"...The fact still remains that (Jerdan), no matter how cunning or capable, is still being held prisoner on Yavin IV. Until he is recovered, the Jedi have access to our secrets. If (Jerdan) remains in their hands, he is a liability. I agree that a team should be sent to attempt a rescue, but we also need to be prepared to terminate him to protect the Brotherhood."
The speaker sat down, was finished with what he wanted to say. All present knew that (the Speaker) had no love for (Jerdan), had wanted him dead anyway. It was speculated that (Jerdan's) capture was likely to have been "arranged", but that could not be proven. The assembled Council now debated on the issue of his rescue... and now his possible termination."The Jedi continue to build their numbers. They are growing in strength," began a voice both cold and unfeeling, yet burning with the fire of hatred. The entire council was quieted by His voice. "We cannot arbitrarily(sp?) execute our brothers because they might become a liability. This (Jerdan) in particular. His service to the Dark Side is not yet complete. We will send a rescue operation. They will be ordered to try and bring (Jerdan) back alive, but will be ready to kill him, as well as any others necessary, to protect our secrets."
The speaker rose, all bowing deeply before Him. One of the Council, having a sudden thought, spoke up hesitantly.
"Master, a word. You have commanded us to send a rescue, but have not said who you wish to send. Are there any among the Brotherhood you wish to send in particular?"
"Someone would have to be either extremely powerful to undertake this assignment, or teetering on the brinks of insanity." The speaker was silent a short time, concentrating on the visions given to him by the Dark Side. He then began walking, waving a hand in the direction of one of the Council.
"Send the Mystics."* * * * *
Sith Bloodfyre silently stalked the halls of Gladius' home, intent upon locating his phyle's tetrarch. The summons he had received had spoken of a mission of urgency, of importance. The missive had not stated the nature of the task, but it did not concern Sith. This mission had come from the Dark Council itself, and was to be given the full effort of the Mystics' phyle. Everything else would be made known unto him soon. If only he could find Mistress Tearnan...
Off to his right, he noticed a familiar face. Another member of his phyle was motioning to him, indicating that Sith was to follow him. Sith complied, and in short time, was led to a room wherein met all the members of the Mystics' phyle.
"Good. All accounted for. Our time is short, so I dispense with the pleasantries. The Dark Council has assigned us a task. One of our brothers, (Jerdan -last name?-), has been taken prisoner, and is being held by the Jedi on Yavin IV. We are to make a rescue attempt. Our duty is to bring (Jerdan) back alive, if possible. If not, anyone, ourselves included, who becomes a threat or liability to the Brotherhood is to be executed. We have been given one week to complete our task. We leave in the morning." Ciara looked each member of her phyle straight in the eye. Each could see the glimmer of excitement and amusement in her visage. Her words, however, expressed the urgency of this assignment.
"Bloodfyre, get a ship ready. Everyone else, assemble your gear. We'll meet at docking bay 14." Ciara nodded, leaving the room on that note. The other members of the phyle began exiting after her, only Sith remaining behind. After a moments thought, realizing he always kept his "toys" with him, he left to ready his ship, visualizing the mission in his mind.* * * * *
In another part of the galaxy, on a world dedicated to the training of would-be Jedi, (Jerdan -last name-) sat alone, in a cold room. He was not sure how he could have been captured, his cover had been perfect. Yet, here he sat. Here, in a prison far worse than most people could imagine. True, his captors kept him fed, and he had not been tortured, but this prison was a living hell. To be surrounded by your enemies, held for no reason other to subvert you to the weak ways of the Light... death was almost preferrable. And worse yet was the insult of being held in a Universal Energy Cage. The irony of being locked in a cage that used to be used on his captors' predeccesors...
Movement outside his cell brought (Jerdan) to full attention. He watched as two Jedi made their way to the energy cage, stopping cautiously a few meters from him. (Jerdan) decided that, when he was freed of this place, he would put these two in this energy cage, bring them back to the Brotherhood, and present them as a prize for the Grand Master. A new purpose, a greater will to live, livened (Jerdan's) spirits. He occupied himself for a few moments dreaming of the torture these two would endure.
"Good morning again. I would hail you by name, but you still refuse to talk. Not even telling us your name. Such hatred in you." The Jedi who spoke had been coming to "visit" (Jerdan) every day since his capture. (Jerdan) couldn't remember the Jedi's name, but, then again, he didn't really care. Then he noticed the familiar Jedi was speaking to the other...
"As you can see, I believe we need someone such as Master Skywalker her to oversee the interrogation. He is very tight-lipped, and someone strong in the mental ways would help us greatly." The two Jedi then grew quiet, continuing their conversation. Obviously, they had intended their prisoner to hear this, to perhaps demoralize him, or make (Jerdan) more willing to speak. It wouldn't work. (Jerdan) payed more attention to them, trying to overhear what they said. The two lightsiders ended their speaking abruptly.
"Well friend, if you will not talk with us yet, you will have to remain here," the Jedi told (Jerdan). "I will return later, and perhaps we will talk then. Food will be brought shortly."
The Jedi departed, leaving (Jerdan) to himself. (Jerdan) watched them leave, still envisioning the torments that the Grand Master Himself might inflict upon these neophytes of the light, saw their horrid deaths with such realism that a twisted smile was upon his lips for hours...* * * * *
The Darkside Destroyer funneled through hyperspace towards Yavin IV, a trip that would take another half-day to complete. The Destroyer had been chosen because it was an older, more inconspicuous ship than some of the others the Mystics had been known to use. Sith sat at the controls of the ship, Kidouses in the co-pilot's seat. Sith took the opportunity to acquaint himself with the older, more powerful Dark Jedi.
"...and that is how I came to know of the Brotherhood. The Dark Side called, and I bowed before it's power." Sith listened to Kidouses relate his story with intent, knowing others could offer hints at quicker paths to power if he knew how to listen right. Their conversation was interrupted as the doors to the cockpit opened, Aari coming to stand behind Sith.
"Bloodfyre, Ciara told me to take over for a while. She wants to speak with you in the cargo hold." Sith nodded and stood up, leaving the other two to pilot the ship.Sith quickly made his way towards the cargo bay, which had been converted to serve as the phyle's mobile HQ. Sith walked there quickly, making his way to where Ciara stood, stopped silently, waiting for the Tetrarch to take note of him. Sith noticed a few other members of the phyle a few meters away, around a table, studying maps of the Jedi's complex on Yavin. One of them noticed Sith, nodded his head in Ciara's direction.
"Ahh, Sithie. There you are," Ciara said as she turned. "Sit down Bloodfyre. There's something I want to talk with you about." The Tetrarch sat down, motioning for Sith to sit in another. "You've been absent for a while, doin' whatever it is you do. Actually, it's rather a rarity to see you around sometimes. It's one thing to be secretive, quite another to be reclusive. Especially from your phyle. When we get to Yavin, you know there's gonna be fightin'. Everyone here basically knows everyone else pretty good. We all know what to expect from each other. No one knows you well enough to know what to expect with you. Could cause confusion, which could give those pathetic lightsiders an advantage."
"You might not know what to expect, but if you doubt my abilities, tell me now. I may not have fought with you yet, but that does not make me-"
"Incompetent?" interrupted Ciara. "Not saying you're incompetent Bloodfyre, just doubting whether or not you can act in unison with the others. How can we plan for things if we have unknown variables, eh?"
"So I am to remain behind on the ship?" questioned Sith.
"Not in the slightest. Listen to what I'm sayin' first. Wouldn't dream of leaving you behind with the carnage coming up. No, I have a mission for you. We'll be confronting the Jedi to provide a distraction for (Jerdan's) escape. But we have to send someone in to get him out, right? The way I figure it, you're probably sneaky enough to keep up with Kryndath, so I'm sending the two of you in to get (Jerdan), get him out, and wreak as much havoc as you can on the way out. Sound good? If not, I guess you can guard the ship." The phyle's tetrarch smirked slightly.
Sith returned the smirk. She wasn't questioning his abilities, she was showing belief in him to help accomplish their objective.
"You'll get no complaints from me Mistress." Sith cracked his knuckles, something he always did when expecting a fight.
Ciara stood up. "Good, now, follow me Bloodfyre. We've been planning our attack route, and some possible entrances for you and Kryndath. He'll show you where we believe (Jerdan) is being held."
Sith followed her to the table where the others gathered. They made room for Sith and Ciara, each talking in turn, explaining different parts of their strategy...* * * * *
The Darkside Destroyer dropped out of lightspeed, entering the Yavin system on schedule. As they neared Yavin IV, the were intercepted by a patrol ship, inquiring their destination. Aari sent the patrol a message saying they were a freight ship, had been having trouble with their hyperdrive, had to drop out of lightspeed, and were hoping someone at the Jedi compound could help them with repairs. The patrol ship bid them farewell, continuing on its course. Aari navigated the ship through the atmosphere, landing some distance away from the Praexum.
"If the Jedi are out here in the jungle, on patrol, and they see our ship, they will assume that we could not reach the Praexum, and are out on foot. If so, they will send their patrols looking for us, watching the main routes," Aari was saying to Ciara and Jaya.
"Sith and I will be much harder to spot," Kryndath said as he stepped off the ship. "The rest of you would be much easier to find. I would suggest you split up, take a longer route, then meet at the arranged point near the courtyard. The Jedi will not expect traders to try and evade them. Especially if we are supposed to be seeking their aid."
The Dark Jedi took a few moments to rework their plan. Sith and Kryndath took their leave before the others, giving themselves extra time to reach the compound before the others, before they attacked the Jedi. The rest of the phyle split into two groups: Ciara, Jaya, Morbitum and Deathlord travelling their intended route, Kidouses, Aari, Telona and Enah travelling a route flanking the path taken by Kryndath and Sith.Ciara's group travelled quickly, their route masked heavily by foliage and the sounds of animals. The four of them travelled with relative ease, speaking quietly to each other of the upcoming deeds they intended to do.
Kidouses, Enah, Telona and Aari travelled a bit more cautiously. All around them, the jungle growth was more sparse than surrounding Ciara's group. As they travelled, they were able to make out voices nearby, most likely of studying apprentices, or a Jedi patrol. The four Mystics were desirous to seek out these voices, kill some Jedi, but were dogged by the urgency of their mission. They continued on in silence, curses in their thoughts over their bad luck.After an unknown span of time, Ciara's group arrived at the appointed location. Kidouses, Enah, Aari and Telona were nowhere in sight.
"Should we go look for them?" Morbitum asked the Tetrarch. "Do you suppose they were captured by a Jedi patrol?"
"If they were seen by the Jedi, the dying screams of those lightsiders would fill the forest," Jaya said to Morbitum. "Don't worry. They'll be here."
"Jaya's right. Sit back. Relax. We wait for them." Ciara turned away from the others, Jaya moving to crouch near her. The sisters took the opportunity to study the courtyard. While the two sisters were silent, Morbitum and Deathlord conversed in little more than whispers. They continued to watch the trees, scanning for any sign of their absent comrades. Motion in the shadows caught Deathlord's attention.
"Tetrarch, our companions approach." Deathlord nodded his head slightly, Ciara turning to look in the indicated direction. Kidouses and his three companions approached in silence. Ciara motioned for them to approach.
"Long time no see, Kudos." Ciara smirked slightly. "What kept you?"
"We decided to take the scenic route. We had to avoid a patrol or something. Nothing serious. Any sign of Kryndath and Bloodfyre?"
"No. Nor will there be. They're going to enter on the far side of the complex. Besides, even if they were to enter here, we wouldn't see them." Ciara laughed slightly. "We'd see a Hutt on a diet before we saw Kryndath if he didn't want to be seen. I get the feeling Sithie's the same way."
Kidouses nodded, growing silent. The Dark Jedi settled themselves down in their location. They all looked restless, but waited on their leader's command.
"How much longer do we give them? Let's go kill some of those Jedi," Morbitum whispered. Enah and Kidouses nodded in agreement.
"Not yet. A little longer. Sith and Kryndath still have a half-hour. The attack is to help keep the Jedi from finding them while they free (Jerdan) and escape with him. Don't worry," Ciara continued, "we'll be up to our knees in bodies soon enough." Everyone figured the Tetrarch was getting anxious herself. More than one member of the phyle smiled darkly at the way she was stroking her lightsaber, almost lovingly.
"Just a little bit longer," Ciara whispered, this time, it seemed, to her lightsaber.* * * * *
Sith and Kryndath moved silently through the undergrowth, keeping behind the trees, hidden by a mesh of vegetation. The two Dark Jedi travelled without conversing, communicating simple thoughts with hand signs. Kryndath led the way, his dormant lightsaber held openly in his hand. Sith infrequently looked behind them, kept having a suspicious feeling that they were being followed. The two Darksiders made their way to the Praexum slowly, but without incident.
The ancient temple beckoned unto them like a dark mistress. Ahead, glory awaited. Kryndath signalled to Sith, intended to go ahead of the less experienced Guardian. Sith removed a blaster from its holster, motioned for Kryndath to proceed. Kryndath crossed the open yard cautiously, but with all possible speed. When Kryndath had entered the Praexum, Sith traversed the courtyard, rejoining Kryndath just inside the temple.
"We keep to the south corridors from here. Make no noise." Kryndath turned and proceeded down the halls, Sith following a short distance behind.After a short time, the two Darksiders heard voices in the distance. Kryndath ducked into an empty room, Sith following suit. The two held ready, prepared to fight if the need arose. As the moments passed, the voices came closer, became easily understandable.
"...has come to speak with the prisoner. Then he and the other members of the council will continue on to Coruscant for the conference."
"It should be assured that Master Skywalker will convince the man to speak. Surely, the Dark Side will falter in his presence," another voice said.
"We can only hope. Master Skywalker has requested a meeting with all the apprentices. He wishes to speak with everyone, praise their dedication, ease any fears and doubts they may have with their progress and such," the first voice said.Sith and Kryndath moved farther back into the shadows as the two Jedi passed by the room they hid in. The two Jedi must not have sensed the Dark Jedi, as they walked right passed their location without stopping.
"Call everyone together and bring them to the Audience Chamber. Make haste, Master Skywalker wishes to speak with his apprentices before meeting the prisoner. Afterwards, they will embark..." The rest of the conversation was lost as the two Jedi moved beyond the range of Sith and Kryndath's range of hearing.Kryndath and Sith remained where they were for long moments. Sith looked over at his companion, wondered if he was ready to move on. Kryndath shook his head, put a finger to his lips to indicate Sith was to remain silent. After a few moments, Kryndath looked up at Sith.
"Change of plans Bloodfyre," Kryndath whispered. "Do you have any explosives with you?"
Sith nodded. "Tow KX-7s and a thermal detonator."
"You'll continue on alone Bloodfyre. You know the way. Free (Jerdan) as planned, then get out. Don't wait, or even come looking for me. Get out when you can." Sith handed the two mines and the thermal detonator to Kryndath. "If Skywalker and the others reinforce the apprentices when the phyle attacks, things might not go as planned. I cannot pass up this opportunity. Remember, get (Jerdan) and get out. Understood?"
Sith nodded slightly. Kryndath nodded in return, then ducked out of the room. Sith wondered what Kryndath had in mind, but soon forgot about it. He had a mission to complete. Sith waited another moment, then moved out of the room, heading for (Jerdan's) location...* * * * *
A large group of Jedi had gathered in the courtyard outside the main entrance to the Praexum. As the young lightsiders talked amongst each other, curious as to why they had been told to meet here, an older man, a Jedi if the lightsaber on his belt meant anything, emerged from the Praexum.
"Brothers, friends, gather round. Please, I beg a moment of your silence," the elder man began. "As you all know, Master Skywalker has come on his way to Coruscant. He and some of the elder Knights will be departing shortly, but he has asked to speak with us all before he continues his journey. We are all to gather in the Audience Chamber."
The Jedi apprentices remained silent, appeared willing to do anything asked of them. The old man spoke a few more words, instructing them to head to the Audience Chamber.
"Look upon death, Jedi!" a voice yelled from the jungle.The gathered Jedi turned in alarm, watched in confusion as the members of the Mystics of the Black Arts sprang from their hiding spot. The Darksiders fired shots from blasters, swung vibroblades and lightsabers as they engaged the first of the Jedi apprentices. The battle lust shined fiercely in the eyes of the Dark Jedi as the first of the lightsiders fell dead at their feet, cut down by the glowing blade of Ciara Tearnan.
"To me!" the elder Jedi yelled. The man ignited his lightsaber as he ran towards the Mystics. "Defend yourselves! Defend from the Dark Side!"
The young Jedi grabbed what weapons they had, surged forward to meet these Dark Jedi as more and more of their fellows fell to the onslaught of the Mystics...* * * * *
Kryndath silently approached the entryway to the Audience Chamber, barely moving his head enough to get a view into the chamber. Empty. Kryndath stepped into the room. Some of the Jedi found this place calming. Kryndath thought it stifling. Here was not a place of power, no place of true glory. It was a place of gathering. Kryndath thought it somehow fitting that such a place of companionship, if all went well, would become a place of destruction and of death.
Kryndath approached the dais. Here, it was said, the rebels had gathered to celebrate their so-called heroes who had caused the destruction of the first Death Star. One of these "heroes", Luke Skywalker, would have a chance of meeting his death here. Kryndath ascended the stairs leading up the stone dais.
"If he comes, he will stand up here, undoubtably," Kryndath said to himself. "He and the other high ranking Knights. They will most likely all wish to address the group." Kryndath looked around the dais. Stone statues stood upon its surface.
"These statues will work as cover," Kryndath whispered.Kryndath knelt at the base of the statues, attaching mines to some of the statues. He hid the mines on the back sides of the statues, hopefully hidden from the view of the Jedi. Kryndath finished quickly. He moved away from the dais before arming the mines with a remote. They had proximity sensors, and would now detonate when someone, or something, moved near them.
"A gift, Jedi, from Kryndath Del'Chanar," the Dark Jedi whispered. Kryndath heard voices in the distance, decided to make a hasty retreat. Kryndath slipped out the doorway. As he travelled down the hall, towards where (Jerdan) was being held, he had a sudden vision of Ciara and the others.
"Sith will be fine. He may already be gone. I told him not to wait. I will join the others. They will need me." Kryndath turned, began jogging down the hall in the other direction...* * * * *
Sith quietly stalked the halls of the Jedi Praexum, staying in the shadows as much as possible. At infrequent intervals, he hid himself, having heard a voice or a noise, not wanting to be sighted by a Jedi. He caught bits of conversation, but nothing of importance. When the noises move out of hearing range, Sith moved on.
As he neared the location of (Jerdan's) cell, Sith heard less and less noise. Obviously, this location was rarely, if ever, used for anything. However vacant it was, there was bound to be guards somewhere. Sith slowly pulled his vibroblade from its sheath. It would be no match for a lightsaber, but would be quieter than firing off a blaster. As he walked, he hoped the guards could be caught offguard, killed as quietly as possible. No telling when reinforcements could come, or how close they would be.
Staying in the shadows, Sith rounded a corner, coming near the doorway to (Jerdan's) cell. A lone Jedi stood vigilant watch outside the prison of the Dark Jedi. From the look of him, the Jedi seemed new to his power. He carried no visible weapons, appeared to be no more dangerous than a child's toy. Sith had learned long ago that appearances are always deceiving and decided to act as if this man were no less than a master Jedi.
Sith took a spare comlink from his utility belt and threw it down the hall. The noise brought the Jedi to attention. The Jedi drew no weapon, but made his way cautiously down the hall. The Jedi came closer and closer to Sith's location. The Jedi came within sight of Sith, and the Dark Jedi was sure that the lightsider would see him, would attack him. Sith slowed his breathing to almost nothing, controlled himself so as not to bring emotion, cause panic, or even so much as perspire. As the Jedi passed, Sith looked directly into his eyes. Sith noted with grim pleasure that the man's eyes were milky white-the Jedi was blind. Sith took it as a sign that the Dark Side was giving its power to its servants, that this mission was going to be a success.After waiting long enough for the Jedi to be a good distance from the area, Sith emerged from the shadows, walking to the door where (Jerdan) was purported to be. Sith was surprised that the door opened as he neared, was not locked. As he entered, Sith noted that the only thing in the room was a cage of glowing energy, a cage specifically designed to hold force-users. (Jerdan) sat within the cage's confines.
"(Jerdan)," Sith said quietly. "(Jerdan)."
(Jerdan) looked up at the sound of his name. His eyes glowed with an intense hatred, as well as with curiousity, no doubt wondering who Sith was.
"Who are you? How do you know my name?"
"I am Sith Bloodfyre, a Guardian of Gladius. I am sent with my phyle to free you from this place." Sith moved nearer to the cage. He located the controls, released the captive Darksider. "We must make haste. The others are outside, and I am sure they must have engaged the Jedi by now. Follow me."
(Jerdan) nodded, motioning for Sith to lead on. Sith exited the room, following the corridors back the way he had come. The two Darksiders quietly stalked the halls, keeping to the shadows. Sith thought it strange, and somehow disturbing, that he suddenly wondered where the blind Jedi was.
"Right here, evil one," said a quiet voice, yet deafening as thunder in the silence of the halls. The pop-hiss of a lightsaber igniting broke the silence, the blue light of its blade lighting up the dark halls. Sith jumped back as the sightless Jedi swung his weapon, (Jerdan) shouting a warning to his rescuer...* * * * *
The Jedi battled back against the viscious raid of the Mystics of the Black Arts. The lightsiders had been caught offguard by the sudden attack of the Dark Jedi, and an unknown number of apprentices had fallen dead as the Mystics struck their first blows. As the battle progressed, the light Jedi began to gain som semblance of unity, beginning to put up a defense against their enemies.
As the Jedi of both sides attacked and defended, an explosion from inside the temple caused the ground to lurched about torrentially, throwing all of the combatants to the ground, pieces of rock from the temple flying off the ancient structure. As the light and Dark Jedi rose shakily to their feet, a figure slowly emerged from the temple, his identity masked by a cloud of dust surrounding him. The lightsiders raised their weapons in defense, looking in the direction of the Mystics, glancing at the person emerging from the Praexum. A lightsaber blade hummed into existance in the hands of the dust-covered man.
"Reinforcements will be delayed, if they show up at all. Look upon Kryndath Del'Chanar and see death!" the Dark jedi yelled, running into the courtyard, joining the onslaught as the battle between the light and Dark Jedi rejoined...* * * * *
The force of the explosion knocked Sith, (Jerdan), and the blind Jedi to the ground. The battle was forgotten for some time as they struggled to their feet, tried desperately to see through the clouds of dust and dirt that now filled the hallways of the Praexum. Sith kept silent, barely, trying not to choke on the dust, not wanting to give away his position to his foe. In this dust, the blind Jedi would have an advantage-he was used to being without sight, could fight easily in such an atmosphere.
Sith kept low to the ground, waiting for the dust to clear. When the Dark Jedi could finally see, he could not locate his foe. Sith looked around for (Jerdan), found him sprawled out on the floor, bleeding from his head. Sith moved over to him, inspecting his fallen comrade. (Jerdan) was alive, his wound not serious. He was, however, unconscious. Sith took another moment to look around, to make sure the Jedi was not hiding nearby. The area was empty. Sith moved back to where (Jerdan) lay, considering his next actions.
"I'll probably never find that Jedi among this destruction. He might be dead." Sith looked down at (Jerdan). "And you. Obviously, I've got to get you out now. Hopefully, the Jedi will not find us trying to escape. I wouldn't find it easy trying to fight and carry you at the same time."
Sith bent down, picking the comatose (Jerdan) up. Sith hoisted the man over his shoulder, shifting the man's weight to put him in an easier position to walk with. Sith took another quick look around to reorient himself, then started off towards the way out. As he walked, he hoped the way out was not destroyed in the explosion...
The Mystics had the Jedi nearing defeat. A number of bodies lay strewn about the courtyard, all dead Jedi. The Mystics still burned with hatred, still caught up in the heat of battle. Within sight of the battlefield, someone was crawling out of a hole in the Praexum, recently made by the explosion, a body draped over his shoulder.
"Ciara! Ciara!" Kidouses yelled as he fought his way over to his Tetrarch's side. Ciara was still dealing viscious blows to the Jedi arrayed before her. "Bloodfyre has succeeded. Time to leave."
Ciara looked in the direction Kidouses indicated. She nodded slightly as she watched Sith disappear into the jungle.
"Signal the retreat. Our mission is complete." Ciara waved Kidouses away. "I'll cover you. Jaya!" Ciara located her twin. "You're with me. We'll cover our retreat." The two sisters battled in retreat as the rest of the phyle ran into the jungle. The Jedi looked to give chase, but the eldest Knight called a halt. He began giving instructions to find wounded within the Praexum, find out where the explosion happened. The Mystics disappeared into the jungle to the satisfying sounds of the living crying out to companions, wailing over the bodies of the dead.* * * * *
"Bloodfyre!"
Sith turned, halting his movement. The members of his phyle had caught up with him. Sith waited for them, noting that each was present, that no one had suffered any serious injuries.
"Enah, why don't you carry that guy for ol' Sithie there," Ciara was saying as she walked up. "Probably tired of carrying that dead weight, aren't you."
"Not at all," Sith replied, nodding to Enah as he took over carrying the comatose darksider. "I am not tired at all. I assume everything went well. I caught a glimpse of a number of bodies lying about the courtyard."
"Those Jedi never knew what hit 'em Bloodfyre," Telona was saying. "Deathlord and Jaya had a Jedi on the run when the Praexum exploded. That Jedi looked up in time to see Kryndath come out and cut his legs off. His screams were like music to my ears."
"Yes, the explosion." Sith moved over to walk by Kryndath and Ciara. "You could have told me what you had in store. I could have been better prepared."
"You're still alive Bloodfyre. And what was there to tell? I didn't know for sure I would be able to set the explosives until I got there." Kryndath smirked slightly. "Maybe I got lucky and took out some of their higher-ups."
"Yeah, no worries Sithie," Ciara said. "We did good. Could've spilled a litle more blood, but we did good. The Jedi were dealt a strong blow today."
The Dark Jedi conversed among themselves, talking of the battle, Sith telling of his happenings, as they made their way back to the ship.* * * * *
"Most of these maps may become outdated if they repair the structure," Sith said.
"What do you mean 'outdated'?" Kidouses asked. The entire phyle gathered around the table of maps in the cargo hold. They were now within the Brotherhood's territory, being escorted by one of Tridens' squadrons.
"When I was making my way out, most of the corridors Kryndath and I travelled were completely destroyed. The destruction was such that they might have to alternate new corridors around the destruction. Even if they do manage to reconstruct the original hallways, it will take some time." Sith shook his head. "Which I doubt. We've seen the inside of their Praexum. They know it. They'll probably alter what they can, if only for defensive purposes."
"Did you notice any of this Kryndath?" Telona asked the Dark Knight.
"I was at the entrance when the mines were detonated. I saw nothing. Sith had to escape through it. I believe his thoughts are accurate enough. The Jedi will most likely alter their structure, if possible. We should make a report to the Dark Council." Kryndath sat back in his chair.
"You may not know Sithie too well Telona," Ciara said to the tyro, "but he's bound to know what he's talking about."
"Tell me Bloodfyre," Kryndath began, "as you were making your way out, did you notice if any Jedi were killed in the explosion?"
"I saw body parts sticking out of the rubble, but I couldn't tell if they were living or dead. Either way, as far as I saw, at least a dozen Jedi were caught in the rubble," Sith told him.
Kryndath nodded in slight satisfaction.
"Well, we got (Jerdan), killed some Jedi, destroyed their Praexum. I'd say it was a well-planned success. Telona," Ciara continued, "go see if (Jerdan's) regained conciousness. He should be awake when we get to Eos. Wouldn't be good for him if we had to carry him before the Grand Master. Jaya, Morbitum, go take the controls. And remember, a good landing is one that the ship can walk away from." The three tyros left to do what Ciara assigned them.