Chapter XII: Onwards

The Boss - Day 1 - Near Bredorx's Passing, Nal Shaddaa

He pulled his dirty hood closer to his chin, easily ignoring all of the quiet whispers and pointed looks that were directed at him. Off in the distance, the ruins of the Tower burned brightly amongst the other spires of Nar Shaddaa, its thick smoke strong enough to linger in his lungs even now. Yet he didn't dare to look back at the inferno that was his past as he marched on towards the edge of the Red Light District, constantly ensuring that his pistol would be ready for quick use if needed. Just as the Boss planned so many years ago, he made his way towards Bredorx's Passing where he was to meet the owner of the landing pads, the old man Bredorx as they called him on the streets nowadays. That one was paranoid, he thought. Always was as far as he could remember. Even now, as he strode towards Bredorx's Passing, he noticed that the amount of security cameras has increased drastically ever since the last time he was here. It's not as if he could blame him for his sense of paranoia - they all still carried their scars from the war and Bredorx was no exception. Even if in his case proved to be an exercise in futility, given that his people were on strict orders that Bredorx was not to be harmed under any circumstance.

Quickly, he stepped into Bredorx's office and closed the doors behind him. He climbed up asmall service ladder only to be greeted by the black nozzle of a blaster, its wielder looking down at him angrily before he recoiled as he realized who exactly he was threatening. He dropped the rifle and ran over to his console, dimming the lights of his office with the flip of a switch before he turned back towards the Boss anew. Instantly, he snapped to attention and pressed his legs together.

''Sir, CT-5535 ready for duty!'' Bredorx saluted him sharply before CT-4774 returned his gesture in kind.

''At ease, soldier.'' Though it has been years, Bredorx didn't seem to have changed for one bit. True, time has left its mark upon him, but it could've been worse

Could look as ugly as me.

''Sir, I thought the worst when that ... when that explosion appeared. What happened?''

Good question, one that he didn't have the answer to. Not yet, at least.

''I hoped that you knew something, soldier. All I know was that from one second to the next, everything just went to shit.''

Bredorx let himself drop into his seat as his eyes drifted towards the Tower - or what was left of it.

''Damn it. Back during the war, I thought that I saw all kinds of fires. But this?''

He rocked his head quietly. The Boss understood completely. He too believed that he saw every sort of horror one could inflict during the Clone Wars. But then he arrived on Nar Shadda. And afterwards, it didn't take long until corruption managed to get a hold on him. With his elite training, he quickly rose through the ranks of the criminal underworld, true, however, it was also true that with every promotion he has gained, his need for carnage and cruelty has risen exponentially. At first, it proved to be an evil necessity. People around here simply didn't respect you if you weren't able to split some heads, Clone Commando or not. Nonetheless, as time passed, the Boss had to admit that he slowly yet steadily grew desensitized to it. What was another body in a sea of corpses if it meant climbing through the ranks? Most of the people living on Nar Shaddaa were scum anyway, why should that bother him? And once he managed to admit that his cruelty targeted the innocent more than the criminals that were under his command, it was already too late. He simply got used to it. All of it in order to get where he ended up.

And still, it burns all the same.

''Landing pad seven is up and running, just as you ordered all that time ago though, sir.''

He had no doubt of that. Bredorx, or rather CT-5535, never failed him before. Not in the Grand Army of the Republic and not now.

''Of course it is. You'd do the Republic proud. I need to get out of here, gather my wits and then ... '' and then what? Truthfully, he had no idea. His entire power base went up in flame like it was nothing. Through his careful planning, he might've ensured his survival, but for what came after he really didn't know. Away from Nar Shaddaa, that much was certain. He made enough contacts during his reign that he'd manage somehow. That left only one matter behind:

''Revenge. Rebuilding. Retiring - I don't know what I'm going to do now. However, if you wish, you could join me on my path. It should certainly beat hanging around in your office all day.''

Bredorx went stiff at that. He looked away from the Tower and regarded the Boss with a painful expression. ''Is that ... an order, sir?''

He shook his head.

''An offer.''

One that he hoped would be accepted, he added silently. Bredorx put one of his hands on his jaw and began to stroke it in wordless contemplation. After some moments passed, he stood up and closed his eyes.

''Sorry sir. I tell ya' I'm really sorry. But I've grown old, old and tired of it all. After everything that has happened, after Order 66 ... '' he sighed audibly.

''My fighting days are done. Have been ever since, I think.''

And again, he understood. Though it pained him to hear, he understood.

''I get it, Dancer. Guess that means goodbye.'' Bredorx nodded solemnly at that.

''For now, at least. I'll keep my eyes open and if I hear something ... guess ya'll find some way to contact me, eh?''

The Boss walked over to him and grabbed his hand, shaking it in a brotherly way before he tipped his head once. Then that had to be enough for now. He wordlessly left the building and made his way towards landing pad number seven, one of the many escape options he has prepared for himself ever since arriving on the Moon. He stopped momentarily as he watched as another ship left Bredorx Passing, easily identifying it as the Mantis class ship he hoped to get his hands on before everything went wrong. Lucky bastards, he thought. He couldn't help but to let his mind wander to Gwena, his - he guessed now former - right hand that was unwillingly entangled within this gigantic mess as well, thanks to his personal orders.

She was a wicked one, no doubt there. A woman whose past was ridden with hurt and fear, both of it weaponized to serve his bidding. Perhaps once there were days were he regretted it, using such a young girl for his own selfish benefits. But then, if he wouldn't have, one of his rivals would've certainly done so. Better to control the blade than have it stuck in your chest. He guessed that in the end, he would've only liked to know her role in all of this. Did she play a part in this betrayal? Was she even still alive? He grunted softly at that. The Boss had to move on, whether he liked it or not. And thus, he entered his secret landing pad, stepping hastily on his shuttle as he lifted up and left Nar Shaddaa behind for good. At least for the moment.

Trilla - Day 1 - the Mantis, somewhere in Hutt Space

It's been going on for hours now.

After they left Nar Shaddaa behind, Cere and Cal immediately went to work and used some of the newly acquired medical resources they had to patch Merrin up. Though painful, her wounds didn't prove to be as dangerous as they thought and thus she was already on a steady road to full recovery. Not that she had to be in any big rush, given the big problem the crew currently faced: they had absolutely no idea where to go now. A fact that might've been able to be dusted under the rug during their chaotic adventures on Nar Shadda but now couldn't be ignored anymore. Now this cursed question dangled in front of them on an invisible thread and it would remain there until someone would find someplace to stay. A task that would be considerably easier in this vast and open galaxy if it wouldn't be for the constant threat of the Empire lingering over their shoulders.

Up until recently, she was the Empire. She knew how they operated, how their countless hands and ears were always vigilant. Their actions on Nar Shadda ensured that they were going to be after them very soon and - to lesser regard - that the Empire would be mobilizing their assets in Hutt Space. Time was running out for them, far quicker than any of them would've cared to admit. They needed an answer and they needed it now.

Currently, Cere and Cal were nestled on the kitchen table with the former tending to Cal's broken nose.

''Nah, it's okay. Really. Can't really explain it myself, to be honest. Out of nowhere, that explosion happened and there was this Lasat and this Twi'lek - could be another pair of bounty hunters. Well, they attacked me on some rooftop, kept me there until I managed to find you. You know the rest of the story.''

Cal winced as Cere put a bacta-patch on him. She looked Cal deeply into his eyes before she sighed, shaking her head once before she continued. She knew Cere - she didn't believe that he wasn't in any pain. Truth be told, neither did she. Other people would've probably passed out by now if the amount of blood on his leathery poncho was any indication. Apparently as always, however, Cal merely soldiered on, taking the pain like a champ while Cere ensured that the cooling bacta was spread equally on his face.

''Got it. Wasn't really any different on our side. Got the call that Greez and Merrin were in danger, we got there and ... '' she removed her hands from his face, mustering him up and down before she nodded in silent acceptance.

''... Bum. An explosion that could've been straight out of the Clone Wars. '' That was one way to tactfully put it, Trilla thought. Cal grimaced as he looked into a nearby mirror, thoughtfully letting his fingers wander up to his nose, trying not to laugh at the bright-pink patch that now rested on his face.

Must be nice having such a sort of humor, Padawan Kestis.

''Listen, I don't wish to dismantle this caring ambiance but I fear that if I don't, we'll be stuck in this limbo until the next set of bounty hunters find us.''

There it was once more, that unneeded aggressive edge that her voice carried seemingly into every conversation. Luckily, neither Cal nor Cere seemed to be particularly faced by her tone, though she did manage to note Cere's personal brand of worry spreading on her features. She left her position at the colorful aquarium and made her way over to the table with slight worry in her steps, the relative closeness to both Jedi still managing to make her feel weird somewhat. But just as Cal did shortly before, she simply carried on and grabbed another seat, planting it upfront of the narrow table and folding her hands in front of her chin, her exhausted eyes steered to the both of them. Although her connection to the Force was currently damped, she had no problems in noticing the many signs of exhaustion setting in within their faces. She knew that Cere was with her until she woke up, but she at least assumed that Cal was resting whilst she slept. The heavy way his chest rose and fell in an unhealthy rhythm spoke to the contrary.

''I understand you're all tired. I do, believe me. However, this current course of artificial stagnation needs to end - we need to leave Hutt Space and find a place to stay low, for real this time. No matter whether you wish to take the fight to the Empire or hide this out in its entirety, jumping through hyperspace until we're out of fuel won't do us any good.''

She closed her mouth shut, judging their reactions to her words. It appeared as if Cal's mind went to work immediately, his fingers dancing along the metal surface of the kitchen table as he was lost in thought. Cere, however, bore no such reaction. She just sat there, looking down at her hands as she kept silent.

''There are a couple of planets I know from my time as ... '' Trilla shut her eyes close, groaning in the process. Given that they all knew what precisely she intended to say, she continued after a short moment of silence.

''They might not be the cradle of civilization, but they are relatively peacefully. Minimal Imperial presence - both obvious and hidden. No doubt that we'd have some peace there until we find the resources to do whatever you wish to do with the Empire. I will warn you, though: anyone that's looking for us would no doubt check the places where I've been to, eventually. Force be willing, they'll think us to dumb to try. Thoughts?''

''What, so we can wait around until your sisters and brother or whatever you all call each other find us once more and do us good this time 'round?'' huffed Greez as he walked over to them, two of his arms put in front of his chest in a protective and annoyed manner. Immediately, Cere's body went stiff, something akin to annoyance spreading through her face as she stared at Greez in disbelief.

''Greez, come on. We talked about this ... - ''

''Did we? Cause both you and Cal basically summed all of this up with - '' he raised his hands in a mocking fashion '' - the Force wills it. Yada, yada.''

Was he being serious right now? In what reality did the pilot have to live in that he thought that now was the perfect time for such a conversation? Trilla was keenly aware of the fact that they'd have to talk about their past eventually - and she would never deny that. However, now all that mattered was getting out of here. Trilla grunted in utter annoyance at Greez's childish display. Two could play this game if he so wished.

''Interesting. Do tell me one thing, wasn't it enough to get one your own almost killed because of your immaturity? Do my nerves have to be its next victim?'' she scuffed in an irked way.

Of course there was not much gained by stepping down to his level, but it was of utmost importance to shut this line of conversation down in this very instant. Their lives depended on a rapid response to their current situation, there was no time for such trivialities. As usual though, fate had something else in mind for her as her response only managed to infuriate the Latheron more. He quickly pointed his fingers at her before he raised his voice anew:

''That's rich. You know what the problem with you - all of you - is? You people believe that because you know that Force-thingy, your actions mean nothing. Action and reaction? Scratch that. Why live through the consequences of them if the ''Dark Side'' did it? How many wars did you lightsaber-lovers start? How often did you take responsibility? Certainly not for the countless that have died during those times, eh? Because of course you didn't. The Force, it's going to have an answer for everything, right? Give me a rest, damn it. Jedi and the Dark Side and everything in between ... believe it or not, but for us, it's just all the same. People crazy with power and enthralled dogma, trying to shove it down our throats whether we like it or not.''

Out of nowhere, Cere slammed her fist down at the table, the strength of it enough to bring the plates on it to vibrate visibly. With an angry huff, she bolted out of her chair and looked down at Greez with anger evident in her eyes.

''That's enough, Greez!'' she shouted in an uncharacteristic fashion. Some seconds later, she recoiled at the own severity of her voice, looking down at her knuckles that began to shake slightly beforehand.

''All of it ... Merrin. The mercenaries. It was my fault, I shouldn't have let you go, I should've told you all to stay put, but ... ''

''But you had to look after her. I get it.'' interrupted Greez deadpan.

''You think I had a choice?! Do you know what they did to me in that damned Fortress? What the pain did to my mind?! What it would do to everyone attuned to the Force? How could you even understand, explaining the Force to someone like you would be like explaining a masterpiece of art to someone blind, though most likely not as ludicrous as you.'' With every word that uncontrollably jumped out of her mouth, her anger grew as much as the ferocity of her voice, if not more. Trilla too left her chair hastily, furiously waltzing towards Greez. If he wished to have this conversation now, so be it. But she wouldn't suffer such insolence. Not from him.

Once more, however, Cal Kestis surprised her. Without much effort, he easily stepped between them, planting himself firmly in the middle as he looked at them with a mixture of exhaustion and sadness glittering over his eyes.

''Please, listen to me for a second. All of you ... I know it's been rough. Been so ever since the Fortress Inquisitorius, I know. But none of us are thinking straight right now. Force knows I'm too tired for it and so are you! Errors have happened on every side, trying to find blame here will bring us nothing.''

Trilla granted Greez a scornful sight before she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before she frowned unapologetically at Cal. So be it, she mused darkly. As long as they'd listen to her advice, she'd endure such acts of immaturity. She just wanted this to be over with.

''Ordel. It's in the Mid Rim near Tatooine and Geonosis. Get us there.''

Ignoring the numerous voices that brewed up behind her, Trilla marched away, making her way to the small quarter underneath Cal's crafting table that she claimed for herself. It wasn't luxurious, far from it, but it was enough for her taste. It was well hidden from prying eyes, granting her a modicum of privacy and it kept her safe from any unwanted incursions, be it from the ship's pilot or otherwise. With ease, Trilla slid down the ladder, pulling her lightsaber from her belt and putting it on a nearby crate. From above, she could still hear the dampened voices of the others, more likely than not continuing their argument even without her present.

''No matter. I'm above this.''

Trilla shut her eyes and settled herself on the floor, crossing her legs as she tried to soothe her feelings. She could understand the pilot from a rational viewpoint, at least. Ever since the Fortress, the crew of the Mantis has been on the run without even a short respite. He was as tired as the others, if not more so. Where Cal and Cere could call upon the Force for strength, Greez had no such abilities. With Merrin's Nightsister magick, he was the normal one amongst oddities. Comparing his abilities to theirs would be pointless. However, even then, he should've been grateful for trying to steer them in the right direction. He should have thanked her for -

No. You're above this.

She tried to attune her senses to the cosmic flow of the Force, trying to call upon its power. She focused her senses on the subtle humming of the engines, the regular dripping of oil from one of the pipes above her, the sound of tired feet being dragged from overhead. And with one final breath, she let go of that what kept her anchored in reality, giving herself up into the ever-flowing current of energy that was the Force. She felt two presences - both strong in the Light, even if one of them was more shallow than the other - pulsating with life, their once so vast auras growing weaker with every second their tired bodies resisted the urge to sleep. Nearby, she could sense something different altogether, a power born within the Dark Side, yet still not as insidious and twisted as she personally knew it.

The Nightsister. Merrin.

For a fragment of a moment, Trilla could even see the Latheron through the Force, though his presence disappeared as soon as she managed to grasp it. And as he disappeared, so did the rest of them. She slowly exposed her eyes before she grunted in frustration. She could feel the Force, call upon it during the heat of battle even, if nowhere near as effective as before, but still, it felt as if her senses were blind to it. She sighed anew ere she started to remove her clothing, hoping that at least some rest would grant her the answers she sought.

Cal - Day 1- the Mantis

''You're going to be okay now?'' he put his gloved hand on Cere's shoulder, looking at her with pity before she nodded weakly at him, raising her thumb and pointing it toward the other end of the Mantis.

''It's just ... difficult, that's all. Greez and Trilla, Merrin ... - lots of mistakes happened on Nar Shaddaa.'' With the mere push of a button, the door to Cere's cabin opened. Before Cal could look, Cere disappeared within her room, leaving him stranded in front of it with only silence as a companion.

''It wasn't your fault, you know.'' he ushered quietly even if Cere could no longer hear him. Cal walked down the empty halls of the Mantis once more lost in thought. They had the resources now, all right, even if they wouldn't last them forever. But was it worth it? Merrin was hurt, Greez was fed up with the entirety of this situation, Cere was hurt more than even she herself knew and Trilla - well, that was an entire chapter of problems of its own to deal with. Though he could feel how his limbs grew weaker by the minute, there was still something he liked to do: visit Merrin and ensure that she was resting comfortably. Entering her room with silent steps, he carefully closed the door behind him, paying close attention that he wouldn't wake her.

''Just wanted to check-in, making sure that you're ok.'' Cal said in a hushed tone. He shook his head and stepped next to her bunk, scratching his jaw while he did so and peering down at her with a hurtful expression growing in his face.

''Not going to lie, Merrin. I miss you. Right now, I could really use your advice. Things are getting ... well, it's tense. With Trilla and Greez and ... - '' he put his face in the palms of his hand, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes in the process, burying his head in it.

''Just come back to us, alright? We need you, Merrin. I need you.''

AN: That one was perhaps more rushed than needed, but I think we all really wanted to leave Nar Shaddaa behind for now, right? They deserve a calmer place to be.

Guest: Thank you! You're amazing :)

EsmeraldaSnarkle: You have no idea how often I've debated this with myself. It's just so weird to explain, gosh. Alright, try not to laugh but somehow, all the spaces make the story look so - can I call it artificial? Put together as if by clue? You probably know what I mean. From a visual standpoint, it just looks so outlandish to me. However, I understand the purpose of it. And I got to admit, both reading; writing and editing are easier that way.

Thanks for both your nice words and feedback! :) Though your praise keeps me afloat, it is feedback like that I crave in order to improve this story! So a big double thank-you for you!

General: What do you all think about the spacing? I shall try to space the lines out more, especially before and after dialogues. Let's give this a go for a couple of chapters!

Also, thanks for over 7000 views! That is simply AMAZING.