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| - “—I can't take you anywhere!” Silas's voice echoed through the main cabin of the Challenger, instantly drawing the attention of Ari, Asyr and Ooryl. However, it was Laera's body that snapped back to consciousness, her gasps punctuating the shouted remark as she sprang up from the mattress and into a crouching position. She knelt upon the mattress, using her arms to support her as she attempted to moderate her breathing. “Laera, are you alright?” asked Ari, who reached her side first. “What happened?” “He...I think he kicked me out!” Laera blurted, her breath a heavy sigh as she clasped her forehead and fell back onto her rear. “It was definitely Silas?” the Sa'ari pressed. “Where is the Eldarch?” “I...how the hell do you know about that?” Laera asked, her blue eyes wide with surprise. “And just who the kriff—oh, I get it now.” She relaxed visibly, then slowly but steadily rose to her feet. “So you're the link, then? The reason why that shade went crazy and tried to take over?” Ari backed off, crossing her own arms over her chest. “Your reputation is well-deserved, Laera Reyolé. It is an honor to finally meet you.” “Charmed, I'm sure,” Laera shot back sarcastically, imitating the Sa'ari's mannerism. “Look, I know you were Pelenora's bi—” “It isn't quite so simple,” Ooryl interrupted, placing a hand on Laera's arm as he and Asyr entered the cabin from the cockpit. “Ooryl apologizes for the situation that has resulted from our arrival. He believes that you already know who he is.” Laera looked down at Silas's still form, up to Ooryl and Asyr, then back at Ari, finally dropping her arms and giving a tired sigh. “Right. When is anything ever simple?” “Pelenora's cause died with her,” Ari declared, her voice hard but sincere as she locked eyes with Laera. “If you want to take me back to T'lessia to face my people, that's fine; I will go gladly and without resistance. If you would have me among your group, I would be very grateful for the chance to see the galaxy. You can still save your bondmate and give the Eldarch her rest, but it will be considerably more difficult without my help, which I will happily give regardless of your decision.” “Captain Reyolé, I believe in her intent,” Asyr said, unsure of how to actually address Laera. “Ooryl has vouched for her, and I trust him with my life.” “So who are you, anyway?” Laera asked, her tone relaxing once more as she remembered her Jedi exercises. “You're right, Silas and I did spot you two yesterday, but we avoided you because we couldn't be sure of your intent. But I don't even know your names or who you may be working for.” “Ooryl Qrygg and Asyr Sei'lar work for themselves,” the Gand offered. “Ooryl sought a new path, and the mists led him to you two; his companion happened to be of service at a critical moment. We wish to be of help as well.” “Will Silas be okay for now?” Laera asked by way of apology, taking a seat and beckoning the others to do likewise. “I'm pretty sure he booted me out due to reflex, but I don't want to have to go diving back in without knowing how to make a voluntary exit.” “Either one of us should be able to feel it if anything goes awry,” Ari said, indicating herself, Laera and Ooryl as she sat. “I can tell you how, but I would first ask that you make a choice regarding my fate.” “I'll have to meditate on that,” Laera sighed, closing her eyes. “It's been a while and I'm out of practice, so please bear with me. It would help if all of you left the ship; I don't care where you go.” “That is fair enough,” Asyr said timidly, rising from her seat along with Ooryl. “I have to go home and get some things anyway.” “You are not worried about an escape attempt?” Ari asked tentatively as she too rose. “If you're telling the truth, you'll come back,” Laera replied stoically. “And if you're lying to me, I wouldn't be able to find you anyway. Now scat.” — — — With the securing of the entry hatch, the interior of the Challenger fell quiet save for the occasional beep from a console and the light, rhythmic breathing of Silas's reposing form. Alone at last, Laera climbed atop the cabin's table and crossed her legs as she slid into her old, familiar meditative posture. She closed her eyes, letting the Force flow into her so that it would take her to wherever it willed; as she let her mind slip away into its currents, she found herself still in the ship, but Silas was no longer there. After a beat, the familiar tapping of service oxford shoes on starship decking drew her attention toward the cockpit, where another Gand appeared. He was clad in his service greens, his polished shooting honors, proficiency badge, name plate, uniform buttons and shoes glinting in the interior light, his creases pressed to a vibroblade's edge. His exposed head was light brown in the ship's interior illumination, the texture of his carapace as bright and lustrous as she had ever seen it. His limp was gone too; he stood ramrod straight and carried himself with confidence. “It's been a while, Reyolé,” Tuffass said dryly from behind his breath mask, which had been polished to a mirror shine. “How's the universe been treating you?” “Like shit, Gunny,” Laera replied, her voice bubbling over with happiness. “Hot damn, it's good to see you again.” “You do realize that Tuffass isn't actually here, right?” the Gand asked. “Naturally. The Force is speaking to me in your form.” Tuffass chuckled to himself. “Glad to see all the crap you've been through hasn't dulled those admirably sharp perceptions of yours. Tuffass has missed you these long years, did you know the Elders actually made him retroactively janwuine?” “Really?” Laera asked, returning the laughter. “I have no idea what that means, but it sounds important.” “It would've been, had Tuffass cared at all,” the manifestation of her old DI grumbled. “To put it simply, it's the reason your friend Ooryl can use personal pronouns.” “He's not exactly my friend, Gunny,” Laera said with a shrug. “I only just met him and his companion today—well, yesterday, to be precise.” “You would do well to make him your friend,” Tuffass replied sternly, holding his gloved hands behind his back. “Him and his companion. They're good people, they've got skills you need, and they could use some of those vaunted leadership abilities of yours. That Sa'ari, too, she wants to help.” “You know about...oh, right.” “Yeah, that's right, this is just a mist-borne illusion.” Laera let loose with a long sigh. “Yeah, I get what you're saying, Gunny. I've got no excuse for my behavior these last several days.” “Tuffass doesn't want excuses,” the simulacrum admonished as it paced before Laera. “He wants you to learn from your mistakes and continue forward. Remember what he taught you, and apply that to your Jedi training, because you're damn sure going to need to get that discipline back if you want to avoid falling from the light.” The Gand paused, then looked Laera square in the eye. “You remember what Makeup ended up doing with her life, right?” “Yeah,” Laera said, wincing as she thought about Miranda Cenchu, her bunkmate during boot camp. “She could've been a good Marine...” “What the kriff are you talking about?” Tuffass barked. “She was a terrible Marine! Tuffass tried to stop her graduating, but the little meat-pie managed to eke out scores that even he couldn't mark down far enough.” “I suppose you're right,” Laera admitted. “Tuffass isn't right, you are right,” he corrected her with a wag of his thick trigger finger. “These are your memories, not his.” Laera crossed her arms and glared mock-sternly at the old gunny, a look which he returned with interest. This unexpected manifestation of the Force, combined with her own experiences, was proving to be a most enlightening source of reflection. As she recalled, Miranda had just barely qualified as a private, her enlistment had been lackluster, and her oft-touted shockboxing career hadn't really gone anywhere. She knew why, too; the woman had been stubborn, cocksure, lacking in commitment and military discipline, and not all that bright in terms of martial skills. Still, there was something about the way Tuffass—well, her Force-powered projection of Tuffass—had broached the subject... “My roots are in the Corps,” Laera mused. “But ever since I got involved with the Jedi Order, those roots have gone wanting for nourishment. I'd like to go back to just being a Marine, but the Corps is long gone and I can't just abandon my Jedi abilities.” “Who's asking you to?” Tuffass rumbled, giving an exaggerated shrug. “C'mon, Brain, use it or lose it.” Silence fell between them, a quiet time that seemed to go on forever; even the ship itself had ceased its intermittent noisemaking. Flashes of images, thoughts and feelings flooded through her mind once more, in a manner similar to the way she had contemplated her future under the gaze of Master Kavar. Her metaphor about roots was appropriate; she was a plant that had recently been repotted, and she needed to ground herself in this new soil if she was to survive, let alone flourish. The supports were there and nutrients were plentiful, all she needed was a place to set down and start rebuilding. In a flash of insight, that place resolved itself within her mind as a name: Bad Alshir. The planet where she had first tasted battle. “It's as good a place as any to start,” the image of the Gand DI suggested as it snapped to attention. “Anchor yourself there, then do what you feel is right. If Tuffass knows you, which he does, then he won't be disappointed.” He snapped off a crisp, precisely-measured salute. “Semper Fi, Reyolé. Carry on.” “Thanks, Gunny,” Laera replied as the image faded away. — — — Asyr, Ooryl and Ari had just finished their midday meal at Asyr's apartment when they decided to make their way back to the Challenger. The trio had spent several hours deep in conversation, discussing many things including the nature of the Sa'ari and their level of technology, Ari's predictions as to how her species would grow in the coming centuries, and even how official first contact could play out. Asyr and Ooryl had also shared the Gand's copy of Goodnight Brain, Wherever You Are with Ari, allowing her to learn more about the two Starborne Ones' lives, Laera's in particular. She had enjoyed the experience, and she was beginning to develop a taste for Bothan cuisine as well. “When I fled T'lessia, I dared not think on how events would play out,” Ari said as she followed Asyr and Ooryl as they led the way back to the spaceport. “Whatever happens, I am glad that I chose to make this journey. I must confess that when I first arrived, I had little regard for the many sentient species living here.” “The galaxy is a big place, Ari,” Asyr assured her. “I'm sure you will find a lot more to experience before you go back to your homeworld.” “Yes,” Ari wondered quietly. “That assumes, of course, that Laera Reyolé chooses to let me stay with you.” “I am certain that she will see the wisdom in this,” Ooryl said, his voice even. “She is a practical woman, and she knows that her search for answers will benefit from your expertise.” “The fact that you're coming back will count for much in your favor, I'm sure,” Asyr suggested with a hopeful smile. “Are you certain that you will be able to help Silas?” Ari pondered that for a moment. “Among the Order, they teach us that nothing is ever truly certain, not even prophecy. That said, I do believe that there is a strong chance of success in resolving this matter.” The trio fell silent as they made their way through the terminal complex and into Docking Bay 2-07F. Asyr led the way to the berthed Challenger, but before she could tap the hatchway chime, the boarding ramp began to lower. As it impacted the permacrete floor of the bay, Laera came into view. “Good timing, you three,” she said with a smile. “Come on aboard; Silas is still resting.” Asyr and Ooryl began to climb the ramp, but Ari stayed back. “Does this mean you have decided?” Laera inclined her head slightly, then took a small bow. “Yes, I have. Every captain needs a crew, and I would be honored if you would join mine.” Ari could feel her face warming up with emotion. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I will do my utmost to justify your faith in me.” “Come, then. We have much work to do.” As they joined Asyr and Ooryl in the main cabin, Laera and Ari knelt on either side of Silas's mat; the other two had since been put back into storage. The Sa'ari placed her hand on the reposing Bothan's forehead for a moment, then withdrew, nodding in satisfaction. “The Eldarch's spirit is still in hiding,” she said somberly. “But she is beginning once more to attempt to assert her dominance. You will need to venture back into Silas's mind and seek her out, and quickly.” “His mind's pretty big,” Laera cautioned. “If it wasn't for my talents, I would have been utterly lost in there.” Ari offered a cryptic half-smile. “I would be intrigued to learn of your abilities, but now isn't the time. There is, however, a way to mitigate your concerns.” She closed her eyes, and Laera could feel her aura as it extended to wrap itself around her lover's body. “Given your connection to Bellinega, you doubtlessly know of our mental shrouding techniques. What you may not know is that we Sa'ari can also use those techniques in other ways; for instance, to limit another being's cognitive functions.” “Like a reverse shroud,” Laera nodded in understanding. “Wouldn't such a technique come dangerously close to the blackness?” “Indeed it would,” Ari confirmed, “if it was used aggressively. It is one of the prerequisites for the commission of shroud-crime, however in this case it can also be used to limit how far afield Bellinega's spirit can roam.” “Forgive Ooryl, but would that not also place Silas's spirit in danger as well?” the Findsman inquired. “Yes, that is so,” Ari acknowledged. “Hence why we must do this quickly...” Leaning in close and speaking softly into her ear, the Sa'ari explained to Laera what was needed, and how to return to consciousness if the need arose. “Alright, I'm ready,” Laera said grimly, hunching her shoulders as though preparing herself to leap across a great chasm. “Let's do this.” — — — Once more within the realm of Silas's mind, Laera noticed that there was a subtle change to its texture, as though the air pressure within had increased noticeably or else its gravity had become heavier. Their surroundings were also much less amorphous, and she realized that she could actually see herself, clad in her green shipsuit, and she could once again feel her body's natural kinesthetics. She turned to see Ari T'Nok standing to her left, still in her beige robes. They appeared to be in a large, circular room of some kind, with floor, walls and ceiling all in that same neutral white. things are different, she remarked. before, everything was emptiness, more thought than reality. but now... silas's mind is beginning to assert itself once more, Ari confirmed, nodding in approval. your efforts at keeping bellinega's spirit at bay have worked well. can you identify our location? i might be able to help you with that, said a new voice, and both turned to see Silas Dan'kre walking up to them. He was wearing a matching green shipsuit of his own—the one he currently wore in the physical realm—and carried himself with confidence. His countenance and aura reflected relief at their appearance, even as his thoughts formed into reality. i believe we are...aboard an inexpugnable-class tactical command ship. specifically, we're on the bridge deck. Laera's eyes lit up, and as she looked around, their surroundings solidified into exactly what her lover had said. She resisted the urge to embrace him; instead, she extended her awareness in an attempt to spot the Eldarch's shade. do you know where bellinega is? if i had to guess, Silas said, scratching at his chin, i would say that she is in the engine room. she might be— Silas's thoughts were cut off as the decking below them began to tremble. —attempting to sabotage the fabric of my mind. He paused again, looked at Ari as the ship gave another rumble, then shrugged. so this is ari t'nok, eh? the eldarch was screaming your name not too long ago. Ari gave a small bow. yes, it is i, she admitted. and this is not welcome news. it means that her spirit is destabilizing, which will make our job that much more difficult. then it's a good thing you're here, Laera added, another, stronger tremble punctuating her remark. let's go. The three ethereal forms migrated to the nearest turbolift shaft, taking it downward within this mental recreation of a Republic warship that continued to shudder as though it was under attack. As they descended, both Laera and Ari began to feel the shade's distress, which increased significantly the closer they got to the engine spaces. silas, are you up to this? Laera asked as they stepped out of the lift on the engine deck and proceeded aft, another violent tremble punctuating her inquiry. we can stall bellinega, weakening her in the process, but you will have to be the one to make the final push. i think so, he replied, sliding a hand along the vibrating bulkhead in an effort to steady their surroundings. i'm thinking that the last time you left was due to me unconsciously kicking you out. am i correct in presuming that it won't be that simple this time? you presume correctly, Ari confirmed. but it must not be done in anger. you must appeal to her better nature; you must convince her to leave voluntarily. anger would only make her resist more, right? Laera asked, to which Ari nodded grimly. Silas nodded his own comprehension. very well. i think i know how to proceed. Exchanging nods, the three mind-walkers strode toward the engine room itself, which was located at the center of a large T-junction. The shade, meanwhile, had become more and more agitated; as they walked further, the bare white bulkheads became increasingly tinged with color, a malignant blue stain that spread along them like hundreds of tiny serpents. The passageways also trembled more frequently and with greater intensity. The hatchway to Main Engineering glowed with a bright halo of incandescent azure, the structure itself was now a deep royal blue. Silas, after exchanging a nod with Laera, punched the door actuator. As the door hissed open, the large compartment beyond echoed with an enraged scream. get back! Ari yelled, pushing herself and the other two flat against the bulkhead to either side of the large hatchway. Her timing was perfect, as a wave of lethal-looking blue energy rushed through the open portal and a good two dozen meters down the companionway, searing the walls. As the mental attack petered out, leaving a faint haze of smoke in its wake, the trio entered the compartment to find it charged with azure energy. Bolts of it were crackling like lightning between the deck, the overhead and the bulkheads. Bellinega hovered in midair at the center of the maelstrom, her shade having resolved itself into a mental projection of her physical body. She appeared as she had upon the moment of her death, albeit without clothes. Her wide, wild eyes, however, had gone completely black. this vessel is mine! she screamed, gesticulating wildly as though to seize hold of the many arcs of energy that shot around her. you have no right to be here! we have every right, Ari barked just as fiercely, her voice diamond-hard and her eyes locked on the shade. this is not your place, eldarch, Laera added, her fists posted to her hips as she, too, glared at their foe. i am his power, he is my host! Bellinega screeched, rising further into the air as the space around them shuddered violently. he agreed to the infusion, the seal is unbreakable! it would have been, were you still alive! Ari shouted back as she and Laera advanced toward the shade in lockstep, their strides resolute. your body is no more, your power is pinned to a stolen form! noooooo! the Eldarch's ghost bellowed loudly. Without warning, it dropped to the deck and began to fly headlong at Silas, who stood behind Ari and Laera in the frame of the hatchway. i will assert my authority! he will become— Her declaration—as well as her attack—were halted as the shade impacted upon the double-thick and interconnected wall of mental energy thrown up by Laera and Ari. The combatants' voices painted a streak of invective with the effort as they fought for control, brilliant blue bursts of fire exploding against the invisible barrier like the blows of a hammer upon durasteel. Each attack clanged like a massive bronzium gong being hit with a giant's mallet, echoing throughout the large chamber. The shade continued to throw itself into its effort to reach Silas, intent on battering him down to paste if that was what it took to seize control of his mind and body. Laera and Ari were just as determined to keep her at bay, using their combined strength to hold her off as they had promised. Though her initial momentum was checked by the wall, Bellinega continued to push Ari and Laera back; millimeter by millimeter, then uet by uet. The onslaught seemed to go on forever even as it ramped up in intensity, but as the two defenders gave ground, their attacker seemed to diminish slightly with each use of her powers. As the barrier approached to within half a meter of Silas—who also stood tall and unyielding—the two contenders locked eyes. now! Silas shouted, his aura pulsing outward. His expression remained unfazed as Laera and Ari, spurred on by his signal, redoubled their efforts and pushed back hard, grunting with the tremendous effort required to do so. This unexpected shift in momentum gradually forced the severely-weakened Eldarch to retreat to where she had first appeared. Finally, after being pushed back ever farther, her form slumped to the deck, and she was barely able to raise her head as she knelt before her opponents. Her chest rose and fell with her heavy breathing, sweat gleaming on her skin, even as the light show which she had created diminished. i...yield, she pleaded after several long, tense moments, during which the blue coloring began to drain away from the bulkheads, decking, and overhead. his advocates are too strong...please...have mercy. Laera and Ari, their faces set, exchanged glances. Then Laera cast her eyes back to Silas, who strode forward to kneel before Bellinega's shrunken form. i forgive you, bellinega, he said. He briefly bowed his head to her before meeting her eyes, which had returned to normal. i had wanted you to live, feeling that your people still needed you. but now it is time for you to relent. i did this to you, starborne one, Bellinega said, her voice pitiable, full of regret. this undeserved suffering is my doing... my suffering is ended, Silas replied softly, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. as is yours. rest now, let us see you into the blue with dignity. yes, rest...i would like that, the Eldarch muttered weakly. i am...so very tired... Silas moved toward Bellinega, stroking her scalp as he lifted her body and carried her toward a white mattress and pillows that had not been there before. Laying her upon it, he moved to the end of the perfectly-measured furniture and drew a white blanket over her prone form. sleep now, bellinega t'ledra, he said to her, his voice warm and tender. i will always remember you, as will your people. Silas rose, then, and walked over to join Laera and Ari. The shade, along with the mattress, pillows and blanket that surrounded her, slowly faded into nothingness as the last of the blue tint drained away. it is done, he said, his thoughts and aura bittersweet. let's get out of here. i can already feel my muscles cramping up...
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