#‘(and if you don’t agree to these terms then we will take your planet by force and extract every ounce of wealth)’

[labyrynth]

so…somehow topaz is not only managing to embody “rampant capitalist” but also “insidious colonizer”???

like babe maybe try not launching an armed alien invasion of their home threatening to extract every single resource of potential value. or like. dumping a 700yr old debt on a planet that has been entirely isolated for most of that.

hey speaking of how it’s been 700 years since this supposed loan was made—why are you sweeping in to demand hundreds of years of interest on a loan you didn’t care enough to collect more than 400 years ago…conveniently AFTER you decided that maybe there was something to exploit here after all?

like goddamn when they announced “topaz and numby” i thought the pig was supposed to be NUMBY and yet Here We Are

[saphronethaleph]

Lizard v Wizard

“Long have I waited for my grandchild to come home…” Palpatine said, then the smile fell off his face. “...you are not my grandchild.”

“Yeah, we swapped jobs,” Finn agreed, shrugging off a backpack and letting it drop to the floor. “Rey said she was having visions about her falling to evil and sitting on the throne of the Sith, and I said that I hadn’t had any of those visions.”

“Your arrogance will be your downfall, boy,” Palpatine informed him. “Either I will destroy you or you will turn to the Dark Side.”

Finn paused, frowning.

“...huh,” he said. “You really do call it that? I guess I owe Rey an apology.”

“Explain yourself,” Palpatine snapped. “What are you talking about?”

“The Dark Side,” Finn explained, stressing the word. “Seriously, you use that language and it’s going to make me think the Force is a bit racist.”

Palpatine sat in complete silence for several seconds, as his brain rebooted.

“I mean, if you were black yourself, I’d maybe buy the idea that it’s meant to be a matter of pride,” Finn went on. “Reclaiming the term, and all that. But then again you have this whole white power thing going on with the stormtroopers, so it’s not that.”

He shrugged. “And then there’s the bit where you blow up planets as a hobby, because that just makes it really obvious that you’re not even trying to pretend any more.”

“I am going to do you the courtesy of ignoring your nonsense,” Palpatine said, icily. “Make your choice. Turn to the Dark Side, or die.”

Finn laughed.

“Wow,” he said. “You’re making that sound like it’s a threat that works.”

Palpatine’s eye twitched.

“I escaped from the First Order and I was on a capital ship when it got hyperspace rammed,” Finn said. “Also, I came here to fight you, which I think qualifies as a particularly elaborate suicide anyway.”

He shrugged, walking around in a half circle. “I would like to survive this, don’t get me wrong, but… like… if I don’t, and you don’t, I actually think that’s an absolute win.”

“I’ve made my decision,” Palpatine said, with an almost glassy calm. “I’m going to kill you now.”

He raised his hand, which spat lightning, and the lightning stabbed out at Finn – and vanished, as it passed over his backpack.

Finn picked the backpack up again. “Huh, they work,” he said. “Lando said it would but I had to take it on trust.”

Palpatine looked at his hands, then tried to blast Finn for a second time. Again the lightning vanished, then both men looked around at the sound of running feet.

“Rey, I hope you’re in here!” Ben said, then skidded to a halt. “Aren’t you the traitor?”

“We call ourselves the Resistance,” Finn answered. “What are you doing here?”

“Running away from a dozen very angry ex-followers!” Ben replied. “I’ve turned back to the Light Side.”

“Huh,” Finn replied. “Away from the Evil Side?”

“It’s called the Dark Side,” Ben corrected.

“We already had this discussion before you turned up, I think the term Dark side is racist,” Finn said, then Palpatine tried to electrocute him again.

“STOP IGNORING ME!” Palpatine shouted.

“I never thought of it that way, but I think it’s meant to be the absence of light, as in starlight?” Ben guessed, as the sound of stampeding Knights of Ren came down the corridor.

Something exploded overhead.

“Huh, Rey must be doing well,” Finn said, ignoring Palpatine. “And, yeah, I can buy that.”

He reached into the backpack. “Blaster or lightsaber?”

“I don’t have a lightsaber and I would really like one,” Ben said, then caught the Skywalker Lightsaber as Finn threw it to him. “Thank you so much.”

Finn retrieved a blaster from the bag as well, then did something that went beep.

“Five,” he said, throwing the bag at Palpatine. “Four. Three.”

Palpatine raised his hand to bat the backpack away, and got hit in the face by it.

For his part, Finn dove to the floor, and Ben did so as well just before Finn’s count hit zero, and a thermal detonator went off.

The explosion did unfortunately kill the ysalamir in the bag, but by then Palpatine was a little bit too dead to take advantage.

[jymwahuwu]

(This is about Aventurine + Ratio x You!! Note there will be polyamory here)

cw: dystopian au, forced breeding policy

"Insufficient credit. Please add a new balance."

On a sultry summer day, the burning air seems to condense around you. You quickly ran to the station and scanned it with your phone, and you got this result. You were stunned for a few seconds, frowned, and let the passengers in line behind you get on the spaceship first. what happened? Your wallet has been linked to the Universe Bank account, and the credit of the wallet will be automatically added. You stand aside and log in to your bank account, and a message that it has been frozen pops up. What the fuck. What happened-

You quickly scanned the account freeze prompts. "According to the law, you have exceeded the appropriate reproductive age for Beta citizens and have been punished by freezing your bank account. Please conceive within three months or you will be sent to a breeding facility." As if anxiety slapped you in the back of your head, knock Your mind is melted and cold. Damn it, they really mean it. What the fuck kind of planet is this.

Fifty years ago, the planet's fertility rate had been declining, prompting this government to introduce forced childbirth. In the past few years, you have been perfunctory with the government's Citizens' Fertility Bureau. They focus more on Omega and Alpha, after all. The poor Omega citizens are much earlier than Beta's breeding age. They enjoy paid vacation benefits throughout the estrus period, but that's just the surface. The benefits provided by labor laws have resulted in most companies being reluctant to recruit Omega…

As the passengers watch, you dig out a few vintage coins from the bag and plead with the driver to take them. ("Physical currency..." The driver sighed.) Finally passed, and after returning home, you browsed interstellar dating websites in despair.

"Beta female. 32 years old. Interested in cooking and reading. I hope to find a spouse who shares common topics with me."

"Omega male, 21 years old, hoping to find a humorous spouse (need to have a nest!)

Coordinates: a nest-like planet. If you are interested in knowing more details and getting to know me, contact me <3"

You held your chin with one hand, pouting unhappily, and pressed the big data pairing button, but there was only one result. Just when you were about to close the page, your eyes were caught by the introduced information.

“Alpha Male & Alpha Male

Career related: Education and business^^

We hope to meet a suitable spouse and have a baby^^”

Your eyes light up, you are looking for people like this! Ugh, but why are two people recruiting spouses at a time…Is this how relationships are on other planets…It would be great if they agree to a short-term marriage .

You pressed the contact button.

… Is anyone interested in this story?

[gothamite-rambler]

The only one Ivy doesn't hate in the batfamily (minus maybe Barbara)

Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn were in a botany sanctuary as Ivy worked on her latest plan to protect her plant family even if it meant death to humans, minus her girlfriend Harley. Ivy was planning to use the plants for something nefarious that she hadn’t disclosed to her girlfriend yet, but Harley didn’t mind helping her one bit.

Harley (curious): So, we just spray this stuff you made on all of them?

Ivy sprayed her favorite flower with an extra spritz of her strange fertilizer, growth serum while nodding.

Ivy: Mm-hm, that’s all I need you for, babe. After that, I’ll just say I worked alone.

Harley (simpering): You’d really do that for me?

Ivy (with no hesitation): You’re my girlfriend. Of course, I’d take the fall for you.

Harley grinned, her heart swelling with delight. That smile, however, quickly turned to tension as she pointed behind Ivy. Ivy sighed, already guessing who had shown up.

Ivy (not turning around): Hey, Batman.

Batman (disappointed): You were expecting me, and yet you’re still doing this? Why?

Ivy: I’m clinically insane and on a mission to protect Mother Gaia! Sorry I care about the planet!

Batman (angry father voice): We’ve been over this!

Ivy (turning around): Do not talk to me like I am a child! Also, hey, Nightwing!

Nightwing, standing behind Batman, smiled brightly, clearly pleased that Ivy noticed him.

Nightwing (waving): Hi, Pam!

Batman (surprised): What? Pam?!

Ivy: That’s my name, but only friends can call me that.

Batman (taken aback): Friends?!

Harley: Aww, that’s sweet.

Nightwing (agreeing with Ivy): Yeah, we're frenemies.

Ivy (smirking): Exactly. We have different ideas of being a hero and protecting the planet, but he deserves kindness. Plus, look at that handsome face! Definitely not the face of a douche canoe who stole my best friend and made her a boring good guy. I still think she’s lying about your relationship. You have minute man energy if anything.

Nightwing (raising an eyebrow): Damn, she really doesn't like you.

Batman growled angrily but he quickly refocused on the mission at hand.

Ivy (crossing her arms): Hey, Nightwing, if you’re fighting with him to defeat me, you’re free to go—but I understand if you have to do his bidding.

Nightwing sheepishly avoided eye contact from his father, who was glaring daggers at him.

Nightwing: He… he probably wants me to stay and fight.

Batman sighed in exasperation, frustrated with how well Ivy and Nightwing got along. Nightwing chuckled nervously.

Nightwing: I’m not helping her commit crimes! I just agree with a few points in her mission statement, and if there's a way to help her legally, I will help to her. She even gave me a pamphlet.

Batman (covering his face): Every day… I feel like I’m living in an endless nightmare with you two!

Ivy (snidely): Batman, flattery will get you nowhere.

Batman (to Ivy): How come he gets to call you Pam?

Ivy (shouting): I like him! He’s a good kid!

Nightwing beamed, clearly flattered.

Nightwing: Aww, thank you.

Batman: Oh Lord, Nightwing, sit this one out. You don’t want to get hurt by your “friend” who is evil!

Nightwing: All right! Call me if you need me to jump in or talk to Pam.

Batman (irritated): Stop calling her Pam!

Nightwing (mockingly): Nope, it bothers you, so I'm gonna keep doing it.

Nightwing walked over to where Harley was standing, who waved hello to him with her usual unintentionally terrifying grin. He sidestepped a few feet away, making Harley pout.

Ivy: Good kid. Batman, don’t be pissy, that I’m on decent terms with him. He gets me. And no, I didn’t hit him with my pollen or anything. He’s smart, and I respect him. He gets my mission like Harley does… He’s neat. He’s a neat man.

Nightwing smiled happily at the compliment.

Batman: All right, that’s what I call him! Don’t use that on him!

Ivy chuckled, clapping sarcastically.

Ivy: Aww, did I hurt the Man of Steel's feelings because his sidekick is nice? Guess you can't keep your temper in check!

Batman: That’s Superman! I just… I need a freakin’ minute!

Batman walked away, shaking his head and muttering questions about Nightwing being so close with a villain. The sanctuary suddenly felt a lot more chaotic than ever before.

Nightwing: Oddly enough, you're not the only crook who I'm frenemies with.

Ivy (shrugging): I believe you. A couple of Arkham inmates say they like you.

Harley stepped closer to Nightwing, nodding with a surprisingly normal smile for her.

Nightwing: That's nice! I'm glad that I don’t have Batman energy all the time.

Batman (calling back): Don't say that like it's an insult!

Ivy: It kind of is. You can be a headache ninety-nine percent of the time.

Harley: That one percent means she doesn't completely hate you. That's reserved for the Joker.

Nightwing covered his mouth, chuckling, while Batman kept his distance, counting to ten silently in his head to let go of the fact that Ivy saw him as less grating than the Joker.

Batman: I'm going to accept that as a compliment and focus on the mission.

Ivy: Okay, douche canoe.

Batman (whispering to himself): Not going to let her get to me.

[bebx]

random don’ts in fanfic writing!

a disclaimer that these are just some suggestions from a fellow fic writer & you don’t have to agree with everything I list here. the intention of this isn’t to shame anyone but to only offer advices I personally take.

I hope you’ll find at least one of these useful.

don’t go “the taller man looks at her with a smile on his face” or “the blonde girl laughs, feeling his eyes on her” on characters whose names are already known by the readers. I admit that this is something I used to do for so long because I thought it was cool, until I learned it’s just unrealistic, because normally, if you know someone; say, if they’re your friend, you don’t call them “the taller man” or “the blonde girl” or “the older man”, you call them by their names. so unless your readers aren’t supposed to know the names of these characters yet, just say “Justin looks at her with a smile on his face” or “Sarah laughs, feeling his eyes on her” — it feels more natural this way.

don’t give readers your personal feelings. “the walls are closing in, and he still has trouble standing up on unsteady legs. panic’s making it hard to breathe as he realizes he’s going to die. what will poor Daniel do now?” — “poor” in this case is the author’s opinion, how they feel about their character. it’s unnecessary to add in your work because, with all due respect, it can make the whole thing sound like a children’s book where readers are not capable of knowing how they’re supposed to feel in this scene and so they need the author to tell them how to feel. unless you’re writing something specifically for kids, don’t do this. don’t insult your readers’ intelligence by constantly guiding them how they should feel about this particular character in this particular situation. your readers are not kids. they are perfectly capable of knowing how they feel. they will feel sorry for the character on their own. they will read your work and think “oh no, poor guy. how will he get out of this now?” on their own. you, as the author, don’t have to tell them to be sorry for the character.

don’t outright underestimate your own work. being humble is a good thing, but sometimes you just have to be proud. don’t directly say “this sucks” or “I don’t really like how this turned out” in the author’s note, it can actually drive readers away from your fic. it drove me away from a fic so many times. and it’s a shame, because I really believe your readers — I really believe I — would’ve loved your fic if they’d — if I had — given it a chance. but the disclaimer that outright says “this isn’t good” from the author themself is unfortunately more than enough a reason as to why readers decide not to read it altogether. so… don’t say that. you can be unsatisfied with your work, but your readers don’t have to know that. hell, they might even love it. so, yeah, be proud.

don’t replace eyes with orbs. I… admit that I frequently did this during my Wattpad phase, and it’s actively haunting my nightmares to this day. I guarantee you that you can just say eyes. “she looks right into his eyes” yes, you can say this, and it will always sound more professional in terms of writing than “she looks right into his beautiful blue orbs” which, if I’m being brutally honest, “orbs” used to describe eyes just makes it all sounds like a school essay where we purposefully use fancy words so that our teachers know we have those words memorized in our vocabulary. but yeah… it’s painfully cringe to call eyes orbs and it almost always makes me want to just stop reading your work, and I mean this with utter respect. don’t make the same mistake I made when I was an emo teenager. if you really must have to use other word that isn’t “eyes” just call them face balls or something (I’m joking, please don’t actually call them face balls). but seriously, literally anything that isn’t orbs. just… call them eyes. it’s already perfect.

don’t replace world with planet, if your work doesn’t include theme about space/sci-fi or if you’re not describing an actual planet (as in climate change towards the planet or a lost planet that’s never been found, for instance). — world and planet give readers two very different feelings. if you’re describing an antagonist, who is not a literal alien from another planet, whose plan is to corrupt or take over the world, just say world. “he knows he will watch the world burn in the end” sounds more aesthetically appealing and more professionally interesting than “he will destroy this beautiful planet” because, honestly, the latter sounds like I’m reading a fic about climate change, which yeah… unless you’re writing a fic about climate change, just avoid using the word planet in context like this and you’re good.

don’t avoid the use of Capital Letters at the beginning of a sentence and when you’re mentioning a specific name while writing a fic. you’re probably thinking I’m being the biggest hypocrite right now, because I’ve literally been deliberately using all lowercase phrases this entire post. I mean that’s because this is just a Tumblr post, not an actual AO3 fic. listen, I know writing fic is a hoppy, not a job. but if you really want to have your readers feel like they’re reading an actual novel while reading your work, I promise you the use of Capital Letters is your best friend, don’t neglect them.

*smut below the cut*

don’t replace cock with penis. I won’t go too deep here (no pun intended HELP💀) but cock sounds sexy, exciting and fun. while penis sounds like you’re describing a human anatomy during a lecture. smut is supposed to make readers feel aroused. it’s not supposed to make them feel like they’re reading a text book or are studying for an exam.

don’t replace cunt with pussy. in my very humble opinion, while talking about smut, cunt sounds explicit, raw, erotically mysterious and is overall a turn on while… I don’t know, reading the word pussy just doesn’t make me go AAAAAAHHHH the way reading the word cunt does (just my guess but maybe it’s because the word “pussy” is overused; we call everything a pussy nowadays that it just lost its meaning). also, from 99% of the smut I’ve read, it’s more professionally written if the author uses cunt instead of pussy.

***also, for the same reason why we don’t replace cock with penis in a smut fic, please don’t use the word vagina unless you’re preparing your readers for their anatomy class.

[absurdthirst]

Simply Din Djarin {Mando x F!Reader}

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 6k

Warnings: Nudity, skinny dipping, beskar-less Din, lying, first kisses, oral sex (male receiving), vaginal sex, angst

Comments: Din decides to spend a week on a remote planet, sans armor to swim in the waters and come to terms with what he needs to do. Meeting you when you come to your swimming hole, things become intimate and you have no idea the handsome naked man in front of you is a Mandalorian. He's simply Din Djarin.

✨Who's excited for Season 3 of The Mandalorian? WE ARE!!!! ✨

A/N: This entire story is based of this NSFW GIF. What can we say? We're thots.

Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers

**Follow @absurdthirst-writes and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all new fics.

|| MasterList || The Mandalorian MasterList ||

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says 'creator chooses not to use warnings'. You also agree that you're the right age to be consuming anything here.

It’s a gorgeous sunny day on Bellassa, the lakes shine and with Grogu safe with the other young ones of the town, Din felt secure enough to seek out the lake. It’s deserted, no one is around, so he methodically strips off his beskar, removes his flight suit and allows this one and only moment so far in his life to let the sun hit every part of his body. 

Completely naked, he sighs in bliss, and after hiding his helmet and armor, he walks towards the shore. The cool water hits his feet, then his calves, then his thighs, until he’s waist deep. He’s never felt so free. The sun warms him and he tilts his head back, enjoying this moment without the galaxy on his beskar-clad shoulders. Dipping beneath the water, he starts to swim and revels in the feel of the cool water and the absolute silence. It’s paradise and Din knows he will be doing this again before he leaves Bellassa. 

When he breaks the surface, he inhales deeply and his eyes widen when he sees you walking towards the shore, also naked, and fuck, you’re gorgeous. He knows he should dip under the water, try to get out of sight before you see him without his beskar, but then he imagines meeting someone as plain Din Djarin. He often wonders who he would’ve been if the Mandalorians didn’t take him in. Would he have been a tradesman? Maybe he would’ve been a Rebel? Would he have a family? It makes his head spin sometimes and ultimately, he decides to pretend to be plain Din Djarin, not Mando. 

“Oh Maker!” You shriek when you see his face and you rush to cover yourself up under the water. 

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.” Din apologizes in a rush and you shiver at the cold water, 

“I haven’t seen anyone here…ever. I- I didn’t know that anyone else knew about this place. Sorry. You- you scared me.”

“I just arrived last night.” Din confesses, motioning towards the forest where his Starfighter is hidden. Grogu is still sleeping there and he shakes his head.” “I’m sorry again.” He murmurs softly. “The water was too tempting.” 

“It’s- it’s okay.” You swim back a few feet, putting some distance between you and the strange, handsome man. “I understand, I wanted to swim as well.” You introduce yourself and tilt your head at the man, finding his bashful expression to be charming. He didn’t seem like he posed a threat. “What is your name?”

He hesitates for just a second, knowing he shouldn’t give his name but you don’t seem like a threat. “Din Djarin.” He answers and you hum, repeating his name. Hearing you say it, so innocently and sweet, has his stomach twisting. “You are from Bellassa?” He asks and you nod.

“I’ve never left. I like it here. It’s peaceful. Warm and safe. What more could a girl ask for?” You tease softly, waving your arms through the water, and Din nods, a soft smile on his face. You seem so untouched by the horrors of the galaxy. 

“Not much more, I suppose. Does your family live here? Your - your partner?” He asks, a little out of practice with small talk. Most of the time he lets his fists do the talking and he grunts or has a one word answer. 

“My family lives here. My parents, my brothers and sisters. I - I don’t have a partner.” You tell him bashfully.

Din knows that his face gives away every little thought that he’s feeling. Surprise rides across it now. You are gorgeous, why wouldn’t you have a partner? “I’m here with my- my son.” He offers. “He’s like my son.” He clarifies as he realizes it sounds like he is married. “I don’t have a partner either.”

You frown, certain that a man like him would have a significant other. “Well, that’s not necessarily a bad thing that neither of us have a partner because we’d have to explain why we are both swimming naked in a lake.” You giggle, loving how you can see every micro expression on his face. So many people keep their face impassive but his brown eyes show everything.

Din nods seriously, seeing how that could be a problem. “Do you swim here a lot?” He asks curiously, encouraged by the fact that you haven’t left or tried to move away from him. He’s not drifted closer, content with floating in his own area and enjoying the water engulfing him.

You nod, “every day if I can. I love how peaceful it is. It’s nice to escape and just be left to my own thoughts.” 

Din sputters, “oh I’m so sorry. I’ll go.” 

You shake your head, shifting a little closer to him, “no. No. You can stay. It’s nice to talk to someone. Tell me, what do you do, Din?” You ask him, certain he will say he’s a Rebel. He has that look about him.

“I- I’m a moisture farmer.” He thinks of Quill and nods. “On Tatooine. Supplying water to Mos Eisley.” It’s a lie, but it feels good not to have you freeze up at the knowledge that he’s a bounty hunter. Most people either want to fight him or run from him.

You sense a hesitation but you are innocent to the terrors of the galaxy. Safe on your small planet that seemed untouched by the Empire. Maybe they didn’t think it was significant enough. You’ve heard of Tatooine and know it’s a desert planet. “Wow. You- you must have seen a lot of the galaxy.” You shift closer again, curious about him. “Tell me the best place you’ve been to. I - I haven’t left the planet so I need to live through you.”

Din admires the whimsical smile on your face and wishes he could be so carefree, so unjaded by this life. “Naboo.” He murmurs softly, remembering the lush green and blue planet. The waters remind him of this lake. “Although this is a close second.” He bites his lip and flusters when he realizes how you can interpret that. It’s so much easier to think these things and stay silent behind the helmet.

You grin, liking that he has enjoyed your planet so far. “I wouldn’t mind visiting Tatooine one day.” You admit and tilt your head up towards the sun, the water rippling as you kick your legs out to float. You are uncaring of your nudity, knowing that a man as well traveled as Din should have been a variety of figures. You are here to relax, wanting to forget about your troubles.

“It’s all sand.” Din’s mouth is as dry as the Dune Sea, watching your nude body float on the water. Your nipples are perked up and he imagines sucking on them. His cock starts to harden, making him reach down and cup himself to try to make his reaction to you go away. You want to enjoy yourself, not be gawked at. “It wouldn’t be as refreshing as this.”

You close your eyes, enjoying the peace and unaware of the Mandalorian's struggle. You sigh when you open your eyes to see the sun shifting towards the horizon. "I should be heading home. My parents worry even though I am old enough to join the Rebellion." You joke and shift to head back to shore. Again, you care little for your nudity as you reach for your towel, aware of those dark eyes watching you. "Your son shall be awaiting your return too, I imagine?" You hum, drying off your body.

Din scoffs. “Little gremlin sleeps nearly all the time.” He huffs fondly, knowing that he will be hungry when he wakes up. That and will be ready to cause trouble. His eyes flirt over your body and he looks away, aware that if he keeps staring, he will get hard again. He doesn’t come out of the water completely, just to his chest and he glances back at you again. “It - it was nice to meet you.” He offers, frowning slightly at how ridiculous he sounds when he’s not hidden behind his armor.

You giggle at his expression, sliding your feet into your sandals. “You too, Din Djarin.” You wink and know he wants privacy to get out, so unlike the openness of your home planet. You make your way home, thinking of the handsome traveler. 

****

When Din returns to Grogu, the little gremlin is awake and eating the hidden box of crackers Din had stowed for snack emergencies with the kid. “I know. I lost track of time.” Din sighs, now dressed in his beskar. Grogu coos, tilting his head at Din.

The cracker in his claw, Grogu toddles over to where Din is standing and holds onto his boot until he bends down and picks him up. He shoves the cracker in his mouth and reaches out and touches the helmet and coos again, making Din sigh as he thinks about today.

**** 

You spend all day thinking about Din and decide to go back to the lake for your daily swim. You smile when you see him in the water already. “Hello Din. Long time no see.” You tease, working on stripping off to get into the water.

“Yes, such a long time.” Din can’t hide the smirk that he has as he watches you strip. You obviously have no issue baring your body and he’s curious as to why. “Is everyone on your planet like you?” He asks, tilting his head curiously.

You nod, knowing what he means. “We believe that the body should be admired. It is our true blessing. We are alive, we are here and that itself is a blessing. No one is ashamed of their body as every day is a gift. Our culture is not one of constant nudity but we are proud of our bodies, no matter how they look.” You explain, kicking aside your pants and you quickly walk towards the shore to step into the water. “Are Tatooians not happy to bare themselves?” You question him, wondering if his culture is more conservative than yours.

“This is the first time someone has seen me bare since-“ he shakes his head. “Since I was a child.” He admits quietly. “Tatooine has two suns, your skin would be dry and burnt under the fiery suns. Staying covered keeps you protected.” He explains, although he doesn’t tell you that no one has seen his face beyond when he had become an apostate because he is Mandalorian. Broken his creed. He has to put the helmet back on and redeem himself in the waters of Mandalore, but for now, it’s pleasant having you look at his face.

Your eyes widen, “no one has seen you? Not even a lover?” You ask him, surprised that no one has caressed every inch of his body. “Surely you have had lovers caress your body?” You ask with curiosity and confusion.

“No one.” He’s not celibate, he’s had sex. Normally in the back of a cantina or some dusty alleyway. Only baring his cock and taking them from behind. No one had touched his skin until Grogu had when he was leaving with the Jedi.

Your eyebrows raise, “no one?” You’re shocked. He’s so handsome and you’re certain that any lover he chooses would be lucky to have him, you know you’d want him to want you again. Biting your lip, you shift closer. “Can I- can I touch you?” You ask softly and he hesitates, you see it in his eyes until he nods once. You shift even closer until you’re standing in front of him, the water covering your chests but you reach up to caress his cheek. His eyes close and you feel him shudder. There’s nothing but the sound of the waves and the breeze as your hand trails down to caress his neck, featherlight touches to his skin while you slowly move your hand down to his clavicle where you see the scars. “You were in fights?” You question him, tracing a scar.

“Some.” He reminds himself that you don’t know about the beskar that is hidden in a bundle surrounded by his cape in the cave. You don’t know that most tremble and scatter like rats when he walks through the towns he arrives in. You just see a man in front of you, one that you are obviously attracted to. He knows that look in someone’s eyes. He groans when you fingers brush over a nipple delicately, his cock twitching in interest. 

You smile softly when he groans, adding your other hand to the effort of caressing him. You trail your hands along his chest, pressing your palms onto it so you can feel his rapid heartbeat. “Can I kiss you?” You ask softly, meeting his eye and he inhales sharply. He has never been kissed before. He doesn’t know if you’ll be happy with his kiss but he nods and you carefully lean in to brush your lips against his.

Din shudders, inhaling as your lips caress his and his hand comes to hover around the back of your neck before he touches you. Groaning when your kiss firms up, and his eyes flutter closed, just absorbing the almost overwhelming sensation of your lips on his. The idea that his lips might be dry has him sliding his tongue out to wet them and gasping when your tongue touches his. 

He seems so hesitant and you enjoy how he exhales into your mouth when you become bolder, sliding your tongue into his mouth. Your hands slide up to wrap your arms around his neck. You kiss languidly, in no rush to move things along. You like how sloppy he is, making you feel in control, and you tangle your fingers in his hair, tugging on it.

The moan Din lets out is pathetic, nearly a whimper but you seem to know that he loved it. Pulling on his hair again and moving closer to him. His cock is rock hard, poking you in the stomach as you press against him. Making him blush as he pulls away, “sorry.” He rasps out, hating that he can’t control himself.

“It’s okay. It’s okay.” You promise, “I like it. I like that I’ve affected you so much.” You press yourself against him, trapping his cock between you. Loving how big he feels against your tummy. “Tell me what you want, Din.” You murmur, pressing kisses along his jaw.

Din’s lashes flutter and he moans, his cock pulsing against the soft skin of your belly. “I want-“ he starts, panting when you nibble on his ear. “Dank ferik.” He hisses. “I want to- to let you touch me. To touch you.” He’s touched people before but it’s always been through the layer of his glove. “Fuck you.”

You smile against his skin, able to read him like a book but you love hearing him say he wants to fuck you. "I want you to fuck me." You confess, kissing along his neck and you reach between you to wrap your fingers around his cock, squeezing him. "You can touch me wherever you want." You tell him breathily, desperate to feel his hands on you.

Din hisses, barely able to keep from thrusting into your grip. “Fuck, fuck.” He feels you wrap your legs around his waist and he loves the way your skin slides against his. Turning to sluice through the water to shore, he ducks his head and starts kissing any part of you his lips can touch. Carefree in a way Din has never been before, able to just feel and prioritize pleasure over everything else. It’s freeing, you’re freeing.

He lays you down on the sand and you caress his back as he kisses along your chest, down to your breasts. He’s sloppy and eager, making you gasp his name as he takes your nipple into his mouth. You can tell he’s fumbling but his enthusiasm makes up for it. “Maker.” You pant, arching your back into his mouth and his cock twitches against your thigh.

Din has never tasted anything like the taste of your skin, covered in the fresh water and sand. It’s musky and salty, making his moan as his tongue flicks over the hard peak of your breast. Your response spurs him on and he wants to keep suckling at you until you push him away.

You push at his chest and shift so he lays down. He follows your silent request, pliable and eyes full of awe. It makes you feel powerful and wanted. You shift to straddle him, bending over to kiss along his chest. “Din. You are so beautiful.” You lick along the various scars and blemishes covering his skin until you are kneeling between his thighs. You wrap your hand around his impressive cock, fingers not able to touch with how girthy he is, and you lean in to wrap your lips around the head of his cock.

“Dank ferik!” Din whines, eyes blown wide and entire body jolting in pleasure. Without the armor on, he’s stripped of all his defenses and unable to stop himself from talking. “Fuck, oh fuck.” He pants, digging his fingers into the sand under him to keep from grabbing you. Your breasts rub against his thighs and he swears that you are a sorcerer, just like the Jedi, as you lap at his cock. He’s never trusted someone to suck his cock, it made him too vulnerable, but you think he’s just a man and he can’t believe this is what he’s been missing.

You love how wrecked he looks and you haven't even started. Deciding to take him deeper, you widen your jaw and look up to meet his dark gaze, his mouth open as he pants out harsh breaths. It's gorgeous and you want him to remember this moment forever. You want to sear this into his memory. You can sense he's holding back so you lift off of his cock, "you can touch me," you tell him and resume your attempts to take him deeper down your throat.

His hand shoots down to cradle your jaw, cupping it and pressing his fingers to the hinge of your jaw. Making you open your mouth so he can see his cock. “Fuuuuuuck.” He hisses, overwhelmed by how good you look like that. “Are you enjoying sucking my cock?” He groans out.

You hum around him, letting him know you do. You usually don't do this. Your last boyfriend was - Maker knows how long ago. You aren't one for casual but Din seems to bring something out inside of you. You whimper when he grabs the back of your neck and pushes you further down his cock. You choke but try to breathe through your nose to swallow around him.

“Fuck- I - I never -I never had someone do this.” He growls out the confession, eyes burning into yours. You seem to make him want to confess everything, to bare himself even more. “So good.” He pants. “I want to try.” He promises you. “After- after I fuck you.”

You moan around his cock, looking forward to touching you. You’re dripping wet and aching for his touch. His hands are surprisingly soft, making you think he wears gloves. “Fuck. I- I don’t want to cum down your throat.” He admits, knowing he won’t last long if you keep sucking him like that. You reluctantly pull off of him, not wanting this to end too soon, and you kiss up his stomach, loving the slight belly he has, and you eventually press your lips to his. Straddling him so his cock is pressed between you.

He isn’t a virgin, but there is something that about the way you notch his cock at your entrance and start to stink down on him has his toes curling into the sand. His fingers dig into your hips and he groans your name as his voice breaks. It’s hot and tight and wet, probably more so because he can feel everything. Nothing is hidden behind the layers.

You moan, sinking down onto him until he’s fully inside of you. Your walls flutter around him, and you whimper his name. Your hands caress his chest, admiring the tattoo he has etched into his skin. “Feel so good.” You pant and lift your hips, starting a slow pace to ride his cock.

The view is different without that display from his helmet. The colors are more brilliant and without any of the information coming up on the screen. He just…watches. You’re gorgeous as you gallop on his cock, using him for your own pleasure and giving him more than he ever dreamed possible. Making him try to move with you, chasing the heat of your cunt when you lift off of him.

You love how his fingers will leave bruises, how you’ll know he was inside of you tomorrow with every move you make. “Oh Maker. You- you feel so good.” You pant and rock your hips, leaning forward to press your chest against his, your lips seeking his with an eagerness you’ve never felt.

Din jerks his head back on instinct and then lunges forward to kiss you. Most often someone coming towards his face was either trying to remove his helmet or head butt him. Not with you though. Your tongue slides into his mouth again and he twitches deep inside you. Moaning into your mouth as he sloppily tries to copy the flicks of your tongue.

You don’t care that he seems inexperienced, you love being able to take control, to show him what to do. His tongue flicks against yours and you grind back onto him. “Fuck.” You pant into his mouth when the new angle has his pelvis grinding into your clit and his cock angled against that spot inside of you that makes you cry out against his mouth.

The second that Din feels you clench around him, he knows that this is the angle that is going to make you cum. Grabbing the back of your neck, he angles his hips to keep pressure on your clit, loving how you grind down on him. You’re more enthusiastic and responsive than any other person he’s fucked. Making him want to make you scream his name. A memory he can take with him when he leaves.

You squeal, letting him position you, and you frantically grind back onto him. You’re so close. You pant, eyes squeezed shut, until you’re crying out against his jaw. “Fuck!” You wail, clamping down on his cock, thighs shaking and you can’t seem to move anymore, your body freezing as you clamp down on his cock and soak him.

“Dank ferik!” Din wraps his arms around you, thankful that the water had hard packed the sand right where he is laying. Letting him thrust up into you when you seem incapable of moving. Loving how your moans pitch up in octave every time he fills you to the hilt. Every nerve ending in his body alight with need as he chases his own release.

“I- I have an implant. Cum inside of me. Please. Cum inside of me.” You plead, letting him use your body and extend your orgasm. “Please Din.” You ramble, pressing your lips to his, loving how he’s holding you close.

“Fuck, Mesh’la.” Din gasps against your lips and his hips work even harder, pistoning up as hard as he can. Tightening his hold on you while the loud squelch of your cunt is all he can hear along with the roaring thunder starting to build in his blood. “Gonna- fuck, gonna fill you uuuuuuup!” He cries out, body tightening as he pulls you down in his cock one last time and stays buried inside you, pumping you full of his cum.

You collapse against him, head pressed against his as his cock pulses inside of you, and you sigh against his chin. “Fuck.” You pant, out of breath, and when his cock finally stops pulsing, you kiss his jaw. You’re exhausted and boneless but in an incredible way. “Maker. That was - wow.” You giggle, amazed that he made you cum so hard. No other lover has made you feel like this.

Din hums, closing his eyes and panting as he tries to catch his breath. Stroking your back lazily because he’s unable to stop touching you. “Very…wow.” He agrees, more relaxed than he’s ever been in his life. The water laps at his feet gently and the breeze cools his heated skin. It’s paradise and he’s reluctant to move from this spot.

You kiss him softly, glad he enjoyed himself as much as you did, and you are about to slide your tongue into his mouth when you hear a coo. You pull back, looking up to see a small creature with big eyes and even bigger ears staring at you and Din. “Maker!” You shriek, shifting off of Din and you grab your towel to cover yourself up.

“Grogu.” Din had rolled over, about to face whatever danger was coming bare assed, only to be faced with his son. He drops his head slightly as the baby starts toddling over. “This is- this is my son.” Din explains. “I care for him.” Reaching out as soon as the baby toddles close enough, he snatches him up. Watching as the large black eyes get even wider and he coos as he reaches a three fingered claw out to touch Din’s face. “Sorry, he was still asleep.” He tells you. “You know you’re supposed to stay with the ship.” He scolds Grogu lightly, aware the child does what he wants.

You step closer now you know it’s his son. “He looks just like you.” You tease and Din snorts. You reach out to gently caress his ear and he coos at you, reaching up to press his claw to your face, his other hand still pressed to Din’s. You feel a surge of electricity run through you and you gasp, your eyes meeting Din’s. “What was that?” You ask, eyes wide and Din sets Grogu down to grab a towel. 

“Nothing.” Din rushes out and you are confused by his change in demeanor. 

“I will see you tomorrow?” You ask and he nods, picking Grogu up again. “Okay. I’ll see you soon. Bye.” You wave at the child who coos and offers you a toothy smile.

“You can’t do that.” Din scolds as he walks back to the cave where his armor is hidden. “Your Jedi powers shouldn’t be used on everyone.” Grogu coos up at him and Din sighs, knowing the child is hungry “yes, we’ll get you something to eat.” He tells him, wondering if he will see you tomorrow. 

****

“Dank ferik.” Din moans, sitting up this time with you in his lap, his cock buried inside you as he bites along your shoulder. “So fucking good, don’t want to leave.”

“Don’t.” You beg breathlessly, rocking your hips and your hands grip his shoulders, “don’t leave. I don’t want you to go.” You confess, pressing your lips to his, sliding your tongue into his mouth. Your hips rock against his, nails scratching his skin.

He doesn’t want to go, he wants to stay here with you, but the Darksaber is in his possession. He was the leader of Mandalore. He needed to unite his people and more importantly, he needed to redeem himself in the Living Waters of Mandalore. “Have to.” He gasps when the kiss is broken. “Have to- to move on.”

You hate that he has to go. Certain you could love him. You’ve talked, in the aftermath of your lovemaking, you talk about the galaxy and your family, and he tells you what he can but you can sense he’s holding back. “Stay.” You plead, wishing you could convince him even though you can tell he has to go. You cup his cheeks, pressing your lips to his, and his hands slide down to squeeze your ass.

Din groans, wishing that he could, leaning in and kissing you harshly. Biting your bottom lip and then soothing it with his tongue as he rocks his hips up. “I would.” He gasps out. “If-if things were different. I would stay.” He imagines it, staying and raising Grogu here and marrying you. Having children with you and raising them without his helmet.

You feel tears sting in your eyes, knowing that this man will be leaving tomorrow. It makes your heart break. You have fallen for him and you know it’s going to hurt you to watch him go when you could so easily picture spending the rest of your life with him. You don’t say another word as you focus on how he feels inside of you, wanting to memorize the smallest detail, down to his breathing and the way he smells, his scars and the way his hands caress your skin. “Oh Maker.” You pant, feeling yourself getting close and you whimper, not wanting to cum because when you do, he will and you know he will leave you.

There’s a desperation in the way you move together. The week spent swimming and fucking meaning more to him that he could ever explain. Feeling closer to you than anyone, ever. Din holds you close, rocking his hips up and mumbling words into your skin. Praises, words in Mando'a. Telling you how he feels without voicing the words. His grip bruising and his kisses desperate.

You don’t recognize what he is murmuring into your skin, words like “mesh’la” and “cyar’ika” and “riduur.” You don’t know what they mean but the way he says them has you clinging to him. “Oh fuck. Din. Im going to -” You grind down on top of him and stop, not wanting to cum just yet. 

“Come on baby.” He murmurs, grabbing your ass to help you move and you let him drag you down and lift you on his cock. 

“Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Fu-” You choke, burying your face in his neck as you clamp down on his cock.

Din groans out your name, cumming right behind you. Holding you tight as he rolls his hips up and empties himself into you. Loving how you take every drop of his cum and whine as his seed coats your walls. Holding onto you and wrapping himself around you as both ride out your high.

You wrap your arms around him, holding him close, and you feel his heart beating as fast as yours. You don’t say a word, just breathe him in, and you savor these last moments you’ll have with him before you return him. You’re not sure you could ever come to this beach again to swim after he leaves, he will haunt you here.

“This has been the best time of my life, mesh’la.” Din murmurs softly, his hands splayed across your back as he holds you against him. Not wanting to break the contact because it will be the last time he touches you like this. Skin to skin. He pulls back and stares into your eyes. “I’ll never forget it.” He can’t promise to come back, he doesn’t know what will happen, and he doesn’t want you to wait for a ghost.

You kiss him, soft and sweet, and you delay his departure back to his ship for as long as possible, memorizing those dark brown eyes, tracing his tattoo and the way he smiles when you run your finger along his nose. When the breeze turns cold, you shiver and he lifts you off of his lap, “come on, cyar'ika. Let’s get dressed.” He grunts as he stands up, reaching for your clothes, and you slowly dress. 

Once you’re dressed, you reach up to cup his cheek, “goodbye Din. May the force be with you.” You murmur, recognizing the force in Grogu and you haven’t asked him any questions but you assume that his son is part of the reason he has to leave.

“May…the force be with you.” Din murmurs, trying to school his face so the shock isn’t obvious. Reaching for you one last time, he pulls you close and kisses you tenderly, not a kiss of passion but one of love. “Take care of yourself, cyar'ika.” He begs softly, letting you go and turning around so he can walk to the caves to get dressed for the last time on this planet.

****

It’s been a restless night, tossing and turning when you think of Din leaving you in the morning and you know you can’t let him go. You’ll follow him across the galaxy, no questions asked. You wake up as the sun rises, rushing to get ready and gather a pack full of things. You say goodbye to your family, acting like it’s another day, and rush to the place you know his ship is parked. “Din! Din!” You shout, rushing up to the only ship in the clearing and you pant to try and catch your breath. A few months later, a man clad in armor appears and your heart stops, making you backup a little. “I- I’m looking for Din Djarin.”

Underneath the mask, Din had broken out into a smile before he appeared in front of you. Happy to hear your voice and hoping that you were going to tell him that you would come with him. That you wanted to be with him wherever he had to go. Until he steps out and your face changes. He sees the fear fill your eyes and you step back from him, wary of the man in front of you. Mando. The same reaction he gets from most. Instead of removing his helmet, Din shakes his head, lowering his voice through the modulator. “He left.” He tells you curtly, heart aching because he knows that he loves you. It’s for the best though, you are scared of the beskar, scared of who he really is. Din Djarin is just an illusion.

Your heart breaks at the news that Din has already left. The Mandalorian looks like he could snap you in two and you know he won’t want you sobbing in front of him. “Oh, uh, okay. If - if you happen to see him, can you tell him I wanted to come with him? If you see him…tell him I love him.” You tell the Mandalorian even though you know he would likely never see Din, you felt like you had to tell someone. Even if it was the imposing beskar clad Mando.

He doesn’t trust himself to answer, instead he just nods once. Watching you and memorizing your face. It’s different through the HUD and he doesn’t like it as much as looking up at your face without the separation. The news that you loved him fills his heart with joy and sorrow, hating that he can’t have what he wants. After staring for a long minute, Din turns around and starts to finish closing up the panels on the star fighter to get it ready for take off.

You stand there, watching the star fighter engines start and you swallow as the tears start to stream down your cheeks, mourning the future you could’ve had with Din. You’re not sure why you watch the Mandalorian go but just as he lifts up from the ground, your eyes widen. “Grogu?” You gasp, seeing Din’s son pop up in the back seat and you glance back at the Mando, putting two and two together. “Wait! Wait!” You shout as the starfighter lifts higher. “Din! Stop!” You scream, begging him to hear you but the engines are too loud and he doesn’t look down at you. You’re helpless, unable to do anything except watch him disappear into the sky and off into the galaxy. 

“Goodbye Din Djarin.” You sob, sinking down to the ground to cry your heart out. You’ll never forget him, the man known to the rest of the galaxy as a bounty hunter, a Mandalorian, the Mand’alor. To you, he was simply Din Djarin.

[rosenotactuallyquartz]

hi! I sent an ask a while ago about how the diamonds' relationship with spinel and you didn't answer — which is fine, but it made me worry about having sent something that somehow upset you. and like, I did talk about something personal to explain what I was trying to say. anyway I hope you're alright and I'm sorry if any of it caused you distress! and if you just happened to not have wanted to answer it please ignore this ask. thanks for your rose (and pearlrose) posts!!!

hi hi, i like your posts a lot too & i’m so sorry for the late response! i think your interpretation is completely valid & here’s the thing: i also agree with your take. i know… i may or may not have been half asleep the first time i wrote about spinel & i realize that some things were worded wrong (so sorry about that / gen)

pink, spinel, and the diamonds

rose & future

volleyball is one of my favourite characters, so i disagree with people who say that future characters like volleyball & spinel are meant to “make the audience hate rose more.” some fans hate rose more after future, but that’s likely because they already misunderstood her. so, they can’t really connect what we learn about rose in future to her character as a whole. these characters show us how much rose grew, how rose felt on homeworld, they help us understand things about her relationships & how she feels. they add so much depth to her character.

pink & my personal connection

pink’s life on homeworld was incredibly devastating. awhile ago, i wrote about volleyball & rose’s destructive powers. to me personally, the destructive powers symbolize how it feels to be a traumatized kid who feels out of control & unsafe. once rose is in a safe environment, she’s shown love, and she’s able to be herself and fight for what she believes in, she’s able to heal (although healing is nonlinear & she still had struggles), quite literally having healing powers. trauma responses are not always pretty, and i know from my own background that it can be difficult to form healthy friendships as a kid when you’ve never been shown love & you’re from an unstable household. sometimes, pain rubs off on others, even when it’s unintentional. this will worsen insecurities, but healing takes time & self compassion is so important. rose had a really hard time with self compassion & self acceptance, and she often blamed herself completely for a lot of things. white definitely played a role in how ashamed she was of her past, as she told her that she only made things worse.

when rose faked the shattering, i saw it as representing an escape from an abusive household to a safe environment. i know there’s so much more to that situation, but this was part of it. ultimately, she passed away & her abusers felt guilty, while volleyball & spinel had their own pain and confusion.

so, i’ve focused on volleyball & spinel as symbolizing the childhood best friends of an abused child. they brought her some joy while she was in that environment, even if it was only for a short while. i know that rebecca sugar said spinel was inspired by a toy they had as a child, one that they left behind in the garden. i think spinel can be looked at as symbolizing a lot of different things. i know that some personal experiences definitely impact how i feel about the ending.

marina spinel & the diamonds

when i watched the movie, i was hoping that spinel would be able to enjoy earth more & possibly heal in that new environment, much like rose did. i imagined this would help her come to terms with pain from the past & really make peace with pink, as she’d get to grow & learn about & see the beauty of the planet that rose fought for. i’m sure this is what rose would have wanted! at the same time, if she didn’t want to be on earth, that’s okay too.

i was just concerned about spinel living with the diamonds specifically. i don’t think the writers were trying to show that they were blaming pink completely for the situation, and i think steven felt relieved that the diamonds would get off his case about him living with them. at the same time, i was hesitant because of the way i saw the situation. pink passed away, her abusers feel guilty. her former best friend doesn’t entirely understand the impact they had on pink’s behaviour & decisions & actions and now she’s going to live with them. she reminds them of pink.

at the same time, the diamonds are grieving. grief is complicated, and spinel would absolutely bring them some comfort because she’s so much like pink in a lot of ways. that’s why your take is completely valid, and i agree these are the intentions that they had! this is evident from the song, and i’m really sorry for my initial post about this, because i think it came off wrong.

i also remember white telling spinel in i am my monster that the reason pink hurt her was because she hurt pink. so hey, she’s honest & she’s not blaming pink for the whole situation.

my issue with the ending stems from the guilt that the diamonds feel and the pain that spinel expressed in the movie. i already saw spinel as being a friend of an abused child, while the diamonds were the abusers, so i felt odd about the childhood friend living with the deceased friend’s abusers. i know that the diamonds might look at this as a way of making up for the pain that pink experienced, and even taking some accountability. but from spinel’s perspective, i’d want to keep my distance from people like that, even if they were trying to change. living with them might be too much, especially while they’re grieving & they like having spinel around because she reminds them of pink. spinel has also been through enough in that environment, so i thought that she might want to be away from the diamond authority. living with them might be unhealthy in a lot of ways, especially because their feelings about pink are all very different & complicated. she might have trouble moving on when she’s in an environment like this, and i wondered if the diamonds truly liked her, or they liked feeling better about themselves and having a reminder of pink around.

anyways, thanks for the ask & i’m sorry for the late response! for some reason i just get nervous to talk about future because i’ve seen folks argue argue about it on other platforms & yeah. i also wasn’t really sure how to communicate that i did agree with you & i wrote something that really didn’t make sense last month because i was half asleep and … it’s complicated. i hope you have a great week!

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 21

"AMARANTHINE"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 20 - "DIFFICULT CHOICES"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761407251706707968/vagabonds-chapter-20?source=share

Word Count: 2.8 K

Background: The crew splits up: One group to continue repairing the Beldame. The other to take Mad to the Rebel Base. What lies in store for them?

Amaranthine definition: Undying, immortal, eternally beautiful. A deep purple-red color.

THE ACTION RAMPS UP IN THIS CHAPTER!

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protaganists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: SW Canon violence, blood, snapped neck, dog mauling human (defensive move for the doggo), some swearing, angst, tragedy.

(Credit: Cool dividers by @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive Pinterest: Hunter)

“The Beldame STILL needs further repairs” Tech voiced his ship wide diagnostic report of the the Beldame.  “It seems the maintenance on YOUR ship hasn’t been kept up for some time.” 

“Not subtle are ya Tech” Mad shot back.  “Before the Coruscant Job, we BARELY fed ourselves.  Jobs weren't paying much of a living wage for Nomaadi during The Republic Era.”   

“No need to be offended.  I was merely stating...” Tech remarked flatly 

Echo comically slapped his forehead with his hand.   

Wrecker, standing next to Tech grimaced and signaled his brother to STOP TALKING. 

Tech was oblivious. 

Hunter just sat there, chin in hand as he rested it on the armrest of his seat, slight grin as he watched Tech unassumingly poke the Dryax.  He wished Crosshair could be here.  Knew the sniper would absolutely RELISH Mad and Tech bickering. 

He’d be eating this shit UP! 

“What I'm saying is LOVE and I are POOR.  Does that spell it out for you?”  Mad sarcastically replied rubbing her belly.  “Was hoping to finish the repairs with the credits from THIS job.” 

Giggles from the kids. 

Tech softened.  He realized his sass was rude.  By comparison, the Marauder was in top condition currently because the Batch hadn’t been estranged from the Republic for very long. 

“Well...an electromagnetic interference such as what LOVE emitted would damage ANY ship.”  This was the best apology Mad would get from Tech.  “If we expect to exit this hyperspace lane, rudimentary power for locomotion to the Beldame must be restored.” 

“I agree.  Don’t know WHY you couldn’t have just kept to the bare FACTS in your status report.” Mad verbally jabbed back.  “Didn’t need that EXTRA remark thrown in.” 

Tech rolled his eyes.  Everyone on the ship snickered at him. 

“So, how much longer before the Dame has some thruster capability?” Mad demanded. 

“Another standard day or two of repairs.  It will be enough to get us out of hyperspace and somewhere we can procure replacement parts.  Otherwise, the Beldame won’t be able to enter hyperspace again.  The Marauder used a considerable amount of power to pull your ship in.  However, it’s wearing on our ship’s engines to continue to do so.” 

Hunter intervened “Can we leave a group of crew members behind to work on repairs while another accompanies Mad to the surface of Taphao Kaew’s Rebel Base?” 

“Seems the only option.” Echo stepped into the conversation. 

Tech continued “Technically the Dame SHOULD be safe for now, but we cannot continue to lurk in this hyperspace lane long term.  Hopefully the Rebel Base will allow us to land and continue repairs on the planet’s surface.” 

“Sounds good to me.” Mad replied “Of course, I want Hunter with me.  Sil, I want you to stay and help fix the Dame.” 

Sil nodded to Mad who continued “LOVE, stay here and protect the ship for the time being.  We still need that shield generator up and working.” 

LOVE immediately shook their head in heated disagreement. 

Omega bounced up and down, hand up...clearly she wanted to be involved.

"Omega?" Mad turned to Hunter. Not wanting to speak for him regarding his younger sister.

Hunter added “Echo and Wrecker can come with us while Tech, Sil, and...” 

Tech interjected “We...will need MORE people to work on the Beldame if we are expected to leave within the expected timeframe.  Perhaps Echo and Wrecker should stay with Sil.  I will navigate the Marauder and LOVE can accompany Hunter and Mad for protection purposes.  That is MY suggestion.” 

“AWW!” Wrecker groused.  “I wanna go.  Been working on the Dame all this time!!!” 

“So have I.” Echo grumped at Wrecker “Don’t hear ME complainin!” 

Omega burst forth "CAN I GO TOO???"

ALL the Batchers simultaneously turned and shouted "NO!"

"Aaaargh!" She stomped her little feet.

Sil threw his arm around Omega's shoulder "You can stay and work alongside me!"

Omega pretended to be grateful...Sil scoffed at her halfhearted try.

Hunter glanced at Mad for her opinion.  She nodded. 

“Everyone in agreement?” He addressed the crew. 

Everyone nodded. 

Wrecker crossed his arms and pouted. Omega eyed Hunter disappointedly.

"Sorry kid...next time." Hunter promised.

“We move out early tomorrow morning.” Hunter announced.  “Everyone hit the sack.  Got a big day ahead of us.” 

Mad didn’t need an alarm.  She awoke to Hunter stroking her hair.  Mad opened her eyes as he traced the side of her jaw sweetly.  She took his hand and kissed it. 

“How are you feeling?” 

“Anxious.” Mad rubbed the sleep from her eyes.  “I don’t want to think about what we might or might not be walking into.” 

“Hey...” Hunter kissed Mad’s forehead “I’ll be there.  So will Tech and LOVE.  You got nothing to worry about.” 

Mad smiled. 

He’s worried too.  Trying to put on a brave face. 

She loved him for it. 

“Oof, the BABY pressure on my bladder!”  Mad threw the blankets back... 

Her belly was even LARGER this morning! 

Mad attempted to get off the bed and failed.  She flopped back on the bed and sighed. 

“Help please...” 

Hunter grinned.  He put his arm around Mad’s shoulders to help lift her off the bed. 

“Need me in there too?” 

“No, smartass.  I can pee all by myself thank you.”  Mad sassed.  “But if you’re offering you can scrub my back in the shower.”  

“Mmm...” Hunter pinched Mad’s butt cheek playfully. 

“Don’t get any ideas, Sergeant.  You ordered an EARLY start to this mission.” 

Tech covertly landed the Marauder along the heavily wooded surface of Taphao Kaew.  The plan was to have Tech stay with the ship.  Hunter and LOVE would take Mad to the Rebel Base and radio Tech with any decision the extraction point contact had for the babies.  From there on in, the plan was open to “improvisation”. 

He watched Hunter, Mad and LOVE leave the Marauder and disappear into the strange alien forest.  Tech stood watch at the Marauder’s side hatch for quite a while... 

Eventually his attention-span waned.  It was taking longer than expected.  Tech wished he had advised Wrecker to come along after all.  He could carry Mad all the way there and back easily.  Not that Tech didn’t expect Mad to be able to make the journey, as she was capable albeit slower.  It was more due to Hunter hovering like a father hen, therefore slowing her down considerably. 

Sil pulled out the treat box from the Beldame’s Galley and shook it loudly. 

Nothing. 

“TIGGY!” Sil shouted through the Beldame. 

Quiet. 

Wrecker came around the corner “I’m worried.  Still can’t find ‘er.” 

“Little Menace is probably tucked away somewhere in the Beldame.  Let sleeping dogs lie.”  Echo gestured.  “Got LOTS of work to do.” 

Hunter held Mad’s hand and slung his other arm around her shoulders.  He could catch her lest she slip, protect her from blaster bolts, or an approaching enemy. 

Love hovered behind them, grinning and watching the interaction between Hunter and Mad.  Eventually Mad glanced over her shoulder, leading Hunter to do the same. 

“Wut?” She scowled comically. 

Oh...YOU TWO. 

Hunter picked up the subtle facial micro expressions between LOVE and Mad.  It seemed LOVE was able to control what and when Hunter could communicate with them.  He nodded to Mad, who instinctively understood his inquiry. 

“We’re being...lovey-dovey.”  Mad whispered to Hunter. 

“Not used to it yet, huh?” Hunter pulled up his helmet to expose his face, leaned in and kissed Mad on the cheek.  Just a gentle brush of his lips while walking the forest path. 

Mad roped an arm around his tucked waist, squeezed firmly and affectionately. 

Disss-gustin' LOVE snorted out loud. 

Mad giggled. 

“Stay here.” Hunter abruptly blurted, then nodded to a stunned LOVE.  He let go of Mad and dashed off the trail...quietly.  As if he was a weightless wraith, ghost of a man, vanishing into the deep shadows of the forest. 

Mad and LOVE glanced at each other with wide puzzled eyes. 

Hunter IMMEDIATELY popped back onto the trail startling them BOTH. 

He presented a Wild Rambling Amaranthine Rose.  Its passionate purple and velvety petals emitted a sweet yet exotically musky odor.  The abundantly green leaves nestled against the flower’s petals.  The large, lush blooms while striking were protected by razor sharp 4-inch spikes all over the plant. 

A fitting flower for Hunter’s lady. 

He had SOMEHOW so quickly avoided the thorns to obtain an amazing specimen without injury. 

Hunter got down on one knee... 

“Whaddya doin???” Mad stared down at him suspiciously. 

“Proclaiming my love and devotion to my...lover...lady...special person.  We never settled on a title.”  Hunter preened. 

Mad stifled a laugh.  She was that cynical to think Hunter’s proclamation was a silly joke. He was coming out of his shell, exhibiting a dry humor, but THIS was pure tooth rotting sweetness.  A grown man with the occasional heart of an innocent boy.   

He’s not cynical like ME. He has SO MUCH HOPE Mad thought.  Thank FORCE.  I’ve LOST mine long ago.  I NEED this.  Mad thought guiltily.  She’s been ALONE for so long. Independence was ALWAYS Mad’s go to.  She could STILL have that, but with the luxury of passionate, empathetic companionship. 

Hunter cleared this throat embarrassingly “I’m hoping that WHATEVER is required on this planet...we’ll STILL be together afterwards.  I’ll even settle for whatever time we have left...a day or a lifetime.”  He had a fleeting expression of FEAR in his eyes. 

“Hunter...” Mad was speechless and a bit concerned.   

“I should’ve done this earlier with EVERYONE present.  Didn’t really HIT ME until now.”  

LOVE floated soundlessly watching and picking up on the vibes of the situation. 

Mad took the flower from Hunter, tucked it into the hair of her Mohawk, pulled Hunter from his knees, and embraced him.  He embraced her back with an emotionally hitched breath.  They kissed sweetly and deeply.   

LOVE didn’t feel embarrassed or offended by the open display of affection.  Their mother was long overdue the companionship of another.  LOVE wanted Mad to be HAPPY.  It seemed to FINALLY have arrived. 

Annnnd I pronounce you bonded life partners for many years, boop, beep, boop.  LOVE Force Spoke to them both while waving arms like a total goof. 

Hunter and Mad blushed.   

The group continued their journey. 

Tech leaned over the game on top of Gonky’s head.  Rubbing his chin, while contemplating his next move.  His mind a million miles away... 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!”  

Gonky jumped up and knocked over game pieces as Tech whirled around. 

A green armored Trooper stood inside the Marauder; blaster trained on him. 

“Shit!” Tech swore under his breath, hands hovering over both of his holstered blasters. 

Well, I’ve DONE it NOW!  Tech mused.  Our goose is cooked!!! 

“Where are you from?  Any more crew members?  State your planet of origin!” 

Tech couldn’t help blurting out “Are you a mercenary???” 

The Trooper closed in on him menacingly. 

Tech improvised cooly “My companion and I” he motioned to Gonky “are traveling botanists who sample and study the flora from differing planets of the galaxy.  Today was the day to study YOUR fair planet.” Tech attempted to avoid grimacing embarrassingly.   

He failed. 

Clones are HORRIBLE liars. 

“Botanist with ARMOR and BLASTERS???” The Trooper wasn’t sold on Tech’s lie. 

Tech launched into what he knew “We MUST protect ourselves from many natural dangers.  For instance, the flesh-eating flower of...”  

“I’m NOT INTERESTED in your LIES!” The Trooper slammed his blaster into Tech’s chest... 

Tech put both hands up and steeled himself. 

Then a loud THUD caught the trooper’s attention.  He eyed Tech for a second, blaster still digging into his sternum.  When he felt sure Tech would not resist, the Trooper turned to glance behind him into the half-lit shadows of the Marauder. 

Tech, unable to do anything at that moment, glanced in the same direction as the Trooper...  At nothing but shadows. 

The trooper turned back to Tech “WHO ELSE is with you?” He viciously hissed. 

Tech attempted to come up with something on the fly, but his brain locked up while his eyes widened with concern due to the high probability of having his guts blasted across the Marauders cockpit. 

He didn’t need too much time though... 

A black blur SLAMMED into the Trooper!  He screamed for a brief second before it bit deeply into the gap in his armor.   

Tiggy snapped the Trooper’s neck with brutal precision.  The noise was loud as it silenced the scream immediately.  His body collapsed into a heap on the ship's decking. 

She did it all WITHOUT breaking ANY skin! 

Tech watched as Tiggy released the dead soldier, then guiltily backed up into the shadows.  She was comically visible... 

...until her dark coat seemed to melt and become one with them.   

Only her yellow eyes shone in the darkness.   

Tiggy found the ability to CLOAK herself like some of the undersea creatures of Kamino!  Tech quickly surmised it was due to her enhanced breeding...even if she was only meant for food stock originally. 

Tech’s jaw dropped.  “Fascinating!”  He could see from her eyes Tiggy was NOW cowering in doggy fear.  She closed them and disappeared entirely. 

“Tiggy...” Tech coaxed.  “GOOD GIRL!” 

She LAUNCHED out of the shadows and slammed into Tech’s chest.  Tiggy slobbered his face, the areas where she leaned up against him blending in with his armor, clothing, and pockets...half of her cloaked, half a fully visible dog. 

She knocked the wind out of Tech, and he was absolutely THRILLED for it.  He wrestled her off him, then gave a command. 

“Daab!” 

Tiggy healed at Tech’s side as he stood up. 

She waited patiently for whatever else he required of her. 

Tech then attempted to comm Hunter that the Marauder had been discovered.  

Hunter, Mad, and LOVE reached a small clearing and could see the Rebel Facility... 

PEOPLE WERE RUNNING OUT OF IT. Terrified people!  Frantically trying to escape a figure dressed in green armor, leveling a blaster rifle at them.   

He picked people off with a terrifying precision. 

Hunter drew his weapon.  Mad pulled a blaster out from under her robes, surprising him that she was even packing at all. 

“Didn’t think I'd walk into this without at least a blaster, Hunky?” Mad shot a glance at Hunter. 

“At least?  You’re carrying more???” Hunter quirked an eyebrow. 

“Of course.”  

They both took aim. 

A Rodian dressed in medical attire and an Empire Storm Trooper, dressed in plain white armor, ran towards Hunter and Mad screaming “LEAVE!  WE’VE BEEN INFILTRATED!!!” 

The Rodian grabbed Mad, trying to drag her away with them. 

Hunter and the Storm Trooper’s eyes met.  Hunter IMMEDIATELY sensed he was not a threat. 

“A few soldiers and I DEFECTED from the Empire.  CX-Troopers TRACKED us!” The Stormtrooper yelled as he ran past. 

“CX WHO???” Hunter yelled back. 

Then the hair on the back of Hunter’s neck stood up straight.  He yanked Mad out of the way of a blast bolt.  Unfortunately, it hit the Rodian doctor and she fell to the ground.  Hunter berated himself for not anticipating. 

Mad squeezed off a shot.  It impacted the CX’s pauldron, throwing him off balance, but still alive. 

LOVE threw out a Force shield around them all. 

Hunter and Mad provided cover fire while watching the stormtrooper drop to the ground over his comrade.   

The Stormtrooper yanked up his helmet and a Mirialan TEENAGE BOY of no more than 15 or 16 peered out from under the armor. “Reeda!  Let’s get you up.” 

The older Rodian sadly replied.  “No... RUN Jebith.  Take them with you.  Be safe.”  She yanked a detonation device off Jeb’s belt and activated it. 

Jebith embraced Reeda, wiping a tear from his eye, then glanced up at Hunter.   

Hunter, shocked, threw his hand out to the teen.  “Come with us!  We’ll get you off world!!!” 

Jebith grasped Hunter’s arm, and he hauled Jeb to his feet. 

Hunter grabbed Mad and RAN!  Jebith on his heels.  LOVE levitating quickly behind him, keeping the Force shield.  The CX-2 regained his footing, openly stalking and attempting to blast them dead. 

Unfortunately, NOBODY got very far before the device went off.  A blinding flash of light sent EVERYONE flying backwards.  Hunter and Jeb had their armor, LOVE had The Force... 

...Mad was RIPPED from Hunter’s grasp...she had NOTHING. 

LOVE was pushed violently away like a leaf in the wind.   

Hunter and Jebith found themselves thrown like toys.  Jeb cleared a tree by millimeters as he flew.  Hunter anticipated his trajectory and was able to tuck and bounce off a large branch, his clone physique MUCH hardier than a human.  He landed on the ground yards back, continued to roll as he contacted the ground, then flipped up in a crouched standing position. 

Hunter scanned the area around him.  He attempted to see past the smoke and debris raining down.  “MAD?  LOVE?  JEB???” 

Jeb landed HARD, then managed to lift his head in time to see Hunter run off. 

Hunter and Jeb heard a blood curdling wail. 

Hunter went into autopilot and ran blindly towards the sound.  He could almost taste singed flesh, fresh blood, and smell LOVE’S fear as it joined with his.  He ignored the small raining debris and instinctively dodged the larger ones.  Hunter tracked low to the ground, almost on all fours as he wove, dodged trees, and uneven ground. 

The smoke cleared as he approached LOVE howling in emotional agony.  They were holding Mad... both covered in blood... 

I TRIED...I... COULDN’T CATCH HER IN TIME!!!  LOVE screamed inside Hunter’s head. 

...bloody flower petals strewn across the forest floor.  Purple contrasting with crimson red.

A beautiful thing destroyed in an instant... 

To read Chapter 22 "THE TEMPEST":

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/762939005812801536/vagabonds-chapter-22?source=share

Please let me know if you wanted to be added to my taglist or removed! Thanks so much for your support!!!

[starastrologyy]

Astrology Observations🌬

Please do not plagiarize my work or repost on any other social media platform 🤍

Venus square Mars in synastry can cause an extremely *intense* sexual attraction between two people. However, this is an aspect that can go either way in terms of attraction. If the two people have many squares between their personal planets, Venus square Mars can manifest as a strong dislike or irritation towards each other. Nevertheless, this aspect typically works better if it is the Woman’s Venus making a square to the Man’s Mars. If the Venus person is not attracted to the Mars person, they can find their (Mars Persons) advances unsettling or “too much”.

I personally know a few people with the aspect Mars square Pluto in their natal charts. Interestingly, the men with this aspect gravitate towards high impact sports like football and rugby (two of them are actually professional athletes). Whilst the others are adrenaline junkies, or prefer to engage in hobbies that contain an element of risk (racing etc..) In a woman’s chart, I have found that this aspect tends to account for some of the men she attracts into her life, or the experiences she has had in the hands of other people.

The progressed Moon entering the 5th house (along with other co-occurring 5th house transits) is a strong indication of potentially falling pregnant.

On the topic of progressions, something so interesting that I observed in a few charts, is that when the persons progressed Venus entered their 10th house or Capricorn, they started to attract romantic partners who were of status. In simpler terms, people who had high paying jobs or those who were in the spotlight in some way, started showing interest in them. (Another manifestation of this progression is paying more attention to your career than your romantic life, or seeking stable long-term commitments over flings)

I’ve been closely analyzing Synastry that has a lot of Neptunian themes. Honestly, I’ve found that the delusion or rose-colored glasses often goes both ways. Let’s take Venus square Neptune in synastry, most people will say that it’s the Venus person projecting their ideals into the Neptune person and I fully agree. However, if the Neptune person is highly Neptunian or Plutonian themselves, they are likely to reciprocate the idealization/devaluation dynamic that often occurs in this synastry aspect.

Venus in the 10th house of a natal chart can manifest in different ways (like most placements). However, I’ve found that women (cishet)with this placement, often attract men who want to make them their ‘trophy wife’. These women often receive a lot of attention from the public in general, this is especially true if Venus is conjunct Neptune, Mars, or Pluto in the 10th.

Moon square Moon in synastry (2 degree orb or less), is one of my least favorites. It’s not to say that your relationship is absolutely doomed if you have this aspect. Squares actually push you to grow and they add an element of excitement in the relationship. However, I don’t like squares between the Moon, as your emotional natures are fundamentally different. What is initially exciting in the beginning, becomes unbearable and conflict provoking in the end. For this aspect to be diffused, both people will need to be willing to meet each other halfway. People with Mutable moons are better at handling this aspect as they are open to change & flexibility . This square in a fixed sign, is where you will really see a huge clash in egos, as neither will want to let the other get the upper hand in this dynamic. Whereas, this aspect in cardinal signs, can create a lot of attraction between to people, but their arguments are likely to be intense & quite frequent. Emotional maturity from both sides is required to make this aspect work!

I checked the Solar Return for a person who I developed a significant relationship with a few years ago. Interestingly, my natal Sun was the same sign as his solar return descendent the year we met. Whereas, his natal Venus was in the same sign as my Solar return 8th house ( we developed a significant sexual relationship that year) Another very interesting observation in my solar returns was that when my solar return rising sign was in the same sign as my natal 5th or 7th house, I would attract romantic partners whose Sun signs or other personal planets matched my solar return rising sign. I think these occurrences were what really made me in awe of astrology because I was like “no way” .

I have found Sun square Moon, Venus square Mars, and Venus square Uranus to be common in the composite charts of people who are “friends with benefits”. Please note this is based on my *own* research and observation. So, please don’t see this and think you’ll never be in a committed partnership with someone because you have this aspect in your composite chart.

I actually just very recently observed an interesting manifestation of Chiron in the 6th that I thought I’d share. So earlier in this post, I mentioned knowing people with Mars square Pluto in their charts. Well, one of them also has Chiron in the 6th, and he mentioned to me that because of the constant impact he receives whilst playing rugby (he does it professionally) his physical health often takes a huge hit. He’s experienced fractured bones, concussions, a dislocated shoulder etc… I thought that was very interesting, as he wasn’t born with a chronic illness or any physical difficulties, his career is what is activating his 6H Chiron.

The 2nd house represents your wealth potential. Meaning, it can tell you the ways in which you can make your own money . I honestly find that the 2nd house, along with the 5th house can show you your potential “side hustles”. For example, if you have Pisces over your 2nd house cusp, you may make money through art, photography, spirituality, or even by doing something that requires you to make use of your imagination/compassion.

People with Mercury in the 6th are often very tidy, as in they hate mess. However, if mercury is afflicted the opposite is likely to be true.

This is more of a controversial one (I’m also not intending to offend anyone by this) , but astrological researchers have found that earth dominant women (and individuals in general) are more likely to go into sex work, than people who are dominant in the other elements. Interestingly, having a Capricorn Venus & Mars was also common in the chart of sex workers. This actually makes sense if you think about it, as there is a sort of detached approach to Venus matters with this placement. Capricorn also represents wealth (and Mars is exalted in Capricorn). Thus, these individuals are better able to use their own physical & sexual appeal for financial gain. Now not everyone who is into sex work does it for the money, but it’s just an interesting observation. I must also add that Virgo & Libra placements were also common in the charts of sex workers!

If you want to predict major life changing events, I recommend you look at your Solar arcs and your Secondary progressions. I’m actually thinking of doing a separate post to detail the different predictive techniques, and which ones to especially pay close attention to. Your progressed Moon reaching an angle (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) will be an extremely significant time in your life. A progressed new moon is also going to bring about major life changes related to the house in which it is occurring. Your solar return is helpful when it comes to telling you about your year ahead. Your activated profection year can do this too. But I will create an entirely different post detailing all of these things for those who are interested in predictive astrology!

[nikki-is-a-nerd]

I've Seen This Scene Before (Part One)

Summary:

With Naboo now being eyed by Grand Admiral Thrawn, the resistance sends one of their best, Ezra Bridger must help protect you.

Though he meets the Queen, he also meets you, a simple handmaiden...or are you?

A/N:

Sorry for the very long disappearance from writing fics. I was in a rut and was struggling to find words.

___________________________________

With Grand Admiral Thrawn's return to the galaxy also brought back his greatest foe, Ezra Bridger. The Empire is slowly trying to build itself back, bit by bit, now they also decided to take back planets that once belonged under their reign, first on that list is Naboo. When an insider intercepted that message, they immediately warned the resistance.

Hera, though being observed like a hawk by Senator Xiono decided to warn you, despite the protest of the aforementioned senator. You were exasperated, great the empire wants revenge, they really timed things well.

"General, if you'd allow it, would you mind sending me anyone to just shadow me. We're currently lacking in terms of guards as of right now. Apparently we had traitors hiding in our system and when Thrawn returned, they left and nearly everyone in the guards were traitors." You said exhausted.

“Don’t worry, we’ll send some fighters over.” Hera said.

“No, just one very capable person would do. We have trainees already. Its just that, aside from my handmaidens, i just need someone who’s going to ensure I don’t just get shot from behind.” You said softly.

Hera smiled softly. Moments like this remind her of how young you really are. How underneath all of the royal garments and white powdered face lay a young woman, who just wants to serve her country in the best way that she can. You were indeed one of the older queens to ever sit on the throne but that doesn’t mean it prepares you for whatever happens, war isn’t something you can ever foresee the outcome of. Senator Xiono pipes up, uncaring about life that isn’t his own.

“With all due respect your majesty, every single fighter counts, we have no time nor the resource to send out a fighter your way. You are talking about just your planet out of the countless others an-“

“Senator Xiono, might i remind you that out of all the planets we saved from destruction, Naboo has been by far the most helpful one. Supplying us with food and other resources.” Senator Organa said, looking at Xiono with thinly veiled contempt.

Xiono couldn’t say anything else as everyone also agreed to send even just one fighter to Naboo. Its the least they could do. Trying to keep an ally is what matters most nowadays. Seeing as how a lot of the other planets are already showing support for the growing empire. Hera looked at Xiono knowing this time she’d won once again, irking Xiono.

“I’ll send someone from my team personally. I’m sure any member of the ghost crew would enjoy helping out a planet in need.” Hera spoke kindly.

“Thank you. I’ll even greet them myself alongside my most trusted handmaidens.” You said.

Though you did say you would greet them personally, you never said in what form. You were known as the queen who never showed their true face. Unlike the other queens who would sometimes shed the royal face paint, you never did. You felt like the anonymity of your identity helped you rule the land. You were a blank slate, only your last name was known. Your handmaidens were truly the only ones to see your true self. On the day that the ghost arrived, you dressed up as your handmaiden, Rosita, while she pretended to be the queen in your stead. You all walked to where the ship was docked, Hera was outside waiting for your arrival. Standing beside her were the rest if the ghost crew and her son, Jacen but what caught your eye was the newly returned Ezra Bridger. He stood tall, eyes looking around excitedly at the palace, it brought you ease to see someone look so happy.

“Your Majesty, its nice to see you and your handmaidens today.” Hera said smiling.

“The pleasure is all mine. It’s very kind if you to pick from your own team. Are you sure you won’t need all of them in your search for Ahsoka Tano and Ms. Wren?” Rosita asked.

“No its quite alright, we’re still working on the ship that Ezra arrived in, and its going to take a while so, we aren’t doing any missions as of late.” She answered.

“Speaking of my team, as you may know these are my crew or my family. This is Zeb and his husband Kallus, Ezra, our droid Chopper and my son Jacen. The one who’ll be accompanying you and your handmaidens would be Ezra. He’s a skilled Jedi and if anything he can ensure you can all escape safely.” Hera said confidently.

“Hi, I look forward to working with all of you, uh madam? your majesty? Queen almighty?” Ezra said unsure.

“You may just refer to me as Queen (Y/L/N).” Rosita said with a smile.

You smiled at the flustered man infront of you, not noticing the way his eyes were suddenly drawn towards you. He looked at you for a bit before he snapped out of it when chopper decided that now was a good time to electrocute him. He was arguing with the droid while Rosita and the other Handmaidens conversed with the other members of the ghost, one of your handmaidens, Alina looked at you and you nodded your head, signaling her to tell Rosita that she should hand out the supplies you also promised you would supply to the resistance. While that was being done, you approached Ezra. If you were to entrust your life upon someone you should figure out who they are.

“Hello there.” You said

Ezra who was still arguing with chopper whipped his head so fast you winced at the whiplash that could’ve given him. Ezra gave you a huge smile, it was so warm to look at that you couldn’t almost believe that this was the same guy who is considered as Thrawn’s foil.

“Hi there, I’m Ezra im the queen’s temporary guard. Its so nice to meet you. Jacen told me all about your people’s culture and its so amazing meeting one of her select handmaidens.” Ezra said happily.

“Its an honor to meet you too. We’re all well aware of your sacrifices for your home planet. You seem like a brave guy.” You said, trying to sound normal.

“I mean, you’re doing the same thing of sorts. You put your life at risk to protect your planet’s leader. That’s brave too.” He said honestly.

“So are there any rules i need to follow? Any do’s and don’ts in the palace?” Ezra asked earnestly.

“Just one. Nobody else aside from the handmaidens must see the queen when she isn’t in her royal attire.” You said kindly.

You remember placing that rule for your safety and for the anonymity it gives you. Helping you learn about the current situation in naboo without the constraints of formality and politics. You weren’t born yesterday, you knew how easy it is for officials to lie since they think you’re too naive to be the queen. It’s quite stupid really.

"For Anonymity? I understand. I just don't want to offend anyone." He said politely.

"The fact that you even care to ask makes you better than half of the political figures here in naboo. Honestly the king of Gungans have better manners. Once he knocked on the Queen's door to ask if she was alright. Most just barge in unannounced." You said, voice laced with annoyance.

"Sounds like more trouble for you and the other handmaidens." Ezra said with a smile.

You smiled at his little joke until you realized you know his name but he doesn't know yours. Nobody knew your actual name since it's also hidden.

"How rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself. I am (Y/N), the Queen's handmaiden and I am pleased to make your acquaintance." You said as politely as you could.

"You have a beautiful name, suits the person who owns it too." Ezra said smoothly.

"You are a charmer." You teased.

"Only for women who I believe deserve a lot of praise." He added.

Before Ezra could say more, Hera and Rosita signalled you both over, chopper intentionally running over Ezra's foot.

"Karabast, that droid really hates me but hates me even more for disappearing." Ezra said as he walked beside you.

"I'm sure he's just teasing." You said, holding back a laugh.

"Don't laugh at my pain, help me get better. Give me a small kiss." Ezra said jokingly.

You felt your face flush as you heard it and you heard his laugh. He was good at this. You watched as he turned to look at a corner before squinting and looking forward again.

"How many exits are in this area by the way?" Ezra asked suddenly.

"Four, that's including the door we entered from and the ones you and your team entered. A latch on the ground that leads to Padmé's garden and a door that leads to a lab." You answered.

"Alright. I just wanted to know." Ezra said as he looked back at the shadows in the corner of the room.

As you both approached Hera and Rosita, Hera gave you a smile before turning to Ezra.

"Don't cause too much trouble. I know you well enough to know that you usually end up in it." She said sternly, like a mother warning her child.

"Hera, I don't go out picking fights, I'm not a child." Ezra said seriously.

"Could fool me." Zeb said with a straight face.

The witty, familial banter of the ghost crew made you smile longingly as you looked at them. Aside from your handmaidens, whatever friends you had from before was long gone. You had no family left as they decided to betray the people of Naboo and join the empire as well. Yet you kept your façade and remained headstrong and loyal to your people. You knew that the attacks from the empire would come sooner rather than later and you know that they will be personal.

“Well, we don’t want to overstay our welcome and keep Ezra from his newfound duties. We’ll be heading off. If anything happens and you need a quick escape, just give us a call.” Hera said to Rosita.

“I appreciate that a lot General Syndulla. Safe travels.” Rosita said as she imitated you.

“Be nice Ezra.” She said sternly before entering the Ghost.

Once the Ghost was out of sight, Rosita turned to your other handmaiden, Carmine and spoke.

“Show Ezra his sleeping quarters. It seems i need to change into a different attire. The king of the Gungans are coming, i must freshen myself up once more. Come now, (Y/N), Alina, we must make haste.” Rosita said and she began walking.

Once out of earshot and ezra’s sight Rosita turns to you with a smile. One that very much reminded you that you atleast had your handmaidens to trust.

“Your majesty, it seems that the young jedi likes you.” She teased

“Oh please, Alina, tell rosita that she’s imagining things.” You said jokingly.

“Your majesty, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did like you but i for one am sure that you fancy him.” Alina said with a smile.

“I do not! He is attractive and kind and funny but that’s all there is.” You huffed out.

“Its alright, you may struggle accepting it but you are just mortal. Love is normal. Who knows, perhaps you’ll be the second queen of naboo to fall for jedi charms.” Rosita teased as you entered your sleeping quarters.

When everything was settled and you returned to wearing your royal garments, you all agreed to tell Ezra in the rare case that he looks for you when you’re fulfilling your duties as the queen that you were sent out in an errand and would be unavailable.

Ezra stood quietly by your door before knocking, he wanted to let you know that it was almost time to meet up with the gungan king. So he spoke through the door.

"Your Majesty, your meeting with the Gungans is about to begin. We should set off soon." He said.

"Yes, We'll be out soon." You said in a serious way using your regal voice.

"I bet a thousand credits he looks for the beautiful handmaiden (Y/N)." Alina teased as she pinned a section of your hair.

"Alina, you don't need to bet, anyone with working eyes can see that this is the case of love at first sight. It's almost too adorable. Perhaps Queen Padmé sent you her blessings through the force." Rosita adds.

"Oh hush, come now. Let's not keep him waiting. I'm sure Carmine has no patience for his inquiries." You said trying to end the conversation.

"Carmine does have such a temper. She should get therapy." Alina said.

Once the door opened, Ezra stood straighter, Carmine noticed this and took note of his behavior. Oh, she already knows that Rosita and Alina would eat this all up. Ezra first noticed you, or the queen. Something in the way he looked at you made you feel like he could see past the royal regalia, then his eyes flitted past you and landed on Rosita. He furrowed his brows and said nothing else. He offered you his arm and smiled.

"Would you like to take my arm as we go out to the ship your majesty?" He asked politely.

"That would be nice. Perhaps whatever or whoever lurks around would second guess themselves before attacking then." You said with a bit of lightheartedness.

"Your majesty, I hope you don't mind me asking you this but." Ezra looked behind you where Rosita, Alina and Carmine all were walking.

"You have a new handmaiden and the one I know is...well, missing. Her name is (Y/N), I was wondering where she went." Ezra asked a bit bashful.

"Oh she was sent out for an errand. She's quite the young woman. Rosita, the one who replaced her is with us now. She's usually busy as well but she wanted to join us, so (Y/N) was kind enough to take her duties in the meantime." You explained.

From behind you both, Rosita arranges to send a Thousand credits to Alina who smiles smugly and Carmine watches them with a small smile of her own.

The meeting with the Gungans went well. After their near decimation both factions in Naboo have formed a better relationship. The Gungans do view you as a friend and respect your need for Anonymity and no longer question your validity as queen.

"Friend, I warn you once more. Rotten souls are after you." The Gungans' king said as you all were on dry land.

"I understand that, thank you for your warning, but have no fear, the resistance sent me a Jedi as a protector." You said confidently.

The king tilts his head and eyes Ezra, and something in his head clicked. Something familiar.

"Long ago, my great grandfather met a Jedi too. Anakin Skywalker. A small child back then but soon became something more. You remind me of how my grandfather described him to us. I trust you then as well." He said as he left to return to his palace under the lake.

Ezra was surprised but also quite uneasy. He knew the truth. Ahsoka told him how Anakin had turned to the dark side and became Darth Vader, then before he died, returned to the light all for the love he had for his son. Still did the Gungans also see that darkness in him? He was taken out of his thoughts when he heard something snap from a distance. Immediately he escorted you back into the ship, far from the back and still away from the door.

"Mr. Bridger, what's wrong?" You asked.

"Someone was out there in the woods. He wasn't careful and he stepped on something. I can feel them in the force, I know it's not an animal, their footsteps were too cautious." Ezra answered.

Ezra looked at you and something was truly telling him that you looked different from earlier. A miniscule, almost microscopic change. Yes your handmaidens all were nearly identical to you but they too had something different. He could tell who's who, but you. He thought to himself that you, the queen, looked a little too perfectly similar to the handmaiden (Y/N).

(Y/N), his thoughts wandered as the ship returned to the palace and you returned to your quarters to eat. His food was sent to his room as well. He wondered if you were back too. It is nearly dark outside and even if you were the Queen's handmaiden, one of her elite fighters. He truly couldn't help but worry. He decided to eat and perhaps roam the garden that he saw from earlier, maybe the cool air would ease his thoughts.

When he arrived at the garden, there he saw you. You were back from your duties. He jogged towards the small bridge that lay atop a beautiful man made pond.

"Good evening little miss handmaiden." Ezra's voice greeted you.

You turned and smiled, now back in your false handmaiden uniform. Well one of the many handmaiden uniforms.

"Good evening Jedi. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" You asked lightheartedly.

"Nothing much, I just wanted to see the garden, Carmine said it was a sight to see." He said as he looked up at the sky.

"This is one of the Gardens. I should take you to Padmé's Garden. Although it also houses her mausoleum, the garden that surrounds it is such a beauty." You offered.

"I'd like that, but perhaps we could go there once the threat of your queen getting killed is neutralized. I feel pretty bad that this is all happening." Ezra admitted.

"why? You aren't at fault." You said.

"My return marked the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn. My return marked his as well, and the new hope he brings to the empire." Ezra added.

"In my opinion, the empire would have always found a way to return, with or without Thrawn. They were just lucky he had devotees." You said with a scoff.

"That's true but I guess, I feel like I sped up the process." He said.

"We'll it doesn't matter. With you back, well I think we'll be in good hands. Plus the queen appreciates you and your dedication." You said truthfully, cheeks turning red with your words.

"The queen is also a beauty huh?" Ezra asked.

"Really? Do you like her?" You asked teasingly.

"I like her as a person, but looking at her and then looking at you versus all her handmaidens, you two look so similar. Don't mind that though, perhaps I'm just looking into it too much." Ezra said bashfully.

Ezra looked at you and smiled, he knew he basically said that you too looked beautiful as he compared you to the queen. Noticing the growing darkness, Ezra grabs you by the crook of your elbow and brings you both indoors.

"it's late, we should probably head to bed. I'll see you whenever you're free then. Goodnight (Y/N), it truly is lovely to meet you." He said with a charming smile as he returned to his room.

You walked back to your room, wearing your nightdress and smiled. It truly is a good evening. Your thoughts begin to silence themselves as you soon drifted off to sleep. Having Ezra here would truly be fascinating.

--------------------------------------------

A/N

Here's the complete part one. The second part will be started on soon. I hope you enjoy this though. Thank you

[impossibleprincess35]

The Echo and the Stain | ch 30

[Excerpt:]

Satine stepped forward, angrily crossing her arms, and she glared down at the pile of iron skin that was laid out before her. The beskar had a teal patina from ages of wear, and golden lilies had been soldered into the plates to honor the title she had been given as a child: The Lily of Mandalore. With a dismissive nod in the direction of her armor, she remarked, “I gave no permission for my family’s vault to be entered.”

Almec gave her a simpering look of pity and opened his arms as he turned to take in the pile of beskar for himself. “Apologies, Your Grace, but a last minute stipulation was added on behalf of the other parties. Leaders are expected to dress in armor-”

She interrupted him viciously, “A request so superfluous on a planet where violence is forbidden, it had to have come from the very brightest of them all. Count Jorir Wren, I presume?” Her eyebrow arched as she stared at Almec and dared him to offer some defense of the man who had tried to have her killed on the transport out of Dast Var.

Behind her, the Jedi Knights of the Republic stirred timidly.

Qui-Gon frowned, feeling the anger that flowed through Satine in the Force. The shock that she had initially felt upon entering the parlor had quickly subsided and turned into rage, though she bore the pain of betrayal somewhere in her mind. In all of the research he and Obi-Wan had done to prepare for meeting her, not once had he ever seen evidence of the Duchess of Kalevala in traditional Mandalorian armor; and it was clear to him that the presence of the beskar’gam had thrown her for a loop.

“Come now, Your Grace,” Almec crooned as he stepped towards her and his voice softened. “Let us not begin with short tempers and bad intentions. Your terms were agreed upon by all in attendance, and I’ll admit, they were not thrilled about your hired help.”

Obi-Wan scowled when Almec shot him a look of disapproval over Satine’s shoulder. The man seemed to dislike him for no reason; or maybe, the padawan thought, being a Jedi was reason enough for him.

Satine glared into the violet eyes of her New Mandalorian co-counsel and sneered, “You are not of House Kryze. You had no right to enter the vault without my permission. A violation of this kind makes me question your morality.”

Almec brushed her off with a flippant huff and then shot back, his tone crude but his voice low, “Oh, give it a rest. I’m a politician, not a deity. If you want to jeopardize all of the work we have done to bring peace to Mandalore because you don’t want to play dress up for a few hours, then maybe there is reason to give credence to the claims they make about you.”

Her cheeks turned a deep shade of pink as she fumed quietly, “Bearing the armor of my lineage is not dress up. It is a sacred rite. This is wrong, and it is nothing more than the Traditional Mandalorians seeing what they can demand that you will give under the pretense of cooperation.”

“So you intend to not wear it?” Almec asked her sharply.

Satine did not answer right away. The situation that she faced felt like a double-edged beskad, with no outcome preferable to the other.

--

Chapter 30 is up.

OMG, holy hell, I updated. :D

[hxney-lemcn]

To Fight For What You Love — Luke Skywalker x gn! Bounty Hunter! reader

summery: Being a bounty hunter for Jabba leads you into babysitting Han. Who knew that would mean you saving a princess and the rebel alliance in the process.

tw: reference to suicide (like the sayings, not actually talking about suicide). Fighting? Idk, anything in A New Hope.

a/n: Y'ALL 😭 I WAS NOT EXPECTING THE FIRST CHAPTER TO BE NEARLY 10k WORDS ODEWOKHVGK SAVE ME CUS I'M DOING ALL THE OG MOVIES

wc: 8.6k

Master List

Part One | Part Two

(Read on AO3 here if you'd rather)

I stood still as the Tatooine suns beat down on the sand. I watched through my goggles as Jabba called out to Han Solo. I’ve only seen him a few times, some smuggler. Had a silver tongue and tried to talk his way out of many situations, but this time Jabba wasn’t going to fall back. 

Who am I? No one special. I’m a Devaronian, from planet Devaron. My father convinced my mother to allow me to come with him somehow. We landed on Tatooine, the heat reminding us of our home (although it was a lot more dry than we were used to). Quickly, my father couldn’t find work and landed in the clutches of Jabba the Hut. He tried to keep me out of it, but if he didn’t teach me how to fight…let’s just say Jabba had a different plan for me than being a bounty hunter like I currently am. 

I turned around as Han came into the area. I repositioned my scarf back over my nose as it shifted down. 

“Right here Jabba,” Han said. “I’ve been waitin’ for you.” The others pointed their blasters at him, but I just crossed my arms, ready for this to be over. I need to make more money for my family after all, and I can’t do that sitting around here.

“Have you now?” Jabba asked incredulously. 

“You didn’t think I was gonna run, did you?” Han asked back.

“Han,” Jabba started. “My boy, you disappoint me. Why haven’t you paid me and why did you fry poor Greedo?” I tensed slightly as Boba Fett stood beside me. We never seemed to be on good terms. I suppose we were competition after all, but that’s why I let him claim all the bigger bounties, so he understood I wasn’t after his position.

“Jabba,” Han responded. “Next time you wanna talk to me, come see me yourself. Don’t send one of those twerps.”

“Han,” Jabba sighed, shaking his head. “I can’t make exceptions. What if everyone who smuggled for me dropped their cargo at the first sign of an imperial starship? It’s not good business.”

“Look Jabba,” Han said defensively. “Even I get boarded sometimes.” Han walked on his tail before continuing, “You think I had a choice? But I got a nice, easy charter. I’ll pay you back, plus a little extra. I just need a little more time.”

“Han, my boy,” Jabba gave in. “You’re the best. So, for an extra 20%...”

“15, Jabba, don’t push it,” Han interrupted. 

“Okay,” Jabba agreed. “15%. But if you fail me again, I’ll put a price on your head so big you won’t be able to go near a civilized system!”

“Jabba, you’re a wonderful human being,” Han said sarcastically.

Jabba motioned for the others to leave, but halted me, “You go with him, keep an eye out.”

I blinked, not believing this, “Will I be paid?” 

“Yes,” Jabba said, waving his hand. “8% of Han’s payment.”

I tried to hide my surprise, knowing Han owed a lot. I nodded, and quickly followed Han and his co-pilot, Chewbacca inside. They looked at me, hands on their blasters. 

“Aren’t you supposed to take your leave?” Han asked, raising an eyebrow. 

I raised my hands in the air in fake surrender, shrugging, “I was ordered to come with you.”

“Great,” Han rolled his eyes. “Just what we need, a baby sitter. And you’re younger than me!”

I tugged my tan scarf under my chin and sighed, “Look, if it makes you feel better, I don’t want to be here either.”

“Whatever,” Han grumbled, standing up. “Don’t touch anything, Chewie, guard the door and escort our guests. I’m gonna go fix what I can.”

The two left the ship and I sat down behind the table. Moving my goggles onto the top of my head, I rested my arms on the table, looking around. It was not the best looking ship. Dusty, probably from the Tatooine climate, a lot of parts seemed rusted. This was going to be a long ride. 

I nodded at Chewie as he walked through to the cockpit. He didn’t even acknowledge me. A few minutes later, the weirdest group boarded. Two humans, an older man and a guy around the same age as me, and two droids, an R2 unit and 3PO protocol droid. 

“Hello,” I greeted with a small wave. 

“Who are you?” The guy with blonde hair asked. I tried to ignore the way my mind immediately went to admire him.

“I’m-” I stopped once I heard the sounds of blasters being fired. I stood up quickly, making my way outside, blaster at the ready. I started shooting at the troopers. “Get on!” I shouted at Han. He kept shooting, running backwards towards the ship. I kept shooting, but Han grabbed my arm, pulling us into the ship. He shut the door behind us before running towards the cockpit.

“Chewie!” Han shouted. “Get us out of here!”

Not knowing what to do, I followed him, wanting to help however I could. I sat down in the seat behind Chewie, putting on my seatbelt. They quickly flew out, quite the bumpy ride. 

Chewie growled something, Han replying back, “Looks like an imperial cruiser. Our passengers must be hotter than I thought. Hold ‘em off. Angle the deflector shields while I make the calculations for the jump to lightspeed.”

“Is there anything I can do?” I asked hesitantly. There was a reason why I was a solo bounty hunter, and that’s because I was really awkward with others. It didn’t help that Han seemed to have a sort of disdain of me being here. 

“Yeah,” Han said sarcastically. “Don’t touch anything.” 

I let out a huff under my breath. That was the second time he said that to me. I haven’t even done anything wrong! And it’s not like I have an incentive to sabotage him or anything either!

“Stay sharp. There’s two more comin’ in,” Han said to Chewie. “They’re gonna try and cut us off.”

The two human passengers came in standing next to me.

“Why don’t you outrun them?” The blonde guy asked. “I thought you said this thing was fast.”

“Watch your mouth or you’re gonna find yourself floating home,” Han snapped. “We’ll be safe enough once we make the jump to hyperspace. Besides, I know a few maneuvers, we’ll lose them.” One of the imperial starships started shooting at us, and I held on tighter to my seat as the ship started shaking. “Here’s where the fun begins,” Han smiled. 

“How long before you can jump to lightspeed?” The old man asked.

“It’ll take a few moments to get the coordinates from the navicomputer,” Han replied, flicking switches.

“Are you kidding?” Blondie asked incredulously. “At the rate they’re gaining?”

“Traveling through hyperspace ain’t like dustin’ crops, boy,” Han snapped once more. “Without precise calculations, we’d fly right through a star, or bounce too close to a supernova, and that would end your trip real quick.”

Wanting to deescalate the situation, I decided to speak up, “I’ve mostly heard rumors about Han, but it’s common knowledge that he’s a pro at getting out of sticky situations.” They didn’t seem any more at ease at what I said, but blondie only continued his nagging.

“What’s that flashing?” He asked, pointing to a flashing light.

“We’re losing the deflector shield,” Han replied, batting blondies hand away. “Go strap yourselves in, I’m going to make the jump to lightspeed.”

Pulling a lever, the stars warped around us. I sighed, finally relaxing at the fact that we weren’t being shot at. I unstrapped myself as we glided through the universe. I followed Chewie into the main room of the ship. I sat next to him, watching curiously as the old man was teaching blondie something. 

Blondie glanced back at us, “You never got to tell us who you were.”

“Oh,” I said somewhat awkwardly. “I’m with Han-” Chewie growled out, probably in protest to what I said. “Well, I mean Jabba sent me to go with you. My name is (y/n).” 

Blondie nodded, “I’m Luke, that’s old Ben. And those two are C3PO and R2D2.”

I nodded, “Uhm, nice to meet you.”

“It’s good to see that there are still many Devaronians about,” Old Ben smiled. “Though I’m surprised that you’re so young.”

“My dad took me with him,” I shrugged, looking over to see that Chewie was starting a game of dejarik. 

Nodding, Ben turned towards Luke, who turned on…was that a lightsaber? I’ve only heard tales of the Jedi. Being Devaronian, we tend to be force sensitive. Though we do not focus on these attributes of ourselves. I myself was not force sensitive, but my mother was. Although we do not focus on the force, we are taught the basics, and a little about Jedi. My father told me about their eradication, so seeing that they weren’t all gone was a marvelous sight. 

I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard Chewie growl. I looked over at the board and watched one of Chewie’s pieces be killed. Leaning over I pointed out what I thought was the best move. This went on for a bit, but Chewie quickly grew frustrated.

“You can forget your troubles with those imperial slugs,” Han said while walking into the room. “I told you I’d outrun them.” Han took a seat next to Ben who didn’t seem to be doing well. I turned my attention back to the game. “Don’t everybody thank me at once,” Han said sarcastically. Chewie groaned as another piece was killed, and I tried to find a way to redeem the game. “Anyway, we should be at Alderaan in about 0200 hours.”

Chewie ignored the spot I pointed at, and C3PO said, “Now be careful, R2.” The R2 unit killed another piece and Chewie growled loudly. I sighed, holding my head in my hands. “He made a fair move. Screaming about it can’t help you,” C3PO argued. I shook my head.

“Let him have it,” Han spoke up. “It’s not wise to upset a Wookiee.” 

“But sir,” C3PO replied. “Nobody worries about upsetting a droid.”

“That’s ‘cause a droid don’t pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose,” Han replied back with a smirk. “Wookies are known to do that.” I shifted slightly away from Chewie, not wanting to be on the other end of his aggression.

“I see your point, sir,” C3PO nodded. “I suggest a new strategy, R2. Let the Wookie win.” I let out a slight chuckle, I suppose I don’t have to help out Chewie anymore. 

My eyes wandered back over to Luke, blocking against a training droid. He sure did look like a Tatooine local. Blonde hair that swooped out, tan skin from the twin suns, and a typical outfit you’d see of a farmer on Tatooine. What stood out the most were his blue eyes. I never met someone whose eyes drew me in so much. I wanted to just stare at him, but I knew that was weird, so I kept my attention on what he was doing. 

“Remember,” Ben spoke out. “A Jedi can feel the force flowing through him.” 

“You mean it controls your actions?” Luke asked. 

“Partially,” Ben replied. “But it also obeys your commands.” The droid hit Luke, causing Han to laugh.

“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a blaster at your side, kid,” Han said condescendingly. 

“Hey,” I spoke up with a glare. Han only rolled his eyes at me.

“You don’t believe in the force, do you?” Luke asked. 

“Kid, I’ve flown from one side of this galaxy to the other,” Han replied. “I’ve seen a lot of strange stuff, but I’ve never seen anything to make me believe there’s one all-powerful force controlling everything. There’s no mystical energy field controlling my destiny. It’s all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense.”

“You clearly haven’t been to Devaron,” I scoffed. “I remember the elder matriarchs raising a statue without lifting a finger.”

“Tricks, I tell you,” Han scoffed, waving me off.

“I suggest you try it again, Luke,” Ben said, changing the subject. Grabbing a pilot helmet with the blast shield down, he handed it to Luke, “This time, let go of your conscious self and act on instinct.”

“With the blast shield down, I can’t see!” Luke exclaimed. “How am I supposed to fight?”

“Your eyes can deceive you,” Ben replied. “Don’t trust them.”

Hesitantly, Luke lifted the lightsaber back up. Immediately he got hit. I winced slightly for him. 

“Stretch out with your feelings,” Ben instructed. This time, Luke managed to block three blasts. “See? You can do it.” I clapped quietly, a small smile on my face. Taking off the helmet, Luke glanced at me with a smile before focusing on Han and Ben.

“I call it luck,” Han dismissed. 

“In my experience,” Ben spoke up. “There’s no such thing as luck.”

“Look,” Han replied. “Good against a remote is one thing. Good against the living, that’s something else.” 

I rolled my eyes, “Don’t listen to him. That was really good, especially for a beginner.”

“Thanks,” Luke thanked, his grin growing. 

A beeping sounded and Han spoke up again, “Looks like we’re coming up on Alderaan.” I moved out of the way as Chewie got up to go to the cockpit with Han. I let out a silent sigh as I held my head in my hand. Hopefully on the way back we don’t have to deal with the damn Empire anymore. I was brought back to the real world when suddenly the ship started shaking. Ben, Luke, and I all looked at each other before quickly going into the cockpit to see what was wrong.

“It’s not on any of the charts,” Han said, looking at the panels. 

“What’s going on?” Luke asked. 

“Our position is correct, except no Alderaan,” Han explained. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, watching rocks fly towards us. 

“What do you mean?” Luke asked. “Where is it?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, kid,” Han explained. “It ain’t there. It’s been blown away.” I felt my heart drop, because I mean…just how was that possible? We were currently flying through the remains of a planet? One that held so many lives?

“What? How?” Luke asked, voicing my exact question.

“Destroyed by the Empire,” Ben spoke up.

“The entire starfleet couldn’t destroy the whole planet,” Han replied incredulously. “It’d take a thousand ships with more firepower than I’ve…” The ship started rapidly beeping. “There’s another ship coming in,” Han reported.

“Maybe they know what happened,” Luke said hopefully.

“I have a feeling they aren’t going to be too friendly,” I murmured, the sinking feeling getting worse.

“It’s an imperial fighter,” Ben acknowledged. 

“It followed us,” Luke gasped.

“No,” I shook my head. “Those ships are short-ranged, it wouldn’t be able to make the trip to lightspeed.”

“There aren’t any bases around here,” Han replied. “Where did it come from?” Han continued to follow the ship as it tried to fly away.

“Sure is leaving in a big hurry,” Luke commented. “If they identify us, we’re in big trouble.”

“Not if I can help it,” Han mumbled. “Chewie, jam its transmissions.”

“Let it go,” Ben said. “It’s too far out of range.”

“Not for long,” Han dismissed.

“A fighter that size couldn’t get this deep into space on its own,” Ben commented. 

“He must’ve gotten lost,” Luke suggested. “Been a part of a convoy or something.”

“He ain’t gonna be around long enough to tell anybody about us,” Han grumbled. 

“Look at him, he’s heading for that small moon,” Luke pointed out. My heart continued to sink as I didn’t have a good feeling about this situation at all. There’s gotta be a starship that the fighter is from. There’s no way it’s alone. 

“I think I can get him before he gets there,” Han said. “He’s almost in range.”

“Is this really worth it?” I asked, wanting to get out of here as soon as we could.

“That’s not a moon,” Ben said and I felt my fears come to fruition. “It’s a space station.”

“It’s too big to be a space station,” Han replied back confused. 

“I have a very bad feeling about this,” Luke said, the closer we got to the ‘moon’, the more it was revealed to clearly be a space station. 

“Han, turn us back,” I said, fear making its way through my tone. 

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Han spoke slowly. “Full reverse. Chewie, lock in the auxiliary power.” We kept getting closer and I felt my heart hammering in my chest. “Chewie, lock in the auxiliary power!”

“Why are we still moving forward?” I exclaimed, gripping the seat in front of me to try and calm myself. 

“We’re caught in a tractor beam,” Han explained. “It’s pulling us in.”

“Oh great,” I scoffed.

“There’s gotta be something you can do,” Luke chimed in. 

“There’s nothing I can do, kid,” Han replied. “I’m at full power. I have to shut down. They’re not gonna get me without a fight.”

“Fight?” I asked incredulously. “You’re gonna get us all killed!” I glanced over at Luke as he grabbed my shoulder, eyes locked on the sight in front of us. I didn’t think anything of it as I was more concerned about how the hell we were going to survive.

“You can’t win,” Ben said softly. “But there are alternatives to fighting.”

“Chewie, bring them to the smuggling compartments,” Han ordered. “(Y/n), help me make some fake logs.”

“Okay,” I nodded. Luke shared a worried glance with me, but I motioned him to leave with my head. He let go of my shoulder and exited with the others. “What’s the story?” I asked, looking over at Han.

“We abandoned the ship,” Han replied. Nodding my head, I helped him write a few logs before we both rushed to the smuggling compartments. We squeezed ourselves to fit, and I tried not to squish Luke any more than I had to. We heard stormtroopers walk over the compartments, and I waited with baited breath until we couldn’t hear any more footsteps. Han and Luke quietly shifted the fake floorboard off of us and looked around. 

“Boy, it’s lucky you had these compartments,” Luke said quietly.

“I use them for smuggling,” Han replied. “I never thought I’d be smuggling myself in ‘em.” Ben came out of his compartment and Han turned to him, “This is ridiculous. Even if I could take off, I’d never get past the tractor beam.”

“Leave that to me,” Ben replied, getting out of the smuggling compartment.

“Damn fool,” Han huffed, also getting out. “I knew you were gonna say that.” 

Luke got out, offering a hand to help me but I waved him off, “Don’t worry, I got it.”

“Who's the more foolish?” Ben asked. “The fool, or the fool who follows him?” Chewie’s head poked up from Ben’s compartment and growled. 

Two Empire scanners entered and were quickly taken down by Chewie.

“Hey down there!” Han called out. “Could you give us a hand with this?” Three stormtroopers entered and Han and I made quick work of them. We decided that Han, Luke and I would disguise ourselves as stormtroopers. Luke stayed behind as we all rushed to wait by the command room doors. An officer opened them not too long later and Chewie knocked him out, and I quickly shot the other one. 

Rushing in, Han and I took our helmets off, me struggling slightly due to the vestigial bumps on my forehead (it’s typically where horns would be but I didn’t have any). Chewie was growling and I ran my hand through my hair to fix it. 

Luke ran in and took his helmet off with a glare, “Between his howling and your blasting everything, it’s a wonder the whole station doesn’t know we’re here.” 

I felt myself shrink, since it was actually me who did the blasting. I know we’re on a stealth mission, but I panicked. 

“The blasting was all them, kid,” Han replied snarkily, pointing at me. “Besides, I prefer a fight to all this sneakin’ around.” Luke’s gaze fell onto me and I turned to face the control panel, not wanting to fall under any more scolding. 

“We found the computer outlet sir,” 3CPO spoke up. I was glad for the distraction.

“Plug in,” Ben ordered. “He should be able to interpret the entire Imperial network.”

R2 did as ordered and started beeping, 3PO translating for us, “He says he found the controls to the power beam that’s holding the ship here. He’ll try to make the precise location appear on the monitor. The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave.” On the screen, R2 showed the closest terminal.

“I don’t think any of you can help,” Ben stated. “I must go alone.” 

“Whatever you say,” Han dismissed. “I’ve done more than I’ve bargained for on this trip already.” I couldn’t help but agree, I mean I was just meant to make sure Han didn’t try to run off with the money, but I got waaaayyy more to deal with than just that. I should’ve negotiated a higher price with Jabba. 

“I want to go with you,” Luke whispered to Ben.

“Be patient, Luke,” Ben replied. “Stay and watch over the droids. They must be delivered safely or other star systems will suffer the same fate as Alderaan. Your destiny lies along a different path from mine.” Opening the door, Ben finished, “The force will be with you…always.” We all watched Ben leave, and once Luke closed the door, Chewie started growling. 

“You said it Chewie,” Han agreed. “Where did you dig up that old fossil?” I rolled my eyes, of course he’s going to insult an elder. He really knew no respect. 

“Ben is a great man,” Luke replied defensively. 

“Yeah,” Han agreed sarcastically. “Great at getting us into trouble.”

“I didn’t hear you give out any ideas,” Luke defended. 

“Anything’s better than just hangin’ around waiting for ‘em to pick us up,” Han countered. I bit my lip, I did feel uneasy just waiting here, but that could also just be because of the fact that we were stuck on an enemy base. 

“Who do you think-” Luke was cut off when R2 started making noises. I’m sorry Luke, but if you were concerned about how loud we were before…well fighting amongst ourselves isn’t helping. “What is it?”

“I’m afraid I’m not quite sure, sir,” C3PO responded. “He says, “I found her,” and keeps repeating, “she’s here.”” 

“Who?” Luke asks, walking closer to the droids. I once again didn't like where this was heading. “Who has he found?”

“Princess Leia,” C3PO answered.

“The princess?” Luke asked in awe. “She’s here?”

“Princess?” I asked, confused at the lack of context. 

“Where?” Luke asked excitedly. “Where is she?”

“Princess? What’s going on?” Han asked, also confused. 

C3PO once again translated for R2D2, “Level 5, Detention Block AA-23. I’m afraid she’s been scheduled to be terminated.”

“Oh no,” Luke said with big puppy dog eyes. Don’t…think like that. “We’ve gotta do something.” 

“What are you talking about?” Han asked, shaking his head. 

“The droids belong to her,” Luke explained. “She’s the one in the message, we gotta help her!” I blinked in confusion as the two stood chest to chest. What message? Why is she so important? I mean yes, princess is a big title, but there are many princesses across the galaxy. 

“Don’t get any funny ideas,” Han scolded. “The old man wants us to wait right here.”

“He didn’t know she was here,” Luke countered, then turned to R2. “Find a way to that detention block.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Han said, sitting back in one of the officer's chairs. 

“They’re going to execute her,” Luke replied back with a glare. “You said you didn’t want to wait to be captured. Now you want to stay?”

“Marching into the detention area is not what I had in mind!” Han argued back, and I felt hopeless watching the two fight. 

“But they’re gonna kill her!” Luke exclaimed.

“Better her than me,” Han spat. 

“Han,” I said sternly, but he only waved me off. Luke turned towards me, frustration showing in his crystal blue eyes. 

“(Y/n)...” Luke trailed off. 

I bit my lip, “We’d need a really put together plan…”

Then, like a lightbulb appeared over Luke’s head as he turned back towards Han, “She’s rich.”

Chewie growled and I felt like I was on the same side as him. I shook my head, They had no plan! This was stupid! 

“Rich?” Han asked, turning towards Luke once more. 

“Rich, powerful,” Luke listed. “If you were to rescue her, the reward would be…”

“What?” Han asked.

“Well, more wealth than you could imagine,” Luke replied.

“I don’t know…” Han trailed off. “I can imagine quite a bit.”

“You’ll get it,” Luke said persuasively. 

“I better,” Han replied. 

“You will,” Luke agreed. 

“All right kid,” Han agreed. “You better be right about this. What’s your plan?” 

I stared blankly at the two. Idiots. Complete and utter idiots. 

Luke looked around, “3PO hand me those binders there, will you?” Walking over to Chewie once he got them, he continued, “Now I’m gonna put these on you.” Only Chewie growled back, batting at the binders. “Okay, Han, you put those on.” 

Han smiled, and I turned to Luke, “What’s your plan for getting out?” 

Glancing at me, Luke turned towards the screen that showed the map, “Don’t worry, it’ll be an easy in and out.”

“Master Luke,” C3PO called out. “Sir, pardon me for asking, but what should R2 and I do if we’re discovered here?”

“(Y/n) will keep you safe,” Luke replied, handing Han his helmet. 

I furrowed my eyebrows, discontent with the situation. I wanted to go with them, but the droids needed someone to protect them. It still somewhat hurt that I seemed to be automatically chosen to sit on the backburner. 

“Lock the doors and hope they don’t have blasters,” Han chimed in. 

I scoffed, “I know how to fight, thank you very much.” 

Luke patted my shoulder, passing by me with a smile, “Don’t worry 3PO, they’ve got you two covered.”

“That’s a bit more reassuring,” C3PO agreed. 

Once the three left, I turned towards the two droids, “Do we have any communications with them?” 

“Yes,” The golden droid replied. “Master Luke gave me a comm link.”

“Good,” I mumbled, taking a seat in one of the chairs. “Hey R2, can you tell me the layout of the detention cell?” R2 beeped, pulling up the map once more. “What are all the exits?”

“He said that there is only one exit,” C3PO translated. “That is through the main elevator.”

I blinked in disbelief. This was literally a suicide mission. I groaned out, knowing this entire situation was going to go downhill. 

“Any vents they could go through?” I asked exasperatedly. 

“There is a trash shoot,” 3PO replied. 

“Well that’s something,” I grumbled. 

I spun around in my chair, trying to pass the time. Coming up with excuses to give Ben when he eventually comes back to a bounty hunter with two droids. I wonder who this princess was. Luke didn’t seem to have much experience outside of Tatooine, and there definitely weren’t any princesses there. Of course the first person I’m attracted to seems to like someone, a princess no less. I suppose I didn’t stand a chance in that aspect. Besides, I barely know Luke, so it’s not like I wanted anything like that yet. Best to get past these emotions than dwell on them. It’s not like I’m gonna see him again after this. 

“C3PO, C3PO!” Luke’s staticy voice called out through the comm link. I sat up and turned towards the droids once more.

“Yes, sir?” C3PO asked back. 

“Are there any other ways out of the cell bay?” Luke asked. “We’ve been cut off.” The sounds of blasting could be heard in the background and I shook my head. 

“Lemme see that,” I said, reaching out for the comm link.

“Master Luke asked-”

“Don’t worry,” I waved him off. Turning on the comm link I replied, “That’s the only exit, but there are vents on the bottom that you can go through.”

“What was that?” Luke asked back, sounds of blasters getting louder. “I didn’t copy.”

“All systems have been alerted to his presence!” C3PO gasped after R2 beeped. 

“You're being swarmed, there’s vents running along the cell bay, go through that!” I shouted into the comm link, hoping he heard.

“Open up in there!” A voice sounded outside the room. “Open up in there!”

“Shit,” I muttered, handing the comm link back to C3PO. I quickly put on the stormtrooper helmet, the more armor the better I suppose. 

“Oh no,” 3PO muttered. 

I got my blaster ready, looking around the room. There was a door, and opening it revealed a closet. I bit my lip in thought, they’re gonna find a way in somehow. I motioned the droids and they entered the closet.

“Pretend I’m dead, and act like you were attacked,” I whispered. C3PO nodded and I closed the door on them. I laid on the ground with my blaster being close enough to my body to grab, but far enough to look like it fell with my body. The sound of Luke’s voice could be heard coming from the comm link. Damn it, of course they need help when we’re being found. I just hope it stops when the stormtroopers enter. 

From this position, I couldn’t see much as the door opened. I held my breath, my body tensing. I watched as a stormtrooper walked into my view, nudging my body with his foot. 

“Look, there!” I heard a stormtrooper call out, and the one looking at me turned and followed. I let my breath out slowly, thankful for the armor blocking their view of my chest moving. 

“They’re madmen!” I heard 3PO shout. “They’re heading to the prison level! If you hurry, you might catch them.”

“Follow me,” A trooper called out, and the sounds of their footsteps grew fainter. “You stand guard.” 

Shit…I really don’t want to bring attention by blasting the stormtrooper. I moved my head slowly, I bit my lip. I don’t want to underestimate my enemy, but troopers tend to be really dumb. I saw C3PO’s feet in front of me. I let out a gasp, trying to act like I was an unconscious and injured trooper. 

“Oh my!” C3PO faked surprise. “Let us escort this trooper to the medbay.” 

The trooper rushed in front of me as I clutched my side, standing hunched.

“I’ll be fine,” I said with a groan. I slightly leaned against C3PO, not wanting to put too much weight on him, “Just keep guard.”

The trooper nodded, and just like that, we were out. I bit my lip to suppress my chuckle. I can’t believe we made it out of there alive. We made it down towards the ship, but a good amount away from any of the other troopers. 

“You still got the comm link?” I whispered to him.

“Right here,” 3PO nodded, handing me the comm link.

“Luke,” I whispered into it. “Are you guys still alive?”

I tuned out C3PO as he talked to R2, listening for Luke or any stormtroopers. 

“(Y/n)?” I heard Luke ask. 

“Yeah, we managed to escape some storm-”

“We need you to turn off all the garbage mashers in the detention level!” Luke shouted. “Do you copy?” 

“R2, shut down the garbage mashers on the detention level,” I ordered, just in case he couldn’t hear Luke repeat himself. 

“No!” C3PO exclaimed. “Shut them all down! Hurry! Oh no.”

I clenched my fists, hoping we got it in time. R2 was beeping and I bit my lip. Suddenly, the sound of cheering filled the comm link and I couldn’t help but laugh quietly in relief. 

“Listen to them,” C3PO said solemnly. “They’re dying, R2. Curses, we weren’t fast enough. It’s all my fault, my poor master.”

“Don’t worry, 3PO,” I chuckled. “I think they’re doing just fine.”

“You did great!” Luke praised, and I smiled. “Hey! Open the pressure maintenance hatch on unit number…where are we?” 

I rolled my eyes in amusement, just glad that we all seemed to survive so far. 

“Number 3263827,” Luke said.

“You heard that?” I asked R2, who only beeped while turning the controls. 

We waited a bit, I kept low to the ground, not wanting to be spotted. After a bit the comm link went off once more.

“(Y/n), C3PO, do you copy?” Luke asked. 

“We copy,” I replied. 

“Are you safe?” He asked.

“For now, yeah,” I said. “We’re in the main hangar, across from the ship.”

“We’re right above you,” Luke said. “Stand by.” 

I sighed, once again sitting like waiting ducks. More troopers came and went, the ship being surrounded. I wonder if they had a plan? 

“I wonder where they could be?” C3PO asked aloud. After a minute, all the stormtroopers ran off, and a pit of worry hit my stomach. Did they finally catch them? What was going on? “Come on you two,” C3PO said, breaking me out of my anxious thoughts. “We’re going.” I nodded, discarding my helmet, no need for that now. Not that it was going to help me now. I followed behind them, blaster at the ready. 

Luke, Han, Chewie, and I’m assuming the princess all came out at the same time. Luke got sidetracked, calling out for Ben. I turned to look at where he was going and my heart dropped. Being barely able to see through the horde of stormtroopers, I was able to see Ben facing off the one and only Darth Vader. His looming presence caused all my alarm bells to go off. I raced towards Luke, stopping beside him. Ben stood still as Darth Vader cut through him. 

“No!” Luke screamed, bringing all their attention towards us.

“Luke c’mon!” I shouted, tugging at his arm. He stood his ground, shooting at the troopers. I helped him, as did the others. They called him to board the ship and I managed to blast the door close before Vader could cross through. I tugged at Luke’s arm once more, blasting with one hand as best I could. This time, Luke allowed me to drag the both of us to the ship. 

I tried to catch my breath as the ship took off. I’ve caught bounties 2x my size, and that was nowhere near as scary as this entire trip was. I discarded the stormtrooper gear, grabbing my scarf and goggles once more. Getting my outfit all situated, I found Luke solemnly sitting at the round table, messing with the table. The princess brought him a blanket and sat next to him. I looked over to the droids and I decided to sit at one of the side seats.

“So you’re (y/n)?” The princess asked, looking at me softly. I nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, you really helped out in the end.”

“You too,” I smiled awkwardly. “I’m sorry, but I never catched your name.”

“You can call me Leia,” She replied. It was silent once more, our focus once more on Luke. 

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” Luke finally spoke. 

“There wasn’t anything you could’ve done,” Leia tried to console. 

“C’mon buddy,” Han said standing in the hallway. “We’re not out of this yet.”

We all followed Han, Han and Luke towards the guns while I followed Leia into the cockpit. She sat in the pilot seat and I stood behind her chair. 

“Here they come,” Leia warned the two. Four tie fighter jets flew around us. I held onto the back of her seat as the ship started shaking. “We’ve lost lateral controls!” Leia shouted after a few minutes.

“Don’t worry,” Han dismissed. “She’ll hold together.”

We could hear Luke cheering and I decided to pipe up, “Just two more to go guys!” 

We watched in suspense as the last two kept flying around. Luke managed to get one, and I sighed out in relief when the last one was hit. 

“We did it!” Leia cheered, hugging Chewie and I. I let out a chuckle, hugging her back. I patted Chewies back before making my way back into the main room. I ran into Luke before making it.

“You did great!” I praised with a smile.

A similar smile graced his face, “Thank you!” Similar to Leia, he pulled me into a hug, which I of course returned. My heart seemed to beat a bit faster at the affection but I ignored it. Pulling away Luke seemed a little sheepish. “Thank you also for uh…trying to keep me grounded back there…” He trailed off, looking away. 

My smile turned slightly bitter at the memory, “Don’t mention it. I know if the roles were reversed you’d do the same.” 

Our eyes met and I felt myself soften. I ignored the sudden urge to kiss his cheek and nodded at him before continuing on my way. Soon after, Chewie and Leia joined me. I took out my blaster, checking to make sure it was clean. I didn’t do much fighting, but it never hurts to check. 

“What’s your position here?” Leia asked as she sat next to me. 

Looking up at her I started to fidget with my weapon, “I, uh…I’m not exactly sure how to explain it.” I chuckled awkwardly. “Basically, think of me as Han’s babysitter.”

Leia raised her eyebrow, “Well you aren’t doing a good job.” 

“Well,” I sighed. “Once he drops you guys off, I basically just gotta make sure he returns to Jabba to pay his debt.”

“I see,” Leia sighed, seeming less friendly. “So I’m assuming you're not going to help.”

“I wish I could…” I trailed off. “Really, I do. But I have to go back and continue to take care of my family.” I knew my reasoning was selfish, I just hope she understood. 

“I suppose we all have our priorities,” Leia shrugged. I looked down, feeling guilty of my decision. It was quiet for the rest of the ride, only Chewie's growling breaking it from time to time. 

Once we landed, I couldn’t help but look around the planet in awe. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a planet with such luscious greenery. I smiled, a comforting feeling as it reminded me of home. We were escorted to a hangar. People were all around preparing their x-wing ships. Clearly the rebels were preparing for a fight. Once again, I felt guilty. All these people who either lost their family or left them to fight for a noble cause while I cower and run away back to the monotony of my life, being Jabba’s puppet. 

Someone greeted Leia as we finally stopped. I looked over to Luke who was looking around in awe. His gaze met mine and I felt flustered and embarrassed at the fact that he caught me looking.

“Isn’t this amazing?” Luke asked breathlessly.

“Yeah,” I agreed. “I didn’t realize the rebellion was this big, but I suppose I didn’t think of it much.”

“C’mon, they’re going to go over the plans to defeat the Death Star,” Leia called out, waving us over.

Luke looked towards me once more, his blue eyes shining brilliantly, “You think they’ll let me pilot a ship?”

“Definitely,” I chuckled. “I’m sure they’ll take all the help they’ll get.” 

Once we got to the meeting room, I stood next to Luke and his droids. If this was going to be the last I saw of him, I might as well make the most of it. He was a sweet guy, and I would love to stay friends with him. There needs to be more people like him in the galaxy. I zoned out as the person was discussing their plans to defeat the Death Star. It didn’t involve me so I didn’t find any harm in it. 

Once they all started standing up, Han patted my shoulder. I looked over at him and he motioned me to follow him and Chewie. Looking towards Luke, I spoke up, “Uhm, bye Luke.” When he looked at me, I waved. 

“Cya,” He grinned, waving back. Following the two smugglers, I felt like Luke didn’t understand that we weren’t sticking around. When we all made it back to the hangar, boxes of credits sat next to the escort. 

“Help me with this woudja?” Han called over to me. “If you want Jabba to pay you that is.”

I rolled my eyes, but said nothing as I helped him load the payment. 

Luke quickly came onto the scene, “So, you got your reward and you’re just leaving then?”

“That’s right,” Han nodded. “Yeah. I got some old debts I gotta pay off with this stuff. Even if I didn’t, you don’t think I’d be fool enough to stick around here, do ya? Why don’t you come with us? You're pretty good in a fight. We could use ya.”

“Come on,” Luke frowned. “Why don’t you take a look around? You know what’s about to happen, you know what they’re up against. They could use a good pilot like you. You’re turning your back on them.”

“What good’s a reward if you ain’t around to use it?” Han asked back. “Besides, attacking a battle station ain’t my idea of courage. It’s more like suicide.”

“All right,” Luke said with no emotion. “Well, you take care of yourself, Han. I guess it’s what you're best at.” Then, Luke's gaze fell onto me, “You too, (y/n)?”

I kept my head down, knowing I couldn’t meet his gaze, “I’m sorry, Luke. But I can’t stay…”

I heard him scoff, “I guess I just expected you to be different.”

I felt like crying as I heard his heavy boots storm off. I kept my head down as I loaded the last box. One thing I hated the most was disappointing the people I care about. 

“Hey Luke,” Han called out. “May the force be with you.” Chewie growled and I finally looked up. “What are you looking at?” Han asked us. “I know what I’m doing.”

Boarding the escort, we made our way back to the Millennium Falcon. We then loaded all the money onto the Falcon. Chewie and Han bantered a bit, but I kept to myself. 

“What’s got you so quiet?” Han asked as we carried the last two boxes. 

I stayed quiet, placing down the box I was carrying, “...I…wish it could be different. That we could help.” 

I heard Han sigh, “If you want to help you can, I’m not making you come with me.”

I felt tears brim my eyes, feeling even more guilty due to the fact that Han spoke the truth. I kept blaming others for this choice, when I can only really blame myself. My obligation to my family was more important. I mean what would my dad say? What would my mom say? 

Han shuffled before continuing, “If it’s what Luke said…kid, we all have to choose what’s more important to us. We can’t please everyone.”

I nodded, “I know.”

“C’mon,” Han said, ruffling my hair, making me glare up at him. “Let’s get outta here before it gets bad.” The sound of ships flying could be heard above us. “And that’s our queue.”

I followed Han into the cockpit, Chewie already getting the ship running. I sat behind them as they started to fly away. I couldn’t help but watch as the tie fighters were getting shot down one by one. My heart clenched as for all I knew, one of them was Luke. This felt wrong. It all felt wrong. Just leaving them there when we could be helping. Couldn’t we help them before we left? 

It was quiet in the cockpit. My gaze wouldn’t leave the Death Star as it continued to shrink. I bit my lip in worry. I couldn’t get this damn feeling out, and I knew it would haunt me the rest of my life. The uncertainty of it all. Leaving my newly founded friends behind to die. Tearing my gaze away, I looked back to Han. He was quiet, his face contemplative. 

“We should go back,” I spoke up, not being able to stand the guilty feeling bubbling under my skin. 

“No,” Han dismissed. 

“This isn’t right,” I countered. “Once we finish helping them we can go back to Tatooine.” 

Han stayed silent, the Death Star was now almost out of site. Chewie growled, and Han’s frown grew worse. 

“Please Han,” I pleaded. 

Finally he seemed to snap, “If the both of you are gonna keep whining about it then fine.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I cried out, wrapping my arms around him. 

“Quit your yapping and go prepare the shooter,” Han waved off, flipping some switches and turning around. 

I quickly ran to the same ladder that Han and Luke went into before. I sat in the seat putting on the headset. I flipped some switches and the gun hummed, turning on. 

“All right,” I spoke into the comms. “Everythings a-okay here.” 

We quickly approached the Death Star, getting in position behind three tie fighters. Only one x-wing was left and I knew we got back just in time. As fast as I could, I aimed for one of the tie fighters and got it in the first shot. Han whooped into the comms and I let out a ‘hell yeah!’. The other two tie fighters nearly collide, one falling outside of the Death Star. 

“You’re all clear, kid,” Han said. “Now let’s blow this thing up and go home!”

Luke shot right into where it needed to go and we all flew out. I laughed out in relief as the Death Star blew up.

“Great shot Luke!” I cheered. 

“That was one in a million,” Han cheered as well. I got myself out of the gun pit and went back into the cockpit with Han and Chewie. Han clapped me on the shoulder, “You had a great shot too.”

“Thanks,” I smiled breathlessly. That weight of guilt that was pushing me down seemed to lift. Luke was safe and so were all these fearless rebels. 

We quickly made our way to the hangar. We found Leia and Luke already hugging, Han and Chewie quickly joining. I went to follow but was blocked by the other rebels. My huge smile fell quickly as they continued to cheer for each other. I raised my hand, but lowered it. I suppose I’ll cheer from a distance. Luke suddenly looked around and his eyes met mine. I smiled awkwardly and he quickly made his way towards me, pulling me towards the rest of the group and hugging me tightly. I hugged back, just as tight as he lifted me off my feet slightly.

“I knew you weren’t like that,” Luke whispered, nuzzling his face into my neck.

“You should thank me,” I laughed. “It took a bit of convincing to get Han on board.”

Luke laughed, letting me go. We gazed at each other for a second before we all looked up to see R2. 

“Oh no,” Luke said breathlessly.

“Oh my,” C3PO cried out. “R2, can you hear me? Say something. You can repair him, can’t you?”

“We’ll get to work on him right away,” A rebel agreed. 

“You must repair him,” C3PO replied. “Sir, if any of my circuits or gears will help, I’ll gladly donate them.”

“He’ll be alright,” Luke consoled. 

Leia wrapped an arm around me with a knowing smile, Han hugging her other side. I wrapped my arm around Luke’s shoulders and followed the other two, dragging him along. 

“Wait what?” I asked, turning towards the rebel members who held up the outfit I was supposed to wear. 

“It’s an award ceremony,” One said. “You weren’t expecting to wear your regular clothes were you?”

“I mean…” I sighed out exasperatedly. “I don’t know. I’m not used to dressing up for anything.”

“The princess picked this out for you specifically,” The other mentioned. 

“Of course she did,” I mumbled. “Fine, I’ll wear it.” They left to let me change. Once I was finished changing, I couldn’t help but pick at my clothes. They were so form fitting in some spots, a drastic change to my casual wear. 

I stood in between Luke and Han with a slight frown. Luke looked towards me and his eyes widened. 

I raised an eyebrow at him, “Is it really that bad?”

“N-no!” He stuttered out. “You, uh…uhm actually look really good.” I looked away, not used to compliments.

“Oh,” I said, not exactly sure how to reply. “Thank you, you look real nice too.” 

“Thanks,” He replied in a whisper.

“C’mon you two,” Han said, rolling his eyes. “Quit flirting, the ceremony’s starting.”

I looked up at him aghast, but the doors opened and I tried to calm myself down. As we walked, I tried to keep my gaze on Leia and not the hundreds of eyes that were currently on us. Once we reached the stairs, we stopped and Leia stepped forward. She looked at Han sternly, her gaze fell on me and she smiled a bit more softly. When she looked towards Luke, they shared a goofy smile, which seemed to spread to me when I glanced at Luke and noticed that he did the same. 

When Leia put the medal on Han, he winked at her which made me roll my eyes. And he says the awkward compliments Luke and I gave each other was flirting. Leia placed a medal around my neck, and then finally one around Lukes. We all bowed our heads in respect. Suddenly, R2 showed up, beeping and whistling. We couldn’t stop our laughter, happy to see the droid was okay. Turning around, Chewie growled and everyone started clapping. I felt small, finally seeing how many people were looking. 

Once the ceremony was finished, everyone started packing. It was time to move to a new base after all. I was waiting for Han to stop bothering Leia when I noticed that Luke snuck up next to me.

“How’re you feeling?” Luke asked, giving me a side hug. 

“Much better outside of all that attention,” I replied, returning the short hug.

“You don’t like being recognized as a hero?” Luke laughed lightly.

“Not if it means that many people are watching you,” I replied back. 

“So…” Luke trailed off. “Are you staying?” His smile somewhat fell at the question and he looked genuinely concerned.

“I’m not sure,” I replied, looking down at my fidgeting hands. “I was just gonna talk to Han about it. I’m sure my parents would understand and support my decision…but…I don’t know.” I looked back up at Luke feeling somewhat helpless, “What do you think I should do?”

Staring back at me, he smiled gently, “Well…I think you know what I’m about to say.” I laughed softly, crossing my arms. 

“I think I know what Han’s gonna say too,” I sighed, watching him interact with Leia. It’s clear he was interested in her…but wasn’t Luke as well? This was definitely going to get messy. 

“I’d love for you to stay,” Luke spoke up. “Uh…a-all three of you, I mean.”

I looked back over to Luke as he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, looking away. 

“Okay,” I couldn’t help but agree with a giant smile. How could I leave the friends I made now?

[saanphoenix]

You know what? I’m not done. I’m not done.

The following is not an apologist post, before that little thought pops up, it is, instead, meant to give some perspectives. You can agree, you can not agree, I care not.

“Sephiroth is a war criminal because he killed people in a war.” No. No, that’s not how that works. People are killed in war. That’s how that works. “Yeah, but like.. He did it really goodly and killed lots--” Doesn’t matter. “But the people he was killing were just trying to defend--” Yeah, that happens a lot in war. Now, if he, say, gathered a group of civilian Wutaians into a trench and ordered his men to shoot every single one of them while they screamed and tried to claw their way out of said trench, NOW we’re dealing with some war crimes. But we have no evidence he did that. And, yes, I am referencing an actual thing military has done in real life.

Now, I don’t like war. I’d like to think most people don’t like war. I especially don’t like wars fought over dumb ass shit like, “We want to use the land you’re on for resources and you won’t let us, soooo... :)” But, hey, that’s history for you. Whether it was thousands of years ago or right the fuck now. But you can’t just go throwing the term ‘war criminal’ around when it’s not fucking applicable. You can comprehend the horrors of war and acknowledge the situation is fucked up without using the phrase ‘war criminal.’ To me, going, “Zack was a war criminal because he followed orders and took out enemy combatants in an enemy Fort, which is an accepted target for war,” is honestly dulling the accepted amount of violence for regular ass war. That shit is allowed. That isn’t a crime.

“Sephiroth torched Cloud’s hometown. That is unforgivable.” Yeah. Yeah, that was a crime. It wasn’t a war crime because he didn’t do it for war reasons, he just did a regular ass crime. And there’s no excusing it. Even if you wanted to go the ~crime of passion~ route, like... Mmm, no. Anyway, I bring this part up because... Most people see this act of violence for what it is and appropriately respond with horror, disgust, rage at the injustice of it. “WHY would you do that?!” Even when you can see the why of it, you’re still--generally--like, “Bruh. Too far.”

What people don’t often do is look at the shit Avalanche pulls and react in kind.

“Yeah, but they’re the good guys.” I do not care. They are terrorists. And I don’t care that Remake tried to shift blame for the reactor explosions from Avalanche proper onto Shinra by going, “Well, technically, Shinra pushed the final button, so--” ORIGINALLY, Avalanche blew the fuck up two whole reactors, which damaged a substantial chunk of the city around each reactor, and killed people. People in the nearby sectors, asleep in their beds or walking along the streets, fucking died. And Avalanche was okay with that. They were so okay with that they were going to do it all the other times needed to stop Midgar for good. “Yeah, but the Planet--” DON’T CARE.

Your heroes, same as the villain, are a-okay with taking some lives to get what they want. To me, there is no moral high ground here. Now, as the game goes on, methods change and character growth happens and some guilt starts to set in a little bit, but... Don’t say Sephiroth is evil because he killed innocent people, and that’s it, and then just let Avalanche’s sins float under the radar because, “Well, they’re the good guys, so.”

If I do not require fans of the heroes to preface any show of love they have for them with, “I know they killed people, but--” Then I should also not be required to say, “I know Sephiroth/the Remnants/the Turks killed people, but--”

Love the characters you love. Hate the characters you hate. Do not assume someone’s morality or worth based on which character they like or don’t like. And, for the love of god, stop throwing around phrases like ‘war criminal’ and worse to justify to somebody else why you don’t like a character. You can just not like the damn character without diluting the meaning of words!

End rant.

[mtjester]

Choose Y(our) Own Adventure #002: Agree to hear hier out over lunch

<- #001

#003->

—————

You sigh through your nose. “What’s your name?” you ask, turning back to the newcomer. Hier expression melts into relief.

“Koriena lo-Thalio,” hie says.

“Thalio?” you repeat. You know that kinclan. A sibling of yours accepted a mate from their clanship and joined them a while back. Your jaw tightens, but you brush the thought from your mind before it can sink in.

“I know you already,” hie says eagerly. “Aliriamh lo-Olandie. Your kin spoke highly of you.”

Your grimace deepens. “I’m sure,” you say. “Listen, let’s get some food. I’ll hear you out, but I won’t make any promises.”

Hier face falls, but hie quickly tries to fix hier expression. “Yes, please. Anything is fine with me.”

You turn to your coworker. “What is it?” Gashk asks. “A family emergency?”

“Of sorts,” you say. You don’t want to bother with an explanation. Planet-bound city folk don’t do well with superstitious stuff. “I’m going to take hier to get some food and talk it out. I’ll pick up any extra work tomorrow.”

“No problem,” says Thefren, the senior engineer. “I hope everything is okay.”

“We’ll see,” you say.

You lead Koriena to a mostly deserted diner not far from your domicile. Hie struggles to decipher the food options in the local language, and hier accent is so thick the server-bot can’t understand hier. You order for hier. “Thanks,” hie says meekly in your native language after the bot rolls away. You nod in response. Hie hesitates a moment and then asks, “So how long have you been here now?”

“Ten solar revolutions,” you answer.

“Ten,” hie repeats with a note of awe. “I can’t imagine being away from the kinclan that long.”

You’re not surprised. Your people, the Faelelden, have lived on spaceships in tight-knit, nomadic family clans since your native planet became unlivable six generations ago. They travel between planets, using esoteric astrological soothsaying to lead them to the next location, taking odd jobs where they can find them, and selling unique goods from other planets. They rarely venture past the edge of cities, where cosmic refugees congregate, and they’re virtually unheard of in wealthier downtown districts of any major metropolis. You don’t know anyone else in your kinclan who has settled permanently on a single planet like you have. You have your reasons and wouldn’t change anything, but it is sometimes crushingly lonely to live on your own like you do.

“It is what it is,” you say.

“And you have a university degree, right?” hie presses, and without waiting for your response, continues, “That’s amazing! You must be the smartest Faelelden alive!”

You clear your throat and ask, “What about you? Why were you away from your kinclan?”

The change in topic gives hier a pause, and sadness passes across hier face. “I wasn’t supposed to be away long,” hie says. “I was visiting another clanship to meet a suitor. Our elders are on good terms and thought we’d be a good match. And we did get along, and I stayed a few wake cycles longer than I originally planned…but then my kinclan vanished.”

Hie’s looking at you with those same pathetic eyes hie had when hie was begging for your help outside of the worksite. You break eye contact and busy yourself with your beverage. “Did you receive the news from someone, or did you just lose contact…?” you ask.

“I lost contact, and I went on my own to their last known location—and I saw the lights.”

Your stomach sinks. “The lights…?”

“Yes!” Hie leans forward. “You’ve seen them, too, right? And I felt like I was being watched. That’s how I knew. I went straight to your clanship to see your elder, since I knew hie would be able to help…but, well, I already told you how that went.”

“So you came here.”

“Yes! Your kin say you inherited the Sight from your elder. They said that if anyone could help, it’d be you! You know how to communicate with the Fair Folk, right?”

[unhonestlymirror]

Nadia Lipes:

"Okay, I'll give you a short text that you can safely send to your controversial callers. So short, so that they can read it in three seconds and not drown in sophistry and long, confusing historical facts.

1. Israel and Jews have existed much longer than Arabs, Muslims and whoever else they are on this planet. One could already come to terms with the idea that there will always be Jews, because if they did not exist, they would have to be invented. You have to blame someone for all your troubles. And Jews are convenient.

2. The Jews never left the territory in which Israel and Judah existed until they were destroyed by someone. Arabs, as a concept, appeared in the 5th century and in general it is a collective image. More than half of this image prefers a nomadic lifestyle, searching for a better life, jobs, etc. Some of these nomads at the beginning of the last century migrated closer to Jewish settlements in search of work.

Yes, you read everything correctly, it were the Arabs who came to the Jews to find work and not vice versa.

Jewish settlements were formed because Jews bought land from the Turks, to whom this land then conditionally belonged. Conditionally belonged because they seized it at one time. In general, over the last 2 thousand years, and even the last 200, someone has taken something from someone else. And the Jews distinguished themselves here too. They bought the land.

3. Jews lived with Arabs, sometimes amicably, sometimes not very well, in the 17th year of the last century, Turkey lost the war and its territories of the Middle East were divided by the victorious countries. The Israeli part went to Britain, and solely so that Britain could create two states. Arabic and Jewish. But Britain created only Arabic, and left the second part under itself. It began to incite the local Arab population, so pogroms like the Hebron one happened, but overall everything was calm. But despite the fact that it was the Jews who supported England in World War II, the local English authorities continued to prevent the creation of a Jewish state and fed and armed the Arabs. And Jewish refugees, of course, were not allowed in.

It’s as if you don’t live at home, which means the house is not yours, but in reality they simply don’t let you there. Even though you have documents for ownership.

4. In 1947, the world finally gave the green light and decided to allow Israel. And another Arab state. 28 purely Muslim countries were not enough. There was the need for one more. The Jews agreed and said, "Thank you anyway." But the Arabs were extremely against it. And together, they attacked what had not yet even become Israel. But they didn't succeed.

5. Muslim countries did not calm down and continued to attack Israel with enviable frequency. And Israel began to add territories with the same frequency.

The last time this happened was in 1967. But the neighbors did not calm down. And six years later they attacked Israel again. Six days were enough for them to understand the pointlessness of this initiative. But the Soviet Union, which sponsored the last two events, was offended by Israel. It was offended and invented Palestinians, who never existed, but they suddenly appeared, and in very noticeable numbers.

Nothing complicated, of course. We take any random Arab, a native of any neighbouring country, and say: Bro, you are no longer just an Egyptian or some Syrian. A proud Palestinian, different from others. Rejoice.

Here, take a bagel and a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

.

Jews are the kind of people who want to be ahead of the rest of the planet, especially in the humane part, and if suddenly no war happened. We have to spend our time somewhere. And energy.

So they thought and thought and decided that hell with it. The Palestinians may never have existed, but we recognize them. At the same time, we will give Sinai to Egypt. Well, let them love us deeply because we are kind. And we will love the local Arabs too, you see, they will love us someday. Interestingly, the Jews succeeded with the Christian Arabs, Druze and Bedouins, and even Egypt.

But with the Palestinians - no.

And there's a reason for that.

The first reason was the Soviet Union, which was against it, and the second was the concerned world community, which, of course, never fell in love with Jews, it liked Jews of a different type, mainly this type is located in cemeteries, and it did not like living Jews very much. But the public is also fashionable and humane, and guilty of the Holocaust, so they can’t say straight to your face - well, I don’t like you. But they can support the myth of the proud people of Palestine, who are mocked by the Israelis. And of course, Jews and Israelis are completely different things. They are for the Jews, but against the Israelis. Because those are occupiers. Why are they occupiers? How are they occupiers? This is already unnecessary information. Occupiers because they are occupiers.

Israel was very upset by such a statement. Well, of course, they are a nation of artists, writers, doctors, inventors of a bunch of all sorts of humane and useful crap, such as Google Whatsapp, Facebook and so on, and here they are occupiers. And out of this frustration, Israel left Gaza. Completely. It left but left behind the infrastructure, such as water supply, sewerage, and electricity. As well as gardens, fields, and fully functioning million-dollar businesses such as Gush Katif greenhouses.

Where are they all now?

.

Israel, as we remember, withdrew from Gaza, continuing, by the way, to finance it.

But it was not enough for everyone. And most importantly, it was not clear how one could not love Jews now, if there seemed to be no reason for it. And they came up with an idea.

And they started firing rockets at Israel. At first, these were missiles from the very same water pipes that Gaza inherited, and then from somewhere, in the most magical way, under a complete blockade, real, super modern weapons began to appear among the Gazavat. And kilometers of underground tunnels.

They did not build any greenhouses, and they completely destroyed the Gush Katif, nor modern hospitals, because they went to Israel to treat complex diseases at Israeli expense, again, no modern schools, no universities, except those in which they learn to make bombs with missiles, aiming them at a target, etc., nothing has appeared in Gaza during the 20 years of freedom from Israeli occupation. Except money. Where did they get the money? That's right, from the world community. Where did they go? That's right, they spent money on building tunnels and rockets.

Well, as we know, after October 7, for a bunch of melee weapons.

In general, our relationship has looked like this for the last twenty years.

Gaza will shoot, Israel will respond, the world community will be outraged and Israel will stop responding. And everyone has long been accustomed to these entertainments and relaxed. They relaxed to such an extent that the Shabak was forbidden to tap terrorists' phones. Private life, prosecutor's sanctions, all of that.

Well, the Israeli part of the world community, which gave the Gazavat people work on their territory, took them to treatment, and was generally actively concerned about troubles, kept trying to reconcile the two entities with each other, forgetting the old folk saying - no matter how much you feed the wolf, it will still look to the forest. However, this public does not know russian. Maybe that's the point.

And then what happened happened. On October 7, a pack of well-trained Wolves entered Israel to sow death. And behind them, flocks of jackals, whom the world community calls the peaceful civilian population, passed through the holes of a very expensive fence, stuffed with electronics, but absolutely useless, as we see.

Again. Nobody attacked them. They were supplied with water and electricity, treated in our hospitals, given jobs, yet they came to sow death.

They did this in different ways. To be honest, having written a book about the pogroms of the Civil War, I didn’t think that the methods of death could surprise me. But they did it. They did it so well that hundreds of victims are still unidentified due to the lack of DNA in the ashes.

Hundreds of victims remain unidentified.

In super-technological Israel, which can grow gardens, square watermelons, and carrots in the desert in a year, which do not need to be washed and peeled.

Hundreds of victims have not been identified and hundreds of people have been taken captive. In a fucking captivity. In the 21st century. And no one knows where they are, our captives, 40 of whom are children. Not soldiers, not men. Children. And about 80 of old people. Including Holocaust survivors.

The world shook. For two days. And then, it started singing again about the disproportionate response. The ground operation has already been going on for more than a week. More than 30 soldiers have already died. And of course, there was another option for waging war. Carpet. But Israel can not do this. There are hostages there. Moreover, there are two types of hostages there. Some are Israeli, and others are the same civilian population, which is not peaceful at all, but they also have children.

So Israel walks through the land and loses its own children. And it does this so that those other children have a chance to survive.

Jews are such strange people.

[somacruising]

TALES OF THE RAYS: ION’S 3RD SKIT (ENGLISH TRANSLATION)

This is a direct continuation to Sync’s Side.

Since Ion’s side was finally put up on the Rays Wiki, I can actually take a crack at it now.  Here is the Ion side of the skit released with the debut of his xMA \ Dual Mystic Arte with Sync. I got the screenshots from 八雲貴大 on YT.

    [ SYNC AND ION ARE LEAVING THAT MEETING ]

Ion: How do you think that went, Sync? What did you think of Ix’s gathering? * どうでしたか、シンク。イクスサロンの感想は。

Sync: It was a waste of time. The end result of thought experiments and harboring delusions is a mental breakdown, isn’t it? That’s what the Necromancer is for. 時間の無駄だね。妄想と思考実験のなれの果ては精神の崩壊ってやつなんじゃない？こういうのは死霊使いの得意分野でしょ。

Ion: Hehe… フフフ･･････。

Sync: What? 何？

Ion: Jade said something very similar to you. He said: “Don’t you think you should take a break from your bad thoughts and pay attention to where you’re going?” ジェイドも同じようなことを言っていましたよ。「下手の考え休むに似たり、もっと足下を見た方がいいのではありませんか」って。

Ion: Jade doesn’t have much interest in the humanities. ジェイドは人文科学には興味がないそうです。

Sync: How about that. Well, I’ve already thought about this plenty while I was falling into the Planet’s Core. どうだかね。考え尽くして一度深淵にでも落ちたから避けてるんじゃないの。

    [ LUKE AND LIBERA ENTER ]

Luke: —What the hell are you guys talking about? The meeting is over and you’re still talking about hard stuff. ――何だよ、お前ら。サロンが終わってもまだ難しい話をしてるのかよ。

Sync: You poor thing. You were made with a degraded brain, it’s natural you find this kind of talk difficult. 可哀想に。お前は脳みそが劣化して生まれたからこの程度の話を難しく感じるんだよ。

Libera: Sync, it’s not good to tell people they’re inferior! Anise said so. シンク！人に劣化なんて言ったらダメなんだよ。アニスが言ってた。

Sync: Shut up. We’re not people, anyway. We’re replicas. うるさいな。どうせ相手は人じゃなくてレプリカだ。

Libera: Replicas are people, too. Claire told me that we all share the same heart that thinks peach pie is delicious. Now, apologize to Luke. レプリカも人なの。クレアが言ってた。ピーチパイのことを美味しいと思う心は同じなんだよ。ほら、ルークに謝るの。

Sync: I told you to shut it. *sighs* Whatever, I’m sorry for telling the truth. うるさいな。あーあ、本当のことを言って悪かったね。

Libera: Sorry, Luke. Come on, Sync. As a reward, let’s get some sweets from Nevan. ごめんね、ルーク。さ、シンク。ご褒美にネヴァンからお菓子をもらおう。

    [ LIBERA BOUNCES TOWARDS SYNC ]

Sync: I already told you, quit yanking my arm! You’ll dislocate— だから、腕を引っ張るな！肩が―――

    [ SYNC IS DRAGGED OFF SCREEN ]

Luke: …That Sync, he’s the same as ever. ･･････シンクの奴、相変わらずだな。

Ion: I agree… Or, well, I do think that Sync might have changed a little. そうですね･･････。いえ、でも少し変わったかも知れません。

Luke: You think? そうか？

Ion: I think that Sync would have refused to even be in the same room as me back in our original world. 元の世界にいた頃のシンクなら、僕と同じ空間にいることすら拒絶したのではないかと思うんです。

Ion: But now, Sync seems to be starting to make compromises with himself. けれど今のシンクは、少しだけ譲歩してくれているように感じます。

Luke: I guess that’s because we have no reason to be hostile anymore. 今は敵対する必要がないから、とかかな。

Ion: Yes…that might be right. そう･･････なんでしょうか。

Ion: I don’t know exactly why he’s changed, but I’m glad. I feel like Sync is starting to find more meaning in being himself, rather than just being another one of our original’s replicas. 理由はわかりませんが、嬉しいです。シンクがシンク自身に、被験者イオンのレプリカであるということ以上の意味を見出し始めているような気がして。

Luke: I hope so. I feel like I’m starting to finally feel like I am who I am because of my friends—you and everyone else. そうだといいな。俺は仲間が―――イオンやみんながいてやっと、俺が俺であるって思えるようになったから。

Ion: Including me? But I haven’t… 僕も、ですか？僕は何も･･････。

Luke: What are you talking about? You’re super important. 何言ってんだよ。イオンはすげえ重要だぜ。

Luke: After all, no matter how many replicas there are of Ion, no matter how many Luke replicas were made, you and I are the only ones who met in the Cheagle Woods. だってイオンが何人いても、ルークのレプリカが何人いても、チーグルの森で出会ったのは俺とお前だけなんだから。

Ion: !!

Luke: That’s what makes you special. だからさ、特別なんだ。

Ion: You’re right. You and I are proof of each other’s unique existences. Thank you, Luke! はい。僕たちはお互い、唯一無二であることの証明者ですね。ありがとう、ルーク！

* NOTE: the actual term Ion uses is “Ix’s salon”, which confused me until I found out that a salon can also be an “informal gathering of artists at a notable figure’s house.”