[IC] A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

Opening my eyes, I smile back. "I only wish that we could speak again in less dire times. If you've been watching, you know what I learned from Jorg Sucal's former astromech, that he's become Kreia's apprentice."

[Lord Greshh]

Sevard Salcar

I shake my head sadly. "He has taken on a mantle that has been passed down for hundreds of years; the title of Darth Trayus, Sith Lord of Betrayal. With her aid, he was already grown extraordinarily powerful. I fear that, if allowed to continue his quest, he will continue to amass power until... well, until be becomes an even greater threat than even the Sith Emperor was."

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

I hmm thoughtfully. That was not the news I wanted to hear, not since we now knew that Vitiate may or may not have escaped his prison. "Vitiate was defeated, I'm confident we can stop Sucal as well. However, my son, Jerus, he told me something that...weighs heavily on me. Millu'ci'vanda, Jakito's former Padawan, has been made a Joiner of the Killik hive on Alderaan, Oroborro. When he threatened to avenge her loss on them if they didn't free her, they offered him information on four Rakatan weapons, repeated in their words: the battle machine factory known as the Foundry, the terraforming construct known as the Garden, the xenoforming construct known as the Genesis Engine, and the celestial modification construct known as the Tempest Eye."

I shake my head. "The Foundry is as good as inoperable according to SIS, but the Tempest Eye..." I look Sevard in the eye. "That's Jorg Sucal's goal. I could find no records as to what exactly it does, but he is convinced that it's the key to destroying the Force. All they want is Luci to remain with the hive." I shake my head, taking a seat in a nearby chair. "Sevard, she's family, but...this information could save so many lives. But I don't know that I can simply let her go."

[Lord Greshh]

Sevard Salcar

I ponder what he has said. Even as part of the Force, I am not omnipresent; I can not be everywhere at once and know everything there is to know. Still, I understand things on a higher level than most living beings, and so I can impart my knowledge upon them to the best of my ability. In an attempt to seem relaxed, I lower myself into a chair opposite Zar'kun. I don't need to sit down, but I chose to in order to emulate my living self. "This situation with Luci... it is a common one many Jedi must face. I know you are not part of the Order, neither was I in the end, but deep down in your heart, you are more a Jedi than many who carry the title. Choosing between those close to you and the greater galaxy is an all too familiar struggle. It is the need of the few versus the needs of the many. One life to save millions."

I pause, considering my next words carefully. "The greater good would demand that you allow Luci to remain with the Killiks... but would you be able to live with that? If you stopped Sucal, but risked a close friend being lost forever, would it still be a victory? On the other hand, would you turn down your only lead to the Tempest Eye in order to help Luci. Breaking her of the Joining process will be extremely difficult, especially if her mind is clouded enough for her to resist your intervention. It may take days, if not weeks. Would you be willing to delay that long, and potentially allow Sucal the time he needs to locate the Tempest Eye himself?

"That is the choice you must consider. I can no longer interfere."

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

I sigh and nod. "I know you can't, Sevard, but I have always held your advice highly." I chuckle sadly. "Times like this make me wish you were still with us. In any case, I know what I have to do, though I do it with a heavy heart. I thank you for the help, Sevard, I appreciate it." I start typing in the COM code for Jerus' ship. "I only fear for what Jerus may do for the sake of Jakito and Luci's family if they ask it of him..."

[Lord Greshh]

Sevard Salcar

I wait for Zar'kun to type before drawing his attention back. "Zar'kun... Be cautious in the coming days. Through the currents of the Force, I have seen many possible futures. I will not reveal what I have seen, so as not to influence your actions. All I will say is... keep your allies close. This is not the time to be picky, but nor is it the time to be too trusting in strangers. Lastly... when the time comes where you are faced with the choice, choose mercy. I trust you not to give into hatred or anger, but also do not confuse vengeance with justice." I stand. "You've been a good student, Zar'kun. One of the best I've ever trained. I've been with you since the beginning, in some form or another, and I'll be there until the end. Now, stop Sucal for good. If he cuts the Galaxy off from the Force... well, lets just say we won't be able to have another chat like this again. I want to speak to you again when this is all over, so make sure the he is stopped, and the ghosts of Malachor are put to bed once and for all." Smiles again, then fades away. My disembodied voice speaks one more time. "May the Force be with you, Zar'kun Je'and. Always."

[Lord Greshh]

Iwan Starsnow

Walks up to Zar’kun’s cabin door and knocks. “We are making our final approach to Alderaan. I’ll warn you, though, the docking regulators here are a little jumpy. Some guy claiming to be a representative of House Panteer keeps demanding we state our business. I guess four ships all arriving at the same time is a bit suspicious, though I was led to believe spacers were free to come and go as they pleased here.”

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

I smile as the voice fades and contact Jerus, with whom the conversation was short and I had just ended the call when Iwan's knock came. "House Panteer? We're landing in Organa's lands..." Opening the door, I frown as I exit my room. "As for spacers, Alderaan recently seceded from the Republic, so they're nervous."

[Lord Greshh]

Iwan Starsnow

“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about them selling us out to the Republic. Sounds like they have no love for the Chancellor either. Hopefully they don’t mind a few non-politically officiated visitors. As long as we keep to ourselves and don’t make trouble, I’d say we should be fine... right?”

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"One can hope..." Reaching the cockpit, I take a seat in the pilot's seat and turn on the microphone. "This is Zar'kun Je'and, owner of an old base in Organa lands. We seek nothing more than to lay low in our own base. Who of House Panteer do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

[Lord Greshh]

Iwan Starsnow

I take a seat in the co-pilot’s chair, listening intently to Zar’kun’s conversation with the Panteer rep.

Ventus Panteer

“That would be Duke Ventus, nephew of her royal highness Queen Katei Elinari Panteer. Apologies if we seem defensive. Alderaan has few allies these days, and House Panteer especially are not accustomed to taking risks. You say you have a base already established in Organa lands? If that is so, then it will be a simple matter for us to confirm with the Lord of Organa that you are their welcome guests, and therefore protected by Guest Rite.” There is a momentary pause before he adds, “If you are not recognized as Organa guests, we will be forced to deny you landing clearance for the time being. Any attempt to proceed with your current corse will be met with hostility.”

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"The Sith Hunters have always supported both House Organa and your aunt, Duke Ventus, but I understand the need for conclusive evidence we are who we claim. We'll await your communication."

[Lord Greshh]

Ventus Panteer

"Stand by." The duke temporarily puts Zar'kun on hold. While he was speaking, a communications droid was signaling House Organa for a priority holo. A few moments later, the image of Lord Armond Organa appears. "Lord Organa, there is a small fleet of civilian starships in orbit. They claim to have a base of operations in Organa Lands. Can you please confirm or deny their presence?"

Armond Organa

Armond is a man in his later 30's with dark hair peppered with gray. Before Alderaan left from the Republic, he was it's Senator. It was his family castle that was badly damaged by Republic bombers several months ago, and his complaints to the queen that led to Alderaan's secession. As such, he has become very wary of outsider activity on his home planet. "I was not aware of any arrivals today, Duke, nor have I been made privy to any independent bases active in our lands for many years. Who are these men?"

Ventus Panteer

"Their leader, a man named Zar'kun Je'and, called their group the 'Sith Hunters', though I do not know what such people would want here. If you are unaware of their arrival, then this is most likely a trick. I'll have a fighter wing expel them from the system..."

Armond Organa

Armond noticeably reacts to hearing Zar'kun's name. The gears in his head turn as he considers his options. Armond interjects just as the duke is preparing to launch fighters. "There is no need for that, Duke Panteer. With respect, I believe I have made a mistake. The Sith Hunters are more than welcome in Organa lands. I assure you, they will not cause trouble. And if they do, I take full responsibility."

Ventus Panteer

"Very well, Lord Organa. I'll inform then at once." Ventus says his farewells before switching back to Zar'kun. "You are cleared to land. Proceed to your determined coordinates and..." The duke pauses, trying to force a pleasant air to his voice as he says, "Enjoy your stay on Alderaan."

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"Thank you duke." Cutting the channel, I have the ship resume it's descent. "We owe it to House Organa and Panteer to tell them what's really happening, but it's hard to say if they'd believe us."

[Lord Greshh]

Iwan Starsnow

Shrugs. “Honestly, I feel like the fewer people we tell about all this, the better. It’s too crazy for anyone in their right mind to believe. Plus, as soon as they see me...” I leave that unsaid. “We should probably see what the others think once we reach the base. The Organas are letting us land, so they at least trust you guys enough, but I wouldn’t want to push our luck too much.”

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

"You may be right, but at the very least, I should inform Duke Organa of the reason for the reactivation of the full Sith Hunters base." I tap my chin thoughtfully. "We'll have to contact him once we've landed."

[Lord Greshh]

Iwan Starsnow

“If you say so.” I sit back quietly for the rest of the decent. I wasn’t happy about publicizing our actions. It was already uncomfortable for me to work so closely with people that weren’t droids. Trusting the rulers of a whole planet, especially one so foreign, was extremely daunting. But, I suppose I could just stand back and let these people handle it. That wouldn’t be so bad.

I look on the radar and see the three other ships converging on our flight path; Jerus’ stealthy starship, HJ’s flunky hauler, and Jude piloting Can’s unmarked yacht... and then I notice a fourth ship. A banged up, outdated freighter. Call sign Redshifter. “Uhh... who is that?”

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

Glancing at the readout, I chuckle sadly. "That would be HJ's...aunt if memory serves, Koraline. Jerus must have called her."

[Lord Greshh]

Iwan Starsnow

"Just how big is this family?" My question goes unanswered as the Dawn Star flies down towards the base.

Korré

Aboard the Shadow Stalker, I look out the window of the med center, admiring the sprawling mountain ranges of Alderaan. I'd heard a lot about this planet, but never thought I would see it in person. "Look, Senator. Isn't it beautiful?" I smile at Xan, who is awake, but not very responsive. Hopefully this old base as good equipment to treat her more severe injuries, or perhaps we could pay a visit to Organa Castle and see if they can help.

HJ Twilight

Good thing I fed Huntress while in transit. I could feel her getting restless in the cargo hold below me. Had she been hungry in addition to bored, she would be a massive handful. Especially since she is now being placed on a planet she is unfamiliar with, which will add to her stress.

[Zarkun]

Zar'kun Je'and

The five ships soon land in their respective hangars at the base, however, as they all begin to disembark, they find themselves faced with a crew of about six people, lead by a Mirialan wielding twin blaster pistols. "Y'all have ten seconds to tell us who you are befo-Jerus? Who the hell are these people with ya?" I turn slowly towards my son, who's suddenly trying to find a reason to head back to his ship.

"I think you should tell me why a smuggler crew is using my base." The Mirialan suddenly lowers his weapons.

"Oh, you're his dad?! Stand down guys, they're supposed to be here."

Jerus Je'and

Mentally cursing myself for never remembering to tell my dad about Tren and his crew, I step up. "They're some friends who, in exchange for keeping the base's facilities up to date and taking care of the place, were using this place to hide out until the Hutts settled down." My father raises his eyebrows.

"And how long ago was that." I open my mouth, but Tren speaks up first.

"About five years ago. We might have made 'em madder than we thought." Sighing, I nod.

"That's about right, but they've done well and the caretaker droids even report that the base is still at peak proficiency."

Zar'kun Je'and

"Very well. I'm going to go contact Lord Organa, ask if he can spare the time to come get an explanation for our sudden return." I glance at Jerus. "You handle the, uh, situation." And with that, I vanish out of the hangar, the Mirialan and his crew, sensing the mood, following shortly after.