Aftermath: Seeking Answers

[Sobaan Palle]

Sobaan had noticed. The age of the child was not really important, but he could tell by her size and species that she was quite young. It explained the fear being much worse with her. Children had no way of defending themselves against what had been done, and given that ahe was alone, it had to be worse for her. A part of him was suddenly filled with the desire to hunt down the person responsible and rip them apart, but he calmed himself. It wasnt his place to fight for everyone. People had to fight for themselves at times.

They couldn't fight for the child, but they could save her. Kintsugi was doing a marvelous job of that. Yes, it seemed to pain her to do it, and he could feel her energy diminishing, but it was worth it in the end. He would make sure that the both of them were well cared for. No matter what that took. He had a strong suspicion that ill had befallen her parents. They were going to have to try to find them, but could they?

"It is worst for those who cannot defend themselves," he said quietly after a bit.

The hall was quiet so he looked over and watched as the child accepted the food and drink. A tiny blue woman holding a tiny pink child. Zeltron perhaps. He couldn't tell for sure because he couldn't see if she had pointed ears. She might be a sephi if she did. He was guessing she did or the child wouldn't have been calmed down so quickly. Zeltrons would fair the worst at being overpowered with fear. Their susceptibility to each others emotional states was minimal, so as a result they built little tolerance to an overpowering one.

If they couldn't find this girls parents he was going to end up adopting her. He had too soft a heart despite his exterior of focus abd determination. Besides, he couldn't stand the idea of putting her into a home for children. Nobody ever got the treatment they needed in those places. No, he wouldn't subject her to that. He'd rsther raise her himself.

Something stirred in the hall so he closed the door and sealed it for the moment. They hadn't made any vocal sound to identify them as aid workers so he wasn't taking the risk.

[member="Kintsugi"]

 

[Valgærd]

I felt a sudden sharpness in the air, a jolt of violent energy.

Whipping my head around, I noticed Sobaan calming himself, his features contorted as he fought back the instinct that had arisen. With a deep breath in and then out, I extended my aura, hoping to at least give him a tiny sense that he wasn’t alone in his desire to protect this fragile little thing. As he spoke, I nodded, my hands reaching towards the pouches on my belt to retrieve some simple rations and my water canteen.

“I’m just glad we found her when we did.” I replied to him.

He turned from me glanced the hall, as if hearing something. While he did, I set my focus on the girl. She was dirty and a little scratched and bruised, but thankfully free of any more serious injuries. Her distress seemed to be mostly emotional, which, while horrific, was also a relief in its own right. She would heal from this, in time.

“Here you are, little one. Do you have a name? What about a nickname? Are there any special friends we should go out and look for?”

If Sobaan’s and my worst fears were realised and she indeed had no parents anymore, the best thing right now would be to get her to focus on something benign, like a pet or a stuffed toy if she had one. As I spoke, I tore the bread in my hand into two pieces. I handed half to her and raised half to my own lips, nibbling a little.

Having no idea how long she’d been hiding here, I didn’t want the girl to shock her system by eating too much at once. Additionally, I knew she’d be more comfortable to try it if she saw me eating it as well. It was the same with the water, once she’d had a little food, I took a sip from my canteen, before placing my fingers under her chin and tilting her head back just a little as she drank.

“There, that’s better now, isn’t it?”

When I again looked up from her, I noticed that Sobaan had closed the door. My eyes sought to lock into his as I hugged the girl close to my chest again,

“Do we need to go?”


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

"Teli," the girl said when asked her name.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, but when offered the food she took it and watched Kintsugi before eating. Even though she was starving she took tiny little bites because that was the way she always ate. It made her feel better to do things like she had always done, even though she still felt bad. She leaned against Kintsugi again as she ate, feeling safe against her. At least safer than she had before.

Sobaan was still standing at the door, listening to the outside, but he didn't hear anything. That bothered him to some extent. The lack og noise likely meant that what he had detected was someone on the prowl. He reached out through the Force and felt several someones, all of them lingering outside the door. Thank goodness for sound proofing or they'd be in trouble. Though, they still had to find a way out soon.

He looked back and caught Kintsugi looking at him. He shook his head at her question.

"There's a group right outside. We need to find another way or hurt them. I'd rather avoid the latter."

These people had bern hurt enough. He didn't feel like adding to their suffering, all things considered. Especially with Teli there. He had no desire for her to see any further violence. All he wanted was to keep the two of them safe so that they could get out of there and keep helping the people that needed helping. In the meantime, he moved away from the locked door and headed into one of the other rooms. Eventually he decided their best option was going to be a window and came back.

"We can use a window to leave but it's getting dark. Best to wait for morning."

[member="Kintsugi"]

 

[Valgærd]

"Teli" I repeated softly, "what a pretty name! My name is a bit long to say, Kintsugi... you can call me Kint if that's easier, though."

Normalcy. I remembered when I'd been in a situation not unlike this one. Everyone around me had been a whirlwind of fussing and freaking out and despairing, but there had been one sister who had simply distracted me with a few questions that she'd later turned into a little game. It had been just the distraction I had needed. Now, I employed the same technique, showing little Teli that even amid all of this, normal was still possible. She was a beautiful little girl, I thought, as I brushed a strand of hair from her face. It brought me great relief to see her eating, even if it was slow, tiny bites.

"Outside the door? How could they be here?"

I asked Sobaan, my heart stopping in my chest for a moment. Fear was something I knew, but often had a distant relationship with, at best. I had complete faith that the force would guide me exactly as far as I was meant to go, and no further. However, with little Teli in my arms, that fear rushed a lot closer. What if something happened to her? I wanted to be around, because I wanted to make sure I could protect the sweet little innocent thing.

"You're right, this world has seen enough suffering, I'd rather not add to it." I nodded. As Sobaan moved to look for a way out, I turned to cup little Teli's face in my hands and tilt up towards mine gently, "do you have a backpack, Teli? We're going to go on an adventure, and you should make sure you have everything you need. Why don't you show me where your room is? I can help you, if you'd like."

The togrutalian returned, stating that we should probably stay the night. As if on cue, I felt a shiver race down my spine. He was right, the air had begun to cool already. I stood to my feet, holding the little girl's hand in one of mine. Taking a step towards him, I spoke,

"Thank you, Sobaan." I said quietly, "I don't think she'd have made it if you weren't here. Where should we sleep? Do you have any food? I've only a little left, but it's all yours."

I raised a hand to my head, silently begging the fatigue to hold off just a little longer, until the child at my side was sleeping soundly. Then, and only then, I would tend to myself.


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

Teli didn't say anything further becauae ahe was too busy eating and she was just starting to relax. She did, however, point to the door to her room so that Kintsugi knew where to go. There was a bag and her things and she would have no trouble packing for the little girl with pink skin and pointed ears. She was so focused on her task of eating that she ultimately forgot about the fact that she didn't know where her parents were.

Sobaan had examined the space and determined that it would be best if they rested together rather than separately. He felt he could better keep track of things, but also he was wearing a tracker that would allow his people to find him swiftly. He wanted to have Kint and Teli close to him if they needed an exfill. He hoped they wouldn't, but better safe than sorry. Plus he felt better when he could see them at all times.

"I came here to help. I don't need to be thanked for it," he said, offering Kint a small smile. "We should probably stay here. The couch looks pretty comfy."

He walked to it and pressed on the cushions to check. They were pretty soft. He expected that Teli would fall asleep pretty quickly after eating. The stress of what she had endured would catch up with her, and she would probably be asleep before either of them knew it. He would be able to occupy the floor while they rested, a place he could comfortably meditate and rest his body while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

"I think Teli could do with rest. You too."

[member="Kintsugi"]

 

[Valgærd]

I took Teli to her room, leaning against the door frame to watch as she hurried about, collecting important things like hair brushes and stuffed toys to put into her backpack. However, the girl also pulled out clothes from her wardrobe as well.

Folding my arms across my chest, I smothered a shiver, hiding it with a sigh. Turning my head to face Sobaan, returning his smile with one of my own.

“This place was Teli’s home.” I replied with a small nod, “it would do her some good to have time to farewell it properly.”

One more glance at Teli to make sure she was content and I moved over to the couch, sinking into the cushions. Uh-oh, that was a bad idea, a soft groan escaped my lips as I leaned back, feeling the fatigue finally win. My limbs felt heavy, I was comfortable, and my eyes threatened to close right there. Fighting the urge to simply lie down and curl up, I chuckled at the Togrutalian beside me,

“Okay, I suppose you’re right.” I confessed, “maybe a little rest would be nice…”


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

He agreed that it would be good for Teli to have time to say goodbye to the place she grew up in. He also knew that, no matter what, she was going to have a hard time letting go. Just like the memory of her parents, this place was going to stay with her forever. While he could erase what had haplened from her mind, he felt it better that she have the chance to overcome it herself since she was so young. It would make her stronger if she did so.

He smiled at what she said about resting, and was about to respond, but Teli came in and climbed up into her lap before he had a chance to say anything. He smiled at her and she gave him a weak smile back before curling up with Kintsugi. The little Sephi had clearly taken a shine to the Pantoran. He couldn't blame her considering he had also taken a bit of a shine to her himself. It also wasn't long before the girl was asleep, her body clearly exhausted.

"Don't worry about it. Just get some rest. I will keep an eye on things while you do," he said, leaning back anand watching her.

She was exhausted even if she tried not to say as much. It was written in her posture and on her face. She had spent a large amount of energy in healing people, and he could only give her so much in return. Like her, he was tired, but he could replenish while meditating, which would also allow him to keep guard of their surroundings. He would make sure they were safe while she and Teli rested.

"I will keep us safe."

[member="Kintsugi"]

 

[Valgærd]

I watched Sobaan next to me on the couch.

Around him, everything seemed a little easier to handle. It was moments like this that reminded me that my presence in the force was not always a burden. The togrutalian had a calming presence. He was strong and capable, but I had been able to sense his emotions since the moment we’d met. I could trust him. It was so much easier than trying to decide within this cloud of fatigue if letting my guard down would actually be the best idea.

My attention moved to little Teli as the girl climbed up onto my lap. With a slight chuckle, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. For a moment, I was transported back to when I was her age; exhausted, devastated, drawing comfort from the sound of the heartbeat of the sister that had held me close. Now, as I felt her tiny body start to relax, it made me smile to think that I was that comfort for another.

The girl was asleep within moments. I had hoped that once she was down, my fatigue would clear up somewhat. This had been on the assumption that it was mostly her exhaustion I’d been feeling. No such luck. In fact, now that she slept, my focus moved more onto Sobaan and myself, and my eyes grew tired and heavy.

“If there’s anything I can do…” I began, my voice a low mumble.

My sentence trailed off, hanging unfinished in the air. He knew what I meant. I didn’t have to finish it. With a heavy sigh, I leaned towards him, lowering my head. Maybe if I… just rested my eyes for a minute or two…

“Wake me… if you need me…”



[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

Sobaan waited until [member="Kintsugi"] had joined Teli in slumber. It didn't take long. While she was good at feeling things, he was good at seeing them. If she hadn't shut her eyes, she soon would have passed out, her body feeling the stress of the eventful day they had undertaken. Eventful, at least, from the moment that they had crossed paths. He had no idea how many people she had helped before he had run into her but he expected it was probably quite a few.

Once she had, he rose gently and went and rummaged through some of the closets until he found a blanket. He returned to the two of them and gentlt lay it over each such as not to cover their heads, but to ensure they remained warm throughout the night. He would not see them suffer if he could avoid it. He gently ran his hand over Teli's head, smoothing out her tresses, before he lifted his hand to brush some of Kintsugi's purple ones back away from her face. She really was beautiful.

He fwfe so bad for Teli, though. Somehow he knee that her parents had some ill befall them. He expected that both of thth were dead. Why else would they leave her alone in the state she was in? He had wanted to ask her about it, but didn't want to upset her. She had already been through more than he could imagine. It wouldn't do to make her live it again. He had made a decision, though, and he hoped she would accept it when he asked her.

For the time being he let the two sleep, ingraining their image into his mind while he settled on the floor before them and sank into a state of meditation which opened his awareness to the world around him. Instead of seeking inward peace like he normally would in such a state, he felt outward for those around them, keeping a watchful mind, in case any should dare approach their hiding place. He would allow no harm to befall them.

It was an hour or so before dawn that he was alerted to something. At first it seemed like nothing: just a few people milling about. Gradually their number grew, and those in the hall sought to join them. A scuffle broke out until it stopped. He could not make out what was being said, but all of them were approaching their door. He waited a moment longer to be sure and then stood. The door would hold for a short time, but there were enough of them that he had his doubts about the walls.

Moving quickly, he said nothing. Waking the ladies would have slowed down what needed to happen, and they could not afford for him to explain. Instead, he scooped the both of them up in his arms and darted for one of the back roomd at the same time as he heard the first charge go off. They had explosives. That was even worse. He looked ahead at the window, and a swift nudge of the Force blew it out. Both were probably awake at this point but he didn't look or say anything, he just ran for the window and jumped, carrying them both down with him.

 

[Valgærd]

With Teli in my arms, huddled under the blanket, it really did not take long for slumber to claim us.

I barely remember falling asleep. I knew Sobaan had moved away at some point. But with the girl clutched against my chest, the soft couch below me, and the blanket over me, I never stood a chance. My dreams that night were unpleasant and fitful. I dreamed of holding little Teli, running through a battlefield as explosions went off left and right. Ahead of us was the togrutalian, weilding a lightsaber as he carved a path for us. I remembered the smoke, the acrid stench as it obscured him from us. I remember a scream... it could have been Teli's or mine, I wasn't sure. I looked around, desperately, searching for Sobaan...

When I awoke, it was not on the couch.

As the seductive tendrils of slumber uncoiled from my mind and the cold pre-dawn air kissed my skin, I felt a shot of panic race through me. Where was I? What was going on? Where was the little girl? But as I drew in a breath to voice these concerns, my mind caught up. Teli was still in my arms, stirring a little. Instinctively, I held her a little tighter, kissing her forehead comfortingly. Next, I sensed a heartbeat. Sobaan's.

He'd picked up the two of us from the couch, carrying us like we were nothing, towards the window.

"Wh-what's going on?"

I barely had time to get the question out before he held us tightly to his chest and leapt out the window. I, in turn, clutched Teli tightly, a shriek escaping my lips as my stomach lurched and we hurtled towards the ground. Teli awoke right at the moment Sobaan leapt, her confused murmuring morphing into a gasp as we sailed out through the window.

We landed with a thud, but no jolt as the togrutalian held us tightly. I squirmed a little, seeking to pull myself and Teli from his arms so we could move beside him, just in case. I hoped that he wouldn't need to fight at all, but I also knew how dangerous this place was that we'd chosen to sleep in, and I would much rather have our emerald protector able to fight rather than carrying us and forced to be a sitting duck.

"What happened back there?" I asked earnestly, "did... did they get in?"


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

He landed with a relatively soft thud, his fall controlled with the Force. As he did so, [member="Kintsugi"] scrambled to escape his arms, taking Teli with her. He let her go, and immediately looked around the courtyard. There were a handful of access doors, but each one of them could take them into further danger. He was going to have to evaluate their situation quickly, and that was going to be difficult with the questions, but he would make do.

"I suspect we were a target of opportunity," he said, focusing his eyes on esch door in turn. "The ones that saw me close the dokr saw opportunity, and then others came. Ones with explosives."

He settled on a door, but took a moment to touch Kint's cheek lightly, reassuringly, before leaning down to kiss Teli's head. She was still groggy, not quite awake, but given how amped up her body had been before going to sleep it made sense that she would still be out of it. He didn't expect her to know what was going on until much later. Indeed, she quickly closed her eyes again and nestled back against Kintsugi for the time being.

He touched Kint's arm and motioned to the door they were going to before he set off towards it. Sobaan notably did bot carry a lightsaber. Sure, he owned his father's and he occassionally had it with him when he was training, but he didn't usually carry one. He felt like they often intimidated people and made other people wary of him. She needn't worry, though, if she took notice of thst fact. Sobaan was very skilled in other areas.

He opened the door and stepped into the hallway beyond, taking a long look around before he stepped further in. He moved slowly to the main hall and then darted across to a rear exterior door. The coast was clear so he motioned for her. to follow him. Thry needed to stick close together.

"I've called for a pick up. They shiuld be here soon."

He held up his trsnsponder so she would understand.

 

[Valgærd]

Sobaan's voice was somewhat soothing.

Amid the chaos of being swept away from where I'd fallen asleep, with the child still clutched in my arms, it came as a relief to hear him speaking evenly, simply explaining why we had to leave. I nodded, a soft sigh coming as my answer to him. Opportunity. He was most likely correct. There was little true malice in this place, not anymore. What there was, and was in abundance, was desperation. We had been three living bodies in a blocked off space, the chances that we were hiding something valuable, or had something useful on our persons, was high enough that people who would normally never even dream of being violent would come after us.

"I wish we could give them what they need." My voice was melancholy, "it hurts very terribly to be so desperate."

The next gesture from the togrutalian came as a surprise, as he placed a hand on my cheek. But I felt in that moment, as I leaned my face against his hand reflexively, a comfort from him. Whether it was him reaching out to comfort me, or my own being reaching out through the force in order to seek such from him. Either way, the small gesture did much to alleviate my racing heart and I found myself smiling at him.

I was thankful that little Teli's exhaustion still had her securely wrapped up in a deep slumber. After shifting a little in my arms she seemed to return to sleep. Good. Let her wake when there was perhaps something a little more pleasant for her to wake to. Sobaan touched my arm, indicating to a particular door that was to hopefully lead to our escape. I remained silent, but gave him a nod of understanding as I waited quietly as he moved ahead to clear the way for us. He opened the door, looking around and moving on before making sure the coast was clear enough for us to follow. I couldn't help but be reminded of my dream, of the feeling at least. There he was, the togrutalian, moving ahead to make a safe path for us.

Once he'd motioned for me, I followed in his steps, darting across the main hall to join him on the other side. At the transponder he held up I nodded,

"Oh that's a relief," I began, biting my lip in thought before continuing. I knew my next question would likely come as a surprise, and my cheeks turned a slightly darker blue than my face as I blushed. But... I wanted to know. "Um... Sobaan... do you... have you ever had a lightsaber? Or... would ever plan on obtaining one?"

I had seen Jedi, and Sith, in the past. It was entirely possible my dream had been... just a dream. I'd have regretted not finding out for sure, however.


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

He did not wish to have any dealings with a mob of people even though he was certain he could handle them. Most likely a large number of them would end up hurt in the process and then he would have to watch [member="Kintsugi"] deal with their injuries. He understood their dilemma and the fact that they were hurting, and he did feel bad for them, but he wasn't going to risk the chance of them hurting her or Teli. It just wasn't worth it.

He knew they would have to wait a little while given everything that was going on out in the wider world. Undoubtedly they would bring a speeder or two for retrieval, which meant traveling the streets at night. If there was a gang of people inside their building, there would probably be several gangs of people roaming the street. Heavily armed soldiers wouldn't normally be the kind of target for them, but in this situation they very well could be.

"I have my father's," he said in answer to his question. "I don't carry it often, though. Reminds me of him."

There was a noise down the hall, but he also heard the sounds of engines approaching. He gently pulled Kintsugi close to him so he could hide them if it became necessary. The gang, it seemed, was now roaming the halls in search of their quarry. They probably hadn't figured out which door they had gone through from the central courtyard. That was good. It bought them time as speeders pulled up outside. Moments later, armed troopers in crimson armor opened the door.

"Sir, are you hurt," the first one asked.

"No, but I need you to secure this building without force, stun only, and we need a ride back to the ships."

The soldier nodded and barked a couple of orders, sending a few of the heavily armored special units into the building while Sobaan gently led Kint and Teli out to one of the speeders. It was an armored speeder with a top mount turret. A soldier sat in the feont and the rear, and the Captain gave the pilot an order to take them back to the ships once they had climbed in. At leadt they could feel safe for the moment.

"Are you alright, Kintsugi? You look worried about something."

 

[Valgærd]

I was surprised when Sobaan mentioned that he did, in fact, own a lightsaber. His answer seemed… fitting, I supposed. I didn’t know a great deal about Sobaan yet, not nearly as much as I would have liked, but there was something about what he said that just seemed to… suit him. He owned a lightsabre; a weapon designed for putting down threats. But… he didn’t carry it all the time. When he did, it was as a reminder of something, someone lost, not expressly to use. He was the very definition of a protector.

I gave him a slight nod in reply before he suddenly appeared to have heard something. He pulled me close, holding me against him. Even as my heart began to race in my chest at the prospect of being stumbled upon, I found comfort in his warmth, and the sensation of those strong arms around me. It surprised me, how safe, even pleasant it was.

For a moment we stayed, waiting quietly in one another’s arms. My breath caught in my throat, my heart pounding in my chest. Teli still remained tucked up in my arms. She was so tiny, so light, I barely felt her weight at all. I heard only Sobaan’s breath as he stood protectively around us. Having waited in those moments silently, I let out an involuntary squeak of surprise when the door opened.

However, the troopers clad in crimson armor addressed Sobaan, asking if he was alright. I kept quiet as he gave the men orders, holding Teli tightly and whispering quietly into her ear. Even though she was still asleep, comforting words would never go astray.

As the Togrutalian led us to an armored speeder, I breathed a sigh of relief. We may not be out of the woods yet, but it was a step up from the little room. I glanced at the sleeping girl in my arms. There were many still wandering the city, in need of help. But if there was one difficult lesson I had learned in my time, it was knowing when to stop. If I tried to return to the city, I risked putting Teli in more danger. No, now it would be best to take the little treasure we’d found, and make sure she was safe first.

I glanced up to Sobaan as he spoke.

“Oh I… just had a dream, that’s all. I think it left me a little rattled. I don’t know that it means anything.” I shrugged, “I think I’m just on edge from the situation here.”

Not exactly wrong, I just needed some time to untangle my thoughts.

“Where are we going?”



[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

"To my ships. Seems the safest place for now," he said as they sped through the streets.

He took a moment away from watching their surroundings and looked at her and the girl nestled in her arms. He reached over and brushed Teli's head lightly, wondering what she was dreaming about. He understood why she was on edge. After all, he felt the same way. It was all about how you handled yourself when serious situations arose. Certainly the one they were surrounded by was serious. He had just acted on his desire to keep them safe with a minimal chance of fighting.

"Two minutes," the driver assured them.

These guys were professionals. They had been utterly loyal to his father before Sobaan had killed him. Now that he was in charge of the company, they worked for him. He felt no need to worry with them. That allowed him to move closer to [member="Kintsugi"] and Teli and wrap an arm around them to pull them close. Itwas always hard, coping with the threat of harm. It was worse coping with the reality of the bigger picture.

Eventually they arrived at the makeshift landing field. There were aboutthree ships with the Overlock markings, one frigate and two corvettes. Makeshift medical camps had been set up between the ships, and people were still flitting about even in the early morning hours. There was a lot to be done and there were only so many people that could do it. The speeder came to a stop and he climbed out, holding the door for her.

"Let's get inside so she can rest in a proper bed."

Heled her through the camp and up the ramp, aiming to take them to his quarters on the ship. It had a big bed. Teli would be comfortable in it.

 

[Valgærd]

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course, from a very early age, the sisters had taught me never to get onto a ship with a strange man. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of not only doing that now, but also taking a child with me I had as good as kidnapped. It was hardly that simple of course. Sobaan was less a stranger, more our protector, and friend, I decided as I turned to watch him. Certainly, he was unique, perhaps in the entire galaxy, but he had earned my trust, and Teli's too.

Two minutes

I subtly leaned down and kissed Teli's forehead as she remained curled up in my arms. I'd never considered the idea of myself bearing children of my own, but it surprised me how easily I apparently took on a mothering role to the girl. If I was honest, her tiny, innocent presence comforted me as much as mine did her. With a soft sigh, I turned to watch the streets zoom by, settling back against Sobaan as he wrapped an arm around us. We hadn't talked perhaps as much as others might, before becoming so close, but we still understood one another on at least that level. In some way, I actually understood those warriors who knew claimed to be able to know their opponent on the battlefield more intimately than a lover. There was something about sharing time in a wound in the force like this, something that bonded souls to one another.

The landing field at which we arrived was humble, looking in fact like it had been set up for the relief effort perhaps. I watched those still awake in these early hours scurrying about, helping out however they could. I turned to Sobaan as he climbed out, holding the door for me. Teli stirred, so I let her climb out and walk on her own, her hand still clutching mine. My free hand I moved to our togrutalian protector, placing it on his shoulder gently to steady myself as we climbed out.

"Thank you," I smiled at him.

It surprised me how reluctant I was to remove my hand from his shoulder as I stepped onto the ground. At his words, I nodded, glancing down to the still-sleepy girl clinging to my robes,

"That sounds like a good idea. Somewhere safe for her to sleep."

I followed behind him, walking through the camp as the pink-skinned girl followed behind me. I saw his ship soon come into view, pausing for just a moment to take it in. I wasn't sure if Sobaan knew it or not, but I could feel it; stepping onto that ship would mean... the start of something; a new chapter. With a smile, I hurried to catch up to him. A new chapter was perhaps just what Teli and I needed.


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

Sobaan was gifted at seeing things, but there were still times where something seemingly obvious was missed. This was one of those occasions, though not for lack of understanding. He didn't see how she saw. What he did see was an opportunity to expand his company, and someone that fit the core ideals of the company. She would be an excellent addition to the business. If she accepted his job offer, of course.

The ship was less busy than the outside. Most were probably resting still. Made it easy to lead them along. Teli was walking, though he could tell she was still tired. He reached out and took her hand gently in his, so she didn't have to reach up to his shoulder. Plus he kind of liked her touch. He'd said before that he would find someone eventually. That was back when he was talking to his friends among the Je'daii. Now here he was, holding the hand of a young woman.

And that was when it really hit him. If she wasn't pulling away from his youch, and she hadn't been, then maybe she liked it. When the speeder had pulled up, she had clung to him each time. Perhaps it was merely because he made her feel safe, but did she also like his touch? That was something to consider, certainly, but it could have just been the situation that they were in as well. The despair and datkness of the location they were in could also push good people together.

They came to a particular doir and he keyed in an access code, then allowed her and Teli to enter ahead of him. Yes, there was only one bed, but it was large and comfortable. Teli could get some good rest in it. He stepped to [member="Kintsugi"]'s side and bent down to pick the girl up. She leaned against him as he held her, and he carried her to the bed. There he pulled the covers down and lowered her into it, before covering her gently. He made sure she could see them and brushed her head.

"Sleep, little one. It'll help you," he said, watching her eyes flutter.

He moved to the love seat in the room and sat down, motioning for Kintsugi to join him. She could decide to join Teli in the bed, he supposed, but he thought it might be nice for them to sit together for a while and talk, knowing that they were completely safe, for once, and not having to worry if there was some gang of hooligans out there trying to get them.

"You alright?"

 

[Valgærd]

I kept my hand securely held in Sobaan's as we walked.

Of course, it wasn't like I was a stranger to physical contact; quite the opposite, in fact, my gifts necessitated it. However, there was something different about the togrutalian's. I liked it, very much in fact. While my mind had been solely focused on Teli and the other victims, as we moved into the safety of his ship, I had no choice but to turn my attention inward. I felt safe around the man, as I'm sure little Teli did as well, but... it went beyond that. I enjoyed his company, more than I expected I would after such a short time. I kept quiet as we walked, mulling over this realisation.

When we reached our destination, I felt a soft smile pull itself onto my features as Sobaan picked up little Teli and tuck her into bed. Watching from where I stood, a sudden thought assaulted my mind. For a split-second, we felt like a family. This man I'd known for not even a day, and the child for even less than that, and yet there was a warmth about the air, a pleasantness, as I watched him gently tuck her in as she relaxed with a sigh.

Once the girl was once again slumbering, he moved over to a comfortable-looking love seat, inviting me to join him. I did so gratefully, sinking into the cushions next to him with a sigh. I'd sat close, perhaps a little too close, as I could feel the warmth from his being beside me. Without even thinking, I leaned my head down on his shoulder, my entire body relaxing completely for the first time since stepping-foot on the planet. I often forgot when to look after myself; when to eat and drink, when to rest. As he asked me if I was alright, I thought back to the previous day. It was only on his suggestion that I'd eaten, drank a little water, even rested. I was, in fact... much more than I expected to be.

"I... am." I replied, the surprise likely evident in my words. I turned up to him, finding myself wanting to see his face, to look into those eyes again, "what about you? You've done so much for us, do you need to rest?"

I bit my tongue. He's not one of your poor lost souls, Kint. I reminded myself, don't scare him off. I bit my lip in thought. Scare him off? Why... why did that matter if I came off as overbearing? I'd never worried about that before.


[member="Sobaan Palle"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

He shook his head at her question.

"I am used to being awake for long periods of time," he said, sliding his arm around her as she leaned against him. "It's been a while since I've been able to sleep soundly."

She needn't have worried about scaring him. He was as fond of her as she of him. Both seemed equally comfortable around each other. He hadn't batted a lash at her leaning herself against him and resting her head on his shoulder. It was almost like she had done it numerous times before and he expected it. That wasn't the case, but it felt like it was. His hand moved to rest upon her arm, running gently up and down it as she leaned on him. Her frame was incredibly delicate and small. He felt a butterfly rush through his stomach.

When he had come to Tirahnn he had expected the carnage. He had expected to spend his time chasing down answers in the search for what had caused the carnage. He had expected death and mayhem. What he had not expected was to run into a Pantoran healer, and work with her to help some people who needed it before finding a young Sephi girl and then taking them both in. If someone would have told him that he would have feelings for someone he met on Tirahnn before he'd arrived, he would have laughed and told them that they were crazy.

"What would you do if you were given a hospital ship, an extensive team of doctors and medical droids, and a large amount of liquid assets?"

It was kind of a loaded question, and he expected it to catch [member="Kintsugi"] off guard, but he had his reasons for asking. He wanted her to work for him. In part because of her dedication and her prowess, but also because he wanted to keep her close to him. If she wasn't close to him, he would think about her all the time, and wonder what she was doing, and then he would lose productivity and what little sleep that he did get. He didn't want that. He wanted to keep her close because he liked her company.

Selfish, but at least part of the reason was good?

 

[Valgærd]

His arm around me felt warm, safe, comfortable.

All the tension seemed to leave my muscles as I sank into Sobaan's side, listening to him speaking softly. This moment, this right here... this was what we were working towards. I couldn't help but think about all those who had made it out or been rescued; families reunited, lovers holding one another, friends sitting with friends. It was easy to get caught up in the disaster and the chaos, but this reminder of why we went out there and did it, this was most welcome indeed.

The togrutalian's next question surprised me.

A hospital ship? A team? Resources? I'd dreamed of one day having such things. Instantly I felt my heart race in my chest. Oh, the good I could do! In that moment my mind was filled with visions of helping the sick. This ship would become a beacon of hope, undoing a little of the damage in the galaxy. I could train others, passing on what I'd learned about healing, have friends and allies by my side. Then, one day, if... something ever happened to me, this work could go on. Realising that I'd been quiet for a few moments, I sheepishly looked up to Sobaan.

His face was... closer than I'd expected. It gave me pause as my breath momentarily left my lungs. Taking yet another moment to catch myself, I answered him,

"I... don't even know where I'd start." I breathed, my voice almost trembling. "Such a thing... could do so much good. Could... could we really truly have something like that?"

Huh, 'we'. That came so naturally. I hoped that Sobaan either hadn't picked up on it... or didn't mind if he had. He was striking, certainly. But, there was something more to him, something that I so desperately wanted to spend time finding out.


[member="Sobaan Palle"]