Trooper

Blurred Confessions

Kessel: 13 BBY
"Broken Remnant"
Jess

They dropped out of hyperspace just beyond the large rust colored planet. Through the viewport, Jess could see the Profundity and several X-wings as they emerged from hyperspace. He switched the comms on just as a hologram of Admiral Raddus appeared.

"We will be attacking the large mine closest to Marg Krim's palace. Be careful. The mine is guarded by AT-STs and stormtroopers. I'm sure there are bound to be hangars close by. Ground teams, get down there and free the slaves. Get them to fight with you. Squadron leaders, take your wings and attack the garrisons."

A few seconds later, a solo transmission blinked on. "Yes, Admiral?" Jess asked. He flipped a few switches, bringing the ship's guns online.

"Let us handle the fight. Get to the palace and find your friend. Cassian, if you can, take the droid and hack into Krim's databanks. Gather anything you can find on the Pyke Syndicate, Black Sun, and their relations to the Empire."

"Yes, Sir!" Cassian replied.

"We'll rendezvous with you shortly," Jess added. Admiral Raddus nodded and the comm blinked off. "Let's get going."

They headed down the the surface of the planet. As they dropped below the clouds, Jess's eyes widened in surprise. Massive pits filled the ground below them. Jess could make out the faint outlines of the slaves at work. He quickly maneuvered them away from the mines.

An X-wing squadron soared over the mine, blasting at the AT-STs. One of the ground assault vehicles touched down and Rebel soldiers went streaming into the mines. Already, explosions boomed around them.

"Land over there," Cassian pointed to an unguarded platform jutting out of the palace.

Jess nodded and set the Remnant down carefully. "Azie, help Cassian. I'll contact you as soon as I find Ryn. If someone comes after the ship, one of you will have to come defend it or find us another ride out of here." Cassian nodded and Azie chirped his agreement.

Jess grabbed Ryn's blasters and slid them into his own holsters. He adjusted his blaster settings and ran off the ship. "Don't you want your helmet?" Cassian called after him.

"No, she'll have to see my face," he called back. Jess didn't bother waiting to see where they went. He charged into the palace and ducked down a corridor.

Sounds of music and all sorts of scents wafted through the palace halls. Jess headed towards them, dodging in and out of closest and other hallways as guards and guests walked past. Briefly, he let his hand touch Ryn's crystal, still hanging around his neck.

If you can help me find her, do it, he thought. The crystal felt warmer than normal. Something prompted him to turn. Jess followed the feeling and the crystal grew warmer.

Kessel: 13 BBY
Marg Krim's Palace
Ryn Alera

Ryn sat back in a corner, rubbing her forehead. A dull headache split through her temples and the pounding music did nothing to help. She drifted further out of sight as a few of the guests walked past. Earlier, she had managed to sneak back to her room and switch into her regular clothes. If anyone had noticed, they'd failed to say anything.

"There you are!" Feylin exclaimed. Ryn jumped, banging her montrals against the pillar beside her. She rubbed them angrily, face contorted in pain. "Sorry. The Falleens are asking for us and Marg Krim is getting impatient."

"Let them be impatient. I'm not going," Ryn hissed.

"You have to or we'll be sent to processing!" Feylin exclaimed.