Disclaimer: Star Wars is the property of George Lucas and Lucasfilm Ltd. I am making
no profit off this work; it is being done only for the pleasure of the writer and
readers. So, please do not sue me. Thanks much.
STAR WARS: Shattered Dreams
Chapter 11: 'Lost and Found'
by Dave Ziegler
Jaina glanced behind her, her eyes traveling down the rough trail until they
came to rest upon her ship. The vessel had been precisely maneuvered between two
large outcroppings a third of the way up the peak in the hopes that it would be
effectively hidden from view. It wouldn't due at all, now that she and Lowie were
so close to Jacen, to have any of the Shental security forces simply find the SABER
on a sweep of the area, and then have a very large indication of where to look for
both of them.
Of course, it was no use needlessly worrying either. They had planted the ship
as best they could, and now it was time to move on in their quest. Jaina could feel
that Jacen was troubled, though it was now somewhat more subdued than when she first
sensed it, and that something had happened to Tenel Ka to cause it. What that could be,
though, she did not want to even speculate. Too many horrible images and possible futures
flashed in agonizing clarity through her mind's eye. It was much better to take things
as they came, and not guess.
Shifting the weight of her supply pack to a different shoulder, Jaina gingerly
stepped over yet another sizable crevice and quickly scanned the land around her. These
were bleak mountains, desolate and dead, featuring none of the lush trees and brilliant
snow she had experienced when visiting other worlds with her parents. No, here the
ground was dry and cracked, the sporadic patches of grass were brown and withered, and
what few trees that grew looked gnarled and bare. It seemed eerily like someone had
simply sucked the life out of the place.
"Mistress Jaina," Em Teedee began, floating over from Lowie's side to hers, "I
am wondering, how do you propose to bring Master Jacen or Mistress Tenel Ka back down
the peak and to the ship if either is injured?"
Jaina grimaced. Trust Em Teedee to make you feel on top of the world. "I hadn't
really considered, Em Teedee."
"Perhaps you should, Mistress Jaina. It is a distinct, however frightening,
possibility that one of them will be hurt and unable to make the trip on their own.
We know first hand what kind of horrors lurk in the wilds here," Em Teedee said, a
tremor in his voice as he remembered their encounter with the jumper creatures.
Lowie chuffed with laughter at the droid's fear, and commented that out of all
of them, he had needed to worry the least about being dragged off and eaten. Em Teedee,
for his part, spluttered, unable to think of a suitable contradiction that would convince
his master he was not such a heartless being as to concern himself first with his safety
and not that of this friends.
Lowie laughed even harder as the droid stuttered and stumbled, until finally Jaina
shook her head and held up a stalling hand. "All right, you two, time to stop. Let's try
and focus here, I really don't want anything to take us by surprise, so out with the
teasing and distractions for now. And Em Teedee?"
"Yes, Mistress Jaina."
"Don't worry. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. If something is
the matter, I'm sure we will be able to handle it."
"Yes, I am sorry to have been a bother."
Jaina sighed, and drew her fingers across her temples. "Just relax, Em Teedee.
I need you and your sensors to be on the alert, okay? As I said before, we need to
concentrate and not let anything get the drop on us."
At that point, eight very large jumpers sprang out
from behind various ridges and knots of trees. Their dense muscles working, the pack moved
into a loose circle around the two young Jedi, and seemed to nod to one another after
peering closely at them.
Jaina moved a step back and reached for her lightsaber, Lowie following suit.
*Wait!* Jaina's hand halted at her belt.
"Jacen?" she breathed.
*That's right,* his voice smiled, relief sounding in the message. *It's me. Now
Jaina, Lowie, don't hurt them. They're here to help you."
"Help us? Jacen, these animals attacked us earlier."
*And you were also saved by one. Please Jaina, do as I ask. You won't be harmed.
They came so that they could guide you to me.*
"Are you sure about this?" Jaina questioned, her hand still hovering above her
blade. She remembered all to well the beating she had suffered at the hands of these
creatures and was loathe to let her guard down even a sliver with some of them nearby.
*Absolutely,* Jacen answered. *Look, Jaya, would I lie to you?*
Jaina smiled, remembering a time when she said the same thing to him. "Yes. But
you aren't. Not this time. I can feel it."
*Then trust me, okay? Follow them, and you will find me.*
"All right, Jacen, I will. I don't know how you managed this, but I'll go along."
Ever so slowly Jaina relaxed and let her hand fall to her side. She nodded quickly to
Lowie who similarly removed his grip from the weapon.
Seeing that the two Jedi had relaxed their stance and were no longer acting as a
threat, the Jumpers broke their circle into two lines and began to herd Jaina and Lowie
across the terrain. Jaina exhaled deeply, trying to drive the tension from her body.
*Jacen, you'd better know what you're doing.*
His voice cracked yet another grin. *Such confidence from my dear, affectionate
sister. Don't worry, Jaina. In thirty minutes you'll be with me, and then we can
prepare.*
* * *
Elle Mathys stepped hesitantly into the offices of the Jedi Academy. A
certain amount of fear coursed through her body, making Elle feel as if she were about
to embark on a journey from which there was no end. After all, it was not an everyday
occurrence to be summoned into the presence of all three of the Academy's headmasters.
And in Elle's opinion, it couldn't be a good sign either.
She had no idea what she had done to deserve such a summoning. Perhaps Master
Beijould had complained about her again. After two distinct exclamations of displeasure, it
could pretty much be guaranteed that Elle would be remanded to the custody of another
teacher while Anakin continued to be away, or be sent to simply listen to the group
lectures and let the active portion of her training lapse for a while.
Elle bit her lip in frustration. Why did that man have to be so stiff? Couldn't
he handle even the tiniest bit of levity during his lessons? Then Elle remembered the
very stoic face of Beijould's current apprentice. Well, perhaps he couldn't. Oh, how she
wished Anakin would get back already. Sure, he was a smidgen too serious in most everything,
but he was also pliable. When Elle really fought him, she could coach a smile to his
face, and Anakin would allow Elle her moments of effusiveness without recrimination.
She had no such luck with Beijould.
Sighing, Elle entered the darkened sanctum and prepared herself to have her fate
pronounced. The three regal Jedi Masters sat in a semicircle, each wearing a smooth and
perfectly hung set of robes. Elle suddenly felt very self-conscious of the weathered
and simple dress she wore. To look as commanding, dignified, and mysterious as these three
did, well, it was simply breathtaking.
Elle turned to each and bowed deeply, marking her respect for individuals of such
high standing and knowledge, then moved to the center of the room, so that she stood
directly before Master Skywalker, while Masters Mara Jade Skywalker and Tionne flanked
her on each side.
"Elle Mathys," Luke began, then looked at her strangely. Elle felt herself become
even more tense. "Elle," Luke began again, this time a smile playing at his lips, "relax.
You are not here to be reprimanded."
"Quite the contrary, I would say," Tionne chimed. Mara simply rolled her eyes.
Elle, quickly remembering her rudimentary exercises, forced her anxiety and trepidation
down and away with a series of quick, deep breathes.
"There," Luke said. "Feeling better now?"
"Yes, Master Skywalker. Thank you." And Elle did feel more at ease, not that
she was sure she bought into their dissuasion quite yet. If she wasn't to be
reprimanded for her behavior with Master Beijould than why else would she be here?
"Good. Now, you may be wondering why you have been called here," Luke said.
*Ask a stupid question,* Elle thought wryly to herself.
"A situation has developed on Coruscant," Mara said, picking up at her husband's
prompt. "We think your abilities will prove useful in settling the crisis."
"Me?" Elle cried, shock and anxiety hitting full force again. "Help the capital?
How could I possibly do that? I'm still only an apprentice, and not a very experienced
one at that."
"You discredit yourself, Elle," Tionne said, her silver hair flashing in the
darkness. "You have been training at the academy for over two years now. Plus you
are under the tutelage of one of our most gifted students. I think you've progressed
far more than you give yourself credit for."
Elle quickly bowed to Tionne. "Thank you for your kind words, Master, but I
think...."
"There are no buts," Mara quickly interjected. "You are going to Coruscant."
"I understand," Elle whispered, quietly accepting her fate. "What am I to do?"
"Two days ago, the Chief of State of the New Republic, Leia Organa-Solo, went
missing. She was last seen leaving a meeting of the Senate within the Imperial
Palace," Luke stated. "Her disappearance was first reported by her husband late
that night. Since that time the palace has been sealed from within, allowing no one
to enter and no one to leave. While it is believed that the Chief of State has not
been removed from the premises, authorities admit there was enough time for her to have been
moved."
"However," Mara added, "this theory has not been too highly recognized as none
of the sentries can recall seeing the Chief of State leave."
"In any case," Luke continued, "we are operating under the assumption that she
is still within the palace somewhere. You, Elle, are to travel to Coruscant and aid
Captain Solo and the Republic authorities in determining her location."
"If the Republic can't find her, why should I be able to?" Elle questioned.
Tionne leaned forward in her seat and offered Elle a confident smile. "Anakin's
notes on your training indicate that you have an unusual talent for using the Force to
feel out most anything, not just that which you are familiar with. He writes that
even with the faintest of descriptions or feelings to go on, you are able to locate an
object or animal, given the necessary time."
"But I've never met the Chief of State! And the palace, it's huge isn't it? I
can't do this! It's too much," Elle protested.
"You can," Luke soothed. "And you will. You have the ability, Elle, the power.
The Force is strong in you. Let it guide you in your task."
"Yes, Master," Elle acknowledged. "How will I get to the capital? I can't pilot
a starship."
"Your transport is waiting in the hangar, as well as the pilot," Mara told her.
"We've arranged for you to be accompanied by Raynar Thul, a Jedi of high esteem and
great honor. If you feel yourself slipping, allow him to help steer you back. He has
faced hardship in his training and life, and knows what is necessary to pull
oneself back."
"Do not keep him waiting," Tionne smiled.
"You are dismissed, Elle. We wish you success in your mission. May the Force
be with you," Luke intoned.
Elle bowed to each of the Masters again, moved to leave, but then stopped. "Master
Skywalker?"
"Yes?"
"The Chief of Sate is your sister, isn't she? Wouldn't finding her be the
simplest of tasks for yourself? Why send me instead?"
"Because, young apprentice, my sister is a capable Jedi Knight in her own right,
and I trust that she can take care of herself. Also, we three need to keep a constant
vigil over the academy. We have all felt something dark on the horizon. I'm sure my
sister would not wish for the security of the Republic to be put at risk for her own sake.
Besides," and Luke smiled at this, "I think it's high time I gave Master Beijould a
break from you. He can only take so much levity at a time, and I think you've filled him
to his limit for the year."
"I see," Elle said. "Thank you for your confidence in me, Master Skywalker."
"Think nothing of it, Elle. But you should share such sentiment in yourself."
"Perhaps, after this, I will," Elle softly commented. "Thank you again. I will
not fail your trust." Elle bowed one last time to each of the headmasters, then walked
steadily from their chambers and made for the academy's main hangar and her expectant
transport.
* * *
"Well, they're on their way," Jacen said, breaking contact with his sister and
Lowie. He turned back toward a small, rough outcropping in the cave's wall and perched
upon it. Nyar sat, curled in a kind of ball and eyes closed in concentration, across
the way. Jacen still marveled at the sheer intensity of the Force that rippled off this
being. He was truly amazing.
"Yes, I know," Nyar acknowledged. "It will take them some time to reach here,
you understand." Jacen nodded. "Good, good. Now, until then, why don't you tell about
what has been plaguing you so much? You are safe, your sister and friend are on their
way to be with you, and the female Jedi still lives."
A grimace flashed across Jacen's face at the mention of Tenel Ka. He rubbed
his chin in agitation before grimly beginning. "Yes, Nyar, she may be alive and well,
but I still can't think of how I am going to get her away from Gwynandra. She and her
companions have Ysalamiri strewn about the cell, and with them in action we, as Jedi,
have no advantage. If you think about it, we actually lose even footing. Jaina and I
have been in contact with the Force all our lives, and its sudden disappearance throws
us for something of a loop."
"Young one, nature is in contact with all life, forever. You can never be
completely removed from it, because it is you and you are it. One without the other
cannot exist. Yes, some entities hide themselves from its influence, but if you probe
deeply enough you will find that they too are connected."
"Are you trying to tell me that my Force powers will work on the Ysalamiri,
despite their bubbles?" Jacen asked incredulously.
"I am merely relating to you the state of the universe, my friend. What is
outside of nature is not alive. It is as simple as that." Nyar shifted, and pulled
his head toward Jacen, despite keeping his eyelids firmly drawn. It would be immensely
unfortunate if he were to lose concentration and put the young one's companions at risk.
"Now, I think, perhaps, that you should contemplate your relationship with nature, and
how it has blessed you by making your connection so alive, before coming to any such
doomed conclusions concerning your ability to rescue the female Jedi. For myself, I
will continue to guide your friends and make sure the rest of my herd does not bother
either them or us."
Nyar settled his head back into its original position, and looked almost as if
he were falling asleep. Jacen grabbed a pebble and skipped it across the floor,
frustration showing through the power of the throw.
*Contemplate my relationship with the Force? How is that supposed to help Tenel
Ka when I won't even be able to use it? This is pointless!* Realizing that he was
allowing himself to lose control, Jacen quickly seized on the anger and let it dissipate
out of him.
"Relax," he muttered to himself. Jacen realized that he should know better than to
allow himself to become like this. He had to focus.
*I'm speeding past something I should be watching carefully, I know it. What
did Uncle Luke always tell us? 'Those in haste always pay a higher price.' I can't
afford to pay that price here, Tenel Ka depends on it.* Jacen leant back against the
rocky wall and allowed images of his love to play across his now lidded eyes. *I
cannot let her down. I will not.*
"That is good, young one." Nyar's voice startled Jacen from his contemplations,
causing him to bolt straight up. "That which is within your heart is the essence of the
light. With it, you will emerge victorious over enemies much worse than these."
Jacen nodded dumbly, once again not quite positive what the ancient creature was
speaking about.
"Good, good," Nyar encouraged. "Now, return to your mediations. You shall find
a solution. Of that, have no doubts."
* * *
The elderly freighter belched a plume of exhaust as the boarding ramp descended.
The heavily cloaked figure who walked down the ramp made note of the loud groans
that issued from the hydraulics and filed it away for another time. As much as this
ship had been a part of his life and as much as he loved it, there were more important
things to consider now.
His level gaze swept the grounds of Candren V, noting each and every detail
available. He had long since learnt to be aware of everything in his surroundings; it was
a necessary ability if one was to survive the kind of solitary endeavors he undertook.
There was danger here. It was brewing beneath the ground, in the
clouds, waiting to burst forth in a torrent of storm and cataclysm. It was the very thing
he was here to prevent. It was his duty, his mission; nothing else mattered. He had
returned, and was here now, on Candren V, awaiting his chance to avert the catastrophe that
haunted him in his dreams.
* * *
"We're coming into orbit," Raynar said, punching a series of buttons and dials
upon the flight console of his personal shuttle. "I've just been informed, though,
that New Republic Intelligence has taken over command of the search for the Chief of
State. This being the third day since she's gone missing, I guess they're getting
rather nervous. They also don't seem too thrilled to have us coming in to help."
Raynar turned toward Elle and gave her an encouraging grin. The girl was perched
nervously upon her flight couch, staring wide-eyed at the enormity of Coruscant and its
defenses.
"Don't worry, though. With both Master Skywalker and Captain Solo insisting that
we be brought in, the Admiral had to agree."
"The Admiral?" Elle piped up, the first words she had uttered in a long time.
"Yes," Raynar said, happy to have her speaking again. "The Admiral is the
director of the NRI. He has his fingers in everything around, and knows just about
all there is to know. He runs the show, and has enormous resources, but still has
to answer to the politicians. And right now, the inner council wants Organa-Solo
found. Hence, their bringing us and the big guns to bear.
"Now," Raynar continued, "once we land, we will be conducted to the Imperial
Palace via special escort and will meet with Captain Solo and whoever from the NRI
they have running the field operations. From there, we'll just see what we can do. Though,
considering how late it is and how far we've traveled, I suspect we'll just be shown
to our rooms. The work will start in the morning."
Elle reached slowly forward and placed her hand against the transparisteel
viewport. "It's just immense. How can they expect me to find one person among so many?
Perhaps Master Skywalker could do it, or even Tionne, but me? I don't have substantial
enough ability to offer anything productive."
Raynar shrugged. "Maybe not. But Anakin has faith in you, or else you wouldn't
have been chosen for this mission. And, quite frankly, Elle, I've learned better than
to dismiss the judgment of any Solo."
"Anakin," Elle muttered. She had forgotten how much this all would affect him.
Had he not been away on a mission, Elle was sure she would be sitting here with him
instead of Raynar. There would be nothing that would stop him from finding his mother,
not when he was determined. Anakin was just too stubborn to admit defeat. And, perhaps,
after all their time together, that was something she should have adopted from him.
"Right," she said. "I can do this. I will do this."
"Absolutely," Raynar encouraged. "We will succeed in our mission. Especially
since I have a pretty good idea of where you should start looking."
Elle's eyes widened in surprise. "You do? How? Why didn't you tell Master
Skywalker?"
"Master Skywalker knows. That's one of the reasons why he asked me to convey
you. As to how, well, have you ever met Anakin's brother and sister?"
"Once or twice. What do they have to do with this?"
"That, Elle, remains to be seen. But I'm starting to see the whole picture here,
there are just a few pieces missing."
Elle arched an eyebrow, crossed her arms, and stared determinedly at Raynar. The
nervousness and doubt that had been plaguing her just moments before seemed to have
disappeared entirely. The Elle who sat before him now was strong and alive. "And would
you mind sharing this picture with the rest of us who haven't been privy to spades of
intergalactic intrigue?"
"Not at all," Raynar said, directing the ship through the planetary defenses and
down his assigned flight corridor. "In fact, I think it very important that you do know.
You see, Elle, it all starts with Anakin's brother and sister, and a trip they took to
Shental Resorts."
* * *
"We're coming up on Coruscant?" Anakin Solo asked. His face was grim and lined, his
eyes showing the strain of worry and anxiety. Artoo's response to his question rolled
slowly up the screen, indicating that they would arrive early in the planet's morning.
"And you're sure about these files you've decrypted?" Anakin punched up a readout of
the documents that had been so consuming him for the last hour and a half. Artoo had made
good on his promise to have them deciphered before they reached the capital. Unfortunately
for Anakin, what was contained within had him more worried than anything he had yet
discovered, senators and battle droids included. And yet, everything that had once seemed
fractured or coincidental made sense now.
"Pour the speed on, Artoo. Mom needs to know about this." Anakin gripped the control
yoke tighter, as if he could physically squeeze propulsion from the fighter. "It all just
keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?"
Artoo whined in agreement.
To Be Continued. . .
no profit off this work; it is being done only for the pleasure of the writer and
readers. So, please do not sue me. Thanks much.
STAR WARS: Shattered Dreams
Chapter 11: 'Lost and Found'
by Dave Ziegler
Jaina glanced behind her, her eyes traveling down the rough trail until they
came to rest upon her ship. The vessel had been precisely maneuvered between two
large outcroppings a third of the way up the peak in the hopes that it would be
effectively hidden from view. It wouldn't due at all, now that she and Lowie were
so close to Jacen, to have any of the Shental security forces simply find the SABER
on a sweep of the area, and then have a very large indication of where to look for
both of them.
Of course, it was no use needlessly worrying either. They had planted the ship
as best they could, and now it was time to move on in their quest. Jaina could feel
that Jacen was troubled, though it was now somewhat more subdued than when she first
sensed it, and that something had happened to Tenel Ka to cause it. What that could be,
though, she did not want to even speculate. Too many horrible images and possible futures
flashed in agonizing clarity through her mind's eye. It was much better to take things
as they came, and not guess.
Shifting the weight of her supply pack to a different shoulder, Jaina gingerly
stepped over yet another sizable crevice and quickly scanned the land around her. These
were bleak mountains, desolate and dead, featuring none of the lush trees and brilliant
snow she had experienced when visiting other worlds with her parents. No, here the
ground was dry and cracked, the sporadic patches of grass were brown and withered, and
what few trees that grew looked gnarled and bare. It seemed eerily like someone had
simply sucked the life out of the place.
"Mistress Jaina," Em Teedee began, floating over from Lowie's side to hers, "I
am wondering, how do you propose to bring Master Jacen or Mistress Tenel Ka back down
the peak and to the ship if either is injured?"
Jaina grimaced. Trust Em Teedee to make you feel on top of the world. "I hadn't
really considered, Em Teedee."
"Perhaps you should, Mistress Jaina. It is a distinct, however frightening,
possibility that one of them will be hurt and unable to make the trip on their own.
We know first hand what kind of horrors lurk in the wilds here," Em Teedee said, a
tremor in his voice as he remembered their encounter with the jumper creatures.
Lowie chuffed with laughter at the droid's fear, and commented that out of all
of them, he had needed to worry the least about being dragged off and eaten. Em Teedee,
for his part, spluttered, unable to think of a suitable contradiction that would convince
his master he was not such a heartless being as to concern himself first with his safety
and not that of this friends.
Lowie laughed even harder as the droid stuttered and stumbled, until finally Jaina
shook her head and held up a stalling hand. "All right, you two, time to stop. Let's try
and focus here, I really don't want anything to take us by surprise, so out with the
teasing and distractions for now. And Em Teedee?"
"Yes, Mistress Jaina."
"Don't worry. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. If something is
the matter, I'm sure we will be able to handle it."
"Yes, I am sorry to have been a bother."
Jaina sighed, and drew her fingers across her temples. "Just relax, Em Teedee.
I need you and your sensors to be on the alert, okay? As I said before, we need to
concentrate and not let anything get the drop on us."
At that point, eight very large jumpers sprang out
from behind various ridges and knots of trees. Their dense muscles working, the pack moved
into a loose circle around the two young Jedi, and seemed to nod to one another after
peering closely at them.
Jaina moved a step back and reached for her lightsaber, Lowie following suit.
*Wait!* Jaina's hand halted at her belt.
"Jacen?" she breathed.
*That's right,* his voice smiled, relief sounding in the message. *It's me. Now
Jaina, Lowie, don't hurt them. They're here to help you."
"Help us? Jacen, these animals attacked us earlier."
*And you were also saved by one. Please Jaina, do as I ask. You won't be harmed.
They came so that they could guide you to me.*
"Are you sure about this?" Jaina questioned, her hand still hovering above her
blade. She remembered all to well the beating she had suffered at the hands of these
creatures and was loathe to let her guard down even a sliver with some of them nearby.
*Absolutely,* Jacen answered. *Look, Jaya, would I lie to you?*
Jaina smiled, remembering a time when she said the same thing to him. "Yes. But
you aren't. Not this time. I can feel it."
*Then trust me, okay? Follow them, and you will find me.*
"All right, Jacen, I will. I don't know how you managed this, but I'll go along."
Ever so slowly Jaina relaxed and let her hand fall to her side. She nodded quickly to
Lowie who similarly removed his grip from the weapon.
Seeing that the two Jedi had relaxed their stance and were no longer acting as a
threat, the Jumpers broke their circle into two lines and began to herd Jaina and Lowie
across the terrain. Jaina exhaled deeply, trying to drive the tension from her body.
*Jacen, you'd better know what you're doing.*
His voice cracked yet another grin. *Such confidence from my dear, affectionate
sister. Don't worry, Jaina. In thirty minutes you'll be with me, and then we can
prepare.*
* * *
Elle Mathys stepped hesitantly into the offices of the Jedi Academy. A
certain amount of fear coursed through her body, making Elle feel as if she were about
to embark on a journey from which there was no end. After all, it was not an everyday
occurrence to be summoned into the presence of all three of the Academy's headmasters.
And in Elle's opinion, it couldn't be a good sign either.
She had no idea what she had done to deserve such a summoning. Perhaps Master
Beijould had complained about her again. After two distinct exclamations of displeasure, it
could pretty much be guaranteed that Elle would be remanded to the custody of another
teacher while Anakin continued to be away, or be sent to simply listen to the group
lectures and let the active portion of her training lapse for a while.
Elle bit her lip in frustration. Why did that man have to be so stiff? Couldn't
he handle even the tiniest bit of levity during his lessons? Then Elle remembered the
very stoic face of Beijould's current apprentice. Well, perhaps he couldn't. Oh, how she
wished Anakin would get back already. Sure, he was a smidgen too serious in most everything,
but he was also pliable. When Elle really fought him, she could coach a smile to his
face, and Anakin would allow Elle her moments of effusiveness without recrimination.
She had no such luck with Beijould.
Sighing, Elle entered the darkened sanctum and prepared herself to have her fate
pronounced. The three regal Jedi Masters sat in a semicircle, each wearing a smooth and
perfectly hung set of robes. Elle suddenly felt very self-conscious of the weathered
and simple dress she wore. To look as commanding, dignified, and mysterious as these three
did, well, it was simply breathtaking.
Elle turned to each and bowed deeply, marking her respect for individuals of such
high standing and knowledge, then moved to the center of the room, so that she stood
directly before Master Skywalker, while Masters Mara Jade Skywalker and Tionne flanked
her on each side.
"Elle Mathys," Luke began, then looked at her strangely. Elle felt herself become
even more tense. "Elle," Luke began again, this time a smile playing at his lips, "relax.
You are not here to be reprimanded."
"Quite the contrary, I would say," Tionne chimed. Mara simply rolled her eyes.
Elle, quickly remembering her rudimentary exercises, forced her anxiety and trepidation
down and away with a series of quick, deep breathes.
"There," Luke said. "Feeling better now?"
"Yes, Master Skywalker. Thank you." And Elle did feel more at ease, not that
she was sure she bought into their dissuasion quite yet. If she wasn't to be
reprimanded for her behavior with Master Beijould than why else would she be here?
"Good. Now, you may be wondering why you have been called here," Luke said.
*Ask a stupid question,* Elle thought wryly to herself.
"A situation has developed on Coruscant," Mara said, picking up at her husband's
prompt. "We think your abilities will prove useful in settling the crisis."
"Me?" Elle cried, shock and anxiety hitting full force again. "Help the capital?
How could I possibly do that? I'm still only an apprentice, and not a very experienced
one at that."
"You discredit yourself, Elle," Tionne said, her silver hair flashing in the
darkness. "You have been training at the academy for over two years now. Plus you
are under the tutelage of one of our most gifted students. I think you've progressed
far more than you give yourself credit for."
Elle quickly bowed to Tionne. "Thank you for your kind words, Master, but I
think...."
"There are no buts," Mara quickly interjected. "You are going to Coruscant."
"I understand," Elle whispered, quietly accepting her fate. "What am I to do?"
"Two days ago, the Chief of State of the New Republic, Leia Organa-Solo, went
missing. She was last seen leaving a meeting of the Senate within the Imperial
Palace," Luke stated. "Her disappearance was first reported by her husband late
that night. Since that time the palace has been sealed from within, allowing no one
to enter and no one to leave. While it is believed that the Chief of State has not
been removed from the premises, authorities admit there was enough time for her to have been
moved."
"However," Mara added, "this theory has not been too highly recognized as none
of the sentries can recall seeing the Chief of State leave."
"In any case," Luke continued, "we are operating under the assumption that she
is still within the palace somewhere. You, Elle, are to travel to Coruscant and aid
Captain Solo and the Republic authorities in determining her location."
"If the Republic can't find her, why should I be able to?" Elle questioned.
Tionne leaned forward in her seat and offered Elle a confident smile. "Anakin's
notes on your training indicate that you have an unusual talent for using the Force to
feel out most anything, not just that which you are familiar with. He writes that
even with the faintest of descriptions or feelings to go on, you are able to locate an
object or animal, given the necessary time."
"But I've never met the Chief of State! And the palace, it's huge isn't it? I
can't do this! It's too much," Elle protested.
"You can," Luke soothed. "And you will. You have the ability, Elle, the power.
The Force is strong in you. Let it guide you in your task."
"Yes, Master," Elle acknowledged. "How will I get to the capital? I can't pilot
a starship."
"Your transport is waiting in the hangar, as well as the pilot," Mara told her.
"We've arranged for you to be accompanied by Raynar Thul, a Jedi of high esteem and
great honor. If you feel yourself slipping, allow him to help steer you back. He has
faced hardship in his training and life, and knows what is necessary to pull
oneself back."
"Do not keep him waiting," Tionne smiled.
"You are dismissed, Elle. We wish you success in your mission. May the Force
be with you," Luke intoned.
Elle bowed to each of the Masters again, moved to leave, but then stopped. "Master
Skywalker?"
"Yes?"
"The Chief of Sate is your sister, isn't she? Wouldn't finding her be the
simplest of tasks for yourself? Why send me instead?"
"Because, young apprentice, my sister is a capable Jedi Knight in her own right,
and I trust that she can take care of herself. Also, we three need to keep a constant
vigil over the academy. We have all felt something dark on the horizon. I'm sure my
sister would not wish for the security of the Republic to be put at risk for her own sake.
Besides," and Luke smiled at this, "I think it's high time I gave Master Beijould a
break from you. He can only take so much levity at a time, and I think you've filled him
to his limit for the year."
"I see," Elle said. "Thank you for your confidence in me, Master Skywalker."
"Think nothing of it, Elle. But you should share such sentiment in yourself."
"Perhaps, after this, I will," Elle softly commented. "Thank you again. I will
not fail your trust." Elle bowed one last time to each of the headmasters, then walked
steadily from their chambers and made for the academy's main hangar and her expectant
transport.
* * *
"Well, they're on their way," Jacen said, breaking contact with his sister and
Lowie. He turned back toward a small, rough outcropping in the cave's wall and perched
upon it. Nyar sat, curled in a kind of ball and eyes closed in concentration, across
the way. Jacen still marveled at the sheer intensity of the Force that rippled off this
being. He was truly amazing.
"Yes, I know," Nyar acknowledged. "It will take them some time to reach here,
you understand." Jacen nodded. "Good, good. Now, until then, why don't you tell about
what has been plaguing you so much? You are safe, your sister and friend are on their
way to be with you, and the female Jedi still lives."
A grimace flashed across Jacen's face at the mention of Tenel Ka. He rubbed
his chin in agitation before grimly beginning. "Yes, Nyar, she may be alive and well,
but I still can't think of how I am going to get her away from Gwynandra. She and her
companions have Ysalamiri strewn about the cell, and with them in action we, as Jedi,
have no advantage. If you think about it, we actually lose even footing. Jaina and I
have been in contact with the Force all our lives, and its sudden disappearance throws
us for something of a loop."
"Young one, nature is in contact with all life, forever. You can never be
completely removed from it, because it is you and you are it. One without the other
cannot exist. Yes, some entities hide themselves from its influence, but if you probe
deeply enough you will find that they too are connected."
"Are you trying to tell me that my Force powers will work on the Ysalamiri,
despite their bubbles?" Jacen asked incredulously.
"I am merely relating to you the state of the universe, my friend. What is
outside of nature is not alive. It is as simple as that." Nyar shifted, and pulled
his head toward Jacen, despite keeping his eyelids firmly drawn. It would be immensely
unfortunate if he were to lose concentration and put the young one's companions at risk.
"Now, I think, perhaps, that you should contemplate your relationship with nature, and
how it has blessed you by making your connection so alive, before coming to any such
doomed conclusions concerning your ability to rescue the female Jedi. For myself, I
will continue to guide your friends and make sure the rest of my herd does not bother
either them or us."
Nyar settled his head back into its original position, and looked almost as if
he were falling asleep. Jacen grabbed a pebble and skipped it across the floor,
frustration showing through the power of the throw.
*Contemplate my relationship with the Force? How is that supposed to help Tenel
Ka when I won't even be able to use it? This is pointless!* Realizing that he was
allowing himself to lose control, Jacen quickly seized on the anger and let it dissipate
out of him.
"Relax," he muttered to himself. Jacen realized that he should know better than to
allow himself to become like this. He had to focus.
*I'm speeding past something I should be watching carefully, I know it. What
did Uncle Luke always tell us? 'Those in haste always pay a higher price.' I can't
afford to pay that price here, Tenel Ka depends on it.* Jacen leant back against the
rocky wall and allowed images of his love to play across his now lidded eyes. *I
cannot let her down. I will not.*
"That is good, young one." Nyar's voice startled Jacen from his contemplations,
causing him to bolt straight up. "That which is within your heart is the essence of the
light. With it, you will emerge victorious over enemies much worse than these."
Jacen nodded dumbly, once again not quite positive what the ancient creature was
speaking about.
"Good, good," Nyar encouraged. "Now, return to your mediations. You shall find
a solution. Of that, have no doubts."
* * *
The elderly freighter belched a plume of exhaust as the boarding ramp descended.
The heavily cloaked figure who walked down the ramp made note of the loud groans
that issued from the hydraulics and filed it away for another time. As much as this
ship had been a part of his life and as much as he loved it, there were more important
things to consider now.
His level gaze swept the grounds of Candren V, noting each and every detail
available. He had long since learnt to be aware of everything in his surroundings; it was
a necessary ability if one was to survive the kind of solitary endeavors he undertook.
There was danger here. It was brewing beneath the ground, in the
clouds, waiting to burst forth in a torrent of storm and cataclysm. It was the very thing
he was here to prevent. It was his duty, his mission; nothing else mattered. He had
returned, and was here now, on Candren V, awaiting his chance to avert the catastrophe that
haunted him in his dreams.
* * *
"We're coming into orbit," Raynar said, punching a series of buttons and dials
upon the flight console of his personal shuttle. "I've just been informed, though,
that New Republic Intelligence has taken over command of the search for the Chief of
State. This being the third day since she's gone missing, I guess they're getting
rather nervous. They also don't seem too thrilled to have us coming in to help."
Raynar turned toward Elle and gave her an encouraging grin. The girl was perched
nervously upon her flight couch, staring wide-eyed at the enormity of Coruscant and its
defenses.
"Don't worry, though. With both Master Skywalker and Captain Solo insisting that
we be brought in, the Admiral had to agree."
"The Admiral?" Elle piped up, the first words she had uttered in a long time.
"Yes," Raynar said, happy to have her speaking again. "The Admiral is the
director of the NRI. He has his fingers in everything around, and knows just about
all there is to know. He runs the show, and has enormous resources, but still has
to answer to the politicians. And right now, the inner council wants Organa-Solo
found. Hence, their bringing us and the big guns to bear.
"Now," Raynar continued, "once we land, we will be conducted to the Imperial
Palace via special escort and will meet with Captain Solo and whoever from the NRI
they have running the field operations. From there, we'll just see what we can do. Though,
considering how late it is and how far we've traveled, I suspect we'll just be shown
to our rooms. The work will start in the morning."
Elle reached slowly forward and placed her hand against the transparisteel
viewport. "It's just immense. How can they expect me to find one person among so many?
Perhaps Master Skywalker could do it, or even Tionne, but me? I don't have substantial
enough ability to offer anything productive."
Raynar shrugged. "Maybe not. But Anakin has faith in you, or else you wouldn't
have been chosen for this mission. And, quite frankly, Elle, I've learned better than
to dismiss the judgment of any Solo."
"Anakin," Elle muttered. She had forgotten how much this all would affect him.
Had he not been away on a mission, Elle was sure she would be sitting here with him
instead of Raynar. There would be nothing that would stop him from finding his mother,
not when he was determined. Anakin was just too stubborn to admit defeat. And, perhaps,
after all their time together, that was something she should have adopted from him.
"Right," she said. "I can do this. I will do this."
"Absolutely," Raynar encouraged. "We will succeed in our mission. Especially
since I have a pretty good idea of where you should start looking."
Elle's eyes widened in surprise. "You do? How? Why didn't you tell Master
Skywalker?"
"Master Skywalker knows. That's one of the reasons why he asked me to convey
you. As to how, well, have you ever met Anakin's brother and sister?"
"Once or twice. What do they have to do with this?"
"That, Elle, remains to be seen. But I'm starting to see the whole picture here,
there are just a few pieces missing."
Elle arched an eyebrow, crossed her arms, and stared determinedly at Raynar. The
nervousness and doubt that had been plaguing her just moments before seemed to have
disappeared entirely. The Elle who sat before him now was strong and alive. "And would
you mind sharing this picture with the rest of us who haven't been privy to spades of
intergalactic intrigue?"
"Not at all," Raynar said, directing the ship through the planetary defenses and
down his assigned flight corridor. "In fact, I think it very important that you do know.
You see, Elle, it all starts with Anakin's brother and sister, and a trip they took to
Shental Resorts."
* * *
"We're coming up on Coruscant?" Anakin Solo asked. His face was grim and lined, his
eyes showing the strain of worry and anxiety. Artoo's response to his question rolled
slowly up the screen, indicating that they would arrive early in the planet's morning.
"And you're sure about these files you've decrypted?" Anakin punched up a readout of
the documents that had been so consuming him for the last hour and a half. Artoo had made
good on his promise to have them deciphered before they reached the capital. Unfortunately
for Anakin, what was contained within had him more worried than anything he had yet
discovered, senators and battle droids included. And yet, everything that had once seemed
fractured or coincidental made sense now.
"Pour the speed on, Artoo. Mom needs to know about this." Anakin gripped the control
yoke tighter, as if he could physically squeeze propulsion from the fighter. "It all just
keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?"
Artoo whined in agreement.
To Be Continued. . .
