First Reply Weep, Little Lion Man | Ghorman Spaceport

[Lander Stalwart]

Weep, Little Lion Man
Ghorman Spaceport
Tags: Open

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Refuge
​

The stale air was stilled by the shrill howl of a blaster bolt.

Aboard a salvaged Paladin-class Corvette, a good thirty or so people were huddled together, scattered about the impromptu seating arrangements. Now their terrified eyes were locked onto a stand off between too men. One looked on with weary eyes and a trembling hand, blaster clutched in a mechanical prosthetic. The other's eyes were blank, a blaster hole in his chest. As the dead man fell, a communication device fell out of his hand and clattered against the ground. With a calculated motion, Lander Stalwart moved his foot over the device and crushed it.

It had been months since the Sith Covenant took hold of the Core, longer since Sacorria had been lost to the Galactic Empire. Once the elected representative of his people in the Galactic Alliance Senate, Lander Stalwart had become something he was unsure of how to describe. A vigilante or rebel? Perhaps. He didn't do a lot of stirring up trouble. In fact, his primary MO had been to slip into the Core and help civilians flee for safer pastures. They were bound for Refuge, where those who had managed to flee Sacorria were lead by him and Jedi Master Jasper Kai'el . Apparently, though, they had gotten sloppy this time. An informant had slipped aboard, or someone who was looking to earn the favor of the Sith. So Lander, taking no pleasure in the act, did what had to be done.

"If you'd... take this one to the airlock," Lander spoke gently to one of his troops, who nodded and quickly began to pull the dead traitor away. "Sorry about that... No more surprises today. You have my word."

The refugees seemed spooked, but they settled down when the former Senator offered them his reassurance. Lander let out a sigh as he holstered his blaster. At least he was still half-decent at talking. He took a moment to compose himself before he made his way towards the cockpit of the vessel, where the crew was preparing to drop out of hyperspace.

"Bucket of bolts," the pilot muttered. "This blasted thing doesn't want to reroute power to the thrusters... power converters must be blown to hell..."

"This thing is old," Lander reminded them. "Repairs were always going to be necessary... What's the nearest planet?"

"Ghorman, sir," the co-pilot answered. "Far enough away from Sith space... Should give us room to breathe."

"Fine," he exhaled. "Bring us down. We can refuel and make repairs... We should be good for the credits."

Ghorman was at least a world that was sympathetic. A past of great lost at the hand of oppressors defined a culture that was forged in reconstruction. It would be a safe place, for now. The ancient corvette would drop out of hyperspace and enter Ghorman's atmosphere, finding a landing pad at the planet's primary space port. As his people hastily got to work making repairs, Lander himself stepped off the vessel and out a ways into a nearby clearing. He needed a moment to breath, get his head on straight.

Lander did detest killing people. Even so, he was a soldier. He knew what happened if he didn't do what had to be done.

After a moment he found himself a nearby bench and sat himself down. His body was stiff, his hair was unkempt, and he wore bags under his eyes. One would think being busy would be a good distraction from missing his home dearly. That wasn't so. Even amidst all of this, Lander's mind never stopped thinking about Sacorria.

What he wouldn't give to go home.

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
GHORMAN
[REDACTED]

"Now there was a planet with a rather storied history", Ronhar thought to himself as the Fool's Errand began its descent into Ghorman's atmosphere. Much like Mahporeem, Ghorman too had been a victim of the original Galactic Empire, betrayed, exploited and nearly driven to the brink of total destruction. Granted, unlike Ghorman, Mahporeem had been far more successful in its war against its oppressors, but Ronhar still had to admire the spirit that the Ghorman people had shown when it came to fighting for the future of the planet.

Perhaps that was why Ronhar was looking for a peaceable solution to the problem that he was trying to solve today. With more and more Force Sensitives flocking to the Junkyard Knights of Mahporeem each and every day, the organization was going to need ships if they were to play a greater role in Galactic affairs, ships that the Imperial Remnant could easily provide for them, save for one teeny tiny detail:

The Junkyard Knights have refused to use every vessel that Ronhar had offered them!

It didn't matter how much Ronhar begged, pleaded, or threatened the knights: they steadfastly refused to use any ship that the Imperial Remnant could offer them. Apparently being a annoyance transcended the light side and dark side of the force, but luckily for Ronhar, the knights did provide him with a suitable model of ship, one that they had located through a force vision or something.

A Paladin-class Corvette, which just so happened to be located on Ghorman, and apparently in fully working order. Even if it wasn't, Ronhar was confident that his people back home could get it up and running, and he was sure that such a ship would be acceptable for the knights, as much of a pain in his rear end that they had been. A quick sensor scan confirmed the location of the vessel, and the Fool's Errand landed in the nearest space port available, the local officials having been bribed to allow such a large and foreign ship access to the planet. Still, even though he had no love for the Empire, Ronhar and his men were sure to attract attention, and so he wished to be on and off the planet as quickly as possible, hopefully with his new ship in tow for those blasted knights!

Ronhar and his men made their way to the ship, which was abuzz with all kinds of people sitting and working around it, some clearly in better condition than the others. Obviously, someone using such an old ship probably wasn't doing it by choice, unless they were some sort of force sensitive group or ship collectors, which Ronhar doubted very much from what he was observing. Honestly, it didn't seem that there was much preventing him from just seizing the ship by force, but still, he again wanted a peaceable solution if possible, and was fully prepared to barter and negotiate if he needed to. After all, there was no point in making an enemy of the entire planet if he could help it, and he just might be able to if he played his cards right.

Keeping his weapons holstered, Ronhar stepped forward and announced his presence, making no attempts to hide himself or sneak up on the group surrounding the ancient corvette.

"My name is Captain Ronhar Tane, TK-3301 of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant", he began, making sure to keep a fair bit of distance between himself and the group of people around the ship. "I have taken a great personal interest in your vessel, and I wish to acquire it. Who can I speak to here that's in charge?", he tried to ask as politely and casually as possible...
​

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Spoiler: Ronhar's Loadout

• Burnblade
• Ion Slicer Vibroknife
• Model 216 "Big Game Hunter"
• Mahporeem Acid Rifle
• Prototype Sonic Pistol
• Rhydonium Grenades
• Mk II Viral Bombs
• Wampa-Pattern Industrial Exoskeleton
• "Kitetsu" Force Energy Cycler
• Yugiri" Capture Nets
• Mk 45 Protective Vest
• Carapace Knitters
• ABC - Aerosolized Bacta Cannisters

TAGS:
Lander Stalwart

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Ghorman
Tags: Ronhar Tane

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Refuge
​

"My name is Captain Ronhar Tane, TK-3301 of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant",

"I have taken a great personal interest in your vessel, and I wish to acquire it. Who can I speak to here that's in charge?"

Lander's ears picked up on the noise, and a sharp exhale escaped his nose. Great. Just what he needed. He quickly composed himself and stood back up, walking back over to the ship. After the Galactic Empire stomped over Sacorria he wasn't particularly pleased to hear 'Imperial Remnant,' but he'd stay cordial for now.

"I'm in charge here," Lander answered in a soft-spoken business voice. "She's not for sale. It has a mission it's yet to fulfill, and we've already put man hours into getting it operational. We're short on time, and I'm not keen on getting my people frazzled acclimating to another vessel."

And he certainly wasn't eager to round up the thirty some-odd refugees he was ferrying to safety either. They didn't need to be terrified any more than they already were. Hopefully the Imperial was sensible and would politely take no for an answer. He certainly didn't have the numbers to fight if they got aggressive, and the safety of the civilians aboard meant he would probably stand down without pushing back. He had to think about the children aboard, after all.

He had a bad feeling about this...

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
GHORMAN
[REDACTED]

Ronhar glanced around to see if anyone else was going to challenge Lander Stalwart for leadership of the ragtag group before him, but no one else spoke up, as they were either content to let Stalwart speak for them or simply to scared to deal with a bunch of Imperials. Perhaps Ronhar could use that fear to his advantage? After all, fearmongering had been in the Imperial playbook for centuries, and if it had worked back then, who was to say that it wouldn't work now?

Ronhar took a single step forward, still being careful to maintain the distance between his group and Stalwart's, and began to speak once more:

"Don't be ridiculous", he scoffed. "Everything is for sale for the right price to the right person, and luckily for you, it just so happens that I'm the right person. Allow me to take a guess about your current situation: you're all refugees from the Core Worlds, maybe Coruscant, maybe elsewhere, who are seeking to escape the ever expanding vengeance of the Sith Covenant now occupying your homeworld. You used to work for the Jedi, or at least you knew them, which is how you got your hands on such an ancient and unique vessel. But when the Sith came and laid waste to your planet, you didn't even have time to think about finding a different to escape in, and you took the first one you came across, that Paladin-class Corvette over there. You then realized after a few days on the run that you have no idea what you're doing, right? That about sum it up?"

"Let me ask you another question: what are you going to do when the hyperdrive inevitably fails you and you need replacement parts? What will you do when the engines fail and someone needs to repair them? What about when the engine lines leak, or the navicomputer malfunctions, or any one of a million little things goes wrong with such an antiquated vessel? What then? Because I can tell you exactly how to fix those things, and it isn't easily. This is coming, mind you, from a planet that has dealt with and operated ships like these for the last several centuries. When it comes to these flying relics, I'd wager that no one has more experience with them than Mahporeem does."

"So again, let me repeat myself: I have taken a great interest in your ship, and still wish to acquire it. What's your price? Underworld credits? A ship of comparable value? A custom built vessel for you and your friend's needs?", Ronhar asked, hoping that Lander Stalwart would take him up on what he thought to be a rather generous offer.
​

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Spoiler: Ronhar's Loadout

• Burnblade
• Ion Slicer Vibroknife
• Model 216 "Big Game Hunter"
• Mahporeem Acid Rifle
• Prototype Sonic Pistol
• Rhydonium Grenades
• Mk II Viral Bombs
• Wampa-Pattern Industrial Exoskeleton
• "Kitetsu" Force Energy Cycler
• Yugiri" Capture Nets
• Mk 45 Protective Vest
• Carapace Knitters
• ABC - Aerosolized Bacta Cannisters

TAGS:
Lander Stalwart

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Ghorman
Tags: Ronhar Tane

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
​

"Let's make a few things clear," Lander began, stepping forward to match him. "It wasn't the Sith that conquered the Core first. Imperials did that. By that principal alone, I can't trust any piece of equipment you give me. The fact that you're ready and willing to extort the fears of refugees tells me you've already made up your mind, so trying to appeal to your humanity would probably be a waste of time. And you come to Ghorman to do that of all places? Knowing full well what those dressed like you brought to this place nine-hundred years ago. I'd consider that to be tone-deaf, offering you the benefit of the doubt. The alternative is cruel and unusual, and I don't know you well enough to make that assumption yet..."

Hagging refugees out of their ship. Lander had half the mind to verbally deter the man and send him home. What few battle-ready crew he had weren't being idle either. Word would make it to the cockpit, and the pilot would send an encrypted signal over their secure channel with their allies. One that no other entity could trace. Jasper Kai'el and the Jedi Outcasts naturally would be the first to receive their transmission, a preemptive call for backup in case things got hostile. Aether of the Iron Order , the Kingslayer, would be amongst those who received the transmission.

In the meanwhile, Lander Stalwart was to make it clear he wasn't going to be walked over.

"If you have any kind of civility in you, I'm gonna ask that you leave us be," he requested in a calm, cordial tone. "I've already told you the ship isn't for sale. Let's just end this discussion on that note and go our separate ways without any trouble..."

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
GHORMAN
[REDACTED]

Ronhar's face visibly darkened when Lander Stalwart mentioned the "Imperials who first conquered the Core". He walked all the way forward to where Stalwart was and stopped until he was essentially face to face with the man, mere inches away from here.

"I think there must be some kind of misunderstanding", Ronhar stated in an icily calm voice. "I believe you are referring the late Galactic Empire, are you not? Let me make one thing abundantly clear: Mahporeem is NOT the Empire, nor have we ever claimed to be. Considering that WE were the ones who helped to save Atrisia from the Empire's onslaught and who helped to destroy the Third Death Star, I find such comparisons quite frankly insulting. You think it was us who attacked Ghorman all those years ago, while WE were still under the oppressive yoke of the Empire itself? You think we didn't remember the plight of the Ghormans when the Empire deployed OPERATION: CINDER against us? You don't think we celebrated their downfall just as much as the rest of the galaxy?"

For just the briefest of moments, Ronhar's hands drifted to his holstered weapons, but he thought better of it, instead taking in a deep breath to calm himself down. Still, if there was one thing that he hated more than anything, it was being compared to the Empire, especially after the Imperial Remnant had lost so many of its soldiers in the defense of Atrisia and the attack on the Third Death Star.

"If I may?", a second, far more gentle voice said as a different Imperial stepped forward, "My name is Gavbra Hayjar of the Junkyard Knights of Mahporeem. We came to this planet because the Force called us here, specifically, to your ship. I do not know why your ship specifically, nor why to that transporting a group of refugees such as yourselves, but clearly, it must be for an important reason. As a refugee myself, I understand exactly what you're all going through, which is why its all the more important that you allow us to have that ship. Who knows what good it could be used for? Perhaps in the defense of other planets like your homeworld? Perhaps discovering words unknown, worlds that you and your people might settle? Perhaps something entirely mundane yet still important to the grand scheme of things, who can say for sure? All I know is that the Force has called me here, and I have come in answer to it. It would really be appreciated if you would part with your ship, and if you are at all uncomfortable with Imperial made equipment, we could certainly find you alternate accommodations for you and your people. I know you don't trust me, but I can assure you that we have no ill intentions here today, just the will of the Force guiding us to this very location."

Hayjar, was of course, completely sincere and genuine in his plea to Lander Stalwart , and perhaps that would be what was needed to convince the man to change his mind about the subject!
​

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Spoiler: Ronhar's Loadout

• Burnblade
• Ion Slicer Vibroknife
• Model 216 "Big Game Hunter"
• Mahporeem Acid Rifle
• Prototype Sonic Pistol
• Rhydonium Grenades
• Mk II Viral Bombs
• Wampa-Pattern Industrial Exoskeleton
• "Kitetsu" Force Energy Cycler
• Yugiri" Capture Nets
• Mk 45 Protective Vest
• Carapace Knitters
• ABC - Aerosolized Bacta Cannisters

TAGS:
Lander Stalwart

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Ghorman
Tags: Ronhar Tane

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
​

"I don't owe you any favors," Lander stated. "Your aid in the destruction of the third Death Star is not being undermined. I'm merely asking you to understand what you're doing right now, not what may have happened in the past. You wear the face of the oppressor of my people, your people, and Ghorman. The fact that you sought to manipulate the fear of those I protect shows you aren't against using their tactics either. If the Force brought you to this ship, you'll have to take that up with the Jedi who gave it to me for the soul purpose of ferrying these people to their new home. If you do hate the Empire like you claim then I ask you listen to reason."

Lander let out an exhale. The Imperial Confederation was a complicated matter. Always the victim, they were, never quite caring about who they harbored. Anyone born in the Corellian Sector knew the evil Marlon Sularen had raught. How he had brought his fleet over Coruscant alongside the Dark Empire. How he had brought the Brotherhood of the Maw back to the Core, the same Maw that rendered Csilla little more than space debris and threatened to do the same to Tython. That was not a history that he would forget.

The hell that man brought back to the Core was what lost him his older brother. Turning their back on the new Galactic Empire Darth Solipsis rallied may have been a positive thing, but it was self serving. That farce of good will would have become war in time had they not shattered into pieces.

"You say you are a refugee... so see through that lenses and understand the position you stand in. I ask you recognize the purpose that this ship needs to fulfill for the refugees I carry with me," he requested, not in anger but in earnest. "I was entrusted to return this vessel safely, with all souls aboard accounted for. I have made it clear to you I'm bound by that trust. I ask you to respect that and turn away. Forget anyone's pride, or the urge you have to covet the vessel for yourself. Just... have some empathy, offer words of departure, and ease the hearts of weary. You've... surely already scared the children enough."

Jedi Master Jasper Kai'el had trusted him to see this through. He had to ensure that it was so.

 

[Aether of the Iron Order]

AX-01 Vanguard Mark I
Jedi Securitron Model Parts
[Aether's Build]

Weapons : 1 Training lightsaber x 6 | 6 Hot 'n' Heavy Compensator | 7 War Maul

TAGS: Lander Stalwart | Ronhar Tane

// posting with permission from Lander Stalwart

One that no other entity could trace. @Jasper Kai'el and the Jedi Outcasts naturally would be the first to receive their transmission, a preemptive call for backup in case things got hostile. @Aether of the Iron Order , the Kingslayer, would be amongst those who received the transmission.

Aether was indeed in the area on patrol, overseeing the transport of more people to Refuge, providing extra security in the form of an escort to ensure no pirates got itchy palms over the convoy. He, after all, did not need sleep like typical organic beings and was fairly often dispatched on such missions.

Upon receiving the transmission, he altered course in the Phantomray, calculating the best point at which to reconvene with the ship.

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
GHORMAN
[REDACTED]

This was really starting to become a massive waste of time.

Clearly, Lander Stalwart wasn't going to give in, even if it meant that he'd likely be stranded in space in the near future. Seriously, of all the ships in the galaxy that the knights could have asked for, why must it be this one? Ronhar's patience was just about through, and for a second time his hands drifted to the weapons he had holstered on his body. Fine then! If these damned refugees weren't going to listen to reason, then maybe they would listen to FORCE.

But before Ronhar could draw his weapons and order his men to seize the ship, Hayjar place his hand on Ronhar's arm, as if he had sensed what Ronhar's intentions were and what he was about to. Hayjar removed his helmet and gave Stalwart a smile as he addressed the man once more:

"I see", he said softly. "The problem you have is that you and your ship have a mission to complete, and you are determined to see it through no matter what. A truly admirable quality, though perhaps a bit unrealistic, I think you might agree. It seems that you may not be able to defend yourselves, and your friends might not always be around to keep you safe", Hayjar continued, as if he somehow knew that Stalwart had contacted Aether of the Iron Order to come and rescue him. "Perhaps I might be of assistance in that regard. Allow me to come with you and help you see out the completion of your quest".

...what?

"What?", Ronhar said in alarm as he turned to face Hayjar. "Are you kidding me? Have you lost your mind?", Ronhar roared at the knight.

"I am of quite sane mind, I can assure you", Hayjar replied cooly, turning to face Ronhar head on.

"You don't even know these people", Ronhar countered as he continued shouting at Hayjar.

"All the more reason to help them, is it not? I was under the impression that our mission statement was to help those who cannot help themselves", Hayjar countered.

"Of course it is, but cmon', this is just foolish! Who knows how long you'll be gone for?"

"As long as it takes, I imagine".

Ronhar signed in annoyance as the knight continued to make his case to him, acting just as stubbornly as Lander Stalwart was.

"You'll be court martialed when you return, you're surely aware?"

"Of course. I will accept any punishment the Imperial Remnant deems fit."

"Even if that means death?"

"Even so".

Ronhar threw his hands down in exasperation as he he turned his back on Hayjar, walking away from the knight and Stalwart. "Fine! Do what you want, I'll be waiting back on the ship. This whole endeavor has been a massive waste of my time. Let's go!"

With that, Ronhar and his men turned around and started to leave the area, heading back to their ship as Hayjar stayed behind. "So, Lander Stalwart , what do you say about my offer? I can assure you I am quite the capable warrior, and I will defend your people as if they were my own. Will you allow me to accompany you on your mission and help you see it through to its completion?", he asked the refugee leader.
​

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Spoiler: Ronhar's Loadout

• Burnblade
• Ion Slicer Vibroknife
• Model 216 "Big Game Hunter"
• Mahporeem Acid Rifle
• Prototype Sonic Pistol
• Rhydonium Grenades
• Mk II Viral Bombs
• Wampa-Pattern Industrial Exoskeleton
• "Kitetsu" Force Energy Cycler
• Yugiri" Capture Nets
• Mk 45 Protective Vest
• Carapace Knitters
• ABC - Aerosolized Bacta Cannisters

TAGS:
Lander Stalwart
Aether of the Iron Order

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Ghorman
Tags: Ronhar Tane

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
​

Lander drew a short breath as Ronhar turned away and stormed off before he spoke again.

"I think you'll find you misunderstand what it is we can accomplish," he responded. "You think it unrealistic, but I'm not here with no experience. We've already done the work to ensure our mission is seen to conclusion. I don't mean to... cut off any offer of good will, but our destination is confidential. I can't let an outsider see the method of navigation we use."

The former Senator offered a more concerned frown.

"That and I'd hate to get a good man killed," the Sacorrian added. "The best thing that can be done to help my people now is a swift departure. Maybe my friends are not not yet in sight, but I can assure you that they are close enough to ensure the safety of these people. Nothing to get yourself executed over, by your own people no less."

Of course, the quiet part he didn't voice was his disdain for a state that would jump to such extremes over one breaking rank. To insist they were nothing like the Empire only to make themselves subject to the same barbarisms they practiced. There was a frustration that came with the lack of awareness in these people. Or perhaps just in their captain. He was ready to fight refugees over something as simple as a starship. One that Lander's people desperately needed.

"Follow your Captain home," he suggested. "Live a long life. A dead man changes no lives."


Above, alongside the incoming support from Aether of the Iron Order , the Grafted into Stone had jumped out of hyperspace into the orbit of Ghorman. The Jedi Outcasts would not leave their civilians high and dry. Being very close by, having just concluded a raid on Tython, they were not going to waste any time if there may be a potential threat to civilians.

 

[Ronhar Tane]

GAVBRA HAYJAR
GHORMAN
[REDACTED]

If Gavbra was at all disappointed with Lander Stalwart 's response, he didn't show it. Instead, he gave a soft chuckle at the refugee's statrment of "getting a good man killed".

"Heh. That's a good one, friend, though I fear the galaxy may not be quite as black and white as you may make it out to be. Just like there is goodness in me, so too is their evil, much as their is evil in Captain Tane, so too is their goodness. Try not to be quite so hard on the good Captain, will you? He's just doing what he believes to be right, even if he is going about it the wrong way. After all, everyone wants to save the galaxy, young man, but no one is able to agree upon the best way to do it. Well, perhaps unless you're a Sith, of course!", he said with a hearty laugh. Then, his expression softened, and a sad look came to his eyes.

"You have quite the travels ahead of you, and I sincerely hope you are ready to the dangers and difficulties that they will bring upon you. There are threats out there still, threats yet...unknown, that will surely make themselves visible sooner or later, and you and your people will have to fight them on your own. Where you are going, help may be quite a ways off...but you already knew that, did you not? You wish to leave me out of it to spare me some horrible fate, but what about yourself? The opposite is certainly true, is it not? You will do no good to your people dead. Perhaps death is something that you've accepted, but can the same be said for the ones around you? For the ones that care about you? Would your passing not cause them the same kind of suffering that you are trying to help me avoid?"

"But alas, I can see your mind is made up. So be it. I have a feeling we will be meeting again soon, though under what circumstances I cannot say for certain", Gavbra concluded, looking genuinely concerned for Lander's safety. "For your sake, I hope they are favorable ones. Good luck out there, and may the Force be with you. You're going to need it for where you're going."

With that, Gavbra turned around and began walking back to the ship with the rest of the Imperials, leaving Lander Stalwart and his people to their fate...no matter what that might be.
​

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TAGS:
Lander Stalwart
Aether of the Iron Order

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Ghorman
Tags: Ronhar Tane

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
​

There are threats out there still, threats yet...unknown, that will surely make themselves visible sooner or later, and you and your people will have to fight them on your own. Where you are going, help may be quite a ways off...but you already knew that, did you not? You wish to leave me out of it to spare me some horrible fate, but what about yourself? The opposite is certainly true, is it not? You will do no good to your people dead. Perhaps death is something that you've accepted, but can the same be said for the ones around you? For the ones that care about you? Would your passing not cause them the same kind of suffering that you are trying to help me avoid?

Lander didn't quite know how to respond to that. Partly because it hardly made any sense. This man spoke with a confidence like he knew where they were going, but if he did he'd know that they weren't heading anywhere remotely hostile to the degree he assumed. In fact, Lander had made this exact same journey several times now. The only real dangerous stretch was entering and exiting the Core. It was all a bit confounding, but he kept his mouth shut and let the man walk away.

He hardly had the time to take a breath of relief before his comms were live.

<Grafted into Stone here, copy Crown of Arrows? Got your transmission, figured we'd pick you up a little closer this time around...>

"Yeah," Lander responded, pulling up his comms device to speak into it. "Everything is fine. The boys just got a little tense up in the cockpit. People from Mahporeem... guess they really wanted the Crown of Arrows or something. Told them off... things got tense, but they turned around."

The voice on the other end was clearly Jasper Kai'el . That was reassuring.

<Still don't know what to make of those guys. Whatever. Aether is en route to escort you all up here. The Grafted has open hangar space, so we'll ferry you the rest of the way to Refuge. Just let me know if we gotta send out a squadron of Epo-1's to assist.>

"Won't be necessary..." Lander sighed. "I'll get everyone gathered up and make my way to you."

<Copy.>

With that, Lander Stalwart turned and made the order for everyone to board the ship once more. They'd link up with Aether of the Iron Order and head towards the giant asteroid-shelled vessel that loomed in orbit above...

END​