A Destiny Altered

by An Origami Fish

In corrupting a regret-filled Tahiri, Darth Caedus makes one crucial mistake. It is not he who controls the past, present, or the future, but the Force. How much difference can one kiss make? An AU story on what happens if Anakin survived Myrkr.

25. Chapter 25

Twenty-Five

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When Winter opened the door, there was a slight hiss of changing pressure. The crowd outside caused her to tilt her head slightly. Not only were Luke and Mara present, but so were Danni Quee, Jacen, Jaina, Anakin, Tahiri, and a bundle of robes that was Shaeri. The young Yuuzhan Vong teen was glancing apprehensively at the transparent passageways of Heurkea Floating City; worried that the vast, dark ocean around them would shatter the walls at moment and drown them all.

The home to Admiral Ackbar; dimly lit, rounded rooms were connected by submerged tunnels of channels spanned by small arched bridges. Deep seawater pools were in every room, with some rooms being completely filled with water. The floors were tiled in greens and blues of a seemingly infinite number of shades, truly reflecting the underwater nature of the Mon Calamari city

Winter recovered from her surprise and smiled at the Solo children. When they were younger, she had helped Leia watch over them. To see all of them still alive and healthy was a great relief when the war had taken so many.

"Please. Come in."

The door hissed shut behind the visitors.

Winter took a moment to hug each of the Solo children, planting a kiss on each of their cheeks. They returned the embrace fondly, good memories surfacing upon seeing her again.

"How's the admiral?" Luke asked, pitching his voice low enough so the artificial caverns wouldn't amplify his voice throughout the house.

"His body is failing him," Winter said evenly, the sadness not in her voice, but in the creases along the corners of her eyes.

"Can anything be done?" Mara asked.

Winter shook her head. "The real problem is age, and the way he drove himself during the Rebellion. He wasn't young even then, you know."

While Mara, Winter, and Luke continued their hushed discussion, Jacen, Jaina, Anakin, Tahiri and Shaeri had moved to one of the bubble-like windows of the spherical room.

"I…I have never been this far underwater," Shaeri murmured, her eyes darting this way and that as she followed various fish.

"I'm guessing they don't have oceans on the Worldship?" Danni said with a small smile.

Shaeri nodded absently, pressing a hand to the transparent wall. She could feel the coolness of the ocean beyond through the reinforced material and protective forcefields that separated the watery world from the room. "We can't afford the room. The only bodies of water I have seen are on planets that we have conquered. Even then, these bodies were mere lakes…ponds? To what I see before me."

"I know how you feel," Tahiri grinned, she was lightly leaning against Anakin, hold his hand. Since their reconciliation, it had become extremely rare to see one too far away from the other. It was as if they were both making up for lost time and assuring the other that it wasn't all a dream. "I'm from Tatooine. I'm used to oceans of sand, not water. The first time I even saw a river was when I went to Yavin Four."

"And she nearly drowned in it," Anakin said wryly, earning a nudge from the blond teen.

At the mention of drowning, Shaeri took a step away from the viewport. "Your technology can handle the pressure of all the water…right?"

"Of course. It's perfectly safe," Tahiri said. And Anakin received scornful glares from both Tahiri and Danni.

"Kids!" Mara said, her voice reverberating through the house and saving Anakin from impending doom.

They looked up and saw her motioning them over to another room.

"Well, it's time to meet Admiral Ackbar," Jaina said lightly. "You ready to meet a legend, Shaeri?"

"Admiral Ackbar, your eldest and greatest commander, like Czulkang Lah."

"Only alive and better," Jaina nodded. "He's one of the reasons the New Republic exists."

They group of young Jedi plus one Yuuzhan Vong, crossed a bridge of stepping stones—actually the tops of small pillars—set in a quiet pool. Luke, Mara, and Winter were already present and waiting patiently.

"Danni Quee, Jaina, Jacen, Anakin, and…" Admiral Ackbar, floating in the pool, tilted his head questioningly at the last of the group.

"Shaeri, Warmaster," Shaeri lowered her head politely.

"Shaeri it is," the old admiral said, his voice full of energy. "Welcome to my home!"

Shaeri blinked, having not expected a warm welcome. After all, her people were trying to destroy the very government the man had spent the better part of his life creating. "Thank you, Warmaster."

Admiral Ackbar smiled reassuringly and then addressed the full group. "Please seat yourselves. Forgive me for not joining you. I'm much more comfortable these days if I stay in water."

"Your home is lovely," Mara said, taking one of the seats along the side of the pool..

"It suits me," Ackbar shrugged while Winter efficiently served refreshments.

Ackbar then floated towards the Solo children, Tahiri, Danni, and Shaeri. "I understand that the six of you are the authority on the Yuuzhan Vong. Are you willing to tell me what you know?"

"We're willing," Jaina said, after receiving nods from the others. "But it's a large topic."

"Each of you have different experiences, opinions," Ackbar said. "Tell me what you can."

Jaina began by talking for some lengths about Yuuzhan Vong strategy and maneuvers, everything she had learned on the battlefield and from the Freed Ones who served aboard the Trickster. She gave a brief overview about the hierarchy of the Yuuzhan Vong, as well as how their warriors viewed each other and the rest of the galaxy. She then described her experiences aboard the Trickster and what it was like to communicate with and see through the ship's senses.

Jacen was next, speaking about how the Yuuzhan Vong interacted with each other and their captives, what the Yuuzhan Vong did with their slaves, and the politics he had seen at play with Nom Anor and other members of the Yuuzhan Vong leadership. Though he had spent most of his time strapped into the Embrace of Pain, he had been aware enough to see the jostling between the Executor and members of both the priest and warrior castes. It surprised him how easy it was for him to talk about his experiences. It was almost as if all that pain and suffering had happened to another person and he had simply watched as an impartial observer.

Danni added to Jacen's stories by starting off with her own experiences as a prisoner, before going on to explain the scientific basis behind the yammosks and other Yuuzhan Vong biots. Danni gave simplified lectures on how their ships were grown, and what made their weapons worked. She finished up by giving a possible reason why the Yuuzhan Vong had problems adapting quickly to the advancements made by the New Republic scientists. She suspected that they had been using the same tech for so long, that it never occurred to them that there would be mechanical ways to counter them.

Apart from the shaping of various creatures, it was in her opinion that the Yuuzhan Vong were stagnating technology-wise. A stagnation made possible because the knowledge to shape was considered something sacred—passed down to the Shapers by the Supreme Overlord himself. To come up with anything new was considered a heresy, which stunted the intellectual growth and actually aided the New Republic war-effort. Her view was a minority one among the other scientists and Intel-experts, however, but Danni knew in her heart that she was right. Admiral Ackbar listened to her theory and seemed to nod in agreement, accepting her logic; something that made Danni exhale in relief and smile nervously at the famous war-hero.

Gradually the youngest teens began their own tales, focusing on both the Shapers and Shamed Ones, and the language and culture. Tahiri revealed what she knew from the memories planted in her mind, the more intimate details of the Shaping caste and the role they played in the rest of the Yuuzhan Vong society. Shaeri went more in-depth about her people's religion and focused on her experiences as a Shamed One. She then told what she knew about the different Domains, backgrounds on the more famous of Yuuzhan Vong commanders, and what the ride between the galaxies had been like. Shaeri was thorough; answering any of Ackbar's or Winter's clarifying questions fully, though she sometimes looked to Tahiri for a translation of a word or two.

Anakin was last to speak, but he did not have to say much since the others had more or less covered everything else. He simply informed Ackbar of the plans he and Tahiri had already set into motion regarding the Freed Ones, and the fact that the Jedi were being seen as gods by some of the lower ranking members of the Yuuzhan Vong society.

Anakin, however, left out any mention of Zonama Sekot. Something in the Force told him that this wasn't the time or place to bring it up, that Admiral Ackbar had a plan that needed to be seen through first. Anakin felt that if Admiral Ackbar's plan failed, so too would the idea of ending the war with Zonama Sekot.

With the stories and questions done, Ackbar sighed and settled peacefully into the water.

"Very good," he opened one round eye. "Though more work will be needed, I at least know how to beat the Yuuzhan Vong now.

"You've been working on a solution to end the war as well?" Luke said in surprise.

"Oh yes," Ackbar looked up at Winter and gave her knee a pat. "With Winter as my memory and invaluable assistant, I've been working very hard on a strategic plan for the war. Your fine students and Shaeri have confirmed my ideas of the Yuuzhan Vong character. Coupled with Anakin's own ideas, I think a complete victory is now conceivable. I might even go so far as to say that if everything works, both his plans and my own, it won't be much longer until this war is over."

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"What is it lieutenant?" Ayddar Nylykerka, head of New Republic Fleet Intelligence, wiped the sleep out of his eyes as he entered the temporary command center. A row of officers sat at a bank of computers, each monitoring different activities.

One of the officers answered with a hint of urgency in his voice. "Sir, sensors tracked six meteors break through the upper atmosphere in the northern hemisphere. They were moving so fast they were through before our fleet could intercept them. The nearest vessel who initially reported the sightings is from Lando Calrissian's group"

"Meteors?"

"That's what they were described as," the officer nodded. "When they broke the atmosphere, however, they slowed."

"Yuuzhan Vong?" Ayddar said, the air sacs on his neck puffing.

"It's a safe bet, sir."

"Where did those meteors come down?"

"By another one of the cities on this planet. Crystal Reef, I think." The officer touched his ear-piece. "Sir, the captain of the Smuggler's Alliance vessel says that she's in pursuit."

"Who's the captain?" Ayddar asked.

"Captain, please identify yourself." The officer listened for a moment. "She says her name is Anja Gallandro."

"Put her on."

"Yes, sir."

"Captain Gallandro, this is Ayddar Nylykerka. We will have reinforcements over as soon as possible, hold your position."

"Mr. Nylykerka, unless your reinforcements can swim, don't bother. The meteors I mentioned all entered the water. I'm currently hovering over their entry site. There are several large, dark, shadows under the water. They're heading towards Crystal Reef."

"We copy," Ayddar motioned to another officer. "Contact the Jedi. Let them know what's going on."

"Yes, sir!"

"Captain Gallandro. Do what you can. Jedi will be there shortly to back you up."

"Great, it'll be just like old times."

"In the meantime," Ayddar pointed at another officer. "Find out where those Vong came from and if there are any more. There's obviously a blind spot in our sensor grid if we could only pick them up as they were entering the atmosphere, so get on that too."

"Yes, sir!"

"Sir, Jedi's Jaina, Anakin, and Jacen Solo are reported to already be in a submersible returning from Heurkea Floating City. They are diverting course now."

"Good, then hopefully we can stop these Vong in their tracks. The last thing we want is for them to think that they can strike on this planet whenever they want."

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Anja finished pulling on an insulated wetsuit and double-checked a harpoon gun.

"Are you sure we should be doing this? Those are Vong you know. Lots of 'em!" Her co-pilot, the ever excitable Lilmit, whined. "Maybe we should just pull back and let the government take care of the Vong. It's safer and we have less chance of dying. That's always a good thing, right?"

"Lilmit," Anja said patiently, used to his panic attacks after crewing with him for several years. "The government forces won't get here in time. They're all clustered around the capital city, and that's many clicks from here. We've already waited half an hour. Crystal Reef has a certain sentimental value to me, and I'm not going to let the Vong trash it."

"But you're one person! If I'm reading the sensors right, there are over sixty life-forms, not of this planet, in the water!"

"That's why I'll be counting on you."

"Despite its name, the Fish Out of Water isn't supposed to operate underwater!" Lilmit continued to protest. "You'll break this brand new ship that Lando just gave us!"

"You only have to go half way." Anja tightened the last of the straps on her wetsuit. "Kill the bottom two engines and skim the surface. I trust you."

Anja pulled down the face-mask and adjusted her breather before pulling over her head covering. She knew from past experiences that the water would be freezing cold. Without the spice or Force to help her, she had to protect her skin as best as she could.

With every single inch of her skin covered, Anja gave Lilmit a thumbs-up. She opened the side hatch of their small vessel and fell backwards into the water.

The view beneath the shimmering waves was a lot clearer. As the name of the city suggested, the water was crystal clear, with jagged underwater mountains of ice rising up from the depths. Already with a huge lead, heading towards the distant city, was a large dark mass of tendrils. Anja tapped a device on her face-mask and the image in front of her was enhanced on one side.

The dark mass was some sort of creature, very Yuuzhan Vong in origin. Swimming alongside it were five others, though slightly smaller. Anja assumed that they were the Yuuzhan Vong version of a submersible. They were clam-like in appearance, with wavy feelers that looked like hair coating its entirety, except for a quartet of massive, barb-lined tentacles coming out the back. The creatures jetted forwards at regular intervals, the tentacles propelling them.

Anja returned her vision to normal and tapped her comlink twice. She waited for only a second before the bottom of her ship splashed down ahead of her. The wave sent her backwards several meters, but she quickly recovered. Despite Lilmit's protests and cowardly antics, he truly came through when it counted.

The modified gunboat angled its nose downwards, kicking up all sorts of turbulence as its thrusters churned the waves. Anja did her best to stay clear, knowing what was to come.

Of course, the disruptive display of their ship didn't go unnoticed. One of the smaller Vong submersibles broke off from the rest and began a lazy loop around to confront them.

The Fish Out of Water fired, its laser flash-boiling the icy cold water around it. Streaks of red darted out towards the hairy clam-squid. Unlike other Yuuzhan Vong vessels, no voids were thrown up to stop the lasers. It would have been impossible for the voids to work effectively in the watery environment, as they would have had to deal with the mass of the surrounding water. Instead, the tendril-like hair that coated the creature seemed to shimmer as the lasers hit the submersible. The lasers didn't appear to do any damage.

Lilmit fired laser burst after laser burst at the clam-squid like animal, but the alien submersible continued its lazy approach.

Puzzled, Anja once again tapped her mask and zoomed in on the creature. After watching one burst of laser fire disappear against the mat of tendrils coating the body of the Vong submersible, she understood what was happening. The tendrils were moving much faster than she even thought, creating an energy field not unlike the shields used by more mechanized vehicles and cities. The lasers from the Fish Out of Water continued to bubble through the icy water, but were doing little more than enhancing the clam-squid's shields.

The Vong submersible completed it slow loop, weaving beneath an outcropping of ice.

Lilmit seemed to have the same idea as Anja, and fired on the ice instead. The large chunk of frozen water broke off, but the Vong craft somehow managed to maneuver out from under it.

Now it was in position for its own attack run. The top 'shell' of its body opened slightly and revealed a row of thick protrusions. Within each was a wicked looking barb. The shell was only open for a few seconds, enough to fire the barbs, before it closed.

Anja tracked the harpoon-like projectiles through the water, confident that the Fish's own shields would be able to take care of it. As they whizzed by, though, she noticed the sacs on the ends of the harpoons. They were balloon-like in nature and transparent. A whole host of grutchin was packed in each.

Anja double-tapped her comlink, the signal to high-tail it out of whatever situation they were in. Lilmit wasted little time in complying. No sooner had she tapped the comlink a second time, then the ship lurched backwards up out of the water.

The harpoons followed, breaking the surface. Most fell short. Two, however, pierced through the metal alloys of the gunship. The balloon sacs burst from the impact, and a handful of grutchin immediately followed the shaft of the organic harpoons towards their target. In a panic, Lilmit began jerking the ship back and forth; somehow managing to shake a few of the grutchin off. When the rest began to eat their way into the ship, Lilmit took off, leaving Anja behind.

Anja groaned. That was another thing about Lilmit. He may be reliable, but only until his life was at stake, then you were on your own. She didn't have time to dwell on Lilmit's fate. The Vong submersible was now heading towards her.

Anja pulled out her lightsaber, her heart thumping in her chest as the underwater creature the size of a Corellian freighter pushed its way through the water. Anja just managed to slip over the creature as it made its first pass. She jammed her lightsaber up, but the tendrils appeared efficient in negating the ancient weapon's energy too. One of the tentacles propelling the creature pulsed by, and Anja emitted a gurgle of surprise as its barbed length nearly took off her head. She reflexively batted the rest of the tentacle away with her lightsaber, pushing back to give herself more room as she did.

Whether it was because of luck or the Force was truly with her, her lightsaber slipped between the rows of barbs and severed the very tip of the tentacle. A good meter of the seventeen meter appendage floated away, ink-like blood staining the crystal blue water.

Several folds on the back of the creature peeled back, and Yuuzhan Vong warriors wearing some sort of fleshy suit, swam out to meet Anja. Meanwhile their vessel began another wide turn. The submersible never completed its maneuver. Two missiles streaked out of the depths of the ocean and flew right between the undulating tentacles. The insides of the creature flashed, before the explosion ripped it apart.

Anja and the warriors whirled towards the source of the missiles and saw three small vehicles cutting through the water. Her own comm activated, though the voice was slightly distorted by the water.

"Enjoying a nice swim without us, Anja?" Jaina quipped. The lead vehicle stopped in front of Anja and the surviving warriors. The hatch popped open, and a wet-suit equipped Jaina darted out to engage the stunned warriors. Anja recovered quickly and joined Jaina, finishing off the water-logged Yuuzhan Vong in seconds. Jaina motioned to her submersible, and Anja nodded.

Once the two were inside, Anja removed her rebreather. "Nice timing as always. I'm going to return the favor one day, you know."

"One day," Jaina remarked with a smile. "Your friend Lilmit's okay, by the way. Both Uncle Luke and Aunt Mara met up with his ship and took care of the grutchins. Bad news, though, your ship's going to need to be completely scrapped."

Anja groaned. "Lilmit's going to rub this in my face for forever."

"He was the one who told us that lasers didn't work on those Vong-subs." Jaina veered their sub around to fall behind the other two metal subs.

"Jacen and Anakin are on the other two?"

"Uh huh."

"Who's chasing the Vong and who's going completely the wrong way?" Anja said, seeing the other subs going in different directions.

"Anakin's the one chasing the Vong. Jacen is looking for an old friend for help."

"An old friend, down here?" Anja paused for a moment, and then her eyes bugged out when she got what Jaina was hinting at. "He's bringing that monster towards us!"

"Have to," Jaina tapped the dashboard of their submersible. "These things trade armament for speed. I used this craft's only to missiles on that one. Jacen and Anakin only have two missiles each as well. We still have five Vong subs out there, one of them big."

"What do you think the Vong plan to do?"

"Nothing good," Jaina said. She touched the comlink. "Little Brother, any sign of the Vong?"

"I'm at the tail end of their wake. The main one's headed for the polar ice cap. The others are heading for the city. Jace and I can handle the big one. Have fun at Crystal Reef for us."

"Will do." Jaina changed course and headed for the city as Anakin peeled off to follow his brother.

Their submersible was fast, gut-wrenchingly so. Anja lost count of the number of times she squeezed the armrests of her seat as Jaina sent them through a dizzying array of swoops and turns around the massive ice monoliths all around them. Anja was used to flying, but underwater was something else entirely. Claustrophobic came to mind, the feeling of all that water pressing in on their paper-thin craft; a feeling heightened by the stomach-churning maneuvers Jaina was executing to catch up with the Yuuzhan Vong. Apparently Jaina didn't share her fears. Then again, the last time Anja was at the north pole of Mon Cal, she had been going through spice-withdrawal whilst fighting off a giant under-sea predator. That was enough to give anyone anxiety.

"There they are!" Jaina said, spotting the four smaller Yuuzhan Vong submersibles.

Anja glanced through the cockpit window. "Are they clearing ice floes?"

"That's what it looks like," Jaina frowned.

The four crafts were darting back and forth, breaking up the largest of icebergs and frozen structures and pushing them aside.

"It's like they're clearing a path," Jaina said, puzzled.

"A path for what? That's way too big for even the larger sub," Anja pointed out. "At that size, you could probably float all of Heurkea City through that gap and still have room to spare."

"This is Jacen. The larger Vong sub is currently playing with the Skra'akan, but it's a close fight. Anakin and I were also unable to stop the Vong from initiating their plan, so we're coming to meet you."

"And just what is their plan?" Jaina said.

"Anakin and I both think that the Vong are going to ram Crystal Reef with the polar ice cap. Or at least a massive portion of the ice cap anyways. The Vong sub used its tentacles and cleaved away a pretty big section. The sub was in the process of pushing it when we intercepted them. The good news is that it won't pick up any more speed. The bad news is that it will reach Crystal Reef in fifteen minutes, give or take a few."

"The other subs are in the process of clearing a path for it, then," Jaina caught on. "To keep it from slowing down."

"That'd do it."

"We see you now, Jaya. Let's take the other subs and get to Crystal Reef."

"That's where the ice cap is heading." Anja spoke with some resignation. Why was it her friends had to go against natural instincts and head towards danger instead of away from it? Then again, hadn't she just dived into Vong-infested water against impossible odds? They were definitely a bad influence on her desire to live a long, safe, life. Anja grinned, and she was perfectly fine with that.

"Yeah, we're going to stop it." Anakin and Jacen's subs moved into position alongside Jaina and Anja's.

"You have any missiles left?" Jaina asked.

"We didn't see the point in wasting ours on the big one," Jacen said in affirmative. "Full load for the both of us."

"That will still leave two Vong subs left. I guess we have to get inventive."

"They were nice enough to detach several metric tons of ice between here and the city," Jacen pointed out.

Anja saw a feral grin appear on Jaina's face and groaned. "Everywhere I go with you people, something crazy happens."

"It's a good crazy," Jaina said defensively. "Where else could you go to have this much fun?"

Anja waved a hand half-heartedly. "Go, go do that Jedi magic you do so well."

"As you command, Captain Gallandro."

The other Vong subs never stood a chance. The fast moving subs of Anakin and Jacen darted out like fish and swung around behind two of the nearer clam-squids. Missiles were released, and the alien submersibles blew apart much like their predecessor. The other two Vong subs quickly moved to intercept the Jedi. One found itself sandwiched between two ice-floes and was unable to break free. The other, chasing Anakin, was led right into its immobilized partner and the two vehicles crumpled in slow motion, out of the fight.

"We don't have much time left," Jacen said urgently, and they left the two clam-squids and high-tailed it to the vacation capital of Mon Calamari.

The three subs made it to Crystal Reef in record time. The approach of the massive block of ice must have already been detected, because it was pure pandemonium at the docks. Private vessels were already jetting away, while tourist submarines and transport boats were being filled to the seams. No one seemed to pay attention to the four young adults who emerged from the water.

"It's so great to be back here," Anja said fondly, as if the city's imminent destruction wasn't about to happen.

"Let's keep this place in one piece." Jaina agreed.

"Impact alert, collision will occur in seven minutes." An automated warning system call out. A holocam view of the approaching glacier was projected on the various screens around them, calmly proclaiming a travel advisory alert.

"You guys really are going to stop a glacier larger than a Super Star Destroyer?" Anja said blankly. "You're braver than I thought."

"Don't worry," Anakin said with a smile, pointing beyond the crowd. "We're not alone."

"You didn't think you could have another adventure without us, did you?" Zekk said, waving at Anja.

"Zekk, Lowie!" Anja gave a brief hug to Zekk, then wrapped her arms around Lowbacca. "It's great to see the two of you again." She turned to the third individual. "I thought you had sixty-three star systems to run, Your Majesty."

"We were on Mon Calamari discussing plans for a new joint attack," Tenel Ka accepted Anja's offered hand. "This opportunity just arose."

"You can take away the leather boots and skin-showing clothes, but you can't take the Jedi out of Tenel Ka," Anja chuckled with a shake of her head.

The entire city swayed back and forth as the tide picked up.

"Well, that's our cue," Jacen said.

"Ummm…just what are you going to do?" Anja said.

"Stop the iceberg, of course," Zekk said cheerily, as if he was discussing the weather or a set of hyperspace coordinates.

The six Jedi spread themselves out along the marina, facing the icy water beyond. On the horizon, a solid wall of ice, much larger than the actual city, began to cut through the waves.

As one, the Jedi entered a meld. Not only were the six present, but Tahiri's and Alema's Force signatures were adding to the meld's strength too. Other Jedi joined up a second later; the Jedi Masters Kenth Hamner and Tresina Lobi, as well as Tekli, Tesar, and Saba made their contributions known throughout the meld. While the even more distant presences of Luke and Mara echoed strongly in the background; everyone lending their strength to the six Jedi on Crystal Reef.

"You or me, Jace?" Anakin glanced over to his older brother as the air hummed with the built up Force energy.

"All yours Anakin," Jacen remarked.

Anakin exhaled, his breath crystalizing in the cool air. "To me then."

He stepped out to the furthest point of the pier, the arctic wind whipping through his hair and clothes. He held out his hands, and then was still. He became a lightning rod, focusing the energy the others were pouring into him. Their combined Force abilities concentrated around him, his to use and direct. The waters churned all around the teenager, but he didn't seem to notice or care.

To Anja, it was as if the six Jedi had become statues. All were standing stalk-still, their eyes closed and heads either bowed or tilted back. All were reaching out towards the fast moving glacier, as if their hands could ward away the massive formation of ice.

Waves formed at the front of the glacier, smaller icebergs sloshing out of the way under its massive weight. The water became more turbulent as the glacier grew nearer and nearer. Several of the boats that had tried to escape were thrown back towards the city, dashing against the icy surroundings and splintering to pieces.

The Jedi remained in their places.

Ocean spray erupted against the wave breakers just outside the marina. Behind Anja and the other Jedi were the unlucky majority of people who hadn't been able to evacuate the city in time. They, along with Anja, were now staring at the Jedi with a mixture of hope and fear on their faces.

It was barely noticeable at first; the mass of the glacier, just over three-hundred meters away and capped with heavy, dark clouds, too intimidating a sight. It continued to pound through the water, hues of blue, white, and grey dominating everything outside of the city. Some of the onlookers shrunk back into the city. Others were whimpering or clasping their hands in prayer. It didn't look like anything could stop such a fierce and destructive force of nature.

Yet, almost impossibly, the titanic wall of ice started to slow. The frothing waves in front of it began to subside as the speed of the glacier dropped considerably. The ice rumbled and snapped loudly, jagged cracks splintering the outer surface. A single wave rolled forward and completely soaked Anakin, but his concentration was focused solely on the wall of ice. It was still moving, and the distance between it and Crystal Reef was still decreasing.

Powered by the combined strength of his siblings and friends, however, Anakin wasn't nearly finished. The cold of the water that had splashed on him didn't even seem to affect him. His face was serene as he kept his hands directed at the mass of ice.

The glacier slowed even more, the ocean settling. Popping noises sounded all throughout the glacier, and parts of it broke off and slid into the water. Tense seconds ticked past.

Fifty meters left.

Thirty. The glacier was still coming.

Twenty.

Fifteen. Smaller icebergs crashed off the sides of the city.

Ten.

Seven.

At three meters to spare, the glacier groaned to a full stop. It just sat in the water, bobbing harmlessly. One final Force shove put the glacier on a backwards trajectory. Soon it was ten meters away, with the distance increasing with every passing moment. Anakin finally dropped his hands and sagged.

Anja's jaw dropped, her heart still racing at what she had just seen. Relieved laughter and cheers broke out all throughout the city.

"Three cheers for the Jedi!"

Different voices and species vocalized their approval, and the young Jedi found themselves lifted up onto the shoulders of the inhabitants of Crystal Reef. Anja faded back to the side, smiling wryly at her friends. She was happy for them, glad that the galaxy had people like them protecting it from the Vong, or giant blocks of ice.

She moved a hand up to tuck a few strands of hair away. Fireworks suddenly exploded in her brain and her jaw clenched shut. Staggering, she leaned against a nearby wall. Her mind continued to burn painfully, a burn that started at the front of her head and then began to make its way down through the rest of her body. With a shaking hand that barely obeyed her commands, she reached up to the medical computer implanted in the side of her head. She turned a dial and pressed several button, and the burning feeling gradually subsided, replaced by a feeling of complete numbness.

She saw her reflection against the sleek material of the storefront wall. She was pale and sweat poured down her face even though the frosty air continued to blow through the open marina. Closing her eyes, she took several breaths. There was no cure for her condition, and with her thirtieth birthday in another couple of months, Anja knew that she didn't have much longer. The neural decay caused by prolonged use of the andris spice had taken a toll on her nervous system, the flares becoming more and more frequent. It was one of the reasons why she had taken her ship over to Crystal Reef in the first place, to revisit old memories, one last time.

She opened her eyes again. The others had been taken further into the city by the crowd as the celebrations continued. Her gaze went from face to face, committing each of them to memory. These were the real heroes of the war, heroes she was proud to call friends. She owed so much to them. As feeling returned to the rest of her body, her hand curled into a fist. She owed so much to them, and before she died, she was determined to somehow repay them.

|-()-||-()-|

Warmaster Tsavong Lah was more than furious at the events unfolding in the Square of Sacrifice, where the great formations of Yuuzhan Vong, each in formal robes, had been assembled to witness the painful, extended death of more than a hundred captives, all for the glory of Yun-Yuuzhan, whose great temple was being dedicated on this day. 'Had' being the operative word.

Many of the captives were of high rank—military officers or Senators captured in the battle for Yuuzhan'tar. Others were Shamed Ones who were to be put to death under the Supreme Overlord's three-of-ten policy. Every death was carefully planned; flaying-knives and flesh-eating beetles ready to ensure that their screams would have risen for many hours to the ears of the god. The preparations had gone to waste.

Instead, a full battle was taking place. In fact, it was more a slaughter, as a battle would imply that two sides were fighting. The ranks of the warriors, all unarmored and unarmed for the ceremony, were being decimated by the dozens.

It had started innocuously enough. A noxious liquid, something spewed up from beneath ground level, had flooded the square. It had been enough to ruin the ceremony as it was. Yet, before the Supreme Overlord could give the command to execute the prisoners, an explosion ripped apart the ranks of the Yuuzhan Vong. Smoke canisters were thrown into the center of the square, obscuring everything from sight.

At the first sign of danger, the Supreme Overlord had been hustled away, leaving both Tsavong Lah and Nom Anor to deal with those who dared desecrate the temple of their mightiest of gods.

Explosions continued to go off.

What made Tsavong Lah furious was the fact that many of the explosions were being caused by Yuuzhan Vong blast-bugs. The fact that their own weapons were being used against them, and so effectively was the ultimate insult.

"Get control of our people and kill those who dare interrupt this ceremony!" Tsavong roared to an underling.

Then, both he and Nom Anor were forced to duck as a blast bug was fired directly at them. The projectile whistled over their heads and exploded in the damutek behind them. Panicked yells mixed with angry cries. By the time the smoke had cleared, all of the prisoners who were to be sacrificed were gone and hundreds of dead Yuuzhan Vong lay in their place.

Nom Anor and Tsavong Lah exchanged fearful glances as they glanced towards the Supreme Overlord's ship. Someone was going to die for this.

|-()-||-()-|

"This way!" A Yuuzhan Vong whispered in flawless Basic.

With little alternative, Cubber Daine followed the small-sized warrior leading the group of liberated Yuuzhan Vong captives. The captives had all been efficiently split into smaller groups and each had a different leader. His group consisted of Shamed Ones, a couple of officers, and a senator; and they were being led by the short warrior and two other Shamed Ones.

His last few months hadn't exactly been days spent in comfort and luxury. When the Wraith Squadron hangar had been hit, he had been trapped beneath the debris. After a few hours of clawing himself out, he had popped up and found himself surrounded by Vong searching for survivors. The months had past, and he had lost quite a bit of weight on the bare-bones diet the Vong had all the prisoners on. He had spent his days trying to keep the morale of the other prisoners up, and his nights wondering about whether his daughter was still alive or not. The last time he had seen her, she had been a fairly green pilot, with barely three kills to her name. He knew that the war ate up pilots like her and it was hard not to let his fears get at him during those cold dark nights in his prison cell.

And then came the day he had long prepared himself for; the day he would be sacrificed to some abstract deity that ran the Yuuzhan Vong way of life. He tried to tell his jailers that he'd be a horrible sacrifice, his work-roughened hands and aching back poor offerings to the gods, but they didn't really have any sense of humor. So there he was, lying on the table and waiting for them to cut off his head, and everything once again went pear-shaped.

He finally managed to overcome his shell-shock to glance at his rescuer. "Aren't you a little short for a Vong?"

"I just saved your butt, Cubber," The Yuuzhan Vong retorted, pulling open a drain covering and motioning the others through it. "My height is the last thing you should be worried about."

Cubber noticed the vonduun armor his rescuer was wearing was a fake. "You're New Republic Intelligence."

"Circuitry Girl at your service," the Vong nodded.

"Wraith Squadron? What took you guys so long?"

"More introductions and explanations later. Running for our lives first."

A coralskipper began blasting apart the area around them. Whether the pilot saw them or not was moot, as the buildings above them started to crash down all around them.

"Good idea." Cubber dove through the opening, followed by Bhindi.

They landed with a splash, and Cubber wrinkled his nose. Even the organic stew-like atmosphere Coruscant had obtained was preferable to this new stench.

"Here," Bhindi held out one of the Vong's gnullith, their version of a breathing mask. "Helps allow you to breathe without choking."

Cubber took it gratefully and they began following the rest of the group. "So, a trip through the sewers?"

"Safest route for the resistance," Bhindi nodded. "The Freed Ones have really been helpful too."

"Freed Ones?"

"The Jedi kids, Tahiri and Anakin, got a bunch of Shamed Ones to defect. These Shamed Ones were trained, and some of them were dropped in on Coruscant with me and Doc Boy. We've lost a couple of them, but the others managed to get the word out. We actually have a network of several hundred Freed Ones operating all over Coruscant. It's how we knew about your execution and how we got these nifty breathing masks."

The maze-like sewer took them up and down, sometimes they even had to slide off and drop a couple of stories into another pool of liquid sewage. Cubber could only grimace and tried not to think about what he was wading through. On the bright side, he doubted that the Yuuzhan Vong would follow. Not even the most dedicated of warriors would have lasted this long.

Eventually, Cubber saw the front part of the group turn out of the sewage and into a small bunker-like compound.

"A pump station," Bhindi supplied. "And one of our safe houses, complete with a working sonic shower."

"You, Circuitry Girl, are a goddess amongst men," Cubber praised, his eyes lighting up at the chance to remove the months of grime and newly added sewer water from his aching, tired body.

"Nah, the goddesses are Jaina Solo and Tahiri," Bhindi grinned. "I'm just a humble guide for lost souls. Go on and take a shower. We'll have a bowl of our finest greyweave ready when you're done. It's not much, but it's fortified with everything a body needs."

"Make sure it's a nice big bowl of your finest grayweave," Cubber patted his stomach heartily. "After eating the rotting food the Vong gave us, grayweave will be like eating... well, something other than rotting food."

"Anything for Wraith Squadron's mythical mechanic," Bhindi saluted.

"Drop it, Circuitry Girl," Cubber waved her off. "I'm just glad you Wraiths still haven't lost that sense of timing of yours."

"We do our best to impress."

"Hey," Cubber swallowed nervously, not sure if he wanted to hear any news about his daughter. "I know you've probably been stationed here for a while but my daughter…"

"As far as I know, she's still alive. Alive and serving with the Jedi," Bhindi said reassuringly.

Cubber deflated as tears of relief escaped his eyes. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now please take a shower, sir. You really need one, sir."

|-()-||-()-|

Unlike the escaped captives, both Nom Anor and Tsavong Lah were not having a very good time. If Tsavong had been furious at the complete ruining of the ceremony, the Supreme Overlord was beyond livid. Already the bodies of three Shapers and several members of the Intendant caste had been dragged out of the room. Nom Anor and Tsavong Lah were both trying to make themselves as small as possible as the Supreme Overlord raged.

"In front of so many witnesses, not only was the ritual ruined, but mere Shamed Ones managed to kill two-hundred and seventy-four warriors and free all the prisoners!" Shimrra bellowed. "Tell me right this instant why the two of you should continue to live!"

"Dread Lord," Tsavong said quickly. "With your permission, I shall exact vengeance in full. Give me a decisive battle and I…."

"Be silent!"

Tsavong Lah immediately obeyed.

"I do not need to hear any more of your plans. Do not think that your attempt to avenge Komm Karsh and your father did not escape my notice. Not only did the plan fail, you lost sixty more warriors, lost the few underwater rastalas that had survived the journey to this galaxy, and provided more positive images for the Jeedai!"

Nom Anor's smirk, caused by seeing Tsavong Lah brought low, was wiped away when the Supreme Overlord whirled on him. "And you, you worthless excuse for a Yuuzhan Vong! Six of your agents are dead and the New Republic government still remains. Did I not order you to execute Cal Omas? Did I not tell you to lay waste to their senate building and military infrastructure? What did I get instead? A bungled assassination, a handful of dead refugees, and more Jeedai heroes in their media! Pray tell how we are supposed to trust another word out of your mouth, follow any more of your advice, after that?"

"Give us one last chance to prove ourselves, Dread Lord," Nom Anor stammered, deliberately grouping himself with Tsavong Lah. If he was going down, he was going to take the Warmaster with him. "One last chance to prove that the gods are on our side. If not, then we will both gladly give up our lives in which ever fashion you see fit."

Shimrra tilted his head slightly, restraining his anger. "And just what do you suggest the two of you do, Executor?"

"Supreme One," Nom Anor began shakily. "Tsavong Lah was right when he suggested that a decisive battle be fought. We are not growing any stronger. Once our auxiliaries are in place and the fleet is at full, we must seek to bring about the one engagement that will win the war."

"Has not that engagement already been fought?" Shimrra mocked. "Or what was the Battle of Yuuzhan'tar if it was not the decisive engagement that was to end the war?"

"The infidels have proved more adaptable than we suspected."

"I am sure." Shimrra said patronizingly. "You have still yet to answer my initial questions. After your bumbling on Mon Calamari, just why should we follow any more of your advice or trust any more of your agents?"

"Agents can be risked, Supreme One," Nom Anor said carefully. "Infiltration and assassination is always a risky business. But when it comes to the fleet, there can be no risk. I will find the time and place for Tsavong Lah to strike so that he may finish this war."

Shimrra mulled over Nom Anor's response, then nodded in approval. "Very well then. Warmaster, you shall have the battle you are so clearly eager for, but it shall only be after the fleet is ready. You will not launch an attack blindly, but wait for Nom Anor's spies to report that the time is right. And my own permission will be required. Is that understood?"

"Completely, Supreme One." Tsavong Lah bowed in submission.

Shimrra smiled crookedly. "Your fates are now bound together, should either of you fail, then the other…"

The Supreme Overlord left it unsaid. Both Tsavong Lah and Nom Anor shared a glance of mutual hatred, yet neither voiced their thoughts. It was clear that both were taking comfort in the fact that if one failed, the other would join them in death.

|-()-||-()-|

Tarc sprinted through the dusty streets of Peace City and burst through the doors of the Ryn eatery. Eyes darted left and right while he tried to catch his breath. The patrons of the eatery didn't even look his direction, having more important things to do than bother with the worries of a human child.

After several sweeps of the darkened corners, Tarc found who he was looking for and sprinted to their booth.

"Tarc?" Kirney Slane took note of his sweat-stained clothes and labored pants.

"Taan," Tarc gasped out, hunched over and taking in gulps of air. "There's still a chance to save Taan! We have to save her!"

Danielle and Kirney exchanged confused glances. "Save Taan? From what?"

"They're going to execute her!" Tarc blurted, looking up at the two women almost manically as he finally caught his breath.

Kirney held out a hand. "Slow down. Who's executing Taan?"

"Viqi Shesh and the Vong with her," Tarc said hurriedly. "They're going to sanctify the treaty with the Corellians by executing a large number of slaves and every three Shamed Ones out of ten. Taan's among the three of ten being executed!"

Kirney nodded in understanding and looked over to Danielle. "Well, there goes our Plan A."

"I liked Plan B better anyways, more colorful," Danielle finished off her drink. "Don't worry, kid. We'll make sure Taan stays among the living."

"I wanna help," Tarc said.

"Can you tell us where and when the execution is scheduled?"

"Noon, at the ground of what will be Yun-Yammka temple," Tarc said. "The Vong priest in charge of the Yun-Yammka temple said it was an auspicious time."

"So a dedication to their god of war to mark a treaty of peace to the Corellians," Kirney said dryly. "How…what's the word I'm looking for, Danny?"

"Paradoxical?" Danielle supplied.

Kirney made a face. "Quit using big words. We Corellians are supposed to be simple folk. Like Han Solo and Wedge Antilles."

"Absurd then."

"Absurd works."

"The both of you are absurd!" Tarc blurted. "Taan's going to be executed in two hours and you're joking around!"

"It's alright, Tarc," Kirney said soberly. "This isn't our first time doing something like this. The grounds where the Yuuzhan Vong temple is going to be is an open plain, perfect for us. When the fireworks start going off, you'll need to grab Taan and any of the other Shamed Ones and keep them low. Our backup won't be able to distinguish between Shamed and warriors from the distance they're at."

"Backup?" Tarc looked back and forth between both women.

"An Ewok that can fly and shoot a sniper rifle, and my husband, who can shoot a sniper rifle and fly. I get the two of them confused sometimes," Kirney said straight-faced.

Tarc blinked, not sure if he should believe her or not.

Danielle rolled her eyes, as if she understood some type of joke that he wasn't getting, and added. "Anyways, when the chaos dies down, tell the Shamed Ones to meet us by the remains of our shuttle. We'll get them off planet and back to friendly lines. No sense rescuing them now and having the priest try to sacrifice them a second time."

|-()-||-()-|

Tarc shifted anxiously as the Shamed Ones set to be executed were led out of a Yuuzhan Vong hut. Each of the Shamed Ones were clad in a simple robe with their hands bound behind them. Taan was first in line, looking calm for someone being led to slaughter. The only sign of her anxiety was the rapid moving of her lips as she recited a prayer.

Tarc edged himself through the crowd, getting closer to the platform that had been set up for the occasion. The rock structure stood on four legs and towered above the gathered crowd of Peace Brigade sympathizers, media representatives, and Yuuzhan Vong warriors. A person-sized basin, complete with restraints sat at the center of the table-like platform, angled forwards for the audience's viewing pleasure.

Off to the side, Viqi Shesh and the Corellian delegation patiently waited for the ceremonies to conclude before beginning the signing of their treaty. The Corellian delegation didn't look at all pleased by the delay, not after the very hard night they had had. The presence of Denua Ku and Maal Lah on either side of them, however, silenced any potential protests.

The priest began speaking in his own language, arms raised up to the sky. In one of his hands was a wicked looking knife, in the other, a large jar full of something Tarc didn't want to know. Taan was led towards the basin and strapped into it. Her eyes closed and her lips continued to move in a prayer of her own.

Evidently, her words offended the priest who was officiating the ceremony, and he barked out another order to a nearby Shamed One. The scarless Yuuzhan Vong hurried away and came back with some sort of gag. Once it was in place, the priest nodded approvingly and finished his own prayer. He then clasped both arms to his chest and bowed.

"Yuuzhan'tar, Yun-Yammka, accept the offerings we are about to give you! May you grant the alliance between the Peace Brigade and Corellians power and everlasting strength!"

Tarc gripped his own arm painfully as the priest moved towards the immobilized Taan with the mystery jar. A bright flash of light hissed through the air, followed by a distant rumble. Everyone was stunned into silence as they all looked around. Even the priest seemed uncertain as to what had just happened. No one noticed the two neat holes in the front legs of the table-like platform until too late.

The priest toppled over as the front two legs collapsed under the weight they were meant to bear, causing the platform to slide forward. The jar in his hand fell and shattered on the stone surface.

Tarc felt his stomach flip as a whole host of beetle-like creatures immediately began swarming the priest. The priest frantically tried brushing them off, let out an undignified garbled yell of terror. More bright flashes of light whizzed through the crowd, throwing up dirt that had been neatly flattened in preparation for the construction of the Yuuzhan Vong temple. The Peace Brigade security forces and small detachment of Yuuzhan Vong warriors seemed to have no idea what to do.

The thunder-like noise continued to crackle, as smoke grenades of several different colors spewed a rainbow cloud of smoke out into the air. An array of small, paint-filled explosives detonated throughout the crowd, and a multitude of colors sprayed outwards; causing the crowd to shriek in panic. Adding to the chaos, a second set of explosives lit up, and brightly-colored firework rockets whizzed and fizzled about. Soon the entire courtyard was covered in a thick layer of paint, dust, and smoke; with star-bursts of fireworks erupting all over the place in a chaotic cacophony of bangs and booms.

Tarc, seizing the moment, clambered onto the remains of the platform and began pulling at the organic restraints holding Taan in place. For her part, Taan was completely bewildered at the turn of events, and completely alarmed as Tarc began his efforts to free her. She tried to speak to him through the gag, but only managed a series of muffled sounds. Tarc, understanding her desire to speak, quickly removed the gag.

"The jelly will retreat if you sprinkle the powder you'll find in one of the warrior's pouches," Taan said.

"Pick-pocket a warrior?" Tarc looked over his shoulder back towards the group of Yuuzhan Vong warriors. They were all gripping amphistaffs and attempting to see through the haze that had been thrown into the air. He saw one dust-covered warrior staring in the direction of the flashes of light, trying to discern the exact location they were coming from.

Taking a deep breath, Tarc did his best to calm his jumpy nerves. He released the breath, then took off in a dead sprint towards his target. He was bumped into several times by the panicking crowd, but he pressed forward. He wasn't going to let Taan be sacrificed to anyone, not even a god.

He neared the warrior and dropped into a slide; timing it so that he was in a position to yank away the pouch as he passed the warrior's side. Success. The warrior, however, didn't appreciate his little maneuver and let out an angry yell. Tarc knew enough Yuuzhan Vong by now to recognize several death threats and an added bonus of having his bloodied body displayed for all to see.

Tarc didn't even bother looking back. He wove his way through the dust cloud and the stampede of people, losing the warrior. For once he was grateful that he was so short. Making haste, he climbed back onto the remains of the platform and with a shaking hand showed Taan the pouch.

"Sprinkle its contents on the sides of the basin," Taan instructed.

Tarc did as he was told and watched the jelly retreat to where the dust was. Taan rolled out of the partially overturned basin, and Tarc caught her before she hit the ground. Noting her bleeding wrists and ankles, he tore strips of his shirt and made an impromptu bandage.

"Are you okay?"

"Blorash jelly is carnivorous, but not poisonous," Taan smiled faintly. "Don't worry, the wounds are not deep. Thank you, though, for the rescue."

Tarc exhaled in relief. "Okay then let's get…"

"Get down!" Taan shoved him out of the way as the warrior he had stolen the pouch from lunged at him with his amphistaff.

Tarc was sent rolling off the platform, but he quickly got back up and was stunned by what he saw. Taan was in some sort of combat stance, actually pushing the warrior back even when she was bare-handed. She nimbly avoided the whip-like movements of the warrior's amphistaff, all the while pushing the warrior towards the edge of the platform with solid kicks and punches to the warrior's unarmored areas; namely his face. The warrior was easily taller than her by several heads, yet Taan seemed to have no problem in using the basin that had held her, or the warrior's own muscled thighs, as a springboard.

One more quick dart towards the warrior, and he reflexively rose his amphistaff to protect his face. Taan, however, wasn't aiming there. She snagged his coufee out from its holder and drove it into the warrior's neck.

"The knife and pouch, give it here, hurry!" Kirney shouted to the two of them.

Taan removed the knife, avoiding the spray of blood that followed, and lofted it over to the red-haired woman. Tarc likewise handed her the stolen pouch. Kirney reached behind her and popped another can of smoke.

"Go! We'll see you at the place I told you about earlier!"

"You think that we successfully disrupted the treaty signing?" Tarc managed, a euphoric feeling coursing through his brains. The angry screams of Viqi Shesh and Denua Ku rose above the panicked cries of the crowd.

Hearing that, Kirney winked and nodded. "Without a doubt."

|-()-||-()-|

"Explain this!" Maal Lah snarled, holding a crumpled canister in his fist and waving it in front of a bewildered Thrackan Sal-Solo. It was a testament to the warrior's fury that, despite being covered in baby-blue, yellow, and neon pink paint, he still managed to look intimidating.

"I do not know what you mean, your grace," Thrackan blustered, his face and white admiral's dress uniform coated a Twi'lek blue and orange and covered in soot. His hair was singed and sticking up on end and there was a noticeable scorch mark on his backside; right where a firework rocket had flared up, bounced off, and then exploded over him. To say that the diktat looked more akin to a circus clown than a head of state wouldn't have been too far off the mark.

"In truth, you did not want the treaty signed, did you?" The warrior hurled the canister at Thrackan's feet. It was a smoke grenade. More importantly, the red lettering that said 'Corellian Arms' was still visible. "This is from your planet is it not?"

"Corellia supplies policing and weapons to many systems," Thrackan shot back. "Some of them are members of the New Republic. That smoke grenade could have come from any one of the dozens of systems who have access to our supplies."

"Then explain this!" Maal Lah motioned to the corpse of the warrior on the platform. "Dalaz Lah did not stab himself. The blade is missing."

"The same agent who seeks to undermine the treaty," Thrackan said dismissively and then he wagged a finger at the warrior. "And I am getting very tired of who me and my people are being treated. We came here expecting to sign a treaty with the Peace Brigade as equals, but from last night onwards, we've been made a mockery of."

"We've found the coufee and some of Dalaz' possessions!" A blue and green paint-covered warrior called out, holding up a backpack and turning it over. The contents spilled out onto the ground. "This bag belongs to one of the Corellians!"

Maal Lah turned back to Thrackan and sneered. "I suppose you have an excuse for this too?"

Thrackan paled and looked over to one of his green colored aides, whose face probably matched the color he was drenched in. "Who does the bag belong to?"

The aide fearfully walked over to the warrior holding the incriminating piece of evidence. He checked the bag, then glanced apprehensively to another member of their party. "Darjeelai Swan, Diktat."

"What?" The aforementioned member of the Corellian delegation shouted in protest. "That's impossible! Diktat, I was at your side the entire time!"

"Were you?" Thrackan glowered, feeling slightly sorry for his subordinate. Whether she was guilty or not, however, didn't matter. He wasn't going to let the action of one jeopardize his life or his chance to escape the planet. "The cloud of dust and smoke was so thick I couldn't even see anyone half a meter in front of me!"

"Diktat?" Darjeelai took a fearful step back. "Please, I've served you well. I…"

"You disgust me," Thrackan snapped. "You cannot even own up to your own foolish actions." He looked to Maal Lah. "Do with her as you please. She is no longer a Corellian."

"Diktat!" Darjeelai screamed as several warriors grabbed her arms and began pulling her away.

Thrackan took a breath and then turned to a blood-red covered Viqi, a cold expression on his face. "In light of recent events, I'm afraid I will have to postpone any treaty. The way our people have been treated has given me much pause. Negotiations are still possible, but the time and place for them is not now."

"Diktat, surely you…" Viqi began.

"I seem to remember that you promised a trip back to Corellia for me and my men. Since it was your refueling team that destroyed our shuttles, I think I will take you up on that offer now. Remember, Corellia can be a strong ally, but an even more dangerous enemy. Centerpoint is ours and we are not afraid to use it."

Viqi's eyes narrowed and she clenched her jaw. She, however, acquiesced. "Very well, Diktat. Another time."

"Let us hope your security improves if there is a next time," Thrackan said superiorly, well aware that several of the holocams floating about were still active. He did his best to smooth his hair as he tried to summon as much dignity as his paint-covered form would allow. "For now, Corellia will continue to remain neutral in the conflict. Good bye, Madame President."

|-()-||-()-|

Ganner Rhysode once again found himself running after another Yuuzhan Vong infiltrator. This particular infiltrator was of high importance because, before he had been uncovered, he had been tasked with overseeing the agricultural networks in the rural areas of Bastion. He had extensive knowledge of the planet's food and water distribution as well and had had access to several food storage areas. Already these areas were being double and triple-checked by other Imperial agents to ensure that the infiltrator hadn't tampered with them.

The Vong infiltrator had apparently been warned by a sympathizer, or an as yet-to-be-identified cohort, that he was under observation. The moment the infiltrator had spotted the apprehension-team arrive, he blew up a fertilizer storage area and activated the automated sprinkler system. He had then run into a nearby food processing plant, but not before shooting several stormtroopers.

Which was why a mud-covered Ganner was creeping through an irrigation channel alongside the building, following the void in the Force left behind by the infiltrator.

"Gary," Ganner motioned to one of the stormtroopers following himself and Vana. "Tell your men to hold their position. The Vong's stopped moving so he may be up to something."

"Yes, sir. All units, hold. The Jedi's got something."

"Shall I have another bomber standing by?" Vana quipped.

"Please don't, we're in the blast radius," Ganner retorted dryly. "Becoming a martyr for the Empire isn't one of my lifelong goals."

"Pity."

Ganner took out his lightsaber and pressed a hand to the wall of the processing plant. Carefully and as quietly as he could, he cut out a small circle to peer inside. He saw the Vong infiltrator on a catwalk talking hastily into a villip. The infiltrator occasionally swung a blaster left and right at any little noise, his actions akin to a mouse caught in a trap.

"Can you make the hole a little bigger?" Vana whispered.

Ganner obliged, the thin sheet of plastisteel melting under the heat of his blade. Vana wiggled through the hole and landed silently on the other side. Ganner followed, but the stormtroopers with them were too bulky. Gary took his squad around the building to the main entryway.

Meanwhile, Ganner and Vana watched the infiltrator pace back and forth, continuing the very long conversation. Finally, the infiltrator swore and hurled the villip away. It bounced off of a raised bungalow and fell into a mixture of berries and fruit.

To the surprise of everyone, the door to the bungalow opened, and an older looking Togruta, whose uniform indicated that she was part of the agricultural division, emerged. She glanced left and right, a small droid floating behind her. "Did someone knock?"

The infiltrator seized his chance. He shot the droid out and quickly ducked behind the Togruta, pressing the blaster to her head. "Don't move."

"Wha…?" The Togruta's eyes were milky white as she turned her head to look over her shoulder.

"I said don't move," the infiltrator hissed, digging the muzzle of the blaster into the woman's cheek.

"Please, I only supervise the distribution of agricultural supplies in the colonies. Don't hurt me," the woman stammered.

"Silence! The transport that was supposed to be in here, where is it?"

"It was delayed in an ion storm," the Togruta said. "It won't get here for another day."

Ganner tilted his head curiously. Despite the woman's shaking voice, he didn't sense any fear coming from her, only confusion. Vana rested her blaster on a closed box and carefully took aim. Ganner put a restraining hand over the gun, and Vana scowled at him.

The infiltrator cursed his bad luck. "You have a vehicle?"

"You must have the same problem as I," the woman motioned to her sightless eyes. "Can a sightless old woman drive a vehicle?"

The warrior swore again, pistol-whipping the Togruta in frustration. He moved to execute her, but an explosion from the far wall caught his attention.

"There he is. Blast him!"

Gary and his squad of stormtroopers let loose a barrage of fire. The warrior dove off the catwalk and landed on one of the conveyor belts. The belt took him from the main room amid a storm of red.

"Take the others after him," Ganner nodded to Vana, and then motioned to the downed Togruta. "I'll catch up."

Vana gestured to the stormtroopers and they took off in pursuit. In the meantime, Ganner leaped up to the catwalk where the Togruta still lay. She was just beginning to stir again, bewildered white eyes looking around. "Wha…?"

"Easy," Ganner said, helping her sit straight. "You took quite a wallop."

The Togruta turned her head to him, and Ganner had a distinct feeling that she could actually see him, blind eyes notwithstanding. "Who was that?"

"A Yuuzhan Vong," Ganner said lightly. He pressed a hand to the point where she had been pistol-whipped, intending to take away any discomfort she might still be feeling.

She, however, reached up and intercepted him. "That is not necessary, master Jedi."

Ganner blinked. "I'm not a master just yet."

The Togruta bowed her head in a brief submissive gesture. "You should go. This 'Yuuzhan Vong' is headed for the waterways. If he gets there he can use one of the maintenance craft and escape into Bastion's network of reservoirs."

"Are you sure you're all right, Miss…"

Sightless eyes crinkled at the corners. "Thank you for your concern, but I am quite alright. I am tougher than I look."

"And obviously more than you seem," Ganner said in awe when he felt the elderly Togrutan woman touch him through the Force. "Take care then."

"You as well, young Jedi."

Ganner took off after the others, shaking his head as he once more marveled at the way the Force worked. He didn't have long to think about it though when he heard blasterfire echo through the processing plant. Breaking into a sprint, he left the main room and ran down several immaculate hallways. The blasterfire grew louder, and he burst into an open chamber.

A stream of water was running down the middle of the room, surrounded by several water-treatment machines. Vana and the stormtroopers were pinning the infiltrator in place behind one of the machines, keeping him from reaching a hover-platform that the workers used for maintenance. Several other stormtroopers were climbing the surrounding scaffolding to flank the Yuuzhan Vong.

"We're still trying to take him alive," Vana muttered, once Ganner crouched down by her. "But chances are good that he'll take his own life before we can get to him. Can you do anything about it?"

"What? Wave my hand and make him appear?"

"At least you would have been of some use on this chase," Vana said.

Ganner made a sarcastic face at her and stood up. "Make sure he doesn't shoot me. That'd hurt."

Vana held up her comlink. "Covering fire for the Jedi. All units open fire."

The infiltrator's only cover was the heavy duty purifying machine he was hiding behind, and even then the lasers began to melt parts of it.

"Get ready to stun," Ganner murmured. He held out his hand and concentrated.

The purifying machine started to vibrate, shaking in its place. Wires snapped off. A pipe shattered, spraying water everywhere. The machine went dead, and was soon floating in the air above the startled infiltrator. The Yuuzhan Vong pressed the blaster against his own jaw, but before he could fire, Vana's stun blast knocked him out cold. Ganner gently set the broken piece of machinery back into place while the stormtroopers proceeded to bind the Yuuzhan Vong spy.

Without the constant sound of blasterfire, the room became a little too quiet. With a cocky grin, Ganner smirked at Vana. "Voila, hand waved and bad guy caught. So, this is what your job is like."

"Only when others screw up their assignments." Vana said, scowling. "Some official is definitely going to be disciplined for allowing this Vong to run amuck. We were lucky he didn't get off-world."

"You see, us Rebels can take orders and work well with you Imperial folk," Ganner chimed. Then he added after a short pause. "Especially when we have to clean up the mess you Imperial folk make."

|-()-||-()-|

Anakin Solo was pretty sure he was the luckiest man in the galaxy as he relaxed in his bed in just his under-clothing; his hair thoroughly mussed and a dazed expression on his face. He was very glad that Force-bonds allowed mind-reading to be possible. Without it, he doubted that his reunion with Tahiri would have gone nearly as good as it had. He had never been too good at articulating his feelings. Fortunately for him, he wasn't exactly skilled at keeping Tahiri out of his head either.

When Tahiri—her mask resting on top of her head—and Alema emerged from the dueling ring, Anakin couldn't help but feel some amount of nervousness. It was a feeling he could feel mirrored not only by Tahiri, but by Alema as well. So many things had changed between the three of them in such a short time that he wasn't sure where they stood. Upon some self-reflection, he found that his time away from Tahiri had only magnified his feelings for her. At the same time, he couldn't deny that Alema's friendship with him meant a lot as well. For once, he began to realize what Zindra and Shaeri had been trying to point out to him. And with that realization, came a whole lot of uncertainty. Anakin wasn't sure why the instinct to suddenly dive under the nearest table crossed his mind as Tahiri continued to grow closer.

It had been several months since he had last seen her, discounting the Force-conjured phantoms that had played havoc with his mind. Several months, and he really had no idea what to say.

"Hey," Anakin said softly, when Tahiri stopped short upon seeing him.

"Hey yourself," Tahiri whispered, frozen where she was. She seemed uncharacteristically at a loss for words. The both of them, out of reflex, reached out with the Force to seek out the other. As if that familiar action was enough, the barriers they had both put up slowly began to fall away.

He could hear her thoughts, just as she could his. This was the first time she had seen him in several months, not counting the press-conference he had given; as she had been far too surprised when she had realized that he was blocking her out, to actually take a good look at him. Now that he was right in front of her, the only thing really recognizable about him was his presence in the Force.

"Anakin?" Tahiri breathed.

"It's me," Anakin nodded.

Robotically, Tahiri took several steps towards him. With a trembling hand, she reached out to touch the light beard he had developed. Slowly, she traced the contours of his face with her fingers, her green eyes searching his blue ones. Her hand was about to fall back to her side, but Anakin reached up and held it in place, his own eyes flickering close.

"I missed you," he muttered instinctively, slightly afraid that this was all an illusion again. That if he released her hand, she would disappear.

Tahiri bowed her head, so he wouldn't see the tears in her eyes. She pressed her hand against the side of his face as their Force bond slowly repaired itself. Back and forth, their emotions were shared, saying for them what both of them were unable to say aloud. Joy at their reunion. Regret from the time spent apart. Sorrow at hurting the other. Grateful acceptance. And an overall undercurrent of love, friendship, and affection, with which their bond was built from.

"You big dummy," Tahiri whispered hoarsely, quivering with silent sobs. "I'm glad you're okay."

"I'm sorry for worrying you," Anakin murmured back, wrapping his other arm around her slight form and pulling her into an embrace. "I'm sorry."

Tahiri gripped him with her other hand, exhaling a shaky breath into his chest, then stepped back. "It's not just that." Tahiri held his gaze and swallowed apprehensively. "You left me behind, again. We're supposed to be best friends, friends who help each other out. I would have understood if you just needed some time to yourself, some space. But instead of letting me know, instead of giving me some idea of what you were going to do, you took off in the middle of a war to who knows where. And it hurt. The knowledge that you didn't trust me, that you rather I spend the next few months just wondering what was happening to you. Fearing the worse. For a while I actually thought you did die. On top of all that, after everything we've been through, I didn't even get so much as a 'goodbye'. I love you Anakin, but that hurt so much."

"It won't happen again," Anakin took both of her hands in his, using their bond to let her see how serious he was. "I promise. Alema helped me see how stupid I was being for trying to keep everything to myself. How crazy I was when I have both you and her ready to back me up."

"Damn right," Alema said, stepping forward. "Now enough with the sappy seriousness, are you two going to kiss and make up or what?"

"Alema," Tahiri said mildly, seeing a device in the Twi'lek's hands.

"Huh?"

"Where did you get that holocamera?"

"The event-coordinator at the dueling ring lent it to me. How else do you think those holo-mags got those images of a shirtless Anakin? Although, I did have to edit the image a bit, he's still kind of stick-like at the moment."

Both Tahiri and Anakin looked at Alema incredulously. "It was you?"

"Hero Boy there isn't the only one that could plan. It's all part of my master plan to get the two of you back together as soon as possible," Alema grinned broadly. "Anakin needed a kick in the ass, and you needed a strong push and thump on the head. Anger and jealousy, I can deal with. States of mopey, pitiful, pouting and brooding, are much harder. Now are you going to kiss or not? I have to send another photo into that magazine to show everyone he's been taken off the market."

"Have I?" Anakin said uncertainly, looking back to Tahiri. "Have I been taken off the market?"

"You really are a dummy," Tahiri muttered, reaching up to pull him down for a soft kiss. When they pulled back, she kept her arms looped around his neck to keep their foreheads pressed against each other. "Welcome home, Hero Boy. Just one thing."

"Huh?"

"You are so getting your hair cut and your chin fuzz shaved."

After he, Alema, and Tahiri came to an understanding, which involved multiple dunks in the ocean and an awkward and slightly embarrassing sharing of feelings, everything had looked upwards from there.

Even the random threat of a Yuuzhan Vong plot to destroy the vacation city of Crystal Reef didn't dampen his mood. Although, he did have a good reason for that. Once the threat was over, the adrenaline rush of stopping a city-crushing, massive iceberg led to celebrations citywide on Crystal Reef. After the parties, thank yous, and return to the capital, Anakin found himself hosting a private celebration for two in his quarters.

A resting Tahiri, in a state of undress that matched his own, snuggled up against his side. From the bedroom door to the bed, a trail of her clothes mingled with his. Unlike previous times, there had been no hesitation or uncertainty on her part; her confidence level having sky-rocketed since he last saw her. Whether it was the bolder, Riina part of her, or their first chance actually alone in several turbulent months, Tahiri had definitely known what she wanted.

And she had gotten it.

Tahiri had even sheepishly apologized for the energetic way she had taken control of things.

Not wanting to pressure her into anything she might not want, he had reassured her and let her set the pace. The dismissal of her apology was the last coherent sound he had made for quite some time.

"Tahiri," he murmured.

"Hmmm?"

"Where did you learn to kiss like that?" Anakin finally managed.

Tahiri looked up, the first signs of embarrassment since she had literally tackled him onto the bed the moment they had entered his room. "Alema."

"Alema taught you to kiss like that?"

"Get your mind out of the gutter," Tahiri lightly swatted him. "She just…gave me a couple of pointers on the shuttle ride to Crystal Reef. Said something about making sure I kept you happy."

"So the pouncing thing was her too?"

"No," Tahiri's cheeks were positively glowing as she buried her face into his side. "That was Zindra. We got pretty close as the commanders of Barefoot Squadron and she wanted to know more about you. The pouncing thing kind of just…came up? I mean we were discussing how various pilots greeted their significant others after long tours of duty and the pouncing thing was something she said would be…"

"Okay," Anakin planted a quick kiss on her forehead to stall her babbling. He couldn't help but feel a surge of strong affection for the younger teen doing her best to disappear against him. He wondered why he had ever doubted what they had in the first place. Why he had allowed that asteroid to get the better of him and almost ruin…well…everything.

He managed to roll her on top of him. Her cheeks were still pink and her eyes still slightly glazed from their last kiss. "Love you, Tahiri."

Tahiri scrunched her nose cutely when he kissed it. "Love you too, Solo."

Anakin leaned in for a more serious kiss, leaving her breathless when they parted. "I know."

Tahiri sighed and rested her head on his chest. "We're forever, right?"

"Forever," Anakin wrapped both of his arms around her in a reassuring hug. "From here on out, no matter what this galaxy will throw at us, we can take it."

|-()-| Chapter End |-()-|

A\N: Surprises abound next chapter as things pick up speed for confrontations at Ylesia (chapter 27) and Ebaq 9 (chapter 29). After the chapter 30 interlude, there will be another month break, then the Force Heretic arc begins.

Deleted Scene (with commentary):

Just one scene this time. This one is an alternate version of the Tahiri-Riina-Jaina confrontation. Though I kind of liked the way I portrayed Riina in it, I was unable to make it 'fit' into what I had in mind. This snippet is one of about five different rewrites of the scene.

*Snip snip*

"You're not supposed to be here!"

"Tahiri?" Jaina blinked in surprise, then glanced about the alien world she had been pulled into.

"I…I thought you were Anakin," Tahiri swallowed, hugging herself with one arm. "You…the two of you feel so similar…warm. I was scared and I just…I…wanted…" Tahiri looked up in a silent plea.

"Tahiri, it's alright," Jaina closed the distance between the two. But, just as she wrapped her arms around the younger girl, the teen vanished, like smoke.

"No! This is my world!" Tahiri yelled from behind. "That Jeedai has no right to be here! Her memories defile this place!"

"You're Riina, aren't you?" Jaina turned to face the girl.

"I am," the Vong-version of Tahiri replied, eyes narrowing. "You did not raise your blade against me."

"I'm sorry?"

"When I was viewing the outer world. The other Jeedai commanded the one called Alema to attack me, and she did. But when he commanded you, you resisted. Why?"

Jaina felt some tension leave her body as she felt Tahiri, or maybe it was Riina's, emotions clearly. The younger teen was confused, angry, but beneath it all was a current of fear. This version of Tahiri was very much as scared as the other version was.

"Because to both me and Anakin, you are important to us," Jaina replied. "Because you are still Tahiri."

Riina's cold, green eyes flared violently, and jagged bolts of lightning flashed overhead. "My name is Riina Kwaad! I am my own person! Not this weak Tahiri that you and Anakin keep calling me. I have my own memories, my own childhood, I am what the gods have made me!"

"Then what about your human memories?" Jaina asked, taking a step forward. Riina's fear was dissolving into panic. "Tell me, if you are Riina Kwaad, a separate person. How do you feel about me, how do you feel about Anakin? Tahiri called me, but why did you bring me here, to your world?"

"I…I am my own person," Riina stammered, hands gripping her head as she trembled. "I…my memories…they are not false. I remember my crèche, the lessons of the crèche overlord. I exist. I…I exist. I...I called you here so that you can confirm that. That Tahiri is no longer."

"Riina," Jaina said gently. "When you were viewing the outer world, you protected Anakin. You didn't have to, but you did. Why?"

Riina swallowed, taking another step back. "No! I am Yuuzhan Vong, of Domain Kwaad. That is not a lie."

"And you are also Tahiri Veila," Jaina took a matching step forward. "From Tatooine. My brother's closest and best friend. That's why you didn't let him die. Why you protected him every time Lord Nyax lashed out at him."

"I…I…" Riina shimmered and was once more replaced by her Jedi counterpart. Tahiri looked around the world again, and then let out a whimpering sob, collapsing into the dark blades of grass.

Jaina moved to her side, crouching and putting a reassuring hand on the younger teen's shoulders. "It's okay, Tahiri."

Tahiri threw herself into Jaina's arms in a heartbeat, shaking violently. "Make her go away, Jaina. She's not me, I promise! Please, make her go away, I never wanted her here. I never wanted to be here. The Vong put her in my head, they made me have all those memories. I don't want them! Anakin…Anakin and the others are afraid of me. Anakin thinks I'll go dark, join the Vong. And Alema, she wants me dead. I know it and…nooo!"

Tahiri vanished like smoke once more.

"I won't let you erase me!"

"Riina!" Jaina barked. "I can't erase you any more than I can erase her!"

Riina looked desperately towards Jaina. "You have to get rid of one of us!"

"No," Jaina shook her head. "I won't hurt you, Riina. Or Tahiri. You know what has to be done, don't you?"

Riina's face crumpled miserably. "I…I don't want to go away."

Jaina's expression softened. "But you and Tahiri can't both exist in one mind, you'll destroy each other."

Riina blurred, and Tahiri stepped out of her. The human girl, seeing her converted counterpart, turned a panicked glance to Jaina.

"It's all right, Tahiri," Jaina said. "Trust me?"

Tahiri swallowed and nodded.

"Riina, trust me?"

Riina shook her head, stepping away. Her face twisting into a vicious snarl. "No! I won't let you destroy me! We can get rid of her instead, Tahiri. We'll be all better if we get rid of her. This is our mind, she is vulnerable here. Neither of us have to go."

"And how would that make Anakin feel," Tahiri shot back. "I know you care about him just as much as I do. Do you really want to subject him to such grief?"

"Pain makes you stronger."

"He'll kill you."

"He will kill you as well."

"If I caused him such pain, I'd let him," Tahiri retorted. "Then we'd both be dead. I'd rather stay here, trapped in your world, than unleash you upon my own."

* Snip**Snip*

This snippet had Riina as a scared and lost girl, more human but at the same time trying to be Yuuzhan Vong. Later versions had a crueler, colder, Riina. Tahiri's portrayal also differed greatly as I tried to find the tone and balance I was looking for. She ranged from a weak and confused teen to someone trying to be brave as she stared down the 'darker' part of her. Even Jaina's participation varied, right up until the point where I decided to go the canon route, but with the twist of her getting stabbed by Tahiri.

*Snip**Snip*

As usual, please leave a review if you have the inkling to do so.

Darksabre- Although reviews are nice, I am mostly writing this for my own fun. The feedback I get from any reviews allows me to tweak the story in one direction or another, i.e. a very particular part of this chapter was spawned from your review two chapters ago (you don't have to hide from Tahiri anymore). I wouldn't say the NJO fandom is non-existent, just more silently-appreciative than most. I'd like to think that everyone else is saving up their glowy words of phrase or harsh, burning criticism, for the final chapter several months from now. I don't know, maybe I just like thinking 'zebra' every time I hear hooves. Thanks for the continued support though, its much appreciated. Oh, and to respond to a few other points in your last review. The Horn family can use telekinesis, but only after absorbing an abundant amount of energy from outside of themselves and transferring it into said Force ability. Corran demonstrates this, I think, in 'I, Jedi'. I won't be mentioning Callista again, so I'll leave it up to your own head-canon as to what happens to her this time around. I'm glad you enjoyed the next-gen Jedi kids. They get to factor in a fairly major role during my Force Heretic arcs.