There was a moment of hesitation as his index finger hovered over the SEND button. Should his message be intercepted and successfully decrypted... No. She was his friend, one of the few he had left. The Alliance had no jurisdiction or political influence over the Tingel Arm or him. Besides, the encryption was that of the Quiet Council - only a handful of individuals would recognise it. Romi, Coren, Tiland... Errik. Another friend he was doomed to survive.
Blue eyes scanned the message again, checking for spelling errors and referring to his wife's written note she'd assured him contained the correct spelling of what he wished to say. After all, it was rare for abandoned orphans to receive education in reading and writing. Seven decades later, the struggle persisted.
My freind.
"Dammit."
My friend. I pray to the Force this message reaches you.
I regret not being there for you at the trial, but I've followed every news report and article I could find. My morning feed informed me of your... disappearance en route to Pantora. I will not speculate, but I know you. I know the bodies found could not be your doing, for it goes against your very nature. You've always been the best of us, Romi. I still believe that.
Long ago, I swore that I would aid you for as long as I could be of service. It shames me that circumstances have separated us, save for a few brief and desperate moments. I realise there will be a manhunt as word spreads of your escape, but if you're receiving this, I come with an offer of sanctuary. Midvinter sits on the very edge of the galaxy, far removed from the jurisdiction of any galactic power. You'd be safe here. I would protect you.
I pray that you do not judge Valery too harshly. Her hands were tied. Changing the galaxy for the better is a young man's game, one I bowed out of years ago. But I believe between the Shield, the Sword, and yourself, the three of you would make a better world. I never lost belief in you or our shared dream. Old fools are not so easily swayed.
May the Force be with you, my dearest Romi. I shall look to the skies with great hope and anticipation of your arrival. My home and hearth is yours.
"And it always will be."
MESSAGE SENT
Blue eyes scanned the message again, checking for spelling errors and referring to his wife's written note she'd assured him contained the correct spelling of what he wished to say. After all, it was rare for abandoned orphans to receive education in reading and writing. Seven decades later, the struggle persisted.
My freind.
"Dammit."
My friend. I pray to the Force this message reaches you.
I regret not being there for you at the trial, but I've followed every news report and article I could find. My morning feed informed me of your... disappearance en route to Pantora. I will not speculate, but I know you. I know the bodies found could not be your doing, for it goes against your very nature. You've always been the best of us, Romi. I still believe that.
Long ago, I swore that I would aid you for as long as I could be of service. It shames me that circumstances have separated us, save for a few brief and desperate moments. I realise there will be a manhunt as word spreads of your escape, but if you're receiving this, I come with an offer of sanctuary. Midvinter sits on the very edge of the galaxy, far removed from the jurisdiction of any galactic power. You'd be safe here. I would protect you.
I pray that you do not judge Valery too harshly. Her hands were tied. Changing the galaxy for the better is a young man's game, one I bowed out of years ago. But I believe between the Shield, the Sword, and yourself, the three of you would make a better world. I never lost belief in you or our shared dream. Old fools are not so easily swayed.
May the Force be with you, my dearest Romi. I shall look to the skies with great hope and anticipation of your arrival. My home and hearth is yours.
"And it always will be."
MESSAGE SENT
