I would like to thank all of you who have read the first book in this series "Lost Days of Luminara Unduli". Your reviews and favoring me means a lot. I just wish I would have edited the first book. Hopefully this one will have less problems. A special shout out to my reviewers for inspiring me to continue. Feel free to review. It helps me in so many ways become a better writer. Once again, thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy this short look into Luminara's life with me once more.
Book 2: Sisters of the Saber
Prologue
Barriss walked down from the ramp, instantly feeling a strangeness on the planet. It was like nothing being in sync with the rest of the universe, as far as she could tell. Her mission was a personal one led on by a combination of from Yune's library of Sith artifacts and a trader she met four days ago. She wanted to pick up more information on the dark side, wishing to know the enemy in the Empire they were now facing. Following her Jedi training Barriss continued on a small path threw the heavily forested area. She stopped once to observe the trees and noticed they even had been of no known species that she had even seen before. It was like someone forced welded them together with other plants of unknown origin. Climbing over a slight rock embankment, Barriss confirmed everything she felt. A creature with their back turned to her was feasting on the bones of a fresh kill. It heard Barriss and quickly spun.
"What the…." Barriss's eyes shot open as her mouth dropped.
The creature had the head of a nexu, the legs of a rancor, and tentacles for arms. The creature let out a whoosh at Barriss, rocking its huge body back and forth to snap the arms at her. Lucky for Barriss the creature was still out of range to do any harm. Still the site of it caused her to back up and trip over a log causing her to land flat on her butt. The creature expelled air once more this time with a posture of charging her. Barriss, still on the ground, pulled out her lightsaber. Before she could get it lit, another creature from the sky came down with such force it shattered the first one into bone and blood. It then landed next on the kill to feast.
"A drexl?" Barriss said. But it couldn't be. No one has seen a beast like that in years. The only reason she had known about it is Yune's strange fascination with Darth Bane. The body matched up to what she had seen, but the clawed hands were wrong. This one before her had two in front and three in back. And the ones in back were curved to make a more precise cutting motion. Then there was the head. It had multiple elongated triangles going around three quarters of it. The creature paused from the feeding to look at Barriss and stuck out a small tongue at her. She came to the conclusion that was one of its sensory devices. It went back to drinking up puddles of blood.
Barriss shook her head. "And I thought the worms of Geonosis were strange."
"Are you going to sit on your back side all day observing my creations, pathetic Jedi?"
Barriss's head shot over to the next ridge over. A figure stood over her.
"Did that fall make you deaf? Surely your ears can not be planted on your back side." He continued.
It took Barriss a while to register what is going on but now that she does her body begins to shake.
"You're a Sith Lord?" The darkness from the figure encompassed her, sending a deep chill into her body.
"Are you enjoying my creations? I think they would find a Jedi most delectable."
"You're in trouble! RUN!" The only words that scream throughout Barriss's head. Why didn't she at least bring Shaak Ti as back up? It was too late to second guess any plans she made. Reaching into the left side of her robes, she pulled out a communicator for the droid she had back on the ship.
"That won't help you." The figure said.
"Who are you?" Barriss tried to buy time and distance.
"Since you asked kindly, I will grant you the name of your ultimate executioner. I am the rightful ruler of the galaxy, you may call me Darth Plagueis, Dark Lord of ultimate power." His elongated head looked down at her. Motioning his hand, two more different creatures arrived by the Sith's side. They had six legs but the head of a dewback. Their colors would constantly change on how the light was shining down upon them.
"Go and see if she's worthy." Plagueis motioned to them.
That was Barriss's signal to get out. Spinning around, powered with the force, she kicked with her legs and grasped with her hands to add any speed she could to get away. Finally she was up to a vertical base and running, snapping her lightsaber to her side. Taking a slight peek back, Barriss realized she couldn't out run them. She ducked into the section of more heavily tree area to try and slow their progress. At first it didn't work, but after a while thanks to her movements they fell back a hundred meters.
Another figure in red appeared by the Sith Lord's side, arm perpendicular to the ground. With a click an energy pike appears in the guard's grasp.
"Do you wish for me to return the prey my lord?"
"No. Let her return to her kind. They will come back here in a futile effort to vanquish me. And, I can use Jedi for other endeavors. How is the other project progressing?"
The guard takes off the head gear and sways her head. Her amber hair catches the breeze as it gently floats to the right. With her light brown eyes she scans over the landscape. Over her left eye is a vertical scar from a previous battle.
"Our sensors have picked up the Imperial ship. My lord, why are you allowing the knowledge of our existence now? I thought you believed in staying in the shadows." She asks.
Plagueis turns to her and in a low growl answers. "It is time I took back what is mine from that sniveling former apprentice." The force behind the words blows her hair back, forcing her to step and steady herself, the heels of her boots dig into the soil. "Once captured, I will have you send a message aboard the ship to Sidious luring him and his forces out. Then we shall strike, taking what is mine. Moreover the Jedi are now few in number. I no longer reason to hide behind the rule of two. Now come, we have more planning to do." With that the two walk back to the temple.
Barriss looked down at the communication signal in her left hand. Unknown to her, she was squeezing it so hard it almost broke. Lifting up on the button she heard the beeps of the droid on the other end.
"Fire up everything on the ship NOW!" She clicked back.
Another series of chirps and beeps came across. She had no clue on what the droid was saying. "Just do it!" She yelled back.
Clicking off from the communication button, Barriss put it back into her robes and looked up only to see more trouble. Another creature like the one before with the nexu head was straight in her path at a small clearing. This time she headed right for it, stretching out as much power in the force as she could muster. Behind her the two dewback like creatures gained ground during her talk with the droid on the ship. This she planned on using as an advantage.
The nexu creature squared itself to Barriss as she closed the gap. At the last second, she slid underneath the creature between the legs and clearing past it. She popped up and continued running again not caring what happened behind her. She didn't need to see, only hearing what occurred satisfied her curiosity.
The first dewback received a tentacle in the eye causing it not only to lose any interest in the prey but also making it crash into several trees. It ultimately ended upside down screaming in pain trying to right itself. The second wasn't so lucky. The dewback had watched the failings of the first all the way to the trees. It didn't notice the nexu creature throwing both sides of the tentacles until too late. The dewback reared back to no avail and was eaten.
Barriss was just forty meters from her ship as she could see the droid on top of the ramp bouncing back and forth.
"Get up front and take us out!" She screamed.
The droid did as commanded, moving to the front of the ship. Barriss did a force jumped into the ship as it started to clear the ground. It was an exit, not a good one though. Thanks to that force jump she skidded across the floor of the ship into a bench support, promptly dislocating her shoulder. It didn't matter, she had to get off this planet. Barriss made her way to the cockpit and strapped in even with the injury. Within thirty seconds she had cleared the planet's atmosphere. The droid chirped continuously at her. Barriss looked at the screen for some interpretation.
"I am having a great day. Strange creatures, a droid with an attitude and to top it all off a Sith Lord." She relaxed down in her chair.
Chapter 1: Reunion
Luminara Unduli was busy in the kitchen of her and Yune's dwelling trying to cook up a certain dish he left her the recipe for. Anyway that she tried it, she couldn't get it to turn out right. But then again she knew that he always adjusted anything when it came to food.
"You can never follow the exact recipe otherwise you'll ruin it." Yune would tell her. "Just like in other things." He always smiled at her.
Yeah, she had also found that out and thinking of that made her smile.
"Good thoughts I take it?" A voice from behind resonated out.
Luminara spun around, almost dropping the pan onto the floor. "Shaak Ti! You seem to be getting better at concealing yourself."
"Especially when their mind is elsewhere. May I join you?"
"Please be seated. Do you want anything? Food, drink?" Luminara questioned.
Shaak Ti dismissed the offering and sat. "He has you trained."
Luminara sat down as well with a tea cup in her hand. "And what did you intend by that?"
Shaak Ti just chuckled. "The two of you make a good couple. After what happened with Order 66 I am pleased you could make a life here."
"At times it has been unique but more than satisfactory. I like to see friends from the past however may I inquire to your visit?"
"It's about Barriss."
Luminara placed her cup down. "Is she safe?"
"Yes, well physically. Mentally she is a little shook up." Shaak Ti said.
"You better start from the beginning."
"Barriss went to a habitable moon looking for Sith artifacts."
"I have warned Yune not to start her down that path. Barriss can become very inquisitive when she wants something. And the consequences can be dire." Luminara said.
"Well she received a tip about this place from some trader of goods in the outer quadrants. When she arrived Barriss ran into something that I wouldn't have even suspected. There is another Sith Lord in existence that claims to be Darth Plagueis."
"Impossible. If I remember correctly he died at the hands of the current Emperor." Luminara said.
"She described him perfectly including his power level."
Luminara pondered this for a moment. "If it was this Sith Lord, why would he let Barriss go?"
"I don't know. I just understand something has to be done about the situation." Shaak Ti said.
"And you came here wanting me to join you, correct?"
Shaak Ti grinned, showing her teeth.
"I can't give you an answer."
Shaak Ti scrutinized at her. "Barriss is your former Padawan. You know this Sith will stop at nothing to hunt her down in time. Also, it is irrational to allow another Sith Lord run amuck in the galaxy."
"Those are all fine points Shaak Ti and usually I would not question going with the two of you. However…" Luminara looked down at her belly and gently rubbed it.
Shaak Ti's eyes shot open. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
"It's okay."
"How far along are you and is he…?"
"Oh yes. We planned this back on Curoscant. I've just yet to tell him about it." Luminara continued to look down, "She will be the first of two daughters and is almost three weeks along."
"That is young. I can see you worrying about going into battle."
"It's not that. I don't think Yune would approve of it. Understand I have grown to care for him deeply. Still he becomes overprotective of me. It really is annoying and I keep reminding him that I am a Jedi, with the ability to take care of myself. Yet..."
"Men will be men." Shaak Ti shakes her head, her tails lightly swing. "Speaking of which, where is he?"
"He should be back from visiting Riyo shortly. If you can wait I can talk it over with him and give you an answer." Luminara said.
"I hate to ask but how is it going with you and Riyo?"
"I rarely see her. She is still trying to get the Senate back on track to no avail. Things are turning dark out in the galaxy. Last time I talked to her, Chetna was spending more time with her grandmother. I don't know if that is a good thing or not."
The two continued on idle conversation, catching up with anything that has transpired in the past. In a way Luminara felt she didn't have much to add, living a limited lifestyle. As she continued to listen, Luminara felt it.
"Yune's home."
Shaak Ti perked up. "I don't feel him."
"Wait."
Within a minute, Yune walked in from the front door. Shaak Ti then realizes how strong of a bond the two truly have.
"Shaak Ti. What brings you to the middle of nothing?" Yune said.
She looks over at Luminara who gently nods no. "I just wanted to know how my friends were doing. I am entitled to say hello now and then."
"Of course. However it's getting late. Would you like to stay the night? We have plenty of room."
Again Shaak Ti takes her cue from Luminara. "I would enjoy that greatly."
"Good. There is an extra bedroom over the training center where you will not be disturbed. Breakfast is at nine and we can talk then, alright?"
Shaak Ti bows, "Thank you. I will see you then." She departs.
Yune grabs a chair across from Luminara and sits. "All due respect, why do I have the feeling something else is going on?"
"Because you have been trained in the force well." Luminara smiles at him. She pauses for a moment. "How did things go with Riyo?" Asking the question, she notices Yune's chest. The necklace that has Riyo's wedding ring to him is gone. This can't be good.
"Not well." He sighs. "Riyo's mother has disliked me since I married her. Just because I'm not a Pantoran. Who knew not being blue was a bad thing, go figure. She found out about Chetna's real father and how I had him killed."
"I knew that would come back at you some day." Luminara said.
"Look, I can take the pressure from anyone about what I did, except one person." Yune's eyes drifted in and out of focus. "Who would ever think an eleven year old girl could destroy me."
"She told Chetna?"
"Yeah. I would have been alright talking to Chetna about it when she was older. Maybe fifteen or so. But eleven? That's just cruel. Needless to say Chetna won't call me her father anymore and is calling me a murderer. I tried talking to her still there is no hope. I finally gave in and told Riyo this situation can no longer exist. She has the family structure to take care of Chetna until something else can be resolved. So I walked out, giving her the ring back."
"How did Riyo take it?" Luminara asked.
Yune looked back at her.
"That well."
"I haven't seen her cry that much since the night you brought her to my first apartment." Yune said. "In a sad way it takes care of one problem."
Luminara lifts her one eyebrow. "What would that be?"
"Luminara! Come on. Listen, you put on a good face. Still you deserve better. And if I haven't made it clear, you are the one and only woman I would ever choose to be with. I've known for a while you, let's say, had a small resentment with me being alongside Riyo from time to time. It's natural. And I should have stepped in quicker to rectify this."
Luminara sat back in her chair. What he said was true however she didn't want to be the one to upset the current arrangement. Now that everything was coming out, she felt the time to tell him about the news.
"Answer me this. Are you turned off from having children now?" Luminara asked.
At first he was puzzled at her question. Then it hit as his eyes grew wide. "Ah, you mean?"
Luminara softly nodded yes. Yune's smile went from ear to ear as he flew over the small kitchen table. Grabbing her off the ground and close in, he spun around and yelled. "Yeah! I'm going to be a father!"
She also smiled at his reaction however with the spinning her stomach fluttered. Sensing this Yune placed her back down on her feet.
He was still beaming as he said, "You did it Luminara. We're going to be a family!"
Feeling slightly dizzy she went back to her chair. Yune followed suit being seated as well. She sipped once more from her tea cup and decided to progress with the other news.
"Shaak Ti came here on business dealing with Barriss."
"Is she okay?"
"Yes, however she found something that currently needs attention." Luminara began to cringe. "A new Sith Lord has appeared and threatened Barriss. Shaak Ti came here to ask if I would go with her and Barriss to dispose of him."
Yune contemplated the request. "I have to admit the timing could be better Luminara." He said. "How far along are you?"
"I am thinking almost three weeks if memory serves. Remember when we…"
"You don't have to go into detail. I remember every time I'm with you."
She let out a gentle giggle. Yune looked back at her shocked. "Sorry." Luminara squeaked out.
Yune laughed. "Expect a lot more changes coming your way. Now as for this mission, go ahead."
Luminara had to catch herself from falling off the chair. "Are you certain?"
"Listen I try to protect you sometimes to a fault. Still you need to get out and keep up that Jedi training. And I can't lock you away here all the time. That's too unfair. No, take care of this darkness upon the galaxy and enjoy the few friends we have left."
She slid over both her hands, touched his and squeezed them. "Thank you."
"No problem. Now if you don't mind I've had a tiring day and need some sleep." With that Yune rose and head to the bedroom with Luminara walking behind.
The next morning Shaak Ti came down from her bedroom only to see an odd sight. Yune was busy in the kitchen cooking up different soups and warm liquids. Luminara was seated at the table, forehead down on the top of it. She seemed to be, well, in some kind of pain. Shaak Ti motioned for Yune to come over.
"What did you do to her!?"
"It's Mirialan morning sickness. Unlike regular humans, it strikes three weeks after pregnancy." Yune said.
"Really? I would not have expected that."
"It's only bad during the time of the first born. When we have our next child, Luminara will not experience this."
Luminara let out another moan. Yune fetched her a bowl of soup. "Try this. You need to keep your fluid levels up."
Luminara looked up at him. Her skin color had turned an off green to yellow with her eyes looking faded. "Don't you ever come near me again or I'll…" She then slapped her hand to her mouth and ran to the refresher. A few unflattering sounds came out from the back.
"I would take her advice if I were you." Shaak Ti simpered.
Yune glowered over at her. "This is no laughing matter! Anytime she is suffering I am concerned."
Shaak Ti raised her right hand, palm forward. "I didn't mean anything about it."
"I want to make sure she's not hurting. Speaking of which, she told me about your mission."
"And?"
"I told her she could go. However you are going to wait for thirty-six hours." Yune said.
"Why would that be?"
"Average time for Mirialan's to get over this. One last thing. I consider you a good friend Shaak Ti. That said, don't bother bringing her home in a different condition which she leaves from here. Understand, she is not only my wife but also is carrying my unborn child. If anything happens, I will hunt you down and kill you in the most inhumane manor I can think of. Got it?"
"Completely." Shaak Ti replied.
"Good. I did your breakfast on that tray thinking you might want to eat elsewhere." Yune said.
Hearing another sound from the back, Shaak Ti said, "I think I'll just pass. Thank you anyway for the hospitality." And with a slight bow she left.
Yune looked over and noticed Luminara coming back to the table. He rushed over to help her with the chair and she waved him off. He pulled up a chair next to her.
"Any better?"
She gave him a look of death.
"If you want me out of here I would go." Yune said.
"No. I'm sorry about what I said. It's just everything that is happening."
"You don't have to apologize."
"How many more hours do you believe I have to go?" Luminara asked.
"You are more than half way through."
"How do you know this?"
"I wouldn't date and then marry a Mirialan without looking into the species biological background? True I wanted children with you but that was not the main point. I wanted to be sure that I didn't harm you in any way."
Luminara gave a slight smile, then quickly raised her hand to her mouth once again. She turned to run to the refresher, knocking over her chair in the process. Yune reached down and set it back upright. "This might turn into a long day."
The two extra days actually helped as Barriss arrived with the ship for the mission. Yune and Shaak Ti loaded up the supplies needed as Luminara was tended to by Barriss. Luminara soon felt well enough to embark and the three agreed on take-off just before sunset. Shaak Ti and Barriss stood in the ship right on top the docking ramp as they watched Luminara and Yune say their farewell.
Yune placed his hands on her shoulders, moving in to touch his forehead to hers. "You are my stars and sun. Without you I am a desolate planet with nothing to exist for."
Luminara smirked. "You are waxing poetic again."
"And what's wrong with that?"
"It usually means we end up in the bedroom."
Yune chuckled. He went to say something however she cut him off by placing her two fingers from her right hand on his lips.
"I'll be fine." Luminara said. She then pulled him close and kissed him for what seemed to be a minute or so. Turning, she walked to the ship with her head facing the ground until she stepped on the ramp. Looking up at her two friends she said, "He's watching my backside again."
Barriss let out a soft giggle. Shaak Ti press the button to close the ramp. Luminara turned to Barriss.
"Just wait until you get a mate and see how they treat you." Then she added, "No offence Jedi Master Shaak Ti, but I am a better pilot than you so I'll take the ship out."
Shaak Ti agreed and everyone went forward to strap in their places.
Outside Yune watched the ship leave. He didn't have the heart to tell Luminara on the vision he had about their mission. He hoped with Shaak Ti and Barriss along, she would have a chance at coming back. Anyway he was getting ready for the imminent darkness that would soon attack him. It was a force he had not sensed in some time. One that Yune had doubts about his survival. It was a reason in cutting ties with Riyo and sending Luminara away. This was something he had to face alone.