Star Wars Star Wars: Episode VII: Twilight of the Dark Force: Maelstrom

This combo post is courtesy of our amazing GM Sinre. He plays the parts of Leia and Ackbar. Thank you!


IC: Sybelle, Leia, and Admiral Ackbar
D’Qar

Leia didn’t give Sybelle a choice but to follow along to their command centre. “Where are they taking Aryan?” She asked.

It was important that she be at Aryan’s side when the awakens, her posture and expression definitely showed that she was unhappy over them being separated. Besides, what could Leia and the older Admiral possibly want with her anyway? Hopefully they didn’t blame her for the loss of Cilghal, she was the one who made the choice to stay at the care home while they escaped.

"To the medbay," Leia said, firmly. "He clearly needs more support."

"And we need to discuss why the Chiss sent you," Ackbar said, gravely, as she entered the room. It was a command center. The displays showed a variety of Resistance ships; the Raddus, and two older MC80 Star Cruisers, escorted by half a dozen smaller ships. It didn't tell her much else, but that information was enough for most. She had, apparently, been trusted.

Sybelle looked to the Admiral, clearly confused.

“The Chiss? What do they have to do with me?” She asked. “You took me away from Aryan for this?” She’d waited a lifetime for Lyz to be out of the picture, and now they have the nerve to sound like the Chiss planned her arrival.

“Tekli brought us here, and she gave us no say in where our destination was.”

Ackbar turned a bulbous eye to Leia. Leia spoke up. "The Chiss and Caedus are locked in a cold war at present. A few Chiss spies have been killed, and, well, it's not looking great for factions who want to avoid another galactic war."

"My contacts in the Ascendancy say that the Syndics are considering declaring war if one more Chiss dies." Leia sat heavily for a moment. "And his involvement in Chandrila suggests Caedus was looking for you, not Aryan, or even Cilghal."

Leia looked a little tired. "We can't afford for the war to breakout without Luke here. We won't have the resources to hunt him and protect civilians. The Resistance is spread thin enough as it is."

"So you can see why we would consider it curious that you resurfaced right now," Ackbar said.

“The Ascendancy doesn’t have anything to do with me, I have no one there,” Sybelle couldn’t believe this was an issue. No one from there came to save her when her parents died, and that was a very long time ago. It was absurd that the Sith would even know her.

Sighing she rubbed her forehead and groaned. “There has to be somewhere that I can take Aryan, because we don’t want to put you at risk,” Sybelle said. “How could anyone think I’m a spy?”

"Caedus isn't sane," Leia said, simply, if a bit sadly. "That's why. And you're a Force user, so that elevates you in his eyes as a threat."

"Aryan will only be safe if we overthrow the Sith," Ackbar said gruffly. "Which means we need to use Caedus' focus against him."

Sybelle’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. You cannot be thinking that you’ll be using me as bait?” She pushed back a lock of hair that had come loose, and started pacing.

“I’ve waited for Aryan to be free of his wretched wife, and now when we can finally be together, I don’t want to be part of your war.”

"Caedus will be after you," Leia said, with a slight sigh. "I don't believe you'll be safe, ever again. My son has a way of getting what he wants."

Sybelle was getting irritated, she bit back, “I can try, you don’t know what I am capable of. I’ve hidden off and on my entire life, so let me take Aryan and disappear. We will cut off all lines of communication and disable the ships transponder.” She started a list in her head of what they needed and possible locations they could escape to.

“In fact, you won’t even know where we decide to go. You can deal with your son, that’s a situation that Aryan and I do not want to be involved in,” she said indignantly. Leia wasn’t likely to agree, Sybelle was no fool, but this was ridiculous. She wasn’t a spy for anyone and now a demented Sith was hunting her.

“I’m sorry,” she said and collapsed into a chair. “This is a lot to digest, all I wanted was to find Aryan and help him. Getting caught up in a war wasn’t something I ever anticipated.”

Leia looked at Ackbar, who turned a bulbous eye her way. An exaggerated blink of that eyelid; was that agreement? Discord?

With a sigh, Leia spoke up. "Alright, Sybelle. We can't hold you against your will. I'll supply you with a new ship, and then you can head off, whenever Aryan wakes up."

Ackbar nodded, gravely. "If we are to lure Caedus into a trap, we would require your brother, in any case, General."

"Yes," Leia said quietly. "So we'll help keep you hidden for now."

Sybelle breathed out in relief, she had not expected them to give in, especially since she was a stranger. They knew nothing about her, other than what Tekli reported. She was concerned about one detail that Leia mentioned.

“One thing,” she said, “I believe the ship we arrived in has been Aryan’s personal yacht. Would you be able to store it for him if we must leave in a different transport?” Sybelle asked.

“He has lost so much since he was locked up and abandoned in that care home. If his ship has any sort of sentimental meaning for him, then I want him to know it’s being kept safe.”

Tag: @Sinrebirth @HanSolo29

 

OOC: A crazy (but amazing!) combo with our illustrious GM – thank you so much!!

IC: The Court of Graul
Dreamscape

It was difficult to determine how much time had passed. After Aryan’s recent struggle with the dark entity, that was irrelevant. The ordeal had left him exhausted and disoriented. He only wanted to collapse and surrender himself to oblivion, which was a far more appealing option than trying to persist through this living hell. Despite Sybelle’s return, he needed this respite from the perpetual misery he had become accustomed to in his daily life.

But then the landscape shifted; images and memories flashed across his mind’s eye.

He felt himself drifting—

When he regained his bearings, he was no longer on the jungle world of D’Qar, nor was he confined to a bed in some rudimentary hospital. Instead, he stood at the heart of a vast rotunda, the podium raised beneath his feet to provide a panoramic view of the endless rows of pods and seats that lined the chamber’s perimeter. Three radiant beams streamed down from the vaulted ceiling, converging on his position to illuminate him in a harsh light. Aryan wasn’t sure whether he had fallen under scrutiny and was being interrogated or if it was a show of relevance for his past accomplishments.

Either way, he had no trouble recalling where he had seen this structure before. He had spent nearly fifteen years of his life working in this chamber, and he knew it like the back of his hand.

It was the Grand Convocation Center, home of the Galactic Senate—but when had he arrived back on Coruscant? He wasn’t aware that the place still existed in its original state. It had undergone various renovations over the years due to the damage incurred by war. If he was not mistaken, the Galactic Alliance had even commissioned a new building after the Yuuzhan Vong conflict had ravaged the previous one.

So, how was this possible?

A lump formed in his throat as he felt his anxiety beginning to rise. He quickly gripped the edges of the podium to mitigate its effects, mostly to still his shaking hands, and forced himself to squint up into the rows of seats.

His own face stared back at him through the glare of the spotlights.

He blinked.

Was it a trick of the eyes, or—?

No. It wasn’t an illusion.

Dozens of doppelgangers occupied nearly every pod in the chamber. They varied in age and appearance, but they were all unmistakably… him.

Aryan swallowed hard and only managed to utter a single word:

"Kriff."

There were some varieties, thankfully.

Other Grauls.

It was not just him, it was Norin, at least two, and Arek, and others.

The Norin's were clustered together and shouted at him as he arrived. "HIM!"

"He's the newest one! We should lynch him!"

Arek shouted back. "No, we're not going to turn on our own."

"But the Eternal Emperor, he was gone, we didn't have a Mad Bad Aryan to handle as well." Norin, the one who had fathered our Aryan, pointed again. "He channeled him!"

"Let's not go there who is baddest or worsest," Arek said, the one from the later end of the timeline, drily. He was making up words to make a point. "You're not the evil king of the castle."

The lower levels of the Grant Chamber were filled with a sea of dark miasma.

But it was placid; not roiling. Not rising. It was just... there.

"Skelm is, or was," Arek said.

The other Aryans, they were indistinct, for the moment.

The true Aryan winced and seemed to physically recoil against the accusation, particularly since the snitch was Norin Graul himself. The fact that his father—and his son Arek—were present at all was a source of confusion. Or rather, a source of greater confusion. Despite his efforts, he was still unable to determine why he was here, seemingly on trial before a jury of his peers. But in this case, the bench consisted of several iterations of himself and his family members. It was as if he had stepped into a nightmare.

In response, Aryan clenched his jaw, angling his chin toward the placid lake below, as if its presence confirmed the surreal nature of this place. From this distance, it resembled a darkened void that led into the depths of oblivion. It was unmoving, merely waiting for someone… or something to disturb its tranquility.

Was that a feat the Eternal Emperor could achieve? It was a plausible theory… except Aryan had already defeated him, regardless of his father’s claims to the contrary. He felt that in his soul; the dark man had fled moments before he had arrived here.

But what about Skelm?

That name had meaning; a familiarity that he couldn’t ignore. While he heard it uttered at some point in the past, he found it impossible to pinpoint the source. He wasn’t certain whether it derived from White Eyes’ meddling or through the cacophony of voices in his head. There were far too many for him to keep track of, but surely one of them could identify as Skelm?

Aryan pursed his lips at that notion, his brow furrowing with consternation. Ultimately, it was too much for him to comprehend. It felt… hopeless.

"I… I’m not sure I understand," he finally murmured, his voice echoing around the chamber as he lifted his gaze to peer into the scrutinizing faces above. "Why am I here? I—I subdued the Eternal Emperor. And Skelm… I don’t—"

He paused to unleash an audible gasp, his emotions becoming rampant.

"Where’s Sybelle?"

"Not here," Norin snorted. "Why would they be? This is the Court of Grauls, our temporarily distorted selves."

Arek shook his head. "Let's not." He seemed to float over, walking on nothing. "Dad, you're here because one of us was oppressed, and he's not happy about it. The Eternal Emperor should be gone, but he's hanging on, using the Court."

"Well we kicked him out after he was consumed by Graal, but here we are."

The sight of his son seemingly walking on air was more than a little unnerving, causing Aryan to involuntarily flinch as the boy approached. For a moment, that notion preoccupied his thoughts, distracting him from the true purpose of his mission here. It wasn’t until he reached out to touch his son that his gaze shifted beyond to the audience observing them from above.

It was a perpetual backdrop of himself; row after row of Aryan Graul or some relation to the Graul name.

Oppressed.

No, they didn’t look oppressed—

But then again, it was difficult to discern those details from this distance.

Or was the Eternal Emperor the one under oppression?

That didn’t make sense.

And yet…

"You said the Eternal Emperor caused this?" Aryan asked softly, his jaw muscles bunching under the strain of this revelation. It was clear from his demeanor that he was trying to work through the details and understand the weight of Arek’s words. He thought he had defeated the dark entity through his trials on D'Qar, but if the Emperor had returned to this realm to cause havoc…

Aryan exhaled sharply and lifted his chin to meet Arek’s gaze, his eyes shining with sudden realization. "No… no," he murmured quietly, his brow creasing with growing consternation. "I didn’t cause this. I—"

He unleashed an incredulous scoff and waved frantically about him to encompass the Circle of Graul. "I… don’t even know what this is! How could I bring you harm? I can’t stop these images—or, err… memories from materializing in my head!"

With a quiet curse, he abruptly ended his tirade and ran a hand through his hair in an attempt to restrain his turbulent emotions. When he spoke again, his voice was more subdued—defeated, as he tried to convince himself of the truth.

"I didn’t unleash him. I—I ended him. I saw it. I pushed him back."

"Exiled from the Court, he was," Arek explained. "Thrown back into the Force, or wherever life starts."

"But he's the least of us," Norin quipped. "No threat, not really."

"But he's trying to come back, either way," Arek said, face twisting up to indicate unpleasantness. "And you're especially temporally untethered."

"New timeline, and all that," a Norin explained.

"Could be worse," Jalynn said. "You could have died."

"I died once too," Arek said.

"Death is immaterial to me," Norin replied, laughing.

The black waters at the basin of the Senate continued to churn.

Death.

The word sent a chill down the length of Aryan’s spine and caused the hair on his arms and the back of his neck to stand on end. It served as a grim reminder of life’s fleeting quality; it was a delicate flame so easily extinguished. He had endured the loss of his son several years ago, and despite the efforts of those around him, his own well-being had declined to the point where he had spent decades in a care facility. He was a mere shadow of his former self; weak and vulnerable. In that sense, perhaps it was no surprise that he had captured the Eternal Emperor's interest. He was the perfect target to exploit if the primary goal was to regain access to this council.

Aryan scowled at that notion and lowered his gaze toward the basin, noticing the turbulence that now stirred the tranquil waters. However, for the moment, he refrained from drawing attention to it.

"I don’t know what you want from me," he finally spoke, his eyes still downcast. "You blame me for the Eternal Emperor’s return, but… there’s no urgency to banish him. Instead, you seem more intent to lecture me about my past failures than finding a solution. It’s almost like you want him here."

"I mean," Jalynn shrugged. "He is a member of the Court."

"We would rather we be complete," Norin explained.

"Rather than separate," Lyz continued.

"Alright, guys, I think that's enough," Arek said drily. "Character assassination aside, we're balanced when we don't have giant holes in our timelines. And the timelines are balanced when they don't have holes in them."

"You mean when Aryan left the Twilight'verse."

"I thought Feyna was caring for a Ben to balance that out."

"There is a Han and Sybelle-shaped hole in one of the Twilight'verse's."

"Surely Ben is powerful enough to fill any perceived hole; he's a Chosen One."

"Maybe, maybe not - the more powerful Aryan becomes, the larger that hole becomes, no?"

It was becoming difficult to track who was saying what.

"What we're trying to say," Arek stressed. "Is that we're out of balance. That's why you're suffering these temporal glitches. Why you're always suffering them. You're not the first Aryan to end up in the nuthouse."

"Definitely not," Norin laughed.

"Shush," Lyz said.

"Mom, come on, you went nuts a few times."

"Blame the Eternal Aryan."

"Either way," Arek said, drily. "The Ones are going to declare war on the Ones of Ones, Dad. We're going to be a casualty of that."

He pointed down at the black ichor at the base of the Senate. "Skelm will be too, the glue keeping the Court together."

"You can't trust the Master of Masters," quipped Norin.

"This Aryan doesn't know who that is," replied Jalynn, drily. "He may have crossed paths with the Foreteller..."

"... but that doesn't help."

"Sybelle is key, Dad," Arek said, suddenly beside his Dad, cupping his hands. "Key to you. Darth Caedus wants her; you can't let him have her."

"And the Senate - you need to get back into the Senate. Steer the galaxy away from the Epitaph," Lyz said, firmly. "Emperor, Chancellor, however it works. Do it."

"Mom is less concerned if it is with or without Sybelle," Jalynn quipped.

"Enough," Norin said, cutting them short and pointing up. "He is here. The worst of the Court."

Suddenly the Senate pods began to tremble and tumble from their perches. Norin threw out his hands and caught a dozen pods, Arek did the same, straining. "Go, Dad."

"Go -"

"Go -"

They were all saying it.

Pushing him to wake.

Despite the information that inundated his senses and filled his mind with a myriad of thoughts and ideas, Aryan Graul finally found clarity. It was the first time in months—or was it years?—that he was able to focus and make cognitive decisions without the voices encroaching on his psyche. Regardless of the methods used, this kindred court had achieved the impossible by breaking through his mental barriers. He was whole once more.

Aryan might even have shed a tear had the task at hand not been so daunting. He needed to maintain his composure and concentrate on the moment.

Sybelle.

Not only was she the key to unraveling the Epitaph mystery, but also to discovering the truth about himself. It was imperative that he protect her from Caedus; to pursue his calling in the Senate. It was the only way to safeguard the galaxy from the evils that lurked beneath the surface.

Arek had told him this.

It was important.

He turned now to confront the young man, a rueful smile evident on his features as he clenched the boy’s hands. He hesitated, unable to let go. And yet, it was vital for him to do so. The dreamscape began to fracture, causing large portions of the rotunda to come crashing down from above. While he could stay behind and help his descendants defend their realm against the impending arrival of the Eternal Emperor, this was not his place. He recognized that he had to leave in order to fulfill his purpose.

With a sharp intake of breath, Aryan finally released Arek from his grip and stepped away. "Thank you," he uttered softly, his eyes shifting from his son to the many faces watching him from the fringes of the chamber. "All of you."

Aryan did not wait for them to acknowledge his words. Instead, he raised his chin toward the ceiling and blinked into the shaft of white light above. It was almost ethereal; like a pathway to the gods.

As he gasped, he awoke.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

DEEP SPACE, NOT ALL TOO FAR FROM JAKKU

While the crew squabbled, the ship did it's own thing.

It's three brains knew those codes.

Without notifying them, it turned and decanted.



Rey jerked awake.

FN did too.

This wasn't expected.

Rey ran to the cockpit, FN limped somewhat, but was there soon enough.

They didn't reference the other three, but they were definitely locked out the controls.

"Someone has remotely taken control of the Millennium Falcon!"

"They do that now?" FN said, surprised.

It was a big ship, and in the Force it seemed more feral than not.

Animals?

Zoo animals?

Their presences were all teeth and tentacles and terror.

It obscured two much smaller ones, who were giving off an aura of determination.

Weapons.

Blasters.

Grenades.

As the Falcon turned, Rey dimmed the screens so whoever it was couldn't look in.

"Now what!" FN hissed, whispering in spite of himself.

He looked to the other three as the ship clattered to the ground.

TAG: @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto (combo)
---
Coruscant

Grand Moff Lecersen dropped to the floor, breathing heavily.

"All those aspirations," Caedus said, chuckling. He'd just rummaged through the older mans mind as if a shopper digging through a vendors' wares.

"And yet you know nothing about these Imperials."

He glowered.

"You disappoint me."

He didn't see the need to refer to the other Moffs. The survivors of the last war had been granted increased territories and responsibilities for their loyalty, made High Moffs, and they were really just his tools. They may be High Moffs of the Navy, Intelligence, the Army, Diplomacy, the Imperial Mission, Sciences...

He didn't care for any of them.

But they brought the Remnant into the Alliance all the more fully, so he accepted them.

Lecersen had plans to overthrow him, to work with Senator Shesh and a cabal of former Galactic Alliance officers, but that was mundane politics and he didn't care about it. Bwua'tu would sort through it.

He tapped his fingers.

There was only one place where he could see the future with sufficient accuracy now.

He commed Girdun.

"Prepare my personal ship. I am heading to the Maw."

Perhaps it was time he spoke to the golden-haired woman.



TAG: @no-one

 

MUSTAFAR

IC: Vicrul
A single jump later

They were more than fast enough to escape the Starhunters that the Sith-Imperials launched, and buried into hyperspace.

Vicrul was silent for the moment, content to not be involved with Voe as much as possible.

Voe Ren, he rued.

Snoke would not be happy.

In short order they reached their location; Mustafar, a world of lava and molten rock.

The Castle of Vader waited for them.

Not his only castle, of course. He'd had one on Coruscant, and on distant Vjun.

But this was his first.



"Snoke is here."

The location seemed abandoned, but there was a true darkness surrounding them, making it nigh-impossible to sense different shapes in the Force.

TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)
---
Back at Mimban

The battlecruiser Thunderer arrived in-system, pursuing the Knights of Ren.

They were not there, but a Sith-Imperial Star Destroyer was.

In short order the First Order warship blew apart the warship, and promptly, efficiently, landed transports on the planet and moon, sent forces to scout the wreckage for any trace of the Knights of Ren and their ship. Jamming cut the planet off from the wider Sith Empire, and TIE/SF ships were dispatched to patrol the outer rings of the system, their hyperdrives making it easy work.

Pyre was thorough.



Major Vonreg would shortly have the system buttoned up.



If the recorders aboard the enemy warships didn't, perhaps the locals had tracked matters.

He didn't have much time, after all.

TAG: No-One

 

D'QAR

IC: Leia Organa Solo

She regarded Sybelle for a time and looked back to Ackbar. "Can they take their own ship?"

The Mon Calamari turned an eye to Leia, and back to Sybelle. He spoke slowly. "I imagine so."

Leia would have said more when her comlink chimed. "It's Tekli."

After a brief moment, she glanced to her Admiral and back to Sybelle. "Aryan is awake."

Ackbar nodded. "Then I shall continue on with our preparations."

He excused himself, and Leia held up a finger to her lips to lead Sybelle to the ward.

Aryan had been only been conscious a few moments before Leia swept in, Tekli using the Force to sooth his jangled nerves.

Leia took one look over the cable-entwined body, all the sensors and so forth, and looked to Tekli. "We should give them some privacy."

Tekli beetled her furred brow, but just nodded. "Of course, General."

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent, @HanSolo29 (combo)
---

Leia stepped back from the room and closed it.

She was going to explain to Tekli what was going on when the Force suddenly grew jagged.

"Ben," she whispered.

Holding out her comlink, she ordered the bases defenses to stand-down, urging them that she knew the ship.

"Keep Aryan here until I say," Leia added, breathless, as acknowledgements came in.

Tekli barely had time to nod before the General was rushing from the room.

A black-and-orange trim X-wing escorted him in, Poe wagging his wings in the universal greeting to Ben's personal craft.

There was a Resistance base here.

Transports, a single cut-job B-wing, and X-wings of various types.

He would see his mother arriving on the landing pad, besides an ornate looking yacht and a run down freighter.

She looked up at her son's ship.



TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)

 

OOC: The following is a combo with Lady B and Sinrebirth – thank you so much! It's always a pleasure!

IC: Sybelle, Aryan Graul, and Tekli
Medical Bay, D'Qar

How long had Aryan been unconscious? Sybelle wondered and glanced down to her bare wrist where she had once worn a chrono. Kriff! She wasn’t even sure how long they had been questioning her, but none of that mattered now.

It hadn’t been necessary to demand that she be taken to Aryan since Leia had personally escorted Sybelle to him immediately.

Sybelle’s eyes were glassy from unshed tears over the sight of him on a gurney and wired into all sorts of monitors. This wasn’t the type of healing that Aryan needed, she thought while swiftly crossing the room to stand at his side. Her focus was solely on Aryan, and she never heard Leia’s comment to Tekli about giving them privacy, it didn’t matter now because in this moment there was only Sybelle and Aryan… finally.

She took a deep breath and began gently disconnecting the many sensors and leads from his body. Her hands trembled, but she was careful not to startle or cause him any additional pain, Aryan had been through too much and she was determined to end that suffering now.

The monitors and other equipment were silenced with small exertions of the Force when necessary, and soon Sybelle had freed him of all the medical paraphernalia. She smoothed his hair back gently and leaned in to gently kiss his forehead, then Sybelle chewed her bottom lip while she studied his face. After a moment she asked, "Is this my Aryan, or that beastly Emperor?"

There was no gasp or jolt of sudden awareness; consciousness returned slowly for Aryan Graul. It reminded him of moving through a dense fog, the thick haze parting with each step to expose more of the unfiltered landscape. Eventually, the mist fully dissipated, revealing the white sterile walls of the hospital suite. He instantly became aware of his physical body on the bed, the quiet hum of the medical monitors—and the petite figure standing over him, watching… waiting.

Then she touched him.

After gently sweeping her hand through his hair, she kissed him lightly on the forehead. The latter aroused his sensibilities and generated a warmth that spread from the point of contact to all of his extremities. The sensation elicited a shallow gasp from his lips as he shifted beneath the covers, his blue eyes searching for her face.

Once he found her, he lay still, seemingly mesmerized by her presence.



Aryan realized that he had been here before, nearly sixty years ago when he had awoken from his medically-induced stupor to gaze upon Sybelle for the first time. He had mistaken her for an angel; a spiritual guardian sent to him for posterity and strength. It was the start of something special. As their relationship progressed, they would form an unbreakable bond that would remain long after unforeseen circumstances had separated them. He knew it wasn’t a coincidence that she should return now, under similar conditions as their first meeting. Aryan viewed it as a sign.

Was it destiny?

He never believed in that sort of thing, but in this case—

Yeah.

Maybe it was destiny.

At that moment, he realized that she had spoken, prompting him to immediately reach for her hand and squeeze.

"Y—You came back for me after—confronting that… bastard?" he scoffed lightly, his weakened state undermining his attempt at levity. Nevertheless, he still managed a small smile. "You’re… braver than I remember."

He then pursed his lips as his expression turned serious once more. "There’s nothing to worry about, though. He’s… gone. I—I overpowered him." A slight frown crossed his features. "The… Emperor, I mean. You’re safe—we’re safe."

She slowly exhaled the breath she’d been holding and whispered something that sounded like a thank you to some invisible deity.

Her lips twitched, then she smiled at him. "Of course, I came back for you," Sybelle said and raised his hand to her lips. "I’ve waited for you, Aryan," she gently kissed his hand, "you’re mine now."

His eyes were the same, and she could stare into them forever.

"How are you feeling?" She asked. "We must leave as soon as you feel strong enough, because my being here puts Leia, and her entire base at risk," Sybelle sighed.

"I guess what I’m getting at is this, will you run away with me? Because the Sith Lord that came for us at the Care Home wasn’t there for us, Leia claims he is after me."

"Darth Caedus," Aryan uttered simply, recalling the name from his dreamscape. It was dismaying to hear Sybelle corroborate the information the Court of Graul had already revealed to him; she was in danger. Suddenly, his concern for her safety dispelled any lingering doubts he had about the Court’s integrity. His mission finally became clear.

However, before he could elaborate further, he found himself at a crossroads. Despite regaining his mental faculties, he was unable to speak or rebound from his idle musings; he was fully immersed in the moment, mesmerized by Sybelle’s physical presence. The sight of her beside him, selflessly providing for his needs as if she had never left was almost surreal. It was a shock to his system, especially after sixty years of separation.

And yet, it wasn’t his fault. He thought she had died in a conflict at the beginning of the First Civil War; he had seen the reports.

Aryan banished that thought from his mind and instinctively reached up to caress her hair when she leaned down over the bed. He wanted proof that she was real; that he wasn’t dreaming or experiencing another hallucination.

The silky tresses fell between his fingers in a seemingly endless cascade, igniting a latent spark that he believed long extinguished. His pulse quickened in response, prompting a soft gasp to escape from his lips as he angled his chin to stare into her alluring gaze. Aside from a few additional lines on her face, she appeared the same as in his memories. Her hair was still the deepest blue, accentuated by the occasional golden highlight, and her cerulean skin emanated with an almost exotic appeal in the overhead lighting. She was unchanged; untouched by the ravages of time. Somewhere deep in his subconscious, Aryan might have even felt envious. He must look ancient in comparison.

And yet, that did not dampen his spirit. As the reality of the situation dawned on him, he managed a soft smile and tenderly clutched a locket of her hair, evoking yet another distant memory. He remembered as a reckless youth how he had pined after redheads to the point of ridicule from his friends and family. They saw it as an infatuation, but what he never revealed was that it was a coping device to vanquish his broken heart. Maybe it would help him overcome and forget Sybelle if he pursued women with features that were drastically different from hers.

That was the reasoning, anyway.

It didn’t work.

Releasing a weary sigh, Aryan finally found the composure and confidence to speak. "I’ll keep you safe," he repeated his earlier statement in a deep baritone, his eyes reflecting his conviction. "Wherever we go… I’ll be right there. Y–You may not understand—hell, I’m not sure if I understand it entirely, but you’re the key, Sybelle. To me… to what’s happening in the galaxy. Everything. I need to uncover the truth."

He stared into her crimson gaze for a long moment, lost in her essence.

"Gods, I missed you."

Those words.

They were the exact words that Sybelle had been waiting a lifetime to hear him say.

Time stood still in that room as the years of emptiness gently slipped away, and the gaping wounds caused by their parting started to heal.

Sybelle slipped out of her boots and climbed onto the narrow gurney with Aryan, she tucked her head under his chin as her body fit perfectly into his embrace. This was where she was meant to be. They were two precious metals that had been hammered and contoured down through the ages until they were the perfect fit. Neither would find peace while being kept apart, that was in their past now, Sybelle knew the past would come up at some point, but not now… nothing could spoil this moment.

She sighed softly and listened to his heart beating. Her own heart adjusted its rhythm to sync with Aryan’s, and she felt a warm tingling wash over her starting at the top of her head. The sensation gave her a sense of renewal, dormant connections were awakening to seek their partners.

With her thoughts, she showed Aryan how much his words meant to her, and that she had missed him as well. There was no need for her to speak the words out loud, their severed bond was awakened and was healing to be stronger than in the past.

A light rap at the door.

It was Tekli.

"May I come in?"

The Force sung between them, and they could tell other Force users, powerful ones, were on-world. One that felt very similar to Darth Caedus, but not nearly as dark. Troubled, perhaps, at very most. Leia was a surge of emotions of her own; regret, happiness, joy, despair.

The moment seemed idyllic, almost as if it could only exist in Aryan’s dreams. And yet, he knew it was real. He could feel Sybelle’s touch and the warmth of her skin as she nestled against his chest. There was also a spiritual quality, a neural pathway that connected both body and soul. He could perceive that intimate bond as it radiated through the Force, bringing clarity to the situation. That’s when he heard a voice… her voice. She whispered reassurances and platitudes, the speech of two fated lovers. There was so much he wanted to say in return; so much he wanted to discuss—

But before he could relay those thoughts to her, another voice penetrated his senses. This one came from outside rather than from within; a familiar voice that he recognized instantly as one of his caregivers, Tekli.

Aryan frowned at the intrusion and instinctively pulled Sybelle closer to his side. The diminutive Chadra-Fan had shattered the moment, though he acknowledged that it likely wasn't spiteful. If it weren't important, she wouldn't have intervened. He knew she wasn't petty and would not deliberately provoke them.

With a resigned sigh, Aryan slowly pushed himself into a sitting position.

"The door’s open," he called mildly.

Sybelle wasn’t unhappy over the interruption, this was a moment that no one could spoil for her. She was with her Aryan, and this time there was no Lyz to stand between them.

She laughed softly over Aryan pulling her closer. Sybelle tilted her head back and whispered, "I love you, Aryan Graul," before she laid her head against him in preparation to listen.

It was unlikely Tekli would bring them breakfast in bed… no, this would be news of the man that was after Sybelle.

Tekli stepped in and essentially began the relevant check-ups. Asked how he felt. What he thought of his care. Whether he would require a medical droid to go along, as she could lend him one. Whether the two of them had encountered any of a variety of infectious ailments that were current in the galaxy.

They were just being checked, in the typical diligent manner.

While Aryan found Tekli’s behavior odd, especially in the wake of his recurrent psychosis, he didn’t object to her evaluation. Aside from her responsibilities to the Jedi, she was a healthcare professional and only fulfilling her duties. He complied with her examination by answering the questions to the best of his ability, noting that he felt well enough to move about independently without the assistance of a medical droid.

However, as he sat up and began assessing his body for any additional ailments, he realized that he had no context for Tekli’s visit. She made it sound as if they were going on a journey—but to where? Had he missed a pertinent piece of information while he was unconscious?

And then he remembered Sybelle’s plea; she wanted him to run away with her. Something about escaping Darth Caedus and protecting those who had established a safe haven on D’Qar. His eyes grew wide with that realization—but then he hesitated as he turned to meet his lover’s gaze. He wanted to help but also had to ensure that it correlated with his own mission. He knew that was the source of his trepidation. He couldn’t fail the Council.

"I know you’re eager to leave this place behind," Aryan began coolly, gently reaching down to take both of her hands in his. "But there’s something I need to do before we slip away."

He angled his chin to glance at Tekli.

"Is it possible for me to speak to General Organa?"

Sybelle bent her head and gently grazed his fingers with her lips, then she leaned back to look at his face. Smiling softly she thought of how she could never resist those eyes.

"Of course," Sybelle assured him that she understood, "I trust you."

She waved away any medical questions regarding herself, "no", Sybelle didn’t believe she’d been exposed to an infectious disease. It was more important to her that Aryan be fully checked out. He appeared much better, but Sybelle could feel a sense of urgency, they needed to leave.

"Tekli, would you take us to Leia?" Sybelle asked the medic.

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent; @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Leia Organa Solo
D'Qar

"Tekli, would you take us to Leia?" Sybelle asked the medic.



Tekli spoke up. "There's someone here would like to speak to you, actually. The General's son."

It was Ben Solo.

Looking scarred, and older, he was the spitting image of Darth Caedus, but he wasn't attired fully in black, wasn't pale, and his eyes did not burn golden.

"The General is busy with a Resistance Intelligence asset," the little Chadra-Fan glanced at Ben. She had been a Jedi Knight during the war with Caedus, the one Jaina died in. That there were still Jedi alive was a relief. Luke could do a great deal, but a Jedi Order could do more. "So her son is intending to discuss with you your contribution to the plan."

If there was a contribution.

Darth Caedus was looking for knowledge on the Chiss Empire before he went to war upon it.

The Chiss were looking for provocation.

Control of Sybelle meant that the Resistance had control of that chain of events.

But Leia wasn't going to keep Sybelle here against her will, nor would she Aryan Graul, the Force user with a seemingly bifurcation of minds.

Tekli was essentially here to keep an eye. Ben had only just returned to the fold, but without Luke he was their best bet of countering Darth Caedus.

TAG: @CosmoHender, @Lady_Belligerent, @HanSolo29 (combo together)

 

IC: Vicrul Ren
Mustafar, and then Freeworld



Pacing with his vibroaxe on his back, Vicrul brought Voe Ren to the location of the remainder Knights of Ren.

He provided to Voe data on the First Order.

Apparently, Snoke had been working with Imperial survivors to prepare a counter-offensive against Darth Caedus. He had foreseen the fall of the Alliance and Jedi, and coming of the Sith Empire, and prepared accordingly. Working with renegade Imperials such as Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, General Brendol Hux and Marshall Maximillian Veers, the remnants had under his gaze flourished into a First Order, for first, they would bring order, was the reasoning behind the name.

Snoke had contributed hyperspace routes and Force sensitive Attendants, who could guide Imperial ships through the tangle of the Unknown Regions. But in recent years, the First Order had been more interested in avenging themselves upon the Rebels, and content to watch the Sith reign the galaxy. Anticipating an assassination attempt, Snoke had retreated to the garden station that they had met, and worked to prepare a solution to the First Order; ideally a countercoup, and unleashing the First Order upon the unsuspecting Sith Empire.

It had taken years to assemble the Knights of Ren and their numbers, so Voe was a minor consolation prize; though likely stronger than Ren ever was.

The other Knights were named, so that Voe knew who she was dealing with.

Hattaska Ren, who usually led the other part of the Knights, which included Jaedec, Lott and Orl.

Hattaska wielded a Darksaber, and even suggested the one that the Mandalorians had squabbled over with Moff Gideon years ago was a forgery. But he had no interest in ruling Mandalore, he was merely content to deprive them of unity, as evidenced by the endless in-fighting between New, Old and Death Mandalorians since the clone bloodline had been purged from the clans by an Imperial nanoweapon years ago - let alone the savage bombardment the then-Alliance Fifth Fleet had inflicted upon their homeworld.

Snoke's data cautioned of Hattaska's arrogance, sufficient to even agitate the ordinarily laid-back Ren. But there was no doubting Hattaska's prowess with the Darksaber, making him the ideal second-in-command if not for his attitude. Vicrul often defaulted to second-in-command of the Knights, but Jaedec provided the voice of reason to Hattaska.

There would be a dynamic shift.

They reached Freeworld, an independent system at the edge of Known Space.

Once upon the capital of a pirate fiefdom, the territory had fallen on lean years when the flagship - a Super Star Destroyer - was destroyed, along with their Pirate Queen.

Now it was merely a run-down world, hidden by the surviving smuggler crews and ideal for a scouting mission into the Unknown Regions.

As such, she met these Knights in a bar, much as she had the others.

The typical scum was present, and Hattaska was leading the discussion as if he loved the sound of his own voice.



He turned his helmeted head to Voe. "Well what do we have here?"

Vicrul had granted Voe access to the Knights wardrobes - not that the others would ever need them - and so it was down to her if she was garbed as she had been, or newly forged as the Master of the Knights of Ren.

"Snoke appointed a new Ren," Vicrul said simply.

Snap-hiss.

Hattaska already ignited his blade.

"I'm the new Ren. I already decided."

The others didn't move; they simply watched the bravado playout.

TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)

 

IC: Han Solo

They were a few corridors into the maze-like ship when Han swore at his comlink as it updated him. The bulk freighter was so large he hadn't even noticed the shudder of ships docking with them.

Han hated this ship.

It was never going to be the Falcon, but still.

He gestured a hand to an adjacent corridor, a door to the left. "Down there! Lower level! Now!"

Rey looked at FN. "I don't understand -"

"Don't have time!" He indicated Barriss too, ditto Sam. "No lightsabers until I say!" Chewbacca looked to check if Qel-Droma had followed.

"Why?" FN said.

"Pirates!"

In short order, the opposite ends of the corridors were each full of individuals.

Each set looking as unpleasant as the other.



The Guavian Death Clan.



Kanjiklub.

Six members of each criminal organisation.

Han sweat slightly.

Even if he had the five of them, he couldn't guarantee how it would go.

Chewbacca whined at Han.

"We got this, we got this."

"Nobody believes Han Solo anymore," pronounced the head of the Guavian group. "You owe us money. You owe Kanjiklub money. You owe everyone money. There isn't anyone left for you to swindle." Blasters were pointed.

"We'll all be collecting the bounty on your head." Han paled slightly.

"Your son's bounty on your head. Darth Caedus can't wait to be reunited with his dear old daddy."

TAG: @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto (combo)

 

IC: Darth Caedus
The Maw

He hadn't been here for years.

It was here where he'd seen the Dark Man on the Throne of Balance.

Who had shown him the fate of his daughter, Allana; to be a Sith Acolyte.

Instead, Allana was dead.

That had been when Darth Caedus realised the true sacrifice for peace was his daughter.

Any trace of Jacen Solo had died when his blade plunged into Jaina Solo's chest.

But now.

Things were becoming harder to see.

The future was becoming murkier.

He needed the Throne again.

To speak to the woman in white in the Mists.

The one he suspected was called Abeloth, Bringer of Chaos.



TAG: No One

 

OOC: The following is a combo with Lady_B, CosmoHender, and Sinrebirth – thank you so much!!

* * *

IC: Sybelle, Ben Solo, Aryan Graul, Leia Organa, and Tekli
D'Qar

Sybelle glanced from Tekli to Ben Solo. "Hello," she nodded to the young man, and then back to Tekli she said, "I was given the impression that we must vacate the premises quickly, and by now I’m sure we’ve overstayed our welcome." Sybelle cringed, "So if you would be so kind as to let Leia know we are ready to depart once we see her, I’m sure she will understand."

She squeezed Aryan’s hand to let him know it would all work out, even if Leia seemed to be delaying their departure. It was curious that Aryan had something to discuss with the General, but Sybelle wouldn’t ask, he would tell her if he wanted her to know.

Ben Solo wanting to speak to them was unexpected, especially since she didn’t know him, or even what she could contribute to their plans.

That was why Sybelle assumed that Ben would be in the medbay to see Aryan.

"Should I leave and give you two some privacy for your chat?" Sybelle asked.

"That won't be necessary," Ben finally spoke as he looked Sybelle and Aryan over. They didn't look like much.

"Where would you go?" he asked, his arms crossed. "From what my mother told me, you two are being hunted by Darth Caedus."

He then glanced at Sybelle, his eyes narrowing as he tried to get an impression from her. "Your mother... was Sev'rance Tann," he said, which was less of a question and more of a general statement. Though he doubted that was the full story.

Before Sybelle could reply to Solo’s comment, Aryan intervened with a derisive scoff. It was purposefully overblown to draw their attention, a testament to his disapproval. He was beyond formalities at this juncture. He considered it an insult that the General had brushed them aside and sent her son to deal with them instead. It didn’t bode well for his objective; he wasn’t about to share the details of his vision with anyone else except Sybelle and Leia. No one else would understand.

Unfortunately, the General’s absence greatly compounded the situation.

"Y–You’re… wasting your time," Aryan grumbled under his breath, shuffling forward to stand between Solo and Sybelle. "The information I have is… s-sensitive and can only be shared with your m-mother. She can… help me—or at least, I–I thought she could."

He started to turn away but then paused to narrow his eyes at the young man. "Our destination is also none of your concern. We… c-can’t afford to compromise our safety. Surely, you understand that?"

Sybelle quickly recovered from Ben Solo’s disrespectful behavior. She stepped to Aryan’s side and slipped her hand into his, but it was Tekli she spoke to first… the young man could wait.

"Thank you for helping me get Aryan out of the care home safely, I could never repay you for your kindness."

She was sincere because it would’ve been impossible to have escaped with Aryan without Tekli’s help, but Sybelle was unwilling to divulge any of the details to Leia’s son.

"Young man," she addressed Ben, "my parents were killed when I was very young, so I do not know the person you mentioned." She was far beyond explaining her past to anyone.

"Please give Leia our thanks for her hospitality," she gently squeezed Aryan’s hand, "we should’ve already left, my dear, if you’re still feeling up to piloting that is." Sybelle looked up to smile warmly at Aryan.

Tekli didn't pay much heed to the discussion, or, pretended not to.

It was Ben's situation to handle.

Keeping a subtle ear on the matter, she busied herself with the many things she already had to do.

"I'll give Leia your thanks," Ben said, not surprised that the two were trying to leave. His mother had told him that they would no doubt try to go rogue. "Though my mother and the Resistance can still help you. You won't be stopped from leaving, but as long as Caedus is after you... it wouldn't hurt to have an ally or two, would it?"

He sighed. "I am sorry if I came across as disrespectful," he apologized. "It's just... I just came back from a long journey. But I do think that our interests align because of a shared enemy: Darth Caedus."

"I–I only need to protect her from him," Aryan clarified with a hint of frustration, his hand tightening around Sybelle’s palm.

While he wasn’t eager to share information with the young man, he was grateful when he pushed the conversation forward. Sybelle’s suggestion that he pilot the ship left him anxious, and he found himself unable to respond. After everything he endured over the years, he wasn’t sure if he was ready… or capable. At least this afforded him more time to consider their options.

"Sybelle’s the key–t–to all of this," Aryan continued hastily, the words slipping from his lips before he had a chance to gather his thoughts. It was as if he had no inhibition to control his impulses, especially now that he was upset. "To prevent The End—I, uh… it’s–it’s important for her… to stay clear of the conflict. T–That’s my role. To protect her—but I can’t do it alone. I… I require resources you can’t provide. T–That’s why I need to speak with the General. Only she can help me in this instance. I–It’s a special case. It involves her… expertise."

Sybelle gave Ben a slight smile and quietly acknowledged his apology, "Thank you." She was more taken aback by Aryan’s comments to say anything else to the Solo child.

"Aryan?" She still spoke softly, this time it was from shock. "I don’t understand, but I want you to try and stay calm." She was very concerned over how agitated Aryan had become. "I’m positive there’s nothing we can’t work out."

Sybelle again appealed to Tekli and Ben, "Can you tell Leia that Aryan really must see her right away?"

Tekli held up a hand. "I'll go get her."

She shot a look at Ben, encouraging him to keep them on-board. Diplomacy was his mother's forte, but brash was his father's way.

Ben turned to Aryan, frowning. But it wasn't a frown of frustration or irritation. It was a frown of concern.

"You're in trouble," he told Aryan, his tone sympathetic. "Look, I don't know the full deal here. And I am sure you have your reasons to not tell me everything. I get it." He let out a sigh. "My family didn't even tell me everything and they had their reasons." He paused, thinking of how they had kept him in the dark about his grandfather. Their betrayal still stung slightly.

"I don't doubt I can't provide the resources you need," he admitted. "But I am a Solo. An Organa. A Skywalker. I can help. I want to help." He indicated Sybelle. "You care about her, don't you? That's why you need to protect her from Caedus. Because you don't want him to take someone you care about from you. Just like how he took my aunt away from me. I just want to let you know... I understand that, at least."

After a concerted effort from Ben, Sybelle, and Tekli, Aryan finally relaxed and began to see things from a more rational perspective. It helped that Sybelle had persuaded the little Chadra-Fan to retrieve Leia; it signified progress, and that was all he could ask for.

For the moment, he inclined his chin to regard Ben Solo, his hand dangling near Sybelle’s for support. While he appreciated the young man’s explanation and could certainly relate to his circumstances, he still wasn’t entirely convinced of his earnestness. He simply didn’t know him, not like his famous parents. He would need to proceed carefully and stall for time until Leia arrived. She would have a better grasp of the situation.

"What… do you know about the arrangement of the Senate?" Aryan asked abruptly, his eyes hardening to reflect his uncertainty. He wanted to challenge the young man to answer candidly. "Or… what–whatever currently exists in its place. Are you even familiar with those logistics? You claimed you could help."

He sneered, his voice dropping to a low rumble.

"But you’re no politician."

It was hard not to laugh at how Aryan went from quizzing the young man to a candid assessment of his capabilities. Sybelle slipped her hand into Aryan’s and spoke up, "I’m sure Ben has spent enough time around his mother that he can give you a fair opinion on the political climate. After all, I recall another young man who had to learn the intricacies of politics."

She tugged gently on his hand, hoping he would turn towards her.

Leia stepped into the tent. "That's quite enough, Aryan."

"Ben is equipped to help," she said firmly. "The politics of the war will be relevant after we've won it. After Darth Caedus has been stopped. Political understanding isn't going to help bring him down."

Tekli spoke up too. "Once the war in the Force is over, we'll have a greater need for politics. For now, we need to work together to stop Caedus. Can we at least agree on that?"

Leia held out a datapad. "My Coruscant agents tell me Caedus wants Sybelle. He wants to use her to cause a war with the Chiss. If they attack first, he can defeat them in detail and capture data on the hyperlanes in the Unknown Regions so he can invade. He needs them to get angry."

"So he's going to keep looking for you, Sybelle."

"Personally," Tekli added.

This was ridiculous. The Chiss certainly wouldn’t go to war over her.

"I really must insist that Aryan be given the respect he deserves," Sybelle bit back at Leia, "and I find this whole excuse preposterous. A Sith Lord wanting to use me to start a war," she scoffed, "I’ve lived a very secluded life and I have no living relatives in Chiss space."

She really hoped that Aryan would press to get them away from Leia, she was obviously no help to them, in fact, Sybelle was starting to think she was holding them back. Perhaps Leia was using them for something nefarious?

"Maybe I should speak to this Darth Caedus myself?"

Again she gently pulled on Aryan’s arm, her fingers caressing his palm.

Aryan instinctively leaned down toward Sybelle’s ear, recognizing her gesture from their youth. It usually indicated that she wished to consult with him, but to compensate for their height difference, she required him to bend over to accommodate her. That was the purpose of the light tug on his arm. However, instead of the show of affection that typically followed this gesture, Aryan merely stared into her scarlet gaze, concern reflecting in his eyes.

"No," he murmured quietly, shaking his head to emphasize his words. "You’re not surrendering yourself to him, not after everything we’ve been through to reach this point. We h–have… other options to explore first." A hint of a smile passed over his features to reassure her. "But not here; not with the Resistance."

He pursed his lips and lifted his chin to regard Leia under a hooded gaze. Her genial spirit had vanished upon her arrival, replaced with a cold disposition that quickly put Aryan on edge. It was as if she wanted them to conform to her agenda; anything to the contrary would not be acceptable. It wasn’t conducive to a lasting partnership…

… which left them with no other choice.

"I thought you could help," Aryan continued softly, his voice tinged with regret. "I–I… understand Caedus is your son, and you wish to atone for his crimes; you feel responsible. I get it... but… but he’s not the sole enemy. In some ways, he’s merely a distraction."

He nodded toward Tekli.

"You mentioned a war in the Force… well, there’s a greater evil—a–a Darkness out there, linked to an ancient philosophy. That’s what you should be concerned about." He motioned toward his head with a slight wince, recalling the disquieting memories. "I’ve… I’ve seen it all—the pain and suffering, and if–if you won’t act, then we must leave."

This got Ben's attention and changed his attitude immediately. "Wait, what?" he asked in confused concern. "What do you mean there's a greater evil out there?" He began to move closer to the two. "What do you know?"

Leia shook her head. "It doesn't matter. We defeat Caedus first, with Ben -"

"- and Master Skywalker," Tekli added.

The General winced. She purposely hadn't mentioned Luke - nor Han - because the blood between Ben and them was not great.

She held up a hand. "This conversation is over. Ben, come with me. Tekli, you too."

Tekli knew she'd spoken out of turn, and rushed after them.

Leia turned to Ben. "I can explain."

It did, however, leave Aryan and Sybelle completely alone in the tent…

Shaking her head, Sybelle asked, "She is not at all what I imagined. What a grouchy old cow."

Turning her attention to Aryan she asked, "What do you want to do? I vote we get the hell out of here."

Leia had not been a friendly host, and the little medical assistant seemed nervous. Yes, she’d just lost her friend back at the care home, but that was a choice the woman back there made, Sybelle didn’t impose that on her.

She tilted her head up to look at his face and waited for Aryan’s response, Sybelle truthfully didn’t care. This was where she had waited to be, at Aryan’s side now that the other old cow was dead.

For a fleeting moment, it was as if Aryan hadn’t heard Sybelle’s inquiry. He merely stood stoically, his fists clenched at his sides, as he stared after the retreating forms of Leia, Tekli, and Ben. The General’s condescending tone cut like a vibroblade to the chest, twisting and churning as it exposed his insecurities. It was particularly difficult when he considered the way she had looked at him with pity whenever she had met his gaze. It was plain to him that she doubted his mental capacities; she believed he was emotionally disturbed and unhinged, spouting nonsense instead of trying to send a warning.

With the exception of Ben Solo, who had taken a keen interest in his words, the whole encounter was an embarrassment. He immediately regretted his decision to seek an audience with Organa. Perhaps he would've made more progress if he had just consulted with the boy rather than demanding her presence. Unfortunately, that was the result of his own obstinance; he couldn't change the outcome now.

"D–Did you see their reactions?" Aryan muttered testily, his eyes narrowing slightly before averting his gaze to glance at his hands. "The way they looked at me? They—they think I’m crazy. That I’m nothing more than a raving old man."

He scoffed in spite of his recent stay in the care home. While it was true that he had suffered from a temporal anomaly, something had since shifted in the Force to provide his ailing mind with clarity. He couldn’t explain the details—especially the strange mindscape where he had conversed with various Graul family members about his mission, including different iterations of himself—but it allowed him to rise above his adversity. It bolstered his resolve and gave him purpose.

Pursing his lips, Aryan sought Sybelle’s gaze. "We won’t find help here," he conceded solemnly, reaching down to encompass her hand in his. "But I’m not giving up; it just means we’ll need to explore those other options."

As he turned to leave the tent, he pulled her close to his side. "I know the perfect place to start."

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent; @CosmoHender; @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Leia Organa Solo
D'Qar

The woman stepped with Tekli out of the tent and Ben.

Tekli was maintaining a respectable distance, but clearly and very worriedly pacing behind Leia and her scarred son.

Leia chose to believe she did so out of concern for his physical state.

Not the mental.

A variety of pilots and officers were rushing about as ever, leading missions and making plans. Black, Corona, Red, Blue, Yellow and Green Squadrons - T85 X-wings, XJ7's, A-wings, B-wings, Y-wings and E-wings. The Tantive IV sat in a clearing not far away, as well as a B-wing chop-job shuttle and their sole trooper lander, reinforced and modified to an inch of it's life by the Tico sisters. Elsewhere there were Mon Calamari Star Cruisers, Corellian bunkerbuster corvettes and the new Nebulon-class, all holding ready for when she called them.

Many of those evident were staring.

Leia was trying not to have a personal conversation between the medical and the command tents.

Then she felt it.

And looked up.

At the Millennium Falcon.

"Oh no."

---
D'Qar

Things were a bit different today.

Mainly because, instead of being separated from Poe Dameron, the map had managed to stay with the Resistance agent sent for it - Qel-Droma.

That meant, instead of a diversion to Takodona, Han was able to take him, Finn, Rey, Barriss and Sam Hhat directly to the Resistance base.

He didn't want to.

But it was the quickest and safest way to get this done.

Also he couldn't just leave them with an Imperial.

He felt kinda responsible, and they had patched up Chewie.

Rey spent the trip helping him uncouple all the ridiculous changes that Unkar Plutt had put into place, especially that compressor. What a mess. The Falcon had seen much better days. The kid, Rey, she seemed a quick learner, natural aptitude, or rather she had obsessively listened to technical journals on Jakku to pass the time.

Finn on the other hand seemed to have an Imperial-type field medic training, the kind given to Stormtroopers, which Han confirmed.

Qel-Droma and Barriss and Sam Hhat he gave a wide berth.

He'd lost too much to the Jedi.

But when they neared D'Qar, he swiped the map and put it in the holoprojector.

Because it was true.

"All of it," he had said to them.

Rey for her part, as they arrived, was wide-eyed.

"I've never seen so much green."

D'Qar was a pretty world.

A Resistance world.

Han's eyes tracked starfighters, his wife's beloved Blockade Runner, and a personal craft he recognised on the landing pad besides an expensive looking yacht named Stardust -

"Oh frak."

---
Medical Tent

All this commotion meant that Sybelle and Aryan Graul were completely free.

Everyone was distracted on the base, and the sight of the Millennium Falcon drew even more commotion.

They could escape.

Couldn't they?

TAG: @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto (combo), @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent (combo)

 

IC: Grand Admiral Rae Sloane
Aboard the Finalizer, Jakku system

They'd retreated from the Sith-Imperial Star Destroyer, and then regrouped at the systems edge when they were sure that Lady Veila had left.

They had waited.

And waited.

What else could they do?

Rae Sloane had almost no way to track Sam Hhat, and that meant she had to stay nearby.

The First Order fleets were ready, but they would lose the war if they tried to win it without Luke or Leia on-board. Darth Caedus had proven innumerable times that his mere presence could turn around a battle.

Unrest was growing.

Though Snoke had seen the direction of the mood and fled, he had ample supporters left.

She knew very well that Hux would gladly work under the mutated monstrosity. Veers would side with her, but Phasma and Cardinal and Vonreg and Pyre? They would all swing either way, though Rae had faith in Cardinal. This was why she had Sam Hhat, an Imperial Knight who honoured their word.

But one Knight couldn't match the Sith.

Her fleet could probably match the former Galactic Alliance and Imperial Remnant, especially when the Resistance and Confederation inevitably rose up.

But she didn't want to be Empress. Rae just wanted to restore order.

"Ma'am," this from sensors, breaking her reverie. "We've a ship arriving, on a direct course for us."

Her heart leapt in her throat. Sam?

It was a strange looking vessel. Black. Modified heavily mind you. Very much the kind of ship the Rebels would kitbash.

Rae Sloan stepped to comms, tapped the mans shoulder.

"Identify yourself."

TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)

 

OOC: The following is a combo with Lady_B and Sinrebirth – thank you so much!!

IC: Sybelle and Aryan Graul
Aboard the Stardust, D'Qar

The flurry of activity was most welcome.

A timely distraction was what they needed to give them cover.

Sybelle took Aryan’s arm and said, "Come, darling… This is our opening to get to the Stardust."

Mobs of people were milling around, it was the perfect time for them to slip out and back to the ship. She squeezed Aryan’s arm gently, the real question was if he was strong enough to fly. Asking him would come off like she was doubting him, so she would remain silent and supportive.

Only he had neglected to say where he thought they should go, was that on purpose?

"Aryan, where are we going?"

"Home," he stated simply, his blue eyes surveying the bustle of the Resistance forces around them. He didn’t care where they were going or what had spurred them into action; he was merely glad that he was no longer the source of their scrutiny. It had been devastating to see General Organa look upon him with disdain and pity, believing that he had lost his sanity…

Aryan shook his head to dispel those thoughts from his mind. It certainly wouldn’t benefit him to dwell on his insecurities. He needed to help himself if he intended to recover, and he would begin by concentrating on Sybelle’s question.

"The General’s refusal to—to assist us is forcing my hand," he murmured with a hint of resentment. He then angled his chin to glance down into her scarlet gaze. "I–I need someone with influence… and power; someone who has the right connections to vouch for my credentials and can reinstate me. Mom can do that; she—she carries the family name now… along with Jalynn."

Rather than elaborate on his relationship with his daughter, he decided to remain vague. He knew any reference to his children would likely be awkward for Sybelle, especially under these tense circumstances. Instead, he tightened his grip on her arm and led her across the airfield.

"I’m doing this for–for… you," Aryan continued hastily as he weaved through the crowd. "To… protect you—and the galaxy… from the Epitaph."

The Stardust was left to its own devices, seemingly, while the rest were gathered at the front of the base - by the infamous Millennium Falcon. It was unlocked, the ramp down, and there was seemingly very little to it.

Even Tekli had left them to it.

"I don’t understand," she murmured so that they wouldn’t be overheard, "please explain it to me once we’re alone."

Sybelle held his hand and they walked to the Stardust, they shouldn’t call attention to themselves, even though she wanted to run from these people. Leia had been mean and cruel and seemed to only be looking out for her own interests.

Almost to the ramp, she said cheerfully, "I’m still useless when it comes to flying a ship. I guess I’ve been stubborn."

They were on the ramp when she glanced at Aryan saying, "We’re almost free, my dear, we just need to get inside and lock her down."

Aryan noticeably blanched when Sybelle expressed confusion over his mission, though his anxiety instantly vanished when he finally entered the Stardust’s interior and wandered down the access corridor. It felt like coming home; it had been over a decade since he had last stepped aboard his beloved yacht. The familiar sights and smells evoked a sense of nostalgia that transported him back to his prime; it was as if he had never left.

A wistful smile touched his lips as he ambled into the cockpit and paused to caress the back of the pilot’s chair. In the past, he had employed a flight crew to handle the daily operational responsibilities of the Stardust; there had rarely been a need for him to frequent the cockpit. That had now become a contributing factor in his ongoing struggle against his insecurities. In the wake of his ailing mental health, he had come to doubt his abilities—however, with Sybelle’s assistance, he knew he could overcome his inner demons.

He reaffirmed this notion by angling his chin and reaching down to gently brush her arm with his fingers. "H–Here, sit down," he drawled softly, shifting his weight to pat the open seat beside him. He noted how she had called herself 'useless' and hoped to offer some consolation to lighten her mood. "You can help me get her off the ground."

His voice trailed off as he pursed his lips. "If I–I haven’t crashed by that point, maybe I can teach you a few things… if you’re still willing to learn. This process will go a lot smoother if we’re working in tandem."

They were completely unnoticed.

The Resistance was busy with their celebrity, and the news that the map to Luke Skywalker had reached them.

They were in the clear, incredibly.

The Stardust was keyed to go.

Sybelle laughed, they could breathe easy now and Aryan was sounding so much better. Plus it was a relief to be away from Leia, she’d had enough of that woman’s harsh behavior.

"I’m a little old to start learning to fly now," she said smiling.

"You might be happy to know that I can now look out of the viewports without losing the contents of my stomach, as long as I don’t look downward."

She settled back into the seat and sighed. It felt so good to be sitting beside him and watching him do the piloting stuff, but she did like the notion of helping him.

"Okay Aryan, what do you need me to do?" Sybelle asked as she looked over the controls in front of her. "Keep in mind that if anything goes wrong it’s not my fault."

A smirk pulled at the corner of Aryan’s mouth as he listened to Sybelle chatter through the pre-flight check, pontificating her fears through nervous energy. Of course, she had nothing to worry about; the process was all rather mundane. Nevertheless, it still felt surreal to sit behind the controls with his former lover at his side. It was almost like the old days.

Almost.

"A ship this size usually requires a seven-man crew, so we’ll be pulling triple duty on some of the tasks," Aryan explained smartly, clearly in his element. To emphasize this, his hands moved deftly over the instrument panel as the engines began to spool up. "But once we hit lightspeed, it should be smooth sailing to Nubia."

Leaning forward, his fingers brushed against her wrist as he reached across to indicate the equipment on her side of the dash. "For now, I want you to focus solely on the hyperspace coordinates and ensuring that we’re ready to go once we hit our mark. It’s pretty straightforward; you’ll see a bunch of flashing lights and indicators. When they illuminate, I need you to toggle them."

He lowered his hand to refer to another computer console. "The coordinates for Nubia are already pre-programmed into your feed. All you need to do is load them into the computer when the display lights up. And then, finally…" he nodded toward a three-pronged lever, "you pull back on that when I give the signal."

Aryan sat back once more and took the control yoke into his hands. "See? It’s simple enough," he drawled in a gravelly baritone, a mischievous glint reflecting in his eye. "None of that bantha piss about being too old to learn new things. If that’s the case, we’re both in trouble."

Sybelle reached over and lightly touched Aryan’s arm saying, "You’re back now, darling."

She leaned back looking down at the controls, having already forgotten what he had said to do, and pursed her lips. It was because the entire time Aryan was speaking she was thanking every deity she could list in her mind, Sybelle even included the Bedlam Spirits.

"I pull this lever now? Or, no. When you tell me to," she murmured to herself.

"Uh, n–no," he stammered quickly, placing his hand on top of hers before she could inadvertently toggle the hyperdrive. "Only when I give you the signal, alright? The slightest miscalculation could send us barreling into a star."

He didn’t intend to frighten her, but he needed to emphasize the importance of precision when it came to piloting a starship. It was practically a science.

"Hmmm… I’m not terribly confident in my co-piloting abilities, however, I have complete faith in my pilot."

Her eyes shifted from the controls to Aryan and then back. "We should run away and spend our remaining years traveling incognito around the galaxy, collecting strange art, or antique flatware," she laughed. "Don’t you think we’ve earned a few years of peaceful existence?" Sybelle asked playfully.

It didn’t matter if he felt the giddy rush she was experiencing. Having Aryan happy was better than alcohol or psychedelics.

She released a sigh of relief.

Aryan momentarily suspended the pre-flight checks to glance over at Sybelle, offering her a rueful smile. Her plan sounded perfect, even idyllic. He wanted nothing more than to leave the galaxy behind and spend the rest of his life with the woman he had always loved. Sure, Lyz had filled a void in his life in the intervening years, and he now felt remorse over her passing, but his heart would always belong to Sybelle. If there was such a thing as destiny, he reckoned their bond was the epitome of that concept. This was where he was supposed to be.

But he knew his recovery and reunion with Sybelle wasn’t a result of happenstance. There was a higher power at work; he had experienced it while he had been in a coma. A divine force, which manifested itself in a vast mindscape, had assigned him the task of protecting Sybelle and the galaxy from the Epitaph.

He couldn’t ignore that calling; not when he had been ordained by…

… by what?

A peaceful spirit?

A Celestial?

The Creator?

Exhaling softly, Aryan pushed that thought from his mind to focus solely on Sybelle. "You know I would run away with you right now," he began softly, his eyes reflecting his conviction. "But… I can’t. Not yet. I have, uh… a duty to fulfill. It’s hard to explain what I saw. You’ll probably think I’m still crazy or hallucinating, but—umm, it’s the reason we’re going home."

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent; @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Connix

The evacuation of D’Qar saw capital ships arrive to accept transports, an immense cruiser named Raddus and three lesser escorts.

Sam Hhat’s disclosure meant that they had to move to the next base. Han was furious, but they needed to get going to find Luke and fix this mess.

The choices for Sam, as firmly given by Leia, was to go with Han to the Unknown Regions or to head to the brig. Qel-Droma was assigned as her handler either way, and Chewbacca spent the evacuation prep bonding with Barriss over shared memories of comrades they had in common from the Clone Wars - Yoda, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Anakin, before the fall of the Republic. To think the two of them had walked parallel paths sixty five years ago.

Chewbacca in turn recounted the defeat of the Empire from his perspective at Yavin and Endor, the birth and fall of the Solo children, and his Life Debt to, in his words, the crotchety Han Solo.

Ben Solo was left to his own devices in the middle of all the furore to escape before a First Order Star Destroyer or even Sith-Imperial warship turned up. But a little thought tickled at him. Snoke’s voice. My boy, I will shortly have taken back what was rightfully mine. Come to the Finalizer, and you will have the power to make your parents, uncle and brother not only listen to you, but obey.

A dark chuckle and he left the boy be.

Rey for her part was divided between going with the Falcon and staying with Ben, wherever he ended up.

Otherwise, nobody noticed a small yacht slip out of the system. Apparently.

TAG: @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto (combo)
—-
Deep space, not too far away

The Stardust decanted from hyperspace in the Outer Rim, ready to reorient and jump for home. The HoloNet blazed; more propaganda and tales of Rebel massacres on Chandrila and Mimban and vague reports of a terrible threat about to emerge from the Unknown Regions.

Grand Moff Lecersen publicly called upon the Chiss Ascendancy to surrender these threats to the Galactic Empire, or be considered allies of terror.

Chiss Syndic Formbi had replied on air, demanding evidence from the Grand Moff of this threat from the Unknown Regions.

Footage played of an immense black Star Destroyer with the pennant code Finalizer, harassing Sith-Imperial forces at Jakku. The Moff riposted that the Empure wanted those terrorists handed over or else. He even added, more darkly, that any evidence of Chiss spies in Imperial territory would be considered an act of war. Any Chiss whatsoever.

It was a rather direct stab at Sybelle.

But on the other hand, former Confederate Chief of State Phennir, now a Grand Admiral in the Galactic Empire, called for calm in the Corellian Sector and other former systems of the Confederation. Reports of an increase in unrest abounded, off the back of the spectre of another galactic war. The belief, military historians speculated, was that an Alliance divided in attention between the former Confederate worlds and the Chiss could be outflanked.

That saw a message, anonymised and hidden in the depths of the Stardust systems, activate when it detected that Aryan Graul was aboard.

It converted into a hologram.

It was Lyz Graul.

“Aryan, I know you escaped Chandrila before the Sith could reach you, and for that I’m grateful. I also know Sybelle saved you, and I don’t really have words to express how I feel about that but I am happy she did. Darth Caedus is using the presence of a Chiss to force a war with the Ascendancy, and because of your involvement… I’ve heard from people who would like to speak to you.[/i]

Her voice and expression belied her reluctance but the hologram shifted to show others. Several others. It wasn’t clear if they were present in person besides Lyz or via a tied in holochannel too.

Allow me to introduce Corellian Head of States Teppler and Admiral Delpin, the Commenori President Fyor Rodan and Bothan Admiral Kre’frey.

She swallowed, audibly.

They’d like to speak to you about being Acting Chancellor of the new Galactic Alliance.

Another pause.

Both of you, if possible.

TAG: @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent (combo)

 

IC: Snoke

The black command shuttle of the new Supreme Leader of the First Order arrived almost innocuously aboard the Finalizer. Down swept Snoke, a troop of eight Praetorian Guards preceding him.

The bodies were still warm in the hangar.

Violence was still echoing through the warship, indeed, the entire First Order. But a prompt communique echoed around the Stormtroopers of the First Order, and was repeated to the naval officer corps, even on the tannoy of the Star Destroyers, interrupting Phasma’s reply to Ren, though she would detect Phasma’s lie about Rae Sloane’s intentions -

This is General Hux. Following an attempted Sith-backed coup by Rae Sloane and Maximilian Veers, the loyal Stormtrooper Corps and Captain Phasma have secured the peace. New orders will follow shortly, but otherwise maintain position. Keep a careful eye out for sedition from allies of the traitors. The First Order will triumph over this corruption, and the greater Sith Empire!

It was so swift.

Snoke summoned the Phasma and the Knights of Ren to his presence, for their reward and elevation.

TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)

 

IC: Darth Caedus

His visions spoke of the threat to come.

He could see it.

A varying number of parties upon his throne….

A mutated and oversized monster of a man in golden robes…

A white-eyed pale skinned simalcrum of the long dead Palpatine…

A masked figure in black that was undoubtedly his brother, Ben Solo, commanding his Empire…

A woman with razor sharp teeth and blazing yellow eyes, a double bladed crimson weapon to hand with a curious mechanic in the middle of the hilt so as to trap an enemy blade… A Sith Empress?

He knew his visions were spiralling out of control, and he needed answers. So he headed to the one place he could see it. The Throne of Balance.

Entering the Maw for the first time in decades, he cut through the Mind Walkers, ascended Beyond Shadows, and stood before the Pool of Knowledge.

But this time he didn’t peer; he drank.

For Order to continue, for the deaths of his aunt, sister and daughter to be validated, he needed more. More power.

And so he drank.

And then he sought out the Font of Power. He would draw from that, too. He would make the future his.

The woman in the mists snickered, and, finally, Darth Caedus found someone he could love like he had Tenel Ka, or Danni Quee.

A monster like him.

TAG: @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent, @Mitth_Fisto, @CosmoHender (mention only)

 

IC: Luke Skywalker

He suddenly broke from training, to look at the sky. In his exile, Luke had found solace in routine and peace in knowing he would be one day be breaking the cycle.

He would be the Last Jedi.

Then the Sith would inevitably end with them.

That was his resolute belief.

The war against the Darkness could not be won by the Jedi squandering the Light.

It grew harder to say with repetition.

But cut off from the Force, as he had been since Jaina died, was the only way for him to rationalise his failings.

It certainly didn’t help to be reminded of it daily. Once a young girl, and now a teenager, he had been left the red-haired child in his care, transforming his proposed exile into somewhat of a disaster. Her death faked already by Tenel Ka at the Battle of Shedu Maad - as well as her own a Tenel Ka had left her five year old daughter in the care of her old Master. Nonetheless, he had drowned the Jade Shadow, and the X-wing aboard it, in the depths of the water surrounding the island, and sometimes he regretted doing so.

Refusing to train Allana as a Jedi Knight had been a decision he made years ago, but the routine of training generally was something he used to keep her - and him - sane. One day he would die, of old age hopefully, and she would remain. He had a duty to make sure she could look after herself.

But Allana was powerful in the Force, and the only solace Luke could take was that he hadn’t trained her to be a Jedi. He’d taken a more measured approach to the Force, to show her the hypocrisy of the Jedi, to show her the seductiveness of the Sith ways, but the self-defeating cycle both had entered.

However she was looking to the sky, and so was he. “What is it?”

“Someone is coming.”

Apprehension spiked within Luke. “A Sith?”

“No. Someones… between, and both.” Allana’s eyes, so like her father’s, sparkled for a moment.

“Like me.”

TAG: @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent, @Mitth_Fisto, @CosmoHender (mention only)

 

OOC: A very tense combo with Lady_B and Sinrebirth – thank you so much!!

IC: Aryan Graul, Sybelle, and the Galactic Alliance Leadership Council
Aboard the Stardust, Hyperspace

Their journey home to Nubia was anything but tranquil. Aryan had known at the onset it would be a monumental task to catch up on all he had missed during his residency on Chandrila. While he had spent the majority of the trip immersed in his datapad to educate himself on recent galactic events, he had not anticipated they would become so relevant so soon. The transmission from Lyz changed all of that and put everything in perspective.

In a sense, it was bittersweet to see the shimmering avatar of his wife in hologram form. It wasn’t a true physical manifestation, but it was still the first time he could recall seeing her in years. Extenuating circumstances had prevented her from visiting him in the care home—or at least, that’s how Jalynn had explained the legalities to him. He wasn’t sure whether to believe it. Nevertheless, she was gone, and between Sybelle and their escape, he had not found the time to mourn her passing.

Until now.

As Aryan listened to her recorded message, his eyes gleamed with unshed tears. It was more about the memory— the respect he had for her and everything they had shared as a couple. Despite the complicated nature of their marriage, he had come to love her in a conventional sense. It was more about courtly tradition than true love. They had battled through their adversity to become best friends… and he would miss her.

Fortunately, he had Sybelle to fill the void; she was truly his beloved… his soulmate. She was all he ever needed, no matter how many years they spent apart. In the end, it sounded as if Lyz had understood this. He admired her for that.

"Clear skies, Lyz," he murmured the old Corellian proverb under his breath, wishing her a safe journey into the great beyond.

With his mind at ease, Aryan exhaled deeply and assumed his position on the acceleration couch as the transmission shifted to a live feed. He had heard Lyz’s words regarding the Galactic Alliance’s wishes for him to accept the role of Acting Chancellor, but it hadn’t felt real until the current Heads of State materialized inside the hold. It brought legitimacy to the proposition. Additionally, he would no longer need to utilize his mother or leverage the family business to assist him in launching a vigorous political campaign. He would have funding, endorsements, power… all of the support he could ever need. It was as if they were already privy to his plans.

But more importantly, he could not agonize over the notion; there was no time for his insecurities to take hold and dictate his decision. Things were moving too quickly for that. Their sudden appearance ensured that he would address them openly and honestly.

"I have to admit, this—uh… this is quite the honor," Aryan began tentatively, his fingers brushing Sybelle’s hand for reassurance. "If I had known, I would have taken more care to make my arrangements… and myself more presentable."

To emphasize his point, he self-consciously ran his hand through his tousled hair, pushing it away from his forehead as if that would amend his unkempt appearance.

"I should also remind you that I have been… indisposed for an extended period," he continued after a moment, a rueful smile evident on his lips. "I know that may influence your decision—especially as you determine whether I am fit to serve. If that is a concern, I completely understand."

It had actually been their first opportunity to have a moment to breathe without an immediate threat looming over the couple, but it was spoiled for Sybelle by the hologram of Lyz.

She didn’t want to view the image of Aryan’s wife.

Her stomach had tightly clenched from the sound of Lyz’s voice, it grated on her nerves so much that she closed her eyes to seek an escape from the sound in the one way Sybelle had coped through the years. It was to revisit the time she and Aryan had shared on Nubia, when they had been so young. There were mostly good memories of being happy, and she had dared to allow herself to think that they had a future together.

It was hard to suppress a sigh of contentment as she imagined the sounds of insects buzzing in the garden and an occasional small splash from the fish in the pond that made them giggle. They had spent many afternoons sitting beside the pond talking.

If only they could live out the rest of their lives relaxing on the estate making more memories…

A curse threatened to escape her lips when she heard Lyz mention her name. It wouldn’t surprise Sybelle if Lyz wasn’t responsible for why she was wanted… only because she had been born Chiss. She glanced down at her pale blue hands and cursed the fact that this was happening.

Aryan’s soft murmur caught her attention.

Her lips sealed tightly and she stayed silent realizing what he had said. Who was she to stop him from paying respect to his beloved wife? In fact, she had anticipated that Aryan would eventually make a pilgrimage, or perform some other acknowledgment to Lyz.

Sybelle had no intention of recognizing the life of Lyz Graul, she felt no sadness that the woman was dead.

Her eyes narrowed as the hologram had changed to a meeting with the current heads of state without warning. It didn’t allow them to prepare for such an important meeting, Sybelle kept to the far edge of her seat, hoping to remain out of the image. This was Aryan’s moment.

Everything was moving too quickly for her, she felt that Aryan needed time to acclimate himself to being outside the care home. He deserved some time to heal his body and mind on his own terms, instead they wanted to drag him right back into the inferno of political drama… Thanks, Lyz.

Her decision to remain there for Aryan remained unchanged, no matter what he did.

Those Lyz had introduced acquired motion, connecting to a live feed.

They were all here; the Corellian Head of States Teppler and Admiral Delpin, the Commenori President Fyor Rodan and Bothan Admiral Kre’frey. They all looked relatively caught out and turned to each other.

"It was a long shot," Denjax Teppler said good-naturedly. "I hadn't expected Lyz to actually find you so soon."

"Hoped she wouldn't," Fyor said absently.

Kre'frey bared his fangs.

"But nonetheless we appreciate you not signing off immediately," Admiral Delpin said. "We know you have been through a great deal, but circumstances have arisen that mean we require you, and your service to Corellia, and the wider galaxy..."

"As Chancellor," Kre'frey agreed. "The Galactic Alliance is needed to defeat Caedus. The Alliance Remnant is ready to commit."

Another joined the discussion. A Chiss. Syndic Formbi.

"I didn't expect Lyz Graul to find you, either, Sybelle." He was called Formbi, but she would recognise his real name. Of course these humans and their Known Galaxy species wouldn't have known one Chiss from another. Teppler and the rest probably didn't even know.

That wasn't Formbi, it was Thrawn.

"But now we are all together, and it is time to decide what to do about the Sith."

"Here, here," Fyor said drily.

It was a curious thing to observe their reactions. Aryan noted how some, namely President Rodan and Admiral Kre’frey, disapproved of his presence while others remained cautiously optimistic about his contributions. He expected to find contention in such a diverse governing body, so when no one raised any further concerns about his mental state or physical well-being, he was shocked. He could’ve never predicted them to agree on his capacity to lead. Nevertheless, he wasn’t about to question their reasoning. They were offering him an opportunity, and he would be foolish not to accept.

But then he hesitated, his eyes shifting to regard the Chiss before meeting Sybelle’s gaze. Where was the connection there? He didn’t like how they continued to pursue her as if trying to recruit her to their cause. She no longer had a relationship with her people, which she made clear when General Organa first attempted to persuade her to act on the Chiss’ behalf. He doubted they had her best interests in mind; he couldn’t envision a scenario where she could assist them and not be perceived as bait.

"I appreciate the offer," Aryan began tentatively, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "You have my commitment, especially if it involves eradicating the Sith… but you understand I also have a few points of concern. You could’ve easily elected someone within your own caucus to serve as Chancellor. Why wait for me when it was uncertain whether I would even re-emerge? With so much at stake, that was a huge gamble."

Again, he sought Sybelle’s gaze before continuing.

"And no offense to our Chiss benefactor," Aryan nodded toward the man to smooth over any hostilities, "but I’m curious about the extent of the Ascendancy’s involvement. They have never been relevant before, much less cared enough about our affairs to intervene."

Thrawn.

He was obviously determined to speak to her, Sybelle thought grimly.

She did give a very slight nod of acknowledgment to his comment but found it very curious that Lyz had been in contact with Thrawn. Did Lyz create some scheme to have the Ascendancy arrest her and incarcerate her in some forsaken Chiss prison? This is exactly the sort of thing she imagined Lyz capable of in the known galaxy, but the fact that she had contacts in the Unknowns put Sybelle further on edge.

Sybelle swallowed hard and leaned out of the holocamera’s sight, then she mouthed to Aryan that they were speaking with Thrawn. Aryan might be aware of it, but she needed to be sure.

Then she settled back into her seat and smoothed her long tunic. The silence told Sybelle that they were waiting for her to speak, but she stalled and glanced down at her hands folded in her lap.

Finally, she swallowed again and hesitantly said, "Of course, Lyz knew how to locate me, she always made it her mission to be sure I was out of sight and existing in silence." Her eyes welled up with unshed tears, which made her angry. Damn that woman! Even dead she still skulked in the background to keep watch over Sybelle to try and control her.

After making her comment she hesitantly looked over at Aryan. Surely he understood why she followed Lyz’s demands and went away, but he might not know that they falsified records to show her deceased. Looking back now, she wondered if agreeing to go away had really been the best for Aryan and his career. Would having a non-human wife without connections or wealth have ruined him?

"The Chiss Ascendancy is well aware that a Sith galaxy is one which does not benefit anyone," Thrawn said, slightly. "Working within the system until it can be torn down, and the future prepared for, that is what we have always proposed."

"And the Confederation fleet is scattered across the galaxy, ready to regroup at a moment's notice," Teppler said, carefully. He clearly wasn't intending to say where it was. "But there is a fact that Alliance politicians are... tarred for supporting Jacen, even passively..."

"... meanwhile Confederates have the issue that many of them supported regimes that were willing to sponsor assassinations of children... and the Centerpoint hyperweapon," Kre'frey replied evenly.

"It was this reasoning that saw Admiral Daala appointed as Chief of State," Thrawn pointed out. "She was a third party, a compromise candidate that could appeal to all sides." His hand took in Aryan and Sybelle. "You two are that. Not involved in the tyranny of the Sith or Empire, and with connections to Corellia, the Alliance, and so forth."

"So you, Aryan Graul, are that compromise candidate," Teppler confirmed.

"And you, Lady Tann," Delpin added, "are the bridge between us and the Chiss, for the Ascendancy can ill-afford to send agents into Sith-Imperial Space without it being considered open provocation."

"Lyz Graul suggested you two would be perfect," Kre'frey said carefully.

"Was she right?" Fyor said sarcastically.

The anecdotal accounts of Lyz’s contributions had a sobering impact on the meeting, particularly after her recent passing. Her involvement in the war had been unknown to Aryan; she had maintained silence over the years, only sending correspondence to the care home for lifedays and various holidays. It had become a point of contention between them, but he now began to understand. She was a philanthropist by nature, so it made sense for her to play a significant role in rebuilding the galaxy.

However, he refrained from sharing his insight; Sybelle would not appreciate those sentiments. Her outburst revealed a deeper trauma he did not wish to elaborate on in the presence of the others. Something had occurred between the two women, and he fully intended to uncover the truth.

For the moment, Aryan exhaled softly and reached across to place his hand on Sybelle’s thigh. He wanted her to know she was safe. Despite any adversity they may face, he would support her.

"Perfect is such an arbitrary term in this case, don’t you think?" Aryan straightened his posture and replied to their inquiries, looking pointedly at Kre’frey and Fyor as if to accept their challenge. "How do you even define perfect? I urge you to temper your expectations if you assume I’ll step in there and solve our problems with a simple snap of my fingers. The process will take some time, including trial and error. I hope you’re prepared for that."

His eyes swept the room, meeting each of the occupants in turn. "Lyz was very intuitive and rarely mistaken on matters of state. She understood what was at stake, and I always valued her input. We should not dismiss her recommendations because of petty rivalry that extends beyond our current crisis. There may be a bit of a learning curve until I acquaint myself with everything I’ve missed during my… sojourn, but I’m still the best man for the job. I’m capable and willing to serve."

Lady Tann?

That one stung. Lady Tann was her mother, Sybelle never used that name and never considered herself that person. More importantly, how did they know so much about her? She wasn’t sure Aryan even knew what her mother’s name was, Sybelle had not spoken of the last time she saw her parents since the one time with Ashaiya. Even then she’d said little and had cried herself to sleep in her benefactor’s arms.

She gave Aryan a small smile and placed her hand over his where it now rested on her leg. It was an oddly intimate gesture that he’d made touching her there… though not unwelcome.

"I’m really not sure what role I’m expected to play in this," Sybelle said, looking again at Aryan. "I have no experience as an emissary, or even in politics. Why does the color of my skin mean that I have any influence with the Chiss?" She asked, not quite sounding as desperate as she felt.

Again she cursed Lyz Graul, there had to be some concealed deception. She’d also had enough of hearing Lyz being praised, it made her want to scream.

Fyor Rodan smirked at Aryan. "That's the fire our leader should have. I approve."

"Serve and lead," Delpin said, leadingly. "Your sojourn is all that concerned me, and clearly you were only in that nursing home to keep you out of harm's way. I have no concerns as to your mental... acuity."

Thrawn eyed Sybelle. "Meanwhile, I appear to have misspoken. I knew your mother and father before they left Chiss Space, and your mother was an honourable woman, indeed, she was a small celebrity - a SkyWalker who had retained her Force abilities after she aged. Incredibly rare, and put under an extreme amount of pressure accordingly. Her departure from Chiss Space is widely considered a condemnation against the society that drove her to leave - there is an immense amount of respect for her, and the reforms of the SkyWalker's after her death were done in her name." He nodded. "No longer are children kidnapped from their families against their will, and memories erased to conceal them. Sev'rance Tann spoke out against that practice as the public face of the Chiss' own Force using Order - the equivalent of a Jedi Grandmaster, I gather. That influence remains."

Teppler waved a hand. "So the color of your skin doesn't matter per se, but it does to Darth Caedus. He believes you a spy, and your having been present at the discovery of Jedi Master Cilghal has stoked the fire between the Known and Unknowns. If we are to bring the Chiss on-side, we need to seize that misconception and fan it into a true Galactic Alliance."

"Now that Lyz Graul is dead, this discourse is the last and best hope for peace," Kre'frey said gruffly.

Tears had welled in Sybelle’s eyes, but then she had to swallow a harsh retort at Kre’frey’s praise of Lyz. Instead, she mumbled, "Saint Lyz for the win."

It took her a second to regain enough composure to address the comments made regarding her biological mother.

"I had no idea that my mother had left such a legacy, surely you know that I was very young when she and my father were murd— killed in action." This was such a difficult conversation, and she would’ve struggled just to speak of them alone with Aryan. Having this discussion with the Lyz Graul Fan Club of strangers was hell… sheer hell.

"My parents must have had a premonition of what was to happen because they had prepped me at a young age of what to do if they told me to run," Sybelle said. She wasn’t speaking to any one person, and the words weren’t coming easily. "I did as I was told, and to this day could not begin to recount how I survived."

Sybelle felt certain that there was something or someone that led her to Nubia. She was not so fanciful to believe in anything like guardian angels, but she was sure there was a higher being who made sure she survived. There was no way a child should’ve crossed the galaxy alone without being snatched up and sold into slavery, yet she had managed to make it to Ashaiya Graul.

"I remember very little of them," Sybelle continued, "and I feel no connection to the Chiss. I’ve been alone, without a heritage, and I have suffered under judgment from both humans and those with skin like mine."

She soon realized that she’d been tightly clinging to Aryan’s hand. Sybelle relaxed her grip and looked over to him and spoke sadly. "We begged Cilghal to come with us, but she insisted on facing the Sith that were attacking. She and Tekli seemed to have a plan in place for an emergency evacuation of Aryan… we couldn’t convince her to leave."

It had been maddening at the time, but by now Sybelle had respected that Cilghal had sacrificed herself for Aryan to escape. Only now it looked like Caedus had possibly been after her rather than Aryan.

Suddenly exhausted, Sybelle leaned back in the seat and glanced down at her lap. They were asking too much of her, she would need time to consider all that had been said. "I’m not half the woman Sev’rance Tann was, and I find it hard to believe I would have any influence over the Chiss."

Her eyes went back to Aryan, seeking his support.

Although he retained his grip on her hand, Aryan diverted his gaze, focusing on a fixed point on the wall as Sybelle discussed business with the council. It was an awkward exchange, evident by her restless disposition. While he understood the urgency to vet her for the position, he found their methods tactless. It wasn’t necessary to delve into her past so vehemently, particularly in this setting…

… or perhaps he was more… unnerved than anything else.

This was a side of Sybelle he had not seen before; she hadn’t shared her family background with him. It also wasn’t his place to pry for that information. Nevertheless, it was a double-edged sword. As much as he felt that he was invading her privacy, the other half of him was indignant that she had kept this secret from him.

His expression reflected his inner conflict as he angled his chin and finally sought Sybelle’s gaze. As he stared into her crimson eyes, he squeezed her hand and flashed a wan smile.

Thrawn shrugged. "Nonetheless, you have been handed that legacy. The Legacy of the Force, perhaps." His tone was even. "I do not understand such things, but we face Sith Lords. The Force has a part to play."

Rodan grumbled, and Teppler glared at him. Rodan's anti-Jedi stance was fairly well known.

"But this isn't about Jedi and Sith," Delpin clarified. "This is about the moment we light the spark of Rebellion and bring down the Second Galactic Empire. Against the entire galaxy, even the plans of the Sith unravel."

"It's just been difficult to get the entire galaxy on side," Kre'frey said drily, with a wan smile of his own.

"So even if you end up a figurehead," Thrawn said, doggedly, to Sybelle specifically, "it will save trillions in the fight to come." His eyes turned to Aryan. "The Chancellor and the Chiss. You are both well placed to do this."

"Now we just need a signal," Teppler said.

"That is what we shall discover, or manufacture," Thrawn clarified. "When the galaxy is pushed and responds to the tyranny of the Sith, we shall call upon Chancellor Graul and Syndic Tann, and they will speak, unifying the Known and Unknown, and we shall destroy the enemy once and for all. 15,000 ships will arrive and smash the primary Sith-Imperial Fleet and the war will be won."

"Here, here," Rodan said, pleased.

"May the Force be with us all," Teppler said, warmly. "And preferably not with Darth Caedus."

At that, they nodded, and silenced the line, leaving Aryan and Sybelle to each other.

"Syndic Tann?" Sybelle asked the dead air where the holo had been.

She turned to Aryan, "I know Lyz is your wife, but she had no right to drag me into this." Sybelle was livid, and she knew it would be a mistake to unleash on Aryan, but the vile woman was his wife. How could he have settled for someone so hateful?

Even in death, Lyz was pulling the strings she’d tied to Sybelle.

"I’m not sorry that I went to get you out of that care home," she said quickly, "please don’t think I regret that. I’m just not comfortable suddenly being thrust into being someone I’m not."

Damn it all. They had put her in a position that she’d always avoided, and now Aryan was probably angry over her babbling on about her past to those boobs.

"Aryan, I’ve only spoken about my… past, one other time. That was with Ashaiya, and I thought it was the only person who knew. Now it feels like the galaxy knew about my past and I cannot imagine how."

She was crying again.

"UGH! I hate this!" She finally allowed the dam to burst and Sybelle openly sobbed. "I’m sorry," she murmured and turned away from Aryan.

Her tears fell just as they had when she was a girl in Ashaiya’s arms. She cried for her parents, for losing her childhood, and for the baby sister she’d barely known. Those bastards had taken away everything, and Ashaiya had saved her. The dear woman had been a mother to Sybelle. Now Thrawn and his little friends had stripped her bare again… only she was a woman now and had no one to save her.

Sybelle cried for everything that Lyz Graul had taken from her and hated her even more for making her cry again.

With his jaw clenched tightly, Aryan withdrew from Sybelle and crossed to the opposite side of the hold. He needed some distance, perhaps some time to think without the overbearing presence of the council—but in reality, he wanted an escape. For the first time since returning home from Chandrila, he was beginning to have doubts about his purpose. What was the meaning of the prophetic vision in which his ancestors had instructed him to assume his role in galactic politics to protect Sybelle? Had he truly experienced that? Or had it been a mere illusion? A consequence of his recent psychosis?

Aryan tightened his fist and struck the bulkhead out of frustration. There was another explanation; one that was more selfish and inconsiderate.

Jealousy.

Was he jealous of the attention Thrawn and the council had given Sybelle?

No.

It was more substantial than that.

"You don’t want to accept this burden, but how do you think it feels from my perspective?" Aryan snapped as he whirled on her, finally reaching a breaking point. "I stood here and kept my mouth shut while the council sang your praises about becoming their savior to restore some fragile truce between the Alliance and the Chiss. They exposed your past and used that to manipulate your response—and all you could do was rant about my mother and how you believed she betrayed your confidence. You’re insulted because you thought she was the only person who knew your secret. The only person you could trust."

A light scoff issued from his lips.

"You’re forgetting one big piece." He inclined his chin and gestured toward his chest. "Perhaps the most important piece. But you didn’t consider me, did you? You’d rather yell and stomp your feet about my dead wife and how unfairly she—"

He noticed her tears and trailed off.

"—oh, for kriff’s sake."

At that moment, he realized it wasn’t worth it. What the hell was he even doing? He no longer had the patience nor the willpower to continue his tirade. What point would it serve? Sybelle was already a broken, empty shell of her former self. His words would only beat her further into the ground and render her inert, and he couldn’t bear to witness that. Not after everything they’d been through.

Again, he desired that escape.

With a sigh, Aryan diverted his gaze and held up a hand to forestall any protests. "I think—I, uh… I need to go lie down. I didn’t get much rest…"

He afforded Sybelle a quaint smile before retreating from the room, leaving her to cry alone.

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent; @Sinrebirth