Star Wars - Shadows Of The Outer Rim

7. | Wounds & Warnings

Kiera sat on the edge of a creaky wooden table as a medical droid gently dabbed at the fresh cut on her forehead and cheek. The quarters that had been assigned to Kiera and her soldiers in the castle were dimly lit, the light casting long shadows on the walls, cascading pillars holding up the vaulted ceiling. Rations, datapads, and discarded armor were scattered across the room. The sting was minor, but the small wound felt like a glaring reminder of her impulsiveness. She continually replayed the confrontation in her mind. She had underestimated her opponent, letting her confidence outweigh her instincts. She had only been away from Master Kallor's guidance for a day and was already making mistakes.

The heavy wooden door opened abruptly, and Jax stormed in, his footsteps echoing on the stone floor. Kiera looked up, immediately registering his expression-a mix of anger and worry.

"Do you have any idea how reckless that was? What did I tell you?" Jax's voice cut through the room. "You didn't call for backup. You didn't even think to inform me. You could have been killed!"

Kiera flinched at the edge of his tone but quickly tried to deflect. A weak smile tugged at her lips. "C'mon, you're just upset you missed a good fight."

Jax's eyes narrowed, his expression hard as stone. "Not the time, kid."

The humor fell flat, and Kiera's smile faded. She forced herself to meet his glare. "I thought I could handle it," she said, her voice quieter than she intended. "Besides, I didn't know they'd jump straight to fighting."

Jax crossed his arms, his tone sharp. "Really? You didn't think a group of seasoned criminals and bandits might shoot first and ask questions later? You're smarter than this, Kiera. This isn't just about you. We're a team, and I'm your second in command. I need to know what's going on out there."

She swallowed hard, her hand subconsciously brushing the edge of the scar. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

Kiera's shoulders slumped. "I... I'll do better," she murmured. Jax sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just... think before you act, Kiera. You're not invincible, no matter how strong you think you are."

The tension between them lingered as Jax turned to leave, his disappointment evident. Kiera sat back, the silence of the room amplifying her self-doubt.

As Kiera stepped into the castle's hallway, still reeling from her conversation with Jax, she nearly collided with someone. It was the female Advisor from the King's council-the one she had seen sparring verbally with Harrek during the last tense meeting. The woman's striking presence commanded immediate attention; her dark robes and intricate insignias denoted both her high status and her uncompromising demeanor. Kiera stepped back, an apology already forming on her lips. "I'm so sorry-I wasn't paying attention. I was just on my way to update the council."

"Kiera," She said, her voice steady and authoritative. "Rynn has already updated the council on your findings."

Kiera blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, I-" she began, but the woman didn't let her finish.

"Walk with me," the advisor commanded, without waiting for Kiera's reply, she turned and began striding down the hall, her robes flowing behind her. "I don't think we were properly introduced. My name is Selyne." Kiera nodded, though Selyne's tone didn't feel like an invitation to speak. They emerged onto an exterior balcony overlooking the castle's sprawling grounds, the faint glow of city lights shimmering in the distance. The cool night air brushed against Kiera's skin as Selyne turned to face her. "I've been meaning to speak with you."

Selyne's expression softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "I don't appreciate you putting my daughter in danger. "

The revelation left Kiera momentarily speechless. Suddenly, Rynn's protective nature and unique position in the court made perfect sense. Kiera opened her mouth to defend herself but closed it again, the weight of Selyne's words pressing down on her. "That said," Selyne added, her voice softening.

"I'm grateful to you. You saved her life, and for that, I thank you. I understand that you weren't intending to lead her into danger."

Her voice softened further, a rare vulnerability slipping through. "But Rynn... she can be stubborn. She takes risks she shouldn't, and she doesn't always see the bigger picture. That's why I'm telling you this."

Kiera nodded. "I tried to get her to stay behind," she offered, her voice low. "But she wouldn't listen."

Selyne gave a faint smile, her stern expression easing for the first time. "She's too proud for her own good sometimes," she admitted. "That's her father in her."

Satisfied, Selyne shifted the conversation. "The real reason I wanted to talk to you was about the council. We haven't decided whether to meet with the Dasturn Senate yet. The discussions are contentious, and certain members... particularly Harrek... are stirring conflict rather than resolving it."

Kiera frowned. "Is there anything I can do to help sway them?"

Selyne's expression grew grim. "Not directly. But there is something else."

She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Falmar isn't the only one who has mysteriously disappeared recently. We have been receiving missing persons reports for a while. I gained intelligence of large numbers of seemingly ordinary farmers on Tenor going missing. I believe they could be linked to his Falmars disappearance, but I can't be certain. I haven't shared this with anyone else. Trust is in short supply."

Kiera's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"Because I only just found out about it," Selyne admitted. "I propose you go there and investigate that lead to see what it uncovers. And take Rynn, she could use the reminder of her roots."

Kiera wasn't exactly sure what that meant but didn't push. "With all due respect Advisor, I don't think she trusts me. Frankly, I'm not sure she even wants anything to do with me or any other Jedi."

It was the truth, Rynn had not been very receptive to the Jedis' involvement in their conflict. She clearly felt disdain towards Kiera and the Republic. Kiera wondered what had happened in the past. What had created this divide? Selyne's gaze hardened. "She's stubborn, yes. But she'll come around. She may not realize it yet, but we need you here.

"I'll speak to her," Selyne continued, her tone softening but still firm.

"Just... promise me you'll be careful." She hesitated for a fraction of a second before adding, "She's my only daughter."

"I promise," Kiera said with confidence.

Kiera stepped out of the chamber, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Selyne's words weighed heavily on her, but they also ignited a renewed sense of purpose. She had already failed to gather any useful information once. Investigating this new lead was a chance to redeem herself and to uncover a larger mystery looming over Vandor's Reach.

As Kiera made her way back to her quarters, she passed Rynn in the hallway. Their eyes met briefly, however Rynn's expression remained guarded, her gaze unreadable, offering no hint of gratitude or trust. Kiera hesitated for a moment, searching for words that didn't come, but Rynn had already turned away, continuing down the corridor without a second glance.