Your name is Iso. You and your partner Tris are smugglers who partnered up years ago to pay off a debt. This has been your life for the past few years and you both want nothing more than to be free.
Recently an unknown entity contracted you to transport a special package to a secure location. You just arrived at the pickup location and are waiting for the entity to arrive with the package and you are awaiting instructions.
[[Talk to Tris->Conversation with Tris]]
`"`How much longer before this contact is supposed to be here?`"` Tris complains. `"`I need to get back to work on the engine.`"`
`"`They should be here soon. With how much we are getting paid for this, we can afford to be patient,`"` you respond. `"`We do this job and sell our ship, we could be home free.`"`
`"`I hope we haven't kept you waiting too long,`"` a voice says. You turn to see a hooded figure stepping out of the shadows.
[["Do you have the package?"->Meet the child Iso]]`"`You are Iso, correct?`"` the figure asks.
`"`I am. This is my sister, Tris.`"` you answer.
`"`Excellent. I do in fact have the package, as well as the drive that will guide you to the location. I am afraid this might not be what you were expecting.`"`
`"`What is that supposed to mean?`"`
A small child steps out from behind the cloaked figure, a hood pulled low over their face. They cling closely to the figure's side, obviously nervous.
`"`This is the package.`"`
[["We're going to need an explanation."->Instruction Iso]]`"`This is a rather delicate situation, so I'm afraid there is not much I can tell you,`"` the figure says. `"`But I assure you this mission is of the utmost importance.`"`
`"`How can we be sure this isn't kidnapping?`"` Tris asks.
[["She has a point. We draw the line at trafficking people."->Noble response Iso]]
[["How much are you paying us?"->Selfish response Iso]]`"`I understand your concern. The situation is rather, complicated, though. Trust me when I say that the child will be safer where you are taking them then they are here.`"` the figure explains. Beside them, the child starts nodding.
`"`And where exactly are we taking them?`"` you ask.
`"`The coordinates are here on this drive. It will erase itself once you have arrived. Also, here is the first half of your payment. You will receive the second half upon arrival.`"`
You are surprised at the amount of money he hands you. This might be the last job you and your sister ever have to do.
[[Take the drive->Departure Iso]]Tris looks a little miffed but says nothing.
`"`I assure you, you will both be well compensated. Here is the first half. The second will be given to you upon arrival.`"`
You are surprised at the amount of money he hands you. This might be the last job you and your sister ever have to do.
`"`And where exactly are we taking this package?`"` you ask.
`"`The coordinates are here on this drive. It will erase itself once you have arrived. Trust no one, unless they bear a message from me.`"`
[[Take the drive->Departure Iso]]`"`I promise you, you will not regret this,`"` the figure says. "Tell no one of the child or the mission unless they bear a holo message from me telling you that you can trust them. You will need to show them the one I sent you."
`"`We are happy to help,`"` you respond, mentally thanking Tris for insisting you keep the message. The figure stoops down and places his hands on the child's shoulders.
`"`Remember what I told you. These people are going to take you somewhere you will be safe.`"`
The child nods and walks obediently to your side.
`"`We should probably leave before anyone spots us,`"` Tris comments.
You look at the child. They are standing just out of your reach.
[["You're right. The sooner we leave, the sooner we get the kid to safety."->Travel Iso Noble]]
[["You're right. The sooner we get this package delivered, the sooner we get paid."->Travel Iso Selfish]]You gave the child a tour of the ship soon after departing. They didn't have much with them but you left them to settle in their room anyway.
A few hours later you were busy monitoring the console, relaying information to Tris while she worked on repairs. Eventually, you notice the child standing just in the hallway.
`"`Hey there. Do you need anything?`"` you ask. They shrink back slightly. You decide to take a different approach.
`"`Want to help me monitor the console? I can show you what is what. We have to keep an eye on things while Tris works on repairs.`"`
The child nods eagerly and steps forwards.
[["Come here. I'll show you what to look for."->Travel Iso Noble 2]]You gave the child a tour of the ship soon after departing. They didn't have much with them but you left them to settle in their room anyway.
A few hours later you were busy monitoring the console, relaying information to Tris while she worked on repairs. Eventually, you notice the child standing just in the hallway.
`"`What do you want, kid?`"` you ask. The child shrinks back into the hallway.
`"`Scram kid. I'm working.`"`
You return your gaze to the console. The pattering of feet tells you the child has run back to their room, slamming the door behind them.
`"`It wouldn't kill you to be nice,`"` Tris chides.
[["I'm not getting paid enough to babysit the kid. Just focus on the repairs."->Travel Iso Selfish 2]]The next few days pass uneventfully. The child spends more and more time with you as you teach them how to repair different parts of the ship. They catch on quickly and you start to let them pilot the ship sometimes. Under your supervision of course.
One day you are explaining what you know about hyperspace when one of the icons on the console lights up.
`"`Hey kid, why don't you go get cleaned up? I'm going to break out the meal kits soon.`"`
The child scampers off to their room. You examine the console closely while Tris comes to stand behind you.
`"`What is it?`"` she asks.
`"`A transmission from a Republic ship, same class as ours. They are hailing us.`"`
`"`Are you going to answer?`"`
`"`It's either that or risk being blown out of the sky.`"`
[[Accept transmission->Trooper Transmission Iso Noble]]The next few days pass uneventfully. The child never leaves their room except to eat. This suites you just fine.
One day you are monitoring the console while Tris tinkers with something behind you. You are lost in thought when something lights up, demanding your attention.
`"`Hey Tris, can you come here a minute?`"`
`"`What is it?`"` she asks. It takes her a minute to put the panel back together and walk up behind you.
`"`A transmission from a Republic ship, same class as ours. They are hailing us.`"`
`"`Are you going to answer?`"`
`"`It's either that or risk being blown out of the sky.`"`
[[Accept transmission->Trooper Transmission Iso Selfish]]//Transport ship Albion, this is Republic Ship 715 requesting permission to board.//
`"`Is there a problem?`"` you ask.
//All non-Republic ships are to be subjected to inspection, under order from the Senate.//
`"`How are we supposed to say no to that?`"` Tris whisper.
`"`We have no choice. We can't run,`"` you reply.
//Transport ship Albion, please respond.//
[["Permission granted. Give me one moment to start up the docking procedure."->Trooper Search Iso Selfish]]You and Tris are both standing beside the airlock when the troopers board. There are only two of them, but they are both armed. It also does not escape your attention that upon docking they seized control of your ship.
`"`How can we help you?`"` you ask.
`"`State your business,`"` one of the troopers demands.
`"`I'm Iso. This is Tris, my partner. We are traders. We heard there might be jobs near this region so we came to see what we can find.`"` you answer.
`"`Is there anyone else on board this ship?`"`
[["Just our son."->Trooper Reveal Iso Selfish]]`"`We need to see your child,`"` the other trooper says.
`"`Why do you need to see our child?`"` Tris asks slowly. She shifts her weight slightly in the direction of the hallway. You remember what the hooded man said and start to feel uneasy.
`"`The Jedi temple on Coruscant believes that one of their younglings, under the influence of Separatists, has run away with valuable knowledge. It is important that we find this child before they reach the Separatist army.`"`
`"`We haven't come into contact with any Jedi. We tend to stay away from the fighting,`"` you say.
The hologram the trooper shows is of a man who vaguely resembles your contact.
[["I don't recognize him."->Iso Caught Selfish]]//Transport ship Albion, this is Republic Ship 715 requesting permission to board.//
`"`Is there a problem?`"` you ask.
//All non-Republic ships are to be subjected to inspection, under order from the Senate.//
`"`How are we supposed to say no to that?`"` Tris whisper.
`"`We have no choice. We can't run,`"` you reply.
//Transport ship Albion, please respond.//
[["Permission granted. Give me one moment to start up the docking procedure."->Trooper Search Iso Noble]]You and Tris are both standing beside the airlock when the troopers board. There are only two of them, but they are both armed. It also does not escape your attention that upon docking they seized control of your ship.
`"`How can we help you?`"` you ask.
`"`State your business,`"` one of the troopers demands.
`"`I'm Iso. This is Tris, my partner. We are traders. We heard there might be jobs near this region so we came to see what we can find.`"` you answer.
`"`Is there anyone else on board this ship?`"`
[["Just our daughter."->Trooper Reveal Iso Noble]]`"`We need to see your child,`"` the other trooper says.
`"`Why do you need to see our child?`"` Tris asks slowly. She shifts her weight slightly in the direction of the hallway. You remember what the hooded man said and start to feel uneasy.
`"`The Jedi temple on Coruscant believes that one of their younglings, under the influence of Separatists, has run away with valuable knowledge. It is important that we find this child before they reach the Separatist army.`"`
`"`We haven't come into contact with any Jedi. We tend to stay away from the fighting,`"` you say.
`"`We believe that this man hired a pair of smugglers to take the youngling to an unknown destination.`"`
The hologram the trooper shows is of a man who vaguely resembles your contact.
[["I don't recognize him."->Iso Caught Noble]]`"`How about this?`"`
The next image they show you is a picture of you and Tris talking to your contact, followed by you leading the child onto the ship.
`"`Give us the child and we will let you be on your way. If you resist, we will be forced to arrest you for treason.`"`
[["Is there some kind of reward for helping catch a Jedi?"->Iso Caught Selfish 2]]
[["What are you going to do to them?"->Iso Caught Noble 2]]`"`How about this?`"`
The next image they show you is a picture of you and Tris talking to your contact, followed by you leading the child onto the ship.
`"`Give us the child and we will let you be on your way. If you resist, we will be forced to arrest you for treason.`"`
[["Is there some kind of reward for helping catch a Jedi?"->Iso Caught Selfish 2]]
[["Sorry pal, we have a policy about never leaving a job unfinished."->Iso Caught Less Selfish]]`"`Smart move,`"` the first trooper says. They had you a card with an amount of money on it.
`"`Iso,`"` Tris hisses, glaring at you.
`"`What? We need the money,`"` you respond.
[["The kid is in the back room."->Iso Decision Selfish]]`"`That is none of your concern. Hand them over and forget this ever happened.`"`
[["Fine. They're in the back room."->Iso Decision Selfish]]
[["No. We won't let you take them"->Iso Decision Noble]]`"`Then we will take them by force,`"` the trooper says. They raise their weapons.
`"`I'd like to see you try,`"` Tris challenges, stepping into the doorway to the main gun for cover. You draw your weapon and move to stand behind the pilot seat. For a second nothing happens and then, to your surprise, they lower their weapons.
You glance at Tris in your confusion and that is when you notice the child standing in the hallway. Their arm is outstretched towards the troopers.
`"`I am going to erase these files,`"` one says, typing a few strokes on the datapad. The images vanish.
`"`You can continue on with your business. We won't remember any of this," the other says. They simultaneously drop their weapons and leave the ship. Moments later the console flickers back to life. You and Tris watch the ship leave, too stunned to say anything for a few minutes. When you look back at the child you see the hint of a smile on their face.
[["How did you do that?"->Kid Reveal Iso]]`"`Stay right there,`"` the trooper comments. They start walking towards the hallway with their guns drawn, only to stop before they enter. Before you have a chance to ask if something is wrong they turn and point their guns towards you.
`"`Put your hands where we can see them!`"` one barks. You and Tris comply, confused.
`"`Is there a problem?`"` you ask. The first trooper keeps his gun trained on you while the other moves forward to cuff Tris. You nod at her to cooperate.
`"`You have been conspiring with the Separatists. You're to be tried for treason,`"` he explains. Your arms are wrenched behind you as the second trooper cuffs you.
`"`What are you talking about? We have no connections with-`"` The trooper backhands Tris before she can finish speaking.
`"`Another word from either of you and I'll be telling my superiors you were killed trying to escape.`"`
As you are being led from the ship you see the child standing in the hallway. Their eyes are glinting with malice from under the hood.
[[Continue->Prison life Ending]]The kid shrugged, a mischevious grin just visible beneath the hood.
`"`Think you could teach me?`"` you ask. They shake their head, raising their hand to point at the console. One of the panels started spelling out a word. Force.
`"`Okay then. No idea what that means,`"` you say under your breath.
`"`What do we do now? Those can't be the only troopers out looking for this kid?`"` Tris asks.
`"`We stay on course. The sooner we get to the drop off point the better.`"`
`"`I'll finish fine tuning the weapon system then. Give me a shout if you need anything.`"`
[["Let's get you somewhere safe, then."->After the fight Iso]]You and Tris are imprisoned immediately upon arriving at Coruscant. Word spreads of the accusations against you. Instead of helping you, the people you work for disavow all knowledge of you. In the end, the accusations of treason are dropped due to lack of evidence.
You do get in trouble for smuggling. Your old bosses and a few enemies use this as an opportunity to frame you for things their more favored assets did. You and Tris both get sentenced to separate prisons for the rest of your lives.
Two weeks into your incarceration you hear about the attack on the Chancellor and the subsequent order to execute the Jedi. For months they show the pictures of the Jedi still at large. Two of them, a man and a child, seem familiar to you.
You never stop thinking about what might have happened, had you completed the job. The child's face haunts you until the day you die.
"THE END"It takes a few hours for everyone to calm down after the incident with the troopers. You become more vigilant about checking the scanners, but no one else bothers you. Tris focuses on fine-tuning the weapons systems as well as cleaning your personal weapons.
Now that they know you will protect them, the child is more comfortable around you. They start using the Force more freely to help you and Tris around the ship. While they never say anything, the thankful glances and brilliant smiles say everything.
Everything has settled into a comfortable rhythm when you notice that the ship is heading towards a planet. You check the console to confirm your suspicion before saying anything.
[["We are almost there."->Meeting the envoy]]`"`Then we will take them by force,`"` the trooper says. They raise their weapons.
`"`I'd like to see you try,`"` Tris challenges, stepping into the doorway to the main gun for cover. You draw your weapon and move to stand behind the pilot seat. For a second nothing happens and then, to your surprise, they lower their weapons.
You glance at Tris in your confusion and that is when you notice the child standing in the hallway. Their arm is outstretched towards the troopers.
`"`I am going to erase these files,`"` one says, typing a few strokes on the datapad. The images vanish.
`"`You can continue on with your business. We won't remember any of this," the other says. They simultaneously drop their weapons and leave the ship. Moments later the console flickers back to life. You and Tris watch the ship leave, too stunned to say anything for a few minutes. When you look back at the child you see the hint of a smile on their face.
[["How did you do that?"->Kid Reveal Iso 2]]The kid shrugs.
`"`Whatever. I don't care,`"` you comment.
`"`What do we do now? Those can't be the only troopers out looking for this kid?`"` Tris asks.
`"`We stay on course. The sooner we get to the drop off point the better.`"`
`"`I'll finish fine tuning the weapon system then. Give me a shout if you need anything.`"`
[["I am so ready for this job to be done."->After the fight Iso 2]]It takes a few hours for everyone to calm down after the incident with the troopers. You become more vigilante about checking the scanners, but no one else bothers you. Tris focuses on fine tuning the weapons systems as well as cleaning your personal weapons.
Now that they know you will protect them, the child spends more time out of their room. They keep their distance and make no attempts to interact with you beyond occasionally using the Force to lend a hand.
Everything has settled into a comfortable rhythm when you notice that the ship is heading towards a planet. You check the console to confirm your suspicion before saying anything.
[["We are almost there."->Meeting the envoy 2]]The drive continues providing directions, so you plug it into something more portable. A few hours and a mostly functional speeder ride later you find yourself outside what appears to be an abandoned building.
`"`Is this the place?`"` Tris asks, eyeing it wearily. You check the map.
`"`I hope so. The drive just erased itself. Come on, let's check it out.`"`
You both carefully enter the building, weapons drawn. It appears empty at first, then you feel the child tugging on your sleeve. They are pointing to an open doorway just to your right. You gesture to Tris and she nods.
`"`Is anyone there?`"` you ask loudly. For a second nothing happens. Then a hooded figure steps through the doorway. You and Tris level your weapons at them.
`"`Don't shoot. I am removing a hologram projector from my pocket. I understand you have one as well,`"` they say in a voice that is distinctly feminine. Beside you, Tris slowly removes the device given to you on Coruscant. They both flare to life, producing an image of the man the troopers had shown you earlier. The second he starts speaking you recognize his voice as belonging to your contact.
//If you are seeing this message, that means everything has gone according to plan and the child is safe. Neither of you will see or hear from me again, as I have gone into hiding myself. Thank you all for everything you have done. May the Force be with you.//
`"`What is the Force people keep talking about? What is going on?`"` Tris asks.
`"`Why don't you join me for dinner? You are no doubt tired from your journeys. It may take some time to explain everything,`"` the figure responds, gesturing towards the doorway. You exchange looks with Tris.
[["We would love to."->Dinner]]
[["If it's all the same to you, we just want to get our money and leave."->Old life ending]]The drive continues providing directions, so you plug it into something more portable. A few hours and a mostly functional speeder ride later you find yourself outside what appears to be an abandoned building.
`"`Is this the place?`"` Tris asks, eyeing it wearily. You check the map.
`"`I hope so. The drive just erased itself. Come on, let's check it out.`"`
You both carefully enter the building, weapons drawn. It appears empty at first, then you feel the child tugging on your sleeve. They are pointing to an open doorway just to your right. You gesture to Tris and she nods.
`"`Is anyone there?`"` you ask loudly. For a second nothing happens. Then a hooded figure steps through the doorway. You and Tris level your weapons at them.
`"`Don't shoot. I am removing a hologram projector from my pocket. I understand you have one as well,`"` they say in a voice that is distinctly feminine. Beside you, Tris slowly removes the device given to you on Coruscant. They both flare to life, producing an image of the man the troopers had shown you earlier. The second he starts speaking you recognize his voice as belonging to your contact.
//If you are seeing this message, that means everything has gone according to plan and the child is safe. Neither of you will see or hear from me again, as I have gone into hiding myself. Thank you all for everything you have done. May the Force be with you.//
`"`What is the Force people keep talking about? What is going on?`"` Tris asks.
`"`Why don't you join me for dinner? You are no doubt tired from your journeys. It may take some time to explain everything,`"` the figure responds, gesturing towards the doorway. You exchange looks with Tris.
[["We would love to."->Dinner]]
[["If it's all the same to you, we just want to get our money and leave."->Old life ending]]The woman leads you deeper into the temple, explaining how it serves as a hideout for those who have left the Jedi order who want to remain in peace. She guides you to what appears to be the kitchen and begins preparing the meal. While she cooks you tell her the whole story.
`"`I must applaud your bravery. Not many would have put their life on the line to protect a child they don't know,`"` she says.
`"`We weren't about to just hand a kid over to be executed,`"` Tris says. You nod in agreement. The woman looks at the child and once more you get the feeling that they are communicating somehow.
`"`You want to know more about the Force and the Jedi?`"` she asks. You and Tris nod eagerly. While the four of you work your way through the pot of stew, she explains to you all she knows of the Jedi and the Force.
`"`So, you're telling me the kid is a Jedi?`"` you ask when she finishes.
`"`She would have been. Things have...changed, and the Jedi are no more,`"` she admits.
[["What happened?"->The truth]]`"`Very well then. Here is your payment, as promised," she says, handing you a small sack. You carefully inspect the contents before responding.
`"`It has been a pleasure doing business with you. Nothing personal, but I hope we never see you again,`"` you say. You look at Tris and nod to the door. No one says a word as you leave.
It takes you both a little longer to get back to your ship without the help of the navigator. The whole ride back you have this sneaking feeling you are forgetting something, but you ignore it.
Once you have both boarded the ship you take off and head to the nearest port, hoping to pick up some work. A few days in Tris decides to count up how much money you have.
You are both surprised to find the number is significantly higher than it should be, but try as you might you can't remember where the small pouch came from. Eventually, you both decide to not worry about it and go to meet with your boss.
Your debts paid, you and Tris go to the nearest cantina to celebrate. There you see snippets of a broadcast talking about Jedi, fugitives, and a reward. You shrug and turn your back to it, but you can't ignore the nagging feeling that one of those faces looks familiar.
`"`Bartender, another round for me and my friend. To new beginnings!`"`
"THE END"
`"`You may want to get comfortable. This could take a while.`"`
You sit there, awestruck, as she tells you everything that happened. She tells you about the supposed attack on Chancellor Palpatine, about the order to execute the Jedi, and how Palpatine took over the Senate. She explains how her former master turned to the dark side and slaughtered everyone in the Jedi temple. She tells you how they believe the child survived because her sensitivity to the Force is similar to Yoda's. She reveals to you the truth about the occupants of the temple, how many had renounced the Jedi order and chosen to walk a different path, continuing to oppose the Sith.
Her voice is hoarse by the time she finishes, and she waits for you to process everything.
[["What have we gotten ourselves into?"->Decision]]`"`If you do not wish to be involved, I can make it so you remember nothing. You will still receive the payment and you will be free to go on about your lives. However, we could use your help and your skills. We can make you disappear. No more debt. Your old life will be gone. I can't promise that your new life will be any easier, but I can say promise that it will be worth it,`"` she explains.
You exchange glances with Tris. Something in her eyes tells you that whichever option you choose, she will choose.
[["It's not like we had much of a life anyway. We are in."->New life ending]]
[["That sounds great and all, but we'd like to keep our lives the way they are."->Old life ending]]`"`I was hoping you would accept,`"` a small voice said from the doorway. You turn to see the child, only for the first time since you met her, she does not have her hood up. Her deep brown eyes are glowing with joy as she runs to throw her arms around you.
`"`How could we leave you behind? You're part of our crew, kid,`"` Tris says, ruffling her hair.
`"`Eiddwen. My name Eiddwen.`"`
`"`I don't believe you ever told us your name,`"` you say, looking at the Togrutan.
`"`Ahsoka Tano.`"`
You and Tris quickly adjust to your new lives. The people of the temple welcome you with open arms and you soon come to see them as a family. Whenever you aren't helping smuggle supplies and information in and out of the temple, you watch Eiddwen train. Under Ahsoka's guidance, her power grows beyond what anyone at the temple expected. She remains affectionate towards you and together you form your own little family.
You are forever grateful that you took the job.
"THE END"