95 Night of Reprieve

-7:23 PM-

-Point Foxtrot, Nakh'Tahli Mountain Caves, Kessel, Outer Rim-

*Hssst*

I sipped my teas as I huddled next to an electric heater. This blanket was just so comfortable. I didn't think a blanket could feel so good but here I was, unable to let go. The cave was very cold. The only reasons I wasn't shivering to death were the blanket, my cup of tea, and the space heater.

From what I was told the fighting lasted until around 4 PM. That meant that the battle lasted somewhere in the range of 16 hours. Being a part of it, it felt as if it had lasted 16 days.

I shifted in my seated position, pushing off of the ground with my right foot. "AGH!"

I nearly spilled my tea as a short burst of pain shot through my body. Ah, that's right. I sprained my right ankle. That's going to be a pain in the ass.

I was quite lucky in the battle. With no deaths and only light injuries, I was one of the people in better shape. The only thing that really got destroyed was my clothing.

My injuries consisted of the ankle sprain, and a stitched-up laceration on my right calf. Shortly after I sprained the ankle, I tripped on the uneven ground and fell over a roll of razor wire. It was extremely painful.

Other than that, I had to repair my prosthetic at one point. One of the mechanical components got destroyed by a blaster bolt, rendering it useless. I would have lost one of my lightsabers if it wasn't for my padawan. In addition, I wouldn't have been able to rejoin the fight without my set of tools that HK was holding for me.

To my left was Violet who I hadn't seen with my own eyes since the shuttle incident… On my right was my padawan, Sirius. He was really becoming my right-hand man. I would have most certainly died a few times if it wasn't for his timely intervention. We had met up after I got dragged back from the front and then we were together since then.

The kid was scarily proficient with his blades. He could probably bully the average Jedi Master as soon as he gets his lightsaber. On second thought, he will probably need two lightsabers. I just hoped that he would get two crystals.

I also hoped that he wouldn't have to constantly wrestle with the dark side like me. It gets exhausting. Is this what Master Windu had to go through as he developed the other half of Form 7? I must talk to my master and seek out a Jedi that I can consult in the balance between dark and light. Since the great Master Windu had yet to come around, I would be on my own to develop Vaapad.

Through the force, I felt Violet focusing on me. "I know you think I'm good looking, but you don't have to have such an intense focus on me. It feels weird."

I glanced towards her and noticed that she was blushing. "I-I… Shut up."

I chuckled before taking another sip of my tea. "Ahhhhh. Even if everything else fails me, there will always be a good cup of tea out there that will welcome me with open arms."

Violet then spoke again. "Why did they stop attacking? If they kept that up for another day, we would have faltered."

I sighed, taking another sip of my tea. "For someone so smart, you have a sore lack of insight."

She rolled her eyes. "Soryn, please. You've been a Jedi for about 3 months. You're not some old and wise sage."

I shrugged. "Well, how about you listen to my thoughts first. Just before they assaulted the caves, we spotted a FOB being built nearby. Their attack was most likely to buy time for them to solidify their position on the surface. They must have accomplished that goal. Thus, they now have the luxury to wait us out."

Violet was silent for a moment but nodded. "I see. That makes sense. Now that they have a solid position, they also have the logistical advantage. We have no supply line to back us up since we have had no contact with our cruisers. What should we do? I can't see any way forward that is a sure win."

*Hssst*

I shook my head and took one last sip of my tea. The steaming liquid stopped flowing halfway through my sip. My cup was empty. "Ahhhhhh. What a wonderful blend."

After placing the cup to the side, I grabbed the extra blanket to my right and folded it up. I then laid down and rested my head on the folded blanket. The cave floor wasn't bad now, but I'd definitely feel it in the morning.

I glanced at Violet as I felt that she was still watching me. "Well, I'm going to get some sleep. I suggest you do the same."

Violet shook with clear surprise. "W-what? How can you sleep right now?"

I nestled my head into my makeshift pillow and closed my eyes. "As a leader, the best thing that you can have is a rested and clear mind. Good night, Vi."

-6:02 AM-

A tap on my shoulder gently urged me from my slumber. I didn't want to wake up. Why was I being woken up? "Master, it is morning."

I groaned and turned my head away from the voice. It couldn't be morning. I just fell asleep! "Ughhhhh, dad, just 5 more minutes."

Then, a more forceful shove was imparted upon my shoulder, causing my head to slip off of my pillow. Now, I was angry. My eyes shot open, and I sat up really fast to find who dared to rudely wake me up.

*DMP*

My head smacked into a solid object that was sent in the opposite direction. "AGH WHAT THE FUCK!"

I looked at the ground a few feet away from me and found my padawan, sitting on the ground while rubbing his head. I shook my head as I rubbed my own. "Never do that again."

Sirius' shoulders sank as he continued rubbing his head in clear pain. "Ahhhhh, you have a very hard head."

I sighed. "What time is it?"

Sirius checked his watch and then looked back at me. "It is just past 6 in the morning."

I rolled my eyes, tempted to sink back into the rock floor. "And why are you waking me up?"

He sighed, zoning out as the reflection of the glowing space heater sparkled in his eyes. "In his words, Sigurd would like for someone with clearance comparable to his in the command center before he gets some sleep."

I shook my head. "If he said that, then he truly does need to sleep. Fine. Let's grab food on our way."

Sirius nodded. "That's a good idea. I'm quite hungry."

I stood up, holding the blanket that had been wrapped around me. I began folding it. "Did you sleep at all?"

Sirius nodded. "I got about 6 hours. You know, Director Violet slept next to you some hours last night."

I stopped mid-fold and looked him in his eyes. "Deadass?"

Sirius nodded again. "It's true."

I finished folding the blanket and walked over to a storage crate that was next to the heated area. "I don't know why I'm asking you this, but do you think she's into me?"

We started walking towards the rations stand in silence. It was obvious that Sirius was in deep thought. It was apparent not only from the force but also from the expression on his face.

He then turned to me. "Well, I can't say for sure. However, I do know that she treats and talks to you differently than she does others."

I sighed, waving my hands out helplessly. "Even if she does like me, which I think she does, how would it work?"

It was at this time that we arrived at the rations stand. There was a line of about 10 people in front of us. An attendant called out from the front. "Please have your badge out to receive your free food. Additional food is available for purchase."

Sirius reached into a pouch on the right side of his belt. "Why do you ask that? I don't see a problem."

I shrugged as I took my badge out of the pouch on the back of my belt. The line grew shorter. "For starters, we're both very busy with our guild responsibilities. On that note, our positions could create a conflict of interest considering I'm her boss-"

Sirius wagged his finger and shook his head. "Not exactly. You're her boss's boss."

I nodded but wasn't sure why. While he was right, I didn't see how it was relevant. There were only two people in front of us now. "I don't see how that makes it any better."

He shrugged. "I guess it adds a layer of separation. Your dates wouldn't turn into business meetings. In addition, you see clear headed enough to not play favorites when it comes to decisions."

I rolled my eyes. "You've known me for less than a day." I handed my badge to the guild admin while still maintaining eye contact with Sirius. "How can you possibly know such a thing already?"

"Guild Owner!"

I instantly shot a glare at the admin, causing sweat to roll down her cheek as she stood at attention. "Just scan it. I want my food."

Fortunately, it appeared that my quick and brutal response had shut down anyone that appeared that they wanted to take advantage of this random, but fortunate, encounter. I was an elusive mystery to most of my guild after all.

She briskly complied with my request and scanned the badge. She then handed it back to me. "Enjoy your meal, guild owner."

I smiled and nodded while taking the badge. "Thank you." I put the badge away and then unclipped my flask from my belt before turning back to Sirius. "Besides, being a Jedi makes this extra complicated."

Sirius handed his badge to the admin. "Who says a Jedi can't go on a date?"

I felt, through the force, that the admin was fully listening to the conversation. Honestly, I couldn't care any less.

I ignored it and handed my flask to the attendant behind the table. "Black tea, please. And add a little kick to it for me."

I winked at him and then turned to Sirius. "The Jedi Order quite literally teaches that we should let go of our worldly attachments."

Sirius received his badge from the admin and put it away. He then tilted his head and stared blankly at the cave wall while thinking for a moment. He then turned back to me. "I would say that love transcends all else, does it not? That doesn't seem very worldly to me. Regardless, you are way too wealthy to have truly let go of your worldly attachments, so I don't believe that's a valid excuse."

I raised my brow as I received my flask back. "Thank you." As I moved onto grab food, I thought over his point. "That's a very interesting way of looking at it. You're a clever one, my padawan. Very well, I'll ask her out."

Sirius received a cup of tea, minus the liquor, and nodded. "I'm sure it will work out."

I smiled as I held a warm egg sandwich wrapped in paper within my hands. "I hope it will."