Star Wars: Warriors of the Force

[The Doctor]

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

 

Star Wars

Warriors of the Force

 

It is a time of development in the infantile galaxy. Inter-planetary travel has not yet been conceived, much less exploration of the galaxy. Those gifted with the Force are viewed as mutants on most worlds, and live as outcasts or slaves, their abilities abused by those who do not understand.

 

On a small planet known to the inhabitants as Tanesh, these men and women are known as ‘Jedia’, a word from an ancient dialect of their language meaning ‘lesser creature’. The Jedia live as exiles, most of them from a very young age, as their abilities are discovered. Unable to get proper jobs or education, they are forced to work as freelance mercenaries, performing menial labour for little pay.

 

But one refuses to be a slave. Calling himself DARLA T’KAN, he has formed a large number of Jedia exiles into a military force called the Oshtenvul, and is waging war. Their philosophy is based on their passions fueling their command of the force they wield, their goal no longer freedom - but power.

 

The main governing body of the planet, the Cyrimian Alliance, is losing the war. T’Kan and his men fight ruthlessly, demanding power over the Council of Lords. Negotiations are in place, but progress is slow.

 

The Cyrimian delegate, Methulas Hrent, has agreed to meet with T’Kan to negotiate a peace between the warring factions. In the interest of protecting his family, he has formulated a plan to have his daughter taken across the plains of K’Tiy to safety....

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Crouching down to examine the footprints, Tacit Rykive removed a metal staff from his belt, and helt it ready, his index finger over the activation button. He placed a hand on the animal's footprint, and closed his eyes. Blocking out the sounds around him, he reached out with his mind, seeking the imprint left behind by the beast's life force. Scanning the area, he found it, about half a kilometer away.

Standing quickly, he made his way slowly through the trees, his weapon ready - a fully grown al'hayat male digging it's toxic fangs into his flesh was not an experience he wanted to have. Again.

The tracks dissapeared shortly ahead of him - it was nearby. Holding the metal rod above his head in a defensive posture, he slowly walked ahead. He barely moved aside in time as a set of claws ripped through the air. He felt white hot pain as it's claws slced a clean path through his arm. Pressing the button on his weapon, a brilliant green blade errupted from the end with a satisfying snap/hiss sound. Smacking the al'hayat in the jaw with the hilt, he backed away, forcing himself to ignore the pain. The beast recovered quickly, lunging at him, it's fangs coming within inches of his face. Dropping to the ground and rolling to the left, Tacit brought his blade around in a wide arch. He missed the creature completely, but it seemed more cautious now that it had noticed his weapon. Growling threateningly, the monstrous feline began circling him slowly, it's piercing yellow eyes boaring into his.

With deadly proficiency, another paw came out of nowhere, hitting him full force in the back, sending him sprawling forward, his weapon deactivating androlling to the side, far out of reach. Struggling for breath - and while holding his hand tightly over the gaping wound in his abdomen - Tacit tried standing, but found that his legs wouldn't lift his weight. His second adversary, a tough looking female al'hayat, also began circling him, growling. He knew what they were doing. He hadn't been hunting them, they had been hunting him.

As blood poured out his stomach, Tacit did all he could to remain conscious. The world was beginning to go blurry. He thought he heard yelling, and he could smell smoke... or was that the breath of the al'hayat that was bearing down on him for the kill?

The world went black, and Tacit knew no more.

 

* * * * *

 

He heard voices. At least four of them, all speaking at once. He could only catch parts of what they were saying, their voices blurring together.

"...cordical stimuli has increased..."

"...breathing.... irregular..."

He tried to speak, but all that came out was a dry gurgle. The voices continued, though they were becoming more coherent.

"... alveoli in his lungs have been severly burned. His brochial tubes are charred."

"Get me 60cc trioxin. That should at least help him breath easier until we begin respiratory reconstruction."

There was an acknowledgment, and a middle-aged female face swam before his face. "Can you hear me?" it asked. "I'm doctor Klake. You're safe here."

"Where.... am I?" he croaked, his lungs screaming in protest.

He felt the comforting touch of steel on his neck, and after a moment, breathing became easier. The doctor was speaking.

"You're in the regional Alliance embassy. Our patrols found you in the forest."

"There.... there was fire. Why...?"

"A group of insurgents had taken refuge in that area of the forest. Our men were trying to force them out, and found you. You were heavily injured, and the fact that they had set the area ablaze didn't help. The smoke did a number on your lungs, that's for sure. We also found multiple lacerations and bruises, as well as a decent abdominal wound. What were you doing out there?"

"Job," he coughed. "Al'hayat were getting out of hand, I was asked to clear them out of the area."

"You should know better than to try and force and al'hayat out of its territory!"

Tacit laughed. "I've done worse."

Before the doctor could respond, a man in a military uniform entered the room.

"Doctor," he said, walking up to her. "Ambassador Hrent has asked to see the patient. He-"

"Nobody sees him until I've had a chance to get him breathing properly again, Commander," she snapped, not seeming to care that he brisstled visibly.

"Let me know when you're done. The ambassador says it's a matter of vital importance."

The doctor stood there, her arms crossed. "You can tell the ambassador that this young man's life is far more important than anything he could need with him. Now please, if you don't mind, I have a patient to attend to."

The soldier glared at her back for a moment, then turned around and left the room.

 

* * * * *

 

Tacit stirred as the sedative began to wear off. The doctor stood a few meters away, her back to him. She turned as he awoke.

"Ahh, you're up. I had to double the dosage of quadracite to keep you out for the procedure. That's quite the immune system you have, young man."

Tacit ignored her, sitting up slowly, his head pounding. "Where are my things?"

"They're locked up until you're ready to leave."

"I'm ready now."

"Unfortunately for you, I'm the doctor, not you. You still need to rest for a few days, but I'm willing to let you see the Ambassador."

"'The Ambassador' can go-"

"Here," she said, handing him a set of clean clothes. "You'll probably want to wear those instead of a sick bay gown."

Tacit threw them to the floor and jumped down from the bed. "Look, I don't mean to be rude, but I don't give a damn if this Ambassador wants to see me or not. I'm leaving."

The doctor glared at him. "I have a son about your age. I won't take any of this 'I'm a teenager, I'm superior' stuff."

Tacit sighed, and picked up the clothes. "Look lady. I just want to get the hell out of here. Now, if you'll just-"

The door opened, and the soldier from before entered the room. "The Ambassador is ready for you, mister...?"

"Fine," he said, resigned to the fact that this 'Ambassador' was going to see him whether he liked it or not. "Lead the way."

[ForceFightWMe12]

Methulas Hrent stood looking out the large window of his study, his hands crossed behind him at the small of his back. He watched the wind whip the lush green grasses of Kanesh around in small ripples, several birds soaring on the updrafts. Several topics chased each other for dominance in his mind as he awaited the young man his patrols had found.

First came the meeting that had been planned for several months now between himself and the leader of the Oshtenvul, Darla T'kan. This meeting was one of the most nerve-wracking things on his mind; its importance almost unparelleled. The outcome could tip the scale or balance it, throwing the planet deeper into war or bring it back to peace. The importance was almost unparelleled. The next thought that came was the saftey of his daughter and only child, Tari. She lived with him here at the embassy, and was his only family as his wife had died years ago of an incurable sickness. His anxiety over her safety was matched only by that of the meeting. Should things get out of hand during the meeting, he had realized that he could not guarentee her safety...and that was a thought that scared him. He couldn't loose her...and that was when he had this brilliant idea. During some of the tests she had reported to him, Dr. Klake had explained that the young man under her care was a Jedia. He had worked with Jedia before, and so Hrent knew that not all were destructive beasts. Some were actually civilized, despite their lowly standing. Perhaps this man could take Tari safely from the area...to the Plains of K'Tiy? That would be far enough away...she would be safe there, for a time at least.

He turned as he heard the doors slide open, and his Captain of the Guard, Barten, stepped through with a strange man, who Hrent figured was their visitor.

"Ah, very good Barten, our guest is awake. I am Methulas Hrent, Delegate of Cyrimia. It is good to see you on your feet, Mr..."

[The Doctor]

Tacit stepped forward. "Rykive," he said. "Tacit Rykive. Now what's this about?"

Hrent smiled slightly. "Not one for small talk, I see. You're dismissed, Barten."

"Sir, I strongly suggest that-"

"It's alright, Barten, I'll be fine."

Barten didn't look convinced, but knew better than to argue. Throwing Tacit a contemptuous glance, he left the room.

"I must apologize for Barten's behaviour. He-"

"What is this about, Ambassador?" interrupted Tacit.

Hrent, accepting that small talk was out of the question, got straight to the point. "As you know, the Alliance and the Oshtenvul have agreed to meet here to negotiate a tentative peace."

"That's common knowledge," said Tacit. "Everyone knows that."

Hrent nodded. "As you may know, the Oshtenvul can be... difficult... to deal with. I have concerns..."

"Do you have a job for me, or not?"

Hrent sighed. "Yes, I do," he said simply. He walked around the desk to stand in front of Tacit. "My daughter. I am concerned for her safety."

"So... you want me to stay here until the negotitaitons are complete?" he asked, confused - she had bodyguards for that.

"Not exactly," he said carefully. "I... don't want her here during the conference. I want her escorted to safety."

"And you want me to escort her. Where, exactly?"

"It doesn't matter. As long as she's safe."

Tacit thought. "The Herpetlec mountains are a good place to go if you don't want to be found."

"It doesn't matter," Hrent repeated. "K'tiy, Hartala, even take her all the way to the Granas Islands, for all I care. Just keep her safe."

Tacit frowned. "How much are you willing to pay for this... service?"

"We can negotiate compensation after the conference. I promise, you will be well paid. But I need her gone. As soon as possilbe."

Tacit thought for a moment. "Alright," he said finally. "I can have her out of here within the hour."

"Excellent," said Hrent, smiling. "I will be assigning Katri Hale, Tari's body gaurd, to go with you."

"I don't take extras. Just the girl."

"That's not possible. I assuer you, Katri is an able combatant, and will not impede you on your journey."

Tacit sighed. "Alright. Where are they?"

"I will send for them."

[ForceFightWMe12]

"...and don't forget that I have that meeting with Elric Kinternas later this week. I'll have to have that tear in my dinner gown sewn before then...And Leirnas, try to find something new to do with my hair..." Tari strode around her room, seemingly for no real reason at all, but it was almost a ritual for her when she was announcing duties for the day. Her body guard, Katri Hale, stood silent in the corner as she counted off chores to the one other person in the room. Her personal servant, Leirnas. "Oh, there is so much to be done before I meat Elric...I'll have to make a perfect first impression...he's the most eligible bachlor in the area, and he's the highest person on the social scale, lately. Well, besides me, of course."

There was a knock at the door, and Leirnas, with a hardly audible sigh of relief, stepped to it and opened it to reveal Barten, the captain of the guard.

"Well, Barten, you seem to be running around quite a bit today." Tari said, fliping the long braid of her hair over her shoulder, out of habit.

The man seemed a bit sour, at the moment. "Indeed. I seem to be your father's personal messageboy. Anyway, Ambassador Hrent is awaiting you in his study. He says he has someone for you to meet."

"He does, does he?" she said, making sure that her expression was one of deep thought as she 'wondered' who it was. "Very well then. Come, Katri, my father is waiting."

 

Tari continued to chatter off orders for Katri to relay to the other sevants, as she did so often, as they headed to the Ambassador's study. As the doors opened before them, she whispered the last to Katri before falling silent. She swept right past their guest and made a small cursty before Hrent.

"Father." she said formally, before turning to the other man in the room. As soon as her eyes fell on him, she frowned. He was scruffy, his skin dotted with bandages, and his clothes were patheticaly cheap and ugly, and were torn and frayed in several places.

Trying to be relatively polite, she made another small curtsy to the man, a smile plaster across her lips. Though the smile didn't reach her eyes, which stayed rather cold. "How do you do...?"

[The Doctor]

Tacit rolled his eyes. "This is her?" he asked, a hint of disgust in his voice.

"Tacit Rykive, this is my daughter, Tari Hrent, and her personal bodyguard, Katri Hale. Girls, this is Tacit."

He turned to Tacit. "Perhaps you would like something to eat? I must speak to them alone, for a moment."

"No, I'm fine. I'll just wait outside."

"As you wish," replied Tacit, bowing slightly. Tacit walked across the room, opened the door, and left the room.

[Writer]

Katri stood just inside the door for a moment as if wondering if she was needed here. She decided that, given the fact that she was supposed to be Tari's bodyguard and that they had a guest, she should remain despite Tari's whispered orders to relay to other servants. Maybe she'd get scolded for it later, but she would deal with the scolding when it came.

[ForceFightWMe12]

"Father...what is this about?" Tari asked, her delicate brows knitted together in confusion.

"Tari..." Hrent began, unsure of how best to approach this. "You know of the meeting that is coming up between myself and Darla T'kan, of course."

"Yes, of course, what of it?"

"The Jedia are rather...impulsive people. If things go wrong during the meeting, I can't guarantee that there won't be violence."

"So, what? You're going to have that...boy make sure I'm safe? That's what I have Katri for. That's why she's called a bodyguard."

"Tari...my little Tari..." the diplomat murmured, taking her in his arms.

"Papa...what is it? What are you planning?"

He twirled her braid around a bit, just looking at her before answering. "Tari...I need to send you away. For your own safety. That man, Tacit, will be your escort and guide--"

"What?" she backed out of her father's arms, staring at him hard. "You're sending me away? Papa, you can't! I can't go! I can't leave the embassy! Not without you!"

"You must, Tari. For your own safety, please--"

"No! I won't! I refuse to leave! If I leave, I'll have to travel. You know how much I hate to travel. And I can't leave you by yourself...I can't go by myself...all alone..."

"You won't be alone. Tacit and Katri will be there with you."

"Well, yes, but..."

"Tari..." he slipped a finger beneath her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Please. Leave the embassy, it'll only be a few days. Two weeks at most. If for nothing else, do it for me. For my peace of mind to know you're safe."

"I hardly call being in some unknown location with a boy like that safe, Papa."

"Then you'll go?"

She didn't meet his eyes, but her head moved in a barely descernable nod. "For you, of course. No other reason."

"Thank you, my daughter." he kissed her lightly on the forehead, before moving away, and signaling to the guards at the door. "You can let him back in."

[Xbx_Inthusiast]

Scooping up a rather large spoonful of some type of green mush, he thrusted the spoon into his mouth, pulling it out rather quickly. He held his head up and pinched his nose, swallowing roughly. He moved his head back down to it's original position and shook a little. He stood up, gagging a bit from the pungent food he had just ate.

 

"Disgusting..." He said to himself, heading out of the small room filled with hay and wood fashioned together for make-shift walls. He walked to the door and grabbed a small black jacket and slipped it over his dirt-stained white beater. He opened the door and walked out, shutting the door behind him and grabbed his large wrench that was leaning on the doorframe on the outside. He twirled the wrench and set it in a rather large, irregularly-shaped sheath on his right hip.

 

He glanced around and walked to his bike, it was strangely made, many scorch marks and caked mud stained the burnt metal that made up the strange machina. He headed to it and hopped on the homemade seat, putting his backpack on the back and fastening it to the wheel cover. He put his thumb onto a small reader near his crotch as the beast roared and began to shake a little. He backed up on the seat and leaned forward, putting his hands on the handlebars and revving up the bike, speeding off, spraying rocks, loose dirt and dead leaves behind him. He was headed towards where he smelt smoke, even though he knew the fire was gone now, the overwhelming pungent odor of soot and burnt fabric made him wonder.

[The Doctor]

Tacit stood at the door, his hands in his pockets, leaning against the wall a few feet from the door.

The door opened, and a soldier stepped out. Tacit took the hint, and re-entered the room. Tari looked rather put out, and Hrent seemed slightly agitated.

"Mr. Tacit, I would like you to accompany Tari and Katri up to her room, so me may pack what she will need for the journey."

"Right," he said. "C'mon, princess, let's go," he said sharply. I want to be on our way in the next fourty minutes."

She glared at him, then turned around and stocked out the door. Katri followed her without a word. Tacit sighed. I'm going to regret taking this job... he thought.

 

She led him to a large, ornate room. She walked over to her closet and began taking clothes out carefully. Tacit watched as she removed a few dresses, multiple pairs of shoes...

"Look princess, we need to talk about this. If I were you, I'd leave the silk slippers home. You'll need real clothes where we're going."

[ForceFightWMe12]

Tari thrust the dress moodily back into the wardrobe. "And exactly where would that be?" she asked, venom in her voice. "Oh, and forgive me if I don't exactly see you as a knight in shinning armor. I'm not used to being told what to do, much less by a Jedia such as yourself." she forced as much disgust into the word as she could. And for someone like Tari, that was quite a lot.

She instead roughly pulled a drawer out from the bottom of the wardrobe, and began to rifle through expensive traveling clothes. Hardly ever worn, of course, but Tari hated wearing pants. Even so, she pulled out a couple of pairs of pants, then shirts, and a vest and belt. "This better, Sir Scum-a-lot?"

She thrust the clothes into a bag, and then went back to the drawer, and slowly reached in, withdrawing a dagger. She clutched at it for a moment. It had a sentimental value. But in a moment, she was back in her whirlwind of attitude, and shoved the dagger into the bag as well.

"Now, you listen to me, Mr. Teris, or Tarent, or whatever your name was-"

"Tacit."

"I'm going to be the one in charge on our little adventure, understand? I decide when we travel, when we sleep, where we stay, what and where we eat, who we talk to, everything, understand?"

[The Doctor]

Tacit laughed. "I don't think so. I don't submit to women. Especially spoiled little brats like you.

"We won't be staying anywhere. I'm supposed to keep you completely safe. If you get hurt, I don't get paid. We'll be camping. And I'll decide when we stop. But I might let you choose what you eat," he said, smiling cruely. "Hopefully, you'll learn to listen to me after you eat a kirshwood berry, or something like that."

He noticed the look on her face. "Don't worry, their poison isn't fatal. But you'll wish it was. They say the rash is the worst of the symptoms, but personally, I think the abdominal cramps are far worse."

[Writer]

"If I may speak," Katri cut in quietly. She looked from Tari to Tacit and back. "I find it clear that the two of you will not be capable of calm, logical conversation."

 

She turned to Tacit. "Your last words could have been considered a threat, sir. As Lady Tari's bodyguard, that would give me reason to attack you, but I do not think you meant it as a threat." She paused for a moment. "Still, as it might have been interpreted as a threat to any passing ears, I must interrupt."

 

Turning to Tari, she said, "As neither of you are willing to speak calmly to the other, I suggest a compromise. Lady Tari, I know you do not appreciate being too near those below you, but in this case, if you would whisper your words in my ear, I will... translate."

 

Then, to Tacit, she said, "And if you would be willing to do the same, I will translate for you as well."

 

Eyeing them both, she finished, "For I know the styles of speech of our three very different worlds."

[steven]

Jack sat in a bar near The Cyrimian Allainces main city. He was with an old piolt buddie of his called Matt. They served with each other for a few years but Matt had a ban acident that crippled him, he now needs a walking stick but he still has one working leg and the crippled leg has no appears to be okay.

 

They were sitting at the bar, talking, drink and laughing about everything that was happening since they parted.

"So you a family man, now?" Asked Jack as he gulped down the rest of his drink "Hey bartender, send another drink my way, will you?"

 

"Yep. Me and Beth have a son and are expected twins in a couple of weeks." replied Matt with a huge smile on his face, "What about you? Married?" Jack shook his head "Engaged?" Jack shook his head again "Are you even seeing anyone?"

 

"Nope. I met someone, we lived together for awhile but it didn't work out. I'm kinda like a Nomad, never staying in one place, always moving for new work.. speaking of witch what job have you got" Jack asked as he reviced his new drink "Thanks keep"

 

"Well I've been working as a janator fo..." Jack snorted and Matt gave him an evil look.Jack appollgised and Matt carried on "..for the Hrent family."

 

"Noooo. Thats the family with the daughter who spoiled as ****! Matt you're a bravor man than I am." Jack laughed "I've faced whole bandit squadrons by myself, I had to swim to and from a crashed plane that would explode at any second yet I would rather fight a pack of gunarks than stay another day with that women."

 

"Wait a second.. another day with that women? You've met?"asked Matt

"Once. I was hired as her bodygaurd for a werk." He leaned back "She's so bloody demanding! And thats me being nice."

 

"Your telling me. She asked me to fetch her her breakfest, I told her 'Sweetheart, I'm the janitor, I clean floor and dishes, I'm not a bloody servant' that girl ALMOST got me fired for that."

 

"I would of just told to 'p*** off and do it yourself'." Said Jack as he gulfed his last drink.

[ForceFightWMe12]

"That won't be necissary, Katri." Tari said, moving past her so she stood face-to-face with Tacit. He was slightly taller than her, but they were relatively eye-level. "Because if he can't speak to me in a civilized tongue, I'll just have to tell my father what a--"

"Lady Tari?"

She looked up, her face slightly flushed, to see Barten awaiting them in the door way.

"Your father asked me to see if you were ready. If so, I was to escort you to the main entrance of the estate to see you off."

"I still must change, so if you would excuse me." she grabbed a pile of clothes and moved into the bathroom that branched off from her room, the door hissing shut behind her. Moments later, she entered the room again, dressed in pants, a green shirt, and a tanned leather vest. Her braid was now wrapped around itself to form a bun at the back of her head, and the dagger rested in a decorated sheath at her belt. She grabbed the pack's shoulder strap, and slung it over her shoulder.

"Shall we?" she asked, throwing a pointed glance at Tacit.

[The Doctor]

Tacit sighed. "Alright. I want to make at least some progress before sunset. Let's go."

He stepped to the side of the door. "After you," he said, somewhat mockingly.

[ForceFightWMe12]

Tari smiled cheekily at him as she stalked past him, and into the hall. She followed the guard captain to the main hall, and out the door, Katri trailing faithfully and Tacit slumping along behind them.

[Xbx_Inthusiast]

(Oh.. damn. Well, this RP is moving along too quickly for me to follow, and you guys are on alot more than me.. I can't really keep up, and my character's not too vital.. so i'll go ahead and leave this RP.. unfortunately)

[The Doctor]

((Sorry to see you go, Xbx. I was looking forward to RPing with you ))

 

Tacit watched as Tari said farwell to her father in the front lobby of the embassy. He walked up behind Katri, who was standing a few meters away from her employer, watching.

"Tell me... is she always this... arrogant?"

[Xbx_Inthusiast]

(It's just that I have no idea where you guys are.. really. I'm just riding along with my 'hog randomly, I might join back in..)

 

Speeding along the beaten path towards the lingering odor of soot, he quickly stomped on the brake as his bike slid in a half-arc to the left, stopping horizontally. He switched off his vehicle and stepped off of it, heading over to the black burnt clearing in the forest. He knelt down and picked up a handful of black leaves and dirt, squeezing it and letting the dust seep through his fingers. "Damn.." He said quietly to himself. He looked around and saw two sets of footprints. He ran back to his bike and switched it on, spinning around in place towards the prints and taking off, following the lines.

[Writer]

Katri smiled slightly. "Like I said before, she lives in a different world," Katri told him quietly. "It's a world where you have people waiting to do everything for you. Her... arrogance toward you is her way of dealing with something she's not experienced before... a man that won't just smile and nod and do whatever she wants."

 

She turned to face him. "Even her father. When he wants her to do something, he more begs than demands."

[The Doctor]

Tacit nodded, showing he understood. "But you... you're different. You weren't born into this world, were you? I sense... something different about you. You're much more... mindful. You're a Jedia, aren't you?"

[Writer]

Katri nodded. "One of the few allowed such a high position among servants." She shrugged. "It's a long story, so I'll not bore you with it."

[Xbx_Inthusiast]

(Where are the two? In a building? I'm wanting a confrontation.. but i'm not sure where you guys are.. )

[ForceFightWMe12]

((OOC: We are currently leaving the Embassy...you could probably meet us at some point once we begin our journey.))

 

IC:

 

Tari fought back the tears as she broke the embrace between herself and her father. She wouldn't allow herself to show weakness in front of one such as Tacit.

"Do we have a speeder?" she asked him, being sure not to meet his eyes, and to keep her back on the two Jedia.

"I'm afraid not." Hrent answered, "Our personal speeder is currently under repairs, and we can't spare any of the military's. We may need them, should things get out of hand."

"You keep saying that." she said, keeping her voice steady, "You keep saying that something's going to go wrong. What happens if it does? You're the last family I have, I don't want to loose you."

"You won't, my sweet." he said, holding her again, "Don't you worry about a thing. Nothing will actually happen...These are just precautions." she closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead before releasing her again, "Now, go, and be safe."

"I will, Papa."

She hefted the strap of her bag further up on her shoulder before turning to Katri and Tacit.

"Ready?"

[The Doctor]

"If you're done," said Tacit. "We should head north. There's a small village across the plains where we can hide out for a while. They won't be too pleased to see me again, but... that was months ago. I'm sure they're over that by now. Let's go."