The Tarprins had been quick and efficient in their sweep of the ship and capture of everyone onboard. Of that, the Jedi aboard could find no fault. Insulated in their dark green body suits, which kept them at a near freezing temperature, they had quickly bound the four and rid them of their lightsabers. Derin noted, however, that the binds did not inhibit her touch with the Force.

Why wouldn't they bind us using Force-restraints? she thought to herself as she was haphazardly pushed between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, Threatening about the lightsabers makes sense, but not preventing us from using our powers is far too risky a move. Even for a Tarprin.

Still, she wasn't going to complain. Her contact with the Force was, at the very least, distracting her from the pain in her side. Reaching out, she could sense Master Jinn's solid, almost unbreakable calm despite the tenseness of the situation. Her master's attitude deeply reflected that of Master Jinn's, though, she could also sense a deep concern radiating off of him. On the other side of her master, Anakin screamed an angry impatience. Derin noted, almost smirking, as Anakin nearly made a comment to the guard who stripped him of his lightsaber, only stopping when Qui-Gon shot him a stern look.

"Is this all there is?" a voice called Derin from her thoughts.

She looked up to see a figure dressed in a blue suit, the color of command, step forward from the bulkhead. Through the face-plate of his suit, she watched the large, bug-like eyes sweep along the six of them. His eyes returned to her for the briefest instant. Immediately, Derin shuddered, not needing the Force to tell her of the being's intent. It was all to clear from the look on his face.

"Yes...sir," replied the soldier holding the lightsabers, one in each hand.

The Commander approached the Jedi. With the air of a general, he paced in front of them, seeming to study each and every one.

"Not the greatest to be found," he remarked, as he stared at Obi-Wan, "Too young," he glanced at Anakin, "And far too old," he looked over at Qui-Gon.

He stopped in front of Derin.

"Then there's this one," he said, staring at her with the creepy gaze again. Derin glared back to him, already having an inkling of what he was about to say, "A woman believing she can do the work of a man."

Derin's mind flashed to two years ago. She and her former master had been in a similar situation. Sure, the beings had been different, but the same implication was made. Derin remembered sending back a retort only to get jabbed in the side by a stun rod. It was not a mistake she was going to make again. On the other hand, though, the opportunity was there.

Obi-Wan watched Derin's face, sensing the internal struggle in the girl. He could tell she was fighting hard not to come up with a harsh retort, and was making only minimal progress.

"Then why are you here?" a sudden voice called out.

All turned their heads in the direction of the insult and right at Anakin. He was glaring angrily at the Commander, who in turn was shooting out his own daggers. Derin let a small smile break through, until the Commander strode over and hit Anakin across the head. The padawan crumpled, not quite unconcious.

"Hey!" yelled Derin, anger bubbling, "Leave him alone!"

"Derin!" called Obi-Wan.

"Stop this now," Qui-Gon's voice came out clear over the turmoil.

Derin froze, suprised, and looked away from her master to Qui-Gon. The Commander turned around and walked back to Qui-Gon.

"You do not give the orders here, Jedi," he said, his eyes practically glowing with hate, "Nezu saamei."

Immediately, several soldiers approached, grabbing the four Jedi. Qui-Gon and Derin they hearded in one direction. After pulling Anakin to his feet they forced him and Obi-Wan in another. Derin felt a strain of fear seize her as she watched her new master get dragged off away from her.

Oh, god, she thought, feeling bile rise to the back of her throat, Not again!

Qui-Gon felt Derin's fear easily as the two were dragged away. For a minute, the girl struggled but the soldiers simply pushed her to the ground and picked her back up.

"Keep moving," they ordered.

Qui-Gon could see the color draining from Derin's face. The girl was terrified, and paralyzed by her terror. Though he didn't know why this sudden change in attitude, he did know such fear was not good in a situation like this.

Leaning over to her as they marched on he whispered the only comforting thing he could think of, "Do not fear, little one, everything will be all right."

"No," replied Derin, her voice a dead calm, "It won't."