2009-02-21 - Thrice to Tears

:::2009-02-21 - Thrice to Tears
 Marbo might note... This ship seems to be a busy place! A ship just took off like a bat out of hell. And there's a lot that don't look like they should be here, well, here. And when his door opens? Well, there's Anneke, curled on the ground, crying, and Nissa and Graham are here too. There's even signs MT might be somewhere, but probably on the bridge or somewhere else nearby instead of the docking bay.
 The shooting star docks and lands gently. When the ramp lowers the large hutt known as Marbo comes gliding downward. His large eyes look about at all of the activity and he takes it all in. That is until he notices Anneke crying which makes him move towards her straightaway. He smiles at Nissa and Graham but his face grows serious when he sees the state that Neke is in.
 Even as Anneke falls from the crate to the ground, concern fills Nissa's eyes. The Calamarian quickly slides to the ground, kneeling beside the fallen young woman. She touches Anneke's shoulder gently, trying to help her up again if she can. The approach of Marbo hasn't yet caught her attention.
 Anneke doesn't seem to want to get back up, she doesn't seem hurt. She just seems heartbroken. She’s absolutely wailing right now. It seems that conversation, whatever it was (Since Marbo wasn't here) was enough to break her, for the time being.
 Marbo approaches and looks over at Anneke. "My dear friend what is the matter...are you injured?" he looks to the others, "Madame Nissa.....Knight Graham....salutations. Is.....is everything all right?"
 Nissa looks up at the sound of her name, and blinks, a little surprised. She then offers a respectful bow of her head to the sentient. "Mister...Marbo, I believe? A pleasure to meet you," she says. She then takes a breath, letting it out as she shakes her head. "All right would be an overstatement...it has been a very hard day." She rubs a hand gently on Anneke's arm, her eyes worried.
 Graham stands at the sound of another incoming ship from the kneeling position where he'd been checking on Anneke he seems rather on edge his hand already his white robes flare as if taking action, but he breaths. "Ah, Marbo my friend I’m sorry." the knight says after a moment looking to the other two. "Yes very hard day and long."
 Anneke is having a hard time finding anything like composure it seems, even with Marbo's arrival. If anything, this might have slightly exacerbated the situation, for whatever strange reason it might be.
 Marbo slithers up to the others and looks at the scene carefully. "I see. What tragedy has befallen that has struck Anneke here so?" he asks motioning with his hands. "I have not seen such pain and emotion in a long time. Has someone dear passed?"
 Nissa sits on her heels, shaking her head carefully. As large golden eyes come to focus on Marbo again, her calm mask crumbles a bit, revealing exhaustion and worry. "No one has passed, but...we've lost a friend today, I think," she says quietly.
 It's a busy day in Taanab space. Kalira probably jumped in just as another ship jumped out like a bat out of hell. And likewise, Marbo's ship docked not far ahead of Kalira's. So as she docks and leaves her ship, she would see Marbo closing the distance to Anneke, who is curled up on the floor crying uncontrollably, even as Nissa and Graham console her, and Marbo approaches. "Almost... dead twice, Marbo." Anneke barely manages to say to the Hutt. "There... there's something... needs... saying."
 Even if Kalira hadn't been here to help patch up Neke after the last attack, Kalira would be positive that she could sense the emotional turmoil of her young friend. Even if she hadn't been, though, the sheer emotional trauma and physical trauma would have called to her like a beacon. She barely takes the time to power down, leaves that to her marines and is rushing towards Marbo and Nissa where they are gathered beside Neke and Graham.
 Graham looks up feeling something familiar approaching. The white robed man mouths 'oh no.' and looks odd for those who know him fear is not often seen on the face of the knight. He looks to Kalira as she approaches his eyes shining a bit and he looks away a moment before back to her taking a deep breath but his voice is shaky. "Hello Kalira." he manages a weak smile.
 The Calamarian looks away from Marbo a moment, squeezing Anneke's shoulder gently. She then frowns as she watches Graham, but the approach of Kalira has her looking up. "Kalira, good to see you," she says. Even as she speaks though, her voice is tired.
 Marbo looks at Graham curiously and then the others. He smiles and waves to Kalira before turning his attention to Anneke. "Milady...you were attacked again?" he shakes his head. "Things are growing more and more dire these days. A simple outing like an Avian Exhibit ended in tragedy....with snipers trying to shoot at people. Kalira had to help me with my wounds." he moves closer bending down to get more at Neke’s level. "Do you care to talk about it?"
 Anneke continues to curl up there on the floor, not wanting to move at all as she sobs. Though when she sees Kalira and Marbo she suddenly, cryptically, starts to blabber on, "Please come with... please don't stay... Have... have to go to live, but... don't want to lose anyone more." Though, she's not explaining more than that.
 Kalira slows as she approaches then reaches down to rest one hand on Neke's shoulder even as she catches the look on Graham's face. His shaky voice and weak smile, along with the words that Neke utter make her pause as well before she says anything. Her hand remains on Neke's shoulder, offering physical support as much as emotional and anything else she can. Her worried gaze turns to Nissa, the open question in her eyes, "What's happening?" she asks in a soft voice. "You all sound.. look.. Love of logic, you all -feel- tired," she blurts out.
 It is now that Nissa chooses to actually it on the durasteel floor of the docking bay. She settles, her feet tucked under her, hands resting on her thighs. There is a look of guilt in her golden eye, and of sadness, and apology. Eyes flicker to Graham, and Anneke, before she carefully meets Kalira's gaze. "I'm so sorry, Kalira," she says, her voice quiet, "We meant to tell you, in time, but...we ran out of it. Everything has cracked loose of its foundation and is crumbling. We meant to tell you in a better fashion that...this." She pauses, shaking her head, before looking between Marbo and Kalira. "Please, promise me...you both cannot repeat this, or anyone. Except Akurel, he has the right to know as well."
 The young man pats Anneke as she speaks. He looks to Kalira and seems to steel himself up. "I need to tell you something Kalira." Graham says in the same shaky voice. He looks around to the other room and Nissa begins he looks to her than back to Kalira, perhaps wishing he could have broken the news in a different time and place but it must be said.
 When Kalira's hand touches her shoulder, Anneke suddenly gets up and hugs Kalira as tight as she is able to. The moments of strength quickly fading into a more limp embrace, but the emotion is no less powerful. "Raxan isn't... but you can.. please." She says. just as cryptically.
 Marbo watches as the two embrace and hears talk of revelation. He takes a deep breath and licks his lips before continuing. "It seems that there is something on everyone's mind here......you have it on my honor that I will not reveal a word to anyone outside of this hangar." he states.
 Kalira's head had turned, eyes resting upon Nissa and starting to nod slowly, starting to say: "Of course I won't, no matter what, you know I don't carry -" is as far as she gets when Graham's words reach her as well and once more she's turning slightly, looking towards Graham - her friend, her teacher, the man she'd have picked for her brother if she'd been granted that option. "What.." she is saying as Neke suddenly gets up and hugs her tightly. She returns the embrace just as tight, starting to look more than worried, starting to feel the cold hand of fear gripping her. "What's happening?" she asks now, making her voice remain as level as she can.
 Nissa closes her eyes a moment, taking a very deep breath. She lets it out, shaking a little...perhaps nerves from earlier in the day finally catching up with her. She slowly looks between Marbo and Kalira it turn. "Meena, he's...he's been funding research, to find a way to...scout out new hyperlanes. Ones that could take a fleet of well staffed and stocked ships to another galaxy," she says quietly. "And they...they found a way to do it. It's possible. A year's worth of hyperjumps and searching, it would take...but it could be done."
She is quiet for a long moment, now looking to Anneke. "With everything that's been happened...all the things in this galaxy that are falling apart, all the danger..." She nearly chokes her, but determinedly continues. "Meena wants us to take as much of the Mon Calamari population as we can on cityships, and...leave. We asked Anneke to come with us morning." She stops, looking to Graham in question.
 Marbo listens to what Nissa states and nods his head almost as if he could foresee this, perhaps not because of the force...but for some other reasons. He looks at the woman and nods his head in her direction stating calmly, "That is a bold venture....though with enough city ships that can sustain a thriving ecosystem I can see that happen." he paces back and forth for a moment. "But doing what you speak of.....is that not....well I don't know how else to put it, is that not extreme? What does this plan hope to solve or accomplish?" he asks honestly.
 Graham looks to Kalira and nods to Nissa as he approaches his friend whom, he cares for and considers his sister already, he loves as such. The young man reaching her side is still silent but he reaches out a hand placed on her shoulder. "Kalira, this is hard." his voice breaks again and he tries to hold his head up looking to her eyes. "We are going with them on this trip, things are bad and getting worse, Rena and I and Anneke." he thinks about the others but doesn't add. "We are leaving the galaxy." the last words are uttered and his courage seems to fail and he lowers his head sniffing hard but losing his battle as tears shed upon the floor of the ship.
 "Bringing... some people... from Taanab." Anneke says, sobbing. "Buying a Cityship too." She adds, not letting go. "Nothing left... we've failed... we've lost... only chance.. chance to live. To survive." She says honestly. "Chance to rest... chance to sleep. Chance to be safe." She sounds so longing for it. "Good is lost here... for now... The people only want chaos... evil. They'll just kill us."
 "Leaving the.." Kalira starts to repeat what Nissa's explained and only gets two words in before Marbo speaks and she begins to slowly nod. "I agree, it's a bold venture, but with enough ships and supplies.." and again her words trail off and she hugs to Anneke tighter as she realizes what is being said. She gives Graham a look that is nothing short of emerging grief, "You're all leaving, aren't you?" she asks in a suddenly very small voice. She frees one hand and smoothes it over the top of Anneke's head, feeling suddenly very old and aged by all of this, staring down into the tear streaked face of her friend and extends that hand towards Graham next, tears threatening to escape her as well.
 Nissa rubs a dark stripe above one eye, hiding her face for a long moment. Thoughts flicker across her face as she tries to catch them. She looks up to Marbo first. "The Republic is fighting to stand. These days people die all around us, Coruscant has become a veritable sniping academy, and our leaders are dying. Innocent people are dying. I have hoped and hoped that by standing where I am, where all of us have been standing, that it would be enough to change the foreshadowed chaos that many have seen coming. And yet it still comes. Dark days are ahead, and while I still have the greatest hope for this Galaxy, my home...I cannot stand and survive. It weighs on my heart and soul, Marbo. As I imagine in does on all of us here to some degree."
She pauses, fighting to breath, before she looks to Kalira. "I still have the greatest hope for this place, for everything. But I think it will break me to fight every single day. To lose those I love. The most important thing to me are the people I care about. My husband, my friends, my family...all here I consider family, though there are no blood ties between us. I want life for those people. That is what this...extreme decision offers. What we are trying to fight for." She loses her composure then, with the words of Graham, and her own eyes begin to fill with the beginnings of tears.
 Marbo think on this and closes his eyes for a moment trying to remain calm about the news. The loss of friends he holds dear...some of the last bastions of strength, encouragement, and wisdom touches him deeply. "Leaving......" he states sadly. "I .....I wish." he stops his words and pauses turning from the group for a moment. 
"I do applaud your methods....there are many times that it is the high road that one takes when they see the wisdom in leaving a situation....the pacifist road...one that gives hope for freedom." he states, "But what does concern me here.....is...well is this action not just the least bit selfish in a way? As people within the galaxy who are witnessing such terrible times, should we not stand and fight to make the future .....our children's future a better place...and not only our children but those of our neighbors...and our friends friends...and so on and so forth?" he asks to himself as much as the others.
 Meena Tills hears Marbo's words as he comes back onto the Crysblade.
"There is a time to prepare something to survive an evil day, and send back help, when there is strength to stand," he says in his soft voice: though not ironic this time. A pain and earnestness is deep in his voice.
 Anneke would probably sink down if she weren't so sunken in demeanor the way it was. Though her embrace of Kalira is still weakened as well. "I... I'll never have children if I stay... I've almost died twice. Despite help... from... From Jedi and... and my best guards. On Taanab and Coruscant. Should.. .should be... safest places for me!" She sobs, so weak, Kalira more than anyone should be able to tell how desperately she wants to hug more tightly, but can't. "Nothing stops.. that demon. Nothing will. I doubt I'll live another month."
 Graham breaths deeply trying to regain himself. He looks to Marbo shaking his head. "Perhaps it is selfish, but I would like to see my unborn children brought into this world but not in so much danger." he catches himself perhaps remembering that his friend might not know that information but little does it matter he trusts him. He turns to Kalira. "I’m… I.." but he cant continue.
 Meena Tills comes deeper into the area where people are talking, taking Nissa's arm. He looks and sounds tired.
 Tears do start to spill from Kalira's eyes as she nods, "She's right. They're right, Marbo. We fight, as we have to, because if we don't - then the darkness wins. But there's a point when the fighting is all that's left, and there's so little chance that something - anything - good will come of it. And those that we love are dying all around us, and the darkness is growing." She gives Nissa a teary-attempt at a smile and nods to Meena as he joins the conversation. "You're right, though, you're right. They won't let you alone and, love of logic, we'll see you in ashes and smoke within a month, if that long. we can't protect you, no matter how hard we try," her voice catches with those last words, keenly feeling the failure of being able to protect her young friend. Kalira nods to Graham as well, "You're right. You and Rena have a chance to have your children - safely - and raise them, safely." She looks slowly around then says, "I will miss all of you So much," she blurts out as her head lowers and the tears streak down her face.
 Nissa looks up at Marbo from where she sits on the floor, taking a near shaking breath. "Perhaps it is, in some ways," she says quietly, "We all have our selfish reasons for making this decision, as well as ones that are not. I /still/ have hope for this galaxy, but a handful of us cannot stand alone and protect it in its entirety. And what comes, will come...and who knows if we would survive it or not, if we stayed." A few tears falls, but she continues. "I will not see people I grew up with fall to molten glass as Frashkart has, or in a storm like the one that took Oona. I don't want to see my friends die before they've a chance to live and grow. I don't want to see those I care about lost when there was a chance, even a small one, for something better else." She blinks, looking to Kalira a moment in deep apology. She then looks up at Meena as he touches her arm.
 If anyone could look guilty, Rena seems to feel a deep sense of guilt and shame as she slinks into the room quietly, hanging far to the back of everyone and keeping to the shadows. Kalira is absolutely miserable, and she knows she's causing it in part. Hiding behind the landing gear of her own V19, tears begin to well and glisten in the redhead's eyes as she watches and listens quietly for now. To interrupt would seem like such an intrusion right now.
 Anneke only manages a few more words this time, "No, no... please don't stay... please come with.." And anything more? She can't make into anything coherent as she tries to hug Kalira as tightly as she can again, as though letting go will mean she loses Kalira again forever. Loses her friend. Or even the memories of her friend. And even as she does that, her glance is cast towards Marbo. The same desperate, pleading gaze.
 Marbo hears this and turns his head towards Graham, nodding in an understanding fashion. "Congratulations my friend....children you say?" His eyes have pools of liquid welling within the giant orbs. Perhaps that is why he turned away. "I can understand doing whatever it takes to protect your own....especially your own children." he looks at Neke then and states, "And wanting to bring children into the world is natural...and the compound events in such a short time makes your trauma understandable." 
 He hears Kalira speak and nods his head, licking his lips and wiping a tear away from one of his nostrils. "All of you here have meant more to me than you know. You are some of the rare people from the Republic or just in general who have chosen to see past my physicality and search out my heart. You have accepted me where others have not....stood by my side where others dare not....vouched for me in the face of racism." he sniffs. "Losing you all will be like losing a part of myself.....like losing the cornerstone that holds up the fortress portcullis." He thinks, "There will be so many left behind.....so many who without those who stand for them will remain without a shining beacon of hope...." He bites his upper lip.
 "There will be others," Meena Tills says softly. "But I think this is a time for ... laying foundations for a new dawn, not a time to fight the storm that has been preparing for three centuries."
 If anyone can look more guilty than Rena, it could be Kaldu Railm. He's been so lost and confused over the last year, and it's only been a select few that have helped him through and helped the galaxy make more sense. Yes, that is a majority of the people here, but at the same time there are those on his own planet. He hasn't heard what has been said, but as he enters the room, he can sense some sorrow. He, like Rena, does not want to interrupt, her attempts to hang back and not interrupt.
 "I can't," Kalira whispers brokenly. "I can't. I want to, I really do. But if I do, then Kamli will probably rot in that cell until one of the Emperor's henchmen come and offer him a way out. By going back to being a lackey. And worse.. worse.. they'll kill him," she whispers. "I know I can't protect him, I know it, but I have to try. Somehow. I have to give it one more chance." She draws another uneven breath of her own, "He'll kill him," she whispers. "I think that maybe I can stop him.. maybe.. but he hates him so. He may not admit it, but he hates that part of me too, that same blood. But I have to stay and try. As long as I'm in that room.. maybe I can try still." She looks to Marbo and suddenly says, "No matter what Vordo does, they want him dead. But, please please don't ever tell that I just said that."
 Another ship docks with the Crysblade and the YT-900 is known to all as the Pelagon Endeavour. Once the hatch unseals, Richard Tan walks off and the sound of a droid is heard and he turns, "No need, this is a safe area, a very safe area. Stay with the ship," he says and then he looks at everyone here, "I hope I am not interrupting anything," he says to them as he approaches the party people.
 Meena Tills turns to Richard Tan. "Welcome to a ... very select gathering. People who are being trusted with a dangerous, and hard secret."
 And a third blow that hurts as badly as any lightsaber ever has hurt her. Anneke's not exactly been holding on for long the way it is. But the fact is, this hurts. And she can only do one more thing. "No.. no... Not you too." Her tears flowing like waterfalls. And no more words possible. She's hugging Kalira, as tightly as she can again.
 There are no words in this life harder to say than the single most painful... "Goodbye." This meeting, is more of a leave-taking. Somehow the joy of knowing a new life is opening up for some of those near and dear to her is dampened and dimmed to nothing but a glowing ember for Rena. Two tears slide down her cheeks and she leans heavily against the gear of her ship, trying to hold back a sob as she hides. Sniffling a little, she catches sight of Kaldu also hanging back near her and tries to muster a faint smile...but it dies very quickly. If she could take everyone with her, she would.
 Richard Tan looks at MT and blinks, "I take it, that it is over the recent happenings," he says to MT as he looks at everyone who is here, "Since I know little as to what is going on, and just left a massive bar fight on Nar Shaddaa, and getting a wounded Vae out of the fight," and he looks at Anneke and blinks as he listens.
 Nissa takes a deep breath, before she finally moves to stand. She closes her eyes moment, tears still coming slowly, and she moves to embrace Kalira where Anneke hasn't already gotten her. "I'm so sorry," she says quietly, shaking her head, "But I understand, I do. You have to try, and no one can blame you for that." She sniffs a bit, before slowly moving to stand. She moves closer to Meena, perhaps seeking comfort, when her straying gaze drifts near the V19. Perhaps she sees Rena, or perhaps she just guesses, but she motions the others further away to join them. Perhaps Kaldu will see the gesture as well.
 Graham looks as if the last hope has left as Kalira will not come with and his head sinks again. He leans forward and embraces her. "Perhaps I can help before this all happens?" he offers. The white robed man turns back sensing perhaps his wife close. He shakes his head as if lost a moment turning to Marbo. "Thank you, my friend easy to see you deserve our trust and friendship, and yes children, twins." he tries to smile, but fails and he sinks back to tears falling to a knee as if sapped of his energy.
 "There's the danger that if you even try.. you could get hurt. And at this junction.. no," Kalira whispers to Graham as he embraces her and, in the doing, embraces Anneke as well. She closes her eyes for a moment, "He got himself into this mess. He did, believe me, I know. I was there, at the beginning. He did this, willingly. But he's my brother, and his son is my nephew, I can't leave them. I would never be able to live with myself."
 Meena Tills says, "To put it simply, Richard, I and Nissa will be resigning our positions. Mon Calamari is going to fund a colony expedition tot he next galaxy, using the results of new research that enables us to scout the hyperdrive routes. A lot of people will be going with us.""
 Anneke's having a hard time even breathing she's crying so hard. The pain on her face probably the worst anyone's ever seen. "No matter what I do I lose someone... I stay and I die and lose everyone... I don't go, I still lose some of you." She pants a bit to say more, and tries to find more words for the moment, but fails utterly to form anything coherent. Just a piteous series of whines and sobs.
 Kaldu slowly moves towards the little crowd, his facial features showing deep emotion, conflict. He doesn't speak. He just looks down. Mute. For a few moments anyway.
 Richard Tan looks and blinks, "And you and Nissa are going on the expedition I take it?" he asks him. "Who all is going?" he also asks as he looks from Meena to Anneke to Nissa, Graham and Marbo. "And the other news?" he asks Meena.
 Meena Tills makes a small gesture. "Everything else follows. Rena and Graham will be coming with us. Anneke, and a load from Taanab. Kaldu, and a few others."
 It's Graham's breakdown that finally causes Rena to shift from her hiding place. Running across the room, she hurries to his side and also lowers herself onto her knees as she slips her arms around her husband and clings to him tightly. Looking up with tears streaming down her own face, she manages to say quietly: "The only way...to come back is to go." Meaning that somewhere, a glimmer of hope lingers in her soul that one day she will return and find the loved ones she leaves behind now.
 Nissa takes another breath, trying to keep herself as steady as possible. She still reaches for Meena's hand, though. She glances towards Richard, her vision a bit fuzzy with the tears that keep coming, though slowly. "Kirian is coming as well," she says quietly, "We're taking as many as we can....as soon as we can."
 Meena Tills says, "A week. Mon Calamari is mobilizing.""
 Richard Tan looks, "I see," he says as he looks at those, "I know that things have gone from bad to worst in he last few days, and I can see the reason for the leaving," he adds as he looks. "I do not see anything I can say about this," he adds as he ponders. "Other than what about the upgrades to the V19?" he asks Meena who just left.... "Well, that was interesting," as he looks at everyone. "I guess that myself and Marbo can keep the fort till you guys get back right Marbo?" he asks him
 Nissa sighs heavily, rubbing at the tears in her eyes. She steps forward, moving to pull Kaldu into a hug with Rena and Graham. "We'll make it," she says softly, "We will. And...we'll return, one day."
 Marbo looks at the other with tears in his eyes and then regains his composure and looks to Richard. "Yes I believe that would be best. While losing you all is like losing family....if I left who of my kin would go with me? After a few hundred years I would fade into oblivion with the knowledge that I might have been able to do something to help to fight the good fight....to try and bring peace to a galaxy in turmoil...to break down barriers of racism and tyranny..." he looks to those leaving and opens his arms for a huge hutt hug for those that would accept one. "I will miss you all more than you know.....more than you can imagine....I can feel this as deeply in my heart as I do in the force. It is like a rift ripping part of my soul...."
 Kaldu hugs Nissa greatly. He seems to be in tears himself. He looks up at Marbo, breaking the hug from Nissa for a moment to walk up to the great Hutt. With slow words and shaky voice he speaks. "Marbo the Hutt. I have not gotten to know you as well as I would have liked. But from what I can tell, I would have been honored to call you my friend. Be well, dear Hutt. Perhaps one day again in the gift we call the future, we shall meet again, and then under happier times." And he gives Marbo a great big hug. He is one Arcona who is not afraid to do so.
 Richard Tan looks, "Well, since you guys are leaving," he says as he thinks, "I have something that might help you guys," he says to those who are planning on leaving. "It’s not much but..." and he turns, talking into a comlink. A few moments later, an IG-88 droid walks out of the YT-900 and heads to Richard, something in its hand and once the item is given, the droid heads back to the ship. He looks, "I've been snipered twice," he says simply. "So I purchased five of them," he adds to calm those here. He walks over to Nissa and offers the item to her, "Here," he says. "It is not much, but it is a list of known systems that I found while I was in the Unknown Regions," and he looks. "It is a few years old," he comments, "So things could have changed there," he says to them. "It even has a list of routes that are not too well known, except in smuggling circles and a few contacts that can help you if you need it." <re>
 More blows, more tearing at her already so damaged, so wounded soul. To lose friends this way, or to lose them all to leaving and then her own death. The decision, the reality, it's just so much. And Anneke's so weakened the way it is. How can she do this? Then, then she says one thing to those who leave. "You'll... You'll just know we're alive." But then, with only a bit more hesitation, "We... won't know you are." Then she loses it entirely again. Everyone, Richard, Marbo, Kalira - they all get a pained look of loss.
 Kalira spares a nod towards Tan even as she gives Anneke another fierce hug as Rena joins the emotional knot of friends and family. "We are… all… born with death in us, part of us. We all will die, one way or another, one day or another. It's the only guarantee at the end of a well led life. You," and now she speaks to Neke directly, "must go. You must go, and find a place where you can smile, and laugh. Where you can sit someplace where the fresh air and rest upon you and sunlight can sparkle in your eyes again. You," she turns to Rena next, "have babies to bring into this world. And you," she says to Graham, "have children to see to their first steps and teach how to operate a speeder when they're old enough. Nissa.." and she smiles softly, eyes moving again, "has to teach that husband of hers how to pay more attention, and maybe she and Meena will have children someday too." Her eyes keep moving around the group, resting upon Kaldu, whom she doesn't know as well but says, "You all have such life ahead of you. New explorations. New star systems. New. Someday.. you'll come back. Or we'll come to join you. But no matter what, we'll never forget you."
 Graham looks back still trying to calm he only seems to get some control when his wife is with him. "I know I believe we all will be back." the young mans voice is still broken but there is something of his old self there now. He looks about those on the ship again taking in the scene as if seeing it from far away. He turns back. The visions brought by Kalira's words do make him smile softly as he sees two tottering toddlers. "There is no way I could forget you, nor would I want to my sister after all."
 Richard Tan smiles, "I'm a Corellian by birth, Tapani by blood. Corellians are a stubborn lot Anneke. "Its not like I plan on getting killed anytime soon, but as Ya told me before she went on a leave, that I should let the Force guide me, and since I cannot do the things a Jedi can do, does not mean that the Force cannot guide me nor anyone here right," he states to them.
Richard nods to what Kalira says, "Kalira is right," he starts. "Yes, this is a time for sorrow, but in the bigger picture, this is a time to celebrate, and know that when the known Galaxy goes to the point where another war will change it forever. As long as you are remembered by your friends, you will never truly die, just as we will never truly die, no matter what happens. You will be alive and will be immortal, where the immortality is to be remembered by your friends and loved ones," he states. "To pass on the stories of your friends to your children and who knows, I maybe joining you guys in the trip out there, to the great unknown, if not in body, but in spirit."
 As the Arcona pull away, Nissa turns to Kalira at her words. The tears that were coming slowly now return full force, falling down her cheeks. As the gift from Richard is thrust into her hands, she blinks and looks down at it, then back up at the Byss Senator. "Thank you, Richard...please, please look after Mantan for me," she says, her voice nearly breaking. She shakes, dropping to her knees as Kalira's words catch up with her. She embraces the woman tightly, no doubt gather Anneke up as well. "Thank you, Kalira, so much...I haven't known you long, but it's been enough," she blurts out. "Please take care of Akurel, be sure he...he doesn't get himself into too much trouble. We'll tell him, I promise...he deserves to know from us." The tears still come.
 Eyes glistening with tears, Rena looks up at Kalira and tries to smile through the sadness and heartbreak. "They'll grow up strong and straight." She says in reply to the children. "And I'll be able to tell them stories...so many stories about the good people, the good souls from this life - this galaxy..." Her voice fades as she looks around from Kalira to Marbo and Richard Tan.
 Richard Tan nods, "It’s what friends are for Nissa," he says. "And I'll keep a close eye on Mantan," he adds. "Although I am not sure what the new leaders of Mon Cal will think of a Human in charge of a shipyard, but I do not think it will be that hard," he says as he looks at Rena and Graham, "You guys have a new ship that is not out seen and has not been flown to get known," he says. "It is a fast ship, good cargo and I think you guys should take it with you, if nothing else to have. It is a luxury shuttle after all," he mentions in reference to the Gemini.
 Anneke takes so long to gather her strength. Kalira's words don't help... they do, but not for the initial burst of tears. "I won't ever forget any of you." She finally cries out from where she's embraced by whoever is by her now. "I wanna see you ALL again." She pants a bit, fighting so hard to not break down entirely again, "I don't want to lose any of you. You're all my friends. I'd never had true friends until all of you. I'm going to miss you who stay so much."
 Marbo returns the hug from the Arcona and anyone else who decides to get in a going away hug and nods to them. He looks at Kaldu first, "Yes my friend. We had some associations but I know that I wish they would have been stronger than what time allowed. I wish you well my friend...let your strength of character be your guide." 
He looks to Rena, "And you....ever the skillful one whose convictions allowed her to think outside of the box and make strides that even Jedi Masters could not. You have always been sincere and honest and strong. Your children will be blessed to have you as their mother." 
He looks to Graham, "And you my brother.....we were both padawan together under the same master and endured many of the same harsh experiences. You looked past what others would not and I will always feel a bond with you my friend. Your wisdom and strength of heart has always and will always motivate me." 
He looks to Nissa, "I have heard nothing but good things about you milady. May your prosperity and wisdom follow you to the ends of the unknown and beyond and may you and your husband have many children to fill your quiver..." he adds, "And Meena....what a solid man you have there. It has been tough for him to deal with me in a diplomatic manner at first...but he too was able to see into the heart. His skill, determination, and ingenuity will serve you all for the rest of your days." 
He goes over and hugs Anneke since she is in a tough state, "And you my dear.....a young woman who had the weight of her world placed upon her shoulders. Who took that weight and braved against the cold harsh reality of evil that has plagued the galaxy. Your wisdom has surpassed your age and you have moved from someone who has gleaned knowledge to one who I look to for guidance. Your smile...your love of life...and your passion for your people will never fail you. Go and find freedom and happiness and perhaps love beyond our galaxy's borders." 
Then he turns to Kalira and Richard. "And you two....who have been by my side through the thick and the thin. Our job is not done.....our friends here who boldly step into the void for a chance at hope. We must redouble our efforts....we must stand strong against the coming storms. We must embody the love of peace and freedom and forge a new future. A wise person once said that the future is always moving....so let us move it and shape a better tomorrow." he looks to everyone. 
"You all have my love and full support as a loyal friend....May the Force be with you always!" he bows deeply as tears stream down his cheeks onto the floor.
 Richard Tan thinks, "When you get to the outer rim, look for a Del Indigo," he says to Nissa. "He is a very good friend of mine and can help you out. Ly Mantok is also good and will get any messages to me. Let me see.... On the planet of Klatoo, you can find a rogue named Farlander. He is a lot like me, only is a drunk and loves to flirt, a lot." he says as he looks to Marbo. "I think I have an idea," he says. "I will work on a ship, that will be the only one of its kind. That will be ready for us to come and join you in the unknown. Once you find a planet, contact me via my contacts in the Unknown Regions, and I will let Marbo and Kalira know and we can work on getting out there. I fear that the Galaxy that we all know and grew up in will be ending and that the future will not be as bright as it is now. But we all have lives to live," he says. "Such as the little ones who will be born while you do travel and as they grow, may return one day. When that day comes, we will have a celebration of friends gone who have come back from a trip with wondrous stories to tell."
 Nissa chokes a bit on her tears as she pulls away from Kalira. "We will, Richard, we will...though we may be too far, even for some of your contacts to reach. We will try, though. And you have earned the respect of those of Mon Calamari, you will always be welcome on Mantan. Though..." she closes her eyes, will crying, "I fear...my family will not be with the cantina anymore. My aunt believes they are all coming with Meena and I." She sits back, trying to see the others as they speak. Marbo is the easiest for her to make out, and she is able to produce a tiny smile. "I...I wish I had had more opportunities to meet you, Marbo. You are a goodhearted, wonderful soul. I...thank you. I wish you the best in everything."
 Richard Tan looks at Anneke and nods, "Its ok," and he walks over and helps her stand giving her a hug. "Life was a mess, so it is ok, and besides you need to be strong and know that we will be fine here. No matter what happens, things are darker at the beginning," he says. "Besides, I do take IOUs, so when we do meet again, we will go on that date," and he gives Anneke another hug.
 Kalira wipes the tears away from her eyes, brushing her fingertips across her cheeks and she smiles rather tremulously at her brother in spirit and, by extension, her sister-in-law-in-spirit, "I wish I could be there to see your children," she admits softly. "But I'll imagine them, and someday… when you're settled… I expect a very LARGE packet of holo-mail full of holo-images," she says firmly. She hugs Nissa tightly as well, squishing Neke between them for a moment, "I feel the same way. I wish I'd had a chance to know you better. But if anyone is going to lead an expedition off into the great unknown… I can think of no one else who'd I'd rather have at the head of this expedition than you and Meena. "Marbo’s words thoroughly undo her self control, such as it is, by the time he's done speaking and she's crying softly as his words fade.
 Marbo's words make the floods of tears come in another wave for Rena. Everything he says just seems to rend her heart in two with bitter-sweet agony as she cries on Graham's shoulder. Nobody could say it better... Anyone who ever thought a Hutt could not be noble or good is a fool. Miracles and stranger things have happened. "There's nobody in the whole galaxy like you," Rena says through clouds of tears. "There'll never be anyone like you... I didn't know you very long, but I'm so glad you're my friend...I'll miss you terribly till we find each other again."
 Kaldu cries as he looks up at Marbo. "Thanks you, friend." He whispers, nearly choked. His breaths quiver. "I can't begin to describe," He says a bit more loudly now, "How much you all have meant to me in the last year. This has been my first year away from the trading ship I grew up on. The first away from my parents. I have grown much as a leader, a pilot, and most importantly as a person. It would not have been if not for each and every one of you in some way, big or small. It does not matter if you were my very first true friend." He says this with a teary eyed look at Rena. "Or if our droids flirted while we talked beside the water." He gazes at Nissa. "Or shared cares and concerns for yet another." He says, looking at Graham. "Or shared woes of being new and young leaders of planets." He says to Anneke. "Or meetings that had me scared witless were it not for the participation of a little known other man." He looks at Marbo. "But I care for each and every one of you beyond the descriptions meager words can describe." He takes a deep, shaky breath in. "My people have a saying, and it goes like this: 'As stars be your guide, and vines be your hoist through despair, only the love of others can sustain you desert of life and the painful trails that even the smallest river might bring.'" He nods and quiets down.
 Returning all the hugs. Anneke's face looks like it is in agony, every breath difficult as she tries with all her heart to not cry for the moments long enough to say. "Time is so long." Says the girl so far not quite old enough to perceive it as going faster than she expects. Her eyes close tight and her jaw clenches tightly, this is so hard for her. Everyone else offering so much wisdom as she just desperately tries. "Sands blow. We're all just grains of sand." She her entire body quivers. "Everyone, the storms blow us apart." Deep breaths. "Someday, they'll bring us back. Even if... even if in the... flow of the Force." A final deep breath, "I want to see you all again, drink Airikh and introduce children and new friends and tell stories of old times."
 Marbo rises and looks at the others as he wipes the tears from his face. His eyes are slightly swollen and his big cheeks glisten. Strangely, it actually looks good as the positive emotions of true friends, shared experiences, and the intimacy of the entire thing. 
He takes a deep breath and motions with his hands. "It is times like these that I wish I had brought some of the finest wines from Camodai Prime to raise a toast. Kaldu...your poetry is eloquent and definitely what this situation embodies." he looks towards them all. "Our paths may meet sooner than we imagine....but until then we survive, thrive, pursue wisdom, protect peace, further freedom, and embody truth!" With that he seems to be at a loss for words, because he lowers his head slightly seeming fatigued with emotion.
Category:February 2009 RP Logs