>>5508376>>5508377>>5508393>>5508402>>5508405>>5508406>>5508470>>5508490>>5508582>>5508586>>A Battlecarrier. A hybrid that doesn’t exceed at either of its progenitors’ original roles, but is well-rounded and adaptable for many situations. (Medium Guns/Fighters)>>Now, without further ado, we return to the Jedi Wanderer...>>Dweem Republic Base, Dweem System>>Caralon Sector, Outer Rim Territories (T-9)“Are you out of your gourd?!” demands Aqinos. He doesn’t even bother to modulate his voice. Several of the Iron Knights and the Albatrosses look in unabashedly as the two of you argue in a side corridor. “It’s a trap to lure in not only Vader, but any other Jedi just so that they can throw more bodies against the Sith!”
“There’s a difference,” you refute flatly, “I’m going to rescue who I can. Hell if I’m going to stay long enough for Vader and the 501st to arrive, let alone fight them.”
At the very least, that’s the plan. The <span class="mu-i">Albatross</span> should be faster than the entirety of the ship group comprising the 501st Legion. And that once you’ve got whoever’s coming, getting as far away from Kessel as possible. The contingency plan for if the Empire arrives before you escape is still in the drafting steps, but hairbrained escapes are a stable of Jedi Shadows.
But the sunesi isn’t having it. Aqinos looks like he’s about to blow a gasket. “You’re putting not only yourself, but your crew at risk. Maker, have you forgotten that you have a padawan?”
No, you haven’t. But Ceyla knew what she was getting into when she became your apprentice. And that you’ll fight tooth and nail to protect her from the nightmare visage of Vader that haunts her dreams.
Very calmly, you opine, “I’m appreciative of the concern. I truly am. But I can’t just turn a blind eye. They aren’t Mace Windu or Yoda.”
He immediately apprehends your meaning, and recoils as if you’d slapped him. “My grudge with the Council has nothing to do about it! I’m trying to prevent you from doing something that could lead to irreparable damage. Or worse, if you’re captured…”
A noble enough sentiment. But he isn’t your master, and you aren’t a part of the Iron Knights. He has no more authority over you than you would over one of the Iron Knights.
Still, he isn’t incorrect to have that fear. You know too much. Not only the location and occupants of Dweem, but the location of the Triumvirate, sensitive information, and Jedi planets that could be used as sanctuaries. Whether or not the Empire could send their agents or Vader into the Unknown Regions is irrelevant. Just the knowledge of their existence would lead to nothing but disaster.
But the decision has already been made. Not that you’re about to depart without taking proper steps to keep the Empire away from Dweem. As far as you’re concerned, this is just a courtesy to let Aqinos know what you’re about to do.
(cont.)