Ask Preventative Measures

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra’s ears almost flattened from the high pitched squeal the girl gave when he landed. He winced, but kept his focus on the attackers instead. While Dash was engaging two of the dark siders, Ezra focused on the others. He had his saber out and channeled the Force to use a trick he had grown partial to- Plant Surge. While it wasn’t his specialty like shatterpoint, it came handy in a pinch.

Within seconds, vines tore through the ground and wrapped around the attackers again, toppling some and restraining others. Ezra whirled in with his saber, slicing off a limb before turning to the other to thrust a blade through him. While he generally avoided killing, Dark Siders tended to make things difficult.

“Ezraaaaa!” He ignored the starstruck cry of the girl that was ignoring Dash’s warning and attempting to close the distance.

“EZRA THOOORNE!”

Ezra paused just briefly, and it cost him. Even the quick glance allowed a grazing saber blow to the side of his arm. He hissed before turning to take out the last cultist. The rest of the camp was entirely too spooked to deal with the Jedi that took down their supposed overlords, so they all scrambled from the site.

The Thorne walked back towards Dash, scowling at the girl, “What is your deal?” He snapped at her, “If someone asks you to stay put, do as you’re told,” He said, rolling up a sleeve to inspect the damage on his arm.

The girl looked at Ezra, saw his injury, and burst into tears. Her wailing began to echo throughout the encampment.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash met the first Sith sympathiser saber on saber, his crooked blue blade flashing against the red. He was an acrobatic fighter, never liking to stay too close for too long, but he was able to slash the man across the midriff as he spun away.

The second cultist tried to be clever and made a play for the girl, but Dash froze a portion of earth beneath his feet with a quick gesture. It was enough to throw the man off balance, giving the Rhinallian chance to catch him up and bury his blade in his dark robes.

The mere sight of a red saber still made him think of the Sith on Berchest. Channelling that memory, Dash never struggled to put Sith and their ilk in the ground.

The Rhinnalian felt a sudden pang as the conflict died down, looking over to see Ezra hurt. He bounded over, trying to get a good look at his man’s arm even before the cultists were cold. “C’mon, show me baby. I’m sure it’s fine”.

The girl was weeping without any just cause over his shoulder. Dash finally lost his patience. “This has all been a lot, I know” he said, whirling towards her with feigned empathy. He and Ez had never come here for her. She had nearly ruined everything. “It’ll be ok”. He reached over as if holding her head comfortingly, but sent the Force through his fingers, finding the heat in her and drawing it out. She quietened, yawning, much her energy suddenly stolen away.

”Tell me we get anything the Jedi want here, after this?” He asked Ezra under his breath.

@Sreeya

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra picked up on what Dash was doing, the girl suddenly growing tired and in need of a nap. He managed to keep from cracking a grin, impressed at his man’s quick thinking. He glanced down at his injury, “I’ve had worse,” He said with a shrug, inspecting the wound before looking around at the abandoned base, “I think we can repurpose this,” Ezra concluded, “It has a comms tower and all the other basics. If the rangers clear the perimeters, we’ve got ourselves a solid presence here.”

Ezra paused there briefly before looking at Dash, “Hey..thanks for coming out here,” He said quietly with a tired smile. He looked to see the girl, who was now half asleep on Dash’s shoulder, before stealing a quick kiss from the Rhinnalian.

“After we hand her over, let’s catch up,” Ezra said. A job well done and an evening with Dash sounded like the perfect end to a day.

@Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash knew enough not to press Ezra about his injury when he thought it was minor. Besides, with the lethargic girl leaning on him like a limpet, it was difficult to be much help.

In truth, he had half forgotten they had originally come to here to set up a base. News of the senator's niece and the subsequent attack in the woods had upended everything. Now, with the cultists scattered, the base was eerily quiet.

"The Rangers don't seem up to all that much" Dash scoffed "but if they can clear the area, then you just might be right". The tower and utilitarian buildings were a far cry from Dash's kind of Jedi environment, but they were practical and Ezra was right that they were virtually ready to go. The Order always struggled where logistics and infrastructure were concerned and they had something to work with from the off here.

The thanks caught him off guard, as did the kiss, but he returned it eagerly, unconscious girl permitting. He had not felt those lips in far too long. "You don't need to thank me" he smiled "but it looks like we still make a pretty good team". Dash was partly surprised they had fulfilled their objective here. A few hours ago he was not even confident they could communicate anymore.

"Sure" Dash replied, thrilled at spending some more time together without risk and threat. "Maybe the senator will be so pleased to have this dumpling back she will arrange you a barber from public funds". He winked mischievously, but that wild beard taking hold really did need some attention.

Sirens sounded on the ridge behind them as the Rangers chose now to arrive, several speeders swerving awkwardly into the compound. New super Jedi Ez filed their report while Dash made sure he had not done any permanent damage to their rescued damsel. When they handed her over and made tracks back toward civilisation, it was a welcome relief.

/END

@Sreeya