A Destiny Awakens

[Connor Harrison]

Sullust
Bremar Sector, Outer Rim

​

The X-Wing s-foils were locked down and the fighter cut through the stars to Sullust, a rather desolate planet, or it had always been thought of like that according to Dax Ragnar.

He had hear the Galactic Alliance operated from here, but was this just rumour or a small rebel cell working outside the Republic? Who knew. But, more importantly, he was interested to see what this alliance was about and how they worked.

Bringing his white and blue T-65 through the atmosphere, there was plenty of activity and a number of open channels communicating through his signal. There was something certainly going on planet side. Wasting no time, he circled a large stretch of the mountain and, what looked like, dry lava plains below before finding a place to land not far outside what looked like some industrial establishment.

Peering out from his cockpit after a rocky landing, literally, Dax would need to suss out what this place was and where he should be. This didn't look like a headquarters for anyone, but then many cells operated underground so maybe this was the tip of the iceberg.

Pulling back the cockpit hatch, Dax stood and made his way over the side down the fixed ladders to jump down to the hard brown surface under his black boots. Wearing his basic olive-green flight suit which was nothing much to look at, he peered around before patting down his breast pocket to ensure he had is identification before making his way towards the establishment. A personal breathing mask slipped over his head, due to the toxins in the air he didn't feel ready to inhale as yet; steady breathing with a filter pouch to help fitted to his jacket.

And, as always, his K9 blaster was fixed on his thigh. Just in case.

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

The basalt planes of Sullust were a sight to behold, ripples of lava solidifying into a sea of anthracite coloured rock. Air was heavy with sulphur, it's acidic composition literally dissolving the airways of those who attempted to inhale it without a breathing mask. Tionne drew deep breaths through the worn mouthpiece that filtered both ash and toxic gases, gasping here and there as the archaic equipment failed to neutralize the decrepit atmosphere.

A pair of large goggles covered her sensitive eyes, while the rest of her head was wrapped in cloth for protection, like a Tusken raider. A worn dark brown leather jacket and pants completed the scruffy look. The red-haired Jedi did not mind the extra layering that everybody around the GA complained about. Why Sullust, they asked. Wasn't there a nicer planet to pick for the base of operations? Tionne then shared her experiences working on Dorin and Skako, and all of a sudden, everybody would shut up. Besides, if they had a problem with a little dust, how would they handle the Sith?

Thanewulf raised her gaze towards the sky as a familiar roar of engines reached her ears. She set down the datapad onto the crates of supplies delivered a few minutes earlier, planning on going over the logistics a bit later. Spare parts could wait.
The ginger-maned Jedi was never fond of flying, with her piloting skills literally non-existent. During her training as a Jedi, which was almost a millenium ago, time spent in the flight simulator was a time wasted. It was rather peculiar to see a Jedi detest space flight so much, since Force-sensitives usually had benefits from heightened senses when in aeral combat. The Alliance thus promised her a pilot, especially after the stunt she pulled over Vandelhelm. Perhaps this lone pilot who just landed on the outskirts of the underground settlement was a gift from Starchaser.

"Aff foou maayf fillot?" Tionne asked upon approaching the man in flysuit, the entirety of her face obscured by cloth, hood and bronze breathing apparatus. She looked like an especially tall Gand.
"Frell..." she cursed, spitting out the mouthpiece in order to talk properly.
"Are you my pilot?" A few coughs ensued, as vulcanic soot grinded against her vocal cords. She only saw the outline of a male form infront of her, through the dusty goggles she wore. Was he even human?

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Dax squinted against the low light unnatural warmth from the planet. It was one of things he expected the human body would get used to, especially being raised on Moldavar. However he understood the reason for the breathing mask; this air could probably eat right into your lungs and kill you.

A figure welcomed him, looking rather imposing but devoid of threat. You could never be too sure, so Dax was ready. And with each mumbled sentence, it become clear it was a female. And a female who expected something he really wasn’t.

Looking out form the clear faceplate that covered his face, the breathing tube ran down into his air supply on his chest, which came in handy if both on a planet like this or also submerged in water due to a forced crash landing.

”Sorry, no. At least I don’t think so.”

He held out his right hand.

”Dax Ragnar. I’m looking for anyone involved with the Galactic Alliance, I understood they were based here…” he said, looking around in second thought, …but maybe I was wrong.”

He eyed up the figure before him.

”I’m a Republic pilot currently looking for a way into the Alliance, if you know where I need to be?”

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

Thanewulf frowned underneath her cumbersome headgear, visibly disappointed. Troops were stretched thin, there were no pilots to spare, that much was to be understood. The priviledge of having a personal space driver will have to wait a bit, it seemed. The Galactic Alliance, unlike the Republic, did not put the need of Jedi above needs of others, so Tionne was bound to wait her turn. So, if this was not her designated driver...something was suspicious. The Coruscanti decided to probe a bit, just out of sheer precaution. Dax's hand was thus not met with a handshake.

"Who told you about this Galactic... Alliance, is it?" the redhead inquired whilst attempting to clear the filter of her breathing apparatus. The device was old, almost as old as her. Tionne had serious issues with putting that mouthpiece between her lips, so she sunk it in mild acid for disinfection before using. The acerbic solution must have damaged the filter.

"It's nothing but a rumor, the Galactic Alliance. A legend, hearsay." she asserted, now seriously considering to reallocate underground and try to commision a newer, functional mask. Just unsure with what credits.
"They are terrorists, that's what they are. There be a bounty on each and every sorry head. Don't know why you'd want to join them."
She had to make sure his intention was genuine. Him flying an Xwing was simply not enough in Tionne's book. Also, she couldn't see a darn thing before her, let alone his face. His voice, on the other side, was rather pleasant.
"Do you have a deathwish?" came the final question, taunting Dax into convincing her he is the man for the job.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Who was this woman? Wandering on Sullust near whatever this place was? He didn’t have time for this. At here obvious threat, Dax walked forward to stand beside her, looking at the mysterious figure through his mask.

”No. Do you?”

He walked past her, turning his head slightly to continue talking.

”If they’ve got bounties on their heads then they’re obviously upsetting the right people.”

Looking back towards the outpost, whatever it was, Dax kept his hand by his side , eyes darting sideways to make sure the woman, whoever she was, didn’t try anything. To be honest, this whole place seemed to be one big mistake.

Maybe the Alliance weren’t operating here and had moved on, and this woman was one seeking bounties. Slowing down, boots kicking up the gravel, Dax turned again to her, a few yards now behind him.

”If they’re nothing but a myth, what the hell are you doing wandering on Sullust?”

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

"If I wanted you dead, you'd be buried by now." she retorted whilst motioning to Dax's hand hovering above his blaster. Despite him trying to hide it, tension was still to be felt in the way how he stood or in the subtle untertone of his mellow barritone voice. Excessive caution was a good defensive tactic; this man seemed he had his share of visits to shady places.
"Better to move that paw away from that pistol. We are being watched, closely. Perhaps it's best if we reallocate underground, where we can talk without having to wear a mask." the redhead suggested and turned on her heel to head towards a nearby tunnel which lead towards settlements below ground.
"Besides, I am going to choke if I stay here any longer. The gorram filter is clogged."

The ginger-maned woman paid little attention whether Ragnar was following her or not; he was the one who was keen on joining the Galactic Alliance. If he was afraid of a lithe woman way shorter than himself, maybe he wasn't the right kind of material to join their ranks. Thanewulf thus wasted no time and proceeded into the relative safety of system of caverns, tossing the filter into a nearby dustbin.

"I know very little of this Galactic Alliance." What a blatant lie, for now.
"But there are some people who can help you here. They often play cards with pilots like yourself. Best if we pay a visit to the bar."
Once she traversed into the tunnel, away from toxic atmosphere of Sullust, Tionne took off the dusty goggles to reveal a pair of steel gray eyes and a snub, freckled nose. With a single pull, she unwrapped the cloth from her head, with long ginger locks springing to life then shook her head to remove any residual soot.

@Dax Rangar

 

[Connor Harrison]

Dax knew there was nothing on the surface that was enticing, and since this planet had operations underground, the girl was the perfect way in. There had been no communication coming through the atmosphere and even on landing, so maybe the Alliance had left?

”Lead on,” he mumbled, turning back to follow the girl on the outpost perimeter and down under through a tunneled entrance.

Following her lead, he unclipped the facemask but stopped for a second as he caught her doing the same, revealing a face and gorgeous head of hair that, for some reason, made her look like a warrior with a gentle face. He had envisioned some twisted crone with a huge scar across her face warding all visitors away from her strange home. Far from it - this girl was something more. But what?

Continuing to remove the mask, he gasped a little to take in the more tolerable air underground. He quickly brushed over his slightly sweaty hair from the journey and wiped his stubble, thankful to be out of that thing.

”I'm not exactly here to play cards,” his matter-of-face but soothing voice said, ”but seeing as my first plan hasn't gone very well, I'll be happy to earn a few credits and hopefully another lead to follow.”

The gravel kicked up under his feet as he walked beside the girl, happy to see what had been hiding under the mask and cloth.

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

As a traditional Jedi, Tionne was aloof when it came to matter of the heart. She was oblivious to both her own looks and how men around her looked like, mainly because she deemed it inappropriate to see them in such light. Sure, she was a woman in her prime, but she chose not to notice when a male had such regular facial features like Ragnar. A defense mechanism, nothing more, to keep her focused on her work, hiding behind the auspice of Jedi Order. Self-control was something the Coruscanti kept in high regard, albeit a simple glance towards the pilot left her composure seriously challenged.

"You'll do more than just earn a few credits." said Thanewulf knowingly as the two strode deeper underground, revealing a subterrainian city brimming with activity. Corridor widened into a street, with shops and apartment blocks chiseled into solid rock. Flashing signs and plethora of circulating humanoids and non-humanoids reminded a bit of atmopshere in Nar-Shaada.
"People have been known to earn entire fortunes in this place. All you need is a little luck."

Just as they turned around a corner and crossed an intersection, a large casino appeared before them - the infamous Lava Lake. A half-smile crossed Tionne's lips as she took off the leather jacket and was left in nothing but a white tank top underneath. A distraction for the occupants of this dump.

"I'm Tionne, by the way." she added simply, but did not offer him a hand for a shake. At least, not yet.
"A game of poker, then? Give me a chance to earn for a new mask, ey?" added the redhead playfully and motioned to one of the tables where two chairs were still empty.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Paying little attention to his surroundings, Dax pulled down the zip on his flight suit a little more to show his white tee underneath, and only when he looked up as the noise and smells hit his senses did he slow slightly and whistled.

A whole city pretty much underground - he hadn't seen anything like this. It was buzzing; a nexus alive with assaults on all the senses, and a half-smile formed at this little metropolis. Following Tionne, he spoke behind her as he watched his surroundings to avoid hitting a local or walking into the path of a swoop.

”Dax Ragnar,” he offered by way of introductions.

Into the bar they went, and this was place he knew - seedy but a place where men were men and women were women - and everything else was just 'as is'. Dax nodded at the table and moved to the seat nearest and took it, shifting slightly and looking around at the surreal establishment that didn't look like it was under a planet.

”How is this going to help me anyhow?”

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

What an impatent fellow, Thanewulf mused to herself as she slumped into the other seat, tossing the jacket over the top rail of the chair. Suddenly, the number of people watching the game tripled, with several curious individuals now staring at Tionne. She was not a new face in these parts; she helped the owner of the casino find out if anybody was trying to cheat. Photographic memory, augmented with formidable Force mentalism allowed Tionne to memorize several decks of cards without even trying. If anybody was beating her in poker, they had to be using some sort of cheating system.

"A game of space poker, ladies and gentlemen." announced the dealer, then eyed each of the players separetely.
"Place your bets."
A scar-faced human sitting across Tionne tossed a handful of credits into the middle of the table, ominously smiling at the Jedi woman. Trandoshan and Wookiee matched his offer, albeit with a groan of diapproval. The dealer then shifted his attention to Tionne, beckoning her to make an offer.

"Hm, Dax... I left my wallet at home." she said meekly - "Would you mind sparing a credit or two?"
The scar-faced human male, a pirate by the looks of him, let his grin grow wider.
"If you don't have credits, luv, there are other things you could put on the table." he suggested lewdly, licking his coarse lips - "And the winner takes it all."
Tionne cringed, or at least acted like she was disgusted, then let her eyes seek out Ragnar's in a desperate plea for a short-term loan she would repay with interest.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Dax saw the numbers double rapidly around the table, and it seemed his lady friend wasn't a stranger to this place. His eyes moved from one face to another, and the game was announced. Well, he'd done this a few times so shouldn't be a problem. He didn't have much on his at all, and so had to play carefully. Going into the breast pocked and pulling out a roll of credits and carefully thumbed out a couple of notes and kept them in his hand as he pocked the rest.

Looking to Tionne, and at her "request", he shook his head but didn't do much else. He reached over and placed a number into the pile of chips and notes.

”I hope you play better than you lie.”

Taking his cards, Dax looked over them and pursed his lips. The game began.

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

Tionne graced her gambling benefactor with a smile and then looked at the cards she was dealt. They were catastrophically weak, but the Jedi grinned to herself nonetheless. Poker was all about bluffing, right? Her gaze skimmed the other players, in search of some visible emotional response, but found none, as would be the case with hardcore gamblers, Dax included. Thanewulf could understand addiction to gambling when it came to pilots, since every dogfight in space was a gamble for one's life. She too felt an immense thrill it whilst flying atop an Xwing right through First Order's fleet, with very few sensations out there to match it.

"I'll have another card." she said, extending hand towards the dealer.
"I'll raise you ten thousand credits." said the scar-faced man, tossing a chip across the table and into the pile.
"If the lady can match it."
Without a doubt, he was keen on winning. Perhaps he even knew he was going to win in the first place. Perfect, mused the red-haired Jedi, ready to set her bait.

Tionne first glanced at Dax, then at the dealer. She had no credits left, her face turning sour. Reluctanly, she reached into her pocket and took out the card key of her quarters here on Sullust and placed it onto the pile.
"Keys to my apartment, for the night." she added timidly, then looked away from the table, as if ashamed. The rouse had to be believable.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Credits left his palm, but also grew in it. The game of chance and reading your opponent was taking no prisoners, and Tionne was holding her own but soon starting to lose her way. When she threw in her apartment keys, the murmurs grew with the sniggering. Dax looked at the keys, then to her and gave a slight shake of the head. Throwing in four notes, Dax sat back in his chair and casually tossed two credit chips over also and looked at the scoundrel.

”Check.”

The scoundrel looked curiously at Dax, but he kept his face as casual as if he was discussing morning news over a caf. While the others checked, placed a bet or folded, Dax reached into his breast pocket and took out a small fruity chew and tossed it into his mouth.

Tionne was giving little away, and soon it was only the scoundrel and Dax as the call went out from the dealer to show down.

The cards went down. The scoundrel laid out three kings with a confident smirk. Dax didn't change as he laid out his. Trip aces.

”Aces win,” Dax said with a small smile as his cards trumped the kings.

The murmers grew and the gaps rose, with a few chuckles and small claps. It seemed Dax's luck on Sullust was improving.

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

A ginger brow was raised when Dax flashed the aces he was dealt. The probability of landing such a card assembly was miniscule; Ragnar was indeed born under a lucky star. The crowd that gathered around them was amused, as they rarely witnessed a newcomer who won with such ease. However, the scar-faced man was far from impressed. A loud grunt left his maw when the pilot showed his card, his face warping into an ominously looking sneer. He was confident the red-haired beauty would be his for the night, along with the handful of credits laying idly on the table. Tionne's hand instinctively slipped under the table and into the side pocket of her leather pants.

"You bastard!" he groaned as he rose to his feet and leaned over the table, while reaching backwards for his blaster. His reflexes were quick, but not as quick as those of a Jedi. Before he could even reach the handle of pistol strapped to his side, Tionne's titian blade was extended across the table, aiming him right between the eyes. The Solari crystal illuminated the table in orange and golden hues, resembling the colors of sunset on Coruscant.

"Leave. Now." she commanded, sporting a wholly different personality than the one Dax had the pleasure of meeting before. Her voice was stern, laced with resolution. She spoke in imperatives, reluctant to use her powers against such an easy target.
"Jedi shit-eaters." he added over his shoulder, just as he turned away from the table to leave. He was smart enough to know when to leave, or risk losing that hand holding a blaster.
"Take your prize." Tionne instructed, disigniting her blade and reattaching it to her belt, now in a more visible place.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Dax reached forward to slide his cards across and to take his winnings, happy to have made a good impression, but it wasn't ever going to be that easy. The movement of the scoundrel with the scar caught his eye, and his right hand went down to his thigh, shifting his body for a quick shot - but he; THEY were too slow.

The orange blade that snap-hissed into life in a moment felt like a heat blast from a rifle, and Dax pushed himself backwards in the chair as a few gasps sounded and the drinks on the table smashed to the ground. Dax had his hand on the butt of the blaster, and followed the blade to the hilt of Tionne.

Eyes widening, his body frozen. He didn't know if this "warrior" was talking to him or the scoundrel, or both. Obviously her facade had dropped now and she was something he hadn't expected. Knelt on the ground, he saw the scoundrel value his life and leave, and she instructed Dax to do the same.

Standing slowly, he kept his eyes on Tionne and took handfuls of credits that were rightfully his and the apartment keys. He didn't waste any time in tossing them back across the table to the girl with this lightsaber now on her hip.

”Thanks. I'm outta here.”

He couldn't comprehend this - a Jedi? He'd never come across one before, and now he'd nearly lost his life, but it had been saved by one. Dax grabbed one more credit stash in his hand and made his way past the stunned crowd, tracing his steps back through the bar back into the city to get out of this place before something else happened he wasn't ready for.

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

An expected reaction, Thanewulf mused to herself, seeing him walk away out from the casino with his prize in tow. He had won enough credits to purchase another ship for himself, something way more grand than a flying bucket he was piloting. When people failed to understand, they had a tendency of running away, as swiftly as they could. If Ragnar was so eager on joining the Alliance, this level of uncertainty had to become acceptible. One day they would be winners, on others loose a platoon of men. The Jedi woman then darted out towards him, catching up with him just as he slipped behind a corner and into one of the less busy streets. She grabbed his upper arm firmly and twisted it, forcefully making him turn toward her.

"You want to join us, but you run at first sight of trouble?" she said, pushing him against the wall and standing so close to him he could barely move. Sure, he was taller and physically stronger, but she could use the Force to subdue him at any given time. Her fingers digged into the fabric of his flysuit, anchoring him right there, on the sidewalk and against a durasteel wall of some closed shop.

"Do you want to spend your life running from blasters? Or running from the Sith?" Her eyes bore deeply into his - "Once they take over everything, there will be no place to hide. For me, for you."
Her grip loosened somewhat, when control of emotions finally kicked in. Her gaze softened a few notches in what seemed to be the subtlest of pleas.
"I ask you once again, Dax Ragnar. Are you my pilot?" asked the redhead, but expected nothing from this man. Very few were bold and brave enough to be the last stand before the entirety of the galaxy was to be shrounded in the darkest of nights.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

She came from nowhere and he only had a time to begin in cursing before he was up against a wall, arm twisted and a surprising amount of pressure against his whole body. Admittedly he was a little shocked and just stood, watching her gaze drill into him with her patronizing words.

His brow furrowed slightly as she gave him enough chance to take his arm and rub it on the shoulder, still trying to work her out.

”I run from a lightsaber wielding red-head who did nothing but lie. Why the hell would I stick around for that?”

Dax forcefully pulled down his flightsuit that she had manhandled and gained back his control.

”I've done enough of there to see as much crap as you Jedi...” he paused, a curious glint in his eye taking over the desire to smack her, ”...you are a Jedi, right? First time I've been this close to one.”

He straightened up and smiled a little.

”Not as scary as I thought.”

With that he batted her arm out the way and grabbed her lapels, pulling her to where he had stood had he not sidestepped, effectively attempting to switch positions and have her pushed against the wall with his hands gripped on her.

”You work with the Alliance? I'll be the best damn pilot you ever had. But don't treat me like an idiot, ok?”

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

Tionne could've prevented him from switching sides, but she let him, mainly to humor Dax's ego. With back now pressed against the wall, Thanewulf now was the one who had trouble moving. Having a ripe male so close to her began stirring some strange sensations, but the red-haired Jedi quickly nipped them in the bud. Despite being a devout follower of the Old Code, for reasons that seemed quite reasonable, Tionne was still a woman in her prime. She smiled sardonically, tilting her head as she observed him intently.

"I had to make sure you are not an idiot to begin with. The reason why we still exist is - we are very cautious on whom we accept. You could've easily been a Sith who infiltrated our ranks. I've seen it soo many times in the Republic." she explained finally, hoping this would sort out some of the confusion she created in Ragnar's head.

"As for the Alliance... No, I do not work for the Alliance. I am with the Alliance. It's not a job. It's who I am. If you expect to get paid... Then leave now. You'll have everything you need with us, but we can't spare resources to buy the best pilots the galaxy has to offer."
A short pause ensued, with Tionne pursing her plump lips. She grew a little darker, her gray eyes turning from light gray, to the color of a stormy sky.
"I'll consider myself paid when Sith are no longer. Them, or us." she said, then gently pushed her own chest against his, as if asking him to loosen his grip.
"There are better places to discuss this. Walls have ears, even here." the redhead suggested, nudging her head sideways in the general direction of her apartment.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

As Tionne spoke, Dax loosened up slightly and figured she was being honest. What else would a warrior who was part of an Alliance do to ensure those who came mouthing off were worthy? He let go, nodding at her and glanced sideways to see where she was indicating to.

Stepping back, he extended his arm for her to lead.

”Look, I don't expect to get paid a fortune but I expect the resources to be there. I've got a ship so give me the equipment to keep her running, that's all. I'll do the rest and if there's anything to salvage along the way I'll do it.”

He followed Tionne as he spoke, taking in the city around them as he tried to convince her of his intentions without sounding like he gave a damn.

”I've seen some pretty grim things out there too so I know what side I'm standing on.”

As she slowed, Dax looked at her.

”Are you a Jedi Knight then? Like, a master of the Force? You always think they are stuff of legend and never hang around places like this. And then you find yourself playing cards with one.”

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

"The legends do not do us justice. The work of a Jedi is far from glamourous, especially in times like these." she explained upon chuckling lightly to his comment. Jedi were indeed the stuff of bedtime stories for most children in the galaxy, but very few citizens had direct contact with the Order. Or did have contact with the Order, but were oblivious to it, just like in case of Jedi Watchman Thanewulf. As they strolled down one of the streets and into an ally, the redhaired woman sighed, her gaze plastering to the floor.

"I used to be a Jedi Knight, aye. But not anymore. But if I am going to tell you that story, I am going to need a drink. Several drinks." she said, stopping in front of one apartment building, where she managed to rent a small condo that served as a place to crash. The card key was slid into the lock, and the heavy metallic door opened with a creak.
"Come. And close the door behind you." The elevator was broken, so the Jedi pointed at the stairs that went several stories up, to the very top of the building. Without further ado, she began to climb, her boots clanking against durasteel mesh.

"The biggest flaw of the Order is their indolence and naivety. You see, when one is Force-sensitive, it's easy to assume you superiority without any true merit. They tend to forget most of the galaxy has no way of harnessing the Force, yet they start wars where this majority is mostly the victim. Let's say I'm a Jedi still, but not a fool". she explained, then smiled when they reached the door of her apartment.
"Here we are." The door slid open, making way into a poorly lit attic with a large window overlooking the busy streets down under.

[member="Dax Ragnar"]