Janitor places the charges at the door as best he can with what he has. A chop job for sure. Zaleos is ready to open the door. Once in place the door begins to open.....
You charge the enemy and the malaki quickly follow. The rush works and the troopers are taken off their guard. Soon the doors to the bridge open prematurely.....
The doors to the bridge open and it is followed by two explosions at the door's base that tears several troopers apart.
Taggard and the two remaining malaki follow up the explosions by engaging the troopers in melee.
Now there is a massive pincer maneuver cutting down the troopers between member of both teams. Startled by the explosions and the unexpected melee, the troopers start panicking. It's hard to find cover from a sword and the trooper's formation begins to break.
The troopers either flee or are cut down. The battle fore the bridge is won and the Malaki cheer and rejoice at their victory. Taggard raises his lightsaber and lets out a mighty roar.
The fleeing troopers escape and the rear guard and the advance team unite on the build and shut the door. It is now time to decide what happens next.
There are twelve of the fifty Malaki still alive not including Taggard. All the survivors are pilot trained. You have taken the bridge but not the whole destroyer yet.
The next step is to figure out what to do with the situation.
Na'soth wastes no time once the battle is over. Directing the malaki pilots, he moves to secure ship and it's systems. First, he shuts down the ship's comm system to limit the enemy's ability to coordinate a counter strike. Second, he moves to lock down all security doors and launch bay doors to limit the enemy's movement. Once that is all done, he starts accessing the number and location of enemies as well as the number and location of droids onboard ship. Third, he dives deeper into the security system shutting down all access to it save from the bridge. While he is doing this, he has the other pilots securing the ship's navigation systems, shields, and guns.
"Well, that was exciting," Janitor grunts as he drops a trooper with his carbine-club, taking off his helmet to greet the rear guard. "Good to have you with us once more." He nods and grins to Na'Soth, Karval, and the Malakai.
Now that the battle is over, for the time being, Janitor slows down, and you see him flexing his shoulders and taking deep breaths. Flush out the adrenaline for right now... It'll come back if it needs to do so. The trooper looks at what Na'Soth and the Malakai pilots are doing, but it's not his area of expertise; he's competent at actually flying, not this computer work.
Instead, the soldier approaches Taggard. "What exactly was that... thing?" Janitor asks, gesturing to what's left of the dark Malakai warrior, or the spot where his body fell if nothing remains.
Zaelos steps away from the door and nods in relief to seeing Karval again. "I am glad to see you alive and in one piece."
When Janitor points out the remains of the Malaki warrior, he softly replies "That is what the Darth Taintus wishes to convert all of the Malaki warriors into."
As Na'Soth moves to the computer consoles, he glides over to assist the Givin with his herculean task...
Taggard looks at Janitor. "That is what Makabe and his Darth Night are doing to my people. Infusing them with dark force so they become that and serve him. For the most part they are mindless weapons but are good enough to contest with Malaki Generals and Chieftains. Most of these are taken from the hunters and soldiers in our tribes. I have yet to fight one that was either a former general or chieftain themselves. I can't begin to fathom if I could even beat one."
Na'Soth begins directing the Malaki to the essential systems and they do their best to figure out how to get the ship moving. Sure enough they do.
Most of the controls are accessible but as Na'Soth begins to set about more delicate systems, he runs into a few walls.
Make the following comp use Checks
1. Shut down Ship Comms DC 30
2. Shut down individual Comms (Helmet Comms) DC 50
3. Shut all doors Three checks DC 25 for bridge, DC 50 For ALL Doors, and DC 60 for the hanger (Those controls aren't normal used on the bridge) - This will take half an hour to pull off overall.
4. Check Numbers, schematics, and such: DC 25
5. Multiple DCs on the last check you want, most are extremely high. Best of luck to you.
Unfortunately there are not enough pilots to handle Shields, readings, weapons, various combat configurations, delicate maneuvers and such. The best you can hope for is to move the ship and even hyperspace jump it. Beyond that, I wouldn't even try docking without a FULL well trained bridge crew and the support of other systems on the ship.
"Now would be a good time to call your friends. We can hold our own for a while, but they still have numbers we can't hope to match on our own." A bit annoyed he's unlikely to shut things down as tight as he would like, he settles for establishing protocols to observe and monitor the security systems.
Karval shouts orders to the men, to get inside. He reaches down to the ones that have fallen but that he might be able to save. From the orignal 30 that were left behind barely a dozen remain, and it shows upon the Mandoloreans face. The grief and exhilaration stand in equal stead.
'I know the necessity of this action, but still grieve for my comrades.' he looks grimly onto the flight deck. Placing the dying body upon the floor he nods to Janitor; "Thanks, good to get here. How is everyone? My medi-kits are discharged."
He looks around the bridge and after helping and supervising the treatment of the few still standing, the Mandolorean moves with feline grace to a console to suppliment the mechanics' skills.
Karval will also try to see if he can partition off a back-up of any experiments that were going on...
"So we can hold this for now? What next... go into space & threaten to space the crew?" he asks darkly. "Strafe/ bombard Darth Nights positions? Or get more of the tribes up here?"
Arana stands in the aftermath, not quite believing that the operation was a success; a success at the cost of so much.
Seeing the others attending to matters with the ships computers , Arana makes her way to the wounded to assist.
Treat injury
Treat injury
Treat injury
Treat injury
Treat injury
Na'Soth is able to shut down all ship comms but is unable to disrupt personal comms. The enemy can still communicate as long as they have their own comms. In spite of his best efforts and assistance, Na'Soth is unable to monitor comm chatter on the personal comms.
unfortunately Na'Soth is unable to lock down any of the doors on the ship beyond the bridge doors. The security is too tight, he would have to go to where these systems are controlled directly. Sadly the bridge is not that place.
Na'Soth is able to bring up schematics of where the doors and such are located but is unable to bring up the monitors to keep an eye on activities of the doors.
Na'Soth is able to at least monitor the hanger doors. The controls for the hanger are on the hanger command station where crews are making sure to secure your ship and keep the door open either for reinforcements or a quick escape.
Over all there are at least 215 personnel still on board. 56 of which are stormtroopers. Since boarding this ship, you have dispatch a little over 100 stormtroopers + other combatants.
The locations are hard to pin point but you can get concentrations at the hanger, security command center, and the ships drive core. None are attempting to reach the bridge.
Most of the droids on board the ship are protocol, power, or maintenance droids. None of which are designed for combat and they are pretty much meandering all over the ship.
The inventory stock of the ships armory is pretty tapped. The last withdrawal was moments ago when a group of stormtroopers took a large sum of explosives from the armory and a good deal of the remaining heavy combat gear before heading to the ships drive core.
There are no biological weapons in the ships armory and there are none listed in the ships log. Traditional imperial military load out.
Between Karval and Arana, you are able to save at least four more wounded Malaki, however, they are not conscious and even if they were they would not be in fighting order unless you burn bacta cans on them.
Is there anything else you need to know??
"So they are going to blow the drives-core. Or hold us hostage?" Karval analysis's. "Could we open a dialogue? We don't have the man-power to take then out manually."
"A dialogue with these brainwashed fools is probably a waste of time. We'll need to wipe out the rest of the troopers the hard way I fear; at the very least, we need to somehow clear the drive core and the security station. I would suggest calling your friends at the space station and see they can't provide reinforcements. Also, the very least, we should move the ship to a nearby moon to cutoff the remaining troopers from reinforcements from the planet."
"Maybe Me'eona could reach them in the shuttle? Ferry them up here?" Karval has a growling concern for the remaining injured tribesmen.
"I agree, talking might prove futile, but if the saboteurs realise they'd only get out alive upon our side? Maybe they might join it." He looks to Janitor, wondering if the ex-clone has any insight.
"I don't think we have time for reinforcements to arrive. I wonder..." Zaelos pauses trying to collect his thoughts. "Perhaps we can trick the remaining troopers to abandon the vessel." He turns to Na'Soth "Could you send a signal to the engineering computer to send the drive core into a...a fake overload sequence?"
He reaches into his Pack and pulls out the Bacta units, handing them to Arana. "Here, use these to get the Malaki up. I have a feeling we are going to need them shortly."
"I suppose it's possible to try."
Karval rushes over; "They don't have detection equipment? Or a great knowledge of physics?" He slides into a seat, his fingers tapping a concerto as he tries to help the amazing mechanic.
Janitor frowns and shakes his head at Karval's suggestion. "Technology--especially something as large and powerful as a ship like this--is paramount in the Empire. Those troops would sooner destroy it and themselves than let it be captured, which is precisely what they seem to be trying right now."
The trooper glances at the computer work, but knows he isn't skilled enough to help with an elaborate ruse like a fake overload sequence. "Of course... even if that fails, we might be able to use their dedication to our advantage," Janitor muses. "If it seems the bridge is still held--if we lock the doors, or do something else to make that apparent--we may be able to get back to the hangar and pilot our ship back down to the surface, leaving the troopers to destroy their own ship for us." The trooper shrugs. "Not sure if that'd work, but it's a possibility. There's no end to the loyalty of a well-trained stormtrooper, that's one thing I know."
Na'Soth and Karval set about setting up a false self destruct. Na'Soth manages to rig an evacuation alert and a self destruct countdown from the bridge. The alarm sounds throughout the ship.
Moments later you monitor several escape pods jettisoning and the remaining ships in the hanger are leaving.....even yours. Me'eona is attempting to leave as well it seems. It looked as though several imperials bordered it before it left.
The alarm sounds and "the clock" ticks down to zero. The ship is empty of all life save for those in the bridge. The hanger door is still wide open, anyone could fly in still.
You have successfully cleared the ship of hostiles well done. Between the five of you and the remaining Malaki, you can successfully steal the ship. It would be wise to pick a destination and move before the imperials realize something is up and attempt to return.
Very well done everyone. I wasn't even sure you could pull it off but you managed. The dice liked you a bit too so be sure and thank them as well for being merciful.
Na'soth seems to relax as the ruse goes into action, though his complete lack of facial expression makes it hard to tell precisely what he is thinking as he starts looking for a good place to park the ship until allies could arrive to help with the ship.
Sadly, there is no place to park so to speak. You don't have the crew necessary to land this thing. Your best bet would be to either take it too the Chiss resistance fleet and ask them to send a crew aboard to help you dock it or take it off your hands.
Alternatively, Mirianna's homeworld of Bakura is not far either. You could turn over the ship directly to allied forces. The only other alternative is to leave it a drift in space nearby but a ship this size would be easy to find if parked nearby.
According to Taggard, the Malaki here are the most technilogically advanced of his people. No one else would fill the missing roles. It would take a few months to train more and there are certain systems on this ship that would require more time.
Best you can do with it for now is jump into hyperspace and into a system with tech savvy friendlies. Not a bad plan by any means, just means you'll leave Malakai for a bit.
Alternatively you could call allies to your location to support the ship. But that means you will have to wait here until they arrive and risk the ship being boarded again.
Your call.
"Where do you want to take this thing, folks? I can get us there, but I would suggest calling ahead, so they don't mistake us for the enemy. Having a random star destroyer suddenly pop up in the star system has a way of making people jittery."
Zaelos turns to Janitor and comments wryly, "Apparently, even the most elite Stormtroopers have a limit to their dedication to the Empire, he he." He walks over to Na'Soth and says to hom, "I believe we should return to Bakura...I see no reason to let this fine piece of machinery go to waste. We can broadcast a coded message to Me'eona letting him know of our destination." He grins, "Calling ahead would be a VERY good idea. I cannot thank you enough Na'Soth for your efforts here. Without you we would have all died here."
"Taggard, will the tribes on planet be able to survive? If the enemy is wthout reinforcements and significant air superiority." Karval doesn't like the thought of leaving his tribe to die, it's not the Mandolorean way.
"Yes, Bakura would be best. That way the Chiss can bargain with Mirianna for assistance, since they were reclaiming ground from the dark Imperials." Karval ponders.
"Bakura it is. Give me a minute to enter the coordinates, and we'll be on our way. That should give you enough time to contact your allies. And just to make one thing abundantly clear, I am not a hero, nor do I have any interest in being painted as one. I do what I must to survive, nothing more, nothing less." Na'soth speaks quietly as he quickly programs the coordinates without the help of the navigation computer.
Arana watches Na'Soth enter navigation information on the fly trying to follow what he was doing.
Exhausted , she nonetheless beams at her friends at the success they have achieved here.
"I'm sorry Miss Arana, I have no more medi-packs and cannot help your injuries." he says kindly, though his gruff voice tries not to hold hints of concern.
At her smile however he cannot held but return one. Just a flash of the ghost of a smile.
Janitor grins back at Zaleos. "Well, keep in mind that those clones are newer, not really 'the most elite' by any means. We never did trust the new guys," the trooper chuckles. He moves over to the Givin tech specialist. "And whatever you say, whether you want to be a hero or not, you saved our lives today, more than once. You have my gratitude and loyalty, Na'Soth."
At your command the stolen destroyer makes for Bakura. It is not a terribly long trip but a tedious one considering the work you have to do.
It takes a couple of hours but you arrive at Bakura. Ahead of you is the planet along with about four more star destroyers. Mirianna's flagship is not among them.
You receive a hail. bringing up the comm a holographic image of Admiral Dakkan appears. You have heard he was one of Mirianna's lead admirals in her military.
He speaks. "Greetings. I must admit I was surprised to receive your transmission but you must forgive me if I am still a bit spectacle. Our readings show only a couple dozen lifeforms aboard. You won't mind if we board your vessel and meet with you? I will personally be coming aboard to evaluate the situation. Dakkan out." Without another word he cuts the comm. Not long afterwards about four shuttles are en route to your destroyer.
You have moments to prepare for the Admiral's arrival.
"Lock & load, gentlemen. Just in case." Karval says cautiously. He looks down at his blood smeared shirt, unfit for an inspection. He pulls it over his head, revealing a rippled and powerful torso. Unashamed of his masculinity, the Mandolorean rubs his shirt over his broad chest mopping up the last of the blood, before discarding it upon the chair.
With a graceful motion, his locates and retrieves a dark Imperial jacket. Tearing off the insignia, he shrugs it over his shoulders. Leaving it open at the front, due to lack of time and the ill-fit he looks to the door and the Admiral.
Na'soth is happy enough being back on a ship and alive that he doesn't really the tediousness of the tasks required during the trip. When the admiral expresses doubt of the situation, he just shrugs and returns to the challenges of operating a capital ship on a skeleton crew; the man would figure out the truth soon enough.
------At the decision to head to Bakura---
Taggard looks out the viewport at his planet. "So that is Malakai? That is the world we are fighting to save. It's beautiful." He listens to the plan to head to Bakura. "My people know when to abandon the valley and where to head after that. Beyond that they will need my guidance once more. It would take time for them to get there so I wouldn't be bothered by a detour so long as I can count on further aid for my people. We can't stay away too long though. Sooner or later my people will need my leadership once again."
----The Admiral Boards----
Dakkan takes his sweet time coming aboard but he does eventually arrive. He heads directly to the bridge. He brings several operators with him who for the most part, take over the bridge from the Malaki.
Dakkan is also accompanied by several stormtroopers. It is weird seeing them begin to move around the bodies of the fallen imperials. Dakkan has a strange expression of displeasure on his face.
He approaches. "I didn't know who you were at first and now that I do, I cannot say I approve. But it is not my call to make." He turns to Karval and Zaleos. "Commanders." He salutes you. Again, his expression betrays distaste. "Commander Tavoes wishes to speak with you via holocomm. Here is the comm channel." He hands you a chip.
You head over to the comm station and put in the chip. The computer connects you to Tavoes. His full height holographic image appears. "Good to see you again. It has been a few weeks since we last heard from you. What is your report?"
Zaelos bows his head in return to Tavoes. "And you as well sir. As you have gathered our mission was a success...for the most part. I am uploading my briefing notes on the mission to you...." Once the data transfer is complete he continues, "After rendezvousing at Danata Station we traveled to Malaki to investigate the ruins of the Jedi Temple there. We discovered some surprising facts there, which led us to try to contact the native tribe of Malaki there. We were successful in...joining the tribe, so to speak. As full members of the Malaki tribe, we were able to win their allegiance." He paused to nod in thanks to Taggard.
He then continues with his briefing, "I believe we were guided by the Force, Tavoes, as we discovered the Malaki people are strong with the Force...which our enemies also knew. We stumbled on an advance raiding party of Imperial troopss led by General Makabe. We soon discovered the troops wanted to capture as many Malaki tribesman and pervert them with the Dark Side of the Force. Knowing we could not allow that to happen, we staged a surprise assault on their Star Destroyer with the Malaki help and were successful in capturing the vessel. Not having enough crew to operate the Destroyer effectively we proceeded to head to a safe planet. Like Taggard says, we cannot stay here for long."
The image of Tavoes nods and considers carefully. "It is no less than an incredible feat to successfully capture an imperial star destroyer with only a handful of primitives. Very impressive. The lady would be pleased. However, I don't have good news I'm afraid."
Tavoes takes a deep breath. "Your mission to obtain information on possible threats is done. We need all assets working on ways to counter our greatest threat the Rebellion. Ever since they took Chandrila without a fight, other worlds have been breaking from the empire and joining the Rebellion. Uprising are happening. We ourselves lost two planets to them already. We need a way to fight back. We need allies and resources. You have provided resources so far. It seems you may have obtained a strong ally as well. Tell me, what is their allegiance worth and how strong is it? How much support can we expect? " Tavoes waits for an answer.
"We also gained information on Darth Night and research conducted by Adam Cortel. The Malakai are a great ally and essential component of our success." Karval starts, enthusiastic about his tribes-men. "They are fearsome fighters, the equals of the Mandolore and betters of Gamorreans and Trandoshans. Also they have a strong connection with the Force and Nature."
"Were we to train them in the light side, we could have a powerful strike force - capable of beating Darth Night & Darth Taintus' forces. Since they would have their own minds and wills." he makes his case.
"However they are but one planet and they require a modicum of effort to rescue them. With a couple of strike vessels; I'm sure we could rescue them and also deny our enemies their strength - that he wishes to pervert."
Janitor stands at attention when the Admiral arrives, his helmet under his arm and his carbine at his side, held in place by his other hand. Having nothing much to offer himself, as Zaleos knows more about the group's true objectives and Karval discusses the Malakai's abilities, the trooper just stands and thinks. Guess this is what comes from unusual work. Not much like the old wars...
After the duties of the bridge are taken over by the imperial crew, Na'soth settles down into a corner to start reading up on the current news.
Standing in the background, Arana shuffles on her feet uncertainly , unsure of the protocols of this kind of discussion, if she should add a comment or not....She decides to remain quite for now.
Tavoes considers for a long moment. "It was primitives that defeated the Emperor at Endor. By the simulations, the planetside team would not have failed to contain the rebels if they had factored in the primitives. They would not have lost the shield generator and the death star and the Emperor would still be with us."
He then nods. "I can spare one additional Star Destroyer to the one you have now. Bring Admiral Dakkan over here I need to speak with him." You call the Admiral over and Tavoes starts. "Admiral, I need you to promote an officer to captain this ship. I also need you to supply it with the proper manpower to operate it at full efficiency. I also need you to supply it with shuttles and landing craft. No infantry. The Malaki should be able to supply the ground forces."
Dakkan Seems Shocked. "But sir, my report. I need this ship, those shuttles and my men."
Tavoes holds up his hand. "I am going to have to ask something harder too. I need you to hand over one more additional star destroyer. Again, no infantry but ships, weapons, and a sufficient crew."
Dakkan protests again. "But sir, we really can't afford to...
Tavoes interupts. "I know and understand the situation Admiral but time is of the essence. If these Malaki can take a star destroyer with only a handful of men, then they are worth the risk."
Dakkan is silent. Tavoes turns to Zaleos. "I am assigning you as Commander in this mission. Do what you have to to acquire these people allegiance. Our list of allies is dropping every day. The Rebellion has already seized two of our worlds and they show no signs of slowing down. We need more men, more allies or we will be crushed by the alliance before we ever even see Taintus or any other these other "potential" threats. Zaleos, You will have full command over ALL personnel I am giving you. Be quick, time is of the essence. Tavoes out." before the image vanishes Tavoes salutes you. He doesn't give you a moment to protest or even ask questions.
With the image gone Dakkan walks solomnly over to the viewport and stares hard at the Planet Bakura. He is simply silent.
Karval salutes Commander Tavoes; his mind reeling at the sudden promotion. True, he realised that they were an elite group - but to be placed in command of a destroyer, to have troops under their command.
'Glad we have the Commanders' trust and authority. It seems working with Dakkan may prove a problem, with his authority being undermined in front of us.'
Silently, Karval moves towards Dakkan; "Sir, we will get the allies the Empress needs to secure this world and all the systems. I know it looks grim, but the Malakai will prove a great ally." he adds diplomatically, for the Admiral would prove a good friend or a sour enemy.
Zaelos salutes the Commander "Yes, sir.' He turns to face the Admiral slowly knowing from his past experiences with Imperial politics the Admiral would be a powerful enemy, one who could easily cause the mission to fail. He decided to show weakness here would be disastrous.
"Well Admiral, you heard the Commander. I want this ship ready to depart yesterday!" He paused then moved closer to the Admiral, lowering his voice. "As the Lieutenant has said, the Malaki will prove most worthy to serve the Empress. Should we secure their aid it would be quite the accomplishment, agreed?" The meaning in his words plain to understand.
Dakkan listens to both Zaleos and Karval. He sighs, an almost defeated sound too. He looks at you. "Okay, I am giving you the Perseverance. She is a reliable ship with a reliable crew. I haven't been completely up front with the commander. The situation on Bakura is bad. There is a good deal of civil unrest and the people are already rioting in several places. I am sure there are rebel moles within our ranks. People are demanding the right to vote a planet governor and a good many other reparations and the like. Enlistment has dropped nearly to zero and the drop out rate has increased drastically. I'm just worried. I don't want to lose my home."
Dakkan turns to you sternly. "Get the job done, get us those allies, and come back here and help to save these people." He salutes you as well [/b]"Good luck, and for what it's worth, may the force be with you."[/b]
When Dakkan was finished, she walks up beside Zaleos and places a hand on his shoulder "Congratulations, Commander" she says with a smile.
Janitor also salutes before the Commander's image disappears, and while it's strange to see an Admiral's authority undermined so bluntly, years of more covert operations have taught the trooper that sometimes, the rank system is more like a set of guidelines.
Checking his carbine once more for damage, the trooper also moves to join Zaleos. "Indeed," he nods at Arana's comment, "Congratulations. But, to get down to business--what would you have me do?" The trooper cocks an eyebrow and gives a small grin. "After all, you're my CO now, have to follow orders." Obviously, he's joking.
"Thank you, we will prevail." Karval says to Dakkan, a strict assurance. That if he says it, then it's inevitable.
There's a weight upon the warrior that his strong shoulders can bear as he looks to the others, trying to think of the best options.
"So we go back to rescue the Malakai. How best to do it?" he pauses; "Drive off the invaders, or make it so costly for the Hutts that they cannot help Darth Night? Or airlift the tribes out?"
"We cannot be so long as the resources are needed elsewhere, the fires of dissent and rebellion spread all over. Leaving behind a ruined mess."
Zaelos returns the smile from Arana although judging by his body language, the smile is not reflected in his eyes (if he had any). "Thank you Arana. It seems to me we get results...I hope we continue doing so."
He turns to face Karval, "Yes, that is a good question. I believe we need to determine whether the invaders will send in more assets to secure their objective. Janitor, I need you to come up with battle plans to help drive out the enemy forces, coordinate with Taggard and Arana as needed."
He starts to pace the bridge hands clasped behind his back. "Taggard, I need your honest opinion of the Malaki tribes. Would they accept a relocation off Malaki should we be unsuccessful in dislodging Darth Nights's forces?"
Na'soth remains quiet, not being one to get into strategy, waiting for the time his skills are needed.
"Can we use the Malakai's natural and latent Force powers to create a telepathic links." He looks to Arana & Zaleos, who's natural and hereditary powers may give them more insight. "With these we could have an intelligence network that is co-ordinated and difficult to infiltrate."
He thinks looking for a map of the world they have come from; "The Malakai need saviours, whilst the people of Bakura need heroes. They follow the Rebellion because they encompass a heroic spirit, we need to show them the Empress does too. The issue of 'Democracy' is a sham, just so that the masses are assuaged."
"Democracy's elect whom they are told to, given the option of a handful similar politicians, not a true meritocracy." Karval adds.
"Like the Malakai, my people have an intuitive grasp of the force, including the abilities you speak of. I had not the time to learn such skills before Taintus invaded my home. During our time together , I have learned much observing how our Commander "sees" things. Arana says, then pauses embarrassed, "Unfortunately, my "incident" outside the bridge doors seems to have blocked any progress I was making towards a fuller understanding of that aspect of the Force. I won't be much help in that area, I'm sorry."
He places a reassuring hand upon Arana's shoulder; "You took the bridge and were injured in the accomplishment. That's nothing to be ashamed of." he says guessing wildly. Then he realises it mightn't be appropriate and withdraws it.
Arana reaches out and grasps Karval's retreating hand. Squeezing it gently she smiles her thanks for his kind, if awkward, words.
Releasing his hands, she takes a deep breath and addresses Taggard "Taggard, your...our people are strong with the Force, and that makes us a target. We must save those that have already been turned to the dark side and stop any others from being taken." she says with barely contained emotion.
Dakkan bows. "I will take my leave then. I must return to the planet and work with the governor to try and keep things from falling apart before you return. I will send over the remaining crew needed in the Perseverance. Farewell." With that Dakkan leaves.
Taggard listens carefully to the discussions of others. "The jedi never taught me Telepaphy and none among us know how to use such a skill. At most we can "feel" each other but that is all."
Taggard listens to Karval. "It seems your troubles are somewhat similar to my own. If they must, my people will aid you in your war if you aid us in ours. There are many of us still not taken by the imperials and we are ALL warriors."
Taggard considers Arana's words carefully. He then points to the remains of the Dark Malaki still on the deck. No one has even bothered to touch it and everyone walking around tries hard to ignore it. "Are you telling me those can be saved? Is that even possible? Is that worth while?"