Mandalorian War RP

log #144

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:40:27 GMT

::With Varo gone on personal business and Ord along with Helena busy preparing and training the squads the command structure fell to Anasai who he was reporting to in her office as she requested for him. Quickly making his way there he stopped at the door and adjusted whatever part of his armor he felt was out of place so he would be perfect as possible for her and knocked twice on the door and waited for an answer from the other side::

::Anasai sat at her desk as usual, her helmet placed at the edge of it as she examined the tiny, floating galaxy in front of her, the Mandalorian fleet and all the Republic ships that they knew the exact locations of as she was currently trying to figure out a few different advancement paths to present to Varo when he came back. Her focus lead her to lose track of time but the knock on the door hardly phased her as she still stared at what was in front of her, calling out softly:: Come in..

::Stepping inside the room he closed the door quickly behind him before walking to the front of her desk, saluting her and holding it there. Looking at her through his visor he admired how focused she was on the holomap:: Reporting as ordered, Lieutenant Mirrett.

Hm? ::She still seemed distracted, glancing up at Corrion and then it hit her:: O-Oh..! Right, yes! At ease! ::She said, a bit flustered that she was unprepared for his arrival when, now that she had noticed, he was right on time. She reached quickly for her helmet, but then realized it would have been silly to put it on now after he had come in, and it wasn't a big deal, considering he had seen her face once before. Instead, she merely shut off the map, the galaxy disappearing in a flash as she looked up at Corrion with a slight smile:: Sorry, I was just... in the middle of something, Lieutenant Corrion. ::There was the just slightest hint of... something in her voice as she said his name; she was upset that he was still a Lieutenant and that it was Helena and not Corrion who had gotten the higher position but he wouldn't have been able to tell that from her tone::

Not a problem at all, ma'm. I'm hoping I didn't pull your focus away from your work. If I did, my apologies. ::He nodded quickly as she smiled at him and under his helmet he did the same. Lifting his hands to his own helmet after seeing she had left hers on the desk and figured it would be more comfortable this way for them both:: May I?

No need for apologies.. I am the one who asked you to come here, after all. ::Seeing him lift his hands to his helmet, she smiled again without realizing it:: I-If you'd like..

I'm more then comfortable without it in front of colleagues.. ::Pulling it off he showed her the smile he had still due to the fact she herself smiled again for him, placing it down on her desk with a nod:: Much better. How can I assist you today, ma'm?

::Her smile widened once she saw his face, keeping her eyes on his for a moment longer then necessary before looking down at her desk, looking through a neat stack of holopads she had before pulling out the one for him:: I have orders for you and Rohan.. ::There was that tone as she said Helena's name again, this time Anasai cleared her throat before continuing:: Thankfully the Mandalore was able to get sign off on a few orders before taking his leave..

::His eyes lit up when he saw the holopad that she pulled out for him. Grinning as he caught her tone when she said Helena's name and nodded:: Finally. I've been waiting for a chance to get things rolling.

::She laughed under her breath just slightly when she saw his eyes light up, glad to see that reaction from him. She decided immediately that this would be the way she'd do things for now on, she much, much preferred seeing that look on Corrion's face rather than try to deal with Helena. Holding the holopad out to him she nodded:: The two of you will be going off planet for a few days... Commander Mantrill mentioned wanting to join you but that depends on if he'll be preoccupied when the Mandalore returns... This is yours to deliver to Rohan.

::Taking the holopad from her his grin became wider as he looked at it and then back to Anasai:: If the Commander can make it then all the better..regardless the mission will be completed as ordered. I'll have this looked over by Rohan as soon as possible... ::He paused for a moment as he made a slight face:: Permission to speak freely, ma'm.

Permission granted. ::She said with a nod, her smile fading slightly as she wondered what he'd have to say::

I tried speaking about this with Ord but he doesn't want to hear it..saying it's the will of the Mandalore. While I am not going to question that I am slightly..irked..that Rohan is XO yet hasn't been granted a official rank yet. No one else can explain it to me so I figured I'd ask you, Lieutenant. ::He shook his head slowly after he spoke, looking to her again::

::She paused, somehow pulling off the ability to look happy and annoyed at the same time, as the situation was just as frustrating to her but she so glad to know that her frustrations were valid if he felt the same way:: Commander Mantrill is correct, it is the will of the Mandalore and it's the only answer either of us can give you... ::Glancing away for a moment before meeting her eyes with his once more:: ... But, speaking to you on a strictly personal level, Corrion.. You're right, it's ridiculous and you're not the only one who is irked.

Hm. ::He nodded as their eyes met and she told him her personal feelings on the matter:: I already spoke with her about it and I respect her..I do. Helena and I have known and fought along side one another for some time now it's just I thought this chance was mine...I'm sorry. I hate sounding this way, it's not about the job or rank it's about the mission. I just feel..overlooked.

Varo has his reasons that he insists that I won't understand, but you have a right to feel like that and honestly... while this wasn't my decision, nor can I speak on Varo's behalf... I want to apologize, Corrion.

Thank you, ma'm. ::He glanced down for a moment before looking to her:: Once again you have made me feel better about my situation. I know that you have so much to deal with..taking the time to hear me out means more then you'd think. No need to apologize though, I suppose what I need to do is just follow orders and prove myself still.

Y-You don't need to call me ma'm when we're speaking like this... ::She said, looking down at her desk and hiding her slight embarrassment that she had to tell him that... maybe their "connection" from the other day hadn't meant much to him after all:: As I said, this is strictly.. personal. As your Lieutenant, I'm informing you to follow the will of our Mandalore and not to question him... as y--.. ::"Your friend" is what she wanted to say, but she stopped, pressing her lips together:: .. A-As simply Anasai, I have no idea what Varo is thinking and I'm not sure if I ever will.

Heh..my apologies. After what I said last time when I made a fool out of myself, I didn't want to offend you. I haven't forgotten what we spoke about last time, Anasai. Believe me..I just wanted to be sure. ::He laughed nervously as she looked down:: But..yeah I was surprised to see her in that office. I mean..everyone knows Varo and Helena were together at a time but it really doesn't have anything to do with that. Maybe it is because of my name..I'm not sure anymore.

I am not so stern that one mere slip of the tongue is going to ruin your standing with me, Corrion.. ::She looked back up at a bit of a nervous smile that faded as he spoke:: Your name...? No. Varo isn't the type... If it was a matter of that then it would have been another member of the squad who got the position rather then Rohan.. And they're no longer together so I... I just don't know. ::She sighed:: I explained this to Varo but I just think... while it makes sense to have her take care of these little... issues that keep rising outside of battle rather than pulling a Mandalorian from the lines, it wasn't necessary to give her the title she has. I don't know what's worse, the fact that she doesn't have a rank right now or the fact that Varo might just randomly assign her one that she doesn't deserve... ::She looked up at him, half growling as she asked him a question:: C-Could you imagine if she became a Captain as Ord was?

No..not a chance. I can't see Varo doing something like that. Captain!? ::He shook his head once again as he thought about it:: Above you and I both, Anasai? While maybe in my case I don't deserve the rank and chance you on the other hand are the Mandalore's right hand. You don't think we would? ::He asked her as he looked to her again a hint of concern in his voice simply because he knew how different Varo was from their past leader::

The way that the squad is designed, whoever is XO should also have the title of Captain, at least in theory... I don't mean to sound a bit.. petty here, but if she becomes Captain, I'm not sure what I'll do if I don't move to a higher rank as well... ::She sighed heavily, shaking her head:: I want to believe that Varo wouldn't do this, but... she is important to him. Despite no longer being romantically involved with her, he still feels as if he owes her something... The real shame here is that he doesn't realize that he owes every member of your squad just as much, if not more...

It's not petty when it's about everything you've done to deserve the rank you're at now. We earned everything we've been awarded..we are Mandalorians, these are the things we hold more important then anything else. Varo hasn't forgotten about us..we are after all his go-to team for everything he needs done. He's led us though situations we should have died in...I'd follow him even if it meant certain death even still. ::He frowned as he thought about the situation and what Anasai said:: It's Varo..that pretty much sums it up.

::She nodded slowly:: You're right.. It's not that I don't trust Varo's ability as a leader, it's just that... after working with his father for so long... ::She frowned, lowering her head again and closing her eyes. She had been trying not to think about this too much:: ... I-It's an adjustment, that's all.

Of course I can understand how much of a change this is..I suppose I'm just used to serving under Varo all these years. ::He nodded a bit as he thought about what he was speaking about, frowning a bit as he saw how upset she became speaking about the Mandalore:: While I served for the Mandalore..I never had the honor of really knowing him as not many of us did but you're the closest person to him we have now..I know this.. and..well I'm thankful that I have this chance to work beside you now.

The closest person to him.. You think so? ::She looked up at him, straightening up only slightly as she tried to let his words sink in::

From what I do know, from what I've seen for myself. ::He nodded once again as he looked to her again with a small smile:: Yeah I'm sure of it. The three of you are very different from each other but you know that already.

Yes, well... I suppose that's the result of us all coming from such different places. Even so... ::She sat up fully now, smiling as she spoke:: Thank you, Corrion. Your words are very kind.

I'm calling it as I see it.. ::He shrugged as he smile grew a bit wider when he saw hers:: I know we haven't known each other for long so I'm hoping I'm not out of line. I..well..I just wanted you to know how important you really are that I see it.

It's not out of line, no.. ::She shook her head, still smiling:: Though I do notice you're making frequent attempts to flatter me... Thank you, really, Corrion, but it's unnecessary..

::He laughed softly and looked away from her as she called him out on trying to flatter her:: It just comes on so natural..while not necessary sometimes I just can't help it because it's not an act. I..can stop though..well I mean I can try.

Who would am I to try and stop you from being yourself? ::She laughed softly, smirking just a bit as she looked up at him:: I think that's just a little bit outside of my command power..

As long as you don't take any offense or believe what I do or say is completely out of line..I may just have to keep it up. ::He smirked after seeing the one on her lips and nodded:: As I said before it's no act..I would like for us to get to know one another because honestly if all goes well, we'll be relying on one another and I'm glad that's the case.

Not completely out of line... ::She said with a smile but she glanced down at the table, looking slightly hesitant to say what she was about to say:: Speaking of us relying on one another... There was one other thing that I wanted to speak to you about.

::Glancing to her once again he raised a slight brow at the hesitation in her voice but he wanted to do his best to ease anything that she was worried about saying:: Of course, anything you need let me know.

Now I want to make it very clear before I say this that it isn't because I'm letting my personal feelings interfere with my job. You have the right to refuse and the missions will still go smoothly this is just a simple matter of preference. That being said... ::Looking down at her desk then back at him, smiling a little nervously:: I was wondering if you wouldn't mind being the one who reports mission progress? You'd be reporting directly to me, and well... I know the Mandalore isn't going to mind if I give you that responsibility, and I'm assuming Helena wouldn't mind pushing off the task onto you either

::He smiled immediately after she asked her question, nodding quickly as he didn't have to give it another thought:: It would be no trouble at all, in fact your personal preference is something that I too would have asked. I'll make sure to keep you in the loop when it comes to what we're doing out there, especially when Ord isn't running the show.

Of course... Ord is usually the one I spoke to and it's part of the reason we've grown so close throughout the years. I'm not sure why but I'd really like to get to know you, Corrion. This seems like a good opportunity to do so... Besides, it would be strange going from Ord to... her. I don't mean to sound so bitter, but, well... with Varo and Ord so fond of her I don't have anyone else to... well, vent to, I guess I should say.

I understand completely. Count on me to be that friendly face.. ::He grinned after a moment, nodding at her what she said about Helena:: There are a lot of people around here that are fond of her..I'm sure you're aware.

For obvious reasons, yes... ::She said with a slight eyeroll, sighing softly:: Despite how skilled she may be, she is such a distraction.. ::She said in a tone that, while she didn't do it purposely or even realize it happened, sounded exactly like the former Mandalore's::

::His grin became wider at the tone she had taken speaking about Helena:: Indeed but she's good, Anasai. I mean..really good. While we may not agree with the fact she's going to be moved into our ranks...as you stated before and it concerns all of this..it's an adjustment. Any chance I can get to redeem myself is worth it so I won't be messing this up.

I trust that you won't, Corrion. ::She said with a smile as she looked up at him again:: Helena may even be able to proove herself to me in time... Though do you mind if I ask you a personal question?

Not at all, we did say we were going to get to know one another better so ask away.. ::He motioned for her to continue on with whatever she wanted to ask::

::She smirked a little, leaning her arms on the table and looking smooth despite the fact that she was surprised she was even acting like this:: ... Are you fond of her?

Fond? ::He laughed a bit at exactly how she asked him and leaned his own arms onto the table as he looked back at her with a smirk:: She's attractive, she has one hell of a skill set when it comes to killing a man but..ah..I'm a man who really appreciates a strong and intelligent Mandalorian woman..you know..that's more my type.

::She immediately regretted asking him as she blushed a bit, trying to fight her smile and leaning back in her chair as her plan to maybe tease him slightly to get back at him had completely backfired:: Well, ah... T-That's good to know.

Is it? ::His smirk became even wider now as she leaned back as she blushed:: I figured I'd let you know, I'm glad you approve.

I do. ::She said with a nod, regaining her composure quickly enough as she straightened up and was able to pull off her usual stern expression:: ... I've always believed it's best that Mandalorians don't date outside of our people so of course I approve.. ::She smiled just slightly:: And on that note, I suppose this meeting is adjourned?

Glad to know we're on the same page then.. ::Returning her smile he slowly stood up and glanced down at her:: I'll make sure we'll keep everything said between us. Count on me, I'll make sure everything you want gets done.

Thank you, Corrion.. ::She said with a nod, still smiling:: Have fun on your mission.. I'll stay in touch.

You know it. ::He saluted her sharply once again before moving back towards the door:: I'll make you proud, Anasai. You'll be glad you put your trust in me, I promise.

You keep saying that.. Hopefully soon you'll get the chance to actually show me. ::Nodding to him before reaching over and turning on the map again as he got to the door:: See you around, Lieutenant.

I've been waiting for my chance, can't wait to get started. ::Opening the door and nodding to her again:: Have a good day, ma'm. ::Stepping out of the room he slipped his helmet back on and grinned once again. Anishi tried to tease him a bit or get some info about how he felt about Helena and he wasn't sure exactly why but he wouldn't complain..no..not one bit::

log #143 pt1

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:17:28 GMT

::Varo had made good on his promise to Acaia and within the three days he had pulled his best resources to make and send an a official Republic request for Acaia for her negotiation services for the Republic liaison on the neutral planet of Aargau . There was some guilt about using something that important and risky on his personal affairs but he knew he needed to see her again and he would do anything to make it happen. Varo himself had managed to get away from the fleet for a single day and traveled to the planet. Without his armor and dressed in simple civilian clothing, Varo wasn't even looked at twice by the people he walked by as he made his way towards the main hotel of the capital city of New Escrow. Stepping inside place he was hoping to meet Acaia he sat down in the lobby as he waited for her a bit excited and nervous due to the fact he wasn't even sure she would show up . Thought she would be meeting Vaius Vaaram a ridiculous name that he was sure she would have found rather amusing in the document he sent her::

::Acaia didn't keep her hopes up after her chat with Varo; it wasn't that she didn't have any faith in Varo's promises but she couldn't fathom how it would be possible... until she got the request to be temporarily reassigned to Aargau. The orders were vague, the name on the document was ridiculously thinly veiled, and it didn't make much sense to send her and only her but when she received them the excitement overwhelmed her and she could have sworn her heart had been racing since her eyes read the word "Vaius." Arriving on Aargau and even using a mind trick on the Republic pilot who had escorted her to insist that she didn't need him tagging along to protect her just to be safe, she rushed to the meeting place and scanned the lobby once she stepped into it, not sure exactly what she was looking for--she was sure that if Varo had half a mind, he'd make sure he'd blend in with the crowd::

::Varo kept his communicator in his hand as he waited, hoping that she would try and contact him. After some time passed with no call he sighed and placed it back into his pocket and glanced up at the crowd in the lobby. Scanning it he quickly noticed Acaia as she stepped in, eyes locking onto her as his heart raced. Standing up immediately as she didn't take notice of him he slowly made his way towards her as a large smile formed on his lips::

::She hadn't noticed him until he began to approach her and when their eyes met she smiled just as wide, quickening her pace as she walked to him, her heart racing as well::

::When he was close enough to her he extended his arms and embraced her tightly and held her there for a few moments:: I knew you'd come..I knew you would. ::For the first time he was able to display his affection in public and it felt right. To those people around him they were just strangers, no Jedi or Mandalorian..just two normal people meeting once again::

Of course... How could I ever even consider missing this opportunity, Mr. Vaaram? ::She was surprisingly smooth despite her nervous excitement being obvious in her voice and her now wider, almost doofy smile as it was clear that she had hoped to deliver such a suave, teasing first line ever since she read that name::

::He laughed immediately after she said his "name" and nodded a few times, grinning a few moments after:: I figured you'd get a laugh out of that... It wasn't easy to get that document done. Honestly I wasn't even sure it would go through..security is pretty tight..I was hoping it was vague enough to just slip through.

I'm here, aren't I? Though I'm sure we have better things to discuss then your security breach, such as... how much I've missed you. ::She said as she leaned closer to him, closing her eyes as their lips met::

Yes, you are. ::He leaned in as she did, kissing her softly as he held her a bit closer to him. Keeping their lips together for as long as they could only pulling away for a moment as he looked into her eyes:: I missed you as well.. I managed to get a place where we can be alone here.

And I should thank you for being able to pull this off... This really is the opportunity we never had but always dreamed of, isn't it? ::She kissed him again softly then sighed with the slightest hint of sadness as she pulled away, the reality of their situation dawning on her as she knew how short this meeting would be, but she still smiled:: Thank you, thank you, thank you so much, Valnis.

No. Thank you, Acaia. ::He moved his hand to softly rest on her cheek, kissing her softly a few times after he did:: Being here with you now is the only thing I wanted..I know it isn't for too long but this...this alone is already worth it.

I know, Valnis... I know. ::She smiled and returned each of his kisses, looking into his eyes once more:: We should get started, hm? I'm sure you have more planned for us then kissing in a crowded lobby.

Mn..I could kiss you our whole time here but that's only part of the fun, huh? ::He moved his hand to hers and took hold of it, leading her towards the elevators and into one. Hitting the button to their floor he turned to her with a smirk:: It's nice not to be noticed for once.

Valnis... you don't mean to imply that we'll be spending our time here doing anything...inappropriate, do you!? ::There was that smile again as they moved to the elevator together:: And besides, I thought you liked being a big shot...?

Ahhhh..I don't know..maybe I am. ::He moved closer to her again as she smiled and returned it with one of his own:: And I do like being a big shot..except..in this situation. I don't need people shooting.

Hrm... ::Her smile faded slightly at the thought:: Yes, that is the one thing I could do without..

No. In fact.. the idea of no one having an idea who were are.. ::He paused as the elevator doors opened, stepping out into the hallway he turned to her and took hold of her with a small laugh:: ..that I can hold you like this.. ::Moving his lips closer to her again he brushed against them slightly as he spoke:: .. to be near you like this with no prying eyes to stop us from doing everything we want. No..I like this.

I like this too.. ::She smiled, moving closer to him and kissing him softly:: We're just two average people in love, hm? And that's all that's important now..

It is and it's all I'm focused on. What matters is now, right? ::Pulling back from her he quickly lead her down the hallway and to their room. Scanning the keycard he opened the door and stepped inside with her:: It's no royal chambers..but..yeah it'll do, don't you think?

::She laughed softly, looking up at him as they stepped into the room:: Certainly a step up from an abandoned dropship... Or an abandoned cave.. I think it'll do just fine, Valnis.

Hey with you I learned that I need to make use of every moment together.. doesn't matter where the hell we are. ::He grinned once again as he turned to her and nodded himself:: Did I even have a chance to tell you just how beautiful you are?

I don't believe so... ::She wrapped her arms around him once more, grinning wide now that they were really alone:: How beautiful am I?
Even more then I remembered... which is quite a difficult memory to replace. ::He moved his arms around her waist once again, looking down and into her eyes:: You are though.. the most beautiful woman I have ever met.

Valnis.. ::She blushed slightly and smiled even wider, surprised at how amazing it felt to feel like this once again. She knew she had missed him but being in her arms again, hearing those words and feeling the same way she did on Mandalore once again after so long she was beginning to realize just how much::

I mean that...you're the only woman I ever told that I loved. You are...the only one.. ::He moved his lips to hers and kissed her softly at first before it became more passionate. He had not forgotten how it felt to be this close to Acaia, he only wanted more of it. In the past he thought each time would be their last but not anymore, Varo would have her no matter the outcome, no matter what happened::

::She pulled him closer and held him tighter as they kissed passionately, thinking much of the same as Varo. She had spent far too much time and energy trying to resist Varo and deny how she felt for him but every time she felt his lips she knew it was a waste, there was no way she could live without him or the hope of being his once more::

::Holding her tightly against him as their kiss became deeper he thought nothing but how much he wished that this would never end. When their kiss finally broke after some time he rested his forehead lightly against hers as he looked into her eyes:: What happens after today..it isn't the end of us. I know it's hard to believe but I'm not going to lose you.

It isn't hard to believe... ::She said with a smile as she kept her eyes on his:: No matter how long this war lasts, no matter what happens... I'm going to be yours once more. The more that I try to resist the way I feel for you, the more I realize I can't live without you, Valnis... and I won't. ::She kissed him once more softly:: I promise you I won't.

::He smiled at her words, nodding slowly as he returned her kiss:: I..I can't even begin to tell you what that means to me, Acaia. There is so much I haven't been in control of but..this..to know that you want to be with me no matter what happens..that you'll be there in the end. It makes everything that's happened worth it..good and bad.

It hasn't been easy and it still won't be, but I have never been more sure that you're worth it... ::She smiled wider, kissing him again:: I wish I could understand it... I wish I could figure out why I'm so drawn to you, ::She paused and laughed a bit:: but all that matters is that I am and that I'm glad I am. We'll figure this out... The fact that you're here, the fact that you risked so much for us to be together for just one night... I.. It really does mean so much to me as well, Valnis.

Well I don't really blame you now for being so drawn..I am after all the notorious Valnis Varo. ::He laughed softly as he shook his head:: Since the first moment we met..I knew though..there was something about us together. You're right we'll figure it out. You know I'd do anything for you...I had to see you again, I didn't care about the risk because it's worth it. You're worth it.

I could hear you say that again and again... ::She kissed him again with a smile:: I have a feeling the next twenty-four hours are going to be the best of my life. Thank you, again, Valnis... for all of this.

Thank you, Acaia. You came here for me and I'll make sure every moment we spend together will be as special as the last. I haven't forgotten for a moment how much I love being this close to you.. ::He said as he kissed her neck softly a few times:: This reminds me of when we were alone on Mandalore..you remember?

Mnn... ::She closed her eyes, tilting her head to the side slightly as he moved to her neck. She may have had a hard time admitting it but this is one of the things about Varo that she had not only missed, but practically yearned for:: You say that as if I could possibly forget..

Of course not.. ::He grinned as he pulled away from her neck for just a moment as he moved his lips to hers again:: It's one of my fondest memories..when we first kissed..when I carried you to the bed. ::He smirked as he thought about it:: It was rather romantic.

Even the notorious Valnis Varo can be romantic when he wishes, hm? ::She returned his kiss and matched his smirk as they spoke, her eyes meeting his again::

You had little idea exactly what I was doing..it was sweet..I mean..how could I not be romantic. ::He looked into her eyes with another laugh:: I think it worked out pretty well..last time we did this..well..you really are a quick learner.

::She blushed a bit as he "complimented" her, glancing away from him as she smiled wide:: Ah well.. I may have.. thought about that night from time to time..

::His grin became wide when he heard she had been thinking of him and that day, nodding a bit:: Have you? Tell me now.. ::He moved his lips down towards her neck again, speaking between soft kisses:: What did you enjoy most, hm?

En-Enjoy most? ::The question took her by surprise and she blushed deeper, lowering her voice a bit:: Well... a-all of it, I suppose..

::His grin immediately turned into a sly smirk when she blushed even more, lowering his voice as well:: We have these next 24 hours together and I promise you.. you'll be thinking about what happens here for a very long time to come. ::Moving his hand towards her robe he lightly pulled part off of her shoulder as he kissed her deeply once again::

It's funny, because I posted this specifically right now because I thought "What if I died and Justin couldn't ever read this scene again?"

log #142

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:35:50 GMT

::Ord easily moved into the new role he was given and having Anasai around made things run smoother then ever. He was glad she was back amongst them but unfortunately they had been so busy preparing for Varo to become the new Mandalore he hadn't been able to speak with her as they always done in the past. Currently he had finished the work that was requested by Anasai and glanced at the time and he decided to deliver it personally considering how late it was in the day. Quickly moving down the corridors of the ship he stopped at her door and knocked softly::

::Things weren't running quite as smoothly for Anasai but she was doing a good job, or so she thought, with making everyone think that it was. The death of the Mandalore weighed down on her heavier with each passing day but she was trying to make the best of it, burring herself into her work and trying to look on the bright side of things, but it didn't change the fact that her mood over the past few days ranged from completely blank to almost, maybe upset to just barely cautiously optimistic. Anasai wasn't the type to show a wide range of emotions in the first place, but with the scale suddenly shortening it may have been enough to raise a few eyebrows overtime. Sitting in her room with her helmet and most of her armor removed, she sat at her desk and didn't lose focus until she heard a knock at the door, glancing up at it:: ... Come in.

::When he heard he call him into the room he stepped inside and closed the door behind him, waving the holopad in his hand at her:: Hand delivered..sorry it's so late though. ::Moving towards the desk he placed it down for her and pulled off his helmet, setting it down as well as he glanced over her with a small frown:: You look overworked.

Oh don't worry.. ::She said after he made the comment about it being late, glancing at it as he set it down then up at him:: Overworked..? I don't know what that means, Commander. ::She wasn't great with sarcasm and her lack of a smile wasn't winning her any points either::

Commander...stop that.. ::He shook his head quickly as he looked down at her, his frown becoming fully formed now:: I've noticed what you've been doing and I'm worried about you.

::She blinked as he frowned, frowning herself now at his reaction. Was her joke that bad...? Glancing back at her work, she shook her head:: Ord... right, I'm sorry, it's hard to know when to switch that on and off.. Using ranks is just the default... ::She kept her frown as she looked up at him again:: ... Worried, though? R-Really?

With me though? You of all people know better.. ::He paused for a moment as she looked up at him and nodded:: Of course I am..I'm the first person who saw how you were the day Varo called you here and honestly not much has changed since then. So yeah..I'm worried, Anasai.

How I was...? ::She shook her head, closing her eyes as she did:: .... Now I really don't know what you mean, Ord, I'm not sure what you're expecting of me.

I'm expecting you to talk to me about what happened instead of following what everyone else is doing and not saying anything... ::He shook his head once again and sighed:: You were the closest to him and you were the one who found him..I know it's eating away at you..because it's happening to me.

::She stared at him in half-shock for a few moments before looking down at her work again:: ... I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry you're feeling that way, but I'd really rather not... I'd rather not talk about it.

Anasai we have to..because it's only to get worse if we don't. How much more can you take? ::He gave her a stern look when she glanced down at her work:: I'm not Varo..when the hell did you decide to act like that around me?

::She didn't look back at him as he spoke, closing her eyes now as she put her hands on her lap then made them into fists, her voice already cracking:: Ord.. P-Please don't be angry with me... I'm just trying to deal with this the best I can.

I'm not angry with you...::He looked down a bit when he heard her voice crack and lowered his own voice then:: I told you..I'm worried. I know you're dealing..we all are..but we're alone now. You can talk to me about this.

As I said, I'd rather not. I.. don't know what else there is to say that hasn't already been said... Everyone's agreed that the best thing to do is just try to move on, and that's what I'm doing. I'm moving on.

Moving on doesn't change the fact that someone managed to slip past all of us and murder the man we looked up to all our lives.. ::He shook his head firmly:: I agreed to be a professional about this but in times like this..between you, me and Varo..we shouldn't be. How much did he mean to you? Because I owe him everything..I'm not going to forget what happened for one second.

Ho-How much did he mean to me...? ::There was a hint of sad laughter in her voice as she shook her head again:: Ord, please... I'm begging you. I don't want to get into this. I think it's better if we don't discuss this.

If you can't tell me..then who else can you tell? I'm not over it..I know you aren't either. I can't talk to Varo about this because all that's going on..but we understand each other. ::He slumped down in one of the nearby chairs before he looked to her:: What if it was one of us? Would we not talk about it either?

You don't understand.. ::She shook her head slowly:: ... I-I don't mean to be insensitive, b-but you... will never understand how this feels... ::She glanced up at him quickly before looking away again, closing her eyes and keeping her head down again:: I just... I don't.. It's best if we don't.

I don't understand? No..you're right. Maybe I'll never understand the relationship you two had but..fuck.. ::He lowered his head a bit as he rubbed his forehead slowly:: I thought that you..you out of everyone would finally open up about everything that's happened and we could deal with this.

D-Deal with it...? I'm sorry Ord if I don't agree that talking about this will do me any good... I don't think you want to hear about... h-how it felt to find him.. Or how every morning I've woken up... a-and I've forgotten that he's dead, a-and when I remember I feel the exactly same pain I felt when I found him... e-every. single. morning. ::Her body was shaking and her voice was cracking again, as she raised her hands to her face now and held back her tears, but now that she had started talking, the rest of the words flooded out from her like a river. She needed a release, but it was a rather inconvenient one, because once she started she couldn't stop. She spoke quickly, her voice still shaking as her speech switched in and out from basic to Mando'a as she kept getting even more upset:: T-Ten years... I...Do you even understand how long that is? To see someone e-every single day.. for ten years.. and then just... stop? All I can think about is that I'm never going to see him again. Never. Ever, ever, ever, ever... W-What am I going to do, Ord? What am I even doing now? The more I think about it, the more I understand that this is what he wanted... H-He could have chosen anyone.. a-anyone.. and he chose me so he could prime me so I could work for Varo when he was gone.. B-But now he's gone and.. n-now I am and I just... This is what he wanted.. b-but every day I can't help but think that it isn't that I wanted and it makes me feel so fucking guilty.. This isn't what I want... I want him back.

::He listened closely to her as all her feeling and emotions started to pour out and it only made him feel her pain even more when she switched to Mando'a. He knew how much she cared about the Mandalore but he had no idea of the guilt and sorrow she felt. Looking away from her for a moment and nodding slowly as he finally spoke again in their language:: Guilty? No..there is no need. You loved him more then either of us could have ever imagined. ::Standing up again he moved closer towards her, looking at her once again:: None of us thought this could ever happen..not like this. He gave us purpose, Anasai. Because of him we are able to further his legacy and while it may not seem that it's not a main concern..it means everything to me. I'm sorry you're in so much pain..it...I just didn't want to see you like this anymore.

::She took a few deep breaths as she tried to calm down, enough to stick to Mando'a as he was instead of switching back and forth as she was before. She sniffled, pulling her hands away from her face as she attempted to look up at him:: I know that. You think that I don't know that he gave us a purpose? That's why I feel so... I couldn't protect him, Ord, I couldn't be by his side as he died and now I can't even be happy with the position he chose for me.. the one he spent so much of his time training me for. I feel like such a failure!

None of us could. I spent my whole life protecting him from anyone and everyone that had a chance to hurt him in some way and yet we all failed..all of us. ::He frowned at the idea, keeping his eyes on her own:: You didn't want this...none of us did but what choice do we have now? I'm not expecting you to just accept what is done and go forward from there..it's not possible.

Bu-But isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing...? This war isn't over, Ord, I-I know we have to move on... T-That's what I'm trying to do.. B-But I know there were people who wanted this... W-Who are going to prefer Varo as a leader... and God, Ord, what I'm trying to say is that all of this is what he wanted and I can't even apperciate that! Honor and duty is all I have, b-but if I can't serve Varo as I did him... w-w-what will I do..? What am I going to do..?

You're going to do exactly what is asked of you as you always do. It isn't going to be easy at first but it's not like the person we're following now is someone we don't know or care about...we need to help him, do everything we can so we all can live up to the expectations of the man who made us who we are today. ::He reached down towards her and took one of her hands gently in his own:: We're all together once again..we're a family..honestly that's the greatest thing he had ever given us.

::She squeezed Ord's hand once she felt it on hers, looking up into his eyes as he moved closer to her. Standing up, she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face into his neck as she finally started crying once she was close to him now:: D-Do you think..... if he saw me right now.... he'd think I was weak?

::Wrapping his arms around her as she started to cry he sighed softly before shaking his head and closing his eyes for a moment:: No. Not for an instant...what..what he wouldn't want is for you to remain this hurt..this sad. I don't want that either, Anasai.

I-I can't help it... I don't want to feel this way but I can't help it..

Neither can I.. ::He pulled back a bit so he could look at her once again as he spoke:: We have each other now. No matter how difficult things get don't for a moment think you need to deal with any of this on your own..you know I love you right? How important you are to me, Anasai? I'll do anything I can to help you through this.

I know... I know, and I love you too, Ord. I know I haven't been able to speak to you about it yet but I... I'm so glad you're here. That scare a few weeks ago... I-It tore me apart just as much.... I suppose it's too much for me to take all at once, e-even if you are still alive.

I'm sorry I worried all of you like that.. ::He glanced away from her for a moment as he shook his head:: It was unexpected and I..I understood the fact I was listed K.I.A.. that I wouldn't come back. The last thing I would have wanted was for anyone to risk their lives for my mistake.

It was so terrifying to not receive any contact from you... I'm just glad you're okay and with us now. ::She nodded, wiping her eyes as she took a step back from him:: I'm sorry for just... exploding on you, Ord. I... I think that this is just going to take some time... But you're right.. You and I and Varo... We should stick together, as close as we can through all of this.

Don't apologize..please.. ::He shook his head again as she stepped back:: Like I said..anything you need from me don't hesitate to ask. As much as I wish he was here now to see us..I know..I know he'd be proud of what we're doing in his name.

I'm doing all I can to make sure he would be. ::She said with a nod, looking up at him:: ... Thank you, Ord. F-For speaking with me about this.... For worrying about me..

Not a problem..I told you..I..I'm also dealing with it. What I want more then anything else to to help you as well...you and I..well we're not his children but we may as well been and you understand me better then anyone else when it comes to that.

Right... But we were a family... ::She reached out and took his hands, nodding:: We still are one, just as you said. It's so late in the day now but what I think that we should do is tomorrow... Find some free time and you, Varo and I should spend some time together. Sticking together is the only way this will get any easier for any of us.

::He looked down at her hands and smiled and then nodded at her idea: : I agree. Before everything that's about to happen takes hold of us completely we'll spend time together...our bond is everything now. I promise we will.

Yes... F-For now I should get back to work, though. It's helped me concentrate and well.. I have a lot more I'd like to get finished.

I understand. ::He squeezed her hand quickly before letting go and smiled again:: Thank you for opening up..I..I know it wasn't easy for you.

I'm sorry for not giving you the chance.. ::She said with another sad laugh, shaking her head:: Next time it's your turn, alright, Ord? But for now... Good night. Thank you again.

Yeah..yeah we'll see how it goes. ::He laughed softly:: Good night, Anasai. ::Moving closer to her he kissed her softly on cheek along with a quick hug and then walked back towards the door. Opening it he looked back at her with another nod and stepped out into the hallway::

log #141

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:18:13 GMT

::It was Corrion's first official day under the command of the new Mandalore Valnis Varo. He for one was glad that there was no more secrets between him and those he served with now. The Mandalore was gone but unfortunately in a time like this there was no place to dwell on the loss. Infact the fears of morale being lost were unfounded and it now seemed higher then ever. The will to fight was strong and Corrion was ready to get to work. While he was a bit surprised to see he wasn't promoted to XO of the team he wondered exactly who was and considering Ord didn't say anything but to report to the office of this new XO for orders. As always he had done as he was told, stopping at the door and knocking quickly. He made sure he was ready to give a good impression as he polished his armor to near glossy shine and his equipment was in perfect, professional condition::

::Helena had been, surprisingly enough, taking her job as XO quite seriously--probably more seriously then anyone had expected of her but she knew how much Varo counted on her by taking this risk and besides, it was so easy to follow orders when they were coming from Ord. Today would be the first day that everything was official, though, and the first day that the squad would know of her position and she was a little nervous about it. On one hand, she had been practically doing the work of a squad leader for awhile now outside of actually combat, and they all knew and respected her, but she was still afraid of the possibility of stepping on a few toes. Hearing the door open behind her she was just glad that the moment had finally come, and she turned towards the door with a smile:: There you are, Jace! ... Oooo, look at you, all shiny!

::When the door opened he stepped inside but seeing Helena inside the room had caught him off guard a bit. Glancing around quickly for the new XO he shook his head before he looked to Helena:: Helena? Hey..uh..I'm looking for Ord's new second-in-command...I take it he's not here? ::He paused and glanced down at his armor:: Just trying to make a good impression for the new boss, told me to be here exactly at this time.

Well that's good, because I think you look mighty impressive, Lieutenant! ::Laughing, she leaned on the desk behind her and crossed his arms:: And yeah, well.. his new XO isn't a he.. It's.. me! ::She looked at him with a grin:: Looks like we're gonna be workin' together more! Sounds fun, right?

::He stared at her for a few moments in silence after she told him she was his new boss but soon he broke into a grin and laughed lightly:: You're funny, Helena. I've told you this before.. ::Moving towards a chair he kicked it closer to the desk and hopped into it, putting his feet up on the desk and glancing to her:: I think you've been taking way too many knocks to the head in training. ::He lifted his hand and knocked on his helmet a few times with another laugh:: I'll wait here for the real deal.

::She laughed a little with him then shook her head, giving him a stern look afterward:: No, really, Lieutenant. Your first order.. Feet off the desk. ::She nudged his legs with a smirk that she was fighting as she tried to look stern::

::Slowly moving his feet of the desk, he sat up and leaned towards her, smirking himself at just how committed she was in this joke of hers:: You're telling me..you..who isn't a Mandalorian and never tried to hide the fact that you weren't ever interested in such...gets to co-command a elite squad that I've been apart of for longer then you? Helena..come on..

Man, when you put it like that, Jace... It makes it sound like this is a bad thing! ::She said with a grin, shaking her head again:: You might have been here longer but you haven't been as close to Varo and Ord as I have.. ::She shrugged with a grin:: A dedication like mine deserves to get rewarded, dontcha think? Now c'mon.. Don't be all grumpy. I want us to be able to work together.

Close? ::He raised a brow at her choice of words and shook his head:: I've been the most loyal and unquestioning of everyone on this team..so don't speak to me about being deserving to be rewarded. While you know just how much I like you..and I do..the fact that you somehow get this job over me and after everything I've endured...it makes no sense. The joke isn't funny anymore.

It's great that you've been unquestioning and all, but... I dunno, I guess Varo kinda likes that. The questions, I mean. ::Shrugging, she sighed a little:: I mean, yeah, I guess you did get a little shafted but you'll be working under me so closely that it'll be like we're the both XO's! Cheer up, sweetheart, everyone in the squad would die for this opportunity!

Hrrrmm.. ::He glanced away from her for a second before sighing softly:: So you're not bullshitting me, right? Varo put you in charge and Ord signed off on it?

::She nodded, frowning as he signed:: C'mooon, Jace! I promise this is a good thing.. We're gonna have a good time together.

::He was quiet for another few moments as he glanced up at the ceiling and made a slight face as he thought about what she said and what just happened before glancing to her again:: Good time, huh? Yeah with you around things like that usually happen..

::She kept her frown as she noticed he didn't seem that convinced, shaking her head:: C'moooon! Me and you, sometimes Ord... Going on missions! Killing dudes left and right! Take off that helmet and let me see a smile, c'mon... That's an order!

You're my boss...Helena Rohan is my boss.. ::He played around with the idea in his head and grinned a bit, moving his hands to his helmet and pulling it off as she ordered and placed it onto her desk. Glancing to her once again he smirked:: Killing guys left and right? Yeah that sounds right up my alley...am I allowed to stare at you like Ord does? Because if you haven't noticed yet..he does..a lot..it's kinda creepy..maybe I won't.

::She blinked, doing a double take when he pulled off his helmet then gasping in an exaggerated way:: Look at you! When did you get so cute!? Oh, sweetheart.. ::She grinned, leaning down and putting her hand under his chin:: With a face like that, you can stare at me all you want.

::He grinned as she complimented him and agreed to what he asked:: Oh come on now.. I bet you say that to all the attractive Mandalorian men you're in command of.

Only the ones that are you attractive as you, hun. ::She winked at him, grinning as she pulled back:: There we go.. There's that smile.

You have this way about you, Helena. I can't deny that I'm not as confused and angry as I was before...no offense of course. ::He grinned once again and shook his head a few times a he explained himself:: This is just kind of a big deal..but better you then some random officer. You're way better to look at.

::She laughed softly, shaking her head slowly:: You can say that again! Honestly, though.. Varo has his reasons. Maybe working so closely with me you'll start to understand too, but for now... Eh.. ::She shrugged, smirking:: You're just gonna have to deal, I'll guess. I promise I'll make it easy for you, Jace... We'll be more like partners then you working under me and all.

Under you? I'll refrain from any more comments, boss. ::He smirked and sat forward as he considered what she said:: I'll do what you want me to do..don't you worry about that. I take my job very seriously...if Varo and Ord are willing to give you this shot..then I don't got much choice. You've been around us a lot more as of late..we all know it, believe me when I say the guys like the fact you've become even more of a part of the team..just didn't expect this. You ready for this kind of thing?

::She laughed at the comment he didn't make then smiled:: I've been doing a good job so far.. you can even ask Commander Ordie if you'd like. To be honest, I kind of regret not having a more active role before but I had a lot of issues with following the last Mandalore but Varo? He's a completely different story... Trust me, I'm ready for this kind of thing.

Understandable. We all figured you'd play a bigger role in what's been going on but no one was sure when..we could have used you out there more then a few times, I can't deny that. Glad we got the chance now.. ::He paused as he gave her a wide grin:: Secondly..Commander..Ordie?

::She wagged her finger at him, clicking her tongue as she did:: .... Now, now, now, Lieutenant.. only I'm allowed to call him that.

::He put his hands up as his grin remained on his face and shook his head:: Understood! I won't say a word..it's real cute though..I'm sure he just loves it. You call him that to his face yet?

::She laughed again, nodding:: Yeah... he swooned.

Swooned? Ord? ::He laughed himself now and shook his head in disbelief:: I don't see it. I've never really known the guy to let out the least bit of emotion unless he's killing someone.

::She shrugged, still grinning:: Ah, well, I guess I just bring out a different side of the guy...... But anyway, you're cool about this, Jace? Really? I don't want you to be all bitter and all..

No. No I'm alright with this..honestly now that I think about it I don't care really. If you do your job then you deserve it..if you don't then most likely I'll get your job. ::He shrugged at that without another thought:: I think you can handle it though.

::She laughed again:: You're really so sure you would have gotten my place...? Are all Mandalorians this cocky, or just the ones I know?

I thought I was going to get it for sure..but I can't fault Varo because before he took me on I was blacklisted..dumped on guard duty on for shit planet. Without him I'd still be there.. ::He paused for a moment and considered her last question before answering it:: You're dealing with the best don't you know? I'm a bit more confident then I am cocky...if you can't back up your talk then you have no business being a Mandalorian.

::She smirked:: I guess that's why I fit right in, right? But yeah, we both have a lot to think Varo for... And soon you'll have a lot to thank me for! ::She at that, standing up fully and then looking through the holopads on her desk:: Hrm, since we're going to be working together I should give you some actual work, huh?

Might as well get a start on these kind of things, not sure what our new leader has planned for us but I'm sure it'll be real good. We're his favorite team no doubt about that... ::He smiled as he looked to Helena:: Love the commitment though..gives me confidence. I'm rooting for you.

Things are at a bit of a pause at this point so it's just most of the same... Ord's been giving me a lot of.. like, battle reviews and mission reports and shit so I can get a jist of battle techniques and especially how they should be written... Reaaally not looking forward to that. I guess you'll be doing most of those. ::She looked back at him with a snicker, finally pulling out what she wanted to find:: Anyway, here's a list of the training sessions we'll be running for the next week. I might even let you do a few of them by yourself, so you can feel all official and all.

I'll help you out with how to write these things out..it's got to be perfect. Nothing like spending a hour on a report and getting it handed back to you for minor mistakes. ::He reached out and took the holopad she wanted him to have and turned it on, quickly glancing over it before smirking:: Wow..really all by my lonesome? I don't know if I can handle that..especially training some of these fresh recruits I may even get beaten! Oh no.

I think Ordie's the kinda guy who'll fix the mistakes for me, thankfully... You see? It's great that I'm in this position! ::She paused then laughed again after he turned on the holopad:: Aww... I think you'll be okay. I'm rooting for you, and all.

Hah..not bad..not bad. ::He grinned as she thew his comment before back at him. Quickly he went over things in the holopad and nodded:: All this training..we don't need it. We need a deployment time..it's been too long. I feel like a damned reserve unit.

Varo's just stalling things a little bit until the official ceremony and all... Things'll get moving again, they were before all this happened, right? Patience, Lieutenant! Hopefully sometime sooner then later we'll start going off and doing our own things like Ordie used to do... ::She grinned:: That's going to be real exciting.

See now that right there is something I'm looking forward to. Ord used to get all the fun jobs...you really planning to bring me along? ::He smiled at the idea of not being left behind again and again::

You're my partner! You gotta come along! ::She laughed softly:: Unless Ordie feels like going on a trip... ::She grinned at the thought but then figured she was hinting at this a bit too much so she quickly added:: He's a Commander so he gets seniority, you know? He'll probably end up missin' his old job too.

Of course he will..but for all the missions he's too busy to do or doesn't want then I'll be happy to come along and bust some heads. ::He smirked as he sat back in his chair again:: I think you and I are going to get along just fine.

You think so? I'm glad... It'd be a shame workin' so close with someone who isn't fond of me.

Ah come on Helena..we've known each other for a long time. This is just an... adjustment. ::He shrugged slightly:: You know I like and respect you..as a Mandalorian though..we'll see how it goes.

I'm hopin' to surprise a few of you with how well it goes.. Don't know how great of a Mandalorian I'll be, really... But these revenge missions Ordie usually takes care of? Right up my alley.. My performance will more then make for it. Anyway... ::She leaned on her desk again, smiling:: I'm thinking this meeting is adjourned? I don't have much else to say..

::He picked up the holopad that he was looking through before and tucked it under his arm then stood up from his chair:: Alright then. We'll see how this goes..I'll start preparing the squad for the training operations. I'll be on my way.. ::He glanced down towards her as he gave a sharp salute:: Ma'm.

::She paused as he saluted her then started laughing, shaking her head then looking up at him with a grin:: Oh yeah, this is going to be so much fun... See ya later, Lieutenant! ::She still grinned, picking up his helmet and holding it out to him::

::Taking his helmet he smirked before slipping it back on and gave her a quick nod:: You're enjoying this way too much...good sign. ::He turned and gave her a slight wave as he moved towards the door:: I'll be in touch.

log #140

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:04:10 GMT

::In a rare occurrence Daven was able to get the whole squad together in the mess hall during a late afternoon break. Sitting at one of the tables and next to Acaia he turned his attention to Rojas who was in front of him and grinning after he plunked him off the head with some kind of food:: Ya'll joking around too much, Rojas. ::He paused for a moment as he he noticed that there was much attention being drawn towards the screens around them:: Hey! Hey everyone quiet for a sec!

Hah! Don't be mad...you didn't even see me do shit. ::He laughed for a moment but fell quiet as Daven told everyone to quiet down, sitting up a bit:: Hey what's going on? ::He noticed the Republic Military News was scrolling something about the Mandalore and read it over:: Woah..woah..what the fuck!? K! K! Do you see that? That fucker is dead!

::Sitting next to Rojas, she pressed her lips together and kept her head bowed and trying not to laugh as Daven looked back at Rojas after being hit. Hearing those words, though, hearing that someone was dead made her blood run cold for a minute as she looked up at the screen quickly and was so, so relieved that it wasn't Varo::

Holy shit... ::She said, looking at the screen for a moment, letting it sink in before she grinned wide:: ... H-Holy shit... He's fucking dead...

Who the fuck? How did that shit even happen? ::Daven stood up fully as he started to hear cheers erupt from the soldiers around them and he couldn't help to smile as he looked around at the others::

::Rubbing his eyes in disbelief as he read the screen himself he grinned as he looked to Kirei:: I don't think we can get better news then that!

::Adjusting his glasses with a small smirk he nodded to himself at the death of the so-called "invincible" Mandalore:: Doesn't mean it's over...but it's a damn good start.

::She stood up as well, doing the same as Daven as she looked around the crowd as they began to cheer, grinning from ear to ear as she scanned the mess hall then looked back at Daven, pulling him into a quick embrace:: He's dead, Daven! He's fucking... Oh god, it means we're almost there!

::She did her best to share the same enthusiasm as everyone, smiling just a bit and looking around the mess hall as well as it filled with cheers. She was happy, she was, this was a great accomplishment for the Republic but she couldn't get him off of her mind either::

Boo!! ::He flipped off the screen as the news played a segment of Valnis Varo's speech addressing the situation:: Turn it down I don't wanna hear that shit...next Mandalore, he doesn't even have a chance!

::He hugged Kirei back tightly with a laugh and shook his head:: I..I can't believe it. I don't even know what to say..this is amazing. ::He motioned to the screen at the video of Varo and shook his head:: That guy is next..it's a matter of time. Hopefully we'll be the one to do it..

::He looked to Acaia with a smile and stood up, moving closer to her so he could speak with her a bit more quietly:: Acaia..this is great news..it means we're doing something right. That everything we sacrificed by leaving the Jedi..we have victory in sight now. Better then ever before.

::She was fixed on the screen once Varo came onto it, squinting to read the words on the screen so she could gather what he was saying despite all the noise in the hall. Rhys broke her concentration when he moved to her but she smiled softly, nodding as he spoke:: You're right, Rhys... You're right. This really is... such a turning point in this war. ::She raised both hands, taking his hands in hers and squeezing them softly:: ... We made the right choice.

::Pulling away from Daven, putting her hand on his shoulder and holding tightly as she still grinned:: After what he did to me on Serocco.. Trust me, I'm going to kill him and his two little sidekicks with my bare fucking hands. We're even closer to that now.

It feels good..it really feels good knowing that without any kind of doubt. ::He smiled again as he she squeezed his hands and nodded:: We can have this war ended sooner then we thought..that's the greatest part.

We'll get to them, you know these fucks are going to lose a hell of a lot of morale without their glorious leader or some shit like that...that's it..I'm buying drinks! We're starting early, come on! ::He motioned for the others to follow him towards the door::

I'll make sure it happens, Kirei. Nothing is going to stop me from making sure you get your revenge on that son of a bitch. ::He looked to Rojas with a laugh as he spoke about drinks and nodded:: You know what..that's not a bad idea, I got the round after you!

::She laughed, looking at Rojas and he moved towards the door, glancing at Daven then laughing as she laughed as she moved to Rojas quickly;: You always got the best ideas, Ro... I'm telling you, I need some of your famous specialty drinks if I'm going to celebrate this properly, Ro..

Yes... all I can hope is that this brings a sooner victory for the Republic. ::Looking to Rojas as he called out to them, she looked up at Rhys and let go of his hand with a smile:: You go on... I think I'm going to go find Master Vos and discuss this with him..

Oh you know I got something real special planned..maybe make up a new drink. Call it the Murdered Mandalore or something clever like that. ::He smirked as he glanced over to Kirei, already going for the door::

Me too.. ::He nodded as she let go of him and smiled as well:: Alright. You'll know where we'll be...I'll meet up with you and Master Vos a bit later then.

::She laughed hard, shaking her head:: Maaan.. Make sure you think up something a bit more clever then that before you get fucking trashed, Ro, because that needs some work..

Mn... yeah. ::She nodded, smiling and standing up:: Maybe I'll meet up with you all later on.. See you. ::She turned to Daven, putting her hand on his back and smiling and nodding:: You guys try not to have too much fun, alright? I'll see you later... ::And with that she moved to the door, nodding to Rojas and Kirei as she left::

::He glanced back to Acaia and smiled with a nod:: You know me...I'll keep things in check..somehow. Come meet us later if you can, Acaia. ::He followed Kirei and Rojas out the door with a laugh as he heard the comments about the drink:: I liked the name man..we'll come up with a good one, start a trend!

::She laughed as she walked with Daven and Rojas, looking back and grabbing Rhys hand as he moved towards them, kissing him on the lips quickly but deeply, smiling as she pulled away from him. She wanted to say something when their eyes met but she wasn't sure what, so she just smiled and squeezed his hand and walked with him, laughing as she turned her attention back to Rojas and Daven:: Yeah... you should create something awesome and we can try to get it served in every officer's bar across the fleet!

::Glancing back at squad as she walked down the hall, she sighed as she hurried to her room then pulled out her communicator, staring down at with a frown as she tried to think if this was really a good idea. It took her about a half hour to work up the nerve, taking a deep breath as she choose Varo from her contact list and hit the connect button. Maybe it wasn't right, maybe it wasn't appropriate but she needed to talk to him.. She needed to know that he was okay::

::He blinked as Kirei grabbed him but he immediately returned her kiss, grinning when she pulled away from him and caught her gaze and his grin became wider as neither of them said anything else as he squeezed her hand in return::

::Varo had already heard positive things after making his grand speech to the Mandalorians that now followed him and him alone. He hoped that he was able to give his people the confidence and morale to keep fighting and maybe with his father's death they would fight even harder for a victory. Afterward he had returned to his personal room to be alone with his thoughts which were broken when he heard his communicator ring. Moving his hand to it and seeing Acaia's name on the screen he immediately answered it, he wasn't sure when she would contact him but he was glad she did it so soon:: Acaia...::He said in a low tone as he continued speaking:: I take it that you have finally heard?

Valnis... :She let out a breath she was holding when she finally saw his face on the screen, glad to see him again and hear his voice and relieved that he wasn't angry with her. Not right away, at least:: I have... I needed to contact you as soon as I did. I... Are.. you okay?

::He shook his head slowly at her question:: No..but I'm dealing with it. I'm...well it's just so good to see you again, Acaia. I wasn't sure if you would call..I'm glad you did. ::He sighed softly and frowned, for the first time since everything that happened he wasn't feeling the pressure to put up some kind of front to help those around him. With Acaia he was truly himself::

::She frowned more as he said he wasn't okay:: I'm glad that you're glad... I-I wasn't sure if I should have contacted you but,.. I'm glad I made the right choice as well. ::She shook her head, she was repeating this and she always felt this way when she contacted him.. like she was saying the wrong things. Shaking her head slowly then looking into the screen and looking into his eyes she said softly:: ... Valnis, I'm sorry

::He kept his eyes locked onto hers as she apologized to him but after a moment he looked away as he spoke to her:: Thank you but I know you are sorry for my loss..not sorry that he's dead. I don't blame you, I don't know what to think about what happened. I'm in charge of this leading on this war now, it doesn't sit well with me..you know how I feel.

::She frowned as he had pretty much called her out on her feelings and didn't bother denying it, he was right. She had felt the same joy the rest of the squad did, even if she cared about him. She stayed silent for a few moments as she tried to handle what he was telling her, what he was trusting her with. It would be so easy to try to swing things into the Republic's favor but she couldn't, she needed to be a friend to Varo first and a soldier second:: Yes, but... if you're unhappy with the direction the war has taken, you're now in the position to change it.

I'm not so sure that I can...not when I swore to the people that followed my father. The fact that I'm also unsure of how or who killed him..if it was the Republic or someone associated with you all...I have to..I have to push forward with all of this. That worries me, Acaia. ::He glanced up at her again and frowned, sighing softly a few moments later:: The things he had done though..they will never occur again under my control.

I know, Valnis, I know... When I say change it I don't mean... ::She kept her head down for a few moments as the words seemed hard for her to say, as she sighed then finally looked into his eyes:: As much as I'd love to convince you to just end it, Valnis... to know that all the friends I've made will be safe and to become one step closer to being able to be with you again... I know it's something you simply cannot do. Not with the circumstances of your father's death, not with the way the Republic will treat you and your people if you were to simply back down, not with the duty you have to your people but... but... this is your war now. It's not your fathers, it's yours, and at one time you wanted it... now it's your time to make it everything you wanted it to be.

::He sat back after she told him it was his war now. He knew she was in no way trying to spin any of this in her favor even after she put blame on herself for this starting. She despite all of that was telling him what he needed to do even if it meant the war continued on until a winner was declared,even if that winner was the Mandalorians. That said so much about her and why he loved her the way he did:: ... I have to...I need to see you, Acaia. Before things get even more out of hand then they already are..before I take full control of my people and no longer will be the man you see now..with this regret..this hesitation.

::Hearing the words come from her was harder to deal with them when she had simply thought of them and that must have been clear to Varo, she closed her eyes and looked away from the screen once more, shaking her head after she spoke. She was doing right by Varo, maybe it was even her own subconscious way of making up for the way she had hurt him and while he meant so much to her, despite how badly she wanted to truly be a person he could trust in confide in, her duty to the Republic was still on her mind and the way she was betraying her friends wasn't something she could deny. Hearing what he said next she broke a tiny smile, shaking her head again as she looked up at the screens and the words seemed just as difficult for her:: ... I can't, Valnis.... I'm sorry bout you know I can't. I'm not in any position to make that possible. We shouldn't even be speaking like this... We should be grateful for this much.

It's not enough..it won't ever be until.. ::He looked directly into the screen, holding his gaze with her own as he spoke in a serious tone:: ..I'll make it happen. I won't let anyone or anything stand in my way right now..not when I know that very soon I won't be able to see you..even through this screen again for a very long time. We'll both make something up..we'll meet in a neutral place..I'm begging you, Acaia.

::She frowned:: It's not that I don't want to, Valnis, there's no need for you to beg... It's just that I don't know how long I'm going to be on this ship, and once I do get on a planet, it would be impossible for me to sneak away to a so called neutral place... I want to see, I want nothing more to simply be in your arms again but I just... am unable to.

There is always a way, Acaia. ::He frowned himself now as he looked at her:: One night..that's all I'm asking you for. We can both find a way before it's too late..I'm not giving up yet. I won't.

You are welcome to try to find one... but I can't make any promises.

Do not underestimate how much I mean this.. ::He nodded to himself as he thought about it, trying to figure out just exactly how much time he had really to get this done. Before he knew it he was going to be officially granted the title and that would be the end of any chance:: Three days...I promise you that and we'll be together.

::Hearing him him and hearing the passion in his voice couldn't help got make her smile as he promised her:: Do not mistake my objections to mean that I don't want to see you, Valnis... I love you so, so deeply and I do hope you can keep this promise.

::He smiled at the moment he saw hers and shook his head quickly as he didn't want her to get the wrong idea from what said:: I do not doubt your love for an instant, Acaia. I'm sorry if I made you think otherwise..it's just that not being with you for so long is just making me a bit anxious. I will keep my promise and we will see one another very soon.

I am looking forward to seeing how you can pull this off, Valnis... and... even more so, seeing you once again. ::She kept her smile, locking her eyes with his again::

::He grinned now as their eyes met and nodded quickly:: You know me, Acaia. I always get what I want..I told you that a long time ago.

::She laughed at that softly:: Oh, how easily I've forgotten... Well, I'll see you soon, then, Valnis.

Indeed we will. ::He smiled once again, keeping his eyes onto hers still:: I love you, Acaia. We will speak much more about everything in person.

Yes... I love you too, Valnis. ::She smiled wider, keeping it for a few seconds before she let it fade:: Unfortunately, I think it's time for me to cut this call short.. I'm sorry.

Do not be. Just keep an eye out within the next few days. Go on then, Acaia. Thank you for calling me so soon about my loss..even after all he had done to you. It means a lot.

I care for you, I wanted to make sure you were okay.. ::She smiled a bit, nodding:: It's good to see that you will be... ::Raising two fingers to her lips she kissed them softly then pressed them against the screen as she usually did, smiling wide:: .. I love you, Valnis. Goodnight.

Goodnight, Acaia. I'll be thinking about you as I always do.. ::He smiled as she kissed him through the screen as she always did and when the connection ended he sighed softly and closed the communicator. He had much on his mind already but before it was too late for them both he needed to figure this out. Varo was supreme commander now, he had everything his father did at his disposal..it wouldn't be hard at all. All he wanted was one more day with her and he swore he'd make it happen::

log #139

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:40:29 GMT

::Quickly and quietly, he had been able to remove the former Mandalore's body from his chambers and into a burial pod. Acquiring the video needed and having the personal staff to swear by honor of their people not to say a thing. Returning the body to Varo within a few hours, he waited for him in a private room on thew ship after making contact with Varo who was on his way with his new assistant. Everything had happened so quickly that he had no time to even question or react to what happened..but now that he was alone in this room with the body of their former supreme commander, unmasked when he found him it has settled. Lieutenant Jace Corrion was used to doing the dirty work no one else wanted...he was always called upon because he had a reputation for getting things done without a question but this...this was a lot for him to take in. Glancing up to the door as he heard a knock he moved to it and opened it, stepping back as he saw Varo and Anasai there::

..That's it then? ::Was all Varo could say as he looked past Corrion at the pod behind him::

Yessir. ::He nodded in response as he glanced back at it as well:: He's in there.

::Anasai stood frozen in the doorway, starring at the pod with wide eyes and her mouth opened slightly as that same sick, horrible feeling from the first time she had found the body came back to her as she stared at her. Taking a deep breath, she made her hands into fists to keep them from trembling and stepped into the room slowly, pressing her lips together. She'd get over it, she had to::

Hrm.. ::He nodded as he moved past Corrion and glanced back towards Anasai before walking closer to the pod, laying his hand on it he took a deep breath before speaking again to the both of them:: I never thought it would ever..ever happen..you know, that?

::He glanced to Varo and nodded, doing his best to keep it together himself. The Mandalore was everything to him, he was the man who brought this glorious war to the, who lead them to victory again and again:: Agreed..but I have not lost hope and I know..I know that when the others find out what has happened our resolve will only grow stronger under your command, Mandalore.

::She kept her distance from the pod, keeping her eyes on it and taking a few deep breaths before she could speak again, nodding slowly as Corrion spoke:: I-It will... This crime won't go unpunished. ::She spoke in a voice that didn't sound much like her own, but managed to sound stern through the pain in her voice::

Whoever did this, hasn't taken responsibility yet...it troubles me. They're waiting for us to make the first move..

That isn't like the Republic..and the Jedi wouldn't be so bold to assassinate someone so powerful when they're not even apart of this war..but where does that leave us then? An inside operation? Our own people? I can't see it.

::He nodded as Corrion spoke as he moved to the latches of the pod and placed in a code to open it. As the pod slid open he stared down at his fathers dead body, resting silently within in:: ... You have a good grip on the situation, Corrion. Furthermore..I see no signs of physical harm.

::He glanced away as Varo opened the pod before speaking again:: N-no..none..not..at first glance that is.

If it was one of our own they would have already declared themselves Mandalore by now, since that would be the only motivation... T-That rules out that. ::She said from behind the two, taking a deep breath and looking away as Varo opened the pod. She couldn't look. She had seen more then enough when she found the body and just couldn't bear to look at it anymore::

They took the helmet..they knew that would cause some great concern within our ranks. ::He said as he closed the pod after just a few more moments:: I've seen it with my own eyes..and..and I'm ready to move on. I shall prepare myself to tell our people. ::He glanced to Anasai now:: I need you and Corrion to wait for the command staff of this ship in the main briefing room and inform them that this is the new flagship of the Mandalorian fleet. I'll do the rest.

Yes, Mandalore. ::He nodded, glad to see that Varo had closed the pod. He much like Anasai had seen enough, it was something he wouldn't ever be able to shake::

Yes, Mandalore. ::She said nearly in unison with Corrion as Varo gave his orders, looking up at him now that she had heard the pod door close nodding to him then glancing to Corrion::

Go on. I just need a few more moments.. ::He said as he looked back to the pod and turned towards it quietly::

::Without a word he had moved out of the room with Anasai. Together they had started down the hallway towards the briefing room that was on the same floor, glancing to her after a few moments he decided to introduce himself to her and considering she was a rank higher then him as a First Lieutenant he didn't want to seem rude:: I didn't get the chance before to properly introduce myself..I'm Second Lieutenant Jace Corrion.

Hm? Oh, yes.. ::She nodded to him as she hadn't realized they didn't get the chance to properly introduce herself either, honestly there were so many things on her mind that she didn't care either way:: Jace Corrion? Hm... I think we may have met briefly a few times before but even so, it's a pleasure to meet you once more. My name is Anasai Mirrett and I am a First Lieutenant and now Var--the Mandalore's personal adviser. ::She caught herself quickly, clearing her throat afterward::

Yes a few times. I wasn't sure if you would have remembered me it was as you said brief..but yes it's a pleasure. ::He nodded as the reached the room, opening the door for her he allowed her to step into the empty room first before doing so himself and closing the door:: I'm sorry we had to meet again under such circumstances.

Yes, well, ah... ::She took another breath, shaking her head slowly:: T-The best thing we can do is just focus on what's at hand. He did everything in his power to make sure we were well prepared when he passed, the least we can do is use that to grow stronger rather then waste time mourning his loss.

I couldn't have said it better myself ma'm.. ::He glanced to her as he moved towards the large table:: I didn't have the honor of knowing the Mandalore as well as you did but serving him and now his son so closely is something that my own father would have been so proud of.

Mine as well.. ::She said with a nod, following him to the table, sighing as she reached for her helmet:: Excuse me.. I don't mean to be rude, but ever since the Mandalore opened that pod I've just... felt live I've needed some fresh air. ::She pulled off her helmet, shaking out her hair slightly and taking a deep breath, setting her helmet down on the table. Her expression was mostly blank now, she was still upset but containing herself well::

No..please go on. ::He said as he watched her take off her helmet, glancing quickly over her features and was just a bit taken back at how pretty she was but he frowned as he saw just how emotionless her expression was. He figured it was rude to keep his own helmet on and removed it and set it down on the table as well:: I couldn't look at it anymore either..I but we'll get through it..what we're about to do now, what we're going to be apart of..this is so important.

Right, exactly. ::She was glad to hear her own thoughts repeated back to her, glancing to him a slight smile as he removed his helmet. When their eyes met she was able to hold back any reaction--at least most, as she smiled a little fuller and repeated for no reason:: It... is a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant.

::He smiled a bit as their eyes met and he looked away for a moment as his smile became a bit wider at what she had said:: The pleasure is mine, believe me. I..figured I'd follow your lead. There is no need to be so formal when we'll be now working closely with one another..I mean..in situations like this of course..please just call me Corrion..everyone else does.

Corrion? ::She repeated then nodded:: If that's the case then you can call me Anasai. I look forward to working more closely with you, Corrion.. So far I've only heard good things.

I'm glad to hear that. I hope to keep making such an impression on you, ma'm. ::He paused after a moment and grinned bit before shaking his head:: Anasai...excuse me. I don't mean to sound strange but everyone knows all the great things about you..It's an honor, I mean that.

Everyone? ::She said with a bit of a laugh, shaking her head slowly:: Hmm... Even so, thank you for the kind words. This is all going to be a bit strange at first but I have a feeling that we'll all work together wonderfully.. just as the late Mandalore wished.

I think you're right..he prepared us all for what's ahead, with or without his guidance. Though with Varo as Mandalore, yourself as adviser and Ord taking over Varo's place..I only hope that I'm worthy of being under your command. My loyalty is to you all.

From what I've seen and heard you're more then qualified, I assure you, Corrion. ::She said with a nod::

::He smiled again and looked away from her as he did:: Thank you, Anasai. It's good to know you have such confidence in my abilities..I won't let you down. ::He looked towards the door finally as he spoke again:: Do you think..even without the helmet that there will be those who will not follow another Varo? The last thing we need is an internal struggle, not with the way things have been going.

Unfortunately, I think that there are a few people who will be glad that the helmet has gone missing because it means they have the opportunity to become the Mandalore now. I just hope that they realize that being the Mandalore will have no meaning or power if we don't win this war, and will act accordingly because of that... I think much of this also depends on how our new Mandalore addresses the Mandalorians in this announcement... I have faith in him as a leader that he will be able to sway things in his favor for now, that he can make people realize they have a duty to follow him at least until the war is over just as the previous Mandalore intended.. Whatever internal issues can be sorted out afterward.

I've known the Mandalore for some time now and serving under him..I know he'll be able to sway the people. It's just the thought of those who would dare betray their own people that doesn't sit well with me...::He glanced to her as he frowned:: I know it's a personal question..but..have you ever been betrayed before, Anasai?

::She blinked:: Me... personally? ::She shook her head slowly:: No, n-nothing... serious. I've been working so closely with the Mandalore for so long and he'd never... ::She paused, meeting her gaze with his and frowning:: ... I take it that you have?

I have..by one of our own..a man who brought shame on my family name. ::He shook his head slowly as he took a seat in one of the nearby chairs and looked back up to her:: Though my father had gloriously died in battle as he wanted..my regret is that he isn't around to see me take our revenge one day.

::She frowned even moreso, shaking her head at the thought then looking into his eyes once more:: It is a shame that there are so many men and women who don't seem to understand what it really takes to be a Mandalorian. We may be known for our armor and our battle techniques but we would be nothing without our honor... I'm sorry that someone so close to you would do such a thing and wish you all the luck in bringing them to justice.

No need to apologize for the mistakes of a man..he is no Mandalorian. Thank you though for your kind words..I hope as soon as I'm able to get the chance I will personally bring him to justice with a blaster bolt between the eyes.. ::He glanced down for a moment before he shook his head:: I can't get ahead of myself, what is happening now is a chance to regain the honor we Corrion's once had...there is a reason why I volunteer for anything I can no matter how dangerous.

While I am in no place to truly speak on his behalf yet, let me say... I am quite sure that the Mandalore has plans for you, Corrion. The task that he trusted you with today... the things that you know right now before anyone does. The honor to your name will be restored soon, if you don't feel it has already.

::Glancing to her he couldn't help but to smile a bit at her words and nodded:: You think so? I..mean I really hope that's the case. Hearing it from you so soon, it puts my mind at ease. Honor it means everything..everything. Thank you, Anasai.

The people that the Mandalore has chosen to help him with the difficult task that lies before him now are the people he has the utmost pride and respect for... As of right now that list if very short, so you should be proud of yourself for that alone... Besides, as if the Mandalore does have a temporary lapse in judgment on these matters... as an adviser, I can certainly swing things in your favor. ::She smiled at him after speaking but couldn't help but think why she had just said that... She wasn't lying, of course, but even the slightest abuse of her power was something she'd never considered before--something she didn't even consider considering, even jokingly. But she felt comfortable enough and it felt nice to be able to speak so casually, even if she was trying not to focus on the fact that the first answer that came to herself when she asked herself why was because she wanted to see that smile once more::

I..no..no..I couldn't dare ask you to do something like that for me. I'm not worthy of such actions from you....but I promise you as I said before I'll make you proud. You won't regret those words of yours for an instant.. ::He smiled widely now and shook his head before he looked to her again, part of him had forgotten all the pain and sorrow that was weighing him down for awhile now:: I'll do anything you ask of me whenever the situation calls for it...anything.

::She smiled wider as he did, she couldn't fight the happiness that she felt when she had made him smile once more:: I'm sure my offer is useless anyway... Your role should be, and will be, something you'll earn on your own.

It's a comfort to know someone is watching my back though...so it's in no way, useless. ::He kept his eyes on her for a few moments as he noticed just how big her smile was now:: It's nice seeing you smile like that..I..I mean considering when we first saw one another..how serious we both were.

Hm? Oh.. well.. I tend to be like that more often then not. ::She said with a bit of a nervous laugh, glancing away from him for a moment and then back at him:: But you're right, it's nice to just... relax for a moment occasionally. If it's not too forward to say so, it's... been really nice talking to you like this. As you said, we'll be working closely for now on... I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Not at all, in fact if you don't mind me saying it's been a real pleasure. I agree..I'm looking forward to really getting to known one another as well..not to mention having a real Mandalorian woman around such as yourself..it's definitely a good thing. I think a lot of the men forget just how beautiful, skilled and important you all are..I..mean that with no disrespect as you are a commanding officer! ::He looked away from her for a moment as he ran through what he just said in his head a few times and deemed it ridiculous on his behalf::

::She seemed a little taken back by his words, looking down at her helmet as she blushed slightly and lowered her voice:: .... T-That was.. inappropriate, Lieutenant.... ::And yet, there was still that smile on her lips as she said those words, still not being able to meet his gaze::

I..know! My apologies, I didn't mean for it to come out that way..I..I mean it was good to have the men around a Mandalorian woman such as yourself, Ma'm! ::He said quickly as he looked away from her again but his thoughts soon slowed down as he saw that she couldn't look at him and that smile and he sighed in relief:: Really though...that was wrong of me to say but I was just a bit taken back by you. We're used to looking into visors all the time..I didn't mean anything forward by it, my apologies.

Apology accepted.. ::She said, finally looking up at him then glancing away again, smiling a bit wider as she did::

Great, thank you so much. ::He glanced away again for a moment as he laughed nervously at himself:: You're still smiling..that's a good sign. ::Pausing as he noticed the door leading into the room had opened he stood up from his chair and glanced to Anasai:: Looks like we're about to get to work.

Looks like it.. ::She said as she lifted up her helmet, sliding it back on and sighing in relief as she did. "Not a moment too soon" was all Anasai could think after that little exchange::

::Slipping his helmet on as she did he glanced to those who were moving into the room and spoke to them after waiting a moment:: I am Second Lieutenant Jace Corrion and thank you all for coming on such short notice. Unfortunately we have some tragic news to share with you all..Commander Varo will then be addressing us Mandalorians as a whole shortly. Let's start then shall then shall we? ::He glanced over to Anasai with a quick nod and immediately got to work with explaining the situation with her help. This wouldn't be easy to explain but he knew they all had their duty to the Mandalore and to their own people. There was no time to even hesitate or hold back, Varo was ready to move forward and so were they::

log #137

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:20:50 GMT

::With Helena and Ord gone, Varo had quickly gone back to work and having Anasai at his side he was able to be much more productive. There was a good reason why his father selected her as such a young age to assist him. Much like Varo and Ord she was to be an extension of his leadership skills so that his example would be followed for another generation of Mandalorian. As they went over the past few Operations together Varo could easily tell that there was much she wanted to say to him and he in turn had wanted to speak with her on a personal level. Glancing away from the screen infront of him he shook his head:: Let's take a quick break...I was hoping we could discuss a few things, Anasai.

Discuss a few things...? ::She nodded as she took a step back from the desk as well, looking up at him as she did. She was a little nervous about what he had to say next, as much as she had to get off her chest about how she felt about losing the Mandalore, there was part of her that also didn't want to..::

You and I have known each other for a long time..and you know I have spent much of my own life trying not to be him for better and for worse..so I want you to be open with me about everything. Do not hold back..I'm serious. ::He looked to her with a smile as sat up from his chair and leaned on the desk to face her::

::She raised a brow, tilting her head to the side a bit:: Don't... hold.. back? I don't.. quite understand what you're asking me.

I want you to be honest with me about everything. If you think I'm making a mistake then tell me...I want us to work together and without any concerns due to rank. You know I am not a huge supporter of this war...does that concern you?

Of course it does. Honestly, aren't you concerned about how you're supposed to lead your men to victory if you don't support the cause? What I don't understand is that you used to be looking forward to this just as much as everyone else.. I don't understand what changed. ::She frowned, looking to him for an answer::

While the war isn't something I am not fully behind I can assure you that my duty as Mandalore..it's something I take seriously..as is his legacy. The problem is..and what changed was how we have gone about things..I do not want him known as an insane tyrant that only wanted to cause death and destruction. ::He frowned a bit and shook his head:: He was a much better man and leader then that. It was Taris though..much of my support faded very early in the war..what did you think of that?

An insane tyrant..? ::She said with a frown, shaking her head:: Taris might have been an unnecessary show of power but isn't that the point of this whole war? The Republic will never make the mistake of underestimating us again, the Mandalore accomplished exactly what he set out to do. And as I recall... you were the one who made that order, Varo. That decision was yours to make... I remember how proud your father was when he realized you made the right one.

I was..it was an order I was forced to make. Honestly do you think if I denied such an order then Taris would have been spared..we both knew him better then that. ::He sighed as he thought about it:: He was proud because regardless of what any of us wanted, he would have had his way. I made it easier for him. The nuclear weapons were another part of this..a near extermination of a alien race? Honestly..is this what we have become? It's bothered me for a long time now.

As if the galaxy is really that much worse off by losing a race of over grown cats... ::She said under her breath, crossing her arms as she looked off to the side. She paused for a moment before sighing, looking up at Varo:: But.... you're right. Things have gotten a little... extreme, moreso then I think anyone expected. I don't think anyone would object to you taking things in another direction, if that's what you wish..

The problem is I believe that there are many who will..who were led to believe this is our new way? Anasai..what are we even doing? I will lead our people to victory the best I can but when does it stop? When the hell did any Mandalorian wish to rule over the people of the galaxy? When did that become our way..and why did he decide this? ::He sighed as he thought about it, sitting down in his chair again:: It doesn't make sense..to be honored..to be respected..territory that we could really expand to. That was what he used to speak about..building an empire to rival any other we've had for our people, not ruling over those who are not like us.

That's your question to answer, Varo... ::She said with a sigh, looking down at the floor then back up to Varo:: This war is in your hands down.. it's up to you to figure out what you'd consider a victory. War is how our people achieve honor and victory... but it will have to end sometime.

Yeah..yeah I suppose I have to put much more thought into all of this. What we cannot do is take any kind of loss...we cannot just have things go back to how it was before the war..or worse if we should ever be defeated. Victory will come..I'm just not sure what it will be. ::He frowned once again for a few moments before looking back at her:: Thankfully I have you here with me now...he was right about you..you're aware of how highly he always spoke of you?

D-Did he really..? ::She looked up at him with a hopeful smile::

Of course he did. ::He nodded as she looked up at him:: He chose you out of everyone...honestly I think you were closer to him then Ord or I ever was..

I've spent nearly every day of the last ten years with him... ::There was a touch of sadness in her voice, her eyes focusing on the floor again:: It's... going to be so strange not having him around anymore.

::He was quiet for a few moments after she said that and nodded in agreement:: Yeah...yeah it's not going to be easy. As much as him and I fought over the events of late..he..still meant so much to me..::He looked to her again after a small pause::. ..to us.

::She nodded slowly in response, keeping her eyes on the floor as she pressed her lips together, trying to hold her tears back. After a few moments, she took a deep breath, reaching out and taking Varo's hand and squeezing it softly:: ... H-He loved you so, so much, V-Varo.. And there is a reason why he chose me, someone so young, out of anyone else... ::Her voice as shaking and hands were shaking but she still was able to hold it in:: ... He knew that this time would come, he wanted to give you the opportunity to be a great leader, and he wanted me at your side. H-He isn't here any longer, but it's comforting enough to know his dream has now become a reality... and I promise you, Varo, I will do everything I can for you, t-to make him proud.

::He closed his eyes as she took his hand and listened to her before taking a deep breath in himself, holding her hand tightly as she was shaking. Opening his eyes once again and looking into hers he nodded:: He gave me everything I could ever ask for in you, Anasai. I want you to be proud of me...I'm willing to do everything I can to make that happen. I want you to love and respect me as you did him..I mean that.

I already do. ::She said with a smile, squeezing his hand gently:: I-I know that he wasn't my father, a-and I know I haven't been nearly as close to you and Ord as I'd like to b-but.... but I've always thought of you as something of a brother, Varo. ::She blushed a little, glancing away from him again::

::He smiled at what she said to him, turning to her a bit more now:: You've always been the sister I've never had, Anasai. Thank you for such kind words..I..it means a lot to me. This is our chance now to become closer, I won't waste a moment. The one great thing he left the three of us with was a bond..we are family.

He-Hearing you say that... it means more to me then you know, Valnis. I'm so glad I'll be able to work so much closer to you now..

As am I. We'll make him proud, I promise you. ::He said with another smile, still holding her hand:: All of us will..including Helena. I know..I know it's not a usual choice but you have to understand her loyalty.

I wanted to talk to you abut that.. ::She looked up at him, sighing softly:: You didn't want me to hold back so I won't... I think you should really rethink whatever position you're planning on giving her.

Other then the obvious reasons of her not being a Mandalorian..why shouldn't I? After everything she's done for me..how she swore herself to our cause now? Could I really say now, Anasai?

The obvious reasons that if you're afraid of losing supporters, the last thing you should be doing is alienating most of them? Not everyone has the fondness for her that you and your squad does, Varo. I'm not going to deny her skill as a huntress, nor the benefit of using those skills.. but confiding in her as a friend and having her be a personal adviser are two very, very different things. Having her taking care of the missions outside of the battlefield that Ord used to take care of rather then pulling a Mandalorian from the front is a smart idea... giving her a high rank and making her Ord's XO are also two entirely different things.. The people who doubt you as a leader are going to be the ones who are power hungry and bitter about not being in the position you are.. Seeing you give such a position to someone so undeserving won't win you any points.

Undeserving to you maybe... ::He responded as he sat back in his chair as he thought about it, she had very good points but he knew that his choice would make things more difficult but Helena was worth it:: I want to give her a chance to prove herself to the others that she can lead...and I know that Ord will make sure she succeeds in doing so. I've been told countless times that she's a distraction but that isn't the case. I want you to see for yourself just how committed and loyal she really is...if I can change your mind, maybe I can change the minds of others. You are right about many things you said to me..don't think I'm brushing your advice off.

I'm just saying that you should think about just how officially you want to make this.. She's been working for you for years without being a Mandalorian, your squad has been following her orders despite her not having an official rank when the situation calls for it... Why should that all change juts because she'd like to take a more active role in the war? She wants to remain loyal to you, Varo, she wants to do what she can to be a good friend to you... That doesn't mean she's ready to take on all it means to be a Mandalorian. It doesn't mean she's worthy to wear our armor.. Is that something she even want to do? She doesn't seem to be a fan of... covering up..

That I understand. I do..but hearing her say that she wants to fight, that she wants to take on the role. She's earned the right..she's earned the chance. As for her personal choice of clothing..I mean..outside of our armor we can do what we choose, am I wrong?

Yes, but if she actually takes on a rank she'll have to actually start wearing our armor, start living by the rules she's taken such pleasure in going against these years. I'm convinced that she wants to fight, I'm not convinced that she's ready to take on the role... and even if she is, you have to take into account the hundreds of your followers who believe that whatever rank you're planning on giving her requires a bit more then sleeping around with your squad to raise moral.

::He narrowed his eyes a bit at her last comment and shot her a look:: That was uncalled for and completely false, Lieutenant! What I want to do for Helena is not nearly enough for all she's done for me throughout the years..I get that you don't agree with me and that your concerns aren't unfounded..I will discuss with her how serious she is with our ways and from there I will make my judgments. Finally..on a personal note because I'm sure you know..she and I are no longer together..so it has nothing to do with that.

::She flinched a bit as Varo snapped at her, sighing heavily and frowning as she didn't realize she'd let those words slip, raising a hand up and rubbing her forehead as she shook her head:: I... I'm sorry, Valnis. That... was entirely out of line, and I don't want my slip of the tongue to invalidate my argument here... I-It's not that I dislike her, really, I hardly know her. ::Looking up at him with a frown, she sighed softly:: I've just... had an incredibly stressful day, and I suppose more of your father rubbed off on me then I'd like. It's just..... To be honest, Varo, you are going to have to learn quickly that often there is going to be a very big difference between what will make you happy and what's right for the sake of your people. That inappropriate view of Helena isn't an unpopular one, and Helena's rank is going to be one of those things. Just.... rethink it, please. There is a way to honor Helena's devotion to you without upsetting a lot of people... I trust that you'll be able to figure it out.

::He sighed as well and shook his head as she apologized:: No..I'm sorry I didn't mean to snap at you like that..I told you to be open and honest and that's what I need. What you have to understand is that she's very important to me..I'll consider everything you said and I will speak with her about it in a serious manner. I'm willing to give her this chance..if she wants it. There is indeed much I have to learn and you are the right one to guide me along..so I won't jump into this any further until I'm completely sure. I promise you that..give me a chance, alright?

I won't deny that Helena is extremely skilled and that we're lucky to help us in whatever way she can, I just want you to be stradegic about it considering the circumstances. Whatever decision you make I will response, it's just... ::She shrugged, smiling just barely as she looked up at him:: You asked me to be a adviser.. I'm trying to advise.

No..no you are. I need to get used to hearing things that I don't always agree with..I..uh..I'm used to getting my way you know. ::He grinned just a bit as he shook his head:: You have very good and valid points..all under consideration. I'll do my best.

::She smirked a little bit:: That little thing about you needing to learn you won't be able to get your way every time? Is the one thing your father warned me about the most when he was preparing me to ultimately work for you.. Don't worry, though.. As I said, I'm here to work with you however I can, and I'll stand by whatever decision you make either way.

Thank you. Honestly I'll do my best to make the right choice..our people and what's happening now is more important then anything else..I understand that. I wonder though.. ::He smirked as he looked to her again:: You ever speak to my father as you did to me? You have a way of being very bold..I like that..a lot.

::She laughed softly, shaking her head a bit:: I'm glad that you do.. I'd hate to get in trouble with you now that you're the boss. I was more of an assistant to your father rather then a true adviser, but there were a few times when I'd try to make my opinion known... I-I'd try to be much more polite then I am with you, though..

Good. ::He grinned with a quick nod:: I don't need polite..I need your insight, Anasai. I'm glad you aren't holding back even if I do get frustrated. It's..it's been a lot for all of us with what's happened. ::He glanced down at the holopads on his desk and then to her:: I suppose it's back to work then..a lot to be done still.

::She nodded, moving closer to the desk as well:: You know, it's.. good that we can have a working relationship like this. T-To be honest, it's a little.. strange to think of you as the Mandalore which is why I don't hold back as much but.. it works.

I'm not him..and I'm not pretending I ever can be but I promise you that things will work out. I have to build my own legacy and with you beside me..we'll do something good for our names and for our people. That's what I look forward to most.

And I as well.. ::She nodded again with a smile:: And to do that, we out to get back to work, hm?

Right. Then we'll prepare ourselves to speak to everyone..tell them what's happened. ::He took a deep breath as he thought about it:: For now..back to the operation.

log #136

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:22:08 GMT

::Ord had immediately contacted Anasai and had her on an emergency shuttle to the ship that they were on. It didn't take very long for her to arrive and not to bring any kind of attention to the situation and decided to meet her alone. Waiting for her in the hanger that her ship has just docked in, he moved closer towards the ship as the ramp lowered. He knew Anasai and she knew the importance of this all, she would keep it together and no one would ever know what this was all about..but finding the Mandalore..the man who was so close to them all..seeing it..that wasn't something Ord or Varo had experienced and he could only imagine how hard it was::

::Ord was right in assuming Anasai was a complete wreck as a result of what had happened but she was able to hold it together, she was beyond upset and mostly guilty from all that had happened but she kept it bottled inside as best she could since she she could since she still had a duty to fulfill--it goes without saying, though, that this was one of the times that she was glad for her helmet since the face behind it told a much different story. She moved to Ord quickly as the ramp went down, it was such a relief to see him:: Captain... It's.. so, so good to see you again.... ::Her tone was flatter then normal and it was no doubt a result of recent events but despite that she was glad, knowing that she'd be with Ord and Varo and that she'd be able to mourn properly was a minor comfort, and as guilty as she felt about feeling it, she was glad to be away from the body, away from all the places her and the Mandalore spent time together and all the places he'd never be again::

::Ord greeted her as she came down the ramp and placed his hand on her shoulder as they looked into each others visor. He smiled sadly, squeezing her shoulder lightly now:: Lieutenant..it's been much too long..please..follow me. Commander Varo is still in his office with orders to be left alone..but finding out you're here those I'm sure will change. ::He motioned for her to follow, glancing to the side as they walked:: Thank you for acting so quickly in contacting me..I..I can only imagine how difficult this was.

Mm.. ::She nodded in response and that was about all she could do, she wanted to say more to elaborate but when her mouth opened, no words came out:: Ah... I, yes, it has been. ::She said with another nod as she walked forward:: You and the Commander... h-how have you handled the... ::She paused then cleared her throat:: .. the news?

Not well but we're dealing. Commander Varo is doing his best considering the situation...unfortunately we don't have much time to dwell on this news. ::He stopped at Varo's door and knocked quickly as he waited for an answer::

::Turning from the window as his thoughts were interrupted by the knock, he figured it was Ord or Helena considering his orders not to be disturbed:: Enter.. ::He said out loud as he stood up from his chair and moved around towards the middle of the room::

::She stepped into the room with Ord when Varo called out to them, bowing her head as she approached him:: Commander... I came here as soon as I could.

::He was glad to see Anasai when she stepped into the room with Ord, nodding as she greeted him so properly:: I know, thank you. Captain...close the door. ::When Ord did as he was told he moved closer to Anasai, pulling his helmet off and connecting it to his equipment belt before looking at her with his own eyes. There was no need for the three of them to be formal anymore:: Anasai...I'm so..so.. glad you're here now.

As am I, Varo... ::She pulled her helmet off as well, doing the same as Varo and taking a deep breath as she looked at him with her own eyes. Despite how glad she was to finally be alone with Varo and Ord she still looked upset, her eyes still puffy from the tears she cried:: L-Let me say first that I'm so, so sorry, Varo.. for not being there.. n-not being able to bring his helmet to you.

That isn't your fault. I would never..ever place blame on you for what happened. ::He frowned as she apologized, seeing how upset she was he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her :: You know that, right? Whatever happened..whoever did this...I swear to you..they will be found and they will die. What we need to do now..more then ever is to stick with each other.

::He pulled off his own helmet as well, moving closer to the two and remained quiet. He knew that this would be their time to finally let everything out::

I know that, but.. I just... ::Taking a deep breath, she wrapped her arms around Varo and held him close to her, closing her eyes as she did. She just wanted to enjoy the comfort of being in his arms for a moment, she needed to after the day she had::

I understand..you don't need to explain anything. ::He sighed softly as he held here there, shaking his head for a moment:: I..I have been putting much thought in the fact that I am now in command of our people...I'm unsure of capturing the loyalty of everyone, including our officers and generals. I need everyone I can get right now to sway those who would doubt me as leader...I need to start quickly, I need you Anasai. Can I count on you?

It surprises me that you'd feel the need to even ask, Varo.. ::She said with the faintest smile as she let go of him and took a step back:: ... While it is ultimately your decision, it was one of your father's final wishes and it would be an honor and my pleasure to serve you just as I did your father, Mandalore Valnis Varo. ::She bowed fully in front of him now as she spoke::

It would be an honor to have you serve along side me, Lieutenant. I plan to uphold the legacy that the Mandalore..our father..had left us. ::He bowed in return and smiled just a bit, it felt good to finally be reunited as it reminded him fondly of the past:: We were always meant to be the future of our people..he wanted it that way and we're going to do exactly that.

Of course, sir. ::She said with a smile, standing up straight and saluting him now. She had expected it, but it brightened her mood somewhat to have Varo officially accept her as his assistant, to see the Mandalore's plans become reality::

And what do we do about his body and explaining his death? ::He glanced to Varo with a frown:: How do we explain this?

I have already contacted his command staff on the ship about his death and sent Corrion to bring his body to us..we will give him a proper burial and I will then assume command as Mandalore. I'm doing all of this slowly as not to disrupt the flow of advance..missions will continue as ordered. I will not change his plans. We will remained stationed here..this is the new flagship.

And about finding out who did this..? I didn't have a chance to review the security tapes.. I've tried to wrap my head around how this could have happened, but that's the only place I can think of to start.

That is why I sent Corrion out of everyone from our team, he'll make sure we get our hands on what we need...we'll review everything together when he returns and we'll go from there. I cannot even begin to understand how this happened..but we will find out.

The Republic..the Jedi...I just don't get how unless it was maybe from the inside. Anasai do you remember anyone at all going in and out of his chambers..anything at all strange from the last time you saw him?

::She shook her head with a frown:: I've been going over our recent conversations over and over to see if there's something... anything but.. no. I'm sorry, but no.

::He nodded as he glanced over towards her:: Don't be..we'll figure this all out together.

::He nodded in agreement with Ord:: Exactly..speaking of that.. ::Pulling out his communicator he scrolled down to Helena's name and contacted her directly:: Helena..I need you here as soon as you can.

::He looked to Varo as he contacted Helena, waiting until after he was finished:: You have made you decision I take it?

I have.. ::He responded with a quick nod::

Helena...? ::She couldn't help but sound annoyed, tensing up as she heard the name and looking between Ord and Varo as they spoke:: Decision? What does she have to do with this?

A lot in all honesty. I'm aware of your..disapproval of Helena but she has always been loyal to me and fought with me..but now as Mandalore she has pledged herself to our cause..I told her I'd consider her offer.

Pledged herself..!? Does she even understand what it means to do such a thing..? Does she even know the Resol'Nare? ::She frowned, looking at Ord again, upset that he wasn't objecting to this as well. This wasn't an argument she was going to win on her own::

::It didn't take Helena very long to get to Varo's chambers, knocking on the door then opening it without waiting since he'd asked her to come anyway:: You rang? ::She said with a smile then paused, seeing Ord and Anasai were there as well:: Oh, uh, hey..

Her loyalty and fighting skill makes up for anything else now. She may not have a true understanding of our culture from years and years of training but she can learn...you make it sound like we have never taken on someone in this manner if that was the case I wouldn't be here now. ::He looked to Anasai as he shook his head::

::He motioned for Helena to step inside:: Helena thanks for coming so quickly..you remember Lieutenant Mirrett, correct?

There's a--::She paused, realizing Helena was in the room now and switching to Mando'a as she responded to Ord:: <There is a very big difference between her circumstances and yours, and you know that, Captain.>

::She paused, having a feeling she was being spoken about so she paused, waiting for Anasai to finish:: How could I forget.. ::She walked closer as Varo motioned for her, nodding to Anasai:: Nice to see you again... I'm sorry for your loss. ::She said with a bit of a sad smile::

Mn.. ::She paused, responding to Helena with a simple nod::

::He glanced to Anasai with a sigh speaking to her quickly in Mando'a himself:: < I know what I'm doing, trust me please>. ::Looking back to Helena he smiled a bit:: I told you that my decision about you taking a more active role here with us..for me..you know how much I value your skills and I would be lucky to have you fight for me. I'm taking on a new personal staff and I want you to be apart of it...I need you to be, Helena.

Anything you need, Varo... Anything. ::She said with a wide smile, looking into his eyes as they spoke. She didn't expect it but maybe some of Ord was running off on her, she felt a little proud that Varo was picking her, even though there was part of her that expected it. Maybe she didn't realize how much this had meant to her as well:: ... I've always been there for you when you've needed me, Varo, and after this, I'll never let that change.

Which is exactly why I know you're the best person for the job. I don't know the direction this war will go now but victory is my own concern...having the four of you here now, those closest to me I feel that this is a fine start. I hope that I will be able to lead you correctly and that you all will be proud to follow me..I won't let you down. From here on..you are my personal advisors.

::He looked to Helena with a smile, the fact that she was committed to all of this, to their ways and the war..he was having trouble holding in how proud and happy he was even in the face of a great loss:: We will follow you to the end. No matter what path you take, Mandalore. No one could ask for a better leader. We all knew this day would come, who would dare go against that?

We'll find out soon enough unfortunately. ::He said with a shake of his head::

::Listening to Helena and Varo, Anasai stood to the side awkwardly as she watched the two and tried to believe this was a good idea. There was no doubt that Helena cared for both Varo and Ord strongly and she hoped that was enough to make this right, but she couldn't shake the disappointing feeling that she had, knowing the Mandalore's dream was tarnished with this decision:: Anyone who cares at all about this fight will understand that you are the only one who can lead us to victory...

Yeah.. ::She crossed her arms, smiling at Varo:: If I've learned anything from our missions together, Varo, anyone you're about to lose isn't worth keepin' around anyway. You got this... Don't worry about it.

::He nodded as he listened to them and leaned onto the desk behind him:: Right..it won't be easy but I'm going to do everything I can to keep things on the right track.

I can be on the ground directing the squads within the next few hours if need be..if you want this war won still then I will sacrifice everything to do it. Is it what you want though?

::He glanced down and sighed before looking up to the three of them with a shake of his head:: I don't know...after all that's happened, all the lives lost...we can't stop now. It was his vision.

::She was surprised that Varo had to give that a second thought and it showed on her face for a moment, but she still stood by quietly::

::He glanced to Anasai as he saw her facial reaction and decided to speak first:: I understand. There are things that were done that not all of us agreed with...I am not afraid to admit such a thing and I told him the same. Things have fallen off a bit but we do not need to give up the fight..there is no need to continue such actions when I know we can win this war without them as we have done many times before. Jedi or no Jedi.

::He nodded as he listened to Ord, glad that he shared the same ideas of himself concerning the direction of the war:: We shall see..for now I need to consider my options for our next move. I will contact you all when I am ready to discuss it.

And in the mean time, sir? ::She was being serious and she wanted to act the way she was supposed to, but she couldn't help but smile wide as she said "Sir"::

Prepare the troops for deployment. Commander Mantrill you are to take full control of the team. ::He glanced to Helena and returned her smile:: Helena you will assist Ord in doing so as his XO..I believe the both of you will make fine partners. From there we will figure out a proper rank and have your armor refitted for battle. Lieutenant.. ::He looked to Anasai now with a nod:: Please remain here with me..we have much work to do.

As you command, Mandalore! ::He looked to Helena with a smile that was extremely hard to hide::

::She grinned wide as Varo gave his order, glancing to Ord and wiggling her eyebrows at him as they shared a glance. There was something surreal about this, but she still couldn't hide her excitement:: Let us know if you need anything else, Mandalore. ::There was that goofy smile again, but she stepped closer to Varo:: And uh, if it's alright if I.. ::She smirked as she wrapped her arms around his neck for a moment. She wasn't sure what was pushing the line between "things she was allowed to do" and "things she wasn't allowed to do" so she figured it best to half-ask him before doing so, then whispering his ear:: ... Thank you for this, Varo. I know you may not understand why I'm thanking you for accepting me, but just... thanks. I won't let you down.

::She paused, just glaring and pressing her lips together as she watched them::

::He returned her embrace and placed his arms around her for a moment with a grin before shaking his head:: I'm very much aware..I mean it..you're my only and best choice. So thank you, Helena. Now go on... ::Turning towards Anasai he motioned for her:: Let's get started on these holopads of the last two operations and see where we went wrong and where we went right.

::He saluted Varo quickly before moving out of the office with Helena, they would get started right away in preparing the squad for whatever their new Mandalore would command::

log #135

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:07:04 GMT

::Weeks had passed since Ord had returned to active duty and according to the Mandalore's plans Varo, the squad and himself were finally set to deploy the furthest they had ever gone within the Mid Rim. Ord was set to help Varo lead one of the biggest victories of the battle, a victory that would make the Republic's recent actions look meaningless. All of that changed suddenly when Ord got a encrypted message from the Mandalore's assistant that he was dead..murdered and that Ord was the first and only to know at the moment according to his last wishes that were ordered long ago. This had weighed down so heavily on Ord when he first read it, disbelief followed by grief and then by the thought that he held the whole Mandalorian people back from crashing into chaos of their leader being dead. Varo would handle this..he knew he could but he couldn't tell him at the moment. He sat at his desk in his room for hours, unsure how he would even explain this to Varo. Finally he managed to pull himself up and leave the room, he had to find Helena first. The only person he could trust with this information and the only person that would be able to help him speak to Varo. Stopping at the room where she was staying now with the hopes she was there::

::Helena had done more of the same in the time that passed, though with the number of Mandalorian causalities rising and things getting more serious, she had been taking on more responsibilities for the sake of Varo and Ord. Running errands, observing training sessions and such were jobs she was glad to do to fill the time since Ord and Varo didn't have much time for her these days either. She couldn't help but think it was a good thing, even if she had to deal with being a little lonely, seeing things start to move in the right direction and seeing everyone in good spirits again was more then worth it. She raised a brow when she heard a knock at the door; she hadn't been expecting anyone but she couldn't have been happier when she saw Ord standing there. She grinned wide, leaning on the door as she greeted him:: Hiya babe.. What brings ya here? Got some free time to spend with me?

No. ::He answered her at first before pausing at how it sounded and shook his head:: Sorry..I..no..at the moment I don't, I wish I did. ::He looked to her now and frowned and lowered his voice even though there was no one around them:: I've got some news..could..could I come in?

::Her face dropped once she heard his response. If he didn't, then what was he even doing here..? She was immediately worried and wondering what the answer was, stepping aside quickly when he asked to come in:: O-Of course, of course. Is everything okay?

No, no it isn't.. ::Ord was usually very good at keeping his composure in the face of nearly anything he could come up against but this one..this time it hit him so off guard he already looked like hell. Moving to one of the chairs in her room he slumped down into it, staring at the floor:: I'm the only person who knows..the only one right now. He's dead, Helena. Someone killed the Mandalore.

::She had never seen Ord like this, she didn't even know he could be like this so she had no idea how to act, slowly closing the door behind him and watching him for a moment as he looked down at the floor:: .... W-What...? ::She sounded breathless and just as in disbelief as he was when she heard the news:: ... O-Oh my god.... Oh my god, Ord... ::She rushed over to him as he spoke, walking over to him quickly and wrapping her arms around him, pulling him close to her. She was still standing and he was sitting so it was an awkward embrace but an affectionate one, one hand around his neck and resting on his shoulder, the other resting on the back of his head, her fingers running through his hair as she held him close to her:: ... I-I'm so sorry...

::He was quiet for awhile when she moved to embrace him and he closed his eyes when she ran her fingers through his hair, breathing out softly as it always made him feel at ease. Opening his eyes now as he glanced up at Helena before speaking to her softly:: I know...I know he was horrible to you and I hated him for that. I know there we're things he did that even I'm ashamed of..but he..he was still a good man once. Before all of this...I..I haven't even told Varo yet. I don't even know if I can..Helena..I don't know.

N-No, no... We don't have to talk about that now.. ::She whispered to him as she spoke about the mistakes his father made, pulling him a bit closer to him:: You're right.. He was... He was. ::She said simply, she didn't fully agree but it didn't matter now. None of it did. She frowned as she spoke, still in shock and honestly surprised by how upset she was--she was afraid of what this meant for Varo and Ord, what this meant for the whole squad and all of the Mandalorians:: .... Ord, I know it'll be hard... b-but he has to know.. He has to know soon. If you want me to be there, if you even want me to be the one to tell him I will, b-but Varo needs to know in order to make this right.. t-to make sure he didn't die in vain..

I have to tell him..I have to..be the one but yeah..yeah I need you there, I do. ::He glanced way from Helena as he tried to regain any composure he had left, taking a deep breath before speaking again:: This means..Varo is the most important Mandalorian now..he's our new leader. I'm not sure if this war..it isn't his..we both know this...I don't know what we're going to do.

I'll be there.. ::She said immediately after he said that he needed her there. She got tired of standing there and holding him awkwardly so she finally lowered herself, sitting on his lap and pulling him closer to her:: Y-You'll figure it out, okay? You and Varo will be able to figure this all out... ::She kissed him on the forehead, then moved her lips to his and kissed him again softly. She wasn't sure what to do or say to make him feel better but she wasn't thinking about it either--she was acting half on instinct, doing all the things she wished someone had been there to do for her when she went through the same thing:: Everything will be okay.

::Once he felt her lips he returned her kiss softly, trying his best to just finally pull it all together. Having Helena there for him like this..he couldn't even begin to explain what it meant to him and he wouldn't forget what she was doing for him. Holding her closer to him he looked up to her after they broke the kiss:: I don't know if it will be..but..thank you. Thank you, Helena. I don't know what I'd ever do without you.

Just be thankfully that you don't have to figure to try and figure it out, because I'm here. Whatever it is that you need, I'll be here and I'll do anything for you, Ord. ::She kissed him again softly:: I know that this is hard, I know the pain you're feeling but you have Varo, and you have your squad, and most of all, you have me.. It isn't going to be easy for a long time, but trust me.. trust me when I say it'll be alright.

It will be..it..will. ::He nodded as she spoke, thinking about what she was telling him. After they kissed again he brought his hand up to rest on the side of her face softly:: I have you...that's all I need right now. I-I'm alright now...just had a bit of a collapse there. I'm good, I understand the situation and I'm ready. I'm ready to deal with it.

::She put her hand over his and leaned into his with a small smile, nodding:: D-Do you think you can go see Varo now, or do you want to wait?

::Taking hold of her hand immediately as he felt her move it on top of his he nodded to himself:: Now. We have to do it now...I can't hold this kind of info from him.

Then let's go. ::She stood up, not letting go of his hand as she waited for him to do the same then headed to the door::

::Holding onto her hand as they moved to the door and stopping infront of it, Ord took a deep breath and squeezed Helena's hand before letting go of it and stepping out of the hallway, quickly they made their way towards Varo's office. Stopping at his door he glanced to Helena quickly before knocking::

::Varo had been buried in holomaps and reports for the past few hours and the knock at his door only disturbed him and broke his concentration. Glancing towards the door he figured this would be a good time for a break anyway. Sitting up in his chair he called for whoever was outside:: It's open, come on in.

::Opening the door he stepped inside with Helena beside him and closed it behind him, glancing back to Varo and staring at him for a few moments before finally getting the courage to speak:: Valnis..we have to talk. I bring news.

::Varo stood up slowly from his chair, seeing the faces of Helena and Ord and even more scary was how Ord addressed him by his name:: What happened? What is it?

::Even Helena was taken back by Ord using Valnis despite already knowing the conversation, but she stayed back, Ord needed to be the one to tell him, she'd step in when needed::

::Ord had to calm himself down, get himself back to his normal self to tell Varo this because he had no idea how Varo would react. Clearing this throat before speaking he would tell Varo everything:: The Mandalore..our father..he's dead, Valnis. I just got a emergency call from Anasai..she found him dead.

What? ::Varo said in a sharp whisper, in full disbelief that this would ever happen, he knew for a fact that his father wasn't even close to a dangerous situation or battlefield:: Does anyone know, Ord? Anyone else?

No. ::He shook his head slowly as he answered Varo doing his best to not break down at all for both their sakes:: Just Anasai, you, Helena and myself. Somebody murdered him...he was in his chambers, dead.

::Varo stood there for some time in complete silence as he tried to understand any of this, it didn't make sense, it couldn't have been real. The Mandalore..he was untouchable..he always was:: ... This can't be.

::She stepped a little closer to the two since she could practically see them both breaking down infront of her, standing beside Ord and placing her hand against his back but looking to Varo. She was at a loss for words at first, losing his father was one thing, a pain she knew well but becoming a leader and having to lead a war at the same time...? She had no idea how to comfort him at first::

His helmet.. ::Varo had finally been able to say after a long silence:: Ord is his helmet still there?

No.. ::Ord whispered at first, knowing quite well how important it was:: Whoever killed him..took it. Maybe as a trophy..maybe to ransom to us..they can't know how important it is?

Without it being passed down to me..I'm unsure of if the people will follow. ::He said with a defeated sigh before looking to Helena:: I have no time for grief...finding out who did this and somehow telling our people about this and not lose morale and this war along with it. It's on me now..I knew sooner or later it would come.

Anyone who doesn't follow you is a fool, Varo.. ::She said quietly as she approached him now:: Anything you need, Varo.. Ord and I are here. And I mean that... anything.

::He nodded as Helena came closer to him:: I know you mean that. That helmet means a lot to those who follow the Mandalore as a status...I hope I'll be able to hold onto those people with a promise of finding it and bringing it it's rightful place with me. Loyalty is all I need..and I have you both..that's most important.

You know I'm prepared to do anything needed of me, Valnis. I'm always at your command..you are now my Mandalore. As always I'll follow you to the end. ::He kept his eyes on Varo as he pledged himself to him once again, this time as their supreme leader::

And so will I.. Varo, I mean it.. ::She put her hand on his shoulder with a frown:: I wouldn't fight for him, but I will do anything and everything that you need me to do.

::He glanced to Helena quickly at what she said and shook his head:: I know you have done so much to help Ord and myself run things around here..but..to fight..to be apart of this..I don't know.

::He looked to Helena in shock as Varo did but hearing her say it made him fill up with pride unlike Varo who was more cautious about this:: Helena is the best we could ask for, I couldn't think of another person more suitable for such a chance.

You're the leader and it's ultimately your decision, Varo.. I just needed to put this on the table, alright? I know how serious this is... I've tried to act like I don't for a long time and to be honest.. I'm sorry for that. I just want you to understand how serious I am... When I say anything I mean it more then I ever have before.

::He nodded as he kept his eyes on Helena's and he of course believed every single word she said to him:: I understand and I will make my choice soon..for now..I wish to be alone. I will not take long.. ::He glanced to Ord:: As my first order as acting leader you will assume command of the squad and the rank to go along with it which you have earned long ago. Commander Mantrill your first duty is get Anasai here. Contact her and get her on the next shuttle to our ship..orders will come later on what do to next.

::Ord quicky regained himself after he heard Varo's orders. Standing up straight and sharply saluted Varo:: Yes, Mandalore! I will do as commanded. I will not let you down.

I'm very much aware of that. You're the greatest officer, comrade and brother anyone could ever ask for. ::He smiled a bit before turning to Helena:: Thank you, Helena. For everything..please..please believe me when I say that you have been the best friend I ever had. What you told me here..now..it means a lot.

::She nodded to him to show she understood, kissing him on the cheek softly:: This is the chance you've been waiting for, Varo... and I know you won't let any of us down. If you need me you know where I'll be.. ::She said with a small smile, heading out of the room with Ord::

Of course. Thank you again..both of you. ::He watched them leave the room and finally collapsed into his chair. Covering his hands with his face and taking a deep breath as he spoke to himself:: I will avenge you, father. I swear it...your legacy will not be forgotten. ::With that moment passed he glanced back up and turned his chair, staring out the window behind him wondering what he was going to do now::

::Leaving the room with Helena he glanced back at the door to Varo's after it closed and sighed before then turning his attention to Helena:: What you said to him...I even know how important it was to him..how much it meant. I'm glad you were there Helena..for him..for both of us.

It wasn't something that needed to be said, so... ::She trailed off and shrugged, still smiling as she tried to downplay the importance of it as she didn't know what else to say::

Hearing it though...Helena..I know it wasn't your fight but you know how the squad feels about you..how I feel. Varo will say yes..I know it..and I will be honored to fight along side you..for Varo. ::He smiled now himself and reached out for her hand, he didn't care who was around or what anyone saw if they were:: You told me it would be alright and I believe that now..more then ever.

::She raised a brow as she looked down at their hands when Ord took hers, squeezing his hand softly:: So that's why you're happy about this...? Getting all excited about fighting along side me?

It's more then that...I know it wasn't long ago but you calmed me down..made me realize that I had to do this, that I had to come to my senses and know things will be alright because I have you. You were right Helena...I never doubted you for a single moment.

Thank you, Ord.. ::She smiled softly, tilting her head to the side a little bit:: I'm just glad I'm here, that's all... Dunno what you boys would do without me. ::She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips softly. If Ord didn't care, neither should she::

I don't even want to think about that..::Returning her kiss he smiled again as they pulled away, moving in and kissing her softly himself now before speaking:: I have to go and bring Anasai here...I'll come back to you as soon as I'm done, alright?

Mmhmm.. Don't worry about it, get what you need done, take all the time you need.. You know I'll be waiting for you either way.

Of course. I won't be long..I promise. ::He let go of her hand but managed to kiss her one last time before he stepped back from her and turned, quickly heading towards the comms room to do as he was told::

See you, Ordie~. ::She said to him after they kissed and she headed down the hall as well::

log #134

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:48:49 GMT

::Rojas had waited a few days to pass before he went to speak with Rhys, he had somewhat of a plan and was hoping that Alana who he had contacted him would go along with this, even if he didn't really tell her anything about it. Rojas knew when Rhys would have another break and that's when he would do this. He had gotten to the mess hall a few minutes before Rhys would arrive and when he saw him walk into the room he smirked..Operation Ro Knows All was a go:: Hey, bro! Come here, keep me company! ::He motioned for Rhys to come over towards him, praying Alana would show up soon::

::With his time back on the ship Rhys had gone back to working and training, things were getting more serious in the war and he wouldn't fall behind now. He wanted to do even more for the squad and for Kirei. Seeing Rojas at one of the tables he smiled and quickly moved over to him with his tray:: Sarge! What's going on..haven't seen you in awhile...

Ah you know..busy like you. Glad we ran into one another like this!

::Alana wasn't sure exactly waht was going on with Rojas; even if he had tried to explain she wouldn't have been able to understand fully. It didn't matter much to her anyway, she never fully understood him in the first place and what he was asking of her--a simple shift change in order for her to spend her break with Rhys and him--was such a minor thing that she was fine to agreeing to it, no questions asked. Walking into the mess hall and getting her lunch, she scanned the room before spotting Rojas and Rhys and walking over:: If it isn't two of my favorite people~

::He smiled as he heard Alana and greeted her as she moved to the table near them:: Hey! Come sit with us!

::He grinned as he saw Alana finally and was pretty thankful for that, nodding as Rhys told her to sit:: Ah damn we haven't been all together like this for awhile..speaking of that..Alana very happy to hear that Keyes finally put a ring on that finger of yours.

::He smiled and nodded:: Really! That was some great news, Alana.

The greatest!! ::She squealed a little bit, holding her hand out and showing off said ring:: Looooook! It's so big and shiny!

Woah damn! ::He laughed as she showed them the ring and nodded:: I didn't know Keyes had style like that..

::He smiled and glanced to Alana and nodded:: It's beautiful. I'm so happy for you two.

Eee! I couldn't be happier.. ::She pulled her hand back, admiring the ring herself for a few moments before droppign her hand again:: Ahhh.. Thanks for the congrats, you guys... I'll let you know as soon as we set a date because the two of you must be there!

We'll be there for sure! I'd be honored! ::He smiled and nodded::

Can't believe he did it..I'm proud of that guy. ::He grinned and shook his head before glancing to Alana, this was a perfect opening:: Married life..that's crazy..believe me I know. I heard a lot of people..guys mostly..tell me once you're married all the fun and enjoyment is gone..I don't believe that. Glad I can now get a woman's opinion on this!

E-Excuse me? ::She blushed a little, laughing softly:: C'mon... I'm a lady! I'm not going to kiss and tell... Lemme just say that we're not married yet.. so.... It's a not an issue right now.

Come on we're adults here! I mean you're engaged and I'm married..Rhys is the guy still in a new relationship. I've been wanting to compare this for awhile..come on and help me out..

::He laughed and shook his head in protest:: I don't really uh..kiss and tell either..but this sounds like our usual interesting conversations, Rojas. You really know how to pick them.

::She laughed a little:: I mean, what are you asking me here? I mean it should be obvious, Ro... We just got engaged, it's kind of an exciting time in our relationship.. ::She blushed, pulling at one of her curls:: In more ways then one..

Ah! Exactly..see I hear things go downhill and honestly I can't understand why. Now..Keyes knows what you like, in fact I bet it's even better. ::He glanced to Rhys with a grin:: Take it from a married guy..you gotta keep making things interesting, boredom is a hell of problem but can be solved easily if you know what you're doing.

Huh. Really? Yeah I guess that makes a lot of sense..I mean I haven't been in a relationship that long so everything seems so new to me but yeah I suppose after awhile like anything else things can grow a bit stale. ::He shrugged at that, it sounded fair::

Exactly bro. Alana..no need to get into real specifics but a woman of your caliber..I mean..Keyes makes you pretty happy, right? What do you like? Adult talk here..seriously.

W-What..!? R-Rojas.. These are only things Keyes needs to know, and things he knows well.. That's all that needs to be said.

::He laughed and shook his head:: Hold on..not so fast. Hear me out..look I've done my fair share of crazy shit but there is nothing wrong with being rough, right? Hm..no..better word..a bit more..say aggressive? Women like that, you'd agree?

::She couldn't help but smile a little, looking off to the side and crossing her legs:: Most do... I know I.... might.

::He smiled a bit as Alana looked to the side and he glanced to Rojas with a bit of a embarrassed look:: Ah..well I've never really tried.

Oh man you gotta! ::He grinned and nodded, so glad Alana was there to support this:: Don't gotta go crazy it depends on the girl..pulling hair, grabbing a bit. Man you'd love it..

Kirei's the first girl you've ever been with, right? I understand that it takes a little while to get comfortable with it.. Matt was like that, until I let him start playing doctor. Er, u-uh, I mean..! ::She blushed, playing with her hair again and looking like she regretted saying that immediately::

::He glanced to her quickly with a laugh and grinned:: Damn baby! That's what I'm talking about! ::He looked to Rhys with a wink:: I'm telling you bro..it's not about dominance or any of that shit..it's about wanting your partner and showing it.

::Rhys' eyes went wide when Alana told them about her and Keyes and laughed lightly himself:: Wow. I..I'm not sure how I'd go at it. ::He was surprised somewhat that Rojas seemed right rather then the girls just calling out his ego::

Not sure how'd you go at it...? Aww, well, let us help! ::She smiled, leaning her elbow on the table and her chin on her hand:: Stressful times like these, you need to kinda.. let yourself go, y'know?

Right. Just kinda get caught up in the moment...don't be nervous either. You'll get the hang of it..give her what she wants. I mean I don't know Kirei.. ::Liar he told himself:: so take it slow at first. You never know what will end up happening.

Hm. ::He sat back in his chair with a grin and shook his head:: Y-yeah I can try. Honestly..things kinda are a bit different lately. I'm willing to try anything.

::She laughed a little, glancing to Rojas:: I'm surprised the self-proclaimed master doesn't have any tips for you..

I have a million..and baby it isn't just self-proclaimed, I can have women testify in my case. ::He grinned at Alana before looking to Rhys:: Man you just gotta go into that bedroom and take the lead..I bet you'll surprise Kirei that's for sure. I think you'll figure out what to do..ease into it like I said. I mean you heard Alana..nothing wrong with what she and Keyes do.

::He listened to Rojas and nodded a few times:: Alright..okay. Yeah..I can do that.

::Hearing Rojas give Rhys such encouragement seemed a little strange to her as she remembered that Rojas had called her here specifically. She gave him a strange look, wondering if this was really what she was here for::

::He glanced quickly at the time and frowned, picking up his tray:: I gotta get back to my station...thanks for the help guys..uh.. ::He grinned with a small laugh:: maybe I'll let you know how it goes. See you later..

You better! You need any info come to me bro..I got you. ::Rojas grinned himself as Rhys got up and moved away from the table before glancing over to Alana who still had a look on her face:: So..doctor huh? You get kinky like that? Pretty hot.

See you around, Rhys! ::She waved at him as he left, turning her attention back to Rojas with a smirk:: Oh, you don't know the half of it, even though I'm sure you'd love to. Anyway, uhm... what... was that about, exactly?

Alana I'd listen to you tell me things like that all day. ::He paused for a moment and shook his head with a smirk:: That? Nothing..come on you know me..I always like interesting conversation. Glad you showed up.

::She laughed again:: You needed me here for that? Really?

Hey look I didn't think you would give up that kind of info. If it wasn't for you I'd be trying to convince the guy..always get a woman's opinion always... ::He grinned again and leaned over the table a bit:: You and I swore we'd help the guy..think of this as just another way of helping.

Oh really? ::She raised an eyebrow and smirked, having an expression Rojas would have recongized as Alana perked up. They were each other's best informants:: ... Do you know something I don't know, Rojas?

Nothing all that serious. Just sayin..he needed a push in the right direction. I had to move quickly and I think...I think.. ::He smiled and winked at her:: It's gonna work.

::She looked disappointed that he wasn't willing to elaborate but still smiled, rolling her eyes:: Yeah, well... Hopefully, for Kirei, it does? ::She giggled a little::

Ahh..I can't say too much but let me tell you what I can since you've been so nice and willing to talk. ::He laughed and shook his head:: Rhys is a bit..shy when it comes to being aggressive and you know Kirei much like you has certain needs. You wanted Keyes to take control so you played doctor.. ::He paused and smirked:: So..you know..I just had to help.

::She giggled softly:: Ahh.. well, since you've been nice enough to tell me more, let me correct you since I think I misunderstood. I got Keyes out of his shell by playing the patient. ::She smirked, blushing slightly as she leaned her chin on her hand again:: I'm usually the Doctor otherwise. ... Oh all people, Kirei went to you to help, though? Huh!

Oh hey then! ::He laughed as Alana explained things further:: That's even better..good for you both, crazy ass kids. ::He shot her a look at the last thing she said and smirked:: Hey..if anyone can talk about how to do shit right it's me. I'm telling you..it's not just self-proclaimed. I have a reputation!

::She giggled softly:: Oh really? Good to know I guess... Too bad my chance to find out is long gone. ::She winked at him::

Yeah I know.. ::He said with a frown before slumping down a bit in his chair as he shook his head before he smiled again:: Keyes is a lucky man...I'm happy for you both, you know that, right?

Oh, I know! Despite me choosing Matt being one of the greatest upsets of your life, Rojas, I know you're a good enough guy to still be happy for us. Thanks for your help, too, since I know you were probably one of the people who helped the most with getting Matt to finally ask..

Ah well.. ::He shook his head as he kept his smile:: He didn't need much convincing on the matter..he just had to believe he was good enough for you and that you would say yes. That's all..I didn't do much.

Why would I ever say no!? Ohhhhh, Mathian Keyes... ::She said with a grin, shaking her head as she sighed:: I love that man, but I swear, sometimes I don't understand him..

I hear that.. ::He said with another shake of his head:: Regardless he did it though, finally!

He did! And I couldn't be happier... All this talk of Matt, though.. I should go find him since I think he gets his break soon too. See you later?

You know it. Thanks for the help..oh and the info. ::He smirked as he gave her a wave:: You ever need me to speak to Keyes just come and find me, I'm a pretty good source.

Trust me, Matt is doing a good enough job on his own.. ::She winked, picking up her tray as she got up:: Bye bye, Santos~. ::She said as she walked away, throwing her things out before doing exactly what she said she would: looking for Keyes::

log #133

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:35:24 GMT

::Kirei was annoyed when Rojas didn't show up for the morning briefing but thankfully for him, no one higher up from Vos attended but if anyone else had gotten word of this they both would have gotten into trouble--him for slacking especially after just being promoted, and her for actually promoting him. After he didn't respond once she pounded on the door, she got concerned and pulled out her access card, using it to open Rojas' door, rushing to the side of his bed only to find him asleep and mumbling to himself:: God damnit, Rojas, are you fucking kidding me.. Wake up! Ro... RO! ::With a huff, she put her knee on the bed so she could lean across it and above him, putting her hand on his shoulder and shaking him gently:: Ro... Ro, c'mon... Rojas, wake up.

Nnghh.. ::Rojas rolled over as he heard Kirei the first time and mumbled out something before turning again. Feeling a hand shake him gently he grinned, still half asleep as he leaned up a bit towards Kirei:: Alright baby alright..one more go..fuck..I missed you.. ::He said before moving a hand to the side of her face and kissing her deeply, exactly as he was doing just moments ago when Kirei was beside him telling him how much she wanted him still::

::She couldn't make out with Rojas said before he kissed her; she was surprised to feel his lips against hers but was even more surprised to feel how amazing his kiss still was. She didn't pull away, instead she returned his kiss just as passionately as he kissed her, moving closer to him as they kissed::

::Wrapping his arms around her as she kissed him back he didn't miss a beat, keeping their kiss going for as long as they both could. Pulling back with a smirk he looked over here:: Hey..how'd you get your uniform back on so fast? Heh.

R-Ro... w-what the fuck are you talking about? ::She was breathing heavy already since her heart was pounding just from being in his arms and kissing him again that she didn't care, the only thing she cared about was why he wasn't still kissing her so she solved that problem herself, pressing her lips against his once more::

Huh..ah..don't worry about--::He was cut off as Kirei kissed him once again. Rojas had woken up for the most part now and he believed everything that happened about an hour ago was real. Kirei was there, they were alone and they were kissing once again. Rolling Kirei to her back as they kept it going, pulling away for a moment he undid her collar and kissed her neck softly as he ran one of his hands through her hair, pulling very lightly to expose her neck further::

Aaah, yes.. ::She winced slightly as he pulled her hair, moaning out under her breath as his lips moved to the right spots on her neck:: Oh god, Ro, you've always known just how to please me..

::He laughed softly as he nodded, sliding his lips further down her neck before speaking:: You know it...I've been thinking about you for a real long time. ::He moved his head back up to kiss her again, undoing her jacket slowly::

Me too.. ::She said with a smile before their lips met again, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her body against his as they kissed once more::

Baby..that's the best news I've heard in awhile. ::He kissed her softly before he pulled back to look her in the eyes as he remained there with her for a moment:: I regret losing you, K. God..I fucking regret it.

I regret it too, Ro.. ::She leaned up, kissing him on the lips softly again with a smile:: Sometimes I wish I didn't have Rhys so I... could.. ::Her smile dropped and her eyes widened slightly:: Rhys... I'm with... O-oh god! ::She threw Rojas off of her quickly and getting up off the bed, trying to re-button her shirt quickly but her hands were shaking so badly that she just crossed her arms to hold it closed, shaking her head quickly as she backed up away from the bed:: O-Oh fuck... Oh my god..

::Rojas grinned as she told him she regretted it as well but soon was taken by surprise as she threw him off of her and back onto the bed:: Woah, easy! What happened? ::He glanced around quickly as he regained his awareness of everything around him:: Where is Ala-- ::He said quietly before he noticed the time and then glanced to Kirei as it hit him:: Oh..oh fuck...OH..FUCK! Kirei! Oh shit..I'm so..so..so sorry..I..aggh..goddamnit! You don't understand.I..it just seemed so real..and..oh..shit.

::There were already tears in her eyes as she stood in the corner of Rojas' room, keeping one arm across her chest and lifting her other hand, pressing it against her forehead as she lowered her head:: w-what the fuck is wrong with me... oh, god..

Nothing..nothing is wrong with you. That was all me right there, K. ::He moved closer towards her as he reached out a bit for her:: It's no big deal..just a kiss you know..we can forget this all happened. I mean..it..doesn't have to mean anything.

::She turned to him, shaking her head as she screamed at him:: D-Doesn't have to mean anything!? A-After what I just said!? After what we could have just done..!? O-oh my god.. ::She turned away from him again, covering her mouth again as she started crying harder::

::He stepped back as she screamed at him and frowned before shaking his head:: Kirei..I'm sorry. We didn't do anything...I..I was just half asleep and I was thinking about you and..::He sighed as he looked at her again:: Blame me..please.

Y-You were half asleep and I was the one who knew what I was doing! Who should have st-stopped you.. W-Who didn't want to... Oh god, did you hear me!? F-Fuck.. I'm such a fucking w-whore..

Whore? Kirei stop it..stop it, alright? ::He shook his head firmly as he moved over to her now and placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked at her:: You make it sound like this is the first time we ever kissed...you're with Rhys now it's not like you did this on purpose..I don't know what the hell happened but..you stopped it. It's over with, K.

Y-You don't understand.. ::She shook her head and didn't look at him as she spoke:: What I said.. T-The way I feel about you Rojas.. I-I've been thinking about you a lot and... and it isn't right. T-There's part of me that regrets stopping you and th-that's.. fucking terrible, d-don't you think? God..

::He glanced down for a moment before he shook his head slowly:: And you didn't hear what I said to you, Kirei? I was never..ever going to tell you the things I've felt since we stopped being with one another and look what the fuck I just did.. ::He glanced to her once again:: I understand..and to hear that you have these feelings too..it makes me feel better as crazy as it sounds, as much as I know I can't do anything about it..that I wouldn't..but to know that all this tension we had..it wasn't just me. We can talk about this..we have to..it'll make us both feel better.

W-What else is there to say, Ro? This happened before... I-I should have left then... Oh, god.. ::She sniffled, putting her head in her hands again::

That was different, that wasn't me and you more then made up for that mistake. Come on, Kirei. ::He sighed softly as looked over her:: That's exactly what this is..a mistake. I lost my chance a long time ago..you're happy now, right? I know you are.

I am.. I am happy b-but I still miss you... I miss being with you a-and it fucking kills me..

I..damn I wish I would have heard that back when..I was an idiot back then though, god knows what I would have done. Which is why.. ::He looked at her again, his gaze now on hers:: Which is why I'm no good. At all.

I-I know... I know that, it's not that I just... ::She took a deep breath, shaking her head and walking to his bed, buttoning her shirt as she did and sitting down on the edge:: I love Rhys, I do... b-but it's just when I lost you, when you... ::She gulped, taking a deep breath:: ...you died, all I wanted is another chance to be with you. ::She looked up at him then down at the floor again:: ... W-When you came back, I.. I still couldn't shake that feeling.

Really? You...you did? I don't know what to say..ah.. ::He rubbed his forehead a few times before glancing to her on the bed:: Kirei..I've really been happy for you and the only way I was able to deal with you being with any..any other man but me was knowing that I would have only let you down if we were in some kind of relationship. I wanted to be wrong Kirei..I wanted to prove myself wrong but I couldn't. I can't.

Wh-What do you mean? ::She looked up at him with a frown, shaking her head:: I-It's not like... I'm going to give you a second chance, Ro, I... I don't want to be with you..

That's what I mean..I know that. Like I said any chance is long gone. The feelings are still there and I can't deny that. Kirei the last thing I want is to ruin what you have with Rhys...I swear that to you. So..I'm sorry this happened. I mean that.

It isn't your fault, Ro.. Y-You didn't know what you were doing and I just... I need to figure out how what I'm going to do with these desires of mine. ::She took a deep breath, looking down at her feet:: As much as I care for Rhys, maybe... I-I dunno... I don't know.

Desires? ::He glanced to he with a bit of a confused look and shook his head:: What do you mean? What's going on, K? You said you loved him...why don't you know..?

I love him more then anything, I do... B-But there are some things I can't teach him, you know..? Some things I can't change about him... It seems awful to say but we might not be compatible i-in some ways.. ::She took a deep breath, rubbing one of her arms as she looked off to the side. She started talking quickly, her voice and hands shaking as she let her fears pour out:: A-And then you hear about these people who get together and then ignore these kinds of things and then in years they just end up r-resenting each other and then by then it's too late and wh-what if that happens? What if I'm making a mi-mistake? Rhys doesn't want to tell me things because and he's afraid of sounding like he's rushing into things, b-but I'm always thinking the same things... W-What if that's not a good thing? What if we are really just rushing into things..? W-What if it doesn't work out..?

How are you going to stand there and say that with such doubt? After finally accepting that you love..and you said../love/ Rhys. That's not the Kirei I know...the one who thinks every step she makes is some kind of mistake. ::He shook his head as he spoke, reaching out again and resting it on her arm as he wanted her to look at him instead of the ground:: You gotta take this relationship..hell..any relationship a day at a time. Rhys is new to this..and honestly so are you..you need to tell one another your fears and your feelings so that resentment you're so afraid of never builds up. Only the both of you can make it work..it's not just on you, K.

I-I don't know, Ro.. W-Why am I so afraid of this? ::She laughed awkwardly, glancing up at him:: So-Sometimes I feel like I'm just making excuses, but sometimes I... I don't know. I love Rhys more then anything but... w-why do I feel like sometimes it'd be better to push him away?

Honestly..I don't know. You tell me? ::He responded to her with a small frown:: Is it because you're afraid that your relationship won't work after all you put into it? Or is it because of the feelings you have for him? Like I said..tell me..

I-I don't know.. I don't want to hurt him by telling him I'm scared but at the same time... I.. I don't know. I don't understand how I can be so happy with him but still want to be with you.

What about me, Kirei? What the hell makes me so special? ::He sighed softly after he asked her:: Rhys is a better man then me when it comes to you in plenty of departments..I even know this.

Yo-You're asking me like I know! ::She shook her head, crossing her arms and looking down at the floor again:: I-I wish I knew... ::She paused, trying to think for a minute. When an idea came to her she gulped, and there was a hint of laughter in her voice as she spoke:: ... S-Sexually, I guess... ::She glanced at him then regretted doing so, blushing and looking down at the floor:: .. T-That's kind of a big reason.

Sexually? ::He said after she did and glanced away from her with a slight grin, doing his best to hide it for a moment:: Kirei..look..I know..and believe me when I say this..I know I'm good. The best even..shit I'm flattered. So Rhys ain't doing it so much for you..no big deal..he just needs a push in the right direction, huh?

A-Ah... Well, like I said... T-There's some things I can't teach him. I just miss... ::She glanced to Rojas as a list of possible things to say went through her head, but she shook her head after opening her mouth:: I.... I really shouldn't get into specifics...

Part of me really wants to hear this list but..I think I got the idea. ::He couldn't help to grin fully now before he shook his head:: So let me ask you..you want me to maybe take care of this for you? Any suggestions on what you really want?

T-Take care of it..!? Rojas, I already pushed you off of me.. I'm not going to have sex with you!

Not that! Damn baby..::He laughed and shook his head:: I'm talking about..well..talking to Rhys. I want to help you Kirei..I'm not kidding. If that's what you're having problems with and you need that boyfriend to step it up..I got you. He won't even suspect a thing.

W-What..!? ::She blushed deeply:: Y-You can't do that either.. A-Are you kidding me..!?

Oh I can...we're guys, we talk about this shit all the time. ::He smirked as he saw how she was blushing:: I'm sure he wants to make you happy...a few pointers aren't going to hurt. You make it like I'm gonna tell him about any of this..I'm a bit smarter then that.

Y-You talk about it all the time already... What kind of things do you say!?

Nothing you gotta worry about..if anybody knows what you like it's me, just gonna point him in the right direction. What are you so worried about? Like you said there are things you just can't teach him..

I know I just... ::She laughed a little, shaking her head:: I mean, do you really blame me for finding this all a little strange..?

Oh no it's fucking real strange..especially that I'm the one doing it but..ah..::He glanced to her with a small smile:: I just want you to be happy and if I gotta do some crazy shit like this..then I will.

Y-You mean that, Ro..? ::She looked up at him with a smile::

Yeah..yeah..you know I do. Maybe then these feelings about me will be gone. That's the goal, right?

It would help... ::She smiled wider now:: Anything nice I can do for you in the mean time..?

Nah.. ::He grinned as he thought about his dream:: You do more then enough for me. Thanks for the kiss though..always a fan of that.

Your help might not fix everything, but, well... It'll help a lot, m-more then you know. ::She laughed a little, shaking her head:: Everything's been so stressful lately since we came back from our break, i-it'd be nice to have one less thing to worry about.. heh.

If I can help in anyway then I will. You gotta work out those other things with Rhys, you know? I know you'll be able to.. ::He smiled fully now:: You're great, K. The best. Rhys knows that more then any of us.

I guess the problem is that I have to figure that out too, huh? ::She said with a laugh:: T-Thanks.. Thanks for being you, Ro. What just happened was really... weird, but... I... I dunno. Thanks.

Strange as hell but we've been stranger situations. I..well I got my own problems to figure out. ::He grinned after a moment and shook his head:: You know you can come to me about anything.

::She nodded:: Yeah... Yeah, I know. Which actually kinda reminds me that I have to think of a way to punish you now..

Punish me? What the hell did I do now? ::He paused as he glanced at the time again and figured it out:: Oh..oh come on! You know Daven is gonna kill me already, K!

::She laughed a little:: Wouldn't you rather I think of a way you can make it then him? I mean really though... I should let you off the hook because I know Daven isn't gonna care either way.. I had to cut him off halfway through this little speech he had about what it means to be a Sergent and all..

::He groaned as she mentioned the speech and shook his head a few times:: I've heard that speech a billion times already, he knows I'm committed! You know I am too, right? I'm just..getting used to all the work that comes with it. No..you know what? ::He glanced up to her:: I'll accept any punishment you decide. I gotta step things up and prove to the both of you I can do this.

::She laughed a little:: We'll trade, okay? You're doing me a favor with Rhys.. I'll do you a favor by sweeping this under the carpet for now. To be honest, I don't really blame you for being exhausted. I've noticed that that Daven has been giving you a lot more work then necessary. I think he wants you to get burned out so he'll come out on top.. I think he might be a little threatened by you since he's not the only man on top anymore..

Really? You think so? ::He paused as he thought about what she said and nodded a few times:: I can't imagine Daven being so insecure about things like that..I'm not trying to take his job..hell or his place.

I'm not so sure it's about him being insecure as much as he wants to prove that being a Sergeant isn't just a title... It's about being a man of honor and blah blah blah, some shit I tuned out.. I dunno. I think he wants to prove that he's that kinda guy and you aren't.

Maybe he isn't wrong though, you know? When I got promoted I thought it would just look good next to my name..I didn't think of how much was needed of me. Same goes for you..you do a lot for us, K. Many of us don't see it...but..you do.

You do a lot for us too, Ro.. ::She said with a smile, raising her hand and placing it on the side of his head:: .. A lot of us don't see it, but I do... Just do me a favor and step it up, okay? I know he's wrong... I wanna rub it in his face when he figures out he is too.

I will for sure, I promise. ::He smiled as he felt her hand:: We'll be able to prove him wrong and have a real good laugh about it..maybe then he won't yell as much and calm the fuck down before he gives himself a heart attack.

We both know that'll never happen.. ::She laughed a bit::

::He laughed as well and nodded:: Nah. But the peace and quiet would be nice. Anyway yeah I gotcha though..infact I'm gonna get started on my work right now. I'm behind already.

Alright, I'll leave you to it. J-Just one more thing?

Yeah of course..anything.

I know I shouldn't, but.. ::She said quickly under her breath as she moved her arms around his neck, closing her eyes and pulling him towards her as she kissed him again::

::Her kiss surprised him this time, he was taken off guard but quickly he came to his senses and kissed her back. Holding her close to him for awhile before they finally broke the kiss:: Daamn baby.. ::He smirked as he l think we'll just leave it at that..wow.

Y-Yeah... We'll just leave it at that. ::She smiled a little, pulling away from him and standing up:: .. See you around, Ro. Thanks again.

Anytime, I'll see you later on ::He stepped back as she pulled away and gave her a slight wave when she left and once she was out the door he took a seat at the front of his bed with a sigh as he rubbed his forehead slowly. Stranger things have happened, he said that before but he'd be damned if this wasn't one of the top of the list moments. He had to talk with Rhys soon but he knew he couldn't do it exactly alone::

log #131

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:20:23 GMT

::The first thought in her head after her talk with Varo was that she wanted to go tell Ord the news, but she wasn't sure if it was the best idea. Maybe it was a little too soon or maybe it was a little cruel to Varo, but had hardly spent any time with him since their night together and she knew that now was just as good a time as any--better, actually--to seek him out. It didn't take her long to admit to herself that she didn't care about those other things and she did exactly that, finding him in the same navigation room they had spoken in months ago, smirking a little bit as she leaned on the door for a second after entering:: ... This is a familiar scene, hm? ::Walking over to him slowly, she put her hands on his shoulders and kissed his neck softly:: .. Finally a moment alone, hm, Ordie?

::Once Helena left him to after the last conversation they had he had wondered what she was going to exactly tell Varo. He promised he wouldn't constantly think about the choice she was going to make concerning their relationship but he couldn't help himself. Helena told him everything he wanted to hear and it made him want her even more but he had to wait, she was worth it. For now he buried himself in work, catching up on various things he needed to do after all his time away from his duty. Pausing as he heard the door open and seeing Helena there he turned his chair towards her and sat up. He smiled as she moved towards him, quickly taking breath in as she moved her lips to his neck:: Finally...yes. You always have a way of finding me in this room with no one around.

And that's a good thing, isn't it? ::She kissed him on the lips softly before moving away from him fully to sit down on the table he was at, crossing her legs::

It's a great thing.. ::He grinned after she kissed him and looking over to her as she sat down:: So what's going on?

I have some news for you, Ordie.. ::She said with a grin, leaning forward a little bit:: You wanna guess?

Do you now? ::He grinned wider now as she leaned forward and did the same:: Does it have to do something with you and I?

Mostly just me. Maybe you, if you play your cards right... ::She put her hand under his chin, smiling wide:: I happen to be... officially unaccounted for.

::His heart skipped a beat when she told him and he lost his composure for a moment:: R-really? Does that mean? Are you.. ::He shook his head with a small laugh before looking at her again:: Are you really..choosing me?

E-Excuse me!? ::She paused, pulling her hand away from his chin so she could cover her mouth as she laughed hard:: A-Am I.. what?

I...uh.. ::He laughed again and glanced down:: I..you said you had a choice to make about us and if you wanted this with me..and then you said you're unaccounted for so I thought you'd..maybe..well...you made your choice.

::She laughed again, shaking her head slowly and rolled her eyes:: When did I ever say I had a choice to make..? Oh, Ordie, you are too adorable... You really don't get it at all, do you?

::He grinned sheepishly and shook his head:: I..yeah..no. Didn't you say you needed some time?

I... ::She laughed again, shaking her head again:: Listen, this isn't a matter of whether I want to be with you or not, Ordie, it's just a matter of how.. I just don't want to rush into things, you know?

Yeah exactly..that's what I meant! ::He looked up at her again:: Look..I just want you to be happy with whatever you decided to do. I don't want you to regret anything by being with me.

I'm just... not the good with relationships, Ordie... What you want isn't going to happen right away... T-Think of it this way, okay? I don't want you us to miss out on the chance we should have gotten. I don't want to deny everything that's happened between us since our first date but... I mean, if nothing had gone wrong that night.. If Varo wasn't around to stop us and you woke up the next morning, you'd feel the same way I do.. J-Just sort of.. cautious about things, y'know? ::She said with a bit of a smile but she looked a little embarrassed, looking down at her hands and tugging at her sleeves as she tried to admit to him how she felt:: You'd know you want to be with me b-but not what it all means...

Helena after everything we've been through...from the times when we first met, to the first time we ever went somewhere alone together..all the shit I did to push you away and the mistakes that came with that..it all meant something..I just didn't realize it until when I thought there was a chance I'd never see you again..it's when everything became...well it all made sense. ::He reached out and took her hand before looking into her eyes:: You want to take it slow..then I will. You want to start our relationship over from day one and really...really get to known one another..then that's what we'll do. As long as I'm with you..as long as you want to be with me..that's all that matters. I want you Helena..more then anything else.

I just... don't want you to like the idea of being with me more then you actually.. heh, like me. ::She shrugged a bit, still looking embarrassed for a moment as she squeezed his hands and looked into his eyes:: But listen, Ordie... listen to me very closely when I say that from the first time you took your helmet off in front of me, all I wanted to do was kiss you... You're the only man I've ever risked my position and my paycheck in trying to get to know, the only man who I've ever wanted badly enough that I was actually upset when you rejected me, and the only man I've ever actually... wanted to reveal some of my past to, the only man I've ever considered.. actually being with.. ::She was blushing slightly and she didn't keep her eyes on his for the whole time, it was clear she was having a hard time being so honest with him:: And I want you to know that this was never a matter of choice.. ::She stood up from the table, smiling softly as she moved her arms around his neck and sat down on his lap:: .. You've always been my first choice.

::Listening to her tell him all these things that seemed to amazing to him coming from her, it meant so much to him. He wrapped an arm around her as she sat down on him and looked up at her. His other arm moving up to rest a hand on her face as he lifted his head up to kiss her softly before speaking:: And all of that..everything you just told me. I..I understand how important it is to you. Things you would do for no other person..no other man and in the end you want to do this all for me. I'm honored Helena...I'm the luckiest man alive and let me tell you...it's not about just being with you..it's being able to really know you. Getting this close to you. I've never felt the way I do about you with anyone else...ever.

::She leaned her head into his hand slightly, returning his kiss with a smile:: And neither have I but I just... I really, really don't want to fuck this up. This isn't something I'm used to, this isn't something I really know how to do so I just... need some time to figure it all out before diving head-first into this.. ::She kissed him on the lips softly:: But despite that believe me when I say, Ordie, that if you really want me... and you still want me once you really get to know me... I'm yours.

::He smiled at the last thing she said to him and nodded a few times:: I believe you..I do.. and whatever you decide to let me know.. things that you want me to know about you..I'll accept everything that comes along with you. Helena this..this isn't about just being with you as I told you before and yeah..it can be a bit scary..it's a big deal to both of us. I understand that..I'm more then willing to take this on together.

Ri-Right... ::She looked away from him, still smiling but looking uncomfortable with what she was admitting, being nervous and having real trouble with what she was trying to say. She was glad that he understood, glad that he was willing to put up with the confusing way she was acting but it was still a lot to deal with. She decided that rather continuing on, rather then being more specific about her fears she took a deep breath and then smirked afterward, in an attempt to feel like herself again:: You gotta understand, Ordie... This is a lot for me to deal with.. ::She moved a little closer to him, lowering her voice:: And all I really want to do is fuck you..

I do..I understand..we'll go at your pace.. ::He smirked as she moved closer to him and pulled her a bit closer himself now:: The feeling is mutual...I've been thinking about that night constantly..do you blame me? ::He was glad to hear Helena sounding like herself again, but he knew she wanted to make this work with him so he would do exactly as she wanted from him::

It depends... ::She grinned now, leaning her forehead against his as they spoke:: ... What do you think about when you think of that night?

How after all that time we held off..that we had to stop ourselves..it finally happened. ::He laughed softly as he thought about it:: And how it was the most passionate and intense moment I've ever had with you...you're an amazing woman..more then you know.

More then I know? ::She laughed, kissing him on the lips softly:: I dunno, Ordie, I already think I'm pretty amazing..

Yeah? ::He grinned once again as they kissed:: You are...and you're going to find out just how I feel about you, you may be surprised..it may exceed your expectations.

To be honest? I'm praying that it does.

::He smiled and glanced to his work before looking to Helena again:: I'm done here... I think we should start now. You know...celebrate a bit.. what do you think?

Why, I think that sounds fantastic.. What do you have in mind for us, Ordie? ::There was a hint of a smirk on her lips. She had a feeling she might have known the answer::

I think we can try and repeat what happened that night...maybe it'll be even better.. ::He laughed, kissing her quickly:: It'll be sure as hell fun to try and match it.

Now, now, now... You really mustn't have high hopes for our future if you really think that'll be such a challenge.. ::She kissed him again, letting her lips linger longer this time:: We might never be able to repeat the excitement of that first night.. finally being together after so long.. but trust me when I say the only place to go from here is up, Ordie.

log #130

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:26:46 GMT

::Varo didn't expect things to go back to normal once Ord had come back. He didn't have much time to speak with his brother due to all the appointments he had to keep but whatever ill feelings that happened between them was over it was unspoken between them but they knew. It was Helena that concerned him, from the moment Ord left after the fight until this point now she had not been acting like herself. He was unsure of why or what it meant but he decided to leave it alone..he knew Helena..he let her work things out on her own. Currently he was located in an empty meeting room, going over last minute deployments and battle reports. His father had laid much more work onto his shoulders as they had been taking losses from the Republic..Varo was no longer just fighting, he was planning and leading. More lives depended on his actions then ever before. Sitting up in his chair he rubbed his eyes as he tried to focus on the holopad in front of him::

::Helena was surprised that Varo hadn't hunted her down and demanded an answer out of her after she hadn't slept in the same room as him the last few nights, but she hadn't seen much at him at all and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. She considered just leaving it at that, that their "break up" would just remain an unspoken truth between them but she knew deep down that it wasn't right at all. She needed to speak to him, to be completely honest with him and see how he felt as well; she had gotten more and more concerned about that as she noticed the losses and how busy he was lately. Taking the time to go and seek him out she headed to the meeting room once she was informed that he was there, she stepped in and frowned once she realized he might have been too busy to deal with this right now:: ... Varo? Hiya..

::Hearing the door beside him in the room open he was surprised to see it was Helena. Standing up from his chair he motioned for her to come in:: Helena..hey...I'm sorry I keep missing you. Just been busy with all this work... ::He glanced down at the holopad with a shake of his head:: Things are pretty fucked right now..ah..anyway I gotta get my mind off of it for a few. What's up?

You don't have to explain.. If you're too busy, let me know and I'll leave.. I came down because well.. I dunno, I feel like there's a lot we need to talk about..

Do we? ::He raised a slight brow at what she wanted to speak to him about but he knew it was serious:: Let's talk then...I mean it. Have a seat..

::She blinked, walking over to the meeting table and sitting down at one of the chairs:: To be honest I'm a little surprised you weren't the one to come talk to me.. Have... you noticed that I haven't been around lately, or was I doing a worse job at supporting you then I thought?

I've noticed.. ::He nodded as he took a seat as well but moved closer to her:: I wasn't sure what to make of it. I..well I figured I'd give you your space. I've been worried about you, I'm just not sure what to do.

I don't know either but I think this... this distance between us, Varo... It's for the best. I don't want to lie to myself and I don't want to lie to you anymore either..

For the best? Helena....I know I haven't been there for you but you have to know I really do care about you. I.. ::He glanced down for a moment before looking to her:: I kind of see where you're going with this. I just don't know why...or who..

::She shook her head slowly:: I don't doubt that you care for me, Varo, and this doesn't mean I don't care about you as well but... but you should know just as well as I do that this isn't working. We can try all we want but that it doesn't change the fact that this isn't right.

::He sighed as she told him exactly what he was thinking and nodded:: No. I suppose you're right...I'm sorry..if anything it's my fault. I'm just don't want to lose you because of it..I wouldn't be able to ever forgive myself for everything you've ever done for me.

::She shook her head:: It's both our faults... I was trying to help you and all I did was lie to you and blame you for how unhappy I was. You're not losing me, I'm not going anywhere so long as you'll let me stay... I want to help you, Varo, I want to be here for you and I want to be your friend but I just... can't pretend to feel a way that I don't anymore.

Unhappy? ::He frowned and sat back in his chair before shaking his head:: I..really? Damnit. No..of course you can stay if you want to. I mean..I'd never hold anything against you simply because what we tried..that it didn't work out.

Unhappy is... kind of a strong word. ::She regretted saying that immediately and moved a little closer to him, putting her hand on his shoulder:: I just... I want things to be the way they used to be, you know? I miss that a lot.

::He looked up to her as she placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded:: I miss it too. Things..just got complicated...I wanted it to work, I did. Was there anything I could have done? I know it doesn't matter now but if you wanted to tell me anything you couldn't before I'll listen. ::Varo wasn't completely surprised this was happening but he was a bit taken off guard of the truth. He had been telling himself it was going to be fine but he knew better and now it was coming to an end and part of him was upset about it::

::She shook her head slowly:: I... I don't think so, to be honest. I mean... there were reasons we hadn't gotten together before, Varo, and we both know they were very good reasons and should have kept it at that. But I... I wanted to help you, and I didn't want you to feel the way you do about that girl anymore. I thought that if I took her place, you wouldn't want her anymore and eventually I'd want you but.. n-neither of us can deny how we really feel, you know? ::She frowned, squeezing his shoulder before dropping her hand back to her side and looking at the table:: I... will do everything in my power to help you and support you after all you've done for me, Varo, but I guess I just needed to learn my limit.. I'm sorry if I'm hurting you in the process, you know I never wanted it to end up like this..

You did everything I could have ever wanted and..Helena you dd make me forget and I was so thankful about it because I was hurting bad..but..things are different now. I'm thankful that you were here for me during a time where I needed you..I'll never be able to repay you for such loyalty. You're the best friend I ever had...I know I swore to you the night we decided to try and be together that I'd never ever hurt you..I'm sorry if I did. Helena please..believe me. ::He glanced down again after he said that with a deep sigh. The thought of Helena unhappy because of him and his selfish behavior hit him pretty hard::

I know... I know you never wanted to, and to be honest it means... so much to hear you say that I did help you, Varo, to know that this wasn't all a waste. It's just... W-We're partners, y'know? ::She looked at him with a smile then glanced away as she said the next thing, trying to brush it off so he wouldn't realize that day meant as much to her as it did:: ... V-Vod and all that or whatever... That's why I just want to help you anyway I can.. ::She looked into his eyes again with a smile:: Why I'm never just... going to give up on you. If you were anyone else, I'd be long gone.

I know that. I do and it means so much to me. Helena I wish I was better to you..I'm sorry I could not have been what you wanted. Our time together though..I'm glad it happened. I'm glad I was able to get close to you..like you said we're partners. I'd do anything for you. Don't ever..ever forget that, alright. ::He smiled as she looked into his eyes again:: You being happy..that's all I really want.

And I'm happy now.. I'm happy that you're happy and that we can be friends and that this is going as well as it is.. ::She laughed a little before she moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck slowly:: I'm sorry that this turned out the way neither of us wanted it to but I'm so... glad that we can still be close, Varo. ::She pulled away from him a bit with a smile:: I-It isn't easy for me to say this I just... I just want you to know, alright?

::He smiled as he felt her arms around him one more time and nodded as she spoke:: We'll always be close...I'm glad that you came here to talk to me about this. It..well..you really did the right thing I believe. It needed to be said for awhile and I..I was too scared to do it. So..thank you, Helena.

You're welcome.. ::She said with a smile, kissing his cheek softly:: I'm always the one doing all the work, y'know? And it needed to be done so.. we'll just move forward on from this point and everything'll go back to being awesome.

Right. We'll move on and that'll be that...things won't be as awkward anymore..we can go back to being as great as we always have been. ::He smiled and shook his head slowly:: Helena..Ord was right..I don't deserve you. You're really too good to me.

::She laughed a little bit, smiling a little wider then she should at the mention of Ord:: Yeah, well... I think the problem is that no one deserves me.

That's not your problem..that's theirs. ::He grinned now laughing lightly himself:: I don't know a person that could come close to being a amazing as you are.

Yeah, it just means bad news for me when I actually try finding someone, right? ::She laughed again before shaking her head:: What am I saying...? I wouldn't want to waste my time being tied down.

I don't know..whoever it is he'll be one lucky bastard.. ::He smiled as he glanced to her again:: That's you know..if..you wanted to be tied down and all.

And that is a very, very big "if." ::She said with a laugh as she glanced around the table:; So... anyway, you've been kind of busy lately, huh? Are things getting that bad..?

Oh this.. ::He glanced at the holopads himself and shook his head:: Yeah..could be much better...the Republic is doing pretty well as of late. I didn't figure this whole war to be easy..I'm just doing my best, you know?

::She nodded:: Yeah, I understand... Well, I'll be here for you, Varo... Do you want me to leave you to your work?

I'm going to finish up here. We'll..spend some time together soon. You know..just..well just to get things back on track, alright? ::He looked to her with a smile::

Yeah.. Lemme know when you have some time to spare for me, okay. ::She got up to leave, hesitating for a moment before she moved her hand under his chin and closed her eyes, leaning forward and kissing him deeply for a few moments: before pulling away:: .... Thanks, again for everything, really. See you around.

::He returned her kiss, letting it last as long as possible before she pulled away again. If he was going to miss one thing well..it didn't matter. He would work things out with Helena:: I'll talk to you soon.. ::He smiled when she left the room and turned back to his work with a sigh..he would have much rather patched things up more with Helena::

log #129 pt3

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:44:02 GMT

::There was part of her that knew that she shouldn't have but she fell asleep in Ord's arms anyway, he was so comfortable and she was too happy being with him to pull away. When she woke up a few hours later it was in a slight panic but she was glad to see that it was early enough that no one else would have been up either and with a sigh and a feeling of dread, she finally slipped out of Ord's arms, trying not to disturb him and trying to find her clothes in the low light:: Where the fuck did I..? God damnit... ::She said under her breath as this was a harder task then she wanted to deal with right now::

::Ord stirred a bit when Helena slipped out of his arms but when he heard the sound of her scrambling around the room he slowly woke up. He wasn't sure when exactly he fell asleep last night but seeing that Helena was still there made him smile, seeing that she was trying to leave immediately made that smile soon fade. He sat up fully as he watched her for a few moments before reaching next to him in the covers and held up her shirt before speaking:: There a few things here still.

::She gasped when she heard his voice behind her, slowly turning around and giving him a sad smile as she walked back over to the bed slowly. She knew that he had to know that this would happen but she still didn't want him to actually see her leave:: Thanks.. ::Once she had collected all of her things she sat down on the edge of the bed, getting dressed quickly::

::Glancing to the clock beside them and then back to Helena. He shifted a bit as she sat at the edge of the bed, watching her get dressed with a sad expression before he spoke again:: He's not up yet..but you and I know that. You should more then enough time..

Y-Yeah... Yeah that's what I'm hoping.. ::After getting all dressed she almost just got up and left but she knew she couldn't, trying to work up the nerve to say what she needed to say and taking a deep breath, staring at the ceiling for a moment::

::He shook his head with a frown as she stopped and glanced up at the ceiling. He knew this was going to happen, he swore to himself and to her that he wouldn't do what he did last time. He had to let it go, let Helena do what she had to.but it was even harder now:: You don't have to say anything...go on..I won't say a word, I won't do what I did last time. Last night was amazing...and it meant so much to me. That's all that needs to be said.

There is a lot more that needs to be said then that, Ord... ::She looked at the floor for a moment before shifting so it was easier to look him the eyes:: ... I'm not going to ask you to be okay with me and Varo being together anymore because I know you can't be, and I can't be either... It won't be right away but just... just give me a few days and it'll be over. It's been over for a long time and we've both known it, we've just been.... trying, and failing. To be completely honest with you I haven't really.. ::She squinted and tried to find the right phrase, trying to approach this with the proper delicateness but not wanting to sound lame at the same time:: ... er, been intimate with him for awhile... Not since Teth. I couldn't help but think of her... and most importantly, think of you.. a-and it just made me sick to my stomach. B-But what's hard to admit, Ord... th-the thing that I've been trying to figure out how to say to you is that.... is that I don't know what that means for us. ::She looked into his eyes for a moment before she frowned and looked at the floor again:: I don't know how to explain to you that now it won't be Varo keeping is apart... b-but me..

::He threw the covers off of him and stood up, moving closer to her now. Listening to what she had to say. He was glad to hear that she would take care of her relationship with Varo, but what confused him was what she said next he tried to understand what she meant as best he could:: You take all the time you need...I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that you are going to talk with Varo. But..you now pushing me away..I..I am unsure what it means. Aren't I want you want? Isn't this what you wanted?

Tha-That's the problem... as much as I want to be with you, I don't know if I can ever be what you want me to be... I don't know if I can ever really commit to you and I-I'm so sorry, Ord. ::She bit her lip and forced herself to look into his eyes as she apologized to him but it was so hard, she didn't want to see the look on his face:: When this started, when I asked you out and w-we had that... amazing night on Munnilist, that's all this was.. I wanted to know what it'd be like, t-to be with you, you know? ::She laughed a little awkwardly despite how sad it was, looking into his eyes again:: ... But everything changed that night. A-And now... now I don't know. And I still don't and I just... I just need some time to figure it out, okay?

What I want you to be? Helena I want you..I want you just like this I don't expect nothing more. ::He frowned as she looked away from him but he was doing his best to understand, to keep it together:: The things you told me last night, the feelings you had when you thought you lost me...it's real..I know it is. Helena..aren't I good enough?

Good enough...? Ord, stop it, please... ::She shook her head, taking a deep breath and looking into his eyes again:: Of course you are. You are so.. incredible, and perfect, and that's not what this is about at all. This is just a lot for me. I know it might be hard for you to understand but please just believe me when I tell you no matter how much I care about you, Ord, this is still just.. a lot.. for me. I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to get hurt and I... ::She took a deep breath:: .. I know I'm being irrational, alright? There's part of me that knows it but I just... I just want to figure this all out. ::She finally smiled, moving her hands to the side of his face:: I want to be with you and I want to make this work but please... please be patient with me.

I've done everything possible to show you I want to be with you..maybe there are some things I could have done better but I've tried. I'm sorry if there were times I ever made you regret the idea of being this close to me.. ::He reached up to her of her hands as she placed it on the side of his face and gave her a sad smile:: I'll be patient..I'll wait for your choice and I'll be everything you ever wanted. When you're ready...I just want you to be sure..I do.

::She nodded, leaning forward and kissing him on the lips softly:: This doesn't mean we won't be together, it just means we're... going to take it really slow, okay? ::She said with a laugh as she shook her head slowly:: ... Get back to sleep. I'll see you later, okay? ::Kissing him once more before she stood up, she looked back at him when the doors opened and she stepped out the door. Looking down the hallway to Varo's room she took a deep breath and shook her head... She couldn't, she knew she couldn't, so she turned and headed to her old room::

I'm willing to give anything chance...anything.. ::He smiled a bit more this time after she kissed him and watched her go for the door:: Yeah..I'll see you soon. ::When she left the room and closed the door behind her he sighed softly and sat down at the edge of the bed. Glancing to the dagger she left on the table he smiled even wider as he thought to himself about everything that she said and what happened. Helena would be his, he was getting closer and closer. All he needed to do was wait..he told her she was worth it and he wasn't going to back out on that now or ever again::

log #129

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:11:22 GMT

::Helena and Ord hadn't seen much of each other when they got back to the fleet even if they would have liked to, with Ord spending his time getting his wounds treated and the Mandalore eventually coming to see the son that he had thought he lost. It was frustrating for Helena, all she wanted to be was close to him but she understood the situation and kept to herself, just happy that he was alive and well and that he had put their last conversation behind them and move on.. but to what? She still didn't know the answer and honestly wanted to figure it out before she did speak to him alone, but when night fell she couldn't help herself... all she wanted to be was close to him. Once she was sure that Varo wouldn't wake if she slipped away she did just that, grabbing Ord's dagger from her equipment belt and moved down the hallway to his room. Entering it quietly, she walked over to him and set the dagger down on the table beside his bed, then leaned over, putting her hand on his chest gently:: Ordie... ::She whispered, just so he'd know it was her that climbed into the bed beside him, moving into the position she'd find herself in each night she woke up on Coreilla: her head resting on his chest and her arm laid over his stomach except now she held him closer, snuggling against him. She wanted to say something, she had planned out things to say but they were all lost now. After spending so much time afraid that she had ruined everything, not knowing if she'd ever get the things to set things right and not knowing if he'd meant what he said to her, sharing a moment like this with him once again was all she could focus on::

::Ord had no idea that he would spend even more time away from Helena when he got back to the fleet. They never had a chance to talk about what happened before he left and how sorry he was. He noticed though that Helena had become a bit more distant from Varo since his return and was unsure really what to make of it, considering how much trouble he got himself in last time. So another night alone at least he thought so until he felt a hand softly press against his chest and then heard Helena's voice. Fully coming to his senses and seeing this was no dream he shifted as she got into his bed and into his arms. Glancing down to her with a smile as he was surprised she did this here and now but remained silent as he held her there for awhile before he broke the silence whispering to her with a sigh:: I've been waiting to be alone with you for awhile now..to finally have this chance again.

So have I... ::She said softly when he broke the silence, pausing and shifting slightly just so she could look at his face when she spoke, saying what she needed to say first:: Ord... I'm.. so sorry.

Please no.. ::He shook his head as she tried to apologize:: I'm the one who is sorry..I should have never betrayed you like that. I..I let my feelings get in the way. Convinced myself of things..things I wanted. I wasn't thinking of you and that was the worst mistake.

But the things I caused,..! ::She objected when he told her not to apologize, shaking her head:: E-Everything, Ord, I've made so many mistakes and they've all hurt you... I-I stopped you from killing Kilvaan and look what happened, I overreacted and you went on that mission alone... The Exchange.. I-I should have been there with you, I should have been there to help you and to think that I could have ever done something that would keep you from asking for my help... I'm so, so sorry. You could have died... You could have died because of me and I don't know what I would have done without you in my life anymore.

No..you stopped me from killing a man in front of his innocent family. Kilvaan made the mistake of not doing as we told him.. ::He sat up a bit, placing his hand softly on her cheek as he looked into her eyes after she told him how she felt:: Yes you and I had a fight..the worst I could ever remember but I said a lot of things to hurt you as well..and that's the last thing I ever wanted to do to you. I can't forgive myself for doing it.. ::He sighed softly once again:: As for The Exchange..I..I considered asking you..but it was too risky, I didn't want to put you in that kind of situation and I'm glad I didn't because of what happened. Finally..I didn't die..I'm here now because you came for me. I was breaking out of that place because I had to come back to you Helena..you're all I thought about. Every moment I could..

R-Really..? ::She smiled as he heard the words and her heart was racing again. She believed him, of course she did, but hearing it was so nice that she wanted to hear it again:: You just left.. I was so afraid that you wouldn't come back... and that if you did you'd still think I wasn't worth it... T-That you wouldn't think of me anymore..

How could I not? Helena you know how I feel..I swore to you I wouldn't give up like l I did the last time. Everything I said to you, all the mistakes I made..I didn't mean them. You're worth it, can't you tell by how crazy I am about you? I need you more then anyone else. ::He pulled her closer towards him but in the back of his mind he was still hesitant, he wasn't sure if he could hold back much longer. Helena was with him alone in his bed and after all that had happened he didn't care about anything else but remaining this close to her::

::She was smiling so wide now she was glowing as she heard him admit how he felt about her, she was so, so happy to hear that everything that she was afraid of wasn't true:: Oh, Ordie... ::She whispered to him before she shifted slightly to lay on her side so she could kiss him passionately, sliding her hand up his chest and letting it rest on the back of his neck::

::When she shifted to her side he slipped his arm around her shoulder and returned her kiss there was no thought of stopping now as he thought moments before. Hearing her whisper his name like that nearly made him melt. Ord wasn't sure what all this meant but seeing her smile like that gave him the feeling that maybe Helena felt the same and that was the greatest feeling of all::

::Helena knew there were still so many unanswered questions about what this all meant, what would really happen between them but Helena didn't care anymore. All she wanted was him and now there was no denying it after all that had over the past few weeks. The kiss got deeper as moments passed and eventually she broke it, moving her lips down to his neck:: I need you too, Ord... ::She whispered against his neck as she kissed him repetitively::

::Closing his eyes as he felt her lips move towards his neck as they whispered words to him he could hear again and again. Suddenly he found hands pulling up her shirt, softly moving against the skin under it. His breathing became quicker as each moment that went by, doing his best to speak:: How badly, Helena? Tell me...

More then anything or anyone.. ::She said in a hushed breath, lifting her body up only slightly at first in order to help him with her shirt but once she was up she moved so she was on top of him:: I never realized it until you left but I can't live without you. ::She kissed up his neck to his ear, nibbling on his ear lobe gently before she whispered to him:: I need you.. to make love to me.. ::She began to tug at his shirt now and she moved her lips to his again as she kissed him passionately. If it was anyone else, on any other night she would have been shocked over her word choice, or wouldn't have even made the mistake but now with him, it fit. In the same vein, Helena never begged either but the way she was kissing him, the way she was pressing her body against his was probably as close as she'd ever gotten::

log #128 pt2

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:13:46 GMT

::She felt dizzy again but she wasn't losing focus now that she had a name and a location, slipping her blaster into it's holster and pulling out Ord's dagger, spinning it in her hand slowly as she needed to keep something in her hands just to keep her from snapping. She didn't say anything to Vexa or Varo as they all stepped out, walking to up the ramp to Varo's ship and moving to the cockpit, quickly typing in the coordinates. She was on the hunt, nothing could stop her now and she tasted blood. She paused, smacking her gums a few times and making a face as she paused and realized she still could, literally::

::They had quickly left what was left of the cantina and headed towards where the bartender told him Ord was being held. Two days without seeing Kilvaan..Varo would never forgive himself if they missed Ord but the hope he was alive was now stronger then before. He watched Helena who was next to him spin Ord's dagger around, still stained with blood and saw that look in her eyes. Sitting up a bit he raised a brow as they came upon the Spaceport, from here he could see a large plume of smoking rising from the area and alarms flashing all over, covering the landing pads and buildings in a red light:: What the hell? Did someone get here before us?

::She was happy to feel that Varo and Helena's moods had turned around at least slightly but she was fixed on Helena as she had never sensed a feeling like the one she felt from her before...::

::She raised a brow when she saw the spaceport as well, the sight concerned her slightly as well but she wouldn't let it phase her, landing the ship at the spaceport anyway:: ... So long as Ord is still here, it doesn't matter... Just more people to slaughter, right? ::She glanced to Varo and smiled in a vicious way:: C'mon.

Right. We're not too late. We can't be.. ::He said to himself in a low voice before lifting himself from his chair and quickly heading down the ramp onto the spaceport. Pulling the pair of blasters from his leg holsters and quickly swept the area. Glancing down at the dead bodies of armed Exchange members and what seemed to be ordinary people in civilian attire. Prisoners maybe? He thought to himself as he motioned to Vexa:: Stay close to me..you see anything that you don't like you shoot it, okay?

Right... ::She said with a nod as she did just that, holding her blaster out:: I'm starting to get the idea now, thanks.

Hnn... ::She looked around, kneeling down to one of the Exchange members and trying to find something that looked useful:: Hm... ::She pulled out an access card from his equipment belt with a smile, looking up at Varo:: This should help, right? ... Maybe we should split up? Cover more ground?

::He glanced up at the large spaceport complex and thought over Helena's idea before nodding:: This place is way too big to cover together. I'll take the right side of the complex with Vexa and you the left...keep in constant contact with me. Ord is here...you can tell..right, Helena? This is his work.

::She smiled, nodding slowly as she stood up and slipped the card into her back pocket and looking at Varo:: Yeah.... Yeah it is. Let's just hope we aren't too late. I'll meet back up with you soon, good luck. ::She said with a nod as she reached to her equipment belt, putting a small device in her ear as she walked to the left::

Same to you, once we find him we're out of here. ::He motioned for Vexa to follow him and quickly moved towards the right side of the spaceport. They hadn't seen any threats yet..alive that is but Varo knew better and the further they moved the better chance of finding trouble::

::Ord had a lot of time to think about the past few weeks as he sat in a cell located on the spaceport. Between being beaten, tortured to a degree as an attempt to be broken by the Exchange he managed to hold it together. Ord had been in worse situations before and guarded by much more better trained men. It was only a matter of time before he was able to plan his escape and opening the cells to all the people they were holding was a perfect distraction once he disposed of the guards who thought he simply stopped moving and breathing in his cell and came to check on him. Ord would escape it was only a matter of getting to a ship. He knew right away it was Kilvaan who did this to him the man made sure to make it well know the day they managed to get a drop on him. Ord swore he'd kill that son of a bitch..he wouldn't never make a mistake like that again. Ord moved down the hallways of the spaceport slowly, he knew they were hunting him but what they didn't know is that Ord had been picking off the Exchange members throughout the building one by one. He wasn't in a rush to leave..not with unfinished business::

::She pulled out Ord's dagger again, spinning it in her hand again as she moved down the halls looking for a sign, any sign of where Ord would be or even an unlucky Exchange member who would be able to tell her where he was. She shared the same thoughts as Ord, as she moved through the halls all she could think of was finding Ord and then finding Kilvaan and butchering him with the dagger in her hand. Never in her life had she felt such a strange mix of hope, desire and guilt but it was working for her. Nothing could stop her now::

::Ord wondered to himself how many more people would he have to kill before it was all said and done. As soon as he knew he could make it out of here alive he knew who he was going to contact first. Suddenly he paused as he heard footsteps coming down the hallway in the distance. Quickly moving to the shadows and taking cover behind whatever he could find and he waited. Ord was battered, broken and bleeding but he had the energy to kill another person in his way::

::She paused, raising a brow when she heard something down the hall but it was too dark to see. She grinned wide, holding up Ord's dagger rather then her blaster... she preferred using it today, it was a little more violent:: Come out, come out, wherever you arrre~... ::She sang under her breath as she walked quicker now even though she didn't see anyone and didn't hear any opening doors but when she saw the only thing close enough that could be used as cover with a grin she approached it quickly::

::Ord heard the footsteps approach where he was hiding at a quicker pace, he glanced out from behind his cover and saw the faint glow of what seemed to be a blade as it caught what little light was in the hallway. Ord was going to make sure the figure holding it wouldn't last another moment. Popping out from behind his cover with his blaster raised and aimed at the head of his next victim he froze up when Helena's face came into view, jerking the hand holding his blaster immediately from her he had a rush of relief wash over him. Helena..she was in front of him..she found him and he was so thankful she was the first person he saw after the hell he had been through. His heart was pounding, his body shaking from his wounds as the adrenaline quickly left him and all he could do is smirk and say one thing:: It took you long enough.

::When she saw the figure pop up, growling and moving to cut him but when she saw it was Ord, she immediately froze in place, her jaw dropping and the dagger dropping out of her hand and hitting the floor with a clank as she looked into his eyes. Her face almost felt sore from how wide she smiled, her heart racing when she saw him there, saw that he was alive. After all the time she spent worrying about him, praying that he was alive, going over and over what she'd do and what'd she'd say if she found him alive and now the only thing she could do was take a deep breath, her eyes swelling up with tears as she didn't say a word, putting her hands on the side of his face as she pulled him towards her, closing her eyes and kissing him as passionately as she could. He was alive, he was her's again::

::Seeing Helena's eyes fill up with tears, feeling her hands once again on his skin and knowing just from her reaction how happy she was to see he there he wrapped his arms around her tightly as her lips pressed against his. Kissing her deeply like he had never done before, all he thought about was her..constantly wondering if she even knew that he was missing, that all the horrible things he said to her the last time he spoke he regretted so much and hoped it wasn't the last words she heard from him::

::She broke the kiss after some time but didn't pull away from him, keeping their bodies pressed together and her lips close to his as she opened her eyes, looking into his again and moving one of her hands to run it through his hair. Never before had she felt relief like this, had she ever felt so happy and feeling him against her, his arms around her waist was bliss to her. She gave a soft, awkward laugh but kept her smile as she spoke:: ... Sorry for being so late, Ordie.

::Kissing her lips softly again as they looked into each others eyes, feeling her hand run slowly through his hair as she always did he smiled before he answered:: Better late then never...sorry I got impatient..as you can see I was doing my best to come to you.

Couldn't just let me have my hero moment and rescue you, huh? You never let me have any fun... ::She said with a laugh, wiping her eyes quickly with one hand before moving it back to rest on his cheek::

::He laughed as well and shook his head:: I think I've had more then enough fun in the place...I'm done here. I hate to admit but..they managed to do a real number on me. ::He said as he winced in pain from what he knew had to be internal injuries in his chest:: Varo here with you?

::She nodded:: Mmmhmm.. We split up to look for you. ::Pulling away from him now as she knelt down and picked up his dagger, holding it out to him:: Here you go... Hope you don't mind that I managed to have a bit of fun with it. Do you know where they're keeping your armor at all? Or if Kilvaan is still here..?

::He smiled as she handed him his dagger as he quickly glanced over it and handed it back to her:: You hold onto it..I lost it once already. No need for the fun to end for you so soon.. ::He motioned down the hallway towards the exit of the building:: I was heading there now..I heard that's where they stored it. Kilvaan kept everything so I would sell at a higher price if I looked intimidating..as for him..no he's not here. By now he knows what's going on here and wouldn't dare come back..

Thanks... ::Sliding his dagger away again for now as she stood beside him, taking his arm, moving it around her shoulders and stealing another quick kiss as she did:: We'll just have to ring his doorbell again one day, huh? C'mon, let's pack up and get you the fuck out of here already. ::When she began walking with him she raised her free hand to the device in her ear, turning it on and speaking to Varo:: Varo.... I found him. He's alive. ::She looked at Ord out of the corner of her eye as she spoke, smiling wide as she said those words::

::Varo stopped moving as he heard Helena's news and grinned, turning around towards Vexa and gave her a quick thumbs up:: He is!? That son of a bitch gave me one hell of a scare...we ran into a few problems nothing we couldn't handle. We'll drop back and meet you back at the ship...can he walk? Is he alright?

Yeah, he'll be okay.. This fucking guy was already halfway to the exit when I found him, why did we even bother coming? ::She smirked, pulling Ord a little closer to her:: We're going to pick up his armor and then meet you there.. See you soon.

I swear that man lives to break out of situations like this. Grab his gear we'll cover your exit... ::He rushed back towards the landing area that their ship was on to do exactly that::

::Ord lead Helena towards where he was sure his equipment was and smashed the lock, watching the door slid open. Moving inside he located where they set up his armor and weapons that were still stained with blood of those he managed to kill before they finally overpowered him:: Bastards weren't even nice enough to clean it...good reminder though. ::Slipping on the chest piece and equipment belt only, he picked up his helmet and attached it to his belt before looking to Helena with a small smile:: You..really were that worried about me, huh?

Maybe. ::She tried to put up an act, crossing her arms and leaning against the other lockers but it was impossible for her to get rid of her smile. Not only was he alive and well, but everything that had happened the night before seemed to be put behind them for now and she was overjoyed:: I could've been.

Maybe? ::He grinned as he grabbed the rest of his gear and moved closer to her, that smile on her face and how she was teasing him already made his heart pound just as he remembered:: Damn I missed you..

::She smiled wider when he said that, every moment she thought she couldn't be happier but hearing those words made her heart jump and she pushed herself off of the lockers, kissing him again:: I missed you too, Ordie, and half the time I didn't even know you were missing... Mn. do you need any help carrying all that stuff?

::He grinned after she kissed him again and nodded:: Glad you found me this way then..worked out pretty good in the end. As for Kilvaan..we'll figure that one out real soon. ::He shook his head at her offer to carry his gear:: I got it..let's get the hell out of this place. ::Moving back out the door and finally out of the complex he glanced around at all the bodies with a smirk:: Hey..I did pretty good!

Make sure you don't leave me out of those plans, alright? My collection of "Things I've taken from people I've killed" has never included body parts, but I think for that fuck I might make an exception... ::She said as she moved with him out of the complex, staying close to him incase she still needed help walking. When they got outside she patted him on the back jokingly as she spoke:: Yup.. You really got the job done with some Ord Mantrill flare... Fine work.

Figured a prison break would really shake things up around he. I know they managed to get a hold of a bunch of shuttles out of here..put a real dent in the Exchange slave trade around here.. I'm sure. ::He grinned as he saw Varo and Vexa not far from their location and made his way over towards them with Helena::

::He pulled off his helmet as he saw Ord and grinned, moving down the ramp of the ship and towards him. Extending his arms he pulled him into a quick hug before holding him there and speaking to him in mando'a in a low voice as he apologized to him, his own way. Pulling back he shook his head as he looked him over:: You look like hell.

Stop that.. ::Ord responded to what Varo told him and shook his head before speaking again:: I've been through worse..you're here..that's what matters.

Oh, Ord, I'm so glad you're okay!! ::She was too excited to see him alive and when to realize she was runining a moment, but after Varo moved away from Ord she wrapped her arms him and kissed him deeply::

::She growled when Vexa moved closer to Ord, her hand actually moving to Ord's dagger as she watched them kiss, grabbing onto it so hard her knuckles turned white::

::He stepped to the side as Vexa embraced Ord and smiled glancing to Helena and giving her a look as he saw her hand, she really did NOT like this woman he told himself::

::Ord smiled after Vexa kissed him and nodded, he was surprised to see her here of all places.:: I'm fine...I'm fine. What are you doing here? How did you find me?

You promised me that you'd get in touch with me but you never did... I was worried sick, I had to come along to do anything I could to help!

She stood around a lot. We really couldn't have done this without her. ::She said with that same growl::

::She paused, glancing to Helena for a moment then looking back at Ord with a smile:: I'm just glad you're okay... Looks like after this you're going to need to take another trip to Zeltros, huh? ::She winked then kissed him again::

::If she stood there for another second she really was going to stab Vexa so she took a deep breath, letting go of the dagger and walking up the ramp quickly, heading to the cockpit. She had no right. Really, at the end of the day she had no right but she could not.. fucking stand it::

::He glanced at Helena again at what she said and shook his head:: No. Honestly Ord if it wasn't for Vexa we wouldn't have known..and that's my fault. ::He looked to Vexa now:: I owe you, I mean it. Thank you.

Really? Vexa...I don't know what to say. ::He glanced from Varo to Vexa and smiled after she kissed him, this time realizing how awkward it was with Helena there and grinned a bit:: Yeah..maybe. ::His grin faded as Helena stormed up the ramp and he backed up a bit as he glanced around quickly:: Let's go home.

Don't worry about it.. I wouldn't have been able to take down a whole cantina on my own, so we're even, right? ::She laughed softly, staying close to Ord as they walked up the ramp together, whispering softly to him:: I'm sorry.. should I have backed off? I thought you said the feelings between you and her weren't mutual..

Even? Not a chance...not after what you did.::He smiled as they walked up the ramp and he glanced over to as she spoke about Helena and whispered back with a shake of his head:: I..it's complicated. ::He paused as he thought about Vexa's abilities and wondered himself what she picked up on:: Uh...why exactly though?

::She smirked at Ord's curiosity, looking at Helena once her and Ord sat down together on the ship:: I've never sensed such intensity in someone as the way she felt while we were on our way to the spaceport. She's... crazy about you. ::She glanced to Ord with a smile then looked back at Helena:: ... Like, literally borderline insane, and it's such a shame that she hates me so much because she is so.. so incredibly attractive. ::She shrugged, leaning back into her seat with a sigh:: ...The things I wouldn't mind doing..

::Ord couldn't help but to grin as he heard Vexa tell him what she felt from Helena. It wasn't a surprise that she cared about him but he had no idea on this kind of level. He trusted Vexa's feelings on this, if anyone knew it would be her:: I..really had no idea. ::He glanced to Helena who was sitting in the cockpit ahead of them and smiled before glancing to Vexa again:: She only hates you because uh..well..you know..what's going on between us. Secondly.. ::He laughed and shook his head:: Yeah..I could only imagine.