, we're on--"

A tremendous crash drowned out the rest of her words, followed by a violent shudder than knocked most of the stormtroopers off their feet- even Thresher had to brace against the wall to maintain his balance, his hand flying to his belt and extracting his lightsaber reflexively. Eyes darting side to side, he spotted a plated sign at a nearby hatch, marked Docking Bay 2.

Cursing, he ignited his blade. "Weapons ready, and keep moving!" he hissed.

Locke and Keris had been the only two passengers in the squad not suffering from a minor amount of disorientation from their rough landing, and so it was they who were the first out of the hatch. Miles came around swiftly enough, aiding the accompanying Antarian Rangers as they shuffled from out of the escape pod- yet Locke knew they could not wait long. After taking a brief moment to reflect on his brother's last telepathic message before he went to aid Lode Squadron, he hurried forward with his pike at the ready, the silver-blue blade at the end humming in tune with Keris' emerald-green sword.

"I feel them, Locke- they're close," Keris muttered tensely. "It's Thresher."

Locke nodded, eyes narrowed and mind focused. "He cannot hurt you, love. You've become much stronger since then- you can best him."

"I... I don't know that I can," she admitted weakly, her pace slowing behind him until they stopped- the tone in her voice caused him to look back at her. Now he could see her features were painted with fear.

"Trust in the Force, and in your friends," he told her, reaching out and touching her shoulder. "Trust that we'll be there for you. You faced down and defeated a Sith Inquisitor on an infected ship- meet this darkness with the same courage, love."

The words seemed to embolden her, and she nodded resolutely, moving with him at an increased pace. Behind them, the footfalls of Miles and their Ranger unit followed, creating an unmistakable echoing din as they sprinted through the facility. Yet ahead, Locke could hear the boots of stormtroopers and the steady hum of a repulsorcart. A corner ahead; around- and suddenly, the hallway was filled with red.

Years of Sith training and months of Jedi training kicked in within the space of an instant, as both Jedi lunged forward and rolled past the corner and into the adjacent hallway, narrowly avoiding the hail of blasterfire as it slammed into the walls. Stormtroopers had taken up firing positions halfway down the hall, suppressing them with a massive amount of flak. Yet Miles and the Rangers had caught up, and while two of them dove in and returned fire, Miles brought his blaster cannon to bear, immediately mowing down two of their enemies and causing the remainder to scatter.

Certain that it was safe to move, both Jedi rounded the corner and gave chase, careful to mind their pace enough that they could intercept and deflect blaster bolts. Ahead, as Locke disengaged his true lightsaber from the end of his pike and refined the array to a normal length, he could make out several figures in black- at least 5 elite stormtroopers, and 2 Sith Knights.

"You see them?" Locke pointed out, slashing a bolt in midair and returning it into the chest of the fool who had fired it.

"Yes," Keris answered, glaring at the group ahead. "They're hauling something up ahead. Must be moving to the other hangar." Her left paw triggered her headset. "Kajex, you read us?"

"Barely hear--... guys, jammers are disrup--...-cations. What's up?"

"We got Sith onboard- they're moving toward the hangar opposite the side you delivered us to, they've got some sort of device on them! Can your fighters lock down the hangar?" she asked, ducking as another stormtrooper fired in her direction. A barrage of blasterbolts from a dead-eyed Ranger behind her cut him down.

"Not--... 5 minutes," he responded. "We're down to 8 starfighters and--... Rush, reinforcements still 5 minutes out. Even when they get--... can't do much, the ISD just launched everything they've got!"

Locke winced. "They're going to be overwhelmed. We need to stop them here, Keris."

"Launcher!" Miles bellowed, and both of them looked ahead- a black-armored trooper had taken a kneeling firing position with heavy ordnance on their shoulder. Swearing, Locke dove to the ground with Keris rolling out of the way. Keeping himself flat against the floor had been done reflexively and had saved his life- a rush of air caused his hair to flutter as the missile sailed above his head, exploding somewhere behind him. A cry rent the air and Locke rolled onto his back- one of the Rangers had been flung into the air from the explosion, and did not get back up.

"See to him!" Locke shouted as he returned to his feet, contained anger rising within him as he charged forward. Unable to reload swiftly, the trooper backpedaled and fired his sidearm wildly, to no avail- what shots had not missed entirely, the Guardian had deflected easily, until the gap between them had been crossed in full and he disarmed the soldier with a clean cut through his shoulder. The trooper wailed in agony for only a moment, before Locke grabbed his helmet and slammed it against the wall, knocking him out cold.

Though Locke would have continued onward, Miles grabbed his shoulder. "Boss, I've got visual on hostages a hundred meters and left," he informed him, pointing at a blank space in the wall. "They don't look hurt, but they have at least 10 guards watching over them."

Locke glanced at Keris and nodded. "We can't simply leave them. Take half our team with you and get them out of there- Keris and I will take the rest and attempt to stop Thresher!" Miles nodded and the two Jedi resumed running ahead, as the Miraluka began shouting orders.

Though he was well-aware that he could use the Force to sprint ahead in a bold attempt to intercept the Karkarodon Sith, Locke was fully aware the numbers were against him- leaving his well-armed allies behind would not benefit anybody. As it was, every hundred meters another stormtrooper or two would break off from the main group and attempt to stall the group, buying the Sith more time to widen the gap- moreover, Locke noted with dismay that they were uniquely outfitted to combat Jedi. One of them brought a flak-cannon to bear, and it was only the wolf's reflexes that saved him as he dodged to the side- one of the Rangers following him was not so fortunate, taking part of the shot in the leg and falling with a groan. A blur of green light sped past him, Keris running directly at the trooper. Bringing the weapon to bear, Locke nearly howled as he fired- only to flinch and gape as the flechette spikes did nothing to her. The vixen lept into the air with a snarl, her weapon aiming for a killing blow.

And without warning, she promptly disappeared.

The soldier staggered back, clearly bewildered, yet before he could determine what had just happened, a blur of green light sped past Locke and closed the gap, lopping off the soldier's arm before thrusting him through the air through the Force. Locke stared in awe as Keris glanced back- fear had kept him rooted to the spot, fear that she had been reckless and charged into the trooper's aim. Now he could see she'd taken a moment to conjure yet another of her Force projections, so convincing that he hadn't noticed it wasn't really her.

Certain now that the vixen before him was real, he took a step forward and nearly doubled over in pain as his right side burned. Keris swore and sprinted to him just as he fell into a kneeling position and put a paw to his side. When he brought it back up, his snow-white paw was coated in red.

"You're hit, love," Keris informed him worriedly.

Locke grimaced, returning his paw to the wound and quickly locating the stray flechette spike that had caught his right side. With a strained growl, he pulled the projectile out, breathing in slowly and getting back to his feet. "I'll be fine," he assured her, allowing the Force to wash over him and dull his perception of pain. "We can't wait any longer, they must be close to their ship by now."

The vixen did not argue, though she still regarded him with concern as she followed. Despite his injury, his pace did not lessen as they continued- though he inwardly hoped they could stop the Sith before his injury could become too much to ignore.

A kilometer away, Kajex gasped in pain, his paw reflexively grabbing his right side. Heart racing, he caught a brief glimpse of a snow-white paw covered with blood, before the sensation of pain faded.

"KAJEX!!!"

He came to just in the nick of time, pulling the yoke to the right before he could collide with a TIE interceptor. The starfighter screamed off to their port side- moments later, Rook's turret began to thump rapidly, removing it's blip from the Gold Rush's radar as it blew apart.

"What the hell, boss!?" Rook snarled. "You payin' attention up there? Syrra, ya better go check on him, make sure he's--"

"I'm fine," he called back, shaking his head a bit to clear it. "Just... I felt Locke take a hit. He'll make it."

"He's a Jedi Guardian, he can handle himself," Syrra assured him. "More contacts, these guys are really gunning for us!"

It was true enough. While the Gold Rush's presence in the space battle had indeed relieved the pressure being put on Lode Squadron, the Sentinel's ship had to take a lot of flak for it. Suspecting that the ship's reputation among the Circle of Syn might be a factor, Kajex was forced to abandon any notion of aggressive flying angles and instead relegate his ship as a cannon platform, relying on the accuracy of his gunnery crew to blow apart pursuers and ease the fire they were taking. A barrage of hits struck the vessel with little ill effect, and Kajex found himself thankful that the ship's deflector shield emitters had been fully upgraded. Nevertheless, they would not hold out forever- already, they were at 53%. The only upside to this battle was that the Star Destroyer had not yet entered the fray- moot, given that at this point it did not have to.

The battle was not a stalemate, unfortunately- Lode Squadron was losing ground, with its pilots having to scatter and perform complex evasive maneuvers just to stay alive. Of those that remained, only Tay seemed calm and collected, his ship darting through the swarm of Imperial starfighters- every so often he'd fire off a spurt of seemingly random shots, which would find their mark and destroy yet another ship. Despite this, Kajex could feel the dismay radiating from his position.

Another member of Lode Squadron took a hit, spinning out of control- although Kajex was relieved to see the pilot had managed to eject before the ship exploded, it was here that Tay finally spoke. "We're in dire straits, Sentinel. They still number 37."

As if on cue, an alarm rang out on Kajex's console- immediately his heart jumped into his throat. "We got incoming, Tay- looks like the cavalry just got here!"

With the Gold Rush still unloading its cannons on any TIE fighter unwise enough to get close, Kajex eased the ship around at a patch of space, his muzzle splitting into a grin as 2 heavy vessels came out of hyperspace- a Republic-class Star Destroyer, christened as the Secura, and the Inspired, each of them approaching Observer-V with all haste. More contacts pinged on the Sentinel's console as the star cruiser released no fewer than 2 dozen of its starfighters- A-wing interceptors and B-wing bombers poured from its hangar in rapid order, joining the fray as the Secura flew ahead to engage the Remnant battleship. Within moments, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer responded, its heavy turbolasers filling the space between itself and it's Republic challenger with lethal energy.

Master Moarn's voice crackled through the wolf's headset. "Sentinel, we've arrived and are prepared to lend aid."

Ecstatic to hear the Trandoshan once again, he set a course for the Dreadnaught, dipping the ship to avoid a flock of TIEs pursuing a B-wing and grinning as Syrra and Rook pelted the pursuers with cannon-fire. "Glad you could make it, Master Moarn- we need the Inspired to position itself near the station and deflect any attempt to support the Remnant."

Another voice filtered into his headset. "This is Captain Gustav Penn of the Secura- we're on approach to give the Grim Return hell. Say the word if you need my fighters redirected, Knight Surnahm."

"We appreciate it, Secura- just keep those Remnant bastards busy as much as you can."

Tay let out what sounded like a chirp of exhaustion. "By the Force, that's a relief... Lode Squadron, rally to the Inspired and regroup- if you need a resupply, get it." At once, the remaining X-wings looped around and made for the Dreadnaught, with two of them heading for the hangar.

Feeling more than a little relieved himself, Kajex opened a channel to the team on the installation. "Locke, got an update- reinforcements just arrived, we can intercept any vessel that attempts to escape."

"Good--... hear, we're almost caught up."

"Kajex- ahead!" Syrra chirped.

The momentary feeling of relief passed as his eyes darted up- another Star Destroyer had entered the fray, giving immediate fire-support to the first and causing the Secura to refine its course accordingly, keeping out of its range of fire. Kajex winced.

"What do you think, Tay? Even battle, about?"

"They'll have a full compliment of starfighters," Tay noted calmly. "Granted, I don't think they're gonna fight it out to the end, the Secura just launched its X-wings- but that leaves what's left of the Grim Return's compliment to us."

"We need to help Locke and the others," Talrik said. "There's no telling what kind of opposition they might face."

Kajex chewed his bottom lip for a moment, hesitant- they no longer had fighters tailing them, as they'd redirected their efforts towards distracting the Inspired. "... Will you guys be alright?" he asked finally.

"We can go two-on-one with the Imperials, Sentinel," Captain Penn assured him. "Do what you need to do."

Despite closing the gap considerably, Locke knew the situation was grim. At their backs, only 3 Rangers remained- one had been injured, forcing another to stop and tend to her wounds, while a third had taken a fatal blow. Keris was keeping up solidly, using a combination of her illusions with graceful footwork to incapacitate anybody Thresher kept leaving behind to stall their approach- but Locke's wound remained, and while he had cut himself off from the pain of it, further movement was making it worse. By now, much of the right side of his coveralls were damp with blood, and the Guardian knew he was leaving a light mess behind.

Nevertheless, by the time they had chased Thresher to the hangar, they were nearly on top of the Sith Knight, close enough that the Karkarodon was able to glance at Locke as he approached and glared at him. Rather than engage in a duel, however, he quickly followed the Chistori and stormtroopers past the hatch leading in. The Guardian's heart leapt for a moment as he got a brief but clear look of the device they were transporting, which looked remarkably like some manner of mechanical ovoid. Remembering Kajex's story about the Mass Shadow Generator, it took great restraint for him to cease following the shark into the hangar with him.

Keris pulled up short along with him, peering past the wall that separated the Sith from the Jedi, her expression apprehensive. "We've got about 13 of them in there, versus us five," she informed them, as the three Rangers stopped behind them.

"We can take 'em," a young human Ranger responded stoutly, but Locke shook his head.

"These aren't your typical stormtroopers, lad. The heavy ordnance and their sacrifice tactics suggest that they're Novatroopers. That puts their training at least on par with Ranger training, and there are more of them, with Sith allies." With a deep breath, he slid into a minor trance, noting the positions of everyone within. Thresher had stopped and was standing with a sneer on his face; behind him, 6 stormtroopers had their weapons ready; and to either side were another pair of Sith Knights, both of whom Locke recognized.

He brought himself out of the trance, cursing quietly. "Yuda and Snaire are among them."

Keris growled. "Those assholes? The Circle must really be desperate of they knighted either of those losers..."

"Be that as it may," Locke cautioned, "they're not to be trifled with. I can feel how much more powerful they've become since we defected."

Before she could answer, Thresher's voice rang out from the open hatch. "Why do you hesitate now, traitor? Has basking in the light of Jedi caused you to fear the darkness you were once a part of?"

"If it were you, you'd rush right in like a moron," Locke countered with a smirk. "You were in such a hurry to fight the last time we met, one of my friends gave you a handsome-looking gash across your abominable face." Without even having to see him, Locke could sense the surge in anger rising from the Sith Knight.

"I suppose she was spurred on to it, when I penetrated your slut's womb," Thresher spat back. "Pity that it didn't take, but perhaps she'd like to go again- I promise to be harder and dirtier about it."

Keris looked furious at the words, but Locke remained calm, reaching over and squeezing her arm with a smile. She softened immediately, swallowing and relaxing at his touch. "I need you to focus, love," he told her gently. "You know what to do." With a reassured smile, she nodded and adopted a look of intense concentration, while he turned to the three remaining Rangers. "I can keep him occupied- once Keris signals you, move in."

With an anxious look between them, they nodded reluctantly, backing away as the Guardian leaned against the wall, turning his attention to the Sith Knight. "Maybe you're like to tell us what it is you've found rather than trade barbs with us," Locke asked.

"'Round the corner, and maybe I'll let you see it before I cut you down," Thresher challenged.

"And you think you can escape at this point?" Locke asked seriously. "My brother will easily shoot you down and destroy both your ship and your artifact."

"I very much doubt that," the shark responded coldly. "We have better soldiers, a better ship, a better pilot, and better duelists."

The boast gave the guardian a flicker of insight. "I'm not convinced," Locke said abruptly. "This is the second time we've met as enemies, and once again you're fleeing like a thief. I want a duel with your best warrior for a change."

"Do you now," Thresher remarked with a cruel laugh. "And as the best trained among our group, why should I grant you such a request?"

"Because what I said back on Dakua is as true now as it was then- you could never back out of a duel, if you could help it," Locke replied, taking in a deep breath and stepping out in front of the hangar. The stormtroopers raised their weapons, but did not fire, and once Thresher held his hand up they lowered them without question. "Of course, you're free to show me how much you've changed for the worse by running away a second time. For someone meant to replace me, you've done a shit job."

The shark's tail whipped side to side furiously, anger etched in his features. "You dare--"

"My Juyo against your Makashi, Thresher," the Guardian cut him off. "Demonstrate that my replacement in the Circle of Syn is actually worth a damn in a battle, rather than a coward who won't stay to fight even when the odds are in his favor." Dark satisfaction bloomed in his chest, prompting him to smirk as the shark flinched from the comment. "... Or do you intend to keep showing the true nature of the Sith and their cowardice by running like a bitch, as you've done since I've arrived?"

Snaire stiffened, glancing at the shark with a frown. "He's goading you, we've no time for thi--"

But the Sith Knight had already made his decision, sprinting the distance from where he'd stood to the hatch entrance. The approach was fueled by anger and directed by a single-minded desire to end the white wolf's life- and thus was predictable enough to avoid, as Locke dove under the shark's head-leveled slash and rolled to feet, bringing his pike up to the ready position. At once, Thresher turned and faced the Guardian, assuming a fencing position and approaching swiftly, his blade point angled at the Jedi.

"You fool!" Snaire shouted angrily, stepping forward, only to be intercepted as Yuda's arm flung out to block her.

"No, let him," the human sneered, his yellow eyes surging with hatred for the Karkarodon. "Don't deny me the chance to see either one of them die- I'd very much like to be present if the fish ends up gutted."

Noting with dismay that the remaining stormtroopers were lowering the ship's cargo lift, Locke nevertheless shifted it to the back of his mind and focused on self-defense. Thresher's assault was rapid and agile, a series of jabs and feints that the Guardian was able to deflect solidly- for while Thresher was a skilled adherent to Form II, Locke had extensive study in every lightsaber form. With careful backpedaling he allowed the shark to close in, lulling him into a sense of superiority by holding back and defending. The sharp, explosive din of lightsaber combat filled the air as they battled, the intensity in environment thick enough to cleave with their laser blades.

Before long, impatience started to set in; the fluidity of Thresher's approach could not penetrate Locke's defenses. Perhaps thinking the wolf's pike shaft was vulnerable, he battered the length repeatedly, to no effect- imbuing it with the Force had granted the length a permanent defense against lightsabers. With a snarl, the shark returned to trying to impale Locke. A lunge, and he was in too close. A deflection to Locke's side caught Thresher's blade. The sound of a sharp crack rang out as he brought the blunt end of his weapon around to strike the Sith Knight directly across the snout. When he raised his head, it was with trail of blood leaking down his chin, and a look of murder in his eyes.

The fight resumed, but now Locke was doing more than defending; subtle cuts with the bladed end of his weapon began to nick and slash at the shark, leaving shallow wounds and minor burns that only served to enrage Thresher further. In his own weakened state, Locke knew it was his best offensive option- a classic deployment of wordless dun moch, taunting the shark with flourishes and deliberately trivial injuries. Every cut the Jedi Guardian left shamed the shark, demonstrated that the wolf could end him at any moment, and that his Sith replacement was not his equal. The look of desperation and fury in his eyes was enough for the Guardian to know that Thresher was aware of this.

With a roar, Thresher brought his saber down hard against Locke's weapon, forcing them into a saber lock. "You toy with me!" he snarled as the blades popped and crackled against each other.

"You lack focus and patience- you sully the art of Makashi by allowing your rage to make you sloppy," Locke growled in retaliation.

"Then I'll just have to limit your focus, dog," the shark spat. Before Locke could react, Thresher twisted around and landed a metal-toed boot into Locke's right side, directly into his wound- the wolf yelped in agony as white-hot pain lanced through his body, staggering back frantically as Thresher knocked his weapon away.

Despite being winded, Locke still managed to grin. "Took you long enough," he coughed as he dropped to one knee and held his bleeding midsection. "But too late for you."

The shark scoffed. "You're disarmed, and you think you still have the upper hand?"

"Just ask my brother," Locked suggested, gesturing behind Snaire and Yuda.

All of them turned, their eyes falling upon Kajex and Syrra, both armed and looking furious as they charged forward. The stormtroopers started firing at once, to no avail- the pair moved swiftly and fearlessly, crossing the length of the hangar in moments before leaping into the air with their sabers out. Snaire raised her hands and unleashed a blast of flame from her palms, engulfing them both in a massive inferno.

Seconds later, the gout of fire vanished- and so had they.

"ABCs out!" Locke bellowed.

With Keris' impressive Force illusion giving them the opening they needed, all three Rangers had stepped out from cover and triggered their charges. By the time Thresher noticed them, the explosive devices were already hurtling through the air, clattering at their feet. Locke spun around and covered his ears as he moved away, bracing for the effects.

An enormous din exploded from the charges- though there was no shrapnel, they issued ultrasonic noise and chemical irritants within the immediate area. In moments, all three Sith Knights were on their knees, retching and swaying from the assault on their senses. Even with their helmets on, the stormtroopers fared no better, becoming easy targets for the Rangers as they began to gun them down.

Despite covering his ears, Locke still felt some of the effects of the charges himself, whining frantically as he searched around for his weapon. Instead, his eyes fell upon the relic, still centered on the ship's cargo lift. Summoning as much strength as he could, he staggered to his feet and stumbled weakly towards the device, his pace slow as he sought to keep his balance. If he could just reach it, he thought, he might at least be able to identify it, maybe destroy it to prevent it being used.

A glance back and he could see that Thresher was trying to rally the other Sith Knights, blocking blaster shots from the Rangers inexpertly as they crawled away. Keris had rounded the corner as well, only to keep her distance from the charges cautiously, offering cover from the remaining troops with her lightsaber. Certain she had things in hand, he turned to face the device again, only to find his path blocked off by an enormous Chistori, clad in black.

Lock backpedaled away a few steps, his ears flattening anxiously at the sight of the massive figure. "Oh... hi, Apex," he groaned.

The reptilian knight nodded placidly. "Hello, Locke."

"So... is there any chance you can make this painless for me?" Locke asked.

"I'm afraid not," the Chistori rumbled apologetically, as he grabbed Locke by the collar, the white wolf struggling and trying to kick at the reptile with no real effect. With a loud grunt, Apex tossed Locke a good thirty feet away, the Guardian rolling across the hangar away from the ship as his body was wracked with pain. Once stopped, he rolled onto his back, his eyes falling on a dark-blue Lepi running out of the ship with a metal orb in her paw. With an underhanded lob, the orb sailed through the air, right in the middle of the ABC charges, before exploding in a dome of electrical impulses.

Alarm ran through Locke as he noticed the charges ceasing to function- the EMP charge had rendered them inert, the din of their ultrasonic noises silenced in a moment. Seconds later, Thresher managed to get to his feet, casting a lethal look in Locke's direction before striding to the active vessel- apparently having decided it was no longer worth the effort to duel any longer, he seemed to be content enough knowing that the Guardian was in no shape to pursue.

Yet Keris was still active, and after cutting down the last stormtrooper standing in her way, she sprinted towards the vessel. Despite looking shaky on her feet, Knight Snaire managed to find enough willpower to turn and conjure a veritable storm of Sith lightning at the approaching vixen. Forced to defend herself, Keris brought her emerald blade up to take the brunt of the assault, though Locke winced as arcs of electricity danced through her arms as well. Though it was not enough for the vixen to begin writhing in pain, it was more than enough to cease her approach, such that she could do nothing when the cargo lift ascended into the ship and into its hold- moments later, Snaire disappeared up the ramp into the vessel, leaving the vixen to drop to her knees, panting as tendrils of smoke floated from her singed arms.

There was nothing more to be done, Locke knew, even as Miles and his team finally arrived and joined the remaining Antarian Rangers in firing on the ship. The transport's hull was more than adequate enough to take the trivial assault. All he could do was bring a paw to his headset.

"Kajex... I've failed. Thresher's making an escape- you need to stop him."

The words caused the Sentinel to wince. "It's alright, bro. I know you did all you could- just get yourself healed up and wait for us, I'm going to try to blow that fucker to dust!" Determined not to let the Sith Knight go without a fight, he started scanning for the vessel. Within moments the Gold Rush's sensors picked up on a new active signal exiting the hangar on the opposite side of the facility, quickly picking up speed. "Got it- showing up on scanners, everyone?"

There was a pause, then an explosion of profanity. "THAT MOTHERFUCKING FISH-FUCK SON OF A BITCH BASTARD!!! That's my fucking ship!!!" she snarled.

Kajex blinked, rechecking their scanners- sure enough, the Gold Rush had identified the fleeing vessel as Kom'rk-class transport, christened Wrath of Ragnos. "Shit... we promised we'd..." he trailed off in dismay, knowing what this meant.

"Kajex," she said frantically, suddenly sounding close to tears, "m-mate, y'cant blow that ship up! I need you to promise not to destroy her! J-just- if you have to damage her engines to stop her for boardin', that's okay, but please...!"

Cursing inwardly, knowing he had made a promise and having every intention of keeping it, he set a course to intercept the transport. A twinge of worry set into his mind as he realized it was making a direct beeline for the remains of Malachor V, though he made no attempt to refine his approach. Several pings sounded from the ships scanners- they'd picked up company.

"Dammit... Tay, I'm gonna need help here."

"Anything you need, Sentinel," he responded resolutely.

"Locke couldn't prevent the Sith from taking off, they're heading into the wreckage- I'm gonna try to cut them off before they can clear the debris and make a jump to hyperspace, but I've picked up about half of the remaining opposition's pursuers," Kajex informed him, wincing as the closest interceptor scored several hits against his deflector shield, before Rook blew it apart.

"I see them- Lode 3, 5 and 9, follow me and give the Sentinel support!"

Master Moarn's voice came in at that moment. "Be careful, Sentinel- the Force wound within that area may dampen your connection to the Force."

Fully aware of the dangers in flying towards such carnage, Kajex took in a deep breath to calm himself before boosting power to the engines in an attempt to put more distance between the Gold Rush and it's TIE-fighter pursuers. Massive stones flew in every direction as he entered the field, some few kilometers behind Rook's ship- more alarming were the sudden bursts of emerald electricity, bolts that nearly struck the Sentinel's ship as they penetrated deeper into the field.

Syrra's voice came in, sounding nervous. "Kajex, have you ever done this before?" she asked.

"I've flown scrapyards in the Gold Rush since I was seventeen, kitten," Kajex responded with more confidence than he felt. "Just let me worry about the debris- you worry about those bastards following us."

"Heads up, Kajex- I think my ship's warming up her aft cannons," Rook warned. "Just... take it easy."

"That's on you guys," Kajex grunted, yanking the yoke up to narrowly dodge a spinning boulder. "Whittle it's shields while you can, and let's hope we can disable it before it jumps- and that it doesn't smash itself into a boulder before it comes out the other end," he added, swerving around another massive stone.

As if on cue, the Kom'rk-class ship began firing on Kajex, red spears of explosive light bursting on and around the Gold Rush's deflectors- at roughly the same moment, Rook and Talrik opened fire, trading blows with the fleeing ship, while Syrra directed her fire at the nearest starfighters closing in. It was not long before both vessels had to begin weaving through the devastated wreckage of planetary fragments and flotsam, connected by a perforated thread of lethal energy. Every so often a stray cannon shot would strike a boulder ahead of Kajex, forcing him to swerve abruptly to avoid the debris and causing him to lose ground.

The fight behind them was nearly as chaotic, as the agile starfighters darted through the rocks and engaged, trying to keep up with the Gold Rush in the process. 4 minutes in, one of the X-wings clipped a boulder and lost a wing, forcing the pilot to disengage and break off from the main group- but the loss was trivial when compared to the TIEs that remained, as despite their greater agility they lacked substantial enough hulls to weather such damage.

Shafts of light from Malachor's sun, mixed in with an increasingly dense celestial mist, seemed to make visual scanning more difficult as the chase wore on. Only the barest of tenuous connections to the Force remained with Kajex as he poured focus into his duty, trying his best not to lose them. Worse still were the lightning shocks- twice, the Gold Rush suffered direct hits to the hull that drained the ship's shields to an alarming level and disrupted her scanning equipment, forcing the Sentinel to reacquire its lock on the Mandalorian-built ship.

"Kajex..." Tay said softly with a tone of awe, "off to port, look. The core."

The Nediji's eyes are uncannily sharp, for him to have spotted the anomaly long before Kajex could- yet moments later he could clearly see what the avian Jedi Knight was referring to. What had once been a molten core had long since cooled and become a floating ball of alloy, yet the surface seemed distorted and not entirely present; a warp that persisted visually and which Kajex could feel as a eerie absence from the Force. Every arc of miles-long lightning struck its surface, kicking up dust and fragments that radiated outwards- even kilometers away, in the vacuum of space, the wolf shuddered at the scene, for beyond the fringes of the wound was the deep shadow of dark side energy.

"I... can feel that," Talrik whined quietly. The words put a scare into Kajex he'd never felt- it was one thing for a Jedi to feel the chaos radiating from the wound, but for a non-sensitive like Talrik to speak with bare, fearful honesty that he could feel the same thing, was alarming to the wolf.

"Te kry'a-kar'ta be ori'dush," Rook whimpered over communications. "By Mand'alor, we shouldn't be here..."

He found the willpower to tear his eyes away from the core. It seemed that everyone that had followed him in, both Republic and Remnant, had ceased their fighting to stare at the unnaturalness of the scene- but soon after Kajex began putting what little focus he could towards chasing Thresher's ship, the cannons started sounding again, splashing over the deflector shield or bursting around the vessel and rocking it. Even with extra power diverted to their defenses, Kajex winced when the reading gave an even 30%.

"Any locks?" Syrra asked.

"No, they must have exhausted their heavy ordinance," Kajex replied, feeling thankful for that. "How're you doing back there, Tay?"

"You still have six more bogeys following you; Lodes 3 and 9 had to break off for repairs," Tay informed him. "This is insane- why would this Sith thief be so bold as to risk smashing himself and the artifact he wants into these ruins?"

"It could be a weapon," Kajex replied worriedly. "If Thresher managed to obtain a piece of the Mass Shadow Generator for reverse-engineering, the Remnant could raise hell on any Republic system they'd like. That said, we can't destroy the ship- we need to disable it only, understood?"

"On your orders," Tay responded. "Heads up, we're nearing the edge of the other side- close in, quick as you can!"

But Kajex was already on it, diverting as much of life support as he could safely get away with to recharge his shields and pump more power into the engines. Though faster, Thresher's ship only made minor speed adjustments, enough to keep the Gold Rush out of range a few moments longer. Knowing they would only have seconds to score a hit on the Wrath, the Sentinel kept his ship steady, angling the belly of the Gold Rush towards the feeling vessel.

"Talrik?"

"I'm all ears, Kajex."

"Can you make the shot?" the wolf asked hesitantly.

There was a slight pause. "Yeah. We're almost within range, I can clip the Wrath's starboard thruster to throw them off and slow them down."

"Just... take it easy, love," Rook chimed in with a tone of worry. "Be gentle, I don't wanna have to pay out the nose for a new engine."

"Whatever you're doing, make it quick, Sentinel- the Squints are coming in on you hard and they're starting to outrun us!" Tay warned.

They cleared the last threatening planetary fragment and Kajex's console lit up with a warning; the Wrath was making calculations for hyperspace coordinates, moments before the sensors pinged a confirmation- they were in range.

"On you, kid," the wolf said, hoping Talrik's aim would remain true. Yet before the fox could fire, a fleeting sensation of mortal danger flared up in the back of his head, his eyes drifting back to his sensors just in time to see a contact approaching at blazing speed.

"SHIT!!!" Syrra yelped. "WATCH OU--"

It was too late. The Gold Rush lurched heavily to the sound of an incredible explosion, nearly throwing Kajex out of his seat as alarms started blaring through the transport. Grabbing whatever he could to keep himself upright, he grabbed the yoke in a vain effort to keep them on course. "No, nonono FUCK! Talrik, can you--"

But before he could reach the end of his sentence, the Wrath of Ragnos had pulled ahead and finished its calculations, distorting as a brief stretch of ship before propelling into the far reaches of space in less than the blink of an eye. A sinking feeling of dread filled the wolf's stomach as he stared at the spot where it had been.

He'd failed.

"Kajex, I... I'm sorry," Talrik said softly. "I couldn't line up the shot before..."

"It's... it's alright, kit," he said weakly, tension leaving his body and leaving him with a sensation of utter exhaustion.

Although he might have reflected on this given the time, he managed to shake himself out of his brief daze, panic starting to set in. A short glance at the ship's readouts showed they'd suffered a massive blow to the top of the ship- minor hull damage, but enough to damage a few systems. More pressing was the angle of the attack, and the fact that Syrra wasn't talking. Taking a moment to reduce the ship's speed, he leapt out of his seat and sprinted out of the cockpit.

"Tay, what the fuck just happened?!"

"I'm sorry, Sentinel- one of the TIE Interceptors managed to outpace us and collided their ship into yours," Tay informed him heavily. "Have your crew suffered injury?"

The wolf did not answer the commander. By this point, Kajex had reached the turret access tube, just as Talrik's head poked above the floor. "Syrra?!"

No answer. Nor could he feel an active presence from her.

The wolf leapt in over the Amaran gunner, scurrying up the ladder and reaching the gunner seat, twisting it around as a feeling of dread washed over the wolf. The Trianii Padawan was inert, still breathing shallowly, with a bad cut across her brow- the collision had caused her to bang her head against the corner of her seat's tracking computer. With a frantic whine he pulled her out of the seat carefully and into his arms, settling onto the floor.

"C'mon kitten," he pleaded, nuzzling her cheek. "Y'gotta wake up."

As if on command, her eyes flicked wide open at the same moment she drew in a sharp breath, flinching as she gasped. For a moment, her deep sapphire eyes darted around, until they met his gold eyes. A content sigh left her as she settled, leaning into his embrace and prompting the wolf's tail to wag in response.

"Thank the Force," he whispered. "I nearly freaked out there... I didn't want there to be worse news today."

"I'm fine," Syrra assured him, managing a smile. "Although... I'm guessing the bad guy got away again."

"In the grand scheme of things, that may matter a lot," Kajex conceded, hugging her tight, "but right now I'm just glad you're safe."

Talrik's head poked into the turret pod, glancing around at them before sighing in relief. "Oh good, she's alright," he said, exhaling in relief. "Look, Kajex, I'm sorr--"

"None of that, kit," the wolf firmly cut him off, reaching over and rubbing his ears. "We did our best today- it's just... one we were going to have trouble winning," he sighed.

"That's for sure," Rook said sadly through their headsets. "Fuck..."

"If anybody should apologize, it's me," Kajex stated, addressing Rook. "I'm sorry we couldn't get your ship back, kid- things just didn't pan out for us this time."

"It ain't your fault," the otter sighed. "At least it's still intact, for now. Motherfucking darjetii, using my dad's ship for their bullshit..."

"We'll get it back, Rook," Kajex assured her. "There'll be other chances- I'll scan their trajectory so we can get an idea of where they were headed."

"Won't do you much good," Rook said blandly, "... but thanks, mate. Anyway, y'should probably get on back down here and get us back to the Inspired or the Observer-V- check in on your twin."

"Copy that... Tay, what's the status on the Inspired and Secura?" the wolf asked, letting Syrra slide out of his embrace as she unsteadily climbed down the turret accessway.

"The Grim Return and the Humbler just entered hyperspace. The former avoided suffering structural damage, the Humbler _took massive structural damage. The _Secura and Inspired were untouched." There was a brief pause and a sigh. "We took out fifty-three starfighters, and lost eighteen of our own. Only five managed to eject. Locke reports that we also lost three Antarian Rangers."

Kajex winced, guilt settling into him. "Tay... I'm sorry."

"No apologies, Sentinel. I told you before this mission started that my pilots were ready to fight and die for the light of the Force. The Sith may have succeeded, but we cannot sit in our grief- we need to regroup and plot out our next move."

The wolf nodded, taking in a calming breath and getting to his feet. "You're right. I'll get the Gold Rush to limp back to Observer-V. We'll figure out what happened there."

"How're you feeling, Locke?" Syrra asked as she knelt next to the white wolf, wincing at the red stain on his coveralls.

"Better, now that I know you're all safe," the Guardian remarked with a sigh and a content smile, leaning against the hangar wall with his weapon across his lap. "Just took a needle in the midsection from a flechette cannon."

The Trianii Padawan blinked, then smiled before leaning in to check the wound, pleased to see that someone had already tended to it. "I've heard this story before- Kajex could tell you all about it. Can you walk?" she asked, offering her paw. He nodded, grunting she helped him to his feet, just as Kajex approached and moved in for a careful hug.

"There you are- glad to see you didn't bite it, bro," the Sentinel sighed, nuzzling Locke affectionately and receiving a nuzzle in return.

"Indeed," a voice behind him agreed- Master Moarn had disembarked the nearby shuttle and approached the twins with an expression of relief. Behind him, Keris tailed behind, looking frazzled but otherwise okay. "Once I'd heard the opposition had been great, I insisted on joining the fray to aid in evening the odds. Keris tells me there were four Sith Knights present during this operation- even for a Guardian as skilled as yourself, those are not ideal odds."

"I was hardly in any real danger," Locke assured them. "Thresher proved a horribly incompetent threat, though his allies may yet give him an edge. Either way, it was Keris who pulled through again- we very nearly stopped them due to her efforts."

The vixen blushed, smiling proudly. "Thanks, love. I was just thinking about Kaj and Syrra, and I figured they'd draw everyone's attention if I projected an illusion of them."

"You did fine work, Padawan," Moarn acknowledged. "Now we must discuss what occurred here today, and why."

Once Locke felt ready to move, everyone shifted into a nearby research lab, with the exception of Miles and Talrik, both of whom had left to retrieve what items the Sith had left behind. Tay had also joined at Kajex's request, as he felt the Jedi Knight deserved to know what precisely his pilots had fought and died for. Finally, a single human researcher was present, the only one who had not suffered injury in the entire debacle (as the rest suffered wounds, or were otherwise dead).

"This is Professor Jayne Murtal, one of Oberserver-V's lead researchers," Moarn explained as she took a seat. "She has agreed to explain what has occurred in the last few days, so we can ascertain what it was the Sith were looking for and managed to get away with. Is there anything you need before we get started, ma'am?" he asked politely.

"No, thank you," she assured him in a quiet voice, brushing her brown hair out of her eyes. "Thank you all for your kindness- I wonder that I might be dead were it not for your intervention. I realize that... that many of your fellow soldiers and Jedi gave their lives today. I'll tell you everything I can, if there's even a slim chance that it could make their deaths worthwhile."

Kajex nodded, taking a seat opposite of her. "I'm Sentinel Kajex Surnahm, Jayne. I know it only happened a few days ago, but can you give me a summary of what occurred on this facility?"

She nodded. "Two days ago, the starfighter patrol alerted us to two Star Destroyers coming out of hyperspace- one Imperial-class, the other an Interdictor-class. The Interdictor jammed long-range communications before we could send a distress signal out, and remained until the station was completely under their control. With both vessels launching every starfighter at their disposal, it didn't take long for the patrols to be overrun, and without the means to make a jump into hyperspace, we were essentially cut off. As this happened, a transport deposited four Sith warriors and over a dozen elite stormtroopers- we effectively stood no chance. By the time our Jedi allies converged on their position, they were outnumbered, and had many of us hostage. They... they were forced to surrender, to safeguard our lives."

Kajex nodded solemnly. "They did what they could to prevent you all from getting hurt, as a Jedi should. We'll be sure to notify Master Skywalker about their sacrifice. What can you tell us about the Sith Knights?"

"They did not give us their names, but they seemed very loosely allied- one in particular seemed very flippant about having to serve under their leader, the Karkarodon," she remarked.

"I can tell you of them later, Kajex," Locke assured him. "I recognized them all."

The Sentinel nodded. "Alright, then best to move on. We know that this station was established to search and analyze any potential Sith or Jedi artifacts. Was there anything of interest that the station crew came across, that might have inspired Sith interest?"

Jayne's brow furrowed in thought, leaving her silent for a few moments before speaking. "In the last three years, we've 'excavated' nearly a hundred Sith and Jedi weapons, Mandalorian armor pieces, even carvings and statues from the Trayus Academy ruins. I'm not Force-sensitive, but I'm a student of Jedi history all the same- there could be any number of items that would generate interest." She paused again, frowning. "That said... I would have thought they'd be after the holocron we found about a year ago."

"Were they not interested?" Syrra asked.

"I assume that if they were, they would have left the station after securing it- but they seemed to be searching for something else, something more important. As it is, I've been told that they left it behind. Perhaps they had about as much luck accessing it as we did."

"Did it not yield any secrets?" Master Moarn asked. "Not even to Jedi?"

She shook her head. "No. Mind you, the Jedi that analyzed it informed me that it was of a design they'd never seen before."

"Couldn't you have just sliced into the thing?" Rook asked.

Kajex shook his head. "Jedi and Sith holocrons don't work like that, I'm afraid. Your typical data holocron, sure- if you have the proprietary connections to slice into it. But actual holocrons are different."

"How so?" the otter asked, puzzled.

"In general, a Jedi holocron will only provide information to an individual that possesses a degree of Force-sensitivity," Moarn answered. "There are exceptions, but for the most part the information stored within such data receptacles are useful to Jedi only."

"Y'mean those things can actually read the Force offa ya?" she responded skeptically.

"They're more than just data disks," Kajex explained. "Jedi artisans imbue the Force into the devices before they install a rudimentary AI. I've even heard some myths that some Jedi could imbue their own spirits into the holocron, refining the AI itself."

"It's just a myth," Moarn added, looking skeptical himself.

"Well anyway, a holocron will almost always have a security buffer, or 'gatekeeper', which determines what information to divulge. Usually, you have to ask them- but if you lack the patience or ability, the gatekeeper will tell you you're not ready for whatever lesson it could give you." He regarded Jayne curiously. "Which is weird. If you had capable Jedi Masters present, they should have been able to access the information within."

"They assumed it was because it was a Sith holocron," she answered. "I found that answer unsatisfactory, given that the design doesn't match the usual pyramid shape of most contemporary Sith holocrons. Then again, it doesn't match traditional Jedi geometrical shapes, either."

At the moment, the hatch to the lab slid open and Miles and Talrik walked in, each pushing a hovercart littered with relics into the center of the room. Master Moarn approached, looking over the artifacts. "And this is all of it?"

Miles nodded. "Minus whatever the Sith took, in addition to the pieces they ignored in the storage rooms. This was everything they'd gathered with the apparent intention to bring it along with them." He reached over and lifted a thick, illuminated disk shape from Talrik's cart, holding it up. "I can see the Force in all of these items, but this one here... this one's got a kind of glow that seems interesting," he observed. While Kajex could not see it in the same way the Miraluka could, the wolf still felt an aura of great power coming from it.

He tore his eyes away from it and addressed the researcher again. "Okay, so they felt the holocron was worth giving up on- do you know what it is they actually took?"

Jayne shook her head. "I only know that they referred to it as an 'engine' of some sort. They questioned the Jedi brutally, killed them when they couldn't provide answers. We... didn't see it, but we heard their screams," she explained with a shudder. "The one leading them, I think his name was Thresher- he would fly into a rage after every death, because they couldn't tell him where he could find what he was looking for."

"Yes, well... he did have a temper when he failed to get answers even before he was knighted," Locke sighed.

"I do remember one thing," Jayne continued, perking up slightly. "Shortly before you arrived, most of the elite stormtroopers were ordered to meet at the waste center. I think they managed to find their 'engine' there, which might make sense."

"Do you discard derelict ship parts in your waste system?" Kajex asked.

"Well, not if we can help it. Some of it can be repurposed or sold to other researchers interested in studying old ship designs. Something like an engine would have been considered viable technology that we would have saved to ship off back to the Republic, for historical research purposes. It wouldn't have been something we'd shunt off to the waste system. So if they did manage to find an engine there, it must have been placed there by mistake."

The explanation left Kajex puzzled, prompting him to glance at the rest of the pack, all of whom looked about as confounded as he felt. Keris spoke first, putting what they likely all felt into words.

"Why the hell would the Sith be interested in an engine? If they wanted something powerful, why not just go to Corellia and buy one?" she asked.

Jayne shrugged. "Search me. I'm just telling you what I picked up on. For all we know, these Sith cultists are probably a brand of crazies looking for the Force in the wrong places- I've studied Jedi history, it wouldn't be the first time."

"You're not wrong," Locke replied with a humorless chuckle.

"Was there anything else, Sentinel?" Jayne asked.

Kajex sighed and shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Those were about the only questions I had. Thank you for your time, Professor," he said sincerely, getting to his feet and holding his paw out.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help," she replied sadly, shaking hands. "If I remember anything else, I'll be sure to inform you immediately. For now... just know that I appreciate your efforts, and your heroism."

As soon as she had left, the wolf sat back down, rubbing his eyes and temples for a moment before addressing the room. "Okay... so let's talk about these Sith, bro."

Locke nodded, taking Jayne's discarded seat. "Yuda, Snaire and Apex," he started, "all of them being led by Thresher. When we left them, they were still apprentices in the Circle of Syn- though now it appears they've all been promoted to the rank of Sith Knight. I figured they'd come into the picture sooner or later- though I wasn't expecting them to be assigned under Thresher."

"What can you tell us about their abilities?" Kajex asked.

Keris cleared her throat. "I used to spar with Snaire. She's a Twi'lek, and not a strong duelist, probably the worst saber-handler in the Circle; but she makes up for that with her offensive Force abilities. She's a pyro- and cryo-kinetic, can channel the dark side to summon lightning, and I'm pretty sure she's a solid tutaminis practitioner, as well."

"That she is," Locke agreed, "though she's nowhere near on the level that Knight Ulfric was, thankfully. Or at least, she isn't yet. Apex, meanwhile, is one of the few members of the Circle that... well..." Locke scratched behind his ears, shrugging. "He's... kind of a nice guy, actually. Definitely a student of the dark side, mind you, but he's a former member of the Matukai."

"Matukai?" Miles asked.

"A non-Jedi Force philosophy that emphasizes intense focus on the training of the body, and deep meditation, channeling the Force through their bodies and becoming living weapons," Moarn explained. "They're a very curious group, actually- their training regimen is such that they can actually develop Force-sensitivity in beings that don't inherently possess it."

"That's definitely his attitude," Locke continued. "Peaceful and contemplative- but when it's required of him, he can become nearly unstoppable while he's in a rage."

"And 'Yuda'?" Kajex asked.

"A true Sith Inquisitor," Locke replied with a tone of disdain. "Not that he doesn't possess formidable lightsaber skill, of course, but... he's a politician, more than anything."

"And a pig," Keris added with a growl. "He tried to rape me, once- but he underestimated my willpower and ended up with a pair of bruised balls. After that, Locke and I made it a point to keep our eyes on him when we knew he was around."

"He's one of the few that has the favor of many Imperial Moffs, however," Locke followed up warningly. "It's one of the few things he can offer to the Circle, being able to speak convincingly and sway others into making decisions in his favor."

"Sounds like they'd be a dangerous bunch if they actually worked in tandem," Tay pointed out, running a hand through his medium-length crestfeathers. "Though it sounds like they're averse to the idea of cooperation, if the Professor read their behavior right. Then again... it's not exactly Sith policy to make friends, is it?"

"Not usually, no," Locke agreed, looking thoughtful. "If I had to guess, however, I'd put money on Yuda being the irritant- I know he hates Thresher more than Thresher hates me. Fact is, he hates every non-human." He returned his attention to his twin. "I hope that helps."

"It does," Kajex acknowledged, still feeling tired. "I just..."

"You wish this knowledge led to an immediate payoff," Moarn pointed out.

The Sentinel's ears flattened. "Yeah... and I know that's not a constructive thought. I just feel bad for the loss of life."

"You have a good, strong heart, Sentinel," Moarn assured him. "Honor their deaths by tempering your desire to do right by them with patience and wisdom. It will take time, but we will succeed."

The wolf sighed, but nodded. "I will. Now, any ideas about this 'engine' Jayne referred to?"

Locke shook his head. "As to that, I have no idea. For a while, I was worried it was some manner of device connected to the Mass Shadow Generator, but... I'm not so sure, now."

"Why not?"

"It's a superweapon. I can't imagine the Circle of Syn, a Sith cult dedicated to the work of an alchemist, would want to make use of a technological superweapon," Locke reasoned. "And remember, their goal was to wipe out the Jedi, not dominate the Republic- at this point, terrorist attacks would be considered petty and wasteful, drawing unnecessary attention. No... I don't think whatever it was they found had a connection to the superweapon."

"Well, good- it's not like we need another one of those fuckin' planet-maulers," Rook remarked coldly. "Shit like Revan's weapon need to stay buried- not even a Sith planet like Malachor V deserved to be crushed into oblivion."

"We won't know for sure whether it's connected to the superweapon until they deploy whatever they design from it," Kajex advised her, "but then again, we might be totally off the mark about what they took. I'm actually inclined to agree with Locke- it wouldn't make sense for them to search for pieces of the Mass Shadow Generator." He paused, rubbing his chin for a moment. "... Did you get a good look at it?" he asked his brother.

Locke nodded. "It was egg-shaped, almost- maybe four feet tall, three feet wide, an oblate spheroid. It had tubes and connection ports, and questionable insertion points. It was..." He stopped short, a moment of hesitation lingering as he seemed to try to find the right words. "You'll probably think I'm crazy for saying this, but when I got close enough to it, I felt... something. Like a presence. Almost as if the device were alive, like the presence of the Force was upon it."

Miles shrugged. "Is that so hard to believe? Alot of the relics here are, too."

"Yes, but mind what I just said- I can't imagine why any piece of technology would be of any value to the Circle, even if it were Force-sensitive. But a piece of technology that gives off the vibe of living? I just feel like we're overlooking something," Locke finished, looking troubled.

"Well, buck up, love," Keris stated, squeezing his shoulder. "We might've lost this one, but a little information is better than nothin' at all."

"Your Padawan is right, Guardian," Moarn said with a nod. "We saved lives today, and now we at least know who stands against us. I would humbly suggest that you all alter your training so you can effectively combat this threat." He turned to Rook. "And as for your vessel, young one- I'll send an inquiry to the NRI myself so your ship can be properly tracked. Now that we know the Circle is making use of it, they'll want to keep tabs on its movements."

"Thanks, ruug'la jetii," Rook responded quietly, though sincerely. "So... what now?"

An awkward silence filled the air as they glanced at each other. Before long, Talrik spoke. "Dunno about you guys, but I'm hungry."

"Me too," Kajex sighed. "I vote heading back to the Gold Rush for noodles so we can get our minds off this for a few minutes- you're welcome to join too, Tay."

"Much obliged, Sentinel," the avian replied appreciatively.

"Then hopefully after that, we can get the hell out of here," Rook suggested as they started getting to their feet. "After what we all saw and felt, you can't tell me Malachor V ain't fuckin' cursed. Should've never been revisited by Jedi, Sith, or Mando'ade."

"I agree, child of Mandalore."

It was a new and unknown voice that had said it, unrecognizable to anybody. Despite the words being stated quietly and clearly, everyone flinched and backpedaled away from the artifact carts that Talrik and Miles had brought in. All eyes fell on the disk-shaped holocron as the exterior, crystaline shell fragmented in neat cutaway sections and rearranged itself. Within moments, a projector jutted from the top of the device, flickering to life in full color. Standing only a foot tall was a hooded figure shrouded in dark robes beneath a polished breastplate and a lightsaber at his hip. Most striking of all, however, was the mask- nearly featureless, save for the visor across the eyes.

For nearly a full minute, everyone stared at the projection in wonder. It was Syrra who broke the silence. "Who are you?"

The figure regarded her carefully for a few moments, before speaking softly, but clearly. "I'm the gatekeeper of this holocron. I've been listening to the discussion intently since the device arrived to this room. In the presence of many Force sensitives, I deemed the situation was worth investigating, to record the knowledge and have it filed away."

"That's... not a proper answer," Kajex muttered, eyes narrowed. "Syrra asked who you were- you told us what you are. A holocron gatekeeper never answers that question the way you just did."

The projection inclined his head. "Very true, Sentinel, although I'll admit that I designed this holocron myself, long ago. As a result, I don't talk to just anybody."

"Why's that?" Talrik asked distrustfully. "Because you're a Sith?"

The projection chuckled. "Partially, though to be fair I'm not Sith anymore- or wasn't, when I made this. I suppose I'm a bit like Locke, although I'm not really a Jedi either, like he is. You could call me... an outlier. Someone who pissed a lot of people off, in my day."

Kajex glanced at Locke- the Guardian seemed alarmed by the idea that the holocron had recorded his name and was speaking so candidly. "But you-"

"Still haven't told you who I am," the figure finished for him. "Yet you wouldn't be pressing me to do so if you didn't already know, Sentinel."

"Neither Sith nor Jedi, wearing the mask of Mandalore the Ultimate?" the Sentinel replied, frowning. "Yeah, I think know who you are. So why don't you introduce yourself to my fiancee?"

"Very well," the projection replied, bowing low to the Trianii.

"I am pleased to meet you, Syrra. You may call me Revan."