Rubble and Jalaen were marched to a secluded part of the Kunbal, their hands were tied behind their backs, cruelly tight. Jalaen was having a hard time walking straight. Rubble tried to support her.
Soon, the two Kaleesh were blindfolded. Jalaen tripped over her feet and fell to the earth. Rubble tried to get her back up on her feet. Jalaen, we can make it a little further. Wherever we're heading can't be too far.
Wesell was pushing the captives very hard. "Give her a moment, for pity's sake!" Rubble cried. Jalaen was in worsening shape.
Once Jalaen got to her feet, Zam Wesell continued to be harsh. Jalaen tripped and fell several times more. By the time they reached the clearing, they were allowed to see the surroundings. Qymaen was there, holding a shaking Ronderu. Rojien brightened up significantly when he saw Jalaen, yet the hope left his eyes when he realized she wasn't there.
"We're waiting for the ship," Wesell stated, trying to be cordial, yet sounding phony.
Rubble tended to Jalaen's many cuts and scrapes. She was barely conscious.
Ronderu went to her daughter. "What's wrong with Jal? She looks ill," she said worriedly.
Rubble felt too sick to even tell Ronderu. Jalaen was beginning to regain consciousness. "Mother, Rubble?" she croaked. "Are you there?"
"Yes, Jal. I'm here," Ronderu cooed. "You'll catch cold.". She undid Jalaen's soaked cloak and beckoned for Qymaen. "Can I borrow your cloak, Qymaen?"
Qymaen wordlessly gave his general's cloak to Ronderu.
Rubble felt useless, and he sat separate from the others. He noticed Rojien was not bothered as much as Qymaen and Ronderu were by the fact that they were slaves. Jalaen was now sitting up; she looked better. Every Kaleesh, however, looked drab.
Finally, Wesell spoke. "The ship's only a few minutes from arriving. We'll walk the rest of the way." This time, she didn't even bind the Kaleesh's hands. They were too weak to protest.
000
Rubble was sitting by Jalaen when he felt the ship lurch into hyperspace. "I can't believe it," Jalaen said quietly. "How did she find us? And after all theses years, I never imagined I'd be taken as a slave."
Rubble slung one arm over Jalaen's shoulder. "We'll find a way to free ourselves. Trust me."
Shaakie won't know what's happened to me, Rubble thought fearfully. Maybe he could try to connect with her. Shaakie! I'm here. It's Rubble. Go to Coruscant! Get help. We're going to Skako; get Sabri, Rik, and their masters. And Vex.
Rubble felt one tear trickle down his cheek when he remembered the last person. His little runt nexu. He missed his pet; especially right now, when he need to support someone without support for him.
Finally, Ronderu spoke. "How will we get out of this mess?"
Everyone looked to Jalaen. She thought for a moment. "We play their game for a while. Wat Tambor expects us to rebel against his authority. So we go with that. We'll behave. Then we'll create our rebellion under wraps, and spring the trap when they least expect."
Rubble nodded. "I like the idea."
Qymaen nodded. "Good thought, Jal. I wouldn't be able to pull something off that quickly."