Star Wars: The RPG ~ Episode VII: Dawn of the New Republic IC Thread

[Byrd Man]

​

New Cov

The Falcon leaps out of hyperspace and the forest planet appears on the monitor.

"We're here," I announce to Lando.

"I can see that. Are we in range for HoloNet transmissions?"

"Should be. What's going on?"

"I want to check the market, see how some of my stocks are doing...seeing as how the New Republic is currently fighting over my mining facility."

"Don't worry. Everything will work out okay."

Lando turns towards the computer and brings up the HoloNet. He gasps after a few seconds.

"Han, listen."
​

​

HNN: HOLONET NEWS SPECIAL REPORT ​

BREAKING NEWS!​

[BLACKOUT]
“Moments ago, Provisional Councilor Borsk Fey’la was shot in his apartment in what appears to have been an assassination plot. Four Coruscant Security officers were found dead at the scene. The attacker has not been found, and local police forces are temporarily closing off public starports and transits in the Senatorial District.

“Fey’la was rushed to the district’s First Core Hospital after back-up security officers arrived at the scene and found the Councilor collapsed on his bedroom floor, along with the bodies of two other officers. Doctors confirmed that Fey’la was wounded with two blaster shots and is currently in critical condition. Doctors chose not to comment on whether they believed the Councilor would survive.

“As a final security measure, the police have escorted all on-world Provisional Councilors to a safe, undisclosed location. Councilor Organa is currently en route to Rodia on a diplomatic mission. Officials are currently contacting her to inform her of the situation.”
[/BLACKOUT]

Chewie roars loudly and I slam my fist into the control console.

"I don't care about Fey'la, but it's Leia."

"Mrrr!"

"I know."

I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. This mission is important, but Leia is in jeopardy. For all I know she's...no, don't think it. Everything will be alright.

"Han," Lando says. "Let me down in New Cov. I'll meet with Karrde and his friend and you can go to Rodia. We'll discuss terms of a deal and I'll get them back to Coruscant and then we can work on getting the Katana fleet in New Republic hands."

I nod and begin speeding towards New Cov's surface.

*****​

Lando says goodbye to Chewie and I and then lets out to meet the smuggler. We get the Falcon back out into space and then back into hyperspace as fast as possible.

It'll take a few hours to get to Rodia, and right now that seems like an eternity.

 

[wiegeabo]

I shake my head at Skywalker, "I'm not your lightsaber killer, Jedi. I'd like to catch whoever is killing Force sensitives. They are depriving me of possible apprentices for the New Sith."

I can't tell if he's lying. His darkness clouds my senses. But I get the strange feeling that he's not. Which actually disturbs me more. Because someone else is still out there.

"Doesn't matter. You're a criminal and I'm taking you -" Joran! NO!

I feel a twinge in the Force as the younger warrior charges me. I bat away his attack, sidestep him, and drive my boot into his chin with a high leg kick. The sound of the impact is sickening, and blood spurts from his mouth, "You should have listened to your master."

I swing down with one end of my saber for the killing stroke, only to be blocked by Skywalker, "I'm disappointed, Master Jedi. I figured your apprentices would be less sloppy. This one's emotions are out of control."

My blade blocks his and shove him across the room with the Force. Then I reach out to the ceiling, and bring a huge section down between us. "At least my apprentices can still stand."

I reach out to help Joran up. "I need you to go to Leia so I don't have to worry about her. Let me concentrate on the Sith."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

After being stunned by Acheron's attack, Luke helps me to my feet. I feel a sudden surge of anger flow through me, but I subdue it, calming myself. Then I reignite my lightsaber and begin to move toward Acheron. However, I feel something in the Force, almost as if Luke is tugging on me, holding me back.

"I need you to go to Leia so I don't have to worry about her. Let me concentrate on the Sith."

I look to him, then the Sith...I hesitate for a moment before I shut down my lightsaber.

"Yes, Master." I say, then reluctantly go inside to find Organa in the grand conference chambers.

 

[Carnage27]

As the younger Jedi leaves, I circle Skywalker and twirl my double-bladed lightsaber, "I feel the fear within you, Jedi. You hide it well, but it is there."

I attack with a quick flurry, driving the Master back, "You fear that you are not ready to teach these children. You fear they will turn out like your father, or his master."

I attack again and send a jolt of Force lightning into Skywalker's chest, sending him staggering backwards. I pounce on him, attempting to drive one of my blades into his chest. He brings his lightsaber up to block the strike, and I press with all my strength, "You will fail, Jedi. The Sith will rule the galaxy once again."

 

[wiegeabo]

I can't afford to underestimate Archeron. Despite my control, he can sense my apprehension at creating a new Order. But the door swings both ways.

"And I can feel your rage, your greed." I throw a quick strike, but it's easily deflected. But I only need to keep him off balance."You claim those give you power, but they will only be your undoing. I've seen it before. Sith cannot coexist. Eventually your apprentices will rise up, and one of you will fall. You've already lost, Archeron. You just don't know it yet."

I throw my lightsaber to the side, taking the momentary distraction to Force dash inside Archeron's reach and drive my elbow into his face. He staggers back, and I call my lightsaber to me. I swing before Archeron can pull away, grazing him across the side before he deflects my blade.

 

[Carnage27]

I can't afford to underestimate Archeron. Despite my control, he can sense my apprehension at creating a new Order. But the door swings both ways.

"And I can feel your rage, your greed." I throw a quick strike, but it's easily deflected. But I only need to keep him off balance."You claim those give you power, but they will only be your undoing. I've seen it before. Sith cannot coexist. Eventually your apprentices will rise up, and one of you will fall. You've already lost, Archeron. You just don't know it yet."

I throw my lightsaber to the side, taking the momentary distraction to Force dash inside Archeron's reach and drive my elbow into his face. He staggers back, and I call my lightsaber to me. I swing before Archeron can pull away, grazing him across the side before he deflects my blade.

The pain sears through my body, but I use it to my advantage. I push against Skywalker and send him stumbling back, and shoot arcs of Force lightening into his lightsaber. I can feel his pain, and it feels good.

"You're wrong, Skywalker. The Sith coexisted in the past. Look to history. Ancient history to you, but familiar to me. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Your leaders see us as a dead or fringe threat. But we will rebuild the old order, and again your temple and capitol will burn. Just as this building will burn."

I pull a device off my belt an press a command into it, and the building rocks beneath us as a powerful explosion rips through its insides. I power down my lightsaber and turn to Skywalker before leaving, "We will meet again, Skywalker."

In a flash, I disappear, and head back to my ship.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

It is only moments after helping the Twi'lek Mission to the grand council chambers that the entire building shakes.

"Oh My!" the prissy protocol droid shrieks as the entire building begins to rock.

Dono and the other Mandalorian bring their blaster rifles to bear more out of habit than anything else, standing in front of Organa and the other ambassadors in the room with us.

After a few more seconds, the intricately ornated pillars of the grand chamber begin to crack, and before we know it the pillars start to come down, along with the ceiling that they support...right on top of us. The last thing I remember seeing is a massive wall of rock and durasteel falling directly toward us.

Without thinking, I reach out with the Force and grab the falling debris, suspending it just meters over our heads.

"Go. I don't know how long I can hold this."

Dono looks at me, and I can see his surprise even behind his helmet.

"Vod'ika..." he says, almost mournfully.

"Go! Get the councilor and the others to safety."

"I'm not leaving you. If you meet your end today, I'll meet it with you."

"Get out Dono, the others are going to need you. Take care of Nyna and Kelsa for me...they're going to need you."

Dono looks at me for another moment, then nods and reluctantly turns to gather the others.

With sweat running down my face from my exertion on the Force, I watch as Dono leads the others out of the grand chambers. When I am sure that they have cleared the building, I release my control over the Force, and the last thing I see is the ceiling of the grand chambers coming down to meet me.

 

[wiegeabo]

I throw my lightsaber at Archeron, but he's just too fast. My blade just slices uselessly into a wall. I reach out to retrieve it as the entire chamber shakes violently. Tucking my saber into my belt, I run off towards the others. We have to get out of here now.

It takes a few extra seconds to make my way to grand chamber while I try to keep my footing and dodge falling debris.

"Oh Master Luke! It's horrible!"

"It's ok, Threepio. We can still get out."

"No, sir. I mean, yes sir, but, it's not that, sir."

I look at Leia. "What happened?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I throw my lightsaber at Archeron, but he's just too fast. My blade just slices uselessly into a wall. I reach out to retrieve it as the entire chamber shakes violently. Tucking my saber into my belt, I run off towards the others. We have to get out of here now.

It takes a few extra seconds to make my way to grand chamber while I try to keep my footing and dodge falling debris.

"Oh Master Luke! It's horrible!"

"It's ok, Threepio. We can still get out."

"No, sir. I mean, yes sir, but, it's not that, sir."

I look at Leia."What happened?"

I struggle to meet Luke's gaze. I don't know how to tell him what had just happened, so I begin explaining the events that had just unfolded...only to find that I just could not find the words.

I pause for a moment, noting the look of concern on Luke's face, and I just begin telling him. My years of abassadorial training all but forgotten in the face of my brother.

"There was some sort of detination. The entire chamber began to collapse all around us, we all would have died if it weren't for your student..." I pause as I try to recall his name.

"Joren. He...he saved us."

 

[wiegeabo]

I struggle to meet Luke's gaze. I don't know how to tell him what had just happened, so I begin explaining the events that had just unfolded...only to find that I just could not find the words.

I pause for a moment, noting the look of concern on Luke's face, and I just begin telling him. My years of abassadorial training all but forgotten in the face of my brother.

"There was some sort of detination. The entire chamber began to collapse all around us, we all would have died if it weren't for your student..." I pause as I try to recall his name.

"Joren. He...he saved us."

My eyes go wide. I shake my head. "No..." I try to reach out with the Force, but my emotions are all over the place.

"No, he can make it."

"Luke."

The building shakes again. "Go. All of you, get out of here. Get to safety. I'll get Joran."

SNAP-HISS

I start swiping at the debris with one hand as the other picks up rocks in a Force grip and tosses them to the side.

 

[Carnage27]

​

A violent tremor rocks the ground below me, and I look up from the Sith prisoner to see the council chambers begin to buckle and collapse. Debris begins to rain down from the sky.

A group of civilians rush from inside, attempting to save themselves from the carnage within, but a pillar leans and begins to fall towards them. Grunting, I turn away from the Sith and devote all my concentration to the pillar, calling out through the Force, and attempting to slow it's fall.

I feel a slight tug as Invictus uses the Force to snag his lightsaber off my belt, no doubt escaping with the Wookie. I concentrate hard on the stone slab, and change it's trajectory, saving the fleeing Rodians.

I catch my breath and sheath my sword on my back as I feel a moment of extreme panic from inside, followed by the calm of Master Skywalker.

"You've got to be insane to go in there," I say to myself. "But then again you are talking to yourself..."

Rushing into the crumbling council chambers, I use the Force to guide me unharmed to Master Skywalker, who is moving rubble in the center of the building, "Master! What's going on?!"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Darkness surrounds me.

As I lay burried beneath the rubble that had once been the Grand Council Chambers of Rodia, the events of the past few minutes race through my mind.

At first it is all fuzzy, but as the seconds tick by everything comes back. The explosion, the walls caving in on us...everyone else getting to safety.

Then darkness.

The pain racks my body, I fight to get loose from the rubble, but I can't move, I can barely breath.

Then I feel something else.

I can feel Luke outside what was once the grand chamber, digging through the rubble trying to reach me. Though, I know that he'll never make it in time.

Suddenly snapped from the brink of unconsciousness, I reach out with the Force...and feel movement from the rubble that entombs me.

 

[Byrd Man]

​

I've remained silent and still through Archeron's fight. Watching every move Skywalker and the Jedi make...along with every move my master makes. They all get filed away for future use.

Archeron brings the building down and runs, allowing Tyvokk and I a chance to run.

While the Jedi guarding me is distracted, I slip the two lightsabers off his belt and run to where Tyvokk is slowly recovering.

"Let's go."

He growls in agreement and we begin to run away. I stop momentarily and search out to the young Jedi's mind.

"Huc Vondar," I say under my breath. "You are indeed a capable warrior, no matter how misguided. I look forward to our next meeting."

With the Wookie running point, we trek through the jungle and arrive at Archeron's ship in quick time.​

 

[wiegeabo]

Dropping my lightsaber, I use both hands to guide a massive section of former ceiling into the air. Do, or do not. There is no try...

Rushing into the crumbling council chambers, I use the Force to guide me unharmed to Master Skywalker, who is moving rubble in the center of the building, "Master! What's going on?!"

"Huc! It's Joran. He's trapped!"

 

[Byrd Man]

​

Rodia

With a flicker of pseudo-motion, the Falcon leaps out of Hyperspace and Rodia comes into view.

"Let's go down. We need to find Leia and make sure she's okay."

​

***********​

With the ship docked, Chewie and I are on the way to the council chambers when an alarm rings out.

"Uh-oh," I say. Removing my blaster, I rush towards the chamber building with Chewie running in my wake, his bowcaster at the ready.
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

[YT]gui-3keA1zQ[/YT]

With the movement of the rubble around me, I feel a renewed sense of hope. My mind suddenly becomes clear, no longer hampered by the cloudiness that had been present since the building collapsed around me.

I can feel Luke, still outside the entrance to the former council chambers. He has not given up on me, I can feel him...frantically trying to save me. He has been joined by Huc, and I can sense some of the others, sifting through the rubble trying to dig me out with their hands.

I gather myself and reach out with the Force.

The rubble around me continues to move. At first, it comes as a slight shifting in the rubble, barely noticable amongst the wreckage. But then the fallen stone and durasteel seemingly explodes around me, freeing me from my would-be tomb.

I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. After taking a few beats to gather myself further I get to my feet and make my way, stumbling out of the ruined chamber...much to the amazement to Luke and the others.

 

[Carnage27]

​

I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with fresh air for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. After taking a few beats to gather myself further I get to my feet and make my way, stumbling out of the ruined chamber...much to the amazement to Luke and the others.

"Astral..." I almost can't believe what I'm seeing, but after all my training I can't say I'm surprised. The power the other trainees and I wield is amazing, and it's no surprised Master Skywalker wants to bring our kind back into the forefront of the Galaxy.

We can be the symbols of hope and peace that inspire others to be the best they can be. We can protect those that need protecting...

Another rumble shakes the building, and I'm sure the rest of the thing is about to come down around us, "Maybe now would be a good time to get as far away from here as possible?"

 

[Byrd Man]

With Chewie bringing up the rear, I come to a skidding stop in front of the collapsed building.

The first thing I see are...Jedi?

"Luke," I yell to grab my friend's attention.

"What's going on?"

Chewie starts to roar, I can hear the worry and agitation in his voice. The life debt that was once put on me has now been shifted to Leia as well. My best friend will give his life to save her and me if need be.

"Easy, Chewie," I say to reassure him. "We'll find out what's going on."

Turning back to Luke and his students, I put my blaster back in its holster.

"Where's Leia?"
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

While Luke and the others had been digging for the Jedi Joren, the young Mandalorian girl had ushered Winter, Threepio, and myself toward our ship. However, while we were making our way to the safety of the ship, I heard the familiar sound of a Wookie battle cry coming from over the hill toward the site of the battle with the Sith warriors.

I look toward the ruins of the council chambers and see something that I am not ready for, yet at the same time makes me feel reassured and safe....Han and Chewie.

Against my better judgement, and with a great deal of protest from my protectors, I leave the ship and make my way back toward the ruins as fast as my feet can carry me.

With Chewie bringing up the rear, I come to a skidding stop in front of the collapsed building.​

The first thing I see are...Jedi?​

"Luke," I yell to grab my friend's attention.​

"What's going on?"​

Chewie starts to roar, I can hear the worry and agitation in his voice. The life debt that was once put on me has now been shifted to Leia as well. My best friend will give his life to save her and me if need be.​

"Easy, Chewie," I say to reassure him. "We'll find out what's going on."​

Turning back to Luke and his students, I put my blaster back in its holster.​

"Where's Leia?"​

I come up behind the group standing around the rubble.


"I'm here, Han."

 

[Byrd Man]

I come up behind the group standing around the rubble.

"I'm here, Han."

I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Chewie growls in approval.

"Thank God. I was seriously worried."

I look around at the two young men with Luke. I know one of them. Joren Kel, I think his name is. The other boy I don't know, although he looks like a Corellian.

"Although with Jedi here, I guess I shouldn't have been too worried. I saw that someone tried to kill Fey'lya. The idiots practically advertised where you were. Came as quick as I good, although doesn't seem like I got here fast enough."

 

[Carnage27]

"Although with Jedi here, I guess I shouldn't have been too worried. I saw that someone tried to kill Fey'lya. The idiots practically advertised where you were. Came as quick as I good, although doesn't seem like I got here fast enough."

By the Force! It's Han Solo. THE Han Solo. A true Corellian hero, and my idol. He's the reason I wanted to become a great pilot. And Chewbacca! This is amazing!

Wait, that means the Millennium Falcon is here! I may pass out.

I go and offer my hand to him, "It's an honor to meet you, General Solo. I'm Huc Vondar, Jedi apprentice formerly CorSec. I hope you don't mind me saying, but you've been my hero since I was eight."

 

[Byrd Man]

I go and offer my hand to him, "It's an honor to meet you, General Solo. I'm Huc Vondar, Jedi apprentice formerly CorSec. I hope you don't mind me saying, but you've been my hero since I was eight."

Eight? Am I really that old?

I shake Huc's hand and smile.

"I thought you looked Corellian. Nice to meet you, Huc. CorSec, huh? Good man, serving your planet like that. I thought about CorSec one time, but I wanted to see the galaxy. I joined the Empire instead. In hindsight maybe not the best decision, but it opened doors for me."

 

[wiegeabo]

The explosion of debris catches us all by surprise. But what shocks my most is the sheer Force power that emanates from its center. And standing there is Joran, looking just as surprised as the rest of us.

Do, or do not. There is no try...

Well, apparently he did.

With Huc's suggestion that we leave, and the building's groaning agreeing with him, we run outside. The final death knell of structure roars behind us as it all comes down.

Outside, we breath heavily, but I hear a sound that instantly makes me feel better.

"Luke," I yell to grab my friend's attention.

"What's going on?"

Chewie starts to roar, I can hear the worry and agitation in his voice. The life debt that was once put on me has now been shifted to Leia as well. My best friend will give his life to save her and me if need be.

"Easy, Chewie," I say to reassure him. "We'll find out what's going on."

Turning back to Luke and his students, I put my blaster back in its holster.

"Where's Leia?"

But Leia answers his question before I can. Their feelings for each other wash over me, and I think back to the first time they met. It makes me grin.

I interrupt Huc as he shakes Han's hand and forgets to stop shaking it. "Huc, grab an arm," I say as I wrap Joran's arm around my shoulders to help support him.

"As great as it is to see you two, I think we've overstayed our welcome."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Eight? Am I really that old?

I shake Huc's hand and smile.

"I thought you looked Corellian. Nice to meet you, Huc. CorSec, huh? Good man, serving your planet like that. I thought about CorSec one time, but I wanted to see the galaxy. I joined the Empire instead. In hindsight maybe not the best decision, but it opened doors for me."

I can't help but smile at the look on Han's face when the young Jedi student tells him just how long he's been a fan. Han was never really good with the public adulation that comes with being a well know galactic hero.

After Luke summons Huc to assist in helping Joren away to the ships, I slowly put my arms around Han.


"I can't believe you came. I'm glad you did though...you're a sight for sore eyes."

 

[Byrd Man]

"I can't believe you came. I'm glad you did though...you're a sight for sore eyes."

"Same here."

I give Leia a quick peck on the lips.

"Boy have I got a story to tell you once we're out of here. Pretty important to the New Republic, actually..."

I swallow hard and take a deep breath before going to the next part.

"There's something I want to ask you, but it can wait until we're off planet and safely away from here. Just remind me to tell you both things, okay?"