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

[wiegeabo]

As soon as we rush into the room, Huc and Boloon rush over to help the injured Nyna. I focus on Joran, whose emotions threaten to overwhelm me.

"Joran, what happened here?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Joren remains on the floor, cradling Nyna's head as Luke begins to speak.

As soon as we rush into the room, Huc and Boloon rush over to help the injured Nyna. I focus on Joran, whose emotions threaten to overwhelm me.

"Joran, what happened here?"

"I don't know. Nyna said that somebody took Kelsa....the rest is pretty apparent." He says grimly, as his anger again begins rising anew.

 

[Byrd Man]

I look to Huc and nod to him.

"I think it's best you go along. We'll be right behind you."

Luke and his students rush off. I turn to Leia with a puzzled look. "Do you feel anything? You know, is the Force tingling?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Luke and his students rush off. I turn to Leia with a puzzled look. "Do you feel anything? You know, is the Force tingling?"

"Yes, Joren and Dono are both in anguish, but other than that, I don't know. I think it's best if we make our way to their apartment. to see what's going on."

 

[Rain Dog]

Joren remains on the floor, cradling Nyna's head as Luke begins to speak.



"I don't know. Nyna said that somebody took Kelsa....the rest is pretty apparent." He says grimly, as his anger again begins rising anew.

I stand before poor Nyna’s blood-drenched body and kneel beside her, next to the Mandalorian. This entire scene is a most disturbing one. I was hoping our return to Coruscant would be a much needed rest from the bloodshed on Corellia but apparently that is not so. Who could have committed such an atrocity? And then kidnap Kelsa?

No time to try and solve these mysteries now. Nyna requires help. I stretch out my hand over her wounded body and begin to concentrate. I call on the Force to find and mend her wounds. Her heartbeat and breaths grow slower and her flesh begins to mend itself. I tighten my focus and her bruises and swelling gradually begin to fade away, clearing her face. Finally, the last of her open wounds seal themselves and I drop my hand and let out an exhausted sigh.

“I have done what I can. She still may feel some pain when she awakens but I have managed to heal her more serious wounds. Do you have any idea of who could have done this, Joren?”

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I stand before poor Nyna’s blood-drenched body and kneel beside her, next to the Mandalorian. This entire scene is a most disturbing one. I was hoping our return to Coruscant would be a much needed rest from the bloodshed on Corellia but apparently that is not so. Who could have committed such an atrocity? And then kidnap Kelsa?

No time to try and solve these mysteries now. Nyna requires help. I stretch out my hand over her wounded body and begin to concentrate. I call on the Force to find and mend her wounds. Her heartbeat and breaths grow slower and her flesh begins to mend itself. I tighten my focus and her bruises and swelling gradually begin to fade away, clearing her face. Finally, the last of her open wounds seal themselves and I drop my hand and let out an exhausted sigh.

“I have done what I can. She still may feel some pain when she awakens but I have managed to heal her more serious wounds. Do you have any idea of who could have done this, Joren?”

Joren watches on in amazement as Boolon calls upon the Force and goes about healing Nyna's more serious wounds. As he works on her, Joren can see the toll the efforts take from the Ithorian as he seems to grow visibly more weary

"No Boolon, I have no idea. But we need to find out, and fast. There's no telling where they've taken Kelsa, and the more time that passes, the harder it's going to be to get her back."

"I might be able to help."

The sound of Leia's voice drifts into the apartment from the hallway, and the look on her face as she sees what has transpired is unmistakable. She is shocked and horrified by what she sees, and if the look on Han's face is any indication, he is as well.

"I can make a call, get access to the security holocam feeds for this building. I'm sure we'll be able to find something there."

Joren looks to Leia.

"Thank you." He says, as the medical team begins arriving on the scene.

 

[Carnage27]

As Boloon goes to work on Nyna, I head towards the balcony of the apartment, just as Mission walks through the door. I'm happy to see her, though the current situation has me wondering whether or not I should continue to pursue something more than friendship with her. I motion for her to join me as I look over the planet-spanning city, "What happened?"

"Someone attacked Nyna and kidnapped Kelsa. She got beat up pretty bad, but Boloon looks like he's got her healing up pretty well. He's amazing at what he does, even if he is a little odd," I force myself to smile. But something bothers me about the situation.

"What's bugging you," she asks. When I give her a questioning look, Mission puts her hands on her hips, "I may be newer at this than you, but you did teach me to read feelings, Huc."

"It's Joren," I respond, giving in to her. "When Boloon, Master Skywalker, and I got here, he was furious, and he was not trying to keep his feelings in check. And this wasn't the first time I felt him like that."

"You mean back on Corellia with Servus. I remember," she nods. "I can sense it now. I can only wonder how Master Skywalker is feeling about that. He can't be thrilled, especially considering he's been working with Joren longer than any of us."

"Yea," I nod. "Come on, let's go back inside."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As the medics secure Nyna into a medical capsule for transport to the nearest hospital, Joren stands back from the group, resisting everyone's attempts at consoling him.

The anger he feels continues to rage almost to the point of being out of control. He knows that as a Jedi, he needs to get it in check, however, as a friend and a lover, he doesn't care.

He looks on as the medical team begins moving Nyna out of the apartment, and that is when he notices something behind him. He turns to look over his shoulder and sees Huc and Mission standing near the balcony, and he can feel exactly what they are feeling.

They are worried about him, again. As close as they have become, he feels like they don't completely trust him...not since he took care of Servus. It does sting a bit that after everything they've been through together, they still doubt him. But he can't worry about that now, not while Nyna is laying on a gourney on her way to a hospital bed...not while Kelsa needs him.

He does recognize that his emotions are on the verge of being dangerously out of control, and runs through several Jedi calming techniques to reign them in, however they only marginally work. After several moments, he does begin to calm himself, and starts toward Councilor Organa, hoping that she can take him to view the security holos as soon as possible, because Kelsa may be running out of time.

 

[Rain Dog]

http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=19097571&postcount=1300

“There…I’ve given you what you want,” Yuvo mumbled with his head hung low.

“And I am very thankful, Yuvo.”

I wave over my guards and two Weequay approach the corpulent crime boss. One guard draws a vibroblade from a sheath at his waist. Yuvo flinched and cursed under his breath, certain that his end was near. With a swift slash of the blade, the ropes constraining the crime boss fell to the floor, freeing Yuvo. Feeling the tightness of the ropes suddenly gone, Yuvo quickly opened his eyes and looked around, amazed that he did not see his own innards hanging out of his belly.

“Y-you…”

“Yes. You’ve given me what I wanted so I’ll return the favor by giving you what you want—your life.”

Yuvo stared in disbelief for a moment before giving a slow, nervous nod. He gently lifted himself from his seat and began staggering towards the exit.

“One more thing Yuvo: before you run off to tell the authorities or your superiors, or what have you, I want you to remember what I gave you today. What I let you leave with. And remember how easily I got you here in the first place.”

Yuvo gulped loudly before giving another slow nod and finally staggering out of sight.

“So Boss, uh, how do you know he won’t squeal on us?”

“…I don’t.”

* * *​

The insectoid monsters roared behind their cages, angrily clawing at the steel bars as the Nimbanel led Jakk’s men past the various fighter beasts.

“This is Mistress Anachro’s borhek collection. All of them are quite skilled. This one has gone undefeated in over forty matches,” the Nimbanel said as she gestured to a particularly large and fierce looking borhek.

Jakk’s men observed the monsters with huge grins. As they stared the beasts down, they drew small glass vials of fluid from their pockets. They popped open the vials and began splashing the liquid on themselves, rubbing it into their necks and arms.

“Now, then. You have gotten your view of the borheks. I believe it is time to—what are you doing?”

“Splashing ourselves. With pheromones,” a Nikto thug replied.

“Pheremones? Why?” the Nimbanel asked with a slight hint of concern in her voice.

“These are borhek pheromones. Their larvae secrete it. Makes sure they don’t get eaten or gored by a raging adult,” the thug continued. Though still unsure of the thugs’ plans, the Nimbanel could sense danger and began to sprint for the staircase. A Clantaani gunslinger quickly grabbed hold of the servant, wrapping one arm around her throat and placing a hand over her mouth to muffle her screams.

The Nikto pulled a fusion cutter from his belt and began to slam the instrument against the bars of the borhek cages. The loud rattle and vibration of the bars sent the beetle-like monsters into a raging frenzy. The Nikto then ignited the cutter, sending the other thugs scurrying to the opposite side of the room. The Nikto frowned at his comrades’ cowardice before taking the tool and cutting the locks of each borhek cage. One by one, the locks would drop to the stone floor with a loud clank and the monster would come bursting out of the cage. The thugs flinched, expecting the worse, but soon calmed themselves after realizing none of them had been disemboweled yet.

The borheks screeched and roared, charging around the room in a blind range. Occasionally, two or more of the beats would collide and begin to fight. But despite all this commotion, Jakk’s men remained unharmed and virtually invisible to the rampaging creatures.

“Alright, Jakk’s had enough time. Let’s lead these buggers upstairs!”

* * *​

As Jakk approached the bloated and bejeweled Anachro, he saw his long awaited associate already standing before the Hutt. It was a Devaronian dressed in a tattered brown cloak, clutching a holoplayer. When the Devaronian caught sight of Jakk, he gave quick bow to the Clantaani and grinned a toothy grin.

“Pleasure to see you again, Jakk,” the Devaronian said.

“Likewise, Pok.”

Jakk and Pok gave a simultaneous bow to the Hutt before setting the holoplayer down before her.

“Great Anachro, may we present to you a holo-recording of the gruesome death of the wretched traitor to your clan and murderer of your husband, Rotta Desilijic Tiure!”

“Ah, I cannot wait!” Anachro belched with glee.

Pok clicked a button on the device and the hologram played. The very same security hologram of Grubba the Hutt being blown to bits in his own compound on Nar Shaddaa. The video’s quality had been tampered with by the bounty hunters 4-LOM and Zuckuss. While many humanoids may have difficulty distinguishing Hutts, Hutts have no problem identifying their own kind. Luckily for the bounty hunters, Rotta and Grubba were both young Hutts and relatives who already bore some physical resemblance. The slight tampering made it even harder to tell them apart.

“Hmmm…” Anachro grumbled, stroking her chin. Pok’s eyes widened. Jakk grit his teeth. Was she suspicious? Had the ruse failed? The nerve-racking silence was soon broken with Anachro’s guttural laughter.

“Hohohohoho! Play it again!”

Pok smiled.

“Of course, your Highness.”

Pok played the hologram again, which once again sent the Hutt into a fit of laughter.

“You have done well and shall be paid handsomely for your efforts. I will have my accountant transfer the credits into your account.”

“Actually, Great One, I prefer that I be paid now. In cash.”

The Hutt squinted at Jakk and Pok shot him a look of panic.

“I see…”

“It’s merely how I do business, Great One.”

“…Very well. You’ve earned it.”

The Hutt called for her accountant to bring Jakk a heavy case of credit chips. Just as the accountant handed Jakk the case, a series of horrendous screeches and roars were heard in the distance.

“What was that?!”

Jakk quickly broke open a vial of the pheromones and splashed some on himself and his Devaronian associate.

“Jakk, what is happening?!”

“Just keep still!”

“Those sound like my borheks! Guards! To the borhek pits! Quickly!”

Dozens of Gamorreans and Nikto shuffled towards doorway that led to the pits. Just as a Gamorrean was about to pass through the doorway, a massive insectoid creature bounced on him and began to rip him to shreds. The borhek charged at the mass of oncoming guards who had already begun to open fire. The bolts bounced off of the creature’s thick exoskeleton as the monster mowed down the guards, trampling them, and hurling them across the throne room. Several more borheks began to spring out of the doorway and began to wreak havoc on the throne room. The creatures thrashed and gored the guards and servants of the palace and laid waste to the lavish decorations that adorned the court.

“What the hell are you doing Jakk?! We must leave!”

“I said keep still, dammit! We’re safe, trust me.”

Anachro roared and cursed in Huttese and slithered off her dais in an attempt to escape. One borhek caught sight of the massive Hutt and immediately charged her, driving hits sharp, jagged spikes into the Hutt’s belly and raking its claws against her greasy flesh. The Hutt gurgled and wailed in pain, which only drew the attention of more borheks who proceeded to gang up on the Hutt. The creatures stabbed, slashed, and pummeled the Hutt queen until all that was left was a bloody, motionless mass of flesh and gore.

Jakk’s thugs came running up the staircase and through the doorway that led to the pits and greeted their leader.

“We done?”

“Almost,” Jakk said. The Clantaani mercenary walked to a large, sealed door at the far end of the throne room and drew his blasters. He fired at the adjacent control panel which not only forced the door open but also drew the attention of the borheks. Inside the room well-furnished room was a massive bed and beside it, a smaller bed containing a sleeping Huttlet. Jakk stepped away from the doorway allowing the charging borheks , disturbed by the sound of blaster fire and intrigued by the introduction of a new room to demolish, to enter.

“Now we’re done. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

 

[wiegeabo]

As the medics secure Nyna into a medical capsule for transport to the nearest hospital, Joren stands back from the group, resisting everyone's attempts at consoling him.

The anger he feels continues to rage almost to the point of being out of control. He knows that as a Jedi, he needs to get it in check, however, as a friend and a lover, he doesn't care.

He looks on as the medical team begins moving Nyna out of the apartment, and that is when he notices something behind him. He turns to look over his shoulder and sees Huc and Mission standing near the balcony, and he can feel exactly what they are feeling.

They are worried about him, again. As close as they have become, he feels like they don't completely trust him...not since he took care of Servus. It does sting a bit that after everything they've been through together, they still doubt him. But he can't worry about that now, not while Nyna is laying on a gourney on her way to a hospital bed...not while Kelsa needs him.

He does recognize that his emotions are on the verge of being dangerously out of control, and runs through several Jedi calming techniques to reign them in, however they only marginally work. After several moments, he does begin to calm himself, and starts toward Councilor Organa, hoping that she can take him to view the security holos as soon as possible, because Kelsa may be running out of time.

Joran starts walking towards Leia, but I step in front of him. I put my hand on his shoulder as I watch the medics float Nyna outside.

"We'll find out who did this, Joren. And we'll find Kelsa. We won't rest until we get her back."

I look into Joran's eyes, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You just have to maintain control until we do."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Joran starts walking towards Leia, but I step in front of him. I put my hand on his shoulder as I watch the medics float Nyna outside.

"We'll find out who did this, Joren. And we'll find Kelsa. We won't rest until we get her back."

I look into Joran's eyes, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You just have to maintain control until we do."

"I Know. I'm trying to control my emotions. It's just..." He trails off as he goes to walk around Luke.

 

[wiegeabo]

I sigh inwardly as Joran walks past. Partly because of the emotions pouring off of him. And partly because I don't know if I'd react any differently.

I activate my communicator. "Artoo, is Threepio with you?"

"I'm here, Master Luke."

"Good. I need you two to interface with the planetary computer system."

I hear Artoo give a low whistle. "May I ask why, Master Luke?"

"I need you to compile a list of every ship that's left Coruscant in the last few hours."

There's a long pause. "Every ship, sir?"

"Yeah. But focus on those that left this spaceport first."

"...That could very well be hundreds of ships. If not thousands."

"I didn't say it would be easy, Threepio."

"No, sir. You did not. May I ask why?"

"I'll fill you in later. Right now, time is a factor."

"Yes, sir!" Threepio says with all the urgency he can muster. "We'll get right on it." I hear Artoo bleep. "I completely disagree. Master Luke needs this now, so we're this is how we should start the search..." The line goes dead.

I sigh again and wonder if we'll ever get a break.

"Boloon, can I talk with you for a second?"

 

[Rain Dog]

I sigh again and wonder if we'll ever get a break.

"Boloon, can I talk with you for a second?"

I quickly stand upon hearing my name.

"Why, of course, Mister Skywalker. How can I help?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I watch as my brother tries to console his student to no avail. I can understand Joren's pain, even though he is a Jedi now doesn't change the way he feels about the two girls...and it would be foolish to think that just because someone has become a Jedi they can just "shut down" their emotions when it comes to matters like this.

So as Joren walks past Luke, I step forward.

"Why don't we go take a look at those holos. Then maybe we can find out who did this." I say as we turn and take our leave of the apartment.

 

[Carnage27]

As the scene starts to die down inside the apartment, I nod to Mission, "Come on. I need some time to relax."

The two of us head over to Han and Chewbacca, who have been waiting off to the side as the scene in the domicile played out. "So," I say with a smile, "ready to go fix the ship? I think I need some time away from fighting and the Force."

 

[wiegeabo]

I quickly stand upon hearing my name.

"Why, of course, Mister Skywalker. How can I help?"

"You've already helped, Boloon. You saved Nyna's life. I don't even think I could have done what you did."

 

[Rain Dog]

"You've already helped, Boloon. You saved Nyna's life. I don't even think I could have done what you did."

Skywalker’s remark takes me off-guard. Couldn’t have done what I had done? Surely someone as powerful as Skywalker possessed the same, if not, greater abilities than I. Perhaps this was modesty?

“Truthfully? Err—thank you, Mister Skywalker, I was merely doing what I could to help a friend in need.”

 

[wiegeabo]

Skywalker’s remark takes me off-guard. Couldn’t have done what I had done? Surely someone as powerful as Skywalker possessed the same, if not, greater abilities than I. Perhaps this was modesty?

“Truthfully? Err—thank you, Mister Skywalker, I was merely doing what I could to help a friend in need.”

"And I'm glad you did. I know you haven't been with us very long, and that you doubt your own abilities. But, while you may not be a warrior, you're a natural healer. So put those doubts aside, ok?"

 

[Rain Dog]

"And I'm glad you did. I know you haven't been with us very long, and that you doubt your own abilities. But, while you may not be a warrior, you're a natural healer. So put those doubts aside, ok?"

I nod in agreement. Mister Skywalker was right—I do posses talents that I should acknowledge. My doubts are helping no one.

“Thank you, Mister Skywalker.”

Before I leave Skywalker to attend to the matters at hand a thought crosses my mind. I realize I am not a fighter by nature but I do feel that as a Jedi there are at least certain duties and principles that I should adhere to—among them, defending those in need.

“And while I would be the first to admit I am no warrior, I would very like to—and I realize this would be best saved for a more suitable time—I would like your help in constructing a lightsaber. It is a symbol of the Jedi is it not?”

 

[wiegeabo]

I nod in agreement. Mister Skywalker was right—I do posses talents that I should acknowledge. My doubts are helping no one.

“Thank you, Mister Skywalker.”

Before I leave Skywalker to attend to the matters at hand a thought crosses my mind. I realize I am not a fighter by nature but I do feel that as a Jedi there are at least certain duties and principles that I should adhere to—among them, defending those in need.

“And while I would be the first to admit I am no warrior, I would very like to—and I realize this would be best saved for a more suitable time—I would like your help in constructing a lightsaber. It is a symbol of the Jedi is it not?”

Despite what's happening, Boloon always seems to figure out how to make me smile. "I'd be happy to help. Every Jedi needs a weapon. After all, part of saving lives is defending them."

My last words cause me to look over at Joran and Leia, understanding a little bit more at how he's feeling.

"Now, if there was only a way to help Joran so easily..."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Barrett takes a look at his troops after the simulation of the Endor Assualt. They went in unarmed and didn't have the Ewoks to assist them, but one thing was the same he had the simulation remove the safety protocols which meant the rounds were live. Had they gotten shot they would've been dead.

He says, "Overall you accomplished your goals, and for that you can consider the mission a success that being said there are still areas to improve upon."

Lowenstein asks, "Permission to speak freely sir?"

Barrett says, "Granted."

She looks at him and says, "why were there live rounds being used? We had no idea until I nearly was killed."

Barrett says, "Did it ever occur to you that in actual combat the Empire will be using live rounds Lowenstein?"
She says, "I'm aware of that sir but..."

Barrett retorts, "But this is a simulation everything is supposed to be safe and sound. Wrong attitude! Simulators are a good teaching tool, but they can only go so far. If I had told you all that the rounds were going to be live you would've been ready for it, but we're fighting an unpredictable enemy so with that we must be unpredictabe as well."

Lowenstein says, "Understood sir."

Barrett looks and asks, "Any other questions?"

The group is silent and he says, "Very well. check your gear over, replenish it, and then...."

They all look straight ahead almost dreading the next words and Barrett smirks and says, "Take the next two days off starting at 1600 hours."

They look relieved and surprised Barrett says, "You all have earned some serious downtime. That being said if anything major comes up all bets are off understood?"
The group replies, "Yes Sir!"

He finally smiles and says, "Dismissed."

Barrett starts to leave Lowenstein approaches him and says, "Sir I hope you didn't think I was being disrepsectful."

Barrett replies, "No I didn't think you were. You had a valid question no problem."

Just then the communications panel lights up and Lowenstein answers it.

She prints the read out and says, "Looks like you're gonna be busy sir."

He reads the printout and says, "Oh lovely."

Barrett cuts on the P-A and says, "Attention team make it 3 days."

He cuts off the P-A and says, "I just got a trip to Coruscant to see Mon Mothma, and the last time I saw her; I was arrested. Hope for a better outcome this time."

Barrett then packs 3 days worth of provisions and supplies and boards his private ship.

He sets a course for Coruscant and takes a look around the base.

Hopefully this isn't for the last time.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Leia leads Joren and Dono into the cramped office where the security holos for the residential zone in which their apartment building lies are kept. For what seems like hours, they pour over holo recording after holo recording with no success. The daunting task made more difficult by the simple fact that there are no security holos in or in the direct vicinity of the apartment building which they called home.

So they are forced to focus on the skylanes and the pedestrian walkways that lead to their building. After going through the footage in several cameras, they find something.

"There." Dono says, pointing out a large Mandalorian head to toe in jet black armor. "That's Drexlan".

"You're sure?" Joren says as he pushes in closer to get a better look.

"There's no mistaking him. That's our man."

"Friend of yours?" Leia asks as she examines the holo.

"Hardly. He's very good at what he does...unfortunately he does alot of work for the kaths."

"The Kaths?"

"The kath Hounds. They're one of the more powerful gangs on Nar Shaddaa...they're only second to the Hutts. They're dangerous...and we have a bit of a history. He's our guy."

"So, what now?"

"He keeps a safe house on Tatooine, I think we start there. Even if he isn't there, he has some associates who might be willing to talk...with the right persuasion."

"Let's go. We've got to get there as soon as we can."

Dono starts heading out the door behind Joren, but stops short, turning back to Leia.

"We'll need a ship."

"A ship?" Leia says, not following. "You have the Dreams."

"And they'll be looking for it. If Drexlan spots it, we'll never get close enough to find him. We need something that he wouldn't recognize."

"I see." Leia says, seeing Dono's point.

"I think I have the perfect ship for you. Let me make a call." She says as she pulls out her comlink.

 

[wiegeabo]

"Well, Master C'Baoth?"

Joruus surveys the surroundings I have provided for him on this world. He grunts noncommittally as he wonders from room to room. I patiently follow behind him certain that, whatever his feelings, he will accept the situation.

"I am accustomed to a domicile more...suitable for a Jedi master."

"I completely understand. This was short notice. Another week, and all would meet to your satisfaction."

C'Baoth just grunts again. He looks out a window over the city further down the mountainside. "These are not my people."

"No, they are not. I can understand why you would prefer to wait on Weyland, but the security issues-"

"Yes, yes," he waves at me dismissively. "Security. I am well aware of the difficulties that would arise. I am not a fool, Thrawn."

"Oh...I am well aware of that. Master C'Baoth."

He glares at me for a moment, and I assume he is trying to probe with the Force again. I smile inwardly, pushing down the desire to pet the ysalamiri on my back. But just as quickly as his stare began, it is gone, his thoughts on a new matter.

"I will bring order to these people like I did on Weyland."

"I do not doubt. Who can deny your will?"

"Yes...who...?" he stares at me again. I return the glare with a small smile.

"My sources say you shouldn't have to wait long. Once the information of your whereabouts are leaked through the unofficial channels, word will soon spread that there is a Jedi on Jomark"

"A Jedi Master."

"Soon enough. We can't make things seem too obvious."

But C'Baoth is no longer listening. "It shouldn't take long to bring these people under control. I will be able to do much with a week."

"A week might be optimistic."

"No...I have seen it. A week. Possibly more, but not much longer. And then I will have my Jedi."

And I'll have one less weapon to concern myself with. And possibly one more in my arsenal...

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Barrett lands his ship in the forested area of Coruscant. He departs and makes his way to an abandoned temple.

Looking around his mind drifts back to a time when the Rebel Alliance was just in its infancy and he was a commander one of the youngest and highly decorated the Alliance had ever seen up to that point. This is where he and others would meet in secret to cultivate their plans to overthrow the Empire.

This is also where he was brought forth in shackles and chains for breaking several laws of within the Alliance. Weapons violations, blackmarket deals with smugglers, illegal ship modifications were among them and there were others. All those charges he could accept with but the charge of conduct unbecoming an officer was the one that angered him to no end. He was a soldier and his mission was to defeat the enemy by any means necessary, and Mon Mothma and the rest of the so-called leaders robbed him if that opportunity.

"Guilty as charged", Mothma stated. "Commander Alexander James Barrett you have been found guilty of violating no fewer than 20 laws and statues as detailed in these indictments."

Barrett looked up with steely resolve and listened as Mothma read each charge aloud. Barrett knew the serverity of his situation because Mon Mothma had been in hiding for years but she came out of hiding to deal with this situation.

Barrett looks to his right where his advocate Ball-Organa stood by him throughout his unit's operations and the trial. His support of Barrett was unwavering. If it hadn't been for Ball-Organa Barrett would've ended up in the Spice Mines of Kessell working alongside the droids for the rest of his life.

"If I may have the court's attention I have a deal in place...." Ball stated

An outcast and a piriah to the Alliance is what he had become. Then came that fateful day when Ball's daughter Leia came to him.

"I suspect you never thought you would be standing here again," a voice says from behind him.

Barrett doesn't even turn around he knows the voice anywhere.

He replies, "I'll bet you never thought you would be contacting me again."

He turns and sees Mon Motham standing before him.

She says, "It's actually good to see you again; Alexander. You look well."

Barrett says, "The years have been good to you as well. You've done some admirable work for the Alliance since I was exhiled."

She bows out of respect to Barrett.

He says, "Now that the Diplomatic song and dance routine is over let's get down to business."

Barrett sits on a fallen pilar and lights a cigar.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Zsinj sits in his quarters, continually looking over to the chrono on his desk, watching the time go by as he waits to hear from one of his ensigns, informing him that Captain Tycho has returned with the witch.

It has been hours since he sent the captain to retrieve to woman from the surface of Dathomir, and as the minutes pass he grows more and more irritated. Since leaving the engagement at Corellia, Zsinj has grown more impatient, expecting his every wish to be carried out immediately, no matter how complex the task.

He even went on a minutes long tirade in Huttese, cursing a petty officer who did not bring his dinner in a prompt enough manner.

His patience growing thin, he is ready to throw his chrono through the large stand up mirror when his com finally squawks.

"Yes?" He says into the com, trying to sound disinterested.

"Admiral, the Captain has returned with your guest. They are waiting for you in Conference Room 216."

"Thank you Ensign, let the Captain know that I will be their momentarily."

He disconnects the com and walks over to the same mirror he had been ready to smash just moments before, and makes sure that his white Admiral unifor is pristine, once satisfied he leaves his quarters toward the designated conference room, looking forward to his meeting with the witch, Gethzerion.