[center][h2] Theron Shan [/h2][/center]

Syn and I can hear blaster fire from the bottom of the stairwell. We hesitate for a moment, considering finding a different path. But, then again, the way we came is probably also swarming with troopers, so we might as well risk it. I lift Syn into a fireman's carry and begin my descent down the steps. "We need to get back to the compound. It's the safest place." 

[center][h2] Synclair Je'and [/h2][/center]

"Where are the others? Jerus would just sit back and let the Republic swarm us. Neither would Becca or Jakito. Unless... You don't think they've been captured, do you?"

[center][h2] Theron Shan [/h2][/center]

"No, of course not! They're probably in a heap of trouble themselves! But you know them. They'll make it out in the end. They always do, and so will we!" I continue down the steps, trying to go as fast as I can without risking falling and hurting Syn. It is then I suddenly notice the shooting has stopped, and now all we can hear is a baby crying. "That's them! Charlamagne and Rosalie are right below us!" I pick up the pace a bit, but not too much. "Charlie! Hey, Charlie, we're on our way! Get the speeder going!" There is no response on either the comm or from below. As we get closer, we find out why.

[center][h2] Charlamagne [/h2][/center]

I lay against the staircase, by back to the emergency exit. All of the troopers are dead, scattered around me. Syn's baby is cradled against my chest, screaming her head off. I wheeze, a trickle of blood running from the corner of my mouth. My back is covered in so many blaster wounds, it looks like a Well Done Nerf Burger. As Theron and Syn come down the stairs, I smile up at them with stained teeth. "Ah...There you guys are."

[center][h2] Theron Shan [/h2][/center]

Syn gasps in shock and alarm, but I keep a straight face. Carefully, I place Syn down on the stair, then go to take Rosalie from Charlie's arms. "Good work, agent Charlamagne."

[center][h2] Charlamagne [/h2][/center]

"Thanks, boss. I... aim to please." I try to laugh, but just end up coughing. "I better get a freaking medal for this. A... a big one. Like... HUGE." My strength fading, I lay down against the staircase. "And... tell HJ..... Ah, screw it. Never mind." Chuckles lightly to self. My smile begins to slip from my face, and the light leaves me eyes. At least I die a hero or whatever.

[center][h2] Theron Shan [/h2][/center]

I look down at Charlie's body, feeling a great sense of remorse for my fallen agent. There isn't much time to grieve though, as I can hear troopers on the levels above us. With Rosalie in the crook of my arm, I offer a hand to Synclair. "Come on! We need to go!" She takes my hand and I pull her close, helping lead her out the emergency exit and to the speeder bike. Thankfully, the troopers hadn't had a chance to sabotage it yet. "Here. Get on. Just swing your leg over like... THAT, yes, good. Now take the baby." With Syn safely on the bike, I hand her her daughter. "The bike has a built in GPS autopilot. I have the compound locked in the memory. Just press HOME and it will fly you there." 

[center][h2] Synchair Je'and [/h2][/center]

I hold Rosalie close, trying to comfort her despite the situation. I look up at Theron, confused. "Why are you telling this? Aren't you coming?"

[center][h2] Theron Shan [/h2][/center]

"I'm gonna buy you time. I'll keep them distracted so you can make a break for it." I grab one of the fallen trooper's blaster carbines and cock it. "Now get going! I'll meet you all back at the compound soon! I promise!" I turn towards the doors just in time for the troopers to come spilling out. I open fire on them, ducking to the side as they fire back at me. "GO!!"

[center][h2] Synclair Je'and [/h2][/center]

I slam my hand into the HOME button and hold on tight as the speeder rockets off towards the compound. Over my shoulder, I can see Theron barely holding off the troopers as he runs the opposite direction. I pray that he wasn't lying when he said he'd meet back up with us. We'd already lost Charlie. I couldn't bare to have Theron die for me too. 

I turn my face forward, cradling Rosalie close to my chest. We weren't out of this mess just yet...

[b][i]END OF SCENE[/i][/b]