The Force of the Heart

Chapter Seven

"Are all the younglings safe?" Master Skywalker asked as he stepped into the Jedi temple's conference room with a few other Jedi knights following him.

"Yes sir. They are all safe within the temple now." a Jedi reported.

"Our wounded?"

"In hospital wings being treated as we speak."

"Losses?"

"Aeriellia." Jonac's voice came.

The air fell still as Master Skywalker turned to the angry and anguished eyes of Jonac Scout.

"We don't know that for sure." he said.

"We left her there." Jonac said, trying to keep his cool, "We left my sister there for dead!"

Master Skywalker took a careful step towards Jonac. "I have sensed no pain or disturbance in the Force. We do not know if she is dead yet. Perhaps she escaped."

Jonac frowned, still not pleased. He hated that he had just left his sister alone surrounded by enemies.

"You know she didn't. She's be contacting the temple if she did." he said simply, "She was no doubt captured and you know it."

Master Skywalker put a hand on Jonac's shoulder. "Do not worry, my friend. The Force is strong with her. She will be fine."

"For her sake, master, I hope you are right."

-

Aeriellia was definitely NOT fine as she was led onto the Imperial Star Destroyer. Junlar was in the lead followed by two guards behind him to guard her front and two guards behind her to guard her rear. Her hands were tightly bound behind her back and her lightsabers had been confenscated.

She was anything but fine. She was scared to death. Of course, she didn't show it. She followed the admiral with her head held high and her back straight, keeping an emotionless face as her eyes darted around, memorizing every nook and cranny of the hangar before they led her out the doors and into the corridors of the ship.

It was enormous just like any other Starship. But it was nothing like the Jedi ships, though it did have a few similarities. Aeriellia made sure to note every difference and similarity as she was led down the corridors of the ship. The place was crawling with soldiers. Escaping wouldn't be easy, but at least the database was safe.

Junlar glanced back at the Jedi as they walked. She was on guard and tense and her eyes never rested. Then her gaze found his and he saw her eyes again. She was scared but not worried. He could tell that. He smirked, unable to help but like her attitude.

Aeriellia was led down the corridors of the ship until they reached a room. The soldiers looked puzzled. Aeriellia frowned. This didn't look like a brig or holding cell at all.

"Sir," one soldier said, "This is..."

"The Imperial Suite. Correct." Junlar said smoothly.

The soldiers tightened their grip on Aeriellia, obviously displeased with the enemy Jedi getting a better room than them, but they made no verbal protest. They knew better.

Junlar opened the door to reveal a large room. It was lavished with what looked like the best of the Imperial Army. Folded towels, king size bed, working computer, and a large window decorated the room. Aeriellia figured it was a joke. The admiral would slam the door and laugh in her face and take her to a cold, dank cell.

But he didn't.

The Admiral walked into the suite, his troops and Aeriellia following. Aeriellia gave him a puzzled but displeased look. She had been captured as an enemy. She hated the thought of not being taken seriously enough to be treated as such.

"You will have free rein of the ship. With an escort of course." Junlar said. "This will be your room. You can eat in the kitchen and see the sights. Obviously the cockpit and bridge and hangar are off-limits. The troops will not harm you so long as you behave."

"And if I don't?" Aeriellia retorted bitterly.

Junlar's expression dropped. "My dear Jedi. I am often an easy man to get along with. I suggest for your own benefit, you obey the rules and do not force my hand."

His tone was so calm it sent chill up Aeriellia's body. Still, she glared at him. Junlar smirked.

"Untie her."

The troops reluctantly untied Aeriellia's wrists. She let out a small breath of relief, flexing her wrists.

"Carlos, you will be her guard and escort until someone comes to relieve you. Understood?"

The soldier on Aeriellia's right nodded. He was taller than her and a lot broader. She wondered if the admiral had assigned him first for intimidation purposes.

Junlar turned to take one more look at the Jedi before he walked out the door. She stood straight, proud, and defiant. Even now he could see the calculation in her eyes. She was trying to figure out how to escape. Of course, she would soon find that would be no easy task.

"Dinner will be in half an hour. You may join me in the Admiral's dining room." he said. "And do dress appropriately please. Clothes should be in the closet."

Aeriellia just huffed. "Funny how you expect me to show up."

"The only way for you to get food is to show up. My dear Jedi, I will see you then."

With a respectful bow Junlar walked out. His guards followed. When the doors shut, Aeriellia relaxed a bit. But still, she was in trouble. Getting off this ship with no lightsabers and no back up would be tricky.

She put her hand in her pocket, touching her thumb drive. She couldn't help but smile. She wanted an important mission. Now she had one.