The cockpit settles into a steady hush, engine hum threading through the recycled air. Starlight slides across the panes, and the temple is only a memory now, far below and behind them.
The Off-Worlder stays in the pilot’s chair, turned half toward Jye-kule with patient attention. They do not press, only wait, like they already know silence can be an answer.
Jye-kule
The console light is stable. The ship is stable.
The Off-Worlder
You held your ground in there. Most people don’t.
A small pause follows. The Off-Worlder’s hand rests near the controls, open and unarmed, their posture easing from command to companionable watchfulness.
The Off-Worlder
You do not have to speak if you are not ready. But if you want the truth about why I came for you, I will give it.
The cockpit waits with them both, quiet and warm from the running systems, as if the ship itself is inviting the question.
“"Tell me."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Jye-kule
Tell me.
The Off-Worlder lets the words settle before answering. Their expression softens, not into certainty, but into something more honest.
The Off-Worlder
I came because I recognized what the temple would try to do to you. I have seen that hunger before, and I wanted one person in this system who might refuse it.
They lean back from the controls, one hand open on the armrest, the other resting loose in their lap, as if laying down a weapon that was never there.
The Off-Worlder
And because I was not just looking for a survivor. I was looking for someone who could look at a trap like that and still choose.
A brief pause. The warm smile from earlier returns, faint but real, touched with relief rather than victory.
The Off-Worlder
If that answer changes how you stand beside me, I would rather know now.
“"That answers the question 'why me?' but still leaves me wondering what you need such a person for. Are you looking for a padawan? Someone to pass your methods onto?" I ask, eager and hopeful, "Or do you only wish to use my latent talents to futher some ulterior motive?" I pause for a moment but cut theboff worlder off before he can answer, "Don't tell me, your words are only claims, your actions will reveal the truth...in time."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
Jye-kule
That answers why me, but not what you need someone like me for. A student? A weapon? Or something easier to claim?
Jye-kule
I do not know your motive yet. Your words are claims, your actions will tell the truth in time.
Jye-kule keeps his place by the console, steady and watchful, as the cockpit hum stays low around them.
The Off-Worlder
That is fair. I am not looking for obedience. I am looking for someone who can choose, and keep choosing, when the cost rises.
The Off-Worlder
I can teach, if you want teaching. I can also keep my distance, if that is what keeps this honest.
The Off-Worlder
And for the record, I am not using you to reach some hidden throne. I came here because I would rather stand beside a stubborn survivor than another polished liar.
Their faint warm smile returns, not triumphant, just relieved, and they let the silence sit between them without filling it.