Hey Super Star Wars Fans!

Is the Force flowing today or what?

Sorry about missing my second post last week. Hopefully this makes up for it.

Chapter Sixteen

Aedan walked into the main hangar fifteen minutes early. While he was not happy with, well, everything at the moment, he was still punctual. He was surprised to see in the middle of the hangar was a sleek, shiny, J-type 327 Nubian ship. He was even more surprised to see Yoda walk down from the ramp. "Good morning, Master Kahl. Ready are you?"

"I am," he said, "Riding in style are we, Master Yoda?"

Yoda let out a slight chuckle, "That we are," the old master said, "And here is the rest of the team," gesturing to two newcomers.

Aedan was not surprised to see Kit Fisto strolling towards him with a big smile on his face. However, the biggest surprise of the day came in the form of the next Jedi accompanying them. "Battlemaster," Aedan said, "You're coming too?"

Cin Drallig approached Aedan, "You know I was hunting Dark Jedi before you were an initiate in Dragon Clan."

Aedan shook his head, "Well, this is truly an honor then."

Master Drallig smirked, "What, to see The Troll in action?"

"Exactly," He said, then turned to the Nautolan, "And Master Fisto, when was the last time we fought alongside one another?"

His big black eyes blinked once, "Must have been Geonosis two. Good to see you again, Master Kahl."

"Same to you. And it's uh...just Knight Kahl now."

"Then the rumors are true. What in Jalor did you do this time, Aedan?"

Aedan sighed, and shook his head. "It's a long story." He put his hand on Kit's shoulder, "But, I'm sorry about Vhebb." The Nautolan nodded his thanks.

"Alright, Masters," Yoda said, "Assembled we are. To the Sluis Sector we go."

Aedan did his normal, quick Force-check for Kyra's presence. And nearly stumbled when he realized she wasn't there. He turned to look back over his right shoulder where she typically was, seeing nothing but technicians hard at work on ships and speeders. A lightning strike of pain lanced through his chest. He sighed, lowered his head, and trudged up the boarding ramp.

The 'Guile exited hyperspace and the tan and blue world of Commenor lay straight ahead of them. Master Halcyon sat in the navigator's chair, which rankled Kyra to no end. It was no fault of the wise master, but that was Aedan's seat. She almost told him to get out of it. Hoppie had been in the dorsal cannon upon take off, and moved it this way and that, even asked if he could fire off a few blasts, which Kyra had to decline. Now, the commando was standing just inside the cockpit, along with her Cobalt Fireteam. Voolvif was elsewhere on the ship, keeping to himself. Kyra was surprised to see two Venator Class Star Destroyers and one Acclamator Class Military transport ship. She sent transmissions to them, relaying their flight codes, destination, and cargo. She was immediately cleared for passage.

Kyra cocked her head, "Doesn't appear that Commenor needs our assistance here," she said turning back to Master Halcyon.

"I don't believe those ships will be staying here much longer."

Kyra cocked an eyebrow at that, "I see."

They entered the atmosphere and were approaching their given coordinates. From space, Kyra had assumed the tan color was sand covering the planet, but the surface was actually made up of rock, and canyons extended as far as the eye could see. There was some vegetation, so it wasn't completely barren, thus slightly better than a desert planet consisting of primarily sand dunes. As they closed in on their destination, they could finally see the outpost. It was, essentially, a square. Three of the sides were tall, duracrete walls. The fourth and Western side of the square was solid rock, as the base was built into the side of the mountain. There was one main entrance on the Eastern wall, which had a blast door big enough for an At-Te to go through. The entrance had two big turbo lasers positioned on top of its portcullis. And at the two corners attached to the entrance wall there were two more turbolasers. The entire base had to be at least a square kilometer, and Kyra surmised most of the mining facility was built inside the mountain. There were dozens of grey buildings within the walls, particularly one square building, the biggest and tallest, that sat right in the middle and was ten stories tall, with an assortment of anti-air and anti-ground gun batteries. The second most noticeable building was the one that was right up against the mountainside. It was nearly as big as the central building, and Kyra guessed it stretched pretty far into the rock face. There were a few gunships on the ground, as well as three walkers, and eight Anti-vehicle Artillery cannons.

"With the high walls, the turbolasers, anti-air guns, and AV-7's, this place is extremely well-defended," Kyra said, turning around towards Neeja "But what exactly are we supposed to defend? Why even have this outpost?"

Neeja turned to face her, "They haven't told you what we're guarding out here, have they?"

Kyra's face went blank. "No," she said, "They told you?"

"Well, they had to tell someone. This outpost we'll be protecting houses a productive and lucrative Chrysopaz mining facility."

"Chrysopaz? That yellowish gemstone."

Master Halcyon nodded, "Yep, and it goes for up to two-thousand credits per Coruscant Standard Carat."

Kyra's eyebrow furrowed, "Two-thousand is a decent amount, but is it really that much to warrant a base and a regiment of troops?"

"My thoughts exactly," Neeja said, "But I have heard that Chrysopaz Gems are being used for new repulsor technology."

Still disbelieving the notion of protecting a moderately expensive gem, Kyra shook her head. "That still doesn't merit an outpost protecting it. Something else must be up."

"We'll find out soon enough."

Kyra radioed into the base, gave them her transmission code, and then brought the ship down onto one of the landing pads. The three Jedi and five clones exited the 'Guile, and were able to get a better view of the outpost. The walls were at least three meters high, and at least a meter wide. Ramparts were built on top of the wall. There were weapon racks and ammunition crates everywhere. A company of clones in shorts and t-shirts were going through an afternoon PT session, while off to the side another company of clones cleaned armor, guns, and gear. Other clones were working on the gunships and vehicles. But the newcomers were drawing stares from everyone.

A group of clones and two men wearing the customary red Naval officer's uniforms approached Kyra and her force, who all saluted the two Captain's as they stood before them. "Strike Force Bravo, reporting for duty, Captain."

"At ease, Generals, and troopers," the Captain said, "I am Captain Jan Dodonna and this is Captain Terrinald Screed. Welcome to Shadow Outpost."

"Thank you, Captain," Kyra said, "This is Master Halcyon, Master Monn, Lieutenant Hoppie, Cobalt Squad, and I am Jedi Knight Kyra Dawnstar."

Captain Dodonna nodded with a smile, "I've heard great things about this team, but I'll be blunt, you have a difficult task ahead of you."

"That's what I gathered, but care to break it down for me?"

Captain Dodonna gestured to the large building that was set against the cliff side, "Of course," he said and began walking. "As I'm sure you guessed, Captain Screed and I are the Captains of those two Star Destroyers up there, which comprises a third of Victory Fleet. We are needed in the Outer Rim, particularly Umbara, Rendili, and Cato Neimoidia."

The mountain loomed above them as they neared what Kyra guessed was the mining facility. "We understand, Captain."

"Once we leave, the enemy will strike. And we just don't have the ships to cover every sector. So that's where your task force comes in."

Kyra shook her head, "Captain, we're a capable bunch, how could we possibly repel star cruisers, an orbital attack, or an aerial attack?"

Captain Dodonna grinned, "They won't attack with any sort of heavy armament, especially an orbital attack. They simply can't. The Separatists are stretched for currency too, their funds are dwindling, and they want this mining facility for themselves. But they know the mine's structure is impossibly fragile, any strike, even remotely close, could collapse the whole thing. So they can only attack with ground troops and small arms fire."

"Okay, what about just blockading us, turning this into a siege, and starving us?"

The Captain nodded, "Fair question," he said, "But we've already prepared for that. You have six months of food and supplies here."

They walked into the mining facility. Workers scurried about, machinery churned, and dozens of heavy loading droids were accompanied by small, but durable looking vehicles. "Impressive," she said, "If the only threat is ground troops, then the defenses appear solid, and will hold." She bit her lip, as she'd been avoiding this part of her questioning. "But Captain, I have to ask, why is this facility so important? Chrysopaz goes for two-thousand credits per CSC, a sizeable amount but only if there's a high quantity of it."

They began approaching a durasteel railing, below seemed to be a vast pit where thunderous noise was coming from. Captain Dodonna stopped and from his pocket produced a small yellow, translucent gemstone, slightly smaller than a lightsaber crystal. He set the gemstone in Kyra's hand. "That is about a thousand credits right there."

"That's my point, Captain," she said, clutching the gemstone, "This can't possibly fund the rest of the war effort. We need millions, perhaps billions."

Captain grinned, and then swept his hand toward the railing, urging Kyra and her group to take a look. She gave him a quizzical look, and then walked on towards the near deafening noise, her team alongside her. She put her hands on the railing and looked down.

Her hand went to her mouth, eyes going wide. Before her was a vast pit dug into the rock, full of brightly shining yellowish veins of Chyrsopaz. Dozens of workers labored diligently below. Some were carefully chipping away at the surrounding stone to free fist sized chunks of the gemstone, some were using mining lasers, and some were operating loading droids, carting the treasure up towards machinery. Kyra guessed the machines were specialized to refine the crystal.

"There-there must be millions of credits worth down there," she said breathlessly.

Captain Dodonna came up alongside of Kyra at the railing, "Hundreds of millions, possibly even a billion," he said. "They've barely scratched the surface of this mountain, but from the scans, it seems like the veins stretch for hundreds of meters. This is quite literally the jackpot. If the separatists knew exactly what we had here, they would send far more than they have. But they are curious, and make no mistake, the moment our capital ships leave, they will send regiments of battle droids."

"But we can hold them."

Dodonna nodded, "They will try and infiltrate the facility as well, and that's why Voolvif is here." Kyra quickly turned to face the Shistavenen. Dodonna continued, "I asked for the Jedi Master with the best senses, and his, I'm told are unparalleled. On top of his force sensitivities, he can literally sniff out spies."

"So that's why he sniffed me when he first met me."

Captain Dodonna laughed. "You have a full Regiment of Clone Troopers. If we leave any more than that, they'll grow even more suspicious. We're dancing a fine line here, Kyra. But this is a fine group of soldiers. Six-hundred of them have seen combat, the other seventeen hundred are green, but clones don't seem to have issues with getting acclimated quickly. The outpost's defenses are the best you can find. Four XX-Ten turbolaser towers, AA Guns, and wall ramparts that provide great cover and concealment for troops. They can't use explosives or heavy turbo lasers, so they will send wave after wave of battle droids."

"I understand, Captain."

"First priority is secrecy, that is why you three are here. If they find out we can fund an entire fleet of star destroyers with this mine alone, they will send everything they have. Second priority, obviously, is holding this base against the onslaught," he put one hand on Kyra's shoulder. "The defenses must hold. If you think you'll be overrun, send word, but we are just too stretched thin. Do not count on help coming. Okay?"

"We won't let you down, Captain."

Dodonna eyed her, searching for validation. Apparently, he found it, because he gave her a slow nod. "Well, then the base is yours."

"You're leaving now?" Kyra said, panicked at the abruptness of it all.

"Our fleet is needed, and the enemy is on the run. Commander Cosmo," gesturing to the Commanding clone trooper next to him, "Will be your second in command." Kyra nodded to the Clone Trooper who had light grey stripes on his armor, who gave a nod back in return, causing her to smile. She reached out with the Force and was impressed with what she saw—a battle hardened leader, who cared about his men. "Good luck, Knight Dawnstar. May the force be with you," Dodonna said.

Kyra bowed, "And may the force be with you."

Captain Dodonna and Captain Screed walked out of the mining facility, leaving the three Jedi, Hoppie, and Cobalt Squad with the high-ranking officers of the base.

"We are yours to command, General," Commander Cosmo said, a major, two captains, and three lieutenants standing slightly behind him.

Kyra turned towards the Clone officer and walked up to him. She once again reached out through the force, appraising him, and then did the same with his men. She was surprised by the caliber of these men.

"Tell me, Commander, how long have you been here at Shadow Outpost?"

"Six months, General."

"Then I'm assuming you oversaw the construction and defensive preparations."

"Yes Ma'am," he said, "Since day one."

"And how long have you been active in the war?"

"Geonosis one."

Kyra nodded, and stepped closer to him. "You are the commander here, Cosmo. This is your base, and we are here to assist you."

"Y-yes, Ma'am," he said, notably relieved. "Thank you, Ma'am."

Kyra turned back to the masters and her clone troopers, "Is that understood?"

Master Halcyon smiled, and nodded. "You're already wiser than the vast majority of Jedi by making that move."

Voolvif gave a single, short bark, which Kyra hoped was in approval.

Kyra turned back to Cosmo, "I only ask for a few things."

"Name them."

"Have Voolvif work hand in hand with base security. Trust his every hunch and inkling," Kyra said, then gestured to Cobalt Squad. "Those four are the best marksmen I've ever seen, utilize them as best you can, but also see if they can assist with training."

"Done."

"This is Lieutenant Hoppie, I fought alongside him on Sarrish. He's a solid warrior, and a sound tactician, incorporate him in your planning and strategy."

"You got it," Cosmo said, "And what about you and Master Halcyon?"

"We will focus on combat preparations and training, as a part of your strategy of course. But let us know if you have any suggestions."

"Yes, General."

Kyra walked out of the mining facility and made her way to the central building. She noticed the first floor was merely another supply depot. Wall to wall was power packs, weapons, armor, anything and everything to keep troopers geared up and battle ready. She took the turbolift up to the top floor, which opened up into the command center as she surmised. Digital interfaces and maps filled the majority of the room. She walked past the screens, tables and charts, and exited out onto the overwatch balcony. She watched the gunship take off and transport the two captains to their ships up above. She surveyed the base, watched as the troopers continued their exercise. This was her station now.

She took a deep breath, reached out with the force. It comforted her. Soothed her. She tried reaching out to him, but knew he was too far. Half a galaxy away. The ache invaded.

She had kept it at bay for so long, but moments like these, where she was alone and still, the pain came rushing in.

How could they do this to us?

How can I function like this?

How does one live without their heart?

She shut her eyes, and clenched her teeth together. She let the force flow into her.

"I am a Jedi, and this is my duty," she said with a stern voice.

Then she whispered, ever so softly, "I love you, Aedan."

A swirling blue vortex filled the view as Aedan sat in the pilot's chair of the sleek Nubian freighter. He lounged across the seat, legs resting on the right arm rest, lower back against the left arm rest, and shoulder and head leaning against the back of the chair. Those Nubians sure do know how to make chairs for comfort. Comfortable as he was physically, his mental state was another story. He couldn't remember the last time he had been away from Kyra for this long.

He'd always heard of the phrase "taking something for granted," and thought the notion was ridiculous. Now he realized he was the ridiculous one. Never, in the nearly three years together did he ever think of what would happen if he and Kyra had to separate. Essentially, the only time they were away from each other was when they were sleeping.

How can you separate the inseparable? He shook his head violently at his reality. Any other time he would berate himself for becoming so dependent on a single person, but this was Kyra Dawnstar, his dream maker and heart taker, and the woman he was deeply in love with.

This would be bad enough as it was, but now after crossing the line, after sleeping with her and experiencing that unimaginable night with her, it was exponentially worse. He rubbed at his chest trying to sooth the constant ache there. He shook his head again. I must be losing my mind.

"Wrong something is, mhmm?"

Aedan flinched so hard that he nearly fell out of his seat, "Nek frakking-" Aedan started, then reoriented himself in the seat to see the Master Yoda standing there as calm and passive as ever, gimer stick positioned right in front of him. "How do you do that?"

"Big you are, small I am," he said.

"Right, because it's that simple."

"How feel you?"

Aedan rolled his eyes, definitely not in the mood for one of these talks. "Fine," he said.

The small green troll grunted and then climbed into the co-pilot's seat. "How feel you, really?"

Aedan let out a long sigh. Oh, why not? "Off balanced."

"Why?"

Aedan shook his head. "You know why."

"Know I do why you're upset, not why you're off balanced."

"Because I'm a jedi knight that is forbidden to be with the person I love and it's...disheartening. I don't know my place anymore, my purpose in this life."

"Lost faith in your order you have."

Aedan had to look away. "Yes."

"Lost faith in the force too?"

Aedan blinked. Turned to answer, but had no response. Of course, he hadn't lost faith in the force. Had he? The order and the Force are totally different things. "Oh."

"Build the order the Force did?"

"No."

"Flawed the order may be. But flawed the Force is not."

"Oh."

"Your purpose in the order, clouded it may be. Not so for you place in the Force. Direct your trust where it belongs," Yoda said, then his head dipped low. "Taught me that, Master Fay did. Wise beyond any of us she was."

Aedan's ache in his chest turned to agony at the mention of Fay. She had died at the beginning of the Clone Wars, sacrificing herself so Obi-Wan could complete his mission.

"Felt her pass I did. At peace she was."

"At peace in life, and at peace in death," Aedan whispered. "I just can't believe she's gone."

"Gone, you say?" Yoda asked. "Learned her ways you did; let her legacy and teachings live on in you."

Aedan blinked, jaw dropping. Right when he thought the old master was losing his sharpness, he goes and reveals a revelation like that. He was right. Of course, he was right.

"Trust in the Force, you must Aedan. Find your path once again."

Aedan shook his head at the bombs being dropped on him. He was reeling at all the truths, and the ramifications of those truths. "And what path is that? I should be with Kyra, helping her."

"If the Force wills it, maybe. Kyra has to find her own way at the moment. But for now, put one foot in front of the other, you must."

"Again, it's not that simple."

"Yes, it is. See, you will."

And then the Nubian ship exited hyperspace, and Agora filled the viewport.

That frakking space wizard.

The four Jedi exited the ship and made their way into the bustling spaceport. Agora was a frontier planet, only having been populated roughly a hundred years ago. Settlements were popping up all over the place due to its temperate climate, lush landscape, and its wealth of resources. In another hundred years many parts of Agora, particularly Vox Prime, the capital where they were now, would be a sprawling metropolis. But Agora was a massive planet, and searching all these towns and settlements, was going to be an issue.

"Quix Caladan our contact is. Special agent of Agora's SecOps unit."

Aedan nodded, "Great he'll be meeting us here?"

"She will greatly appreciate your assistance," a voice said from behind them. Aedan turned around and felt his eyes widen. Clad in black tactical pants and sleeveless midnight blue armor was a tall, battle hardened female—battle hardened because her well defined arms were on full display, there was a scar on her left eyebrow that went down to her cheek, and she had an eclectic assortment of weapons strewn about her tactical rig. Her auburn hair was styled in an undercut bob fashion, her bangs swooping to one side coming down past her chin, while the other side of her head was partially shaved. She had sharp striking features, and light green eyes that sparkled at having to correct a Jedi.

"My mistake," Aedan said, bowing low. "Pleased to meet you, Quix. I'm Aedan, and these are Masters Yoda, Drallig, and Fisto, and we are happily at your service."

She smirked, "Oh good, for a moment there I thought I was going to be your Sibian Hound."

Aedan smiled, liking her already. "Please, bring us up to speed on your investigation so we can get after these guys."

"Straight to the point, my kind of people," she said, and gestured to her left. "Follow me, I'll take you to my ship where we can talk."

"After you," Aedan said, and glanced back at the Jedi. He shrugged once and then followed her.

"So these Jedi-"

"Dark Jedi," Cin Drallig corrected.

"These Dark Jedi have been pretty much pillaging the sector. They're focusing on affluent, soft targets—Casino's, luxury yachts, high-end hotels."

"So money is what they're after?" Aedan asked.

"Yes...and no," Quix said, "They're taking whatever they want, but doing so in obvious and visible ways. They're not trying to be discreet at all."

"They want people to know what they're doing."

Quix nodded, "They seem to be basking in the spotlight, and relishing their power over everyone else."

"How many attacks and how many casualties?" Fisto asked.

"Four attacks and thirteen deaths, all of which were combatants, security or police."

"Thats a relief," Fisto said.

Quix stopped, and whirled around, "Some of those were friends of mine, I wouldn't call their deaths a relief. Do so again and you'll be short a few tendrils."

Master Fisto bowed, "I'm sorry, that was wrong. I only meant to say I'm glad they're not attacking the general public. I did not mean to cheapen your friends' deaths."

Quix looked away and sighed. "I know. I'm just having a hard time with this. I've prided myself on holding my own against most criminals, but against these dark jedi," she shook her head. "I was a gizka fighting a Gundark. Gave me this," she said pointing to the scar over her eye, "And put me in a bacta tank for three days. And I was the lucky one." She looked each master in the eye, "I know I talk a big game, but I am relieved to have you here, but I'm worried four won't be enough."

"I assure you, Quix Caladan, taking down dark Jedi is our specialty," Aedan said.

She raised one scarred eyebrow, assessing Aedan. "You know, you're not what I was expecting."

Aedan smiled widely, "You know, at the moment, I''ll take that as a compliment," Aedan said, pointedly looking back at Yoda.

Quix' datapad chimed and she answered it. She froze, eyes speedily scanning the message. Then her mouth opened wide. "Come on," she said, and took off running.

Aedan followed, the other masters right behind them. "Care to explain, not that I don't mind a lovely sprint through the spaceport."

"There's been another attack," she said, running at an impressive rate. She looked over at him, "Multiple casualties, combatants and civilians."

"Kriff," Aedan cursed, and fell into stride with her as they headed towards a familiar looking ship. Its main hull was a jagged semi-circle, with blade like wings extending from each side. It finally dawned on him. "Is that an Idari Mistrider?"

"Yes," Quix said, skidding to a stop at the bottom of the ship, and entering codes into the keypad, and then placing her hand onto the palmscanner. A boarding ramp lowered, and she sprinted inside.

Aedan followed behind her, but was stunned at this revelation. A Mistrider!

They made it to the cockpit and it was so much more than he could have imagined, sleek lines that were as functional as they were aesthetic. Blue running lights outlined the control panels, which were exceptionally simple, but elegant. If only Kyra could see this. "How in the Force did you get a frakking Mistrider?"

"Not now," Quix snapped. "We have a chance to catch them. Strap in, Aedan" she said, just as the other masters peeked into the cockpit. "You three will need to buckle up in the passenger hold. We're leaving in sixty seconds."

The masters glowered at Aedan for his prime seating, but quickly moved to the middle compartment. Aedan could not be bothered at the moment as he was sitting in this legendary machine.

"There's only like five thousand of these left."

Quix was rapidly flipping switches and hitting buttons with practiced ease and swiftness. "Try five hundred." Then she hit a center switch, and the massive drive that spanned the entire aft of the ship, much like a YT-1300 did, purred to glorious life. Within moments they were leaving the spaceport.

Aedan nearly shed a tear as he buckled in. "Is it as fast as the stories say?"

Quix smiled, still staring straight ahead, and punched the throttle forward. Aedan was slammed back into his seat, as the ship blasted forward faster than anything he could have dreamed of. He couldn't help but let out a whoop as they rocketed over green terrain.

"We'll be there in twelve minutes, maybe ten if the wind is right. So, get ready. We may be entering a combat zone."

Aedan gripped his harness and had to stifle a smile. Focus, Aedan. It's back to business now. He settled into the Force, and let it fill his mind, releasing all other thoughts into the nether. Well, almost all other thoughts.

A frakking Mistrider