Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part VII: A Glimmer of Hope

[Alkonium]

"Everything's secure over here. We're ready." Lenatha assured Matton, just before cutting off the end of the bandages she was applying to Tavaryn. "That'll do for now, but we'll get you in a bacta tank once we're on board the Enterprise. Just take it easy until then." She explained.

 

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

 

"As you are mine." Kalla replied. "In retrospect, physical intimacy might not be the best idea in my current condition."

[Chevron 7 locke]

Alriana turned toward Tavaryn just in time to see him smile at her. She could tell that there was something wrong with it, she just couldn't put her finger on it. She looked down at the deck and then looked at Tavaryn again.

 

It's time to talk about this, I told Jun-la and if I can tell her then I can certainly tell Tavaryn. It's not as if he's going to tell everyone else about it.

 

She walked into the medbay and nodded at the twi'lek doctor. "Doctor...is it alright if I have a few moments with Tavaryn? I would like to talk to him about a private matter."

[Alkonium]

"Certainly. I'm done for now." Lenatha replied, leaving to join Andorra in the cockpit. "Tavaryn's all patched up, but I still think it'd be best to submerge him in one of the bacta tanks on board the Enterprise." She explained.

 

Seeing the exhaustion in the doctor's eyes, Andorra took her hand and said, "You've worked so hard at keeping everyone else alive, you haven't thought at all about yourself. How are you feeling?"

 

"It's been a long day, and Pestilus opened up an old wound on top of all that." Lenatha explained.

 

Andorra then whispered something unintelligible to everyone else into her ear. "That would cheer me up." Lenatha replied, and the two of them left for the unoccupied dormitory.

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius chuckled, the pleasant sound rumbling in his throat as he laid his head on Kalla's. "I can see that you're right moi chroi. Perhaps the holding is enough. Besides a person needs to make their own stabilizers with the way Matton flies."

 

"Would you permit me to sit with you?" He asked.

 

**********

 

Jun-la wandered to the cockpit and sat next to Matton as he made the motions to take-off. He asked, "How are you feeling?"

 

"I've been better," she replied, "Pradhes patched me up pretty good."

 

"I...was worried that Pestilus did something to you."

 

Jun-la smiled, "Aside from draining any energy from my life force, nothing that a little rest won't cure."

 

Matton returned the smile, "I'm glad that you're all right." He then fired up the engines and made ready to take off.

 

**********

 

Tavaryn waited until Lenatha Pradhes was nearly out of earshot before commenting, "I'd rather be eaten by a terentek than be put in a bacta tank."

 

He hated bacta tanks and did his best to avoid them. He didn't mind injecting himself full of the stuff but total immersion brought out the worst in him. He found it claustrophobic and couldn't see how anyone could stand the stuff.

 

He made a movement to stand up and hissed from the soreness. His legs felt better but his ribs and the scrapes and bruises said otherwise. He gritted his teeth, took a breath and managed to look up at Alriana though he still averted his eyes. "Something on your mind Alriana?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"I'd rather be eaten by a terentek than be put in a bacta tank."

 

Alriana nodded in agreement. She had been in bacta tanks a few times and had disliked them. They left an odd smell for a few days.

 

"Something on your mind Alriana?"

 

Alriana took a deep breath before speaking. "Tavaryn...there's something I think you need to know. You've saved my life so many times since I first arrived in this century...and I feel that I can trust you with what I'm about to tell you."

 

Alriana smiled grimly as the memories of what had endured at the hands of the imperial inquisitors came back to her.

 

"Before I was frozen, I was living on an unihabited world where the amount of animal life was able to shield my presence so that I was able to hide from other force users. I thought I would be safe for years while I planned my next move."

 

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

 

"I was wrong."

 

"Imperial force users managed to find me where I was hiding. When they attacked me they brought creatures that were able to render my force abilities useless. As you can imagine...I was beaten. Badly. And when...And when they finally managed to disarm me...they beat me within an inch of my life...out of pure hatred for me."

 

Tears were now rolling freely down her cheek as she smiled at Tavaryn. "I think you know the rest of the story...I managed to kill one of them when he was least expecting me to strike and then I was frozen by the other one."

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn listened as Alriana told her story. He took a look at her and saw the tear roll down her face. Not wanting to make the same mistake again, he held still.

 

"Imperial force users managed to find me where I was hiding. When they attacked me they brought creatures that were able to render my force abilities useless. As you can imagine...I was beaten. Badly. And when...And when they finally managed to disarm me...they beat me within an inch of my life...out of pure hatred for me."

 

Tavaryn felt the unfamiliar sensation of anger, a raw anger that was almost feral and it was directed at the Imperial bastards. He gritted his teeth unable to say anything out of fear that Alriana would take it the wrong way and be afraid of him. It passed as quickly as it came when he saw the tears starting to pour freely down her face. Seeing her in pain, hurt him and that washed away the anger.

 

I think you know the rest of the story...I managed to kill one of them when he was least expecting me to strike and then I was frozen by the other one."

 

Slowly and afraid of what his touch might do to her, Tavaryn tentatively reached towards her face to wipe away her tears but stopped. "This is wrong...it is wrong."

 

With a complete disregard for his injuries, he jumped off the table, trying and failing to hide the grunt that escaped. He tottered a bit off balance, clutching the edge ad muttered, "Imperial bastards." He finally then looked Alriana in the eye and said, "If I had known, I wouldn't have done what I had done. The last thing I wanted was to hurt you." There was a dull pain in his eyes from both the physical and the emotional pain.

[Alkonium]

Ebon Hawk

 

"Yes." Kalla replied. "It would have been nice if Doctor Pradhes had given me an estimate on how long I'd need the regenerative clamp, or at least how long the recirculation of blood would take. I'd ask her, but unless I'm mistaken, she and Andorra are a bit, indisposed at the moment. Not something I'd want to walk in on."

 

RSS Enterprise

 

"We've just received word from the Ebon Hawk. They're on their way, and a debriefing is expected following their arrival." One of bridge officers transmitted from a secluded spot.

 

"Excellent. Relay any information gained from that back to us. We need more than just a sample of the virus if we're going to stop these Sith." An unknown source sent back.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"If I had known, I wouldn't have done what I had done. The last thing I wanted was to hurt you."

 

Alriana shook her head as the tears continued to roll down her face. "You didn't know at the time and like I said before...I thought it was time you knew."

 

She pulled a small rag out of the pockets on the inside of her robe and began to wipe the tears away and smiled slightly. "Despite all of that...I never wanted revenge."

 

Alriana then turned toward Tavaryn and smiled. "I want to thank you for listening to that Tavaryn...now that I've talked about it with you...I feel better somehow. Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder."

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn watched as Alriana smiled at him and he felt a little better. He replied, "I am glad that you feel better. To know that your burden is lightened is like a balm to me." He couldn't find a better way to say how he felt and hoped that she understood his meaning.

 

He clutched the edge of the bed so hard that his knuckles were turning white but he feared that he would topple over if he let go. He ignored it as he looked at Alriana and said, "Thank you for telling me. When you are hurt, I am hurt. When you are happy, then I am happy." He gave a genuinely warm smile to her and added, "Now I just need to find starboard dormitories before I fall over." He gave a haft hearted chuckle as he tested straightening out his frame.

 

**********

 

Tonatius chuckled, "Wouldn't surprised me. Cousin has a way of persuasion." He rested Kalla's head on his shoulder to hold her hesitant at first to gauge her response. A thought then came to him and he asked, "Do you believe your Force has a will of its own?"

[Alkonium]

"I should know about how persuasive she can be. To answer your question, I don't know, and I can't know, but if I had to make an assumption, I'd have to say no. The universe is so chaotic, especially where the Force is concerned. Perhaps it has many wills, perhaps it has none. We can't know either way." Kalla explained. "What about your beliefs?"

[Chevron 7 locke]

"I am glad that you feel better. To know that your burden is lightened is like a balm to me."

 

She simply smiled at him. She really did feel better after talking to Tavaryn.

 

"Now I just need to find starboard dormitories before I fall over."

 

Alriana smiled a warm smile at him and and then leaned toward him so that he could lean on her shoulder if he needed her assistance. "If you need any help I can escort you to the dormitories."

 

She paused for a moment as a sudden thought came to her regarding the imperial experiments on Geonosis. The Empire is evil...no matter who is in charge. I have seen the evil of this new empire and even as I compare it to the old empire that was ruled by palpatine...I see that this new empire is even worse. Something needs to be done.

 

"After you've rested up...I would like to talk to you about something else. An idea that i've been considering for quite awhile."

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius looked upward thoughtfully, "Well I believe that everything has some purpose no matter how big or small. The Jedi teach that the Force connects all things...so maybe it does have a will to a degree but it is the choices each living being makes that influences it."

 

He looked downward at Kalla and nuzzled her hair before continuing, "I guess if you think of it this way, if my mother hadn't been accused of the crime she did, she wouldn't have met my father, then my brother and I wouldn't have been born and I wouldn't have met you moi chroi. Besides isn't part of the Jedi code, 'There is no chaos, there is harmony'?"

 

**********

 

Tavaryn hesitated at her offering of her shoulder but realized she was giving her permission and gently placed a hand on it while relinquishing his grib on the biobed. He could feel that he was still wobbly but he wouldn't place a heavier burden on her with his weight. He replied softly, "A little help would be grateful."

 

It was slow going since he had to stop every so often to rest his legs. Leaning against the bulkhead he said with a playful smirk, "You can talk to me as long as you help me find a way to stay out of the frigging bacta tank."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"You can talk to me as long as you help me find a way to stay out of the frigging bacta tank."

 

Alriana turned to Tavaryn and smirked back at him. "Don't worry, I wouldn't wish a bacta-tank on anyone unless they really needed it. The thing leaves a really weird smell on a person for a few days afterward."

 

Alriana continued helping Tavaryn even as she thought of what to say next. "I've...been considering taking another assigntment. With Supreme Commander Belina on the Ackbar. Before we arrived at Geonosis, I heard that Belina needed a new Security/Tactical officer and I've been considering taking the position. Belina could use someone like me on her ship."

 

She looked down for a moment. "I...hope I'm not disappointing you with this, I really hope I'm not."

[Alkonium]

"We're more flexible about the Code than we let on, and they're hardly opposites. There is harmony to be found in chaos, just as there is peace to be found in emotion." Kalla explained. "In the original version of the code, it was 'Chaos, yet harmony', and the current version of the code is

'Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.

Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.

Jedi respect all life, in any form.

Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.

Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.'

Not so rigid as it once was." She added.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn listened and tried to process what she was saying. He wasn't angry or anything but he couldn't help but wonder if she wanted to get away from him. Ever since he was there when she awoke from cryo-freeze, he felt an attraction to her but classified it as a desire to help her. When the feeling didn't go away, he realized that he had come to care for her deeply but unsure of her, kept it hidden under an impersonal mask.

 

Being hurt released his inhibitions and his feelings showed through his actions. Hearing what she was saying sounded like a rejection and it hurt but he could live with it. His affections lay deep to the point like he said, if she was happy, then he was happy. He couldn't ask for anything else.

 

Taking a cautious ground, he replied, "If it is what you want, then I encourage you to go. Just as long as you are happy."

 

They had come to the dormitory and he gently waved her off indicating that he would be fine making it to a bunk on his own. Taking a deep breath and swallowing any protesting emotions, he added, "I will always be there for you if you need it."

 

He then smiled and closed the door to go back to the lonely world of the shadows where he thought he belonged.

 

**********

 

Tonatius gave a thoughtful sound. "Maybe so but from my understanding, Master Andros follows the old code and uses it as a guideline. He does follow the way of the sword too. According to the archives Lady Ashira-Li was one to use both much to the vexation of the Jedi Masters."

 

**********

 

It didn't take long for Matton to clear the planet's atmosphere but it did take some time to navigate through the asteroid belt. They were nearly clear when he sent the transmission, "RSS Enterprise, this is the Ebon Hawk requesting permission to land over."

[Alkonium]

(Um, Kalla and Tonatius are in one dormitory, and Andorra and Lenatha are in the other)

 

"Permission granted, Ebon Hawk. Expect a full debriefing upon your arrival." The Enterprise Captain sent back.

 

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

 

"In a lot of ways, I'm glad I'm not a Jedi of the Old Order." Kalla commented. "I wouldn't have had you, or Andorra, for one. I don't think I could have hid my feelings like so many did."

[Chevron 7 locke]

"I will always be there for you if you need it."

 

"I know you will..." She said softly as the door closed in front of her.

 

Alriana sadly watched as the door closed, leaving her alone in the corridor with her thoughts. She wanted to serve..and protect others, but not at the expense of Tavaryn's feelings.

 

Speaking of feelings...I still can't figure out what mine are towards him. At times he worries me with his actions and yet I can't help but admire him at other times. Is it possible that I may have feelings for him?

 

Alriana shook her head and wiped a single tear away as she pulled out a comnlink and opened up a secure channel to Admiral Belina.

 

"Admiral Belina...this is Alriana of the Jedi Order, you said that you were looking for a new security/tactical officer to serve aboard the Ackbar. At this time, I feel that my talents would be better served with you and your crew then with the Jedi Order. If you have need for me...I would be more then happy to work with you."

 

Belina's response was instant and to the point. "Jedi Alriana, I thank you for accepting the position aboard the Ackbar. If you could grab a shuttle and meet us at the following cordinates as soon as possible we will pick you up."

 

Alriana nodded once and then turned off the comnlink. She took a last look at the door that seperated her from Tavaryn and then turned back toward the corridor and walked away.

[JediMaster12]

Tavaryn had found a bunk, ignoring the two young ones in the corner discussing the Force. He wouldn't intrude on their happiness. Instead he looked at the door as if he could hear the conversation between Alriana and Belina. Perhaps later when he was not feeling like he had been dragged through Beggar's Canyon, he would see about fleet assignments. He would keep his distance to give Alriana her independence, and maybe be able to see what she sees in serving with the fleet, if only to share something with her.

 

He stared at the door almost hoping that she would come in. When she didn't, he reached out further and sensed a turmoil within her. Fearing that he wounded her again, he couldn't help but send, I am sorry, moi chroi.

 

He then sighed and laid down, desperate for sleep, if only to work through his thoughts and feelings.

 

**********

 

Tonatius didn't say anything when the dormitory door opened and Tavaryn hobbled in. Right away he could sense something was different about the Avalonian that was brother to Andros Starlighter. He recognized the feelings that were similar to his own for Kalla but there was also sorrow and reluctance. He gently squeezed Kalla's good hand to acknowledge he had heard her.

 

When Tavaryn had laid down he sent through the Force, I guess hiding his feelings may have broken his inhibitions. He is hurting.

[Alkonium]

Haven't we all at some point in our lives? Kalla sent back, indicating that she knew what it was like. I wish there was something we could do for him.

 

As Lenatha heard the soft thud of the ship landing, she knew she had to pry herself from Andorra's embrace. As she shuffled to get her clothes back on, she explained to Andorra, "If there's going to be a debriefing, I'll need to be there."

 

"I suppose I should get dressed too then." Andorra commented, slowly getting out of the bed herself.

 

As she left the dormitory, Lenatha remembered a mistake she made after patching Tavaryn up. She immediately made her way to the starboard dormitory. Spotting Tavaryn, she said, "I'm sorry if I made it sound as if a bacta tank is necessary. You're entirely free to decline. At this point, there's nothing it'll heal that time won't."

 

Noticing how hastily dressed Lenatha looked, Kalla was careful not to say anything, remembering how awkward it felt being around people after her first and only time so far.

[JediMaster12]

Misunderstandings happen, Tonatius replied thoughtfully, Yet I think there are some things that have yet to be addressed and I think he has never felt this way before.

 

He broke off when Dr. Pradhes came in disheveled to speak to Tavaryn. Being the gentleman he was, he turned away to allow her to keep her dignity. I guess we have landed. Do you think they want all of our opinions?

 

**********

 

There really wasn't that much of a chance to get some sleep since it was a short trip to the destroyer so Tavaryn was content with staring at the wall deep in thought. When Dr. Pradhes came in looking as if she had been through a Tatooine sandstorm, he merely looked up at her and said nothing, his mind clearly elsewhere.

 

"I'm sorry if I made it sound as if a bacta tank is necessary. You're entirely free to decline. At this point, there's nothing it'll heal that time won't."

 

"Glad to hear it Doctor. Never liked the damn tanks."

 

*********

 

Matton landed the ship with a smoother landing than the emergency landing to rescue Alriana and Tavaryn. Jun-la gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, "That was much better Flyboy."

 

"Hey."

 

Jun-la silenced him with another kiss and told him that she was just teasing. She then sighed since she was needed to greet the landing party. She passed Alriana along the way and noticed something was different. She paused and placed a hand on the upper arm in understanding. "Time will help," was all she said and she when to the hatch.

 

Lowering the ramp she took a breath and hoped that she didn't look too bad. She spotted the captain waiting and walked up to him and said, "Jun-la Starlighter, Jedi Knight reporting in the Ebon Hawk. I am assuming that the Avalonian vessel made it alright sir?"

 

At that moment Haruka appeared saying, "Yeah I did and I am curious as to why all the pomp and circumstance regarding this debriefing." He looked at his companions, more so at the captain.

[Chevron 7 locke]

I am sorry, moi chroi.

 

Alriana turned around and looked at tavaryn's door one last time as his voice sounded in her head and smiled slightly. She knew that she would see Tavaryn again one day but at this time she needed to work certain issues out.

 

"I'll see you again Tavaryn...maybe sooner then you expect." She said quietly as she turned toward the ramp and walked down it to the deck of the star destroyer and saw that Jun-la and haruka were already speaking with the captain of the star destroyer. She could wait, all she needed to do was stick around until the two of them were done talking.

[Alkonium]

"I'm in the dark here as much as you are." The captain replied. "Orders from above with little in the way of an explanation."

 

"That does seem odd." Kalla commented as she stepped out of the Hawk, followed by Tonatius, Andorra, and Lenatha.

 

"Sounds a bit like Echelon 5." Iyav commented, noone expecting him to be there.

 

"Who exactly, Operative Dourden?" The captain asked, surprised by suggestion.

 

"You wouldn't believe me anyway." Iyav pointed out.

 

"If you'll all come with me, there is much to discuss." The captain conceded.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la listened and replied, "Seems to me that we have a case of the left not knowing what the right is doing. As for Echleon 5 as Operative Dourden mentioned, I think the two people that had contact with them should give the report."

 

Jun-la then motioned to Alriana who was standing by quietly. Don't worry, just fill them in, she sent through the Force. Out loud she said, "Jedi Alriana and Tavaryn Onashi had interaction with this group so it is only fitting that they should both report. That is if Tavaryn is feeling up to it?" Jun-la looked at Pradhes questioningly.

 

**********

 

As much as Tavaryn wanted to stay in the dormitories, he knew that he had to debrief and he would have to find a means to speak with fleet command off the Ebon Hawk. He slowly got up and began to purposely stride out. Personal feelings would have to be set aside for now. He managed to exit the Hawk while Jun-la was looking at Prades. He spotted Alriana and stopped, not sure if he should go forward or not. He nearly stumbled in the process and hoped the Force no one spotted him.

 

*********

 

Tonatius stood by Kalla ready to be a support her. He whispered to her, "I think Lady Jun-la is trying to get to the bottom of that group that Alriana and Tavaryn met in the caves. Some secrets are good but from my understanding and my instincts say that there is wariness to be taken into account."

[Alkonium]

"Certainly." Lenatha replied. "It's hardly what I'd call strenuous exercise."

 

Taking Iyav and Tonatius out of earshot of the ship's captain, Kalla asked her stepfather, "What do you know about Echelon 5?"

 

"Officially, they don't exist. Unofficially, they're an organisation in the Republic with near-full autonomy and little to no accountability. Very secretive. It's unlikely its own operatives know more about the organisation than they need to. According to rumours, my ex-husband works for them now." Iyav explained. "It suits him."

 

"Not the sort of man you'd miss, I take it?" Kalla commented.

 

"No, not really." Iyav added.

[Chevron 7 locke]

"Jedi Alriana and Tavaryn Onashi had interaction with this group so it is only fitting that they should both report. That is if Tavaryn is feeling up to it?"

 

Alriana nodded. "I believe that Tavaryn will be here soon. But in the mean time I will tell you what I know. We encountered a mysterious man in one of the caves on Geonosis. At first I assumed he was there to help us with the remaining imperials, but it turned out he was after the imperial bio-weapon...That is all I know but i'm sure Tavaryn knows more then I do."

 

Alriana turned toward back toward the Hawk and watched as Tavaryn walked down the ramp and smiled at him again. "As I said, Tavaryn will most likely have more information for you."