A warm welcome

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"How interesting," she replied dryly. She would know Connor did not have too many secrets hidden, considering his position and previous status as a Jedi meant he wouldn't have a lot of holdings. Still, there could always be a surprise for her. She crossed her legs, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I think you would be surprised by how much you know without even realizing it," she said. "The Grand Marshal wants information, something we can use to further the fight against the First Order with their defeat at Skor. So, what you could first offer is who are the major players in the Knights of Ren? Who are the knights and masters that serve the old man's vision of the galaxy?"

Come on, you know this game needs to be played and it is only going to end one way, she thought to herself.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor looked at her, sitting there totally in command. He didn’t have much of a choice, and needed to bend to show willing.

"I know names, but they are not of importance, and they will not help you. They are almost running blind, and like me, if you take one out, another will just panic and take over their place. I will give you three names if you secure my release. That’s it. Can’t make it too easy, can I."

He kept his arms folded as he stood opposite her.

"And as they all label themselves a Ren near enough which I don't even get, I'm not sure which names are real, code or simply fabricated to protect themselves."

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"I have found that once someone takes a name in a Force order such as the Sith, or the Ren, they use that as their true name. One more way to distance themselves from their pasts, keep any weaknesses hidden," she replied, smiling as he attempted to bargain. Yes, he was going to need to learn that skill in the future. Saying he would only give three names in exchange for his release was amusing as it assumed he had some leverage in the matter.

"Give me the names of the Force masters among their number, and if they check out, maybe something can be arranged," she answered. "It is not like you're in a position to bargain though, and consider me the good cop when it comes to questioning you. I'm sure there are others that would love to play the bad cop on what they see as a traitor to the Jedi."

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a dejected sigh, Connor ran a hand through his hair, matting it with the sweat building on his brow.

"You'll get your names don't worry."

He looked at her, head still down. The names were going to have to be fabricated, because he wouldn't have a head left if he gave real ones.

"Just do what you need to do to get me the hell away from Alliance territory. You're doing nothing but making yourself a target for First Order retaliation in due course."

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"Yes... I am quaking in my boots," she responded, sarcasm dripping from every word. So far, she had not been impressed by a single member of the Knights of Ren. Mustafar, in retrospect, had bordered on the hysterical for how the Ren had acted. Many had run around with the Jedi chasing them, one had even thrown themselves off the roof of the castle. Skor II had also been amusing, more from how they were saying one thing and doing another with the Squibs. If one wanted to be respected, they needed to at least be consistent in their messaging. One Ren was talking and another popped off chemical weapons.

"The names, if you would please," she said, insisting pleasantly. "And please, don't lie. I would be oh so... disappointed if you lied."

There was that underlying threat there though, one Connor would recognize.

 

[Connor Harrison]

"NO."

With a bark, he snapped his head up to her. She would be able to see the pressure amassing. Not pressure of anger and hate, but of a man on the brink of having nothing again, and being what was more dangerous to him.

Lost.

Alone.

"Just...get me out of this place and you can have what you want. I'm not staying here with them watching me and who knows every Jedi from here to the Silvers knowing where I am."

He took a step forward.

"Please," came a sincere voice.

It was the cry for help he didn't want to admit to.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

"I see," Taeli said, getting to her feet and moving to the door. "Well Master Voidstalker will determine what is likely to happen to you and take down whatever information you give."

She nodded up and the door opened. She would turn back to look at Connor one more time, giving him a rather pointed look that he needed to be patient. Arranging... well arrangements took time, but oh yes, he would give her everything. She had a suspicion on what they were going to do with him, considering his crimes in Silver Jedi space. She would need to contact Eldaah... and perhaps send some other things as well. It would be a good test.

"It may be difficult to secure your release," she added before stepping through the door, and leaving Connor to loneliness of his cell as the door closed.

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

It was the next day before Jacen arrived, shortly after Connor had been delivered his morning meal. In a stark contrast to his previous visit he didn't even pause at the inner doors. Jacen didn't meet Connor's eye was he strode in and sat on a vacant chair.

His mouth was closed tight, lips a thin, angry line. Clutched in his hands was a small datapad. The sound of him breathing through his nose was quite loud in the small chamber.

"You had to ask. You asked me if I was certain I was on the right side. I said I was. It was simple."

He pursed his lips and gave a barely perceptible shake of the head. "I still thought about it. Tried to search for any shred of doubt. Always think about things too much I guess. I even meditated on it. Asked the Force.

"Sometimes it answers in the worst ways." Jacen sat up straight, as if he'd been a statue and was now animated with too much energy. He unlocked the screen of the datapad and tossed it towards Connor. "There's the rest of your answer I guess."

"That's the crew of a ship over Skor. Being forced to randomly execute their own for firing on the planet apparently. Decimation. In the literal sense."

Jacen returned his attention to his now empty hands in his lap. He looked a tired and worn man.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Chewing on whatever the fruit was in his cell, the top half of his tunic now off and just wearing his vest and trousers, he didn't exactly jump at the noise of his next visitor. Taeli's words still mulled over in his head. That was all he could do. Think on things.

It was Jacen, and he sounded - and felt - irked. This was the bad cop she was talking about? Fair enough.

He turned his head slightly, laid on his bunk, to see the Jedi come in with a face like thunder. With each word, Connor's interest peaked a little. The datapad was in his hand.

Now he sat up as the pad was thrown over to him. Skor. The reason he was here in the first place. And worst of all, the orbital strike Connor had asked for.

His face was stone as he listened, and looked at the First Order transmission, obviously leaked or intercepted, it didn't matter.

Connor looked at it and his heart...sank.

Because of an order he had given, in the hope a precise aerial artillery bombardment would knock out the sub-station he was in and either buy him time to escape or wipe out the Alliance droid army attacking him, it had led to a city wide blitz. And now this.

It was Korriban all over again. And he was the Charzon. Who would be the one now coming for HIS neck to break.

And the First Order. What was the point of this? The Light and Dark had morals. Codes. They fought for their different goals, but they had morals.

They had simply acted like monsters in the greatest sense of things for an order that shouldn't have even been followed; given by an un-trained Ren months into service. It spoke volumes.

Connor swallowed and put the datapad down.

"I gave the order to the fleet. I called it in, but not across the whole damn city." He scratched his brow. "What the HELL good will this do!"

He stood up and placed his hands on his hips and turned to the wall, mind ablaze and his faith? Shaken. They would soon be out for him.

But would it be the First Order justice system or the Ren out for his head.

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"You..." Jacen's voice faltered. He didn't know. How could he have known. Would I have even shown him if I had? He thought to himself. The bombardment hadn't been large, but it had been part of a number of events that had convinced the Squib to reject the offer made by the First Order.

"This isn't your fault. But we can't send you back to them. Not now. Nothing they could say would make me think your safety was guaranteed."

He fell silent again. Connor was either a very good actor or a series of events that culminated in his imprisonment were breaking his spirit.

"Thurion Heavenshield is coming to see you. Look, I can't promise you freedom. Not after what you've done. But if you don't want to be extradited to the Silver Jedi I can promise a path back to the Light. You won't be down here forever, not at the point we decide you aren't so dangerous you have to be here. If you don't want to go to them, I'll make sure you can stay here in Sullust. Move you back to the surface before too long. Not a short or easy path but if and when you do get your freedom back you will have earned it."

 

[Connor Harrison]

So Skor had stayed in the Alliance hands it seemed. A waste of resource, time and effort for one world born out of First Order greed, and now it had come of worse for them than ever.

And Thurion? This was turning into a 'This Is Your Life' for the ex-Jedi. If Corvus had been found, it would top it all off.

Connor didn't slam the propositions. He hadn't been born into the darkness - it had evolved in him from events dating way back, and they had amassed and taken over his vision, his spirit and his soul. But he was still human, and still was without guidance. It was true; he had fallen to the First Order in a desperate hope of being useful again, and it had started so well.

Now? Now it was unraveling and he found himself more alone than he did with the Silver Jedi.

"Thank you."

He didn't know what to say. When that happened, it was evident a nerve had been hit and he had lots to process.

Let alone, a face he didn't want to see from his past was now on the way.

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"If I'd realised..." Jacen trailed off. "I'll give you time to think. Thurion should be here later today. I know what it's like down here. First hand. If you'd like to go up to the surface briefly later you can."

With that Jacen retrieved the laptop and would head for the lift back to the surface. There was nothing more to be done now. The prisoner needed some time to process.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The long journey from one end to the galaxy to the other was one of the least pleasant he'd experienced. Not because of the trip itself - he'd travelled around the galaxy on numerous occasions without a worry - but rather the reason for undertaking such a journey. The last time Thurion met with Connor in private, he thought he'd washed his hands of his old friend forever and that he would never even think his name ever again. But their squabbles had been old wounds allowed to fester for too long, with Thurion being far from blameless for their break-up. He had come now with the hopes of patching up said wounds, and perhaps even be allowed to take him home with him.

No doubt Connor would rather remain in his hole than face the music and stain that pride of his, although imprisonment to such an extreme tends to break a man down to the bare essentials. No matter who they used to be.

The security of the complex was intense to say the least. Even with permission from the higher-ups in the New Jedi Order, Thurion had to confirm his identity through several checkpoints. When he finally reached the lift which would send him down to see his old friend, an armed escort stood ready to accompany him. "I assure you I am fully capable of dealing with the prisoner, gentlemen," came his objection, to which the chief of the guards spoke up. "With all due respect, Master Jedi, we are under strict orders to--"

One look was all it took to silence the man. "With all due respect, you and your men will stay put until I say otherwise, soldier. Is that understood?" Needless to say, he was in a sour mood.

But that all changed when he set foot in the lift just before it descended towards the rivers of magma flowing freely far below, for deep down he did long to see his friend again no matter what state he was in. The doors slid open, and there he was, clear as day while looking worse for wear. Thurion said nothing upon approaching the man, with the only sound made being the few footsteps over the cell suspended over certain death.

Once close enough to reach out and touch the cell door, Thurion slumped to his knees to sit upon the ground, hands placed neatly in his lap. "I am sorry I could not come sooner to see you, Voss is a long way off," he finally broke the silence. His words were softly spoken, for there was no contempt left for his old friend as he thought there would be. Only regrets. "Connor, speak to me. We could always talk about anything."

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Another day passed. He found himself sleeping more than not on the rather comfy bunk - at least, sleeping when he could, born out of over-thinking everything. There was no concept of time down below the lava, and so only with the timing of the 3 meals and water did he piece a day together.

It was early, mid-morning, before the next visitor to the Connor Harrison circus came down. Not [member="Jacen Voidstalker"] again, who sat in Connor's mind as someone he didn't know until now, but felt he had made some resonance with. Not Taeli. Not Samka under armed guard to take him back. [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] broke the silence with the lift, with the footsteps and with his calm voice.

Did that man ever want to just hate someone and let it stick?

Connor hadn't seen him for...how long had it been. He didn't even know. Months.

"I didn't ask you to come. Don't be sorry to me."

Turning his head to look at his former Grandmaster, the old Valykri didn't look too different. A tiny but war-torn, but as to be expected. Connor knew he looked the same.

"Remember when we first me, on Rhen Var, at the Citadel? And I was sat there pondering life? You told me don't spend every waking moment pondering what could be, rather than what is. And you said you would help me find my way. I said I hope you know what you're letting yourself in for. All makes sense now, doesn't it."

He let out a long sigh.

"I spend more minutes thinking about what could be, rather than what is. I've moved from one catastrophe to another and I'm the epicenter of each one. Did you hear about Skor and the bombing? Did you hear about the First Order propaganda of executing fleet officers? That was all my doing. It all traces down to me."

There was no bitterness in his voice. It was almost as if they were just chatting in the meditation cell on Voss.

"You were right. I'm that much of a failure to myself even the Sith Lords didn't help me. Now the First Order will be after my head. I'm thinking of becoming a farmer on Tatooine, or even that backwards ice-ball Midvinter. Keep my head down. Easier that way, right?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It would be a lie to say hearing Connor's voice again after so long didn't put the smallest of smiles upon Thurion's face, yet the sorry state along with the grim circumstances of their meeting were impossible to ignore. Even so, that Connor was willing to talk at all was a good sign, considering their last encounter.

"I remember," he smiled at the thought of a simpler time. "I remember a young man unsure of himself, who didn't know where to go or what to do with his life. A man who, with the proper guidance, could become someone truly great."

"I never wanted to be right, old friend," he then spoke as smile turned to frown and he rose to his feet to look him in the eyes. "All I ever wanted was to be your friend. For you to be truly happy. Because you deserve to find happiness, as I have." Thurion reached out to press his palm to the cell, somehow hoping against hope that he could melt through the door and touch his friend.

"I am sorry Coci could not join us. She is at home caring for our littlest one, Thirdas." He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. "Though, considering your last encounter, perhaps that is for the best. Don't want to wreck this entire facility."

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Words from Thurion had the best intention, but they always seemed to remind Connor how lacking his life was.

He had nothing. He had nobody. He was nothing. He was nobody.

And another baby? A new Heavenshield. It wasn't a surprised, but it was good Coci wasn't here. She was the main root of his problems to start with. His jaw muscle tensed as his head lowered a little to stop himself reacting.

"You know that Coci helped reduce me to nothing, right? I still haven't recovered from her attack. Over a decade of training, learning and pain to take me to the top and it took a second for your WIFE to throw it all away." He shook his head. "And I do hope you have kept my lightsaber safe because I want it back."

He was nothing but serious. He had to turn away and look at the light above to distract him for a few seconds, before completing the turn to try and get Coci out of his head.

"Thurion, what do you want. Why did you come here."

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion couldn't help but shake his head. "I'm aware of that. I am also aware that you forced her hand. Besides, you weren't exactly her favourite person at the time. As for your lightsaber, I have no knowledge of its whereabouts. If Coci kept it for herself I don't know where she's keeping it." That was the truth on the matter - he never asked Coci about her and Connor's meeting at the Shadow headquarters. His trust for her was marrow-deep.

"You know," he began to pace back and forth, hands clasped behind his back and eyes ever watching his old friend, "there is no-one to blame but yourself for the mess you're in. It was not me nor Coci who put you there - your actions did. Conscious actions, like the murder of a sentenced war criminal on our enemies' doorstep. I bore no love for Charzon after what she did, but you... Your honour was lost the moment you kill that woman in cold blood. Tell me, brother: was it worth it? Would you do it again?"

Admittedly Thurion had gotten agitated by bringing up such dark times, and thus ceased his pacing and turned towards Connor in his cell, a sorrowful frown on his face. "I came here to see my friend. I came with the hopes of taking you with me. Forget this foolishness and come home, I beg of you!"

He got quiet, his gaze lowered as he pressed his forehead against the cell door and sighed. His words softened. "Connor, I... I had thought seeing you again after all this time would only spark some old grudge, but... it didn't. All I feel is a deep sense of regret for what happened. Can there truly be no peace between us, old friend?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor stood still, like a soldier, arms down by his side. Never an imposing man to look at, even now more-so. He watched his former Grandmaster pace and talk, not reacting – at least externally. Inside, it was like his final sentence being read to sum up a wasted life.

And, still, after it all, Thurion was the same man. Ever hopeful for a peaceful resolution, always seeing good, and never wanting to see bad. A quality Connor wished he could had. Then, maybe, he would have a devoted wife or partner, and a child to carry on his name. To give him purpose. Being.

"Don’t say things that will never be, Thurion. As you said, there is nobody to blame for this situation but myself. I assure you I blame nobody, and I take full responsibility for all I have done. My only irk with Coci is the woman took away my life-force. You will never understand how it feels to walk the earth feeling like you can’t see, hear or connect with anything, but your senses all function normally. It reduced me to a level even below that of a Padawan. I’m sure you must be able to fathom how that feels for a former Master."

He took a deep breath, standing still in command of the situation.

"I do not regret my actions on Charzon Loulan. I defy you or your wife to really feel pain by what I did. Did the Sith forces come knocking at your door for her location? Did the Mandalorians launch a raid on the prison or the temple for her? No. My actions helped preserve what little faith people had in the Silver Jedi. They didn’t want to see Light or Dark – they wanted to see justice, and I dispensed it forsaking what would happen to me. That’s what I’ve always done. I did it for the Order, Thurion. One day you will understand. Just as you would do anything for Coci."

He looked up at the ceiling, and the light that acted as his only companion over the past three days – a glowing bulb. But, perhaps, he was looking beyond that regardless of what it looked like. Perhaps he was looking for the answer, the one she could grant.

"I am sorry for the pain I have brought you both, and how my actions affected those in the Temple. I have failed those who have put faith in me, be them Jedi forces or those following the Dark Side."

With that, he looked down to Thurion, who was looking at him with those strong, hopeful eyes.

"Thank you for coming, and for making me feel that not all my soul has been taken. That I have at least some of it left to save by doing the right thing, for myself and for everyone." He gave a small nod. "If you will do anything for me today, I ask you this; secure a small, un-marked transport from the Alliance with just a couple of guards to take me back to Voss, or a world you choose in Silver space. Just a place I feel safe. A place I can…feel human in again. And with the First Order probably out for my head that is why I say un-marked. Don’t make it look like a transfer."

He gave a small smile.

"If you can do that, then maybe I can do what is right for the galaxy without hurting anyone this time."

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

The resilience in Connor's voice when he stated he does not regret his actions towards the self-proclaimed 'Butcher of Korriban' made him believe his old friend, and by now there was little use in trying to convince him of otherwise. There was a respect there for his strong convictions, even if they did not align with his own. Respecting, but not necessarily agreeing with, other people's views is always the first step towards understanding.

At the very least he did seem glad to have seen him, and that alone made Thurion feel his trip was not for naught. The Connor he used to know was still in there, suppressed beneath his many wrongdoings but not completely buried, and that thought put a soft smile on his face.

Then came his request. A request made in earnest. "The next time we see each other, you will be a free man, Connor," came his response, spoken with great purpose and determination. Again he pressed his palm to the cell door, gaze set on his. "I swear it to you, as your brother." Connor's nod was returned, yet when the time came to leave Thurion found it impossible to move even a single step. He wanted to remain with his friend.

Eventually a sniffle escaped him as he wiped the beginnings of a tear from the corner of his eye, before letting out a soft chuckle. "Look, don't do anything stupid, you hear? Don't need to add more to your already impressive resumé. Old fool, you..." There was nothing but warmth in his words, and before turning to step towards the lift he gave his cell a friendly knock.

[member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

A free man...

Connor had to look down and fight the emotion inside that nearly came out. The plea for help, the apologetic tears. It was too late for that. So he nodded, and smiled, before looking back up.

His eyes a little glassy, the Ren stepped forward and slowly put his hand out, looking at it intently as he moved it to the cell where Thurion's palm was.

"Thank you for all you have done. Brother."

From looking at his hand, he then looked to Thurion and shot a small wink, before stepping back.

"Here's to being free, then. Oh, and tell Coci I'll always love her for what she's done for me." He looked away with a restrained grin. "I still expect to see a stature in my name when I get back."

He kept his eye on the former Grandmaster with a peaceful look in his eyes. Until the lift took him in, and sent him back to the surface.

Then he was alone again, and he could exhale and compose himself, head back and hands in his hair as he hoped he would be forgiven.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]