Ap'lek

                                    

                                          
"Kara, this message will only play for you as it is only intended for you to hear. If you are watching this it means that something has happened to me. I want you to know how much you mean to me and all of the Knights. From the day the Knights met you we felt a pull to you that we couldn't explain. At first we all just thought it was because you were so beautiful but after we got to know you we realized it was so much more than that. 
                          
	We have watched out for you and taken care of you from the shadows since that first night in the bar when you walked up to our booth with all the confidence in the world and never once shied away from us. We weren't used to that from anyone, especially women. You intrigued us and captivated our minds. 
                          
	Who knows maybe our subconscious recognized you from the pictures Snoke gave us of you when you were younger. Maybe it was just destiny or fate. But I want you to understand how important you have been to us, to me, from day one. 
                          
	We all talked about it awhile ago and if Snoke hadn't died there was no way we would have delivered you to him. Once we saw the house and letter and his true intentions we would have betrayed him, and Kylo if need be, to get you somewhere safe. Ushar especially, and I know Vic as well would have ran off with you even if the others couldn't go through with it. The second Vicrul laid eyes on you, I think that idiot fell in love. It just took him a while to admit it. We all love you in our own special way but you know that already.
                          
	Kara, you are a little sister to me and I've always been the most protective of you before Vicrul came along. I am so happy for you two and if you're watching this before the wedding please don't delay it because of me. You two are meant to be together. And I know you worry about Vic wanting kids but I know you will be an amazing mother when you are ready because you already are one. You take care of the seven of us already in a maternal way. You fight for us, feed us and fix our wounds, inside and out. 
                          
	 No other woman will ever be a part of the Knights in the way that you are. You are one of a kind and irreplaceable. Please take care of my brothers for me now that I'm gone. I had no intention of leaving but sometimes we don't have a choice. I know you will want revenge but that's not always the way. Please Kara, don't put yourself at risk to avenge me. Take care of the boys and protect them like I know you will. 
                          
	Always remember that I love you and you were the best thing in these last years of my life. I wish we could have done more for you sooner. Brought you into the Knights sooner. And just had more time with you in general. 
                          
	I love you so much Kara. More than you will ever know. Please keep my bothers safe and don't do anything stupid. I'll always be your big brother. I love you."
                          


                          
I sat on my knees holding Ap'lek's hand while the message finished playing on his helmet's view screen. The inside of his helmet smelled like his shampoo and cologne and it brought a sense of calm to me. But that didn't last long. I looked down at his body. "IRIS read vitals!" 
                          
"I'm sorry Lady Ren. No heartbeat detected. Two bullet wounds to the chest and lungs have caused cardiac arrest. Severe loss of blood detected."
                          
"Chance of resuscitation?" I asked IRIS as I tried to open Ap'lek shirt and get to the wounds. 
                          
"I'm sorry Lady Ren. There is nothing you can do." IRIS's voice echoed in my head. 
                          
"NOOOO!" I cried and screamed as I pulled my knife and cut Ap'lek out of his clothes. Once his shirt was open I could see the wounds and I knew IRIS was right. There was no way to save him. 
                          
I looked to my left and saw my helmet flashing. I picked it up and tilted it to see inside. An incoming transmission from Ushar was trying to come through. I set the helmet back on the ground next to Ap'lek's head before pulling my glove back on. Picking up my bat I swung my right arm over my shoulder and secured Ruby to my jacket. I reached over Ap'lek's body and my glove gripped the handle of his axe. I pulled it to me and felt the cold metal through my leather glove.