Dagobah Slip Stream
Part Twelve
Hours, and a few gallons of Caf later, Han, Wedge, Corran, Lando and Tycho, along with the members of the council (with their guards in the corners) and a few data pads where the only ones left in the meeting.
Cas stood. "I hate to leave while the plan is still on the table, but I have a group of Padawans to duel in a few hours, meditations to prepare, and there's a lecture I need to write."
She shook her head. "I must retire. I suggest we all do the same and think on the plan in our spare time through out the day. May-be our individual 'geniuses' can think of something to add before we meet again, say tonight, to finalize the battle plan?"
Most of the others were nodding.
"I think Lando, as Quartermaster, should arrange it." Wedge volunteered, almost cheerfully, jokingly.
Lando gave him the appropriate response; he glared like Wedge had just handed him over to the Hutts. "He'll contact all of us once he's sorted it out."
They all stood, started trading courteous good byes when Syn and Nii walked in escorting Quwil. Quwil was holding a heavy looking black case. But there was something about the way they were holding themselves that seemed off to Cas.
Then it hit her, they were guarding Quwil.
A twinkle entered Master Yue's eyes. "Cas." he said, she turned to look at him.
"We," he smiled, abashed. "I have placed a burden on you this night. You are a warrior yet I have asked you to be a life-bearer. In this time it is too dangerous to fight, as you have excelled, and bare a young life. But you, my dear are a special, special case."
He took her right hand and led her back to the table, where Quwil had placed the case. It looked like a drill case, but it had the Dagobah Slip Stream emblem on it, she gasped and looked at the old man, wide-eyed.
"I have spoken with the Higher Council on this matter. You are the last living Amulet Master. The last one to know the secret discipline of Jude Chi Jiin. The method Jedi created to fight Sith magic lavoraks, gauntlets, jewels and countless other Power tools, during a low time in the Jedi's population counts." He opened the case to show her a bulky gauntlet.
"They have authorized me to give you a Justice Blade-class gauntlet. It is named, Intrae Ichre'al, Truth's Redemption." He held her bare right arm over it until she took the hint to put it on.
"You will command our ground troops on Dathomir with this symbol. Use it well, dearest Knight." He bowed to her then kissed her check.
"Doing this the Council shows you high esteem and faith in your powers. I know their trust is not misplaced, so does Master Kyl and the many others you have worked with. But there are some that still see you as Shik'rican, Tyrant Spawn."
"Those people, you must prove wrong. And for those people you must succeed." He smiled as he turned to leave her. "Oh, Kamino called, your army is ready."
She looked at him, her face a mask of question and wonder, amazement really. "You mean…"
He silenced her with a wave of his hand from the doorway.
"With your permission, I will lecture your Padawans today…" his eyes got almost misty for a second. "on the past... Yes, the past."
"In fact I believe I will work with them on dueling, too, my old bones need to the work, and they will prosper from learning my old tricks. Why don't you sleep late, tomorrow?"
"Cleanse yourself, you're groggy, not as connected as you usually are. Meditate. Connect with the new gauntlet. Spend the day on yourself and the Force. Maybe it will give you what you need." And he was gone.
"I will send you a datapad with their individual standings in training and as duelers." She called after him.
There was no response.
Wedge came up to her, flanked on either side by Lando and Tycho. "I would like a peek at your fleet strengths and projected gains from Dathomir. It will help in the planning of later engagements."
She nodded. "I will speak, on your behalf to the Masters of that information. I'm sure you will have it before I go to sleep tonight. I am also sure you understand it will be for the eyes of you and your most trusted, only. So it will be coded. Good night." She shook his hand and secretly palmed him a key of one of her many hidden codes.
"Good night." He smiled and they were gone.
She spent a few moments talking quietly with the Masters of the Navy, Pilots and Intelligence.
They ended up giving her the data, on a data pad, and warned her if the information was transmitted or copied in any way they would know.
And that they would first destroy the traitor, then hide parts of their fleet to make the numbers not match.
She nodded and told them she understood completely and took the datapad.
She typed a message to Wedge, telling him what would happen if he did anything to the files. She then handed it to Quwil and sent her brother-in-fur straight to Wedge. Telling him not to do anything more that give Wedge the datapad and leave.
Then it was just Syn, Nii, Kir and herself, riding alone in a near silent lift.
"Is Kir really gonna be the father of your children?"