Author's note:
And here we are coming to an end in the Nar Shaddaa storyline. My original plan was to just get Kim and Ron started on a single adventure, so that you guys get to see them in action in the Star Wars universe. Well the story kind of took a life on its own and made it a great way for me to introduce new characters and the like.
I've got a story in mind with involving the Anzati later on but I'll be hush-hush on it for now.
I wanted to show you guys a bonus scene but I'm afraid that its reserved for later.
Here you go.
The latest chapter in the Galaxy far, far, away.
Read, Review and Enjoy.
The mouse owns Kim Possible while Lucas owns Star Wars.
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Kim Possible: I am Jedi
Chapter Nine: Anzati and Jedi Showdown
"Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi."
Jango Fett, Mandalorian bounty hunter (Attack of the Clones)
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Approximately 12 months before the battle of Geonosis
Josh's head felt like it had a vibroaxe wedged in between.
The pain was there the moment he had regained consciousness and already he felt like he should have stayed in the comfort of the dream world.
Despite his groggy and irritated state Josh knew he was all right. Whoever had taken the luxury of taking him wanted him alive. Why else would he be in a containment field and not in some gutter?
The blond lieutenant knew better yet curiosity compelled him to try. He reached out one of his fingers to touch the statis field. A powerful shock caused him to wince his finger back, a natural reaction from pain.
"Great…" he grimaced. He was not going to try that again. Yet the more he thought about it and the more he surveyed his prison the slimmer and slimmer his chances were of escaping.
Statis containment field, motion detecting laser defenses, surveillance cameras at every corner and every conceivable state of the art defense system were things he was not expecting an ordinary detainment cell should have. So they definitely want me here AND they're rich. Go figure.
He began to check his pockets and everything else on him, searching for maybe something that would help in his current predicament.
He found none.
"A blaster Mankey…you should have kept your blaster stupid." He slumped down and began to criticize himself.
"Do you like to talk to yourself often?" Josh did not realize he was not alone. Outside of his containment field were two humanoid individuals garbed in black. Recognizing them as the ones who took him before, he was surprised that both of them took off their masks and revealed themselves to him.
One was a tanned, young man. Brooding, handsome and had the look of a predator in his steely eyes. His hair long and black like his clothing.
The other was a young woman. Like her companion she too was dressed in the normal garb of black. Tucked behind her sash were a pair of cortosis weaved battle fans. Her delicate features, her lovely eyelashes and her feminine grace were captivating. Josh was not buying it. He saw that "feminine grace" took on a Jedi and fought her to a stand still.
"I apologize for my companion's forward behavior. It is Hirotaka's way to look at the very essence of everything. He can be very blunt sometimes." She eyed the hard looking man who crossed his arms over his well-muscled chest.
Josh noted her unusual way of speaking galactic basic. It was an accent he was unfamiliar with which meant she might be from the outer rim. It was a safe bet to say the same thing of her companion.
"Who are you? Where am I? Why are you doing this?" A flood of questions entered Josh's mind and would not leave him be until he has his answers.
She just faintly smiled as she walked closer towards him, her eyes making contact with his.
"It is foolish to assume that we would reveal who we are just because you beckon us too. You've grown comfortable with your status and your title, Ambassador Mankey. Do not assume that the rest of the Galaxy bows before such things."
She turned around to look at Hirotaka.
"Go tell our benefactor his captive is awake. He may speak with him if he wishes."
Hirotaka hesitated for a split second, clearly not wanting to leave her side but it was his duty to follow her command. He would comply.
He silently walked out of the room leaving Josh and Yori alone.
"So…I take it you guys are just the hired help in my case?" Josh questioned.
"You are a sharp one." Yori's lips curled in amusement. " Yes. You could say that." She answered vaguely.
"The Republic is not going to be pleased with this. I was on a mission of great importance. I need to get back to the Hutts and-"
"And what?" The fiery undertone in her voice surprised him. He never knew one could sound so calm and yet sound so angry at the same time.
"Negotiate with the Hutts to further advance the needs of This…Republic? You are more foolish then I thought you were Ambassador. The Republic is a corrupt bile relic of the past. What good has it done lately for those claiming to be her citizens? None that I could say. This slight negotiation of yours adds nothing to your cause." The venom was there in her words, Josh clearly saw that.
"The Republic is doing its best. The galaxy is a vast place. We cannot solve all the problems in the universe but we do try." He defended. If there was a family who knew corruption well it was the Mankeys. One of the few remaining loyal families to the Republic, they knew full well the extent of the corruption and the waning power of the Republic and desperately they tried everything to prevent such a vice from taking over the Senate. Clearly their intentions were not enough.
"The Republic is doomed." Her eyes glared. " It refuses to change. Its roots run deep yet it does not bend to the changing winds. I have said all I wanted to say on the matter." She walked away from him.
"Then why do this? Is this to spite the Republic?" Josh's voice echoed in his cell.
Yori turned around and continued to watch him. "No. This is simply a job."
"Ah Ambassador Mankey…I apologize for my lack of appearance but it is hard to converse with someone when they are clearly unconscious yes?…" Senior Senor Sr.'s looming figure cast a shadow from the entrance to the room.
"You…" Josh could not believe it. The very man who was at the negotiations was standing outside of his cell. That already told him much of what he needed to know.
"Thank you my dear. You may go now."
"If it is alright with you honorable Senior-san I would like to stay to monitor this conversation." Yori bowed her head.
Senor Senior Sr. was surprised by her request. Also he never could quite get the honorific titles that the Yamanouchi used but it meant respect. He appreciated that. He could commend the Yamanouchi for their courteous manners and not just for their deadly skill.
"If it pleases you my dear. I am only here because the villainy code dictates me to gloat about my plan to my captive."
"It is always the Yamanouchi way to learn and observe as much as possible. " She stated calmly.
"A commendable virtue I'm sure." Senor Senior Sr. proudly stated.
"Now where was I?…Ah yes. The gloating." He turned his attention to the captive blond in the containment field.
"I admit I was hoping it would be your father Maximilian Mankey who would show up for the negotiations. But I guess his prized son would have to do." He smiled. "You surprise me Lieutenant. An outstanding militant young man like yourself with a promising career yet here you are on a task from the Republic that suits someone with more experience in the diplomatic field. You have gusto and drive. Your father would have been proud."
Josh folded his arms together, wary of the man on the other side of the energy field from him.
"I'm pretty sure you didn't just capture me just to praise me. What's your angle Senor Senior Sr.?"
"And a sense of humor to boot. Now that was something lacking in the Mankey bloodline." The old man chuckled.
"My plan?…Simple my boy. Raise my infamy and notoriety in the underworld. To do that all I need to do is spark the friction that the Hutts and the Republic already have between them. The conflict to come will do the rest."
Josh's ice blue eyes narrowed in all seriousness. What the old man suggested was dangerously close to starting a major militant conflict, one that might even lead to war. And war was something the Republic did not need.
"You're insane…" The Lieutenant made his feelings clear.
"Ah…but you don't get to where I am by not taking a risk or two young Joshua. Fine line between genius and insanity after all." Senor Senior Sr. tapped his cane.
"Not to put a damper on your unsung victory…" Hirotaka positioned himself next to Yori.
"But there is still the matter of payment Senior-san."
Senor Senior Sr. nodded his head. "Ah yes the payment. Rest assure it is already taken care of. You have your credits…and it was well worth every piece of it."
Hirotaka smiled. Senor Senior Sr. did have an eye for talent after all. "It is an honor then Senior-san." He clasped his hands together and gave a courteous bow.
"No the honor is all mine."
A voice sounded followed by a boom.
The sliding doors to the chamber busted open with tremendous force, metal and glass broke. Yori managed to grab the old man by his collar and rolled both of them out of the way. Hirotaka vaulted himself in the air and over one of the flying doors, landing back down safely
Standing at the center of the wreckage stood a proud red headed padawan with her arms pushing outwards, a Jedi Master with a exasperated look to his face, an awed tanned girl, and a nervous blond boy.
"So much for stealth and guile." Katz murmured.
"Awesome…" Zita whispered.
"I don't think the door was lock KP." Ron pointed out.
"Lock smock. I got it open didn't I?" Kim grinned.
Josh smiled at the sight of his rescue crew. "Kim…" he shook his head in surprise. The auburn mane and green-eyed girl never looked as good as she did in that moment.
Kim found Josh smiling serenely at her, surprised at herself that she smiled back. Good. He's safe. Relief washed across her body. She then turned her attention to the surprised Anzati and Senor Senior Sr. in front of her.
"You guys are hard to find…We would have found you guys sooner but…"
"Hey Nar Shaddaa is a huge place. We're lucky we got this one right!" Zita interjected.
"Yeah…after like the third villa we invaded." Kim waved her hand in dismissal.
"Whatever. My information is reliable. It isn't my fault that the details were kind of sketchy." Zita stuck her tongue out.
"Not that I don't enjoy two girls bantering with one another but lets focus on the now people." Ron did not like the way those Anzati were looking at them.
"Right." Kim was back in mission mode. "We heard everything Senor Senior Sr., and to think we were planning on rescuing you."
"I'm a bit disappointed myself. An outstanding man like you Senior turning to criminal activities. Such a shame." Katz shook his head in disappointment.
"I don't have to explain myself to you Master Jedi." The old man sternly looked at his Jedi adversaries. "Still, you Jedi surprise me. You have found my villa, bypass my security system, and from the looks of it dispose of my guards and here you are, coming to the aid of this young Ambassador."
He calmly clapped his hands. "Bravo. Bravo indeed. But I'm afraid this is where your gallant rescue comes to an end." He looked at Yori and Hirotaka, both of them nodding their heads, knowing what was asked of them.
Yori raised her right hand upwards, his fist clench. She gave her signal. Eight shadowy figures emerge in all directions.
"Junior."
"Yes father?" A voice echoed from the intercom systems.
"Activate the defense system my son."
"Yes father. Lets..see hey you droid! Which button is the one that activates the laser defenses?" Junior said, unaware he was still on.
Senor Senior Sr. sighed. "The boy is trying. You'll have to give him that."
"True. Can't say he's all useless…" Ron nodded in agreement.
"Ah here it is! Activating defenses father!" Junior's voice echoed out the command, the laser turrets from the ceilings sprang to life as it began to move searching for its targets. Out from the ground came up more ground turrets. A door slid open and out came droids, cast in a shiny silver coat, wielding blaster rifles.
"Okay I get the lasers and those Anzati…the droids are just uncalled for." Zita joked to hide her nervousness. She could see that this Senor Senior Sr. was not playing around.
Instinctively she reached out and grab hold unto Ron's green robe. The blond padawan did not seem to notice the newfound pressure on his back.
"We can take them." Kim assured her, flexing her gloved hands in anticipation. She had expected as much. The feeling in the air was stagnant, it was the calm before the storm. And she reveled in it. Aggressive negotiations was a specialty of hers after all.
"Anzati! Attack!" Hirotaka ordered as he pointed out to the Jedi party. Simultaneously the turrets and the droid security fired as well.
Swiftly the three Jedi sprang into action letting the Force guide them.
Zita let out a small scream as Ron picked her up and Force jumped her out of harm's way. Ron's lightsaber was the first to be ignited as a steady light of blue deflected three stray bolts headed his way.
Kim did not hesitate to be on the offensive. "Ron! You guard Zita and distract some of those Anzati! Master and I will handle the turrets and the droids!" She leapt right into the fray, Dodging turret fire and carelessly aimed shots by the droid. She turned her lightsaber up at the very last moment, felling two droids in surprise with one stroke.
"Sometimes I do wonder which one is the Master and which one is the apprentice." Katz reluctantly followed behind.
"Me?! Distract them?!" Ron pointed out with his lightsaber at two incoming Anzati warriors, each holding their trademark retractable staffs. Ron stiffened at the way these guys carried themselves and how he felt them in the Force, they were certainly no pushovers. But he told himself he was a Jedi. Now was the time to step up and live up to that name.
He saw two of their incoming strike and yelled in surprise as he bent over backwards to dodge the oncoming swipes to his head.
"Ron be careful! Those are Cortosis weaved weapons from the looks of it!" Zita warned as she tried to hide for cover from the stray bolts being fired around.
"I think I already know thank you!" Ron said as his saber clashed with one of the staffs. He exchanged blows with the both of them, trying to find a weakness in their guard.
Katz green lightsaber was deftly handling the bolts coming his way as every shot he parried returned back to their senders, blowing up turrets and knocking down droids. A wave of his hand and two more of the turrets on the ceiling crumpled by sheer force.
An Anzati came up from behind him, Katz answered by giving a boot to the assailant's face.
Kim spotted two more ground turrets emerging up, their targeting system registered her as a threat, began open firing in rapid succession. Kim flipped backwards in the air, two of the bolts pierced her Jedi robes and left two burnt holes on her sleeves. Landing back down she threw her lightsaber with haste, the green blade spun with speed and sliced up one while spinning back to cut the other apart. The lightsaber returned to its grinning owner.
A droid was carefully aiming at the green-eyed padawan but before it could set its sights on her, its circuits blew up, scorched by blaster fire.
"I'm not totally useless you know!" Zita blew the smoke from the blaster in her hand, something that she had salvaged from one of the fallen droids. She took aim again and took down two more unaware droids.
Kim, Katz, and Zita's combined power were more then a match for steel and circuits, as they completely mowed down the last remaining mechanical threats.
All that was left now were the Anzati.
And not a moment too soon.
Ron's two adversaries had suddenly multiplied into five as the blond padawan was dodging, parrying, and rolling to avoid their continuous onslaught, not once being allowed to breath. He was in deep trouble.
Kim and Katz were quick to come to his aid. The flash of two green energy blades whirled around Ron. At that moment green was his favorite color.
"You okay there tough guy?" Kim inquired, her back towards Ron as she guarded him from the front.
"W…what took you so long?" Ron was heavily breathing, his face showed his relief.
"Complications son. You held your own. I'm glad to see you're not slouching on your lightsaber training Ronald. " Katz smiled as he guarded his flank. The five Anzati warriors circled them cautiously.
It would be the Anzati who would make the first move as the battle ensued.
Kim managed to swirl behind her just in time to parry a pair of fans. "I believe I'm to be your opponent. Jedi Possible is it?" Yori smiled.
Kim returned hers with one of her own. "It is. And you're on Anzati." They spun together as they began to initiate their graceful duel.
Katz was holding his own just fine, he had two of the Anzati rolling on the floor already in pain while he continued to keep five of them at bay. His green lightsaber seemed to be everywhere.
Ron's eyes wandered to the only one who kept still in the heat of battle.
"Looks like it is between you and me, padawan." Hirotaka gave off a smug victorious smirk.
Ron did not like that at all. He held his ground against five of them. How bad could one guy be?
" The Rondo came to play baby…" he brought his lightsaber up in a strong central stance, holding it with both hands, the basic of the Shii-cho style.
He did not see Hirotaka's kick coming. With such speed and power Ron was barely able to bring up his forearm to guard his face, the force enough to send him reeling back.
"It is my wish to spare you the embarrassment of a humiliating defeat. But if you insist…"
Ron shook his head. Maybe he should have taken his chances with the previous five.
Kim and Yori were trading blows evenly, countering each one's every move. Finally Kim backed off, pressing her lightsaber high above her head. Then she deactivated it, the green blade slowly retreating back to its hilt. A move that surprised her raven-haired opponent.
"I wanted a chance to practice my hand to hand martial skill. I hear you Anzati are very good at that. I want to see if the hype is true." Kim got into her stance, goading Yori to do the same.
The raven-haired girl smiled. "It is an honor to face a worthy opponent in the ways of the empty hand." She folded her fans and tucked them behind her once again.
The two female warriors resumed their dance.
At the same time Ron was having his hands full with Hirotaka's attacks. He proved to him that he was no mere Anzati warrior. Ron was barely keeping up. Thinking that his lightsaber gave him an edge over the unarmed warrior was a mistake, as Hirotaka managed to avoid every swipe and slash he threw.
The two fought their way near Kim and Yori.
"Kim!" Ron shouted out. "Switch!"
Kim saw that her padawan partner was way in over his head with his opponent. Throwing a feint to catch Yori off guard she then spun away from her and threw a roundhouse kick in Hirotaka's direction, throwing off his attack groove as it cleanly landed on his chest and sent him down on the ground.
Hirotaka manipulated his momentum, and flipped himself back up with a handspring. Rather then be irritated by Kim's intervention he seemed fascinated.
"You know the Teras Kasi style?…" He asked, genuinely curious. He had thought the Martial style of the Palawa warriors was long dead and that only they, the Anzati, were its last known practitioners.
Kim smirked. "Well I wouldn't say know. You might say dabbled in."
Hirotaka threw a punch aimed at her right, which she deftly avoided.
"Show me." His focus was now entirely on her.
Zita watched, her feelings were on the edge. She felt she needed to do something. Her fingers with itchy to aim and pull the trigger on her blaster. But as she saw Jedi and Anzati clashed, she knew they were a class on their own. She doubted she could do anything to help at that moment. But that did not mean she would not try. She waited to see the outcome of the battle, hoping and praying to the Force that she did not need to deal with the Anzati.
Ron was faring no better with Yori then he did with Hirotaka. Bu she's at least easy on the eyes, Ron thought not knowing his distraction over her beauty was giving her more of an advantage. A well-placed punch to his stomach brought him out of that thought. Then again maybe not.
Yori continued on her attack and this one could not have been anymore different from her red haired opponent from before. While Kim's movements were graceful, this one was rigid. And yet he was completely dodging most of her attacks, by sheer luck or with great skill she did not know. Finally a well-aimed swat to Ron's hands sent his lightsaber flying across the room. While she was fascinated with his unorthodox movements it was time to end the duel. She was done playing around.
Ron sensed it too as nervous tension began to take control of his body. He slowly backed off, not noticing his environment. Tripping over a droid's decapitated head he yelled in surprise and narrowly avoided a butterfly kick, while at the same time triggering the blaster rifle that the droid's headless body held. The blaster bolt ricocheted on the ceiling and bounced back downward where Yori stood.
Yori's eyes were wide with surprise as she hastily drew out one of her fans to deflect it. She was a moment too late. While she did deflect the bolt, part of the beam hit her hand and scorched it.
In pain she dropped the fan, herself on her knees, her other hand quick to cover her wound.
"Yori!" Hirotaka's concern over his leader overrode his desire to fight but Kim was not about to let him forget that as she pushed her left hand outward, sending the distracted Anzati flying to the wall courtesy of the Force, hitting it with a thud. Hirotaka rolled on the floor, trying to subdue the pain he felt from the back of his head.
Ron pushed himself up, awestruck by his what he called his own dumb luck. He stood triumphant over the girl.
"Go ahead…finish me…" Yori looked at him with fierce determination in her eyes. If she was to die here and now, she would face it like any proud Anzati. She would take death's embrace with pride.
Ron gently looked at her. "I'd hardly call that over your skill an actual win. Besides…" he paused.
"Jedi do not kill needlessly. Isn't that right Master?" Ron winked at Gerald Katz's direction. All the remaining Anzati assassins were incapacitated and on the floor, groaning in agony. All of them still had their limbs intact. The Jedi Master's face beaded with sweat and his breathing deep and hard but not a scratch was upon him. He nodded back at Ron as he tucked away his lightsaber.
Ron then looked back at Yori and knelt down beside her.
"Are you alright?" He saw for a brief moment the burnt mark on her hand and it did not look well.
Yori found this blond padawan stranger and stranger by the minute. One moment they were fighting, she herself was prepared to take his life and she was sure he knew that, the next thing she knew she was on her knees defeated and here he was concern about her wound. Other then that she could feel something from this young man…an aura…a presence unlike the other two.
She just had to ask. "What is your name?…"
"Huh?…" Ron was confused. It was not everyday someone who tried to kill you ask you for your name afterwards.
"It is Yamanouchi custom that dictates you exchange names with an honorable opponent who has bested you in battle. I am called Yori. I ask again…what is your name?" She looked at him, her clear black eyes meeting with his chocolate brown ones.
"…Ron…Ron Stoppable."
"Stoppable-san…" Yori repeated. "It is a proud name. An Anzati name. I am honored to have fought you."
"Excuse me?…" But before he could ask she quickly took out a pair of small balls on her pouch and threw them down on the ground hard.
The familiar smoke screen covered the room.
"Not again…" Kim hated how they did that. By the time the three Jedi parted the mist of smoke the Anzati had vanished. All of them.
"Until we meet again Jedi Stoppable and Jedi Possible." Yori's voice echoed despite her absence from the room. Her cryptic last words played still inside Ron's head. Anzati name? What did she mean by it?…did she mean to run their path again? She stirred some questions with which he had no answer to. Ron looked around. There was definitely no trace of them left.
"Well they're gone…" Katz stated.
"Yeah but so is the old man." Zita gestured around with her hand. It was true. Senor Senior Sr. had slipped away in the midst of the fighting.
"I didn't even knew he left, the coward." She kicked one of the lifeless droids on the floor.
"Well you can bet he probably hightailed it out of here too." Kim joined in as she stepped over the remaining piles of droid and turret debris, making her way towards Josh's cell.
She deactivated his cell with ease and found Josh brimming a smile from ear to ear. "That was…amazing." He heard stories but today he saw three Jedi in action for himself. Clearly they were not far from the truth.
"No big." She found her cheeks blushing at the handsome young Lieutenant's praise of words.
"Wrong. Way big. I owe you my life." Josh's ice blue eyes were fixed on Kim.
"Ah like KP said. No big Mankey." Ron interrupted. "But could we have that in writing? You know in case we could call you up on that favor?"
"Ronald."
"I'm only kidding Master." Somehow his small joke had everyone smiling. The Seniors and the Anzati might have gotten away, but they had won the battle. And that was enough for now.
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The negotiations went smoothly. After the fiasco incident with the Anzati and the Seniors the Hutts were more then willing to comply to save face. They had practically given Josh the floor and more. It turned out him getting kidnap worked on their favor.
It was a good day for the Republic indeed. A near fatal conflict turned out to be the best thing to happen to them in awhile.
"Well that's that." Josh confidently said as his mission came to a smooth end.
"The Hutts were pretty much amiable then usual." Kim smiled.
"Bargo is a proud one. Getting the hood pulled on his eyes by Senior is something he is not going to live down for a long time." Katz answered.
"How are we going to deal with our runaway billionaire?" Ron pointed out.
"I've already informed the Republic about it. Rest assure The Seniors would not dare show their faces near Republic space for a while. I doubt they are welcome in any space controlled by the Hutts as well. They made two powerful enemies this day." Katz calmly replied.
"What about the Anzati?" Josh was not about to forget who he thought the more dangerous of the two.
"The Anzati are HIRED assassins. They were paid to do a job. Even the Republic has uses for such things. We cannot charge the entire order save for the ones who were involve in the kidnapping. Besides…Anzat is not of the Republic's jurisdiction and our assailants are too clever to be caught. For now we do nothing."
Kim did not like that and neither did Ron, but their Master had a point. It was time to move on. Let the Force take its course.
"Well…I take it you guys are already going?" Zita asked, she rubbed her arms in anticipation.
Katz nodded. "I'm afraid my dear we do. We did not come to Nar Shaddaa to sight see after all. Its about time we leave back for Coruscant."
"Unless you know, you come with." Ron took her hand as he suggested it.
"What?" Zita and Kim said at once.
"We have room for another one on board right Master? Mankey?"
The Jedi Master and the lieutenant exchanged looks.
"I guess so…" Josh stated for the both of them.
"You don't have to stay here in Nar Shaddaa. You can start a new life in the capital. You know…Start from scratch. Who knows, you might be a little bit closer to that goal of yours you were talking about. You'd have friends to support you and…"
Zita smiled as Ron continued on. She touched his shoulder to catch his attention. "That's sweet of you Jedi boy…" Gently she took her hand back from him. "But I do have friends. Here in Nar Shaddaa. My place is here Ron. No matter how much I bad mouth this place…its kind of like home. I can't imagine being anywhere else then the Smuggler's Moon." She shrugged.
"I…I don't understand." Ron genuinely felt confused.
"You don't have to. Its just how I feel okay?…" She punched him lightly on his shoulder, not knowing how else to convey her feelings to her newfound friend.
Katz approved of the girl's mature behavior. He would be the first to say his farewell.
"I have never seen a more steady shot, a clear headed mind, and a good heart in all my travels here in the Smuggler's Moon." He held her shoulders as he praised her in earnest.
"If ever you have need of us or if you just want to stop by and visit…you are always welcome to Coruscant. An honored guest by the Jedi." He warmly smiled.
Zita smiled back, she appreciated his words. "Thank you…they mean a lot coming from you Master Jedi."
"Call me Gerald. These two are the ones who call me Master." He nodded in Kim and Ron's direction.
He gave her a fatherly hug. "Goodbye my dear. May the Force be with you." He broke off the hug and made his way up the ramp and looked back at her one last time. No doubt her powerful charisma, her steady hand, her collected manner during combat, and the way she carried herself made Katz come to a conclusion. Zita was touched by the Force. She was a sensitive. And while she was already too old to be trained deep in his heart Gerald Katz knew she did not need to carry the title of Jedi. She carried herself like one already.
It was people like her that reminded him why he became a Jedi in the first place. And it made him beam with pride.
Josh was up next. The blond lieutenant did not hesitate in taking her hand and giving it a firm shake. "We could have use more people like you in the Republic fleet." He stated while showing off his smile.
"Well you know…I never did dig the uniforms. Not my style." Zita joked back.
"You have my gratitude. You helped out more then you know. On behalf of the Republic…I thank you." Josh said sincerely before he followed Katz.
Kim eyed the raven-haired girl before holding out her hand indicating a friendly handshake. "You're not bad…for a scoundrel." Kim grinned.
"Same to you padawan Possible." Zita grinned back.
"Kim." Kim corrected.
"Zita."
The two girls shared a laugh as they shook each other's hand. Kim then walked up towards the ramp and disappeared from view, leaving Ron alone with Zita.
"So…you going to say bye or what?" Zita broke the awkward silence between them.
Ron stiffened a laughter or two.
"Yeah…about what I said before. I'm sorry. I should have thought of your feelings more."
"Its no big." Zita borrowed Kim's catchphrase.
"Yeah. Alright then. Like what Master said…you're welcome anytime to drop by and give us a line. The Jedi temple is not hard to miss after all. Just look for people in robes with a hoity-toity attitude." Ron gestured jokingly.
His humor made her smile. "Yeah. I'll do that Ron." Gently she then drew herself closer to a surprised Ron Stoppable as she landed a soft kiss on his cheek.
Before Ron could respond she was already running halfway out of the landing docks. She waved frantically back. He was compelled to do the same… waving back with one hand and placing the other hand on the cheek where he could still feel her warmth. She then vanished into the horizon. Walking up the ramp he slowly lifted his head up high before looking back, the ramp closing behind him. He walked towards his former seat and plunged down. Kim came up behind him as she touched his shoulder.
"You okay Jedi boy?" She used Zita's monicker for him affectionately.
"Never better." He answered honestly.