Chapter Three: The Brush Fire Wars

[Akirapryde]

Conflicts of the Heart
City of New Hope
The Free World of Iktotch
The Expansion Region
Date: 2922 AOK Late Night Hours (Date Corrected since the last Intermission)
 
[man’s voice over the speakers, “Good evening brothers and sisters.”]
 
Zay walked with determination through the corridors of level 19. The City of New Hope had truly grown at a healthy rate. From the day it was imagined as a two room structure the complex has grown to a complex of over thirty-six levels. The city’s growth was thanks to an army of mining droids created by Bay. Within the eighty-square miles of facility, over seven hundred thousand refugee families have settled and called this city home. It was from them that this city got its official name, the City of New Hope.
 
[man’s voice over the speakers, “This is a grand night for worship of Our Lord and the Prophet.”]
 
It wasn’t easy building this city. With refugees flooding in from hundreds of worlds, the mixture of cultural customs had created their own strains. Issues of resources and strains created by mixed cultures created a series of problems that linger today. The peace had been maintained through the efforts of the Council of New Hope. During the early months of New Hope, before it was even called New Hope, a group of refugees set down with some of our heroes and created the Articles of Order.
 
These Articles established the governance of New Hope. Each of the habitation levels would have their own local Wheel Council to regulate local laws, administer disputes and maintain order on each level. Every six levels would convene an Axle Council to hear disputes between these levels. This council would also distribute resources according to needs. Each of the six levels would be represented on the Council of New Hope. From the local council to the Council of New Hope, each of these seats would be elected by the people from one of their own.
 
[man’s voice over the speakers, “As promised, we have a new song from our very own super stars, Servant. Once more Sandie rocks Our Lord’s praise with her gift of vocals”]
 
She had wanted to return home and cool off after her explosive exchange with Bay.
 
[man’s voice over the speakers, “Their new song honors of those who face persecution every day for worshiping Our Lord and the Prophet. Let’s all have the Courage to Burn!”]
 
However, she found her return blocked by a pair of large battledroids. “That arrogant……” she mumbled….. “Who does he think he is kicking me out of my home like that…….”
 
[music fills the halls, female sings over the speakers, “Out of the darkness, drawn to the fire, He kindles my spirit, drawing me higher, Saved by your love, marked by the flame, I hear your voice in the blaze, I'll never be the same.”]
 
She clinched her fist so hard that she felt pain, “how dare he forbid me from returning home.” She was angry, she was hurt, she felt betrayed. “For two years, I have worked, slept and bled there…”
 
[music continues, female sings over the speakers, “Give me courage to burn, The spirit of God is a fire, I want my cold heart to learn, My fear has been lost in the fire.”]
 
“It’s not like he ever cared to notice!” Zay came to a stop unsure where she would go. It was late and she nowhere to go. Defeated, she turned and leaned against the wall. “Did he ever notice anything other than his own damn…..” Her anger was easily over shadowed by the pain in her heart. A tear slipped from her eyes. “Where do I go…..” It was after all her home that he had banned her from. A place he had cared little over for the past two years. Now it was so important that he just took it because he could.
 
[music continues, female sings over the speakers, “No escape from this ocean, I will never return, The light have been given to watch as we learn.”]
 
“He thinks he is the smartest one in this city. I wonder how long it would take him to figure out a sabotage to his precious ship……” she slowly fell silent as she rested her head against the wall. Slowly her eyes closed as she gave up her anger.
 
[music continues, female sings over the speakers, “Give me courage to burn, The spirit of God is a fire, I want my cold heart to learn, My fear has been lost in the fire”]
 
Zay suddenly felt her heart lift and her anger slowly slipped away. She couldn’t do anything to his ship, or to Bay, for that matter. After all, he is the closest thing she has to family. She loves him, despite how crappy he treats her.
 
[music continues, female sings over the speakers, “Now my past lies in ashes, I must follow through, Burn on in my heart 'til I burn out for you.”]
 
Still that didn’t mean he was right. Zay allowed the music to fill her ears and mind as she remembered that look in his eyes the first day she noticed him. She slowly smiled as she opened her heart.
 
[music continues, female sings over the speakers, “Give me courage to burn, The spirit of God is a fire, I want my cold heart to learn, My fear has been lost in the fire,”]
 
Zay’s eyes opened as she lifted herself from the wall. Her mind more focused as she looked down the corridor. She knew where she would go. Zay turned and continued to walk down the corridor.
 
[music continues, female sings over the speakers, “Give me courage to burn, The spirit of God is a fire, I want my cold heart to learn, My fear has been lost in the fire.”]
 
Zay made her final turn and walked through a large doorway. She paused just passed the doorway. She wasn’t sure if she would have ever returned, but she had no where else to turn. She seemed almost unsure of her decision as she shifted nervously on her feet. She half turned to leave when a voice called out to her, “Councilwoman Hope!”
 
Zay had always felt somehow empty since her liberation. As her life slowly started to become involved with the city, she decided to take on the city’s name as her Surname. It gave her a sense of belonging and helped her fell whole again.
 
‘Caught!’ Zay thought to herself as she turned to face the man walking towards her. The man was a Twi’Lek, dressed in a black suit with a white collar. Much like the place she was in, he was dressed with a sense of humility and simple. She smiled, “Father Dira” she said softly.
 
He laughed as he slowed his approach till he stopped before her, “I told you, call me Peter. It is my rebirthed name.”
 
She smiled and nodded, “I have always preferred a more professional tone, Father.”
 
He smiled and nodded, “I understand Councilwoman,” He motioned her to a near by bench. It was crud and unfinished. Much like the entire structure. Father Dira and his followers had been using their own supplies and resources to create a church for their worship. “I hope you are here to inform us that our request for additional resources will be granted.” The pair took a seat on the bench.
 
Zay shook her head, “I am sorry Father, I took your request to the Axle Council. After a lengthy discussion, it was deemed that there were not enough resources to grant your request.” Zay felt almost guilty as she spoke. As an Senior Advocate, it was her duty to represent her people. But being the Senior Scientific Advisor to the Council of New Hope, she knew that there were plenty of resources if the military machine would slow down.
 
He smiled at the news, “Its okay.” If he was upset or disappointed, he failed to show it. “We will manage with what we have.”
 
She reached out and rested a hand on his lower arm. “I mean to take this to the Council of New Hope. No other group has been made to ration the way your group has. Each step your group has taken, you were pushed back two. It’s not fair. I will keep fighting, I promise.”
 
“Councilwoman Hope, you have always been so kind to us,” he nodded and smiled with humbled eyes. “Yet, you still won’t attend service with us.”
 
Zay leaned back as she sighed deeply. Her tone deepened, and her face softened by shame, “well Father, that is the real reason why I am here.”
 
A look of concern crossed his face, “Councilwoman, what is wrong?”
 
She felt almost foolish as she thought of her words. “Well, it would appear that I have nowhere to sleep tonight.”
 
Father Dira checked his watch, “tonight?”
 
“Well, I have been homeless now for about two and half hours,” she said with sadness in her voice. “Or at least that was when I found out I was homeless.”
 
Father Dira smiled softly, “please Councilwoman, do not threat. Our home is your home. Please, accept our hospitality.”
 
She looked up and smiled, “are you sure?”
 
“Yes, I am sure. For all the help you have given us.” He said reassuringly, “It’s the least we can do for you. But I must ask, one would expect someone of your stature to have quarters on level Six.” He said speaking of Level Six as if it was a wonderous place. Rumors have spread that level six was filled with the best luxuries and wide-open spaces. Level Six is where the heroes, and selected few of the City’s Leadership were housed.
 
The rumors were far from the truth. In fact, level six and seven were some of the most cramp living spaces. Plagued by poor designs and bad infrastructure, these two levels offered some of the more challenging living conditions in the entire city. The only draw is its proximity to the hanger levels and the industrial levels.
 
She nodded her head, “I was issued quarters there, but I had long since given them up to those who were in more need than myself. For the past two years I had another place I had called home, but I have recently been unable to return home. Well,” she said than stumbled over her words. She didn’t wish to speak about the ship. “um…well its complicated.”
 
“It doesn’t matter,” Father Dira said with a smile. He slowly rose back to his feet. “come, lets get you fed and rested.”
 
She smiled and allowed him to help her to her feet. “Thank you Father,” she said softly.