OOC: A bit of a fun combo with Sinrebirth

IC: Wedge Antilles
Secret Meeting; at some point in the near future

Shortly after they had secured the facility on Jakku, Wedge Antilles reached out to their orbiting friend. Rather inevitably, they would all have to cooperate, and so he turned up at the bow of the remaining Onager, in an unarmed shuttle, fresh from the Scythe, and spoke up into the comms.

“Admiral Antilles to speak to the commander of your force.”

A slight smile.

“I’ve a plan.”

Sabel had watched the shuttle approach the Onager, coming from the fleet of those that, in other circumstances, would have attacked what remained of his fleet. He’d reached out his senses, noting the older, single presence onboard, which had peaked his curiosity.

Which meant, when the comm officer knocked on his door, entering at his order, he was not surprised when the Ensign told him that none other than Wedge Antilles was on the shuttle and requesting to speak to him. The corner of his lips twitched upwards as he turned back to the viewscreen to watch the shuttle. ”Let the man know…”

The Ensign bowed after the Admiral’s orders were given. She didn’t have far to go from his Flag Office to the Bridge. At her console, she sat, unmuting the feed. Meeting the eyes of the older man in the holo, “Sir, the Admiral requests you dock at the forward port hangar. He will meet you there and guide you to a private conference room.”

"Acknowledged," Wedge said, betraying none of the tension he had almost felt. But they were working with Sith, what else could he say or do. He guided the shuttle down, and docked, lightly. An Onager. He'd read about these, assumed they hadn't been put into production; the Empire had so many projects on its books that were masks for larger dreadnaughts, or even the Death Stars.

He was curious as to its specifics, but filed away asking about it to another time. For now, he waited in the cockpit, looking for the 'Admiral'.

Sabel took the lift down to the hangar deck, Elevtus and Twalvtus standing quietly behind him as the lift descended. The only time either spoke was Twalvtus, ”Lord, the shuttle has landed.”

He nodded, without a reply. When the lift reached the deck, the trio paced down to the entrance to the hangar Wedge had been directed to. Sabel didn’t even say a word, the two Red Guards peeling off to either side of the entrance, ensuring that it was Sabel and Wedge alone inside the hangar.

The open space was well lit and, save for the shuttle crouched on the deck, it was empty. He was sure that Wedge could see him from where the shuttle was, making the Chiss wonder what the man thought of the Sith, cloaked with obvious signs of armor under the cloak.

Raising his voice, augmented by the Force, ”Admiral,” he gestured at a table with a pair of chairs, that the deck crew would use as a break station, by the inner bulkhead, ”why don’t you join me here. Any preliminaries can take place here and,” The corner of his lips turned up in a fractional smile, ”I’m sure you will feel more comfortable nearer to your shuttle than if I invited you deeper into the ship.”

He frowned slightly at the voice augmentation. More Sith?

Swallowing slightly, Wedge shook off his concern and moved down the ramp, leaning on his cane as he did. He wasn't the spry pilot who blew up the pirates who killed his girlfriend anymore, nor the man who led the capture of Coruscant, or commanded the Mon Mothma or even the Corellian military. He was so much older than that.

His expression taut, Wedge stepped down and looked for the chair to sit in.

A smile forced, he chuckled. "I would feel more comfortable sitting, to be honest. I assume you know who I am?"

”By reputation, yes. You do look a great deal like your holo.” Sabel admitted. He neglected to mention that the holo in question was part of a dossier his people had; many of the major names of the Known Galaxy had their own dossier, should Sabel have need to deal with them.

He took the few steps to the table he’d indicated, gesturing opposite for Wedge to sit. ”I would believe your appearance here has something to do with the dipyramids keeping us all here.”

"Dipyramids?" Wedge frowned. "Oh, yes, the Tho Yor." He realised these Imperials hadn't any idea what was going on, not really. "They're ancient capital ships known as monoliths. Capable of transforming raw materials into matter and spewing forth Imperial designs, heavy band communication jamming, powerful gravitic manipulation.."

"Most of which you've likely noticed yourself."

He indicated the man. A silent gesture of. And you are?

”Ahh yes. They are not the only ancient technology capable of such things. But, they do seem to be in the hands of one who wants to consume all else.” Sabel said with a shrug.

At the gesture his lips, once again, quivered in an almost smile. ”I am not surprised you do not know me. I was a contemporary of Mitth’raw’nuruodo, served the old Galactic Empire. And,” his red eyes blazed brighter for a moment, ”I was to have been a contingency of the Emperor, my people and I. But, we chose a different way once in the Unknown Regions. I am Settu'asol'rerrist, but am often called Lord Sabel, one of the few Chiss male Force users.”

"Thrawn I know of," Wedge said, drily. "A perennial threat, whether alive, dead, cloned or portrayed by a con man."

His voice pinched slightly. "So you're not aligned with the Empire of the Hand?"

”Do you mean the former Empire of the Hand or has a new one emerged?” Sabel asked with an amused snort. ”The last is now merely one territory of my polity, or was, six months ago.”

"The Adumari and Imperials seem to have regrouped," Wedge shrugged. "It's not all that important to me either way."

"What is important to me, is whether I can rely upon you, and whether I can borrow this ship for something." A slight smile. "I won't even take it out-system, and you're welcome to command it." He raised a finger. "And I'll ensure its protected by the best pilots and fighters we have."

One of Sabel’s eyebrows arched as his face remained otherwise impassive. ”I am not what you might expect as an Imperial or as a Sith, Admiral. I have not entirely aided your people nor have I attacked them, in this time. Admittedly, we have all been fighting to survive against those behemoths but that should say enough about my mindset.”

He steepled his fingers before his face, his red eyes glowing slightly as he looked at the man. He could see the weariness, the fatigue, the years and years of striving in battle, the loss, the pain of command and he nodded slightly. ”Do not make me regret this, Admiral. You would find that a poor choice.” Laying his palms down on the table he met Wedge’s eyes, ”I do not lead from the rear, I will command my ship but take part in this scheme you have.” His voice was calm but held that same note that spoke of having been betrayed before.

Sensing the truth, to an extent, but also wishful thinking as well, Wedge nodded. "You're my second stop, I'll be putting together an Adumari escort for you, as I say."

"But I need you to trust me, okay? I'll supply you coordinates to fire your main gun, but if you can throw in some particle effects so it comes across as particularly unbalanced... without threatening the ship, if you would?" Wedge smiled drily. "I want it to look like we've done some modification."

An almost amused look played over Sabel’s face. ”You have no idea what my engineers can do. An attenuated shot from the main gun is not only possible but is something we have done before…elsewhere.”

His eyes studied the man before him. Even though, in another life, in another time, they might have been enemies there was something that said that he should trust the man, at least provisionally.

”The Adumari, hmmm.” he mused. ”If they are involved…” his eyes flared for a moment, ”That planet of spies…this should be interesting.”

Glancing toward the door he’d entered, his fingers rapped on the table, in thought. Several long moments passed before he turned back to Wedge, ”I will, we will, take part.”

Lots unsaid there, but Wedge had no choice here. He held out his hand to seal the deal with a shake of a hand.

"My next stop is Admiral Daala, so," he sounded rueful. "Any Imperial era entanglements I should be aware of?"

He pushed with his stick, to help him stand. "I know the Imperial Civil War simply went underground after she gassed the warlords." Wedge's eyes narrowed slightly. "Empire of the Hand, First Order, Final Order, you, the Remnant, the Maw Irregulars, the Centrists..." A snort. "Thrawn, Palpatine, Snoke."

Sabel reached across the table, shaking the man’s hand. ”Daala…I know of her, her tactics. If she invites you to a conference room bring a gas mask. But otherwise, not she and I do not have entanglements, our goals are not entirely the same, but separate enough that we have not come in conflict.”

Standing, he glanced at the man again, ”You would be surprised what being separate from most of what occurs in this galaxy does for one’s perspective. I was only drawn here because of something that threatened my own people. And we cloak ourselves in the Imperial system, of a sort, to have a structure. But the xenophobia…not tolerated, for one. And once our interests are no longer threatened, we will vanish again.”

Half turning, gesturing at the shuttle, ”I wish you luck on your recruiting. We will be prepared when it is time.”

Wedge snorted. "Yes, a gas mask." Dark humour, but she had gassed thirteen warlords and seized twelve factions once upon a time.

He did pay attention to what Sabel said, though. "Threatened? How?"

Wedge hadn't even heard of this faction, and someone threatened them?

A sense of almost dark amusement filled Sabel’s red eyes. ”Do you truly think the Emperor will be satisfied with only the Known Galaxy, if he wins? And he is certainly not the only threat, why do you think the Grysk have not yet threatened the Known Galaxy?”

He laced his fingers behind his back, standing straight. ”I…my people, control a good portion of what you and yours call the Unknown Regions, places that harbor both deep, dark secrets and places of great light.”

The amusement spread from his eyes to his entire face, lips quirking upward as he met Wedge’s eyes, ”You are a commander, a leader, what better way to ensure your victory than to remove one of the more powerful pieces before the strife even begins, where it would?”

"The Emperor will probably consume the Knowns, Unknowns, even the satellite galaxies..." Wedge looked a little unhappy about that. He had heard of many fighters fleeing the galactic disc, and skirmishes breaking out in the Rishi Maze and Firefist, but they didn't seem to accept that when the Known fell, everything would.

".. but as you say, where it would."

Wedge nodded, held out a hand. "We have a deal. If I am not in direct command of the feint, I'll let you know who is. But do remember to fire at the right time and right place." He winked, slightly. "May the Force be with you, Admiral Sabel."

Sabel took Wedge’s hand with a twitch of his lips. His red eyes glowed as he shook the man’s hand firmly for a moment. ”I wish you well in your further endeavors to make this feint occur. And,” the fractional smile grew slightly, ”May the Force serve you well, Admiral Antilles.”

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: A combo with @Sinrebirth that was way too much fun.

IC: Wedge Antilles
Secret Meeting; at some point in the near future

This time he opted to reach out by comms.

He still wasn’t sure how he felt about Daala.

He’d fought her in the Maw; watched her make a mess of galactic peace more than once, even when defeated by Ackbar and Bel Iblis; was at the Battle of Fondor where she saved their hides; fought besides her at Roche for weeks… and basically put himself into self-exile when she became GA Chief of State.

And now she had, somehow, survived for years and was back. Again.

So, Wedge opened the channel, folded his arms, and waited for her to reply. It was a private line, but Reige had assured him that it led directly to her, and had been passed to him by Remal, Daala’s right hand man.

This was unexpected, but her expression wouldn’t reflect it.

She sincerely hoped he wasn’t going to ask her for anything, given their current situation.

“Wedge Antilles,” Daala said his name slowly, “I assume this isn’t a social call?”

"Not at all," he said, lightly. "Sorry to interrupt, I appreciate you've just recovered from being an avatar of Abeloth."

A little hint that he was clued in on what was happening aboard the Megador, which was fairly impressive, considering comms had only been active for an hour-odd. "I wanted to ask about your superweapon, and your intentions towards it, is all."

His tone was light, as if disinterested.

Great.

Antilles just had to mention Abeloth, and it was entirely too soon for her to hear that name and not feel her stomach clench. She swallowed the bile that rose in her throat, and coughed softly.

“I’ve recovered,” Daala answered, “thank you for asking.”

Of course he was interested in her weapon. He wanted [i[her [/i]Meta-Crystal Phase Shifter. It was able to penetrate shields, and destroy the hull of a starship.

They had not yet tried it out on a Tho Yor due to the timely arrival of Abeloth.

“I intend to use my weapon against the enemy holding us hostage here, but as you mentioned, I’ve been indisposed until recently. My plan is to meet with Aryan Graul and decide our next moves.”

Wedge nodded, conscious that she was likely annoyed that he'd segued straight into it. "I want to use it to strike a blow against Snoke."

"To make him believe that we've weaponised it, at very long range."

He paused. "We can probably get a single ship out of the minefield, and I'd like to assemble an escort for us to do so." He paused. "It can be personally commanded by you, of course, but it would leave the system. We'd need it to come back, to sell the ruse, though. So if you don't command it, it'd need to be someone you trust.”

“This sounds like a very risky mission, what ship are we taking?” She asked. “I assume you will be going with me?”

It was obvious that she would go, that wouldn’t even be a discussion.

“I’d like to know the size of the crew and how many of my own people will accompany us.”

"Your ship, your choice, your crew," Wedge said, simply. "I just need you to position your superweapon along a vector of my choosing, and fire at my signal." A slight shrug. "Not too complicated, right? I'll make sure you get out of the minefield, but you really do need to come back after."

"I am hoping we'll have the target system for you soon, too."

Daala gave a small nod of agreement. “You will consult with my staff to get the targeting sorted out,” she said, “I want to give you this opportunity to put everything on the table, if you have any tricks planned I want to know now, not while we are in the thick of this hell we’ve found ourselves in. I’m not vetoing your exploits, I simply want to know every detail up front.”

If this was going to take place on her ship, it would be by her rules. Antilles had a colorful history of unconventional exploits, which was fine as long as he kept her informed.

“The Chimaera can be prepped and ready in a matter of hours, can you be ready that quickly?”

"And the crystal phase weapon will there in-time?" Wedge said, carefully. "I just need you to be in the right place at the right time, in-range to fire your toy at the target. I don't expect you to stay for any longer than that."

"Truth be told, if you do, you'll be dead. If we don't segue this perfectly."

He didn't want to lie to her.

"I am relying upon you, and I will come through for you whenever you are ready."

So far, so good.

Keeping in mind this was his third stop.

“Let’s back up a minute,” Daala said, “I think you misunderstood my terms, Antilles. You will be with me on the Chimeara… or I’m out.”

Her eyes narrowed and she added, “if I’m out then you won’t be using my weapon.’

Wedge hesitated. That wasn't to plan. He'd have to trust someone else with the rest of the plan...

But as long as they came back...

"You're not going to kidnap and/or gas me, are you?" He grinned, slightly.

Daala didn’t smile.

“I guess that’s entirely up to you, Wedge,” Daala answered. “If you’re shooting straight with me, and no tricks, then we will be returning with you as planned.”

She shrugged and said, “those are my terms. You are on board the Chimeara, and you can even fire my weapon,” she did crack a small wicked grin at that, “and you will keep me fully advised on the mission details, no secrets.”

"Then I am completely on-board," Wedge said, firmly. "I have no intention to shoot anything but straight at Snoke."

"No secrets, as soon as I know the target system, I'll be letting you know."

Leaning on his cane, he rearranged it so he held it in his off-hand and could offer to shake her hand. "A pleasure to be working with you, Admiral Daala."

Natasi took his hand and shook. She was skeptical of his plan, but since she’d been sidelined for months, there had been no other progress made to get them out of this standoff.

“Wedge, I’m sorry about the loss of your nephew,” Daala’s voice almost cracked, “I did all I could… it was horrible.” The subject was still raw, and images of the Bloodfin shattering were burned into her memory.

“Even with our history, I want you to know I had deep respect for Jagged Fel.”

Wedge hesitated. He had something to say, clearly, but he swallowed it. "Thank you, Natasi."

He shook her hand, and mouthed the truth. Jagged is alive.

And with that, he left.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: More fun with Sinrebirth – thank you so much!!

IC: Wedge Antilles and Chancellor Aryan Graul
Secret Meeting; at some point in the near future

With Sith Lords, Jedi Masters, and admirals of all variety in command, it was hard to arrange a tacit meeting with Aryan Graul. Once word had spread that Vitor Reige had encoded the Megador’s systems to the former First Order Chancellor, Wedge knew he had to trust the man.

Pellaeon’s son wouldn’t hand the keys to the most powerful traditional warship in the galaxy to just anyone.

Wedge wasn’t all so concerned about the events involving Abeloth; it was out of his expertise, and he relied upon others to deal with that. He knew exploding her wasn’t going to stop her for long - apparently Fett had blown her to atoms with a thermal detonator once - but then again they’d not heard from the Old One for years, so maybe that was all they could hope for.

Maybe.

As he had said; it wasn’t his hyperlane.

But ships were, and strategy, and he already had such a thing in mind. He hadn’t been an Admiral for no reason. With a slight smile, he headed towards the Megador, a ship he’d only stepped on a handful of times in his career and he’d actually fought once, and transmitted that he was ready to meet Aryan Graul.

He was sure the Chancellor could pull away from Daala…

And so Wedge had managed to tell everyone he was with another person - so no one actually knew where he was - and Aryan had presumably too, and a cobbled-together X-wing snuck into a quiet hangar of the Megador. It lightly sat down to meet the aged man, but Wedge himself didn’t feel much younger today. Using a ladder to slowly drop down to the deck, he sketched an informal salute.

"Chancellor, thank you for meeting me." He swallowed. "I have a plan to get us out of this mess, but I’ll need your help."

When Aryan initially received the request, he almost dismissed it without sparing it a second thought. He was too preoccupied with the ongoing situation between his wife, Daala, and Abeloth to involve himself in what he considered an immaterial matter. However, he quickly reconsidered his position when Poinard revealed the source as Wedge Antilles. He admired the man’s audacity in reaching out to him directly. It was such an unprecedented move that he simply couldn’t refuse an audience with him at this juncture.

The logistics of setting up a covert meeting with the former Admiral also worked out in Aryan’s favor. Having spent the last six months isolated in his private cabin, he often went unnoticed by the crew for prolonged periods of time. In this instance, he merely failed to announce his departure, which covered his journey down to the hangar level. They would only assume he was still locked away inside his cabin.

The Chancellor now stood before Antilles as the man disembarked from his X-wing and offered a salute in greeting. The urgency of his words created a palpable tension when he ultimately revealed the purpose of his visit.

A plan.

Sitting back against a cargo container to ease his physical ailments, Aryan scrutinized the man for a long moment, his chin angled slightly in genuine curiosity.



It was such a long time since anyone had last demonstrated a shred of strategic competency in terms of solving their predicament. He should’ve known a solution would present itself through an unlikely source. In this case, a former Admiral and New Republic war hero.

"Under the circumstances, Admiral, I would be happy to refer to you as our salvation," Aryan replied candidly, a smile spreading over his features to emphasize his words. "If you have a proposal that will end this stalemate, then I’m willing to listen. You have my full cooperation."

Wedge smiled slightly at the man.

He was as adroit as his reputation suggested. An Imperial Senator, a prisoner, an economist, a leader on his homeworld, and then, after a brief stay - or was it incarceration - in a mental health care home on Chandrila, a reluctant Resistance ally and a forthright First Order Chancellor and now Imperial Remnant one.

His life was as winding as Wedge's, at least in the last two decades. A Rebel, a pilot, a New Republic General, retired once, twice, then a Confederate Admiral, and retired yet again. Yet here he was. At war again.

"I need the Megador."

He said without preamble. He needed to see if Aryan was attached to the ship, first and foremost, as a political tool, a capital of sorts, or whether he understood that impermeability was the best weapon in their arsenal.

He needed to scope out the man that Vitor Reige had trusted.

A scoff issued from Aryan’s lips, his brow lifting in mild amusement. "You don’t waste any time, do you?" he answered in an easy drawl, his tone light despite the present circumstances. Age certainly hasn’t curtailed the man’s brazen spirit.

"I must be frank with you, Admiral," he continued after a short beat, his expression sobering as he considered his words. "I never wanted this privilege in the first place. My only motivation for assuming command was to honor Fel, Pellaeon, and everyone else who sacrificed so much for this godsdamned war. It was the right thing to do. I could’ve easily drifted off into the sunset, never to be heard from again, but this was my duty."

He tapped his cane lightly on the deckplates to emphasize his point, a wistful smile spreading over his features.

"And yet, I’ve sat back here for the past six months, toiling over my own restless thoughts, trying to figure out my place in this whole mess." He exhaled softly, slightly embarrassed to confess the truth. "The Megador was merely a vessel in which I could meditate. I’ve neglected to utilize her amenities or consider her benefits."

Aryan finally lifted his head and sought Antilles’ gaze. "I guess what I’m trying to say is... if you’re able to fully realize her potential, and perhaps win this war in the process, then she’s yours."

Wedge hadn't expected that. He'd purposely come here last because he expected this to be the most difficult piece to put in place, but it was key, though not immediately so. "Alright then..."

He hesitated. "I have a long list of requirements, I don't want to usurp you - Reige left you in command, so I'll only be issuing commands in your name. The physical movement of the Megador, it's going to be on you to direct, from the bridge..." He paused. "But thank you."

The man was a little breathless; anticipation reaching the old - but not that old - man's heart. "What are you going to be doing, then?"

A rueful smile touched Aryan’s lips, grateful that Wedge had not prolonged the initial conversation but reluctant to divulge too many details about his personal endeavors. Perhaps it was the uncertainty that surrounded his future. Now in his twilight years, he wasn’t sure if there was anything more for him to accomplish—and yet, there was an intrinsic component, born deep in his soul and bolstered by the Force, that alluded to a spiritual awakening, as if a new chapter of his life was about to begin. It renewed his vitality and brought him a sense of peace.

"Biding my time," the Chancellor replied pensively, his brow furrowed in thought. "I don’t intend to make any rash decisions, especially when the galaxy is still in a precarious state. However, I still need to prepare myself. My life has never been straightforward, as I’m sure you’re aware. I’ve followed a meandering path to reach this point, and I feel as if it’s about to diverge once again."

He pursed his lips and idly reached into his pocket to touch the Holocron. "Will it result in a positive outcome? It’s difficult to say, but I’ve decided not to dwell on it. For the moment, it’ll probably serve me best to focus on your plan."

With a wary sigh, Aryan returned his gaze to Antilles. "If you need me on the bridge, Admiral, that’s where I’ll be."

"You won't need to be stuck to the bridge for the moment," Wedge said, firmly. "The first phase of the Op won't need the Megador, but the finale will." He pursed his lips. "I'll bring you into what I need when the first part succeeds... I'll be with Daala, so." He inclined his head. "I appreciate you two will have different pieces of the plan, but you'll see."

He held out his hand. "May the Force be with you, in your struggles, Aryan. Keep an eye on that Sith Lord. I hear Krayt worked with Luke to fight Abeloth; he's bad news."

Aryan did not hesitate to accept Wedge’s hand, clasping it tightly in his grip. It attested to the respect he had for the man, even if they had spent decades staring each other down from opposing sides. Petty differences no longer fazed him; they were in this for the duration. Survival depended on their cooperation, and in this regard, the Chancellor trusted Antilles with his life. There was no reason to doubt his integrity. He knew he would disclose details of his plan at the appropriate time. It was all part of the process.

Nevertheless, he still couldn’t suppress his curiosity over Daala’s involvement—not entirely. His expression appeared to brighten at the mention of her name, a hint of a smirk touching his lips.

But then it faded just as quickly, his demeanor turning serious once more.

"Thank you," Aryan finally conveyed with sincerity. However, a slight frown creased his brow as he considered the unresolved conflict between Krayt and Abeloth. "I’ll certainly heed your advice about our… unbidden guest. He won’t interfere, not as long as he has a purpose. So far, he hasn’t attempted to defy our partnership. He’s been supportive of our cause, even offering his assistance where requested—but it’s still my intention to uncover the truth. Force willing, of course."

A contemplative look crossed his gaze, and he smiled. "I wish you success in your endeavors, Admiral."

TAG: @Sinrebirth; @Lady_Belligerent (mention)

 

IC: Emperor Snoke



He mused.

Rats were loose within his star system. A rogue Agent, the key to the AGENT project… Jedi and smugglers.

The planet Jakku itself had been lost; the siege was keeping them in-place but Snoke dare not strike with the Tho Yor becoming depleted.

He needed to keep an eye on the mundanity of things.

Or risk it all.

Which brought him to his Grand Admiral. Thrawn had made his way back to his master, nursing a crippled Eclipse Super Star Destroyer to reach the second Starkiller Base. It had taken many more months than one would have expected, but then, the entire galaxy had collapsed into anarchy.

As Thrawn was now explaining.



“The Empire’s infrastructure has collapsed. Without Gherlid’s fleet, let alone the forces of the Remnant and Maw, we have very little ability to project order. Our cruisers commit to raids for resources, and the remainder powers shy away from interfering coreward of the Mid Rim, but that will not last.” His voice was tight, showing the entire Outer Rim aflame.

“Without a strong centre, chaos has arisen,” Snoke said, bemused.

“Yes, your Majesty.” A finger indicated them. “The Outer Rim is now particularly balkanized. The Sun Guard seizure of Mon Calamari; the Hutt Kadijics civil war; Domain Lah harasses the latter end of the Corelian Run; the Airam clans have resurrected the Nocto shipyards; the Bothans stand apart with their half fleet of assault cruisers; the Senex Lords marshal an equivalent of Dreadnaught-class warships; the New Separatist Union is rallying updated Lucrehulk designs in similar numbers near Mustafar.”

“Let alone the depredations on the furthest systems by the Nagai and Tofs, or the Grysk and Adumari warlords.” Thrawn’s voice was grave, as scouts had reported a tremendous battle at Rothana, a world and shipyard that had been largely independent since the Battle of Coruscant over five years ago. “We run the risk of being unable to retake the galaxy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Snoke chided. “None of these powers are a threat to us. Beyond the Mid Rim has never been the absolute province of central government. You know this; you’re merely feint with this direction of analysis to divert me to the true threat.”

“The allies at Jakku, yes,” Thrawn confirmed. “They’ve consolidated their position and will inevitably come up with a detailed strategy to defeat you. None of the lesser powers will risk a confrontation with the Tho Yor, but those at Jakku, they have no choice and they will triumph.” His tone was pitched. “I have no doubt they will shortly locate this Base, and if they do, will attempt a strike at it before it is complete.”

“And you want permission to take our last Resurgent-class Star Destroyer there.”

A hesitation. “Yes, your Majesty. That is my recommendation.”

“Is that all you require?” Snoke groused. “A single full complement battlecruiser, to defeat our combined enemies?”

Thrawn smiled softly. “Yes.”

Snoke sat back, used his height to peer at the Chiss. “You believe your tactical prowess a match for Antilles? For Dameron? Trec? For Ackbar?For Graul and Daala? For Aquilla? For Tiber? For Sabel? For Jedi and Sith?”

Thrawn met his Emperor’s gaze. “You believe your power a match for Jaina Solo? For Kylo Ren? For Skywalker’s son?”

“Touche,” he said, amused. “Go on, Grand Admiral. Destroy the rebels and return to me. We shall both be victorious, in our separate arenas.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” Thrawn bowed, and left.

He had a battle to win.

TAG: No One

Mentions for @adaml83, @galactic-vagabond422, @AgentViper007 @Lady_Belligerent, @HanSolo29, @greyjedi125, @Kev-Mas_Colcha, @darthbernael, @Mitth_Fisto

 

ZAKUUL

IC: Jagged Fel

While the AI aided them, named Theron Shan by history, they made their way through the City.

It was a kind of droid graveyard, a living dead of sorts.

Very few of the droids matched, and often they seemed.. depressed, was all Jagged could say. They weren't as annoyingly perky as Threepio or Artoo, let alone any other droid he'd met. Force, even YVH1-1 had more personality and drive than these hulking automatons. Much of the city was overgrown, concealing what appeared to be whole buildings, for habitation was hardly needed for metal, and yet rust appeared everywhere; the planet was muggy, fundamentally, formerly a bog of moisture and swamp.

So much for droid utopia.

The closer they reached the decrepit city's heart, the more it seemed to improve, moderately. Until they were at the tower itself, which appeared to be pristine.

Theron guided them inside, taking a service hatch that seemed more grubby than any other spot on the construct.

When they reached it, a red-limned image appeared.

A spirit, Jagged knew.

But one presenting to them?



She folded her arms.

"So you're going for the Throne."

Theron piped up. "Hey, Lana."

"Sith girl!"

Jagged raised an eyebrow, looked to Adam and the others.

"Not like that," she said, grousing, "and Theron is descended from Darth Revan and you didn't care." She put a thumb over her shoulder. "There's one GEMINI droid and six Skytrooper battle droids in the tower. Three on ground floor, one patrolling the middling floors, two outside the Throne Room, and the GEMINI on the Throne."

"So... distraction or direct assault?" Theron looked over at Jagged. "Oh, and I assume you've bought the blood."

"The blood?" Jagged frowned, looked again to Adam and the others."

"The Throne is keyed to one of eight bloodlines..." Lana said, drily. "I'm guessing you never told them."

"I didn't?" Theron said, drily.

"It's not as if Madelyn or Eleanor are here... nor Vincent Mikaru..."

TAG: @adaml83 (combo), mentions for novelty for @TheSilentInfluence and @Kahn_Iceay

 

AJAN KLOSS

IC: Connix

Staring down an Eclipse-class Super Star Destroyer was not her idea of fun.

"With all due respect, General Calrissian, what you're suggesting is tantamount to launching an assault in the midst of peace negotiations. We would be attacking from under a flag of truce. I will not and cannot condone nor take part in that action, and I must oppose you if you do so."

But here they were, all of them together.

"The civilians need to be our first priority." His face tentacles wavered somewhat as he turned his back to his allies and looked out the window into space; Connix followed his gaze to the distant black jagged ship. "Is there a way we can discretely relocate them to the planet? Maybe it's not ideal, but it's a better shot than they have now. Moreso if we can distract the enemy away from them."

As Axtine spoke up, she looked at Falen but couldn't wait any longer.

"It could take time, but it depends on the First Order."

She went to speak more when she eyeballed twinkling shapes near the Eclipse. Her comlink beeped a moment later.

"Ma'am, we've launches from the Eclipse. Our reprieve is over."

TIE fighters.

She looked to Axtine and Falen.

"You'll have to decide on the fly. May the Force be with you."

Lando flashed a grin. "Truce over."

TAG: @Sarge, @ConservativeJedi321

 

THE PERAVE SYSTEM

STARKILLER II

ORBIT

IC: Captain Phasma
Aboard the Indefatigable

As she trooped to deal with the interlopers - not knowing it was Finn, Zorii and others - Phasma glanced out a viewport.

The Indefatigable was now joined by a Resurgent and an Eclipse, the latter the crippled vessel from the Battle of Mon Calamari that had been commanded by Thrawn.

So he was back.

Pursing her burn-scarred lips beneath her helmet, she turned back to the comms that blared at her.

"Captain, we've lost sight of AGENT subject zero."

Phasma hissed. "Johnson."

She didn't quite understand the importance of the project that Lucrecia had been running for the late Dr Gast, but it had been started by Emperor Palpatine on Exegol, and important enough for him to move from there before his obliteration; much like Snoke had removed his clones from the world surreptitiously. Either way, Snoke had usurped the project, working on genetic resurrection, or some such.

While Snoke played with Ren, Skywalker, Rey and Jaina Solo, he had emphasised how important the AGENT project was, derived from an ancient creature known as Abeloth.

But that Abeloth, that had been coded into the body that Johnson now had, it was scourged away.

Hard away.

Vydra would be able to tell as much, that their 'echo' was clean, no longer murky in the Force, no longer the grubby-tentacles of Abeloth upon their essence.

"I'm so sorry," Lucrecia said, softly. She anticipated she would be apologising for as long as their essences remains entwined, for however long that was.

But for the moment, they returned to their body, to themselves, and they were alone in a room with minimal locks and securities, as expected of a prisoner that had been crippled by the processes upon him. He was in medical attire, hooked up to sensors, alive, and very aware he was aboard a Dreadnought in orbit of a planet. Much of the room was leaking sparks; a Force wave had clearly emerged from him in the mental struggle, crippling the holocams and internal security checks.

He was, if the slightly askance door was anything; potentially free.

But this planet.

It resonated, to the point he could almost sense the other ships in-system.

Detect Phasma a few kilometers away.

He could feel the powerhouses on the surface of the planet; five Force users of Skywalker level strength.

The strength of Ones, or indeed Old Ones, Vydra would know.

And it all resonated in the Force in a way that was as powerful as any resonance.

Kyber.

There was an active Kyber crystal in-system.

A Kyber mountain.

Alarms rang out.

The mundane dangers of a ship full of First Order officers was to hand; Stormtroopers were going to be en route soon enough.

TAG: @AgentViper007 (combo)

 

THE PERAVE SYSTEM

ARKANIA - STARKILLER II

IC: Rey

Between.

A Palpatine.

A Skywalker.

A Dyad.

Alone.

A Jedi.

A Sith.

A nobody.

Rey pendulumed between the two, the all, the none.

The pain.

Her parents had been killed.

Her adoptive parents, Han and Leia, too.

Her Masters.

Many of her apprentices.

Many of her friends were imperilled even now.

For six months she had hung here, too weak from the blade that Ben - no, Kylo Ren - had stabbed her with.

She had hoped to save him, to rebuild their Dyad and obliterate Snoke. They’d defeated Palpatine; surely his mutated legacy they could beat too.

But apparently not.

So when the Force nudged her to awaken, because someone was in her room, someone Forceful, and when her scar ached with pain, rippling across the gap between her and her visitor -

Between her and him -

She snarled awake and reached out her hand. A hilt slapped into it, a crimson blade emerged, briefly surprising her, but as Rey’s eyes equalised she saw him.

Rey saw Kylo Ren.

She leaped at him, emerging from the shadows of her confinement, broken with her rage, as she leapt at Ben.

He had managed to find her, in the bowels of Starkiller II. Stormtroopers had saluted; officers had scurried away from him. None had opposed his wanderings, much like the old days. Skywalker’s idea that they dress in his usual dark armour and mask had paid off.

He learned much; he learned that Starkiller II was being built into a planet, rather than a moonlet like Ilum. It would thus be much larger, and draw upon a considerably more powerful resource. It was crewed by three million, not one, an intense focus of resources that should have crippled the First Order but hadn’t quite yet.

There was a mountain of Kyber here, buried deep beneath the surface, so deep that millennia of civilisation had missed it; or perhaps the Sith hidden here over the years had hidden it. Arkania was only mildly known for its crystal mines; it was better known for its mad-bad scientists, its alchemy of the flesh; its merger of Sephi bloodlines to create extended lifespans. Indeed House Adasca once had a monopoly on such endeavours, and Kylo Ren would know ‘Adas’ was an infamous Sith King from antiquity.

But although his wanderings had allowed him to find Rey; she was already clothed in darkness and furious with the man who had struck her down six months before.



TAG: @greyjedi125 (combo)
—-

Elsewhere on Starkiller, Vergere wandered with the much weakened Jaina. Every corridor they entered appeared to have been emptied of troopers or officers before they arrived; it gave the place an air of the stale, as if abandoned.

“You are dead, remember,” Vergere had said more than once. But otherwise she prattled about everything and nothing.

The philosophy of pain; her memories of Jacen; the world they now stood on.

She would learn much; she learned that Starkiller II was being built into a planet, rather than a moonlet like Ilum. It would thus be much larger, and draw upon a considerably more powerful resource. It was crewed by three million, not one, an intense focus of resources that should have crippled the First Order but hadn’t quite yet.

There was a mountain of Kyber here, buried deep beneath the surface, so deep that millennia of civilisation had missed it; or perhaps the Sith hidden here over the years had hidden it. Arkania was only mildly known for its crystal mines; it was better known for its mad-bad scientists, its alchemy of the flesh; its merger of Sephi bloodlines to create extended lifespans. Indeed House Adasca once had a monopoly on such endeavours, and Jaina would know ‘Adas’ was an infamous Sith King from antiquity, a memory bubbling up from her time at the praxeum on Yavin 4.

Occasionally Vergere would appear to be holding a lightsaber. Once it was Jaina’s, the next it was a silver-and-golden design, so small as to fit in the human palm, but incredibly ornate.

All this while Vergere ostensibly led her to where her son was. They stopped outside an innocuous looking door, and Jaina wouldn’t know any different; she didn’t have the Force. It was still silent to her. Had her mother and siblings and uncle and aunt been alive - they would have had no choice but to assume she had died.

Her son would be unable to feel her.

But there was a sound in the emptiness.

Footfalls.

Boots.

And around the corner came the suited and masked Kylo Ren.

Vergere scoffed.

“Too short.”

In Ren’s hand was already a lightsaber; it was Anakin Skywalker’s, albeit repaired; the blade that Uncle Luke had given for a time to Aunt Mara.

The Force whispered to Jaina that it was there.

Behind her rage, if she could summon it.

The Force would answer if she called it with anger.



TAG: @Lady_Belligerent (combo)

 

OOC: Fun combo with Adalia-Durron, galactic-vagabond422, and Sinrebirth

Black, Rogue Squadron
Departing the Scythe

The order had gone out, the forces arrayed against them and their current flight paths had been sent to the Squadrons. Tiber looked out at Black Squadron, Dan, Chrystella, Zara who would not be flying out with them, Jeanfra, and the remnants of Lightning Squadron. Shaking his head he snaked an arm around Zara’s waist. ”Blacks, to your birds. I will join you in a moment.”

Turning, ignoring the others, he met Zara’s eyes, both arms going around her now. ”My love, I’ll bring them back and I will be back. Watch over us.” he whispered as he held her as tightly as he dared.

Nestling in after his words, her nose to his neck, she was able to hide yet another contraction, knowing it was the last thing he needed to concern himself with. The pain was fading and she was able to speak, "I know you will, you always do.....it's what you do." She put him at arm's length, "no go, the sooner you go, the sooner you get back." Leaning in over enlarged stomach, she kissed him, "get."

He could sense that she was holding something back, just a feeling he had but he also knew Zara wouldn’t do so for any poor reason. He kissed her again, caressing her side, before he nodded. ”Be safe!’ he called out as he turned, heading for the hangar.

When he arrived, he took in the collecting of craft that were left, shaking his head. This seemingly never ending battle had whittled their numbers down again and again. He settled his helmet on his head before climbing into his fighter. A chuckle sounded as he heard Bones tweetling a greeting. The canopy closed and he ran through the quick start procedure, lifting his fighter from the deck and bringing it’s nose to just inside the mag field.

”Take out the fighters closing on the Scythe first and then we’ll go after those going after the outpost. All fighters acknowledge.” Swiftly, the oversized Black Squadron gave their acknowledgement, first Jeanfra, then Dan, then Chrystella, before the others, former Lightning Squadron pilots called in. His head rotated, glancing over at the Rogue Squadron fighters, waiting for their reply before he took the fighters out to the battle.

Val didn't wait for her mother's approval. Moving quickly to her fighter. Despite her flight hours and kills she wasn't any sort of commander or leader, too headstrong and uncommunicative to be an effective leader. But her skill was undeniable. Quickly running through her pre-flight she made ready to launch.

"Rogue two ready to launch." She commed to control. Once given clearance she slammed the throttle forward shooting out of the Scythe her s-foils in attack position. Checking her sensors, she saw the read out 'Shadow Droids…more force power, a snarl formed on her face.

"Rogue Two got it." She checked in with Black Leader as she sighted in on the nearest target.

Nodding as the final calls came in, Tiber twisted his head to gaze at his wife once more before he turned back, advancing the throttles and leading Black Squadron out of the hangar. The moment he was free of the magfield he opened his foils, pulling back on the controls and arcing his fighter toward a group of Shadow Droid fighters that seemed to be headed for the bridge of the Scythe.

”Blacks cover the dorsal side, Rogues cover the ventral side. Spread formation and cover each other’s sixes, these things are bad business.” he called out, spinning his fighter to avoid fire from one, before wrenching the nose over to fire back at the foe.

Standing there, gritting her teeth whilst attempting to smile, Zara was mentally begging it 'get off the hangar deck'. The pains were no more than two minutes apart now and she needed to get herself to the medical bay, their baby was coming fast now.

"Tell me something I don't know." Val shot back launching from the Scythe weapons ready. Snapping around and over the hull of the vessel she kept one eye on her sensors. These fighters could come from anywhere, and she had to be prepared for them. Her wingmate, a Rogue pilot that she'd never taken the time to learn the name of. What did it matter? They'd be dead soon anyway. "Rogues Ready."

Zara had left the hangar deck and was now in a corridor, on her way to the medical bay when a strong contraction hit her. Leaning heavily on the bulk head she breathed through it, and when it was done complained, "kid, you're timing is shocking, please don't spend your life like this." She began to walk, taking a few more steps when a cleaning droid whizzed past just as her waters broke. An explosive feeling inside of her then a whoosh of wetness began to pour down her legs and onto the floor. "KRIFF!" She spat just as the droid turned around and began to clean around her. "Better follow me little one, I think I may need it." She began to walk to the turbo lift, and got on, "Medical level." She grunted, allowing the cleaning droid to enter with her, continuing it's job. The lift moved downward and quickly it opened again, just as another contraction gripped her, stumbling out with her personal cleaning droid behind her. Reaching the quiet room she leaned on the door frame, "help, baby coming."

The Shadow Droid that Tiber fired upon angled itself, tipping on one side and then curving under his laserfire -

A twist of droid components and weapons depressed to fire upon him with unerring accuracy, blowing a bolt through his shoulders to burrow in the nose of the fighter -

Zara's baby was definitely coming though, at the very worst time -

A pair of Shadow Droids emerged from behind the dorsal fin of the Scythe, firing upon the Rogues, while another pair appeared from the front, a flanking move that was too precise to be anything but both Force and droid coordinated -

These things were good.

A sense of sudden rage, raw and yet somehow focused began to fill the senses of those who were able to touch the Force. A primal scream of ”Uncle!!!” came over the comms as the nose of Tiber’s fighter dipped, no longer the extremely efficient machine in his hands. Lexrullans, as a whole were discounted where it came to Force ability, none of them ever truly manifested it but the Force was there and oft times Jedi would sense surges on the planet, when visiting.

What was unknown was that they unconsciously tapped into it at times of great joy or grief, manifested through those of their kind, as a group. The formation changed, what had been Lightning Squadron moving as almost a single being, forming up with their commander at the tip. She glanced over at Dan’s fighter, keying their private frequency. ”Follow my lead, please, love.” her voice filled with pain.

As Tiber worked to maneuver his fighter with one arm, limping it back to the hangar, the vacuum mask that had closed over his head to keep him alive with a hole in his cockpit, the remainder began a coordinated and vicious assault on the Shadow Droids. Firing in volleys that were almost as precise and mechanical as the droids themselves, the Lexrullan acted as one, the battle beginning to flow and ebb as they unconsciously began to work much as the droids did.

The medics were already on hand as the black fighter weaved through the magfield, landing hard on its skids in its bay. By the time the cockpit opened, they were swarming the ladder, yanking Tiber from the fighter by the ‘Oh Frack!’ loop on the chest of his flightsuit. He groaned as it rotated the injured shoulder, even as his body tried to begin healing. He was placed on a float gurney, the arm stabilized, and the medics rushing him to the medbay, where he didn’t know his wife was already ensconced.

Val flicked her shields to the front and quickly reversed thrust, her chest slammed against the harness as she rapidly decelerated and then went backwards hoping to get the two groups of droids to come together. Pulling back on the stick she quickly flipped around, the starfield flipping and rotating in the blink of an eye, and threw her throttle to full. With hopefully most of the enemies behind her she adjusted her shields to protect her aft. She needed a moment to think…well not to think, to clear her mind. She worked better moving on instinct rather than thought. Though she did try to work out her path. At full speed she passed back over the edge of the Scythe and flew close to the hull hopefully giving the droids something for their processors to think about all the little bumps and protrusions on the hull of a ship. Finding a tall turbolaser tower she turned hard around looking to get in front of the TIEs finding her target she fired off a few shots then dove down.

Going heads up was not an option in this fight, hit and run was the name of the game.

The pains were coming thick, fast and more than regular as Zara lay on the medical bed. The nurse caring for her was young and had never delivered a child, why would she have? This was a battle cruiser and most good mothers didn't choose this environment to bring a new life into the galaxy, yet here Zara was.

"Um ....do you want to push?" The woman asked as she seemed to move back and forth, unsure as to which end she was supposed to be at.

Breathing through another strong contraction, Zara nodded, "yes." She got out as she flopped against the bed in a vain attempt to rest before the next pain.

Still fussing, the woman began to set the bed up as best she could for a delivery and called for a droid to help, then began to lay towels on the bed.

Another pain, Zara was already exhausted and she just wanted to push this child out so she could sleep. "It's coming!" She got as the urge to push was not able to be ignored.

From her vantage point, the woman could see Zara was crowning and she smiled as she looked up to Zara, "I see a head! Or the top of one at least!" This was exciting for her now, a child, new life was coming. The droid pushed her aside as it got into position to help. Zara pushed hard and with a whoosh of waters, the baby's head popped out, the droid carefully turned the child. "Madam, on the next push, you must keep pushing to get the child' shoulders out." It advised Zara.

"I've done this before.....I know that!" Zara snapped back as the next contraction came and she was compelled to push. With gritted teeth she held onto the sides of the bed and pushed hard. With another smaller whoosh, the shoulders were free and the child slipped out, the droid taking it and with the help of the nurse pulled it up to lay on Zara's chest. Still panting she put her arms around the child, smiling at the appearance. "What is it?" She asked, unable to see.

"A beautiful boy Colonel, and very much like his father from what I can see." The nurse gushed.

"A boy..." Zara looked at the tiny boy, he looked so much smaller than Amy had been when she'd had her, and Zara knew this was at least four weeks early, "is he well?" She asked, "I know he's early!"

"Please bring the child over here so I may examine it." The droid requested. Taking the boy from Zara, the nurse lay it on a nearby table as the boy began to cry and the droid began to examine it.

Zara thought this was it, she has a perfect pair, and her son looked like his father, what more could she ask for? Then another contraction hit her and she began to breathe through it assuming it was the after birth.

The nurse hurried back and got a towel and bowl ready but her eyes became wide as Zara attempted to push out the afterbirth. "Oh, um.....there's another baby trying to come out!" She declared, looking up at the older woman.

"No...." Zara gritted, "afterbirth!" She was trying to speak as she pushed, then she felt a familiar pop/whoosh as something was delivered.

"NO!" The young nurse was grinning as she reached to hold something, "this is another baby! Let me turn it so you can deliver it!"

Zara was shocked, "another?" They'd not had any scans, not wanting to use up the limited medical facilities, and both she and Tiber knew they were not set up for a baby, let alone two.

"Yes!, it's turned, and this one.......more like you!" The young woman was excited, "one more big push should have it out!"

Unsure as to whether she had one more big push in her, Zara drew a deep breath and tried as hard as she could. Moments later she felt it slide out. "Two!?!?" She asked in disbelief.

Wrapping the second child she lifted it to Zara's chest, "a little girl, looks like her mother!" The nurse wiped the child's now wiggling lekku, "but not your colour, this is so wonderful!" It wasn't long before the girl was being examined and the droid declared them both small but healthy.

Two babies? No wonder she was tired, no wonder it felt like they were playing some ball game in there, there were two of them. Zara was in shock, unable to believe let alone accept what she'd just done. Soon she'd delivered what she needed too and the two babies were swaddled up, she'd been cleaned up and now she lay there holding them. How did this happen? She was crying now, she'd created two beautiful lives, with Tiber's help of course. They really were a family now and they had to win this war to get them home to their big sister. Amethyst was going to be so excited, at least Zara hoped. Closing her eyes she smiled, "can't wait for you to get back here love....and see what we did."

The droids were flummoxed by Val, which gave the Rogues time to scatter or, where damaged, head to the hangar.

But they regrouped and fixated on her, and four of them looped to pursue her, then three, as a turbolaser bolt pierced one -

There was a visceral scream of static across the comms, and any Force user would be hammered by the impact of a Force sensitive dying -

News was spreading around the ship of the birth already; hope was in short supply, and it would reach the hangar soon enough; as would news that Tiber had been shot up -

A dark, vicious grin crossed Jeanfra’s face as the droid fighters began to focus on Rogue Squadron. She didn’t want their friends to be destroyed but that the droids had done so afforded her and the others of Black Squadron to use it to their advantage. As they looped around the Scythe, their engines screaming, the Lexrullan among them pulling ahead of their human counterparts, they used a slingshot effect to bring them out at speed behind the Shadow Droids.

The mental scream caused the bond they all were sharing in that moment to vibrate with pain, only driving their anger at their foes. Their fire began slightly unfocused as their minds held the singing harmony of pain and loss. Keying the comm, ”Dan, lead the right flank, love. Chrystella, the left flank.” She was as focused as she could be with the pain as she brought the crosshairs onto the central section of one of the droid fighters, trigger depressing and plasma bolts raining out at her foe.

Tiber was still mostly out of sorts by the time the medics brought him to the medbay. They knew of the fact Lexrullans healed faster than other humans and stopped the float gurney before one of the bacta tanks in the bay. Carefully they lifted him as the wailing cry of a baby sounded in the air. Groggily, Tiber’s head swung towards where the sound was coming, ”Zara!” he called out, as loudly as he could, sure that she’d be the only one who would have been giving birth.

Just after the words left his lips the medics seated the breathing apparatus over his face, submerging him in the tank so it would accelerate his already fast healing. He struggled slightly, knowing that their child had to have just been born and wanting to see the baby. But, with the mask over his face he couldn’t ask for that to happen.

She saw one fighter drop off her scopes but, she only had a moment to check that. More shots flew past her one glancing off her shields. Her fighter shook but not horribly, the advantage of flying the best fighter the Resistance had left. Cutting her throttle she turned hard running down the keel of the mighty capital ship. There were others coming to assist, good now all she had to do was keep the droid's attention. With shields shifted to her aft she could keep herself safe weaving back and forth between the towers making herself a difficult target.

"Hope you're keeping up Black Squadron." she teased moving at full speed along the hull keeping the bad guys behind her. Her heart wasn't racing she had ice in her veins, her hand steady, even with the most deadly foe she'd ever faced chasing her down like a pack of dogs.

Around her droids buzzed and cleaned the area, the young nurse fussed and pulled a blanket over her, Zara didn't care. As she held her two children to her chest, both feeding already, she was almost overwhelmed by them. The boy, was the image of his father and that made her so happy, the girl, not unlike her older sister but with her fathers skin colour. All three of her children were so different, but the link back to their parents was strong. Nearby she heard someone being brought in and she frowned slightly as she twisted to see, the move pulling the feeding boy away and he began to cry. She couldn't see so she lay back and as she was attempting to re attach the boy she heard it.

Tiber calling her name.

The patient was her husband and in a minor panic she turned to the nurse, "that's my husband! Please find out what's going on?" She asked desperately.

The nurse smiled, "you relax, he's obviously alive if he called for you, I will go check, but for the babies sake, you must rest." She said firmly.

Zara nodded, "I will try, but till I know, ...." her voice trailed off.

"Of course Colonel, I will be back soon." The nurse departed the room, leaving Zara to feed her newborns and attempt to crane to see something, anything.

Tiber and Zara were reunited in the medbay, probably not in the way they wanted...

... the Scythe shook from harassment fire, but it was a distant thrum, the battle cruiser took take it.

Right and left flanks closed around Shadow Droids, detonations consuming some, but not destroying all -

Black Squadron couldn't keep up with their young leader, but they could take advantage. Without much coordination, they regrouped, and pounced, pounding the Shadow Droids with so much fire, from so many angles, they were overwhelmed.

In short order there were only two left, fleeing for open space -

Was it over?

The minefield hung, far in the distance, the Tho Yor further still, barely visible.

Had they just won the engagement?

What had they won?

Tiber thrashed for several minutes, in the tank, sure he’d heard his wife through the liquid. Slowly, his struggles ceased as the bacta began to dull his senses, as it was intended to keep pain from his nerves from reaching the receptors in his mind. He began to feel a lethargy as the bacta worked to heal his shoulder, only somewhat aware that he was still worried about his wife and her pregnancy, the baby.

It'd been about an hour since she'd given birth, and as per usual, she was encouraged to get up, move and shower. Once done she returned to find her two babies swaddled and sleeping soundly in a single makeshift crib. She'd demanded they find out what was going on with her husband so when she returned she and her children were led to the bacta tank. The makeshift crib was on less than stable wheels, a very ancient system, but battleships weren't where mother's were supposed to give birth.

Zara stopped in the doorway, her heart twisted, he was hurt and she couldn't do anything to help him. Looking down at the sleeping pair, Zara knew she could leave them for a moment, so crossed to the bacta tube slowly. Reaching up she put her hand on the outside of the tank, "what did you do?" She whispered.

The touch against the glass woke Tiber from the near slumber as the bacta vibrated slightly. He woke more as he heard her voice, so familiar to him. His eyes opened slowly, seeing her. With the tube in his mouth to help him breathe he couldn’t speak. Instead, one hand moved sluggishly through the thick liquid, pointing at his shoulder, then pantomimed a fighter flying, then made a gun with his hand, pointed it at his shoulder, and pulled the pretend trigger.

A smile spread over her face as she almost laughed, "why am I not surprised?" She gave her head a slight shake, "did you hear what we did?"

His eyes met hers through the bacta and the glass, nodding, both arms moving now. They folded together before him, moving back and forth, pantomiming swaying a baby in his arms.

She smiled and slowly shook her head as she held up two fingers.

His eyes widened at the gesture, holding up two fingers too, looking at them then back at her, in shock.

Her smile was warm and proud, "two, one of each...while you're in there, start thinking of names."

He nodded, trying to smile around the tube in his mouth.

As he did, one of the nurses, walking by, muttered “Not like he’ll be in there long, he already looks like he’s been in there healing for four days.”

Zara followed the nurse with her gaze, "that doesn't surprise me one little bit." She turned back, "you get better, you have two beautiful kids who really want to meet you."

He nodded, the movement slow in the bacta, then tried to look around her to see if the babies were with her. Moving one hand up, he did the gesture for looking, hoping she took it as him asking if the babies were nearby.

She understood easily, turning she retrieved the crib, where the babies were curled facing each other. The little girl's lekku was curled around her brother's hand, Zara thought it adorable.

As the children came into view, Tiber’s eyes widened, his heart pounding. Again, he smiled as much as he could in his situation. His hands moved, one forming an I, then both making a heart shape, and finally pointing at Zara then at each of the children. He reached out one hand, placing it against the inside surface of the tank, eyes intent, going back and forth between her and the kids.

She grinned, "Love you too, and I am sure when they are old enough to tell you, they will." She placed her hand on the glass on his. "I need to lay down, kinda tired, just had a couple babies." She shrugged. "I won't be far away."

Nodding, his other hand came up, miming sleep then pointing at her and then at himself. He smiled again, as best he could, knowing she had to be the one to head to her room while he was stuck in the tank.

Leaning forward she moved her hand and kissed the outside of the tank above his hand. "I'll see you on the other side."

He smiled, his hand coming up to his mouth then pushing out toward her, blowing her a kiss. His eyes didn’t close until after she took the pram, and disappeared from sight again.

--/--

Jeanfra growled, her rage not yet sated, as the last two Shadow Droid fighters retreated. She wanted to give chase but she had, barely, managed to note that she had often gotten out ahead of or away from the Squadron. She was sure that Dan, at least, would chastise her for doing so, when they landed. Shaking her head, she knew she’d been right in her attack, in how she’d led the Squadron, she’d just have to convince him of it. With that, she keyed the comm, her voice rough from the anger in it, ”Black Squadron, Rogue Squadron, regroup, Return to Base, rearm and refuel, we may need to sortie again, even without the boss.” With that, she looped her fighter, heading back toward the Scythe.

Dan sighed and gave his head a shake, "Copy Lead." His voice with a hint of annoyance.

"That was fun." Chrystella's voice came through to him.

"Stow it Chrys."

The anger still burned in her but hearing his clipped and brusque tone, Jeanfra sighed. She focused as she flew back toward their hangar, willing to listen to whatever Dan had to say when they returned. Even so, she was sure that she’d done the right thing, even if…she shook her head, she didn’t want to think about that possibility. Her hands tightened on the controls, trying to banish that terrifying thought.

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron, @galactic-vagabond422

 

JAKKU

The Rebel and Jedi Contingent (with a side of Knights of Ren)

The Observatory

IC: Vestara Khai

The frontline stretching from Niima Outpost to the Observatory finally reached the entrance. Vestara watched the Rebels and Jedi head up.

Some she knew, some she didn’t.

Eventually a sardonic looking human - Poe Dameron - rocked up with Chewbacca - who cautioned the others that she was a Sith. “No need to, Poe.” He pointed at Iudex. “Pretty sure that’s a Knight of Ren.”

“Former,” supplied Vestara. “Both of us, actually. We blew up the Kyber controller and opened the way for you.”

“Kyber controller?” Poe said, looking to Atin-Kot and Zeseem as if they’d know what that meant.

“Let’s not get into it,” T’ra Saa said, the Neti sweeping up. “Let’s secure the base first, and get under cover.”

“Already secure,” Vestara said cheerfully.

“Nonetheless,” Poe nodded to Trigger and Chewbacca. “Go and check for traps and stormtroopers. We can’t afford to waste much time. The First Order won’t let us crack open all their secrets.”

The big Wookiee looked at Vestara for a moment and rumbled a question. She shook her head. “I don’t know where Ben is.” She was referencing Ben Skywalker, her one-time boyfriend. A lifetime ago. Chewbacca whined a Wookiee sigh and nodded to Trigger to follow him inside.

Jedi Master K’Kruhk was levitating Ennic, and headed inside after them, laying him down on the first bed he found. The man was pale, drawn, mainly from Force abuse. K’Kruhk massaged him awake with a healing aura. “Come now, slowly does it.”

The distance still included fighter craft fighting, and some even in low orbit, around the Scythe. Poe watched absently, and then looked back to Vestara and Iudex. “So I’m good to let you keep helping out.”

Vestara looked to Iudex. “You up for that?”

T’ra Saa looked to Atin-Kot and Zeseem. “Might I place these two in your care?” She made to move into the base proper, and had an afterthought. “Oh, and Tirran, you’re welcome to leave if you can escape the minefield. Hazard pay will be paid either way, but I wondered if this Kyber technology would be sufficient to entice you to stay.” She smiled wanly. “Up to you, there is a hangar you can hide your ship and the Falcon in…

TAG: @Mistress_Renata (combo with GM), @Mitth_Fisto, @darthbernael, @Silvertough (combo), @Mitth_Fisto (Tirran) single if you wish
—-
Shadows

Trace wasn’t great, but she was recovered enough to plant a kiss on Barriss, and look back towards their downed ship. There was an upturned but functional speeder bike evident, and they could go. Their ship had been repaired over the months, and was the closest to distant Niima.

The Shadow Droids were dancing above the town with an E-wing of all things; a Jedi was unmistakably at the helm. But their ship was starting up, stolen by Tamus and Kestis. Trace worked her jaw.

Their other choices were Tirran’s ship, which was crawling with small droids, or the Falcon itself. “We can’t leave without Ahsoka can we?”

Trace looked at Barriss, impeaching. “Can we?”

TAG: @CosmoHender (combo) (see below too)
—-

The stolen freighter lurched into the sky, and nearly slammed into a Shadow Droid, but that allowed Adrias Stark to blast it. Between the skirmishing there was only one left, and it slid the freighter between his E-wing and itself, hammering the ship.

Tamus and Kestis would shake in their restraints, if they had even the foresight to strap in. Sensors said that above them was a Rebel cruiser and fighters engaged, but mainly the battle was over. A massive minefield existed in the distance, and beyond that immense dipyramid capital ships.

It wouldn’t exactly be easy to escape.

But they had comms.

TAG: @darthhelinith, @TheSilentInfluence, @TheAdmiral (combo)
—-
The Scythe skirmish

The Shadow Droids were only two in number now, and the Blacks, Corona’s and Rogues had taken one loss between them, largely due to the rather mad flying from the Aquilla child.

That loss hadn’t been a kill, but had cost them a fighter. But nonetheless hopes had been buoyed by a baby, of all things, slightly early but well. Zara and Tiber were parents. Jeanfra and the few other Lexrullian survivors would do their part, and when the two surviving Shadow Droid fighters turned tail and headed to the surface - but not towards the base the grounded Rebels had just acquired - Ackbar called them all back in, just as Rhoen returned from the Venture.

Ackbar summoned the crews to the hangar of the Scythe for an announcement. He looked for them all, noted that two attendees were on gurneys, present by hologram, and a baby was with them each, but it wasn’t all too abnormal. Rebels were families.

Syal dropped down from her cockpit and was looking for her husband and child when Ackbar began to speak. Conspicuous in his absence was Wedge, but they had been joined by a TIE Defender commanded by Mareek Stele, of all people. He was a grizzled man, an Empire’s Hand and a Force user.

Ackbar’s words lapped over them. “We have triumphed. The First Order has been cleared from the planets surface and immediate orbit, and the Jedi and Rebels are securing the enemy base. The Sith appear to be in-fighting, so we shall leave them to it, and the Imperials have come to our aid.” He nodded to Stele, who grunted.

“Admiral Antilles is taking a posting aboard the Chimaera for the next phase of the operation, but you will have a very brief window to regroup before you are deployed on an escort mission. The Imperials have a modified Onager-class Star Destroyer, and we’ll be using it for an assault on the minefield.”

Noise broke out; gossip, hubbub, exhausted muttering. Syal knit her brow. Wasn’t this supposed to be a trap?

“Yes, this is not merely an enemy scheme, but an opportunity. You will all be instrumental going forward, and the sooner you can get back into the air the better.” At that his eye slid to Zara and Tiber, who had fighter craft available if they were up to it.

He was asking a lot, and Ackbar wondered if Wedge had vanished to the Chimaera to avoid a mother and fathers wrath.

TAG: @galactic-vagabond422, @Adalia-Durron, @darthbernael (singles)
—-
Moon

The Adumari had data.

The Wraiths and Adam’s network had finally came through.

Or, rather, Snoke had issued orders.

One, to Ajan Kloss, another to Jakku, another to Adumar.

Mortis was on the move, that meant. It vanished into hyperspace, seemingly heading to the border between the Mid and Outer Rim.

At Ajan Kloss, he’d apparently ordered the blockade to attack the government and refugees there.

At Jakku, he’d ordered the surviving forces - precisely three Shadow Droids - to retreat. Nothing else had survived.

But they’d been able to triangulate, not able to influence the Celestial code itself but now completely able to decipher it.

Face, Iella and Talon were ready to send out the location of Snoke to the Insiders, to the Resistance, to what remained of Galactic Alliance Intelligence. Within hours the Bothan Spynet would have it, and then the Mandalorian diaspora, and then the Sun Guard and Tofs and Nagai.

Snoke was on Arkania, in the Perave system, in the Colonies.

He was about to make use of the communications system to address the galaxy.

TAG: @adaml83 (combo)

 

JAKKU

Sith and Imperial Contingent

IC: High Lord Takaris Yur

The second Sith Dragon was hulled, ruined by months of engagements within its halls between Seha, Tahiri and Talon and the One Sith aboard.

The crew had been decimated and later moved to their remaining Dragon, and Takaris Yur had rather had enough. He opened the comms to the ship looking to flee the Dragon. It meant that Darth Wyyyrlok II was dead. The Voice of their Dark Lord.

Yur scoffed. He was a Keshiri by birth; he was used to a Grand Lord and High Lords. And even then, the integration of the Tribe of Lost Sith with the One Sith was young, but quite fifteen years old. So he was wily enough to see an opportunity. “Darth Talon, please reply.”

The Dragon didn’t have guns pointed, but they were primed, prepared for Shadow Droid assaults. “I wish to discuss allegiance to your New Sith Order.”

TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)
—-

Aboard the Onager, the forces of Chiss Admiral Sabel had been busy, reaching out to their allies in the Unknowns. Most of them had sealed their borders in the last six months, keeping clear of a new Empire of the Hand that had secured Zakuul, reinforced by Adumari refugees.

Freeworld remained just that, but the Outer Rim had fallen to complete and total war between a dozen factions, and some extragalactic threats too - the Tofs and Nagai among them. But that wasn’t likely the primary concern of Sabel.

When he’d finished his meeting with Wedge, Eleodie and Decimus were waiting a few corridors down to provide support if they’d been requested. Sabel had just enough time to check the reports - which included that confirmation that the First Order survivors had retreated from battle in-system - before Eleodie cleared zher throat.

“Well?”

TAG: @darthbernael (combo)
—-

Meanwhile, aboard the Megador, the crew were in motion. Remal had issued orders to the Scylla to transfer their superweapon to the Chimaera, and to release the Destroyers from the hangar bays of the mighty Dreadnought.

That gave the Remnant four Maw Destroyers and four Turbulent-class warships, making them the most powerful of the fleets present. That being said. Remal privately expected that the Scythe alone could trounce the entire Maw fleet and was more than a match for a Turbulent.

It was moot either way as they were all allies now, but Remal knew that Admiral Daala would keep something in reserve as need be. However, while she went to track down Aryan, they would end up rendezvousing at the medbay.

At Lyz’s bed.

Where Darth Krayt stood watch, arms folded. Poinard was mercifully absent; his whining was irritating the Dark Lord.

He looked over as they arrived from opposite doors into the isolated VIP medbay. “Well?” His harsh voice pierced the silence.

“Aryan?” Lyz’s voice drifted from between her lips -

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent, @HanSolo29 (combo)

 

JAKKU

THE CHIMAERA

IC: Wedge Antilles

His round trip done, Wedge headed to the Chimaera. Trec, Sabel, Aryan, Daala and Rhoen were prepped. He had updated Ackbar before he left, and Poe was in the know.

Now the Chimaera was before him.

He knew the ship well. He’d fought besides it, and against it, for many years.

The second ship of its name, the first Chimaera had been an Imperial I-class that had harassed the early Rebellion at Atollon and Lothal. Branded with a monstrous pattern upon its underside, the flagship of the Imperial Seventh Fleet had been eminently identifiable. It was pure psychological warfare, as it telegraphed that Thrawn was present, the military genius mixing all forms of warfare, imagined or otherwise. His subsequent and crushing defeat at the Battle of Lothal meant the Rebels assumed him dead, and the few Imperials aware of his survival believed him exiled from the Court.

The Empire replaced all the ships lost in short order, even the Chimaera. The Imperial II-class Star Destroyer - sans Thrawn’s signature - fought at Endor, and led the retreat thereafter under the command of then-Captain Pellaeon. Thrawn took back command five years after Endor, and by the end of the whirlwind offensive led by him and then the Reborn Emperor, the New Republic captured it.

Pellaeon reclaimed it when the Imperial Remnant formed in opposition to the Coruscant Accords, and again Wedge was fighting this warship. By the time of the Yuuzhan Vong War he fought alongside it at Ithor, but by the end of that four year conflict the ship had been retired by Pellaeon - at which point Daala secretly scooped it up, using it to oppose Darth Caedus, and this time again besides Wedge and the rest of the galaxy.

Only to be used to attempt a coup against Jagged Fel two years later.

Wedge snorted.

And here it was.

Banged up, but still a serviceable ship. He didn’t see the Imperial-class lasting much longer, but Daala had kept it relevant for all these decades, as relevant as her, anyway. Right now it was about to be armed with a metal-phase shifting superweapon, so Wedge could hardly judge its usefulness.

With how things were going, he thought ruefully as he headed to a cabin near the bridge, the Chimaera might be the last Imperial Star Destroyer in service. For some reason, that was strangely fitting.

TAG: No One

Mentions for @Lady_Belligerent, @HanSolo29, @adaml83, @galactic-vagabond422, @darthbernael[/B]

 

IC: Ahsoka Tano

JAKKU

INSIDE THE CONTINGENCY

The Togruta had been separated from the Jedi and her friends for months.

From Barriss.

From Trace, too, she amended.

For much of that time she had been on the run, avoiding being attacked by the First Order troopers, doing her own damage in a guerilla campaign that reminded her of the battles against the old Empire. Never sure they were doing damage, merely fighting because to do otherwise was to die and accept the destruction of all she held dear.

She remembered the two Inquisitors she killed in those first years, them having slaughtered civilians.

Ahsoka had tried to stay out of events.

To be hidden.

To be Ashla, rather than Ahsoka Tano, former Padawan of Anakin Skywalker.

Of Darth Vader.

To live, to grow, to be nothing... to love.

But instead she'd been drawn into the fight, as a Rebel, as Fulcrum, one of many agents of Bail Organa who eventually took that sobriquet. Her path diverted... at... Malachor, that was it. One of five planets, most entwined with Sith history. The former battlestation, Scourged by the Jedi in the past, was where she was drawn into the World Between Worlds... where she was supposed to die.

Ezra changed that fate for her.

What happened then?

Ahsoka didn't entirely remember, or know.

She had memories of Ossus, of Thrawn... but they were muddled.

She had ended up in the Bogan Collection. Ashla and Bogan.

And there had been another Ahsoka..

… and a hint that she had died.

Her hand pressed to her forehead.

She'd forgotten so much, lost so much... had given up on love. On a future.

Barriss... she represented that. She'd had that, even if late in life, even if after a lengthy self-exile of her own.

Ahsoka wanted that.

But as she skulked the abandoned halls of the Contingency, many levels beneath the surface of Jakku, Ahsoka heard, felt, too, the fighting stop. For the first time in six months, the Battle of Jakku was reduced to a thrum in the background. In that time, she’d slain countless Stormtroopers, battled Darktrooper battle-droids, paused over a Falleen among a shattered Kyber crystal before moving on.

She reached out for Barriss.

Did that mean they could go?

Or had they lost, and Ahsoka was here, alone?

Belatedly, she remembered Zeseem and Atin-Kot, turned her focus in the Force -

She turned a corner, and, in her focus, missed the blaster butt slammed into her face.

Black took her.

TAG: No-One, mention for @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto, @darthbernael, @Silvertough

 

Chapter Three Begins…

 

OOC: More fun with Adalia-Durron, Galactic Vagabond, and Sinrebirth

Black, Rogue Squadron
Hangar of the Scythe

The recovery time needed for Tiber’s shoulder to heal was less than it would be for most and soon he was out, only a patch to aid the healing and a, from the ship stores, fabricated pauldron to protect it some. It was an odd look for him, he thought, especially when sitting by his and Zara’s bed, cradling one of the twins. They’d debated names some but, had finally decided. The boy would be Logan and the girl was Lilac, in the same theme as their oldest, Amethyst.

That had been a short pause and they now found themselves, with the twins in their arms, the floating prams beside them. Admiral Ackbar had gathered them, to explain about some new operation, he wasn’t following that much because he currently had a pair of tiny pale purple lekku wrapped around one arm, Lilac murmuring in her sleep. When Ackbar turned and looked directly at him and Zara, he let a crooked grin cross his face. ”Just became a dad again, after missing the birth and getting fragged.” Glancing over at his wife, ”Besides…I think she’ll be a bit…displeased if I take off again so soon after getting shot.”

Zara said nothing as she nursed Logan under the cloth draped over her shoulder, technically she was able to fly now as she was no longer pregnant, but as she did not want Tiber out there again, she didn't want to leave her newborns, not just yet. It was bad enough that Amethyst wasn't with them, and she didn't even know she had a brother and sister now. This war had so much to answer for, so much heartache and tearing apart of families that in some cases would never be repaired.

She said nothing, but Zara was not lacking the ability to show her feelings with nothing but an expression, and she was using that.

Val returned to the Scythe with a smug expression. She'd done it, she'd out flown damned droids that had 'Force' on their side. They might have had the force but she had genuine talent, and no mystical power could match that. As she landed and slipped down the ladder she noted the old man leaning against a bulkhead in the corner, and imperial flight suit on his frame. With her eyes narrowed she interrogated the figure before jumping up to sit on the pilot mover. Ackbar had called them all together and Val thought she should at least make an appearance.

Looking around she found her father talking with her mother. His hand held her shoulders before kissing her forehead. The young pilot crossed her arms over her chest as she turned her attention to Ackbar, though she did notice the happy couple in the corner with two babies held in their arms.

'Congratulations to the happy couple.' She thought to herself. That likely meant two more pilots out, plus the loss of another snubfighter. But it wasn't her problem, the big picture wasn't her arena she just shot down the bad guys.

Great now she was escorting an imperial superweapon…the very same superweapon that threatened her home. Didn't that just give you the warm fuzzies. The First Order had been pushed from the system, big woop they were still trapped by the minefield and with no minesweeper to clear them out. She guessed wins are thin on the ground and they have to take something. There was a pit in her stomach, this war wasn't over not by a longshot.

As they were released to rest and recuperate, Val saw her father walk over to the imperial and shake his hand. Some words were exchanged and then they separated. Val quickly moved to walk next to her father.

"Who was that."

"Mareek Stele" He said with little fanfare. Val stopped in her tracks.

"The Emperor's Damned Hand."

"Yes,"

"He doesn't fly with me."

"Val that isn't your…"

"I don't need an imperial sith flying off my wing where he can shoot me in the back the moment it suits him."

"They are our allies."

"For how long, you lived this history didn't you? The Empire will turn on us, they want the galaxy they won't just take what we agreed to."

"That was the past Val, the current situation…"

"And once the First Order is out of the way, we will be weak and the Empire will be stronger, Hells we are protecting their Skifter in the game. What's to stop them from using that superlaser on the Scythe once whatever this plan was is complete."

"They have suffered as much as we have. They did not enter into this lightly, and neither did we."

"I'm still not flying with him…put him with his own kind, the force sensitives or the empire take your pick I don't want either near me."

"That is not your call to make. You are a pilot not an officer."

"Now you're pulling rank on me, General Aquilla."

"Yes Pilot Aquilla." her father snapped iron in his voice, "I do not have the luxury of kowtowing to your prejudices. I have to protect our last hope with a handful of ships and fewer pilots…and I have my hands full dealing with one particularly hard headed one. Dismissed."

He turned away without another word, leaving Val to sneer.

As she walked past Mareek the sneer hardened.

Stele raised an eyebrow, but didn't rise to the bait, merely looking to her father, and Syal, who wasn't far behind.

He let them go, and so did Ackbar. Everyone was worried about Val.

Syal even more so. "What the hell was that," she hissed, not quite whispering as she caught up.

Not wanting to miss a beat, he looked over the Lexrullans, and the pilots. "Now we have comms, there will be blockade runners, so we will have supplies, fighters, and new pilots undoubtedly. If you can reach out to anyone - safely - we can convoy them and cover them during the next operation."

He nodded. "I'll need fighters for the op, and fighters for the convoy." His eyes took in Tiber and Zara. "Noncombatants will be shuttled down to the surface, but everyone who can fight, I can only impress how much you are needed."

"Noncombatants? Does he mean us?" Zara hissed to Tiber.

"I think us saying that we didn't want to be away from the kids lumped us in that category, yes." he whispered back to her.

Her lips formed a hard line, "I've been sitting on my hands for nearly 8 months now.....I thought I could, I dunno, get back in the saddle?" She knew it was almost impossible, but she'd hoped.

"Only if it's both of us, I'm not losing you out there, love." he said, determination in his tone.

She spun to him, "when I said that, or wanted that....." She let it trail off, he knew what she was saying as she turned to look at the child in her arms. "Yes...your daddy has double standards." She said quietly to the baby.

Snorting softly, Tiber rocked his daughter in his arms. "Says your mother, who decided not to tell daddy on the last mission, that she was already in labor." he said, with a small edge of humor.

Looking back up at Zara, "So, love, are we doing this?"

Rolling her vivid blue eyes, Zara sighed, "did you forget the children? This isn't a nursery barge."

"No it is not. We'll have to find a way." Tiber turned to face Ackbar, "Both of us will rejoin the squadron but someone needs to be our children's caregiver and they better protect them with all they have." he said in a clear, ringing tone.

From the formation of techs and lower ranked personnel came a lazy drawling voice, "I'll watch 'em. They won't be safer anywhere than with me while you're away."

Zara knew that voice and instantly ground her teeth, "no."

"Ask your hubby what my family would do for his." came the voice again, closer as the woman Zara despised emerged from the crowd, her hat pushed back on her head.

"No." Zara turned away, actually looking for an escape route.

"You think I would ever let your children come to harm?" Wyrock asked, her tone was flatter, more direct than her usually sarcastic one. She tossed her nic stick down, digging it into the deck. "I'd never let them be harmed."

Tiber sighed, the one person he knew Zara disliked intensely was the one who had chosen to speak up. "Love, we have to trust them with someone and...she is right about her family and what they've done for ours."

She turned to face him, her eyes blazing a 'you're going against me?' glare, "I'd rather discuss this in private." She almost snarled.

He sighed, "I'd love to, Z, but I think we have to decide now." He said softly, hurt by the look she'd given him.

"I can't do that." She said evenly, "I need 2 minutes."

He sighed, glancing at Wyrock, "Let her think, you know you did ruffle her feathers before."

A snort came from the crew chief, "Whose don't I ruffle. But...your babies would be as safe as they'd be in their cribs in your tower." She stated as if she'd give herself no other option as to how it could be.

"Maybe do something about that then if you are aware of it." Zara muttered, "two minutes, please?"

Val was angry, rolling her slim shoulders. "What mom?" She wheeled around chest rising and falling with angry breaths. "He's a damned sith, he's the enemy and we're working with him. I just want him in front of me so he doesn't shoot me in the back."

"Val, we need all the friends we…"

"Save it, dad's already given me this lecture. I'll fly with him but, I don't have to trust him."

"Where is this coming from?"

"I don't…" She stormed away not wanting to talk about it. Her mother was insistent, following behind her and gently touching her arm.

"Valerie, what's going on?" Her daughter took a few more steps tucking herself into a quiet corner.

"It's their fault." Valerie finally spat. "It's all their Ferricking fault. The sith the jedi the force, it's all their fault."

"Their fault for what."

"This." She spread her arms wide trying to encompass the suffering that the she and the galaxy was feeling. "All of this. Every time something bad happens they're behind it. The war when I was five, this conflict that put me in the pilot's seat, all the wars you and dad fought, all the battles grandma and grandpa fought," She was referencing likely both Wedge and Iella, and Valere Aquilla all legends of the Rebellion. "They all fought lost or died because of the Force. Because a minority of the galaxy decided to have spat. Why should a handful of beings decide what happens to billions, trillions of others. What gives them the right to have whole planets wiped from the galaxy? What allows them the providence to threaten an entire system with death? They've stolen so much from us. Grandma, more friends than I can count, Tiom, we haven't seen him in months. They took away my childhood. I lived in the shadows of Star Destroyers. Why do we have to pay the price of their conflicts?" Tears streamed from her eyes, tears of sorrow and loss, of a innocence taken from her too soon, of all the things she'd been asked to do in the name of protecting the galaxy.

Syal wrapped her arms around her daughter.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry we are asking so much of you. You shouldn't have to fight. I'm sorry that this isn't what you wanted." Her words were calm, not a hint of sarcasm. "I do truly wish you could have grown up like a normal girl." She held tighter.

"Why do we always have to fight?"

"Because someone has to, someone has to stand up to the darkness and say no, no more. You will not harm anyone else."

More sobs left Val's chest as she buried her face into her mother's shoulder.

"I hate them…I hate force users…"

"You shouldn't hate Val. It eats you up inside."

"I can't help it…they took everything from us."

"Shhh…shhh…" Syal patted Val's back trying to soothe her. "It's ok…It's not their fault, they're not all bad…"

"Then why do they cause us all pain?"

"If it wasn't the force it would be something else…"

"I just want the fighting to stop."

"Me too baby…me too."

”Okay, love.” Tiber said softly. He stroked his daughter’s lekku gently, moving away to let her have the time to think, a nod at Wyrock to suggest the same which she, thankfully, did.

Zara had her lips set in a firm line as she held her son close to her, and aware it was close to feeding time. She led Tiber to a corner away from everyone when she spun to face him, "you can't be serious?!" She hissed.

He looked around, knowing why she’d taken him off to the side. “Who else on this ship could we get to do so?” he asked. Shaking his head, “I know it’s a big ask with what is between the two of you but,” he glanced over at Wyrock, “with some rules like no nic sticks and no cursing anywhere near the kids, I have a feeling…” Reaching up, he rubbed his face, “if there was another choice I’d make it but I have a feeling, given our rules, she would make sure nothing bad happens to Logan and Lilac.”

Zara turned away, frustration taking over. "What does she know about babies? Really?" She asked, not knowing anything about the woman's private life.

“Her wife is still on Lexrul, with their daughters.” He said, knowing Wyrock would not be happy he’d said anything about her life outside of the fight. “Each of them had one from a sperm donor.”

Logan had woken and was starting to fuss a little, "And what if....." she couldn't bring herself to say it, "you know...us....out there. What happens to our children then? We can't expect your father.... my mother would...." She shook her head, words were failing her.

His hand rose, from stroking Lilac’s lekku, to cup Zara’s face. “Love, we’ve lived that already, the last six months, one of us or us both could have died any time in that period.” He leaned his forehead against hers, “This might be our chance to get away from Jakku, get our children home. Do you want to go out and fight or do we take them down to the sands of this world?”

"I want to go home...I want to take my babies to meet their big sister, who I miss with all my heart." Tears formed in her blue eyes, the hormones still all over the place in her body. "I want so many things, and I can't have any of them." Her voice had dropped to a whisper.

“We both want that, Z. So very much. To do that, though, we have to be able to get away from Jakku and this feels like, from what Ackbar said, to be that final push sort of action.” His hand moved from her jaw, fingers wiping away the tears in her eyes, “But we have to decide and very soon or they will just send us both to the surface with the babies.”

Part of her wanted to do that, wanted to hide away with her precious children and wait out the war, but it was never ending at this point, there was no end in sight. Amy was growing up without parents and that thought spurred her to end this, she needed to be with her girl. There was only one solution, as such as she hated it, it was the only choice. She closed her eyes and briefly nodded, "ok." She conceded, "only because I want this all over, I want my girl, and my twins to be safe....and I can't sit on my hands till this war is over."

Lifting her chin, Tiber kissed her softly. “Okay, Z. Let’s go tell her and get moving so we can get home, see our big girl, and let her meet her siblings.” he whispered.

She said nothing, simply nodding as Logan began to cry a little. He was hungry and she needed to feed him knowing that Lilac would be awake very soon too. "They're hungry." Her voice small.

“Then they need nourishment from their mother, before we depart.” he said softly. “I’ll go tell Wyrock, explain the rules while you do so and then we can set her up with what she needs so we can end this.”

The impromptu meeting came to an end, and Ackbar made a beeline for the Aquilla family.

"General," he gurgled at Rhoen. "Has Antilles given you guidance?"

Syal chuckled slightly. "General?"

Otherwise, Wryock had to get her 'baby briefing', and Tiber and Zara would be notified that among the supplies being smuggled in was a brand new XJ5, and a T-75 X-wing. They'd get to argue about who got what.

"Have to love Field Promotions." Rhoen said quickly explaining the sudden change in rank. He turned to Ackbar. "Only guidance is to do our best to keep the ships safe, particularly the Megador, but, I'd like to keep the Venture secure as well. We can't afford to lose anything more." He kept the fact that the Venture was loaded with missiles, to himself for the moment. "If we screen the cap ships we should be able to handle everything coming our way." He looked around at all the new pilots that had arrived, that had braved the minefield to make it here. He had pilots and he had ships, he had the tools, now he just needed to use them. "Get ready for a fight."

Having fed both babies, Zara felt torn. Settling them both down in the same makeshift cradle, she sighed as she tucked them in warm. “I’ve left milk…..” She muttered, knowing only her husband could hear it. “I don’t want to leave them; this feels all wrong.”

Tiber leaned closer against Zara, ”We do this so we can go home, take them home, and end this chaos.” he said softly. Reaching down, he put his hand on the blanket over the twins. ”I don’t want to leave them either, love. But if we don’t…” he murmured then shivered, ”...I don’t want to consider what would happen if we cannot stop this.”

"None of this, us, them, anything......will matter." She answered his question. "Not a thing."

Hugging her against him with his free arm, he nodded. ”Yes, if we don’t, I fear there is no future for any of us.” He could feel the twins' hearts beating, drawing a sigh. ”We need to secure their and our future.”

Zara nodded, "I know........" Her eyes were drawn to the woman standing near the doorway, their last and only option to care for their newborns. "Let's go, before I change my mind."

Wyrock turned to the table by the doorway, turning back as Tiber and Zara approached, ”You two better come back or I’ll go out there and…” her tone was a mix of serious and sarcasm. ”Now scoot before all this sappiness wakes up the kids, better if they wake and you’re already gone.” She handed each of them the flight bags she’d taken from the table by the door.

Tiber shook his head, ”Just remember the rules, we’ll be back as soon as this is done.” he told the woman.

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