Saving a Link (Donald)

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((this whole thread will be a flashback to Jade's past. It takes place one month ago, before he left the Republic Military for the Sith Navy.))

It had been a full month since he'd left the Republic Navy, but still Jade remembered what he thought would be the final time he spoke to his friend and former commander, Donald Kail. Tonight, however, this memory haunted his dreams as he lay in a dark room on Nar Shaddaa.

Only three days ago had Jade Borgonia gotten his promotion to Rear Admiral, finished his 'special training,' and gotten his new orders. Orders he most certainly did not want to fulfill...yet even so, he had a duty to the Republic. It was in light of this that he had spent all of the past three days thinking, planning, calling those he considered friends...though they were few and far between. Now he had only two people yet to contact...his friend and now senator of Corellia, Donald Kail, and his sister, Aunna. It was the former that he called yesterday, and thought it was last minute, he had hoped that the busy senator would find room in his schedule to meet with him. Unfortunately, Jade had only managed to get hold of Donald's secretary, and no reply had yet come from his friend stating whether he could meet him today or not.

Jade refused, however, to give up the lingering hope that he would find his friend at the meeting place: a private diner, reserved for the use of Senators and military officers. This diner allowed it's patrons to not only have the privacy they held so dear, but a comfortable environment and more than decent food...something the military officers very much enjoyed due to the lack of it at their respective posts. More than once he had seen Donald at this place, and the two had kept their friendship alive through meetings like this, no matter how short...if Jade was near Coruscant or Corellia, he would make it a point to try and contact the senator so they could catch up on the other's doings. This, it would seem, was no different than any other time before, yet the admiral had other motives.

Considering the sticky situation he was about to put himself in, Jade, being the logical man that he was, knew that more than likely he would be rejected by those he now considered friends. The thought of being a traitor wasn't what bothered him necessarily, but rather the thought of losing all links to his current life...and he would be damned if he allowed it to happen easily. That was where Donald came in. If anyone knew him professionally and personally, it would be him. As his former commander, Donald was intelligent, level headed, and diplomatic...as a friend, he was clever, witty, and curious. The perfect person to drop hints to. If anyone could figure out Jade's motives, it was him.

By this time, the red eyed "Colonel"...as he had been dubbed due to his time with his former teacher, a retired army colonel...had found himself in front of the diner aptly named: Operative Bistro. Chuckling darkly at the irony of the name, the sandy brunette stepped inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim surroundings and soft red glow that was created by the dim lights illumination of the red upholstery. Taking a seat at a booth in one of the more quiet sections of the diner, Jade waited for the time he had told Donald's secretary. Checking the time on one of the clocks, Jade saw it was about 5 minutes until the meeting time. Ordering himself a tea, he waited patiently, hand folded on the table before him, glasses propped easily on his nose, his datapad sitting on the table in front of him as he read over his instructions once more. Sighing, he put the data pad away, and pulled a small book from his pocket and started reading.

His red eyes scanned over the pages easily, and it was difficult to imagine that several years ago he had been close to permanently blind. Luckily the kolto treatments had worked, yet the bizzar side effect of his irises turning red had baffled every scientist and doctor who had looked at him since then. If this wasn't enough to earn him odd looks from the other patrons and workers of the diner, his mannerisms and looks were. Like all military officers, he had a long practiced poise, but add to this his seemingly natural grace and fluid movements, cunning and sharp gaze, and the well defined bone structure of his face, Jade could be likened to some bird of prey, or perhaps a hunting cat. This was, of course, heightened by the aire of authority that exuded him, keeping others at bay with a no nonsense or sarcastic look that he often wore. The blue and white uniform he wore was always clean and he never looked to be hot or cold, but always indifferent to the weather...not even rain seemed to miff him or tarnish the pressed appearance of his uniform. For those who knew his name, this was just another layer to the mask that was "The Necromancer". With this in mind, it was easy to tell that Jade was in the diner as hushed voices whispered, and wary eyes snuck peeks in his direction...Jade was used to it by now, but he wondered if such things ever bothered people like Donald.

Making a mental note to ask, Jade caught the eye of a younger officer and he smiled...smirked actually...a sarcastic and slightly sadistic expression that made the young woman both blush and turn around as if caught doing something wrong. Chuckling once more, he returned to his book.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald ended the week speaking in the senate, he fellow senators were planning a party but Donald didn’t feel like going,
“Betty wants us to go home to Corellia for the weekend.” Donald smiled, “You know I can’t say no to her.” Donald smiled and left his friends to their party. He entered his office and started packing his things. He picked up his plans and carefully filed them locking them in his desk. He honestly wanted this vacation as bad as his wife. Donald had been busy his plans were in motion for something big, he had been deep in thought for months about it. He looked up to his secretary and smiled,
“Hello.” She smiled and looked to him,
“Hello, Donald…a military officer came by?”
“Who?” he said in surprise,
“Colonel Jade?”
He looked over the request and smiled it had been a long time from hearing from Jade and it was about time they spoke. Donald called his wife and explained. He then left his office and went into the city. He rode a transport across the amazing city. He watched the city fly by, he was deep in thought about what he planned to do. He almost forgot why he was even at the Diner in the first place. Donald then entered a diner he frequented often, this was one of the few times he didn’t come with his wife Betty, he thought this might be a little two personal even for her. He walked in and the waitress gave him a water,
“Thanks hun.” She blushed and walked off turning back once. Donald rolled his eyes and spotted his old friend. His red eyes were very obvious in here. Donald smiled and walked over to him,
“Hello, Jade.” Donald sad looking deeply at his old friend, “What’s the occasion?” Donald said with a smile, “Need a best man? Finally found yourself a girl?” Donald drank some more water. “Your lucky you caught me I’ve had a lot to do.” He wasn’t very comforted by his friend’s silence. He just stopped mid thought and watched him, “Something wrong?” He said watching Jade carefully.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade chuckled slightly and shook his head, motioning for his friend to have a seat. Honestly, there were quite a few things wrong, but none he could say openly. At the mention of Jade having found himself a 'girl,' as Donald put it, the brunette smirked and shook his head. Really, Donald should have known by now that he was a self proclaimed bachelor.

Not at all Donald. You of all people should know that I am only fit for the life of a bachelor...stop getting your hopes up.

He teased, his voice as sarcastic as ever. Jade avoided answering the question of if anything was wrong...at least, he avoided answering it directly.

No, the occasion happens to be my promotion, and the fact that I'm in the area didn't hurt. Besides, I doubt I'll be in the neighborhood much after today...what with the promotion and all.

He stated, blinking slightly, a cool and well practiced smirk on his face.

By the way, I heard that you were supposed to be leaving for home today. I'm sorry if I've kept you from your previous plans.

To most, this would have seemed like a snide remark. One that showed Jade didn't honestly care about what he was intruding upon, or interrupting; however, his eyes showed that he indeed did care. Few would have bothered to notice such a thing, taking the tone of his voice as enough of a hint to his true meaning, but Jade often used his tone of voice to mislead others. It had started out as a bad habit, but had swiftly turned into a practice meant to keep others from getting to close to him emotionally and mentally...or perhaps, it was truly the other way around...meant to keep Jade from finding himself in positions where his emotions could jeopardize his missions.

How is Betty, by the way? I'm sure she's not happy with me at the moment?

He asked, a bit of his true emotions shining through, showing that he found the thought amusing.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald laughed at almost everything his old friend said. He just couldn’t help himself he’d been so stressed and work and this is what he had needed,
“I’ve missed you.” Donald said with a smirk and giving him and small shaking hug from across the table. “And Betty is alright with it. She wanted to come she misses you too.” Donald thought about what he was about to say, “but you sounded like you had something on your mind. So I wanted to make sure it was nothing serious.” Donald looked to Jade with a smirk, “You don’t seem very happy about your promotion.” Donald had a hint of confusion in his voice but he was sure of what he was saying, “You seem rather sober too most people are drunk off their mind now. I’d usually have to drive them home and make sure they get in bed with their worried wifes.” He started laughing uncontrollably by the time he said bed. He hoped Jade would laugh this time and stop being so sober. Now Donald had one thing on his mind and he needed Jade he instantly became as sober as his friend was,
“On a more serious note can I trust you with something.” Donald even looked around to see who maybe watching.”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade simply chuckled at his friend and patted his back as he was hugged. Smiling at Donald's comment about Betty, Jade shook his head slightly, and looked sad for a moment, only a moment, before it was gone again. She was a wonderful woman, and he felt more than a bit of regret at not being able to say goodbye to her as well...but...that was the way his world worked it seemed.

Yes, perhaps I shall have to visit you both sometime. As for having something on my mind...when don't I? Have you ever known me NOT to have something on my mind? Something serious anyway.

He asked, once more avoiding the question. At the thought of being sober, the younger military man chuckled once again and shook his head. Sure, Jade could get drunk with the best of them, but it just wasn't his cup of tea...the after effects of the alcohol was not to his liking.

Not happy about my promotion? Oh, don't worry about that. I'm ecstatic about it, however, the conditions of the promotion weren't exactly to my liking. For instance, the Olympus. I'm told that I'm being transfered off of her. But not to worry....apparently I'm being given a different command, so it's acceptable.

As his friend started laughing at his own humor, Jade couldn't help but chuckle as well. Not so much at the joke as he was laughing at the way Donald was laughing at his own joke. However, when the senator suddenly became serious, Jade quieted and blinked at his friend in mild confusion.

What Donald? What in the world is the matter?

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald took another deep sip then sighed,


“The Republic Jade and everyone in it.” Donald sighed and then continued, “ The people have lost their love for democracy everyday I hear more and more of generals turning to the Sith. They search for money and power. Back in the days I was in command deserters were made example of. Now they are not only allowed to go but are followed by half the crew. Entire planets are taking votes to join the Sith…Votes! I fear for the Republic. I have a plan to stop this avalanche that is waiting to happen. I will not let the Sith become a galactic empire. I am going to run for Supreme Chancellor and I will make the Republic strong. Without someone new at the helm the Republic will be defenseless. The Sith are already on our doorstep we can’t allow them to enter our homes. I will need strong commanders like you at my side. I can only do so much without people with your authority I will be powerless to stop this. Even if I become Chancellor I might not be able to sway the galaxy away from the ever growing power of the Sith. They are a black hole that threaten to swallow all that people like us fight for.”

Donald finished his speech and looked to Jade praying for him to understand. Donald needed the help. Donald was exhausted after the past weeks seeing Jade was nice he hated having to ask this business but it was necessity.

“You must tell no one of this…”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

I understand.

That was all Jade could say to something like this. It was like ice ran through his veins hearing Donald speak like that considering what he was about to do. Sighing, he shook his head slightly. It was for these very reasons that Jade now found himself in a predicament he didn't like...correction, a predicament he despised.

I understand your feelings Donald, and I wish you the best. Trust me, I will do all I can to help you, but unfortunately, that may not be much. Remember, you are the one in a position of any kind of power Donald...not myself. I only do what I am told, you know that I can't do anything more than that.

Jade sighed and pulled off his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose slightly to ease the tension his head was starting to feel. How to do this...how to drop the hints he needed to give so that perhaps one day he could be forgiven for what he was going to do. Of all people, he knew Donald and Aunna would take the news the worst.

Not all things are as they appear though, Donald. I assure you the military is far from letting the Sith 'arrive on our doorstep' as you put it. Though...they're taking risks that perhaps they shouldn't in doing so.

Replacing his glasses on his nose, the admiral shook his head slightly and took another sip of his tea. If only he could tell Donald the truth behind everything that was going on...but it seemed that he never would be able to.

As it goes, my newest assignment will most likely keep my from speaking to you for quite some time.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

“Oh…” Donald tried to hide his dismay at his friend’s response with a joke, “Have the Sith already taken over galactic communications?” Donald sighed and drank some of his water,

“I understand Jade…I was in your place once and I understand “orders.””

Donald looked out into the bar for a long while. He wasn’t even sure he was going to reply back to his friend then he suddenly spoke,

“Just don’t do anything against your own morals. It’s more honorable to disobey a bad order than get blamed for it.”
Donald chuckled but there was no happiness behind it,
“At least in my eyes.” Donald looked deeply into his friend’s red eyes and sighed,

“I’m sorry…I have been foolish. I should have known there was nothing you could really do. It just makes me feel better to have you here on our side. I will miss you, and because of that I want you to stick around a while. View the galaxy through an old man’s eyes.”

Donald smiled faintly at Jade and breathed deeply before continuing,

“The galaxy is not beyond saving my friend…the people are afraid, but we still have hope. It’s not too late as long as good people don’t stay at home and watch this unfold.”

Donald felt on the verge of tears for no reason. He just drank his drink and calmed himself. He looked at his sober friend and didn’t understand. He would let Jade talk now, he had lost a little candle of hope that he had just freshly lit.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade 'hmmd' quietly and gazed out at the others in the diner.

This is indeed true, but since when have my 'morals' ever counted for a thing? Logic is the only friend I have on the field at the moment...not morals....but don't worry. I'll always be on your side, whether you think so or not. I didn't join the military just for the uniform after all.

He stated, a hint of humor in his voice as he winked at his former commander.

As for the galaxy not being beyond saving...well, that's why we have people like you, isn't it? I am just the muscle that carries out the brain's orders...you, my friend, are the brain. I have all confidence that you can rally people to your cause so long as you keep your wits about you. You're a passionate leader, and one that knows more than those fat senators who haven't done a thing in their life but talk. If you follow your good judgment I'm sure others will follow your lead.

Jade paused for a moment, looking thoughtful.

By the way. I doubt you've heard this, but it seems I'm force sensitive. It seems I was sensitive enough to have the military ask the Jedi temple to have me trained...at least a little.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald took what his friend said into consideration and laughed at his joke,

“That’s interesting. Unlike the Jedi the train anyone even slightly in the force.” Donald sighed his hatred for the Jedi remained even today,
“What did they say to you? Beware the temptations of the dark side? Follow the force?” Donald drank some water and looked around,
“This mission of yours what is it? Or is it too important for my ears?” Donald sighed and looked up,
“Well the rest of the senators maybe useless but several are on my side. I have a small following now and I think more will follow soon. I just hope they will head my warnings at least even if I don’t get control. I don’t see much hope otherwise but the galaxy will find a way. The Galaxy is moving on as my father would have said my friend Jade. The Sith are an example, we should watch them closely. Also the mandoloriaons…I have a plan for them if I am elected.”

Donald stopped his rant and turned to his friend,
“How long do you have until you must leave on this mission…”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade snorted derisively. Donald never had been one to like the Jedi, but what was this sudden hatred? It hadn't been there when he'd served under Donald, so the thought baffled Jade's mind for a moment.

Yes and no. They gave in grudgingly, and for the most part the training was simple enough....just enough for me to get by I suppose. Most of them were friendly enough, and willing to help. Of course there were those that preached the same doctrine as we normally hear, but for the most part, they just trained me and left on their merry way.

Jade chuckled slightly and shook his head. How did he answer Donald's questions about his mission? He obviously couldn't tell him, he couldn't even tell his own sister, but he needed to answer the questions given. Taking another drink of his tea, the admiral put the cup down slowly and gazed directly at Donald. He didn't like worrying his friend, but he deserved to know something about what was going on.

I don't know how long I'll be gone. Months, maybe years....for all I know I might not return at all.

He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, thinking about what to say next.

I've been instructed to meet with a "sith ambassador" as they're calling him. After that I've been instructed to receive command of a new ship bound for God knows where. I don't know all the details myself. They've told me it's risky to say the least, and I've been instructed to cut ties with everyone...including family.

He waited for the bomb he had just dropped to explode in his face. It already had numerous times, and he was certain that despite how delicately he'd put this, it wasn't going to go over well...least of all the part about meeting with a sith ambassador.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald’s eyebrows raised and looked to Jade,

“Jade, this sounds awful like a shadow operation.” Donald sighed and thought deeply how to put this. If he was right the Jade had said to much and they needed to get out of here. Shadow operations are dangerous and the danger started long before the mission started. He wanted to talk about this for Donald knew much about the shadow operations. If Jade was going to go into Sith faction as this sounded he wanted to talk to him in private.
“Is that what this is?”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade raised a skeptical eyebrow. Of course Donald was hitting too close to the truth for comfort, but his expression was carefully neutral, if not a little surprised. He'd learned long ago to control the expressions and emotions he showed others.

Please...honestly Donald, if it were you know very well I wouldn't have told you any of this. Though, I must say you are coming rather close to the truth for comfort.

The admiral blinked lightly, not giving an inch more on what he would say.

Though if it's a private conversation you want, I have no qualms. I never did like talking business in diners anyway.

He stated with a slight smirk. Jade coughed slightly and waited to see what Donald had to say. As he had guessed, the senator was picking up quickly on the truth of the matter, and so things could get sticky soon.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald suddenly stood up and led him to his own shuttle. They rode silently through the city and he closed off the door to his pilots room.

“This is a safe place to talk, even if it’s not a shadow operation.” Donald grabbed some water from the table and sat down with his friend pouring him tea.,

“This is simple, whatever the mission don’t compromise yourself or anyone else. When they say cut ties they mean it. This is probably obvious but I’ve been on Shadow operations and led them so I know how it works. Don’t report in too often even if they ask you too back home. Also take the big picture into consideration always kill one to save thousands. Your path whatever it maybe will not be easy, you will make decisions against your morals. You must accomplish your mission, if you fail the galaxy will suffer. Don’t compromise your mission no matter what. Even if it costs you.”

Donald sighed and looked across the city and sighed. He didn’t like Shadow missions but he knew they were important. No matter what kind of mission it was undercover or secret it was risky.

“on the Bright side…if it is a Shadow mission of any type the military is doing their job better than I thought. This comforts me but I hate they’ve chosen you. Whatever happens I will trust you to do the right thing. I thought you well and I trust you with my life.” He looked as they passed the Jedi temple and scowled, “Did I tell you of my son?” Suddenly his tone had changed completely and he was on a totally other subject. Before he was focused and determined now he sounded…strange.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade followed quietly to Donald's shuttle and sighed lightly enough that he couldn't be heard. No, it wasn't a shadow mission, it was a suicide mission. As his friend spoke of morals and orders, Jade rolled his eyes slightly, taking a seat across from his former commander. Why was he getting this lecture again? Hadn't he had it before? Relaxing against the seat slightly, Jade allowed the words to flow past him, he knew what he was doing, and didn't bother to actually listen to this little lecture once more. Besides, he had no morals...he'd been told so numerous times, and he knew that for the most part it was true. Jade had always used logic over morals, finding them to be fairly useless in making decisions that required a clear mind. Logic didn't cloud the mind's judgment, morals and feelings did. Jade returned to the present conversation as Donald fell silent before talking once again. It was a big compliment, the fact that the senator trusted him with his life. The admiral was about to reply when the topic was suddenly changed to Daren.

Daren? You've only briefly mentioned him before, but no, I cannot say you've ever actually told me anything about him.

...Why?

Jade found himself on edge suddenly; with the new topic and the odd tone of voice Donald had more than surprised him. What had brought on this sudden change? It wasn't like the man at all to react like this to anything. Had something happened?

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald sighed and looked out towards the temple as their ship circled it,

“He’s been gone nearly ten years Jade.” Donald looked to him distressed, “The Jedi won’t tell me anything.” Donald looked back to the temple, “I don’t know if he’s alive or dead. I don’t know why he’s even gone.”

Donald sighed and finished his water throwing the cup watching it shatter on the wall,
“They could at least let me mourn! Heartless beasts.”

He sighed and calmed himself looking to his friend but didn’t expect much comfort,

“Forgive me…the stress of work is getting to me. I should have more control” Donald grew silent and was happy to see the ship had left the temple. He looked into space wondering where his son was. He looked to Jade and sighed,
“I can’t do anything….I’ve tried bounty hunters, Republic police, Military, Dark Jedi, gangsters, Sith…everything…Everyone…Even some Jedi had enough of a soul to help. But nothing, Betty has taken it much better than I have. She wants to have another baby but I just don’t know. I just wish they would tell me something. I wish to speak to the council on the matter but they have denied me every time.”
Donald looked to Jade not expecting much of a response.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade sighed slightly and thought over the problem. It wasn't one easily fixed, but he had a bad feeling about what happened to Daren.

A few things Donald...and I want you to listen, even though I know they won't be easy to hear.

First of all, the jedi are not supposed to keep contact with their parents or families...emotions that come with attachments can cause problems while making important decisions...why else do you think I haven't gotten close to many other people? Your son may simply be the same way.

Secondly, if...and I do mean IF...something has happened to him, it may be that the jedi themselves do not know about what has happened. They aren't psychic after all.

Thirdly, if they do know, perhaps they aren't telling you for a good reason. Had you not thought of that? I come to you saying I'm being told to cut ties and you jump to the conclusion of my being part of a shadow operation, yet, you do not think that perhaps your son is doing similarly?

Lastly, did you not think that perhaps your son is the one who has cut contact from the jedi and you, and that the Council itself has nothing to do with his disappearance?

Jade sighed slightly and shook his head.

Look...I'm not saying that any of these things are the truth...I don't know for certain...but you cannot just blame everything on the Jedi. Without their help over the years, we would undoubtedly be in a far worse position than we are now. Without their help, we would have no real way to combat the Sith and dark jedi that are threatening us with war. Certainly you can see the truth in this at least?

Red eyes blinked at the senator, unbiased and unphased by the outburst of his friend. He knew that he was only seeing this logically because he had no attachment like this beside his sister, who could take care of herself for the most part...but it was logic that Donald needed right now, despite how much he might dislike the truth of it.

I agree with Betty though...I don't think she's lost hope in finding your son again, but she knows when it's time to move on with your lives even if it's only a little bit.

They were passing the ship yards for the military now, and Jade watched as the mass of the 'Olympus' passed by them slowly. It would be difficult to take his own advice, but he would have to eventually...sooner rather than later. The silence between them hung like a heavy cloth, and Jade did his best to ignore it, but it was still there. A feeling of uneasiness crept into Jade's gut, but he took steps to calm himself and ease his tension, even taking a sip of his forgotten tea.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald thought about this and looked to the military ship yards. He felt a stranger yearning to be back aboard one of those ships. In the days he could have made the decisions and not have to listen to someone bicker about it for thirty minutes. The days he felt like me made a difference on a day to day basis. Not the month by month, year by year basis he felt like he made now. Who thanks a senator? No one.
“Your right.”

Donald said suddenly, he looked around and tried to relax in his chair and looked to Jade,

“Your right, Jade. The Jedi aren’t doing this against me.”

Donald looked to the skyline of Coruscant and yearned something else…his wife and his Corellia. He looked to Jade and sighed,

“I am sorry, I have been foolish and you didn’t deserve to listen to my bickering. The Jedi also deserve my apology.”

Donald felt better when he said the word, he didn’t want to but deep down he knew it was true. Donald then stood up and walked over to Jade and offered his hand,

“In all things I thank you my friend.”

Donald knew this may be the last thing he ever said to Jade and he wanted him to remember that…and this,

“You have my trust forever.”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade shook his hand and nodded, not saying anything in return. He certainly hoped that what Donald said was true. It was a difficult enough time for him, and he got the distinct feeling that Aunna wouldn't take the news he had quite so well, and if that were true...Donald might very well be the only person who might even accept Jade's existence after this ordeal...if it ever ended. As the shuttle came to a stop outside the building where many of the senators lived, Jade blinked in mild confusion. He hadn't realized they had gotten there so swiftly.

I assume Betty is around? If so, I hope you don't mind my stealing a bit of her attention before I leave?

He teased, knowing very well that Donald would mind him saying hello.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"Betty want to see you?" Donald laughed instantly regaining all composture, " I think she had plans for me but I doubt she'll mind." Donald smiled and showed his friend to his home. As they entered Betty wasn't in the living room so Don sat down and loosened his garments he removed the blade he always wore and kept the gun holstered. He noticed Jade eyeing the beatiful sword and laughed,
"Old habits."