Star Wars CLOSED Star Wars: Episode X: DUEL OF THE FATES ~ 2021 Best RPG ~

Lin
Arrival at Coruscant, on board the Fury



Okay. We got a top of the range starship, full of exotic and valuable artefacts, and we're heading to the galaxy's capital, a place flush with quadrillions of credits. A pretty good day's work! Ah... but the First Order. No problem... I can deal with that...

The Fury did the hard part for them, initiating an automatic landing cycle, slipping past defense platforms and streams of freight traffic. Lin watched from the cockpit, awed by the scale of the megalopolis stretching out beneath them.

"This is what we're gonna do," she said to Rizo. "I'll take us to an industrial area... somewhere where nobody will find the ship, then I'll scout a way into town and make a deal and..."

I can land this, she told herself. I made a mistake just one time with Handy's aircar.

You only flew it once! replied a mocking voice in the back of her head. She silenced the annoying critic, and tried the controls.

But the ship was locked on course. Their landing point was already predetermined. Lin's disquiet grew as it took them down a tunnel to the lower levels. Eventually they landed. Platform 1313. It was perfectly smooth. Lin patted the console with relieved admiration. She whispered, "Good boy!"

Then she looked out of the cockpit and froze. First Order storm troopers, and an officer. "Bad boy!" she scolded the Fury, then turned to Rizo to discuss their next move. The Ranat was already gone, heading to the relic room.

He came back brandishing a golden sphere with the hex symbol. "Shall we use this as a bribe?"

Lin snatched it off him. "I said don't touch these things!"

But she considered the options. She had not nearly enough credits. Would he be interested in this, or see it for what it was and simply confiscate it and throw them into prison? Did they even need a bribe to get through customs?

Rizo was shifting from one foot to the other and whining. Lin sighed. He was right; to delay would cause suspicion. They had a First Order officer to greet. She made a decision, handing back the orb.

"Hold onto this and hide it in one of those many pockets. Wait for my signal. If we need it I'll tell you. I'll do the talking, okay?"

Rizo nodded and followed Lin to the embarkation ramp. She pushed the button and it lowered in a hiss of pneumatic steam. The black-uniformed officer stared up at her. She took a deep breath and then beamed a smile - not too desperate or cheerful, but suggestive, confident.

She stepped down the ramp. "Hi there! A nice day for a landing. She glanced over her shoulder at the ship behind her then back to the officer. "Oh, uhhh, nothing to declare..."

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Barriss Offee

Ghtroc 690 light freighter, Core Worlds

She could hear it. The lightsaber of Asajj Ventress, calling out to her like it was an old friend. She remembered the first time she had wielded the blade and its twin after stealing them from the former Sith assassin. A disguised Barriss had used the lightsabers to ambush Ahsoka Tano and set her up to be captured by clones in order to frame her former friend. Afterward, Barriss should have disposed of the lightsabers that could have connected her to her crimes. And when Anakin Skywalker called her out on it, her reply had been telling.

I think they suit me.

Barriss had been unable to get rid of the lightsabers even if it was in her best interest. Because she had bonded with them after the lightsabers had felt her rage. What those who weren't Force-sensitive didn't know was that the kyber crystals in a lightsaber were conscious, almost sentient. They could even communicate with their user and the crystals had spoken to Barriss after she stole them from their previous owner. So she kept them until they were taken from her after she was arrested. But though their time together was brief and had been separated for over six decades, the crystal still remembered her and the bond that they had shared. And despite trying to keep her mind clear during the journey through hyperspace, harsh memories slowly came came back to her.

I am here with evidence and a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka has been accused of: Barriss Offee, member of the Jedi Order... and traitor.

Barriss, is that true?

Tell them the truth.

I did it, because I've come to realize what many people in the Republic have come to realize. That the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war, that we've so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict, that we are the ones who should be put on trial. All of us! And my attack on the Temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become: an army fighting for the dark side, fallen from the light that we once held so dear. This Republic is failing! It's only a matter of time...

And she was right, it had only been a matter of time. Palpatine had been present during her confession and she wondered what the future Emperor had been thinking during her speech. He was reported to have been killed for good during the Battle of Exegol nine years ago, but the same had been reported after the Battle of Endor thirty-one years before that. Time would tell if Palpatine would stay dead this time or not.

Barriss got up from her pilot's chair and went over to the box that she had put both of her lightsabers in. She opened the box, looking down at the hilt of Ventress' lightsaber and the hilt of the blade that had belonged to her master. Unlike the red kyber crystal, the lightsaber of Luminara Unduli was silent. Their bond, though longer, was not as strong as the one that Barriss felt with the curved hilt of a red blade. However, she still took her former master's lightsaber and sat with it in the ship. She began to meditate with her eyes closed and the lightsaber's hilt in her lap, trying to see if the path she was on right now was the right one and if she was heading where she needed to go or not. Focusing, she began to see images of sights from her past... and perhaps her future.

Illum. Geonosis. Phorose. Drongar. Umbara. Stygeon Prime. Bonadon. A planet unfamiliar to her that she assumed was Agora Six. And then... Coruscant. She saw how it once was, when the Jedi Temple was her home. She saw what came after, when the Jedi Temple was turned into the Imperial Palace by the Emperor. And she saw how it is now, under the banner of the First Order. While the other images were brief, it dwelled on Coruscant.

She came out of her meditation when she heard a sound from the ship letting her know that it had come out of hyperspace. Barriss sat up and went to the cockpit, thinking about what the Force may have been trying to tell her. She started to enter the calculations for the next jump, since a few detours and asides were necessary for the trip to Agora Six. But then she stopped and looked up from the navigation computer, out of the cockpit window. She was now in the Coruscant system, a place that she had avoided like a Rakghoul plague for over sixty years. Perhaps it was not a coincidence that she had been brought here. Perhaps the Force was telling her that it was time for her to return home.

She considered it in silence. Barriss knew that she could still continue her journey to Agora Six later and if the Force was telling her to go to Coruscant, it must be for a reason. She suspected that it could be a test, like the one that Nomi knew it would be when she gave her the lightsaber of Asajj Ventress. Making a decision, she cancelled her calculations and plotted a new course to the capital of the First Order. Hopefully she wouldn't end up regretting this.

If the red kyber crystal wanted to feel her rage, then perhaps it would get that chance after all.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Eleanor Magnus, Asteria
Arriving

Eleanor would have applauded Whistler out loud for how fast he had worked to get rid of any evidence that they had contact with the Resistance. Or rather that they were trying to get in touch with them. She had gone to change into something more suitable, giving her lightsaber for Whistler to hide as she came back and waited for them to dock.

When they did she stepped off the ramp with Asteria, keeping her closer then usual as she eyed the hanger and the Chiss, Kaz as he approached with a military adjunct behind them.

Stay calm Asteria. I won't let anyone hurt you. Eleanor thought as she spotted the stormtroopers ahead. She listened to what Kaz was saying, getting more interested by the second. That's something to bring up to the Resistance later.

"T-thank you." Eleanor answered a little nervously, although polite. She smiled at him and hoped she wouldn't come across as too nervous. Why is he being so nice? Eleanor looked back at Whistler. "Stay with the ship for now." She turned back to look at Kaz while reaching down to take Asteria's small hand in hers.

Kaz smiled at them each, as Whistler tootled his reluctant agreement to their separation. There were more Stormtroopers were around, on the gangways above, in the corners, with pilots and techs doing their jobs. It was a First Order ship, through and through. Asteria looked a little overwhelmed, and Kaz smiled softly and offered her his hand. "Come, my dear, I shall give you a guided tour."

"Sir, I respectfully do not see why we are entertaining these visitors," said the adjunct. Kaz shot him a glare.

"What is the name of our empire, adjunct?"

"Sir?"

His voice cooled. "My question was clear, no."

"The First Order," the human replied tightly

"First, Order," Kaz repeated. "That is what we stand for; Order. Not vengeance, or aggression, but Order, against the Chaos. We need to soften our approach to the galaxy, which is why we have diplomats, as pushed by Vice Chancellor Graul."

"We are the successors of the Empire, not the softly Old Republic," the man said firmly.

"Yet here we are, and I am in-charge. Dismissed, adjunct. I do not require your assistance for a tour."

"Sir?"

"Dismissed."

The man saluted stiffly, and turned to leave. Kaz glanced back at Eleanor. "Apologies, the crews are used to enforcing our way at blaster-point, and it has been an... adjustment for them to accept our reduced place in the galaxy."

Eleanor watched and felt that Kaz meant little harm as he held out his hand to Aateria. She looked down at her and sent her thoughts through the force.

You can take his hand if you want. Up to you Asteria.

She listened as Kaz told off the First Order officer but felt that the issue at hand might become a problem later. Eleanor made a mental note to see if there was anything of value information wise.

"It's alright." Eleanor smiled at Kaz. "You're just trying to do your job. It's nice to meet a man who doesn't shoot his way out of problems." And then she paused and looked embarrassed. "But i...I'm afraid I might have a hard problem pronouncing your name. Is there anything I might call you instead?" Eleanor was red now, but she didn't think she could pronounce it without help. "I'm sorry."

"Kaz is more than acceptable," he said. "I appreciate Chiss names are... unpronounceable, at best, in Basic." Kaz was amused by that. Asteria looked from Eleanor and though she didn't get the exact words, she did get the gist, and took Kaz's hand.

The Chiss smiled warmly, and led them through the relatively basic looking ship. It was a cruiser, after all. The vessel was utilitarian, simply designed, nothing as personalised as the Pulsar Skate. He led them to the mess, and Asteria's eyes widened at the thought of food.

She didn't lead Kaz there, but she did lean that way -

"Kaz." Eleanor looked relieved. "Thank you for understanding." She smiled a little when Asteria took his other hand and they began to walk together. They eventually reached the mess and for a moment Eleanor was confused, but then she looked down at Asteria and could sense how hungry she was.

"The mess?" Eleanor asked, looking over at Kaz.

“I am hosting you, that includes sustenance,” Kaz said, simply. “I had food put on for you, as it’s not the time by the ship rotation.” He gestured to the expanse of seats and tables. “So this is all for us.”

Asteroid headed to look at the food. Kaz smiled at her as she went to speak to the serving droid. “So you fled from Akiva as the Knights of Ren had the capital destroyed.” His tone was conversational. But he knew, and he may as well tell her.

Eleanor nodded, but felt flattered all the same. "Thank you for being such a gracious host then." She watched as Asteria went to look at the food. "It's very kind of you."

She turned to face him as he spoke, and nodded at his words. "Yes. I try to keep Asteria away from war as much as possible, but you can't escape things all the time." Eleanor replied. It was the truth though. She was still a child, and after the life Asteria had already, she wanted to keep her safe. "How long have you worked with the First Order?"

“Since before the destruction of Hosnian Prime,” he said, eyes unfocusing. “There was a sense of continuity in the Unknown Regions until about twenty years ago, when the Terrors destroyed the way of things. We called the space between us and what you call Known Space, ‘the chaos’, and it had been reorganised by Thrawn... until his legacy crumbled.” He was remembering dark days; days when their hope had been stolen away.

“When the First Order reached our borders, they offered to accept our territory, as long as we contributed, paid tribute even. We Chiss had been weakened by our war with the Grysk, and we accepted; it was how we served in the Sith Wars of ancient times. As willing allies to the much larger power.”

Kaz’s eyes narrowed. “So the Nine Ruling Families allow those Chiss who want to serve in the Chaos to leave, and join the First Order. It’s the only way a Chiss is allowed to leave, nowadays.”

Eleanor watched his expression as he spoke and frowned a little. "That sounds very complicated Kaz. It must be a relief to get away from that." She could sense that he wasn't happy about the subject, or at least about the problems in Chiss space. "You must enjoy working with the First Order. I imagine being a diplomat is a lot more relaxing."

“I am happy, yes,” Kaz said. “The First Order has given me purpose, and since the death of Palpatine it has been forced to accept that there are other ways to acquire influence. It was part of the reason I joined up, to hopefully change things before the war starts again in earnest.”

He was thinking of how in the Expansion Region the First Order was weak, and couldn’t just wholesale attack the worlds here. They were required to grow into a true galactic government, rather than the brutal force that Snoke, Kylo Ren and Hux had demanded of it before the galactic uprising nine years ago.

Kaz was sure that Ren and Hux were trying to find ways to reestablish full galactic control, rather than via the network of alliances with the Galactic Warlords, but for now diplomacy was needed. “So what about you, Eleanor? What are you, or, rather, were you, before the war?”

Eleanor nodded, still a lite curious. But he seemed hopeful. She wondered if he knew what the First Order was really capable of. What Kylo Ren was.

Pushing those thoughts from her smiled, she gave him a sweet smile at his question. "Before the war? Hm. Well I was....I was a bit of a scholar. After it started I mostly just went from place to place, surviving the best I could before Asteria came into my life."

Am I being too evasive?

"Since then I've been raising her the best I can." Eleanir turned her gaze towards Asteria. "I couldn't ask for a better kid."

Kaz paused, taking in Asteria. “Can I ask about her father?” He wanted to get it out of the way, as it seemed pertinent to the topic at hand. He sensed... something, to the way she had spoken of her past, but the Chiss wasn’t perfectly up on human nonverbal communication.

"She had one." Eleanor said quietly. She couldn't blame Kaz for asking though. "But he never wanted to be a parent, from what I was told." She figured there was no point in avoiding it anymore and added, "I adopted her. As far as I'm concerned, I'm her mother. Blood doesn't make anyone family." She looked at Kaz, nervous. But he had to have guessed. She and Asteria didn't look anything alike.

The Chiss nodded slowly. “Well, I understand. It happens, especially in this chaotic a galaxy.” Kaz stepped forward, smiling as Asteria settled with a tray of food on a bench. “Shall we get something to eat?”

Eleanor smiled at him. She was glad he understood, but was more happy to finally get something to eat. "Yes. That would be wonderful." Eleanor brushed past Kaz, fingers gently squeezing his arm as she did. It was simple enough to look like an accident to anyone else. But she wanted to convey how thankful she was he didn't ask anything further on Asteria's former life.

"Thank you Kaz."

@Sinrebirth

 

IC: Agent Johnson
Location: Uscru District, Coruscant

As Johnson continued with his female escort towards the opera house, he did wonder what would happen next. Would he catch Don in the act? Or would the Don provide some useful information on perhaps traitors in the First Order that were providing intelligence to the rebels? Only time would tell….

And then it all went to hell. Johnson heard what sounded like a rather large explosion nearby. Johnson had to wonder what had caused this, either an accident...or the rebels were retaliating for today’s execution. It was always the danger that something like that could invite reprisals. The rebels were getting bold though, especially with at least two Agents on the planet.

This mess would be sorted though. A full blown uprising would not be tolerated.

Brown was immediately asking for orders over the earpiece and Johnson was sorely tempted to remind the young Agent that Agent’s did not bark over the comm. They remained calm and all times and only raised their voices if it was noisy. Meanwhile his escort had disappeared, and if Johnson were to show any emotion he would have snorted. And then Sellik came on the line to compound problems.

He spoke to Agent Brown first, tapping his earpiece to speak to his fellow Agent “Stay with the Don, that is still the primary objective. I will investigate the explosion. Stormtroopers and security services are en route. If you cannot get to the Don, I request you follow me as backup. Perhaps two Agents investigating would be better than one….”

He then tapped his earpiece to speak to Sellik “Ma’am, Agent Brown reports an explosion at the fuel depot not far from the opera house. It may be in retaliation for today’s execution but at the moment the motive remains unclear. I can report blaster shots heard near where the explosion was, it may be the rebels have engaged with security services. Agent Brown will try and stay with the Don, I will investigate myself and will have Agent Brown as backup if needed.”

Perhaps maybe he was throwing himself fully into the fray by heading towards the explosion But with the galaxy’s wealthiest and most influential attending the opera house he felt he had to do something. Hopefully the Don would not take this opportunity to suddenly decide he needed to escape.

And if it did have something to do with today’s execution he would deal with the troublemakers himself. That was what an Agent was supposed to do, protect the system from falling.

And if he found any rebels there….he would kill them all.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Tirran Huxley
Nowhere New

It wasn't all that long after Dade snuck out, of course, that the shop shook and all manner of trinket and ware toppled from a shelf. Huxley didn't really care about such things, the droid would take care of it.

His droid tottered into Tirran, and then righted himself with a huff. "What could that possibly have been! A bomb, here? After that execution? Or retaliation to it? Oh my, oh my!"

He really should have it get another memory wipe, but he was a bit cheep about such things and the shop should be having a sale in just a few months. A sweep was immediately reached for, the droid busying himself with cleaning up the damage, even as a stream of onlookers and civilians rushed in either direction outside the front of the shop.

Hearing a tone he checked his messages. "Aqua-man! It's starting!" Dade was already on the comms. "The Lost Boys are going to head towards the explosion, we've some guns, we can carry on the uprising! Meet you there!"

He signed off. "Aqua-man. Let me know when you want to conquer a body of pure natural water." He muttered to himself as he directed his suit to move to a back room. He would step through the sonic cleaner, onto the scan pad, and once clean and clear of bugs activate a comm station in the private room.

Settings were adjusted and he sent out two messages, really the same info. Standard fees for data were included to unlock his message, a modest one as the info was short lived in value. 'Lost Boys attacking explosion site. Attack of opportunity. Standard gratuity welcome based on usefulness. Random blasters is all the children report being loaded with. Explosion likely by spotted Resistance member, a Kubaz spotted in area prior to explosion.'

With that done and sent to the First Order and the Don. Let what would be be. If the boy died or was captured it was merely a short lived investment with little expense. Hopefully the boy would escape so he could gather more information, but if not, well he would open a good vintage of formaldehyde and toast the end of another resource.

TAG: , @Sinrebirth

 

Dol Khan
-Coruscant, Level 1313

Behind the goggles, Dol Khan's eyes narrow. Not squinting, but as if to sort through the trees. As he was. He sorts through the lines of data scrolling over his datapad. Com frequencies, com calls, news reports, hacked First Order channels. He leaned on a railing of a high rise building. Close enough to observe the entirety of the explosion of the fuel depot. Close enough to be able to move to the Opera House within 3 minutes should the opportunity present itself. The confusion he'd predicted was unfolding before him!

Data.

Data.

Reports

Intelligence.

Reports of not one, but two Agents in the area.

Noted, he thinks. He taps his gloved fingers across the datapad rapidly. Holocam feeds of the fuel depot popped up. Surely one of the agents would report there. Maybe even both of them. Good.

Reports of a kubaz near the fuel depot prior to the explosion.

Correct. The Kubaz were not common on Coruscant, but not wholly uncommon. He would need to move carefully and tactically. Nothing changed.

Com channel communication translations indicate that the Don's guard was moving into position to defend the Opera House.

There it it, Dol Khan thinks. He presses a button and the view shifts away from the Kubaz on the illuminated Coruscant high rise. It goes up and up and...

Away, hundreds of kilometers away across the tumultuous technological terrain of Coruscant a starfighter hums to life.

The view shifts back to Dol Khan. He blends with the crowds, stopping to gather movement info from his datapad. The layout of the Opera House and it's multiple entrances stretched across the screen. He would need to choose one. While avoiding stormtroopers, agents, and the Don's guard. He chooses quickly.

Getting to the Don. HA! Directly, no. Not through using a normal entrance. He looks up at the Opera House. He plans on using a service entrance, located on the outside, Near the roof. Scaling the building using the same carts that the window cleaners and holonet repairers used. Yes and he expects resistance and taps his hidden blaster reassuringly. Killing time was nigh.

Tag: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox @Mitth_Fisto

 

IC: Rey
Aboard the Eclipse, Nirauan System

Her concentration remained largely on Finn. Rey’s heart surged with guilt as she felt his anguish, her friend’s inner turmoil. She should have helped him before taking on her larger purpose, before assuming more than one burden that weren’t necessarily hers to bear. There had been so many different paths pulling her in all different directions; she had always worried she had chosen incorrectly at the start.

She followed him silently as he turned to leave the bridge.

They were alone, moving slowly down a quiet corridor and Rey waited for him to speak first. She didn’t want to push him, but her concern continued to grow the longer he went without a word. When he finally began at last, the Jedi breathed a small sigh of relief, turning to him perhaps a little too eagerly.

It hit her then how much she had truly missed his companionship and the ease of their friendship.

"I failed. Those people, the children. I saw hope in their eyes. They believe in you. We all do." Finn was facing her now, too, clearly working himself up for what he wanted to say next. Her brow furrowed with mild apprehension.

"I know you left because of him. You have to shut him out, Rey. He can't change, it's too late."

Ah. There it was.

A memory – no, a feeling. The sensation of a touch so foreign yet intimate brushed over her mind, the very tips of her fingers, her lips…

It was her turn to stammer. “I didn’t… I was not…”

Rey stopped and took a deep breath, dropping her walls as she exhaled and her voice became suddenly small, whispering as if speaking from a place so deep inside her that her words would not reach. There was sadness in her eyes now, Finn would see it as much as sense it, she was not shielding herself anymore.

“He did change, Finn. He turned. He came back to m-“ A quick pause, her gaze never wavering. The fresh vividness of the past made it still seem as if the events of nearly a decade ago had just transpired. It always unsettled her, after so much time. “He came back to the light and I saw it happen. He saved me.” A knot formed in her throat and she swallowed roughly. “You must believe that I know his truth.”

Finn had to. He was the only one who could possibly understand what she meant.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

(OOC: Trouble in Paradise brought to you by @Sinrebirth and myself)

IC Rhoen Aquilla, Syal Aquilla
Chandrila, Aquilla Homestead

It was quite the spectacle seeing all the parents show up in their speeders to collect their children. He knew some of the parents explaining that they shouldn't come down too hard on the kids. They were just being kids. After seeing them off he turned back to the house as Syal came walking up.

"She slept through it all, of course." Rhoen wrapped an arm around her shoulder giving her a light kiss on the temple.

"Of course she did." He rubbed her shoulder a little as they opened up the barn again looking towards the older fighter that the kids had found.

"How do we know it still flies? How do we know if we can still fly?"

"Well, I keep it mostly repaired." He gave her another kiss, "It's like riding a speederbike, you never really forget how."

"I love this place, hun, but every time I look up at the night sky," He followed her gaze looking at the artificial satellite that loomed over them. "I see that damn Star Destroyer, and I want to blow it out of the sky."

"Believe me I do too, but, it'll take more than this to do it." He said gesturing to the hidden fighter.

A sound drew his attention back to the barn, his hand moved to his blaster. When Syal mentioned maybe another kid had stayed behind, his hand moved away. Then a moment later he regretted it as a masked figure stepped out with a blaster draw.

"You here for something?" He asked.

The man had a face wrapped in bandages as he stepped forward. "Depends, Rhoen Aquilla? Syal Aquilla, formerly Lysa Dunter?"

Syal took a tone. "What of it?"

He reached up for his bandages, shifting them to conceal his face better in the moonlight. "I know Poe Dameron came to see this farm. He tried to recruit you for the Resistance. I'm sure he gave you a way to reach them."

"I want that. Bounty on New Republic deserters isn't much ten years after it fell; but the Resistance? It's a lot."

Letting out a breath ice water flowed through Rhoen's veins staring down the man hidden by bandages. He wasn't about to give up a resistance member. Though he had a thought of doing, of just handing over the information and being done with it all. It would be so easy, but with his wife next to him and the blood of a rebel from the dark times in his veins he couldn't do it.

"You think he's that stupid?" Rhoen said shaking his head. "He came here knowing I could say no, knowing that the last time I saw him, I told him to just leave me alone. You think he'll honestly trust me with a way to contact him after I rebuffed him? I'd be a loose end. Dameron not know how to do many things, a proper A-Wing Slash for one..." As he talked Rhoen moved to step in front of his wife, one to protect her and another to give her an opening, the A-Wing Slash being a give away for this plan. An old fighter trick from the days of the Rebellion, hide a smaller ship behind the wake of a bigger one. Thus he was using his body as a screen for her. "But, he knows how to keep operational security. So I couldn't tell you where he is, he never told me and never gave me any way to contact him."

The bounty hunter snorted. "Well, that's a real shame, Mister, because if he didn't leave you anything, then I have no choice but to use you as hostages, and I only need one. Even if he's estranged from his ex-wife, I bet General Antilles cares a lot about his daughter..." He lifted the blaster slightly to aim at Rhoen better; as he did, Syal stepped behind Rhoen more, adopting a fearful expression, hiding her hands better

"Are you sure he didn't leave you anything?"

There was a slightest rustle of movement behind Rhoen as Syal drew a blaster...

Rhoen smiled hiding his disgust at having his wife used as a bargaining chip. He put his hands up trying to play along, make him think he's got control.

"Woah, let's calm down a little." He kept still slightly lowering his hands. "I mean I'm sure we can work something out? How much is this worth to you huh?" His brow arched buying time for Syal to get set. "I mean looks like you went through a lot of hassle to get out here, you really think it's worth it?"

“You think you can match the First Order’s pockets in this farm-dump?” The bounty hunter scoffed. “How about I -“

He stopped talking when Syal’s blaster bolt caught him in the throat; he pitched forward without a wird. She’d fired from under Rhoen’s arm, and waited for a moment for any further sounds. There weren’t any, and all she could say with some disgust was, “Amateur.”

She stepped over, rifling through his pockets. There was a tracking fob, but it was keyed to Poe Dameron, not to them. Syal pulled a face and summed up. “There’s nothing to say he let anyone know about us. He was trailing Poe... and must have found out he visited us, somehow.”

Squatting over a dead body, she looked up at Rhoen. “So now what?”

A long breath left him as he looked over the body. "I find Poe, kill him and collect the bounty for myself, then come back here and retire with you finally..." There was a part of him that wasn't joking. He hung his head. "I don't know, part of me thinks its time to go somewhere else, that our cover's been blown, and we need to relocate. And another thinks that this punk just got lucky, that he'll just be one, that he isn't a sign of things to come. I...I don't want to fight, I don't want to go back to that life. Always on the run, never staying in one place. We can't keep doing that..."

Syal nodded. "We can't do it with all three of us, no," she said. She looked at the bounty hunter. "I think..."

She sounded hesitant. "It's time for one of us to join the fight."

"But I don't want to force the discussion," Syal said, softly, looking down at the body they were going to have to dispose of. She took a deep breath. "Where would we relocate to, if we're not on the run?"

"Agamar, Tanaab, Naboo, take your pick of agri-worlds." Rhoen said moving over to the body. "We can find somewhere out of the way to settle down, until things...change." He was unsure if he meant, the First Order being destroyed or the Resistance. "Then come back here and start again." He hooked his arms underneath the legs of the now dead bounty hunter. "We can bury him on the back 40, deep, no one will find him."

She hooked hers under his arms, picking him under his arms, huffing slightly. "Inner Rim is still in the First Order," she said, referring to Tannab. "Naboo, well, I don't have warm feelings to dear old Palpatine's homeworld, to be honest." She dragged along with Rhoen. "Agamar, well, doesn't that belong to Warlord Gherlid?"

Syal could probably respond like this to about a hundred suggestions, if she was being honest.

"So there is no ground to go to huh?" He huffed adjusting his grip. "You are not making this easy on my Syal." Shaking his head he pressed on. "Let's give it a night, let Val get some sleep, then we'll come to a decision." All signs were pointing one way, get back into the fight. But his heart just wasn't in it. Though, now his family was under direct threat, a blaster was pointed at him. "Where do we leave Val? Here with my dad? We can't take her with us. I won't see my daughter in a warzone."

Syal paused, conscious that this was going to be a bombshell. "I was thinking of leaving her here with you."

"No," He snapped, "absolutely not, no I'm not going to let you go off to fight on your own." He couldn't believe what she was suggesting, them be separated by a war, a war she likely wouldn't come back from. "Why would you even suggest that?"

Syal snapped back. "Because we're dying on Chandrila. This isn't living, Rhoen!"

She took a breath, dropping the body. "Nothing is changing. It got worse when we went to Exegol, but it could have gotten better. We gambled on that chance. Here? We've no chance." She held out her hands, hopeless.

He dropped his half of the body.

"And nothing will change if you go off to fight. My mom gave her life for this and the Empire, in new guises, came back. We fought them at Exegol, and they didn't die. We keep throwing lives away and it buys us what a handful of years of peace?"

"We can't build something in the shadows," Syal snapped. "If we hadn't fought at Exegol, we wouldn't be having this discussion. We'd already have lost." She made fists. "We defeated an armada of superweapons. We won the most important fight. Same with Starkiller Base. With the second Death Star. With the first."

"All of those battles saved the galaxy, but they didn't end the war. But we meant there was a chance for tomorrow!"

"A tomorrow where we can replay this cycle over an over and over again? A cycle where I never see you, where Val grows up without her mother?" Rhoen stepped forward looking into Syal's eyes. "The war will never end, sure you'll have a chance for tomorrow, but what about the day after, and the day after that, it is an endless battle that only ends with you dead, and me left a widower."

"Well how do we change that!" Syal shouted. "We have no control." She pointed at the Star Destroyer. "It could kill us any moment it wanted to - another hunter could arrive - a Stormtrooper sweep could randomly find us." She gestured, angrily, at the X-wing. "Why were we keeping that, if you're too afraid to fly it?"

"Because we might need it to truly escape, not to run off and fight a war that won't end. We might not be in control but at least we are alive. You, me and Val we are still alive. I don't want to risk that, I will escape, but I will not fight this fight again."

Syal lapsed into silence. “Fine.”

It was her this conversation isn’t over voice. She leaned back down and picked up her half of the bounty Hunter again. Her expression was neutral as they progressed.

"Fine." Rhoen snapped picking up the feet again. As they walked the cool night air brushing across his skin, he looked up to the stars he watched when he was a boy waiting for his mother to return. "Syal," He started his voice quiet, a little broken. "Just promise me you'll tell me when you're going to join the Resistance. Please?"

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC Rhoen Aquilla
Chandrila

Rhoen had made sure to give Syal a kiss before going to bed, a sign that he still loved her, even if they were having a fight. He let out a breath rolling onto his side and pulling the blankets up over him. He dreaded having this conversation, he knew how heated it got, how much pain it caused both of them. He wasn't moving and she wanted to fight, to put her life at risk for what? A fight that will never end?

Sleep took him soon after it wasn't completely peaceful but it was enough. He wanted more but his daughter woke him her little face nose to nose with his.

"Daddy?" She asked the first rays of light just catching in her blue eyes.

"Val," He said simply rubbing his eyes trying to wake up a little more.

"Where's Mummy?" She continued pressing her little fingers into the datapad screen.

"Oh…" He looked over to her side of the bed finding it empty. Slyly he placed his hand under her pillow finding the blaster she kept there gone. "Um...not sure I just woke up I'm sure she's around." He said trying to smile to hide the worry he was feeling. It was too early for this, far too early. All he could do was smile to not show his fear to his daughter.

"It's pass-coded." Rhoen closed his eyes looking away from the bright screen.

"Give me a bit sweetheart." He took it from her and put in a code, it was the same code he put on the things most important to him. His and Syal's Anniversary…

"Val how about you go downstairs, daddy needs to get dressed." He put on another smile. "I'll be right down."

"But, the…" Her little hands reached out for the datapad.

"Oh, it's just some boring old crop yields, and planting rotations, lots of numbers." he was lying protecting her, or himself from having to explain what was happening. "Nothing you'd be interested in."

"Daddy…" She pouted pursing her lips and furrowing her brow.

"Just go downstairs please…" His voice cracked just a little, the strain of what he was concealing was getting to him.

"Fine…" The little girl hopped off the bed and made her way downstairs. Her feet weren't stomping so she wasn't too mad. Rhoen left the datapad on the table while he got dressed. He found her go bag missing. Another thing that pierced through his heart. He put on a shirt and some nicer pants looking to the night stand he couldn't help himself. He had to read it, he had to know…

Rhoen,

I know you asked me to tell you when I intended to go. But I realised I couldn’t tell you, not to your face. I’d never have gone, I’d have resented you for it, and as soon as anything went wrong, I would have blamed you for it. I didn’t want that; I didn’t want our fight to destroy us, our two viewpoints eroding our love for each other.

Because I do love you.

I love you both.

But I can’t stay on the side lines for any longer. We have a responsibility to try and make this right; not just for us, but for Val. When she grows up, I don’t want her to look into my eyes and ask me why I stopped fighting for her freedom. I don’t want her to go off and fight and die in a war I let carry on.

I’ve been so lucky these past nine years; the happiest years of my entire life. You saved me, Rhoen, you made me into a wife, a mother, and so many other words I am so proud of.

Please don’t fret. I’ve taken Poe’s data with me, I’ll see if I can catch up with the Resistance that way, via Kuat. But know I’ll always be thinking of you and Val. I can’t ask you to lie to her, I won’t. I love her so much, I know she’ll understand, if not now, but later.

I know you do too, deep down, Rhoen.

I love you so much.

Take care; see you soon.

There were no words, all he could feel was pain, heartbreak, betrayal. Tears came to his eyes, a long sob left him and rising up from the pit of his stomach, the bottom of his soul, a scream, a howl of anguish that ripped it's way through him and resounded in his ears and throughout the house.

Little feet rushed their way up the steps she came to the door her eyes wide, finding her father slumped to the floor, his back against the wall.

"You ok daddy?" The concern in her voice only broke his heart more.

"Daddy's fine." He said with a forced smile, his eyes red and tears rolling down his cheeks. "I just stubbed my toe is all." He gripped his foot, a weak attempt at covering his pain. His daughter came close to him not buying it for a second.

She put her arms around his chest, her arms just big enough to reach his sides.

He broke, burying his face into his daughter's bright blonde hair.

"Mummy...mummy's not coming back...not for a while…" He choked out between sobs. He felt her little chest shake, a few sniffles.

"Why?" She asked her voice weak.

"Because...because…"

"Did I do something?"

"No, no sweetheart, no…" He held her face in his hands her eyes as red as his. "No she loves you very very much...she's...She left to make the galaxy better, to make it safe for you." More tears flowed from his eyes, recalling the first time his father told him this, told him why his mum had to rush off to war, had to put her life on the line. "She's...she's up in the stars…" He looked up at the ceiling, still fighting his tears. "She's up there making the galaxy safer…" His hands pulled her closer laying a kiss on her forehead. "Because she loves you so much, she wants you to be safe."

He wrapped his arms around her pulling her close. The pair of them are just a heap on the floor, neither wanting to be without the other...

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Barriss Offee

Coruscant

Though she knew better, Barriss couldn't help it. The sight of Coruscant and what it was now made her angry. She didn't have it easy over the last six decades, but Coruscant and its people had it even worse. The former Jedi wondered if Coruscant would ever be like it once was before the rise of the Emperor, though she knew that the planet was far from perfect even when she was just a youngling. By then the High Republic era had already ended and the decline had already begun. Barriss could only imagine what Coruscant may have been like during the golden age of the Republic and the Jedi when they were at their height. Neither existed on Coruscant anymore and Barriss realized that she could be the first Jedi to return to Coruscant in years. She wasn't entirely sure what she would find on Coruscant, but she was still confident that the Force wanted her to go home for a reason.

Barriss, realizing that she was getting angry, suppressed that anger before it could cloud her judgement. She couldn't afford that, especially when she was taking such a huge risk by coming here. Because of its First Order presence, Coruscant was probably one of the most dangerous planets in the galaxy right now. A lot could go wrong before she even landed. Focusing her breathing, Barriss had her freighter join the stream of traffic that had the same destination as her. She stayed alert and cautious, wanting to make it to a landing platform in one piece.

The crystal leaned on her, mocking. She could rage, destroy, cause havoc. Join the First Order and rise in power, as she should have done in Palpatine's Empire all those years ago.

Dutifully, a First Order Customs official, sounding terribly bored, commed her as the freighter passed the Star Destroyer flanking the stream of freighters. The only comparison she would have was its overall shape, the Resurgent-class was three times the size of the Venator, and considerably more oppressive looking, almost cathedral-like in its ominous design. The quintessential TIE fighter design drifted up and down the traffic, otherwise buffed out with the red protrusions which named them as TIE Whispers.

He was leaning on his desk, peering down his nose. "Business at the Capitol?"

The First Order called Coruscant that, much like the Empire had called it Imperial Center. There had been other names for the planet over the years, alien ones, but for now, as it had been for nearly a decade, it was simply the Capitol.

From this distant, Barriss would be able to eyeball the massive sixty-kilometer wide wedge that hung over Galactic City, an incomparable dreadnought that was basically holding the planet hostage since its deployment after the Battle of Exegol.

"I'm a healer," Barriss told the official, ignoring the crystal mocking her. "Though news isn't easy to come by these days, I heard that the Capitol could definitely use a healer right now and I go where I am needed. You can let me go in peace."

It had been a while since Barriss had used the Force to influence the weak-minded, but she still had no problem remembering how to do so. It came natural to her, though she had never attempted to use a mind trick between starships. She focused on keeping her face casual and her tone suggestive, subtly waving her hand to aid the persuasion.

“I can let you go in peace,” he repeated, his voice trailing off. He was particularly weak-minded, as many who served evil were. He ushered her forward, the traffic passing and allowing her to head to Coruscant proper.

As she descended, there were data updates to her old system - a moon had been destroyed in wars gone by, Coruscant’s orbit was slightly different, among other things.

The Jedi Temple still stood, though it was considerably wilted and deformed by damage and neglect. The Senate Tower was missing, Monument Plaza instead a single construct heading up into the underside of the massive Mega-class warship; the Capitol itself. However the Galaxies Opera House still remained a prominent fixture, lit up even from this distance.

The traffic split, leaving Barriss with various choices; the former Senate District, the Opera House and Uscru District, or of course the old, broken Temple. The latter resonated to her slightly in the Force, but there was a ripple of conflict by the Opera House as well. The Senate District, as you would expect, was a warning in the Force; danger.

Barriss considered her options. She felt like she did have to go to the Temple at some point, that it was likely the reason that the Force had brought her here. However, she did not have to go there right away. Barriss had meant what she told the official. She went where she was needed. Barriss had to make her decision quickly, but she chose to head in the direction of the Opera House. Something told her that was where she should be right now and Barriss decided to trust that instinct. Besides, she wasn't sure if she was ready to return to the former Jedi Temple just yet. Just being on Coruscant again was bringing back a lot of memories, good and bad.

The freighter headed that way, narrowly clipped by a box-shaped transport that dropped down on the concourse and deployed twenty more Stormtroopers to what appeared to be an armed siege of the port in the Uscru district by the Opera.

There was a ring of troopers firing upon speeders just outside the complex, a circular wall around the landed ships. There was only one ship in the port otherwise - a black transport of angular design. It had an oily presence in the Force, and her crystal appeared curious. Something dark...

There was an official notice. “All ships attempting to land at the Uscru port are to divert to the nearest one. A Resistance terror attack by child-soldiers is underway.”

There was a flicker of death, and another, as people died - a sensation that provided succour for the Crystal. The First Order was too busy to stop Barriss from landing, but they’d have a cordon up soon enough. If she wanted to jump in, she’d need to dive down now.

If not, it was time to divert.

Barriss already knew what her choice was. She brought her freighter down, landing near the black transport of angular design. Barriss did intend to check out that ship herself, though first she would see if there was any wounded that needed her help. She was a healer and the duties of a healer were put before anything else. Barriss quickly gathered up various supplies that could be useful before slipping both lightsabers into her cloak, hiding them by giving them close in case they were needed. She hoped that they wouldn't, but was prepared to fight if she had to. Barriss took a deep breath and lowered the boarding ramp, then finally left the safety of the freighter.

As she stepped outside, Barriss felt more flickers of death and the sounds of the Resistance attack became louder. As did the cries of the wounded and the dying from both sides of the conflict. "Welcome back home, Barriss," she sadly whispered to herself. "A lot has changed since you left..."

Hopefully her homecoming would bring some good.

TAGS: @Sinrebirth @Kurisan @Mitth_Fisto @Jerjerrod-Lennox @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

IC: Eleanor Magnus
Milagro orbit, First Order diplomatic cruiser

Eleanor was surprised with how easily she got along with Kaz. She felt comfortable, even though he was with the First Order. How he was gentle with Asteria, even though she asked intrusive questions sometimes. Eleanor was proud of that, Asteria could get away with it, being so young. But the patience Kaz was showing was something else entirely. It almost reminds me of my parents relationship with each other. They loved each other a lot. I wonder if this was what it was like at first as well. She smiled at Kaz as he apologised as they were interupted, and tried not to think of the to stormtroopers standing away from them.

There was a sudden discomfort in her stomach, and she turned to look at Asteria before the ship was fired upon. The Resistance is here? Dammit. I need to get them away before-

Eleanor stumbled as the walkway jerked, and saw Kaz steady Asteria before he fell off of the edge of the walkway, and Eleanor felt a sudden rush of fear go through as he tried to reach her and missed-

No!

Eleanor moved quickly so she reached the edge of the walkway, reacting through the force as she got a grip on Kaz. She winched, because he was a little heavy before she slowly started to pulled him up towards the edge enough so she could grab him and pull him back over the edge. "I've got you, I've got you." She gave him a fearful look, and spoke through the force to Asteria to get next to her. "Please don't-" Please don't hurt Asteria. She thought as she looked at Kaz, wondering just how bad his reaction was going to be.

@Sinrebirth

 

IC: Tirran Huxley
Uscru District, Chaos

Tirran Huxley, looked at the notifications from his accounts - with credits passed his way almost automatically. It brought a pleasant tightness to his lips as he hummed softly. Profits of course urged the hunger on for more profits, probably a habit from his youth that had been learned from the Neimodians.

Switching consoles he checked his other automated soft hacks and routes into the First Order Network which were bearing even more fruit than Dol or even Johnson had access to; but that's what being on the Don's good side did. He had all the latest news; Kuat had been hit by the Resistance, a fleet wrecked, and an Eclipse -class Star Destroyer stolen - the Last Jedi was said to be there, and the Knights of Ren, and Admiral Vonn was dead.

If the Lost Boys weren't committing suicide he might offer it to them to be a go between broker with the Resistance. Those people loved to hear of their own victories to tout about and parade. It probably wouldn't have been more than the value of a few crates of ammo, but it every profit had it's mark and help to the whole.

Not to mention what he could of learned of them in return to barter back to the other side. It was a delightful situation when you were not any sides puppet nor minion. So long as you had value you could keep the profits rolling. DJ had sadly forgotten that somewhere along the line, sap brought it on himself by going soft. Should of stayed on the Canto circuit if he couldn't take the issues in the wide galaxy.

Then he noted an odd ping. Not something he normally looked too deeply into but that was what the whole automation was for, it was able to catch things while he wasn't looking. Including the registry of a ship which had just arrived; the Fury, a transport on a variety of old, old bounty requests, levelled by the former central government from way before Ben Solo became Kylo Ren. A long list of data on that; ancient Sith relics, advanced tech, all belonging to an Anzati that was a 'person of interest' in various state investigations.

He would also have an unsubtle but attempting to be subtle request for Sith artefacts from the First Order government...

... separate from the edict of the Supreme Leader.

Someone high-up wanted Sith artefacts... and didn’t yet know that a treasure trove of them had arrived...

... and that the Lost Boys were retreating towards that self-same dock, about to likely blow up a fortune in a crossfire.

Complicated. Sighing he knew he couldn't do his normal routine and with a Soup sipper this was risky, he could only hope that they had been drawn away from the battle on business and now were locked out of the area. Signaling a few droids to begin preparations in case things went sideways he sent a reply to that request.

{Possible Catch of Requested material located. Will attempt to allocate and attempt delivery - please advise delivery location.}

Once that was sent and he waited for a reply he made sure to gather his proper slicing and acquisition supplies. He normally left such things to others, but in this fluid and rapidly evolving situation he thought he had a good angle. If the First Order knew not to shoot him and the Lost Boys thought he was slow and late to the battle with a properly prepared story that he was taking the battle as an opportunity to steal a sith's ship - well he just might be covered from both sides.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Agent Johnson and Lin
(combo with @Jerjerrod-Lennox and @Sinrebirth)
Streets of Coruscant

Johnson was now in pursuit.

After acknowledging Brown's transmission, the agent continued on, shoving his way roughly through the crowd before getting to the fuel depot. Most of the assailants were young adults. Some were little kids. It did not matter. They were all traitors.

The fighting between the kids and the stormtroopers was moving towards the space port now, and now was his chance to do something….but that woman's voice was back again.

A memory came back to him, she had said it after they had made love on one of their secret meetings. The flash of the child though was wrong, he remembered he had no kids nor that she was pregnant. It would have been too dangerous in her position.

The little voice was back. You do know what you are about to do right? What would SHE think?

His Agent voice snapped back, She's probably moved on anyway, and she is a traitor. And she will be dealt with in due course…

He pulled out his blaster, focusing on his nearby targets...and began firing.

* * *​

"Don't hang around, just go!" Lin hissed to Rizo as the First Order officer's attention was taken elsewhere. Hardy believing their luck, she locked up the ship then scampered out of the port with the Ranat.

They got right out of that hotspot... and right into another.

"Oh, frack!" Lin ducked behind a stack of plasteel crates as blaster fire ricocheted near her head. Rizo was hiding in cover even quicker - he had a preternatural skill for detecting danger, and avoiding it.

They had only just entered the first street outside the port. Smoke rose from a blasted vehicle. Sirens blared. People were running, screaming.

Lin peered around the edge and witnessed a small battle raging. First Order storm troopers in their gleaming white armour fought what looked like a swoop gang: Teenagers, many of them a similar age to Lin. Some younger. The insurgents were ragtag and ill-armed compared to the troopers. Lin could see this going only one way.

She bit her lip, wondering what was going on and cursing the timing. She hated the oppressive Order as much as the next person... but this was not her business. She had a forbidden treasure to sell.

"Freeze!"

The voice came from behind, harsh and metallic through helmet vox-speakers. Lin whirled and saw two storm troopers aiming rifles at her.

"Don't move, rebel!" growled one of them.

Lin shook her head. "No, no... You don't understand... I'm nothing to do..."

"Silence!" barked the other trooper. He put a hand to the side of his helmet. "Yeah, we got one alive. We'll soon get the intel we need."

He turned to his partner. "Put the binders on her."

The partner lowered his rifle and reached for his belt. He pointed at Lin and stepped closer. "Turn around and assume the position. Put your hands behind your back. Any trouble and we'll hurt you real bad..."

Lin glanced to where Rizo had been hiding next to her and saw only an open space. The rodent had disappeared with his usual astonishing speed. She made a snap decision: she had never trusted authorities and did not intend to place her fate in the justice system now.

Lin turned away from the trooper in a show of obedience. She counted the steps, judging in her mind the point when he would be blocking line of site from his partner. She tensed, preparing herself. She felt a hand take hold of her wrist.

Then she exploded into movement.

Lin whirled round, slipping out of the grip and instead grabbing the trooper's extended arm. Screaming with sudden and ferocious rage, she slammed him into the crate, head first.

She did not pause as the first trooper slithered to the ground. Lin had grown up on the meanstreets of Myrra. Only an instinctive speed and determination made the difference between life and death: You hesitate, or do something half-hearted, you lose.

Lin charged at the second trooper, who hesitated. She screeched like an animal and flew into a kick right in his chest. The trooper crashed backwards, the blaster in his hand shooting skyward as he hit the ground.

Lin did not wait around now. She had to disappear, fast.

Unfortunately, two other troopers had witnessed her attack on their comrades from across the street.

One transmitted the signal through his comlink. "There's one getting away - heading North - any agents in the vicinity?"

* * *​

Three bolts hit three teenagers, dropping each. A troop transport landed behind the cordon, deploying another twenty Stormtroopers to the line. There were around a dozen insurgents left, firing scrounged weapons and clearly in trouble.

It was not going well. But of course, it was going well for the First Order...

Johnson continued firing, his focus entirely on his targets. Nothing else mattered apart from eliminating these insurgents. He fired again and again. As soon as he fired, he moved on to the next target.

The little voice was going wild: WHAT ARE YOU DOING? They'll never accept us back into the fold now….

Johnson did not care if these kids had families or not. The system had to be saved, compliance would be rewarded and insurgency could not be tolerated.

He heard the comm call from the trooper. There were more reinforcements arriving. They could handle the rest.

"Continue until all insurgents are terminated," he said. "In pursuit."

Johnson turned, holstering his blaster, and saw a young lady running away. He zeroed in on her and began to run to try and chase her down.

* * *​

Lin scampered away, turning one corner, then another. Her heart pounded. She was in an unfamiliar city, but slum alleyways looked pretty similar all over the galaxy. She found a likely looking passage and hardly paused as she jumped onto a trash module to use as a stepping stone to leap-climb over a link fence.

She dropped catlike to the ground the other side and looked back, blinking under a malfunctioning, flickering neon sign. Frack. She had picked up a shadow. Not a storm trooper, a suit. Probably more dangerous.

This is not turning into a very good day, she decided. She remembered she did not even have the Sith orb as a bribe. It had vanished along with her disappearing partner.

So Lin did what she did best. She turned and ran, hoping to lose herself in the city before the suit got to her... Hoping the fence would slow him down long enough.

It did not.

Agents were specially trained, not just in the assassination and martial arts, but in speed and agility. They were trained to go longer and harder than a normal person would.

As he pursued, Johnson kept a watchful eye on the female. Of course, he was based in Coruscant and had all the data he needed to hand. It did not matter what planet he was on or if he was chasing someone down in the Silencer, he would hunt his prey down.

Following her down the passage, he saw her stop. Big mistake as he was now gaining on her. As she moved again he did the same thing she did, jumped on the trash module and leapt over the top. Dropping to a crouch on the other side he did not stop, he ran on.

No need for backup just yet….

He didn't even slow down for a second. Lin began to feel the first alarms of panic ringing in her mind. No living thing, not even a rathtar, could catch her in the swamp-jungles of Akiva, and she knew the streets of Myrra well enough to give pretty much Corpo's entire army the slip if she had to.

But this suit was relentless, and her confidence in using the urban territory to evade him was evaporating fast. Heading for a populated area would not work either - there would only be more First Order creeps there.

She sprinted fast for an abandoned alley and skidded round a corner. The dingy passage led to industrial units. She skipped along, trying each door without success. Where's a lockpicking Ranat when you need one? she lamented.

An emergency escape ladder offered a solution. She leapt up and caught the bottom rung, then scaled up the side of the unit quick as a red monkey. She heard the agent hot on her heels in the alley below.

Atop the industrial unit was a flat roof. The air conditioning outlets were secured with hardy grills. The door to the roof-stairs was triple locked. Like they saw me fracking coming, she sighed. She reached the lip of the building and looked across to the next.

That was one huge jump, and ten stories down if she missed. She retreated to some abandoned machinery she had passed on the way, looking for maybe a cable or something she could improvise as a rope.

Too late.

The suit was there, facing her. Lin whipped out her vibro-dagger and set a hostile stance...

​

* * *​

Johnson continued in pursuit, this young woman was quick but being young he had expected her to be fast. She slowed down again, trying doors. He slowed down too. He could take his time grabbing her. And then she scaled up a ladder quickly. He followed, watching her backside disappear over the top.

As he climbed over the top he saw her trying grilles, doors and even looking over the edge of the roof. Game over.

She pulled a vibro dagger out, preparing to fight him. Another big mistake. There were rumours abound that if anyone fought an Agent, they died. Most of the time people ran away.

This young woman had balls.

​

"You are an insurgent" he said neutrally. "You will be brought in for interrogation...or you will be eliminated…."

He moved forwards, calm as anything. No doubt she would try and stab or slash him, so he immediately dropped down and initiated a sweeping kick at her legs.

"But I'm not...!" Lin began to protest, but went quiet when he stepped toward her.

This one was calm and moved with an assured confidence, quite unlike the big clumsy Weequay thugs she was used to dealing with; they just charged without thinking. This suit was trained. Danger screamed at her.

So she was ready when the sweeping kick came. She cartwheeled sideways one-handed to avoid. She landed at his flank and lashed out with the blade towards his body. Even if he had some sort of armour on underneath, she would rip that nice suit.

She's good, the little voice said. Are we still intending to kill a-

BE QUIET

As she completed her cartwheel he spun his body to try and dodge any slash incoming, and face her head on again.

Lin's little energy blade - she liked to nickname it her mini-lightsaber - cut the air and nicked the suit's arm. A satisfying slash opened in the material and it must have cut flesh.

Johnson did not flinch at all. But he had to be mindful of the blade. Keeping his body low, he tried to aim a double punch at her abdomen.

He did not even flinch. What is he, some kind of droid? Lin frowned.

The pause was a momentary gift and he pounced; a two-fisted punch thumped into her stomach and she doubled over with a gasp. It was like being struck by a battering ram. She staggered, off balance for a moment, the air pushed from her lungs.

Usually, when someone thought he had hit the winning punch in a fight he would smile or smirk. Agents did not do such a thing. Johnson surged forward, with the young woman hit he could go for her arm with the blade. He went for that arm and twisted it backwards savagely and expertly. With one of his legs he kicked her in the shin.

Lin cried out as daggers of red-hot pain stabbed into her shoulder and she involuntarily dropped the weapon. He continued the assault, kicking for her shin. Many beings across the galaxy would have capitulated with that arm-twist, unused and unable to tolerate such extreme pain.

But Lin was a survivor, and fought back even when in agony. She rose her knee to deflect the kick off her bare shin, then switched her balance to her other foot. He still had her arm in a vice-like grip, but the angle worked better for...

Lin knew how to fight dirty if she had to. She brought her knee up and crunched it right into his groin.

Johnson let out an oooof of air and tried to keep a grip on her arm. Now this woman REALLY needed to be grabbed and held still.

With a slight sneer, he moved his body to yank her arm behind her back hard. Perhaps then she would learn that ultimately an Agent never faltered, not even with a knee to the groin.

A grim smile of satisfaction crossed Lin's face as she managed to get a reaction out of him. Not invulnerable, then.

But he still had hold of her arm and she just could not wriggle free. He closed in, using superior weight and strength to wrestle her down. He yanked her arm harder, and tears of pain sprang from her eyes.

She was down on her knees.

"Stop... please..." she gasped out, instantly ashamed of her weakness.

One moment the Agent was in command, and the next a ball of fur slammed into his back and wrapped around his face, scratching and snarling - it was a Ranat. Rizo.

"LIN! GO!"

Johnson had to let go, it was now two against one, but that would not be for long…

He had to act now before this furry being suffocated him or tried to scratch his face off. Johnson reached up and to grab the furry arms and throw the beast off the roof, or at least off him.

Lin scooped up her blade and glanced back. Rizo! Great timing!

She knew the Ranat could disappear as fast as he appeared and would not appreciate her coming back to undo the opening he had just carved for her.

She took a breath and ran for the edge of the building. No time to think about it, no time to second guess. Make it or die...

Lin leapt across the gap, legs cycling, toward the neighbouring building...

* * *​

Rizo rolled off the Agent, trying and failing to cling onto his face as he tumbled away, bouncing off the ground and for a moment being turned around the wrong way. He spun back to the Agent, conscious that brief interruption would cost him –

But he had given Lin an opening –

Finally glad to have the furry thing off his face, Johnson pulled out his blaster. Already set on kill, he fired once, twice, then three times into the alien. If he was an insurgent too, then good riddance.

The agent was feeling the pain a little now from the slash on his arm and some scratches on his face. But what mattered was trying to catch the woman…

Who seemed to be flying through the air over a large gap.

Johnson switched to stun mode with one hand, the other tapping his earpiece. If she got away…

"Alert security services. Be on the lookout for a young woman, black hair, black top, blue shorts. Has an exotic vibro dagger. Name is Lin. Responsible for an attack on troopers and myself. Apprehend for interrogation."

Johnson watched to see if the young woman made it.

* * *​

Lin sailed through the air between the buildings for what seemed like an eternity... her short and brutal life flashing before her eyes...

She reached out. I'm going to make it... I'm going to make it!

No I'm not…

The horror sprang up on her suddenly as she began falling again. The ground far below seemed to open up like a sarlacc. She reached with all her might...

Her fingertips just caught the edge of the rooftop. Her body slammed into the wall below, crushing the air from her lungs for the second time. Her knees cracked painfully against the ferrocrete, almost wrenching her from her precarious grasp.

She dangled there for a moment, too afraid to realise she was still alive. Then she remembered the suit. He would be aiming for her back right now.

A blast slammed into the wall next to her.

"Frack!"

Lin hauled herself up and over the lip of the building, then scampered away...

TAG: @QueenSabe7 @Mitth_Fisto @darthbernael @HanSolo29 @Shadowsun @The Jedi in the Pumas @Zedd-Vega @TheSilentInfluence @galactic-vagabond422 @Master Vo'Un'Var @CosmoHender @Kalio_Dynkos

 

IC: Rey
Eclipse, Nirauan system


Rey looked at Finn expectantly, but any wish for his understanding would have to wait. She had turned towards Chewbacca as he appeared, yet again following dutifully along as the group reassembled near an access point to the ship’s inner bays. As she moved she glanced in a direction the Force nagged her, at a man she remembered from the Resistance’s last stand on Exegol. A hollow nod was offered, knowing he sought her attentions and the ancient tomes she had in her possession. Rey didn’t worry, knowledge of such depth was meant to be shared.

Coming to a stop at the back of those gathered, a sinking feeling hit her gut before her eyes saw them – all of the them.

The opened doorway revealed rows upon rows of various weaponry that filled the cavernous space beyond. Some towering high above them, others much smaller but filled with the same lethal intentions, every available inch was overtaken by the machinery.

Rey sensed the rising excitement within the group, matching the murmurs and loudening expressions of relief. Hope was peaking, hope that they had a fighting chance once more.

She only felt gathering dread at what adding even more weapons to the war would mean.

Violence begets violence.

The man – Beaumont, she recalled – drew her focus again as he began pouring over the Jedi texts she had extracted from Ahch-To, realizing what conclusions he was coming to before the others. She stepped back as her friends looked at her for answers. The dread that was building in her heart shifted in a foreboding manner and she looked down, her face contorted in confusion.

“Rey,” Poe urged.

The Jedi started, her eyes returning to them. She could not respond right away, seeing their confidence and sparks of courage reach for her in need of reassurance. A darkness held her back, this Force beacon on Coruscant calling out to her much as the darkness on Ahch-To had, a calling Master Skywalker had feared and warned her about profusely.

Was it him? Was it Ben?

She couldn’t be sure….

“We need a plan.”

Rey swallowed dryly as her danger sense surged with her acceptance.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Dol Khan and Agent Brown
-Galactic Opera House, Coruscant

An agent. Multiple bodyguards with heavy equipment. Dol Khan is in the right place. He tucks back behind the wall of the small cellar, out of sight. The two used up women. He looks at them with not a look of mercy, but devious planning. His eyes shift to his datapad. Calls from various rebels.

Dol Khan shakes his head.

Multiple encryptions being used and numerous alerts being routed from terminal to terminals to reach him for instruction. He responds with only silence. He minimizes these alerts for now and his gloved hands move with a focused energy across the pad. The Opera House, like every building on Coruscant, was basically automated. From the plumbing to the lights to door access to defenses. Even the cameras. The Opera House, like most important buildings on Coruscant, protects these systems through extremely sophisticated security, mostly automated as well, but also outsources to security agencies. Dol Khan is not amateur. The heavy bodyguards of the Don was only half of his actual security. An amateur would try to bypass these security systems or hack them. Instead, Dol Khan decides swiftly, his fingers moving in synchronous harmony with his mind. He uses the access he gained earlier to the plumbing of the Opera House from the Coruscant utilities grid to overflow the bathrooms of the Opera House with back sewage. All of them. At the same time.

His right hand moves down to his hip. It retrieves his comlink. He does not remove his eyes from his datapad. The alerts from the resistance cells pops back up and he says into the comlink to one of the cell leaders.

"Leave the Lost Boys. Attack the Opera House. All out offensive."

The Resistance officers were surprised to hear that - there was a handful of splutters, but they knew their leader was a master strategist...

They signed off, intending to follow through. The guards had a set of calls, and six of them headed off to double as cleaners... as all thugs did. The agent stepped over to the nearest console and input an override, setting the system to shut-down. All the computers were disabled, which of course gave them a disadvantage but the enemy was robbed of their use of it.

There were noises outside, and the agent sent out the remainder six to defend the outside of the Opera House. Agent Brown spoke up:

“I know you’re here, Resistance scum.”

The agent had a small blaster in hand, and his shades were pushed up to his nose in anticipation. He held the gun above his shoulder, peering around the room.

He tucks his datapad. Dol Khan steps out, his blaster in his hand. He walks up the stairs from the cellar, blaster aimed at the agent.

His heart is pounding. A lump in his throat and butterflies in his belly. Blood pump, pump ... Pump...

Throbbing.

Dol Khan is in the zone. He’s here to make a statement. He intends to.

“Die, government dog.”

He fires multiple shots at the agent and runs to cover.

The agent was enhanced.

He twisted around shots, the sensors in his glasses connecting to implants throughout his body, adding to his ability to anticipate, to detect, to follow his foe.

He touched off the floor for the last bolt, planted his feet, and began walking towards the cover that Dol had chosen. He fired a shot just to keep the Kubaz from looking back his way, and then another, pacing it by two seconds -

“Implants.”

Dol Khan utters as he times his return fire. In his offhand, Dol sets his comlink to broadcast mode.

*whoop whoop* .... *whoop whoop*​

It searches for the frequencies for the agent’s implants. A gambit that Dol did not count to pay off, but if it did there would be valuable information gained on the agent program.

But this agent was going to die.

The reflexes and strength of the agent were going to no doubt surpass Dol. To what degree? Well Dol was about to find out.

He fires more shots. Not to keep the officer at bay... but to trigger his implants to activation.

“Foreplay bores me Agent Brown.” He says as he looks around his current arena. The Opera House has internal security systems that could be turned on the agent, but Dol did not study them in advance. The resistance fighters outside would be entering soon, he calculated. Six heavy goons would not be enough to stop them. The other six goons would be cleaning the other rooms.

His plan to flush the Don out of hiding had not worked. Not yet.

Think.

The Don. The Agent. First Order.

Think.

The Agent was here. To... Protect the Don. But then why were they in the area to begin with?

Think...

It did not matter. Dol Khan realizes: It doesn’t matter why the Agents were here, the Don’s forces were ultimately loyal to only him. There was a play here to be made. He would need the Don’s personal channel.

The Agent twitched, dodging as applicable, but methodically approached, sidestepping between Dol and the nearest staircase. He kept his bolts slow, only pausing to listen to the noise of blaster fire outside the building. The Resistance had attacked en masse... but not in the numbers that Dol had anticipated... some had headed to the port, either way.

The six other thugs rushed from the plumbing problem into the main area, eying the Agent and his tango.

"I will deal with the Kubaz," he said, and the thugs rushed to the entrance. The Agent was proving a difficult, time-consuming foe...

Time that Dol didn't have...

Dol Khan’s comlink beeps as the Agent speaks to the guards. The frequency of his implants has been matched. Dol sighs. He had no time to systematically target the implants or even read over the data that he was streaming from them. His datapad was growing warm as it downloaded information...

Dol decides to not systematically break the Agent. He would treat the mostly human fascist like he would any computer.

He fires a continuous barrage at the Agent who is not close enough to have to put effort into dodging. He notes the timed shots... maybe something to do with his programming... all the while, Dol launches a simultaneous attack on the agent’s implants. His datapad uploads thousands upon thousands of viruses a millisecond into the agent. Something would work; one or several of the viruses would eventually have a desired effect...but until then...

Dol Khan steps out into the floor. The timing is between the now predictable shot pattern. He approaches the Agent with his blaster raised, unloading shot after shot.

Agent Brown is, like the others, a prototype. While Johnson does not have implants, he has training, and while Brown lacks training, he has implants. As part of 'PROJECT AMBITION', varying methods are used to experiment with one thing, really; control.

Which is precisely what Agent Brown doesn't have anymore!!

He stuttered, unable to filter all the input via the human brain, and the shots - one, two, three - hammer into his chest.

The stutter. The leg twitch. The death of a government dog. Dol Khan has no time to relish in the moment. He grabs his datapad and finishes downloading the agent’s implants information. He will take whatever info the download has gathered. However much and however small, and decipher it later. For now...

He looks at the nearby terminal. He approaches the terminal and hurriedly navigates the security protocols. Transfers controls of the Opera House security system to his datapad - Locks the entrances and exits to the Opera House - Shuts down outside coms to the terminals inside the Opera House.

Dol Khan was in control now. The next step was above him. The view pans upward towards the door to the room that The Don was suspected to be in. As he makes his approach to the stairs, Dol Khan fires another blaster shot into the head of the Agent - *PSSHHH* - and relieves the dog of his blaster and ear piece.

He opens the security cameras on his datapad and tries to get a view inside the Don’s room.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth and @Master Vo'Un'Var

IC: Vicrul and The Stranger

Vicrul sighed inwardly, he cared little for the lives of these men or for Admiral Vonn, in fact, he did not care for them at all, but Vicrul was a pragmatic individual, he did not kill senselessly.

With rage? Certainly
With hatred? Of course
But he always killed with a reason attached to it, and if it acted directly against their goals or would prove to be a hindrance then he would avoid it if possible. Indeed often he found Hattaska's reasons to kill someone off dubious at best. Not to mention how much Vicrul loathed speaking out loud, which is why when he could he spoke through the Force, it gave him an odd comfort, as if it were a more natural form of communication.

A blood bath of First Order Stormtroopers and Officers served no purpose, at least in Vicrul's view. His gaze turned to Hattaska, his mind reaching out to converse with his own.

You know as well as I these men are more useful alive than dead.

He paid no attention to the Stranger, taking a few steps forward, the muffled dark, deep, commanding voice of Vicrul breathed outward, a cold chill accompanying with it. Perhaps death himself was speaking to these men.

"Lower your weapons, you stand no chance and you all know it"

The Stranger raised his brow. Had these troopers done something wrong, or was this man merely having his fun cutting one of them down?

Tell me, Finder, A name which the Stranger had given to Vicrul, What is the purpose of this endeavour?

Vicrul was silently pleased by the man's question, they need strength after all not another mindless killer. He reached out to the man, being mindful to hide his communications from Hattaska, there was no need to cause more drama than was warranted.

None

He replied simply, the annoyance in his voice clear, as well as the fact his annoyance was not directed to the Stranger but to Hattaska.

The Stranger paused, and noticed the annoyance gravitated towards Hattaska. He smirked, before replying again in the force.

Why do you not just kill this man? The one who annoys you?

The Stranger stroked his grizzled chin, before continuing to send his thought.

Why not kill him now? If you wish, I can do it for you...

Vicrul turned to view the man, he could not quite believe what he was hearing. This one was indeed worthy of becoming a Knight of Ren. Vicrul was not one for petty murder, but Hattaska he was becoming more of a liability with these antics of his, it would indeed serve a purpose, and his blade, the darksaber. Vicrul secretly coveted this weapon, wanting it for himself, although this would only be a minor point if they did indeed decide to kill him.

The question that remained was Hattaska more useful alive than dead, after all, they needed to kill Rey and despite their power, Vicrul did not underestimate the Jedi's supposed abilities, she was strong and gifted in the Force, it would likely take them all to defeat her.

He reckoned the other knights of Ren would indeed follow him if he slew Hattaska, which made it out of the question for the Stranger to do so, it would undermine any authority Vicrul would garner.

Because unfortunately, he is more useful alive than dead, for now, let us see how this situation plays out before making any hasty moves.

Hattaska pivoted to watch the two of them, unsure as to the newcomers position. He was dark, yes, there was no doubt of that, but there was more to it than that. He looked back at the Stormtroopers, who lowered their weapons. Clearly they had reasoned they had no chance either way.

The twins chuckled, while Jaedec remained distant, paying no heed. He placed a hand on the side of his head, listening. "The cipher is not yet responding. We have confirmation that FN-2187, Poe Dameron and Rose Tico were present as part of the Resistance team." He looked up to Hattaska. "They have also inspired the workers on the Kuat moon to rise up. The local garrison has been overwhelmed. Estimated fifty to hundred armed civilians. Heavy weaponry cannot be brought to bear due to the presence of the fuel reserves beneath the moons crust."

"They aren't civilians if they are rising against our Master's empire," Hattaska sniffed. "We shall visit them."

He swept back to the Night Buzzard, and the other Knights trailed him. The leader stopped at the top of the ramp and fixed the Stranger with a masked look. "We shall see how useful you are to the Knights of Ren."

Vicrul tilted his head, the Stormtroopers coming to their senses. He swiveled around, remaining silent, giving a firm nod to the Stranger before settling back into the Night Buzzard, already forgetting about the altercation that had taken place, his thoughts now drifted to the next mission, the next stop, the next kill.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Rhoen Aquilla
Chandrila

Rhoen sat on the floor holding his daughter close taking a few breaths burying his face into her soft curls. A knock came from the door. Rhoen struggled to his feet Val moving off his lap. Slowly she started moving towards the stairs.

"Don't go too far…" He tried to say before she turned and headed off towards the noise. The former pilot took a breath and hung his head. He heard his father's voice calling out when he got to the bottom of the stairs.

"Rhoen?"

"Hey dad." the younger Aquilla tried to smile but it faltered.

"You ok?" Rhoen just walked forward and wrapped his arms around his father.

"She left dad." He sobbed. "Syal left me to fight, to join the resistance."

"Oh…" His father returned the hug giving his son a hearty squeeze. Though he was older, Prosin still had some strength left. "I'm, I'm so sorry son. I, I had hoped that she, that you and Val could convince…"

"I thought so too…" Rhoen admitted. "I thought she would at least say good bye. If not to me than to Val." Father and son stay in that embrace, one of deep understanding, of men left behind by their wives.

The hug was broken up by little hands pulling on Prosin's leg.

"Grandpa, can you make breakfast?" Val asked eyes still red and teary.

"Sure,"

"I'll help." Rhoen offered, he wasn't as good as his father in the kitchen but he needed to be with his dad, he needed to talk.

The pair left the little one at the table a datapad in front of her to keep her occupied. Rhoen didn't think about sending her to school, not today. He wanted to give some time for her to process, to understand. Though frankly he didn't understand.

"How did you deal with this?" Rhoen asked taking out an iron skillet.

"What, with your mother running off at the drop of a hat, always willing to put her life on the line no matter what?"

"Yeah."

The older Aquilla started with some bacon looking down into the skillet his own mother and grandmother used.

"It got easier, the shock and pain of her leaving. It became almost like clockwork. She'd come home, for a week, maybe two if I'm lucky but, then the Republic would call, and she would leave. We used to have a fight…"

"I remember those,"

"Really, we tried not to have them in front of you. Didn't want you to think we didn't love each other."

"I could hear you from my room, though it was only when it got really bad."

"The fights got less, the more I accepted that, she would always fight for the republic, fight for peace. No matter how much I pleaded, no matter how much I bargained with her, she never stayed." The sizzle and crackle of the pan covered the silence that engulfed the kitchen. "Though, I knew that going in. You know how I met her?"

"Let's see it was harvest time, about 10 years before Yavin, she was the prettiest girl in the county…"

"Ok, that's how we first met, but when I started really seeing her. She was already in the rebellion, she joined just after the destruction of the first Death Star. I thought she'd died or was captured. You know our family gave food to the rebellion, clandestinely. I didn't have the heart for fighting, and my feet were firmly planted in the ground, this ground." He tapped his foot on the floor, the earth where he was born, and fate willing where he would be buried. "I couldn't fight the Empire, but I could grow food to feed the rebellion. Most of the time it was just smugglers that picked up the shipments. They weren't the most trustworthy of beings but no one else could make runs so deep in the Core. One night, we always did this at night, I was handing off about a ton of wheat, when I saw her come striding down the ramp. Apparently they needed a co-pilot and she was the only one available."

"This is cute and all dad but…"

"I'm getting to that…" The older man looked at his son with a narrowed gaze. "I recognized her and started chatting while the goods were being loaded up. I don't know if it was foolishness or just a want to see her again but, I asked if there was a way I could get in contact with her. She looked me dead in the eye and told me:

'Farmboy, I don't have time, I have a galaxy to save.'"

"You still won her over,"

"Not without some doing. But her words that night still hold true. She had a galaxy to keep safe. So, I knew that my courting her would mean that she had other responsibilities, something bigger than me. I knew in the bottom of my heart that she would always choose the fight over me."

"Then why did you keep pursuing her?"

"I was in love, it blinded me to the issues we would face. And I still love her." He twisted the wedding band on his finger, he never took it off, never let it out of his sight. "It wasn't easy but, I could accept my place, that I had carved out a space for myself in her heart...it just wasn't her whole heart."

"But...she still left you again and again."

"What, you think love is just getting what you want? That this little band meant she gave up everything for me? That's possession, not love."

"Dad,"

"I'm not saying it's easy, or that you won't hate her, just a little some days. But, your love should mean more, more than just 'You can't go because I said so, because I love you.'" He hung his head turning over the strips to cook on the other side. "We married similar women, women who can't look away when there is evil, that when there is trouble they can't stay away from the fight. We have to accept that. That they still love us but, that their heart is pulled toward the fight, to make the galaxy safer."

"Didn't you still worry about her…"

"Of course I did, every time she went away I worried this would be the last time…" He went quiet again, recalling the last time he told his wife he loved her, right before Hosnian Prime was destroyed. "But what could I do? I can't fly anything more than a tractor, and I can't shoot a gun. I'd get myself killed if I tried to join her in that war…" He paused again looking to his son, his son that could do something, that could fight but he left that unsaid. "She's made her choice, we can't change that no matter how much we would like to. That doesn't mean she doesn't love you, or Val. She just wants to know she did all she could to make the galaxy better."

Rhoen was quiet, stewing away, he could fight, he could join her. But every time he thought of it all he could see was the Exagol watching the sith fleet fall apart and then still failing. The inevitability of it all, the frustration at working so hard at shedding so much blood, losing so many friends and have it mean absolutely nothing. His fist tightened, he just couldn't do it, he couldn't find that same fire he had before, that burning torch that kept him fighting nearly a decade ago.

He was still too tired…

"Come on, breakfast's ready…"

TAG: @Sinrebirth