The Jedi Experiments - Part 9

Absel set out onto the blasted landscape, wondering where in the galaxy he was. The heat pressed in upon him; a dry, insufferable heat that had already decimated the planet. He could see no signs of life aside from the structure he had just come out of. Looking back, it seemed to be built right into the baked crust of the planet. It was a clear night and after a moment of uncertainty, he thought he saw a light flickering in the distance. It was high in the air, perhaps a landing beacon.

Seizing onto his only hope, the Jedi began marching forward quickly. He tried to put distance between himself and the laboratory, but a shadow pursued him. With his stealth field enhancer running, an Echani stalked his prey across the blasted planet. He followed Absel until he came into a more level clearing, suddenly leaping out of his stealth and activating a blindingly brilliant lightsaber, almost white in its intensity.

Absel reacted, detecting a threat and responding hastily. His lightsaber came up as the double-bladed weapon of the Sith came down. The blow staggered the Jedi back several steps, his teeth gritted as he struggled to hold back Lord Duranis' weapon. "You thought to escape. Tsk tsk.. Surely you knew that I let you out.."

Absel steeled himself and turned to escape the blade, but the Echani was already moving - blending with him. As he moved away, another strike came up from his left. He blocked, this one mercifully less powerful than the first. "Perhaps..but one has to try. I certainly.. wasn't going to just wait for you.."

Vellic broke contact and took a step back. Holding his lightsaber at the ready he smiled vaguely. "Well then, let's to it Jedi." He had observed all he wished to observe, now it was time to fight and feel the Jedi's capabilities for himself.

Absel rushed forward, lashing out in a rapid high-angled assault. The Echani merely turned back and away, leaping and spinning sideways to clear the blades and force the Jedi to change the direction of his attack. Rather swiftly, the Echani stepped back to the right and deflected a renewed assault to the side. With a flash of a smile his left knee shot up into the Jedi's gut.