The Harpy: Chapter 1 “The Arrival”

## JOURNEY OF THE HARPY

Main OCs: Grand-Master Bathor, Temple-Master Terrogate, Doctor Otis

NPCs: Amelia West, Doc Emmett Lathrop, Marten, Galmar Darsten, Jovian Kargri, PH-10X

Pets: Jimmy the Exploder

Equipped:

* Ziyal's Ginivex-class starfighter

Prologue summary:

Grand Bathor had vision, one that foretold a great disaster. She called for the evacuation of Tython.

At Stav kesh, The final briefing before the Battle of Tython. The Pantoran, Kimi Sheiko shares intel about the plans of the Dark Regime. The Darkshield had built a Gree superweapon and needed Dark Matter to fuel it and therefore was moving their feet to Sunspot.

Sorceresses Feara Sigyn and Ziyal Moya are tasked to intercept the enemy transport with dark matter. To stop them before they can fuel the weapon.

During the evacuation of Tython all contact with Kaleth was lost. Master Bal Darsten and Apprentice Kas'sparr Bathori volunteer to rescue Esbern Greybeard from the tower and secure the archives.

After leaving Tython behind, Temple Master Terrogate hails the Enemy Dreadnaught hoping to end the war without bloodshed. However the Mirakula siblings Darth Morla and Darth Falkor only wish to speak to The Grand Master. Mab agrees to speak to them, hoping she can buy the others time. The transmission was cut short and there was still no news on the others.

Believing that she had made a mistake, that there was no way to stop the disaster from happening Mab began to regret her decisions. But they couldn't turn their backs now, everyone was depending on them. Terrogate and Mab asked Kimi Sheiko to take their daughter, Khara to safety before it was too late.

The young Pantoran agreed to help. But shortly after leaving the Harpy, disaster struck. A tear ripped through the fabric of space and began to pull everyone in, also the Harpy..

Start journey:

* Location: Berchest
* Ship status: Navcom offline
* Company: friendly none responding

~\*~

## JOURNEY OF THE HARPY

CHAPTER ONE: THE ARRIVAL

GM: Game Master Yoda

Music: https://youtu.be/iYYRH4apXDo David Bowie Space Oddity

Date: 1259 BBY

// Inner Rim, Anthos Sector, N-8, Berchest System. //

All was quiet on the inner rim planet of Berchest, well, as quiet as it got for the highly prized tourist destination and its seemingly never ending stream of star cruisers, freighters and luxury yachts that frequented its numerous private and commercial starports.

On this day, much like most others, the ever growing local Berchestian population went about their lives carving out beautiful cities and priceless artworks from the plethora of large, colourful crystal formations found on its beaches. These unusual and beautiful rock formations were a naturally occurring byproduct of the planet's highly saline seas and strong tides. A byproduct, that not only put the otherwise run of the mill yet beautiful planet on the galactic map as a tourist destination, but now also as a major trade epicentre inside the Anthos system.

It was in one of these majestic crystal city’s on the planet's surface, just as the deep orange evening sun was beginning to touch the mountainous horizon that the first of the Berchestian populace saw the unnatural ripple begin to form high in the otherwise clear sky high above them.

“Momma…momma look.. the sky is opening” said the small Rodian child as he pulled on his mother's sleeve and stopped dead in the street. The green skinned boy, dressed in a child’s size homemade republic soldier's costume dropped his toy blaster and craned his neck towards the heavens, looking in wonder.. The fast expanding and swirling vortex, seen from that distance was only as a small turning circle of electric light high above him reflected in his two large dark eyes. “Come Feewo, your father is waiting for us and I’ve no time for your games”. Said his mother abruptly, not bothering to look up and dismissing the boy's statement before quickly taking his hand and pulling him along, a full heshen bag of fresh groceries held close to her chest with her other arm.

Feewo groaned and then reluctantly followed, though his head was still raised and his young eyes still looking toward that same odd object shining in the heavens, his toy blaster lay in the dusty street far behind him…. and all around it.. the first hairline cracks in the crystalline floor began to appear.

~\*~

High above the planet Berchest, several thousand kilometres outside its orbit a massive swirling vortex of electric energy suddenly appears as space and time itself rip a literal hole in the void of space. Through that hole… emerges a large Harpy class battlecruiser amongst a swarm of debris, it’s visibly battle scarred hull bearing the insignia of the new Je’daii order under Grand Master Bathor.. and along with it... emerges a 2nd even more heavily damaged starship.

An old model Mon Calamari made, Corellian Hammerhead class battle cruiser bearing a very worn insignia of the long since defunct Admiral Gar Stazi’s Galactic Federation. The Hammerhead Cruiser, unknown personally by the Commanders of the Je’daii flagship sits idly among the debris bleeding oxygen from its hull and unresponsive to any attempts to hail it.

The ship was known however to be present during the battle of Tython on the side of the Je’daii. The aging ship of war playing the part of a protectorate ally to a small handful of remaining Jedi Guardians who had come to aid the Tython peoples against the tyrannical Darkshield in their quest for total galactic superiority.

~\*~

The Je’daii flagship’s main and backup Hyperdrives both were severely damaged along with its advanced Navicom systems due to the sudden intense electrical pulses when travelling through the space-time anomaly. The ship, still manned by the leaders of the New Je’daii order Bathor - Grand Master of the Je'daii, her life mate Master Terrogate, protector of Kesh, champion of Cathar, the ship physician Doctor Sylas Otis and his medical assistant droid PH-10X, Bridge Commander Amelia West, chief scientist Doc Emmett Lathrop and his assistant Marten, Je’daii Padawan Galmar Darsten, Grand Master Bathors’ personal Echani House Carl Jovian Kargri and roughly 2,000 crew, Je’daii padawans, key temple personnel and civilians all evacuated from across the planet of Tython.

As warning alarms, status updates and damage reports flood the bridge drowning out the unusually very few orders being shouted out by Commander West, the high profile members of the NJO council must now face the bitter truth of their predicament and somehow work out how they can locate their lost family and friends.

Our Journey continues here……..

\*\*\*\*\*

"How in the Galaxy did you manage to get hurt, Galmar?" the Zeltronian Doctor asked as he cleaned a cut on the boy's forehead. Next to the examination table stood the young Mirialan scientist, Marten, who had brought the boy in. "I fell sir" the boy answered and flinched at the touch of the Doctor's hand. "You fell?" Otis furrowed his brow and glanced at Marten who was nodding in acknowledgment. "It's a nasty cut for a tumble in the mess hall" the Doctor muttered as she grabbed some bacta.

Those who didn't fight were ordered to stay in the mess hall, to stay safe and avoid anyone getting in the way or getting themselves in trouble. Doctor Otis knew that Galmar Darsten was supposed to be in the mess hall, together with the others that were too young or too old to fight. But the Zeltron sensed the boy was lying about his whereabouts plus that cut was indeed too severe for a tumble in the mess hall.

The ship jolted, another hit Otis assumed as he glanced around the medbay. Several wounded had already arrived, mostly cuts and bruises, some burns but nothing too severe... yet. The other nurses and droids treated them; a bacta patch and some numbing spray and they could return to their posts.

"Ok… I wasn't in the mess hall" the boy suddenly confessed as Otis grabbed a small device to apply mechnosutures to the cut. "Really... What were you doing wandering about the ship in the middle of battle?" Otis asked with a raised eyebrow as he began to stitch the cut. "I was looking for someone, a friend" the boy responded. "A friend?" The Zeltron asked with his soothing voice. "Shazza.. She is looking after the Grand Master's daughter. She promised to keep in contact but I haven't heard from her, so I got worried and went to check on them." The boy explained.  Otis could sense he was telling the truth, but that wasn't the only thing he sensed. He could tell the young boy was infatuated by this girl.

"I found him in the stairway," the Mirialan suddenly said. "Yeah, I fell when the Harpy was hit" the boy added in embarrassment. At that moment the ship jolted again, but this time it was stronger. The Harpy wasn't hit by a torpedo, it was hit by a wave that made the entire ship shake heavily. Lights flickered, electrical conduits bursted in several places, sparks raining down. A nurse screamed. Alarms went off as equipment and tools fell off the shelves, glass shattering, it was total chaos… but then... it suddenly stopped.

"What the kriff!!!" The boy yelled just before everything went completely dark. The only lights left were of the droids present in the Medbay. "What just happened?" Otis asked as he lowered the device, and glanced around the dark medbay. In the background cleaning droids quickly began to clean up the mess. "Phlox, I need light" the doctor ordered the droid. At once the large droid approached and shone a light on the boy so that the doctor could finish the suture.

~\*~

\*\*\*Triage\*\*\*

It didn't take long for the first wounded to arrive, but there were too many for Otis and the rest of his medical crew to give proper treatment. They had to assess and determine who would be treated first and who were to be sent back to their post despite their injuries.

After several minutes in darkness the power suddenly came back. And with that came the incoming messages of casualties all over the ship

"A blast.." a large Cathar warrior growled in pain as he leaned against the wall. "That  transport.. it… it suddenly just exploded." he continued as Otis looked at the male's paw. "I saw it with my own eyes.. I was operating one of the cannons you see.. the blast was immense, I've never seen anything like it. Like a massive wave.a tsunami" The male continued, his eyes wide, obviously still shocked by what he had witnessed. "I'm afraid it's broken, it's completely shattered" Otis said as he glanced up at the Cathar. "I can only give something for the pain until things calm down" he added with concern. "Can I return to my post?" The Cathar asked. "Can you man a cannon with one hand?" The doctor asked with a frown as he injected some local anesthetic. Disappointed, the large male shook his head. "Go to the mess hall. There's save and take the boy with you" he motioned to Galmar who was sitting in the corner.

At that moment the Harpy began to tremble. Alarms went off and emergency lights flickered on. "What is happening out there?" Otis asked as he walked over to the next in line. "Doctor, there's a message from the bridge.. it's the Grand Master.." a nurse said with a trembling voice. "You take over nurse" Otis said and walked to the comms.

"This is Doctor Otis" he said and waited for a response. "Jovian Kargri over here. You have to come to the bridge. It's Mistress Bathori, the Grand Master" The Echani housecarl yelled over the chaos in the background. He was distressed, Otis could tell that by the panic in his voice. "Is she wounded?" He calmly asked. "I don't think so. She just collapsed… but she isn't responding.." the Echani replied at once. "I'm sorry, I can't leave the MedBay, Jovian. There's to many wounded. Get her off the floor and make sure she is safe, that she can breathe properly." Otis instructed. No matter her rank, the Grand Master would have to wait.

"You!" Otis motioned to the Mirialan who was helping wounded to the MedBay. "Do you know first aid?" The Zeltron asked. Marten nodded "ehm, yes Doctor." "Good, take a medkit, and go to the bridge."

"Yes sir!" Marten responded and quickly grabbed a medkit and made his way to the bridge.

\*\*\*\*\*

The muffled sounds of a smoke filled bridge during a full scale space battle surrounded the Cathar Master as though the heavily muscled warrior was experiencing his reality played out in slow motion. Explosions and blackened starship debris filled the several large viewing windows of the Harpy flagship command deck, the slow destruction of the Je’daii naval force playing out before him.. and there was seemingly now nothing he could do except to wait and accept their fate. But, suddenly arising from the chaos and the dozens of voices all calling out different messages simultaneously Terrogates feline ears prick up at the sound of one voice in particular and hones in on it. A voice coming from the opposite side of the bridge entirely.

“Jovian Kargri over here. You have to come to the bridge. It's Mistress Bathori, the GrandMaster.."

“AMMIT!” Said the Temple Master in a panic, not bothering to look at Jovian or focus on his remaining message as the Cathar turned to see his wife, his one and only among the galaxy’s countless trillions now lying, unmoving on the floor where she had stood just several moments ago.

Terrogate, forgetting all about the current battle, ran to where his wife lay on the cold metallic floor of the harpy. Dropping hard onto his knees next to her he placed one hand on her chest and the other behind her neck, lifting her head gently off the ground. To his relief she was still breathing, if not responsive. “Jovian… is Otis coming?” He growled out, his eyes wide and his ears pressed flat to his head.  Jovian did not dare answer and he put down the com, only shaking his head slowly. It was obvious that there was no medical help on the way. “That useless… pink…” said the Cathar, unable to finish the sentence as another explosion rocked the ship…

“Master Terrogate….. you need to see this..” said Commander West urgently as suddenly a strange silence stemming from outside the ship's hull engulfed the bridge. The only sounds remaining, the internal sirens and hisses of the Harpy’s anti-fire measures coupled with the cries and groans of the bridges wounded. Terrogate, not willing to stand and move from his wife’s unconscious body, turned his head and froze at the sight of the massive swirling electric vortex now beginning to swallow them along with every other ship in close proximity without discrimination. “It’s beautiful..” Said Doc who had stood from the communications desk and was seemingly in an almost trance-like state as he stared out of the ship's main view port .

Terrogate gripped his wife's waist hoping that even in her current state she would feel his presence for one last time and know he was with her at the end. But it was not the end right as the electrical systems aboard dropped out and the lowlights of the emergency systems backup kicked in.

~\*~ the breaking of known law~\*~

But it was not the end..

The events that occurred during the space time travel are unlike anything recorded before.. in the dimly lit battle cruiser the Je’daii were subjected to a kind of multi dimensional hyper existence. One in which the beings aboard the Je’daii flagship would remember each experience differently, or perhaps for some not even at all. Those who travelled through the tear were forced to exist both in the present, future and in the past simultaneously.. some would claim to have seen themselves as a mirrored double moving several seconds ahead of their own reality. Others claim to have experienced flashbacks of their past or vivid visions of a possible future… while others just blacked out all together, their minds putting up walls in defence of the event, shielding itself from tearing in two.

~\*~ through the looking glass~\*~

“Mmm… mmMaster Terrogate” Said Marten the young  Mirialan boy. Assistant to the flagships chief science officer as he stood in the bridge's entrance, a basic med kit gripped tightly in his arms. “What was that? I feel… I feel strange..” he said weakly, his face turning white before finally hunching over and vomiting next to the open blast door.

“I’m… Im not sure..” replied the Cathar from his kneeling position on the floor, trying to come to terms with what he had just experienced. Looking around at the chaos of the bridge a small number of the crew had passed out at their stations, some had also been sick  but despite the several already injured, most seemed still able to perform their duties once they gathered themselves. Suddenly, the low glow of the emergency lights dropped out all together but only for a moment before finally returning to their full brightness, along with the sound of dozens of the starships systems coming back on line all at once.

“Come here boy” said the Cathar. “Quickly.. the GrandMaster needs help..” he added, motioning with his hand to the medkit still held in Martens arms.

His cheeks returning to a more normal shade of green Marten stood gingerly and made his way over to the unconscious Mab, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

“Master Terrogate..” a voice from the raised platform of the bridge. “Commander West.. are you alright? Do we have a status report..?”

“I’m… I’m ok.. I think.” Replied Amelia as she leaned over the control desk of the ship commander's station, gathering herself and fighting against her stomached urge to purge itself. “Still too many systems offline I’m afraid, we won’t know anything more for several minutes when the sensors kick in.. but just looking at it.. I’d say we are no longer in Tython anymore..

\*\*\*\*\*

Chaos, total chaos. "This is it! BRACE YOURSELF!!!" The Grand Master yelled with tears in her eyes. She knew it was too late, she had foreseen it. She knew what would happen despite their efforts in trying to stop it.

Everything around her began to slow down as the transport carrying the dark matter exploded. Sounds began to fade as the entire bridge lit up from the bright light. She could see the devastation in eyes of those around her, she could see them scream in terror but couldn't hear them Then suddenly everything went dark and she felt herself falling. 'Had it all been for nothing?' Were the last thoughts in her mind before she hit the ground and lost consciousness.

~\*~

The sound of a heartbeat is heard in the darkness that surrounds her. Slow but steady, loud like a drum. It is cold, Mab is alone and yet in the far far distance she can hear the muffled sounds of chaos. A voice calling her name close by and yet so far away. Underneath her the floor starts to quake. Slowly the sounds fade, the alarms and the cries are all gone. There is just darkness and that heartbeat that keeps drumming, accompanied by deep slow breaths, like waves rolling onto a beach.

After what feels like an eternity the Grand Master hears a soft voice of a woman "There… do you see it?" There is a small blue light that begins to glow and in that blue light she can see the cockpit of Roar-1. "The space around the shuttle is.. it's changing" the woman continued. Now she recognized her, it was Faera. She was standing next to her, her face pointing the other way. "warping and moving.. the ship itself is dissipating!" The feline continues with panic in her voice. "The kriffing Bastards are trying to fold space!!" Another voice yelled, it was the Sephi Nightsister, Ziyal. "Kriff no!!" She yells. Through the front window, Mab sees a small fighter spiraling towards the transport. In the background she could hear Korg counting down "3… 2…" "nooo!!!" Mab yells but no one can hear her.. as the transport explodes the blue light begins to dim until she is back in total darkness.

Inhale… exhale… alone with her thoughts, Inhale… exhale…

It is cold and quiet. Mab sees another light. Once more it brightens but this time she is alone. She is in space surrounded by debris, 'alone?'. 'No', there is movement, a small ship. The image fades for a moment, but when it comes back she can feel she is being pulled by something. Red flashes. The image fades but in the darkness she can hear a voice, another woman, someone unfamiliar. "What do you mean unidentified anomaly?" Mab can hear the woman ask, there is no reply or is there? Mab can hear the beeps and whistles of a droid in the distance. "Temporal? That's impossible!" The woman exclaims.

Suddenly there is a thin horizontal strip of light, it opens up and Mab can see a face, the woman. "Hey.. hey are you Ok?" She asks but then everything goes dark..

Ba.. Boom.. The beat of the heart keeps going. Slow and steady.. Ba.. Boom.. Temporal? Could it be true? Ba.. Boom.. Ba.. Boom..

Light, everywhere, whirling around her. Mab is in the cockpit of her own ship. Next to her she sees Master Darsten, eyes wide in shock as he glances out of the window. She looks around, Esbern Greybeard is standing behind her but there is no sign of her son. Panic fills her mind wondering what happened to Kas'sparr but then she sees him. His reflection in the front window, gazing back at her in shock. The image shifts, the vortex is gone. But Mab hears a weak voice over the comms "Mayday..  may… mayday.. please help.. anyone… please.. is anyone out there?? I need help…" Then all goes dark.

Inhale… exhale… 'What's happening?, where are they?' Inhale Exhale.

A small light, as small as a keyhole. Mab moves closer and kneels down to peek. Someone is crying, a child. Mab can see the interior of a luxurious yacht but it's damaged. Lights flickering, smoke everywhere and the sound of water in the distance. "KIMI!!" A girl yells from the dark cockpit "wake up! We crashed!" Mab gasps, 'they crashed'.. The crying becomes louder, the child isn't just afraid, it is in pain. Mab sees a Twi'lek teen stumbling from the cockpit, she knows her, it's Shazza. She kneels down before the keyhole "shhh, it's gonna be ok" she says and covers the keyhole. Unable to see, but Mab can still hear the muffled sound of Khara crying "it hurts!!! I want mama… I want mama!!" "I'm here Khara!! I'm here!!!" Mab cries but the keyhole closes and the sounds fade..

Ba.. Boom.. Ba.. Boom.. the heartbeat keeps on drumming.. Ba.. Boom.. Ba.. Boom...

Alarms go off in the distance.. there is a light, crimson and it brightens. "Where the Kriff are we!!" A female voice screams over a smoke filled bridge. It sounds familiar, even that bridge has something familiar. "You heard her. Where are we!?!" A man now yes over the alarms. "Kalarba Darth Morla" a bridge officer mumbled. "Where the kriff is that? Be more specific, you fool!!" The Mirakula female screeched. "Forgive me.. the Hevvrol sector in the Mid Rim." The officer replied with a trembling voice. "How did we get here sister?" the other Mirakula asked. "I don't care brother. I want to know where that Je'daii filth is!!" The image became dark, the sounds faded.

Inhale… Ba.. Boom.. Exhale… Ba.. Boom.. in the darkness Mab saw faces, hundreds, thousands flashed by. Fear and confusion in their eyes, pain and darkness everywhere.. Inhale.. Ba.. Boom.. Exhale.. Ba Boom...

~\*~

The Iktotchi's eyes flung open "Nooo!!!" She screamed as she sat up straight. Her heart racing in her chest. "Mistress, you are safe" a familiar voice said. She looked up and saw Jovian kneeling down next to her. She was no longer on the bridge, but on a bench in the briefing room. "I'll get Master Terrogate" the Echani said and rushed out of the room, leaving her alone...

\*\*\*\*\*

“Weapon systems are back online Commander West, confirmation from both port and starboard gunners” called out the weapons platform chief from his control desk, his green skinned left hand pressed firmly against the communications earpiece attached to his left ear. Shields are also holding, but at low power.” Called out a female voice from across the bridge. “That’s at least something” muttered the female dark haired human Commander in a low voice. “Navigation systems are still offline though, as well as the hyperdrive. Damage is extensive across both systems as well as external hull and interiors on many of the lower decks especially, then to top it all off I’m not even sure where the kriffing hell we are!?”  Blurted out the Commander, turning her head to face the large Cathar Je’daii that stood next to her. Her brow was furrowed and both her hands palms down and resting on her control desk as she learnt over it reviewing the system reboots on the monitors.

“Have we had any word at all from the allied Hammerhead warship? Asked Terrogate, his voice heightened. “Nothing yet, they’ve not responded to any of our communication attempts.” Amelia looks back down at the picture of the old federation ship and sighs “I’m not sure there is anyone even alive on it.. and even if there is… the truth is we are already stretched for resources as it is and have no idea what’s waiting for us over there.. Otis has already needed to start prioritising the care of the wounded… and our own official injury and mortality count isn’t in.” Amelia responded, trying to justify her primary concern for the well-being of the current several thousand Je’daii and Tython peoples onboard. “And, for all we know Temple Master, it may even be a trap by the Darkshield.. how do we know they didn’t set this entire thing up?”

“But THIS image shows they're bleeding oxygen, we can’t take that risk..I want to know if we have the capacity to stage a rescue?” Asked the Temple Master in a frantic and low growl pointing to a still image on a holo display just above Amelia’s right hand. “Stazi has always fought for the light. Even in the days before the Eternal Sith Empire he fought against Darth Kraytes one Sith and THIS ship holds HIS emblem.. If they are our allies, then we owe it to them to try and save them.. who knows, it may even be Admiral Stazi himself!.” He responded heatedly.

“The…the Mistr…errhhmmm… I mean…The Grand Master is awake!” corrected Jovian puffing and panting as he raced into the bridge entrance, only pulling up short at the sight of his Mistresses lifemates' heated demenior before quickly bowing his head and lowering his eyes.

Terrogate turned sharply and glared with his pupils focused into slits at the Echani who interrupted him, his ears flat and teeth bared, but his feline features soon softened the instant the words of the Housecarls message sank in. That his wife, the Grandmaster of the order was awake.

“Thank you Jovian, I’ll be right in..” Terrogate responded, suddenly much more calm. “How long do we have”? Terrogate asked, looking at the image of the old Federation Hammerhead nearby. “An hour, possibly less.” Replied Amelia.

“Make the necessary preparations for a security team to stage an emergency evacuation, I want them to be ready to leave inside the next 15 minutes Commander..”

“But… Master Terrogate… I..”

“THAT'S AN ORDER…….. Commander!.” Roared the Cathar warrior sharply, cutting off Amelia’s protest before turning and walking quickly out of the bridge, his tail swaying behind him. “Please inform me when they are ready to depart.”

~\*~

Terrogate moved at pace through the Harpy’s long metal corridors but slowed as he approached the door of the briefing room. His heart was racing, and he felt nervous as he approached. He could feel Mab's presence through the force just like always.. but somehow something was different now, the difference not too unlike when he saw her for the first time after she had been left for dead by her former Master all those years ago.. something had changed, of that he was certain but he was unsure what.

Mab…. My stars are you alright? He asked softly as he approached her, hoping she would allow him to get close enough to place his forehead against hers and inhale her scent as he embraced her. The sign of his undying affection for his true love.

\*\*\*\*\*

Dazed, the Iktotchi looked at the door as the Echani housecarl rushed away to alert her life mate that she had woken. Apart from his footsteps it was completely silent but when the doors opened the noise of the bridge filled the room. Alarms, shouting, panic and chaos but only for a brief moment until the doors shut again.

All alone, she turned and pressed her back against the cold durasteel wall. Mab was panting as if she had run for miles, she felt exhausted, nauseous and lightheaded. She tried to focus, tried to remember what happened and more importantly what she had seen in her visions.

Faces, voices, people she knew, some she didn't. The transport folding space, an explosion and a whirling vortex. So much information, so many pieces of a strange puzzle.

The noise of the bridge, as the doors slid open once more, brought her back to the present. There he was, her lifemate. "Terrogate" the corners of her lips curled up ever so slightly, happy to see him despite the situation. The Cathar approached her with caution, she could see his worry in his eyes, she could sense the turmoil within him as he asked if she was ok.

"Yes" Mab responded softly and felt her heart rate slowing down. Their foreheads touched and instantly she felt more calm. Still, tears sprung from her eyes, "I've seen them" she said as she remembered the visions of her children, but of course the Cathar wouldn't know what she was talking about. "I know what happened" she added as she pulled away to look into his eyes. "The transport.. it… it.. exploded… the… the Dark Matter.. it ripped a hole in space.. a wormhole.." she rambled and tried to get up..

Lightheaded, she almost tumbled forward but grabbed hold of the Cathar as she kept talking, trying to tell him the vital information she had received in her visions. "The wormhole.. it.. it's.. a.. " her eyes widened as she remembered the words she had heard, "a temporal anomaly.. we need to check the star charts… compare the older ones in the database.. we..." A wave of nausea came over her and she grabbed her abdomen, it hurt, she almost threw up.. "Terrogate, we have to.. to know.. \*when\* we are." She said in pain…

More tears began to flow as she remembered everyone she had seen. "The children.. what have I done.. oh no.. we have to find them.. Oh lord…what have I done.." she cried in his arms..

\*\*\*\*\*

Terrogate, followed closely by Jovian the Houscarl was relieved to see his wife and Grand Master of the Je’daii awake as he approached her. She smiled slightly and seemed to calm as he embraced her and their foreheads touched. He slowly breathed her in, letting her sweet familiar scent guide his emotions, allowing them to calm him even with the chaos happening outside the room.. Terrogate lifted his head for a moment then looked at her. Mab’s smile was now gone, replaced with the look of worry and desperate concern. Clearly there was still something profoundly wrong. “What is it my stars?”

Tears ran from her eyes as his Iktotchi lifemate tried her best to explain what she had seen, what had happened and what it was that they now needed to do. She looked scared and was wobbly on her legs. Terrogate caught her to keep her upright as she explained but the warrior was unsure exactly what she meant by “temporal anomaly”. He’d never heard of such a thing before, but what he did understand was whatever it was they had travelled through, if what Mab Said was right and it was caused by that Darksider transport carrying the dark matter exploding, then there was probably no chance of returning the same way.

“..we need to check the star charts…” Mab announced suddenly “compare the older ones in the database.. we..." She grabbed her stomach and the Cathar Master held her closer to him.. "Terrogate, we have to.. to know.. \*when\* we are." She said painfully.

“Jovian, go and find Doc, tell him I need him to try and repair the Harpy’s Navigation system immediately”. \*I’m sure a historian and relic hunter like Sky’llan would have kept records inside the internal mainframe going back quite some time if we can somehow get it back online. Just hope the Navcomputer hasn’t been completely fried\* Terrogate thought to himself. The Echani male still near the door bowed and quickly ran out to execute the order.

Mab didn’t seem to even notice he had spoken.. "The children.. what have I done.. oh no.. we have to find them.. Oh lord…what have I done.." she sobbed in his arms.. Terrogate tenderly ran his large fingers through her dark hair with one hand and his other pressed gently to her womb trying to comfort her. “It’s ok love. We’ll find them. I promise, if it’s the last thing I do..”

~\*~

{{ Shortly after; on the bridge of the Harpy }}

IC: Commander Amelia West.

“Still no word from the Hammerhead?” Asked Amelia from her position on the raised platform of the bridge. Her legs slightly apart and hands folded behind her back as she looked out the transparisteel viewport towards the heavily damaged federation ship.

“No Commander. Comms are still inoperative it seems.”

Amelia sighed, she couldn’t help but think this was all either a waste in precious resources or a death trap just waiting to happen.

“Very well, please inform Master Terrogate that the boarding party is ready to dispatch on his orders.”

~\*~ several minutes later ~\*~

Terrogate approached the bridge and its Commander a short time after. He had reached word of the rescue teams pending dispatch from the Harpy as Commander West had instructed. The Cathar Master, still attending his lifemate had then returned a message with his own order to immediately commence the operation as not to waste even a single second.

“No word yet?” He asked as he took his place next to the Commander.

“No.” Replied Amelia. “How is the GrandMaster?” She enquired as they both gazed out into the starscape waiting for the rescue transport to become visible from below the Harpy’s Hull.

“She’ll be ok. The…. whatever that was, it affected her mind. She had… Visions. She just needs some time to recover, I’m sure she’ll be along soon.” He replied calmly, trying his best not to give too much away in front of the other bridge crew who still remained.  After all, if what Mab said was true, that information would need to be delivered in such a way as to not create even further shipwide panic.

\*\*\*\*\*

《Medbay, triage》

IC: Doctor Sylas Otis

As time passed more wounded stumbled into the medbay. Mostly cuts and burns that were easy to treat. Not knowing what exactly was going on, patients with minor injuries were sent back to their posts. But some were in a much worse state, injuries that were so severe that they wouldn't be able to return to their stations. Instead they were sent to the mess hall with the civilians.

While the nurses were kept busy with the minor injuries, Doctor Otis focused on the worst cases. He rushed from bed to bed, stopping the bleeding, stabilizing broken bones and frequently apologising that he couldn't give them proper treatment.

When finally the stream of new patients stopped, the Zeltronian doctor went to his office. He couldn't afford to take a break for too long but he needed to sit down and take a breather.

《The Bridge》

IC: Marten

Meanwhile on the Bridge, the Mirialan Marten, gave first aid to the officers on deck. As he did his task as best he could he listened to what was going on. It surprised him that no one really knew what happened, it was chaos and many were filled with panic and he started to feel the same.

Until now the Grand-Master had not returned to the bridge, so when the green skinned young man was done with his task he decided to check in on her. Holding the first aid kit in one hand he walked to the briefing room. As the doors opened, he could hear her crying and mumbling to herself "What have I done.. my babies." Marten knocked on the durasteel door, to announce he was there and at once she looked up. "Grand-Master, how are you feeling?" he asked awkwardly as he approached with caution. "Are you hurt?: he added as he looked her up and down, trying to figure out if she had any injuries.

\*\*\*\*\*

[[ GM UPDATE: DIE ROLL STORY RESULT: (6)

1: Hammerhead blows up before the rescue transport docks, no escape pod.

2: Hammerhead blows up before the rescue transport docks, escape pod jettisoned towards planet.

3: Hammerhead blows up after the rescue transport docks, no escape pod.

4: Hammerhead blows up after the rescue transport docks, escape pod jettisoned towards planet.

5: Rescue mission successful prior to the Hammerhead exploding.

6: Rescue mission successful, Hammerhead doesn’t explode.

Master Terrogate and Commander Amelia West stand on the Bridge of the Harpy Battlecruiser overlooking the rescue transport as it slowly makes its way from the Je’daii flagship and over to the damaged old Federation warship in the distance. Ship communications are still down and the short range transmissions to the rescue party become more spotty as the rescue transport moves further from the Harpy then eventually are non functional by the time the rescue transport docks and its crew board the Hammerhead war vessel.

Within just twenty short minutes of docking, the rescue transport began its steady return to the Harpy. All early attempts at communication from the Harpy are unanswered until finally a crackling message is heard on the bridge comms “Commander West, this rescue team 1. We have the remaining survivors of the Hammerhead vessel on board. Several are wounded and in need of medical assistance including one Admiral Gar Stazi of the Galactic Federation. In his stead the war vessel's next ranking officer has taken over command and is requesting an audience with the Grand Master. She is identifying herself as Ania Solo.

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Grand Master Bathor

Mab hadn't heard the Mirialan young man enter, not until she heard his voice. Startled, she quickly wiped her tears away and looked up at him. "Marten" she said and she mustered a smile. But even with that smile she looked upset.

The witch shook her head "I don't think I have any wounds" she replied and looked down at herself. "Just a terrible headache" she added. Truth was she felt awful, lightheaded, exhausted and nauseous, but she didn't want to come across as weak, she was the Grand Master after all. "But I do think I need to see the doctor,'' she said and rose up from the bench. Feeling dizzy she nearly fell down again.

IC: Marten

The fact that the Grand Master called him by his actual name, told him that she really wasn't ok. Of course he agreed with her going to see the doctor. As she got up he noticed she was swaying on her feet so he quickly approached and wrapped his arm arm her. "Just lean on me, I'll take you to the medbay" he said softly and began to lead her out of the briefing room.

The moment one of the officers noticed them stepping onto the bridge, he signalled to Temple Master Terrogate and Commander West, to let them know. "I'm taking the Grand Master to the medbay" Marten told them.

Commander West turned around "Grand Master Bathor, we've just received a transmission from rescue team 1. Admiral Gar Stazi is wounded, but his first officer, one Ania Solo requested an Audience with you"

IC: Grand Master Bathor

"If she has to, she can have an audience in the Medbay" Mab said with a deep sigh. She glanced at her husband, smiling faintly, hoping he wouldn't be too worried about her. "I'll be fine" she said softly before Marten led her to the turbolifts.

\*\*\*\*\*

Reluctantly the Cathar Master forced a faint smile towards his lifemate. He wanted to be near her, to comfort her but he also was responsible for their thousands of current Tython passengers and crew as well as the new transport load of survivors soon to arrive.

“I’ll come find you.” He breathed gently to Mab, his eyes wide and ears flattened against his head, he was afraid for her. He knew she would understand why he would not be able to attend her himself, but that still didn’t help the fact he felt he was abandoning her.

The large Cathar looked at the Mirialan who stood next to her obediently, helping the Grand Master support her own weight. He nodded to Marten, the warrior's silent message of appreciation as well as a warning not to let her come to any further harm. He paused a moment, taking one more look at his wife before turning his attention back to the communications.

“Ania Solo, this is Master Terrogate of the Harpy Je’daii flagship. I’ll meet you in the docking bay personally then accompany you and any of your wounded to the Medbay so have them ready for collection. The Grand Master has agreed to give you an audience there. Hopefully together we can figure out what in the nine hells is going on.”

~~\*\*~~

[[ GM UPDATE: Before long Master Terrogate and Ania Solo, a dark haired human woman in her mid forties stand in the Medbay entrance doorway waiting patiently for the requested introductions. Grand Master Bathor who was also present was laying on a recovery bed being checked over by Dr.Otis but was yet to address the pair who had only just entered.

The Medical room was relatively small but well provisioned, designed as a private medical recovery room reserved for the highest ranking members of the Battle Cruiser. Although the remainder of the large Medbays rooms were overcrowded by injured crew and passengers of both the Harpy and now also the Hammerhead ships, this particular room had just two patients.

Across the other side of the room lay an unconscious elderly Duros male on the small medical room's only other bed, hooked up to a drip, vital monitors and other kinds of medical sensors. Next to him was Dr.Otis’s droid PH-10X who had just administered some kind of injection into the grey skinned males forearm. ]]

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Grand Master Bathor

Mab could sense her lifemate's emotions, the distress Terrogate felt from seeing her in her weakened state. She smiled at him "I'll be fine… really" she repeated, trying to reassure him but in truth she didn't really know what was wrong. Despite her fall, the Iktotchi witch wasn't wounded. "I'm in good hands" she added and gave Marten a look of appreciation.

~\*~

IC: Marten

The Mirialan nodded, "I'll make sure the Grand Master gets the help she needs.." he said as he led her towards the turbolifts. "And I will keep you updated, Master Terrogate" he said before the large Cathar turned his attention to the comms.

"This way" Marten said when the doors to the lift opened and led the golden horned Iktotchi into the lift cabin.

~\*~

IC: Grand Master Bathor

She gave the young man a smile and grabbed hold of the handrail in the back of the lift cabin. As she turned she got one last glance at her husband who was now addressing Ania Solo over the comms. as the doors closed she closed her eyes trying to hold back her tears in front of the Mirialan.

Taking a deep breath, Mab tried to calm herself but her mind filled itself with guilt. Her prophecy had led the Je'daii to their doom, thanks to her many were hurt or even worse had perished in the battle. But as a mother she felt most guilty about losing her children. She knew they were alive but they were lost just like them..

It didn't take long until the lift slowed down and when it came to a full stop she sighed and opened her eyes. "I think I can walk on my own" she said, refusing the young man's shoulder to lean on. It was already bad enough that the entire bridge had witnessed her moment of weakness, she still had her pride and didn't want the rest of the ship to see her like that.

The doors opened and she stepped outside, walking slowly and close to the wall she made her way to the MedBay.

~\*~

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Doctor Sylas Otis

The moment the doors to the Medbay opened and the Grand Master entered a nurse came running to warn the doctor. He had been sitting in his office, elbows leaning on to his desk with his head between his hands. He had a headache and felt exhausted and worried.

"The Grand Master is here" the blond haired Nurse said nervously. "Thank you Nurse Houlihan" Otis said as he lifted his head off his hands. "Please take her to the her roomm" he added and got off his chair. "At once Doctor" the Nurse replied and disappeared from the doorway. He adjusted his white coat and grabbed a new set of gloves before heading back to the medbay.

~\*~

IC: Nurse Margaret Houlihan

"Thank you Marten, we'll take it from here" the young Nurse told the Mirialan male next to the Grand Master. He gave a nod in acknowledgement and said goodbye to Bathori before walking away. "But don't go too far, we have wounded coming in at any moment" Margaret said before the young man could leave the Medbay. Maybe a minute before they had arrived, they had received communications from the bridge that wounded from the Hammerhead were being brought in for medical attention. "We can really use your help Marten" she added with a thankful smile snd turned back towards Bathori.

"This way Grand Master" she said, motioning to a small corridor that led to private examination rooms. "We have a room set up just for you" she added, slightly nervous. Then Margaret noticed the Grand Master was swaying on her legs. At once she offered an arm "let me help you" she said softly.

~\*~

IC: Doctor Sylas Otis

The moment he left his office, the first wounded of the hammerhead were being brought in. Otis quickly gave instructions and then went to the private room where the Grand Master was waiting for him. "Forgive me for the delay Grand Master, it's been chaos for us all" he said and put on his gloves.

"I was informed that you fainted?" He asked as he stepped closer to the bed. Before he could start the examination the door of the room opened and an unconscious Duros male was being brought in, followed by PH-10X. "What is the meaning of this?" He asked in shock, completely unaware who the Duros was.

~\*~

IC: Nurse Margaret Houlihan

"That's Admiral Stazi" Margaret whispered in Otis' ear to avoid embarrassment.

"Put the Admiral on that bed" she instructed the men who carried the Duros in. "I will check on him while the Doctor examines the Grand Master" the Nurse said and stepped closer to the second bed where she assisted them with getting the admiral on the bed.

~\*~

IC: Doctor Sylas Otis

"Thank you Nurse Houlihan" Otis replied and watched as the Nurse acted quickly to assist.

He turned his attention back to the Grand Master. "Please tell me how you feel Grand Master" he said as he grabbed a medisensor to check on the Iktotchi. He held the sensor close to the Grand Master's head and moved it down over her chest and further down to her abdomen. The medisensor began to beep and Otis' eyes widened. He couldn't believe it and had to check again, once more it gave the same result.

He began to smile, however before he could say anything the doors of the recovery room opened once more, this time Temple Master Terrogate and a brown haired woman stood in the opening… "just in time for some good news" he said looking at Terrogate.. "congratulations, you're going to be a father" he then blurted out without even thinking..

\*\*\*\*\*

“Congratulations, you're going to be a father" …. The words of the pink skinned Doctor Sylas hit him in the heart like a freighter punching hyperdrive. For a moment, which seemed like a millennia, the Cathar just stood at the doorway staring. Eyes wide and trying to process this what he thought, and what he and Mab were told was supposed to be impossible news.

His eyes flicked between his wife who was laying on the table in front of the Zeltron being examined, to the instrument he was using to scan her and then to the doctor himself.

“But..how can this be?” He asked aloud, turning his gaze briefly only to get a glimpse of the newly met woman standing next to him with a small smile on her face. He brought his focus back to his wife and walked softly towards her. The Cathar came to a halt right next to the Iktotchi Grand Master and looked deep into her golden eyes. He afforded himself a small semblance of hope which brought a gentle smile to his face as he scanned his tattooed lifemates face, then lowering his eyes to her body before looking to the Doctor, trying to gauge his seriousness. He needed to be sure this was real, not some delayed hallucination resulting from the wormhole. “I don’t understand, we were told that was impossible..”

\*\*\*\*\*

Mab lay on the bed, still feeling terrible about the entire situation, guilty for leading everyone to their doom and losing her children. She breathed slowly trying to calm herself by trying to keep her thoughts on the present.

She felt comfort in seeing her lifemate enter and mustered a smile, thankful that he was always by her side. Doctor Otis used a medisensor to scan her entire body, searching for anything that was wrong with her. Her heart skipped a beat when he stopped at her abdomen and scanned it again.

Otis turned towards Terrogate and said “Congratulations, you're going to be a father" Mab's haw dropped and she gasped in shock. She shook her head, "it's impossible" she said and then a wave of panic came over her and looked at Terrogate who was also in shock. They both had heard it was impossible for them to reproduce "I didn't… I swear I didn't" her eyes became watery, worried he might think something bad about her. "I… this can't be.. the Doctor said it wasn't possible" she began to feel overwhelmed.

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Doctor Sylas Otis

Sylas sensed the waves of emotions that went through the couple; shock, happiness and then panic. He looked at Mab, seeing the panic in her eyes, not the emotion he had expected after bringing such news.

"I assure you it is true, the sensor doesn't lie" he said but could feel that it didn't calm her mind. "You are with child" he added to reassure her and then turned to Terrogate. "I… I wish I had an answer" she stammered as he had no idea how it had happened.

"Unfortunately, right now with all the wounded I can't use the mediscan for an ultrasound. So that will have to wait until things settle down.." he looked at Mab again, "but I can tell it's more than one and.. they are definitely Cathar"

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Grand Master Bathor

"More than one?" Her eyes widened in shock. "You mean a litter?" She added in disbelief and looked at Terrogate. Mab was overwhelmed with emotions, she didn't know what to feel. She was happy and yet she felt like she shouldn't be as her other children were missing.

Tears rolled down her face and she grabbed Terrogate's hand "what are we going to do?" She asked with a soft trembling voice.

Then she remembered that there was another person in the room. One that had requested an audience. Mab wiped away her tears and looked at the woman "my apologies for the display" she said, keeping up face. "You… you wished to speak to me?" She asked the woman while still holding Terrogate's hand.

\*\*\*\*\*

Terrogate was shocked of course at this impossible news, but to see his wife feel the need to defend her own fidelity to the point she was visibly distressed was truly upsetting and he instantly felt a deep guilt inside himself. Admittedly more than any relationship he’d ever known they had shared in many difficulties over the years sure, but never once had he ever questioned her faithfulness or her love for him. Even during and following her symbiotic transformation from Ammit into Mab. If anything their connection and trust is what had kept them alive to this point. Without that they really were doomed.

“It’s ok my stars, of course I do not believe you were unfaithful. I know you better than that..” He said reassuringly. The warrior Master forced a gentle smile to try and comfort her but it was the smile that suddenly turned from a fake into a very real one the more he thought about it.. this news was something he had wanted his whole life. “But I’m as confused as you.” Tarrogate said as he moved closer to Mab, tears in his own eyes and his smile fading as he saw despite everything Mab didn’t seem to calm down. There was panic, guilt and concern in her, rising steadily.

Mab pressed the Zeltron Doctor again for an explanation to this impossible pregnancy, but he quickly confirmed that there was almost no chance of any mistake, his experience squashing all doubt. The smooth talking Dr Otis then went on to confirm it was actually Cathar cubs that she was carrying, and more than just the one.

Terrogates heart was racing inside his chest, the world seemed to slip away and for a brief moment he thought he would possibly pass out or even simply just float away. Mab took his hand, the coldness of her alchemized golden ultrachrome snapping him back into the moment. “What are we going to do?” She asked, tears running down her tattooed face and dripping onto her robe. “Calm yourself my love.” He said to his lifemate through his force projected thought. Hoping she would be open to him. He lent down and touched her forehead with his own lovingly. “The Force has blessed us my stars, do not fear. For whatever happens next.. we will face it together.”

After a moment Mab looked up, remembering they had company and quickly apologised, wiping away her tears but made no effort to release his hand. Perhaps she did hear his thoughts as he’d hoped and he too maintained his hold of her hand in turn. Terrogate straightened, wiped his eyes with his free arms sleeve and cleared his throat which had now become dry. They would surly speak more on this later and in a much more private setting.

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Ania Solo

“I think I’m the one who should be apologising Grand Master, if I’d have been told this was a pregnancy scan I would have waited outside. By the sound of it I’m unsure as to whether congratulations are in order but of course you can trust me to keep anything I’ve heard completely confidential.” Said the dark haired, middle aged woman dressed not in a Galactic Federation officers uniform. But in a cream coloured jumpsuit with brown trousers. In fact there was nothing military about the way she presented. No badges, no stripes. Nothing except a set of basic identification tags hanging from a chain around her neck.

“Oh, how rude of me. I should have introduced myself. I’m Ania Solo, ally of the Federation and the Jedi Guardians. Now, I suppose… also the new Captain of “The Hammer of Justice. Or what’s left of it anyway.”  Ania looked sad and cast her eyes to the unconscious Duros. “But I’m nothing like Admiral Gar Stazi here. Is he going to be alright?” She asked concerned for the old male, she was now looking directly at PH-10X.

\*\*\*\*\*

Mab gasped, still in shock and squeezed Terrogate by the hand. "A litter?" She repeated once more as the large Cathar tried to calm her. She heard his words, they were soft and loving. He was right, it was a blessing but still she couldn't forget the fact her other children had gone missing. Being happy about this blessing felt like she was betraying her children. But Mab hid these thoughts and feelings and focused on the stranger standing in the doorway.

She gave a faint smile at the woman's comments about the pregnancy scan "well, we didn't know either" she said glimpsing up at Terrogate. "Let's keep it between us, this is not the time to share such news, there are more pressing matters.. I'm sure that's why you are here" the horned Iktotchi said as calm as she could.

"Despite the dire situation we are in, it is a pleasure to meet you Captain Solo" Mab replied as she took a moment to have a good look at the woman. "The Admiral is in good hands, I can assure you".

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Doctor Sylas Otis

The doctor has joined PH-10X and Nurse Houlihan, examining the unconscious Duros. There were some cuts and bruises that the droid had already taken care off while the nurse had used the handheld medisensor to scan the Admiral's vitals.

Doctor Otis heard Mab's words and turned to look at her and Ania Solo "the best hands" he replied with a smile as he wiggled his fingers before taking a look at the results of the scan. "Thank you Nurse Houlihan" he said as he took the medisenior. "The Admiral seems to have a concussion, there's some internal bruising, that's something we definitely need to monitor more closely, just to be sure it's not bleeding." He looked up at Ania, "it would help us a lot if you could tell us what happened."

\*\*\*\*\*

[[ IC: Ania Solo ]]

Ania smiled in response to the powerful faction leader on her recovery bed, the Grand Masters one golden hand holding her Cathar partner's large hand. A small scar in the corner of the right side of her lip made Anias smile slightly lopsided, but it was genuine. She may not have known the force as personally as those darksiders or the Je'daii did, but she did know love. And also loss.

“Of course, and please… after your crew rescued what now remains of our own, the pleasure is all mine. We wouldn't have lasted much longer without you.” She replied. Ania turned to the Zeltron and couldn't resist a small giggle to escape her as Dr Otis wiggled his fingers comically. She wasn’t exactly sure why, but the reassuring words by the Doctor that the Admiral was in good hands, and even just being in the same room as him made her instantly feel much more calm about the situation. As the pink skinned handsome doctor explained the extent of the injuries, a wave of relief swelled inside of Ania. It seems the Duros Admiral was likely to make a recovery if his situation remained stable and even with the numerous other wounded still as yet untreated, there was no denying he was much better off here in these “good hands” than on the slowly suffocating Hammer of Justice. She was no leader she knew, not like Gar Stazi was anyway and she needed him if she was going to get herself and her people home.

"It would help us a lot if you could tell us what happened." Asked Doctor Otis looking to gain more information about his high profile patients' wounds.

“Of course, I’d actually asked to meet with the Grand Master so I can make a formal report anyway.” She said, looking back at the Iktotchi woman and making eye contact.

\*\*\*\*\*

“Go on.” Replied Terrogate evenly, who was also interested in what the Federation leader had to say. Hopefully she knew more about the situation then they did.

\*\*\*\*\*

[[ GM UPDATE: Over the next twenty five minutes Ania Solo explained how the Jedi Guardians had made contact with remnants of the old Galactic Alliance forces hiding inside the now defunct Federations borders. The Guardians had requested aid in an effort to turn the Darksider armada away from Tython and their Je’daii allies before they were attacked. A combined show of strength in hopes to save the galaxy's only remaining chance for peace.

Even severely weakened from a long drawn out war firstly with the Eternal Sith Empire and then the Darkshield, the several remaining leaders of the Alliance gave their approval. Admiral Gar Stazi himself insisted on commanding the Hammerhead battle cruiser flagship “Hammer of Justice” and then had asked Ania Solo to accompany him as his second in command.

Traveling from a hidden base on Ossus a small fleet of just eighteen alliance Ships, mostly small fighters, accompanied the old Hammerhead Battle Cruiser as it traveled to the Tython system to meet up with the Jedi and Je’daii fleets.

Ania explained that they had lost several of their ships in the first wave of fighting but then had lost all communications and shields once they were sucked into the unexplained wormhole that suddenly appeared. She also explained that the majority of the Hammer of Justice's damage came from inside the wormhole when they were rammed by a Darkside Battle Cruiser… ]]

[[ IC: Ania Solo ]]

“They hit us pretty hard and opened us up on several decks. Many of the crew were already passed out including the Admiral and he was sent tumbling from his chair when she hit us.. only to then have a damaged ventilation shaft fall on him.” She turned and gave a sad momentary look at the old Duros lying nearby. Remembering the way he lay unconscious and helpless on the ground with the large steel box vent on top of him. “I didn't know what else to do.. I thought perhaps we’d been poisoned so I sealed the decks off and closed the bridge.”

She looked back to the Grand Master and clearing her throat continued doing her best to remain composed, but deep down at the verge of breaking into tears.

“The worst of it though…the worst of it was the damage done to our oxygen stores and our central air scrubber unit. With the readouts and the ships comms completely shutting down.. By the time I even knew what was going on.. More than half the crew had already died. Without air.. Without air they suffocated to death.”

The dark haired woman then buried her face in her hands and started sobbing for several moments before finally composing herself and wiping her tears. \*sniff..\* “my apologies Grand Master..” \*sniff\* “it's not very polite to cry in front of a head of state.. But it's been a very stressful day..”

\*\*\*\*\*

[[ IC: Grand Master Bathor ]]

With a grateful smile she glanced at the doctor and the blond haired nurse on the other side of the admiral's bed. As far she knew, they \*were\* indeed the best hands anyone could be in at this moment. Apart from the confusing visions she had, no one exactly knew what had happened or where they were. But one thing she knew for sure, they were far from home.

"Go on" she heard her husband say and at once the dark haired woman began her formal report of the situation.

With bated breath the Grand Master listened, she could sense Solo's pain rising as she spoke about the events after the explosion. Eventually, after trying her best to compose herself, the woman bursted into tears. Immediately she apologized out of embarrassment. "Please, please don't" Mab said as she lifted herself to a seated position. "There's no need to apologize" she added and glanced at Terrogate "I've been wanting to cry since the moment I woke up. We've all lost someone, so I understand" she let out a deep breath as she remembered the last time she saw her children.

"We are truly grateful for everything the Jedi Guardians and the Alliance.." she looked over at general Stazi "...have done for the Je'daii Order. Without your help we might.." At once Mab paused, realizing that they were already in a dire situation. She took a deep breath and shook her head "I'm sorry, right now there's nothing I can say to make this situation any better… we have no idea where we are and what happened to the rest of our fleet."

All of a sudden she let go of Terrogate's hand and swung her legs to the side of the bed, ready to hop off. "We should not waste any more time" she glanced around the room. "We need to know where we are, or more importantly when…" the witch knew that no one in this room would understand what she was going on about. "I have reasons to believe that the portal we came through was a temporal anomaly. It didn't just take us to another sector but also to a different time… we have to compare the stars with star maps in the ships database.. we…" she jumped off the bed, rambling on "we have to start repairs, establish contact with the rest of the fleet.. wasn't there a planet?" Mab was ready to barge out of the medbay..

\*\*\*\*\*

[[ IC: Doctor Sylas Otis ]]

Together with nurse Houlihan, doctor Otis continued to examine the old Duros male. The Zeltron felt the emotions rise and instinctively began to give off pheromones to calm everyone down in the room.

When, from the corner of his eyes, he saw the Grand Master get up and off the bed he stopped abruptly. "Grand Master please, you need rest." But it was clear the Iktotchi witch wasn't going to listen to the Zeltron. He knew that this wasn't the time for a leader to rest, he understood she had to do what any leader would have done. "Please, be careful Grand Master" he said and glanced at her lifemate "keep an eye on her and keep me updated" he added and nodded to approve their departure..

\*\*\*\*\*

The large Temple Master felt a deep sympathy for Ania as she broke down in front of them. She been in charge as the worst situation imaginable for a captain played out. And he understood the guilt she must be harbouring.. he too still felt much guilt for his inaction on the night his now wife received her brutal punishment and also for keeping her sedated and locked inside her breaking mind following that night. It was a wound that never really left you… even after years of pretending everything was ok it still followed you like a terrible shadow of shame and remorse.

Terrogate took a single step forwards, concerned as Mab rose suddenly and announced what she’d already confided in him hours ago. “My love.. calm yourself. I’ve already given orders for Doc to begin repairs on the Navicomputer. I tasked Jovian to deliver the order personally. I’m sure it won’t be long now. Docs the best we have.. if anyone can get us back up and running it’s him.

Mab however didn’t calm, despite Terrogates and Doctor Otis’s requests. The resolve of the Grand Master was unmatched, it was a reason she had risen to this station after fleeing the Empire and one of the many things he loved about her and even in her current state, she was not going to let her people.. the proud people of Tython.. suffer alone.

"keep an eye on her and keep me updated" Said the Zeltron doctor to Terrogate as he walked over to the door. The Cathar didn’t respond, only nodding to indicate that he understood and that he would.

“MOVE!” Suddenly shouted a males voice loudly from out the corridor.

Ania, who was still drying her eyes with her sleeves and standing in the doorway was almost knocked over by a white haired elderly Arkainian who was moving at a speed much faster then one safely should in his advanced years. Luckily she had turned at the last second, missing his and narrowly avoiding a serious collision.

“Doc? What is it??” Asked Terrogate, knowing full well what task he had set the Senior Science officer.

All eyes in the room were focused on the man who had pulled up his run abruptly and now was struggling to get his breath.

“Grand Master…… Grand Master……. we’ve, I’ve….”

“Out with it Emmett… what information have you brought?” Commanded Terrogate.

“I… I fixed the navicom and ran the star charts like you asked… it’s so strange... we seem to be match charts from around 1250Bby. There must be an error... but there is also something else Grand Master..” he said panting, hunched over and resting his hands on both knees to support his weight.

“The Commander sent a team to repair the ships damaged antenna array…. we still have no long range reception, but Commander West just said she’s received a message from the planet below. She says she needs to see you both on the bridge right away.”

\*\*\*\*\*

IC: Grand Master Bathor

With determination the Grand Master strides out of the room and walks down the small corridor to the main room of the medbay. "There's no time to be calm" she muttered mostly to herself. The Iktotchi was in no state to properly lead, but she wasn't going to stand by doing nothing.

As she stepped out of the corridor she glanced around the medbay. Every bed was occupied, droids and nurses doing their best to treat their wounds. She had to keep going for them. She got them into this mess, she was responsible for every soul aboard the Harpy as well as everyone  still out there and was determined to bring everyone home. No matter what it would take.

Suddenly she heard a voice calling out from outside the medbay. It was Doctor Lathrop who nearly knocked Ania Solo over as he bursted into the medbay. Eyes wide, Mab looked at the old man waiting with bated breath for the news he had.

When he mentioned the star charts matching with older ones from 1250Bby she gasped and glanced at Terrogate. "So I was right" she whispered and shook her head, "no Doc, there is no error." She instantly felt lightheaded from the shock and began to sway on her legs. "It seems we haven't just traveled to space.. through time" she grabs the corner of an examination table to avoid falling over. Everyone glanced at each other in shock, trying to comprehend what she just told them.

Panting the Arkanian continued to speak, telling them about a message from the planet below. "Then what are we waiting for?" Mab responded and pushed herself away from the table "let's get to the bridge" she added as she walked to the exit of the medbay. "Miss Solo, why don't you join us?" she motioned to the brown haired woman to follow.

She walked down the corridor to the nearest turbo lift and waited for everyone to get inside the cabin. Ania Solo stood beside her "Grand Master.." Mab glanced at her "how could you have known?" The woman asked. Mab smiled "I've seen it.. in a vision through the eyes of another.." she paused knowing it was impossible to explain. "I don't know how to explain it, but I saw someone, a stranger, not a Sith nor a Je'daii.. but she was somehow well prepared.. she had a small ship with advanced sensors that indicated that the wormhole was a temporal anomaly.. a portal through time… at first I thought maybe I dreamed it, but I had to know for sure so I asked to check the star charts" she glanced at everyone in the cabin "and now we know it was no dream"

[[ end of chapter 1 ]]