The Last Goodbye

[Leah Reach]

No Sith, PvP, whatever.​

It was time for Leah to go. To find Aurora, to seek out Valentine, to bring her son back into the fold. She had many regrets. She carried a heavy burden. But she moved forward. She had to, and she hoped the others would too. Strangers, allies, friends. Leah hoped they understood what needed to be done, and she hoped she might leave on good terms with everyone. The Jedi was on the brink. The Alliance hanged by a string. However, there was hope. She saw that on Jedha. In the hearts and minds of those around her. She knew that her leave would not mean the end of the Alliance. Instead, perhaps, a new beginning. It was the start of something new.

Spates of birds fluttered overhead. Like white trails of the clouds. Daylight pierced through, bathing the landscape of Ifrane in its warmth. On the extensive landing pad of the rebel base, she stood in front of her shuttle. Strawberry blonde hair tied in a bun. Slender body draped in a dress of blue and white. Wandering eyes, clasped hands, a lighter smile. Rebels and Jedi were gathered around her. Men and women she came to know as family. They were already told before about her mission. Her journey alone, unsure whether she might ever return. It was out of nowhere. However, her mind was made up. Nothing would make her stay. No matter how bad she wanted to.

Today, right now, was meant to be a last goodbye. A happy bon voyage or cold sendoff, Leah was not sure what to expect. But surely, as always, of course, she hoped. It may be the last time they ever saw one another again. Leah wanted it to be a fitting farewell. A happy ending to an otherwise somber story.

 

[Crix Dolan (TL8)]

Stories are unpredictable. Whirlwind romances with feelings left unborn in their conception. Crix sat confused and frustrated in his captain's chair. His brow furrowed as he stared out the viewport and into the sky above. He was supposed to be seeing Leah off, but he couldn't. He clenched his jaw as his mood darkened. Peetwo warbled worriedly at him and he sighed letting go of his selfish desires. It wasn't meant to be... it never was.

The Jedi stood and clipped his lightsaber to his gunbelt. He wore his trusty leather jacket, with a black and grey tunic tucked into black trousers that were bloused messily into his shin-high boots. He moved with purpose, if he were going to do this he'd rather get it over than draw it out. He marched down the boarding ramp of The Highwind and into the open airfield. He spotted Leah's transport and made his way there. The first thing he saw was her strawberry blond hair. He'd never forget it. Her smile, her touch... her.

Leah was the first person in the galaxy to see more in him than what he had to offer. Her belief in him had led Crix to become a Jedi. Even as he closed in on her he felt lightyears away. There was no mistaking it, she was already gone. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a hug.

This small moment would stand as the closest Crix would ever come to telling Leah how he felt. In the end, he knew she knew, and she'd chosen.

"Thanks." He whispered before letting her go.

@Deviant

 

[Asha]

Asha was next and it was hard for her to control her emotions. A Jedi was supposed to have control over her emotions and embrace inner peace, instead, but Leah had become a mother to her in the time it had been since she was brought off of Ifrane and trained. She had already lost her real parents. Now she was losing someone else she considered a parent. But, as Leah's former student and fellow Jedi, she understood what the woman had chosen to do. She knew it was necessary, and wished her well. But saying that was so much harder than feeling it.

How did she put into words all that the woman meant to her? How did she put into words all of the appreciation and respect she had for the lessons the woman had taught her? How did she put into words how much she was going to miss her? She tried and tried to seek the answer, but the words failed to come, and so she ended up approaching the woman and hugging her tightly, hoping that the gesture was enough to convey all that she wanted to say. Her heart ached, but the voice of the Force was in her ear, perhaps the whispers of Imani from the Netherworld of the Force, that this was what was meant to happen. Or, at least, that's what she chose to believe.

When she stepped away from Leah, she clasped her hands in front of her, and fresh tears glistened in her eyes. "Safe travels, old friend." Somehow, her voice managed not to crack. "Don't make us come looking for you too." She smirked, and then she tried to smile as genuinely as she could. "And may the Force be with you, always." @Deviant

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Being among the crowd of Jedi and Rebels that had come to say their good byes to Leah. Tycho stood there waiting for when it will be his turn to say good bye to the Jedi Master. He had a reason to thank her. Well two really. If she had not dragged him back to Nar Shaddaa he would not have seen the events that freed his homeplanet freed from the Empire's clutches and the people living there having a better chance at life. If she had not have dragged him to Jedha he may have never seen the Holy City nor have come across the boy he adopted as his own child. Whom is presently standing next to the criminal.

With Asha having said her piece. It is now Tycho's turn. Stepping forward the officer cleared his throat, trying to put his words together all without showing emotion. He is not supposed to, he is a man for crying out loud. But as his words came to mind his resolve to not show his emotions is failing, "Master Leah. Thank you for everything." Was all that he could bring himself to say knowing that the woman will know the reasons behind his words, "I hope you travel safely and that the force remains with you where ever you go my friend." He will say. Calash seemed to have gathered the courage to walk up to the Jedi Master beaming a loud, "Thank you for what you did on Jedha!" As he hugged the woman for a second or two before going back to Tycho's side. The officer nodded to the woman before giving her one last salute. He will then take the boy's hand and take a step back.

@Deviant

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ashlyna waited as the Jedi Master made her way. If it wasn't for her, she'd still be on Ord Mantell with Vu'thari and Ayasha. But now that they were back well....there would certainly be a hole left now. It meant Ashlyna would need to step up, because right now this order needed leaders; and it was in short supply of those. She had taken up a place next to Tycho, and....was that his kid? Still, the sight brought a smile to her face, especially when the small boy moved to hug the woman. Ashlyna didn't know the master that well, but Leah did help this order come about. And without her, she'd probably be off on a hunker barely scraping by and drunk out of her head. She didn't know where the woman was going, or what she was looking to do. But then again, that was none of Ashlyna's business, and that was just fine with her. The former pirate stepped forward to give thanks, but she'd keep it short. More important people had things to say to the woman. "Thank you, for all you've done. I know not what you are seeking, but I hope you find it. May the force be with you." With that, she stepped back alongside Tycho and his adoreable son(?), smiling down to the youngster. There would be big shoes to fill in the coming days. Ashlyna only hoped they were up for it.

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Having heard that Leah was indeed leaving for good, Devrim had rushed immediately to Ifrane where the majority of the Rebels and Jedi had established their new headquarters. Part of Devrim was in defiance that she was leaving. There was so much more to be done, so many stories and adventures to experience. But as Devrim arrived and followed closely behind Crix' stylish figure, the rebel began to realize the truth. Leah could not be bound to the Rebels or even to the Jedi. Much had come to pass recently that made her realize that she had duties elsewhere and dreams to fulfill. Who were they to hold her back?

Many would say that Leah was abandoning the Jedi, much like they said Vu'thari had done. But they were not wholly lost, and if anything Master Reach had laid a solid foundation upon which the Order was being rebuilt. Even looking around now at the others saying their goodbyes — none would have been there without her aid. And for that, Devrim was truly grateful. Once the others had come forward, the dark-haired rebel approached and also embraced Leah in one final farewell. "Thank you for...everything," Devrim said, letting go and stepping back. "Thank you for seeing something in me that no others could." He raised a hand in farewell. "We will never forget you or the impact you've had on our lives — all of ours."

"May the Force be with you. Always."

@Deviant
Goodbye dear friend and thanks so much for the stories. I'll never forget it.

Spoiler

​

 

[Eisa Swan]

Seemed ironic in a way, the fact that for the foreseeable future the mentor and students diverging paths would mirror the chance meeting that had brought the two together. To think that the chance encounter in the remote desert regions of Savareen, had set the wheels in motion for the then teenage rebel mechanic to grow into the Young Jedi Knight. Whom was currently closing up the last of the ships engine casings, a light sigh escaping her lips as she ratcheted the last bolt firmly in place.

Stepping back a little the cyan haired youth, slid the tool into one of the large tool pouches that were sewn into her coveralls. Her gaze scanning over the ships drive systems before falling upon a grease stained towel. Stretching out her hand, the young Jedi summoned the ragged fabric To her hand before proceeding to wipe away the grime that had blotted over her hands. Her gaze soon falling to the small scuttling utility droid as it scurried over towards the youth. "How's she looking Ditto?" Eisa inquired as she finished wiping her hands clean, a light smile crossing her features as the droid reported back through a series of chirps. "Good job bud" she responded with a light chuckle before extending out an arm for the droid to climb up and perch itself on the young Jedis shoulder.

Taking one last look over the engine room, the cyan haired youth simply nodded content with her handy work, before leaving the confines of the ship. Her bright emerald hued ayes narrowing slightly as she stepped off of the boarding ramp, adjusting to the change in light before focusing on the visage of her mentor.

A warm but slightly forced smile crossed her features as she watched various other Jedi approach the older woman to offer their parting words, for better or worse. Quietly she waited in the proverbial line, waiting for her turn to approach. "Fixed her up all good and proper, she'll get you to the end of the verse and back" Eisa spoke out cheerfully, as she stuffed the towel into one of her pockets, her bright emerald hued eyes looking up to the older woman who for the most part of her adolescent years had been a major part.

Taking a deep breath, the cyan haired youth paused for a moment before reaching forward and embracing the Jedi Master. "Thank you for everything Leah" she continued before giving a quick firm squeeze and releasing from the embrace. "Seems kinda ironic how the way we met is how we part ways" she continued as she ran a hand through her brightly dyed locks of hair, before looking back towards the Jedi masters ship. The smile on the youths features wained a little as she reflected on the chance that this may be the last time they crossed paths, though she understood the reasons why. Taking a deep breath to regain her composure , Eisa turned round to face her Mentor once again. "Safe travels Master Reach, and may the Force be with you"

 

[Leah Reach]

Theme.​

Hugs shared, smiles exchanged. Leah was heartfelt by the warm reception. Rebels and Jedi standing together to see her off. She was glad to know they understood. Glad to see them united in spite of everything that’s happened. Leah trusted the Alliance would remain strong without her. They believed there was a chance she may return and she almost believed it too, but she could feel her time with the Rebellion was coming to a close. A part of her always did. It was not her purpose to lead the Jedi or restore the Republic, no matter how many times she preached it. That was up to the Hugo, the Council, and everyone gathered around her. It was for them to decide.

She whispered words of gratitude, nods of thanks. A handshake with a promising student, a quick hug with Lieutenant Draykon, a motherly embrace with her former Padawan Eisa Swan. The daughter she never really had. Crix, the charming smuggler. She loved him. Maybe not the way she did her husband, but as much as any other man— even Valentine, as she came to realize now. Then, there was Asha. Her longest friend. Her first student. One of the finest Jedi in the Order and one helluva pilot. Leah would miss her deeply. Last but not least, there was Devrim. He had always bore a striking resemblance to her husband, but what he looked like didn’t matter to her, only what he did. And he did more than enough to restore Leah’s faith in the Jedi.

As she sank into each and every one of their arms, Leah didn’t want to go. She wanted to stay as long as she could. Maybe a second longer. Anyone could tell she was reluctant to leave, but there was still nothing that would convince her to remain. Destiny awaited her arrival. It was time for her to go. Wiping a few tears out of her eyes, hands clasped over her chest, Leah stood by the ramp of her shuttle and looked out to everyone. One last time. Faces she knew, familiar and unfamiliar. Even among them, she could see several spirits, smiling. A small, green alien. His friend, Imani Sage. Jedi of the old. A smile passed her lips. “Godspeed, rebels.”

“And may the Force be with you. All of you. Always.”

Exit Thread. ​