Gate: Son of Alderaan

by J.G.Lukasiewicz1919

A homeplanet, gone. A former assassin of Count Dooku's command, left to find his own future after much goes awry.

7. Chapter 7

As Tondel slept with Kurokawa on one side and Bozes on the other, greater powers were at play and things were in motion.

Prime Minister Motoi Shinzō already had trouble sleeping, first this Gate issue already lead to sleepless nights and worries both about new invasions by whatever was beyond the gate, then there were the worries in regards to the UN and the worlds' powers all wanting a piece of the untouched pie that the Special Region was.

Those worries went away and reappeared in different ways. The issue of the UN and the worlds powers remained the same, but when it was clear that those he viewed as mere sword swinging barbarians were the least of his concern as Tondel and his Droid Army were made known..

New worries came up that maybe the self titled "Force User" and last remaining government official of what was for all intents and purposes, a rebellion against a galactic government came to the fore front.

Those worries took a new scope. Now he worried not about those barbarians, but about if Tondel might change his mind one day, decide peace wasn't worth anything and may turn against Japan...

For now, yes, everything seemed tolerable. In fact Tondel was quite... Friendly towards the JSDF. But he was also friendly as far as the reports went, with the Princess of the Empire, which had attacked them some months ago.

For now as he slipped to sleep, he was trying to figure out just what could be done to keep this man on the side of the JSDF and in turn, on the side of the Japanese.

But as the clock struck just a little past five in the morning, he'd get an unexpected phone call. One he didn't like at all.

"What do you mean you lost track of them?!" Motoi yelled as he sat up in bed, shooting straight awake as he listened to the Bureaucrat on the other side of the line.

"At around 11pm last night, there was a fire at Ichigaya where they were supposed to be staying. The police think it's arson so they're searching for a suspect, as well as for our guests. We're waiting to hear from them." the Bureaucrat reported, much to the Prime Minister's dismay.

"I see. So why am I only now hearing about this?" Motoi asked, annoyed, and angry at the lack of initiative taken to let him know earlier about the recent developments.

"Sir, I believed that it would be better to report this after we had a grasp of the situation." The Bureaucrat said... Of course. No initiative, at all..

Now those worried about the UN, Russia, China, and the US were back to the forefront of his mind. He already had the US breathing down his neck, expecting a share of the SR. Mostly due to the fact they were supplying the JSDF with armaments and other assets.

Russia was a more belligerent threat. If they felt it worked in their favor they might even try to fire off an SLBM at the Gate.

The Chinese were the most devious though. They'd perhaps try to buddy up to Japan... Only to stick a knife in it's back at the most opportune moment.

Then there was Tondel and the apparent Confederacy of Independent Systems, or what was left of it anyway. In comparison to the others he thought of... The CIS and Tondel were perhaps the only faction of all that might be a good ally to help Japan.

It was after all a force with a starship.. Even if it was in the same galaxy as the planet the SR resided in. But there was still the technological advantage. Perhaps Japan, with the proper allowance by Tondel, could reverse engineer those Battle Droids and whatever else he'd allow...

There was already a proposed exchange on the table put forward by Tondel. Food for technology, and parts for said technology. If the Japanese could reverse engineer whatever Tondel sent their way...

It was entirely within the realm of possibility that Japan could quickly overtake and secure it's own true, full independence militarily from the United States, and perhaps even protect against whatever the others might throw at it.

With Tondel apparently having claimed the moon orbiting the SR as his own, it's perhaps likely(as Motoi would not know at this stage since it wasn't disclosed by Tondel). He might have a droid factory pumping out battle droids, and whatever else the Separatists might have designs for.

The choice as far as the Prime Minister saw it was clear. The Russians and Chinese were long term devils he'd not know the motives of.

The more dangerous of all was the US, with true free and fair elections being held there, agenda was set by the chosen candidates.

The next President there might not be so... "Gentle" with Japan and may outright demand their slice of the pie, unlike Dirrel, the next one to come after was a mystery.

Tondel was the only one who seemed perhaps more focused on matters beyond wasting resources to fight against Japan over what was in comparison, a primitive mudball of a world, that's at least Motoi's view.

And to be fair... This assessment wasn't unfounded. Tondel did make references to a Galactic Empire that was once a Republic, one that he and the CIS waged a galactic war against.

There was for all intents and purposes the chance that this Empire might find Tondel and he'd have to focus his efforts against them. He speculated, to himself that perhaps Tondel already knew that. He could only assume it, anyway.

Regardless, until proven otherwise, he had to operate on this theory.. And make his next move, which he would do quickly as he'd make a call.

Thankfully, he'd be answered within the first few rings.

"Mr. Kanō. This is Motoi speaking. Sorry to bother you so early in the morning. Our guests from the Special Region are fed up with the noise and ran off." Motoi said expecting perhaps a bemused chuckle on the other side of the line. That, he would not receive.

"I see... So the rumors were true then." Mr. Kanō replied, perhaps interested in the development.

"Yes. ...I would like you to take command. Would you be willing to?" Motoi asked, an eyebrow raised.

"I'll certainly do it. If there's no one else in mind for the job." Mr. Kanō replied, eagerly.

"Alright. ..I regret having to push the responsibility for this situation on you like this." Motoi said, letting out a sigh as he'd run his fingers from his free hand through his hair. That was all he could do at the moment. This situation was.. Without question more difficult. And whoever was making it difficult surely was going to be a pain he wished to never have to deal with again.

And in truth... Well... He may get that wish.

---

Tondel awoke the next morning to find Bozes, Pina, and Panache... Back to looking at the BL doujins they had become so enthralled with.

Of course he hardly understood what they even were... But all in good time. Kurokawa and Kuribayashi were speaking with one another as everyone seemed to only just be waking up.

Rory knelt in front of the window, seemingly praying as for a brief moment... There seemed to be nothing but peace... A peace which was.. Quickly shattered by Itami.

"Aaaalright, time to have some fun!" Itami would shout as he stood over.. Well. Most everyone, even Tondel who was sat by the window.

"Haah? You've got to be kidding me, we don't have time to screw around." Kuribayashi said, giving a roll of her eyes as she turned her head towards the television Risa had... Only to see what had transpired at the Diet the previous day, particularly with Tuka and Lelei on screen.

"Listen! My motto is you have to work hard and play even harder, and probably eat and sleep amongst other things! Besides if we go exactly where we're supposed to go, the threat is still gonna be there. We might as well go where there's people." Itami said, insistently.

"That's hardly something to live by but I can see the wisdom in doing the latter of all things.. It would make it immensely difficult for whoever is after us, to come and pull us off to who knows where.." Tondel would speak up before being interrupted by Risa who shouted with joy and held up... Well. The money she had.. Apparently either squirreled away, or had gotten out of Itami.

"Itami's right, and the guy with the laser sword and magic powers is also right! It's time to go shopping! Besides I'm sure you all need to replenish your fashion supplies right?!" Risa looked around, settling on Kuribayashi for... Some reason, and hesitantly, she was.. Pulled into agreeing.

"Well, when in Tokyo you might as well shop... I suppose." Kuribayashi would say, reluctantly agreeing.

Tondel would stroke his beard as he'd think to himself for a moment as the groups seemingly formed on their own...

Panache ended up whispering to Tomita, and apparently asking about books, her and Pina were apparently of similar mind to this.

Itami was going to... Predictably go to a manga store. ...Whatever a manga was, Tondel had absolutely no idea.

"What about you old man?" Itami asked, giving a subtle jab at Tondel's real age, this seemingly broke him out of his deep thought.

"Hm... I certainly could use new clothes... I don't have anything else I can wear beyond this and my uniform... Having more options may be best." Tondel would say before he'd go back to thinking.

"I'll go with Tondel and help get that sorted." Kurokawa would say as she'd stand up and offer Tondel a hand. He'd take it of course and get up.

Bozes saw an opportunity of her own that... Pina would miss out on, unfortunately for her. To perhaps see "more" of Tondel.

As she had certainly not taken too much an interest in the BL doujins she'd read with Pina, and Panache... This wasn't to say she didn't have interest, of course. She did but... She had more interest in Tondel.

Pina admittedly also had interest but she didn't consider what Bozes did.

"Well then sounds like we have our marching orders." Itami would say as Bozes would break off from Pina and Panache. Of course, much to his surprise.

An eyebrow was risen for this but he'd simply shrug it off but Itami was... Picking up on what was going on, more or less, but this was an opportunity for him to just sit back and have fun to watch the show unfold.

The groups would break off from one another, Risa, Kuribayashi, Tuka, Lelei, and Rory headed to a shop for womens' clothes, Tomita took Panache and Pina to a library... Which he'd end up realizing was far from what they actually wanted when asked what they wanted...

Itami went off to his usual manga store, and Tondel?

Tondel enjoyed the peacefulness that was had. After leaving Risa's, he'd put his hood up and kept close to Kurokawa and Bozes until they finally reached a clothing store.

Tondel took full advantage of the selection at his fingertips, looking through clothes, it was something he'd rarely done in the past, save for a few instances at some of the best stores on the upper levels of Coruscant.

Of course he didn't mind the simplicity of design that was offered. The clothes from Coruscant's best shops were... Beyond his taste for their fancifulness.

More than anything else, he was quite surprised how similar the fashion of this world was... Even, despite the fact the clothes he looked over weren't quite so fanciful.

He favored that practicality above all else. The simple clothes he'd find would do well. Of course Kurokawa and Bozes were surprised by the measly cheap articles of clothes he gathered. He of course took to also having his outfit quickly tailored to fix what imperfections had come of it.

Suffice to say he was thankful beyond words, to have at his fingertips once more such.. Convenience.

Otherwise with the planet so... Alike to Alderaan or Coruscant in a way.. Not the obvious way of course, but in the sense that this world was more so... Modern than the world he found himself in, previously.

Ever so minutely some odd love of this planet did start to creep into the back of his mind. Yesterday was indeed a poor introduction to this world despite the grandiosity he'd not seen for years as what he was met with after crossing the gate...

But this world certainly had it's charm to it. The hustle and bustle of Tokyo as a whole, it's charm was that whilst it was like a mirror into what might've been on Coruscant, perhaps thousands of years ago.. Still, naturally, noisy as could be.

Meanwhile, Bozes was nervous. Dually for the fact she was away from Princess Pina, and for the scenery around her. For all intents and purposes she was in what constituted enemy territory, no, worse.

In their capital. And it was just her... Well. It was until she remembered she was with Tondel and Kurokawa... Yes the latter of the two were still technically the enemy.

But Tondel was... Perhaps something more to her. A proven ally? Yes... Beyond that.. Well, she certainly knew she felt a bit more than just mere friendship..

Tondel could feel the stress, anxiety, and... Conflict?.. That Bozes felt as the three of them walked along.

The first two were normal by this point, but the third was... Certainly a new development.

"You should remember, Bozes. No harm can or will come to you... What troubles you?" Tondel would ask as he walked between Bozes and Kurokawa.

"I.. I must admit... I thought perhaps I wouldn't be so.. So nervous about leaving her majesty's side. With Panache being here but... Everything is so.. So different... You seem unphased, though.." Bozes admitted as she looked up to Tondel who merely chuckled. Certainly he wasn't unphased.

He just played it off well enough. This place was... Admittedly somewhat uncanny valley when it came to how close it looked to some of the places aside from Coruscant he'd been..

"You forget. That is because places like this, this world... How might I best explain this.. I suppose you would've gathered by now. I am not from yours, nor am I from this one. I am from another, so very far away, in my... In my galaxy, where I come from. Such worlds are fairly common. At least in the core area of the galaxy.. There are some worlds that if I may be honest... I'd say they are alike in some ways to your world, at least with the general aesthetic of sorts. This world on the otherhand.. It reminds me of the planet I was born on. ...My homeworld, Alderaan... One I shall never see again.." Tondel said, a frown donned on his face as Kurokawa listened to the conversation...

She knew, as did everyone else. Atleast everyone else in the JSDF and Japan, now knew, the why of things in regards to why he'd never see Alderaan again...

She indeed felt sad for him, to know that even if by some miracle of sorts, if he found a way back to his galaxy, he'd still never see his homeworld..

And perhaps explaining this would be difficult, given the lack of technological progress that Bozes, Pina, and Panache's world had exhibited..

"I'm not sure I understand.." Bozes said as perhaps concern, or.. Maybe it was worry that donned on her face.

"Not only am I stuck, with my ship, my army, in your galaxy, wherever your planet exists... Even if I were to find a way back to my galaxy, there would be nothing for me. Another empire used technology more advanced than even what the Japanese have, to destroy the planet in it's entirety. As far as I'm aware.. I have no family, I have no home. I have only my ship, my army, and my station as the last head of government and state of the CIS..." Tondel said, hoping perhaps to explain everything as best he could.

But Bozes just... Couldn't understand, destroying a whole world? What force could do such a thing, what government, what technology could do that? ...It certainly frightened her but... Knowing just this...

That a man she looks up to, was for all intents and purposes the loneliest person she'd known, with so much weight on his shoulders. With nothing to retire to, no home, no family...

Both, destroyed.. And he was all that was left of a government that stood against whatever destroyed his home..

He was so much more than she ever thought he was. He wasn't just an odd monk with a sword of light, or powers beyond magic. He was indeed a warrior, if ever the last one of his people in more ways than one. She felt sorrow for him.

There was no one by his side, and yet knowing all he fought for was gone, he still stood as tall as he did, making his way despite everything..

In her world, lesser men may had lost their whole village and gave up, letting whatever came first whether it was the monsters of the countryside, bandits, or another army, come and put them out of their misery.

Tondel was something.. Someone else entirely, he was so much stronger than anyone she or anyone else could've ever known.

Tondel, himself wasn't happy to recall everything again, to drag it all up. It was just another reminder of his failure, his failure to help the fight to free the galaxy, at least from his own purview.

"I feel as if I should ask.. Are.. Are you okay? ...Knowing all of that..?" Bozes would ask Tondel as the three walked together through Tokyo's shopping district.

Tondel remained silent, in truth.. He didn't know if he was okay. Physically he was indeed okay. Mentally? That was.. An entirely different story.

He didn't know what he wanted or what he needed to keep him going, in truth he didn't know just what was even keeping him going at this rate beyond that.. That dream..

He knew that it seemed at least, the future, his future anyway, was at least mostly certain if the dream he had was any indication... But, in all seriousness, and truth. He was perhaps far, far from okay.

He didn't truly know for certain, nor did he truly know the nature of the vision he had. There were only a few mentions of insight given by the force. But for all intents and purposes, the mentions explicitly referenced them happening during meditation, never anything during sleep...

Everything moving as it was. For the longest time for... Years. He felt like the loneliest, most unlucky man in any galaxy. Now he simply had no idea what to think.. His fortune was slowly turning, of course, this was not in doubt.

Even if for a moment, the worst thing to happen to him was being shoved in a cryo stasis pod for all those years, only to come out to the news his homeworld was now only just a memory.

The best was perhaps ending up where he was, now.. If he was truly the last of his people, at least to his knowledge, he had somewhat a fighting chance to survive. Even if he did have a Jedi playing cat and mouse with him.

That damnable Jedi, General Aayla Secura was still out there. And perhaps as he was gone, she might've been running roughshod over his forces... That idea just made him even more nervous.

He only deployed a small number of droids. One at an outpost near the former Coda Village, and in Italica itself.

But the latter was what worried him the most. He hoped that it would be left intact to keep the civilian populace safe.

"I... Don't know for certain anymore if I may be honest. ...I do know, however, only one thing, I'm alive. I could've ended up hunted to some backwater world making a futile last stand against that Empire... But.. Something, whether it was the force, or perhaps something else, something more powerful.. Something that which I do not know, may have brought me to where I am now.. For what purpose I have.. No conceivable idea. Whether it is to train you, and the other Rose Knights in the ways of the Force as I promised Princess Pina, or to do something more, like.. Building a new, unified Galaxy, to.. Quote someone wiser than I.. To plant a tree whose shade I'll not live to relax under.. I don't know. ..Perhaps whenever we get to wherever Itami is going to have us meet. I'll meditate on things.. And I shall teach you, Princess Pina, and Panache to do the same. We shall perhaps say... It will be your first step, into a larger world." Tondel said as he'd reach and stroke his beard as he thought, whilst he'd walk with Bozes and Kurokawa.

"Do you think you will be okay?" Kurokawa asked Tondel, with some concern.

"I hope so... The force or.. Perhaps something else gave me somewhat a loose insight to the future, at least I think so. It may have just been a hopeful dream.. It was cheery and bright I suppose one could say but... Some parts were incomprehensible. But as I said, I certainly hope so." Tondel would say, omitting of course the parts of a woman in a white dress. He didn't know who it was, and he didn't want to say anything about it. If it was to be then the force would make it so.

It went against everything he learned from the holocrons of his master's collection that had been put onboard the ship, the sith weren't supposed to let the force carry them along. ...But then again, he wasn't sure if he was a sith anymore. Or that he'd even want to be with the revelation that perhaps... Just maybe...

A sith was behind everything to do with the clone wars, with the Empire, and the destruction of his homeworld..

Perhaps being a sith wasn't meant to be for him. Perhaps another path lied before him. Neither Jedi or Sith. He didn't want to be either or anyway. He saw the neglect the Jedi treated the Galaxy with. It was that neglect which born the Clone Wars, and ultimately everything else that followed.

He did know for certain, he didn't want to leave the new world he was brought to, whether it was by happenstance, the force, or what have you.

The new world he was left to by that hyperdrive malfunction was perhaps a blessing in disguise for Tondel.

It was for all intents and purposes a blank slate of sorts.. Even if one were to take into consideration the only real possible resistance to any changes that may come with him gaining a foothold on the planet were but one. The existence of Aayla Secura.

She presented quite.. The troublesome issue if she wished to continue the clone wars which for Tondel, were long over. If things were indeed as she said during their last encounter, she was plucked by something into the new world, straight from the clone wars.

She was still for the most apparent part, still in the mindset that the CIS were the universal evil, standing against Jedi like her..

"What does concern me immensely is that even if she never pieces together my past as a Sith, she may not still be for the idea of burying the hatchet so to speak... As I've said before. The Jedi were part of the problems that lead up to the Clone Wars. Their neglect of the people under the Republic, in favor of bowing down to the demands and whims of corrupt senators under some nonsensical guise of "preserving peace" or some other nonsensical babble of the kind... It caused everything that lead me here. I.. I do hope that she can see past everything and see that we are the only two people from our galaxy in that world you call the special region.." Tondel said as he continued on, looking ahead as he walked.

"..And if she doesn't?" Kurokawa asked, perhaps regretting the words that left her lips.

"Then I don't know what I could do ...Hide up in my ship, out of her reach?.. The Jedi were Generals for the Clone Army of the Republic... Those alike Anakin Skywalker, the poster boy for the republic, then... Could take on hundreds of battle droids.. At least he and his apprentice could.. But regardless.. Whatever happens.. I suppose.. It will." Tondel said, discomforted by the thought that maybe that dream might not be where he'll eventually find himself.

"I would suppose I'm lucky in the regard that it's General Secura, someone who follows the Jedi Code more or less to the letter... It could be worse. It could've been Skywalker who ended up here. Certainly I'd be dead already if it were the case.." Tondel said aloud, and in truth.. Yes. He was at least lucky in that regard...

Clearly the situation was without question, more complicated than just that.

Meanwhile for Risa and Kuribayashi they were off on their own wonderous shopping trip with Tuka, Lelei, and Rory. Tomita on the other hand... He quickly found out that a Library... Wasn't.. At all where he should've taken Pina and Panache..

A major part of him was certainly embarrassed in a way to be stuck in such a position.. But he played it off just looking at the more normal options of Manga as Pina and Panache had began reading through the BL doujins they could get their hands on.

---

Of course for Itami. He too went to a manga store that also stocked doujins. But he wasn't there to shop for himself, despite what Kuribayashi, Kurokawa, and Tomita may think.

He went there not for whatever he may have had the taste for. He went to get ready and see an old friend that made him the arguable, would be under any other circumstance if it were permitted, NEET he would be.

Itami found what he was looking for and made his way along the streets to meet with that old friend, finding him at an intersection just outside of a large public park.

He stopped right next to a towering figure, an older man in a well kept suit and coat, his hair slicked back.

"It must be about 20 years now, since we last stumbled into each other..." The man started, a smile donning on his face.

"Yeah." Itami said before the man continued.

"I just lost an election and found myself looking for work.." The man continued on before Itami interjected.

"I was in junior high, so. You okay out here? Shouldn't you have security?" Itami asked as he looked over to the older man.

"I don't need a guard. I'm with the biggest hero in Tokyo, right?" The man would smirk before giving a chuckle.

"I... Wouldn't really be counting on me if I were you." Itami would say before the two shared a good hearty chuckle with each other.

"You look fine to me." The man said before reaching his hand out for a handshake.

"You too, sir." Itami said as he'd clasp his hand with the older man.

Now, who was he meeting? ...Funnily enough the Minister of Defense. Mr. Kanō.

The two walked through a park, coming to a lake. The two reminisced about the anime and manga suggestions they shared with each other...

"The best of all was that classic with the cowboy and that kid in a shootout in that old western town." Itami said as he made mock finger guns.

Mr. Kanō couldn't help but have a chuckle about it of course...

"You know it. It was indeed the best." Mr. Kanō said before the conversation naturally shifted.

"How are our guests liking Japan?" Mr. Kanō asked as he walked alongside Itami.

"Well the Princess and her entourage have really taken a liking to uh... Doujins, funnily enough. Most of them were pretty awestruck." Itami said... Mr. Kanō of course picked up on the "Most of them" part of what Itami said.

"I'm guessing the feeling wasn't entirely mutual for our space faring friend." Mr. Kanō said as Itami gave an affirmative nod.

"Tondel said that Tokyo reminds him of his homeworld. I'm guessing it's not entirely a fun time for him if that's the case, given his homeworld's gone." Itami said before stopping.

"Well on a lighter subject. I got you this." Itami would say as he'd carefully hold out a brown paper bag with a doujin catalogue in it, barely sticking up from the top.

Mr. Kanō was ever so grateful, naturally.

"Sorry I had to bother you with this. I can't be seen in those kind of stores nowadays, you understand.." Mr. Kanō said with a smile donning on his face.

"Well. I almost forgot to mention..." Mr. Kanō would say as a stern, and firm look donned on his face.

"Second Lieutenant Itami. Return to our original plan, and head to the resort in Hakone under the guard of our Special Forces Group. I command you by my authority as both the Minister of Defense and the Minister For Special Region Incident Countermeasures." Mr. Kanō would order Itami in his own firm but still relatively friendly way.

"Roger." Is all that Itami could say. He knew when to simply shut up and follow through with his orders. This was... Without question, one of those times where he just had to shut up.

---

From there the two went on their separate ways. Itami was surprised to see just what all had happened as the groups came together at a metro station. First was Risa, Kuribayashi, Rory, Tuka, and Lelei..

Rory bought... Em... Well... She bought fishnets... Lelei was a bit more practical... Somewhat. A laptop and some books. Tuka had bought clothes and... A compound bow.

Tomita, Panache, and Pina had shown up empty handed. And of course Tomita quietly remarked... They didn't want to see the books that he thought they might want to.

No... Surely that would've been.. Simple and... Appropriate... Much to his embarrassment. He ended up taking them to a doujin shop.

Finally, Tondel, Kurokawa, and Bozes showed up. Tondel carried a couple bags in one hand as he walked between the two women who accompanied him.

"More robes?" Itami asked giving a chuckle.

"No.. Not entirely, actually. There is some formal attire for my next visit if I am to come back.. I suppose we shall see if that comes to pass... And there is indeed some... Casual wear I suppose you'd say." Tondel said before the group started on their way... It seemed that everyone else had maybe forgotten about being followed. But Tondel didn't...

He felt eyes looking his way but... He couldn't decipher where from... Until he turned and looked dead in the eyes, someone in a hooded jacket with a beanie on, speaking not so subtly into a radio.

The two locked eyes, the latter seemingly frozen in fear that he was seen so... Easily.

Before a move could be made, Tondel reached out with the force and crushed the radio in the man's hands.

The man dropped the now crushed radio and stumbled back. Tondel felt the fear this man had for Tondel and what he'd done.

In some... Odd way... Tondel preferred that in this case. The fear.. Anyway, he'd turn and head down the stairs, joining with Itami and the rest down in the metro. Leaving the man fearful.. And with a broken radio.

After coming down the stairs, Itami had noticed that Tondel had fallen behind the group, and after rejoining he'd strategically place himself closer in the metro car to Tondel.

"Everything alright?" Itami asked, an eyebrow raised, keeping his voice low.

"We're indeed being followed again. I spotted an agent and crushed his communicator." Tondel said as he'd stroke his beard, starting to think about how he'd keep Pina, Panache, and Bozes safe...

"Hm... Alright.. We're going to a hot spring resort.. When we get there you have my permission to do what you need to. What happens there is going to likely be fully off the books for us.. And whoever else is after us." Itami said as he'd hear Tondel let out a low chuckle.

"Certainly... I can guarantee, no matter what happens. Those who pursue us, should they make a move against us.. They will not see daylight." Tondel said, he had no quarrels about doing what had to be done... Whoever was after them got so close that Itami apparently didn't even notice...

This situation was without question a dangerous one. He speculated that if anything the only truly reliable back up he had... Was that Demigoddess.. Rory.

With this in mind he was certainly ready to do what was necessary. More so for those he considered himself the keeper of. Bozes, Panache, Pina... Perhaps the others.. No. Without question, the others had to be protected as well.. This was.. Without question or debate in Tondel's mind.

Tondel remained silent the whole way, just starting to fiddle with the faux medical device he could finally drop all pretenses on. Itami noticed this..

Perhaps a bit nervous about the... Enthusiasm that Tondel exhibited in finally being allowed the perceived breathing room he wished for to ensure his own security.

"I should perhaps say we'll be having guys from the Special Forces Group in the area to make sure everything stays safe." Itami would say as the metro brought the two near Hakone." Itami said, perhaps trying to abate Tondel's enthusiasm for a fight.

"If I may be honest... Your peoples' security has yet to neutralize the threat presented by whoever is after us. ...I would be more so inclined to trust in a guarantee of safety made by Mandalorians.. But last I heard they were once more at each other's throats." Tondel said as he paid absolutely no mind to Itami's attempt at assurance that everything should theoretically be normal at the resort.

Of course he had valid reason for what he thought of Japan and it's practice in regards to internal security, at least from his own perspective.

Were such treacherous acts and subterfuge attempted on a Separatist world, the threat would at least in practice be neutralized. Japan wasn't even capable of doing that!

Meanwhile Itami was thoroughly confused about what a Mandalorian even was. He just figured he'd ask later and let things take their natural course.

The metro came to a stop and the group left it, continuing on this way to Sankai Resort. Getting there would be an easy, quiet walk as Tondel managed to get the actual parts for his lightsaber separated from the faux, useless parts of the scanner. Now all he had to do was find a place to sit down and put everything together.

Outside of this, Tondel, and indeed the wider group at large had no idea that as they walked to and into Sankai, a clandestine battle was raging. American CIA field agents fought in the shadows with not just the Japanese own home grown SFG operators, but also with Russian SVR agents, and those of the Chinese MSS.

It was for all intents and purposes a free for all with the winner either taking home all the targets they were set out to, or they'd stay in Japanese custody.

As they entered the main building of the resort itself, Tondel of course felt the conflict, the shifting of the force.

Rory herself could feel the loss of life taking place, and she knew well enough that Tondel knew what was going on.

The groups broke up after entering the main building. The women went off to the section specifically for women and girls.

Tondel went with Itami, and Tomita to the Men's section of the resort. Of course he was... Only somewhat taken aback by the hot spring.

Such things were not unheard of in his galaxy, of course. But to monetize it was... Something at least he'd not heard of.

In fact it might be something worth while for him to do on the other side of the gate. It was certainly a more peaceful endeavor than to perhaps build up for a war that was to never come.

As things went along. Tondel joined Itami and Tomita in the hot spring after washing off. He closed his eyes and began to meditate.

Feeling through the force. He perhaps was searching for guidance on what to do next, or looking for insight into the near future.

"Don't be falling asleep on us old man." Itami said with a chuckle as he noticed Tondel's eyes closing.

"I... Don't think he's falling asleep." Tomita said as he sat a comfortable distance away as all three of them did unconsciously.

"You are correct. I'm trying to meditate. I felt the conflict happening around us as we walked in." Tondel said, much to... Itami's dismay.

"You mean.. There's gunfights going on around us?" Itami asked as he turned his head to look.

"Yes... But I'd not worry. If worse comes to it. We do have our wrecking ball. Rory.. But that's only if making things obscenely bloody is a necessary course of action.. And of course, I'm nearing the final preparations to get my lightsaber in combat condition. After we finish here, I'll reassemble it in full." Tondel said, keeping his eyes closed as he kept meditating.

"Hm... Well... Can I ask you something? Since general silence is uncomfortable?" Itami asked as he kept his eyes on Tondel.

"I suppose." Tondel said as he kept his eyes closed. Still ever trying to meditate.

"You said you're the supreme commander of that Separatist Alliance thing but... What did you do before that?" Itami asked, figuring he'd like to at least fill in some of the blanks beyond what he knew at the moment.

After all, all he truly knew was, Tondel was some kind of sith lord or something along those lines...

Well... Former sith lord, and the aforementioned supreme commander of the Separatist Alliance.

"Honestly? I was just some stupid kid who saw the corruption that no one else around me did. ..Or those who did were too weak willed to do anything about it.. So when Count Dooku and the Separatist state was formed, I was.. Admittedly skeptical of what he wanted." Tondel said, opening his eyes as he.. Finally gave up on meditating.

"What did he want? I mean, I get the corruption thing but.." Itami said as he watched Tondel sigh.

"It was perhaps not just the corruption but... It was the true lack of representation the people had. The Republic allowed slavers and all manor of crime syndicates to take over the outer rim of the galaxy, the Jedi were no better in allowing things to get as bad as they did. They let themselves become the lapdogs of the senate and the chancellor. What both said, went. And as far as I saw... What went was brutality, slavery, exploitation, and neglect of the people of the Republic and the galaxy at large. Count Dooku wanted planets to be free to decide their own fate, to either stay in the republic, or leave and band together." Tondel said as his blood started to boil. Thinking of just how the vaunted peacekeepers of the Republic and the wider galaxy left the people neglected and abused.

"I think I'm starting to see the problem.. So the republic just.. Let these senators, the chancellor, and the crime syndicates run roughshod over everyone else?" Itami asked, somewhat genuinely curious.

"Indeed... It was only when the last chancellor, now emperor's home world was under threat from one of the corporations that gained representation in the senate, that change seemed possible... But.. It never did truly come. The people and a couple rogue Jedi had to fight for the freedom of that world.. From there things just got worse and worse until Count Dooku had formed the separatist movement. Then there was concern amongst the corrupt that freedom would truly, finally be had." Tondel said as he found himself leering over and staring out at the stars above.

In truth, he was hoping perhaps to see something... Familiar. Some formation of stars that might signify there might be a chance for him to get home through this world but...

He didn't recognize anything. A frown donned on Tondel's face as he realized that was.. A far flung hope.

"Then war began.. Huh?" Itami asked whilst he'd sit back.

"Indeed.. Six thousand worlds declared secession, and we were met not by politicians, but soldiers. Clones, every last one of them... And their Jedi generals." Tondel said before he refocused on Itami and Tomita.

"...Sounds like a mess all around.." Tomita said, figuring if he was going to be inadvertently hostage to this odd(from his point of view) discussion. He didn't think Itami would ever even ask about Tondel's own personal life.

"Mhm... From there I served with the Separatist navy, first flying for them, then things went on... I suppose my military career was oddly prosperous... Even if the war effort wasn't so. ...Especially with the intervention of certain individuals from the Separatist council... Those fools often gave the Republic more ammunition to shoot us with..." Tondel said as he thought back, specifically to Ryloth and Wat Tambor...

Tondel certainly was a believer in the cause but Wat Tambor's administration of Ryloth, what he heard had... Infuriated him, understandably. But unfortunately in the midst of war there was nothing to be done. ...Thinking about all of it certainly didn't help Tondel's mood.

After this discussion, silence reigned once more from the men's side of the hot springs.

On the other side of the resort, the girls were all getting settled down themselves, getting into the hot spring to unwind from the past day and a half of stress.

Kuribayashi wasn't happy to have to wrangle Rory to make her rinse herself off before getting in. However there was no issue beyond that as they settled down, themselves in the hot spring...

Almost as if on some cosmic que, Risa unleashed the gates of gossip hell with one singular phrase.

"Heeey, Kuribayashi. I bet you got some good dirt eh? C'mon let's hear some gossip." Risa teased, hoping perhaps both for said gossip... And maybe some inspiration for her doujins. ...However the latter was infinitely more likely.

"Well... Let's see... Seems like we might have some kinda multi-way love triangle going on with Tondel, Bozes, and Kurokawa.~" Kuribayashi said as she looked to the aforementioned latter two.

They both looked... Immensely dumbfounded, their faces flushed red as they looked to each other, then Kuribayashi, then back to each other... And this proceeded a couple more times before a shocked "Eh?!" was heard.

Pina was... Admittedly set beside herself... She certainly didn't know what to think on the matter. Panache on the other hand just looked at the two, an eyebrow raised.

"...What's a love triangle?" Panache whispered to herself. Of course she'd not know. ...But what she did know is that if anything this love triangle was a bit more than just that. Risa, too picked up on this, looking to Pina who sank low, a blush on her face as well.

"Oooh... It might be a bit more than a triangle." Kuribayashi noted, as Pina soon became the center of attention, unwittingly.

"Y-Your majesty, you can't possibly-" Bozes said before Pina interrupted her.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about but not another word!" Pina dismissed it entirely. Of course she would. It was... Natural at this point.

Even Panache would have to admit. She had her own fantasies about the man that saved Princess Pina and wiped out the goblin threat all those years ago. But for her own part, she has a relationship, a rather secretive one with one of Pina's brothers, Diabo.

It wasn't something that was a secret, at least to those in Pina's Order of the Rose. Almost every girl who knew of Tondel that night had some measure of a crush or fantasy of perhaps being saved by the man with the crimson sword of light.

Hamilton wasn't even exempt from this. Though at the time her fantasy was so vanilla it was Bourbon. Most of the girls of course grew out of it as they had their own suitors, as was expected for girls of nobility.

Kurokawa remained silent for the most part, she had her own mixed feelings on the matter of relationships. In fact those feelings were only more so mixed when it became apparent that perhaps there were more out there after Tondel.

In a particular angle of truth. Her feelings were more of care and concern about Tondel. That was natural though. Something drew her into such close proximity, she didn't know what. Perhaps it was mere concern for the fact that he was an unknown quantity of sorts. He has a droid army, a starship, and more.. The more being mental trauma that wasn't properly dealt with.

He could put on the strong face he usually did but... Even she knew, and perhaps she knew best with her medical background, eventually without dealing with a problem such as what Tondel had... He might one day snap, and that would mean danger to everyone.

For Bozes on the other hand, her feelings were perhaps genuine. She was grateful that on that night Pina sent her and Panache to try and make up with Itami and Tondel, Tondel refused and above all else, even with what she'd done to him. Dragging him back to Italica by his wrists and neck.

He'd still not take advantage of the situation, unlike lesser men, he even covered her up a bit more after everything was said and done. He put consideration for her and her dignity above all else.

..Even with what she knew now of him. He was still a kind soul who showed genuine consideration and care. It didn't matter what she or anyone else did.. She felt a bit guilty, more so than before, more so than that night Pina ordered her to his side.

To be such a person even with all things considered of his past. Was there any reason to perhaps not have any kind of interest in the man from the stars above?

"What I personally want to know is.. He said he's been here for maybe six or seven years... Did he make himself known before Ginza?" Kuribayashi asked as she focused on Pina, Bozes, and Panache.

There was some silence as the collective group awaited a response.

"He.. He saved us. But that was before we knew he even spoke." Pina said, recalling that night battle with the goblins. The clash of steel and the yells and screams of the goblins.. As well as Tondel's own efforts where he put his force lightning on display as well as his swordsmanship with the lightsaber he carried.

"We met him so long ago when we were still training... One night maybe seven or so years ago. He saved Princess Pina, Beefeater, Grey, Suissesse, and Hamilton. He conjured lighting from his fingertips then and used the sword he carried of crimson light to cut down the goblins." Bozes answered as she looked to Princess Pina.

"That must've been when he first arrived to your world." Kuribayashi said before Bozes spoke up again.

"I remember... He was clean shaven then... And looked so young." Bozes said as Pina gave a nod.

"Indeed.. I remember. I also remember he bowed to Bozes before he disappeared." Pina said, of course as a result, Bozes face turned red at remembrance of that particular detail.

"He saved us, I'm not sure what would've happened..." Pina continued and looked down to the water, seeing her own reflection. A smile donned on her lips, remembering that night she met someone who she'd not thought she would ever see again. Indeed she remembered asking at each town she went to afterwards, asking about the man in the cloak with the crimson sword of light... She knew she wasn't the only one to have asked.

She hoped one day to see him again. Though those years passed and she almost forgot.. Indeed the talk of Tondel had died down in that time as they took on minute jobs her father had seen fit to send the rose order on. Nothing dangerous of course... He didn't entirely want to send Pina out on anything that was of such caliber. Chalk it up one could say to some actual care being shown for Pina by her father but, regardless..

Now with the subject of Tondel dying down and perhaps some modicum of general respect growing for Tondel in Kuribayashi's mind. Given the first thing he did after ending up in a new galaxy wasn't breaking down like some weak willed coward, he instead went out, found a fight and won it. ...Even if he used that force magic nonsense and his flashy laser sword. Rory saw fit to finally ask a rather... Difficult question.

"Putting Tondel aside, as much of a mystery as he is to even me... Risa... I have to ask.. What's the story with you and Itami?" Rory asked as she sat back in the water, against the side of the wall.

"What do you mean?" Risa asked, curious about what Rory meant.

"You split up... Why?" Rory asked, interested obviously in the why of Itami not being married to Risa anymore.

"Yeah, what do you see in that guy? Why would you ever marry a guy like him?" Kuribayashi chimed in as all eyes seemed to be now on Risa.

"Well... You see, we've known each other since junior high school and we know a lot of stuff about each others families..." Risa said, perhaps trying to just evade and be as loose as she could with the why of things.

"Gotta be more than that. See, even Tondel, the freakin space man has more backstory." Kuribayashi said with a deadpan.

"Well.. I was in a rough spot, and the SDF gave him a steady income. That looked like the chance both of us needed so... I said "You have a job so take care of me."..." Risa said, putting on a serious a face as she could... Then a bright, cheery smile donned on her lips.

"And then we can get married!" She'd say, finishing with her own explanation of things.

"Ooookay then... But.. Why get divorced?" Kuribayashi asked as she was only minutely taken aback by the explanation. It was oddly more wholesome than she was expecting for a relationship involving a man she in all honesty looked down on for being a neet, a possibly questionably perverted neet. ...But still a neet.

"Well... The whole thing with Ginza was pretty intense ya know?" Risa said, perhaps starting on the next part of her explanation.

"Mhm..?" Kuribayashi listened.. And in truth, well... Everyone else also listened. Pina felt a little bit of guilt. The invasion perhaps wrecked the marriage of someone who may have a hand in deciding whether peace reigns in the near-ish future... Or war.

"I found out he was going, and that he even volunteered himself for the job. ...When I asked about it, he said if anything happened. Insurance would take care of me... But.. I thought to myself, he just.. Really doesn't get it. ...He doesn't care what I think, or anyone else for that matter..." Risa said, some sadness in her voice. She did indeed as far as the others could see, still loved Itami. Even if he was an idiot. It was best to say for the moment, he was her idiot if nothing else.

"So that's the reason you got divorced then..?" Rory asked, she too felt some sorrow for this situation.

"I figured a fresh start would be best for us both..." Risa said as silence once again reigned in the bath.

Once more on the other side of the facility, Itami, Tomita, and Tondel left their hot spring and quietly Tondel was using the force to reconstruct his lightsaber as he meditated on the other side of the room.

Silently he sat as the parts for the lightsaber floated in air. Itami and Tomita silently watched this display as the faux medical parts found themselves separated from the parts actually meant for the lightsaber.

It was all slowly coming together as it started to take form once more..

"I still don't understand fully how you do this all with your eyes closed.. All this force magic stuff." Itami said, just watching the display, dumbfounded.

"It's not magic. It's just simply, the force. Trust in it." Tondel said as he kept his concentration. The metal around the makeshift chassis for the kyber crystal Tondel kept hung around his neck for most of the trip, broke and let the kyber crystal float freely to the lightsaber as it's construction finished.

The final product turned on without issue. The sound of a snapping hiss was heard in the room as the blade shot forth from the hilt, taking form. Tondel took ahold of it and de-ignited the sword.

"Hm... Well I feel a bit more secure." Tomita said as Tondel let his lightsaber rest on his lap whilst he'd open his eyes.

"We have guests." Tondel said as Tomita and Itami shot up to their feet taking combat stances. Though Tondel remained sat on the floor as Kuribayashi and Rory slammed open the sliding door.. How they managed that he'd not understand.

Though Tomita and Itami were taken aback by the sight of the two. Tondel was... Perturbed only by seeing the two clearly very sloppily drunk. ...And admittedly he worried for Pina, Bozes, and Panache... Seeing as how in his mind... If there were two drunks already... Oh no...

"Alright the three of you get your asses up and come with us right now!" Kuribayashi yelled as he gaze shifted over to Tondel who... Admittedly looked like a man ready to accept his fate no matter what came.

Which in all honesty is hilarious to think about because such looks should be reserved for someone facing a firing squad perhaps... But.. Certainly not this.

Another thought came to him as he felt metaphorical daggers stared his way by Rory. He'd sigh and stand up, more than anything else... He wondered just how bad the situation truly was. He felt the fighting going on outside, even if it wasn't audible for the time being.

He still felt the loss of life, the anger, the.. Confusion? That was.. Certainly something he felt in battle.. Fighting clones in starfighters. That was predominantly where he felt it.

But here? In this place? Were things really so unclear for everyone involved?

...That was the last thought that ran through his mind as he followed along with Itami and Tomita, Kuribayashi lead the way as Rory stayed in the back behind Tondel.

He would've supposed this was a measure to ensure he followed along and didn't back out. But... His mind wandered to Bozes, Pina, Panache, and Kurokawa. More than anything else now, he felt concern of how they may be faring...

The concern was well founded given the aggression exhibited by Kuribayashi and Rory. Tondel, outwardly remained calm.. Even to him he felt some odd.. Serenity.

Something fueled some odd certainty he felt. He knew perhaps what was going to happen.. He was going to walk into the room that he, Itami, and Tomita were being lead into...

Upon first glance he was... Words lacked the ability to properly describe just what he felt when he entered and saw what were the majority of those in this room were some modicum of drunk or as some say... "Buzzed".

Tuka was perhaps already the least problematic of all, for Tondel. She was asleep. Panache was apparently second place as she was trying to resist Risa shoving a sake cup into her hand, trying to get her to drink more than she already had.

Risa was... Quite sloppily drunk. Lelei was perhaps the only one sober, beyond Itami, Tomita, and Tondel himself.

Kurokawa was.. Very clearly drunk and looked.. Very obviously annoyed but in deep thought.

Pina and Bozes on the other hand, they immediately snapped, looking in the direction of Itami, Tomita, and Tondel... More particularly the latter of the three.

Instead of displaying and displeasure at the sight, or perhaps any disappointment. Tondel's own image, outwardly was.. Rather indescribable.

He stood tall and clasped his hands behind his back. If anything, the closest word that could describe.. He was perhaps brooding over this sight.

Tondel just stood over the two as Itami and Tomita found their own seats. Tomita just remained silent as Kuribayashi started demanding of Itami that he introduce her to anyone he knew in the special forces that were single.

Tondel took note of the room, and watched as Rory secluded herself off to the other side of it with a bottle of sake.

Tondel would've said something but he felt a flare up of anger and and heard a subsequent crash of glass against a wall..

Bozes, Pina, Panache, and even Risa had their attention drawn away from... Whatever they were doing as Kurokawa had thrown a sake bottle against a wall and buried her head in her hands...

It smashed against a wall, drenching it in wasted alcohol and the floor around it in glass as she mumbled something to herself. If there ever was an example of alcohol abuse, this certainly would've technically fit the description given the alcohol was in all technicality... Abused.

Tondel simply... Sighed. That was.. Really all he could do. He was immensely concerned about what could've upset Kurokawa. He'd never seen her like he was right now, before.

It was certainly out of character for her. Tondel wondered, just what had gotten into her, what was on her mind to make her so... Angry? Sad? He could hardly get a good read on her emotions...

Itami would've said something... But he was knocked out, cleanly by Kuribayashi who gave him a thorough right hook to the jaw.

Admittedly she was actually sorry for doing that. Like a woman who didn't know her true strength..

Whilst Tondel was immensely concerned and had even taken a step towards Kurokawa, he was stopped as he felt a tug at his left hand. He looked down to see Bozes who pulled again. The surprise of this had gotten Tondel off balance and he fell to the side, ontop of Bozes.

This was.. Actually one of a few things Tondel hadn't accounted for possibly happening.

"Uh... Bozes, your robes..." Tondel managed to utter as he looked down on Bozes...

"Do... Do you wish to see more of me..?" Bozes asked as her hands grasped onto the edges of her Yukata.

Tondel's face finally for the first time since he'd been a teenager discovered with his first crush, turned tomato red.

"N-Now is absolutely not the time-" Tondel got out before he felt himself being hugged from behind.. Looking over his shoulder he saw the Princess herself, hugging him tight.

...It was at this moment Tondel realized this was the literal definition of being between a rock and a hard place. He was frozen, not knowing what to do.

Dealing with such situations wasn't... His specialty. Fighting, flying starfighters, commanding droids. That was his specialty. ...Never in a thousand years was being stuck between a noble knight and her leading princess even in remote consideration.

"Lord Ramarr... Please..." Pina managed to whisper as she loosened her grip on Tondel.

Before he could even get a word in, Tondel felt a sharp, rough pull at the back of his Yukata. He was pulled successfully from the two by Kurokawa who pulled him out of the room...

In the space and quick succession of things happening... Tondel felt the conflict outside subside... What he didn't feel subside was the anger, and aggression.

But that was now the least of his concern as he was pinned up against the wall by Kurokawa who's arms were draped around his neck as she just started to go wild without consideration for the others in the room she just drug Tondel from.

Tondel was... Physically frozen as.. He had no idea of what to do about this situation. Bozes and Pina had tried to follow but Kurokawa slammed the shoji door shut on the both of them before they could even retake their prize. ...That prize of course was Tondel in their view.

Tondel didn't want to use either the force, or any kind of physical force to perhaps have Kurokawa stop. ...Unfortunately for him.

As his mind was on other more pressing matters regarding the aggression he felt around the building. ...Kurokawa was focused on some... "Aggression" of her own.

"Kurokawa, please get ahold of yourself, now is certainly not the time for this!" Tondel said aloud, resisting passively as he didn't want to get physical to remove her, he didn't want to risk accidentally causing her to fall over and harm herself...

Unfortunately. As he was so focused on attempting to get Kurokawa to come to her senses.

Tondel didn't know but Japan was forced to give up the group to the metaphorical wolves which surrounded them.

Corruption. It was a plague in the Galactic Republic's senate. If a bit more obvious and outright visible. Japan had it's own corruption issues.

Officials taking bribes, money being moved places it shouldn't have been... And unfortunately for Prime Minister Motoi, the US had every bit of dirt it could scrounge up on his cabinet and most of those in it.

President Dirrel of the US forced his own hand to make the Japanese back off from protecting the resort. But what he didn't know is he opened the door for slaughter not seen before in this world...

As Kurokawa took out her "aggression" of sorts on Tondel. Before things could get too spicy. Things got quiet...

Real quick as she heard exactly what Tondel heard. A door near them opened and one man pointed his firearm at the two. But before anything could happen..

Tondel reached out his hand, and with the force he lifted the man up. He sent him slammed upwards into the wooden ceiling then back down onto the wooden floor before finally, fight or flight kicked in for Tondel.

All bets were off, all pretenses of kindness were out at this moment, for Tondel, to the best of his knowledge, it was do or die time, to keep those he cares for safe.

He pushed Kurokawa to the side as the man was lifted off the ground. He reached for his throat, clawing at it as Tondel with anger, used a combination of the force to push the man through the thin walls of the Resort, and shock him with force lightning as he flew straight through the adjoining rooms. Straight through.

The man flew over Rory and Itami as Tondel walked, he felt anger. Anger that the Japanese were so weak and from his own point of view, inept, unable to keep the foreign agents of whatever nation was after them, at bay. This. This was the last straw.

Pina, Bozes, and Panache felt cold and some tinge of fear. More so from the surprise of the man flying and being shocked with force lightning. But also the cold from the darkness which had surrounded Tondel. They felt it.. Even Rory did. She wanted so much to perhaps intervene and fight but.. Tondel walked past her and Itami.

If nothing else, Itami felt the danger of the situation. He knew that nothing good was coming...

Tondel stepped out to the outer courtyard of the resort to find, more of these men... They were confused, scared, angry. More so of the first. Tondel took in the sight before him. His hands clasped behind his back.

These... These were the ones who were chasing down all those he cared for... And for one of them.. They just pointed their firearm at one of the few people he was remotely close to at this point.

"Положи его!(Translation(Loose):Put him down!)" One of the men amongst this... Mob shouted in a language Tondel didn't recognize but the message was clear as they pointed their firearms at Tondel.

But... The rest just pointed their firearms at each other. This was... Some kind of stand off Tondel didn't have either the patience or the words to describe.

From what he saw, the groups pointed firearms at each other... And himself. It was clear, if nothing else... This problem of security was far worse than what Tondel had anticipated. But his anger grew towards those who couldn't seem to make up their minds on where they were going to point their firearms...

Tondel had quite enough. With almost lightning speed, used the force to snap the single point slings that were apparently the fashion trend of soldiers in this world.

Their weapons left their hands and shot up into the air. They then slammed through the thin walls of the resort into the various rooms and through the various windows. Finally all eyes were on Tondel as he was the one responsible.

He felt the fear grow in the men before him. He took no pleasure in what he was going to do next... But unknowingly. Even as the Japanese stood down, their UAVs were still in the air, watching the scene unfold.

Mr. Kano, back at the comfort and safety of the Japanese Ministry of Defense sat back in his chair as he watched... Uncomfortable at the display he saw...

Tondel watched as one man yelled in another language and charged at him, pulling a sidearm as he charged...

"你会屈服或死,怪物！(Translation(Loose):"You will submit or die, monster!") The man yelled as he charged Tondel. Tondel extended his arm and the a few, loud, sickening cracks were heard. Those cracks were the cracks of bones as the man fell over screaming.

Tondel had no idea what was yelled by the man but as far as he was concerned, now it was like listening to the screams of a wounded animal.

Finally as reality kicked in that the force user from the television the previous day or so ago was in this... Makeshift arena with them. An unspoken alliance formed between the three different sides here, against Tondel.

"The lapses in security... The threats to my life. All by the weakness of this world... No. This country's security forces, come to an end... Here. And now. If you come here, bringing your primitive slug throwing firearms, and aiming them at me. You come not with any other intention than murder... So I shall... Educate you as to the why of this being ill advised." Tondel said in English/Galactic Basic. He used the force to amplify his voice so he was certain he was heard.

Tondel didn't want to use his lightsaber, but he viewed it as perhaps a necessary action.. Until he remembered one very key detail. He was a force user.

He'd watch as the rest before him started to reach for sidearms or knives.. Tondel closed his eyes. Visualizing in his head, the image of the bone in a human forearm.. Then multiple of these bones.. And with this he extended other arm out. Both of his hands opened.. And closed tightly as a symphony of stomach churning cracks was heard.. Followed by pained screaming.

Unbeknownst to Itami, the Japanese MOD and the rest, what Tondel had done.. Was snap the bones in the arms of the men present who stood against him.

The Japanese MOD had a front row set to watch as Tondel exhibited the total control in the moment with all the focus he had to make these... Would be combatants, non-threats.

For how long? Even Tondel didn't know truly. In his mind this was a better alternative than perhaps...

That alternative of Rory being let loose for a round of butchery. Tondel viewed this as.. A generally more acceptable alternative. If Rory were let loose, she didn't have the force. She couldn't have left this scene generally more clean than Tondel did.

Unfortunately these people, these.. Primitives. More alike to terrified sheep before him, started to run.

Even without use of their hands.. Tondel couldn't let this be so he'd use the force to start slamming them into rocks, trees, walls.. Whatever he could find as he started his clam and collected pursuit of these individuals.

The numbers quickly dwindled as these panicky supposed "agents" couldn't think of anything else but escape. As their numbers dwindled to a few, Tondel kept his calm and collected walk.

His hands clasped behind his back as he did so. Putting on some kind of air of ignorance around him, as if he couldn't be aware of any further threats...

This... Worked.. He'd be stopped with the sound of a pistol being racked to his right... Then one to his left. He'd stop and a smirk donned on his lips as he put his hands up. He'd be met by two last agents... They came around Tondel to the front..

And when they noticed each other, they stopped... Only to point their sidearms at each other.

Tondel took advantage of this and slammed the agents together, knocking.. At least one of them out cold, the big tall one with a rather.. Bulky facial structure..

He didn't recognize them from the group that he saw just minutes ago.

He heard a moaning groan of pain from the other as well as some.. Semi familiar words.

"What the fuck are you...?" Tondel heard from the agent... In Galactic Basic or... Well... English. In this world. Much to his surprise.

"So. You do speak." Tondel said as he used the force to pick the agent off the ground, holding him up in a loose force choke.

"Bite me, freak." The man said as he held at his throat, trying to pry away invisible hands which weren't there...

"You should consider your position more... Carefully." Tondel said as he looked up to the man who he held off the ground, he slowly tightened his grip to ever so slightly cut the man's air flow to emphasize the point he was hardly in a position to fight back, whether it was verbally or physically.

"Or what, you'll kill me like the others?!" The man shouted back at Tondel.

"Kill? How... Hilarious an assumption. I've not killed anyone. Taken their ability to use weapons for the possible immediate and long term.. Yes.. ..Taken their ability to walk as well.. Yes. They will be the problem of the Japanese to deal with after this... But you... You are the only one of all of these people to speak Galactic Basic. ...So you have my attention. Who is your master, dog? Speak and I shall spare you your ability to walk and the use of your hands." Tondel spoke with a calm, and coldly calculated tone as he slowly tightened his grip with the force.

"Master? I have no master. I don't know what you're talking ab-" Tondel dropped the man on the ground and hit him with a wave of force lightning, briefly. To be specific, for a second he hit him with force lighting as he knew at least he was out of the sight from Kurokawa, Itami, Tomita, Kuribayashi or anyone else who could stop him from committing what was essentially torture.

"You shall only answer in a way I deem satisfactory... Or I shall exact what information I seek from your still living flesh, more... Mercilessly.. I'll not ask again... I'll just keep treating you as you deserve... Yours and those alike you pointed firearms at those I care for... You came with as far as I'm concerned.. Malicious intent... I renounced the ways of the Sith but... I will make the sith lords of the past like Emperor Vitiate, proud with the pain I will inflict upon you, physically, and mentally, if you do not tell me what I want to know." Tondel said, his voice grew cold and hoarse as he curled his fingers.. His hands coming to a clasp together in the agent's view.

"Suck my di-" The agent almost got out in full before he was hit with another round of force lightning, screaming in loud, painful agony...

His suffering would feel like an eternity but in reality it was just a few seconds as Tondel stopped.

"If you're so... Insistent on vulgarities.. I will perhaps have to make an example of you... As the only one to not leave alive.. Information.. Or not." Tondel would say as he'd ignite his lightsaber, taking his first true steps towards the agent.

"No! No! Wait! Stop! Okay stop! I'll tell you! CIA, I'm with the CIA, the Russians were here as well as the Chinese! We(The CIA) just wanted to secure you and the others for a trip to the US!" The agent yelled as Tondel stopped. His curiosity was sated. He was rather... Skeptical on the latter claim. If a visit was proposed, surely simply coming and asking would've been the best policy.. These primitives were certainly something else...

And now the Japanese, who listened from the UAVs above had not just a governmental crisis to worry about but also an international one at that...

Tondel extinguished his lightsaber and sighed. He was... Indeed a man of his word. "You will listen well and give this message to your masters... Two lessons.." Tondel said as he turned his attention to the larger agent who was regaining consciousness. Tondel used the force to take that agent's sidearm from him and he'd hold it in his hands, examining it.

It was some very light, primitive slug thrower with an odd little star on the grips... ..How pointless but funny little choice of a detail to apply to a weapon, Tondel thought.

"The first. Your people... Have an.. Interesting way to approach situations that can be merely passed on by.. A message. A mere note. ..A letter.. In future, stick to that concept. I've acted only with the interest of protecting those I care for. You and the others started this, would be slaughter by pointing your primitive slug throwers where they should never have been. Do not make this mistake again.." Tondel said as the other, bulky agent yelled out before attempting to attack Tondel..

Tondel would dodge every punch before using a combination of the force to push and blast lightning at the man, to send him flying back into the trees. Tondel would take a few moments to continuously blast the insolent fool with force lightning, until he was certain that the threat was if nothing else.. Abated for a while. Then he'd start walking away..

For a moment he forgot that the first agent was even present. That was until he heard the same familiar voice..

"W-What's the second lesson?!" The first agent yelled as he tried to get to his knees but felt little physical energy left in him to do so.

Tondel stopped and grasped at the small pistol he had in his hands before he turned to face the agent.

"The second lesson is... My mercy has limits I could have killed, every last one of you for what you and the others here attempted. I take no pleasure in the exercise of such dark powers, such as the use of force lightning, but.. You left no choice. Do not test those limits, ever again. If you wish a meeting. Send it through the proper channels and I will.. Consider entertaining such notions. But never.. Ever attempt this stunt, again." Tondel said. He'd use the force to knock the agent out before he continued on his way. He made his way back into the resort and found Itami stood at the window just surveying the scene outside. He'd not seen such clean, yet devastating work.

Devastating primarily for those who came to attack. The resort had some substantial damage to it, far beyond the damage inflicted from the first five seconds from the agent that tried to attack Tondel and Kurokawa being force pushed through them.

Weapons strewn about, it was alike a christmas party given the amount of "toys" Kuribayashi, Kurokawa, and Tomita had to enjoy the use of.

Itami heard the groans and moans of those left wounded by Tondel's retaliation... Itami at this moment didn't know much of what to think about this...

He was glad if anything the death was kept to a minimum. A soldier's courtesy, to him, any battle survived was technically a win despite whatever wounds were had. As long as they weren't fatal, of course. But he also made a mental note that certainly Tondel was a force of nature if given the right motivation...

It certainly cemented in his mind that there were indeed two sides to Tondel. One he only heard of by way of word originating from Panache, Bozes and Pina. Apparently they told Kurokawa, Kuribayashi and Risa everything they knew about Tondel, earlier in the baths.

More specifically how he met them.. Ever so briefly, and cut down with little effort or hesitation, goblins.

Kurokawa was more than anything.. Shocked, aghast at the sight outside. She didn't know whether to perhaps help those who survived... Or perhaps otherwise just leave things as they were. Nobody was bleeding so there was no immediate danger to their lives for now.

Tondel found his way back to the room and sighed.. "So much for a quiet night..." Tondel mumbled to himself.

In truth... Outside of the necessary fighting. Tondel wasn't happy having to fight as he did. Such fighting should've been below him but... That firearm being pointed his way and Kurokawa's way.. That simply lit the protective fire he had within him.

"You... You're certainly a force of nature." Itami said as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Wound, not kill... I'm trying not to fall into the dark side of the force. Going on a butchery spree would've certainly cemented me there. Trying to be better than how I was trained.. It's without question, immensely difficult. ...It goes against everything Count Dooku trained me to be." Tondel said, his right hand idly stroked through his beard as he oversaw the damage he'd done as he stood alongside Itami.

"I dunno but... Maybe it would've been better if you let Rory off her leash and let her do her thing." Itami said as he looked over to Rory who was leaving to get dressed with the rest of the girls.

"Perhaps... But I have information... It isn't just one agency. It's perhaps multiple. CIA is the first one. I did not get exact names after that but the agent I questioned said he heard Russian and Chinese... ..Oh and, this... Kindly gift this to Kuribayashi" Tondel said to Itami who stood there... Silently contemplating as Tondel held out the pistol he confiscated from one of the agents.

Itami was.. Somewhat surprised to see it was a Makarov, but regardless, he took it and looked it over.

"CIA... The others might've been MSS, and whatever the Russians have nowadays..." Itami said letting out a sigh.

"The CIA man, said that he and his fellows were here to... Take us to the US. ...I assume this is the United States I've heard some minute mention of." Tondel said as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"Yeeeep." Itami said, his hands coming up to his face as he'd drag them down, his face, absentmindedly in thought. Figuring out the next move. "Alright. Transportation... We need to get out of here. Get dressed." Itami said as he'd leave Tondel's side.

"I assumed as much." Tondel said as he followed along and got dressed, himself. Gathering his cloak and the belongings he'd purchased. It didn't take long for everyone to get ready as they got out of there and back to the road... They'd find a van seemingly at first glance, empty.

That was until Itami spotted one sole individual in the vehicle... He'd leave Tondel in charge of keeping Tuka, Lelei, Rory, Panache, Pina, and Bozes all together.

Tondel watched as Itami, Kuribayashi, Tomita, and Kurokawa roughly handled the apparent agent that was left in the van. They brought him out and got him on the cold asphalt pavement, face down with his hands on the back of his head.

Tondel took this as an ungiven sign to bring up the rear with those under his charge. As he did so, he'd overhear Kuribayashi mention that they had nothing to restrain the agent with.. And they certainly couldn't take him with them...

Tondel of course saw how this could be quite a... Dilemma. They couldn't leave this one well enough alone. He'd run off and seek out either his comrades, or his handlers..

Tondel wondered, looking over the agent, and his own size.. Were all people not from Japan so... Tall in height? ...Anyway.

Lelei approached with an unorthodox solution that Tondel didn't know were even possible. He'd watch as she'd use magic to put the man into a deep sleep.

With that issue settled, Tondel ensured that everyone got into the van.. Which was, granted.. A tight fit at this point given the whole group was about twelve people, now.

Before Pina, Panache, and Bozes boarded, Tondel of course saw.. They attempted to conceal weapons on them from the resort. He deadpanned and sighed, using the force to pull these weapons and make them float in the air.

"You are not in so much danger that I of all people, cannot handle it." Tondel said in their language before he handed the weapons over to Itami... Who then naturally delegated them to Tomita.

After everything was said and done, the fit was of course... Tight. Tight enough that Tondel ended up having Bozes sit on his lap... Much to the unspoken jealousy of Pina and Kurokawa.

Though the latter was more focused on keeping the whole group alive. Her alcohol induced buzz, long gone now.

If nothing else, Kurokawa was more, mentally chastising herself over her outburst and the... "Aggression" she showed to Tondel whilst under the influence. She was certainly regretful and partially checked out, cursing herself.

Meanwhile. Tomita figured he'd ask a question that was perhaps on the minds of the majority..

"Sir, what do we do now? Shouldn't we head straight to Ginza?" Tomita asked. Tondel, himself wondered just that all the same. What now? They had nowhere to go, nowhere to actually sleep..

And more so, he was internally screaming at himself with Bozes on his lap to save on room from everyone being so squished together and bunched up in this van.

He agreed what Tomita's line of thinking. It was better to go back to Ginza, and through the gate as soon as possible, without delay.

"We shouldn't head there, right off. It'd be bad if we got ambushed." Itami said. Much to Tondel's own annoyance.

"I snapped the bones of those agents who attempted to take us like some trophies for display. I'm certain that public property damage is the least of concern at this point. If they do come, they will be coming for me, predominantly because of what I've done." Tondel said with annoyance present in his voice.

"Woah woah woah. Hold on. You did what?!" Kuribayashi asked loudly. ...Not in any sort of shocked, angry, or perhaps disgusted way. But more so in a way that sounded like she had awe in her voice.

"I have enough on my plate. You'll not add on, Sergeant!" Tondel yelled with an authority in his voice not heard since the clone wars when he gave orders to his battle droids. It wasn't anger, it was just simple, plain, pure authority.

"Y-yes sir..." Kuribayashi said as she'd turn her attention out the window. ...Unfortunately for Tondel that without question and in no uncertain terms did... Something.

Tondel felt in that moment a new "shift" in the force in regards to a new attachment alike that of Kurokawa, Bozes, and Pina... But now from Kuribayashi. And of course, all he could think was simply the phrase... 'I'm surrounded by the mentally insane.' From this he'd feel a headache come on and just sat quietly for the time being, simply rubbing in a circular motion the temples on the sides of his head.

"...Man where's that level of respect when-" Itami started before Kuribayashi whipped back with a look that if looks alone could kill. Itami would be dead, without question.

"Shut up you perverted neet!" Kuribayashi yelled back, causing Itami to wince.

Tondel... Still had absolutely no clue what a neet was. ...Nor did he really care to find out since the title was attached more often than not as far as he's heard, to the first title of "pervert" or "perverted". Regardless. Someone had to be the reasonable one in the room. Naturally, this meant the quiet stint he was going to attempt didn't last long.

"This van stinks of Alcohol. Our first order of business is to relieve ourselves of this scent. If traffic laws work here as they do in Coruscant then I am of the firm belief, we are somehow the luckiest individuals in exista to not be pulled over and either fined, or jailed for the suspicion alone that everyone in this landspeeder is drunk." Tondel said.

Some silence was had. Not just because of the... Well. Very well argued point that they were indeed ridden with the stench of alcohol. But also because most everyone who understood English/Galactic Basic were more so wondering just what a Landspeeder was.

Pina figured she'd chime in to break the silence, and to sate her own curiosity.

"Sir Itami. I'd like to ask. Why is it that we must run and hide?" Pina asked, Kuribayashi would chime in, of course.

"That's right, what's actually going on?" Kuribayashi heard Tondel say he snapped the bones of some agents who were apparently there to take everyone away like trophies of some sort. But she felt there had to be more to it than that.

"Well... I don't actually know-" Itami said before, like lightning Kuribayashi pointed an H&K MP7 in his face.

"Lieutenant. I told you to stop being irresponsible if you don't want to be shot from behind!" Kuribayashi yelled, much to Tondel's dismay as he was at the moment, nursing a headache, himself. Not from drinking, as obviously he hadn't drank a drop of alcohol. But just simply from the stress of everything going on at the moment.

He'd been out of combat for so long he'd forgotten how to mitigate the natural stress which came from it all.

"Calm down, Lady Kuribayashi. You are Sir Itami's subordinate. There are certain things even he can't tell you. ...But still. I must ask. I've been sold out, haven't I?" Pina asked as Itami let out a sigh.

"No. That's not it." Itami said, affirming that wasn't what was going on. Pina felt some relief at that, of course...

"But since the first day, the plans and means of transportation have changed several times. The underground hells ride suddenly stopped after we got off, the place we were to stay on the first night had a fire. The attack that had just happened, stopped only by Lord Ramarr. There are too many oddities going on." Pina said.. Bozes and Panache couldn't help agree with her of course.. Tondel already put the two and two together for all of this but what was to be said next, put a new perspective on things.

"I came to negotiate peace with Japan. But tonight, our guards disappeared. Like leaving a chained up lamb for a Kobald. The only ones who could order them to stand down, are the ones in charge of this nation. ...If you are right, and if what I've read and heard are right. Then there are larger nations at work here, who don't want Japan to proceed with peace negotiations..." Pina said before Tondel spoke up.

"They might want the situation to be made worse. ...They might want Japan to go to war, as well, against my droid army..." Tondel said aloud as he also thought on the matter... That, that certainly made more sense than anything else. Any nonsensical idea of a "visit" to another country in this world. Especially with the amount of arms and munitions that were brought to bear against the group as a whole.

A chill ran up Itami's spine as he listened... And he certainly was not the only one who felt it. Tondel certainly didn't want a war with Japan. Indeed, Japan was, in it's own way, valuable an ally to him..

He did promise to protect Pina, and her Rose Order if the worst came to worst... But, he absolutely didn't want to fight a war against Japan.

It wouldn't be fair to begin with. He could have Alnus Base orbitally bombarded by his Lucrehulk.. As said previously, he didn't want to do that. He had a soft spot for this place. Even if it was weak. It was something he wished to see prosper. Same with Pina and her people.

Tondel wouldn't allow himself or his droid army to be drug into a conflict with Japan. Nor would be allow a war to continue. Internally, he understood the ramifications of that line of thought. And where it lead. He didn't want to bring harm to anyone he knew. Certainly his own attachments were a weakness.. But he'd have to live with them.

The van went silent as everyone took the time to rest... Well. Most everyone. Risa was on her laptop, preparing something.. Tondel managed to shift to the furthest back of the van and sat there. Leaving Bozes on the seat to sleep alongside Panache and Kurokawa...

Tondel put the hood of his cloak up as he'd silently meditate, seeking insight into the future... And a way out of this mess. Eventually, from sheer exhaustion... He'd fall asleep, leaning back against the wall as he'd start to dream...

Across the ocean, Tondel couldn't imagine the... Unfortunate show unfolding.

---

"What the hell do you mean we've lost not only our only bargaining chip and a whole special ops team?! Not only that, but we also managed to lose our "diplomatic guests"!" President Dirrel was outraged, obviously. He used intel which took years to gather, and a whole special ops team, which took longer to train for just about any operation required by the President of the United States.

"Sir. With all due respect. We've gotten off lightly. Our agents may only temporarily be out of service.. They also reported that they ran into hostile forces from other countries." Graham Morris answered, furrowing his brow... He planned the mission to Sankai resort, himself.

He thought he had everything figured out. But that apparent "force user" threw everything out of wack. Not only that, but now he also had the President's ire.

"Do you really think I wanna hear that bullshit?! Get your act together Graham!" Dirrel yelled, annoyed at... Well. At this point he was annoyed that apparently the time old tradition of black ops busting in doors and black bagging targets Washington wanted, didn't work as it should've.

"Yes sir... We'll do what we can to bring em to Washington." Graham reported, he wanted to say more. He wanted to inform his leadership of what Tondel said. ...But he felt it would just simply fall on deaf ears.

And in a way, he was indeed right. Dirrel did not seem to be the one to take anyone's word into consideration. ...No one but his own, apparently.

---

..Anyway, back to Tondel and the rest.

Tondel slept silently as the van pulled into the parking lot of a little highway-side convenience store. Tondel almost shivered at the feeling of cold air as Rory, Lelei, and Tuka went with money they were given to buy food for everyone.

Bozes, Panache, and Kurokawa were asleep as Risa typed away on her laptop.

Pina, on the other hand couldn't get any sleep. She was worried, rightfully so. Tondel was opposed to war... And perhaps.. Perhaps he was right. Someone might've been trying to divide, further, her Empire and Tondel against Japan. But what to do? ...There in truth wasn't much she could do, at least anything she knew of anyway.

Something did catch her eye.. How friendly Risa and Itami were despite their apparent separation... How could two people stay such good friends despite it all?

Well... Regardless. As she listened to them talk, she wanted to know so badly just what they were saying to each other. ...Unfortunately for her it wasn't actually anything of value. And asking Tondel would've been a waste of time. She listened to them talk in another language she'd rarely heard except in a few instances, like her meeting with General Hazama, her meeting with the Japanese Foreign Ministry, and the few times here and there on announcement speakers...

So in her mind she had not just to learn the language that Itami, Kurokawa, Kuribayashi, and Tomita shared with Tondel. But also the language the aforementioned four shared with each other, and Risa... ...Though that latter language took precedent more so considering it was their language those BL doujins she liked reading were written in... Details, details..

Tuka, Lelei, and Rory went and got various food items from some vending machines and a few specialty items from inside the convenience store.

Tondel hadn't responded when asked for anything, but they got him a bottle of water. ...They didn't get Itami anything, however. Whether it was their way of punishing him for everything that had transpired or whether it was for some other reason. He didn't know. Regardless, he'd have to go himself and get something to eat.

After he returned, Risa got excited. She'd spread like wildfire across the internet that Itami, Kurokawa, Kuribayashi, and Tomita would be escorting Tuka, Lelei, Rory, Pina, Panache, Bozes, and Tondel to lay flowers at Ginza for those who died at the start of the war.

Tondel heard his name and woke up.. Just in time to hear the latter of all things about the flowers.

"We're going to do what?" Tondel sat up and lowered his hood.

"Lay flowers for the dead. You never done it before?" Itami asked as he looked back over his shoulder to the back of the van.

"...I never had it in my mind to do such a thing at all... ...I might do it for my family. They are essentially one with the living force, now.." Tondel said the latter part of things about his family, more quietly than the first part, a frown donned on his face as he looked down to his right hand...

He watched as it started to minutely shake as he felt a wave of anxiety and sadness wash over him... He took ahold of his wrist with his left hand, to force it to stop as he took a deep breath.

He still had a long way to go to work through that loss, let alone the loss of his homeworld.

He thought back to Alderaan, the days of when he was an ignorant, blissful child who ran through the forests..

That, above all else was his sanctuary if nowhere else, as a child. The forests of Alderaan... The peace and quiet of nature, hearing the birds and wildlife...

Those were the days when he was happiest. In his mind he lamented that he'd never see those forests, the grassy plains.. The shining cities, his friends, his family...

All of that was gone. But he had to work through it all, regardless. He had to be at his best, right here, right now. For Pina, Bozes, Panache, everyone...

"Itami. Since we're going back to Ginza, and through the gate.." Tondel pulled his lightsaber off his belt and floated it over Lelei's head, then Pina's, then Kuribayashi's and finally onto the dashboard for Itami.

"Hold onto that. I'm certain it'll be more acceptable for you to have than for me to have at the moment." Tondel said before he sat back.

"Alright old man. I'll hold onto it until we get through the gate." Itami said as he took ahold of the lightsaber, feeling it's... Odd, unorthodox construction. A curved hilt... He'd never seen anything like it before. Certainly it felt different. Heavier at the front end of it... It was... Certainly different. That's all Itami could think at the moment. He was tired and it showed.

Everyone was tired and it showed... But Tondel was tired the most, above the rest. Use of the force in such a way as he did was taxing on his body... To crush the bones of those agents, to use force lightning as he did... It was all so tiring...

Pina was able to feel the exhaustion Tondel felt..? This was... New. She'd never felt the exhaustion or any of the other emotions of those around her..

But anyway.. She pitied him in a way. She knew his story more or less... Bozes caught her up after everything was said and done at the Resort...

Bozes told Pina about Tondel's homeworld, in full. His family, his friends, all of it... Gone.

But in some way for her.. There was a bit of hope that with those three things being gone...

Tondel might adopt her world as his own, and if things did come to that speculated, unfortunate head... He'd protect the Empire from Japan or the other world powers.

Hours passed as Tondel slept, Itami had made a stop to get those flowers that were mentioned earlier.

It wouldn't be until 30 minutes before they were supposed to even get to Ginza that Tondel awoke to the sound of a car horn.

The beeping of horns shocked him awake as he sat straight up and looked around...

It seems Risa's ploy had worked... But got them stuck in standstill traffic.

"Yeeeah, we're... Not moving. At all. ...Anyone got any ideas?" Tomita said as Tondel got up and saw the crowd outside of the van.

"...Do you people just regularly summon hordes of fans and all with the promise of seeing cute girls doing stuff?" Tondel asked, an eyebrow raised at the massive crowd that had formed around Ginza.

He couldn't wrap his head around any of this. Such things were only common in Coruscant but... Tondel heard the sliding door on the side of the van open and he turned to see Rory jumping out... Predictably she'd start stretching. A deadpan settled on Tondel's face as Itami yelled for her to get back in the van...

Of course, she ignored him and approached some random stranger. Tondel couldn't make out what she asked but.. It seemed she might've been asking for directions.

Tondel watched as apparently... Whatever she said caused a clear path to be made, surprisingly. He lowered his hood and sighed. "Hm.. Well.. She's certainly effective at getting us out of here." Tondel said and... Itami couldn't help but agree.

"This is probably the only shot that we have to get out of here." He'd say before getting out. Tondel followed with a bouquet of flowers in hand and made sure Pina, Panache, Bozes, Tuka, and Lelei went ahead with Itami. Kurokawa followed along with Tondel. Kuribayashi and Tomita got out, leaving Risa with the van.

Itami gave Risa clear instructions on what to do with the van.. And of course... Tondel watched as they had their own little... Special moment.

It was.. Certainly a little cheesy but... Tondel couldn't help but chuckle at it. He was glad if nothing else, they had reconnected a bit in the short time they had together in this trainwreck of a "vacation" as Itami had put it sometime ago.

After this... Itami let out a sigh and turned his attention to Kuribayashi, Kurokawa, Tomita, and... Unofficially, Tondel.

"Alright. The majority of us are back on bodyguard duty. Make sure nobody touches the VIPs... Shoot to kill." Itami said, finally he seemed to take on some semblance of a competent, and serious officer.

"And I shall... Make sure they require bed rest.. Or more..." Tondel said as he'd walk alongside Pina and Bozes.

Rory lead the way through the crowd she had parted alike a sea... Tondel kept his eyes open and watched along. Showing no real signs of emotion or... Anything, really. He was in his own "hunt" mode. Watching, feeling through the force for ill-intent towards himself, the princess, or anyone of the group...

Tondel followed along and eventually they crossed paths with someone Kuribayashi recognized.. Well... She was called out by name by one of them. Tondel looked to see some nervous woman that was apparently Kuribayashi's sister.

The two certainly looked alike.. General proportions, anyway. Her hair was worn drastically different from the Kuribayashi he knew. This apparent sister, wore her hair down. Meanwhile the one he knew wore her hair with this odd little side ponytail.

He listened in as Kuribayashi just started talking into the camera, apparently thinking she was talking to the apparent mother the two shared. She recalled the events of the past few days. Obviously leaving out the fact that Tondel took out multiple agency forces at Sankai...

Things soon got out of hand as apparently the sister, Nanami started chastising Shino for saying "Asses" on national television. It was at this point that Tondel would intervene as Nanami started shaking Shino.

"My apologies... But we must be going." Tondel said, taking on a no-nonsense, stoic tone and physical mannerisms. His hands held behind his back, under his cloak as he looked down on the two.

"Eh? Oh, yeah. We most definitely gotta go." Shino said before she'd smirk and turn back to the camera. "Bye ma!" She'd yell before she'd start pushing Tondel off to regroup with the others.

"You having a sister is something I don't think I'll ever understand." Tondel said as he started to get ahead. Of course... Kuribayashi wanted to give him a right hook then and there but...

She couldn't. Not only would he more than likely dodge it. It'd really not look good.

"Shut up, I don't want to hear anything about my family especially from you, wizard boy." Kuribayashi said as she followed Tondel over to the tributes area. Tondel laid a bouquet of flowers down and bowed his head.

Praying wasn't something he'd done before... But he simply closed his eyes as he stood behind Rory with Pina, Bozes, and Panache.

If anything, he was happy but concerned everything was going so... Smoothly. No agency was trying to stop them or trying to kidnap anyone. ...Then again the massive crowd probably helped for that.

But what he didn't know is that Komakado returned with a vengeance and got The Head of the CIA Far East Division, who was now forced to work in the field thanks to Tondel taking his agents out of commission, arrested.

The Russian agents and the Chinese agents that both those respective countries sent as reinforcements for their losses didn't suffer the same fate but got the message all the same. If Tondel didn't get them. Now Japanese Public Security would.

What Tondel didn't expect was Rory mentioning something about a bell... And as if on another cosmic que, a bell from a nearby clocktower rang out.

He was... Certainly surprised by this. The force worked in mysterious ways, apparently. ...Or this was some really well timed happenstance.

The gates to the Ginza security area opened at the same time and as the group started heading to them, cheers erupted from the crowd. This took Tondel aback, certainly... he didn't expect such a thing...

But regardless after they had their fill of praise and cheers, they moved on through the gates which closed behind them.

Tondel was... Now more relaxed. He didn't worry about having to fight agents that Japan apparently, in his mind couldn't handle.

But now? Now that was all behind him. ...Literally, in this case.

Tondel watched as the group gathered around Itami and just... Collapsed around each other. Leaned up against one another they took a moment to rest. Tondel simply rose an eyebrow at this sight, disbelieving it.

However his attention was drawn away when the gates to the metal structure built around the gate, opened and out came a JSDF High Mobility Vehicle came through the gate, turning to the side as it came to a stop. Kurata stepped out...

Chipper and happy as ever, of course. ...And surprised when he saw Itami surrounded by Tuka, Lelei, and Rory. All three collapsed from exhaustion as Itami was, the same.

"It is good to see you again. Sergeant Kurata." Tondel said. Kurata almost jumped out of his skin as he turned towards Tondel.

"Jeesus man you scared me!" Kurata yelled as Tondel merely chuckled.

"I see. My apologies... Also..." Tondel turned his attention to Itami.

"I'd like my lightsaber back." Tondel said.. Itami of course gave a nod and pulled Tondel's lightsaber from his coat pocket and held it up. Tondel used the force to pull his lightsaber back in his hands. He'd hook it onto his belt and smiled.

"Now, all's right as it should be. Let us be off." Tondel said as he used the force to open up the back of the HMV.. And used the force to float in the luggage. Was it a misuse of the force?

Absolutely. But was it faster than letting Rory, Lelei, Tuka, and Itami go their own pace? ...Absolutely. And that time saved was worth more to Tondel than anything else because it meant leaving this world faster.

Of course this isn't to say he didn't like this world. He did. He just didn't like the super powers in it and preferred a medieval mudball to one where his life was under constant threat by primitives who thought they could make him bend to their nonsensical whims.

With everyone loaded up in the vehicle, it would speed off through the gate and back to Alnus, where everyone would get out and Yanagida would come to meet Itami... Smug as ever, of course.

Tondel listened as he complained to Yanagida about the past few days not being a vacation, and how he as well as Kuribayashi, Tomita, and Kurokawa all had two days left of something called PTO... Which Tondel would later come to know as "Paid Time Off."

Tondel of course... Had his own complaints... Which as Itami finished his complaining, before Yanagida could even fire back at Itami... Tondel would speak up.

"With all due respect, First Lieutenant... The security of your country, leaves much to be desired." Tondel would say as he'd step up, stepping between Itami and Yanagida.

"I see... I'm sorry you feel that way." Yanagida said as he looked up to Tondel before adjusting his glasses.

"Humbly... In the future... If your government wishes to communicate further.. In person. I'd rather such talks be held here... Or if that is not possible... I'd like to bring two of my guards along with me... And only their... Non-lethal weaponry... Please, understand, for this trip, I've had to be our security, more than a mere guest." Tondel would say. Not implying that this was up for negotiation... But stating this as ground rules for future negotiations. He'd had quite enough of the run around.

"I see.. Well. I shall speak to General Hazama, and let you know what's said." Yanagida would say before leaving.

Tondel let out a sigh and turned to Itami.

"Jeez... You really do hate our security huh?" Itami asked as he straightened up.

"I hate nothing about Japan. ...I just find the lack of efficiency in regards to security... Troubling. As I said. I'd like to enjoy Japan as a guest, and not as my own security." Tondel said as Itami just shook his head.

"Yeah. Sorry man. I don't think anyone expected things to be the way they were." Itami said a he crossed his arms to think.

"Well regardless, they were what they were. Now I'll be spending my time meditating. I assume everything with the Princess will be easy going from here... Hopefully..." Tondel said. Itami gave Tondel a chuckle

"Nothing's ever so simple... But.. Well.. Maybe it will. Japan does want peace with her and her people.. But there's gonna be a lot on her part that needs doing..." Itami said as he shifted his gaze to Pina, Panache, and Bozes who stood together. They spoke to one another as Itami thought to himself.

"They seem to respect my opinion. If nothing else there is that... If I must, I'll help her secure peace by any means necessary..." Tondel said as he also looked to the three knights...

"Hm.. Well... Good luck." Itami said as their new ride got there, and took the respective groups back to where they belong on base. Pina, Panache, and Bozes went with Tondel to his outpost to begin learning about the Force.

Rory, Tuka, and Lelei went to the refugee camp to settle back in...

Kurokawa, Tomita, and Kuribayashi went back to their usual duties..

And Itami? ...Well... He went to his desk in the HQ and found himself quickly falling asleep.

As the day passed and night approached, Pina wrote in her journal of what happened, noting that whilst Tondel was the strongest ally she could ever have asked for...

Peace was what he wanted for her, for Japan, and for her empire... That. That was the only path forward as far as she could see.

As the three settled down for the final quarter of the day, she'd plan to leave with Bozes, and Panache. She had to convince her father, the Emperor, and the Senate to make peace with Japan.

Now? All that could possibly stand in the way of that was indeed not just those two things. But also perhaps the super powers of Itami's world... And maybe... Just maybe... Her older brother... Zorzal, as stubborn and realistically.. Boneheaded as he is.