Marida's Home
Lothal

"It's me!" Grhan called before entering the basement, which had become the temporary command post for the Jedi team, Leffer family, and Marida.

Kendy met Grhan at the bottom of the stairs with the Ysalamari. Luke observed the interaction with amusement, thankful for a brief moment of levity. Grhan recoiled as Kendy put the tree with the poor creature in Grhan's face. Luke was certain Grhan scolded her for being cruel to the poor Ysalamiri. He heard Kendy repeat her previous defense, "I didn't kill it!"

"Kendy!" Luke called out. She turned around and looked at Luke with a small grin on her face.

"Yes, Master Skywalker?" she asked sweetly - which was, of course, her way of dismissing Grhan. Grhan maneuvered around the tree with a horrified look on his face, and approached the table where Luke stood.

"Why don't you take the poor Ysalamiri outside and bury them?" Luke suggested.

"You don't want me to do that," she replied.

"I don't?" Luke asked, now realizing Kendy was up to something that would probably be evidence of her genius in the end.

"No, sir, you don't. Unless you want to kill two more Ysalamiri in cold blood?" she suggested.

Luke looked at Grhan, who held up his hands, palms forward, and argued, "Don't look at me! I didn't kill them. I've been in the Gazer." Luke shook his head. "I still need to be briefed on what happened with the HoloVid," Grhan stated.

"You and that one," Luke said, pointing to Corran. "Kendy, how about putting those poor creatures in the corner - the one way over there on the far side of the basement. After that, come brief Grhan and...," Luke pointed at Corran, "...on what they need to know. Find out what they need to report as well," Luke stated with a tone that implied it was more an order than a suggestion. Kendy shrugged and did as Luke asked. Luke was intentionally avoiding the use of Corran's name until they were certain it was safe.

Corran returned from his flight before Grhan came inside, which gave Luke hope. Grhan's delay meant he might have found something helpful. Corran went straight to deconstructing the HoloVid in case it was rigged to transmit information without them being aware. He was intent on doing this before he spoke or anyone spoke about him being there.

Corran took the device and all of its components outside, then returned a few minutes later and announced, "We're clear. I'm here now."

Kendy met with Corran and Grhan, sharing with them the details of the disturbing HoloVid, including the horrific image of Mrs. Leffer. Grhan's face grew so red Kendy placed her hand on his arm and subtly shook her head. She gazed over at Hinson and Andrew sitting against the wall, visibly shaken and talking. Grhan nodded and looked regretful for allowing his temper to rise. Kendy continued, and then Corran and Grhan made their reports.

"It worked," Grhan announced. "The Shuttle was definitely a target. The source was from a weapon somewhere in these coordinates." Grhan handed a data card to Luke.

After plotting the information from the card, Luke became hopeful. "This could work." He showed it to Kendy who slowly nodded. "Using the coordinates provided by Grhan, along with the Transport pick up location and the time it took for the Transport to make it here - assuming it wasn't already on its way before the call - we can pin down the likely position of Nash's vessel." Kendy took the datapad from Luke to make the calculations.

"Hinson, Andrew – are you up for this or do you need a few minutes?" The two men had been deep in conversation across the basement. They sat against the wall talking, sometimes looking grief stricken, and others appearing amazed by something. The strangeness of it didn't escape Luke's notice.

"We're up for it, Master Skywalker," Andrew said, as both men stood and walked over to the table.

With the key players present, Luke began, "Alright, this is a crude representation of the layout. Here we have the two shuttles, the house, the outbuildings, and the two homes closest to here. Over here," Luke pointed to a spot on the other side of the small table, "this is where the pick up location will be. It's roughly 3 kilometers from here in the middle of nothing. There are no natural or manmade structures allowing for covert activity. Whoever is there will be in clear view of the Transport." Luke stood back from the table. "What do you think, Kendy?"

This is when people typically became familiar with Kendy's brilliance. They didn't label her an "expert" in ground and air operations for nothing. "The problem we have is that Nash likely has this property under surveillance somehow." Everyone nodded and seemed to be deep in thought as they considered the scene. She continued, "Luke was right. Nash does not know we have Corran here with us and I am willing to gamble he still doesn't know about the X-Wing on the Gazer. If he did, he'd have destroyed the Shuttle. The question is, how do we use this to our advantage without Nash discovering it in the process?"

Kendy stepped closer to the table. "Hinson, do you know anyone on Lothal who is a good enough pilot to fly the Gazer and would be willing to help?"

Hinson thought about this. "Maybe," he replied cautiously, then seemed to become excited about an idea. "Yes, I think I do! It's an old friend of my mom's. I mean, he's an old friend and he is an older man. He always checked in on us and brought mom and me food and small gifts. He was a pilot in the Clone Wars. Evidently he was a very good pilot." Luke observed Andrew's immediate reaction to Hinson's mention of the man who brought his wife and son food and gifts. He really did not like it, but the expression was so fleeting he doubted anyone else noticed.

"The pick up is here," Kendy pointed. "When Hinson and Andrew leave the house to go to the pick up zone, everyone except Corran accompanies them. We make our movements obvious, giving whoever might be watching the house a clear view of all of us leaving. The surveillance will hopefully follow us." She waited for questions. There were none.

"Meanwhile, Corran discreetly leaves the property to meet up with the pilot, and the two of them board the Gazer and get it airborne as quickly as possible. This allows Corran to deploy the X-Wing from the Gazer in space, and then cover the pilot's return with Star Gazer to pick us up. If we double time it, we'll have returned from the pick up shortly after Gazer returns.

You might wonder why we have to come back to this area instead of setting up a rendezvous point somewhere else?" Several heads nodded around the table, but didn't speak. "The answer is simple. The moment we deviate from a direct path back here, this will signal to Nash that we are up to something that requires his immediate attention. I know Nash - well, as much as anyone still does. He wants to trust his old friends, and he still has a set of rigid standards regarding women." This evoked looks of scorn and disbelief from Hinson and Andrew.

Luke interjected, "Kendy is right. I do not think Nash ordered or knew of the abuse to Mrs. Leffer until afterwards." Luke looked at Andrew and Hinson. "I know it may upset you to hear me say that. I am not minimizing the horrific things Nash has done." Luke was now looking directly at Hinson, "I may be wrong, I just need you to know that Kendy and I have not discussed our reaction when seeing your mother before now, and it seems hers was similar to mine. We've both spent a great deal of time with Nash at different points in his life, and he is highly offended by the idea of anyone harming a female - especially a mother," Luke explained.

Hinson and Andrew seemed to be considering Luke's explanation. Luke nodded at Kendy, indicating for her to continue.

"Okay. I believe Nash will hesitate before doing anything drastic as long as I am here, but only for a moment if he realizes what we are up to. For this reason, the pilot will not land until he has a visual of us approaching on foot. The key at this point is that everything and everyone keeps in motion. If Nash has weapons trained on this area from Space, his likelihood of hitting a moving target is much less likely than hitting a stationary one." Kendy pointed to a more obscure location East of the house. We have to board the Gazer here, and immediately get her back up in the air where she isn't a sitting target. If we can do that, with Corran in the X-Wing, we will then find Hinson, Andrew and Mrs. Leffer."

"What happens once you know where Nash's ship is?" Hinson asked.

"We disable it," Luke stated. "As for you and your father, you will exploit or create an opportunity to escape. Between the two of you, you will find one if you stay calm. One possibility is you and you father will find a way to get your mother and get to a smaller craft, in which case we will cover your escape. The second possibility is we infiltrate the vessel and rescue you." Hinson and Andrew's eyes grew a little wide at the options. Luke gave them an understanding smile, then offered them his special version of encouragement. "Trust me, if I had the time I could tell you a dozen stories where this is precisely how it's happened in my own experiences. It is not as impossible as it sounds - even with Darth Vader and the Emperor standing in your way. Also, there will come a time when we have the Gazer and possibly two X-Wings in the air. It is also possible reinforcements will have arrived by that time as well."

"What reinforcements?" Andrew asked.

"I was able to get word to Leia. She is going to do what she can to convince Mon Mothma of the threat. She is also going to try and track down Han," Corran informed the group. "The problem is that they don't exactly know where to send the help."

"Things are happening so fast," Hinson said to his father, who gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"It's better when they do, son. It leaves less time for doubt, second-guessing and hesitation. Going with a gut instinct is always smarter, especially when you have a room full of Jedi in your corner." Hinson looked at Luke and Luke put his hand on Hinson's other shoulder.

"It's alright to be nervous, Hinson. Just keep reminding yourself that we have the element of surprise on our side, and that's the least of it. You and your father are capable of doing amazing things. Just stay calm and focused on your objective and your father will be there with you."

Kendy brought them back to business. "Okay, I'll have assignment details for everyone in fifteen minutes," Kendy said. "We'll have to leave in one hour and fifteen minutes to make it to the pick up location on time."

Luke looked at Hinson. "Do you know how we can reach your friend?"

"I think so. Is there a way to send out a coded message from the Star Gazer?" Hinson asked.

Kendy looked up from her work and smiled. "Are you kidding? You're talking about the Gazer! Honey, show this guy what our girl can do," she said to Grhan. Even Hinson was amused by Kendy's bossiness.

Grhan looked at Luke who now held up his hands, palms out, and said, "She's the boss." Hinson and Grhan hurried up the stairs and out of the room. Andrew stayed behind.

As everyone set about preparing themselves for the mission, Andrew approached Luke. "Master Skywalker, may I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course," Luke said. The two men stepped over to a private corner.

"I… I need to ask a favor of you," Andrew stated. "You've done – you are doing so much already."

"It's fine, Andrew. What can I do for you?" Luke said with clear sincerity.

"I need to ask you to help Hinson. If…if something happens to me, I just want to know that Hinson will be safe. His abilities make him a target. If he is with you – with the Jedi – I know he will be alright."

Luke nodded. "Hinson is very special. I'd be honored to have him join us and not simply because he is Force sensitive. I've only spent a small amount of time with Hinson; however, I am very optimistic he will be successful in his Jedi training."

"Let's hope the jogan fruit falls far from the tree in Hinson's case," Andrew commented. He saw Luke's confused expression. "Master Skywalker, I was in training to be a Jedi at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant when I was a boy. I did not do so well," Andrew said, feeling shame about this for what he believed might be the first and only time.

Luke's expression was one of shock and eagerness. Andrew was surprised at Luke's reaction. "You were there – actually at the Temple, with Master Yoda and Obi-Wan?" Luke asked.

"Yes, Master Yoda taught the younglings, which I was. He was very wise. I think he knew from very early on that I was probably not going to do well with the Code," Andrew said with a wry smile.

Luke put his hands on Andrew's arms. "You were there, with the Masters – the Jedi Council – during the Old Republic!" Luke announced as if this were the most incredible thing he had ever learned. "I can't tell you how long I've waited to-" Luke realized he was a little too loud and excited. He took a breath and collected himself. "I'm sorry, Andrew. I just… this just… I'm just so relieved you told me. I'd hoped for so long I would find someone who could answer my questions, or at least share with me what it was like," Luke told him.

Andrew recognized the pain and longing in Luke, as Andrew had felt it himself for so many years being locked away in prison. The not knowing is a torture in and of itself. For Luke, his family was the thousands of Jedi who were murdered, which lincluded one of his parents. Hinson told Andrew Luke's mother died in childbirth and his father died in the purge. Andrew did not realize until that moment that he was the only living link Luke had found to the past since he lost Obi-Wan and Yoda.

"I would be happy to share with you the memories I have of that time, although I was very young. If I survive this day, we can talk more about it?" Andrew offered. Luke smiled in wonder.

"I would be very grateful for this," Luke said. "But, that is not why you will survive." Andrew looked down and shook his head.

"You have to understand, Master Skywalker. I won't allow anything to harm my son and my wife. I will do whatever I can to get them off that vessel. I see very few scenarios that allow for this without my staying behind to stave off a pursuit."

"Andrew – leave that up to us. We will help you get off of that ship," Luke reassured him. "All three of you."

"Is this a Force vision or just wishful thinking, Master Skywalker?" Andrew asked with a doubtful grin.

"It is hope, Andrew. Hope defeated an evil Empire. Hope reunited me with my sister. Hope brought you home to your family," Luke said.

"I'm pretty sure it was Nash Windrider that brought me home to my family, Master Skywalker," Andrew chuckled.

"Point," Luke said with a grimace.

"Nonetheless, I have to admit that if Luke Skywalker says he is going to help me and my family survive…" Andrew paused and took a deep breath, "…it does, indeed, give me some hope." Andrew looked away again, fighting back tears.

Dark Alliance Space Yacht Mirage
Just Outside Highly Restricted Travel Zone
New Republic Space

Nash entered his main living space to find the HoloVid screen was on with the sound muted. There were six views. One was Mrs. Leffer's quarters and she was sleeping – or possibly sedated. Nash had not received any updates in the past hour, which meant things were relatively calm with her. Something about seeing her there left him feeling unsettled.

He sat in his gaudy, but comfortable chair. Hinson and Andrew would be picked up any moment. He was awaiting word of the transport landing, which he anticipated coming within an hour or so.

The other five boxes displayed various news feeds. One was covering Thane's swearing in as an Admiral. Nash laughed out loud. "Desperate, are we?" he asked the dignitaries sitting in the background. Anogen had sent word of the pending promotion, but Nash could hardly believe it. First, because it was Thane. Second, because of Thane's age. Finally, because it solved Nash's most pressing problem: How to get Thane away from Ciena and into Nash's web.

The camera panned to Princess Leia. Nash experienced a pronounced ache in his chest. He was repulsed by the weakness that allowed the reaction. Still, he forgave himself for the episodic twinges of emotion for a small number of reasons: Reminders of Alderaan, memories of Ciena, and thoughts of a much smaller and just as beautiful little girl on Jelucan.

The footage shifted from Leia to dozens of women at a concert of some sort, holding up signs, jumping up and down and apparently screaming. Max Rebo - I don't get it, Nash thought. Just as he was looking away, a close up caught his eye. What in the Galaxy? Nash was staring at tacky signs that had Thane's name on them in hearts. One read, "Thane, Marry My Mom!" Nash stood staring as the camera view changed to Thane and Ciena walking through a parking area. The footage had a paparazzi feel to it. By the time Nash reached the remote, the coverage had shifted.

Nash sat in his chair behind the desk and surveyed the rest of the views. He then pulled out his datapad and slid in a data card. In the next phase of Nash's elaborate plan, Admiral Kyrell needed to be posted where an encounter with the Mirage (and hopefully the repaired Obsidian) could occur. This was vital to moving forward. The future was like a line of dominos. If they fail to fall in the intended direction, he'd need to line up alternate routes to get them back on course. This would take time, and with the Convening in a matter of days, he didn't have much flexibility.

I have a visitor. Before she could press the chime, Nash activated the door and it slid open. "Hello Eevou. How are you this fine evening?" She moved through the room, pretending to fiddle with various objects on the small tables. She approached the desk, where Nash was busy reading an article on his datapad. He stopped reading, sighed aloud, and looked up. Eevou stood with the Captain's hat on her head and a nefarious grin. "Ah, I see. You've given the Captain something to smile about, have you?"

"I've given him a lot to smile about. Actually, I must admit, I'm fascinated with his…stamina," she said with authentic wonder in her voice. "It isn't often I am left wondering if I can handle a man. In fact, I've never wondered about this. But hours and hours of the most amazing-"

Nash put his hands on his ears. "Eevou, please, spare me the details. He is my Captain. Allow me to maintain an image of him clothed and on the Bridge – wearing his hat."

"I think there is another problem here," Eevou stated. She slowly made her way around the desk and Nash turned his chair to face her. "I think you need to release some of your pent up energy. I could…" she walked her fingers up his arm rest, "…help you with this."

Eevou straddled Nash in his oversized chair and tossed the hat across the room onto a chair. Here we go again, Nash thought. I really don't have time for the games today. Nash deduced his recent pang of sadness from seeing Princess Leia and Ciena might have diminished his resolve. He didn't immediately reject Eevou, which was usually the way they played this game.

"I told you your libido was trouble," Nash said. He fiddled with her dangling earring. Nash stopped and stared at her. "You are quite beautiful, Eevou. I wonder. How would you take it if, say, we slept together and then I had relations with someone else? Would we just be sex, or would you find yourself becoming attached? You do become quite possessive of the men you bed."

Eevou shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe you might become attached. Stranger things have happened." She was now kissing his neck and nibbling on his ear.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Eevou jumped. She practically bounced across the room to a bureau and opened the top drawer. She removed something dark, and with her back to Nash she seemed to be placing something on her head. She had taken the remote from Nash's desk and dimmed the lights. When she turned, Nash's heart leapt. For the briefest moment he could have been looking at Ciena - at least by the hair and her figure.

Eevou returned to Nash behind the desk. She took his hand and he stood, allowing her to lead him through the door to his bedroom where it was much darker. In the dim light Nash could barely make out Eevou's features, but he could clearly see the hair and the outline of her figure. Until this moment, Nash still planned to reject Eevou's advances. Nothing good could come of doing anything other than this. But seeing that silhouette was intriguing. He reached out to touch the hair. It was real, soft, and exactly like a Ciena's. He closed his eyes and recalled the intoxicating affect it had on him to touch and smell Ciena's hair when she was in a coma. Nash twirled a lock of hair between his fingers. He stood back and paused.

Nash reached for Eevou's hips and lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around Nash and their mouths came together. Nash backed Eevou up against the wall and held her in place with the weight of his body, his palms splayed against the wall as the heat between them erupted. He carried her across the room and tossed her lightly on the bed.

In seconds they were undressed. Nash had one final chance to douse this mistake before he made it. He might have, had Eevou not surprised him by turning over so he could not see her face. Nash put his palm on the middle of her back, and then looked at the hair, twisting his fingers in the curls.

"This is a mistake," he said aloud, angry at Eevou for cheating at their game – angrier with himself for allowing her to win. The sheer pleasure of the fantasy overwhelmed him. Nash succumbed to the temptation to loosen his grip on reality in order to experience an imitation of his greatest dream. It was incredible during the act, even when Eevou playfully slapped him for using her real name.

Afterwards, they lay across Nash's bed, Eevou still in her "Ciena" disguise. She rested with her back to him. For the first time, Nash considered how he would really make love to Ciena. He had hardly allowed himself to entertain such thoughts in the past. Sure, he imagined kissing her and holding her. But, anything further seemed vulgar and would betray his honorable intentions toward her. Given the chance, he would protect her honor and respect her culture in all things.

Nash stared up in the darkness wondering if Eevou had actually shown him a kindness. Maybe she knew he needed to cross the line? Was this her way of pulling him out of the vicious grip of unfulfilled desire? Maybe now he could finally close the door on what he would never have?

Nash realized he was holding his breath. He waited for the flood of loneliness to wash over him after that last thought. It didn't come. The anguish that was inextricably linked to the idea of what might never be was missing. In the cover of darkness, where Nash could hide his shocked expression, he allowed himself to consider something he'd have called ludicrous and impossible only an hour before. Was Eevou the catalyst for the single greatest epiphany of his life?

Nash reached over to Eevou's shoulder and gently pulled her toward him. She was lying on her back, and reached up with one hand to gently run her fingers through Nash's hair. "Whatever this is, it isn't going to happen again," he said. She didn't offer a reply, but Nash could sense, if not see, her sardonic smile.

Nash made his way down to Eevou's feet, and then slowly moved his way up her body, stopping every few centimeters for his lips and hands to linger. By the time he had reached her lips, Eevou couldn't steady her breathing and was desperate for him. Now Nash could return the mocking smile, and he willingly gave in.

Moments later, Eevou placed her hands on Nash's face and captured his gaze. Where there had been darkness in the seconds before, her eyes shone brightly and were like two beautiful stars in an otherwise black sky. Nash began to swim in what appeared to be globes of stormy blue-grey skies with golden yellow sparks.

Nash lost track of time, his only awareness being the physical connection causing euphoric sensations that spread throughout his entire body.

2 hours later:

Nash awoke alone to the sound of the door chime. A robe had been left neatly folded on the bedside table. Nash pressed both hands on his face and tried to rub the sleep away. He stood, donned the robe, and threw some water on his hair.

After sitting behind his desk, he pressed the door control and it opened. Remy stood there with his hat under his arm, looking every part the imposing, impressive figure he truly was. Nash felt a small pang of guilt, though it was so fleeting there wasn't time for it to make its way to his expression.

"Ah – hello Captain!" Nash said, motioning for him to come in and sit down.

"I'm sorry for bothering you, sir. I hope I didn't interrupt your sanisteam? I commed, but there was no response." Nash waved his hand in the air to indicate it was fine. "Well, sir, the Transport is landing any minute. I thought you'd want to see it for yourself?"

Nash sat up and quickly retrieved the remote control that Eevou had so craftily swiped during her set up. The HoloScreen displayed the same six views from earlier. Nash handed the controller to Remy so he could enter the correct feed. A few seconds later, the view through the transparisteel cockpit windows filled the screen, then Remy adjusted the view to add smaller windows for several of the Troopers' helmet cams.

Through the cockpit view, Nash could see two figures standing beside one another. They wore contraptions on their backs. "Good!" Nash stated out loud. "The Ysalamiri are such helpful little pets."

Much further in the distance was a group of people observing the action at the Transport. Nash immediately deduced it was Skywalker and the rest of their patched together group of… "Rebel scum!" Nash snorted quietly and returned his focus to the Troopers' apprehension of the two men. They followed orders to the letter – both the Leffers and his Troopers. No one was manhandled and no one resisted. It was a peaceful transaction. Nash smiled and looked at Remy.

"Notify the others to begin their runs through restricted space. It's time my old friend joined me for some fun in space." Nash knew Remy wouldn't understand the last bit about a "friend" - at least not yet. The time would come soon enough. Nash appreciated that Remy would never ask for clarification regarding anything outside of his orders.

Remy stood and saluted Nash. "Remy, we're in private. Let's skip the whole salute and 'sir' thing when we're not in public. We're friends, remember?" Nash was sincere and Remy knew it.

"Have a few ales next time I stop by and you've got a deal, sir," Remy said, smiling, then turned to leave.

"It's a deal," Nash chuckled. He picked up the controller and changed the main feed to a news channel, and as if the stars were aligned in his favor, within a matter of seconds he saw Thane. "See you soon, my friend," he said quietly. Evidently, not quietly enough. Remy glanced back and caught the video on the HoloScreen. He paused, and Nash noted an almost undetectable look of confusion cross Remy's face - almost being the operative word. But the Captain continued without a word and the door slid shut behind him.

Nash turned back to the HoloScreen, but the news story had changed. Nash smiled and said aloud, "See you soon, Admiral Kyrell."