Private Reflections of Power

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

The starport on Coruscant was as busy as he remembered it being back when he'd arrived. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and species were wandering about, moving between transports, servicing them, selling goods. The sounds of someone hawking jewelry reached his ears over the din of voices that nearly drowned out the engines of the various ships that were taking off nd landing with regularity. Safe to say, the amount of people present had a claustrophobic feeling on people that came from smaller worlds with lower populations.

Caelan had just purchased a ticket on a starliner bound for Hurikane. He'd been told he could borrow a ship from the temple hangar, but he didn't know how to fly so that wasn't very logical for him. Public transportation, somewhat ironically, was a safer alternative. He was nervous, though, because last time he'd been there a few people had chased him all the way into the lower levels of the city. They were people that had wanted to kill him because he'd managed to escape from the people that had killed his parents back on Lazerian IV. They'd tried to tie up loose ends. Likely they had tried the same with his sister, wherever she was.

He had a borrowed saber with him this time, but he'd chosen to wear normal clothing rather than his robes. Even though he was officially a padawan, he didn't want everyone knowing he was a Jedi. He knew enough to defend himself from most people, but there were people out there that would do almost anything to kill Jedi if they could. He didn't want to give them the chance. It was just safer to dress like a normal person.

As for why he was going to Hurikane, and why he was standing in the line to board the ship heading there, well, that was actually simple. He wanted a Hurrikane crystal. See, Caelan highly idolized the ancient Jedi Master Mace Windu, and wanted to be like him. He even intended to learn the same fighting style that the old Master had developed. It wouldn't be easy, even Master Xeraic had told him as much. Difficult and dangerous. But he was a purpose driven person and was certain that he would be able to handle the stresses of it when it came down to it. He'd do anything to protect Arhiaa and anyone else that needed it. That meant learning difficult things.

Hopefully it wouldn't be hard to get a crystal.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

As Caelan stood in line, Valery's presence swept over him like a cool breeze amid the bustling starport. She approached quietly, her amber eyes gleaming with a playful spark, and with an arched brow, she tilted her head slightly as she sized him up.

"And just where do you think you're going, sneaking off with your ticket in hand?" she asked, her voice light yet undeniably curious. There was a faint smirk playing on her lips, giving away her amusement.

The corner of her mouth lifted as she spoke, glancing down at his attire and the small hint of a saber tucked discreetly. "I know why you're going," she said, softening her tone just a bit. "And I respect your dedication to the journey of finding your own crystal. But Hurikane is… complicated. Dangerous terrain, potentially hostile locals... You may be ready, but even the most determined Jedi Padawan should be cautious."

With a small nod, she added, "How about I come along? I promise to be the quiet observer... unless you need me." She gestured to the line ahead, her expression supportive yet watchful.

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

He nearly jumped out of his skin when she suddenly appeared and asked him where he was sneaking off to. Technically he wasn't sneaking. He'd let Master Xeraic know where he was going so she wouldn't be concerned. But maybe she was concerned?

"I," he started but quickly stopped. "Sorry, Grandmaster."

Though the two of them had never met, he was aware of who she was. Hard not to be. Valery Noble was a larger than life presence among the Jedi and the Alliance as a whole. It seemed impossible for someone to not know who she was. Though, he would have felt a bit better if she hadn't just snuck up on him. Proof positive that he had some work to do on his ability to sense what was going on around him. Or it was just because of the fact that she was so much more experienced than him and good at going unnoticed.

"If you have the time to go with me I would not say no to the company."

The line was moving, edging them closer to the ship, and he held out his ticket to be scanned for admittance. No free rides, after all. Possibly a free ride if he'd asked someone at the Temple to take him, but he hated inconveniencing people. Besides, a little time alone had seemed in order. Though, with her along it wouldn't be time alone. Oh well. If Hurikane really was somewhat dangerous it was probably for the best.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's warm smile softened as she noticed Caelan's initial surprise, but she kept her demeanor light. She had been the same way at his age — driven and ready to take on any challenge. Now, as she watched him hand over his ticket, she nodded in quiet approval. "No need for apologies, Caelan," she said with a reassuring wave of her hand. "I admire your determination. It's what we need in the Order."

As they moved closer to the boarding ramp, she fell into step beside him, her gaze shifting momentarily to the vessel that would take them to Hurikane. "I know the allure of wanting to do this alone," she admitted, her voice lowering just slightly as if confiding something personal. "And you'd manage fine on your own — I have no doubt about that. But Hurikane has a way of… testing its visitors."

She studied him for a moment, assessing his composure and the steady glint of resolve in his eyes. There was no trace of hesitation in him, which only fueled her confidence in his readiness. But even the most resolute Jedi could use a guiding presence from time to time.

"Besides, I'm sure we can learn a lot more if we go together."

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

"I appreciate the sentiment," he said when she indicated admiration of his drive. "And I appreciate you think I would probably be fine on my own. As you say, Hurikane has a way of testing you, so I don't mind the assistance."

It was their turn to go up the ramp into the transport and he motioned for her to go first. Even if she insisted he go first, he would wait until she did. That mentality was taught to him from a very early age. Chivalry would never die when it came to the Kingdom of Dewit. If it did, his mom would be sorely disappointed with him.

Inside they would find that run of the mill style of transport where people sat around at various tables and even on the floor. Knowing there were people far more in need of a chair than he, he elected to sit on the floor off to the side. There was something to be said about youth, and knowing that he could take a lot more abuse than some of the older people on the transport with them. Frankly, he could probably take more than Valery could, as well, though he would never say that to her.

"I apologize that this isn't a first class transport. I anticipated flying alone and was trying to stay under the radar."

Mainly he didn't want anyone to realize who he was.

"At the very least it should be an entertaining flight."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery gave Caelan a small, appreciative smile as she stepped onto the transport, noticing his respectful gesture. Once aboard, she glanced around at the modest interior and chose to sit nearby on the floor as he did, forgoing the more formal seating to match his comfort.

When he apologized for the lack of luxury, she chuckled softly. "No need to apologize. Sometimes, the simpler rides make for the best journeys." She leaned back, looking at the diverse group of passengers around them. "I've traveled in everything from fancy ships to cargo freighters — it's the company that makes the difference, not the seats."

A playful smile tugged at her lips. "Besides, if Hurikane is going to test us, a humble start seems fitting."

As the hum of the engines grew louder, she glanced at Caelan, her tone warm, "What drew you to Hurikane, anyway? The stories of the crystals that were found there?" she asked. Valery herself had acquired her crystals from Hurikane for her own reasons, so now she wondered what his motivations were.

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

"That is true," he agreed.

Company was vastly more important than the seats. Though, he had to admit, the seats on the royal transport had been pretty nice when he was playing it on it as a younger kid. Part of him did miss that luxury, but he also recognized that such things were not something others had, and taking public transportation like they were now allowed him to see the way other people traveled. The last time he'd taken it, he'd only been paying attention to the people around him in hopes they weren't there to kill him. This time he could actually watch.

After the last of the passengers were aboard, the ships engines started to whine, and it bucked for a moment as it kicked away from the moorings, but then it moved smoothly. One almost wouldn't even notice that they were flying if they hadn't otherwise felt them pull away.

"I am rather fond of the exploits of Master Mace Windu," he admitted when she asked what made him want to go to Hurikane. "I know he had a very unique crystal from the world, and wondered if I could acquire one from there for myself."

It wouldn't really be a lie to say that Caelan was trying to mold himself into being the type of Jedi that Mace had been. The way the ancient master handled himself, his strength, the command he'd demanded just by his presence, it was enticing. But what he really wanted, was to be as strong as him so that he could protect the people around him, and lead the people of Lazerian from a centered place of mind. He knew Master Windu had struggled as a padawan with his mental state, but he had mastered it, and Caelan found that remarkable.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's eyes softened as Caelan shared his admiration for Master Windu. "Mace Windu, hm?" she asked, her tone touched with both pride and respect. "His strength and clarity were legendary, and he had a way of balancing formidable skill with unwavering principles. There's a reason why he's still talked about after so many years."

She glanced at the hum of passengers around them, then back at him, sensing the weight of purpose in his words. "That crystal you're after — it's more than just a symbol, isn't it?" she said gently, knowing well the journey each Jedi took to claim their unique identity within the Order. "It's a reflection of what you hope to embody."

Leaning back slightly, Valery regarded him with a thoughtful smile. "But remember, Master Windu's strength didn't come from his crystal or his skills alone. He mastered himself first, and that's what made him so powerful. I think you've already started that path yourself," she added, meeting his gaze with encouragement.

As the transport continued its smooth ascent, she let a comfortable silence settle, allowing him a moment to reflect. "After I lost my first crystal when I was a Padawan, I went to Hurikane as well. Not long ago, a Padawan of my own retrieved his crystal within the caves there."

She looked at him with a smile, "It'll be an honor to guide another."

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

She, was a fan of Master Windu? It seemed that way. The way she spoke about him showed a deep level of respect and understanding of who the man had been. There were, he knew, many who respected the Master, but it never seemed like there were many who truly understood that Mace Windu had struggled with containing his emotions, had fought back the darkness within him through the creation of Vaapad. That was what Caelan respected the most about the man: he'd faced his demons and learned to control them in a manner that was beneficial to all.

"It is, yes," he said, nodding his head. "Not just a desire to be like him, to copy him, as some would say. I want to embody who he was as a Jedi, beyond the surface level abilities."

And yes, she was right. The crystal hadn't made him who he was, nor did the abilities he possessed. It was his resilience, his resourcefulness, his ability to temper himself when the situation called for it. He'd had a strength that few could ever dream to have, and it wasn't his physical strength. That was what Caelan really desired: the strength of spirit.

"Dealing with the things I've dealt with hasn't been easy. I lost my parents. My sister is out in the galaxy somewhere alone. Nearly was killed on Tython. Lost the girl I love's father. Failed to protect the queen on Onderon. But failure is just a stepping stone on the path of learning."

Though he said it all, and this was a change in him over the past, he didn't have a defeatist attitude. They were all failures on his part, at least to some extent, but after what he'd endured on Tython a lot had changed with him, and he had more purpose than ever now. Letting those negative things affect who he was, was just out of the question. He couldn't do it. Arhiaa needed him. His people needed him. Kita needed him. People he didn't yet know needed him. His realization of that had turned him from a goofy, sometimes scared, teenager, into a near adult, and he was only fourteen.

He scooted back so his back was against the wall.

"I didn't know you had a Hurrikane crystal. That must be how you knew why I was going there. I am glad to be accompanied by someone who understands why I wish to go, someone who understands."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers


Valery listened with a quiet but steady respect as Caelan spoke, taking in the journey he described and the weight he carried with such a remarkably composed spirit. She couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for him — so young, yet already tempered by loss and shaped by a growing sense of duty. He reminded her of her own journey to finding inner strength, the kind that went beyond mere skill or reputation.

"Caelan," she began softly, a warmth filling her voice, "You already embody so much of what makes a Jedi truly strong. You've faced losses, endured setbacks, and instead of being held down by them, you're moving forward with a sense of purpose. That's exactly what made Master Windu who he was. It's not about having his skills or his crystal — it's about that resilience, that strength of spirit." She paused, looking over at him with a slight smile.

"When I was younger, I often felt I had to prove myself — to show I was worthy of my place, to honor those I'd lost along the way. But along that journey, I found it was really about becoming someone who could make a difference, someone who could endure for the sake of others." Her eyes softened as she looked at him.

"So yes, I understand."

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Voice of the Storm]

Transports were easy targets. People to rob and kill. Fun to be had at the expense of no one but the people on the ship itself, and for the Nihil, that made them a prime target. Marauders were like that. They'd take on anything at any time regardless of what it was, or how big the haul might be. In this particular case, a transport dashing through hyperspace enroute to some distant world would fall victim to the malicious efforts of the band.

A well placed gravity mine sucked the transport out of hyperspace, and almost immediately it was set upon by fighters and small transport craft. Whatever weapons the transport had were quickly neutralized as the Nihil vessels destroyed them with efficiency that belied a common training pattern among them. These Nihil were a lot more precise in their maneuvers than the ancient Nihil had been. They had more guidance, better leadership, a renewed focused on the Storm.

With the weapons systems no longer online, the transport ships sidled alongside and used harpoons to latch onto the vessel. They pulled themselves in close before using external cutting mechanisms to open holes in the exterior of the vessel that allowed bands of marauders to quickly enter the ship and begin systematically killing anyone in their path. None would be spared, not even children. All would be taken by the storm.

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

"Necessity can turn someone one of two ways," he said, watching a child chase a ball. "I chose the way I needed to choose to protect those I care about. The only person I ever had to prove that to was myself. Just took a lot of pain to come to that realization."

What she spoke of was nothing strange to him. He'd always felt the need to prove that he was capable of the position he was groomed for. It had ruined some parts of his childhood because he'd always been trying to make his parents proud. Only some parts, though, because he'd been a wild, rebellious spirit back before his parents were murdered. Troublemaker he was. Not really bad trouble, just some trouble. The kind of trouble that was easily cleaned up and where no one got seriously hurt.

He was about to ask her about her experiences when a jolt went through the ship. Frowning, he looked at her, and then the lights went out. Thankfully there was still gravity, but the power systems were shot. On top of that, he heard the telltale signs of weapons fire, and felt several explosions rock the ship, which caused him to quickly jump to his feet and call his lightsaber to his hand.

"Pirates?"

It wasn't really a question that sought an answer, just himself thinking out loud. Pirates were still a threat in the galaxy. They managed to stick around despite the efforts of many to clean them up. People were yelling and screaming, though, so he focused his attention and raised his voice, amplifying it with the Force.

"Everyone stay calm and huddle together! Keep your children as quiet as you can!"

Easy for him to say considering he technically was still a child. But the sounds of weapons fire from elsewhere in the ship pretty well sobered everyone up and he looked at Valery for guidance.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's gaze shifted immediately, her stance tensing as the ship jolted under the assault. The darkened cabin around them became a flurry of frightened passengers, and even in the chaos, she felt a surge of pride at Caelan's quick response. He had stepped up without hesitation, his voice clear and steady as he worked to calm those around them.

Meeting his glance, she nodded, a glimmer of reassurance in her eyes. "Yes, likely pirates," she confirmed, her voice low and focused as she glanced toward the source of the blaster fire echoing down the corridor. "But these aren't just any pirates. This is a targeted attack."

The screams and cries around them grew louder as marauders' footfalls and blaster fire drew closer. She placed a steadying hand on Caelan's shoulder. "Stay close, and we'll work together." With a swift motion, she loosened her own lightsaber from her belt, readying herself. "I'll go ahead and push back their front line. I need you to guard the passengers here and hold back any who get through."

Valery's expression softened, her confidence steadying him as much as those around them. "You're ready for this, Caelan. I'll keep an eye out for you."

With that, she moved into the hallway, her saber blazing to life in a controlled arc of violet light as she advanced. Each step was decisive, her focus razor-sharp as she prepared to confront the marauders head-on, her determination shining as a beacon for all those under her protection.

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Voice of the Storm]

The marauders were thoroughly enjoying themselves as they worked their way through the hordes of passengers and the few guards that the ship had. The latter were basically useless. They had pistols, but there were so few of them that they posed little threat. And the people themselves? Well, they were nothing but fodder for blasters and blades, easily hacked down or shot point blank. Being marauders, they could choose to do whatever they want and some of them chose some rather unsavory practices.

That said, they were startled when they heard the snap-hiss of a lightsaber coming to life. The helmeted warriors looked at each other and then back at the Jedi with the purple blade that was moving towards them.

"Kill the Jedi!"

They opened fire and some of them charged at her, completely ignoring the passengers at this point as they moved towards her with the intention of cutting her down. They were coordinated, too, firing shots that didn't strike their fellows, and attacking in unison rather than singularly.

Meanwhile, another group was approaching from the rear towards the chamber where the other Jedi was charged with protecting passengers. They had entered through areas that were unpopulated. Storage, mostly, which they'd spent a little time loading into the transport the various goods there. Well, to be honest, they took it all without even caring what it was. But that meant they were far quieter in their approach. Maybe they'd catch him off guard?

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

He nodded when she spoke to him.

"Yes, Master."

No need to say more than that. His instructions were clear: protect the people in the room and any other passengers he could from the attack of the pirates. The fact she said this was a coordinated strike worried him a bit. Pirates were coordinated, but they tended to target high value locations, and not random passenger liners. At least, that was what he understood of them. So she was probably right that there was something different about this situation they now faced.

He turned back to his charges and urged them to huddle together in the center of the room. For the most part, they were doing a really good job of keeping their children quiet given what was going on. A few sobs and cries here and there from the group as a whole, but they seemed calmer given the presence of Jedi in their midst. Did make him feel good how much they served as light of hope for them,

Something was wrong, though. He could feel it.

He stood facing where Valery had gone, but suddenly spun around, activating his saber. The blue blade hummed to life, and none too soon as a blaster bolt was deflected away into a nearby wall. It was followed by more, and he realized another group of the attackers was coming from behind them. They all wore helmets and had strange markings to identify them. He didn't recognize the markings, but he didn't have a wide breadth of experience with pirate groups.

In the shuffle of him blocking blasts, one of them chucked a device into the room which began to emit a gas. Without a second thought, he sucked in some air to protect himself, ran towards it, and kicked it out of the room, back the way it had come, narrowly avoiding the swing of a vibro-axe as the attackers pushed into the room.

This was not good.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

As Valery moved forward, her blade deflecting blaster fire with precision and purpose, she could feel the presence of the young Padawan, his focus sharpening as he protected the passengers behind her. Despite the fierce resistance of the marauders, Valery kept her stance firm, each movement fluid as she advanced, forcing them to split their attention between her blade and the fearlessness that came with her presence. She was fully aware of the coordination among them — a rare discipline for typical marauders, which only confirmed her suspicions.

When she heard the sounds of blaster fire echoing from the rear and sensed Caelan's determination flare up, Valery spared a quick, assessing glance over her shoulder. She caught sight of the second group of marauders pressing toward the room with the passengers, their cruel intent clear as they pushed past Caelan's defenses. A quick flash of pride stirred within her at his quick thinking with the gas grenade, but the threat was far from over.

With a decisive step, she called upon the Force, extending her presence to draw the marauders' attention to her. Her violet blade whipped through the air, carving a path forward as she pushed closer to the heart of their formation. In one swift motion, she reached out with the Force to pull a section of scattered debris from the corridor behind her, sending it crashing into a few of the marauders who were closing in.

Valery then raised her hand and unleashed a powerful Force push, sending several more marauders sprawling back down the corridor, creating space and slowing their advance.

Hoping to take advantage of the chaos, she moved like a blur, her blade sweeping across the distance to cut down whoever she could to protect the civilians.

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Voice of the Storm]

Debris was whipped up against them, crashing into several marauders to painful effect. Sure, some of them wore rather basic armor, but aside from their helmets, the majority were only light defended. The smashing force of the projectile debris crushed arms, shattered legs, and rendered several of them completely useless, though they still made every attempt to try and fire on the Jedi. Though, even that was quickly swept aside by her blade and by the massive push that sent the rest of them scattered backwards.

Many tried to scramble to their feet, but among them were some who decided that whomever had tossed that first gas grenade had been correct in their choice, as they popped several gas grenades and tossed them about the space. If they couldn't enjoy their kill, at least they could complete it! The few left able to stand did so and moved towards her with intent to kill. Failure was not an option. Death was preferable.

Towards the rear, the grenade that was sent back was ignored. The gas wouldn't do anything to them since they all wore helmets that protected them from such problems. All it did was leave the kid open to attack. He barely avoided getting cut in two by an axe as it was. The same wielder swung it at him again as more of the marauders pushed into the room with the intention of getting past him and bearing down on the remainder of the passengers within the room.

"Kill them and take it all!"

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Valery Noble

Getting the grenade away was a small victory. Avoiding the strike from the axe was another. But he was still exposed, and the axe wielder was bringing the blade back towards him in a cleaving moving from the side. He brought his saber around and caught the blade, pushing back against the man that wielded it, though he quickly realized that he wasn't as physically strong as the person that was attacking him. In addition, this was keeping him occupied and leaving the others capable of getting past him.

This angered Caelan. But not in a way that caused him to reach into the dark side. He would not allow himself to do that, no matter the circumstances. Besides, there were better ways to channel that anger.

The way his lightsaber moved as he flipped it and cut the axe wielders arm off at the elbow, how he moved behind the man while hooking his foot into the side of his knee and yanking, causing the man to fall. Those were how he channeled the anger. He used it to fuel his movements, to change his pattern of combat and increase the speed at which he did things. It was almost as if that anger made him more coordinated and more unpredictable at the same time.

The latter was evidenced by the fact that he suddenly launched himself into two of those that had moved past him, arms wrapping around their necks as he brought them face first into the ground with his weight and momentum acting like a pendulum. He flipped back to his feet, and removed the arms of both of the two he'd downed before turning to face the others, lifting his blade, and sprinting towards them.

He wasn't killing, but Caelan was in full on attack mode.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's eyes sharpened as the marauders unleashed their gas grenades, the hissing canisters filling the air with a dense, choking fog. But she did not falter. Drawing upon the Force, she used Breath Control, calming her breathing to a deliberate rhythm. Her lungs ignored the toxic fumes, her focus entirely undisturbed.

The violet blade of her lightsaber became an extension of her will, its hum rising above the chaos. Blaster bolts ricocheted harmlessly away, some striking their originators. She stepped forward, cutting down weapons and disabling those who dared to approach.

As the gas thickened, obscuring vision and sound, Valery extended her senses through the Force. She could feel their panic, their desperate attempts to regroup against her relentless assault. A group of marauders rushed her with vibroblades drawn, but she moved like a ghost, fluid and precise. She sidestepped their attacks, her blade slicing through their thin armor and disarming them with calculated efficiency.

With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a crate from the corner of the corridor and sent it hurtling into a cluster of marauders. The impact sent them sprawling, their formation breaking further under her assault.

Focused and unyielding, Valery pressed forward, every movement designed to end the conflict quickly and decisively. There was no time to waste — her priority remained the passengers. The marauders had underestimated her, and she would ensure they wouldn't make the same mistake again.

Hopefully, Caelan was holding up just as well.

Caelan Valoren ​

 

[Voice of the Storm]

The whirring blade of the Jedi grandmaster was enough to cut down the confidence of the remaining marauders. The fact that the gas grenades failed to have any impact on her at all caused a level of panic among them. The few that went into fight mode charged at her, but were swiftly cut down by her blade. Those that remained, began to backtrack, save for those rooted in absolute fear, who just emptied their blasters in her direction, hoping to score some sort of hit on her.

The ones that ran were doing everything they could to make it back to their various transports. Latched on to the outside as they were, and with so many cut down, it was unlikely they would all be used. In fact, it was certain they wouldn't. But they had managed to kill the ships crew, even if they couldn't take it from within. They could utilize other methods of killing the people inside the ship.

The ones fighting the young Padawan were surprised by his sudden ferocity. Limbs removed, men left in a state of agonized despair as they screamed while writhing on the ground. They wouldn't die, their wounds cauterized by the saber, but the pain was excruciating. More of them pushed forward towards him, but others began to flee, hearing further screams of their brothers and sisters from the room beyond where Valery was fighting.

"Fall back!" one of them shouted. "We'll rip the ship apart from the outside!"

Those that had started forward quickly stopped and backtracked, as the ones behind them began to flee as well.