Chapter 10
After the operation, Anakin watched as the a team of scientists clad in vac suits stood in the hanger, encasing the creature in a message pod, one that would be sent into orbit around Myrkr. The Yuuzhan Vong had agreed to keep the transmitter creature in their system so that the CSA would believe that the fleet was still there.
Anakin stared as the hanger was opened to vacuum and the message pod sucked out. He was glad the thing was out of him, but knowing there had been one thing implanted in him made him wonder if there had been others. He had been noticing little things wherever he went. Like when he looked at someone, he instinctively knew their approximate height and weight, and whether or not they were armed.
Then again, he thought, all of that might be from before.
He thought about that for a moment and then turned away from the observation chamber, heading for the pilot's lounge where Wedge was buying drinks for him, Janson, and Hobbie.
***
Jacen Solo wiped sweat out of his eyes and flicked it from his fingers, all the while watching his little brother move. The kid was good. It had been years since they had dueled for fun, even before Anakin had died. And Anakin hadn't usually been able to beat him. Now, Anakin was deflecting every one of Jacen's blows, keeping the older Jedi back.
Anakin was batting the attacks away with surprising strength. He had overpowered Jacen every time they locked lightsabers. Jacen backed up and deactivated his lightsaber. "You win, for now. I've got a trainees to teach."
Anakin nodded. "That's fine. Dad's going on a run deep into the Corporate Sector, to look up an old friend who used to be well connected."
"All right. If I don't see you before you leave, good luck."
"Thanks Jacen. See you later."
Both the Jedi left the sparring chamber and went their separate ways.
***
"Hurry up and get those crates loaded Anakin," Han's voice floated down from the Falcon's cockpit.
"Dad, what exactly do you have in them?"
"Our disguises. Now bring that last one up."
It was a few hours later and Han and Anakin were almost ready to depart for the Corporate Sector.
Anakin was walking up the ramp carrying the last crate when something hit him from behind. Instantly, he turned and had his blaster pointed at the person who ambushed him.
"Hey, why don't you go point that thing somewhere else?" shouted Tahiri.
"Sorry Tahiri," he said as he put the blaster back in the quick-draw holster he wore low on his hip. "I was about to go say good-bye to you."
"You don't have to. I'm coming with you, and so is Master Jade. I asked Master Skywalker and your father, and both agreed to us coming. Your Aunt Mara is good at finding people that don't want to be found, probably almost as good as your dad."
Anakin nodded at her. "Well, you better get packed because we're lifting off pretty soon."
"Already done. Master Jade will be along in a few minutes. She's saying good by the Ben."
Anakin nodded again and said, "Come on up then. I'll show you where you'll be sleeping."
***
The long trip to Etti IV was uneventful. Anakin spent most of his time teaching Tahiri dejarik and playing sabacc with Mara.
About twenty minutes before coming out of hyperspace, Han gathered his crew in the lounge. "Alright," he said as he moved to sit down on the dejarik board, "here's the plan: Anakin and me will go dirtside and check with a few old friends. Mara, Tahiri, I'm sorry for having to leave you behind like this, but your disguises aren't as good, and I need some one to watch the ship and keep it ready to lift off. Yeah, the ship's under a false transponder signal, but I wouldn't be too surprised if someone recognizes her. Everyone got it?"
"What 'old friends' might we be seeing?"
"I'm going to have a chat with Ploovo Two-For-One."
"Oh. You sure he'll be happy to see you?" Anakin asked doubtfully.
Han flashed his famous lopsided grin. "Trust me on this one."
"Do we have a choice?" remarked Mara.