Star Wars CLOSED Resurrection

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Mandalore, Home

Madelyn leaned her head back on the couch, dozing slightly as Fenn and Paz spoke about what was going on. Usually she would join them, but today had been exhausting and she was perfectly content to listen to them go on about everything.

She opened her eyes and reached towards Paz leaning against her legs to gently run her fingers through his hair, when she felt their daughter kick in her stomach. She stopped for a moment to look down, the sensation still a little uncomfortable and wondered silently if the baby was reacting to her stress.

She took a deep breath and tried to shake some of the stress away. Easy little one. Mama just needs to calm down.

Paz and Fenn weren't Force sensitive, but they were Mad sensitive, they liked to say, and they weren't inclined to push her when she was focused. Fenn rested his hand on her free one, squeezed it, while Paz enjoyed her fingers in his hair. They were perfectly balanced, more often than not. Indeed, it was fairly rare the three of them were able to spend time together like this.

There was a lull in the tension, as the newscasters tried to predict where Admiral Daala's fleet - vanished from Rydonni even as Pellaeon captured Champala - was going to turn up. Coruscant, Kuat and Balmorra were all reinforced, but inevitably the two Imperial invasion corridors would meet at Brentaal. The news confirmed that Wedge and the Second Fleet - battered, with several crippled ships in tow by tractor beam - had arrived at Brentaal.

"Wedge should pull all the way back to Coruscant," Paz said.

"I fought with him at the Battle of Mindor," Fenn said. "He's a smart one; he was probably surprised at Taris, and maybe even at Champala when Pellaeon chased him - but he knows Daala and Pellaeon will meet at or near Brentaal so it makes sense to pick there for the New Republic to focus."

Paz sounded thoughtful. "He'll need to hold out long enough for more ships to come."

"It'll be a bloody awful fight, especially the Second fresh off being routed twice," Fenn sounded unhappy about his friend fighting for his life while he sat here, and tensed slightly.

Paz looked up from where he was and looked the man in the eye. "Fenn?"

He was silent, biting his tongue but of course in the Force his anxiety was a flash-sign.

Madelyn glanced at Fenn when he squeezed her hand and gave him a small smile, feeling herself relax as the conversation carried on. She admitted to her self once or twice that these were her favourite moments, when they were are together like this.

As Paz and Fenn debated where the Empire would go next, and Fenn's worry about Wedge, Madelyn could feel Fenn's anxiety resonate through the force. She stopped running her fingers through Paz's hair as she turned to Fenn, squeezing his hand so he would look at her.

"Everything will work out cyar'ika." Madelyn told Fenn quietly. "He's a good fighter right? So trust in him and the rest of everyone else out there that they can do this." She tried not to let her worry show on her face. About what could happen if the Empire came to Mandalore.

Fenn caught her worry nonetheless, because she usually thought domestic when he thought galactic and he leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. "I know, I know, and I understand that rushing in may be a mess."

Paz's wrist-band chimed, and he checked it surreptitiously, dialling down the sound. "Mara and Feyna are getting ready to jump it looks, probably waiting to figure out where to go." He looked up, kissed her hand.

"Trust Mad to be the pregnant one but reassuring you, Fenn. You're more hormonal than even her," he lightly ribbed.

The HoloNews flashed with an excited update. General Garm Iblis had just led the Fourth Fleet to smash Daala's fleet at Columus, and she was reported to be missing, having vanished into an uncontrolled hyperspace jump! There was even a follow-up report of the Third and Fifth Fleets decamping Kuat and Coruscant respectively to go on the offensive!

"Oh wow," Paz said. "Pellaeon is mighty exposed at Champala on his own now..."

Fenn glowed, and dropped a leg off the couch to be able to crush them both in an overjoyed hug.

Madelyn smiled at Fenn sweetly, and turned to lean against him as Paz got more news about the battle. And then an excited feeling bubbled in her stomach as the news came that the Republic was on the offensive.

Madelyn let out a laugh, smiling at the thought that they were winning before Fenn grabbed them both in a hug. Madelyn shifted her arms so one of them were around each of her husbands, surprised that Paz was being affectionate with Fenn too.

"I love you both so much." Madelyn told them, head leaning against Paz's shoulder. "More then I've ever loved anyone."

They grinned back, and Paz replied first. "Love you too, Mad,"

"Love you three," added Fenn, and Paz's wrist-band chimed again, albeit slightly quieter. Fenn pulled a mock scowl. "You're killing the mood," he said as he broke the hug to muss the mans head.

Paz glanced down. "Mara and Feyna have launched for Taris; I guess they reckon the New Republic will catch up." He looked back up again. "The mood is fine." He leaned up and kissed Madelyn fully, and Fenn just shook his head, amused, before he kissed her forehead.

The baby released a giggle in the Force, buoyed by the positivity Madelyn was basking in.

"I agree the mood is fine." Madelyn disengaged from the hug. "I hope Mara and Feyna will stay safe. Taris is bad enough without the Empire there." Madelyn frowned, and then felt something in the force.

The baby giggled.

Madelyn placed a hand on her stomach, surprised; and then glanced nervously at Paz and Fenn. "Our daughter just giggled in the force." Madelyn felt strange. She didn't know that she would be able to feel the force in their child this young. "...there was always a chance she would be force sensitive but I didn't think..." Madelyn looked thoughtful, and the baby kicked again in response.

"Here-" Madelyn reached out to grab one of Fenn's hands and one of Paz's to place them on her stomach, "-just wait; she might kick again."

Their hands atop each others, and both leaning close, they paused, as if noise would prevent them feeling when the baby responded in kind - going still and silent to sense what was there. Before Madelyn could comment, the baby retaliated against the silence with a kick, amused that everything had gone quiet.

Paz and Fenn's expressions lit up, and looked at each other. "You felt that?" Fenn said. Paz's hand was atop Fenn's, so Fenn shifted and pressed Paz's to the same spot - the baby responded to the slight pressure with another kick, this time pushing her foot to the extent that when Paz pulled back his hand, you could almost make out the faint footprint!

Madelyn smiled down at them, lovingly as their daughter kicked at their hands. "She knows your there you know." Madelyn explained, making a face as their daughter kicked particularly hard. She looked at what seemed to be a faint footprint on Paz's hand. "See? She's very strong already riduur." Madelyn looked at them, a little red in the face, looking very fond of her husband's.

The baby rolled over, satisfied with her game, and Madelyn’s stomach roiled with the movement. She would settle in the next few days or weeks and engage in anticipation of birth, and then it would just be waiting for the due date.

Fenn and Paz was watching, not realising they were still holding hands, before laughing and breaking the moment. A few minutes ago it had looked as if the galaxy was about to collapse into anarchy after nearly four years of relative peace - largely in part to Madelyn, Feyna and Pascale’s secret heroics at the Battle of Korriban - and now it was just waiting for the New Republic to win the day again.

The two men were looking at each other, and they clearly were thinking hard about something.

They’d been rivals for a long time, especially as Paz had inherited a position at the head of a disenfranchised group of Mandalorians. But he’d never acted in a way which have forced Fenn to eradicate them, instead focusing upon rebuilding the clans that had supported Death Watch within society. Death Watch itself was long gone, split int the Night Owls and the Children after the ‘Mauldalorians’ were defeated. The leaders of the Children of the Watch had been cleared out of a base on the Endor moon a year after the Battle of Yavin, and hadn’t been all that relevant since.

So Paz had been able to both inherit their position at the near-bottom of Mandalorian society (above the New Mandalorian clams that is), and reset it. Which of course put him at odds with the ruler of Mandalore... and prevented them from perhaps working on the root of their personal antagonism.

The babies attention was elsewhere, leaving Madelyn and her two husbands...

Madelyn smiled as the baby settled, but glanced between her husband's, nervous as she felt something shift in the force. She moved to the edge of the couch, and looked concerned for a moment. "You know, I'm glad things are better between you too. For a while after we first met, I thought you were going to challenge each other to another duel." Madelyn explained, and then paused, "But I'm glad you didn't. We need each other. I don't think Mandalore would have come this far without either of you working together."

She watched them for a moment, before reaching out to place her hand on Fenn's cheek, moving it down to his chin so she could tilt his face towards hers. She smiled at him softly, before leaning in to kiss him deeply. Madelyn pulled away before letting go of Fenn to repeat the process with Paz.

Madelyn leaned back against the back of the couch with a small playful smile, eyes watching them carefully. "I'm very proud of both you."

Notwithstanding that Madelyn was completely right, and the kiss was felt, and returned, the moment dragged for a bit, and became a little uncertain. Paz grew uncomfortable, and turned aside. "I need some air."

"Wait," Fenn said, "don't go."

"Look, I didn't know that when I got into this with Madelyn that I would have feelings for you, Fenn," Paz said. "We're about to have a baby, and there's this enormous pressure within me to be a father, and I don't want to reinvent our..." He stumbled over the words, "relationship dynamic when it's going to change a lot soon."

Fenn was speechless, almost. "But if it's going to change -"

"It's too much change," Paz emphasised.

Madelyn felt her heart lurch, because she didn't want Paz to go anywhere either and she sat up towards the end of the couch again, wanting to reach for Paz but stopping short as he talked about having feelings for Fenn.

Madelyn watched them carefully, letting her hand fall into her lap as she wrung her hands together. I should have guessed. Paz always seems to enjoy having Fenn around now. "Are you scared Paz?" Madelyn asked gently, looking between them for a moment. "Because of the change; of what you've been feeling?"

Paz swallowed working through his words. "I'm happy with where we are, the pregnancy has been, well, amazing. We've been together, and we've had a lot of fun and happiness. But there's this," he held his hands up, agonised, "thing inside me." He wasn't a particularly emotive man, and it was clear he was struggling. "Like I'm building all this on something I can't do." He trailed off.

With a slight sigh, Fenn stood up. "You think you're lying to us."

He helped Madelyn up, holding her hand, and he held out his hand to Paz.

"You're not, Paz," he said simply. "Being happy, it means that you realise what you've been holding onto... and the baby, she signifies a massive unknown future, and you're starting to hope that when she arrives, you'll be..."

His voice grew a little quiet. "Fixed."

Paz turned aside, and Fenn stepped forward, taking his arm in his hand. "Nothing needs fixing."

"What about Madelyn?" Fenn looked at her as Paz said that, hoping she would intuit how Paz felt about Fenn... and how Fenn felt about Paz, and what Paz was really asking for.

Madelyn listened quietly to Paz, and allowed Paz to help her up, stepping close to her husband's. She looked at Paz with a small smile as he spoke, understanding and letting him find his words. She looked at both of them sharply when Fenn explained that nothing needed fixing.

"I don't think anything or anyone needs fixing." Madelyn told them. "It's not like we won't ever get into fights or disagree, but how we feel each about each other will stay the same. That's what unconditional love is Paz." Madelyn reached out and placed her hand on Paz's chest.

"You are going to be just as wonderful as a father as you are a husband Paz. So will Fenn." She looked between Fenn and Paz for a moment, reaching out with the force and contemplating, "And I'm not angry or upset that you have feelings for one another." Madelyn shrugged. "I figured it might happen eventually." She admitted, "but I didn't want to pressure either of you. I just wanted us to be happy. Together."

Paz placed his hand on hers, and looked at her as Fenn stepped forward and squeezed his hand too. Permission, is what Paz was looking for, though Fenn was just waiting for him to recognise it. He drew Paz into a hug, and Madelyn too. There was a wetness to Paz's eyes, and Fenn just held him for now.

The baby became a bubble in the Force of joy, enjoying the cuddle.

Madelyn all but melted into the hug, happy that Paz was happy, or at the very least comforted by her words. She felt their daughter bubble with joy in the force, she was enjoying the cuddle too. Madelyn snuggled closer to her Paz and Fenn, enjoying the moment.

There was a chime, and they would all be drawn to the HoloNews, still carrying on in the background. The Empire had retreated to Taris, routed from Champala, which was both good and bad news - the Empire was on the retreat, but a small armada was about to arrive where Feyna, Mara, Pascale and Drayson were...

"I'd almost forgot the galaxy was in peril," Fenn said wryly.

Paz snorted, his eyes still a bit puffy. "Of course you did, you braggart."

"A braggart you like," he teased, kissing Paz on the cheek. Paz pulled a face of mock disgust.

Madelyn glanced at the news and smiled softly at the teasing. She leaked up and kissed him on the other cheek. "It's nice of the galaxy to repair itself. Let's us focus on the task at hand." Madelyn teased before she kissed Paz on the cheek again.

Paz kissed her fully, and then, taking a deep breath, kept his eyes closed and turned to kiss Fenn. Fenn's eyes widened and then closed, and the kiss lasted long enough that Fenn needed a breath. He laughed, and shook his head. "Took you long enough."

"I didn't want to have to rely upon alcohol to get the confidence to do it," Paz said, drily.

The HoloNet chimed again with another panicked update - the New Republic had arrived at Taris! The Third, Fourth and Fifth Fleets have chased Pellaeon from Champala! The Sullustan co-presenter was basically jumping for joy with the news.

"Are we turning this off yet?" Fenn said, drily.

Paz looked bemused. "I mean, at this rate the baby shower is going to be up and running by the end of the day?"

Madelyn responded in kind and then stepped back a little to watch Paz kiss Fenn. She looked a little amused, and then sighed at the chime of the holonet again. "As much as I'm enjoying the Empire losing I agree. Can we please turn it off?"

She gave an mocking annoyed look at Paz's words, and then said, "I think you might be getting ahead of yourself Paz." She teased him.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: More super happy fun combo time with @Sinrebirth

IC: Pascale Rouser, Admiral Drayson
Location: Safe house, Taris

Pascale had managed to quickly grab a bag and pack a few things, mostly some of his suits, a spare blaster pistol, vibroknives and a couple of thermal detonators.

He unlocked the safe in his and Feyna's cabin and withdrew the two lightsabers he picked up from Korriban, one was Arek Graul's the other from a crazy Sith. These were his emergency weapons. He kept the ring he was going to present to Feyna on board.

Of course as Drayson pointed out they had weapons and explosives but Pascale preferred to use his own. He had locked up Fortuna activating the security system and giving her one last pat on her side. He hoped it wasn't the last time he would fly her.

And as he stood nearby Drayson as he explained what was going on….the news just kept getting worse. The Empire was starting it's occupation on Taris and up in the skies the Empire was having a field day taking planet's and fleets.

This will really make it difficult for anybody who decides to come and get us he thought.

But one thing struck him, did Drayson just say…..

"Hold on," he said, folding his arms "Did you just ask me whether we should attack the Government or civilians? Because my choice would be neither. I may have used to be a mercenary but i'm not a barbarian".

"I mean we head to the government district and help out," Drayson said patiently, "or we go to protect the lifts to the Lower City. The Empire wants both to control the civilians."

The news couldn't tell Drayson where Daala was, just that Pellaeon had reached the Inner Rim. He pulled a face. "We need to make this occupation go badly so the Empire sends some ships back to crush us." He held up a hand. "Tries, that is."

He pulled up the map again. "Maybe we don't help the civilians," the Admiral said. "Maybe we just fill the speeder with detonators and ram it into the Imperial Garrison." He pulled a face. "And we use the Y-wing as air cover?" He looked at Pascale. "Do you want to fly the speeder or the Y-wing? Obviously, we'd jump out before getting destroyed."

Pascale felt better at least that they weren't about to blow up civilians but taking on the Empire was a risk. Blowing up a garrison meant that the focus would be on them. At least it kept innocents out of harm's way.

And more Imperial ships coming would mean difficulty for anybody coming to try and pull them both out. Of course Pascale wasn't leaving without his yacht.

"Well the options you present are all dangerous and present challenges for us afterwards. Plus the Empire could retaliate against the civilians. But I guess making a rather large dent in their numbers can't hurt".

He nodded "I can fly the Y wing. I mean it's not my yacht but I can fly it and maybe drop some ordinance on them. They stopped me from completing my job and split me away from my lover" his blue eyes narrowed "They deserve some punishment".

"I'll take the speeder then," Hiram said, nodded. "Help me load it."

In short order, the majority of the explosives they had were strapped under a tarp covering the back seats, while their sole astromech, an R3 unit named Artee, for he was R3-RT, made ready the Y-wing.

There was a single proton torpedo aboard the two-seater, and there wasn't much more to add to it than that - the ion cannons were non-functional, but the lasers and hyperdrive worked, so that was handy. R3 drained all the fuel reserves they had, which put the fighter-bomber at 2/3 full capacity.

They discussed how Drayson would take the speeder through everyday traffic until he was on the main road to the garrison, at which point he'd signal Pascale to launch and swoop in.

When Hiram, a bit red-faced from the exertion, was ready, he huffed as he leaned on the Y-wing hull. "Any last minute thoughts before we take on the Empire?"

Pascale helped out as much as he could, taking his jacket off to help load the explosives and checking out the Y wing with the astromech. He only had one torpedo so he knew he had to make his shot count.

When they were done, Pascale put his jacket back on so he kept himself warm in the cockpit and looked at Drayson as he prepared to climb up the ladder to wait for Drayson to do his thing.

"I wish the team were here, we could do a lot more damage with five of us instead of two. And two Jedi well one Jedi and one trainee would have been very useful" he shrugged.

"I suppose we'll just have to make do with what we have. And hope someone is coming to pull us out of the fire. Because things are about to turn rather messy".

"Comm me when you want me to come in and I'll fire my torpedo just to finish them off. Then I will come and pick you up" he smiled "Good luck sir" he climbed in to start systems and engine checks.

In short order Drayson headed out, sketching a tight grin and a salute as he headed into the Upper City with the simple update - "And with you, Pascale. May the Force be with you."

There was a cordon, but Drayson waited until he reached the front of the queue of vehicles passing by the security check. When he was one speeder away from the checkpoint - and with the garrison and at least two AT-STs and an AT-AT in sight - he tapped his comm to call Pascale.

Then he leaned out the door and shot the nearest Stormtrooper. He gunned the engines and swerved the opposite side of the speeder, pushing it out of the way and rushing through - a AT-ST 'chicken walker' turned towards the commotion, and Drayson pursed his lips in concentration as it stitched bolts across the side of his path, forcing him to swerve, and into the path of a grousing AT-AT, ponderously turning around -

Pascale received the click over his comm and he double clicked in return "Well Artee, this is not my Baudo but it will have to do for now. Shields to equal front and rear, and please keep an eye for anything sneaking up at me".

He took off tentatively, trying to get the feel of flying a fighter craft and something that was not as smooth on the stick as his yacht.

Pascale eventually made it to the surface, it was slower than he had liked but he was still getting used to it, and trying not to bash the fighter against any buildings along the way.

As he approached the garrison he spotted Drayson's speeder...and it looked he was in trouble with a small walker firing at him and the big one turning to greet him. He had to be quick here…

Pascale armed his lasers and commenced his dive. First he fired on the small walker hoping to try and take it's head off before turning his attention to the big walker trying to hit it's head as well….

The AT-ST blew up, but the laser bolts rebounded off the AT-AT's thick armour, though it did turn it's head from Drayson to fire at the Y-wing - the shots flew just beneath. An alarm rang out, and a pair of TIE Fighters hovered up, ungainly as they tried to reach the sky.

Drayson veered the speeder back on course, around the walker wreckage, jammed the throttle, and dove out. He rolled, huffing in pain as he did. Blaster fire tried to track him, Stormtroopers rushed to catch him, and Drayson fired at them before he was even standing fully. He took one in the crotch armour, wincing reflexively as he ran, firing as he went.

The AT-AT slowly turned back to fire at the speeder -

There was a landing zone nearby, another twenty-two TIE fighters sitting idle that black-armoured pilots were rushing towards. It was not precisely going well, but it would only get worse before it got better -

Pascale was relieved to see the smaller walker go but the big walker now had its attention on him. What was worse was two fighters were now after him as well.

As he swung around to go for another pass he could see the bigger walker going for the speeder, Drayson in trouble and pilots rushing towards their fighters. There were too many targets and not enough time to hit them all.

Pascale swore, he hated the odds on this. He had wanted to fire his torpedo at the garrison but if those fighters got up and running he would have to depart and leave Drayson. Once he fired the torpedo he could concentrate again on the walker.

Drayson would have to be on his own for now.

He commenced another dive activating the targeting computer. Once he was within range he fired his torpedo to fire straight down the middle right in the cluster of fighters.

That's for splitting me away from Feyna you bastards….

He peeled away as the torpedo shot out and once again fired at the bigger walker so it's attention was on him again….

The torpedo and the speeder hit at the same time, the centre of the TIEs exploding into shrapnel, and the garrison vanishing into a massive fireball. Hiram felt the heat as it threw him to the ground, and the shockwave upended the two flying TIE fighters - their massive wings were not designed for atmospheric issues, but the Y-wing was more hardy and would not fly that far - but it still flipped, Pascale's astromech screaming.

But for a moment, there would be shock, and nobody in the air while Pascale was, which, according to the plan, was when he was supposed to pluck Drayson from the fire.

The pilots on the landing pad off to the side had been floored, but only one TIE had dipped over from the garrison shockwave to add to the detonation, the torpedo managing to ignite some fuel cells but still leaving nine more about to launch...

Pascale's two TIE opponents slammed into civilian buildings and vanished, giving him time to choose -

The AT-AT however had tipped in the shockwave and slammed to the floor, at least -

His sensors screamed with information though - the Imperial Fleet had returned, the dreadnought, the seventy Star Destroyers, the thousands of escorts -

I'm glad I don't get air sick….

That was Pascale's thought as the Y wing flipped over. But from what he could see the garrison had gone up in flames. He would have to check on how many fighters were remaining on the pad but the two fighters had disappeared off his screen.

The walker had gone down too, Pascale felt the odds had improved slightly….

And then it got worse. The Imperial fleet had come back again, Pascale didn't know why but it seemed maybe in his mind they were back to finish the job.

Time to grab Drayson and make a run for it back. I don't think i'll have enough fuel for a proper dogfight here…

He flipped the Y wing back over and curved himself around to drop down to Drayson's position, hopefully he hadn't been injured by the explosion. Plus the others would kill him if he left the boss to die.

Pascale landed, opened the cockpit and unfurled the ladder "Sir we'd better hurry. The Imperial fleet has just come back in system and I don't know how many fighters they still have left. I think we've made a big enough dent for one day…."

Drayson looked worse for wear, but dragged himself up the ladder. "Call me Hiram, Pascale." As he sagged into the chair, holding his arm and wincing, he closed his eyes as the sound of TIEs screamed out.

But, all of them were heading up into orbit.

Indeed, a trio of Imperial shuttles were doing so, from other parts of the city -

Sensors screamed more updates - there were already too many contacts to count, but the number had just doubled again, all New Republic signals! The tide had been entirely turned!

Drayson released a noise of pain. "I need a medic, Pascale!"

Pascale closed the cockpit, brought the ladder back up and took off. And nearly cheered as the sensors came alive with New Republic signals this time.

Which meant there was a chance of getting off this planet as the Imperials seemed to be abandoning their posts.

"Hiram it is" replied Pascale beginning the journey back to base "I don't have much fuel left, I have enough to get us back to the safe house, and I don't think this bucket is going to last long up there".

"I'm not leaving without my yacht, we'll have a better chance of survival if we use her instead. I've also got a medkit aboard. I can patch you up until we get to a cruiser or medical frigate. It'll be much more comfortable too" he smiled at that.

All in the space of a few hours the war had turned on its head again. And Pascale felt emotionally exhausted. Hopefully Feyna was up above or someone from the team.

Feyna, if you are up there i'm coming, whomever is i'll be a few minutes. Just hold on…..

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @JediMasterAnne

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Mandalore's Homestead, Keldabe

Madelyn scoffed playfully at Fenn wanting to pay attention to Leia, and lightly tapped him on the shoulder. "Oh look, it's your princess." Madelyn teased. She felt a little jealous sometimes, the way Fenn looked at Leia but did her best to brush it aside. He married her and Paz after all.

Madelyn sat quietly as Leia told the galaxy what had happened, and listened attentively. She does have a way with speeches though. And she really is a hero. I guess we couldn't ask for a better leader. "I guess they really are going to get rid of the Empire huh?"

"Don't worry," Paz said smoothly, gently guiding her back to the couch. "We won't be out of work, there's always wet-work needed."

Fenn rolled his eyes a bit as he settled on the couch beside Madelyn. "I doubt Leia will let them erase the Empire, but she'll cripple them. A lot of the current members of the Empire wanted to be Imperials, after all. They've not rebelled against Pellaeon and the Moffs, after all. So we may be hired to help keep the peace, who knows."

He looked thoughtful, but he was looking at Paz.

Madelyn sighed as Paz guided her to the couch and nodded, "Well I wasn't exactly worried about either of you being out of work." Madelyn told them, looking at Paz first and then turning to Fenn as he spoke. "Yes, well; hopefully peace can be kept." Madelyn watched Fenn's expression change as he looked at Paz. "What is it?"

"We crossed a line conversationally, then," Fenn said, softly. "What are your expectations of us," he gestured vaguely at Paz, who cooled. "As, well, an us."

Paz looked a little embarrassed, and a little red.

Madelyn looked equally curious, and took Paz's hand gently. "I'm curious about that too. What do you need from us to make you more comfortable?"

Fenn smiled slightly. "Do you mind if we work that out while you're at the baby shower?"

Paz went even more red. "Assuming that's okay with you?" He gave Fenn a mock glare. "Assuming that the baby shower is even on?"

The HoloNet updated; the Imperial fleet had completely retreated from Taris, and the New Republic fleets were in hot pursuit -

Madelyn glanced at the news, I assume it's back on." She said quickly and then turned to Paz and Fenn, "But I don't mind at all. Just work out what you need to and keep me in your lines of communication." Madelyn shrugged, "I don't think it's good if we keep secrets from one another."

"I'd assume so, too," Fenn said, nonetheless smiling.

"Yeah, Mara seemed pretty insistent that she come with the gift after," Paz continued. "A good comrade, that one. Feyna too, loyal to Pascale even at the cost of her own safety."

Mand'alor produced a comlink. "I'll set up a welcoming party, and call them back here. I'll have medics on standby," Fenn said. Paz nodded at that.

"But before..." Paz said. "I think we need to give our wife some attention." Fenn stood corrected, and leaned over to kiss Madelyn fully.

Madelyn looked pleased as Fenn leaned in and kissed her, forgetting momentarily about the baby shower situation as she kissed him back. She reached up to placed a hand behind his neck and used her other hand to take Paz's shoulder in her hand to keep him from going anywhere. Madelyn pulled away with a smile before turning to Paz. "I think that all sounds like a good idea." She told them before she kissed Paz softly.

I guess everything else can wait for a bit.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Another fun combo with Jerjerrod-Lennox and Sinre! Always a pleasure

IC: Pascale Rouser, Feyna Morrow, Hiram Drayson and Mara Jade
Battle of Taris

Pascale was just relieved that this whole mess would soon be over.

The Imperials were being hammered, and Pascale knew that he would probably eventually have to go through that mess. He was now aboard his yacht which would provide better protection, and help Drayson get some medical attention.

Something pinged on his sensors, a ship coming down…..the familiar lines of the Jade Sabre. Drayson exclaimed that Mara had arrived and Pascale couldn't help but smile.

And of course she was quick and to the point on the comm.

"This is Pascale Rouser in the yacht with Drayson. Hello Mara, you sound like you have been in a spot of bother. I headed back to the safe house to pick up my yacht and come and join the party. You can follow me if you wish to park up and do repairs".

"Drayson needs medical attention and I have not got enough fuel to get upstairs. Perhaps you can help when we reach safety?" He rued not filling the yacht up before he left.

They still needed to get down, but now Mara was back in the cockpit and could shoot any Imperials their path. Feyna started to head for the planet, when a comm line opened up.

Pascale's voice over the channel sent a wave of relief over her--he's okay, he's alive. And he sounded a lot calmer than Feyna felt at the moment. Drayson was injured, but they were both alive.

"We'll follow you in once we get clear," she told him, still dodging both Imperial and New Republic fighters. "We're not in a good spot just now, but we're on our way down."

Pascale's heart sang as he heard Feyna's voice. And she sounded stressed. No wonder, she was in a fight with a cluster of fighters.

He looked at his fuel, he could probably do one pass before he would need to head back to the safe house and hopefully they would follow. It might at least get them through safe.

"Hiram can you hang on for a few more minutes? I've just got to get Feyna and Mara through and then we will head back to base".

He then spoke to Feyna "It is so good to hear your voice my dear" he had to remain professional here "I'm coming up to try and clear the way but I will only be able to do one pass before I run out of fuel. I'll try and clear the way".

"I'm fine," Hiram said garrulously.

From the chaff wall the Sabre emerged, but the sky was littered with crippled Imperial escorts and TIE fighters rushing back to their command ships - any TIE left behind could not jump, save for the TIE Defenders. Mara hissed, but they were suddenly through the furious exchange of fire, and they could see Pascale and Drayson approaching.

The lead edges of the Imperial armada jumped back into Imperial Space. The New Republic ships set off, forming up rather than pursuing them, relying upon ranged fire to pick apart damaged frigates, carriers and light cruisers.

Drayson sounded surprised. "They're following them... they're preparing a jump into hyperspace..."

The New Republic had clearly decided enough was enough, even though Ackbar wasn't here, for whatever reason.

It clicked with Hiram, and he knew where the Mon Calamari was. "Leia has decided to end the war," he said breathlessly, across the shared channel.

Suddenly the TIE Defender that had harassed them earlier emerged from the melee in hot pursuit of the Sabre, clearly wanting to enact what it perceived as an easy kill before joining the full retreat -

Drayson's eyes widened -

"Be careful..." Feyna warned, as Pascale said he would do a pass around to help clear the way.

At least they seemed to be getting past the worst of the battle...

It sounded like the New Republic were taking the fight to the Empire and chasing them away. The Chancellor was giving the Empire an ultimatum...back off or we'll continue to hound you.

A fighter had come out of the pack and was about to go for the Jade Sabre. Oh no you don't….

Of course Fortuna's front shields were not quite recharged but he had to take the chance in order for Mara and Feyna to get down safe. He focused his yacht on the fighter and fired his laser cannon at it not letting go of the trigger.

The shots impacted with the Defenders front shields and it dove aside, curling up to head beneath the two of them and rush up at an angle they could not respond to. Mara saw a light flash on the console, and dove away to the back of the ship, leaving Feyna control of the Sabre to herself - something had come loose, and Mara needed to attend to it.

As such Feyna could continue to fly, or perhaps even take control of the guns, but it would have to be quick -

The Imperial armada had entirely vanished now, and the New Republic one was beginning to reach the same jump-point -

The TIE Defender came up beneath Pascale and Drayson, intending to fire at their undersides and then retreat at last -

Oh no you don't….

The sensors screamed as the fighter tried to get underneath the yacht to take one last potshot and take him down.

But Pascale had gained a few flying tricks since he had come here and he knew for Feyna to maybe get a clean shot he would have to get out of the way.

"Hold on to something or strap in!" he called to Drayson, gave him a second or two….then flicked his stick to the left popping Fortuna up on her side.

It was up to Feyna now if she decided to take the oppurtunity.

She'd seen Pascale firing at something, and as Mara dashed off to deal with whatever had broken, Feyna saw the Defender from earlier coming back up under the Fortuna.

Without Mara, Feyna could only spare a few seconds to fire the Sabre's weapons, so the shot had to be just right. She angled her nose down just a bit more, then quickly hopped over to the lasers, just in time to see Pascale roll the yacht sideways, out of her line of fire.

Feyna quickly checked her target, and opened fire.

The bolts crashed into the TIE Defender, which had focused upon Pascale and Drayson, and it exploded brilliantly. Shields or not, a direct hit from the Sabre's cannons was more than enough. There was a flurry of hyperspace jumps, and suddenly there was a single functional New Republic frigate in orbit and it was, for all intents and purposes, over, notwithstanding the two dozen Imperial wrecks cooling as they turned.

Mara returned to the cockpit, looking flushed. "My patch didn't like us being shot at, if we can avoid that, we'll be fine." She looked out the viewport, and at the sensors. "But I see it's over..."

There was a comm reach out from Mandalore. "Fenn is offering medical supplies and support back home," Mara said, softly. "Thoughts? The Sabre can make the jump."

Hiram was watching the displays with a pained expression. "He'll be here any moment..."

Before anyone could ask, a massive hyperspace disturbance announced the arrival of a nineteen kilometer behemoth. It was an Executor-class Dreadnought; a Super Star Destroyer... with red New Republic crests on the armour.



"Admiral Ackbar, aboard the Guardian, a warship we managed to capture in secret last year, and hide at Kuat," Drayson said slowly, releasing a breath. "This is what we're going to win the war with. Pellaeon is finished." He looked satisfied. "I just wanted to see it before we left."

The Super Star Destroyer was a truly impressive sight, and a crescendo to the battles of Taris. It was the knife which would drive into the Empire's very heart and gut it. "I can last to Mandalore, Pascale," he said, from his seat. "Sooner we make planetfall somewhere safe, the better."

He cracked a smile. "Feyna," he asked over the open comms. "Did you get his message?"

Feyna nodded to Mara as she returned to the cockpit, glad to relinquish piloting duties back to her, confirming that the battle was over and the Empire was on the run, as the New Republic's secret weapon, the Guardian, arrived at Taris.

Drayson agreed that they should head back to Mandalore--Feyna and Mara also still had their baby gifts for Madelyn--but his question about the message got her attention.

"Yes, I got it," she replied, cautiously. She and Pascale no doubt had an important conversation coming, but did Drayson know all of what was in it, what Pascale had said?

Nice shooting my dear" Pascale complimented as the TIE disappeared into dust. He righted Fortuna back onto its belly and throttled back so he was beside the Jade Sabre.

With an Super class in the New Republic's arsenal which did look impressive especially with the crests on it, even the Empire's Super class would have an equal to match it.

Perhaps maybe soon the Empire would get the .message and just give up.

It looked like the consensus was that Mandalore was safe and Pascale had to agree. Fortuna needed refuelling and recharging and the girls needed to finish off the baby shower no doubt. Plus he and Feyna were maybe about to have a conversation that Pascale to be honest was nervous about.

And it was rare that he was nervous. And of course Drayson had heard what he had said to Hiram was in the cockpit at the time.

"I concur" he said "I should have enough fuel to get there, and no doubt Madelyn would like to finish her baby shower with the ladies whilst I get some repairs done" what he didn't say was that maybe he and Feyna could have some private time.

"Follow me ladies" he said taking Fortuna up back into orbit.

Mara had actually reviewed the sensor log and new what the message was, but she busied herself for the moment. "We'll meet you at Mandalore then." She cut the channel. "Drayson treats you just like a daughter he can tease," Mara reflected aloud. "Don't let him get away with that. You have your chat with Pascale in your own time, Feyna."

She turned the Jade Sabre to the jump point.

Unsure how to respond, Feyna simply nodded as they jumped into hyperspace.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox

 

OOC: Time for a super combo with myself, @Sinrebirth , @JediMasterAnne and @TheSilentInfluence

IC: Pascale Rouser, Feyna Morrow, Madelyn Linnett, Mara Jade
Location: Mandalore

And they had made it.

Pascale was pleased to be back in safe territory. He set Fortuna down on the assigned space with a deep sigh. He knew the baby shower was still to come, he had hoped to leave the girls alone to have some girl time whilst he made repairs.

He had spotted Madelyn nearby and the Jade Sabre. Pascale knew what he had to do, it was now or never. Have the conversation now….or delay it and risk never having the conversation as another mission would no doubt crop up.

After checking the systems were shut down and fuel and power lines had been attached, he walked quickly to the safe, pulling out the box that he had stowed safely away and popping it in his jacket pocket.

The ramp was lowered, he waited for Drayson to disembark….and stayed where he was. Hopefully if Feyna spotted him she would get the hint.

Though Mara had already disembarked, Feyna lingered a few moments in the Sabre's cockpit, trying to calm herself down a little before she went to Pascale. She was sad for the Fang fighters that had not made it back, but so relieved that Pascale was safe...and so anxious for what was coming.

This probably wasn't how he'd been planning on asking her, but the tooka was out of the bag now, so to speak.

Why she was even nervous, she wasn't sure, but once she was certain that Drayson had left the Fortuna, she gathered herself up and headed over.

She waved to Madelyn as she came down the Sabre's ramp, but went straight to the yacht. As she approached, she could see him waiting for her.

She went right to him, reaching out to hug him. "Are you okay?"

Madelyn kissed her husband's goodbye and turned to see Mara and Feyna getting off the Sabre. She waved before going up to Mara first, smiling at her before she spoke.

"I'm glad you're alright." Madelyn told Mara. I was worried for all of you." She wouldn't have minded if there were no gifts, she was just happy that her friends had come back in once piece.

Pascale gave a nod to Madelyn as he saw Feyna approach. It would be ungentlemanly and impolite if he didn't and he prided himself on being the consummate gentleman.

Hopefully his and Feyna's conversation would not take long so Madelyn could have a proper baby shower.

As Feyna reached out for him he stepped forward wrapping his arms gently around her, his heart soaring at being back with Feyna again.

"I'm fine cheri" he said, holding her for a few seconds before pulling back but still keeping his arms around her "Drayson is worse off than am but we both made it. I am so glad you and Mara came to find us".

"I dropped that message buoy off as I didn't know when I would see you again, sadly it rather spoiled the surprise a bit pertaining to one bit" he smiled "Drayson was in the vicinity as well, couldn't stop that either".

He caressed her cheek gently with his fingers "How are you? Sorry the Imperials had to interrupt the day…"

So Drayson definitely knew. Thinking about Mara's earlier comment, she had to wonder at his reaction.

Not that he was going to influence her decision, though.

"I'm all right," she assured him, her arms still around him as well. "I was worried about you, though. I'm glad you're okay."

Pascale kept the smile on his face as he gently pulled Feyna into the yacht. He wanted to do this next bit in private, the others would find out the outcome of this eventually.

Take the plunge Pascale…

"My dear if there is anything that this mission has taught me is that I nearly was separated from someone I care about. Drayson wanted me to sacrifice that for the greater good. But I wanted to come back to you because I realised….that I want to spend the rest of my life with you"

Here goes nothing….

Pascale stepped back, took both of Feyna's hands in his and got down on one knee before her, his blue eyes staring up at her.

"Feyna Morrow, I love you so very much my cheri. I could not imagine my life without you, and over these past couple of years our love has grown stronger by the day".

"Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

She bit her lip as he knelt down, but her eyes were dancing with happy tears, and she was smiling widely as she squeezed his hands together in hers.

"Yes, I will."

Mara looked at them, and then back at Madelyn. "Well, we all saw that coming," she said wryly. "We can't really complain too much." She patted the pregnant woman on the shoulder; Mara was not precisely going to hug her - she wasn't very tactile.

"Ah well, it's only me who's single now..." Mara looked wry. "I'll be the one taking the flirtatious roles when we go undercover from now on I guess..."

She smiled at the two of them and stepped over. "Let me be the first to congratulate you both."

Madelyn looked back at Mara with an amused smile, both at the fact that Pascale and Feyna were engaged and because she patted her on the shoulder. "I suppose you'll have too." Madelyn grinned before she turned to face the happy couple with Mara.

"Congratulations." Madelyn told them with a smile. "I'm happy for both of you."

Pascale stood back up, releasing one of his hands so he could slip the ring out of its box and onto Feyna's left ring finger before embracing her tightly and giving her a long deep kiss.

"We'll celebrate in private tonight" he said with a wink "But for now, the baby shower awaits".

He headed back down the ramp smiling at Mara and Madelyn. It looked like they had seen what was going on even though Pascale had thought he had kept it private. No harm done though…

"Thank you ladies" he said, keeping a smile on his face. "I was planning it until after my mission was completed, sadly the Imperials arrived and I was rather stuck. I am rather lucky to have Feyna by my side as not only a professional partner but a lover too".

"Thanks to Feyna and Mara me and Drayson were able to escape and rejoin the group and of course I could pop the question" he chuckled "I believe you were having a baby shower before it was rather rudely interrupted…" he looked to Feyna.

Feyna nodded, again trying to cool her excitement. As Pascale had said, they could have their own little celebration later, and she didn't want to steal any more attention off of Madelyn.

"Yes, let's get back to our originally scheduled plans?" She suggested as she picked up her gift.

"I don't mind at all. I'm happy you have each other." Madelyn said with a small smile. "But I guess we should get back to the baby shower." Madelyn agreed. "Why don't we go somewhere more comfortable. Where we can sit?" Madelyn suggested.

Mara smirked, passing over the gift. “Sit and eat, please, Lady Mandalore, I bet all this stress is ravenous.”

The original site of the baby shower was the homestead of Madelyn. All three of the adults maintained separate homes, mainly for appointments, though her home was basically transferred to the joint main one. Food was laid out, and indeed there were novelty baby games, name guessing competitions, and more besides.

It wasn’t odd to have Pascale there, and as they travelled to Madelyn’s home they had an update that Hiram was stable and that the New Republic had engaged the rest of the Imperial fleet at Anx Minor. As Mara arrived, she unapologetically flicked on the holo-screen, connecting to an imbed in the New Republic forces.

“You don’t mind, do you guys?” Mara was asking but her tone was pretty firm. “It’s probably the last battle of the war, and Pellaeon has apparently forced it there rather than at Mygeeto or Ord Trasi. He’s up to something big, I can sense it.”

Indeed, the Force did seem a bit apprehensive.

She eyed the competition to guess the baby's name, mind already racing.

Pascale was relieved at least to sit down and relax, and surrounded by women which the old him would have made a comment about.

It was however a bit awkward that he was at a baby shower as he thought that was more for the girls. But he had been allowed to come along so it was only right he be polite and join the group. Although he would be staying away from the whole games thing, it was a bit too awkward for him.

He draped his arm over the back of the chair watching the HoloNet "I guess he knows he's cornered" Pascale said raising an eyebrow "Maybe he wants to go out in a blaze of glory, take as much of the New Republic down as possible".

Madelyn felt relieved to sit down and watched as everyone made themselves comfortable. She watched as Mara turned on the holonet. "I don't mind Mara, but that's not the only thing on your mind is it?" Madelyn asked, sensing she wanted to know what the baby's name was.

Feyna sat down next to Pascale, keeping an ear on discussion around them, but also watching the HoloNet.

"Think Ackbar will make an appearance?" She mused to her now-fiance. She didn't mention the Guardian by name, and kept her voice quiet, not wanting to interrupt Madelyn and Mara's conversation.

Pascale spoke quietly back moving his arm to drape over Feyna's shoulders and moving close to her. Mara seemed to be talking baby talk with Madelyn and he kept one ear on it.

"Not unless our Chancellor really wants to drop the hammer. Unless Pellaeon does something so bad that he's needed to clean up the mess".

"Ackbar has the Guardian, if there is going to be a finale, then it and he'll be there," she glanced at Mara. "Open secret, but before we left Taris he turned up with a Super Star Destroyer the New Republic apparently captured and managed to keep hidden." Her eyes flashed. "I bet Leia and Ackbar intend to use it as a surprise. Pellaeon has a few SSDs but that doesn't mean he'll be expecting us to drop one." It was a similarly open secret that the New Republic had another SSD, the Lusankya, but that was public knowledge and could hardly be a surprise. It was not public knowledge that the New Republic was working on it's own Mon Calamari variant, the Viscount, so Mara kept her knowledge of that silent.

Her gaze however did slide to the typical baby shower game. Guess the baby's name. It was a traditional one to have at a shower, and it piqued her competitive edge. They would each have to guess the name and put it into a piece of paper, and when the baby was named, the names revealed to see who was right. If they guessed aloud now, Madelyn could simply change name, so it was a competition for all involved.

"Can we do that yet?" She pointed at the pad of flimsi. "Even if I won't know until the baby is here, and all."

The former Emperor's Hand grinned, and pulled out the pen attached to write a name, tug out the sheet and fold it over, and place it in the little locker that was beside it. It had a code lock, because if you were going to take the game seriously, you needed a neutral arbitrator after all. Mara looked like she was enjoying such a non-specific challenge.

She passed the 'pad to Pascale, but spoke to Madelyn. "Do you three have a name in mind already?"

Pascale got up detaching himself from Feyna and walked over taking the pad from Mara and standing for a few moments before writing the name down and then depositing it in the locker.

He then returned back to the chair, he was still transfixed on what was going on on the HoloNet.

There was something kind of strange about a spy, a former smuggler, and a pair of former Emperor's Hands sitting around playing baby shower games. Without much to go on, besides knowing the baby was a girl, Feyna took a slip from the pad and scribbled down a name, folded the paper and slipped it in the box.

Madelyn watched everyone carefully as they wrote down what they thought the name was. She couldn't hide a small smirk, wondering just what names they would come up with. She was going to have fun with this.

The feed updated, showing a decent tactical display of the Battle of Anx Minor. Mara blinked a little. “Oh.”

It was quite the update.

A deployment of the Third and Fifth Fleets, with Ackbar and the Guardian in the centre of the page. A hundred capital ships and five hundred escorts showing for the New Republic.

But surrounding them? A hundred Star Destroyers, a thousand smaller escorts, but of more concern were the three Super Star Destroyers that the Empire had deployed at an equal point of a triangle. The Rakehell that the Taris team had seen - an experimental ship but of the same design as the Guardian. At the next point was the wider wedge of the Megador, more like a flying wing than a dagger, and at the last point was the smallest of the three, a shorter blade of a ship named the Dominion.

Pellaeon had basically allowed the New Republic to advance so quickly so he could focus his defences on one engagement. The news reporter confirmed that this was every Super Star Destroyer the Empire had left, and nearly half of each respective Navy in one place.

“This could be a problem,” she said. As they watched, several New Republic symbols went out, signifying the destruction of the ships themselves. Sometimes they did that when they disabled, rather than obliterated.

Not always, though.

As they watched, Ackbar shifted his Star Cruisers and Destroyers to attack the Dominion, which simply retreated to keep the gap between them and it, the Megador and Rakehell keeping pace on the New Republic fleets. The Guardian retreated more slowly than the rest, and soon enough a clear gap would form between the fleets and Ackbar - he appeared to be sacrificing himself to allow the rest of the New Republic forces a chance -

Pascale shook his head squeezing Feyna's shoulder for support "Well why have one Super destroyer when you can have three. Ackbar came in, thought he had them on the ropes and Pellaeon thought I know I'll bring in my toys to play".

"The New Republic seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place at the moment…."

Feyna reached for Pascale's other hand, not having anything to add to his comment. A Super Star Destroyer like the Guardian could take a fair beating compared to the New Republic's smaller vessels, but it was up against three other SSDs--hopefully Ackbar had another trick or two up his sleeve…

Madelyn watched nervously. It really did seem like trouble, and it didn't look like they would make it out of there in one piece. "Yes, it doesn't look good." Madelyn remarked as she frowned to herself. "Maybe he has a way to get out of that?" She asked, although Madelyn didn't sound too sure.

As the New Republic fleet rushed the Dominion and it's escorts, the Rakehell and Megador drew closer to flank the Guardian, six Imperial Star Destroyers strung out escorting the two Imperial Super Star Destroyers. Mara winced. "That's the rest of Death Squadron - Vader's personal ships. The Judicator, the Avenger, the Inexorable, the Death's Head, the Stormhawk, the Bellicose." She eyed the ships defending the Dominion. "The Chimaera, the Relentless and the Tyrant. These Star Destroyers fought at Endor, and every major engagement since.

"This is Pellaeon's core loyalists. He's going all out."

Mara held her breath as the Guardian hit the range of the Rakehell and Megador, a barrage of intense fire flying between the three ships, but the Guardian was focusing it's fire at an awkward angle on the Rakehell's engines, and Mara wondered if Ackbar was hoping to disable one of the flagships -

There was a flash of white and a massive, impossibly large explosion consumed the Rakehell, the six Star Destroyers, and trimmed off the wing of the Megador -

Mara blinked.

"What the?" The sensor feed confirmed that there had been an antimatter detonation, and Mara realised that the experimental engines of the Rakehell had been specifically targeted by Ackbar. "Oh shavit," she swore.

The Dominion broke off it's retreat and advanced around the New Republic fleet, the Tyrant registering as disabled even as the Relentless and Chimaera covered it's actions. Other warships abandoned the cordon and headed to the aid of the Megador, but the battle was over - the New Republic fleet consolidated, licking its wounds, even as the Guardian swung to cover them and lance the fleeing Imperial formation with turbolaser fire, pressing the advantage.

In a handful of moments, the Imperial fleet had towed the Megador and vanished into hyperspace.

Mara was silent, shocked.

The Empire had lost its last stand.

Pascale turned slightly so he could hold Feyna's hand as he watched the action unfold.

It all seemed like the New Republic had been fairly beaten and the Imperials were pushing their advantage as more ships came in.

But all of a sudden the tide turned as one of the Super destroyers suddenly went down and the Empire was rattled. They all of a sudden lost the will and decided to call it a day and abandon the arena.

Pascale smiled and kissed Feyna on the cheek "It seems Ackbar has outsmarted Pellaeon. The Empire went all in but they could not handle one of their Super destroyers going. And good riddance to that".

"He may not like smugglers or mercenaries but you cannot deny Ackbar is a genius. The Empire I suppose will have to make the next move now unless the Chancellor decides to do something".

Feyna squeezed his hand, quietly relieved by the Republic's turn of fortune. The battle at Anx Minor seemed settled, though she had to wonder if Ackbar might keep chasing the Empire a bit further, or if enough was enough for today. Hopefully it was mostly done; she felt a bit guilty that they were paying so much attention to that, that it was distracting them from the baby shower.

"They really lost?" Madelyn said quietly, as though she couldn't quite believe it herself. She looked at Mara for a moment before turning back to watch the holonet. "I don't believe the Empire will recover from that, do you?"

Mara shook her head. "No, this is it." Her comlink chimed with an update from another source and she she glanced down at it. "Seems Lando also led a charge into the Deep Core and captured the world that Daala attacked from; Prakith. So with Daala having just taken a crazy impossible jump into hyperspace and probable death, and her base on Prakith fallen, the Deep Core Imperials are done... and with Pellaeon on his way to retreat at the very edge of the galaxy... it's really over."

She deflated, and felt a bit odd, as a former Imperial herself. Mara regarded Madelyn, a former Hand herself, and Feyna and Pascale, two who had dodged or fought the Empire for most of their lives. Even though she herself hadn't been an Imperial since the Emperor died at Endor - the clones of Palpatine that had ruled from Byss didn't count as him, in her eyes - she still felt like she'd lost something. Awkwardness rose inside her, which she dutifully crushed.

"So, baby shower?" Mara looked like she wanted to move on from what she felt, and basically refused to examine.

Simple enough.

Pascale couldn't believe what Mara was saying….the war was over?

He had dealt of course with the Empire on several occasions as part of his job but he had now fought against them since joining the New Republic fold.

Was galactic peace on the horizon? The Empire seemed to be in full retreat so it was possible but Pascale would only believe it when he saw it. And how would Madelyn feel about this? Mara's face showed clearly what she felt.

He turned to Feyna squeezing her hand again and gently pulling her close "All that you have fought for my dear may have led to the first genuine peace in years. You've fought most of your life, now you can see that it has all come to this point" he smiled studying Feyna for her reaction to it all.

Feyna leaned against Pascale, as casual surprise at the battle's end shifted to the stunned realization that it was over.

Nearly twenty years now--her entire adult life--she'd spent working against it, for the Rebellion, then the New Republic...and now the Empire was finally done.

Today had been a crazy day of battles, a baby shower, a proposal...for Feyna, it felt like a page turning over. There would probably be a few last skirmishes before the Empire's defeat was really and truly official, and there were still artifacts out there to chase, but perhaps they could start looking forward to a more peaceful future. Madelyn with a baby on the way. Feyna and Pascale with a wedding to plan...

Looking over at Mara, though, Feyna sobered a bit--the former Hand looked a little like she didn't know what to do with herself, and was trying to divert attention back to the baby shower.

Feyna hugged Pascale and kissed his cheek, whispering teasingly in his ear in regards to the Republic's victory, "Something else for us to celebrate tonight," before pulling back and following Mara's lead, nodding toward the box with their name guesses inside. "Are we going to finish that game?"

Madelyn felt a sense of loss, which she felt was odd but perhaps oddly fitting. She glanced at Mara for a moment and reached out with the force to tug Mara's attention away from the holonet and to her, sensing that Mara wasn't feeling all that great about the situation either.

Madelyn didn't know if it was because of her pregnancy, her emotions could be all over the place depending on the day, but she stepped forward and hugged Mara. "Sorry, I just-" Madelyn snapped her mouth shut, because Mara wasn't usually one for physical contact but Madelyn felt like she needed one. She relayed that thought through the force as she pulled away.

"Yes, I guess we can play the game now." Madelyn turned towards Feyna and nodded at the box. "What did you guess?"

Mara allowed the hug for a moment, but it was awkward. Her personal space was what it was, and that wasn't something she shared. Burying her feelings deep, she gave the pregnant, hormonal woman the benefit of the doubt, flashed an insincere smile, and replied before Pascale and Feyna did.

"I thought the names were supposed to be revealed after you gave birth. Unless you are going to tell us your baby name now?" Mara looked carnivorous. "You'll have to write it down first, so we can be sure you don't cheat!"

Madelyn rolled her eyes, "I'll write it down, but don't peek Mara Jade." Madelyn scoffed. She turned away from them and wrote down the name quickly before she slipped it into the box. "We can get started now. And it doesn't bother me if any of you know now or before. You're..." Madelyn sounded unsure. "Well, you're pretty much part of my family at this point." She shrugged and looked embarrassed.

Pascale hugged Feyna back and had to grin when Feyna whispered teasingly in his ear. He was very much looking forward to tonight's frivolities. But first...baby shower.

He kept the grin on his face as Madelyn hugged Mara. Pascale knew the flame haired woman was as tough as nails but this was a good sign that she let Madelyn hug her. Madelyn probably felt better too.

"What a nice thing to say Madelyn" Pascale said gently "I'm sure you will be an excellent mother and you are no doubt part of mine and Feyna's family too. And Mara of course".

"I would be honoured if you both would attend our wedding. We are a team and sadly we could not see your wedding but perhaps you could see ours" he didn't say what he had chosen for the baby name, he wanted to keep that a surprise.

He looked to Feyna for confirmation on what he had just said.

Feyna nodded in agreement. "We'd love to have you both there. Fenn and Paz, too, if they'd like," she added to Madelyn. "We'll let you know when we get the 'when and where' sorted out, of course."

Mara nodded along, watching the folded piece of paper carnivorously. She reached for the box, and held out the three names.

"We have guesses of Eleanor, Leia and Sa'fi," she said victoriously, and looked to Madelyn and her piece of flimsi for confirmation of her name reveal. They would each know who had guessed what themselves, but Mara knew her own guess which was enough.

Madelyn grinned ruefully. " Her name is going to be Leia. So whoever guessed that is correct! We wanted to name her after someone strong."

Feyna looked to Mara and Pascale. "It wasn't me...?"

Pascale smiled "It was me" he said "I thought as you said you would name her after someone strong. And who better than to name her after our good lady Chancellor. I wonder if she will be just as feisty" he chuckled.

Madelyn grinned. "Well if she's anything like her father's I don't doubt she'll be making a big impression in a few years." She paused and added, "She's force sensitive too. I can feel her emotions in the force sometimes."

Feyna had a mental image of a toddler girl Force-flinging her toys around the room. "You guys are going to have your hands full, I think," she remarked, smiling.

"Will you train her at all?" A few years ago, Madelyn's history might have made Feyna a little nervous about the idea of her teaching her daughter about the Force, but Madelyn had made a complete turnaround from who she'd used to be.

"I don't believe I'm the right person to train if she wishes to become a Jedi. Leia will forge her own path, but she is Mandalorian first." Madelyn told them carefully, worry creeping into her voice. "I want her to be the kind of woman she needs to be, not what I want her to be."

Madelyn didn't mention that she was worried about the political situation. If Leia was their only child, she would have more then worries about being a Jedi on her shoulders.

"I'm sure whatever happens you will have her best interests at heart" Pascale said with a smile "And she sounds like she will be quite a formidable Mandalorian if her mother is anything to go by" he said.

"Perhaps maybe when the time is right or if she would like to become a Jedi perhaps Mara could train her. Or perhaps the young Master Skywalker could find someone suitable".

Mara screwed up her face. “I only attended Luke’s academy for a little while. I’m not a Knight, but maybe I’ll go back if the war is truly over.”

She smiled at them all, forcing it but managing to make it genuine. “I’m not cut out for peacetime. For me it’s been one long war, ever since Palpatine took me to Coruscant and raised me. If it’s done, not sure what I’ll keep busy doing. Maybe I’ll keep an eye out for trouble spots for the New Republic, or something.”

Mara eyed Pascale and Feyna. “So are you thinking of having a long engagement, or the wedding soon-ish? You’ve been basically dating since the Battle of Korriban, right?” She also glanced at Madelyn. “And is Leia going to be your only kid, or do you have plans for a big family?”

These were mundane questions; the kind that Mara didn’t expect to cross paths with anytime soon.

This was a big decision and of course Pascale would seek Feyna's opinion as well before it was finalised. He thought for a few moments before speaking.

"I fell in love with Feyna on Korriban but it wasn't until our break on Naboo that we truly became lovers" he smiled at Feyna and squeezed her hand, memories of that grand holiday flashing through his mind.

He turned back to the others "One thing I have realised in this day in age is that you take whatever chances you can get. The Tanis mission made me realise that I could have lost something. That I could have been away from Feyna for a long time".

He looked at Feyna again "I would not mind at all if our wedding was soon ish, only because no doubt Drayson will throw us into a mission of some kind, even though peace is still on the horizon. And we could be split off again".

He smiled "I would not mind having a soon ish celebration before we are no doubt we are thrust into the deep end once more. We won't plan this in a rush I can assure you".

Feyna nodded in agreement. "No, I don't want to rush it, but yes, probably sooner than later." It would likely be a small wedding, but there was still planning to do, and there was a certain dependency on location availability, finding someone to officiate... Plus Feyna wanted to make sure the timing worked for their guests as well--Madelyn, for example, would need some time after the baby came.

Madelyn laughed at Pasclae's remark. "I hope so. There's an old saying, train your sons to be strong but your daughters to be stronger." She looked thoughtful at his remark about Mara training Leia, and then slightly unsure. She waited until Mara had finished speaking, but reached out with the force to tug on Mara's force signature. "Well, that's something I would have to talk about with Paz and Fenn. But if she wants to be a Jedi I wouldn't have any objections to Leia being trained by you Mara myself."

She then gave her a smirk at the question about more children. "We're planning on having a big family, force willing. Leia will not be our only child." She turned to Pascale and Feyna. "Let me know when you do decide to have your wedding. I'm sure you're eager, and I can sense how in love with each other you are." She smiled at them.

Pascale smiled back at Madelyn, he turned and kissed Feyna on the cheek squeezing her in a hug.

"I am very lucky to have found and fallen in love with Feyna. She helped me change my ways, to leave my mercenary and womanizing past behind me. She is the love of my life and I would be honoured to call her my wife".

He looked at Madelyn "I can see your kids being a bit of a handful, little Mando's running around. I hope your husbands are prepared" he chuckled.

Feyna smiled, kissing him as well and returning the hug. She nodded to Madelyn's request to be informed of the wedding date, and again in amused agreement with Pascale's lighthearted comment about the children.

"I'm sure they'll be as prepared as they can be," she put in.

"So," she turned to Madelyn. "Gifts next, or another game?"

"Are you sure about that Feyna? Sometimes I don't feel prepared to have even one." Madelyn told her, feeling nervous. "Why don't we play another game first before do anything else?"

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @JediMasterAnne , @TheSilentInfluence

 

OOC: A combo to bring in the New Year with @Sinrebirth and @TheSilentInfluence

IC: Pascale Rouser, Madelyn Linnett, Mara Jade, Luke Skywalker, Fenn, Paz, Leia, Luminara and Pre
Location: Naboo

So the day had finally arrived…

Pascale had never thought that one day he would end up getting married. He always imagined himself travelling among the stars, gathering treasures and meeting exotic women.

And then he met Feyna. And four years after that fateful holiday on Naboo here they were, about to tie the knot.

Of course he was wearing a smarter suit than his usual one and he was looking forward to seeing Feyna in all her gorgeous glory. But first the pleasantries and boy he was feeling nervous.

He entered the room after checking himself for the last time and smiled at the group gathered before him.

"Master Skywalker, it's been a while" he said "Paz, Fenn and Leia, my you have grown!"

"Mara, good to see you as always. And Madelyn you look very well. And I see you have expanded your brood!"

Madelyn laughed a little at Pascale, happy that he was happy, and happy that they were all together. She turned to wave at Mara and eyed the Jedi next to her. That was a surprise. She had heard of Master Skywalker, but they had never met in person.

"We have. Thank you for inviting us. It's good to see you, to see everyone again." Madelyn told him. She looked at Paz, who was holding their son Pre in his arms. The little boy was watching with curiosity, and his twin sister Luminara clung to Madelyn tightly. She looked more like Paz, while Pre took after Madelyn in looks. They turned two a few months ago, and Madelyn often joked they were far more serious then Leia had been at that age.

Leia looked up at her mother and smiled shyly at the others. "Hello." She greeted Pascale quietly. She leaned close to her mother. Leia turned to look at Mara with a grin, full of mischief. "Hi Red!" She greeted happily, seemingly forgetting to be shy.

Luke peered down at the children, and Leia. He beamed at them, but also studied them. He glanced at the mother. "I presume you know they're all likely going to be Force sensitive..."

Fenn smirked, elbowing Paz. "Told ya."

The latter husband pulled a face at Fenn. "Yeah, yeah. That'll go down well with the Mandalorians."

"Unless someone comes after my crown, nobody is going to say a thing," Fenn chuckled wryly. Luke smiled softly as he held out his flesh-and-blood hand to Pre, who curled his hand around Luke's without really acknowledging why, as very small children do.

Mara scooped up Leia and smiled at the youngster in-spite of herself, and glanced at Pascale. "So you made it to the day at last. Two years later than planned, I bet."

Madelyn nodded at Luke. "Yes, it was harder to tell with Pre and Luminara, but I really don't mind." She gave her husbands a small, playful smirk at their banter and then added, "Leia is already fairly good at sensing other people's emotions." She told Master Skywalker as Luminara glanced over at the newcomers.

Leia wrapped her arms around Mara and snuggled into her side. " 'missed you Red." She told her, reaching out very briefly with the force to tug at Mara's. She didn't really know what she was doing, Mama and her had only ever talked about the force and that it was okay to feel on a deeper level. That the force would reach out for her sometimes and that was okay.

Pascale grinned at Mara "Well as they say, better late than never, no?" He chuckled at that.

"There was of course the small matter of a war ending but me and Feyna are both very glad we have gotten to this point. With things keeping us occupied until now we were just glad to get the whole thing sorted and for everyone to be here" he gave them all a glance and a smile.

Luke nodded, smiling softly. "I hope you didn't mind that I attended without prior warning, but we expect word to get out sooner rather than later -"

"- and I wanted you guys to know before it leaked -" Mara said hastily.

"Oh?" Fenn said, cocking his head.

Mara looked at Pascale, reddening. "And we didn't want the media to turn your wedding into a circus -"

"We're engaged," Luke finished, softly, enjoying the emotional knots Mara was tying herself into but conscious she had a temper. Paz looked surprised, but Fenn didn't; he simply grinned at Madelyn, because he seemed to love happy endings.

Madelyn looked at Fenn with a bright smile, and turned to look at Mara and Luke with, happy for both of them. "Congratulations!" Madelyn said as she shifted Luminara in her arms. That's so wonderful. I'm glad Mara found someone.

Pascale smiled "Congratulations also from me. I am happy for you both, don't forget to let Feyna know, she will be most pleased. Mara it seems you have captured a Jedi's heart. Better be careful Master Skywalker, she can be quite fiery" he winked.

Mara narrowed her green eyes at Pascale, but Luke smiled in his disarming way. "Thank you, all of you. But I am sure you can see why we're keeping my attendance a secret."

Paz smirked. "Oh yeah, it was bad enough us coming with Miss former Emperor's Hand here," he pulled a mock face at Madelyn. "Palpatine's homeworld and all."

"I know, I know," Mara said. "But Pascale and Feyna love it here, and Palpatine is gone; it shouldn't matter." She turned her head to look at the groom. "Are you ready for this? You've had a rogue's life, after all."

Pascale chuckled at the remark from Mara "Yes it is true that I spent most of my life being a mercenary and an archeologist. And I would be lying if I said I was not nervous about this, I never imagined I would ever get into this position."

"But I've found the perfect woman to spend the rest of my life with. And she helped me see that my former life was wrong. And now i'm here with you all about to witness what I can say is probably going to be the best day of my life".

"Barring anything going wrong of course…."

Madelyn let out a scoff and rolled her eyes at Paz's remark. "Was it riduur? Maybe I should have left you on the ship." She teased him, giving Paz a small smirk and then a wink.

She turned to Pascale as he spoke, and gave him a wry grin. "It's the perfect day and place for your wedding. Have some optimism Pascale."

Luke smiled, and Mara found herself smiling too. This was what she would have to get used to. Mara paid attention to Leia for a moment, bumping her up and down, with her hands, not the Force. "You'll be a good husband, Pascale, I know it," Mara's voice had a slight tone to it.

"He's in a team with two former Emperor's Hands... and Feyna is no pushover, let alone Drayson and the entirety of New Republic Intelligence at his disposal..." Luke was more softly spoken. "Pascale knows what he's getting into."

He shone a warm smile at Pascale, and there was a chime.

"Ah, the bride is coming." He shooed the groom. "You best get in position."

Pascale smiled at them all grateful for their confidence in him and her friendship too. He had been used to being alone and now he had Feyna, Madelyn, Mara and even the legendary Luke Skywalker as friends.

He couldn't have asked for better. And as the chime went to announce Feyna he felt the butterflies in his stomach increase. This was it.

"Thank you all. Your friendship and confidence is very much appreciated" he said "And I hope you enjoy the wedding. Now I'd best get in position before the bride beats me to it!"

Straightening his jacket one last time he quickly strode off to get down the end of the aisle before Feyna arrived.

Leia laughed as Mara bounced her up and down, her delight was evident in the force. She relaxed a little more, turning to look at her parents with a smile.

Madelyn smiled back and shifted Luminara so she could hold her with one arm, reached her other hand to hold Fenn's, clasping their hands together as Pascale spoke and then left to the end of the aisle. "We should hurry and get seated." She turned to Leia. "Remember Leia, you have to use your best manners here." She gently explained to the toddler.

"Yes Mama." Leia answered, still holding onto Mara.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @JediMasterAnne , @TheSilentInfluence

 

OOC: Combo with Sinre

IC: Feyna Morrow and Hiram Drayson
Naboo

"Ready to get married, Feyna?"

The bride made another last-second adjustment. "Just a sec," she answered, checking her reflection one more time. She was as ready as she could be.

For such a small wedding, it had taken longer to happen than Feyna would have liked, so there was a certain relief in the realization that it's finally here. The planning, topped with various galactic incidents, had been stressful, and a small part of her was quietly panicking, hoping they hadn't forgotten anything, but she was excited. Nervous, but excited.

Satisfied with her appearance, she dismissed the droid and gathered herself up. "Okay, I'm coming out." She took a deep breath in, and a long exhale, before stepping out from behind the screen.

Her wedding dress was a simple, airy, floor-length gown, ivory-white, with one long, draping sleeve. There was no beading, lace, or embroidery to be seen; she hadn't wanted anything too elaborate. Her mahogany curls were drawn back in an inverted ponytail, adorned with a cluster of flowers in lieu of a veil. She wore only minimal makeup, just enough to cover any imperfections, and no jewelry.

Trying not to fidget, she watched for Drayson's reaction--he'd probably never seen her in any dress, she didn't wear them often, and certainly not anything like this.

Drayson's eyes widened in surprise. "Feyna, you look... well, you look happy, it shows." Indeed, he had never seen her in anything outside of a perfunctory work-attire, always form-fitting and fit to purpose. But even then, she wasn't over-exaggerating in her dress, it wasn't gaudy or bejewelled to death. It was simply, well, her.

He beamed at the younger woman, and Drayson pursed his lips, working through his appropriate responses.

"I am so proud of you, Feyna."

He stepped forward, holding up his hands to take hers in his and meet her eyes. His smile was purely fatherly, because that was essentially the sentiment he had for the orphan. Drayson considered many of his agents his responsibility, but it went even further with Feyna.

Which was probably how he had ended up as the man who was to take her down the aisle.

Feyna smiled back. She was happy. Yes, she was also a bit nervous and a bit stressed, but she was happier than she'd ever felt.

"Thank you.

"And...thank you, for being here."

There was deeper meaning to the words than she could say. Before Korriban, before she'd met Pascale, Drayson had been the only one who looked out for her--at first, she'd just thought it was a professional concern. He was her boss, she was his agent, an asset. She'd respected him as a superior, but if she was honest, he was the only steady role model she'd had. And after Mara had remarked on Drayson's occasional teasing at Taris, Feyna had noticed more that the lines in the relationship were a bit blurry--okay, a lot blurry, if the fact that he was walking her down the aisle was anything to go by.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else."

"For me," Drayson said, softly, "weddings remind me of family, of my successes, my failures, and even my losses." He was a divorcé, after all. But he did have a child from that union, notwithstanding. "But they're just a part of living, and I'm glad that you've managed to, well, live, Feyna."

It was that typically awkward father-daughter moment with a man who wasn't accustomed to voicing his feelings, but felt as if he had to say something on the special day.

She nodded, but her lips pursed slightly.

"So, you're...you're okay with it?"

She hadn't forgotten that he hadn't had the highest opinion of Pascale to start with. But Pascale had changed since then, and the men did seem to at least tolerate each other better now, and again, the fact that Drayson had offered to escort her seemed to indicate that he'd changed his tune a little.

She'd marry Pascale with or without his approval, of course, but it still meant something, to actually have it.

"With Pascale? After he pulled me out of Taris alive? How could I not approve of a man who showed that his heart and morals were stronger than what society expected of him," Drayson huffed. "It would have been easy for Pascale to simply be what he was expected of him, but he didn't."

He nodded, eyes distant. "Even in the middle of the Battle of Korriban and repeated moments of near-death, he stayed true." Drayson looked at Feyna. "If anything, I owe you an apology for not trusting your judgment of him earlier."

Feyna nodded again. "Apology accepted," she assured, her smile returning.

She hoped he'd talk to Pascale as well, if he hadn't already, but they could work that out between them in their own time; she wasn't going to press the matter.

She went quiet, not sure what else to say.

Drayson smiled. "Nothing more to say, Feyna." He held his arm up. "Shall we get you married?"

Feyna beamed and nodded once more, taking his arm. "Let's go."

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox @TheSilentInfluence

 

Combo with our GM @Sinrebirth. This takes place during the Clone Wars.

IC: Barriss Ofee
Armand Isard Prison, Coruscant

She didn't get visitors, after all, and so Barriss Ofee was surprised that someone did.

The woman was just as surprised she could sense them in the Force.

Why would a Jedi be visiting her? She had attempted to destroy the Temple. A terrorist, she was called, when all she had wanted to do was convince the Council of how far they had strayed. Of how the Republic was dead, and whatever the nameless monster that had been incubated under the lifeless flesh of democracy, it was ready.

Any day now, it would be born, to emerge and strangle the galaxy.

And the Jedi were completely complicit in this.

She was already worked up when the prison guards - fully armoured clone assassin troopers - opened the door and let in the visitor, Barriss was desperately trying to calm down.

Madelyn wasn't so sure this was a good idea, but she wanted to meet Master Luminara's former apprentice. To see what she was like. So Madelyn had snuck out of the Jedi Temple, early in the morning to come to this prison.

She had told the troopers she was here on Jedi business. It wasn't a lie really, she was a Jedi and this was her business. So Madelyn walked in, nodding and thanking the Troopers before she laid her eyes on Barriss Offee.

Barriss didn't recognise the young girl before her, and had been half expecting Asajj Ventress to turn up and attempt to kill her for stealing her lightsabers. Releasing a breath, she wanted to be abrupt but opted not to. "Can I help?"

Not that made any sense when she was in a cell...

"Oh um...yes. I just wanted to see you. To talk to you. " Madelyn said quickly, feeling a little embarrassed. Barriss was not really what she was expecting. She looked normal. Not the monster that Trilla and the other Padawan's had sometimes played her out to be. "I'm Padawan Madelyn Linnett." She told her, and Madelyn felt a little self-conscious.

She was only eight after all. Hardly the right age to become a Padawan. She glanced around and lowered her voice so only Barriss could hear. "Master Luminara doesn't know I came to visit you, so you have to keep it a secret."

"Master Luminara?" Ofee echoed. "She took a new Padawan?" The Mirialan looked baffled. "I'm not being retrained by her?"

She looked a little crestfallen, perhaps even heartbroken.

Madelyn tilted her head, feeling Barriss's sadness through the force. "Well, I think it's just because Master Yoda thought we would be good for each other." Madelyn told her. "But he also told me that they wanted to help you come back. So I decided-" Madelyn told her confidently. ""-I decided that I wanted to help you too. So that's why I'm here. I don't think your a bad person." Madelyn shrugged innocently.

Barriss looked almost neutral, burying her feelings. "I'm sure you don't... but I doubt that makes you very popular, Padawan Linnett." There was sarcasm to her voice; she couldn't help it. "I believe quite a few people believe I'm beyond help..."

"I don't care about any of that. I have Trilla." Madelyn told her, "She teaches me a lot. Besides-" Madelyn told Barriss, "Everyone is worthy of help. I know you probably think I'm a silly kid. But if you keep it a secret I can come back and visit you lots." She told her, a little nervous. "If...if you want me to that is."

Barriss paused. She was woefully trusting, and it broke her heart somewhat. Madelyn was not cut out to be a ruthless, murderous Jedi -

Visibly shaking her head, Barriss nonetheless replied aloud. "Yes, of course, I'll keep it secret. But I think Master Unduli would be much happier to find out from you about this. The dark side hides within lies, Madelyn."

Madelyn sighed. "Okay. I guess I'll tell her." Madelyn didn't look very happy about that. "But I still think it's awful they locked you up in this place." She told Barriss. "I don't think your dark at all. People make mistakes. Doesn't mean they should spend their lives in here."

"People were hurt because of what I did," Barriss looked at her hands. "It wasn't right to injure innocents. I will be permanently stained by the dark side. The only reason they are entertaining letting me out is because of how much Jedi are needed. I hear that they're going to let Master Billaba back to the front soon, and she..."

Barriss remembered she was speaking to a young Padawan.

"It doesn't matter; I will atone for my crimes by service, and my... philosophical differences with the Council will be put aside."

Madelyn nodded, scrunching up her brow and frowning. "Innocent people die all the time." She reflected. And then paused for a moment. "War seems like it's very hard on people. Master Luminara and I are going to the front soon too." She told Barriss, worried. "I don't think the Jedi should stop taking responsibility though. They aren't innocent either."

"No," Barriss said thoughtfully, suddenly warmed by Madelyn's words. "No they are not. In every battle we fight we have a responsibility to face the choices we make." Reaching over, she squeezed Madelyn's hand. "Thank you, Padawan. I know you will make Master Unduli very proud."

Madelyn smiled back, feeling the warmth through the force and squeezed Barriss's hand back. "You're welcome Barriss and thank you too. I hope I make Master Luminara proud too. " She told her quietly.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with the GM, Jerjerrod-Lennox, and TheSilentInfluence

IC: Pascale Rouser, Feyna Morrow, Madelyn, Paz, Fenn, Mara Jade, Luke Skywalker, Hiram Drayson, and Arek Graul
Wedding Chapel, Naboo

Pascale was clasping and unclasping his hands as he waited for Feyna to arrive.

He was never nervous about things, even when he was exploring temples or going on archeological digs. But this was different. The time had finally arrived and he wanted everything to go perfectly.

As soon as Feyna emerged with Drayson at her arm...his blue eyes widened and his smile was one that could light up the galaxy.

She looked absolutely stunning, and Pascale felt like the luckiest man alive. He nearly couldn't breathe at the vision before him. Of course Leia broke the spell by shouting out and he chuckled.

As she approached he said one word in Commenori : "Magnifique," magnificent in his language.

He was very much looking forward to this.

Madelyn watched as the wedding started, rolling her eyes at Paz's reaction and lightly tapping him on the arm. Feyna does look pretty though.

She couldn't help but laugh at Leia's loud exclamation and turned to look at her daughter. Her happiness really resounded across the room and through the force. She turned to Fenn, "Who does she get that from I wonder?" She teased.

Little Leia's exclamation made Feyna's smile all the wider, and a slight blush crept across the bride's cheeks; she wasn't used to being the center of attention, but today it came with the territory.

She kept her focus on Pascale, smiling back at his compliment. "Thank you," she replied softly.

Drayson kissed Feyna on the cheek and grinned as he handed her over to Pascale, in the ancient tradition of passing the bride on to her husband-to-be. The Naboo clergyman asked them all to be seated, and progressed the ceremony, thanking everyone for attending. He went on, and glanced to them both.

"Before we move onto the vows of the couple, I have the obligatory question to ask," he expressed a chuckle. "Is there anyone who objects to this union, perhaps?"

There was a stirring in the Force, a dark one, and Luke stood, drawing the eyes of everyone. Somehow, Mara had long discovered, his danger sense was even more keen than hers. Leia stiffened on Paz's lap, and he looked to Madelyn -

The doors swung open, and Arek Graul stepped through the entrance, looking dishevelled, and sporting a blaster scar -

"I do!"

He threw an accusing finger at Feyna.

"Because she's a murderer!"

There was a clatter of armour, and either side of him came a troop of black armoured Stormtroopers - one either side of Arek, with three more behind them - pointing their blasters -

The phrase aren't you supposed to be dead was ringing around Pascale's head.

Of course he still had Arek's lightsaber which was stashed away on board Fortuna along with the other lightsaber gathered from the crazy Sith warrior on Korriban.

But for Arek Graul to turn up out of the blue like this was strange.

"Correct me if i'm wrong, but the last time we saw you, you were pretty much dead...and you can't be following Tavion any more because she is dead. So the question remains as to how you escaped".

"Feyna is about to become my wife, so I advise you politely leave before you may end up rotting in a jail cell for the rest of your life".

Feyna held to Pascale, who was at least giving the appearance of calm in the face of this invasion of their wedding. Of course, the one day she didn't have a weapon...

How was Arek Graul here? She thought she'd killed him at Korriban? Not that she'd meant to, at the time, of course, and she'd been defending Pascale; Drayson and Pascale both knew of those events--possibly Master Skywalker, as well, she couldn't remember. And who was he accusing her of murdering?

She'd freely confess, she'd killed people in battle before--she'd spent half her life fighting the Empire, and save for the children present (and the priest, probably), everyone in the room was probably guilty of that. But murder?

Madelyn was enjoying the wedding, until she felt a darkness ripple through the force at the appearance of an objection by Arek Gaul. She thought he was dead. And Madelyn turned to Fenn, looking at Leia and Paz; and their twins.

"Take the kids-" She whispered, handing Luminara off to Paz. "-if things get bad you need to go." She told them quietly, so only they could hear.

Paz opened his mouth to object, but Fenn shot him a look and he nodded, picking up the twins and guiding Leia to hold his belt. They went to exit and Luke and Mara each ignited lightsabers to step into the gangway, a green and blue blade respectively, as the eight Stormtroopers filed into the church, rifles pointed, but not having opened fire.

Arek sneered at them, and then at Pascale. "Better that than rotting in a desert!"

He thrust a finger at Feyna. "She left me for dead on Korriban! I woke in the midst of being eaten by a Sith hound, abandoned, dragged into the depths and forgotten." In his hand appeared a lightsaber, it ignited crimson. "The perfect agent for Director Drayson," he said sarcastically, Hiram looking to step out but a trooper shifted to point the blaster at him...

... another pointed one at Paz as he backed away, and Fenn stepped in-front of the man. Arek paid the interplay no heed; he didn't care about them. Another trooper shifted his aim lazily to target Madelyn, but that left five pointed at Luke and Mara.

"We have no desire to harm you," Luke began. Mara was silent, her eyes flittering from trooper to trooper.

"SHUT UP!" Arek screeched. "I don't want to talk to you." He pointed with his lightsaber at Feyna and Pascale. "Only her and her beloved..." Mara slid a glance at Madelyn, green eyes penetrating. She indicated with her chin that she should get closer to them. It was exceptionally hard to communicate get behind me.

Fenn made a negative noise; he was in formal attire, not Mandalorian beskar.

After two years of domesticity, I've gone soft, Fenn rued to himself.

Pascale knew he had to keep Arek distracted so the others could act, of all the days to be without a weapon….

And it seemed Arek had replaced his lightsaber that Pascale had taken. He wrapped his arms around Feyna pulling her tight to him. Arek would have to get through him to get to her.

"The reason why you had to die? You had gone crazy. You were about to attack us and we had to stop you. That's all".

He frowned "What would your father think of you? A crazy Sith. Do you have any children? What would they think if they saw their father going crazy? Disrupting people's weddings".

Pascale looked to Feyna to see if she had anything to say to him.

Madelyn glowered. She wasn't angry, not yet; but she felt protective. How dare this man threaten her family and friends. She glanced over at her husbands and children, and then realizing they couldn't escape either reached for her belt; activating the lightsaber she used to train with Paz all the time.

She looked over at the trooper, and then at Mara; shifting her stance and position like Mara wanted her too and getting ready to fight. She had to take down the Trooper, and the ones near her husband's of course.

Please don't let anything happen. Force help us.

Held against Pascale, Feyna's eyes moved around the room, from Arek to Madelyn and Mara to Pascale--her fiance's temper was starting to show (not that she blamed him, she was irritated as well), and between that and the various lightsabers activating, she hoped Arek wasn't provoked to violence.

"I've not heard of many people surviving a bolt to the chest, so logically, yes, we thought you were dead," she stated simply, tone neutral. "But you're not just here for an apology; what do you want?"

Arek sneered at them. "What I want, is to have revenge. I lost my life. I was going to save my father, y'know. But by the time I made it off Korriban, he had vanished. The NRI made him disappear into one of their black boxes." As he spoke, the sixth trooper targeting Madelyn adjusted his aim to settle on Mara, Luke and Madelyn -

"No, we didn't," Hiram said, clearing his throat. "Aryan Graul was tortured by the Disciples of Ragnos, and he vanished on the way to Obroa-Skai. We don't know who took him. I looked - I tried -"

"LIES!"

Arek screamed, and the Force rocked the wooden chairs that made up the aisles.

Of course, Luke, Mara and Madelyn would all sense Hiram was telling the truth; Feyna had known him long enough to recognize that fact too -

When Arek caught up -

"Kill them all!"

Drayson dived as the trooper marking him fired -

Six troopers fired on Luke and Mara, who immediately wove a deflection pattern -

Arek leapt over them -

Weapons fire erupted in the direction of Fenn -

Madelyn was behind the Jedi, and able to think, to decide, to act -

Paz ducked down, shielding the children -

Madelyn felt the danger in the force before the Troopers fired, she watched as the trooper focusing on her adjusted their aim to point at Luke and Mara and turned quickly to focus on Fenn as the Troopers fired-

-she jumped in front of her family, raising her lightsaber to deflect the bolts back at the enemy even as she felt something sharp skim over her ribs; before she reached out with the force and grabbed the Trooper closest to her, picking them off the floor and throwing them clear across the room.

She turned her head, caught Arek leaping over Mara and Luke, "Behind you-"

Oh not good!

As the troopers fired at Mara, Luke and Madelyn, Pascale commenced a dive to his right away from the aisle trying to bring Feyna with him to try and at least get down and stay down while this was all happening.

Of course him, Feyna and Hiram all had no weapons so the best thing he could do was stay down and hope a weapon came his way. And how he had wished he had brought a weapon with him now.

Madelyn protected her family but it now left him and Feyna and Hiram exposed. Hopefully Mara or Luke would spot Arek's leap…

Otherwise they were in deep trouble.

Feyna took cover with Pascale, hating that she couldn't really do anything to help the others. Drayson was likewise pinned down, Paz was covering the children...hopefully the priest had taken shelter, though Feyna had to wonder if there would be a ceremony after this... Even if they all survived unscathed, she'd be surprised if the clergyman didn't kick them all out for defiling a holy place with violence.

All this because she hadn't confirmed that Arek was dead, back at Korriban. Drayson had been telling the truth about Aryan Graul, but Arek was too rage-blind to care.

The blaster of the trooper Madelyn took down clattered to the floor -

Arek planted his feet as Drayson came up from under the pew he'd dove with a blaster in each hand, Arek pausing to catch bolts and snarling as he did. Drayson kicked something, sending a blaster skidding across the floor towards Feyna and Pascale. "Yes, I hid blasters at your wedding venue, it's me," he shouted over the commotion.

"I'd have been disappointed if you didn't, Director," came Mara, a look of concentration. The black-armour was showing impacts when the Jedi reflected bolts back, but it was dissipating the charge with no harm. At every impact a sunflower seemed to appear, and the trooper was unharmed, methodically firing.

Luke pursed his lips. "We move, they're going to start gunning down everyone. Madelyn, you're up."

Arek snarled, gesturing with a free hand to grab at the wooden pew and swing it like an oversized bat at Drayson -

The remaining troopers focused upon Luke and Mara -

Pascale had to chuckle at Drayson's remark about blasters at their wedding "Thinks of everything doesn't he".

As the blaster came over he passed it to Feyna "Ladies first" he said with a smile.

Drayson was about to get hit and Pascale picked up a chair to throw at Arek to distract him enough to let go of the pew.

"I'll throw this, you shoot" he said to Feyna, hopefully this will knock him off balance so you can hit him with all you've got".

He stood up, hefted the chair and threw it with all his might at Arek.

Feyna took the blaster, nodding along with Pascale's plan--Luke and Mara for the most part were at least deflecting fire from the troopers; Arek was the more serious threat.

Making sure the blaster was set to 'stun'--she'd rather not become the murderer he accused her of being, especially on her wedding day--she took aim as Pascale tossed the chair, and fired.

Madelyn turned sharply towards the other troopers, determination on her face as she reached out with the force to help guide her actions.

She reached out with one hand sharply pulling two Troopers toward her and cutting them down in the process before using the force to push herself toward the other troopers. Madelyn grabbed one by the shoulder, ready to deflect any bolts back at the other Troopers and pushed him to the ground as hard as she could, trying to use the momentum against him.

She struck him down with her lightsaber too.

But Madelyn didn't feel angry, not really. She still had that overwhelming feeling of protectiveness in the back of her mind and moved to take out the other Troopers as quickly as she could, not wanting anyone else to get hurt.

Paz and Fenn had the children covered, watching as Madelyn carved apart the Stormtrooper line. They couldn't keep Luke and Mara pinned and shoot at her - one of the other Troopers threw down his blaster and drew a stun baton, which promptly electrified as he rushed Madelyn with a shout -

Arek lifted his hand to bat aside the chair, and then his lightsaber blade to deflect the stun bolt Feyna fired - right into the clergyman, who toppled -

Hissing victoriously, the young man stalked forward, rushing for Pascale with maniacal eyes -

Drayson shifted fire on the man, forcing Arek to stop short of a death-swing at the rogue and instead deflect bolts first into the carpet and then back at the Director, who dove to cover -

That meant Arek's attention was split for a moment -

I've had enough of this nonsense, we have a wedding to finish….

Madelyn was mowing down troopers left and right, Mara and Luke were still keeping the other troopers busy. Drayson now had Arek distracted, thankfully otherwise Pascale would have been in pieces on the floor.

He still had to do something so Feyna could fire again. He picked another chair, aimed at Arek's head and threw again with all his might.

"Feyna, now!"

Feyna flinched as the priest went down, thankfully only stunned. Pascale was going for another chair, and Drayson had drawn Arek's attention. Let's try again...

She adjusted her aim and fired again.

Madelyn adjusted her stance as the Trooper pulled out a stun baton, and swung to counter him. There was a hiss as her saber connected with the baton and Madelyn pushed her weight back hard to get the Trooper to stumbled into the remaining ones.

She advanced on them, pushing back a Trooper who was up and charging after he kicked up towards her leg. She winched at the contact, but brought her saber down on him before she turned her attention back to the trooper with the baton and swung up and then down in am attempt to cut through and hit him in the armor-

Madelyn knocked one Trooper into the others, then cut down the next -

For a moment, nobody was firing at Luke and Mara, and they reacted swiftly, lifting a hand out and slamming the troopers to the walls, swinging their hands to send their blasters clattering away from them even as they dropped unconscious -

Arek responded by running his lightsaber through a second chair and reaching out a hand for Pascale's throat -

And Feyna shot him.

He tumbled to the ground as Luke and Mara spun around, Luke snatching the lightsaber from his hands with a lightning-quick movement, and as Arek struggled against the stun impact, Mara brought around her lightsaber to finish him, inverting at the last moment to clip him across the back of the head with the hilt bottom -

The man finally collapsed into unconsciousness, and that, as they say, was that.

Quiet fell upon the Church at long last.

Madelyn was breathing heavily as things settled, looking around for more threats as things calmed down. Not spotting any, Madelyn de-activated her lightsaber and turned towards the others. Her hand was shaking as she clipped her lightsaber back to her belt and then she turned to look at her family.

"Are you okay?" Madelyn asked, a little loud but concerned all the same. She swallowed hard, a little overwhelmed at what had transpired.

Pascale blew out a breath as he straightened his jacket. Everyone seemed alright and there seemed to be hopefully no major injuries.

He shook his head as he wrapped an arm around Feyna's waist "What a mess" he said sadly "You know I never thought our wedding would end up like this. Sorry cheri that it wasn't as perfect as we hoped".

He looked at Arek "So tragic that a young man like that goes crazy and ends up doing things like this…" he then looked to Feyna "What do you think? Should we continue? I don't know when we will get a chance to do it again."

Feyna frowned down at Arek's unconscious form--a part of her wanted to kick him, but she resisted temptation.

This was not how she wanted to remember their wedding day, but as Pascale had pointed out, there was no telling how long they'd have to wait for another opening if they postponed now.

"I guess we should go ahead, everyone's already here..." She glanced over at the unconscious priest. "Assuming he'll still perform the ceremony," she added bitterly. And they'd need to clean up the mess...

At least no one on their side was hurt, small comfort though it was. Feyna reached over to hand the blaster back to Drayson. "What do we do with him now?" She asked, jerking her head at Arek.

“I’ll have him sent to the vault,” Drayson said, dusting himself off. “We store artefacts so we can store him, if we need to.”

Luke eyed Drayson. “Not in the same place, Master Skywalker.”

“I’d like to know where he ends up, Director. I am still the brother of the Chief of State, even on a sabbatical,” he hedged.

Mara went to speak -

The Naboo authorities, alerted as to the commotion, suddenly streamed in and in short order the troopers were gone, as was Arek, after Drayson made some calls.

As they did that, Luke put back together the Church with a gesture or two. The priest woke, of course, and he was almost upset, until Luke calmed him down with a persuasive voice... and Mara’s firm emphasis on how important today was.

The children were fine, and in-fact Madelyn’s eldest thought she was AMAZING, with much gesturing. Paz and Fenn could only shake their heads, but everyone was fine, safe and unharmed. Pascale and Feyna had a moment to put themselves back together while everyone else did their bit.

It was surprising how little time it took put back together a wedding. “Are we, um, ready?” The nervous clergyman said.

“Where were we again?”

Pascale felt a little better at least that Arek would be locked away, and it seemed Drayson had some clout as the troopers and Arek were quickly taken away. Impressive.

What was also impressive was how everything was put back together by Luke and Mara. He could hear Leia exclaiming about her mother and it made him smile.

Pascale dusted off his trousers, made sure he looked presentable and turned to the priest "I believe we were about to take our vows, once everyone is seated once again".

He did feel sorry for Feyna. She had wanted this to be sheer perfection but that had been ruined. What was more important now was to complete the ceremony and to confirm thier union.

Pascale waited until Feyna was ready so they could continue.

adelyn watched as everything went back to a normal state, making her way over to her family and kissing her husbands on the cheek and then each of her children on the head, picking Leia up as she went on about how amazing her mother was.

Madelyn smiled as she sat down, Leia in her lap before she turned and smiled at her husbands. Relieved. Elated, waiting for the rest of the wedding to begin.

Feyna nodded to the priest, returning to her place next to Pascale, even managing a small smile.

Hopefully there wouldn't be any more interruptions...

He carried on, going beyond the interruption and reaching the vows. He peered at the two of them. “I usually allow the bride and groom to say a few words before I move on to the final part. In the... dramatics, I forgot to ask beforehand. Did you have your own vows?”

Leia turned to Madelyn. “Buir what are vows?” Paz and Fenn each had a twin while Leia settled into the Force and her mother’s lap. This time, Luke and Mara had sat on the other side of the church, on the ‘brides side’ with Drayson, to even out the rooms balance. The two Skywalkers-to-be were smiling at the proceedings, even Mara, renowned for her jaded look.

Madelyn turned to look at Leia, and paused before she answered. "Vows are what a couple says to one another before you get officially married. Your Papa-" She glanced at Fenn, "-your buir-" she looked at Paz and I made vows in Mando'a when when married one another." She explained as she turned back to Leia. "They are made out of love."

Pascale was about to say no he hadn't but with everything that had happened and the risk of another interruption. This had to come from the heart. He stared at Feyna, his blue eyes looking deeper into hers as he pulled the rings out of his jacket pocket.

"I Pascale Rouser do hereby take you Feyna Morrow as my lawfully wedded wife. You are the love of my life and I promise to forever and always be a good husband first and foremost. And I promise never to return to life I used to lead. You are my one and only"

He then recited the usual traditional bit " To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

He removed Feyna's engagement ring, slipping the gold and silver banded wedding ring on to her finger with a smile.

Impromptu improvised vows?

Writing their own vows hadn't been part of the plan, but Feyna could work with this little wrinkle.

"I, Feyna Julee Morrow, take you, Pascale Rouser, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise as your wife to always be by your side in every joy and every challenge, to never judge for who you used to be, but to always love you for who you are."

As he had done, she finished with the traditional vows, her smile brightening as she slipped his ring on his hand. "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

Drayson reached for his eye and wiped a tear he tried to conceal.

“I now pronounce you betrothed,” the clergyman said, a smile upon his lips. “You may now kiss.”

Leia squeed, and the twins responded in the Force to her joy with their own joy. Luke and Mara found themselves smiling broadly, and looking at Madelyn and the family.

As he wrapped his arms around Feyna he heard Leia squee and he had to smile broadly.

"I quite agree with Leia" he purred as he leant forward to kiss Feyna.

Right now he was the happiest man in the galaxy.

Feyna smiled at little Leia's excitement, smiled at her new husband, putting her arms around him as she softly kissed him.

Madelyn smiled as she felt and heard Leia's excitement through the force. She wrapped her arms around her daughter and hugged her close as the wedding finished. I'm glad things turned out so well.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox @TheSilentInfluence also some parts relevant to @HanSolo29

 

OOC: Combo with the GM

IC: Hiram Drayson, Feyna Rouser, and small appearance from Admiral Ackbar
Coruscant, Orbital headquarters, 23 ABY, nine years after Resurrection.

It was a fairly auspicious meeting, and Drayson, the Admiral of Alpha Blue, a secret heart to New Republic Intelligence. He had a meeting with Admiral Ackbar after this, but he wanted Feyna to be the first to know. They'd been kept busy hunting down Sith artefacts for the past decade-odd, from the Epistle of Marka Ragnos, Helm of Gorak-Mul, Amulet of Kalara (which was still somewhere out there), and following millennia old leads to the Muur Talisman.

Indeed, he presently credited Feyna and the others for the reason why the Second Imperium neo-Imperial terrorists had no Big Bad Sith Artefact to use, like the Scepter of Ragnos all those years ago. Indeed, they were a miniscule threat on the galactic scale, notwithstanding their Dark Jedi and apparent high-end tech. Looking out for the Adamant, the cruiser that Ackbar was en route to Coruscant with, commanding a delivery of high-end hyperdrive cores, he checked his chrono.

It was an auspicious day for Drayson, and he keenly felt his sixty-odd years. Even though he was really in middle-age, he'd been fighting since before the Clone Wars, having joined as a young man. He deserved a rest, he thought, and even the Old Ghost of Coruscant - as he was known - could drift away. He'd quite like to spend his next sixty years in peace a quiet now the war with the Empire was basically over.

Indeed, these last four years had been especially quiet, with Imperial Admiral Pellaeon signing the peace accords on behalf of the tiny Imperial Remnant. This Second Imperium that was striking from the Deep Core was almost an afterthought.

Which is why he intended to take this extra step, and tell Feyna first, before Ackbar. His last act as Director had been to solve a mystery, and it would hopefully be an accepted, but belated, payment for her service.

Before his retirement.

Sitting on the station promenade, in a cafe overlooking the hangar bay the Adamant would be docking with, he waited for her to appear, ignored by the majority of the military staff that went about their day and duties.

Approaching the appointed meeting place, Feyna spotted Drayson almost immediately.

She was very briefly tempted to do something silly, some friendly payback for the occasional scenes he'd created to 'test' her in the past, like the meeting in that Kashyyyk bar nine years ago. Rumor was he was retiring soon, she might not get another chance.

But there were other New Republic personnel around, and it wasn't professional.

She stopped by the cafe counter and got herself a cup of caffe, before heading over to Drayson's table, greeting him cheerfully. "Admiral." She still couldn't manage to call him by his first name, despite their very casual relationship.

Even in an unprofessional setting, Feyna still waited for Drayson to drop decor first. "Feyna," he said warmly, indicating the seat.

"Thank you for meeting me here, I appreciate the team were on Sarafur dealing with that dig recently."

He was referring to their mission to pursue the Alsakan Tessent, which was rumoured to in-fact be a Sith Holocron. Stranger things had happened. But Sarafur was near Endor, and several days away travel. But this was important to Hiram, so here he was.

"How are you?" There was a datapad on the table, beside his caffe mug, which was mostly finished. He did not reference it.

"Fine," she replied, taking the offered chair. Sipping at her caffe, she raised an eyebrow at him. "Curious as to why you called me all the way back here." The comment was intended as light-hearted; she didn't really mind making the trip. "If it was a new lead, you'd just comm."

Hiram smiled, softly. "Two things, though you've probably worked out already as much." He finished his caf. "I'm retiring, on the basis that the Second Imperium Crisis is essentially a non-starter." Drayson's eyes unfocused. "I believe Ackbar intends to argue for peacekeeping missions inside the Deep Core, on the basis that the Imperials there represent a failed-state. Not a war, per se, as the Empire is defeated, just... mopping up."

"That's a secret, by the way," he said absently. Now, he was fingering the datapad, debating what to do. He'd gone into military minutiae to deflect from his retirement, but also to build momentum for the second reveal.

"I won't say a word," Feyna said.

"Do you know who your replacement will be?" She was only wondering. His retirement was no surprise, and well-earned--but again, probably not the main reason he'd asked her to come.

"Probably Dif Scaur..." Hiram carefully. "I would have suggested Belindi Kalenda, but she's not had enough experience yet. Dif was an Admiral like me, too, and I think a military-minded NRI will be necessary for a few more years yet. Until the Second Imperium is completely dismantled, anyway."

"Anyone but Heol Girdun, basically," Hiram said, referencing a particularly ruthless NRI officer who delivered results but at the cost of moral corner cutting, especially with investigations. He was renowned for the latter, in most Intel circles. "Chief of State Organa will listen to my recommendations, if I have anything to say about it."

Hiram looked bemused. "Why, did you want the job?"

She chuckled and shook her head. "No, no, just curious." Feyna had never been interested in the top spot; she was perfectly happy where she was in the NRI hierarchy.

"And the second thing?"

Drayson managed not to wince. He pushed the datapad towards her, but did not let it go, as if he was putting a piece in play in dejarik, and might take it back. A perfectly valid and legal action, but not without its consequences as it allowed the opponent to see his inner thoughts.

But Feyna wasn't an opponent.

She was Feyna.

He released the datapad.

"I believe the orphanage lied to you about your father."

She froze.

For several seconds, she couldn't move--couldn't breathe...

They'd...lied...?

She didn't reach for the datapad, not yet; her gaze shifting back to Drayson.

She tried to form a more complete question, but a stammered, "W-what...?" was all that came out.

His voice grew quiet, and the older man linked his hands on the desk to try and not fidget. This was harder than he’d expected. “It was too neat for me, even all those years ago. But there was a man who matched the description of your father cremated with your mother. But he wasn’t your father, and I accidentally connected a missing persons report to that man, which opened up the proverbial can of space slugs.”

The caf wasn’t empty enough for Hiram, but he’d had a word with the shop staff before he sat down and they’d reserved most of the seats for him with small signs - but of course there was always some who just ignored it; an Aqualish was a few tables away, perched as he read his comlink messages.

“I’m sorry, Feyna, but I couldn’t find somewhere sufficiently private on-board the station. The Bothan commander considers the NRI to be a rival to their spynet and I’m only supposed to be passing through until the Adamant gets here.” Hiram said this coolly, masking his annoyance with inter-branch rivalries. “But as soon as I found out that your father might indeed be alive I wanted to tell you. Especially as I won’t necessarily have the resources to pursue this soon.”

Her father was...alive? Maybe?

Feyna's head was spinning, with so many questions. Who was the man buried with her mother, and how had he come to be there? Where had her father been for the last forty years? Why the lie about his death? Why had she ended up in that orphanage?

What was she going to tell Pascale?

She set down her caffe--her hand was shaking, she noticed--and went to pick up the datapad. "So everything you've found, it's on this?"

She didn't think he'd hold anything back, not about this--more like she was afraid of finding something she'd regret; she'd rather not find out that she was related to some Death Star designer, or something like that.

“It’s on there, yes,” said Hiram. “I wanted you to have it, now, before I am expected to surrender all my secrets. You don’t read it now, here,” he cautioned. “You can wait until later.”

Hiram was mainly focused on her face, trying to read the woman. He knew her better than anyone else in the galaxy: but it wasn’t enough, in his eyes.

Feyna gave a small nod, tucking the datapad into her jacket, then taking another sip of her drink.

She was still reeling a bit, and she wasn't sure how she felt. On one hand, the prospect of finding her father was a little exciting, but on the flip side...the suspicious circumstances around his disappearance, the fact that he'd left her...she was a little angry, too.

There was an explanation, though; she could get the answers. Drayson had given her some pieces of the puzzle, now she just needed to put them together.

"I'd never had reason to think there was anything amiss in what I was told, so I was never very curious about them--no point in chasing questions that would never be answered, you know? So I probably never would have thought to look into it, so...

"Thank you..." She wanted to say more; the simple words didn't feel like enough, for the extra effort he'd put in for her, when he'd had absolutely no obligation to.

"You're welcome, Feyna," Hiram said softly, and saw a flicker of hyperspace out the transparisteel. The Adamant was here, and he pursed his lips. "I wanted to meet with Admiral Ackbar, but if you'd rather take some time with that, I won't be offended."

He stood from the table, pushing down his uniform where it had creased. The Admiral looked at the warship, and the escorts peeling away from the Adamant. It had been a long journey from the factories in the Outer Rim. These computer cores would be able to the equip a new fleet - the Sixth Fleet, a modern force of Mediator-class battlecruisers, Bothan Assault Cruisers, Ranger-class gunships and so forth. Leia had been a firm proponent of Federal strength, and the Sixth was more of that philosophy.

As Drayson watched, he saw the Adamant was nearing the station - and suddenly under attack by TIE fighters. "Impossible!" The Admiral leaned on the handrail that surrounded the cafe, eyes widening. He rushed to go, as alarms activated. "Where is your ship?" Drayson said, his tone authoritative.

The alarms and Drayson's sudden shift from ease to urgency quickly snapped her out of her musings.

Joining him at the rail, she frowned at the TIE fighters before pointing to her small shuttle, sitting to one side of the hangar. "Down there."

Drayson nodded, jogging that way. When they arrived, the TIEs had set up a cordon and a black-shuttle was docked. Drayson frowned. "Something isn't right, but I can't put my finger on it."

The Adamant was listing, clearly disabled, and a group of New Republic capital ships were en route, but the distance was too large to microjump through, and too small to swiftly cross at sublight. The escorts that had just escorted the Adamant were uncoupling from the station, but it was slower going than just launching.

And they were the closest to them, with other pilots shouting at droids to finish maintenance on their fighters so they could go. Drayson huffed. "Sloppy." But the war with the majority of the Empire had ended four years ago. It was no surprises that defenses were lax.

Which of course the Second Imperium had bet on. He rushed up the ramp, strapping himself in the co-pilots seat and plugging in to the command net. "Go, go."

Feyna strapped herself in and fired up the shuttle's engine, getting them off the ground as quickly as possible.

Heading toward the Adamant, she hit another switch. "Comms are on," she told Drayson. "If you want to try to hail them?

"What do you think this is about?"

“The Adamant is carrying new hyperdrive cores for the Sixth Fleet,” Drayson said before he hailed the TIEs.

“This is Admiral Drayson of the New Republic. Cease your attack on the Adamant or be destroyed.” Within seconds, two TIEs turned to head towards them, as Drayson spied a black over-sized assault shuttle nestled atop the bridge.

The Adamant was a modern Republic-class cruiser, but had been caught with its shields down and attacked as part of a precision attack; its engines and weapons were functional though. Drayson was conscious of that, and bumped the Second Imperium up a level on threat in his mind.

The cruiser began to turn and Drayson frowned. Where was it going? Away from the New Republic defenders...?

The TIEs opened fire as they hit maximum range -

Feyna put up the shields and started dodging blaster fire, but kept the shuttle on course to the Adamant. Why was it moving away?

Noting the black ship atop the Adamant's bridge, her brow furrowed. "Do you think maybe they've hijacked it?" Could the Imperials have taken control that quickly?

"It looks like," Drayson said grimly. It was accelerating, and the TIE fighters were regrouping, ready to swarm them. There was the original escort detaching from their slips and heading their way - sixteen gunships, E-wings and X-wings. Plenty to chase off the two dozen TIEs... but Drayson sounded more concerned about something else.

"Admiral Ackbar; he wouldn't have allowed a hijacking without fighting..." It would be a devastating blow to the New Republic if its Supreme Commander was killed. All of a sudden, in response to that comment almost, escape pods shot out from the cruiser, and Drayson's eyes widened. "We need to track the one that launched closest to the bridge."

He rushed over the controls as a TIE fighter blast rocked their shuttle, and he pointed. "There!"

But the TIEs seemed to not have been told about the pod launches, as they instead moved to pursue them, firing on the escaping New Republic crewers. They could see the blackened Imperial shuttle atop the bridge, and Drayson frowned, checking the distances from the other ships.

"Reinforcements should be able cover the pods... maybe," he bit his lower lip. "And we might make it to the Adamant before it reaches hyperspace..." He looked unsure what to do. The bridge pod - the one presumably carrying Ackbar - had three TIEs reaching the range, and Feyna's ship was closer to the TIEs than the Adamant due to the dogfighting.

Drayson clearly wanted to pursue the objective, but Ackbar was a hero. The Second Imperium could equip whole Star Destroyers with those hyperdrive cores, and he hadn't even mentioned the turbolaser batteries aboard the Adamant.

Feyna grit her teeth as the shuttle rocked from another blast, but accelerated toward the three TIEs that were closing in on Ackbar's pod. Drayson seemed torn between chasing the Adamant and going after Ackbar, but they were closer to the pod. If they could take out Ackbar's pursuers quickly enough, she might still be able to head for the ship.

She was risking the Adamant getting away, but losing their Supreme Commander would be a harder blow than losing the cores; they could find the parts again, but Ackbar wasn't replaceable.

It wouldn't take long to get the TIEs in range. "Get ready to fire..."

Drayson caught on, and was prepared and ready the moment they reached the range. The weapons blazed and caught the rear-most TIE, causing the other two to scatter. He tracked one and fired - he missed and then there were two TIEs looping at different angles to catch them in a cross-fire -

Feyna muttered a quiet curse under her breath, but checked her shields and stayed on course for just a few seconds longer, before diving at the last possible moment. Hopefully the two enemy fighters would either find themselves in each other's crosshairs and take each other out--or crash into each other, either way would work for her...

Drayson rushed to press buttons as Feyna stayed the course, the two TIEs looping in and firing -

The lights dimmed and even the engines cut out for a moment as the bolts splashed across the shields, and then Drayson quickly moved to redistribute the power. "I diverted everything to shields."

The TIEs however, caught each other as they turned away, bouncing but not exploding, spinning off. The escape pod was present, and Drayson quickly brought it aboard, looking for the Adamant -

Which had vanished.

"Where did it go?" Drayson demanded. "Did it jump?"

Of course, Feyna's sensors would confirm it had not... it, and most of the TIEs... they were just gone.

Completely. Drayson was flabbergasted, even as the door to the cockpit opened and Ackbar, looking disheveled, stepped in. "Report."

Drayson was at a loss.

Feyna was checking sensors, brows knit in confusion. They had managed to pick up Ackbar, but where was the Adamant, and the TIEs?

"They didn't jump..." She began, turning the shuttle to where the Adamant should have been. "Could they be cloaked?"

Drayson looked at it all, and the New Republic ships reached the distance, opening fire cautiously, but it was obvious, if they had cloaked the Adamant, it had moved, and they would never be able to find it just by using weapons. The Director looked concerned. "We would be able to detect the jump."

Ackbar's chin wobbled in concern. "We've lost them either way." He pushed his lips together, human-style, clearly acknowledging he had been saved at the expense of a chance to stop the Second Imperium attack. In this single move, they had been elevated from a minor terrorist organisation that opposed the peace accords to a real threat.

He regarded the TIE wreckage, none of which was of a size to host a pilot survivor.

"I need to get back; we have crews to recover and wounds to patch." The Admiral regarded Feyna. "Pilot, you have my thanks." His eyes swung to Drayson. "And I believe your proposition will have to wait until this is over."

Hiram looked nonplussed. "I don't believe the Imperial Remnant is behind this, Admiral."

"Nonetheless, you must discover the truth. We cannot change boats in the middle of a tundra." At that, Ackbar left.

Drayson sighed. "Look's like my retirement is cancelled, Feyna." He regarded the pocket she had slipped the datapad into. "I'll have to ask that you hold off on taking any leave until this is over, if I can."

Feyna nodded, understanding but downcast. "I'm sorry, sir." She turned the shuttle, and started heading back to the station.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: More crazy fun with @Sinrebirth

IC: Pascale Rouser, Limpawaroo
Location: Fortuna/Ventura Kashyyyk

It was ostensibly a mission, actually.

There were enough historic parallels between the Second Imperium and Disciples of Ragnos, that the NRI had thought to send Pascale to Kashyyyk, to connect the two dots. Let alone the fact that the Imperium‘s profile had risen considerably since their raid on Coruscant a few weeks prior, it was for this parallel - and someone who had participated in the crisis nine years ago - that the Director of New Republic Intelligence Hiram Drayson had selected Pascale.

The Wookiee’s had thus sent a minor celebrity to greet the man - the son of Chewbacca himself, for even though Wookiee’s were notoriously trustworthy, keeping it within the Chief of State’s extended family was a sure fire way to keep the visit quiet.

“If the local populace discovered the New Republic were even thinking this way, the Wookiee’s would rally and the Second Imperium would have to attack Kashyyyk or they’d be through as a threat,” Drayson had said, firmly. He could not have emphasised any more strongly that this was a secret mission.

Thikkiiana City was the focal point of Kashyyyk in the years since the Galactic Civil War had ended, and so here was Chewbacca’s son, bowcaster casually thrown over his shoulder, waiting to greet Pascale and his yacht when it reached the tree-city.

Ostensibly, as I say.

So here I am, back in the system where it all began….

Pascale Rouser, former mercenary now New Republic Intelligence operative ( he was only now just getting used to the title) now at the ripe old age of fifty one looked out of the cockpit viewport at the lush green world of Kashyyyk ahead of him.

Of course he had been on a different planet back then some nine years ago or so. Alaris Prime it was, where he had met Alora, scantily clad apprentice to Tavion leader of the Disciples of Ragnos. And of course battling Madelyn and having a temple fall on him. Things were different now between them.

And it had set him on his journey, where he met his wife Feyna, an NRI agent. They had been happily married for several years now and Pascale could not have asked for a better wife.

Of course missions still continued even in peacetime. But he enjoyed every single minute he spent with her, professionally or personally.

Things were much different now. He had grown older and was still using his skills as an archeologist this time helping the New Republic. But there was a certain sense of deja vu. A group calling itself the Second Imperium had risen up and Pascale of course was getting similar vibes from them as he did the Disciples.

A bunch of nutcases deciding they want to conquer the galaxy and cover it in darkness. All for the glory of the dark side.

He brought Fortuna down through the atmosphere, currently it was broadcasting the new ID code of Ventura which he used to use sometimes in the olden days, now it was Fortuna's permanent ID code unless he had to use it's given name.

And of course he had to use a different alias now, Dr Rene Belloq as his name. To use his own name could bring danger to him, Feyna, Madelyn and the rest of NRI. But his name was still well known in the underworld and he still used his Rouser name to keep in contact with his informants in the dark underbelly of the galaxy. Of course in private and to those who knew him he was still Pascale Rouser.

It's like living two different lives. And I'm still not used to all this cloak and dagger stuff.

He landed at the designated landing platform, and as he shut down the yachts systems he remembered Drayson's warning that this was a secret mission, although turning up in a Baudo yacht screamed rich boy's toy. But he had to play it cool, find out what his contact wanted and then go from there.

Dressed smartly as ever in his suit and Panama style hat he quickly checked his weapons: blaster holsered under his jacket, vibroblades on his belt. He still carried them, a holdover from his mercenary days.

He descended the ramp as was greeted by a young Wookiee, the son of Chewbacca he had been told. He tipped his hat politely to the young one.

"Greetings Lumpawaroo, I am Dr Pascale Rouser. A pleasure to meet the son of the mighty Chewbacca. So, what have you got for me?".

The Wookiee rumbled a greeting to the doctor, and he turned to lead the man towards a speeder as he spoke. He conveyed that the Wookiees had been bringing back from Alaris Prime the wreckage of the Jedi Temple there for analysis. While it had been, by and large, raided by the Disciples nine years ago, excavations had discovered a single hidden room, in the depths, sealed in a beskar vault.

This was tied to a fallen Jedi by the name of Voren, who had fought in the Mandalorian Wars beside a legendary figure named Revan. As he drove the speeder, Lumpawaroo explained that the Wookiees had transported the entire vault to Thikkiiana City, as it would require some serious firepower to access a beskar vault.

They thought it appropriate that they should call in an expert in Sith artefacts before they open a Sith vault.

Luckily Shriiwook was a language he understood from his repertoire of languages. And it seemed a Sith artefact was hiding in a vault. Luckily the Wookiees had discovered this before the Second Imperium had. Because if they had it would be the Disciples of Ragnos all over again.

And they probably want to bring back some Sith God as well…

What the Jedi were doing with a Sith artifact in their vault was confusing Pascale. Unless this Voren decided there was no safer place than to hide it in the enemies camp in plain sight. And in a beskar vault to less, Mandalorian iron that was difficult to penetrate.

This Voren, if he was a disciple of Revan, sounded like a rather dangerous person. A lot of followers of Revan switched from the light to the dark and this Voren was one of them by what Lumpawaroo was saying. The Old Republic and Revan’s Sith Empire apparently fought a bloody war and how Voren had got here remained a mystery.

Let’s see what we have here. This could be big, and maybe something the Imperium would come and get if they wanted to….and the Republic would definitely not want this getting into their hands...

“It sounds like your experts have studied it if they know who put an artefact in there. But what is in this vault? I’m all for studying these things but if it is too dangerous to be looked at then the vault should not be opened. Or it needs to be taken somewhere where it can be opened safely. But do they know what this artefact actually is? Then maybe I can decipher why someone may want it.”

The Wookiee shrugged, human-style. They reached the location, an isolated wooden-platform that doubled as a landing pad. The City itself surrounded them, but the configuration of the trees meant that it was relatively secluded. The big box of metal sat there, positioned with a group of Wookiees, all extended members of honour Chewbacca's family.

They stopped to allow Rouser the chance to examine the script upon the vault, though all they could see from their eyes was scars and scratching. He might recognise that the design matched the chamber he, Alora and Madelyn had been fighting through, but there wasn't a lot to go on.

Well it looks like Lupawaroo has no idea either….

He wandered round the box studying it carefully, one of his fingers tapping his chin as he thought. The script however didn't look familiar to him and he couldn't decipher it even when he rummaged through his brain through all the languages he could remember. But nothing was coming to him which meant it was possibly Sith from the information he had been given that this Voren was a Jedi turned Sith. Of course during his many adventures and now as a New Republic agent he had seen a few Sith artefacts but nothing like this.

He sighed shaking his head “I’m afraid to say this has me stumped. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Of course it could be too dangerous to open the box but the problem is nobody knows what’s inside this box. All I do know is someone wants this for some reason. I’ve seen designs like this in the Jedi Temple in Alaris Prime but I don’t know why this was even there. Unless there was a good reason for it to be” he shrugged.

“I could take it back with me to a safe place to study. It could be too dangerous here….”

The Wookiee shrugged. If the NRI wanted the box to vanish into one of their warehouses, he would comply. After all, Kashyyyk had been through enough. It had been nearly a decade since the last galactic incident here, and that was only yesterday for a long-lived species like Lumpawaroo.

He was going to say that it was up to Rouser when an alarm went out.

Then, a distinctive screaming noise.

Which meant Imperial TIEs.

There was fire, and explosions, and Lumpawaroo barked out a warning as a wave of fighters and bombers flew overhead, fire raking the City -

Oh bloody hell.

That was Rouser's thought as he saw the TIE's approaching. Someone had either tracked him here or whomever it was commanding this lot had decided to pop in for a visit.

Feyna will kill me if I don't come back and bring the yacht back in one piece….or the box….or even myself for that matter.

He turned to Lumpawaroo "We need to get the box aboard my yacht, once it's there I could take their attention away from you, so you do what you need to do" he sighed "Sorry that whomever it was decided to attack your world. Barbarians…"

His weapons would be no use here, he just had to get back to Fortuna in time to get off this world and draw their fire. Maybe try and get some backup if needed.

So much for a secret mission…

The majority of the Imperium TIEs were clustered around a specific manufacturing tower, so Lumpawaroo confirmed on the comms; the rest were launching an indiscriminate raid. He took one more look at the box and shook his head, telling Rouser to come with.

He was saddled in the speeder with the back seats taken by the two other Wookiee techs, each barking about the number of quarrels they had for their bowcasters. Lumpawaroo growled for Rouser to get in, as a screech of a TIE bomber sounded out and dropped a charge on a building beyond the clearing - flattening it.

Pascale didn't need to be told twice, he jumped straight in.

At least he had three Wookiees with him. The son of Chewbacca was definitely a good asset and no doubt the other two would fight if they had to. All that mattered was getting the box off Kashyyyk and into New Republic hands.

The Imperium had arrived in force and had decided to focus their attention away from him for now. But he knew it wouldn't last long.

He turned to Lumpawaroo "My yacht won't take long to start up, let's get there as quick as we can and I will be in your debt if you can help me get out of here in one piece...and hopefully with my yacht still intact".

Lumpawaroo shook his head, and gunned the speeder... heading towards the manufacturing hub. The Wookiee’s roared their approach, weapons ready. One tossed a hefty bowcaster to Pascale...

... they were enlisting him!

What the..

Pascale caught the crossbow type weapon and nearly dropped it. The thing was bloody heavy. It seemed the Wookiees wanted him to join the fight, and if there was one thing in all his years of travelling was you never refused a Wookiee.

Because you could end up losing a limb.

Pascale was well known for detesting violence but in this case he supposed it was justified. After all the Imperium was trying to kill him. He thanked the other Wookiee in Shyriiwook (it probably sounded weird coming from a human throat then checked the weapon out.

It looked like a conventional crossbow, hopefully quarrels were already loaded and ready.

The others are not going to believe this…

Pascale readied the weapon and scanned the skies above….

A TIE bomber drifted lower to target a building, and the back-seat Wookiees began firing, hammering the engines of it, causing it to wheel around, smoking, and it's single laser cannon fired, Lumpawaroo gunning forward with speed. The TIE wheeled to catch them, and Lumpawaroo made his way to the manufacturing plant that seemed to be the focus of the assault.

The paired Wookiees were caught in a blast as Lumpawaroo at a right angle down a street, and took out the backseats, the seats ripped apart. Lumpawaroo shouted at Rouser to fire, not that he probably wasn't already but the Wookiee was focused on driving. The TIE bomber dropped into the street, firing a laser bolt that burst behind the speeder, buckling it -

As the bomber began its first run he heard the bark of the bowcasters behind him firing and he decided to join in.

Well here goes…

He raised the bowcaster, focused on the back end of the bomber and fired a quarrel, the recoil nearly sending him shooting backwards into his seat. He was quite a strong human being but this weapon was more for the really strong grip of the Wookiees. He supposed he would get used to it in the end if he was to help them out.

The bomber was smoking out it’s rear end now but Pascale looked on in shock as the two Wookiees behind him were basically disintegrated. And Pascale’s anger began to rise.

Barbarians….

The bomber was now dropping down and firing again and Pascale knew it would not be long before the whole speeder was destroyed. And he and Lumparwaroo were taken out too.

Not if I have anything to say about it.

He raised the bowcaster and narrowed his eyes at the bomber then fired not just one, not two, but three shots to try and take it out.

The bolts flew true, right into the cockpit and through the pilot, who in his death leaned on the joystick and dove the bomber's nose into the dirt, flipping towards them as Lumpawaroo jerked the speeder to the left, holding out a hand to grab at Rouser so he didn't fly out -

It rolled over, smashed into another building, and an explosion consumed it -

Chewbacca's son righted himself, and headed to the tall factory - which was firing upon the TIEs from its highest point, a rail that ringed the tower and had weapons attached to the metal, much like a novelty carnival game. Lumpawaroo snarled that they had to get up there, noting a clattering of Stormtroopers that fired on them as they approached.

Growling as bolts panged off the dashboard, he accelerated, for a woman in black standing in the midst of the troopers to throw up her hands -

And the speeder went flying, rolling over and fetching up against the wall with a crash -

Pascale blew out a breath as the TIE destroyed itself and was thankful for the grab by the young Wookiee.

But now they were heading into battle, and Pascale was getting rather nervous that his yacht could end up getting blown up if he didn't get back to it soon. No yacht...no way off and no base for him, Feyna and Madelyn.

I might have made a mistake here….

Which became true, more so when stormtroopers started firing on the speeder. And then there was a woman in black….

Oh no, not ag-

Him and Lumpawaroo basically went for a ride, tumbling and then crashing into a wall. Groaning and battered Pascale tried to crawl out from the speeder, pushing the bowcaster out first. Hopefully Lumpawaroo had made it.

Shakily standing up he realised he might have to face the woman in black. And realised the two lightsabers he had collected from Korriban were on his yacht.

Should have brought those with me…

The Stormtroopers had already clattered away, the woman issuing imperious orders to them. They were here for the computer systems that the Wookiees were constructing! Lumpawaroo, looking after the Imperial force. With a growl, he told Rouser that those were capital ship systems, for the new Sixth Fleet that was under construction.

Rouser would know from Feyna that the Second Imperium had stolen a shipment of hyperdrive cores and turbolaser batteries from Coruscant recently, which was worrying enough.

The skies rocked with more fire, and Lumpawaroo looked up. He eyed the dents and pivots of the building and tower, and snarled at Rouser to grab his back. They were going to go up the hard way -

So it looked like the Imperium was here for more ship building bits and bobs. Of course hearing about it from Feyna it was troubling enough to think that this Sith cult wanted to create their own fleet as well as bringing disgruntled Imperials to their side.

At least the black clad woman nor the troops were not taking any interest in him for now. But there was a battle raging and Pascale had gotten caught up in it…

Again.

Lumpawaroo snarled at him to get on his back and Pascale looked up at the tower. He wasn't afraid of heights but he was not sure about climbing on a Wookiees back up a tower whilst TIE fighters were flying around.

Just don't look down…

He slung the bowcaster across his back then linked his arms around the Wookiees neck and his legs around the Wookiees waist. "Just don't drop me" he said.

Lumpawaroo didn't say a word, grunting, before launching himself up and forward. There was a lurch, and he jumped from one perch to the next, his legs losing traction for the merest moment but of course that would jostle Rouser -

Pascale with the jostle nearly lost his grip on Lumpawaroo's neck, one arm slipping and causing one of his legs to nealy fall off the Wookiee's waist.

He managed to bring his leg back up and tightened his grip on his waist before trying to maneuver himself back into position again on Lumpawaroo's neck.

"Can we please not do that again" he said politely.

Lumpawaroo made an affirmatory noise, reached around behind him, grabbed Rouser by the ankle, and hurled him up to the nearest balcony. The Wookiee followed, and bashed in the window, ready to lead them into battle when Rouser likely had calmed down.

He did look apologetic, but they weren't far from the tower top and the blasters, most of which were unmanned still.

Before Pascale could exclaim anything he was tossed up in the air by the Wookiee as if he was as light as a feather….

Unfortunately he didn't land as such and lamented that maybe if he did have the Force he might have landed in style. Instead he landed spread eagled on the ground, the air rushing out of his stomach.

And a few choice words in Commenori.

He stood up again as Lumpawaroo landed and bashed the window in like an action halo movie star. Pascale unslung the bowcaster and checked the magazine, not many shots left.Pascale also gave himself a quick pat down.

"Next time" he said "we are taking the stairs" and shook his head. "I don't suppose you have any spare quarrels as I am running low".

He then gestured for the Wookiee to lead the way.

Lumpawaroo ignored his swearing, and with an affirmative noise tossed three quarrels to Pascale. It wasn't necessary though; the factory had clearly been hit before the TIEs arrived - the raid was simply covering the departure of the Imperials with the computers in tow. Which was of course bad news.

As such the factory was empty, but blaster-scored. Beneath them, a door was being pounded upon by Wookiees, clearly a security centre, but Lumpawaroo let them deal with that - the orbital assault was more dangerous to the City in general.

He led Pascale to the tower balcony, the one with heavy blasters mounted on the rails. The gunners were a curious sort - the teenagers Jacen Solo and Tenel Ka and his cousin were each manning weapons that looked like they were fresh of a Corellian freighter - quad-lasers and even spherical ion cannon. Lowbacca, another Jedi apprentice, was working on a computer system with Sirrakuk, his sister. Lumpawaroo regarded the two humans with some curiosity, but eyed up the other weapons, gesturing for Rouser to take one.

Three taller Wookiees had already manned the weapons on the other side of the tower, giving them 360 degree coverage. TIE fighters and TIE bombers were already in motion, rallying to flatten the factory and conceal the exact nature of their attack.

Worse, it was becoming very obvious from the other Wookiee's discussions that the planetary defence grid had been disabled, which was how the TIEs had made it past the orbital satellites and platforms. A TIE bomber was escorted by three TIE fighters, and Lumpawaroo pointed, growling at Pascale that the fighters were going to cover the bomber -

Laser fire rang out, impacting the tower and shaking it hard -

Here I go again…

It seemed like Pascale was getting a sense of deja vu again. Here he was, not battling Sith this time but TIE fighters. Thankfully he had never dueled them before, they were usually escorting him for dropping stuff off.

How things have changed….

Lumpawaroo had given him extra ammo which he placed in both jacket pockets. As they reached the top there were three Jedi present, one of the famous Solo twins, a female and a Wookiee with another Wookiee helping him. He had only seen the Solo twins from afar but he had an opportunity to work with one.

And so it was time to fully go to war once again. Nodding at Lumpawaroo he slung the bowcaster across his back again and headed over to one of the cannons to help out.

With a bomber and three fighters they could still do a lot of damage which was evident as they began strafing the tower and it was shaking….

I don't want to die today thank you very much….

Hopefully the others would deal with the fighters as it was clear to him the bomber could do much more damage. And so he set his sights on the bomber and fired.

The quad-laser sang out, but a TIE nudged itself forward, taking the shot. Lumpawaroo fired too, hitting a second TIE through the wing-spar, but the third TIE was free to fire, walking bolts up the reinforced tower. The pilot was clearly inexperienced, rather than stopping to adjust his shot simply continuing to hold the trigger and move up his fire towards their position -

The TIE bomber made sure to tuck in behind the remaining TIE, as Lumpawaroo roared and fired bolts which missed the TIE -

Pascale growled, this pilot was definitely getting on his nerves now. With two down he could try and get this one and then move straight on to the bomber.

Go ahead and hide, your time is nearly up. You won't blow me and my comrades up to smithereens, nor any more innocent civilians.

Lumpawaroo had missed the TIE but Pascale fixed his sights on the fighter and fired, as soon as that was gone, he wasn't going to let go of the triggers until the bomber went as well.

The bolts lanced the TIE cockpit, blew through the rear of the ship, turning it into a small fireball, which saw the TIE Bomber attempt to juke and take a stitching of Rouser's fire along its wing as it turned -

With a loud bang the bomber lost the solar panel, and went down, smashing into the ground just before the tower -

Lumpawaroo shouted out in surprise -

But the bomber did not explode, and its proton-stock did not consume it and the tower base.

The TIEs were withdrawing, clearly done with the fighting, heading into orbit with a black assault shuttle heading up the well with them. Lumpawaroo turned his turret and fired; the shuttles shields took it, and all he could do was growl.

Success!

He had managed to take out both a TIE fighter and bomber and he was pretty pleased with himself that he had at least taken out that particular threat.

But sadly it seemed the Imperium had gotten away. Had they gotten the box as well? And was his yacht still in one piece?

Pascale fired as well but if Lumpawaroo had no success then he probably wouldn't either.

"So what was this lot after?" he asked "Did they grab the box as well?"

He grumbled; the computer cores were gone, and the factory trashed. The lower levels revealed that the Wookiees who had been pounding on the security door had been gunned down, and the City had been damaged terribly by the strike. Jacen and Jaina Solo had survived being targeted, and indeed a Nightsister had apparently been killed in the tree-depths.

They hadn't won, but they hadn't lost either, and now the Second Imperium had hyperdrives, turbolaser batteries and capital ship-grade computer cores. Clearly they were building up for something big, and the New Republic was exposed to the tactics they had used as Rebels, now in the hand of these unrepentant Imperials.

All they could do was pick up the pieces and move on, a shard of fear through the free governments of the galaxy.

Lumpawaroo found a new speeder, and silently, grimly, drove Rouser back to the box, hoping it was still there.

Sure enough, it was still there, and they were joined by a morose looking group of Jedi apprentices; Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka, and Lowbacca too. The mighty Chewbacca was there too, and embraced his son, looking down at Pascale with some curiosity and a sniff.

The translation droid on Lowbacca's belt, Em Teedee, chimed in, assuming Rouser did not understand the Wookiee tongue. "He would like to introduce himself to you, and vice-versa."

Chewbacca rolled his eyes; clearly that wasn't exactly what he'd said, and the pocket droid had expanded upon his words.

Innocents targeted.

Computer cores stolen.

Pascale hated this Imperium already. It seemed these chaps were not happy until they blew cities to bits just to pillage and steal. And apparently it seemed these dark siders were as hell bent on destruction as their previous counterparts.

Feyna and the others are not going to like this…

Thankfully the box was still there but the Jedi whom arrived not long after he and Lumpawaroo arrived looked miserable and no wonder. Pascale wondered if they had felt all those Wookiee lives being extinguished as well as seeing the destruction first hand. And the Solo twins were always the big prize.

He gave the Jedi and Chewbacca a bow as the mighty one greeted his son.

"Greetings to you Chewbacca" he said "I'm Doctor Pascale Rouser, archeologist and member of New Republic intelligence. My sincere apologies for the damage done by those barbarians".

He pointed at the box "My mission was to pick up that box and it was supposed to be secret although it seems the Imperium didn't get the memo" he sighed "Your son is a great warrior, he enlisted me to join the fight. I did catch a couple of bombers and a fighter but sadly it seems it was not enough".

Chewbacca rumbled his appreciation, and drew Pascale into an impromptu hug.

In short order, the teenagers headed off, leaving Lumpawaroo and Chewbacca to sort out the box.

Torches ready, they looked to Pascale for the final affirmation, returning him to the crux of his initial problem with it; they had no idea what was inside…

A Wookiee hug! Now that was something to appreciate. He wrapped his arms around the Wookiee and enjoyed for a moment the feel of soft Wookiee fur.

You could easily fall asleep in that.

He stepped back and responded with a thanks in Shriiwook and smiled.

But back to business of the box again. There was still no clue of what was inside and after what had happened here….

"We need to get it off Kashyyk" he said hands on his hips "I don't know what is in this box and if I open it here...who knows what might be unleashed. After today's events I don't want the Imperium to detect it and head back again".

"At least if it is back in New Republic hands it will be well defended. I can take it aboard my yacht, draw them away if need be".

The Wookiees agreed, and in short order, arranged transport of the box to whatever warehouse of secrets the NRI had. Chewbacca had no doubt that there was such a place, after all... and perhaps it was best that it stayed there, even unopened, if curiosity could be calmed.

The elder Wookiee peered at Rouser knowingly.

He knew of the man, from before his time as a NRI agent, after all.

Pascale pulled his datapad out and sent an encrypted message to Drayson:

Package secure, forest world attacked by dark neighbours, Ventura heading to safe stop before home.

Pascale was a little bit more used to sending these sorts of messages as when keeping contact with his former clients he had to send messages of this type in order for him to enact his transactions or drop things off without any trouble.

As he put the datapad away in his inner jacket pocket he caught Chewbacca giving him a look. Did he know Pascale from somewhere? Of course his previous reputation did precede him at times, perhaps it was from his days in the underworld. After all the mighty Wookiee and Han Solo had been like him at one time. Flirting with the darker side of the galaxy.

“You must know me from somewhere if you are giving me that look” he said with a slight smile “I suppose we had better head back to the spacesport and make sure this box gets on board my yacht safely. Otherwise I might be losing my job if it doesn't”

Chewie shrugged. He rumbled that Han had been an Imperial pilot and a smuggler. It didn't make much difference to him, but he was conscious of NRI stockpiling these trinkets. It could be quite dangerous if anyone got their hands on these.

The team worked the box into his yacht either way, and Chewbacca mournfully regarded the City, which was no longer burning, but still, it was in a sorry state. The war was supposed to be over.

Thankfully Fortuna was still intact, the TIE's had luckily missed her sitting on it's pad. But the city looked a mess.

All this for a bunch of parts he thought. So much death and destruction for basically a chance to improve their ships.

With the box safely aboard it was time to head off. But he felt bad for Chewbacca and the fact that his city had been burning.

He stepped up to Chewbacca "I will make sure this artefact is kept safe, and I am sorry once again about not doing enough for your fellow Wookiees"

He gestured to his yacht "Perhaps you would like a lift back to the New Republic if you wish?"

Chewbacca woofed his accord, but he had work to do here, and undoubtedly the safest place for the box was to leave Kashyyyk. With an attack on Coruscant for hyperdrive cores and turbolaser batteries, and now this one for capital ship grade computers... something big was coming.

They'd need to be prepared, either way.

May the Force be with you, the Wookiee added, and then the mission was done...

... such as it was.

Pascale tipped his hat to both Chewbacca and Lumpawaroo "May the Force be with you my friends. And Lumpawaroo, if you ever want to come and partner with me again you are more than welcome to. Sometimes it would be good to have a bit of Wookiee muscle about" he smiled.

With that he headed up the ramp of his yacht, checking to make sure the box was secured for the journey back.

Pascale started up Fortuna's systems and engines and then after getting clearance and with one last look over the city he took off and headed for home.

Whomever this Imperium is, they are going to cause trouble...

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @JediMasterAnne , @TheSilentInfluence

 

OOC: This is Part One of Two posts with our GM @Sinrebirth

IC: Madelyn Linnett, Paz, Fenn
Home, Mandalore

“Are we talking about this again?” Paz said, mock drily. It was late, but not late enough that someone couldn’t wake up and interrupt their precious husband-wife-husband time.

Fenn huffed. “It’s not as if Fett is gonna step up and take over the crown is he? Leia is the firstborn, it matters -“

“You’re still on about Boba Fett? He’s not been to Mandalore, well, forever,” Paz said, a little testy, sitting down heavily on the bed. “I don’t see why we can’t home-school Leia in her Force sensitivity.”

“As what though? Jedi or Mandalorian?”

“Mad, help me, please,” Paz pleaded.

It was tied up in succession and the grumbles among the clans of spoonbenders running the planet, but it was also a key discussion about Leia’s continued education. It was not as if Madelyn had ever qualified from Jedi school after all...

Madelyn eyed her husbands from her place in the centre of their large and shared bed. Their children were asleep, for now. But she didn't want to risk the chance that they could wake up.

Instead Madelyn put the data pad down that was in her hands, and frowned at them. "Leia already feels the pressure of being first born and your heir." Madelyn told them, getting a little frustrated. She glanced at the door to make sure it was shut. "I overheard her speaking with Luminara yesterday. She wants to make you proud, but I think its stressing her out. She can sense how both of you feel about it, even if she doesn't bring it up."

Madelyn paused, and thought carefully. It was true, Jedi training hadn't exactly worked out for her. But that didn't mean it couldn't work out for Leia. "She is incredibly gifted with the force. More then I was at that age. She needs to be trained at Luke's Academy. If she isn't she could become vanurable to darker aspects of the force."

Fenn wasn’t in bed yet, but he was dressed down, pacing as he did. He noted Madelyn’s pointed look at the door and lowered his tone. “I don’t want her to feel pressured. But she’ll be an adult by 13 - we’re only a year or two away from people expecting more of her.”

“She’s not going on hunts at her age now,” Paz said flatly from the end of the bed. He sighed and turned over to climb in properly. “We’re asking her to choose between her heritages too early.” He said ‘we’ when he was being diplomatic, but he really meant ‘you’.

Fenn pursed his lips. “If we ship her off to the Jedi Academy we’ll be deciding for her too. Leia comes back a full blown Jetiise and people will be concerned.” He sighed and settled on the edge of the bed with his back to them both for a moment.

Paz glanced at Madelyn. Fenn was putting himself under a great deal of pressure at the moment. It wasn’t easy to handle. Head of State for some forty years now, with some hushed criticism about his marriages, including a Jedi and a former Death Watch commander, a general disdain for the idea of being so friendly with Coruscant, another set of radicals who wanted them to join the Senate and send a representative, and then the polite but pointed enquiries about Leia...

It was a lot.

In public he remained the suave barve, as Han Solo called him at Luke and Mara’s wedding, but in private he had concerns and worries and Paz suspected that Chief of State Organa didn’t contact nearly so much because she felt bad for Fenn.

And by extension them.

Madelyn looked annoyed, but shut her eyes and tried to calm down as Paz climbed into bed. Right. But expecting her to rule a system is okay.

"Tarre Vizsla was a Jedi and Mandalorian. The people loved him." She told Fenn. "If she chooses to go off of to become a Jedi she won't forget her heritage Fenn." And then, "You need to stop putting pressure on yourself. You are a good man and a wonderful husband. But Leia isn't your only child. You have six others to choose from if you are that desperate for an heir. "

"Although-" Madelyn told him, "I suspect that part of the reason you think Leia should follow in your footsteps is because she certainly acts an awful lot like you."

Fenn was about to comment that he didn’t have the Darksaber, but Madelyn undermined his point with the logical argument. “No fair,” he said, flopping back in the bed, his upper body on their legs.

Paz put a hand in Fenn’s hair and mussed it. “Mad’s right, though.”

“Of course she is,” Fenn said drily. “She always is.” He looked up at her, grinning. “But I’d be a bad father if I didn’t at least want her to develop her skills.”

“And you could be said to be a bad leader if you send the heir off to the Jedi Academy,” Paz said softly. “It’d be like Pellaeon sending his son to the Jedi Academy. The Imps would kick off.”

Fenn pouted. “Suggestions?”

Madelyn laughed a little, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Fenn had a point too, she realised. Leia would need to know those skills at some point. "You're right too though. She does need to develop these skills in leadership."

Madelyn sighed, and shook her head. "It's too bad we don't have a Jedi Enclave here. I guess we could hire a tutor for her..." Madelyn mused. She shook her head and leaned it on Paz's shoulder.

Paz pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead. “I do have a suggestion, but you might not like it.”

Fenn turned around, looking up at them, before sitting askance on the bed, between their legs now. “Go on.”

“Madelyn could attend the Jedi academy. She’s basically a Jedi already... so she wouldn’t be away for long...”

“But I could be pulled away at any point,” Fenn said. “Can you handle the kids at once?”

“Sure,” Paz said drily. “This is Mandalore; the adoption agency hardly comes in to check on us. We make do and everyone chips in.”

Fenn looked at Madelyn, voice cautiously optimistic. “Thoughts?”

Madelyn snuggled close to Paz and looped an arm around his waist as he spoke. Go back and become a Jedi? Madelyn wasn't so sure that was such a good idea.

"I don't know. That didn't work out so well for me last time." Madelyn looked over at Fenn, feeling his hesitant optimism. "And we have a lot of children now." She said, reaching out to take hold of Fenn's hand and placing their fingers together.

She didn't want to admit it out loud, although it probably showed on her face; but Madelyn felt scared. She didn't want to leave her children or her husbands for very long. And if the training took longer then expected...

“Nudge over,” Fenn said, and he moved them so Madelyn was in the middle.

“So, I was right?” Paz said, neutrally.

Fenn sat beside them heavily, as he usually did. ‘Dressed down’ meant to under attire for the men, so it was basically a very hot cuddle - this was why they had a larger bed so they didn’t bake alive whoever ended up in the middle. “You were, yup,” Fenn said.

They had ambushed her, it seemed.

“Since we’ve settled down, Mad, did you know that we could count on one hand how often you’ve taken time out for yourself?” Paz said, peering at her around the hug. Fenn’s hand slid around behind them both, not squeezing Paz but present.

“He realised when you suggested adopting another kid,” Fenn said, softly.

“Which we’re all for,” Paz added, “but we can expand the family and you can do your own thing too, Mad. We can’t just keep adding children to the clan and you live vicariously.”

He kissed her on the cheek, and Fenn did too. Their free hands were each rested under the covers in a leg each, and they both looked utterly supportive of her.

Like I say.

Ambush!

Madelyn blushed, but allowed herself to relax in their cuddle. They were right. She realised, feeling her eyes sting with tears. How often did she have time for herself? Paz and Fenn were usually busy with one thing or another, and they did their best to be home more often then not; but it was hard.

Between their biological children and adopted ones Madelyn usually ran from one thing to another, school; activities and everything in between. It was hard. Especially now that they were trying to formalize adopting their newest child, Titus.

She turned to look at Fenn, and shook her head. "I don't mind watching the children you know that." She frowned. "Maybe it would be good to get away for a bit..." Madelyn admitted. "But I want you to promise to call me if anything comes up. Titus is still adjusting, and he can be a lot on his own."

“I promise,” Paz said, gently tipping her chin up so her lips could meet his fully. “Mando promise.” He squeezed her leg as he kissed, and Fenn smiled at them both.

“I’ve got the yearly trip to Shogun to go on tomorrow anyway,” Fenn said, softly, mentioning the religious pilgrimage that all rulers of Mandalore were expected to do.

“Hang on, I didn’t know that,” Paz mock-protested. “Does that mean I was gonna have Mad to myself for a couple of days?”

“When I’m back you can have me to yourself of that works,” Fenn replied with a challenge, cutting off whatever Madelyn was going today at.

“Deal,” Paz said, his voice trailing off as he looked at Madelyn. “Not that you have to leave as soon as Fenn does, right?”

Fenn moved his arm to tug them both towards him. “We’re all here tonight, y’know!”

Madelyn smiled into the kiss Paz gave her, and moved to wrap her arm more securely around him as Fenn spoke.

She listened quietly, raising her eyebrows at their banter, amused; before she opened her mouth to say something and her and Paz spending time together. She frowned and turned over to scold him just as Fenn pulled them both towards him.

Madelyn snacked Fenn on the side in retaliation and leaned in to give him a kiss too. "I don't have to leave for a few days no. But doesn't that mean we should make the most of our time together?"

The same thought blossomed in their minds, and soon enough the sky of Mandalore wheeled above them as they shared of each other, tracing old paths, weaving new, the act of finding anew and again their love and selves within the moment.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Here's Part Two!

IC: Tionne Solusar
Yavin 4, Jedi Praxeum

The galaxy was a changed place, but themes remained, Tionne thought to herself. Though most of what was left of the Empire had signed peace accords four years earlier under Admiral Pellaeon, the dark side still lived, and the Second Imperium was it's latest form. Tionne wished it was not so, but it was, and recent terrorist attacks on Coruscant and Kashyyyk had been barely foiled by the Jedi present, though there had been a loss of life, and indeed, vital warship and hyperdrive components.

A confrontation was afoot, and the Force was sure of it.

But for now, Tionne was focusing on one of her more mature students, indeed, the woman had been a former Dark Jedi herself, and only after years of service had proven herself. During that time she had married, and even had children. Nine years was not a long time, when one had finally found herself. Indeed, Tionna - and fellow Jedi Master Cilghal - thought it was long overdue for this particular student to attend the praxeum, but being as her service to the New Republic had been conditional, her 'sentence' of Intelligence jobs was necessary.



Tionne smiled, and greeted the woman.

Madelyn Linnett..

Madelyn wasn't sure she should be attending the Jedi Praxeum as such a late age. She had a duty to be there for her husbands and her children, watching their clan grow up; and even helping her oldest child, a daughter Leia; understand the basics of the force. She also realised that she was being given an opportunity, and that she would probably be wise to take this opportunity.

She looked up as the woman greeted her and smiled a little at the woman's welcoming nature.



Madelyn was suddenly aware that she must look more Mandalorian then Jedi, and she shifted uncomfortably, not knowing whether she should be bowing or holding out her hand to shake with the other woman. "It's nice to meet you Master." Madelyn answered politely. She paused, wondering if being a former Dark Jedi would hinder her progress here in anyway. But I served my time. So does that make me worthy enough now?

"And a pleasure to meet you, Madelyn," she replied, melodious in her voice.

"I understand you have had an interesting journey to the praxeum," allowed Tionne, smiling. "I would like to hear of that tale in your own words, so I might better sing your song one day."

Madelyn was a little taken aback at how nice she was being, but felt herself smile back regardless. "Yes, well; I'm afraid it's a lot more complicated then you would think." She paused for a moment, and then added; "I was raised in the old Jedi Temple until I was about eight, and then I was sent to fight in the Clone Wars. My Master, Luminara Unduli..." Madelyn swallowed hard and felt a little emotional. "was taken away by Inquisitors." She looked thoughtful, trying to keep it short but practical. "And I was given to Darth Vader after one of his Inquisitors maimed me."

She lifted her hair for a moment, to allowed Master Tionne to see the pink scarring across her ear. "I can't hear out of this ear anymore. So I apologise if it ever appears I'm not listening."

Smiling, Tionne reached out for Madelyn and held out her hands. "Your hearing does not concern me, Madelyn. I see you, in the Force, and you see me. We are both luminous beings, and more than our material senses." She indicated with her hands.

"If you allow me, I would like to bridge our connection and allow you to show me," Tionne's voice was gentle. "I have no doubt that it is a complicated story, but I believe that my seeing it with you will enable me to understand better, and save you having to sort through how it makes you feel at the same time."

A slightest pause. "I understand that this trauma is what you want to pass beyond, but only through it can you be healed in full, Madelyn." Her eyes spoke of kindness, and support, but she did not reach out with the Force to envelop the woman in that sentiment; there was no need to smother her and risk upset.

Madelyn did her best not to pull away when Tionne took her hands. It wasn't as if they knew each other, and Madelyn had certainly become a little more reserved as she aged, but she listened to what Tionne had to say, and thought about it. It wasn't a bad idea, and it would allow Madelyn to have some support as she worked through everything. She frowned a little, pausing before she answered. "Yes, that would be alright. But it's been years since I've been connected through the force with anyone. I'm not sure my mind with be open enough." She let out a deep breath. "But I'm willing to try."

She nodded at Tionne, and tried to relax. "I can show you the day I was brought to Darth Vader. That's probably a good starting point." Madelyn added, wondering if there was anything else that was going to come up. It was such a confusing time, and it was the first time I really met Trilla too. At least, from what I remember.

IC: Tionne nodded softly, and reached out with the Force too - she found a medium point between the two of them, reading to accept her reciprocal touch.

IC: Madelyn Linnett, The Executor, Prison Call Block

It had taken a while for Madelyn's eyes to adjust to the darkness. She had been taken aboard this Star Destroyer after she and her Master had been captured, and then separated. No one had really spoke to her after being placed in the Prison Cell, though she had been given some food and water, Madelyn didn't really know how long it had been. Today, earlier she had been escorted to get cleaned up and given a new prison uniform. So, Madelyn wondered if she was going to be released or sent to a Prison Facility off the Star Destroyer. She was grateful she was still alive, and hoped that maybe she and Master Luminara would hopefully be reunited soon.

She winched in pain, and brought a hand up to her right ear. An Inquisitor had hit her in the face with a lightsaber when Madelyn had jumped in front of Master Luminara, who had been trying to protect her; and she had been hit instead. She remembered Master Luminara's look of pain as she crumpled to the ground, how she couldn't hear out of her right ear, and the blood. The Imperial Officer that she had been brought to had scoffed at the Inquisitor and told them how Darth Vader would be informed immediately, before ordering Madelyn to be brought to the Med Bay. The Imperial Officer had checked in on her a few times, before Madelyn had been deemed well enough to be brought to this cell. And now, as Madelyn brought her hand down from her ear. She wondered if she would ever be allowed to leave.

Madelyn looked up when a cold wave hit her, and the doors to her cell swished open, light flooding the inside of the cell. She winched at the bright light, and noticed a Stormtrooper standing there, not a clone. He motioned for her to come forward and Madelyn slipped off the bench and went towards him, looking around and wondering what was happening. He grabbed her shoulder and started to push her down the hallway, joined by a few more Stormtroopers. She knew it was useless running. Madelyn had tried that before, and had gotten captured. so she followed and was led to a room in the centre of the ship. The doors opened and Madelyn was pushed inside roughly. She fell to her knees and the doors hut behind her, and when Madelyn looked up; she felt her heart jump in her chest with fright.



"So this is her?"

"Yes Lord Vader. This is the child we found with Jedi Master Luminara."



Madelyn glanced up, fearfully, not really understanding who this woman was but knowing exactly who Darth Vader was. She had seen him on the holonet, had heard the stories. And now Madelyn found herself in his presence. She wasn't sure what to do, or if she was about to die.

"Stand up." Darth Vader ordered sharply, and Madelyn scrambled to her feet. "Do you know who I am?"

"Yes sir. You're Darth Vader." Madelyn dared to look up at him. She waited for him to tell her off, but he kept her gaze for a few moments. "I've seen you on the holonet."

"Is she a youngling you recognise Second Sister?" Darth Vader asked. His expression was unreadable, but to Madelyn it felt like Second Sister shouldn't get this question wrong. She didn't recognise her, but then again; Madelyn usually had her face buried in a book.

"Wolf Clan, I believe. She was sent into war very young, I believe the Jedi were worried about her abilities." Trilla, the Second Sister answered. Trilla and Madelyn locked eyes, and Trilla tilted her head in acknowledgement. But Madelyn still didn't remember her. She had forced herself to forget a lot of the Jedi Temple since she had been on the run, and if she Trilla had once been apart of the same Clan Madelyn didn't know.

Darth Vader turned his gaze to Madelyn and tilted his head, thoughtful. "Then she will come to Courscant with me."He looked at Trilla. "I will be back in a few moments." He left the room, the dark presence lingering but not as strong as before, and Madelyn frowned a little at Trilla.

"My Master abandoned me to you know." Trilla told Madelyn casually. She nodded at Madelyn's expression, a mixture of anger and grief. "It's true. Our Master's never cared about us. It's why they gave us to the Empire."

Madelyn swallowed nervously. "But Master Luminara said she would always protect me."

"That didn't work out very well, did it?" Trilla asked.

Madelyn didn't say anything.

Trilla looked up as Darth Vader entered the room again, and bowed to him. Madelyn looked between them and bowed a little clumsily, and would have fallen over if Trilla hadn't grabbed the back of her shirt. She gave her an annoyed look as she stood up again, and Trilla laughed.

"Don't worry, next time I'll just let you fall over."

Darth Vader sighed, "Madelyn Linnett will be coming with me to Courscant." He informed Trilla, and Madelyn felt something shift in the force. She looked at Trilla, who was trying to keep a blank expression, but something shifted in her expression as she looked down at Madelyn. It looked like fear.

"Yes Darth Vader." Trilla said finally.

"You may leave." Darth Vader said, and he looked down at Madelyn. "And you will come with me." He motioned his hand, and started to walk; Madelyn giving one final look to Trilla, a worried expression; before she followed Darth Vader from the room. They walked in silence for what felt like forever before Madelyn worked up the courage to speak.

Madelyn looked up at Darth Vader, and swallowed hard, nervous. "May I be permitted to ask you a question Sir?"

There was a pause in Vader's audible breathing, "You may."

"Do you wear that because you need to or because it helps you look scarier?" Madelyn asked, glancing at him and his suit again.

"What do you think?" Darth Vader asked with a glance to her.

"A bit of both, probably."

Darth Vader let out a sound that was almost a laugh. "You are closer to the truth then you realise." He paused. "I'm afraid I still use Clones for my protection. But they will not harm you." He stopped and Madelyn did too, looking up at him, pale and afraid.

"Are you sure?" Madelyn asked, not wanting to question him but needing to know.

Darth Vader nodded. "They know you are with me."

"Okay. I mean...yes Darth Vader." Madelyn shifted on her feet.

"Then let us proceed." Darth Vader said, turning on his heel with Madelyn following close behind. "I trust you will behave yourself in the presence of the Emperor. Not everyone has the the privileged of meeting him face to face."

"Yes Darth Vader." Madelyn said quietly. She paused and pointed to her face. "But won't he...I mean, I look like a monster."

Darth Vader stopped suddenly, and turned to look at Madelyn sharply. "You are not a monster. You and I...we just carry our scars on the outside. Most people have them, like us; but they carry them in here." Darth Vader pointed to his chest. "Do not call yourself a monster again. You are a survivor. Understand?"

Madelyn took a sharp breath. "Yes, I understand." She gave him a tiny smile, grateful. And then it disappeared as quickly as it had come.

"Then let us proceed." Darth Vader started to walk again, and Madelyn quickly followed. She tried to push her old life from her mind, tried to not think about Master Luminara. Oya. She thought to herself. Stay Alive.

Tionne stilled her emotions to the moment, so as not to affect Madelyn, but even she twitched at the presence of Vader and the Second Sister. The numbered Inquisitors had been the most loyal, and most twisted by the dark, having each been personally trained by the Dark Lord of the Sith. Set apart from the other Inquisitors and the Sons and Daughters that Vader had trained, they were rabid in their devotion to the Empire, and 'Trilla' had been no different.

That Vader was taking Madelyn to meet the Emperor spoke of a different role for her, however.

For she was going to become a Hand.

IC: Madelyn Linnett, Darth Vader
Imperial Palace, Courscant



Darth Vader walked through the doors of the Imperial Palace, once the Jedi Temple of Courscant. Madelyn found herself numb, trying to control her emotions as she walked through the halls next to Darth Vader. There were more guards then she remembered the Jedi ever having, and wondered just who the Emperor was. She kept close to Darth Vader as they walked up to a set of doors, because it had become colder with every passing second. When the doors opened, Madelyn was greeted by an older man, hunched over on a Throne.



"Darth Vader. Who is this you have brought to me?"

Darth Vader fell to his knees, and Madelyn copied him, looking up at the old man with curiosity and caution. This must be the Emperor. Madelyn thought to herself. She looked up at him, and found the Emperor gazing back at her with equal curiosity.

"Yes Master. This is former Padawan Madelyn Linnett." Darth Vader answered.

"And now she has graced my presence." Emperor Palpatine motioned his hand toward Madelyn. "Come closer, it's alright young Madelyn." He smiled a little as she stood, and walked towards him. Emperor Palpatine held out his hand and took one of Madelyn's. "You are quite the survivor aren't you? To have walked away from the Jedi unscathed." He mused. "Tell me, do you know who I am Madelyn?"

"You're the Emperor of the Galaxy." Madelyn answered, remembering what Darth Vader had told her on the way here. That she should be respectful and listen to what he had to say. "You ruled over everything."

"Not the farthest reaches of the galaxy unfortunately." Emperor Palpatine answered. "But yes, that is who I am. When you address me, you shall call me Your Majesty. Is that understood?"

"Yes...your Majesty." Madelyn answered. She felt a little less scared of the cold, and wondered why she was allowed to stand and why Darth Vader still had to kneel.

"You seem very smart. Tell me, do you like to read?" Emperor Palpatine asked.

"I love to read. But I haven't read much in the last two years your Majesty."

"There is still a vast library here. Perhaps you could be permitted entry."

Madelyn nodded, perhaps a little too eagerly and Emperor Palpatine chuckled.

"But unfortunately, I cannot permit a former Jedi." Emperor Palpatine mused. "But I could permit an Emperors Hand."

"What's an Emperor's Hand, your Majesty?" Madelyn asked, her eyes were bright though; at the thought of being able to read again. In a library.

"Ah, this my child is a privilege given to the very best of my students. You will be trained of course; have a place to sleep and eat, and you do not need to fear anyone." Emperor Palpatine explained. He looked over at Darth Vader, who was watching them carefully. "You may also seek as much knowledge as you wish." He looked amused. "Within reason of course."

Madelyn looked between Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, and slowly nodded. Because she did want all of those things, she didn't want to have to fear anyone, and she wanted a chance to be trained again. She wanted the freedom that came with it. "I think I would like that...to become an Emperor's Hand, your majesty."

Emperor Palpatine nodded, pleased; and let go of her hand. "Excellent." He looked at Darth Vader. "Thank you for bringing the child to Courscant Darth Vader. You may go back to the tasks I have given you." He looked at Madelyn as one of his aids stepped forward. "You will be shown you're room, and you will be permitted to use the library facilities once you are settled in. Please make it noted that Hand Linnett will be permitted to the library-" Emperor Palpatine told his aid. "-and that you will not interfere with her studies."

The aid bowed, and Madelyn did as well; before she followed him out of the room. She did her best to avoid the ghosts that wandered the halls. The one's she could feel in her heart, asking her why.

Tionne watched with a cool expression the presence of Darth Sidious. "The Dark Lord of the Sith," she murmured. "Why did you decide to do that, do you think?" She spoke slowly, and softy.

It was not a weighted question, just one that had to be asked by the Jedi Master, to understand this apprentice. The Empire had turned many to the dark side, including her husband, when he and his father Ranik were found, and Vader slew his master. There was a terrible parallel to it, and Tionne had spent many a night with him working through that decision, and he had only turned back to the light a handful of years before Madelyn too.

Madelyn thought carefully, wondering why it had been so easy for her to turn when the opportunity arose. She frowned a little, and slowly conveyed her thoughts to Tionne. "I guess, it was because I didn't have anything else to lose." Madelyn admitted, more to herself. "I'd already lost my life before, and Master Luminara told me that if we ever got separated, I had to survive." Madelyn looked upset. "So that's what I was doing, surviving." Madelyn shifted on her feet, "And well, I didn't see any other options. The Jedi Order was gone, and Master Luminara was gone. And I was in the hands of the Empire. How could I have escaped? I was ten." Madelyn let out a shaky breath. "I didn't have a chance."

"Not a chance," Tionne repeated, "and not a choice," she added firmly.

"I feel as if I should ask whether you believe that, or not; that you had no choice." Tionne looked at her with her white eyes. "Or, do you feel as if you had a choice, and made one that reflects badly on your now?"

In essence she was asking; do you feel guilty?

Madelyn looked away from Tionne, and stared at the ground. Did I have a choice? I probably did. I should have chosen to keep to the light, but is it wrong that I choose survival over everything else? She looked up at Tionne, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I suppose I did have a choice." She admitted, "It's not like I didn't feel guilty about it, but if I had refused I probably wouldn't be here right now. I imagine Master Luminara is very disappointed in me. I wasn't the first Padawan Learner she lost to the darkside." Madelyn thought of Barriss Offee, and wondered if things had be different, would Master Luminara have allowed her into their lives? Or would she have kept her at arms length, because she wouldn't have wanted Barriss to feel replaced, to feel like more of an outsider?

"I think what matters most Master, is that I'm trying to be a better person now; and have been trying these last nine years. I have to set an example especially for my daughter, Leia. She's force sensitive as well, though she probably will not be joining the Jedi Praxeum for another few years. Her Resol'nare training isn't completed." Madelyn shifted, looking a little proud. "I have to do the right thing, regardless of what happened in my past. The choices I make now have to mean something."

Tionne nodded, slowly. “Leia, yes, your daughter.” For a moment the Jedi Master felt her own disquiet that her and Kam did not have children, but also the argument that Jedi should not have attachments, and she had already broken that old cardinal rule.

“Do you want to show me more, or do you want to talk about Leia. I feel as if she’s a big reason why you’re here, after all.” Training your daughter was a big responsibility, after all. Tionne reflected upon the relationship she saw between Leia Organa Solo and her children, though Leia was not formally trained nor training them.

Madelyn frowned. "I'm not sure anything else would be useful Master. Unless there is something specific you would like to know about." She gave her kind look, relaxing a little more; like a burden had been taken off her shoulders. "Leia is a pretty big reason why I'm here, I guess. I uh, got pregnant rather quickly after I met my husband. It was hard, but we came through it together as a family and Leia was a big part of that. We also wanted to name her after someone strong, and well..." Madelyn laughed a little and trailed off. "There's an old Mandalorian saying, train your sons to be strong but your daughters to be stronger." She smiled and then asked, "I don't know if it's okay to ask but uh...do you have a family? I know the Jedi can be pretty strict on that, I've heard."

"I have a husband, actually," Tionne said. "A former member of the Reborn Emperor's Dark Side Elite, a seven Dark Jedi team that served as his most loyal enforcers - after the Hands were disbanded, of course."

"And Master Skywalker has a wife, and of course Leia has her own children, though she isn't technically an active Jedi Knight, being Chief of State and all," Tionne said wryly.

She paused. "Have you met any other Dark Jedi who turned back? I know Mara has spent some time with the squadron over the years, but she..." Tionne struggled for the exact words. "Didn't fall to the dark side in the most traditional sense."

Madelyn listened and nodded along as Tionne spoke. "You're husband was a dark Jedi too?" Madelyn sounded curious, but didn't want to pry too much. She and Tionne didn't know each other very well, after all. "I have met Mara, though we didn't remember each other very well from our time as Emperor's Hands. I usually locked myself away in the library when I wasn't on a mission. I uh...didn't like people too much back then." Madelyn admitted with shrug. She thought for a moment about Trilla, and decided to tell Tionne more about her.

"Trilla and I met a few years back again, I thought she had died with the fall of the Empire but I was wrong. It was...strange. I had no idea we knew each other back at the Jedi Temple. She was in Wolf Clan too, though a few years older then me. I repressed a lot of memories from before the Clone Wars." Madelyn said, trying not to think about how awful she had felt and how Trilla had been the first person to really believe she could change. "I thought I was a monster for the things I had done, and Trilla was the first person tell me that I was going to be alright." Madelyn explained. "I didn't believe her back then. And we didn't see each other much after that, but I wish I could tell her that she was sort of right." Madelyn sighed, and shook her head. "Things are alright, but I want to keep making my life better for both me and my family."

"I heard," Tionne said, carefully. "That other Inquisitors survived their demise, so I am not surprised that Trilla did too - there are recordings from Cere and Cal Kestis, though their ultimate fate I could not tell you of." Some two hundred active Jedi survived Order 66, but in the nineteen-year long Dark Times, most of them were killed or turned to the dark side. Tionne could name most of those Jedi Masters and Knights, but there were even less records of the Padawans that had survived. "The Clone Wars were such a terrible break from peace that it scarred the galactic psyche hard."

Tionne paused. "I am unsure whether it has yet healed... now the Empire is beaten, maybe." She brightened up. "You've definitely found the perfect place to make your life better, Madelyn. In healing your spirit, you will heal your future. The scars, they are in you, as much as everyone else."

"Peace will return, completely, and utterly." She smiled warmly, and filled the Force with light.

Madelyn looked thoughtful, and wondered if there were indeed more Jedi from the Clone Wars still alive. Is was unlikely, but if Trilla had survived, and she had survived all these years, perhaps there was a chance. "The Clone Wars was horrible, and the Republic should never have allowed the Jedi to send children into war." She thought for a moment, and then added, "I wonder if the same events would have unfolded, if the Jedi had never been involved in the first place."

She smiled a little at Tionne's words, and allowed herself to be bathed in the light of the force. Madelyn shut her eyes and breathed deeply, like she had been taught to do with her meditation years ago. "Please teach me how to heal Master. I would really like to become a Jedi."

“Perhaps it would have gone differently,” Tionne said softly. “Perhaps if the Jedi has stopped Palpatine in his office that night, your story would have turned out better, or, for all we know - worse.”

“But ‘what-if’s’ are corrosive, Madelyn,” she squeezed Madelyn’s hands and drew her back to the room on Yavin 4 all the more fully. “If you believe otherwise -“

There was a massive explosion, and Tionne cut short her moment. A comlink appeared in her hand. “Master Skywalker?”

She looked back to Madelyn. “I am needed in the control room - the shield generator has been sabotaged. The Second Imperium threatened to attack Yavin 4 - and now we’re exposed.” She turned to go, exuding determination and not an iota of panic, but she wanted to be sure Madelyn was okay.

Madelyn felt a little guilty still, but Tionne was right. It didn't matter what had happened then, in a way. Because it had made her the person she was now. Madelyn had survived; regardless of everything that was thrown at her and that stood in her way. She looked up at the sound of an explosion, and let out a steady breath; trying to ready herself for whatever come next. "I don't believe otherwise Master." She admitted, and then added; "But if you need my help, you have it."

In short order, they stood in a room with Luke Skywalker, but also his niece and nephew, the teenage Jaina and Jacen Solo, as well as their friends, Tenel Ka, and Lowbacca. They distributed their numbers to check the generator, and take a freighter our beyond the jamming -

There was a crack, and ships dropping into orbit - TIEs, a battle platform, and behind it, the Shadow Academy station which served the Second Imperium. Tionne set her jaw, firm. The sky was suddenly full of dark shapes on jet-packs - dozens upon dozens of Dark Jedi, trained by the Empire’s successor.

Tionne regraded Madelyn and a dozen other students. “We need to disperse across the jungle - draw their numbers out, split their assault...”

“... are you up to the task?”

Madelyn greeted the others politely as they met up at the shield generator, and turned her attention to the task at hand. She looked up at the sound of jet packs and scowled slightly at the though of them invading this place, but she turned her attention back to Tionne when she spoke. Madelyn looked at all the Jedi in training. Including, she realised; herself.

"Yes, I can deal with a few of them." Madelyn answered. "But it's best that no one goes alone. We have strength in numbers." Madelyn explained carefully. She looked over at Master Skywalker. "If we keep splitting them up, like Master Tionne said, then I believe we can get rid of them quickly."

Luke nodded. “The leader of the assault - Brakiss. He is a former apprentice of the Academy and should be considered extremely dangerous. If you see him, comm me and I’ll head to where you are.”

The apprentices rumbled and one haughtily replied. “We can take any of these Imperial Knights, Master Skywalker.”

“You will obey my orders, Raynar,” said Skywalker firmlu. His eyes took in Madelyn. “Is that understood?”

"Understood Master Skywalker." Madelyn answered with a nod. "See the bad guy, call you to deal with it." She quickly tossed a smile at the apprentices, hoping she was being reassuring. Madelyn turned to Tionne, "Will I be going with you Master Tionne?" Madelyn asked, feeling a little elated, and a little nervous about the circumstances.

"Yes, you will," Tionne said, and she looked to other apprentices. There weren't many other Jedi Knights on world, and Luke and her were the only Masters. "Come on - into the jungles." Temple shook from TIE strafing, and the brown-cloaked Jedi rushed into the treeline.

Black-clad warriors were dropping down, discarding their jetpacks and igniting their crimson blades, cutting at trees, and at whatever they felt was remotely in their way. Tionne, Madelyn and three other apprentices were on their way. A TIE fighter strafed the entrances to the Temple, apart from the main hangar it seemed, and an explosion threw apart the five of them, the apprentices throwing themselves one way, and Tionne the other -

Madelyn was about to ask a question in response, when a TIE strafing shook the Jedi Temple. Madelyn ducked instinctively, and then followed the others and Master Tionne to the tree line. She felt exhilarated in one way, like she always did before and during a battle. Her husband liked to tease her about it. How the way she felt before and during any battle was just her Mandalorian side coming out.

She didn't have much time to dwell on that thought though, because a sudden explosion threw her off her feet and onto the ground. Madelyn winched as she looked up, hearing the fighting in the distance and above, and slowly sat up. Master Tionne? Madelyn thought, looking around. She frowned a little, and realising that they had been separated, Madelyn looked over to see where the other apprentices were and if they needed help.

The three apprentices - young humans each, panicked and ignited their training lightsabers, and a TIE almost immediately turned to follow the helpful beacons -

"Turn those off, turn them off." Madelyn scrambled to her feet and went towards the apprentices as the Tie Fighter came up on them. "They can see you!" She turned to face the TIE fighter and motioned for them to get out of the way. "Move quickly before it can get a target on you!" She grabbed the closest apprentices and shoved them to the side as she tried to move out of the way as well. "Get going!"

The three moved, hesitantly, but their deactivated their lightsabers immediately. The TIE fired anyway, scorching the spot where they had just stood, and there was a yank in the Force which drew the four of them deeper into the jungle, towards Tionne, who looked unharmed but clearly upturned.

Pushing her hair out of her eyes, Tionne nodded to Madelyn her gratitude and led the group into the treeline property. When she spied a slab of stone cast off from the Temple, she peered at it and looked at Madelyn again. "Do you think you can lift that?" Her eyes took in the other apprentices. "Together?"

There was a rustle, and the dark side vibrated, as the TIEs headed up, pursuing a fleeing freighter.

Madelyn felt a sense of relief as Master Tionne appeared again, and that the other apprentices were alright. "I'm glad everyone's okay." Madelyn said as she dusted herself off, pulling a couple of twigs from her hair before she followed Master Tionne with the others. She looked at the slab of stone cast off from the Jedi Temple after Master Tionne did. "Yes, I think so." She looked at the others. "Before we run into anymore trouble."

As they setup, the battle-platform that had been used by the Dark Jedi to launch into the jungle exploded, impacted by one of the fliers that the Jedi teens had flown into battle. Three darksiders came crashing through the undergrowth, and Tionne looked at the slab with a nod, glanced at them all and put a finger to her lips, and then, stepped forward, passing her lightsaber to Madelyn with a smile.

They marshalled their hands, electricity gathered in their hands. Tionne stepped forward, calm, and her arms folded.

Trusting.

Utterly trusting of Madelyn and the other younger apprentices.

Madelyn held her breath as they started to set up, only to be interrupted by three darksiders crashing through the undergrowth at the sound of a nearby explosion. She turned to Master Tionne, only to have her lightsaber pressed into her own hands with a smile. What is Master Tionne planning?

She frowned a little as Master Tionne stepped forward and kept the lightsaber close, watching; waiting to see if the darksiders would make a move first, or if the other younger apprentices would be able to move the slab of stone. Madelyn called on the force and readied herself. She needed to stay focused.

The younger apprentices strained with the Force, but clearly they needed her help, and the slab drifted up.

Tionne stood there, smiling as if the three Dark Jedi were nothing more than unwanted house-guests.

"We have the Force," they snarled, energy crackling within their gloved hands.

"Yes, you do," Tionne said, softly. "But can you attack me, and protect yourself?" She looked up, and the Dark Jedi did so also. As one, their faces dropped, and they slowly, begrudgingly, dropped their hands. Tionne fluttered a finger and vines ripped from the trees, binding their hands and legs. They toppled, compliant, and Tionne looked to the others.

"You can lay down the stone now, my apprentices." She smiled, pleased that they had disabled the enemy without violence. "Well done," she said, looking into Madelyn's eyes and holding out her hand to accept the lightsaber back.

This was how a true Jedi changed the world; peacefully, as best as she could.

For Madelyn, who had faced violence and war for most of her life, Tionne wanted to ensure this lesson reached her most of all.

Madelyn watched everything carefully. The Apprentices lifting the slab, Master Tionne talking down the darksiders. To her surprise, they actually listened and didn't make a move against them. Madelyn helped the apprentices lower the stone slab and turned back to Master Tionne as she congratulated them and asked for her lightsaber back. Madelyn did so, and stepped back; impressed. "That was...nice. Usually a darksider doesn't just surrender like that." And then, "If I was in their shoes, years ago; I'm not sure if I would have." Madelyn admitted. She smiled a little. "I still can't believe they just listened to you."

Tionne smiled. "The dark side is fear, which translates into self-preservation, at the end of it all."

She looked up, and could see the skies full of New Republic X-wings and shuttles, with a variety of blockade runners and gunships, Corellian designs, dropping from orbit. A purple-fortress received a wave of fire, a speck in the distance - the Force shone with hope, as the Second Imperium ground forces were routed -

And then two Imperial-class Star Destroyers appeared, and the Force rumbled with fear -

"Do you have a ship," Tionne said firmly. "We need to evacuate."

This was a far, far larger force than they had expected the Second Imperium to have; double what the team had faced at the Battle of Korriban nine years ago. TIEs would soon be screaming down from the sky, and the Force warned them that the ships were full of Stormtroopers -

"This is bad."

Madelyn hesitated and then nodded, "Yes, I have a ship Master." She looked at the others. "Follow me; quickly. We can use it to leave." She turned back to Master Tionne. "And get somewhere safer." She turned and started to walk off towards the forest to where she had hidden her ship. "It might be a little cramped, but we can all fit in there and it has really good shields." Madelyn looked back to see if they were following her.

They rushed through the undergrowth, prisoners in tow, when all of a sudden there was a loud crack and everyone looked up, even if they didn't want to - but one of the Imperial Star Destroyers had just exploded!

The other pinwheeled around, and the New Republic forces chased it -

Tionne deflated a little, and the Dark Jedi, who had been lowly talking among themselves as if a plan was being formulated, looked stricken. A few moments later, even the purple-fortress - the Shadow Academy - exploded, and the Dark Jedi cried out, tears streaming down most of their eyes.

"Master Brakiss! The Emperor!"

Tionne looked back at them, and back to the apprentices.

"We've won," relief was evident in her voice. This was battle; victory one moment, defeat the next, frantic panic throughout. Keeping calm was the necessity of a Jedi.

There was a flurry of emotion as Madelyn led the group to her ship. They almost reached it when there was a loud noise above them and she looked up in time to see a Star Destroyer breaking apart.

She stopped and turned towards the others, elated. Madelyn dropped her smile when she noticed the darksiders tears and turned to Master Tionne.

"Shall we continue to my ship or head back to the Temple Master?"

"Back to the Temple," Tionne said, firmly, and indeed a variety of Jedi made their way to the Jedi Temple. The battle was over, and the Force grew silent with the pained aftermath. They were there, mainly Knights, but Master Kyle Katarn had joined them too, and he helped apprentices along into the Great Temple clearing, before a cloaked, bloody, muddy man stepped to bar them from entry, blocking the entrance.

He snarled at them to stand back, and Jaina Solo stepped out, the teenager drawing her blade against his, talking down the other man - the other teenager - Zekk, the Second Imperium's Darkest Knight. He was barely speaking sense, demanding they back-off, and Luke was standing there, regarding Tionne, and even Madelyn, urging them to let Jaina reach her former friend.

Their lightsabers clashed, and then Jaina stopped -

Luke turned back to look at his niece.

Zekk looked uncertain, unsure, and slowly, glacially, brought his blade to her neck -

The Force surged with danger -

Madelyn followed Tionne back to the Jedi Temple, and soon they met with more Jedi Knights. She glanced at them, and then stepped back a little as Jaina Solo stepped out, one of the apprentices against another teenager. This one however felt very dedicated to the darkside. She kept steady as she watched them and then the force surged with danger as Jaina stopped and the dark Jedi brought his blade to her neck.

Madelyn let out a slow breath, reaching out to the force as she took a step forward. "Hey, what are you doing?" She asked gently, like a mother would; it was mostly directed to Jaina but her eyes were on Zekk. Curious, cautious. She did't want to see anyone get hurt but didn't want to make Zekk act rashly and hurt Jaina.

Zekk's eyes, maddening, victorious, triumphant, flittered across them all even as Luke held out a hand to stall Madelyn -

The Force surged and the Temple exploded, detonated by a Second Imperium bomb that had been timed to go off now.

Luke brought his hands back to front of them, but they were all sufficiently distant, stalled by Zekk, that the only person in danger was the Darkest Knight himself, who interposed himself between the fire and Jaina -

Tionne blinked.

Zekk had been saving them!

Madelyn stopped as Luke held out a hand to stop her and looked at him with uncertainty before the explosion startled her. Madelyn let out a slow breath, and then her expression changed to surprise. He had saved Jaina and them from harm. She looked at the others and let out a breath of relief, glad that no one was seriously hurt.

The rest of the day was mop-up, really. The Second Imperium fleet was shattered, and the New Republic secured the world, sending down medics and soldiers to take the Dark Jedi prisoner; they were en route to Oovo IV, where Drayson had directed Madelyn a dozen times over the years to keep Sith artefacts in a secret part of the immense prison complex.

Luke and Tionne eventually found time to settle down with Madelyn. Luke looked tired, but light filled him. "Thank you for your assistance, Madelyn," the Jedi Master said, softly. "I understand from Tionne that you were a great help during the jungle battles. You are far away from the darkness that once dominated your life."

"You should be proud," Tionne added.

"Very proud," Luke agreed. He looked from her back to Madelyn. "I understand you wish to attend the praxeum and complete your Jedi training, but I believe that you have already done so. Your final Trial, yes, that is out there, ready for you, but I sense it will soon come... and that is not something that I can do for you, and there is nothing your Master in the past could not have prepared you for..."

His eyes peered into Madelyn.

"Your heart is truly healed, after all. Your family, your partners, they have saved you, I can see that." Tionne seemed to slightly still, but Luke continued. "So when the final Trial comes... you will have became a true Jedi Knight..."

Tionne pushed through whatever had held her. "Do you agree, Madelyn?"

Madelyn helped the best she could with the clean up, and then sat down with Master Luke Skywalker and Master Tionne to talk. She listened quietly, proud of herself as Luke spoke. And then turned her head upwards when he started to talk about her trial.

Madelyn looked over at Master Tionne when she started to speak and let out a slow breath. "I agree?" Madelyn replied, though she felt exhausted. I can finally become a Jedi Knight!

Pausing for a moment she asked, "How will I know my trial Masters?" Madelyn sounded cautious.

Luke looked at her, that otherworldly expression again to his face. "You'll know."

He turned aside, and headed off. Tionne watched him go, to direct apprentices to move stones into place as they reconstructed the Jedi Temple. "He does that," she said drily. "You get used to it."

"The final Trial," Tionne said, softly. "It'll be hard - a surprise, even. I'd recommend you go back home, to your family, before it intervenes." She sounded fairly serious for a moment. "When Master Skywalker senses something imminently, it will be just that."

Madelyn felt confused at Master Luke Skywalker and his sudden departure. She looked at Master Tionne as she spoke and nodded in agreement, though she was nervous. "Yes. Alright. But let me know if you need anything else." Madelyn thought for a moment. "And if you have time Master, you're welcome at my home on Mandalore."


@Sinrebirth

 

OOC:A honeymoon combo with myself and @JediMasterAnne

IC Pascale and Feyna Rouser
Location: Naboo

So far the honeymoon had gone off without a hitch, sadly their wedding had turned into a battleground but Pascale was hoping this honeymoon would more than make up for it.

He had managed his friend Eldres Daume's place again for their break and it was ideal for trips into Theed and to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Lake Country again. And to get some much needed together time.

Now in the middle of their honeymoon he had taken Feyna back to where it had all began….their little love island paradise.

Pascale lay on his back on the sand feeling the sun warming his body and face as he looked up at the beautiful blue sky.

"I am so glad we came back here" he said with a smile "I've always wanted to return here with you, to come back to where we first cemented our love for each other".

"I never imagined when I met you on Korriban that one day we would end up married. But I am so happy we have. And that I get to share so much with you".

Feyna was stretched out next to him, on her stomach with her head resting on her arms. The sun was warm on her back, there was a pleasant breeze, and with the various stresses of the wedding behind them, it was nice to just be able to relax together.

She was still slightly peeved about the disruption at their wedding, but she had mostly moved on from it, and of course she didn't take it out on Pascale; it hadn't been his fault--though he had seemed to be trying throughout their honeymoon to make up for it anyway.

"I'm glad, too," she replied, lifting her head to look at him. "I don't think I'd have predicted it, either."

Pascale turned on his side to look at her properly. He couldn't get enough of looking at this beautiful woman. He moved closer placing an arm across her back.

"At least with the galaxy in relative peace now we can enjoy times like this, maybe even get more breaks than we used to as we are not needed so much on missions I would think".

"Well of course there will be Sith artefacts to find but I'm sure that would not be as urgent now. That we could actually think about a peaceful future".

He gently stroked her back "And hopefully no interruptions during this honeymoon".

"Let's hope," she chuckled. She propped herself up on her elbows. "The galaxy seems to like to throw a hydrospanner in the works every time things start to settle."

Pascale kept the arm across her back as she propped herself up and chuckled, also still laying on his side"Well if it does, let's hope it is after this break is done".

He turned serious "But if things do settle, or maybe if they do not would you like to find somewhere to settle down? I mean as much as I love my yacht, perhaps we could find a place to live if my yacht is ever grounded or eventually we decide to pack it all in and retire".

Of course he had Forteresse Malevil the Rouser family estate back on Commenor but he didn't think his parents would be too pleased with him returning there. Even if he had changed.

She seemed to think about it. She'd had a small apartment on Coruscant, back before Korriban, but she'd let it go after, once the Fortuna had become the team's mobile base. "I certainly don't mind living on the Fortuna; it works for now, while we're still going artifact-hunting all over the place. But it would be nice to find a more permanent arrangement...

"What would you say to finding something here, on Naboo?"

Pascale smiled at that. It seemed Feyna had fallen in love with this place as much as he had done.

"I would say it is the perfect place. Good architecture and history. Beautiful scenery. Plenty of quiet and tranquil places to settle down, either here or somewhere else…"

Of course he had the wealth to buy one of these Lake Country places but was it too remote?

"Theed is good. Plenty to do there to keep us occupied if we wish and would be a good place to be if we ever get stuck. Or we could move here, nobody about, just us and the beautiful scenery. Theed of course is a little bit away but not so far that it couldn't be reached if we needed to get there".

Again, she considered. She did like it out here, by themselves; it made for nice little getaways when they needed it, but it was a bit out of the way. And though she knew Pascale could afford it, it felt like a bit of an extravagance.

"Maybe something at the edge of the city?" She suggested. "Not right in the middle of everything"--though Theed definitely wasn't anything near as crowded or busy as Coruscant--"but not too far from it, either, in event of an emergency. Your friend doesn't seem to mind us staying here if we need to get away, and we could always move later if we change our minds."

Pascale covered one of her hands with his own, gave it a squeeze and then leaned forward and kissed her cheek "Perfect" he said.

"I'm quite happy with that, this place holds happy memories for us and I think it is the ideal place for us to live. And Eldres is always happy for us to visit….so long as we don't trash the place" he chuckled.

Pascale remained quiet for a few moments, his hand still covering Feyna's "Talking about things like this makes me realise how much we have gotten through to get here. Korriban, all those missions we have been on, nearly getting split up at Taris…."

"I didn't know when the Empire invaded Taris whether I would get to marry you, and yet here we are, talking about the future. I always thought I would be traveling alone, traveling the stars. I don't know about you…"

Feyna nodded slowly, squeezing his hand as she shifted onto her side, facing him more directly.

"I'd probably still have been alone, too, if I hadn't met you. But we have each other now, and I know that my life is better for it, that I'm happier for it."

Pascale wrapped his arms gently around Feyna after she shifted onto her side smiling at her as she looked directly at him "I quite agree on all counts" he said gently "You are the best thing that's happened to me, to have come into my life and I am eternally grateful for it".

Again he was quiet for a few moments enjoying holding his wife before he spoke again.

"I suppose Madelyn will want to expand her flock again. I suspect those kids are a handful, I don't know how she does it!" He chuckled at that.

"But I do wonder….whether you have thought about whether you would like children at some point or whether you are happy with just me and you".

Feyna's eyes dropped nervously; probably they should have had this discussion before getting married, she realized.

"I'd like to," she said, looking up again to try to gauge what Pascale was thinking. "Not right away, of course." They were only just married, after all; it could wait a few years.

"But I'd still be okay if we don't," she added, uncertain of what he wanted. Her happiness didn't depend on having children.

Pascale took a few minutes to gather his thoughts together. Poor Feyna looked nervous and he knew himself that this conversation would pop up sooner or later.

He hoped he wasn't going to ruin things with his answer. Pascale moved one of his hands up to run his fingers through her hair as he spoke.

"I sadly do not want children," he said gently, looking Feyna directly in the face ""It's because I'm scared Feyna, and there are not a lot of things that scare me".

"What scares me the most is whether I would be a good father, whether I would be a good role model for this child. Whether I could even look after it well. Because one day that child will find out who I was, a scoundrel, a womanizer….a murderer."

"At the wedding when I saw those troopers aim their guns at Madelyn's kids I wondered how we would react if we were in the same position. What would happen if our kid sees us in pain and suffering and goes crazy like Arek did? What would we have to do to stop them? And I don't want us to go through the pain of losing a child if another war pops up".

He moved his face closer to hers "That's not to say that if you did get pregnant I wouldn't love that child or tell you to get rid of it. I would love that child as much as I love you. You know that I would do anything for you Feyna and I think you would be a very good mother."

"I am sorry if my answer upsets you or hurts you in any way. But I promised I would always be honest with you."

Her eyes fell again; she was disappointed, but she understood.

"We'll just have to be careful from now on," she stated neutrally.

"And while I respect your feelings...I think if people let fear stop them from having children, there'd probably be no people left. I think you'd be a better father than you give yourself credit for. That you worry about it says a lot.

"I worry about what kind of mother I'd be, too--I never had one myself. And I do worry about keeping a child safe if there is another war.

"Madelyn has a darker past than you, but she's become a good friend and a wonderful mother in spite of it."

She kept her voice and tone calm as she spoke; she wasn't trying to start an argument on their honeymoon, and she'd already said that she'd be okay with not having children, but she wanted him to see that she had some of the same fears.

Pascale's heart dropped, he could see the disappointment clearly. It seemed they had hit their first hump on their journey together. "I'm sorry," he said again.

"You make a very fair point cheri" he said "I guess we are both fearful as we have been alone for so long and now we have been thrust into a totally different world. It was a dangerous world, now not so much of course but we both know what could happen again".

"Perhaps as we continue our journey together we can overcome that fear, maybe I will change my mind. All I know is that we will always work things out together and I know whatever challenges we face we will never face them alone. That perhaps as you say we are better parents than we think we might be".

Feyna nodded, squeezing her husband's hand. "I'm not trying to force you to change your mind, and I'm not going to push you about it.

"We don't have to keep talking about it now, we can revisit the subject again in a few years, but only if you want to. If you change your mind, I want it to be in your own time, and only if it's what you want, not just because I want."

Pascale nodded and smiled at his wife "Of course, you know I would let you know anything. I promised I would be honest and truthful to you and I intend to keep that promise for as long as I live".

He pulled her gently towards him "I love you Feyna Rouser" he got a thrill from saying his surname now for her as he leaned forward to kiss her deeply.

She smiled. "I love you, too," she echoed, moving closer and kissing him back.

Pascale kept his arms around her as he shifted position, moving onto his back and pulling her with him his hands beginning to explore as he kissed her long and deep, he didn't really need to say any more now it was time for them to enjoy each other's company once again.

After all, this was their time and it was theirs to do whatever they wished.

Feyna shifted with him, returning his kisses as she undid the tie-strings of her swim clothes, inviting him to go further if he liked, while her hands did their own wandering...

Pascale helped Feyna undress before removing his own swim shorts and continuing his kisses and exploration with his hands. He wanted to savour every moment of this but his desire was growing stronger and stronger by the moment.

Soon enough they would both have to give in but Pascale as always wanted to eke it out as much as possible before becoming one. Feyna was on top this time, and whenever she was ready he would be.

She didn't rush it, she knew that he liked to draw out their foreplay as much as possible, but she could also feel the eagerness in his touch, feeding her own desire, until she caught his lips in a long deep kiss as they finally joined.

After lovemaking, she moved off of him to settle beside him, leaning up for another kiss. "'Love you," she told him again.

"Love you too cheri" he said with a smile as he captured her lips in a long gentle kiss. He felt the breeze cool his skin and he and it felt refreshing.

He wrapped an arm around Feyna's shoulders and held her close. They had had a pretty serious set of discussions today and one had turned out difficult.

But it hadn't ruined the honeymoon which was what mattered and now they could at least enjoy the rest of their break without any more difficulties and just enjoy each other's company.

Pascale didn't know what the future would hold but he knew with Feyna by his side it would be a bright one.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @JediMasterAnne

 

(Combo Post between @Sinrebirth and myself)

IC: Emperor Palpatine
Remotely, regarding the Second Imperium army, nine years later...

The fleet was ready.

After nearly a decade, they had constructed a fine fleet. The Second Imperium had quietly collected the dregs of the other defeated warlords and Imperial Remnants, though White Eyes' rage had been immense when the peace accords between Pellaeon's Empire and the New Republic.

The plan was pretty simple.

The New Jedi Order was based on Yavin 4, and Shadow Academy, based upon a mobile battlestation, had began the siege, deploying a legion of Dark Jedi to engage Skywalker and the others. The Second Imperium fleet would arrive and secure the system, and declare to the various scattered Imperials that now was the time to rise up and destroy the lie of democracy.

The hologram of Emperor Palpatine - for that was who White-Eyes was - hovered beside Ka'rta as they regarded the saluting Stormtroopers. "You have served me well, mercenary. Your army will finish off the Jedi, and the day will be mine at long last."

"Are you prepared, my old and handsomely rich friend?"

The older, worn down mercenary looked out of the soldiers she had trained. They were as well trained as she could get them, with a few losses along the way. White Eyes didn't care, weeded out the weak, leaving only the strong. It had been a decade, and many men and women cycled in and out of her care. They were just faces in a crowd. They meant nothing to her they were just clay that she just shoved into a mold and turned out soldiers. Around her neck was a little holo-projector, a holo of her daughter, naturally born, the father she wasn't sure. Tor, as she named the child was currently under the projection of her oldest friends, Owen and Jerrod. She visited every once in a while, made sure her training was up to standard.

The mission never mattered, just the money.

"Yeah let's bring about a long Knight Fall."



In short order, the troops boarded their transports. There was a noticeable variance in the shuttles and transports, even the fighters across the hangar bay. There was very little uniformity, for the Second Imperium was an insurgent force, having been gathered from extremely stretched resources. Most of the armour on her troops was second-hand, and these Star Destroyers had in-fact been discovered in broken down shipyards, and finished off with what could be scrounged.

It was hardly the great and grand Imperial Navy from before.

The Star Destroyer, the Second Resurrection, was heading to the jump-point from the rendezvous in deep space, a second such warship showing - double the size of the force that had lost the Battle of Korriban.

"Today will be a great day for my Second Imperium," spat Palpatine. "I shall consider this the proof of my purchase, Ka'rta. When the army succeeds, I shall make your final payment, and you will be free to depart for wherever." He seemed amused. "Your task done, your legacy secure, much like the Mandalorians who trained my clone army sixty years ago."

His voice was almost gentle for a moment. "Will you spend more time with your daughter?"

The Star Destroyer was at the edge of the envelope, and already the signal grew weaker, for the Emperor was actually - apparently - reporting directly from the Shadow Academy itself, which was presently laying siege to the New Jedi Academy.

"Good, I've been getting tired of the contract." She was tired of it 2 years ago but a contract was a contract. Her troopers would fight well they would crush whatever resistance presented itself. They would keep going, they would fight till the end. Something about the brainwashing they underwent before she got a hold of them. Made them good for taking a position others would be fearful to take.

She kept quiet on whether or not she would spend more time with her child. That was hers to know, he was her employer not her friend.

"I'll do a lot of things."

With a snort, Palpatine let the comment pass. "I am sure."

At that, the communique broke, as the two Star Destroyers leapt into hyperspace.

Mere minutes passed before they arrived at the target - Yavin 4.

From the hangar, Ka'rta would be able to see the distant task force of New Republic corvettes and gunships, among them the new Ranger-class gunships. The Shadow Academy was under siege, its TIE fighters in low orbit swarming a civilian freighter.



There was a decent sized explosion in low orbit - an Imperium battle platform had exploded - and the hologram reappeared.

"The Rebel fleet arrived while you were in hyperspace... now it is time for my plan to be finalised..."

As they watched, the shields aboard the New Republic ships switched off.

"Success," snarled Palpatine. "Their computer cores were stolen during a raid on Coruscant, and we have used them to disable their ships." He turned his cloaked face. "You may deploy my army now, and we shall sweep the Jedi aside."

"Understood." Ka'rta turned to her gathered soldiers. "Get to your ships and launch." She gathered up the hand full of 'elite' soldiers and moved to a transport. This would be the final fight, she would be free from this contract and able to take another and another. It never stopped even with her accounts so filled that she could live and raise her daughter without ever having to work again. It would never change for her, she was a merc and a merc fights other people's fights.

It was a cycle that she wouldn't or couldn't break.

As the New Republic task force was pounded by massed, but inaccurate, fire, TIE fighters poured out of the hangar heading to the battle. With a roar, the troopers saluted their trainer, and the last of them rushed up their ramps. In short order, they were ready, but then -

Alarms rang out, and Palpatine sneered. "How did they - "

The New Republic ships suddenly opened fire, where they had been unable to before due to the computer system, and the Imperial Star Destroyers ceased fire. The one slight forward of them was suddenly aflame, it's shields down. Pandemonium broke out.

One of the officers shouted that the New Republic had used their computers against them, Ackbar having a command-level override that they couldn't undo. Their Star Destroyer swung around, abandoning their fighters and trapping the troops before deployment. As they turned, the other Destroyer was briefly in view, and Ka'rta would have a brief glimpse of the shuttles with the other half of his troops within spilling out, dying without even fighting the battle they had been trained for.

Palpatine's hologram sneered. "Mercenary! Take a team to the bridge, command them to turn about and fight for me! Do it or -" The line cut, for the Shadow Academy was again under siege, and in the middle of all this chaos, the Osik sat in the hangar, unattended, even as the Star Destroyer shook from sustained New Republic fire -

Before the warship completed it's full turn, the Shadow Academy exploded in the distance; from the inside out.

A self-destruct.

Palpatine was dead.

Again.

The battle was lost.

What of Ka'rta?

Seemed the trick turned into a trap, the once dormant battleships came alive again. They pounded the second imperium ships, tearing them asunder. Half her forces were gone in an instant, the Emperor shouted over the coms demanding that she take a team up to the bridge and force them to keep fighting. That was before the Shadow Academy detonated taking the Emperor with it. She could feel the shackles letting her go, being set free. Her ship sat in the hangar, no one near it, her oldest friend. It was right there, looking to her left then her right she rushed at full speed towards it. Giving her jetpack a bit of a squeeze she cleared the distance between her and her ship in record time.

She went up the boarding ramp with pistols in her hand ready to kill any that tried to stop her. She was taking her freedom.

Freedom seemed fairly easy to take, other crew members were already amid a panic, clearly poorly trained. But one officer - one she had trained, tripped over a fallen body - shot by a comrade - and his helmet rolled away. The Stormtrooper was crying, perhaps devastated by the defeat, such was his patriotism, or perhaps there was something in the air of the ailing ship.

"Sir, how did we lose? What, what did I do wrong?"

He was blocking her path to the Osik, the only impediment before her and escape, weeping over a dead body, a dead Emperor, and a dead Imperium.

The few shuttles that launched were nibbled at by gunship fire, and exploded, killing more of Ka'rta's troops as she faced this bloody tableau.

"You didn't fail, those in command did." Was all she said looking out of the hangar and watching ships be torn apart. "You've done everything right, your commanders failed." She tightened up on her pistols ready to end this here and now if needed.

“Then command us, sir,” he was begging; a young man indoctrinated to believe his cause was righteous and thus would triumph. “The rebels are a rabble - we can turn this around.”

He reached for Ka’rta, to grab her leg -

The Destroyer shook again and power cut out - no, wait, just the lights. There was still power keeping the vacuum out and gravity acrive.

For now.

"Get off me." She growled kicking the man away. "You want to fight for money then follow me, or if you want to die for your Emperor then stay here. I know what I choose." She stepped over the man continuing her march to her ship, she was getting off this sinking ship, not rearranging the deck chairs.

There was a click and whine, the man rubbing aside his tears as he stood and pointed his blaster at Ka'rta. "You're a traitor -"

His teeth curled into anger. "A mercenary. You trained me - trained us - for nine years! Where is your bloody heart!"

"You thought I had one." She leveled her pistol and pulled the trigger. She never had one, she was just in it for the money, it was always about the money, and her daughter. "That's cute."

The man had hesitated when she leveled her weapon, still surprised at Ka'rta's behaviour. He was shot dead before he realised, body clattering to the floor. There was nothing else between her and freedom, the Destroyer's engines cut out and it was drifting, turning and as it did what was left of power ceased, opening the hangar to the void -

The ship, and the Second Imperium, were dead.

"Buir." A little voice called out over the com as Ka'rta lept into hyperspace.

"Hey Ad'ika." Ka'rta's voice was softer, gentler than it had ever been. "I'm coming home..."

TAG: @Sinrebirth