Assassins vs. Hunter Part 1
Failed Murder/Escape attempt
With the aggressive disagreement between Ahsoka and Tanya finally reaching an end, the Jedi - Anakin and Windu especially - were able to return to their duties without further interruption. Ahsoka and Tanya, however, we confined to polishing the astromechs as agreed upon by the masters as their punishment. As the two girls began polishing their 20th mech in the hangar, the girls tried to pass the time they were working by talking about random things.
Main topic: how amazed Ahsoka was by Tanya not allowing certain things to bother her. "Were you always like this?" Ahsoka asked, getting deep into R2's creases.
"Like what?" Tanya pushed one mech aside and brought in another.
"Peoples opinions or certain things not bothering you," Ahsoka stated with curiosity, "Were you always like that?"
"Oh that." Tanya laughed dryly. "Truth be told Ahsoka there's still a lot that bothers me." She sighed, taking a wet wash rag to M5-B12. "There's an issue right now that I try to tell myself doesn't bother me. But every night it burns in my heart." Ahsoka stopped polishing for a moment and brought her full attention to her cat eared friend.
"What is it? If you don't mind my asking." Tanya shook her head. She didn't mind at all. In fact this was an issue she had been scared to talk about with anyone since she joined the Jedi. "The clones," Ahsoka raised a brow. The young Togruta never imagined Tanya had a problem with the clones. If anything Tanya got along with them better than anyone. The clones, the little clone cadets. She continued solemnly, "Each and everyone one of them are wearing Jango's face." Ahsoka's eyes widened. Coincidentally, the clone trooper Powerhouse came meandering through. He had a shaved head and five Chinese tattoos on his forehead. Front – heart, Back – mind, Left – body, Right – soul, Top Middle - spirit. He waved to the two girls and went inside a Y-Wing to do a quick diagnostic. "Every time I see one I want to jump for joy because I want to believe that it's him." Tanya's voice began to crack. "And every time one dies I want to breakdown and cry. In my mind I know it's not him. But my heart continuously wishes that it was."
"Tanya..." Ahsoka placed a hand on her shoulder. She stared tenderly into Tanya's tear filling eyes. "Why don't you talk to Master Windu if this is bothering you?"
"Because I don't want him to think that I still blame him for Jango's death." She stated with excited sadness. Pushing hair behind her ear, she wheezed, "There were plenty of other people who took part in the events leading up to his death. There were plenty of people who could have killed Jango. Windu just happened to be the one to kill him." Tanya wiped a tear from her cheek. Talking about Jango's death never gets any easier for her. But according to the masters talking about it was better than holding it in.
"And yet..." Ahsoka added, assuming Tanya wanted to add something else.
"And yet there are times when I want to thank him." Ahsoka cocked a perplexed eyebrow. "Because if Windu hadn't killed Jango, I wouldn't have met any of you." That made Ahsoka beam with happiness. She moved over and hugged Tanya tightly. "But it still hurts to no end." Tanya returned the hug. A tear fell down her cheek and onto Ahsoka's arm.
Unbeknownst to the two Padawans, Windu was standing in the doorway. He walked out of the door and headed down the steel plated hallway. Waiting for him was the short and stout master Yoda. He had his hands firmly placed atop his cane. His eyes were closed as he smelt the air around him. Windu stopped and bowed to the grandmaster, and then continued on his way. "Sensed this for a long time, you have." Yoda spoke with his eyes still closed. Windu stopped. "Scared to talk about it, you are." Yoda turned to face his Jedi colleague. "Or maybe it is not fear, but guilt."
Windu opened his mouth to protest. Nothing came out. He closed his mouth and looked to the side. He knew better that to try and lie to Master Yoda. He was the Jedi's own personal lie detector. "I cannot help but feel guilty." he grumbled, leaning against the wall. He folded his arms, trying to form a barrier so Yoda wouldn't try to read his mind any further. "Everyday is a constant reminder of what I've done to her. I took the one person she loved more than anything away from her forever." He tightened his grip on his forearm. "I know she said she forgave me. But still..." Windu's growing fondness of Tanya played a considerable part in his guilt towards Tanya. Before, he didn't really care. But lately he found it hard to cope with Tanya's sadness.
"Hmm..." Yoda grunted thoughtfully. "Padawan and Master, open with each other they should be." He advised. "Handle certain issues on your own, you must." He said as an afore statement. "But others, talk amongst friends you should." Windu let out a breath and nodded. As usual, Master Yoda was right. But now the question remained: who would be the first to talk?
UUU
Tanya had returned to her room later that evening, exhausted from the many hours of mech scrubbing. She collapsed onto her bed, enjoying the feel of her pillow. "I am so going to kill Mace next time I see him." Kill mace, she thought. "Huh...I remember when that was a literal phrase. Now it's like an empty threat." She shifted onto her back, gazing up at the bland ceiling. "As it should be. I mean, sure, I could have killed Windu whenever I pleased…" Her stomach twisted in knots. "But my newly acquired conscience would never allow it. Besides," she smiled tenderly, "Even if I did kill him, Jango wouldn't come back. He'd be just as dead as before...and I would feel horrible." She stretched a hand out to the heavens, reaching out to Jango who was watching her. "I love you dad. And I always will. But now I have a new guardian that I must protect, just as he protects me." She faced her palm to her. "These hands will no longer kill needlessly. They will kill to protect, just like you taught me." She sat up and curled the fingers into a fist of dedication. "I may be a bounty hunter at heart. But that doesn't mean I can't be a Jedi as well. And unless I want to lose my new family, I will learn how to balance the two." Sparks surged around her fingers. Tanya took no notice. "Windu is my master. The two of us are bound by that link. And I won't allow him to meet his end so long as I wield a saber." The sparks became brighter. "The separatists, bounty hunters, anyone who tries to take my master from me or questions his worth will be felled by my hand. This I swear! I won't lose him like I lost all three of my parents!" She swung her hand down towards the ground. When she uncurled her fingers stream of blue and white sparks came falling from her palm. Tanya screamed and leaped into her bed. There was a scorch mark on the carpet. Tanya, fearing what she had just done, stretched out her hand. She levitated a potted plant. No sparks. She looked at her hand dazedly. "What...what was that?"
Ring, ring, ring, he wrist com beeped, "Tanya?" Windu called her over the wrist com.
"I'm here!" She jumped. "What's going on?"
"Meet me in the hangar in 30 minutes. We have a prisoner transport mission today."
"Be there in ten." she told him. Taking one last look at her hand, Tanya collected her thoughts and ran out of the room, heading for the hangar. I wonder what that was, she thought fretfully. Can anybody do it?
UUU
For part of their trip across the galaxy, Tanya would be accompanying Masters Koth, Plo, and Windu to the prison hold planet Incarces. Incarces was literally an entire planet made up of jail and prison cells - Ones above and below ground.
The criminals who were incarcerated to this planet were among the worst of the worst. They committed crimes so heinous the universe decreed: those sentenced to the cells below should never be allowed to see sunlight. Those above must watch as time slips away from their lives. The thought of going near a prison again sent chills down Tanya's spine. She was in prison for two years. She didn't want to see another jail for as long as she lived.
The three masters and Tanya had to take a ship to the planet because there was Star Cruiser full of clones that would be taking part in the escort process. It will be equipped with strong shields, extra damage weapons, and many fast moving ships that could combat back any oncoming enemy attack.
All prisoner transports had an obscene amount of security. But this was like they were transporting a VIP prisoner.
Tanya was gazing out at the dark abyss of space as she thought about their up coming mission. Apparently they were transporting a dangerous criminal to Tatooine to be tried for his crimes, and then to Coruscant to be incarcerated. The prisoner was being held on Incarces – besides it being a damn near impenetrable stronghold – so that he could not have contact with the outside world and make plans for his allies to attempt to break him out.
The Senators who went to oversee the hearing - Organa and Amidala - informed them that the criminal will be taken to court under five different counts of felonies and most likely serve life in prison or some amount of years. Organa will be acting prosecutor and Amidala was going to act as a witness. Together they planned to get the criminal life in prison with no chance of parole. But they needed to make sure that their evidence and facts are solid, and that the witness and or witnesses know what to say.
UUU
The four Jedi arrived to Incarces on schedule. Lying in wait outside the planets atmosphere was a large star cruiser full of clone troopers ready to transport the on coming prisoner.
Incarces was like a secondary Coruscant. Towering spire building, dome shaped facilities, hover vehicles traveling in every direction – transporting weapons to prison guards, or moving prisoners no doubt.
Waiting for them on the wide open landing pad were none other than Organa and Amidala. Next to them was a well dressed Pantoran - Likely another senator. Great…Tanya spat mentally, Just what I need. More lame ass politicians.
Tanya had a great disdain for politicians or anyone of the similar persuasion. She blames them for the Clone Wars, and the personal war between Sepies and The Republic that everyone has been dragged into. If she could, Tanya would rid the world of every politician out there. But, as fate would have it, some of the politicians had grown on her – Jar-jar – and has tried to open her heart to them. Emphasis on try.
To the Pantoran's left was a gray haired, firm faced but sort of wrinkled, army clothes dressed warden. His name was Warden Keith Lightraide. "Warden Lightraide," Windu bowed. The other two masters and Tanya bowed as well. "I am Mace Windu of the Jedi council. These are Jedi Masters Plo Koon and Eeth Koth, and my Padawan Tanya Fett." Organa and Amidala narrowed their eyes dangerously at Tanya. Like Luminara, some of the senators of the republic didn't approve of Tanya. Amidala mainly because of their history two years back. The Pantoran however seemed to smile warmly at Tanya. He nodded with approval.
"So you are the famed Padawan Hunter I've heard about?" Lightraide announced almost proudly and suspiciously.
"Uh..." she looked from her master, to the senators, and back to the warden. "Padawan Hunter...sir?"
"The Padawan who is also a bounty hunter." He explained the nickname. Tanya smiled and nodded dumbly. She found the name funny. "I'm glad you're smiling. I was afraid that I had insulted you."
"No. No." She assured him. "I actually find it endearing."
"You would." She ward Amidala scoff. Tanya twitched her ears and furrowed her brow to the senator, daring her to speak up.
When the young senator was turned away by Organa, the Pantoran spoke up, "You will find, Warden Lightraide," He folded his hands behind his back, "That Little Nya takes most insults or nicknames as compliments." Nya! Tanya cringed at the name.
"Nya?" Windu questioned. "Who's Nya?"
"Tanya, of course!" The Pantoran laughed. "I've been calling her that since she was 10 years old." He smiled to the bewildered Aquatisan. "And you're just as cute as when I last saw you."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute!" Tanya waved her hands frantically. Her cheeks were bright pink from the cute comment. She furrowed her brow to the Pantoran. "How do you know me old man? I don't know any politician's going six years back." She pointed her thumb to Padme. "Only her going back two years." Padme bit her lip angrily. "How do I know you?"
"Oh come now, Nya," The Pantoran purred. "How can you forget me?" He moseyed over to her and bent forward. Tanya took a subconscious step back. She felt a hand travel down her leg and squeaked. She raised a knee, heading for the Pantoran's face. He stopped it effortlessly with one hand. He smirked at her failed kick. Tanya growled with embarrassment –Having her knee stopped and the old man touching her leg.
The Pantoran reached into her raised boot and pulled out the knife she had hidden. "HEY!" She shot a hand for it. "Give me that!" The Pantoran, while admiring the knife, caught the hand by the wrist. Tanya tried to pull it back. He had a firm hold. "DAMMIT! Let go!"
Windu, the two masters, the senators, and Lightraide watched with absolute fascination. This man was handling Tanya like she was a child throwing a tantrum. Never had they seen her so flustered.
The Pantoran admired the switch blade in his hand. "Still keeping this in your left boot, eh? Do you still keep the knife Jango first bought you in the right boot?" He asked nonchalantly. Tanya stopped struggling. How does he know these things? The Pantoran marveled the hilt and the names etched on either side - Jango and Notluwiski. "I remember when he and I first met. After dealing blows, we sealed our friendship by etching our names into this hilt." Tanya's expression softened. How does he know Jango? The Pantoran released Tanya's wrist and gazed lovingly into her eyes. "It's good to see you're doing well Nya. I really missed you after all this time."
Her tail stiffened. "STOP CALLING ME NYA!" The Pantoran chuckled. Tanya stopped fuming. That laugh…calling me Nya…she remembered someone always calling her by that nickname. The Pantoran handed her the knife and pointed to the name Notluwiski. Tanya's eyes beamed. "Notluwiski…Notluwiski Papanoida?" He nodded. Tanya's eyes turned into slits as she growled at him.
"I'll go and get the prisoner ready. Please excuse me." Lightraide dashed off, not wanting to be there for the arising drama.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE PAPANOIDA?" The masters and senators flinched at her sudden outburst.
"Now, now," He motioned his hand in and out, urging her to relax, "How about a little decorum Little Nya." A vein popped in her head. "You are in the presence of a Chairman after all."
"Chairman?" Tanya gasped. "When did that happen?"
"Chairman Chi Cho was killed on Orto Plutonia," Koth informed her. "Since then, Baron – now chairman – Papanoida has succeeded him in the position."
"And that aside, I am speaking against the man being prosecuted today." Papanoida informed her.
Tanya's ears twitched. "I just realized something," Tanya added, scratching her ear. She faced the three masters. "You guys never told me who it was that we are transporting."
"It's Ziro the Hutt." Organa answered smugly, folding his arms. Tanya raised a dubious brow. "I'm sure you're acquainted with him." He snapped hostilely. "Seeing as how you worked for his nephew."
"Get the facts straight Organa!" Tanya spat. "I associated with that fat slob Jabba. I didn't work for him."
"It's true." Papanoida defended. "Jango worked for Jabba. Tanya worked for me."
Tanya put her hands on her hips. "I didn't work for you either." She snapped. "I did you favors."
"Favors that I paid you for."
"And you were a cheap bastard too! Just like that Hutt friend Jabba of yours." Papanoida laughed at her anxiety. Since they met, Papanoida had always known how to press Tanya's buttons. He found her anger adorable.
"How do you two know each other exactly?" Plo asked with interest.
"The good chairman here is a good friend of Jabba's." Tanya hissed. "Jango and I first got involved with Jabba when I was ten. That's when we met." She folded her arms. "And this guy actually used to be pretty cool until he started calling me Nya."
"And um…" Windu scratched his cheek, "How did the Nya nickname get started?"
"When she would get angry, Tanya would say Nya after every sentence." Papanoida snickered, "It was quite adorable. And she still is." Tanya fumed steam out of her ears. She hated being called cute.
Ziro was being escorted out. Five clones had their guns ready to fire in case he made an attempt to escape. However unlikely that may be. Heavy duty metal clamps were put on his hands. Small electrical sparks were seen seeping out of the cuffs. Likely a fail-safe measure in case her tried to pick his way out of the cuffs.
Ziro's eyes met with Padme, Tanya, and Papanoida's and he smirked, "What a fortuitous pleasure this is?" The purple hurt chuckled, his jazz slash blues voice echoed. "Three of my most favorite people are all in one spot." The three sneered at the gross stated Hutt. "I'm glad I got to see you before I left. I did miss you so much."
"Then you're in luck." Padme crossed her arms, "Because you'll being seeing us all the way to Tatooine and back into the Coruscant federal prison."
"You honestly think you're getting me in prison, sweetie?" Ziro licked his lips. "You're horribly mistaken."
Everyone narrowed their eyes to a rambling Hutt. His calm demeanor, his smug attitude – something wasn't right. No one is this calm or confident before a trial. Especially when it's on the home planet of one of the dangerous Mobsters to ever be brought into being – Jabba. Why was he so calm?
"Huh?" Tanya heard a whirling sound of a hover vehicle coming from above. When she looked up, three cars filled with four people were swiftly approaching their position. She could make out that they were Rodians, Weequays (Hondo species), and Twi'Leks. She saw the glimmer of a long range shot gun. "MA~STER…" Tanya drew her saber.
The three masters looked to the skies. The cars drew closer. "EVERYBODY DOWN!" Plo howled. The approaching assailants all opened fire. Tanya and the Masters ran forward, diverting the shower of blaster shots. The clones tackled Ziro to the ground and formed a defensive circle. Lightraide and Papanoida pulled out small pistol blasters took Organa and Padme and moved behind a pillar. The clones took Ziro to a different pillar for cover.
The three cars landed and the 12 Vigilante's got out and opened fire on the Jedi. While diverting the shots, Koth and Plo caught three more vehicles out of the corner of their eyes going for Ziro and the others. "We've got this!" Koth assured Windu and Tanya. "Help the Senators!" Windu and Tanya nodded and ran for them.
Plo went on his wrist com, "Star Cruiser Highlander! This is General Plo Koon Requesting immediate extraction unit – code 3! NOW!"
"On our way general!"
Plo and Koth slowly edged their way closer to the attackers. They backed away, not wanting the Jedi to get within sabers length. Koth stretched a hand out and force pushed two back into a pillar. Plo force jumped into the air. Two Rodians and Two Twi'Leks aimed up at him, trying to shoot him down. Plo landed in the center of the four and sliced their guns to pieces. The four then drew knives and forced Plo's hand. With a swift sing of his saber he cut the men down.
Koth took this as a chance and dashed for the two he pushed. They scrambled to their feet too late. Koth stopped and removed their heads from their shoulders. The remaining six became fraught with fear and tried to get back into their vehicles. Koth and Plo pushed the vehicles over the edge. The six were stopped in their tracks. They tried to aim and shoot. All six were struck down. Koth let out a breath, "It's sad when young people make such bad choices."
"These choices were their own." Plo assured him. "But you are right. It is depressing."
(Few seconds earlier)The clones spread out and kept an eye on the present attackers. Two remained with Ziro and the other three covered Organa and Padme. Lightraide and Papanoida were ready to shoot should someone attack.
Coming around behind them were three cars – Weequays, Rodians, and Twi'Leks. All four Twi'Leks and one Rodian jumped from their vehicles and tackled the five clones to the ground. Padme and Organa gasped aloud. Papanoida and Lightraide tried to shoot the attackers. Their guns were shot from their hands by the remaining seven.
The senators, Papanoida and Lightraide were now surrounded. They were pinned against the pillar with seven guns aimed at some part of their bodies. The five clones were forced to their knees with guns placed on their heads. Ziro sluggishly slithered over, laughing haughtily, "Now what did I tell ya?" He mocked victoriously. I'm not going to jail today or ever. And with you two gone," he pointed tow Papanoida and Padme, "They'll never have a single thing on me." He looked to Organa and Lightraide. "You two are just a constellation prize."
"GAH!"
"ACK!"
"AWO!"
"UGH!"
Ziro turned around to the vigilante's behind him. All five were cut down by Windu. "When did you get here?"
"We've been here!" Tanya came charging in. She went for the final seven. She force pushed two off the edge. Three tried shooting her. Tanya dodged and repelled the shots. She reached them. One got cut in half. The next lost his head. The last was stabbed in the chest.
The final Twi'Lek drew a knife and went for Tanya. She listlessly, without looking at him, raised a hand and caught him in a force choke. "Pathetic." Was all she said and then snapped his neck with little effort. The life left the Twi'Lek's eyes as he collapsed dead on the ground. Organa, Padme, and Lightraide were surprised as to how she could do that without losing face. Papanoida and Windu weren't. "I find it amazing as to how pathetic assassins have gotten since this war began." She chortled with a blood thirsty smile. "You think your game would have stepped up. But I guess assassins just aren't what they used to be." She brought her eyes to the staggering Weequay. Placing her hands on her hips, she giggled, "And you boys were an absolute disgrace."
"Who the hell are you to call us a disgrace you little bit-ACK!"
Tanya had him by a force choke. "Now, now, no need for such language." She said as sweetly as possible. An airheaded smile was on her face. The Weequay pried at his neck, trying to breathe. "As for who I am…" She trailed off, raising him higher off the ground. Her brow furrowed, but she still kept her smile, "You get to die without ever knowing." With that said she crushed his neck and threw him over the edge. Tanya let out a sigh of disappointment. "That was sad." She looked over to Ziro. "And they say your men are the best. HA!"
Ziro hissed angrily and shuffled for Tanya. Two clones restrained him. The Hutt leaned forward into Tanya's face and snarled. "There's still a long trip ahead of us girly! You never know who'll come trying to break me loose."
"So you openly admit that this was a jail break attempt?" Organa questioned, dusting himself off. "Looks like we've found something else to add to your list of offenses." Ziro was flabbergasted at this turn of events. The two clones dragged him away.
The extraction ship finally arrived minutes after the fight ended. Ziro was escorted on and taken to the cruiser. Another ship arrived to carry the Jedi and politicians. Lightraide excused himself to return to his prison.
"These men were only the beginning. I can feel it." Koth stated forebodingly. "And we still have three hours of open space to traverse to Tatooine."
"Then let us finish this discussion on the cruiser as we go." Plo urged. "The sooner we leave the better."
"Tanya," Papanoida grabbed her by the forearm, "May I speak with you?" He requested. The Chairman moved off to the side with Tanya following after him. Windu agreed to let the two talk and the masters and Senators gathered onto the carry cruiser.
Papanoida watched as the Jedi and senators gathered onto the ship, then he looked to Tanya. "I hope I do not need to point it out to you."
Tanya folded her arms and let out a hollowed breath. "No." She looked to the corner of her eye. There was a ship hovering precariously beyond the clouds. It turned and made way for orbit. "Those were separatist assassins. Why would they be after Ziro if they weren't going to kill him?"
"I'm sure, despite your jail time, you've heard about Ziro kidnapping Rotta and imprisoning Senator Amidala?" Tanya's eyes widened. She had heard about that. In fact it was the buzz of the jail, especially after Ziro got caught. "They must have another use for Ziro. Or someone else does."
"I don't care who's doing this." Tanya hissed. She looked to the waiting party. "Ziro isn't getting off that easily." She brought her attention back to Papanoida. "If he goes free Padme's going to be in danger all over again. So is everyone else that crosses his path."
Papanoida smiled, "You do care."
"So what if I do?" Tanya shrugged. "Even if I don't like Padme, she doesn't deserve to die."
"That's really grown up of you." Papanoida praised. "Jango taught you well."
"He did." She looked to the clones and smiled. "He really did."
(*)
Outside the Planet Incarces, the small separatist ship returned to the cruiser called Nightwinder. A woman with a shaved head and grey skin wearing a long skirt meandered to the communications room. A pleased yet disgruntled expression plastered on her face.
On the holonet she made contact with Count Dooku and bowed. "Master, we failed to retrieve Ziro the Hutt." She informed him with her smooth burlesque voice.
"This does not bode well for you Ventress." He stated menacingly. "Do not tell me the clones stopped you."
"It was three Jedi Masters and a Padawan with cat ears."
"Cat ears?" Dooku questioned curiously. "Was her skin blue?"
"Yes Master."
Dooku smiled wickedly. "Continue with the mission Ventress. And do be careful. That Cat eared Padawan has a nasty temper." The Sith Lord ended the call.
"A nasty temper." Ventress spat. "Her temper will not save her from me."
More to come next chapter. See you soon.