Chapter 47: The Rogue Jedi
Once again, the sun set over the snowy mountains of Alderaan.
Jas Dar Bynn stood alone, watching the sun dip below the horizon. He stood on one of the several balconies of House Rist. He had only just returned, but would soon be gone again.
He sighed, and looked down, he held his lightsaber in his hand, the blade unignited, but ready should he need it. He stood there and found himself thinking about many things, chief among them, one question, one that he had never really found a satisfactory answer for.
Who are you, Jas Dar Bynn?
He found himself going over his history, all that had occurred since that fateful day almost fifteen years ago. He thought of the dying Jedi vessel, and what it had meant when he decided not to die there, when he had gone with Mother Nuna and began the life's path that he now found himself on.
He frowned slightly.
It wasn't easy to quantify all the choices he had made since, the life he had led. It was not a life that the Jedi youngling he had been would have understood, the galaxy, and the Force, had a way of changing things…and people.
What exactly had he become, and what would he become if he continued on this path?
He had worn many titles in his young life, been so many things to the people around him. Jedi youngling, foundling, Mandalorian Recruit, Clan brother, nursemaid, challenger, chieftain, smuggler, first mate on a ship, second in command of the organization, Jedi Agent…he had been all these things, and more, yet now…he had no idea where to go next.
His thoughts returned to Val and Vess, what had happened to them. It was partially his fault, he had brought Targo Sei into their lives, involved them in his business.
Thinking about them, it made him think about Prynn as well, what living this life cost those around him, and made him think about several titles that he should never have sought to have.
Friend, lover, husband…father.
He sighed.
It seemed that every time he tried to have a life more like everyone else, the Force intervened. He found himself pulled away from what he wanted. It was almost enough to make him want to shut down again, let go of his emotions and return to the state of apathy where he had hidden after he and Prynn had broken up.
Almost.
His eyes narrowed, he found himself thinking about Targo Sei, about how he had touched Vess, how he licked Val, and put a blade to her throat.
That was all it took, that was all he needed to think about to find his way back, to realize that he no longer had the option of hiding and saying that he didn't care.
I can't go back, he realized. How did the old saying go…?
You can't go home again.
He thought about the promise he had made Targo Sei. He thought about the hunt he was about to begin. It would not be an easy challenge, the galaxy could be a large place, and there were many places where a bounty hunter could hide.
It doesn't matter, he thought grimly, where ever he goes…I will find him. I will get Val back, and I will get Vess back, and then…then…
He felt his hands curl into fists.
…and then…he would finish what he started ten years ago.
He had hoped that the Jedi would have his back in this quest. He had hoped that they would make their resources available to him, to aid him in his search. Sadly, that wouldn't be the case…
The Jedi and Republic had their own ideas about the galaxy, and compared to what he desired…
…he would find little help there.
So now…he waited.
It was almost time to go, he had one final person to speak to before his life changed again.
He hoped she would understand.
She was the one person in this galaxy that might understand.
IOI
He had hated returning to House Rist so empty handed. He had wanted so badly to bring them better news.
He had come to respect the Rist, and Lady Dorma had been nothing but a kind and generous host since he first set foot on this planet two weeks ago.
He had so little to go on. He had a name, and a bit of history but beyond that…nothing.
Targo Sei knew how to cover his tracks, he had evaded Jas' attempts to track him these last seven years, moving in circles that Jas and Coop wisely avoided.
Dorma Rist had had tears in her eyes when he told her what had happened, he…he had tried to apologize for bringing this nightmare down upon her and her family. Had he simply killed Targo ten years ago, they would not be in this position now.
Strangely enough, it had been Lady Rehanna who had been the most understanding. Lady Rehanna, who blamed the Jedi for some slight that few in the house would talk about, seemed more accepting of what he was saying than anyone else.
"So," she had said coldly, "You know this man?"
"I do," he admitted, "He was…something of a bully of mine when I was growing up."
"I see," she replied, her expression cold and evaluating.
"Are you going after him?"
"Yes, my lady," he had answered, "I intend to do just that."
"So, you will bring him back to face justice, to face the courts?"
Jas' eyes narrowed.
"Not this time," he had said coldly, "I let justice take its course once, I…I don't think I will do that this time, he managed to find his way out of what should have been his end, find his way back, and managed to thrive.
"No…he isn't going before the courts, not this time. I…I think he has lived long enough."
Rehanna Rist, assassin, and sister to Lord Rist nodded.
"When you find him, if your Jedi…sensibilities will not allow you to do what needs to be done, please…feel free to contact us. We would love to thank this man for the pain that he has caused this family."
"I understand, my lady, but you need not worry. As I said, he has lived long enough."
That made the woman smile.
"Very well," she said, "when you see him, please, say good bye to him…from us."
He had nodded.
He understood exactly what she wanted.
He would not disappoint her.
"Good luck, Sir Jas," Dorma Rist said through her tears, her eyes red with tears of fear and worry.
"Bring my daughter back."
He nodded.
He would do it. He would find a way.
Somehow.
There were some things in this galaxy that a person should not touch, a line they should not cross…
Targo Sei had crossed that line.
It was time for him to answer for it.
It was after that that he had heard from the Jedi Council, he, and Sy had sent a joint report, informing them what had occurred. What had happened to Char Valenthyne and Vessaria Istillo.
It was their response that had him waiting on this balcony.
The decision that they had made that had prompted him to explore what he had been and what he might become.
It had been enough, he supposed.
He had made his choice, and now…
…he would need to learn to live with it.
IOI
He heard the sound of her ship as he stood there waiting, felt her presence so clearly through the Force.
It is about time, he thought, he was starting to wonder if she had gotten lost.
He put his weapon back on his belt, the sun had sunk much lower now, barely peeking over the mountains.
He was wondering if she had brought any news, good or bad? He knew little himself, beyond what he had heard from the council, and from what he had managed to glean from his own people, the contacts within the organization.
He had recognized the need to let Coop know what had happened. Targo had said he would wait until after he had finished with Jas before moving on to his next target. Coop and Randa had needed to know that the former first of Clan Nuna was moving; that he was finally getting ready to strike at them directly.
He didn't intend to give the man a chance, he intended to keep Targo very occupied in the next few months. He hoped to end this matter quickly, but he wasn't holding his breath.
Their old enemy was not stupid, Targo had proved that during his escape. He had become a man that clearly made few mistakes…save one.
He took two people that I care about.
That…was his first and last mistake.
Jas had needed to make a few arrangements, they hadn't been hard, considering his history, and his place within the organization, he knew how to get things done.
Jonas Gillespie, their number three man had been more than cooperative, he understood the value of not letting an enemy flourish. He also understood the danger that a man like Targo Sei posed.
The man was a loose cannon, who knew where he would strike given the opportunity.
Jas intended not to give him that chance.
Coop and Randa had been between worlds when he reached out to Jonas, still on their honeymoon tour, the man promised to let them know what was going on as soon as he could. Jas stressed that the man be both cautious and discreet, he didn't know if Targo had any contacts within their group, or one of their satellite organizations.
It was better to be safe than sorry.
He glanced up, feeling a slight shift in the Force.
She is here, he thought, she knows…
Good.
It was better that he not have to waste time explaining things.
He could feel her drawing closer, walking down the hall, her boots clicking loudly on the tiles. She sensed him too, he suspected, she could feel what he was thinking.
He found himself wondering what she thought of all this, how she would react to what he had decided.
He had never considered her a logical person; she enjoyed the chaos that swirled around her. He hated to admit it, but that chaos might prove valuable now.
It just might give him the edge he both sought and needed.
"Jas?"
He smiled.
Finally.
"Hello, Miri," he said, "Any luck finding Val or Vess?"
Mirax Fallenstar frowned, the former padawan turned bounty hunter radiated concern through the Force, concern for both those they had lost, and him as well.
He was…touched.
He didn't think Fallenstar cared about anyone.
That is not fair, his conscience chided, don't let your pain get in the way of what needs to be done.
He acknowledged that.
Yes, he was in a bit of pain.
He could not let it have too much control over what he knew needed to be done.
"I heard from Lady Dorma," she said, "She…she told me what happened! Are…are you certain that it was Targo Sei? You are sure he is the one that took them?"
"Positive," Jas answered, "We had an enlightening conversation over the hyper-comm. He has finally decided to seek the revenge that he has wanted for so long. Val and Vess are part of that…"
Jas shook his head.
"Apparently, Targo wants me to suffer."
Fallenstar cursed under her breath, as a bounty hunter, she had heard tales of Targo Sei, the man he had become since being left behind by Clan Nuna.
She likely understood what such a man would do in his quest for revenge.
"Did he make any kind of offer," she asked, "How much did he want for their return?"
"This isn't about credits, Miri," he responded, "He knows somehow that I care for Val, and for Vess. Maybe…maybe the Sunset Collective contacted him. He has worked with them in the past, or maybe the mining guild hired him, it doesn't really matter now."
Jas pursed his lips.
"He won't be selling them to anyone, not alive anyway. He will wait until I find them, he will want me to see them die. It will be in some painful and degrading way. He will want me to see them suffer for the crime of being important to me. He blames me for taking our clan from him.
"Targo always had a mean streak a parsec wide. He never accepted me when I was a boy, I was always an outsider. He felt that I should have died the day that the clan found me."
Mirax Fallenstar shuddered. Jas was surprised to sense the amount of concern she was feeling. Vess had clearly gotten to her in the short time she had been a guest here in House Rist.
Either that, or she had heard tales of what Targo Sei did to the merchandise in his care. Jas and Coop had certainly heard a few rumors.
…none of them…were pleasant.
Fallenstar frowned, she crossed her arms over her chest.
"What does the council have to say about all this? Vess was travelling under Republic protection, surely the order is not going to let this matter go unanswered."
"They aren't," Jas replied, but from the look on his face, she could likely tell he was not pleased with the decision.
No.
He was not pleased at all.
"The council is dispatching two Jedi Knights to pursue Targo Sei. They will find Vess and bring her home, safely, if they can."
"What is our role in all this?" She asked, "I'm not a member of the order anymore, but surely they will see the value of meeting my price, and you know the guy, surely you will be…"
"I'm not involved actually," he informed her.
That comment stopped her in her tracks.
"Not involved? I…what do you mean that you aren't involved?"
Jas flashed her a sick smile.
"The council has asked that I return to Coruscant. It is there that I will provide any information that I think of that will help in this investigation. A ship is in route to pick me up, as we speak."
She frowned.
"They're recalling you?"
"Yes."
Her frown deepened.
"Why?"
Jas shrugged.
"Because I'm the cause of all this. I've introduced vicious Mandalore clan politics into a situation that the Republic had well in hand. I interfered in the Jedi investigation of this crime, and prevented the Jedi involved from carrying out negotiations."
Jas chuckled at that last part; he had not really believed it himself when the council informed him.
I have been busy, he thought, haven't I?
Fallenstar's eyes narrowed.
"I think I can guess who offered that take on events."
He nodded.
"Yeah, Sy didn't waste anytime in making sure that he was blameless in all that has occurred."
Miri hissed angrily.
"You should have let me kill him," she growled, "No one is going to believe you now about what happened when you were kids."
Jas waved his hand dismissively.
"There was never really any chance of anything coming of that, Miri. Most of the order has already made up its mind about me, and my degree of usefulness."
He shrugged.
"A pair of Jedi Knights are coming to escort me back to Coruscant, I'm to surrender my lightsaber to them, and come in quietly. The council will…evaluate my performance in the last few years and make a more serious decision regarding my future within the order."
"Right," Mirax Fallenstar said dryly, "Which means after they have gotten all you know about Targo, they will likely send you off to the labor corps. They wouldn't want to antagonize your old enemy any further. They will think that by taking you out of the equation, they will have a better chance of dealing with Targo, convince him to negotiate?"
"That sounds about right," he agreed.
"But we both know that it won't work," she added, "If you won't come after him, he will force the issue, likely hurt Vess, Val, or both to try and draw you out."
"That sounds about right too," he agreed.
"So why are you still standing here?!" she shouted, "I thought you cared about Val! I thought you cared about Vess!"
"I do."
"So, you are just going to trust Sy and his ilk to do what is needed?! You're willing to gamble with the lives of two good people because the council says that you should?"
"What would you have me do?"
"You can tell the council to go to hell!" she snapped back, "I can't believe you are even considering this. I didn't take you for the type to just give up."
"Miri."
"Don't Miri me," she hissed, "Think about it, the Republic didn't want Vess involved in this matter in the first place, you really think that your brother will actively look for Vess, or will he use this as an excuse to give his friends in the Senate exactly what they want?"
"I had considered that, yes. I had hoped that Master Vey would convince the senior members of the council to assign someone else to handle the investigation. I'm not the only one who has attachments in this. Sy has his desires to, I hoped that the council would see that, and act accordingly."
Fallenstar shook her head.
She was still not happy with what she was hearing.
"So that is it then, you have just given up, rolled over like the good little kath hound?!"
"I wouldn't put it that way," he replied.
"Really," she said, "Well how did you put it? What did you say when the council told you to submit, and leave Vess and Val to face degradation and death? What words did you use to try and sway the glorious Jedi Council to see things in a new light?"
"There was only one thing that I could say," he answered.
"Yeah, and what was that?"
Jas met her gaze with his even one, his eyes remained cold and focused.
"I said one word."
"And what was that?"
He took a deep breath, even a few hours later he couldn't believe that he had done it, that he had done what he had done.
"I said: No."
That stopped her short.
"No?"
"Yeah."
"You told the council no?"
He nodded.
"I told them that I couldn't, and wouldn't, abandon this investigation. I wouldn't be returning to Coruscant, and I would NOT be surrendering my lightsaber."
She blinked, slowly, her wide manic grin spread across her face.
"So, you told them to go to hell?!"
"Not in so many words, but…I suppose that it is close to the truth."
She giggled.
"So…you are not giving up?"
"No."
"You are going after Vess and Val yourself?"
"Yes."
He sighed.
"They told me to reconsider this course of action. They ordered me to stand down and wait. I reminded them that Tup Secura was currently busy elsewhere, and that I would be long gone before any other Jedi could arrive to take me into custody."
He pulled his lightsaber and looked at the hilt.
"I guess Sy is going to get what he wanted. He gets to say that he is a better Jedi than I. I suppose that is all that ever mattered to him."
Jas Dar Bynn shook his head.
"I guess I'm a disgrace to the Dar Bynn name. I grew up hearing the stories of my lineage. Emery Bynn the knight who helped defend the Senate during the Great Hyperspace War. Master Cal Bynn and his love for Grand Master Juli Dar, the founders of our family line, a line that stretches back to the founding of Ossus."
Jas frowned at the lightsaber.
"I'm not that kind of Jedi, I never have been. I've seen too much, and I know too much."
Fallenstar's grin widened, she looked about to cheer.
"Sounds like you have gone rogue?"
He shrugged again.
"I suppose I have, but…you know…it really doesn't bother me. If they want to arrest me after Val and Vess are safe, they can, but I won't just sit back and hope for the best. I can do something, and I will…"
"Good for you," she said proudly.
Jas smirked.
Fallenstar was proud of him.
He wasn't sure if he should be happy or sad about that.
Probably both.
Jas Dar Bynn, he thought, the Rogue Jedi.
He nodded.
Very well, he had had worse titles.
She leaned in closer resting her head on his shoulder.
"So," she said in a silky voice, "What are you doing now?"
"I've given the Rist my word to track down Targo Sei, and bring Vess home. I intend to find her, and Val too. Then I'm going to make sure that Targo never hurts anyone I love, ever again."
"You will need a ship," she reminded him.
"One is on the way," he replied, "I've requested one of the armed patrol vessels the organization owns. It is on its way now, should be here in another hour or so."
Miri nodded.
"One of the Enforcer models?"
He nodded.
"Good," she said, "That should be a match for any ship that Targo could field."
She smirked and put her arm around Jas.
"When do we leave?"
He looked at her.
"We?"
She shrugged.
"I was hired to protect Vessaria Istillo. Targo stole her out from under my nose. I don't like that. It is a blemish on my reputation, and besides…"
Her expression turned thoughtful.
"The kid deserves better than to be a piece of merchandise in the hold of some bounty hunter ship. She was…kind to me. She was the first person in a very long time that looked at me and didn't see someone to be either afraid of, or to be pitied."
Her manic grin returned.
"Besides, if you go off and get yourself killed, Coop will be pissed at me. He might even cut off my retainer. I can't have that; I like having a steady income and a warm place to sleep when I need it."
Jas smirked.
"So, this is all about profit to you?"
"Not all," she agreed, "But mostly."
He chuckled.
"Fair enough, Miri."
They watched as the last of the sun's light vanished behind the mountains.
"I need to arrange a place to store the Justice," she said, "Once that is done, I'll be free."
"Speak to Lord Errol," he advised, "I think he will be able to help you with that."
"Good idea," she said glancing out over the distant mountains.
She shook her head.
"It really is beautiful here."
"Yeah," he agreed.
"I think it is going to be awhile before we will get to see beautiful again."
Again, he nodded.
"Yeah."
He thought about Vess. Both the sweet little girl, and the playful brave young woman she had grown into.
He thought about Val, what they had shared, their night together, and what she had asked of him.
He owed it to her.
He needed to find her.
He needed to save Vess, to her, that was all that would matter.
He would do what he could to save them both.
"So," Mirax Fallenstar asked, "How do we start?"
"We've already begun," he said looking up at the stars.
Hold on Val, he murmured to the heavens, hoping she could hear him, through the Force.
Hang on Vess.
We…are coming.
THE END OF PART ONE!
Happy New Year 2021!
A/N: Don't worry good readers, Jas' story will continue soon. The first chapter of Rogue Jedi: Hidden Agenda will be up soon. Jas begins the hunt for his ladies, and discovers that darker threats are gathering, threats eager to end the life of the Rogue Jedi and his friends.
Plus, Happy two-year anniversary to the Avaryss verse. Darth Avaryss began her journey down the dark path two years ago today, and two more stories will be coming in the next year. The Dark Lord's journey is not done yet. Looking forward to continuing my journey through this world, and I hope you are as well.
Until next time, Dear Readers.
May the Force be with You!
DG
