Faction [THP] Inception

[Uxo Orin]

Inception
Tags: Open

From a black and orange freighter, did they emerge. Uxo Orin, the Lord Azsis, atop his new wife’s and now his royal mount, along with his band of not-so-merry men behind him on theirs. They parted the gathering crowd with their presence and the beasts beneath them. Uxo’s men laughed as their Howler’s growled at strangers and passersby. When Uxo turned his head to glance at them, the men stopped their laughing and spurred their howlers into silence. Uxo and his Howler, Tuchak, carried themselves taller, quieter, and more respectfully than the others. It was why he was their leader and their Lord. He was a man that stood above men, if only figuratively. He knew when to leave the marauder at home, and when to bring out the honorable warrior.

The band of men came to a stop before the landing pad, in a spot large enough for them and their mounts to remain undisturbed. Uxo was the first to dismount, although Tuchak never left his side. His men dismounted after him. Their Howler’s took a moment to stretch their legs before loafing around in a deceptively lazy display. Any who had heard tale of a Howler knew the beasts were primed for action always.

“Boss!” One of his men called out. “These people. They are not fighters, not all of them anyway.” Uxo stayed quiet for a moment. He had eyes and could see for himself. He watched as dejected and inspired sentients marched toward the landing platform. Some looked strong, but others looked sad, angry, and frustrated. A glimmer of hope was the only common denominator between them. Hope they experienced as their eyes trained onto a fierce woman at the edge of the landing pad. It was a similar hope to the one he saw in his men’s eyes every time he liberated one of them from the Sith institutions they had been a part of. “You’re right. Not everyone will be in a rebellion, but maybe we can help with that.” Uxo replied to his man.

“She certainly can.” Uxo pointed at the woman on the edge of the landing pad. He could look at her and tell. “Who is she?” He asked the smartest, and most tech savvy of his men. The man replied by pulling a datapad and showing Uxo one of the many headlines Holonews platforms had on the recent former Grandmaster of the New Jedi Order. “The mythic and heroic Jedi. Of course.” He said, beginning to understand. The Blackwall had done little for information beyond its borders, at least for the common man. It also did much to quell information on the Jedi. He hoped that information disparity would change for him since his marriage to royalty, and the creation of his secret personal path in and out of the Blackwall.

“I’d like to meet her.” He said of Valery to himself as he continued scanning the crowd. He could find those like her in it. The Jedi carried themselves differently. Graceful, resolute, and hard. They reminded him of a man he once knew. He tapped his chest, even beneath his black fur cape and worn and stolen dark spacer’s armor, he could feel his mentor’s old lightsaber, the one he kept well hidden from all but himself and Tuchak. “I’d like to meet them all.” He finished as the large Howler rested it’s head on his shoulder.

“Come on, Tuchak. Let’s walk with the others.” The Howler woofed and followed as they left the rest of Uxo’s band behind.

 

[Vince]

Inception
Attending ​

"No, we shall remain on the ship." This was not the place where Vince should be - for if he was found out, the consequences could be disasterous. Still, the invite he had received obviously carried some weight: The cause was good and some of its backers gave it more than enough credibility. The new King had always been a little reckless, even if his behaviour since ascending to the throne might have suggested otherwise.

The small group of volunteers whom he had travelled with offered a bow before descending down the ramp. Vince moved to the cockpit from where he could see them slowly disappear into crowds below. Although the chaotic appearance of it all, with servicemen arranging to squeeze in another shuttle or directing new arrivals like the Onderonians to where they needed to be, there was also a sense of order to it. For now, most people were sent in the direction of the woman whom had started it all.

From his vantage point within the cockpit, the young monarch could see his trusted friend and ally at the edge of the landing platform. For a brief moment, the passivity that had befallen him since the death of his predecessor seemed to fade as he let out a deep sigh, showing clear signs of determination - perhaps even a small degree of hope. With so much in the galaxy falling apart, this was their chance to build something up.

Leaning back in his chair, well hidden from outside onlookers, Vince contacted one of the volunteers whom he had just arrived with "We suspect we arrived just in time to witness what may very well be historical. Please, keep this channel open so I may hear what is said out there." A prompt but muffled "Of course, your Majesty" was offered in response.

 

[Kell Masaara]

Vera Noble

Kell paused mid-step, turning an awkward sort of bow-legged stomp into an equally awkward sort of quarter-pirouette that would impress, frankly, nobody on the technical merits, but it was sufficient to turn her in place to face Vera rather than what a normal person might do and finish stepping, then turn. Oh. She feels... familiar? If Kell had met her already, surely they'd remember names. Kell leaves an impression. Maybe they'd just been near each other before? Passed in the temple? Maybe she was one of Valery's kids? She looks pretty similar.

Kell's eyes widen briefly with the spark of recognition - this girl was in Aris' artistry class. They never spoke, but she was sure of it. Kell gives her a smile in return, offering a hand to shake, "Kell Masaara, and no, this isn't mine," she hikes the free thumb over her shoulder to the battered vessel, "you're familiar, but I know I never caught your name. I got a regular steel trap knockin' around up top for that kinda stuff."

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Odesson
Objective: Answer the call
Tag: Valery Noble / OPEN

In the skies above Odesson, another X-wing broke through the clouds, its descent steady and deliberate. At the controls sat Silas, still a knight of the Galactic Alliance, answering the call of his former master, a call for something new. Something necessary.

A spark of hope in a time when hope was running thin. The galaxy was bleeding. Coruscant had fallen, and the Alliance was barely holding the line. Now the barbarians threatened to bring that same ruin to every other world under their banner. They needed something to believe in. Soon, they'd need it even more.

Silas believed in this cause already. That wasn't the problem. His loyalty to the Alliance was harder to let go. They needed him, maybe more than ever. Someone had to stay behind. He was willing to be that someone.

But that didn't mean he wouldn't show up here when it counted.

The X-wing came to a slow halt in the air, repulsors humming as it lowered toward the landing pad. As the ship touched down with a soft thud, Silas looked out across the gathering below. Some of the faces were familiar, friends, comrades, people he hadn't seen since Coruscant burned. Others he didn't recognize. That didn't matter. If they were here, they were here for the same reason.

Rebellion.

Silas powered down the ship, climbed out, and dropped to the surface. The wind tugged at his jacket as he stepped away from the X-wing, eyes scanning the growing crowd. He spotted Valery almost immediately and gave her a brief nod and a wave, subtle, but enough to say I'm here.

He had a feeling she was about to speak. It felt right to be among the others when she did, to stand with them as she proclaimed the next steps.

Walking up to the group, Silas ran a hand through his hair and gave a faint, tired smile.

"I didn't miss anything, did I?" he said, loud enough to carry, his voice steady as he joined the others.

​

 

[Thexann Pehnataur]

Personal Log: Thexann Pehnataur

Location: Odessen — Hidden Path Enclave
Clearance Level: Eyes Only
Timestamp: [Redacted]


---

There’s a kind of silence that doesn't feel like absence — it feels like something waiting.

That’s what today was.


I came here to help them build. Finance. Whisper through bureaucracies. Twist the right levers behind the scenes while everyone else braces for the next orbital strike.

I didn't come here for poetry. I didn't come here for ghosts.

But when they walked in — seven shapes cut from shadow, silent, armored, eyes hidden — I swear the wind itself went still.

Every voice quieted. Every heartbeat synced.

And then the helmets came off.

Connel Vanagor is not what I expected.
Not angry. Not righteous. Not broken.

He is sharp. Grounded. Weathered like a mountain that learned to grow from its scars. He carries himself the way only someone who has lost everything and still chosen to rise can.

Reminding us why we're here.

Why this fight matters.
Why our shadows must outlast their storm.

---

Valery and Kahlil brought me into this because I know how to move pieces without the board noticing. Guardian Authority still has friends in high places. Credits need to disappear, show up in new places. Starships need to be bought through shell companies. Medical supplies need to arrive from “anonymous donors.”

I can do that. I am doing that.

But today reminded me… this isn’t about logistics.

It’s about legacy. I couldn't help but think about it as the Vanagor's caught up. Chrysa Vanagor is one of the first people I met at Guardian.

Caltin Vanagor gave everything so the rest of us could still choose. He's not the only reason we are here, but Inthink he's one pf them. His son walks with the weight of that choice like it’s armor. And yet somehow, he still stands taller because of it. I'm not going to ramble on about either of them, neither would want that(I think). When I look at those two though, I cam only thimk...

This isn’t a rebellion.
This is a reckoning.

And I may never hold a blade or charge a battlefield again, but I’ll make damn sure the galaxy never forgets who lit the fuse.

We’re not hiding.

We’re waiting.

And when the time comes?

We’ll make the stars remember.

— Thexann Pehnataur
COO, Guardian Authority Ltd.
Councilor, The Hidden Path

TAGS: Open

 

[Valery Noble]

Outfit: Combat Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's gaze lingered on the horizon until a familiar warmth touched her shoulder. She turned and met Kahlil's eyes, and for a moment, nothing else around them mattered. She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. No words were needed to explain what that meant. She didn't pull away either, not from him, and not from what they were about to face. If anything, she wanted the others to see it.

Love wasn't a distraction. It was a strength.

"Thank you," she said softly, just to him. "I'm going to need you for all of this. More than ever."

Then, with a breath drawn steady, she stepped forward. The wind curled around her as she moved to the front of the platform, her dark hair locks dancing around her face. Her eyes swept across the gathered crowd, some familiar, some not, but each face was here because they had answered a call few others dared to.

"I'm grateful you're all here," she began, voice even but strong enough to carry across the space. "Because I know that for many of you, coming wasn't easy. You left something behind, took a risk or had to survive the horrors of Coruscant just to be here today." She let that hang for a moment and shifted her eyes from one individual to another.

"But today… marks the beginning of something more. Not just words or ideals. Action. A campaign against the growing evil in the Galaxy. The Empire may have taken the Core, but it won't stop there. The Sith Order thrives in the chaos, unchallenged in the southern systems. And criminals rule too many worlds with fear and violence. It needs to end."

She paused, letting the weight of it settle.

"This isn't just about fighting over borders. It's about reaching into the heart of enemy space and making a difference where it's needed most. Disrupting, destabilizing, and above all, helping people who have no way out. People who feel forgotten." Her stance shifted slightly, firm but open. "I'm not asking you to give up your loyalties. Not to your Factions. Not to your Orders. But I am asking you to support this. To believe in it. If we want to win, we have to stand together. We have to fight together." Her eyes met the crowd again, not as a leader above them, but beside them.

"The Hidden Path starts here. What we build now will carry through every shadow the enemy casts, but I need your help. I need soldiers, Jedi, pilots. But also resources and people willing to take risks. To make this work, I'm going to ask a lot of you, but I will stand beside you as we expand our network."

"We will be everywhere and allow our enemy not a moment of peace." She nodded once and stepped back beside Kahlil, hoping they would step forward, willing to join her on this path of rebellion.

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 ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Robes
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Valery Noble Tigris Aphra OPEN

Eve stood near the front of the platform, her cloak bearing the Hidden Path’s banner stirring faintly in the wind. Tigris was beside her, Isari at her feet, and though she said nothing, her stance spoke for her.

She had been here from the beginning, hauling crates into the hangar, helping lay down power lines, and watching the empty outpost take shape under Valery’s guidance. This wasn’t a decision she had wrestled with. It was no question at all. When Valery had chosen this path, Eve had followed without hesitation, her loyalty already carved into stone.

Now, as the crowd gathered — faces familiar and strange alike — Eve stood silent and unflinching, her single eye fixed on growing crowd. When Valery spoke, Eve didn’t need convincing. Each word was only an echo of what she already believed. She felt it utterly unhindered in that fire that refused to die in her chest

As Valery spoke, Eve’s chin lifted slightly. Her gaze swept the crowd steady, defiant, watching who might come forward too.

Because whatever came next, it was no question that she herself would meet it head-on.

 

[Kaleleon]

Many others joined. Some faces I knew, seen in passing or otherwise had heard of. As well as new faces I had not seen before. A lot of the forces here, were just people. Diplomats, soldiers, even some civilians that sought out to bring about a new age of a rebellion against the forces of the Galactic Empire, and the Sith Orders across the galaxy. I had many questions. Some of which I knew I could ask, and would bring it to the forefront of what was going on, but some, were better left in private if I could get a chance to speak to the woman. Despite that, I continued moving inward and making my way within the crowd of people who had shown up.

Valery then began to speak. Bringing about a grand speech about working together and creating a resistance to the very factions that sought to bring an end to the Jedi and other peoples who just wished to live their lives. Power hungry and greedy they were. I knew why she did this. She wanted to raise morale for those who had never been in conflict before. However, as someone who had seen it, been part of it, and felt it first hand, some of these words were not new. What was it that she thought she was bringing to the table? I knew her though. She stood still so others could climb upon her shoulders to greatness.

Its what we do. Standing as the foundation so others could succeed. I had hope that this was such a endeavor. My own insecurities found their way into my mind. Threatening to overwhelm my senses. I didn't realize it until I brought my hand up to my face, but my hands were shaking uncontrollably. This fear, deep seated and powerful under the idea of how much we have lost. Knowing that those who came from the Core worlds because of being removed by force, it sent me spiraling in my mind.

I could not let it. I hated it. Loathed it. Knowing that this is how others felt. So I did something about it.

"I hear the call!"

Stepping forward out of the group, and moving towards the power couple of the Jedi. Sword and Shield. Looking up to them, I nodded my head once. Showing I was here and spoke to them, as well as everyone else.

"Fear of what has happened will only cripple us. The forces of the Empire, and Sith Orders seek to bring us down to our roots. Any chance to fight it, stifle their movements and hinder their progress is currently all we can do."

I felt the pain in my chest, fighting to silence me. Yet I would not.

"I smile in their face. The strongest weapon we have against them is our courage to keep fighting despite the loss. I will join your cause."

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble | 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

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Odessen

Equipment:
Training Jumpsuit | Lightsaber | Modified DL-27

More people had come, none he recognized except for Everest and Vera. His eyes lingered on Valery and the man beside her, he must have been her husband. Ace had heard about him in his encounters with Valery. He was... a lot taller than Ace had expected. Looked a lot like Aris too, well, that made sense - he was his father after all.

His fleeting thoughts would cease once Valery began to address everyone. Ace kept his arms crossed, jaw set, simply observing. But his eyes stayed locked on Valery, and they didn't waver.

Hanging on every word, he quickly realized why she was formerly the Jedi's Grandmaster. She wasn't only just wise and kind, nor was it the pure power she radiated. It was her charisma too, how she managed to find the right words to make even someone like him feel like he could take on the Empire himself.

"--helping people who have no way out. People who feel forgotten."

Ace's eyes flinched at this. Like a bruise had been pressed too hard. He knew what that felt like. To be overlooked and left behind. If he could stop even one kid from ending up like him… Maybe it was worth it. By the time she finished, his arms had dropped to his sides. His posture less guarded. Like something inside had finally unclenched.

When her gaze passed over him, Ace met it. He didn't speak. Just nodded once, sharp, certain. He didn't speak it, but he'd made her a promise with just his eyes alone.

Someone stepped forward first, a red-haired man a little taller than Ace. He looked weathered, like he'd seen a lot despite his age. Seemed like he had a few words he wanted to get off his chest too. Ace listened, a small smirk tugging at his lips. He glanced to Valery and Kahlil briefly, whether they caught it or not, he smiled in their direction.

His left foot moved forward, Ace finally took the step both figuratively and literally. Everything was about to change now. He stood beside the man.

"I don't have a moving speech, but I'm with you, Val." then he turned to face everyone else "All of you." he said calmly.

He wasn't a Jedi. He wasn't a soldier. But for the first time, he wasn't just a survivor either. He didn't know what came next, but he was here. And that had to count for something.

@Way too many people​

 

[Jane]

Outfit: Jedi Robes and Armor
Inventory: Jedi Training Lightsaber, pouches with seeds, standard Jedi equipment.
Tag: Everyone!

---

Another flight. At the very least, it was for a good cause, so the trembling as she clutched her shuttle seat for dear life was worth it. Especially when they arrived on Odessen, near the rebel camp. It was beautiful and vibrant, with the most colorful flora and fauna. And with plenty of seeds to harvest and add to her collection.

By the time she arrived at the rebel camp itself, she was a tad bit late. Valery's speech had already begun, prompting Jane to remain silent as she made her way to the circle of people listening to her. Unable to see anything thanks to her mighty short height, she ended up hopping atop a smaller boulder in the back of the crowd so she could see Valery Noble when she peered over their heads.

Valery's words, combined with the expressions of everyone around her, gave her a warmth in her chest she'd never felt before. A hope, and a desire, to fight for this cause. Unlike the crowd she saw in the distance not too long ago, the melody here was bright and vibrant, full of fire and motivation. Yes. This is what she wanted to do, this is what she wanted to fight for. To help.

The little girl, who had literally no fighting experience aside than running for her life on Coruscant, did not hesitate. She hopped down the boulder she had previously been on to have a better view, and instead squeezed past some onlookers' legs. When she finally made it through the crowd, Jane took a few quick strides forward, ending up right next to Acier Moonbound .

She heard the boy's declaration and waited a few seconds before speaking out herself with her always montone and flat yet steely tone. "I'm with you as well."

Jane's gaze drifted around, taking in others as they walked forward as well, and only now did she notice Everest Vale , who wasn't far from Valery, and Gavin Restur , who was a little further away. She raised her hand lightly towards them both, offering them an almost shy wave, before her gaze moved up to the boy next to her. She raised her hand slightly towards him as well, in a quiet greeting.

 

[Gavin Restur]

TAGS: EVERYONE
​

"The Hidden Path, huh..." Mumbled words, lowly spoken. He had kept himself more towards the back of the crowd as Valery Noble gave her speech. And it was good one. His gaze had flickered around to Kaleleon as he spoke up, lifting a brow though nonetheless paying attention to what the man had to say. Then spoke up Acier Moonbound , to which he paid attention to as well.

He would notice Jane standing beside the other, giving a wave towards him. To which, he gave a light wave of his own. Even she's here, huh.

While theatrics and hope-inducing words weren't his specialty, he felt the need to say something, at least. Steps had led the man towards the front, where people started stepping up to showcase their loyalty to this Path. To which, he had a few words to say to the masses.

"I feel that we've got a chance to really do something here, folks." Letting his arms lower, so that his hands could rest on his belt. Keeping his head tilted down just enough for his hat to cover the top of his face, but still allowing his eyes to look upon everyone. "Each and every one of us can play a vital role. We just need to do it."

This would all be pointless if nothing happened. But you know what? He has hope, for a change. Some hope that this might actually be something.

Some hope to make a meaningful difference. And he likes that.

 

[Vera Noble]

​

Tag: Kell Masaara

​

Vera's eyes lit up a little when Kell offered her name. She took the handshake with an energetic grip, then gave a small nod toward the rest of the base. "I'm Vera Noble," she said, the last name clearly holding some weight even if her tone was casual. She turned slightly and pointed toward the crowd, where Valery stood preparing to speak. "That's my mom. She's kind of... starting all this."

She didn't sound smug or embarrassed, just proud of her family.

Turning back to Kell, she shifted her stance and let her arms fold loosely over her chest. Her eyes flicked back to the worn shuttle, then to Kell again.

"So are you here to join the rebellion too?" she asked, genuinely curious. "Mom can use all the help she can get."

​

 

[Klar]

Klar remained on the periphery of conversation and crowds, listening intently. She kept her robe on and her hood up, leaning on a crutch with one of her arms in a sling - injuries obtained in the line of duty. She wasn't sure what role she wanted to have in all of this. She wasn't sure that she needed to have a role at all. She was a Jedi, certainly. Coruscant was her home, and always would be. Her heart burned every time she thought of the skyline in flames, how quickly it'd all been over. How swiftly they'd been trampled by an Empire that'd seemingly come out of nowhere. How the Sith had been within the temple within minutes of the attack beginning.

Corsucant hadn't just been taken. It'd crumpled like an old brochure. The temple had been poorly defended. The intelligence hadn't been there. The fleets were barely a speedbump. Galactic news had given up on Corsucant and most of the core within hours of the conflict beginning, it wasn't even worth deliberating or pretending that there'd been a siege or that it'd been hard-fought. And that wasn't entirely on Grandmaster Valery Noble's head, but it wasn't entirely not, either. Maybe that was why she was here, why this was happening.

Klar had her doubts. But she always did. Her life was full of doubts. She wouldn't let them stop her from doing the right thing, even if the right thing right now was... a slightly cloudier path than it'd been before the battle.

The least she could do was listen. See if she could, or would, contribute.

 

[Kell Masaara]

Vera Noble

"See, I knew you two looked similar, I just didn't want to assume. Nice to meet you," Kell says, mimicing Vera's folded arms, sliding alongside her to stand shoulder to shoulder as Valery begins to speak. "Sure, I figure it's as good a time as any to become a war hero, I got the skills to start with if 'Hidden Path' tells me anything. Maybe that's why I got the call?"

Kell pauses to put her fingers to her lips and blow a loud whistle of support as the speech finishes, turning her attention back to Vera, "I'm so tired of running, not having a home I can settle down in at the end of the day. Coming to the temple on Tython was like a breath of fresh air, and she was there to open the door for me. What kinda schmuck would I be to take that opportunity and then bite the hand that offered it? I don't have a good opinion of somebody that would. Even the thugs I used to slum around with had a bigger sense of loyalty than that. Usually," she shakes her head - not the point, "of course I'm gonna help - the Empire isn't allowed to just take that from me, or anybody else for that matter."

Belatedly, she adds, "Reappropriated war salvage. The shuttle." Truly, salvage might be all it's fit for, now. Over course of their conversation, a small panel fell off with a dull thud, revealing a high pitched whine of... something that probably shouldn't sound that way.

 

[Vera Noble]

​

Tag: Kell Masaara

​

Vera's smile grew when she heard Kell's answer. She shifted her weight and gave the girl a quick, sideways glance before turning her gaze toward the hangars and the people beginning to break off into smaller groups. "I'm glad you decided to join," she said, her voice sincere. "It'll mean a lot to Mom. She gives everything she has to help people, so when someone shows up like this, it matters."

She paused, watching another squadron fly past, then looked back with a grin.

"And, hey," she added, giving Kell a playful nudge with her shoulder, "It's going to be a lot more fun causing problems for the Empire with someone else who knows what they're doing."

She tilted her head and winked. "Think that old shuttle of yours can keep up?"

​

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Odessen

Equipment:
Training Jumpsuit | Lightsaber | Modified DL-27

As the small voice beside him spoke, Ace glanced down. It was a girl. She couldn't have been much older than twelve or thirteen. If that. And yet here she was, standing beside him like she'd made the same choice he had. No fear in her tone. Just certainty.

His eyes lingered on her for a moment longer. The way she'd come forward with such certainty made him pause. His freckled features softened, Ace immediately saw himself in her. Not the confidence, he didn't have that at her age. But... being young? The risk of being forced to grow up before you'd even had a chance to be a kid? That's what he saw.

She's too young to be here. He thought that without even meaning to.

He didn't say anything though. He knew the look people used to give him when he showed up in places like this. Didn't need to be another person doing the same thing to her.

So instead, Ace gave a small nod. Just enough to show he'd heard her. Then, a smile, faint, the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes, but wasn't fake either. It was just who he was. Crossing his arms, he looked ahead again, to Valery, to the crowd as others began to step forward. But he spoke, quietly enough for her to hear beside him.

"Name's Acier." he said. "But most people call me Ace."

It wasn't much. But it was a start. Maybe he'd go and mingle with the other folks too - like the red haired guy ( Kaleleon ). Or Everest Vale , he was sure he'd spotted her somewhere. At least he sort of knew her.

Jane​

 

[Kell Masaara]

Vera Noble

"Nope! But I'll tell you what, I used to boost speeders on Nar Shaddaa, you put me in a cockpit and I can get the beast started for somebody who can keep up, if we chance across any that could be," Kell frees a hand to roll her wrist, as if searching for the right term, "put to a more noble use. I'm not a great pilot myself, I got the astromech on board to thank for getting me here in one piece. It's wild how similar a lot of these small craft ignition systems are, though."

Kell spares a glance back at the junker as the ramp drops of its own accord, jittering as it goes, a smirk splitting her lips, before turning back to Vera, "I'm happy to help. You wanna see where I really shine, though? Watch the stage. Gimmie ten seconds."

Provided Vera complies, Kell will... disappear almost entirely from notice. A young woman with brown hair, must be a late arrival, strides past her from some ship they must have missed coming in. It's busy, after all, there's bound to be people milling around even without looking out for whatever Kell meant to show Vera. Making it about half way to Valery, she turns in place and drops the cloak of Force that disguised her, and becomes Kell once again, someone of consequence, a Jedi who came to help her Grandmaster, even without the title.

 

[Remus]

The breeze off the Odessen cliffs stirred faintly as Valery’s words carried across the platform. Those gathered listened with a mix of grim determination and quiet hope. Amid the shifting of boots and the murmured sound of engines cooling in the hangars, a single figure arrived without announcement.

Remus stepped out from the shadowed edge of the platform, his boots striking the durasteel with measured weight. No one had seen his ship come in — it must have landed silently, far from the others — but now he was there, a tall, broad shape wrapped in dark robes that drank in the light of the hanging sun.

He did not speak. He never did. Instead, he came to a halt at the rear of the gathering, folding his arms loosely over his chest, his presence steady and grounded. His expression gave nothing away, but his gaze — calm and unwavering — settled on Valery as she addressed them.

When her words reached their final, quiet crescendo, he inclined his head once. It was not a grand gesture. Not a vow shouted into the wind. Just a nod, silent, sharp and absolute.

Those who knew him would understand, few as they may be here. For a man like Remus, there were no half-measures. That one small motion carried the weight of everything he was: an oath to stand with these people, to fight without hesitation, and to see this promise through to the end.

Then, wordlessly, he took his place among the others. The Hidden Path had a new shadow, and shadows, he knew, were often the sharpest edge of the blade.

 

[Aris Noble]

Nope, flying was still as terrible as Aris remembered.

He let out a heavy sigh of relief as he'd finally gotten the shuttle they were using down on the platform. Barely. There was a heavy, loud thud as something probably broke in the process, but at this point he was fine with that. Let it break, so he wouldn't have to fly it again. The red hair he now had was tied back in a bun to keep out of his eyes as best he could. He was tall now, the height near expected of the Epicanthix. A boy no longer, but still not quite a man.

Both time and the Forge had changed him.

When the groan of metal finally quieted he glanced towards his co-pilot, flashing a brief, if small, grin. "Well we landed, at least." Before there could be any protest he got right up from the seat, practically running from the dreaded controls to free him from the overwhelming analysis paralysis they gave. "C'mon, I can hear mom already giving her speech. We're only a little late."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Connel Vanagor]

Covert Route
Various points
in recent history

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

The assembled crowd is silent. Master Noble; yes, he could call her “Valery” but she deserved the respect of her station, he was raised on that. His father believed in those ways, and drilled it into him. Father was always telling him stories, and parables. They were confusing at first, but they all began to make sense now.

One especially…

“I have to look at myself in the mirror.”

Back to Master Noble. She had just laid the proverbial cards on the table. Things were changing, evolving. Things would never be the same. They all listened. The war-torn, the hopeful, the powerful, the broken. All waiting. Hoping.

Others began to speak up. Some just said “I’m with you” but others murmured amongst themselves. Almost as if waiting for something, for someone. Someone who could step forward and give a word, not some hyperbolic dissertation, but words from the heart, the gut, the very fiber of their own being. None of them were without pain, without loss… they could use it…

Connel just waved his hand… as if to pass him by…

Then he shook his head. Mother was standing next to him, giving him encouragement. So he stepped forward, just a couple of steps. Not to stand before them — armor scarred, lightsaber sheathed, face worn but resolute, but among them, being just another person here, willing to stand up, to get others to stand, to give them hope, maybe.

He would not soften his appearance, no jokes, this was not the time for that. This was the time to realize that things would never be the same…

… but is that a bad thing?

---

My father used to say something. All the time.

‘I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror.’

His head was still bowed, looking at the ground, trying to find the courage to speak up.

I used to think it was just… a phrase. A code. One of those lines Jedi say because we think it sounds noble. But it wasn’t…

…It was his identity.

He didn’t carry the weight of the galaxy because no one else could. He carried it so no one else had to. For a long time, I tried to live up to that by doing what I thought he would do — fighting the same way, acting the same way. But I was always behind his shadow…

… and then the Core fell… and he died…

The discomfort in his eyes was growing. He did not like to talk about himself, just like his father, it was “self serving” to him. After all, at this point, who cared besides him? Besides Mother?He realized that his father’s legacy wasn’t about emulating his actions, but about understanding the principles behind them. It wasn’t about living in his shadow, but carrying forward the values that defined him—integrity, selflessness, and courage. Only then could he truly honor his father’s memory.

“I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror.”

The Core fell, but we did not lose it. You either succeed, or you learn. You learn who you are. You learn what you are capable of. You learn what is important. I learned who I trust, who I can look to, who I can have faith in, there are some more, but the majority of them are within earshot.

He looked down, jaw tight, breath catching just once. He continued.

This was never going to be organized. Or clean. Or glorious. This is going to be the hardest damn thing any of us have ever done. But this — this — is who we are. The galaxy will never be the same, neither will we… but that is the point.

Times do change…

We do evolve… we have to…

We only fail if we forget who we are.

He glanced behind him, to Omega Squad all nodding as if pushing him to go further. Then to the faces before him: Valery. Kahlil. Aiden. Tarw. And finally, to Thurion and Mother.

I’m sorry to keep referencing him, but Caltin Vanagor didn’t die in vain. No one did. They died so that we could live. He died so we could tell the story. So we could protect someone else, so that we did not have to worry about what he did... So we could fight back.

So we could remember what it meant to stand — not because we were told to… but because we chose to… and I’ll be damned if I let that mean nothing…

… but not at the expense of who we are. Not if we forget where we came from…

Buster came slowly walking up beside him, the pup got on his hind legs and put his paws on his buddy’s hip in a comforting hug. Connel actually smiled and gave his best friend a scratch.

The galaxy has changed, and we have to adapt… but we will not lose sight of why we are who we are…because at the end of all of this… when the fighting is done… when the wounds stop bleeding, when I’m the only one left in the room with myself…

“I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror.”

He paused. It landed like thunder in still air. Then, softer:

And thanks to him… I finally can. I’m with you… whatever it is… whatever you need… I’m with you…

Lt. Bren Alazar, “Michael”, Omega Squad Team leader nodded. We’re with you. We all are.

The line was drawn in the sand, they crossed it. Let's dig a ditch. Anything I can do to help any of you. Just ask.

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