Lord Greshh

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Cosen Greshh

I am reluctant at first to talk to my captors, but after a few moments, I decide it couldn’t hurt to at least explain my father’s past actions. It wasn’t like it mattered anymore anyways. “He was smart, and clever about it. He made friends in the Republic ranks. Favors he called in with men he saved during the war, or bribes he made to just the right people. And when he came here, he didn’t let anyone see him form what he truly was.” We sneak towards an elevator that will take us to the lower levels. “He knew this former Imperial Intelligence agent. Some master of disguise. But she was more like... some sort of costume designer slash make-up artist. She used to do these incredible make-up jobs where she would make my father look Human, or Twi’lek, or Zabrak. The sort of look a normal person wouldn’t think twice about if the saw them on the street.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

While the battle over Coruscant, and all of the Republic ships are distracting, I pilot a shuttle towards Coruscant’s paradise moon, Hesperdium. In the small holding area behind me lays Gavin Greshh, still greatly injured and barely awake.

As I fly, I can feel a prickling on the back of my neck. I can’t use the Force - not anymore - but this certainly feels like a very similar sensation. A reflexively scratch at it with my gloves fingers, and feel goose pimples and my hairs standing on end. Then, in the back of my mind, I hear a familiar voice:

Ryder Twilight

“Mercy.”

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

I jump in surprise, looking around for the source of the voice. That was... my father’s voice. Hunter’s father. But how... why was he talking to me now?

Ryder Twilight

“Mercy. When the time comes.... show mercy.”

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

I want to jump out of my seat, but I’m about to hit atmosphere, so that wasn’t a good idea. “Fath... ah, I mean Mister Twilight? Uhhh.... hello?” I wait a few seconds in silence, but there is no further voices. Feeling a little on edge, I try to focus on my mission once more.

I fly down over the ocean and touch down near a secluded beach house. Exiting the shuttle with Gavin on a hover gurney, I slowly make my way towards the house. A flood of memories come rushing back to me, of a previous life I once led at this house. Back when I was a weak boy with a debilitating disease, rather than the strong Mandalorian Warrior I am now.

Just outside the house, I see a pair of gravestones. I know what they say, and I try to avert my eyes, but I am too late. The first reads:

‘Hunter Orgus Twilight. 16 ATC - 32 ATC’

And the second one, to my surprise and horror, reads:

‘Ryder Jas Twilight. 11 BTC - 32 ATC’

I fall to my knees in front of the stone, overcome with emotion that I can not contain, no matter how hard I try.

Kira Carsen Twilight

I walk out of my house, having heard the shuttle land. I pause when I hear someone violently weeping, and I run around the corner to find Kamari Ordo at the grave site of Hunter and Ryder. I cross my arms and give a sympathy look. “You really miss him, don’t you?”

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

I look up, trying very hard to look strong. I haven’t seen my mother in a long time, and I was desperately to give her a hug. But I’m not her son anymore. This wasn’t how a Mandalorian was supposed to act. “Yes... I miss Hunter very much. And Ryder.... how did he die?”

Kira Carsen Twilight

“The stress finally got to him. He’d been suffering from his conflict with Vitiate for so long, he couldn’t take it anymore.” I pause, watching Kam wipe the tears away from his eyes. “But he’s not gone. He’s one with the Force... finally at peace.”

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

“I failed him.” I say quietly. “I... I mean, I should have done a better job.... keeping his son alive, I mean. I should have listened to him and.... and been honest with him before...”

Kira Carsen Twilight

“He knows, Hunter.”

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

“Wh... what?” I look surprised. “What did you call me?”

Kira Carsen Twilight

I walk over and put a hand on his arm. “I’m not stupid. You think I don’t know my own son? You can’t hide from me, no matter how hard you try.”

Hunter Twilight / Kamari Ordo

I lower my head “I’m sorry, Mom. For everything.”

Kira Carsen Twilight

“Well, you do have a lot of explaining to do. Namely how the hell you body switched with Kam, and why you thought it was a good idea to fake your own death... but that can all wait until after we’ve dealt with Sucal. Right now, I’m just glad your alive.” I look towards the gurney were Gavin is resting. “I agreed to help bring Gavin back to full strength. We need to act fast.”

Hunter Twilight

“We couldn’t find anything wrong with him. I don’t know how you expect to make him better.” As if queue, a woman with braided gray hair and a kind face steps. She wears faded Jedi Robes, and a lightsaber staff hangs from her belt.

Satele Shan

“I can help with that.”

END OF SCENE

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Ava Cadera

I pace on the bridge of my flagship, watching as starfighters from both sides buzz around each other. My capital ships were pressing in closer and closer to the Republic defensive line, unleashing full spreads of proton torpedoes and laser cannons. The Republic was holding out better than I’d expected, but that only made the fight more exciting. I’d have hated it if my Mandalorians had crushed them easily.

I turn to the crew panels. “I want ground assault forces prepped and ready. When I give the signal, they are to deploy Basilisk War Droids to secure us a landing zone.” The tech to my left gives me acknowledgment, then relays the order to the warriors waiting below decks. Another tech sends the same orders to the rest of the fleet.

On my right, a comm officer informs me that I have an incoming transmission on my personal channel. “Very well. I’ll take it in my ready room.” I nod to my second in command, Lydi Vizsla. “You have the bridge, Commander.” I stomp off to my ready room just off the bridge, then active the private holo communication. “What is it, HJ? I’m very busy at the moment.”

HJ Twilight

“Oh, hey there, Ava. Sorry to bug you, but we have a new plan for taking Coruscant. Once you guys have given the Republic a good scare, and the people start to fear you might actually win, Alderaan is going to send it’s navy to come and chase you off.”

Ava Cadera

My eyes widen. “What!? What are you talking about? What is the meaning of this?”

HJ Twilight

I am taken aback by how emotional her response was “It’s uhh... supposed to look all heroic and get the senate to rally behind them. That way we can more easily unseat Sucal. They aren’t really going to beat you, Ava. It’s just pretend.”

Ava Cadera

“Just pretend? All just a big act, huh?” I press a button and transfer HJ to an external security camera feed so that he can see the battle over Coruscant. “See that? You think that’s just pretend? All of this is just a game? Do you know how many Republic pilots my men have killed today alone? How many of my brothers and sisters the Republic has blown apart?” I pull him back to my camera. “This isn’t a game! This is War! I thought you knew the difference!”

HJ Twilight

My face falls. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that. I just though... House Organa has been a big help to us here. They came up with this plan, and Zar’kun thought it would really turn the senate to our cause. But, if you don’t want to do it...”

Ava Cadera

I sigh. “It doesn’t matter what I think. The rest of the clans aren’t going to go for it. They want this fight. If I tell them to give up and go home when we are about to win... it’ll be like pulling a hungry dog away from a fresh meat. It doesn’t matter how loyal the dog usually is, when it’s blood is up and it’s instincts kick in, getting in their way is to risk getting bitten.” I take a moment to let that sink in for both of us before I conclude. “Let then have their fill of battle here. Once they have gotten it all out of their system, I’ll consider allowing these Alderaan Nobles take a run at us. We won’t retreat easily though. They need to give us a good fight. If they are going to beat us, they need to prove worthy.”

HJ Twilight

“Like Revan, right? You are happy to lose, so long as it’s at the hands of someone truly skilled enough.”

Ava Cadera

“Exactly. Tell the Organas or whoever to send their best. I refuse to back down to some pampered prince whose never held a weapon before in his life.”

HJ Twilight

I chuckle. “I promise, I won’t dishonor you with an unworthy opponent. I’ll try to get back in touch with you when we are ready to ‘save the day’. Just... don’t launch any ground forces, okay? It’ll be a lot easier for Alderaan if it’s just a space battle.”

Ava Cadera

“I’ll keep that in mind. We’ll talk later, my love.” I end the call, then walk back into the bridge. “Launch all ground forces immediately.”

END OF SCENE

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Less than an hour later, ships are taking off from the Sith Hunter base. The Redshifter, captained by Koraline Okarr, flies off towards the Outer Rim in search of the Tempest Eye, hidden within the dreaded Maw black hole cluster. Meanwhile, the Rancor’s Den, piloted by HJ Twilight, is headed for the legendary Foundry droid factory.

On the ground, Jude, Iwan, and Korre watch as their companions race off on daring missions to save the Galaxy. The fates on many rest in their hands.

Little do they know that for many of them, this will be the final time they see each other...

END OF SCENE

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Armond Organa

“Such is the nature of politics.” I smile ruefully. “Well, I’ll not keep you any further. We both have a lot of work to do. I wish you luck in finding the Tempest Eye, whatever it is.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Armond Organa

I nod. “Thank you. This is admittedly not the way I wanted to return to the senate. But... the Republic needs unity. They need to know that Alderaan will always be there for the Republic, even if we do not agree with its current leadership. And, perhaps after all of this is concluded, Alderaan will consider rejoining the union. But only after Sucal is gone.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Armond Organa

“Yes, I had planned on speaking to the senate via holo, and my plan actually factors in the Mandalorians. What if... after letting the Mandalorians lay siege for a couple days, Alderaan appears and offers aid. We send blockade runners to deliver medicines and other supplies, and maybe even send the Royal Fleet to stage a battle were we force the Mandalorians to retreat. Your grandson is Mandalore’s fiancé, so perhaps he could convince her to call off the attack?” Even as I speak, I look a little guilty. “It’s devious, but if we can get the people to believe that Alderaan saved them...” I pause again, letting the idea hang in the air. “It’s worth it, isn’t it? To get Sucal removed from office.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Armond Organa

I turn and smile at Zar’kun. “Prepositions go well, my friend. House Organa, as well as every banner house of the Crown, is mounting for defense against any Republic incursions. We won’t be caught off guard this time.” I wave Zar’kun to follow me as I take a few steps away from the others. “The Queen has also given me a mission. As former Senator of Alderaan, she wants me to address the senate. Before all of this nonsense, Alderaan was a respected seat in the rotunda. When we left, many other systems began losing faith in the Sucal’s leadership as well. The Queen thinks we might be able to use this to our advantage.”

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Korre

A few seconds after Zar'kun is gone, I walk to Xan's side. "It's almost time for us to go, senator. Are you ready?" I pause to allow her to respond, but as expected, there is none. "Oh, I do wish you would speak to me. You know how much I worry about you."

Iwan Starsnow

I make sure not to approach from behind as I walk over. "The speeder is ready, Miss... uh, Korre. I've also arranged for a medical transport to take Senator Naberrie."

Korre

I look at him for a moment, unsure if I should leave Xan behind. "Well... alright. I suppose there isn't much else I can do for her now. The medics will help her however they can."

Iwan Starsnow

"Excellent. The speeder is just outside." I offer my hand, then quickly withdraw it. "Uhh, follow me please." I turn and lead her towards the speeder.

Xanthippe Naberrie

As Iwan leads Korre away, I can feel my fingers tighten on the armrests of my chair. Even she was abandoning me now. I was supposed to protect her, but the Sith Hunters have stolen her from me. The last person I ever cared about except... Theron. I mentally try to reach out to him, but I know it is pointless. I don't have the willpower to broadcast my thoughts across space. I can't puff away to him in a theatrical cloud of purple smoke. I'm stuck here on Alderaan, being carted away by a team of Organa medics.

A Galaxy in Twilight[Lord Gressh/Zarkun]

Xanthippe Naberrie

While everyone scrambles about, preparing to move out to their impending missions, I simply sit and watch. My strength had been returning, slowly but surely. I could feel my powers coming back... but I couldn't access them. It was like I was trapped in a glass bubble, separating me from my power. Something was blocking me, but I could not tell if it was physical or mental.

This was more than the results of Zar'kun's attack. I'd recovered from that. And yet... I didn't show it. I couple probably walk, but I refused to try stand. I could probably speak, but I did not bother. I could probably use the Force if I REALLY tried... but I don't. I just sit there, watching the everyone run about.

Ignored. Forgotten. Unloved. Worthless.

Beaten.