[LS, LS] Sins of the Sister

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

@TheMorrigan
Corellia
Death Disabled

Astrid held the card in her hand that she had used to reach Horus Tempest. She sighed and shakily put it away, checking the time. Her civilian clothes were on--not much use standing out if she was going to be slinking around and attempting to blend in. A shopping bag was held in her hand full of a few snacks. She breathed in the smoggy city air, exhaling shakily before taking a few more breaths. Get a hold of yourself, girl. You're trained to stay calm in combat. This is just another milk run. Get help. You have your plan.

She sighed, muttering a song she heard far too often on the Net and readjusting the grip on her grocery bag. Her backpack held some extra supplies, including a few of her personal items in case things got rocky later on. This trip, no, this one was going to be fine. Astrid just needed to get this part done and kick things off.

"Here goes nothing...Alika, why'd you have to die?"

 

[Horus Tempest]

The plumes of smoke certainly didn't help his flying, but Horus could hardly complain as his freighter careened over the distant Coronet City below. He'd received a transmission recently from an old acquaintance he honestly hadn't expected to meet again. Their first meeting had been marred with negative conversation, but from the get-go, he could tell she was a good person with a good heart. This was only further proof that Horus was correct, she was indeed willing to defect. Or perhaps she simply wanted to get a drink. Either way, he didn't mind the outcome of either scenario. Horus quickly found a landing pad among the area where she's signaled to meet up and put the ship down slowly.

By the time it reached the ground and he had inputted his landing codes, he swiftly wheeled in his chair, grabbing his coat. Placing it over his armor, strapping his swords to his back and side respectively, he made his way down the hallway into the lounge area, and through the lounge area he got to the landing ramp. Releasing it to fall, he sauntered out onto the walkway of the city streets. It took him a few minutes to orient himself as to what direction he was going, and it took him even longer to find Astridia. She blended in more than usual today, which was telling. Did she anticipate any issues? Raising his hand, he waved to her with a smile.

"Astrid! What's the situation?"

Astridia looked better for wear, and she seemed to have more life in her bones than she had previously. But she was clearly nervous, he could sense it through the Force, and so stayed alert himself. Gently placing one hand on his vibrosword, he crossed his eyes in an effort to make himself look goofy and have her laugh, before wheeling and making sure that he wasn't being followed. Nobody was nearby to cause trouble, it seemed, but he thought it would be best if they were off sooner than later. Whatever conversations where to be had could happen on the Winter's Crest.

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

There was no danger right now, as far as Astridia could tell.

And there wouldn't be. She wasn't a particularly suspicious individual, so her only worries were that of random criminals, or the unlikely event that Horus wasn't as much of a help as he seemed. He waved and flashed a smile, which she returned with a show of teeth. Horus was dressed and armed rather heavily, but she supposed it was normal for a spacer who wandered places like Corellia on the daily. She nodded her head while he approached talking distance and spoke. The Imperial held out the card she had used to contact him and rose an eyebrow.

"I'm calling in a favor. I'm ready."

She weighed those words, holding them in her throat for a time as she realized what she was saying. The Republica...all she'd known besides her family. Astrid was leaving it...for what? A band of terrorists? No. The Empire killed her sister in cold blood. People feared it more than they respected its rule. She didn't want that anymore. She wanted to fulfill her dream. But not without some kind of solace first, some understanding as to why her sister had done what she had done.

Her mind floated back to her speeder bike, which sat parked a few meters away.

@TheMorrigan

 

[Horus Tempest]

-Music-​

She handed him the card she'd been given by him the last time they'd met, and immediately he understood. A look of surprise crossed his face for a few moments, wondering at the possibilities of what might have caused this decision. She had appeared relatively loyal when last they met, though he was glad to see she was having a change of heart. The Alliance would not see it this way, unfortunately, and he was putting his neck out on the line for her. But he knew that protecting a potential ally was more important than his own personal look in the eyes of his commanders. Releasing the grip on the sword, his smile returned.

"I see. Well then, we'd best get on board my ship. This isn't the place to have this kind of conversation."

He looked around one last time before motioning towards his vessel, which was parked about a block away. It would be a short walk, but during that time he could at least gauge her current state. If she sought out understanding from a group she considered terrorists... she might be sorely disappointed. Or, perhaps they'd welcome the knowledge she brought with her. Nonetheless, they would both be questioned because of this. It was no over-exaggeration when Horus thought of his own reputation if this failed or harmed the Alliance in any way a far worse fate could await him. Expulsion from the Order and Alliance being one among many possible outcomes. However, if she proved trustworthy, it may take a turn for the best. He began to walk, turning back for a moment to see if she was following.

"I think they'll be happy to have you, but do your best to appear non-threatening. You're sure nobody is following us?"

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia nodded, making sure to watch his eyes. He seemed to understand her meaning and invited her to his ship. She looked back toward her bike and turned on the hover function, pulling it along to catch up with her acquaintance. The ship he rode in on was quite close. Good. She was eager to talk. She needed to know anything she could before she embarked on her adventure. Plus, Horus was basically her only way to where she needed to go. He explained the usual of having to appear non-threatening. And then the million-credit question.

Astrid shook her head. "Nobody is following us. I've taken the necessary steps. Even if there were anyone, it wouldn't be because of this."

The woman nodded reassuringly, clenching and unclenching her jaw as she continued to follow. She'd taken her usual route, and even if there was surveillance on her (no reason to anyways), they wouldn't have been able to keep up. Astrid continued walking in silence, once again weighting her decision and contemplating whether this was all worth it. Yes, of course it is. The Republica is no home for you. You've known this since the beginning. This is your best chance out, to make a difference. Do what you're meant to do.

Make things right for Alika.

 

[Horus Tempest]

He noticed the gaze that she gave him, her own hazel eyes meeting his amber. If she looked long enough, she might even see her own reflection before the iris' crackled with power and a faint glow that all Vahla shared. He smiled gently as she grabbed her bike and placed it into hover mode, walking alongside him. He had a slight limp to him now, still recovering from the trials on Ilum, the lances of lightning had done a number on him - illusions or not. It was similar to a stroke but somehow even more intense, his hand still locked up in certain places. According to a medical officer, it would take a few weeks to regain complete control of his body and was advised to stay out of combat. He continued his training, however, and taught himself to use his blade without dropping it. She shook her head as she answered and he nodded in response.

"Good. Last thing I need is to chance another encounter with Sith, or worse, someone who's a better shot than I am."

He kept his hands on his weapon as he led Astridia to the next block over, being careful to avoid looking directly at any of the pedestrians that littered the streets with their presence. The large crowds didn't pay them much attention, which was to Horus' liking, moving calmly through the crowds ahead of Astrid, just enough to push through and guide her to the ship. When the Winter's Crest came into view, the old freighter looking worse for wear than even he was, the Vahla could not help but smile. Walking up to the landing ramp area, he inputted the code to lower the ramp and allowed Astrid to climb on board first, leaving himself to enter second. The cargo hold would be large enough to store the speeder, assuming the dimensions where correct. Once she entered, he took inside after her, closing the ramp behind them.

"So. You're actually going through with this, leaving the Empire... I should let you know that I'm putting myself on the line here, for you. If this goes south, neither of us will have a place to go back to. I trust you, but you should still know that."

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

The eye contact shared between the two was probably a bit too long for comfort, and she swore she saw more than just color and a pupil. She blinked as they walked, trying not to stare at the crowds they pushed past and through. Horus had a limp that seemed rather fresh, favoring one leg heavily while he spoke and tried to keep an eye out for trouble. Astridia stayed close, but was rather comfortable. There was no reason to fear anything, at least not early on in this voyage. She had a habit of thinking she was in Imperial garments far too often.

They approached the ship, and she carted her bike up into the ship, bringing it to a relatively empty part of the hold and shutting off the hover function, letting it sink to the floor. She knelt down on one knee to re-tie a boot, looking over her shoulder toward her contact as he shut the loading ramp and spoke. He was right, this very well could have resulted in her demise, or much worse. If the Republica was capable of atrocities, the Alliance certainly was willing to do so. She almost shuddered, but inhaled quickly to counter her chills, rolling her shoulders. Astrid stood up and replied once more.

"If this 'goes south', I give you my word it was not of my own intent, nor that of the Empire's. I...appreciate the favor."

She wasn't used to saying 'thank you', so perhaps that was the closest she would get for a little while.

 

[Horus Tempest]

"We're not the Empire. You won't be executed or anything like that, but that doesn't mean they have to welcome you with open arms. If anything, I'm definitely being questioned over this. But luckily I haven't really spilled the beans as it may be."

Horus made sure that everything was situated before closing the ramp behind them and taking a seat on the couch nearby. He grabbed his water goblet and poured himself a glass, whispering a gentle prayer beneath his breath as part of superstition. It was believed the winged Goddess, patron of the Light, would bless drinks such as these. As a mystic himself, he liked to believe there was some truth to it. He welcomed her to join him, it would be a few moments before they set off to the stars above. He had a few questions that needed to be answered before he took anyone anywhere. If he was to take her to a rebellion base, it might spell annoyance between him and his allies. He would set up a halfway point somewhere nearby, perhaps Savareen, a few miles from the nearest base, and then call it in.

"You're certain about leaving the Empire? Have you engaged any cells that seemed to preach rebellious attitude? And your clearance... what was it? You could be valuable for information if you're willing."

Taking a swig of the drink, he set his feet up on the pazaak table that was adjacent to the couch. His eyes peered towards her, the power of the Force swirling around him and preparing to discern truth and fact from falsehood. Not that he expected her to lie, but one could never be too careful. When last they met, it had soured relatively quickly when he mentioned restoring the old ways. Since then, he had done much, and formally joined the ranks of the Jedi Order. Everything was falling into place, and having Astrid as an ally instead of an enemy would put him at ease. For some reason, beyond even him, he treated her almost like a friend he had known for some time. He understood her pain, even more now that he realized his sister had never died - something far worse had befallen her. She was Sith. Twisted and evil. At least Alika had died with honor, doing what she believed. He could not say the same for his own kin.

"There are a few things I should mention. Treat officers like they're officers, of course, you know that. Just be generally friendly, avoid the Gotal at all costs, and don't mind the comments. Some will welcome you like I am, and others may not. You're not the only defector, so you'll be right at home after questioning is done."

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia let herself lose a few thousand kilograms of emotional baggage at the notion that whoever she would be dealing with was significantly less harsh than the Republica, but tried not to show it. The ramp was shut now. There was no going back. She found relief in that Horus had not yet notified anyone he knew of her intent--it might have been better for both of them that this stayed low on communications chatter. Especially since her name was rather easy to identify. Not a lot of soldiers had a last name of 'Kazaczecho', nor the first name of 'Astridia'.

The man invited her to take a spot on the couch, which had miraculously been allowed room within the confines of a starship. Perhaps that was just Imperial industrialism speaking for her. He had quite the ship, after all. Plenty of room. Especially for just one person. She crossed her legs and attempted to look as comfortable as possible, without actually looking like it at all. Tempest started off his questions. Nothing too severe, nothing that would cause...trouble. If his intentions were to take her to a middle point, it wouldn't be a good idea to go to the Outer Rim just yet--especially when other people may not appreciate her presence.

"I am certain. Rebel cells, no, not any that explicitly stated as such. Mainly slavers, smugglers, and the like, with a few terrorist or crime syndicates looking simply to harm others. As for my clearance..."

A part of Astrid direly urged her to avoid stating so. She'd been through enough courses to have the notion of 'not giving any information up' in her mind. But she shut that part of her down. This wasn't an interrogation--she wanted to defect, and defect she would.

"I have access to criminal cases like--Alika's. I'm a glorified law enforcement agent...emphasis on enforcement. Imperial military, but I managed to get a job more suited to police. Core World work. I'm a low tier officer. I could...POSSIBLY gain access to some classified documents but...no promises. And risky."

Astrid could fight, though. And she knew how the Empire worked. Hopefully that was enough. She knew that he could probably tell a liar from one who speaks truth (being a spacer), and as such would do her best to tell him everything he needed to hear. She didn't know everything, though--just what they told her down the chain. He looked at her, and she couldn't see someone that she would consider an immediate friend. Maybe because he would work so well in the Empire. Honest. Blunt. Straightforward. She hated that part of herself.

"Don't mind what comments, exactly? And what would 'questioning' pertain to, from your knowledge? I know it's not my place to ask questions. But...I have concerns."

 

[Horus Tempest]

She looked almost as awkward as he felt, taking a seat on the small 'couch' nearby him, barely seeming to contain herself in any manner. It made sense she'd be a little nervous, perhaps even scared of the change, but she composed herself well enough. Maybe he was making her feel uncomfortable, which in turn made Horus slightly uncomfortable to think of himself in such a way. He'd been taught that truth and honesty was far more important than anything in life, and though he was tactful this really wasn't an occasion to show tact. She wanted to betray an entire Empire for her sister's death, something he could relate to, and she needed all the information he could give her. Likewise, he needed all the information she could give him.

"Well, maybe one day we'll go on a mission to retrieve some intel, but if it's up to me I'd rather not risk your life. Of course, I'd wager to say it probably isn't going to be up to me, though."

He crossed his legs, turning to face the girl. His expression changed from soft and kind to slightly harder and more stoic, his Jedi training kicking in for the second as she mentioned concerns. Concerns. The Alliance also had concerns, enough concerns that it would quite literally be putting his word as hers, meaning that if she messed up, it was on him. That's how vouching for someone worked. Unfortunately, he had no idea what questions they would ask her, but he did know the kind of comments that cruel beings could throw her way. Not everyone in the Alliance was kind and gentle, some of them were actually quite verbose in their dislike of the Empire and all things Imperial, even the former imperials that switched ranks weren't always exempt from their hate.

"Any comments that attack your character. You know how cruel people can be, I don't to explain that to you. As for the questioning? Probably why you changed sides, what guarantee there is that this isn't some form of espionage. You'll be isolated for a little while, most likely, unless you're a golden ticket of sorts. Concerns? Please, do tell."

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia could appreciate the honesty. It was a better fate than being told lies about how easily she could integrate into this...organization. She understood how badly Horus needed to know what she knew. It was part of making sure she wasn't going to double cross them after. And she would tell everything she knew. It wasn't much, and 'everything' was rather broad, creating issues of recollectoon. She could try either way. He explained her likelihood of going on many missions risking her life. That was fine. She'd been on many like it in her career. She merely shrugged and took in a breath, shakily exhaling in an attempt to relax slightly. Of course, this is right when Horus decided to get serious.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. And trying to keep me relatively safe. It's cute."

Her Imperial tone faded as she resorted to what she spoke with when she was relaxed, or trying to reason with angry citizens. More compatible with standard Basic than the high-class clip of Coruscant and politics. She cleared her throat, the relief of not having to strain enunciation like a blessing to her. Astrid had guessed that 'comments' would be about being an Imperial. She would expect those...but also try to stray away from any fellow defectors. In fact, she would have preferred the presence of people Alika once knew. Unless she really had no friends and had died for no reason. Equally as likely.

"You just named my concerns. That was all. I accept that I'll face imprisonment or worse in the coming days or weeks or whatever. I don't know anyone on the other side--obviously. But I hope to the Force that Alika did."

She looked down at the durasteel floor, leaning forward to balance her elbows on her knees. This gave her flashbacks of the Imperial interviews she'd been through a few times. Hopefully this was easier, and less imposing.

But somehow the tall man was more terrifying, one way or another. Unless it wasn't intimidation, perhaps admiration.

 

[Horus Tempest]

"Cute? I mean, yeah I guess."

He hadn't known Alika in life, but he knew that she was relatively liked by those she knew at a minimum. It was one of those situations where Horus wished he could provide comfort and answers where none existed. He understood the pain of losing a sister, and he was slightly morbidly appreciative of the fact Astridia wouldn't have to watch her sister become twisted and demented as he would have to do before long. He didn't hate the Sith, but he had a deep seeded dislike for them, and was also likewise glad the woman had just been a glorified law enforcement officer. He would see her safely instituted into the Alliance, though his faith in them had been shaken due to recent events. At a minimum, he viewed their General in very poor light. If any trouble came, it would be from him, and in that regard, Horus was more than willing to stand up to the wookie. He had only recently been promoted to Jedi Padawan, and was working his way to Knight. This wouldn't stain his record, it might even improve it, perhaps he could find a niche as a recruitment officer of some kind.

"You won't be imprisoned. I can assure you if that's what they want this ship is turning right back around. As I said, whatever conception you have, it's probably muddled. We aren't like the Empire, we won't ever be if I have my way."

It was unnatural of him not to share more information about the Alliance, but they were under strict orders not to do so. If he did, he would face a tribunal of his own and he had no doubt they would be overjoyed to exile yet another Jedi. The fracture between Alliance and Order had already begun in his mind, and history only supported the fact that his Order should likely have remained separate. He trusted his Master, however, and would do as he was instructed unless it countered his own moral beliefs. He doubted that would ever come to pass, but should it do so, he would walk away. His face looked serious, concerned, but softened ever so slightly. He had a lot on his mind, but the time would soon come to contact the Alliance and he didn't want to appear too addled by internal conflict. Horus would have to meditate soon and recover from this negative spell, it wouldn't mark well on his aura and other Force Sensitives would doubtlessly pick it up, as he did not cover his sensitivity as others did.

"We'll leave in a few, set up someplace nearby for a time then I'll contact my people. They'll know what to do."

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia nodded while he finished up whatever the point of this little meet-and-greet was. She felt some kind of tension inside of him, as though he was wanting to say something but couldn't. She stared at him for a moment before he stated that they were going to get moving soon. Good...the less time I'm here, the better. She knew it wasn't the best of her to dump such a weight on the person who was doing her such a huge favor--but what else could she do? She was scared. That was it. Pushing out of her comfort zone, into all these new stimuli. That scared her.

It felt odd being scared. The Republica had always had some kind of stability--more or less--no matter how rocky things got. Now it was just her...and anybody that would help her out. There were a few out there that Astrid had met personally. Helped her through some trouble on her less exciting assignments. She stood up, brushing her jacket before walking over to her speeder and kneeling down next to it, pulling open the panel to the engine. The woman wasn't exactly a professional mechanic yet, with this being more of a hobby until she could set more time to it, but she could at least tell the difference between a cylinder and a radiator.

"Sounds good."

She looked up from the mechanics and called out again.

"Horus? Thank you. Really."

 

[Horus Tempest]

He watched calmly as she rose to go fiddle with her bike. A smile crossed his lips even as he took another sip of his flask and kicking up off the ground. Quite nonchalantly, he raised his right hand and sent the commlink stored in the cockpit gently floating through the air. It reached his hand with a slight grab through the air, and he continued his way towards the pilot's chair. He could still hear her tinkering in the background and decided that now was likely the time to be communicating with someone who had the authority to screen potential deserters. He knew only one, a man he'd met only partially during one of his many stops on Alliance worlds. Devrim Wolfe, a Jedi Padawan beneath Master Reach. His mind halted on Master Reach for a moment and thought about the Eldrin's actions as of late. Many things had changed, and they had seen once more than eye to eye, he understood her. It was she who had been present at his trial, and rumors had begun to circulate that it was also she who would be present at his Knight Trials.

"Perfect. I'm putting through the call now..."

"This is Horus Tempest. I'm requesting a recruitment official to screen a potential Imperial defector. If you can read this, meet me on the outskirts docking station near Taris. We'll meet up there."

With that, he ended the secure peer to peer communication with the tap of a button, turning in his chair and starting up the engines, which shook the entire ship momentarily before the familiar buzz came to life. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Astridia continued to work and sighed. At least she was keeping her mind busy. There was a lot ahead of the young Imperial Agent, lots of change and possibly a brand new home. The Alliance, for all its faults, was essentially one giant dysfunctional family. It wouldn't be long before they had to move bases and the like, so this was the perfect time to induct a new recruit into the system. Astrid could very well make a difference if she so chose, as Horus had so long ago. Whether Jedi or Rebel, he would never truly have allowed himself to be ruled by an Empire made up of servants to the Dark Side. He knew now, better perhaps than most, how truly intoxicating the Darkness could become and how corrupting it's presence was. He would not allow it to spread any further. It could not, and he would not.

"No problem, Astrid. Just doing my part for what I believe in."

@Vosrik @Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

> END THREAD