A/N: Ah, I can see how this would be a little different but honestly I think a Sci-Fi story will be fun, especially since it hasn't been done before. You can trust that HG and I won't let you guys down and we certainly won't disappoint. We hope you'll stick with us through this interesting tale. Enjoy!
Clambering out of the ship Serena blanched at the heat radiating not only from the sun above her but from the sand under her feet. Shifting her weight as her boots sank further into the hot sand she watched with amusement as Casey exited the ship, dropping to the sand with a grace that didn't match the foul tirade the red head was aiming at the ship.
"Piece of junk." Groaned Casey as she joined Serena on the sand leaving the door slightly ajar to let the smoke out.
"Take a ship you said. It'll be fun you said. Trust me I'm the best pilot on this plant you said." Muttered Serena, wincing as more sand made its way into her boots.
Rolling her eyes at her friend Casey shrugged, "It's a minor setback."
"We should call your mother; get her to send some help." Replied Serena aware that their arrival was drawing a crowd.
"No. I can fix this. It's probably just overheated or there's sand in the engine." Replied Casey with false confidence, sure she could fly but the mechanics went over her head, she just wasn't ready to admit defeat yet.
"Great, you've busted the ship, we're almost out of money and you're too stubborn to call for help." Grumbled Serena wincing as her teeth crunched against the sand that had found its way into her mouth.
"Oh cheer up, it could be worse." Smirked Casey pulling her scarf up to cover her mouth.
"Really how?" Asked Serena with a raised eyebrow.
"It could be cold." Replied Casey with a shrug before adding, "There's a tavern over there, first drink is on me."
Rolling her eyes Serena pulled her scarf up and followed Casey towards the tavern.
Arriving in the council chamber Alex and Abbie bowed their heads as they listened to Liz's reprimand. As words such as 'irresponsible, reckless and thoughtless' were spoken Alex couldn't help but think how unfair it was. Here they were being scolded like a child when they had managed to take out ten Starfighters and inflict a serious amount of damage to the destroyer that was responsible for the destruction of several of their ships and the deaths of the Knights within them. Granted they had damaged their own ship and broken formation, but what about trusting the Force? What about a well done for taking out so many of the imperial fighters? She was snapped from her musings by Liz's stern voice.
"Alexandra, are you even listening to me?" Demanded Liz.
"Of course." Replied Alex with a slight bow.
"You destroyed a ship…"
"Cruiser." Interject Alex for no reason other than to annoy the elder blonde.
"…You destroyed a ship, broke formation, put people at risk and almost got yourselves killed in the process. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't assign you to working in AgriCorps?" Asked Liz.
Casting a glance at her friend Abbie could see she was about to make a comment that was sure to have them cleaning the floors for a month. Bowing she offered, "We apologize, we saw an opportunity and took it. In hindsight we realize our actions were irresponsible and we should have followed your instructions."
"That's as maybe but we expect more from you, especially you Alexandra…"
"Why are you always so hard on me?" Demanded Alex bitterly.
As she considered how to answer the younger blonde Liz heard Olivia's voice in her mind, "I think, perhaps, the time has come to tell her of the prophecy and her role within it."
Considering the younger Masters words Liz replied, "No, not yet, she is not ready."
"As you say." Replied Olivia a hint of reproach in her voice.
"I asked you a question." Repeated Alex after a few minutes of silence in which she was sure a silent conversation about her fate had been going on.
"Because you have talent, more talent that you realize yet you waste it. You're lazy in your studies, you skip the classes you decide are 'unworthy' of your time and don't take anything seriously." Replied Liz.
Before Alex could reply Olivia stepped forwards and addressed Alex in a calm voice, "Alex, we push you, we push all with talent, because we know you have what it takes to achieve greatness. If we are to win this war you must trust in us."
"Fine. May we go now?" Asked Alex.
"No you may not; we have another mission for you." Replied Liz. "Princess Cassandra of Naboo and her friend Serena Southerlyn commandeered a ship from the fleet and have crash landed on the planet Tatooine. It will be your mission to collect them and return them to Naboo before the banquet on Springs Eve."
"So we're babysitters now?" Demanded Alex.
Holding up her hand Liz spoke in a firm voice, "This is not up for negotiation, Olivia will accompany you. You are to leave as soon as you are packed. Failure is not an option, so I suggest you focus your considerable intellect on the task."
"Yes Master Donnelley." Replied Alex and Abbie in unison as they bowed to Liz and then Olivia before leaving the room.
As Olivia prepared to leave Liz called, "Olivia, a moment. I want you to understand I'm not dismissing you or your ideas."
"I understand, you're right she isn't ready yet." Replied Olivia.
Nodding Liz replied, "It is my hope that sending her home might just push her to take the final step in access her full potential, something she will need if she is to succeed."
"I understand, I give you my word I will watch over her." Smiled Olivia understanding that despite her annoyance at the younger Knight Liz was fond of her.
"Something big is coming we must all be ready to fill the roles we were born to play." Replied Liz in a preoccupied voice.
"I sense it too, it's as if the galaxy is holding its breath." Replied Olivia.
"Your powers are indeed growing, you will soon be as powerful as any of us." Smiled Liz patting her charge on the arm as she left the room.
Reaching their shared room Alex yanked her bag out of the wardrobe and began throwing spare robes into it. "It's like only talks in cryptic or annoying." Grumbled Alex as she continued throwing her belongings in her bag.
"Ah now young Jedi you know you must work to understand the force, if it were easy everyone would want to be a Jedi Knight." Replied Abbie in an impressive impersonation of the Jedi Master, frowning when it failed to get a response from the blonde who had moved to stare out of the window she asked, "What's really bothering you?"
"Nothing, I just don't want to play babysitter to some spoiled princess." Replied Alex.
"Tatooine that's where you're from right? Maybe we'll have time to visit your family."
"They gave me away, what makes you think they would want to see me?" Replied Alex in a bitter voice.
"Al…"
"I don't even remember them. I have this memory…I think of someone singing to me. I mean I have this memory but I don't know if it's real or just wishful thinking." Replied Alex before shrugging and forcing a smile to her face. "We should get going, there's a Princess that needs saving."
"Alex if you want to talk, I'm here for you." Replied Abbie collecting her lightsaber and bag.
"I know, thanks." Replied Alex following Abbie from the room.
Climbing down from her ship Kim Greylek didn't spare her co-pilot a glance as he dropped from the partially destroyed TIE Fighter with a groan of pain. The Jedi pilots had managed to destroy several fighters in their fleet and rendered their destroyer useless. What bothered her the most was the power she had sensed radiating from the cruiser that had broken off and attacked. For many years there had been talk of one who would have unrivalled power, it seemed as if it wasn't just talk, action would need to be taken immediately.
As she marched through the corridor a snipped of conversation reached her, "For an ex Jedi she is lacking in the 'Force'." The word Force spoken with distain.
"What did you say?" Demanded Kim turning to face the sniggering pilots.
"Nothing My Lord…" Muttered the taller of the pilots, thankful that his helmet could hide his blush.
Stepping forward Kim raised her hand lifting the pilot from the floor, closing her fingers together the pilot began to choke, "I asked what you said."
"Greylek! War room now." Ordered self proclaimed Emperor Lewis.
Letting the choking man down Kim cast him a look of contempt before following in the Emperor's footsteps. Walking into the war room she acknowledged those already gathered and took her appointed seat, listening as blame for the failed mission to conquer Cloud City was shifted from person to person.
"Maybe the ex-Jedi still holds affection for the Order she was once part of." Offered one of the generals.
"I have proved my loyalty time and time again." Replied Kim with an icy glare, her comment triggering loud arguments from both those who opposed her and those who supported her.
The quarrelling was brought to a halt by the Emperor slamming his fist down on the table. Once silence had fallen he spoke, "The failure does not rest on any one person, you all failed."
Apologies and assurances were mumbled by all before the Emperor dismissed the meeting, "Greylek stay, I wish to speak with you alone."
Swallowing down her nervousness Kim nodded and waited in silence until the room was empty.
Once they were alone the Emperor spoke, "We received word that Princess Cassandra of Naboo is alone in Tatooine, it seems she high jacked a ship and crash landed. There is another with her, Southerlyn her father is on the council she will be required as well. You will bring them to us, alive. I'm sure you will encounter Jedi Knights, they are disposable. A ship and crew are waiting for you."
"I understand my Lord, I won't let you down." Replied Kim.
"Good, failure will result in your death. Are we clear?" Asked the Emperor.
"Yes my Master." Replied Kim with a respectful bow. Making a quick stop in her quarters to change her clothes and pack a bag Kim couldn't shake the feeling she would not be returning as she made her way to the flight deck.
The closer they got to Tatooine the more Alex found old 'memories' playing in her mind, she was snapped from her thoughts by Olivia's voice, "What's that tune you're humming?"
"I don't know, it's like a leftover memory from a dream I can't quiet recall." Explained Alex.
"Close your eyes and focus on my voice." Instructed Olivia.
Doing as the brunette instructed Alex closed her eyes and focused on Olivia's instruction to breathe deeply.
"Now, recall the tune in your mind." Instructed Olivia.
As she did as the older woman instructed the tune as always came easily to her, only this time it was accompanied by words that felt strangely familiar on her tongue and the image of a blonde woman smiling down at her.
"Sleep my little baby-oh.
Sleep until you waken
When you wake you'll see the world
If I'm not mistaken...
Kiss a lover
Dance a measure,
Find your name
And buried treasure...
Face your life
Its pain,
Its pleasure,
Leave no path untaken."
"Oh." Mumbled Alex as she opened her eye to see Olivia smiling at her.
"We've arrived." Called Abbie from the pilot seat.
"Olivia, thank you." Smiled Alex as she took her seat to help Abbie land.
Landing their ship Olivia went to subtly 'asked' around about any stranger that had recently arrived on the planet. Heading back to where Abbie and Alex were waiting she shared what she had found out in hushed tones, "Two strangers fitting the description of the Princess and her companion, their ship broke down and they are staying in the tavern. More worrying is the arrival of an imperial ship a few hours before us, according to the merchant I spoke with there were six of them."
"Six is that all." Smirked Alex as she high fived Abbie.
Shaking her head Olivia replied, "I sense…Kim Greylek…"
"The traitor?" Asked Abbie.
"The one and the same. She has a great deal of power and is not to be overlooked." Cautioned Olivia.
"Okay then, I say we head to the tavern wait until the Princess and her friend are in a quiet corner and take them quietly." Replied Alex, causing the two brunettes to stare at her in surprise, "This is too important, to be reckless."
"I agree." Replied Olivia, silently acknowledging Liz's correct assertion that sending Alex 'home' would be good for her.
"I just want to get out of this sand." Grouched Abbie as they began their journey to the tavern.
Heading inside Alex went to the bar carrying their drinks back to their table where they could watch both the door and the Princess and her companion who were playing some form of card game with several other patrons.
Unaware that they were being watched Casey barely held back her smirk when she saw the cards she was holding, winning another hand she leaned forward to scoop her winnings into her hand she felt a hand grip her wrist, "Not so fast."
"Hey, I won fair and square." Replied Casey attempting to remover her arm from the other man's grip.
"No one's that lucky!" Argued her opponent.
Before Casey could reply they were joined by a woman who pulled out the chair next to Casey and four men in white armor surrounding the table. Casey immediately recognizes them as Stormtroopers.
Sitting down Kim leaned towards the man still gripping Casey's wrist and spoke in a low voice, "She is, now I suggest you let her go before I break your wrist or worse."
Releasing Casey's wrist the man stood and quickly walked away, muttering under his breath.
Rubbing her wrist Casey stood, "Thank you for your help, we'll be going now."
"Not so fast." Replied Kim.
"Case, I don't like this." Whispered Serena.
"It'll be fine." Replied Casey holding her head up high, "We are going now, thank you for your help."
"Don't worry princess we'll take care of you." Leered one of the troopers.
"I think you must have me confused with someone else." Replied Casey stepping away only to collide with someone standing close behind her.
"C-Casey…" Whispered Serena before something hard was brought down on her head plunging her into darkness.
"Hey!" Yelled Casey aiming a hard punch at the man nearest her.
As one Alex, Olivia and Abbie rose and pulled their lightsaber the sound drawing the attention of the imperial attackers who pulled their weapons. Dispatching the advancing guard with ease Alex's green blade clashed with red as Kim stood before her, "Traitor." Growled Alex.
"Jedi brat." Spat Kim the power radiating from the woman before her told her this was the one they had spoken of. Moving her lightsaber with such speed it appeared to blur as it slashed at Alex's robes forcing the blonde to jump back half a step.
Righting her footing Alex advanced on Kim their blades connecting as each blade hits on the other, feeling a bite of pain on her cheek Alex reached up her fingers coming away slick with blood. Smirking Alex feinted left and then slashed at Kim's cheek leaving a mark similar to her own.
"Alex." Called Olivia pointing at Casey being dragged outside by two large natives as she protected a still unconscious Serena against two others.
"Go." Yelled Abbie crouching low she ducked under Kim's blade, aiming her own at Kim's ankles forcing her back, "Really that's all you got?" Laughed Abbie as she watched Alex slip out the door.
Growling Kim lunged towards Abbie moving as if she intended to strike high she changed her stance at the last moment her blade nicking Abbie's thigh sending the younger woman to the floor. Leaning over the brunette Kim pulled her lightsaber back to deliver the final blow when their eyes connected as there was something in the other woman's eyes that stilled hr movements.
Knocking out the kidnapers surrounding the unconscious blonde Olivia lifted Serena over her shoulder and crept behind Kim. Drawing her saber, she went to deliver a crucial blow when a voice calling out to her stopped her in her tracks.
"Stop." Ordered Abbie, knowing the Sith Lord had spared her life and that she wanted to return the favor. "We need to go after Alex." Added Abbie not sure why she felt such a strong compulsion to spare the other woman.
Nodding, albeit confused, Olivia dropped her arm, "Next time I won't be so easily swayed." Warned Olivia as she lifted Serena higher into her arms, throwing some coins on the bar she followed Abbie from the tavern.
Racing outside Alex saw the Princess trying to fight free of the two men holding her whilst another directed them, "She's a Princess, at least to lots of people are looking for her, imagine the ransom we'll get."
"It was a mistake, I'm no one." Replied Casey.
Catching up with them Alex ordered, "Unhand her."
"There are three of us and only one of you." Laughed the larger of the men.
"Looks like it's a fair fight." Replied Alex pulling her lightsaber as Abbie and Olivia reached them.
Before anyone could move Olivia spoke in an authoritative tone, "She is just a pot washer from a neighboring planet. Leave us now."
The three men looked dazed for a moment before shaking their heads and walking away.
Reaching for Casey's arm Alex spoke, "Come along Princess, let's get you and your friend somewhere safe."
"I'm more than capable of taking care of myself." Snapped Casey yanking her arm from Alex's grasp.
"Really, because that's not what it looked like." Snaked Alex.
"We need to move." Called Abbie as Kim and three of her Stormtroopers stepped out of the tavern, scanning the area for Casey and company.
"I'll hold them off." Volunteered Olivia handing the still unconscious Serena to Abbie.
"In here." Called a new voice from one of the huts that lined the sand.
Realizing they had no choice unless they wanted another show down with the Sith fighters they stepped inside Abbie and Alex leaning heavily on the closed door. As the sounds of footsteps rushing past echoed through the hut, no one spoke.
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