Star Wars: Episode VII: Twilight of the Light Force

OOC: I am SO sorry for the lateness.

IC: Barriss Offee

Jedi Temple

As she watched the younglings board the evacuation ship, Barriss knew that she would feel better when the younglings were off Coruscant and were somewhere safe. Of course, she had a list of potential safehouses where she could take them, which also meant they had other options to fall upon in case one safehouse was compromised.

But while Barriss knew there was nowhere she would rather be than with these children, she looked over at Ahsoka and suspected that her partner possibly thought differently, which didn't surprise Barriss too much. She knew Ahsoka had probably been hoping to go after the people responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. Ahsoka was always someone who preferred direct action.

However, before Barriss could bring this up to her partner, she saw Lylithe Kya coming over to them. To see them off, perhaps?

Lylithe waved. "I hear I have you to thank for saving the kids and distracting the enemy from me. I nearly died in that mess looking after the Jensaarai rep." Ahsoka smiled, happy to see a survivor.

"Master Yoda suggested I get out of the Temple, so I could more fully recover. Also, you're Masters, and you may be needed, while I'm just a Knight." A smile, a little tired around the edges, but there. "Happy for me to come along to wherever?"

Barriss just smiled. "Of course," she told Lylithe. "The more, the merrier."

In short order, they had a gaggle of younglings, and Lylithe was settling down children and strapping them in.

For a moment, Barriss and Ahsoka had the cockpit to themselves. Ahsoka smiled. "Well, not quite the adventure I had in mind."

Barriss returned the smile. "An adventure nonetheless," she told her partner. "Still... where should we go? I had a list of safe houses we could take the younglings to, but I haven't gotten the chance to decide where to bring them."

"What's the choices?" Ahsoka scooched the seat over closer.

Barriss pulled out her datapad, scrolling through the list. "Well, there's-"

She paused, her finger stopping on a name. For some reason, she felt drawn to it. Like the Force was trying to tell her something.

"How about... Bonadan?"

Ahsoka felt the Force resonate as she said it. "Oh?" The Togruta searched Barriss's eyes. "Why there?"

"I'm... not sure," Barriss admitted. "It just... feels right. Like the Force wants me to go there."

"Good enough for me," Ahsoka said, squeezing her hand and leaning in for a kiss -

The cockpit door opened, and Lylithe, looking both bedraggled and happy, stepped in. "Forty nine younglings strapped in."

"Oh," she said, flatly on seeing them. "Shall I go?"

Barriss, her cheeks pinks from embarrassment, shook her head. "It's fine," she told Lylithe. "We were just deciding where to go. Bonadan."

“That’s far away,” Lylithe said, approvingly, bypassing their awkwardness. “The Corporate Sector, though, pretty Separatist leaning once upon a time…” Another nod. “The Enemy won’t be looking for us inside Separatist Space.”

Ahsoka twitched. “The Republic isn’t going to fall apart.”

“I know,” Lylithe said. “But it’s going to get complicated in the galaxy.”

“So we’ll be hunted in Republic Space… but if we’re under the enemies’ nose, we’ll be fine…” Ahsoka reasoned. “Not that anyone would mess with two Jedi Masters…”

Lylithe looked like she would disagree, but instead looked to Barriss.

"Grand Master Yoda almost died today," Barriss pointed out to Ahsoka. "Someone certainly thought they could pull it off. So we should still be careful, not reveal ourselves as Jedi if necessary. That's why I stocked the ship up with civilian garb. I was thinking it would be better if we didn't look like Jedi. Instead, we could pose as teachers watching over their students." She gestured to Lylithe. "You could be our other chaperone."

“A school trip to Bonadon…” Lylithe nodded. “That follows. It had been pretty important in the past - the Great Galactic War started in the region, after all.” A nod. “Works for me; we take a circuitous route so it looks like we didn’t come from the Core, pad out our ship history, and the Force gets us the rest of the way.”

A smile. “Did you want me to cover the first shift in the cockpit? It’s night Coruscant-time, and I am still on the Muun clock.”

Ahsoka did the open-eyed look at Barriss that sleep wasn’t entirely what she had in mind.

Barriss smiled back at Lylithe. "Thank you," she said. "I would appreciate if you took the first shift. I have a lot of... meditating to do."

Ahsoka nodded. "Precisely. Thank you, Knight Kya."

Lylithe smiled knowingly. "Enjoy your meditations, Master Tano, Master Ofee."

At that, she keyed them up for the long jump to Bonadon.

IC: The Knights of Ren

Devaron

Marinda backed away from Ventress and Ren, making sure that the Jedi on the other end of the comms wouldn't see her. She didn't exactly like the spotlight.

Ren, however, seemed to thrive in it.

"Oof, is that Yoda?" Ren asked, pointing to the bed-ridden Master Jedi. "Man, he looks terrible. Or is that what all members of his species look like when he reaches nine hundred?"

He waved at the Jedi Masters. "Hey," he said. "I'm Ren, Master of the Knights of Ren. I killed my first Jedi today."

Mace Windu glowered. "You take responsibility?"

"Does that seem wise to do, so brazenly?" Obi-Wan said.

Ventress smiled, flirtatious. "Oh, Master Kenobi, you are so coy."

"Not so coy, will we be, when we bring you to justice." Yoda did indeed sound incredibly tired.

But Mace remained fixated on Ren. "What have you done with the body?"

Ren grinned behind his mask. "I left the body where it fell," he told Windu. "The bugs can have it."

He looked hard at Windu. He could sense something stirring beneath the surface.

"Perhaps you haven't heard of me," he admitted. "But after today, you won't forget me."

Mace Windu firmed his lips. "I will personally bring you to justice."

"Master -" Kenobi began.

"Do this, my old Padawan needs to," Yoda slurred. "Plant himself, and fight, and defend."

"Will you remain on Devaron and await my arrival?"

Ventress smiled slightly. "Do you intend to bring clones?"

"The Force will be my ally," Mace said, firmly.

"You don't expect us to follow honourable combat, do you?" Ventress spoke, lazily.

"Do you?" Mace said directly to Ren.

Ren shrugged lazily. "The Knights of Ren do not adhere to any codes," he told Windu. "We do what we want, take what we want, kill what we want..." He paused. "I don't limit myself with concerns such as morality or honor. I simply am."

"Then run, and I will give chase." Mace cut the channel.

Ventress smirked. "Well we annoyed him."

Ren nodded. "So... what now?" he asked Ventress as he looked around the temple. "Ooh, here's an idea. What if we can take everything of value here and then leave, but we leave behind a calling card for the Jedi? A little something for them to remember us by."

"I like... a bomb, maybe?" Ventress grinned.

"I'd rather shiv them myself," Maul groused, "but a bomb is good."

"What do you think, Marinda?" Ren asked, turning to his second-in-command. "Do you have a problem with us blowing up your old training grounds?"

Marinda looked around before shrugging. "Blow it all to Terminus," she declared.

Ren grinned behind his mask. "Alright, let's not waste anymore time then! Time for some redecoration!'

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Croke
Many Places, No Places, Many Faces

He could spread his net as far and wide as he liked, and a few hours ago, the True Republic would have enabled Explume Minor to access all manner of medical records. Not that they would of ever used their own world as the access points for that information. When you are a galaxy wide hive mind that also operates inter universally the question was who not where. Access was access. A server technician here, an embassy there, a data analyst, a medical safety officer, and O so many others! There were replete options throughout the galaxy. With the absorbed unknown terrors that were now a part of themselves they had no shortage of husks to throw at the problem, and no shortage of vessels from an abundance of the knowledge and memory of a galaxy that no longer existed. Not to mention the fanatics and cults that had offered themselves to become a part of them, it was scary how many would be suicides were now little more than drones keeping up appearances as part of their greater whole whenever it would not garner attention beyond a small dip in the particular global rates. Even better were those few cult ships and pirates stupid enough to try and enter their space.

For some a greater purpose was to loose themselves, quite literally.

But now, with Lexrul, Thustra, Hapes, Gargon and Bakura no longer talking to Coruscant... with Devaron having been silenced...it did add complexity to an otherwise simplistic routine search and setting of alarms.

Gaps were forming still. A move had already been made for Lexrul, as soon as the Senate crises was over they would ask one to accompany their Senator home. Hapes was a question of when not if with their knowledge, they would move a cloaked vessel to pierce the mists and go to a particular watery world to plug into the governments network. Gargon was already inserted into by a few husks angling to work their way into becoming Mandalorian armor smiths there as well as the other Mando hub worlds, and adding a couple more or sacrificing one to gain a permanent back door into the medical systems would be worth the risk of what otherwise would be a valued pawn. Bakura was a world they had extended aid to by dealing with the Ssi-Ruuvi unknown terror. A message would be sent to form an embassy at Bakura asking if they could come to see about ensuring the local species future and prevention of them dying out. 'Humanitarian Aide' was a good path to gain access to many worlds and records, even to plant relations with doctors that might call them after they returned home to consult on other matters and grant them greater access in the asking. It helped as it was an honest offer and they would offer a couple solutions they had as good faith after a few months so that they would have full medical information access until they were satisfied the new Chosen One wasn't there or on those worlds receiving medical aide. As for Devaron it was better to send cloaked observers and infiltrators to enter the society with the local population instead of reveal any already there possibly, maybe find someone that died of natural causes and take over their lives and initiate a career change to gain access. Then a otherwise dead productive or drain on society would be resurrected as a valued member that turned their life around. Croke even without the dozens of absorbed species that otherwise might of been defeated by the Hand of Thrawn would have plenty of bodies. They were a whole species, and when one didn't have to educate or prepare but merely be old enough to do? It made for a much more streamlined society of one of many.

The politics of a galaxy in flux was keeping him from what truly mattered with any immediacy. Or rather it was delaying the information. Delayed gratification, he wasn't that young to be bothered by it.

The Chosen One was about to be born. Imminently by their view of time, but typically these things took a few months before they were ready to actually become a part of the world, and unlike them, the Chosen One would have to grow up as well.

Someone, somewhere, was about to become suddenly, impossible, pregnant, by decree of the Force, in response to the damage Darth Plagueis had just done to it.

Croke was playing a delicate game... and the galaxy was having a chaotic blip.

Worlds turned, asteroids tumbled, and the universe was what it was.

And so, as always, it was time for little more espionage.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Ren and Marinda Ren

Devaron

Both Ren and Marinda reached out with the Force, blocking the debris mid-air and stopping it from hitting them, Ventress, or the other Knights.

Behind her mask, Marinda stared with widened eyes in shock at Windu's survival.

Behind his mask, Ren was grinning.

Ren knew Windu's reputation. Under any normal circumstances, he would never dream of fighting Windu, not even with all of his Knights with him.

These were not normal circumstances. And they had Ventress with them.

"You know," he told the others while drawing his lightsaber and igniting his red blade. "With him hurt and outnumbered, this might actually be a fair fight."

Savage ignited a double-bladed weapon, much like Maul.

Ventress had twin curved blades active.

It had, to add to the event, began to rain. The hissing on their blades added a gay note to matters.



But there he was.

The explosion had burned Mace, and he had lost a hand.

A deep breath, and he yanked his clearly damaged lightsaber to his off-hand. It nonetheless ignited, and Maul and Savage grinned, jointly malicious. Ventress took a step back and let the two of them charge.

She eyed Ren and Marinda, looking to strategize.

Like Ventress, Ren took a step back and let the Zabrak brothers charge forward. When he saw Ventress looking over at him, he just shrugged.

"Let's see what Windu is still capable of," he told Ren and Marinda.

It wasn't like they could stop the Zabrak brothers. They were eager to kill, so might as well let them get their best shot in.

Savage swung high and Maul swung low -

Windu pushed off his feet, inverting, and diving between them, landing in-front of Ventress, Ren and Miranda.

Savage toppled, in two pieces -

Maul turned, and Windu reversed his blade to stab him in the heart, using the Force to pull himself back to do so -

Then he remained, coiled, watching the other three.

Breathing deeply, Korunnai blood splattered across the floor.

Ren glanced at the remains of the two Zabrak brothers... and sighed.

"Disappointing," he said.

However, rather than engage Windu directly, Ren instead chose to channel the shadow, lifting up nearby pieces of debris and hurling them at Windu.

Marinda saw what Ren was doing and did the same, adding her strength to Ren's as they began to pelt Windu from all sides.

"Let's see if we can batter him up a bit more," Ren said.

Ventress joined in, this time ripping at the slates and throwing them -

Mace weaved a defensive trail, sidestepping rocks rather than trying to block them all, but he wasn't fast enough with his injuries, and was taking hits, even on deflections. Slowly but surely he was being pushed back -

And then he swept his amputated stump to pick up and ignite the paired lightsabers that had been dropped by Maul and Savage -

They spun, cut through a wave of attacks, and one hurled for Ventress, and another at Ren -

While Ventress dealt with the lightsaber coming at her, Ren extended his hand and caught the blade being hurled at him mid-air. Beneath his helmet, he grinned as he charged toward Windu, striking at him hard and fast.

He knew that if Windu was at his full strength, it wouldn't be a contest between them.

But fortunately for Ren, Windu wasn't at his full strength and Ren had seen enough to get a good gauge of his speed.

However, Ren still knew that Windu could still win this fight if this went on long enough, so if he was going to end this, it had to be quickly.

And fortunately for Ren, he had help.

For a brief moment, Marinda was shocked that her leader was charging toward Windu like an insane person. But then she realized that Ren would be taking up all of Windu's attention, giving her an opening.

Channeling her shadow, Marinda lifted up some smaller pieces of debris and hurled them at Windu, though this time she had a more specific target: his legs, in an attempt to throw him off of balance.

Windu was caught in a choice; protect his legs, or risk losing a blade fight.

He had managed to obtain an inch of space with the lightsaber throw, but it wasn't enough.

His purple blade danced as he tried to back away, catching debris and attempting to change the situation before Ren reached him -

Ventress severed the blade hurled her way, and snarled, touching the Force to her feet to rush to the left and then taking a sharp right-angle turn to pincer Mace -

Ren was going to reach him first -

Planting his feet, he drew the Force around his legs as a defense and put all his discretionary strength and power into blocking Ren's first blow as hard as he could, even one handed -

If he could knock Ren off-balance, he could create an opening, surely -

Then Ren did something that Windu wasn't expecting.

He head-butted him with his helmet.

Mace stumbled, completely and utterly open -

And Ren brought his two sabers down on him, one aimed for the neck and the other aimed for the chest, just as Ventress also came in -

Mace yanked himself back with the Force, on pure instinct -

But still he had gashes carved in his neck and chest and he tumbled, lightsaber clattering to the ground, Mace falling among Maul and Savage's corpses -

Ventress paused her momentum, and grinned to Ren. "Your kill."

Mace pointed his stump and tried to summon the Force to shove them back -

Just as Ren shoved his blade into Windu's heart.

"Don't worry," Ren told Windu. "I know how much of a honor this is."

Mace stared into Ren's face plate, in horror. "You won't... succeed."

His free hand drew into a crushing grasp, and Ventress hesitated, but the Force fell upon his damaged blade -

"I won't let you."

The light left Mace's eyes.

The cracked, unstable Kyber within detonated -

"Ren!" Marinda cried out as she instinctively reached with the Force and grabbed Ren, pulling him back.

Ren was still thrown by the explosion, his body partially burned... though that just meant a few new marks for his heavily scarred body. He groaned while laying on his back.

"I thought... blowing up my lightsaber... was my move," Ren coughed, referring to the kill switch on his lightsaber. Despite the pain, he couldn't help but laugh. "Not bad, Jedi. Not bad."

Marinda rushed over to help Ren to his feet. "Are you okay?" she asked in a worried tone while supporting Ren's weight.

"Well, I'm only partially exploded, which is better than fully exploded, I guess," Ren said while looking at what was left of Windu. "Good thing I was wearing my helmet, huh?" he asked with a chuckle. "Still... gotta respect a move like that. More underhanded than I was expecting from a Jedi."

"That was... kinda terrifying," Marinda admitted.

"Oh yeah," Ren said in agreement. "Honestly, I should probably be dead. Windu was way above any of us."

"And yet... we did it," Marinda said, the realization sinking in.

Ventress had been hurled back, by the explosion, yes, but the Force attack too. Rolling to her feet, she grinned, battered, bruised, but relatively fine.

She stood. “We did it.”

They had killed Mace Windu.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Barriss Offee

En route to Bonadon

The good thing about regularly practicing meditation is that it meant Barriss was really good at breathing techniques.

It also meant she was really good at holding her breath.

So when Barriss heard the click of gas filling the room, she was prepared. She was also prepared for their door locking, her lightsaber flying into her hands, where she ignited it and started to cut through their door.

All in a matter of seconds.

Barriss was nothing if not efficient.

Ahsoka was besides Barriss as swiftly as could be. Her blade joined in, and the door gave way.

The hissing seemed to lessen considerably the moment they were out of the room.

Lylithe was already on the floor, wrapped around herself in the fetal position. Ahsoka placed a hand on her neck. "She's breathing." She turned her head, and realised the windows did not show stars, but a hangar. "We're inside a -"

There was suddenly a loud noise of cutting metal, from the end of the ship -

The cockpit was behind them, and the children between them and the noise.

Ahsoka grimaced. "How did they take us? They had the codes to do so remotely?"

"I have a bad feeling about this," Barriss said under her breath. She turned to Ahsoka. "One of us should stay here, protect Lylithe and the kid, while the other one goes to see who 'they' are."

Ahsoka frowned at Lylithe. "Agreed. Preference?"

She reached down and hitched Lylithe over her shoulder.

"I'll go," Barriss volunteered as she began to head for the exit of the ship. "Wish me luck."

Ahsoka kissed her on the cheek. "Be careful, hun."

There was a clunk, as if metal had dropped to the floor, and the heat of the distance laser-cutter on the hull was beginning to reach deeper into the ship.

The children, mercifully, were asleep.

Barriss rushed to the door of the ship and pushed the button that would open it. She held the hilt of her lightsaber tightly, ready for whatever was out that door waiting for her. And just in case of any other attempted gas attacks, she put on her Jedi breathing device.

The entrance blew inward, showering the area with debris and sparks and smoke -

Blaster fire emerged through the opening -

And Super Battle Droids.

Barriss's blade was up in an instant. She deflected the blaster bolds instinctively before extending her hand, sending the Super Battle Droids flying back with the Force.

Barriss then left the ship, her lightsaber still a blur as she deflected bolts while slashing any droids that had the misfortune of being too close to her.

It turned out that they were inside another ship.

Somehow, they had been taken aboard an old Trade Federation battleship.

There were many, many droids in the hangar bay.

B1s, Super Battle Droids, even Commerce Droid spider cannon droids and Corporate Alliance tanks.

Barriss paused.

Okay, this was a lot more droids than she was expecting.

She stood there in shock for a moment, then turned around and ran back into the ship.

The droids, paused, surprised by the sudden turnabout, gave her plenty of time to run, and then, they parted, as droideka's wheeled through their ranks -

The ship gave Barriss more cover, but when she heard that distinct sound, she turned and saw the droideka rolling up. Before it could come to a stop, Barriss reached out with the Force and pushed the droideka back, through some of the other droids.

The droideka's clattered into B1s, though one Super Battle Droid simply smacked it aside -

The Super Battle Droids lifted their rapid-repeaters and opened fire -

No missiles, though...

Barriss ducked into the ship. "Ahsoka!" she cried out. "We're in bigger trouble than we thought!"

Slapping shut a door between the droids and the inner ship, Ahsoka had just strapped Lylithe into a seat in the cockpit, and secured the door to the children's room. "I got that, someone took control of the ship remotely while we slept. I've purged the control, but, we're clearly inside a Trade Federation battleship. More Separatists?"

"I think so," Barriss said as she joined Ahsoka. "Definitely too many droids for us to fight. Best options right now are either escape or surrender."

And she would prefer not to surrender...

"Well," Ahsoka said, drily. "We burn fuel and rush out?"

"You... need... someone to stay behind," Lylithe said, slowly sitting up. "I was on watch, I should..." A wince. "Fend off the droids."

The hull began to sound like rain - but that was in-fact blaster fire, in a pitter, patter on the ship.

"No," Barriss immediately refused. "Nobody gets left behind. Nobody."

An alarm sounded, and Lylithe stood. "You can think of a better way to escape?"

Ahsoka began powering up, pulling up the landing struts, triggering repulsorlifts, and activating shields. "Arguing about it isn't going to help!"

"Will the tractor beam be an issue?" Barriss asked Ahsoka, worried.

"Probably," Ahsoka admitted.

"This is why I was going to stay," Lylithe said, shaky on her feet.

"I don't think you staying would magically make a tractor beam go away," Barriss pointed out to Lylithe.

"I was going to blow lots of things up until I got to the projector," she said, drolly.

The ship suddenly shook, and Ahsoka called up a display. "Yup. That's an AAT tank."

"Would there be a way to take out the tractor beam from here?" Barriss genuinely asked.

Ahsoka paused. "Not... ordinarily, no." The ship shook again, harder. "Shields are starting to drop," Ahsoka said, looking troubled.

"Shall I stay?" Ahsoka looked at Lylithe, then back to Barriss.

Lylithe drew on the Force, and seemed to lighten, blinking. "Is one Jedi going to be enough?"

Unhappily, Ahsoka looked at Lylithe, wondering if they could leave her to care the children in her state.

"Maybe... maybe we should surrender," Barriss proposed. "With that tractor beam locked on our ship, it could be too risky to try to escape with the children. They also did try to take us alive by filling the ship up with gas... maybe we could try to negotiate with whoever is in charge of these droids."

She didn't like this plan. Not one bit. But she didn't like the idea of risking the lives of the children either.

"Unless someone has a better plan."

Ahsoka nodded. "Surrendering might keep us together for longer..."

Lylithe paused. "It could work... as long as we comply on the condition we stay with the children."

Their comms hadn't been jammed, after all.

With the three of them in agreement, Barriss turned on the comms. "We surrender," she said, hoping that their offer would be accepted. "We are willing to stand down and comply with your demands..." She looked at Lylithe. "...on the condition that we stay with the children."

She didn't like it, but it was the best chance they had.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Medical Ward, Jedi Temple, Years Ago

Madelyn stuck close to Master Cordova, her hand holding his tightly as they approached the medical wing. There were so many people, most spoke basic. But it was quiet and there was a sense of calm. It wasn't like Gargon, except when she spent time with her grandfather in his study as he taught her about the clan and her duties as heir.

But that probably wouldn't matter here.

"Don't worry. You'll be alright." Master Cordova reassured her. "Come, let's get you looked over."

The med bay was fairly busy, for once, and the triage nurse was a droid at the time, a medical variant, though it appeared to be a black-shelled Protocol model. "I am H2-LO," the prissy unit said. "How may I be of assistance."

Cordova eyed Madelyn. He would not speak for her.

Madelyn looked nervous, and she held out her wrists, showing the droid the deep marks there. The bruising on her arms. [I was hurt. Can I please see a doctor miss H2-LO.]

She had no idea if the droid spoke Mando'a. But Master Yoda had. So maybe she would be able to communicate.

The droid paused, adjusting, and then speaking in a mechanical tone. [Please confirm the nature of these injuries."

[Um they tied up my so I wouldn't use the force, and they grabbed me and hit me a couple times] Madelyn sniffed, realizing she was getting upset. Madelyn wiped her eyes and her lip quivered as she looked back at Master Cordova.

Cordova's eyes were soft, and supportive.

The droid nodded. [Quite unforgiveable.] It held out a hand for her to take. [Come with me.]

It led her to a private booth, pulled the curtains, and indicated her to sit on the bed. [Please remove your attire so I may attend to your injuries.]

Master Codova nodded. "I shall be just outside." His tone was pitched softly.

Madelyn sniffed again and nodded, swallowing hard to keep from crying as she took the droids hand before being led to a private booth. She sat down and looked a little u sure, wiping the tears from hee eyes occasionally. She removed her outer tunic, revealing a white tank top underneath. Her arms had bruises of various sizes along them, and the deep marks on her wrist were painful.

[I'm sorry] Madelyn apologised. She didn't want to cry, but she was unsure and worried. She let out a soft sob, realizing that she had been lucky not to die.

"Master Cordova?"

A firm female voice spoke up. He wheeled, and saw Master Unduli. "Yes?"

"There is a girl crying in there."

Pointed, as ever.

"Yes, there is, but I am not a lady."

Luminara smiled. "Very proper as ever."

A smile and half-bow. "I do try."

Luminara stepped to the curtain. "Might I come in? It is Master Unduli."

Madelyn sniffed, "[Okay]" She wiped her eyes as another jedi appeared. "[Is she nice] she asked the medical droid. She swallowed thickly. [Is she a doctor?]

"She is a Jedi Master," the droid said, firmly. "I am obliged to obey her, but as the patient, I will refuse access."

"Madelyn, was it?" Her voice soothed. "[I am here where Master Cordova cannot be. You are a woman, and he is too polite to cross the divide of gender to defend you from these droids.]

The medical droid bristled.

[Let me attend you, and you will never be alone again.]

Madelyn shifted slightly. [I guess you can.] She frowned a little, but Master Unduli sounded nice, and felt calm in the force. [I'm mandalorian. Are you sure you want to help?]

She breezed in, smiling warmly. The droid began to protest, and she flicked a finger, sending it tumbling from the privacy space.

[Let me help with that. A little bruising won't hurt anyone.]

Luminara held her hand to place it on Madelyn's skin, and Madelyn would subtly feel the Jedi gathering the Force to her palm, awaiting permission.

Madelyn gave her an odd look, but nodded at her to continue. She didn't feel unsafe. Just unsure. Everything had changed so quickly.

[Can I still have ice cream after please?]

The energy flowed, as Luminara smiled. “Of course.” The pain ebbed, such as it was.

Madelyn relaxed and lookedvat Luminara curiously. [Can anyone use the force to heal people?]

[I can, perhaps you will be able to one day. Some have unique abilities, like battle meditation, or Force Judgement. I know a Jedi who has mastered fire and ice, too.] She smiled. [Did you have a Master, little one?]

Madelyn shook her head. [I only just got here. Besides, I don't think many Jedi Masters would want to have a Mandalorian as an apprentice.] She shifted slightly. [What other powers do Jedi have?]

Luminara smiled. [One moment. Cover up.]

She stepped out of the room, and dragged Master Cordova in by the ear. "I'm taking this young lady as my Padawan. Any objections?"

"Ow!"

Madelyn pulled a blanket over herself quickly, and was surprised that Master Unduli wanted to take her as a Padawan. [Really?? You want to take me as your apprentice?]

Unduli had returned by them, and smiled. [Definitely. If you'll have me?]

Madelyn frowned a little. [I think that would be okay. Do you have a ceremony like we do? When you adopt a child?]

[Let's go see Master Yoda, and he'll agree.] Luminara held out a hand.

"And let's see if we can get you to speak Basic, too. Not everyone knows a language from one sector of the galaxy."

Madelyn blushed, but took her hand. It wasn't her fault she couldn't speak basic. [But I don't know how to speak basic]

[We'll teach you, don't worry.]

And that, was that. They went to Grandmaster Yoda, who agreed, and Madelyn's new life began anew.

Jedi Padawan.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Double posting to catch up with permission.

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Years Ago, Gargon, Mandalorian Systems

The funeral came and went, and Bo gave them space for a time before regrouping with Madelyn. Jango joined Boba, respecting the former Mand'alor, as did many Mandalorians.

One stepped up with Bo-Katan at the wake, which was really just a drink at a distillery, in all honestly. Bo, her helmet off, smiled. "Madelyn, allow me to introduce you to Lysander Ordo."

Madelyn looked at Bo nervously, and then at the man named Lysander Ordo. "Uh hello sir." She greeted politely. Madelyn stepped back and bowed before looking up at him. The funeral hadn't been so different than the Jedi ones Madelyn had been to, although she didn't understand to many of the words, she had followed the best she could.

Lysander regarded his grabddaughter with a tilt of his head. She was small, nervous. But was respectful. He smiled at her and then turned to Bo.

"Thank you Mand'alor." Lysander looked back at Madelyn and motioned his hand around. "I hope Gargon is too your liking Maddie." He looked amused. "Although I would ask that you refrain from hitting anyone else."

Bo smiled even more broadly. "It was a good introduction, don't take it from her." A good-natured punch of Madelyn's shoulder followed. "Better that than Boba Fett's continual scowling."

Madelyn rubbed her shoulder and gave her Lysander an unsure look. "He's just upset his contract went bad. But I'm not gonna let him kill the queen."

Lysander looked interested. "Stopping an assassination too? You are quite the Mandalorian." He paused. "Tell me, what do you know about being a good leader? Do you think it's all bravado and fighting?"

"No." Madelyn answered firmly.

"No of course not. You have a head on those shoulders Maddie and you have to use it to think."

Bo-Katan looked from one to the other. "You'll also need to make some decisions, at some point, as to what heritage you wish to embrace. We have a wide variety of Mandalorians... those who aspire to the warrior ways, and those that do not - and those who believe the warrior code should be a Commando Codex, rather than us being cast as marauders... you'll be expected to pick a side."

"Old, New, Death Watch..."

Madelyn looked at Bo. "Why can't I just be myself?" She asked her. "Mandalorians can be lots of things. Even a Jedi."

"Tarre Vizsla was both a Jedi and Mandalorian." Lysander agreed. "He ended up becoming Mand'alor in the end." He pointed out. "You need to learn as much as possible, so you may become as wise as possible. Do you know anything of trade routes or which clans belong to which house?"

Madelyn shook her head no.

"No of course not. Your young, your still learning. The wisest of leaders recognize what they know and what they don't. And seek out advice and counsel when they need it." Lysander look at Bo for a moment and then back at Madelyn. "Your father is a good man, but he is not a wise man. Perhaps if he was I would have made him my heir. But that responsibility falls on you now."

Madelyn swallowed uneasily. "Jedi aren't supposed to rule."

"Perhaps not. But you are a special case. One day, this will all be yours." Lysander confirms.

“Mandalorian Jedi, eh?” Bo said, drily. “Tarre Vizsla was a Mand’alor… the last before Mandalore the Uniter… a millennium ago, odd. Before Coruscant fell to the Sith.”

“Vizsla is a Death Watch name now,” she pointed out. “Not many fans around here.”

She shrugged. “It’s not as if being Jedi is a singular too. Lots of little groups out there. If you want to be a Mandalorian Jedi, Maddie, you’ll need to decide many things about yourself.”

Madelyn frowned, she didn't disagree but it was hard enough being a Mandalorian Jedi amd do what people expected her to do or act. "I'm sure I'll figure it out." She replied evenly.

Lysander watched Madelyn for a moment. "You will." He said quietly. He looked at Bo. "Madelyn will make her decision when she's become a Knight. Until then, she trains and does her best. Putting unnecessary pressure on her will just force her to make a decision she doesn't want."

"And when will she graduate as a Mandalorian, then?" Bo said, teasing.

Madelyn gave Bo a wry grin. "When I've earned it." She told her. "When I'm grown." And then she looked at Lysander. "So...this will really all be mine?"

Lysander regarded her carefully. "Of course. Even if your parents have another child. I intent for you to inherit this."

"Well, those parts of Mandalore that will listen," Bo said wryly. "But sure, all this. We're big on inherited names, even if we're not big on bloodlines."

"The Jedi do the same thing. There's really no difference between foundlings or younglings. It's about keeping our culture intact, our way of life." Madelyn said. She thought briefly of her Master Luminara and wondered when she would go home.

Lysander put a hand on Madelyns shoulder. "I think so too. I'm not a stranger to the Jedi Order Maddie. I have many friends there, even if I was born in Mandalorian space."

"And my sister has her eye on one too," Bo said with an eyeroll. "Heresy, of course." Bo winked and replaced her helmet. "So, I assume when we hand you back to the Order they won't allow you to visit? Not that you have to go back of course."

Madelyn lips quirked into a smile. "No. I'll be sent back to lessons under my Master Luminara as well as with the other Padawans." She shrugged, business as usual. "I usually help out in the medical wing too."

Lysander smiled, impressed. "Plenty to keep you busy." He added, "You can contact me at any time if you need it."

There was, suddenly, a set of noise, rustling, shouts, and Bo jerked her head under the helmet.

"Incoming -"

And suddenly it was visible from orbit.

A Dreadnaught-class heavy cruiser, three Hammerhead-class cruisers, and a dozen red-coloured Republic-class corvettes.

A Republic task force.

Madelyn's comlink rustled in her pocket.

It was Luminara.

Madelyn startled at the amount of cruisers that appeared. They had sent a whole army?? She bit her lip and looked uncertain. Before Madelyn realised her comm. was beeping in her pocket.

She pulled it out, and answered quickly. "Master?" Madelyn asked. She knew Master Luminara wod be worried sick, even if she didn't always show it. "I'm alright. No one hurt me."

"Madelyn," Luminara said, her voice firm. "I would appreciate you immediately transferring to a visual channel."

"Oh right of course Master." Madelyn changed it so it could show herself to Master Luminara. "See, told you I was okay." She wondered if she should tell Luminara what happened.

"And who are your comrades?" Luminara referred to Bo and Lysander.

Lysander spoke up quickly. "I am Senator Lysander Ordo. Madelyn's grandfather. I apologise Master Jedi, it's all been rather sudden." He said honestly. "Jango Fett brought Madelyn here." He paused and looked at Bo.

"And this is our Mand'alor, Lady Bo Katan Kryze. She is the Duchess Satines sister." He bowed his head. "Madelyn is a very well mannered and polite child. You've been raising her well." Lysander sounded greatful and Madelyn blushed in embarrassment.

Luminara’s tone shifted. “Ah, Senator. I appreciate that you are involved. The Senate was concerned by the actions on Naboo and marshalled a task force should you have a need.”

Lysander winked at Madelyn. "I appreciate it very much Master Jedi. I hope Queen Amidala is faring well, I hate to think what might have happened." He paused. "Will you be joining us planetside?" Lysander inquired.

“I’ll come down, yes, and I’ll send the Judicial task force home,” Luminara said, still not apologetic but at least contrite. “A single Master and apprentice should suffice to collect Madelyn, no? And I assume the Mandalorian responsible for the assassination attempt is in custody?”

“A bounty was put out, which is legal, as you know,” Bo-Katan replied.

“Of a Republic Head of State?”

“Still legal.”

“We’ll discuss it in person,” Luminara said, looking to Madelyn.

Madelyn ducked her head, amd nodded. She was hoping Trilla and Cere would come with her Master to collect her. But she supposed she would have to see Trilla back at the temple?

Lysander put a hand on Madelyn's shoulder. "I'm happy you have such a good Master. She's a good mother to you, isn't she?" He looked up at Master Luminara with a smile.

Master Jango was really just following a contract. But he didn't order the hit. Madelyn looked her in the eyes, the words were unspoken out loud. Because she didn't want anyone else to hear but her Master. It was Panaka. He wants Queen Amidala dead.

Luminara stared into her eyes, and they widened. Understood.

She, aloud, smiled. "We do often consider our Padawans to be like our children, indeed, some apprentices joke that their Master's Master is their 'Grandmaster'." It was most uncharacteristic for Luminara to be so open, but on the truth.

"I need to speak to the task force commander, but someone is here anyway."

Indeed, Trilla stepped into the comm range as Luminara swept away.

"MADELYN!"

Bo also stepped away, to monitor the Republic task force.

Sure enough, it jumped out, save for one craft. To Naboo, apparently.

Madelyn smiled back at Luminara, surprised to see her being so open but glad she understood her. She bowed as Luminara stepped away and then looked delighted as Trilla stepped into view, shouting her name.

"Trilla!" Madelyn grinned. Her grandfather stepped out of view to let them have some time, smiling to himself. "I'm sorry I scared you." Madelyn apologized. "Will you ever forgive me?"

"NEVER!" Trilla said, smiling, but also with her eyes wet with tears of relief.

Bo also took the hint and followed Lysander. "Putting a lot on that young girl, aren't you?"

Madelyn smiled back, relieved. She wished Trilla was here so she could hug her. "Oh um Trilla?" She looked nervous for a moment. "Do you think maybe when we go home? Do you wanna see if we can convince our masters to go for ice cream?"

Lysander turned to look at Bo. He looked thoughtful, and tilted his head. "Nothing she won't be able to handle. Look at how she handled herself since Jango took her. She has all the capabilities of being a good leader. But more then that, Maddie is a good person. Don't you think so?"

Trilla beamed. "I don't think we'll give them a choice."

Bo looked back at Madelyn and Trilla. "I do, actually. I really do."

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett, Lysander Ordo, Alexander Linnett
Gargon

Madelyn shifted on her feet as she waited for the others to arrive. She was nervous, and unsure. Madelyn kept her hands to her side, and then folded them in front of her. She could sort of remember this place, but it was still a fleeting memory.

She tried to keep her expression neutral, she hadn't moved from the bottom of the ramp where the ship was as she waited for the others. I wonder if everyone managed to get away okay.

Mika'sai'Jeisel scoffed inside her armor, not deigning to remove her armor with the Jedi aboard their Jensaari craft. The droid was monitoring the Jedi on internal systems at all times, and when it came time to finally arrive at Gargon she was more than ready for the respite on having an open world and a bit of distance, of course depending on what the Saarai-kaar wanted. Taking the opportunity of being the first down the ramp she went to make sure the landing site was as secure and safe as it seemed.

Bo Katan came along, as did Han Solo, pilot of the Falcon, who had liberated prisoners from Starlight Beacon.

With them came Atin-Kot, another Jedi on the run, and so many others.

Mandalorians, Jedi, Republicans, Separatists.

Gargon was becoming the capital of the opposition, somehow - which is what Thustra wanted, in-fact.

Bo looked for Madelyn and the others, and rushed to embrace them.

Madelyn watched carefully as the others arrived, watching for Bo. For anyone else she knew.

When she finally saw Mand'alor running over to them, Madelyn froze in place. She still looked the same of course, but Madelyn wasn't. She almost could look Bo in the eyes now, if she tilted her head a bit.

"Bo." Madelyn greeted softly. Her eyes gentle and a small smile at the corner of her lips.

Lysander followed at a distance, and tilted his head at Madelyn as his grandson, Lex came up beside him. "You should go and say hello to your sister."

Lex nodded quickly. "Yes grandfather." He gave him a wry grin. "I hope she likes it here." A pause. And he looks around for Han, waving him over. "Captain?"

Mika'sai'Jeisel noted the large gathering and moved forward to be the leading guard for her leader. She was unsure what was going to happen here, but she was going to do her best to be ready for it.

Meanwhile in the sea of representatives and peoples from near and far a small grouping of three regal looking individuals with dual mouths and violet skin shifted in their large stohls they wore proudly. Representatives of the Croke, an unknown terror that was now little more than a gathering of bodies and minds to focus their own through that had attended the gathering.

A throat was cleared, and the tumult expected to calm.

Bo-Katan stood on one of the tables, as she was want to do.

"So, you're all here, to, what, the first Convocation of Neutral Systems. You heard me; Duchess Satine intends to recreate the organisation until the current crisis is over, to provide some breathing space. If you wish to take up arms against the Republic, or Coruscant, or even the Jedi, Thustra is not far away, and you can head there."

She let her words leave them in silence, and, helmet under her arm, Bo looked to all those gathered.

Atin-Kot was despondent, and stood up to leave. Otherwise, the Saarai-Kaar stayed silent, eyeing Jeisel.

Madelyn glanced briefly at Trilla, before turning her attention to Bo. "I have no desire to take up arms against anyone." She said, and Lysander looked at his granddaughter.

"That's good. Your going to be too busy here." He paused, and Madelyn looked curious. "But we should be ready to defend ourselves, neutral or not." He coughed slightly. "I am getting old Mand'alor." He looked at Bo as well, thoughtful. "But I'll do what I can."

Lysander took a breath, and gave Madelyn a curious look. "I would hereby like to step down as leader of House Ordo, and petition that Madelyn should take my place." He looked at Bo for any protest. "I will remain as an advisor, but this planet and my territories and people will be hers."

Mika'sai'Jeisel shifted in her position and waited to hear what more was to be said. So far at least it seemed like the Jensaarai might be in the proper grouping for them. Especially if an emphasis on defense was taken, also with the groups here, there was a fair number of chances for information sharing and trade options present.

Croke chittered amongst itself in deep voices of nonsense as they saw the one person leave the group. Then settled down and waited to see what would come of this. The changes of leadership were small shifts that could portend larger repercussions down the line, but honestly they were more concerned with their own desires to safe guard the future of this galaxy. One stepped forward with a raised arm before speaking in deep echoing, sonorous voice "Croke endorses the neutral systems, or should say would like to. We request clarity. Is this to be a sub faction of the Republic abstaining from larger events? Or a complete sundering and establishment of a tertiary government in neutrality to any and all others? Croke has maintained our independence, and provide representation to better facilitate aide in all forms of government we are a part of for the benefit of the free peoples of the galaxies. If allowed to stay we would promise as already stated in the Republic a non-information compromising presence, but we would offer to those present better trade deals and anti-piracy services."

Bo-Katan blinked, hard, at Lysander and then Madelyn, before a grin swept across her lips. Brilliant news. A slight quiver of thought - a Mandalorian Jedi, now? Would that be good, or bad?

Madelyn felt a pang in her chest; a Jedi had just died. A powerful one, one she knew well - Mace Windu, an ever present entity in the backdrop of the Force, was dead.

The Saarai-Kaar spoke up. "We are Jensaarai Defenders. We shall defend the peace, officially, or unofficially." A stiffening of her armoured pose. "The Jedi have failed in that role. We will not be joining their Order, as a satellite academy or ally or otherwise."

Bo would have smiled in approval, when Croke went into the detailed minutiae of the treaty.

"The Neutral Systems are an independent polity that will allow for membership of the Republic, but will not require it. We cannot can only set standards of behavior and offer an alternate to the bureaucracy of the Core and the chaos of Separatism. We are loyal to peace, and justice, and will act against enemies of that, unilaterally or otherwise." Bo-Katan pressed her lips together. She hated detail like this.

"As for trade and anti-piracy, we shall coordinate with member worlds for their unique situations and invite both the Republic and Confederacy to act against mutual threats."

Madelyn swallowed nervously. Leader of House Ordo? That was a lot. But the nervousness turned to a sharp pain squeezing her heart as she felt a Jedi die in the force. Master Windu.

"Madelyn?" Lysander sounded far away. "You're white as a ghost. What's wrong?"

"I'm okay." Madelyn managed to get out. She took a steady breath, and tried to focus again. "I apologise." She added, and tucked her hands behind her back so they couldn't see them shaking. I don't think they need to know about Master Windu yet.


Mika'sai'Jeisel stood proudly by her Saarai-Kaar and swept her gaze over the gathered. Making sure to keep checking for threats and weak points. She wasn't going to let them be taken unaware just because she was proud of her leader.

Croke clasped their hands and looked on themselves before giving a bow. "Croke would be honored to be in attendance of such a group, and to offer our services for the afore mentioned. We would also like to ensure medical aide is not disrupted by the actions of the Republic, Separatists, or other factions. Decency to common lifeforms should not be a casualty of politics." they stated with a warbling bob of their collective heads.

Bo agreed with Croke, and appreciated the comments of the Saarai-Kaar.

The Saarai-Kaar went a step further. "The planet Susevfi petitions to membership in the Council of Neutral Systems." She spoke for the entire Quence Sector.

Similarly, so too did Lexrul and Bakura, bringing two more sectors.

Mandalore would be it's capital, and that made four.

"Thank you," said Bo. "We'll recess, and regroup, and then discuss what next to do. One representative from each polity to the table, please." She eyed Madelyn. "A moment of your time, Lady Ordo."

Meanwhile the Saarai-Kaar indicated to Jeisel and Croke that she wished to speak with them independently.

Madelyn glanced around the table. The plan sounded good to her. Although, she wondered nervously, what did Bo want to talk to her about?

Lysander bowed and stepped out of the room, and Madelyn walked over to Bo, keeping a few feet between them.

"What do you need Mand'alor?" Madelyn asked, she was a little unsettled at being called Lady Ordo, and wondered if it showed on her face.

Mika'sai'Jeisel stood proudly by her Saarai-Kaar and simply shifted slightly to indicate her hearing of the request. She was at her Saarai-Kaar's service and guard at this time. She was always available. No matter the need, especially in these uncertain times.

Croke split up their trio. One going to the table now to act as a security vigil until it was time for them to represent, the other to mingle among the crowds and offer their aid both for pirate protection and medical aid securities, and the third moved to answer the summons of a person from a rather unusual source. The Saarai-Kaar? Force using groups, of which they had absorbed several, tended to want to keep them at arms length, and for now, they were uncertain why this leader of one such group wanted them. . .alone. Curious.

Tag: @Sinrebirth @Mitth_Fisto @darthbernael

 

IC: Zurros Myrthic
Coruscant

Truthfully speaking, Zurros Myrthic, senator from Falleen, would never know how long he spent alongside the heroic beings of the CSF, nor the same-faced clone soldiers of the Republic, desperately digging through the rubble of the collapsed Opera House. Hours? Days? Weeks?

Every survivor that they managed to pull from the wreckage was a miracle. Every body, a tragedy. It didn't stop him, nor the efforts of the other rescue teams. He couldn't stop. Wouldn't.

Zurros' hard expression, that of grim iron that always seemed to burn through the layers of dust and dirt caking his face, became a staple on the nightly news. He was always there, just in the background, doggedly digging as the news outlets reported on the rescue efforts. The fact that he was never seen giving interviews or seeking personal fame didn't go unnoticed. He was just.. there. Trying to help.

He never did quite figure out when he was reluctantly dragged away from the scene by his aides. Or when he had the time to clean himself up. All Zurros knew, was that he found himself sitting on the edge of a hospital bed, freshly clothed and showered. Blinking wearily, he glanced about the room, taking note of the somewhat cheap looking amenities, not that it bothered him in the slightest.

To his left, sat at a ramshackle desk, was One, his female Arkanian aide. She had strung up a staggering arrangement of monitors and datapads before her, and was currently tapping away a message, her thin fingers dancing across a keyboard.

He watched her for a moment in silence, appreciating whatever the hell she was doing. He had learned quickly not to ask for specifics. Somehow, she always knew the answer to a question he was just thinking of asking, or the perfect person to lean on for favors. He doubted he'd have made it this far without her help.

To his right, pacing about the small hotel room with commlink in hand, was One's twin, Two. The more public facing of his aides, Two seemed to have a contact everywhere. He was in charge of upholding Zurros' public facing persona. A daunting task, as Zurros had proven to be a rather unique politician, seeing as that he seemed to abhor politicking.

Zurros rose slowly from his bed, just as Two finished his conversation. Both aides glanced in his direction.

"You spent eight hours assisting with rescue crews." One stated.

"Another twelve recovering here. Your hospitalization, fortunately, appears to have only endeared you more to the public." Two added.

"Your actions have led to a meteoric rise in popularity. Already, there are non-inconsequential names nominating your name for the Chancellorship." One said, in verbal lockstep with her twin.

"The Holonet is abuzz. It was a beautiful spot of politicking, Sir."

Zurros grimaced, shaking his head. "That.. That doesn't matter to me. The people within the Opera House needed help, and I could provide it.. that's all."

One smiled. "It is that authenticity that has caused so many to flock to your name, Senator. Your polling numbers are frankly unheard of for a first-time Senator."

"But.."

Two interrupted him. "Rescue efforts have already started to wind down, Senator. Most of the sentients that were observed entering the Opera House before the attack have been accounted for, alive or dead. It's being said that because of your reorganization efforts of the responding rescue teams, there were a larger proportion of alive to dead."

That particular news sent a wave of relief through Zurros' body. That's all he needed to hear. That his actions had made a difference.

"Good. that's.. good to hear." He held up a placating palm. "So.. Back to the business of government then." Zurros exhaled. "One, I gather that, in my absence, a number of Senators of political parties have requested my presence. I trust you to make the correct call."

One thought for a moment, turned to a nearby datapad, tapped a few buttons, and nodded. "A request was made yesterday. You're wanted to attend a meeting between yourself, the Tarkins, Dooku, Senator Fey'lya and the Croke creature aboard the Starlight Beacon. Since you've awoken, I've updated the organizers of your status, apologized for the delay, and stated your intention to join said meeting posthaste."

Zurros nodded in agreement. So it was. He glanced at Two and raised a brow. "Conventions be damned. My sword will never again leave my side. Not until this crisis is concluded. Understood?"

Wordlessly, he accepted the scabbard and blade of his vibroblade from Two and secured it to his hip. The weight of it at his side immediately calmed his still frazzled nerves.

"Now. Prepare my ship. I've a meeting to catch."

Tags: @Sinrebirth , Et all

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Barriss Offee

Trade Federation Ship

Barriss couldn't believe it.

Nute Gunray. A Neimodian.

She couldn't believe her luck.

"We... might actually have another way out of this," she told Ahsoka and Lylithe while keeping her voice low. "That's Nute Gunray. A known coward. And he's here." She looked over at them and began explaining what she meant. "If we took him hostage, we could actually get out of here. Gunray values his life over anything else. If I Force pulled him over to me and placed my lightsaber hilt against his back, I could intimidate him into ordering the droids to stand down and deactivating the tractor beam. Gunray would not take the chance of the droids accidentally hitting him or this cruiser trying to destroy our ship while he's inside."

It was a risk, admittedly. But so was trusting the lives of children in the hands of someone as slimy as Gunray.

Lylithe looked approvingly at Barriss. Ahsoka, trained by Obi-Wan, did pull a slight face.

"That sounds... sketchy. But we can have a go at it, if you think it's the best course..."

Her voice had misgivings.

"But it's probably our best and only chance." Lylithe pointed out. "But what if he calls your bluff, Barriss?" Her eyes widened. "How far are you able to go?"

"I don't actually have to kill him," Barriss pointed out. "And as long as we have him, he can't do anything. If he orders the droids to open fire on me, he risks getting shot by accident. If he tries to order the ship destroyed, he risks getting himself killed as well."

It was a bit... morally flexible, admittedly. The Jedi were not known for taking hostages.

"If we surrender to Gunray, we have no idea what happens to us. What happens to the kids. I don't like the idea of surrendering to him."

Lylithe nodded. "I agree."

"It's only slightly better than your plan to separate us," Ahsoka pointed out, but she did smile, even if a bit drily. "Sure, I'm game. Gunray is a sleemo - he folds. We grab him, and the plan works out."

She checked her lightsabers, and the ship. "We have hull pressure, so we can still jump out, and the hyperdrive is intact. It just won't last for long."

Barriss nodded. She knew it was up to her. "I'll be back soon," she said as she left the ship, walking down the boarding ramp to meet with Gunray.

Of course, she didn't even give the sleemo a chance to speak. Without wasting a single moment, Barriss used the Force to pull Gunray toward her, then she spun him ahead, used him as a living shield, and dressed the hilt of her lightsaber against his back.

"Careful now," she warned him as she carefully positioned his body in front of her and began to back away into the ship. "You wouldn't want one of your droids hitting you know, would you?"

Nute began sweating profusely, within a nano-second. The droids were lifting their blasters -

"No!" He waved his hands. "Don't shoot!"

Lylithe rolled her eyes, slightly. What a sleemo.

"Please, don't -" Nute said, "I'll be killed!"

Ahsoka Tano ignited her lightsabers, stepping in-front of Nute and warding off any opportunistic shots. "So let us go, and we'll drop you off somewhere nice and safe."

Nute struggled against Barriss, his skin positively slimy.

Sleemo indeed.

Barriss walked backward into the ship, keeping Gunray in front of her.

"You're going to tell them to shut off the tractor beam," she told Gunray. "And like Ahsoka said, we'll drop you off somewhere nice and safe. It's the only way you're getting out of this."

"Do it! Do it!"

The droids lowered their weapons, and one commed the bridge.

Nute was lead up the ramp, crying. He stank with sweat.

Ahsoka wrinkled her nose, and Lylithe covered hers. "Pregnant lady is not good with this -"

A hesitation. Lylithe hadn't told them yet, had she?

The ramp lifted, and the droids looked to each other, unsure what to do.

"Let's go!" Barriss shouted while keeping the hilt of her lightsaber pressed against Gunray's back.

They had their opening, but it wouldn't last long.

They needed to go. Now.

Lylithe was already in the seat.

They shot out of the hangar, and Ahsoka looked around the stellar neighbourhood.

"Um, we're near Gargon?" A ping of the data. "The recently declared capital of the Council of Neutral Systems?"

There was a lot of information. Separatists on Thustra, sectors seceding, Mandalore and other worlds refusing to cooperate with the Republic... and the battleship simply watched them go.

There was a tickle of the Force, deeper in-system. Jedi, at very least, and other Force users -

"Can we jump to light speed?" Barriss asked. "Continue to Bonadon?"

If not, Gargon was an option.

-

IC: Ren and Marinda Ren

Devaron

Despite feeling empowered, Ren shook his head.

"We shouldn't push our luck any further than we already have," he told Ventress. "Windu was stupid enough to come by himself and even then we lost two Knights." He gestured to the remains of Maul and Savage. "If we try to bait more Jedi here, they won't make the same mistake. We would no longer have the advantage of surprise or numbers."

He started to move away from the bodies.

"We need to withdrawal," he ordered. "And like you said, check in with our Sith friend."

Marinda quickly followed Ren, obeying his command.

Asajj nodded, and stepped over. "We don't want to head home, yet. We should try somewhere else - somewhere the Jedi won't think to look for us for the moment."

As she stepped aboard, she flicked to the HoloNet for updates. "Separatists have setup shop on Thustra... Council of Neutral Systems on Gargon... Hapes has shut its borders... and the Republic military and executive have been decapitated." A smile. "Our Sith friend does good work."

"Hmm... what about Varnak?" Ren asked. "We used to frequent there a lot. It's a Mid Rim world, though still remote enough for our liking. Away from any undesirable eyes. And there's a great cantina." He grinned. "Perfect place for a small celebration."

Asajj smiled, and the smile reached her eyes; genuine.

"It sounds perfect. We can celebrate, partake in the local cuisine, and watch the collapse of the True Republic on the HoloNet."

She was completely on board with that.

"Sound good by you, Marinda?" Asajj didn't pay much attention to the third wheel, but she was a Ren, so Ventress knew she should.

"Yeah, it does," Marinda confirmed. She was eager to leave this place... and it had been a while since they've been to their cantina on Varnak.

"Come on, let's meet back up with the other Knights," Ren said as they started to leave the temple... though not before Ren used the Force to retrieve Maul and Savage's lightsabers, of course. He didn't want those falling into the hands of any Jedi who came to investigate, after all.

Ventress looked back at the corpses. "Do we burn them? Or will the Jedi think they're looking at a Nightbrother problem, and focus on Dathomir?"

It was a fair question. The Nightsisters there, lead by Mother Talzin, were renowned assassins, when they weren't in-fighting with themselves or the other light-oriented clans.

"Hmm... leave them," Ren decided. "I kinda like the idea of setting the Nightbrothers and the Jedi against each other. At the very least, it gives us less heat to worry about if the Jedi are focused on Dathomir."

"I like," Ventress said. "The witches left me to the Jedi, after all."

At that, she summoned her Fantail, a gift from the Shadow, and prepared a joint channel.

No answer. Ventress frowned. "It's not unheard of for them to be engaged... we can always pick up this at Varnak."

A nod. "Meet you there?"

Ren nodded. "Meet you there."

He turned to Marinda. "Come," he told her.

"We have a victory to celebrate."

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: A fun little combo w/ Sinre

IC: Senators Zurros Myrthic, Borsk Fey'lya, and Adan Dooku
Starlight Beacon

Senator Zurros accepted Fey'lya's gesture and returned it with a firm handshake. His demeanor was that of cut stone, hiding the inner turmoil raging just beneath the surface. The shuttle journey which had brought him, as well as his twin aides, to this point had been anything but reserved. The Republic was shattering. Multiple systems had declared independence while others appeared to be remaining on the fence. It was a crisis if there ever was one. From all accounts, he was the one to be tapped to find some way of putting it all back together.

No pressure.

Zurros' eyes flicked over to the hovering cam-droid nearby. Whatever was to happen next was to be shown on the galactic stage.

To Fey'lya and Dooku, he offered a respectable nod in response to their pleasantries. "I only did what I'd hope any of us would do." He said, "But you give me alone too much credit. For without the hard work and dedication of the CSF and our valiant clone troopers, we could not have hoped for such a positive outcome."

"And we could not be more grateful for it," said the Count of Serenno, smiling warmly. "You do your Republic a credit."

Fey'lya did wag a theatrical claw. "And yet, the Republic is beset. Our Chancellor is gone, an election is stymied, and we have been struck on Coruscant - the Senate and the Jedi - and the military High Command slaughtered to the man."

"The Separatists have reared their heads again." Dooku added gravely. "I know the prior Count would have condemned this base terrorism."

"And we have the Mandalorians forming their own Council of Neutral Systems with Bakura and Lexrul, a potentially treasonous development in a time of crisis," Fey'lya said softly, with a sigh.

"What say you, as a candidate for the role of Chancellor?" Dooku slid in. "What do you say to these crises for which we are beset, and the public is looking for reassurance?"

And there it was, the offer. Even with how new he was to this stage of galactic politics, Zurros could smell the obvious trap. These two didn't want him specifically for the role of chancellor. They just wanted a fall guy. Someone to take the blame when the Republic continued to fracture.

So he would prove them wrong.

Zurros exhaled and flashed the pair a determined smile. "As always, I serve the will of the people." He shot a look at the cam-droid, speaking to it directly now. "If it is their will to entrust me with the awesome power of the Chancellorship, then I will accept such a responsibility with the grace and respect it deserves."

Turning back to Dooku and Fey'lya, his voice hardened somewhat. They had given him the opportunity to sell himself to the people, the chance to to raise himself above themselves even. Time would tell if any of them would regret their decisions. "The people of our Republic are terrified, and perhaps rightly so. Not for some time in our Republic's storied history has our resolve ever been tested like this. Our institutions have been beset by attacks on all sides. Not only that, our collective sense of safety has been shattered. The ability to feel safe in our own homes and streets dashed."

His eyes shone with inner conviction, addressing any and all who listened. "I understand the desire to turn and run, to pray that whatever force has attacked us so will then ignore you if you break away from the Republic's embrace to hide. But those who flee are categorically wrong in their belief. Those who attacked us want us to break apart through fear and paranoia. Your actions only bring into reality what they wanted all along."

Zurros raised his chin. "We have been bloodied, yes. But we survived. Our institutions battered. But they persevere with a host of new blood eager to show their worth. The Republic stands, head held up high, ready to face any challenge that awaits. All I ask from the good people of our Republic is that they grant us the patience to resolve this crisis."

"Senators." He glanced between Fey'lya and Dooku. "We've wasted enough time.. Let's get to work."

Dooku and Fey'lya lidded their eyes, almost, but still exuded their falsetto warmth.

"Yes, let us," Borsk said, and turned to the cam-droid. "We have a great deal of work to do, creating stability for the Republic, and we shall be working with the candidate Zurros to do so. He has the endorsement of Bothawui and Serenno, as well as many other worlds. We ask that the Separatists and the Council of Neutral Systems each return to the Republic, and contribute to the future - not fracture us more with the past."

At that, the droid switched off.

Dooku grinned. "Well done, my boy." He clapped Zurros on the shoulder. "You were sublime."

Zurros let out an amicable huff. "Let's not get congratulatory yet, Count. If we're doing this, we have a lot of work to do." Saying that though, his expression did noticeably soften. "But I'm prepared for what is to come. Kicking the Black Sun off of Falleen wasn't easy either, and I managed that well enough."

He cleared his throat, tossing a glance towards one of his aides, who was already fielding a fresh deluge of comm calls after the announcement. "This does raise an obvious question though." Zurros said, lowering his voice. "During our last discussions, before this nightmare began, there had been a tacit agreement that the male Tarkin and I would run on the same ticket as Chancellor and Vice Chair." A frown. "Now I hear that Eriadu itself is seceding."

Zurros inched closer. "Have we heard word of the reasoning behind such a decision? I hadn't pegged Tarkin for making such a drastic maneuver."

Dooku looked to Fey’lya, the Bothan with the spy network. “Well?”

“The Tarkin family is entwined with the Bakuran and Lexrullan families, who all went Neutral.” A slight shrug of his fur. “The polity is apparently claiming they’re not leaving the Republic, they’re just avowing noninvolvement with the Separatist Crisis.”

“So you need a new Vice Chair…”

Comms were beeping with an update; footage of a crowd with Mon Mothma, who had been unearthed from the debris, and there were cheers for her savior…

"Tsk." Zurros clicked his tongue. "A more accurate assessment would be to say that they're hedging their bets. Waiting to see which organization comes out on top." He shook his head in disappointment. "They can their move whatever they like, the effect remains the same."

He looked to Fey'lya and nodded. "That would be ideal. In the grand scheme of things, I will be seen as a young upstart. Having someone seen as older or more experienced will be a boon to the ticket. If not Tarkin though.. who are our options..-"

A cascade of chiming comm units snagged away his attention from the pair. The reports came flooding in. Mon Mothma had been found. Alive even.

A relieved smile spread across Zurros' lips. "Finally, some good good news." He murmured, watching the story play out like the rest of them. "Her survival will certainly relieve some of the pressure.. Do we know who pulled her out?"

"Aryan Graul, the actor, and, according to his sister, a political pundit in the making," Dooku said, drily. "Mon Mothma might support him for Chancellor... which hands him at least some of the Loyalists..."

"I saw Senator Treen of Kuat cozying up to him, and she has in her pocket the Coruscanti Senator..." Fey'lya grimaced. "As well as others, no doubt."

"... and there is a nice and unpleasant bloc of corporate voters out there - Kaine, he leads them..." A growl, from Dooku. "And there are several Jedi as apart of their little group, too. Master Kadann is apparently rather inclined to support them. Those Jedi were protecting the lot of them during the Opera House attack."

"Oh, and Croke has been seen here and on Gargon, the Neutral Systems capital..." Croke, of course, was a recent attendant to Coruscant, and had a hive mind, and, thus, many bodies. "... and a Trade Federation battleship apparently just arrived at the edge of Mandalorian space..." Fey'lya's fur stood up as he read the reports from the SpyNet.

"And we don't have a Chancellor, or an Admiralty, to speak of," Dooku confirmed, disdain in his voice.

"I know of Graul." Zurros said simply. "Although it's been awhile since I've seen any of his work. One would hope that one with the political acumen such as Mothma wouldn't throw her support behind an outsider, especially during the crisis we face.."

He crossed his arms. "But it sounds like he has quite the corporate backing as well. Tsk. And to think I was doing the right thing when I distanced myself from my own company upon entering politics.." A glance was shared between the trio. "Such backing won't allow me to take the high road, it seems."

Zurros snapped his fingers, causing one of his aides to look up from their datapad. "Call my nephew. Myrthic Shipping is to send out a mass communique to it's clients, offering substantially lower rates immediately. Make the message flowery. Have it expound on the virtues of stability and community in times of crisis." He waved his hand, turning back to Fey'lya and Dooku as his aide rushed to do his bidding.

There was a frown on his face now. "Myrthic Shipping once dominated a good 3% of all Mid-Rim trade." Zurros explained. "The Mid-Rim is a sizable voting block, is it not? I'm loathe to admit it, but ideals will only get us so far. The average constituent will vote solely based on their wallets, which will feel particularly more hefty once the movement of goods becomes cheaper. Furthermore, these corporations will do anything to maintain a profit. If I were to make their operations more efficient.." He left the rest unsaid.

"As for the Jedi.." Zurros placed his hands on hips. "For a group that once called itself apolitical.. They certainly like to get involved." His frown deepened. "Their credibility can be stripped away from them rather easily, if such action is necessary. Simply asked, If the Jedi cannot foresee an attack on the Republic of this scale, how can we expect them to protect us at all?" There was a hint of fire creeping into his words. "I would rather not pursue such an approach, but it would be an easy one to exploit. If we had to."

"We don't have much of anything." Zurros said, interrupting Dooku's bellyaching. "Just ordinary sentients who wish to prove themselves in the face of adversity. Those that wish to rise through the ranks to make sure this never happens again. I say we use that desire for own own ends. Hm?"

"Hear, hear," Dooku said, approvingly.

"The Bothan Spynet is at our disposal," Fey'lya said.

"As are Serenno's coffers."

"We just need to shape the narrative and get it out there - early, before Graul can be a bother."

"As are the resources of Falleen." Zurros stated with a thin smile. "To that end.. The campaign must begin in earnest. A meeting with Mon Mothma should be in order as well. Her support carries supreme weight. If possible, I'd like it behind me, or at least, not behind him."'

He glanced between the two Senators, wearily understanding that he would now be stuck with them. "Let's begin, eh?"

Tags: @Sinrebirth , @darthbernael (mentioned), @HanSolo29 , @Lady_Belligerent

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett, Lysander Ordo
Gargon

Madelyn glanced nervously at Trilla, but followed Bo as she led them to the other a Room. She was vaughly aware of Lysander following them, although he didn't say anything yet. When they stopped and Bo pulled her into a hug, Madelyn startled back for a moment, before hugging her back, a little awkwardly.

"Thank you." Madelyn managed to get out, stepping back. "What uh, does your sister wish to speak about?" She asked before Bo pulled out the holo. Madelyn tilted her head as the Duchess and Master Kenobi appeared, and glanced up cautiously as Duchess Satine greeted her.

"I...yes of course Duchess." Madelyn replied, and she straightened out as Master Kenobi agreed. "Master Kenobi." Madelyn visibly relaxed at his presence, and wondered what this was about.

Satine held Kenobi’s hand, and he spoke, uncertainly. “Master Windu is dead.”

Trilla gasped - clearly she hadn’t felt it.

Madelyn frowned slightly. "I know. I felt it when it happened." She admitted, and little ashamed. She had thought Trilla had felt it too. "I'm sorry Master. He was a great Jedi."

"That's why you looked like you were going to pass out." Lysander spoke up softly. And Madelyn nodded. She looked at Satine and Master Kenobi, hesitating for a moment.

"There's something I think you need to know." Madelyn shifted, "I was able to feel it when Boba was injured. Through his armor. It was singing."

“Singing?” Obi-Wan repeated, narrowing his eyes. “As in, speaking?”

Satine took in a sharp breath. Bo cut her eyes to her sister. “What is it?”

“The Legends state that this is what Tarre Viszla could do -“

“Viszla, as in Death Watch -“ Kenobi started.

“Not a thousand years ago,” Bo admonished. “And Death Watch was disbanded after the Armour Reforms.”

Kenobi ignored her. “You truly believe you can speak to the beskar?” His disbelief was aimed at Madelyn.

Madelyn flushed, and swallowed hard. She looked Master Kenobi in the eyes. "Master Luminara once told me that every Jedi has a gift. Some are good at healing, others in combat or diplomacy." She let out a slow breath. "I could hear it signing I didn't understand the words, but the force told me the meaning. Boba was hurt." She looked at Satine and then back at Master Kenobi.

"I believe that I can yes Master. I know it sounds far fetched, maybe crazy. But I'm not Death Watch. I don't even know why I have this gift. But you also know I would never use it to hurt people."

Obi-Wan Kenobi's eyes bored into her, then he placed a hand on his weary face. "With Master Yoda in the medbay, and Master Windu gone, the Jedi Council is compromised, and in a very delicate position - there is no Chancellor following the attacks, and the Senate is polarised. With the Hapan negotiations having failed, and the Separatists resurgent..."

Satine pursed her lips as he continued.

It became apparent that she and he were not in the same room - they were communicating independently. Had something happened between them?

"The Council of Neutral Systems is exactly what we don't need right now, and you have acted against the dictates of the Council in assisting in the setting up a third nation with neither our oversight nor that of the Senate. I am recalling both you and Trilla to Coruscant to face judgment."

Bo's face went scarlet with rage.

Trilla's paled with genuine illness.

Madelyn let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. What judgement would they face? Exile? Being separated? They needed to stand together.

"No." Madelyn said firmly, and realised she had spoken a bit too loudly. "I'm afraid that won't be possible at this time Master. We've brought people together neutrally to work together at dealing with whatever this is." She gestured veaugly. "It's not a third nation, it's a refuge."

Lysander spoke up, stepping beside her. "She's not wrong Master Kenobi. We have a number of different people here,including Jedi who are helping. There's also the fact that Madelyn is now head of House Ordo. A Jedi who has been given or selected for a leadership position must remain until it is completed. That was agreed on long ago."

"I know people are afraid right now, but i don't believe pulling me and Trilla back to Courscant is the best move Master. I can keep you updated with what goes on, as always." Madelyn added softly.

"Then you will be exiled," Obi-Wan said, sadly. "As much as I am proud of you for your personal development, the Order must come first. If we allow division, and schism, we'll have civil war before we know what to do about it."

Satine glared. "Then Mandalore will be withdrawing from the Galactic Republic, effective immediately."

"Satine -"

"Don't you Satine her," Bo snapped. "You've dropped the ball -"

"The Separatists attacked Coruscant after twenty years of peace, how could we anticipate this -"

Trilla was in shock, and completely silent.

Bo stepped up to the hologram of Obi-Wan. "If you were here I'd punch you, Kenobi."

"You would try -"

Satine turned to Madelyn, as it was more in her control how this narrative went more than anyone's.

Madelyn stepped forward and put a hand on Bo's shoulder, pulling her back slightly so she could speak to Master Kenobi and Satine directly.

"That's enough." Madelyn snapped. She wasn't angry, but firm. "No one is punching anyone." She added, "I believe your creating more division by exiling us. You say your proud I'm taking a stand, but you expell me from the order for doing so. And that's what's causing more of a division. We can't predict everything as Jedi Master Kenobi, but we can choose how we treat each other and how we deal with things going forward."

She looked at Satine. "If Mandalore wants to leave the Republic then you will face no argument from me Duchess." And then she frowned, looking at Obi Wan. "We need to stand together, and no one should come before anything or anyone else unless their hand is forced. I will always be a Jedi Master Kenobi, and I will be here should you realise that the Jedi Order is stronger working together with us, not apart."

Madelyn let her hand drop from Bo's shoulder, and turned to look at Trilla, reaching out with the force so only she could hear.

I'm sorry Trilla. I didn't want him to exile us, but I also can't bear it if anything happened to you. I won't let them separate us or hurt you. I'm so sorry.

Madelyn felt her face become hot, and turned her head slightly so Trilla wouldn't see the tears she was fighting back.

Trilla had already turned away, her own tears flowing.

Satine shot Obi-Wan a glower, and the Grandmaster seemed to sag.

"Clear lines will result in clarity," he said. "May the Force be with You, Madelyn..."

His bearded chin tilted towards Trilla. "And I await your decision."

The line cut, and Satine looked to Bo. "We need to talk - separately."

"Absolutely," Bo said, and stormed from the room.

Trilla and Lysander and Madelyn were left.

Madelyn wiped her eyes, and walked over to Trilla. She pulled her into a tight hug, and kissed her forehead gently. "I'm so so sorry." She whispered, crying. "I won't blame you if you hate me for this. But it'll be worse if we go back." She choked on a sob. "I can't stop you from going, but i don't want to lose you Trilla. Please stay here." She buried her face in Trilla's shoulder,between her neck.

Lysander watched quietly. "I agree with Madelyn, the Jedi will persecute you both if you go back." He gestured. "But I've seen how you two look at each other, the love you have. Don't let the Jedi divide you because they are too blind to see the bigger picture."

Lysander clicked his heels and bowed, before leaving them alone in the room.

Trilla took a deep, shuddering breath. "I love you, Madelyn, but this - this is a big ask for me. I've always dreamed of being a Jedi Knight." Tears wet her cheeks. "What are we going to do?"

"I love you too." Madelyn whispered softly. She pulled back enough to look at her, but didn't let go. "And I know you have. But you also told me you wanted to be Mandalorian. So why can't you be both? Like me."

And then, "What if we ask Master Luminara to come here? To Knight you I mean?" She tilted her head, giving Trilla this shy, thoughtful look. "And um...next time Trilla? If I have to make decisions like the one with Master Kenobi? I think we should do them together."

"A Knight can still be excommunicated, Maddie," Trilla said. "Even a Master."

"It's fine, I know it will be... but if I can't be with you and be a Jedi, then I'll choose you. Every time."

Madelyn swallowed thickly and felt a few more tears escaped down her cheeks. "Oh." She whispered, and tried to speak, "I'll choose you everytime too Trilla." Madelyn managed to get out, meaning every word. "You know, I don't have any idea what I'm doing with this ruling stuff. I'm so greatful to have you here, with me."

Trilla drew her into a hug. "We'll figure it out together - Lysander won't be vanishing, will he?"

Madelyn relaxed into Trilla's arms. "No. He won't." She admitted. She pulled away for a moment to kiss Trilla. "Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?"

Trilla hesitated. "I just... don't know, Maddie. Can we do this? Really?"

Madelyn hummed, and pulled Tria to sit with her on a nearby stone bench. "I believe we can. My heart tells me we can." Madelyn flushed pink as she spoke, and she held Trilla's hand. "I think as long as we communicate and try our best for each other we can do anything."

She looked thoughtful, and then nervous. "You know, I don't think I've ever told you how much you mean to me before."

Trilla hugged her even more tightly, and kissed her. She was still crying, even as she did.

Madelyn kissed her back, and held her close. When she eventually pulled away,she gently wiped the tears from Trilla's cheeks. And then looked incredibly nervous.

"I mean it." Madelyn was blushing. "You're the most beautiful, kind hearted woman I've ever met in my whole life." She admitted.

"Yeah, yeah," Trilla said, smiling, having always hated compliments. "And you're the most beautiful, kind hearted woman I've ever met - and just so strong. Not like me," she added. "I'd have broken without you, without the structure of the Order, and the Republic."

She was babbling. "Sometimes I have a vision of myself, in black armour, and a crimson blade... hunting down Jedi. It's awful. But it's not happened, and I'm older than that vision was, nowl... but as a child, it haunted me."

Madelyn frowned. "But you are strong Trilla." She argued back. "I know you don't like compliments, but I mean every word." And then, concerned she she asked; "Those sound scary. But your not that person you know? With a red blade and black armor."

She cupped her cheek with her hand. "Please tell me if you have any dreams like that in the future okay?" Madelyn asks Trilla softly. "Your not in this alone."

And then, "You know, I don't want to sound too forward or overwhelm you. Um..." Madelyn bit the inside of her own lip and looked nervous. "But I was wondering maybe...if you wanna...you know?" She shifted, "I mean would you marry me? If I asked?"

Trilla nodded. "I promise I'll tell you."

And then her cheeks flushed. "Marry you?" She clutched Madelyn's hands. "Definitely!"

Giddiness rose up within the Force, a font from Trilla.

Madelyn looked incredibly relived. "Thank the force." She laughed.

And then she cleared her throat, "I love you more then the stars Trilla." She pulled her hands up gently and kissed them. "I want a life with you, whatever that looks like. And a family. If you want one too."

"I do," she said, laughing. "I want to be with you, no matter what or where." Trilla made a noise akin to a squee, and hugged and kissed her, all but bowling Madelyn over -

The tumult would be sufficient to get Lysander's attention a room over!

Madelyn kissed Trilla back, falling hard against the wall as she hugged and kissed her, feeling happy. So utterly happy-

A tentive knock interrupted her thoughts, and she gave Trilla one last kiss before she called out, wrapping an arm around Trilla amd holding her close-

"Come in!"

Lysander poked his head in. "I assume Trilla is staying with us?" He allowed himself into the room. "I've had the servants prepared your quarters of course. Room for both you and Trilla." He gave them a knowing smile. "And I'll need to hold court soon-" He cleared his throat- "I mean, you will Maddie. There's something I would like you to have before so."

"Yeah! You have to wear your armor to court!" An enthusiastic voice yelled out, and a boy appeared next to Lysander, grinning.

Lysander looked down at Lex as he moved around him. "Lex manners." He chided him, and Lex smiled shyly.

"Sorry grandfather." Lex looked at Madelyn. "I'm Lex. You know I'm your little brother don't you?"

Madelyn froze, her heart twisting in shock. "What?"

Trilla looked from Madelyn to Lex to Lysander.

"What?!"

Lysander looked amused. "Madelyn is my granddaughter. She was taken my pirates around four, and Master Cordova found her and took her to the temple. This was allowed with my permission. As head of House I made decisions for Madelyn over her parents, as is the custom. She was my heir from birth."

"Not father." Lex agreed. "He's not as wise or brave as you Maddie." He walked over to Madelyn and then Trilla, "Have you ever held court before?"

Madelyn swallowed hard, nervous. Lex looked an awful lot like she did at that age. It would startle Master Luminara something fierce. "No. We uh don't do that normally."

Lex nodded. "It's easy. I'll be there with you as your protection. Just in case anyone tries to fight you-" He pulled out some rocks from his pocket. "See!"

Madelyn looked at Trilla, fighting back a smile. "I don't think you should be hitting people with rocks." She looked at him again. "Right Trilla?"

Trilla smiled warmly. “So now I’ve a fiance and a sibling?” She nodded to Lysander. “Buir,” another broad smile

Madelyn smiled at Trilla, and then looked at Lex. "No rocks." She told him firmly, and stood up, hesitating before she put a hand on his shoulder. "So where's this armor?"

Lysander smiled at them. "It's in the other room. Come along Maddie." He said gently and turned to go. "Lex, please escort Trilla to the main hall. Madelyn and I will be along shortly."

Madelyn gave Trilla a quick kiss and moved to go and Lex grabbed hand to lead her towards the main hall.

"See you soon Maddie!"

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Past Combo's One of Two

IC:

Mandalore Sector, years before the current crisis

The news of 'albino-skinned marauders' near Gargon had resulted in the Republic assembling a task force.

Admiral Grunger, commanding two Venator-class Star Destroyers, the Aggressor and the Magic Dragon, fully equipped with modern T-65 X-wings, aging Y-wings, and TIE Fighters. The twinned Star Destroyers were meeting at the edge of the system, and Grunger called the Jedi team aboard the Magic Dragon, commanded by Senior Captain Takel, to a meeting in-person.

Two reasons.

One, comms couldn't be intercepted if there were none.

Two, Master Luminara had requested Master Cere meet them to discuss strategy. As peacekeepers, this was very close to being soldiers, and their mission was not to just thwart the raiders, but to ascertain why they were doing so. Picking a fight with Mandalorians was a recipe for disaster, and this was an unknown species, according to eye-witnesses.

As such it was a first contact situation too.

In short order, Grunger, Takel, Luminara, Cere, Madelyn and a younger Padawan - Trilla, were present aboard the secondary bridge of the Venator-class Aggressor. They had very little data to work from - unknown designs, unknown species, at very least one larger capital ship that could only be described by the shell-shocked survivor as a spider...

Not much to work on.

Grunger folded his arms as they all met up, meeting for the first time together.

"Master Unduli, Master Junda," he said, sharply. "Thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for hosting us, Admiral Grunger," said Luminara. "This is my Padawan, Madelyn Linnett."

Grunger sniffed. He was one of those more traditional types who though bringing young adult padawan's to military engagements was dangerous. "This is Captain Takel, of the Magic Dragon." He indicated the moustached gentleman.

"And this is Trilla Suduri, my Padawan," Master Junda indicated.

Madelyn Linnett frowned slightly as she followed her Master, Luminara Unduli. She didn't know what to expect, but felt uncomfortable coming into Mandalorian space. After all; she was a Jedi now. Not Mandalorian. At least, as far as the other Mandalorians were concerned. She didn't even speak the language anymore, at twenty. But she was well on her way to becoming a Knight.

She bowed as Master Luminara introduced her, and glanced at Master Cere and Trilla. Happy they were coming along, but more so for Trilla. They were usually inseparable, being best friends. Madelyn felt better knowing she had her back.

Madelyn looked back at Grunger, and Captain Takel, wondering what this was about.

"Yes, yes," Grunger said, curtly, now introductions were over.

"I gather you're here as this is potentially a First Contact scenario with a hitherto unknown species, but they're messing with shipping across the sector and I suspect they are active elsewhere in the galaxy -"

"That isn't verified," Takel pointed out. "The raiders at Kinooine and Herdessa aren't the same -"

"What of the civil war on Saijo? Or the boost to the slave trade on Kashyyyk?"

Luminara cleared her throat. "Gentlemen, please. Whatever the cause, we have this situation to deal with. This species is unknown to us, and I expect the Jedi to be given the opportunity to parley with them. If there has been a misunderstanding, then firing upon them won't achieve anything."

"They've killed dozens in this sector alone -"

"No," Cere said, firmly. "There have been no survivors, and no trace of the Mandalorians involved. They may simply be hostages."

Grunger paused. "So what is your plan, Jedi."

"To run a freighter," Luminara confirmed, "along one of the more dangerous routes this mysterious species have hit before, and hand them three new captives. Master Junda has brought an impounded Death Watch freighter with us - the Viszla, and so, we'll use that as bait."

"And when you're captured?" Takel said.

"Then we negotiate, and we'll keep open a comm to you until otherwise."

"And three captives?" Quipped Grunger.

"Yes," Cere said. "One Master will stay behind should comms be cut off, maintaining a connection in the Force with their Padawan."

"And one Master will accompany the Viszla and it's young crew of Padawans," Luminara eyed Trilla and Madelyn.

Trilla had been looking-but-not-looking at Madelyn, and suddenly stood to attention. "Both of us? Together?"

Madelyn listened intently, and was curious about this unknown species. She wondered what they would look like? What their culture was? Would they be able to maintain peace?

She shifted on her feet, and nodded along with the plan. It sounded solid. But then again Master Luminara was always good at coming up with plans.

"It sounds like a solid plan Master." Madelyn spoke up politely. She knew Trilla was staring at her, and tried not to blush. She didn't mind the attention, but in front of their Master's? Trilla should know better.

"We'll be okay." Madelyn looked at Trilla. "We just have to be patient. It sounds like a misunderstanding to me too, so we need to try and get on the right foot with this species."

In short order, they were all in place.

An addition to the plan was that the Aggressor would arrive mid-capture of their ship, to rush the enemy and their processes, potentially creating a gap in their security that they could exploit. Luminara pointed out that it would be easier to negotiate from a position of relative strength, rather than in binders.

Luminara was in the cockpit, and Trilla and Madelyn in the rear passenger seats, around a dejarik table, strapped in. The cargo bay was full of random impounded items, with, at the suggestion of Captain Takel, a tracking device being added to it, for double security.

All good suggestions, and still Grunger just wanted to destroy the offending pirates.

"We're jumping in now," Luminara said over comms, internal and external. "May the Force be with us."

Trilla was a contained bubble of anxiety, but it was still there, nonetheless. A few breaths were taken to calm herself, audibly, as the freighter burrowed into hyperspace.

Madelyn looked over at Trilla, who was bubbling with nervousness. She reached over to put a hand on her arm. "Hey, deep slow breaths okay?" She instructed, squeezing her arm. "We're going to be okay." Madelyn reassured her. "And how amazing is it that we get to meet a new species?"

Trilla squeezed her arm back. "I mean, it's a new species that picks fights with Mandalorians." Trilla smiled. "I know not to do that from the times we've sparred, Maddie."

Madelyn blushed. "I'm not that good of a fighter Trilla. You know i would prefer not to take up arms against anyone." She smiled at her. "Besides, you beat me last time." She said proudly, "Remember?"

"All I remember is that I had to resort to hand-to-hand fighting, and I had your backside in my face when I locked you up -" Trilla hesitated. "Not that it isn't a nice backside -" A blush. "Not that I've noticed -"

Suddenly the ship shook.

"We're out of hyperspace!" Luminara called out over the comms. "There is a ship uncloaking!"

She piped through an image to the Dejarik table holo-projector -



Madelyn blushed and shoved Trilla playfully, before they were interrupted by Madter Luminara. She watched in awe as the shops image came up.

"Wow! What a beautiful ship!" She blurted out. "Should we get on the comms. Master?"

"We're being jammed," Luminara said grimly. "Hang on."

A harpoon shot forth from the ship and slammed into the hull, breach alarms sounding.

No, it wasn't a harpoon, it was a giant magnet. There was a yank, and the ship upended as it was drawn in.

"Brace, girls -"

Then the internal comms cut.

And the lights!

SLAM!

Madelyn jolted in fear, and grabbed Trilla's arms more tightly as she used her other hand to brace against the table. She held back a yell as the lights went out, and tried not to think about how dark it was. How she couldn't see anything-

"Master Luminara? Trilla?" Madelyn spoke softly.

"I'm here," said Trilla. A torch light appeared.

"Me too," Luminara said. "No lightsabers for the moment, keep them hidden, remember -"

There was a colossal crash, and then a blaze of light filled the ship not moments before their eyes would have adjusted to the relative dark -

Figures rushed in, lithe and muscular, each bearing a blaster and a knife, their white skin and features positively albino -

"We are mere merchants! Please leave my children!" Luminara shouted -

A stun-bolt shot out, spanging off the wall, a miss -

Madelyn tried hard not to visibly flinch as they were swarmed, and tensed up as Master Luminara shouted at them. They were trying to stun her, and she watched as they missed, letting go of Trilla for a minute to slide up and over the table. Getting in front of Master Luminara and Trilla. She felt less afraid now that there was light, and let out a gasp at the sight of the newcomers. No lightsabers, which meant they probably couldn't use the force either. At least visibly.

"Hey! Were not here to hurt you." Madelyn tried to draw their attention. She raised her arms. "See, no weapons. You don't need to stun us." She swallowed. "Your fine, were all fine here okay?"

She prodded them with the force, trying to figure out if they were scared or angry. "My name is Madelyn. Do you speak basic?"

"Get on your knees, you will become slaves, and your ship and cargo will be taken for the Cause," said the leader, a tall and striking figure.



"We will do nothing of the sort," Luminara began, and then they stunned her -

Just as suddenly, the invaders' comms blasted. "Star Destroyer, Ozrei! It's launching starfighters!"

That would be the Aggressor, right on cue.

"Damn!" Ozrei cursed. "Bring the prisoners! Stun them if they resist!"

Two picked up Luminara, and another pointed their blasters at Trilla and Madelyn. Trilla held her hand, clutching it fiercely.

Calm, calm, calm. Trilla was exuding her words into the Force, into Madelyn's mind, as much as for her as herself.

The man behind her poked her in the back with his blaster. "Shut up."

He heard her thoughts?

"Your force sensitive." Madelyn let out a sharp breath. "You don't need to be so rude." She said, gripping Trilla's hand tighter. She looked back at the man,

Do you even understand what I am?

She gently tugged on Trilla's hand. "Let's go. We need to stay close." Madelyn hope the aggressor would be able to stop the ship, and started to pull Trilla along.

"Whats the Force?" The brute said, growling.

Trilla squeezed harder. So if they weren't Force users? Telepathic? How?!

She tried to keep her voice to herself, and they were nudged along, through nondescript corridors, and then, dumped in a cell.

Luminara wasn't dropped there with them.

There was a thrum of hyperspace - they had jumped!

"It's something everyone has. Only there's people who are more connected to it then others." Madelyn answered as they were brought to a cell. She wondered where her Master was, and looked concerned. But she knew she would find her later. She felt a jolted as they went into hyperspace,and looked around the cell. She could sense Trilla hiding her thoughts, and squeezed her arm before turning to their captor.

She looked at the person who brought them here. I can understand you too. We share the same gift.

The guard snarled, and backhanded Madelyn so quickly she wouldn't be able to react.

Then he shut the cell.

"Maddie!" Trilla said, rushing to her side.

Madelyn slammed against the ground, cheek stinging so bad she knew it would bruise. She blinked up at Trilla, "It was worth a shot." She told her, "Their really scared you know. That's why he reacted in anger."

"Scared of us? Or the Aggressor?"

In fact, the entire ship seemed to be soaked in fear.

Moreso than for a simple snatch and grab.

"Both." Madelyn said softly. "I think." She frowned a little. "I wonder where they come from." She pondered and then smiled at Trilla, sitting up. "Are you okay? Not worrying to much over me are you?" She teased, trying to ignore the pain throbbing in her face.

"I don't think I've ever heard about a race of telepathic, albino humanoids..." Trilla squinted in thought. "The Zelosians are green humanoids, the Zeltrons are purple, and the Chiss are blue..."

"Another long lost human colony, that has evolved?" Trilla shook her head.

She was, however, shaking. There was no doubt of it. It was a façade.

Madelyn felt Trilla's uncertainty in the force and pulled her into a hug. "We're going to be okay. I'll protect you Trilla. And we'll find Master Luminara." Madelyn tried to reassure her. "And probably? Hopefully they learn to trust us."

Trilla squeezed Madelyn close. "This is not how I expected First Contact scenarios to go..." Her eyes watered. "Sorry, I should be better than this. I won't become a Jedi Knight if I keep up like this!"

"You'll make a better knight then I will." Madelyn rested her head on her shoulder, still hugging her. "We'll figure it out together, as we always do."

hey were left for a time, and Trilla nodded off, before awakening to realise and remember where she was. Trilla squeezed Madelyn in fear, their faces close - they’d instinctively huddled in the cold of the cell, and her breath was smoking up in front of them; their captors had cut the temperature.

“Maddie,” Trilla said, their faces micrometers apart… her eyes locked on Madelyn’s -

Madelyn relaxed, and despite the cold she felt comfortable in Trilla's arms. She snuggled closer, before realizing how close their faces were. Madelyn blushed, and looked nervous.

"We really should talk about this-" Madelyn felt her heart skip a beat as she spoke. "-Master Luminara might kill me."

"We might die today, any day, as Jedi," Trilla said, huskily. "I don't want to die without... this."

She leaned in, eyes closed -

"You're impossible."Madelyn said fondly. She hesitated a moment, and then kissed Trilla, feeling warmth spread all over her body.

Trilla kissed her fully, deeply, as if their first kiss would be their last.

She gripped at Madelyn's robes, pulling her as close as tightly as possible -

In the Force, they were a crescendo -

Madelyn relaxed into the kiss, but eventually realised she needed to breath, and tapped Trilla on the shoulder before pulling away. She let out a few slow breaths, and smiled.

"I'm lucky to have you." Madelyn admitted, "I mean-" She blushed. "That was great!" She laughed slightly, feeling bubbly and warm.

The ship nudged them, as it decanted from hyperspace, breaking their apart a micrometer. "It was!" Trilla grinned. "Hey, Maddie -"

She placed a hand on Madelyn's stomach, through the robes -

On her lightsaber.

"They didn't disarm us, in their rush to escape the Aggressor." Trilla realised that, and grasped her own lightsaber. "Shall we get out of here?"

Madelyn startled back, and smiled shyly at Trilla. "We still have to be careful." She explained softly. "Maybe their just waiting for us to break out of here." She gestured around them. "Besides, we've just come out of hyperspace. I don't want to risk anything happening to Master Luminara-" Madelyn pursed her lips, realizing she was rambling.

"You know she's gonna kill me if she finds out about what just happened right?" Madelyn sounded nervous. "Master Cere on the other hand might start planning a wedding-" She joked, grinning at Trilla playfully.

Trilla grinned. “A wedding? Wow. Calm down Maddie we’ve not had sex yet.” Her eyes turned hungry. “Yet!”

There was a waver in the Force; Master Luminara was using it. They could hear the snap-hiss.

Trilla strained her ears, and suddenly the door was open. Luminara looked at them both, with a frown. “Can’t I leave you unchaperoned?”

A blush rose to Trilla’s cheeks -

Madelyn flushed. "I....what?!" She felt tongue tied. "Now who's moving fast." She fought back. Madelyn rubbed the back of her own head, and then turned towards the door as Master Luminara appeared, and blushed as well.

"Sorry Master." Madelyn ducked her head and apologised. "I didn't want to be too hasty and rush without figuring out a plan first." She admitted. She glanced sideways at Trilla, and then looked up at her Master.

"So they definitely know we're Jedi now?"

"Less sorry, more heading to the bridge - we're with their fleet, and it won't be long before they realise I'm awake." Luminara smiled. "It's time to use aggressive negotiations, and then we can figure out the rest."

There was a shout in another language, and the name Ozrei sounded out -

As the white-skinned fellow reached for his comlink, Luminara slammed into the wall with the Force.

"Padawans?"

"Yes Master!" Madelyn said with a nod, and turned and grabbed her lightsaber, activating the yellow blade and moving out of the cell as Master Luminara got rid of what she presumed was a guard. She stopped and looked back at Trilla expectantly.

"Come on Trilla." Madelyn tossed her a smile.

Trilla ignited a blue blade, completing the set of three with Luminara's green.

They deflected blaster fire, thrown knives, and Luminara even crushed a sonic weapon that was being rolled into the corridor -

Cams were shorn, weapons rent, and no quarter given until they were in the bridge, with the identifiable Ozrei standing there, knives in each hand, while the rest of the crew - three more nonhumans, cowered behind their displays. Luminara pointed her lightsaber as the comms beeped for attention, but nobody answered.

Through the viewport, there were dozens of ships, spooling overhead.



Not dozens.

Hundreds.

"Is this... an invasion fleet?" Trilla said, breathing, and she lowered her blade in horror.

Ozrei saw and flipped a knife at her -

And leapt for the comms!

Madelyn didn't enjoy fighting, but ways felt a little exhilarated in the force when she did. They were winning. She realised. At least for now. And it felt that way until she saw the invasion fleet. She had never seen so many ships before in her life, at least outside of Courscant and Chandrilla.

She watched Trilla lowered her blade and the flash of silver as a knife was thrown at her-

"No!" Madelyn shouted. She jumped in front of the way, shoving Trilla aside and using her other hand to grab Ozrei with the force, yanking him back hard-

The blade skittered across her face, over her ear and turn -

"Maddie!" Trilla cried out -

Ozrei took the yank, and Luminara called out.

"Surrender!"

Her blade was at his throat, and Trilla was already ripping at her robes to staunch the blood, her lightsaber clattering to the floor -

One of the white-aliens leapt for it -

Do not get captured, do not get captured, won't be a slave again, won't be a slave again -

It came from Ozrei, who kicked Luminara's hand and blade aside, the lightsaber burning his throat -

"I don't want to kill you!" Luminara said.

The Force stank of fear.

So much fear.

Madelyn didn't know she hit the ground until the cold pressed against the side of her head. She felt dazed, and wondered what had happened. Was Trilla safe? She blinked and tried to push herself to her hands, and ringing in her ear and something warm going down to her neck.

She saw Master Luminara hold her blade to Ozrei's throat, and felt Trilla's presence next to her as she pushed herself to her knees, dizzy. But she still felt that fear in the force. They thought they were slavers, she blinked and felt one of the aliens go for Trilla's lightsaber; and weakly pulled it away-

'
"Stop fighting! We're Jedi! Not slavers." She groaned in pain, head throbbing. The edges of her vision blackened, "You need to stop!" She pushed back with the force, trying to calm them-

And then the ground came rushing up to her as she lost consciousness. Hoping it worked.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Past Combo Part Two

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Hours Later

Madelyn woke up in a bed.

Besides her is Trilla, asleep. Madelyn has a bandage around half her face, and Trilla’s hands are entwined.

Madelyn stirred, feeling too hot as she woke up, and clammy. She glanced over, the pain still there on the side of her head; but only a dull ache now as she gathered her surroundings. And Trilla, asleep next to her; holding her hand.

"Trilla?" Madelyn whispered. She felt confused. "Wake up Trilla. Where are we?"

Trilla stirred, and nearly fell off the bed -

Planting a foot on the floor, she sat up. "Maddie!"

She hugged Madelyn, awkwardly. "We're aboard the Aggressor! Master Luminara forced a stand-down, and when the two Star Destroyers arrived the Nagai fleet fell apart - we managed to convince Admiral Grunger just to drive them off, no casualties, though."

Madelyn winched as Trilla hugged her, and then leaned her head against her shoulder. "So we won?" She whispered softly. "Are you okay?" She asked, pulling back enough to look at Trilla. "No injuries?" She ran her hands down Trilla's arms, looking her over with concern.

Trilla nodded. "No injuries." A wince. "But you're definitely going to have a scar, Maddie. I'm sorry."

Madelyn swallowed thickly. "It's okay Trilla. Is it...bad?" She asked nervously. "I was just trying to protect you."

"It's..." Trilla looked at it. "Honestly its pretty stylish. A bit angry looking, at the moment..."

She looked abashed. "I'm sorry I wasn't good enough. This is all my fault, Maddie."

Madelyn pulled Trilla closer; "It's not your fault. So don't blame yourself Trilla." Madelyn watched her for a moment , before kissing her softly.

A smile from Cere, a stern expression from Luminara. That expression was broke when Luminara was nudged by Cere. "Lighten up, Master Luminara. We were all young once."

"Attachments are -"

"Forbidden, yes," Cere said. "But love is not, and I have no doubt that Madelyn and Trilla would both do the right thing at the expense of their feelings for each other if it was necessary." Her eyes gazed over to them.

Madelyn let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Thank you Master Cere." She sounded relieved, "I was worried we were going to get kicked out of the order." Madelyn swallowed nervously, and rested against Trilla, before looking nervously at Master Luminara.

"You did throw yourself in front of a knife, Padawan," said Luminara, unhappily.

"That's my fault, though," Trilla said.

"And would you not throw yourself in-front of a knife for another person?" Cere added.

With a slight sigh, Luminara nodded. "Yes, I would." There was a brief pause while Luminara's eyes traversed the cut on Madelyn's face, concern visible.

"It's not your fault. It's no one's fault. I made that choice." Madelyn argued back. "Can everyone please stop blaming themselves?"

She winched, and leaned forward as a wave of pain went through her head. "Sorry-" Madelyn took a sharp breath, trying to push away the pain. "-I just need a minute." She let out a few slow breathes.

"I am not worried, nor am I casting aspersions."

"But, we do have another mission," Luminara said, softly.

Cere nodded. "The Nagai aren't invaders; they're refugees, and have been brutalised by their enemies."

"The Nagai?" Trilla said, the first she had heard the species' name.

"Yes," Cere confirmed. "They have been capturing Mandalorians to try and best our galaxies' strongest warriors, as a prelude to launching an actual invasion, with other species who are similarly oppressed, and using True Republic territory to create a large enough force to liberate their homeworlds."

"This is why they were terrified of us being slavers," Luminara explained. "They've spent three hundred years trying to retake their homes, and failed so many times that they have... lost their way. But they didn't kill any of the captives, instead attempted to recruit them to the cause - but they were too afraid to ask for assistance."

"Are they going to give back the prisoners?" Trilla said, cautious.

"They already have, and though they have been badly treated, they are all alive," Luminara said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "So, can you guess our next mission?"

Madelyn looked at Master Luminara curiously. "We get to be ambassadors and help them adjust to the Republic?" She asked softly. "Or do we have to go and fight their enemies?"

She didn't look too happy about that, and wondered if she was going to be sent back to the Jedi Temple.

Trilla paused. "We wouldn't start a war, would we?"

"No," Luminara said. "The Nagai will be heading to Kinooine, a world on the extremes of the southern quadrant, and colonising and building. The Senate has already approved it for the Nagai, and their allies, the Iskaloni and Maccabree."

"We are going to take a small task force to their homeworld and request, politely, that it be returned, and the other homeworlds, too," Cere said, firmly. "Admiral Grunger and Takel will be with us, again, as well as one of the new MC80 cruisers, the Home One, commanded by Admiral Ackbar."

"The Council has bequeathed us teams of Knights, too - eight Jedi in total, should matters become complicated," Luminara added, folding her arms. "Ozrei - the Nagai we fought - will be coming with us." A pause. "He does want to make amends for wounding you, Madelyn."

Trilla stiffened. "I don't understand something."

Cere looked over, a window of opportunity for Madelyn to comment, too -

Madelyn nodded. It was a good plan, although she doubted the invaders would just hand over what they took from the Nagai willingly.

"We should be careful though. Do we have any information on what they look like? How they behave? Besides the brutal takeover of the Nagai's planet?" Madelyn looked up at Master Luminara. "And I appreciate he wants to make amends Master, but I've already forgiven him."

She looked at Trilla, then; furrowing her brow. "What's wrong?"

"They're called the Tofs," Cere explained. "A green-skinned, humanoid species, with a culture of piracy, we have been told." She did lift a hand. "Not that we intend to take what the Nagai say at face value, and the Admiralty is assembling a secret fleet to keep an eye on Kinooine in-case this is all an elaborate ploy. Master Windu will be commanding that."

"You said they wanted to face our galaxies' greatest warriors," Trilla repeated. "I assumed they were from Wild Space, north of the Corporate Sector, or perhaps the Unknown Regions. But Kinooine, at the extreme south, and what you said..."

Luminara watched her realise.

"Are the Nagai, Tofs, Maccabree and Iskalloni from another galaxy?!"

Madelyn grinned and threw an arm around Trilla. "Isn't it wonderful?" She said, elated. "Think of how much we're going to learn!" And then, "So we're keeping an eye on the Nagai too, but they were really afraid when we faced them. I hope they can be trusted. No one should have to live in fear like that."

Luminara and Cere did smile, slightly. "The Aggressor is a about to depart for Nagi, using the hyperlane coordinates supplied to us. It may be a long trip, so if there is anyone you need to say goodbye to via comms, do it in the next hour," Luminara confirmed.

"We shall liaise with the Home One and debrief Admiral Ackbar." At that, Cere went to go, and Luminara stood from the bed.

Trilla was breathless with excitement, for her part!

"Yes Masters." Madelyn replied. I wonder if I should call Padme and Sabé? She mused, and looked at Master Luminara. "Thank you Master Luminara." She smiled at her, "For taking care of-" She pointed at her head. "I promise I'll be more careful going forward."

She sat up in the bed, and leaned against the headboard. And then looked at Trilla expectantly.

"I want to call Padme and Sabé."

Trilla looked up. "I was half-expecting you to say Satine, but that works."

There was a brief interlude while the comms officer connected them.

In the little medbay, the two women appeared, in matching handmaiden outfits. Padme looked at Madelyn, appraisingly. "I heard you were wounded, but I didn't know you were awake. Are you two okay?"

"I mean we can call her too." Madelyn replied smoothly. She waited until the two other women appeared and smiled when she saw them.

"I got a little wounded." Madelyn admitted. "I only just woke up a little while ago. Trilla's been watching over me." She gave her an appreciative look. "As always."

Sabe nodded, looking from one to the other. "And what is this I hear that you met an extra-galactic species?"

Madelyn nodded. "We did." She looked at Trilla and nudged her, "Trilla, tell them what happened." She didn't want to do all the talking, "And our mission."

Trilla gave a brief summary, and both Padme and Sabe were impressed.

"Well, that doesn't happen every day. These Tofs sound like an issue. They conquered their home galaxy?" Sabe did not sound worried.

"Satellite galaxy," Padme corrected. "Officially called Companion Besh, its the second-closest of seven satellite galaxies around our galaxy."

"Satellite?" Trilla frowned. "So, smaller?"

"Definitely. Known Space is three times the size of the total volume of the Unknown Regions - which includes all seven satellite galaxies and the fifteen percent of the galactic disc the Chiss, Grysk, Croke and so on exist in," Padme explained.

"Well, then the Tof are quite as scary as I thought. I had visions of an Inter Galactic War."

"But, you should still be careful," Sabe said, and looked to Madelyn. "Both of you."

A smile from Padme. "Especially now you're dating."

"We will be." Madelyn smiled at them, hoping she sounded reassuring. She hoped they would be able to deal with their mission quickly, although she was excited to explore a new galaxy. Even if it was smaller then their own.

She blushed at the mention of dating, and laughed nervously. "Well I mean...yes technically." She answered shyly. "We're taking things slow though."

Trilla blushed.

"Slow?" Sabe said, drily. "You look like you've already kissed!"

Padme pushed her lightly. "Don't tease them."

Madelyn blushed too, and looked shy at the teasing. She reached over to hold Trilla's hand out of view and looked back at Padme and Sabe. "How did everyone react when they found out you were dating." Thinking about how Master Luminara had been a little displeased.

"Oh," Padme said with a shrug. "I had a few ex boyfriends who were annoyed, but nothing much. Naboo is liberal, after all."

"What did your Masters think?"

Madelyn didn't say anything for a moment. "Master Cere was happy, but I think Master Luminara was always little disappointed in me. You know how she gets with Jedi rules and regulations."

"Disappointed it probably to strong a word," Trilla opined. "I think she was concerned for you, Maddie."

She tugged at Madelyn's cheek. "You're sensitive after all."

Padme and Sabe smiled at that. "And we've all heard of Jedi who formed relationships but not attachments," Sabe pointed out. "Master Kenobi, for one -"

"Though Master Windu disapproves, and publicly -"

"Eh, he and Satine are fine."

Madelyn gave Trilla a look of mock offense. "How dare you Trilla Suduri. I am not...sensitive." She grabbed her hands and held them. "Your master was practically turning the gears in her head, thinking about how soon we'd get married." She's teasing now, trying not to smile. She quickly added, curious now that Master kenobi had been mentioned. "Haven't Master Kenobi and Duchess Satine been together for years?"

"Yes, they have, but Kenobi is the Jedi Grandmaster, the older Masters think he should set a better example. Master's Tano and Vos disagree, of course." Padme shrugged. "As long as you don't choose each other over the galaxy, I don't see an issue with a relationship."

"I'd trust you to make the right decision," Sabe said, squeezing her hand.

Trilla was too busy blushing with Madelyn holding her hands.

Madelyn smiled at them, relieved. "We'll do our best." She said softly. She didn't let go of Trilla's hands.

There was a rumble, and a tannoy update.

We are now passing the Galactic Frontier. Please prepare for turbulence. We are expected to arrive at Nagi in five days.

The call cut, though, as they left the range of the HoloNet. Padme managed to say one last thing.

"May the Force be with you!"

And then they left their galaxy!

Tag: @Sinrebirth