The Brush Fire Wars (Book 2)

[Akirapryde]

Terror in the Core Worlds
Core Worlds, Galactic Republic

As this past week of extreme terror and fighting now rounds down, many are finding themselves lost and confused in the haze that has followed. Emotions are running extremely high throughout the Republic as the realization of the fateful events of last Monday morning continue to sink in. The Republic has found itself facing a horrific cross roads. For months there had been those who had fought hard to remain on the fence when it came to the dealings of the Brush Fire Wars. Sadly now faced with having to choose a side. For the past year and a half there had been three factions within this war. Those supporting one or another side and those who did their best to remain out of the conflicts that raged. However as the events continue to sink in, it has become all but impossible to not choose a side in the Jedi Civil War.

As a recap to the events that has turned the Regions conflicts in to a full blown War. Monday morning the skies above Coruscant and largely the Republic City lit up with burning debris raining down from orbit. Bystanders and onlookers were at first caught up with the beauty of the light show. However, any innocent impression of the sight were dashed as sirens across the planet started to sound the warning. Authorities placed the planet on alert and activated the planetary force shields. However it was too late as large sections of burning ships rained down on helpless civilians below. Chaos filled the streets and walkways of Coruscant as death continued to pour from the skies in terms of burning debris. Then the residents felt something they never experienced before. A massive explosion that caused a large section of Republic City to collapse in on its self. The death toll was rising rapidly as the initial attacks were over and the affects rippled across the planet. The attacks had caught the Republic Military and primarily the Marine fleets completely off guard.

The Republic, sister ship of the Defiance suffered catastrophic failures as explosions rocked right up the spine of the massive ship. Naval and marine officers watched in horror as the mighty ship broke up while it fell from orbit. The massive sections of the Republic impacted across locations of Coruscant. The pride of the Marine Fleet, the Defiance was hit the hardest with no less then four explosive devices. Instead of allowing the mighty pride of the Marine Fleet rain on Coruscant, a number of the crew including Captain Pryde fought with the wounded ship to prevent her from falling from the sky. Their heroic sacrifice was only over shadowed by the magnificent death of the ship, but saved hundreds of thousands of civilians below.

The Event Journey, a Mon Calamari liner, was departing Westport spaceport just before the explosion took place. She was running twenty minutes behind schedule due to departure control issues. The pride of Journey Lines, the Event Journey was moving past the Repulse when explosions ripped heavy marine cruiser to pieces. Large energy surges ripped through the lightly armored Event Journey. The Event Journey lost power and control. The flight crew reported that their repulsor controls had completely failed and their engines were non responsive. The majestic ship slow then got pulled back in to the atmosphere by the planet's gravitational field. With no power to control the free fall, the ship fell back down on to Republic City. All six thousand, five hundred, twenty souls aboard were lost as the ship erupted in to flames on impact. The massive impact was felt over two hundred kilometers away and the fire ball was seen just as far.

As the noon hit Republic City, the devastation was becoming more and more clear. Twelve Marine ship which made up the back bone of the 1st Republic Marine Fleet had been completely destroyed, fifteen other Marine ships had been severely crippled and forced to be scuttled. Five civilian ships were also caught in the devastation as well. The rain of burning debris ignited fires down on the planet below and some still largely burning while forces work valiantly to put them out. Even before the rain of fire had stopped, another set of explosions rocked Republic City. This time, a set of explosions ripped through the Senate building.

The only sliver of light from this event was that the explosions that ripped the Senate apart seems to have been delayed after the explosions in orbit. Marine Security Forces were able to evacuate a large number of the senators and other government personal before the explosions ripped through the sub levels of the building. Sadly, during the crisis, the Supreme Chancellor and his aids refused to leave the building till as many of the others could be evacuated. He stood his ground helping to coordinate evacuations as well as helping getting relief ships in place to help fight the fires. When the blasts finally did come for the Senate building. He was on the comlinks working with the security forces trying to save as many lives as possible. The body of the Chancellor was recovered later in the week still holding his comlink in one hand and a map of the city in another.

Throughout the day, confusion rippled through the channels of Military communications. Reports of shadow ships showing up all across the Core Worlds. Forces were sent out to responded, only to find there were no ships where the sensors reported. Across the Core Worlds sensor phantoms were playing havoc with the military response. Just as things were starting to get under control on Coruscant, the channels opened up once more reporting more attacks within the Core Worlds. Events much like those that had just taken place on Coruscant were now taking place on two other worlds. These similar events were now unfolding at the Marine Anchorage on the world of Brentaal and the Republic Naval Anchorage on the world of Anaxes.

Key communication stations and military outpost across the Core Worlds were also reporting coming under fire by raiding corvette class ships. While the devastation was not as complete as it was on Coruscant, the combined attacks left the Republic Military completely in disarray and unable to respond to what was coming the next morning. Tuesday morning nearly twenty four hours after the first explosion rocked the Core Worlds, three small fleets of ships entered orbit over Alderaan, Kuat and Corellia. Normally these small fleets would have held no hope against the might of the Republic Navy. In the current state of affairs, the Republic Navy literally had nothing in position to stop them landing troops.

Communications between these worlds and the Republic was cut off while military leaders were trying to assess the situation. It was the swift response of the Republic Marines and the remains of the 1st RMF which turned the tide of the invasion. While the Republic Navy and Grand Army were attempting to regroup on Anaxes, the battle was joined on Alderaan first. The men and women of the 101st Marine division and the remains of the 1st RMF were out numbered more than ten to one. Despite these odds, they valiantly pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. With rage filled hearts of our loyal soldiers fought hard and crushed the invaders under their boots on their path to victory. The enemy had been crushed on Alderaan and their ships burning in space.

Calling on the reserves from across the Republic, the forces of the Grand Republic mustered in the face of this cowardly attack. Fleets from across Republic answered the call to arms as they showed up bringing defeat to our enemies. The 3rd Azgardian Fleet was one of the first reserve units to answer the call. They arrived in the Kuat system. Without warning the 3rd Azgardian Fleet leveled a barrage of fire on the enemy ships that could be seen from the planet. The burning hulks of their fleet now lighting the night sky, the invaders must have known that death had come for them now. The fighting was just as server as it was on Alderaan and the Azgardian warriors didn't take any prisoners from the field.

With the path way to Corellia opened by our brave marine forces and those of the reserve fleets, the Republic Navy leap frogged right in to the heart of the enemy's invasion. Arriving in to the Corellia system and ready to take their pound of flesh from the invaders, our brave forces from the Grand Army and Navy would only be denied their vengeance. They were forced to watch helplessly as last of the enemy ships slipped in to hyperspace just as they arrived. One week after the attacks, all the gains that the Rebel forces had been able to make due to their cowardly sneak attacks had been retaken. More and more reserve fleets arrived to lend their aid to the embattled Core World systems.

Across the Galaxy, the bells tolled for the dead from Coruscant, Brentaal, Anaxes and a number of smaller bases. No single world suffered the losses like Azgard. Their loyal and time honored tradition of serving the Republic Marines had become their own undoing on this fateful day. The world went in to morning as a small fleet of Marine ships arrived bring their fallen bothers and sisters home. This would not be last of the ships bringing home the honored dead. Throughout the week there as a steady flow of ships arriving bringing home more and more fallen brothers and sisters. It was the single largest death toll that any one world had suffered in one day's actions. By the end of the week, the count had reached one hundred, nineteen thousand, six hundred, seventy four Azgardian warriors. And there were still those missing in action. The funeral pyres burned across Azgard for days and are still burning as a new week starts. Entire Warrior Houses had been wiped out while others suffered greatly. Fleet Admiral Salek Heartman along with his entire staff died on board the Republic. The loss of the Commander of the Marine Fleets was a heavy blow to the people of Azgard. So many promising careers snuffed out in such a cowardly way. This had left everyone wondering what could have brought such events to unfold.

Looking to the future, many question if the attacks were meant to force the Republic in to negations or was it really a full fledged invasion of the Core Worlds. In the face of the aftermath many had been brought to question the ideals behind this limited war within the Jedi Civil War. Despite the cries of a ever dwindling voice from those pleading to remain out of the war. A louder cry for the Republic to step in and put an end to this Jedi Civil War once and for all. As thick black clouds of smoke billow up from Coruscant, many are filled with anger and outrage over the attacks. Each moment passes leave more and more questions left unanswered.

The entire Republic was now looking to the Jedi Order for some sense of understanding behind the attacks. Some facts were starting to become more clear as investigators continued to piece together the events of the attack. It was clear within the days of the attacks that the saboteurs had to have some level of inside help. Most of the saboteurs were actually Jedi and had used their force powers to over come security measures to carry out their devious plots. While the list of names of those involved started to grow, nothing hit the Republic harder then one name. No fact seemed to be more shocking then the betrayal by the Republic Hero, Jedi Knight Daz Murl!

Nearly a week had passed before the facts of his involvement had even come to be uncovered. His involvement almost went completely unnoticed had it not been for a Coruscant Security tech listened to a recording from a heavily damaged shuttle. The shuttle had been listed as damaged from the initial blasts and was slatted to be scuttled. A tech discovered the black box and had played back some of what was recorded within it. It was in that moment that he realized that he had discovered something horrific. This single discovery allowed investigators to look in entirely new directions and helped them understand the method of the attacks much more clearly. Had this discovery not been made, than Jedi Knight Murl could have gone unnoticed as the traitor he was. Jedi and JAG investigators starting to follow the footsteps of Jedi Knight Murl and his band of traitors moments, hours and even days before the attacks started.

It was learned that Jedi Murl and his band had been picked up by a shuttle at a local hospital and brought up to the Defiance. A eye witness noted that Jedi Murl had been involved in an argument with a marine sergeant just moment before departing the Defiance for the Gaffspray. The Jedi Order could not reason why Jedi Murl was on the Gaffspray, though a security log did show that he and another unknown Jedi were seen on the bridge of the Gaffspray speaking with the ship's captain. During the second of the two conversations, the Captain had to forcible remove Jedi Murl from the bridge. Sadly due to the damage, some parts of the holorecords were lost and not able to be recovered. It is the belief of some that he was there to distract the ships Captain while some of his own went to add in planting bombs. One of his band was spotted in a high secured area just before departing.

It was learned that just before the explosions ripped through the Coruscant Anchorage, Jedi Murl had added in the escape of what is believed now to be a key saboteurs from the Republic ship Gaffspray. A security holo footage showed Daz on the loading dock just minutes before the ship was ripped apart speaking with a Republic marine soldier. After reviewing the footage, Masters from the Order confirmed that Jedi Murl had used a Jedi skill commonly known as the Jedi Mind Trick on the Marine. As the digging in to the events unfolded and reviled that the Marine had been ordered to detain all of the techs aboard Jedi Murl's shuttle. It was reported just moments before the explosions that the Captain of the Gaffspray had suspected a saboteur and was in the process of detaining them. On closer examination, one of the techs that Jedi Knight Murl had been protecting from marine questioning was identified as Jedi Knight Jaina Scraf.

A review of Jedi records showed that Jedi Knight Scraf and Jedi Knight Murl had attended many of the same classes as younglings and even worked together on a project for their teacher Master Losh. There is a possible connection between the two that goes back years and might explain why one of the Republics most trusted heroes would turn traitor and murderer. While Jedi Investigators pieced together the connections between the two. It was learned that Jedi Knight Murl, commandeered the shuttle from the Gaffspray and used his Jedi Mind trick powers to over power the pilot and copilot to force them to land in an area that was not secured for shuttle traffic. Jedi Knight Murl seemed pleased as he addressed the techs in the shuttle claiming that they had been recruited in to the war. Eye wittinesses on board the shuttle at the time later reported that Jedi Knight Scraf was allowed to leap from the shuttle to safety while Jedi Murl ensured the pilot held the shuttle level and still. She was able to get away from authorities while Jedi Murl and his allies distracted the security droids that had arrived to check on the shuttle's situation. At the time they did not see any reason to act and nothing seemed out of place.

According to a number of the techs, they were forced to flee the area prior to authorities arriving by unnamed allies of the Jedi Murl. Some were able to be rescued while they were being held at a local bar. Others had managed to escape their captors during the confusion. The bar was linked to Jedi Murl through a close friend of his, a fringer by the name of Ogon Koo'Lak, a Bothan, which drew a bold and dark line straight back to Jedi Murl. The techs claimed that they feared for their lives and had been set up for kidnapping. The kidnapping of the techs did make sense for investigators. It was clear that the Rebel forces were looking to increase their own level of technology by using the stolen equipment from the Republic bases. The Bar tender and owner of the place where the techs were found was arrested during the rescue as well as a few other local members of the underground. During questioning with Jedi investigators and JAG Officers, he finally broke and admitted his involvement in the kidnappings. The Bar Tender and Owner was also able to render a wealth of information regarding many black market dealings that this Ogon Koo'Lak was involved with.

A Jedi Knight who's name has not been released to the media yet, has been noted in helping the authorities greatly. From sources within the Order, this young Knight was reportedly with the traitor and his accomplices but completely unaware of what they was planning. Some Jedi Investigators are suspect of the confession but others believe the young Knight. The memory of a protocol droid has served to be very helpful in understand the events of that morning and Jedi Murl's action. Within the memory banks was a statement made by Jedi Murl to the affect, “Yes, let her go!” He also indicates that there was a larger plan at work that only Jedi Murl and his long time friend Jedi Scraf seemed to be in on.

What surprised the Azgards the most was what was learned from the black box recordings. It was learned that the stolen shuttle had been piloted by no other than Jedi Knight Angelique Heartman, an Azgardian citizen. It was unclear if she assisted Jedi Murl and Jedi Scraf in bombings but it was clear that she did assist him in the mind trick skill that helped ensure their departure from the ill fated Gaffspray. Security holo images placed her on the bridge of the Gaffspray but again nothing useful could be gained from these footages. It had sicken so many marines to learn that her own sister was the captain of the Gaffspray. Her mother and father were aboard the Republic when it exploded and fell from orbit. Once more, everyone is left with more questions then answers. How could a child from such a loving and supportive family turn on her own blood. Some of suggested that Jedi Heartman might have been lured in betraying her own people, the Jedi and the Republic because of deep routed personal feelings she holds for Jedi Murl. Hopefully more answers will be uncovered as Jedi Murl's own family is being brought in for questioning.

The group was picked up in their stolen shuttle near the wreckage of the Defiance by Planetary Patrol Craft. At the time it was not known of their involvement in the bombings and so they were not apprehended right away. They were granted medical attention by the ship's medical staff. According to reports from the Doctor who check Jedi Murl out, he found the young Jedi to be extremely agitated over the delay in their departure. The Doctor found it strange that the young jedi did not show any emotions over the massive loss of life that had just occurred. Further recordings from the black box indicated that Jedi Murl had been almost pleased in the deaths and joyful over the fact that the hunt for Renegade Jedi Master Bevurn'Age would no longer continue. It was clear by statements he made, “You were right Visst, WE are on the WRONG SIDE!” clearly indicating that his betrayal of the heart had only recently occurred and could be linked to an unknown Jedi Knight known only as Visst. The Republic military has already to distributed clear images of all four of the traitors across the Republic. Though they may be traveling with a fifth member. However there is no information on this person or what he or she may look like. A source within the Order suggests that this fifth member of Jedi Murl's Hunter squad might be some extremest that goes by the name, 'The Silent One'. However this report is as of date unconfirmed.

More evidence came to light as the archives of the Defiance security holocorders were retrieved and reviewed. As the Defiance was getting ready to return home from its duties over Baklid 6, a security camera spotted what seemed to be a normal trooper moving a create from a shuttle. However the shuttle which the trooper was transferring the create from was the very shuttle that brought Jedi Murl, his team and a small number of troopers back up to the Defiance. He had sent a request for a shuttle to pick them up and give them a lift back to Coruscant in clear violation of standard protocols. Jedi Murl was not scheduled to return to Coruscant with the Defiance. Though it was not uncommon for the group to hitch rides aboard the ship. The contents of the create were never identified though it is believed that this was how the explosives were brought about the ship. Not surprisingly the trooper was later identified as Jedi Scraf. Just hours before his request for the shuttle to pick him and his team up, he was reported kidnapped.

According to local authorities a group of three Rebel Jedi stunned Jedi Murl. local Royal Guardsmen attempted to thwart the kidnapping. During the clash one of the Guardsman lost his life while attempting to rescue Jedi Murl. Several hours later he turned up unharmed and never reported back to command about the kidnapping. None of his team thought it odd or even questioned his kidnapping or return. Despite being kidnapped he never once mentioned reporting it to the Order or to the Command of the Defiance. Some now are even questioning if it was an actual kidnapping or if they were trying to keep Jedi Murl cover intake while giving him new orders. Orders that would allow him to assist an old friend in a horrific set of cold blooded, calculated murders. Once he was delivered unharmed back to his team he then, without further pause, helped get the saboteur Jedi Scraf aboard the Defiance and on their way to these fateful events.

During a special closed door session of the Republic Senate at a secret secured location, the massive amounts of evidence was presented by Jedi and JAG Investigators. In total, sixty two names were linked to the bombings that rocked the Core Worlds last week. None had such a visual affect on the Grand Master of the Jedi Order as was when Jedi Knight Daz Murl's name was read among those who were now Most Wanted by the Republic. A source close to the Grand Master reflected that she had witnessed a tear slowly rolling down the Jedi Master's face as the names were read out loud before the Senate. He had confided in her later that, “How could he had turned his back on us so easily.”

It was told to this reporter that the Grand Master had seen so much promise young Jedi. He had even defended the Jedi against accusations of being linked to the assassination of Queen Sinya Chalco. Another Jedi Hunter leader had gone to the Jedi Council and reported fears of Jedi Murl's loyalties and questionable actions. There was some evidence that could have linked Jedi Murl to the assassination and might have brought light on coming events. The Senate has ordered a full investigation in to the Queen's assassination and any links that Jedi Murl might have had in the assassin or his escape from Republic custody. The Jedi Council has also reopened the case and is now pushing the investigation to find more moles before they could cause further harm to the Republic.

After this secret session, it was reviled that it was the Azgardian Senator had successfully motioned the Senate to not place a bounty on the heads of Jedi Knight Jaina Scraf, Jedi Knight Daz Murl, Jedi Knight Angelique Heartman, the unknown Jedi Knight Visst and the fringer known as Ogon Koo'Lak. He argued that it was their right as a people to seek these traitors out and bring them to Azgardian Justice. They were owed this right due to the price already paid for in the massive amount of Azgardain blood. In an overwhelming vote in favor of the motion, the Azgardians were aloud the right to bring the five to Justice while the Republic dealt with the other saboteurs through their own channels.

Being a separate organization from the Republic however, the Jedi Order has chosen to send out one of its own Hunter Squads after the renegade group. When questioned about the move, Grand Master Jedi Quaad, being an Azgardian himself stated, “We are Jedi, we do not support vengeance. Justice must be served and allowing my fellow bothers and sisters to hunt them down in this fashion is simply not the Jedi way. We will find Jedi Murl and his band of traitors. We will bring them to answer for what they have done here. And more importantly we will ensure that their contacts that they used and rely on will become known.” This action has caused some strife between the Order and the Azgardian leadership. However for now, both parties are engaged in a race against each other to find the traitors first.

OOC Affects of this Intermission:
Daz Murl, Angelique Heartman, Visst Dassek and Ogon Koo'Lak each are awarded the feat Infamy (including the +3 Reputation Bonus that comes with it). If you have the Feat Fame, you will first remove the feat and all Reputation Bonuses that it provides. Then you will add the feat Infamy and its Reputation Bonuses. Further more, when dealing with any Azgardian or Republic Military Character there is a +4 Synergy bonus to Reputation Checks.

[Akirapryde]

Death and rebirth of Hope
Republic Light Cruiser Gaffspray
Orbit over Coruscant

It was only moments before she had to throw Daz off the bridge of her first command. Talon's aggravation over his continued disrespect and lack of trust in her was growing rapidly. She could not understand why he simply refused to understand her. She had even taken the time to learn more about him and his silly Jedi ways. Learning how to listen to Visst was more then enough testament of her willingness to learn more about Daz's ways. However, Daz had simply refused to understand her or what forces drove her. Of course she would give them time to find evidence to prove the Jedi Masters' innocents. She explained that to Visst clear enough. Well at least she thought she had. Maybe Visst hadn't understood her at all. Talon shook her head and laughed at the thought of the little creature. His presence around her normally caused mixed feeling within her.

On one side she could not deny his wisdom or logic. He had in recent months became more of a mentor then just a friend. He was really someone that she started to look up to. The sight of him and Captain Pryde talking about the Far Wanderer had caught her completely by surprise. It was something she had never thought a Jedi could do. Jedi to her had always been so arrogant and stubborn to all but their own beliefs. On the other hand, she was always left with a sense of hungry after conversations with the little bird like creature. She had even thought of making a joke where they pretended to get him ready for cooking. Then, something changed in her. She gained respect for the little warrior priest.

She turned towards her communication's officer to contact Visst and make sure that they knew she was going to give them the time they needed. Before she could request a channel be opened to Visst, she saw Zya walk on to the bridge. At first Talon had a smile on her face to see her new blood sister. It was just yesterday that they held the Blood Bond Ceremony and Zya gave up all that she was before to become blood kin to all Heartmans. The Blood Bond Ceremony is one of Azgard's most guarded secrets. Zya was one of only ten none Azgardian to ever be accepted as a Blood Bond. It took special requests of Talon, Captain Pryde and her uncle Admiral Heartman to even get the attention of the Family Warlords. This was not enough to win favor, it was Zya's own combat record with the Immortals and her knowledge of the Azgardian ways that earned her the right to be called Azgardian. It filled Talon with pride to see her sister, however in that moment as Talon watched her sister step on to the bridge she knew something was wrong.

Talon walked up to Zya and in a whisper she asked, “Whats wrong?”

Zya looked confused for a moment then looked deep in to Talon's eyes. “Do you remember when Visst would tell us that the force speaks to those who listen?” Zya said as Talon nodded, “I am not sure. No I am sure but I don't know why, there's a saboteur aboard our ship.”

Talon's eyes widened as if they would pop right out of their sockets but Zya continued, “We both have listened to Visst and know his beliefs. The Far Wanderer has sent warning before. I just know that the ship is in danger. I have this feeling that its a tech. Talon, The Force or the Far Wanderer has warned us. WE must listen.”

Talon knew all to well that while Visst believed in the force, she knew that by another name, the Far Wanderer and the other Deities of Valhalla do act in this realm. She understood that one needs only listen. On that note she turned to the com officer and barked “Get me Lefty! His in the landing bay.”

The com officer's hands flew over the controls and within moments Lefty's voice filled the bridge. “Go ahead Talon” he replied.

“Lefty, you have to stop all techs from leaving the ship.” she thought then nodded to Zya, “have them return to their quarters. Tell them it is by my orders” she added.

Lefty didn't need to question the order or reason it. Being Azgardian he knew that his orders had reason and he had a duty to fulfill them to the letter. “Aya Talon” he replied then closed the link.

Talon didn't wait, “Bridge to Security!” once the duty officer replied she continued, “Get everyone you can and start searching the entire ship. I am not sure what we are looking for. Anything that is out of place report it at once. This is not a drill!” Then she turned back to her Com Officer, “Get me Control!”

The Com Officer reported that the link was opened, “Coruscant Control, this is the Gaffspray. We have to report that we have a saboteur aboard the ship. We believe that this person is pretending to be a tech. We are currently detaining all of the techs till we can locate this saboteur and get to the bottom of what is going on.” Talon didn't have time to answer further questions. She motioned for the Com Officer to take over the conversation.

Talon looked at Zya who only shook her head. Zya still looked troubled as there was something written across her face. It was that look of pending doom. Talon wanted to rip the ship apart till she found the saboteur. Her thoughts were interrupted by the Tactical Officer, “Sir, we have a shuttle departure!”

Talon spun to see the shuttle departing the ship and already making its way down the the planet below them, “NO!” She turned to her chair and opened a channel, “Lefty who's on that shuttle!?” she barked then added, “Why did you let them leave!”

Lefty replied simply and naturally with, “They are leaving with Daz.”

Bridge door hiss open as the head Computer Programmer returned to her post from her tour with Ogon. Talon screamed in to her comlink, “DAMN YOU DAZ!” She turned to the Com Officer to bark a command as she heard over the channel. She knew in ever bone in her body that he had used, misused his Jedi Powers on Lefty. This was something she would never forgive him for.

“Coruscant Control, we are diverting from our current destination to Westport Spaceport. We are on a secret Jedi mission with Jedi Master Daz Murl!”

Talon almost screamed but then something caught her attention. Turning towards the rear of the bridge Talon saw something that she had never seen before in her life. For a moment she was baffled by the creatures appearance on her bridge. It was a large jet black creature that stood nearly two and a half meters tall. Its eight legs stretched out giving it a wide stance. Two arm like things bent before what must be some kind of chest. Talon looked right in to its nine bright red eyes and saw the fires of stars raging within them. Across its skin, seemed to glow like stars in space. She saw the stars on its body shift as it stood there. She could hear it moved as it shifted from side to side. There were moments in its motion that she could see right through it. Around the bridge some of the crew could see it while others couldn't. Those who could see the menacing black creature could only stair at it. Everyone else on the bridge seemed confused as to who or what some of the bridge crew were starring at.

For the first time in her entire life, Talon felt a fear that surged right down in to her core. This thing was nothing like she had even heard of or seen before. Only in Azgardian legend has anything so horrid been referred too. That was only legend and this was her ship! And Talon was an Azgardian Warrior! Azgardian Warriors did not allow fear to control their lives. Talon reached up and drew out her father's sword, “Get off my Ship!” she demanded while she leveled her sword at the creature.

The creature seemingly looked at Talon and then let out a sound that could only be described as what a horrific nightmare would sound like. Everyone on the bridge heard the horrific sound as everyone dropped to their knees or fell from their chairs. All of them on the bridge held their heads or ears while the sound ripped through the bridge. Drawing on pure will, Talon struggled to her feet while still holding her sword out. She leaped up to her command chair than jumped through the air at the creature. In a show of pure will she leaped across the bridge with her sword at ready. Screaming out her blood cry as she swung her sword right at the neck of the creature. It was a beautiful and graceful attack that would have made any holovid a nomination for originality. Talon flew across the bridge with all the grace and rage of a great bird of pray.

The creature made no attempt to dodge the attack. It just pulled back one of its arms and waited for Talon's attack. As she swung her sword at the creature, it passed through it as if she had missed. But she didn't miss it. The strike was prefect and would have surely been a critical hit against the foe. Before she could even land from the attack the creature swatted her with one of its arms. The blow hit Talon in the chest so hard that it knocked the sword right from her hands. She flew back across the bridge over nine meters. Talon smashed in to the large screens of one of the weapon stations sending sparks ripping in to the air. Talon fell down on to the console and then rolled off it as she fell to the deck with a thud. She was dazed from the brutal hit and winded from the landing.

Valkyrie who had been on the bridge checking the flight controls of the new ship was the next to act. She drew out her twin pistols as she dove to her side behind cover. She opened fire as two other security officers also fired. They didn't need to see the creature to know where to fire. They saw their Captain attack the invisible creature and so they knew where to fire. The three opened fire with their blasters and two other crew members from the bridge started firing as well. Just like with Talon's swords, the blaster fire ripped through the creature harmlessly. They still continued to fire hoping that they would score some kind of hit. The creature reached out with its arms. Valkyrie, the two security officers and the two other crew members rose up off the ground. Then as if a great hand held them, they all screamed out with such pain. Their screams were short lived as their bodies folded in on themselves while they were crushed. It was if they were made of clay and a great hand squeezed their bodies. The bodies continued to collapse till the size could no longer hold in the blood. With a splattering sound, the spray of blood shot across the bridge. The lifeless bodies fell to the ground.

Talon, now recovered from her hit slowly rose up. She wiped the blood from her mouth as she picked herself up once more. She screamed out again as she charged the creature once more. As the creature turned to face her charge. Talon dove between the creature's leg and slid to her command chair. She reached up and hit the control on the side of her chair. “Abandon ship!” she ordered over the open channel. Before she could do anything else she felt the creature stab her with one of its legs. The leg pierced her thigh and she let out a scream of pain. Kicking her up in to the air once more, Talon was tossed across the bridge. The techs on the bridge still not understanding what was going on had moved from their stations to the front of the bridge. They did see the creature but knew combat was taking place right before their eyes. On Talon's command they moved in to the escape pod at the front of the bridge.

Zya was already in action as her friend was landing on the deck by the escape hatch. Zya knew that her attack was going to be useless but she had to by time for the civilians to flee the ship. Zya hoped that maybe this might work, she pulled out a grenade and tossed it at the creature while Holiday opened fire with his light repeater. As Zya landed she saw the blast go off and watched helpless as the creature killed Holiday where he stood.

AT the escape pod, the Senior Programmer was the last to enter. She paused to turn around with a confused look on her face. She saw Talon land hard on the deck just at the opening of the pod. “I don't understand Captain. What is going on” she questioned as she saw the blood all over Talon's uniform.

Talon lifted herself up off the deck on all fours. She caught up blood as she looked at the Programmer, “Get out of here!” she said slamming the button that closed the hatch. The pod started the cycle to left the ship.

The programmer watched as Talon crawled from the window and disappear from sight. She followed her orders sure enough. She hit the command to fire the escape pod and within moments the pod rocketed away from the ship. She watched as the Gaffspray and her life's work rocket away from her. No one in the pod could understand what happened on the bridge just moments before they were ordered off of it.

Talon crawled up to the flight console where Zya was sitting with her back to the console. Zya was looking just as bad as Talon. Never before had the Immortals ever been so horrible out matched and out of their class. Nothing they did even caused the creature to try to defend itself let alone hurt it. They looked at each other. Zya smiled, “I love you...”

Talon nodded, “I know” and then received Zya as she moved in for a kiss. The pair kissed so tenderly then broke it. “Lola bye” She said nodding.

Zya nodded, “RIDE LIKE THE WIND!” she yelled leaping up from their hiding place and darted for a side console.

Talon leaped up and darted for the consoles on the other side of the bridge yelling, “FIGHT PROUD MY CHILD!”

Hitting the console Zya leaped up then sprung off the console at the creature still yelling, “YOU'RE THE DEFENDER...”

Talon matching the actions as she leaped at the creature from the other side of the bridge and finishing the child lola bye that Azgardian parents would say to their young children, “THAT THE GODS HAVE SENT!”

The two sprung through the air with all the training and grace of powerful warriors. Each of them let loose a pair of daggers that ripped through the air at the creature. The daggers flew through the air reflecting the lights of the bridge as they flew. With deadly accuracy the four dagger hit the creature in such a way that they as they passed through the creature they sparked against each other in the middle of the creature. While the double attack was prefect right down to the timing, it was for not. The daggers, like all other attacks, passed through the creature harmlessly.

A force hit Talon like a stock light freighter sending her across the bridge head first. She hit the screens of another console hard. She fell down once more and rolled down to the deck. Her neck broken as well as her arm. She lay there helpless and watched as Zya hung helpless in the air. Zya tried to stick the creature with two darts from her armor but they too passed through the creature. Zya's arms and legs were pulled outward tightly as she screamed in pain. Her cries grew louder as her armor groaned. Then in that moment, her armor was ripped from her body. As well as her uniform and anything she was wearing. Next her flesh was ripped away as Zya let out a cry of pain never heard before. The creature looked in to Zya's face as its eyes grew redder and brighter. Talon saw a blue light drawn from Zya's body and in to the creature's eyes. The lifeless body was tossed to the side as the creature walked toward her.

Talon prepared to die in that moment. She had failed everyone around her. She thought of looking away from the creature but she didn't want to give it the satisfaction of her fear. It will kill her this day but it WILL never defeat her. She starred in to the creature's eyes with defiance as she waited death. As the creature struck her, she felt her body being pulled in to the deck and then through the ship's hull. It was one of the Far Wanderer's Valkyries riding the most beautiful steads she had ever seen. Its armor radiated a soft blue everything around them. The Valkyrie was everything that her heart knew it would be. In that moment she wished that Daz could be here to see it also. She so much wanted to show him that he was wrong about faith, it was not a false belief. The majestic Valkyrie pulled her up on to the horse as she watched her body being ripped apart by the creature. It seemed angry at the Valkyrie's actions

She could see the creature in the center of her bridge. The creature yelled out in its nightmarish voice, “Save that one if you so wish! It no longer matters!” then it pulled itself inward in to a ball shape, “Where are your heroes now!” it yelled out as it sprung out releasing a massive energy pulse. Talon could see the creature still standing in the space left behind by the pulse as it ripped outward tearing her bridge to shreds. It still yelled out, “The fellowship has been broken!” Talon was carried by the Valkyrie and her horse away from this battle. In the distance Talon could see more death above Coruscant. Her heart actually felt heavy. She hoped that her friends had not suffered as they had. She hoped them peace and well. She hoped that Daz was not harmed. She couldn't help but close her eyes. She felt all the weight of her life fall free from her. She fought hard not to close her eyes but in the end lost the battle.

Fiolla slowly opened her eyes to see a bright light above her. She was laying on something very soft looking up at the ceiling. She let out a cry as she felt a pain in her foot. She looked around to see a strange man holding her foot. He smiled at her as she heard cheers around her. Her voice sounded strange but at the same time natural. Her mind was so fuzzy and confused. She could not comprehend what was going on. She could see her hands curled before her eyes as she tried to talk but only cries echoed around her. She looked around to see a group of people looking down at her. She felt a strange warmth from them as they all looked at her with smiles. She noticed that a few of them were shouting outside the door and their were cheers heard from beyond the door. Fiolla was picked up gently and rapped up in a fury blanket. She was carried softly over to a young woman laying on a bed. She was covered with sweat and breathing hard. Fiolla thought she had been in some kind of painful struggle or something.

The young woman smiled at Fiolla with all the kindness that Fiolla had seen before. She couldn't help but smile back at the woman. There was a great connection between her and this young woman. The woman's face was painted white and their was some kind of red make up over her eyes. There was a blanket covering her and a bucket of blood cloths near the bed. Fiolla looked around once more to see others dressed similar as the young woman on the bed. Some of them had their faces were painted similar to hers as well. But only this woman wore a strange golden head piece that seemed to be tied to her head with golden cord. The cord and head piece made a funny sparkle in the light of the windows. Fiolla made a sound and reached for the head piece. There were some laughs as she swatted one of the tassels of the cord. Fiolla was lowered down in to the waiting arms of the young woman. The young woman ran her hand over Fiolla's head softly and said something comforting. Fiolla heard something strange but familiar, she heard a name. The young woman lovingly said to Fiolla, “szervusz Mia.” There were applauds and cheers from outside as Fiolla heard the name repeated loudly outside.

Talon felt a great sense of comfort and peace in the arms of this young woman. She was cradled in the young woman's arms. Fiolla rested her head against the woman's chest. She heard a heart beat. It was comforting and she started to close her eyes. It was then she noticed the creature standing next to the bed. She recognized the armor it wore and the large sword on it's hip. It was the Valkyrie that had saved her from the nightmare creature. The Valkyrie's face was so lovely, yet as Fiolla gaze shifted to the young woman, for some reason not as welcoming and comforting as this woman's. The Valkyrie reached done with a smile and touched Fiolla's forehead. Deep in her mind Fiolla heard, “Your deeds have earned you this spirit, now sleep Mia.”

*******************************************************

Ogon flipped over from the bed he was sleeping on. He landed hard on the metal deck of the ship. His stomach rolled over and over as his mind spun before his own eyes. Despite being on all fours, he still felt as if he was spinning in circles. He closed his eyes once more only to endure more spinning. He snapped his eyes open just in time to watch the vomit splatter the deck. His body convulsed as he forced the vomit out of his system. He could not move while his body evacuated what ever meal he had the night before. Splattering vomit filled the space under him as he was forced to evacuate everything in his system for minutes.

These visions had been ongoing issue for him since they left Azgard heading to Baklid 6. Visst promised it would have gotten better but they didn't. He felt a great sense of urgency in these visions and had a hard time understanding all of their meanings. However this time, the vision was crystal clear. He could smell the smoke, hear the blasts. Oh he heard that horrible sound that the nightmare creature made. His hands were still shaking from the affects of its scream. Even knowing that it was only a vision brought no comfort. This one vision had been more clear than any other had been before. There was a message within it. Something horrible had happened that day above Coruscant. Something that affected not just Coruscant but the whole Galaxy. There had always been the saying of 'Be Mindful of the Force.' Now he couldn't help but wonder, 'what happens when we aren't?'

*****************************************************

Daz walked along the mist of his dream, through the mist he could see the image concealed just beyond his sight. He moved through the haze of the mist till he could just make out the image. It was Talon in her Marine uniform. He noticed her Azgardian sword on her back and her blaster on her hip. He knew she was a dangerous person.

“Why didn't you trust me?” she asked him standing in the mist. Her image distorted by the mist. Daz knew what he was looking at. He hated what he saw in her.

Daz just shook his head, “Because you are a monster. You murdered people. You killed Jedi! How could I trust you” said to the dream image of Talon.

Talon walked towards him in the mist but never once did her image ever become more clear. She was shrouded in the mist and the details of who she was, was hidden to his sight. “Why can't you see me?”

Daz laughed at the silly question, “I see enough of you. I know who you are and what you are. I know what you are capable of.”

Talon frowned deeply through the mist, “You only see what you want to see. Because of this, you let fear control your actions. You betrayed us.” He could see the mist around her growing thicker.

Daz stepped forward in the mist and still she was shrouded to his sight, “I do not fear. I know what you are. You are a Monster! I am sorry that you died, but I had no choice. You made me do it.”

Talon stepped back in to the mist till her image was completely shrouded by the mist, “You are becoming lost to us Daz. Face your fears and your guilt or else you will become lost in the mist for all time.”

Daz woke up as their was a chime at his comlink. It was the ship's captain, “We are nearing Baklid 6. When I drop you off, I don't ever want to hear from you or your friends again.”

Daz heard the Captain saying. It took a mind trick to get them passage to Baklid 6 and since then the Captain had been less then polite. Daz knew two things, the Captain would get them to Baklid 6 and that he couldn't trust the man. “Thank you, Captain. And I understand, you wont.” He laid back down trying to get some more rest before they landed. Daz let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes.

[Akirapryde]

Letters
Republic Holonet Communications

Ubaah, my dear friend, normally I would hope that my letters find my friends in good health and pleasant. In this case I hope this letter simply finds you. I can not believe that it has been just over a week since your mother/my dear friend was murdered. I watched the Republic News all week and hear the horrible things that have been said about Daz and your other friends. I simply can not believe that these accusations are true. I can't believe that the events of last week are true. There have been mornings when I woke up hoping that when I look out the window of my apartment I will see it was all just some horrible dream. The tears on my face can't match the pain in my heart when I see that large crater by the spaceport and I know that it was not a dream. So many people that died. How could this have happened.

Let me see where to begin. I guess I will start with my week. In the wake of the horrible events of that day, I was elected to represent our people in the Republic Senate and replace Darap'Rar. I some how feel so incredibly small to fill such a man's shoes. But I have been chosen to speak for our people in the Senate. Yes the Senate still meets, which is good for the Republic. I can not say where, as it is a secured location. Please know Ubaah that the Republic has survived these attacks. Not as I remember it sadly. When the attacks were over, there came such a call for war against the terrorists and their supporters. I set silently and watched as so many good and noble people walked out of the Senate as the votes for war were counted. It was my first official vote as Senator and I didn't know what to do. I could have voted no I suppose, but it was such a land slide already my single vote would not have mattered. There were so many passionate speakers calling for war. Their voices carried so high and filled everyone with such emotions. I was swapped up in the moment. Oh god Ubaah, I voted that we go to war with all of them. So many after the votes were counted, patted me on the back and told me how I did such a good thing. I couldn't help but think of how horrible I felt at the time of voting. Something just seemed so wrong with it all. Like I had betrayed my own heart. Your mother loved our people but she would have never wanted this for them. I just know she and Darap'Rar would have never wanted war. I cried that night, alone in my bed I cried.

Later that day I found out that I would hold a seat on the Jedi Oversight Committee. I got to meet so many of my colleagues through out the day. So many had such ideas of what they wanted to get passed through the Senate and so many wanted to be my friend. They all saw me as a freshman and so offered their wisdom or advice as to who to trust and not to trust. The Vote still set so heavy in my mind. I slipped out early and returned alone to my little apartment. I know I had duties but I just really wanted to be alone for the rest of the day. I remember when I got home, I looked at myself in the mirror and started to cry. This is going to be such a hard chapter in my life. I hope I don't let anyone down.

The next morning, I got to see Ann. She is doing so much better. You should see her, most of the wounds have healed and she looks to beautiful. I can see that same spark of passion in her eyes. She asked about you and if you were returning to visit. I told her you had to go away on a Jedi Mission. She doesn't know yet of what everyone is saying about you and your friends. She has so much to deal with now, I didn't want to add to her burden. I have asked her to stay on as my personal aide. She said she would be honored to, but she had a condition. She demanded at least one dinner with you. I hope you are not upset my friend but I agreed to her terms. I really think she likes you. She said she knows this really nice place that she would like to go on her dinner with you. Said it has this really nice singer there. I told her I would pass the idea on to you. With those important details behind us I gave her some tasks she could tend to from her bed. Just between you and I, they were really nothing important but it seemed to make her happy to be doing something rather then laying in bed doing nothing.

I got a chance to meet Grand Master Quaad that day. He seems like a very nice man. He had assigned five Jedi to protect Ann while she recovers. We talked about my role on the JOC, and had ideas of how to make my job easier. I knew he has his own agenda but he was upfront and told me this. I had to respect his openness about it. He said he wanted to get the Republic out of Jedi affairs as much as he could. He did say that they had some questions to ask me regarding that fateful night. I had nothing to hide, so I refused his offer to have other members of the JOC there for the questions. We went to the Temple for the conversation. He asked me all kinds of questions about Daz and the rest of you. I told him what I knew. I know in my heart that you guys are not responsible for what happened. I don't care what the News says. I know you would never be with people that could do such a horrible thing. He asked me strange questions about a person I didn't know. A Fiolla Heartman. He asked me if we ever met before or if Daz or anyone ever talked about her. I didn't have anything to share about it. I don't think that the investigators believed me. But I know Grand Master Quaad knew I was telling the truth. He made a point to let me know that he believed me. Oh yeah, did you know that there is a law now that allows Jedi Investigators to detain someone if they are suspected of being a terrorists? I saw the most strangest of things. A Bothan female in shackles within the Jedi Temple. She was being held by the Jedi. I had a chance to talk to her but not long. She told me she was a programmer from one of the ships that were attacked. When I asked her why they were holding her. She told me that they just kept asking her questions about what she saw and heard.

I was puzzled by all of this however I was told I had to leave. I promised the Bothan that I would check up on her. She seemed relieved by the notion. That was when I checked up on that law. It was passed in to law a few months ago. I never heard anything about it over the news. But sure enough it was there in the books as a law. Later that day, I got to meet the man that would be come the new Supreme Chancellor. Senator Sate Quee from Anaxes. He talked with me for hours about how the Senate works and how if I ever needed anything to come to him and he will help me out. Its funny to think that everyone looks down at me because I am a freshman Senator but I can see our beloved Republic changing right before our eyes. I don't understand why no one else can see it. Senator Quee invited me to his celebration dinner the night after next. I agreed to attend.

The next day I spent with Ann in her hospital room. We talked about the young Doctor from the Defiance, that saved her life and how many others that died on that ship. She remembered the nurse that took such good care of her. Ubaah, so many good people died that morning. No one seems to want to see that. They only see the numbers, but the names and faces have all been forgotten. Or worse yet, used to sell this horrible war. I started to scrap book of pictures. I want to have a picture of each person that died and something good about them. I really think it is a good idea that we remember the good that was lost that morning. Ann asked us to start with a man that was visiting her the morning of the attack. His name was David Heartman, I think he was an Admiral. She said that he showed her such kindness and respect. I will write that down under his picture.

I heard the vote to elect Senator Quee went off just as everyone expected. I know, I should have been there. But something told me that Ann needed me more. She still wants to push for your mother's work. She wants to see an end to slavery. I think it is a good idea and would honor your mother and father. I had managed to sneak in some wine for her. I know that she loves to enjoy a glass or two. It was nice to just relax and enjoy the time with her. We talked all night about anything and about, well yes men. She asked why I was still single. I told her that my heart was filled with the love of our people. I couldn't hold any more for just one man. She laughed at my silliness. I didn't want to tell her that the man I loved died in the Senate building just a few days ago. I don't think I am completely over his loss. You are the only one now that knows my love for him. He was married, and I understood that. I knew he would never leave his wife and family. So I never told him about my feelings for him. He was such a proud and strong man. I would hide near a door just to listen to him speak. His words were always so beautiful. I remember the first time I ever laid eyes on him. But I am sure you don't want to hear about that.

The celebration for the new Chancellor was filled with parades and parties. I have never seen such a show of force before as the Marine Parade went through the Glitannai Esplanade. There must have been millions of them walking by. I thought that it would never end. As each unit marched past the Chancellor they turned and saluted him. I was told that the Republic Marines have sworn an oath to the Chancellor alone. Did you know that? It had been a tradition for centuries. I never knew that. The rest of the day was spent just attending social functions. When I finally got home that night, I was so tired. I hadn't noticed that my door had been forced. I walked in to my apartment to find that someone broke in to it and ransacked it. It really scared me to know that someone would do something like this. Grand Master Quaad insisted that I take up a bodyguard. He offered one of his Jedi to protect me. I accepted it. The man that was assigned to protect me is a Jedi Knight named, Castin Forma. I am told that he is a student of the Jedi Weapon Masters. Do you know him? He is a really quiet and kind man. But the way he just is there is really creepy.

The next morning I was summoned to the Chancellor's office. He was surprised about the violation of my apartment. He even offered to speed up my move from my little apartment to the high security homes of the Senators. I noticed there was a man in the room I had never seen before. He was shrouded in a cloak. I thought he was a Jedi but later I would learn that this would be a mistake. Still I looked at the Chancellor and rejected with a smile on my face. I explained to him that I speak on behaif of my people. Where my apartment is, is where most of my people reside on Coruscant. I could think of no better place to be then where they live. He didn't like my answer. I think he was thinking that I would accept his offer. I thought the offer to be silly myself.

That night, I attended the dinner in honor of Chancellor Quee. He actually invited me to sit at his table with his guests. Remember the man in the cloak? I was able to see him with out a cloak. His face is horrible scared and burned. He is a fierce looking man with this anger look in his eyes. His name is Raynar Heartman. I could not understand why he had not had his wounds healed already. I was told that it had something to do with his people and that they prided combat wounds. He wore armor at the dinner table and carried a large worn hammer like weapon with spikes on it. I couldn't help but wonder how he got it through the security check point. They made me leave my nail clipper and file behind. The table was full of laughter and stories of battles of old. Long forgotten wars were spoken about. I had nothing to add to the conversation so I choose to just listen.

The more I learned of this Raynar I had mixed feelings. On one hand, when he would look at me, his gaze would scare me. But then I would hear him speak and how he spoke of things like loyalty and honor. I was told that he is a Warlord or something like that of his people. I asked him if he was going to remain on Coruscant. He said no, that he and his unit were just paying respects on their way to some rim world planet. He and Chancellor Quee seemed to be very close friends and had shared many storied. Even one about a few Twi'lek slave girls. The laughter came to a stop when everyone realized my history as a slave girl myself. I waved off their looks with a smile. I told them that the past is what it is. I would not change it for anything. It led me to where I am tonight. I think Raynar had some sense of respect for me.

When I was preparing to leave, he offered to walk me home. Everyone at the table commented about how only a fool would assault a person under the guard of an Azgardian. Then the Chancellor added that only a person who wished death would assault a person under the guard of Warlord Raynar. I smiled and accepted his offer. So we walked home together. I was surprised that we talked about such things like religion. Did you know that Azgardians view homosexuality as a sin and could even ruin the career of a warrior? They have such a rich culture when it comes to art. He told me that every warrior is expected to be able to add something to the culture. He actually recited a poem for me. It was about a battle a long time ago. But it was lovely. I would really like to learn more about them.

The next morning I talked with Ann's Doctors. They say that at the end of the week she would be able to be released from the hospital. I am having her move in to my apartment with a full time nurse. I want to make sure that she is well taken care of. Plus I would like the company. The apartment seems so lonely now without your mother. I have more then enough room. Ann and I have been working on your mother's work for so long now. If you don't mind we want to name it after both her and your father. I think it would be a nice thing to do. Ann said she would really like it. I hope you don't mind.

I saw Raynar again at the Senate location. He told me that he was getting ready to leave. I wanted to ask him, because I knew that his people were looking for you guys. I asked them what would happen to you all if they caught you. He explained to me that there would have to be a trail to ensure your guilt. Then he told me about a story of a man who had been put to death unjustly and rose up from the dead to avenge those who wronged him. It was a long and scary story. But I guess the bottom line was that they have to ensure the guilt of people before they are punished. I don't know if it will be a good thing or not. But at least he answered my question. He than invited me to visit his homeworld. He gave me a dagger from his belt and said to give it to any Azgard and they would know what to do. I felt so foolish I had nothing to offer him. He laughed and said listening to me speak was more then enough. I wasn't sure what he meant by that.

I went back to the temple to check up on the Bothan. I talked with Master Quaad and he agreed to let me speak with her. I found out that her name is Kothtri Fey'bek. I asked her why she went by the human name Natalie, She said she was named after a fruit and didn't like it. My own name meaning Beast of Burden, I guess I can really get her meaning. She said that they had been holding her since the day of the attacks. From what I could gather from talking to her, the Jedi wanted to know what happened right before the ship blew up. I thought Jedi could see all things? I watched her questioning as a member of the JOC. It was horrible. Three Jedi would wave their hands and say things like you want to tell us what you know about this or that.

She would tell them what she knows and they would just keep saying it over and over. She would then break down and tears. I don't know if she is hiding something or if she just doesn't know what they are looking for. I felt so bad for her. But they were doing their jobs. They had reasons to believe that she had the answers they were looking for. She was one of the last to leave the bridge of one of the ships. So for hours a day they would push her for answers. I asked Grand Master Quaad if this was really necessary. He assured me that it was. I am not sure I believe him about that. But he is the Grand Master of the Jedi. I guess I have to trust him.

Well it is the night before Ann moves in. It will be a pleasant change to have someone to talk to during the night. My Jedi protector is pleasant enough but he is not really the conversational type. I am meeting with some refugees tomorrow morning. I am so excited to hear about their journey from the Hutts to freedom. One day my friend, our people will be free. Raynar had said something about slavery. He said that “beyond contempt is the willing slaves, because they deserve their destiny.” I think I shall no longer be contempt with just settling. Our people will be free.

So in the end that was my week last week. Wow what a busy week. I hope that things look better for you and know that you are in my heart. Please be well my friend.

Yours,
Nabrina


***********************************************

My Beloved Sister,

If you are reading this, then I have fallen in battle. It is the night of our birthday and I see how much of a wonderful person you have grown in to. As I set back and write this letter for you, my first thoughts are hopes that I met my fate with honor and pride. I hope that my death was filled with fire and emotions. To be proud and strong in death as much as I was in life.

But these thoughts give way to something more deeper, Sister. My thoughts now turn to you and how much I have always looked up to you. I have always been pushed to be better, stronger, smarter. Everyone had set such goals for me to reach. Being a warrior was never enough for our family's goals with me. To be the best warrior our people ever knew was what they wanted. I will never know if I archived that goal. But you on the other hand. You were allowed to be who and what you wanted to be. To have which friends you wanted and to speak your heart. Oh how I envied you.

Remember back at Uncles Estate when I protested returning to the Academy? I thought mother and father were going to have heart attacks right then and there. I sometimes hated that I had to return to the Academy while you and your friends got one more day or one more week. I remembered when you brought Daz home for the first time. Mother asked uncle what they were teaching you at the Temple. No one ever thought very highly of him. But I thought it was great. He was so funny and everyone hated him. So full of questions and wanting to know so much about everything. He and you were so alike. Remember Jacob? My friend from the Academy. He failed out and was removed from the Warrior cast. Uncle told me to never bring him home again.

Did you know that there were days I so much wanted to be you. To not be the favorite of the family. You were allowed to blossom as you wished. To follow the path you wanted. I have noticed that you desired to try to follow my warrior path. Please Sister, only do this if it is what you want. Let your heart be free from them and their insane demands and goals. Spread your wings and take to the sky Sister. Be free, be that freedom in life that I always looked up to you for.

There were times I wanted to teach you to be a better worrier. But I only realized that being with you so closely and with your friends has started to make me a better person. To take the time to learn and listen to the things around me. Yes, you taught me to be more aware of things. To you, my sister I thank you for this. Never forget that you helped me see things in a better light.

To Daz, I know we never see eye to eye. I know that sometimes you see such horrible things in me. But please know, what I see in you. I see that little boy laughing and playing with my Sister. But in your heart beats something much more. I know that you are destined for something great. Something much greater then ever before. Stay close to my Sister and my fellow Immortals. They will protect you and serve you well as you fulfill what ever the Force has called on you to do.

Visst, being in my life has become something that I can not deny any long. The impact you have made has been both drastic and rapid in change. Just this morning, I went to Temple for the first time in years. I talked with a Priest in depth about my soul and where I was going. I explained to him about you and the thoughts that you have caused to surface in me. I think you planted a seed that is now starting to grow. Thank you my friend.

Back to you my Sister. Now that I am not there to watch over you. Please be strong for them. You don't have to be strong like me. Be strong like you. Be who you are. Don't follow my path. Take your own. It would mean the world to me.

I will leave with a song I have been working on, for you. I want you to know that you are more then just a sister. You are a friend. The kind that I could always look up to and count on. You were always in my heart Sister.

Always even after death,
Fiolla Heartman

*******************************************

Walking through the mist once more, Daz notices images of people about him. Each one showing a scene of a persons life. Each one seemed familiar but strange at the same time. He walked through the mist lost and worried about his way. Then he saw an image slowly taking form before him. Within moments he saw Lysire standing just within the mist.

She looked at him, “Why didn't you ever listen to me” she questioned.

Daz looked down then snapped his head up, “I know what this is about. I did listen to you. I listed to you each time you had something to say” he said with anger.

She shook her head, “No, you heard me, but you never listened to me. Why Daz?”

Anger filled his heart as he looked at her, “I did listen to you. Each time, I listened. There were things that I knew better. Like with Biggs. I know he was bad for you” he said knowing that she could not deny this.

She looked down in sadness, “If you knew he was bad then why let me stay with him?”

floored by the question, he answered with the truth, “I thought it was where you wanted to be.”

She raised her head and looked at him once more, “So you thought you knew better then us. So that was the reason why you did not listen to us?”

It was a trick and he walked in to it, “Thats not fair! You never said you didn't want to be with them. What was I to think?”

She stepped back in to the mist, “Trust in us, not think. Listen to us, not hear.” she said softly then added, “Face your fears and guilt Daz, or you will be lost to us in the mist. Lost forever!”

Daz rushed forward not wanting the image to disappear. “No wait, I have questions. What do you mean fear! I have no fears. Guilt? I have done nothing wrong. Why should I feel guilt!? I did what I had to do to save lives! WAIT!!!!” he yelled through the mist only to find nothing but more mist.

Daz set up in his bed with a sigh, he shook his head slowly. “I just want people to know that I didn't do anything evil or wrong. I acted on what I knew and had no choice.” he said softly to the empty room. In his heart he felt the loss of lives. Their echoes sound in his mind. He just closed his eyes, “I didn't do anything wrong.” Slowly the echoes and feelings of them faded.

[Akirapryde]

Back to the Norm
The Shadow Light
Deep Core

The Great Puppet Master set there in his chair looking out in to the deep space that surrounds his ship. The reports coming back were a nightmare scenario that he had predicted over two years ago. Now he had to answer for the cause with the Crusade. Taking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes. He knew that striking an alliance with Rose and her apprentice was risky endeavor. However he had to take the risk to achieve the gains that they demanded. He had warned them about the risks but they insisted on the alliance. Now those risks had come to life right before their eyes. He turned while moving his chair back behind his desk. There were images displayed across his desk from across the galaxy, but the one image he was waiting on was the image of his most trusted messengers making his way to this office. He had arrived just moments ago and was under guard as he made his way through the ship. “Soon I will know how bad this really is.” He said looking over all the reports.

Within moments, the messenger walked in to his office. The man gave a sharp nod, “My Lord, it is as much as we feared.” the messenger said placing a few data chips on the desk. The Puppet Master picked them up and started reviewing them while his messenger continued, “She killed our battalion that was assigned to her. Our reports were correct, that over the past year she had been amassing a large number of combat droids loyal only to her. Once the battalion was dispatched, she took one of our ships to Aura Base and completely destroyed the base. Her message that she left for you is right here, My Lord.” the messenger explained then activated the holo-message.

Rose's image appeared on the holo-player in the center of the desk. “Greetings My Lord, Puppet Master. I am sure by now, you must be fucking pissed off at me. Did you really think I was going to let you create a weapon that would wipe out all those who are force sensitive? How dare you think that I would let you murder all the Force Users and then what? Kill me as well? This is my galaxy to rule not yours to murder my kind. I have to thank you however, for all the help you gave me. I would have never been in such a position to rise to power without it. With Uris tucked away in a Jedi prison and the Jedi fractured, there is nothing to stop me in my rise to power. If you stay out of my way, I will assure that I will not hunt you down. But if I so much as see one of your men around I will personally find you and destroy you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your life because I know that I will be enjoying my life as ruler of the Galaxy.” Her image disappeared.

The Puppet Master frowned as the messenger continued, “The loss of the Aura Base was a devastating blow. We have copies of all of their research data and even plenty copies of the devices. But without the scientists and researchers behind the project, there is no hope of restarting the project. The devices are ready for full scale use and wont be for at least five more years under normal conditions. They still do not differentiate between Force using life forms and normal life forms. Our resources to move the project forward at this time do not meet the requirements that we need. I fear we will have to shut it down till we can recruit more minds to take up this project.” he explained to the Puppet Master.

Nodding at the briefing, “Agreed, lets secure as much of the project as possible and start recruiting more minds. For now this project will be suspended. Continue please” the Puppet Master said coldly, he knew that the Omega Project would be devastated by the destruction of the Aura Base. He just didn't want to have to accept it. The Omega Project would have been his personal legacy to the galaxy. It would have turned everyone in to carriers of the disease. Then it would kill all those who were force sensitive and linger for decades ensuring that the Force Users would never hold the edge that they have now. He shook his head sadly as he readied for the other boot to fall.

The messenger continued as instructed, “As for the events on Coruscant. We know for a fact that Rose provided the bombs to the Rebels. However our own researches have discovered that the bombs lacked the ability to cause the damage that had been shown. Plus there are some irregularities in the energy signature of the bombs. Our scientists are currently working on it as we speak.” he paused and changed the tone of the conversation to something more up beat, “As for Project Sphinx, two of the three test subjects were killed in the bombings. However My Lord, we have very good news. We were able to recover the complete DNA matrix of each test subject plus their entire mental mappings. The group of scientists and researchers that made up the project did not die in the explosions. They have been picked up by our forces and are being held at a secured location for the time being.” He paused to let the information sink in.

The Puppet Master smiled, “I see” he commented with a nod. This was very good news, “When can we start cloning the test subjects?”

The messenger smiled, “We can start when you give the order. Nexus Base has informed us that they are ready to take over operations.” he placed two files before his Master and motioned to them. “However, Nexus Base is not at a hundred percent operational, at this moment. They can start cloning one of the test subjects and it should be ready for operational status in about a year's time. Depending on training, residual emotional and subconscious issues. I suggest that we only clone one test subject at this time and run it through all the tests to make sure we have positive controls over it. We do not wish to repeat the mistakes with the original test subject. Once we have confirmed positive control over the test subject we can start cloning more. The only question that remains is, which would you like to start cloning with, My Lord?” He asked.

The Puppet Master smiled, “This Daz Murl has become a thorn in my side almost as much as Rose herself.” he said picking up a file, “He seems to have a fondness towards this one.” he said handing the file to the messenger, “Lets start with this one.” he said then leaned back in his chair to continue, “Also, we still have the original test subject. Lets go ahead and reeducate her and set her up for field use. I have a feeling that she will become very useful in the future. As for Rose, its time that Rose is pushed from the shadows and exposed for the threat that she really is. Leak the information about her involvement with the events on Coruscant. Lets make sure that this would-be Sith is directly linked to the Rebels and link their goals to her agenda.” he explained while the messenger took notes. The Puppet Master smiled, “As for our forces, inform them for the moment they are not to engage Rose or her forces at the moment. We will let the Republic deal with softening her up before we act.”

The Puppet Master turned around in his chair and looked out at space once more, “As for Uris, lets make sure that he becomes a thorn to her. Her betrayal might have been complete. However, we have loyal spies within her camp that will still assist us.” On that note, the messenger looked up from his data pad with a surprised looked on his face. The Puppet Master continued, “but lets make sure we don't expose them till we are ready for that stage.” He said then turned back around in his chair to face the messenger, “Make sure that Uris breaks out of prison and goes after Rose. Free from the code of the Jedi, Uris will be unstoppable. Also lets get him a few allies to help him on this dark quest.” He said waving his hand, “Who was that pilot that he used to adventure with?” He commented then answered his own question, “Ah, I think her name was Aral. Lets make sure that those two link up.” he then turned back around, “As for insurance on this, lets have one weapon's load of Omega Project prepared. Once the two of them do clash, I want to ensure that neither survives the encounter.” He explained with no emotion. “Lets get on top of this. We are behind the eight ball at the moment and I want to move ahead of it before it rolls.”

He thought as the messenger walked out of his office. 'Rose should have just been a good pawn. Now she will suffer a horrible death' he thought. He knew that Rose and Uris had become way to powerful within the force to be contained and now it was time to end both of them. He got up from his chair and walked over to a small pot and picked it up. He poured the black hot liquid in to a mug and returned the pot. He picked up the mug and walked over to the windows that over looked the control room of his ship. Sipping from the mug and just watched his most loyal work at their tasks. “So now the game is afoot, lets see how Rose will compete with my mind.” he said then activated an intercom, “Attention Core World Observers, start Operation Gamma Phi” he commanded than watched some of his crew change their tasks and start working on the new orders.

In his heart, this was the reason why Force Users had to be stopped at all costs. They become so powerful that they can not be contained. The Crusade's own research showed that the numbers of Force Users had been growing steadily over the past ten years. Luckily the Brush Fire Wars allowed them to work more freely then before. But still, they could not kill enough of them. If left unchecked the Galaxy would be over run by Force Users in a thousand years or so. He had to stop this now before it became too much even for the Crusade to contain. While his plans might have hit a snag, there has come a greater problem. He had to deal with Rose and Uris.

Getting Uris behind the force barriers of a Jedi prison was easy enough. But a lasting solution to this problem needed to be found. Based on all their research both Uris and Rose were two of the most powerful Force Users in the galaxy and both had to be stopped. More Rose than Uris at the moment however. With her help, the Rebels were unknowingly able to deal a powerful blow to his operations throughout the Core Worlds. She had to have known that they would have never been able to hold those worlds. The only logical reason behind the attacks were to attack the Crusade as directly as she could. The only problem was, what was she trying to hide in her attacks. He knew her target was within the Core Worlds, and for the moment they were blacked out. It would take time for him to regain his sight once more. He just was not sure what she was after at this moment.

This was a reason why he made sure that Rose was only given information that he could afford her to know. Though this did leave a huge question left unanswered. How did she know about Aura Base. He made sure she never once visited the location despite her requests. He knew about a Force User's power of seeing distant places so he made sure that she had never even heard of its mention. She had to have used another force power that they were unaware of to learn of its location. There is no other way of her knowing about it. He had to put his researchers on better understanding how she could have known about the base. The Puppet Master frowned, 'So there is one more area of the Force that I must now master' he thought. Already he knew more about the force and its possible uses then over half of the force users out there.

*************************************************

Once more Daz found himself lost in that mist that binds his vision and clouds his mind. He could see thousands of images through the mist of great heroes. Jedi and non-Jedi alike, each held a greatness about themselves. He paused to watched a soldier leaping through flames to save an elderly man from a burning building. There was something strangely familiar with the soldier that was now carrying the elderly man out of the burning building.

It had been almost five hours since they were left on Baklid 6. He remembered the rain storm that caused them to seek shelter in a near by cave for the night. He hadn't said much to anyone during the trip or when they arrived on world. His only conversation was to Visst, and that was only to ask regarding dreams. Visst had pushed for more information but Daz only brushed off the questions with, “I have to deal with this on my own.” then went back to bed to sleep. It was that sleep that has placed him once more in the mist of his mind.

Behind him, Daz heard, “Why will you not understand us?”

Daz turned to see Captain Pryde standing within the mist. Daz had already figured what was going on and was growing tired of these games. “What is there to understand. You are a barbaric race that recycles your own people. You are murderous and evil. What more is there to know?”

Captain Pryde moved through the mist but remain just out of Daz's range of seeing him clearly, “You only see what you wish to see and nothing more.”

“I see that you have some goodness in your arts. But I have deep concerns over any race that would create such murder's as Talon” Daz said trying to get a better view of the Captain. “You had to be stopped from hunting the Jedi Masters down.”

Captain Pryde moved through the mist still, “You do not wish to understand, Daz.”

Daz looked around him, “How do you know that I do not wish to understand. Maybe I can't! Can't you explain it to me?”

“You do not wish to understand, because you fail to trust and listen. Therefore you can not understand” the Captain said coldly.

Cleverly he rushed through the mist hoping to get closer to the Captain, “I am growing tired of these games! What I did, I had no choice. She was going to kill them! What choice did she leave me? You are just like them. You are just as much a barbarian as she was. I never trusted you either!” Daz said reaching the point where the Captain once stood only to find nothing there.

The image of Captain Pryde reemerged behind Daz frowning, “Daz, you do not see with your heart. You let emotions govern your actions.” He said as the mist gave way to the bridge of the Defiance that fateful morning. Daz could see as the explosions were ripping the ship apart. The order was given to abandon ship long before most of the crew were killed. But something stopped them from leaving their doomed ship. They looked out of the windows and saw the planet below as the massive ship was slowly falling from the sky.

Captain Pryde gave a speech to his crew asking those who wished to stay and fight to keep the ship from killing more innocent people. He offered for those to leave if they so choose to. Every member of the crew choose to remain aboard. They worked hard to achieve the Captain's plan of moving large ordinance from one section of the ship to another. But what Daz could see was a sound rippling through the ship. The crew could hear this beat and started to sing to it. Each one of them added their voice to the beat. He had heard the song before. It was one of their death songs or something like that. Within moments the only thing that could be heard throughout the ship was one voice singing to their deaths. Within that song, was the beat. It was steady and strong and even Daz could feel it in his soul.

Daz turned from the images before him only to find that they surround him. He heard this misty image of Captain Pryde speak to him, “They know they are going to die but they still fought on to save the lives of others. They fought on, not for their own salvation but that of others.” he explained then motioned to Daz, “You feel it. Don't be scared of it.”

Daz could feel the beat around him pounding away. He looked around at the images and saw the crew working hard. They only had moments to enact the plan but they still worked with no hope of survival. Daz could see their auras slowly merging in to each other as they sang and worked. Before they were complete, they all had joined in one heart, one voice, one mind, one aura. It was in that moment Daz saw them turn their individual actions in to a single, successful moment where heroes are born. Daz could hear their song and feel the beat which drove them, is memory would never forget the chores of their song, “Children of the Gods! Today we shall die! Open Valhalla's doors! HAIL GODS OF WAR!”

“It doesn't change what they were capable of. This does not change what she did!” Daz yelled out coldly as the images fade back to the mist.

Captain Pryde frowned, “Daz, if you do not face your fears you will become lost to us.” He said softly drifting back in to the mist.

Daz would not let it end like this, “She murdered Atril! What?! She gets a free walk on that?! DOES SHE! She was a murderer and now she is dead! I am glad she's dead! GLAD!” he yelled in to the mist with much emotion in his heart and mind.

Through the mist he heard back, “Face your fears and guilt Daz, before you are lost to us.”

On that Daz dropped to his knees slamming his fist in to the ground as he repeated, “GLAD! Glad! Glad. glad.....” he slammed his fist in to the ground one last time as the images of the mist changed again. His eyes filled with tears he looked around in horror to see the Fiolla Heartman he knew before. The Fiolla he and Angel would play with back on Alderaan as kids. He watched as the children of his memories played tag and laughed together. He watched how she had always been there to help him and even be that big sister he never had. Their laughter filled the mist around him as his heart cried out. It cried out against what he had done, and what he had become. He let out a deep sorrow filled cry the echoed out throughout the mist as the images merged. The images of his childhood friend laughing and playing with him and the images of his condemning her to and justifying her death.

His mind still attempted to justify his feelings and actions while dismissing any remorse for her death. There was a deeper side of his heart that knew she was a person in need of saving. Yet he gave up on her by betraying her trust. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” he cried out one last time unable to contain the emotions of what he was seeing and feeling. “I had no choice!” he cried out screaming as the images all faded leaving him alone in the mist, “I had no choice.....” he said laying down on the group while he curled up in a ball. “she left me no choice......” he kept repeating over and over again.

Daz woke up from the nightmare dream once more. His body covered in liquid and his breathing was out of control. This had been the worst dream to date. He was not sure how much more he would be able to handle at this rate. He had heard stories of the Force delivering powerful messages to Jedi that had some greater part to play in the future. But he couldn't understand why it was tormenting him like this. He rolled over on to his side and took a drink from his canteen. “she didn't leave me any choice.” he said softly and looked around to see everyone else still sleeping. “She was a murderer after all. What choice did I have?” he added as he replaced the cap to his canteen.

“I will always be there for you. Never forget that, Daz” he heard and looked up with a start. It was Fiolla as the child he remembered. He pushed back on his bedding to try and get away from her. Closing his eyes he almost let out a scream in surprise. His hand gripping the canteen and his other bracing himself on the wall of the cave. He fought hard to control his breathing while he slowly opened his eyes. Once more he was alone in the cave with the rest of the party. He looked around that the phantom child was gone. He let out a long sigh of relief as he closed his eyes once more. He remembered what she had said so long ago.

It was when they were back on Alderaan and Daz had run in to a group of older kids that had taken to bullying him. They had made the next few days a personal time in hell for Daz. When Fiolla had arrived from her Academy on Azgard and found out what they did to him. She faced the group of older bullies alone and put the biggest one down hard. When it was mentioned that she could not protect Daz all the time. She only informed them that for those times that she was not around, if anything were to happen to Daz. She would take it out on all of them personally. Daz remembered how she looked after the fight. She had a black eyes and a broken nose. But she smiled to him and said, “ I will always be there for you. Never forget that, Daz. You are my brother.”

Daz got up from his sleeping roll as he uncapped his canteen and took another drink. He made his way to the mouth of the cave. The first thing he was saw Nezial doing that flame thing that she does every morning. He looked out over the sky to see the sun just breaking the morning horizon. The air was crisp from the night showers. He watched Nezial move in her ritual fashion. In that moment he realized that she had been with the party for over a year and he didn't even know her last name. What the ritual was called or why she did it every morning.

He watched her come to a stop as she slowly turned to face him. With the grace of a dancer, she slowly lowered herself to her knees and looked at him. “I have to go” he said softly as he motioned with his canteen. He knew that there was water near by but he needed sometime to think. Some space to collect himself. “I will be back soon” he said softly. And on that, Daz turned and walked past her towards a nearby river. He knew that it was a hour away but he knew that it was what he needed. He was not sure if he was up for what he knew was coming. But he knew that it was what he needed. This was something he had to do by himself. Daz Murl wondered in to the deserts of Baklid 6 alone.

*******************************************

Visst woke up with a horrible since of dread about him. There was something wrong but he couldn't put his finger on it. He got up and pulled his cloak over himself and walked towards the entrance of the cave. He noticed that Daz's sleeping place was empty of Daz. He nodded as he walked through the mouth of the cave. He saw Nezial performing her morning Sun Ceremony. Not wanting to let the moment pass he spoke up, “Have you seen Daz?”

She paused her ceremony once more, “I did” she replied then added, “He left.”

Visst was surprised by this, “Why?”

“I don't know. He was saying something to me but I didn't understand him. I wish your friends would remember that I can not understand, um what do you call it? um...oh Ba....s...ic” she explained softly putting her swords away as she walked over to a small stream that had formed from the heavy rains last night.

Visst had found it humorous trying to explain words that had no meanings in Nezial's language. They had no word for basic and it took him a month to explain to her the meaning which meant the language that they all speak. He only smiled, she was very clever and had become a very trusted friend. She was only of the few that actually understood what he was saying and her perceptions of the Force was remarkable. It was these traits that made speaking with her so much easier to explain things.

“I did need to speak with you, my friend” she said placing her hands in the water and drew up some to her mouth. Once she had taken her drink, “I have to ask something of you. When I die on this world, I want you to promise me that you will return my swords to my family. It is right that they are returned to them” she said surprisingly.

Visst blinked at the surprising comment. He already knew her future by using his force powers to see it. “You will not die here. You are going to die an old lady surrounded by your family and loved ones back on your home world.” he explained softly.

Nezial drew up another sip of water then looked at him, “We both know that the spirits are fluid and their realm is ever changing. In last night's dreamwalk, the spirits came and talked to me. They told me that I should not fear and that the balance has been lost. I was told that I would not leave this world alive.” she explained to Visst.

He looked at her with disbelief, “so because the balance is lost you are now going to die?” He knew that this was not the case but still he wanted to hear her reasoning behind this change in what she thought was her future.

She knelt down by the stream, “I know you know this. I know you feel this. Actions of others have changed our destinies as much as my hand can change the flow of this stream” she explained with her hand pushing dirt and sand away to change the direction of the stream. Her actions caused the stream to take off in a new direction. “The Spirits have told me that I can no longer follow your path and that I should not fear what is to come. That you will guild them.”

Visst knew this and had always been delighted by her understanding of the Force even if she calls it the Realm of Spirits. He was sad that her destiny had been changed and understood her wishes, “You have my word that I will do everything in my power to return your swords to your family.”

“Thank you, my friend” she said soft as she looked off to the distance, “I see a storm on our horizon” she said pointing to the thick black clouds to the west and the direction to which they would be traveling. “I will miss our conversations. I will miss seeing my sister and family.” she said with a tear rolling down her face. “But I will not fear what is to come.”