The Deep Breath...

[Teran Atrix]

Teran wasn't quite sure what had just happened, but he was pretty sure that it meant he was on the brink of a very dangerous situation. In some ways, he thought it would have been safer to go fight against a Sith Lord again than to meet up with a Mandalorian. Hopefully this wouldn't go catastrophically wrong.

On the bright side, he was going to be able to get the input of a veteran of the Alliance. Although Teran hadn't ever personally interacted with Hugo Ion, he knew well of the General. The General was a wealth of information and had more experience with the Mandalorians than most.

Teran, on the other hand, hadn't even been a Jedi yet when the Mandalorians and the Alliance had been partners. He was hoping there was something he could glean about the Mandalorians from those days. A lot of things may have changed, but many of those who were around in those days were the same people in power today. They may have changed, but that didn't mean there wasn't a chance for change.

The two members of the Alliance had agreed to meet just outside the edges of the temple in a small meadow-type area. There was a cool breeze, and he was actually glad to be away from all the people and the hustle or bustle of the meetings. It was more relaxing... peaceful even. Teran could use a little bit of peaceful right now. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Walking down the path Hugo Ion rubbed the side of his jaw. Shii punched him earlier after the meeting and they got into a fierce argument about the stunt he tried to pull. She has every right to be angry with me but I’m just stubborn at times. I’ll try to make it up to Shii somehow after this.

Subsequently Hugo changed gears, thinking of his next meeting. He did not know Teran Atrix personally, they never really met until the conference that just ended.

Of course judging by the few reports Teran had a reputation as a valiant Knight. Judging by his example back at the assembly the human had proven to be someone stands by his convictions. Wonder what would Eli Reach make of all this? A sad smile surfaced on Hugo’s face, his first Jedi friend was one of the finest people he had ever known.

He missed his old friend ever since the latter died saving him and others from certain death back on Dantooine. “By the Force that was a lifetime ago.” Hugo muttered before noticing the small meadow and Teran standing around.

Upon approaching, the Durosian smiled and said.

“Glad you’re here Knight Atrix. Wish this conversation was under better circumstances but time is of the essence. I’ll do my best to help you with what little advice I can give.”

@Phoenix

 

[Teran Atrix]

Teran took deep breaths of the fresh, outdoor air and looked up at the small cluster of trees on the otherwise desert world. It was a pleasant place to rest, and nice enough to have a conversation away from prying ears. He reached out with the Force to feel the energies pulsing through this world. It was difficult to imagine a time before he had learned to let his mind wander through the energy that connected everything together.

He felt the approach of General Ion and noted a feeling of weight that seemed to weigh the man down. He couldn't begin to understand all that the Rebel leader had been through, but he could tell that it sat heavily on his shoulders. Pain, loss, and responsibility along with perhaps a hint of guilt. He wished he could have done something to ease that pain.

As Hugo drew closer, Teran turned and extended a hand. Thank you for meeting me, General. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, he said. Sometimes Teran felt so new to the Alliance and therefore out of place. Ion, however, had been in the Alliance for many years and everyone knew who he was. I was wondering what you know of the Mandalorians. Anything that could be of value back when they had an alliance with us, he said. It was odd that things had turned out the way they now stood. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

When offered a hand Hugo without hesitation accepted the gesture and shook it with a firm grip. It was a sign of deep respect from him. While not force sensitive himself he can tell the young man was taking in the fact that he was speaking with a person a number of rebels considered some kind of hero. The very idea made Hugo uncomfortable though he didn’t try to show it.

I’m no hero. Just a survivor who lucky enough to have made it this far. Of course Hugo can almost hear Eli admonished him that there is no such thing as luck. Forgive me old friend.

Keeping that observation to himself General Ion instead focused on what Teran asked. Nodding with understanding he fold both hands behind his back and answered.

“I had only a few experiences with them before our alliance was dissolved and it was mostly with their first Manda’lor, Raz Solus. I don’t dare call myself an expert on their ways but have gained some observations.”

A sigh escaped Hugo as he remembered Raz Solus. Now that is someone who will be remembered for centuries to come. She united the clans under her banner and made the Sith tremble before them. He will always admire that quality about her even though she probably saw him as nothing more than a useless coward when the coalition fell apart. The general turned his red weary eyes back to Teran and added.

“Mandalorians prefer to get the point and not waste time especially when it comes to both negotiations and war. They respect strength and seek challenges. Outsiders have to go the extra mile to earn even a small measure of trust from them and it’s not easily repaired if broken.”

Hugo paused, looking at trees gathering what others pieces of information he had.

“One of the main impressions I got is that they care deeply about their loved ones and way of life. Threatening both had been among the Sith’s greatest mistakes.“

A smile escaped him but quickly continued with a more somber expression. “Also Mandalorians hate the very idea of being used by others.”

After saying that Hugo waited to see if Teran had more questions. Likely about the early alliance between the two sides if he was to guess.

@Phoenix

 

[Teran Atrix]

Teran listened closely to what Hugo said, but also what he didn't say. He held himself back from prying too deeply into the man's mind out of respect, but the emotions that came off of him were as obvious as a candle in pitch darkness. He couldn't avoid sensing it even if he wanted to. There was regret, sadness, and guilt that ate him up inside. Every word seemed to be laced with it, and Teran found himself wishing he could help the man. This war had filled the galaxy with broken people.

He also knew that he needed to listen to what the General said. Learning the theory of Mandalorians was one thing, but speaking to someone who had known them was a step up and as close as he could get to meeting them before he... met them. Not just any Mandalorians either, but their leader. What had he gotten himself into?

Mention of Raz Solus stood out to him as well. Just like he remembered seeing the Jedi on Corellia, he recalled the inspiration of watching Raz Solus lead the Mandalorians down on their basilisks. Everyone he'd ever heard spoke highly of her, but she was gone now.

As Hugo finished speaking, Teran let out a thoughtful "hmm" and frowned, processing the information. Is that why they parted ways with the Alliance? And why you think they've declared war now? Because they felt used? he asked. It wasn't a simple factual question, but finding the core of why this war was starting would be key to avoiding its continuation. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Hugo briefly closed his eyes, recalling the past. He can see the first meeting between him and Raz, when they promised to fight side by side. Or when they and their troops celebrated together in a crazy party on Nar Shaddaa. The memory of that event filled his heart with some joy and much amusement. But it was the last memory after the death of Daniel Solus where Raz held him by the throat for what happened that was the most vivid.

In that moment the Duros can feel the metal hand that threatened to break his neck. He can still hear her voice fury mixed with grief, damning him for what happened to her kin. Only the sacrifices of his rebels including an old friend named Aro Saa who fought and died alongside Daniel Solis kept Raz from killing him during that last meeting.

Their alliance didn’t end that day but it was beginning. Looking back at the Jedi Knight, Hugo rubbed the side of his neck.

“That's a major part of the issue yes, but there is more to it than that. It’s a long story to be honest but you need to know. Years ago when me and Raz Solus first contacted each other we vowed to fight side by side as equals. Back then I had intended to fulfill that pledge but I ended up letting my focus slip from that, being so caught up from trying to strengthen the Alliance and let the Jedi grow in secret until I believed we were ready. However, it wasn’t too long before the famous Corellian assault happened.”

General Ion let that bit of information sink in to Teran. Seconds later the the Durosian asked. “Did you know that operation happened without most of the Alliance’s knowledge and authorization.”

@Phoenix

 

[Teran Atrix]

Teran listened to the story as Hugo told it. He could tell there was pain, but there was also some hints of joy there. Under the surface there were good memories. The Empire had been overthrown, and Teran could only hope that the Mandalorians weren't going to be the new Empire. He could only hope that he was correct that they could still be reasoned with. If they couldn't then he might well end up dead for his troubles.

No, I didn't know that, he said shaking his head and chuckling slightly. I remember watching the footage after it happened. It was so... inspiring. I had thought Jedi were extinct for hundreds of years. I never thought I'd be here now, he said. It occurred to him that he was wandering off topic and pulled back the conversation to the relevant.

Do you think they can be reasoned with? he asked. It had been years, and perhaps it was true that they were too far gone, but he hoped not. I'm not sure I can blame people who don't have the Force for not understanding it. To the galaxy at large they don't see a difference between Jedi and Sith. They're wrong, but... it's not always right to educate yourself through all the propaganda, he said. The Empire had done an exceptional job of spreading hate and lies about the Jedi. The Mandalorians didn't trust Force users inherently, and that was an ingrained opinion that Teran would be fighting to overcome. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

The general considered the question, scratching his chin. If it was Raz he would have a little more understanding. However, Leandros was someone different and the few encounters he had with the man were not the most positive.

Hugo could take insults to himself and write it off but he still remembered how that warrior insulted all of the rebels. As if none of the sacrifices including the dead’s didn’t matter at all. To top all off the warlord currently threatened not just to kill Jedi but also other force users who had nothing to do with their quarrel. The General still bore a grudge and for a moment he squeezed his fists in silent at the memory.

As soon as it came it ended, Hugo released his fists. Whatever resentment he had for Leandros the rebel had to believe there was at least a slim chance for peace. Back in control of himself Hugo finally said to Teran.

“It’s a galactic understatement to say that it won’t be easy.” Shrugging his shoulders Hugo added. “Then again it’s similar with anything worthwhile in life.”

The general glanced around the side at a little winged critter returning to a nest on one of the trees. “I don’t know the current Manda’lor like Raz and we both don’t give a damn for each other to put it mildly.”

Subsequently Hugo returned his glance to Teran with a more calm expression.

“But, Raz must’ve have seen something good in the man to have him at her side. The best thing I can suggest to you is to stand by your convictions like back at the meeting. Assuming the warlord even lets you speak match your words with action and listen to him to what he has say. Show Manda’lor that you’re not me nor Arda and certainly not the Sith.”

Taking a deep breath and releasing it Hugo went on.

“There is something else you need to know. Raz and him lost a close kin of theirs in the battle of Al’doleem. His name was Daniel Solus and he died alongside many rebels who fought in the rear guard, including A’ro Saa, one of my oldest friends. Don’t mention that name to him but be ready if he brings up his death against anything you’re able to say.”

@Phoenix

 

[Teran Atrix]

Teran ran his fingers along the tree nearby. The Force flowed strongly on this world, and the connection that he had to everything else felt all the more vibrant. That held true for his connection to the general as well. Yes, there certainly was bad blood between he and Leandros. It was clear as the nose on his face, and Teran began to wonder if the members of the Alliance were even ready to settle for peace. Perhaps it was a good thing that he didn't have such a history with the Mandalorians himself.

Daniel Solus... he repeated quietly. The name sounded familiar, but he was trying to place where exactly he had heard it before. It had been so long ago, and... then it clicked. I remember hearing about that on the holonet. Rask made a big hubub about it, didn't he? Is that what broke the Alliance? His death at Al'doleem? he asked. Of course there was probably more to it than just that, but it might have been the start of the snowball.

He took another deep breath. Sounds like I have my work cut out for me, he said. At the back of his mind another question lingered. It was one far more personal, and one he wasn't sure he should broach. It wasn't probably appropriate, but Teran could see pain, and didn't think he could turn away from it as a Jedi.

Do you blame yourself for what happened? he asked. @Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Very intelligent, he has the makings of a future Master. The general hoped against hope that Teran will survive what anyone would call a suciude mission. A part of him still wanted to go with the Knight even if it meant risking his own life. But the question would it his presence achieved anything? Leandros would likely be even more provoked by it and cost any slim chance for negotiations.

If the Mand’alor did murder Teran for coming in peace then he will prove to be little better than the Sith he so despises. But Hugo remembering how honorable Raz was even when she called off their common alliance still wanted to believe somehow Leandros can be persuaded to change from this genocidal course.

Just as Hugo was about to give some more encouragement to Teran when the young human asked him a more personal question. He froze, as if the whole galaxy suddenly stood still. Feeling responsible, those were two words were a great meaning behind a storm of emotions.

General Ion looked down at the ground solemnly. He wasn’t upset at Teran asking but nonetheless brought a mountains of guilt buried within his soul. When Hugo was sure he had enough self control the Duros answered.

“I blame myself for all of them Knight Atrix. Not just Daniel Solus but everyone we lost in the operations I commanded or allowed to happen from Al’doleem to Hoth. Nothing I can do or say can ever bring any of them back.”

A single tear fell from his right eye. Subsequently he added. “I hope in the Force that you will succeed in saving lives where I have failed.”

@Phoenix

 

[Teran Atrix]

A part of Teran regretted asking the question as soon as it left his mouth, but you couldn't take back words. The storm of emotions that swirled within the General was clear and terrible. It practically slapped Teran in the face, but he also knew that the pain he had inflicted was not without cause. Like a surgeon draining an abscess, sometimes making a larger incision was necessary in order to undo the real damage. At least he hoped that was the case.

Moments ticked by as the General sought to gather his composure, and Teran didn't press him. It was like an internal hurricane, trying to calm what was raging and wanting to be unleashed. A person could only go on like that for so long before it tore them apart. He wondered if it had torn the General apart for all these years and that was why he had been absent. Perhaps.

Teran could feel the weight and pain with every word that Hugo spoke. It was the weight of thousands of lives that he blamed himself for. He blamed himself for every one of them, but Teran knew better. He didn't say anything for a moment, trying to think of the best way to say what was on his mind. He didn't want to cause more pain than was already there, but there was also erroneous thought.

Every person who fights makes a decision, he said, thinking back to when he had first become a Jedi. A Knight had stumbled through his parent's clinic door, and that day Teran's life had changed forever. He had set out on a path to war that hadn't ended and likely wouldn't end any time soon.

You can't hold yourself responsible for that. Everyone knows the risks. Blaming yourself won't bring them back. If it did, I'd be all for it, but blaming yourself... only weighs down the living, he said. They were one with the Force now. Grief was for the living. @Minuteman75