Lord Greshh

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Iwan Starsnow

"Just how big is this family?" My question goes unanswered as the Dawn Star flies down towards the base.

Korré

Aboard the Shadow Stalker, I look out the window of the med center, admiring the sprawling mountain ranges of Alderaan. I'd heard a lot about this planet, but never thought I would see it in person. "Look, Senator. Isn't it beautiful?" I smile at Xan, who is awake, but not very responsive. Hopefully this old base as good equipment to treat her more severe injuries, or perhaps we could pay a visit to Organa Castle and see if they can help.

HJ Twilight

Good thing I fed Huntress while in transit. I could feel her getting restless in the cargo hold below me. Had she been hungry in addition to bored, she would be a massive handful. Especially since she is now being placed on a planet she is unfamiliar with, which will add to her stress.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Iwan Starsnow

“If you say so.” I sit back quietly for the rest of the decent. I wasn’t happy about publicizing our actions. It was already uncomfortable for me to work so closely with people that weren’t droids. Trusting the rulers of a whole planet, especially one so foreign, was extremely daunting. But, I suppose I could just stand back and let these people handle it. That wouldn’t be so bad.

I look on the radar and see the three other ships converging on our flight path; Jerus’ stealthy starship, HJ’s flunky hauler, and Jude piloting Can’s unmarked yacht... and then I notice a fourth ship. A banged up, outdated freighter. Call sign Redshifter. “Uhh... who is that?”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Iwan Starsnow

Shrugs. “Honestly, I feel like the fewer people we tell about all this, the better. It’s too crazy for anyone in their right mind to believe. Plus, as soon as they see me...” I leave that unsaid. “We should probably see what the others think once we reach the base. The Organas are letting us land, so they at least trust you guys enough, but I wouldn’t want to push our luck too much.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Ventus Panteer

"Stand by." The duke temporarily puts Zar'kun on hold. While he was speaking, a communications droid was signaling House Organa for a priority holo. A few moments later, the image of Lord Armond Organa appears. "Lord Organa, there is a small fleet of civilian starships in orbit. They claim to have a base of operations in Organa Lands. Can you please confirm or deny their presence?"

Armond Organa

Armond is a man in his later 30's with dark hair peppered with gray. Before Alderaan left from the Republic, he was it's Senator. It was his family castle that was badly damaged by Republic bombers several months ago, and his complaints to the queen that led to Alderaan's secession. As such, he has become very wary of outsider activity on his home planet. "I was not aware of any arrivals today, Duke, nor have I been made privy to any independent bases active in our lands for many years. Who are these men?"

Ventus Panteer

"Their leader, a man named Zar'kun Je'and, called their group the 'Sith Hunters', though I do not know what such people would want here. If you are unaware of their arrival, then this is most likely a trick. I'll have a fighter wing expel them from the system..."

Armond Organa

Armond noticeably reacts to hearing Zar'kun's name. The gears in his head turn as he considers his options. Armond interjects just as the duke is preparing to launch fighters. "There is no need for that, Duke Panteer. With respect, I believe I have made a mistake. The Sith Hunters are more than welcome in Organa lands. I assure you, they will not cause trouble. And if they do, I take full responsibility."

Ventus Panteer

"Very well, Lord Organa. I'll inform then at once." Ventus says his farewells before switching back to Zar'kun. "You are cleared to land. Proceed to your determined coordinates and..." The duke pauses, trying to force a pleasant air to his voice as he says, "Enjoy your stay on Alderaan."

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Iwan Starsnow

I take a seat in the co-pilot’s chair, listening intently to Zar’kun’s conversation with the Panteer rep.

Ventus Panteer

“That would be Duke Ventus, nephew of her royal highness Queen Katei Elinari Panteer. Apologies if we seem defensive. Alderaan has few allies these days, and House Panteer especially are not accustomed to taking risks. You say you have a base already established in Organa lands? If that is so, then it will be a simple matter for us to confirm with the Lord of Organa that you are their welcome guests, and therefore protected by Guest Rite.” There is a momentary pause before he adds, “If you are not recognized as Organa guests, we will be forced to deny you landing clearance for the time being. Any attempt to proceed with your current corse will be met with hostility.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Iwan Starsnow

“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about them selling us out to the Republic. Sounds like they have no love for the Chancellor either. Hopefully they don’t mind a few non-politically officiated visitors. As long as we keep to ourselves and don’t make trouble, I’d say we should be fine... right?”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Iwan Starsnow

Walks up to Zar’kun’s cabin door and knocks. “We are making our final approach to Alderaan. I’ll warn you, though, the docking regulators here are a little jumpy. Some guy claiming to be a representative of House Panteer keeps demanding we state our business. I guess four ships all arriving at the same time is a bit suspicious, though I was led to believe spacers were free to come and go as they pleased here.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Sevard Salcar

I wait for Zar'kun to type before drawing his attention back. "Zar'kun... Be cautious in the coming days. Through the currents of the Force, I have seen many possible futures. I will not reveal what I have seen, so as not to influence your actions. All I will say is... keep your allies close. This is not the time to be picky, but nor is it the time to be too trusting in strangers. Lastly... when the time comes where you are faced with the choice, choose mercy. I trust you not to give into hatred or anger, but also do not confuse vengeance with justice." I stand. "You've been a good student, Zar'kun. One of the best I've ever trained. I've been with you since the beginning, in some form or another, and I'll be there until the end. Now, stop Sucal for good. If he cuts the Galaxy off from the Force... well, lets just say we won't be able to have another chat like this again. I want to speak to you again when this is all over, so make sure the he is stopped, and the ghosts of Malachor are put to bed once and for all." Smiles again, then fades away. My disembodied voice speaks one more time. "May the Force be with you, Zar'kun Je'and. Always."

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Sevard Salcar

I ponder what he has said. Even as part of the Force, I am not omnipresent; I can not be everywhere at once and know everything there is to know. Still, I understand things on a higher level than most living beings, and so I can impart my knowledge upon them to the best of my ability. In an attempt to seem relaxed, I lower myself into a chair opposite Zar'kun. I don't need to sit down, but I chose to in order to emulate my living self. "This situation with Luci... it is a common one many Jedi must face. I know you are not part of the Order, neither was I in the end, but deep down in your heart, you are more a Jedi than many who carry the title. Choosing between those close to you and the greater galaxy is an all too familiar struggle. It is the need of the few versus the needs of the many. One life to save millions."

I pause, considering my next words carefully. "The greater good would demand that you allow Luci to remain with the Killiks... but would you be able to live with that? If you stopped Sucal, but risked a close friend being lost forever, would it still be a victory? On the other hand, would you turn down your only lead to the Tempest Eye in order to help Luci. Breaking her of the Joining process will be extremely difficult, especially if her mind is clouded enough for her to resist your intervention. It may take days, if not weeks. Would you be willing to delay that long, and potentially allow Sucal the time he needs to locate the Tempest Eye himself?

"That is the choice you must consider. I can no longer interfere."

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Sevard Salcar

I shake my head sadly. "He has taken on a mantle that has been passed down for hundreds of years; the title of Darth Trayus, Sith Lord of Betrayal. With her aid, he was already grown extraordinarily powerful. I fear that, if allowed to continue his quest, he will continue to amass power until... well, until be becomes an even greater threat than even the Sith Emperor was."