Myrkr is a dangerous world for nearly all sentients. Although once settled by the Neti, it has long since evolved from those days. The flora of Myrkr has a high metal-count, making it easy to hide from sensors and the perfect spot to set-up a pirate base or other criminal operation. What also made this world perfect for all manner of seedy individuals is the presence of ysalamiri—creatures with the ability to neutralize the Force.

The ysalamiri are located deep within the forests of Myrkr, where you have also found yourself. They have evolved the ability to make a bubble that excludes the Force to protect themselves from dangerous predators called vornskrs. These dangerous, canine-like predators hunt using the Force, and as such are highly attracted to anything that is Force-sensitive.

The forests of Myrkr are not for the faint-of-heart. It was used by the Yuuzhan Vong to create monstrosities, and continues to be utilized by the seedier elements of the galaxy. The dangers that lurk under the shadowy canopy cannot be underestimated. Not even the Force can protect you from the dangers of the forest.

You stand seemingly alone in a small clearing. Though you can feel the Force at the moment, you know that not far from this clearing, many of Myrkr’s horrors lie – including the Force-negating ysalamiri – can easily be found… You quickly realize this clearing won’t be safe for long as you sense you are not alone.

Xan Nes peered around the clearing. He was on an extraction mission, sent out to rescue some fallen troops, and take care of their medical needs. However, he had no idea where they were. Worse yet, he had seen another ship land recently, and was worried for his patients.

"Hands in the air," called a voice from behind him. "Turn around and drop your saber, or I will kill you Dashade."

Xan, unclipped his saber from his belt, and let it hit the ground. He turned, as he was told, and looked into the eyes of the man who held a gun to him. The man appeared to be human, but with several near human species, it was hard to tell. Even though the sun was out, the area was covered with shadows, the tree's blocking out light and covering this human.

"Alright then," the human said, lowering his gun. "Care for a drink? I have some Arkanian sweet milk, and no one to split it with. It's strong stuff, and I don't want to drink to much on my hunt. May I ask your name, Dashade?"

"Xan," the Jedi Knight replied. "What are you hunting? Vornskr? They are dangerous, even for a good shooter."

"I am not hunting Vornskr, though good guess. I am Kalar by the way." the Obelisk replied. "I heard of a group of light sided troops, and was tasked with hunting them down. There is a considerable amount of credits for me if I do manage it."

Xan, fully in his Wombo mindset, did not even flinch when he heard the lives of the troops could be in danger. "Who is it that paid you? I heard of the troops myself. Just want to make sure we aren't enemies. We could always split the coin."

"A group of highly placed individuals. Ever hear of the Dark Brotherhood? I assume you have." Kalar replied, trying to figure out who this Dashade was.

"I am a member of it, a small house if I can be honest." The Dashade replied, not missing a beat.

"Well then, I suppose we can work to gather, though if you work for a different buyer, then I will stop you. How many soldiers do you wager you could kill?" the Jedi Hunter asked.

"None! And You will have none either!" Xan replied, the Kranni mindset materializing. Before Kalar knew what was happening, Xan had him in a headlock, and had callen his lightsaber back with the Force.

Kalar, held in place merely waited for his opportunity to strike. "I knew I should have taken that shot when i had the chance," he mumbled to himself.

The headlock didn’t last long though. Kalar seemed to have just disappear as if he never existed. Xan was confused. Then there came a quick and sharp pain from behind his knees, and a stab through his hand. Xan fell to the ground. He let go of his lightsaber and clutched his bleeding hand.

“You’re going to have to forgive me sir. For both the Illusion and the wounds.” Kalar said. He seemed different. He was wearing a black suit and tie and had on a grey mask. The eyes were covered with large reflective black lenses.

“Who are you?” Xan said as he slowly healed his legs. The wounds were deeper than he thought.

“As my Illusion said before,” Kalar said while giving a slight bow, “I am Kalar. And the offer of the drink still stands… and no it’s not poisoned.” Kalar pulled out a flask from inside his suit. He held it out. Xan didn’t reach for it. Kalar shrugged and put the flask back. Xan reached for his lightsaber. Kalar noticed and shot near his hand.

“Not yet good sir.” Kalar said putting away his gun.

“You're here to kill me so why are you waiting?” Xan questioned. Kalar smiled under his mask.

“I myself…” Kalar started. Xan finally healed his legs enough and grabbed his blade and rushed Kalar. Kalar surprised had very little time to react. He just managed to duck under the blade, but some of his helmet got hit. Kalar’s hand quickly went to his helmet. The cut didn’t go too deep which made him feel safe. Kalar drew his own blade and waited. Xan watched his opponent. They circled each other for a small time. Kalar moved in to strike but quickly jumped back. He ran to the nearest tree and climbed up it.

Xan wasn’t far behind. He tried to follow. A noise came from the woods. Xan looked towards the noise. Out from the trees came a vornsker. The beast eyed where Xan stood and seemed ready to strike. Xan now saw why Kalar had run. Xan knew that this was going to be a bigger problem.

Kalar watched as the vornsker eyed Xan. A voice came over on his com.

“Don’t worry sir. I’ll make sure you get him one piece. Maybe a bit banged up, but in one piece.” Kalar said over the com.

Xan, one hand near useless, dropped his saber. I am in no condition to use my saber. Time to try a different tactic.

Xan pulled out a blaster, and shot three times at the vornskr, managing to strike right between the eyes. The beast fell, and Xan nodded. He moved over to the dead beast, and looked at it. As far as he could tell there was nothing to control it. He knew his foe must be using the Force, due to his foe's skill in illusion. There was always a possibility for mental control.

This is interesting, the Dashade thought. My foe is a force user, and I ran into a beast. it could be just a random encounter, or he could control beasts. I have seen it done before, but it seems rare. Then again so is suffering from a rare disease, but I seem to run into those often, at least more often than I should. Alright, this person is weird, I should treat him like a disease. He can use the force, and has disappeared twice.

Xan left his saber behind, this required a more precise tool. First he called on the Force to heal his injured hand. Then, he went back to the clearing. He looked around the area, and waited for his arrogant, and somewhat gentlemanish foe.

The response came quicker than the Medic expected. "So, you moved back to the clearing. Makes you a bigger target."

Xan remained quite. Assume ability to use the force is like a heart attack. The heart is stopped, and I have no defibrillator. Time to try one of my most experimental techniques.

Xan, heard the sound of a switch blade. Xan spun, calling on the Force to produce a shock. He thrust out his hands, and hit something solid. Kalar gasped, not able to breath, his heart stopping for a few seconds due to the shock.

Xan shook his head sadly. "Well, looks like that technique needs more work. For your information, I used the Force as a defibrillator. Well I tried anyway, but I still have a lot of training to go through before I perfect it. You will live, but be warned. You go after my soldiers, I will not be as merciful."

Xan picked up all of Kalar's gear, leaving him in only his clothes and his helmet. "Goodbye."

Xan shot at the beast. He then dodged its attacks and eventually killed it. Kalar dropped down and cut off the beast’s tail. He managed to hit Xan with it enough times to slow him down. Kalar was hit with a few bolts, but his armor held and only ruined his suit. Kalar then knocked Xan out and called for a ship. Kalar’s job was done.