Out of the Ashes (Book 5)

[Akirapryde]

(Editor's Note: The following was a result of a one on one role playing. Experience was awarded)

Destiny Revived
The Stepped Plains
Democratic Republic of Fra
Mid Rim World of Fra
September 18th, 1936

The early morning air was crisp as the drew was still settling on the ground. The sun was just cresting over the mountains promising a break from the chilly morning air. The early birds were in full swing gathering their worms. They were not the only early raisers among the Stepped Plains. On a narrow ledge high above a relic of the distant past a lone female human moved through motions of a long forgotten art form. Hidden below state of the art camouflage netting, the Azgardian assault shuttle was hidden from most modern forms of detection. That was during their time, so long ago. One would think that moving forward in time would advance technology. However, this place was so backwards and it brought a large number of concerns to the for thought of Fiolla Heartman's mind.

She had thought that the day that she was woken from her cryogenic chamber would have be the rock bottom of her life. Those, to whom she had before trusted with her life, during that nightmarish day wanted to kill her. Her mind rocked with confusion as the last thing she remembered was being with Za the night before. It had been one of the most prefect moments in her life. They shared diner, a whole bottle of wine, conversations and then they shared each other in a way that she never dreamed possible. Being an Azgardian True Born meant that normal reproduction was something of filth that was left to the birthers. She had at the age of maturity added her own genetic code to her family's genetic bank. This act ensured that her own genetic lineage could be passed on to the next generation of warriors. The Azgardian religious caste had made it clear to all castes and all members of their culture. Any form of homosexual relations were completely unacceptable. 1st Class Warriors had been thrust in to disgrace for being exposed for having sexual relations with the opposite sex. Though some warriors viewed love as more important than honor and respect. It was something that they were willing to risk. Homosexual relations however were nearly unheard of throughout the Culture.

There had be a few accounts of cadets experimenting with homosexual acts. Those poor cadets like anyone else caught were forced in to the Fjernet Caste. Fjernet simply means removed in Azgardian, which is a very fitting name for the lowest of all castes. The name tell of their sad fate. Removed from the culture and world completely. Their genetic code would be cleansed from the banks, their records of being a warrior wiped from existence. No member of the culture would ever associate to them again. These ill fated former members of the culture were not seen as dead, lost, or missing. To all that ask former friends or family members, the answer is simple. 'They were Fjernet'. These Fjernet would become targets of Honor Missions or training exercises carried out by the Order of Long Daggers. The life expectancy of a Fjernet greatly depended on their ability to vanish from sight. For a warrior, any warrior, it was a fate worse than being taken as a POW. And it was a fate that Fiolla was willing to risk to be with Za. Fiolla loved her and Za loved her back. That night was something special, something amazing. It opened her eyes to a world that Fiolla had never before dared to dream possible. A world of love and passion. Now that world was stolen from her. Waking up in the shuttle with everyone around her at first seemed like such a dream.

It quickly turned to a nightmare as she learned the truth of what had happened to her all those that she cared about and her own fate. She learned of the fate of Za. It broke her heart and she felt something she never felt before. An emptiness that she couldn't fill. It was something that allowed her to connect with Biggs when others couldn't. Her time serving Visst as his personal bodyguard allowed her many opportunities to try to better understand that emptiness in her heart. It wasn't until Biggs came on board and a chance encounter with him that gave her a chance to speak with him on a personal level. He explained the same feeling he was suffering with Lysire's death. He helped her understand the feelings she suffered through and told her to focus on the pleasant times that she shared. She entrusted with him her most darkest of secrets. She told him everything about her relationship with Za. That first conversation had surprised her, somehow he earned her trust. As more conversations passed, they became close friends and he entrusted in her his feelings for Shalla. Fiolla laughed and encouraged him to speak to her. That it would have been something that Lysire would have wanted, for him to be happy. Those were happier times after her awakening, unlike when she first woke up.

At first no one told her anything as she tried on her own to figure out what was going on. Then came the attempts on her life from no other than Ubaah. She knew the red Twi'lek well, and had even saved his life on Bakild VI. Now he was foolishly trying to end hers. It wasn't until much later, that she was finally told the truth of what was going on. She had been cloned by the Puppet Master for some unknown reason or unknown mission. Not only had she been cloned, her memories were left completely intact. Well mostly, intact. She didn't have any memories of the day that she dead. Luckily she was clever enough to know where to look for those details. She managed to learn that her death was in part due to Daz's actions. But there was something more, something that she choose not to tell Visst or the others about. She saw the videos of her death and the battle on the bridge. She saw the battle, well most of it. She knew that someone or something had gained access to her bridge after Daz and Visst had left. She watched herself, Za and the others battle the intruder. It was clear that she in the video could see the intruder. But Fiolla watching the video, couldn't see the intruder from the video. It was something that truly bothered her. She had discovered the video with thanks of Carissa some months after she woke up to this nightmare. It was within that moment of viewing the video, she realized that she and the person in the video were different in some way. For the rest of her time with Visst she tried to embrace this difference and be someone else. She even played around with different names and tried to reshape her own personality. It all failed, while there was a difference, she was forced to accept who she was. And that was Fiolla “Talon” Heartman, Daughter of Captain Alfarinn Heartman and Commander Air Group Jófast Heartman, Grand Daughter to Warlord Raynar Heartman. She was who she was and it was that simple. This was not going to change.

However, all that seemed to pale in comparison with where Visst has led her once more. She had found that remarkable things seemed to follow and happen around her mentor. At times it was exciting, like the their mission to Yavin IV. Where they first meet the bird like creature. He was always playing hid and seek games with them. She couldn't understand it. However it was then that they found out that Rose and her minions were playing with powers beyond everyones fears. Then there were times that were simply terrifying, like their mission to Wormwood. She had actually thought that she would loss the two most important people in her life. Daz and her sister, Angelique. She remembered those feelings as she was informed that they had 'wondered off' and disappeared. Fiolla had just discovered that the whole mission to this world had been a trap set up by Rose and her evil apprentice Orchid. They were out of ammo and supplies due to their attempt to rescue the Jedi that had been reported captured on this world. That incompetent Army Captain had taken all of their resupplies with him on some foolish mission. Daz and Angelique had disappeared and she would never forgive herself if something happened to them. Talon and the other Immortals ran as hard as they could to the rescue. The entire time, Talon cursed herself for not being able to protect them and considered what could have happened to them. They did rescue Daz and her sister just in time. It was only the start of what would become one hell of a ride with Visst. Life by his side was never dull. To include her 'rebirth' as a clone. She never dreamed that following him would lead her beyond her own limits of understanding. Time Travel.....

They knew once they entered Republic space something was wrong when they couldn't make contact with any navigational beacons. Once they entered Naboo space, they expected to find Naboo. However, the world they found was different. Just like Talon, it looked the same on the surface as the one they had on record. However looks only went skin deep. There was a deeper difference what started with that strange ship in orbit. She had never seen such a strange, outdated ship in her life. She could actually see the large seems of rivet joints which held the large plates together. Visst had chosen to land and figure out what was going on before acting. A wise choice, as they learned that the world of Naboo that they knew of was no more. This strange world was called Fra and from what they could uncover, the Republic had burned during a series of massive conflicts nearly two thousand years ago. Some how, and Talon was not about to lie to herself it shocked the hell out of her, they had traveled forward in time some two thousand years. The Galaxy, the Republic and the worlds that they all knew were no more. Though she did find some sense of familiarity with all of this. She had been here before, fought hard with facing the fact that she wore the face of a warrior who had died in battle. She wondered how each of the others would handle this new change of events.

Talon slowly moved through her steps of her stance. The udødelig-kamp fighting style had become a long forgotten style among the Azgardian Warriors. During the hight of Azgard's formation as a culture, the udødelig-kamp had been perfected by first Black Dragon units. The focus of the art form was focus on one self before, during and after the battle. It was later taken up be the Order of Long Daggers when the rest of the Warriors started to move from this very simple and basic form to art forms that drew on raw power over speed and grace. For Talon, this style spoke to her on levels she actually understood. It allowed her to utilize her true advantages over every other warrior. Her flexibility and natural speed. What many warriors didn't realize about the udødelig-kamp, was that it was never meant or designed to be a stand alone combat form. It brought all of the combat forms then and now together under one beautiful art form. Through this form she could change to one of defense, to speed, to power, and more importantly a mixture of any of them. Her eyes closed as she could feel the pulse of the Azgards around her. Her breathing slowed as she focused on her heart rate and her mental focus. She pushed out the concerns of the moment and allowed her mind to drift far from this place.

“Remember Fiolla, you must learn to feel the pulse of the Warriors around. Sense their moods and their heart. Through this you can use their own strength to fulfill your goals.” The words of her grandfather echoed in her mind. Deep in her mind she drew back to better days. Back before she was turned in to a clone by the Puppet Master. Back before her untimely death at the hands of Daz's betrayal. Back long before the Brush Fire Wars engulfed the galaxy. She traveled through her memories to her family's estate on Alderaan. It was a time that she had longed for when everything seemed so much less complicated.

There she and he stood on a large ridge high above the estate. She could see him out of the corner of her eyes as she mirrored his ever movement. Her grandfather had always insisted that she took up understanding the History of her people as well as learning how to fight. This was just one more part of that History she had to master. She had just started learning the udødelig-kamp from her Grandfather. “To better control the Warriors of Azgard” she asked softly as she continued to move through the steps of the stance.

“No child. You must learn to sense these emotions like a sailor on the solar winds. By understanding the drive you can rally the emotion to serve the moment. And when the emotions drive to counter the moment, you must be able to work within these emotions. Too many times sailors have rode the solar winds straight in to disaster's arms. One day child you will lead the Azgard through her darkest times. If you are to lead them, then you must be able to control the winds of emotions. Less you shall guide Azgard head long to disaster.” Warlord Raynar Heartman said calmly as they both shifted their stances.

“I don't think I will want to lead our people. I see how much it drains on you and how much you must face just to lead.” Talon said softly as she continued to work through the different forms. “I would be just as happy leading my unit to glory in the heat of battle. To have my name written on the wall of honor” she explained softly. She had heard her sister talk about the Force and had found it to be a silly thing. Talking of events yet to come seems to silly to her. Her own Grandfather at times sounds allot like her sister. The thought of it made her smile but she was able to regain her focus.

Warlord Raynar nodded as he smiled, “I was once like you. I understand what you are saying. Battlefield glory is a fine goal. Each Azgardian Warrior is born to fight and claim their own glory from the clutches of their fallen enemies. There are those born with only the love of their troops in their heart. These warriors place the needs of their troops over their own. They make for excellent battlefield commanders. Honorable and proud Warriors they are indeed, however, they will never drive for more. This is where they belong and where they are needed. Then there are those warriors who were born with the love of their houses embedded deep within their hearts. They will fight through the gates of the afterlife to improve their House's influence, wealth and power. For it is the right of every Warrior House to be the very best it can. Those weaker house are destined to become absorbed by the stronger. And it is because of this, that these warriors will become excellent House Warlords.”

“Then there are those very few warriors who's hearts transcend the boarders of Houses and ideology. These warriors ascend to the Council of Warlords. Here they build peace and glory for all through a strong united face. The hearts of these warriors can not be held to any one house, as they must speak and act for all of Azgard. Then my child, there are but a lucky few. Who transcend all of the others and raise up to speak for every warrior on Azgard. These warriors learn to bare the weight and the honor of serving our people. I see this in you child. The Priests from the Temple sees this in your future.” He paused his statement as he complete the last maneuverer. Then he turned towards her as he gazed down at the young child warrior. There was so much in his eyes for her. “Choose to follow your destiny or not. This is your choice. However, I have found that fate has a annoying way of keeping us on track with our destiny despite our best efforts.” he paused as she looked up at him, “Rather you like it or not, you will one day, child, lead our people out of the darkness.”

Talon stopped her morning workout routine as she sensed someone near. She opened her eyes as she turned to see Birgr Heartman watching her from a nearby tree. She knew the young warrior when he was still a cadet. Served with him on Baklid VI and found him to be a respectful and honorable warrior. She almost hated what had to happen. However, every bit of her being demanded it. He was a Warrior and she had been outed by Visst. Before she was just as happy remaining hidden from the others. However, for some reason Visst felt it necessary to reveal her true identity. She had no choice but to step up now and either take charge of the other Azgardians or be forced to take orders with the rest. It was a rule of their law that had become ingrained in to their being by both teaching and by genetics. That rule of law was simple, 'Only the best shall lead!' And she knew that she was the best Warrior on this world and it was time to prove it or kneel and be led. Her blood boiled at the thought of kneeling to a lesser warrior. The thought never even crossed her mind as she sized him up.

He smiled a bit as he addressed her formally, “Lieutenant Fiolla Heartman?”

“Its Captain, however, tall me Talon” she said coldly as her eyes moved from one part of his frame to the next. This was clearly going to led to an honor duel. There was no questions about this. Either he would cause it or she would. 'It has to be settled' she thought as she decided that this would not end without a duel. “We both knew that this meeting was due” she said softly as she walked over to her things and picked up a towel. Her frame was remarkable to seen. Her skin tight shorts and half mussel shirt showed off a body in prefect shape and condition. “I don't think Visst fully understood what had to happen once he revealed who I was.” She added as she ran the towel across her body. “Speak your mind Warrior.” she said addressing him as if she was talking to her underling. It was a measure of superiority.

And it was a measure that Birgr fully understood. He came up here looking for her knowing what had to happen. They were his warriors that he fought to lead. She might had been one of the best warriors. But that was a few years ago, and he was coming in to his own. He also knew he better be careful with this. “I have nothing by the utmost respect for your abilities and accomplishments on the battlefield. However....” he paused a moment to make sure he said this the best way possible. He knew all to well what had to happen. But he wanted to do this on his terms, not hers. His blood was on fire for this and knew hers had to be as well. The coming battle left a pleasant taste in his mouth. However, she was dangerous. Most likely the most dangerous warrior he would ever face. However, he could take her. This much he knew for sure in his heart. “Your Immortals are dead. And the Immortals we have now are my Immortals. I have earned my right to lead them in combat. I have fought each one by our laws and defeated each one of them.” he watched the comments wash over her and found himself egger for this tests of combat, “With the impending mission at hand, we cannot go into this with two leaders. If you wish to lead them, I would be most honored to accept your challenge.”

She listened carefully as he spoke. There were truths to what he said, however it changed nothing. They were the two most ranking Warriors. She tossed the towel back to her gear as she looked at him. There was a sense of gratefulness in her eyes at his statements. This was completely normal behavior that she had been missing out on among the other Azgardians. It was time to settle this issue the only way she knows how, only the best warrior shall led. “You are right, MY Immortals were murdered by Daz. These Immortals are yours to lead. However, only the very best of us shall lead. All others must follow. This is our way, our law, and the way of the Gods” she said with a smile as she walked right up in to his personal space. He was slightly taller than her and she sized up his weight to be at least thirty kilos heavier than her. It was the last bit of information she needed, “Tell me young warrior, to you feel that you are the very best between us?”

For the first time being so close to her, he felt that maybe he might not beat her. Stifling his nervousness, he confidently stated, “Only actions can tell. There is no doubt that you are more experienced, but experience in not the only factor in the best warrior.” He knew more about her than any other warrior. She was his idol, and for the most part, all that he wanted to be. It was because of her that he joined the Immortals. It was because of her that he focused on leading them. Now, idol and worshiper were about to clash. There was no room for second thoughts or doubts. He had to beat her.

She couldn't help but think that he would make a fine warrior within her own Immortals. She would have paid any price to ensure he was in her unit. If this were another place, and time, this conversation would never had to have happen. However they were here, now and it had to happen for the sake of every Azgardian within the party. She slid back tossing her arms out as she opened up her defenses. The action dared him to take advantage of it and right in to her trap. To sweeten the trap she intentionally moved in such a way that it allowed her center of gravity to be off center. She wanted to invite his attack on her terms. “Then if you must be proven who is the best. Take your action now young warrior and learn what experience has to offer you.”

He knew she was clever and was not about to fall for her little trick. He couldn't help but noticed the tattoo on her right shoulder. It was a black shield with a skeleton Valkyrie swinging a flaming sword while riding a demonic winged horse seemingly from above. The outer rim of the shield had the words, 'Death From Above' along the top of the shield. Along the left side of the shield the words, 'Always Undead' were written. Along the right side of shield the words 'Always Immortal' were written. He liked the tattoo as he finished sizing her up as well as her little trap. There was no question about accepting the challenge. That didn't mean he was going to be stupid about it either. Let her make the first move, Birgr bares his upper body and assumes a stance for unarmed combat.

She looked deeply in to his eyes and laughed, “I have commanded your Immortals. I dare to take leadership from you. I challenge your right to lead. And that is how you answer it? by playing it safe in a defensive stance” she snapped back at him. He was smart but she was not about to give him that at the moment. She dropped her arms and moved forward as she shifted her weight once more. She shifted to the left as she fainted and dropped her body as she swept around to the right. Her lower leg caught his legs and knocked him off balance. Using that powerful advantage of speed to its fullest she kicked her right leg up while bracing her body on both of her arms. As he stumbled backwards, her foots landed soundly in to his side and knocking the wide from his lungs. What started as a stumbling backwards, ended up being a ungraceful free fall on to his backside. Talon on the other hand kicked both of her legs upward and tumble backwards after the attack and landed back on her feet. “You are going to have to learn how to fight like the undead if you are to lead the Immortals” she taunted.

Picking himself off the ground and while trying to regain his breath was as bad as the fact that she surprised him. She was faster then he recalled and fighting her was much different than watching her fight. He felt completely foolish for missing that maneuver. 'Get yourself focused, Birgr,' he thought to himself, 'Can't afford any more like that.' He looked at his opponent once again. Her stance was sound this time. There was something odd about how she held her stance. He recognized the form easily as it was a defensive form, but it was different in some degree. He couldn't help but wonder what her next action would be. He knew he couldn't win this duel while on the defensive. He went for an attack where both fists were about a foot apart from each other on a vertical axis, where the left hand was above the right and aimed directly for the center of her chest.

Smiling as his attack finally came, "That's more like it" she said grabbing his fist as it impacted against her chest. It was clear that the blow hit as she rolled with it. The second hit landed just above her last rib. There was a very satisfying give under the impact. However, Birgr didn't expect as much give under the impact as she continued to loosen her stance and allow the force of his charging attack to bend her over backwards. It all happened too fast for him to even realize what she had done till she was doing it. Stealing his energy from the attack, she bend back over while holding his right wrist tightly. She kicked her feet in to his legs as she flipped over backwards taking him with her. As they flipped over themselves, she pulled her legs up to her chest. As they landed heavily on the solid ground, Birgr let out a heavy release of air as she drove her knees in to his rib cage. He heard them crack under the impact as she held fast to his wrist. While he was trying to regain his breath once more, he felt her wrench that wrist and arm. The pressure cause his mind to focus on the new risk. Any more he risked snapping the joints in his arm.

All he suspected about her was becoming proven. He knew that her style of combat was unorthodox. And this battle was becoming a very good learning experience, that is, if he didn't die from it. He kicked his feet up and hooked her neck with his ankles and feet. He smiled at her as he squeezed her neck trying to crush it. He had to do what could to get her to let go of his arm as he felt her apply more pressure to it. 'Damn, just die already' he thought as his mind screamed out in paid as she continued to wrench that arm. The move clearly surprised her as now she too was fighting to over come her own risks. He could see her eyes start to grow larger as her air way was slowly closing by his grip on her. Her reaching to his new attack was to wrench the arm even more causing more pain and more screams in his mind. He reacted to her new move by cutting of more air by pushing harder on her neck. He watched her as she brought her free arm out and realized that he had to neutralize it. He just didn't know how at that moment. Her legs pinned his left arm and his right was in her control. He pushed harder against her neck hoping to knock her out.

She shifted her whole weight as she slammed her free elbow right in to his right twisted elbow. The sound of snapping and popping filled the air as both knew the limb was broken at the joint. He let out a scream as she rolled off him. With his grip on her neck broken, she tumbled free from him while he rolled over to protect his now broken arm. It took both a bit longer to regain their footing before slowly getting up. He knew that this battle wasn't over yet and he still had a few tricks up his sleeve. He shifted his stance to allow for more use of his legs and protecting the broken limb. However, he knew that she wasn't through either. She rushed in for an attack as he dropped back to his right. She came in low as he kicked high at her. She landed a sound kick to his groan while he followed through with his own faint and slammed his foot down on her chest. It was a dirty trick but he didn't mind repaying her for the broken arm. She landed heavily on the ground as he stomped her once more. This time, her rib cage gave till the ground stopped it. There was a pleasant sound of cracking under the twin attack.

Talon wasn't finished. She took the two attacks in stride as she flung her body once more in a twisting action kicking his one foot out from under him. He landed once more on the ground face first with a thud. She rolled over on to him and snatched that broken over and rolled back over pulling it behind his back. With a powerful jerk she pulled the broken limb from the shoulder socket while she kicked her legs out adding more force to the jerking motion. He let out a pain filled scream as she brought her other elbow down on the back of his head. The force drove his face once more in to the solid ground. With one more jerk of his broken arm, Talon was sure he was out like a light.

He woke up to a splash of cold water being dumped over his head. He let out a scream of pain and surprise. His first action was to look at his broken arm. It was mended and in a sling as well as his shoulder had been reset while he was unconscious. He turned to look at her. She was standing over him holding a bucket with a smile on her face. “You fought good. Sound speed, powerful bows” she said exposing the bluish black buries on her ribs. It was clear by her voice and the way she was standing that at least a couple had been broken. She tossed the bucket with the rest of her things. “This duel is over.”

He sighed deeply as he knew what had happened. There was no denying it, he lost the battle. He had lost his Immortals to her. “I lost, I accept this outcome. they are yours to command.” he said in defeat. It was a bitter pill to take. He could at least hold on to this fact, it was to her.

She laughed at him, “you still don't get it, young warrior. This was never about them. It was about you. I don't want to lead the Immortals. I never did. You were right, my Immortals are dead. However, I am the best warrior here. And I will lead you. All of you.” she dropped to a knee next to him, “A great warrior told me, there are different kinds of warriors. Those who are brave and embrace death on the battle field. These warriors are brave and make up the rank and file of Azgard's warriors. There are those warriors who hearts are pure and wise. They embrace the battle and desire honor as well but desire to lead our Warrior House. These warriors become House Warlords. Then there are those chosen by the Gods to lead our people. Those who hearts would serve every Azgardian, warrior and non-warrior alike. These very few warriors become mighty Warlords of Azgard. I ask you now, young Warrior, will you bleed for me as my heart and soul serves your honor. Will you follow me without question, in to battle?" she said softly with her hand held out to him.

She was right, he didn't understand what this was about at first. 'Was that the reason why I lost. Because I was battling for the wrong reason?' he thought to himself. He looked up at her as her words sunk in deeply. Her statement was just as surprising as her combat. However, there was one unmistakable truth. She was without a doubt the better warrior. He looked at his broken arm and her broken ribs as he took a moment worth of reflection. He lifted his gaze up to her and smiled as he took her hand “Without question.”

She smiled at him and he took her hand. These duels were always messy and painful for both warriors. However they were perfectly necessary to ensure the chain of command was maintained. She slowly rose up and helped him back to his feet along with her. With the chain of command established, it was time for the next order of business. "Let's talk about freeing our sister from her current imprisonment." She said calmly and with a calculated voice. She had already reasoned that the Azgardian needed to be rescued. And now that she had command, it was time to carry out that rescue. "Before we talk any further. You are under orders not to speak of this to anyone. Its not that I don't trust the others. Our intent could force choices of loyalties that are not needed at this moment. Mainly from our Jedi companions. This is not the time for these choices, nor do I wish to force it on them" She explained.

With his nodding of understanding she turned and walked over to her things. She dropped the bucket on the ground and knelled next to her pack, "you are to take my sister back in to the city. Dress as normal as you can. It is not time for us to revile our presence, that time will come later. Find this Field Marshal, offer this to him as a gift." She said drawing out her own family dagger from her pack and handed it over. Birgr was stunned by the action as he took the weapon with great care. He recognized the Heartman artifact even before it touched his waiting hand. It was of unspeakable value and respect. "Do not hint at its value or authenticity. Play it off as if you thought it might be a fake. Or somehow unaware of its true value. I know this is going to be hard and walking a narrow line. However it is important that he believes you are not as an experienced collector as he is. Better this than explaining how you know all that you know, or where you got all that you have. It also plays in to my larger plan. Allow him to look at it. Offer it to him as a gift in return for his friendship.”

He couldn't help himself, "gift? Talon this belongs with us" He said with surprise. He knew that getting Senni free was important. But he also knew that for her to give up such a prized possession was hard to accept. "Surely there has to be another way."

"It is only a thing. She is our sister. But yes there are other ways. However none of them ensures that you would remain close to the Field Marshal and could maintain a steady flow of intelligence from him." She explained softly as she picked up her towel once more. The battle was hard fought and her wounds were making it hard for her to breath, "as you speak to him, earn his trust. Do not cross that line, though. Do not bring dishonor on to yourself in the process. However continue to keep your dialogs open with him. Ask to see his unit. This Panzer Battalion. Have him show you around. Gather as much as you can about them. We will need this information for later operations. Once you leave his estate, then myself and two others will sneak in and free Senni. In your equipment, do you have chameleon Cloakers?" She asked almost as an after thought.

He nodded, "we are fully equipped but we only have two cloakers." He explained as he started to see her plan.

She frowned disappointedly while thinking. It wasn't what she wanted but it would have to do. "Then it will be me and one other" she finally said as her tone betrayed her displeasure with the change of her plan. She took a painful drink of water from her canteen.

Birgr motioned for a drink from her canteen. She tossed it over to him as he spoke, "Visst suggests that should we rescue our sister, it would further escalate the conflict here." The water was refreshing as he listened to her.

She nodded as she pushed her things in to her pack. "Visst is a wise bird. He is right. However I listened to this Field Marshal's speech last night. I know his kind very well. He is looking for a fight. If he can't get one, he will make up a reason for it. Either way, this conflict will escalate. The only real question we should concern ourselves with is, will our sister be free or not when the escalation happens."

He nodded his understanding, "what about Daz? He seems almost hostile towards us."

She paused as she shifted her weight to better look at him, “I don't trust him. He and I have a very painful history. I would love to let it be like that. But I don't think he will allow it. He is without a doubt, a traitor. You would be wise to watch what you say around him and his little companion.” She paused for a moment as if to add something else. It was clear by her facial expression that she choose to move on from the thought. “Daz knows better than to stand in our way anymore. If he does, I will end his life myself. Beyond that, he is Visst's problem.” she gathered up the last of her things and stood up. The two Azgardians left the small area together as they made their way back to the shuttle. Talon looked over at Birgr as they walked off, “What time is it?”

He checked his watch, “its sixteen forty five. Oh and you broke my watch band!”

“I will buy you a new one” she said as she looked away while walking.

“You can't afford it. This was an antique. Nearly two thousands years old!” He said with a serious look on his face.

She glazed at him and then busted out laughing. He smiled back then joined in with the laughing as they walked down back towards the group. From the distance they could see a mounted rider approaching from one direction and two walking up from another. Today was shaping up to be a day of excitement and both knew it.