Chapter 8
Turve was rocking back and forth on his heels as he awaited his cue behind the studio's huge stage. The hostess of the late night live show was still talking to that damn Wookiee senator and the rest of the guests were already looking bored. Including Jellan. As head of the J.A.F. MediaGroup he had felt it his duty to comment on the happenings too, as the voice of the public, so to speak. And he had asked Turve to back him up. The reporter was grinning madly to himself when he was finally waved into the spotlights. Making his way to his seat slowly Glat started fidgeting nervously and wiped a hand over his sweaty forehead. Jellan gave him a reassuring smile as he dropped down next to him.
"Mister Glat, welcome to the show," the attractive blonde hostess told him and roused a small round of applause from the audience. Turve tried to loosen his collar, but failed miserably.
"Thank you," he managed.
"Mister Glat, you have been able to follow the discussion so far from behind the stage. As an eye-witness we would like to get your view on the happenings on Nar Shadaa."
The Wookiee senator gave Turve an expectant look, daring him to say anything against his theory about the President and her grab for power. Swallowing once Turve cleared his throat, a waxen smile on his glistening face.
"Well, we all know that people learn from their mistakes and I daresay that Madam Organa Solo has certainly learned from her opponents. I need not remind you of that unfortunate affair right before the Empire and the New Republic became one. Thenpresident Borsk Fey'lya had arranged a wide-spread conspiracy to trap not only Organa Solo, but also her father. It nearly worked out too."
At his side he saw Jellan flinch ever so slightly. And immediately his boss had a retort:
"But let us not forget that Lord Skywalker himself is a master of manipulations. No wonder that some of that skill rubbed off on his daughter."
"I did not say anything against that, but I do not see what she could have gained by the incident on Nar Shadaa. Only bad publicity."
"Really? She sent troops there to hunt down her father. My guess is that she wanted to prove to the public that she wasn't playing favorites," Jellan countered.
"And yet she sanctioned the trial. I believe that was convincing enough."
"Maybe it was her who sent this Jixton to free her father, who knows?"
"Who knows indeed," Turve smiled slowly. "I for one, know for certain that Wrenga Jixton obeys just one man, if at all, and that man is Anakin Skywalker."
"And what does that prove?"
"That Jixton came to the Dark Lord on his own, for his own purposes."
"What purpose?" Jellan almost snarled.
Spreading his arms in an appeasing gesture Turve shrugged once.
"I guess it has to do with the incidents back on Ryloth shortly before the battle of Endor. Reportedly the heads of a slave trader ring were assassinated back then."
"That is hardly news," Jellan snorted.
"Indeed. Strangely enough one of these allegedly murdered slave traders made a commentary on the current situation just an hour ago on the special report of Coruscant Daily."
"What?"
Turve grinned at his boss' frozen expression: "I have done my homework, you know? This Doctor Loaz is not unknown. He has just been conveniently forgotten."
"Mister Glat," the hostess began, uncertainty tingeing her voice: "What are you saying?"
"I am saying that a Cellcorp official spoke against a government that is threatening to take a closer look at his facilities. At the same time that Wrenga Jixton and Anakin Skywalker have been reported missing on a mission to uncover some sort of conspiracy."
"They will be too late," Jellan hissed.
For a few agonizing seconds the sudden silence dragged on as the meaning of his half-whispered words sank in. Turve drew a deep, deep breath, edging a bit away from his boss instinctively.
"Mister Jellan, do you want to comment on that?" the hostess asked coolly, sensing that there was more to come. But Jellan had himself under control again and flashed her a toothy smile.
"I do not believe so. If I may excuse myself?"
"We certainly will not hold you," she told him politely and Turve jumped when Jellan rose abruptly, brushing past, his last words for the reporter's ears only:
"You are dead."
Frozen in his seat Turve gave a small sound, then forced a desperate smile on his lips. The hostess nodded at him slowly.
"Mister Glat, we would highly appreciate to hear more of that story. If you will?"
"Certainly."
Standing at the stage entrance, Gantoris was folding his arms in front of his chest with a smug expression on his weathered face. Next to him Kyp Durron was bristling with fury.
"Seems I came just in time to miss the show," Luke commented as he joined the two Jedi Knights.
"He was brilliant," Gantoris told him with a smile and nodded at Turve, who was gesturing wildly as he told his tale.
"Where is his boss?"
"Out. Undoubtedly his lawyers will try to shield him for as long as they can. And besides, these late shows usually don't have much of an audience out there."
"This one does for sure," Kyp told them with a smile.
"Well, now we certainly know who to talk to. I will ask Leia to call in with Cellcorp tomorrow to arrange a meeting with this Loaz."
"An Anzat. The judge's killer?" Kyp mused.
"Maybe."
The younger Jedi turned cool blue eyes on his master: "Do you think he was right?"
"About what?"
"When he said that we will be too late."
Luke heaved a deep sigh and closed his eyes for a moment. But he had been asking himself the same question and he owed Kyp an answer: "I am not sure. We do not know exactly what he meant, after all. Perhaps this has nothing to do with Father. "
"Master Skywalker, do you sincerely believe that?"
"No."
With his hands still holding on to her she felt his body draw away slowly.
"I have to go," he whispered.
"Will you come back?"
"I will be with you, wherever you are. You know that, don't you?"
Daala raised her head from his shoulder, trying to catch his eye.
"Ssh. Don't."
His whispered words cut into her heart cruelly as he lay a hand gently over her face, forcing her to close her eyes again. Daala felt his cool skin on her forehead, his left thumb stroking her brow slowly. He was trying to soothe her and she could feel his anguish over having to disappoint her yet again. It was as if he had read her thoughts before she had even known herself what to think. Daala's mouth worked furiously and her mind was racing, trying to come up with any possible retort that might force him to reconsider. But she knew that any attempt on her part would be futile.
"Why?" she asked at last, her voice almost too low to hear.
"This battle is not over yet."
"We can help you. Just tell me where you are."
He hesitated at first. "You cannot help me," he told her finally, making her heart clench in dread.
"Tell me where!"
"It is an experimental facility on Ylesia. But do not worry. I am prepared to fight this alone."
Daala flinched at the sheer menace in his tone. "Will you lose?"
His low chuckle sent shivers down her spine. When he bent closer she could feel his warm breath on her neck. "I never lose," he told her, his hoarse voice laced with determination and gentle reproach at her lack of faith.
And then he was gone again.
Daala sat up and stared at the viewport where the rising sun was already starting to paint the sky in orange and gold. Why did he have to torment her so? To come back here, filling her with hope, only to dissolve into a dream, a memory. She felt betrayed, in a way, not only by him, but also by herself. After all, she had let him go, she had sent him on this mission. He would have stayed here and they could have spent the time together. Thirty days with him instead of apart. I dare not return alive. Remembering the words of the ritual, she shook her head violently, sending her red mane flying. Anakin Skywalker always dared. And if he did not come back... She knew that he trusted her, trusted her strength and will to survive. Anakin did not want her to suffer and yet he was yearning for her the same way he was yearning for his freedom. He was a caged bird she had to let go once and for all.
"I love you," she said and closed her eyes as the echoes died away in the shadows.
"Brain activity is decreasing."
"Pulse and heart-beat are speeding up."
He opened his eyes slowly, the ghost of a smile on his lips and tears in his eyes. Her love and trust was all he could ask for. In the beginning he had worried about hurting Daala further, but in a way their being together one last time was his going away gift for her and a declaration of independence for both of them. She was letting him go once more and the fact itself showed Anakin that she had grown in strength too. It was cruel, in a way, but nothing could change what he felt for her, no matter what. And he sincerely hoped that she had understood that at last.
Gradually he focused his senses on the two aides who had apparently been on duty monitoring his life-signs. They were studying the readouts intently and none of them gave him a second glance. A movement to his right caught Anakin's attention and then Loaz' smiling face came into view. The Anzat's dark eyes were gleaming with hidden malice as he bent over his prisoner.
"I knew that it could not last," he purred.
Anakin almost laughed at that.
"Now, since you are so kind as to grace us with your presence again, we can finally proceed with this experiment." The doctor leaned closer and Anakin could feel him stroke the side of his neck gently. "Bring him into a vertical position," he ordered at last.
Once they were facing each other again Anakin let his eyelids flutter ever so slightly, delighting in the sudden alarm in the Anzat's eyes.
"No, you won't leave again this time. Adrenaline, fast!"
His mind dancing with the sudden rush of the artificial hormones Anakin let his eyes fly open wide, as if in surprise, but Loaz shook a finger at him playfully.
"Ah, ah," he admonished him gently with just a hint of mockery in his tone. "You are connected to sensors that allow us to interpret your nerves' activities. So you see, we will know when you are trying to give us a false reaction. A bit more cooperation please, if you will." Loaz smiled: "I believe that I shall enjoy this greatly."
This time the Dark Lord really did wheeze a short laugh. Apparently he would have to be more careful. But, on the other hand, it was just a game he was playing, stalling for time, nothing more. He knew that the Anzat wanted to uncover a way to fend off a Jedi's mind and it was amusing to see that the doctor had completely forgotten that there were other ways to get at the truth. Additionally it was against the Code to force one's way into another's thoughts without permission, as the Anzat should know. The fact that he did not seem to care convinced Anakin that Loaz did not fear the Jedi, not at all. He simply wanted a way to control them. Which was why he had resolved to break into the Dark Lord's mind by any means. Well, he could certainly try. Preparing himself for the last round, Anakin idly thought about the different ways the doctor could go about this, laying out his possible defenses and counterstrikes. As he pondered his options though, Anakin suspected that there would be surprises for both of them.
It was the next morning. Looking up from her desk Leia did not recognize her friend at first. Daala seemed so vital, much more herself than she had appeared over the past few days. There was a certain spring in her step and a sparkle in her eyes. Something had happened, that was for sure. Rising fast the Princess came around the desk to take the taller woman in a warm embrace. Daala smiled at her and returned the hug fiercely.
"Did you watch the report yesterday?" Leia asked at last. Daala nodded curtly.
"Interesting, wasn't it?" she commented and dropped into one of the visitor chairs.
"Yes. We have a few leads now. Anything you found out?"
"The Anzat, this Doctor Loaz. I think it was him who killed the judge."
Leia nodded. "Yes, but I am not sure why he would do it himself."
"There are not so many Anzati around, especially not so many assassins. In fact I know of only one, Dannik Jericho."
Leia tensed. "I have heard of him too."
"Find out where he is now. I am sure Karrde can help you. And I would advise you to talk to this Loaz."
"I have already arranged a meeting, but I am not sure if he will agree."
"Maybe you can goad him into an confession."
"It is certainly worth a try." Hesitating a bit Leia watched her friend closely. Finally, drawing a deep breath, she leaned toward her curiously: "You are so ... different today. What happened?"
The dreamy smile on Daala's lips should have prepared her for the answer, but, as it turned out, it was nothing she would ever have expected.
"Anakin came back."
"What?" Leia exclaimed, completely surprised. "How?"
The admiral grimaced slightly: "You remember when I told you that I had a dream? It was more sort of a vision. He was there, in a sense, but not really here. It is hard to explain." The happy smile suddenly blossoming on her lips made the Princess' heart leap higher. "But it was simply beautiful."
Leia felt her happiness dissolve in the icy water of her worries. She swallowed hard, then returned to her chair tiredly.
"But we do not know where he is, do we?"
"We do."
"What did he say?"
"He is still fighting."
Suddenly the door burst open and Leia jumped even more than Daala, for she had been so immersed in her own thoughts that she had not even felt her brother approach. A bad sign. He looked excited and completely undignified for a Jedi Master. And he was fairly beaming with joy.
"Luke, what happened?"
He nodded an acknowledgement at Daala first before he replied a bit breathlessly: "I felt him. Wherever he's been, he's back now."
"Who, Father? Can you contact him?"
"It is difficult, because his presence is very weak. But I will certainly try my best."
Leia could feel a sudden flash of anger from Daala, but it subsided immediately. Her brother gave the admiral a curious look, but he too understood that Daala simply did not want him to fail. He smiled a bit at the implicit threat.
"Do not worry," he told them both soothingly.
"I am not worrying," Daala huffed. "I just think that he has different plans than you."
"What do you mean?" Leia asked in bewilderment.
"It is just a feeling."
"What feeling?"
"The same you have too. He won't come back. He does not want to."
"Did he tell you?"
"In a way, yes."
Leia fell silent at that and she could see a thoughtful expression on Luke's face too. As each pondered the possibilities in silence for a while it was Luke again who broke it:
"Whatever he has planned, I am not going to let him fight alone. We have to find him, no matter what. Even if it's only for information."
The Princess was surprised at the harsh tone in his voice, but she understood that he was only trying to hide his fear. Nevertheless, she had talked to Mara too and the former Emperor's Hand had told her about the little talk she'd had with Luke on Father. And, in a way Leia felt that this whole affair was a lesson Anakin had unconsciously prepared for his children. One to teach them independence, maybe, and something else. Daala apparently had learned that lesson yesterday, but she herself sensed that it would be harder for her and her brother. Much harder.
Daala's eyes flashed with a sudden fire: "He is being held on Ylesia and Loaz is the man you want. Time to make our move, don't you think?"
The next day Luke saw Kyp and Gantoris off at one of the landing platforms of the Imperial palace. The two Jedi had volunteered for the mission ahead and Luke was certain that part of why they had wanted to do this was the feeling that they had to prove themselves. Not in his eyes, but in those of his father. Anakin had been harsh on them on numerous occasions and the young Jedi Master remembered what the older man had told him back on Naboo. That Kyp and Gantoris needed a lesson in humility, a warning shot to keep them from setting the wrong limits for themselves. The reason for this caution was simple: both were very strong in the Force, but each had fallen to the Dark Side once already. Of course they had an example in Anakin Skywalker and his son, but Luke would rather not think about what the former Dark Lord was an example for. Maybe ruthlessness, manipulation and sometimes brute force, but also great sacrifices. Still, the Jedi Master did not want to make martyrs of the Jedi. He wanted them firmly entrenched in everyday life, as it had been customary in the Old Republic. And he wanted his father back.
"Master Skywalker!"
Turning around Luke frowned at the approaching figure of Turve Glat.
"What can I do for you?"
The reporter glared at him accusingly: "You know that Jellan wants my head, don't you?"
"I could guess as much and as far as I know my sister has offered you protection."
"Yes, true. But I do not want that protection. I want my story."
"You already have a story, Mister Glat. That should be enough."
Shaking his head the man stepped closer, the look in his eyes one of hope and fear.
"Maybe I have to make myself clearer. This conspiracy story is nothing without your father's input. I am talking about heroics, you know? This rescue mission will be absolutely astounding and I want to be there!"
"Mister Glat, I do not believe that your presence could be of any value to the mission."
"Please!" the reporter wailed.
But Luke could not just let him go and ruin Kyp's and Gantoris' assignment. He could feel the two men's annoyance already, even though they kept their expressions calm.
"No, I am afraid I cannot allow this."
Kyp heaved a tiny sigh.
"I see," Glat looked a bit disappointed as he lowered his head, staring at the polished floor. "Well. Good luck to you then. If I die here and now I know who to blame." Huffing an indignant breath he walked away slowly.
"And good riddance too," Kyp hissed between clenched teeth, prompting an easy laugh from Gantoris. The older Knight slapped his shoulder amiably and turned him toward the ship.
"Come on, kid. Let's go."
"May the Force be with you," Luke told them softly.
"We will try our best," Kyp shot back, smiling.
"Don't try, Kyp. Just do."
"Now, let's do this again."
Jix raised his left arm obediently, although it was Loaz who was controlling his movements. Flexing the fingers of his hand he set his jaw grimly.
"Good, good," the doctor mused. "But I won't have to use this sort of control as long as you behave, right?"
He bent closer to the agent, his fingers brushing his left temple lightly.
"The ear-piece is secured and functional. Perfect. Say something,"
Loaz chuckled when Jix croaked a pained response. His vocal chords were completely numb.
"I was just kidding anyway. Let's get over the mission again. Your first assignment is on Nar Shadaa. We have a contact there that you will eliminate. He is a Gotal and he does not know of his luck yet. One of my men will take you to the moon and drop you off. He'll be waiting for you and once you return we can make improvements, if any are needed. I want to make it absolutely clear that this mission depends entirely on your cooperation. Serve me well and you will not suffer. If not... Let's just say that the Dark Lord's fate is nothing compared to what will await you then."
Jix snorted in disgust. As if this was not bad enough. And besides, he had no idea if Vader was still alive or not. The desert being had fallen silent a while ago and it did not seem inclined to talk to him just yet.
"This," the Anzat held a syringe to the Corellian's eyes, who mustered the clear liquid suspiciously, "is a poison I have developed some time back. It will cause you to fall into a coma in exactly five days from now."
Jix flinched inwardly when the needle struck his flesh, but he did not move.
"Just an insurance. When you come back I will inject you with the antidote. There."
The doctor patted Jix' shoulder soothingly, enraging the agent even more.
"We are ready to go. I will escort you to your transport. Ah, wait. I forgot—this."
Heaving the slick black helmet from its perch the Anzat struggled with his balance for a second before he let it slide over Jix' head.
"I would not want you to get damaged. Come."
Following Loaz the Corellian felt ill at ease. He wore a tight-fitting body-suit with armor covering his shins and lower arms as well as his abdomen, chest and back. And he hated being confined like this. For once he could sympathize with Vader when he had still worn his heavy armor and helmet. How the man must have suffered. They walked the eerily silent corridors of the facility and Jix wondered fleetingly where the Dark Lord was right now. Had Loaz managed to coax him back into consciousness or had he finally managed to break free? For a second Jix envied him for his strength. If he had to spend the rest of his life as Loaz' puppet.... His hands clenched into angry fists involuntarily and the Anzat turned toward him with a slight smile on his lips.
"Relax. This is not so bad after all."
At that point Jix nearly had enough. But he was a survivor. And he would survive this too and he would manage to free himself once more. Somehow.
Turve Glat strapped into the shuttle's passenger seat nervously, eyeing his fellow passengers on this flight to Nar Shadaa with some concern. If Jellan's henchmen already were on his trail... Shuddering inwardly he jumped when a stewardess leaned over to ask if everything was alright with him.
"I am fine!" he piped up, his voice unnaturally high. Harrumphing once, he gave the woman a tiny smile. "Really, I am alright."
But he had been lucky to evade them until now and his boss had other worries than hunting after him. The truth was out and there was no way back now for anyone. So why not let Turve get away? He was not that important, after all, was he? And anyway, he was bent on getting his story, no matter what. So, Skywalker though that he could treat an investigative reporter like a small child, did he? Well, he would show him! He would show them all!
Leia watched the sun set in a glorious haze of orange. She had managed to come home earlier today and it was good to be with her children at this dire time. Turve Glat had managed to turn the tide and she hoped with all her heart that he would get his prize, whatever its name was.
"Is he gone?" Han asked quietly, but she could see him smile without looking at him.
"Three NRI agents are keeping an eye on him. He has taken a flight to Nar Shadaa."
"That man is no fool," Han commented and she could hear him drop onto the bed.
Turning around Leia smiled at her husband proudly: "Not at all. Kyp and Gantoris will reach the moon before he does and that gives them a good lead. By the time he has caught scent of them they will already be on their way to Ylesia."
"Getting in there might not be that easy. It is Hutt space and they have kept out of the dealings between the New Republic and the Empire so far."
"I know," she sighed. "A good place for a hide-out."
"Definitely. You can't send troops in there, can you?"
"No. And Luke says this is a job for the Jedi anyway."
"He needs to be careful. If anything goes wrong they will get blamed for their independent actions again."
"Not if he can help it, and besides, as Gita always says, you can see everything both ways."
"Very true."
They kept silent for awhile. Finally she dropped down next to him, leaning her head against his shoulder. He started stroking her hair tenderly, but stopped when the comm started blaring downstairs.
"Threepio can answer that," Han said when she moved to rise.
"It could be important."
Anakin was glowering at Loaz' back, his throat dry and swollen. Whatever drug they had tried out on him, it made his mind skid on ice. He could not gather one reasonable thought. So he had resorted to cultivating his anger, just waiting to lash out at the Anzat. But he knew very well that that was not the way. There was no need for violence, after all. They were fighting on a different level and apart from that, Anakin had no intention of giving Loaz the reaction he wanted. No blind rage, no senseless destruction. Be calm, he admonished himself, seeking the soothing sound of the wind caressing the dunes ever so gently, like waves running over a beach. But then two familiar voices broke through the peaceful vision, cutting at his numb senses with icy blades. Leia!
"Ah, Madam President. It is an honor to finally speak to you in person," Loaz said smoothly.
"Is it?" she answered coolly and Anakin could almost feel his chest swell with pride.
"Indeed. I hear that you are taking an interest in my experiments?"
"One in particular, I think. Firek Nab worked in your department, did she not? A few years before she joined the Court."
"That is true, yes."
"You know that she died a few days back?"
"I have heard of her sad demise, yes."
"She was killed by an Anzat."
"A somewhat macabre comment, Princess, don't you think? Are you suspecting me, perhaps?"
"How did you guess? Enough of your games. You know what I am talking about."
"I do not have the faintest idea."
Anakin's ears picked up a low hiss from Leia as she replied: "Be careful, Doctor Loaz. You are underestimating your opponent greatly if you think that you can ever defeat him."
"On the contrary, my dear. My enemies are beaten already whether they want to accept it or not."
"I strongly doubt that."
"Doubt all you want."
"Is that all you were calling for?"
"One last thing, and that just out of curiosity: what do you think your father is doing?"
"That rather depends on where he is now."
"And do you know where he is?"
Leia gave a short laugh. "All over the place, Loaz," she whispered. "And never where you think he might be."
Anakin could not help but smile inwardly when the Anzat sat back and stared at the suddenly blank screen. But he had to admit that the expression on the doctor's face was somewhat scary as he turned to face his prisoner.
"I wonder," Loaz growled finally. "I truly wonder what it will take to break you." Rising from his seat he took to slowly pacing the small room. "No drugs seem to work and I can hardly use any other means to subdue a Jedi. But," he turned to beam at Anakin, "I have done some research. There are two possibilities to cut off a Jedi from the Force. Still, that is not what I want either, is it? I want to prevent you from getting into another's mind, don't I? Your friend will test this for me."
Anakin's eyes widened in a wordless question.
"You have heard me correctly. My associates have warned me that the New Republic has uncovered our facility. How that is possible I do not know, but I think your daughter has pointed me toward the right direction there. Anyway. I am sure that your son will send a few Jedi to rescue you. If Jixton can stand against them..." Loaz smiled. "Too bad that you are paralyzed. Else I could pit you against each other once he's back."
Lifting the unfortunate Anzat off his feet Anakin smashed his prone body into the comm console with all the strength he could muster. Loaz bounced off the hard furniture and gasped in pain. But he recovered quickly.
"Foolish, foolish. I wonder how long you had to work on building up that much energy? It doesn't matter. Fact is that you are weakened now. A weakness I intend to use against you."
Anakin closed his eyes in dismay. All of his control, gone in a heart-beat. He had to work harder on keeping himself in check. The Dark Side was not the way out, he knew that for certain. But it was so hard to hold on... Very suddenly his mind blanked out and his mouth formed a wordless scream when he realized that he had let himself be trapped. He was standing in a darkened cave, the setting suns sending their last golden rays through the advancing shadows. Staring at the wall before him Anakin felt his heart grow numb. He had made a bad mistake when he had stored part of himself away, leaving just a thin line to the world of the living. Now he had to decide very quickly which path to chose, life or death. You have done enough, a tiny voice told him, but he squashed it brutally, his competitiveness winning out. He will not defeat me. Ever, Anakin thought grimly and shook his head with determination.
"You are back," Loaz told him unnecessarily when he opened his eyes again. "I must admit that you had me worried there for a moment."
Jix spent the flight to Nar Shadaa mulling over his fate. Of course it was not the killing that appalled him, he was an assassin, after all, but the circumstances were somewhat different. It had been something else to get his orders from Vader than have them forced on him by this mad Anzat. Loaz was meaner than mean, crueler even than the Dark Lord, and that was truly an incredible feat. No, there was a great difference between those two and Jix was angry at himself for being so easily intimidated. He had to fight to get out of this and he had to battle the bleak despair threatening to overwhelm his mind yet again. But he had managed the last time too, hadn't he?
The problem was, back then he had set all his hopes on the Dark Lord, trusting that the man could handle this easily once he had alerted him to this conspiracy. A false assumption, as it turned out. Jix wanted to kick himself for thinking this way, but it was true. Now they were both trapped, dependent on their enemies even. It was humiliating, very much so. And Loaz had not failed to make Jix feel this too. And what was that about this mission? Kill a Gotal and go back to Ylesia? Nah, there must be something else behind this and the agent hated having only half of the information available, or maybe even less than that. The only good thing about this mission was that he knew Nar Shadaa fairly well. Not that this could serve him in any way: as long as Loaz could control his nervous system he had no chance of escape.
The three-day trip would allow him to rest a bit, and he found that he really needed it. I must be getting old, he told himself. Not a very appealing thought. The pilot did not seem overly inclined to engage him in conversation, not that Jix cared about that. But the uncomfortable silence accompanying them throughout the entire voyage was getting to him a bit. He imagined his life like this, devoid of any inter-human relationships. As a tool, a weapon, nothing more. Vader had always respected him, he knew, and there had been something. Now though all that was left was the trust in efficiency that Loaz set in him and that he did not dare to disappoint. Jix hated himself for feeling this way, but all his instincts were screaming at him, begging him to let them survive. But what kind of life was this? Mere existence, without perspective and emotions.
Do not despair, my friend.
The voice was a soft caress and the Corellian agent was completely unprepared for the desert being's sudden reappearance. He could see it, standing tall against the background of the desert, black cloak whipping in the wind. Wait. Since when had it worn black? Jix shook his head mentally, then took a step toward the being to see the smile on its strange face. Clear blue eyes were looking at him almost tenderly and he had never before felt so loved as in that moment. The being truly did care for him. Astounding.
"Where did you come from?" he thought at the appearance.
I am always with you.
"But in the past days you chose not to show yourself or talk to me?"
There was something else that needed doing.
"And what?"
A friend of yours needed some guidance.
"Vader?"
The being nodded.
"Him? I don't believe it! He always knows what he is doing!"
But sometimes that is not the right thing to do.
"Eh? Then he is alive?" The being did not answer. "He is dead?" Again only silence.
"And why are you here with me now?" Jix tried at last.
Because you too need guidance. Remember the last time someone else tried to control your feelings, your mind. Remember what you did back then.
"But my body does not obey me anymore..."
Jix, think about it. All he can do is react to your actions. Your mind and spirit are one with your worldly skin. He can only touch one or the other. That is your advantage.
"I don't understand that!"
You will, my friend. Do not worry.
"Hey! Wait!"
But the image vanished as suddenly as it had appeared to him, leaving him stranded in darkness. How was he supposed to overcome Loaz' influence? He was no Jedi, for Force's sake! And not even Vader had managed to work around the chip. It was hopeless, no matter how hard Jix tried to convince himself otherwise.
"Hey! We are here," the pilot shouted down the ship's intercom suddenly, snapping the agent out of his very private hell.
"Oh, good," Jix thought sourly and rose from his seat back in the passenger compartment.
They met at the landing ramp and the pilot gave him his directions before admonishing him to be back in at least two days. Nodding at the man the Corellian left without another word. But he was not left alone for long. A tiny crackling sound was his sole warning before Loaz' voice broke through the comm that was fastened to his left ear.
"All is well, my friend. We will have to improve the range of the sensors though. We are getting a bit of interference, probably caused by the many frequencies used around the planet. It was better on the ship. Ah, calm down. You should get used to this."
Jix had no intention of calming down though. He was fuming inside, inventing a dozen different methods of most painful deaths he wanted the Anzat to go through one after the other, if possible. But the doctor's low chuckle told him that he was reading right through his emotions.
"I should tell you maybe that your friend is making progress. I have managed to cut him off from the Force and he is growing less defiant now. Soon we can start the next phase of the experiment. The one you are testing for me."
That stopped Jix cold.
"Do not worry," Loaz told him, and the fact that his words echoed those of the desert being did nothing to ease the agent's tension. "You may have to fight a few Jedi Knights. Nothing you can't handle. Don't stop, please. Really, if all is well they won't be able to read your mind and foresee your actions. So you see, there is nothing to worry about."
Nothing to worry about! Jix wanted to scream and tried not to feel too joyful. They might help him! They could try to override the chip or something, and in the worst case they could kill him and end this once and for all. Wait. Loaz had to know this too. And he would do anything to prevent harm from coming to his creation. Growling softly Jix stalked onward, his good mood gone as fast as it had come. Time to find that damn Gotal.
Turve Glat stood amidst a quickly dissipating sea of other newcomers in the great reception hall of the official space port of Nar Shadaa. What was he supposed to do now? He had to find the Jedi again, that much was clear, but how? Ambling forward a bit aimlessly he resorted to walking the same route he had taken with Jixton and the Dark Lord. Although he stopped short before entering the less pleasant places they had ventured into the last time. Instead he asked his way around to find the tiny tap café where he had met Kyp Durron and Gantoris on the same trip. It was just as dirty as he remembered. But what was more astounding than the lichen growing on the walls was the crowd suddenly gathering outside the dust-smeared window. Turve rose from his seat, leaving a sandwich behind that had seen nothing of his mouth and teeth yet and would probably stay that way. He walked to the door, his gaze fixed on the edges of the crowd. Whatever had happened, it had already attracted a few bad characters. One of them was a bulky man dressed all in black, with light armor covering his vital parts and arms. Even his head was covered by a thick helmet that reflected his surroundings. Following his reporter instincts Glat bore down on the man with no regard whatsoever to any danger the stranger might pose for him.
"Excuse me?" He was certain that the other had seen him coming, but his reaction surprised him. Grabbing Turve's arm he led him into a side corridor, deeper into the shadows. "What?" he exclaimed, startled, but the man shook his hand at him, trying to calm him down. "Eh?"
The stranger shrugged, but suddenly he convulsed and then his fist connected with Turve's chin, sending him flying against the next wall.
"Turve Glat?" Someone shouted half questioning, half scandalized. Turning his head around and holding his aching chin the reporter set his blurry eyes on two men wrapped in the stately garb of Jedi Knights. "I should have known," Gantoris said and shook his head. "Wherever there's a story you aren't far."
"What story?" Turve asked, confused.
"You mean you did not know that someone's been murdered over there? A Gotal, as far as we've been told."
"Really?"
His ears perking up in interest he had almost forgotten about the other man, but when the stranger pushed past him he was a bit hard to overlook. Turve stared at him, trying to connect that predatory stalk to something in his memory. The two Jedi Knights
watched the man come toward them calmly and Gantoris moved in his way with a smile.
"And who might you be?"
Without warning the man's hand came up and stabbed at the Jedi with a lightning-quick move. A wet snapping sound rang throughout the narrow corridor and when the older Knight dropped to the floor in a boneless heap, Turve met Kyp Durron's shocked gaze over the black-clad man's shoulder. Immediately the younger man dropped into a fighting stance, a frown on his forehead. The snap-hiss of his lightsaber coming to life broke the eerie silence.
"Who are you?"
Coming to slowly, Anakin battled his way past dark oblivion and finally broke the murky surface to consciousness. Noone was with him, surprisingly, but he knew that this could not last. Perhaps it had really been a mistake to come back. But there was one last lesson he wanted the Anzat to learn before he killed him. And he was really looking forward to doing both. His ears picked up a whooshing sound, signaling to him that the door had just opened. Too weakened to turn his head he waited for his visitor to make his presence known. It was Loaz who bent over him, setting a bowl of water down on the sterile white table next to the bed. Almost tenderly he started washing the Dark Lord's face with a surprisingly soft cloth and a faint smile appeared on his lips. Anakin endured this treatment with eyes closed, not wanting to see the satisfied expression on the Anzat's face. The past days had been excruciating for a creature as attuned to the Force as he was, but there was one thing the Anzat had not yet understood. The Force was with every living being. Holding his own life force bottled within himself Anakin knew that he could strike at the doctor whenever he pleased. And he would have no problem breaking through the energy shields that had severed the line he had thrown what seemed an eternity ago.
"Our friend Jixton has reached his destination. With any luck he has already encountered the Jedi. So you see, I cannot spend a lot of time with you right now. I have to be there, you understand?"
Anakin blinked his eyes very slowly in understanding. If Loaz got a chance to intervene when Jix met whoever Luke had sent to Ylesia, and knowing his son, the Dark Lord could make an educated guess, the Corellian would be forced to kill them. Or try to, at least. Kyp and Gantoris though were no ordinary Jedi, as none of Luke's students were. They had been taught not only to shield their own presence in the Force, but also how to battle an enemy they themselves could not sense. And both were very good. Anakin did not want them to get injured, but he most certainly did not want Jix to be killed. That had been the other reason for returning. He wanted the Corellian to survive. So, when the Anzat finally put the cloth back into the now nearly empty bowl Anakin forced a small smile on his lips.
"What is it now?"
Instead of an answer the Dark Lord reached out with the Force and took hold of the doctor's neck. The man had the gall to smile at him almost tenderly.
"Now, now. Not again. You know it won't last." Suddenly though his eyes flew open wide as realization dawned on him: "You should not be able to touch the Force in here," Loaz whispered, truly shocked.
Oh yes, how very true. But I am, Anakin thought to himself and picked up one of the scalpels lying further away on one of the prep tables. Pushing the controls of the bed he let it bring his body into a vertical position so he could face the Anzat properly. The scalpel's blade was a sliver of shimmering silver between them. By now Loaz was close to panicking. And when the slender knife started coming at him he screamed in absolute terror.
"Loaz," Anakin whispered, forcing his vocal apparatus to cooperate with his mind.
"Listen to me ... only ... when you are ready ... to give up life can you ... regain it. Do you understand ... what I mean? Like a ... young tree that ... bends with the wind instead ... of trying to fight it. This .... way it will rise again ... once the wind has died down. In fact,... this is also the essence ... of being a Jedi. You may bend ... but you will never ... break. Do ... you ... understand?"
The Anzat tried to nod, but by then the scalpel was moving up his face, drawing a red line across his left cheek.
"Now ... are you ... willing to give up ... life to ... fight me? For I am ... the Force, Loaz.
I am life ... and death. You cannot ... ever break me."
"You are no more than a great mind trapped in a weakened shell, Lord Vader. Your tricks will not help you," the Anzat hissed, half in fury and half in pain when the knife gently moved around his neck.
"No ... There is no death ... there is the Force ... and you are ... part of it ... as am I."
"You are dead."
Anakin smiled at his nemesis, a cold smile that sent a jolt through the Anzat, opening his eyes even wider as he understood what was at stake here. With a low growl he jerked his head back and the Dark Lord released him instantly, before the man could break his own neck. He did not want Loaz to die. Not yet. The doctor stormed out of the room, intent only on stopping the experiment before it could get out of hand. Anakin watched him go, all the while listening to the wind blowing softly through the sterile room, and let it lull him into a peaceful trance that led him into the shimmering heat of the midday suns. Memories. The images danced past his inner eye, making him dizzy with their startling display of color and emotion, of smells and sounds. Laughing quietly he dived deeper into their warm embrace, into his own mind, leaving the world behind easily. It was up to Jix now, and he knew that the Corellian would manage just fine.
He had not wanted to kill the Jedi. It must have been part of the chip's subconscious programming. But now Jix had no other chance than to fight the other one too before that one could get him. They were dancing now, both falling into battle moves that were surprisingly similar to each other. The Jedi had understood fairly soon that there was no way he could read the other's mind and his blue eyes had turned into pits of ice in concentration. Turve Glat had fallen silent, fortunately, but Jix was almost certain that this could not last.
"Jixton! Now I know it! You are Wrenga Jixton!" the reporter crowed suddenly, and really had the impertinence to bustle up to the two fighters completely unconcernedly. To him they apparently were old friends, no deadly enemies. The man was an idiot. Durron reacted immediately, pinning the fat man against the wall and holding him there for a while until Glat got the hint. Increasing the intensity of his attacks he let Jix advance suddenly, then broke his stride just as fast, leaving him stuck in the air, unable to move. Jix was jerking helplessly and he had the uncomfortable feeling that his brain was close to experiencing an overload. Loaz was screaming into the commlink deafeningly, but without success. The agent forced a small smile on his back when Kyp Durron reached up and freed him of the helmet. They looked at each other, blue eyes meeting blue ones. Stroking the Corellian's neck gently the Jedi frowned, and before Jix knew it a sharp pain ripped through his teeth and face when he did something to his vocal chords.
"Hold still," Durron admonished him gently and brought the blade of his lightsaber up to seal the wound again. "Sorry, it's a bit messy," he said ruefully and frowned again. "So?"
"The chip, can you override it?"
"A chip?"
"In here," Tapping his head, Jix felt so excited that he could barely hold still. He could talk again! Now, if he could only get the control over his body back...
"I can't do anything that would not kill you, Mister Jixton."
The Corellian froze. The Dark Lord had told him the same, hadn't he? He should have known. "Really nothing?"
Shaking his head the Jedi suddenly leaned forward in interest. "Where is Lord Skywalker?"
"Back on Ylesia."
"Really? I can feel him very close, actually. For a moment I even thought that his presence was lingering in your mind."
"What the hell is he doing now?" Jix screamed, frustrated, and felt his anger arch through his head, making his blood boil with fury.
Anakin could hear Loaz' frantic voice in his mind, as the doctor ordered his aides to prevent the control system from crashing, but there was really nothing they could do. Keeping a hold on the Anzat's mind he fed confusion and despair into the other, a Dark Side practice, but he did not really care anymore. This was no time for precaution, after all. Wrecking the system would deactivate the chip inside Jix' brain and render it neutral. Of course Loaz would know who to blame. Still, he had come back only for this, and perhaps a bit out of selfishness. He wanted the Anzat to realize that he was not what he thought himself to be: he was not unassailable, not all-knowing and certainly not all-powerful. There were limits and his limit was Anakin Skywalker. Loaz might believe that he was trapped inside his body, but in reality it was the other way round. By now his body had become an extension of the Force, a tool, nothing more. And the doctor would learn the truth too late.
As expected it did not take Loaz long to storm back into the barren room, his face fixed in a furious snarl. Anakin did not give him any chance and flung him against the closing door brutally. Holding him there he kept his steady gaze fixed on the Anzat, pushing ever so slowly through his mind, intent on making the other feel this intrusion too.
"Go...away..." he said finally and even though his voice was very low the menace in its cold tone was unmistakable, and Loaz found himself complying without any protest. He would not come back, Anakin knew. Not here, that was. This room had been turned from prison to fortress and anyone trying to break through its defenses would suffer the same fate as the Anzat.
TBC