Reprising Bad Decisions

[Caid Centurion]

Caid was far too focused on the datapad to even noticed that [member="Athena Heron"] had been partially supporting his body. When he suddenly impacted the cool earth, his eyes briefly shot in her direction. A moment later, he slowly pushed himself back up to a sitting position, left hand moving to rub the side of his head. He still had a considerable headache from the multiple electric shocks he'd endured, and the jarring of his head against the ground had certainly not helped.

Closing his eyes, the young Centurion pushed aside the pain as best he could. Eventually, he opened his eyes once more, and the irritation was all too evident in his features. "I heard your statement at the door. It is the only reason why I accelerated my plan to infiltrate the estate and had to keep my presence hidden longer than planned. If I'd not done so, I would have, hopefully, been able to sense the trap." Caid paused for a moment, contemplating whether or not to address her inquiry about the holocron. The device, after all, had very little to do with their operation on Corstris. It contained nothing about this planet given it had been created multiple generations before Cameron Centurion was even born.

In the end, Caid deemed it to be a rather ridiculous question, and her accusatory tone implied she had some right to know. She did not. "What did he want? Why did he leave this?" Caid held up the datapad to emphasize his question.

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Caid Centurion"]

"Didn't a part of you think that I didn't want...that you could've run. Left. That I was worried...," she quickly looked away. Frustrated at her emotions. And feeling more the fool for developing any sort of attachments. Maybe Cameron was right all along. It was better to find out now when it wouldn't hurt so much.

An arm extended, offering to pull him up, though she looked across the lawn and not at his face. She was too worried her emotions would betray her.

"He mentioned the holocron and something about how you seek the heart of the Empire. And he said some mumbo jumbo about if I go on some journey with you our fates will be tied."

She was still angry. Eyes flashed a brilliant gold. But she was angry for a different reason. "And that's all. He left in a very Sith Lordy fashion."

Even though Caid wouldn't trust her enough to give her information, she wouldn't do the same to him. "Satisfied?"

How would their fates ever be entwined if he didn't even trust her enough as a friend? And she made a judgement call about not telling a son about his father's goading regarding influence.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid legitimately had...no idea what Athena was on about. "What? Athena I only brazenly ran in here because I didn't know what was going to happen, and I didn't want you to suffer an unfortunate fate trying to help me." Caid paused for a moment as he considered the rest of her seemingly fractured thoughts.

As he hadn't been present for her conversation with Cameron, he lacked some necessary context. It didn't matter, however, clearly she was more interested in heeding the words of his father. He probably shouldn't have been surprised. She had been his apprentice after all. "I don't know anything about an Empire."

Coming to his feet under his own power, Caid briefly adjusted his clothing. "I don't know anything about an Empire or our fates being tied, but you obviously believe whatever Cameron Centurion says." Shrugging, Caid turned and began to retreat back the direction he came. "I appreciate your assistance. Just let me know where you want me to drop you off."

The holocron only mentioned it's creator's connection to Caid. A planet in the unknown regions was vaguely referenced in a few training sessions, but the information ended there. What Cameron had transcribed on the datapad...went way beyond that. Caid was fully aware that it might have been a trap, and it was probably for the best that he didn't include Athena.

[member="Athena Heron"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Caid Centurion"]

"Caid Centurion, don't you turn your back on me." She jogged lightly to catch up with him and further, so she could stop right in front of him. He'd either stop, run into her, or step around. She braced herself. "I know why you ran in here. But I hope you realize that I was worried about what might happen to you if you were caught. If I couldn't do anything to help you. Like with my brother."

Hands would come up to grip either sides of his arms, if he was in front of her. She wanted his full attention.

"I'm not blaming you for anything. I'm just trying to let you know that I car--anyway, it's not important. And I don't believe everything your father said but I know enough not to dismiss it. He also mentioned something about a name Maximus - ancestor to you? I'm here to help you, Caid. I'll stand by your side if you trust me. If you don't, then drop me off on Tython."

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid stopped, staring openly at Athena. "Why would you care? You don't even know me." The mention of the name Maximus did ring a bell but only faintly. "And if you truly knew enough about Cameron Centurion, you would know to ignore him."

Exhaling softly, Caid raised the datapad in his hand. "This datapad contains information on Endelaan. Homeworld of my ancestors. Apparently, the heart of some ancient Empire. The most interesting part, however, is that I apparently have family still there. Cameron can keep his schemes. I was serious about what I said on Tython. I'm forging my own destiny. If I have to let Cameron think he is controlling me to do so, that's fine by me."

Then there was the matter of trust. He had no reason not to trust Athena, but he also had no reason to trust her. They'd only just met and despite obvious physical attraction, he couldn't make complete sense of his emotions. Still. He could not afford to be distracted just this moment. "I don't know."

Caid exhaled softly. "I don't know if you accompanying me is the best decision, but I know that there isn't exactly anyone else I can trust." The reality was that he wanted her to come, but he preferred not to air the desire. Not until he could make sense of things.

[member="Athena Heron"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Caid Centurion"]

Fingers curled into his arms a moment longer. She stared at him another moment, scrutinizing his gaze for sincerity behind his words. It was there. And maybe a flicker of something else.

Just as quickly, she released her grip.

"Good. It's settled then. I'll come." The truth was, if he didn't want her. Didn't want her to come, she'd understand. She could bury that rejection. But she'd still be worried about him.

Things she too wouldn't admit further than she already had. Not yet. She stepped out of his way. "And I do know you, Caid. I know you're the type of friend not to leave another friend behind when things become...unexpected. I know you're just as stubborn and short fused as I am," she cracked a mischievous smile in his direction. "And you're an okay flight instructor."

And an excellent lover. But that would be giving him too much.

"I don't know what to expect either." She wondered if it was a trap. But if Cameron wanted them dead, he could've easily just done it. "But know that I'm making this decision to join you on my own. If something happens to me...don't beat yourself up too much," her smiling continued as she nudged his shoulder with her own. "I bet I could still wallop you with a saber, anyway, just like I can...," she began racing toward the ship without giving the young Centurion any warning, "beat you back to the ship!"

 

[Caid Centurion]

A smile was all Caid had really been able to manage in response to Athena's statements as she took off running. Arching a curious eyebrow, Caid yelled after her. "I'm not chasing you!"

Grumbling slightly, Caid resumed his casual walking pace. Caid Centurion didn't even chase his liquor, so he damn sure wasn't about to chase after some chick. Stil, the inherent competitive edge in his body wanted to spurn him forward, but he'd already wasted enough time.

Slowly, silver-green eyes tracked in the direction of the estate which was still rather close to him, given they'd been on the rear lawn when they had started walking. Smirking, Caid darted off towards the garage, fatigue still rippling through his body.

In a matter of moments, the young Centurion came darting out the garage in a sleek black and crimson speeder, zipping over the tops of trees until he was roughly above Athena's position. Slowing the speeder, Caid lazily draped an arm over the side and smirked into the vegetation, yelling. "Work smarter not harder, Athena!"

[member="Athena Heron"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Caid Centurion"]

She laughed. Actually laughed. She couldn't even recall that sensation. Force fueled through her limbs, making her go faster - a blur. Sing-songy voice filtered up to Caid. "Looks like chasing to me lazy bones!"

Eyes flashed gold as a surge of darkside energy coarsed through her lithe form. With a push of her palm, she sent a force push at the nose of the speeder. Not enough to send him crashing into a tree. Just enough to throw him off so she could take the lead again.

Okay, maybe enough to bump him into a tree but not enough to explode. She couldn't kill a guy she was starting to have feelings for. Plus he was the superior pilot.

 

[Caid Centurion]

A subtle smirk touched Caid's lips, but it was a brief expression as the push from Athena ripped through the upper layers of the trees and impacted with the nose of the speeder. The vessel careened to the right, but it was no more intense than a flat-splin or wind shear. Recovering the speeder in relatively short order, Caid accelerated the speeder to its maximum velocity.

The trip that had taken a large number of minutes by foot took roughly twenty seconds by air, but he was aware of Athena being in close proximity the majority of the time. Rather than bother with any kind of fancy landing procedure, Caid unfastened his restraint and rolled the speeder onto its back. Allowing his body to fall out, he manipulated the Force just enough to keep him from splattering all over the side of his ship's hull.

The speeder continued perhaps another three to four hundred meters before plummeting into the forest below. A brilliant fireball exploded above the canopy just as Caid's silver-green gaze found Athena's form. "Let's get out of here." Casually, Caid turned to cycle open the loading ramp and re-enter the vessel.

[member="Athena Heron"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Caid Centurion"]

Like a loping moonhuck gazelle, her form blurred past Caid just as the ramp opened. She may have tied him. Or beat him. It was hard to say and certainly something they'd never agree on.

"Yes. Let's. Slowpoke." Breathing hard, a sheen of sweat glittered on her skin. She caught the orange glow in the night sky. "I didn't know you had such a flare for the dramatic, Caid Centurion." Feathered-brows lofted in jest.

She made a beeline for the cantina for some water. And a towel. "You were just itching to destroy one of your father's speeders, weren't you?"

A twitter of a laugh filtered down the corridor and back to him. Feth, maybe she'd just hop in the refresher.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid shrugged his shoulders slightly as he walked through the cargo bay of his vessel. "I don't, I just have a penchant for not wasting time." After offering Athena a brief wink, he turned and began retreating in the direction of the ladder that accessed the upper deck of the vessel. As Caid climbed, he replied to Athena, "That won't even put a dent in his pocket."

Once Caid had arrived in the cockpit, he settled into the pilot's seat and ran a quick systems diagnostic. Satisfied that nothing had seemingly been damaged, the Dathomir native fired up the engines and immediately began rocketing for orbit. The moment the Phantom was clear of Corstris' gravitational influence, Caid entered in the coordinates supplied by Cameron. His hands hovered over the controls as he relied on his innate astrogation abilities to feel along the path, a final check that he wasn't about to launch them to their deaths.

In the end, he advanced the hyperdrive controls forward and the black of space was replaced by the brilliant light of hyperspace.

[member="Athena Heron"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Caid Centurion"]

A small smile Caid would never see pulled at her pink-lips from his response. Not long after she found some water, she felt the subtle shift from take-off to real space to hyperspace. Smooth as a fine wine. Deciding against the refresher, she grabbed some extra water and headed down to the training space.

Thin-blue fingers began to tie her feathered-hair back into a loose braid. The smooth, metallic hilt slid into the palm of her hands and her thumb flicked on the glowing, scarlet blade. Settling her breath, light footsteps began weaving through the room as she went through a series of moves. Might as well sweat more before endeavoring to get clean. Arms strained and she grunted as she continued the series. The air didn't stand a chance.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Once they were well on their way to Endelaan, Caid leaned back in the pilot's seat and exhaled heavily. A wave of exhaustion seemed to hit him all at once, the effect of the electrical field having drained most of his energy. His 'revival' hadn't exactly been a joy ride either. The inner workings of his mind were muddled with a variety of thoughts...too many thoughts. How could anyone live a life filled with so much scheming and manipulation? It seemed a daunting reality to Caid, unnecessary even.

In practically no time at all, the young Ren succumbed completely to his exhaustion.

[member="Athena Heron"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Ciardha Ren"]

A hand wiped along her sweaty brow. Golden-eyes faded back to a deep brown. Heart still thudded healthily against her chest from the vigorous...exercise. Thumb switched off the crimson lightsaber. With one smooth motion, she attached the belt around her dress. Dipping into the force, she felt around for Caid's presence, surprised he hadn't come down yet - surprised she hadn't seen him retire to his room and grab some food.

Didn't take her long to find him. Making a stop in the cantina, the Omwatti grabbed a fresh bottle of water and made her way up to the cockpit. Slender form paused in the threshold of the entrance and leaned against the frame. By his breathing and posture, she knew he was asleep. He looked a lot younger that way, less burdened. Quietly setting the water down next to him, she found a blanket and began to lightly wrap it around his shoulders.

If he woke, he'd find her hovering just over him. If he didn't, she'd deny she ever put it on him.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

The harsh sun of the Endelaan noon hours beat merciless on the Sith Sorceress. Sweat poured down her face as she stumbled backwards, catching her balance at the last moment before old knowledge kicked in and she lurched forward, lightsaber in hand, its pink beam reaching closely dangerous to the Warrior before he easily sidestepped her and laughed.

"Worse than before. You can do better," he said with simplicity, inviting the Sorceress for another attempt.

It had been months since Nessarose deWinter's return to her planet. Her... return, in general, to existence, had been weird. The galaxy had changed over the centuries she'd missed, and where once she had been the daughter of a legacy, known and feared or cherished by reputation alone, this galaxy knew her not.

It had terrified her at first, and caused more than a few discomforts when compared to the life she'd been used to living. Her powers had not been at their full strength either at the time, which meant she was more in danger than usual. It wasn't before long that she ran back to Endelaan. Here, she had more time. More time to practice, more time to return to herself.

This galaxy did not have her family. There was no Dio, no Shery, no Cameron, no Asteria. No... Not Brayde and Scheherezade. No one that she could reach. Or perhaps there were, but she could not find them in the great Web.

Her people had naturally welcomed her back with open arms. During her and Dio's absence, they had done what they excelled at doing - closing off to the rest of the 'verse, saving and protecting everything that had to do with their rich inheritance. The Seers had known who she was immediately, though she had not returned with the intention of ruling, she found herself doing just that nonetheless.

For now though, she'd preferred to keep her precious planet in the shrouds. Every day, she could feel herself growing stronger, connecting back to the powers she had. But she still was not ready.

With a deep breath, Nessarose launched forward again.

 

[Caid Centurion]

When Athena entered the room to affix a blanket to his body, Caid stirred slightly, but he did not wake. It was a simple reality that his body needed to recover from what it had been through a relatively short hour ago. Unlike his father, Caid was not yet truly at the point of subtly utilizing the Force to rebuff the resilience of his body on a near constant basis. Beyond that, there wasn't exactly anyone presently on the vessel from whom he would like to drain vitality.

Several hours later, Caid's eyelids shot open abruptly as if an alarm had just gone off. Almost startled, the young dark sider's bright gaze quickly fluttered around the room. For a few moments, he patted down his body and the controls, trying to give himself time to confirm his return to reality. The dreams of the younger Centurion had been...active. In fact he almost felt as if he'd had no rest at all. The images he had interacted with... They were neither his father, master, or great ancestor. At least, not a great ancestor he knew. The pair that had visited him in his sleep had been beautiful and terrifying in their own right.

No names had been spoken. The woman's green gaze was brighter than any he had ever seen, and it felt as if her gaze was shearing directly through his flesh. The man had been quieter, regal in nature, but the scent of destruction, danger, and power radiated off of him in waves. Caid had yet to understand that the individuals that had pulled him into the ether of the Force were the progenitors of his family line. A family line...he would soon learn was much larger than originally thought.

As his eyes found the water, Caid snatched it up and drained the contents near instantly. About the time he'd finished the bottle of water, he became aware of an aching sensation in his body. It wasn't as if his large frame was designed to remain in a pilot's seat for an extended duration of time. Grunting slightly, he arched his back and cracked his neck several times. He was about to stand and exit the cockpit when he noticed something on the navicomputer.

Arching a curious brow, he surveyed the hyperspace timer. There was less than an hour left...which made no sense to Caid. He recalled the timer saying almost thirty-six hours when he had originally plotted the course contained within the information provided by his father. Caid struggled to remember for several minutes before deciding to simply go and get something to eat. Wait...where did this blanket come from...

Almost immediately, Caid decided that Athena must have put it on him. Maybe she had altered the course? It didn't make a lot of sense, unless she'd been playing him all along and really was a part of Cameron's schemes. Exhaling heavily, Caid continued on his departure from the cockpit. In less than half a minute, his long legs carried him smoothly into the kitchen to get something to eat.

[member="Athena Heron"] | [member="Nessarose deWinter"]

 

[Athena Heron]

[member="Ciardha Ren"] [member="Nessarose deWinter"]

"Hey bedhead," she popped a cherry in her mouth, tracking Caid's movements into the kitchen. She had on a new pair of leggings and a simple tunic with a v-neck cut. She was showered and clean. She even managed to take a quick nap.

Long legs crossed.

"I was worried you might be dead. Then who would I have to beat up in training?" Pink lips puffed out in a mock-pout. Blue fingertips trailed along an old scroll. She was researching all she could find on the planet they were heading toward. There wasn't much to go on. Just spacer tales and some obscure references.