Bathe in the Light

[Laira Darkhold]

The redhead grinned, knowing how she'd be spending her remaining time with Stephanie as soon as the brunette answered. "Its a shell nebula just outside the Kashyyyk system known for blocking direct travel from Coachelle to Ota and the reason the Dauntless Run was plotted. No one really flies through it, its too dangerous and too difficult to navigate. Pirates used to use it as a staging point but even they didn't try to travel through its center."

Laira shrugged and went back to finishing packing her things into the cargo pod so they could leave the unknown planet behind, though she had nothing but fond memories of the world. It was peaceful and quiet, the people here didn't deserve to have the War brought to them, and she'd tell the Resistance as much. Better they leave it alone in the archives.

"If we tried our hand at navigating it we could cut four hours off our trip, maybe add a little danger and thrill to the flight. Or, we could try the Tyyyn Nebula and asteroid belt. Its a little closer to Kashyyyk, and has much of the same stuff there. Not sure how the Silve Jedi dealt with Trandoshan hunters, but they used to lurk in the Tyyyn I'm told."

"You're choice. Thornhedge or Tyyyn, or straight home like a good little padawan." Laira's grey eyes gleamed, she was hoping to stir a little rebellion in Stephanie and get her to do something reckless for no other reason than she could and that she wanted to. Besides, it would be fun for them. Laira's favorite activity was flying, and she had a lovely two seater X-Wing just for them.

[member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Both sounded dangerous, but both sounded equally exciting and just what Stephanie had always dreamt about when wanting to fly. To have nothing but your craft between you and eternal space, flying high and low, twisting and banking this way and that. Heart racing, hands clammy, but with the focus of a professional who can do wonders with just the craft itself.

She didn't need much time to debate the offer.

"The Tyyyn Nebula. Sounds dangerous, but I think you can do it."

She smiled and walked over to Laira.

"I always wanted to be a pilot you know, so if you ever have more free time and you can show me a thing or two, I'd be really appreciative. It's one thing I want to do for the Order; to pilot a craft to help in battle or escorts."

This time, she didn't hesitate to reach out and hug Laira, holding her close just because...she wanted to. And for some reason, se was getting sad about parting.

"I know you're stronger than I," she whipsered, "and there's dozens of men and women you will meet in tht days ahead when we part, but I want you to know how much this has meant to me. Thank you for letting me in a little. For letting me grow."

Stephanie placed a small kiss on Laira's cheek and squeezed a little, before pulling back and then squeezing her hand.

[member="Laira Darkhold"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira eyed the Padawan, smiling as she folded up the sensor-mesh leanto and the Padawan spoke to her about the Tyyyn Nebula and her aspirations to be a pilot. "WE can do it," the redhead corrected as Stephanie walked up and hugged her.

"Its not as hard as some of the old heads like to say it is. Next time we get together we can grab a swoop bike and take it for a max speed run through the forests on Kashyyyk. I learned most of my skills doing stuff like that, only use simulators help train maneuvers and coordination." Laira shrugged, returning the Jedi's hug and quick kiss on the cheek with a grin. She liked Stephanie quite a bit, but only time would tell what became of them and how they would sprout. They all had places to go and jobs to do in the meantime.

"Don't doubt yourself, Steph. I like you, I don't mind letting you in so long as you let me in to some of your more personal stuff." She placed the folded sensor-mesh tent into the cargo pod, letting the astromech haul it on repulsor power to be bolted back on the ventral side of the X-Wing. It didn't take long before the bolts and pressure systems were in place and the T-95 was ready to go whenever they were.

Before long she climbed into the cockpit and started running through the pre-flight check lists, gauging fuel and engine efficiency waiting for lights to turn green so she could take Stephanie back to Kashyyyk. Maybe she'd do something funny in Silver space just to draw attention, or act like she was dropping the brunette off at school once they arrived.

[member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Stephanie smiled and offered a salute.

"I will. And I will let you in, I have no desire to keep secrets and it’s not in my Hapan nature to keep people out that I trust."

She knelt to pick up a fold of material, handing it to Laira which seemed to be the last of the items to take, and watched as she climbed up into the cockpit of the ready and waiting X-Wing craft. Her first ride in one of these mighty ships.

"A speeder ride sounds mighty fun, I’ll hold you to that."

With a spring in her step, Stephanie followed suit, climbing the fixed ladder on the side and slipping down into the second seat behind the pilot. The hatch slid shut over her head, and she felt like a child surrounded by such technology as the hum of the craft could be felt. She shifted slightly to get comfortable, and leaned forward to pick up receiver head-set that was on the floor.

The helmet slid over her head, and moved the mouth piece down so she could communicate with the Resistance pilot.

"Be gentle," she said as she pulled down the restraints to fasten herself in. "It’s my first time."

[member="Laira Darkhold"]