Hi everyone! Sorry to leave you hanging like that, I was and am sorta grounded. But I got my iPad back for now so I had time to write this. It's still a bit shorter than the others but I didn't want to go overboard and this chapter was actually very hard to write since I didn't want to give away anything yet but I was severely tempted to. Um, sorry if this was boring but I swear it'll get better later. As for those who are wondering every fact I take is checked on Star Wars Wikipedia so I'm not making anything up. As for the unknown phrase later on in this chapter that the Mandolorian says it means "Goodbye for now my Jedi friend". Yeah that's about it! Enjoy!
Chapter 7- Bounty Hunters
Alana sat cross-legged on the sofa and brought a cup of Jeru tea to her lips. Padme was sitting across from her in the living room and also sipping tea, she had changed out of her senate clothes and was now wearing more casual attire. The silence that hung in the air between them was a comfortable one. The relationship between Alan and Padme was a mix of one of sisters and a mother and her daughter besides Padme was the third person Alana met since her memory had disappeared. They had no secrets from each other ever since Alana had found about how the Senator tied with a certain Jedi that frequently annoyed the life out of her. As they sat calmly in the living room Alana thought couldn't feel more at peace than she did now but just in case she still kept her green lightsaber beside her. When Alana had finished retelling the story of their misadventures on Ralak, Padme sighed and gently put down her cup:
-So that's what happened. Honestly, sometimes you worry me so much Alana- you're only 16 you really shouldn't be facing this kind of danger.
Although she made no indication of mentioning another name Alana had picked up on the fact that she was talking about two people rather than just one. Alana smiled gently and reminded the senator in a soft voice:
-I can't stop you from worrying about us since you have every right to do so. But do try to remember that we're Jedi, we can protect ourselves. I made a promise to protect the Republic and I will not break it.
-You're right and as stubborn as ever I see. Anyway I'm just glad you're okay.
-The truth is that I was a hair away from deaths doorstep- if that weird glowy force thing hadn't happened I probably wouldn't be. I wonder what it was.
-Well, I can't help you there - I'm not a Jedi. But I can see that something else is also troubling.
Alana shook her head slightly and smiled ruefully:
-Sometimes you seem a lot like one. You fight your battles with words instead of actions and seek a peaceful resolution, you stand for what you believe in and you can easily see through all of my masks. That makes you a lot like a Jedi.
Just as Padme opened her mouth to reply to Alana the young jedi's hand flew to her lightsaber. Unexpectedly she ignited it and a raised it up to the level of the Senators head, a moment later a cut in half toxic dart was laying on the low table in between the sofas. Relieved Alana muttered:
-Just in time. Now where are you?
Alana quickly turned in the direction of where the toxic dart had pierced the window, and her eyes scanned Coruscant's landscape urgently until they stopped on one building North East from her. There!- Alana thought in her mind triumphantly. She reached out with the Force while at the same time putting up a barrier around herself and Padme. Surprisingly she felt not one but three presences there and now they were splitting up. Alana turned towards Padme:
-Padme, listen, there's three people here who lets say don't want you alive. But I believe you're not their only target. Stay here and stay down, call security and I'll also contact a Jedi friend, he'll keep watch over you. Be careful ok?
-I can look after myself but thanks for worrying. Go, but be careful ok?
-I'm always careful!
Said Alana jumping out of the window. And people said she was reckless.
Now outside Alana looked around her and thankfully found a pole from which a hologram was hanging to land on. She quickly fastened her lightsaber to her belt so as not to loose it and searched the Force for a certain presence when she found it she sent a gentle force jolt towards him. Suddenly Alana felt the three presences, who she assumed were bounty hunters, that she was following speed up so she had to hurry up. Her comlink beeped and a familiar voice sounded:
-What's up, shorty?
-Nice to hear from you too, Skyguy. Anyway Anakin now's not the time for this, we've got trouble. Is master Obi-wan with you?
-Oh so he's Master while I'm just me?!
-Yes, you are you. Is he there or not?
Master Kenobi's voice sounded through the comlink:
-I'm here Alana. What's the situation?
-I have a problem on my hands. There are three bounty hunters each of them with a different target I've deduced two of the targets but the third one remains unknown. As far as I can tell one of them is a woman the two others men, they seem to be working in a team. Chuba!
Alana cursed under her breath. Sensing her frustration through the Force Anakin asked:
-What's wrong?! Alana what's going on?
Alana jumped off the hologram pole and onto the street. She ran in the direction of where the bounty hunters team was moving and to her dismay she found it was the senate building. Shakily she replied:
-The two targets are: the supreme chancellor and-
-The chancellor?! We've got to notify-
-Let me finish! And Senator Amidala of Naboo.
Alana felt Anakin's shock through the Force and smiled to herself wryly, she hoped he was wise enough not to show his emotions on his face otherwise she wouldn't be the only one who knew. She continued while picking up her pace:
-I need help! I can't handle three people by myself. Right now all three are moving towards the senate building but I sense they're going to split up pretty soon! Anakin, can you handle protecting the Senator? And Master Kenobi's can you help me at the Senate building?
-Understood.
The two Jedi responded and the transmission cut off. Alana felt a little more relieved - she needed the help. However she hadn't forgotten her vision earlier on in the day: someone was going to die whether she liked it or not. A moment later she heard a familiar voice from next to her:
-Alana, need some help? I don't like flying but this is faster.
She turned her head to see Obi-wan in a speeder across from her. She grinned to herself and hopped over the railing of the street and into the speeder.
-Thanks! We have to hurry they're nearly there!
-Lets go! You did a good job of contacting us.
-I needed some back up, I'm glad you two were here.
-While we're on the topic: where is your Master?
-Ah...
Alana bit her lip, she didn't want anyone to know that he was injured so early on. However after casting a small glance at Obi-wan's face Alana gave in:
-He was injured on our latest mission and went over to the Jedi temple. I stayed behind after our report to the chancellor because I wanted to speak to Senator Amidala,- Alana paused,-oh Chubba. Sometimes I hate being right.
-Why? What's happened?
-They split up. The woman is doubling back.
-That's problematic. Contact Anakin.
-Already on it.
Alana reached into the Force once more and sent a warning jolt to Anakin who replied by sending a quiet whisper of "got it" into her mind. Meanwhile they were approaching the Senate building. Alana quickly glanced around until she felt two figures atop the senate building, not far from the Chancellors office. Alana jumped up from her seat urgently:
-They're close! Atop the building.
As soon as they were close enough to the Senate building Alana stood up from her seat:
-I'll slow them down!
And jumped off the speeder. Obi-wan sighed seeing the young Jedi ignite her green lightsaber while in free fall as two blaster shots sounded:
-Sometimes she's just like Anakin.
Alana ignited her lightsaber while she was falling and just in time to repel to blaster shots fired at her. She used the Force to slow down her fall and land on the roof of the building. She sprinted towards the two figures one of which seemed to be using something that looked a bit like a lightsaber to cut through the roof of the building ,while the other one, who was dressed in Mandalorian armour was shooting at her. Perfect, just perfect. Alana skilfully repelled the blaster bolts until she had to dodge one aimed for her head which cut her hair tie causing her hair to fall to her shoulders , free and for a moment obscure her eyes which the bounty hunter utilised as a weakness. She felt a stinging pain as the blaster bolt hit her left shoulder, thankfully though that wasn't her lightsaber arm. She quickly tucked her hair out of her eyes and rushed at the bounty hunter full force. Understanding that she was too close for blasters the Mandolorian armoured bounty hunter whipped out a weapon like his partner was holding . Inwardly Alana cursed, she had feeling that this was one of the few objects lightsabers couldn't cut through. She was was not going to be easy. The man who was dressed in Iridonian armour (the one who was cutting through the roof) said:
-Keep her off me. I'm nearly done.
-Roger that, boss.
That was his plan, huh? Well she was sorry to say she wasn't going to cooperate with them. As Alana's lightsaber connected with the bounty hunters blade she felt a powerful Force connection, surprised she jerked back. She couldn't see his face but she could feel his shock too. Sensing an opening she rushed for the other one but was blocked. However the Iridonian shouted:
-I told you to keep her off me., didn't I?! Do you want this mission to fail?
-No. I'll get rid of her quickly.
To Alana he said:
-Prepare to be deafeted.
-Sorry but I'm not planning on dying anytime soon.
-Sorry to break it to you, sweetie but you don't have a choice.
-Yes-I-do!
Said Alana with each strike. Each strike was easily countered by the Mandolorian. Alana huffed as she glanced over at the Iridonian, he was nearly done. She hoped Master Kenobi would get here soon. Barely dodging the kick that was aimed for her head Alana backflipped away from her enemy and narrowed her eyes at him- he was really starting to annoy her. Understanding that she wouldn't win if she kept using one hand Alana blocked off her pain in her left one and grabbed her lightsaber firmer. She could do it with one hand but it felt a little too flimsy to her. She charged at the Mandolorian again with another swift strike which he countered but with effort this time.
-You're good. Haven't duelled like this for a long time.
-If you weren't trying to kill me or stall me, I would take that as a compliment.
-It was one.
The Mandolorian stated and unexpectedly took out a blaster. Alana barely dodged the bolt that was aimed for her leg by Force leaping. As she was in the air Alana tried to Force push her opponent to the ground but shockingly for her and her opponent nothing happened. Her opponent had raised his arm in the same form which she was holding hers and a moment later they were both blown away from each other. Alana stood up slightly dazed. What had just happened?! How in the name of the Chancellors frilly socks was he able to use the Force?! She had heard of Force Sensitive beings but this was beyond that. As he shot another round of blaster volleys at her Alana heard the Iridonian call out to him:
-Hurry up and finish her! I've made the opening.
-Understood.
As he shot again Alana suddenly felt as though she was rooted to one spot. The ominous dark side presence was back and it felt stronger than ever. Alana had to summon up all of her willpower to repress it, so much that she couldn't move a muscle and the blaster shot was aiming right for her heart. But unexpectedly Alana was saved my a blue blade. The dark side power instantly receded and Alana turned to see Obi-wan standing beside her, eyes serious.
-Sorry I'm late but you know you shouldn't jump out of moving speeders. Now who are these two?
-Our lovely friends right here, are probably planning to assassinate the Chancellor.
-You don't say? Well how about we stop that?
-I'm onboard with that. Can you take care of our older Iridonian friend right here?
Obi-wan nodded and took off towards the Iridonian while Alana turned back to her opponent.
-Looks like we have time to settle the score.
-I hope you are prepared to die. Because if you lose this duel you shall.
Instead of replying Alana Force shoved the guy and readied her lightsaber. The Mandolorian parried her attack and soon they were in a serious duel. Neither willing to back down. As they duelled Alana asked breathlessly:
-Why are you so intent on killing the Chancellor?! Is it your client's order? You should know it's suicide!
-We do know! But aside from our clients wishes we have our own score to settle with the Chancellor!
-Who are you?!
-We are bounty hunters from House Salaktori in the bounty hunters guild!
-I've heard of you people! There are multiple house that each specialise in something. Do tell me what is your strong point?
-We are the elite, we do not have strong points nor do we have weaknesses.
-You are human, everyone has weaknesses.
-I never told you I was a human. We Mandolorians vary in species.
-I can sense it, you are one - just like me. But even if you weren't you would still have a weakness, any species does- any person does!
-We don't. We are the elite, our acquisitions are always retrieved. Our mission is always completed.
-Then tell me! How am I able to stand in your way!
-That is because you are a worthy opponent and I refuse to kill you.
-Why?!
Alana shouted out desperately, she didn't know why but for some reason this bounty hunter seemed different from the ones she had met previously met. He didn't want to kill her? Why?
-I cannot stand by the killing of innocents unlike the boss, who is an Iridonian and by nature loves bounty hunter creed states the people don't have bounties, only acquisitions do. And since you do not have a bounty, you are a person - and I have no reason to capture or kill you.
-Sometimes you make no sense!
-I'm often told that.
-That wasn't a compliment!
Alana said as she Force leapt into the air to avoid a string of blaster bolts and the blade. She used her left leg to knock the bounty hunters blaster out of reach but in return got scratched by the blade. It cut through her skin easily and a small amount of blood started pouring out. Alana landed and while nimbly dodging another swing of the blade, tightened one of the straps on her boots, so as to make a makeshift compress. The bounty hunter spoke with a smile in his voice:
-Impressive. You can think on the spot.
-If I couldn't I'd be dead.
-Once again that is not my goal.
-Then what is your goal?
-My goal is to complete my mission and to do that I simply need to incapacitate you.
-Sorry, not happening.
Alana quickly sent her lightsaber flying sideways behind the bounty hunters, trying out a technique her master had taught her. The Mandolorian spoke with his voice dripping with sarcasm:
-Yeah, that's a great plan! Foolproof! Let's just throw your only weapon away! Are you an idiot?!
Alana crossed her arms and looked into the Mandolorians silver-green helmet at the spot where his eyes should be, smiling:
-Who said I threw it away?
The Mandolorian froze before turning around to see Alana's lightsaber cutting off the antenna that was attached to the Iridonian suit and causing it to shut down before heading towards him, all the while spinning. He barely dodged it in time which resulted with the uppermost half of his helmet being cut off and a few strands of messy obsidian hair being revealed. Once he got up from his crouched position which he had adopted to avoid Alana's lightsaber (which was now back in her hands) he looked at her carefully, Alana could tell from the Force that he was surprised but there was no anger radiating from him. Alana glanced over to the Iridonian who was still trying to get up but couldn't do so because of two reasons: number one- he was handcuffed (Obi-wan's handiwork probably) and number two - because Alana had successfully shut his suit down. Oh how the cons of technological suits were apparent now. Obi-wan was standing beside him and the whole and breathing a bit rapidly, evidently the Iridonian had proved to be a tougher opponent than he had anticipated. Alana turned back to her adversary who was still standing a metre away from her calmly surveying her. Which Alana found odd because he could have attacked her or run off while she was distracted. She had noticed something about this bounty hunter: he, unlike the others, had a sense of right and wrong- twisted as though it may be. He had moral values. And that left Alana standing there as though she was paralysed. After a moment he spoke:
-I admit defeat.
-Wait what?!
-I concede. You are the first person who has managed to damage my suit to this extent and for that I give you credit. If this duel were to go on much longer there would be irreversible consequences. That is why I'm withdrawing from this duel. My boss and I shall leave but do not assume this is the end. I hope you are as smart as you are skilled, Alana Sheelan. Ret'urcye mhi ner jetti burc'ya.
-Wait a minute, how do you know my name?! And I am most certainly not your friend!
Without responding he suddenly threw something onto the roof and whatever it was must have been strong because it caused Alana to black out. When she came to both he and the Iridonian were gone, Alana groaned as she sat up - her head was pounding. She saw obi-wan returning from wherever he had been with a slightly annoyed aura around him but upon seeing her he quickly hid it. Alana said hoarsely:
-Where are they?
Obi-wan shook his head dispiritedly:
-They're gone. Whatever that boy threw down was designed to knock a wampa out. Did the Mandolorian say anything to you?
-Sort of. He said this wasn't the end and we would probably meet again.
-I don't doubt that. Now I think we need to get you to the medbay you've lost a lot of blood.
Alana looked up at Master Kenobi with pleading and tired eyes:
-I'll be fine. I just need some sleep, actually scratch that, I'm dying to get some sleep.
-Then sleep it is. By the way Anakin managed on his side as well, he didn't manage to apprehend the woman but he got something for the council to analyse.
Alana yawned, she could barely keep her eyes open. All this and healing her Master had taken its toll on her human body. She couldn't remember getting to the temple and her quarters before falling into the blissful abyss that is sleep.
