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Nar Shaddaa - Rebel Alliance Headquarters


Raven Nasra

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Hyperspace swirled in a hypnotic fusion of deep blues, whites, and darks that flooded by the central viewport in a never ending wave. Every so often the whirls would be blotted out by a lurking dark shape of a mass shadow that flitted by as their ship made its way towards the small cluster of stars that was the Nal Hutta system. It gave here a good amount of time to reflect and she meditated on the mission and its disastrous results. 

 

It had started with a nearly lethal conflict and argument on Ossus, and now their group, much reduced, was returning beaten and bruised. She could feel the throb of pain and the spreading bruise around her jaw, and her mouth still tasted sour from the blood. But they had survived, Aidan had learned so much, as had Kel. But Sandy herself felt lost. She had killed a Sith Lord for sure, as much it had pained her both physically and metally, but the objective and all the secrets of the Vigilance were lost. Could the secrets of the illusive Augury or the blade masters have saved the galaxy from the Sith? She doubted it, not even Locke Starspanker, Kitt Fitt, or Obi Quiet could have salvaged the current situation. Or at least not instantly. 

 

They were in for a long war of partisans and death. And the Jedi would be in its centre. 

 

How that peace had been! A silent decade of recovery and stagnation, of terrorism and political strife, but there had been peace. Now peace looked as distant as...As what? Things working out in her favour with Darkfire? She shook her head. No. Peace was a goal and one she would likely give her life for, but that dream of love? Love was a passion he could not afford, and she knew it. She doubted any Imperial Knight could afford such a luxury, not to mention that feelings like that could objectively harm him. Could she put him at risk to achieve her own ends? To fall for a moment knowing that it cost the galaxy its future? Was love worth such a thing? 

 

But she chided herself. He didn’t feel anything for her anyway so what did it matter. The end result either way was pain. And she would be damned if she brought him down too. 

 

She could feel and hear his soft footsteps as he came into the cockpit, and a flickering look from her eyes saw him as he was. A strong man, confident if wounded. Careless before the weight of the galaxy and she grinned. She looked at the bruises covering him and considered if she was shirtless it would look much the same, bruise wise. When she spoke, her voice retained its low gutter Galan accent as she did not have the strength to try and correct it to something more core worlds. 

 

“Aye, it’s a lonely and brutally short life isn’t it. I am glad we made it out, but what do you think?  We might have thirty six hours of shore leave before we go out again?” She laughed, then stopped when he asked if she wanted to get dinner. She nodded her assent and was about to say something clever but he had already turned to fetch his shirt. So she turned her seat and called after his retreating back, “I’d love to Aidan. Name the time!” But perhaps her voice was too desperate. And she felt a flush creep up to her freckles. 

 

After a debriefing and chastisement by lady Adenna of course, a nap, and another shower. But she was stuck with her thoughts for a bit as they made their final approach to the Nar Shadda landing approaches. The entire world was covered in the pallor of war. Star Destroyers flickered in the shipyards as hundreds of techs welded plates onto eroded sterns, or repaired destroyed turbolasers. And one glance at the holofeed showed that the galaxy was even more at war than when they had left. 

 

It did not take them long to navigate the military checkpoint, and within minutes of touching down, they were whisked before the Jedi Grandmaster. @Adenna Alluyen

 

They were battered and bruised, but alive. And Sandy was glad for that. Sandy saluted in the military style, her boots clicking together as she greeted her one time master. She was a stern woman but an understanding one. And would be very likely interested in what they had to say. 

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Calix Meus Inebrians

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As much as she was beginning to come to view these four walls and a desk as a sort of second home, Adenna also despised it. Partially because she didn't want to feel inclined to spend more time here, she had mostly neglected to decorate it with anything more than a couple of holopanels constantly streaming data from the war and other Galactic events. There were a few moderately comfortable chairs on the side walls, but most people preferred to stand. While she understood the Grandmaster had to have an office and serve some sort of administrative function, she was frustrated at how much time she was required to stay here instead of being out training the new recruits and Padawans or preparing for the next strike against the Sith. Still, there were times when she was able to make some good use of being stuck in this office.

 

Today, at least, she had some interesting guests. A slight smile teased her lips as she saw Sandy Sarna walk in with Imperial Knight Darkfire. "I am glad to see you have returned from your mission," she said with no trace of sternness. She added some sarcasm and dry humor to her next sentence, "While I am sure you are overly eager to write up a nice, long report for the Archives, why don't you give me the short but complete version of what happened?"

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Sandy’s voice was slow and slightly slurred from the recent damage to her jaw but she told the story of their adventure from its beginnings on Gala to its end in the heart of the Maw. Including the wounding of her two apprentices, the loss of Tobias Vos, and finishing with her duel with the fallen knight errant. 

 

“I do not know how he fell, only that he was a destroyed man, and…” She looked down at her boots. “...I could not save him.” 

 

She considered pulling herself closer to Aidan for support but brushed it off, this was no place to embarrass her friend, and so instead she reached to her belt and withdrew Fynn Relmis’s lightsabre. The one she had been wounded by, and held it out to the grandmaster. Perhaps the only thing of value that she had gotten from the mission, but Fynn had been a friend of Adenna’s and Sandy felt that the gesture was necessary. 

 

“We made it through, though with the loss of the Eternal Vigilance due to his attacks. I apologize that I could not recover it intact.” She looked over to the dark haired imperial. “But Aidan did very well, faced fears and trials that I could never have overcome. I know that I am only a Jedi and have no power over this, but please give my recommendations to the Imperials that I recommend him for Imperial Knight. He did admirably.” She smiled widely through the pain.

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Calix Meus Inebrians

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Stepping off the transport and onto the deck of the spaceport- a chill ran up his spine as the Force entities mixed and mingled. The planet and the man’s own. It welcomed him as if they were old friends- the bond swirled in and mixed- the planets aura and the Jedi Masters’ Aura. Old friend they were, too. Most of his early life was on this planet- as a slave. A Hutt Errand boy. Shaking that out of his mind, he followed the Zabrak Jedi that had talked him into coming along to fight. Since there were no other pressing duties for him, Vos did tag along. All the while knowing that he would probably not be welcome. 

 

Leaning heavily on his cane with his right hand, he hobbled forward to follow in the man’s path through the crowds. Soon they would arrive at their destination- the base where the plans were being made for the next round of campaigns against the Sith and Black Sun. 

 

Silent as a scream in the vacuum of space Tobias took in his surroundings. Some people locked their gaze on him and the Zabrak. It looked as if the Zabrak, Arri, was escorting a crippled man through the streets. His left arm in a sling, the branding around his face and exposed eyes, the gray hair, the cane- it all went to sell the appearance that he was weak and injured- to which he was, but he was a Jedi Master- if it came to violence in the streets he had already lost.

 

The security guards around the complex eyeballed him and Arri as they made their way to them- and after the typical amount of time both of them were admitted into the main concourse. There, the pair split up- Arri had to go report for duty and since Vos didn’t have any order, and was a Master, it was implied he had more leeway to operate in, and so he did. He followed the familiar pull of Adenna and Sandy and noted which building they were in but didn’t want to even enter the building. He had remained silent for so long, a month in fact, he didn’t want to dive into it- and the last time he had seen them was on bad terms. Best to remain silent for a little while longer and not be intrusive. 

 

Through the grace of the Force, there was a training yard nearby and therefor he had space to sit and meditate. Centering himself on what would happen through the next few hours- if he would be allowed to join in on the campaign or if he was to be pushed aside once again. Either way- he would cherish seeing Adenna again, even Sandy. He was happy to feel Sandy in the Force, of all those he cared for and had formed attachments to- her’s was one of the most important- despite anything and everything… He didn’t hide his presence in the Force, but he also didn’t broadcast it; patience would be the best approach at this point. Besides, he wanted to settle his mind before anything else. In an unobtrusive corner of the training yard, he sat- staff laid across his crossed legs and he took a deep breath.

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Adenna sat in silence as Sandy gave her report, her emotions and response kept hidden through both Force and eyes. She had learned how to take news of all stripes with the utmost impassiveness and control, both as a way to maintain an even keel and simply to not give any potential opponents any hint of her thoughts. She was displeased to hear of the loss of the old Jedi refuge, but some things could not be helped and the Force willed sacrifice and loss at times. For the rest, she would take in stride: the strategic side of her that had been forced to the forefront seemed to almost always overrun the human side of her that felt. Command was never a luxury or a thrill, it was a true sacrifice of self for the needs of the many.

 

After Sandy finished, there were several moments of silence as Adenna absorbed the report. She activated her desk console and entered several quick notes and a command, then sent them out to their appropriate locations. When she looked back at the pair, it was with eyes bearing the weight of a woman far older than her own thirty-three years and a face etched with more worry than most mothers of five. "I am saddened to hear of Fynn Relmis. I had lost touch with him as we had so many other Jedi and had no idea he had fallen. At least you ended his suffering."

 

Her blue eyes fell upon the silent Imperial Knight whom Sandy had spoken of with praise. "I have not followed Knight Darkfire's career as you have, so I cannot speak to his worthiness. Still, if you deem it true, then I shall make the recommendations, but the Imperial Knights still hold their own council and have yet to rejoin the Jedi Order."

 

She stood up and, with a slight sigh, said, "You have completed your task, but now I shall ask more of you." Gesturing for the two of them to follow, she set out of her office and led the two through the maze of hallways and turbolifts until they reached the depths of the complex.

 

After several minutes of walking, they turned a corner and were presented with a long, straight hallway that ran at least fifty meters before opening up into an open catwalk stretched three hundred meters supported by cables attached to the giant ceiling. The hallway had no windows, so they were not able to clearly see their destination until they reached the opening where hallway gave way to an elevated catwalk thirty meters from the floor.

 

Once there, their eyes beheld a cavernous room a hundred and fifty meters wide and three hundred meters long with a ceiling at least fifty meters tall. This was the giant foundation of the Rebel Alliance Headquarters, supported by massive pillars placed strategically throughout it that somehow, failed to minimize the true scale of the place. Though there was plenty of lighting, for now, the harsh floodlights were dimmed so that the entire room had an even glow of light without being overwhelming. Hidden to their eyes was the fact that there were dozens of massive hangars attached on all sides of the main room.

 

Adenna didn't pause as she reached the opening, despite the spectacle that was now before them. Within this room stood twenty thousand soldiers wearing the colors of the Jedi Order Armed Forces, all arranged in formation at battalion strength arrayed on each side of the catwalk. The battalions were further organized into regiments while each side represented an entire division. Spaced between the formations of soldiers were various and assorted assault craft, armored personnel carriers, artillery cannons, and even a few drop shuttles. In front of each regiment, a Jedi Knight stood with lightsaber drawn and ignited in salute in front of them.

 

As soon as the trio entered the room, the sound of twenty thousand boots banging together at attention echoed out. Without word, Adenna continued to stride across the catwalk all three hundred meters until they reached the far side where the catwalk branched out into a balcony. There, on either side of the elevated balcony, six other Jedi stood with light lightsabers in salute waiting for them.

 

Adenna made her way to a small podium, gesturing for Sandy and Aiden to pause at the entrance of the balcony. When she reached the podium, the sound of boot against boot again echoed out as the assembly turned to face them. Adenna looked out over the army that had been assembled for four seconds, before beginning. Her voice echoed out through the room, but not blaringly loud.

 

"For a thousand generations, the Jedi Order has stood against evil," she started. "We have not always succeeded, nor were we perfect, but to be a Jedi always meant being willing to fight, suffer, and sacrifice to protect others and ward against the Darkness. It is our sworn duty to stand up against the corrupt and evil and to protect the weak and innocent. Fathomless numbers of battles have been waged over countless worlds in a never ending series of wars, and millions of Jedi have given their lives in this duty and we continue to do so today. We have always stood at the front, been in the trenches, gone where none wish to go, and fought whom none else could stand against. We of the Jedi Order have the Force to comfort and guide us and to help us complete seemingly supernatural feats. We are called brave, heroic, and inspire awe in old and young alike.

 

"Yet, throughout this all, we have not stood alone. History holos rarely show the bravery of those who have fought along side us in our darkest hours, who also took upon themselves that same sworn duty we have embraced. Famous Jedi decorate the halls of museums and light up the pages of textbooks, but they were never alone.

 

"During our wars, our struggles, and our tribulations, the Jedi had allies and friends. Those not born with the ability to touch and use the Force still took up arms along side the Jedi. People from all walks of life heeded the call, left their families, and joined our cause to fight evil beside us. They didn't have the Force to protect them, yet they charged into the fray nonetheless. In truth, they were the brave ones, the heroes, and the beings whom history should never forget. They may have fought under different names, names such as the Republic or the Rebel Alliance, but they fought on with equal valor.

 

"Today, I salute you: soldiers of all walks of life who heeded the Jedi Order's call for aid. You put your lives on hold, volunteered to serve, and now are ready to fight along side the Jedi against the evil of the Sith Empire. You took the oaths to serve the Light, to hold yourself to a higher standard than even our comrades in the Rebel Alliance, and to be at the front of the fight with beings that hold terrifying powers.

 

"For months, you have been training, preparing, and steeling yourself for the war that is to come. You join tens of thousands of beings just like you who are already in the field, and are followed by tens of thousands more who will soon be where you are. You come to serve, to fight, and perhaps to die for the cause of the Light, of life and justice, and hopefully one day, of peace."

 

Adenna paused, then gestured at Sandy. "Before me stands a young woman who has fought from an age that no being should ever have to fight. She has joined me before she was even able to truly call herself a teen and fought through hells and darkness. She has risen through it, despite taking grievous pains and injuries. She has not just served, but taken charge and led. She has earned her place among the Jedi of storied tales, and has earned her place before you."

 

Adenna gestured for Sandy to step forward even as she herself left the podium. When she spoke again, her words were not amplified, but rather meant only for those Jedi on the balcony with them. "Sandy Sarna, you have served without complaint, you have fought with valor, and you have remained true to your calling. You have stood firm even when those around you, including myself, have failed you. You faced your darkness and inner demons and you have conquered them. Though I have been cruel to you and abandoned you, you still remain true to the Jedi way. Though the Dark Side has tempted you, you stayed true to the Light.  Your path has not been easy, but you have continually prevailed. You have not only earned my respect, but the respect of the entire Jedi Order and those of these before you who have come here of their own volition.

 

"By my authority and responsibility as Grandmaster of the Jedi Order, with the enthusiastic and unanimous support of those Jedi you see here, I do hereby proclaim you to have earned the rank and privilege of Jedi Master and shall henceforth be known as Master Sarna." She took out her own lightsaber, ignited its orange blade, and held it in front of her in a salute. As she did, the dozen Jedi stretched out their blades towards Sandy, confirming their support and recognition. The assembled troops, remaining in solemn silence, began to pound their fists against armored chests, the sound of which filled the chamber and echoed in grandeur.

 

After holding the salute for half a minute, Adenna stilled her blade and returned it to her belt. She embraced her former Padawan, whispering into her ear, "You have made me proud, and humbled me. You have earned this many times over."

 

She returned to the podium and resumed, her voice once again amplified, "To all of you, I now present to you your new commanding officer, Master Sandy Sarna, the newest of a new generation of Jedi willing to sacrifice themselves in the service of the Light to protect the innocent from the evil that faces us. For her many actions leading men in multiple battlefields throughout the Galaxy, I do hereby confer upon her the sacred duty of leading you against the Sith Empire. New ships have been built and new crews trained. You shall be the army that fights in the trenches, the battlefields, and the streets of this war. You shall be the beacon of hope to an oppressed and terrified people, and at the front shall be this woman. I have no doubts that she shall lead you well and that you will stand firm against the encroaching Darkness so that it may be driven back once more to the edges of the Galaxy."

 

More fists clashed against chests as the Jedi stilled their blades one by one, then with a bow of their heads, formed up beside Sandy. Adenna retreated from the podium to a door at the rear of the balcony, followed by Sandy, the dozen Jedi, and finally by Aiden. After another fifty meters of walking, they came to an intersection with a door that led to a fairly large but empty briefing room.

 

There, the Jedi, all Knights or Masters who had volunteered to serve with the armed forces knowing the risks, congratulated Sandy. Some of these men and women had fought along side her, others had only had the pleasure of training with her. Still, all of them knew of what she had done and were overjoyed at her elevation. Adenna, having already spoken her own words, stood back and let them celebrate in their own way, waiting for Sandy to be free and come to her.

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Before arriving on Nar Shadaa, Kel Sent a transmission asking that a medical transport be readied upon their arrival. Thankfully Yava had managed to survive her overdose for the duration of the voyage. Once they had arrived Yava had been loaded on to said transport and taken to a hospital. The remaining scavengers looked towards Kel with very mixed expressions ranging from curiosity to concern. One of them stepped forward and asked "So, You have our captain in your custody. What is to become of the rest of us?" a legitimate concern to be certain. Their time under the sith had left them shaken. and with Yava in her current Condition, the only other person they could turn to was Kel.

 

"You have all been through a horrible ordeal. I can only imagine the despicable treatment you've received at the hands of the sith. It would be completely understandable for you to be wary of force sensitives like myself and the Jedi. I could preach to you all day long about the righteous cause of the jedi, but i know that to people like yourselves, actions speak louder than words. Once Yava is released from medical care, you will be free to do as you wish. But know this, traversing the maw is no easy feat. To do so while under the oppressive thumb of a Sith and survive means that you are all highly skilled. And i don't mean to brag, but i know people in the order. If you would like, I could speak to Master Sandy or even Grand Master Adenna. If you work with us we can offer security and safe harbors for you and your captain. You would no longer need to rely on shady jobs from questionable groups like the sith for employment. with the Jedi, you will have a safe and reliable source of revenue. But most important of all, you will have Freedom. The choice is yours." And with that, Kel Departed from the scavenger ship and went to head quarters to regroup with Sandy, Aiden, and his trusty astromech R5.

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  • 2 weeks later...

To say Aidan was impressed with the assembly was an understatement. It put into perspective all of their hard work, but if anything Aidan just wanted to sleep for a week. So for the time being, while he politely made small talk with those who approached him in the briefing room, he didn't go out of his way to engage with anyone, and quickly snuck out as things were obviously winding to a close.

Eventually, he found himself back in his assigned quarters. After taking another hour or so to type up and send a report to Imperial High Command (or what there was left of it) delineating what happened on the mission as well as Adenna's debrief, he quickly passed out on his bed. There was no Force trance, the young man was simply exhausted. Hopefully he'd find the time to rest before the next skirmish, but with the way things had gone, it wasn't likely.

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The leather wrapped hilt of the standard issue imperial sabre felt rough to the Imperial Exorcist. His fingers worked themselves around the hilt, finding the smoothed sections of the leather where, after hours of practice duels and real fights, the rough leather had worn down to a fine smoothness that was comfortable to the touch. Ismael smiled, his grin transected by a solid scar that crossed his face, giving him a mocking appearance whenever he smiled. The result of a tangle with the Sith during his service to the Jedi Order under Grandmaster Ara-Lai. 

 

Would that the Jedi had kept their strength! What would Master Damon have said to the failures of Onderon and Kashyyyk? But the answers had lain in schism, and even though they had done their best, the Imperial Knights had taken severe losses in the long war. While the Jedi Order had nearly fallen to pieces. Ismael shook his grey haired head as he walked down the long corridors of the barracks, walking towards the room of young Aidan Darkfire. 

 

Senses told him that he was fast asleep, so Ismael gave him a few more hours of rest before he doubled back and softly rapped his knuckles on the door. There was no ceremony in this. There would be no screaming crowds.

Edited by Ary the Grey

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Lord Commander Raphenel Karlovci Contispex- Imperial Warden

 

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Rousing from his sleep to a knock at the door, Aidan quickly made himself presentable. His senses told him there was a decently strong Force presence waiting for him, but he was groggy enough that he just assumed it was Sandy.

 

Yet when he opened the door, it took a full two seconds staring back and forth at Ismael before it connected with the younger man who exactly had knocked on his door. Immediately he knelt and bowed, showing respect. 

 

"Master, forgive me, I was not expecting you. It is an honor. What can I do for you?"

 

He stood, subtly trying to close the door behind him, not proud of the disheveled state of his room in front of one of the few Masters the Imperial Knights had in their ranks.

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Ismael smiled warmly at the Imperial Squire, a man in his own right, and a descendant of powerful lineage. He winked a grey eye and stood back to let the man close his door. He had obviously been expecting someone else, someone who cared less than Ismael might about clean rooms and uniforms, but the Master did not mind. He had been a young man once as well, and some of the only joy out of those missions and long deployments had been the women that had graced his presence. 

 

He waved off Aidan’s apologies and returned the bow, “There is little you can do for me young Darkfire, but I do have something for you.” 

 

He held out a new holo identification, no longer marking him as an imperial citizen, but a citizen of the Rebel Alliance. But what was most particular of the gift was the rank listed on the identification. In the light blue.  

 

Imperial Knight

 

“We are proud to welcome you from your apprenticeship and into the ranks of the Imperial Knights.” 

 

He held out a hand to the imperial knight. 

 

“Well done.” 

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Lord Commander Raphenel Karlovci Contispex- Imperial Warden

 

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A Mastership? 

 

But she was nobody, she was no Xae-Lin, no Kyrie, no Jaina Jade, how could Adenna think she was ready for something like this? Her heart cried out as her pale green eyes took in the sight of the saluting troops, and she felt herself being embraced.  It all came in waves and she was sure that her shock showed visibly on her pale face. 

 

Proud

 

Adenna was proud of her? 

 

She would have thought a year ago that she would have been long dead before ever getting to the rank of Jedi Master. But there had been struggles, there had been death, there had been love, unrequited as it was. She had been through so much, and even this didn’t feel like a victory, but she knew that it was. It was a scrap of hope to cling to, and even if she felt the sudden looming presence of responsibility on her shoulders, she knew that she could bear it. 

 

The Force was with her. She could feel that strength in her. 

 

She took a breath and saluted the troops gathered in front of her. They returned the salute, then it was a flurry of handshakes and congratulations before she found herself in a briefing room with Adenna. Her voice was strong but filled with emotion as she smiled at her old master. 

 

“It's been a long journey since I was failing to even move a stone on Tython hasn’t it? Through it all, I am honoured to have your friendship.” 

 

She smiled widely. 

 

“Is there anything you would have of me?” Her green eyes sought the Imperial Knight, Aidan Darkfire, but she couldn’t see him. So she looked back to the Grandmaster.

 

___________________

 

A comm arrived for @karyu128, Bidding him to join Master Sarna for a discussion

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Calix Meus Inebrians

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"...Sir?"

Aidan was at a slight loss of words, though the promotion was expected, he thought it was likely just going to come in the form of paperwork. A visit from one of the masters was absolutely unexpected. After it all kind of hit him, he took Ismael's hand, returning the firm handshake. 

"Thank you, sir, this is an honor. I swear on the Empress that the trust placed in me will not go to waste."
 

As the master nodded, turning to leave, Aidan had an afterthought.

"Wait...does this mean I'm being assigned an apprentice?"

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Ismael grinned at the expression on the young Knight’s face. 

 

“No, we are not anticipating assigning you a squire at this point, but if you wish to have one, we are happy to provide.” 

 

He thought of the wealth of young men and women in the service that would jump at the opportunity, but the young man needed rest. According to his file, he had been in combat in and out since the war had started. And the weariness of that war was already marked visibly on the young man’s face. Ismael turned and gestured back to the bedroom. 

 

“Now get some rest young Darkfire, sleep for a week if you need.” He smiled and with a swirl of his grey cloak. Was gone.

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Lord Commander Raphenel Karlovci Contispex- Imperial Warden

 

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R5 quickly rolled up Kel and sounded off a set of disgruntled beeps and trills. "Oh Come on R5, you act like you've never flown around black holes before." the droid then let loose another high pitched whine. as if to say  'that's not all and you know it!' "I know, I know. One of these days I'll take you to visit the droid spa. Will that make you happy?" R5 gave a satisfied beep before getting in line behind Kel. "You're a real drama queen ya know."

 

Kel received a comm message from Master Sandy bidding him to join her in the grand master's office. Once Kel entered the room, he gave a bow in greeting to the grand master Adenna and Master Sandy respectively. "You wanted to see me Master?"  

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After all was said that needed saying and done that needed doing, Adenna and Sandy returned to her office to begin debriefing the new Master. Now that the younger woman had ascended, it was time to give her access to more of the confidential information that those of her new rank were entitled to. The situation facing the Jedi and their Rebel allies was dire indeed, and while Sandy had known some of it, she didn't quite know it all.

 

The situation in the field was quite grim, though it wasn't impossible. Losses following the Mandalorian Crusader's campaign were heavy, but nothing compared to the attacks and losses incurred by the Sith Empire's expansion. One of the greatest weaknesses of the Galactic Alliance was that instead of having a centralized fleet, it preferred to keep a very small fleet and rely on local and planetary forces to supplement it. After Coruscant, hundreds of systems had surrendered without a fight to the Sith, taking with them their local planetary defenses and recalling elements of their fleets that had been with the former Galactic Alliance. Those losses were doubly painful because every ship that the Rebels lost was added to their enemy.

 

The Jedi had taken heavy losses at Onderon and elsewhere. Attrition from those Jedi who refused to actively fight on moral grounds further gutted the leadership and experience of the Order. New recruits had been found in the last year and a half, but those took time to train and teach. Almost three quarters of the entire Jedi Order was comprised of Padawans, with an especially critical shortage of Masters able to lead them. It was for that reason Adenna herself had stayed on Nar Shaddaa for as long as she did: someone needed to help train the latest batch of Padawans.

 

The Raid on Kuat was underway, though facing stiff resistance. Mon Calamari was lost entirely from plague, internal divisions, and the Sith invasion. Corellia was under threat, but that had been pulled off to defend Kuat and would likely return in strength after that raid was over. There were multiple smaller conflicts developing throughout the Outer Rim and the Mid Rim regions as the Sith consolidated their dominance there. Rumors of expansion and reoccupation of Coruscant were not good for the Rebels, either. Defections and surrenders reached Nar Shaddaa almost daily to the point it was difficult to rely on the future loyalty of almost a third of their current holdings. Many systems who currently were loyal to the Rebels would quickly surrender if the Sith turned their attention to their planets.

 

The situation was quite dire, but there was hope. Actions taken when she became Grandmaster were beginning to show fruit. Military contracts and recruitment drives had matured and new ships, weapons, supplies, and recruits were readying. The demonstration earlier had been but one of many successes of the last year and a half. Economies had fully transitioned over to war production and the results were promising. The Sith had been preparing for war for many years before launching their attack, now it was the Rebel's time to catch up and take the war back to their foe. Every month, more and more efforts matured and readied themselves so that, assuming they held onto the shipyards and systems, the Rebels would become stronger and stronger as time went by. They needed to hold onto the planets they had lest the recovery come too late.

 

"We need to start taking the offensive," Adenna summarized. "We have ships and men, though fewer than our enemy. That means we must be careful where we attack and how we do it which is why the Kuat Raid is so critical. If we can steal ships from the enemy, it helps us while denying them the fruits if their labor. We can't keep operating as traditional opponents facing our opponents head on, but must switch to a guerrilla style war. It is a messy, dirty, and uncomfortable aspect of war many feel is less honorable or glorious, but it must be done to survive while more of our resources and efforts become ready.

 

"I am taking our latest fleet and armies out on a series of raids over the next month. Our goal is not to oppose their fleets or take over their planets, but to simply cause destruction to their war effort and shipping lanes. We will steal what we can thus denying them those resources while enriching ourselves. We will destroy what we can't take forcing the Sith to take the time to rebuild. We will become privateers, raiders, and an invisible shadow constantly striking and threatening. We won't fight large battles, but will hit them where they are weak and where they can't protect themselves. The Sith Empire has grown large and spread out from their successes, it is now time for us to exploit their over extension and hit where they aren't expecting it. Doing so will slow their industrial and economic expansion while forcing them to focus on defense instead of attacking our systems."

 

She paused and looked at Sandy once more instead of the myriad of holos showing charts, graphs, numbers, and maps. "I want you to come with me, to lead our ground forces. We won't be invading planets, but I anticipate taking enemy ships, raiding some factories and supply depots, and possibly deploying resistance cells in the planets we are able to. Some of our raids will be quick and destructive, others may give us time to land and consolidate what we otherwise would have to destroy. You have proven yourself in the field, and I want you at my side."

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Sandy stood and listened to her friend and the Grandmaster lay out the plans for the coming war. She had lost so many friends over the last few years of war that she could barely remember all their names. Some were lost on Coruscant, some were lost on Kashyyyk, Onderon, and a myriad of other worlds that had been devastated by the Sith Lords. She had felt herself being called towards the order led by the Empress of the imperial remnant for the last year, but the plans that Adenna laid before her showed the promise of her promotion to Grandmaster. The old order was gone, likely forever, and replaced by the order of war. Gone were the masters that proselytized pacifism and communing with nature. They were dead and buried in the ruins of Coruscant, Dathomir, and Kashyyyk. But many of the great masters had gone with them into the force, and Sandy could only feel the distant sting of regret that more had not been saved. 

 

She nodded solemnly. 

 

“It would be my pleasure and honour Adenna. You can count on my sabre.” 

 

She grinned widely and leaned over the holographic displays. 

 

“What is our first target?” She only hoped that she would have the time to visit Aidan before she was dispatched on another dangerous mission. 

 

But a knock came at the door and Kel Koon, looking tired but accomplished walked through the doorway. 

 

She smiled widely and beckoned him to come closer. “Grandmaster, may I introduce you to Kel Koon.” She looked at him slyly. “No longer my apprentice after his actions at the Maw. I bestow upon him the title of Jedi Knight with your permission.” 

 

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Calix Meus Inebrians

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Sergeant Horatio Kine tapped his prosthetic leg with a finger, loud enough that the hollow metallic sound of it was audible to the enraptured group of young men around him.  The music was loud in the tavern, but not loud enough that it would overpower the Sergeants voice. Made strong from long years of command in the Sith Empire, then Galactic Alliance, then Imperial Remnant, and now finally the Rebel Alliance military. His name had been stylized ‘Kine’ instead of ‘von Kine’ as his connections to imperial royalty back on Carida had been slim at best, and a long line of inheritance had not kept the family fortune intact enough for him to live off of it. So he had become a soldier, joining as a private and now suitably as a Sergeant Major, and he had no desire to go farther. Command was a bore, and his natural talents were in talking and convincing, not commanding vast swaths of imperial marines. So he was a recruiter. 

 

Paid per head recruited. 

 

There was nothing better. It was enough to bolster his small pension and go whoring on weekends, as such was the life of a near retired regimental sergeant major. 

 

So he sat on the edge of a well worn duraplast stool, and told his war stories t oan enraptured audience of young men from the colonies and a spattering of refugees. This was mainly a human bar, but RSM Kine had no prejudices. Anyone from a Devorian, to a Zeltron, to Human, could join the armed forces of the Rebel Alliance. Even women were allowed! Though he shook his head at that. 

 

He took a long swig from a tot of rum and rubbed at his greying moustache as he pulled out a large denomination credit chip from his pocket. Letting it spin through his fingers as he talked. 

 

“And so there we were on the Death Star! No Emperor Deton was no friend of mine but I must say he led us well. Yes sir, he was a good man. But let me see what were we talking about? The benefits?” 

 

Eager heads nodded in unison. 

 

“You see lads. Five hundred credits. Another thousand signing bonus!” A few of the refugees gasped as if they had never seen so many credits in their lives. And RSM Kine knew he had them. 

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Lord Commander Raphenel Karlovci Contispex- Imperial Warden

 

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Adenna appraised the newcomer to her office. She had only read of Kel Koon's name on the reports of those sent to the Eternal Vigilance, she did not know much about him. However, she had said that she trusted Sandy's word when it came to Imperial Knight Darkfire, so why shouldn't she do the same for this one? She had faith in Sandy's judgment otherwise she would never have promoted her in the first place. "If you believe him worthy, then so be it," she replied to Sandy with a nod.

 

Turning to the Kel Dor, she said, "Come, Knight Koon, and tell me: how do you see yourself contributing to the Jedi Order as a Knight?"

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While Kel Dorin facial expressions were notoriously difficult to read, one look at Kel's could tell anyone of his surprise. Knight hood? He was really being promoted? His initial shock soon gave way to joy and excitement. The only thing that could have made this moment better was if his sibling apprentice Frond had been here to witness it. But alas, this conflict has affected everyone involved. Some more than others. He could only hope that his friend would get well soon if he hasn't already.

 

Upon receiving approval from Grand master Adenna, She also asked how Kel planned to contribute to the order as a knight. "You know, that's a good question. When i first joined the Order, I wanted to be a seeker of sorts. I want to explore the galaxy and learn everything of the force that I can. But this war is causing so much destruction and strife that i can't just ignore it. So right now, the only thing i can do is devote myself to seeing that this war is ended. So until that day comes, I will fight to ensure the protection of the innocent and the survival of my brothers and sisters in the order as well as our comrades." 

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Adenna smiled at the response. She was glad to see another Jedi willing to stand up against evil even if it meant sacrificing themselves. Knighthood had long been more up to the one training the Padawan, so she was happy to accept it and confirm the promotion. Masterhood was far more difficult, but without a functioning Council, Adenna and those others who had been working at the training center here on Nar Shaddaa had been sufficient a group to promote Sandy to her new position.

 

"Those are noble words and I am proud to hear them. We need every Jedi possible to stand against the evil in this Galaxy. Come with Master Sarna and I then. We are about to embark on the Jedi's first true offensive campaign since the disaster at Onderon. We will be striking hard and fast at enemy shipping, supply depots, and any place that is vulnerable. I want to draw the enemy's attention back to their own weaknesses rather than on ours so that we can fill in those gaps with strong new men and women such as yourself."

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Pale skin flushed red with a grin as Sandy let her shoulders relax. She was tired, run ragged for the better part of six months, but still she could feel the excitement on the fringes of her mind. An actual chance to go out as a Jedi knight in action against the Sith? Had such a thing been done since Onderon and its great disaster? Could such a venture hold by its own without the vaunted Imperial Knights like Darkfire, Cassandra, or Eleison? 

 

Sandy perched herself on the edge of one of the spare desks and pulled one of the armour plates from her satchel, she put a gob of the polish on the edge of a cloth and began to meticulously polish the burned chest plate as the grandmaster laid out the plan. She kept her eyes on the laid out holographs and star charts as she polished. The wax based polish melting into the duraplast and buffing it into a clean shine. She glanced at the outdated imperial emblem embossed on its centre and smiled. She was grateful for what the imperials had taught her at Nal Hutta, but The Jedi could do this by themselves. 


“We have our approach avenue then, Shipping. Which lanes are we mining? And what fleet assets do we have on hand?” 

 

She thought of the ongoing slaughter at Kuat and shuddered. If there was anything she was good at, it was not commanding a fleet. But if it gave her the opportunity to attack the Sith, then she would take it. 

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Calix Meus Inebrians

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A week of sleep. That sounded about right. It was a strange sensation Aidan felt as he watched Ismael walk away, he didn't feel any more powerful, and yet here he was a fully-fledged Imperial Knight. Slowly the realization of all his newfound extra responsibility hit him as he retreated back into his room, flopping on his bed. He would likely have an apprentice in the future, and frankly he wasn't sure he was ready for that. Was anyone who came before him ready?

 

Several minutes passed before he settled on the idea that some things simply are learned by doing. He had triumphed over himself, coming to accept and care for the man he'd grown up to be despite his emotional issues with his past. However, the question before him that he couldn't shake, even as he tried to sleep, was could he live with his failures if they irreconcilably affected others? What if his student, someone the Knights would entrust to him in the highest of faith, turned to the dark side?

 

Aidan had his own brushes with the darkness, and while he was aware it gave him perspective, he also knew better than others how easy it was in contrast to the hard path an Exorcist needed to walk. If he was overbearing and controlling, he would push the pupil away, likewise if he slacked in discipline and mentorship they might simply slide that way anyways out of resentment, as Aidan had. Was this what was meant by the 'crushing weight of responsibility'? Briefly he wondered if his father had thought about the same concerns, but shook the thought from his mind and attempted to drift to sleep. Eventually, he managed to quiet his thoughts enough to pass into unconsciousness.

Still, though he slept, rest would not find him easily.

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The thrill of hyperspace faded quickly with stars resettling themselves and the glowing jeweled marble of Nar Shaddaa came into view in the distance. Even from here, the hustle and bustle of the planet was discernible.
 

Standing aboard the bridge of the oddly shaped EE-104 fisheye, Asha’ajak, two Jensaarai warriors stood in silence, taking it all in.

 

The first, a tall skinny being adorned in armor covered with seemingly decorative rings spoke, his voice soft and observing. “There it is brother. Take it in. From here on we are tasking ourselves to something bigger than our own. Through it, we will protect the people of Raka Nwul. With them, we will stop the forces of evil. Are you sure you are up for it?”

 

A soft chuckle emanated from the second shorter being, his grayed metallic armor covered with a white robe, “Yes. I owe it to the Jedi and to the force.”
 

“Very well. Captain, please disable the replicating armor. I am sure they will be scanning us soon enough. We might as well avoid starting off on the wrong foot.”

 

With a few taps of the control screen And a thumbs up the environmental replicating armor plating faded to a dull durasteel gray.

 

“Greetings brothers and sisters in the fight for freedom. This is the Jensaarai stealth cruiser Asha’ajak. We are requesting permission to land and discuss the ongoing hostilities presented by the growing Empire of the Sith. We also desire to speak with a member of the Jedi, to offer our aid in their pursuit of peace. 
Transmitting ship identification codes will commence immediately” 
The Jensaarai known as The Sarlacc spoke into the comms before turning to surveil the crew of their ship with a smile. “All there is now is to wait and hope they decide to not blow us out of the sky. Let’s prepare for landing anyway.”

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From behind, an old, serious ryn in colorful clothing strode up to stand beside his master. His iron staff tinked against the bridge floor as he rested it against his shoulder.

 

"Master, far be it from me to question the wisdom of our Saarai-Kaar, but is this a good idea?" Despite the fact that the ryn was clearly decades older than his master, he spoke formally, with honest deference and respect. "This rebellion is nascent, and the Jedi have a...sour reputation these days in some circles. They are not the group they were in the days of the High Republic, and the Sith are as powerful as ever."

 

As they approached the planet, Svata's fingers brushed against his good luck charms. Despite the good-natured ribbing the other, much younger apprentices had given him, he couldn't bring himself to part with all the ryn superstitions of his long life, and this was a situation that could use a little luck.

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The tall and lanky armored Duros did not smile to show his amusement at the elder Dragoste’s question. In fact, some wondered if the people of Duro even possessed the ability to smile. Instead, the green skinned alien cocked a hairless eyebrow as he tolted his earhole towards the Ryn. The question was a fair one, if not expected from someone who was not yet fully immersed in the ways of the Jensaarai.

 

Shooting a glance at the comm, The Sarlacc nodded towards the other armored being on the bridge, The Mantis. It was not something that needed words to be communicated. All Jensaarai Defenders were expected on some level to help train new initiates; some, however, followed a more Jedi-like approach in their methods and took a newfound seeker under their wing. Such was the case with the elder Dragoste and The Sarlacc.

 

With his helm tucked under one arm, nestled against the collapsed staff and lightsaber dangling there, the Duros gestures for the shorter being to follow him. Once away from the listening ears of the bridge, The Sarlacc spoke, his tone that of a friend. “I see you have been keeping up with your studies my friend,” he smiled noting the Ryn’s subtle notation of the Jedi-Jensaarai histories. “There are truths that can be learned here amongst these peoples; truths that would remain hidden. One truth stands out however; we cannot stand idly by while the powers of darkness run unchecked across the galaxy. If we did, what sort of Jensaarai would we be?” Rounding a corner, the duo stopped in front of a viewscreen built into the wall. With a fee quick finger-strokes the digital view of the outside world disappeared, replaced by a scene of a stream winding through a mossy forest floor, splattering against rocks and winding from one side of the screen to the other. “If the Jedi fall, then too will the Knights and their Empire,“ he continued, digitally sliding stones from the shores into the river and narrowing the stream to a single rushing surge “then countless other rebellions, until finally the galaxy is left to stagnate in injustice and fear. In that moment, we will not be able to hold back the tide of darkness.” Digitally picking up a final stone, the Duros placed it in the stream, blocking the flow of the water as it began to pool.

 

Walking onwards in silence for a few moments, he continued, “Ours is not to police the morals of our possible allies in the fight against the darkness. Remember the basics of the Jensaarai ways. Seek the truth, even when others are content in the lies they have chosen. Maintain peace even when all around you peace cannot be found.  Enable justice in whatever form can be found to be most pure. The Saarai-Kaar sent us here for a reason. Who knows, maybe if we keep our eyes open, we just might find it.” 

 

His voice rose playfully at the end, clearly trying to keep light a subject that could easily have turned into a lecture. Something he did not want. In truth, he too had questions about their task; but in the end, there was always a reason and he trusted that it would be revealed in time if needed.

 

As they continued to walk, The Sarlacc wanted to leave time for any questions that might arise, but he felt compelled to add, “I know you do not have a lightsaber yet. The Jedi put much emphasis on their weapon. It might be worthwhile, depending on how things go, to see if you can find any materials to begin construction on your own. Do not, however, borrow anything of value to the Jedi without permission. We are outsiders here. It would do us both well to not return to the Saarai-Kaar facing accusations from those we were sent to help.”

 

”Oh and you needn’t call me master. That is a Jedi and Sith thing. We are both Jensaarai, and right now we are walking the same path seeking the truth, just a few steps apart on the trail. If you must call me something, I am Defender Sarlacc, or The Sarlacc. That is what the force saw fit to call me.”

 

Finding what probably was a weapons locker, The Sarlacc gestures inside. “We are joining a war. It would be prudent to ensure you are regaled for it appropriately.“

Edited by Leena Kil

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Relaxing, Svata shook his head and chuckled, dropping the formal tone and letting his more natural, jovial attitude emerge. He didn't know the Sarlaac well yet, and he'd always found it was better to show respect and be proven wrong than vice-versa.

 

"Apologies, your lesson is well received. I spoke out of fear Defender Sarlaac, not wisdom. I've come to treasure my family in the Jensaarai and I am afraid to see us drawn to the attention of the Sith. But I understand, and I'll do my best to deal with that fear in the future. I won't dishonor the Saarai-Kaar or the Jensaarai."

 

He grinned. "And don't worry about me 'borrowing' anything. Those days are decades behind me. But I will look into starting construction of my lightsaber. I'll admit, I've gotten the basics of Cleddyfymladd from training, but swordplay hasn't been my strong suit." He fingered his staff. "Staff and spear fighting are more my style. Perhaps one of those double-bladed sabers with a long hilt..."

He absentmindedly blew a soft, trilling melody through his nose as he pondered.

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“Fear is a natural emotion my friend. The Sith embrace it. The Jedi deny it. Ours is to recognize it and control it. Emotions are not evil, they just need to be controlled. Feel it and put it in it’s place.” The Sarlacc said turning from surveilling the stores to look at the Ryn.

 

“Jensaarai fight with all manner of weapons. If you think that weapon will serve you best, then see that it is done. Before you begin your lightsaber though, perhaps it is time you learn the way in which we bury our presence from those who wish is harm.” 


Closing his eyes, the Duros’ fists loosely balled as he raised them from his sides at his elbows, exhaling. “Reach out. Feel the force around you. It touches everything, you, the floor, the walls, me, everything.” Opening his eyes, The Sarlacc smiled, gesturing for Svata to try. He hoped that some of the Jensaarai’s initial training had covered the simplest aspects of the force.  “Do you feel it? Feel how it extends beyond what we can see. You can feel the world beyond. In turn, it can feel you too. We are one with the force. Feel how it touches every part of you and connects you to the world. Grasp that. Deny it. Do not allow it to flow unchecked. You are connected to the force; but do not allow it to show you to the world outside. Draw it back to yourself in a continuous loop. You are the master. Focus first on your own body, once you have mastered that, we can begin expanding to deny the world around you.”

 

Smiling at Svata, The Sarlacc began to project an aura about him, cutting his visible force presence off from the force. He looked no different. Outside of his body though, it was if he was gone; the waves of the force seeming to flow as if there was nothing there for them to touch or be obstructed by.

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Kel stood observing the holo maps and other various digital displays with his hand cupped under what could be considered the chin of his antiox breathing mask. the bulk of intel, battle strategies, and resources was going to be a struggle to take in; but he would have to in order to live up to his new responsibilities as a knight. However, his train of thought was broken when a beep came from a nearby communications terminal. Kel answered the call and what came through was a message from a group called the Jensaarai. After listening to the transmission, their ship id codes came in.   

 

Kel's brow began to furrow. He wasn't familiar with the Jensaarai, But if their message indicated that they shared a common goal with the Jedi. And against the terrible might of the Sith, we would need all the help we can get.  And so Kel sent them a reply. "This is Kel Koon, Knight of the Jedi order. You are clear to approach, and I will greet you in the docking bay." Once that was done, Kel went off to meet their new arrivals.

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It all hurts. A burn beneath my skin fueled by hunger. It’s a deep and twisting pain, worse than when I was starving on Nar Shaddaa. This is something else entirely, like a command from the force itself. I hunger beyond imaging... 

 

*****

 

A consistent chill ran through her skin as the Exorcist moved through the warmed practice ring. The pungent perfume of exercising soldiers clung to the air and wrapped around her like an arachnid’s web. She was always cold now, even a month out of the bacta her new form’s physiology and nervous system was an enigma that even weeks of training had yet to unravel. 

 

The sand shifted beneath Kyrie’s bare feet as her opponent drove the particles to the side with a wave of the force, causing her to stumble mid-run. She twisted the fall into a roll and brought the long wooden weapon to bear against the rusty-haired man. The leather-bound grip of the polearm wrenched from her hands as the Imperial Knight snatched it with the force. 

 

Kyrie watched it sail away through the musty air to drive into the sparkling sand behind Helden Rave, her weapons-master. It was a polearm of her own design, the handle a meter and a half in length, with a meter-length blade a handbreadth in width, hewn from Shadnalyn briar. The reddish wood reflected the natural light that filtered through the skylights above and seemed to mock her weakness. 

 

In her distraction, Heldon brought his orange-bladed lightsaber crashing into her side, before igniting the weapon’s second blade and batting it across her pelvis, pivoting on his feet to sweep her into the sand. The blades were on a practise setting and left scorching welts upon her skin. He let out a roaring laugh and spoke in his calming Festian accent,

 

“If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man… or in your case a better Anzati.” 

 

He offered her a hand which she grasped with scarred and nail-bitten fingers and jumped to her feet. This form was vastly less strong than her first, but much more lithe and dexterous, another change she was getting used to. 

 

“Always bond your blade to your hands, weave it to you with the Force’s Embrace. You know this.” 

 

His tone carried disappointment but also understanding, but it did not make the hit to her self-confidence any less. Hate of herself rose unbidden, but she confined it again in its cage in her mind. She would work against it later, she could not afford to allow it to undermine her strength today. 

 

The polarm shot into her hands as she focused upon its form. She could no longer hear the song, how she had always found the force before, now all she had was hunger and a Revanchist’s resolve. To place the universe right, to destroy the Sith and their evil. It was a colder view of the force, no more was the life of the song attuned to her, and only through dispassionate focus could the Force answer her. 

 

Kyrie fed her self-loathing into the foci of her resolve and let it form into fire, tendrils of light bound her weapon to her hands and the wooden blade sprang to life with silvered flame. A revanchist’s resolve; to fight until the Sith were eradicated and the torturous enslavement of the dark side was banished into the Maw. Only then could she die and finally rest. In truth she hated the whole galaxy for the burden of it. 

 

I will protect those I hate. Even if the one I hate the most is myself.

 

The Revanchist steaded her feet within the sand, feeling the rough grains bite into her feet. She lowered her center of gravity by bending her knees and began to circle the larger man, letting her natural litheness reset her into the more predatory and aggressive form, Ataru in a way she had modified for her spear-like weapon.  

 

Helden was fond of Niman form, utilizing both his weapon and the Force to overwhelm and disorient his opponents, so she circled him with caution, slinking through the sand like a Vornskr stalking its prey. She held her weapon one handed, the polearm’s handle adjacent to her forearm, steadied against her shoulder, the blade tracing down through the sand, leaving a wisping trail of silver flame. Kyrie breathed in his scent, allowing her hunger to focus on him. 

 

There… 

 

She could almost see his intention, a half dozen combinations of attacks to offset her balance and destroy her. The choices cycled as he turned, starting to narrow in upon her footwork. She answered the intent by slowing her right leg, and he immediately focused on it. 

 

Trap laid. 

 

As the sand shifted  beneath her right foot, the Anzati girl sprang from her left foot, spinning into a crouch and animalistically transitioned her form into a hasty stance of Djem So, lowering herself even closer to the sand, but that itself was a trap. He advanced on the defensive posture with confidence but she bounded into his advance, channeling the Force through her legs, the lower posture giving her more momentum in her vaulting jump. She directed the leap to his saber attacking side, letting his momentum bring him into her blade. The tip of her weapon smashed into his gut, and she passed behind him, driving the pommel into the ground as if to impale the larger man on a stake and leapt on his back. The Exorcist channelled his faltering momentum into his off-foot and rode him into the sand where his pained laughter  began to filter through. 

 

“Godsdamn, Kyrie. I haven’t seen you fight like that.” 

 

He tossed her off of him, and she landed gracefully on her feet, sliding into her true form-stance, that of Juyo, a ferocious spirit rising from her in the Force, tinged with hunger. 

 

“Godsdamn dirty that wa-”

 

An officer pointedly coughed on the side of the practice ring, drawing their attention. Kyrie stood swiftly, embarrassed for not noticing him earlier. 

 

“Message for you, Master Kyrie. Of some urgency.”  

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Svata followed suit, closing his eyes as The Sarlaac spoke. His instructors on Raka Nwul had initiated him into the mysteries of the Force, teaching him to touch the power that had been with him all his life. However, he had yet to actually wield it.


Svata relaxed and searched for the peace through which the Force could be perceived, an old friend embracing him in warmth and strength. Svata had initially had difficulty perceiving the Force, having ignored it for so long that opening his eyes to its presence was as difficult as feeling his own heartbeat just by standing still. The trick to overcoming this handicap, as it turned out, had been to use something Svata had in abundance.


Memories.


Svata spoke, voice smooth and calming. Beside him, Parami played a low, sleepy song, integrating with and supporting Svata's reassuring words. He spoke of Hava, an ancient ryn of cunning and loyalty, and his many acts as he traveled the galaxy and founded the Dragostes and their four brother clans. He spoke of Hava's wisdom as he challenged alien rulers and outwitted terrible monsters, and how he brought his family through it all to prosper in peace. And throughout the story was Sarami's music, as lovely as her, rising and falling in soporific tones. Her nose's flutelike timbre blended seamlessly with her low humming, the two separate melodies harmonizing into something wordless and warm.

In the hammock before them, strung between two starship frame struts, their youngest son still shuddered in fear, but his nightmare was already fading as his parents reassured him. His breathing slowed and deepened, and Svata saw his eyes close midway through the tale.

He didn't stop until he'd finished the whole story. He didn't want the moment to end.



Peace came over Svata. The bitter taste of loss briefly tinged the memory, but Svata moved past it with well worn acceptance. He had lost much, it was true, but he would not lose the man of that precious moment.


He could feel the Force, ever present and ever constant, extending through and beyond him. He reached out, his hands mirroring the motions of his mind, and grasped it.

He couldn't describe how it felt. It was like swimming in an ocean, like holding a sun, like taking a deep breath, and yet it wasn't really like any of that. Did it respond to his will, or was he responding to it? Were his emotions feeding into it, or was the Force giving them to him? He couldn't tell where the Force began and where he ended, if there even was a distinction.

Before him, The Sarlaac was indistinguishable in the Force, just a part of the background, as impossible to spot as a droplet in a stream.

He acted as The Sarlaac instructed, turning the flow of the Force inward. He struggled, forcing himself to remain calm. If he tried to force it, it would only slip from him.

For a second, he held it, the Force flowing back into him, concealing him. Then he lost his grip, and his breath that he hadn't known he was holding escaped. Still, not bad for a first try.

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