~~15~~
"One of us should stay outside in case anyone tries anything again. I really don't want to be stuck in here again." Obi-Wan instructed the group.
"Alright, I will stay out here and play watch dog. You three go in there and try to get Organa down here." Lin San said as she took a post by the door, just out of sight to someone who isn't looking for her.
Obi-Wan, Yenshu, and Alexi went into the room. They looked around, just to make sure that nobody was in there. They used the Force to sense all of the beings in the house and to pinpoint where they were. Obi-Wan and Alexi stayed tuned in to the Force to keep tabs on people while Yenshu found the comlink on the wall and called on the King.
"Bail Organa, if you are within hearing distance of this comlink, I would suggest answering it."
"I am here, but how is it that you have control of that comlink? Nobody does but me."
"Well, I do now. This is no trap, but I do want to speak with you personally. Would you come down here? You invited me and a friend here a week ago and now we are back to discuss the same matter, but only in person. Would you please grace us with your presence?"
"Of course. Are you who I am thinking? If you are, then you can read my mind and tell me." Since Organa gave the Jedi permission, Obi-Wan looked into Organa's mind and then nodded at Yenshu.
"It is I. Now will you come here?" She asked in the comlink.
"Of course. I will be there momentarily."
The Jedi waited until Obi-Wan heard Lin San use the Force to call him. She was using the Force to warn him of something, but he couldn't read what. Obi-Wan, someone is coming she called. I don't know who, I can't read them. Be careful!
I can't understand you, Lin San! What is wrong? he called back to her. "Yenshu, Lin San is trying to reach us using the Force. I can't understand her, do you think you could?"
"I can try." she said. She tuned herself into the Force. She felt it moving around and through her. She felt it in Lin San and she felt it elsewhere. She calmed herself and attempted to call to Lin San. Lin San, are you there? Can you hear me? What is wrong? What are you trying to warn us about?
After a moment of silence, Yenshu heard Lin San call back. I am here and, surprisingly, I can hear you. Someone is coming. I hear them and feel them, but I can't identify them. I will continue to watch, but be on your guard.
That time, all of the Jedi heard Lin San's warning and drew their lightsabers and stood defensively, using the Force to make them ready. Soon, Obi-Wan, Yenshu, and Alexi felt the presence of two beings, one was a human and the other was something that only Obi-Wan had before encountered. They all waited expectantly until there was a knock on the door. After a moment of silence, the door opened and Bail Organa and a cloaked figure entered, followed by Lin San.
"You do not need your weapons." Lin San said from behind. "They are our friends. We have nothing to fear."
"Very well. We will trust your instincts Lin San." Yenshu said to her with a slight bow. She then turned to the other two beings in the room and said, "Lord Organa, may I ask who you have brought before us?"
"This is another Jedi, Tzadik. She is of the species Ryn."
Tzadik had soft, light blue fur and a tail. She had long, black hair with blue highlights that reached her knees. Her eyes were a bright, fiery, red. The species had often proven themselves to be very musical when it comes to instruments and singing. They were enslaved by the Hutts because of their musical capabilities and their rhythmic dancing. The Ryns were not aliens that you would want as your enemy. They prove to be very vicious in fighting, and yet were also very graceful. Very few remained out of captivity and it was a rare pleasure to see one.
The Jedi bowed to her. After an odd moment of silence, Tzadik said, "Well, this is somewhat awkward isn't it." She laughed out of nervousness and Organa joined her.
"We apologize if we make you feel uncomfortable or awkward, it is just that none of us have ever seen you. Lin San and myself know all of the Jedi, and yet you are unfamiliar. If you please, I think we deserve some form of explanation." Obi-Wan said, voicing the thoughts of the others in the room.
"Well, after I heard nothing of you or your Padawan, I called out for another Jedi. I thought that you were either dead or didn't have the guts to face Xanatos again." Bail Organa explained. "If anything happened to you or you became a coward, I needed someone to fall back on, so I approached Tzadik and asked her assistance. Since you are here, perhaps you could work together."
"That's a nice explanation pertaining as to why she is here, but we would still like to know how it is that we do not know you." Lin San said, still behind the Organa and Tzadik.
"Well. I am not a Sith Lord, you can quiet your minds about that. I had just joined the Order as a Padawan under Adi Gallia. After her death, I followed Master Yoda to the planet where he now hides. He finished my training and promoted me to a Jedi Knight. I have been searching the universe for other Jedi and hope to one day have a Padawan so that the powers of the Force will continue on." Tzadik explained. When the Jedi still gave each other doubtful glances, she attempted to explain further. "Adi Gallia chose me right before they started killing the Jedi Knights and Padawans. She told me that she wanted a Padawan to continue the training of the Force. We went to Mon Calamaria to hide from the Emperor, but he soon found us. Master Gallia died putting me on a ship to see Master Yoda."
Everyone bowed their heads in respect for Adi Gallia. She was a friend, confidant, and Master to all of them at one point or another, except for Organa and Alexi, who simply wished to respect all Jedi Knights. After a moment of silence, all of the Jedi, now including Tzadik, sat at the large round table in the room.
"Now, what are we going to do about my little girl? She needs protection." Bail Organa started.
"Well, what is it that you want us to do? Do you want a guard, do you want us to take her away from here, what?" Yenshu asked.
"I'm not quite sure. I was hoping you had a plan. You are the Jedi after all."
"I hate it when people make expectations like that of us. Just because we harness the Force doesn't make us all powerful." Alexi mumbled under his breath.
"What was that young man?" Organa asked, giving him an irritable look.
"I asked you what it was you wanted us to do." He replied with a smirk as Yenshu gave him a reprimanding look.
"Well, I do not want her taken from me unless there is no other way. If she has a guard, the Empire would take notice and ask questions. I'm not sure what to do, but something definitely needs to be done." Organa said with a sigh. He then turned to face Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Master Kenobi, you brought Leia here to me. Do you have any thoughts as to what could be done?"
"Well, does Leia have any 24-hour guards?" he asked.
"Yes. She has three that rotate through the day, just like me. Why?"
"I think I see Master Kenobi's plan." Lin San said before Obi-Wan could respond. "You want to replace Leia's guards with some of us. That way a Jedi would always be there to protect her."
"Exactly!" Obi-Wan said with a smile.
"That is a wonderful idea!" Organa exclaimed. "I knew I could count on all of you!"
"It is good that we have taken care of that problem, but there is one more item I would like to discuss with you, Lord Organa." Lin San said. "When we came here to speak with you, two Sith came and attacked us. Who were they and how did they know we would be here?"
"What are you talking about?" Organa asked innocently.
"Don't try to act like you do not know everything that goes on in your home. You had to know something about this!" Yenshu said, almost yelling.
"Alright, Xanatos was here today. But I thought that he had already left when you arrived here." Organa said, choosing his words carefully. "But, I do not know who was with him."
"If you didn't know he was here, how did you know that there were two Sith lords that attacked us?" Alexi asked suspiciously.
"Ok! Xanatos threatened to take Leia from me! I tried to get them to leave, but somehow they had learned of my contact with you and refused to leave until you returned." Organa explained with a look of shame on his face. "I'm sorry! That is one of the reasons I found Tzadik. Please, I beg your forgiveness and I hope this will not stop you from helping Leia."
"We will help you with Leia, but do not betray us again." Obi-Wan said with an almost threatening tone in his voice.
"I will not. And I am sorry." he said again.
"Tzadik, the Sith do not know you. Would you be willing to stay with Leia and protect her with your life?" Lin San asked after a moment of awkward silence.
"I will." she answered.
"Do you have a problem with authority? Lin San and myself are the main authorities in this case. Will you obey us and update us?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I will. I have no problem with authority. I will try to reach you everyday and inform you of what is going on. Where will you be while I am here?"
"We will be on Tatooine." Yenshu answered. "There is another there that we must protect. We will inform you of our location when we go somewhere. You do not have to worry, you won't be left out of the loop."
"Very well. I accept the task that you have given me. You are the Jedi Counsel as far as I am concerned and I will treat you as such. I will cooperate in any way I can." Tzadik promised.
"Very well then, it is settled." Lin San said smiling. "Lord Organa, we would like Tzadik to take on the role of Leia's guard immediately, if possible."
"Of course. Come, we will have dinner and then you can go on your way." Organa said, getting up from the table and opening the door. The Jedi followed his lead. They went down the hall and up numerous stairs until they came to the dining room. They ate in silence. After about half an hour, they went to Princess Leia's room. As they entered, Organa called her present guard to come out into the hallway.
"I want you and your fellow guards to know that I have hired new protection for the Princess." Organa said to him.
"But why my lord?" the guard asked in dismay. "Have we done something wrong? Did we break some law or rule? Was she left alone?" The guards face showed his hurt and confusion at the King's sudden command.
"You have done nothing wrong. You have faithfully watched my daughter and are a wonderful guard and I am grateful for all that you have done for me and my family. I just think that for a little while a new guard should watch over her. It is because of no fault of your own. Go now and rest. The new guard is already at the Princesses side. Be at peace. If you wish to continue as a guard, I will place you somewhere else, but we can discuss it tomorrow. It is late now." With a bow the guard left the king and the Jedi alone at the princesses door.
"He didn't seem to pleased." Alexi said as they went into Princess Leia's room. "Do you think that he will try anything?"
"No. He will listen to his king and guard this planet with his life." Yenshu said, calling on the Force to see what the future of the guard held.
"Ok, now that we know the guards future, we should worry about Princess Leia's present. Tzadik, go ahead and change into the guard outfit. Do you know how to be in a sleep trance?" Lin San asked.
"Yes, why?" Tzadik answered.
"If you can, then we don't need another guard. When you become tired, while the princess is asleep, you can go into that trance. Your body will rest and the Force will alert you when someone else enters the room. Can you do that?" Obi-Wan explained.
"Yes. That way you four could go and find Xanatos and the other Sith." Tzadik said. "But, will I be enough? Just me?"
"Yes. The Force is with you. I'm sure you are talented with a lightsaber. Don't worry. Besides, if you feel that you are going to need assistance, then use the comlink and call us. One of us will come and help you." Yenshu said, placing a reassuring hand on Tzadik's shoulder.
"Alright. I'll assume my post by the princess now." Tzadik said, then she went and stood in the far corner of the room and went into a sleeping trance.
"One of us should stay outside in case anyone tries anything again. I really don't want to be stuck in here again." Obi-Wan instructed the group.
"Alright, I will stay out here and play watch dog. You three go in there and try to get Organa down here." Lin San said as she took a post by the door, just out of sight to someone who isn't looking for her.
Obi-Wan, Yenshu, and Alexi went into the room. They looked around, just to make sure that nobody was in there. They used the Force to sense all of the beings in the house and to pinpoint where they were. Obi-Wan and Alexi stayed tuned in to the Force to keep tabs on people while Yenshu found the comlink on the wall and called on the King.
"Bail Organa, if you are within hearing distance of this comlink, I would suggest answering it."
"I am here, but how is it that you have control of that comlink? Nobody does but me."
"Well, I do now. This is no trap, but I do want to speak with you personally. Would you come down here? You invited me and a friend here a week ago and now we are back to discuss the same matter, but only in person. Would you please grace us with your presence?"
"Of course. Are you who I am thinking? If you are, then you can read my mind and tell me." Since Organa gave the Jedi permission, Obi-Wan looked into Organa's mind and then nodded at Yenshu.
"It is I. Now will you come here?" She asked in the comlink.
"Of course. I will be there momentarily."
The Jedi waited until Obi-Wan heard Lin San use the Force to call him. She was using the Force to warn him of something, but he couldn't read what. Obi-Wan, someone is coming she called. I don't know who, I can't read them. Be careful!
I can't understand you, Lin San! What is wrong? he called back to her. "Yenshu, Lin San is trying to reach us using the Force. I can't understand her, do you think you could?"
"I can try." she said. She tuned herself into the Force. She felt it moving around and through her. She felt it in Lin San and she felt it elsewhere. She calmed herself and attempted to call to Lin San. Lin San, are you there? Can you hear me? What is wrong? What are you trying to warn us about?
After a moment of silence, Yenshu heard Lin San call back. I am here and, surprisingly, I can hear you. Someone is coming. I hear them and feel them, but I can't identify them. I will continue to watch, but be on your guard.
That time, all of the Jedi heard Lin San's warning and drew their lightsabers and stood defensively, using the Force to make them ready. Soon, Obi-Wan, Yenshu, and Alexi felt the presence of two beings, one was a human and the other was something that only Obi-Wan had before encountered. They all waited expectantly until there was a knock on the door. After a moment of silence, the door opened and Bail Organa and a cloaked figure entered, followed by Lin San.
"You do not need your weapons." Lin San said from behind. "They are our friends. We have nothing to fear."
"Very well. We will trust your instincts Lin San." Yenshu said to her with a slight bow. She then turned to the other two beings in the room and said, "Lord Organa, may I ask who you have brought before us?"
"This is another Jedi, Tzadik. She is of the species Ryn."
Tzadik had soft, light blue fur and a tail. She had long, black hair with blue highlights that reached her knees. Her eyes were a bright, fiery, red. The species had often proven themselves to be very musical when it comes to instruments and singing. They were enslaved by the Hutts because of their musical capabilities and their rhythmic dancing. The Ryns were not aliens that you would want as your enemy. They prove to be very vicious in fighting, and yet were also very graceful. Very few remained out of captivity and it was a rare pleasure to see one.
The Jedi bowed to her. After an odd moment of silence, Tzadik said, "Well, this is somewhat awkward isn't it." She laughed out of nervousness and Organa joined her.
"We apologize if we make you feel uncomfortable or awkward, it is just that none of us have ever seen you. Lin San and myself know all of the Jedi, and yet you are unfamiliar. If you please, I think we deserve some form of explanation." Obi-Wan said, voicing the thoughts of the others in the room.
"Well, after I heard nothing of you or your Padawan, I called out for another Jedi. I thought that you were either dead or didn't have the guts to face Xanatos again." Bail Organa explained. "If anything happened to you or you became a coward, I needed someone to fall back on, so I approached Tzadik and asked her assistance. Since you are here, perhaps you could work together."
"That's a nice explanation pertaining as to why she is here, but we would still like to know how it is that we do not know you." Lin San said, still behind the Organa and Tzadik.
"Well. I am not a Sith Lord, you can quiet your minds about that. I had just joined the Order as a Padawan under Adi Gallia. After her death, I followed Master Yoda to the planet where he now hides. He finished my training and promoted me to a Jedi Knight. I have been searching the universe for other Jedi and hope to one day have a Padawan so that the powers of the Force will continue on." Tzadik explained. When the Jedi still gave each other doubtful glances, she attempted to explain further. "Adi Gallia chose me right before they started killing the Jedi Knights and Padawans. She told me that she wanted a Padawan to continue the training of the Force. We went to Mon Calamaria to hide from the Emperor, but he soon found us. Master Gallia died putting me on a ship to see Master Yoda."
Everyone bowed their heads in respect for Adi Gallia. She was a friend, confidant, and Master to all of them at one point or another, except for Organa and Alexi, who simply wished to respect all Jedi Knights. After a moment of silence, all of the Jedi, now including Tzadik, sat at the large round table in the room.
"Now, what are we going to do about my little girl? She needs protection." Bail Organa started.
"Well, what is it that you want us to do? Do you want a guard, do you want us to take her away from here, what?" Yenshu asked.
"I'm not quite sure. I was hoping you had a plan. You are the Jedi after all."
"I hate it when people make expectations like that of us. Just because we harness the Force doesn't make us all powerful." Alexi mumbled under his breath.
"What was that young man?" Organa asked, giving him an irritable look.
"I asked you what it was you wanted us to do." He replied with a smirk as Yenshu gave him a reprimanding look.
"Well, I do not want her taken from me unless there is no other way. If she has a guard, the Empire would take notice and ask questions. I'm not sure what to do, but something definitely needs to be done." Organa said with a sigh. He then turned to face Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Master Kenobi, you brought Leia here to me. Do you have any thoughts as to what could be done?"
"Well, does Leia have any 24-hour guards?" he asked.
"Yes. She has three that rotate through the day, just like me. Why?"
"I think I see Master Kenobi's plan." Lin San said before Obi-Wan could respond. "You want to replace Leia's guards with some of us. That way a Jedi would always be there to protect her."
"Exactly!" Obi-Wan said with a smile.
"That is a wonderful idea!" Organa exclaimed. "I knew I could count on all of you!"
"It is good that we have taken care of that problem, but there is one more item I would like to discuss with you, Lord Organa." Lin San said. "When we came here to speak with you, two Sith came and attacked us. Who were they and how did they know we would be here?"
"What are you talking about?" Organa asked innocently.
"Don't try to act like you do not know everything that goes on in your home. You had to know something about this!" Yenshu said, almost yelling.
"Alright, Xanatos was here today. But I thought that he had already left when you arrived here." Organa said, choosing his words carefully. "But, I do not know who was with him."
"If you didn't know he was here, how did you know that there were two Sith lords that attacked us?" Alexi asked suspiciously.
"Ok! Xanatos threatened to take Leia from me! I tried to get them to leave, but somehow they had learned of my contact with you and refused to leave until you returned." Organa explained with a look of shame on his face. "I'm sorry! That is one of the reasons I found Tzadik. Please, I beg your forgiveness and I hope this will not stop you from helping Leia."
"We will help you with Leia, but do not betray us again." Obi-Wan said with an almost threatening tone in his voice.
"I will not. And I am sorry." he said again.
"Tzadik, the Sith do not know you. Would you be willing to stay with Leia and protect her with your life?" Lin San asked after a moment of awkward silence.
"I will." she answered.
"Do you have a problem with authority? Lin San and myself are the main authorities in this case. Will you obey us and update us?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I will. I have no problem with authority. I will try to reach you everyday and inform you of what is going on. Where will you be while I am here?"
"We will be on Tatooine." Yenshu answered. "There is another there that we must protect. We will inform you of our location when we go somewhere. You do not have to worry, you won't be left out of the loop."
"Very well. I accept the task that you have given me. You are the Jedi Counsel as far as I am concerned and I will treat you as such. I will cooperate in any way I can." Tzadik promised.
"Very well then, it is settled." Lin San said smiling. "Lord Organa, we would like Tzadik to take on the role of Leia's guard immediately, if possible."
"Of course. Come, we will have dinner and then you can go on your way." Organa said, getting up from the table and opening the door. The Jedi followed his lead. They went down the hall and up numerous stairs until they came to the dining room. They ate in silence. After about half an hour, they went to Princess Leia's room. As they entered, Organa called her present guard to come out into the hallway.
"I want you and your fellow guards to know that I have hired new protection for the Princess." Organa said to him.
"But why my lord?" the guard asked in dismay. "Have we done something wrong? Did we break some law or rule? Was she left alone?" The guards face showed his hurt and confusion at the King's sudden command.
"You have done nothing wrong. You have faithfully watched my daughter and are a wonderful guard and I am grateful for all that you have done for me and my family. I just think that for a little while a new guard should watch over her. It is because of no fault of your own. Go now and rest. The new guard is already at the Princesses side. Be at peace. If you wish to continue as a guard, I will place you somewhere else, but we can discuss it tomorrow. It is late now." With a bow the guard left the king and the Jedi alone at the princesses door.
"He didn't seem to pleased." Alexi said as they went into Princess Leia's room. "Do you think that he will try anything?"
"No. He will listen to his king and guard this planet with his life." Yenshu said, calling on the Force to see what the future of the guard held.
"Ok, now that we know the guards future, we should worry about Princess Leia's present. Tzadik, go ahead and change into the guard outfit. Do you know how to be in a sleep trance?" Lin San asked.
"Yes, why?" Tzadik answered.
"If you can, then we don't need another guard. When you become tired, while the princess is asleep, you can go into that trance. Your body will rest and the Force will alert you when someone else enters the room. Can you do that?" Obi-Wan explained.
"Yes. That way you four could go and find Xanatos and the other Sith." Tzadik said. "But, will I be enough? Just me?"
"Yes. The Force is with you. I'm sure you are talented with a lightsaber. Don't worry. Besides, if you feel that you are going to need assistance, then use the comlink and call us. One of us will come and help you." Yenshu said, placing a reassuring hand on Tzadik's shoulder.
"Alright. I'll assume my post by the princess now." Tzadik said, then she went and stood in the far corner of the room and went into a sleeping trance.