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Chapter Thirteen: Bonds of Injustice

5 BBY, Simbarc

For a girl, Aris Valar weighed a fucking ton. She didn't seem like much but, combined with his broken arm and her being completely dead weight, it seemed that Aris had been hiding something under those lumpy grandma robes she refused to part with.

"Come on, Aris," he muttered, shaking her roughly in his grip as he tried to balance her against the nearest wall in a drugged slump, "Get up, sweetheart."

She moaned dumbly in response, saliva dripping down her slack jaw as she grinned at him in fascination. Her eyes were half closed making her look rather happy.

It was almost disturbing how unsettling her happy face was.

Dropping her as gracefully as he could against the prison wall, Han Solo found himself at a slight loss for words as he accessed how the hell he had gotten into such a mess.

Well, it wasn't really that confusing of a story to begin with.

They had been tipped off by an old association on a huge smuggling job for the Resistance.

Simbarc, an Empire mining planet run by gangs of all sorts, was a fairly lawless place in a fairly unlawless time. The Empire was fine letting things slide if the gangs supplied them the ores they needed to fuel their domination. In exchange, the group with the most contribution would be rewarded with guns for an internal war against each other. It was an almost flawless system where the Empire benefited not only from the chaos they created but from the ores they demanded in exchange for such chaos.

Which was why when the Rebel Alliance had come knocking about a spy in the Kalraxis gang's ranks it seemed like an easy win for all sides. The spy would let them into the storage unit, Han and his crew would retrieve the guns, and the Empire wouldn't even notice a thing. It wasn't unusual for the gangs to raid each other's storage for weapons and supplies. If the plan went well, they'd be just another event in the constant wars that devastated Simbarc's already devastated land.

Well, things had, as usual, gone straight to hell as soon as they stepped foot on the planet's surface.

The spy, it turned out, was a complete moron who had forgot to inform them that the guns were traced with trackers.

That had let them to their current situation. Aris, drugged up beyond belief, and himself watching her in morbid fascination.

"You're a horrible look out by the way," Han muttered, patting away her grabby hands as she attempted to claw at his shirt, "Didn't think to look at the back door, did you?"

She grinned at him in a weird impersonation of an infant, and Han almost smiled back. She was a lot more bearable when she wasn't bleating about his bad life choices. She had done her best, in truth. He had been the one to drop his gun leaving her no choice but to surrender. She had taken out a fair few with her freaky powers, and, in retaliation, they had drugged her up to ensure she wouldn't go throwing people through windows again.

"Stop that," Han snapped as her hands once more went for his face, "How many times do I have to tell you that I'm out of your league, dummy?"

It wasn't as funny of a joke when she wasn't coherent enough to scowl at him. Instead, she just grunted like a seal, smacking her hands together and drooling.

At least something had come out of this: it seemed that the all powerful Force wasn't worth much when it came to being drugged.

Aris collapsed against him then in a flurried fit of spasms. Her body twitched, and Han nearly threw up at the thought of what might be happening. Frantically, he threw his body over hers, leaning over her in preparation for either her sudden death or her sudden vomiting as she rejected the poison that was slowly leaking through her veins.

Instead, however, her body jerked once more, and her eyes closed. The steady rise and fall of her chest was the only indication that she was still alive.

And so Han Solo sat staring her chest. Her breaths were, in that moment, more important than anything. They represented his own survival. Without her, he knew that they'd never get out of there. Though her abilities were the greatest oddities in his life, they also represented a power he would never know. If anyone would be able to get them out of this impossible situation, it would be her.

And, she had done it before. More times than he could count. After that day on Dantoonie, Aris Valar and Axel Kentar had proved nearly invaluable. Every job was far easier when someone in their group could sense danger before it even came. Time and time again over the last month, she had saved his life.

Yet, in a way, he trusted her even less than he did before. It wasn't her loyalty or her intentions that he mistrusted. Instead, there was something off about her that ceaselessly played at his mind. It was in the way she sat brooding in the darkness of the ship. It was in the words she spoke as she vehemently argued with Axel about her place as a Jedi. It was in her eyes. She had cold eyes. Eyes that showed darkness and hurt and frustration but never joy or comfort or peace.

She was often volatile, and never without something to say when anyone seemed to accuse her of being wrong. She cautiously walked into every situation yet never walked in without full heart. At the same time, she would wake up retching before every mission in nervous anxiety.

They acted like they didn't hear her. But, her nerves got to him. Axel claimed she was learning and haunted. Han thought she was borderline crazy.

"Up against the wall, smuggler," a voice snapped from the cell door, "We're going on a little trip."

The door slid open, and a tall young Balosar grinned at him from the doorway. Behind him, he was flanked by two giant reptilian beasts with large glowing staffs in their hands.

"At least take me out on a date first before you invite me along for a vacation, pal."

Han's remark was met with a sharp whack to the stomach that had his sprawling onto the floor. His body jerked with the electrical force that flew through his body in a frantic current leaving him immobile for seconds after.

"Talk again, and you die," the Balosar stepped closer to hover in what no doubt he perceived to be an intimidating stance, "The price on her head is far greater than what's on yours. You owe quite a few debts, Solo. Debts that can be paid dead or alive."

Of course, they couldn't just kill them and be done with it. Instead, they were gonna sell them off to the highest bidder. His was up in the air. Aris's, however, was undisputable. The Empire had been a step behind every move they made. Had it not been for Axel's uncanny ability at creating disguises, assassins would have long caught up with them. Anyone who delivered a Jedi would be sitting on gold for years to come. She was a tempting incentive for anyone.

Blood money was always the most lucrative sort of wealth. It was also the most dangerous. The scent of a Jedi brough characters of all sorts. All willing to kill to bring in their bounty alive.

It was a business for those who enjoyed staring down death. It was a business for killers.

They were in deep waters now, and Han Solo feared the beasts that had yet to reveal themselves below the surface.

Han spluttered as he tripped and ate another handful of dark ugly rocks.

It was decided. He fucking hated Simbarc. Worst planet ever. Bottom of the list. Never coming back.

He also decided, as he was being dragged by his cuffed hands across the floor, that he hated the Rebe Allaince. Because, in truth, it was their fault he was in this situation in the first place. Here he was about to die for a cause he really didn't believe him.

Aris was currently in a much worse situation ahead of him. She had been thrown over one of the large reptile guard's shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Her head lulled rather precariously back and forth in a way that seemed incredibly uncomfortable. One too sharp turn, and Han was sure he'd hear her neck snap.

In truth, Han was hoping that the dumb beast would drop her. A good smack to the head would surely wake her up long enough for her to throw some Jedi magic at them. He willed her to wake up in his mind, concentrating as well as he could on the bloody mass of hair at the back of her head.

Yet, as the duo was dragged towards the small ship that was no doubt prepared for their lovely trip to their deaths, Han was seriously beginning to give up all hope.

Suddenly, a sound unlike anything he had ever heard cut across the empty plane of rock that separated Han and his captors from their destination. He would never forget the sound, a faint sizzling that sent a chill down his spine, nor would he ever forget the sight of Axel Kentar stepping out from behind the ship with his hands braced on a brilliant glowing green sword.

For weeks, Han had been edging the man into revealing the weapon that always laid on his hip. Axel had refused, claiming that his weapon wasn't a toy.

Han figured he was scared. A lightsaber was a symbol a Jedi. A lightsaber meant that you were ten seconds away from joining the heaps of dead legends who had come before. It drew attention in more ways than one.

Then, everything happened too quickly. Axel was flipping around like a maniac. The reptiles were screaming and flinging their staffs around. Han was sent flying backwards by some unseen force. And then it was silent.

"They obviously did not expect me to show up," Axel greeted, turning off his fancy sword as he dislodged it from the Balasor's back, "Or they would have had more guards."

"I could kiss your right now, Kentar." Han wobbled to his feet, untangling himself from the robes that bound his hands.

"I'll pass, wouldn't want Chewbacca to get jealous, would we?" A ghost of a smile crossed his face as he crossed over to kneel in front of Aris's prone form. He muttered a few words, scooping her into his arms in one swift movement, "I told you two to wait."

His words were swift and cutting yet they revealed no anger. Axel never seemed to be angry yet his eyes, blue like lightning, sparked.

"And we told you that your plan was stupid."

"If you had waited, this would have never have happened," Axel was walking diligently ahead, and Han found himself struggling to catch up with the frantic pace he was making towards the ship that was slowly emerging in the distance, "I don't know how you convinced her."

It hadn't taken much. All he had on her was his ship. He had promised her passage to Metellos so she could go get her damn lightsaber. It had been a low form of blackmail that he regretted yet Aris had only seen it as an easy trade. It had been a mistake, but he would never admit that.

"Probably has something to do with my charming good looks and sense of humor."

Aris awoke to the Force.

She was standing in a great arena with enemies surrounding her on all sides. There were Jedi everywhere. Sabers of all colors were lighting up the world around her in away that gave her hope. Yet, among the living, hundreds laid dead at her feet.

Stumbling forward, she tripped over a body and was sent sprawling to the ground. The sand, hot and harsh, rubbed uncomfortably against her palms as she stared into dead eyes.

They were Jedi eyes. The woman was garbed head to toe in the traditional wear of those who had once been her family. She was a fair tall woman, yet it was not her face that drew Aris's gaze. It was the young boy that was weeping heavily at her side.

He was a thin little thing. Too skinny and too tall for his own body. And his cries were horrifying. They erupted against her, and she felt for him.

A figure emerged, setting a great clawed hand upon the young boy's shoulder.

"Rise, boy. We are not done yet."

And it was then the boy looked up, and Aris knew without a doubt she was staring at a young Axel Kentar. His eyes of ice were all his own as was the look of tribulation in his gaze.

With a gasp, she found herself flying up. Aris frantically took in her surroundings, clawing at the sheets that covered her to find some sort of freedom from the nightmare she had been trapped in. Breathing shakily, her hands rose to trace her face. She was whole again. No longer was she watching from beyond.

"You're alright," a soothing hand pushed her sweaty hair out of her face with soft tenderness, "We're aboard the Millennium Falcon on course for Metellos."

Axel, she realized as his face hovered close to her own, had not changed much since he was a boy. Though his hair had grown long and his face gaunter, he was very much the same as he had been in her dreams. Still steadyfast and still strong.

"I saw-"

"I was projecting rather foolishly during my meditations," he interjected, and Aris saw the shame in his eyes, "Master Yoda used to chastise me for losing myself in the Force. You saw my memories."

"The Battle of Geonosis. That was where your first Master died."

"Yes," he frowned, "I live with it to this day. She was shot down saving me. I was so eager to prove myself in front of hundreds of Jedi. I wasn't ready for such a fight, and I paid the price for it."

Aris sat up slowly, grimacing at the slight pain the sprung up throughout her skull. Wearily, she ran her fingers over the healing gash at the base of her head. The hair around it was sticky with dried blood, but the wound itself was cleaned with almost military care.

She always forgot Axel had also once fought in the Clone Wars. He rarely spoke of himself, and Aris reviled in the fact she did not have to explain her own pains and histories to him. It was a silent agreement that the past was to be forgotten, and the future was where their paths led. Yet, as she looked at his sad gaze, Aris realized quite suddenly that there was much he too could teach her despite his young age and his status of only a Jedi Knight.

"What was her name?"

"June Dukar," he rasped in an almost silent question, "It's been years since I've spoken her name."

"You do her an injustice to let her memory fade like that."

His nostrils flared as he pulled back from her suddenly. Eyes flashing, his lips tensed horribly as she saw him trying to contain his growing temper.

She wanted him to scream at her. Dared him to flip out. It would be all the better than the silent ally he had been playing for weeks.

"I do no such thing," he finally said with a strained grimace as if he was fighting back a thousand other words.

"She deserves to be spoken of and remembered. She died like a true Jedi. Don't let her disappear from us like the others."

He stood, knocking his knees into the side of her cot with the swift moment. For a second, he stared down at her rather like he wanted to lean over and strangle her. Aris almost smiled at the thought of Han walking into a full out duel but figured a smile would hardly be appropriate with the way he was sneering.

"You don't know what it's like," he spat, "How could you claim to know what's best for her memory? I was her Padawan. I knew her."

It was then he stopped out of the room like a petulant child, showing the most emotion he had in her entire time of knowing him.

"So," Han said casually as Aris joined him in the cockpit, "Any reason our dear friend Axel has locked himself in Engineering?"

"Beats me," Aris replied, throwing herself behind him and staring out at the planet the were currently drifting over. It was an odd purple color and hazy but even from space she could see the massive city that encompassed the entirety of the planet, "What's the deal with Metellos? Should we worried about Imperial problems?"

"Honey, we should always be worried about the Empire," Han replied, spinning his chair around to face her fully, "But, if we keep our head down, it should be alright. Empire is here but not fully in charge. This place is run by big business and big crime. Home sweet home."

"Where are you from, Han?"

"Born and raised on the streets of Corellia."

Of all the worlds, Corellia had not been the one Aris had been expecting. She had always assumed Han had crawled out of some sewer in the Unknown Regions. Yet, as she stared at him closely and in a new light, she saw the Core Worlds written all over him. It was in everything he did. It embodied the very difference between them.

"Corellia?" She said in surprise, "You're a city brat."

"I was a city brat," he corrected, a tick in his jaw the only indication he was slightly annoyed by the title, "Corellia isn't home, baby, it's just where I'm from. Home for me is here, aboard the Millenium Falcon."

"I was born on Chandrila," Aris burst suddenly, "That's where the Jedi found me."

"Found you?"

"All I remember is that my mother was a seamstress and that her hands were rough like sand. My father was a general in the military. He had a voice like leather, but he loved to sing."

At once, she was embarrassed by her sudden need to overshare. Heat filled her face, and she desperately tried to focus on the planet they were slowly floating towards. She could feel him staring at her.

"Maybe you're lucky you didn't know your parents," Han's voice washed over her like a cruel wave, "You'd probably be disappointed. I was."

"My father used to be a Jedi," as if that was some sort of indication about the parent he could have been "And he fell in love with my mother, so he was outcasted."

"Just because he was a Jedi doesn't mean he would have made a good father."

It was unsettling how true his words rang. In her heart, she knew the Jedi way made for poor parents. At least, the Jedi way as it used to be.

5 BBY, Metellos

Axel was gripping her tensely by the elbow as he attempted to weave her through the loud streets that were steadily growing more and more tense with ever passing moment.

They had left Han at a gambling den not even an hour before. Yet, as soon as they had entered the streets, they found themselves in the midst of a city wide protest. A protest that was slowly become more of a riot with every individual who added themselves to the crowd.

What a fucking mess.

Out of all the things they were trying to do, laying low was the most imperative. Of course, they had decided to go lightsaber hunting the day a rebellion protest was breaking out in the middle of the city. The streets were lined with more Stormtroopers than she had ever seen in one place. They stood out in the crowd, glowing white the midst of a swarm that was out for their blood.

The emotions around her were unsettling, and Axel was muttering in her ears trying to calm her.

"You've got to get control of your emotions," he hissed in her ears as he drew her close, "I can sense you more than anyone right now. Your feelings are giving me a headache. Learn to control them before they control you."

"I know that," Aris snapped, feeling suddenly defensive, "It isn't my fault. I don't trust this or the people or the crowds, and it's stressing me out!"

"It is your fault," Axel grabbed her chin rather harshly so she faced him head on. His face was grave, and Aris was startled by the intensity in his eyes, "I need you with me. These people cannot harm you unless you let them."

Mind your feelings, my Padawan.

Trust in the Force, Aris, as it will trust in you.

Let your instincts guide you. They will seldom lead you wrong.

You have so much fear!

Grimacing, Aris pulled away from him with a jerky nod of her head. She was ashamed of her own inability to control her fear. It was something that never ceased. She feared herself. She feared the Sith. She feared the future. Yet, she let him pull her along further into the crowds.

All around her men and woman were shouting, throwing their signs into the air as they marched on the Imperial headquarter building at the center of the city. The chanted, willing the Empire to hear their displeasure. The Stormtroopers lining the outside perimeter of the building were shifting uneasily, sensing they were far outnumbered.

"They'll be calling for backup soon," Axel said, leading her in the opposite direction, "And we want to be off planet before they do."

"What about-"

"We can't, Aris," Axel whispered, pulling her into a secluded alleyway, "We get ourselves involved, and we'll be in a cell awaiting out execution."

"They'll get killed, Axel."

Right as she spoke, a series of gun shots went through the air. Shrill shrieks of pain and panic filled the streets, and, at once, Axel was moving. Well, that was until they literally ran into a squadron of Stormtroopers and Imperial Officers who were dragging two cuffed young men in the opposite direction of the gun shots.

"Uh, hello," Axel calmly greeted.

The Stormtroopers shared a look. Aris could feel that they were silently judging if they thought they were a threat. The Imperial Officer, tall and looking slightly flustered, step forward to appraise them.

"Move along, civilians," he hissed, "These are highly trained criminals, and our haste is urgent in getting them to Empire quarters."

The two cuffed men did not look afraid. They stared harshly at her through the blood, dirt, and sweat that littered their features. The air of defiance around them was nearly tangible.

Aris pulled the blaster from her coat in sync with her determined ally. A ghost of a smile painted on her lips at the sound of surprise both Stormtroopers made. With a swift kick, the Imperial officer was on the ground with a hard smack just as Axel quickly shot the two Stormtroopers with nearly haunting precision.

"You'll regret this," the officer hissed, glaring up at them, "You'll-"

His voice was cut short as one of the newly freed men wrangled a Stormtroopers gun into his cuffed hands and shot him dead. The air around them stilled as they group examined each other wearily.

"You two are quick," the killer said, his face was littered with heavy scars but he was smiling all the same, "Lightning quick. Didn't even blink before you had your guns out. The rebellion needs that kind of skill."

"You've done us a great service, friends," the other said rubbing his newly freed wrists, "Good night for us to be found out as spies, in truth. These three will just be another casualty in a failed rebellion."

Rebel spies. Well, it was a bloody good thing these two weren't actual criminals. She stared them down with a fascination that surprised her. These were the first actual faces of the rebellions she had seen. And, in truth, they were rather unimpressive. They were dirtied and scarred and looking like any other man on the street. They were so human it was nearly funny.

"You can repay the favor by telling us where we can rent a ship," Axel smiled, "We did just save your lives."

"And we're grateful for it." the scarred one said, "The rebellion is too. Go to dock 214, there's a man there by the name of Zimmer. He'll set you up given you have a few credits."

"Tell him you're with the Rebel Alliance, and you might even get a discount. Renting ships has been a rough business since the Empire's been cracking down. More powerful we get, the more the Empire strikes back."

"Are you getting more powerful?"

The men could evidently sense the doubt in their words as they both stiffened. Their faces took on a look of proud stubbornness, and Aris felt respect. Respect in the way they persisted even in the face of defeat.

"This can't last forever, girly. We might not be much now, but it's coming. The Empire will pay for what they've done."

Axel was striding ahead of her through the empty streets. The sound of shouting and gunfire still sounded in the far distance, but it was merely an echo. An echo of a fire that would soon be shut out.

"I remember this place. It's a shadow of a memory, truly. But, I remember it all the same." Axel said suddenly as they turned into a large docking yard. The yard was long, but it was empty. The very floors of the landing pad were nearly falling apart with signs of misuse and disinterest. She could see where it once would have been a booming establishment. Now, only the shadows of adventure and hope shone out.

"Your Master took you here?"

"Not to this docking bay, no," his reply was slightly cold, remnants of their argument playing out in his voice, "But, not far from here, the Jedi had their own dock for newly trained Jedi. I don't think I've been so excited since."

Aris found a flutter of excitement hit her. She was finally getting her own lightsaber. All her life, she had trained with the lightsaber of her Master's old apprentice, Anakin. Now, she would finally be able to make a name for herself.

She knew her lightsaber would be perfect. It would be brilliant. It would be all the things she dreamed it would be. The color, she hardy could care. But, it would be all hers.

"Jedi don't come around here no more," a voice croaked from the shadows, and Axel's hand instantly went to his hip where his lightsaber was hidden, "The days of the Jedi are long gone."

He emerged like a phantom, eyes an unnerving white that stared lifelessly at them. He was a small elderly man, back bent from years of use. He was garbed in all grey, a hood covering his wispy haired head. Even from the distance between them, Aris could tell he smelt distinctly of old sewage.

"Zimmer?"

"Ay, that's what the rebellion brats call me. Something tells me you two aren't part of the alliance."

"Something tells me you know more about us then you let on."

He cackled loudly at Aris's words, a hunched over breathy laugh that hinted at years of illness and abuse. His elderly disposition made her uncomfortable, and Aris grimaced as he continued to cough.

"Nothing more than what I've overheard, girl. If you're looking to make the jump to Ilum, you'll be disappointed by what you find. The Empire destroyed those caves long ago and with it the legacy of the Jedi. To go there is folly now."

"Tell me, friend," Axel said, stepping towards him and opening his arms wide, "If the legacy of the Jedi has died, how do I stand before you now? I am a Jedi Knight, the Padwan of two great Jedi. Jane Dukar, who fought and died as a hero on the sands of Geonosis. And Plo Koon, Jedi Master and General. They might have died but what the Jedi stood for still remains in those who choose to follow in their footsteps."

He was dramatic, to be sure. But, Aris had more respect for him in that moment than she had ever had. She could see then the Jedi he could have been. The Jedi he may very well could become. His arms, opened wide, offered the world all he had as any Jedi would do. He dared those who questioned him to stand in their defiance, and the Force breathed life around them.

"You mistake my caution for disrespect," the old man bowed his head low, "They were my friends. All of them. They once called me the Gatekeeper. It was…it is my greatest pride to have escorted every Jedi in this generation to their lightsaber. But, it is all gone. There is no hope."

"Let us find that out for ourselves, Gatekeeper. If you claim to be a friend to the Jedi, do your job one last time. We need a ship."

"The pathway is watched," Zimmer's voice cracked with tense emotion at her words, "They will see your jump. And they will follow. The Empire has been on Ilum since the start. They mine the planet, use it to fuel their fight. You will not be a lone."

"We will deal with the Empire," Aris replied tensely, "Let them come."

Aris buckled in her restraints quickly, feeling nauseous as the thought of what they were about to do hit her. As soon as they jumped, they would be sitting in Imperial space. Though, according to Zimmer, the main facilities were nowhere near where the caves sat, it didn't dispute the fact that the Empire had a base on Ilum. It didn't help that her life was completely in Axe's hands. The ship was cozy. Two seats, one in front of the other, with Axel in command. She was literally helpless if something were to happen midflight

"We're going to have to go straight towards the caves." Axel said tensely in front of her, flipping switches and checking the navigational coordinates tensely, "Anything further out, we'll fly ourselves right onto an Imperial mining hub. But, the further in we go…the land that surrounds the caves is fragile. We run a high chance of crashing this ship straight into the sea."

"Wonderful," Aris replied dryly, her leg was shaking with tense anticipation, "Anything else I should know?"

"This jump is the only one know to the general public. Which means, unless we have a ton of allies on Metellos, we're alone in this."

"Fuck," Aris breathed, closing her eyes as a familiar migraine pierced her skull, "I'm going to throw up."

"Chin up, kid," Axel smiled at her, he looked almost feral in the glowing light around them as the ship began to ignite for takeoff, "With any luck, we'll be in and out."

"You almost look excited."

"I am," he admitted, "It's like being back."

Swallowing nervously, Aris closed her eyes as she felt the ship rumble through the air. They were rising, rising, rising up out of the planet's atmosphere. She could hear Axel muttering to himself, logging in the track for the jump they were about to make. In her head, Aris willed the Force to guide her.

Let me be calm. Guide me to be calm. I am not afraid. I am a Jedi. There is no fear. There is only serenity.

The familiar lurch of lightspeed hit her, and Aris's concentration shattered. She took in the small white planet that emerged before her. It was small, unassuming, yet it was damaged. Even from the air, she could see the massive cuts that went down to the planet's core. The red clashed horribly with the white seas of snow that naturally held the planet's surface.

"We're coming in hot," Axel shouted, and the ship went spiraling down toward the planet's surface, "Hold on to something."

Aris flew forward in her seat roughly as she watched their small ship go flying through the planet's atmosphere towards the white ground. In the distance, she vaguely saw the evidence of massive military settlements in the smooth plains to the east. Their destination was not so smooth. Their ship was heading directly towards a giant mountainous ice range that was growing increasingly closer as they picked up speed.

"Pull up! Pull up! For fuck's sake, pull up!" Aris was screaming, but their speed seemed to only increase with her frantic cries. Axel's face was drawn in concentration, a pale and horrible white that made him look almost dead.

He was trying to kill her.

And then his hands went flying, flickering and pulling levers. The ship went sailing sideways, and Aris felt blood rushing through her head as she tried to blurrily focus on their destination.

"Oh Force," she swore as his plan fully dawned on her, "You're trying to fly us between the mountain. We won't make it!"

"We have to make it!"

The mountain loomed over them now, and Aris screamed as the ship went screeching through the tight mountain passageway that Axel had decided was their route. She could hear the metal of the old ship scream in protest as the icy boulder ripped its surface. All around them, ice was shattering.

"It's too narrow there!"

It was too narrow. The exit of the passage could barley fit a speeder. It would never fit a small functioning ship. Axel seemed to realize it too. He gazed back at her in muted horror.

In second, multiple things happened all at once.

Axel pressed down the ship's accelerator, picking up enough speed to burst through the icy wall.

Aris threw out her hands in an attempt to soften the disastrous landing they were about to experience.

The ship hauled through the crack in the great cliff, sending ice down on the already batter ship.

The damage and force of the ice was too great. They were spiraling down and down and down. Out of control. Out of hope. With a shriek, Axel pressed the landing functions. Aris held her hands out, shielding her face and willing the ship to slow.

With a loud groan, the ship went sliding into the icy ground. Aris felt herself flying through her restraints, head smacking harshly against the back of Axel's seat. Then, it was silent.

Aris could only hear herself breathing. Her ears were ringing, trying to find focus after the assault of sounds and crashes that had attacked all her senses. She gritted her teeth, the pain in her head suddenly quite real.

Collapsing back in her seat, she let out a loud curse.

What a fucking trip.

"Well, doubt the Empire saw us with how fast we were moving." Axel smiled, looking slightly flustered but otherwise very much alive, "Good thinking using the Force to guide us in. Saved us from crashing."

"Oh, so you wouldn't call this crashing?!" Aris spat, angrily unbuckling herself, "We most definitely just crashed, Axel. Open up this ship. I need to get out of here."

He had the smarts to do so instantly. The hood of the ship popped open, and Aris flung herself out and over onto the cold icy ground with a loud frustrated shriek. With all her might, she rounded on the slightly started man who was slowly crawling his way out after her.

"We could have gone around!"

"Which would have put us straight into Imperial sight. Start thinking, Valar, we've got to take risks."

Everything he said made sense which was the most frustrating part. Refusing to back down, Aris crossed her arms and turned away from him to inspect that land around them.

They were standing in a large field of ice and snow. All around them were the same icy mountains they had just come from. All around them, that is, except for to the east. There, instead, was a massive cliff of blue eye that sloped high and wide. Even from the miles of distance, Aris could see the sharp jagged edges of the cliff, and, she knew instantly that their destination lied among those edges.

"Welcome to Ilum," Axel spoke, passing by her with a slight smirk, "Grab the jackets in the back. We'll be needing them."