Private Rescue Mission or Death Trap?

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: 2x Sigra vibroblade | 2x Striith vibrosword | 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Gildenweave Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | Shield talisman | Stealth field generator | Holographic disguise matrix | G1 OmniLink
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Caedyn Arenais | Kyra Perl

”Well, if your friends would give up and admit that you weren’t there then, maybe your situation could be clarified and the punishment eased. But so far none of them have done it, they’ve just let you be the scapegoat and be responsible for everything. Your own rebellion has sacrificed you and betrayed you. Based on your words, I think you didn’t expect that. This is your concern, not mine, Miss Arenais.”

She thought for a moment. Neither did the rebels come for the girl now, it was enough proof that they had given up on her. Or at least they apparently resigned. They already knew quite a lot about the rebels, that there was no common leadership, they were made up of cells, so they really had to wait for them to take coordinated action against someone… well that’s why they could never win.

”But see how gracious I am, I will be willing to let go if you do what Chameleon has asked you to do before. Lead us to the rebels and give them up. In that case, you will receive the diplomatic immunity mentioned by your brother and will be free to leave the Eternal Empire.”

She even spread her hands a little to show she was serious. It was worth making so many sacrifices for success to settle with the Rebels once and for all. The Overlord then turned her attention to the woman's twin brother, who began to speak. She used to hear such a transparent and catastrophic bluff, a lie.

”So, you went after a message that you didn’t even look at where it came from. We leaked the radio message, it had nothing to do with her sister. From there, you should have known that the Eternal Empire is a notoriously militaristic state, here every building is a military facility. Don’t try to bluff anymore, you’re not good at it.”

Ingrid was still speaking coldly and militarily, she had not switched to a more direct emphasis. As the man spoke of her sister's merits, a predatory smile appeared on the Overlord's lips for a moment, which then disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

”We have to agree on that, apparently she was really just exploited. How does it feel to know that your own are betraying and sacrificing you? All this just to save themselves? They were even able to sacrifice a planet just to be right. It didn't care about your sister or the Rebels knowing that the Emperor would slaughter everyone. They persuaded the Queen to thwart my rescue attempt as well. Tell me, Mr. Areanis, are these also acceptable to you? To chase others into suicide? Or do you know that your sister is actually even responsible for genocide? Indirectly true, but she was part of it. You consider me as an evil military personnel, however on that planet I was the only one, who tried to save lives. You really reckon your sister is as good as you think?”

The red-haired woman referred to what was on Orellon II, where Ingrid was trying to save the situation so that there would be no massacre, failed because the Rebels and the Queen preferred to slaughter the loyalist delegation. The following sentences continued to amuse the woman. She found Caedyn very cute, and also infinitely naive and stupid.

”Oh, I just call it an inconvenience rather than an actual problem. You know, like a mosquito buzzing at night, or a fly, nothing more. They do no real harm, just annoying ones. Feel free to disclose it if you want, but by saying you only have to discredit yourself, that you are a person driven by petty revenge and ignorance. If you want I can already give you access to the terminals to do so. It's up to you what you want, Mr. Arenais.”

She offered it in a cordial tone. Since the attack of the Eternal Truth, the Rebels have almost completely disappeared, she knew they were getting ready for something, but they had been almost completely passive since Orellon II. The woman did not know the reason yet, but she found it possible that the traitors had done great harm to them as well and surprised them as well. She tilted her head slightly to the side and then shook it.

”If Miss Arenais tells me what I asked for and we have verified the authenticity of her information, she is free to leave with you. In the meantime, however, you must play under my conditions.”

She managed to be very diplomatic all along, even AMCO would be proud of her.

​

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Transfered to Silver Space? What was this? Some kind of prisoner swap? Was she just going to be detained and questioned by the Silvers too?

Lori took another two steps back from Caedyn Arenais and Kyra Perl as she once again thought about running and stealing a ship to flee. But then the entire escape would be filled with consequences. And not just for herself either.

Lori remained quiet. That is until the Orellion II situation was brought up. Ingrid L'lerim was twisting the facts, much like the propaganda broadcasts of theirs. "That's not what happened! The Kentra and Orellions did not want to be occupied by the Empire or turned into one of their military states! Especially after what happened on Bakura! They wanted our help! I was working with plenty of others to help get the citizens off of Orellion II, and your people had then slaughtered! Your hired goons slaughtered them too and blamed me for it when I was captured! The Empire uses genocide as punishment! And then blame everyone but themselves!"

Caedyn may have been able to keep his composure, but she wasn't known to. Especially when she was being given the blame for what others had done.

The Chameleon. Is that what Elaena Kessia Miran was called? She didn't exactly get much information when she was masquerading as Curtis Learchin , that much was clear. Of course there wasn't a whole lot going on at the time. Lori was acting on her own. But if she was to get out of this mess, she needed to provide something...

"There's a base....I can show you where it is on a map." The base was her own. Hidden and funded not by herself or the Arenais family, but by donations, most of which were anonymous. The real Curtis had been there, even Caedyn had, so they knew it for what it was.

 

[Kyra Perl]

The bargaining and blackmail went largely over Kyra's head. She knew nil none about the forces at play here. The galaxy was large and they were so very far from the home base Kyra had familiarized herself with. The distance reached her then, a sense of still-coldness creeping through her as she realized they could die in this moment and those at home would be none the wiser.

Kyra swallowed hard, humbled and motivated by the realization that it was entirely on her and Caedyn to walk out of this alive.

"Master?" She breathed, seeking guidance as the cogs around them continued to turn and shift their circumstances against the two's will. She knew him so well now, there would be no need for words.

What was their next step now? The moment he chose it would be the immediate moment she backed him up-- guns a blazing or a stand down.

She trusted him inexplicitly. Moreso-- she chose to trust in the force.

She remained acutely aware of the woman behind her, Loreena's urge to run not surpassing the empath that guarded her.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: Caedyn's Jedi robes, Armistice Lightsaber & CS.38 Tactical Side-Arm
Companions: Task Force Lykos
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Ingrid L'lerim | Kyra Perl​

​

"Mr. Areanis, are these also acceptable to you? To chase others into suicide? Or do you know that your sister is actually even responsible for genocide? Indirectly true, but she was part of it. You consider me as an evil military personnel, however on that planet I was the only one, who tried to save lives".

Caedyn listened to Ingrid L'lerim 's words, although he knew nothing about the events that had transpired on Orellon II, or of whom were involved let alone responsible for whatever the outcome had been. His lightsaber remained ablaze, while his free hand remained at his side, a thumb embedded beneath his belt in a somewhat uneasy stance; His Commlink situated on the rear-left side of his utility belt pressed lightly against the side of his palm.

All the while, his expression remained calm and collected on the outside, knowing that any misstep or mishap that could come from his body language could mean the difference between getting out alive or being forced to engage her people and risk starting a greater battle that might affect countless innocents between the Empire there and the Silver Jedi Concord.

"There's a base....I can show you where it is on a map." came the words from Loreena Arenais-Valhoun and forcing Caedyn's attention to be swayed as shock ran through him. Was his Sister really giving up the rebellion? He knew their options were sorely limited but she was not the type to resign her convictions, at least not in his experience and time of living alongside his Twin.

"Master?" Kyra sought answers, the reassurance of any kind from the Jedi Knight and once more emphasizing the risks at stake. Lori had already spoken the words and so the move was already in motion, too late for Caedyn to hope to keep his sister from having to commit to.

"Hold on Loreena..." Cae cautioned his sister, his eyes remaining focused upon Ingrid L'lerim; "What assurances do we have that you will let us leave, were my Sister to give up the location of her people..." Caedyn asked, although there was less question in his voice and more of a demand being expressed through his need to know this deal was a sure thing.

He didn't like being in this position, and he liked their odds even less.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: 2x Sigra vibroblade | 2x Striith vibrosword | 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Gildenweave Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | Shield talisman | Stealth field generator | Holographic disguise matrix | G1 OmniLink
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Caedyn Arenais | Kyra Perl

”Am I the only one who finds it interesting that you are always there everywhere and in a very interesting way you claim to never do anything? Does anyone even believe this? Or are you really that stupid and let the rebellion play with you like that?”

Although the words sounded rather mocking, Ingrid's voice was still emotionless and frosty. In fact, even an HRD might have seemed more alive based on its tone.

”No one should have died there, even after the betrayal, at most the queen would have been the only one to be retaliated against for her. I gave it a chance to survive without casualties. Even after that, they could have escaped the planet pretty slowly, emigrating. A single drop without bloodshed. No, you… and your rebellion wanted to fight even when you all knew a significant part of the planet would die. It dries on your souls, you should have accepted my offer. Therefore, you cannot blame the Empire, only the Rebels and yourself.”

She watched the trio, still not moving, just standing, clasping her arms behind her back after the previous move.

”Do you know how I see it? The Rebellion wants to shape the Empire into what they want to see. They could have freely dissociated with the people of Orellon, in silence, for months. But for that, the Rebels would have had to think, there would have been no drama in that, no one was paying attention to that. What is their plan? They slaughtered the population of the planet with the Emperor because they knew exactly how he would react to what the Rebels were doing. After all, what does the population of a planet matter to them if they get what they want? The Empire is evil and cruel. But no, in this case, you and the Rebellion are the ones who have sentenced this planet and its population to death. Of course, you can tell yourself that is not true. But think about it, you and they could have saved everyone without bloodshed, in secret, but then they don’t get what they want. Have you ever considered this side of the coin, Miss Arenais, or you Miss Perl, or you Mr. Arenais? Do you still think the Rebellion or Miss Arenais is so innocent?”

She continued to speak coldly, militarily, that hadn't changed. The Overlord looked at the girl. A base? Only Ingrid knew at least a dozen or so through the spies. But she did not intend to make this known to her opponents. And if a base they didn’t know about, they already won. She finally nodded at Loreena's words, measured, and finally looked at the man, she skipped the young padawan.

”I am not the Emperor, I would never break my word, it would undermine my authority in front of others. This can also be proved by Miss Arenais. It is important to me not to judge the Empire for being unreliable. That is why I will not ask for your weapons either, keep it with you. Together we will go to the base if the information is true and there are rebels there, I will escort you personally out of the Eternal Empire space and you can go back to the SJC territory.”

She pointed her head to the terminal in the corner of the hall so that Lori could show her what she wanted.

​

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori kept silent in regards to Ingrid L'lerim telling her that she was being played. She knew that she was, but it wasn't by the Rebels, but by the Eternal Empire. And it was all in their bid to get as much information as they could about the Rebels and who their leadership was. But she was ahead of them on that one, revealing nothing but her own naive tactics.

Yet in regards to Orellion II, Lori couldn't hold her tongue. "Blaming others for your own actions, instead of taking responsibility? How typical! The people that I tried to get off the planet were far from the city! They didn't want to escape slowly after years, they wanted to get out BEFORE the hostile occupation! And your goons shot down their ships and slaughtered them, burned their homes! And all because they claim that I resisted their capture, when I was standing right there! I didn't expect more horrors like Bakura! And yet you can so easiy commit them and blame others for your own actions! That's like blaming the blaster or the lightsaber for you using it to kill people!"

Propaganda, that was all that Ingrid was spouting. Hopefully Caedyn Arenais and Kyra Perl saw that too.

And now for the base. Lori clenched her jaw, catching the look from her brother. Clearly this wasn't what he was planning, but she needed to get them out of this situation. And she figured that this was her best shot.

As she walked past them and around the debris to the terminal, Lori smirked as Caedyn referred to the Rebels as 'her people'. She had no people. The Rebels weren't some governing organization or nation. They were just a band of freedom fighters. In her mind she had no people. She didn't even have her own house! She didn't even reside on any planet! Her home was her ship and that was that.

Accessing the map through the terminal, she brought up the planet Coveway, zooming in to the location of her hidden base. "Right there. It's a food processing plant mostly, with the workers not knowing or having a clue about what's hidden underneath them. You wouldn't get any information from them when they don't know anything." And she had kept it that way on purpose. This was her base, afterall. "So when do we leave?"

 

[Kyra Perl]

Kyra took a wary step forward, the muscles in her jaw flexing as she struggled to keep her bubble-shield stretched over Loreena's body. What was she doing? Kyra shot Caedyn a look as the woman ignored his direction and went to reveal her hand to evil shapeshifter number 2.

A slight noise of exertion escaped Kyra's lips, the protection shattering off the woman as she walked too far. This was nothing like the training rooms. Not even the person they were trying to save was operating to plan! She felt so helpless! Like a fly on the wall.

Her eyes widened in an idea.

The saber snapped closed, its loss of light leaving the room that much darker. After a beat, Kyra held her breath and took a careful step backwards.

They may not have control of this room, but the space station... That was exactly the kinda sneaky training she had been prepped for. She let out her breath in a slow hiss, then tried to slip out the door.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: Caedyn's Jedi robes, Armistice Lightsaber & CS.38 Tactical Side-Arm
Companions: Task Force Lykos
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Ingrid L'lerim | Kyra Perl​

​

"Padawan" Caedyn spoke up finally having been focused on the others and only now reaching out to Kyra Perl as he began to feel her presence diminishing, "As much as I appreciate your initiative, there'll be no need. We're going to comply with our host's request" He informed both his Padawan but also Loreena Arenais-Valhoun , as Ingrid L'lerim had compromised by allowing them to keep hold of their effects and so Caedyn wished to show some semblance of faith in order to keep from causing a diplomatic incident. There were far more lives at stake than their own, and such was the reason why it was simply out of the question to engage the Empire's forces in an outright battle.

The sound of energy rescinding back into the Jedi Knight's Lightsaber hilt sounded with a hiss and a snapback into silence in a sign of his intent to follow through with his words, turning to look to his Sister with a rather placid expression given the tension that resided within him, the stress of having to consider the risks and gambling of their own lives for the sake of so many millions of others that may be impacted from the smallest misstep.

Pulling the commlink from his belt without any sense of fear or concern for what Ingrid may have been thinking, Caedyn raised the communication device near so that he would be heard clearly; "Stand down Lykos, return to the ship and rendezvous with the Vagabond. We'll be finding our own way home". Caedyn had taken Kyra with him to meet Kaine Australis and teach a lesson that their current situation seemed to reflect for the Knight, the fact that regardless of being on opposing sides, violence wasn't always the answer and there were times where it was better to compromise for the greater good rather than think of only their own needs.

"Lori, I know you and she have a plethora of differences but we'll deal with the fallout once we're out on the other side of this mess, okay?" Caedyn offered his sister some words hoping to reassure her that there would be time ahead for them to fall into damage control, as long as they were able to survive this encounter.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: 2x Sigra vibroblade | 2x Striith vibrosword | 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Gildenweave Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | Shield talisman | Stealth field generator | Holographic disguise matrix | G1 OmniLink
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Caedyn Arenais | Kyra Perl

”Are you talking, Miss Arenais? I also take responsibility for the actions of the Emperor and acknowledge that what happened there should never have happened there. This is another shame in judging the Empire, which will take a very long time to wash away from our honour. But it was your fault too! Maybe you’re lying that I didn’t ask you to give up to leave before the Emperor issued the order?! You and your people are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands! Even if you don’t accept it, you are just as guilty of it as the Emperor! Or me because I let you go countless times for peace… Don’t tell me that after Bakura you didn’t know what to expect from him… if you do that, you’re lying!”

She said coldly, without any emotion. Slowly, she really didn’t understand how these could be on the Light side. It wasn’t propaganda what she said, it had nothing to do with it. If she had been able to do it, she would have shouted this bitterly into the young woman's face. But she couldn’t do it, and the other apparently didn’t even have as much empathy as Ingrid, and was unable to understand the weight of her own actions or those of her companions. If they didn’t want to kill the loyalist there or just simply leave, all of that wouldn’t have happened. But not. And she was tired of convincing the rebels with a nice word. She will no longer give them any chance, Loreena has now played the opportunity forever. She'll no longer let any of them go, and if she needs to slaughter their families in retaliation, well she will do so in defence of the Imperials. She didn’t care anymore.

She watched the map as the girl showed her where the base was. It was quite far from the Eternal Empire, in the territory of the former OPA. When the little girl wanted to escape, she reached out to the Force and with telekinetics prevented the door from opening. Then, using telekinetics as well, she closed and decoded the terminal, which was needed to get out. It will only open with a code or code cylinder. The Overlord tilted her head slightly to the side.

”Do you think, little lady, that you can walk out unnoticed? From the fact you don’t get involved in the adult conversation, don’t think I’m not paying attention to you.” she looked at Kyra. ”If I may, don't be rude, it will bring shame on your master.”

She then turned to the man, to whom she nodded that they would do what she asked. The last time; now she will still really release them, she has not lied in this and will abide by it. But not after that. Meanwhile, she telepathically sent her own men a message to let the intruders leave, no need for armed violence. Only intervene if those soldiers act hostilely.

”Thank you for your cooperation Mr. Arenais. Please follow, from the corridor on my side, the shuttle is closer, taking us up to the Star Destroyer.”

She pointed her hand toward the door, then turned her back on the trio and started out. In the hallway, of course, she will be waiting for them, which was completely empty except for a few containers.

​

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori was not responsible for all those deaths and she knew it. She clenched her hands into fists and tightened her jaw as she bit back her tongue and remained silent. Caedyn Arenais pretty much told her in a polite way to shut herself up and that's exactly what she was going to do. There'll be other times that she could rebut Ingrid L'lerim 's argument. Once she was free. Right now she just had to wait until the time was right.

She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before taking her steps around the debris to the corridor that Ingrid had gone down. It was much easier before when she was but a nameless spacer hunting down treasures and exploring old temples for credits. Now her actions led to her enemies to kill others as punishment and flip the blame on her. It made her glad that she wasn't in charge over anyone, or a leader. Lori hated the limitations that such a thing would bring her. She couldn't handle the rules at being at the Jedi Academy, couldn't handle having to ask for permission to even see her own Dad. She was quite fond of doing whatever she wanted, and as always such things were with good intentions. Lori wasn't a bad person.

Caedyn was already involved and now so was his Padawan Kyra Perl . Hopefully their involvement wouldn't be much. She didn't need them to become targets of the Eternal Empire too.

 

[Darth Daiara]

.

 

[Kyra Perl]

"I don't understand, are we just letting her get away with all of this?" Kyra hissed, quick steps tucking her into Caedyn's side.

Little Lady was flustered and frustrated at the call out. For all her training and experience, she felt useless here. Trapped. It was unacceptable.

"I have a shock blast in my arms. I can hit her, knock her out, or worse. We could get out of here, you just have to clear the way," she uttered, her voice tight and soft. Her whole body was tense, not a single part of her surrendering to their circumstances.

"And your sister, if what she says is true, either way we're just letting civilians get killed here, she's going to destroy that factory!" The padawan gave the Master a thrashing, her tendencies to follow like a sheep slowly fading away.

Kyra had opinions now.

Stubborn ones.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: Caedyn's Jedi robes, Armistice Lightsaber & CS.38 Tactical Side-Arm
Companions: Task Force Lykos
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Ingrid L'lerim | Kyra Perl​

​

"Padawan" Caedyn cut her off sternly before the others, soon to gesture towards Ingrid L'lerim encouraging the younger Kyra Perl to accompany them. 'The Vagabond will fare better against a Star Destroyer than a Space Station' he added, though these words were passed telepathically to his Jedi Apprentice.

Unfortunately, the moment the scene had been turned into a diplomatic affair between the Eternal Empire and the Silver Jedi Concord, Caedyn had been forced to consider the far-reaching effects of their intervention. Furthermore, he wasn't content to rush their actions when time and careful thinking accompanied with a clear head could allow for greater opportunities that might also minimalize any unnecessary loss of lives.

"Exactly what are your intentions regarding this outpost my Sister's divulged to you, Sarisa?" Caedyn called Ingrid by the alias, the only one that he had known her by despite the impersonation no longer being active. Consider it a point of emphasizing the insult she had offered him in those prior times. In any case, Caedyn continued to walk alongside the Empress Regent while Loreena Arenais-Valhoun might be allowed to follow alongside his Padawan. The hope being that Kyra might see the benefit in pacing things out, and searching for further possibilities along the way.

"Do you plan to incapacitate them, arrest them or simply kill them as my Padawan's suggested?" Caedyn inquired, curious to get a better picture of this woman, for both the present and any future dealings given his Sisters involvement in the Eclipse Rebellion.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand
The Red Witch; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Space Station, Trenwyth
Equipment: 2x Sigra vibroblade | 2x Striith vibrosword | 2x red blade lightsaber shoto | Gildenweave Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | Shield talisman | Stealth field generator | Holographic disguise matrix | G1 OmniLink
Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Caedyn Arenais | Kyra Perl

Ingrid felt Lori's tension at how hard it was for her to remain silent. The little girl's fighting spirit was almost fun. But it also showed that the Jedi were not prepared for what they were facing. She might have had more weapons, but she wouldn’t have worried if she hadn’t brought weapons with her. The superiority would have been unpleasant, but somehow it would have solved it. The Empress Regent was not arrogant, only maximally aware of her own abilities.

"So that would be the Jedi method, Little Lady? Kill everyone and destroy the factory? I have heard of the fact that in such a case, everyone starts from their own views."

Said in a still cold voice, without turning back. However, she looked at Caedyn as the man joined her for a walk. Didn’t answer for a few moments, meanwhile they reached a turbo-lift, into which, if everyone got in, they went up two or three levels, where the shuttles were waiting with pilots. One of these will take the company to Star Destroyer and then wait for the Jedi ship to land and go to the given coordinates before departure.

"Do all your and the Jedi thoughts revolve around projecting your and their own repressed aggression? Again, my answer is no, not or not like the emperor or you. The rebels are captured and brought to justice, where they are punished to the extent of their actions. But I will not execute anyone without a formal procedure. Civilians, if any, factory workers… I have nothing to do with them. I'm only interested in the rebels. That is why you are coming with me to see that I have told the truth."

Didn't lie now either, she could best win if only told the truth. Meanwhile, when everyone arrived and boarded the dropship, it also set off in the direction of the Star Destroyer.

"I am confident that this is a perfect fit for everyone. And if a message is sent in advance to warn the rebels, all outbound communications will be blocked. If I play purely, should you honour me with the same."

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Well at least someone else was being yelled at and it wasn't her for once! Lori was pleased about that. Or at least she was relieved. But that still didn't do much to help the situation. Instead it merely caused a bit of a distraction of everyone's attention away from her. Not that she could go anywhere anyways at the moment. She was still too sore to do much running and it wasn't as though Ingrid L'lerim wasn't watching her like a hawk. Lori knew full well that now wasn't the time to try anything. A deal had been struck, so it was best to honour it.

She listened to Ingrid answer Caedyn Arenais 's questions in regard to those working at her base and the factory above it. At least the civilians would be freed. But as for the others...

"What punishment is there for the Rebels that merely worked there and hadn't fired a shot at members of the Empire? They haven't gone on any of my missions. They just stay there." No doubt Lori would be thinking of some kind of a plan to rescue them, if need be. She would hope that any members of the Rebels would go and rescue her too, much like her brother and Kyra Perl were doing now.