Faction [THP] Inception

[Kain Aldore]

Tag: Gavin Restur | Open

Kain had been on the verge of going back to the med bay on his ship and taking a long nap. That's when he saw a figure coming his way, he looked up as the man came closer. Even injured, Kain forced his open palm into the air greeting Gavin. "Hey, I'm Kain." He rasped beneath his burnt vocal chords. He'd wondered if his throat would ever heal. The thought of drinking bacta crossed his mind briefly while he'd been in the infirmary. A thought he quickly realized was more of an impulse, and stuck to not putting the sludge into his digestive system. So instead he sounded like an old moisture farmer that smoked a pack a day. A large departure from his usually smooth tone.

Yeah he did offer to teach, however much like the thought of drinking bacta, had he actually considered what teaching might entail? No, no he hadn't. Didn't mean he couldn't. "I'd say you if you've caught em', ya already understand the game better than most." Though for Kain there was a difference between smugglers who got caught, and those who knew better. He was the latter.

This was fresh for him. He got to share what he enjoyed. Smuggling for him wasn't just a means to make scratch, and he had a code. No slaves, no disruptor weapons, and no spice. It was probably what kept him away from the authorities for so long

"Uhm. I guess the first thing?" He leaned forwards squinting with the movement "Confidence is key. Though something tells me that wont be a problem for ya." It was just a feeling Kain had. How Gavin had approached him, how he stood, how he dressed. His own admittance towards where he stood on the moral of it, or maybe less morals and more the money to be made from bringing them in. Regardless Kain assumed confidence wouldn't be an issue. "Then maybe just for the moment pick one thing you plan to smuggle. People, weapons, information- whatever. Start with one, having a focus makes it easier to learn." He watched Gavin Restur to check in and see if he was absorbing the info.

"So pick something... it doesn't have to be permanent. But humor me. Give me an example."

 

[Nathan Bloodscrawl]

The Colossus of Shadows continued to cast its gigantic shadow over those present, everyone seemingly lost in their interpersonal hangups.

Already, 'Morris' saw weaknesses forming. Their heads not on the task, wanting to comfort each other more than discuss a rational plan of action.

One, Ran Serys ran off crying at the speech Valery Noble gave and it was all 'Morris' could do not to sneer under his mask. She could cry after it was over. Did these people want to win or just feel good?

A little voice in the back of his head he had heard only once before echoed.

NOW do you see what I was dealing with? Laertia Io's voice asked.

What is WITH these people?! he thought. What the hell did they think this was, a fethin' sleepover at a summer camp?!

"Getting that sinking feeling yet, Morris?" The Master of Forging asked quietly. "We might as well not have come."

'Morris', however, wasn't about to give up just yet. He had come too far, and defeating the Sith Lords was too important.

"Master Noble..." Morris trailed, addressing Valery Noble directly.

"I'm prepared to do everything in my power to support the hidden path. But I must know how hard you are willing to fight the Sith. I'm not asking you to be willing to violate the Jedi Code. That would be wrong. But these rebellions can get extremely nasty in order to win regardless of good intentions..."

 

[Aiden Rennek]

​

Aiden dropped into a crouch the moment Cass reached him, arms wrapping around his son in a tight hug. He lifted him just a bit off the ground, grinning wide as he did. "Missed you too, bud," he said, voice a little rough from the emotion behind it. "You've grown. You hit a growth spurt while I was gone or something?" He chuckled and finally eased him back down, one hand ruffling the boy's hair before he looked up again.

Tarw's question lingered, and Aiden's smile faded a little as he considered it He stood, eyes drifting back toward the crowd and the stage. "I think it's a good cause," he said, arms folding over his chest. "It has to be. But there's a lot that needs doing. No real structure yet. Some of the people here, they're fighters or soldiers. But most aren't. Not yet, anyway."

He let out a breath and shook his head. "It's going to take time, discipline, and training. And the understanding that this isn't a clean fight." Then his gaze caught on movement from the side. It was Kara Jade making her approach. He smiled again, more genuine this time, and offered a small wave as she closed in.

"Glad to see you too," he said, warmth in his voice. "Been a while."

Tarw Rhyfelwr Kara Jade ​

 

[Vera Noble]

​

Tag: Kell Masaara

​

Vera snorted at the oath, clearly amused. "Reformed, huh?" She bumped her shoulder gently against Kell's. "I'll believe that when I see it."

She smirked but quieted a little at the mention of Master Vanagor and the rest. There was a trace of respect in her eyes now, not just playfulness. A lot had given their lives, after all.

"And uh, I guess my thing is... visions," she said, brushing a hand through her hair. "I get them a lot. Sometimes they're clear, sometimes it's just flashes, but I've gotten pretty good at reading them. I'm a Jedi Seer." She paused, then glanced sideways again. "I also work with Force runes. Dad taught me. They're not flashy, but they help. Shields, traps, wards. I've been able to hold my own because of them."

Her smirk came back, "Not bad, right? Between your tricks and mine, we might actually survive this mess."

​

 

[Michael Angellus]

​

Journal Entry:
.

Location: Odessen, Hidden Path Enclave
Entry Type: Private Journal
Timestamp: [Encrypted]

---

So this little girl, ‘Jane’? She’s wearing a wig? I would say that’s sad, but I once thought a 13 year old was 8, still living that down. Oh well, she’s a sweet kid.

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first day, or 900th year, you’re still “Jedi”, right? I want to be one, but I’m also in the military. It was my uncle, and my father’s may he be one with the Force wishes. The Angellus family line dates of military service back to the very first Hyperspace War… even before… but Uncle Caltin… his sister married an Angellus… so long ago… and… well… me… an Angellus and a Vanagor…

Okay dufus, stop self promoting!

It felt good to talk about these sort of things though, like this is what it was for. Then I saw the other person with the cool hair! ( Lestra Thairk ) Ugh… stupid “speech to text” journal… records everything… I need to pay better attention to this!

STANG IT!

Well, I waved to the other person, even waved for them to come over

Come on over! We’re just chatting!

That dude one dude, he looks like a younger Master Noble has some RED hair! ( Aris Noble ) and that girl next to him ( Zaiya Ceti )... I swear she was… was she glowing? That.is.SO.cool.

Stop being a dork.

Stop thinking out loud.

Yeah, we are all in this together. That means we need to talk to each other, we need to bond. We need to be friends. It takes things like this. To build trust. To build hope. Aren’t Rebellions built on “Hope”?

I think we already are, by living. He… he never liked to be considered anything special. Never was in him. Yeah, he’s watching us from somewhere, proud as can be. Hey, wanna meet Connel? Omega Squad?

– Michael

TAG:

This is where he is speaking

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Covert Route
Various points
in recent history

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

This was not an ideal situation.

Was any?
The galaxy was already on fire. The invasion of the Core, why should they stop there? The ditch had to be drawn. They had to do so “together” though. They had to realign and prepare, and that starts with more than just “orders”, they needed trust. To build it, to hone it, to strengthen it.

Is that a Marine?

He has good taste in gear.

You sounded like such a girl…

Excuse me?

Yeah, say that again?

Jeremiel just laughed, they all did.

Let’s go meet.

Then Sariel looked over at the brooding Shadow of a Jedi. That means you too…

Connel was just standing there, Mother was talking to Thexann and a few others, Thurion was still too ashamed of himself. This was where Connel needed to be. He needed this more than he knew at the time. In a minute, I promise. I need to stand here for the moment.

5 minutes, and I’m gonna feed a burrito to Raphael and send him your way. He pointed, in mock derision.

I’ll do it, too.

For the first time, in a long time, Connel laughed genuinely. Go, you womprats.

Slowly, they all stepped away, headed over to the two Marines, the young lady and her child. Oorah! This may have come together separately, but the Foundation will be built as one.

Valery Noble • Kahlil Noble • Kaleleon • Acier Moonbound • Everest Vale • Tigris Aphra • Csariden • Thurion Heavenshield • • Shan • Tarw Rhyfelwr • Lestra Thairk • Gavin Restur​

 

[Kell Masaara]

Vera Noble

Kell feigns a dramatic hurt, her raised hand draping across her brow, "You doubt me? Sweet, innocent, earnest Kell? I'm wounded beyond belief. Slain, nearly, may as well toss me in the coolant outflow."

Alright, Vera's fun, this might not be so bad after all. Quickest friend she's made so far, next to Klar. Which, you know, isn't a whole lot of data to pull from but it's a promising start at least. Hard to meet people when you jump directly into a warzone.

"Visions though, hey, now that's useful. Is it something you can just do? I haven't read a whole lot about it, but it seemed like they came whenever they felt like it. Can't say I've ever heard of runes, though. You ever wanna do a little educational exchange, gimmie a shout, I'm always game to try something new."

Like rebelling against a tyrannical empire or the new mystery tacos at Grell's Grill. Same idea, really. Never know what's under the wrap!

 

[Fa-Olan Warren]

It had been fortunate for Fa-Olan that a transport leaving Coruscant had had room enough for him to secure a small place. His ability to pilot or drive was next-to-none, there hadn't been enough time to learn since being rescued from the mining colony by the New Jedi Order. A lot of the teenager's time had been spent on fundamental learning, but those lessons had been exciting and full of mysteries to consider.

Now, though, Fa-Olan stood absently to one side of the gathering of crowd. The events of the battle had been chilling, the loss of life unfathomable, and it had been through dumb luck - or maybe something else - that Fa-Olan had even survived. But he had. And there had been something that made him feel that boarding the escape transport had been the right thing to do...

I can't explain it, it just felt right in my gut.

Nonetheless, the youth stood with several packs around him, resting at his feet. He had gathered supplies on his rush from the temple. Nothing overly special, nothing that had felt 'wrong', but mostly rations and water. There was some electronics, some Jedi bits and pieces, but overall it was things his ex-mine colony slave mind had immediately thought to grab in an emergency.

A distance away, Valery Noble spoke of the intention of the Hidden Path.

It sounded... interesting.

"Barely a Jedi Padawan and now I'm part of some rebellion," Fa-Olan muttered to himself, as he reached into one of the packs for some water. "It... could be worse, I suppose."

The youth's mind drifted back to the battle, the pain and loss he had felt through the Force, the voices screaming... he choked down some water, then shoved the bottle on to his belt.

"Wow, okay," Fa-Olan took in a sudden deep breath and picked up the bags. He slung them over himself in whatever manner worked. "I have food and water if anyone wants any."

Typically, Fa-Olan might have sought solitude, but today - after Coruscant - he didn't want to be alone to reflect on that...

Open​

 

[Valery Noble]

Outfit: Combat Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stood near the center of the gathered crowd, her eyes sweeping across the many faces around her. Jedi, soldiers, old allies and new ones. So many had come, and their support was strong. This was far more than she could have ever hoped for, and she was going to make the most of it.

"Good, there are many of us already," she said, her voice clear and steady. "That said, if we're going to fight back, we need more than courage and a willingness to fight. We need some structure and guidance." She turned slightly, gesturing to the larger holo-map now projected before them, an image of the galaxy with key territories marked in various colors.

"I don't believe in building a single fortress or relying on a central command. That just gives the enemy one place to strike." Her hand shifted to highlight several sectors. "What I see is a network. Small enclaves, hidden outposts, rebel bases spread across the stars. Some deep in enemy territory, others right on the edge. And some, very far away."

Her eyes met the gathered Jedi first.

"I need Jedi willing to create these enclaves. Somewhere our people can train, gather, and rest. Places where we can gather and strike from. Some of these places will need to be hidden behind enemy lines. Others can operate more freely. But all will need to be established carefully."

She then looked to the rebels, the soldiers, and the pilost not touched by the Force.

"And I need those of you trained by the military to do the same. We need outposts and bases along enemy borders, but within enemy territory as well. Some bigger than others, but all of them secret and strong enough on their own that capture will never betray other locations."

She paused, then pointed back at the Core.

"There is one more piece to this. The Empire's conquest has forced millions from their homes. We're already seeing the fallout, and it's only going to get worse. I want a place set up where we can bring those people. A place where they're safe and protected by us." Her gaze shifted from one Jedi and soldier to another.

"But I can't run that. I need to be closer to the front, where we're taking the fight to them. I need someone, or several of you, to take charge of that operation. Coordinate with the outposts. Help evacuate people. Give them something to believe in, as we fight back." She stepped back slightly and nodded once. "This is how we start. Not as one army, but as a movement. Spread out, but coordinated when it matters."

She paused one last time and made eye-contact with her rebels, "If you're ready to take a piece of that responsibility, I want to hear from you."

Kahlil Noble Kaleleon Acier Moonbound Everest Vale Kell Masaara Nathan Bloodscrawl Gil Horn Connel Vanagor Kara Jade Gavin Restur Lestra Thairk Shan Thurion Heavenshield Csariden Tarw Rhyfelwr Silas Westgard Uxo Orin Thexann Pehnataur Kain Aldore Jane Klar Zaiya Ceti
​

 

[Gil Horn]

Tags: Valery Noble @open

Gil was mostly silent during the start of the meeting. There were so many people here that he had never met, most he knew only through rumors or mention by others. The sheer, dominating presence of the Light Side in this gathering was a comfort that Gil clung to, something to focus his mind on while he listened to what was going on.

As Valery Noble began to speak, Gil allowed himself to loosen his focus on the Force itself and focus more on the true reason for this gathering. The fight against Darkness and Evil was something that had to be done, but they were not a government. They were a movement, a cause to rally behind and a belief to stand beside in these trying times. The need to organize that movement into a coherent direction was the first step in challenging the darkness, and touched upon that age old focus that had determined the outcome of wars in every age across the galaxy.

Logistics.

A small smirk came to Gil's lips as he folded his hands behind his back, his thumb idly rubbing along the opposites gloved metal hand. Gil did not have much interest or drive to be a a soldier anymore, even one that wore the robes of a Jedi, but the need to help in this conflict against evil was important. To do nothing was to encourage its growth. Luckily, Valery presented an option that Gil could stand with.

Gil stepped forward, his robes shifting as he bowed his head to the assembled Jedi, rebels and sympathizers that had all come to this gathering. Gil gave a brief smile to the room, quieting his own nerves and focusing on the path ahead, and resting his heart with the Force.

"For those of you I do not know, I am Gil Horn. For many this is the first time I have ever seen or heard of you, and that is a good thing. To meet so many strangers with a heart set to fight against evil and protect the innocent gives me the clarity and confidence to know that what we are doing is the right thing. To know that the cause we are committed to is not one of just a few, but one that many in this galaxy will rally to." Gil paused for a moment, considering his words, before turning fully to face Valery.

"I am not a soldier. While I can fight and defend those in need, to take the battle to the enemy is not how I can help those in need the most. I have spent the past few weeks working with the refugees fleeing the Core Worlds and Galactic Alliance space. The men, women and children that are the most at risk of this conflicts wrath are in desperate need of organized assistance not cloaked in the banner of a nation or ideology. I will commit myself to aiding those fleeing this war, and will work with any others that will do so as well. The Hidden Path can create a corridor for relief and freedom for those that need it, and serve as the beacons to guide them to a new home far from the frontline of this war."

Gil paused once more, eyes narrowing for a second. "I will also look to establish an Enclave in the region of space we lead the refugees to. There, we can more closely work t help settle them in to their new lives, and protect them from the predations of the galaxy."

​

 

[Shan]

Tags: Valery Noble and a lot of other people

Jedi enclaves. Not entirely a job for Shan. He kept his arms folded as he took in the people around, a small frown on his face. It wasn't entirely that he thought little of the people taking part. It's more he felt like they shouldn't have to be involved. None of this should have been happening in the first place. At the very least, there were plenty of competent Jedi amongst the group. The Enclaves would be in good hand in his eyes. It was something he was going to stay away from however.

Of course, the soldier talk also didn't involve him. Shan was not a fighter. He was not a soldier. He was not a Jedi. He was none of those. He could not be a sign of hope like the Jedi. He could not be a blade against the Darkness. That was for the job of those who were far more capable. He sighed, running a hand through his hair in thought. And then it came to something he could finally help out with.

"I can help with evacuation. I can also try to get in touch with some of my medical contacts. See if I can't get any supplies for use. It might paint a target on a few of their backs though. If they end up being put at risk, I'm cutting off the supplies."

Perhaps it was selfish of him, but Shan wasn't going to keep his contacts in danger. If it came to that, he'd be able to figure out some other way to get medical supplies and medical expertise in. There wasn't going to be enough time for him to teach people, and he wasn't an expert himself. Not yet at least.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Robes
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Valery Noble Tigris Aphra Kahlil Noble Kaleleon Acier Moonbound Kell Masaara Nathan Bloodscrawl Connel Vanagor Gil Horn Kara Jade Gavin Restur Lestra Thairk Shan Thurion Heavenshield Csariden Tarw Rhyfelwr Silas Westgard Uxo Orin Thexann Pehnataur Kain Aldore Jane Klar Zaiya Ceti

As Valery spoke, Eve’s gaze wandered through the crowd. So many faces, some worn from battle, some young but determined. Her heart lifted when she spotted those more familiar: Connel, Ace, Shan, Zaiya. And then—Jane.

Eve caught her new friend’s eye across the sea of people and offered a soft, warm smile, one that spoke of relief and gratitude. Jane’s presence here, like the others, reminded her that this wasn’t just an idea anymore. It was real.

When Valery’s call came, Eve didn’t hesitate. She stepped out from the sideline, her cloak stirring with the wind as Isari padded close at her heel. With Tigris just behind her, Eve faced her Master, her voice calm but unwavering.

"You know I’m with you, Master," she said, the words quiet but carrying in the stillness that followed. "Always. I’ll help build what we need, wherever it’s needed. If you need me on the borders, so be it."

She paused for a breath, then continued.

"I’d also… like to propose an enclave on Eshan and elsewhere along the Inner Rim. We’ll need every stronghold we can manage, and it would give the people there a way to fight back, if the Empire reaches it."

She didn’t voice the rest — that part of her that simply wanted her mother and her people safe — but it was there all the same, tucked beneath the steel in her words. Finally, she drew herself taller, meeting Valery’s gaze with a quiet, unflinching fire.

"Whatever you ask of me, I’ll do it."

 

[Lestra Thairk]

Tags: Valery Noble Gil Horn Everest Vale and a lot more.

Okay yeah. Lestra lost focus halfway through all of the talking. What? It's not his fault! He's just not great at paying attention. He always wanted to be on the move, doing something instead of just standing there. It seemed like the mood was pretty heavy for a few people here. It made sense. Coruscant had went down and whatever. Plenty of the folk here seemed ab it grumpy but Lestra wasn't going to try and say anything about that. People were allowed to be upset if they wanted right now. They weren't crying over spilt blue milk. It was more like...crying over spilt blood. And that was bad. Very bad. Spilt blood was never good...at least in the sentient mind set. If Lestra put himself in the whole animal mindset, then blood could mean food...Wait. Where was he going with this again?

Lestra clicked back into the conversation, finding himself clearing the bits of dirt under his nails with his teeth. Whoa. He had went into a whole world of his own for a moment there. What had he come back to? Some talk about enclaves and evacuations? Laaame. Where was the action? Though that's when he picked up on something. Something that made his eyes narrow as he thought about it...before he found himself throwing his hand up into the air, as if this was some kind of classroom.

"...It's all fine and dandy to be talkin' about savin' people...but what about the wildlife? People ain't gonna be the only thing in danger. I wouldn't put it past the Galactic Empire to take advantage of any flora 'n fauna they can find. Are we just gonna leave 'em?"

A small scowl started to spread across his face. Yeah, sure, it was more realistic to be able to save people. They were easier to rehome than animals, and there wasn't much of the threat of introducing an invasive species, but at the end of the day? Lestra didn't care about that. He wasn't a people person. He was an animal person. A tree person. Leaving those behind and saving people was just flat out wrong to him...Maybe that was why he hadn't done great in being a Jedi...Yeah. It was that. Totally not the fact that he didn't exactly have a morale code. Either way, he stood there, folding his arms along his front and holding his head up high, as if he was speaking from some morale highground.

 

[Nathan Bloodscrawl]

She was talking to them, not with them.

Morris understood in that moment that it was hopeless at expecting anything but more of the same from this failure of a grandmaster.

Whether it was her intention or not, Valery Noble had made one thing abundantly clear:

The help Morris Crownwraithe could provide was not wanted.

The help he was capable of providing wasn't even acknowledged. She hadn't answered a single concern of his directly.

It was worse than being told to feth off. It was being told he wasn't even worth responding to.

In that moment of realization, Nathan Bloodscrawl experienced a boiling, seething rage and deadly hatred for Valery that threatened to escape him and only years of discipline barely allowed him to clamp down on it.

What had he fought for at Coruscant?! So that this self righteous fool who lost the temple could keep living out her heroic fantasy?!

Was that what his men had died for!? Evacuating a bunch of self interested children led by a woman pretending she was Leia Organa?!

Yes. That was EXACTLY what they had died for.

Nathan was so furious he didn't even bother looking at the map as he turned around, silently signaling the others that it was time to leave. Nathan Bloodscrawl might still be of use to this Rebellion, but it was clear Morris Crownwraithe had no place in it, and never would.

Not even a question. Not even a genuine response to something directly addressed to her. It was the same arrogance that had cost the Jedi the core and led to so many pointlessly slaughtered.

The Colossus began to lift up into the atmosphere. Nathan was still wrestling with his sudden, all too intense hatred for Valery and her husband as he reached the shuttle, sick to his stomach at what had just happened.

He had come here in good faith, and all he heard were empty platitudes and emptier plans.

But Force help him, he thought as the shuttle lifted off.

He was going to show that woman how to properly fight the Sith even if he had to drag her and her husband to the reality of what it takes kicking and screaming.

Kahlil Noble

Connel Vanagor

Kain Aldore

Everest Vale

Kaleleon

Acier Moonbound

Ran Serys

Tarw Rhyfelwr

Gavin Restur

Thexann Pehnataur

Klar

Zaiya Ceti

Csariden

 

[Vess Sadragen]

Vess arrived late. That was by design.

She didn't like being the center of anything not a conversation, not a plan, certainly not a crowd. But it wasn't just discomfort. It was instinct, carved into her bones long before she ever saw the inside of a Temple. Her past demanded she not be seen, and old habits were damn hard to break. Watching from the edge, from where no one looked too closely that was her comfort zone. That was survival.

Still, even as she lingered in the periphery, she couldn't help but feel just a little out of place. From slicing corporate accounts on Denon, to running from death squads on Nar Shaddaa, to stumbling her way onto Coruscant right before it all went to hell. And now here. With them. Rebels. Jedi. Whatever they were now.

The galaxy really had it out for her. But it was simple, in the end. When Valery said she was leaving the Alliance, Vess didn't even have to think about it. She was right behind her.

As Valery spoke, Vess turned a credit chit between her fingers, quiet. One of the old ones, tucked away in a robe pocket she hadn't even meant to sew. Just muscle memory now. She watched the room, faces she didn't know, voices she didn't trust yet. Her expression was unreadable. Not cold, just… watching. Listening.

She caught every word, even if she didn't look like it. Especially Valery's.

But it wasn't until the conversation shifted to refugees that she actually engaged. That her gaze stopped wandering. Her fingers stilled. That was something she understood. Displacement. Running. Being lost, and not having anyone waiting at the end of the tunnel. There was a weight to that part of the plan, and Vess felt it settle in her chest like a familiar ache.

She glanced sideways as Gil started talking. Then another — Shan. She didn't know them. Didn't need to. They were stepping forward, and that meant something.

She chewed her bottom lip for a second, then finally let her voice carry just enough to be heard. Still rough, still low.

"Well," she said, clearing her throat, "I don't exactly know where I fit in here just yet." Her thumb flicked the credit chit once more before she pocketed it. "But helping refugees sounds like a good place to start. So I guess count me in on that."

Then came the glance that small, sidelong look toward Valery. A little sharp, a little uncertain. Not questioning her authority. Just checking in. A silent addendum in her eyes:

Unless you've got other ideas.

TAG:
Valery Noble Tigris Aphra Kahlil Noble Kaleleon Acier Moonbound Kell Masaara Nathan Bloodscrawl Connel Vanagor Gil Horn Kara Jade Gavin Restur Lestra Thairk Shan Thurion Heavenshield Csariden Tarw Rhyfelwr Silas Westgard Uxo Orin Thexann Pehnataur Kain Aldore Jane Klar Zaiya Ceti

 

[Vyn Daldoure]

Tags: Valery Noble Everest Vale Gil Horn Kahlil Noble Nathan Bloodscrawl Connel Vanagor @All the people

He'd only showed up because of his business partner, or well, his friend, had been injured on coruscant. Yet there he was, Kain, sitting on a crate looking like a medical study of a burn victim. Still smiling his way through his current interaction. Vyn didn't want to be here. He didn't want to be listing in. Yet his friends smile convinced him to stay. Maybe he'd like what he heard.

It had been years since he was "honorably" discharged. There was nothing honorable about it, left to die on a moon full of Sith, working with syndicates doing the one thing he knew. Hurting people, though lately Vyn had been going through a lot of introspection. His childhood, feeling like he needed to join the war all those years ago to avenge his family. He'd had something he needed to prove. Now he'd spend another eternity trying to prove he was more than all of that.

As the woman ( Valery Noble ) spoke he listened. Then the other Jedi man Gil Horn spoke of his recent actions, and still he listened. However everything he was hearing raised every red flag he knew of. This was a faction of people who were trying to go underground. No trying wasn't right. They had already done it in some capacity. The people in this room were proof of it.

Vyn had been leaned up against a nearby wall, away from everyone who spoke openly. He'd heard enough, these people would be in the grave by rotations end. He should leave before the Empire find them all and reduces them to ashes. Yet he still stood there, like his cybernetics had magnetized him to the wall. Or maybe it was his morals?

"You all sound capable. Though I feel the need to ask. Do you have anyone In a military position with actual experience leading small cells?" 'Good job' he'd thought dryly. Quickly tempering his own thoughts he realized that providing advice wasn't him signing up. And as if the second he realized that, another thought formed. This was his chance. Redemption, all the other the things he'd been seeking. A way to put his violent nature towards a cause that was deserving.

"Listen... I'm not here to bruise egos. But you should take inventory before you go diving back into the core with blasters half full and the sabers of your fallen comrades still cooling." rocking himself upwards Vyn approached the main group now. "Oh what the hell... Kain already offered his shop which is part of our business. I might as well take it even further." He pulled out a comm device, expecting others to do the same "We have a place on Iridonia too. It's my family's villa... of which I am the sole proprietor and inhabitant. You can train troops there, even garrison them." And while he offered, he lacked giving any sort of explanation. Only sending details of its location to those who'd raised their links to receive .

 

[Aether Verd]

The descent was unhurried.

From the heavens came the unmistakable roar of a Basilisk’s engines, ancient and thunderous, announcing their arrival long before durasteel limbs met stone. The lead beast touched down with practiced precision upon the outer landing platform, flanked by two of its kin who bore warriors clad in crimson and coal. Each moved with silent discipline, their boots sounding a rhythm of purpose upon the rock. Behind them, the lead droid hissed as it lowered its rider to the ground.

The man who stepped forward was as known to the stars as the flag he carried. Beskar black as void encased his form, shoulders trimmed in burnished silver, a crimson half-cape stirring against the breeze. But it was not his armor that made the gathered technicians and soldiers pause in their work. It was the man within.

Aether Verd, Mand’alor the Iron.

He did not bark orders. He made no demands. Instead, he moved with the measured confidence of one whose presence alone commanded notice. The wind teased at the edges of his cape as he stood, gaze sweeping across the bustling platform. The base before him was young, its stonework and structures still in the flush of recent effort. But even at a glance, it was clear something meaningful was being built here.

He had some modest knowledge regarding the base beforehand. How? The Grandmaster had proven elusive in recent cycles, yet not so elusive that the eyes of the Nite Owls failed to glimpse her trail. Valery Noble was no common Jedi, nor was she a whisper of the past clinging to dogma. She was motion. She was will. Where she walked, things happened. And Aether, ever cautious of the tides that could drown empires, ordered his operatives to keep watch. Not out of distrust, but out of regard that her choices could shape the Galaxy.

And then, there was Acier, his younger brother.

After the fires of Ryloth, Aether had made his choice. The Nite Owls would mark Acier’s steps through the stars, not as spies, but as shadows meant to shield. Should the worst come his way, he would never be alone. That was the burden of being Alor of House Verd. That was the honor of being an elder brother. And so, when both the Jedi and his brother appeared on the same remote world, he did not hesitate.

Now, with confirmation crackling through his helm that Acier’s vessel had indeed touched down, he reached up and removed the helmet from his head. The hiss of the seal broke the silence around him, and for the first time since stepping onto the platform, he allowed the wind to kiss his skin.

He held the helm beneath one arm, gaze steady, voice like gravel and command laced with something more human.

“Is there one among you named Acier?” he asked, the question as much a search for his brother as it was a quiet vow.

He had come to see for himself. Not as a ruler. Not as a warrior. But as a brother.

Valery Noble , Acier Moonbound + OPEN​

 

[Jane]

Tag: Acier Moonbound Michael Angellus

---

She was aware of how terribly Acier handled the compliment, but she was also in no position to gently correct it or boost his self-esteem, so she chose to let it go for now. Instead, she said, "Thank you, and maybe." before focusing on the rest.

Jane's gaze shifted between Acier and Michael, especially when Acier mentioned that they're all in this together. Suppose that that was true. They were all rebels now, one way or the other. Michael's words afterwards, about how it doesn't matter how long someone has been doing something, were soothing. She often felt like she perhaps didn't belong, but if she wasn't a Jedi, what was she? Before becoming a Jedi, she was nobody. "Jane" wasn't even her real name, it was only given to her because she was, well, nobody. But now she was someone, something, no matter how small.

"You have an interesting family, Michael." Jane concluded. She had never heard of such a long family line, especially one linked to the army. It was interesting, if not exactly to her taste. Still, she could respect it. "And may the Force be with him." Despite not knowing what it meant, she had heard it countless times now, so it seemed appropriate to repeat it.

Valery Noble 's assignments came not long after. Her head twisted toward the woman, listening intently to see if there was anything she could do.

Front line? It was what she was most interested in, but she only knew a few Lightsaber forms and was carrying a training Lightsaber. Even she knew that going to the front line was a bad idea for the time being. And enclaves? She had no credit on her name, knew no places, and didn't know the slightest thing about being social. No, that wouldn't work neither.

But then something else was mentioned: evacuations. Just as she had been evacuated from Coruscant. But if so many people remain trapped...

As she considered everything, her gaze was drawn to Everest Vale , one of Jane's first friends. Her metallic fluted ears rose slightly at the sight of her. Then she noticed her smile which was one of warmth and relief. She heard her words after, how she was willing to help wherever she could. It was the final push Jane needed to ignite the fire in her soul. She wanted to be as brave and bright as Everest. She wanted to make her proud.

Jane's fragile lavender hand unexpectedly gripped Acier's wrist. "I want to do it. Evacuate everyone. Ace, we should go do that." Before turning towards Michael. "Let's go do that." Without waiting for a beat, she began to step forward, her gaze moving to Valery. "I can't fight on the front lines yet. But we can evacuate people and animals."

Her thoughts was racing at a thousand miles per hour, and she didn't care if Valery approved of them accepting the assignment or not. Because she didn't really care about approval. She would do it regardless, because people were hurting. No, she was looking around the crowd, remembering someone. Her black mechanical eyes searched the faces before spotting the man who had earlier suggested smuggling and happened to be standing next to her first friend, Gavin.

Jane walked fearlessly straight to the man Kain Aldore and Gavin Restur , practically dragging Acier along while giving Michael the chance to join as well. She saw they were in a conversation, but alas; social norms? She'd never heard of those before. "Hello. I'm Jane. I can't shake hands since I am holding Ace." She concluded as if it was quite logical. "You mentioned smuggling previously. Smuggling people is required during evacuations. In some way. We need someone who is able to fly. Would you like to help?" While she did not explicitly state it, it was clear that the offer was also targeted for Gavin.

Somewhere in the back, she heard the call for Acier, but she was too busy.

"For that matter, does anybody else want to help?"
(@ open for anybody interested to join the evacuation 'misfit' group!)

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Covert Route
Various points
in recent history

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

The silence after Valery’s words was heavy — not with hesitation, but gravity. Every soul present would be able to feel the pull of responsibility, the weight of the words given. Then came the quiet scrape of boots. One black-armored figure stepped forward from the gathered line of Omega Squad. Well, not really, he was still standing near Uncle Thurion. As if they're there to help each other (Connel has never forgiven himself for not being able to find “Aunt Coci” and bring her back yet, she’s NOT dead, she’s out there).
His helmet was tucked beneath one arm.
His eyes were sharp.

His voice was calm, quiet, but to himself.

I think we just got our answer. a beat went by I don’t know if she meant to, but I’m pretty sure Valery was the one who sent that message that brought us back. Either way, I’m glad we came.

Maybe she did, maybe she didn’t. It didn’t matter. What mattered was that they were here now, united by a shared purpose. The weight of their duty pressed on them, but so did the strength they drew from one another. Together, they would face whatever came next, bound by loyalty and the unspoken promise to see it through. He stepped toward the center again — not seeking attention, but clarity, just a couple of steps.

I’m not here to speak for Thexann or Guardian Authority Ltd. I don’t need to. I’m sure he’s already said what he needed to say. I’m sure he’s already doing what needs to be done. He would not be here if he wasn’t. I’m also sure the CEO, Alyksandra is in agreement as my Mother is here, as well as my cousin Michael.

Thexann nodded once, firmly, from the crowd. Even slightly holding up a fist.

... that’s neither here nor there, as there is something I can speak to. There are temples. Sanctuaries. Training grounds. Places built by someone who believed in Jedi the way they were meant to be. My father — Caltin Vanagor — built them quietly, with his own hands, his own credits... and they’re still standing.

Pulling out a datapad, he held it up.

And now… we have access to them. All of them. You do too. Another beat, firm, as he offered it to anyone who wanted to look at them.
We’re not just going to fight back. We’re going to stand people up. Raise them. Train them. And if need be… protect them from the shadows… doesn’t matter if they can or cannot use the Force.

He glanced over at the team, but Omega Squad did not move. They didn’t need to.Their silence is unity. Their stillness is oath.

We’ll go where others can’t. We’ll do what others won’t. Almost instinctively, they are putting their hands over their sidearms.


Not because it’s easy. Not because we like it, not because any of you cannot. We will do so, willingly, because someone has to… and we choose to, so none of you have to.

While Bren Alazar (“Michael”) spoke, Connel looked to Valery, then slowly scanned the crowd — Jedi, soldiers, smugglers, diplomats, refugees, all eyes locked on him now.

My father taught me a lot. I’ve still got a few of his holos. Stories. Teachings. I’ll make them available. Not because I’m him. I’m not. I’ll [COLOR]never fill those boots…[/COLOR]

He let out a small smile, somber and proud. …but I can offer everything I’ve got. So I can look at myself in the mirror.

You may be intimidated by me.

You may not always like what I have to say.

But you can trust me.

You can rely on me.

…and you can believe in me…

…because I believe in you.

We all do.

... we stand together, or we fall separately…

Omega Squad’s visual response is simple: Each of them stepped forward as one.
Seven shadows. Seven flames. No other speech. No dramatic salute.

Just presence.

Just promise.

From that moment on, the Hidden Path would know, if they didn’t already:
They were not alone.

Not anymore.

Valery Noble • Kahlil Noble • Kaleleon • Acier Moonbound • Everest Vale • Tigris Aphra • Csariden • Thurion Heavenshield • • Shan • Tarw Rhyfelwr • Lestra Thairk • Gavin Restur • Vess Sadragen​

 

[Azurine Varek]

Ashes To Ashes

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman | Purple Bracelet
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 [x] | Lightsaber 2 [x] | Hook Swords

Azurine sat perched at the far edges of the base, hood pulled up over her head and casting shadows that danced across her face. Shadows that mimicked the grey clouds lingering in her eyes and dulled their natural crystalline amethyst hue. There were many she recognized here, and also many she didn't. Yet, despite that, her limbs remained tense with her gaze cast to the ground. Her voice was caged to an unrecognizable silence. At least Azzie was present, though.

Or, was she really? In body, yes. In most other ways, frankly she couldn't tell. Maybe physically present was all that mattered in that moment, eyes plastered to the feet of those gathered while at the periphery of the grounds bathed in her own shadows. Slowly, she pulled her legs in to her chest and anchored her arms around them where her chin could rest against her knees.

Most of what was said before Azzie didn't quite seem to register, not even the words of her master, floating around her head and drifting away like ashes through smoke—lost. If she was lucky, someone else might have had the bandwidth to think of taking a record she or others could review later.

But at least she was there.

@ All present (I don't actually know how many with different tags on different posts, apologies!)​