The Lion’s Demise

[Kurzen Fox]

A rush of air whooshed past. My eyes struggled desperately to focus as bit by bit images were pieced together over the black sheet that had clouded my vision. As I hefted myself upwards, legs trembling beneath me, I cast an almost hazy glance about and found the grip on which I had been held a moment ago, before the lynching had begun. Though consciousness was barely returned, I recalled vividly how it had happened.

I and four others had been sat at the table within Sankt, playing a game of Sabacc to pass the time. Unfortunately I had not been graced with the best of hands yet it didn’t seem to matter, as we were playing simply for fun - we rarely played for anything else infact. One of the larger members of the group had dealt the cards and we had just begun the first round when there was a knock at the door. Bok, the head of the garrison, stood up and went to answer it, whilst we passed around a jug of ale which I was excluded from, no doubt because of my age.

“WHERE IS THE COMMANDANT!?” a voice yelled from the door and suddenly Bok was smashing into the wall behind us, toppling our card table over as he crashed over it. The pitcher of beer clattered to the floor and well all stood up, startled.

The figures that then entered were heavily armoured and weld guns that looked like they could take out a bantha from a mile off. Each was trained upon is, the barrel poisoned and trigger finger ready to fire. Instantly, I could feel the fear welling up inside. If they were looking for the Commandant, the term by which the leader of our faction was known, then they had come to the wrong place. We were acting as a decoy branch, so it was understandable that they would be here, however I’d never imagined that they would actually come.

“Members of the Red Lions, surrender your weapons and disclose the location of your leader – or else you die.”

Yes, that was the last thing I heard. Between this sentence and the next few seconds, there was no conversation but instead the clicking of guns being cocked, then the rapid fire of some form of ammo. Each pummelled us and propelled us backwards, into the same wall that had been the cushion for Bok. At this point, things went black.

To my surprise as I woke up I found nothing but myself in the room. The table was gone, as were the bodies of my comrades, and there was no sign of the assailants who had just attacked us.

“… Huh?”

[Kurzen Fox]

I gave myself a quick once over to check what inventory I was left with. I’d been stripped of my weaponry, which only consisted of a blaster to begin with so that wasn’t too bad. All my clothes and money had been left, though my ID cards and communications devices had been taken. I cursed beneath my breath and damned the bastards. It had to be the troops we had been warned about barely a week ago, but I was lost as to how they had located us.

It that struck me that I had no concept of where they had gone. My vision and mind had returned and I gave my clothes a brush down with the back of my hand, easing a bit of the tension that I felt inside. Where was I to go? If the others had been taken for interrogation I had no doubt that the Richter – the commandant – would be seized soon, and the resistance faction known as the Red Lions would fall to the oppression of the Empire – and after we’d been so close to liberating the labour camp … it all seemed such a waste now. At least 12 men had died in efforts to free the citizens from their oppressors, and now that hope was dashed.

My only hope lay with my old rebel comrade Hacob, whom I had worked with on the original formation of the Red Lions, when I’d been a mere 12 years old. Many years had passed since then, a good 7 – almost 8 – infact, and I doubted he would recognise me. But he was the only link I had developed, aside from those in my squadron, and thus perhaps he could provide some information as to how I might be able to free my friends.

Smartening out my clothes, I moved for the door and made a sweep of the area as quietly as possible, to check there weren’t remnant forces still about. With the coast clear, I ran for the nearest exit of the complex we’d been stationed in and darted out into the city.

[Kurzen Fox]

I think perhaps my mind is moving too quickly now. To anyone who might be following my life as a story, my explanations have been – thus far – vague as to what the nature of my job, and such things, are. Let me take a moment, as I sprint for the gates that open out onto the cityscape, to retell.

I was born 19 years ago to Admiral Paso Dax; I do not know my mothers name or nature, for she was a simple courtesan hired to produce an heir to my father’s seat amongst the imperials. Never the less, my childhood was more than pleasant. My father, being a high-ranking member of the military, was afforded certain privileges and this allowed for my education to be of the highest degree, though I admit I did partially waste it. I deeply disliked that my father was never present, and would sometimes purposefully fail exams to attempt to get his attention – this failed, of course.

Kurzen Dax was a troublesome boy, they would always say. I couldn’t care less what they said. I was busying myself with something new by the time my teens arrived. I had found that there were others who disliked the imperials, though not for the same reasons, in my classes and around my local city. Apparently there was a lecturer at the university who was rallying them together and held frequent meetings of something he called the “Red Lion Party”. At first I was apprehensive about the whole thing, though this fear faded after on my 15 birthday my father did not even send a message of well wishes.

I approached the lecturer and was welcomed quickly. Amongst my new friends I was no longer known as Dax, but instead Fox. The imperial name had been discarded for an animal nickname, which the others all held. In my sect – a sect was a small portion of the group, usually 4 or 5 man in size, which patrolled a certain area – there were some interesting characters. First there was Badger, he was the leader. His really name was Bok, and he’d been given his name due to the bright white streak he bore down his hair, which was otherwise black. His second in command was Hawk. She had been a member longer than Bok but preferred the job of right-hand-woman as it permitted her an air of secrecy that Badger was not allowed. Then along side me there were two others, Weasel and Wolf. Weasel disliked his synonym but had been given it for a reason, and this was that he had been dishonourable in the past – he had originally lead a sect but had betrayed it and was now being reinitiated as part of the militia. Wolf I did not know, nor did I care to.

We did only small things, sabotage and the like, but it was all for a good cause. Some frowned on me and said I was doing it for the wrong reasons, but I didn’t care. That was my attitude to most things then, and still is now – I don’t care. But then I can only be flippant for so long.

[Kurzen Fox]

Against my better judgement I approached the Lion HQ. All looked well from the outside though I opted for entering through the back door instead of the front, out of sheer fear for what I might find on busting in. Passing through the empty hallways, I could tell they had been here. The posters that had lined the walls had been torn down or knifed, the tables had been tipped over, and even some of the windows had been broken. Glass littered the floor and as I paced through the silent walkways my books crunched against the ice-like shards.

“Hello?”

Before I realised it, I was shouting. My voice sounded strained and almost mournful as I called out in vain hope that someone would answer. There was no reply from anywhere, nor did anything stir. Not willing to give up, I began to run, run as fast as I could towards where the Commandants office had been. As I came up the stairs, crimson stained the soles of my shoes – blood was streaked across the lino underfoot. Tears stung at the corners of my eyes as I skidded to a halt outside of his door. It was wide open, half broken and charred from some form of blast.

My eyes came to rest upon him. Instantaneously my vision lost some of its accuracy as tears glazed over. I wanted to look away, to rid myself of the image before me, but I could not. It was so grotesque, so unforgivable. He lay draped over his desk, blood pooling around his body, with a large spear impaled straight through his throat. It was driven down through parted lips. Atop the weapon was the symbol of the Red Lions. It was disgustingly ironic that he should be killed with the very weapon that marked our stake on the city.

As a keepsake, a token, some sick memorial of his death – I do not know which – I lifted from his body the pendant that he wore and placed it around my neck. I wouldn’t allow the dream he had had to die. Turning from the office, I ran at break neck speed through the hallways. I was desperate to get out, desperate to get away from the stench of death and the choking atmosphere. As I ran, the thick pendant thudded against my chest with each beat of my heart. Revenge, it shouted, but I ignored. We had founded our thesis on freedom. The soldiers had not killed him out of their own dislike, but because they had been given orders to do so – just as we were ordered how to act against them.

I would find Hakob yet, and he would know what to do. He would know of another group I could be drafted into to continue on what the imperials had, today, cut off so short.

[Kurzen Fox]

Once out of the complex, it was easy to find your way around the city. It was fairly small and the transport system permitted anyone passage to almost any location they wished within a short time. I flagged down a cab and smear the tears from my eyes with the back of my sleeve as I swung myself down inside it. I ordered the driver to take me to the west side of town, where old Hakob lived. His house was well hidden amongst many others like it, but I knew exactly which one it was – even though I’d not visited for so long.

Pulling up at the front I made no hesitation in paying the driver before bounding out and thundering up the pathway to the door. Three hard thumps on the door and I was already impatient and wondering where he was. Just as I was about to yell out for him, Hakob appeared. He peered through the thin veil on the front window at me and narrowed his eyes, momentarily unsure of whom I was. Clumsily I yanked the chain I wore about my neck upwards and waved it towards him. He gave a slight nod, and vanished.

“Kurzen, my boy…”

The door slid aside. Open arms welcomed me and for the first time I allowed tears to flow freely over my cheeks. Nuzzling my forehead to the old mans shoulder; I took in deep damp breaths and whimpered as he escorted me inside. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I was so upset – was it that my comrades were possibly dead? Was it that I had no where to do? Or something else perhaps?

“… I’m sorry.”

I rose up my head and looked into the ageless eyes before me, shaking my head slowly. I wanted to say it shouldn’t have happened, but then I would be stating the obvious. Somehow, he knew. I hadn’t told him, yet he could understand the loss already.

“I saw them going past the window down Main street.. The radio was blaring out that they’d captured the terrorists.”

He sat me down on his old sofa and in silence we remained for a good while. He pottered away, retrieved a hot drink, and then turned on some music, a symphony whose name I cannot recall. It seemed like an hour passed before I brought myself to say anything.

“What’s… left to do…?”

Helpful as ever, it seemed as thought Hakob had again predicted my line of thought. He had been, not noted by me previously, holding a box on his lap whilst we sat. I regarded it with a curious eye and noted the unusual markings it bore. Almost as if fearful of what was inside, he lifted the lid and allowed me a peek inside at the shadowed contents …

[Kurzen Fox]

“This, Kurzen, is a lightsaber.”

Now this was something I had not seen before, at least not up close. I had spotted them on the belts of people wandering through the streets before, but never known what their purpose was – infact I was sure they were some form of containment cylinder, yet from their name it sounded as though they were a weapon.

“You may not know this Kurzen, but I aided your commandant in founding the Red Lions,”

Both of my eyebrows rose. I almost wanted to protest against this but I could tell there was more to this story coming, and thus kept quiet to listen.

“I wanted to guard our city and protect it, but I realised long ago we cannot hope to save this conurbation. It is far too far gone to be brought back to order. But, that is not to say others cannot be helped. There are many who suffer who have no aide, and would be most thankful for it.”

As I pondered over his words, I let them sink in and slowly began to accept what he was saying. My presence here now only endangered me, and I could do no good as a one man army. Hakob, seeing I was following, lifted the ‘lightsaber’ from its hold and held it up in one hand. Much to my surprise, he handed it to me. As soon as I took it up I could feel a great power in my hands. I ran my fingertips over the sleek surface of the tube and found what appeared to be a switch. Something told me this was what I was looking for on the hilt. A slight depression and I found this to be most true!

A beam of white shot out of the top of the cylinder. It fumbled with it to get a good grip as the light pulsated outwards, gaining a brilliant yellow outer glow. My eyes widened as I watched it in amazement. Standing up, I gave it a swipe to the side and much to my surprise it stayed straight, every present. It made a loud humming noise as it moved. So entranced I was by it, that at first I did not hear Hake speak.

“Kurzen!”

He stood and pulled the hilt of the weapon down, knocking the switch on it back down so that the strip was sucked back into its sanctuary.

“Don’t get over excited yet… I haven’t finished my story yet.”

[Kurzen Fox]

Accepting the fact that there was more to hear, I tore my mind from the wonders of the lightsaber and sat down once more – with the weapon lain in my lap.

“As I said, I was part of the foundation of the Red Lions… but you must leave them behind now. There is nothing you can do to save their cause, but you can help others. Before I came to this planet, many many years ago, I was trained in the ways of the Jedi. A Jedi is a protector of all that is innocent and defends justice with his or her own life. They are a noble breed and one that though powerful are not plentiful enough to hold back the tide of darkness that creeps ever further over our universe…”

You, Kurzen, you must become a Jedi. Go to them and train in their ways, and show your father, and the galaxies, what you are truly made of. Do not forget the spirit of the Red Lion as you go, of course! You must carry it with you forever, but know that as a Jedi, you will be able to help more in your life than others have done in centuries.”

A sense of pride filled me, and though I did not know of these Jedi, I felt already patriotic about their ways.

“You were trained as a Jedi! Can’t you show me how to become one?”

“No Kurzen, my time as a Jedi has passed. I no longer am skilled with the Force, the tool of a Jedi. You must find the Jedi of this age, of your generation. Whispers come from off-world that they have been moving as of late, and have transferred their location from a remote one to the hub world of Coruscant!”

“Coruscant?! That is light-years away! There is no way I can reach Coruscant!” I thudded a balled fist against my chest, “I am bound here! I must avenge my brothers!”

“No! Vengeance will achieve nothing but to bring more suffering,” he shook his head and reached out a hand, setting it down on my shoulder.

“Take my ship. It is in good enough condition to get you 3 quarters of the way, from their your trip will be easy. Stow away, gamble your way onto a ship… whatever it takes! You must get to Coruscant and become a Jedi.”

It was as if he was detailing my fate! I listened in awe to the story that I sensed he had been waiting to tell for eons and drew on all the courage I had inside to deliver a determined reply of:

“Yes. I will find the Jedi, Hakob. I will not fail the Commandant, Badger or the others.”

[Kurzen Fox]

And so I left. Hakob showed me to the way to his ship, and prepped me on the basics – he said all I needed was to initiate the auto pilot and I would just have to type in some co-ordinates to set the destination. After being taught how, he introduced me to the crew of the shape, which composed singularly of a protocol droid named C7P2. We became acquainted as he explained the in’s and out’s of the ships schematics, and within what seemed like hours we were already preparing for lift off.

I locked myself down into the seat that was designated usually for the pilot, and peered out over the controls through the main view screen. It showed Hake’s house and Hakob himself standing waving, a proud smile on his lips. Giving a salute I returned the smile before looking down and depressing the button which would fire up the engines. As they came on, thus the ship kicked onto automatic, and slowly began to lift off into the air.

It seemed only a matter of moments before the planet of Lianna looked nothing more than a speck in front of me. I felt no regret, for I was high on the adrenaline that the whole experience brought to me. In my lap sat the lightsaber, which Hakob told me was the weapon of a Jedi! I was to use it once I reached the Temple, he told me, and to become deft in wielding it – it would be a big change from simple hand-to-hand, which I was now proficient in thanks to Hawk.

“Sir,” the protocol droid chimed as it waddled in from another room in the ship – which I’d yet to explore. I was a bit reluctant to leave the chair really, as I wanted to know exactly when I was coming towards my destination – Taanab.

“I do believe you should get some sleep. We are going to be travelling for almost a week, I would save some of the star watching for later on!”

A week?! A week in space alone, with only the droid as company, didn’t sound pleasant, but then I had to make some sacrifices for this journey, and I had no doubts in my mind that they would be worth it. I had to agree with the robot though, and unbuckled the belt across my body. Pacing forward, I ambled about for a little while through the ship until I stumble across what appeared to be some quarters – with a rather comfy looking bed! Grinning, I bounded over and dropped into it, before digging in for the long struggle to get to sleep.

[Kurzen Fox]

Day in, day out, for seven whole days, I slept and watched the stars go by. Sometimes I would sit alone and count them, trying to work out the constellations. Others the droid would sit with me and we would piece together images on the stellar-scape. Some days he would squeal with delight as we passed by a planet – Belder was the first en route, though we caught sight of others in the distance off to the port and starboard side.

The mid-ring of worlds was the toughest part of the journey. The Roche Asteroids proved the most difficult part of this and we did infact have to shoot off course and head for Togoria to ensure our safe passage back onto the Coruscant trail. I had to admit – it was even more exciting than I’d imagined. Each day was filled with more new discoveries than the one before, and never was there a minute went by when I thought it was dull. Still, I found difficulty sleeping.

Though it did not matter for long. Sweeping past the Hapan Consortium I found that Taanab was now in range on the sensors, and though the fuel was low on the ship, we would indeed make it to the planet before it depleted to nothing. Infact, I and the droid held a little party to celebrate our arrival which was drawing oh so near. From far off, it looked just like my home in the Tion Cluster and as the ship drew in closer, pushing through the atmosphere, I almost felt at home.

Few security checks were needed, and the people were infact very friendly – especially once they learned of my past connections with the Commandant. The Red Lions had conducted business with some people on the planet, and thus I learned of their past involvements in rebellions and the like against the dark forces in the galaxy. A place where I’d found many friendly faces was a small cantina, named the “Turtles Paradise”. I frequented there my first night on the planet and proceeded to do the same on my second, but with the intent of finding some mode of passage to Coruscant.

Much to my dismay, it appeared that though they were forthcoming with information, the people of Taanab were reluctant to aid me in any way. Slumping down into a booth in the bar, I closed my eyes and thought of Lianna, wondering why I’d ever left.

[Salemn Lysce]

Salemn had begun to venture out of Coruscant as of late, not particularly enjoying the populated city she was visiting in Taanab. It reminded her of the streets she used to live on before she became a Jedi, and it wasn't all too pleasant.

Today she had gone out to search for some shops that sold herbs for her little 'collection'. Finally, after what seemed like hours, she succeeded in finding a little shop owned by an old woman. There, she bought some Sage and a pinch of Foxglove, only to return out onto the overpopulated streets of Taanab. Her mouth was dry and she continued to cough repeatedly from the polluted air. Oh, how she missed Yavin, but no use reminicing now.

A Bar caught her attention, and wistfully thinking that she could get a clean glass of water, Salemn pushed her way through the moving crowd of people and entered it. It was filled with Patrons - and hardly any seating left. Frowning, her brown eyes began to skim it and found a lone man in a booth. Realizing it was her only chance to get some drink and rest her feet, she made her ways towards him.

< Mind if I take a seat ? >

Her voice was heard in his head instead of outloud, for the Mute had no other way of communicating without the Force.

[Kurzen Fox]

I blinked and looked upwards quickly at the girl who had spoken … or rather, who I’d heard. She had not spoken aloud, I could tell that much – you see working as a rebel of sorts you have to have good sense of hearing and such to track and hear those coming to find you. So how had I heard her voice?

“Sure, have a seat.”

I smiled never the less and motioned for her to sit. Regarding her for a moment, I shuffled about in my seat so that I was no longer slouched down against the back of the booth, but instead sat up straight. A quick palm against the back of my head flattened the spikes of hair that he gone out of place, as I gave a coy nod towards the new arrival at my table.

“Nice place huh?” I said, making idle conversation as I glanced about,

“I wish I could stay for longer, but I’ve got to find a way to Coruscant and it seems like everyone here is bent on staying here on Taanab,” I added with a bit of a sigh.

In front of me I had a glass of cordial, which I lifted and sipped, shaking my head.

“What about you? What’re you up to here, if you don’t mind me asking?”

[Salemn Lysce]

Returning the smile, Salemn slid into the seat across from him and let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he didn't rudely tell her to 'go away', as she was so used to getting. She took the pouch where she had put the boughten herbs in and set it down next to her, before looking back at him. He said that he needed to go to Coruscant -- where she lived.

< I was just visiting, and thankfully found some of the herbs I was looking for ... >

Again her mind began to wander to what he said about Coruscant, and, hoping she wasn't prying into his business, asked him about it.

< If you don't mind my asking, why the need to go to Coruscant ? >

[Kurzen Fox]

She definitely wasn’t moving her lips, so how the heck could I hear her? I probably looked like an idiot staring at her, but I couldn’t help myself. It was something I’d never encountered before and though I wanted to find a way to Coruscant this was sidetracking me.

“Herbs? Oh cool,” I replied, my voice probably sounding a bit faint as my mind whirred trying to work out again how she’d done it.

“.. I uh, need to get to Coruscant to find the Jedi Temple. No one here has heard of it though, so I’m hoping when I get there someone will be able to give me directions or something… otherwise…”

My voice trailed away into silence, then picked up again.

“… How come I can hear you talking even though you aren’t moving your lips…?”

[Salemn Lysce]

< I'm speaking through the Force. >

She bit the inside of her cheek as her mind began to replay what he said. He wanted to go and find the Jedi Temple - was it perhaps to speak with the Elders ? Or to join ?

< I could help you get there ... >

Immediately she forgot about the water she'd like to order and leaned forward slightly, placing her hands in her lap.

[Kurzen Fox]

“Speaking through the wha?”

For a second, I didn’t realize she’d said anything else, but then it clicked. She’d said she could help me! And there I went again, making myself look as stupid as possible.

“You can help me get there? I, uh… I don’t have much I can give to thank you except my ship really, b-but if you can help me… wow!”

[Salemn Lysce]

< Well, I can give you a lift through my own ship -- or you can follow, if you'd like. >

She smiled slightly at his reaction and leaned back in her seat. Yes, if he decided to follow, she could also give him the co-ordinates for the planet.

< And no need to thank me .. >

The man really seemed enthusiastic about her offer to help, and she wondered what his reaction would be if she told him she was a Jedi herself. However, she didn't, just to keep him from 'bursting' with joy.

[Kurzen Fox]

“Oh but I can’t follow, you see that’s why I needed to stop off here… I don’t have the credits for more fuel and I’m totally out - the tank is empty, but if you could let me hop on board with you I’d be eternally grateful!”

I beamed a broad grin, as an idea sparked up in my mind.

“Maybe once I’m a Jedi I could help you out to thank you some way!”

[Salemn Lysce]

< Boarding with me is no problem at all. I'm sure that the Jedi will have no doubts about accepting you within their Ranks .. as long as you follow the Jedi Code. >

Her brown eyes shifted from the man to the table as she thought about this. This was her first time actually meeting someone so anxious to become a Jedi that was having trouble finding Coruscant. Should she take him on as a Padawan ? Shaking her head slightly, Salemn looked back up at him.

< Whenever you're ready. >

[Kurzen Fox]

“Huh?”

I blinked, “You mean we can go right now?!”

Gathering up the satchel I’d brought with me, which contact only the lightsaber and the access cards to the ship I’d arrive it, I stared at the girl.

“I should go and get the droid I came with, I can’t just leave him on the ship… do you want me to meet you at your ship, wherever it is…?”

What was her name? I didn’t know, and felt a bit silly for it now.

“Uh… I didn’t catch your name – mine’s,” I paused, trying to recall it in my excitement, “Kurzen Fox, though most people just call me Fox.”

[Salemn Lysce]

< Salemn Lysce. A pleasure to make your acquantice .. Fox. >

She wasn't sure if he liked that nickname or not, but as she spoke within his mind Salemn clutched onto her pouch and slid out of the seat, standing.

< My ship just a little ways from here, and her name is Red Dragon. Take your time. >

[Kurzen Fox]

“Salemn, great to meet you!”

I gave a bit of a grin and nodded to her. My ship was docked in the planet side space port, and therefore I assumed hers must be too. I gave a bit of a wave, pulled the bag I held onto my shoulder, and jogged off away.

Wow! This was going quickly. I hadn’t expected that everything would move so slowly, but it seemed things were sliding into place incredibly well for me. In no time I’d be on Coruscant and then it would only be a matter of days before I found the Jedi and learnt more about the defenders that Hakob had portrayed them to be.

I reached Hake’s ship and pulled the door open, calling out for the droid. He scuttled out and followed me as fast as he could – which was fairly slow, meaning I would run ahead, then pause, wait for about five minutes, then start running again once he caught up. Eventually we made it to where it appeared the ‘Red Dragon’ was – I smiled inside at this, how ironic that it would be another ‘red’ animal that would guide me to Coruscant.

“Hey!” I called out for Salemn, looking around for her before spotting her. I’d explained to the men in charge of the docking here that they were to sell on the ship, and they’d given me a small pouch of credits in return which would no doubt be useful.

Sideling over to my newly found acquaintance, I held out the bag.

“Here, I got some credits for my ship. I want you to have them… as payment for this.”

As I offered them to her, I looked up at her ship and realised just how much larger it was than the one I’d been in – she must’ve been rich already!

[Salemn Lysce]

After 'Fox' went off, Salemn gave a glance around the bar before leaving. Her ship would have plenty of water, no charge at all. After going to the space port, she waited for him until he came right up by her side, accompanied by a droid.

< I've no need for the credits, but thank you for offering. Keep them for something you can buy. >

Noticing how he looked at her ship in awe, Salemn grinned slightly and walked over to it, pressing her hand onto what looked like a hand imprint. It 'pinched' her hand, drawing some of the blood, and analyzed the DNA before the ramp folded out.

Welcome, Salemn 'said' the ship in a mechanical voice.

It had taken her some time to fix up the cheap ship, making it what it was now. She casted a glance towards Fox before boarding the ramp, and it closed after he came on. Immediately, Salemn made her ways towards the cockpit and sat down in the chair, doing a systems check before setting the co-ordinates for Coruscant.

< Do you have everything ? >

She wouldn't leave until he was sure.

[Kurzen Fox]

I followed slowly, dumbfounded onto the ship. Even the way she’d entered the ship was amazing! Once I was inside I found the interior to be just as spectacular, and spent a good few minutes simply taking it all in, committing its precision and delicacy to mind. Behind me the droid followed and remained silent. At his request, however, I shut him down and propped him against one of the inside walls of the ship. At the moment, I realised Salemn had spoken to me and again I hadn’t noticed at first.

“Do I have everything? Oh yeah… yup! Got everything I need in here,” I said, giving the bag on my back a hard slap.

I offered another warm smile as I made my way through the various consoles and pieces of machinery to sit down in the chair by Salemn’s. It was far more comfortable than those in Hakob’s ship, and as I quickly found out, span around. Chuckling as I twisted about a bit, I slowly quickly, noticing my pilot was staring at me. I gave a nervous laugh before strapping myself into the chair, looking down.

[Salemn Lysce]

After he strapped himself in, Salemn quirked an eyebrow before looking back at the control panel. After pressing what seemed like a number of buttons, the engines opened and the ship rose off the pad, then into the atmosphere. She wasn't going to put it on auto-pilot -- not yet, at least. As usually, the ship rocked back and forth until it escaped the atmosphere and from the planet's gravitational pull.

Setting the ship on auto-pilot, Salemn then put it on hyperdrive and turned to look at Fox.

< What exactly made you so interested in becoming a Jedi ? >

[Kurzen Fox]

“Well, uh, I guess I’ve always been one really… or at least doing what Jedi do, by protecting people and helping them out.”

As I spoke, I absently thumbed at the pendant I wore, smiling half-heartedly.

“Unfortunately the group which I worked with was destroyed. A good friend of mine told me about the Jedi and said I would fit in well with the Jedi, and would be more help there than moping about at home,”

I gave a bit of a shrug. Aloud, it sounded like a weak reason, but it was the truth none the less.

[Salemn Lysce]

Remaining silent after what Fox had just told her, Salemn looked back out the window. The stars streaked past in silver blurs as distant planets spun on their axels, oblivious to the ship as it went past. Finally, a remark:

< Fate has a cruel way of showing our destinies. >

[Kurzen Fox]

“Fate? Destiny?”

I smirked, “Nah. I don’t believe in that at all… everyone chooses what they want to do or be, we aren’t just walking out some pre-written script.”

Leaning forward a bit, I glanced past Salemn to see the celestial bodies she’d been looking at and smiled. It seemed the further from Lianna he got, the more grandiose and cinematic things became.

[Salemn Lysce]

She shrugged her shoulders slightly. Everybody had a different view on things, and she wasn't one that forced hers onto others.

< It should only be an hour or so until we reach the planet. >

[Kurzen Fox]

I had become almost accustomed to her speaking without any sound now, and was barely noticing it.

“An hour? Cool. I can’t wait … man, I’ve heard Coruscant is a total blast! Everything is top quality and low priced,”

By this I meant weapons, though it could have been a reference to anything really, “I’m so hyped!”

[Salemn Lysce]

Grinning, Salemn couldn't help but laugh to herself.

< Well, it's a big change from Yavin, that's for sure. >

And so, the two made idle chatter as the time passed by, until finally they reached Coruscant. Upon entering the atmosphere, Salemn switched off the auto-pilot and hyperdrive, and began to steer the ship. Soon, they were flying above the planet - which was comprised of mainly cities.

Suddenly, Salemn made the ship take a dive at one point, towards a very large building - which to it were attached several smaller ones. Here, Fox's new life would begin. (http://www.swforums.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=393999#post393999)