Ask Raxus New Horizons

[Kalique Baize]

Seeing the other couple taking the lead fueled her further, making her want to flip the outcome even more, yet perhaps she was starting to push a little too hard. The hill reached its steepest part and so Kalique did trip just a moment later which obviously made them both crash and roll.

Holding on to Jon as best as she could, she was somewhat trying to cushion the fall, but she still decided to refrain from any force use. The result was, that they actually spun and Kalique knew this would end in a few bruises, but as they skidded to a halt, Kalique's gaze flicked to the Rolstens.

While Kalique blinked, Jon helped her up already and a smirk was on her lips. "Let's do it". A new kind of enthusiasm washed over her as she realized their chances were still there, given that the Rolstens were still the ground while they picked up their pace again.

She replied on Jon and followed his counting blindly, which, after the fall, worked incredibly well. The crowd was going wild, the Baize supporters were slowly realizing this wasn't looking too bad and suddenly, they passed Travis right as they scrambled to their feet.

Even if she was feeling hyped, she kept her mind calm and focused, following Jon's count while they sped across the last flat parts. She heard Travis yell behind them and knew they were close, but she didn't dare to glance over her shoulder just yet. As they finally approached the finish line, she once again realized how close the others were to the others and so tension was approaching its crescendo before the Rolstens suddenly dropped back a little and Kali and Jon raced through the line.

The crowd cheered and applauded and it took Kalique a few seconds to realize that they had actually made it. She immediately flung her arms around his neck and kissed him, before she finally got a chance to catch her breath. "We've made it!!".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

They crossed the finish line several paces ahead of their rivals, and the crowd that had gathered went wild. Jon felt his heart thumping in his chest as he reached down and pulled on the rope, releasing the knot and causing it to fall away from their legs.

As he stood, he let out a slight grunt as Kali nearly tackled him. He laughed as they kissed, hugging her tightly and lifting her off the ground. He spun her around, continuing to laugh deeply. The spin caused him to tumble backward on the soft grass, still holding onto Kali; he cushioned her fall.

He let out a few heavy breaths, looking up at the clouds floating above. "How did we manage to recover that..." he said in somewhat disbelief. Even without the Force, they had extensive physical training, which must have taken over. A few seconds passed, and he helped Kali up. "You were great! Sorry, I almost ended it for us a couple of times early on," he said. He looked around, the Rolstens nowhere to be seen. "The desk job has done wonders for my coordination." he said with a chuckle.

He did see his mother and father approaching. "I have never seen a tumble as well coordinated as that..." Cal said, wrapping his arms around both of them and pulling them into a group hug. "Well done! Well done!!" he said, his voice rumbling in his chest before he released them. "I never doubted you both for an instant. Well, maybe for a few seconds..." his mother cut in, giving him a look.

As the field started to clear, multiple people came up to congratulate them. Everyone realized it was kind of a silly thing, but it was a tradition, and that was something that was extremely important to everyone around here.

The winds picked up as they entered late afternoon. Soon people would begin clearing out. "Oh!" his mother said "We need to get a picture of all of us before we leave!" she commanded.

 

[Kalique Baize]

After realization hit, Kalique was overly happy. It overshadowed the minor injuries and she broke into laughter as Jon short-handedly lifted her, spun her around and suddenly tumbled backwards with the two of them landing in the soft grass. She could barely belief it, much like him, but they had made it.

"Oh please...my little tripping accident slowed us severely, but hey...once again wwe've been a great team" she softly replied, catching her breath, before they got back up. As Cal suddenly approached him, she couldn't help but chuckle again, answering his question with a mere shrug. They were great at coordinating stuff together as they had simply done it for years, but it was still hard to belief they had still won after all of this.

"Thank you...I mean it sounds like it's also been an entertaining, suspenseful race for you all so I guess we've done alright" after their group hug, Kalique wrapped an arm around Jon's back, smiling up at him with sheer joy in her eyes. They received some congratulations then before it was just the four of them, the mood was still incredibly lighthearted.

"That's a sweet idea!" Kalique happily agreed with her before she plucked some dried grass of Jon and patted the earthy dust of her fabric.

Someone was just walking by in the right moment and so the visitor quickly had to pose as a photographer- what they couldn't have known was that while they readily posed, the elderly gentleman took a whole album worth of pics, using different angles and positions and kept instructing them to move around a little, so that the whole ordeal took a few minutes, but was they were done, Kalique was still almost overwhelmed with joy.

"This was already an unforgettable day...thank you all for having taking me here" Those were core memories created right there and she was extraordinarily grateful. Even if the festival space slightly cleared, she had a feeling this day was far from being over. "Is there anything else to see? Or will be head back to the farm?".

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Kali pulled some pieces of grass from his hair that he hadn't noticed. "Thanks." he said as they cleaned themselves off quickly.

Jon was fine with a picture, but his mother had waived down an actual photographer, it turned out. The man was pretty persistent in taking a lot of photos. He almost said something, but it seemed like something his Mother was enjoying. After several minutes had passed and enough pictures taken to fill a small album, they were free. "He certainly took that request seriously.." Jon commented after the man had left.

"I am glad both of you came," Syl said warmly. Jon pulled Kali a bit closer. With the shorter fall days, it was beginning to grow dark. "Well, there is one more thing." he said, stopping by a stand as they passed and purchased four apples before handing them out. "You can't leave without actually having an apple." he said with a shrug.

Jon was certainly biased, but he didn't think there was a better-tasting apple in the Galaxy than those grown here. After handing them out, he took a bite out of his and then looked to Kali expectantly to see her reaction.

With that, they would make their way back towards the speeder, stopping here and there to look at some stalls or for Cal as he pulled into a conversation with someone before his wife dragged him away.

Storm clouds brewed on the horizon. It was not uncommon to have small evening thunderstorms this time of year. It had always been a favorite of his to watch.

Jon relaxed as they began the drive home. "You ever get that tractor fixed we were talking about a couple weeks ago?" Jon asked his father. "No, haven't had the time to actually get to it." the man replied. "I could take a look at it in the morning if you want?" he offered. It had been years since he had worked on farm equipment, but they had at that tractor since before Jon had been born so he had plenty of experience working on it.

"Oh yeah? That'd be great! Sure would be nice to have a few extra hands..." he said, glancing over his shoulder at Jon and Kali.

 

[Kalique Baize]

As the sun threatened to disappear behind the horizon, Jon suggested she tried an actual freshly plucked field apple. She happily did so, the sun kissed red already raising her expectations. "Ohh...you are totally right" this had been an item on tip of her agenda, and she was happy to finally tick the box.

The apples was incredible juicy, perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, refreshing and comforting. It was admittedly the best apple she had ever eaten, and even if the sheer joy that still flowed right through her most certainly added to that, it was still a perfect apple. "That's...absolutely incredible". No wonder the cake and cider and many more was just flawless.

As they walked back, the sky quickly turned greyish as dark clouds gathered. It wasn't just night fall, but she already sensed the upcoming electricity in the air. They were at the speeder soon, and it seemed like rain wouldn't fall for another few minutes, so for now they made it in dryly.

Kali followed the conversation about the tractor with a warm smile on her lips, her gaze quickly taking in the mesmerizing fields before it flicked back to Jon and soon Cal. "Oh absolutely! I'm sure we can make ourselves useful" there was always plenty of work here, and she was exciting to assists with some tasks.

Kalique wasn't specialized in mechanics at all, but she knew Jon had some skills. "If you can fix, can I try driving it?" she asked right as the thought crossed her mind. She had driven plenty of vehicles in the military and flew countless ships and vessels as a Knight, but a tractor was surely something else.

They followed the country roads onwards and soon their chat was accompanied by the first thick drops that had the windshield. Judging from how the trees around bended, the wind had picked up more and soon the few lonely droplets turned into actual rain. This weather called for a fire and she was excited to get back, wondering whether Jon and her could cook for the four of them.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

It was a small thing, but to share this piece of his past with her had meant the world to him. He smiled as her face lit up with the first bite of the apple. "Best in the Galaxy..." he responded.

He smiled and placed a hand on her leg when she offered her help as well. Of course, he would welcome it. "Oh sure!" Cal replied to her. "Though after all the equipment y'all use in the military, I'm not sure that old thing is going to be exciting." he said.

The topic of mechanical issues led him to tell the story of the bike mishap on Serreno. He left out the parts of the story that indicated how bad of a spot they had actually been in, but it was still a good story.

Jon glanced over at Kali, seeing the ideas spin in her mind. He didn't have the Force, but he could take a pretty good guess at what she was thinking. "Me and Kali will take care of dinner." he said, cutting off the comment that was already starting to leave his mother's mouth. "That wasn't an offer or question..." he said, just a hint of Imperial Officer coming out of him. His mother spun and gave him a look before surrendering.

He smiled at Kali, knowing she would love the opportunity. They enjoyed cooking, and this was the least they could do for coming unannounced.

The storm continued to approach and had just started the rain in earnest when they arrived back at the farmhouse. His parents set about getting the fire going and buttoning up the farm for the evening.

"So what should we make?" he asked Kali as they stepped into the kitchen.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique disagreed- especially after having been used to plenty of highly developed technologies, she was excited to try a tractor, knowing it required plenty of other skills. She was always excited to learn to, so she was really looking forward to it, however this meant the fixing had to work first.

Jon shared their swoop bike adventure story, however she quickly gave him 'the look', knowing that talking about the animal attack would surely worry his parents. Jon, however, obviously knew what he was doing and so they soon had a laugh about it. As the conversation shifted onto dinner, she threw him a smirk as he assertively brought forth their proposition, knowing she had literally read her mind and she still loved that side of his...

She was warmly smiling at Jon as she gently slid her hand into his again, brainstorming some recipes, before the four of them jogged towards the entrance. They were slightly damp as they made it into the house, yet the real storm hadn't fully arrived just yet and they literally made it in in time.

Once in the kitchen, Kalique turned on some relaxing background music as she quickly checked the panty and the fridge. "Hmm why don't we stick to some freshly harvested products? I saw potatoes and pumpkin...we could roast tge vegetables and serve them with some beef?", she suggested as she leaned against the counter, excitedly meeting his gaze.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Music​

Kali turned on music, which obviously was needed if they were going to do this. In a day filled with traditions, this still remained one of his favorites. He pulled a few things out as Kali scanned what they had to work with, though Jon was pretty sure what she would find.

He nodded when she gave her assessment. They, indeed, had ventured into pretty adventurous dishes over the years, but she understood their audience on this one. Jon's parents were simple people, and while they never complained or cared about whatever was made, they would appreciate a well-made simple dish. "Sounds perfect." he added.

Jon tapped his foot to this and whisted along with the intro. His parents had disappeared to their work as Jon and Kali began cooking. He got out seasonings for the meat and mixed them together. As they got started, the rain came down outside, but it was cozy in the kitchen as the fire did its work. The work was punctuated with laughing over the day's events and singing along to the music.

He pointed to Kali on the other side of the island, looking up from his work for a moment at her, hair still damp from the rain. "Home is wherever I'm with you!" he sang along to the music before letting out a genuine laugh. It was at that moment there was a bright flash from one of the doorways. Jon's mother had snuck back in and had taken a picture. "Sorry...you both are just soo cute." she said, holding a hand to her chest. Jon gave her a look before looking back to Kali.

 

[Kalique Baize]

As Jon happily agreed with her food choice, she pulled out the ingredients she had previously laid her eyes on and began washing and scrubbing some potatoes soon after. The fresh, earthy flavor was incredible against the background of the early fall thunderstorm, and the soft music in the background created a wonderful atmosphere.

They chatted, laughed together and hummed along to the music while the ingredients were prepared. She slowly swung to the music before she gave Jon a knowing smirk, her eyes full of love, waiting for him to sing along with the next line. She sensed the presence in the back of her mind, however was assuming his mom was just walking by, as suddenly, a flash illuminated the room that wasn't related to the storm outside at all.

She blinked a moment before realizing it was indeed Sylvia, having saved yet another precious memory. She broke into soft laughter, Jon looking just as baffled as her for a moment, but the gesture was sweet. "We have to create an album of this trip" she suggested softly, knowing that actual printed photos were still something far more than collections in a cloud.

"Dinner is almost ready!" she then told Silvia as she moved over to flip the meat again. "Is Cal ready?" knowing him, it wasn't unlikely he was working somewhere again. The warmth of the fire was slowly spreading and warming her from the inside while she was looking forward to the night ahead.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Small stars swam at the corner of vision as he recovered from the flash. "You are starting to sound like them..." he said nodding his head back towards the room his mother had exited too.

"Oh, I'll get him." she said from the next room. "CAAALL!!" she characteristically yelled for his father. He had grown up here; everyone knew Sylvia wasn't going to come looking for you. The Galaxy had gifted her with a loud voice, and she was not afraid to use it. She yelled again, which prompted a grumbling Cal coming in from outside. "I'm coming woman..." he mumbled, but his tone was still lighthearted. The exchange was nostalgic to Jon as he smiled.

They set the table and brought the food over. "This smells amazing," Cal said in a deep voice as he scanned the food in front of him. "You gotta come try this restaurant on Raxus with me sometime," he said, picking up the plate of vegetables and putting some on his plate before passing the plate. "Its amazing..." he said, nudging Kali. "She hates it, so I usually go when she is off-world," he said with a grin.

"Are you still having to spend a lot of time off world, dear?" his mother asked Kali. "With your teaching and all, I assumed you would be home more." she asked curiously.

Jon took a bite of the vegetables a few moments later. They were roasted to perfection. It was a simple but hearty meal, capturing the essence of this place.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique broke into a chuckle, yet it once again made her realize that a lot of habits had rubbed off on her. It was absolutely not a bad thing - ever since Jon and his family had come into her life, she had gotten a lot warmer, too.

"Perhaps I'll now turn into the one who always collects photos of moments...all kinds of moments, you know" she playfully teased after his mother walked out, giving him a smirk. He had so much leverage and while she loved going through his collection and laughing with him about it, she figured she could add a few samples of Jon in funny situations, too.

Cal joined them just a moment later after Sylvia's signature call and thus Jon and Kalique could start serving. With the rainy backdrop and the warmth of the fire, the roasted vegetables and meat perfectly complemented the cozy atmosphere. As Jon brought up his special restaurant, Kalique immediately shot Cal a look - he was in desperate need of warning:

"Don't let him tempt you...all I'm saying is that you can't even read the menu and the food is just...incredibly exotic" even if she phrased it carefully, her emerald eyes were still wide open and the look told him everything he needed to know. The rather serious look soon faded into a smile again as she passed him the vegetables.

As Sylvia asked about ger travels, everyone had a full plate and the mood was perfectly relaxed - Kalique was hoping their combination of ingredients would taste as well as they intended. "Oh I'm on Raxus often...Squire training and all the coordination and managing mainly happens in the capital. I do have to take my Squires off-world every now and then, too" she explained, before her gaze flicked over to Jon.

"It all allows Jon and me to spend more time together in general, but he can eat at his special restaurant still every now and then" her lips curled into a smirk again, even if Sylvia's question kept her mind busy for another while. Kalique was grateful that she didn't have to leave as often anymore, yet while she had really enjoyed off-world travel as a Knight, she nowadays didn't mind staying around the HQ.

She did everything she could to prepare her Squires for their future, yet sometimes she noticed that she was still working way too much. "Apart from the tractor, is there anything else we can start helping you with tomorrow?" knowing his parents, they already had a few ongoing projects, especially because winter wasn't that far away.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

"No no no..."

Jon shot back, "You don't need to read the menu!" Jon said. "You don't even need to read the menu. Plus, I know what's good..." he said, shooting a look towards Kali. They all continued eating, and pleasant conversation and banter continued to flow. Jon didn't know how to describe what he was feeling; it just felt like home. He had never been one to be homesick, but today, seeing all of the familiar sights, sounds, and people, there was a part of him that thought he missed this world.

He smiled; it would be no surprise that Jon had come to enjoy their situation, him stationed in one spot and her mostly at home. They had always made it work and would continue to make it work, but he had to admit their current situation was pretty good. "We have been very fortunate. I could have easily ended up stationed off of Raxus permanently," he said. That was always a possibility.

"Stop it!" Sylvia said, swatting at Kali from her side of the table. "You aren't going to spend what little time you have off helping out with silly work. We are fine! You relax and enjoy yourselves!" she said, shooting Cal a "you agree with me" look.

"You going to be able to bring in the harvest yourselves?" Jon asked. He had seen the fields; it had looked like it was going to be a good year, but a good year meant more work. It would be months of work, he wasn't sure what he was offering. "No no...We are fine." Cal said dismissively, and while his tone was light, there was some worry in his eyes.

"Don't you worry about us. We aren't that old yet..." Cal said with a smile.

 

[Kalique Baize]

They had both been overly grateful with the fact that both of them were stationed on Raxus, as he was right - they would have made it work regardless, but it was much more pleasant this way. Ever since they had gotten the flat they had managed to spend quite some time there, but even before that Kalique had known that home wasn't a place, but it was literally where Jon was.

"No no no" Kalique threw in, shaking her head. She knew Sylvia could be stubborn, too, and as loving as she was, she'd literally insist on them not helping. But Kalique was stubborn as well and she wasn't ready to relent yet. "We'll help for sure. I bet there's a lot that needs to be done right now and we'll enjoy ourselves one way or another". Kalique literally didn't mind the farm work as even if it was often physically demanding, she found if relaxing as it simple was something totally different.

"Please let us help...at least a little...eight hands are always better than four" she tried again, her voice soft and almost pleading but her gaze determined. Kalique was always one to offer help, and especially for them. If they wouldn't let them help, she even wondered whether hiring farmlands was an option...She knew they were still fit, but it was simply a lot of work to do for two people.

Even if the conversation had shifted to a somewhat more serious topics, the mood wasn't tense. The meal tasted well, and they had literally managed to create a perfectly simple dish with a few ingredients. Once they were all finished, Kalique would offer to quickly clear the table before she'd return again. It wasn't super late, but the day had been eventful in the most pleasant way, so the slightest hint of tiredness set in.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Jon glanced at his Father, both men too wise to interfere here. The two women locked wills against each other, and while the tone was light, the air in the room grew someone heavier.

Jon had seen people crack on his mother's stubbornness, but Kali was driven like no other he had ever met. After a moment, Sylvia let out a sigh. "Finee" she said, shaking her head. "You kids need to learn how to take a vacation.." she said with a heavy exhale.

"Oh yeah?" Jon asked, looking up. "When was the last time you guys took one?" he said, realizing his mistake immediately as her head snapped towards him, locking him with an icy glare. "Not smart..." his dad mumbled.

The mood returned to lighthearted, and they finished the meal. It was a truly good meal, leaving Jon full at the end.

They all cleared the table; Sylvia made sure to help, daring Kali to challenge her on this. It was quick work, and soon, all was cleaned up from the meal. While it wasn't late, Cal and Sylvia it was not an uncommon thing for them to turn in this early with how early their mornings started. Good nights were said, and his parents retired for the evening.

A few minutes later, Jon grabbed a blanket and took Kali onto the front porch. A steady rain fell into the black night beyond as they settled onto a porch swing. Bandit curled up next to their feet as the swing creaked quietly as they moved. He put an arm around Kali, letting out a content breath. "You know..I spent my whole childhood trying to get out of chores, and you go and sign us up for some?" he joked. He, of course, wanted to help out just as much as she did.

There was a pleasant stillness for a few minutes. "Hey, there is something I have been wanting to talk to you about..." he said, breaking the silence as he stared out into the stormy night.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique was fairly aware that Sylvia wasn't one to just relent, especially when it was something that involved your wellbeing...however, they locked gazes for a moment and suddenly there was a tension in the air that was only broken by the way her features subtly, yet reluctantly softened.

A slightly triumphant smirk then tugged at her lips before Kalique took another bite. "Maybe we will one day, Kalique mentally added, but their conversation soon drifted elsewhere. For now though, it was good to support them as she was sure they could need additonal hands for as long as they were around.

Jon raised a valid point as he snapped right back, but she knew this was her time to hold her tongue. They were quite similar in this regard, but there was no need to stir up accusations. The little disputes were soon forgotten though and they finished up before Jon's parents turned in for thr night.

It left Jon and Kalique, who were much more used to staying up late, on their own ans soon they found themselves curled up on the front porch swing, a blanket helping to keep them warm. The air was much fresher and the air damp as it was still raining, but the breezy early fall night air lingered beautifully in the air.

"Oh come on...as if you'd stop after the tractor" she softly replied as she put her head on his shoulder. She took a deep breath and found her mind incredibly clear, the remains of the storm were rather calming than unsettling.

She closed her eyes for a moment and focused on the clattering rain that hit the soaked ground and the roof above them. The air wasno longer electrified and the Force calm, but as a little breeze followed by a subtle shiver crept across her skin, she focused on the molecules directly surrounding them and soon encased them in a slightly warmer, invisible cocoon that would keep them pleasantly warm.

She felt incredibly relaxed and reveled in the moment before Jon broke the comfortable silence that made her reopen her eyes. She raised her head from his shoulder and met his gaze, first trying to decipher his features. "Of course, what is it?". Her voice was still rather quiet, barely overshadowing the natural backdrop.


@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

She was right. She usually was.

"You're probably right." he said with a chuckle.

They could make themselves useful, but the change of pace would still be relaxing in its own way. He felt her shiver slightly before the air around them became pleasantly cozy. It was a subtle thing, one Jon didn't pay much attention to.

This conversation had been in the back of his mind since before they had left. "Well.." he said, removing his arm from around her and sitting forward slightly. "I have been thinking it might be time for me to retire from the IAF." He rested his hands on his knees, looking down at the wood porch below.

"I just feel like it may be time.." he said, looking back at her. "I wanted to get your thoughts on it?" he asked. He valued her opinion. They were partners in this, whatever happened. He trusted her to give honest advice.

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique really wasn't sure where the conversation was headed, but she sensed how this wasn't easy for him. Was there a better palce to have deep conversations than on front of a porch swing at night though? He pulled back slightly and looked downwards and she gently put a hand on his back.

As he did begin explaining, her gaze drifted out to the night sky as well, pondering on his words. Was it surprising? Perhaps not really. After the trial, a lot had changed for him, they had both served for years, and years of service could leave you jaded...He was definitely less enthusiastic than he had once been and it was similar for her, but she hadn't considered retiring.

Jon wasn't one to follow or even have impulsive, not well though out plans, so there was no doubt that he had considered this for quite some time. "Well..." she softly started, a few thoughts racing through her mind. "First of all, I'm going to support you no matter what. We're in this together...I'll be with you, always" she began with the most important point, her gaze drifting back to him.

It hadn't been easy for her either in the last few months as the Emperor's decision on declaring the Jedi their enemy had left a bitter taste in her mouth. It wasn't right, and opening war on yet another front wasn't even a smart move from he point of view. The Jedi had some things in common with them and their fight against the Sith, Exalted and Killik was actually mutual, but it all laid in shatters now. But this wasn't about her, this was about him, so she swallowed those thoughts right away.

"It sounds right though" Kalique was always a rather direct person, so she gave him her honest assessment right away. "You've...changed. Dathomir changed you. I know it was different ever since...and I don't blame you at all. With all this desk work, the transfer...you simply don't seem as enthusiastic anymore and it often hurts me to see you like this" her voice was still soft despite the serious topic and she gently ran her hand across his back.

"I know it's not an easy decision, but...my gut feeling tells me it might be the right decision", she met his gaze, her demeanor calm. Perhaps it was even the Force, but she couldn't deny she felt it was right.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

It was not an easy thing to say out loud, even with her. He continued to listen, giving her time to think through the issue. He had taken weeks and months; it was only fair.

As she explained her thoughts, it stung him, though he didn't show it externally. He had changed. He hadn't wanted to, but he knew he had, and to know that that hurt her in any way ate at his core.

He let out another heavy breath. "Would I be just running away from this too?" he asked, looking back into the sea of darkness beyond. "Am I a coward?" was the question that always hid in the back of his mind. It caused him to hesitate and second-guess his decisions even when he knew he was right.

There was a part of him that was afraid of leaving. He had an identity in the military; this is who he had been since the day he turned 18 and left this planet to join. Who would he be after?

 

[Kalique Baize]

She sensed his pain, especially now that those thoughts were out in the open and that she had chosen honesty. It was a hard truth, but they had always been able to talk about everything, so this was not any different. In a way, what she sensed from him strongly reminded her of Dathomir's aftermath and it pained her that he still had those doubts.

"No, Jon. This is no running. You haven't run after Dathomir even if you've been through hell. You have faced those feelings and you've worked through them, this here is a conscious decision". He had phrased those thoughts about him being a coward before and it hurt so much to see them surface again.

"You are still the bravest person I've ever met. You've risked everything...so often. You didn't understand the Force at all and yet you faced those vile spirits...I could bring up countless examples of where you've proven that Jonathen Baize is everything but a coward, but I know it wouldn't even do it justice", she didn't even know what else to say, but she desperately wished he could see himself through her eyes one day.

She edged forward, closer to him, and placed a hand on his. "This would be a new start for sure. But you are not alone", she reminded him once again, forcing herself to a soft smile. "Making such a decision alone is brave", she quietly added, before she wanted to lighten this heavy, pain-filled mood a little.

"Still sticking around with me is incredibly brave, too", she softly nudged him, before her gaze drifted into the darkness ahead again. There were still many thoughts racing through her head as Bandit slightly lifted his head and slowly started wagging his tail. This would be a change for both of them, but it was the right decision...

"You'd want to move here then, I guess?", she phrased the question that was already lingering in the open a few moments later, as he and her both knew his parents could really use some help. He wouldn't have business on Raxus anymore and it wasn't the best place to be in anyway. It was practical for them now, but for him staying wouldn't make much sense.

@Raydo

 

[Jonathen Baize]

He listened as she spoke, not arguing even if her words contradicted the voice in the back of his mind. There was a part of him that felt guilty for even leaving Imperial Service, part of him that felt guilty that it was even an option for him. Others who had died over the years had not been afforded such choices. He knew these thoughts were true, but they felt real to him. As she spoke, he let himself hold on to her words.

He let out a breath. That quiet voice in the back of his mind quelled for the moment. Her hand slid along his "But you are not alone." the words eased him a bit, the muscles in his back relaxing slightly.

He agreed with her that it was the right thing to do. It was uncomfortable to step out into the unknown, but military life had also been uncomfortable at first.

She made a joke a few seconds later, bringing a little light to the conversation. He let out a chuckle. "Sticking with you has by far been the best decision I have made.." he said seriously.

He shook his head when she asked the next logical question. "No, I couldn't ask you to do that." he said, exerting some of his own stubbornness. He had thought about the logistics of this quite a bit. "Your life and work on Raxus. That is where I intend to be as well." he said. There would come a time when he would have to spend some more time here. Tomorrow would give more insight, but he had a sinking feeling his parents were a bit more behind than they were letting on. "You aren't going to be rid of me that easily.." he said, a slight grin tugging at his lips as he glanced over.