Hope's Pride reverted from hyperspace at what would be considered dawn near Tive, the yellow sun of the Taanab system. Aboard the modified SoroSuub Horizon-classs Star Yacht was Jedi Knight Addison Porte, piloting, K-3PO protocol droid "Kayoh", co-pilot, and R9 unit "Gizmo," the pilot's personal astromech droid. And of course, the main reason they were all there in the first place... the precious cargo in the hold that of the recently deceased Alexandra Porte accompanied by her R2 unit "Rusty". Addison had promised Alexandra that she would fulfill her farewell wishes and that she was so doing with an ever heavy heart.
The last few days had been very emotional for the young Porte, grieving and feeling alone but that was nothing new especially since her father's death - no sacrifice, and her brother's need to explore his own path away from his twin sibling. That point hurt though was very understandable. She too had done the same thing early on in her career - joining the Galactic Alliance military to be a starfighter pilot over serving the Jedi Order full-time. It had been difficult having one foot in each discipline. The time spent away from family was the hardest, but it was worth it, right? She had made good friends doing so, more than good… Time would only tell if that choice was the best decision.
Another ship arrived soon after in-system, then moved up alongside the Star Yacht in static orbit. The aging YT-1930 light freighter was the Corellian Dawn with Captain Eliza Steele at the helm. Also traveling with the Corellian smuggler were Jedi Masters Cambria Zadira and Samara Raine; all three women dear friends to the Porte family from over the years.
The young brunette took a deep breath, then toggled the comm switch. "Pride to Dawn, you ready?"
A voice with a heavy Corellian accent responded. "That we are, sweetie. We are here for you as well as your mother, just remember that… Yes, go for Dawn."
Another deep breath and a quick draw of the Force was taken to divert the tears beginning to well about her hazel brown orbs. She looked over to the protocol droid sitting stately where her mother had sat just a week ago and gave him a nod to start the message.
"Break, break on this frequency. Please standby for a last call message," announced Kayoh in his mechanical male voice, then paused for only a moment. The group had mere minutes to do this before the Mandalorian Empire might come sniff out who had come into their airspace uninvited.
"Hope's Pride to Rogue One… " pause
"Hope's Pride to Rogue Leader… " a bit longer pause
"Hope's Pride to Commander Alexandra "Alleycat" Porte neé Russo…" a shorter pause
"All ships and personnel in the vicinity. Hearing no response, Commander Alexandra "Alleycat" Porte neé Russo and Jedi Knight has completed her tour of duty and this is her Last Call."
Again another short pause, then the tribute began. Tears were building again in Addy's eyes.
"Alexandra Porte neé Russo served the Galactic Alliance military for several years, was Ambassador to Taanab for a short tenure, then retired to serve alongside her late husband, Jedi Master Kahne Porte. She served with honor, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. Your sisterhood will never be forgotten as well at your two favorite mottos: Courage is knowing the odds but strapping in anyway, and Hope is the elixir of life. May they be an inspiration to us all."
A brief moment went by then the final call came. Addy's throat tightened with anticipation. This was it. The moment.
"Rogue Leader, Ambassador, and Jedi Knight Porte. You are relieved of duty. We have the watch. Rest in peace, Alleycat. May the Force be with you, always."
And with that said, it wasn't too soon either. Another ship had situated itself somewhat respectfully between them and Taanab, the second planet from the system's sun. It was definitely Mandalorian class.
"Attention! Quarter port turn…and salute!"
Addison pushed the button to open the cargo bay door, then slowly raised her right hand to her forehead giving deserved respect to a superior officer.
From the back of the Star Yacht, a lone, older model X-wing released from the starfighter cradle within and floated away from the vessel. Inside was Alexandra's body decked out in a rebel orange flight suit and her personal helmet, lightsaber clipped to her belt. Flying the starfighter from the astromech docking spot behind the cockpit was Alleycat's loyal and trusted R2 unit. Rusty was fulfilling his own duty as well; bringing the Daughter of Taanab home to rest.
Gizmo made a mournful bleep and he snuggled up beside Addison's leg as she sat in the pilot's chair. Tinks reached over and gave him a loving pat on his blue dome. He too was losing someone. Droids were very unique in that regard and watched out for each other. His companionship with Rusty would be greatly missed.
The snubfighter slowly pulled away from the massed ships, making a slow outbound arc, then vectored straight towards the yellow gas ball picking up more speed as the gravity well pulled it in.
Addison bite her lip hard bringing a taste of blood but not realized as her gaze followed the X-wing longingly until it became one with the burning sun before them. She wanted so to cry, but another Mando vessel was inbound to their location. and they looked more menacing.
For a moment, Addy could have sworn she felt a hand ever so softly caress her cheek, then warm lips leaving a feathered kiss upon the top of her head.
The ace pilot didn't have time to ponder that as time was of the essence. She started up the nav computer and engaged the controls well rehearsed, then keyed the comm between the Pride and Dawn one last time before the rushed departure.
"Thank you for coming. She, I appreciate you all so much. See you on the other side. May the Force be with you."
And with that there was a double click of acknowledgement, then both their respective ships made the jump to hyperspace.
"Where are we going Mistress Addy?" The protocol droid asked a few minutes later knowing full well the coordinates she had programmed.
"Naboo. I need to find Aiden. He probably thinks I'm dead.... and then maybe talk with a certain flyboy, that is if he still wants to see me after I ghosted him back on Lujo, but that was for good reason. I'm going to go lay down for a while."
"Would that be that Corellian pilot... a roguishly handsome Kelly T. Perris perhaps?"
She just shrugged and moved out of her seat. "You have the Con, Kayoh... and you too, Gizzy. Wake me before we revert."
Addison knew she would need all her emotional strength to face both men after this trying time. Fat chance she'd get any rest... Everything was still so raw and unsettled in her heart and mind. There was too much to think about right now Perhaps mediating would help, something the Jedi Knight seldom did anymore.
The last few days had been very emotional for the young Porte, grieving and feeling alone but that was nothing new especially since her father's death - no sacrifice, and her brother's need to explore his own path away from his twin sibling. That point hurt though was very understandable. She too had done the same thing early on in her career - joining the Galactic Alliance military to be a starfighter pilot over serving the Jedi Order full-time. It had been difficult having one foot in each discipline. The time spent away from family was the hardest, but it was worth it, right? She had made good friends doing so, more than good… Time would only tell if that choice was the best decision.
Another ship arrived soon after in-system, then moved up alongside the Star Yacht in static orbit. The aging YT-1930 light freighter was the Corellian Dawn with Captain Eliza Steele at the helm. Also traveling with the Corellian smuggler were Jedi Masters Cambria Zadira and Samara Raine; all three women dear friends to the Porte family from over the years.
The young brunette took a deep breath, then toggled the comm switch. "Pride to Dawn, you ready?"
A voice with a heavy Corellian accent responded. "That we are, sweetie. We are here for you as well as your mother, just remember that… Yes, go for Dawn."
Another deep breath and a quick draw of the Force was taken to divert the tears beginning to well about her hazel brown orbs. She looked over to the protocol droid sitting stately where her mother had sat just a week ago and gave him a nod to start the message.
"Break, break on this frequency. Please standby for a last call message," announced Kayoh in his mechanical male voice, then paused for only a moment. The group had mere minutes to do this before the Mandalorian Empire might come sniff out who had come into their airspace uninvited.
"Hope's Pride to Rogue One… " pause
"Hope's Pride to Rogue Leader… " a bit longer pause
"Hope's Pride to Commander Alexandra "Alleycat" Porte neé Russo…" a shorter pause
"All ships and personnel in the vicinity. Hearing no response, Commander Alexandra "Alleycat" Porte neé Russo and Jedi Knight has completed her tour of duty and this is her Last Call."
Again another short pause, then the tribute began. Tears were building again in Addy's eyes.
"Alexandra Porte neé Russo served the Galactic Alliance military for several years, was Ambassador to Taanab for a short tenure, then retired to serve alongside her late husband, Jedi Master Kahne Porte. She served with honor, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. Your sisterhood will never be forgotten as well at your two favorite mottos: Courage is knowing the odds but strapping in anyway, and Hope is the elixir of life. May they be an inspiration to us all."
A brief moment went by then the final call came. Addy's throat tightened with anticipation. This was it. The moment.
"Rogue Leader, Ambassador, and Jedi Knight Porte. You are relieved of duty. We have the watch. Rest in peace, Alleycat. May the Force be with you, always."
And with that said, it wasn't too soon either. Another ship had situated itself somewhat respectfully between them and Taanab, the second planet from the system's sun. It was definitely Mandalorian class.
"Attention! Quarter port turn…and salute!"
Addison pushed the button to open the cargo bay door, then slowly raised her right hand to her forehead giving deserved respect to a superior officer.
From the back of the Star Yacht, a lone, older model X-wing released from the starfighter cradle within and floated away from the vessel. Inside was Alexandra's body decked out in a rebel orange flight suit and her personal helmet, lightsaber clipped to her belt. Flying the starfighter from the astromech docking spot behind the cockpit was Alleycat's loyal and trusted R2 unit. Rusty was fulfilling his own duty as well; bringing the Daughter of Taanab home to rest.
Gizmo made a mournful bleep and he snuggled up beside Addison's leg as she sat in the pilot's chair. Tinks reached over and gave him a loving pat on his blue dome. He too was losing someone. Droids were very unique in that regard and watched out for each other. His companionship with Rusty would be greatly missed.
The snubfighter slowly pulled away from the massed ships, making a slow outbound arc, then vectored straight towards the yellow gas ball picking up more speed as the gravity well pulled it in.
Addison bite her lip hard bringing a taste of blood but not realized as her gaze followed the X-wing longingly until it became one with the burning sun before them. She wanted so to cry, but another Mando vessel was inbound to their location. and they looked more menacing.
For a moment, Addy could have sworn she felt a hand ever so softly caress her cheek, then warm lips leaving a feathered kiss upon the top of her head.
The ace pilot didn't have time to ponder that as time was of the essence. She started up the nav computer and engaged the controls well rehearsed, then keyed the comm between the Pride and Dawn one last time before the rushed departure.
"Thank you for coming. She, I appreciate you all so much. See you on the other side. May the Force be with you."
And with that there was a double click of acknowledgement, then both their respective ships made the jump to hyperspace.
"Where are we going Mistress Addy?" The protocol droid asked a few minutes later knowing full well the coordinates she had programmed.
"Naboo. I need to find Aiden. He probably thinks I'm dead.... and then maybe talk with a certain flyboy, that is if he still wants to see me after I ghosted him back on Lujo, but that was for good reason. I'm going to go lay down for a while."
"Would that be that Corellian pilot... a roguishly handsome Kelly T. Perris perhaps?"
She just shrugged and moved out of her seat. "You have the Con, Kayoh... and you too, Gizzy. Wake me before we revert."
Addison knew she would need all her emotional strength to face both men after this trying time. Fat chance she'd get any rest... Everything was still so raw and unsettled in her heart and mind. There was too much to think about right now Perhaps mediating would help, something the Jedi Knight seldom did anymore.
