if they're watching anyways
Fear had never bad thing in Auteme's eyes. She was afraid of a great many things -- Jyoti Nooran, for instance. The Echani woman had just broken a rakghoul's back by jumping on it, then proceeded to eviscerate its companions like a blazing whirlwind. It was inspiring, seeing a woman so skilled and adept at protecting others. Almost beautiful. Terrifying, but beautiful. Like watching a Corellian sand panther pounce on its prey.
But fear that controlled was a terrible thing. As the gaunt, inorganic forms of the YVH droids fell from the sky and began turning rakghouls to mush, she felt the fear growing in the civilians gathered outside the apartment complex. They huddled together, hoping to find some semblance of safety in numbers, but the stress of the situation soon turned it into pushing and shoving as they searched for an escape. There appeared to be none.
Auteme felt her own stress level rise along with those she'd been hoping to protect. She realized that part of her had been hoping that Jyoti and Charlie would take care of everything. She wasn't as experienced when it came to battles, scary situations, all that.
Then again, what was bravery without fear?
A deep breath settled her nerves. Closing her eyes brought her focus. Her heart reminded her of what she could do. She found the flow, and reached out to those who were so afraid here.
"Everything will be alright," she said, her voice projecting to everyone there. "Just come with me, we'll get someplace safe."
Auteme found that light buried deep inside their hearts, binding it together to form a bond stronger than steel. They turned to her with a new unity and purpose. They were neighbours, friends, family. There were doubtless times that they had faced hardship and danger, but together they would be strong enough to push through to safety.
Even if that meant running away. The droids would handle it.
She turned, leading the civilians away from the fighting. The Force guided her, and she knew it wouldn't lead her wrong -- but as they rounded a corner she paused for a brief moment, turning back. Her eyes searched for the Seoulian in the sea of danger.
Charlie, she thought, just do what you need to. Don't worry about me.
