Everything had escalated very very quickly after her father’s analysis had been concluded, rapidly evolving into yet another convoluted scheme that involved them making open targets of themselves on the two planets most likely to be watched by their enemies. Well hey, they were all turning into adrenaline junkies now, might as well embrace it right? Neta and Elara seemed to be the most involved now, which was a nice change. Aria could sympathise with the two women who must feel pretty out of place in a group full of people who could (essentially) throw starships around with a flick of a wrist when they had to rely on their own smarts and physical abilities alone. It was kind of nice to let them do their thing and have them giving the Force users all the instructions for once. And oddly enough, nobody seemed to protest to any request given to them this time, even Roan and Cheriss were cooperating quite well, with only the occasional snarky comment or jab at someone else’s approach to a problem.
She had had her own doubts about whether or not this haphazard amalgamation of people could ACTUALLY band together and become a team, but their common enemy seemed to be ensuring that and Aria couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride.
Everything was up in the air right now, plans were strewn all over the place in the main meeting room, channel frequencies scribbled untidily in corners and blank spaces as they poured over possible contacts or target areas for the next several hours. Dromund Kaas and Coruscant, understandably, came up. It was going to be a pretty big operation, requiring nearly every person in their little self-formed resistance to pitch in to ensure their intelligence could get dropped in the right places so that Bek, Ed and Kandar’s contacts in the SIS and Imp Intel could begin leaking it out to the members of the public. The task would be a mammoth undertaking and as it was everyone would need their own time to prepare themselves and come to terms with what they had to do. Aria took comfort in the knowledge that the three Sith Lords had volunteered to brave Dromund Kaas over expecting one of the Jedi (or indeed either of the duo) to find their way through the place. Aria had been there once, as a part of her trials, and she had no wish to go there again. Feeling brave, Vano volunteered to go with them as well which left Abbeth and Kandar drawing the short straw as the other operatives to accompany them. The others could hit Coruscant with Bek where they would meet up with Ed and infiltrate the SIS. They would have to try and get back into the Senate to get to Saresh too, hence why the bigger group focused on the Republic capital.
_______________
Some hours later, the gathering had dispersed and Aria found herself wandering aimlessly while trying to preoccupy herself so she wouldn’t go looking for Yerbol, who had vanished. She had tried not to go looking for him straight away, to give him a chance to get some much needed privacy (it was very hard to stay out of each other’s minds now after recent events), but she found it hadn’t lasted long and soon she was wondering where he had gotten to (it must have been another by-product of their link. Yes, that’s what she kept telling herself). There was so much to think about that Aria found the interior of the base became quite stifling and when she slipped outside to try and get some fresh air, she’d kill two birds with one stone by happening to stumble upon her friend seated on the front steps.
“Hey.” she mumbled, settling herself down beside him and letting out a deep breath as she stretched her arms out behind her and leaned back against them. “Mind if I join you? My head still hurts from all that political crap.” she chuckled softly, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye before quickly returning her gaze upwards. “It’s all so complicated….” she drifted off into silent thought for a moment before speaking out loud. “I’ve been thinking about what Jungze said, about this bond, and it being three-way. I mean, if he tried to contact us again don’t you think we could follow the thread back and pin him down, figure out where he is? We already have to do that to talk to each other.”
Now that she had ACTUALLY sat and thought about it, there WAS something that almost felt like an extra presence, much weaker but still there, attached to the same thread that joined them together. If she concentrated on it hard enough, Aria was sure she could sense other unfamiliar thoughts there, but had made a habit of trying to block it out due to fear of the unknown. Feeling a bit braver with Yerbol potentially as backup, Aria had begun to poke and prod at it though, only to jerk back sharply with an audible squeak of surprise as the connection shifted in response and the man’s voice spoke out to them.
I had wondered when you would get brave enough. I must congratulate you, younglings. Your group is unravelling everything far quicker than I had anticipated.
Exchanging a glance with Yerbol for confirmation, Aria then boldly responded.
We know who you are and what you want. Stop hiding!
Oh, do you? he sounded impressed. Now I doubt that you know who I REALLY am, my dear, but you know enough and that is why we must talk further. You and Yerbol have a very strong command of the Force, Aria and I need your help.
...You tried to kill us. Why would we help you? Aria answered dryly, still not impressed.
BRACKNELL tried to kill you. the man abruptly corrected. I never wanted you harmed. You’re clever younglings, I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that he isn’t following my instructions as he should be.
Alright, new question: why SHOULD we help you? You’ve practically destroyed the known galaxy.
An amused chuckle, the question partially dodged with an evasive answer of:
You already ARE, without even knowing it. Your bond, this connection, is proof of that.
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