Star Wars - Shadows Of The Outer Rim

5. | Dark Star

Kiera stepped out of the grand doors of the palace, Rynn walking silently beside her. The cool evening breeze brushed against her white Jedi robes, causing them to billow slightly as they emerged onto the terrace overlooking the sprawling city below. From this height, the city shimmered under the fading light, tall spires of gleaming buildings interspersed with flowing rivers of traffic. The beauty of it was undeniable, but there was a tension between the two women that broke the serenity.

As they made their way down the steps, Kiera spotted Jax standing near the entrance. He straightened as he saw her approach, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his eyes.

"Jax," Kiera called, quickening her pace, happy to see a friendly face again.

Jax's brow furrowed as he glanced at Rynn. "And who's this?"

"This is Rynn," Kiera said, gesturing to the other woman. "She'll be assisting in my investigation into the missing advisor."

Rynn nodded slightly, her posture remaining guarded. "Please have your soldiers stage at the palace until we figure out what's going on."

Jax exchanged a look with Kiera, skepticism etched on his face. "Stage at the palace? I don't know about this, Kiera. We're not just here to babysit."

"I understand," Kiera replied, her voice steady. "But we need to keep our presence discreet. I don't want to draw unnecessary attention by marching a troop of soldiers to advisor Falmars home."

After a moment, Jax sighed, a reluctant acceptance softening across his face. "Fine. But you better keep me in the loop. Contact me if anything comes up."

Kiera nodded, appreciating his understanding. "I will. Just make sure the men finish unloading and setting up. We may need their support soon."

Jax's eyes narrowed at Rynn, but he kept his voice even. "Understood. We'll get on it."

With a salute, Kiera watched as Jax moved away, instructing the other men to their tasks. Turning back to Rynn, she could sense the tension still lingering between them as they began to walk.

Kiera glanced sideways towards Rynn, hoping to break the silence. "It's a breathtaking view, isn't it? The way the city seems to come alive as the sun sets."

Rynn snorted softly, her eyes locked on the vast city below, jaw clenched tight. "Peace? It's just a nice illusion, until you look closer." She didn't look at Kiera, her gaze fixed on the horizon as if daring Kiera to argue.

Kiera raised an eyebrow, the coldness in Rynn's tone wasn't unexpected, but there was more behind it. There was history, a wound left to fester. Kiera sighed inwardly, knowing this wasn't going to be easy.

"You don't trust me," Kiera said after a moment, her voice calm and unaccusing. It wasn't a question, more of a statement.

Rynn stopped, folding her arms as she turned to face Kiera, eyes narrowing. "Should I? You're just like the rest, Republic dogs. You talk about peace like it's something you can hand out, but you don't know what it's like to live through the wreckage you leave behind."

Kiera stopped walking, her breath catching for a moment. "That's not true," she shot back, defensively. For a moment, hurt flashed across her face before she quickly masked it. For a moment, she clenched her fists at her sides, the tension in her body mirroring Rynn's. "I'm only here to help. That's it."

"Help?" Rynn let out a sharp laugh. "That's rich. You think we haven't had your 'help' before? It never ends well for us. You swoop in, throw your weight around, and then you leave. And we're the ones left picking up the pieces."

Kiera studied her, her dark piercing eyes filled with passion. "I don't know what happened in the past. But I do know that I won't abandon this system in its time of need. Whether you like my presence here or not, I'm staying."