Prologue: The Endar Spire
Do not hide from what you are; one cannot become something they are not. You will see the way.
Before her was a mirror, and there was a perfect reflection of her, down to the very last detail. Her large chestnut brown eyes flitted from feature to feature, and a dainty hand found itself reaching forward, fingers lightly touching against the glass, curiously feeling their way along. A gasp released from her vocals, and her hand retracted, curling itself against her chest in a fist. The image before the female was not her any longer, it couldn't be. A menacing grin held itself upon the other's lips.
"Who are you?!" The woman sobbed, choking back fears and unknown emotions; this was not her first encounter with this character, not the first and not the last.
"Who are you?" The reflection, still resembling this young woman down to the last detail, repeated, a mock tone being held within its vocals. The grin soon faded, and it's, or rather 'her' lips twisted into a near snarl, and before the she could withdraw a wisp of breath, the other was grasping onto the sides of her face, the chill touch bringing a shudder up and down her spine. Struggling, her hands clasping and clawing at the reflections', she would notice that the one that held her so easily did not make one attempt to struggle, she just laughed, mocked, and managed to sink her nails deep within her neck, causing her to flinch back in pain. "You will-…"
Blank. The image was gone, and only a void of oblivion took its place. The pain subsided, and she was no longer in the horrors of the former entrapment. She was free, until the next time. The very thought of 'next time' brought her into a cold sweat, the dreams always revealed a little more than the last, piece by precious, painful piece.
Shuddering at the afore mentioned, as well as tossing and turning, blankets entangled around bare legs, the young female groaned in her sleep, mumbling unheard words and phrases all the while. It would have been quite obvious to anyone within the quarters that she was in the midst, or was, of a most unpleasant nightmare, worse than those that usually jumbled inside her confused mind.
Barely able to awaken herself, this being the most sleep she had managed for days; she opened brown eyes slowly, waiting for them to allow some sort of focus. Just as soon as she would do so, her other senses would kick in. The ship shook, and the familiar sound of her quarter's door "whooshing" open rang in her ears. Putting two and two together, eyes still blurry from tears and sleep alike, she figured this could be a threat, and quickly rolled off her bunk with cat-like grace. With a quick movement of her hand, she grasped the blaster which lay on the night stand next to her bed, and aimed it towards the figure standing in the door way. He was gawking at her crouching small frame.
"Hold up!" He said, his voice seeming panicked. "We're on the same side, can't you tell by my attire? We're both Republican soldiers."
Eyeing him, she quirked a brow. He is in Republican attire… Pursing her lips, she lowered her weapon of choice, slowly lifting herself onto her feet. She was certainly not a woman of a tall or boisterous stature, why, she could've been no taller than 5'3, one could almost call her dainty. "I apologize, I heard the crashes, and I thought we were under attack… Again, I'm sorry." Paired eyes lowered, and she gave a shake of her head. These dreams are getting the best of me.
"You were right to make accusations, and you were right with your assumption." She gave him a look, curious and bewildered, and awaited further explanation. "The Sith. They're attacking the Endar Spire; they're attacking this vessel." The man, this man she did not recognize, spoke in such a matter of fact tone that it could almost be considered frightening. Though, the young woman decided to keep her comments about this to herself.
"We're under attack? By the Sith? Here? Why? Pointless slaughter?" This was the way of the Sith, how she despised them and their kind. They were despicable.
"Pointless slaughter? Ha! Where have you been, Missy?" She frowned at the name, but he continued on despite her obvious disapproval. "Bastila Shan is on the Endar Spire. Bastila!" The name seemed all too familiar to the woman, her eyes widened at the very thought of this Jedi being taken hold of by the Sith. The evils they could perform if they were to use her own powers against the Republic themselves. Guessing Trask knew exactly what she was thinking by the way he gave her a nod, she again tuned in and listened. "We must get our behinds in gear. We must do our part before something horrid takes place. Something that could bring the Republic to its downfall."
"Agreed." Licking her dry lips and running a hand over her forehead, pushing unruly strands of hair from her line of vision, she turned, opening her footlocker and exposing the contents inside. A bright colour flustered her cheeks, she had just now come to the realization that she was only partially clothed, what good would a half naked scout be to Bastila or the Endar Spire? Not much, she guessed. "Could you… uh…" A glance was thrown over her shoulder towards the male soldier, and it would appear to her that he was confused, and she rolled her eyes. "Turn around. I need to dress."
"Oh," He quickly turned on his heels, she could've sworn that he lost his balance for a minute, and she smirked, but she would make no remark. This wasn't the time, really.
"Thanks." With as much speed as she could muster, trying to make haste, she took out a pair of black slacks, her boots and a matching sleeveless top, throwing them atop her bunk. She quickly got dressed, slender digits almost appearing to dance as they tied up her top, slacks and each boot. It was quite apparent that she was nimble, and it was just another thing she was proud of. "By the way, what's your name, soldier?" Her voice seemed only half attentive, yet polite. She had always known herself to be one for small talk.
"Trask. And yours, Missy?" He smirked, but her glare would knock the look right off his lips in and instant.
"Vislyn Lana. You may call me Vislyn." Her own expression was swept away from her face, and now a grin took its place. After finishing tying her left boot, she again grabbed her blaster, walking up to the side of this Trask, he seemed to smile at her friendly remark.
"I shall remember that, Vislyn." The ship shuddered under the heavy fire which was being sent it's way. Vislyn braced herself, pushing her side against the nearby wall to retain balance, while Trask muttered curses under his breath. "We should get going now. The sooner we get to the bridge, the better. Come on!" Vislyn merely nodded, following instep with the older man towards the doorway, well aware of the undeniable truth that this could very well be her last battle. A last stand against the Sith, perhaps, or possibly a new beginning.
"Carth Onasi, reporting." Pride of the Republic, vigilant hero, decorated soldier; he was known as all these things and more. Though, he preferred "Carth" above all else. He raised his hand in a salute, his body straightened before he took on a more relaxed position after his commanding officer informed him to be "at ease". Carth, the brown haired, brown eyed Republican pilot surveyed the officer, listening to the much older man's words.
"We need as much men as possible to get off the Endar Spire with safe passage." A hand raised against his shaven chin, fingers tapping against long since wrinkled skin. "The pods will have to do. Now, I know not everyone will make it out alive, but some will." Carth nodded, practically knowing just what was to come next. Here it comes, he thought, absently tapping his fingers to his holsters which held paired blasters. "Carth, you will be one of the last to get off." Knew it. "You will be the one to save the last pod for any possible survivors. Good luck, son." Once again, Carth nodded, watching as those that were once part of the vessel's crew made their hasty escape, hoping to keep their lives intact.
The pilot sighed, turning his back to the survivors of what seemed like an already lost battle. They may have won the battle, but they have not yet won the war. Bastila was off the ship, free from the grasp of the Sith, for now at least. But he couldn't help but feel remorse, all the people on the Endar Spire that had died just because they wanted to catch a single woman, a single Jedi. The battle meditation was worth it, he knew, but all the innocents surrounding her whom were being slaughtered… It just seemed wrong. To him at least. Perhaps he was just showing a soft side, perhaps not.
These thoughts were brought to an abrupt end as another blast shook the bulk of the Endar Spire, causing Carth to fall to a knee. With a grimace he stood. "Now is as good of time as any." He muttered under his breath, bringing himself towards a single computer console in the escape pod area. With a cool presence, he began clicking in codes and soon enough the screen flickered with a remarkable amount of streams of information. His eyes scanned over the familiar patterns before finding the correct one; the Endar Spire's vitals and life support systems. His fingers tapped keys and soon enough another stream of information covered the screen, though Carth was most disheartened at what he saw.
The phrase "deceased" continued to appear after the many names that appeared on screen, not once had he seen where there was a simple "intact". A frown lingered across his lips, and his eyes went dull. This was no fight. This was a slaughter. A fist slammed itself down upon the console, and he would come to find this was not a very wise choice. The piece of modern technology buzzed and whistled, and Carth even managed a wince at a few snaps and crackles. What did it matter? The ship was going down no matter what, and there were, obviously, no other survivors. A sigh heaved his chest, and his eyes cast downward towards the floor for a moment of silence, though it would be interrupted.
The 'war hero' shot his gaze upward, towards the console, various amounts of beeps and clicks echoed throughout the room from the computer, and the blue screen flashed from bright blue to a dim navy. Confused and most curious, Carth made his way to the console, eyeing the information which set itself so boldly on the screen. Two intact soldiers, two personnel, two from the Republic… two crew alive. Carth grinned, so they weren't all dead, there was a chance for him to help these two. The screen flashed and buzzed once more, just before his fingers reached the panel, and the screen flickered. Reading the information, he clenched his fist. "Dead… there's still one left. And he's heading this way." Carth didn't mind speaking to himself, not when he was alone, at least.
Turning on the security cameras, he watched the surrounding areas of the escape pod sector. Surrounded by Sith. He muttered distastefully, this probably wouldn't be an easy task for a single soldier to carry out. "Hmm…" Scratching at his bearded chin, a habit he had never dropped throughout the years, he started typing codes into the console, sending commands through the system. If I can get in touch with this character perhaps I can help. He did have an advantage, after all, he knew where all the enemies were and he knew this would prove to be useful.
Tapping the last button, he crossed his fingers, hoping he didn't cause this console too much damage. The screen went blank, and he cursed, "Dammit!" A variety of beeps and tones sounded, and suddenly the screen flickered, buzzed and the fuzzy image of a young woman flashed on the console, she wasn't looking at the device, and it seemed as though she was trying to keep a low profile; she didn't say a single word. He had to admit to himself, he was a bit surprised this survivor was a woman. He didn't exactly know why.
Breaking the silence, he spoke into the console's communicator, "This is Carth Onasi of the Republic Fleet." There was a motion on the screen, he guessed from the unclear image that she was nodding; now he knew she could hear and acknowledge. Thus, he continued, "We're the last of the survivors on the Endar Spire." He saw a wince on her part, but decided not to comment. They had to get down to business. "We have to get off this ship. If we don't the Sith are just going to blow it to smithereens with us on it." He threw a glance to the images of security cameras, "There's Sith just ahead of you, I suggest you find a way to avoid fighting. I refuse to lose anymore of the crew. Once you turn right, move ahead and there should be a room with two Sith. Find a way to take care of them and then use the Endar's defense systems to your advantage. Got it?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure I got it." The woman pushed dark brunette locks from her face and withdrew a breath. "We'll speak again when I get there." She paused, frowning. "And I will get there." The screen went blank, She must've turned off her communicator. The sooner she gets here, the better.
Clicking buttons on the panel, the console screen flickering, he enlarged the security camera images. Watching intently, he saw… nothing. Was she killed just after the communicator went out? Again, he found himself clenching his fists. Anticipation and adrenaline coursed through his veins, and his eyes flitted to something curious. A door slid open, but there was no one in front of it. A cloaking device! Ingenious. A grin broadened his features, and he watched as the Sith seemed to investigate the door. They must've thought of it as a malfunction, because it wasn't soon before they returned to their posts, armor glistening from the florescent lights above. Suddenly, he watched as the droid behind them lifted its head, and began blasting at the enemy; the Sith.
Soon after the Sith were disposed of by the patrol droid, the outline of a small framed woman became visible, she had used a cloaking device. The device wore off, and now she was completely visible. Watching intently, Carth wondered what her next move would be. She moved towards the door, placing her fingers to the alloy, and they trailed along the panel which would allow entry to the next room. Her head turned, however, and she stepped back from the door. She raised her blaster, her weapon as he had now noticed, and aimed towards the panel. The droid stood at her side, and Carth could only guess what she would do. Leaning forward, he waited. What was she waiting for? Perhaps she was nervous.
His eyes shifted, and the looked to the room separating the two of them. There was no doubt in his mind that both the droid and the recruit could handle themselves, but perhaps it would be best if he were to lend some aid. Turning off the console, as it had no further use to him, he moved towards the door, long strides carrying him there with ease.
His hand was just inches away from the panel before the rumble from an explosion shook the door. Blaster fire could be heard now, and the voices of Sith shouting, yelling and screaming came to ear. Quickly, he pushed his palm to the panel and removed his blasters from their holsters, fingers pressed over the triggers. A shout emitted from his vocals, but he didn't even get to release a single blast. The last Sith fell to the cold, metal floor in a crumpled form, a shell of his former proud self.
Closing his mouth, lowering his blasters to his sides, Carth coughed. The woman, the recruit, narrowed her eyes and a look of amusement was now painted across her features, from what he could see. "Er… Glad to see you made it." His gaze flitted around the room, from body to body. "Also glad you can take care of yourself." She frowned, making no comment. With that, he holstered his weapons and waved her into the pod room. She followed, reluctantly at that.
"This is the last pod?" She asked, and he nodded. "We're the last…?" Again, he nodded.
Carth eyed her for a few moments, not recognizing her. Perhaps she was a last minute transfer; he shrugged it off, however, at the feeling of the rumbling of the Endar Spire. This was it, any longer and they would surely not make it off the pained vessel. "Come on, get in the pod. I'll explain things later…" He reached for her arm, but she stepped away.
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"We're both soldiers here, come now, we don't have much time." He stepped closer, reaching to pull her into the pod, but she side-stepped him with liquid grace, admirable if not irritating.
"And what of Bastila? Trask said…"
"She's off the ship, she's safe… for now, something I cannot say for us." This time he was persistent, he grasped her arm and with ease pulled her into the escape pod, pushing her into a seat quickly, closing the only exit to the pod with one hand while seating himself and buckling in with the other. With a fist, he punched his fist into yet another panel, and immediately he could feel they were making their exit. Clenching his teeth, he grasped the hand bar at the ceiling of the pod. His knuckles whitened from his grip, but this was not going to be a pleasant ride. He looked to his new companion, she was speechless. She fumbled around with the buckle and soon found her hands at the sides of the pod, trying to keep herself from being jostled around.
"We're entering the atmosphere! We're almost in!" Carth shouted above the clatter of the pod, but it didn't seem like the woman was paying him any mind. Her eyes were caught on one of the "windows" of the pod. It was as if she had seen her own ghost, perhaps it was some sort of frightening "déja vu". "Hold on!" The pod twirled, the temperature rising within.
Turning his head, looking out from the pod, was Taris, though it was whirled together, a pool of mixed buildings and colours. No longer could he see clearly, the pod seemed to be spinning out of control. With a grimace, Carth looked towards the other, her eyes were closed and her complete body was tensed. "Welcome to Taris!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, though he wasn't at all too sure if she was aware of him speaking. "Enjoy your stay…" He mumbled, also closing his eyes for the incoming impact.