Beyond the Rim

Book 1

Chapter 9: Dreams of the Past

The weather took a turn for the worst. Rain came down hard, thunder made the specters jump, unable to recognize it either as the storm or local gunfire, lightning danced around them in the sky above, illuminating the dark and dreary sky for a brief second.

Kanan did his best to navigate through the rain, trying to lead his crew to safety though the shifting and perilous terrain. He squints his eyes, to try to get a glimpse on the horizon, a bolt of lightning struck the sky, giving light to the shadow Kanan was making out, a mountain, and most likely a cave.

He turned to the others and shouted over the tattering of rain "I think there's a cave ahead, stay close!"

The others were clinging onto their rain ponchos, doing their best to keep themselves dry from the barrage of rain drops coming in from what seemed all directions.

They traversed there way through the thick mud and shifting ground to the base of the mountain. Sabine pulled down the scope on her Mandalorian helmet, and began to scan for an opening, and sure enough, there was one just overhead.

"There!" she shouted. "I don't see a clear way up there; we'll have to be really careful or this could end badly."

Kanan observed the height, it was not a large climb, but the rain made the rocks slippery, one wrong step, and it would be down onto the hard rock under their feet.

Kanan took a giant leap up, thanks to his force abilities, he was able to clear the rocks all together and make it up, he turned to see the cave, it was quite a spacious cave. He then reached his arm over the side. "Who's first?" he called out.

Ezra made his was to the base of the rock, he slowly began to climb, getting good grips on the rock before he made and movement upwards, eventually he caught Kanan's hand, who began to pull him up onto the upper ledge and to safety.

Sabine began her climb up, and took the same caution Ezra did, Kanan reached out and grabbed her arm, and pulled her over.

Zeb began to make his climb up, halfway he nearly slipped, but regained his footing. He made is way closer and closer, Sabine, Ezra, and Kanan outstretched their arms in order to pull Zeb all the way up.

Hera tried her best to attempt to lift up chopper and hand him to Kanan, she began handing him the supplies as well, now it was her turn to ascend.

She made sure she had a strong grip on the rocks as she began to climb upwards. She nearly made it to the range where Kanan could reach her, Kanan was able to grab her, but suddenly, as Hera tried to take the next step up, she lost her footing, and began to fall downwards. Kanan realized what was happening, but the rock underneath him was also slippery, sending him down and over the ledge as well.

The other crew members turned in shock and shouted the names of their parent like figures.

In a moment, Kanan saw the Fear in Hera's eyes and they made a rapid descent downwards. Time moved slowly for Kanan, he began to reach out to Hera's upper arms, and began to switch positions with her. Knowing now that he will take the blow of the impact, he exhaled, and closed his eyes.

The others looked down into darkness, unable to see they were alright. Another bolt of lightning shot across the sky, filling the scene with light. They saw Hera, trying to check the pulse of a motionless Kanan Jarrus. She looked up at the others, and with tears in her eyes, she cried out. "Help him!"

Zeb and Ezra, with Hera at the bottom tried to get Kanan up over the ledge, Sabine frantically searched for Medical supplies, while Chopper began assembly one of the emergency blankets and glow lamp for heat.

They were able to get Kanan and Hera over the ledge and into the cave. The crew stood anxiously as Sabine hooked up some of the equipment on Kanan, and waiting for the readings to come in. Ezra looked at Hera, she wore dread and sadness on her face, as if she was solely responsible for it.

The results showed up on the medical Datapad, "He has a concussion, there are small breaks in his back, but a bacta stem should accelerate the healing process." Sabine was somber as she delivered the news. Chopper rushed to the first aid kit and pulled out one of the bacta stems. Sabine assisted the droid as the healing property was injected into Kanan.

All the while Hera held on to her Jedi's hand.

"Kanan." She uttered.

"Kanan."

"Caleb?" a young voice whispered.

"Caleb?" it called out again, only this time a little clearer.

"Caleb!" It shouted, followed by a case of soft materials hitting a still weary Caleb Dume in the face.

"Hey, Hey! I'm awake." He responded, trying to push the pillow away from his face.

"Don't you remember what today is?"

The young padawan tried to remember, its been a while since he and his master had been to the front, but there was no advance warning of re-deployment, but then he realized. Master Yoda was teaching some of the padawans and younglings today.

"Oh!" exclaimed the young padawan, bolting up from his bed to get dress.

Eventually he made his way towards one of the training rooms. Where master Yoda spoke, surrounded by Younglings, Padawans, and their Masters. "In the Force, A Jedi can find peace in a galaxy in turmoil."

Caleb tried to shimmy his way though the small gathering, over towards his master, Depa Billaba. The Jedi Master noticed her Padawan sneaking his way to her side, she gave a smile, not turning her gaze from Master Yoda. "You're late."

Caleb tried to lean in and stand on his toes, trying to get in a good whispering range of Master Billaba without interrupting Master Yoda. "I guess I kind of forgotten how soft the beds here in the temple are, Master."

They both quietly laughed to themselves, before honing their attention back towards Master Yoda. "In the force, balance there is, be in the light the Jedi must, tread the line we cannot."

One of the elevators opened, but rather then hearing the soft footsteps of regular Jedi boots. They all heard the tapping of metal and the rustling of fabric on the temple floor, and the cries of a Neimoidians. "Please, I beg of you, stop dragging me!"

The spiritual and enlightening mood of the morning was swept away, as a Jedi Master dragged an alien in clothes embezzled with Separatist alliance Logos across the marble flooring. Caleb has seen many Jedi Masters walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple before, but this one was different. He wore bandalores of energy cells, carried two blaster pistols on his belt along with his lightsaber, and a customized blaster rifle on his back. He also has a cheery and optimistic expression displayed on his face.

The Jedi Master looked towards Master Yoda, and Master Windu, and spoke while Grinning. "I'm now thinking the Trade Federation is more involved with the separatists then we last thought." He then scanned the crowed of Jedi till he found the face he was looking for. "Master Kenobi, I owe you a few drinks at Dex's now."

A light flutter of laughter filled the room, The Temples guard came in to take custody of the prisoner. Mace Windu came up next to Yoda and declared aloud. "Follow the rules, you'll become a Jedi Master. Try to teeter on the line of obedience and rebellion, you become a Master Khan."

Master Khan threw up his arms. "What are you talking about? We won that battle."

Master Yoda was not amused. "Leveled a building you did."

Khan pointed at Master Yoda. "That cut off the Droids reinforcements and armor support."

Windu leaned in more displeased. "There could have been Civilians inside."

Khan lifted his figure. "But there wasn't. Bio-scans were negative."

Master Windu gave a sigh. "We need to talk, in the council chambers."

Mace began to walk with Master Khan, but before he left the room, He called out over his shoulders. "Just let me know when you want to go to Dex's, Master Kenobi."

Caleb was unsure what just happened, he looked up to his master, she a smile on her face, with a bit of blush on it as well. "Master Bellaba, who was that?"

She quickly tried to wipe the emotion from her face and answered her curious padawan. "That was Master Jon Khan. He was made a Master after his died at the first battle of Geonosis, he saved countless other Jedi that day. I think you've met his padawan Anise I'zak a few times before."

He recalled seeing the Teenager wander the halls of the Temple, now he can tell where she got her attitude and possibly her explicit language from.

Bellaba continued. "I've known Master Khan for quite some time now. It's been a while since we last saw each other, perhaps we can give him some assistance."

She began to walk towards the elevators. Caleb hustled to catch up to her. He saw the floor selection she had chosen, the council chambers.

He spoke in soft opposition. "Wouldn't Master Yoda and Master Windu deny you entry? It sounded serious."

Bellaba chuckled. "It's my master, if there is someone he has to blame for my actions, look no further than the man who trained me."

Master Windu looked over the Holopad. "This is no longer effective Master Khan; your forces have done far too much damage and has racked up expenses to the limits. We'll have to order you to disband your irregulars and take command of a Clone Battalion."

Master Khan stood boldly. "I understand your frustration, but my men are taking down ten times the Clankers than Master Skywalker's 501st does, with far less casualties than any other force within the republic Military, and I'm counting Senate Commandos."

Windu put down the Holopad and leaned forward in his chair. "The Republic is in far too much debt to continue to pay your private forces. If you consider…"

Khan's positive attitude was overtaken by a compassionate opposition, when he leaned in, spoke softer and boldly to Master Windu. "How is it that I can pay my men, with money they send back to care for their families, when we have no idea what we are going to do with these legions of Clones after the war? I have been told that Clones are questioning their purpose in and after this war already. My irregulars know what they are fighting for, and they already have a life they can return to once this war is over."

Master Yoda leaned back into his seat and thought. "Correct, Master Khan is. Continue the funding of his Irregulars, we shall."

Master Windu eased off. The doors opened, Master Bellaba, Caleb Dume, and Khan's Padawan I'zak walked though.

Khan smiled as the three walked in, declaring his victory aloud. "Welp, guess I was right again."

Padawan I'zak and Master Bellaba laughed slightly, but Caleb still did not understand the humor Master Khan had.

Master Windu was not as mad as he seemed. But he spoke. "We were just about to call for you two."

Master Bellaba and Caleb looked at each other with a bit of confusion before looking back at the two Masters.

Yoda switched on the Hologram, of one of the outer rim worlds "To Dantooine, all of you must go."

Master Bellaba was confused. "Master Yoda, I thought we we're being sent to Mygeeto?"

Yoda turned towards the window, with sadness in his voice. "Captured the planet, General Grievous has. Liberate the world we must before moving on to Mygeeto."

Master Khan butted in. "Masters, with do respect, I'm from Dantooine, normally a Jedi is not allowed to return to their home worlds, why send me?"

Mace Windu answered. "You're the only other Jedi available to assist. And we know for sure you'll be extra cautious not to level any buildings while you're there."

Hera was still by Kanan's side, trying to put some drinking water into his mouth. Ezra stood by Hera and tried to comfort her. "Don't worry, Kanan is strong, he'll pull though. Come, join us for dinner."

Hera stayed close by, turning her head on occasion, Zeb passed Hera a bowl full of soup. She slowly ate, but glanced over, she was sometimes drawn to the glowing light of the compass they had received from the wizards a week earlier.

Everyone noticed how tense and nervous Hera was. Even Chopper was trying to get under Hera's arm, acting like a small animal to calm her nerves down.

Suddenly, Hera began to burst into tears. Ezra tried to pat her on the back. "It's not your fault, don't blame yourself."

She began to calm down, then amidst the sound of the storm, and the occasional sniff and sob, she heard Kanan's voice, though it was soft, and they could not make it out.

The others put down their soup and came to came to Kanan's side. He kept uttering the same words, but it was still far to quiet to make it out. Sabine smiled. "He's going to make it."

Hera gently Kissed Kanan's forehead, and he continued to utter.

"They're in the tall grass." He silently uttered

"They're in the tall grass."

Another bolt of lighting illuminated the sky outside the cave, and a loud clash of thunder erupted like an explosion.

"They're in the tall grass!" Shouted a clone.

The four Jedi exited the LAAT Gunships, deflecting blaster bolts coming their way.

Master Bellaba shouted "Commander Grey, get your troops down! Captain Styles, with Dume!"

The clones obeyed the order directly. Master Khan turned his lightsaber off and pulled his rifle out and began firing at the droids showing though the grass. The two Jedi master's hid themselves behind a small bluff of dirt. Khan popping out to take some potshots at some of the droids. "I think they're taking cover in that farm over there, maybe it's a command post even." He said.

Suddenly, their attention turned to two of Khan's irregulars who were setting up a rocket launcher. "We're not leveling buildings today!" he shouted.

His men vented a little but complied with the order. Bellaba went to her Commlink. "Caleb, are you in position?"

"We're ready, on your go." He replied.

She turned to Master Khan once we've taken out the droids in that barn, you charge the center, I have the left flank, my padawan has the right." Master Khan grinned and Shook Depa's hand. "Good luck."

Depa then shouted into her commlink. "Now!"

The two emerged in synchronization and began blocking incoming blaster bolts and covering their clones as they approached the barn. Then, they leapt high in the air and chose their targets, an unsuspecting B1 Battle Droid, and one that saw them coming.

"Uh It is raining Jedi!" the droid blurted out.

The other responded "Raining Jedi? Jedi can't fly-" only to be cut off by Master Bellaba's Lightsaber.

Khan turned to his men. "They go it covered."

Anise raised her lightsaber. "Forward!"

The irregulars began to charge, the droids attempted to hold their ground but were cut down by blaster fire from three directions. Suddenly from the barn, Commando droids burst out and began to attack Caleb and some of his clones. One of them knocked the young padawan to the ground as it raised its Vibrosword to try to kill the boy, Anise jumped behind the droid and was able to chop up the droid first with her lightsaber, she reached out of Caleb's hand. "You okay kid-"

She suddenly felt a violent push on her back. "Frak!" she cursed as she fell down on top of Caleb. A super battle droid had pushed her down and was taking aim at the two padawans on the ground. "Oh frell!" She cussed again.

Suddenly, a green lightsaber blade pieced the super, as it fell to the ground, Master Bellaba looked upon the two padawans, but then fixed her eyes on Anise. "You better hope my Padawan does not learn any new vocabulary on this mission, or you and I are going to have a long conversation."

Padawan I'zak scratched her head and tucked it down. "Sorry."

The two padawans were helped up back on their feet, they looked as the clones and Khan's irregulars finished the sweep of the farm, Commander Grey was satisfied with super low casualties they took and gave the order. "Alright, we're done here, we are to move on the nearby city. There the droids have set up a anti orbital cannon that will shoot our ships to pieces, as well as a communications relay that is jamming all transmissions. Both must be neutralized, or we will never see Mygeeto. Move out!"

The column of clones, irregulars, and jedi continued to march down the dirt roads. Caleb was taking the time to get to know Khan and the long friendship he had with his master. "And I kid you not, when she woke up, the snake had already tangled itself in her hair."

Caleb busted out in laughter. Once he had finished, Khan began to tell another story. "You know, before Master Windu got all strict on teachings, we would pull some jokes on him two, once we rigged his lightsaber to shock the whole frame if he tried to activate it, it was Depa's idea actually."

Master Bellaba leaned in toward Anise. "Maybe we can exchange you and Caleb for a day."

A man started rushing down the road, he was one of master Khan's Irregulars. He made his way next to them and began to walk at their pace. "Sir, the city has little to no defensive perimeters around it, but the droids are hiding their numbers and their tanks withing the confines of the city. As far as I can tell there's no way to reach that anti orbital cannon and the relay without bumping into a platoon of droids."

Khan began to think. "It must be a super tactical droid; they've re-positioned their troops to adjust for our attack."

Caleb. "So, how do we take out that cannon and liberate the town."

I'zak straighten up with a stroke of genius. "Wait, what if we take the relay first, If I can access the system, I could send a shutdown order to all the droids. Then we can make our way to the cannon and knock it out of commission."

Bellaba nodded. "they're expecting a large force, they won't be ready for four Jedi."

John turned towards one of his men. "We'll be doing a stealth mission, Jedi only. You take the clones and cause a distraction just on the outskirts, refrain from using explosives but make the droids think they are under attack. Let everyone know."

Blaster fire rained from the nearby bluff near the city. One of the battle droids turned to its superior. "It looks like the clones and a few insurgents have begun the engagement outside the city. Should we send some droids out to eliminate them."

The super tactical droid looked at the blaster fire down below. "No, this attack his highly illogical for the record of Depa Bellaba. She is always at the front, with her troops in frontal assaults, and those insurgents are Jon Khan's Irregulars, they have made no clear notion to advance or use long range explosives." The droid looked longer at the battle outside. "command all the droids in that sector to return fire but keep all other droids in their area and place them on high alert."

"Roger, roger." the droid replied.

The four Jedi hopped over the roads and alley ways by rooftop jumping over small positions of droids, till they reached the communications relay. The defenses overwhelming, tanks, rows of droids of every model, and no way to tell what they could expect on the inside.

Bellaba turned to the others. "There's far too many of them, is there another way in?"

"I don't see one" Caleb said.

Khan had an idea come to mind. "I'll draw off as many as I can, Anise, you go with the others, this is something I'll do alone."

Caleb reached of for Jon's hand as he attempted to walk away. "What if we can't find you once this all though."

Jon spoke reassuringly. "Caleb, I know you can find me. Trust in the force."

Caleb let go and watched as the Jedi Master stood in the road, in plain view. Master Khan ignited his lightsaber and swung it over his head. "Hey Droids!" he shouted. All the battle droid's attention was drawn directly on him, he then shouted, "Your Mother had an 8-bit hard drive, and your Father crashes when I ask it to perform a second task!"

"Hey, that mean." Called out one of the droids

The one standing next to it pushed it on the back, "You circuit head, that's the Jedi. Blast him!"

The droids began to open fire, Master Khan deactivated his lightsaber and pulled out his blaster pistols, and began firing back on the droids, he was hoping he would take the majority, but to his astonishment and horror, he drew all of them away from their posts towards him.

He began to run down the street. When the coast was clear, the three Jedi dashed towards the relay center. Once inside, they found the central unit, only being manned by four B1 Battle droids.

"Hey, how did you get in here?" One of the droids asked.

His only response was to be cut up by Caleb's lightsaber. Anise took the command chair and began searching for the right command and frequency. "I almost have it." She declared. Suddenly, the Super Tactical Droid entered the room. "Surrender Jedi, if you do not comply, I will destroy this relay and you along with it."

The saw the droids hand hover over a button on its wrist, if it pressed it, the whole relay would blow. Master Bellaba though, then she looked towards the droid, she spoke with a tone of guile in her words. "Do it, you'll only fail your mission."

The droid looked directly at the Jedi Master. "Your logic does not compute."

She leaned in. "Your mission is to protect this place from us, the Jedi, is that correct?"

"Affirmative." The droid replied.

"But your primary mission is to defend the anti-orbital defense cannon AND the relay. If you press that button, you succeed at one mission, but fail the other two."

The droid began to process "The logic is valid, I cannot destroy you without destroying the station, If I did the Separatists will lose the relay. Conflict in error detected, time needed to recalculate-"

Anise pressed a button on the relays control module. "This should give you plenty of time to think it over." She exclaimed.

The red eyes of the droid powered off, and it began to slouch forward. Droids across the city powered down. On the outskirts the men and clones cheered. "Forward!" one shouted.

Caleb followed a trail of shot droids, till he came across an area where they all shutdown, he heard music coming from one of the Cantina's. He peeked his head though, only master Khan was in the room. Master Khan noticed Caleb walked in. "Took you long enough, have a seat kid, I'll try to find some Moof juice, or blue milk."

Caleb sat down at the Cantina bar counter. Master Khan was able to find some Moof juice, he poured a glass for the young Padawan, Caleb reached out and began to drink.

"This is the second theater you've been in, huh kid?" Khan asked

Caleb looked perplexed at the term. Jon corrected himself. "Sorry, theater is military lingo for the place apart of the war takes place in, like we're in the outer rim theater."

Caleb looked back at his drink, "Yeah, Mygeeto will be my third."

Khan looked up at a mural of stars on the ceiling, "The galaxy is so big, and I end up right here where I was born, I'm surprised I haven't ran into any relatives or something. But this war will be over soon, and I intend to explore every star out there. Maybe if Depa approves, she and you can tag along."

Caleb looked up at the ceiling, at all the stars. "How do people not get lost in such a big galaxy."

Khan laughed, "Because there are two things that save someone out there, knowing that there are people who love them, and that the people who love them are looking for them."

Master Bellaba and Padawan I'zak entered the room. "Are you two boys done filling your guts yet?" Bellaba asked.

Jon raised his glass. "There's plenty of drinks behind the counter if you want some two."

I'zak shrugged. "The fleet heading for Mygeeto will be here in an hour to pick us up, I guess we have time for a drink."

Jon smiled as he pulled out more drinking cups from behind the counter. "A toast, to this happy family." He shouted.

The gunships were being loaded with the irregulars and the clones from Bellaba's unit. Khan was in the middle of a conversation with the troops and Bellaba "I'll fly escort and divert their space forces; we'll be aided by some Mandalorian I hear."

Caleb let out a loud yawn. Everyone stared at him. "Sorry, it's been a long a long day."

Bellaba went to Caleb's side. "It's okay, I'll help you to your quarters, just get rest for now, and when you're ready, wake up."

The young Caleb Dume closed his eyes, peacefully.

"Wake up." he heard.

"Wake up."

Kanan opened his eyes, he felt as though he had not moved, suddenly he was hugged by Hera. "You're okay, I'm so sorry."

Sabine exclaimed. "Careful, he could still be healing"

Zeb held out his hand. "How many figures am I holding up."

Chopper rolled right up to Kanan and softly nudged against him.

But Kanan looked at Ezra. "How long was I out for?"

"About a day." He responded softy.

Kanan sat up. "Master Khan told me there are two things that save someone when they are lost, knowing that there are people who love them, and that the people who love them are looking for them. We are those people who love him and looking for him."

Kanan got up on his feet, declining any assistance from Zeb or Hera.

He looked out the cave. He could tell it had just stop raining. The sun broke through the clouds and shined on the valley. Zeb squinted his eyes. "Look, there's the road."

Kanan pulled out the Compass, it was pulsing faster and faster.

The others began to stand side by side to Kanan, as they watch the sun rise on the horizon.

Automobiles drove past each other on a busy puddle filled street, one of the buildings was a tavern and inn, inside a man was sitting at the bar looking down at his drink, he felt something come over him, he did not turn his head but he perked up all of a sudden, straightening his posture, and sharply but silent asked himself. "Caleb?"