Fandom Star Wars: Demesne [Closed]

[cleopat]

Her eyes followed Eli as he stepped forward. His hands felt heavy resting on her shoulders. She swallowed and nodded. Closer. “Yeah, this close.”

She chuckled at his apparent unease. No, she couldn’t imagine he would enjoy a swift knee to the groin. That she knew how to do, but she also knew the maneuver would be impossible in some situations. Many men may expect that attack and protect themselves as needed.

“And hopefully you won’t ever feel a knee from me, unless you piss me off enough.” She teased with a wink. But to think that Eli would actually do something that warranted a swift knee to the groin was unfathomable. Or maybe she didn’t know him enough yet.

Not everyone gets the chance to work with the Grand Admiral.

“I doubt I could flip someone,” she admitted as she mimicked Eli’s subtle move and brought her elbow up, gauging how possible it would be to jam it into the throat of someone of Eli’s height.

~~

Her reassurance that the Count wouldn’t get jealous, because of their jobs, because acting required her to kiss too many people. That in of itself didn’t sit well for Thrawn, but he had no reason to vocalize his displeasure at the thought. He had no ties to her outside of a brief acquaintanceship.

Regardless, at the end of the day, it was a job for her and nothing more. He had heard of their spies engaging in contact of any means against their target. It was a job for them too. Touches meant nothing.

Thrawn became intrigued about Malvern as Eira seemed to talk him up. He hadn’t gotten any impression of a man interested in learning about cultures or non-humans, but the circumstances of their meeting wouldn’t have allowed it to lean in that direction.

And there was the matter he seemed to have caught Malvern unexpected on a busy day. “I will take your word for that. If this is indeed the case, then I look forward to talking to the Count more at the gallery opening.” And learn whatever it is he is hiding from the Empire.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli shook his head rapidly. “No – no I don’t plan to ever piss you off that much,” her, or anyone, really. But he didn’t want to piss her off that much, at all. He hoped never to be that much in the bad zone with Cora, even if they were still just getting to know each other.

So far she was friendly.

Encouraging. Easy to get along with, in spite of her lack of knowledge of people on the ship and willful isolation.

Eli tilted his chin a bit as her elbow came up. Their difference wasn’t that great, and he could see this working. It didn’t have to be a clean hit, “Chops also work,” he added, as an afterthought. “Not quite as good as an elbow, but where you can’t reach with your elbow, you should be able to reach with the side of your hand, and a chop to the throat really hurts.”

Given, the throat was a weak point, in general, to grab or to chop, though grasping it would take more strength than Cora had, so he wouldn’t advise that. Her opponent would very quickly overcome her. “If you don’t actually strike me, you can sort of…test distance and such.” He offered, not sure if he was going to regret that.

Still, she could get used to making the gesture. Or at least figuring if it worked for her.

~***~

Eira knew that the interactions with Malvern thus far had likely not helped to show Malvern as much of anyone beyond a suspicious figure with Separatist leanings, “You won’t have to take my word for it,” Eira offered, “He ought to be more relaxed at the gallery, more…conversational,” he’d be expected to be, for one, and also prepared.

Perhaps some sincerity would be lost for that, but not entirely. It was perhaps the best thing about the pair of them. They rarely lied. They rarely needed to. They could make their views sound appropriate. Tactful.

Like Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, though admittedly, Eira thought she was doing better than them. She had caught a few comments in Imperial circles about Bail and Breha Organa and their parties that had her worried, and she knew Governor Tarkin had crashed one on suspicions, and had taken note of everyone present.

Rebels. All of them.

Eira didn’t think she’d drawn such attention to herself. “Perhaps you’ll see what I like about Adlai,” she was more casual in address, then, “but if not, it’s all right. He and Savit don’t get along, either.” So she had no troubles keeping friends that disliked each other.

 

[cleopat]

Cora laughed. “I don’t see you ever being able to piss me off that much.” Sure, she had only actually known him for about a day now, but to imagine him ever pissing her off that much? It didn’t seem possible.

“Okay, yeah. Chops. Duly noted.” She nodded along, her elbow keeping elevation underneath Eli’s chin. A chop would be able to knock out the breath of an opponent, and potentially cause internal bruising. Cora wouldn’t try it on Eli, but instead opt for the elbow.

It could still hurt, but she likely wouldn’t be able to do as much with her strength.

She lowered her elbow. “Do note if I do somehow strike you, it’s not intentional.” The disclaimer felt necessary, as she didn’t want him to think she wanted to cause him harm, in case she did strike. She flexed one hand, which she then aimed towards Eli’s neck in a chop.

She would stop her hand before it reached his neck, assuming the officer didn’t flinch.

~~

Thrawn tried to detect any hint of a lie within Eira, if she was covering for Malvern. She seemed genuine in her beliefs though. That Malvern would truly relax at the gallery. There was some doubt with that, but he nodded his agreement.

He registered her attempting to explain more of Adlai and other friendships as a tactic, but was it one to help keep Malvern’s appearance of innocence? Was it just a way for her to show she wished to keep all her friendships?

I’ll see soon enough.

“Well, maybe our conversation will end on a better note on Saturday. I will do my best to not let any preconceived notions of him from our earlier visit to dampen our encounter.”

And he would hold true to his promise. He had to clear his mind in order to approach the man with a clear mind and keen eye for anything telling.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Heh…right. Noted.” Eli would remain tense as Cora offered those words. He knew they were sincere, but it certainly wouldn’t make any blow hurt less if she didn’t happen to stop herself in time. Nonetheless, he would hold position as she prepared to make her chop, rather than use an elbow.

And he saw it coming.

He knew how it could hit. How it could hurt. Nothing he hadn’t felt before. He’d felt worse, honestly. Even with the thought of the pain in mind, though, he didn’t flinch. He had also been well trained by now, and in far rougher circumstances where flinching, or giving up his illusion of confidence and control, would have gotten him killed.

All, very good lessons from Thrawn.

Of course, he wasn’t aware that Cora was watching for that.

He gave a small nod, “I think that would work,” if she wasn’t confident in throwing an elbow that high.

~***~

Though Eira knew it was possible that Adlai and Thrawn would never along, and likely not for reasons Thrawn was yet willing to admit to, she was certain of one thing: “I believe you.” That much, she held little doubt about. Thrawn had a natural curiosity to him that should be encouraged, for it was such a rare thing to see in adults, let alone Imperial Officers.

Oh, plenty wanted to learn. Plenty valued knowledge.

But Thrawn was of a different variety entirety, someone who hadn’t fully lost the joy of it. It was in small things, like the gelato, but Eira was certain of it to a degree. Perhaps it would come back to bite her, like the fact she no longer suspected he meant any harm when he asked her to see him.

No, that was his infatuation. It would dampen, slowly, but she would have to make it so. Adlai would help, and Adlai may forever suffer Thrawn’s dislike for that, but nonetheless – it was his job. It was his role.

Knights were sworn to protect the Imperator, yes.

But Knights were sworn to protect the downtrodden and the Outcasts, just as well. Perhaps, moreso.

“But enough about Adlai and Saturday, if you wanted to talk about him, I’m sure you would have stayed and pestered him, even if he did have interviews today,” Eira chuckled, and rose from her seat, grabbing her gelato container, and reaching for Thrawn’s empty container, as well, to throw it away. “One of my friends will simply be devastated if I don’t ask this and I’m due to see her this evening so I must know – are you familiar with astrology where you’re from, or is that something unique to us?”

He may have had a reason to be there, but Eira let her own curiosity reign, whimsical and jumpy as it could be sometimes.

 

[cleopat]

Cora moved and stopped her hand right before Eli’s neck, close enough that she could twitch her fingers and feel his skin. She was impressed with the steely resolve he held as her hand practically shot towards him.

She was certain she would’ve flinched, but prepared for the move may make a difference.

Eli offered a confirmation that her maneuver may work. She nodded and pulled her hand back, but not before accidentally brushing a finger against the expanse of his neck. “Seems simple enough.”

She didn’t quite step back, but her hand settled at her side. “What else do you think should be addressed?” Cora wanted to learn more, as some of her old lessons slowly filtered back in her memories.

And there was that pesky thought of simply not wishing to leave Eli’s side just yet.

~~

I believe you. Such a simple phrase shouldn’t have caused the faint smile to appear, but it did. And just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared as well. He normally didn’t care if someone believed him when he told the truth. He certainly didn’t care of the other officers believed him.

In the end, he still always won.

His eyes followed Eira as she rose, grabbing their empty containers. He rose as well, as he believed their outing was coming to an end. Certainly someone will be wondering where either he or Eira were.

“You’re right, I would have.” His words didn’t hold the same jest as Eira suggested, for she was right. If he truly wanted to talk with Malvern, he could have easily demanded himself to stay in the Count’s office. The Grand Admiral of the Empire overpowered anything else a mere Count dealt with.

Her astrological question amused him. “No, we do not have astrology. The idea that the position of the stars could predict behavior would be completely ridiculous among the other Chiss.” They were a highly logical species, and the idea of astrology simply...wasn’t.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli couldn’t quite contain the shiver that ran through him as he started to relax his posture, and felt Cora’s fingers graze his neck. He shook his head to try and shake it off as just that, and took a step back to offer space as she readjusted.

He needed the space, if nothing else.

Cora clearly wouldn’t want to keep that space for long, wanting to continue, and Eli nodded, “Why don’t we run through a few more routines? It’s easier for me to see what you might need help with, if you try coming at me. I can see your weak points that way and advise,” as he’d done with the lunge. He briefly considered offering to grapple again, but decided no, he should not offer that.

He would run through a few more lessons, based on what he observed in Cora’s own tactics, and from her own strength and size, for a while longer – until the room was invaded by other bored officers on the ship and he decided it’d be better for them to clear out and offer space before they were pulled into too much with the others.

~***~

There was nothing with astrology, which earned a chuckle from Eira, “Well, there goes my friend’s theory about every society having astrology based on constellations in the sky, and being able to determine personality by it,” Eira commented. “She will be disappointed to know that one society eludes her understanding of the galaxy. She thinks she has me figured out as an ibyca.” A Mygeeto astrological sign, a mythical crane-like bird that Eira often associated with the starbird.

Though, Amilyn would not be that disappointed, and Eira knew that. She’d be absolutely enthralled to learn of an outlier. She was fascinated in such things, of finding where all things and peoples connected, that she wondered at any difference.

It did open up other curiosities, though. “It must be difficult dealing with my frivolous and entirely impractical society, coming from such a sophisticated one yourself,” it was meant to continue the play a bit. Eira would hardly claim humans were the pinnacle of sophistication, but she did wonder just how pragmatic the Chiss were.

Since they weren’t openly involved in the Empire? Perhaps very. “I am afraid that I do need to be heading to the Gatalentan senatorial complex,” she offered, “if you have the time, you may walk with me, otherwise, I think I will have to bid you farewell, but I have enjoyed this outing.” And she would look forward to the next one.

 

[cleopat]

Cora agreed to Eli’s suggestion. She needed more instruction in other routines, and she had enough energy and stamina to keep up with practice for some time.

Plus there was the added bonus of remaining so close to Eli. A thought she would continuously try and shake out of her head.

But it was hard when said person was constantly either near her or touching her.

Too soon, or not soon enough, other officers came into their space, and they stopped training for now, opting to leave before any further conversation was struck up between them and the other officers.

Cora walked out of the training room, just now noticing her strands of her hair escaped from her bun. It’s an off day. No one will care. She shot a smile at Eli. “Thank you for your help. I enjoyed that.”

~~

Thrawn raised an eyebrow. He didn’t quite know what to make of this friend of Eira who seemed very interested in astrology for some bizarre reason. “What a shame.” He didn’t sound sympathetic for her friend.

Of course then he recalled some ancient oral legends passed down about the stars foretelling romantic fate, but he decided to not comment on it. No one believed in those old tales, anyways. They were merely fairytales used as bedtime stories for antsy kids.

“You must tell me about this ibyca later,” he suggested. The name had sounded familiar, and his mind conjured up a shadowed outline of a bird, but he knew nothing more. Something more to learn about Mygeeto mythos?

Thrawn recognized the light banter, and he played along with Eira. “I would say it has been more amusing than frustrating dealing with your impractical society.” In his earlier years, he may have actually agreed with Eira’s statement, that the Chiss came from a more practical and sophisticated world, but over time, he realized that all societies have their pragmatic moments, their ridiculous customs, something to make other societies envious.

No one was truly better than the other, which was a thought that could get him in trouble in the Empire.

“I can escort you to the Gatalentan senatorial complex, but then we will part.” Why did he offer to escort her instead of just leaving her? Thrawn couldn’t answer that question, but it seemed Eira didn’t mind. She did offer, after all. “I enjoyed this outing as well, and I look forward to our next one, courtesy of you.” There was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as Thrawn reminisced on the holochess match he won, and their bet. “Don’t worry, I will be sure to choose a place you will enjoy.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli was a bit disheveled himself, though it was not so obvious as strands leaving a bun. At least, not to the trained, Imperial eye. He didn’t slick back his hair, so there wasn’t much to be done for it beyond finger comb it a bit. He didn’t slip his tunic on again immediately, knowing he would regret that.

He had worked up a sweat, and they seemed to be bypassing showering for the moment. It was, also, an off-day. “Me, too.” It had been interesting to relive, so to speak, the earliest bits of his training and to remind himself, as well as her, why certain maneuvers were useful, and in what situations.

He knew it would take more training for it to sink in. More practice, in the moment. And probably more pain, but that was well worth it to see Cora improve. Plus, she was helping him with dance. “I can definitely offer my services in the future – though I’m sure you won’t need my help for too long,” it was still good to stay up on the skills.

Just as with dance.

And perhaps by then, they’d have found other hobbies to enjoy together so that they weren’t falling back on skills they had already developed beyond actually needing each other for.

That excuse would soon run out.

~***~

Eira wondered if it would be more fun to tell Thrawn of the story of the ibyca, or the meaning of it to Mygeeto astrology. Holdo had mapped out plenty of information and comparative star charts, because she needed more to do. She did it for others in her spare time, as she’d spoken of Leia Organa having such an extensive chart.

Of course, she did give a nod to it. Though not truly a believer in astrology, she did consider it entertaining, to some degree. And who was to say? The Jedi looked to the natural world for much else, why not the stars for answers and divination?

Not to mention Amilyn was, often, eerily right about things.

“I am glad our societies can provide some amusement for you,” she would comment on that, “and I will look forward to treating you again, even if you somehow miscalculate my enjoyments.” She didn’t think he would. Mostly because she wasn’t difficult to please, and getting to see him again would be enough.

But there was still a little bit of time to spare, “As for the ibyca, it’s a mythical bird on Mygeeto. All depictions of it seem to make it look like something of a crystalline crane, or a snowy starbird,” given Mygeeto’s temperature, it at least looked like something that could have existed. “The Lurmen have stories of it, and their art is always the most beautiful of it – though their art always shows it with one eye. Supposedly, it gave up one eye so that Mygeeto would have a sun…it’s a good thing Mygeeto doesn’t have a moon or she’d be entirely blind,” the ibyca was almost always referred to as female, too. Eira still couldn’t quite help the laugh at the thought.

The ibyca could have never been real in the sense of those stories, but she had wondered at what truth there was to it, all the same. There were plenty of Lurmen who thought the ibyca was real, and still alive, or else had offspring, somewhere hidden.

 

[cleopat]

Cora opted to keep her tunic off for now as well, letting it drape over her arm while she cooled down solely from their workout and no other reason. At all.

She smiled. “I’m glad.” Happy that Eli didn’t seem to regret or appear bored at all. She didn’t want to give him any reason to regret seeking out her company that day, or regret over asking for future dance lessons and offering his own service for sparring lessons.

“And if you continue to improve at the rate you did today, you probably won’t need my help for too long either.” Which would be a disappointing day, if only because she won’t have a reason to be close to Eli.

Her stomach grumbled, which resulted in her remembering that she hadn’t had much to eat that day. “I think I may head by the caf to grab a bite to eat. If you don’t have anything else to do, you’re welcome to join me.” She trailed off with the last few syllables, as slight embarrassment crossed over her at the assumption she sounded desperate.

~~

“Maybe you will be able to provide me new ways to be amused by your societies.” He learned something new every day, so Thrawn wouldn’t doubt that Eira could find something to show him he knew nothing about. Stars, he may even be thrilled.

“If I miscalculate your enjoyments, then I fear I would be losing my touch.” Another light play, but in some ways, his truth. He prided himself on his ability to read people.

And if he could ever figure out politics, it would be a valuable skill in that arena.

Eira delved into the explanation of the ibyca then rather than later. A snowy bird of Mygeeto, which didn’t come of any surprise to him. Everything concerning the planet seem to echo its persistent theme of ice and snow. “I always find it fascinating how the climate of a planet can be seen in their tales and art.”

Desert planets and tales of a great hero bringing a great rainstorm. A snowbird that saved the planet from eternal darkness and inhabitable cold. “More so, some of these stories are based off of long-extinct animals that the people reverred, or old war heroes whose tales became magnified over the years. Do you see any possible truths in the tales of this ibyca?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli did hope he continued to learn so quickly, even with the downside that it meant he wouldn’t need her, as she expressly stated. ‘I will still need to maintain, though.’ He didn’t add that, that felt, well…needy. Desperate. He was relieved from having to say as much by her stomach making a protest to all this activity.

He couldn’t quite stop himself from laughing a little at its protest, which couldn’t have helped her embarrassment, but he wouldn’t say it was anything to be embarrassed over. Even if he knew he would have been, too.

“I think your stomach has the right idea,” he indicated. He’d had more to eat, but that was still some hours ago, “I think I will join you for a bit to eat. I haven’t eaten since breakfast,” obviously, he’d been with her this entire time.

Perhaps then he could ask about Thrawn.

It was strange not to see Thrawn for so long, in truth, or be called by him. With that thought, he did bring up his datapad just to make sure he hadn’t missed any messages. ‘Nothing.’ Weird.

~***~

Thrawn seemed to muse over the thought of the ibyca, reflecting on its appearance in the culture that surrounded it. Eira knew it was more of a lurmen belief than a human one, though humans still loved to depict the creature. They usually did so with both eyes, though, taking away its sacrifice in the gesture.

“It is possible,” Eira answered, “I do not believe that a bird literally gave its eye to be a sun, but there are stories that speak of birds providing warmth and life across the galaxy, like the starbird, or the phoenixes, of lore. Such connections do not seem like they could be mere coincidence.”

The starbird was something of a dangerous image now, of course.

Rebels were starting to use that imagery across the galaxy, a symbol of hope. Of life. Still, it was so well known that Eira did not see any danger in mentioning if – if anything, rebels were making it even more well known through their use of it. “Is it another theme that your home does not share?”

Their path towards the Gatalentan senatorial complex would result in the buildings losing their color. The senatorial area was, of course, a beautiful area, but the complex for Gatalenta was rather, well, dull. Monotonous. Simple. Overall, the Gatalentan people admired simplicity and monotony in their decorations, single colors, earthen colors.

 

[cleopat]

The slight embarrassment that Eli’s laugh instilled in her was quickly erased with his acceptance to join her. Her heart skipped a beat, but she shoved any reasons as to why aside for now.

Just two acquaintances joining one another for lunch in the caf. Nothing else.

They started in the direction, but she quickly noticed that Eli seemed to be distracted with something. He pulled out his datapad, and didn’t exactly seemed pleased with something.

But she could have been reading his emotions wrong.

“Is something the matter?” she decided to ask. “Were you called somewhere?” But she hadn’t heard his datapad ping with a message.

~~

Thrawn nodded his agreement. He recalled many stories spanning several planets that talk of birds breathing life into the dead, of other various flying creatures creating planets, and just as well, destroying them.

It did intrigue him that so many diverse cultures believed in these giant flying beasts. Maybe they related to the suns and the skies and how no other animal could appear so high up, except for birds?

And he certainly knew of the rebels using this imagery as a symbolism of hope, but he didn’t think it odd that Eira mentioned the same birds. They had been on the discussion, after all.

“This is actually something in common we share, which is something that one could see through the Chimaera’s design.” The underside of his ship had the beast chimaera painted on it, which Thrawn used as a warning for his enemies that spot the design. “The beast is one many Chiss heard about growing up through bedtime stories. It was considered a great conqueror, and thus a symbol of great destruction.”

Which had been one reason why he chose the design for his ship. Even the design alone was created to inspire fear in his opponents.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli let out a frustrated sigh as he heard Cora’s question, “No, and that’s the problem.” How odd that must sound to her, but then again, she wasn’t yet terribly familiar with how things worked. “It’s unlike the Grand Admiral not to have sent some message by now.”

A brief task for Eli to accomplish, an update on his own work – something. He didn’t think Thrawn was sleeping in late, that wasn’t like Thrawn. And he certainly hadn’t drunk enough to be hungover or not feeling well. “I’m starting to wonder if he’s sick or something.”

Eli tucked his datapad away, “I’ll check on it later.” He knew he shouldn’t be too anxious about it, but he was. It was unusual behavior and when something was unusual, that always meant something bad. Or at least, something out of Eli’s control and understanding, which was bad enough most of the time.

At least the caf wasn’t far – though, no sign of Thrawn. Faro was there, though, already seated and eating.

~***~

Eira’s brows lifted in interest, and Thrawn began to speak of the Chimaera, not as his ship, but as a creature from Chiss lore. “A beast that is a conqueror?” Interesting; usually beasts weren’t given that much sentience to be able conquerors, so much as destroyers. “That is a little new to me, I confess, most of the beasts of destruction I hear about could never be conquerors, though they could be destroyers. I would be interested in hearing these stories another time.”

For it was time for their conversations to come to a close.

Balancing on the thin railing of the senatorial steps was Amilyn Holdo, her hair flowing beyond her shoulders in hues reminiscent of an aurora borealis, and her attire matching the dark indigo and blue sky such hues would dance across. She did not drop from that railing as she saw Eira and Thrawn approach, but dipped into an easy curtsy on one leg.

She had grown into her height, no longer so lanky in appearance.

She dropped from the railing after that, though, “Grand Admiral Thrawn,” she greeted him, “I like your eyes.” Her tone was as placid as those of Gatalenta were known for, even if her appearance was so strikingly abnormal. “Eira.” Eira would break from Thrawn’s side, and Amilyn would move one hand over Eira’s shoulder, before drawing her into an embrace. “I am so sorry.” Unaware Thrawn knew nothing of the bad news, or anything else, for that matter.

 

[cleopat]

Cora quirked an eyebrow at Eli’s complaint. It did sounded weird, as she still wasn’t terribly familiar with the Grand Admiral or how he worked.

But he cleared the situation up a little. “Could he be out somewhere? Like off ship?” She didn’t know if Thrawn would tell Eli of every off ship mission he went on, or if it was even unusual to not bring his aide along with him.

Her hand instinctively reached up to lightly squeeze his shoulder in comfort. Once she realized what she did, Cora dropped her hand. “It’s probably nothing major. He is the Grand Admiral, after all. If anything was wrong with him, I’m sure we would know by now.”

In the caf, she spotted Faro. Her first impression had been pleasant, and the memory of her reaction to Eira still fresh in her mind. “Why don’t we sit with her?” Cora asked with a nod in the woman’s direction. She started in the direction of the food first before she would think about finding a seat.

~~

Thrawn smirked at Eira’s interest and slight disbelief in the Chiss lore. “As you have mentioned before, much is strange to us, and it’s for a reason. Many of our folklore tend to be different than the tales I’ve heard of your societies.” Not that they were a cynical civilization, but the Chiss tended to be more realistic. There was hope in stories where needed, but the tales spanned many themes. “I would be happy to share more with you one day.”

Their outing and his escort came to an end as they arrived to her destination. While people walked all around them, some glancing at Thrawn as they passed, the woman balancing on the railing of the senatorial steps caught his attention. She stood out from everyone else around them, but not quite in the same way as Thrawn did.

He couldn’t imagine her hair was naturally that color. He didn’t know of any humans with that hair. And her antics, the entire balancing act, was intriguing. Was she some type of performer?

She liked his eyes. He blinked, not quite sure how to respond. But he drew out of his thoughts as the woman drew Eira into an embrace of comfort. Sorry for what?

And naturally, Thrawn had to ask. “What happened?”

 

[Lucyfer]

It would be strange if Thrawn were off the ship. Eli knew it happened, but usually he was alerted to it, given he was the Commander. He’d be expected to know of it, so he could help keep peace if anything happened. It wouldn’t be the only time Thrawn went off without making him aware, though. He knew he’d gone off once to meet Governor Pryce.

“It’s possible,” he allowed, taking some comfort from her gesture. He didn’t even think twice on it, before he let his gaze shift to Faro.

He nodded.

Sitting with Faro would be good. He could also ask her if she’d seen Thrawn or knew where he was and what he was up to. Faro usually was aware of his movements, to some degree. More than others, though not as much as Eli. It was possible she knew something.

Eli would go to get food first himself, as well. No point in joining Faro without food, and he made sure to grab a large lunch for himself. After the sparring, and the dancing, he deserved it, damn it!

~***~

Amilyn did not let Thrawn’s interruption bother her as she held Eira. The pain she felt, was as real as if it were her own. She could not take it, but she could share it, and she hoped that it was felt through that embrace. Eira was always saddled with some of the worst jobs in all of this, for her role as the Outcast of them.

For it was that role which cast her as Cora, and which led to the terrible news.

And so, Amilyn ignored Thrawn’s question, a hand at the back of Eira’s head while the other pressed against her back, until she felt the pressure – not a physical pressure – from Eira to move. That emotion. That anxiety. That awareness. Amilyn released her, and her blue eyes lifted from Eira to make sure she seemed, outwardly, all right, before she would step more in line with Eira rather than stand in front of her, to face Thrawn.

She answered before Eira, “Her newest role requires her to work across from an ex that she did not have an amicable break-up with. I believe I recall the words ‘manipulative’—”

“Amilyn,” Eira interrupted, and Amilyn fell silent, but not without a bit of a hard side-eye for the interruption. Eira answered more tactfully, “We had different expectations of our relationship at the time, and we did not handle its end well, nor its closure,” she would share the blame, “it is the reason for the rewrites that I am going to be going over.” The reason she was able to get out of there, the reason she was happy to get out of there.

“Of course. Your expectations that Darius would be a decent person were outrageous.”

Eira felt her cheeks heat a bit at Amilyn’s additional comment. Sometimes, a lot of times, she didn’t know when to hush.

Amilyn still reached for her hand, and Eira let her, “You promised me skyfaring and I promised you time to vent.” Amilyn said. A reminder. A way to break from Thrawn before he could ask too much more.

 

[cleopat]

Cora glanced over the selection for lunch. Everything looked appetizing in the moment, but she opted for what looked like a hearty soup and some fruit.

With the items placed on a tray, she would wait for Eli before heading over to the woman they spotted earlier. Cora knew practically nothing of her, aside from her heavy interest in the holostar.

But she and Eli were friends, so that had to mean something, right?

“I trust you’ve had a pleasant day so far?” she asked, taking a seat across from Faro.

~~

Thrawn shifted in slight discomfort at the silence and prolongation of the hug. He was an outsider intruding on a moment that seemed especially intimate for them. Is there some custom I do not know about that I should observe right now?

They broke away. Instead of Eira offering an explanation, it was the newcomer who spoke. Her words didn’t register with him at first, which he blamed the language barrier.

But they did when Eira started. Manipulative ex? Somehow, for some reason, the desire to punch someone he never even met flowed through him. He had to calm down. It was irrational, right?

He frowned. With every spoken word that desire only grew. Eira played a role that wasn’t necessary. Gauging both her and Amilyn’s reactions, the other man was completely at fault for whatever happened. “If you need someone of problematic tendencies to be fired, all you have to do is say so.” The words he spoke shocked Thrawn, but he would keep the cool expression on his face. He didn’t want to think why he said that. To protect people from an obvious public menace.

He wanted to ask more, but he gathered that this other woman had plans with Eira. “Just remember, I am a message away.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli had gone to Faro’s table with a bantha burger and a salad – his concession to his need not to eat fries, even if he really wanted the fries. There was lettuce and tomato on the bantha burger, after all! But he knew that was just his hunger talking. Soon enough, he’d be satisfied.

Faro looked up at them as they joined her, a bit surprised. She smiled, shrugged, “Kind of,” she said, “I got new orders from Governor Tarkin to pass on to Thrawn and I can’t find him anywhere.”

“Can’t you just send him a message?” Eli asked, blinking. He was surprised that Faro was given the orders.

“The Governor said not to. It’s not big, but,” she still frowned, “just that we’re to provide protection for Coruscant for a while,” so no missions off planet for a bit, or rather, no moving the Chimaera for a bit. There’d probably still be missions, but Faro would be left with the ship to make sure to handle any engagements.

~***~

Eira was grateful that her face was already flushed when Thrawn offered to have Darius fired. Now that was truly tempting, but she refused, shaking her head. The Imperator was right – Darius was a draw. Even their past conflict would be a draw for those who remembered, particularly pitting them as complicated enemies in the play. “I appreciate your concern,” had to stay tactful, “it shouldn’t be necessary, our situation is in the past.”

And it would stay there, even if she going to take Amilyn up on the offer to vent. She would get over this, and she would continue on with this production. If Darius needed correcting, she’d figure out how to go about that.

Hopefully, without calling Thrawn. Or anyone else. “But if I need it, I won’t forget, Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” a slight adjustment to that morning’s pronunciation, but she was mostly hoping to hear his name again so she could hear what was wrong.

Amilyn tugged, and she stepped back, inclining her head. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

 

[cleopat]

So it seemed that the Grand Admiral was nowhere to be seen by the two who worked the closest to him. Interesting. Was he simply on a mission that he thought wouldn’t take too long? Or something more serious?

Cora frowned. “So we’re remaining over Coruscant for some time?” Being stuck in the Core wasn’t her idea of an exciting time. She was hoping they would be more in the Outer Rims, even if she still wasn’t assigned for planet-side missions.

But now she didn’t even have a chance for that until this assignment from Tarkin ended. “Since we’re to provide protection, does this mean to expect frequent outings to Coruscant?” Not that Coruscant needed an increase in foot soldiers, but the officers may be expected for some assignments.

~~

Something about Eira’s reaction had Thrawn believing she truly wanted Darius gone, but he would respect her wishes and stay out of the situation. “And I hope it stays in the past.” From the brief discussion, Thrawn surmised that Darius was a repeated offender. People like him simply did not change so easily.

A light smile crossed his face at her attempt to pronounce his name again. “Improving with every attempt,” but he didn’t repeat his name for her. He would simply let her continue to practice and see how she improved by the time of their next outing.

Thrawn tilted his head at both ladies, noting how Amilyn sought to leave with Eira. I guess this is my cue. “I will see you then. I look forward to how you improve with the pronunciation.” A teasing smirk, and he turned on the balls of his feet back to where they came, and back to his transport shuttle.

Along the way, he drew out his datapad to check any messages he ignored or simply did not hear. Nothing of notice, save for a few requests and questions from nondescript officers. He wouldn’t answer those until he was back on the shuttle.

Once he was on the shuttle and headed back to his ship, Thrawn would send Eli a quick update, noting how he failed to do so earlier, in case he wanted to personally speak to the Chiss for anything.

I am returning from Coruscant for a personal mission. I will be back on the Chimaera shortly.​

 

[Lucyfer]

"Yeah," Faro sighed. She wasn't enthused, either.

"Why?" Eli asked, confused. "We're wasted here."

"If you want to question the governor's decision, be my guest." Faro stated. She hadn't so much as humored the thought in his presence, though she definitely wondered why herself. Tarkin hadn't made a fuss of the delivery or explanation, so Faro assumed if Thrawn had questions, he could ask the governor himself. Faro was not putting that kind of target on her back.

Eli deflated. He understood only too well. "I guess we'll find out more if we need to know. I'm not sure what that's going to mean, but I don't think that they need more boots on the ground on Coruscant." Not to mention, they were the navy. They provided aerial support.

Eli's datapad buzzed and he took it out then, brows creasing in increasing agitation. "Thrawn had a mission on Coruscant." Eli didn't note it was a personal one. Eli knew that to mean personal to Thrawn, not a sanctioned solo mission. Curious. "I'll let him know to come to us."

And Eli would send back a message just as quick.

You missed Governor Tarkin. Faro has a message for you she has to deliver personally.
​

~***~


Eira wouldn’t pout that Thrawn denied her hearing his name again. She was improving. Her memory was good. It was just getting her voice to agree with her memory. His teasing expression was enough to soften any consideration of embarrassment or frustration. She would get this right, but for now, she would let herself be dragged away by Amilyn.

“He’s dangerous.”

It was Amilyn’s first opinion as they stepped into the senatorial complex of her homeworld. Eira chuckled at that, knowing Amilyn didn’t mean it, necessarily, as a warning. Given her approach to danger….

“It’s such a shame he’s an Imp.” She sighed, and Eira quietly agreed, but she wouldn’t say that. Amilyn could get away with it. She couldn’t and not in monitored halls. “I’ve never seen someone like him.”

“The Chiss are not common in our galaxy.”

“Is that why you’re struggling with his name?” Amilyn asked, and when Eira gave a small nod, Amilyn added, “I knew it did not sound quite right,” she’d never heard his name, but Eira would take Holdo’s instinct in most anything. “Someone like him would have a far more robust name.” Eira managed not to laugh at Amilyn’s assessment, although she realized it was meant partially as a joke when she saw that mild twitch of Amilyn’s lips. “You’re not all right.”

“There’s a lot going on,” Eira offered.

Amilyn nodded, and they slid into one of the skyfaring rooms, where Eira saw her own outfit was off to the side, folded up. She could skyfare in all the flair of her current outfit, but she wasn’t here to monitor layers. The leggings and tank top would be more than welcome when navigating the scarves. Holdo had one folded up, as well. “I do have good news,” Amilyn offered then. “I have the clearance goods. Friday is the last day we can use them, but we can go to Kashyyyk! And your manager just needs to know the day!”

“Friday,” Eira said, and Holdo nodded, clasping her hands together.

“I’ll look forward to it, then.”

They changed, and spoke a while longer of the situation with Darius, with Thrawn, and what to expect on Kashyyyk – which was almost nothing, except one of them getting away to plant the item for Saw. And, Holdo continuing to insist that Eira use Mitth’raw’nuruodo instead of Thrawn in talking of him, even if it wasn’t quite right.

She needed to. It needed to be in her thoughts and on her tongue so she stopped messing it up.

A couple of hours passed in simple talk and skyfaring on the scarves, neither so much as slipping or falling to the ground once they were aloft, and it was then that Eira asked permission to use the room for another – someone she had met, and who was meeting Malvern. Amilyn agreed, of course; the skyfaring rooms were some of the few unmonitored by cameras, she already knew their great use.

The Gatalentans refused such things in their meditative rooms.

So, Eira finally got back to Skye.

There’s coffee over at the Gatalentan Senatorial Complex. Come join me. ​

 

[cleopat]

It seemed that none of them seemed too happy to remain above Coruscant for the foreseeable future. At least Cora wasn’t alone in that thought. But as Faro suggested, to even hint at their displeasure to the Governor would be foolish of them. Or to the Grand Admiral.

Mouth full of the hearty soup, Cora glanced over at Eli. “Mission on Coruscant?” she echoed after swallowing the soup. “Could it be related to why the Governor wants us to remain stationed here?”

Though the following news of Thrawn joining them made Cora feel a bit uncomfortable. It would be hard to leave without appearing too obvious. She focused back on her food in front of her instead.

~~

Settled into his chair on the shuttle, Thrawn frowned as he considered something just then. He had every intention of questioning Eira during their outing regarding herself and Mygeeto, and yet he failed to ask a single one of his questions, distracted more by what Eira had to show him.

Was it simply a charming smile that caused his distraction? Or did Eira’s skills extend beyond the stage?

Thrawn glanced down at his datapad as it pinged from a response. Commander Vanto. He had missed a few things in his brief time away, which had been expected.

The fact that Tarkin’s message needed to be delivered personally made him think it was something of utmost importance, but also, Tarkin loved the slight flair for the dramatics. May have been something as insignificant as officer gossip to deliver.

A sigh.

I will be there within the hour. Let me know where you are.

~~

“And how much is this?” Skye paused at a dark blue cloak amidst a sea of colors in the marketplace. The material would cover her body and head up nicely, if she so chose to go hidden.

“Fifty credits,” the vendor said, to which Skye winced a bit. Not that she couldn’t afford it, but she didn’t want to spend so much on the cloak. But, sparing a glance towards the vendor, she could sense his desire for a sale. Desperation to bring home something for his family.

“It’s a deal.” The exchange was done, and Skye placed the cloak in a bag she had with her. At that moment, her datapad pinged with notification of a new message. Bidding goodbye to the vendor, Skye walked away as she pulled out her datapad to read the new message.

From Eira. A small smile crossed her face as she read the message.

I hope they also have tea. I will be there shortly.

And once Skye arrived, she would wait outside the Senatorial Complex in hopes that Eira would help guide her to where exactly she wanted them to talk. She didn’t immediately see any place for coffee, but that meant little for Skye amongst the other buildings of the Senatorial District.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘No.’

Given how Thrawn worded it, Eli was fairly certain it had nothing to do with the Governor’s reasoning for wanting them there. However, he didn’t know for sure, and Thrawn had taught him not to remove possibilities.

Still, his sigh was heavy, “I do not think it is likely,” he said, “Given that Governor Tarkin had to tell Faro, I do not think Thrawn was aware of these orders just yet.” Although he had seen Governor Tarkin and Thrawn speak throughout the night, that didn’t mean he had told him this. Perhaps he’d hinted at something, though? Eli knew it was possible.

He responded to the ping, letting him know which cafeteria himself, Cora, and Faro were in. “I’m just gonna wait for Thrawn here. He said he should be here in the hour.”

Faro frowned at that, but shrugged. She supposed it wasn’t any worse than what she’d been doing before.

~***~

Eira smiled as she saw Skye’s message, “Amilyn, would you be able to have some tea brewed?”

“Oh, she doesn’t want coffee anymore?”

“No,” Eira shook her head, “But I’ll take some iced caf if it is available.”

Amilyn didn’t even hide her cheeky smile, “I knew you would,” she said, “I’ll see to it. Will I greet your friend?”

“Yes, please,” Eira nodded, “Blonde woman, shorter than you,” most women were, Eira had noticed. Holdo was tall for a human female. “You’ll know her.” Even if Eira did not know what she would be wearing, there remained Holdo’s intuition, and the fact Skye was likely to seem out of place.

The tea would be brought into the skyfaring room, and Eira’s caf. Eira was quick to take that on up to rest among the scarves, as she let Amilyn go greet Skye.

Eira was right about one thing – Amilyn was able to pick out the lone woman with blonde hair, looking around, lost. “Hellooooo, Skye!” Amilyn greeted, not having changed out of her skyfaring clothes, which were as multicolored as a cloudy galaxy – purples, pinks, blues, and greens played over the base navy hue. “Our friend sent me to show you the way,” she said as she came to a pause nearer to Skye, “I’m Amilyn Holdo,” she introduced, more as an afterthought, before she brushed aside some of her hair, “I think you’ll like it,” she giggled, “It’s the sky-faring room.”

 

[cleopat]

Cora frowned, and looked down at her food. The Grand Admiral coming there? She wondered if she should even be there, in that instance, as the two closest to the Chiss would be waiting for him.

“I wonder what’s going on,” she mused. Obviously something of importance was happening on the planet for Governor Tarkin to request such a thing from the Chimaera.

A bite of the fruit. “Is this something you two need to be alone with him for? Because I can leave before he arrives, if need be.” Not that she wanted to leave, but there was the offer. But also the consideration that he was meeting them in a public caf. If they wanted privacy, they could meet in his office.

~~

Skye didn’t have to wait long before someone came up to her – someone she could tell was a friend before even turning to look at her. The person who greeted her was unexpected, a tall women whose hair and clothes reminded her of a nebula. Oh my.

“Nice to meet you, Amilyn. It seems you already know who I am,” she responded with a smile. She was a bit intrigued as to why Eira didn’t come herself, but given who she was, and that they were in the heart of the Senatorial District, Skye came to a few conclusions of her own.

A raised eyebrow. “A skyfaring room? You’re right, I like it already.” A wide grin crossed her face as she followed after Amilyn, still quite unsure what to think of the colorful woman. Skye liked her, that much was certain. “So if you don’t mind me asking, how do you know our mutual friend?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli could sense Cora’s anxiety even before she spoke. Cora was not so accustomed to being around the Grand Admiral herself, so it was somewhat anticipated, even if it still felt strange to Eli. Of course, he’d known Thrawn when he was just a prisoner, and then through their academy years.

Thrawn had all of Eli’s respect as a Grand Admiral, but a familiarity remained that Eli wouldn’t deny. It would be too disrespectful for all the time he’d spent with Thrawn – but he knew that familiarity was not shared with Cora, nor even with Faro.

He also knew it wasn’t his place to make those decisions. “You can stay at least until the Grand Admiral arrives.” Eli offered. “I am not sure if he’ll want you dismissed or not,” that would be up to Thrawn, “You already know the news that Faro has to say, so it’s not a secret,” the entire Chimaera was meant to know it, after all.

It would impact everyone.

He didn’t see a need for her to leave; it might do her good to stay to get to see more of Thrawn, or for Thrawn to see more of her. But he wouldn’t tell her, one way or another. In the end, it was Cora’s choice – he just didn’t want her to feel as if it truly was necessary, or that her presence was anything to worry about.

~***~

Skye seemed one immediately easy to speak with, taking no offense at the little joke. Amilyn kept her strides in-line with her, accustomed to having to be slower for her shorter friends, no matter how eager she was to see Skye to her place, and wonder at the strange meeting of people. Eira had offered little of how she and Skye came to be, or why Skye was pulled aside from the rest.

Eira rarely did.

It was a fact that annoyed Shay, and intrigued Amilyn. How Eira chose her allies, why Savit and Mitth'raw'nuruodo over others. Not that Amilyn could protest any – their thoughts usually aligned.

It was with an enigmatic smile that Amilyn offered, “The stars brought us together, of course,” in another place, she may have said it was the Force, or some other all-encompassing and willful thing, but the stars were usually sufficient, and even she knew the lingering dangers of professing belief in the Force too strongly, too vocally. “We were always meant to meet.”

How true that may have been, in another world, another life, when Eira would have taken Amilyn for her padawan in a heartbeat, stricken by their differences and all that could be learned. How true it remained even then, as Eira tried to keep the younger woman close in a variety of roles, to teach her in the only ways she could safely do so. “I think it’s the same with you and her, as well,” Amilyn said as they passed through the sliding doors that opened for them and into the high-vaulted roof of the senatorial complex. “You two seem familiar.” Although she couldn’t place it, she knew it.

Just as she knew so many other odd things.

She would pause before the doors of the skyfaring room, and gesture, “I am to leave you here, but Eira is just inside.” Whatever it was, it did not concern Amilyn, and she would respect that.

 

[cleopat]

Cora nodded. What Eli suggested made sense, and it would help prevent any initial impression that she either was afraid of the Grand Admiral, or didn’t approve of him and wanted to stay far away.

Neither were true. Well, the latter wasn’t. Cora wanted to say she wasn’t afraid, but rather...intimidated of him. She hardly knew the Chiss. And she tended to be intimidated of many of her superiors, like Governor Tarkin. But who isn’t? He oozes intimidation.

She would stick around while they waited for Grand Admiral Thrawn. It would give her more of a chance to talk to Eli, and if Thrawn didn’t want her around, he would simply say so. Just like Eli said.

And stayed she did, until Thrawn strolled through the doors of the caf, hands clasped behind his back and immediately headed for the table the three sat at. “Commander Vanto,” he greeted upon seeing Eli, followed by similar greetings for both Faro and Cora.

“You mentioned Governor Tarkin had news for me?” With that he looked at Faro, not once moving to take a seat with them.

~~

Skye knew Amilyn was a friend to them both, even if they couldn’t outright voice their thoughts in public. Not on Coruscant. Not in the Senatorial District.

Even as she understood the hidden meaning behind Amilyn’s talks of the stars bringing them together. “I do believe it was aligned in the starts for us to come together.” Not that she believed in the actual stars, but rather, their hidden symbolism of what was really meant to be said.

Skye stared in amazement at the high-vaulted roof. She had been in many buildings in the past of similar architectural feats, but they never ceased to amaze her. It had always been something that fascinated her, the physical limits of certain architectural features. “And I’m sure we will learn exactly how familiar we are.”

They came to a pause before a set of doors. Skye turned to the colorful woman and offered her one last toothy smile. “I am so pleased to have met you, Amilyn. I hope we see each other again soon.”

Turning, she opened the set of doors and greeted with a sea of elevated ribbons. The doors sounded shut behind her, and Skye hadn’t searched out Eira yet, but she could feel the other woman in the room. “What an interesting place to have us meet.”

 

[Lucyfer]

The Grand Admiral arrived, and while some of the people in the cafeteria were bothered by it, Eli wasn’t. Faro grew tense, but not quite like the others. She had a job to do, that was the main source of the tension. That, and Thrawn didn’t relax his own posture in their presence. Faro wasn’t sure if she had actually expected he would, but still.

“Grand Admiral,” Faro and Eli had echoed with his arrival, and Faro rose to her feet when she was addressed.

“Yes, sir,” she agreed. “Governor Tarkin left me with the message that you are commanded to keep the Chimaera and our fleet at Coruscant airspace for three months.” She indicated. “He did not offer anything more than that.” Just a command, with no explanation.

Faro hoped it went without question that she hadn’t asked for more, either, given who had come with the message. It was as if the Emperor himself had given the message. Perhaps not to Thrawn, but to her? Definitely.

Perhaps Thrawn would be willing to question it, though she didn’t know if he’d do so in their presence, or wait to speak to Tarkin himself about the command.

Eli offered nothing – he didn’t hear the message, and certainly wouldn’t express his immediate distaste of the order.

~***~

Amilyn had returned Skye’s smile, “I am certain that we will,” was her response, before she would leave – though she would not stray far. She had to make sure no one went in to use the skyfaring room, even if it was clearly marked ‘occupied’, and locked for good measure.

She was very good at distracting people and dissuading them.


When Skye stepped in, there was a cast-iron teapot upon a small table, over a mobile flame that burned low under it to keep it warm. Steeped in was what Amilyn had guessed, a green tea of some blend that Eira didn’t rightly know – she liked tea, but not obsessively. Her own iced caf was in her hand, and she was high above, in a makeshift hammock of scarves. “Amilyn introduced me to it.”

And to Gatalenta, in some ways – in ways she hadn’t known as a youth.

The scarves uncoiled without a physical pull, and Ae’lia Kore let herself drop from those heights – but it was a light landing. No sound at all.

“I am Ae’lia Kore,” she introduced, casting aside the other name, “Counsellor. I was trained by Delkan Vook, a Knight, and I was a part of the Thranta Clan – given what I suspect is your age, that may be more relevant to you. I do not believe we were a part of the same.”

She said it all so plainly, so easily, in an effort to let Skye know this area was safe. Very safe. “Amilyn knows nothing, and I will not ask you for more than you’d say,” she did not have the same security, nor the same certainty that Ae’lia would not betray her. “But you have what you need to damage me if you like.” Her trust was in Skye’s hands.

 

[cleopat]

Thrawn noted the slight tension in the caf, in part by the other officers who were watching in, in part by the three he was near. It didn’t seem odd to him in the moment, and he relaxed his stance some so his hands rested by his side.

The news Faro delivered was unexpected. Immediately he mind delved into many questions as to why Governor Tarkin would order such a command. Did he expect Coruscant to be attacked within the next three months? Was this...punishment for something?

He had every intention of questioning Governor Tarkin about the decision. “Commander Vanto, Lieutenant-Commander Faro,” he paused, before adding, “Lieutenant-Commander Suvan,” as an after thought, for he wasn’t used to her being a part of their group. Another curious thing.

“Do you have any guesses as to why Governor Tarkin would order this command?”

~~

Skye didn’t immediately go to the teapot when she stepped in the room. The woman in the scarves above distracted her in the moment. Her eyes looked to where she heard the voice, and smiled once the woman was spotted.

“Just as whimsical as the woman.” She watched how the woman descended with preternatural grace, one she knew came from the Force. So the woman was a Force sensitive, and while nothing screamed at her suggesting anything malicious, Skye would remain on her guard.

But then her name, her real name, was mentioned. “I know you,” she breathed. “Or, well, I know of you. You left the Jedi Order, didn’t you?” Skye stepped closer as no malevolence was detected.

“I was a Knight, although talks had begun to consider the rank of Guardian and fight with the starfighters.” A light smile crossed her mouth. “I guess my name seems obvious.” Skye stepped forward until she could envelope Eira, Ae’lia, in a desperate hug.

A hug built from years of isolation and loneliness.

With her arms still around Ae’lia, Skye whispered two words into her ear, “Hala Cormin.”