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STAR WARS: Shattered Dreams
Chapter Four: Introductions
by Dave Ziegler
'He's grouchy again,' Elle Mathys thought to herself. She sat
upon the rough, moist soil of Yavin IV just outside the great temple and
awaited Anakin's next set of instructions. Anakin Solo was Elle's first
mentor, a recent change in policy initiated by Master Skywalker at the
Jedi Academy. The senior students and other lesser instructors were to
take a single student under their tutelage, while Masters Skywalker,
Tionne, and Mara attempted to oversee the entire operation. So far
Anakin had been a fair and patient teacher, but Elle's lack of steady
progress was beginning to try him. He was so used to having anything
concerning the Force come so easily that Elle was positive Anakin
sometimes forgot that others were not equal to his own abilities. 'So,
being a child prodigy isn't quite all wonderful,' Elle giggled.
"All right, let's try this again Elle," Anakin said, attempting to
wipe the beads of sweat from his forehead. The intense heat of Yavin
radiated in all directions, even breaching the usually cool haven
beneath the trees. "Relax yourself, Elle. Allow the Force to penetrate
and guide you. Somewhere in this area is a cage containing a crystal
snake. Find it. Let the Force guide you to it." Anakin looked
expectantly at Elle as she picked herself up off the ground, and began
methodically pushing the muddy soil from her dress. "Start anytime you
like."
"Just a moment please. Being its only morning I'd like to keep my
clothes relatively clean. Besides, aren't you not supposed to rush
these things?" Anakin's chin dropped and his eyes squeezed shut. Elle
immediately regretted her comment. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I was only
teasing." Despite the stoic exterior Anakin constantly shrouded himself
in, Elle was sure he felt most things very deeply.
"Elle, you are training to be a Jedi. This is an extremely
serious matter, and should not be taken lightly." Anakin stared
authoritatively at her, his very posture challenging her to contradict
his edict. Elle clamped a hand firmly over her mouth and tried
desperately to stifle the laughter that was welling up inside her. She
failed.
Anakin looked upon her entirely bewildered. "What are you doing
now?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Elle managed in between gasping breaths.
"But your face, the way you said it."
"And what was it about my face that amused you so?" Gulping great
lungfulls of air, Elle managed to calm her spasms but still wore a huge
grin.
"Everything you are involved with, Anakin, is eventually put in
the perspective of life and death. You should learn to relax every once
and awhile and just enjoy what life has to offer."
"And perhaps you treat too many matters with a disdainful
triviality," Anakin retaliated. "I am not here, however, to debate with
you the style in which I choose to live my life. I am here to help
guide you in your use of the Force. An objective we seem to have lost
at the moment." Something in his gaze told Elle that even if she
decided to pursue this argument she would not win.
"You are right of course. I apologize Anakin," Elle said. "It is
not my place to make judgments."
"Let us proceed then," Anakin said and gestured toward her.
Elle stood in the center of the clearing, and allowed her eyes to
fall shut. Her breathing slowed until each inhalation and exhalation
were of a steady rhythm. The tension eased from her body as various
muscles relaxed their painful grip. Anakin watched his student
expectantly.
"Can you feel it around you, Elle? Connecting you, the trees, the
rocks, the animals?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Good. Now use that connection. Focus on the crystal snake and
allow the Force to guide your steps," he said.
* * *
Anakin watched as Elle slowly circled the clearing, her eyes still
firmly shut. He need not have even paid attention to the feelings he
was sensing from Elle to realize that she still felt uncomfortable
engaging in such activities; her hesitant step was all that was required.
Anakin sighed. If she was ever going to progress, Elle's trust in the
Force had to be complete. No doubts, no insecurities. A Jedi had to
be at peace with both himself and the Force.
Elle suddenly halted. Her knees gently flexed as she knelt and
slowly reached out toward a tangle of plants. Anakin couldn't help but
smile himself when Elle's face lit up and she withdrew the cage holding
the crystal snake. Perhaps he was being a little to demanding, Anakin
mused. After all, this was definitely progress.
During the last few training sessions Elle had only succeeded in
finishing near where he had hidden the cage. This was the first
occasion on which she had actually grasped it. Now if she
could only repeat it whenever necessary.
Elle rushed up to him. "I did it!" she cheered. "Finally!"
Anakin was suddenly taken aback as Elle threw her arms around him, and
pulled him into an embrace. "Thank you Anakin," her soft words drifted
into his ear.
"Your welcome," Anakin managed to stammer in reply. The pent up
air forced itself from inside his lungs as Elle finally slid herself
away from him.
"Oh, looks like we're about to have a visitor." Elle pointed in
the direction of the looming entrance to the Great Temple. Racing
through the tangled under growth, one of the younger students was
heading directly for them and waving her arms vigorously. "I wonder
what's going on?" Elle commented.
The young student, Anakin couldn't call forth a name to match the
face though, stumbled to a stop just in front of them. The girl
couldn't have been more than thirteen, and was definitely not a familiar
face. She was certainly a new member to the academy then. "Instructor
Solo?" the girl panted. The run had clearly taken quite a bit out of
her.
"Yes, I'm Anakin Solo."
"There's an urgent message for you in the communications center.
I believe its the Chief of State," the girl said.
"Thank you... "
"Saria," the girl quickly supplied.
"Thank you Saria," Anakin said. "Does Master Skywalker know of
this call?"
"I haven't found him yet, no."
"Please continue looking for him. Have him meet me at the comm
center," Anakin stated. He began to jog quickly toward the entrance to
the Great Temple.
"Wait," Elle called, running a few steps after him. "I'll see you
soon?"
"Good bye, Elle," he replied, then set off for the entrance once
again.
* * *
"I am not pleased with the present situation. Something has
happened to cause Organa-Solo to take an interest in my affairs. And
that, if I need remind you, is a dangerous prospect. However, I myself
have managed to eliminate any means she has of obtaining information on
Coruscant. I cannot believe though, that this will in any way dissuade
her from discovering more if possible. She is a very stubborn and
willful woman. That is why I require both of you to go to the planet
Dasney and erase all potentially incriminating records. I don't care
if you have to crash the entire system, just get it done. And be quick
about it, for it won't take Organa-Solo long to figure out the
importance of Dasney and have her own agent sent there. Oh yes, one
other thing. When you've completed this task I want you to find Miss
Salanon and discover what in the hell she has done to bring this upon
me!"
The hooded figure turned from the holocamera towards his companion.
"Xayla, terminate the recording, encrypt the message, and prepare it for
immediate transmission. I don't want to lose any time on this, or it
could mean all our heads."
* * *
Anakin ducked inside the communication center and was quickly
herded by the duty officer to a nearby console. A miniature hologram
of Leia Organa-Solo immediately resolved itself and looked up at Anakin.
Even in this time of potential crisis Leia allowed herself a scant
moment to smile at the sight of her son. Although just eighteen now,
Anakin had been mature beyond his years for quite some time. "Mother,
I was told this message is urgent. What's happening? What's the
matter?"
"Jacen and Jaina may be in trouble, Ankain. Due possibly to one
Gwynandra Salanon."
"I don't recognize the name," Anakin said.
"You wouldn't. Neither your brother nor sister have ever seen or
heard of her prior to their trip to Shental. Jaina had requested some
information about this girl, and Raynar Thul and I attempted to retrieve
the pertinent files from the databanks here on Coruscant. Unfortunately
someone managed to alter the files we were searching for."
"Have you been able to trace the alteration back to its source?"
Even across this distance Anakin could sense his mother's distress.
Only limited individuals had access to the main database on Coruscant,
which would lend credence to the theory that whoever had made the
alterations was a high ranking New Republic official, or one of the best
slicers to ever make an attempt on the Capital.
"Unfortunately, no. Ghent is still working on it, but it's going
to take some time. Whoever has done this certainly has an intimate
knowledge of how to cover one's tracks. Ghent is actually quite
impressed, which in and of itself is a feat I presume, and under any
other circumstances I'd be delighted that he's found something to really
challenge himself, but I want to know what exactly it is we are dealing
with, and then how we can help Jacen and Jaina," Leia said. She began
to gently massage her temple.
"It seems the problem is larger than just what is happening on
Jacen and Jaina's end."
"I realize that, Anakin, and will attend to it myself," Leia said,
determination hardening her gaze for a moment.
"What is it you want me to do, mother?"
"I need you to proceed to the planet Dasney. It's Gwynandra
Salanon's planet of birth. Once you've arrived you are to meet with
Eemar, a Calamari officer who will help you move about unnoticed.
Whoever erased the records on Coruscant is good, and it should be no
trouble for him to manage the same thing with a less sophisticated
system. I don't want this person to realize you're on Dasney until
you've already obtained the information and are gone."
"And what kind of information am I after?" Anakin asked.
"We need birth records, obituaries, lineage charts. Anything that
can show us her family line."
"Wouldn't it be of more help for me to go to Shental and aid Jacen
and Jaina?"
Leia smiled wearily. "No, we need to know who it is we are
dealing with. Information on both her and whoever it might be that is
trying to keep us in the dark will be eminently more helpful. Besides
Anakin, I've managed to procure a sort of help for them already."
Anakin smiled reassuringly at his mother. "All right then. I
understand. I'll be back before you know it."
"Good luck, Anakin, and may the Force be with you." The hologram
slowly faded into nothingness. Anakin turned to leave, and just about
stumbled over his waiting uncle.
"Uncle Luke? How long have you been here?" Anakin was unable to
hide the surprise on his face. He should have been able to sense his
uncle's approach, but had not.
"Long enough," Luke replied. "Head over to the hanger, Anakin.
The X-Wing is being prepped, and Artoo is already calculating the best
hyperspace route to Dasney."
"Thank you, Uncle Luke. I appreciate it, but Artoo need not
bother. I've just about finished the calculations myself."
* * *
It felt like swimming. Or rather fighting against the very might
of an ocean itself. Having to constantly force yourself through the
sweeping currents of thought and emotion, striving every second to keep
from being overwhelmed and forced under by the raging tumult.
Jaina Solo was in turmoil.
She tried one last time to reach out with the Force and make
contact with her brother. One last effort to soothe her fears and
force away the shadow of death that seemed to stalk Jacen in her
thoughts and dreams. The first time Jaina had attempted this she
was unable to establish any contact at all. The loss had been difficult
for her. She had never been more than a thought away from Jacen before,
no matter the distance. Now though, now Jaina couldn't even focus
herself enough to tell if she was even projecting her own thoughts
correctly!
There was just too much happening. Too many emotions surging out
of control.
Completely exasperated with herself, Jaina relaxed her posture and
slid slowly out of the lotus. Her muscles ached from the amount of time
spent locked in a single position. Despite her body's initial protests,
Jaina had forced herself to assume this posture as Tenel Ka had once
remarked upon how the physical exertion helped to focus her own
concentration. And at the time Jaina had been in desperate need of all
the concentration she could muster.
It hadn't worked though. Fighting against the fears for both her
brother and her friend, and the extreme aggravation of being locked in
a cell for the past few days unable to do anything, Jaina couldn't
manage it. She had drown in her own distress.
Things might be so much more in their favor had the Shental
security forces not arrived when they did. Jaina had been so sure of
herself once they had discovered Mr. Mek murdered. So sure that they
were now on the correct trail, and that there was a clue in Mr. Mek's
office to link him to Gwynandra Salanon. Something that she and Lowie
could have used to help track her down, or at least a piece of
information that could lead them to yet another source of viable clues.
But now she was locked in this closet of a detention cell, with Lowie
incarcerated who knows where inside the security complex, and unable to
make any effort whatsoever toward finding Jacen and Tenel Ka.
Of course, there had been the option of fighting the men. The
security team would not have been prepared for the combined powers of
two Jedi. But to have taken that path would have required giving in to
darker impulses to help expedite a personal cause. Both Jaina and Lowie
knew the price of that. Once you entertain the dark side it is a guest
most loath to leave. Besides, in her heart Jaina knew that both Tenel
Ka and Jacen would rather suffer any fate than to see either Lowie or
herself twisted into a shadowy facsimile of their former self as a
result of an endeavor devoted to them.
The door to Jaina's cell slid suddenly upwards, allowing her her
first breath of non recycled air for these past few days. Even with the
recycling system fully active the air inside the detention cells
quickly became stale and stagnant. As she allowed herself a great
lungful of the fresh air, Jaina eyed up her visitor. Not unexpectedly
it was the officer who had arrested Lowie and herself at the
administration complex.
Lieutenant Graydon had made several previous
visits, and conducted what Jaina could only assume to be his idea of a
thorough interrogation. In her opinion the Lieutenant was in dire need
of some of the NRI's training sessions if he ever hoped to extract
information from an unwilling prisoner. Fortunately enough for him,
Jaina was perfectly willing to share. Not that it had gotten her
anywhere.
"Ms. Solo, I must say that since I've met you my life has become
extraordinarily complicated and rather unpleasant. Despite the fact
that I'm an officer in the security forces of one of the galaxy's most
renowned resorts I never once expected, even in my wildest fantasies,
that I would have the pleasure of being chewed out by the Chief of State
of the New Republic herself. Allow me to thank you for that great
honor." Graydon shot Jaina a sardonic smile.
"I'm sure you can tell how sorry I am, Lieutenant." Jaina smiled
sweetly. "You did come in here to do something other than complain to
me though, did you not?"
"Straight to business then. I've just received the autopsy
reports on the Administrator. It seems he was dead for quite awhile
before we picked you and your compatriot up," Graydon said.
"Which I've been telling you the entire time you've kept me in
here."
"Yes, well it also goes on to say that Mr. Mek did not appear to
have been murdered inside his office. The bruises under his arms
suggest that he was dragged for some distance. Most likely to the
killer's speeder or something of the like. As there is no other
evidence at the moment to indicate that you are the killer, and myself
and my immediate supervisor have had our collective ears boxed, I'm
forced to let you and your friend go."
For the first time in some while a genuine smile appeared on
Jaina's face. "Good. I assume you'll be returning my possessions
also?"
"If you are referring to this," Graydon began and then pulled
Jaina's lightsaber from a satchel, "you can have it now. Make no
mistake though, Solo, this intervention on your behalf has not ruled you
and your friend out as suspects. And Jedi or not, I don't want you
pursuing your brother's disappearance. You are still a private citizen
and have no authority here. We take care of all security matters at
Shental."
"Why Lieutenant, haven't you heard that the Jedi are the guardians
of peace and justice?" Graydon glared at Jaina.
"I meant what I said, Solo. Stay out of this. If you do not I'd
be perfectly happy to have you arrested for breaking and entering and
the attempted destruction of Shental property. Now, if you'll just
follow the corporal he'll take you to your friend and the speeder we've
been ordered to loan to you so that you can make your way back to the
resort proper and your room. Which is where I suggest you stay."
Graydon executed a perfect 180 degree turn and walked smartly down the
corridor. Jaina's eyes followed him till he turned the nearest corner.
"Like hell," she whispered.
"Ma'am?" the corporal looked questioningly at her.
"Nothing corporal. Nothing. Why don't you lead the way," Jaina
said and gestured for him to step ahead of her.
* * *
The darkness was suddenly gone. In its place was the most
blinding light Jacen had ever seen, or more precisely, not seen. The
sudden switch from dark to light produced numerous shadows that seemed
to swim across his eyes making everything around Jacen momentarily
indiscernible. Slowly though, all came into focus.
Both he and Tenel Ka appeared to be strapped to some manner of
metal plate, which rose approximately three meters off the floor, and
looked as if someone had cut it straight from the deck of a starcruiser.
Jacen found himself bound by both wrist and ankle to the upper left hand
corner of the plate. He had realized almost immediately upon waking up
that he had been suspended above the ground, but at the time he hadn't
realized by how much. Just to Jacen's right, and marginally lower,
hung Tenel Ka. Her severed arm had been left free, while the other,
much like Jacen's, was bound above her head.
Jacen peered at the odd position of Tenel Ka's shoulder, and felt
himself shudder. The strain that was being placed on her arm must be
almost unbearable. His own limbs were aching from the stress, and his
weight was being distributed between the both. Glancing below him, Jacen
noticed that at each of the lower corners of the plate a great vise rose
up out of the floor and supported it. If there were only some way he
could disengage those then the stress to her arm could be alleviated.
Of course, it was just as probable that even if Jacen managed to
disengage the clamps both his and Tenel Ka's weight would pull them
forward instead of backward and they would be crushed.
"Jacen my friend, take this opportunity to observe our
surroundings. The information may be useful to us in the future. And
it is possible we might not receive another chance," Tenel Ka said.
For the first time Jacen noticed that Tenel Ka's eyes were flicking
about taking in everything and anything that could prove of value.
Jacen decided to follow suit.
They were inside what could only be a hanger; abandoned most
likely. It seemed to be about three or four starfighters in width,
although Jacen wasn't positive as starships were really Jaina's
specialty. Scattered about each side of the enormous bay were assorted
crates and miscellaneous parts that appeared to have been junked or
forgotten by their previous owners. At the far end lay a cargo
platform which held the few ladders that led up to the catwalks which
in turn crisscrossed the hanger's entire ceiling. And right in the
middle, among a column of empty chipped tarmac, was their makeshift
prison.
"Looks like whoever brought us here didn't want to make it very
easy for us to escape. To reach any sort of cover we'd have to traverse
quite a bit of ground," Jacen said.
"Quickly, if it becomes necessary to evade guards," Tenel Ka added.
"It is strange, though, that there are none present now." She suddenly
grimaced in pain. Jacen could see her bite the corner of her lower lip
to keep from crying out.
"Are you all right?" Despite the obviousness of the question,
Tenel Ka's expression softened at the sight of the concern in Jacen's
eyes.
"I believe my shoulder has been dislocated. It is... painful."
"I...," Jacen began.
"Shh. There is nothing you can do. Try not to worry Jacen. I
will survive." Jacen simply gazed at her. Tenel Ka seemed to have
reserves of strength and determination that he could only ever be
envious of. And Jacen couldn't help but love her the more for it.
"I trust I haven't kept you waiting too long?" Slipping gently
out from behind the plate to which the two young jedi were imprisoned,
Gwynandra Salanon appeared followed by a gruff looking man whom Jacen
remembered from the attack. He had been one of the two wearing the
ysalamiri.
"You?" Jacen wasn't quite sure if he could actually believe what
he was seeing. "You're the one who arranged all this?"
"Well, they always did say I was a touch too fearless for my own
good. Imagine, having the gall to attempt to kidnap a Jedi. Who would
ponder doing such a thing? But you see, what they didn't realize, and
what they still don't, is that fearlessness is quite effective if used
in coordination with cunning. I seem to have an abundance of both."
The man behind her grunted pointedly. "Oh yes. Mercer helped."
"You have no idea how happy I am for you that your self esteem
seems to have firmly established itself, but why does any of this
concern us?" Jacen demanded.
"Well I was hoping you might be impressed with some of my
attributes. But then there are still quite a few I haven't yet shown
you," Gwyn said grinning mischievously. Tenel Ka glared venomously at
her. "I don't believe you've answered my question yet have you, Jacen?
You haven't been waiting too long now have you? You are comfortable?"
"Comfortable? We've been hanging here for a day or more, unable
to move, and you want to know if we're comfortable? We've received no
food or water, and my friend is in need of medical attent..."
"No food? Mercer!" Jacen was taken aback momentarily at the
absolutely livid expression that Gwyn wore. "Why hasn't he been fed?"
"However impaired these two might be, they are still Jedi,
Gwynandra. It is best to keep them weak," Mercer said, eyeing Jacen
and Tenel Ka suspiciously.
"I want him brought food, Mercer. If you feel it necessary than
you can determine the portions, but something. Is that understood?"
"Of course, Gwynandra."
"Look," Jacen said, "why don't you just let us go now. Before my
sister and Lowie arrive, the authorities become involved, and everything
starts to get terribly complicated for you."
"Yes, it would be awfully inconvenient to have two Jedi hunting
us. Mercer?" Gwyn said.
"They are being taken care of as we speak." Jacen suddenly felt
something in the pit of his stomach make a sharp twist. If Gwyn had
successfully managed to incapacitate Tenel Ka and himself, then it would
possible for them to repeat such success with Jaina and Lowie.
"Good," Gwyn said, and began to disappear behind the plate.
"Wait!" Jacen shouted. Much to his surprise Gywn actually
stopped. She turned however not to him, but to Mercer.
"That other one. I did not ask for her, nor do I want her. Have
something done with her in the near future, Mercer."
Before Jacen could say anything, they were gone and the room was
plunged back into darkness.
* * *
Jaina grabbed hold of her seat attempting to steady herself as the
elderly speeder began to buck yet again. "I think this is Graydon's
idea of revenge," Jaina shouted, for the rushing wind and the whine of
the engines overwhelmed any subtle attempt at speech.
The landspeeder in which Jaina and Lowie now found themselves was
archaic by the best of standards. It may of been in it's prime when her
parents were but children, or perhaps even farther back. The
repulsorlift engines squealed in such a way that it sounded to Jaina as
if they might incinerate at any moment. It also handled about as well
as a bantha who had broken into the wine stores, and lacked even the
simple comfort of a roof.
For some reason beyond her comprehension the headquarters of the
Shental security forces were located within the boundaries of one of
Candren's few cities, not the actual resort itself. Between the two
urbanized areas lay seventy miles of flatlands covered in a lush tall
grass. Carved hastily through the tanned stalks was the only passable
road between Shental and the city, and the use of airspeeders over the
area had been restricted to official personnel. The statement released
after the ruling had cited a "biological hazard" as the cause of the
restriction. From that time forward anyone wishing to travel between
the two had to use a landspeeder and the road, and was issued with
instructions on exactly where it was that you could "safely operate"
your speeder upon said road.
The entire situation was exceedingly strange, but as there had yet
to be any kind of protest or report of injury the New Republic could
not officially send in any sort of inspection team to discover exactly
what was going on. The local government still held jurisdiction. It
was a mystery that might have completely captured Jaina's interest had
she not been so preoccupied with returning to Shental and continuing the
search for her brother and Tenel Ka.
Unfortunately the dilapidated state of their vehicle and Lowie's
consistently failing attempts to coax more speed out of it made that
goal seem as if it were near unattainable.
"This is his method for keeping us out of the way. Graydon is
giving himself as large of a head start on us as possible, hoping that by
the time we do actually make it back to Shental and get on track he'll
be too far ahead for us to play catch up." Jaina scowled. "I was
ordered to make a landspeeder available to you. Hah! Conniving little
nerf."
Lowie rumbled in agreement as he navigated the speeder through yet
another curve.
Jaina forced herself to try and do something to relax. She wasn't
really of much use to anyone wound so tight. All she needed was
something to take her mind off everything that had happened. If only
for a few minutes. She scanned her surroundings. There was nothing
particularly engaging. Just stalks of grass, the dusty road, a pair of
swoop bikes quickly gaining ground on them, a... swoop bikes?
Lowie sensed it a moment before Jaina did for he threw the control
yoke to the left, dragging the speeder toward the side of the road and
narrowly avoiding a volley of blaster fire that had erupted from the
bikes.
"Lowie, punch it!" Jaina cried. The wookie pushed the throttle
control to its maximum, but the speeder seemed to gain little in speed.
"Swoops usually don't have armaments," Jaina mumbled, trying to get a
better look at their pursuers, hoping to see if they had any other
surprises in store. The two bikes were hanging far enough back though
that they didn't have a chance of unintentionally outdistancing the
sluggish speeder. Between the gap and the amount of dirt and rock
being kicked up by the enormous engines strapped to the back of the
bikes, visibility was terrible.
"They're shooting at us though!" Em Teedee wailed in protest. A
few the of the laser bolts glanced off the side of the speeder, forcing
it hard to the right. The little droid squawked in fright. "We're all
going to die!"
* * *
It peered through the grass at the rising cloud of dust.
Something was on the move. Heading this way. It knew it was hungry.
It had been a long time since it last fed. The others would be hungry
too. Perhaps enough to risk seizing the prey in the open.
It bellowed its message.
* * *
"We haven't any chance of outrunning them," Jaina hollered.
Struggling with the control yoke to keep the speeder in some semblance
of an evasive pattern Lowie could only grunt in agreement.
"Shouldn't we abandon the vehicle then? We do seem to have
become an awfully easy target," Em Teedee yelped. The speeder bucked
under a further impact of blaster fire.
"We'd be gunned downed before we could bring our weapons to bare.
Even if we could manage that, a lightsaber can only redirect so much
energy. I've a feeling those cannons are too high a caliber for us to
handle," Jaina said grimly. She pounded her fist against the speeder
in frustration. "There has to be a way out of this."
Suddenly Jaina's eyes fell upon the waves of grass that fled past
them as the speeder wound its way forward. "Lowie, do you remember the
seaweed fields on Hapes?" He roared a questioning affirmative. "I
think this might qualify as similar circumstances. What with there
being an unmentionable biohazard nearby."
"Master Lowbacca," Em Teedee wailed, "you are not considering
actually..." Em Teedee let out a shrill scream as Lowie threw the
sagging speeder full tilt into the grass.
* * *
Anakin could barely see. The oppressive darkness encircled him
like a flock of hungry mynock scenting a fresh power source. He
stumbled forward, reaching out in the hopes of grasping something
familiar. And he listened. Listened for those small, commonplace
sounds that so easily allowed one to identify where one is.
There was nothing.
And yet, something.
Something was niggling the back of his mind. It had been so quiet
at first that Anakin hadn't even noticed its presence. The more he
concentrated on it though, the louder its voice became. Yes, it was a
voice. He could tell that now. The voice was familiar also. It came
slowly creeping back into his memory like a place from one's childhood
revisited.
The voice was becoming more distinct. "...in."
It was clearer with every step. "...ak...in."
Until finally both voice and word were immediately identifiable.
"Anakin."
"Elle?" he whispered.
Before he knew what was happening a great vortex of swirling winds
descended upon Anakin and threw him into the towering darkness. Anakin
was spun head over heels, suspended, as the violent air mass thundered
across the land.
"Anakin, help me!"
With no warning, an incredible light filled the vortex. The
darkness was pushed away and all was laid bare. Including Elle. Anakin
could see her, not too far from his position either. Her arms and legs
were flailing in desperate attempts to gain purchase on something. Her
eyes were wild.
"Anakin!" Elle screamed.
A sudden burst of wind pushed Anakin directly into Elle's path.
Not quite able to believe his good fortune Anakin reached out toward
her. "Elle, grab my hand!" He could see the relief in her face as she
laid eyes on him. The trust. Elle extended her arm.
The winds, which had previously been violently tossing the two
about, seemed to have all but died out. Anakin felt as if he were
simply floating. His body gently came forward, bringing his hand even
closer to Elle's. Their fingers brushed.
The zephyr suddenly reestablished itself. The burning light all
but disappeared. Anakin fought futilely against the winds as he felt
Elle being torn away from him.
"Anakin!"
Anakin's eyes snapped open. Only the static blue beauty of
hyperspace greeted him. No pitch, no winds, no Elle. Of course. He
was in the X-Wing's cockpit, on his way to Dasney. Nothing had happened
to him or Elle.
The reassurances did nothing to calm him though, for his heart
was still racing, and both his face and hands were covered in a sheen
of sweat. Anakin forced himself to relax. There was nothing wrong.
It had just been a dream. Perhaps a touch too real for his tastes, but
a dream nonetheless.
* * *
Jaina fervently clutched her seat as the speeder sped its way
blindly through the waves of grass. The two swoop jockeys had managed
to keep with them as the speeder mowed down all the grass in its path
creating a trench. The only saving grace had been the lack of blaster
fire coming from their pursuers. But then it had to be difficult for
them to get a clear shot off following the speeder through its
erratically cut path. Jaina only hoped that something would happen
soon which could help deal with the swoops.
A mass of dark shapes suddenly shot into the air from within the
grass. Jaina had barely a moment to register their presence before one
of them crashed down upon the rear of the speeder, upending the vehicle
and throwing her from her seat.
* * *
Jaina slowly picked her head up from the ground. It didn't feel
as if anything was seriously damaged, yet every part of her body seemed
to reverberate with pain. Careful not to aggravate any injuries, Jaina
brought herself gently into a sitting position. She was inside a small
patch of crushed grass, a flash of pain in her side reminded Jaina who
had done the crushing, and was surrounded as far as she could see by the
thickly woven stalks. Aside from the occasional rustling, Jaina could
not detect any sounds emanating from her surroundings. Nothing to
indicate the fate of Lowie and the speeder or the two swoop jockeys.
The tip of a snout suddenly broke through the wall of grass. A
little startled Jaina peered at the twitching protuberance, then
instinctively backed away. There was an aura about it. Something not
quite right. The small black nose sniffed the air gingerly for a moment
then retreated back inside the grass.
Not quite sure what to do, Jaina edged slowly toward where the
creature had been. There didn't seem to be any movement within the
grass. The gentle swaying of the stalks had ceased. Perhaps it had
left. She suddenly heard behind her the soft snapping of felled grass.
Jaina grimaced. Or perhaps not.
She turned slowly around. Standing before Jaina was a creature
near twice her size. Short brown hair covered its entire body, from
head to tail. Its head was cocked to the side, eyes fixed directly on
Jaina, and its lips were pulled back over a row of vicious looking
teeth. A pair of small forelegs protruded from the creature's sides and
were held at the ready, while its massive hindlegs seemed tensed and
ready to pounce.
The animal snarled.
Jaina reached for her lightsaber.
It wasn't there.
To be Continued...
being made off of this fic. Thank you.
STAR WARS: Shattered Dreams
Chapter Four: Introductions
by Dave Ziegler
'He's grouchy again,' Elle Mathys thought to herself. She sat
upon the rough, moist soil of Yavin IV just outside the great temple and
awaited Anakin's next set of instructions. Anakin Solo was Elle's first
mentor, a recent change in policy initiated by Master Skywalker at the
Jedi Academy. The senior students and other lesser instructors were to
take a single student under their tutelage, while Masters Skywalker,
Tionne, and Mara attempted to oversee the entire operation. So far
Anakin had been a fair and patient teacher, but Elle's lack of steady
progress was beginning to try him. He was so used to having anything
concerning the Force come so easily that Elle was positive Anakin
sometimes forgot that others were not equal to his own abilities. 'So,
being a child prodigy isn't quite all wonderful,' Elle giggled.
"All right, let's try this again Elle," Anakin said, attempting to
wipe the beads of sweat from his forehead. The intense heat of Yavin
radiated in all directions, even breaching the usually cool haven
beneath the trees. "Relax yourself, Elle. Allow the Force to penetrate
and guide you. Somewhere in this area is a cage containing a crystal
snake. Find it. Let the Force guide you to it." Anakin looked
expectantly at Elle as she picked herself up off the ground, and began
methodically pushing the muddy soil from her dress. "Start anytime you
like."
"Just a moment please. Being its only morning I'd like to keep my
clothes relatively clean. Besides, aren't you not supposed to rush
these things?" Anakin's chin dropped and his eyes squeezed shut. Elle
immediately regretted her comment. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I was only
teasing." Despite the stoic exterior Anakin constantly shrouded himself
in, Elle was sure he felt most things very deeply.
"Elle, you are training to be a Jedi. This is an extremely
serious matter, and should not be taken lightly." Anakin stared
authoritatively at her, his very posture challenging her to contradict
his edict. Elle clamped a hand firmly over her mouth and tried
desperately to stifle the laughter that was welling up inside her. She
failed.
Anakin looked upon her entirely bewildered. "What are you doing
now?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Elle managed in between gasping breaths.
"But your face, the way you said it."
"And what was it about my face that amused you so?" Gulping great
lungfulls of air, Elle managed to calm her spasms but still wore a huge
grin.
"Everything you are involved with, Anakin, is eventually put in
the perspective of life and death. You should learn to relax every once
and awhile and just enjoy what life has to offer."
"And perhaps you treat too many matters with a disdainful
triviality," Anakin retaliated. "I am not here, however, to debate with
you the style in which I choose to live my life. I am here to help
guide you in your use of the Force. An objective we seem to have lost
at the moment." Something in his gaze told Elle that even if she
decided to pursue this argument she would not win.
"You are right of course. I apologize Anakin," Elle said. "It is
not my place to make judgments."
"Let us proceed then," Anakin said and gestured toward her.
Elle stood in the center of the clearing, and allowed her eyes to
fall shut. Her breathing slowed until each inhalation and exhalation
were of a steady rhythm. The tension eased from her body as various
muscles relaxed their painful grip. Anakin watched his student
expectantly.
"Can you feel it around you, Elle? Connecting you, the trees, the
rocks, the animals?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Good. Now use that connection. Focus on the crystal snake and
allow the Force to guide your steps," he said.
* * *
Anakin watched as Elle slowly circled the clearing, her eyes still
firmly shut. He need not have even paid attention to the feelings he
was sensing from Elle to realize that she still felt uncomfortable
engaging in such activities; her hesitant step was all that was required.
Anakin sighed. If she was ever going to progress, Elle's trust in the
Force had to be complete. No doubts, no insecurities. A Jedi had to
be at peace with both himself and the Force.
Elle suddenly halted. Her knees gently flexed as she knelt and
slowly reached out toward a tangle of plants. Anakin couldn't help but
smile himself when Elle's face lit up and she withdrew the cage holding
the crystal snake. Perhaps he was being a little to demanding, Anakin
mused. After all, this was definitely progress.
During the last few training sessions Elle had only succeeded in
finishing near where he had hidden the cage. This was the first
occasion on which she had actually grasped it. Now if she
could only repeat it whenever necessary.
Elle rushed up to him. "I did it!" she cheered. "Finally!"
Anakin was suddenly taken aback as Elle threw her arms around him, and
pulled him into an embrace. "Thank you Anakin," her soft words drifted
into his ear.
"Your welcome," Anakin managed to stammer in reply. The pent up
air forced itself from inside his lungs as Elle finally slid herself
away from him.
"Oh, looks like we're about to have a visitor." Elle pointed in
the direction of the looming entrance to the Great Temple. Racing
through the tangled under growth, one of the younger students was
heading directly for them and waving her arms vigorously. "I wonder
what's going on?" Elle commented.
The young student, Anakin couldn't call forth a name to match the
face though, stumbled to a stop just in front of them. The girl
couldn't have been more than thirteen, and was definitely not a familiar
face. She was certainly a new member to the academy then. "Instructor
Solo?" the girl panted. The run had clearly taken quite a bit out of
her.
"Yes, I'm Anakin Solo."
"There's an urgent message for you in the communications center.
I believe its the Chief of State," the girl said.
"Thank you... "
"Saria," the girl quickly supplied.
"Thank you Saria," Anakin said. "Does Master Skywalker know of
this call?"
"I haven't found him yet, no."
"Please continue looking for him. Have him meet me at the comm
center," Anakin stated. He began to jog quickly toward the entrance to
the Great Temple.
"Wait," Elle called, running a few steps after him. "I'll see you
soon?"
"Good bye, Elle," he replied, then set off for the entrance once
again.
* * *
"I am not pleased with the present situation. Something has
happened to cause Organa-Solo to take an interest in my affairs. And
that, if I need remind you, is a dangerous prospect. However, I myself
have managed to eliminate any means she has of obtaining information on
Coruscant. I cannot believe though, that this will in any way dissuade
her from discovering more if possible. She is a very stubborn and
willful woman. That is why I require both of you to go to the planet
Dasney and erase all potentially incriminating records. I don't care
if you have to crash the entire system, just get it done. And be quick
about it, for it won't take Organa-Solo long to figure out the
importance of Dasney and have her own agent sent there. Oh yes, one
other thing. When you've completed this task I want you to find Miss
Salanon and discover what in the hell she has done to bring this upon
me!"
The hooded figure turned from the holocamera towards his companion.
"Xayla, terminate the recording, encrypt the message, and prepare it for
immediate transmission. I don't want to lose any time on this, or it
could mean all our heads."
* * *
Anakin ducked inside the communication center and was quickly
herded by the duty officer to a nearby console. A miniature hologram
of Leia Organa-Solo immediately resolved itself and looked up at Anakin.
Even in this time of potential crisis Leia allowed herself a scant
moment to smile at the sight of her son. Although just eighteen now,
Anakin had been mature beyond his years for quite some time. "Mother,
I was told this message is urgent. What's happening? What's the
matter?"
"Jacen and Jaina may be in trouble, Ankain. Due possibly to one
Gwynandra Salanon."
"I don't recognize the name," Anakin said.
"You wouldn't. Neither your brother nor sister have ever seen or
heard of her prior to their trip to Shental. Jaina had requested some
information about this girl, and Raynar Thul and I attempted to retrieve
the pertinent files from the databanks here on Coruscant. Unfortunately
someone managed to alter the files we were searching for."
"Have you been able to trace the alteration back to its source?"
Even across this distance Anakin could sense his mother's distress.
Only limited individuals had access to the main database on Coruscant,
which would lend credence to the theory that whoever had made the
alterations was a high ranking New Republic official, or one of the best
slicers to ever make an attempt on the Capital.
"Unfortunately, no. Ghent is still working on it, but it's going
to take some time. Whoever has done this certainly has an intimate
knowledge of how to cover one's tracks. Ghent is actually quite
impressed, which in and of itself is a feat I presume, and under any
other circumstances I'd be delighted that he's found something to really
challenge himself, but I want to know what exactly it is we are dealing
with, and then how we can help Jacen and Jaina," Leia said. She began
to gently massage her temple.
"It seems the problem is larger than just what is happening on
Jacen and Jaina's end."
"I realize that, Anakin, and will attend to it myself," Leia said,
determination hardening her gaze for a moment.
"What is it you want me to do, mother?"
"I need you to proceed to the planet Dasney. It's Gwynandra
Salanon's planet of birth. Once you've arrived you are to meet with
Eemar, a Calamari officer who will help you move about unnoticed.
Whoever erased the records on Coruscant is good, and it should be no
trouble for him to manage the same thing with a less sophisticated
system. I don't want this person to realize you're on Dasney until
you've already obtained the information and are gone."
"And what kind of information am I after?" Anakin asked.
"We need birth records, obituaries, lineage charts. Anything that
can show us her family line."
"Wouldn't it be of more help for me to go to Shental and aid Jacen
and Jaina?"
Leia smiled wearily. "No, we need to know who it is we are
dealing with. Information on both her and whoever it might be that is
trying to keep us in the dark will be eminently more helpful. Besides
Anakin, I've managed to procure a sort of help for them already."
Anakin smiled reassuringly at his mother. "All right then. I
understand. I'll be back before you know it."
"Good luck, Anakin, and may the Force be with you." The hologram
slowly faded into nothingness. Anakin turned to leave, and just about
stumbled over his waiting uncle.
"Uncle Luke? How long have you been here?" Anakin was unable to
hide the surprise on his face. He should have been able to sense his
uncle's approach, but had not.
"Long enough," Luke replied. "Head over to the hanger, Anakin.
The X-Wing is being prepped, and Artoo is already calculating the best
hyperspace route to Dasney."
"Thank you, Uncle Luke. I appreciate it, but Artoo need not
bother. I've just about finished the calculations myself."
* * *
It felt like swimming. Or rather fighting against the very might
of an ocean itself. Having to constantly force yourself through the
sweeping currents of thought and emotion, striving every second to keep
from being overwhelmed and forced under by the raging tumult.
Jaina Solo was in turmoil.
She tried one last time to reach out with the Force and make
contact with her brother. One last effort to soothe her fears and
force away the shadow of death that seemed to stalk Jacen in her
thoughts and dreams. The first time Jaina had attempted this she
was unable to establish any contact at all. The loss had been difficult
for her. She had never been more than a thought away from Jacen before,
no matter the distance. Now though, now Jaina couldn't even focus
herself enough to tell if she was even projecting her own thoughts
correctly!
There was just too much happening. Too many emotions surging out
of control.
Completely exasperated with herself, Jaina relaxed her posture and
slid slowly out of the lotus. Her muscles ached from the amount of time
spent locked in a single position. Despite her body's initial protests,
Jaina had forced herself to assume this posture as Tenel Ka had once
remarked upon how the physical exertion helped to focus her own
concentration. And at the time Jaina had been in desperate need of all
the concentration she could muster.
It hadn't worked though. Fighting against the fears for both her
brother and her friend, and the extreme aggravation of being locked in
a cell for the past few days unable to do anything, Jaina couldn't
manage it. She had drown in her own distress.
Things might be so much more in their favor had the Shental
security forces not arrived when they did. Jaina had been so sure of
herself once they had discovered Mr. Mek murdered. So sure that they
were now on the correct trail, and that there was a clue in Mr. Mek's
office to link him to Gwynandra Salanon. Something that she and Lowie
could have used to help track her down, or at least a piece of
information that could lead them to yet another source of viable clues.
But now she was locked in this closet of a detention cell, with Lowie
incarcerated who knows where inside the security complex, and unable to
make any effort whatsoever toward finding Jacen and Tenel Ka.
Of course, there had been the option of fighting the men. The
security team would not have been prepared for the combined powers of
two Jedi. But to have taken that path would have required giving in to
darker impulses to help expedite a personal cause. Both Jaina and Lowie
knew the price of that. Once you entertain the dark side it is a guest
most loath to leave. Besides, in her heart Jaina knew that both Tenel
Ka and Jacen would rather suffer any fate than to see either Lowie or
herself twisted into a shadowy facsimile of their former self as a
result of an endeavor devoted to them.
The door to Jaina's cell slid suddenly upwards, allowing her her
first breath of non recycled air for these past few days. Even with the
recycling system fully active the air inside the detention cells
quickly became stale and stagnant. As she allowed herself a great
lungful of the fresh air, Jaina eyed up her visitor. Not unexpectedly
it was the officer who had arrested Lowie and herself at the
administration complex.
Lieutenant Graydon had made several previous
visits, and conducted what Jaina could only assume to be his idea of a
thorough interrogation. In her opinion the Lieutenant was in dire need
of some of the NRI's training sessions if he ever hoped to extract
information from an unwilling prisoner. Fortunately enough for him,
Jaina was perfectly willing to share. Not that it had gotten her
anywhere.
"Ms. Solo, I must say that since I've met you my life has become
extraordinarily complicated and rather unpleasant. Despite the fact
that I'm an officer in the security forces of one of the galaxy's most
renowned resorts I never once expected, even in my wildest fantasies,
that I would have the pleasure of being chewed out by the Chief of State
of the New Republic herself. Allow me to thank you for that great
honor." Graydon shot Jaina a sardonic smile.
"I'm sure you can tell how sorry I am, Lieutenant." Jaina smiled
sweetly. "You did come in here to do something other than complain to
me though, did you not?"
"Straight to business then. I've just received the autopsy
reports on the Administrator. It seems he was dead for quite awhile
before we picked you and your compatriot up," Graydon said.
"Which I've been telling you the entire time you've kept me in
here."
"Yes, well it also goes on to say that Mr. Mek did not appear to
have been murdered inside his office. The bruises under his arms
suggest that he was dragged for some distance. Most likely to the
killer's speeder or something of the like. As there is no other
evidence at the moment to indicate that you are the killer, and myself
and my immediate supervisor have had our collective ears boxed, I'm
forced to let you and your friend go."
For the first time in some while a genuine smile appeared on
Jaina's face. "Good. I assume you'll be returning my possessions
also?"
"If you are referring to this," Graydon began and then pulled
Jaina's lightsaber from a satchel, "you can have it now. Make no
mistake though, Solo, this intervention on your behalf has not ruled you
and your friend out as suspects. And Jedi or not, I don't want you
pursuing your brother's disappearance. You are still a private citizen
and have no authority here. We take care of all security matters at
Shental."
"Why Lieutenant, haven't you heard that the Jedi are the guardians
of peace and justice?" Graydon glared at Jaina.
"I meant what I said, Solo. Stay out of this. If you do not I'd
be perfectly happy to have you arrested for breaking and entering and
the attempted destruction of Shental property. Now, if you'll just
follow the corporal he'll take you to your friend and the speeder we've
been ordered to loan to you so that you can make your way back to the
resort proper and your room. Which is where I suggest you stay."
Graydon executed a perfect 180 degree turn and walked smartly down the
corridor. Jaina's eyes followed him till he turned the nearest corner.
"Like hell," she whispered.
"Ma'am?" the corporal looked questioningly at her.
"Nothing corporal. Nothing. Why don't you lead the way," Jaina
said and gestured for him to step ahead of her.
* * *
The darkness was suddenly gone. In its place was the most
blinding light Jacen had ever seen, or more precisely, not seen. The
sudden switch from dark to light produced numerous shadows that seemed
to swim across his eyes making everything around Jacen momentarily
indiscernible. Slowly though, all came into focus.
Both he and Tenel Ka appeared to be strapped to some manner of
metal plate, which rose approximately three meters off the floor, and
looked as if someone had cut it straight from the deck of a starcruiser.
Jacen found himself bound by both wrist and ankle to the upper left hand
corner of the plate. He had realized almost immediately upon waking up
that he had been suspended above the ground, but at the time he hadn't
realized by how much. Just to Jacen's right, and marginally lower,
hung Tenel Ka. Her severed arm had been left free, while the other,
much like Jacen's, was bound above her head.
Jacen peered at the odd position of Tenel Ka's shoulder, and felt
himself shudder. The strain that was being placed on her arm must be
almost unbearable. His own limbs were aching from the stress, and his
weight was being distributed between the both. Glancing below him, Jacen
noticed that at each of the lower corners of the plate a great vise rose
up out of the floor and supported it. If there were only some way he
could disengage those then the stress to her arm could be alleviated.
Of course, it was just as probable that even if Jacen managed to
disengage the clamps both his and Tenel Ka's weight would pull them
forward instead of backward and they would be crushed.
"Jacen my friend, take this opportunity to observe our
surroundings. The information may be useful to us in the future. And
it is possible we might not receive another chance," Tenel Ka said.
For the first time Jacen noticed that Tenel Ka's eyes were flicking
about taking in everything and anything that could prove of value.
Jacen decided to follow suit.
They were inside what could only be a hanger; abandoned most
likely. It seemed to be about three or four starfighters in width,
although Jacen wasn't positive as starships were really Jaina's
specialty. Scattered about each side of the enormous bay were assorted
crates and miscellaneous parts that appeared to have been junked or
forgotten by their previous owners. At the far end lay a cargo
platform which held the few ladders that led up to the catwalks which
in turn crisscrossed the hanger's entire ceiling. And right in the
middle, among a column of empty chipped tarmac, was their makeshift
prison.
"Looks like whoever brought us here didn't want to make it very
easy for us to escape. To reach any sort of cover we'd have to traverse
quite a bit of ground," Jacen said.
"Quickly, if it becomes necessary to evade guards," Tenel Ka added.
"It is strange, though, that there are none present now." She suddenly
grimaced in pain. Jacen could see her bite the corner of her lower lip
to keep from crying out.
"Are you all right?" Despite the obviousness of the question,
Tenel Ka's expression softened at the sight of the concern in Jacen's
eyes.
"I believe my shoulder has been dislocated. It is... painful."
"I...," Jacen began.
"Shh. There is nothing you can do. Try not to worry Jacen. I
will survive." Jacen simply gazed at her. Tenel Ka seemed to have
reserves of strength and determination that he could only ever be
envious of. And Jacen couldn't help but love her the more for it.
"I trust I haven't kept you waiting too long?" Slipping gently
out from behind the plate to which the two young jedi were imprisoned,
Gwynandra Salanon appeared followed by a gruff looking man whom Jacen
remembered from the attack. He had been one of the two wearing the
ysalamiri.
"You?" Jacen wasn't quite sure if he could actually believe what
he was seeing. "You're the one who arranged all this?"
"Well, they always did say I was a touch too fearless for my own
good. Imagine, having the gall to attempt to kidnap a Jedi. Who would
ponder doing such a thing? But you see, what they didn't realize, and
what they still don't, is that fearlessness is quite effective if used
in coordination with cunning. I seem to have an abundance of both."
The man behind her grunted pointedly. "Oh yes. Mercer helped."
"You have no idea how happy I am for you that your self esteem
seems to have firmly established itself, but why does any of this
concern us?" Jacen demanded.
"Well I was hoping you might be impressed with some of my
attributes. But then there are still quite a few I haven't yet shown
you," Gwyn said grinning mischievously. Tenel Ka glared venomously at
her. "I don't believe you've answered my question yet have you, Jacen?
You haven't been waiting too long now have you? You are comfortable?"
"Comfortable? We've been hanging here for a day or more, unable
to move, and you want to know if we're comfortable? We've received no
food or water, and my friend is in need of medical attent..."
"No food? Mercer!" Jacen was taken aback momentarily at the
absolutely livid expression that Gwyn wore. "Why hasn't he been fed?"
"However impaired these two might be, they are still Jedi,
Gwynandra. It is best to keep them weak," Mercer said, eyeing Jacen
and Tenel Ka suspiciously.
"I want him brought food, Mercer. If you feel it necessary than
you can determine the portions, but something. Is that understood?"
"Of course, Gwynandra."
"Look," Jacen said, "why don't you just let us go now. Before my
sister and Lowie arrive, the authorities become involved, and everything
starts to get terribly complicated for you."
"Yes, it would be awfully inconvenient to have two Jedi hunting
us. Mercer?" Gwyn said.
"They are being taken care of as we speak." Jacen suddenly felt
something in the pit of his stomach make a sharp twist. If Gwyn had
successfully managed to incapacitate Tenel Ka and himself, then it would
possible for them to repeat such success with Jaina and Lowie.
"Good," Gwyn said, and began to disappear behind the plate.
"Wait!" Jacen shouted. Much to his surprise Gywn actually
stopped. She turned however not to him, but to Mercer.
"That other one. I did not ask for her, nor do I want her. Have
something done with her in the near future, Mercer."
Before Jacen could say anything, they were gone and the room was
plunged back into darkness.
* * *
Jaina grabbed hold of her seat attempting to steady herself as the
elderly speeder began to buck yet again. "I think this is Graydon's
idea of revenge," Jaina shouted, for the rushing wind and the whine of
the engines overwhelmed any subtle attempt at speech.
The landspeeder in which Jaina and Lowie now found themselves was
archaic by the best of standards. It may of been in it's prime when her
parents were but children, or perhaps even farther back. The
repulsorlift engines squealed in such a way that it sounded to Jaina as
if they might incinerate at any moment. It also handled about as well
as a bantha who had broken into the wine stores, and lacked even the
simple comfort of a roof.
For some reason beyond her comprehension the headquarters of the
Shental security forces were located within the boundaries of one of
Candren's few cities, not the actual resort itself. Between the two
urbanized areas lay seventy miles of flatlands covered in a lush tall
grass. Carved hastily through the tanned stalks was the only passable
road between Shental and the city, and the use of airspeeders over the
area had been restricted to official personnel. The statement released
after the ruling had cited a "biological hazard" as the cause of the
restriction. From that time forward anyone wishing to travel between
the two had to use a landspeeder and the road, and was issued with
instructions on exactly where it was that you could "safely operate"
your speeder upon said road.
The entire situation was exceedingly strange, but as there had yet
to be any kind of protest or report of injury the New Republic could
not officially send in any sort of inspection team to discover exactly
what was going on. The local government still held jurisdiction. It
was a mystery that might have completely captured Jaina's interest had
she not been so preoccupied with returning to Shental and continuing the
search for her brother and Tenel Ka.
Unfortunately the dilapidated state of their vehicle and Lowie's
consistently failing attempts to coax more speed out of it made that
goal seem as if it were near unattainable.
"This is his method for keeping us out of the way. Graydon is
giving himself as large of a head start on us as possible, hoping that by
the time we do actually make it back to Shental and get on track he'll
be too far ahead for us to play catch up." Jaina scowled. "I was
ordered to make a landspeeder available to you. Hah! Conniving little
nerf."
Lowie rumbled in agreement as he navigated the speeder through yet
another curve.
Jaina forced herself to try and do something to relax. She wasn't
really of much use to anyone wound so tight. All she needed was
something to take her mind off everything that had happened. If only
for a few minutes. She scanned her surroundings. There was nothing
particularly engaging. Just stalks of grass, the dusty road, a pair of
swoop bikes quickly gaining ground on them, a... swoop bikes?
Lowie sensed it a moment before Jaina did for he threw the control
yoke to the left, dragging the speeder toward the side of the road and
narrowly avoiding a volley of blaster fire that had erupted from the
bikes.
"Lowie, punch it!" Jaina cried. The wookie pushed the throttle
control to its maximum, but the speeder seemed to gain little in speed.
"Swoops usually don't have armaments," Jaina mumbled, trying to get a
better look at their pursuers, hoping to see if they had any other
surprises in store. The two bikes were hanging far enough back though
that they didn't have a chance of unintentionally outdistancing the
sluggish speeder. Between the gap and the amount of dirt and rock
being kicked up by the enormous engines strapped to the back of the
bikes, visibility was terrible.
"They're shooting at us though!" Em Teedee wailed in protest. A
few the of the laser bolts glanced off the side of the speeder, forcing
it hard to the right. The little droid squawked in fright. "We're all
going to die!"
* * *
It peered through the grass at the rising cloud of dust.
Something was on the move. Heading this way. It knew it was hungry.
It had been a long time since it last fed. The others would be hungry
too. Perhaps enough to risk seizing the prey in the open.
It bellowed its message.
* * *
"We haven't any chance of outrunning them," Jaina hollered.
Struggling with the control yoke to keep the speeder in some semblance
of an evasive pattern Lowie could only grunt in agreement.
"Shouldn't we abandon the vehicle then? We do seem to have
become an awfully easy target," Em Teedee yelped. The speeder bucked
under a further impact of blaster fire.
"We'd be gunned downed before we could bring our weapons to bare.
Even if we could manage that, a lightsaber can only redirect so much
energy. I've a feeling those cannons are too high a caliber for us to
handle," Jaina said grimly. She pounded her fist against the speeder
in frustration. "There has to be a way out of this."
Suddenly Jaina's eyes fell upon the waves of grass that fled past
them as the speeder wound its way forward. "Lowie, do you remember the
seaweed fields on Hapes?" He roared a questioning affirmative. "I
think this might qualify as similar circumstances. What with there
being an unmentionable biohazard nearby."
"Master Lowbacca," Em Teedee wailed, "you are not considering
actually..." Em Teedee let out a shrill scream as Lowie threw the
sagging speeder full tilt into the grass.
* * *
Anakin could barely see. The oppressive darkness encircled him
like a flock of hungry mynock scenting a fresh power source. He
stumbled forward, reaching out in the hopes of grasping something
familiar. And he listened. Listened for those small, commonplace
sounds that so easily allowed one to identify where one is.
There was nothing.
And yet, something.
Something was niggling the back of his mind. It had been so quiet
at first that Anakin hadn't even noticed its presence. The more he
concentrated on it though, the louder its voice became. Yes, it was a
voice. He could tell that now. The voice was familiar also. It came
slowly creeping back into his memory like a place from one's childhood
revisited.
The voice was becoming more distinct. "...in."
It was clearer with every step. "...ak...in."
Until finally both voice and word were immediately identifiable.
"Anakin."
"Elle?" he whispered.
Before he knew what was happening a great vortex of swirling winds
descended upon Anakin and threw him into the towering darkness. Anakin
was spun head over heels, suspended, as the violent air mass thundered
across the land.
"Anakin, help me!"
With no warning, an incredible light filled the vortex. The
darkness was pushed away and all was laid bare. Including Elle. Anakin
could see her, not too far from his position either. Her arms and legs
were flailing in desperate attempts to gain purchase on something. Her
eyes were wild.
"Anakin!" Elle screamed.
A sudden burst of wind pushed Anakin directly into Elle's path.
Not quite able to believe his good fortune Anakin reached out toward
her. "Elle, grab my hand!" He could see the relief in her face as she
laid eyes on him. The trust. Elle extended her arm.
The winds, which had previously been violently tossing the two
about, seemed to have all but died out. Anakin felt as if he were
simply floating. His body gently came forward, bringing his hand even
closer to Elle's. Their fingers brushed.
The zephyr suddenly reestablished itself. The burning light all
but disappeared. Anakin fought futilely against the winds as he felt
Elle being torn away from him.
"Anakin!"
Anakin's eyes snapped open. Only the static blue beauty of
hyperspace greeted him. No pitch, no winds, no Elle. Of course. He
was in the X-Wing's cockpit, on his way to Dasney. Nothing had happened
to him or Elle.
The reassurances did nothing to calm him though, for his heart
was still racing, and both his face and hands were covered in a sheen
of sweat. Anakin forced himself to relax. There was nothing wrong.
It had just been a dream. Perhaps a touch too real for his tastes, but
a dream nonetheless.
* * *
Jaina fervently clutched her seat as the speeder sped its way
blindly through the waves of grass. The two swoop jockeys had managed
to keep with them as the speeder mowed down all the grass in its path
creating a trench. The only saving grace had been the lack of blaster
fire coming from their pursuers. But then it had to be difficult for
them to get a clear shot off following the speeder through its
erratically cut path. Jaina only hoped that something would happen
soon which could help deal with the swoops.
A mass of dark shapes suddenly shot into the air from within the
grass. Jaina had barely a moment to register their presence before one
of them crashed down upon the rear of the speeder, upending the vehicle
and throwing her from her seat.
* * *
Jaina slowly picked her head up from the ground. It didn't feel
as if anything was seriously damaged, yet every part of her body seemed
to reverberate with pain. Careful not to aggravate any injuries, Jaina
brought herself gently into a sitting position. She was inside a small
patch of crushed grass, a flash of pain in her side reminded Jaina who
had done the crushing, and was surrounded as far as she could see by the
thickly woven stalks. Aside from the occasional rustling, Jaina could
not detect any sounds emanating from her surroundings. Nothing to
indicate the fate of Lowie and the speeder or the two swoop jockeys.
The tip of a snout suddenly broke through the wall of grass. A
little startled Jaina peered at the twitching protuberance, then
instinctively backed away. There was an aura about it. Something not
quite right. The small black nose sniffed the air gingerly for a moment
then retreated back inside the grass.
Not quite sure what to do, Jaina edged slowly toward where the
creature had been. There didn't seem to be any movement within the
grass. The gentle swaying of the stalks had ceased. Perhaps it had
left. She suddenly heard behind her the soft snapping of felled grass.
Jaina grimaced. Or perhaps not.
She turned slowly around. Standing before Jaina was a creature
near twice her size. Short brown hair covered its entire body, from
head to tail. Its head was cocked to the side, eyes fixed directly on
Jaina, and its lips were pulled back over a row of vicious looking
teeth. A pair of small forelegs protruded from the creature's sides and
were held at the ready, while its massive hindlegs seemed tensed and
ready to pounce.
The animal snarled.
Jaina reached for her lightsaber.
It wasn't there.
To be Continued...
