Mission 1: Moths to the Flame
As with all new jedi, everyone has to do a lax mission or two. And even though she had experience in the field as a bounty hunter, Tanya had to do few mission around Curosant; Missions that the masters believe would calm her mind. Calm or at least put her skills to a use other than taking a life.
Tanya had spent most of her time in the training room. Since Windu wanted her to hone her jedi skills and kind of curb her Bounty Hunting habits, she sparred with Ahsoka a few times. Ahsoka may have been a Padawan about a week longer than her, but Tanya was a fast leaner. The two had an equal amount of wins and losses. They planned to never stop until one of them pulls out at least two points ahead. That didn't happen for two hours. The two fell back, exhausted. "Let's…call it…a day…" Ahsoka panted, "I'm tired."
"So am I…" Tanya groaned, "I think my arms and legs are numb."
"Mine feel like they're going to fall off." Ahsoka said trying to top her. The two girls laughed at one another. They rose to their feet and met in the middle of the floor. "So how do you like being a jedi so far?"
"Eh, it's okay. It's better than being in jail. However Windu is just like the warden." She pouted, "Always calling me by my last name. The man could stand to learn some manners."
"Don't worry," Ahsoka waved off, "you two will grow on each other soon. Anakin didn't want me around either, at first. It took a falling wall to change his mind."
"HA! Maybe I should drop a wall on Mace then. It might knock some humor into him."
"Humor, eh," Tanya's ears stiffened. She looked back and saw the stern face of her newly appointed master, "How is this for humor? You are to accompany me to the Chancellors office for a little pest control."
"HUH?"
(:/""\:)
Windu and Tanya boarded a ship heading for the senate. Windu told Tanya about the situation. "Moths?" she cocked her head.
"Yes," Windu said with his arms folded, "Madam Jocasta Nu has been reporting sights of moths in the library. It was eating one of the books, when it saw her and took off."
"So why don't you just call an exterminator?"
"Because not only would the fumes damage the books," he said matter-of-factly, "The moths belong to a visiting delegate." Tanya saw the problem. Destroy one moth and the jedi could have a national incident. "As a bounty hunter, have you ever had dealings in thievery?"
"Maybe once or twice." She shrugged, not really seeing the point.
"Which means you know how to handle delicate objects?" he pressed.
"Yes," she replied wanting him to get to the point. Then she got what he was getting. "How delicate are these moths?"
"If you sneak up on them and take them by surprise, there is a danger that they can die of a heart attack."
"Well if I'm to have any hope of catching these moths, I'll need to learn about them," she stated. "Is that why we're going to the senate."
"Yes. The owner is there talking with the chancellor now." Windu glanced over to the thinking Aquatisan. She was putting a lot of thought into how she was going to accomplish this mission. If the Moths are that frail, she will need to make sure that she doesn't get the drop on them. She'll need to make her presence known before striking. But how? "Padawan Fett," she looked over to him, "I do not need to tell you that a lot rides on the succession of this mission. If we fail, we could lose a possible ally as well as have an interplanetary incident."
"No pressure or anything, Baldu?" she questioned sarcastically. "I already know what's at stake. You don't need to tell me. The only thing you need to worry about is yourself."
"I shall keep that in mind."
/=($)=\
As Tanya and Windu walked through the senate halls, the political figures were distressing over the moth infestation. They're afraid of little bugs? For Tanya, she had seen so many scary things in her life, the thought of having to deal with bugs made her want to slap the owner for bringing them.
Tanya walked into the Chancellors office and saw a woman talking to him. She had long voluminous blond hair, lips as pink as a pig, skin the color of grass. She was wearing a white dress, a shawl with a moth wing design. The dress parted at the hip, revealing her wearing white dress shoes. Her eyes were as blue as the sky, making them the most enchanting thing about her. "Ah Padawan Fett," Palpatine announced, he got up from his seat, "It's so good to see you again, my dear."
"Hello Chancellor," she and Windu bowed, "Um…can you please just call me Tanya?" she asked, mostly directing it at Windu.
"Oh yes, of course. Forgive me." He sputtered. Tanya will always direct her introduction questions at Windu. She's been his Padawan for a few days and he's never once just called her Tanya. He will say Padawan Fett, youngling, young one, Fett, Apprentice or Padawan. Sometimes he won't even acknowledge her. She thought it made sense though. After all, they were only brought together because she lost a bet. She may not serve Jabba anymore, but she was still derided for being a Bounty hunter. "Tanya this is Madam Mothalia," Palpatine introduced the woman, "I assume Master Windu has informed you of the situation."
"Yes he has Chancellor." She looked to the woman, "Madam Mothalia, I promise to do all I can to get your moths back."
"So," the woman boomed with little interest. She meandered over to Tanya, "You're the little girl who has a gentle touch?" She leaned into Tanya's face, forcing her to take a step back. "You're the one they charged to get my babies back?"
"Y-yes ma'am." She stammered. She was very charismatic. And that charisma was making Tanya lose focus.
"We'll see about that, won't we?" she replied, still making it clear she wasn't the least bit impressed. She stood up straight and looked Tanya's body over. Feeling self-conscious, Tanya wrapped one arm around her stomach and the other went on her shoulder. She even blushed. Don't look at me like that. She pleaded mentally. "Well then, let's put your touch to the test, shall we?" She sat down crossing her legs. "Come here," she used her finger to direct Tanya. Tanya walked closer to her, but kept about two steps away. "Well, come closer my dear," she urged. Tanya edged toward Mothalia, her foot an inch from the chair. Tanya still kept her arm around herself. Mothalia found Tanya's apprehension entertaining. She tried to stifle a giggle. "Now then, I would like you to pet my head and face." She saw Tanya's look of confusion. "Take your hand," she grabbed Tanya's hand, "And pet me." She put the hand to her face. Tanya was surprised by what she felt. Mothalia didn't have skin. It was fuzzy fur. A soft, velvet, fuzzy fur, Tanya couldn't resist petting it. She began to stroke the fur. She noticed Mothalia had her eyes closed. She took that as a gesture to continue. Tanya brought her hand up Mothalia's cheek and began stroking her hair. She brought the strands of hair up and let them drift to the side of the moth woman's face. Tanya wasn't getting any words of protest, so she continued. She leaned in at bit, so she could analyze the hair, which felt more like fur. Then she felt something – something on her tail. It started at the top and slowly stroked its way down to the tip. Tanya started to relax a bit. She started to purr. When she felt something lick the tip, she snapped back to reality and retreated back. Tanya held on to her tail for dear life, as she saw Mothalia licking her fingers. "Hmm, such a delightful taste," she awed, "And your hands are so wonderful to the touch," she stood holding herself. Tanya went to Windu's side. He sub-consciously put an arm around her. "Very well, I want you to catch my babies and bring them back to me. Just do not harm them."
"su-su-su," Tanya sputtered. She was so shocked she couldn't speak. She nudged Windu to speak for her."
"She would be honored Madam Mothalia." Windu spoke for her.
"Oh thank you." She cheered, "Now then, they're nocturnal so you'll have to wait a bit. I have to leave tomorrow morning. Have them back by then and I will lend my assistance to the republic."
"Thank you Madam," Windu bowed. He nudged Tanya in the back and she bowed as well. "How many of your moths are there?"
"Only two," she answered as if it wasn't a problem, "Both are now in this building – hibernating until the night."
"How do I catch them?" Tanya asked, finally finding her voice.
"Oh just use that beautiful body of yours," she scratched Tanya behind the ear. Tanya had a chill run down her spine. She began to purr. "Don't worry, with that lovely scent…and taste, they aren't hard to find." Windu pulled Tanya back before her leg started thumping. Windu bowed and left the room.
Tanya in hand. Tanya fell against the wall, hyperventilating. "There is so much not right with that lady." She whispered.
"Yes. She is a bit eccentric." Windu pondered. "Although I believe you enjoyed her stroking your tail and ears." He quirked.
"What – no – ha – no I wasn't." she denied.
"Then that relaxed expression on your face was just a figment of my imagination." He mocked. Tanya did a loud exhale. "This mission is a test to see how you solve difficult problems. Patience and listening will be your key to success. I trust you have some level of patience."
"With you – no. With everyone else – yes." She stomped past Windu.
He observed her with a slight hint of amusement in his eyes. "May the force be with you," he laughed. Tanya snarled.
}{-(_)-}{
Windu returned to the temple council room. Koth, Yoda and Obi-wan were present. "So how did it go?" Obi-wan asked with curiosity.
"Tanya relaxes when her tail is stroked and when her ears are scratched." Everyone cocked an eyebrow.
"Use this knowledge to your advantage you will?" Yoda asked humorously.
"I'm not so cruel that I would use…an ally's weakness against her," he feigned innocence. A mischievous smiled crept on his face, "Should she prove troublesome, that is."
"That's not cruel at all." Koth replied with sarcasm.
"No. Call it a lesson," Windu twisted, "A lesson she can stand to learn. Although, I will make an appoint to not use it when the enemy is present." He guaranteed.
()-}_{-()
It was the middle of the night. And not a creature was stirring. Well except for Tanya and the moths she was hunting. She searched through the rooms, a few closets, she even checked under the rugs. Knowing it would take her more than one night to complete this task, Tanya enlisted the help of a few troopers. She had teams searching the different corners of the senate building. With their help, the mission was sure to be completed in the allotted time. She contacted her team. "Crossbow, what do you got?"
"The south end is clear sir," he reported, "Longshot and I' have got nothing."
"Scythe?"
"The north end is quiet general," he said confidently, "Trek and I have nothing on our end."
"Crash, how are you and Crunch?"
"West side is looking fine commander," he replied as if he were a jazz man.
"Okay. Slick and I are clear on the east." She reported. Slick winked at her. "Remember, should one of the moths appear, do not engage it. Just call me and I'll be right over."
"YES SIR," They all sounded off.
"Oh and guys, call me Tanya."
"YES TANYA." They all laughed.
She laughed along. "Alright boys, the upper levels are clear. Scythe, Trek, Crash and Crunch check the lower levels and the hangar. Crossbow and Longshot, you're with me and Slick. We're checking the mid-section."
[=&-_-&=]
In the middle were the sleeping quarters of visiting politicians. Surreptitiously, Tanya and her group would search the rooms of sleeping senators. Being careful not to wake them, they would search throughout the senators' quarters. Nothing. They came close to waking up Organa. They managed to make it out before he woke up.
They met back in the hallway. By the look on their faces, Tanya knew they turned up empty. But she still had to ask, "Anything?" she sighed. They shook their heads in dismay. Tanya groaned and called the others. They all had the same news – they had nothing. "This is bad," She looked at her watch, "And we have one hour till sunrise. This is bad…again."
"Can't you use some jedi trick to track it?" Longshot asked. "Maybe some heat seeking ability."
"It's not that simple," she pointed out, "I may be a jedi, but I don't have that much training in the force." Then her ear twitched. "Maybe…" She sat on the floor and crossed her legs.
"What are you doing?" Slick asked.
"When I was on Cato Neimoidia with my father, he needed to locate a traitor to the bounty hunters. He was a man who would sell out his own if it meant surviving." She elucidated, "All I could think about was his voice. So – since he knew about my talent – he told me that a good hunter quiets his voice and mind, and listens. So…I…did," she trailed off. She fell silent. Her face void of any expression. Slick and the others took up guard. Tanya slowed her breathing, so to diminish any remaining sounds. She strained her ears, moving them in each direction, the force secluding each sound so she could get a feed on the whereabouts of the moths. All sounds that were inaudible to humans' ears, hers detected. She came across a strange noise. It sounded like a tongue over liquid. Best part was, it was coming from down the hall. She figured it was as good a place as any. "I found them. Slick, call the guys and tell them to come to the 14th floor. And hurry," she sped down the hallway, with the troopers fast behind her.
/}|{\_/}|{\
The 14th floor: a large cafeterium. (Believe me it's a large room.)
I have no clue what the other floors are so bear with me please
Tanya and the rest of the clone troopers were outside the door of the kitchen. Tanya and Slick peaked through the door window. Both nearly choked at what they were witnessing. They slumped down, leaning against the door, "What's in there?" Trek asked.
"I'm not sure," she whispered, "but Mothalia doesn't have to worry about us killing it." She exclaimed, pointing to the window. When the rest of the team peered through the window, they nearly peed their pants. They fell back against the wall. "Okay, we walk in, and surround it, but keep the guns away. If we startle it, it may die." She commanded speedily. The troopers nodded, and it was time to catch a bug.
They tiptoed to the front of the moth. It took no notice to them. Tanya led one team -Crash, Crunch, and Trek. While Slick leads the other troopers. Both teams were on both sides of the moth. Tanya was going to reveal herself when Trek stepped on glass. The moth stopped moving. Tanya and the troopers ceased movement as well.
The Moth began to smell the air. It moved over to Tanya. When it appeared to notice her, it roared at the top of its lungs. Tanya inhaled calmly and then shouted, "RUN!" They booked it out of the room, the moth closely under foot. It was tearing through the room going after them. Knowing the elevator would be suicide – they all took the stairs. Better exercise for them anyway.
\_[^]_/
They managed to make it to the 15th floor: senate library. They ran into the library, barricading the doors with everything that could be moved. They were going to hide under the tables, when ooze dripped onto the floor. Tanya halted the group. She looked from the floor oozes to the ceiling above. And there, thirsting for blood, was the other moth. It's mouth-watering for their carcasses. "By the gods!" Tanya gasped. They sped down a book isle. The other moth busted through the doors. The two moths clicked their tongues to each other and pursued after Tanya and the troopers. Their large sizes caused the book shelves to fall like dominoes. Tanya saw that they were falling to a second towards another floor of the library. "Follow me!" Tanya dragged the troopers along the falling shelves. Leaping from one shelf to the other. The moths clawed at soldiers. They got Crash and Trek. The two were stomped on. Tanya and the rest of the gang leaped for the library second floor balcony. They managed to grab the ledge.
Trying to pull themselves up, Slick and Crunch managed to get to the floor. They hoisted Tanya up. She reached for Crossbow, but too late. One of the moths grabbed Crossbow and chewed up his armor. After spitting him out, the score board was now the moths three – Tanya and her boys zero. They hid behind more book shelves. The moths sniffed around like blood hounds. Tanya peered around the corner. She was studying the moths' strange behavior. Slick, Syth and Crunch clicked their blasters. Tanya put her hand straight up, signaling them to wait. As she was watching the giant moths she saw that their eyes were colorless and they were fussing over…HER SABER. She patted her waist, "Those things are licking my saber like a damn lollipop." Slick came around with her and watched with amusement, "Wait…that's it!" She shouted. All three clones put their hands over her mouth. The moths took no interest. Tanya thought back to her meeting with Mothalia. Just use your beautiful body, with that lovely scent and taste they won't be hard to find. She began thinking about Mothalia's eyes: they were blue but at the same time colorless. "They're blind."
"What?" Slick asked.
"Those two are blind," she assessed, "As moths, they follow sweet scents. They were eating an herbal tea mix."
"Okay?" Crunch pressed, wanting her to continue.
"That herbal tea is also used in the same brand of shampoo and body soap I've been using. They're following me." She slapped her head, "This is entirely my fault."
"No it's not," Slick reassured her, "Its Mothalia's. Now how do we deal with them?"
"Easy." She ran from behind the book case and whistled at the bugs. The bugs heard her and sniffed the air. They slowly crept up on her. Tanya put her arms out, allowing the moths to smell her. Slick and the boys were ready to fire. The moths were inhaling her hair; sniffing her whole body…they were licking her. Their tongue's tickled her stomach so much she fell on the ground laughing. The moths were mercilessly. The three troopers came out from hiding and were enjoying the spectacle. "SLI-SLICK- HA, HA, HA."
"Yeees," he laughed.
"CA-CALL- HA, HA – MOTHALIA – HA, HA."
[::]/(^)\[::]
"OH MY BABIES!" Mothalia exclaimed. She was hugging, kissing them and completely scaring the jedi. Crash, Trek and crossbow were going to live, and the senate library wasn't too damaged. Aside from the fact that Tanya was covered in spit, she called it a good night - Even if it was seven in the morning. "Oh Tanya honey thank you so much." She kissed Tanya's cheek. Tanya resisted the urge to vomit. When she saw that Mothalia's ship was out of sight, that's when she hawked up her lunch. "THAT WOMAN IS SO WEIRD!"
"I think she admires you." Windu commented with a hint of humor, "You never know, she might have sisters who share her…unique…taste in people."
Tanya shuddered frighteningly, "OH LORDS! WHY ME?"
{=_=}
Tanya adjourned to the council room, where Windu, Yoda, Koth and Obi-wan waited. "So how was the mission?" Obi-wan asked.
"It was…weird." She admitted with a grin.
"How so?" Koth asked quizzically.
"Turns out it was the herbal tea and my soap they were after." She ran her fingers through her hair. There was reserve moth gunk in her hair. She flicked her hand, desperately wanting to get rid of the spit.
"What else happened?" Windu pushed, resisting the urge to smile.
"Well, when time was almost up I began to panic. But I used this weird listening trick to find the moths."
"What trick?"
"I learned it from my dad, when you and your mind are quiet you can hear things other couldn't dream of hearing."
"A jedi trick that is," Yoda explained, "Used it well you have. Learn lesson you learned did you?" Yoda quizzed.
"Um…" Tanya put a hand to her chin, "A calm and clear mind can help you in the toughest situations?" Yoda gestured for her to continue, "And…sometimes the hardest of challenges have the simplest of solutions?" Yoda nodded.
"Excellent work Tanya," Obi-wan congratulated. Tanya blushed slightly. She looked at Windu for approval. He didn't say anything. Tanya became discouraged. "Alright, go get some sleep. You deserve-"she fell. Tanya collapsed on the ground and snored away. "I guess she can sleep there," Obi-wan snickered.
"Yes. It'd be wrong to wake her up." Koth agreed. Windu stood. He used the force and laid her in a corner. He took of his robe and put it over her. "Well done…Tanya." He whispered.
Hey guys. Sorry if I wasn't accurate, but I'm throwing things around. Next chapter later.
