Chapter 5 - Duties
"Leia!"
That single word could not express the horror Luke felt, not nearly enough, but right then and there it focused his fear and shock on the beloved person he had just lost. His sister was gone. Eyes wide and mouth hanging open in the aftermath of the initial shock he did not react when Nuron tapped his shoulder gently.
"Luke?" she asked very softly. "What happened?"
"She is gone..." His voice quavered with emotion as he turned his head to face the Zabrak's concerned gaze. "As if her presence has been eradicated. I think..." he trailed off, but then his voice found some strength again. "I think she might be dead," he finished in a hoarse whisper.
"No!" Nuron gave him an incredulous look, her features turning into a rigid mask of shock that mirrored Luke's own. "No. Not Leia!" She sat back in her seat, her shoulders slumped. For a long moment neither said a word. Then the sound of running feet brought them out of their stupor. Chi'in, who had spent the past hours in the back compartment of his ship, the Ardana Ver, burst into the cockpit. His huge black eyes scanned the faces of Luke and Nuron, then he stepped closer cautiously.
"What has happened?"
"You did not feel it?" Luke asked weakly.
"No. I heard you shout..."
"Leia..." Suddenly grief was choking his voice mercilessly. "She's gone," he said between gritted teeth that held back a tiny wail of loss. Tears were flowing down his cheeks freely now.
Chi'in only looked at him. The Noghri stood perfectly still, completely focused. Finally he nodded. "You are right. I cannot sense her presence any longer."
Luke tried to suppress a sob, but failed miserably. "I don't know what to do," he pleaded, "Chi'in, what am I to do now?"
His friend lay his hands on his shoulders gently, looking him straight in the eye. "We do not know anything yet," Chi'in explained. "Do not give up yet."
"But what if she is really dead?" Luke wiped at his eyes futilely. "I always thought I would know if she died, I always could tell when she was injured, but now... Now I do not want to trust my feelings. They are so confusing!"
"In what way?"
"I know I have lost her, but I cannot give up hope, can I?"
"No. Never that. Can you describe those feelings to me?" Luke tried his best. In the end Chi'in squeezed his shoulders hard, his claws digging into the young Jedi's flesh painfully. "Luke, I believe your sister is alive," he told him at last, very softly.
"How do you know?" Luke asked suspiciously.
"Being a Sith has to be good for something, am I right? It is a Dark Side technique, to separate the spirit from the body. If the spirit cannot return, though, the body will die, and then the spirit will be lost. Very dangerous for the victim. Han Solo has to find her fast."
"I have to go back and help him," Luke stated firmly, but Chi'in shook his head.
"Your place is here, at my side. Luke, there is so much you have to learn yet, you and Nuron, if we are to succeed. I need you here. I really do."
Luke stared at the Noghri in amazement. Of all the things that could have happened, never ever would he have suspected that Chi'in would plead for help like this. He never did. It was impossible. Pressing his lips together in tight determination the young Jedi pried the alien's hands from his shoulders. It was true. He could not help Han. It would take weeks to track the Corellian down and by then it could be too late for Leia. "That decision is not easy," he began.
"Many decisions are not."
"What can I learn here?"
"A hard lesson, I assure you, but vital for you and this galaxy."
"Chi'in, why are we really here?" Nuron asked suddenly. "Why did you wait for us to begin this trip? Why didn't you take Puket and Naas Deron with you?"
"Because of what you are. You have potential, you have determination and a strong sense of duty.
I do not want to belittle Puket and Deron, but they will always stay soldiers. You two were meant for something else."
"What would that be?" Luke asked more harshly than he had intended. The Noghri's dark eyes fastened on him.
"To change this galaxy."
"What do you mean?"
The sound of the nav comm's gentle warning beep interrupted him. "We are here, it would seem," Chi'in stated calmly, ignoring Luke's question completely.
"Really?" Nuron sat forward when the Noghri drew the hyperdrive lever back and brought the ship back into realspace. Luke did not register the planet spread out before them at first, his mind still numbed by his sister's disappearance. But very soon his thoughts had focused entirely on the glowing green jewel of a planet below.
"Almashin," Chi'in said, gesturing toward the green ball of life. "Homeworld of the Chiss."
Luke felt his mouth drop open. "It is amazing," he managed at last. "So green."
"Yes, indeed. We have an appointment with Syndic Bal'maw'narda, so we had better hurry. Ah," the Noghri nodded to himself, "company is already coming."
At the same time the radar lit up, signaling six small vessels approaching fast. "Our escort?" Nuron asked softly.
"Of course. Do not worry. We are safe here. Let's go and greet them, shall we?"
Anakin Skywalker felt as if he had been cut open from head to toe, and unfortunately his shock showed plainly on his face. His counterpart, seated across from him in one of the booths of the Lahmash Club in downtown Coruscant, frowned at him. Raisa Tobyn was not a beauty, not by usual standards. They had been meeting for the past week, as the Dark Lord was trying to enlist new agents, hidden from official eyes, to do his bidding in these difficult times. He had found Raisa to be a very bright, capable woman, who knew how to listen and noticed things others didn't. Right now though that was a rather unwelcome trait.
"Is something wrong?" Raisa asked quietly in that commanding tone of hers. Anakin did not answer right away, trying to ignore the taste of bile rising up his throat. What had happened? It had felt as if Leia... No. She could not be dead!
"It is nothing."
Raisa did not buy it, that he could feel easily, but she did not press him. Smart woman. Averting her eyes, she scanned the crowd that filled the bar leisurely. She had told him a bit about herself, how she had made her living on odd jobs, working as a mercenary or guard, a smuggler at times. She was the elder sister of Alus Tobyn, a stormtrooper Darth Vader had had executed for one offence or other. Anakin could not remember the man, but in Raisa's stories Alus had become a familiar face in the otherwise pretty faceless crowd of the Dark Lord's victims.
He found himself reminded of one of the first lectures Roj Kell had given him on Korriban, all those years ago: regret is the first step toward weakness. In a sense Anakin understood. If you only counted the losses, you forgot the entire picture, lost sight of your goals, your motivation, and in the end you would lose everything. Yet the dead had to be remembered too. The war had cost so many lives, and more deaths would follow, but Anakin had vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to keep the losses minimal. It was another lesson he had learned from Roj Kell: the respect for life and death.
Leia.
What had happened? There had been this ripping sensation that had torn the bond he shared with his daughter, severing it completely. He wiped a hand over his eyes, trying to hide the tears. "I need a break," he said quietly, not meeting Raisa's questioning gaze.
"Sure." Her voice was surprisingly gentle. "You will get back at me on those names I gave you?"
He nodded weakly. She had unearthed some more of her friends and acquaintances, who might be willing to join his team. Desperate men and women of various species, victims of the war, the Empire. Anakin knew he could not refuse them help. He owed them too much. Just as he owed his daughter. What could he do? As Raisa left, he reached out to the Force again, trying to find Leia's presence. There was nothing.
Suddenly another thought hit him. Luke. Almost jumping up from his seat, he made his way out quickly. He needed to reach the boy, talk to him, soothe him. They needed to talk. And Padmé had to learn of this too.
Outside acid rain was drizzling down on the dirty permacrete of the pavement. Fitting for his mood, he thought glumly. His heart was racing with worry and sheer dread. His daughter, his precious little daughter gone. He could not quite believe it. Did not want to believe it. He pressed his eyes close for a moment. He needed to contact Han, check his progress, and he needed to get Jix and Mara on her trail too. Damn! Hurrying home, Anakin Skywalker felt like a drawn-out string ready to snap.
Padmé was waiting for him, and she looked very pale. Had she heard already? Frowning slightly he walked into the room cautiously.
"What is it?"
"There was a message from Karrde. Puket said it was urgent and told me."
"What did she say?"
"Roj Kell is alive. He is on Ryloth, apparently, and he is planning something with the Hutts."
Anakin stared. "What?" he managed at last and found his knees giving way underneath him. Dropping into a chair he felt suddenly very weary. "Alive? I-" Icy dread gushed through his veins as he remembered the disturbance he had sensed just before Leia's presence had vanished. If Kell had harmed his daughter ... Looking up, he met Padmé's concerned gaze as she walked up to him and placed her hands on his knees.
"Anakin, what is going on? You look as if you've seen a ghost or something."
He took a deep breath and held it for a short while before he exhaled again, feeling his mind rebel at the thought of telling her that her daughter might be dead. But he knew he had no choice. "There is something I need to tell you," he began. "Something bad."
Abla Othana had the look of prime galactic slime. His brown hair had been cut microscopically short and a three-day old stubble of a beard just looked perfect on him. His dark brown eyes were studying Han with barely concealed amusement through the smoke of best Alhan t'bac he was smoking in a slim cigar.
"Ten thousand, Solo. That's my last word," the slicer said calmly.
"Ten thousand credits!" Han shouted, but Lando lay a cautioning hand on his arm. They were seated together in a small booth of the Neardawn Club, one of the less expensive bars on Nar Shadaa. Han and Lando had left the Millennium Falcon at the North Port to meet Abla Othana here. The man had arrived alone, far as they had been able to tell. Alone and with that infuriating smile on his lips.
"Listen," the Corellian hissed, "I only asked you to hack into Coronet's portfiles, not the Coruscant Mainframe!"
"That might have been the easier job," Othana told him coolly and drew on his cigarette.
"What?"
"Han!" Lando shot him a meaningful glare, then directed a smooth smile at the slicer. "Mister Othana, you must be joking. Ten thousand credits! We will give you five. That should suffice to cover your expenses."
Abla Othana laughed softly. "Are you kidding me, Calrissian? I am the best. I have a price. And the price for this job is ten thousand credits."
Han groaned softly. "All right!" He grimaced at Lando. It did not matter that it were not his credits. Not at all. He simply did not like the man! But for Leia he would pay that price to that gundark-loving moron.
"You made the right choice, Solo," Othana replied with a wide grin as he transferred the credits onto his own account. "A good choice."
"And now I want something for my credits, you hear me?" Han snapped.
"Sure thing. This datacard contains the copied files of Coronet's port registry for the time frame you gave me. An interesting read, by the way. Your quarry seems to be number eleven-two-B Armosy, a private yacht, that lifted off Altara Dengan's private port. I did a bit of additional tracking, ownership and so on. Have a look and you'll see it's worth the credits." He rose from his seat gracefully. "See you around, Solo. Nice meeting you, Calrissian. Boss has been asking after your health."
The baron grinned widely. "Really? Well, give your charming boss my regards."
"Certainly."
Once the man had left, Han gave his friend a calculating glance. "You know Yana Dar personally?"
"We have met."
"Good-looking?"
"Words cannot begin to describe her. She's hot."
"I get it." Han sighed inwardly. All he could think of was Leia. Was she well? Was she missing him? Someone shook him gently.
"Han," Lando whispered. "Hey, buddy, wake up!"
"What?"
His friend's voice took on an urgent tone. "There's someone watching us."
"Do we know him?" Han whispered just as softly, but did not look around, so as not to draw attention to them.
"I wish we didn't. He's a bounty-hunter, one of the best there are."
Han groaned softly. "A bounty-hunter?"
"You remember Boba Fett, don't you? Damn! He's seen us!"
"Boba Fett?" Han's jaw dropped.
"I told you it was crazy to come here in the first place, knowing that Joral wants your head," the baron hissed under his breath his dark eyes narrowed.
"He wants my credits, Lando, nothing more." And in this case it weren't even his. Skywalker would kill him for this one. This time he would for sure.
Suddenly a shadow blocked out the light in front of him. He looked up into the rounded helmet that hid the bounty-hunters face completely.
"Solo?" The voice was slightly contorted, as if he were talking through a vocoder. Han found himself reminded of the Dark Lord all too much.
"Yeah, that's me," he answered hoarsely. At his side he felt Lando shift his weight, undoubtedly to reach for his blaster. Fett did not move a muscle, but suddenly he radiated pure menace. Lando relaxed again.
"You have something that belongs to Joral," Fett continued.
"Really?"
"He wants to see you. Now."
Han smiled desperately. "How nice! Well, as it is, I do have what he wants right here with me."
"Good. Come, you are expected."
Yana Dar was regarding the Princess' still body with a mixture of regret and exasperation. She did not even make an effort at understanding Irek's motives right then, what concerned her more was that he was out of control. Right now Roganda was talking to him quietly, soothing words mixed with harsh ones, and he listened with a sullen expression on his face. Yet his eyes never left Yana. She ignored him as best as she could, deciding to play the role he wanted her to play: an older sister, experienced, tough, knowledgeable and smart. Yana suspected that what Irek had missed most, as he had grown up, had been someone who did not fulfill his every wish, someone who dared oppose him openly. His mother, Yana knew, was far too soft to deny her son much, even though Roganda might believe that the little control she seemingly had over Irek was the same as authority, not just a grown child's affectionate tolerating of a mother's errant wishes.
Not surprisingly, regarding who he was, Irek had surpassed his mother very quickly, His natural potential, combined with his specific training, made him a dangerous weapon, one that only his father would have been able to handle properly. Luckily Palpatine had died before he could have claimed Irek. Yana would not have appreciated that at all. Her hatred for the old man went so far as to give protection to those he had slighted, used and abused, even to her brother. Half-brother, she corrected herself mentally. It was well to always remember that he was not like her, not at all. Yet that difference gave her one advantage. He was curious, and his curiosity would let him tolerate his 'sister' for as long as she amused him. Curiosity was also the only way to guide him, even if she could only hope to lead him into a general direction. It would have to be enough.
"What do you say, sister?" he asked suddenly, interrupting her thoughts.
"It was a foolish move. What have you been thinking?" She threw him a quick grin. "You weren't jealous, were you?"
He blushed a deep red, as Yana noticed with delight. It was a shame, really, he was such a lovable boy, if it had not been for his badly twisted soul. The poor thing had been raised as a tool for his father, and his mother could not satisfy his intellectual needs. No wonder Roganda had agreed so readily to let Yana and Irek become acquainted. Perhaps an older sister could set him straight again.
"Do you know how to bring her back?"
"No." His face fell at the recognition of his own failure.
"A shame. Well, she should be able to hold out until we reach Yaga Minor, and there I will contact my sources back on Nar Shadaa. I think I may have something to help us here."
She barely noticed the hissing sound that escaped Irek's mouth, but she did, and it worried her. Why had he done this? He must realize that the Princess could only serve them while alive. Reaching out gingerly, she touched the woman's forehead. Her skin was cool, but not cold, and she looked unharmed. Yet Yana could sense something amiss in her too. Focusing all her strength, she concentrated. Wherever you are, Leia, if you know a way back, please, don't leave us now.
Roganda joined her side and lay a hand on her arm. "Come," the other woman said quietly. "We have a lot to prepare."
Opening her eyes, Leia had the weird feeling that her eyes had been open all the time, that she was just becoming aware of her surroundings. Still lying on her bunk aboard the nameless ship that was carrying them to Yaga Minor, Leia gave a start when she saw a stranger stand over her. She had never seen the woman before, but the sweet face framed by long, dark brown hair, wore a friendly expression. The Princess frowned slightly, then rose easily, as if she were floating through the air. The other woman took a step back, respecting her private space, and her dark brown eyes reflected the smile she wore on her full lips. She was tall, considerably taller than Leia.
"Who are you?" the Princess asked. Once the words were out of her mouth, she noticed the woman's clothing, very similar to the dark brown robes she knew the Jedi had worn. A Jedi? Here?
"My name is Belana Jen," the stranger answered calmly, her warm voice incredibly soothing. Leia stared.
"But you are dead!" was all she managed. Suddenly recollection hit her. "Does that mean I am dead too?" she asked at last. Irek had done something to her, she remembered. She had lost consciousness for Force knew how long and now she was seeing a dead woman's spirit!
Belana Jen turned her head carefully toward one corner of the room and raised her eyebrows. Following her gaze Leia froze. She had not noticed the other occupant of the room before; he was shrouded in shadows, almost invisible in the gloom. But amidst the darkness surrounding him, his green eyes were glowing like pale gemstones.
"I did not anticipate it to be you," Roj Kell explained pensively, his voice creating tiny eddies of golden light in the air, as if the words themselves were magical. Perhaps in this place they truly were.
"What do you mean?" the Princess asked, confused. "What happened?"
"The living dead shall resurrect the glory of the past," Kell quoted in a stately tone. "Part of the Jen'da prophecies." He smiled at Leia. "Personally I do not trust prophecies. Most are created for a very specific purpose."
"Tell me what is going on!" she snapped, annoyed. The man was infuriating. Why did he always have to talk in riddles? "Am I dead or not?"
"You are both."
"What? That is impossible." She shook her head in disbelief.
"Not impossible. Trust me in that, my existence was based on the very same principle for the past three thousand years."
Leia felt her mind overcome with panic. She was dead? And alive? She shuddered slightly. To be trapped between two worlds for an eternity... "I thought I might be given a choice," she croaked, feeling dizzy. Sensations? She could feel something even while being dead? It seemed impossible, illogical.
"You aren't dead, I already told you that. And you have a choice."
"What choice?"
It took him three long strides to reach her across the small room, and when he was standing in front of her, as towering as her father, Leia realized that she was not afraid of him any more. His presence was not obscuring her vision, was not crowding her mind at all. It was an elating feeling, meeting him on almost equal terms.
"I will show you," he said softly, and smiled.
The cabin interior vanished and gave way to a lush, sub-tropical mountain forest. Mist hung in shreds among the high treetops, like an intricate cobweb. The green world seemed mystical, unreal, and Leia was not at all sure if it existed anywhere in their galaxy. Sensing the Princess' uneasiness Belana Jen reached out to hold her hand and squeezed it briefly before she let go again with a smile.
"Do not be afraid, Leia," the Jedi Master whispered. "Just be yourself."
They stood at the foot of a steep stairwell that had been hewed into the side of the mountain roughly. Time had left its marks on the ancient structure, and it was almost completely overgrown with thick-leaved plants. Leia craned her neck, but failed to make out the top of the stairs. They vanished somewhere in the mist, keeping the mountain's secret hidden from her view. She lowered her gaze with a sigh and regarded quietly the Sith Lord standing with his back to her. He seemed entranced by their surroundings and did not even react when Belana went forward and lay an arm around his shoulders. Leia frowned at the couple deeply and a pang of loss enveloped her heart as she thought of Han. He must be beside himself with worry for her. That thought warmed her soul.
"This is where it all began," the ancient Sith explained, his beautiful voice taking on a lecturing tone. "According to my people's history this place gave shelter to the Jen'da, a sect of Force-sensitive beings, millennia ago, who would later become the Jedi Order. They came from all over the galaxy, drawn by the call of the Force. Centuries went by, while they tried to explain the power they had uncovered. They wrapped it in philosophy, in science, but they were unable to unlock its meaning. Force-sensitivity, Princess, is not restricted to the Jedi Order. Everything carries the Force within itself, this mountain as much as the mist above us. You cannot define the Force as life either, because it is far more than that, yet the Jen'da sect made life its vigil. To protect and to serve the Force was their battle-cry. My own people, the Sith, took a different point of view. The heart of our culture was to preserve the balance we found around us. To every more advanced culture our customs must have seemed barbaric, cruel even, but they were not harsher than those of any other more 'primitive' culture." He spread his arms in an almost apologetic gesture, but the mocking smile on his lips distorted that gesture immensely. "Yet ours was the only one that embraced the Force," he continued softly.
"What has that got to do with me?" Leia asked, wanting to cut this short. She needed to go back, she needed to stop Irek before he could do anything worse than almost kill her.
"Everything," Kell answered. "There is a point in everyone's life when he or she has to choose what path to take. As a Jedi you have been given even more responsibility in making that choice. And you are a Jedi, Princess, not just any politician. You have a duty to the Force."
Leia raised her eyebrows questioningly. "I have a duty to the people of the New Republic," she corrected him coolly. When he lowered his head with a loud growl, as if preparing to attack, she took a step back involuntarily, shocked at the sudden outburst.
"Untrue!" he snapped. "You are taking too narrow a view! Even if you see your duty restricted to your people, you must consider the interfering variables. You must!"
Laying a hand on his shoulder soothingly, Belana Jen threw Leia a mournful glance. "You understand, don't you, the complexity of that task?" the Jedi Master asked. "This is your choice, Princess. You are a politician, and you know that differing goals and ambitions will always and forever make your work a very difficult one. We are not asking you to be unrealistic, just to take more possibilities into account. One possibility is the loss of something you hold dear."
"What would that be?" Leia asked, suddenly feeling very cold.
"Your idealism. Forget about bringing everyone around to your view. Forget about forging a great galactic family. Prepare to fight and stand your ground every day of your life. You have to lead them, or else they will do whatever they please. But leadership can be open or hidden. Your father chose to follow the example of a warrior, while your mother decided to use more delicate methods." Belana smiled at her warmly. "I was never one to resort to manipulation. I was always sincere in whatever I did and said. That too, is a possibility that is open to you. It is perhaps the most dangerous though."
Leia felt her mouth drop open at the magnitude of what they were asking of her. I am not ready for this! she wanted to scream, but she was unable to utter any word at all. Roj Kell tossed his head in an arrogant display of impatience and disengaged from his lover briskly.
"You do not have to decide right now," he explained coldly as he turned away, toward the mountain face. "As far as I recall, there are three thousand steps to take," he said and nodded at the weathered stairwell. "Sufficient time to think everything through." He threw her a mischievous glance and smiled. "I suppose they built this thing to show their dedication. At the top you will definitely find out who is a master and who isn't. Come, let's go."
Stretched out on the bed, Padmé stared straight up at the ceiling, seeing nothing. Her face was deadly pale, her skin cold and unshed tears quivered in her dark brown eyes. However still she might appear on the outside, though, her thoughts were racing, asking questions, demanding answers incessantly. She was listening with indifference to the discussion Anakin was holding with Luke via hypercomm. It did not concern her. Nothing did any longer. Her heart cramped in sorrow and a tiny wailing sound escaped her mouth as she thought of her daughter, her bright, beautiful daughter, who was such an amazing personality, so strong, so brave, so compassionate. Padmé wanted to shout at her husband, scream at him, accuse him of having done too little. But she knew it was useless, although she wished the truth were not so cruel. They could not have done more. There had been too little time. A thousand excuses, and none of them valid. None of them could erase the loss they had suffered, could bring Leia back. So she simply lay there, very still, wanting to die.
Luke was smiling at the sound of his father's voice, the relief in his tone when Luke told him of Chi'in's suspicion concerning Leia's disappearance. Father was not entirely convinced, but then, he would not believe anything if it was not proven right there in front of his very eyes.
"Is he certain?"
"As certain as you and me, but he says we shouldn't lose hope."
"Damn, no! Never that. I will try to get word to Han. Your mother is heart-broken over this. We all are," Father added wistfully.
"Have you told Mon Mothma?"
"No, not yet. I have to get over the shock myself first. It helps to talk though." Father hesitated for a brief moment, then his tone became almost pleading. "Luke, I want you to tell Chi'in to abort the mission and return to Niaruan with you. It is urgent."
Luke felt taken aback. Abort the mission? What could be so important? "I will tell him," he said at last. "Any reason I should give him to convince him to reconsider?"
"Tell him I said so. If that is not enough, tell him that we have some trouble that might change circumstances in the Unknown Regions. Try whatever you think might work."
"All right. Please, give Mother a big hug from me."
"Sure. I will call you again as soon as possible."
The call disconnected, leaving Luke very pensive. It took him some time to get back into the here and now, but when he finally rose from his seat in the office of Syndic Bal'maw'narda he was completely focused again. They had reached Almashin's major port, Anmedra, an hour ago and Chi'in had allowed him to go ahead and make a call to Coruscant. He had been directed to this office, which bore simple, severe furniture as unelaborate as anything he had seen of the capital so far. Apparently the Chiss did not think much of unnecessary pomp. Yet this simplicity appealed to him too. It was without any hidden currents, clear and honest. When he pushed the door open, a tall Chiss was waiting for him and silently took the lead as he guided him back toward the meeting hall.
The Council was still in session, so Luke was led into the anteroom, where Nuron stood at the tall window overlooking the inner courtyard of the complex, and Chi'in was deep in conversation with Naas Deron. Luke had been surprised to find the Sith warrior here, but Chi'in had explained that the Sith had joined the Chiss' efforts for now and that Deron was acting as ambassador.
"Chi'in?" the young Jedi called softly to get the other's attention. Turning his head toward him the Noghri hesitated, then came over.
"What is it? What does your father say?"
"He says to abort the mission and return to Niaruan," Luke related Anakin's message.
"Abort the mission?" Cocking his head to one side in an uncharacteristic gesture of insecurity, Chi'in studied him intently. "What about Leia?"
"He has faith."
"Good. The mission will not be aborted."
"But he said it is urgent. Circumstances might change-"
"They are changing already. We can only make a difference here, Luke."
Taken slightly aback by his friend's icy tone, Luke suppressed another protest. He had always believed that Chi'in would follow Anakin in everything, that his loyalty to the Dark Lord was unquestionable. Apparently he had been wrong. "If you say so," he conceded at last, "but on your responsibility."
"Of course."
Luke shrugged uneasily. "I thought it was odd that you claimed we came on behalf of the Sith, not the Chiss base on Niaruan."
"Odd? We are no Chiss, in case you hadn't noticed. Besides, mentioning Thrawn here would be a bit tactless."
"How so?"
"He is an outcast. Worse, some see him as a traitor to his own race, because he brought the Empire here. His intentions, of course, were good, but intentions don't count for much in the face of the law."
"An outcast?"
"The Chiss do not believe in preemptive strikes. They are proud warriors, but very set in their ways and traditions. Thrawn recognized the signs of the times and took matters in his own hands. The initial incident, I believe, was the annihilation of a people Thrawn had identified as possibly very dangerous." Chi'in gave the young Jedi a mirthless grin full of needle-sharp teeth. "He was right about that, I suspect, but traditions are traditions. Thrawn was exiled. Despite his efforts he has not managed to redeem himself fully, though."
"I see."
"Perhaps you do. I doubt it though. It took me long months to understand their culture, and I do not claim that my knowledge is complete."
"Well, okay, you are right. So I remain ignorant for now," Luke answered. When a warm presence brushed past his mind and slender arms slipped around his waist he smiled. Hugging him to her, Nuron lay her head on his shoulder.
"What are we doing here anyway?" she asked Chi'in testily.
"We will see the Council and gain permission to conduct our research. Out where we are going the Chiss don't ask questions first, so we had better announce our presence beforehand."
"Is it truly that dangerous?"
"Yes."
Another Chiss appeared in the doorway, signaling them to follow. They marched into the meeting hall in single file, with Chi'in in the lead. Luke kept his eyes focused on the beings seated in a semi-circle at the far end of the chamber. The one in the middle, his hair completely white, nodded at them as they came closer.
"Master Chi'in. It is a pleasure to see you again."
"The pleasure is all mine, Syndic Bal'maw'narda." Bowing slightly, the Noghri indicated his companions. "I have the honor to introduce to you Luke Skywalker and Nuron Sarin."
"Welcome to Almashin," the Syndic replied gravely. His glowing red eyes mustered Luke with interest.
"They are also Sith?"
"They follow me, yes," Chi'in answered smoothly.
"And they wish to accompany you, I see. Very well. You know what is awaiting you, I assume. The Ardana Ver will be signed as friendly on the list, of course. Nevertheless I advise you to avoid the Lieman Corridor."
"Anything unusual there?"
"Perhaps."
"You found battle debris?" the Noghri asked patiently.
"Yes."
Chi'in nodded to himself. "With your permission, I would like to investigate further."
"Then I will inform Commander Al'than'erudo. He is commanding our forces in the Corridor. This will take some time though, and I would ask you to return tonight for further instructions."
"Of course. Thank you for your patience, Syndic. We are grateful for your assistance."
"As we are for yours."
He had left the others to go on a tour around Anmedra with Naas Deron as guide, and Chi'in remembered well the look Luke had given him, when he and Nuron had left him. A knowing gaze, with a hint of disapproval. The Noghri could hazard a guess as to what the young man was thinking: that he had shed his bonds to the Dark Lord, that he was dreaming his own dream. In a way that was even true. He had to find his own way now.
Almost a year ago he had held a most vivid discussion with Master Yoda and Roj Kell on the future of the Jedi, and he had put much thought on this topic. The conclusion he had come to had been sobering, and he suspected that Roj Kell would agree wholeheartedly: the Old Republic government had treated the Jedi as pets, a useful institution in some ways, but annoying too. Of course, there had to be valiant knights to protect the innocent, their very presence giving a boost to the government's own reputation, but should they dare bite the hand that fed them... At the time of the rise of the Emperor the ideals of the republic had been eroded by corruption, the result of Palpatine's patient manipulation, undoubtedly. A perfect basis for the genocide that had followed the Clone Wars.
They could not let that happen again. They had been given the chance to start anew and Chi'in did not want to leave the Jedi to the government's mercy, and he was the only one who could achieve that goal too. The Dark Lord might have planned to create a hidden order that was out of the government's jurisdiction, but Mon Mothma kept a close watch on him. It was very clear to Chi'in that Anakin Skywalker was a prisoner in all but name, useful, but too dangerous to be left alone. In a way the President of the New Republic acted the same way Palpatine had toward Roj Kell. The Noghri smiled to himself. They had all seen how well that had turned out, hadn't they?
He understood too, of course, that Mon Mothma's intentions where very different from the late Emperor's. She wanted to respect the common understanding of justice, and therefore the Dark Lord had to be punished in some way. On the other hand it helped her standing too. A difficult puzzle. Although Chi'in trusted Anakin to get out of this mess on his own - he certainly had the mind for it - he doubted that he would manage in time.
Therefore he had really only one choice left. He needed to convince Luke and Nuron to join him, needed to show them that they had to leave the shadow of the New Republic, had to find their own way in this galaxy. This he wanted to achieve on the mission ahead. He had spent long months alone in Wild Space, exploring its dangers carefully. Chi'in was well aware of the fact that the fledgling New Republic had troubles of its own, but the Jedi could not help building a government. That task fell to the Princess, to the Dark Lord and his wife. Politics could not interest the order Chi'in wanted to form. They had to instruct the people on ethics, to teach them to follow their hearts, to trust their own minds. Apart from that it would be their task to ease people's lives, to make them feel safe. Then, and only then, the citizens of the New Republic would be able to control their government, could make it a true democracy.
A monumental task, and Chi'in could feel that time was running short already. There was a storm coming, and it would burn away all weakness. A storm of darkness that would leave the light behind. In a sense he was even looking forward to it. Again he found himself reminded of Roj Kell's cold logic that followed the rules of survival. When it came down to that, the weak would perish, as simple as that. Chi'in did not accept that view. He wanted to save as many as possible. But he did not have the courage to do it the hard way. It needed someone else, someone with a heart that could enfold the entire galaxy, everything, who was ready to provide hope incessantly. Over the previous months he had found one such heart: that of Luke Skywalker.
The young man was what the Jedi had been meant to be, a guardian. No warrior, no teacher, no guide. But all four were needed to make the impossible happen. Chi'in knew that he for one was a teacher, always had been. He had found his guardian, but he still had to find the warrior and the guide. The Noghri had considered Nuron Sarin to become what the Dark Lord had destined her to be, what she had hoped to become all her life. Now she would get the chance to prove herself.
"You seem pensive," a calm voice announced. Chi'in did not turn around. He had felt the Syndic approach already a few moments ago. Joining him where he stood at the wide windows overlooking the inner courtyard, Bal'maw'narda regarded the gardens silently, waiting for the Noghri to answer.
"There is much to think about," he replied at last. "Have you managed to reach Commander Al'than'erudo?"
"Not yet. Tell me, Chi'in, what is it you hope to find out there?"
"Enlightenment. A path for the future to follow. I am not certain yet."
Bal'maw'narda laughed, a very rare sound from his mouth. "Good! Very good! Master Chi'in, your wisdom truly is unparalleled."
The Noghri smiled coldly. "I have to disappoint you there, Syndic. That 'unparalleled' wisdom is lost forever, I fear."
"A shame."
The wide parks were amazing in their simple complexity. Beautiful, Luke thought, as beautiful as the discovery of a unique thought. He held Nuron's hand tightly, unashamed, and ignored the smiles Naas Deron was throwing them. They were walking side by side, and he felt completely at peace. Nuron was a warm fire, burning with love and full of fond pride in her companion. Looking over at her, he smiled at her beautiful face, her golden eyes. Then he threw a glance at Naas Deron over his shoulder.
"It is so peaceful here," he said.
"Just on the surface," the Sith answered calmly. "Their culture is complex, very dignified, and bound to the rules of their hierarchy."
"Chi'in says you are acting as ambassador. So, what do you do all day?"
"Listen, mostly, and learn. Not very interesting."
"And spy for Thrawn?"
Naas Deron gave him a cold smile. "Perhaps."
Stopping suddenly Nuron whirled around to face the two men. She regarded Naas Deron through slitted eyes, mustering him with barely concealed contempt. Luke knew she did not like Deron, but she had never shown her feelings so openly before. Propping her hands on her hips she let her lips curl into a snarl. "You are acting like a fool," she snorted. "Are we your enemies? If so, say it clearly. Or else cease this shameful behavior."
"What?"
"You are not telling us anything. For two hours you have shown us the 'sights' of the city, which, I must say, are not very interesting at all, and you chatter on about meaningless things!"
Naas Deron frowned at her. "So what do you want to know?"
"I want to know what is going on. What we are facing."
Luke regarded her with some surprise. There was something about her, a new twist to the determination he knew that drove her on relentlessly. As if she were shouldering an invisible burden. Suddenly he realized what it was that was bothering about her. She really thought she had to protect him! As if he needed a bodyguard! And then another thought followed, one he found even more disturbing.
"While you think on what to tell us, would you excuse us for a moment?" he asked Deron hurriedly and lay a hand on Nuron's right arm, gently guiding her away.
"What?" she asked, frowning.
"I could ask the same. Nuron, can you tell me what you have been thinking? Acting as some sort of bodyguard for me?"
She gave him a slow smile, one that made him smile in turn. But her words drove it right off his face again. "Luke, you are your father's heir. I will be for you what Chi'in was for him."
"My second-in-command?" Luke asked weakly. This could not be happening! "Nuron, I-" he hesitated. He could not tell her that he did not appreciate her help, could he? No. He sighed. "Thank you."
Nuron beamed at him. "At your service, my lord," she said mockingly and wrapped her arms around his neck to draw him closer. Her lips closed over his tenderly, and for a while Luke simply cherished the feel of her, sense that precious gift she had made of herself. That feeling never ceased to amaze him. Perhaps her caring for him was not so bad at all, even if the motivation was.
Leia thought she was dying for real when the last few steps came into view. She felt completely drenched in sweat, and her breathing was no more than a ragged hiss. Stumbling up the last flight of stairs, she collapsed on the round stone tiles that made up the small plaza in front of what looked like a temple of some sort. Not a master yet, she thought ruefully, not by far. She propped herself up on her hands and looked around dizzily. The view was truly spectacular, an endless vista of the mountains spread out before her, with the rain-clouds reaching down from the heavens to wrap everything in a white shroud. Leia drew a deep, shuddering breath and rose unsteadily. A wooden railing, almost gone now, had encircled the plaza once, offering small protection against the sheer drop of the mountain cliff. Now a man stood there, a Jedi, she thought, wearing the traditional brown garb she had seen on Belana Jen.
"Haste makes success almost impossible," he said gently and turned to look at her. His bearded face wore a merry expression, and Leia had the feeling that everything became background next to him. "You need to have faith in yourself, have to set your own pace. Competitiveness is all well, but if you give in to it, you submit to others. You make yourself vulnerable."
"Don't listen to Hagen," Roj Kell said pleasantly as he joined them. He wasn't even breathing hard. The Princess noticed that Belana Jen hung back a bit, but the Jedi Master wore a tiny smile on her lips too. Nodding at the other man, the Sith Lord lowered his head almost deferentially. "His teachings are more dangerous than you can imagine."
"Really?" Leia gave the stranger a warm smile. "I don't think so." She walked closer to the railing, but kept a respectful distance to the abyss. "You mean that by playing only to your own rules you do not give your opponents any chance to attack you, am I right?"
"Yes," he said, "in a sense."
"Some would call that person a tyrant," Leia suggested.
"Only if that person were to fall victim to selfishness. Do not expect thanks or even praise for your work, Princess. Your reward is the well-being of the people."
"Yet one has to make compromises from time to time."
"As long as you consider the consequences, all of them, and know what they will bring for the future, as long as you know what you are doing, you will be safe even then."
Leia found herself looking at Roj Kell. Had he followed that advice? She did not think so. He never made compromises, even if they might appear to be just that. Yet she had never had the feeling that he was being selfish, simply ruthless. She cocked her head to one side, watching the two men more closely. A change in the air by her side announced Belana Jen stepping up to her. The Jedi Master was smiling.
"They are like two Ralltiir tigers that have been thrown together in one kennel."
"Who is that man?" Leia asked quietly.
"His name is Hagen Dycos. He was possibly the greatest Jedi ever." Belana gave a soft chuckle. "Look at Kell. He would never attack unless provoked, and Hagen knows that very well. They were friends, a long time ago. I don't think Kell had any other before and ever since."
The Princess almost felt her jaw drop. Friends! She would never have thought that the ancient Sith could be friends with anybody! "How?"
"I believe the word you are looking for is 'humble'. Hagen could make the meanest thug break down in tears and lay his head on the chopping block in the sincere knowledge that he has deserved that sentence."
"That's what he meant about invulnerability, right?"
"Yes. He did not give anyone the opportunity to fault him for anything, because everything he did was right."
"Sounds like magic," Leia joked weakly.
"They are both magical creatures, each in his own way," Belana explained fondly. "Your father is very much like them." She turned her head to look down at the shorter woman. "What about you, Princess? Have you thought about the future?"
Leia bit her lower lip in concentration. Then she nodded. "Yes."
It was clear to her that she would never be as ruthless as her father, or as cold as Roj Kell. On the other hand it seemed close to impossible to achieve what Hagen Dycos had managed, and yet, she believed that his was the true way. It was the path Alderaanian statesmen had followed for centuries, and Alderaan had been respected everywhere all over the galaxy. But the Princess also recognized that she needed more than the power of humility, for in the end Alderaan had been defenseless against Palpatine's evil. What she needed was a warrior's mind and a guardian's heart. Suddenly she smiled. No, what she needed to be was something else. Drawing herself up to her slim height she faced the trio determinedly. Hagen Dycos was beaming at her, his emerald green eyes burning with a warm fire. Leia nodded at him gravely. At the Jedi Master's side Roj Kell wore an expectant scowl on his face, but when Belana Jen joined him he threw her a look that conveyed more love and deep affection than any words could have. The Princess laughed out loud in joy.
"I must thank all three of you," she said and walked over to hug each one of them close. "Thank you for opening my eyes to the true nature of the Force. Balance is achieved by bringing order into chaos, is that not so, Lord Kell?" He nodded at her. "And chaos is the essence of life," she continued. "I will keep that in mind when I return."
Belana Jen arched her eyebrows questioningly. "Do you think you can find the way back on your own?"
"Yes. I am a guide, after all, and I can find my way everywhere."
The Jedi Master nodded at her with a smile. "May the Force be with you, Leia."
"It always is. I know that now."
"One last thing," Roj Kell said suddenly. "A guide is no leader. But sometimes a guide has to take control of events, too. Never forget that you are only restricted by what limits you set yourself. Choose those wisely and stay true to them, until it is time to learn something new."
"I will remember. Thank you again and perhaps, one day, I will see you again." As the mountain faded away she continued to smile, knowing that she would be able to take up the duties her father had left for her to carry. She would not fail the New Republic, that she knew.
TBC