The Return of a Jedi

Granger stared out of the portal as his shuttle made its approach. Compared to Markuria, Syllian looked bright and hopeful. Compared to Coruscant it still looked bright and hopeful, but Granger knew of the darkness that longed to overtake the bright planet. Although he had been born on Alderaan, he had little memory of it. Only his brief visit as a younger knight filled his memory with images. Coruscant was his home as far as he was concerned. Yet, the comrades that he had come to know in recent years, drew him to Syllian. There was a connection here. He spent weeks debriefing with the Jedi Council and was happy to have the time back in the warm embrace and fellowship of the Jedi, but this was the first time that he felt like he was truly returning to the place where he belonged.

Granger descended the ramp as soon as the shuttle landed to find Iesha and Numa waiting to greet him. Iesha rushed to meet him, throwing her arms around him and burying her head in his chest. "Welcome back, Master."

Granger returned the hug with a fondness. Although their embrace lasted mere seconds. He could not deny the longing within him that wanted the moment to last. "Thank you, my padawan. And how are you."

Iesha beamed with joy. "Great, Master. Even better now that you are back with us."

The Jedi Master patted his padawan's shoulders, then turned to Numa. "And you Numa. How are you?"

"Fine," Numa smiled, but her awkwardness dampened her joy. She was sincerely happy to have their team leader back within their fold and she knew that his return was something of a demotion for her, but she felt no jealously or resentment. Numa was happy to learn that Granger had not truly been a rogue, but it bothered her that she had been left out of the loop, especially after learning that she was one of the few who had not been informed about his true status as a Jedi during his assignment to Markuria.

Granger turned back to his padawan. "Iesha, return to our headquarters and assemble the others. I'll be along soon enough."

"Yes, Master," Iesha bowed with a grin and rushed off.

Granger regarded Numa. "Jedi Numa, I have a message for you from the Council. They are pleased with your performance as the acting team leader, as am I. And I perceived from them that you will be granted the rank of Master soon enough."

Numa smiled, "I am pleased to hear this, but I detect a 'but' is coming."

Granger grinned, "Not a 'but', merely a concern. Neither they nor I want you to feel slighted. You have led this team effectively. None of us want there to be any confusion or conflict over leadership. You are a valuable member of this team and welcome to continue, but you are also invited to board the shuttle to return to Coruscant and request a new assignment from the Council."

Numa pondered her choices. She turned to the shuttle, back to the other end of the landing pad in which Iesha was now gone, then back to Granger. "And what would you like, Master?"

"It is your decision, not mine," Granger reassured her.

"I know, Master, but I would value your opinion," Numa responded.

Granger's smile widened. "As I said, you are a valued member of our team. My choice would be to have you remain a part of us, but we both must consider the overall good. There can be no tension."

Numa considered her options afresh. Perhaps taking another assignment out from under Granger's shadow would place her on the faster track to achieving the rank of Master, but no Jedi within the Order were doing more good for the galaxy than the ones assigned here. Ambition had no place in the heart of a true Jedi. "There is nowhere that I would rather be, Master."

Granger placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I am pleased to hear this. You will continue to provide much needed leadership here, no matter what role you are in. And I will always value your input."

"Thank you, Master," the pair started down the path away from the shuttle. "The rest of the team is eager to see you again."

Granger found more warm greetings when he reached their headquarters. Jenaid knew that the Jedi were about to have a private meeting, but had managed to hang around long enough to see Granger on the way out. "Greetings, Master," the boy's smiled beamed.

Granger muffed the boy's hair with a playfulness. "Hello young one. I hope you have kept Iesha in line while I was away."

"I tried my best," the boy grinned, then jogged off into the city.

Hannibal and Hector, eagerly approached their leader. "Welcome back, Master," Hector greeted.

"Glad you're still one of us," Hannibal joked.

"Thank you," Granger responded. "Good to see you both again."

Myriam was the last to extend her hand. "Welcome home, Master." Home. Truly Myriam was wise beyond her years.

"Thank you all," Granger transitioned from informal greetings to a formal meeting with the team. "I am happy to be back among you and I am quite pleased with the work you have done while I have been away. It is an easy job being the leader of those who do not even need to be led. You should all be commended and that is why there will be few changes to how we have been operating over this past year or so. Numa, Myriam, and Hector will return to their respective systems and carry on their assignments."

"Good," Myriam spoke up. "Draxil is getting worse."

Each Jedi waited for further instructions. When the silence became awkward, Hannibal spoke up. "What about me?"

Granger grinned, "Well, it seems Jedi Hannibal that you have been so effective in ridding Kebra of organized crime that you will remain here on Syllian with Iesha and I to help maintain our Jedi presence. You will stay in touch with your contacts there to be on the watch for any new developments that may need our attention."

For only a second, Hannibal thought of Claudia, but the compliment of his job well done brightened his mood and he poked out his chest. Hector interrupted. "His head is already big enough, Master. No need to help him." He then turned to pat his friend on the shoulder. "Good job, though, buddy."

"Master," Myriam interjected. "Not to second-guess your decision or to lend Jedi Hannibal any compliments, but shouldn't one of us take up Finly's position out on the Edge?"

"Hannibal, Iesha, and I will be rotating out there from time to time to follow up on the work that he started. The Edge is so far out that it is not exactly a priority, but due to recent events we want to maintain a presence there as well." The Jedi Master could tell by his team's expressions that they were not pleased with his answer. He added. "And if those responsible for sending Jedi Finly to be one with the Force are still out there, then I do not think they will be pleased that they have not one, but three Jedi to now deal with. And of course, if any of you find yourselves needing assistance in your respective systems, just say the word and one of us will come running."

Numa seemed to focus on Hannibal, "I do occasionally have my hands full on Cepha."

Hannibal dropped his head in a grin, but it was Granger who answered. "Well, just say the word."

Everyone seemed pleased to be continuing their work and even happier to have the team reunited. It was such a joyous occasion that Finly's absence went almost unfelt, but Hector could not help but think of his fallen comrade. "Master, I understand that we have a mission and that we are not in the business of revenge, but should not the murder of a Jedi take precedence over all else?"

"Arguably, yes," Granger conceded. "And we will follow any lead that we can find in the Edge or anywhere else. I have also been assured by Master Voudon that your new Sentinel friend is following up on that very investigation."

Although Hector seemed at ease with that answer, Myriam spoke up. "Do you trust a Sentinel?"

"Nelino's competent and dedicated and seemed legitimately concerned about bringing justice to the murderers. I trust him," Hector concluded.

"Well," Myriam stated. "That's more than I can say for the Sentinels I've met…or Voudon."

Granger cocked his head in Myriam's direction. Don't, he mouthed. Granger then took one final long look at his assembled comrades and clasped his hands together. "Well, like I said, it is good to be back. Let's get back to doing what we do best.

After the others departed for their respective systems, Granger studied the most recent reports. "Is this everything?" he asked Iesha.

The padawan sighed, "Mostly Master. There was some sort of incident last night in the warehouse district and that is where most of the criminal activity now occurs, but I have not had the chance to follow up on it yet."

"You will check with Jessie first, I assume?" Granger stated more than asked.

"That was my plan," Iesha responded.

"Do you mind if Hannibal and I accompany you? I planned to pay Jessie a visit anyway," this time it was a question.

"Of course not, Master. The decision is yours. I figured you would handle it anyway," Iesha seemed surprised at her Master's tone.

"No," Granger grinned. "You will remain at the point of our activities here. Think of Syllian as your assignment. Like the others, we are only here if and when you need us. You do not need me breathing down your neck."

Iesha slightly reddened at the thought of her Master's breath on her neck. "I appreciate your confidence, Master."

Granger smiled, "Then shall we be off?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When the three Jedi politely barged into Jessie's office, the Acting Boss of Syllian was seated in his usual place behind his desk. In the chair to his right, normally occupied by Pierre sat one of Zeakwon's former lieutenants. "Good afternoon, Jessie," Iesha greeted. "Trying out some new personnel?"

Jessie gestured for his associate to exit the room. After the man complied, Jessie answered. "It seems that Pierre has been promoted. Lot of changes at the top, recently," Jessie eyed Granger carefully. Welcome home, Master Granger." The criminal boss emphasized the Jedi title.

"Great to be back," the Jedi Master smiled slyly. "I trust you have been fully cooperating with my padawan in my absence?"

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Jessie continued cautiously, half expecting to be arrested.

"Then it will not be a problem for you to continue to do so," Granger nodded in Iesha's direction.

"Tell us about the shootout in the Warehouse District last night," Iesha directed.

Jessie let out a sigh. "That would be the work of Holio's men. They are the new Black Sun contingent, attempting to weasel their way onto our fair planet.

"And just what were they after?" Iesha asked.

Jessie gulped. "A shipment of some of the highest-quality, low-cost shield generators."

Iesha eyed the gangster carefully, "And by 'low-cost', you mean black-market?"

Jessie shrugged.

Iesha sighed in unamusement. "Then you will provide any and all information that you have about this Holio and his associates and their activities."

"And the Republic space contacts that provided the shipment," Hannibal added.

"They fell off a transport," Jessie attempted to deflect.

"Not good enough," Granger reassured.

Jessie sighed again, "Fine. I can give you the name of the planet on which the ship originated, but that's about all." Jessie paused nervously, "That's about all I can do, honestly. We don't ask a lot of questions in this business."

Iesha glanced at Granger who nodded in approval. "I suppose that will do," she agreed. "Where are the generators now?"

Jessie shifted in his seat. "Well, a few were damaged in the…exchange last night, but we kept most of them."

"And you will be more than happy to hand them over to us," Iesha confirmed.

Jessie shrugged again.

"And reacquire the others," Granger added this time. "That is the price of our continued arrangement."

Jessie gulped again, "That will have to be done with blasters…..we don't exactly have the money right now."

"Fair enough," Granger smiled. "Apprise me when you have located them, before you make any moves."

Jessie shrugged again, then nodded in agreement.

When the Jedi were outside of the office, Granger gave directions. "Hannibal, you will return to our base and await the intel on the Republic planet. You will follow that end of the investigation. Iesha and I will visit this…..Holio. Iesha will then take up that end of the matter and I will oversee the reacquisition of the generators."

Everyone nodded in understanding of their respective roles. "Good to have you back, Master," Hannibal repeated before heading off to his portion of the assignment.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

When Granger and Iesha arrived at the building housing the office of the Black Sun representative, the first thing that they noticed was how much more elaborate it was than Jessie's office. As they ascended in the lift to the Boss's office, Granger wondered how the Black Sun had taken root so thoroughly on the planet without Iesha's noticing. Perhaps his padawan had been so focused on Jessie and his goons that she had let this slip past her? Or maybe Jessie or even Tristan had allowed the Suns to gain ground in the hopes of keeping the Jedi distracted while they rebuilt their organization? Both of these were issues worth looking into, but for now he would stay focused on the task at hand.

The doors slid open to the office, revealing the typical Boss seated behind a chair surrounded by an assortment of loyal thugs. "Just like old times, Master," Iesha whispered.

Granger suppressed his grin. "Holio, in the name of…"

Before Granger could complete the standard arrest information, Holio barked an order to his men. "Cut 'em down boys."

The green blades of the Jedi lightsabers sprung to life just in time to deflect the incoming volley of blaster fire, but unlike most of these encounters, the deflected blasts were blocked from the firers by some sort of personal force-fields worn by each man. "Mandalorian tech," Holio answered the Jedi's unasked question with a smirk. He then tapped a button on the arm of his chair. A hidden hatch beneath the chair opened swallowing it and its occupant. The guards then turned to blast the large window behind them and stepped out into the empty sky. Rocket-powered boots kept them from falling and carried them out of reach of the Force powers of the still startled Jedi.

"Well, not quite like old times," Iesha corrected her earlier comment as she and her Master rushed to the now open window to watch the fleeing gangsters escape.

Both Jedi then turned to examine the now closed hatch. "Clear the room," Granger barked. "We'll have it scanned before we continue our investigation. This whole place could be wired to blow."

"Finly would love this," Iesha whispered more to herself than her Master as they retreated.

Hours later, the explosives unit of Syllian's planetary police had cleared the room and an exhausted Iesha slumped onto one of the office couches as she perused a datapad. "Anything?" her attention was broken when Granger reentered the room with a slicer from the police department.

"Nothing worth making a case about," Iesha rubbed her eyes and let them roam about the office. "You know Master, we could relocate here."

"Bit too elaborate for Jedi taste, don't you think?" her Master also allowed his eyes to wander.

"Maybe, but it could send a message that we are here to stay…..or something," Iesha offered.

"True," Granger conceded. "I suppose it will not hurt to run it by the Council."

A buzz from Granger's communicator interrupted the conversation. Granger placed the device on the desk and an Hannibal's blue image flickered to life. "Greetings Master… it feels really good to say that again and not be stuck reporting to your padawan." His eyes then darted to the side with a sly grin, "Oh hi, Iesha."

Granger shook his head while Iesha rolled her eyes. "What did you find out?"

"Well," Hannibal became all business during his actual report. "I traced the ship back to Neimoidian space. It belongs to some company wrapped up in the Trade Federation. I even got the names of its captain and regular crew members. Nothing too suspicious, really. Could be that they didn't even know what they were hauling or why. I can continue to follow the thread, but it will take quite a while to….."

Granger broke in, "Do not worry about it. Send me what you have and I will pass it along to the Council. If they want to follow up, they can assign someone. We need you out here."

Hannibal was taken aback. He was not used to people placing such confidence in his abilities. "Ummmmm….. sure. As you wish Master. Hannibal out."

When the transmission ended, Granger caught Iesha regarding him. "You could have let him stay away for a while," she offered.

"He hides it well," Granger corrected, "but Hannibal is quite good at what he does…. when he is focused."

"I know Master, I spent more than a year taking his reports. You were right, what he did on Kebra is no less than miraculous."

Granger pondered their comrade. "I suppose he is no different than the rest of us here, a little rough around the edges, but arguably the best at what they do."

Iesha rolled the statement around in her head. Granger was one of the most gifted teachers and philosophers in the history of the Jedi Order, yet his stubbornness and unorthodox methods kept him off the Council and she was his padawan. Finly had been a genius, but nearly incompetent in some of the most basic Jedi tasks. Myriam tended to be…..overzealous in her work, but nearly a legend in her own time. And Hannibal was Hannibal. "Master, what about Numa and Hector? They are pretty straight shooters, aren't they?"

"True," Granger pondered again. "but they both tend towards ambition and pride and at times a bit too stiff in the completion of their duty. I suppose we all balance each other out." The Jedi Master paused, then placed a hand on his padawan's shoulder with a grin. "Except you. You are as perfect a student as a teacher could ask for."

For the second time in as many days, Iesha found herself blushing at her Master's words. "I don't deserve that Master, but thank you." Suddenly she was racked with guilt. If he had known the things that she had done. If he had known about her thoughts that were clouded in darkness. And this, she realized was where she fit into the team of misfits. She felt lost. She blamed it on being separated from her Master for over a year, but the truth was, it had been a growing feeling since before their arrival on Syllian. "So," she cleared her throat and refocused on the datapad in her hand. "What's our next move?"

Granger dropped his grip on her shoulder and smiled. "You will follow any lead you can find on our new friends from the Black Sun. Jessie has not checked in yet. I am going to go check in on the status of his generator recovery."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Granger was still in route to Jessie's headquarters when the gangster contacted him. "Master Granger, we think we have located the hideout of the crew that stole the generators. If they haven't moved them yet, this is where they will be stashed. I'm sending you the coordinates."

"Great," Granger confirmed. "I will meet your men there. Tell them to proceed as you planned. I will only be there if they need back up."

At the warehouse, Granger watched from a perch above the building being used as the Black Sun's hideout. He recognized the man who seemed to be the leader of this group as one of the men from Holio's office. At least some of the generators were still there. Most of the crew was unpacking other crates of assorted objects, which Granger could only assume had also been smuggled on planet.

Jessie's men were spotted by the Suns before they were in their proper positions to attack the warehouse. The Suns opened fire sending most of Jessie's men diving for whatever cover they could find. "Amateurs," Granger mumbled, remembering his and Tristan's well-coordinated attacks on Markuria.

The Jedi Master dropped from his perch above the battle into the midst of the Black Sun crew. The crew paused from firing for a brief second before turning their blasters on the Jedi. Granger's lightsaber sprung to life and made quick work of the blasts, sending them back to their sources. After a few quick slashes of green light, the only Sun left standing was the lieutenant from Holio's office, the blasts having again been deflected by his personal shield. He flashed the Jedi a grin and hit a button on his belt to activate the ankle rockets. The gangster accelerated quickly and was soon just above the rooftops of the surrounding buildings.

This time, however, Granger was not taken by surprise. Just as quickly as the rockets raised his opponent, Granger extended his arm and reached out with the Force to pull his prey back down to the ground.

The Sun jerked to a stop in mid-air. He hit the controls on his belt again, sending more power to the rockets, but he failed to gain altitude. He could only hang in the air against Granger's pull. The rockets around his ankles became extremely hot and began to shake violently. Even before the rockets burst into flames, the thug was screaming in pain. Soon, he was plummeting to the ground.

Granger rushed to the spot where the Sun slammed into the pavement. The Jedi used the Force to smother the flames around the man's legs, but the fall had killed his would-be prisoner. Granger hoisted the body onto his shoulders and turned to face Jessie's confused men who nervously had their blasters aimed at him. They were not privy to his arrangement with their boss, but they had just seen Granger take down their rivals and most of them knew that this was 'Tristan's Jedi'. "I'm not here for you," Granger reassured them, "this time."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Granger stared out of the newly replaced window of what had been Holio's office. Although he had not yet received approval from the Council, the Jedi were already converting the gangster's old office into their new Syllian headquarters.

Iesha found several bars and cantinas that were frequented by Black Sun soldiers and even located some of their contacts, but since Granger's encounter, those that worked directly for the Suns had disappeared. Jenaid recruited some friends to move the Jedi's equipment to their new headquarters. Hannibal was tasked with supervising the boys in their work since his return, but had also made a few rounds at some of the places that Iesha had identified. He, similarly, did not turn up any hard leads.

"The Suns are smart," Hannibal concluded. "They'll lay low for a while, come out when they think the time is right, then go right back into hiding."

"Like everything else," Granger pondered, "This will only require patience. Each time they make an appearance, they will reveal a little more about themselves. We will use this insight to catch them, eventually."

"What I keep wondering," Iesha spoke up, "is where did low-lifes like a low-level Black Sun crew get Mandalorian tech, and become familiar enough with it to use it properly."

"Do not underestimate the Black Sun, my padawan," Granger advised. "They are quite resourceful and skilled at what they do."

"And this Holio seems to be a pretty crafty one," Hannibal added.

"True," Granger conceded. "It seems Syllian is not as secure as we had hoped."