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

[Carnage27]

My ship drops out of hyperspace, which shakes me from the rest I was trying to catch. Warnings go off in my cockpit, and I realize I'm running out of fuel. Luckily, I've stopped at Dantooine.

I plot a course towards one of the bigger settlements on the planet, and set down on an open landing pad. Hopping out of the cockpit, a mechanic approaches me, "Whatta need, son?"

"Just some fuel," I say, smiling. "And if you can, make sure nothing is too banged up. I ran into some pirates and had to hightail it out of there, but they squeezed a few shots off before I did."

"No problem, boy," he nods. "You got credits, right?"

"Yea," I say. "I'm going to go walk around a bit. I'll be back in a few hours."

The mechanic merely shrugs his shoulders as I walk off towards the fields of Dantooine. A strong Force presence draws me towards them, and I can't help but go check it out.

After about a half hour of walking, I come upon a set of huge ruins of what looks to be an old Jedi temple. I walk towards the crumbling infrastructure, feeling the Force flows of times past. The power that surrounds the place is like none I've ever felt before.

As I walk through the crumbling halls, it's almost as if I can hear whispers from times long past. I feel the presence of ancient Jedi...and others from that time.

But then the feelings change, and are almost immediately replaced by those of hate and malice. I hear a lightsaber activate behind me.

With a snap-hiss, an orange blade springs from my lightsaber hilt, and I bring the blade up to deflect the other's attack. I then swing my blade over my head, pushing the attacker back away, but the feelings I'm getting from him makes me on my toes.

Because I've fought him before.

"Hello, Jedi Vodar."

"Darth Vindictus," I mutter as the two of us rush each other.
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

After dropping out of hyperspace, it takes a moment for Joren's brain to process what his eyes were seeing. Growing up on Nar Shaddaa, Joren had heard stories of The Errant Venture. However, none of the tales he's heard does the ship any justice.

There's just something unsettling about the red star destroyer.

And somewhere in that instant, he knows exactly why Terrik uses the ship as his base of operations, and he finds a newfound respect for the supposedly reformed smuggler.

The man knows how to make an impression.

After a few moments of drifting silently toward the Venture, Joren finally picks up the com.

"Alright everyone, let's get ready...It's about time to join the party."

Just then the Dreams' com system comes to life, and the voice of one of the Errant Venture's com officers fills the cockpit demanding confirmation of the ship's identity. After taking identifying himself both vocally and then by confirming his identity by sending the Dreams' transponder code to the Venture, Joren is allowed access to the docking bay.

After confirming the identity of the Dreams, the docking bay on the Errant Venture opens, followed by instructions by the ship's com officer on where to land.

Joren carefully manuvers the Dreams into place, and gently touches down on the deck. Looking out the viewport, he can see some familiar faces among the small crowd grouped around one of the other ships. He can make out the distinct form of Han Solo's Wookie, as well as Solo himself and Leia Organa, along with some people we doesn't recognize.

Seeing this as a chance to hand over Servus and be done with the "Lightsaber Killer" fiasco forever, he calls down to Nyna and Dono.

"Hey, get our cargo ready. We're gonna hand him over to the Councilor."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Leia watches as The Darq Dreams touches down on the docking bay in front of her, a feeling of relief washing over her. When she had initially reached out to Ordo and the other Mandalorian commandos who had helped her on the failed mission to Rodia, she hadn't expected that she would also be securing the aid of some of her brother's students as well, but when Ordo had commed ahead to tell her that he had run into the crew of the Dreams on Corellia, she was glad to leard that they had agreed to help as well.​

She looked on with Han, Chewie and Booster Terrik at her side as the loading ramp was lowered to the deck. After a few moments, she saw movement and then saw the Mandalorian who travels with Luke's student descend the ramp, followed by the two females, and lastly by Joren. However, she sees that Joren is using the Force to guide something down the ramp in front of him, and it takes her a few seconds before she recognizes the object.​

And her heart sinks.​

It is an object that she has seen over and over in her nightmares ever since that fateful day in Cloud City.​

The day that Darth Vader had ambushed them in an effort to set a trap for Luke.​

A carbonite block.​

She is instantly transported back to Bespin, watching as Vader lowers Han into the freezing chamber and activates it. She'll never forget the look of agony flash frozen on Han's face...she'll never forget just how alone in the universe she suddenly felt.​

Joren and the others approach her with the carbonite block, lowering it to the deck as they stop in front of her.​

"Councilor Organa." Joren says, nodding to her. "I'd like to turn over to you, custody of Darth Servus, the Lightsaber Killer."​

Leia opens her mouth to speak, but the words don't come. Instead, her mouth is suddenly dry as she looks down into the face of a killer, the expression he wears strikingly similar to the one worn by Han after he had been frozen in carbonite years earlier.​

"Thank you." She finally manages to say.​

"Booster, could you please have someone show the crew of the Dreams to their quarters?"​

"Of course, Princess."​

"Thank you." She says, as she forces a smile and extends it to Joren and the others as they continue on past her, escorted by a member of the Errant Venture security team to their quarters.​

She stands there, staring down into the eyes of Servus for several moments before she brings her eyes to meet Han's gaze. She's had a hard time looking him in the eyes, because she knows how the sight of the killer frozen in carbonite has effected her, she can only image what he is feeling.​

"I need to call Luke." ​

 

[wiegeabo]

"Not bad," I answer. "Especially considering I've just filled one of the spots on my roster. This is Andoorni."

The two exchange pleasentries, and Corran introduces himself to his new Squadron mate. The other man, the one Luke was obviously fighting, still seems distant and aloof, almost as if he's on another world.

"So," I say to Luke, "shall we get off this rock? I think we've garnered way too much attention here as is."

"Sound good to me."

I look down at the man I was just fighting. He sits on the ground numbly, a million miles away. I reach my hand down to him. "You coming?"

He looks up at me in confusion. And he's not the only one. Wedge and Boloon can't believe what they're seeing either. I just smile and extend my hand a little more. Kam grabs it and I pull him to his feet. His eyes glance momentarily at his lightsaber in my belt.

"You can go for it, and we can fight again. Or you can go off on your own. Or...you can come with us, and maybe find a new way."

Kam looks at me and the others, and his glance returns to his weapon. But he just nods his head. I have a feeling this is going to be interesting.

I turn back to the task at hand. "Where do we go from here? We couldn't get a lead on where the Dreams went."

"Corellia."

We look at Kam. "What?"

"The other Jedi went to Corellia."

"How do you know this?"

"Because I was going to follow them."

"To kill them."

Kam nods. "And to meet up with the one they were chasing. I have been following him for some time."

"To join forces?"

Kam nods again. "Or kill him. Whichever came first."

I give Wedge a look. "Corellia it is."

 

[Byrd Man]

Leia watches as The Darq Dreams touches down on the docking bay in front of her, a feeling of relief washing over her. When she had initially reached out to Ordo and the other Mandalorian commandos who had helped her on the failed mission to Rodia, she hadn't expected that she would also be securing the aid of some of her brother's students as well, but when Ordo had commed ahead to tell her that he had run into the crew of the Dreams on Corellia, she was glad to leard that they had agreed to help as well.​

She looked on with Han, Chewie and Booster Terrik at her side as the loading ramp was lowered to the deck. After a few moments, she saw movement and then saw the Mandalorian who travels with Luke's student descend the ramp, followed by the two females, and lastly by Joren. However, she sees that Joren is using the Force to guide something down the ramp in front of him, and it takes her a few seconds before she recognizes the object.​

And her heart sinks.​

It is an object that she has seen over and over in her nightmares ever since that fateful day in Cloud City.​

The day that Darth Vader had ambushed them in an effort to set a trap for Luke.​

A carbonite block.​

She is instantly transported back to Bespin, watching as Vader lowers Han into the freezing chamber and activates it. She'll never forget the look of agony flash frozen on Han's face...she'll never forget just how alone in the universe she suddenly felt.​

Joren and the others approach her with the carbonite block, lowering it to the deck as they stop in front of her.​

"Councilor Organa." Joren says, nodding to her. "I'd like to turn over to you, custody of Darth Servus, the Lightsaber Killer."​

Leia opens her mouth to speak, but the words don't come. Instead, her mouth is suddenly dry as she looks down into the face of a killer, the expression he wears strikingly similar to the one worn by Han after he had been frozen in carbonite years earlier.​

"Thank you." She finally manages to say.​

"Booster, could you please have someone show the crew of the Dreams to their quarters?"​

"Of course, Princess."​

"Thank you." She says, as she forces a smile and extends it to Joren and the others as they continue on past her, escorted by a member of the Errant Venture security team to their quarters.​

She stands there, staring down into the eyes of Servus for several moments before she brings her eyes to meet his gaze. She's had a hard time looking him in the eyes, because she knows how the sight of the killer frozen in carbonite has effected her, she can only image what he is feeling.​

"I need to call Luke." ​

Carbonite.

I hate that word. I hate even thinking about that word.

Being frozen in Carbonite is one of the worst things you can do to a person. Imagine being frozen alive, but not in ice. Your whole world is a deep darkness. You don't know which way is up, what time of day it is. You're not sure where you are and if you're even alive. Now picture being like this for months and months at a time.

Yeah, I have a real problem with Carbonite.

"Yeah, go ahead and call Luke," I say to Leia as I turn away. This guy is a Sith murderer, but I still can't look at it without being reminded of my own time frozen.

"Chewie, go help Joren and the crew load him up into our shuttle."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

Zsinj stands on the bridge of the Iron Fist, eagerly anticipating leaving the orbit of Dathomir, the world that has served as his de facto home since the defeat of the Empire at the Battle of Endor...and he has grown to hate the planet. However, soon he and his fleet will be leaving the planet behind once a small task force returns to the ship from a covert mission planet side.

Zsinj stands up straight as Captain Tylon approaches him, he too has found a certain bounce in his step that has been missing for quite some time...an eagerness for a true test of his fleet's abilities.

"Sir, I just got word from Alpha Squadron, they have secured our...guests and we are ready to deploy for Zeltros on your order."

"Very good. However, we are not going to Zeltros Captain. Only those ships I have specifically designated will be involved in the attack on Zeltros."

"But sir, there are only four Star Destroyers specifically designated for Zeltros. Surely you don't expect to take an entire planet..."he is cut off.

"No Captain, I don't. Zeltros is of no concern to me."

"Sir?"

"The rebels must only think that our true target is Zeltros, while they rush off to defend that hedonistic rock, will will strike at our actual target, and criple the Rebel Alliance once and for all."

Tylon straightens as he understands what Zsinj is telling him.

"Captain, give the order. It is time for the Zeltros occupation force to depart for their mission. The rest of the fleet will accompany us to the Beshqek System."

"As you command sir." Tylon says as he salutes his superior officer and takes his leave to relay the Grand Moff's orders to the rest of the fleet.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

Carbonite.

I hate that word. I hate even thinking about that word.

Being frozen in Carbonite is one of the worst things you can do to a person. Imagine being frozen alive, but not in ice. Your whole world is a deep darkness. You don't know which way is up, what time of day it is. You're not sure where you are and if you're even alive. Now picture being like this for months and months at a time.

Yeah, I have a real problem with Carbonite.

"Yeah, go ahead and call Luke," I say to Leia as I turn away. This guy is a Sith murderer, but I still can't look at it without being reminded of my own time frozen.

"Chewie, go help Joren and the crew load him up into our shuttle."

I nod to Han, and begin to leave his side. But I really don't want to. Even after all these years, Han doesn't talk about his time frozen in carbonite...ever. I don't need to use the Force to see that this has really affected him on some level.

But Luke needs to know what has happened. So I reluctantly pull myself away and head toward the bridge of the Errant Venture, with an escort of the ship's emerald clad security force.

Once I get to the bridge, I make my way to the communications officer and dial in to the secret frequency that Luke had given me. I try to gather my thoughts, but the sight of the Lightsaber Killer frozen in carbonite is still fresh in my mind. Finally I gather myself and take the comlink.

"Luke, we need you here. There's something you need to see." I say into the comlink, and await his reply.

 

[Carnage27]

​

Vindictus's lightsaber clashes against mine with all the fury he can muster through the Force, but I twirl my weapon, sending him off balance. I deliver a kick to his hip, which he rolls through and slashes at me again. I flip over the blade, and land, running further into the decrepit temple.

"Scared, Jedi!?" he taunts as he follows me.

In the dark catacombs of the ancient Jedi training area, I wait for him to enter. My lightsaber is deactivated, and I attempt to clam myself in the Force, hiding me from detection. As he enters, his red blade glowing in the darkness of the room. As he passes by me, I activate my weapon and strike out with the blade.

He counters with his own saber, and our orange and red blades are like two light beams dancing in the darkness of the chamber. I feel his anger and malice towards me. We come from similar backgrounds in security forces, but he's like the image of me reflected into shadow. He was corrupt as an official, I can tell. Probably killed someone in the processes. And it makes me sick just thinking about that.

"Yes, I feel hate within you, Jedi," he says while delivering a quick, sweeping slash.

I bat it away and summon the Force to push Vindictus away, sending him tumbling down a small flight of stairs. I twirl my lightsaber and follow him, "No hate. Just determination to stop you and your kind."

"And why would you want to stop me?" he says during a flurry of attacks that I must act quickly and strongly to defend myself from. "I seek to rid the Galaxy of injustice."

I charge him, feigning to the right before quickly attacking his left, he gets his guard back quickly, but not before I cut a chunk out of his shoulder. I back up slowly as he recoils from the pain. "Unfortunately you use murder and subterfuge to do it. Because you aren't strong enough to do it the right way."

His rage builds steadily as I talk, and from the wound on his shoulder. When I finish, his anger is at a fever pitch, "I'll show you strength!"

He rushes me, saber raised and anger over flowing. He slashes wildly at me, pushing me back towards the wall of the room. As he does so, I go to my knees, feigning that he's over powered me. He raises his blade for what he believes is the killing strike, and as he comes down, I deactivate my blade and roll behind him. I summon as much power as I can in the Force and slam him through the wall, and then proceed to bring the room down around him.

Not waiting to see the result, I rush out of the old temple, and back towards my ship. When I reach it, I toss a bunch of credits to the mechanic, and take off from Dantooine. If Vindictus survived, he'd come after me, so I quickly make the final jump towards the Errant Venture.

 

[Carnage27]

We come out of hyperspace above Corellia, and I can't help but smile. I haven't been to my home planet in a long, long time, and just seeing it brings back so many good memories. I plot a course towards my private landing platform in Coronet.

As we're landing, I check my private holopad, and I see I've gotten some responses from former Rogues. I look over at Corran and our new squadmate, "Tycho, Janson, and Hobbie have all received clearance to leave their squads and join back up with the Rogues. Looks like we're doing pretty well."

"Yea, maybe we can relax a little bit at home, huh?" Corran replies with a chuckle.

I give him a sideways look, "When do we ever get to relax, Horn?"

"Very true, boss," he shakes his head.

"So, Luke, are we stopping off at CorSec first?" I ask as I set our ship down. "I figure if anything happened while the kids were here, they'd know about it."
​

 

[Carnage27]

"The Emperor's fleet has arrived," Darth Vader says as I stand next to him. I'm sure he can feel my rush of excitement, but I doubt he cares.

"You lured the Emperor to us?" I ask, semi-amazed.

But then words come from his cold, dead voice that I do not expect, "I did not summon him."

As the Emperor enters behind me, I turn to face him, only to have Vader's crimson blade plunged though my chest. The Emperor commands him to kill me, or he shall destroy us both. I plead with him to spare me so we can kill his master together, but he telepathically tosses me around his chamber, before tossing me trough a view screen into the void of space.

As the vacuum sucks the air out of my body, and my life flickers out...

I wake up in the room on Bespin, the furniture crashes to the ground in a clatter. Sweat pours down my face and I look out of the window into the bright orange sky that surrounds Cloud City.

After grabbing some caf and heading out towards my ship, I sit in the cockpit of the Rogue Shadow. Not knowing where to go next, I take off from Cloud City and punch a few hyperspace commands into the navicomputer, and jump towards Coruscant.

Where else but the center of the Galaxy to find information?

 

[wiegeabo]

We come out of hyperspace above Corellia, and I can't help but smile. I haven't been to my home planet in a long, long time, and just seeing it brings back so many good memories. I plot a course towards my private landing platform in Coronet.

As we're landing, I check my private holopad, and I see I've gotten some responses from former Rogues. I look over at Corran and our new squadmate, "Tycho, Janson, and Hobbie have all received clearance to leave their squads and join back up with the Rogues. Looks like we're doing pretty well."

"Yea, maybe we can relax a little bit at home, huh?" Corran replies with a chuckle.

I give him a sideways look, "When do we ever get to relax, Horn?"

"Very true, boss," he shakes his head.

"So, Luke, are we stopping off at CorSec first?" I ask as I set our ship down. "I figure if anything happened while the kids were here, they'd know about it."
​

"Sounds like a good place to start to me. It'll be nice to be back on a friendly world again."

Wedge puts the ship down with practiced ease. I wouldn't tell Han this, but Wedge is probably the best pilot I've ever seen. Some of the stuff I've seen him do in a fight has almost convinced me he uses the Force, despite knowing he doesn't.

When we exit the craft, there's a small security group waiting for us. It's a bit of a surprise, to be honest. Although, this is Wedge's old stomping grounds. It could easily be a friend of his here to see an old pal.

"Commander Antilles, Master Skywalker," the head of the force says with a respectful nod to both of us. We nod in return. "Master Skywalker, I need to speak with you on an urgent matter."

Wedge and I give each other that same look of 'uh-oh, what'd we miss' that we've given each other for years. "Certainly, Captain."

The Captain looks at everyone in a slightly uncomfortable way. "It is a rather...delicate matter."

"Captain, I trust my friends with my life. Whatever you can say, you can say in front of them." As I say that, I'm glad Kam remained on the ship.

The Captain straightens noticeably. "Very well. Several Jedi arrived here a short time ago tracking someone they called the Lightsaber Killer."

My heart pounds faster as I anticipate the bad news. But I force myself to remain calm. If something happened to one of my students, I'm sure I would have felt it.

"They captured their suspect."

I let out a small breath that I didn't realize I had been holding. Wedge gives me a small reassuring punch on the shoulder. "That's good to-"

"By freezing him in carbonite."

All too easy...

I snap back from the flash of memory and suppress a shudder. "They...froze him in carbonite?"

"Yes, sir. They claimed it was the only way to safely secure him."

"I...see." I notice the Captain's expression. "Is there more?"

"Well, um..." the Captain tugs at his collar as if it's become uncomfortably tight. When he realizes what he's doing, he quickly stops himself. "We tried to hold the here on Corsec, until we could investigate the matter."

"...and?"

"Well, I am not an expert in such matters, but, I believe...that one of them used the Force to convince one of our officers to...let them...leave."

I just stand there, breathing slowly in and out. I can feel Wedge's eyes on me. "I see," is all I can say. I look into the sky for a second as I gather my thoughts. "I need to...send a communication." It's all say as I turn away from the group and walk back onto the ship.

***

I walk into my quarters and sit at the small desk. I let my calm wash away the initial serge of irrational anger, convincing myself that Joran and Huc did what they did for good reason. I sit in quiet meditation for several minutes before I hear the quiet beeping from the console. A message is waiting for me.

I open up the comm channel and wait for it to connect. A familiar face greets me, but the familiar smile is absent.

"Luke, we need you here. There's something you need to see."

I nod my head. "I think I can guess what that is."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Sounds like a good place to start to me. It'll be nice to be back on a friendly world again."

Wedge puts the ship down with practiced ease. I wouldn't tell Han this, but Wedge is probably the best pilot I've ever seen. Some of the stuff I've seen him do in a fight has almost convinced me he uses the Force, despite knowing he doesn't.

When we exit the craft, there's a small security group waiting for us. It's a bit of a surprise, to be honest. Although, this is Wedge's old stomping grounds. It could easily be a friend of his here to see an old pal.

"Commander Antilles, Master Skywalker," the head of the force says with a respectful nod to both of us. We nod in return. "Master Skywalker, I need to speak with you on an urgent matter."

Wedge and I give each other that same look of 'uh-oh, what'd we miss' that we've given each other for years. "Certainly, Captain."

The Captain looks at everyone in a slightly uncomfortable way. "It is a rather...delicate matter."

"Captain, I trust my friends with my life. Whatever you can say, you can say in front of them." As I say that, I'm glad Kam remained on the ship.

The Captain straightens noticeably. "Very well. Several Jedi arrived here a short time ago tracking someone they called the Lightsaber Killer."

My heart pounds faster as I anticipate the bad news. But I force myself to remain calm. If something happened to one of my students, I'm sure I would have felt it.

"They captured their suspect."

I let out a small breath that I didn't realize I had been holding. Wedge gives me a small reassuring punch on the shoulder. "That's good to-"

"By freezing him in carbonite."

All too easy...

I snap back from the flash of memory and suppress a shudder. "They...froze him in carbonite?"

"Yes, sir. They claimed it was the only way to safely secure him."

"I...see." I notice the Captain's expression. "Is there more?"

"Well, um..." the Captain tugs at his collar as if it's become uncomfortably tight. When he realizes what he's doing, he quickly stops himself. "We tried to hold the here on Corsec, until we could investigate the matter."

"...and?"

"Well, I am not an expert in such matters, but, I believe...that one of them used the Force to convince one of our officers to...let them...leave."

I just stand there, breathing slowly in and out. I can feel Wedge's eyes on me. "I see," is all I can say. I look into the sky for a second as I gather my thoughts. "I need to...send a communication." It's all say as I turn away from the group and walk back onto the ship.

***

I walk into my quarters and sit at the small desk. I let my calm wash away the initial serge of irrational anger, convincing myself that Joran and Huc did what they did for good reason. I sit in quiet meditation for several minutes before I hear the quiet beeping from the console. A message is waiting for me.

I open up the comm channel and wait for it to connect. A familiar face greets me, but the familiar smile is absent.

"Luke, we need you here. There's something you need to see."

I nod my head. "I think I can guess what that is."

"Then I'll let Booster know to expect you. I'm transmitting our coordinates to Artoo. Get here when you can." I say, feeling the uneasiness wash over me.

As I find myself hoping that Luke gets here sooner rather than later, there is a knock at my door. I hit the activation switch and the door opens, standing in front of me are two of the Errant Venture's security staff and Threepio. Apparently security didn't want the droid walking the halls of the ship alone.

"Forgive the interruption Your Highness, but Mistress Winter has asked me to inform you that representatives from Navik the Red's Court have comminicated that they are ready to begin negotiations."

"Thank you Threepio. Please let the representatives know that I will be there momentarily."

After Threepio and the security officers leave, I find myself struggling to get into the mindset for these negotiations, and even with my years of diplomatic experience, the events of today have left me unsettled and I have a difficult time getting into the right mindset for negotiations this important.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

​

"Somethings bothering you."

"What?" Joren says.

He is caught off guard by Kelsa's observation, but does not argue the point. She is right, something has been bothering him. Huc hasn't checked in since he left the Dreams in his fighter to distract the Imperials. And Joren is worried about him.

But that isn't all. He's had some time to think about what happened on Corellia with Servus. In the heat of battle, Joren had been ruthless, resorting to freezing his enemy in carbonite in order to neutralize him. It wasn't the most desirable outcome, but Servus is alive and cannot hurt anyone else. It had to be done...

Didn't it?

He had been replaying the events over and over in his mind since they left Coronet, and he is convinced that his actions were justified...but there is a small part of him the questions whether or not he let his anger get the best of him. And if that were the case...He doesn't even want to think of the ramifications that would...or could have.

"Something's bothering you Joren, what is it?" Kelsa presses.

He knows how she feel about him, and he feels the same for her. Dono had introduced them a few years ago and they hit it off right away. They became best friends, and then more. Eventually, their bond became unbreakable the night that they both lost their families. He loves her...and he knows that she loves him, however for some reason they have never been able to say the words. Perhaps that is why it pains him so much to lie to her.

"No, it's nothing. I'm just worried about Huc, he hasn't checked in yet."

"Verd ori'shya beskar'gam." Dono says as he and Nyna enter the living area of the cavernous quarters that Booster Terrik had provided for them.

"Right...." Joren says, letting his friend that he has absolutely no idea what he just said.

"We've been friends since we were kids vod'ika, you'd think you would have learned some Mando'a by now. It's an old Mando saying, it means 'a warrior is more than armor.' That kid has it, I wouldn't worry about him, he'll be fine."

"I hope you're right."

Dono and Nyna come over to where Joren and Kelsa are sitting, and joing them, taking seats on the large nerf hide couch across from them.

"So, what do we do now?" Nyna asks as she rests her head against Dono's shoulder.

"We wait for word from the Councilor that they're ready for us."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

edit.

 

[Carnage27]

My ship drops out of hyperspace, and the view that greets me is surprising to say the least. A bright red Star Destroyer fills the void of space. It's impossible to look at anything else but the odd, and oddly-beautiful sight. I know Terrik was an odd bird...but wow.

I punch my approach vector in, and am immediately hailed by the Errant Venture's deck officer, "Unidentified HLAF-500 fighter, state your business."

"My name is Huc Vondar," I reply. "I'm part of the diplomatic envoy...arriving a little late."

"Ah, you've finally arrived," he says quickly and politely. "I have your name and ship type on my list here. My apologies."

"No problem, sir. You're just doing your job," I reply as I navigate towards the carrier portion of the Venture. I set the craft down lightly, and hop out, my green Jedi robes flowing through the air as I do so.

Strolling confidently through the hanger, a familiar is felt through the Force, and Vartok Ordo's voice comes from behind me, "Su'cuy. Mandokarla." He then chuckles at my confused expression. "It means 'You're still alive' and 'You've got the right stuff'. You'd make a heck of a Mando. That stunt you pulled, it was either incredibly brave, or incredibly stupid."

Vartok is a warrior, through and through. It's amazing how strong he looks in his green Mandalorian armor. I can't help but feel an amazing amount of respect for him. The Mandalorians are some of the most honorable warriors in the galaxy. Sure they can seem ruthless, but they're just good at what they do. And from the little I've seen, Vartok is one of the best.

"I'm a Corellian, Vartok...it was a little bit of both," I laugh back, before I feel Mission's Force presence.

Before I can react, she throws her arms around my neck and gives me a strong hug. It's short lived however, as she composes herself and pulls away. After a few awkward moments of silence and averted eyes, she nods to me and says, "Glad to see you're okay."

"Yea, so am I" I respond sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck with my right hand. "So where is everyone else?"
"Timi, Rik, and Sien are working on the Dralshy'a," she says, pointing over at the ship. "Joren, Dono, and the others from the Dreams are in their quarters. Dad and I are on a patrol. Just making sure everything is okay."

I nod to her in understanding. Mission isn't dressed in her armor, although she does have pieces of it protruding from her new Jedi robes. It's amazing to she her transformation from Mando to Jedi, but then again, I really don't think anyone can stop being Mando. She'll always have that warrior mentality. But if the past few weeks have meant anything, that won't be a problem.

"I'm going to go check in on Joren. I'll see you later," I smile while walking off.

It only takes me an hour to find the rooms designated to us, a small miracle considering I'm on a Star Destroyer. I open Joren's door, and see him, Dono, Nyna, and Kelsa sitting on what looks like extremely comfortable couches.

Man, I'm tired.

Their spirits all rise dramatically as they turn and see me, and smiles paint their faces, well except Dono's. He doesn't really smile much. It's a Mando thing I guess.

"Aw.....you did miss me!" I say jokingly.
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

My ship drops out of hyperspace, and the view that greets me is surprising to say the least. A bright red Star Destroyer fills the void of space. It's impossible to look at anything else but the odd, and oddly-beautiful sight. I know Terrik was an odd bird...but wow.​

I punch my approach vector in, and am immediately hailed by the Errant Venture's deck officer, "Unidentified HLAF-500 fighter, state your business."​

"My name is Huc Vondar," I reply. "I'm part of the diplomatic envoy...arriving a little late."​

"Ah, you've finally arrived," he says quickly and politely. "I have your name and ship type on my list here. My apologies."​

"No problem, sir. You're just doing your job," I reply as I navigate towards the carrier portion of the Venture. I set the craft down lightly, and hop out, my green Jedi robes flowing through the air as I do so.​

Strolling confidently through the hanger, a familiar is felt through the Force, and Vartok Ordo's voice comes from behind me, "Su'cuy. Mandokarla." He then chuckles at my confused expression. "It means 'You're still alive' and 'You've got the right stuff'. You'd make a heck of a Mando. That stunt you pulled, it was either incredibly brave, or incredibly stupid."​

Vartok is a warrior, through and through. It's amazing how strong he looks in his green Mandalorian armor. I can't help but feel an amazing amount of respect for him. The Mandalorians are some of the most honorable warriors in the galaxy. Sure they can seem ruthless, but they're just good at what they do. And from the little I've seen, Vartok is one of the best.​

"I'm a Corellian, Vartok...it was a little bit of both," I laugh back, before I feel Mission's Force presence.​

Before I can react, she throws her arms around my neck and gives me a strong hug. It's short lived however, as she composes herself and pulls away. After a few awkward moments of silence and averted eyes, she nods to me and says, "Glad to see you're okay."​

"Yea, so am I" I respond sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck with my right hand. "So where is everyone else?"


"Timi, Rik, and Sien are working on the Dralshy'a," she says, pointing over at the ship. "Joren, Dono, and the others from the Dreams are in their quarters. Dad and I are on a patrol. Just making sure everything is okay."​

I nod to her in understanding. Mission isn't dressed in her armor, although she does have pieces of it protruding from her new Jedi robes. It's amazing to she her transformation from Mando to Jedi, but then again, I really don't think anyone can stop being Mando. She'll always have that warrior mentality. But if the past few weeks have meant anything, that won't be a problem.​

"I'm going to go check in on Joren. I'll see you later," I smile while walking off.​

It only takes me an hour to find the rooms designated to us, a small miracle considering I'm on a Star Destroyer. I open Joren's door, and see him, Dono, Nyna, and Kelsa sitting on what looks like extremely comfortable couches.​

Man, I'm tired.​

Their spirits all rise dramatically as they turn and see me, and smiles paint their faces, well except Dono's. He doesn't really smile much. It's a Mando thing I guess.​

"Aw.....you did miss me!" I say jokingly.​

Joren jumps up from his seat beside Kelsa and quickly makes his way over to Huc, unable to hide either the smile from his face or the great relief he feels from the Force.

"Huc! You have no idea how glad I am to see you." he says, clapping the younger Jedi on the shoulder; before finally adding, "Don't ever do that again."

The others soon follow, gathering around Huc to show their enthusiasm for his return.

"That was some fancy flying, for a Corellian." Nyna says, teasing Huc in a manner that normally he'd most likely find insulting, if he hadn't gotten to know her as well as he has over the course of their time together.

"Nice flying kid. Maybe next time try not to take so long before you check in."

"Yeah, we were worried. But you're here now, that's all that matters."

"So Huc-" Joren is cut off by the sound of his comm link going off.

"Joren Kel." He says into the comm link.

"Jedi Kel, this is Winter. You might want to get your people together and meet us in Conference Room 553 on Diamond Deck. The negotiations are about ready to begin."

"We'll be there in a minute."

"We'll be waiting."

"Well, looks like the reunion will have to wait. They're ready."

 

[Carnage27]

I nod to Joren, and our group heads towards the meeting chambers, Mission and the Mandos joining us along the way. It takes a good while to get there, but once we do, we find Councilor Organa and her political entourage, along with the Rodian council sitting at a large table.

I gravitate towards the back, where I find Han Solo and Chewbacca, both looking like they want no part of the political proceedings. Sliding into a seat next to the Republic heroes, I chuckle at Captain Solo, "So this is what a hero of the New Republic does, huh? Sits and watches the politicians?"

 

[Carnage27]

Luke exits the confereance call room, and he looks more disheveled than I've seen him in a long time. I've never talked to Han about his time in the carbonite, even though he's one of my closest friends. I can tell it still haunts him to this day though.

And the fact that Luke's students used carbonite to catch a criminal. Well, they should know better.

"So, where are we headed, Luke?" I ask, standing and coming to his side.
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Zeltros lay below the Vengeance Derra IV.The war ship, along with 2 Star Destroyers and the Contruum's Pride have been sent here to lay waste to this hedonistic cesspool, as well as draw New Republic support ships away from the true target of the campaign.

The trick had worked perfectly. Fluttering out of hyperspace were several large Mon Calamari battle cruisers and other support ships. The New Republic ships entered the theater enthusiastically, each ship deploying a compliment of X-Wings, as well as B-Wings and Y-Wings. The Imperials matched the New Republic, releasing scores of TIE Fighters, TIE Bombers, as well as Zsinj's specially TIE Raptors.

The opposing swarms of fighters race toward one another, and there are explosions as ships on each side are struck by the opening volley of the battle.

As the battle rages above Zeltros, Captain Gori Delpi stands by on the deck of the Vengeance Derra IV watching as the two forces pick away at the other.

"Ensign, the time has come, send the signal."

***​

Zsinj sits in a chair on the bridge of the Star Destroyer Iron Fist going over battle plans as his fleet races through hyperspace toward its target. A strike on this world will be devestating to the New Republic. It will show the rest of the galaxy that no world is safe from the Empire, and no matter what the New Republic claims, it cannot protect them.​

The navigation officer approaches the Admiral, and informs him that they will be coming out of hyperpace momentarily and they will be ready to attack.​

A devilish smile crosses Zsinj's face as the remainder of his fleet, currently not engaged in the decoy battle over Zeltros, or protecting his assets at the home base above Dathomir, or at any one of the worlds under his control in the Outter Rim comes out of lightspeed above the target...and 6 Star Destroyers along with other support ships descend on the world.​

The target is one of great historical significance...it is the world where the Rebel Alliance was truely formed, at least according to the rumors.​

Zsinj looks down at the lush blue and green world below him, and again smiles as he orders his fleet to attack its true target...​

Corellia.​

 

[wiegeabo]

Luke exits the confereance call room, and he looks more disheveled than I've seen him in a long time. I've never talked to Han about his time in the carbonite, even though he's one of my closest friends. I can tell it still haunts him to this day though.

And the fact that Luke's students used carbonite to catch a criminal. Well, they should know better.

"So, where are we headed, Luke?" I ask, standing and coming to his side.
​

I look at my friend. "I think we better join the others. It'll be good to finally put this behind us. And I want to find out what happened from Huc and Joran themselves. How fast can we get the ship turned around?"

 

[Byrd Man]

I gravitate towards the back, where I find Han Solo and Chewbacca, both looking like they want no part of the political proceedings. Sliding into a seat next to the Republic heroes, I chuckle at Captain Solo, "So this is what a hero of the New Republic does, huh? Sits and watches the politicians?"

"Yep. I'm a man of action, but these are times for talking. I can do the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, but I can't deal with diplomats."

"Wrrrr!"

"Well said."

 

[Carnage27]

I look at my friend. "I think we better join the others. It'll be good to finally put this behind us. And I want to find out what happened from Huc and Joran themselves. How fast can we get the ship turned around?"

"I'll have it ready in two hours," I reply, nodding to Corran.

"No rest for the weary, eh boss?" he replies with a chuckle.

**********

We drop out of hyperspace in a dark section of space, and in front of us lies the Errant Venture. I had been on her before, but still, it was a sight. The ship was beautiful, and was a true haven for those that were...well let's just say truly free.

I set the ship down in the hanger after Luke gets us clearance to land, and I can't help but notice the Millenium Falcon sitting in the hanger. I smile to myself, knowing that I'll be running into the old pirate again.

"Honestly," I say turning back at Luke, "why are we always going back and forth? Think we'll ever have a vacation?"
​

 

[Carnage27]

"Yep. I'm a man of action, but these are times for talking. I can do the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, but I can't deal with diplomats."

"Wrrrr!"

"Well said."

"Haha...I'm with ya," I reply with a nod. "I just took on a carrier full of TIEs so everyone else could get here."

Han gives me a slightly impressed look. Sure, he's done a lot better, but for a seventeen year old kid, I guess he didn't think I did too bad.

And then, a presence fills me in the Force, and before I can say anything, Mission says from next to me, "Master Skywalker is here. I feel his presence."

"Took the words right out of my mouth," I nod.

 

[Byrd Man]

"Haha...I'm with ya," I reply with a nod. "I just took on a carrier full of TIEs so everyone else could get here."

Han gives me a slightly impressed look. Sure, he's done a lot better, but for a seventeen year old kid, I guess he didn't think I did too bad.

And then, a presence fills me in the Force, and before I can say anything, Mission says from next to me, "Master Skywalker is here. I feel his presence."

"Took the words right out of my mouth," I nod.

I sit up and trade glances with Chewie. "Luke's here? Huh. Guess those Force powers come in handy for something. Hard to sneak up on you guys. I guess I'll take my chances with the seven foot Wookie watching my back."

 

[wiegeabo]

"I'll have it ready in two hours," I reply, nodding to Corran.

"No rest for the weary, eh boss?" he replies with a chuckle.

**********

We drop out of hyperspace in a dark section of space, and in front of us lies the Errant Venture. I had been on her before, but still, it was a sight. The ship was beautiful, and was a true haven for those that were...well let's just say truly free.

I set the ship down in the hanger after Luke gets us clearance to land, and I can't help but notice the Millenium Falcon sitting in the hanger. I smile to myself, knowing that I'll be running into the old pirate again.

"Honestly," I say turning back at Luke, "why are we always going back and forth? Think we'll ever have a vacation?"
​

"You mean the trip through hyperspace wasn't vacation enough?"

As the cargo ramp lowers, I take comfort in being able to feel Joran and Huc again, as well as everyone else. An aide waits on the hanger deck for us. "Master Skywalker. Commander Antilles. The delegation is awaiting your arrival."

I bow my head. "Thank you. Please lead the way."