Supply Run (D10 EE)

[Luth Khalan]

Many of the images had come at the same time between them, yet they remained distinct to each. Luth's response is much the same as Arali's to her. She didn't have the tools to understand all of it, but she wanted to. She absorbs and reflects Arali's emotions in her moments, natural empathy dialed up by their connection. There's the same sense of acceptance, but she hasn't learned the serenity fully yet. But she tries, and her heart is a veritable sea of warmth toward Arali... And in her memory, toward the people around her, despite everything.

She finds herself with her arms wrapped close around the twi'lek girl, eyes closed tight. Her face was buried in Arali's now-wet shoulder, practically in her lap in the seat. She felt almost physically exhausted from their connection and the level of hat they'd both shared, and the crying. "I won't," she says. She didn't have to anymore. "You are amazing. Everything you've been through and still..." Her fingers trace the scar, feel the lung's absence, the deeper connection faded but still feeling like it was gently exploring what made her who she was.

She physically lifted her head from her shoulder and kissed her, deep and soft.

[Dapper Dog]

There is an incoming communication from [Redacted], that is how it reads on the comm station.

[Luth Khalan]

She sits up a little and turned at the comm alert, looking toward it and back to Arali, half-smiling as she moves back to her own seat and fully back into the physical world. "Looks like you've got a call."

[Arali Zian]

Arali drowns in that kiss, letting the raw, physical sensation of it resonate back and forth between their minds, and when they come up for air-

CHI-CHI-CHIRP!

Kriffing comms, always interrupting. With a moment's longing glance, the gets up and goes to the comms station. "Everlight online," she answers. "Go ahead." Who would be hailing them?

[Dapper Dog]

A woman's voice speaks with an Imperial accent, the image is garbled not due to static, it looks like it is deliberate, "Thank you for responding Everlight, I believe you are holding an Imperial asset on board, may I speak with her."

"I am sure you will deny it, but my Master already knows she is there."

[Luth Khalan]

Luth let out what felt like the longest, softest sigh in the world. She knew she'd gotten away to easy. No sense in putting Arali in danger. She heads over to the comm panel. "He already knows, so no sense in making things unnecessarily difficult. What is your designation and the purpose of this call?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Thank you for speedy compliance, I am Fixer 71 and my Master is pleased you are still alive. He says that he holds no overt animosity for your defection as long as you provide periodic updates on a list of individuals. Failing to do so will mean that those you have left behind will suffer," Fixer 71 responds.

[Luth Khalan]

"So it wasn't just my paranoia. He knew perfectly well I was alive the entire time... and holds plenty of covert animosity, I'm sure," she commented dryly. "I had a feeling one of his agents would be calling soon. Apparently I need to trust my instincts more."

"Who does he want information on?"

[Dapper Dog]

"The list will come, he only requires your acceptance of these matters. Nothing happens in the Empire without his eyes on it. He will speak to you again when you reach Republic space," Fixer 71 replies.

"Your compliance will keep those you care about in one piece. Non-compliance will be dealt with accordingly."

[Luth Khalan]

She burned at the threat. All of her body language was tense, hands clenched, jaw set, the blue of her eyes more like a raging storm in a dark sea than a calm pool. It didn't take the Force to feel her anger like a physical presence. But she inhaled slowly and exhaled, willing herself to calm. No. No. Stop. What did Mom used to tell you? Do nothing that is of no use. Getting angry here, being afraid for them... that doesn't serve you or them. Everything is all right for right now. Just calm down and think. It wasn't fully successful, but it helped. Everything, for right now, was still all right.

Kriff, this is why it was bad to form attachments. She knew it, too, but here she was. Getting pulled back kriffing in.

Okay. Just think for a minute. Shai, Kris, and Zeno could probably take care of themselves... or at least their masters would likely resent Baras mucking about with a useful tool. Sylvain... he was more vulnerable as the man's apprentice. However, she didn't know if he was even alive, or what other plans her might have for him. Most likely they didn't hinge on whether or not she complied. All things considered, the blackmail could be toothier. The only difference would be that, if he got ahold of them, he'd make sure they knew it was because of her they were suffering.

What gave her the most options right now? It was beneficial to them to force her to make a choice right now. It was most beneficial to her to be able to weigh her decision and come up with as many options as possible. Her choices felt very limited. When in doubt, buy time.

"They're already on his bad side... and there's more than one way to suffer than just being in pieces," she says tightly. "If he won't be involved in their suffering going forward, I'll do it."

[Dapper Dog]

"Good, your actions will maintain peace. My Master is pleased. We shall be in touch, your tasks will be forthcoming. Good day," she responds and the call ends.

[Luth Khalan]

She closes her eyes and lets out a soft breath once the comm closes, just standing there silently for a few moments as she tried to process and failed. She had time now... but couldn't shake the feeling that no matter what she did, Baras would find a way to enforce his will. She was trapped again. Maybe she'd never escape.

[Arali Zian]

Whoa. That... was heavy.

Arali tries to think of something to say, but no words come. Instead, she quietly walks behind Luth and wraps an arm around her, just holding her. Sometimes, just being there helps.

[Luth Khalan]

Luth turns around when she feels Arali's contact, burying her face in her shoulder, her arms wrapping around her waist. She felt so grateful Arali was there in that moment. Her shoulders shake a little bit, fighting the tears threatening.

[Arali Zian]

Arali rocks slowly, taking a piece of Luth's pain into herself as she shares her peace. "Let it out," she whispers.

[Luth Khalan]

She coughs out at first, then breaks into a sob, tears following quickly after. "I'm a failure... That bastard..." she murmurs against her shoulder.

[Arali Zian]

It's a long time before Arali speaks up, simply holding Luth and letting her cry it out.

"A terrible burden has been placed on your shoulders. A lot of people talk about service and sacrifice, but usually not the people who have to go through with it. Yours is a difficult path, but there is always away forward."

[Luth Khalan]

"There's only one thing that would save everyone... but I'm a coward," she says after a long silence. "I'll figure something out."

[Arali Zian]

"That's what they want you to think," Arali counters. "That's how they win, but there are always other paths, even if they are harder to see, or to walk. The most frightening sometimes require a little faith."