Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. No profit is being made from this story.
Author's Note: For anyone who doesn't know, CorSec is an abbreviation for Corellian Security Force, the primary law enforcement agency on Corellia, Han Solo's homeworld.
And before anyone says anything, yes I know that the post "Return of the Jedi" novels are non-canon now. I don't care, I like them and want to write fanfiction for them.
In the Jedi Academy on Shedu Maad the recently appointed Grandmaster Kyle Katarn sighed as he finished reading the data-pad in his hands. Another possible lead on the Mortis Dagger had turned out to be a dead end. Not surprising given that the galaxy was a big place but disappointing nonetheless.
He closed the file and turned his attention to the list of other items requiring his attention.
The news was not good. All over the galaxy border disputes and other crises were breaking out, many of them brought on by the turmoil caused by Abeloth and the Lost Tribe. The Jedi were stretched to breaking point trying to clear them all up. Not only that but the progress reports from Jedi Knights he'd sent to those trouble spots showed a recurring theme of civilians and local authorities refusing to offer any kind of assistance and in some cases harassing or attacking the Jedi involved.
How did Luke cope with all this? Kyle thought. While he was deeply honoured to have been chosen as the new Grandmaster since Luke Skywalker had retired he couldn't help but long for the days when he was "just" the Jedi Order's Battlemaster. Things had been simpler then.
He smiled to himself. Listen to me, I sound like an old curmudgeon. Luke appointed me to this position because he felt I was the right choice and I'm not going to let him down.
Feeling reinvigorated he resumed studying the pad. One item in particular caught his attention. After several moments of quiet deliberation he activated his comlink.
"Jedi Dorvald report to my office."
"Yes Master Katarn."
Just a few moments later the door to his office chimed. "Come in" he called.
The door opened and Jedi Knight Seha Dorvald walked in. She was a beautiful woman in her early twenties with fair skin and long coppery-red hair that she wore in a neat pony tail. Her lightsabre was clipped to her belt.
She bowed. "You summoned me Master Katarn."
Kyle chuckled softly. "Seha I've told you before I don't like anyone bowing in front of me."
She winced. "Sorry Master Katarn."
"It's okay" he replied with a casual smile. He liked Seha. She had saved his life when Jacen Solo- no, Darth Caedus he reminded himself- had nearly killed him. Since then he'd kept an eye on her, watching as she grew from an under-trained and insecure apprentice to a confidant and capable knight.
"Anyway, on to business. I have an assignment for you."
Her expression stayed calm but in the Force he sensed her curiosity along with a flicker of excitement.
"Have you ever heard of Scarlet Starburst?"
"The Twi'lek band? Yes I've heard some of their singles. They're really good."
"I agree. They're due to perform in Coronet City in a week's time and CorSec have learned of a plan to kidnap the band members. I'm sending you undercover as a technician to watch over them."
"Don't we have bigger problems right now Master Katarn?" As soon as she'd said that she blanched and hastily added, "Not that I feel this assignment is beneath me or that these people don't deserve our help. Of course as Jedi we help anyone in need, I just…"
"It's okay Seha" Kyle said with another light chuckle. As much as she'd grown in confidence there were still moments when her old nervousness resurfaced, especially around authority figures. "I understand what you mean. Normally this would be a job for CorSec. However the band contacted us and specifically requested our aid."
"They asked for our help? I'm glad to hear that some people still trust the Jedi."
"Precisely. In fact Scarlet Starburst have always been pro-Jedi and have been urging people to support us. It's only fair. Besides right now we can use as much good PR as possible."
"I beg your pardon Master but wouldn't Valin Horn or Jysella be better choices for this assignment? They know the city a lot better than I do."
"Both of them are on missions elsewhere and they won't return in time." He smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. I know you'll do fine."
Seha nodded. "Thank you Master Katarn. I'll leave right away."
"May the Force be with you."
A few hours later Seha arrived in Coronet, the capital city of Corellia. Upon entering the planet's atmosphere she received directions to the hotel where the band was staying, the Five Brothers. Upon touching down on the landing pad she was met by a well-dressed male human with immaculately groomed and styled hair.
"Jedi Dorvald?" he asked.
"That's me" she replied.
He smiled and shook her hand. "Kurt Lu, manager of Scarlet Starburst. Thank you for coming so quickly. You being here will definitely make the girls feel better."
"I'm looking forwards to meeting them."