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"The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men"
Location: Kashyyyk
The recent battles against the Bryn'adûl had wounded the Concord, laying damage to their pride, their hope and their numbers. Their friends, families, allies and strangers had all laid down their lives so that others may persevere. Today, the protectors of the galaxy would be laid to rest. They were already one with the Force but now was the time for their physical form to return to the ash from which it came.
An invite had been extended to those who had fought beside them, bled beside them and died beside them. The Concord had offered to repatriate the bodies they had recovered that didn't belong to them but some remained on Kashyyyk where they would leave their final worldly mark.
While not allied or even friendly with the Silver Jedi, the Concord's diplomats were keen to avoid a diplomatic faux pas in excluding the New Imperial Order when they reached out to the Galactic Alliance. If they had put aside their differences for one day then they could do it for one day more, should they choose to accept.
Two rows of fallen Jedi, Mandalorians, Rangers and unclaimed allies lay on pyres, covered by a sheet to hide the gruesome manner in which some of them met their end at the hands of the Bryn'adûl. Beside each pyre stood a volunteer, holding a torch ready to light the pyre and release the warriors from their worldly bindings.
"Let this be a day of remembrance as we honour our fallen warriors. They gave their lives for the greater good of the galaxy and we shall not mourn their loss but celebrate their righteousness. They are one with the Force now and we will all meet them there someday." The Jedi Master addressed those gathered.
Upon conclusion of her remark, the pyres were lit and the wind carried the embers high into the twilight sky.
Open to SJC, GA, NIO, CIS if you want but there weren't many CIS allies in the invasion - A thread of remembrance following the Battle of Sev Tok.
The entire team stepped off “The Annunaki” and was uncomfortable with what they were about to do. The dress uniforms weren’t so bad, after all, they were required for specific occasions like this, but the “remembrance” event was like a funeral.
SpecOps does not attend them; unless they are being held in and with an open bar.
When you are in Special Operations, you know that your time is limited and that you are going to go out “like that”. You know this, you understand this. Your friends, your brothers, your sisters, they know this and all act accordingly for it is an unwritten rule. Funerals, “remembrance events”, simply remind an operator of their mortality and can remove their edge. That is not only frightening, it is unacceptable.
The team quietly walked towards the gathering. They all remained quiet and respectful… out of place. None of them wanted to be there, but each of them knew that it was necessary. The people of Sev Tok, the city of Anvil, they did not ask for what happened to them, but it did. They did not want for anything more than a normal day, but what happened… happened.
That is why they were here, that is why they all were here.
{Commodore Liedran Kathause, Standing By} {Kashyyyk's Ground}
{Representing the Third Squadron of the Galactic Alliance's First Expeditionary Fleet} {Our Hearts go to the brave souls who fought on Sev Tok}
Slaughtered.
Hundreds- Thousands of heroes were butchered that fateful day; Soldiers, pilots, crewmen, even civilians torn asunder by the blood-soaked blades of the Bryn'adûl. And she couldn't stop it. Liedran couldn't stop the Epitaph from descending the atmosphere, from burying its deadly drill into Sev Tok's crust. She was too paralyzed to stop the hordes from exiting the wide-mouthed doors and bringing their wrath to Anvil.
The transport set down, and the deafening sound of gearings greeted her, waving alongside the blinding light that rushed through opened doors. The commodore was the first to exit, followed by the Pegasus's captain, the CAG, and a group of ceremonially-equipped marines. The other transports released similar passengers, the various E1-3rd captains and their senior staff.
It was a relatively long walk to the ceremonial grounds, Liedran not daring to interrupt whatever tranquility could be managed in a field of dead. The journey gave her all the time she needed, time to remember her own mistakes, silently praying for another chance. Life rarely was so kind, if at all. But, she found comfort knowing that the heroes, the real heroes, of Sev Tok could find some semblance of peace.
Her own jeweled necklace shown more brightly than expected, the moonlit atmosphere refracted and reflected about the blue-tinted minerals that formed the gem at the necklace's bottom.
Eventually, the cluttered path came to a cold end, large open land filling its place. The rows of tarps maintained a haunting presence before the gathered living.
"Commander," The commodore whispered into her X.O's ear, "I think I'll stay back here."
The rest of them split off, some in small, quiet groups; some as solitary as her. Regardless, salutes emerged among the crowd; her own could just barely managed itself. Now, the fires were lit, the embers lit and died, and the smoke ascended to the sky.
Cas never normally wore traditional Jedi robes, too loose and uncomfortable, but today he'd make an exception. Wearing ceremonial robes was the least the Kiffar could do to pay his respects to those fallen... stolen from their loved ones, stolen from full lives. As a resident of Silver Rest, Cas was earlier than most to the ceremonial grounds, ironically, he was always the late one.
He wasn't even sure if Zephyr's body was there or not... or, maybe, he'd been laid to rest in more Mandalorian traditions... which he had no clue of. Regardless, as horrible as a thought that it was, the Jedi Knight was relieved that the bodies were covered. His eyes couldn't bear to see his friend's body, nor relieve the memory of mercifully ending his life that already haunted him day in and day out.
A hand tapped the Kiffar's shoulder, with it came a familiar presence he hadn't felt since Sev Tok. The familiar figure stood alongside Cas "You alright?" he asked, Cas cast the man a side long glance and realised the man was none other than Vinil, the Ranger he refused to abandon in Anvil. A broad, genuine smile sprawled across the Kiffar's bronze features "Vinil! You made it." Cas exclaimed happily before being shushed by the other attendees, though his eyes lowered to the cybernetic replacement of the leg he'd damaged during the battle.
"Thanks to you." he whispered with a smile, returning his gaze to up front "I was discharged yesterday, still getting used to the new leg but... I couldn't miss this. Especially when I could've..." Vinil trailed off, although he needn't say anything, Cas knew what the Ranger was implying. Cas placed his hand on the Ranger's shoulder and said quietly "You aren't though. That's what matters."
Despite all that was lost that day, Vinil was a stark reminder to Cas of those they had saved, those that lived to return to their loved ones. A reminder that the row of bodies could have been much higher today. Though remorseful, he was glad that he managed to save one person at least.
The Jedi Knight had been unsure whether to attend the ceremony but she had heard of the horrors of Sev Tok and imagined how important it was for Cas so she supressed her feelings of guilt and eventually arrived to support her... friend - albeit fashionably late.
It didn't take long to spot the Kiffar among the fellow mourners so she politely shuffled through the crowd to get to him and once beside him, she linked her arm with his. She didn't say anything at first, instead offering a sad smile before her gaze shifted to the growing flames in front of them.
Despite having no reason to do so, she began to feel a twinge of guilt while looking upon the bodies of their fellow Jedi. She was rather selfishly thankful that none of them were Cas but to know she hadn't been there, hadn't been able to be there to help protect her friends and allies pained her. She had been granted leave due to her circumstances but she had lied to Cas about why she couldn't be there. With the Concord at war, there was only so much longer she could keep up the façade.
I should've been there.
The thought rang through her mind despite the more reasonable voice within her telling her that she had not just herself to protect now. Now she was responsible for protecting someone far more helpless than her fully-trained allies. She owed it to that person to not get killed in battle. Not yet.
Zemira was struggling to find the right time to tell Cas. She was unsure how he would react to her news. It could either come as a great blessing to him or an incredible disappointment and given their situation, she was expecting the latter. Initially, she had been afraid herself but she knew now that she was capable of weathering the storm on her own, if need be.
"They were heroes."She said to no one in particular.
All around her were people of all races and creeds. Though this was a traditional ceremony largely for the Jedi, it didn't prevent some of their allies and others from paying respects. Today they were reminded that while they shared not beliefs or ideals, they shared the galaxy and that was powerful enough to unite them all.
✠ Objective: Mourn and Honour
✠ Location: Kashyyyk
✠ Gear: Red hooded tabard over black robes
✠ Assets: The Phalanx in orbit
✠ Tag(s): Kiara Ayres , Aien Mueller , Liedran Kathause
, Cadere
, Zemira
, open
Ecthelion Aiglos was not the man who mourns or gives in to some grief. But he understands the value of honouring the dead, the fallen. Warriors deserve peace, deserve honour and deserve to be remembered of their deeds and actions. Therefore Aiglos followed the invitation to the planet of Kashyyyk. His men were not here, but many he fought alongside with and even the smallest rock thrown can be a sign of bravery.
Clad in unusual robes of black with a tabard of the Orders colours above it, it was void of any ornaments, beauties or details except for a golden cross above the heart. The tabard was quite loose as it usually is to be worn above a Mk. II armour, but a simple belt was holding it in place and the large hood was hanging from his shoulders.
The High Imperator stood silently among the mourning, his eyes looking straight in the fire. It was a rare moment of calm in the beginning of the most heated phase since the Galactic Conquest. His thoughts were fading from here to there, truly empty for moment and just following dancing of the flames.
Starship: Starlight Sentinel, (Dilorian in cargo bay)
Companion: Astromech R01R - "Roller", Pilot droid Mu51c - "Music" (Both on ship at all times)
Tag:
He wasn't there. He didn't want to be around Jedi at the time, around anyone. It wasn't personal, he needed to be away from everything in order to heal. His quest took him to the Wellspring of Life where he had learned that he was never going to be the way he was. That was a story for another time though as the big guy had not only heard about what went down on Sarka, but at Sev Tok. He learned about all of the loss, about the destruction, and for what? No, this had to end.
He was not here to mourn anyone, they were one with the Force and he would honor their loss by living as he could. He would keep their memory going by being the role model, the Jedi that he needed to be. It was strange, it is always strange that it takes an event like this to put life into perspective as such, but the big guy was a student of the mind and of life and he was a fast learner. This was normally a time where he would swear vengeance or revenge, or to "bring swift justice", but not this time. The Bryn thrive on aggression, it makes them better. Maybe that was a good thing though, this impending invasion he had heard about was going to happen one way or the other, and maybe bringing out their best and beating them will give no question that their time is over.
He once held anger towards them, now? Now it was apathy. Life is a circle... no... not a circle of life... just cyclical and their time was coming to an end.
The memorial was beautiful. It was fitting to the city of anvil, a place he had visited many times over his years. Noticing his friends in Omega Squad, he gave them a respectful bow, a bow that you will rarely see him give, before putting his hand on the memorial itself. There were some gathered around him, some military, some civilian, it looked like they wanted him to say a few words.
I wasn't prepared to say anything. I wasn't there, but... here goes something a family member once said...
I have been honored to be around the military in some way shape or form for my entire life. I never understood why until today standing here, at this very memorial you see behind you. It's something that I take great pride in as a sign of our solemn gratitude and our deep respect. The names of those fallen that you hear gave their lives for an ideal without fanfare, yet their souls have entered into the spirit of what we are, and they will never be forgotten by our people.
In this memorial where valor sleeps, we acknowledge our responsibility as citizens of the member Concord planets to preserve the memory of the fallen. On this day, we look out on quiet hills, and we know that we are in the presence of greatness. The markers here record the names of more than 296,000 men and women; each of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines immortalized here answered the call to serve and stepped forward to protect the nation they loved.
All who are buried here understood their duty. They saw a dark shadow on the horizon and went to meet it. They understood that tyranny must be met with resolve and that liberty is always the achievement of courage. Here, in the presence of veterans they fought with and loved ones whose pictures they carried, the fallen give silent witness to the price of our liberty -- and our nation honors them, this day and every day.
In this place where valor sleeps, we are reminded why we stand when we must and go to war reluctantly because we know the costs of war. With us here are veterans who fought alongside them -- and who have come today to pay their respects. As we pray for their fallen friends, we also remember those who went to war and are still missing, and we are determined to account for them all.
In this place where valor sleeps, we find strength in knowing that those serving freedom's cause have acted with principle and steadfast faith. Second Lieutenant Jack Lundberg was killed defending a speeder full of teens against a Bryn horde, during the attack against this planet. I know who he is because his parents approached me and showed me a letter. He wrote his Mom and Dad a letter to be opened in the event he did not come home. He wrote, "I am sorry to add to your grief ... but we all have something to fight for -- never more fully have I realized that. Being among the Silver Jedi, being in the SJDF is worth the sacrifice."
That same feeling moves those who are now fighting the war against the Bryn'a'Dul. I remember on Sarka, a young officer, his name was First Lieutenant Marq Indinax was killed that day. Before he left for his tour, he gave his parents the last letter, just in case. He wrote: "Remember that my leaving was in the service of something that we loved, and be proud. The best way to pay respect is to value why a sacrifice was made." I met his parents... they couldn't have been more proud.
We try to keep the thought of freedom relevant because we are free because of brave men and women like these, who volunteer to confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. We mourn the loss of our men and women in uniform; we will honor them by completing the mission for which they gave their lives -- by defeating the terrorists, by advancing the cause of liberty, and by laying the foundation of peace for a generation of younglings. Today we pray that those who lie here have found peace with their Creator, and we resolve that their sacrifice will always be remembered by a grateful Concord.
Which is why I say to you...
Next time you look at a soldier's face, see if you can find that glint of pride. Sometimes it’s hidden, and you have to search it out. You'll find it in the eyes always in the eyes. For the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul, even a soldier's soul. Also when you've carefully examined every feature of that soldier's face, stand up straight and tall and smile your best smile. Thank that soldier, because it does what some cannot or will not. It defends what it believes to be right with its very life. But more important, it defends a perfect stranger you. And when you see a flag-covered casket, stand in memorial of all the soldier's faces you've examined. For when one of them falls, they all fall. And when one of them stands, they all stand.
Shouldn't we stand with them?
Surprised at his "few words", Caltin shook a couple of hands and warmly hugged those who needed them. After a few minutes of speaking to people, a young woman, crying her eyes out, touched him on the shoulder. She was clearly military, judging by her dress uniform. "Master Jedi. Thank you. My father was lost protecting the city of Anvil. He was from Nar Kreeta. Will, you be joining us as we go back there"
Some of the others may not understand what she was referring to, but he did.
As the bodies burned and the smoke of their ashes were taken away by the air currents above, Cas remained silent, hands locked together in front of him. Vinil, gently patting Cas' back as a farewell, approached the widow of one of his comrades in order to pay his respects leaving the Kiffar alone. His brown gaze lingered on the smouldering bodies of the fallen heroes, the sight of the flames erupting from the bodies made Cas grimace, the memory of Zephyr rushed back to him.
Before it became too much to bear, he felt an arm link with his. Lips parting in surprise, his head turned to meet the person that belongs to the mysterious yet familiar arm. Zemira... the sight of her and her warm, comforting presence within the Force was enough to immediately relax the Jedi. Relaxing the muscles he didn't know he had been tensing, he weakly returned the sad smile she offered.
Zemira wasn't at Sev Tok, but he bore her no ill will, in fact he was glad she wasn't there. She was a Jedi, it was guaranteed she'd seen horrible things but... the horrors of war was something Cas never wanted his loved ones to experience, not Ciara, his parents, Mathieu, Sakadi, Yen or Zemira. Although, he had to admit that he was curious as to what could have called her away from the battle, and how important it must have been.
"Yeah. They were." he whispered, bowing his head "I just... wish I could have done more." the Kiffar silently lamented. Beneath the surface of Zemira's warm and relaxing signature's exterior, something hidden caught his attention within the Force's currents. Prodding slightly deeper, he could feel worry? Or was it apprehension? Maybe it was fear? Cas couldn't quite put his finger on it.
The Kiffar's arm slid downward, fingers interlacing with Zemira's, still facing the pyre he asked "Are you alright?... Not counting... all this." he sighed. He hated war.
"Those thoughts will get you nowhere." She told him, despite combatting similar thoughts herself. "You did what you could. These... beings aren't like any enemy we've ever encountered before. Sometimes just getting away with your life is all you can do." She attempted to offer some comfort but she felt her words were empty when she didn't mean them. She had wanted so badly to be there for her allies, for all whose lives depended on them, but it was unjustifiable given her circumstances.
Even when she had fought the Bryn in the past, her actions hadn't felt like enough. It never felt like enough. With every battle, they were pushed back but now there was hope. The Concord had launched its own endeavours at repatriating lost planets. The future was not bright but there was a faint light at the end of the tunnel.
Her hand gently squeezed his and she rested her head on his shoulder, hoping he was less likely to see her expression. "I'm... okay." She replied, mesmerised by the flames for a moment as her mind trailed off elsewhere. She thought about the current state of the galaxy and wondered what kind of place it would be to bring a child into. The thought made her feel stupid and selfish. No one deserved to live in fear.
It made her want to leave, to hide deep in a part of the galaxy untouched by war. When she had been taken in by the Jedi, it had been an opportunity to better herself. Now, she wasn't sure that was such the case for any Younglings joining the Order who would go on to face the hardships of war. It was a noble cause but the thought of any child of hers being trained to be a soldier from birth made her heart sink.
After realising she had zoned out, her head lifted from Cas' shoulder and she looked up at him. "Do you ever get scared for the future?" She asked, her mind now plagued by worries.
Omen stood in the background in his full ARC armor, not wanting to get in anyone's way and only wanting to see what this ceremony was all about. If only we clones got monuments like this back then...
He mentally rapped a knuckle on his head for even thinking about himself during a time like this. Stop it... You're here to celebrate the life of fellow soldiers lives who fought against living monsters that you have yet to face and probably will die as easily as they did back then... Not without selling your life dearly of course. Those new verpine pieces I got should help a little with that effort.
"Let this be a day of remembrance as we honour our fallen warriors. They gave their lives for the greater good of the galaxy and we shall not mourn their loss but celebrate their righteousness. They are one with the Force now and we will all meet them there someday."
Righteousness may have been too much of a word to describe the soldiers who had laid down their lives in the heat of battle. He thought of his brothers 800 years in the past, a smile passing over his face as he remembered the shipping games he played with Bolt, another EOD trooper that was a little easier on him during his times at the EOD headquarters when it was hard for the force-sentient trooper to even keep his eyes awake during his duty shifts, often subbing out with Omen so he could try to rest and recuperate. The two had a special game they had liked to play where they played fictional matchmaker to the senators, Jedi, and other prominent players in the Republic. He chuckled softly, glad that his bucket kept the noise in amongst the grieving crowd as he thought about how he had judged Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala the best couple ever while Bolt thought that Anakin was better suited to someone else more... how he could he put this... not pep but more outgoing energy like his Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano.
If only Bolt was here now, I would have someone to talk to at least...
Maybe these soldiers did their own matchmaking in their free time while drinking at a bar, having a good laugh with one another. These were normal beings with normal dreams and pursuits who did their best to fight tyranny wherever they found it, who defended the soil they stood on to the last. No righteous was not the word the clone would use, the phrase "one of us" would have been better suited to the task of describing the efforts of the people that laid in the trays before them, that they frequented with us on missions and bar runs and that they deserved and honorable funeral with a place reserved on a plaque or monument. They should be and needed to be remembered, by their loved ones and strangers alike, both to remember the fond memories of when they were alive and to remember who had cut them down and what threat they posed to the safe haven that was the SJC.
He watched as another Jedi Master took the stage and said his piece, rather eloquently as the clone might add. Master Vanagor could lead him into battle anytime.
In this place where valor sleeps, we find strength in knowing that those serving freedom's cause have acted with principle and steadfast faith. Second Lieutenant Jack Lundberg was killed defending a speeder full of teens against a Bryn horde, during the attack against this planet. I know who he is because his parents approached me and showed me a letter. He wrote his Mom and Dad a letter to be opened in the event he did not come home. He wrote, "I am sorry to add to your grief ... but we all have something to fight for -- never more fully have I realized that. Being among the Silver Jedi, being in the SJDF is worth the sacrifice."
The Lieutenant was a hero, no doubt about it. Omen only wished he could have been discovered earlier so he could have died or even saved the soldier do his heroic death wasn't needed. Well, he was here now to take the Lieutenant's place on the firing line and he would not let these valiant souls down.
Next time you look at a soldier's face, see if you can find that glint of pride. Sometimes it’s hidden, and you have to search it out. You'll find it in the eyes always in the eyes. For the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul, even a soldier's soul. Also when you've carefully examined every feature of that soldier's face, stand up straight and tall and smile your best smile. Thank that soldier, because it does what some cannot or will not. It defends what it believes to be right with its very life. But more important, it defends a perfect stranger you. And when you see a flag-covered casket, stand in memorial of all the soldier's faces you've examined. For when one of them falls, they all fall. And when one of them stands, they all stand.
He stood with that glint of pride in his eyes right now, proud to have the Master and those around him stand in the fight against the Bryn, hell or high water. As he backed away from the gathering, he only hoped they would accept him as their own in the coming days and weeks of fighting.
Zemira's response was expected, he'd heard the "it wasn't your fault" song too many times and it never worked, not really. Sure, they may have been true but it didn't make Cas feel any better - they were Jedi after all, keepers of the peace, defenders of life, witnessing so many people die while being unable to protect them always weighed heavy on the Kiffar's soul. Death was a natural part of life, yes, but when one was forcibly removed from life at the hands of another... it was a whole 'nother story.
He felt the Hapan's soft hands gently squeeze against his, followed by the slight added weight of Zemira's head on his shoulders. Cas' heartbeat begun to elevate slightly and the tip of his ears warmed, his memory recalling that fateful night on Truuine some weeks ago. Their... current interaction, as well as what occured previously made him wonder where the two stood right now, metaphorically speaking, he wanted to ask but both weren't in the right frame of mind to ask, nor was the time appropriate. The answer Zemira gave regarding her wellbeing was obviously a lie seeing as her emotions told a different story, but he wouldn't press her, she'd tell him when she was ready... hopefully.
All the time was what he wanted to say but "I try not to." was what escaped his mouth, although technically the truth, Cas felt as if it were a lie. Most of his free time was spent looking toward and worrying about the future, particularly, what could happen to his loved ones if he failed to act. As someone blessed... or maybe cursed, with the gift of precognition - Cas saw possible futures frequently in his dreams, most of them bad, and it was the catalyst of his anxieties. "But... its inevitable, the future, best we can do is just... I don't know... live in the moment." his words were hollow, Cas firmly believed in his words but wished he'd actually follow them.
It took a few seconds for Cas to realise Zemira's question was an odd one, a pretty random thing to ask. Finally, his gaze shifted from the pyre and his head turned to meet Zemira's "Why do you ask?" wondering if this had anything to do with the feelings she currently radiated through the Force.
