#ahto

[niuniente]

READ PREVIOUS - READ NEXT

Death-Head's Deal #38 "Direction South" is up on Webtoons!

Thank you for your patience with this update! See the Webtoon update for fanart and DHD OCs people have been drawing.

Read DHD on Tumblr from 1st episode forward (the tag in my blog for the comic is #death_heads_deal)

Join Patreon / Join Ko-Fi Join a fan ran and chill Discord server Death-Head's Deal Fan Club. I'm there, too! :3

[allmythologies]

finnish mythology: ahto

ahto is the god of the depths, giver of fish. his wife and him live at the bottom of the sea.

[druh19]

༝ Blue Icons |like and reblog if saved|

[tiii13]

Will F3 be about reflecting on one’s mistake?About the wrong destiny or something? Meaning of life?

But I’m sure it’s about a wedding *pain*

[triste-guillotine]

LOITS "Vere Kutse Kohustab" LP 2004

1. Soomepoiss 2. Eesti Auks 3. Aeg Ärgata 4. Võitluslipp 5. Tuleristsed 6. Vanade Leegionäride Laul 7. Eluruun 8. Nimeta Haud 9. Kodu 10. Furor Aesticus 11. Oskar Ruut 12. Raiugem Ruunideks

Vere kutse kohustab | Loits | Nuclear War Now! Productions (bandcamp.com)

[hiddenbeks]

speaking of liah it's time for another kotor update. i'm currently on manaan and have once again been roped into solving a murder mystery

[poetsofthestars]

"Dammit Bastard, Love Me!"

(written by Mystic)

Time had space, space had reality

That was what I was taught, after all

So when I met the Time Lord

I thought I had it all

Maybe I was wrong, maybe I was right

But I wanted to feel love from

The other piece of the universe

But apparently the world had other ideas

I was left alone in the dust

While he gallivanted with humans and aliens

With immortals and creatures

And all alone, I, the creature of reality, of wormholes

I felt left alone by the creature of time, of space

Maybe I could convince him to love me

Maybe I could find a way to have his love

So dammit bastard, love me!

I’m supposed to be yours!

Not a human, nor another alien

Just me, you’re supposed to be mine

And I’m supposed to be yours

But I guess I can’t stop you from loving whoever…

[serenofroses]

Manaan being strictly neutral no conflict planet made me think about Kritanta and Seleni could meet up there than the Hutt worlds like Nar Shadda.

both of them visited the planet back in kotor era with Carth and Jolee who were looking after the kids while the crew went to underwater base to look for Star Map.

they also do visit Telos some time to remember Carth who stepped up as a father figure to them.

[sonicziggy]

"How It All Began" by Mingo Rajandi, Erki Pärnoja, Ahto Abner, Villu Vihermäe, Meelis Vind, Tobias Tammearu, Johannes Kiik https://ift.tt/xbiBh9m

[hulahoopsoupgroup]

so you know how revan gets banned from manaan in the first kotor game (at least in one of the endings from the last trial)?

what if they and the ebon hawk crew keep trying to sneak into ahto city with increasingly cartoonish disguises? just for fun.

they wear a comically bad mustache and glasses while bastila wears a sherlock holmes costume with a cigar pipe. maybe canderous wears a fucking renfair costume and jolee wears a thrifted t shirt like this:

they disguise the ebon hawks id signature and put a bunch of cheesy bumper stickers on it, including those family stickers that you see on the back of vans all the time like this

and they dont even have a good reason to keep doing this. revan just likes to fuck with people

[iluvchick3nz]

I agree with Leo- we have to put some more respect on ratatouille. No more of this rat-patootie stuff.

Enjoy fluffy reunion!!!! All credits to @lumosinlove !!

“Do you find me wise yet, nutter butter baby?”

Leo snorted at Finn, whose arms were wrapped underneath Leo’s from behind and attempting to help cook. He was stirring the pot with his left hand and holding the zucchini with his right as Leo chopped it. 

“I really don’t think this is effective, Harz.”

“But I’m stirring the onions and garlic! So they don’t burn, like you taught us. And, at the same time, you’re chopping the zucchini and we are cuddling. Win-win-win solution.”

“What’s the third win?”

Finn bonked his head against Leo’s back. “The first is the cuddling, obviously.” He bit at Leo’s shoulder when Leo laughed again. “I’m not done. The first is the cuddling, second is the stirring, and the third is the zucchini chopping.”

“I’m pretty sure we could stir and chop standing separately.”

Finn groaned. “Nutty, but then we’d be standing separately. Now we get to be a homogenous blob.”

That got a real laugh out of Leo, one of his tinkling ones that shook his whole body. “I don’t know if it’s wise, sweetheart, but it’s sure ingenious.”

“Well, you’re engaged to this genius, baby. So no take-backs, no return policy.”

Leo finished chopping the zucchini and put it in the pan. “I’m pretty sure that only applies after we sign the wedding certificate.”

“Tomato, tom-ahto, point is you’re stuck with me for eternity.”

Leo paused his movements and turned in Finn’s arm to plant a kiss on his mouth. “What a shame, then.”

“Hm,” Finn hummed, plying Leo’s lips open with his own. He broke apart. “Shoot, sorry, I stopped stirring.”

Leo giggled. “I got this, honey. Go pour us some wine?”

Finn stepped back with a kiss to Leo’s shoulder and a shimmy towards their wine cabinet. “Speaking my language, baby.” He took out a red. “What are we having again? Rat-patootie?”

Finn couldn’t see Leo’s eye roll, but he knew it was there. “That joke gets less funny every time you say it.”

Finn grinned at his back. “It’s a good movie. Endless possible quotes.”

“Whatever you say, O’Hara, just no disrespect on my ratatouille,” Leo retorted, opening the oven to check on the rosemary chicken.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Le,” Finn said, pouring each of them a glass. “When’s Lo supposed to get here?”

“He said eight,” Leo replied, adding tomatoes to his pan. “He’s going to take a cab. I offered to pick him up at the airport, but he said they were going to the hotel first to watch some tape, so he’ll be here after that.”

“That’s right,” Finn said, leaning on the counter and appreciating the view of Leo’s back. “Our little Canadian rival.”

Leo sent him an exasperated smile. “You say that like it’s a dramatic novel or something.”

Finn shrugged. “Maybe it is. Enemies to lovers? Friends to lovers? Strangers to friends to lovers to friends to falling in love with a hot ass rookie goalie to lovers?”

That drew another laugh out of Leo, which made Finn smile. He loved making Leo laugh, loved making his curls shake and his dimples show themselves. He looked so good, in his maroon shirt and jeans, making dinner for themselves and Logan on a cool early-October night. Like a romantic angel.

“You wanna write that novel, Harz?”

Finn bit his lip around his happiness. “Nah, baby, I’d rather live it.” He blew Leo a kiss. “I love you.”

That made Leo blush, which in Finn’s opinion was just as good, if not better than making him laugh. “You’re lucky I love you, you romantic sap.”

“No returns.”

They were still giggling when the sound of keys scraping the lock sounded at the door. Both of their heads jerked up just as Logan entered, all gorgeous in his traveling suit pants and a white button-down, his overnight bag and jacket hanging from his shoulder. He looked up and smiled at them. “Salut.”

Finn let out a whoop and ran over to scoop Logan up in his arms, lifting him excitedly off his feet by the waist. Logan was laughing in his ear delightedly, and was still smiling when Finn set him down to kiss him deeply. Finn broke apart to press his lips all over his face. “Baby’s home, baby’s home. Missed you, baby-baby.” 

“Ouais, rouge, missed you, too,” Logan sighed. His hand was scratching Finn’s scalp and Finn leaned into the touch briefly. “Soleil?”

“Over here, honey.”

Leo was still standing by the stove and watching them as Logan took off his shoes. He slid over softly and stepped gingerly onto Leo’s feet, wrapping his arms around Leo’s neck to pull him into a kiss. Finn followed with an arm around Logan’s back, pressing soft kisses to Logan’s shoulder. Logan sighed contentedly as Leo moved down to kiss his neck. Leo wrapped his arms around Logan’s waist to hug him. “Missed you, Tremz.” He sighed into Logan’s skin. “Love you.” 

“Mm, je t’aime,” Logan said. He rested his lips to Leo’s shoulder. “What’re you making, Le? Smells amazing.”

“Rat-patootie,” Finn said, smirking.

This time, Finn got a full few of Leo’s eye roll. “Ratatouille, Fish. And roasted rosemary chicken.”

“Délicieux,” Logan said, pressing a few soft kisses to Leo’s neck. “Allez, I’m going to shower and change. Ten minutes.” He gave each of them a last kiss before grabbing his bag and heading towards the bathroom. Along the way, he stripped himself of his pants, shirt, and undershirt, leaving a trail of clothes behind him with a smirk. Finn narrowed his eyes.

“You trying to start something there, ten?”

Logan just bit his lip and looked up through his lashes. “Non. Je vais juste prendre une douche.” He disappeared into the bathroom.

Finn breathed out heavily. “That little fucker. Leaving a mess and totally getting away with it.”

Leo just looked at him. “You’d let him do anything as long as he did it naked.”

“Well,” Finn said. “Usually he does fun things when he’s naked.” He grabbed Leo’s hand, spun him, and pulled him to his chest. “You, too, if memory serves.”

Leo kissed him briefly. “Mm, it does.” He pulled away and turned to the stove. “But right now I am making a masterpiece, so clothes will be staying on.”

“Damn.”

While Leo set about finishing dinner, Finn threw Logan’s discarded clothes in the hamper and got out the plates and silverware, lighting a few candles, too. He poured himself another glass of wine, and one for Logan for when he returned. Then he sat by the counter, making gentle conversation with Leo as he tested the chicken with a thermometer and toasted some fresh rolls from the bakery down the street. Finn loved these nights, the domestic and quiet ones, where there was nowhere to go and nothing urgent to be done. He loved it even more when they were all together, Logan’s mere presence in their apartment settling something in his shoulders. He could tell Leo felt the same; he smiled more freely when Logan was around, jaw less tense, and sleep came easier. It was hard sometimes, being separated, especially with Logan’s contract extended. It hadn’t looked like the Lions were going to make a successful offer, so they had decided that it was better that Logan stayed where he was instead of taking a gamble that could send him potentially across the country. It was better than most alternatives, but Finn still cherished these moments when his home was full. Full of love for his boys, for their smiles, the way they smelled, the way they laughed. He himself was so full of love sometimes he didn’t know what to do with it.

Arms wrapped around his shoulders, and he turned to find Logan in Leo’s navy sweater and dark jeans. “Mon rouge.”

Finn leaned his head back onto Logan’s shoulder. “I love you, baby.”

Logan kissed him upside down. “Je t’aime.” He looked at Leo’s back. “Salut, soleil.”

Leo turned to look at them. “Hi, honey.” He tilted his head, a small smile on his face. “Missed seeing you together.”

Finn smiled, too, as Logan pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You look good, peanut.”

“Ouais.”

“Bet I’d look even better without clothes, huh?”

Logan and Finn laughed as Leo turned away, fussing with the pans before turning back. “C’mon, bring the plates over. I’ll serve it from the stove.”

It was delicious, as all things Leo cooked were. Finn could taste the thyme of the ratatouille, the juicy dark meat of the chicken leg, his favorite. Logan kept making appreciative noises. His first bite had had him moaning, eyes closed. “Mon Dieu, soleil. Missed your cooking so much,” he had said, before promptly going in for a second, larger bite. 

Leo looked pleased with their feedback, as he always did when they complimented him. His cheeks flushed red, and his shoulders did a happy little shrug. It was unbearably adorable.

After, when Logan and Finn had cleaned the kitchen, they set about getting ready for bed, anxious to be close to one another again. Logan sought out a pair of Finn’s pajama pants and Leo’s sweatshirt, both of which pooled at the ends of his limbs. He had wrapped his arms around Leo’s waist while waiting for the two of them to finish brushing their teeth, pressing kisses to Leo’s spine and Finn’s shoulder. Finn just smiled at Leo in the bathroom mirror. 

When they finally made it to the bed, Logan squished himself in the middle, pulling Finn’s head to his chest and tucking himself into Leo’s side. He sighed happily, closing his eyes briefly. “Feels like so long since I’ve been in our bed,” he murmured. 

Leo, who was tracing patterns on his abs, pressed a kiss to his shoulder. “Yeah, sweetheart, I know.”

Logan sighed heavily. “Do you ever think…”

At his tone, Finn looked up, pushing himself up on his forearms and steadying himself with one hand on Leo’s torso. “What, Lo, baby?”

Logan pushed his head further back into the pillows. “Do you ever think that it’s- it’s too hard doing this sometimes?” 

Red lights flared in Finn’s head, and Leo took in a sharp breath. “Honey, what are you-”

“Logan,” Finn blurted out. “Logan, uh-uh.”

Logan shook his head hard, eyes widening in realization. He looked up at Leo. “Merde, désolé. Non, non, I wasn’t going to say that.” He took Finn’s head in his hands, pressing a hard kiss between his eyebrows. “Rouge, désolé, I’m sorry. Non, non, not ever.”

“Jesus,” Finn said, flopping down on Logan’s chest. “You almost put me in cardiac arrest.”

Logan laughed a little. “Non, non, we can’t have that.”

“Lo,” Leo interrupted, eyes still serious. “What did you mean, seriously?”

Logan sucked at his teeth briefly, pausing. “I meant- what if I retired?”

Finn couldn’t help the gasp. “What? No, Lo, you don’t need to do that.”

Logan looked at him, brow furrowed. “But I- it’s hard, non? Living apart for so long,” he said. “And us not being together is not an option.” He grumbled the last bit, in that Logan way that was somehow grumpy and loving at the same time.

Leo just looked at him, eyebrows raised. “You don’t need to go zero to a hundred, Tremblay.”

“Ouais, je sais,” Logan said. “I just- I miss being home with you guys. And it is hard. I just- I don’t know how many years I can keep doing this.”

“Well,” Leo said, holding himself up on one elbow. “Let’s set a time limit, then.”

Finn and Logan looked at him. “Quoi?” Logan asked.

Leo cocked his head. “Let’s set a time limit. I’ll be a free agent at the end of three years, and Logan, your contract only has three more years on it as well- both including this year. And Finn…” he paused. “Well, yours is up at the end of the season, so we can see about renegotiating a contract with Gryff, or if not, then with New York.” His eyes focused. “We are together- the league knows that. Whether or not they like it, that is a factor in our contract negotiations. And we’ve been doing the distance thing for just over 3 years now, which hasn’t been easy. We’ve done our time.” He put a hand on Logan’s hip. “But none of us are ready to throw the towel in quite yet, nor should we have to. So, let’s say about three years. Three more years of this, of riding out what’s left for each of us with our respective organizations, and then we renegotiate. Together.” 

Finn considered for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Okay, yeah, we can do that. I can do that. Lo?”

Logan traced a hand down Leo’s cheek. “You’re so smart, soleil.” He looked at Finn’s eyes. “Three more years.”

Leo let out a shaky breath. “I know it’s not ideal, but…”

Finn brought him down for a kiss. “No, but it’s a plan. It’s an ending.” He kissed Logan, too, then smiled. “I love hockey, but I have my limits. We have our limits. And we’re getting married.” He traced patterns on their skin. “You both are more important to me than anything else, and like it or not, I’m always gonna put you before some stupid, made up game.”

Logan gasped, then pinched his side. “Non, Harzy. Ne dis pas ça.”

“Nom nom nom.”

Leo laughed. “You got your point across, Harz, I think.”

Finn laughed at the burst of kisses Leo pressed to his neck. “I’m very wise, Leonardo.”

That made Leo full-body laugh again, and he laid himself down on the other side of Logan’s chest. After a minute, he began kissing along Logan’s ribs, open-mouthed and hot against the skin. Logan flushed. “Soleil.”

Finn was getting warmer just looking at them. Leo looked up from a mark he was making on the outside of Logan’s torso, his signature sly grin on his face. “I think Finn said something about fun, naked acitivites.”

They both moved their gazes over to him, and Finn gave a serious set of nods. “Yes. Yes, yes I absolutely did.” He kissed down Logan’s neck. “Naked, very naked activities. Fucking gorgeous boys.”

And with Logan laughing breathlessly under him and Leo kissing along his spine with a smile, Finn thought that this was the wisest decision of them all. 

[niuniente]

are those new death heads from south?

Yes! Ahto and Milla work in the South faction. I thought that since we have more or less Plague and Cure established for the South I should probably show some regular employees from the South.

By the way, they both got Finnish name :3 Miffy Bunny used to be called Milla in Finnish until it changed to its international name Miffy. I love Miffy so that's why her name is Milla.

Ahto is one version from Ahti, who in the Finnish native folklore is the king of bodies of waters, similar to Poseidon.

[sonofhighrock]

Started writing the next chapter, chapter 12 is in progress and I’m really excited for this chapter to share with you all. There will be explicit content in this one as well.

Chapter takes places on the planet of Manaan. Here are some images of how it looks. This is Ahto City

Another image of the city

Also Rhaenyra is back in her Jedi robes again so if you need a refresher of what they look like, they look like the image below. Also Alicent’s look for this chapter as well

[not-a-mimic]

thinking about "Okay, thanks Ahti!" vs "Thank you Ahti~" like. what does it mean. why is the accent all different. why this scene. why this. what is Remedy pulling here.

7:41

vs 9:00

its the same line just said and accented completely differently i have some theories but ahhhhhhhhh

we know Ahti is either the actual finnish god of sea Ahti/Ahto or is a guy being possessed by him like the old gods of asgard {maybe they are possessed? or channeling odin/thor?} - so the shift from Alan referring to him by just a normal name to the actual proper sea god's name is acknowledgment.

either its Alan understanding Ahti's proper role (which congrats to al for learning finnish for this, cant pronounce any other of it right), or like acknowledging like (or tangential). the sea god meeting something made or tied to the ocean, and Alan accepting his role in all this.

i would have to check but i believe this is the only time in the r!verse that someone properly says Ahti's name the finnish way. the only time someone fully acknowledges Ahti's nature as the only god we properly know of yet.

given the fact that Alan is aware of Ahti's role before this, due to whatever bullshit (visions) he has that lets him write the manuscript, this feels like a proper thank you. a proper "i understand now what you have done. thank you for all of it."

also sea creature meeting sea creature is funny. i wonder what ahti thinks of demiurge!alan

extras:

a part of me wants to note that alan is most likely in reality in this scene. he will be being effected by rewrites (via the clicker mainly). why is he getting more finnish. isnt it weird. i wonder who else is getting retconed as finnish at the same time------

can re writes effecting thomas zane, either the original, the copies, the bright presence whatever bleed over to alan?

[outofangband]

Elven word of the day, 110/?

Ahto from Quenya

Meaning “wright*, maker, crafter”

Source: Parma Eldalamberon

*as in shipwright, woodwright, etc

[spectraspecs-writes]

Manaan - Chapter 128

Link to the masterpost. Chapter 127. Chapter 129.

@averruncusho @ceruleanrainblues @chubbsmomma @darthvendar-blog @80strashbag thank you for reading, you get a tag. @skelelexiunderlord thank you for support, you get a tag.

——–

In the morning I am escorted, alone, to the court in Ahto West. Everyone from the ship is already there, and so are Shaelas and Shasa. As glad as I am to see my friends, seeing Shaelas and Shasa causes me to breathe a huge sigh of relief. “Shaelas, I’m so glad you’re here,” I say to him.

“Of course, Min Rena!” he says gladly, “For returning my Shasa to me, and from what she’s told me of it, I am forever in your debt! And yet, my joy is tempered by the knowledge that the Sith still walk freely about Manaan. Hopefully the testimony of my daughter will be enough proof of their actions, to make the Ahto City authorities take action.”

“But, Father,” Shasa says, “If it is not… Rena, that datapad…”

“It’s in evidence, I just have to call for it,” I say. Shasa looks relieved. I’m relieved Bwa’lass did as I asked. He had every reason to be spiteful.

The judges start to file in and take their positions. There are five of them. The judge on the far left speaks first. “This court shall now come to order. Rena Visz, you  stand accused of the grievous murder of many Sith, and extensive property damage to their Embassy here.”

The one in the center speaks now. “How do you plead?”

“Not guilty,” I say calmly.

The one in the center speaks again. “Let the record show that this trial has commenced,” he says, and they all proceed to introduce themselves, starting with the one in the middle, then from right to left. “Presiding are judges Shelkar…

“Jhosa…”

“Naleshekan…”

“Kota…”

“...and Duula.”

Shelkar speaks again. “This trial is to determine the culpability and punishment of this individual in the recent assault on the Sith Embassy.”

Now Jhosa. “ Given the severity of this trial, we can dispense with the normal formalities of the court and proceed directly.”

Kota. “You have pleaded not guilty, yet there were reports of weapons fire and detonations from within the Sith Embassy.”

And finally, Shelkar again. “You were seen entering and leaving the Embassy,” he says, “The Sith have not conferred with the authorities about this matter, but from all available evidence, it would seem that you are the source of the disturbance.” He pauses. “What is your explanation for being in the Sith Embassy?”

“I was investigating the disappearances of young Selkath,” I say.

They straighten. “You believe that the Sith have had something to do with those disappearances?” Jhosa asks.

Duula reacts with scorn. “The off-worlder has probably been listening to Shaelas and his rumor-mongering,” he says.

“Most likely,” Shelkar says, before looking at me. ‘You have asked Shaelas and his daughter Shasa before this court today. Shaelas himself has been before this court numerous times calling for us to investigate the disappearances of his daughter and others, but with no evidence, we were forced to dismiss him. Do you have any proof to back up your assumption, human? Have the Sith been implicated?”

“Yes, your honors,” I say, “I would like to call Shasa to give testimony.”

“Does her father consent?” Naleshekan asks.

“Yes, your honors,” Shaelas says, and Shasa steps forward.

“Shasa,” Shelkar says, “what evidence do you have to present to the court?”

She takes a deep breath. “Several weeks ago, I and three of my friends were approached by an Iridonian. He spoke to us of the Sith, the good they could do for Manaan. I was skeptical of his claims at first, because of the things my father had told me about the Sith, but the more he told us, I became convinced. He said that the Sith were looking for Selkath to train in the ways of the Force, and if we went with him, we could meet with a Sith master. The master determined that myself and a number of others could be trained in the ways of the Force and began teaching us immediately. I felt proud and lucky to be a part of such an elite group. We were given rooms in the Embassy, and though I missed my father, I felt this was important to do for the well-being of Manaan. The Sith promised they had the best interests of our planet and people at heart, and I believed them. They told us we could return to our families whenever we wished, and shortly before Rena arrived, our friend Galas announced he would be returning home. I trusted the Sith, trusted their words. Even when Rena showed us Galas’ pin, I did not believe that he was dead, even though my friends did. It was not until she showed me a datapad from our Sith master that I believed her truth. The Sith were using us, lying to us. They planned to use us to take Manaan for their own.”

“Hold,” Shelkar says, “You mentioned a datapad.”

“Yes, your honors,” I say, “This datapad was among my belongings when I was taken into custody.”

Naleshekan looks at one of the court officers. “Please have this datapad brought before the court.” We wait as it (and my datapad, which is put back) is brought out.

The master’s datapad is handed to Shelkar. “Let it be noted that the court has taken this new evidence into consideration,” he says. He takes several moments in silence to skim the last entry. “Hm…” he says neutrally, “This is... most disturbing. The court will adjourn for a brief period to verify this evidence and discuss its importance. This court stands in recess until that time. Please remain here until we resume.” And back the way they came, they all file back out of the courtroom. 

I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. Obviously it isn’t over until it’s over, but from Shelkar’s tone shift, I’m pretty sure this is working out in my favor. I’m just ready to get this over with.

“Guess you didn’t sleep too well.” Carth has taken the opportunity to come talk to me. And I’m glad of that.

“It doesn’t take a genius to know that,” I say, gently massaging my neck, “I haven’t eaten since yesterday, plus my nerves about this --”

“Yeah, what happened to Bwa’lass?” he asks, “You know what they say about people who represent themselves.”

“I would have been a fool if I’d let him defend me - a dead fool,” I say, “But I have to give him credit, he did get Shaelas and Shasa here. This would have been a lot harder without her.”

“Oh, that was your idea? I thought the court called them as witnesses automatically, since Shasa was there when they arrested you,” Carth says. 

“Nope,” I say, “I figured if anyone could say what the Sith did, and be believed, it would be one of their own. And Shasa’s charismatic, she could have convinced them with words alone. Though I’m glad she doesn’t have to.” God, I’m exhausted. “Hey, do me a favor, let me lean on you until the judges come back.” Not even waiting for him to say yes like I know he will. I lean my head against his arm.

“Wow, you are beat,” he says with a small chuckle.

“I feel like I could sleep for a week,” I say, “I know I won’t get to, but--”

“We should at least get the data core to the Republic before you fall off the face of the galaxy,” he says with a smirk.

“One thing at a time,” I say.

Carth wraps his arm around me, pulling me in tighter. I take a while to just… listen to the sound of his breathing. The slight movement of his shoulder with each inhale and exhale. Try to find some small peace before things start happening again. 

Then, all too soon, he nudges me. The door to the judges’ chambers has opened, and they begin to file back in. Judge Jhosa holds the datapad up. “We have verified that this is indeed a Sith datapad indicating their complicity in a plot to overthrow the lawful government of Manaan,” he says.

“In gratitude for having discovered this heinous offense,” Judge Kota says, “all charges against you regarding this incident will be dropped. Pending a suitable penalty against the Sith, their Embassy is considered off-limits to all Ahto City Security personnel. No calls or incidents from their base will be attended to until this matter is dealt with, as they are no longer subject to the protections of Selkath law.”

And finally, Shelkar speaks. “You have been found innocent, and may leave as you desire. Please see a court officer for the return of your belongings. This trial is now over.”

I breathe out the biggest sigh of relief, as the others pat my shoulders and congratulate me. (Why are they congratulating me? I guess that’s just the thing you do when someone wins a court case, not that I’d know. As far as I know I’ve never been on trial before.)

Carth rests his hand on my shoulder. Where the others patted, his hand stays. “We should get that information back to the Republic. Unless you want to take a minute.”

I shake my head. “The sooner we get this over with, the better. Juhani, let’s go.” She and Carth fall into lockstep with me, and we head back to East Central.