Altair Kallig (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
kallig) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
boxofmisfits2021-10-22 04:14 am
kallig) wrote in boxofmisfits2021-10-22 04:14 am
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."
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."
no subject
"Some of the older syndics got rather cranky if their tea wasn't made just the way they liked it, and they let you know it." Thrass paused for a moment, his eyes distant. He wondered how many of those older family members were now dead, since they'd been quite old when he'd last seen them. He'd been close with some of them who had been his mentors, and helped him in his career. They had died thinking that he was dead.
no subject
Though the people aboard Thrawn's ship tended to try to do their best to not get in his way- and often in fact scurried to make sure they weren't in the way- Altair still was better at moving through a crowd alone than leading a companion. Not all too long ago he'd taken Thrawn's hand to lead him through a crowded party, but taking Thrass's hand would be a bit more difficult, he thought.
So he slipped through all those who were off duty with the ease of a man crossing an empty room, and soon enough returned with two cups of tea- one for himself and one for Thrass, "Minty, and with a hint of something sweet. Be careful though, it's hot."
He didn't think that really needed saying, but still. It was common enough to say as a courtesy.
"Since you are curious about what I look like, why don't we pass the time on the walk to my quarters with a few guesses? I'm curious as to how you think I look under this mask."
And it was another way to harmlessly spend some time.
no subject
He looked Altair up and down, "Very well. I think that you have hair that is quite long, and you tie it in a bun so you can stuff it into that hood." He didn't guess at the color, because he assumed that it went without saying that Altair would have blue-black hair, like every single Chiss Thrass had ever known.
no subject
"I see," He said, neither confirming nor denying, "How old do you think I am, then?"
He was curious to see if Thrass would assume he was older or still quite young.
"And do you think my face is handsome, quite normal, or hideous enough that that's why I hide behind this mask?"
no subject
"I would also guess that you aren't hideous, and in fact, you might have a youthful face, and you wear the mask to make sure you're treated as an adult." His proportions were those of someone just entering adulthood, hence Thrass's guess.
no subject
Altair didn't think he'd told Thrawn exactly how old he was, either, now that he thought about it. But then, it wasn't particularly relevant to their relationship. With Thrass, it was a bit different. They would be working together, rather than his relationship with Thrawn that was more that of a superior and a subordinate. Altair didn't think anyone would dare speak or even think such things, but it was more or less the truth, he thought.
He would do more or less whatever Thrawn ordered him to, after all, and while they were friends too- he thought- well. It was complicated. And age wasn't a factor.
A little more walking, and a few more twists and turns, and they arrived at the room he occupied, and he let Thrass in first, following soon after. His room was relatively tidy- with the exception of his desk being buried in a mountain of work he was in the process of handling- and showed his artistic flair with all the embroideries he had up on the walls, and the odd crocheted or needlefelt decorations here and there too.
He gestured for Thrass to sit down on a spare chair, while he sat by his desk to set his cup of tea down, so he could reach to push the hood of his armor back, working his mask open so he could pull it off and set that down too, making a quick and careful swipe with his clawed gloves through his hair to get it out of his face.
"How different do I look from what you were thinking, then?"
no subject
He sipped his tea as they walked, until they got to Altair's room and he took the offered seat, still sipping his tea. He felt anticipation building as Altair pulled back his hood, tilting his head when he got a hint of hair color. Pale blue, not what he was expecting. He honestly thought that it was impossible for Chiss to have hair that light.
When the mask came off, Thrass leaned in slightly, getting a better look at him. He didn't quite have that youthful face that he was picturing either. "I must say, I wasn't expecting the scar. Or that hair color."
no subject
"My great-grandmother was Pantoran, so I imagine I inherited this hair color from her. I've considered dyeing it in the past, but honestly it's not worth the hassle."
Even in his own time, he'd stood out quite a bit, and he didn't mind that so much. Thrass didn't seem like he found the color distasteful, at least, just unusual.
"As for the scar, I don't think you want to know."
Not exactly the sort of tale he went around sharing in his first proper conversation with someone. With his mask off, he picked his own cup of tea up to sip it.
"The thing I want you to deliver to your brother is an embroidery, by the way. He recently decided to lay claim to the artwork that I don't wish to display here for myself, and I see no reason not to give them to him- better than leaving them tucked away in a box somewhere."
no subject
"He does like his artwork, and I'm sure he appreciates your arrangement." Altair knew about Thrawn's unique skill with artwork, his brother had said. "Sadly, I don't share his talent, though I can certainly appreciate and enjoy artwork. My talents lie more in music." Suddenly he felt a pang for his old piano. Thrawn said that it had been gifted to another family member upon his supposed death.
no subject
Something he had often relied upon in his youth. The first year or so after he'd left Korriban, the only people who'd ever seen his eyes were his closest companions.
"Perhaps you'll get to meet one one day. I would also say the opposite is also true, that they can be mistaken for Chiss, but..."
He shrugged a shoulder ever so slightly. Not in this day and age, certainly. Not with the Chiss as private as they now were.
"He does. Though I couldn't help but tease him a little for so confidently laying claim to artwork I have not even created yet. He sounded very confident at the time. And I think a talent in music is a lovely thing to have. I'm not very good with it myself. I can sing a little, but nothing else."
no subject
"Confidence has always been a virtue of his." Thrawn was just lucky he had the genius to back up that confidence. Altair didn't sound too offended at the idea of Thrawn keeping his artwork either. "My brother says you have quite a lovely singing voice."
no subject
He was, after all, alive, and thus capable of experiencing anything he sought to. And not only did he now have Thrawn's protection to ensure he stayed part of the living for the foreseeable future, but by virtue of being Thrawn's brother, he also had Altair's. Thrawn was Altair's leader, after all, and ensuring that the things closest to him remained safe was part of his duties, even if he had not said as much, and would not say it, either.
It was one of those things he felt was implied. He was both a deadly weapon and a sufficient shield, and Altair was certain that Thrawn recognized him as such.
"His confidence is, yes. I have seen the folly of overconfidence too, but he keeps his confidence to a... Not objectionable level."
Had it been anyone else in this time, then Altair would probably not be nearly as amused though.
Thrass's words about his singing voice though brought a flush to his cheeks, because of all the things that he thought would come up between him and his brother in their chats, he didn't think that to be one of them. His expression likely read as more human than anything else, the purple blush spreading even to the tips of his ears, "... Ah. I won't render anyone deaf, is all. I'm not sure if it can be called lovely."
no subject
He drank the last few drops of his tea, before setting the empty cup aside. "My brother considers you a good friend, and he's quite selective when it comes to friendship."
no subject
"Both they, and he, exaggerate. Being able to carry a tune is something just about anyone can do."
As for their friendship... Well, there was that too.
"I am a useful weapon in his arsenal before I am anything else, but I am thankful that he sees me as his friend. The trust we currently have for each other is still rather new, honestly."
There had been a few missteps on the way. But they'd gotten over those by now.
no subject
"He doesn't see you as just a useful weapon. Perhaps he did at first, since he has this tenancy to see others as resources before he really gets to know them, but you're more to him than that now."
no subject
Certainly his singing voice was pleasant enough- but it wasn't special. And he assumed everyone who thought it to be so were simply surprised that a Sith would sing in the first place, given their reputation in this time. Back in his own, many Sith had been willing to sing, but that was a time long forgotten by anyone but him.
"I'm aware. And I appreciate his friendship. My purpose here is still to be of use to him though. The fact that our goals align is the most important."
To both of them, he imagined. Friendship was important- to Altair, especially, who loved his friends so dearly that losing the friends he had in his own time still hurt quite a lot- but their goal mattered most. It could be that his friendship with Thrawn would change that in the future, of course. Or some other friendship, even. But for now, it was the truth.
"If I sound stubborn in that insistence, then I'd ask you to blame that on the Sith in me. It's something that is in every Sith's nature, I'm afraid."
no subject
"That doesn't mean that you have to disregard your own wants and feelings, and think of yourself as a tool for him to use."
There was a soft knock at the door, and a voice on the other side asking for Lord Nox. It was Lorana. Thrass was still learning Basic and couldn't understand her entire sentence, but he could parse that she was asking if she could come in.
no subject
They weren't completely unimportant, but they were often set aside for other things. He hadn't resented living like that in his own time, and he didn't resent it now. But of course, explaining why he felt like that would take a lot of time and a couple of pieces of information that Thrass did not yet have.
Perhaps it was a conversation they would have in the future.
For now though, Altair was already reaching for his mask by the time the knock at his door came, as though he'd been expecting it. He put his helmeted mask back on, ensuring that the clasps were all shut properly, and pulled his hood back up over it, completely concealing his species once more, and only then did he go to answer the door- "Jedi," He greeted, gesturing for her to step inside if she'd like. He imagined that the fact that Thrass was already visiting would soothe away any nervousness she might feel about being in the same small room as him and all his dark relics.
Or so he hoped, anyway.
no subject
"Do not mind me," Thrass assured her, switching to Sy Bisti. "Whatever you have to say to Lord Nox you can say in front of me." Especially since he still wasn't entirely fluent in Basic, and he naturally assumed she would use that language when speaking with Altair.
Lorana nodded, though she still looked somewhat nervous when she glanced at Altair. Not the fear she may have felt around him when they first met, but more like that of someone who thought she was out of her league. But, she steeled herself and said, "I talked with the Grand Admiral, and gave it a lot of thought. And I've decided to accept your offer."
Even if Thrass wasn't completely fluent, he certainly understood what she'd just said.
no subject
Her apprehension remained, though he couldn't put a finger on its nature, but at least she wasn't shaking like a leaf, worried about what the nasty Sith could be planning.
Her words were rather a surprise though.
He had expected a no or for her decision to take her much longer than this.
"I'm glad. Whether you need me to be a friendly ear, a shoulder to lean or, or a voice to help guide you on whatever path you choose to take from here on out, I did say that my door is open to you. Whatever you need, Jedi, I am here."
Though it was difficult to tell, there was a touch of warmth and even gratitude in his voice as he spoke. Though she was a Jedi, it would be nice to have another Force sensitive person around. It wasn't the same as having an apprentice or even a Sith or Jedi on equal line with him- something he missed- but it was something. Familiarity.
"Though if that's the case, that you accept my offer, perhaps I'll need to start actually calling you Lorana rather than merely Jedi."
That was a joke. Though he would call her whatever she preferred.
no subject
"I feel the same way about my home," Thrass said, still not trusting himself enough to attempt to actually converse in Basic. "Even if the Ascendancy hasn't changed much, it won't be same as the home I left." She'd probably lost more than he had, though.
"The Grand Admiral also assured me that you're not like my old master," Lorana added. "Not that that wasn't obvious."
no subject
"And did he now?" Altair said, raising his head slightly, showing that she'd caught his interest, "Your old master must have been a cruel person then. I'm sorry. Whatever shape our relationship takes, I wish for you to tell me should I ever start to resemble your old master. You can do so bluntly too, should the need for it arise. In fact, it'd be comforting to me if you voice your opinions and your emotions freely."
He knew a thing or two about cruel masters too, which was why he was attentive to that in particular. While he'd taken care to not be so to Ashara and Xalek, he was a different man now than he had been. He felt like he was much colder now than he was in his youth. So should he ever treat Lorana cruelly, he wanted to be called out on it. To place himself above criticism would be to step onto a wrong path.
"No person is perfect, after all. It's important to be open to the opinions of others."
A pause, and then, "Ah. Except maybe Thrawn, actually. I've yet to see any failing in him as of yet."
A little bit of humor- in his voice, but also the way he tilted his head toward Thrass just a bit. Thrawn was, after all, open to input from others. That showed that he was well aware that others could see what he himself might not. It was an admirable quality.
no subject
He smirked at Altair. "Spend enough time with and you might find something." Not that he was about to point out his brother's flaws out loud. Altair clearly admired Thrawn a whole lot, more so than probably any others on this ship.
"I tried to convince myself that he wasn't bad," Lorana said. "Even when the evidence was looking me right in the eye, I didn't want to believe it. And then he tried to kill Thrawn and I knew that he'd fallen to the dark side." Even if Thrawn's forces had attacked them first, what C'baoth had done was still attempted murder. "He believed that the Jedi were superior to everyone, and that it was our right to shape how the galaxy was run. That everyone should automatically defer to us, including the Senate." She paused. "Still, I think he made a good point, when he said that the Jedi needed to adapt and change if they were to survive." Given what had happened, his words seemed much harsher in hindsight.
no subject
Sometimes a bit too much.
"Your master was as much a fool as he was cruel, then."
Just hearing about him, he sounded a lot like the sort of scum Altair had had to dispose of in the past.
"The Jedi are not superior to anyone else, nor are the Sith. Anyone who thinks like that should never lead. A wise leader must always be open to the viewpoints of others, and be willing to admit that they do not know everything. Not that I have any love for the Republic Senate or even the Republic itself or anything. But even a thousand chaotic voices is better than one moron who thinks they have some divine right to lead simply because the Force is a little stronger him."
Altair had been a leader in his own time, of course. Still, he'd never thought himself above his people even though he could have and it would have been accepted. But he'd always thought that it was important to keep an open mind, and to value input from others, regardless of whether they were Force sensitive or not. Sith and Jedi were powerful, but they were not omniscient nor omnipotent, much as they might want to present themselves in such a way.
"To change and adapt is important though, yes. Neither the Sith nor the Jedi can do that any more. You and I can, though. With a little help from friends, I think we can both change for the better."
no subject
"He's not wrong," Lorana said. "A leader should be everything Lord Nox said they should, and while I haven't known Thrawn for very long, I'd say that description suits him."
"That it does," Thrass agreed. He turned to Altair, "There isn't anyone on this ship who would not agree with you."
(no subject)
(no subject)