The sun has come out and it shines through between the peaks of the hillside. Breeze ruffles the trees molten red leaves, carrying the smells of perfumery of the alpine while fleeces of cloud pass overhead. The Winterwisp mountain - as Mudrock's group calls it - cast a majestic blueish silhouette in the distance.
The walk to Rhodes Island cabin is accompanied by serenades of the planet's morning creatures. The sheer beauty of the scenery distracts him from the constant pain, at least for a short moment before the sound of mechanisms hardwired into him begins to drowns out other sound. Hard and harsh it comes out, and it scrapes nerves already raw. It serves as a constant reminder that he doesn't have lungs anymore.
Vader shifts his focus to scrutinizing his company. He's at the rear while Logos and Murdock are at the front walking next to each other. The injured and the slaves fill the middle, protected from all possible angle of attack by the Rhodes Islanders and the still able-bodied from Mudrock's group. Together, they bolstered the strength of 12.
Taking in the diverse composition of his present company, Mudrock's group consists of Sarkaz while the Rhodes Islanders and the slaves are comprised of humanoid feline with pointed ears peeking through the holes in their hats, scaly tails and various animals features that he couldn't recognize.
A towering Sarkaz male with an ugly scar across his face casts him a side glance as they walk. Apparently, the sound of his breathing become the source of his annoyance, "Can you stop making that noise?"
Vader's response is a swift and firm, "No."
"The noise will only attract unwanted attention to us."
"It will not," Vader asserts, harnessing his rising anger to exude an intimidating aura. The Sarkaz swallows hard, sensing Vader's power. He refrains from further retorts.
Internally, Vader scoffs. They don't need to be on guard. He could smell the Dark Siders filthy stench from miles away. Not that he would tell them in case they plan to stab him in the back. Mutual distrusts seem to linger between the Rhodes Islanders, Mudrock's group, and him. Everyone knows that the alliance is one of convenience - an alignment of goals - survival for the Sarkaz and cautious altruism for the Rhodes Islanders. For Vader, they are essentially his glorified tour guides.
Caught in the middle, the rescued slaves can feel the unspoken tension yet they dare not voice their thoughts.
The motivations behind Logos inviting them to the Rhodes Island land ship and Mudrock's decision to follow despite the existing distrusts pique Vader's curiosity. However, delving into their minds using his mind probe ability is not a viable option. Both leaders possess a weak mental shield that, if breached, alert them to the intrusion and raises suspicion. Whether their mental defenses are a conscious or unconscious act remains unknown to him.
Regardless, he would leave as soon as he had extracted sufficient information, mind probe or no mind probe.
One of the injured Sarkaz using a fallen tree branch as a makeshift cane trips his legs against an unseen stone. He would've fallen face first if it isn't for his teammate that manages to grabs his shoulder.
The group comes to an abrupt stop. Sarkaz medic comes to check on their injured.
"Let's take a 5 minutes break. The cabin is another half an hour away, and there would be a steep climb up a hill." Logos suggests.
Mudrock nods and orders her group to rest under a tree with the Rhodes Islanders and the slaves siting close by in agreement. Vader, on the other hand, maintains his distance. He crosses his arms as he leans his back against another nearby tree, opting to not join them and remaining stoic despite sensing the occasional stolen glances directed at him.
Sitting without a chair would make standing back up a hassle and he has no need to interact with them.
The medic from both groups proceed to tend the injured while passing over bars of food to everyone. The Sarkaz within Mudrock's group initially denies the offer until Mudrock reminds them about 'looking a gift horse in the mouth'.
It's an unknown idiom, but probing the Sarkaz's mind reveals that it refers to their rapidly dwindling supply. Vader doubts the Sarkaz is unable to hunt and forage for food, the Dark Siders must've instilled deep fear to the point they are afraid split up.
Vader hears crushing of dried leaves and snapping twigs approaching him. His gaze shifts towards a Rhodes Island medic treading towards him, "Vader, would you like a chocolate energy bar?"
Vader shakes his head, declining the gesture. The medic, seemingly relieved to be spared further interaction with him, turns around and rejoins her group without a word. However, his amusement is cut short by the discomfort in his injured lungs, preventing an audible snort from escaping his nose.
"Logos, where are Operator Folinic and Operator Suzuran?" Mudrock asks.
"They went back to Rhodes Island after the crisis in Wolumonde had been resolved." Logos answers.
A Sarkaz with ashen hair, sitting at the other end of Mudrock and Logos, leans towards the same eye-patched Sarkaz sitting beside him and whispers, "Operator Folinic is the Feline, right? Who's Operator Suzuran again?"
"She's the Vulpo child. The one with the nine tails."
"Oh, I remember her."
"You know Operator Suzuran?" The Rhodes Island crossbowman chimes in, curious. He scots closer to the two Sarkaz.
"Your people make lasting impression. She's a sweet child." The eye patched Sarkaz replies.
"Shame that the world will ground her optimism into dust when she grows up." The ashen haired Sarkaz remarks. The Rhodes Island crossbowman's gaze hardens, his expression turning cold.
The eye-patched Sarkaz, realizing the potential conflict, attempts to intervene and mend the situation, but the damage has already been done.
"Operator Suzuran may be young, but she possesses a keen eye for identifying psychopaths. Wolumonde serves as a prime example." The Rhodes Island crossbowman interrupts with a firm tone and a chilling smile directed at the ashen-haired Sarkaz,
The ashen haired Sarkaz's gaze hardens into a glare, while the eye-patched Sarkaz winces. Fortunately for them, the rest of their respective groups are oblivious to the exchange. Alas, the Rhodes Islander crossbowman and the two Sarkaz are content on keeping the silence, afraid that one wrong word would shatter the fragile peace and ignite a heated shouting match between their groups.
Logos looks at his watch before standing and dusting off the dirt stuck to his pants. He asks, "Should we continue?"
Vader's company begins gathering their belongings and rising to their feet. Among them, a slave is struggling to stand up from a broken leg.
The Rhodes Island medic approaches the slave. "Do you need help?"
The slave shakes his head and give Logos an appreciative smile. "I'll manage. Thank you, Rhodes Island," the other slave grabs his hand and pulling him up.
Mudrock nods at Logos. "We are ready."
The group continued the journey with Vader still remaining at the rear. True to Logos' words, the group find themselves climbing to the top of a tall steep hill. Despite carrying the injured and accommodating the slower pace of the slaves, the Sarkaz and the Rhodes Islanders remain unfazed.
Reaching the summit, they pushed forward for several more minutes until they finally reached a clearing.
"This area has been trapped. Stay close and mind your step." Logos informs.
Following Logos' lead, the group forms a single line as they navigate around the hidden traps. As they moved, Vader senses sentient living beings perching at the top of the tallest tree that gives commanding view of the surroundings. Vader zoomed in his bionic sight. Sure enough, he sees a camouflaged treehouse cleverly nestling amongst the leave.
Before long, Vader sees a two-story cabin built from wooden logs. The architecture is rather primitive; the roof is pyramid, rather than a mix of sleek lines, domes, and angular structures commonly seen in civilizations that have achieved space travel. It has a brick chimney jutting from behind the cabin and a spacious front porch. The architecture, although primitive, evoked an unexplainable feeling of nostalgia.
"We are here." Logos states.
A Rhodes Islander, dressed in heavy attire for the cold, bursts out of the cabin's door and rushes toward them with three more Rhodes Islanders following closely behind him. This male feline individual, despites having a straight silky black hair that reaches his shoulder, exudes a sense of authority and experience.
"Lynx." Logos greets.
"Logos." Lynx replies. With urgency, he turns around to the three Rhodes Islanders and orders, "Bring the injured inside to the second floor."
The Rhodes Islander trio and the medic amongst Logos' group spring into action.
Mudrock steps forward, blocking their path. Her group instinctively readies their weapons at their leader's action.
Lynx is unphased. He meets Mudrock's gaze head on. "I understand your concerns but Rhodes Island is here as allies, not enemies. Our intention is to provide assistance, not to cause harm."
Logos adds, "Mudrock, allow Rhodes Island to help."
After a momentary pause, Mudrock steps aside, her grip on her weapon loosening. She exchanges a cautious glance with her comrades, silently communicating her decision. They make way for the Rhodes Island medics, allowing them to pass and attend and carry the injured Sarkaz and slaves.
The tension still lingers in the air, but Vader senses the fragile bridge of trust has been slightly solidified.
Once all of the injured have been brought in, Lynx turns his attention to Logos, "Welcome back."
Lynx then directs his gaze towards Mudrock and the rest of her group, offering them a genuine smile. "Welcome to Rhodes Island's Leithanien Cabin."
Lynx's eyes then fix upon Vader, a mix of curiosity and respect in his gaze. He asks, "Forgive my ignorance, but may I ask your name?"
"Vader," brief and direct.
Lynx nods before extending an invitation. "Come on in."
Mudrock and her group exchange glances but soon accepts the invitation.
Inside, the lights from the outside streams into the room through the windows. Furnitures are scattered throughout the cabin, including a large sofa, cushioned chairs, and a long wooden table. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books, trinkets, and mementos. A small kitchenette sat adjacent to the dining area, equipped with basic cooking essentials and a countertop for meal preparation.
"It's cold." The ashen haired Sarkaz remarks. Vader sticks out his tongue. Then, the display on the helmet visor confirms that the interior is indeed colder than the outside, likely due to ventilation issues.
"Just when you arrived, the heater decides to breaks down. Talk about timing," Lynx informs with a weary sigh. "It's an issue with the Originium circuit. Unfortunately, our resident mechanist and caster are currently out foraging to prepare for the winter."
The mention of Originium circuit piques his curiosity. The prospect of examining an unknown technology reignites a spark of excitement he doesn't know he had. He glances at Mudrock, who is about to volunteer, but he steps forward before she has a chance to speak.
"Allow me to take a look."
Vader sudden request to help elicits surprise from both groups.
Lynx raises his eyebrows. He beckons for the Rhodes Island shield bearer. The shield bearer produces a screwdriver from his pouch and handed it to Vader. "Get Vader a screwdriver."
Vader accepts it and proceed to take off the cover. Various electronics components and wires are all connected to a cylindrical translucent green crystal within the circuit that he assumes is 'Originium.
He senses a unique energy pulsating within it, resonating with the Force in a way that felt familiar yet different. His mind wandered to Kyber Crystal, but quickly dismissed the idea as nobody in their right mind would use a crystal capable of cracking open a planet for a mere heater. It's also plausible that the natives don't know the full potential of it. More information is needed.
Extending his arm, he touches the black crystal.
Surge of memories and emotions assaults his mind. The crystal seemed to respond, not resisting but rather flooding his mind with a flood of visions and emotions. It was like reuniting with an old friend, the excitement of a long-awaited conversation for the crystal. However, the intensity caused his head to throb with a piercing headache, and he feels his physical strength waning under the crystal's influence.
"Are you okay?" One of the Rhodes Islanders voices his concern, no doubt confused on the sudden spacing out.
Vader projected a thought shield to dispel the visions before answering, "I am fine." He channels the Force into the black crystal. The heater begins to hums, exuding heat that is enshrouding the room.
"It's too hot." The golden haired Sarkaz remarks.
"Hey! Watch out! Your hand could burn!" The Rhodes Islander shield bearer warns.
"My gloves are insulated." Vader calmly informs. They don't need to know that they are cybernetics.
"The heater has been fixed. We can toggle the temperature later. Thank you for your assistance, Vader." Lynx informs. Vader replies with a slight nod.
"I didn't expect you to be a mechanist." The ashen haired Sarkaz remarks. Vader ignores the remark.
"Please, take a seat," Lynx interrupts and beckons to the wooden table placed in the middle of the room.
As everyone takes their seats at the table, Lynx takes charge and declares, "I'll handle breakfast." With purposeful steps, he makes his way towards the stove, deftly rummaging through the cabinets and storage at the back of the room to gather the necessary ingredients. The soft hiss of the gas stove fills the air, accompanied by the tantalizing sound of sizzling meats as they hit the hot pan.
Intrigued by the kitchen activity, the eye-patched Sarkaz can't help but inquire, "Shouldn't we be concerned about the smoke?"
"The smoke is filtered," the Rhodes Island crossbowman replies off-handedly.
Mudrock takes off her helmet. Her true features are revealed. Pointed ears and horn emerges. Her face is pale, eyes are red and the texture of her white hair is akin to the finest fabric. Her appearance is exotic and pleasing to the eyes. Mudrock places her giant helmet on the floor by her chair.
Untying the ropes that hold together her suit, Mudrock peels it open, revealing her attire—a brown half-tank top that showcases her bare shoulders. The Sarkaz sitting beside observes her physique, and taking a quick, subtle gaze at her chest. Vader remains indifferent and focuses on the black crystalline formations embedded beneath Mudrock's abdomen and arms.
He senses the crystals in her body emanates the same type of Force that is used as a component for the room heater. The slaves, the Sarkaz and Mudrock, all had in common that the crystal is buried under their skin.
"You are…Mudrock, right?" The ashen-haired Sarkaz asks.
Mudrock tilts her head in confusion. Her blood-colored eyes searching his face. "Yes. What's the matter?"
"Oh…That explains the mysterious Sarkaz woman showing up from time to time in our team. I always thought I was dreaming." The ashen haired Sarkaz.
The eye-patched Sarkaz adds with a hint of humor, "Well, now we know for sure."
The group falls into a brief silence, their thoughts and questions lingering in the air. It is Vader who breaks the stillness with a demand for answers.
"When will I get my reward, Logos." Vader breaks the silence.
"I apologize. Due to the recent Reunion surprise attack on Rhodes Island, the landship's arrival in this area has been delayed. It is now scheduled to pass by here next week."
"You failed to mention this during your initial offer, Logos."
"I deeply apologize for the oversight."
Oversight, right. He is about to probes Logos' mind for information until the Force echoes;
Rhodes Island can be trusted. Earn their trust. You will find the thing you sought.
Vader grits his teeth before his voice synthesizer replies monotonously, "I see. That is understandable."
Perceiving Vader's restrained reaction as a potential opening for conversation, the Rhodes Island shield bearer asks out loud, "Say…Vader. Are you a Sarkaz?"
Both groups' attentions are fixed on him.
Deciding to humor the shield bearer, he answers, "I am a human."
"Everyone here is a human. Can you be a little bit more specific?" The Sarkaz with an ugly scar pry.
Vader frowns. The thoughts that the Near Human would categorize their subspecies under the umbrella term 'human' doesn't cross his mind. Still, the intrusive question from the Sarkaz reignites the anger.
One of the Sarkaz coughs and asks Logos. "I would like to add, I have never seen Vader before. Why is Vader not wearing a Rhodes Island uniform?"
"Vader is not affiliated with Rhodes Island." Logos admits.
Mudrock and the Sarkaz express their confusion. "He was the one who routed the Witch King's Followers attacking you. We arrived just in time for Vader to finish off the last one. We happened to stumble upon him," Logos explains.
Vader internally scoffs. Route is a generous word. It's far from a strategic battle. It was a massacre.
"Vader neutralized all of the Witch King's followers? Single-handedly?" Mudrock asks in disbelief, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and awe.
Enough interrogation. Time to shifts the attention.
"It is in your best interest to tell them that Rhodes Island is observing them during their battle with the 'Witch King's Followers', Logos." Vader speaks up.
Logos glances in Vader's direction, emotions undecipherable.
"Wait a minute, you were observing us dying one by one?" One of the Sarkaz pointed out, shouting as he does.
"It was for the safety of our operators until we can ascertain you will not be hostile to us."
"Bullshit!"
"Calm down, Toxic." Mudrock's eyes drooped.
"Mudrock, they could've at least- Our comrades-"
"The casters that attacked us were powerful. Why would Rhodes Island risk their lives to help a group associated with... Reunion? Especially when Reunion had attacked their landship. For all they know, we could stab them in the back later. We played a role in this especially after Wolumnde," the Sarkaz continues, shaking his head with a solemn realization.
The antagonizing Sarkaz is left without a word. The Rhodes Islanders are also speechless, wide-eyed even, at the proclamation. They don't expect the conversation will take this way.
Vader, intrigued by the mention of Wolumnde, listens intently. It seems there is a history Mudrock's team carries, one that has left a lasting impact.
Soon enough, Lynx carries a feast that is the breakfast on a tray. He set down the plates on the table with scrambled eggs, strips of meats and green vegetables. He goes back and forth from the kitchen to the living carrying a tray full of plates for all 12 people.
After Lynx is done, he takes a seat on an empty chair, "I apologize if the food is not to your liking. I have to make do with our limited ingredients."
"Don't worry. It smells delicious!" The Rhodes Island shield bearer sniffs.
Vader observes Mudrock's team from the sofa, noting their cautious expressions. They seem uncertain, still wary of their new surroundings and their present company.
"It's on the house. Rest assured, I've also prepared portions for the people upstairs." Lynx adds.
Mudrock looks at Lynx and softly says, "Thank you for the food."
To Vader's surprise, Lynx approaches him and offers him a plate. He answers, "I have no need for sustenance at the moment." In truth, he has enough RepMed vita paste to sustain him for a week. For now, he is content to sit in the cushioned chair, attentively observing their interactions and making mental notes.
"Then, can I have Vader's portion?" The Rhodes Island shield bearer asks Lynx.
"I don't know, ask Vader." Lynx shrug.
"She can have it."
"Are you sure Vader?" Lynx asks.
Vader nods.
"Thanks!"
The Rhodes Islander doesn't hesitate to snatch the plate from Lynx. Her large appetites betraying her petite body.
The group eats together, savoring the meal that Lynx has prepared. Conversations are minimal as they focus on satisfying their hunger, the only sounds being the clinking of utensils.
"Your cooking is delicious, Lynx!"
"Anyone could fry bacons and eggs, Cardigan." Lynx shrugs.
"Yeah, but…yours are more delicious!"
As the meal comes to an end, Mudrock moves to collect the empty dishes, ready to take on the task of washing them. However, her action is halted by her team members, who are then stopped by Lynx.
"You are our guests," Lynx says with a small smile, gesturing for them to leave the cleaning to him. He gathers the stacked dirty dishes and carries them to the kitchen.
The silence lingers for a moment until Logos breaks it, directing a question towards Mudrock. "What do you plan to do after your men have been treated?"
"We'll continue our journey to Kazdel," Mudrock responds, her voice determined.
"Kazdel is not safe right now," Logos warns, concern evident in their tone.
"I know."
"If you insist. In any case, until your men are in better shape, you'll have to stay here and brace for the winter."
"You don't have to feed us. We can buy the medical supplies from you and we'll be on our way." Mudrock answers.
"I disagree. As I asked before, can your group fend off another attack by them?"
Mudrock doesn't answer and instead looks at the table, "Why are you helping us, Logos?"
"Rhodes Island can't ignore people in need."
"Please, just tell me the truth."
Logos gives a small smile. "That is the truth, Mudrock. Terra is a hostile place. Altruism can change the people. This is the least we could do, by becoming a spark in the darkness that is ever present."
"You truly believe in making a difference, don't you? Even in this unforgiving world."
"We do. This is my vision. Rhodes Island mission."
Silence envelops the room, allowing the weight of their words to settle. In the midst of this comfortable silence, the Rhodes Island shield bearer suddenly poses an unexpected question, breaking the stillness.
"Isn't it uncomfortable having your mask on all the time, Vader?" Delilah suddenly asks.
'Drop the question, if you value your life,' Vader's instinctual response lingers at the tip of his tongue.
Rhodes Island can be trusted. Earn their trust. You will find the things you sought.
What better way to earn trust than telling the truth?
"Yes."
"Then why are you not taking it off?"
The very fibers of his being vehemently resisted acknowledging his weakness. To admit his dependence on the mask would be to surrender a part of himself that he desperately clung to. It was a sign of vulnerability, a chink in the armor he had painstakingly built.
But an unyielding force compelled him to confront the truth. The memories of past failures and the relentless suffering that followed lingered in his mind, a painful reminder of the consequences of defying the will of the Force. It was through the redemption offered by his own son that he found solace and purpose.
Summoning every ounce of strength within him, he mustered the courage to speak the words, his voice synthesizer reluctantly vocalizing, "It is part of my life support system."
"Oh..."
Then, realization struck the Rhodes Island shield bearer. "I'm really really sorry for asking, Vader!"
The people present in the room casts him a look with various levels of sympathy. He does not need pity. He needs their trust.
As I promised, I will continue writing this story as you readers had requested.
I admit, I suck at writing dialogues. Therefore, when this scene involves more than 3 strangers in Vader's POV, added with my desire to publish this chapter as soon as possible, it's like trying to describe how Cthulhu realms looks like. If someone wants to beta-read 'Redemption' next chapters in terms of plot, character interactions and the lore. That would be really, really helpful.
As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. For example, if you feel like Vader admitting his weakness feels OOC, don't hesitate to write out about it.