Private Better Found Than Lost

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

A month or so after their confrontation, Silas had finally figured out where to start.

For all that time, Silas had been brainstorming everything he knew onto paper. Some were easily rememberable, while others took a bit more to unlock. At one point, Silas thought he had spilled every last bit of memory onto the papers, but there was a location that wouldn't have been revealed. During a night on the homestead, Silas was casually watching a holo documentary regarding animals on different planets. Everything was normal up until a big waterfall appeared on the screen, almost instantly bringing back memories of the place he had been to in Epica

However, this was no normal place. It was a hideout, tucked secretly in a cave behind the waterfall.

Silas didn't remember all too much about it, other than its location and how it was "Vital" to their operations. Chances are it was probably abandoned by now, but anything was worth a look if it offered them a chance of a breakthrough. Either way, he wasn't going by himself. Upholding his promise to Valery, he asked her to come with him on this journey to see what was left of the hideout in question.

They firstly however had to complete a beautiful hike through the countryside. That was to keep on the safe side. After all, they didn't want to land a ship and get blown away by blaster fire. Packing lightly, the pair of them set off at first light from the closet town and walked along the unmarked paths of the beautiful scenery around them.

Silas loved this kind of thing, but when things of the past were on his mind he could not be appreciative of what was around him. That was reflected by how quiet he had been, however now and then he'd speak up to let Valery know he was fine "We're not too far away now Valery, probably only a few minutes" he said at first while hopping over a small stream "I suppose you haven't been to Epica very much have you?"
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery followed Silas closely, her pace steady as they weaved through the lush, unmarked paths of Epica's countryside. The cool morning air carried the faint scent of damp earth and blooming flora, but her attention was firmly on her Padawan. Even when he wasn't speaking, she could sense the weight of his thoughts through their shared bond.

When he finally spoke, her amber eyes shifted to him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "No, I haven't spent much time on Epica," she admitted, her voice soft but carrying a touch of warmth. "I've heard about its beauty, but I've never had much of a reason to visit until now."

Her gaze briefly wandered across the surrounding landscape, appreciating the serenity of the world despite the purpose of their mission. "I can see why you'd pick a place like this for a hideout, though. It's secluded and difficult to access without some effort. A waterfall covering an entrance makes it even more secure."

She stepped lightly over the stream Silas had crossed moments earlier, her movements fluid and precise. As her boots met the ground on the other side, she glanced at him again, her expression softening. "You've been quiet," she noted gently. "I know this can't be easy for you — digging through these memories and coming back to a place like this."

She paused for a moment, her voice steady but filled with understanding. "Just remember, you're not doing this alone. Whatever we find there, we'll face it together."

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

"It's a beautiful place I hope to visit in different circumstances," he said at first, his head turning slightly to look back at Valery "Nothing will be able to beat Azbrian though." the knight ended with a brief grin, his attention soon turning to the rockface that led up to the waterfall ahead. They were getting close now, and the more Silas noticed that the more he got nervous for what was to come.

They may have been pirates, but they knew a thing or two in terms of hiding their most prized secrets. "Yeah, not many people come out here. You'll get the odd hiker passing through, none of them would have any idea what's going on beyond the water" Silas explained as he slowly came to a halt on a rock.

Valery had predictably picked up on his silence. Their bond was the thing that gave away his emotions, nothing couldn't be missed when a master knew their former padawan inside out "You have my back and I'll have yours" Silas said softly with a slight lowering of his head "It will always be that way Valery" he looked at her and gave another small smile of reassurance.

It was still clear the knight was still battling the emotions swirling inside his head. Yet, even through that, he looked hopeful of what was to come.

"You'd think after all these years they would have moved, a part of me hopes they have." Silas admitted with a sigh as they carefully moved over the rocks "While I was still with the pirates, I heard them mention a few times the age of some of the hideouts they had. A good few were not only a few years but decades old, not because they were well hidden... but because... you know, not many people lived to tell their secrets"​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery followed Silas closely, her amber eyes studying the rocky path ahead as he spoke. His words carried the weight of memories she could only begin to imagine, and while his resolve was clear, so was the conflict simmering beneath the surface. She could feel it through their bond, an unspoken undercurrent of emotion that only strengthened her determination to support him.

As Silas came to a stop on the rock, Valery stepped closer, her boots crunching softly against the gravel. She regarded him for a moment, her expression steady but warm. "You've always had my back, Silas," she said, her voice quiet but unwavering. "And I will always have yours. That's never going to change."

Her gaze turned toward the waterfall ahead, the cascading water sparkling in the faint light. It was beautiful in its natural splendor, but Valery couldn't ignore the darker purpose it served — a veil for secrets that should never have existed. "Pirates like these thrive on fear and power," she said after a pause, her tone firm. "But that doesn't mean they're invincible. If they're still here, we'll deal with them together, no matter how well-hidden they think they are."

Her words hung in the air for a moment as she turned her focus back to the waterfall, the sound of rushing water filling the space between them. "Let's see if this hideout of theirs is as impenetrable as they thought," Valery said, her smirk faint but determined. She gestured for him to lead the way, her amber eyes gleaming with resolve.

Whatever lay beyond the waterfall, she was ready to face it — and she knew Silas was too.

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

Silas couldn't help but warmly smile at the promise she had offered from the beginning. She would always be at his side, no matter what happens.

He originally did not want to share this journey with Valery, not because he didn't trust her but from what she'd think of him by the time it was finished. Some of the things they made him do could easily give people grounds to call him a monster, as well as question why he was a Jedi in the first place. It still deeply concerned him, even if Valery knew who he really was. Silas did what he had to do to survive, he just didn't think it would come back to haunt him like this.

"No, they never have and they never will be invincible. It's only a mentality they use to keep themselves going, even if they know deep down their luck will run out." Silas spoke solemnly, a sigh escaping his lips after being reminded of the ego all of them carried "Only fools think they can last forever..."

Turning back again to Valery, he offered a light smile and nodded to her suggestions "Let's go have a look, shall we? I kn-" However, just when he was about to suggest something important an object behind Valery caught his eye. It had only just come out of its camouflage and flying low toward the Hideout. "Quickly, take cover!" he said before jumping behind a group of rocks and peeking over the edge to see a shuttle now hovering below them in front of the waterfall.

The ship itself was a merchant, big enough to haul a lot of objects and "people" if necessary. After a brief wait, it began to slowly hover through the water and hide itself "Of course they're still here" Silas turned around and leaned up against the rock with his head looking into the sky. All he could think about was the memories that were waiting for him inside.

"Stars, you can do this Silas. Get a grip of yourself..." It wasn't accessing the hideout which would be hard. Instead, it was the mental scars that were showing themselves after being dormant for so long.
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's expression shifted instantly when Silas shouted for her to take cover. Her reflexes kicked in, and with a quick pivot, she dashed behind a nearby outcrop of rocks, pressing herself low to stay hidden. Amber eyes followed the shuttle as it hovered toward the waterfall, its sleek form slipping through the cascading water like a predator returning to its lair.

Her jaw tightened. The sight of it confirmed that they weren't just chasing ghosts — these pirates were still operating here, and likely up to the same atrocities Silas had escaped from. A quick glance at her former Padawan told her all she needed to know about the storm brewing inside him. The memories were rising to the surface, clawing at him, but she also saw the strength in his resolve. Silas had come too far to falter now.

"Silas," she said softly, her voice cutting through the tension with a steady calm. She moved closer to his side, careful to keep her movements quiet and her presence grounded. "Look at me."

When his gaze met hers, she offered a small, reassuring smile. "You've already made it this far. Whatever's waiting for you in there, you're not facing it alone." Her tone was warm but firm, a reminder of her promise to stand with him no matter what. "You've survived them before, and together, we'll make sure they don't have the chance to hurt anyone else again."

Valery's focus shifted briefly to the waterfall, her gaze sharp and calculating. "They think they're untouchable, hiding behind that veil of water. But we've got the advantage now — they don't know we're here, and they definitely don't expect you to be coming for them."

Valery's hand moved to her lightsaber hilt as she crouched beside him, her amber eyes narrowing on the waterfall. "When you're ready, we move," she said softly, her voice calm but resolute. "Lead the way, Silas. I've got your back."

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

Upon calling his name, Silas looked to his master with a bit of nerves. It wasn't like him to be like this, normally he'd be resolute and calm in situations like this. However, when something from the past came back to haunt him it was hard to keep a level head. Thankfully, Valery was there to ease his mind "Yeah, we will" he responded with newfound confidence "Now that I've escaped their grasp, I can help others do the same..." slowly getting back to his feet, he followed the gaze of his former master with a smile.

"They probably think I'm dead after I escaped their shuttle. If they knew, the pirates would have moved by now" Silas had changed physically since that time. He was only a kid the last time they saw him, by now they probably wouldn't even know it was him. That in itself was vital, if they knew a former prisoner was coming for them they'd soon start moving the rest of their operations.

"I still must be cautious though, there may be people who were crew on the shuttle still alive and kicking"

Nodding, a determined glint reflected in his eyes "Come on, let's get moving. I know a back entrance that's located in a cave, it's not too far away from here" Silas remarked as they began to make quick progress around the side of the waterfall. As time went on, the sound of water soon became a distant echo and the sound of something else became more apparent.

Talking.

Silas kept his back against the rocky cliff face and shuffled his way to the right of the cave entrance, where two men could be heard talking. From the smell, it appeared they were sharing a cig to pass the time "<Ugh... I don't miss that smell>" he thought, shaking his head and looking to Valery to see if she had any ideas.

<"Behind them is a tunnel into the hideout, do you want to try and lure them out?">
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery crouched low beside Silas, her fiery gaze scanning the entrance to the cave where the two guards stood talking. The smell of smoke wafted toward them, mixing with the damp earthiness of the cave. Her nose wrinkled slightly, but her focus remained unbroken.

She turned her head toward Silas, her expression calm but thoughtful. His whispered suggestion lingered in the air as she weighed their options. Luring the guards out could work, but it carried risks. They needed to keep their presence hidden for as long as possible.

<We could lure them,> she replied softly, her voice just loud enough for him to hear. <But if we act quickly and quietly, we might be able to incapacitate them before they alert anyone inside.>

Her hand shifted to the hilt of her lightsaber, though she left it unignited for now. Valery's eyes met Silas's, and she gave him a small nod, her tone steady and encouraging. <You take the one on the right; I'll handle the left. If we move together, we can take them down without a sound.>

She'd leave the decision to him. But on either his or her mark, she was ready to take one of them down.

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

"You have a point..." Silas whispered back just before an idea came to mind. Looking back into the cave, he could see some loose rocks scattered along the floor "If I can do it right we can use those rocks to create a noise to their left. Then, the second they look away we can move in and strike" the only issue was that they need to stop looking in front of them. Even in their buzzed state, they wouldn't think twice running inside after seeing a random rock fly across the cave.

"Ay, dis some gud stuff" one of the pirates stated as he examined the cig in his hand "Is a shame ya can only get dem from Coruscant" the man continued while his partner puffed out a big batch of smoke "Dis da premium stuff dats why, you'll only get dem through me!" he proudly stated as a hand went to his pocket to get more. However, to his shock, they were nowhere to be found "Why you fumblin! dare on da floor ya drowzy pibble!"

"Get ready, I'll go right, you go left," he said while quickly stitching a decently sized right next to him. Seeing his moment as they picked up the cigs, Silas threw the rock out of sight to their left "Heh?!" They snorted, looking instinctively in that direction to see the racket.

In a heartbeat the knight sprang forward, swiftly running to the guard on the right and wrapping an arm around his neck. His mouth opened to yell something, but in the end, nothing came out by the time Silas put him to sleep with a hand to his head.
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

As Silas moved with precision, Valery's fiery eyes remained fixed on the remaining guard. The faint rustle of Silas's approach and the muffled scuffle as he subdued his target were enough to signal her to act. She sprang forward, silent and swift, her movements blending seamlessly with the shadows around her.

The guard on the left barely had time to process the sound of the rock or his companion's sudden silence before Valery was upon him. Her arm looped around his neck in a vice-like grip, cutting off both his air and his voice. His struggles were brief but fierce, his hand reaching for the blaster at his side, but she twisted sharply, her grip tightening until his body slumped against her.

Carefully, Valery eased the unconscious guard to the ground, her breathing steady as she scanned their surroundings for any signs of movement or alarm. Satisfied that they hadn't drawn any attention, she glanced over at Silas, her expression calm but tinged with approval.

<Nice work,> she whispered through their telepathic link, her tone carrying a hint of warmth.

Valery knelt by the unconscious guard, quickly removing the communicator clipped to his belt and tossing it to the side to ensure he couldn't call for help if he woke up. She motioned for Silas to do the same with his target before gesturing toward the cave entrance.

<The entrance is clear for now, but we need to move quickly. The longer we stay out here, the more likely we'll get caught.>

Rising to her feet, Valery adjusted her cloak and moved toward the dark maw of the cave. Her senses stretched outward, brushing against the subtle currents of the Force. Danger still lingered deeper inside, but they were ready for it.

<Let's stick together. We'll figure out what's ahead as we go.>

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

Giving a brief nod of thanks to Valery, he carefully lowered the flimsy body of the pirate to the ground <"Same to you..."> he said with appreciation. If they were to get through this with no bumps, the pair needed to continue this teamwork for what was to come. Following as ordered, Silas removed the communicator from their belt and gently cast it aside <"Agreed, we best get moving then. I'm not too familiar with this area, but the further we go in the more I'll remember">

Silas dusted himself off briefly before moving with Valery deeper into the tunnels. They were dimly lit by lights attached to the walls, sometimes making the path ahead hard to see. That didn't matter though, as after a few minutes the sound of maintenance and clattering began to echo back to them. The hanger had always been the noisiest place to be in hideouts like this. Shuttles came in and out like a revolving door, as well as the issues that came with them. They were never in good condition, and after seemingly every supply run something on there had to be fixed.

<"The hanger is up ahead, I know that just from the noise alone"> he said confidently as a bright light at the end of the tunnel began to show the top of a large shuttle, half of which was covered by an array of containers just in front of the exit. Slowing down, he carefully peeked his head and looked both ways before moving over to the stacked containers in front of of them. Keeping his back against them, he shuffled to the left and was finally able to have a good view.

As expected, the hanger was a hive of activity. Dozens of pirates were going about their business, such as repairing, briefing their crew or should I say berating and transporting the cargo of their ships. Thankfully, he didn't see any living cargo for now. Turning back to Valery, he ran a hand through his hair and thought of a plan <"If we're going to make an impact here, we need to start causing some chaos"> he said while briefly looking back to the line of idle ships across the hanger that were being refueled.

<"See those ships over there? If I can take out the gas pipe off the first one, we can cause a chain reaction. All we need is a spark, one that I'm sure you can supply.">
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery crouched low beside Silas, her fiery eyes scanning the bustling hangar as he explained his plan. The noise and activity below were a cacophony of voices, clanging tools, and rumbling machinery, but her focus was razor-sharp. When Silas suggested causing chaos, a grin tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Chaos, huh?" she whispered, her tone carrying a playful edge. "That's something I'm pretty good at. Kahlil would vouch for me on that one."

She glanced back at the row of ships, her gaze narrowing as she calculated the best way to provide the spark they'd need. The fuel lines were exposed enough to set off a chain reaction, and with a well-placed burst of energy, she could ignite it without giving away their position too quickly.

"I'll handle the spark," Valery continued, her voice soft but resolute. "Once you've disconnected the pipe, give me a signal, and I'll light it up. Just be ready to move because this is going to draw every pirate in this place."

Her grin widened slightly as she shifted her weight, preparing to move. "If we time this right, the chaos will give us enough cover to take out key targets and secure our mission."

Valery reached out through the Force, letting her connection with Silas deepen. She wanted to ensure they could communicate and move seamlessly once things started to unravel. This wasn't her first time in a situation like this, but working with someone else always required precision.

"Let's do this," she said, her fiery gaze locking onto his.

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

"Who would have thought my old master would be such a rebel," he said with a slight smile, the usual charm he emitted shining through his focused expression for a few moments "Okay, stay close to me. The faster we do this, the less likely we'll be seen." Silas insisted as he did one last peek around the corner "Let's go"

Moving away from cover, he could feel the connection between him and Valery deepen in the force. Their bond was already strong, but to make sure they were on the same page, they had to know what they were doing at a seconds notice. One mistake would be costly, not because they were surrounded but because of the alarm it would cause. By the time they escaped and came back, the hideout would probably be already empty.

Using crates and different ships as cover, they slowly but surely make progress to the right side of the ships. They did well so far to stay away from eyesight, and before long, the gas pipe was only a few feet away. Coming to a stop behind a hover forklift, he knelt and looked back to Valery "So far so good, I've ju-" Before he could finish, a pair of feet came stomping over to where they were and nonchalantly sat in the forklift seat with a grumble "Am comin ya prance!" the bloated pirated spat into the communicator, his free hand starting the engine.

Rather awkwardly, Silas and Valery stayed silent and hoped he wouldn't notice them kneeling to his right. However, that wish wouldn't be granted. Upon chance, the pirate looked down to lock eyes with colors of orange and blue. It was all quiet at first, but soon enough the pirate's face scrunched up "Who da stinkin ell ar-" Yet in kind, the man could not finish either. Before he could even finish his shocked revelation, Silas dragged him to the floor and put a hand to his head after pinning him down with his forearm.

The struggle he once had were eased in a heartbeat.

"Ya messin wib me now ya squib! Don make me cam over dare to give you a whoopin!" an angry yet slurred voice blabbered over the communicator, indicating that they had little time to get this done "Stars, let's just get this over with!" he said with a quick nod to Valery, his body shuffling in clear view of the gas pipe. Raising his hands, he used the force to wrap itself around it and forcefully pull back. The first tugs didn't do much, although after the third gas began to spill from the engine to the floor below.

"One last effort will do, as soon as I do this we need to get behind those crates as fast as possible" the knight warned while preparing to move "Okay... three...two...one!"
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The moment Silas counted down, Valery was already moving.

The gas spilled freely from the pipe, hissing into the air like a serpent let loose, its fumes thick and volatile. Valery didn't hesitate. With a sharp flick of her wrist, she reached out through the Force, seizing the molecules in the air. Heat gathered at her fingertips, an invisible spark crackling at the center of her palm—

Then, she unleashed it.

A single snap of energy surged forward, catching the fuel before it even touched the floor. The reaction was instant. A violent whoomph roared through the hangar as fire erupted along the pipe, trailing upward in a wave of orange and blue. Within seconds, the flames licked at the engines of the docked ships, feeding hungrily on the fuel like a starving beast.

The explosion followed.

A thunderous boom rocked the entire hangar, shaking the durasteel floors and sending shockwaves through the complex. The force of the blast sent supply crates flying, lights flickering as emergency sirens wailed to life. Pirates yelled in confusion, scrambling for weapons, for cover, for any sense of order—

And in the middle of the chaos, Valery moved.

"Go, go, go!" she called out to Silas, already pivoting on her heel and sprinting toward the cover of the crates.

She leaped, her body twisting midair, landing smoothly behind a stack of cargo as burning debris rained down around them. The heat of the flames licked at her skin, but she hardly noticed — her senses were dialed into the battle erupting around them. Pirates staggered to their feet, disoriented, their attention splintered between the burning ships and the unseen threat in their midst.

Perfect.

Valery turned toward Silas, a fire of her own burning behind her fiery eyes. "That should keep them busy. Now—" she grinned, igniting her lightsaber with a sharp hiss, the violet blade casting its glow against the smoke-filled air.

"Let's finish this."

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

Upon the first drop of gas, Valery started the chaotic spark.

A flick of her wrist was all it took for the spilled gas to catch alight, turning its black volume into a bright orange trail back to the ship. Then, without warning a loud explosion erupted, sending a small shockwave through the hanger that sent bits and pieces flying in all directions. If that wasn't enough, the chain reaction that followed only brought Silas even more pleasure. Ship after ship followed suit, one by one their transportation was all but dwindling before his eyes.

That wasn't enough, they needed to make sure they didn't destroy another person's life.

In the middle of the destruction Silas had joined Valery behind the crates, their plan going smoothly and better than expected "Agreed..." he replied with an ignition of his lightsaber in kind "That will keep them busy all day if needed. Come on, let's get moving" Silas stated just before getting up and quickly running to the blast doors that revealed a long corridor deeper into the hideout "The place we can cripple them is the holding bay control room, it's the core of the whole operation here. Not only will the captains be there, but its where-" for a moment Silas hesitated from the memories flooding back to him. However, that was soon replaced with grit and determination.

"They held me..."

Coming to a turning, the sound of heavy boots and shouts could be heard coming their way. A group of five, who were instructed to investigate the commotion had no idea what was about to meet them on the other side. Silas would appear in front of the first two on the right and attack them with their guard down. Quickly slicing the first one's blaster, he used his hand to throw the other pirate into the wall with the force "What da!" the surprised pirate shouted while grabbing his knife and launching himself at him. At the last second Silas, jumped back to avoid the wild lunge and forced the man to bury the sharp object into his fellow pirate's shoulder.

"Gahhhhh!" the man grunted in agony, his partner looking down at him in shock "I-i di-" but before he could even finish Silas had rotated his body to swing a kick directly into his back to send him stumbling towards Valery!
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The moment Silas sent the pirate stumbling toward her, Valery was already moving.

With a swift pivot, she stepped into the man's unbalanced momentum, twisting her body at just the right angle — her elbow striking hard against his temple. The impact sent him sprawling, his weapon clattering to the floor. He groaned, dazed, but before he could recover, Valery grabbed his collar and yanked, flipping him over her shoulder and slamming him onto the durasteel floor with a force that rattled his bones.

He didn't get back up.

Valery barely had time to turn before another pirate lunged, this one with a blaster rather than a knife. But the moment he raised it, her violet blade cut through the air with a sharp hiss, slicing through the barrel before he could even pull the trigger.The man froze, eyes wide. Valery smiled.

A powerful Force push sent him flying back into the corridor wall, his body hitting with a sickening crack. Within seconds, the corridor was silent again — only the distant sounds of flames and panicked shouts from deeper in the hideout filled the air.

Valery exhaled, rolling her shoulders before glancing at Silas. His expression was hardened, the flicker of past memories burning behind his eyes, but the determination was stronger. She knew what this place meant to him. And she knew he wouldn't let it break him.

She took a step closer, lowering her voice just enough that only he could hear. "We take the control room, we shut them down for good," she said firmly, meeting his gaze. Then, she turned, sprinting toward the blast doors at the end of the corridor. With a flick of her hand, the control panel sparked, and the doors slid open with a deep mechanical groan.

Beyond them, the control room stretched out in front of them—a dimly lit command center filled with blinking consoles, towering data servers, and rows of monitors displaying security feeds. Several armed pirates stood inside, a few already scrambling at the sight of them.

This was it.

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

"And thus, the end of their misery"

Turning on his heels, he quickly followed Valery to the control room blast doors. Whoever was inside had locked them, but to Valery that was only a minor nuisance. Opening the doors with a mechanical groan, Silas slowly walked into the control and set eyes on several pilots. They were all taken back by the Jedi's sudden appearance, to the point where three of them began scrambling for their weapons on the table. However, something else would fill their vision when they looked up at the intruders.

A cart full of console parts.

When it made contact with all three, a loud crash erupted in the console room followed by spare parts sliding across the floor. In the end, they lay motionless, unknowing of what just hit them "Put your guns down, you do not wish to follow their foolish actions" Silas warned while finally looking to the other four. They were captains just from the clothing they wore, probably stolen from wealthy past victims who were no longer roaming this galaxy "Jedi?! how gud of ya to join us!"

Silas snapped his head to him and opened his mouth to speak to the cocky goon, but when he looked closer a strange feeling fell over the young Jedi. He had seen that face before, not only in the nightmares he suffered with as a padawan but from the day that still haunted him. Tilting his head slightly, Silas stepped forward a few steps and gripped the ignited lightsaber tighter in his hand "I remember you..." he said at first to the confusion of the pirate, who offered an amused grin and unserious reply in return "I see a lot of faces boy"

Coming to a stop, Valery started to sense that same raw emotion bubbling back up inside of him "Azbrian, you came to my homestead and burned my family alive." he grunted out to the pirate, whose face was beginning to realize who he was dealing with "You, Thon Lacer laughed while I cried and heard the screams of my parents. You know of my name, don't bullshit me..."

Staying silent for a few moments, Thon looked at Silas with concern only for a deep chuckle to escape his mouth "Westgard... how could I forget ya?" he finally revealed, his big frame leaning against the table while the other captains awkwardly watched on "Look at ya now, all grown up and travelin da galaxy with da cultist Jedi. Ya talents are wasted with dem kid" with a shake of his head, he looked to Valery was infamous amongst the pirates.

"With da worst of dem all none da less, no wonda ya so brainwashed. A shame, she wud certainly av her uses too"
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stepped forward. She didn't say anything at first. Didn't move too fast, didn't interrupt. This was Silas's moment, and she wasn't about to take it from him. Instead, she watched.

She felt it — the shift in the air, the way the heat of old wounds flickered to life in Silas's stance, in his grip tightening around his lightsaber hilt. And she saw it in the pirate, too. The way his grin faltered for just a second. The way his weight shifted, the muscles in his jaw tensing.

But then, of course, he laughed. Cowards always did when they didn't know what else to do. Valery didn't move when he turned his attention to her. She just held his gaze, unblinking, her expression unreadable as he spoke. The worst of them all. A cultist. A brainwasher. She had heard it all before. She let him have his moment. Let him get his words out, let him believe — just for a second — that he still had control here.

And then, finally, she spoke, "If you're done talking," she said, her voice quiet but edged with something sharp. Final. "I suggest you surrender while you still can."

Her amber gaze didn't waver.

"Because Silas deserves justice."

Silas Westgard ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Epica
Objective: Investigate hideout
Tag: Valery Noble

"Justice?" Thon spat back, "His parents were only olding him back, we could see da true potential in him!" he said with a smirk, his glare resting on Silas "It took time, but we eventually saw da promise we all saw in him. Isn't dat right boy?" From that alone, Silas knew what he was playing at. He was trying to make it as if he was as bad as they were, which was completely untrue. Silas had no other choice, it was them or a step closer to death.

"You know what you did!" the knight grunted back with fire in his eyes. "I didn't do nothin, I ordered, and ya complied. Like when I asked ya to hurt people who were bein smart, or even ki" "Shut up!" Silas snapped with a sharp tone, forcing two of the pirates around Thon to jump momentarily. "I had no other choice, do you remember that?!" Noticeably, his lightsaber would begin to shake. "Remember when you left me in the hull for days without food? When you threatened to sell me on as broken cargo if I failed again? I sure remember that, and even then, you'd still force me to fight other prisoners to stay alive..."

Keeping that same smirk, the vile pirate chuckled from Silas's pain. "Yea, I did... ya think I'd care bout a stupid little pu-" Suddenly, within a blink of an eye, Silas rushed forward and grabbed Thon by the throat. His momentum forced the pirate back into the wall with a loud slam, making him grunt in agony. The other pirates, who were shocked by how quickly this happened, slowly began backing up towards Valery in preparation for a quick getaway. "Go on den, slaughter me like I did with ya family. Y-you want justice don't ya? KILL ME!"

Squaking for breath, Silas pressed down on his throat and raised his lightsaber high to strike him down right there and then. However, he couldn't bring himself to do what he had sought for so many years. His head turned slightly to look at Valery, who was still watching him in silent judgment. She trusted him to make the right decision, and that was not to cut him down in cold blood. They deserved justice in the courts, a place where everyone affected by his schemes would get closure.

If his parents were here, they'd say the same thing.

Slowly but surely, the hand squeezing Thon's throat eased up, in turn allowing the pirate to slide down the wall to the floor in a coughing fit. For a few moments, Silas stood in silence before turning to Valery, his eyes shallow and lost.

"Please, tell me I did the right thing..."
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery didn't move. Not when Silas surged forward. Not when Thon hit the wall with a sickening crack. Not even when the pirates around them began to shift, their instincts screaming at them to flee as the room tilted toward something dangerous.

She justw atched the way Silas's grip tightened, the way his breath came sharp and unsteady. Watched the way his lightsaber trembled in his raised hand, the weight of the past and the present colliding in the single, terrible moment where choice and vengeance stood on either side of a blade.

He was right there. One strike. One flick of the wrist. It would be easy. Valery didn't tell him to stop. Didn't demand that he let go. This was his moment. His decision to make.

And then—

His fingers loosened.

Thon gasped as he slumped against the wall, coughing and wheezing for air, and Valery finally let out a quiet breath of her own. Relief flickered in her gaze, but she didn't move toward him, not yet. Not until Silas turned, his eyes seeking hers, something raw and hollow and lost in them.

She held his gaze, steady and unwavering. "You did." Her voice was quiet but firm. Killing Thon would have been simple. Would have been the end of it. But his was justice. Now, he would face the weight of his crimes, and with him, perhaps others would be brought to light. People who had suffered under him would get their closure. The courts would decide his fate — not the ghosts of Silas's past.

"You chose justice over vengeance," she continued, stepping forward at last, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "That is not weakness, Silas. That is strength."

Silas Westgard ​