Justine Baird | L O V E C R A F T (nyarlathotep) wrote in thegalaxy, @ 2016-04-06 20:33:00 |
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Entry tags: | !locale: coruscant, cassandra hack, liriael d'lander |
sometimes it's easy to forget where you're goin'
Who: Liriael and Cassie.
What: Much needed downtime.
Where: Coruscant.
When: A night after this thread.
Rating: PG-13 for swearing.
Despite the cell treatments and the grafting, Liri walked out of the Coruscant medbay with enough of a scar to make her pause. Cassie had come with her for the follow up, as Caine worked on finalizing repairs on the weapons systems. Liri had endured the recriminations of her crew with a stoic if dazed demeanor; she had let them know the extent of the interaction with Glasya, all the way to the conclusion. There seemed no reason to keep any of that a secret. After all, if anything would convince them to jump ship, it would be this. In fact, she half-expected that to be exactly what they did.
For now, her mood seemed to lift for a moment as they walked out, the deep frown she had been sporting for the last day easing somewhat. It was evening on Coruscant, but now, they were high in the upper levels of the city, away from the dredge and scum far below. It felt like a different world to Liri, tonight. She had replaced her cloak and her burned tunic, and purchased a new blaster. The skyline was ablaze with lights and all manner of transport. In the distance, she could see the Imperial Palace, twinkling.
“You know,” she spoke, after the silence had extended for so long it was almost uncomfortable, “a long time ago, that palace was the Jedi Temple here. The Empire turned it into their palace as a last insult to the memory of the Jedi.” Her voice was rough, thick with some unnamed emotion, but she just followed that with, “Why don’t we stop for a drink? I know a nice place near here. We can get food, too, if you are hungry.”
"Sure." Cassie made no comment on Liri's explanation, but the thought still hit home. Conquerors burned away the traces of their enemies; was that what Samhain would have done, had her world been conquered by slashers? Cassie forced back a shiver, instead focusing on Liri. There wasn't any point in harping on the poor decisions her friend had made; Liri had already suffered the consequences. Cassie had made plenty of poor decisions in her day -- and continued to -- so it was better to simply focus on the present.
"So no one ever tried to bring all that Jedi stuff back?" In her time in the galaxy, she hadn't paid close attention to the Force or Force users. It had been a thing in the same way Santa Claus was a thing back on Earth; a generally accepted myth that had come and gone. Sure, there were hints of truth, some historical facts, but for the most part, a bedtime story for kids. The idea that it was more real than she'd understood was like visiting the Lincoln Memorial in person rather than just seeing it in a movie.
“One man did, Master Skywalker. For his efforts, all of his students were slaughtered.” Liriael might have tried to be more circumspect, or more kind, in her explanation before, but her mind still ached from the onslaught from Glasya. Everything hurt. “I’ve tried to make it my path, as well, but I’m a lot less qualified than he ever was.” She walked slowly, but it appeared she knew where she was going, as they crossed walkways and thoroughfares crowded with people. “I hope that those who have come through do a better job.”
In moments, they reached what looked like a brightly-lit restaurant, far fancier than Liriael had made it sound when she said they could get a drink. Without blinking, she led Cassie inside and asked for a table for the two of them, and probably to Cassie’s surprise, they were taken to a lift first. It deposited them at the top of the tower, and it was clear why she’d picked the place when they were escorted to their table. The small, well-laid table faced out onto a balcony, open to the air. A shimmering field, only detectable from the corner of her eye, kept the atmosphere warm and wind-free, while preserving the view of Coruscant at night.
“I thought you might want to see the good that this galaxy has to offer,” Liri said, quietly.
"Hah, not sure this is for my benefit," Cassie replied, but she wasn't going to reject the offer. She took in a long gaze of the view around them; the dark orange aura edging off the planet into space, breaking into a million white stars. The horizon was no less beautiful, what with its jagged skyline of buildings and a million little Jetson-like cars racing around.
"You know, I don't think I told you I've been here before. A while back; it was a run, handling some supplies and making sure it got to the buyer." Cassie took a seat, crossing her ankles unconsciously under the table. It was hard to rip her eyes away from the view, but she managed to bring her gaze back over to Liri. The blond was looking better considering the beating she'd taken; a smile crinkled Cassie's face, reaching her eyes. "It, uh, didn't go well. Actually had a run in with the Order, or so we assumed."
“Alright, maybe I needed to be reminded as well.” Liri’s gaze was likewise captured by the view, but her expression remained remote, troubled. But when she turned to face Cassie, a smile curved her lips all the same. “You didn’t tell me that,” she confirmed, leaning her elbows on the table, and propping her chin in her hand. “What happened? I assume you lived through it,” she teased, her smile widening just a little.
"Well, obviously, but not without some new holes." Cassie shrugged. "It was supposed to be a regular delivery job. Ended up helping out the Resistance without realizing it. They were getting some medical supplies.
"Someone must have tipped off the Order, because they showed up guns blazing. Lotta people died." Cassie fell quiet, her fingers picking at the table cloth. "Figured I'd do best to just stay clear of the whole thing, Order and Resistance alike. I've had my fill of trouble, where I come from, but it seems to follow me around where I go.
"Though I think you'd give me a run for my money on that count," she finished, casting a sardonic glance in Liri's direction. "So, ah, what's good to eat here?"
“Just order something you can’t pronounce, and you should be good,” Liri answered, picking up the menu as well. She barely glanced at it before setting it back down, returning her gaze to Cassie. “Look….we’ve been friends for a few years now, haven’t we? When I bought the Vagabond, you were my first choice for crew, no question. I always knew I wanted you to fly her with me.” Her smile faded again, replaced by the worn look she had since she returned. “I still do. But….I think we’ve gotten to the point where we can’t just...not choose sides. The First Order is already after us. It’s primarily because of my poor choices. I don’t want you to suffer because of it.”
Cassie grabbed the menu, but her eyes was pulled away from her choices by Liri's next words. She seemed to deflate a little under her friend's gaze. It seemed like there would never be a moment of peace for her, but Liri had a point -- they could choose, to an extent, what would happen to them. She knew she'd been running for too long.
"Yeah," she replied. "You're right. Can't just sit on the sidelines our whole lives.
"And any suffering I do is my own choice. I picked being here; could have just as easily continued going about my business elsewhere," she continued, giving Liri a half-hearted wink. She sighed, putting down the menu and slouching back in her chair.
"I'd really hoped that things could just quiet down for awhile, but I guess that's not how it goes, huh?"
She went silent for a minute, her eyes darting back to the horizon. She seemed to be thinking over what Liri had suggested, but all too soon she brought her gaze back to her friend.
"So what's the plan?"
Several emotions chased themselves across Liriael’s expression as she watched Cassie, from sadness to worry to self-recrimination. However, she took a deep breath, and replied, “I think we should join the Resistance. We’re already on the hit list for the Order anyway, and we know we want nothing to do with them. Unless you do, and you just aren’t telling me,” she joked, weakly. “I talked with one of my contacts today, and it looks like several others are headed the same way. Now that the Order has focused on the rift, too, it’s only going to get worse on Naboo.” She had dropped her voice a little as she began talking, although it was largely unnecessary; she had chosen this restaurant because the tables scattered far for privacy. “My second thought is that we need to establish a home port for us somewhere besides the planet. We’re sitting ducks there.”
Cassie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I've felt that way a long time. It seemed like someone would get around to wanting to control Naboo, because of the rift. I think the Republic was the main thing keeping the Order from doing just that, but now that they're out of the picture, it's really only a matter of time."
She chewed on her bottom lip for a minute. "Maybe Hutt space? It's neutral territory, for the most part. I mean, I wouldn't trust anyone in there as far as I could throw them. Those planets in there are more interested in saving their own hides than having to deal with the Order or anyone else. Sure, there's the chance of getting sold out, but that's the same anywhere else."
Relieved that Cassie was on board for this, Liri nodded. “I actually thought of Malastare, since I know it pretty well, and it’s got less crime, but Hutt space might work too. We have done a little work for them, so it’s not as if we don’t have contacts to call on. There’s also Takodana….I know that the Order hit them pretty hard recently, but that seems to be a one time thing, and it’s a haven for neutral ships, still. What with the rebuilding, we might be able to slip in and establish ourselves without too much trouble.” She sighed, heavily. “I don’t know how Caine is going to take this, though. I guess we shouldn’t plan too much until we have him on board. If he will be.” This brought back the worry to her face once more.
Cassie nodded, thinking over the planets Liri had suggested. There were a lot of options -- they'd have to think about their choice carefully. Her focus switched to Liri's new worry.
"Is there a reason why he wouldn't be? I mean, he got a little command-y back there dealing with the TIE fighters, but if he's not down... Well, I guess we can just look for some new crew members, if it comes down to that." Cassie sat up straighter in her seat. "You can give him the same option you gave me. I mean, that's all you can really do. I'm sure the guy can take care of himself."
Liri shrugged. “Everyone wanted to remain neutral. I’m not sure that Caine wants to be a part of another army, although he’s very good at it. He also wants to get home, which is something you nor Dee asked for. He’s got someone he loves, and he wants to be back with her. I can’t blame him. He sure as hell doesn’t want to get killed out here.” She offered a wan smile. “I gave all of you the same option...and Dee took it. Already down one crew member….maybe I should be flying the Vagabond on my own. Would be a damn short career, though.”
Cassie laughed. "Too short," she agreed. "I think people are gonna come and go. They always have, at least for me. But there are always others." She sobered a little.
"It's hard, but you're doing everything you can, Liri. Sometimes shit is just...outside of our control. Believe me, it's taken a long time for me to accept that. But I'm sure there are plenty of people who've come through the rift who are willing to make a new life here, or else there are others. It's just hard to find trustworthy ones."
“That’s definitely the issue. I feel like maybe I need to reach out more, see if I can drum up some good recruits. Of course, now you see why I thought about the Resistance. It’s something they are already doing. Or if they are not, they should be,” she added, grimly. “I know you are right….it’s not as if Dee said or did anything that would have made me suspect the Order was after her. But I feel responsible.” She rubbed at her temple. “Also, I feel like my head is turning inside out, and my thoughts are just slipping out and disappearing. If I didn’t know better, I’d say I had a damn hole in it.”
The waitress picked this moment to come by and take their orders, and Liri perked up a little bit enough to order something truly ridiculous for her and Cassie to try. From the waitress’ expression, it was at least going to be amusing. She added some solidly alcoholic drinks, and gave up the menus. “This is our budget for the blasted month,” Liri added, cheerfully, “but to hell with it. I know where to go for our next batch of parts, and it isn’t going to be a credit-heavy transaction. Favors are the way to go.”
Cassie shook her head at her friend, but was unable to wipe the grin from her face. "Hey, why not go out with a bang. I think we both -- you especially -- deserve it." She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.
"How well did you know Dee? You gotta stop putting the weight of the world on your shoulders, Lir. And if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is, but it's too late and I can't take it back," she added, laughing a little.
“Fair enough. Although I have no idea why you would say that I deserve it more.” Wryly, Liri shook her head. “I didn’t, not any more than I knew you back when you first arrived. Most of the time, when I want to work with someone, I have to go on gut feeling. Instinct. And my instincts are still telling me that she’s a good person, not given to the kind of work the Order wants done.” A Force-sensitive like you could excel in the First Order. Glasya’s words echoed in her head. “But she’s able to use the Force, like me. My thinking is that this is why she’s become a target. I just wish I knew how they found that out in the first place. There might be someone on Naboo who is actively tracking down people like us, which makes it all the more imperative to get off that planet.”
Cassie nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense. I mean, considering all the voodoo type stuff Force people can do, I can see why these mustache-twirling people would want as many as they could get.
"At least we know they don't have her, if they're still looking for her? Small comfort, but yeah." She glanced up at the waitress as their first round of drinks were served. Cassie received something pink-orange in a tall glass with a few slices of a fruit she couldn't give a name to. She wrapped her hand around the stem, eyeing the drink with some mistrust. "Once we get back to Naboo, we can dig around a little. Maybe someone in the Resistance has a better idea, and they're just not saying. Seems like everyone is playing their cards close to their chests." She leaned forward and took a quick sip, her lips puckering at the suddenly sour taste. "Goddamn Liri, what the hell is this?"
“I will never get tired of the way you talk,” Liri laughed. “Mustache twirlers? Anyway, I don't know, I couldn't pronounce it either. How bad is it?” She slid the drink over and took a sip. “Whoa, sour!” her own face twisted up, but it was half amused. “Here, trade with me. Mine is too sweet; I prefer the bite.” Liri’s drink was dark green and looked like swampwater. “Anyway, I know a few Resistance fighters have been putting out feelers. Maybe even this guy Cameron? No….Dameron. We should read up on the holonet.” She took another sip of the tart drink. “How do we convince Caine, though?”
Cassie accepted the new drink and took a long sip, enjoying the sweeter tinge. She swallowed, thinking, but eventually offered up a shrug.
"I mean, it's pretty simple. First Order bad, Resistance good; and right now, while he's stuck in this galaxy, it's better to pick a side than to just sit around getting fired at. I get that he wants to get back home, but no one's going anywhere right now, and with all the fighting going on, it's not like everyone is thinking about how to get the refugees back home ASAP." She took another drink, wrapping one hand around the body of the glass. Condensation wet her palm.
"We should just stick to the facts. Lying ain't never got nobody anywhere. Or somewhere. Something like that, I think I heard that in a movie once."
“A movie? Oh, a holovid,” Liri guessed, remembering that term from before. “No, you are right. I just don’t want to give him an ultimatum. I do hope he sticks with us, though. I’ll do my best to convince him. And then we’ll have to go through the Resistance spiel.” She half-smiled. “Do you think we will get the idealistic version from them? All patriotic and harping on our duty to the Republic?” She shrugged, her smile faltering slightly. “Not that they need to, these days, what with the destruction of the Hosnian system, and with people getting killed. They really should have seen a surge in volunteers.”
"People might be scared," Cassie replied, taking her straw and stirring it through the murky green liquid in her glass. "I mean, sure, the Resistance took out that massive gun the Order put together, but the fact that they could put it together and use it probably made everybody think twice.
"Most people probably just wanna live their lives and be left out of all this fighting." Cassie could sympathize with the sentiment, but that was never the way her life was meant to go. She took a longer sip of the drink, the cold going right to her head. She put a hand to her forehead, grimacing. "Oh, shit, brain freeze!"
Wincing, Liri gave her a sympathetic look. “Even we know what that means,” she offered, with a short laugh. “Shake it off, girl. And yea, they are definitely scared. No one wants to be obliterated. I wonder how many people are choosing to just live in space from here on out, and avoid planets altogether.” It was only half-teasing as she said it. “I figure that it’s better to run right at the dangerous areas, rather than looking over my shoulder the whole time. It’s better for my neck, at the very least.” She smiled as their food was delivered; just like the drinks, some parts of it were unrecognizable. “See? Living dangerously,” she added, spearing something that looked like a cross between a tentacle and a leg. “If we live through this, we can handle anything, right?” Chewing thoughtfully, she added, “Maybe there are cute Resistance pilots we can hang out with.”
Cassie's brain freeze dissipated, and she eyed the food Liri had ordered with some hesitancy. Even through her year-long stay, she'd managed to stick to things she was familiar with. Shrugging to herself, Cassie reached for a piece that looked like an antennae, or maybe a leg, and sniffed it carefully. She cracked a grin in Liri's direction.
"Oh, now I see the real reason why you wanna join up," she teased, taking a delicate bite. The flavor seemed agreeable, so Cassie stuffed the rest in her mouth, chewing a few times before continuing. "I mean, that sounds like at least one perk we can look out for."
“A woman has to have goals,” Liri joked back, “although I can only look, not touch. I plan to live vicariously through you.” She was finally relaxing some, although she couldn’t banish the threat entirely, and her headache had not yet dissipated. The food was surprisingly good, for all that they had purposefully ordered the strangest things. “Maybe we will be even luckier and it’s all supply runs and boring backwater planets, right?”
Cassie rolled her eyes, a grin on her lips. "We should only be so lucky," she replied. "With our luck, we'll be sent on some recon mission to grab a hostage on one of those big shoe ships the Order's got floating around out there." She picked up another leg.
"I will say, I wouldn't want to be stuck on a mission with anyone else, Liriael."
“I'll drink to that,” Liri answered, laughing. She picked up the sour drink and clinked it against Cassie’s. “If you can call these drinks,” she added in a stage whisper, leaning forward. “Anyway, let's enjoy our dinner and the view, before it's back to the grindstone, old friend. To us.”
They touched their glasses once more, in brief celebration, before returning to their meal.