A mission style thread of course

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel paced between rows of tombs in a tunnel below the city. Overhead, a battle raged. The noise of the explosions was muffled. But every time she heard the faint thump of a proton torpedo, she had to stop herself from wincing. Her imagination supplied the damage the explosive device had inflicted. The enemy had starfighters, and the ground forces were being bombarded.

Around her, the shapes of other tombs loomed in the murky darkness. The resistance had made their headquarters in the tunnels below the city. They had chosen the vaulted space of an ancient mausoleum as central headquarters.

Sorel looked at the troopers that were with her. She could see the strain on their faces and could not remember the last time any of them had eaten or slept. They had been fighting aboveground for fourteen days. Now they waited for reinforcements that seemed long in coming.

She had arrived on a quest to bring peace to the planet. It was outside of Silver space – a neutral planet – but one that hoped the presence of a Jedi might make a difference.

They were wrong.

Their war was yet another war in the bloody history of the planet. It had been torn by conflict for centuries, as the two tribes struggled for control. One side had finally called for peace but the tribe on the ascendancy had refused. And now the defenders were battling to save their pace on this planet.

Sorel had never believed in a cause more – but she remained impartial. She was a Jedi after all.

A trooper patted a space on top of the tomb where he sat. “Take a pew Jedi,” he said. “I'm sure our reinforcements will clear the tunnel to the spaceport any moment now.”

“They have to,” Sorel said – her calm voice belying the worry she felt. She reluctantly took a seat. “We have to strike when the starfighters are being refuelled. It's the only hope. If we are successful, there is every chance they will return to the negotiating table.”

Sorel had been the one to notice that the fleet of starfighters all attacked in the same wave repeatedly. Most of the weaponry was constantly retooled and refitted. A planet at was had little time for trade – and few trade partners, and so new equipment was a luxury they could not afford. And the war had been going on for so long now, the equipment was effectively worn out. The ageing starfighters had to be refuelled and checked far more frequently than a modern felt would have to. And the aggressor’s mistake was that they were arrogant enough of their dominant position to consider refuelling their entire fleet at the same time.

Which meant they were vulnerable. Albeit for a small window.

Sorel’s plan was to invade the spaceport with a small team during the refuelling process. While one member of the team disabled the power converters on the starfighters, the others would serve as lookouts. If a battle started, the first objective was to distract the guards.

It was risky, but if they were successful, Sorel was sure peace talks would resume.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

It was dirty work clearing the tunnel to the starport, and dangerous for at any given moment the roof could collapse around them as much of the buildings and facilities had taken a lot of damage and made the place unstable. At this moment there was a lull in the fighting, and the place fell into a deadly silence save for the odd pieces of debris falling to the ground which echoed loud all the tunnel.

He had not been on planet long having arrived with the reinforcement sent from the closest base in Silver Space which just happened to be Rhen Var. Sorel is, well was, a member of the Silver Watch until her promotion but that mattered little across the duty of Jedi within the Order and so he raced to her aid as soon as the message had been received bringing with him as many Jedi and Ranges available. It was interesting watching them adjust to the conditions on planet, having nothing but snow and ice to set the blood to vigilance for months on end and even he struggled with the sudden change.

They had to move quickly, as quickly and safely as possible to reach Sorel and the group of local tribesman and women she had come to aid. Easier said then done, as he placed a large chunk of metal to the floor using the force as gently and possible. There is little light, barely enough for the naked eye to have visibility and the air thick with dust that caused Theo to keep his mouth shut, already a film of dust settled on his hair and face turning his skin gray.

"Sensors are picking up on life forms ahead only a few meters up the tunnel", he was informed and Theo nodded his understanding knowing that would be Master Crieff and the others. "If you can open a commlink, inform Master Crieff we have arrived and will be with her presently". Whether communications were possible underground with all this destruction was yet to be determined however something told him .. she would know.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

It had taken her some time to come to terms with being a Jedi Knight. The title had felt odd, ill-fitting. But in time, like a slightly oversized sweater, she’d grown into it. Or maybe it had shrunk to fit her frame? But either way, one day it felt comfortable to her. She’d grown accustomed to its feel.

And now she would have to go through the same again. The change in title was a step change, but the use of the Force and abilities known – even a Jedi’s knowledge and wisdom – improved incrementally. Someone, somehow, had made the sweater bigger overnight and she felt it chafe against her skin. Worst still, she found she had to give up some things she held dear – like membership of the Silver Watch. She was still welcome on Rhen Var of course, but the protection of the planet was given to Padawans and Knights alone.

Not that the fact was troubling her now, but the title was hanging a little heavily. People had expectations, especially of Masters. She knew one day she should fit those requirements, but to continue the link to her allegorical sweater, right now she felt undersized.

So she fell back on the one aspect that was unchanging. She was a Jedi. First and foremost, that had never altered. And nor would it. She would simply do her best and rely on her principal ally – the Force.

Before her commlink picked up any incoming signal, Sorel smiled and stood. “Help is here,” she said to the troopers in her vicinity. “Please let the others know to be ready to move out.”

The task force would be limited to a handful of people, but back-up was never a bad idea and the local clan had insisted in providing warriors to assist. To refuse would have been an insult and so the compromise of them being held in reserve if the initial plan failed was an acceptable middle ground.

A trooper looked at Sorel quizzically. “Are you sure–” he started before static filled their ears followed by a broken transmission, although enough words were discernible to establish help was indeed at hand.

Sorel headed to where the tunnel would be soon open and checked the concrete and durasteel they’d put in place to prevent a cave-in. Carefully she used to Force to being to remove boulders from the wall, to allow the two tunnels to be joined. As she did so, she didn’t share her one disappointment. She’d sensed a Jedi presence, which was good, but only one. It suggested they would have to be a two-person strike team. And given Sorel was already tired, the odds tipped slightly away from them. But she was a Jedi. She planned for success and failure – but always success first.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

A hiss of air filtered through a gap in the debris as the two sides worked toward each other. The disruption of the rubble and broken metal caused more then a few columns of dust to fall from the ceiling and coat the Rangers and Theo in a film of dirt as they stood among the destruction, it made him sneeze. Yet fresh air, if one could call it that, would filter into the tunnel toward the Jedi Master and the breeze would play on her face. The leading Ranger moved forward and shone a torch to the other side hoping to find them waiting in safety for them, "I got eyes on them", he shot back to Theo. They all made quick work in shoring up the remains of the tunnel and opening the gap so they could pass.

"Master Crieff, are you alright?", he looked the young master over making sure she was not injured. "I have come with fifty Rangers from Rhen Var, unfortunately other Jedi are commanded elsewhere or to far away to get here with any haste". This place was unknown to him, however the situation between warring tribes was not. Life on Midvinter had given him much experience in this regard, even stood at the table of negotiations between clans with border disputes or any number of issues they would bring before the King, his uncle. But that was Midvinter, what the situation here was, he would soon find out.

From the looks of it, and the destruction, it seemed to him one side had the upper hand, and it was not the side he was on at this point. How long Sorel had been on ground and fighting he did not know but she looked fatigued, in fact her force aura confirmed it. Theo had energy to burn, and without hesitation he force presence began to reach to her lending energy to her if she wished to draw upon it.

"Pardon my .. intrusion Sorel", he smiled as their eyes met.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Finally, there were chinks of light – literally. From the other side of the wall that separated the two tunnels came both fresh air and the occasional ray of light – no doubt from a torch. The temptation was to rush at this point but Sorel resisted it, aware that a cave-in now would put them back to where they started.

And those closest to the diminishing partition assumed the look of those street artists that pretended to be statues and moved to surprise you when you got too close. The dust took on the appearance of plaster and clothing, hair and skin was evenly covered. Only eyes and mouths, when opened, told you they were people not sculptures.

From the other side, Sorel heard a sneeze. “Bless you,” she responded involuntarily as she heard props being put into place to ensure the remaining rubble that was cleared did not spark a collapse.

“I’m good, thank-you,” she replied, aware of the weariness in her voice before she picked up her speech an octave. “And please call me Sorel.” She paused for a second. “Fifty rangers. That’s a good number. I’m glad we could be spared them.”

She recognised the young Knight before her. They’d been on a mission once, back on Rhen Var, but not worked alongside each other. And of course she knew of his parents.

She smiled as his eyes met hers. “No need to apologise but I’d recommend you keep all the energy you have for later.” She had ways and means to replenish her energy levels but would reserve the practice until she definitely needed it. “But some iced water from Rhen Var would be most welcome about now.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He gave Sorel a curtly bow while handing over his water bladder filled with icy cold water from Rhen Var, ‘”With pleasure”. The Rangers that accompanied him delegated water rations to the group with the Jedi Master as most of them are in needed of the life giving liquid. “Sorel, I need to speak with you, in private if I may”. Before his arrival on planet, Theo had done some research on the place and ascertained some disturbing information from the reports regarding the ground and air conflict between the two groups.

Although the bloody conflict was not out of the ordinary in the history of the place, but lately there had been some abnormalities in the power struggle. The tribe that held the upper hand at this point, seemed to have had ‘insight’ into the movements of the group with Sorel, and had been well prepared before any assault. The tribe had not tried to cover their tracks whether out of arrogance or stupidity, which made the reasoning that they have inside help more clear. There is a rat in the ranks, someone clever enough to hide their intent to the group but the informants tribesmen, had not been so diligent and had compromised their mole.

Yet the identity of the informant was not known. And time is of the essence and a new attack would begin very soon.

“This conflict has created much damage and destruction above ground, and there are many causalities …”, he began to speak while leading Sorel to a more private space in the tunnel. She would be aware of this, he knew that, but his conversation was a ruse which would be made clear to her through the force. Ideally telepathy would be the only safe ‘venue’ for a discussion such as this, however, Theo will never intrude into the mind of another without invitation. “If you will permit Sorel, I wish to speak with you more, in-depth”.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel took the water gratefully. She did her best to sip but found herself gulping down the liquid instead. Aware she was doing so, she purposefully slowed and then stopped, handing the container back to the young Knight. “Much appreciated.”

And she took his lead to have a more private conversation. It was possible he had better intelligence than she had – here on the ground. Or perhaps orders from the Council? Either way, his request for the conversation to be private spoke of information for her ears alone and so she willingly acquiesced.

She listened as he spoke and walked – understanding that what he shared was not news and therefore what he truly had to say was yet to be shared. And her suspicions were confirmed as she understood precisely what he meant.

“I am Epicanthix,” she said, knowing this information alone would help him understand what came next. “I will do my best to lower my defences, so please be patient and slow.” Her race was not remarkable by any galactic standard. It was simply another near-human ethnicity, albeit with one genetic trait – they were impervious to any Force based mind tricks. So although telepathy was theoretically possible, it took a lot of effort on her part to allow another to enter her mind.

She breathed deeply and connected to the Force. “I am ready,” she said.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

As Theo turned to face Sorel, out of the corner of his eye he saw the commander of the Rangers standing impatient for the go ahead to start his scouting party above ground. Theo gave a short sharp nod which was understood immediately. Five Rangers would climb to the outside world to be their eyes and ears to the movements of the attacking tribes. The communication would be clipped to Theo and Sorel on secure channel to prevent further information passed on.

Now his attention rested on Sorel, standing refreshed from the water but still tired. His hand raised and rested on her shoulder, "Not if this will deplete you further of energy", and it seemed like both were about to try something new to them both. Although Theo had the skill of telepathy since before he could walk, this being the only means of communication with his sister Nina, he was most proficient however, he took the ability for granted, that was obvious to him in this moment. It was habit he supposed, to rest his hand on her, as contact with the body was needed to connect with Nina.

However, he nodded his understanding, knowing Sorel would not brook refusal. There is a spy in your group, the words reaching for her mind, only to be met with a shifting veil of cloud. Again he tried, this time he closed his eyes and within his mind's eye his hands raised pushing away the misty cloud trying to move through to Sorel's mind. He projected the words once more, a little more forcefully and with authority of strength. In the physical world, his second hand raised and rested on her other shoulder.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel’s mind – like most if not all from her planet – was like a radio that could send signals but not receive them. With practice, she had learned to project her thoughts and emotions into other’s minds. It was an alien experience – no doubt a feeling linked to her DNA – but one she had persevered in at least becoming basically proficient in.

But her mind’s in-built defence to any form of invasion meant she was not vulnerable to any Force-based attack to her mind and even allowing someone to have access required a great deal of concentration. It was not impossible – nothing ever is – but it required a patient partner who was gentle. If they tried to force their message, it would simply ensure her defences remained impenetrable.

She calmed her mind, much as she would when meditating and felt Théo’s hand on her shoulder. To a bystander this might look like a form of reassurance, or even some Jedi ritual to renew her health.

Words came – but it was more like a dream than a conversation. Images and emotions flashed through her mind as she tried to focus on Théo – his voice, his Force aura. Finally, she found the words in amongst the jumble of stimuli they were being hidden in – like a fog of the five senses that would ensure the unwary would become lost.

Slowly and gently she responded, finding the physical contact easing the communication. ‘I understand,’ she projected. ‘Thanks.’ The final utterance was as much an emotion as a word in Basic – such were the vagaries of telepathy in her experience.

Finally she nodded and looked around the room. “Work to do and careful we must be.” She smiled. “I didn’t mean that to come out all Yoda-esque, it just happened.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Amidst the dust and rubble, dull light and spies, seriousness of the situation there was Sorel's sense of humour to brighten anyone's day. Théo grinned before a full smile broke over his face, for a couple of reasons, firstly that his message had been received clipped as it was she now understood and secondly her unintended impression of Yoda was priceless. "As great as Master Yoda was, is? I am pleased you look nor sound nothing like him". Although the sense of her thanks was felt through his body and it felt delightful, there could be no more time for chat, there was much to be done and this mission had a sting in the tail.

"We .. might have to think on another plan, one in which only we are privy to and have the group busy with another", again more cryptic speak, but if Sorel and he are to take the hangar they might have to go it alone. "Sorel I am sure you already have something in mind, you have been here and have knowledge of the force the attacking tribe has more then I. They have air support as crude as it might be, effective enough so when you are ready ..". So to Théo to follow her orders.

The Rangers had come with equipment and weapons that would help the tribe greatly, whether they had skill enough to use them remained to be seen. One person among them would be watching and no doubt would pass on the intelligence, but how? Vigilance would hopefully reveal that in time. Sorel may already have some inkling as to who it was having spent time within the group before him. It may be that they are aware of the plan already and that information passed on, so they would need a ruse to counter it.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled, “I appreciate your candour and generosity with regards comparison to the former Grand Master. And I agree, I think we need to keep our plans close to our chest. A general and low-risk approach for our colleagues here, one that even the loosest of lips couldn’t jeopardise. And a bogus public plan of attack for us.”

She smiled again. “And I have to admit, I rarely plan in any detail. I tend to seize the moment once a general objective is agreed. So we could send the rangers and locals above ground. With the ships re-fuelling, it’s a safe place for them to be. They can pick off any patrols.”

“We should announce we’re heading for the former headquarters of the government to retrieve a document that could turn the tide of the civil war. We could say you have brought fresh intelligence. In truth, we head for the hangar and blow it up. Two against a small army is poor odds, but it’s better than many more men, one of whom is a traitor.”

“What do you think?”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"How good are you with a rifle?", he asked suddenly with a smile to match hers, noticing how her eyes changed and the turn up of her lips. "The odds of us two against the small army, is good odds to me. A couple of well placed bolts from our rifles right in the middle of the fuel tanks in the hangars would produce the explosion to destroy their small fleet". The problem was how to get there undetected but that would be the job of the rest of the Rangers and the tribe. Sorel's ruse would work to cover up the real mission of the two Jedi, and no doubt they would be expecting them to move into the headquarters. Théo summon the Rangers, issued orders to move out along side the remainder of the tribesman and woman. However, the leader of the tribe approached them both curious to know of the reasoning behind the new plan.

Théo politely bowed to the man, before leaving him with Sorel and acquire two rifles for them both. However, he kept his eye on Sorel and the leader looking for any sign of deception from the tribesman or in those around him. Once Théo was prepared he waited for Sorel by the exist of the tunnel, ready to move out. Already the Rangers and the tribe had left and vanished within the environment of the tunnel and beyond to face the next wave of the attack. Naturally the local people have the greater knowledge of the place and helped where possible to assist the fresh men and women on the field of battle. They are tired as well, with numbers depleted and thankful for the help, but with the arrival of the Rangers and Jedi, there was a sense of renewed purpose in them fueling their need to find more energy for the coming fight.

After checking the rifles one more time, priming them ready for their plan, he handed one to Sorel as she approached. Whether she is capable with the weapon did not really matter, they just needed to hit the fuel tanks or fueling lines to set off a chain reaction .. just one explosion would do the trick. "Lead us into oblivion Sorel", he said with heavy mirth.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel thought for a moment. “I’m no marksman – but I know how to use one. I couldn’t hit a credit chip from a thousand metres, but I should be able to hit a great big fuel tank. And given the ships and tanks will be close by, once one tank goes up, well…‘boom.’” She waved her hands by way of emphasis for the final word.

Satisfied they had a complete and complex a plan as Sorel ever worked to, she watched as Théo gave instructions to the Rangers. Once he began, she was aware that the leaders of the local warriors came towards her and she welcomed them. She informed them of the change in plan and the bogus objective she and Théo would be undertaking. She met their initial objections with logical responses and it was a credit to their trust and her credibility that they agreed to the amended proposal. She did not sense any of them might be the mole, but in truth it mattered little. The new plan was solid and so any complications at this point might jeopardise their objective. And who was to say there was only one mole anyway?

Once both sides were set and moving out, Sorel re-joined Théo by the exit of the tunnel. By now the others had all gone and the reality that the future of their planet relied on the two of them standing here was not lost on her.

And at the same time, a fresh wave of tiredness hit her and she slowed her breathing, connecting deeply with the Force and allowing it to rejuvenate her. It was a Jedi technique she was learning but had not yet perfected. But at least she felt refreshed.

She took he rifle and although Théo had checked it, her training obliged her to perform the same ritual, to ensure it was in full working order. Satisfied it was, she slung it over her shoulder.

“Oblivion?” she said, appreciating he was just joking. “Funny you should say that. One definition is the state of being completely forgotten or unknown. As a Jedi, that suits me. When the history books are written in a hundred years’ time, I don’t want to be remembered here. We are just two Jedi, we do this because we must. They have a choice which makes them the heroes. They deserve to be immortalised.”

She grinned. “OK, sermon over. Anyhow, who’s to say how this will pan out. Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.” She didn’t put on a funny voice, but she suspected he knew who she was quoting.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Théo grinned as Sorel delivered her sermon, it must be a trait that comes with master-ship he thought and he liked her for it, it suited her more then it would ever suit him. However, "Who's more foolish, the fool? or the fool that follows", a Kenobi quote, a Jedi Master that he liked most, apart from his own father, of course. Somehow Théo knew that the name of the woman walking next to him would be documented in the history books of the Jedi Libraries by the virtue of the fact of her deeds whether she wanted it or no. She is not ambitious, no want for power save for to increase her ability to become the best Jedi she is capable of and that was exactly what all Jedi should strive for, including him. A path he too walks, no ambition of leadership is Théo's desire not like that of his father. An honour it might be to be given such a title, however he has also seen the results of it, the constant demand on his father and mother he does not envy.

In the distance, as natural light began to filter through the entrance of the tunnel, he could see the last of the tribe and Rangers move to ground. The air became fresher, allowing Sorel and he a repose from the dust and allowed their lungs to recover from the corruption of it. The rubble around them opened up as if they had entered a warehouse or large room but it was difficult to say what this place had once housed in it's purpose, not that it mattered for the moment. A gentle hand on her arm stopped Sorel's progress as they walk, his eyes looking at the portable scanner as he moved it to take readings of the structural surroundings. "There look", he pointed out a what appeared to be a corridor behind the wall to the right of them. It appeared to be a maintenance shaft, that lead up and toward the position of the hangars.

"The corridor would give us cover and if it is not too ruined, would make our progress quicker". He looked into those smiling eyes to see if she agreed or had a better idea. However, it would be prudent to see if the path was indeed, clear. Théo looked over the wall, trying to ascertain the location of the corridor behind the metal. With ease of his Valkyri strength, he pulled back large sections of debris and placed them aside so not to make too much noise, that would telegraph their intent. Eventually, the wall was revealed and Théo ran his hand over the surface to remove any further dirt and dust, just habit really. Using his scanner once more, Théo took readings to see what was within the wall, it would not do cut through it to puncture coolant gases or other dangerous toxins. There was nothing save for electrical wiring, so some sparks might fly but nothing to stop them.

"How is your welding skills?", he asked with a mischievous glint in his eye. "You ever cut through a wall before?", he nodded toward her saber. Théo's time with [member="Judah Dashiell"] salvaging was becoming very valuable indeed.

​

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. They could exchange wise Master sayings all day and – given a different time and place, she’d like nothing better. But here and now – at the risk of quoting another, was not the time.

“Indeed. So I’m not sure if I should lead the way or follow you now,” she smiled as she spoke but the weariness was still present in her voice. “Neither option sounds particularly promising.”

And then they were alone. The last of the others had moved away now – they were still at risk, especially with a mole in their midst, but the main mission could not be jeopardised. “And we still need to deal with the traitor when we return.” Her voice was calm and assured. There was no doubt in her mind and even if her emotions could be read, they would reveal she was speaking what she believed to be the truth. It was about ‘when’, not ‘if’.

They progressed side by side and Sorel could smell the dampness of the air being replaced by a fresher strain. It brought with it new smells – fuel and smoke primarily. They were not overpowering but she smelled them none the less. It meant they were making progress to the surface and to the hangar they needed to deal with.

She moved the rifle from one shoulder to the other. The feeling was unnatural to her and so she switched it often during their walk, at times holding it in one hand or the other before slinging it back over one of her shoulders. Then they reached a large room and Théo stopped, his arm encouraging her to do the same. She followed his gaze and nodded. It was a most sensible solution and she had none better.

She watched as he prepped the area, ascertaining if it was suitable to progress through. “I’m no welder,” she replied, “But I’ve had cause to cut a door or two open in my time. Oddly it’s usually from the inside, but those are stories for different days I suspect.”

She drew one of her sabers. “Just say when,” she said, placing both hands on the hilt, ready to begin the process of cutting a hole.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

He could not help but laugh gently, Sorel's sense of humour very appealing to him and he would like nothing more then to spend more time with her under more pleasant circumstances. Yet, she is weary still, telling through her voice and he was concerned for her hoping this mission would not take too much of a toll on her. But Jedi are Jedi, and regardless of such personal concerns, the concerns of others always outweigh them. He knew better then to voice his opposition to her taking another step and to resting.

"One problem at a time, and the force will help to reveal this spy or spies". She was right there is probably more. He had noticed that the rifle was causing her some discomfort and before she would position herself to cut through the wall, he ease off the rifle from her shoulder and slung it over his own opposite to the one he carried, this discomfort was only wasting her energy and distracting in its occupation so he removed the burden.

Theo readied himself to take hold of the piece of metal through the force once Sorel had done the work to cut through. They did not need any noise to herald their position and so he would 'catch' it before it hit the ground. "Just be careful of the slag", he nodded to tell her, he was ready. He was not just standing idol of course, with both arms extended fueling them with the force, his awareness reached to the wall and beyond to keep vigil at their backs. Not long after the Rangers and tribesmen and women left the tunnel, fire could be heard and the loss of life sensed through the force as they joined it on death.

They had to move faster, and end this conflict.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded at his sage advice. One problem at a time was never a bad approach and if they didn’t deal with the fighters, the issue of the traitor was of little consequence. It was the last best hope for peace. In truth it was the only one, so by default it was pivotal.

She was about to protest when Théo took the rifle from her. It wasn’t that it was too heavy or particularly burdensome but rather it was awkward and distracting. Which in many ways was worse. So she reluctantly allowed him to take it from her, knowing he’d return it when she needed it.

“Thanks,” she said quietly as she set to work on the metal. Patience was never a virtue of hers, but she’d latterly come to understand its benefit and did not look to rush the task, instead allowing her saber to do the hard work whilst she guided it and channelled the Force into increasing the pace of the cutting – fully aware that Théo was in turn aiding her.

She was aware of the noise and like many Jedi, felt the loss of life through ripples in the Force – stronger in her case because she had spent time with these people. Bonds made tended to strengthen these connections it seems.

When she’d cut a large enough hole to crawl through she stepped back and allowed Théo to deal with the block of metal. “I made it Theo sized,” she said, smiling. “Otherwise I would have been quicker.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Once the metal had been cut, Theo placed the slab gently to the ground beside the wall, the slag from the saber cut still glowing red hot and sent a acid smell in the air. It was not pure like the forges of Midvinter, quite a different scent in the refinement before the melted metal took form as a sword or armour, it was kind of sickly to the stomach. Yet among all this ruination he found that it was impossible to stop the corners of his mouth from turning upward with her comments. It is very refreshing, in an otherwise desperate situation.

Theo is tall, a large man due to his ancestry, there was no doubt of that, "I thank you for your consideration Sorel", he said smiling once more and he found himself looking over her 'size'. Normally it would be ladies first, but not this time, as he bowed his head to enter the hole in the wall taking care to not step in the hot slag. There was no telling what was to be found in this corridor, the force had told him it was clear, but there will always be surprises. There was silence strange in the circumstances, also welcoming from the fighting above.

It was largely untouched from the damage the rest of the build had sustained, this would make their progress faster on the face of it. His lightsaber hilt was in hand, ready for any 'unforeseen' events and once he determined the coast was clear, he indicated to Sorel to enter. "This seems a little strange don't you think?", he suddenly asked, the silence roaring in his ears, it was too neat. Or maybe he is growing paranoid, which can be helpful given the right time and place.

They began to walk along the platform, it had become clear this was another tunnel made out of design and tracks to help transport goods, cargo and all manner of things, over head walkways and computer terminals all functional it seemed to him. Maybe the walls of this tunnel had been reinforced to sustain heavy weight or such attacks as they now experienced. Theo looked to Sorel now beside him, his eyes searching her's for a reaction or response to his concerns. "Maybe it is nothing".

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[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Typically she’d cut into doors to negate locks she could not neutralise with the Force – hence she typically did so from the inside of the room in question. This time she was simply making a hole to crawl through and they had to wait for the heat to dissipate before they could climb through the opening.

Her nose wrinkled at the pungent odour, but many weeks underground had deadened her sense of smell due to the rather spicy fragrances that a group of people in close quarters and without a shower brought. Especially when added to the already musty smells of subterranean tunnels.

She didn’t object when Théo went through the hole first. It was equally important to ensure they weren’t caught unawares from behind – and he was by far fresher and so, she suspected, more alert to new dangers.

There is a dictionary definition of silence that defies real life. The absence of sound ought to be universal – yet in Sorel’s experience this was not the case. Maybe it was because other senses played their part in the situation. But here the lack of sound was oppressive, almost foreboding. She had a proverbial bad feeling about this – but given the gravity of the situation, she decided not to share the observation.

So, game face on, she followed Théo – her own hilt now back on her belt but her cloak drawn back to allow easy access to either saber should she require them.

“Funny strange or funny ha ha?” she asked, quoting the old saying. But she felt it too. The Force had a duality to its help in these situations. On one hand it told any Jedi that was prepared to listen that something was not right. This was entirely helpful. And then it failed to give any specific detail, which could make the Jedi slightly paranoid if they weren’t careful.

“We shall be mindful of the present and I’m sure that the Force has given you reason to be alert. And in the same manner, I’m sure it will tell us when the time is to act. Trust it, it is your greatest ally.”

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"Well a little bit of both, but you are right Sorel, I shall remain alert to our present situation", he grinned slightly, and her advice, although sound, reminded him of yet another master of old .. Qui-Gon Jinn. He looked down at the tracks, his eyes following them as far as his physical sight could see until they reach the inevitable wall of darkness at the end of it. "According the read outs, this tunnel should lead us to the hangar .. I strongly suspect these track are used to transport good and cargo through the place". To the right of them are large double doors, closed now possible locked, and by the looks of them storage rooms. It really did not matter what or why, but this direction could help progress to the hangars and hopefully, without incident.

So into the mouth of the abyss they would walk.

As the darkness engulfed them, Théo ignited his saber the white blade throwing light on the immediate situation. Enough for them to see that the tunnel would curve to the right, he looked down to the tracks to see some debris which on the face of it could have dislodged from the bombardment from above, maybe the this tunnel was effected by the attacks after all, but on closer inspection the debris and dust that had settled on the tracks looked old .. it had been there for some time.

Théo held his saber high instinct telling him to look up, ascertain where the debris had come from but what he found surprised him. There was large markings on the ceiling of the tunnel .. like scratches. Without a word, he indicated to Sorel to look up too .. there was more to this tunnel then met the eye. He wanted to speak, use telepathy once more, but he knew that would be effort to her and use energy she could ill afford to waste. So he came closer to her and whispered for fear noise would travel.

"I think .. this tunnel has been abandoned", and why? He too had a bad feeling about this.

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[member="Sorel Crieff"]​