middleofsomewhere | Let it Snow: Orange Start

The moment Red team jumps the voice speaks again. “Orange team to doors. Void shift imminent. Ten, nine, eight, seven...” There is a lurch and the train seems to tumble. The windows flash with the void for a second before they are once again surrounded by snow.

The train steadies, the doors open, the train is in mid-air and one step away from the train doors there is an ice platform. Crossing is not too hard, though a bit daunting. They are very high up and the ice is inherently slippy.

The platform is not large enough for them all and so the only natural way is for them to begin entering the labyrinth to allow everyone off the train. The moment the last person leaves the train it blinks away and the moment everyone has entered the labyrinth there is a grinding sound and the ice behind them closes.

For good or ill they have entered. Their goal is clear, a strange machine suspended in the centre of the maze but getting there will be a challenge. Though it looks like they should be able to merely walk towards it walls of ice stand in their way. The only way to stop any of this is to get through the labyrinth.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"And what he dreamed happened later?" From the look on her face, what happened to her friend's mother wasn't good.

"No, I suppose we can't be sure about all the other cultures. I was making the assumption because in my world, all cultures have foresighted people. It's a normal and expected feature of our world. But I've been exposed in my travels to some more 'modern' cultures, and some of them think that prophetic dreams are nonsense."

She glanced off, in thought, before nodding her head. "He dreamed that she was in trouble. But, we came too late."

It's easy enough to bring his sorrow up in her memories, and she could not blame him. To lose a parent, and his only parent... She couldn't imagine the pain. "The galaxy is filled with many different beliefs. I suppose it does depend what you are used to. I know of some who never leave their planet, and by design not lack of ability. They are simply content with their own world as it is."

"I am sorry for your friend's loss, then," he said, realizing that too late meant a death.

"I suppose we should be glad that the galaxy contains many cultures with many beliefs. It would be boring if everyone thought alike. I can't imagine not taking the opportunity to travel to other worlds, but then, I am the restless sort. Would you have taken the opportunity, if you had been asked? Or at least, been tempted to take it?"

It was a soft noise she gave to acknowledge his comment. Padmé knew that Jedi were not meant to have ties, but Anakin had not started off the same as them. He had lived and grown up with his mother.

"I'm not exactly restless... Although I do prefer to be doing something than just sitting around lazing about. I suppose I've always been on the go. I was part of the Refugee Relief Movement when I was a child. We went to other planets and tried to offer what aid we could. My tenure as Queen saw me more planet bound, for the most part, but I didn't mind. Naboo has given me much, and helping it is the least I can do."

He nods. "Then you have much valuable experience to offer. You have seen other planets and given aid to them. And you have been the chief executive of a planetary government, even if only for a short time. And you understand that a ruler has reason to be grateful to the people."

"It has gone a long way to help me in my career." The experience that she had as a child had aided her over the years, and her parents had always instilled a sense of duty in her. "If only all were the same, then the galaxy might be slightly better off."

He smiles. "I wish there were some way for all who govern to realize what you know. All galaxies would be better off, I suspect."

He glances over his shoulder at the entrance to the labyrinth. "And speaking of restlessness, perhaps we should enter the maze, and see if we can locate that machine?"

She can only nod. It is a galaxy that she would like she see, but Padmé is under no illusions. Such things take time, and she also knows that they do not late forever. Even the history of her own planet has had its stumbling points.

She does follow his gaze, taking in the maze, before turning back to him. "Yes. That likely is for the best, no? Best of luck."

Before taking a breath and heading towards the entrance.

Let it Snow: Orange Start

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Good place to end?

And end!