The Little Things

[Horus Tempest]

-Music-

Horus sat along the edge of his starship, looking outwards towards the docking bay he'd managed to find himself in. It was a cozy interior for a light freighter, something he himself had furnished during his short adventures throughout the starlight seas. He had a small hallisket in his off hand and his right free to fiddle with the strings, gently strumming the thing and humming a tune as he winded down for the evening. Looking out the view-port once more, he scanned the area quickly to see if anyone was watching his ship in particular. Spotting nobody in the immediate vicinity, he walked down to the lounge area and practically fell on the small bed. Leaning back, he began to calm his mind and stretch out gently, keeping his senses within the starship itself.

He could hear the flickering of machinery, the faint hum of his water purifier trickling out a decent drink nearby. If he listened intently, he could even hear the hum of the engines powering down. Turning inwards, he found himself listening to the faintest crackle of his blaster pistol's energy pack, down to the beating of his own heart and the gentle motions of his breath. Inhaling deeply, he exhaled, and began to pick at the strings.

The name he had chosen was not a family name, but since they had no family name to start off with, Tempest seemed as good a name as ever. He contemplated on it for a moment, wondering how his twin was doing on this same day. Life Day, the galaxy was celebrating, despite the deep seeds of rebellion that had been sown. He celebrated too, his voice picking up into a tune he'd seen written in composition by an artist he never met. The journal had detailed notes on how to play the seven string, and a mysterious carving seemingly as old as the instrument itself presented a A+J. Star crossed lovers, perhaps.

"I have not been writing that many new songs...
How I wish I could stay longer, how I wish I'd never gone
And you have not been calling me as often as I wish
And some times I think I left you just to see if I'd be missed..."

Strumming another note, his voice rose and he began to meditate. It was a strange meditation, but it was his meditation style. The pick of the guitar, the riff and the music. All settled him into a calm and collected state of mind.

"...I saw our fortunes scrawled out up against a wall
In some dusty market stall, in a town I can't recall
And the teller told me that I would be young, and I would fall
And my friends all assured me that it all was surely false..."

By this point his voice was carrying beyond the confines of his ship, though he didn't care. Focusing on the strings, he lifted his right hand and let it hover over the seven-string, reaching out and picking some cords with this strange energy that had emerged in himself some time ago. His fingers picked some, his mind the others, and he continued to sing. After a while, some people even began leaving credits at the base of his freighter, yet unknown to him.

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia had been heading through the spaceport after a long flight from the outer worlds, eager to head back to the safety of her apartment and the warmth of her own bed. She'd been granted a week or so of leave, and had intended on getting home as soon as humanely possibly. Though there was no threat so far (she was dressed in civilian clothes), she hated being out more than she had to. A bad habit left over from years in uniform. People didn't like Imperials that much at times, she had come to find from the spit stains years past on her visor and the rock fragments on her windowsill that had come from her cloak. But it seemed there was an audience gathering outside of a ship, where a voice and a stringed instrument emanated.

It was surprisingly soothing and had drawn her in more than she had expected, soon finding herself near the front of the crowd where a pile of credits was building up. Astrid glanced around nervously on instinct, expecting a few dirty glances but finding none. A smile came on her face as she listened. Part of her brain asked why she was still here. Hello? Like, warm apartment and clean water waiting for you. What's up with the wait? She dismissed it, just letting herself enjoy the show as she closed her eyes. It was rare that she could just sit in a crowd like this and do nothing. It felt good, oddly enough. It felt happy.

@TheMorrigan
OOC: Post for you!

 

[Horus Tempest]

A gentle smile crossed Horus’ lips as he exited his starship And observed the crowd that had begun to form at the entrance, raising a gentle eyebrow at the clapping that greeted him. Collecting the credits lazily into his hat, he strode past the crowd and walked up to a rather disheveled older Rodian, handing him the credits instead in a show of charity. There was something about this collection of beings that brought out a strange sense of amusement. Widening his smile, Horus strummed his guitar once more, settling his eyes on the only humans and one zabrak to her right.

“...l thank you all for your kindness! Unfortunately, there are others who could use your credits.”

His strum slowed slightly, allowing a gentle sorrow to creep into his voice. He though back on his father, the one who’d taught him to play, and the ones who’d been taken away. Thinking back on the day he discovered he and his twin could use the magical energy known as the Force.

“It's hard to be born different, a stranger in you home.

To know that you may always have to face the world alone...”

He began to sit on the durasteel flooring, gently humming until the crowd dissipated. His mood had soured slightly, besides there was an oddly familiar feeling about the woman that he gazed over. She looked familiar, as though he’d known her once - or someone related to her. Gently shrugging of his hallisket, Horus gave her a gentle wave. This girl was definitely used to hardship, the way she glanced around. His composure became gentler, in contrast with the sword and blaster that sat at either side of his hips. As a Jedi Hopeful, he simply prepared for the worst at all times, while hoping for the best. He had no qualms.

“Hey! Enjoying the song? Could complete it but... too public for my liking.”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

By the time most of the people had left, Astridia hadn't even opened her eyes.

So when she did, there was a very empty room and a man with a stringed instrument staring in her general direction and waving. Astrid slowly smiled and nodded in return, turning to look at the people rapidly walking out of the room as she cleared her throat. She was about to walk out as well when he said something, where she returned her attention to the guy sitting outside of his ship and blinked. Evidently he didn't like too much of an audience, despite having the talent to possible become famous. Of course, talent wasn't a skill taught in Imperial academy--it was just 'hard work and development of skill'.

Astrid spoke in her Imperial accent, something that was far too used for her to ever really recover.
"In fact I really enjoyed it. You have an..affinity with that instrument, as well as a good voice. You should really, uh, think about performing in front of more people. Perhaps gain a bit of wealth."

She paused.
"Ah, where are my manners--Astridia Kazaczecho. And you are?"

She held up a hand to shake, considering whether or not it was smart to be flaunting around making friends with spacers when she very well could be kicking in their doors for noise complaints within the week. Unlikely, but still.

 

[Horus Tempest]

“If you think I’m good you should hear my brother! It’s a pleasure to meet you, Astridia.”

As she raised her hand to shake with an almost hesitant air about her, Horus gently reached out with the mystical powers at his command, aiming to discern any hostile intent. Master Luy had spoken true when he observed Horus was naturally untrusting and vigilant. She seemed nice enough, and neither of them where wearing anything that would give away their allegiances... but he’d been ambushed before. Kazaczecho, however, was familiar. There was a rebel with a name similar to if not identical, and with that he began to wonder whether she herself was a member of the Alliance. He didn’t dare to ask, however.

“It was my father who taught me how to play and sing. Me and my twin used to practice back before we had our falling out. Siblings, eh? The name is Horus. Horus Tempest.”

Horus shook his head and sighed, remembering the imperial raid that took his father’s life. They’d been docked at a bay similar to this one when an imperial patrol - from which empire none could tell - and demanded bribe money for reasons lost to him. His father refused and was promptly arrested, but the Vahla were are hardy folk. The patrol had to kill him to keep him down, leaving Horus and his siblings alone. Maybe she had a similar story, maybe she didn’t. He couldn’t truly know. Still, he’s so his best to treat her to decent conversation, especially considering the familiar name. Maybe he could garner where she’s from, or join wherever she was going?

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astrid nodded with a slighy chuckle at his comment about his brother. With a family like that, what wasn't to love? She eased up a bit, especially feeling good around such a pleasant personality. The thought of having a sibling hurt, it hurt a lot despite herself. Alika was long gone now, or at least she had to be if Astrid was going to move on. But she didn't WANT to move on. Her sister died to her own people, and that pissed her off, split her in two between her Imperial side and her family ties. She pursed her lips while he continued and introduced himself as Horus Tempest.

"Nice meeting you, Mr. Tempest. I take it your father isn't around to speak to, then? He seems rather interesting..nor your brother, in that case?"

May as well be curious.

 

[Horus Tempest]

Karking Karablast with chocolate coated Sith to boot! What happened to you, girl?

Like most force sensitives, Horus was naturally empathic - he could sense emotion through his connection to the Force. And though Astridia seemed to be enjoying herself, conjuring cheesy flirtatious one liners in his mind, he felt a pang of pain through his probing. It took him aback, and he would appear visually shaken for a moment, before decomposing himself. Perhaps he’d guessed correctly, or maybe her father had passed and he was totally offside. Either way, his eyes softened slightly and met hers directly, a ‘who hurt you’ look appearing for a moment before a smile washed it away. Nobody liked being pitied and he wouldn’t bother to pretend to know her yet. That came with time, patience, and perhaps a little bit of charisma. That was something Horus could do. At the mention of his father, he sighed.

“This scar on my cheek was earned the day he died. My father, that is. Shot in the back by an imperial officer, scrapped our ship and almost took out my eye too. Started my not so great affair with the Empire, one without any benefits.”

His fist tightened, his jaw locked and he slightly rotated his neck to the left before straightening himself again. He smiled a second time and shook his head, chuckling as he took out a small flask and downed a small draught. He offered it for a moment with a glint of warmth in his eyes before thinking back on his twin. Yes, Azran was Horus’ twin brother. They always argued who was older than who, but it had been decided they where of equal age long ago. When Azran left to travel the stars they’d argued long about his choice to join a rebellion that his brother viewed to be a serious risk on his life. Horus didn’t care. He’d fight both Empires and their Sith overlords, liberate as many poor agents and twisted adepts as he could, and generally try his best to live up to the legacy Master Luy had set for him to follow.

“My twin is currently traveling across the Outer Rim. We’d make a pretty good band, apparently, but he didn’t exactly agree with my profession. Hopefully I’ll change his mind... drink, Astridia? Don’t worry, it’s an herbal tea!Nothing alcoholic right now, though I wouldn’t mind a drink or two.”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astrid looked down upon discovering the truth of his father, nervously clearing her throat and taking a step back. So he'd lost a father. She'd lost her sister. Both at the fault of the Empire, earning spite from her despite her allegiance. He should be more careful with his tongue, especially around someone with an Imperial accent. She pursed her lips and decided against making a big deal out of this. Perhaps a way to start redeeming her sister was to stop being so..Imperial. The woman readjusted her jacket and looked at the scar on his face as though she'd just seen a ghost. Perhaps she was, and perhaps this was Alika's way of getting back at her for becoming a part of the system. Or perhaps she just needed a drink.

"I...I'm sorry about what the Empire did, and I can't say I could have stopped any of it..my deepest condolences for your losses, Mr. Tempest."

He went on to describe his twin brother, somewhere scattered among the stars looking for something. Maybe not looking, rather doing something useful. Astrid nodded and glanced around the hangar and the ship, bringing herself back to paying attention while Horus asked if she wanted a drink. Tea. When was the last time she'd bothered to have tea instead of caf? She nodded slowly and let a cautious smile fall onto her face, still lookking up slightly due to being in the hangar and not aboard the ship. The Imperial spoke.

"Sure..sure. Sorry, I blanked for a moment. Tea sounds..nice. As for a drink, I'm a bit iffy on that. Not exactly a heavy alcohol person, as you may guess. I'd turn into a bumbling idiot almost immediately."

 

[Horus Tempest]

Horus raised an eyebrow as she stepped backwards, sensing hesitation in her heart, and something else. Perhaps not offense, but it seemed she held he loyalty to the Empire in high regard. In other words, she was no commoner, which caused a visible shift in his stance. This was definitely not a rebel, then, and under that assumption he was indeed in a slight amount of danger. Not that he expected her to be any trouble; if a loyal imperial citizen really felt like tangoing he’d dance a waltz around them. The last dance they’d ever participate in. He didn’t dislike Astrid at all, but he wouldn’t change his candid conversation style for her benefit alone. Even among formal settings he spoke his mind, still he offered a warm set of emotions to comfort her slightly as she moved backwards. His visage displayed confusion, and his hand almost reached out, but paused and withdrew the hand with a thin smile.

“Please, call me Horus. I’m pretty honest about my opinions. I do hope it isn’t an issue, though you have to admit there are some truths to my words. Imperial citizen or not, the injustices mount by the day.”

He could tell she’d blanked out, after the nervous cough even he was starting to question the validity of the conversation. But she was kind enough to continue, answering about a lack of interest in alcohol. This elicited another chuckle as he passed the flask over, filled with a green tea flavored with imported honeycomb. Doing a visual once over of the environment - making sure no obvious Sith or patrols where about - he continued. Astridia was a smart lass, from what he would tell, she could make a good ally. This time he’d push the envelope, though he mentally prepared himself for the backlash. If she was an imperial agent, this might very well turn sour, but he somehow doubted she was trained to deal with Jedi. He barely catalogued as a member of the Order, but he’d been using the force his entire life, allowing it to gentle coat him in case he needed to bolt.

“It’s quite alright. I’ll be off to do some training soon anyhow, drinks probably aren’t the smartest idea for either of us. I just can’t help but wonder - I’ve heard your last name before. It belonged to someone who wasn’t afraid to challenge the system. Am I wrong?”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia let a smile slowly falter as the mood of Horus toward her changed slightly. Just because she was an Imperial. Was that how bad they looked out among the farther reaching stars? She held no loyalty to the Empire, at least not internally, but the act she had put on had become a part of her over the years. She didn't, but it did. It was for the better, especially in the current environment she lived in. Imperial Academies didn't take kindly to outsider doctrine or opinion. So she had had to learn to become one of the masses. And she had done significantly well. Of course, there were others who were worse at their acts. That was why they remained cogs in the system as she rose through the ranks and gained the favor of her superiors. But now that her reasons for acting were over, perhaps it was time to let go.

If she even could.

"Alright, Horus..call me Astrid if it's easier. As for your opinions.."

She did her best impression of a snobby Imperial officer--which she was good at, being one for at least ten years of her life.

"Opinions shall not be tolerated, nor welcomed, in the name of the Empire!"

By all accounts Astrid was joking. Hopefully in good taste. She knew of what the Empire did wrong, of course; the woman wasn't totally daft. Indeed she had been a part of many questionable activities and operations, including burning settlements and 'disappearing' particular politicians with big mouths. It was a part of being an agent, a part of her she wished would end sooner. Perhaps she could put her change into motion with this...free thinker. Best to call him that, and avoid any other labels for the sake of them both.

"Training? For what, your ability to talk to a woman? That leaves much to be desired."

The next statements took her off guard. The potential that he had known her sister. Known Alika! An excitement followed by an immeasureable sadness came to mind. She set her jaw and looked up again, springing to get up to eye level where she wasn't staring at the sky. Her mouth opened slightly.

"You..you knew my sister? Wh--can we talk somewhere more private? Where prying ears may cease to listen?"

Even now she glanced about the hangar from habit. However unlikely it was that someone was listening to HER of all people, she didn't want to take a risk. Her sister was part of a terrorist cell, a rebel cell. If this man knew something...she wanted to hear it all. Maybe he could help her with more than just tea and small talk.

 

[Horus Tempest]

Horus nearly chortled at the comment about his training involving talking to women. He wasn’t exactly flirting with her, but he could be. Maybe that was a wish he could make happen another time, for right now he was too distracted by the prospect of Jedi training. He pushed it aside just in time to hear the most ridiculous imperial accent fly from her mouth, berating him about opinion, causing him to chuckle gently in reply. He relaxed his pose again, returning to how he’d been prior, choosing to trust her intentions instead of remaining vigilant against them. The Force was still at his beck and call, though it was significantly harder for him to use it than, say, a Sith or fully trained Knight. Taking out a second flask, he retrieved even more tea leaves and popped them in the top, hoping to calm his nerves slightly. He wasn’t anxious about the girl, he was anxious about imperial patrols, the last thing he needed was to make a mess of things in the middle of nowhere.

”Don’t tempt me, Astrid.” He snapped at attention when she did the accent, delivering a surprisingly crisp salute and mocking in kind, ”I live to serve the glory of his Imperial Prettyboy - I mean Emperor - Ma’am!”

He spoke it strongly but not loud enough to cause any commotion, his eyes widening as hers did in a small dose of surprise. She wanted to know about her sister then, and recommended they leave the immediate area and find someplace nobody could listen in. With a gentle nod backwards, he preformed a mock bow towards his ship, which still had the landing gear stationed and ready. Nobody had entered, he’d kept an eye out just in case a sneak thief decided to peruse his inventory.

“After you. I don’t want to get your hopes up, I knew of her, not directly. But...” Horus walked up the ramp slightly, either waiting for Astrid or following behind her, ”I know what she stood for. What we stand for. Ask away.”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astrid snapped to attention almost instinctively and then relaxed, the rest of the mock dialogue bringing her out of her reflex. She did a rather brief mock salute and then laughed quietly. It felt odd to be able to laugh at something so simple--something that normally would have gotten her into deep trouble if she had tried when she was on-duty. It felt weird being able to make fun of her superiors, and make fun of herself, too. Oddly satisfying. So yet another reason to let herself go to a different side for a change. Terrorists or not. The woman nodded as Horus let her into his ship, glancing back to make sure she wasn't about to get kidnapped or shot (or stabbed). She waited for him to enter as he said he wouldn't know everything.

That was fine. He didn't need to know everything. Astrid just needed pieces, no matter how small. Over twenty years had passed since she'd seen the girl. It was such a long time, especially for blood relatives...twenty years building something good only for it to get shut down. She felt her tears coming on again..damn those things. Damn her mother for being so emotional and passing that on to her. Astrid quietly blinked to send away her sorrow before questioning her newfound friend in what she was sure was a rebel cell.

If she was caught, there was the excuse of finding an informant for a friend. Or for herself. But they weren'f caught yet.

"What do you know about Alika?"

Her desire to find her sister, if only in memory, would make her do just about anything. Especially since her family was gone. Just her. Nobody else. Alone.

 

[Horus Tempest]

-Music-​

”I’ll start by saying your sister wasn’t a terrorist. She was a freedom fighter. Mando’a have the honor of the terrorist distinction. Imperial Propaganda has been slamming us hard though.”

He spoke calmly, trying to stay positive even when what he had to say was hardly a jolly. From what intelligence the Alliance had gathered, she was just out for recruitment before being impaled by a lightsaber. A lightsaber that undoubtably belonged to a Sith, as no Jedi would do something like that to their own allies. He felt a small path of anger grow inside of him, causing his eyes to crackle with power. Not malevolent or evil manifestation, but the Force coming to the fore as a warning to back away from his own inhibitions. Shaking his head, he turned away for a moment.

The cold. The fear. It was coming from her, similar to how he felt in the presence of Master Luy but with a far more destructive motive. That could only mean one thing. One thing he had prepared his mind to confront one day, the very Order that wiped out the once he now called home, ordered the execution of his father, tormented the mind of his fellow hopefuls. The darkness crept into the heart of any who despaired and it was his job to stop it, even if the girl did not realize what despair and grief could cause. He had to provide hope to counteract this wave of emotion that washed over Astrid, and by extension himself.

“She was sent out to deliver our own propaganda. She never made it back. I’m sure you’ve deduced how she died by now, a stab wound through the chest.”

He sat down on the nearby couch, tucked in the corner of the lounge area. Storage had been forgone for living arrangements, he never stayed in one place too long, and his bunk had been rather crowded back on Tatooine. This served as a substitute. Taking a swig of his tea, he shook his head again with renewed vigor, and turned back to Astrid in one swift motion. He almost teared up himself, the emotions where so intense, but he calmed himself and sent forth a wave of positive energy, a flicker of the fire in his heart of hearts. Empathy worked both ways, and he was strong enough to do so without relying too heavily on the Force.

“She didn’t die in vain. One day the Galaxy will be back to how it was in the days of the Republic, and this oppression will end. That I know. This is the only home I have to fight for, and by the Goddess I will.”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Imperial propaganda. Perhaps the one thing more dangerous than a rebellion. So this man, this 'freedom fighter', was either telling the truth or looking for an Imperial defector. Perhaps even both. Either way, the attempt to sway her in light of the death of her sibling wasn't exactly kind. More like taking advantage of tragedy. Her fists clenched and she exhaled slowly, letting the deep sorrow turn to anger. Both toward him, and toward herself. The Empire. Sith. The ONE Sith responsible. She shut her eyes, standing straight while he continued talking. The feelings that were clashing with hers felt...wrong. They weren't her own. Joy and positivity didn't fit in this picture. Her eyes opened once more while he finished with his last statement, the hope of bringing the galaxy back to what it was. Hardly an improvement from now. Astrid's tears went away as she shook her head. He was looking to convert her, that was it? All this just a ruse. She backed away, considering just leaving now.

"No, you're not turning this bantha kark on me. I've heard it millions of times over. I don't deserve this. You're twisting the loss of my sister into something else. It's despicable. All this talk of restoring the Republic? The Republic wasn't any better than us. Millions starving, without help...at least the Empire tries to do something and doesn't resort to sniveling politicians that never solve problems. I'm not listening to this. I'll just show myself out, because clearly...clearly you can't help me. I'm sorry for what the Empire did to you but..this isn't how I'm redeeming Alika. Thank you for the tea--"

At that point she was about ready to walk out or punch a hole in a durasteel wall. Horus surely knew or had an idea of what she was planning for revenge. This was more than just a death, this was a vendetta. And nobody wanted to help her, surely, nobody could. At least not within this 'Alliance' of people that Alika had gotten into. She must have been crazy, or saw something that Astrid didn't. Maybe it was her Imperial brainwashing that was getting to her here.

 

[Horus Tempest]

-Music-​

”Despicable, explaining what we side for? I would have thought that would be siding with the ones that killed her, even still.” Horus' voice became cool and collected, the veil of optimism gone, "If you leave this place with the intent to go on a rampage against your own people, heed my words. You alone can't stop the Empire. And you are not alone.

You hear me?"

He rose to full height, but didn't move. He simply looked at her, hard, with an uncompromising stance and a look of surprise. He hadn't expected to be accosted for his own beliefs, and the beliefs Alika - one of their first casualties - had died to protect. But he recognized this as an emotional outburst, and raised his mental walls, cutting his empathy off to protect himself. The cabin grew colder through the veil of the Force, both beings emanating negative emotion in relative intensity. Instead, he looked her in the eyes and shook his head gently, his eyes thinning slightly, his focus shifting. This was a hurting woman looking for revenge, if this wasn't a difficult enough situation. He was truly just trying to help, but apparently he had pushed the package too far. He debated telling her to leave, but realized he couldn't in good conscious turn her away when she was clearly in distress. He had no idea whether he could calm her, but he would try.

"I don't want you to jump over onto our side, I don't want you to be 'better' because I don't know you. And you don't know me. I consider ever member of our group to be an ally. And I am truly sorry, I empathize. I feel as you do. But if you leave here and try to fight on your own you'll just end up a dead body. Believe it or not I'd rather avoid that. I don't want you charging out there half cocked like I do, I barely make it back alive half the time. If you fought a Sith, that Sith, maybe you could win and avenge your sister. And then what?"

He gave her a look that could only be described as someone watching another about to jump off a bridge. It would be suicide to face a Sith alone, especially when her mindset would play right into their power. She would be played like a fiddle and left for dead - it was how they operated, if his studies where any indication. He regretted mentioning his views now. But there was nothing to be done beyond continue the conversation, escalate or defuse. Decision would have to do.

“If it was me who fell, I wouldn’t want my brother running into battle on my account. I know that’s a sentiment shared, even with humans. Do not waste what time you have left walking down this path - if they knew your sister, chances are they’ll investigate you. You will have your chance.”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia turned to walk out but stopped.

That was it. She wasn't alone. That was what he was trying to say, albeit that was a hard pill to swallow. She devoted such a long time to making herself someone else--accepting that she was alone and would be stuck in her Imperial quandary for a long, long time. But the hope of company had kept her going. The hope of family. Now that it was gone, she had nothing to even dream of. So perhaps the reason Astrid was so...angry was because she had nothing to turn to or seek solace in. Her shoulders slumped. Horus was right in a way. She was running and trying to bring back what couldn't be restored. What would happen after she killed the bastard that murdered her sister? She herself would join that boat. Or rot in an Imperial dungeon. Or worse. Far, far worse.

Her head fell into her hands and she forced out the images playing through her mind of her sister. The autopsy. Dead on an exam table, burned through the midsection. She turned in place and looked up, the fire in her eyes slowly fading to lie dormant. It was still there, clearly, but had devolved into something that wasn't taking control of her completely. Astrid had the ship of her mind back under her control now. Her head cleared, yet the burning sensation in her chest remained. Play it smart, Astrid, like you always have. You tricked your superiors and Sith alike for this long, became just another Imperial. Keep doing it for a bit longer. The time may come eventually. If it didn't, perhaps she could have made right with herself by then. Been forgiven by Alika's ghost on her shoulder that she hadn't been there for her.

Think, think. Say something.

A long pause followed as the gears turned in her mind.

"The Empire has no reason to investigate me--not yet. I may have drawn suspicion from seeing my sister's body and autopsy reports, but I'm just another Imp. Nothing more. If I am screened, they'll already know my answer. My superiors are practically in love with me. Being a bloody Golden Girl has its privileges..and deficits. I'm not looking to fight a Sith, either. My family has a history of playing dirty, and as far as I know so does the kriffer that killed Alika. I'm eager to continue that tradition. What can you guarantee? Will I be able to safely transition out of the Empire? Otherwise, I'll wait--play things out within the system--in fact, I'll say no more."

Making a plan cleared her head. Astrid snapped out of her stupor of sorrow. At least for now.

 

[Horus Tempest]

-Music-​

"Golden girl or not you can't take on a Sith alone, not in this state, your bloodlust will only fuel their twisted version of power. The Dark Side of the Force. I've met Sith before, they are the vilest of creatures, they will use your anger to fuel themselves and strike you down faster than you can blink."

Well, she'd calmed down a bit so that was something. On the other hand she was still slightly riled up if his empathy was in any way correct. From that, he could gather that she continued to cling onto the idea of taking the very person who killed her sister down. He could understand wanting to do so, but there was no point - targetting a single Sith was suicide enough. Their entire Order would be put to shame even if they did die, and by that mark alone Astrid would become a target. Not to mention every upstart wannabe Sith Lord would love nothing more than a chance to establish dominance within the Sith Regime. It would become a domino effect of bad things, starting with her sister and ending with her. Horus at this point didn't know what to make of the situation.

"Well see that's the thing. I'm technically not even supposed to be talking to you about any of this. If I managed to convince someone that you wanted to defect I wouldn't be the person to go to, the only thing I can offer is temporary stay away from imperial space and possibly help if you are hell bent on killing that one being."

Horus was careful not to mention the Alliance. There had been no official confirmation on him being a member thus far in the conversation, though she may have deduced as much, he had no intention of outright stating it. Restoring the Republic was something most people in the Galaxy could understand getting behind. He knew about her sister, and her allies. So he was already pretty much blown on the cover part, but still, he followed protocol with a smooth and efficient tact. Horus hadn't intended to offer her to switch sides, but if it was possible, she would be isolated and tested. Following that, maybe - just maybe - she would be allowed to enter the Alliance. And even then she may never be fully trusted, so it was her call, not his.

“Playing dirty has it's place, just don't get too cocky. And you still didn't answer my question. What then? What happens when you avenge your sister and the entire Republica is looking to get their paws on you?”

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Being able to take her mind off things of the past had helped her. She was doing a hell of a lot better than she was a moment ago. yet still Tempest had to bestow upon her the logic that came with her plan. No, she couldn't take on a Sith alone. Once again, that wasn't the point--and he didn't need to know that. Astridia merely nodded in agreement. She knew how they worked. Fear and terror intertwined with their powers. Quite counterproductive to modern society and order, in her opinion. Though it had been made by Sith, perhaps the Empire would be better off without them.

Maybe killing one Sith wasn't a good idea. They had internal struggles even as they barely held on to keeping order within the Empire. Honestly if any of this ever got out of her head, Astrid would probably be hanged for her thoughts. Or worse. Luckily, there was nothing which could do that, at least not in nearby reaches. There were stories of truth inducing drugs, or beasts which could seek through one's mind. But the Mid Rim didn't have that kind of talk--at least not in the posh cities she had been a part of. She shrugged and decided to speak again, wiping her eyes.

"Then stop talking about it. The less you try to expose me to, the better for both of us."

Playing dirty always had its place. Imperial highers were bloody professionals at extorting and manipulating others to their will. In essence it was what their military was all about. Well, not exactly military anymore--try peacekeeping force. As for her arrogance, there were times for that. Times where her facade needed it. She was damn good at acting, being someone she wasn't--but deep down she wasn't what she appeared to be. An Imperial woman hell bent on gaining power within the government...but inside just a girl looking for her family. Now that was gone, and she didn't know what to become. There was just an act left--at least for now. Or perhaps that act would be what she was supposed to be?

It hurt her head thinking that far ahead.
"I've spent twenty five years playing someone I'm not. I hated the Academy--I see the purpose of the Empire. Once the Republica is after me, either I finish the job for them...or I find some friends fast. Either way, perhaps that would be a perfect chance for a terrorist group to attack while we're all distracted with ourselves."

And very well how the Republica would collapse.

 

[Horus Tempest]

-Music-​

This had devolved fast. Astrid was obviously intent on taking their sister's killer down. He recognized the fire in her eyes, it was the same way Azran looked when he lost his patience or prepared to fight. He could not help but be concerned, though it was not his place to protect her. If only he had actually known the girl that lost her life, but that was an opportunity he supposed that was stolen from them both. Further time with the deceased may have given him an edge on how to help this woman, who by now he could only assume was Imperial as he was a Rebel. It was such a sour mood to end the conversation on, Horus hung his head slightly in response to the negativity. He began to strum the hallisket again, almost by instinct to counter the emotions that bounced across the walls. Quite by accident, he peaked the first two cords using the Force, before his eyes went wide and he moved his hand down. Hopefully, she hadn't noticed.

"I suppose you're right... I just want to help. Hell, that might as well be my catchphrase. I can feel the anger that grows inside you. So I will leave you with some words of wisdom, that a wise man once taught me."

Horus was channeling Eldrin Luy hard. Not exactly ideal for flirting with ladies but that wasn't exactly his intent at this moment if she was to leave this place he wanted her to leave in peace. If that was not possible, at least a piece of the old Jedi's wisdom might serve to give her inspiration or even save her life in the time of direst need. Many of Luy's lessons had followed Horus throughout the Galaxy in the best ways possible, guiding his actions and altogether making a positive impact on his livelihood and continual existence. If he could pass even a modicum of that on to Astrid, he would consider this to be slightly less of a horrible failure. He hadn't exactly been very comforting - something he was usually known for - and did not wish to intrude or assume. If he did use his usual jig, it would require knowing her on a personal level, and he didn't know her well at all. Nor would he, if she continued this suicide path.

“I'm sure the Mandalorians will be delighted at the opportunity. Bathe in the serenity of the moment, do not allow the passions of the past to rule your future. There are better ways to mourn, that's something I figured out a long time ago. The Republica's only purpose is to continue the Drast line of Sith Emperors, and I have no interest in aiding them in any way. You, however, I might help if asked.”

He turned to Astrid with a solemn look in his eyes, handing her a single card with communications information on it. It was sent to his burner commlink, so that if she needed to contact someone for a quick escape, she could do so.

@Herrith

 

[Astridia Kazaczecho]

Astridia let her shoulders slump, so very tired of being such a pain in the ass. She understood the nuisance she was providing Tempest, but frankly was too stricken with grief to even manage a worthy apology. Her eyes focused themselves on strings strumming themselves, but she immediately flicked her attention back to the speaker's face. So there was more going on than just simple conversation between two humans. There was a Force sensitive in their midst. Which made things a bit more interesting. Her expression relazed while he spoke. This had started rather peacefully, and it was her fault that it had grown out of hand. She let her emotions take the wheel...an occurrence that had only happened rarely.

"I'm sorry."

She blurted almost out of nowhere once he finished speaking his first few lines. A card appeared in his grasp, which she held her hand out for with a set of her jaw. I'm sorry. When have I ever said that? I can't possibly have uttered those words for most of my life. Maybe she was getting soft. Maybe her act would break sooner or later because of these new developments. Hopefully later, so that she could have enough time to break free of the Empire. If that was what benefited her best.

Maybe not.