The Great Dig (PM to join)

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond C’artyom felt the rush of wind sore past him as he and [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Inferno Squadron [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]roared through the forest of Endor. Their mission was plain and simple. The Imperial Remnant had been given access to explore the moon alongside first order operatives. But, recent discoveries called for post haste. A downed Star Destroyer was found mostly intact. The First Order had passed on the information to the Imperial Remnant, but only after they had deployed their own operatives first. It was now a race against time as the Imperial Remnant deployed it’s most elite operatives to secure as much of the information before the First Order. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]While the two nations were allies it was apparently obvious that despite their friendly states that not every scrap of information would be shared. So, as the sound of speeder bikes filled the night [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Inferno Squadron [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]knew what was at stake. They were the most elite forces the Empire could muster. Being chosen from the most elite of all branches in the Imperial military and then culled even further through rigorous training programs. Trained in both ground and space combat. They were the best of the best.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond’s stealth cloak flapped in the wind as he flew through the planet’s atmosphere. The earth rolled by as a quick blur, but special agent’s C’artyom’s cybernetic eyes slowed down the relay and he traversed the terrain easily. His comrades and he had made a bet. Who ever could reach the starship first would take the pot. Naturally Desmond found himself in the lead and easily beating his opponents. Little did they know the Chiss was once a underworld pod racer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond’s bike came to a screeching halt as he drifted around a series of trees and landed next to the old Star Destroyer. His comrades were several minutes late and when they finally arrived they each gave Desmond his prize begrudgingly. Several weeks of the best rations. Trandoshani flat cakes and Cheesey Twi’lek Ravioli’s. Desmond stuffed the rations into his saddle pack of his speeder then followed his comrades to the wall of the Star Destroyer. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond waved his hands in a series of callsigns and his comrades nodded in affirmative. They took up watch positions around the area and Desmond went to work. He withdrew a plasma torch and his helmet’s visor automatically tinted as he lit the tool. Desmond took the torch to the metal of the ship and began to cut a large whole. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Better hurry up boss, that torch is bright!” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Chit! [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Desmond cursed in his head[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Cut the chatter!” Desmond said vehemently. Odds were no one would intercept their transmissions, but better safe than sorry. As stated they were already taking a large risk of being spotted with the torch, but it was faster than trying to find an opening.[/SIZE]

[member="Milo Ren"]
[member="Zesiro"]

 

[Milo Ren]

The Ren's face grew softer as Zesiro moved next to him. His heart ached with the longing to be with someone who understood him. He had read her file, and although it was only an inkling of what he was sure was a mess, he knew that she had lost too. They both had their walls. While his companion's may have been more intricate, he knew that, deep down, they were both veterans of an emotional war, and like all war, it had taken it's toll on the both of them.

"I know your pain, Zesiro. I know most of the time you put up a front, wear a mask. Believe me. I know. It's what I do when I put this on."

Milo picked up his mask and held it out to her for her to study. Although it was far from intricate, the mask was beautiful and terrifying at the same time, a vestige to a helmet worn by someone millennia ago.

"It's a crude thing, forged from the durasteel of a wrecked AT-AT I discovered in Hoth. But when I put it on, I become a different person. I serve a purpose higher than myself. Now, it's just a matter of finding a purpose when I take off the mask. Something...or someone...worth fighting and dying for. I don't want to be the man behind the mask forever."

Milo's hand gingerly went out and caressed his companion's face, echoing her actions when they first landed upon Endor. He quickly drew back, blushing intensely.

"Sorry about that, I...what is that light?"

Rising suddenly, Milo went to the flap of the tent, where a bright light was shining from outside, in the direction of the Star Destroyer. His Star Destroyer!

"We have company. Quick, gear up!"

Without a second's delay, the Ren threw on his robes and reached for his lightsaber. It flew out towards him and landed in his beckoning hand. Lastly, Milo donned his mask. His companion did the same, and when they were both ready, they stealthily creeped out of the sleeping system.

The night was already dark. Rain was already beginning to fall, and peals of thunder rolled off ominously in the distance. There was a figure with a torch at the hull of the Star Destroyer, trying to carve a hole. Who he was or what they were trying to accomplish was a mystery to the Ren, but it didn't matter to him. If they were not First Order and planned to take anything of value from the wreckage, they were as good as dead.

We're going to do this silently. Let's get close and find out who they are and what they want before we strike. If we strike at all.

Milo was relaying this message into Zesiro's mind telepathically. It would help in concealing their location if they didn't talk.

The pair sneaked through their campsite. From the illumination of the torch, the Ren would assume the party's number would be about a squad in size. He could pick out the spots where the unit had made a security perimeter and could even make out what a few of them were saying in the silence of the sleeping forest.

"Better hurry up, boss..."

"Cut the chatter!"

Hmm. They were either a very resourceful band of scavengers or some sort of covert unit. Their thoughts were alien, difficult to read. That indicated some sort of training against Force users. Milo let Zesiro know all of this information telepathically as they continued forward slowly.

The two were close now. Milo was so close to one of the men pulling security that he could reach out and touch him if he wanted to. Milo was trained in these sorts of things, to infiltrate and destroy. His lightsaber was held firmly in his right hand, ready for anything. The Ren looked at Zesiro. His soulless mask concealed any expression, but he wanted to see her reaction as he asked her a question in her mind.

How do you want to do this?

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

For a few brief moments they were open to one another. Their mutual walls broken down and they saw each other in a different light. However, it only lasted a few minutes. Growling at the situation, Zesiro laced her boots up as quick as she could and followed [member="Milo Ren"] out of their tent. They snuck through the forest to get as close as they could to [member="Desmond C'artyom"] and his crew.

"How do you want to do this?"

He asked her through the​ Force and her face split into a grin.

"I'll charm them."

The guards not expecting anybody else to come out of the gloom, stared daggers at her first and then saw the form below her face. From daggers the looks changed to something she was all too familiar with.

Walking up to the one closest to them, she caressed his cheek and asked where his boss was.

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=11pt]IF-341 stared vigilantly through the dark of the forest as Desmond went to work on cutting a hole into the fallen Star Destroyer. His helmets night vision activated he was able to see clearly in the dark downpour. The first instance of movement he detected would be a rustling in the bushes. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Couple of ewoks having a good time[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] He joked with himself, but still he raised his rifle despite his humorous demeanor.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]341 Crouched low to better steady his rifle, but rather than a small creature a grown woman exited the bushes. 341’s jaw dropped at the sight of her curves and he was lost for words for a moment. “Er… Halt!” He stammered. The woman ignored 341’s order and continued to walk forward. She caressed his cheek and asked where the boss was. 341 didn’t get this kind of attention much… But, still he was the best of the best and would do his duty.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]It would take more than a voluptuous body and a pretty smile to get past him. “Sorry miss perhaps another time. Unless you’re with the First Order or the Imperial Remnant i’m going to have to ask you to leave,” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Meanwhile Des had just finished cutting a hole into the starship. He had heard the entire conversation between 341 and the woman through his comms. Desmond pushed the metal dish he had cut inwards and it fell with a loud thump. Desmond turned back to regard his other two comrades. He began to speak in the hand signals they each had been taught in the academy. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Hostiles [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Desmond signalled[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Copy that [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]One of the Inferno squadron signaled back[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Keep them off me[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Roger[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]And with that Desmond disappeared through the hole. His squadron would know what to do. They would buy Desmond as much time as he needed while they led the intruders on a wild goose chase. They had come up with contingency plans for this very reason. Desmond activated his stealth cloak and pulled up the schematics of the standard Star destroyer on his hud. Staring at the map Desmond began to make his way through the dank halls of the shuttle towards the bridge.[/SIZE]

[member="Zesiro"]
[member="Milo Ren"]

 

[Milo Ren]

While Zesiro attempted to seduce the commandos, Milo had a more covert option in mind.

He didn't need a map to know the passageways of a Star Destroyer. He had long ago memorized the structure of the ancient vessel through intense study of old schematics that the Empire left behind in their wake. That's how the Ren knew how to find the way that led to the new hole created by the Chiss from the old breach that himself and his companion had made hours earlier.

And that's how he found the Chiss.

He was sneaky, all right. That stealth cloak was good. Very good. It was almost impossible to see him with the naked eye. But Milo had the Force. And a powerful ally it was.

While the intruder was looking at his map, thinking all was safe as his cronies took care of Zeriso, the Ren was right behind him. His saber activated with a hiss and a red hum, and he angled the blade right next to his helmet. Milo certainly had the element of surprise on his side, quiet as an alley cat and dampening any sound he created with the Force. Now, it seemed, the tables were turned.

"Don't make any sudden movements. Why are you in my Star Destroyer? Who sent you here?"

The Ren's voice was distorted from the mask, deepening it to an almost demonic tone. His blade edged closer to the Chiss' invisible neck, threatening to take it off with one fell swoop if even the slightest muscle movement was made.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

The guard did his best to do his duty, but Zesiro ignored his order to leave. Though she did not move any further in than she already was.

"But why would I leave? I just got here?"

Showing off a long leg in the light of the area and through the flashes of lightening. Her appearance almost haunting and demanding his attention.

Where [member="Milo Ren"] went, she had no idea, but would keep this guard distracted for as long as he needed.

She passed the guard of [member="Desmond C'artyom"] a flashing smile.

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond was busy studying the layout of the stardestroyer through his HUD. The whole place was rusted and covered in cob webs. A lizard ran past his feet and Des kicked at the creature with a careless foot. He began his descent into the bowels of the vessel, but suddenly a blinding red light appeared next to his neck. His night vision deactivated only a second to late, but still the light was enough to make him see stars momentarily. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond froze in his tracks and put his hands up. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“The name is C’artyom, but most just call me Des…” Desmond carefully reached for his helmet with the hand opposite of the blade. He removed the helmet and the stealth cloak deactivated as the helmet was removed. Revealing short slicked back black hair, an angular face and piercing red eyes. Desmond turned to face the new comer helmet in hand. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I am a Special Agent of the Empire. I come here with permission from the First Order and under orders from the Imperial director of intelligence himself,” Desmond eyed the masked man carefully. It was impossible to gauge how this man was feeling, but judged by the fact that he was still alive he thought the threat to be minimal. In situations like these Desmond took a bold approach. If they give you an inch, take a mile. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The fact that Desmond was still alive was an inch, a fatal one. Before the ren could react Desmond would roll to the left and withdraw his Verpine Shatter pistol. He aimed it at the Sith. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You are a Ren I take it? If you’ve come here to kill me you will find yourself sorely outmatched, but perhaps we can work together,” Desmond said in his rich Imperial accent. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Meanwhile...[/SIZE]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTXGL0xPyLA[/media]​

[SIZE=11pt]341 stared at the girl, appreciatively noticing the way the rain made her clothes cling to every curve on her body. No, this was no girl, this was a woman and the stirring in 341’s unmentionables was plenty of indication of this. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Well… Uh… Good point!” He said as the woman leaned closer giving him a nice sight beneath her shirt. 341 reached into his pants pocket and withdrew a large flask. 341 was preparing to remove his helmet when someone began to buzz his comm. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Inferno Squadron, contingency kresh,” and with that 341 would sigh and put the flask back in his pocket.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Another time doll,” 341 said more than a little dismayed[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]341 ran back towards the rest of his squadron and they would enter the Star Destroyer. Whether the Woman had decided to follow or not had yet to be decided.[/SIZE]

[member="Zesiro"]
[member="Milo Ren"]

 

[Milo Ren]

"Well, aren't you overestimating your prowess?"

Milo deactivated his lightsaber and clipped in onto his belt. He wouldn't need his weapon for this. Reaching out with his right hand, the blaster in the Chiss' hand went from his grip to the Ren's outstretched palm, where he examined it with an inquisitive glance.

"I am a Ren, yes. You'd do well to restrain yourself and your men from taking any more action that could be seen as...aggressive."

Milo then tossed the pistol back to the Chiss before removing his helmet, revealing his long white hair, still in a bun, and sharp, piercing green eyes.

"You shouldn't be creeping around here. If you had orders, you could've relayed them to either myself or the shuttle my headquarters unit are currently situated at. But, let bygones be bygones, as the saying goes. I am Milo Ren, not quite at your service, but the sentiment is what counts, isn't it?'

A snarky grin crossed the man's face before he continued talking.

"Well, seeing as you're an obvious Imperial, judging by your rich accent, and have authorization to be here, let us work together, yes? It would be unfortunate if anything grave would happen here in this archeological beauty. Do tell your men coming into the Star Destroyer to stand down, yes? I can feel them from a mile away."

Milo's face was the definition of calm, but inside, his anger grew. Good. He needed the fuel if things got nasty. With that, the Ren awaited the Chiss' answer and Zesiro's arrival, whom he hoped for their sake was unharmed.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

Zesiro watched at the man in front of her reacted like most do. Thinking with the baser emotions than with logic. He went to take a drink from a flash and was likely to offer her some, but his comms went off and he told her another time. Watching him basically leave her stranded there, she took off after him.

His steps lead to the rest of his squadron and for a moment real concern played in her eyes. One man or maybe even two, she felt she could handle, but she wasn't a fighter and didn't want to get into one here. Drawing up short of the troop, she raised her hands in the air.

However, they hardly paid any attention to her and this greatly surprised her. Almost stamping her foot in irritation, she watched as they gathered up a few belongings and headed into what is a new hole in the star destroyer.

Not knowing where [member="Milo Ren"] is, she can only assume he has something to do with this.

Following on the steps of the squadron, she joins them inside the fallen ship.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Desmond stared at the man blankly. He kept the pistol aimed at the man’s chest, but suddenly something strange happened. Like someone ripped the pistol out of his hand. He watched as the weapon floated over to the Ren and Des cursed inwardly, but his face remained impassive. The man confirmed himself as a Ren and Des merely nodded. He tossed the pistol back carelessly and Des made a mental note to teach the man proper gun safety… The Ren removed his helmet revealing long gray hair, chiseled facial features, and piercing green eyes. He was very handsome and Desmond rubbed his gaunt cheeks subconsciously. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"You shouldn't be creeping around here. If you had orders, you could've relayed them to either myself or the shuttle my headquarters unit are currently situated at. But, let bygones be bygones, as the saying goes. I am Milo Ren, not quite at your service, but the sentiment is what counts, isn't it?'[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I was going to share all data found with the First Order. I assumed the First Order had already picked the ship over,” An obvious lie. Especially given the vessel was found just today, but Desmond merely shrugged ignoring the man’s jab. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]"Well, seeing as you're an obvious Imperial, judging by your rich accent, and have authorization to be here, let us work together, yes? It would be unfortunate if anything grave would happen here in this archeological beauty. Do tell your men coming into the Star Destroyer to stand down, yes? I can [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]feel [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]them from a mile away." [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The Ren said smartly, with a plain smirk across his face. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes, working together would be mutually beneficial for the both of us,” The Ren knew Desmond's men were coming which was no surprise considering the persons outside was probably with the Ren. But, beyond this Desmond suppose it could’ve been the force… Regardless the man knew some how and Desmond was not going to question it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He placed his helmet back onto his head “Stand down men, We are among friends…” Desmond said into his comms. He watched as the first of his squad came into the Star Destroyer and they lined up staring blankly at the Ren through emotionless mask. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Desmond walked from left to right “This one is Schizm, Metro, Klank, and… Where’s 341?” The men began to snigger. 341 came stumbling into the Star Destroyer followed by a pouting woman of the Sexy variety…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Sorry boss. I was busy,” 341 said nodding to the obviously irritated female. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]“And, this is Rookie...” Desmond said only a hint of irritation in his voice. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.6667px]"So, who might you be?" Desmond said to the pair of Sith[/SIZE]

[member="Zesiro"]
[member="Milo Ren"]

 

[Milo Ren]

"Gentlemen. It pleases me to be in such esteemed company," the Ren said, and added a mock bow for effect. "As I have already said to your fearless leader here, I am Milo Ren, archeologist and scholar. With me is my partner, Zesiro."

Milo tucked his helmet under his right arm and glanced over the men assembled before him. Imperials. The very thought of an Imperial Remnant was almost blasphemy to the Ren. The Empire was dead, long gone after the death of Palpatine. No organization would come even close to the power and dominance that the true Galactic Empire held over the galaxy, including the First Order. Still, the sentiment was almost charming. The two entities most likely came to be over a schism of ideals. One interpreted the Emperor's will to continue on after his death, and the other sought to make a completely new empire, heavily influenced by the Empire of old, but different in it's own unique way. It was fascinating from a historical point of view. Milo wished that there was more information available, but alas, many records had been lost to either time or the chaos that was the Gulag Plague.

"Well, Mr. Des. To think that the First Order had already gone through a Star Destroyer in the course of a day is very flattering to our abilities, but I know the games that your government plays. They do not interest me."

The Ren studied the Imperial soldiers. They were most likely special forces of some sort. The lack of someone who could wield the Force was an interesting tactical choice. Milo was fairly certain he could've slaughtered them all if he had really wanted to. The Force was a powerful weapon indeed, but now was not the time to use it.

"We were planning on going through the Star Destroyer at the crack of dawn. If you'd like, you may set up camp next to ours. The weather is about to take a turn for the worse, and I'd rather not stumble through a vessel of this size in the dark."

This was an invitation to wait until the morning to go through the wreckage.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Zesiro]

If the situation wasn't so tense, Zesiro might have laughed at it. However, she kept at straight of a face as she could as she looked at the assembled men. She had the feeling all eyes would be on her when she came fully into the light, so putting on her best face, she walked over to the side of [member="Milo Ren"] and took a firm hold on his arm. Walking might be one way to say it, but it looked like she was strolling across a stage showing off the latest fashion.

Eyeing each of the soldiers, she stopped lastly on Rookie and gave him a wink.

The Ren offered them a spot next to their tent. If looks could turn kill somebody the one she gave Milo would have made him a charred steak on the spot. This only showed in her eyes and was meant for him only.

She kept quiet until Milo was done speaking.

"The weather already turned for the worse. It's pouring out there."

Stating the obvious, she liked how Milo looked in this light and didn't have much eyes for the others around them.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"]

 

[Rhia Novatinsky]

Sitting in the warden's office, Rhia saw some strange things popping up for the planetary holo. An alert was sent out as then a ship passed through the sensor net it came back to a [member="Desmond C'artyom"] a known criminal in First Order space. Desmond by the reports had killed seventeen First Order military personnel back on Yalara during a failed incursion. With this knowledge parts of the garrison stationed at the prison built recently on endor were deployed to apprehend Desmond and have him place in the prison as well. She walked out towards the Captain of the Guard's office, the sound of the heels of her shoes could be heard by everyone in the Administration toward of the Prison. Getting to the Guard Captain's office she walked right though not even knocking.

"Captain Delante, are you blind deploy regiment to location grid 249 Echo. There is a known criminal in that grid who is wanted for multiple murders. Send your best men."

"Understood. I'll send them out ASAP."

With that alarms were sounded through out the prison, which with this deployment was put on lockdown. Facility Ozzel, was also on alert, with it's wing of TIE Strikers on standby for assistance as needed as well. Rhia walked back to her office to watch the helmet cams from some of the troopers that were being deployed to arrest the criminal.


[member="Milo Ren"] | [member="Zesiro"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond watched as the woman stepped into the light. He wasn’t really sure what to make of her. Something about her made him want to leave everything behind. She was soaked and it seemed to make her all the more attractive. Then the Ren addressed Desmond by the name he only let his comrade call him and it irked him to no end. The Ren seemed to believe the Force would give him the power to end all of them if he chose, but the Chiss knew better.

Each of these soldiers were equipped with disruptor rifles and Verpine pistols. Weapons practically designed for hunting force users, but Desmond let it go lightly. The last thing he needed was an international incident, because some Ren got cocky. In fact Desmond was a wanted man in First Order space and Galactic Alliance space. But, that was a lifetime ago. Back when Des was a simple criminal. Performing heist for shady businesses and syndicates. Now he put his stealthy talents to a better use. Meaning that he had turned over a new leaf so to speak.

Joining the Imperial Remnant and becoming a Special agent. Serving in the purge squadron he had made a name for himself as hero of the Empire. He had assassinated, stolen, and even worse in the name of his regime. Eventually Purge squadron evolved into Inferno Squadron and thus it was that the elite task force was born, with Desmond position as it’s leader secured. It had taken some doing to obtain such a prestigious position, but the once criminal turned agent managed to fight his way to the top.

But, still something about this woman made him question all that. Made him yearn for the days when he was ”Free”. One who could take to the stars and had nobody to answer too. It wasn’t just that the woman was beautiful, but more of something about how promiscuous she seemed to be. Freedom in one of its purest forms.

Desmond nodded to the Ren. “We will do just that,” He said simply and as he began to make his way out of the Star Destroyer he caught the Rookie lagging behind his thoughts in the sky. The poor man was busy staring after the beautiful woman and had failed to notice how far he had fallen behind. Desomond punched the man playfully in the arm

“Careful Rookie, She’s Dangerous,” With that Rookie shook his head and chased after the squad lead

“Double or nothing!” Another bet for another race.

Desmond simply shook his head. This is why he wouldn’t leave. He had a family in this cold regime. One that he had never had as a criminal. So, as his men ran to their bikes and took off towards the campsite Des gave them a good head start. He was sure he would beat his brothers anyways. Something they’d never learn. C’artyom always gets the job done.

[member="Zesiro"]
[member="Milo Ren"]

 

[Milo Ren]

"Well, that ended better than I thought it would've."

Milo grinned at Zesiro, who was still gripping his arm firmly. They were alone in the Star Destroyer now and had a moment to talk privately.

"I thought it'd be a good idea to have them close by. That way if they tried to make a run to the Star Destroyer while we were sleeping, we'd at least have a warning. You handled yourself well out there, by the way. Good job."

The Ren walked out of the wreckage and into the rain. It was pouring now, and peals of lightning were visible, crackling with raw power. Zesiro's hands were still wrapped around his arm, and he permitted it. Milo could never say he was in a meaningful relationship before. Most of the time, it was assorted flings with women that were attracted to his handsome body. Nothing permanent, and certainly nothing with strings attached. But this was exactly what the young man would want. This very moment. Him and a woman, adventuring through the galaxy, raising a bit of hell but nothing over their heads. The temptation to give in to Zesiro, especially after their moment in the tent, was very strong now. It wasn't only because she was attractive, but because, for the first time in his life, he felt as if he knew someone who understood him, and that person was with him right now, clinging to him as they walked through the rain. Perhaps it was the adrenaline of the situation. Or it may have been something deeper. That wall around his heart may have been coming apart, brick by brick, in that very moment. All that Milo knew was that he was happy right there and then, something he hadn't been in a long time.

The trip back to the tent was silent. The Ren was simply enjoying the company of his companion. When they reached the tent, Milo shook off the lingering droplets of water from his gear and left his robes to dry in his corner, changing into a more comfortable grey shortsleeve shirt and a pair of black pants that had a red line running down the legs. His white hair was let down to dry and his mask sat in the corner next to his robes, watching the two. The helmet wasn't the only one watching. It seemed Zesiro had observed the Ren change, taking in his fit body and once again glancing at the old wounds that ran across his back.

"I know you were staring at me the entire time I changed. And I know you want to talk. Come here."

Milo motioned towards Zesiro to once again join him at his side, beginning where they left off before they were interrupted.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Zesiro"] [member="Rhia Novatinsky"]

 

[Zesiro]

Seeing the situation come to a calm close, Zesiro relaxed slightly. Still firmly holding onto the arm of [member="Milo Ren"] in the now empty Star Destroyer she gave him a small and private smile. Hand on arm, they set off into the storm.

The trek back to their campsite was a wet one, but it gave her time to think. She had never been one to give much thought to her personal emotions, not the surface ones of anger or rage, but the ones buried much deeper. The kind Milo made her consider. The ones of the heart. Never having really known happiness and peace, it was as foreign to her as love. During the walk back, through the storm raging around them, she felt like she belonged with him. Not just for a night or two, but like she should make an effort to make it last longer, something more permanent. She let out a sigh quiet enough her companion wouldn't hear, thinking that when this expedition was done, they would part ways and never see the other again.

They reached the tent and Zesiro took her boots off at the door, leaving them there to dry. When that was done, she turned her attention to Milo again. He had just taken off his cloak and set it out to dry. Then she watched as he changed out of his clothes and into something more comfortable, he scars revealed once again and his long hair let down to dry.

The air in the tent, chilly, but not cold made her want to wrap up in a blanket. Reaching out for one, Milo broke the calm silence between the two of them. He motioned her over again. Any act or charade was gone now, what he saw was the real Zesiro. The lost child, alone in the darkness, crying out to be wanted and needed.

Though she still moved with a natural grace, the always enticing saunter was not present. She sat down next to him on his sleeping bag, wanting to touch him and have the touch returned. They were close enough and in the end, she reached out to place her hand on his cheek very gently. Her blue eyes looking almost unsure if this is what he wanted. She would know soon enough.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rhia Novatinsky"]

 

[Milo Ren]

Milo closed his eyes, accepting the woman's touch on his face. In his heart, something was stirring. A spark flew, then another one, but there wasn't a fire. It created a smoulder, a slow burn that would one day become a roaring inferno. He spoke again, his voice as gentle and kind as it could be as his green eyes stared directly into hers.

"I know what you're thinking now. You don't want to lose me. That, for once in your life, you've met someone who can make you happy. Well...I'm thinking the same thing, too. I don't think you're leaving my side for a while."

The Ren gave a goofy grin, and before he could think twice about it, leaned in for a kiss.

What are you doing, you moron?! All you are doing is getting attached to someone who might die on you! His brain screamed to his heart, furious.

Everyone dies eventually. I'd rather be with someone and add purpose and meaning to their life for 10 years than live 80 years alone, lonely and bitter, having never experienced love.

While this internal battle raged on, Milo now rested his forehead on Zesiro's forehead. This was where he wanted to be. Stroking her hair with his hand, he sighed lightly and spoke.

"We have a long day ahead of us. Let's try to get some sleep."

[member="Zesiro"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rhia Novatinsky"]

 

[Zesiro]

As surprised by the gentle kiss as she was sure Milo was, Zesrio leaned into it. They both had turmoil raging in their minds, but this felt right. Sparks flew up between them, not the momentary sparks the go out within moments. These sparks that if nurtured could become an inferno that would blaze on.

All subterfuge gone, this is what Zesiro needed. Their foreheads resting together, he says they will have a long day tomorrow and that they should try to get some sleep. While his words were true, she didn't care.

Wrapping her other hand behind his head, running her fingers through his loose hair, she moved for herself even closer to him. Laying down, pulling him along with her. Her blue eyes looking into his green...

[member="Milo Ren"]
​

 

[Milo Ren]

The next day...
Crack of dawn, Endor
---------------------------------------
Milo woke up with a start next to Zesiro, his arms wrapped around her waist. He had a nightmare. A thin sheen of sweat was evident on his forehead, and the Ren took a few seconds to compose himself. He couldn't remember the dream, but the feeling stuck with him all the same. Well, he was glad he was awake now.

The man grabbed his clothing and gear and started to suit up, piece by piece, hoping his movement around the tent would be enough to wake up his companion. Zesiro had shown Milo a side of him that he thought was lost forever last night. He thought that it would be impossible to become attached to anyone ever again, but she proved him wrong. Emotionally, he felt like a new man, although his brain occasionally threw jabs at him, swearing that he would regret this all one day. The Ren largely ignored those negative thoughts and tried to focus on the now.

It was now time to deal with the Star Destroyer.

Throwing together some rations for breakfast, Milo made two plates, one for himself and one for Zesiro. Sitting down, clothes now thankfully dry, the Ren went ahead and telepathically reached out to the Chiss, whom he knew was somewhere in the immediate area and spoke a simple sentence directly into his mind.

It is time.

With that, Milo waited for Zesiro to get ready, eat, and say a few words to him...

[member="Zesiro"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rhia Novatinsky"]

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Kyrel was dispatched by the order of the Supreme Leader to Endor, he had heard of this Rogue Ren known [member="Milo Ren"] and his now recent adventure on Endor hearing from latest First Order spies of how this Ren was now working with a Sith Acolyte and most of all a wanted fugitive responsible for deaths of many innocent men and women on Yalara he would make sure to apprehend him as well. But as far as he was concerned the Ren was of top piority as he was now making a mockery of what the order stood for, and Kyrel as a Knight of Ren would not allow it, he would be relentless in hunting them down, but first he had to see the planetary governor about his mission. The anger was being barely contained as his Theta class shuttle dropped from Hyperspace above the orbit of the forest moon, and zoomed through the atmosphere onto the planet's surface.

The shuttle made it's way towards Facility Ozzel, and landed in a hanger bay already informing the Governor of his arrival. The landing ramp slowly let down as there were a couple rows of troopers standing at the left and right of surface as Kyrel made his way down to meet the governor. Kyrel's dark figure slowly made it's way down the mechanical breathing of his life support suit brought an eerie feeling as he walked down ignoring the troopers only wishing to get the task underway and deal with the fools personally, if he would not be compliant in coming back to face punishment than Kyrel would have to deal with him in the most severe way.

[member="Zesiro"]
[member="Desmond C'artyom"]
[member="Rhia Novatinsky"]