Trial of a Traitor

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

(( only open to Vex and Arheim (Sean). Thank you.))

It had been raining all night, as if to punctuate the dismal feelings that clouded the solitary cell. Major Aunna Borgonia had been sitting in solitary confinement since the day she’d gotten here…which was, by now, nearly a month ago. Why did she find herself in this position? It was simple enough, though her answer and the answer others gave were nearly complete opposites. Her answer: She was doing her job to protect, while trying to escape her kidnapper and a deadly foe who had shown up on the scene. Everyone else’s answer: Treason. Obviously one answer was far shorter than the other, but they amounted to the same thing…she had saved someone who had come to save her…again. Unfortunately she had been seen aiding one of the Republic’s ‘enemies’…a ‘dark’ jedi. It hadn’t started out that way though. Oh no. She’d been kidnapped. THAT was how it had started. She’d been taken from Manaan by some cathar sith minion to Nar Shaddaa. From there she’d been taken to a cantina and practically set free. It couldn’t have been that simple though…oh no…that would have been too easy. As soon as she had regained her freedom, a new player arrived, a TRUE dark jedi…one that only had the mind to kill and harm everything in his way. As things escalated, it turned out that not only had those two been there, but also the sith (which included her brother Jade), the republic (who had been sent to look for the missing Major), and Vex…her personal guardian angel, and the reason she was sitting here in this cell. Yes…that’s correct…her twisted form of a guardian angel was a dark jedi…or more like a grey jedi who had managed to be lumped into the dark jedi pile. A diamond in the rough.

Despite her situation, Aunna doubted she would have done things any differently…even if she’d known the outcome beforehand. Actually, she’d guessed it ahead of time, and hadn’t cared. She hadn’t gone against the Republic in her eyes, she’d only saved someone worth saving. Another life that somehow got tangled up in hers. A person who managed to save her skin more than she theirs. She couldn’t have just let him die like that, at the hands of some damned dark jedi, injured and only barely fending him off after a long fight, like some horrible holovid drama. Besides, though she refused to admit it to herself or any one else, she was getting rather used to the idea of him being around…perhaps she even…enjoyed it? No. She most certainly didn’t enjoy it. He was too much trouble. Her arrest had come as a complete surprise to the woman, but she had gone quietly, only asking the reasoning behind the actions of the soldier who had bound her hands. Resigning herself to her fate, Aunna hadn’t bothered to fight back or argue the validity of the point…it would have done her no good anyway. On the flight back to Coruscant, she’d managed to find out a bit more about the situation that she had unwittingly been wrapped up in, including how they had found out about Vex being a ‘dark jedi’. Dark jedi, hmph…some dark jedi he was. What kind of dark jedi laughed like that, or had a conversation that didn’t end in death, or gave people choices, or saved people like her? Really…she’d tried to ARREST him before. She’d even FOUGHT him…by all typical dark jedi standards, she should have been long dead.

During this reverie, Aunna had barely noticed the fact that the rain had slowed to a light patter against the metal walls of her cell, and there was a small commotion at the top of the hall. Finally pulled out of her thoughts…well, it was honestly more like a trance by this time…Aunna sat up, the faded uniform of the jail chaffing her neck once more as she moved. By now there was a nice red ring of raw skin around the base of her neck where the bloody thing had rubbed her skin to bits, nearly to bleeding…but not yet. Sighing, she blinked at the men who entered the cell. Tossing her old uniform at her, they ordered her to re-dress herself. It was time for the trial.

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It hadn’t taken long to get to the Tribunal Court. It was basically down the street from the prison she was being held in…lucky her….but then again, perhaps she was lucky because if gave her less time to even think about what her fate would be if they found her guilty. Now that she was here, Aunna knew that things were not going her way. The press had been outside, anxious to get footage of the twin that had turned traitor as well. “What a scandal” one of the reporters had called it before trying to shove a recording device into her face and get a comment of some kind. Inside, things weren’t much better. Her parents were there, along with numerous faces that she knew from her past. Officers she had served under, served with, fought along side…all with varying degrees of disbelief, disdain, and a plethora of other ‘dis’ words that fit the occasion. Slowly the court had filled up with various diplomats and senators eager to make a sacrificial goat out of her because of the Republic’s growing unrest and rumors of a battle going on over Mygeeto due to the sith…her brother being the head of the attack. They were out for blood…out to find someone to make an example out of, and she was the perfect person.

The trial drew on for hours that first day, the evidence against her being piled up in the form of names she didn’t know but couldn’t refute, contacts with Jade that she couldn’t deny, witnesses to her meetings with Vex that she knew very well hadn’t been there at those times or they would have been dead by now but had no proof to the contrary. The one piece of evidence, however, that should have been there, but wasn’t, was the one piece that could either save her or condemn her…the recording of Vex saving her from Samael on Manaan. Cursing under her breath, she had spoken softly to the man who had been assigned to prove her innocence. Claiming to know nothing of any such document, she had cursed mentally but sat silently, dread slowly creeping over her.

It was like this for the next week, as they called character witnesses, ‘witnesses’ to her ‘crimes’, the men who had come to find her on Nar Shaddaa…the list went on. As the days wore on, Aunna knew where it was headed, and also knew that this was NO ‘fair trial’. As she was finally called to the stand, she sighed and journeyed up to the seat, sighing as she stood and pledged to tell the truth. The examination and cross examination were draining at best, her mind becoming slightly dazed as the two men bombarded her with the same questions over and over again trying to elicit new or different answers from the major. Seeing that their tactics weren’t working, the tried trickery. The two hyenas attempted to trap her into lies, to no avail, they tried to lead her into lies, to no avail, they tried to make her angry enough to say something stupid…this last almost worked….almost. Finally, giving up on the trickery as well, they attempted a final effort…truth serum.

“What is your full name?”

Aunna Lumina Borgonia.

“Your Rank, Miss Borgonia, is what?”

Republic Army Major.

“Do you deny having contact with former Republic Navy Rear Admiral Jade Borgonia, your brother, after he defected to the Sith Empire?”

No.

“Do you deny having contact with a known Dark Jedi known as Vex Praetor?”

No. He saved me on several occasions.

“He SAVED you? A Dark Jedi? Do you have any proof?”

It’s with the Manaan Security Forces. I gave it to them when Samael Vorlax attacked me.

“That man was never turned in, and it was never recorded that he was captured. Do you have any other proof?”

No.

“Did you, or did you not, save the life of that dark jedi on Nar Shaddaa?”

I did.

“Did you, or did you not, realize that that was an act of treason against the Republic?”

Her mind struggled against the drugs. She was already feeling sick enough, but now they were making her condemn herself and she knew it! The effects of the drugs were starting to wear off now, as her mind battered against the drug they had given her, a bonus to having been trained in the army…and being stubborn to a fault. Despite her efforts, however, she wasn’t free of the drug yet.

I did.

“So you willingly aided an enemy of the Republic?”

I did.

With that the prosecutor walked away muttering that he had no more questions. Her fate was all but sealed now, and as her horrified parents looked on, Aunna was lead once more from the court room.

The next day found the inside of the court deathly silent. Outside, the dogs of the press clambered for a scrap of information on what the fate of the Major would be. For Aunna, as the Tribunal filed into their seats, it didn’t take rocket science to know what the decision would be. Her stomach dropped and her head swam as they each read aloud their decisions.

“Guilty.”
“Guilty.”
“Guilty.”

Aunna gripped the edge of the table she stood behind weakly.

“Aunna Lumina Borgonia, you are hereby sentenced to death by firing squad tomorrow morning. Dismissed.”

Barely resisting the urge to drop into her seat, the only thing she heard beside the shuffling of the people trying to get out of the court room, was the sound of her mother crying. With that, she was lead, for the last time, out of the court room.

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The decision had been mind numbing, but not unexpected. Upon returning to the solitary cell, Aunna had changed out of her uniform for the last time. No doubt they would burn it or some such, but she didn’t care. They had sent a tailor in shortly after and she’d had a black dress suited for an execution fit to her size. There had been no ‘last meal’…no one would waste the time on something like that for a traitor, but again, she didn’t care.

No, as soon as Aunna was alone she had cried.

She didn’t cry hard, nor did she cry for long…she didn’t have the strength it took to cry. Not now. It took far too much energy, and the trial had taken all the emotional energy she could muster, draining her body at the same time. After the tears came fear. Fear of death, fear of the pain that would come with this execution. She knew what it was like to be shot…it hurt…badly…she didn’t even want to imagine a death like that. After the fear all Aunna could feel was numb. An almost maddening numbness that allowed her to think…the last thing she wanted to do. Even as the lights to her cell were turned off that night, Aunna barely slept. What little sleep she did get was sporadic and did little to help her plight, being filled with vivid dreams and nightmares that would send her bolt upright on the small cot panting.

By the time the sun rose and peeked through the slit at the top of her cell, Aunna was already awake and gazing at the ceiling. Though some part of her still felt numb, she was oddly aware of everything around her and a strange feeling, almost like a type of euphoria, was settling in her heart. She could smell the crisp, cool, air from outside, tinged with the freshness of a new day. She could almost smell the wind that pushed the previous day’s clouds and rain away. The sun as it filtered through the slit near the ceiling held her attention for a while as she watched the dust shimmer and dance in it on its way to the earth below. The feeling of the rough blanket and jail uniform as they rubbed against her skin was more distinct. The distant sounds of people outside in the jail grounds getting their daily exercises, the sounds of the traffic not much farther away…all clear to her ears in the morning air. All the colors around her, though drab and mainly grey, were clearer and everything was in sharp relief to her eyes. It was almost like…if this was going to be her last day alive, the galaxy was going to allow her to experience everything as if it were the first time. Even her breathing was noticed by the woman. If only she could have had something to laugh about it would have been perfect.

Allowing her eyes to flutter closed for a few moments, she let her mind wander in this strange sort of peace. Family, friends, comrades, important events in her past and…him…all of these things slipped easily through her mind during this time, bringing forth a single tear that rolled down the side of her face. It was bitter sweet thinking over all these things. She lay perfectly still, her senses seemingly heightened, as she took in the day, allowed her body to memorize it…letting it seep into her very bones it seemed. If Aunna hadn’t known better, she would have sworn that she was glowing with some silver and blue light from within. Feeling at peace for the first time in the past month, Aunna felt she could, perhaps, stand the thought of her death at last. Moving from this thought, she continued to let her mind wander, but again, it returned to one person….the light he kept hidden within him, almost forgotten by even him.

Vex…I wish I could thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Even though it wasn't easy to deal with you, and often it brought me pain, you’ve saved me over and over again. Please don’t forget the light I see inside you…please.
…and even though you can’t hear me…thank you…and goodbye.

She could almost feel her thoughts flying from her mind and heart as she thought this…but perhaps she was just imagining it. Even as she did, however, and despite the peace she felt in her heart, the peace she felt was now tinged with sadness, a deep sadness that made tears spring to her eyes once more and gather at the corners of her eyes. At first, she didn’t understand it. It wasn’t until she was completely calm once more, and allowed her mind to think over what had just happened that something occurred to her. The thought was surprising, but for some reason, not completely unexpected. Sighing slightly, Aunna knew that now there was no use in denying it, but neither could she do anything about it. Time was against her now, and she had realized too late…besides things like that never worked. Hearing footsteps coming up the hall and toward her door Aunna slowly brought herself back from her peaceful thoughts. As the door opened she sat up and watched the men there put the dress she was to wear on the edge of the sink.

“Time to get dressed Miss Borgonia. Your guards should be here soon.”

With that the men were gone and her door closed. Seemingly undisturbed, Aunna took hold of her newest discovery and used it as a shield, a final beacon of hope for her. Something she could take to her death and know it would all be alright in the end…somehow.

She dressed herself easily in the coarse and thin black dress, the raw ring around her neck from the tight collar of the uniform showing. It was chilly, nearing cold, but she didn’t mind even though it made her shiver. She wouldn’t be cold for long, and beside…who could be bothered by a little thing like the cold on such a beautiful day? There was a rough knock on her door and the cell was opened. Five men were there, armed and ready, to escort her to the firing range. Stepping out of the cell, Aunna looked, to the surprise of those around her, calm, almost peaceful, and reserved in her fate.

“We’re taking you down to the lower levels, where we’re waiting the jedi escort.”

One man informed her as they closed ranks around her and started down the long halls toward the outside. Nodding, Aunna didn’t respond, but kept her head up and eyes straight ahead. At least she could go with dignity.

[A®heim]

He had never intended to cause pain. Even in his hunting days, he always made sure the shot was precise and painless. Looking back, it may have been exactly that wish that molded him into such a talented marksman....such a lethal marksman....and now he had broken his own law.

It was these thoughts that flooded the mind of Sean Mu'haro as he sat quietly in the far corner of the court room. Whether his location had been decided out of habit, shame or both, he could not decide so he just leaned against the wall and pretended to listen to what was being said. On the floor was the very woman he had fought so hard to rescue. A woman he had just effectively condemned.

Sure, Ayer had warned him who he was firing on. Of his true allegiances, but Sean hadn't listened. He had his orders and he executed them. He may as well have shot Aunna for all it amounted to. He had ignored his friend and now that piteous girl was paying for it. Sean wished more than anything that he had known more about what had been happening, that he hadn't just fired under blind orders.

Sean snapped out of his reverie to listen to the final verdict. He felt his heart clench as the word "guilty" echoed throughout the room. Without a word, he grabbed his pack and strode out of the court. Nobody questioned him. Perhaps they understood? Unlikely.

He strode down the brightly lit hall. Other than a security guard who nodded to him, the area was almost completely empty. A tall slim figure did a double take as he recognized the "brave man who stopped a dangerous enemy and flushed out a filthy traitor". Sean barely managed to keep from punching the man. He didn't want to be congratulated, he wanted to be forgotten.

Sean turned a corner and slammed his fist into the wall in frustration. A combination of the pain in his hand and the pain in his heart squeezed a tear from his eye. The first he had shed since basic training... An almost inaudible whirring sound announced Ayer poking his head out of Sean's pack. The small droid tilted its head and spoke quietly, Don't be too hard on yourself Sean. You did all you could. You were given orders and you completed them. That is no crime.

You warned me....I didn't listen. I...I inflicted pain... Sean lowered his head as his voice began to quiver. ...unjust pain....

I...I'm sorry Sean. I truly am, but there's nothing to be done about it-

No! There IS something to be done about it. I've condemned Major Borgonia, and I'll be damned if I don't save her life! Come on Ayer, we have a Jedi to find! Sean slung his pack violently over his back sending Ayer sprawling from the open compartment. The bird droid caught himself inches from the ground and hovered back up to eye-level. Sean was already striding down the hall as if he had just received an assignment from H.A.L.O.A.T.W. command.

Ayer sighed and flew after him. I don't pretend to know precisely what it is that makes you humans so passionate about such things, but that doesn't mean I don't understand what drives it.

Ayer caught up to Sean just as he was walking out the door. The sniper was glancing about, peering off into the distance. Ayer, I want you to scout the prison area. Stay high and out of sight. I'm going to try to find a place way out of the way where I can see the firing range...and take action if necessary. If you see Aunna or the Jedi, radio back to me immediately.

Understood Mu'haro, good luck. With a blast of air the droid shot into the sky and extended it's wings, spiraling into the blue sky.

Sean proceeded to walk through the grounds looking for a good vantage point. The firing range was behind the Jail and was completely walled in to prevent any last ditch escapades. This would prove both a saving grace and an inconvenience as the surrounding facades offered many high points, but it would be equally difficult to attempt any rescue operation with all the guard towers and walls. That's where he would need the Jedi's help.

Although the Jedi was a purely theoretical element to the situation, Sean felt sure he would be here. Through the scope of his rifle, he had seen a true act of love. He saw two beings sacrifice their well being for each other. Deep down, Sean knew such a man would never allow her to be executed even if it got him killed. No, he would be here, now he just had to find him...

After many hours of wandering, Sean found a foreclosed apartment building only a few hundred yards away from the compound. The top floor window just barely cleared the obscured view of the firing ground. No other thoughts but the success of his mission and the safety of Aunna Borgonia crossed Sean's mind as he unpacked his rifle and other equipment.

He pulled out his comlink and inserted it into a small black box. After a couple seconds, a green light flashed on the box and he withdrew the comlink again. Luckily Ayer had a built in decoder as anything spoken through it would be inaudible to anybody without one. Sean pressed down the button and spoke quietly, Ayer, I'm in position. Her execution has been scheduled for tomorrow morning. You may want to unfurl your solar feathers as I'm going to need you to keep an overnight vigil. I'm going to stay the night up here. Don't forget your assignment, I'm counting on you...

Sean put down the comlink and leaned against the wall. The sun was setting outside the window. His mind began to drift as he succumbed slowly to sleep. His dreams were filled with images of the attack on Nar Shadaa. He saw himself line up the shot. He tried to stop the sniper he jumped in front of the rifle but the dream Sean pulled the trigger and the shot went right through him. He heard the sickening sound of searing flesh and Aunna's cry of despair.

He awoke with a start. The dank room of the house on Nar Shadaa vanished being replaced with....the dank room of a house on Coruscant. It was early, the first rays of sunlight peaking over the horizon. Sean wiped the sweat from his brow and crawled over to where his rifle stood gleaming on its stand. His heart clenched as the similarity with his dream struck him. Here he was ready to change a life through a distant window once again. Only this time, he was in control of what he did and he was here to undo the pain he had caused.

Sean gripped the rifle with newfound confidence and took his place at the window. Waiting....

[Vex]

The hover tram streaked across the Coruscant sky, following the carefully allotted aerial route through the godlike spires of buildings that climbed up, clamoring for the cold expanse of space. His eyes were closed, his face impassive, a mask of feline, predatory lines and angles devoid of color. That pallid complexion was framed by that carefully combed mane, as pitch black as the heart of the galaxy. He was so still that he almost seemed to be carved from ice with how cold and unmoving he was. He wore a set of dark brown Jedi robes, simple but in good repair, giving him the look of an experienced and worldly Knight of the Order. That rebreather was nowhere to be seen, stashed inside a small cargo pouch on the utility belt he wore. The robes managed to hide the rest of the equipment that effectively kept him alive.
In a galaxy where the population came in every shape, size, and color, his appearance was not overly unusual. He’d drawn careful reign in on his signature…not to hide it but to limit what was felt. Unleashed, his aura could cause the weak of heart to tremble and cower, easily recognized by those of the Jedi Order. Through that careful concentration, he filtered the sensations emanating from him, making his Force sensitivity apparent without letting the specifics come to the fore. This concentration also helped him focus his breathing, which was harder without the mechanical assistance of the rebreather in order to cleanse the impurities from the air. He could not last forever without it, but he was certain he could last long enough…enough for the ruse to work and for his infiltration to be complete. It wouldn’t matter who recognized him once he was inside his destination.

---

Idly, his thoughts drifted back over the past month. First, he focused on the pain…the physical hurt that had accompanied him following his near-execution at the hands of the Dark Jedi. He’d not felt such pain since the day he’d been deceived and almost disemboweled…back when he had still called himself “Jedi”. He’d been saved, however, and by a most unexpected source. In hindsight, perhaps, he should not have found it so unexpected. The Major had always shown more stubborn-headedness than common sense. She’d imposed herself between himself and that killing blow. Vex had no idea what had happened, only that the Dark Jedi had fled. Vex himself had succumbed to a moment of pure, instinctive survival…crawling away like the broken thing that he was and disappearing into the shadows and out of sight. This brought him to the second and far more excruciating pain.

Barely able to move, he’d been able to do nothing as the Republic soldiers took hold of the situation and then took hold of her. They’d branded her and shackled her, her foolish decision to intercede on his behalf seen as an act of treason.

”You were helpless, Vex…for all your plans and plots, for all your power, you could not plan for this or prevent. You could not stop the idiocy of one foolish, misguided woman.”

In the chaos that had inevitably followed the drawn out fight, he’d managed to slip away, a rat crawling into the darkest hole that he could find to nurse his wounds. He’d found an illegal street doctor, one who promised cutting edge cybernetics at permacrete prices. Even in his current state, it had taken little on Vex’s part to break the man’s mind. If he’d stayed away from illicit body modification, the man could have made a half-decent doctor. His skills had been more than adequate for treating the wounds and procuring enough bacta for a full round of treatment. Even so, the quality of the product was such that the Jedi had found himself in suspended animation for almost two standard weeks recovering. When he’d come to, he’d been fit and hardy…at least as much as he could be. The “good” doctor had even gone so far as to fix the damage to the respiratory system that Vex relied on. All the bacta in the world couldn’t fix that wound, after all.

The news that he awoke to was grim, however. Everyone knew of the Borgonia’s now. Two twins with both now branded as traitors to the Republic. The brother was still at large, suspected to be heading up a massive Sith offensive. The Holonet News Network had promised updates every Galactic hour. His sister, however, had been apprehended and was even now awaiting trial. Keeping his ear to the pulse of the Underworld had quickly made it very apparent that the government intended to make an example out of the young Major…a move to solidify power as this new Sith offensive brought up questions about the capability of the Republic.

”The Republic is no better than the Sith. Both tout high ideals and the belief that they are what is best for the galaxy. At their heart, however, they are but jackals feeding off the stinking carcass of the universe and fighting over the scraps. They do not care who they sacrifice or why, so long as it serves their agendas.”

Unfortunately for them, however, Vex had his own agenda and he was not about to let a trivial roadblock like galactic politics get in the way of him seeing those agendas come to fruition. The hunt had begun for a slicer, someone capable of getting into the Republic military database and adding a backdoor method for him to get in to the facility where the Major was being held. Another week had passed and there had been nothing. Frustration had mounted until he’d come up with an idea. He’d had daemons trolling all about the Holonet in an attempt to garner information about the trial. He’d learned many things, what the evidence was and, more importantly, what it wasn’t. There was no mention of the incident in Manaan. The bombing was there, of course, but not anything that concerned the actual culprit and his apprehension. Vex remembered Samael Vorlax, that stinking Twi’lek pile of bantha poo doo all too well. While he’d been listed as a subject, there had been claims that there was nothing but circumstantial evidence and he was set to be released in two days. Vex had booked passage on the next flight.

Wielding a cybernetic hand and foot now, the would-be Dark Jedi had been released from the Manaan detention facility. As per civil regulation, he had been afforded a taxi shuttle to any location he desired. The sly, sadistic man was nothing but smiles as he stepped out of the gates of that facility, once again slipping away as a free man. Sliding into the passenger door, he’d already begun spouting out his destination before he began to get the feeling that something was very, irrevocably wrong. Vex let his control on the Force Camouflage shielding him slip away, making him apparent as he stabbed the hypoderm into the man’s neck, letting the muscle relaxant course through his artery, quickly stopping him from being able to move at all. All the man could do was look at Vex’s familiar, emotionless face.

“You and I have much to talk about, Samael…and little time with which to do it.” Vex looked over to the driver, giving the man an address. The hovercab pulled smoothly away from the detention center.

---

Through the man, he’d gotten name of a slicer. In fact, it was the same slicer that had managed to get into the Republic base security on Manaan and allow Samael the access he needed to bomb it and sneak into the shuttle port where Aunna had been staying at. Coincidentally, the man lived on Coruscant…but he wasn’t cheap or easy to make contact with. Vex had needed the right amount of credit to interest a man like this…funds that he lacked. As he continued to concentrate on his breathing and controlling that Force Signature, he drifted back to those events…remembering the conversations between himself and Jade. The man was pompous, so full of himself it was amazing the man ever had a need to eat, but he showed some serious concern for his sister. Once Vex had managed to connect with him via Holonet transmission, it hadn’t been hard to get the money. He’d worked it out so that his proposed payment would be halved…half in an escrow account that could be immediately transferred to the slicer, and the other in a waiting account to be accessed only upon completion of the mission. That had made it rather easy for the Jedi to set up the meet. Most people didn’t say no to that many credits as a down payment.

That brought him to the immediate past. He was on the transport, guised in all the trappings of his former profession. All of his official documentation showed him as a fully fledged Jedi Knight serving the Republic as a liaison in matters of law and justice. A little electrical finesse had found his new identity being chosen as the one to oversee the transfer of one Aunna Borgonia, convicted traitor to the Republic, on her way to execution. He was tasked to diligently ensure that the justice of the courts came into prudent and punctual effect.

---

Subtly, Vex noted the darkening of the cab interior through his eyelids. They had entered the transit tunnel leading into the maximum security facility that she was being held in. It was only moments before he felt it slowing and glide smoothly to a halt. He drew himself up to his feet, carefully smoothing his attire so that it seemed as it should. Half of this scheme’s success, at least the first half, required him to play this old, rusty part flawlessly. Opening his eyes, he looked around. There were only two other people on the transport, a mother and her young child…apparently going to see daddy for their allotted time this month. The child, a young girl, came running down the aisle toward the door and stumbled, dropping her small, Rodian-shaped doll. Beginning to tear up, she looked ready to start wailing. Vex knelt, lightly patting her head with one hand while the other picked up her dropped toy. Gingerly, he offered it to her, along with his best approximation of a smile. Weak though it may have been, it worked, as the child smiled wide. Straightening, he stepped off the transport and to the awaiting escort, in full view of the human and droid eyes that were keeping a look out over the area.

All too soon, there he was. Black eyes looked over the men surrounding her. Her attention was not in his direction. Clearing his throat, he spoke, taking time to carefully cultivate the culture of his accent. Dressed as he was…he was a far cry from the skulking, black creature that lived in the shadows and deception. He made a show of giving a small smile, bowing his head to the soldiers that turned to this Jedi newcomer.

“I am Jedi Knight Enery Winsliyn…I am here to escort the prisoner with you gentlemen.” He held up the clearance pass, also a product of the slicer, letting them all get a look at it. His voice was low and smooth, cool as the water flowing through a mountain spring. “Shall we proceed?”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Aunna shifted, the binders around her wrists rubbing uncomfortably against her skin. Honestly, she had little patience for waiting, but today...well, today she found it. Gazing at the grass to the side of her 'little' escort, the woman wondered just what was going to happen now. Few thoughts flitted through her mind, and those that did, she swiftly cut off. Even as her final escort arrived, she only barely heard the voice, and didn't even manage to comprehend the words. If she had, perhaps she would have looked up to notice a familiar face. As it was, however, she did not. The men around her, however, looked up to see nothing more than a jedi, completely oblivious to his true identity.

"Ah, good to have you. I'm sure you know about the situation. We shouldn't have any trouble, but keep a look out just in case."

The main guard said, nodding his head at the jedi, Enery, who had just arrived. Sticking out the butt of his gun, he shoved Aunna forward slightly, shooting her a glare.

"Alright woman, let's go...enough of your...'meditating' or whatever you're doing over there."

Aunna turned her blue eyes to him and blinked silently for a moment as if she hadn't fully heard his statement. As he moved to repeat the action she huffed loudly and started walking.

I heard you captain....no need to repeat your actions.

She stated, only barely casting a glance at the jedi who stood near by...or more so his boots. Of all things she didn't dare meet the eyes of a jedi right now.

Sir.

She said respectfully, dipping her head a little further as she passed by him. Her breathing was calm enough, but her heart raced like mad beneath her ribs as she continued on her way. It was such a peaceful day that one wouldn't have thought it to be a day anyone could die on. Most days were like that, she supposed....calm even after a raging battle, blood spilled on the ground...yet the birds still sang and life elsewhere still went on.

"Does it bother you?"

A voice sounded from her left. Looking up she looked into the eyes of one of the guards walking beside her, a young man of maybe 21.

What?

"Does it bother you? I mean...if you could do it over again...would you have not saved that guy?"

Aunna chuckled darkly for a moment and shook her head slightly, returning her eyes to the ground before her.

No. I wouldn't do anything differently. I just hope he does.

She stated simply and continued walking.

[Vex]

“Be respectful, Captain. Regardless of Miss Borgonia’s crimes, it would do well to extend respect in these, her last hours with the Republic. The taking of life is never something to be taken lightly.” Vex calmly reproached the man as he jostled the former Major around. Though his tone was civil, those dark eyes were cold and brittle in their blackness. That stare skewered through the man’s soul as though he could reach in and tear it to shreds. It was more than a little unsettling, sending a frission of fear through the man he couldn’t explain.
He drifted back, taking a position behind the vanguard that spread out to escort her to her final appointment. Vex took this time to appraise the men there. They were all, obviously, well-trained, but several were young, still green and untried. Guard duty on the capital of the galaxy wasn’t exactly a combat tour. Their minds hadn’t been hardened by war in the field…and thus were more susceptible.
He heard the short conversation between her and the young soldier, figuring it best that he started with that one. He sent tendrils of his consciousness into the man’s head, subtly beginning to tear down the defenses, wriggling in his own presence but not to invade, simply cloud and misconstrue. The guard would see her words as making sense. It was already obvious that he wasn’t feeling as hard line about her execution as those that had gotten her here…it wasn’t much of a change. It would slow his reflexes, making him question and second-guess himself when it came time for Vex to free Aunna. That time would be all the Jedi needed.
“Compassion is a trait valued, even when shown against the enemy. It is something to be cherished, even if your actions seem foolish or, dare I say, idiotic. There is nothing wrong with attempting to save a life, even when others do not believe it worthy of saving. It may be the only way for them to find redemption…to see the light within themselves. It is a sacrifice that should be celebrated, not condemned.” He spoke gravely with that sage voice, following with them. ”Some things, however, can never be done differently, no matter how much one may wish it so.”
The last was obviously directed towards the prisoner…the Jedi quietly awaited her response.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

As the jedi admonished the captain, she simply sighed and continued onward. Perhaps it was just her, but she felt something oddly familiar about the man. Dismissing the thought, she couldn't help but wonder why she had felt that way. It was just the way he spoke, the things he said...that was all. Closing herself off further, retreating into her own mind, Aunna only barely caught his words to the soldiers around her. Biting back a rueful chuckle, she stole a sideways glance at the young man beside her. He looked uncertain, doubtful? No, again she must have been imagining things. Then his words came...the ones she knew were directed at her. Just what was this man on about? Feeling herself bristle slightly, she felt her mind lash out at the jedi slightly. Ha...as if that would help. Retreating back into herself, she sighed and shook her head.

Of course some things can never be undone...but why worry about things you can't undo? If you're talking about my actions...I don't regret them. I never will.

She shuddered slightly as a blast of cold wind slipped through the gap between the two guards before her. Gah...she was so confused. Mainly about the words the jedi had said...what had he meant? What had he been trying to get across to her? That she should be sorry for what she had done?! Never. She would regret the pain this caused others, but never what had caused her to be in his position. But...then again...it could have also been construed as a...an apology? Pha...what a ridiculous notion...she was thinking too hard again.

Sir...do you ever regret your actions?

She asked, her voice one not of curiosity, not exactly, but more sorrow, as if she were looking for something. Even she felt like she was looking for a certain type of answer, but she didn't know why...or even what answer she might have been looking for.

I suppose I should say, perhaps...do you ever....never mind....

Aunna shook her head again and gazed up at the sky for a moment before looking back down at the ground before her.

[Vex]

"I only regret the actions of others when they know better than to do something, but do so anyway."

He felt her lash out against his mind, the uncontrolled and unintentional action bringing a ghost of a smile to his lips that he could not quite suppress, but was missed by the others. He responded by pushing his own presence out in response, letting it wash against her own psyche like a warm, refreshing breeze. A part of him was more than a little surprised by the affection apparent...he didn't understand why it was so. Whatever the reason, however, he was here and knew he could be no other place and would not wish to. He wouldn't let her be sacrificed on his account.

"My actions are done with full reason and forethought. My motives are true at the time and, whatever may occur, I will not regret making a decision and seeing it through, such as interceding on behalf of someone who has made a foolish mistake, little one."

He rested his hands behind him, beneath that cloak he wore. His crimson saber was hidden there, at the small of his back, leaving only the violet one hanging openly on his belt, the way it was with most Jedi. He would have to act soon. His voice was gaining a subtle rasp...he couldn't afford to breath without that machine assist much longer, not without compromising her chance to escape.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Listening intently to his words, Aunna let out a slight chuckle. Devoid of any emotion the sound was unsettling. It was then that she felt his presence ripple back toward her like a wave lapping against a beach. The action was calming and it surprised her in it's tenderness. Nearly tripping over her own feet in her surprise, the woman barely caught herself from flat out falling. Feeling foolish, she was at least glad that her rising blush could be blamed on her clumsiness and deny that it was caused by the jed...wait...that feeling...that warmth. She knew that presence. Sifting through her memory, she strove to remember what the jedi had said he was called. Failing, she instead turned her full attention to his words and his voice.

As he spoke, she felt the pit of her stomach drop out. No...god no. He couldn't be here, he'd be caught and killed for sure! But...maybe...maybe it was just her stupid hope. That one thing she always seemed to cling to. Catching the slight rasp to his voice, punctuated by the words at the end of his reply...those words rang through her mind like a bell, echoing through her. She felt herself go cold. No...she had done what she had so he WOULDN'T die! Why was he here then?! Knowing it was no use trying to do anything to get him to stop, she kept her mind to herself for a moment...but only for a moment.

This time she purposefully tried to focus on him, to nudge his mind. At first it was just a slight motion, uncertain and foreign to her way of thinking, but she tried. Only when she noticed that there was really something else there did she try a little harder before instantly mentally recoiling from the foreign action, and uncertain as to how he would react. Putting her hands to her face she hid the two tears that slid down her face before lowering her hands once more, the only sign of those tears being the wetness on her lashes.

By this time the captain had started to become annoyed, if not a little suspicious of the conversation. Seeing the woman nearly fall, he did nothing to catch her, but instead smirked slightly. As the jedi ended his little tirade, the man nudged Aunna in the side with the butt of his gun.

"Enough you. No more conversation."

Nodding, she remained silent...but that didn't mean she was silent with her mind. Gaining the courage to try once more, she focused on the one person she wanted most to speak to and reached out toward the man, prodding his consciousness once again.

...V...Enery....?

She wasn't sure what to say...think...if he wasn't Vex, she could be in serious trouble if she mentioned his name, but...she had to find something to say...so she settled on the only other name she knew for him. If it was him, he would still answer...right? But...what if he couldn't? What if words weren't possible like that?

[Vex]

He felt her reach out again after almost stumbling in the aftermath of her burgeoning realizations. His smile was more pronounced now, amused at her reactions and the uncertainty that she felt. She seemed so surprised to find that he was here. Really now...she should have known him well enough by now to understand that there was no way that he was not going to be there. He wouldn't be much of a twisted guardian angel if he wasn't. He could also feel the Captain's suspicions mounting...the time to act was nigh. There simply wasn't time to waste anymore.

Even as her mind recoiled, he used her action as an invitation, his own consciousness tying to hers, opening up the conduit between them as he felt her probe and that questioning.

...once...a long time ago, in another life...only now briefly resurrected in order to right a terrible injustice. Then I will be Enery no more...

"I agree with you whole-heartedly, Captain. The time for conversation has long passed."

That first, scintillating blade of crimson erupted from the chest of the guard to her immediate right. He'd positioned himself behind the man, subtly drifting over until he was in position. The man's cry gurgled out and the stink of burnt meat filled the area as he pulled the blade out through the man's side. Moments later the second snap-hiss was heard as he drew that violet blade from his belt and brought it into the fray. The second man was dispatched almost as quickly, Vex moving past him and shouldering into the third, knocking his burst of fire wide. The blaster bolts strafed across the Captain, dropping him while his inadvertent killer went tumbling down. The fifth remained there, stuck in fear and indecision brought on by Vex's manipulations.

Calmly, Vex took two steps to the man that was trying to pick himself up. That blade spun and the man's head went rolling across the grounds. Black eyes looked back to the remaining guard, his voice raspy and harsh now from the exertion as he spoke. "You may leave now...if you want to live."

The man didn't even look back.

Vex carefully drew out his rebreather from that pouch, fitting it over his mouth as he regarded Aunna. Once set, he breathed in deep, closing his eyes momentarily before he spoke to her, his eyes open once again and boring into hers. "It is good to see you again, Aunna."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

As his words rolled across her mind, she recoiled a bit more at the unfamiliar sensation. He'd entered her mind before, but this...this was different, more intimate...though perhaps it was just her unfamiliarity with the process. No sooner had she recoiled, however, then a flood of happiness washed from her to him...no words...just emotions: surprise, joy, hope, fear...she nearly let the last one slip from her, but barely managed to keep the feeling to herself...mostly. His words had dismayed her slightly, but that didn't stop the feelings that washed toward him from her. His spoken words came and she braced herself for a mental attack...but none came.

A flash of red light and a gurgle to her side and she looked to see his crimson saber protruding from the guard to her right. The now familiar snap-hiss of his amethyst blade reached her ears and the guard behind her was dead, the next Vex shouldered, sending his fire across her field of view as she ducked to avoid it and causing the man to not only sprawl out across the ground, but kill the captain with the scattered bolts. The fifth and youngest...the one who had spoken to her...stood fearfully off to the side. Moving to stand in front of the boy, Aunna blocked him from Vex's attack should he make one. Instead he beheaded the man scrabbling to get off the ground.

As Vex's eyes lifted to the man who Aunna stood before, he told the boy to leave if he wished to live. Thankfully, the boy did and the woman sighed and relaxed slightly. Watching him pull out his rebreather mask and fit it back to his face, Aunna found herself surprised at what lengths he had gone through to get to her, here in this prison. Allowing Vex to take what time he needed, she watched as he closed his eyes and breathed a moment before opening them and gazing at her. His words both made her smile, and made her extremely upset. Unsure as to how to react, she shifted uncomfortably, heedless of the binders around her wrists...until she practically lunged at him, trying to wrap him in a giant hug.

Unluckily...or perhaps luckily...for him, it didn't work as well as she had first hoped, nearly running face first into his chest laughing and almost crying at the same time. Swiftly stepping away, she shook her head roughly, cursing and laughing and crying and...well...looking like the complete idiot she was.

You fool of a man! I swear if I weren't so happy to see you, I'd hit you!...Or try to! Why...why did you come for me?! I was trying to keep you from being captured or killed, and here you are right smack in the middle of all of it with me! You call me a fool?! Gah....well, now you're here, what's your plan?

...you DO have a plan to get out of here don't you?

She said, shaking her head slightly once more, and wiping one eye with the heel of her hands to clear them of the tears that had formed there. Oh did she want to hit him. Hit him for being a fool...an infuriating, frustrating...add affectionate noun here....fool! Even now she didn't dare think how she felt about him...not when he could so easily get into her mind. Either way, that didn't matter, he was here...fool that he was...and some how they had to get out of this fortress...this mess...together.

Well?! Out with it!

She prodded, only now starting to fuss with the binders around her wrists, hoping they were an old enough pair that she could jostle just enough to break free from. She'd found that out about binders the hard way...the older the pair of binders, the easier it was to jostle them around and loosen them enough to slip out of.

[A®heim]

Sean was sitting with his back against the dirty wall of his abandoned vantage point rubbing his eyes. There was now a distinct ring of red around his eye where he had been looking through the scope for almost 4 hours now. He sighed and pulled out a bottle of water from his back.

A voice crackled over his comlink causing him to choke and sputter on the water and grab a it erratically. I'm here Ayer, go ahead.

I've spotted Borgonia! She's leaving the prison cell with a few guards and what appears to be a Jedi.

Sean squinted his eyes in confusion and picked up the comlink once more. Is it our Jedi? Has he been captured as well?

Ayer's voice hesitated for a moment as if unsure. No...I don't believe it is. He is not restrained in any way I can tell. Most likely one of the Jedi escorts. Are you sure he'll come?
He'll come, trust me. In the meantime I want you to report back here. I have a little gift for you... Sean put down the comlink and peered just around the corner of the window. A sizable group of republic honor guard had esembled, each carrying large rifles and standing in solemn attention. No doubt the firing squad that would be executing Aunna. No! They were the firing squad he was going to STOP from executing Aunna.

The pale blur of Ayer bolted around his post to come in the back entrance. This was planned as to not give away his position. Within seconds, the droid hovered to a stop beside him, deployed its retractable landing legs and set down upon the floor. You called?

Sean reached into his pack and withdrew a small object he had been working on for the last few nights. It appeared as though he had bound a smoke grenade and a flash bang together with heavy adhesive tape and attached stabilizer fins and a simple detonator on the tip. It was this he now held up to Ayer's curious optical sensors.

I call it the M3-7X Wildfire Tactical Disruption Bomb. The premise is simple- It should be small enough to fit in your storage compartment until such time it is opened at which point it will go into a fairly level free fall with immediate detonation on impact. I've been toying with this idea for a couple weeks now and I feel it's about time we test it...need I say more?

As an answer, Ayer leaned forward and opened his main compartment. Sean smiled slightly, the first time in many days and tenderly deposited his creation into the confines of the compartment. I need you to return to Borgonia's position. Keep in contact, let me know if ANYTHING happens. As for the Wildfire grenade, just wait for my signal...

The droid nodded and shot out the window. It didn't matter if his location was discovered now, it was far too late for anyone to stop him now...
____________________________________________________________________________


Ayer flew back towards where he had last seen the Major as fast as his repulsors could propel him, which was considerably reduced due to the large payload he was now carrying. When he finally spotted her, the escort guard had already began moving towards the firing grounds. The guards seemed to be treating her rather roughly, while the Jedi seemed to be almost friendly with her. Ayer activated his directional audio sensors and instantly the conversation became clear.

The droid heard the sentiments between Aunna and the Jedi and the admonishment to the guard. Using ocular-zoomed vision, Ayer could tell by the expression on the guards face that he was getting suspicious of...something... then Ayer looked at the Jedi more closely. The moment his gaze locked with the robed figure, that same twinge of disruption he had felt on Nar Shadaa around the dark Jedi that was the cause of all this. This man seemed to give off the same aura of confusion, one that caused living eyes to be decieved into not processing everything they were peering at.

Out of curiosity, the droid zoomed in closer to drink in the details of the Jedi Escort. A datafile in his electronic brain opened up and his system memory began to match up features with that of his target. Within fractions of a second, the images locked into place and the green flag transmitted to his central control board. That's when it hit him. It was their Jedi.

Ayer to Sean! I've found our man! It's the escort, he's masquerading as the Jedi escort! The droid couldn't help but be awed by the sheer courage of this man to show up in such a way to protect the one he loved. How could they ever brand such a human as "dark"?

Incredible....Ayer, keep your eyes on them. If anything happens-
It was at the moment the crimson blade erupted through the guard's chest.

He's made his move! One guard down- two....three....better start taking action or there won't be anything left for you to save her from.

Understood, there is a reinforcement squad en route to the Jedi's position. You must warn him. I'll do what I can from up here...

Ayer clicked off his transmitter and dove towards the Jedi as quickly as he could pulling up narrowly to hover suddenly before the Aunna and her "escort". There are more coming! Flee, we will assist you as best we can! Ayer spoke making sure to stay just out of range should the Jedi lash out with his saber instinctively. The squad had just turned the corner and had begun to open fire.

Ayer narrowly rolled out of the way of a laser blast and shot straight up. Sean's voice crackled over his transmitter. Deploy Wildfire....NOW!

Ayer flipped around and dove at the squad. The compartment popped open and the grenade-contraption free fell towards them with pin-point accuracy. Ayer leveled out and zipped past the Jedi once more appearing only as a white blur.

Go, Now! he yelled at the duo as he passed.

___________________________________________________________________________


Sean deactivated the comlink and took his position behind the rifle. The cross hair was trained upon Aunna and Sean fingered the trigger. Just a little more to the left....bit closer.... Out of the corner of his eye, Sean saw the rupublc reinforcements charge around the corner, and the blur of Ayer darting by several times, but he did not let it distract him. He fine tuned the alignment on the scope, fingered the trigger for a split second, and fired...

The thin laser beam split Aunna's binders almost perfectly in two just as the Wildfire grenade impacted right in the middle of the squad. Immediately, the troops were thrown to the ground clutching their eyes as thick smoke began to pour out around them. Sean let out his held breath with a sigh of relief. She was free, however she was far from safe. This wasn't nearly over yet. His hand whipped to his bandoleer and withdrew one of ammunition clips hanging from it. In one deft pass of his hand, the capacitor was detached and the ammunition clip was clicked into place.

The clip held a number a rubber projectiles much more accurate at a range than a stun setting. Deemed "non-lethal" ammunition, Sean preferred the term "less-lethal" as they could still cause serious injury if they impacted certain areas of the body. Just as quickly, he slid off his normal optical scope and snapped on the infra-red one he had ready beside him.

Though the thick white smoke had all but completely obscured the view of the soldiers, their heat signature flared through the lens of the infra-red scope. Sean trained the cross hairs on the square of one's back and fingered the trigger.

For freedom.... A muffled crack announced the impact of the bullet on the soldiers back sending him gasping to the ground. One of the red blobs moved to assist him only to be knocked off his feet by yet another rubber projectile. From his window, Sean winced as he watched his comrades writhing in pain at his hands, but for every good deed, there was a sacrifice...

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

While she was waiting for an answer, something glinted off in the distance. Her eyes darted to...what ever it was...and followed it as it flew closer. Oh great...it was a recon droid. Yeah...caught.

Vex....let's go. Now.

She stated, and glanced around for the nearest place that might make a good escape point. No sooner had she chosen the lowest point in the walls, nearest the entrance to the prison grounds, than the droid swooped in barely stopping in front of her. Yelping slightly from surprise, she back up a step as the thing spoke. Blinking at it once, she nodded. Aunna didn't need telling twice. Droid said 'run' you just run, you don't ask questions. No sooner had it spoken than a round of laser fire broke her binders apart. Stunned and now worried about a sniper in the mix, she didn't think twice. Allowing her instincts take over, she rounded on Vex as a volley of fire broke out near by, followed by a loud bang a flash of light and a curtain of smoke in the distance.

Leaving now.

She stated, grabbing Vex's wrist without a second thought and giving a sharp tug. Immediately letting go, she reminded herself that SHE would have to work to keep up with HIM...and so she not only didn't need to drag anyone, but would need both her arms free. Darting away, she headed for the low wall with the guard door in it. Yeah, sure, there would be guards there, but hell, it was a way out through the thick walls and no one else had given any bright ideas. Aunna could feel the stress of the last week creeping up on her, but she'd be damned if she let it get to her now, her body and mind fighting each other over which would win out. Her body was exhausted despite the adrenaline coursing through it, but her mind knew she had to get out now or die.

The occasional 'crack' of distant rifle fire eased her mind about the sniper...it was obvious now that it was on their side...and the fact that there wasn't still blaster fire sweeping past their heads gave her another shred of hope to cling to. Hope, however, was a wavering thing right now, like a mirage in a desert: there one moment, gone the next. No sooner had she found this new thread of hope than the alarms of the prison started to wail around them, calling out patrols from all areas around them. Cursing, she noticed the braying of hounds and the red color of lasers flying through the air once more.

...Vex...

His name came unbidden to her mind as she ran for her life, like a soothing balm on a particularly sore injury. She didn't stop it, not caring if he heard her or not, not caring if he felt the fear and uncertainty that she felt at the way the situation was now unfolding...not caring if he felt or understood her thoughts...she didn't like the idea of dying here, like this, but more than anything she didn't want HIM to have to go through all of this because of her. She wanted him safely away from here, and she wished dearly, now, that he'd just left her to her fate instead of getting tangled up in all of this as well.

Aunna knew, however, that now he was here, he wouldn't leave...not until it was too late anyway...until one of them were dead, or both of them free. That not only gave her something to cling to, the simple knowledge that he wouldn't just abandon her, but it also hurt her badly...to think what MIGHT happen to him. It had been bad enough on Nar Shaddaa, seeing him fighting for his life, being injured badly several times, then nearly being killed because of her...this just renewed that pain. Pushing the thoughts away, she focused once more on the swiftly approaching wall...their link to an uncertain freedom. Stumbling slightly, she caught herself refusing to give up on her tenuous link to life. The sounds of swiftly running hounds reached her ears and she braced herself mentally for the jaws to sink in, as they no doubt would eventually.

Men were swarming toward the two from all sides, but the door remained steadfast, locked from within the stunted guard tower that was positioned above it. On her way past it recently, and on her various business visits to the prison, Aunna knew it was only connected to the tower by a winding set of steps. Just past that door was a short hall and another door to the outside where the main set of passenger and prisoner transports for the jail were held in docking.

[A®heim]

"CRACK!" Another soldier fell to his knees holding his gut where the rubber bullet struck him. Sean pumped the bolt to reload just as one of the soldiers stumbled from the cloud of smoke. The trigger was pulled just as he glanced up in the sniper's direction. A jagged spiderweb of cracks appeared instantly on his visor and he was knocked back several feet. He didn't get back up...

Sean lowered his head in remorse as the helmet rolled off revealing the face of a man he had stood next to in the court room. They had chatted briefly, the soldier being one of the only ones who understood his pain. Am I truly doing the right thing? Are the lives of so many worth that of the Major? Sean's head swam with confusion and doubt.

He stood for several seconds just staring at the rifle. The very instrument responsible for the deaths of countless lives. How the hell had he ever gone this way? He had always consoled himself when he joined the army by telling himself he was helping protect the welfare of the galaxy. He had moved from the pointless slaying of the hunting life to exterminating those who would inflict harm with no remorse.....but what difference did it really make? He had moved from hunting beasts to hunting people...

Sean shook his head and grasped the rifle. It wasn't just pointless killing. His job was to protect the helpless and the endangered. If Aunna and the Jedi weren't helpless and endangered, then he wasn't Sean Mu'haro! He grabbed the rifle and fired off several quick bursts, each one effectively felling another Republic troop. The smoke had all but dissipated and Sean was relieved to see no trace of Aunna and the Jedi. The sound of the hounds dispelled his hope. He could no longer assist them, their fate was no in their own hands....or was it?

Sean picked up the comlink. Ayer, target has left my line of sight. I'm going to abandon post before we're caught. They seem to have escaped the immediate danger, but they're far from out of the facility. I know I have asked more out of you than any recon droid ever should be enlisted to accomplish, but I need you to try your best. Keep them safe at all costs!

__________________________________________________________________________


Understood Sean, I'll make sure they get out of here if it costs me my circuitry. Ayer had been watching the two runaways from a safe altitude. From his vantage point, he could see the guards with their teams of hounds rounding the corner. They had the trail and would be upon them in moments. To make matter worse, it appeared that they had reached dead end against a locked door.

There was no time to waste, the dogs were bearing down on them. Ayer folded his wings and dive bombed straight for them. In the blink of an eye the droid was right on top of the dogs who startled back in surprise. Ayer pulled up quickly and hovered a moment in front of the dogs and the guards holding them before setting down.

Now now, bad dogs! Ayers wing covers folded back revealing a shimmering array of solar panels arranged in a feather-like pattern. Electricity arced across the exposed surface, crackling as it burned the surrounding air to ozone. One of the guards leaned forward curiously, "What the-" CRAZAACK! The atmosphere distorted momentarily as the discharge scorched the air flinging the troops and their hounds flying in every direction to lay on the floor dazed and smoldering.

Ayers wings crackled once more then re-enveloped themselves in the white outer covering. The wings folded back seamlessly into the body and the droid hopped unsteadily around to face Aunna and the Jedi who stood a mere 10 feet away. Ayer stumbled forward slowly on it's bird-like landing legs, the optical display dimmed and his servos wined. He collapsed against the door at the feet of those he was sent to protect. A small panel on his head slid open and a metal paddle pressed lightly against the locked door.

....Flee.... His voice was dim, the light in his optical sensor nearly unnoticeable. "Beep....Beep....Beeeeeep", a small green light lit up on the metal paddle and the door swung open. Ayer's motors sighed once more and the droid fell.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

As she reached the door, she turned to...hopefully...face Vex. Aunna's eyes had widened, however, when she noticed the droid from earlier send the troops with the hounds fly backward before it came toward them on it's landing legs. All thoughts of asking Vex to break through the door with his saber were washed away as she watched the droid unlock the door before collapsing. Blinking, she picked it up without a second thought. With another swift look around she watched the rest of the men who were gaining on them start to form a perimeter. A volley of fire and she had to duck inside to keep from being hit. Despite her efforts, however, a bolt singed across her arm, the hot metal burning badly and taking with it skin and a little muscle. She'd had worse and it wasn't at all lethal, though it still bled.

Groaning slightly, she sprinted through the short corridor, the droid cradled in one arm as she used the other to keep herself from sliding into the door face first. Damn, another lock, and it was a keypad. She didn't have time for this! Backing up, she got her balance on her right leg and kicked with her left, the strong muscles from military training and work giving her extra strength behind the movement. The door let out a loud bang and a slight groan. Repeating the action, she didn't take the time to look behind her for the man who had just saved her life. He would be there...he had to be.

Vex...hurry...I could use some help with this door!

She called, thinking she heard him close by. Or were those the sounds of the footsteps coming down the staircase?! She couldn't tell, it all echoed to much...it was like some nightmare. Aunna wished it was. Kicking the door again, she was rewarded with a sliver of light.

[Vex]

"I told you, Aunna, that I will not allow you to martyr yourself for my benefit. If you are to sacrifice yourself, do so for a worthy cause or endeavor...not a creature such as myself. Since you refuse to listen to common sense and reason, I find myself forced to keep you from the suicidal fate you keep trying for. You will NOT die, Aunna, not for me."

His arm had cradled around her form when she'd almost ran into him headlong. His breath was cool, cycled through that rebreather as he whispered against her ear. He pulled away then, rounding on the next group of guards that he sensed were coming. It was at that time he saw the familiar recon droid that had conversed with him back on Nar Shaddaa. If it was here, then it stood to reason that the sniper was as well. Remembering how that last encounter had gone, he brought up his blades defensively...only to hear the words of the droid. The sniper and his...automaton...were helping them? He didn't have time to contemplate the likelyhood of this being a ruse. It didn't make sense if they wanted to capture him.

He moved with Aunna as they ran, falling back into a vanguard position behind her to protect her from the bolts coming in sporadic volleys from the aftermath of the droid's bomb attack. The little creation was showing its mettle and worth, taking out a group of guards and hounds that had gotten too close, but clearly it cost the thing. He saw Aunna pick it up as the door opened and she moved through. He also saw that stray bolt strike through, grazing her. The black pits of his eyes grew flat and his righteous rage boiled up. He backed up to that door, violet and crimson whirling about, creating a wall of energy that threw back the bolts being fired at him...men screaming as their own shots were thrown back at them to maim and kill. Vaguely, he heard her plea for help.

Glancing back, he threw that violet saber, blade extinguished, down the hall, letting it clatter all the way to her feet while he held that single saber and remained on the defensive by the door. He stepped farther out , into the center of that ring of men and animals. His blade kept death at bay...but it was only a respite. He knew he couldn't keep blocking forever...but he didn't intend to. She was far enough away that she wouldn't be affected by what he had planned...not much.

Through the Force she would feel him draw his presence within himself...one moment he was there and the next there was a void as he drew all his power within himself. It was like the sudden inhalation of breath before the gods breathed life into the universe....

Then he screamed.

That mental shockwave slammed out from him in a concussive wave, a tsunami against the shores of the minds around him. The animals had no defense, dropping suddenly with agonized yelps as their minds were consumed and destroyed. The weaker willed men were much the same, screaming and dropping to the ground, their bodily functions released as their very identities were burned from them. The stronger willed still dropped as it felt like icy daggers were buried into their mind...a pain far more powerful than simple words could describe. Not a body was touched, but the devastation that he'd wrought was apparent in that ring of twitching bodies. The very edges of that wave lapped against her own mental shields...but by then it was just a discomforting tingle against her mind's eye. She'd survived far worse from him.

Vex dropped to a knee, spent and trembling as he had given almost all he had into that thrust. He trusted she was smart enough to use the lightsaber to get herself free.

That was all that mattered.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Hearing the saber clatter to the ground, She grabbed for it without a thought, as though the most instinctual thing in the world to her. Igniting it, she jammed it almost up to the hilt through the door and cut down until the molten metal dislodged the only thing barring their way. As she felt that horrible shock wave, she cringed, her mind throbbing dully, but it phased her very little. Turning to see what he had done THIS time, she was horrified to see him collapsed to the ground, gasping and trembling.

No. It won't end this way.

She thought stubbornly. Aunna only took a moment to glance up at the resounding footsteps she now knew were her enemies. Disengaging the saber, she darted back down the hall. Her battle training had kicked in...Vex was no longer just Vex, he was a comrade, someone she needed to get out of here alive just as much as herself....and you never left a comrade behind. Grasping at what little reserves of energy she had left, she focused on the morning she had seen, the beauty of it, and she found herself connecting with something. Grabbing the back of his robes, she shouldered under him, practically squishing the poor droid in her arm.

Aunna, too, was trembling as she hoisted him up her injured arm and over her shoulder. Grabbing hold of his shirt, she managed to settle him there, not trusting him to be able to walk, much less run, in this condition. The hard cybernetics at his abdomen pressed uncomfortably into her shoulder blade, but she didn't care. They were both getting out of here alive. They were to close to fail now. With a huff of breath, she put all the energy she could into her legs, getting them moving at as fast a clip as she could in thin shoes on a tile floor without slipping. Her heart felt ready to explode from the stress and the breaths she took that were rapidly growing ragged. Barely making it out the door, she heard the shout of a man as he saw them there, having just arrived at the bottom of the staircase. Leaping backward, she managed to miss the shot that came screaming toward them.

Her muscles burning, she turned and ran toward the nearest transport. As luck would have it, the guard had arrived just as the alarms had gone off and had gone dashing to help, leaving the bloody thing running! He would be cursing his luck later, but for now it was a blessing for her, and she took it. Practically ripping the side door open, she...very unceremoniously...dropped Vex on the floor of the vehicle, tossing his saber hilt at him and dropping the lite droid on top of him. Slamming the door closed, she lept into the cab pulling the door closed and with the touch of a button and the right application of pressure, they were off.

Dammit Vex Praetor! Why do you make things so difficult?! You couldn't have just run could you?! Noooo....oh no....you had to go and do something like that, using up all of that energy of yours and make me come back for you! Do you ENJOY terrifying me?!

She snarled loudly, her body still trembling like mad. She couldn't fly for long like this without risking all there lives even more. Slipping into the flow of traffic, she spotted an opening below them. Time to head for the darker depths of the city until they could get off the planet.

Hold onto something...this isn't going to be a smooth ride.

She warned as she set the small hover transport into a sharp nosedive. Slipping into the gap she had seen, Aunna searched rapidly for a new opening.

[Vex]

"For someone that used to be a soldier, you are terrible at taking direction, Aunna... You were supposed to leave and allow the dark jedi his redemption through your safe departure." He'd been drug, somehow, all the way to the ship...he couldn't remember most of it. He was drained more than he'd thought, thanks to the exertion he'd had to give before by dealing without his rebreather for so long. Only now, with the cold metal of the floor beneath him...did he have some semblance of strength back. He pushed himself up and dragged himself over to where she was manning the controls, clinging to the back of her chair desperately as she sent the ship careening down.

He gripped the shoulder of her uninjured arm, pushing out his presence into her. "Don't see...feel...let the world open up to you through the Force...to help you through." He let that presence guide her, to drop her natural resistances to it and allow her to use what portion of the gift she had to assist them in not splattering across the detritus that made up the lower levels.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Yes, that was one of the many complaints I had. Say something new will you?

Indeed he DID say something new. Feeling his hand on her shoulder, she noticed something change. 'Don't see...feel...' those were his words, and despite her better judgment, she tried to do just what he asked. Hesitant, she tried to 'feel' her way to a new position below them. 'Feeling' she should move to the left and down at a slight angle, she braced herself for the impact she 'knew' was coming. It didn't. Surprisingly, at least to the former major, her action brought them through several lanes of traffic in both directions before settling them in one of the lowest levels. There it was, the smog. If they could make it past that horrible layer of air, they could make it out of this alive.

Another second, she continued to try to focus on not seeing but 'feeling' and she moved the transport to the right and down at a sharper angle, having barely missed that 'feeling'. God she was beginning to hate this. Managing to make it to, and past, the layer of dirty air, she slowed slightly, still trying to figure out where this next 'feeling' would take her. It took her right once more and down to the ground. Looking to the right once more, she noticed what looked to be an abandoned covered lot. Good, a place they could set this thing down and hide out for long enough to gather themselves together...it was dark in there, so more than likely the vehicle wouldn't be seen. Turning in, she set the transport down, and shut the lights off once more, the engine whirring to a halt.

Only then did she notice just how badly she was shaking. The adrenaline, obviously, was starting to wear off and she was feeling the effects as she fought back tears. Taking a shuddering breath, she put her face into her hands. God what a traumatic day it had been! Nearly off to be shot to death, saved, nearly caught, nearly losing the man who had saved her, having to 'feel' her way to the ground...what next?! No...she didn't want to know. Another breath that wracked her whole body and she couldn't contain the tears any longer. Her whole life had just come crumbling down around her, and now what was she going to do? For everything, right now the thing she wanted most was to just know that she wasn't going to be alone in all of this strange new mess she called her life.

[Vex]

That Force Sensitivity was dormant in her, but not dead. She would likely never have the same power as a Jedi...or even as her own brother, but it was still there, a tool to be used to her advantage, if she let it. He felt those openings in the Force, where the probabilities of their survival was greatest...and he was pleased to see that she she felt them too as she maneuvered them through traffic into openings no human reflexes could have matched. She didn't know it, but however it felt to her, on the outside it looked as though she was maneuvering effortlessly. Before he knew it, they were on the ground...hidden in the smog and out of sight.

Safe...hopefully.

It was then that she broke down. He had felt it coming...the necessity of the moment making her military training kick to the fore and keep her stable so she could survive. Now that the immediate threat was over, all that backlogged emotion was spilling over. It was very unsettling to him...he had no real notion on how to comfort someone in such a state.

Awkwardly, he squeezed her shoulder before he moved to the co-pilot's chair and sat down in it, turning to face her. Only you, Aunna Borgonia, would cry after being saved from certain death. You grow more baffling every day."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Feeling the light squeeze to her shoulder and then his movement to the seat beside her, she half laughed half sobbed at his words. Leaning closer to him, she would try to settle herself against his chest if he allowed it. She just needed to know that he was there, that SOMEONE was there for her.

You have....no idea....what this was like.

She said between shaky breaths as she tried to regain control over her emotions. It wasn't going to happen...not yet anyway. No, she'd feel better after this was out. Sometimes a girl just needed a good cry, and for all her tough exterior Aunna was just another girl.

I...had to...watch you nearly...killed....then was arrested....taken to a prison...tried for...treason....in front of my parents no...less....found guilty...nearly taken to be executed....rescued...nearly caught again....then....then you....and I had to get you...on my frakking....shoulder....get us out....and then you tell me....to FEEL my way around...

BLOODY STRESSFUL! It's a....wonder....I didn't cry...sooner....

Aunna did her best to explain to him, but really, nothing could describe what had gone on, the torment of it all. He'd have had to be there, to experience it through her eyes. As she relived the memories she subconsciously sent everything to him, all the emotions, the images, the harsh words...everything right down to this very morning.