THE FATE

CHAPTER 23

I approached the war room, ready to began going back to my duties. It has been about 3 months since that day that Kor left and since blocking the force off. Everyday Kor is my first and last thought before I go to sleep each night. Since seeing him sit in front of me in Naboo. I have not stopped chasing him through the force. I've buried my face in all sorts of books and trying to find ways to tap back into the force. I've screamed and yelled and cursed at the force, looking for answers. I have come up empty each time. 

A low growl of my greeting soars across the room as I enter and sit down at my appointed seat. Before the Resistance bombed us, we have felt safe here. Almost untouchable. But no one is truly safe in this world. 

"Give me an update on their movement," I demanded. I look across the room at the some of the new faces sitting around the table. Some were killed and others were sent to the work camps for not seeing the attack first. I wasn't sure if that Hux or Snoke who decided who lived or died. I was just glad I didn't have to make that decision. 

"Commander, they have fled back to the outer rim on the planet of Lothal. Which is surrounded by gangs and pirates in the area," Haagen jumped in. He adjusted himself in his seat, almost as if he disagreed with the Resistance fleeing back. 

"Gather a squadron and we take off in three days," I said and looked to Haagen for the nod of approval. But one didn't come. 

"It is rather risky to head there with so many hostiles in the area. I wonder if we could keep a squadron around waiting for them to leave and we catch them on their tails."

A small discussion broke out around the new and older officers, questioning both moves of our suggestions. I looked over to Hagen as he was already looking in my direction, and offered a slight smirk. I quickly looked down at the holographic maps and began studying. I trusted his advice and wanted his advice for any and all movement towards any sort of attacks. 

But I wondered. 

I wondered if I could go in, alone. Or with a small team and sort them out from inside. 

I held my hand up, and silence struck the room. 

"General Hagen is correct, it is too risky. Therefore I will go with a small team and scout, and possibly take out the higher leaders. Pending approval of course," with a slight chuckle. The room also let out some laughs. 

"Take one of mine, they are highly skilled and trained. It would be an honor of mine and their to go with you," an officer called out. 

I nodded at the acknowledgment with the compliment. 

"I will go alone and I will take off within the coming days, expect a debrief to occur," I said and tapped on the table, to signal that this meeting is over. I stood up and the rest of the officers stood up, addressed me, and parted ways. 

Once everyone left the room, I scanned more of the maps. I wanted to see exactly I just got myself into. How I could make them pay. 

A tap on the shoulder-

"Commander," a voice called from behind. 

"Care to join me on this trip, Hagen?" I questioned with a tone of laughing. Hoping he would say no. 

"It would be an honor to join you, but I have other obligations that require me to stay here. But I wanted to catch you before you headed out for the day to go back to your studies," he replied while taking a deep breath. I have used "studies" for covering myself as I was trying to learn how to unblock the force, I was left alone when I mentioned those words to anyone questioning my whereabouts for the day. 

I sat down in the chair, still unable to tap into the force and read his thoughts. How badly I wanted to read them in this moment, when prior I never wanted to.