Session export: The Kasiya Affair

What do you get when you cross Taldryan with a Justicar?

A wrecked homeworld.

It wasn’t the best joke, but if you asked any old-timer in Taldryan, Ben, Raist, Erin, they’ll each tell you the same answer.

Taldryan had a notorious history with Justicars, which is why when Appius got word Thane was on his way to the Caelus System, he elected to keep that piece of information away from most of Taldryan.

For now.

The Spaceport was as bust was ever, but as Supreme Chancellor, he had the authority to secure a private landing bay for Thane’s arrival.

Appius and Dasha were the only ones there to greet him, as a Master and Apprentice pair.

“Only speak when you are spoken too, OK?” Appius said to her.

<@77213354619318272> <@185936112441622529>

Circe enjoyed going through the streets or rather over the roofs of the city to keep an eye on the people below. She had been doing this since it had quieted down after all the trouble that had gone through the city before, but also to keep herself busy. She had been lead here by the Force towards an Ewok, but he had disappeared and she couldn’t find him, which had worried her. Worse was that others also couldn’t find him. But tonight was different, she had heard rumors that he had returned.

Jumping from roof to roof she followed the trail towards him and that was when she spotted him. She watched him for a moment before jumping down the roof and silently land on the ground below.

“It is good to see you again,” she spoke softly as she stepped closer, “How are you doing?”

You’d think space travel would be a quiet, lonely affair. It was not.

Silence was the never close at hand. If it were, there would be cause for alarm. No, what encompassed Thane as he sat in the darkness of the passenger compartment was a constant thrum of power and machinery. It caused his ears to twitch in annoyance. Surely, the more mechanically inclined would find comfort in the din and white noise. He did not.

Thane allowed his black-gold eyes to open as he felt the shuttle touch down. They shifted towards the entrance and his head followed the movement just a touch behind. Steam hissed as a slit of light formed, a sign that the pressurized seal had released. The Justicar was already standing by the time the platform was halfway lowered.

The platform landed with a loud clunk that echoed throughout the hangar. Appius was ready at the bottom. He could see the man at the top of the ramp in all his judicial glory. A mane of black hair, the corrupt eyes of a Sith, and former Regent and current Justicar of the Brotherhood;

Thane “Atra” Skotos.

Appius clasped his hands together. “Justicar Skotos! Welcome to Port Kasiya!”

“Just Thane,” he replied. Titles are worthless, he continued internally, leaving much unsaid as he often did.

The man raised an eyebrow and cast his gaze around him as he made his way down the ramp. Each step was surprisingly light but solid, repeating back in the chamber of the hangar. He wore his official garb, the white-gold robes held tightly by the dark metallic gauntlets and pauldrons he adorned.

When his eyes fell back on Appius, he allowed his head to tilt ever so slightly. Questioningly, even.

“You know why I’m here.” So let’s get to the point.

“To sample the latest in Taldryan jewelry?” Appius shot Thane a cheeky smile, attempting to lighten the mood. “We recently entered into an alliance with the Saijo Sector and let me tell you, the stuff we’ve had imported in is nothing short of a smuggler’s wet dream.”

<@61385159655559168>

Circe looked curiously at him, though her face was hidden from him under her helmet. She felt or knew something was different, but she wouldn’t press onto it.

“I’m glad you are back after your sudden disappearance.” Lowering her head slightly she followed, “I’m sorry I couldn’t find you.”

“…so whatever he asks, we’ll pay it. Questions?”

The man Jorm talked to on the Playground tower’s landing pad had the physique of a comic superhero and could not have looked more like a carreer military if he tried to, although his buzzcut and plain field uniform made no attempt to hide his profession either.

“One, Sir,” General Drafen of the Chyron Self-Defense Force replied, “why me in particular? I haven’t done recruitment since I made Major, and negotiations aren’t my forte.”

“Oh c'mon, you survived staff politics before I came along, you’ll manage. I want you to do it because you’re alike. Trust me, D-Man, we want him in the mix. The fleet badly needs experience, he’s got it in spades.”

“Well, I’ll give it an honest attempt. You earned that much,” the stone-faced Chyronite acknowledged.

Jorm was aware of his reputation among Chyron’s military - a mercurial wildcard, but one who got into the thickest fights and saved Chyronite lives, and didn’t meddle too much with the professionals or ride needlessly on protocol.

A cautious form of respect and loyalty, and the Chancellor found himself liking it.

“That’s all I ask,” he grinned at Drafen and left him to set up the interview with recently retired Admiral Zruta Dysian.

Jorm himself took the lift down to street level and entered the buzzing Playground

He let his gaze wander over the diverse kinds of intoxicated and partying patrons, checked the time, and smiled to himself.

“Happy Hour.”

Thane allowed a short, low chuckle. “No, not jewelry.”

While the joke was actually a good guess where Evant’s interests were concerned, it wasn’t quite on the mark in this matter. No, it was something more directly connected to the Taldryan Consul and Thane was curious just how much Appius knew.

Or how much he was willing to divulge.

“Let’s walk,” Thane offered as an escape from the awkward arrival. He was curious which would give way first: their legs or Appius’ smart mouth.

Appius gestured towards the entrance to the spaceport. “Would you prefer somewhere more private to discuss matters? There’s always my office. It has a beautiful view of the city, though I will warn you, its a little chilly outside.”

That got Thane to raise an eyebrow and cast a sidelong look at Appius.

“The cold never bothered me anyway,” he commented, the words taking on a lilting accent as they danced upon his tongue. The tall Firrerreo made a gesture as well, indicating that the Consul was to take the lead.

Taldryan Temple Moon of Ostara

Zxyl Bes'uliik sat near motionless at the desk, staring out the window at the ion storm ripping through the atmosphere above as he thought to himself. It was brilliant, beautiful, but even with all the beauty it was deadly. Vicious Ion storms raged across its surface frequently, and had forced Taldryan to abandon the planet. The evacuation had been so swift the clan had left behind some of its personnel to fend for themselves and hold down the fort.

Quaestor. Proconsul. These were titles that the Mandalorian had held during his time in the clan before and during his ascension to the Taldrya, and following later, The Council. The Regent turned in the chair to face his helmet resting peacefully on the Consul’s old desk. He once coveted this office years ago, during what the man considered another life. Another Taldryan. Before all the hypocrisy, the changes, the Taldryan Republic.

Without consistent access to supplies from the clan, many of those that had stayed behind died out. The consistency of the storms had made interplanetary communications with the surface impossible A select few survived. The survivors of the old Taldryan. The real Taldryan. They managed to keep the Taldryan Temple in a survivable state, though only just barely. It was through pure sleuth, cunning, and careful planning that H.A.L. had been able to plot a route through the storms for the Mythosaur’s Tusk, having studied them for months. With him, the former Proconsul had brought much needed supplies to get the remaining through during these hard times.

Only through careful planning would the Dathomirian-Mandalorian be able to leave again anytime soon, but he’d accounted for that with a temporary leave of absence. He was determined to find a way.

“Sir,” a female officer appeared in the doorway, her uniform in shambles and far but pristine condition but still in order thanks to her resolve, “Everyone has gathered in the hangar bay, as you requested.”

“Good,” came the soft reply from the Mandalorian as he continued staring at the visor on his helmet, “I’ll be down there in a minute.”

She turned and left through the door, and a simmering feeling of both pain and hate flooded the Regent. Taldryan had lost its way. He had lost the Way. But no longer. The Taldrya slowly rose to his feet, and carefully lifted the helmet off of the table with both hands. He turned it ‘round, carefully placing it on his head and securing the oxygen lines before engaging pressurization and sealing it to the rest of his armor.

They made their way outside, the cold, brisk air wafting past their faces. Dasha was quick to secure a vehicle as they made their way towards the Taldryan Tower.

They landed upon the 70th floor on a private landing pad secured only for Appius. They made their way into his office, a large, oval room with lush red carpet and a three-hundred and sixty-degree view of the city. Appius reached into his desk, pulling out to bottles.

“Are you a more of a Jet Juice or Whyren’s Reserve kind of guy?”

“The latter,” came the Justicar’s response. Just as short with words as ever.

He studied Appius carefully. At the same time, he was analyzing the room to take in any hints as to Appius’ internal workings.

“Seem to have recovered well from the recent attacks.”

She nodded slightly and stood up straight again.

“I’m glad to have you back and I guess I have more to learn about the Force…” Circe tilted her head slightly as she looked of towards the city, “Are you planning on visiting one of the vista’s or go to the visitor we have?”

Appius snorted. “Which attacks? The ones on my life? The Children of Mortis? The Pirates of Saijo?” He passed Thane his glass. “Taldryan has endured worse hardships and come out the other side. The Clan knows how to recover quickly and make the most of a bad situation.”

“Yes,” Thane answered to the rapidfire questions, all at once. The Justicar idly incited the ice within the glass to spin, tugging at the invisible stands of the Force. Holding the glass between three fingers, Thane kept his eyes on Appius.

“Conflict always finds us,” he stated flatly. “Even familial.”

The last statement was simultaneously a question and accusation.

Appius froze, his glass inches from his lips. His thoughts betrayed him as he went wide-eyed. He swallowed the lump in his throat and placed the glass down on his desk.

He let out a heavy sigh. “Who told you?”

Thane’s face did the talking for him. His eyebrows knit together in an expression that could only be read as “really?”

“Irrelevant.” The Justicar’s answer revealed nothing. He was deadly still, but that was more a norm than a clue. “Some elaboration is required ” On your part.

Appius took his seat opposite Thane. “What do you want to know first? It’s a very long story.”

“Are you compromised?” Thane bluntly questioned.

Appius opened his mouth to speak, but promptly closed it. He stood from his desk and began to carefully remove his armor. He observed Thane raise a brow, the unspoken question obvious.

“It’ll make sense in a minute,” Appius removed his beskar chestplate, placing it down on the floor beside him. He was in his black undersuit now, and he stood in front of Thane.

He lifted up his shirt, showing a back riddled with deep, healing scars. Appius lowered his shirt and sat back down at his desk. “I was captured twice by them. I was also tortured twice by them. Both times, I never told them a single thing. They tried, oh believe me, they tried, but I never said a word about the Brotherhood. My father, though? He is… was… a good man. He rescued me when no-one else could. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be sitting in front of you right now.”

Thane appraised Appius carefully. He wasn’t one to jump to conclusions and he wasn’t about to now.

“Does he still live?”

The Justicar took a sip from the glass he had taken, not out of thirst but more as an act to try to grant Appius a measure if calm. He hadn’t come as an executioner. Well, it was always possible but he had no present intentions as to it.

Appius shook his head. “No. He died here on Kasiya during the Children of Mortis attack. He died protecting us…”

Appius’ eyes dropped down to the floor for a moment. He shook his head, and grabbed his glass, taking a large gulp of his drink.

“Sorry about that, got lost in thought.”

Darrio couldn’t help but smile. Damn it all, how he missed the Playground. It was a hellhole of scum and villainy looking to waste away their credits on booze and a good time.

It was his kind of place.

Alas, he was here on business, and not only that, he had Sulla with him. The Twi'Lek toddler practically clung to him asche held her.

“Don’t worry, kid. I won’t let anything happen to ya.”

Darrio walked in confidently. The smell alone made his head spin, but he saw the man he was looking for.

“Jorm!”

“Down-All-Drinks Darrio!”

Jorm vaulted over the handrail and dropped to the floor level.

Taken by a good mood, he closed in like a breeze and lifted the Mandalorian off the floor in a Force-powered bear hug.

“‘Sup, kiddo,” he also greeted Sulla while Darrio struggled to break free, “you old enough to drink yet?”

“Good evening, Admiral. This is General Stone Drafen,” the Chyronite officer introduced himself to thepictless comm.

“General Drafen… of the CSDF, unless something changed?”

Drafen could outright hear Zruta’s raised eyebrow.

“The same and yes, Admiral.”

“I cannot say I expected to speak to you, much less on the day of my retirement. What gives, General?”

“Your unfortunate retirement. Upon learning about it, Chancellor Na'trej found a trove of choice words. Then he tasked me with contacting you. Hence, on behalf of Chyron and the CSDF, I invite you to meet me at the upper levels of the Chyronite Embassy and discuss future endeavours.”

“That timeframe is acceptable. Work lunch tomorrow at noon then?”

Two tables across, one hand draped across the shoulder of a slender Zabrak woman and the other holding a strong beverage, Orson Trent diverted half his attention to Jorm and Darrio. Both of them were highly recognisable figures around the Playground. But a bigger concern was how empty his glass was, and that of his companion. “Another drink?” Orson gestured towards the bar.

“Sounds like a nice idea. We could go to the Waterfront. Should be able to blend in there and have a quiet drink there.”

Starts to walk off, “I have a speeder not far from here, want to ride with me?”

“Not quite yet, give her about a decade and a half,” Darrio joked as <@414705077484257280> lowered him to the ground. Sulla smiled at him and gave him a small wave. “I’m actually here on business. I’m looking for someone, and I figured you might know where I can find him. Orson Trent.”

“The Chin’s pretty Nose? If he’s here, look for the hottest lady, you’ll find her on his arm.” <@339758862406254592>

Orson lent on the bar with one arm, the pretty Zabrak left at the table. “Three measures of Sullustan’s, one of vodka, half a measure of a Corellian White. Shake it over ic-”

“We know, Orson.”

“Make it two of them.”

“We know that too.”

Once the drinks were made, he returned to his table, to find Jorm approaching the Zabrak girl.

Darrio placed his one spare arm on Orson’s shoulder. “Orson Trent?”

Orson pushed the hand away. “Sorry, you’re not my type.”

Darrio threw a hefty satchel of credits on the table. “I need your help.”

Orson took a quick glance at the credits. “Well for that I’m willing to try new things.”

Thane let out a long sigh. His face turned pensive and he looked to the swirling liquid he held. The Justicar’s lips pursed, then returned to the impassive line bordering on a frown that made up his resting Justicar face.

“Your actions going forward,” he began, pausing to ensure he had Appius’ complete focus. “Will determine your future.”

The Firrerreo finished the drink in a single, burning gulp, and affixed the younger man with his black-gold stare. “We do not always get to choose how family comes into and out of our lives.” The oldest of Thane’s scars throbbed, as if the memories contained therein were screaming to have their say. “Their impact remains, nonetheless.” They go on living without fear or pain. Beyond our reach.

It didn’t take them long to reach the Waterfront. Circe hopped of her speeder and looked at the front of the building they stopped at.

“Aylin said this was a nice place to have a drink,” she said as she looked at the four neon light S’s above the entrance. “I hope she is right.”

“One way to find out,” the Ewok commented as he stood next to her.

She nodded and entered the bar. Once inside they were greeted to mellow music and a way to bubbly Nautolan serving girl.

“Hi! Welcome to the Four S’s, how can I help you?”

“We would like a quiet place to drink something.” Circe said as she rolled her eyes as to why Aylin liked this place.

“Right this way.” The Nautolan girl walked off and showed them an alcove place were they could sit. “What would you like to drink?”

“Two glasses of Whyren’s Reserve, please.”

“Oh, you got taste! Coming right up,” the girl said and practically skipped off.

“I should have known…” Circe said as she watched the girl go, “Do you want to bail out and find a different place?”

“They do indeed…” Appius gestured towards the glass in Thane’s hand. “Want another one?”

The man cocked his head to the side and appraised the empty glass. He allowed a quick purse of his lips before shaking his head slightly. “I’ll just end up hungry.”

Darrio rolled his eyes. “Sorry, your not my type. I hear your a guy who knows this city well. I hear you’re good at finding things.”

Darrio took a seat at the table and placed Sulla beside him. He gestured for Orson to sit opposite them.

Appius shrugged. “Kasiya is not short on food, but suit yourself. I take it you and the rest of the Council are keeping your eye on me?”

“Increased scrutiny,” Thane confirmed.

Appius scratched the side of his cheek. He tensed, then let out a low laugh.

“Don’t take this personally, Thane, but I’ve been nothing but loyal to this Brotherhood. After everything I’ve done, I find that quite insulting. Is that why his lordship sent you instead of coming himself? Or is he too busy on his space yacht dreaming about killing Mav?”

Thane tilted his head again, a surprisingly animal-like yet innocent act.

“I do not serve Evant,” he explained. Nor do I monitor his activities. “History is not proof of the future.”

The Firrerreo let a pregnant pause hover between them before speaking again. “Where is best to eat?” he asked. Thane thus far approved of Appius’ actions, and his bluntness. He didn’t care for subterfuge and appreciated that the Taldryan Consul wasn’t playing games.

History is not proof of the future.

Appius smiled at that. “Those who do not learn from that history are doomed to repeat it… I do apologise for my outburst. I’m aware tbe Chamber of Justice acts separately to the Council. The Ektrosis Waterfront has some good eateries if you are interested?”

Orson sat opposite them. He had been around Taldryan folks long enough to know who Darrio was, and how he was closely linked with Appius, his boss’ most trusted client. This was probably important.

Circe looked curiously at Teebu as she took her helmet off, her hair falling free from it’s confinement. She gently set her helmet down next to her and watched him for a moment.

“I’m glad you find comfort into what seems to have hurt you before… What did happen to you when you were gone?” she said softly with concern lingering her voice.

Circe listened to the story that Teebu was telling her. Her face might not always show her reaction to the horrors that he went through, but her ears did. She felt bad for not being able to rescue him, to find him before and that feeling only had gotten worse.

“I’m very sorry I wasns’t able to find you and rescue you… that you have had to go through all this,” she said softly. “It sounds weird that even after all this, you were worried you would not see me again. I would have fully understood if you didn’t want to see me again as you felt that people had given up on you.”

“I will do more then my best to keep you safe, this I promise you, I don’t want you to go through this again.”

Appius smiled, clasped his hands together, and rubbed them eagerly. “Great! There’s this place Aylin told me about that is supposed to be amazing! We can try there first.”

Appius was so eager to show Thane around the Republic; the Republic he helped create, that he almost forgot one very important thing.

He stopped himself. “Give a mo.ent, please. Ankira will literally murder me if I go out without armor on, and I’m fairly sure Zxyl will try and beat me senseless for it.”

Appius carefully pieced together his armor, sans helmet. Once he was ready, he summoned the shuttle back to the private landing pad. He escorted Thane as the Consul and Justicar combo sat in the backseat.

The driver was a droid, which spun its head to face them. “Where to, gentlemen?”

“Ektrosis Waterfront,” Appius gave the order.

As soon as they left the tower, Appius took the opportunity to get an answer for something that had been bothering him;

“If I may ask, do you happen to know what the Grand Master is planning on doing about the Children of Mortis? Any plan for a retaliation of some kind?”

Thane watched out the window as the vehicle traversed through the pathways towards their destination.

“Actions always have their equal and opposite,” the Justicar said. “Don’t they?”

Appius gave a slow nod. “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I remember my father telling me that. He always says it was our choices that determined who we were. We might, in fact, I don’t doubt that we are heading to war again, but it’s how we choose to handle it that will determine the kind of people we are, the kind of Brotherhood we are. We always have a choice.”

Darrio threw a holoprojector on the table as images of Twi'Leks young, old, male, and female, appeared.

“These are Twi'Leks that have disappeared from the Arroyo District. No-one seems to know where they’ve gone, and all reports find little evidence to their whereabouts. The last time this happened, there were slavers involved, so they might be taking extra steps to stay hidden. I need them finding so i can put a stop to it.”

Darrio brought Sulla closer to him, like a parent instinctually holding their child so they knew they were there.

Before long, Thane and Appius had arrived, with the latter eager to show off the Ektrosis Waterfront.

“Not gonna lie, Thane. This is my favourite part of the city,” Appius said.

It was easy to see why. Street performers entertained willing audiences with vibrant tricks and showmanship. The nearby river shone with vibrant clearness as water features spurted into the air. Various monuments detailed the history of the area, as well as Ektrosis’ history within Taldryan.

Then there were the smells. Gracious scents of freshly prepared food and drinks ranging from small stalls to elegant diners and restaurants turned eyes and stomachs in their direction.

A small ball suddenly struck Thane’s ankle, with a small boy running to go and pick it up, only to stop when he noticed Thane standing there.

<@185936112441622529>

The Justicar raised an eyebrow and cast a glance side to side, taking in the waterfront. He could see the appeal, sure. The natural beauty of it. But it was crowded.

Too crowded.

Thane wasn’t one to enjoy the company of a great many others. His happy place was a quiet corner with a good book. He wasn’t immune to carnal pleasures though, as evident by the flaring of his nostrils in response to the aromas assaulting them. He blinked and looked down at the ball as it began to roll from the point of impact. Then he appraised the small boy.

He knelt down, carefully and with a steady movement that would be calming as opposed to threatening. Thane grabbed for the ball, allowing the Force to tug it up just before his hand reached so that the motion turned into more of a catch than a grab, then turned his hand upward to offer it to the boy.

The boy gingerly took it from Thane’s hand. He smiled up at him, uttering a quiet, but audible;

“Thank you, mister.”

He ran off into the nearby restaurant, one that had three separate levels that oversaw the Waterfront.

Now, Appius wasn’t the most observant of people. He couldn’t see Thane’s discomfort at the large crowds. However, he could certainly feel it.

He smiled at Thane, approving of his actions. It was always goof for people to see leaders in action. That was a philosophy Appius held.

“Supreme Chancellor!”

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

“It is! It has to be!”

Naturally, the Supreme Chancellor of the Taldryan Republic being out and about was starting to draw in a bit of attention. Appius quickly gestured to the restaurant, the same one the boy had ran into, before Thane became too uncomfortable. “Wanna try this one?”

“If it’s the one you suggest,” Thane acquiesced.

“I would gladly accept.”

Her ears perked up as she heard a familiar voice, “Why is he here?”

“Indeed!” Appius walked inside with Thane following closely behind.

There, Appius spotted the unmistakable presence of Teebu.

What Appius saw here, was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Teebu had stated he wantedcto speak to him. This was a good opportunity to do so.

“Mommy! That’s the nice man!” a small boy holding a recognisable ball pointed at Thane.

“Oh, my!” The mother appeared, covering her hands with her mouth. “The Supreme Chancellor! And you,” she pointed at Thane. “Thank you so much for your generosity. It’s an honour to have you both here. What may I do for you both?”

“I don’t suppose you have a booth where we can discuss private matters between let’s say… four people?” Appius asked.

“Of course, of course! This is my establishment!” The mother, now identified as the restaurant owner, beckoned them to follow. “This way, please, gentlemen!”

As they passed, Appius gestured for Teebu and Circe to follow him.

<@185936112441622529> <@61385159655559168> <@417336769181122562>

What do you say, Orson? You in?

<@339758862406254592> <@414705077484257280>

Circe glanced towards Teebu to see if he wanted to join or not. She wasn’t sure is she trusted either of then after the story he told her a moment ago.

She picked up her helmet from besides her and took her glass before getting up and following them.

They were all lead towards a more quiet booth, though it was away from the sea view they still were surrounded by the sea in the form of pictures and little items that could be found in the sea and on the shores.

“Would you like something to drink as well?” The owner asked them.

“How generous of you,” Appius gave him a nod of approval. “Now, whilst we wait for drinks, I believe there was something you wanted to talk to me about, Teebu. With Thane here, you can ensure I will speak with the utmost honesty.”

Thane raised an eyebrow at Appius’ remark. He took his own seat and immediately entered into a leaning lounge. His stance showed the lack of care he felt. The Firrerreo still didn’t like the crowds, but he could ignore them. His black-gold eyes scanned the room and studied the pair in front of him. Overall, he appeared uninterested but not insultingly so.

“For some context, Thane. Teebu here was captured by the enemy for several months before eventually helping us destroy the Superweapon in Saijo. He said he wanted to talk to me,” Appius leaned back into his seat. With a wave of a hand, he closed the shutters to their booth, ensuring privacy and blocking out the noise from the outside. “Now, what is it you wanted to ask, Teebu?”

“OK, I’m gonna stop you right there,” Appius held out a hand, gesturing for Teebu to stop talking for a moment. “There is a big difference between when I was kidnapped, and when you were taken. When I was kidnapped, you knew where I was. I was still on Kasiya. You? You’d vanished without a trace. We searched for you, starting in the Caelus System, and then further out, but you of all people know the further out you go, the more you spread your resources. We were searching blindly looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s not from lack of trying. I can promise you that.”

The booth suddenly opened, with the restaurant owner appearing with drinks.

“Here you go! Please feel free to sample some of our freshest starters!”

She placed an assortment of drinks and food on the table, and Appius looked to a particularly enticing wampa skewer near Circe.

“You gonna eat that?” he asked her.

<@185936112441622529> <@417336769181122562>

Deezn Jarok pushed his way through a throng of people on the mid-levels of Chyron. He never much liked being up there but it had been a long time since he’d seen his old friend Aylin. How could he refuse her invitation when her Nautolan head popped up on the holofeed? Sometimes it felt like since Bale and Kaela left for the Outer Rims the rest of the crew had all forgotten about him. For a while there, he’d thought he’d found a close-knit family to run with but then the big guy had decided to take what was his and disappear. Things had gone back to the way they were before he’d met the Zabrak, and none of the others had reached out. Until Aylin, that is.

He hadn’t been up on the higher levels in some time and Deezn was surprised by how much things were changing. As he walked along the walkways he watched as a crew of bioengineers worked on strange new bioluminescent plants that had appeared along the structure. It seemed to have been done on purpose too. It was a strange sight to him, strange but real pretty. There was something about the air that was different also, it was fresher somehow, less rank.

He took a deep breath and exhaled through his funnel mouth. He found himself smiling. Aylin reaching out to him, and now all this new stuff growing around Chyron, it had to be a good sign.

Then he walked into something big and was lying on the ground, the levels above spinning over him. There was laughter and then a big hand raised him off the ground until his feet were dangling and his face was shoved up against a big Gammorean snout.

“Huh sorry!” he squeaked. The big fellow rolled his eyes, snorted at him then let him drop before continuing on his way.

Deezn scrubbed the dust from his clothes and as he did so he spotted the sign to the bar where he was to meet Aylin. A bar he used to visit with Bale and the crew.

A good sign.

<@417336769181122562>

Thane remained as impassive as ever, merely listening until Teebu addressed him directly. This one overestimates his worth, he mused.

The Justicar tilted his head and nodded up towards Appius. “Just him,” he stated flatly, despite his accent.

Appius let out a heavy sigh. “Never a dull day in the Taldryan Republic…”

He eyed the wampa skewer, and with a motion of his hand, it floated into the air in reach of him…

Thane—still leaning back in his seat—quickly flicked his wrist in a beckoning motion. The sudden surge of power found the floating skewer redirected into Thane’s hand where he quickly took a bite, his sharp canines tearing into the meat. He felt Appius’ eyes on him and offered a shrug that said “I’m hungry”.

“So it would seem,” the Justicar finally replied after swallowing.

Appius shot him a slightly annoyed look, but shrugged it off. He noticed that there were in fact two skewers on that plate. He called upon the Force to lift that one…

Circe plucked it out of the air as she got up, “so am I.”

She took a bite of it as she followed Teebu, a smile playing on her lips

Circe looked between the Ewoks as she walked with them. She couldn’t follow the conversation, but body language was harder to hide, which she could read. So far everything seemed fine and she continued to finish the skewer she took from Appius.

Aylin was sitting at their old spot in the bar, around her a few cups of CafPow… more then would be healthy for someone, perhaps. She was typing away on her datapad, working on a new protocol that should give them backdoor to communications much faster then her older protocols. Or at least she hoped so. She felt bad for not being able to give people information fast enough.

Slurping on of the CafPows she nodded to a bunch of beeps coming from her datapad and smirked, the first test was complete and looking good so far. Siky chirped as he noticed the Rodian entering the bar and poked Aylin on her head were it was sitting.

“Oh? He is here already?” Aylin said as she looked up towards the door. “Hi! Glad you showed up!” She said cheerfully and waved him over toward their spot.

Deezn was so happy to see his old friend that when she waved him over, he almost ran to her. And when he reached her, he fared no better. He didn’t really know how to greet her after so long and by the time he realized what he was doing, he was half-hugging her, half-cradling her hands in his, and all that while she was sitting down. He pulled back with a droning, “Uh, sorry, uh, hi.”

He looked at his feet, feeling his cheeks burn as he sat opposite to her. For a moment, he stared at his hands before booping the milicreep droid Siky as he’d often done in the past.

“It’s been a while,” she said to him, a smirk on her face.

“It has, yes. It’s really good to see you, Aylin. What, uh, what are you working on there?”

He immediately regretted sticking his nose straight into her business. That’s why people didn’t like hanging around with him. Couldn’t place two words without getting weird. He ran his hand down his face.

“I mean, how have you been?” he course-corrected before she should respond.

<@417336769181122562>

Aylin chuckled, “I’m glad you haven’t changed one bit, unlike most of the things around here. I have been doing well. Working on different projects and proto tested them in the last conflicts we had. Some of them quite effective, some not so much.”

Siky chirped, breaking her from her rambling and ran around on the table.

“Oh, I didn’t forget, Siky,” she said, “Siky helped too, he is getting better at invading and decoding.” The little droid chirped happily and waved it’s little antenna.

Spotting a waitress, Aylin waved her over and pointed to Deezn, “Do you want something to eat or drink?”

“Uh, maybe Jorgan Juice,” he answered looking up at the waitress. She shot him an accusatory glance and he knew what she was thinking. Who orders juice in a bar? He did, that’s who.

Aylin was grinning at him. She knew all too well why he wasn’t ordering alcohol.

“Siky’s always been helpful, huh? You know I have a droid of my own now. Put him together myself,” he said.

“Oh, I love meeting new droids! Is he here?” Deezn was almost surprised by the genuine interest in her voice. That wasn’t something he heard often.

“Yes. Well, uh, no. D3-C0Y is outside watching as he does,” he fiddled the wrist link on his arm. “But you can say hi to him. Just, careful. He has an attitude.”

<@417336769181122562>

Aylin tilted her head and chuckled, “a droid with an attitude? Sounds like a program I’ve heard before.”

Her own little droid chirped and beeped into the communicator, saying hi to the other one.

“I am sure even with an attitude he will fit in here quite well.”

Circe looked at him, “I’m afraid I’m not well versed in other languages but basic and Hutteese. But to answer his question, no I have not heard about the situation on Mount Arreat.”

Appius sulked in his seat for a moment. What he wouldn’t do for some pog soup right about now. He tried to ignore Thane’s chewing, bit he wasn’t gonna lie, he was hungry.

He decided to change the topic. “Are you satisfied with everything you came here for, Thane?”

<@185936112441622529>

The Justicar allowed himself a suspiration before taking a glass into his hand. “It’s adequate,” he stated. Nothing is ever certain, however.

The man wasn’t oblivious to the plight of the Consul, quickly signalling the server to bring more appies. Everyone liked a good appetizer. This time it was an assorted platter of meats and cheeses.

The wrist link emitted a single dry beep, D3-C0Y saying, “Busy.”

Deezn hid his face with one hand and shook his head, his cheeks burning that much more. They sat for a moment in silence as the waitress came and dropped off his Jorgan Juice. He fiddled with the cup with one suction-cupped finger, then looked up at her. “So, huh, why did you call me here? Something going on with your, uh, people?”

The Rodian didn’t really know how to refer to the organization Aylin and the old crew worked for. He never full grasped the breadth of such a… brotherhood? It reminded him of a multi-headed computer virus, a spiderweb of algorithms each with their own of oft-conflicting tasks. He never fully cracked the concept. He just went along with Bale and Aylin.

<@417336769181122562>

“I have, though I do not recall all the details of it as I was new to the group. I do think, however that it could be useful to have an excursion there to learn more of the situation,” Circe said as she frowned slightly. She would make it a priority to learn Ewokese to make conversation easier and not having to rely on someone to translate for her.

“We also might need to make plans to divert the magma to locations that pose less risk to creating big problems.” <@61385159655559168>

Aylin chuckled, “There is always something going on here. But I thought you would like the prospect of a home and a steady job. Perhaps even opportunities to rise up to other levels of command if you are inclined to do so. Most importantly, it is nice to have friends around here that know their stuff.”

She took a slurp of her CafPow and sighed when it was empty already. “Of course you are free to decline. Things have changed around here, mostly for the good of it, but conflict also has found their ways here.” <@242433012766212097>

Just as Thane reached out to grab a particularly enticing bit of cheese bread manufactured by “This is the Whey” industries. Just as Thane was about to grab it, it soared off of the plate and into Appius’ hand.

The Taldryan Consul gave Thane a coy smile and a shrug that said ‘Hey! I’m hungry too!’

“No, no!” Deezn protested at the idea of declining. He winced and bit his lip. Maybe he was being a bit too eager. Still, the idea sounded good to him. Sure, there was always a catch, but he was tired of going through the motions. He missed the excitement, and maybe, just maybe, he’d be flying again.

“Say no more, I’m in. Bonus points if you get me behind a cockpit.”

He threw back the Jorgan Juice, downing it in one excited gulp.

“Fair,” Thane said with a shrug. Aside from the meal, his mind filed away the things he had seen and heard that day, adding it to the pile of Brotherhood politics he had to keep a finger on. It’s easy to lost sight of everything when you’re looking down at it. The details get lost in all the noise.

Circe looked at all the different units before her and then towards Teebu. “Perhaps I should go to the training grounds, they might get me started on learning Ewokese so it would be easier to talk with the others of the Ewoksguard. While translators are nice, I don’t want to be dependant of it or them.”

“Keep in contact, though, so that if anything might happen I can come to you and help you out, I don’t want the same happening as last time.” <@61385159655559168>

Aylin grinned as she watched him down the juice as if it was a strong drink. “I am sure that can be arranged. Rumor has it that some new ship upgrades are showing up soon.”

She waved over towards a waitress and ordered more of her drinks and the same for Deezn so that they could properly celebrate him joining them. <@242433012766212097>

“So what are your plans now, then?” Appius asked, genuine curiosity taking over. “Head back to the Chamber of Justice and respond to the next tidbit of information that intrigues you?”

“Speaking of ship upgrades,” Deezn said as he nursed his second glass of juice, “I went by Bale’s old junkyard. It really is gone. Sold off down to the last ship carcass. I was so sure he’d come back.”

Aylin frowned, “Wow, I thought for sure if anyone had heard from him, it’d be you. I guess he really wanted a new start.”

Deezn sighed then took a sip. He couldn’t really blame him after all that had happened. He missed the big guy though, his daughter too.

He shrugged and then raised his glass, “Here’s to a new start, uh?”

<@417336769181122562>

Aylin raised her cup and smiled, “To new adventures!” Her smile though wavered soon as she remembered the adventures they had been through. She was still sad that Zehsaa also disappeared, left without a trace or her items except for what she could carry.

“Guess you would like to see our new garage and test room soon then. It’s quite an upgrade from what we had.”

<@242433012766212097>

Deezn grinned as he took another sip. He was feeling a little brazen.

“We can check it tonight if you want. I, uh, got nothing.”

<@417336769181122562>

“That is a fair summation,” Thane admitted. The Justicar was more of a reactive position than one full of plans and great machinations. Sure, his very existence was somewhat of a ‘deterrent’, but that was about as proactive as it got. “There is much to study and train.”

Then Thane turned his head to affix Appius with his cold stare once more. “Planning more large scale conflicts?”

Appius scoffed. “I don’t need to. They seem to find us somehow. It kinda feels like no matter where I go, trouble seems to follow…”

She stared back at them and sighed softly. “Guess it is going to be a difficult trip to the training grounds if we don’t understand each other.”

“If you don’t mind a shit load of glitter getting everywhere we could go to the 42nd level of Tal Tower.”

Siky chirped and if she could she would have rolled her eyes.

“Yes, I know it wasn’t your fault… not entirely. We kinda had a short fuse accident…” Aylin added with a sheepish smile.

She looked curiously at them and then to the arriving shuttle.

“I guess you guys understand some basic then…”

She followed them onboard and sat down at one of the seats.

“Of course, there is the situation with Moff Genko that will need to be resolved sooner rather than later…” Appius went wide-eyed as he realised he’d probably said more than he should have. He turned to look at Thane, trying to gauge his reaction.

<@185936112441622529>

The idea of getting a glimpse of Clan Taldryan’s facilities were to enticing to pass. He didn’t know what Aylin and her people had in mind for him, but if there was even a slim chance he was going to get behind a cockpit again, or better yet, earn enough to buy his own ship, he had to take it.

So he followed after Aylin as they made their way there.

“Where are the new garages? I only heard rumors but I thought your, uh, people had moved off-world?”

<@417336769181122562>

Winch had silently observed the pair talking. Truthfully, he was hear to hand back the Slicer pad he’d borrowed to her. He’d gotten everything he needed from it.

For now.

But then he overheard them talking about entering the Taldryan Tower, and Winch got curious. Given his status as a Crusader, getting access to the Tower would give him a good look at the exact operations Taldryan was looking to conduct.

It was a pity he wasn’t wearing his armor. Instead he’d come in a more casual attire, finished with a long flowing trench coat. He was less inconspicuous this way.

And whether the Crusaders were involved.

Winch placed a hand on Aylin’s shoulders. “Sup, kid.”

Thane didn’t turn to look at Appius. That wasn’t to say he didn’t hear him. He just didn’t look over. Instead, Thane sighed heavily, his mouth closed so the air rushed through his flared nostrils instead while he closed his eyes. Happy beeps, he thought to himself.

“Some elaboration is required,” Thane chose as his response.

Kriffing sithspit…

Appius had gotten to comfortable around Thane and had let something slip that he really shouldn’t have. He inwardly cursed at himself for his own lack of tact.

“We have sources indicating that the Superweapon used against Saijo was overseen and authorised by one Myn Genko from the neighbouring Imperial Remnant states. To put it simply, I want him captured and interrogated.”

“Hey Winch!” Aylin said as she looked up, “Not much, just showing Deezn around. He is a good friend of mine and eager to help us with more glitter mayhem and lots of piloting.”

“Glitter… mayhem?” Winch dared to ask

The Nautolan nodded, “Of course, we need to keep glitter levels at acceptable rates.”

Deezn didn’t follow anything of this and glanced between the two of them. Aylin saw this and chuckled, “You will know soon enough.”

<@837236610684813342> <@242433012766212097>

Circe stepped down the ramp and looked around, it had been a while since she had seen this many tree’s together. It also felt much different to her here then back in the city, which she found refreshing. But now came the biggest challenge to her, how was she going to get around here? Cause there probably wouldn’t be any Ewok around here that spoke Basic, if she was lucky some might understand it.

“Were are the leaders?” she asked them in the hopes they would understand. <@61385159655559168>

“I suggest you handle your business,” Thane intoned towards Appius. Before it handles you.

The Justicar’s thoughts were already going elsewhere. He didn’t have much else to do in Taldrya’s territory, but he wasn’t exactly in a rush to head back to Arx or his orbital station either.

“Oh, trust me,” a sly grin appeared on Appius’ face. “I aim to.”

The Taldryan Consul took a large swig of his drink. “I do hope you at least find everything to your liking?”

Amidst the talks with Darrio and Orson, they had failed to notice someone sneaking up from behind Darrio. She was tall and lithe, Epicanthix in breed, though she aimed to not let her stature draw attention to her.

Thankfully, Darrio was too distracted with Orson to take notice.

The Epicanthix reached over and snatched Sulla from next to Darrio. He reached over to try and grab her back, but missed, and fell from his seat.

The Epicanthix broke into a sprint towards the Playground entrance.

“Sulla, no!” Darrio reached out for her.

<@339758862406254592> <@414705077484257280>

Winch shook his head. “Why does everything with you involve glitter? There are more practical substances that can be used. You know that.”

“Because there is enough doom and gloom in this galaxy already. Of course I can just blow up the building or spaceship or hack into any system that you put before me, but that has no artistic involvement after that.”

“Death isn’t supposed to be artistic,” Winch deadpanned her. He then looked to Deezn, and held out a hand for him to shake. “Winch. And you are Deezn. A pleasure.”

<@242433012766212097>

“Uh yeah, that’s me. Pleasure, uh, too?” He looked from Aylin to this newcomer. He didn’t know anything about glitter but Aylin was right. He was looking forward to flying.

“Anyway…” Aylin started as she looked at Winch. “I guess you came to return my datapad?” she guessed as she held up her hand expectantly.

Winch placed the datapad back into her hand, but didn’t let it go. “If you both are looking to break into the Taldryan Tower, I want in.”

<@417336769181122562> <@242433012766212097>

“What are you talking about?” Aylin said as she pulled the datapad from his hands. “There is no need to break in.”

Winch raised a brow. “There isn’t?”

Aylin gave him a cold hard stare, “Did you hit your head or something?”

Realisation dawned on Winch. “You have access to the tower, don’t you?”

“Welcome back,” Aylin said sarcastically.

“Come Deezn, we are going. I think Winch has some mind problems today.”

With that she grabbed Deezn’s hand and walked off, partially pulling her friend along.

Winch’s information, or at least what he understood, must have been incorrect. Last he remembered, Aylin wasn’t a member of Taldryan, just simply associated with them.

How did she have free reign of the Tower?

Winch decided to tag along, at the very least this was going to be interesting.

“That was rude, you know,” he said flatly to her.

“Says the one acting weird today. Why do you want to get to the tower anyway?”

“It’s complicated,” Winch didn’t look her in the eye. Instead, he tried to change the subject. “How do you two know each other?”

Aylin frowned, something didn’t feel right here.

“We know each other from when Bale and Zehsaa were still here. That has been a while ago now, though…”

The group boarded the nearest transport and headed towards their destination;

Kasiya, the Taldryan Tower.

Deezn just went along, following Aylin, somewhat confused by the interaction they had with Winch. He was eager to see the Taldryan facilities, which he had only glimpsed back when Bale Andros worked for them. He’d flown alongside their forces in the battle against the Collective. The money he’d made off that war had allowed him to buy a new flight simulation console, though in hindsight, he should have probably spent the credits on an actual ship. None had struck his fancy, not the ones that he could afford anyways. He wanted something with flash and some good weapo— He walked into Aylin’s back as she stopped to wait for an elevator.

“Ooof, sorry Linlin, I huh… I was thinking about, uh, stuff,” he said, nursing his arm in shame.

<@417336769181122562> <@837236610684813342>

Appius felt a ping come from an alarm in his forearm. His eyes went wide. That only meant one thing.

Someone unauthorised tried to break into the Taldryan Tower.

Appius shot to his feet, and threw a stack of credits on the table. “My apologies, Thane, but it seems something urgent requires my attention. You are welcome to come if you wish.”

<@185936112441622529>

Thane offered up a shrug. “Time to kill,” came his lilting response.

The Justicar left a credit chit on the table as a tip before nodding his readiness to the Consul. It would be interesting to observe how they handled their business.

Aylin glanced back at him and chuckled, “You seem to be more nervous then me when I ask a girl on a date. Relaxed, everything will be fine.”

Then she shot a more warning look at Winch, “No touching things… unless you want to end up as a disco ball.” <@242433012766212097> <@837236610684813342>

Winch eyed the consoles carefully, taking note of every and any computer panel around them so far. All he needed was one moment to access one in peace, and he’d have the information he was looking for.

He wasn’t about to do it front of Aylin, though. She was a dear friend, but there were some matters too complicated for even friends to be involved.

At the end of the day, in a choice between friends and family, Winch knew which he’d choose.

He simply gave Aylin a nod. He hated doing this, but this was the clearest way to get his answers.

Appius raced back towards the taxi droid with Thane in Tow. “The Taldryan Tower. Step on it.”

The droid rotated its head around to look at them. “That area is strictly prohibited under Taldryan Republic Law, section 7.B…”

“Listen you bucket of bolts! I am the Supreme Chancellor! When I say go to the tower, I mean go to the tower!”

The droid stared at him for a moment. “Section 7.B prohibits unauthorised personnel from…”

Appius groaned in exasperation. “To hell with this.”

He flicked a wrist and sent the droid flying out of the drivers seat. Appius took its place. “Thane, you might want to strap in.”

And strap in he did, whilst simultaneously questioning every decision that brought him to this moment.

“I trust your ability will match your confidence,” Thane mused.

Appi pressed forward as far as the acceleration lever would go, and the Force the speeder moved would have sent Thane flying out of the back of the speeder if he wasn’t strapped in. What made matters worse was the near-miss Appius had when driving into oncoming traffic.

“Sorry!” He yelled to a traveller who flipped him off. “You ok back there, Thane?”

The man contained a groan as he evaluated how much bruising would form due to the straps biting into his flesh. “Peachy,” came the response through grit teeth.

There was a soft ding, signaling that the elevator had arrived and the door slid open. The group stepped inside of it and Aylin pressed one of the buttons, holding her finger onto the button for a while before releasing it. The door closed and the elevator started to move up.

<@837236610684813342> <@242433012766212097>

The elevator kept rising, and rising, and rising until it reached floor 42. Once it arrived, the door opened with Deezn and Aylin stepping out.

“Are you coming, Winch?” she asked, placing her hands on her hip.

Winch took a deep breath through his nose. “No. I’m sorry.”

He sliced into the Elevator controls, sending it careening straight back down to the ground floor.

He hacked the controls, bringing it to a stop. He forcefully opened the doors and got to work on the computer terminal he saw on the way in. He didn’t have long. He took off the panel and got to work…

Before Darrio could fully turn and break into a sprint, the Epicanthix left the ground, keeled over backwards and crashed into the hardwood floor head-first.

Jorm stepped forward and kicked the groaning heap of limbs for good measure.

“Security,” he yelled out for no person in particular, “send a recording of this little spat here to Chyron. Tell ‘em to integrate it into the dictionary as the definition of frakking stupid.

“That frakker!” Aylin yelled as she pushed Deezn out of the way and rushing towards the console. “Siky! Start protocol Pong, find Winch, he is up to something!”

Her little droid friend chirped and connected itself to the system, it’s little antenna twitching as the protocol ran. Aylin’s fingers ran over the keyboard, running diagnostics to see if everything was still in place and nothing had been breached.

Darrio scooped Sulla up in his arms. It was a good thing he was wearing his helmet, because she would have seen the seething look in his eyes.

Darrio retrieved one of his blasters, aimed it at the Epicanthix’s face, but then lowered it until it was over their groin.

He pulled the trigger.

Something had been breached. Files on every missing Twi'Lek that had recently disappeared. Winch hadn’t erased it though, he simply made a copy.

Then, there was one other file that was half-way through being erased. Codenamed: Crusaders. It contained a contingency plan against select individuals, Koda, Ellisyn, even Winch himself… who authorised that?

Appius turned back to Thane. “Someone breached the Tower, I need to see what’s going on, and then personally deal with whoever is responsible!”

Thane went wide-eyed, prompting Appius to look forward. There was an oncoming speeder-bike.

“Sithspit! Appius swerved the speeder, turning it upside down and back onto the other side of the highway. "You OK, Thane? You look a bit green?”

“Living the dream,” Thane replied. For once, he would have preferred the droid.

Siky was chirping, conveying what he had found Winch doing in the network and that program Ping was activated without him knowing.

“Good work, Siky, we will now let him pay for breaking our trust,” Aylin said as her fingers flew over the keyboard and tilted her head when she saw the firewall going up. “Looks like the bosses also found out that Winch is being a little intruder bastard. Well, he isn’t going out now, unless he is stupid enough to resist, then he goes out in a different way.”

She glanced towards Deezn, “Sorry about this. We need to keep a close watch on what goes on in the systems.”

<@837236610684813342> <@242433012766212097>

Aylin stared at Vodo. “What are you talking about Vodo? I work here and so does he,” she said as she pointed towards Deezn. “It’s Winch you are after, he is the one who broke into the system. I was preventing him from taking anything or destroying things.”

She crossed her arms, “You know better as anyone here that I practically live here. You better find that bastard Winch, I’m sure Appius would want to talk to him more then he wants to talk with me.”

Main Hangar Taldryan Temple, Ostara

The Regent entered into the hangar bay to see the assembled remainder of the Taldryan Naval Forces that had been abandoned - and survived - on Ostara for over a year now, taking in the shambled care that the hangar had been given in that time. Panels were missing, some lights flickered with wiring exposed, and derelict ships with too few mechanics to fix them lined the walls. Even though they had necessary parts or scraps to fix them, there just wasn’t enough time in the world. The remaining forces had done their best to escape the ion storms once abandoned but every attempt had ended with failure, catastrophic or otherwise.

The remaining members of the old Taldryan Navy stood in neat lines facing the hangar’s main door and Bes'uliik’s Kom'rk-class Gauntlet Fighter Transport. Although it had been some time since they had been addressed by someone of any authority, the group retained their decorum. The Dathomirian-Mandalorian stepped forward unaccompanied, making his way in front of the group and standing elevated on the ramp of the Kom'rk.

“Mambers of the Taldryan Navy,” the Regent started, his voice firm and loud enough for the few dozen to hear, “A great disservice has been wrought upon you, the people that have made everything possible, following my departure from leadership in Taldryan. You were abandoned by those you were told to trust. Those who told you to ‘hold down the fort’. A lot has changed since you last saw the light. The Taldryan Navy - the same one you have been ardently serving this entire time - is no more. It is now the Grand Navy of the Taldryan Republic.”

Zxyl paused momentarily, allowing some of the words to sink in. A few of the officers and other personnel quietly made comments to each other in the midterm.

“BUT! It is not the same navy you remember. Things have changed, some for better, some for worse. The ion storms that have ravaged this beautiful moon for so long are beginning to weaken. Holes are opening up, allowing safe passage if the correct route is followed. But where is this Grand Navy? Have they come to see how their abandonment has fared? Have they sent support to you? No. They are off fighting a group of feeble pirates, instead of strengthening their forces - and in essence, Taldryan - with your expertise. Expertise that was already theirs! But I have not forgotten. H.A.L. has been working on flight models for these storms for months, and has finally succeeded. Even as Regent, I have made the time to bring you supplies and gear at the first opportunity. I am distraught at how you have had to cope. The lives that have been lost. The lack of true concern by those sworn to look after you. I am distraught at how you have been treated by this new ‘Taldryan Republic’. That ends today.”

Many of those present clapped.

“I have shared the flight model for navigating these storms with the rest of the Exchange prior to my arrival. More personnel, equipment, and supplies are on the way. When they arrive, you will have the opportunity to continue staying here, or travel to Kasiya to join ‘Supreme Chancellor’ Wight’s new Republic. I will remain here until supplies arrive, and help where I can. This is the way.”

Many nodded acknowledgement at the former Proconsul’s words. He nodded back, before proceeding down the ramp and making his way back to the old Consul’s office.

A short time later, the same female officer that had appeared before him did so again. Her spirits already seemed brighter, entering the room with a new resolve.

“Sir.”

“Yes, lieutenant?” he queried as he looked up from his datapad.

“The votes have been tallied. Almost a dozen of those here wish to return to whatever state Taldryan is currently in, but more than two dozen of us wish to stay. They have reaffirmed their commitment to what Taldryan is meant to be.”

“Very well. We are not tyrants… Those that wish to leave, can. No doubt Taldryanite scientists will soon discover the same path through the storms that H.A.L. did, if they haven’t already. They will seek to reestablish a presence here, and induct everything present back into their precious republic.”

“What do we do then?” the officer asked, crossing her thin forearms.

“We find those in the Republic sympathetic to the cause. And refuse.”

“This is going to be a pivotal time, isn’t it?”

“Yes, lieutenant,” Zxyl murmured as he swung back around to look out the window.

Yes.

Shanree sat still in the chair, his tunic neatly pressed and starched. He’d had his lengthy hair trimmed earlier along with a shave so that he presented the freshest, most professional image to the three ranking beings sitting opposite him. Between them was a large wooden table upon which the three officers had their datapads, their uniform hats, and in two of their cases a hot beverage. For Shanree there was nothing in front of him except a glass of water that had been delivered by a junior officer earlier.

“Your record is remarkable Mr. Argentin. We’re in no doubt of your credentials, it’s just–”, the woman, a Corellian by birth Shanree could tell by her accent, was cut off by one of her colleagues.

The Bothan snarled softly, “You Kassi are the only one here who has a problem with his lack of eyes. Yes– I said it out loud. Are you going to censure me? No? Then perhaps you can approach this topic with less prejudice and a little more–”

“Both of you, please”, the human man sitting between them wore the highest ranking emblem on his Army uniform of those assembled, “a little decorum.”

Kassi and the Bothan both looked momentarily embarrassed and each mumbled a hurried apology, which Major General Ristartes took graciously to mean it was still his turn to speak, “I have no concern over your senses and abilities Mr. Argentin. Unlike my peers I am in regular contact with the Chancellor and he apprises me that you are considered among the Foxtrot-Uniforms to be a very skilled warrior. Between your experience in the Galactic Civil War leading troops and your personal abilities I see very little reason to deny you this request.”

A Miraluka, Shanree had no eyes and did not see as-such but he did perceive in his own way through the Force. He felt the waves of seething anger rolling across Brigadier General Kassi’s mind and wondered what it was he’d done to upset this person so much, who he’d never met. The Bothan, Colonel Breysa, was more amused Shanree could tell than anything else– likely reveling in Kassi’s torment for some reason. There was politics at play in the room and none of it had anything to do with him, save for that he had to pass this interview to have his request approved. 

Ristartes looked at the Brigadier, and then the Colonel, and asked, “All in favor of recommending a direct commission to the rank of Colonel for Shanree Argentin, say ‘Aye’.”

Kassi remained silent while Breysa growled a pleased, “Ayyyee”. 

General Ristartes nodded as though he’d expected this, “Aye. Two-to-one this panel approves the recommendation. It will be sent to the Supreme Chancellor’s office for introduction before the senate for confirmation. Good luck to you. This interview is adjourned.”

Shanree sat pleased and waited for the three officers to rise before he too stood and then offered them a salute. Ristartes returned it, on behalf of all three as the ranking officer, and then departed the room followed by Kassi who hounded his coat-tails. Colonel Breysa approached Shanree instead of leaving, “I am aware you’ve taken the young Zakai Biask under your wing. I was a close working partner of the boy’s father; I’m grateful he has something of a north pole to follow in you. He was still just a pup when his father died, and that’s a dangerous time to be without a compass point to guide you.”

Shanree shook the Bothan’s furry hand and smiled with humor, “Truth be told he moved into my ship one day and I haven’t been able to get him to move out, get a job, or do his laundry since.”

“Aha! I have two pups of my own, grown at this point, but I remember well when they started testing my will. I showed them who was top-dog many times before they finally got wise to their old man’s tricks”, the Bothan’s smile was filled with sharp teeth under his short snout, “Enjoy these years, soon he will out-grow even you and he’ll leap headlong into the Galaxy. The best you can do then is just watch and hope you’ve taught him everything he needs to know to survive.”

“Thank you Colonel, I’ll keep that in mind. Speaking of survival; what did I do to spoil General Kassi’s caf?” Shanree looked over his shoulder just to be sure she wasn’t there waiting to surprise him. 

“Oh no, don’t concern yourself with her. The Brigadier General did not get on with Master Biask and I believe she sees the father in the son”, Breysa sighed ruefully, “In any case, Her department has very little oversight of Special Activities, that’s my purview. I look forward to working with you.”

Winch wasn’t stupid, far from it. He knew when to cut his losses, especially with Aylin and Deezn upstairs.

Hell only knew where Dasha was too.

He’d gotten everything he needed, seen everything he needed to see, and committed it to memory. Frack the panel, they could fix it themselves. They were more than capable. He was ready to love, but the front doors wouldn’t open. He attempted to break through the locks. Inputing whatever code he could to override it whilst trying to ignore Vodo’s continued ramblings.

<@417336769181122562> <@242433012766212097> ^

A speeder soared over Thane’s head. He could feel the rush of wind through his hair as it narrowly avoided his head.

Appius suddenly veered the speeder downwards as they careered towards the ground.

“Hold on, Thane! It’s gonna be a bumpy landing!”

<@185936112441622529>

The Epicanthix screamed in pain, clutching its now, probably now non-functioning groin.

Darrio stood over them with Sulla in his arms. “Like Jorm said, that was the very definition of fracking stupid. Here’s how this is going to work. You’re going to tell me where all the other Twi'Leks are being kept. If you don’t, then I’ll have no problems blowing your brains all over this floor.”

The Epicanthix managed to shoot Darrio a seething gaze. “You can’t. Not under Kasiya law. I must stand trial.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Darrio said. “This is the Chyron embassy. Over there is its Chancellor. Taldryan Republic Law doesn’t count here. You tried to do this in the one place on Kasiya where no-one can save your sorry hide. Ain’t that right, Jorm?”

<@414705077484257280>

“Chyron has similar laws, but quite frankly, between myself as a witness and all the security footage, it’s an open and shut case. Also, this here is the Playground. All bets are off. You literally sign a waiver when you walk in, and the bouncers tell you so.”

Aylin tapped her foot impantiently as she waited for what ever scolding would commence. But so far Appius, Teebu or whatever security officer had shown up expect for the digital image of Vodo.

“Have you got Winch already?” She asked the holo image, “He is the one who is causing the problems, I’m sure of it.”

The speeder carrying Appius and Thane crashed with a thunderous skid across the duracrete, coming to a stop directly outside the Taldryan Tower entrance.

Appius brushed a hand through his hair. “There we are! Another happy landing!”

“Your choice of vocabulary leaves much desired,” Thane deadpanned. He adjusted his gauntlets before freeing himself of the speeder, not wasting even a glance at the Taldryan Consul.

“How did it go?” Zakai was tinkering with some parts at his desk, a lamp was focused in on his work area.

“Really well. They’re going to make me a Colonel, if the Senate approves”, Shanree entered their shared suite and unbuttoned his tunic’s collar

Zakai didn’t look up from his work but replied with a jovial tone, “A full bird? You’re going to need a haircut.”

“Hey! I got one this morning, thank you”, Shanree walked over to the kitchen and pulled a chilled juice from the refrigerator.

Anticipating his Master’s question Zakai answered, “I’m fixing the motivator from that HVAC pump that was acting up on the ship last week. There’s a burnt out conduit on this circuit and I’m trying to solder it back into–”

Shanree, who was not technically minded, interrupted Zakai with a manful belch and a smirk at the flash of irritation and playful understanding he sensed from his Apprentice, “Its almost 20:00, I’m surprised you haven’t found a reason to sneak off to Jala’s yet.”

Zakai’s emotions switched suddenly to embarrassment and alarm, “You know?”

“Of course I know. I’ve known for the past year, it would be hard not to at this point… You’ve been getting sloppy covering your tracks”, Shanree patted the boy’s shoulder as he walked past him into the short hallway that connected to their individual sleeping rooms. 

—

Shanree slept with the lights on in his room. He had no eyes so whether it was light or dark in his room made no difference to him. When Shanree awoke then, having fallen asleep at his usual time, he didn’t struggle to answer the beeping com on his bedside table. He did take a moment though to query his digital assistant about the time before answering.

“Yes? This is Shanree Argentin”, he tried to speak without any sleep in his voice, though he was unconcerned if he sounded tired.

The voice on the other end of the line had a growl to its consonants that Shanree immediately recognized as Colonel Breysa, “Mr. Argentin, I apologize for waking you. I’ve been apprised of some concerning information and I believe your talents in this matter would be of great assistance.”

“My commission has been approved by the Senate already?”

“No, it hasn’t had time to go before their committee. This matter however is time sensitive and, to be honest you’ve been a military-man, the paperwork can be made to look right. I need you at these coordinates immediately”, Shanree’s datapad beeped over on his desk with a notification that it had received something.

Shanree furrowed his brow and swung his feet out of bed but remained seated. He was uncomfortable bending the law before he even technically had entered the Taldryan Army, “What’s this about Colonel?”

“I can’t answer that over these channels, I’m sorry”, Breysa said, “I will explain everything once you’re here. Your Apprentice… He must stay however.”

Shanree sighed heavily and then nodded to himself, “Alright, I’ll be there as soon as I am able.”

Everything had gone wrong it a heartbeat for Winch, and things became worse when the doors to the tower opened. In stepped Appius with Thane in tow, looking none to impressed with the journey there, though he remained silent, simply observing.

“You,” Appius gestured to Winch, then saw the broken terminal. “I should have known…”

“The Crusaders have nothing to do with this. I acted on my own Accord,” Winch stood straight. He might have been caught, but he was not the type to buckle under pressure.

“Vodo,” Appius said.

“Yes, Supreme Chancellor?” the hologram answered back.

“Are there any other unauthorised personnel inside?”

“Two. Aylin, and a small Rodian boy that looks like he’s about to soil his pants.”

“A Rodian?” Appius tilted his head. What the hell was a Rodian doing here in the Tower? “Order them down here immediately.”

Vodo gave a small nod. “Right away, Supreme Chancellor.”

<@417336769181122562> <@242433012766212097> <@185936112441622529>

Aylin and Deezn were brought down.

“Appi, I know what this looks like, but…”

Aylin was halted by Appius raising his hand.

“I’m disappointed. Really disappointed. You know how many times this Tower has been compromised, and you decided to bring him,” Appius pointed to Winch. “And… who even is that?”

“This is Deezn, he’s…”

“I don’t care who he is!” Appius interjected. “I care that he shouldn’t be here!”

Appius pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I acted on my own accord,” Winch said. “Neither of them were in the knowing.”

“Shut up,” Appius chided. “I’m gonna decide what to do with you in a second. What did you take from the terminal?”

Silence. Appius walked up to Winch, looking him dead in the eyes. “What. Did. You. Take?”

“Information on missing Twi'Leks and the contingency plan for my family.”

Missing Twi'Leks? Appius wasn’t aware of that.

“Vodo, have the military sweep the city for our missing Twi'Leks. I want them found.”

“Right away, sir.”

“As for Winch, here. Have him taken down to the basement. I want his mind flayred of today’s events.”

<@417336769181122562> <@185936112441622529> <@242433012766212097>

Aylin glared at Appius, “Now you listen here! I locked out Winch as fast as I could once I got onto him. Siky is going his best to repair the damage that he might have caused. And for you not to remember Deezn is bad! He is Bale’s pilot friend and he joined us here to help me and us with getting better ships and a damn good flyer. Before you ask, I got here because I practically live here!”

“I’m not upset at you being here, I’m upset at you bringing them here! How many times does this Tower have to be compromised before people start listening to me!” Appius let out an exasperated groan. “Hi Deezn, nice to meet you. This is a bit of a kark situation youve gotten yourself into.”

“You can’t mind flayre me!” Winch protested. “I must stand trial by your Republic Law!”

“Actually, you are half correct. You could stand trial, but in cases of Taldryan emergency, I have the authority to act as I see fit. Take him away. I dont want to see him again until he doesnt rememberwhat he did here today.”

Winch was escorted by tbe droideka towards the bottom levels.

“I brought Deezn here because I trust him, Winch tagged along… He kinda invited himself along. Should have known something was up with that…” Aylin said as she looked down at her feet.

“Yes. You should have,” Appius placed a hand on her shoulder. “Aylin, look at me, please.”

Aylin slowly looked up at Appius. “What?”

“I know you didn’t mean anything bad by it, but just think in the future. The Tower isn’t a bar. Not anyone is allowed in here, OK? Don’t worry about Winch. Once his mind has been flayred, I have a plan for him.”

He then turned to Deezn and clasped his hands together. “Now, how about you… Deezn, was it?” <@242433012766212097>

“Uh, yes sir. My name should in, huh, your files. I flew with Battleteam Tavros under Bale Andros against the, uh,” Deezn scratched at his head, searching for the name.

“The Collective,” Appius finished for him. “I remember Bale. You, not so much.”

“Yeah, uh, figured as much,” Deezn bounced from one foot to the other. This wasn’t what he signed up for. All he wanted was to see the Taldryan hangars. He wasn’t all too sure when the situation had gotten out of hand, though it was clear the blame fell on that Winch character. Sleemo, he thought.

“If you are interested in flying, perhaps we could put you to the test. If ypu flew for Bale, you must be something special. How does that sound?”

“I’m, huh, all ears.”

“You’ll work with Aylin for now. We got a few craft coming in that need inspecting and testing,” Appius turned to Aylin. “No glitter…”

He turned back to Deezn. “If that’s not your thing, there’s all sorts of gadgets and gizmos on floor 42 for you to look into. If that ain’t your calling, then you can feel free to leave at any point. Of course, you’ll be on a probation period for a few weeks, should you agree…”

“No, no, uh, I’m your guy for the job, bossman.”

Deezn wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass.

General Drafen, CSDF, inspected his mirror image for a final time.

He was a human with the features of a cliff face topped by a salt-and-pepper buzzcut, wearing a uniform that might as well be a tattoo for its tight fit and immaculate tidyness, or so the Chancellor had described him to a third party in an unusual fit of eloquence.

Drafen had stoically taken it as a compliment.

Now Chancellor Na'trej was gone again, returned to Chyron, while Drafen was waiting for Taldryan’s most recently retired Admiral.

He exited the refresher and took stock of the place for a final time, a business suite in the upper levels of the Playground Tower.

Located just below Club Heaven and the landing pad, it thus followed the same sleek aesthetic encased by glass walls on two sides, with steel and glass furniture.

*It’ll do,“ Drafen surmised and checked the time. <@61385159655559168>

Appius surveyed the reports on his desk. He placed his hand under his chin as he read what was discovered in the Arroyo District.

Twi'Leks were being captured, intended for slavery in neighbouring systems.“

The doors to his office slid open, and in walked Commander Cody, along with his special Battalion which now included…

"Winch,” Appius gave a small smile and a nod. “I trust you are taking to things well.”

“It is acceptable, like filing down an old encryption,” Winch responded.

“Right… Cody, report?”

“The Twi'Leks have been found and reunited with their loved ones. Security has been increased around the Arroyo District to prevent anything further from happening.”

Appius nodded in approval. “Excellent. You are all dismissed. Oh, and Winch?”

Winch stopped, turning to face Appius.

“If you see Aylin on the way down. Send her up for me. I’d like a quick word.”

<@417336769181122562>

And that he did. Aylin went up to Appius’ office. She wondered what he wanted from her or if she would get another scolding from him. Either way, there was only one way to find out.

With Thane observing, Aylin gingerly stepped into Appius’ office, ready to take whatever tongue lashing Appius was ready to dish out.

To her surprise, Appius seemed to be in a relatively good mood. “Ah, Aylin! Please, do take a seat. Don’t worry, you aren’t in trouble. I just had a couple of things I wanted to go over with you. Thane’s here watching me, don’t worry. Ain’t that right, Thane?”

Appius shot him a smile.

<@185936112441622529> <@417336769181122562>

Thane remained perched against the wall, leaning back with his arms folded across his chest. The Justicar exuded indifference. He lazily glanced from Aylin to Appius, blinking slowly as his eyes moved. The man offered up his affirmation by way of a slight grunt and a flick of his eyebrows.

“So,” Appius made a gesture with his hand, moving the chair for Aylin to sit in it. <@417336769181122562>

Shanree stepped out of the hover taxi, which was droid piloted, and paid with a swipe of his comlink. The vehicle chirped its receipt and closed the hatch before flying off to its next fare. The Port Kasiya Warehouse District didn’t really sleep so much as the loud buzz of activity died down to a steady drone. It was well past midnight and the streets were wet with water from a recent rainstorm which reflected the lights of the various industrial buildings and their automated forklifts. The Grey Jedi hefted the bunch of his hood, worn down around his shoulders, so that it protected his neck from the cool early morning air as he panned his head around and studied the shapes that the Force revealed to him. A large cargo vehicle hummed past, whipping up the air as it went which tugged at Shanree’s pony-tail.

“Mr. Argentin”, a voice called to him lowly from behind, almost startling Shanree.

Shanree turned and recognized the aura of Colonel Breysa, “Neat trick, sneaking up on me like that.”

Breysa’s body language remained composed under a heavy trench coat that obscured the exact shape of his Bothan heritage, and a wide brimmed that covered his face if he turned his head just-so, but he radiated a cool pleasure at the compliment, “It’s nothing. Come, this way.”

The Army Officer led Shanree down an alleyway between two warehouses. To Breysa it was dark, but through the Force Shanree saw it all as he would in daylight. It had long since stopped feeling weird skulking in what sighted-species considered the cover of darkness. The alley turned ninety-degrees behind one building, and then junctured a few meters further along. It was meant to turn around pursuers and make it obvious if they were being followed. Shanree expanded his awareness but sensed no one in the area whose focus seemed higher than the background graveyard shift workers. Before too long though their path led to a dead end which had a single metal door. Shanree didn’t get a look at what Breysa had done but something chirped softly. Locks within or behind the door whirred and clicked out of the way and the door swung open. 

“Come in, quickly”, Breysa surveyed the darkness behind them, and then glanced down at a palm-sized datapad he’d produced from his jacket, “No one followed us, but hurry inside.”

Shanree ducked into the room beyond the door and was greeted by a large warehouse space. He glanced around and saw that most of the space was empty though a few hover vehicles seemed to be parked on the far side of the space, and another corner was occupied with some tables and what appeared to be holo-monitors. Several beings sat at those tables diligently typing away or scrolling through datasheets. Breysa was already headed that way so Shanree followed along.

“What’s all this cloak and dagger about Colonel? I get that I was trying out for the Special Activities Group but I was expecting the office to be somewhere–”

Breysa interrupted, a grin in his voice, “More official? Yes, well, I have two roles and this is one of them. You’ve already seen the other, where I play a mild-mannered field grade officer.”

They neared the tables quickly so Shanree asked before they got there, “And what is it you play here?”

Breysa said nothing until they reached the tables and one of the people seated there turned to greet them, “Colonel Breysa, this is our man?”

“Shanree Argentin, meet Helfin Jarvi”, Breysa put a hand on the desk and leaned over Jarvi to examine what he was seeing on his monitor, “who is my fixer on this project.”

“You still haven’t explained what, precisely, that project is Colonel”, Shanree was tired and getting irritated.

Sensing the growing edge in the Grey Jedi’s voice Breysa answered, “Defending the Republic against all enemies, Mr Argentin, External and Internal.”

Helfin jumped in at that point too, “Both, in this case.”

Hangar Bay 3-4, Port Kasiya Kasiya, Caelus System, Outer Rim Territories

The moment the Corellian native had entered the system, it had felt as though the Echani-Umbaran hybrid known as Celevon had stepped into an area akin to a minor Nexus of Force energy.

Now, on the surface of the moon, the sorcerer could feel that the planet practically hummed with power. Whilst fascinated with this new phenomena, as his own senses were currently overwhelmed with the plethora of nearby minds, the former Consular of War for Clan Odan-Urr and Ambassador of the Arconan-Odanite Alliance had a distraction of another kind before him.

The Port Authority Agent had honed in on his presence the moment the Seeker stepped off of the shuttle, more than likely as a result of the multitude of visible weaponry. Whilst this would normally not even raise an eyebrow, the combination of the Sith Amulet around his neck and personal modifications to his gear via the usage of both Alchemy and Sorcery created an almost permeable aura that even the most mundane of Non-Force Users could pick up upon.

The mere fact that Celevon’s organic eye was almost visibly glowing — the normal quicksilver shade more an ethereal Jade — in response to the multitude of focused energies he could sense nearby, the magicks of the Nightsisters included, it naturally drew the attention of the Officer of the Taldryan Republic.

Whilst quite beautiful in appearance, it was the sharp lavender eyes that drew the Echani-Umbaran’s attention. The woman’s eyes and surrounding facial structure were perfectly symmetrical, contrasting sharply against the dark chocolate skin tone, in such a way that she almost appeared artificial in some manner. It took another heartbeat or two for Celevon to recognize the subtle green hue to the dark skin tone, as well as the facial markings as he withdrew his focus to not invade the privacy of the official’s mind.

“My Lord, welcome to Port Kasiya. It is uncommon for one of your—”

The Seeker had watched the eyes of the part-Mirialan flit up and down in a surprisingly flirtatious manner, before the Official’s sense of duty kicked in and she glanced over the visible weaponry upon Celevon’s person, beginning to speak as her eyes flitted back and forth, taking in every detail for a later report. As she was beginning the commentary on how a majority of Force Users visiting the system traveled using official means, the Port Officer noted the symbols on his lightsabers and recognized one.

The White Lotus, etched into the silver-colored metal of the conversion-hilt. Then the Silver Serpent on the Crossguard.

The widening of those eyes and the projection of several panicked thoughts, as well as the dilated pupils convinced the Echani-Umbaran she had seen something to cause alarm and intervened when the Officer went to draw her sidearm.

“You don’t want to do that,” Celevon spoke softly, though there was clear power in his words as he spoke the command, the open hand that was lifted enforced this command with the power of the Force.

The scoff never left her lips, freezing in the chest of Saetré Maleran in a moment of sheer terror as her body obeyed the command against her will.

She had been trained for this!

“We were trained to resist Mind Tricks in the Academy, then . How—”

“Lieutenant Maleran.” His interruption with her rank and name, drawn directly from her own mind with seemingly no effort on Celevon’s part caused the part-Mirialan’s jaw to shut with an audible click. However, her eyes narrowed as there was nothing threatening in his tone. “If you were trained by who I believe you were, you will know what I mean when I tell you that I am a Seeker. Now, tell me… what caused you to draw your weapon?”

The woman visibly gritted her teeth, attempting to resist the compulsion, though the words began to flow against her will regardless.

“That symbol on your lightsaber marks you as a member of the Lotus Rebellion. I am to subdue a—”

“That would be most inconvenient,” Celevon purred, holding the Security Officer in place. Telekinesis was unnecessary, as he used his will to supercede her own, controlling her reactions from within her own mind as he tightened his grasp. Too much exertion and he would possess her body, but minor use of this ability was an incredibly useful tool. “And unnecessary, as the Order of the White Lotus disbanded at the order of the Dark Council and the Grand Master. However, for your information, I am a co-founder, not a member. And you should be aware that the terrorist organization known simply as the Lotus and the White Lotus are two separate entities. The terrorist acts were inspired by our acts, not condoned by us.”

The Lieutenant gritted her teeth. “What does all of that matter?”

“Knowledge is power,” he replied simply, beginning to circle the woman, well aware that the security footage would be noticed and backup would be sent shortly, as there were likely check-in protocols. “Regardless, I mean you no harm. Nor do I intend to harm anyone that does not threaten me or mine first. Now, I’m going to release you. Should you draw your weapon, I will simply repeat this process and wait for your backup. I am here tracking a criminal that is wanted across a multitude of systems… whilst you can take me in, that one is going to die for his crimes. He’s a slaver and has a… disturbing… fondness for children.”

“How is our little Rodian friend doing? Is he taking to things well?” <@417336769181122562>

“Thank you. That will be all,” Drafen dismissed the guards with a polite smile.

He walked up to Zruta, found himself slightly shorter in height and a lot wider in the shoulders, and extended his hand.

“Admiral, thank you for coming.”

Drafen fought - and failed - to keep the spark of a smirk from his lips.

“We both know there’s no such thing as a former flag officer, just those without a task. Look at you, taking the room in stride!”

He leaned back against the table, arms crossed without tension.

“Do you prefer to talk on an empty stomach, or shall we eat first?”

“I’ve been filled in on the circumstances leading up to your retirement, both from the official Taldryan Republic reporting and Chancellor Na'trej,” the General responded and approached a sidebar with a large stainless steel food bell.

As he lifted it, he revealed what looked like two small round loaves of bread resting on tissues, wisps of steam escaping from circular cuts around their topside.

“Even discounting the string of expletives, the two versions were remarkably dissimilar, and while the Chancellor is… special, I only know him as being true to his word.”

He picked both meals up by their tissues and offered one to Zruta along with a spoon.

“Chyron Stew. Hearty, hot, served in the loaf and all the rage back home. Leaves very little in the way of dirty dishes too.”

“If the Senate cannot compute the consequences of an organized pirate fleet and a literal superlaser - the former having struck this very system before - marauding through a neighboring sector, then I pray for the Taldryan people that the next election period is very near.”

Drafen let that sink in and ate a few spoons full of his stew.

“You’ve been vindicated as far as the Chancellor is concerned. And that leads to the here and now.”

Drafen chuckled.

“Would you snatch up a foreign officer and put them in command of your own men? Or if you were an active officer below the flag level, how would you react if you were passed over for promotion and instead had to serve under a foreigner who until yesterday served another nation?”

Drafen internally shrugged off Zruta’s curious views and mildly creepy affection for the Ewok; what the man did in his bedroom was not his concern.

Instead he reached into his pocket and presented a holoprojector.

“The Chyron Defense Fleet Academy,” he thumbed on the device and handed it to the Admiral as it cycled through images of buildings, starships, fighters and formations.

“You know for yourself that the fleet has suffered in the pirate invasion last year. Hence it’s not only rebuilding, standardizing and expanding, but also updating on the knowledge and training base.”

He gestured towards Zruta.

“That’s where the Chancellor wants to employ you and your experience, which has quite frankly proven greater than what we had. As an instructor at the Academy and advisor to the Admiralty.”

<@61385159655559168>

“I was hoping you’d say so, Admiral. The Academy will reach out to you shortly for the necessary arrangements.”

The General cocked his head slightly and exhaled, sunk in thought for a moment.

“To be fair, I believe that under the current leaderships any conflict between Chyron and Kasiya would be ended before the orders passed down to individual units.”

He refocused on Zruta.

“Neither Wight nor Na'trej are the kind to hide behind a wall of men. The first thing you or me would hear about a war would be those two crashing into each other at lightspeed.”

“I trust Deezn is doing well?” Appius asked with Thane watching from the corner of the room.

<@417336769181122562>

“He is doing fine, he just needs a bit of time to adjust,” Aylin said as she looked towards Thane.

“What else did you want to ask me?