"And see it unfold, we will," Master Luminara said to Sola as they made their way down the temple hall.
"It's just that…" Sola began slowly, "now would be the time for unity…but all it seems to be doing is pitching the Republic into more confrontations. And more sectors leaving."
"Politics is never peaceful Sola," Luminara said almost chastely. "You of all people should know this to be fact." She straightened. "In time, we will gain sight. And this crisis will be over."
As Sola looked forward, the two men caught her eye. Obi-Wan and Anakin were in contemplating, heated discussion. The two stopped a short distance from her and Luminara and Skywalker's face hardened. Sola turned to Master Luminara.
"Thank you for your counsel Master," She bowed her head slightly. "But I believe Obi-Wan expects me."
"Of course." Luminara nodded to her and moved along. Sola slowly made her way over to the two men.
"I'll monitor the perimeter defenses from the central security station," she heard Obi-Wan reply and, as he turned to leave, he stopped before Sola, who had made her way so close that she was not even a yard away from him.
"Oh. Sola." Obi-Wan said with somewhat forced yet genuine kindness. "I didn't realize you were there."
"I only just got to you." Sola explained. "Um…Obi-Wan…I did, however, overhear you and Skywalker a bit…."
"Well, I suppose there's no use avoiding it then," Obi-Wan said after sighing.
"I didn't hear much," Sola said hurriedly. "But I did hear about the defenses…what exactly is going on?" Obi-Wan looked at her and then ahead.
"Walk with me." He said. Sola fell into step beside him and he began to explain the situation to her. Sola didn't say a word, just nodded every now and then, taking in the information and processing it.
"And now Anakin's headed to the north tower and…we're headed to the security station." Obi-Wan finished his record.
"Why haven't you alerted anyone…readied our defenses?" Sola asked finally.
"Not much time to." Obi-Wan said. "And we wouldn't want to stir unnecessary panic. Or possibly drive the infiltrator away when we could find him. All of these reasons."
"I suppose so." Sola said, doubtful. "It would seem like a better idea to me to have some real back-up. Or a small but capable power force."
"Perhaps." Obi-Wan conceded. "But right now, there is just Anakin and us." He gave her a small smile. "And I think we're a strong enough force." Sola couldn't help but smile back.
Sola and Obi-Wan were met by Master Yoda after securing their own portion of the temple. Yet they and Skywalker both experienced energy fluxuations. Tit was not a good sign. Sola was uneasy. She could almost sense something…elusive. Lurking.
"Arrived, the intruders have." Master Yoda said to them in his ever calm voice. The two turned to face him.
"But if they are not in the tower, what are they after?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Someone perhaps." Sola volunteered. "Kidnap."
"At this time of day, I would think not." Master Yoda shook his head, still advancing. "The communication center perhaps their target is."
"Then they must be in the central ventilation system." Anakin said frankly, thinking.
"You may be right." Sola said to the group. "It would be the best access points if we agree the communications are their target."
"Let me check the system." Obi-Wan said. He clicked. "You're right…there has been a disturbance." He and Sola shared glances. "It's near the top of the south tower."
"I'll meet you up there," Anakin said grimly as he signed out of the holocall. Sola let out a breath. Someone was here, in their very temple. More than the threat rocked her…the gall they had…the boldness….
"On high alert, place the temple." Yoda said wisely—and with his words came Sola's muttering.
"Something that should have been done as soon as a disturbance was felt." The words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them. Obi-Wan turned to her sharply, eyes surprised but disapproving.
"Forgive me masters," she bowed her head. "The temple being so vulnerable…is leaving me unsettled. I mean no offense."
"Speak your fears, you are." Yoda said to her, his voice still dripping with years of experience. "But mindful of your feelings, you must be. Fear, anger, anxiety—all turned from mind and body."
"Of course master." Sola nodded, trying to let some calm wash over her. "I understand."
"Always more to learn, there is." Yoda said kindly. "Never done, a jedi's training is."
Sola nodded once more, still worried and anxious yet Yoda's words only penetrated so far, still leaving Sola with the thought that they should have taken the logical, cautious route—being that they were jedi. In many ways, Yoda's speech simply reminded her that…a jedi's training, even a master's, is never done.
"Sola?" Obi-Wan asked a bit half-heartedly as the two made their way to the south tower. Sola didn't respond. Her face was still tinged with red. They had just met with Yoda…and she had done what was, to her, the unthinkable. Obi-Wan repeated himself.
"Yes." Sola finally answered.
"Yoda did not take offense." Obi-Wan said soothingly. "He even agreed with you that he should have just followed his intuition and alerted the temple early on."
"Yes." Sola said embarrassedly. "He said so and he knew that without me…without me spitting it at him obviously." When Yoda had agreed, she did not hesitate to raise her voice from more than just panic.
"You were exasperated and tense." Obi-Wan said. "Though yes…you should not have lost your temper."
"I'm sorry." Sola's voice was small. "I just…to think that we have an intruder right now and…to think of how far they could have gotten already…where they could be…who they could be." She sighed. "I hate unknowns master…not being able to see…."
To her surprise, Obi-Wan chuckled. She turned to the man and he smiled at her.
"As you have always." Obi-Wan pointed out. "You feel compassion…and fear…and the need to be proactive and prevent danger or destruction. That is good, Sola. But," he was now stern, "that can be used negatively or positively. A Jedi must learn to trust in the force and to not try to control the situations but plan or react appropriately to each sporadic situation as it comes…. As my old master would say… 'feel, don't think.'"
"Yes Master." Sola mumbled.
"There is no emotion?" Obi-Wan started the mantra for her.
"There is peace." Sola said, inhaling a deep breath. And she truly did feel calmer, and less ashamed. And more focused. Ready to find out whoever was in her temple…and take them down…or out. Whichever was needed.
"Well, looks like this is where they broke in," Anakin said conclusively as they found the breach.
"Fortunately, we'll have a less troublesome time," Obi-Wan said. Reaching out with the force, he turned the panel and unlocked the shield.
The trio made their way into the tunnel of the ventilation system, one after another. Sola was on guard, trailing behind them. They all trekked through, hands on their blades. They lowered themselves on cables soon after, heading to the lower platform. Even before they touched down, Sola knew they could be lost easily and quickly in these vents. And, looking around, the options were many and clues were few. She sighed inwardly to herself. More obstacles in the way. More time, space, and advantage for whoever had breached the temple.
"Great," Anakin said, "which way do you think they went?"
"The…communications system is this way," Obi-Wan gestured, thinking. They began their walk. "We'd better hurry if we're going to catch them." The realization that they could lose the infiltrator kept pushing Sola on edge. She was calm…but in the back of her mind….
"Sola?" Obi-Wan suddenly turned to her. Sola stood straight.
"Master?" She answered in an even tone.
"Stay alert." Obi said slowly, almost eyeing her, and turned back to face forward. Sola shrunk into herself but only a bit. She knew Obi-Wan had probably felt her anger flare…her anxiety…. But that was unimportant now.
The search through the tunnels was proving to be unfruitful what with the dead ends that the trio hit constantly. It was even more horrendous to learn that the intruders might be receiving help from the inside of the temple. Suspicions would arise if this was known.
"Master Skywalker," Ahsoka came through on the communicator. "I've captured the imposter disquised as a jedi. She says the intruder's in the holocron vault."
"Why would they do that?" Sola asked. "It'll be no good to them."
"A holocron is no good unless a jedi can open it," Obi-Wan added. "What are they up to?"
"They must be trying to access the tower through the vault." Skywalker concluded.
Now having a destination, the three made their way further into the tunnels. Then all of a sudden, a jolt shook them and the temple ventilation system with it.
"Sounds like they're making openings." Sola said.
"You're probably right." Obi-Wan stared out. "To the communication's center. Let's go!"
Sola was at the front, ahead of the rest. She moved swiftly, not stopping to even see if the two masters were behind her. Finally, they heard voices up ahead. She slowed, raising a hand to signify it to the others. Still she crept forward before seeing a small, metal droid get pushed back into the vent with them, flashing and blinking.
"Bomb!" She yelled, running back with the other two jedi. She could feel the heat glide past her neck as she rounded the corner just in time.
"Why?" Anakin asked, befuddled.
"Well…I don't think it was another opening." Sola said drily, walking ahead and out towards where she heard the voices. Slowly, Obi-Wan and Anakin followed suit. Though Sola was calm, she was far from okay.
Rex was surprised to see Sola in foul spirits as he was called to the temple by Master Skywalker. He greeted her anyway.
"Sola." He sat beside her.
"Oh hello Rex." She said less than enthusiastically. "It's been a day."
"I've heard." Rex said lowly. "To be infiltrated so easily…"
"With the lives of hundreds of children and another master in the balance." Sola added bitterly.
"I'm sure that this can be solved. What with Skywalker leading the charge, I don't have any worries that we'll find whoever did this."
"I'm glad you think so," Sola gave him a small smile. "Make sure of it for me."
"You're not commissioned?" Rex asked her.
Sola did not answer but simply stood up. She glanced down at him.
"I've been off balance." Sola said finally. "Testy. In situations that require my absolute calm, I find myself…angry." She looks at him. "It would not do for me to go anyhow. Obi-Wan stays to search for Cad on Coruscant and I will do so as well. It's the best decision for this situation."
"It's your decision." Rex remarked, standing as well to face her. "But I don't feel you'd jeopardize the mission…or even hinder it. Three Jedi are better than two. But I'm sure your expertise can be used on Coruscant too."
"Thanks," Sola gave another small smile. "Things will work for the better. Cad will be brought to justice…and the crystal will be kept safe. I'll tackle things here." She eyes him. "I trust you'll bring to the crystal search…what I would have. So I leave that in your hands…."
Rex said nothing but nodded to her. The two stood for a moment more, something unsaid passing between them. And then Sola broke the stare.
"Be careful and good hunting captain." She nodded to him. "Don't take too long."
"I'll be back before you know I'm gone." He said, now flashing her a smile of his own.
"I'd best leave you to it." Sola said, her eyes still sparkling with unset laughter.
"You'll be missed on the mission." Rex said to her. Sola smirked.
"Well…if you hurry, I won't have time to miss you." She said before turning away and walking back down the corridors of the temple. Rex watched her…and set off to do his duty.