Private Better Found Than Lost

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

A sense of pride washed over Silas at that moment; not only did he get justice, but he also kept to his family ideals taught from an early age. Killing wasn't just inhumane, but selfish as it prevented other people from getting closure. Hopefully, that would be the case for all the victims who desperately wanted some kind of peace.

"Sometimes, I forget how strong I am..."

Giving Valery a brief smile, he reflectively looked back into her eyes. Valery had always been his biggest fan, she'd support him through thick and thin if it meant making him a better person. This was no exception, and it only took her encouragement to help him get on the right track. Now that his mind was resolute, it was time to finish this once and for all. Placing a hand on Valery's shoulder, he squeezed it and nodded in thanks. "Come on, let's finish this."

Moving past her, he walked over to a table that was showing a holographic display. The other pirates, who had now fled from the room, were already using it just before the Jedi had given them a rude awakening. "The first thing we need to do is give the go ahead for the authorities to move in on our position. In the meantime, we will keep the hostages in their cells to prevent any harm and lockdown the hideout to stop any of the pirates escaping," Silas explained, his hands pressing controls on the table that soon released a lockdown alarm, followed by the blast doors closing around them.

"All we need to do now is wait for the troo-" but before he could finish, his eyes locked onto the map with a focused silence. This was no normal hologram, this was a roadmap to all of the known hideouts the pirates had traded with over the last ten years. Many were missing, but he had already noted down their location from when he was brainstorming on Azbrian.

This was huge. In terms of intel, this was probably the best he could get to make a big difference. That, however, was when something dawned on him. The force was trying to push him in a different direction, far different than what he was currently on. This was one of redemption and healing, and by the end of it, Silas would be a totally different breed.

Sighing, he looked back to Valery and gave her a warm smile that indicated a change in the young Knight. For better or for worse, Silas knew what he had to do. Pushing himself away from the table, he stood in front of Valery with a proud yet sorrowful expression.

"I think even you know what I'm about to say next, Valery" Silas said softly, his eyes tearing up.

"I must finish the rest of this journey alone."
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood still, watching the shift in Silas's expression, the quiet resolve settling into his frame like a weight that no longer crushed him but instead gave him purpose. She had seen it before, in others, in herself — this moment where everything clicked, where the path ahead wasn't just a choice but a calling.

A slow breath escaped her as she met his gaze, searching, feeling the depth of his decision through the Force. And then, finally, she smiled. It was small, but warm, touched with something deeper than pride — understanding.

"I do," she murmured, voice steady but soft. "This is your journey, Silas." Her hand lifted, pressing lightly against his shoulder, the same way she had when he had made his choice moments ago. "But even if I'm not with you, you don't walk alone." she continued, the warmth in her voice unwavering. "You always have my support."

She squeezed his shoulder once before letting her hand fall back to her side.

"I trust you to finish this journey in the way only you can. To be the Jedi — the person — you were always meant to be."

A pause.

"Just… try not to make me too proud, alright?" Her smirk returned, teasing but still touched with emotion. "I'm running out of ways to tell you that you're ready."

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

"Thank you, Valery. I'll try to keep myself humble" Silas said softly with a warm smile back, inspired by the encouragement of his former master's words. However, before he could say or do anything else an alarm blasted through the control that indicated a new arrival at the front entrance. Slowly shaking his head and jogging to the control panel, he looked at the cameras and spotted a large group of Galatac soldiers who had managed to blast a hole through the closed gates.

"Right on time, we better go help them gather the rest of the pirates" Silas said with a brief nod to Valery before looking at the pirate captain he once hated. Walking over, the Knight grabbed him by the collar and began dragging his coughing form to the nearest maintenance compartment "You can wait in here for the authorities. I hope you can use that time to think about a sorry excuse for the courts" he said coldly while the pirate looked up to him and smirk "Y-you think I'-" but before another word was muttered Silas closed and locked the door on him.

"Enough of that, let's move"

Giving Val a quick smirk, they both then made their way back into the base to rally with the rest of the troops.

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By the time the sun started to go down the Jedi, as well as the Galatic army managed to gather up the remaining pirates with minimal casualties. All of them were going to be put to court and given the time they deserved, a fate that was considered worse than death to their kind. Those who were being held captive inside were freed and given much needed treatment, but even Silas knew they had a long road of healing ahead. The most they could do now was reunite them with whatever family they had left...

When everything was under control the rest of the work was handed over to the troopers, who were going to take their time finding any remnants or pieces of data hidden in the hideout. Silas and Valery on the other hand were finally able to let their guards down and say their goodbyes to each other. Stepping outside, the warm breeze hit their faces as they calmly began walking to a makeshift landing pad.

"I wish I could speak with everyone else, but you know how fast information spreads in the galaxy. I can't afford to waste time..." he said with a slight frown back to valery "You will send my goodbye to the rest of your family won't you? Kahlil Noble deserves to know and the rest of the kids. I don't know when I'll return, but I will be excited to see how much stronger they have become for when I do."

"I just fear they won't recognize me if I come back with a beard"
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery walked beside him in the fading light, the warmth of the evening breeze brushing against her cheeks as they approached the landing pad. The quiet hum of nearby ships and murmured chatter of troops settling in felt distant now, like the world itself had slowed for just a moment to let them say goodbye.

She glanced over at him with a soft smile, the kind she reserved for those she truly cared about — for family.

"You're right," she said gently, "News travels fast. But don't worry, I'll tell them everything. Kahlil, the kids…" Her voice caught slightly at the mention of them, but it was from affection, not sadness. "They'll be proud of you, Silas. Just like I am." She turned to face him fully now, her expression brighter as she added with a smirk, "Though if you do come back with a beard, I'll be the first to judge how impressive it is. And if it's patchy? I will tell you."

A soft laugh escaped her, and for a heartbeat it was like nothing had changed — like she was still his Master, teasing him after a sparring match or nudging him toward one more lesson. But the truth lingered behind her eyes. He was ready. And this goodbye, as much as it tugged at her, was a beginning — not an end.

"I'm going to miss you," she admitted, her voice quiet but unwavering. "But I believe in you. Wherever you go, whatever you find out there… you'll always have a place to come home to."

Without hesitation, Valery stepped in and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. It was firm, warm — the kind of hug that said everything she couldn't quite fit into words. That she was proud. That she trusted him. That she'd always be in his corner.

When she pulled back, her hands lingered briefly on his shoulders, her eyes searching his one last time. "Take care of yourself, alright? And if you ever need anything… you know where to find me."

A beat passed.

"Now go on, before I start getting emotional." She smirked again. "And force you to stay for dinner."

Silas Westgard ​