(One month later)
Who would have known we would stay on Orto Plutonia for a whole month? A WHOLE month, and Ahsoka HATES the cold. I still don't know what made her want to stay, probably wanting to make sure that we were well hidden from the Empire. We only spend a few hours outside since the planet likes to have icy winds and blizzards at a moment's notice. Still, it's not nearly as bad as we thought it would be, considering our neighbors.
The Talz come by every now and again, usually bringing gifts of meat and other food. We had went back earlier to requisition the Czerka ship of any of their supplies, finding a good quantity of it untouched. We would also go there occasionally to 'talk' to the chief of our adventures. Meanwhile, Zephyr is still growing. He still can't seem to sleep all the way through a whole night, but he's able to respond better to us. Thankfully, the crying has started to slacken.
Sadly, all things come to an end at some point, and our lives would never be the same again.
His arms moved ceaselessly as he waterbent ice and snow straight at Ahsoka as she charged at him. She dodged the projectiles almost effortlessly, her lightsaber slashing through icicles directly in her path. Taran kept shifting his position while bending so that Ahsoka wouldn't continue to pursue him in one direction. The task was to get as close to him as possible and land a blow on him. He definitely wasn't making it easy for her, but that was the point of their training. Ahsoka, huffing through the cold, moved her legs hard and fast to reach him.
Taran erected a six foot barrier of ice between them. Ahsoka Force-jumped into the air, hurtling toward him in mid-air. Taran erected tentacles of water around him, several of them shooting for her. Ahsoka Force pushed to change her direction, the tentacles streaming past her as she landed on the ground and charged towards him. More tentacles lashed at her, but she jumped, weaved and dodged through their attack patterns. Taran grinned.
"She knows that this technique will always follow a pattern," he thought as she jumped between two of them to be inside the circle.
His lightsaber sprung to life as he met her attack. The water he was bending dropped to the ground to freeze. Ahsoka's attacks pressed him back. Their duel occupied a wide range of the snow field just outside their ship, Zephyr sleeping peacefully inside. Taran braced as Ahsoka's strike brought her close and she unleashed a Force push. Skillfully, he took the push, landing on his feet ten feet away and shooting a gust of air at her. Ahsoka was thrown back slightly, but managed to get back on her feet and Force-run to him to rapidly close the distance as their lightsabers met. The endless clash of saber on saber echoed around the ridge line. Ahsoka let Taran thrust towards her body, sidestepping at the last possible moment. She swung her lightsaber, ready for the sound of it to cut across his back.
The only thing it met was air as Taran realized her ploy and had flipped forward to avoid it. Though he landed on his feet, he felt the Force push him ten feet away again onto his back. He reacted swiftly, blocking her lightsaber. This time, he Force pushed her off of him and the fight was back on. She parried and blocked his attacks as he took the offensive against her. Their lightsaber locked in his last slash as they stared each other down whilst pondering their next plan. Ahsoka counterattacked, pushing him back before the tables turned and he was pressing her back.
Taran aimed a slash at her, his lightsaber held in reverse grip. They locked and Ahsoka seized her chance. She swiftly kicked his right ankle out from under him and turned around to gain momentum as she swung and knocked him off-balance. He tried to bring up his lightsaber to block as he landed on his back, but he found the tip of her lightsaber in his face. Ahsoka smiled as she stood above him triumphant. Taran's face, at one minute one of shock, was replaced with a warm smile as she deactivated her lightsaber and helped him up.
"Finally," she said, taking a moment to bask in the glory of her win.
"Okay, you got me one time," said Taran.
"Oh no. It's taken me way too long to finally be able to get you, and I did it!" she said, practically giddy.
Taran rolled his eyes, but he was still happy for her. She was now 'officially' back into her prime fighting condition. He recalled back to the days when they were still Padawan-learners and their competitions to see who could take out the most droids in certain battles. He also remembered the countless times they had sparred as they grew up. Ahsoka saw the look on his face.
"Earth to Taran, are you in there?" she said, waving her hand in front of him.
"Sorry, reminiscing," said Taran. She laughed, taking his hands.
"You did good today," said Taran, giving her a light peck on her lips.
"Oh come on, I finally got one on Taran Cyneran. I think I deserve a little more than just a peck," she said coyly.
Taran laughed before he linked his arms around her and brought her in for a deeper kiss. Ahsoka sighed in contempt, her arms linking around his neck. The kiss lasted a full minute before they pulled back, Taran pecking her on the lips again.
"Better?" said Taran.
"It's a start," she said, the two chuckling.
"Are you suggesting more?" said Taran.
"I might be," said Ahsoka, fixing him with a look he knew all too well.
"Hm, I'll consider it," said Taran, kissing her again.
The couple made their way back to their ship, quickly closing the hatch as the wind began to pick up. Ahsoka went into their bedroom to check on Zephyr, finding him still fast asleep.
"Irregular hours, like always," said Ahsoka, smiling as she gazed down at their sleeping infant.
"He'll be there soon. Just have to give him more time," said Taran.
Suddenly, Zephyr's face scrunched up and his eyes slowly opened. His eyes shifted around until it fixed on his parents. His arms raised themselves as if to reach out before he moved his hand to his face and began to suck on one of his fingers and then his fist.
"Cute," said Taran, reaching down and picking him up to cradle him. Zephyr's eyes focused on his, all the while a part of his tiny fist in his mouth.
"You know, I kind of like watching him when he's feeding," said Ahsoka, coming beside him to brush her hand on his hair.
"What's the reason?" asked Taran. She motioned to his eyes.
"It's like I see you in one eye, and then I see myself in the other," said Ahsoka. "Have you ever thought of that?"
"I did, when he was born," said Taran.
Ahsoka thought of something that seemed so far back, but still haunted the back of her mind: Dr. Lubboc's words.
"The first Human and Togruta hybrid without having to use genetic manipulation. This is wonderful!"
"Taran, have you ever wondered why Zephyr doesn't have montrals or lekku?" said Ahsoka.
"No, why?" said Taran, his finger rubbing Zephyr's nose.
"It's just I've been thinking about something. Whenever I see a Human and another species have children, the child usually favors features of the nonHuman parent," said Ahsoka.
Taran thought back, remembering Jek and Shaeeah and then other times he had seen it. All of them had lekku or a phenotype pertaining to their nonHuman parent. Even back in the Fire Nation, the child he had seen playing with his parents resembled his Twi'lek mother more than his Human father. Taran looked down to Zephyr. His cheeks still had a white pattern from his mother and his skin was a copper-red tone. He look to his scalp where black hair, still short, was growing. It did seem odd now that he thought of it. Why did Zephyr favor his genes more than his mother's?
"I don't suppose it's a coincidence?" said Taran. "I know we've come a long way with genetics, but even we don't know how they're chosen to give them certain looks."
"I keep thinking back to that scientist's words," said Ahsoka.
"Scientist? Oh," said Taran, his face darkening as he recalled Lubboc.
"He said that Zephyr was the first Human-Togruta child born without using genetic manipulation," said Ahsoka.
"Genetic manipulation? You mean like our species isn't compatible naturally?" said Taran.
"That's what I think he meant," said Ahsoka.
"Does it bother you?" said Taran.
Ahsoka shook her head. "We have a son. Even if something was manipulated, I have everything I want right here now," she said, linking her hand with his.
"But if there was manipulation, would it be on my part?" said Taran.
Ahsoka truly didn't know. She thought back to Taran when he said how he was not only of Elementian but Corellian descent. Could that mystery be tied to there? Zephyr fidgeted a little in Taran's arms seeming to reach for her. Taran followed his son's intuition and handed him over to her. She studied his features carefully before deciding that maybe she was prying too much into it and started making cute noises, to which Zephyr smiled and let out a small laugh every now and again. Meanwhile, Taran was lost in thought over the issue.
"He'll know," he thought.
His vision was blurry, mostly dark and tinged with red. He was floating in what seemed to be a tank of some kind as a man dressed all in black seemed to be configuring something on a dashboard. He looked around the tank, wondering how he was breathing in it. Suddenly, the liquid he was immersed in receded until he was on all fours on the floor, the liquid dripping from him. The door to the tank opened, the black figure extending a hand to him. Though he could not recognize who the man was, he felt a familiar sensation come over him when he touched his gloved hand.
"Can you speak?" he asked.
He looked around over his surroundings before he focused on the figure.
"F-fa-father?" he said softly in a voice not of his own.
"Come, we have much to do."
He woke up, rubbing his head lightly.
"That wasn't just a dream. That was...like a memory," he thought. He looked over to Ahsoka. She was naked beside him, as he was also. He shook his head, laying back down to hold her close to him. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
The sounds of someone crying out in pain alerted her. All around her, the sounds of pain and suffering reverberated around her. She looked into the cells, finding to her shock that other Togruta were there, sometimes individually but some holding what looked like families. She could not interact, only watch as Imperial guards moved more into cells. She turned the corner, apparently invisible to them all. She came to a cell where a Togruta woman was huddled in the corner. She didn't know why she had stopped there, but she tapped on the bars. The woman looked up, and she gasped with a start.
It was her mother.
"I'm glad you found me," her mother said before she slumped over.
"Mom?" she said before she started to rattle the bars. "Mom!"
She woke with a start, her heart pulsing rapidly. She felt Taran's arm on her as she turned to him. He was sleeping peacefully, slightly moving a little when he felt her shift. She took deep breaths to steady herself.
"That was a nightmare, wasn't it?" she thought. Her hand went to his resting on her midsection, intertwining their fingers. She could only think of the dream as she closed her eyes and tried to get a bit more shut eye until Zephyr woke up.
They woke up at the same time, hearing Zephyr's cries from his crib. Ahsoka groaned a little, shifting slightly as Taran sat up, rubbing his eyes. Stepping out of the bed, he found a pair of underwear and slid them on followed by a loose shirt. He walked outside as Ahsoka fully awakened. Taran came back in, softly rocking him to calm him down as he got back into bed. Ahsoka gently took him, baring her breasts and coaxing Zephyr to nurse. Taran silently watched over him. The two were silent, the only sound from their breathing and hearing the soft smacking noises from Zephyr.
"Soka?" he said softly. She turned to him.
"I have to talk to him," said Taran.
"Talk to who?" said Ahsoka. The look in his eyes told her who he was referring to.
"Taran, it's not a good idea," said Ahsoka.
"It's the only way I can find out what I am. Last night, it felt like I was looking at a memory and he was there," said Taran. He described the dream to her, watching as her expression morphed from curiosity to stunned.
"You mean, whoever you were seeing this from was created?" said Ahsoka. He nodded.
"I guess I wasn't the only one with a bad dream," she said, moving Zephyr up to her shoulder to burp him. "But, I'm doubting it. It seemed more like my fear was playing off of me."
"Fear? Did it have to deal with us?" said Taran.
Ahsoka shook her head. "My mother."
She told him in detail what all she had seen. Taran listened in silence, taking in the details. The way she had described it felt so real, but the Force was mysterious. Dreams and nightmares could be the will of the Force, or their subconscious playing with their personal fears.
"You don't think that she's in trouble do you?" said Taran.
"I'm not sure, but this dream seemed too vivid for me to think that it was all a coincidence," said Ahsoka.
"So what do you want to do?" said Taran.
"I'm thinking that we should go to Shili, just to make sure she's okay," said Ahsoka.
Zephyr burped, Ahsoka sighing with slight annoyance as she felt it on her lekku again. Taran instinctively got a hand towel and wiped up the mess as Ahsoka cradled Zephyr.
"Now I know he's doing that on purpose," said Ahsoka, tickling the infant's stomach for 'revenge'.
Taran laughed a little, cleaning her shoulder and lekku off. "You know the risks if we did go, but I think it best that we do. I've never doubted your dreams, so if we you say we should go, then we will."
Ahsoka's eyes gleamed with appreciation. "Thank you Taran."
"I'd be a pretty bad husband if I didn't take your feelings into consideration," said Taran. Suddenly, they both stopped as a smell wafted through their nostrils.
"Did he just…" said Taran, pointing to Zephyr. Ahsoka sniffed closer to him before nodding.
"Yes he did. Any way you'd consider doing a diaper for me?" said Ahsoka.
"Oh no you don't Snips, I changed him all day yesterday. However, I will get you the cleaning supplies," said Taran. Ahsoka stuck her tongue out at him, to which Taran blew her a kiss before he left the room.
The ship landed close by to the Talz village. Her protocol droid was waiting for her near the ramp as she stepped out. She wore light clothing with her headdress, her species having adapted to cold environments. Where other species would need heavy winter coats, should could practically go out in a light cloak to beat back the icy winds. The Talz chief, Thi-Sen, was waiting for her outside at the entrance of his village, a few of his warriors beside him on their mounts. With her, only a protocol droid went. Her guards had asked to accompany her, but she told them there was no need.
She stepped outside, her boots digging into the snowy ground. Her protocol droid followed her as she came forward to Thi-Sen, bowing in respect to the Talz chief. Thi-Sen returned the bow with his own.
"Greetings Thi-Sen. I became aware of some disturbing reports and came to investigate," said Riyo Chuchi. Thi-Sen replied in turn, his swaying arms and hands visually displaying his feelings.
"Chief Thi-Sen replies that there was indeed. Men came in their ships and attempted to steal away his people, including his wife and son," the protocol droid translated.
"Do you know who these men were?" said Chuchi.
The droid translated. Thi-Sen nodded and motioned to one of his warriors. The warrior gave his chief a black and yellow jacket. Thi-Sen handed her the jacket, which she examined. Chuchi's eyes searched until they came across the insignia of Czerka.
"Czerka Corp. They know that this planet is under our protection," she said. "What of your people?"
The droid translated, Thi-Sen replying in turn.
"He says that two outsiders and their child helped him to rescue his people," said the droid.
"Outsiders? What does he mean?" said Chuchi. The translator droid began to ask Thi-Sen questions, which he answered unabashed.
"I'll try to convey this as best I can Mistress Riyo. He says the man came with them to rescue his people. He could move the ice around him and fire and air could shoot from his hands," said the droid.
"Fire from his hands. Air? Moving ice?" Riyo thought.
Thi-Sen spoke again.
"Oh, and they had these swords that glowed like the sun," said the protocol droid.
"Glowed like the….Jedi?" said Riyo. "Chief Thi-Sen, do you know what these people looked like?"
Thi-Sen, after hearing her question translated by the protocol droid, nodded and led her to his hut. The villagers watched as Chuchi came past their huts. Some even waved in appreciation, remembering how she had bravely de-escalated a hostile confrontation and instead sparked friendship between their two people. Thi-Sen walked in, going for a stone slab near his throne. Riyo waited patiently until he returned, showing her the picture. She examined it, seeing what was clearly a Human male. She froze as she saw the image of the woman, recognizing the montrals and lekku of the Togruta people.
"It...it can't be," she said slowly. "Thi-Sen, are these people still here?"
The droid translated and Thi-Sen nodded.
"Show me, if you please."
The family was outside of the ship, snow slowly falling from the sky. Ahsoka watched as a snowflake landed on Zephyr's nose, the snowflake melting from his body heat. His nose wrinkled from the sensation of the snow as a few more snowflakes touched his head. Taran laughed as he held him, giving him one more experience with the snow before they left, the engines warming up.
"I still can't believe I was okay with staying here for a month," said Ahsoka.
"I'm still amazed you did," said Taran, linking his hand with hers. He turned back to the ship.
"I think the engines should be warm enough now," he said.
"Just a few more minutes. Despite how much I hate the cold, I always found snow to be beautiful," said Ahsoka, catching a few in her hand and gazing at their unique features.
Taran bent some ice into a crystal and levitated it over to her. She beamed at him, silently thanking him. His reply was his smile, the two sharing a moment. Simultaneously, they felt beings approach them. They turned their heads, seeing Talz approaching in the distance.
"I don't suppose they knew we were leaving," said Taran.
"Hm, guess we'd better tell them our plans. I will admit, I really liked meeting them," said Ahsoka.
Taran squinted harder, and saw a speeder riding alongside the chief.
"Who is that?" said Taran.
"I don't know, but maybe we should leave n-" said Ahsoka before her eyes widened in shock.
She sensed a familiar presence, one she had last felt on Coruscant after the Temple assault. She pressed her vision to its limits, making out a headdress approaching it.
"It...it can't be. Riyo," said Ahsoka.
"Riyo? She's here?!" said Taran. The Talz and the speeder were getting closer, another figure next to Chuchi in a sidecar.
"We should go," said Ahsoka, turning away from the approaching group.
From what she could see ahead, two figures had been observing. One of them began to run towards the ship followed by the other.
"They're leaving," she thought.
Without thinking too much, she gunned her engines to try and catch up to them. She was able to rapidly close the distance in a short amount of time, stopping just feet behind their retreating forms.
"Wait, stop! Please!" said Riyo, hastily climbing off her seat. The two figures stopped, still unwilling to face her.
"Mistress, wait!" said her protocol droid.
"It's alright Circe," said Riyo as she came forward until she stood back only five feet away from them.
"It's okay. I know, and it's fine. You don't have to run anymore, not from me. I know what you've done for the Talz and I wanted to thank you, but please don't leave without saying something. I thought I'd never see you again Ahsoka, not after that night. Please say something, anything?" said Riyo.
They still didn't dare move. They made no movement to turn around or reveal themselves to her as Riyo looked on before realizing that they weren't going to speak. She turned her head, ashamed of herself for trying. Ahsoka clenched her fists and bit her lip. She slowly turned around to face her, drawing her hood back. Riyo cautiously stepped forward , her lips breaking into a smile. Ahsoka returned it as she stepped forward. The two women faced each other.
"How are you Riyo?" said Ahsoka.
"I've been fine. I thought I'd never see you again after that night," said Riyo. She also noticed Ahsoka's physical appearance.
"You've gotten taller," said Riyo, finding herself five inches shorter than her.
"What can I say, I shot up like a weed," said Ahsoka.
They stood in silence for a few more moments, not knowing what to say. As one, they moved forward until they were hugging each other. Taran still had not turned completely around, but he had craned his head back to see what was happening behind him. Riyo noticed him as he hastily turned around so that she couldn't see his face, or what he was carrying in his sling in front of him.
"Who...are you?" she called out to him. Ahsoka released her embrace.
"Riyo, be prepared," she said to reassure her for what was destined to be a shock. She turned to Taran.
"It's okay Taran," said Ahsoka.
Riyo gasped as Taran slowly turned around, taking his hood off as well. He offered a small smile.
"Hey Riyo," he said.
She saw his changed physical appearance, his features and demeanor more mature than the last time she remembered. His scar was what her eyes focused on. She walked slowly over to him, unable to believe her eyes as the boy she believed long dead was alive before her a man. Taran nodded, reaffirming his existence to her as she came forward and hugged him. Suddenly, a small noise between them alerted her that he was carrying something else. She looked down to see the small face of Zephyr between them. His green and blue eyes studied her curiously as her eyes did the same. Riyo's eyes were wide with shock, her eyes fixed on Zephyr.
"Is...you…," she stumbled to say, unable to believe her eyes for a third time. Had this had happened back when she had befriended them, she probably would have fainted. She was stronger than that now.
Ahsoka came near.
"His name is Zephyr," she said.
"We have a lot to talk about," said Taran.
And so they talked for what seemed like hours near the ship. Chief Thi-Sen and his warriors were there as well as Circe translated for them. The warriors chattered with what sounded like laughter when Ahsoka told Riyo they had been caught in the moment, the results of which was the birth of Zephyr. They seemed a little embarrassed about it, but they continued their story. They even recounted the events the previous month from helping the Talz against Czerka.
"I had a feeling it was you from the description, but then I thought Jedi could already do some of those things," said Riyo.
"Understandable since I was mostly using ice," said Taran. "But what brings you here?"
"I was here to talk to Thi-Sen after representatives from the Czerka said that one of their parties had never checked in. The nerve of them, demanding that they be satisfied for the loss of personnel. Once I get back, they're going to get heavily sanctioned," said Riyo.
"Riyo, what's become of the Senate," said Ahsoka.
A dark look came across her face. They both took notice of it and her changed emotions.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
"It's alright, you deserve to know. The Senate is an illusion. Yes we still gather and debate ongoing problems, but the Emperor is the only one who has a say in anything. Most senators are easily cowed into following his lead no matter what the legislation. Others who, such as myself and Senator Organa, we can just sit and do nothing. Even now, these illegal seizures of citizen and relocate them to work in the military industries is downright slavery. We tried to block it, but he holds all the power," said Riyo.
"Illegal seizures?" said Taran.
Riyo nodded. "Yes. It started ever since the subjugation of Kashyyyk. Now, it's any planet that rebels and even others that have been loyal."
"Riyo, which worlds?" said Ahsoka.
"A more recent seizure on Ryloth, a few other planets in the Outer Rim, Kaleesh, and Shili," said Riyo.
Ahsoka and Taran's eyes widened as the weight of the last planet hit them.
"Mom," she said softly.
"Is something wrong?" said Riyo.
"My mother is on Shili," said Ahsoka. "When did this happen?"
"A few weeks ago. They rounded up around one thousand and sent them away to an undisclosed location. I'm sorry," said Riyo.
"We have to go. We might find some evidence if they did take her or not," said Ahsoka.
Taran nodded. Time was of the essence.
"Riyo, I'm sorry we have to take off like this-"
"It's okay, I understand," said Riyo.
"Thi-Sen, thanks for helping us when you could," said Taran.
Circe translated for him. Thi-Sen came forward, lightly hugging him knowing that he was holding Zephyr in his sling and did the same thing to Ahsoka. He replied back.
"Thi-Sen says that he and his people are in your debt. May you achieve what you are looking and live long," Circe translated.
Thi-Sen then bowed in respect for them, as did his warriors. Riyo hugged Ahsoka.
"Is this really goodbye?" said Riyo when they pulled back.
"There's too much of a risk if it's discovered you knew about us," said Ahsoka.
"I'm perfectly aware. I want to help, anyway that I can," said Riyo. "Even if all I can do is contacting you to make sure you're alright."
"Riyo..." said Taran, but the look on her face told them both that she was adamant about this.
"I'll keep an ear out on your whereabouts and do what I can. There are others who share a like mind like me," said Riyo.
"Thank you Riyo. Just, please don't suffer for our sake," said Ahsoka.
"I'll try not to," she said, giggling a little. She turned to Taran, who gave her a small smile.
"I thought I'd never get the chance to see you again Taran," said Riyo, her eyes lingering on his scar. He noticed, brushing it.
"I sometimes forget it's there," said Taran.
Suddenly, Riyo was hugging him. He was startled, both by the action and the immediate concern that Zephyr wasn't crushed between them. Feeling through the Force to see that he was fine, he hugged her back. When they pulled apart, she looked down and softly placed her hand on Zephyr's cheek, the baby looking at her with a curious expression.
"He's beautiful," said Riyo.
"Thanks. He takes after his mother in the looks department," said Taran, causing Ahsoka to giggle a little.
"Not necessarily. His father's not too bad on the eyes either," said Riyo. Taran chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.
"Hm, I wish I knew about this beforehand," said Riyo.
"Knew about what?" said Ahsoka.
"The two of you. I feel embarrassed now from that mission we had on Julla," said Riyo.
"Sorry about that. We couldn't really tell anyone about us at that point," said Taran. "Besides, I couldn't even tell until Ahsoka pointed it out."
Riyo laughed. "Still a bit clueless."
Taran chuckled himself. "I've grown up a lot since then."
She took a breath, knowing that now was the time for them to depart.
"Please promise me you will be okay," said Riyo, gazing at them with concern. They nodded.
The Sleight of Hand shot out of hyperspace in the space above Shili. Ahsoka took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. She had vowed to never set foot on the planet to protect her mother, but now she was about to break that vow to protect her. The ship descended through the upper atmosphere, breaking through the cloud cover. Ahsoka remembered exactly where the village was as she plugged in the coordinates to guide Taran to the location, the ship flying close to the surface.
"We'll pull behind a hill not too far away so that we don't alert anyone that's there. No one will see us coming" said Ahsoka.
Taran nodded, his eyes still on her.
"You okay?" said Taran.
She took a deep breath.
"I'm praying she's okay," said Ahsoka as he brought the ship down behind the hill.
Taran carried Zephyr as they rushed out of the ship. They crouched low in the grass as they advanced to the village. All the while, her senses searched for any life forms. To her growing worry, she wasn't finding any. She ran forward.
"Ahsoka!" Taran called out as she ran as fast as she could.
She didn't hear him. Blood was pounding in her head as panic was about to set on her. She raced down the dirt path until she stood at the center of the village. There was always activity in the village, but no one was present. Not a single being was there. She then ran to her mother's hut, stopping before the entryway and walking in. She looked for signs and any clues in the home she remembered. There was a smell coming from the kitchen. She walked in cautiously, prepared for whatever she would find. Nothing out of the ordinary was there. A pot of what looked like stew was on the counter, the contents long gone bad. Taran walked into the hut to see her on the floor on her knees trying to regain control of her emotions. He crouched down beside her, his arm wrapping around her to bring her in close. Her head fell to his shoulder.
"We're going to find her Soka," he said to console her.
"How can we? Everyone is gone without a trace. They could be anywhere," said Ahsoka, a single tear escaping her eyelids. He brushed the tear away with her thumb. He looked around the home before an idea came to mind.
"There might be one person who knows," said Taran. She turned her head to look at him.
"Who?"
"I think we should pay our old friend the king a visit."
(Shili capitol)
The palace was bathed in darkness save for a few lights here and there. King Areeja was in his bedchamber. He was pacing near his bed, pondering a delicate manner. He didn't hear her come in. She watched him from the shadows of the window. Slipping in wasn't difficult in the slightest. She hung to the shadows in the corner of the room as he stood and faced away. It was time to make her presence known.
"King Areeja," she said.
He hastily turned, his eyes darting to and fro to find her. He could not find her. She was hidden well.
"It's been awhile. Last time I met you, we were delegates and ended up saving you and the planet during the Clone Wars," said Ahsoka.
Areeja thought back. His thoughts came to two teenage figures. They had been Jedi and he remembered how they had fought to save him from General Grievous and Asajj Ventress.
"A-Ahsoka?" said Areeja.
"It's me," said Ahsoka.
"Please, come out. You're in no danger," said Areeja.
"Are you sure?" said Ahsoka.
"I would not wish any harm on one of my own people, especially one who has saved my life," said Areeja.
Ahsoka revealed herself from her hiding spot. Areeja saw that she had grown taller since their last visit. It had seemed so long ago. Her features had matured and she had an air of confidence and intelligence. There was also a serious look in her eyes that slightly unnerved him. Getting a clearer look at him, Ahsoka saw how he had changed over the years. His face, once calm and serene, was now sporting stretch lines on his forehead and some near his eyes. Once tall, strong and proud he looked defeated and thin. He looked twenty years older instead of the six since their last meeting.
"Then why would you let your own people be sent away?" said Ahsoka.
His eyes were downcast.
"I had no choice. The Empire said they needed some of our people for labor. I refused initially, but the delegates they sent undermined me and threatened worse if I did not concede," said Areeja.
"My mother is one of those who were taken. Why did you let them do it?" said Ahsoka.
"Ahsoka, the Empire would have seized more than was needed if that were the case. To them, I am easily replaceable with one who is willing to collaborate with their policies. Do you see what would happen should that occur?" said Areeja.
She understood immediately. A collaborator would only make things worse for whatever ills befell a planet. She had seen it during the Clone Wars on Onderon. She had let her personal feelings interfere with her judgement when she thought he had submitted too easily to the Empire's demands.
"I'm sorry. I came here to ask if you know where they took them," said Ahsoka.
"You're planning to free her?" said Areeja. She nodded.
He sighed. "They took them to Fondor. Said they were going to help construct ships for the Empire," he said.
"Thank you," said Ahsoka, making to leave.
"Wait," said Areeja. She halted, turning around to him.
"Is your partner...Taran with you?" said Areeja. She nodded.
"Please, give him my regards. If it weren't for both of you, I wouldn't be alive right now," said Areeja.
"I will," said Ahsoka.
"Wait, there is something else you must know," said Areeja as she prepared to leave.
"What would that be?" said Ahsoka.
"The delegate the Empire sent, they weren't normal," said Areeja.
"Normal?" said Ahsoka.
"He dressed differently. He also had an air like the one you have, but his was more violent and malevolent. He also carried with him a lightsaber," said Areeja.
Ahsoka froze. Only certain people carried lightsabers in the Empire: former Jedi and servants of Palpatine.
"This man, what did they look like?" said Ahsoka.
"He had white hair and a burn across his face with the most hateful yellow eyes I had ever seen. I had never been more intimidated in my life until he appeared," said Areeja.
Ahsoka was still. She only knew of one person who fit that description.
Taran had just put Zephyr to sleep by the time Ahsoka arrived back, closing the hatch as she stepped inside. She walked into their quarters, sitting down on the bed without saying a word. Taran sensed her emotions, sitting down beside her.
"What did you find out?" said Taran.
"They were all taken to Fondor," said Ahsoka.
Taran's jaw clenched. Fondor was deep in Imperial territory located in the Colonies just before the Mid-Rim. It was also a major shipyard for the Empire. Even with their scramblers and cloaking to avoid detection, getting inside the shipyard itself was tricky. Then there was the problem of avoiding detection at all.
"And there's more. The Inquisitor, the one we fought at the Temple and in the Palace, was here," said Ahsoka.
Now his teeth were grinding across each other. He remembered Tytos and what he was capable of. That would mean that the Empire had finally realized its clandestine operations against them were proving to be failures and was now taking extreme measures to find them.
"That means...they want us to go after her," said Taran.
"It wasn't some random seizure. This was planned. They went after my mother because they knew we'd go to rescue her. They probably have a trap waiting for us," said Ahsoka.
He took a deep breath. What would they do? Leave her mother to her fate for them to survive, or risk all they had to save her? He knew they were going to risk it. It wasn't in their nature to leave their loved ones for their own sake. Thinking on it, they risked their lives for others many a time, including each other.
"What are we going to do about Zephyr?" said Taran. Ahsoka turned to Zephyr before she buried her face in her hands.
"I...I don't know. There's no one who we can entrust to watch over him. I'd ask Riyo, but he'd spring too many questions for her to answer. She might even be watched right now," said Ahsoka. Taran thought of anyone else. One name kept coming back to him.
"Kara," he thought.
"Ahsoka, there is one person," he said slowly. She looked up.
"Who?" said Ahsoka.
"Kara," he said softly.
'Kara? But, she's on Elementia," said Ahsoka.
"Yes, but she's the only one I know who can do it without causing too much suspicion. It won't be hard to sneak into Republic City and tell her everything," said Taran.
"But your promise?" said Ahsoka.
"We have no choice. I don't want your mother to be spending the rest of her life like this and you don't either, and bringing Zephyr is out of the question. It's the only choice we have right now," said Taran.
She thought on his words. It was really the only thing they could do. If they chose not to go, they would be condemning her mother to a life of slavery. He was right, it was simply out of the question.
"Can we...sneak onto your planet?" said Ahsoka. He nodded.
"As long as we can cover up our faces, we'll be okay. Thinking on it now, it'd be easier for you to go than me," said Taran, laughing a little at the end.
"Will Kara...will she be okay with it?" said Ahsoka.
"I think she will, but seeing us alive is going to be a shock for her," said Taran.
She was quiet not. He noticed right away she was bothered by the whole idea. He pulled her towards him, hugging her close.
"We're going to get her back," he said softly.
(Republic City)
Republic City, capitol of the United Republic. Sporting a population of around 10 million citizens and other denizens, it was the largest city in the United Republic. Ba Sing Se remained the largest city on the planet with a whopping population of over 100 million inside its walls and in suburban areas outside of it. The city was powered by solar energy conduits and wind turbines high in the mountains, all of Elementia relying on renewable energy for its energy needs. The city resembled a modern city in the rest of the galaxy with its own cultural heritage evident in its architecture. Monorails connected the populace from the suburbs to urban areas and back, speeder lanes on the ground and in the air for those who could afford them. With most of the city made of metal alloys, the Metalbending Police Force could waste no time in getting from one end of the city to the next. The Spirit Portal could still be seen after thousands of years, now protected with an open durasteel dome and under guard by Elementian Special Forces.
There was one large spaceport in the southern district of the city, big enough for freighters and even a few cruisers to dock. Elementia was an open planet with no clearances needed to dock at a spaceport except during times of distress. It was no problem for them to dock at the spaceport. Once there, Taran made sure his eyes and face were covered. His goggles were in place and his black neckerchief drawn over the lower part of his face and pair tied back. Ahsoka and Zephyr had no need to try and hide. They parked their ship and got off the ramp of the ship to head towards the interior of the spaceport. The spaceport itself was drawn similar to the layout of Ba Sing Se with different size rings to support the various sizes of other spacecraft. A subsection of the spaceport was connected in a large rectangle to accommodate two Venator-class Star Destroyers, the mainstay of the Elementian fleet.
They blended in with the crowds of Elementians and spacers/travelers from around the galaxy. No one thought of them out of the ordinary. They made their way to the monorail, boarding the transit that would take them near to where Kara lived. As they sat down in the semi-crowded tram, an Elementian woman with fair skin, auburn hair and brown eyes noticed Zephyr cooing and gazing around at his surroundings.
"What a beautiful baby boy," she said in Elementian.
"Thank you. He takes after his father," Ahsoka replied back flawlessly in the same language. Taran smiled.
The woman was surprised and amazed at how well she could speak the language. She thought she was going to have to say what she had said in Basic. Most if not all Elementians could speak Basic due to their membership into the Galactic Republic. The woman and Ahsoka conversed while Taran mostly stayed to himself. He could hear every bit of their conversation. Ahsoka gave guarded answers, but she did divulge that Taran was a native Elementian and they were there to see a family member.
Suddenly, a small octopi form shimmered and appeared right on Ahsoka's shoulder. It was a spirit. It had two small black eyes and small tentacles that barely extended a few inches from its body. The bottom half of its body glowed light-blue including its tentacles while the top half was light-green. It's mouth was a thin line that curved into a smile as it floated and landed on Zephyr. Zephyr squirmed around a little in his mother's hold as the small spirit gazed curiously at him and extended one of its tentacles and touched around his face.
"Seems even the spirits like him," said Taran, his finger petting the top of the spirits head.
"I've never seen one. Not even when we were on Ember Island," said Ahsoka.
The small spirit turned to Taran, locking eyes with him. Taran shook his head, silently begging with him not to say anything. The spirit looked at him with a sign of surprise and curiosity before it straightened and floated before him
"Don't worry, I won't tell," it said, making Taran's eyes widen and Ahsoka as well. To not cause any suspicion or a scene, Taran nodded and petted its head. The spirit happily floated in midair, touching Ahsoka's face with a tentacle and then vanished.
"The spirits here usually keep to themselves unless you get closer to the Spirit Portal. They're supposed to bring good luck to those they appear before," said the woman.
When their stop pulled in, they politely bade goodbye to the woman and disembarked.
"Did the spirit know who you were?" she asked.
"Yes. They can sense Raava inside of any Avatar since our spirits are linked," said Taran.
The streets in the Yuen district of the city were nicely paved for those wishing to walk as repulsorlift speeder cars drove through the streets while other speeder models soared overhead. Shops and apartments lined the streets, but only one complex they were looking for. The apartment had changed little since the last time they had visited. Up the stairs they went, passing by other tenants who gazed at them curiously but went on back to their business. Taran came to the door first, Ahsoka holding Zephyr as he lifted his hand to knock but falling short of it. He took a deep breath. He felt Ahsoka's hand on his shoulder to reassure him. He moved his goggles to his forehead and moved his neckerchief down before knocking on the door. The sound of muffled footsteps from the other side told them she was here. The door opened and there she was.
Kara stood there. She stood at 5'6" wearing what looked like a grey uniform with a starship insignia on her chest for her upper torso. Her pants were black and clung to her skin, gracing her figure. The clothes befit her body. She had brown skin to befit her Water Tribe heritage and wide hips with a slender upper body Her brown hair was down, signifying she had just got off of work and was unwinding down. Her amber eyes looked at them with curiosity as she opened her mouth to speak before they grew wide as she recognized the,. Taran managed a weak smile.
"It's nice to see you again Kara," he said softly.
Kara continued to stare at them before she took a step back, her eyes losing focus as she fell backwards. Taran hastily caught her by the front and lowered her gently down, his lap cradling her head.
"Mommy?' said a small little voice from the other side of the room.
A small child came into view. He had short jet-black hair on his head that hung down and Kura's amber eyes. He was 2'10" with tan skin just a shade darker than Taran's. His facial features looked just like Taran.
When Kara came to, she was on the couch. Ahsoka was beside her.
"Take it easy, don't stress yourself too much. You fainted pretty hard," said Ahsoka.
"Y-y-you're alive?" she said weakly in her soft voice.
"We are. We're sorry we had to hide this from you, but we had to make sure the Empire wouldn't target anyone who's affiliated with us," said Ahsoka.
Kara slowly sat up and looked around. Taran was sitting with his legs crossed on the floor holding Zephyr and helping her son play with building blocks. When Taran heard them, he turned around. She felt her heart rate increase as she looked into his eyes, almost fainting again before she steadied herself. Every time she had ever seen him, she thought Ceran was looking back at her. Sadly, she knew he wasn't going to come back. Any thoughts on the matter was wishful thinking.
"You okay Kara?" said Taran. She nodded slowly.
"How is this all possible?" said Kara.
"We'll tell you everything," said Taran.
And so they conversed, telling their stories of all that had transpired. Kara listened eagerly to their every word. They explained how they had been separated at the Temple, reuniting years later on Coruscant and their fight for survival ever since. All the while, her eyes would go from them to her son and Zephyr. Her son seemed extremely curious about Zephyr, often touching him and taking his hand into his own. Zephyr would hold on to it whenever he could. When they were finished recounting a rough summary of what had transpired, Kara took the time to absorb everything in.
"After hearing all of us this, I understand why you had to remain hidden," said Kara. "But the question is why are you here now?"
"That's what we were going to ask you. Ahsoka's mother is in trouble and we need to rescue her. However, we have no one else to look after Zephyr while we're gone. Taking him with us would be too much of a risk if things didn't go out our way. What we're asking is if you can watch over him until we come back?" said Taran.
Kara took his words in. They were willing to entrust their child's life in her hands. It seemed daunting, but at the same time there was little else they could do. They had seen to her welfare even though they had never met. Only Ceran had brought them together. The one day they had met had allowed to connect and see themselves as more than just strangers.
"But what about your uncle? Wouldn't he be a better choice?" she asked.
"He still has no idea we're still alive, and throwing Zephyr on him would raise too many questions about our true whereabouts," said Ahsoka.
Kara nodded. "Alright, I'll watch over him. I think in the short amount since I've seen him, Shalin has taken to him quite well," she said motioning to her son. He currently sitting down, leaning his head on Taran as she drifted off to sleep. Zephyr was nodding off as well in Taran's arms.
"One who carries the flame," Taran thought, mulling over Shalin's name.
"Ahsoka and I were talking to him while you were out. He's a smart boy," said Ahsoka.
Kara smiled. "Thanks, he takes after..." she stopped before looking away embarrassed.
"I know. There's still a lot I want to ask you about him, but it can wait," said Taran.
"You will be coming back right? Both of you?" said Kara looking to them. They nodded.
"But, if the worst should happen, let Long know about everything," said Ahsoka.
"I will," said Kara. Taran gave her a bag, placing it next to her on the couch.
"He has enough milk for the next few days including diapers and some clothes," said Taran.
"And if you could, could you sing to him when he goes to sleep?" said Ahsoka. Kara smiled, nodding her head in agreement
"Thank you," said Ahsoka.
"We will be back, I promise," said Taran.
They refueled the ship on the planet Malastare, brainstorming any strategy to infiltrate the shipyards. Fondor was a major shipyard and the Imperial Navy had interests there despite the Kuat Shipyards being their primary ship construction hub. Nonetheless, Fondor produced various ship grades to the Empire from starfighters and freighters to a few capital ships from time to time. As such, security there was heavy. Regular patrols in the shipyard and in the surrounding space prevented anyone from infiltrating it. Despite the Sleight of Hand's sensor scramblers, any visual of the ship could be seen unless they found a time window in between patrols. Still, the risk was substantial. Then there came the matter of successfully infiltrating the shipyards themselves. There was no way they could think of that they'd be able to blend in successfully.
They were in a bar in one of the cities dotting the planet, slumped in their seats as they strained to figure out their plan of action. En route to resupply, Taran had contacted Chuchi asking if she could procure data on the Fondor shipyards. The information she beamed them was as good as gold. Though it had no plans on military ships, it did map out details of each shipyard in the system. Their minds swam as they tried to figure out which shipyard Kura Tano would be in and how best to extract her. So far, they were hitting dead ends.
"So if we did find a way through the patrols, how would we be able to blend in without raising the alarm?" said Taran.
"I haven't thought that far ahead yet," said Ahsoka, slumping down onto the table.
Her mind had been drawing blanks on those issues, including whether they would save just her or all the Togruta currently enslaved. Their immediate priority was her mother, but could she leave the rest of her village there to fend for themselves? Her mind was also on Zephyr. This was the first time she had been away from him for this long. Taran leaned back in his chair to gaze at the ceiling. He had also been working on ideas, but too many red flags came up.
"I don't know why I can't think of anything. We were able to get through into the Citadel better than this," said Ahsoka.
"I'm sure we'll figure out something," said Taran.
"But what?" she said dejectedly.
Suddenly, they felt a presence in the Force enter the bar. It signified only one thing: Force-sensitive. They scanned around the room, trying to find the source. A hooded figure had entered the bar and scanned around. They ducked down, seemingly avoiding the presence.
"Who is it?" she whispered over to him.
"Only one way to find out. There's a back exit in here?" he asked.
She looked behind and found it behind off to the side of the bar. She pointed towards it and he nodded. They slipped out from their table and slowly ventured towards it, ducking down behind the other patrons. The presence seemed to wander around the bar as if searching for them, but they made it to the door without anyone paying attention. He swiftly opened it, allowing her out before he closed the door behind him. The alley they were in would spill into the bustling street up ahead, speeders and pedestrians an ever present force. They walked towards the street as they wondered who it was. The presence wasn't dark, but the feeling of another Force-sensitive individual made them question it nonetheless.
The door they had exited opened and a black hooded figure entered the alleyway behind them. Taran took out his blaster, the DC-15S, and pointed it at the figure as Ahsoka's hand went to her lightsaber.
"Who are you?" said Taran.
"I know it's been more than a year, but I would think you'd be able to sense a familiar person," it said in a strikingly familiar voice. Their hood was removed and the two of them gasped.
"Barriss!"
