The passenger ship sets down on the solitary spaceport of Dantooine. As they step off of the ship Ryaan immediately walks over to a public information terminal. He begins typing away on the console as Jori remains patiently behind him.
"Master, what are you looking for?" She asks.
"A farm." Ryaan says simply.
"A farm?" Jori says confused.
A moment later Ryaan begins to smile as if he's relieved. "He's here!"
"Who?" Jori asks.
"C'mon, we need a speeder."
Within a few moments Ryaan finds a dealership from which he rents a small landspeeder. They crawl into the front seats of the four man speeder and fire it up. Ryaan takes the controls and seconds later their racing through the grasslands of Dantooine.
"So what's this farm we're going to?" Jori asks.
"It belongs to the wife of a friend of mine, I couldn't remember the coordinates." Ryaan says as he looks over at Jori. After quickly reading her face he realizes she doesn't like being kept in the dark. "Patience, we'll be there shortly."
After a few hours of shopping for parts and supplies, a quick meal and an oil bath for Ez-6, Gleim and his crew are headed back to the Arawak.
"Oh thank you for that oil bath Gleim, my joints get so cramped from being in the ship all the time." Says Eazee.
"No problem babe." Gleim says munching on a vitamin bar. "You know I really hate coming to Ord Mantell but it's the best place to buy spare parts." Gleim says.
"Yeah and these new kuat power cells will last much longer than our old ones." Xafus says loading the cells on the ship.
"Yeah, it seems like the hyperdrive gets run down faster and faster lately. One of these days I'd like to buy me a brand new hyperdrive for the ship." Gleim says swallowing the rest of his snack.
"Why don't we just go in together for a new ship, wouldn't cost much more." Xafus suggests as he loads the last power cell onto the ship.
"No way I couldn't get rid of my baby."
"You ready to go?" Xafus asks.
"Let's do it."
Just as Gleim is about to fly up the loading ramp Xafus is struck to the ground by the butt of a blaster! Before he can react Gleim spots the barrel of the blaster being pointed at him.
"Ishisz!? Where'd you come from and what are you doing?" Gleim asks.
"I'm here to collect that bounty on your Jedi friends." Ishisz says as he stands over Xafus.
"Well as you can clearly see they're not here; we dropped them off on Coruscant yesterday." Gleim says. For a moment Ishisz remains silent. "You've obviously been waiting for me, did you see them walk over here with us? Check inside if you want."
Realizing Gleim is telling the truth Ishisz begins to formulate a plan. Then he hears the moaning of Xafus as he begins to come to. Ishisz aims the blaster down at Gleim's copilot.
"Xafus don't move buddy, he's got a blaster on you." Gleim says.
"Where did they go Gleim?" Ishisz asks.
"You got me Ish, they said they had to go it alone, Jedi business I guess."
"Okay, here's what we're going to do, I'm going to take a little trip with you guys. Get your friend inside and restrain him, then your going to take the controls." Ishisz orders.
"Xafus can you get up?" Gleim says without moving.
"Get up Gran!" Ishisz demands calling Xafus by his species name.
After checking the restraints on Xafus, Ishisz takes a seat behind Gleim. As the Arawak lifts off Ishisz presses a few switches on an armband which communicates commands to the astromech droid on board his ship, the droid comes to life on the Zabrak' s ship and is programmed to follow the homing beacon inside his armband.
"So where are we headed?" Gleim asks.
"Just get comfortable Gleim, we're gonna find your Jedi friends then I'll turn them over to the Empire."
"What about us?" Gleim asks.
"Who knows maybe you and the Gran will be worth something to the Empire as well. Once they learn you've been helping out the Jedi, I'm sure they'll take care of you!"
An hour later Ryaan finally brings the speeder to a halt on the outskirts of the farm depicted on the map.
"We've seen about a hundred farms during the last hour are you sure this is the right one?" Jori asks. Ryaan looks at the screen showing the land to be owned by the Velari family.
"Yeah this is it, let's walk from here." Ryaan says as he and Jori get out of the speeder.
From their position they can see the main housing structures of the farm some three hundred meters away. As they draw closer to the main house Ryaan spots a man with broad shoulders, muscular arms and graying hair working in one of the fields with a young boy. Ryaan stops in his tracks as he realizes he's looking at his old friend.
Sensing someone is near the man looks up at the two strangers and begins to walk over. A moment later the man shows a perplexed look upon his face.
"Ry. . .Ryaan!? Is it really you?"
Ryaan smiles and walks over extending his hand. The muscular gentleman pulls Ryaan into, what seems to Jori like, a long overdue hug.
"It's good to see you Ranik." Ryaan says.
"I can't believe this I thought you were dead, what are you doing here?" Ranik asks.
Before he can answer the somewhat impatient Jori clears her throat attempting to get her master's attention.
"Forgive me, Ranik this is my Padawan Jori Kai." Ryaan says. "Jori, I'd like you to meet my former mentor; Jedi Master Ranik Solusar."
"A Jedi!? What about the blaster?" Jori says as she points out the blaster pistol holstered to Ranik's leg.
"Yes I noticed that too, not to many farmers carry blasters do they? Nor a Jedi for that matter." Ryaan adds.
"Yes well things change, and as you said . . .former Jedi." Ranik replies.
"You put away your lightsaber?" Ryaan asks.
"Not exactly." Ranik says as he notices the young boy walking over to his side.
"How are you today?" Jori asks the boy.
"Who are these people father?" the boy says.
"Father?" Ryaan says surprised.
"That's right, Ryaan, Jori this is my son Kam Solusar."
"Well, times have changed haven't they." Ryaan says observantly.
"So to what do I owe this pleasant surprise." Ranik asks.
"We need help, we've just recently learned of the Jedi purge and the formation of the Empire." Ryaan says.
"How can that be you've . . "
"We've been stranded on Rhen Var for the last two years." Jori cuts in.
"So you were on Rhen Var, you just survived the crash." Ranik says putting a piece of the puzzle together.
"How do you know about that?" Ryaan asks.
"If you remember Mace Windu and I were good friends. After the CIS was defeated and driven off of Dantooine, Mace paid me a visit just before he left the system. Like you he knew I had exiled myself to here. It wasn't a pleasant visit however, he had only come to inform me that you had been killed during a battle on Rhen Var." Ranik explains. "How is it that you weren't rescued?"
"We were unconscious in the snow for days, by the time we came to and dug ourselves out the battle group had left the system." Ryaan replies.
"So what happened?" Ranik asks.
"It's a long story, I'm sure there's much you can tell us as well." Ryaan says.
"Yes of course, let's go inside we do have much to talk about." Ranik says as he leads his guests into the house.
Back on Coruscant Vader continues to sweep the planet looking for the Jedi. After several hours he realizes the possibility that they have already escaped the planet. However instead of returning to the JH1, Vader lands his interceptor at the Senate Annex building. As he walks towards the Emperor's main offices several senators and other passerby's gasp at seeing the mysterious figure. Although his name continues to spread throughout the galaxy, very few have yet to see Darth Vader in person. For months the Galactic Holonet has reported several events about the Emperor's new right hand and his mission to seek out and defeat the traitorous Jedi. It had also reported several instances where Vader was seen arriving at the Senate Annex building to report to the Emperor in person. Although some people were stunned when seeing the Emperor's new enforcer for the first time they knew it wasn't unusual for Vader to have business at the Senate.
Vader enters the large room to find the Emperor convening with his personal assistants.
"Leave us." Is all the Emperor says at seeing his apprentice enter his office.
The assistants and the red robed Royal Guards exit the room hastily. Once they have the room to themselves Vader kneels in the center of the room.
"Rise my friend. What news do you bring of the two Jedi found on Rhen Var?"
"I believe they are no longer on Coruscant, my master." Vader's mechanical voice utters.
"They will not evade us for long Lord Vader. Return to the Jedi Hunter I and dispatch the 501st to the planet's surface. The Jedi may not be on this planet but their Jedi starfighters are surely here somewhere." Palpatine says.
"They do not contain a hyperdrive." Vader says understanding his master's line of thought. Vader realizes if he can find the fighters they might pick up the trail. Vader rises as he informs the Emperor that he will find the missing fighters. "I will find these Jedi, then I will extinguish their light in the universe!"
"I have no doubt you will Lord Vader. You will defeat these Jedi as you so easily defeated Master Shryne on Kashyyyk! Your powers have grown much stronger with the Dark Side since that encounter, they will be no match for you my apprentice." Palpatine replies.
In the weeks after the Clone Wars ended Vader had been pursuing another surviving Jedi Knight named Roan Shryne. Although Shryne had eluded Vader for several weeks, the escaping Jedi was finally slain during a fierce battle on the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk.
Even though Vader had fought and defeated a few more powerful Jedi in the weeks prior; Shryne had been the most rigorous test Vader had come upon since he'd been forced to don the black armored suit. Vader had still been adapting to the limitations of the suit when he'd learned of Shryne's escape from the purge.
However Vader had grown more powerful in the dark side since then and was able to have more control over his new body. His movements and skills in battle had become more fluid than they were in the months prior. As his master had stated, Vader was confident that he would seek out and defeat these two Jedi as he had Shryne!
Ranik shows his guests to the living area then asks his son to fetch some drinks for them. "I still can't believe you're here Ryaan, my heart sank when Mace informed me of your death."
"I don't mean to be rude but it seems like I'm in the dark all the time. How come you've never told me about your master?" Jori says to Ryaan.
"I guess I should answer that one." Ranik says before Ryaan can reply. "I'm sure Ryaan would agree with me when I say I taught him very well. The ways of the Force, the Jedi Code, your master was an excellent apprentice. The only problem was that I couldn't abide by it myself, the Jedi Code that is. You see Jori, I was banished from the Order."
"Because you had a son." Jori says observantly.
"Because I fell in love, married and fathered a son, yes. I don't regret it though." Ranik says just as young Kam walks into the room carrying a tray of drinks and some food. He sets the tray on the table then sits down next to his father.
"Master Solusar was among the most respected in the Jedi Order. He had been given the rank of Jedi Master but turned down his appointment to the council." Ryaan adds.
"Why?" Jori asks.
"I thought I was of more use outside of the temple, I didn't see myself sitting in the council chambers all the time." Ranik goes on to tell Jori how like Master Qui-Gon Jinn, he disagreed with certain aspects of the Jedi Code. However unlike Master Jinn he was not able to control his feelings; once he met Risa Velari that is. "Ryaan and I were sent to Dantooine on a mission years back. There were some pirates that were pillaging the farms. After we quelled the faction I began to grow attracted to one of the farmers. A female named Risa Velari." Ranik explains. He continues to tell how he requested that he and Ryaan stay on Dantooine for an extended period of time to ensure the terrorist faction had indeed been defeated. "I soon realized I was falling in love with Risa." Ranik says.
"How did Master Ryaan not know." Jori asks.
"I didn't at first, he kept me patrolling the sector on a swoop bike." Ryaan adds.
Ryaan eventually confronted his master about the situation. His feelings led him to believe that Solusar was deceiving him. After searching the sector Ryaan found his master at the Velari farm.
"I still remember the look in your eyes, so many emotions." Ranik adds.
Confusion, astonishment, betrayal, these were but a few of what Ryaan had felt when he caught his master dishonoring the Jedi Code.
Ranik tried to explain but he couldn't quite understand it himself. He'd devoted his life to the Jedi and had never known attachment much less love. Even though he'd not understood every aspect of the Jedi Code he'd never had ambitions to dishonor it.
Ryaan left the farm and went back to the spaceport. He used the holoprojector on the shuttle they had piloted to Dantooine to contact the Jedi Council. He reported his discovery to Master Windu which he knew would be a shock. Not just because of the situation but because Ryaan knew that Solusar and Windu were close friends. Master Windu ordered the Padawan to retrieve his master and bring him back to the council. Obediently Ryaan did as ordered knowing it would form a gigantic rift between himself and his master whom he'd come to love and respect.
He went back to the Velari farm and stated that by authority from the Jedi Council he was to take custody of Ranik and bring him back to Coruscant. Ranik couldn't believe what had happened but he didn't resist. He turned around to Risa, the woman he'd come to love and told her he'd come back. Ranik walked over to his Padawan who outstretched his hand.
"Your lightsaber." Ryaan demanded.
Ranik succumbed and handed over his weapon. During the flight back to the capital neither one of them spoke a word. Ryaan knew Ranik's eyes were on him wondering what his thoughts were but he remained silent.
When they arrived at the Jedi Temple a group of Jedi Masters were waiting to receive him. Among them was Qui-Gon Jinn who asked young Ryaan Táj to relinquish custody but Ryaan stood firm replying. "Master Windu ordered me to bring him back and so I am."
Jinn waved him by and followed. The entire council was present when Ryaan escorted Ranik inside. The proceedings didn't take long, Master Yoda asked for validation of young Ryaan's reports from Ranik himself. Although Ranik knew he had dishonored the code he wouldn't stoop to lying. He admitted that he had fallen in love with one of the farmers on Dantooine. Yoda then turned his attention to young Ryaan and asked if he had anything to say. Ryaan who was still in shock and disbelief said nothing. Master Windu then stood from his seat and passed sentence.
"Master Ranik Solusar, the Jedi Council finds you guilty of dishonoring the Jedi Code. You are hereby stripped of rank and banished from the Jedi Order, please turn over you effects. Ranik unclipped his utility belt and handed it over. "Where is your lightsaber?" Windu asks.
Ryaan somewhat hesitantly reaches under his tunic and retrieves the saber and hands it over to Mace. "Ranik Solusar because of your banishment you are to never to return to the Jedi Temple . . . . do you have anything to say?" Windu asks.
"I'm sorry Masters, you may not understand why I've done what I have but I somehow I feel it may be the will of the Force. Goodbye, my friends. Ranik says.
Ryaan remained standing in the center of the council chambers as Ranik is escorted outside by Master Jinn and the receiving party.
"Young Táj, are you alright?" Windu says noticing Ryaan has yet to speak a word.
"May I have a word in private with you Master Windu?" Ryaan says, his voice somewhat quivering.
"Of course, council's adjourned." Windu says as he leads Ryaan into an adjacent room.
"What'll happen now?" Ryaan asks.
"I'm sure this comes as a blow to you young Táj, if you need some time for yourself just say the word." Windu replies.
"That's not necessary Master Windu, I'm just curious what will happen to me?"
"Well one of two things will happen, if you feel you need guidance we will place you with another master to finish your training. Most likely one from the council or if you're ready . . . you can take the trials." Windu says.
"You think I'm ready?" Ryaan asks.
"Your actions speak volumes for you Ryaan, you contacted the council when you learned of Ranik's disloyalty. You obeyed my orders and you brought him back. And I'm sure that must have been hard for you but . . . . . I know Ranik trained you well . . . . it's your decision." Windu replies.
"Thank you Master Windu, oh one other request. May I have his lightsaber?" Mace becomes curious at the request but finds no harm in it and gives the Padawan the saber.
Outside the temple Qui-Gon Jinn is speaking with Ranik on the lower steps. As he is saying his goodbye to Qui-Gon, Ranik notices Ryaan standing outside the temple. Qui-Gon looks behind him noticing the young Padawan.
"Talk to him." Qui-Gon says.
"He won't speak to me." Ranik says.
"Try." Qui-Gon adds.
"Yoda says there is no try." Ranik replies.
Qui-Gon simply smiles sarcastically as he walks back into the temple.
Ranik walks up to Ryaan slowly. For a moment an awkward silence passes as Ranik searches for the right words. Unfortunately there are none, Ranik just places his hands on Ryaan's shoulders.
"Ryaan please say something."
"Why?" Ryaan says.
"I love her." Ranik replies.
"Love, we're not allowed to love! We serve others not ourselves!" Ryaan says shoving Ranik's hands off of him.
"You're right, I know what I did was against the code but you can't imagine what its like. It's a beautiful thing Ryaan, I don't . . . . . I guess I can't expect you to understand it or any Jedi for that matter." Ranik says. "I'm sorry Ryaan, I'm sorry I can't finish your training, I'm sorry I won't be there to see you become a great Jedi Knight and most of all I'm sorry I destroyed our friendship but I'm not sorry that I love her." Ranik begins to walk away realizing there's no hope to salvage any part of his relationship with his Padawan. As he gets to the bottom of the steps he hears his name called.
"Ranik!" Ryaan yells. Ranik turns around just as his lightsaber is tossed to him. He's about to smile thankfully when Ryaan says something that he'll never forget. "Don't ever come back." Ryaan says as he turns and walks back into the temple.
So obviously this chapter has the biggest reference to any character/event from the old canon. However I wrote this back in '05 when EP III came out. Even though most of the old canon was wiped out by Disney I've seen some evidence in the new novels that they are still pulling from the old EU.
Plus I was always a big fan of Kam Solusar ever since he debuted in Dark Empire II. Since the old character encyclopedia states that Kam's father Ranik was reprimanded by the Jedi Council for fathering a son and also was killed by Vader following the Clone Wars, so I thought it was a great idea to make him Ryaan's former master. Hope you enjoy.