Disclaimer: All characters and locations that have being in books, movies, comics belong to
George, Si and Cobh and tena are mine. I have just reformatted it.
Note: This is the second part to my first fanfic. Please, please review.
Its set 9 years before TPM. Stratus is 18 and Cirrus is 2.
Further note: Stratus is not going to end up Mara Jades Mother.hehe
PART TWO
A young lady walked into the waiting area from landing deck 14.Her long
black hair was slightly braided at the front and the rest was loose, gliding
softly behind her as she walked."Stratus!" an excited voice exclaimed.Stratus
eyes turned a deeper, warmer shade of green.
Smiling she turned towards the voice. The two girls hugged and then stood
apart from each other.
"Its fantastic to see you again,why didn't you come sooner like when I first
asked? What was your journey like? Did you get to sleep at all. I feel like
I haven't seen you in 3 years" Sares words all came out of a rush.
"Maybe that's because you haven't seen me for four years Stratus laughed.
I didn't get to much sleep but that didn't bother me, I had some loose ends
to tie up. In fact she had some big loose ends to tie up. She had to contact
Dalen at the Organisation to tell her what was going on.
When she informed Dalen that she was going to Crousaut she wasn't what
you would called pleased but thankfully she understood.
Dusan! I really should have told her to meet me here; damn there's nothing
I can do about it now.
Stratus slowly tuned herself back into the conversation. This was her
first time on Coruscant and she could already tell that she did not like it.
It was just one huge city, the whole planet. How the people could stick it
was beyond her.
"I know I hated the place too when I first came here, said Sare, its
alright now, the Temple has some lovely gardens and the people are generally
friendly, well some anyway."
Stratus tried not to laugh at that remark since she knew why Sare said that,
one certain Pilot had not paid any attention to Sare and she was left
mortally wounded.
"Never mind about those people then, I presume you get on well with the
others," Stratus looked at her slyly.
Sare rolled her eyes at her friend," come on, I presume you want to find
out where you're staying and get a tour of the Temple"
"Yes, that I think will be the best part."
Sare misinterpreted what Stratus was saying and shook her head, believe me
all those guys are just into the "force" none of them are available."
"I don't mind Stratus said lightly, they are not exactly what I'm looking
for.
Sare tried as inconspicuously as possible to distance herself from Stratus
.Woah as she changed a lot since I seen her last, she thought. She should
get on well with Tara though.
They walked through the servants hallways to get to Sares quarters. These
hallways weren't lavishly painted and were dimly lit Stratus noted. It had a
very simple layout. I wonder if the Temple is like this, she snorted,I doubt
it she muttered under her breath."
Walking towards them a Jedi Master and his pawdawan were discussing the
details of there next mission. Suddenly something caused the Master to look
up. At first all he noticed was the young servant girl Are with whom he was
aquatinted and then he noticed her slightly taller friend, who was walking
beside her.
"Hello Sare," he said lightly.
"Oh hello, Jedi Master Cobh, Sare spoke quickly from being startled and she
curtseyed politely as it was customary for the servants to do. However, he
noticed that her friend was not startled and just gave him a quick
acknowledging bow of the head, her eyes never leaving his face.
This is my friend Stratus, from my home world, she is staying with me for
a while."
"Pleasure to meet you Stratus" She gave him a small smile. I'll bet she
thought.
"This is my pawdawan Si-Xia Teh"
Stratus looked him over the same way she had Master Cobh, assessing him. So
this is what my sister will become if she is let change. Suddenly she felt a
slight prod and instantly she guarded her mind.
Master Cobh felt the subtle change in her emotions and reached out with
the force to her mind, as soon as he tried that he found that it was blocked
.Not entirely blocked that it was noticeable but just certain areas. He felt
someone watching him and when he looked up he found himself once again under
Stratus eyes. He forced himself to look away for it was if her eyes were
searching his very being, it was unnerving.
Bidding their good days the Jedi Master and Pawdawan moved. Further on
down the hallway, Sej-xia remarked "Do you think that she is a force
sensitive?"
"You noticed it too then? I'm not sure there is something but what."
"It was nearly like been under a spotlight when she gazed at me Si-teh
continued on, like she was searching for something"
"Or someone, Cobh added, never mind we will have the time between our next
mission to understand this enigma.
Stratus gazed after the retreating back," "there, see how you like it
she murmured."
"What did you say Strat?" Sare looked expectantly at her.
"Oh sorry I was just noticing how interesting people they seem to be"
Are agreed readily hearted with her," Yes espesonaly Master Cobh."
Stratus gave her a wide grin and a look that said oh I see but before she
could ask any question she was dragged half way down the hall into Sares
apartment.
Yes, yes said Master Yoda, very good.
The two-year-old looked up at him with her hand out "Yoga."
Yoda frowned No say what you said a moment ago YoDA , emphasising the da.
Tena Kan looked at him confused "Yoga?"
One of the nursery teachers chose at that moment to come along. "Come along
Tena time for your nap."
Tena put her arms up and let herself be carried of with the rest. A fleeting
image came to her mind of another person carrying her but that was just as
quickly forgot as last months fall.
Yoda turned his head at the soft rustling of robes, he seen the newly
elected council member Mace Windu. Mace gave him a short bow and turned to
see what Yoda was looking at.
"She is strong is she not? "asked Yoda
Mace agreed with him "yes but there is something more that I don't
understand"
Yoda nodded his head and after a pause spoke. "Reveal all answers, time will"
Then the two turned away and walked slowly back to the Jedi Council.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CHAPTER 3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So far she had shopped, walked all over Coruscant at least 20 times but
still no Tour of the Jedi temple and no sign of Cirrus. Also that infuriating Jedi
Master called nearly every day to "inquire" how she was enjoying Coruscant.
She had no peace when he was around and had to politely side step such
conversations as to what part of her home world she lived on. No connection
between her and Cirrus could be made. Still after the week she had found out
one thing. They were no longer calling her Cirrus. Stratus had found that
out by accessing the Jedi Database. A little know how could get you a long
way.
As she walked she found herself in the royalty section of the Building.
It was lavishly designed with Royal blues, green, golds and reds. She let
her hand trail along the wall and stopped. She had heard a sound coming
from one of the rooms. This time she listened harder, straining her hearing
so she could get everything, it sounded like muffled thumps and screams. You
think here, she thought viciously, that they would have better security.
She contemplated calling Security, better something than nothing but then
hearing a muffled Blaster shot she thought better of it.
Well I can't go in there like this she murmured, with a quick wave of
her hand she changed .Her clothes became replaced with midnight blue apparel
and a black cloak three quarter Cloak was on one shoulder. It all allowed
for a lot of movement and also she wouldn't be too recognisable.
"Don't you just love illusion" she said to no one in particular and went in.
There was a layer of smoke everywhere and her eyes started to sting. No
fire, she mused, smoke bomb .She had to be quick, seeing two handmaidens
already on the floor she made her way to the main chamber.Knocking
tentatively on the door she called "Your highness, is everything alright?"
Hearing movement inside she was positive that they were holding her prisoner
in there.
Get rid of her quick one of the men hissed nudging a Blaster into the
small of the princess's Back.
"She did not know this voice but hoped it would help her, "yes Teka she
called everything's fine,
I was just opening the window for some fresh air.
"Oh okay your majesty"
They could hear the footsteps retreating back.
Stratus took a few steps back and looked round her, there had to be
another way in, then she noticed the handmaiden's bathroom she walked
carefully in, taking her Blaster out of its holster. Great, there's another
door into the room. Taking a deep breath she braced herself for in case she
was caught. Bursting into the room she stunned one man as he spun round.
The other grabbed the Princess, holding her at gunpoint.
"Don't make any false mores or else"he threatened.
Stratus nodded, she worth more to you alive than dead she reminded him and I
'm sure you don't Want to shoot her or me, Stratus's voice became suggestive
. Put the gun down she said smoothly.
The man wavered, unsure of what to do. He hesitated. That was all she
needed, she sprung towards him. With a chop of the hand she knocked it out
of his hand and pinned him against the wall. Her green eyes were dark and
dangerous,
"On my planet Kidnapping is punishable by death" she said in the most
menacing tone.
Approaching footsteps indicated that security was coming, pulling him
away from the wall she handed him to the Jedi, "well that's my planet lets
see what they do to you here" she said in feigned cheerfulness.
Then as quickly as she came she left.
Out of the corner of his eye, one of the Jedi, Master Cobh, noticed the
young woman in the the blue apparel leaving. She looks familiar he thought.
Even though he had only seen her briefly he would recognise her anywhere.
But why was she dressed up in that strange get up. He decided not to tell
his Pawdawan this and went to pay a visit to Stratus.
Ch4
Stratus walked as quickly as possible to the apartment without causing
any attention to herself. Collapsing into the couch she let out a sigh of
relief. Using illusion had drained her a lot more than usual. She shook her
head trying to clear her brain, which was getting foggy.A low knocking
snapped her out of it. "Dashant, Who the heck is it now "she cursed.
"Yes? she called, hold on a minute" She had a bad feeling she knew already
who it was.
She forced herself to get off the couch and move dearily towards the door.
Opening it she scowled at the sight of the Jedi Master.
"Sare's not here"
"I know, I wanted to see you."
Stratus grimaced and then ushered him inside. Of all the time he had to come
, why now?
Cobh stepped past her in to the apartment; it was sparsely decorated with
minimum furniture but in its simplicity it was comfortable and homely. It
had soft lightening casting a gentle glow over the place.
He felt slight animosity radiating from her but he couldn't understand
why. She sat down and indicated for him to do the same. He watched her
movements and could see that they were sluggish. After offering him a drink,
she poured him out a glass of Naboo mountain water.
"Doesn't quite have the same kick as Corellian Brandy but it will do the
trick" she drank hers slowly, savouring the cool water.
Revitalised her eyes took on a brighter shade of green, her burning gaze
soon settled upon Master Cobh as she waited for him to speak. Cobh stared
into silence noticing that her sense was no longer drowsy, it was sharp and
had a cool edge to it. He found himself wishing he had spoke earlier, while
she was still drowsy. He had a feeling Stratus would have been easier
to convince and find out why she was here.
Bringing himself back to look into her eyes, he braced himself. Her
stance was relaxed but still defensive, she sat with her legs crossed and
her arms loosely folded. Her eyes still questioned him all he had to do was
answer them. That was the hard part.
Cobh took one more drink of water and then found his voice and forced in
to speak without faltering.
"Sare told me about your predicament he began. Stratus senses suddenly
flared," could he know, she thought, how did Sare know? Her mind was in a
whirl and she tried to calm it.
"She can't get to time to show you round the Jedi Temple so I came to offer
my services".
Damn! Sare, not the Jedi, how can I search for Cirrus if I'm with a Jedi?
"Thank you, I would like that" she replied coolly, hoping it would not sound
sarcastic.
Her sense had calmed again and Cobh got the precise feeling that he was not
the type of guide she was looking for. Still it would give him a chance to
see what she was really like and to figure her out.
I must be going now Cobh started, I have prior arrangements with my Pawdawan
, a sparring lesson, and he has not yet learned patience.
Stratus nodded and favoured him with a thin smile. Showing him to the
door she thanked him again. She watched him walk down the hallway and after
he had gone a small distance she closed the door had half collapsed down on
it.
Damn! Dashant, Streng, Darun, Sischun! Stratus let out a string of curses,
not caring if the walls were thin or not. Things were getting way out of
hand. The sooner she got her sister and got out of here the better. Deciding
to use her better judgement, Stratus put a call through to Dalen.
*******************CHP 5 The Next Day
Stratus tucked a strand of hair behind her face and scanned the crowd
for Master Cobh. She sighed impatiently, he was late and she wasn't early.
Suddenly he was beside her, Stratus didn't let her shock register and turned
to him calmly. Cobh forced himself not to grin. He had picked up on her
surprise and her quickly changing sense. He then found her sense guarded
again. Never of standby he thought. He was going to solve this enigma.
The Jedi looked at her with a calm serene face. Can't they show any
other emotion? Stratus thought bitterly. She glanced round at her
surroundings mentally preparing herself for when she would have to come back
at night. She wished she had her night visor with her so she could see what
the place looked like at night but she thought that even to the Jedi that
would look strange, anyway she doubted Cobh would buy her story.
Cobh studied her face as much as possible without her noticing. Not much
seemed to faze her. When he was a Pawdawan and made take officials on tours
of the temple, it usually produced more of reaction. Stratus seemed just to
take it in without commenting or facial expression.
"If you have any questions about areas in the temple or the Jedi just ask,
he stated."Turning to look at him she answered "Don't worry I will"
During the tour, Cobh pointed out the architecture and Stratus commented on
it, sometimes her answer was full of approval other times, more often than
good it was bad. She could not seem to understand why it needed to be so
majestically built." Less is often more she remarked.
Cobh couldn't understand her; it was as if she had something personally
against the Jedi and everything connected with the Jedi. Stratus looked up at
one of the huge spires around the Temple.
"What are their use?" she asked indicating the Spires.
Cobh looked up, The Jedi council Chamber meets in one of the outer spires
and some have their apartments in the Spires. He paused this place is really
a Jedi sanctuary.
Stratus nodded her understanding and they walked on into one of the
buildings. Cobh had decided to bring her to bring her where the young children
would play and begin their training, hopefully it would help her see what
they were really like.
Stratus paused as they entered the garden like structure, "its beautiful
she murmured,reaching out with her hand to touch one of the plants. It
reminded her of her home planet.Birds and other creatures chirruped and Cobh
felt Stratus relax and become more at ease.Leading her to one of the many
rock pools he decided now was the time to tell her.
"I seen you coming out of the Princess's chamber he stated. What were you
doing there? He asked this even though he knew the answer.
Stratus relaxed stance vanished and she became as tense and guarded as ever.
She turned to him, controlling her features but her eyes betrayed her worry
at been found out.
"Are you sure it was me?" she asked, it was a question without any conviction
behind it.
"Positive, Cobh responded confidently, you're kind of hard to forget.
Stratus grimaced she knew she should have wore her veil as well as her cloak. She stood up
ready to leave when he caught her arm.
"I know you are not a threat to the Princess but your not leaving till you
tell me who you are and what you are."
Stratus stared at him "Don't count on it. I do the impossible. There was
no hiding the veiled threat in her words. But still Cobh remained unfazed; he
had obviously struck a chord with her.
She sighed and broke her arm free and the looked at him pointedly; "you
know who I am but what I am, is a different matter".
Even though he could feel no danger emitting from her he still had to be
prepared for anything she could throw at him. "I'm not a threat to the you
but I am part of the Kyantara organisation. Cobh looked blank for a moment,
he recognised the name but it had no meaning for him. Then he realised what
she was saying, she was part of a group who were known for their efficiency
and been able to appear and disappear out of thin air.
Stratus turned away from him to a noise she had a heard. Looking in the
general direction of the noise, she gasped as she came face to face with
Cirrus. She was shocked finally she had found the two year old, her sister.
Cirrus looked up at the woman looking down at her and smiled. Images came
rushing back to her mind of watching holo videos with another person,a person
she had knew as Mommy. Cirrus lip began to tremble and she reached out to
Stratus, who then picked her up.
*************Chap 6
Yoda looked up suddenly; he felt the ripple in the force, that strange
feeling he had got before while he was with Windu. A few of the other council
members looked around also. It was nearby and had got stronger.
"Come said Yoda, find this we must. He chose Mace Windi and Ki-Adi-Mundi
to come with him. The two rose and went in search of this ripple. They found
themselves walking in the direction of the garden. Yoda frowned "There
children are" They quicked their pace but such that it would not be noticeable.
As the entered Yoda saw Tena Kan, one of his most gifted Students being
held by a stranger,the stranger who was causing the ripples in the force. He
frowned as he saw Master Cobh nearby.
"Why have you brought her here" Yoda demanded and was answered with a
slightly confused look.
"Expect more of Masters we do."
Stratus answered for him" he did not bring me here she answered coolly, I
came here myself to bring my sister home. As she said that Yoda saw the
resemblance in their senses.
"You do not need to fear me she continued I found what I was looking for and
now I'm bringing her back with me." As a show of her intentions she let her
guard now of her mind.
"She needs to go home."
"Trained be she must" Yoda stated.
Stratus agreed with him, she will be just not with the Jedi.
Cobh had prodded her mind and asked "By you?"
Stratus shook her head no not by me if she wants when she is 13 she will
be trained by the Aiing-Ti monks. Mace went to say something but she stopped.
I've already asked, they said they will. The Ainng-Ti monks were virtually
unknown and rarely made their presence known. They taught a different aspect
of the force.
Yoda nodded trained she shall be by them but how I tell the other Council
Members I know not.
Stratus smiled, your going home to your Mommy Cirrus, Cirrus beamed back
at her, she had missed her Mommy.
The three council members moved on their robes rustling. Cirrus looked
after them and called out Bye, Bye Yoda. Yoda's ears went up and he turned
round and smiled.
"Bright is she"
Cobh looked at Stratus, shook his head and walked away. Stratus thoughts
didn't even flinch, she was long used to people doing that when they didn't
understand.
Stratus embraced her friend Dalen; she had earlier said goodbye to Sare
and had thankedher for letting her stay, Sare remarked that it must not be as
long a wait until she sees her again.
"Lady Dalen the pilot called your transport is ready when you are.
"Come on Stratus the sooner we get of this planet the better."
Stratus nodded and looked round her one last time at the place, a familiar
sight caught her eye. Cobh, she hadn't really expected him to come.
"I just have to say goodbye to someone and she walked towards Cobh. He met
her halfway.
"Why didn't you tell me? he started, because I'm a Jedi?"
Stratus sighed" partially, in my line of work you learn only to trust who
you really know and then you only tell them a little. I was not about to
compromise getting Cirrus back by telling you"
"Why?" he asked." At least if you let Tena be trained you would have reason
to come back here"She smiled, "Cirrus she corrected because I know the rules
I wouldn't get to see her until she was finished her training or when she was
13 when she returned to strangers.She shook her head in exasperation
"I can't make you begin to understand you have lived your whole life as a
Jedi."
Then stepping forward she reached forward to kiss him but then stopped.
Knowing her intentions Cobh took the initiative and kissed her lightly.
Stratus let down all her guards, letting him see why she couldn't let Cirrus
train for the same reason she couldn't train. As she went to step back he
held on to her but she murmured in his ear "remember the code, for a Jedi
there is no passion ,no excitement."
Stepping back once more, she wore the same thin smile as she always did.
Regaining any composure she felt she had lost. She turned round and walked
back towards the ship. Where her friend awaited anxiously.
"Just let go she whispered". Cobh nodded his head and walked back to where
his Pawdawan awaited.
****************** Conclusion ***************
"You better spend has much time as possible with Cirrus while we are on the
ship" Dalen greeted her With." When Stratus raised her eyes inquiring. Dalen
added, "As soon as you take her back, we have to leave for our next
assignment."
"Already?" Stratus queried
"Yea, I know, we hardly got anytime off Dalen said ruefully, It's important
only we can do it, so I'm told.
"Oh ship minding, great." She was answered with a roll of the eyes.
As they set down, Stratus watched Jawkje left Cirrus up and hug her. She
waved to her Mother and
smiled. Stratus had already informed her Mother that she would be leaving
straight away.Right now she felt detached but it would be awhile before she
had time for the tears she knew would come.
The End.
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