Chapter 16

The two women moved quickly, sticking the shadows. Even though they were doing their best to stay hidden, Ari was certain that they were being watched. Either through cameras, though she and Mara used the Force to disable those, or through the Force. The Dark Side felt like it was growing around them.

Ari placed one hand on her stomach, as if to assure herself and the unborn children. "Home soon," she murmured as a promise.

Mara paused and they both hide as another group of these new stormtroopers marched by. They couldn't sneak up on anyone due to the clang of their armor. It brought Ari back to her memories of hiding and sneaking around the Death Star. A lot had changed since that time, yet for a brief moment, she felt like that young, lost, grieving teenager once again. She shook that from her mind. She knew it was the Dark Side.

It seemed to permeate everywhere. However, she could pick up on touches of the Light Side, which helped lead the two women to the area Ari had seen on the cameras.

They paused outside the door. "Ready?" Ari asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Always," Mara answered and flashed her a smirk.

Unlike before, when they had been sneaking around, Ari knew that they would call attention to themselves right away.

Mara had her blaster out and Ari tightened the grip on her lightsaber. The two women didn't have to look at each other to time their entrance.

Just as Mara palmed the door open, Ari ignited her saber with a snap-hiss, the blade seeming to come to life.

There were guards there and though Ari could tell some students were there, she did not have time to focus on that. Her focus was on deflecting blaster fire without hitting any bystander.

Mara was using her blaster, able to find the weak points in the stormtrooper armor without trouble.

In just seconds, all of the guards were incapacitated, sprawled on the ground.

"Master Narabe, Master Jade."

Ari smiled as she saw their missing students from the Temple. She knew they didn't have a lot of time, but she made sure to greet them, remembering all of their names.

There were a few other children holding back and Ari knew they must have been the kidnapped children. She quickly assured them that they would be alright.

Though she was happy to see them, Ari's heart felt heavy. Where were Tiri, Reslina, Jacen and Jaina?

Mara, you should take them back to the ship.

What are you planning?

My family is still missing.

You can't do it alone.

Ari held back a sigh. You need to take care of these kids. Keep them safe.

Mara gave her a look, but they both knew Ari was right. They couldn't leave the children here. It would be basically impossible to move around and keep them all protected.

Skywalker is going to kill me.

If things go poorly, tell him I forced you. I will find the other four as soon as I can. Have the ship ready to go.

Mara looked like she wanted to argue, but she nodded. Then, she quickly told the children in a few short words what they had to do. Basically, being as quiet as can be and listening to what Mara told them. None of the children had questions or any argument.

May the Force be with you, Narabe.

Ari managed a small smile back at Mara. You too.

She watched as Mara led the students back into the hallway. She had a feeling Mara and the students would get out. Mara was smart. Yet, she had a feeling that it might almost be a distraction. It seemed almost too easy.

A shiver ran through her as she walked over the prone troopers who were still on the floor. When Mara was with her, she at least had another Jedi with her. Now, she was on her own. She tried to push back her failings on the ship. The other person had been strong in the Force, but as a Sith. Yet, that person had also had the advantage of surprising her. She knew what to expect now.

She tried not to think about the fact that this person also had an advantage. This was the Sith planet. She placed her hands over her stomach again, thinking of good things and how the twins she was carrying would be so happy to meet their older sister. She thought about the other members of her family. They had the Light Side and as long as she remembered them, she knew she could do this.

She reached out with the Force. She was worried because she couldn't sense the other four, but she could sense something a bit darker. She was certain it was the Sith. She wasn't sure why she couldn't sense Tiri or the others. However, she knew that if she wanted to find them, she would have to face the Sith.