boxofmisfits | Plucked From the Clutches of Death

Entry tags:

Plucked From the Clutches of Death

Ever since coming to the future, following the Force's whims had been something Altair had done less and less. He could still sense it, of course. Shutting himself off completely would be unacceptable to him, as it had always been his companion of sorts and while it would probably lead to less shenanigans, he could not close his eyes and cover his ears. He could hear the whispers, feel the threads of it weaving through the galaxy and it was beautiful. When he meditated whispers became a distant song, and threads became beckoning guides that wanted to lead him to far off places.

In the past, he would have let himself get swept along as time allowed, always certain that someone would be there to pick up any momentary slack. In this time, while he had faith in Thrawn's people and Thrawn himself, he couldn't justify taking the time to rush off whenever some new thread weaved itself into the galaxy's tapestry. There were no other Sith who would pick up his slack, and he had promised to assist Thrawn with his goal, after all. Tempting as it was to let himself drift in the river of fate to let it carry him to new and strange places, give him new and strange riches, he wouldn't, and couldn't.

At least that had been the case until a particularly insistent call in the Force had become too much to ignore.

It wasn't dangerous, was what he had said to Thrawn, upon seeking permission to leave for a time. Not dangerous. Not like the fleet, not like the Silencers, and Iokath. It just was. That nebulous concept had been what was most difficult to explain, really. But whether or not Thrawn understood didn't matter, because he had, at least, seen his seriousness and respected it.

Altair wondered what he'd think now.

The Force had led him to an ancient temple- Altair still wasn't certain if it was Sith or Jedi in origin- and that temple had led him to a strange place. Branching paths and moments in time. For a while he had wandered- admittedly he'd sought a way back to his own time. It would have broken his promise, which he hated doing, but still. A part of him would always miss his people.

He hadn't found it though.

But he had found many strange artifacts. Plucked them from moments in time whenever the Force felt like it was urging him to do so. Whether that was some kleptomaniac instinct or actually the Force though, he wasn't sure. Maybe both.

Through one such window into the past, he'd come across someone in a situation that wouldn't end well. Plucking items out of these moments was one thing- would maybe end in a bruised ego or two somewhere far in the past- but people? Still, it was the only glimpse that was truly an open door to be reached through. The Force was quiet, not urging him one way or another, despite its strong presence in the silence between moments and its somewhat subtle insistence that he claim artifacts before. In the end though, when given the opportunity to save someone, he had.

The idea of simply leaving someone to die when all he had to do to save them was reach out his hand pained him. He couldn't do it.

And so, outside of the temple in the dark and quiet night, he sat with the two people he'd rescued by the fire they'd built for light and warmth while they waited for morning to come so they could head for the ship he'd borrowed with the promise that he'd bring it back in one piece, without fear of anything that might be lurking in the blackness of the forest the temple was surrounded by.

It had been day when Altair had entered the temple and found his way into that strange place, and while he felt no more hunger than usual, Altair could somehow tell that this was not the first night that had passed since he first arrived. He assumed it had been a few days, at least.

He wondered how he was going to explain this one though.

A Chiss and a Jedi who- while remaining nearby- was perhaps expectedly standoffish in the presence of a Sith. Out of the two of them, Altair figured he'd have most luck talking to the Chiss, though they'd all exchanged relatively few words even now. Shock, Altair assumed.

Seemed the most likely explanation, and also understandable. Expecting death only to be yanked through the veil of death and time to safety was probably a lot to deal with for people who weren't used to it.

"You don't have to worry, you know. I have allies who will be able to help you. Wherever you may want to go, I'm certain it can be arranged."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Altair glanced back at the pair, though didn't comment. Something must have happened, but he wouldn't pry. It was hardly his place, after all. He did hope the Jedi would find her answers though, once she got to where she needed to be. It would put them at odds in the future, if she went searching for whatever Jedi were left, but for now, he had no quarrel with her and would safely deliver her and the Chiss to Thrawn so he could sort them out.

The trek back to the ship was a relatively quiet one. A few animals could be spotted here and there, and insects flitted about. Altair kept up his pace, only slowing every now and then to make sure that his temporary companions could recover a little. It wasn't so far that they needed to take any real breaks though.

The ship wasn't exactly a large one, but it would comfortably fit all three of them. He led them aboard and then moved to set his artifacts safely aside, before going to get them both something to drink and more ration bars, "Take it easy for now. We shouldn't need to travel too far, but take the time to eat and drink, and sleep a little more if you feel the need."

Altair hoped Thrawn wouldn't be too upset with him, when he arrived with two more people in tow who needed help. But he thought that he'd understand that Altair couldn't just leave two people to die when he had the means to help.

"I'd appreciate if you both stayed here for the entire flight. I'm an adept pilot, but still prefer to be undisturbed."

Rather, he wanted the privacy to remove his mask, and to try and eat and drink something himself as well. While he was fully capable of functioning on very little, he had not eaten in nearly two days now, nor had he had anything to drink. He probably should fix that, really.

It was amazing how a near-death experience made one appreciate the little things all the more, such as the sound of insects and animals, the breeze in one's hair, or just being allowed a soft moment. Thrass couldn't appreciate it on the same level as Lorana, as she could sense all of this in a way that he couldn't, and was connected to everything in a way that he wasn't, but it was still lovely. Thrass let himself enjoy the walk to the ship.

The ship wasn't of a make he was familiar with, but he wasn't exactly an expert on spaceships, let alone alien ones. He and Lorana settled in the back, eying the Sith when he requested that they stay in this part of the ship. "Very well. We'll leave you to pilot us back."

If the Sith tried anything or ended up taking them somewhere with the intention of betraying them, then surely Lorana would sense something and they could act on it.

Once they'd settled in, Altair fetched himself a ration bar and a bottle of water to take with him, and went to get them on their way. He'd endured it well during the night and the morning and the walk back, but being in the presence of a Chiss who wasn't Thrawn was terrifying. Had he not been starving more than normal, he would have remained completely armored until they got back.

Compared to the lengths of his travels in his youth, this one wasn't very long at all. Several hours, yes, but at least not days. Had the Chiss not been, well, Chiss, Altair would likely simply have taken them to the nearest populated planet, with a bit of food and money, to let them make their own way to where they needed to be.

But that wasn't really an option. Finding one's way back to the Ascendancy without helped seemed like it would... Probably be an issue. Honestly he couldn't be sure.

Once they arrived at their destination, he put his mask back on and pulled his hood back up, going to fetch his guests who would be Thrawn's guests once he brought them to him.

"Follow me. And try not to mind the skittish people. Half the ship is convinced I'm going to eat them if they look at me wrong. Apparently not considering how difficult it is to store human meat for long enough to be useful beyond the first few days. It would be an awful waste of food."

That was a joke. He hoped that came across in his tone. Or at least in the fact that he didn't really look like he ate much of anything at all.

And honestly, it was much better now than it had been. But most people who had had no direct contact with him were still a tad bit nervous. From what he could sense though, Thrawn could be found in his quarters. Studying art, probably. Altair would have to apologize to him for interrupting by giving him an embroidery.

During the trip, Thrass and Lorana chatted a bit, wondering if they could really trust the Sith. Everything Lorana had been taught told her not to, but she also sensed that he wasn't trying to trick them and seemed to be sincere. In the past day, everything she'd known her whole life had been turned upside down, and she still wasn't sure how to process that. Thrass told her that if the situation turned bad, then they could find a way to contact his brother. Thrass didn't hold it against her that her former master was the one who tried to kill said brother.

When they reached their destination and exited the ship, Thrass couldn't help but look around curiously. It had to be huge, judging by the size of the hanger. Even more curious was that it seemed to staffed with nothing but humans. Was it possible that they were in Lesser Space now? Or had one of Thrawn's humans gotten the word out about this region of space and this vessel was sent to investigate? Hopefully they weren't here to make war with the Ascendancy.

The crew gave Thrass some curious looks as they passed, assuming that they'd never seen a Chiss before. He also saw a few of those droid things that Thrawn told him about.

"Is this a Republic ship?" Lorana asked, still speaking in the trade language they'd been using.

"It's not."

He definitely needed to let Thrawn explain. Altair had been in this time for a while, but there were a lot of gaps in his knowledge. Even if he explained what he knew- the state of the world, everything that these two might have missed, there was so much he was missing, that it would result in more questions rather than answer them. Even after Altair had come to accept that he couldn't go home, he hadn't gone digging. He hadn't lived through it.

He led the two through the halls- the curious looks from the crew, their wariness toward him- though a few of them at least gave cautious nods in greeting.

As expected too, someone had ran ahead to let Thrawn know that he was on his way, given that no one tried to dissuade him as they approached the Grand Admiral's quarters. He wondered if Thrawn had been told they had other guests too.

"Be polite," He said to his temporary companions, "But don't worry too much. He's..."

A good guy? That was correct, but somehow referring to him that way felt wrong. Or perhaps it was just the straight forward compliment that seemed like it would be wrong. Altair had no issues saying what he admired about Thrawn, but outright speaking to his character like that and in such simple terms was a bit beyond him.

"... Reasonable."

"Fear not, I have extensive tutoring in manners and etiquette," Thrass assured him. Such a thing was part of schooling when he went into politics.

"And you learn to behave when you have Jorus C'baoth as your master," Lorana added.

As they entered the Grand Admiral's quarters, Thrass felt some anticipation. He'd never heard of the rank of Grand Admiral, among any species' military. The room was dimly lit, and the officer had their back to them, examining a glowing orb that almost seemed to swirl, as if it contained a piece of the sea. Even in the dim lighting, Thrass saw a hint of blue skin.

The Grand Admiral was a Chiss? What was a Chiss doing in command of a human vessel, serving another military?

Their host turned to greet them, but right as he opened his mouth to say something, he froze. Thrass did too, gazing at the other Chiss in disbelief.

"Thrawn?"

The Grand Admiral slowly approached him and whispered, "Thrass..."

So they knew each other. Thrawn. Thrass. Were they related? Altair did suppose he sensed something familiar about the Chiss he'd saved. Like he'd felt a similar mind before. And being there with them now, he definitely sensed it. Not to mention the fact that Thrawn was emoting in a way more obvious way than Altair was used to.

It wasn't the expression a human would make, but it was indeed an expression.

If not related, they were at least close, he'd bet real money on that.

"The Force works in mysterious ways indeed. You two know each other."

It wasn't a question.

Thrawn looked a little like he'd just seen a ghost.

Thrawn stopped right in front of Thrass, the two looking each other up and down. Lorana stepped back for now, not wanting to interrupt. Both Chiss switched to Cheunh as they spoke, grasping each other by the forearm.

"Thrass... my brother." He gripped his brother's upper arm, as if checking to see if he was really there. "You're here. You're alive."

Thrass looked over Thrawn's face, noting the few grey hairs and lines around his eyes. "How long has it been?"

"Far too long, Thrass," Thrawn replied softly. He glanced at Altair, "You brought him back to me. How?"

Altair still wasn't proficient in Cheunh. But he knew that word. Brother. Remembered his own feelings that came with it. A snarky grin, and the occasional toothpick being poked into the back of his neck. A bond so close they'd been called the twins despite being different ages and despite not having been brought up together. It would appear he had brought Thrawn's brother back to him. No wonder the Force was insistent. No wonder Thrawn's expression looked like that.

How very mysterious and fortunate indeed.

"The Force beckoned me to a temple of... Unknown origin. In examining it I found something like a... Path between moments in time. I was mostly plucking artifacts left and right- it was like a veritable candy shop except with rare and powerful items- but came across a door. It seemed like they were going to die if I did nothing, so... I reached in there and pulled them out. I don't like leaving people in trouble when I'm capable of helping, after all."

Was this the person Thrawn had been close to? The one who'd- Oh.

"Then I promised them both help. So I brought them here."

"Time travel," Thrawn mused. He would have to make a note of that for later, and see if such a thing could be useful in his war with Nuso Esva. But for now, he felt like he was dreaming, and he would wake up and his brother would still be gone.

He turned to Thrass again. "You were declared dead."

"I would be dead, were it not for your friend. As would she," He nodded towards the Jedi. Thrawn regarded her for a moment. It was her, the sole surviving Jedi from Outbound Flight. He would have to speak with her later too.

"A lot has happened, brother," Thrawn said. "Decades have gone by since you took the ship, during which I was exiled." Thrass put a hand to his mouth, eyes widening. "I was found by the galactic Empire and worked my way up their ranks to Grand Admiral. At the moment, my official mission is to chart the Unknown Regions outside of that Empire. Unofficially, I have made my own Empire, one that protects the galaxy."

"Exiled," Thrass breathed. "I'm sorry, Thrawn."

Time travel indeed. Altair wondered if he'd find the path back to his own time, if he wandered for long enough in that place. Even if he did, he wondered what he'd do, really. Keep his promise to Thrawn, or go back to his own time to live, grow old, and die there. Nothing to ponder now, at any rate.

"I can tell the two of you have a lot you need to discuss. Might I suggest putting that off for a little while though?"

He'd love to give them the peace to discuss brotherly matters, but they had just traveled for a long time, and all Altair had been able to give them was ration bars and water.

"I'm sure they're both hungry and would like to sit down and rest for a while. All I had to give them was ration bars, I'm afraid."

He'd need to replenish his stock, too. Being without his usual hoard made him nervous.

"Catch up with each other while eating. And make sure to ask the girl what she'd like to do, too. Out of everyone here, she's the most lost." He said, in Cheunh. His pronunciation was certainly off, but it was understandable, at least.

Thrawn regarded the girl. Yes, he would tell her about the fate of the Jedi, and their uncertain status in the present, and then give her the choice of sending her home or allowing her to stay. Thrawn could think of several uses for a Jedi, especially if Altair took her under his wing, but he wasn't going to unwillingly conscript her.

He would also have to give Thrass the choice of joining him in exile or going home.

To Thrass, he said, "Lord Nox is right, brother. You and the girl should rest. I will have my men escort you to the guest quarters, and meals brought to you." He repeated his words in Basic, for Lorana's benefit.

"I suppose some rest is in order," Thrass admitted. If he was surprised by Nox speaking Cheunh, he didn't show it. It wasn't as if Thrawn hadn't taught others to speak the language.

Thrawn pulled away to push a button on his desk, making arrangements for Thrass and Lorana to be put in guest quarters, and have meals brought to them. Once that was over, Thrawn escorted his new guests back outside, promising to speak with them later.

Once they were gone, escorted away for now, Thrawn walked back over to Altair. "You do not know how much this means to me, Altair. I am forever in your debt for saving my brother's life."

"You can repay me in crafting supplies," Altair said, easily. Not to dismiss Thrawn's feelings for seeing his brother again, of course. He could tell how much this meant to Thrawn. Had Thrawn been human, Altair was certain he'd be crying. Maybe he should demand a holo of his current expression. He'd never seen him show his emotions so easily.

"In all seriousness, you are not in my debt. I saw someone in trouble, and I wished to save them, is all. You are ensuring the safety of the people I am fond of in this time, you have given me a place to call home aboard this ship, and a purpose once more."

He hesitated, before reaching to grasp his arm, giving a gentle and comforting squeeze, careful so that his clawed gloves wouldn't snag on any threads in that pristine uniform, "I am glad I could bring your brother back to you. If accepting that we are even is not enough, then I am serious that I will ask for no more than pretty thread and sturdy needles. And perhaps the occasional ball of yarn or length of fabric."

That last part was just a jest, of course. He wouldn't demand much at all.

He smiled, not that it could be seen with his mask, "What sort of monster would take advantage of the feelings you must be feeling right now?"

"I do not know much about the Force, but if it led you to him, then I am glad." Though the fact that he was now older than his brother was odd. Thrass was just as he remembered him, the age he'd been when Thrawn said goodbye to him for the last time.

"I mourned him for the longest time, felt responsible for his death. My adopted family blamed me for it as well. I told myself that I would find the remains of Outbound Flight and recover his remains."

This was the first time Thrawn had been so open with him. Somehow sticking around to listen felt a bit like taking advantage of his emotional state too. Leaving would be worse though. Thrawn seemed like he needed someone to talk to for a little while, while Thrass and the Jedi girl settled in.

"I'm sorry. But I'm glad too, that it led me to the path where I could save him."

The choice, ultimately, had been his. The Force had called him there, yes. But it didn't dictate his actions. Still, he was glad he'd chosen to do the right thing. Thrawn worked hard. Harder than most. Harder than him even. Altair was grateful that the Force had led him down a path where he could save Thrass and reunite him with his brother even. Even if Altair hadn't realized they were related until Thrawn reacted the way he did.

"I can relate to the mourning. I... Had a brother too. We were not bound by blood, but when we first met, it felt like I had found a part of me I never knew I was missing. He was foul-mouthed, extremely violent, unsociable, and I could swear I still have scars from all the times he bit me... But he was also the kindest person I'd ever met. Some people even thought us to be twins due to how close we were. Losing him is such a lonely feeling that it feels like I'm still drowning in that sorrow whenever I stop to think about it."

His fingers tightened on Thrawn's arm again, another gentle squeeze, "If I've alleviated that sort of feeling for you by bringing your brother back, then I am glad."

"I see," Thrawn had gained his brother back, but Altair would probably never see his again. There was some sad irony about that. He knew what it was like to lose a bond like that. "Such feelings are not easy."

Altair was opening up to him, just as Thrawn did. It really said something about how comfortable they had become around one another, when before Altair hadn't even wanted Thrawn to know they were of the same species.

Of course, Thrawn knew that there was a chance that Altair would return to that planet, use the time travel magic again, and return to his own time, so that he could reunite with his own brother. If that happened, Thrawn wasn't sure how he would react.

"They're not. It's why I am truly glad that you do not have to suffer with such emotions any more."

Altair would never see Aden again. He'd never feel his brother lean his entire weight against his back again to peek over his shoulder at what he was doing, hear his laughter, or hear him call his name again. Though bringing Thrass back had been by chance- he was glad he'd decided to bring the pair he'd rescued to see Thrawn now, really, rather than dropping them off on some random planet- he was glad for it. For Thrawn's sake.

He would never allow Thrawn to feel like that was something he owed him for, though. He should be happy, without concerns of owing a debt to a Sith Lord.

Realizing that he still had his hand on Thrawn's arm, he pulled it back with a soft apology. They had held hands before, even danced together, but here with only the two of them, it felt a bit awkward.

"I should return to my quarters. You must be eager to go talk with your brother once he's done eating, so I shouldn't take up too much of your time."

A pause then, as he thought about something, "... When you speak to the Jedi girl, let her know that my door is open to her should she need someone to talk to about the future. It's up to her, of course, but if you'd allow it, and she desires it, I would let her stay at my side."

If she felt like she was lost, then he'd want to help.

"Of course if your brother would like to speak with me for any reason at all, my door is also open to him. You can feel free to tell them both that I've got... Let's call it unique experience with time travel. Might put their minds at ease."

A pause, before he added, "It's open to you too. I like our talks, even when they're serious. And I feel like this expressionless mask of mine is easy to talk to."

"Of course, I will pass your message along to them both. The girl will benefit from your teachings, I'm certain, should she accept your offer." Better she get tutelage from Altair than fall into the hands of the Emperors Hands, or the Sith cultists.

"And, I will take you up on your offer, should I need to speak with you for any reason." Altair really was easy to talk to, mask or no mask.

"Though, if I may say so," A pause. "If you find yourself the opportunity to return to your own family, then there is nothing I can do to stop you." Which was his way of saying that he would accept it if Altair chose to leave him, even if it made him sad.

"I hope so. She has complicated emotions. I'd like to help her sort those out if she'll let me."

He was Sith, of course, and she was a Jedi. And circumstances were different in this time. Still, if she came to him for help, then he would not turn her away. Both because that was just who he was as a person, but also he saw her for the potential asset to their cause that she was- though he would not push her even if she did accept.

"... Should it make your brother feel better to talk to another one of his own kind, then you may tell him that I am Chiss too. I may be a mixed breed, but my similarities are more pronounced than my differences, since you see me as a Chiss too."

An overly emotional Chiss admittedly, an ignorant Chiss, but a Chiss nonetheless. Altair still remembered how pleased Thrawn had been when Altair had shown curiosity toward their species.

"... And I can't deny that I may find a way back in the future. But I won't desperately search, won't let it become an obsession. And who knows... Maybe when the time comes that I find a way back, I'll have as many reasons to stay as to go."

"I will consider telling him." Thrass would likely be surprised, given that he wasn't a native Cheunh speaker and his accent wasn't one that most Chiss had. Thrawn was glad that Altair seemed to finally understand that he wasn't about to be mistreated or killed simply for being a Force sensitive Chiss.

He smiled faintly. "I certainly hope that you have reason enough to stay." It still didn't seem fair that Thrawn had his brother back and Altair didn't, but a more selfish part of himself wanted to never let Altair leave. He was far too useful. At least, that's what Thrawn told himself.

"We'll see. It really will depend to whether or not my arrogance has built itself back up to where I believe I can change the fate of my Empire by then."

It was half truth, half joke. Empires were not carried by a single man, but he had loved his people dearly- still loved them dearly- and he'd often wondered if he could have done something to ensure the survival of the Sith Empire had he only been there. Probably not, but Sith were arrogant creatures and he was no different. He didn't truly believe he could have changed the fate of the Sith Empire, and perhaps it would fall regardless, but he wished.

And if that wish became a battle cry should he find a way back, perhaps he would indeed abandon his work in this time, to fight and die in his own. For now though, he was happy to follow Thrawn's ideas to make this time's future a better one.

"Should you need to talk after you've spoken to your brother and to the Jedi girl, you know where to find me. Should there be anything you need me to do, you need only order it, as well. I did run off to follow the Force without regard for any plans you might have, after all."

It was, of course, good that he had. But still. He was Thrawn's weapon to use as he saw fit and if there was anything he needed him to do, Altair would.

"And in doing so, you saved two lives." One of which meant more to him than anything. Thrawn didn't know much about the Force, but if it led Altair to where he needed to be, then he was glad for it. Decades after losing his brother, he was back, though it was admittedly strange for his elder brother to now be younger than him. He and Thrass had a lot to catch up on.

"For now, you are free to rest."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Plucked From the Clutches of Death

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject