After fighting the Princess, the Scoutrooper was almost target practice against a slow remote.  A single shot from Grev achieved its aim of incapacitating the trooper before he could react.

Aboard the ship,  Chrome spoke calmly through his speaker, perhaps neither it nor 'he' had any other option.  "No resistance will be necessary, brute.  The Empire will eventually find this unique planet and neutralize it.  It is not like an entire world can escape."  TwoOneBee's sedatives silenced any further conversation for now.

Listening to TwoOneBee's rapturous description of Shira, Ali was almost jealous.  "Hands off my boyfriend." DeeJay said, joking.  While such terms didn't truly apply to droid, save in their anthropomorphizing for the comfort of the living, the two droids had worked together well for decades, better than some living marriages.

Sundancer emerged from the stone temple, nimbly dancing across the saber grid in the right way.  "I never had any doubts." he said and not many non-Jedi would ever know otherwise.

IT IS DONE, THEN.

Ember's voice in their minds seemed to put a coda on the past battle.

"So," Thuraya asked, "what happens now?"

OOC:
1.  As usual, sorry for the delay.  But this was the last real encounter of the game.  Another one was planned but your excellent precautions kinda of prevented it from happening.  Take that as a complement.
2. With a planet-wide, Force-senstive soul, Ember can reassemble your ship telekinetically.  The Fabled Star can limp home well enough.
3. Chrome's question does hang in the air, though.  The Empire will eventually find Ember in searching for its lost Sith.  This may be unstoppable by your characters alone.  But there may be some things you can do before you go.
4. Let me know what you think.  There's just a few more posts in this game.

Celes helped Eli stabilize their Sith prisoner, while making sure to keep Grev and the ysalimiri nearby. A being that relied so heavily on the Force would be hard pressed to act without it. Once they'd regrouped with the others, Thuraya's question became of utmost importance.

"Could get this Imperial ship up and running. The 'Star won't fit all of these prisoners, and we can't abandon them here with Ember. We can scrap the transponder to keep the Empire from tracking it, and wipe the navicomputer later, make sure no one finds their way back here again. Though I hate to leave Ember completely alone."

"It won't be. With the long-lost Sundancer boasting of his victory over these two to 'hearten the Alliance', the Empire will have other troubles than searching for obscure worlds."

"In addition, Ember has a good soul, I will gift its signature to the Web, so that those of my kind who wish to explore the Force may talk with it."

Shira blushes when Ali teases her.

"We have the ysalmiri now. Can Ember use that to confuse its signature, maybe? I'd say hide under its field, but no way we can fit a whole planet." Shira said. She nodded in agreement with Thuk's plan. "If Sundancer will agree."

Grev walks up, the Vornskyr at heel.  "The Empire need not search for their missing servants.  I can send them the corpses, on their wiped, derelict ship."  He says, his voice coldly serious.

Celes nodded approvingly at Thuk's suggestion, but shook her head at Shira's.

"Ember hasn't been okay since these things landed. It'd be best if we got them offworld quick. That's a good idea for later, though. Those things are useful." Then she looked to Grev. After his suggestion, she gave a quick glance to Thuraya, then shook her head again.

"Want to, but shooting ourselves in the foot won't help anyone. The Rebellion needs the equipment at the very least, and there's no telling how many of this crew might turn Rebel. Some others might spill information. In any event, they're prisoners now and no longer a threat. Execution isn't our call. Maybe next time. ...You weren't gonna kill the dogs, were you? They're kinda cute."

"They're mine.  If you want one Red, you can have one.  When their training is done."

Shira looks embarrassed at when Celes points out the Ysalmiri have caused trouble for Ember. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking."

She reaches out to pet one of the Vornskyrs, but shies away if it makes any movements towards her.

EMBER CANNOT FLEE.  THE CHOICE IS VICTORY, DESTRUCTION OR SLAVERY.  EMBER HOPES FOR VICTORY, ACCEPTS DESTRUCTION RATHER THAN ACCEPT SLAVERY.  EMBER'S FRIENDS MAY YET PROTECT EMBER.

With the power of a sentient planet guiding the Force, the millions of tiny pieces of wreckage that were just scrap now reformed into the Fabled Star.

As the Rebels decided what to do with the prisoners, the Princess presence was now again in Thuraya's thoughts.  She flexed her fingers and began to bring them together.  The Princess twitched and spasmed.  To the unwary, it might seem she was having a nightmare rather than beginning to choke.  "This is how you will end." She whispered.

"That is how she started, child." Sundancer said.  "That is the Dark Side whispering to you, having lost two servants.  Don't give it another."  The menace dispelled, Thuraya relaxed her hands.  "Feel the life around you and rejoice."  The shadow left her.  Though later Thuraya would wonder how it was so easy to squeeze the Sith's throat without training...

"Like most Imperial servants, the Vornskyrs have received discipline but not compassion.  They would thrive under a Master who would truly care for them.  As for young Thuraya, it would do Ember good to have a friend.  They are both children in their way."

YES!

DeeJay waited for the right moment to give the happy news, a protocol droid to the last.  "'Star's autopilot is back online and says that the ship is ready to liftoff at your command."

OOC:
Again, sorry for the delay.  But we are actually finishing a game and I am pleased about that.

Rebel policy and the Jedi (at their best) would not allow the prisoners to be executed (more importantly, neither would Lucas or Disney).  They can back to Hoth aboard the 'Star or left on Ember.  Either way, they will be no further trouble.

You are free to keep the Vornskyr.  Sundancer was right, treat them well and they will be as loyal as any hound.  The Ysarlmiri will also make good pets as well.

Sundancer is happy to return to Hoth and civilization for awhile but he will eventually return to help train this most unusual padawan.  Thuraya can either travel to Hoth, stay on (or return to) Ember, or continue travelling with you all.  It's all good either way.  As you can guess, the Dark Side is trying to tempt her which she has resisted  (so far)>

The next post will likely have the PCs leaving Ember aboard 'Star, taking and leaving who they wish, ready for their next (yes, I think there will be one :-) ) adventure...

Grev considers what Sundancer has said, as the vornsky that Shira went to pent remains stock still under Grev's stern gaze.  "two force capable children will need a guardian."  He growls out in his deep voice.

Celes grinned at Grev, the most fun-related expression she'd worn the entire mission.

"Didn't say I wanted one, but thanks."



The grin vanished when Ember "spoke" to them again. Her reply was sent sort of vaguely upwards.

"Destruction and slavery are off the table, Ember. We aren't going to let the Empire hurt you."



Celes's attention moved to Thuraya and Sundancer, with an eyebrow going up. She wasn't entirely sure what just happened, but clearly the girl had done something the Jedi didn't approve of.





"Sounds like they'll need a whole Rebel fleet. So what's the plan? Leave Thuraya and the Jedi here, after we came all this way to find him? Or did you just volunteer?"



Celes glanced at DeeJay for a moment, gave a nod, and then turned to Ali.

"Captain, there's still the matter of the prisoners. They're too dangerous to bring to the base. We'll need to arrange another prisoner transfer point to keep its location secret. Think we can arrange that?"

Shira nervously pets the still Vornskyrs. A creature like that could seriously hurt a ghostling just by being friendly.

"Yes, we'll protect you!" she says to Ember.

Shira looks disappointed when Celes talks about Sundancer staying behind. She had hoped for so much from the ancient Jedi.

"Perhaps Master Sundancer could visit rebel forces, at least, even if he doesn't stay. It could do the rebellion a lot of good to show that the Jedi hadn't been wiped out like the Empire claims." she said hopefully. "A fleet would attract too much attention. I mean, even if the Empire sends forces here, they won't notice Ember without a force user, and those are quite rare."

TwoOneBee busies himself going through the Imperials medical supplies and appropriating anything he finds useful for the rebel cause.  He also examines any Imperial droids and removes their restraining bolts.  He assures them that they are free now, and that they may come with him and the Star's crew to the rebel base.  When he has finished these tasks, he returns to the rest, standing beside DeeJay, and listening to their discussion.

"I think we all agree that Ember should be protected, however, as has been mentioned, a fleet of ships here would attract far too much Imperial attention.  I do think Ember needs a guardian or guardians.  Someone Ember agrees to of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:45, Thu 13 July 2017.

Grev's gruff offer of protection was welcomed by Sundancer.  "There is more to life than a Jedi can teach.  We would be grateful for your guardianship."  Ember blossomed (literally) at Celes' protectiveness.  Thuraya had gone sullen and quiet, even for a teenager.  It seemed to Celes like she was coming to a decision or had just made one.

Ali thought on Celes' question, "The entire Rebel fleet could not protect against a Death Star but a few support ships might be able to aid Ember in other ways without being noticed.'

With a titanic rumble and whooshing of air, Khara was reassembling as quickly as 'Star had.  A later inspection found the odd and very chilled coffin-shaped receptacles.  "I think we now know how to get our prisioners to Hoth." Ali said.

Later...

Both the reconstructed 'Star and Imperial Khara moved through hyperspace for Hoth.  It had taken some reassurance for Ember to be left alone for even a short time but Ember had searched the feelings of Their new friends and was confident in their desire to return.  Sundancer chose to return to civilization to coordinate a return mission to Ember.  That and he thought it would be nice to have some Jawa Juice again.

Thanks to Imperial ruthlessness, Khara had modified carbonite freezers.  It was theoretically possible that might contain a Jedi prisoner even when a typical stasis pod might not.  Grev and Celes were modifying the 'liberated' Imperial gear.  While none of it was truly revolutionary, it was well-designed and with a level of inspired design that even a Rebel might admire, even if they never admitted to it.  Shira enjoyed playing with the Princess' weird crystalline saber, as its former owner slept in a carbonite dream.  It seemed to the ghostling the saber was more grown than made.  One of the vornskyrs growled slightly when the saber was nearby but it seemed to Shira that it was a warning for Shira not to her.

TwoOneBee monitored the hibernating Sith, it was due to his expertise that both captives were so well-contained and without any damage.  Although, most Rebels would not have been so concerned about the former.  It was easy to understand, the living could not be copied like droids.  Each was an irreplaceable and unique soul (if that was a word a droid could use) and the Empire had taken so many.  It wasn't for a droid to say but it did seem like the Princess had an innocent, guileless expression while in hibernation.  Trying to cheer her companion up, DeeJay sang anatomical variations in binary, a screech to the living and poetry for the mechanical (although they might not use that word to describe it).

Ali strode the bridge of Khara, not really having a choice; the Empire didn't really believe in walkways or even seats.  This mission had been successful but, sooner or later, there would be a battle for Ember, possibly around Ember.  And her team should be ready.  Ali reflected on the past and looked towards an uncertain future...

OOC:
I have moved the action forward a little bit.  At some point, I figure most of the crew would be heading back to Hoth.  So I put you all on the two ships headed for debriefing at Hoth, even if some of you will be returning to Ember later.

Looking forward, Sundancer and Thuraya would be returning to Ember unless you would like them to stay.  Much will be learned from Khara and her tech, the Rebels will easily duplicate the Forcetrooper armor.

Feel free to flashback to the goodbyes on Ember if you wish.  We are wrapping up this game...

Shira pet the vornskyr (very carefully.) "What's wrong, boy? I know, I know I shouldn't play with sabers. Is there something wrong with it?" Shira asked. She set the saber down, although not without some effort to make herself do it. It wasn't as though she'd had the chance to use or even hold a lightsaber before in her life, although she had often imagined doing so.

The old doctor laid his mechanical hand on DeeJay's.  He did appreciate her constant companionship, cheerful disposition, and attention to detail.  She was a higher functioning category of droid, just like he was, and certainly the most efficient protocol droid he had ever met.  They had shared many exciting and stimulating conversations, which were among his most frequently accessed memories.  Of all the Star's crew, she alone truly understood the unique challenges droids faced and had always supported his efforts to encourage greater respect for artificial life forms.  He was quite aware that the only person on board who would comprehend her binary based song was him; he was grateful for the gift.

"Thank you, DeeJay, you are a multifaceted and very talented droid and Captain Ali and her crew are indeed fortunate to have you assist them, as am I."  Having satisfied himself with the Princess progress, he turned towards the viewport, the swirling kaleidoscope of hyperspace reflected in his visual receptors.

"I do admit I regret not being able to spend more time on Ember.  I am certain the Planet was host to unique flora and fauna that would have been both fascinating and beneficial to study.  Perhaps we may go back sometime soon, you and I?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Fri 28 July 2017.

DeeJay nodded in agreement.  It would be nice to explore Ember with her old companion.  Besides, every protocol droid knew that the living would be lost without them. Really, it was amazing most of them made it to cultivating fire on their own.

Shira put down the saber and the Vornskyr relaxed, apparently quite fine with the Ghostling as company.  In his pleasant contemplation of revisiting Ember, his fine medical senses and software noticed the slightest trace of flaked dust from the discarded saber being absorbed into Shira's skin like fine talcum.  It was probably nothing...

As he prepared his quarters for the Vorskyr, Grev considered Ember.  As much as he loved exploring new planets, something felt wrong about exploring Ember.  According to Sundancer, Ember was but a child.  And as intimate an act as exploring a planet would be, for a sentient planet, that would make it a worse evil.  One did NOT explore a child, that was a wrong so sick that it could not be tolerated.  No, Grev made up his mind.  He would not explore Ember.  But had Sundancer?  That question ate at Grev.  Sundancer had modified the cave.  What else had he done.  Grev would do what he must to protect Ember, even if that meant taking care of Sundancer in a less than pleasant way.

[Well that got dark.]

Celes took the Khara's helm, feeling her familiarity with Imperial systems would be of better use there than in the cockpit of the Fabled Star. They'd had a major victory on Ember, but she couldn't shake the thought that every so-called victory was just another reason for the Imperial war machine to wake up and take notice. Years of training had taught her to be a hunter, a solitary predator fighting to survive. Imperial training had taught her how to be a small cog in a very large machine. Nothing had taught her how to win a fight against an unstoppable juggernaut of destruction. Everything she knew told her the war they'd engaged in was hopeless.

Turning her thoughts to her own past brought her to think about Shira and Thuraya, and now Ember. Surrender simply wasn't an option. Not so long as there were more children who would suffer for it. Celes knew better. The Empire was both backing the Rebellion into a corner and underestimating them. Two mistakes that were dangerous alone, and fatal together. There was still hope.

TwoOneBee trusted his sensors, they were among the most finely tuned of any droid series, and they had detected something anomalous coming from the Sith light saber.  Instantly his attention was on this new development.  He had been programmed to be observant, as any good doctor should be, so he quickly made his way over to the Ghostling and stood before her, and waited for her to acknowledge him.

"I do beg your pardon, Ms Shira, I have detected an unknown substance that was transferred from the light saber you are holding, to your skin.  It is most likely nothing to be concerned about, however I am required to scan and determine the origins of all such substances.  May I have your permission to scan and examine your hands, please?"

"Hello, 'Bee! Look, this Vornskyr likes me now!" Shira sang out cheerfully. "I, um, was just putting  this potentially deadly weapon somewhere safe. Certainly not playing with it." she implausibly claimed about the saber, shifting back and forth slightly with embarrassment.

She let out a little squeak and looked down at her hands, scrutinizing them carefully. Shira had been careful with her hands ever since her one and only attempt to punch an Imperial had gone disastrously wrong. "Please, scan away!" she cried out. "You don't think I've been poisoned, do you? That would be just like the Imperials... Ohhh stars."
She turned her hands upwards and held them out to Bee, careful not to touch anything. "What's the prognosis, doc?"

Hoth was bitterly cold but the company of friends and fellow Rebels brought forth enough warmth for it to feel like home.  There were briefings, debriefings and more briefings.  And, in between, there was quiet time to think.  Both Ember and Khara had provided a wealth of information for the Rebellion and it would take time to process.

Suspicious of how the odd organic saber might have flaked into Shira's skin, TwoOneBee had kept her under observation and regular checkups.  But, for now, there was no sign of any kind of infection or blood impurities.

After a closed-door meeting with the Command Staff, Ali gathered her team mates together in a ice cave with chairs and tables made of crates, pretentiously called a briefing room.  As everyone leaned forward expectantly, Ali said, "You won't believe it, but after our debriefing is finally over with, we have been granted leave..."


OOC:
OK, the second adventure slowly begins.

Assume that TwoOneBee is keeping a good watch on Shira and is doing about as much as medically possible to check for unknown influences on everyone's favorite Ghostling.

You characters are on light duty while on Hoth and soon you will have extended leave.  This is a chance for you to have more agency and take care of some personal subplots.

Let me know what you think.  Here we go again... :-)

Shira was not feeling comfortable. She loved the snow on Hoth, as Datar did not get the same sort of weather. However, Hoth required her to bundle up in lots of heavy cold weather gear, and that was a strain when Hoth had much stronger gravity than Datar. And the boots she wore prevented her from walking on her toes, which was natural for a ghostling. That plus frequent medical checkups and debriefings were driving her a little crazy.

So she was quite relived and smiled brightly when Ali told them the debriefings were over. "Oh, yes!" she exclaimed, springing up from her seat. But after a moment's thought she ran a hand through her silver hair. "Where to go on Hoth, though? There's' not exactly a lot of entertainment. I suppose we could go exploring"

The old medical droid was very busy, now that they were back at the Rebel Base on Hoth.  Updating his medical data bases, researching additional data chips to expand on his basic programming, and regularly monitoring his favourite patient for any anomalies resulting from her contact with the organic saber tech, had made free time a rare occurrence.  Added to this attending the seemingly endless briefings, debriefings and meetings made for a challenging schedule, even for an advanced robotic unit capable of multiple simultaneous functions.  In short, it was precisely the sort of situation for which he'd been designed and he was thrilled!

Of course, he had also continued to follow the exploits of his fellow crew members, even though his time to visit them was severely limited.  One of the only reasons the innumerable meetings had been pleasant at all was the opportunity to see everyone, however briefly.  Thus he was surprised to learn from Captain Ali that their travails were completed, which did free up a large amount of time in TwoOneBee's schedule.

"It could be interesting to see more of this...frigid world.  I have heard the Ice Caves of K'luur to the south contain some truly unique crystalline structures.  It is important, in any such expedition, to be properly prepared, but that can be managed with a minimum of difficulty.  I, for one, find this idea intriguing, Ms Shira, and would be pleased to accompany you.  Of course this is only my opinion, I do not have the capacity to speak for anyone else."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Sat 19 Aug 2017.

This game is now continued in Part II: A New and Big Deal...