Hoth's Open Terrain

*Crystaall looked at Lynda and the other Jensaarai and cleared her throat.*

"I need someone to spot hostiles with the sniper squad. I also need someone to be ready to report every action to the other teams, mainly Garwig. I also need someone to come with me and Ursi to watch our backs. This person must know the meaning of silence within combat and the Force. Anyone left, stay with Ali. And don't move without my go ahead."

*Crystaall nodded to Ursi and pressed a button on her right wrist, activating a small stealth generator. It made Crystaall only visible through the small shimmer the generator provided as it hid her within the snow. She crouched and made her way to the side wall nearby, making her way around any guards in her way, expecting Ursi and another Jensaarai to follow her and keep silence.*

Cave near Echo Base

Veng remained on one knee as he watched @kaytra appear on the rear view of his HUD until she came to a crouch beside him. Nothing, LT. Here- He directed Kaytra's attention towards the tracks and blood stains on the snow. -don't know if our runner had a friend or if it's something else. Can't make out the tracks. If it is another poacher, we're lucky if he hasn't called in our presence to his mates yet. Veng rose up and continued onwards without so much as a warning, expecting Kaytra to follow. He hated being the only other person here because it meant he actually had to talk. Veng didn't know why he said his next words. You made quick work of those creatures back there. Small talk. Was he just killing the silence or was it genuine curiosity? He wasn't quite sure himself. With his carbine trained forward, Veng's duraplast-clad form was steady in it's unyielding advance. The tunnel around them painted a picture akin to the maw of a giant icy beast, as if they were walking right into the belly of it. All that learned from GALSAF? Or past experience? Veng kept his assessment of her age to himself as he was aware that sometimes, looks could be deceiving. He wondered if their pasts were any similar. Despite appearing to be focused forward, Veng watched for Kaytra's expression through the low-light illumination of his helmet's display.

Difficult childhood. Learn fast or die young. Seems they had more in common than he initially believed. GALSAF training's one thing... Veng trailed on before finishing his thought. ...but prosthetic arms that pop out blades and an unorthodox fighting style is something else. From where he stood during the fight he saw every move, every slice. After he had put a bullet in the skull of the skel that had charged him he ended up mesmerized for just a second by the leftenant's fighting style. Everything had happened so fast in the cramped quarters of the kill cave that he couldn't shoot without potentially hitting a fellow commando. So after he shook off the trance he was in he opted for his vrakolian spin-blade instead. More words streamed out of him. And assuming you're not Morellian or somesuch, you appear young. Younger still when you joined this outfit. He kept in mind GALSAF's nearly two year initial course. Late teens to early twenties probably, thought Veng. But he kept that to himself. He knew enough to not pin an age on a female. Some of them could be touchy about that sort of thing, especially if he guessed wrong. Veng swore beneath his breath but he kept that off the com channel. Look, LT. I'm not trying to pry or anything, I was just... He was just what? Bored? Curious? Veng didn't really know, neither did he do the whole conversation thing very well. He usually didn't do it at all. Perhaps Dreemer's penchant for inane chatter was rubbing off on him. Veng opted to leave his sentence unfinished, thinking that silence was better than aimless talk.

The end appeared to be nowhere near sight as the two commandos trudged on, with only the encroaching darkness and the relentless cold for company.

Damn. To get caught in an explosion that required limb replacement... it must have been pretty bad. Kaytra's response in regards to her fighting style brought a sardonic smile to Veng's lips. He'd heard that statement uttered before, out of his own mouth. When he noticed her beginning to slow down he stopped and lowered his carbine to rest against his torso, turning half-way so that his right side faced Kaytra. Ah, sithspit. His questions seemed to have struck a nerve with the flight officer, something which he didn't mean for to happen. He watched her as she cleared her face of obstruction and took off her comlink. Veng's brows rose up curiously. What's this now? He took a second to admire her youth and appearance. Not bad looking at all, on the contrary... but then he quickly stifled that line of thinking as Dreemer's teasing face popped up in his mind.

Veng listened to her next words. Ah, discretion. Well he wasn't called silent as a Ghost for nothing. He spoke through his helm's external speakers this time. "Sure. You have my word." Then he emphasized by making a zipping gesture in front of his helmet where his mouth would be.

It took a moment for the information to sink in. And when it finally did, things started to click into place in Veng's mind. The ruthless edge her movements possessed. The reckless yet exemplary showmanship of her piloting as evidenced back on Bespin. It all made sense. But to have lost so much in such a short time... she didn't just lose organic parts or her parents. It's as if the door to her previous life just shut itself in front of her, locked with the key tossed beyond her reach. Veng searched Kaytra's face for the thoughts hidden within, and despite the illumination provided by his HUD he had a difficult time reading her. For just a fraction of a second Veng wondered how much of her humanity as well did she lose that day, as was common with some cyborgs. But he pushed the thought aside. From the little that he's seen and heard, Kaytra kept enough. Otherwise she wouldn't still be with an organization devoted to helping others. It was then that Veng was able to make out one thing that seemed to be plaguing her. And the only reason for that was because he'd seen it in himself before.

Veng moved towards Kaytra hesitantly at first, but with each step came more confidence. When he came within arm's reach his right hand released his carbine and rested on her shoulder reassuringly. Veng gave her what he hoped would be taken as an acknowledging nod between one comrade to another before he spoke. "They'll understand more than you think." He trusted that Kaytra knew who he meant by 'they'.

In the back of Veng's mind something didn't quite add up. Getting abandoned by your pirate relatives was one thing... but joining an organization with ideals that were in complete opposition was something else. Some would say it was quite the radical shift in lifestyle. But Veng left those speculations alone for now. Maybe in a bar with a few drinks to shoot back, but not quite during a mission. Oh but then he might have to reciprocate in the sharing... well he'd cross that bridge when he gets there, Veng thought.

Sam flies lower, trailing after Kaytra on her speeder bike. He keeps his distance, just enough to remain out of scanner and sensor range, he reflects for a moment on how he came to be tracking after the young Kaytra Tatham…

* * * * *

He had observed the turn of events, and noted the severity of Sheperd’s injuries. As much as he would prefer not to leave Kaytra alone for too long, Sheperd’s condition was far too critical to leave unattended. He’gai and Dreemer had basic level training in medicine, as far as he knew, but he’s a doctor first and foremost before he is a pilot, tactician or commander. He dropped down into the hard snow behind He’gai, Sheperd, and Dreemer, quickly kneeling to absorb the shock of his fall, and pressing down a fist into the ground for added support. Dreemer wheeled around, weapon in hand, and cries out in surprise at the sight of a streamlined Katarn-class commando armour, :: Kriffin’ hell, Sam! You tryin’ to get yourself killed?!? ::

Sam observed through his senses in the Force that Dreemer was undoubtedly edgy, and somewhat removed from his usual jovial, insufferable and joking demeanour. He’gai was…unhappy. Unhappier than usual, rather. Sam hardly interacted with most of these individuals, but they were his team-mates all the same, and he had a duty to tend to those in grave danger, such as Sheperd was in right now. Instead of responding to Dreemer, Sam walked up to the three men, pointing at the one being supported between He’gai and Dreemer, :: We don’t have much time with him. Transport won’t reach us in time, and it’s not the best idea for me to carry him and fly. Lay him down on the ground, we apply first aid here, now. ::

As the two commandos reluctantly lay him down per Sam’s orders, Sam knelt down next to him, removing his helmet and hovered his right palm over Sheperd’s chest, he says, “Tell me how he got to this state.”

He’gai nodded his head and began briefing Sam, :: An ice spire had gone through the gap between his upper arm plate and backplate. We’ve done all we can to stop the external bleeding, but we don’t know enough to deal with the level of internal injuries he has. :: The Quarren knelt down across from Sam, :: I know you’re a doctor, Sam, but in all honesty, do you know how to treat wounds this severe out here with only the gear you’re carrying? You outfitted yourself on this mission for flight and long-range sensors, but did you have enough space for all the Bacta he’s going to need? ::

Sam regarded He’gai with a look, allowing his glowing blue eyes to shine as he dropped his masking of his signature in the Force and his full power in order to concentrate on Sheperd and healing him. He knew that He’gai wasn’t doubting his skill, but rather, he only wanted to make sure that Sam had little room for errors that may result in Sheperd’s death. “I have all Sheperd needs, He’gai, now keep your eyes out for any hostiles, there are wampas near enough to be potential trouble for us while I work. Dreemer, you take the opposite side, keep your scanners open, they’re hard to detect.”

There were two reasons why Sam asked He’gai and Dreemer to be on the lookout for wampas: One, the danger was real, two, he was going to use the Force very extensively, and he didn’t want his fellow commandos to see him pull an Asyeline Skyrah.

Even as he worked feverishly on Sheperd, within the man, an unusual phenomena was happening…



Musical Accompaniment

A song of no words, melodious and full of life, filled his ears as he slowly opened his eyes, momentarily surprised by the bright light. Too early, you’re too early! he hears a thought enter his mind.

“Nnh…” Sheperd grunts as he raised a hand to cover his eyes. He just wanted to rest…except he’s no longer as tired as he was but a moment ago. Sighing, the man rose into a sitting position, propping himself up with his hands. He shook his head, still dazed and feeling faint from the wounds he suffered from. But as far as he remembered, he was on a planet made primarily of ice and snow, a far cry from where he was at the moment. Lush green valleys with flowers of every imaginable colour covered the grassy valley like carpets of life and song.

Resisting the urge to leap up in shock, Sheperd blinked several times and shook his head some more. He was certain he’s hallucinating. “Dreemer? He’gai? You around?!? I can’t see you, but I hope you can hear me. I think I’ve lost my mind. I can’t see Hoth anymore….”

And where is that music coming from??? He wondered worriedly. It’s bad enough that he was having a massive hallucination that affected how he felt the weather, and in all honesty…it felt good. He no longer felt the pain of his wounds, in fact, and as he stood up to his feet, he found the throbbing pains from where the ice spire had stabbed him close to his heart was gone. The music was soothing, soft, gentle, and at the same time, powerful, and life-giving. Am I dead? He thought questioningly.

He felt a presence, approaching. He didn’t know how he knew, but as he turned to look at a sloping valley, his vision was either blurry at the distance, or the field of view was deliberately distorted, but he could see a small figure in white, skipping down the slope, and then making her way towards him. As she drew closer, and grew clearer in form, he was more certain that it was a young lady, probably in her teenaged years. She was skipping instead of walking, like she was having the merriest time of her life, and her movements seemed to go in time with the music he could hear playing all around him and even in his head, yet, it did not feel unpleasant to him. As if it was meant to be playing all along.

As she reached him, the song took on a stronger crescendo, and he could hear the sound of applause, like unseen numbers of people were applauding for him, and he could virtually feel the sheer joy, and a sense of welcome beckoning him. The girl only stops, hopping twice on the spot as if to reverse her momentum, when she’s but two feet away from him. She gave him a pearly smile, and he was able to see her in all her detail.



“You’re here too soon, Gaebryl Sheperd.” She said.

“Wh-what?” He stuttered, “I’m sorry, but have we met?”

She smiled and just walked around him in a circle, “You’ve met me, a lifetime ago. When you were born.” She studied him up and down as she walked around him, his eyes followed her as she completed her circuit, and then put a hand out to him to shake, “I am Cherry Mesmer Avatar.”

He accepts the offered hand, covering her slender fingers in his large, firm hand, and she nods approvingly, “You’ve grown strong, and done well in your time thus far. You wounds are grave, and that is why you have come here. But it is too soon. Far too soon…” she shook her head, her eyes filled with mirth, and life, “Your family still needs you, your friends need you. I cannot accept you into the afterlife just yet.”

“Wait wait…” Gaebryl said, raising a hand up, “This is the afterlife?”

Cherry smiled, and shook her head, “Not quite, it’s more of an entrance to it.” She slipped her arm into the crook of his elbow, slowly guiding him along the grassy fields.

“You’re a good man, Gaebryl Sheperd, that is why I watch over you.” She said, giving him a wistful smile, before turning back to watch where she walked, “Your like is filled with peril, so I shall send you back, and give you something that may help you along the way.”

She turned abruptly to face him, and pressed a hand to his chest, resting it over his heart. Light poured out from her hand in white brilliance, and he felt enormous comforting warmth engulf his entire being. Stunned from the sensation, Gaebryl could do naught but to allow the angelic girl’s ministrations to continue. She smiled, and Gaebryl decided she had one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen. “The one called Sam…he is your friend, yes? Even as we speak, he tends to your body, healing its wounds. It helps make my task easier, he too, I shall reward and watch over. Now…go back, Gaebryl Sheperd. Watch over your family and friends. Do good, protect the people.”



He gasped loudly and opened his eyes wide. Sam reared back, surprised by Gaebryl’s sudden awakening, and equally amazed at how fast his wounds had healed. There was no way he was that good! Not even Asyeline Skyrah could have healed that quickly wounds as severe as what Gaebryl had endured.

Looking beyond Sam, Gaebryl could see the girl standing before him, smiling, her hand extended towards him. Though he was certainly heavier than her by two hundred pounds, what with his armour and all, he did not hesitate to reach out. When he grasped her hand, she yanked him to his feet. But what would be more shocking was that Sam could see her, because he stared at the girl who appeared out of no where, and Dreemer, who heard Gaebryl’s gasp, turned around, and to his shock there was now one more person, whom he had not detected on his sensors built into this helmet. Something impossible.

The girl smiled up at Gaebryl, her hand pressed to his chest, and what appeared to be a bluish-white crystal shaped like a five-pronged star forms right on his armour, and then fades away.

<< The Starheart is your protection, a gift for you. Protection, for the Protector. >> He heard her voice, though it was only in his head, because her mouth did not move but to remain in a lovely smile. She stepped back, and slowly faded from view, never taking her eyes of him, and then, no one could see her anymore.

:: Who was that?!? :: Dreemer asked, pointing at where the girl was moments ago, :: He’gai, you saw that? Right? Sam? Shep? Who was that? Where’d she come from??? ::

He’gai turned around and regarded Dreemer with a confused look, not that it could be seen through his helmet, :: The hell you talkin’ about, Dreem? What girl? ::

Dreemer’s right hand raised up and down frantically as he jabbed his finger repeatedly at the spot where Cherry was, :: There was a girl, right here! And…and…come on! No one saw her??? ::

Sam blinked his eyes a few times. He recognized Cherry. He’d seen her before, a few times even, in fact. But what surprised him was that she seemed to be interacting with the Adhartim (human/mortal) now, and openly. Dreemer and Gaebryl had seen her. Gaebryl appeared to be gathering his thoughts and wits, and thusly was unable to answer the panicking Dreemer, so Sam took it upon himself to respond to Dreemer. He decided it would be better not to lie to the man, and let the matter rest more quickly. He places his helmet back on and opens a channel, allowing only Dreemer, Sheperd and He’gai to hear him, :: She was here, Dreemer, now she’s gone. What matters is that Sheperd will live to fight another day. I’ve done all I can. I must go now. I shall accompany Leftenant Tatham and Ghost. Fortune favour you. ::

Sam stepped back, and took to the skies once more.

* * * * *

...As his thoughts drift back to the present, he follows Kaytra, now on foot. Activating his cloaking field, the doctor quietly trails the young woman, keeping a twenty foot distance from her. He notices that she has caught up with Veng Go’sai, also known as Ghost. Masking his signature once more, Sam closes the distance between himself and the two commandos to ten feet. He stays just beyond sight, keeping his senses, both helmet and the Force to his surroundings. Mentally, Sam kicks himself, because if he had only been sooner, Shep wouldn’t have even been injured at all, and none of the commandos would have been so greatly imperilled. Now it is his desire to ensure nothing happens to either Veng nor Kaytra that can protect them from.

He unintentionally learns more about Kaytra’s past as well, by listening as the young woman opens up to Veng about it. Sighing softly, the ancient man wonders if perhaps he might recall more about the name Tatham. Perhaps he and Tanicus may have even met the girl and her family as it were before. Once more, looking at her face reminds him of his youngest child, long since dead, and he has to close his eyes for a moment, though keeping his senses alert to danger, he could not bear looking at her too much without springing up memories of his past.

I swear, he thinks, that I will not fail you again.