#425599167

[swsapphics-ao3feed]

I’m submitting my Barriss/Ahsoka focused series. If you prefer recommending specific stories rather than a series, this is the first and by far longest entry: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6688336/chapters/15297046

[goose-nest]

3 episodes are out by now and i kept thinking how much baylan looked like vader from some angles. it's clear now that baylan survived o66 and trained hati as his padawan by "traditional" customs, as you pointed out with the braid, but the fact that they mirror anakin and asohka has completely eluded me and omg. i think you're right! can't wait to see how their story develops further aaaaa

Time to overanalyze ~20 seconds of trailer footage.

Baylan seems to be built up as a less-evil(?) Vader: he’s imposing, darkly armored, and his scene with the NR troopers parallels Rogue One. He even looks kinda like Anakin would by this time if he never got scarred.

Shin has a padawan braid. Her actress is only 25 years old, the series takes place ~28 years after Order 66, so even if her character’s age differs a bit, she couldn’t have been taken in by the Jedi. Yet she has the braid.

My theory is that Baylan survived the purge, found Shin and took her under his wing, and I want to know what they did to survive the Empire’s reign. They’re shown attacking New Republic personnel, and they might be working for Thrawn, but they’re clearly not inquisitors or even dark siders. They still follow Jedi customs. These two are some kind of mirror for Anakin and Ahsoka, and they’ve got me excited.

[anxietyriddledsquid]

sketch request from @425599167 of their barriss redesign/au! i hope my interpretation of her description is close to what you had in mind, let me know if there are changes to make though and i can alter it :)

here’s the link to the fics the design is from if you want to check them out: https://archiveofourown.org/series/507609

[kaaragen]

8, 11, 16, and 55 for the fanfic writer ask game!

Thanks for the ask! Sorry for taking so long to get back to you!

8. Do you prefer the beginning, middle or end of a story?

That's a really hard one XD I kind of want to say that it depends on the story between middle or end as some are about the fun of the journey and some are about everything coming together in just the right way. From a writing perspective, I prefer the middle as that's the most fun to play around with. Hate writing beginnings - I never know if mine are too slow or too fast or starting in the right place XD

11. Link your three favourite fics right now

Returning Conquerers by @425599167 which is a trauma dump and a half for Barriss, but with some wonderful character developments and some actual hope. Has been stuck in my brain for the last week or so.

Luminara and Barriss by someone I'm sure you've heard of XP Delicate and fluffy in the right places, sorrowful and agnsty in the others; and with a tinge of inescapable melancholy sprinkled over everything

Shining Future by @kirahsoka The conclusion of the WIAB story - basically a medieval fantasy version of Star Wars universe. Epic with lots of great character moments.

16. How many fic ideas are you nurturing right now? Share one of them?

A few XD Two longer ones that won't see the light of day for years, if at all, on current scheduling but there's two shorter ones that might appear sooner than that.

One of them revolves around a post-Mandalore mission Obi-Wan coming back to the Temple and being melancholic. So Quinlan decides he's had enough of it, and sneaks him out of the Temple for the Coruscant night-life--dragging Luminara along too (because you need somebody sensible on these things). Hijinks ensue (including a very drunk Lumianra somehow winning a swoop bike race against some gangsters)

The other is a post-Naboo Obi-Wan returning grieving to the Temple (I'm sensing a theme here XD) with Anakin. Deals with the fallout of Qui-Gon's death, Obi-Wan adjusting to the pressure and stress of his new responsibilities, and Anakin dealing with isolation and diffculty adjusting to Temple life (he has a weird status as a Padawan, so higher than the younglings, but also has zero basic training, so he's actually behind even the youngest of the younglings). With a little help from friends (and a five-year old Barriss sticking her nose in), they'll maybe get there.

55. Of the characters you write for which is your favourite? Has that choice been swayed at all by your followers/reader's reactions to certain ones?

Ahsoka and Barriss are probably joint top, for different reasons. Barriss, off canon material (and I haven't read MedStar - yes sacriledge I know!) there isn't a massive chunk to inform her, so I like the version of her I've crafted which keeps to what's seen in canon, but is also distinctive.

Ahsoka because I'm proud of how I managed to take that character and move her in an, shall we say, implausible direction in a plausible manner. That was the big challenge and I like the version of her she's grown into, who is recognisbaly her but also informed by the differences the story took her on.

I wouldn't say my choice has been swayed, but I the reaction to both (but particularly Ahsoka) was definitely reassuring and solidified my liking for what I was doing. It enabled me to push it in the direction that I wanted to go and, certainly, had the reaction been negative I'm not sure I would have had the motivation and energy to keep going.

On another matter, I am delighted with the reaction to Narshula's batshittery - just because it was exactly what I hoped to receive XD

[archduke42]

OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS NOT A FUCKING DRILL!!!!!

Tales of the Empire | Official Trailer | Disney+ (youtube.com)

@stellanslashgeode @lesbiansandpuns @barrissoka @jedimasterbailey @devondeal @425599167 @thecleverqueer @barissoffee

[bluedeedeedoop]

👻🦋🦈💘📚🚦🍬 for the writer ask game

yippee thanks for the asks!!!

👻 What is your wildest headcanon?

Ooooo okay im answering barrissoka for this; During the rebels era, Ahsoka eventually meets with Barriss by accident and they discuss and become happily ever after the end i will end my life if this doesn't happen thank you and goodbye.

🦋 Which character is your favorite to write?

BARRISS. 100% barriss. also when i was writing tangled the series fanfiction, cassandra was probably my fav too fr

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write?

this one is tough because i've only ever started writing for like two fandoms- and by the time i write for a ship ive already consumed as much media and fanfiction and humanly possible, therefore absorbing their personalities and attitudes into my brain, making them easy to write :D but i guess out of the two fandoms ive written for, probably rapunzel from tangled the series. dont come at me.

💘 Is it easier to write angst or fluff?

well, i personally both are easy to write for me when i really get into it- like when my brain is LOCKED IN. but okay hear me out. i fucking love writing fluff and reading it, but by god angst is somehow easier for me to flow with then writing yk???

📚 Is there a fanfic or fanfic writer you recommend?

(im sorry in advance) YES I KNOW MANY!!! of course these shall be barrissoka because yes but i know a lot of other amazing writers too for other fandoms!! i recommend: @kaaragen is an AMAZING author and their work And if we fell together has my heart and soul and god fucking damn it take my money ANYWAYS- The author mylordshesacactus has amazing works!! the author Gabby(kirahsoka) has amazing works too!! the ao3 series Clouded Light and the works Lost Shepherd and Coming home to you (A personal fav!!!!). Also my amazing friend @jedimasterbailey and their fic The Padawans!!! Another one of my favorite authors is @lesbiansandpuns whose work i absolutely love so much i stg especially The moments when we smile and those between has me on my knees not even joking (their other works are literally godsent as well). also!! @425599167 is an amazing author and their take on Barriss Offee as a whole is absolutely wonderful, their work The Erosion of the Spirit had me dissociating for a good week on that fic, literally amazing. I also really adore Let's call it love by my friend @stellanslashgeode!!

🚦What sort of endings do you prefer to write: ambiguous, bad, happily ever after, etc.?

ok im a sucker for happily ever after alright??? but i love me a good build up!!!!

🍬 Do you write for multiple fandoms? If yes, what is your favorite fic of yours for each fandom?

i've been in a LOT of fandoms but i didn't start writing for any until recent (last couple years) which are Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (the tangled series) (judge me and i will eat you) and Star Wars! for TTS prob my fic Painting can wait (guys this is my old writing please bare with me) and for Star wars probably Love you anyway. (even if you hate tea) because i kiiiiinda wrote that one as self indulgence. again if i hear anything i will eat you.

WOO THAT WAS A LOT.

here is little art snippet of an oc!

[izzet-league-mad-scientist]

My opinions on Tales of the Empire’s second half under the cut-

It’s more than I was expecting of Barriss content, which I am in fact very happy to see! It gets a passing grade in terms of her characterization and plotline. However, a passing grade doesn’t necessarily mean a good score, which my main point here.

The show does all the basic things right! It characterizes her correctly, keeps her values and personality recognizable, and shows how she would reasonably react to the situations she’s placed in.

And that’s it.

There just isn’t enough time in the show to really give her story any weight- three ~15 minute episodes, really? Like the main beats are hit, but *only* those and they don’t have time to go further into it, making it feel rushed and bare-bones. I’m glad it’s canon now, but I personally am still going to be looking at fan content for the really moving Barriss tales.

Shoutout to And If We Fell Together by Kaaragen for being iconic and my favorite longform barrissoka fic, and The Erosion of the Spirit by 425599167 for being what first got me into this pair.

[shannon-foraker]

So I got tagged by @musewrangler on the last line tag game.

Ahhh...

The time after that, it’s after he discovers that, out of the over 300 wallers he sent, two thirds were destroyed, and of the survivors, only seventeen podlayers from a Fifth Fleet that had once been ninety-six (before you counted the thirty CLACs) strong, and fourteen battlecruisers from Admiral Diamato's task group managed to escape capture, and that Admiral Tourville, his friend, and one of his best fleet commanders, got captured.

That's too many people to tag, but here it is. If you don't write fanfic, maybe share where you are on your art or memes.

@kraytwriter @archduke42 @sarnakhwritesthings @jedimasterbailey @brachylagus-fandom @425599167 @calcium-cat @really-quite-tremendous @lemoneste @greaterawarness @pratchettfan87

[elljayvee]

buckle up I've been thinking about this because of this post by @padmestrilogy

because it managed to clarify some things about the strategic worldbuilding of the prequels and how that worldbuilding -- which IS present! -- is failed by the storytelling level in a lot of places.

It goes like this: what if the strategic worldbuilding of the Prequel Trilogy is "There are bad wizards, who work secretly, and good wizards, who work openly. Long ago, the good wizards agreed to become an arm of the government."

Now your strategic worldbuilding is aligned with your metaphor, George Lucas, let's go. That makes your operational level things like "The Jedi are not in control of what jobs they do" and "Politics interferes with work that the Jedi probably should be doing" and "The Jedi keep being sent into Situations by the government". You will 100% get things like the Trade Federation's "I'm not going in there with two Jedi" and their worries about forcing a settlement with this sort of operational environment.

You will ALSO lead very naturally into tactical worldbuilding such as Dooku's choices (image by @425599167)

Legends canon has Dooku leading a strike team, with faulty Senate intelligence, on Galidraan. This strike team kills most of Jango Fett's Haat'ade; a number of Jedi are also killed. This sets up a lot of the mess of the Clone Wars, and it is grounded in the mess caused by the strategic and operational worldbuilding levels. Dooku has a VERY good reason to object to the Jedi's ties to the Senate, and to the Senate as a whole, and a really, really clear story to point to.

We don't get that story in the Prequel Trilogy, though. We get a few hints of it -- Dooku isn't shy about telling people his point of view -- but this is a tactical worldbuilding failure + storytelling failure that something like the Legends canon isn't explicit. And no -- you don't have to go back in time all the way to Galidraan for that! You can still start with The Phantom Menace timeline, but make other storytelling choices.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon could talk about how their assignment to negotiate an end to the blockade was another Senate intelligence failure that almost got Jedi killed, for example -- HOW did no one know about the invasion force until the Jedi discovered it on the invasion ship itself? We spend time with the Senate, and with the Council, but it isn't till Attack of the Clones that we see the government actually pressuring the Jedi to do something they don't want to do. But a lot of it is there -- you can see the shape of it, in the metaphor Lucas is using -- it's just not made explicit. You have so many hints: Sidious saying "I will make it legal" about the invasion -- that all but states that Sidious is within the government in some way. Great! Our worldbuilding says that the Jedi are vulnerable to the government in certain ways, and here's a bad guy clearly embedded in the government! Now we're up against the storytelling decision of...this gets dropped on the floor. Except. It didn't HAVE to be dropped on the floor. Sidious is playing both sides against each other, and could have continued to do that ON SCREEN instead of everyone ending up in a shaggy dog story about how to get a broken starship off of Tatooine. The bad wizard is working secretly, just as the worldbuilding implies.

If you view The Phantom Menace through the lens of the above strategic and operational worldbuilding, you can see a set of things that flow from and don't flow from that worldbuilding. Some things that do: Obi-Wan complaining that he has a bad feeling about something elusive, Sidious's government role, choosing a Hutt-controlled planet over literally any Republic planet, Palpatine's shenanigans in the Senate and manipulation of Amidala, Qui-Gon's death. But because no one seems to NOTICE any of these things -- except Obi-Wan, who is outright told to ignore his noticing of these things -- they end up obscured in the storytelling. Which leads me to the things that DON'T flow from the worldbuilding. One of the big ones is that Maul's initial appearances (on Coruscant and Tatooine) really fall apart at this level. Maul talks about at last letting the Jedi know the Sith have returned -- ok, why. Why would the Sith want this, at this moment? It works better for Palpatine's whole scheme if he gets Amidala to Coruscant alive and gets her to spearhead the removal of Valorum; killing her and the Jedi on Tatooine is straight-up worse for his public persona and ability to manipulate the government! The only reason Maul goes to Tatooine is to give Qui-Gon something to tell the Council about. This is a bad reason.

Now, a darksider, maybe-Sith, turning up on Naboo the second time -- THAT, as with Qui-Gon's death, can definitely flow from the worldbuilding. Senate intelligence failed to see that a darksider was at work! The Jedi were blindsided! A Jedi Master is dead as a result, and --

hey look at that, we're back to Dooku's choices. His former padawan has just been killed due to that damn government control/inadequate intelligence issue that he's already mad about, that he himself has suffered under.

My point being, TPM is missing story beats that flow from the worldbuilding in a TON of spots, and those missing beats obscure what's actually going on in ways that make the whole movie feel kind of pointless and unsatisfying. Missing story beats continue into the next two movies, which leads to a trilogy that genuinely could have been good but instead is a mess.

Anakin Skywalker is like 50 cans of worms I haven't opened yet, but he is (among other things) a cautionary tale about sick systems and high control environments, and fits into a secondary layer of metaphor and worldbuilding about how a) institutions co-opted by government won't save you but b) neither will violent revolution because bad actors are going co-opt that too. In this essay, I will--

I've been reading Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, and it's gotten me thinking about how worldbuilding is multilayered, and about how a failure of one layer of the worldbuilding can negatively impact the book, even if the other layers of the worldbuilding work.

I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, so I'm going to talk about it more broadly instead. In my day job, one of the things I do is planning/plan development, and we talk about plans broadly as strategic, operational, and tactical. I think, in many ways, worldbuilding functions the same way.

Strategic worldbuilding, as I think of it, is how the world as a whole works. It's that vampires exist and broadly how vampires exist and interact with the world, unrelated to the characters or (sometimes) to the organizations that the characters are part of. It's the ongoing war between Earth and Mars; it's the fact that every left-handed person woke up with magic 35 years ago; it's Victorian-era London except every twelfth day it rains frogs. It's the world, in the broadest sense.

Operational worldbuilding is the organizations--the stuff that people as a whole are doing/have made within the context of that strategic-level world. For The Hunger Games, I'd probably put the post-apocalyptic nature of the world and even the existence/structure of the districts as the strategic level and the construct of the Hunger Games as the operational level: the post-apocalyptic nature of the world and the districts are the overall world that they live in, and the Hunger Games are the construct that were created as a response.

Tactical worldbuilding is, in my mind, character building--and, specifically, how the characters (especially but not exclusively the main characters) exist within the context of the world. In The Hunger Games, Katniss has experience in hunting, foraging, wilderness survival, etc. because of the context of the world that she grew up in (post-apocalyptic, district structure, Hunger Games, etc.). This sort of worldbuilding, to me, isn't about the personality part of the characterization but about the context of the character.

Each one of these layers can fail independently, even if the other ones succeed. When I think of an operational worldbuilding failure, I think of Divergent, where they took a post-apocalyptic world and set up an orgnaizational structure that didn't make any sense, where people are prescribed to like 6 jobs that don't in any way cover what's required to run a modern civilization--or even to run the society that they're shown as running. The society that they present can't exist as written in the world that they're presented as existing in--or if they can, I never could figure out how when reading the book (or watching the film).

So operational worldbuilding failures can happen when the organizations or societies that are presented don't seem like they could function in the context that they are presented in or when they just don't make any sense for what they are trying to accomplish. If the story can't reasonably answer why is this organization built this way or why do they do what they do then I see it as an organizational worldbuilding failure.

For tactical worldbuilding failures, I think of stories where characters have skillsets that conveniently match up with what they need to solve the problems of the plot but don't actually match their background or experience. If Katniss had been from an urban area and never set foot in a forest, it wouldn't have worked to have her as she was.

In this way (as in planning), the tactical level should align with the operational level which should align with the strategic level--you should be able to trace from one to the next and understand how things exist in the context of each other.

For that reason, strategic worldbuilding failures are the vaguest to explain, but I think of them like this: if it either 1) is so internally inconsistent that it starts to fall apart or 2) leaves the reader going this doesn't make any sense at all then it's probably failed.

[swsapphics-ao3feed]

by 425599167

Somehow, Asajj Ventress has returned. Ahsoka may not be happy to see her again, but a Force-wielding ex-assassin bounty hunter with underworld connections is too potentially valuable to ignore. With a common enemy, Ventress could end up in the Fulcrum network’s corner if Barriss can meet her challenge.

Words: 2926, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 7 of Truth In Legends

Fandoms: Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F

Characters: Ahsoka Tano, Barriss Offee, Asajj Ventress

Relationships: Barriss Offee/Ahsoka Tano, Ahsoka Tano & Asajj Ventress, Barriss Offee & Asajj Ventress

Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Neck Kissing, Post-Order 66 (Star Wars)

[425599167]

Since Barriss is finally getting more attention, I want to advertise my series, because I think it includes many storylines Barriss fans want. Excessively thorough analysis of Barriss's motivations, reconciliation & romance with Ahsoka, countering the inquisitors, more interactions with supporting characters, and the most smartass Revan holocron I could write all building Barriss into the anti-imperial mastermind she deserves to be. The first and primary entry is The Erosion of the Spirit, but I try to make each accessible to new readers and Obsolete Products is the one I'm proudest of. That one's got Rex learning barrissoka is a thing and he is not happy about it.

Tales of the Empire took steps in the right direction but could only do so much in half an hour. If you want Barriss redemption, I crossed that threshold years ago and kept going. I did it. It's done. Here ya go.

[kaaragen]

YES IM SO GLAD YOU REBLOGGED THE ASK GAME! 😍 I’d like to know ❤️💕🦋🦈💘🚦📚🎨

❤️ Argh! this is the one I was hoping I wouldn't be asked because I remember having a line I was very proud of but I can't remember what the damn thing was now! XD

Of the lines I remember liking, I'd say this one is one I'm very pleased with looking back, as sentimental as it is. Ignore the fact that I'm cheating because there's more than one, but the context of the previous line is necessary:

"Because you, and millions of others, have fought and suffered through a war that’s killed billions, wrought by the most sophisticated minds of the age.

"So maybe childish, naïve and idealistic is worth a try."

💕 It has to be And if we Fell Together, which I think is also the best thing I've written. It honestly still boggles my mind how popular that became, and especially when I think about how close I was to never actually writing or posting it. But I'm very glad I did, and reading it back gives me so much joy. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank the people who read it enough, or convey how much it meant to me, not least for the confidence boost it gave me when I was at a really low point.

🦋Oof, that's actually a tough one...I like writing Ahsoka and Barriss for different reasons; mainly because they are interesting foils in how they hide their insecurities. Barriss presents with a lot of poise and decorum, but internally she's a hot screaming mess; whereas Ahsoka outwardly projects confidence, but is very insecure and almost uses 'running headfirst at things' to stop herself from thinking and being paralysed.

But lately, I'm really enjoying teenage Tatooine Leia and pre-fuck-up-with-the-Duchess Sabine. Both are quite fun to unpick and work backwards from their canon characters and think 'okay, but if they were in this environment and didn't have that what would they be like?' without removing their essential natures as characters.

🦈 It used to be Luminara, as I really struggled to get a handle on her. After her confrontation with Barriss, where she loses her poise, it became a lot easier as it clicked that she's devoutly committed to the Jedi Order and the spiritual ideals of the Force, but is also using them to mask her uncertainties about what to do in situations.

As of now, it's probably Seventh Sister - who is fun to write, but also needs care as she is a mess and it's easy for her characterisation to split too far too soon and there's less in canon to anchor with.

(The Spectres as a whole are tricky, because you have to give each of them something to do, and also have them react in ways that fit each character, without that becoming a litany of reciting. God knows how Tamsyn Muir manages to do it so effortlessly in The Locked Tomb...)

💘It will surprise no one when I say angst XD My brain just seems to be wired for it (and I like to think I do it pretty well). But I maintain that angst makes the fluff worth it/better when it comes. So there!

🚦I've changed on this one. I used to think I was more of a 'bad' ending person, but perhaps years of reading Grim Dark stuff has worn me down. Or, writing has made me realise I'm more sentimental than I thought. Either way, I like plausible happily ever afters or ambiguity tinged with hope.

📚Ooo, that's a good question. I couldn't narrow down to just one, so I'll say that The Padawans (by someone you may not have heard of, called JediMasterBailey :P) and The Erosion of the Spirit by @425599167 are different, brilliant, takes on canon-compliant Barriss redemption arcs; Down to my Knees (Up en Pointe) by @cafffine is the best Inquisitor Barriss fic I've ever read, with Tomorrow, She'll see the Sky Again by @thevalaxy being the best post-Inquisitor Barriss fic I've read. Then there's Where I've Always Been and Coming Home to You by Gabby (Kirahsoka), which are amazing and made a sceptic of modern-world AUs and fantasy-world AUs like me rethink my scepticism.

Special shout-out goes to Pity and Reforging by @mylordshesacactus, which were the first Barrisoka fics I read and Jesus Christ, I think they fundamentally altered my brain chemistry and will haunt me until my dying day.

🎨Well, someone (not naming because I don't know if they want to be) very nicely asked if they could do fanart inspired by And if we Fell Together, which was about the happiest day of my life! I've seen some drafts and it looks incredible and I'm incredibly excited to see the finished version!

If there were to be a specific scene, I'd go for Ahsoka and Anakin's starfighter duel as I really like the imagery in that one! Oh, and also the first kiss!

[spacelesbiandisasterii]

Thanks for telling me, @425599167 ! But I'm stupid and can't tell left from right, so I still don't know how is each one. 🤣

This is definitely them.

But I can't decide which one is Barriss and which one is Ahsoka.

[archduke42]

I liked this

Find 'Barriss and Ahsoka' on TikTok | TikTok Search

@jedimasterbailey @devondeal @thecleverqueer @grissaecrim @barrissoka-arts @stellanslashgeode @zackaran @lesbiansandpuns @lil-kyloben @lilith-iden @425599167

[swsapphics-ao3feed]

by 425599167

Rising up against the Empire pulled rebel agents Cinta and Vel together, then pulled them lightyears apart to missions on different worlds. Amid the struggle they receive some much-needed advice from the Rebellion's most powerful operatives. Unfortunately, four intelligence agents discussing their deepest emotions while keeping their guard up is no easy task.

Words: 5237, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 10 of Truth In Legends

Fandoms: Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types, Andor (TV)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/F

Characters: Ahsoka Tano, Barriss Offee, Cinta Kaz, Vel Sartha, Original Characters

Relationships: Barriss Offee/Ahsoka Tano, Cinta Kaz/Vel Sartha

Additional Tags: Relationship Advice, Established Relationship, Developing Relationship, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Season/Series 01, Canon-Typical Violence, Heavy Petting

[425599167]

The deaths of Cere, Cordova, and Bode left the Mantis crew reeling, low on allies, and without a firm plan. A promising lead delivered through the Path drives them to free a Jedi master from imperial custody, and after losing so many friends and allies to Bode and the inquisitors, Cal is desperate to find all the help he can.

If they have a chance to rescue Master Luminara Unduli from the Empire, they can’t pass it up.

Droplets of rain made Merrin flinch as they hit her eyes. For the moment, the weather wasn’t too bad, only annoying. “Maybe I should go back in for something sturdier,” said Cal. “Your outfit is fine.” Merrin put on some goggles to protect her eyes from the wind and rain, items she’d learned to carry after that sandstorm on Jedha, then tossed a second pair to Cal. “If you wear a poncho out here, all that extra fabric, the wind will blow you away.” That wasn’t true, and Merrin knew it. Ponchos were flexible enough to withstand the wind, they were better than nothing, and Cal’s wardrobe included so many ponchos that surely one of them must be ideal for this environment. He was already gone when Merrin turned around. Though she did not favor ponchos, Merrin accepted Cal’s more pragmatic fashion choices. Better than him experimenting with haircuts again. When Cal returned, he wore the drabbest poncho yet, completely dark grey. Not uniformly dark grey, there were irregular splotches of slightly darker grey. Like grease stains. Perfectly suited for Irtisilia, with BD-1’s feet clinging tight to the fabric. “I brought one for you, too,” he said. “Oh...” Merrin’s mind raced to think of a plausible excuse not to wear it, to prove her jacket would be enough, but she felt the raindrops getting heavier. Then Cal unfurled the poncho, cut from rich red cloth with a black border, sharp black triangles accentuating the arms and neck. “Oh. Where did you find this one?” “Something Dendra had in stock.” Slipping on the poncho instantly protected Merrin from the surge in the rain. She felt much warmer, too. “With your invisibility magick, you don’t really need camouflage, so I thought you might like it.” “I do like it.”

I'm writing a new short story, just in time for @barrissday! This one crosses over with Jedi: Survivor, yet another instance of me putting Barriss with unrelated characters to prove how easy it is to do and how interesting the results are because she brings a lot to Star Wars despite being unused for over a decade. I know the description and excerpt don't suggest very much Barriss, but trust me. She's in there. She's watching.