Survival, Dark Times 2

[Revan Jast]

Selas almost snarled at Sora. "Listen to yourself talk. You're a fucking broken record, saying the same thing over and over. You say how much you don't want this and you don't want that and yet you don't change your actions at all. They betray your words, Sora. You 'do' want this."

He turned away and walked towards the wall. "I understand you fine, Sora Trok. You're a broken man with a broken system in place who thinks he knows what's best for millions of people. Well I'm sorry to say it, but you don't. Not unless you let us help you help us. It's how we've always done things, Sora, and this should be no exception."

-------------

Mesiros almost crooned. He's getting angry, Sora. His true emotions are coming out. He's showing you how he really feels. He doesn't think you're the right man for the job...but who else would be? Him? Haha, what an excellent way to gain a foothold in your government! He's a sneaky bastard...

[hk47fan]

Sora

Mesiros's words continued to get to me, and I was purely astonished...was I wrong? Would Selas not understand?

"Selas, how can I let you help me if you can't see what needs to be done? You disagree with this, and in a way I see why you would be at first, but I can't believe it has gone this far...you need to see the bigger picture. This is going to save so many lives. This is whats going to keep this government alive." I argued, still rather calm, but I was getting unnerved by this. One of my oldest friends couldn't even understand my methods.

[Revan Jast]

Selas turned around and in a flash he went from one side of the room to right in Sora's face. He grabbed him by the collar and lifted him, slamming him against the wall.

"You fool," he said, baring his teeth. "This isn't going to save anyone. It won't save the people, it won't save the government, it won't save you. It sure as hell won't bring your wife back, Sora. Is that why you're really doing this? Some personal vendetta against the woman that you helped bring into the world? Don't blame the rest of us for what has happened, Sora Trok. You need to blame yourself, accept what you did and work together with the rest of us to put a stop to her."

He let go then and stepped backwards. "I'm sorry Sora...I don't know what came over me. If you won't listen to what I've had to say, then listen to this: you're going down a path that will destroy you. It's already started, and you're so blinded by your vengeful nature that you fail to see that...to see us."

Selas was deeply saddened, hurt, and confused by Sora's behavior. Surely the man... the friend... the brother he had known all these years wouldn't go out this way... the very same way that had led to the destruction of the Empire, from within and from the outside? Holding back the tears, Selas began to harden his heart. He couldn't go soft on Sora anymore. The man would just not listen. It was as if... there was some small voice in his ear, pushing him to keep up his wall of hatred and pain.

"It was my life's work to guide you in the right direction, Sora, but I cannot help a man who will not help himself. I'm sorry, Sora, but you're drifting the wrong way, and you're going to destroy the balance that has been worked towards for the last... Force knows how long."

He made a fist with his right hand and punched the palm of the other. "Anziar Wraith and the others cannot touch your life, being bound by their rules. But I can, Sora. I'm not constrained like they are, and I'll do what it takes to fix things, just like you. I'll extend my hand one more time, Sora. Let me help you, let the rest of us help you. Please."

[hk47fan]

Sora

My eyes widened as Selas slammed me against the wall, and after he let go of me. I felt a mix of hurt and frusteration. "I am still hurt by Padme's death and will forever mourn her, but it isn't just about her...its about every civillian out there. I am not going to let the likes of Mona and other criminals run around freely, like has been done lately." I told him.

I stared at my old friend for a long moment. "Selas...I appreciate you wanting to help, but it seems like you can't see it, either...how can I let you help when you have an idea that could lead us all back to ins-"

I was cut off as the door swung open. I saw a group of people enter.

Kossk, Chok, Dawnbringer, Duskbringer, Nack, Caitlin, Lynn.

"Captain...our bodies have heard of your actions." Kossk hissed.

I didn't expect some of them to understand, but I was almost sure that the crew that had followed me for so long would....until now. I wasn't so sure.

"Captain, how could you commit such action? Even I know that it not best choice." Chok said.

I looked at them, silent with hurt. "So none of you understand either, do you?" I asked, my eyes looking to everyone in the room.

[Revan Jast]

The whole group of them, exciting. Now they all can badger you and put you down... some friends they are, huh?

Selas walked away from Sora and shook his head. "He won't see reason."

I rest my case.

Dawn looked at Selas. "What do you mean?"

"He thinks that firing Miss H and Han is somehow going to make everything better. I told him it wouldn't, but he won't listen to me. He's too fixated on his bloodthirst to want a true answer to his problem. Instead he's going to cause this system to decay."

Dawn glanced at Sora. "I think he's right, boss. We want to help you, but not while you're like this. You need to see what's really best for everyone before you move on."

[hk47fan]

Sora

"I am seeing what is best for everyone," I argued once again, more horrified at this by the second. For a moment, I almost wondered if Mesiros was right, with all that was going on, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions. "This is whats best for everyone. This will bring stability. This will ensure that all the work we put in to take down the Empire and build this government wasn't for nothing."

"Captain," Kossk snapped, visibly irritated. "Does your mind not see the truth? This will bring stability, Captain? Removing two strong bodies that lead well enough? Their bodies are not perfect, but no one is...this will bring even more instability! Three Chief-of-State bodies within one year...one of them got their life extracted from their body, and the other's body was fired unexpectedly. Does this look stable, Captain?!"

"It may look wrong now, but in the future, we can all look back and see how it worked out for the best." I told them, still hoping that they would understand by some chance.

But it didn't look like that was going to happen.

"Sora, you are going down a path that you don't want to go down," Lynn said, staring at me. "You and I had very different situations, but I know what its like to be filled with anger and hate and some kind of need for revenge...but I regret it so much now. I regret my actions years ago, and I regret my actions just a little over a month ago when I kidnapped your wife and let your brother die. I may not have been mentally competant, but I still am taking responsibility for it...I am sorry, I regret it so much now, and this may be how you are in years to come if you don't stop this now."

"Lynn, how can I even trust your judgement?" I asked her, very seriously. It was not in an angry way, but I was just stating fact. "You did kidnap my wife, you were completely crazy up until recently...how can I believe you?!"

"She's right, Sora, they all are!" Dusk interjected. "I have been down a path of despair before, too, Sora...too many times. I know how it feels, and I know how much I regret it now, and how much of my life I've wasted...I blew myself up once just for a love. You can't let yourself end up like that, or worse."

"You all think this is because of Padme...I am taking charge and doing whats best for the people of this entire Galaxy!" I said.

This can't be happening. How can my own crew, and other people who I have known for years, not understand any of this?! I...I can't fathom all of this! I thought. Were they not the people I thought they were?

"Sora, you need to take time to let your head clear...let your emotions air out. We've all endured alot of grief lately, and we've all had to take alot of time to figure things out....I've been on a rollercoaster of emotions, too, because of what my father did, and my anger towards him, but at the same time, I still loved him. However, during that time, did you see me doing anything serious, like operating on a patient? No...I had to take time out to sort it all out. You need to do the same." Caitlin told me, stepping forward slightly.

"As I have told everyone, I have done that...I truly have. I tried," I said sincerely. "But I can't do that anymore. My head has cleared, and I have to step up. There is no other way."

"Captain, there always another way!" Chok exclaimed.

"S-Sora..." Nack began, looking at me with a fear in his eyes that I had seen a few times during his childhood. That same look remained, even after all of these years. "Dad...I know I've done some bad things too...I never should've helped Mona. I know what she can do to people...she twists their minds in so many ways. I experienced it...but now, I've grown past that...I've realized that all the pointless hate and vendettas are useless. We may not be the closest people right now, but you just have to listen, please. If not me and what I've said to you, before and now, then just listen to everyone else."

"Can't you all listen to me?" I asked. I could feel the pain welling up inside of me...watching relatives and crew members, friends, argue with me like this. None of them were even giving me the benefit of a doubt or even trying to understand...they all disagreed so strongly. It was alright at first, but I never thought they'd go this far. "I am a brother-in-law...an uncle...a father to some in here, and I am also a Captain to some. There may be some rocky relationships right now between some of us, but can't all of you just see my side?"

"No!" Kossk snapped almost immediately. I could see rage boiling in his eyes. "You are not the Captain I served loyally for years....you have the same body, but attitude...mind...has changed. You may have the same title, but the Captain that my body fought for had more brains than this...he had more understanding and heart than this. And you are not that same Captain.

[Revan Jast]

Selas crossed his arms. "He's right, Sora. You're not the same man at all. You've become a misled shell of your former self. You're empty... but something is filling you. Something far darker than I'd like to see. And you refuse our help, my help."

Dawn stepped forward and loomed over Sora. "I urge you to reconsider, at least one more time, your decisions. If you don't... things are going to get ugly very fast."

"And in more ways than you think Sora," Selas added.

[hk47fan]

Sora

I looked up at Dawn, once again shocked. These people...I thought I knew them all so well, but they kept surprising me...how could this be happening? "Are you threatening me?" I asked. "I highly doubt anyone would resort to that...unless, maybe, thats yet another thing that will surprise me today. Is it really coming to this? Do you all really not see any part of my perspective? Can you not see the truth?"

"Captain, I not quite as...passionate as others about fight for freedom," Chok replied. "But over time, as I flew the Killer, I grow used to you and your views...but even I know that this not like you. This morally wrong...my kind help you fight on Endor. Don't let sacrifices go to waste, Captain."

"I'm not," I said firmly. "I...I can't believe this."

"No, Captain, it us that not believing this." Chok said, narrowing his small eyes at me.

[Revan Jast]

Selas threw up his hands. "I'm done. You can have your revenge, Sora. You can have your Republic and burn it to the ground. This is it for me. I'm done, finished, fed up. You refuse to listen to me, you refuse to listen to the others. I don't know what the hell happened to you, Sora Trok, but you're not the man I signed onto the Killer with. What I see before me today... that needs to be swept into the trash."

He showed no emotion on his face, although he was feeling it inside.

"Goodbye Sora. If you ever come around to your senses, maybe we'll forget what happened here. Until then... don't expect to hear from me."

And with that, he turned and left.

------------

Mesiros cackled. His work was done; the breaking of their Fellowship had begun. He withdrew from the scene as silently as he entered, the globe in his hands going dark. He smiled and started for the door.

"What are you doing...?"

Mesiros froze at the sound of that voice. His smile vanished, his blood went cold. Gulping, he turned around.

Anziar sat on the throne, his hood pulled up. Even though his face was hidden, Mesiros knew that voice anywhere. The mere sound of it froze your soul.

"I came here to amplify my powers. I was watching the serious situation taking place in the high ranks of the Republic. Things... things are not well. Sora's friends are turning on him."

Anziar growled and stood, walking down the stairs towards him. "We both know his friends would never betray him. He's slipping... he hasn't taken my warning to heart, nor is he keeping a tight grip on his senses. He's falling... something I've seen a man do far too many times."

"I don't think he'll be able to be hel-"

Anziar reached out and touched Mesiros' cheek with one long, black, nail. "I don't care what you think, underling. You don't have much in the way of sense either, as far as I'm concerned. Get out of here and never return. This is my place still."

Mesiros happily obliged and started for the door.

"And if I catch you so much as watching the man again, there will never be words horrible enough to describe what I'll do to you."

Shivering, Mesiros left the tomb.

Anziar started out after him, but hesitated. Walking back, he picked up the globe in one hand and placed it in a drawbag he carried in one of his many pockets.

That done, he too left. There were things to do.

[hk47fan]

Sora

"He's right, Captain...there is hope for your body and mind...but I do not think you will take it." Kossk said, shaking his head. He turned to leave as well.

Chok nodded. "Goodbye, Captain." the Ewok simply said.

He left as well.

Dawn watched his brother leave, and simply glanced to me afterwards, shaking his head. To me, that pretty much signified that he was in agreement with Selas...he simply made his exit right after the other three.

I watched them leave, feeling more and more pain as they did so...my own crew. A crew once so loyal, now...they were gone. Leaving me.

Dusk stared at me for a long moment. "I'm sorry, Sora....I'm sorry that you turned into this." she said, before making her exit as well.

"You know," Caitlin said, as both she and her mother headed towards the door. "If you keep going like this....you'll be just as bad as my father once was, as Ivy was...maybe even as bad as Mona is. Even worse, someday? I don't think you want that...but you can't see it."

"Think long and hard about what you're doing, Sora," Lynn told me. "You are the only one who can change your actions."

They both walked out.

Nack was the last one here...I knew he would leave as well, but for a moment, he just stood there, staring up at me. I looked at him for a long moment, as well...even now, he looked like the perfect mix of Rachea and I.

It was a horrible pity that our relationship was like this.

"You know..." Nack began, still staring at me. I could also hear his voice crack. "I can't remember everything about when I was little, but I do remember some things...I remember how much I loved you and respected you. You were everything to me...my idol, the person I wanted to model myself after. You were always a hero to me, even before you went after the Empire...I clearly remember when I was with Mom, I often asked when you were coming to get me...every time you did, I was so happy. It sounds corny, I know, but its true...even after she was killed, I was okay because you were there to take care of me and comfort me. Even after you left me behind to fight the war, I still looked up to you...Mona may have twisted my mind, but I never hated you like she did...I always loved you. Its sad that the great man, my great father...has been reduced to this."

I could see the tears in his eyes, but he didn't give me time to say anything in response. He simply turned and left, as well.

And now I was alone.

My friends...my close friends....they were all gone, none of them understood. My family didn't understand....my son didn't...I may not have been close with some of them, including Nack, but it stung all the same.

I thought that my crew, at least, would support me...but they didn't. I now had no doubt that no one else would, either.

It couldn't change anything, but it hurt all the same.

I felt a few tears run down my face as I activated my comm. I was about to place another hard order...one that I had to give, just incase. "Security," I said into the comm, trying to keep my voice stable. "Impound the Killer...it is my ship, but it needs to be locked up for safety reasons."

Cyan

I stood on a rooftop, with Celeste at my side...I had heard the news when it broke, and it didn't surprise me. Despite our warnings, Sora had descended down that horrible path, and taken disasterous actions.

I stared at the Senate Rotunda...it was miles away from here, but it could be seen.

So this is how yet another hero goes down.

"I can't believe it, dahling...I know we could feel it a good time ago, after his wife was first killed, but still...he was one of the main heroes of this Galaxy, and yet now...he's becoming a different man." Celeste said, staring in disbelief.

I nodded. "Sadly, as both you and I know, it is not the first time...it will probably not be the last. However, this is the first time I have actually spoken to the man personally and seen his life up close, so perhaps it is a bit more dissappointing. If anything, I feel more sympathy for his friends and former allies than I do him, but it still is dreadful to see him throw his life away like this." I explained.

Celeste nodded, frowning. "What now, dahling?"

"Its time to leave, Celeste...time for all of us to leave. We have no reason to stay on Coruscant, as I told you before...and I highly doubt that any of us will want to be around this new Sora Trok." I replied.

I turned to walk away, and she followed. "What a sad end..." she commented.

[Revan Jast]

Selas walked down the front steps of the Rotunda, almost as broken inside as Sora now was. His leader, his brother... he'd been reduced to this. Selas didn't understand why the man couldn't see the whole picture, but whatever... he stuck to his guns.

The Mandalorian began to walk the back alleys, not wanting to interact with the common people right now. He hung his head, truly sad in his heart. He would miss the Sora that was his family and his greatest friend... the man that was, surely, somewhere deep inside...

"Oh, he is," a voice said nearby. Slightly startled, Selas looked up, only to spot what looked like a mass of black cloth hidden in the shadows. A pair of red eyes seemed to float about six feet off the ground, watching him.

"Maybe, but I'd be hard pressed to believe it."

Anziar snorted. "Oh, the good in people never dies. That's what Cyan is all about: keeping the bright light in everyone burning. It's my job to snuff it out, usually, but it's not the case with Sora. There must be balance, and he's screwing that up big time."

Selas nodded. "I know. I'm sure you know what's happened."

"Yes, I do. And I'm powerless to stop it. I can only help guide you and the others, Selas. No direct interaction: it's the rule. Mesiros said you turned your back on Sora. I wonder about him sometimes... he's been acting off a bit lately."

"I would too, if I had you over my shoulder at almost any second."

"Don't be a smartass."

Selas almost smirked. "Why are you here, anyways?"

"It's time for me to leave. The others as well... things have been set in motion and now we have to tend to the hidden gears of the galaxy, like we always do. You know your role, so get to work. Maybe things won't turn out hopeless after all."

Selas nodded. "I can only hope."

"We'll all be doing that. Kurt will be contacting you sometime in the future. I have plans for him, and you'll be aiding each other in the years to come."

Selas had to raise an eyebrow at that, but he didn't say anything.

"Goodbye, Selas. Keep your friends close, and watch who you trust. You'll do fine."

A cylinder-shaped object came flying out of the shadows, and Selas caught it. It was Anziar's saber.

"You'll need it more than I will," he said, and then he was gone... the eyes seemed to stay for a second longer... and those too were gone.

Sighing, Selas headed out to the main street and looked to his left towards the spaceport. Security was buzzing, as if something was going on. He thought he might have an idea what it was. Squeezing the saber hilt in anger, he hooked to the right towards the Cantina.

He had a plan brewing in his mind.

[hk47fan]

Nack

After leaving the Rotunda, I simply walked along with Lynn and Caitlin...we decided to head back to the Soft Heart, since we really had no other place to go right now. I wouldn't be surprised if the others would return there, as well.

My thoughts continued to be on my father, and what had all just transpired. "I...I don't understand it. I don't get why he can't see everything for what it really is." I wondered outloud.

"Unfortunately, some people are like there....its just unexpected from Sora." Caitlin remarked.

Lynn put a hand on my shoulder. "I know it is hard, Nack...but we all have to stay strong. Just because Sora's down, doesn't mean that we are."

I nodded. "Yeah, I know...its just so frusterating. Mona is out there and is holding two people captive, while here my father is turning into a stupid madman...its just alot to handle."

They both nodded as we walked inside the Soft Heart.

Sora

After giving the order to impound the Killer, I simply sat for a minute or two, looking out the window...the day had been long and hard. So much had been done...I had lost so many friends today.

But for all the negative that would come out of today, alot of positive would come out of the future, due to my actions.

If only they could understand, I thought.

But perhaps it was too late for that.

However, I barely got a moment of silence in when the door opened again. I turned to see Barriss Offee, a Jedi Master that survived the Purge, enter.

I raised an eyebrow. "Master Offee, what are you doing here?"

"Supreme Admiral," Barriss said, making a strong note of my new title. "Grandmaster Redgrave is on a mission right now, so in his absence, I am Acting Grandmaster....I have heard of your actions today, and I came down here to speak to you, but now I believe that will be useless."

I sighed. Not that I was surprised, but it was yet another hard blow. "Why is this?"

"I heard your orders, Admiral Trok...and I passed by some of your friends and family as I entered the building. I could feel the anger and pain they were going through...and as I got closer and closer to you, I could feel some of your emotions through the Force...I can tell that you are hurting, but I also can tell that you will not change your mind on any of this." Barriss explained to me. Her facial expression was one very cold.

"I wish you could at least have let me give my side of the story before making your own jud-" I started calmly.

"Please, Admiral, I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I simply do not wish to get into a debate which I know will be pointless. I have come to inform you that the Jedi will not stand for your actions....however you may try to justify them, they defy everything we stand for. The Jedi Order will have no part of this." Barriss told me.

I stared at her for a moment...after what had just transpired, this felt like nothing, in a way, but I knew it held substance. "The NR needs the Jedi's support, Master Offee....if not now, then in the future, I ask you to please re-"

"This is not up for debate, Admiral Trok. I have made my decision...the Jedi will be off of Coruscant within no time, so you do not have to worry." she said, interrupting again.

Before I could say anything more, she turned and left. If it had been earlier, before the argument with my family and crew, then it would hit me harder...but right now, it just didn't, though I knew it was horrible for this to happen along with everything else.

This is setting well with no one...but its for the best, I know it is. Its necessary.

[Revan Jast]

Anziar had one more thing to attend to before leaving completely, so he got to it.

-----------

A breeze seemed to blow suddenly, swirling the papers off of Sora's desk and on to the floor. A cloud of smoke rose up in the corner of the room, seeming to take the shape of a man. Once formed, Anziar stepped forth and all power in the room died.

He merely stared at Trok, cocking his head to one side slowly. "I can't harm you, but I can certainly talk," he said slowly, almost hissing the last word. He moved forward slowly, almost as if he were gliding rather than walking. "You're treading dangerous ground, Trok. I will warn you one last time: go this way and you'll pay dearly. Not right this instant, but someday... and it'll come at you unexpectedly. And everything you ever did, everything you ever made... it'll burn before your very eyes. You can salvage what life you have now, make things right... or you can walk the path to hell. The second option is so much easier, is it not? Straight and broad is the way... that leadeth to eternal damnation."

He laughed, a sound that shattered all the glass in the room, including the mirrors. "I already know where you're going and what you'll do... and you have the rest of your life to play that game... but always be ready, because someday I'm coming back. And I won't be alone."

He smiled coldly. "Think about it."

With that, he was gone as quick as he came, so much as vapor in the wind.

[hk47fan]

Sora

I watched Anziar vanish into thin air, and sighed, though I also shuddered out of the coldness and venom that I felt go through the room. This day had been disasterous, but it would lead to better things...it would lead to a Galaxy with peace and prosperity. If I were to turn back now, I'd just lead it into even more chaos.

Even if the gods disagreed with me...I had to go on. It was obvious that they weren't always right.

And this is about more than them....its about the millions of people governed by the NR. They were who I had to think about, and provide for...not the gods.

This is the right choice. I told myself.

[Rain]

Han

"You're asking me Goldenrod..." I muttered as we entered Coruscant Security Headquarters. I half expected some guard to come and show us out, but it seemed Sora hadn't gotten around to that yet.

"Han!" A voice called, as Winter ran towards us. "Han, it's good to see you. And you Miss Halzilakas. I heard what happened, it's an outrage. If Leia were here she would definately have something to say about it. I'm handing in my resignation later today."

"Resignation?" I queried, "No Winter you can't quit..."

"With all due respect Captain Solo I only took this job for your sake." She explained, "Now that you are no longer in charge, I can't see myself working here."

"Winter..." I began, but couldn't find the words, "Look. You're the best slicer on Coruscant. It was you who discovered Mona, it was you who located Xizor's Palace... this planet needs you."

"I know." She replied, "But before I joined CorSec I worked independantly, co-ordinating with Bria and the others on Bespin. That seemed to work pretty well. I'm staying on Coruscant Han, but not with Coruscant Security, not now. If someone like Hunter Solon got Chief of State then I dread to think who got your job. It's for the best."

"Yeah, yeah. I understand." I soberly replied. "But please stay, for now. Just until we get the others back safe and sound."

"Gotcha."

Memah

"Welcome back." I said to the others as the re-entered the Soft Heart Cantina. Not thirty seconds later they were joined by Selas Taban. The looks on their faces suggested things were definately not alright. "I assume it didn't go too well then?"

Before they could answer another patron entered the cantina. At first I didn't recognise him, but on second glance I realised I did know him. "Xandyr? Xandyr Foxx?" I asked. It was common knowledge that not long ago Xandyr left the Jedi Order, but no one really knew where he went. Many had assumed he had left the planet altogether. But apparently not.

He looked somewhat on edge, as he slowly appraoched the bar and sat down. "Yeah. That's me..."

There was something about the way that he was dressed that looked so familiar. He was rougher than before that was for sure. "What are you wearing?" I asked, "You look like... like some kind of swoop racer or something."

He seemed slightly startled, leading me to believe my hypothesis was correct. "Something like that..." He said.

"So what brings you to the Soft Heart?" I skipped a question. I wanted to ask him why he left the Jedi and where he had been, but something told me he would be less than talkative about it.

"I need a favour." He answered.

I gave him a puzzled look. "A... favour?"

"Yeah..." He said with a weak smile. Only then did I notice that Janet wasn't with him. Those tywo were never seen apart. Again I neglected to bring it up. I wanted to hear more about this favour. "Listen, your freind Uli, the doctor guy, he works at the Temple right? Well I need his help, only I doubt I'd be very welcome at the Temple. Do you think, by any chance you could get him for me?"

"I would if I could Xandyr but he's not on the planet right now." Xandyr's weak smile faded. "He's off on some mission."

"I see... well uh, thanks anyway." He said, before quickly getting up. He hastily walked for the door.

"Xandyr wait!" I called after him. He looked around. I glanced at Caitlin. Although she didn't seem up for anything at the moment I was willing to bet that she would grasp anything to help take her mind off the recent events. And Xandyr's weird demeanor made me think something was wrong with him. "She's a doctor."