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