Chapter XXXII: A Night on Coruscant and a day on Ordel
Cere - Ordel. somewhere in the forest of Ordel
She couldn't remember much.
Every other minute or so, Cere managed to open her eyes. She was in the forest, that much was certain to her. Even though the light of Ordel's skies hurt as her face was glaring into the sky, Cere could make out the impressive physique of a Dowutin, carrying her through the muddy underwood.
She wanted to touch her face, to tell her that everything is alright and she didn't need help - but as she raised her arm all she could see was scorched meat where once her upper arms were.
''Force ... '' Cere whispered quaintly as she closed her eyes again.
Move. Move, she tried to command her fingers. Yet she could do nor feel anything as her limbs hanged over her sides where they were being thrown slightly up and down by the imposing alien that carried her. Her head rolled back as a feeling of sickness spread through her stomach. This couldn't be happening. All of it - it just couldn't.
''Is she alright. Did she wake up?''
''I told you I'll tell you once she does. Calm down, princess.''
Cere didn't recognize the second voice. But the first one? She laughed because of it. Cried because of it. Doubted herself because of it. Found a reason to fight because of it. It was her, her fallen apprentice. Living proof of both her failures and achievements as a Jedi. Her Trilla, her Padawan. Thus, she reached out with a ghostly hand once more, wishing nothing more than to actually touch her, to test whether her frail mind was deceiving her or not.
''Damn ... uhm, little help here.'' the stranger said as Cere began to wiggle in her arms like a restless child.
''Cere. Force, it's alright. I'm here.''
''Trilla ... I'm so sorry. I failed you ... '' Cere murmured in a gloomy manner ere her eyes were forced closed once more.
How long they were under open sky she couldn't tell after that. An hour? Two perhaps? All Cere saw were glimpses of nature as she was carried through it, charted off to some unknown place beyond her comprehension. All Cere's mind could do in the meantime was to wonder, to reflect upon all that had happened up until now. Was this it? Would she live to see another day, despite everything? Would she be reunited with both Trilla and Cal, giving her a chance to finally find her own path with them on their side? Cere would like that very much. They deserved some semblance of freedom after everything that had happened. Though she wouldn't be as foolish as to believe that this freedom would last forever, she'd still savor every moment of it. Perhaps after all that time, she'd make new memories worth remembering.
-.-.-.-.-
It was a rarity that Cere stayed at the Jedi Temple for as long as she did. But given their last mission, Trilla and her found themselves in a rare situation indeed - the Council currently had no plan where to send them. She should've been thankful for it, Cere supposed. It gave them a chance to unwind, which was something the both of them truly needed after their last mission.
''What now, Master?'' Trilla asked as Cere sighed.
''We ... enjoy ourselves, I assume?''
''Like - uhm, meditation? That's great, '' Trilla groaned before glancing out of the window.
Cere followed Trilla's eyes as they darted outside of the windows, resting over the immense skyline of Coruscant. Idly, she wondered whether Trilla actually ever left the confines of the Temple while being on Coruscant. Sure, she's been off-world plenty of times - but the almost endless sublevels of Coruscant? Its luxurious surface? It was no secret that Cere was more headstrong back in her days as a Padawan. Force, she was certain that Master Cordova could write a book of her rebellious exploits at this point. And although she might've overdone it in the past, Cere has always learned something useful from her adventures outside of the Temple. It was a reality check of sorts, if a grim one. Watching how the people of Coruscant - those that didn't have the luck to be born with either riches of the Force - deal with their lives on a daily basis, most of it as dark as the shallow lights of the underworld itself even before this hellish war, was an enlightening experience. But that was before. Now, Cere didn't even dare to imagine what the realities of the Clone Wars have done to the innocent people kept under Coruscant's surface.
''Careful Master. The Council has come to visit.'' Trilla stated in her usual well-spirited if only ever so slightly sarcastic tone.
''It's alright. She's a friend.''
Cere opened her arms up wide as Depa Billaba, Jedi Master of the Order and member of the Jedi Council, made her way over towards them, followed by her own Padawan.
''Master Billaba. It is good to see you.''
''You too, Cere. I've heard of your successful mission. Let me be the first to congratulate you.'' Billaba said before she bowed before Cere.
''Thank you, Master. The Force was with us,'' she responded in kind.
''I'm sorry for the delay but with things being as they are - the variables change every hour.''
Wasn't that the truth, Cere thought darkly. Too many times now have the perimeters of her own missions changed in an instant, starting from Clones being transferred somewhere else to actual planets joining or leaving the Republic. No matter what sort of mission she had, something always changed. And although it managed to keep her on her toes, a small part of her did long for simpler times.
''I understand, Master. Is there anything else I can do for the Council in the meantime?''
''Yes - Caleb? Be a dear and take Master Junda's Padawan for a walk, would you?''
''Of course, Master.'' said the young Padawan next to Depa as he walked over to Trilla.
''Master ... ?'' Trilla inquired carefully before Cere put a hand on her shoulder.
''It's alright, Trilla. Just stay close in case I need you.''
As the Padawans walked away, Depa stepped over to Cere where she too glimpsed out of the windows.
''To be a Padawan during times of war ... it is something even I can't imagine. And unlike yours, my Master wasn't really the scholarly type, was he?''
Cere chuckled at that. There were a lot of ways to describe Master Windu - scholarly wasn't really one that was at the forefront of her mind.
''Yes. I must admit that I often find myself in doubt because of it. I was taught during a time of ... relative peace, at least. Trilla? What time is there for philosophy and meditation when the galaxy itself is thrown into chaos?''
''Almost none at all'' stated Depa matter of factly followed by a deep sigh ''I've heard talks amongst the others. Some of them are talking about a ... lost generation of Padawans.''
It was a fitting title, even if it hurt to heart it out loud, Cere thought darkly.
''It is mostly the same with Caleb, I'm afraid. Of course I assured myself that his teachings wouldn't suffer but ... the realities of war are different. And there's only so much that can be taught in the field, surrounded by Clones, the CIS, and everything else.''
''Yeah.'' was all Cere could truthfully say.
''You said that the Council needed my help?'' she continued after a moment of silence, turning her head to face Billaba.
''In theory, yes,'' another slight chuckle followed ''I need your help and I'm on the Council, am I not?''
She truly was Master Windu's apprentice, Cere had to admit with a grin.
''Well, I'm ready to be of assistance.''
''Good - well then, Cere Junda,'' Depa smiled thinly ''I remember the times you ... uhm, explored Coruscant, much to Cordova's disapproval. I want you to take this day and do the same once more.''
She raised her eyebrows at that. That was unexpected.
''I ... alright?''
''Cere - look around you. Padawans scurry from one corner to the next, dealing with Clones, supply lines, communication, ... it is not an easy life. It is not the life we had when we were young. Would it truly be so controversial to grant you and your apprentice this small mercy, if only for a couple of hours?''
''You ... you are responsible for the delay, aren't you?''
''I have no idea what you're implying, my friend. But alas, our apprentices are returning.''
At that, Caleb and Trilla stepped closer to their masters, the sound of their approaching footsteps dulled by the laughter that erupted between the two.
''I don't think that you're supposed to use a lightsaber like that.'' Caleb giggled.
''Yeah, he didn't think that either. At least he could replace his armor.'' Trilla replied followed by a wicked wink.
Depa patted her Padawan on his head before she spared one last glance towards Cere.
''Thank you for your time, Master Junda. Please, enjoy your stay in the meantime.''
''What was that all about?'' Trilla asked flat-faced as Depa and Caleb were out of sight.
''We have something to do now. Isn't that what you wanted?''
''Are we talking about another session with Master Yoda? Lightsaber training with Master Kenobi, perhaps?''
''Far from it, I'm afraid. Trilla - change into some civilian clothes. We're leaving the Temple.''
-.-.-.-.-
''There ... let's just put her down or something, I don't know. Shit, I'm not good at this.''
Gone was Trilla's youthful voice and reflection, replaced by the harsh winds of Ordel. As a strong, leathery hand wandered up to her face, Cere's eyes bolted upon in shock.
''W-What ... ''
''Wow. Easy there, Jedi. Easy. Trilla, need a hand here - '' Masana glared at Cere's arms ''ah, damn it. You know.''
Trilla stepped next to the Dowutin before she guided her eyes down towards Cere, sighing deeply as her lips turned into a frown.
''It's alright, Cere. We're almost back with the others.'' Trilla sought to explain in a calm manner, one that didn't alleviate the thousand questions that darted through Cere's mind.
''Trilla ... ?'' Cere asked dubiously as she opened her eyes up wide.
''In the flesh,'' she responded with a thin echo of a smile as she kneeled next to her.
''How. You ... you died.''
Trilla grimaced at that, her eyes desperate as not to stare at where once her arms were. Cere had no idea what was going on anymore. It has been how long? At this point, she couldn't even recall the amount of time she spent in insufferable grief, weeping as her mind recalled similar memories as their shared night together on Coruscant.
''Cere, I understand that you must be confused. But I'm alright. Cal is alright. We're bringing you to the others right now. Just stay calm.''
She tried. She really tried. Yet as she opened her mouth to speak, darkness claimed her senses once more as she felt how strong arms surrounded her.
-.-.-.-.-
''Master, what are we doing here?''
''Trilla, what do you see?''
She clasped her hands together behind her back as she gave her surrounding a thorough glare.
''The usual. The Coruscant Guard is doing their things. People buying stuff or taking a walk, ... ''
''No. I want you to look deeper, Trilla.''
She looked at Cere with amble confusion.
''What do you mean by that?''
Cere sighed. Carefully, she planted her hand on Trilla's shoulder and spun her around.
''There, for example. If you look closely. What do you see? What do you feel?''
Trilla steered her sight forwards, catching a closer look at one of the countless side alleys that penetrated Coruscant. It was as rusty as it was ridden with dust, Cere thought. And although that wasn't anything out of the ordinary on some of the lower levels, there was something more to it: people, aliens of all kind sitting on the ground, their knees brought to their chests in a sickly and vulnerable manner.
'' I ... beggars, Master?''
''Deeper, Trilla.'' Cere reinforced.
''I ... sense ... sadness. Many don't know how they'll feed themselves today. Some are afraid that they are sick or that the few possessions they had for themselves were about to be taken by the others.''
''Deeper,'' stated Cere once more.
''Master, I'm really not feeling good. Can't we ... go?''
Cere gave Trilla a silent glare before she looked forward again.
''Fine, I - I sense something else. A question. Why ... why? One of them, he thinks of the shop he used to own, a small yet lucrative travel agency in the Mid Rim. He lost everything because ... ''
''Because?''
''The war, Master. All of it. The Republic. The Confederacy. The lack of funds. The instability. Master, I - '' Trilla started to quiver ''I don't want to do this anymore. Can we please leave?''
''Come here.''
Cere pulled her closer and gave her a gentle nudge.
''Those people? All of the doubt and suffering that surrounds them? Whether we like it or not, we're a part of this, even if we didn't cause it.''
''But ... we're Jedi. We help people. The others said so!''
''Trilla - '' Cere kneeled down in front of her ''we do. Really, we do. But ... every battle, every action? It echoes through the Force, touching those closest to us as much as those we've never met in our lives. We might liberate one planet, save one life - but such notion ripples, it travels through the galaxy.''
''Why are you telling me this, Master? There is some hidden meaning behind your words again, isn't there?''
Good question. What was she even doing here? She wanted to take Trilla somewhere nice, show her the finer things the galaxy had to offer. But it would've been a lie. Cere didn't think that it was her duty to show Trilla how things are - she needed to show her how things were and how things could be again.
''Because ... damn it, I don't really know anymore. This is the problem. The war, Dooku - everything. You shouldn't be a part of this. Honestly, I don't believe anyone should.''
''Master?'' she asked as she failed to hide the worry in her voice.
''It's ... it's not how I was trained. When Master Cordova took me as his apprentice, things were different. We didn't claim military titles for our own. We didn't command entire fleets with the snap of a finger. Sure, there were always problems in the galaxy, but they were localized, quarantined. This? I don't know how to teach you, Trilla. All I know came from a time of peace. You, Billaba's Padawan, all of the others - you shouldn't fight in a war you're too young to understand. Blasted, there are children strong in the Force born into this war right now. It's wrong, Trilla. And all of you deserve better.''
Cere had no idea from where those doubts were coming from. She wasn't a blind idealist, far from it, but she trusted in the Council's wisdom. And yet, seeing Trilla being surrounded by all of the pain the war has caused moved something inside of her. What sort of path would someone as pure as Trilla wander if this hellish conflict tainted all of them without even realizing?
''I think I understand, Master.''
''Do you? Because I'm starting to question the merits of my own words.''
''I do. We're all connected through the Force. War ... it's terrible, isn't it? Death is ... it's part of the Force, too. But there's got to be a difference between mere death and ... war and the chaos it brings with. With so much destruction and us as Force wielders in the middle of it - ...
Trilla glared over to the beggars.
''I understand what you mean, Master. Our actions have consequences. And although we're the good guys in this conflict, we still harm those that we might not think of, even if its only because we're a part of it.''
''Yeah. And somedays, I don't know what to make of it, Trilla.''
Trilla didn't say anything to that.
Cal - Ordel, the remains of the Mantis
''So, we're just going to go crazy on the Storm Troopers and charge some sort of weird Force temple? Fun.''
''No Greez. There's obviously more to this, right? Right Cal?''
Honestly, he didn't give it much thought of yet. Cal always figured that Masana would give them more details once they were all together. Naturally, he didn't plan on an Inquisitor's arrival on Ordel nor did he plan on Cere's reaction to it.
''Actually - yeah, I figure that's the gist of it.''
Merrin used the last remnants of her patience as she led her hands to her forehead, unleashing one mighty sigh that made an excellent job in signaling her current mood. Despite everything, Cal missed that. To see Merrin react to the small things in life, even if it sometimes meant being annoyed by his antics. Watching her having to deal with the absurdity of the actions of those around her was endearing, in a weird way. No matter how hard he tried, Cal couldn't explain it. There was something about her that made him happy even during the direst of situations. And with Cere being in need of rescue and the Empire's presence on Ordel, things really were dire.
''Why am I the voice of reason again?'' Merrin asked dubiously as she glared at Cal ''right, let's be logical about this. How should we even do this? We have no ship, for example. Not to mention that you, Cere, and I are the only fighters around here that don't rely on mere blasters.''
''Trilla and Masana are as strong in the Force as I am'' Cal explained while letting himself down next to Merrin.
''Who is this Masana you're talking about?''
He'd have to spill the beans eventually, Cal thought dreadfully. Might as well get it over with now.
''She's ... right, Greez?'' Cal coughed and looked over to him ''do you remember when I told you and Cere that I defeated the Ninth Sister? Back on Kashyyyk, I mean.''
Though Greez's attitude was far from optimal, he pointedly lowered his head before he replied:
''Yeah, I remember. Remember us being filthy proud of you for some reason.''
''Well she ... she is Masana.''
Utter silence haunted the broken down halls of the Mantis. Then, Greez seemed to almost loose as he began to shake his four arms around like a maniac, shouting an endless array of curses into every direction he could think of. Merrin wasn't doing that well in that regard either as she quickly formed a fist and punched Cal right into the middle of his arm.
''This is a joke, Cal. Tell me this is some sort of joke.'' Merrin puffed through clenched teeth.
''I can't deal with this. This is madness. Another one?!'' Greez almost screamed.
''Alright, easy. Listen before this gets out of hand'' Cal interjected quickly ''just like for you, it has been one year for her too. I know that it sounds mad but I trust her. Really, I do. I sense the light in her. I know that she has done unspeakable things - not to mention trying to kill me. But that person was someone else.''
''This is exactly what I'm talking about, Merrin!'' Greez huffed as he pointed his fingers at Cal ''you really don't get it, do you? You think this Force of yours is some sort of license for mayhem! Trilla was already a mistake and yet you have the actual audacity to bring another one of those creatures with you!?''
This time, Merrin said nothing. All she did was to govern her eyes to the ground as she was seemingly lost in reflection.
''Yeah, honestly. I don't care any more kid.''
It was as if someone flipped a switch. Gone was the heated passion that forced its way out of his mouth. All Cal got in return was nothing but ice-cold apathy as Greez stood up and made his way to the Mantis's exit.
''I'm getting the others. We'll talk about this temple of yours and how we get off of this planet. After that, well ... ''
Greez became silent as he left the ship, leaving behind Cal, Merrin, and unspoken uneasiness.
''That could've gone better'' Cal admitted without a hint of irony.
Strangely enough, Cal had no problem seeing the way Merrin's mouth started to move. And yet her actual words appeared to evade him. It started as a strange feeling at the back of his head that spread through his body soon thereafter. As if a howling wind danced through the Mantis, one that was confined to the realm of the Force and not the physical reality. Cal tilted his head to the right as he saw the human - Richard, if he remembered correctly - enter the ship, followed by Greez and his icy demeanor. And then there was something that made the hairs on his skin stand up in an uncanny fashion. It was the voice of his Master appearing out of thin air, latching itself to his ears as a Lasat entered the ship.
Padawan, it's time for instruction.
The voice seemed to be Tapal's and yet somehow Cal could hear traces of his own in it. And yet, as the Lasat came closer, Cal felt as if reality was playing some sort of trick onto him. The Lasat looked like Master Tapal, if only a little bit more on the younger side of things. He had his face and general physique, even if he seemed to claim more scars his own than his Jedi counterpart. It was as if someone showed him a picture of his old Master, if slightly altered.
And yet, there was something more to it. A secret that seemed hellbent on illuding his eyes. Strange, he looked almost like the Lasat he had to -
Nar Shaddaa. Force be damned.
''Well, this is awkward.'' stated the Lasat as he looked down on Cal almost as nervously as he looked at him.
''I, yeah.''
What else was he supposed to say? It wasn't every day you met someone that tried to kill you and - alright, Cal realized that this line of thought was just completely useless in his case thanks to Trilla and Masana. But still! This couldn't be a coincidence. Masana. Him. All of them on Ordel brought together by the merits of the Force.
And then, something else clicked in his head. Master Tapal's voice, the strange visions he endured: could it be? Cal risked a closer look at the Lasat. Idly, he allowed his mind to reach out, to cling to the Force until it connected with Relor. At first, nothing happened. Suddenly, however, Relor seemed to have sensed something as he coughed and looked around nervously, almost as if he was alarmed by something.
Interesting.
''I - it's good to see that you survived. In general, I mean. Not only Nar Shaddaa.''
There was something else Cal has failed to notice. Besides him, it seemed that Merrin quietly grabbed his hand and allowed her thumb to dance over it in a soothing manner. A gesture that was as needed as it was welcomed.
''It's what we do. We're survivors.'' Cal quickly glanced over to Merrin ere he continued ''and for what's it worth, I'm happy that you too survived. Nar Shaddaa was ugly for everyone involved.''
''It was,'' stated Relor matter of factly before he too let himself down onto the ground.
''I've heard that there's news?'' Richard said as he looked down at the dirty floor before he quietly shuddered, preferring to stay as the others sat. What was that about more Imperial in him than he knew?
''Sort of. I know what I must do before we - I can leave Ordel. There are ruins up in the mountains, ruins that harbor great power. If the Empire gains access to them, Ordel will never recover.'' Cal explained carefully as his eyes jumped between Richard and Relor.
This wasn't their fight. Truth be told, it wasn't Merrin's or Greez's fight either. He didn't wish to involve them in it, especially strangers. But perhaps there was an alternative to all of this.
''Don't. I get it. You don't need to fight. But there's something else you can do.''
Cal paused for a second, waiting for everyone to listen to him.
''You can get us a ship. Ensure a way for us out of this. My allies and I will deal with the Empire, Force be willing.''
Though Greez scoffed audibly at that, Richard started to stroke his jaw in agreement.
''I see. Two parallel operations. And although I might know a way to get us a ship ... I'm afraid it will be meaningless, Master Jedi.''
''Cal. My name is Cal, please.'' Cal cringed slightly at that. Somehow, people calling him 'Master Jedi' was something he'd never get used to ''but let me guess. The Empire got Ordel shut down?''
''Utterly,'' affirmed Richard.
''For means of technology, perhaps.'' Merrin stretched her hands out and conjured a fickle greenish flame within her palms.
''Like on Nur?'' Cal asked as he glanced at Merrin.
''Like on Nur.'' nodded Merin ere the flame disappeared into nothingness.
''Hold up - you expect me to believe you, Richard? After you manipulated us?'' said Relor under hushed anger, a pointing glare directed at the man in question.
''Yes. Deal with it. Or do you have access to a ship?'' Richard stated in a harsh manner that rivaled that of the Lasat.
At that, Cal peeked over to Merrin in a questioning way.
''I - '' Merrin sighed ''Richard and I were told by Cere that we should lie to them, lest they tried to stay behind while the Inquisitor was coming.''
''And the two of you did so without equal.'' hurled Greez into the conversation without hesitation.
Cal couldn't help himself but glance at Merrin with slight suspicion. He honestly didn't know what to think of that. Yet he also knew that he was gone for a long time, at least from their perspective. He couldn't judge her for something he only heard one side of the tale of. Not to mention that there were other things to worry about.
''Right, the ship. What's your idea?'' asked Cal as he directed his eyes towards Richard.
''Every trade or transport vessel on Ordel is known by the Empire. Standard protocol, really. However, what we need is a ship that hasn't been used as an actual ship for a long time - I know a guy, a ... collector, of sorts. Rich beyond anything and quite odd, truth be told. But as I said, he is rich. Rich enough to keep the Empire out of his business. See, that guy's been collecting ships and other historical trinkets like a madman. Nothing that would get him in trouble with the Empire - Jedi stuff and such - but older droids, blasters, tech ... and ships.''
''And he'd be ready to give us a ship?'' asked Cal with some doubt tracing his words.
''Of course not. We'll steal it,'' replied Richard in a direct way.
There it is.
''You want to steal it. That's ... ''
''Necessary'' interrupted Merrin quickly ''and I doubt that we'll be running and killing everyone and everything on sight. Yes?''
''Why should we off some glorified trinket collector? We'll just take what we need and leave. And let's not pretend that someone gets rich under the Empire through pure altruism.''
Sighing profoundly, Cal knew that there was no changing their mind, even if he disapproved.
''Then it is decided. The four of you plus Cere will get the ship. The rest will deal with the Empire. Once it's done, Merrin will get us out of here. Any questions?''
''Yeah - shouldn't Cere be here already?'' questioned Relor after some moments of thought.
''Don't worry'' Cal said in a warmer tone than before ''they'll be alright.''
He hoped for the best, at least. But somehow he doubted that anyone present would be in any state of mind to be able to think differently, himself included. Maybe he should've been more worried, but meeting Relor here has once more proven that the Force had some sort of plan for them. Cere wouldn't fall, she couldn't. This story was far from over, for better or worse.
''Now what? We wait for the others to return and then we'll fight?''
''What choice do we have, Merrin?'' answered Greez darkly before he rose up and walked to the ship's exit ''I'll keep watch in the meantime.''
''And I'll retire for the moment. I'll have to come up with a plan if we want to steal the ship,'' added Richard quickly.
''I shall join you, Richard. We'll need my abilities if we're to succeed.''
After Merrin left, Relor and Cal sat across each other in awkward silence.
''You know, Cere wasn't as shocked as I thought she was when I told you. Perhaps you won't be different?''
Cal had to tilt his head at that. Another surprise?
''Am I going to like this?''
''I honestly don't know. You're the Jedi here. Aren't you supposed to be the wise one?''
Am I?
Still, Cal braced himself before he took a deep breath. For some moments, he wished to believe that this day couldn't become any stranger. As always though, destiny wished to prove him wrong.
''It appears that I'm your old Master's relative. Brother, most likely. I'm a born Tapal.''
A violent cough soon followed that revelation as Cal's eyes were almost thrown out his sockets. It made sense, Cal had to admit. Not from a physical standpoint, he didn't know the Lasat species well enough to make any general statements in that regard. But Master Tapal's voice, all the things that happened on Nar Shaddaa: the galaxy was a big, almost endless place. And yet, Relor and he just happened to cross their paths again and again. It was the work of the Force, there was no denying it. Still, Cal wished to know what the Force actually wanted from him. There had to be more to it than that.
''I ... your name is Relor Tapal? I'm not surprised, at least not as much as I should be. The fact that the two of us are talking right here right now just proves to me that we're part of some bigger plan, you and I.''
Relor nodded along with his words.
''Cere said something similar. That all of this couldn't just be random. That your Force - the Ashla, seemed to have bonded Cere's and my fate together. Yours too, I'd imagine.''
''This galaxy? It is a messed up place, Relor. Knowing the Force is working through us all is one of the few things keeping me sane most of the time, believe me.''
''I get that. I won't claim that I understand this Force of yours ... or whatever your Order is. But the rational part in me just knows - no feels that this isn't just stupid luck. And it isn't, obviously. Ashla be damned, I've seen Cere moving things with nothing but a quick jolt of her wrist. There's obviously something to this Force.''
''A curse and a blessing, most would argue'' Cal lamented quietly ''I wonder though: did you know my Master? Your ... brother?''
''No'' Relor rocked his head ''my parents though, they told me that my brother died when I was still young. Never told me the details, obviously. But over the past year, I did some digging. I didn't find anything concrete but I doubted that he died - at least not before the Empire. And as I told Cere who I was, we put one and one together. You knew him better than I, believe me.''
''Master Tapal, he was ... well, he was amazing. A true Jedi of the Republic. A talented warrior and yet a fearless defender of the innocent. A man of both wisdom and principles. A man that - '' he closed his eyes.
''Didn't see the darkness that grew beneath us, just like nobody else'' Cal continued followed by a long-drawn sigh.
''I only heard rumors. Nar Shaddaa was home to many mercs and veterans from both sides. Cere mentioned something about the Clones? Them betraying you?''
''Yes. Just as the war was about to end, the Clones betrayed us. Cut most of us down within seconds. A pain like that ... let me explain it that way.''
Cal scooched closer at that.
''The Force penetrates everyone and everything. It binds all of us, Jedi or not. Emotions like pain and hurt - those trained in the Force can feel them in others, sense them how they carry themselves through it. When the Clones betrayed us, many Jedi fell in an instant. Though I wasn't strong enough in the Force back then, my Master was. I've never seen him so disorientated before. Our Commander would've almost killed us but Tapal - sorry, your brother managed to save us just in time. If it wouldn't have been for him ... well, you can imagine.''
''It's ... I'm sorry, I can't pretend that there is some deeper connection between my brother and me, given that I never knew him. But still, I'm sorry about your loss. Nobody deserves that. Yet I just need to know ... how did he die in the end?''
''How most of us died: eventually, it simply became too much. We fought our way through the ship and made our way to the escape pods. The Clones ... they were just too much. After one blaster bolt managed to slip past his defenses, it was only a matter of time.''
''Damn it'' cursed Relor deeply ''I'm sorry, Cal. Really.''
''As am I. A lot of good people died that day. As did the Republic.''
''And now the Empire's is hunting you down without mercy. Inquisitors, right? Cere told me of Trilla.''
''Yeah. Your people call it ... the Bogan, wasn't it? The Dark Side of the Force? The Inquisitors are agents of the Empire, fallen Jedi using their wrath and their anger to channel the Force for their own destructive ends.''
''One of them is on Ordel, right now. Ashla have mercy,'' said Relor with a defeated tone.
''Well, for what it's worth: they can be defeated. I defeated Trilla. I defeated Masana ... the Dowutin, I mean. Both of them served the Empire once. Now, they're on our side.''
Relor was about to say something until suddenly, Greez came running in like a hurricane.
''They're back. Quickly!''
Cal and Relor ran out of the Mantis as if their life depended on it, followed by Merrin and Richard.
Trilla was the first to reveal herself, her tunic carrying with it an untold amount of dirt and mud. She was followed by Masana, bearing Cere in her arms. At first, a wave of relief washed over him as she saw Cere move in her arms, indicating that she was alright despite everything. Then, however, Cal and the others saw something that made them gasp instantly: Cere lost her arms.
''What happened?'' said Cal in utter shock as he rushed towards them.
''The Grand Inquisitor,'' explained Masana as she let Cere down gently.
Cal glared from Cere to his arms. That was the pain he felt back when he woke up, Cal deduced quietly.
Merrin ran over to Cere and holstered her on her shoulders.
''I'll tend to her wounds in the ship,'' she explained as she was joined by Greeze who helped to stem Cere's other side. Quickly, they marched towards the Mantis and disappeared in its innards.
''What's a Grand Inquisitor?'' inquired Richard from behind.
''He's the leader of the Imperial Inquisitorius,'' Trilla answered as she stepped over to Cal.
''Their ... leader? On Ordel? Right, we need to leave,'' said Cal as slight panic grabbed his voice.
This was bad. Cal could deal with simple Inquisitors, he has proven that often enough. But their leader? If he was anything like that man they met on Nur, Cal would be no match for him.
''Yeah, we really do,'' added Masana ''this guy isn't one to joke with, trust me.''
Then it was decided. Once Cere was taken care of, they'd deal with the Empire and leave Ordel behind.
The Grand Inquisitor - Ordel, Romesch District
''On Ordel? If you wouldn't be here I'd call the Inquisitorius but ... ''
''I know,'' barked the Grand Inquisitor as he silenced Administrator Eloren with a single glare.
He should've killed them. But from one second to the next, the situation simply became unmanageable. From somewhere, Trilla Suduri called upon powers that he has never felt in the former Inquisitor before, the surprise of it enough for her to get the better of him and turning this assured victory into a sound defeat.
''No matter. Eloren, I want a full lockdown. Nobody - no trade ships, no off-world vessels, literally nothing that isn't flying Imperial colors - gets to leave Ordel. Am I clear? If someone is up there that isn't with us, you won't ask questions or give warnings. You'll tell the Heartseeker to obliterate them without hesitation.''
''Consider it done, my lord Inquisitor,'' Eloren said with careful reservation as she approached him ''but what about these ... Jedi?''
He was furious that he had to tell Elloren, even if he didn't have a choice anymore. Another consequence of his failure, no doubt. Worse, if word of this would reach Lord Vader ...
The Grand Inquisitor turned around sharply and called upon the Force, manifesting his wrath in a crushing chokehold as Eloren was lifted off of her feet, the sound of her breath being squeezed out of her lungs filling the room in a painful manner. Nobody would leak this information to Vader, nobody. He'd be victorious and he'd return as a champion, no matter the cost.
''Do you know true suffering, Eloren? Because I can promise you that your treason would show you pain like you never imagined before, ISB or not.''
With a bloodthirsty scream, he threw Eloren against the nearby wall with enough power that it actually bent somewhat. Eloren coughed in pain as her flesh connected with the cold metal, leading to her squirm in agony as she fell to the floor.
''I ... won't tell anything ... please just - ''
''You're right you won't. Make sure that you remember this, Eloren. If not, even the Emperor himself won't be able to save you from my wrath.''
Sparing the Administrator no second glance, he left Eloren's office and made his way to his shuttle. Despite everything, he was still a smart man. His mind drifted back to the animals of Ordel's forest, how their anger was seemingly a result of the Force. If it truly was the ruins and its latent energies, who said that the Grand Inquisitor couldn't use said Force energies to amplify his own senses? If they could reach all of the animals spread through the nearby woods, he could also use the powers of the temple to pinpoint the location of the Jedi and the renegade Inquisitors. Then, he'd slaughter them one by one, starting with the treasonous Trilla Suduri and Masana Tide.
AN: It's Tuesday ya all! That means it's chapter day! 3
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