Title ~ Forceful Betrayals: Section 2
Author ~ Ashleymarie DeBondt Seyla Starrider (is my Star Wars name)
When I Wrote it ~ November 30, 2000
Why I Wrote it ~ Something to keep you and me busy while we wait for the big time authors to get finished with the new Star Wars books.
Contact ~ dpriser@aol.com
Note ~ Just as before, some of the chapters/parts are titles of songs that fit perfectly with that particular part. But they are also the titles of that chapter. Just incase you like to listen to songs that slid in with the story.
Spoilers ~ NONE THAT I KNOW OF!
Rating ~ PG
Warning ~ Some of these characters in this fan fiction are the creations of George Lucas and the other authors that help him continue on the stories of these wonderful heroes and heroines. But I would like to take credit for the ones I created, which are listed below:
Seyla Starrider, Enoil Shai, Lydia Ebony, Zengi Fin'h
Copyright 2000 of Sey:) ~ Story credit to the author. Credit of creating already known characters in Star Wars to George Lucas and friends.
Time ~ Well, right after Forceful Betrayals Chronicle 1, Section 1 of course.
Description ~ Seyla Starrider, now in the hands of the Union, struggles desperately to hold on to her faith in her God. Is God really there? The question that had gotten Jacen's attention, now lingers in both of their souls every moment of her days in the hideously evil recreation of the Empire. The more she learns about the something that may be the key to the Union's undoing, the more Zengi Fin'h tells her she must wait till she made 'the promise.' But she must make the decision wither or not to become one with the darkside.
While she wrestles on what to do, the Peace Brigade captures Jaina Solo. Jag and Leia are both in a coma, with Wedge watching out for them with any progression. Luke, Anakin, Kyp, and the other Jedi, aboard the transport to Yavin 4, are prisoners of the Union.
Is everything going to be handed over to the Vong and Union on a silver platter? Not quiet.
Read to see what happens!


Part 1 ~ Lonely Road Song by Fernando Ortega

Han Solo glanced nervously at the control panel in the Firelight; a ship Lando let his old friend borrow for the time being.
The ship was slick, new, and obviously full of new technology. Han wasn't the type who hated droid's; it was just unpredictable with the new knowledge the Republic had come up with. Han preferred old-fashioned transports and ships, like the Millennium Falcon. It was perfect in size, and there was no snazzy or complicated mechanisms cluttered together. Just some little ditties that made everything so simple and easy to figure out.
Not that the Firelight was difficult to handle, he just preferred the Falcon. But Han knew, especially on this mission, that he couldn't take the Falcon when the Peace Brigade knew his ship like the back of their hands.
"I can't believe that Reck went on the other side." Droma, a Ryn, posed.
"What do you mean?"
"You saw him. He joined the Peace Brigade because of the money, because he thought that the Yuuzhan Vong was going to come out of this in the end. It's sad."
"I understand how you feel. He used to be with us, but he betrayed us for riches. Reck was just to blinded by money."
Droma turned around and said nothing for a moment. "I know." Then he changed the subject, "So where is our first stop."
"Well, we're looking for your clan mates. Do you have any idea where they might be?"
"Adega."
Han starred at his friend. "Where?"
"Adega, in the Moddell Sector."
"You mean... the Outer Rim?"
He looked at Han. "Yeah. Do you think that we'll be able to dodge the Vong?"
"Hey, I am Han Solo. I've dodged death countless of times. Set the coordinates and let's do it."
A pang of worry suddenly tingled down his spine.
*Leia? * Worry flooded over him. He felt like something terrible had happened to his wife, but there was nothing he could do about, much less find out. They couldn't turn back to Coruscate.
"Ready?"
Flipping a few switches above his head, he answered, "Yep. You?"
"Just a sec, I..." He shook his head in bafflement at the HoloNet. "There must be something wrong."
"What?"
"Well, when I called up the Moddell Sector hologram...well see for yourself."
Getting up from the pilot's seat, Han studied the projection. Adega, a lush and green planet, enlarged. A brief description of the world was printed underneath the holo. Nothing seemed to be wrong. "I don't see what's the problem."
Droma pointed to a small icon at the end of the paragraph. It was the symbol of the Empire, but around it was words written in a different language.
Han didn't know what the icon meant so asked. "What's it stand for?"
"I am not quite sure...let me see if I can translate it." Pressing a few buttons, Droma began the translation sequence.

The sound of beeps and whirls from the machinery that kept both Leia and Jag breathing, droned the room. IV's had been placed in the two, filling them up with the fluids and nutrition they needed. They lay still on separate beds. Wedge sat on a chair next to the window that flittered rays of hopeless sunshine on their bodies.
Turning around he looked out the window, with his hands folded behind his back. The hustle and bustle of the world of Coruscant swirled with activity, like they didn't even care much less than know about the Yuuzhan Vong threat.
"Wedge?"
Wedge faced the voice and found that it Mara Jade. She was wearing a comfortable dark gray skirt and a light blue top. She no longer walked with a limp, but with strength and grace. "Wedge, you couldn't have stopped what happened. I don't blame you for my niece's kidnapping. Nor do I think your nephew could have prevented it."
The sad pilot only focused his attention back to the busy city beyond the window.
"Don't lose hope. Everything will be all right in the end. You've gotten over the Empire, and I, Palpatine. This is only another challenge we must endure," she said as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Looking down at his feet he replied. "But when will the challenges stop so we may have peace?"
Mara let out a breath. "I don't have the answer to that, even if I may be a Jedi Master. " She let silence waver for a moment. "Don't lose hope. I know Luke hasn't. You must be strong. The ways of war are unmerciful and if you start to be blinded by grief, you may fall."
"I won't Mara. I just feel so hopeless here."
She smiled and took him by his hand. "Come on. I need some help getting back to the apartment."
"The strong-headed Mara Jade, asking for assistance? Impossible."
"Oh, stop it. I do admit for once that I need help. Is that a crime? That's not the only thing I wanted you to help me with. It is something on the HN that you need to see."

*Jag where are you? Jag where are you? *
The words repeated over and over in the agent's mind, almost pleading for mercy, but it would only be forsaken. Endless cries from her heart tried to sneak through the wall that blocked her from the Force. The agent produced an eerie grin across his face as he stood above the pitiful girl who lay on the hard cell bed.
Even wounded, the Solo could still fight. He knew that. So to prevent it from happening, she had been drugged from the beginning so she wouldn't give them problems getting her onto the ship.
Her dark brunette hair was sprawled out around her head. Her face had a grimace of discomfort. He truly couldn't blame her, but neither did he feel the least bit responsible for its cause.
Briskly the agent rotated around and emerged from the doorway of the cell, secured the lock, then climbed up the ladder that led back to the cockpit.


Part 2 ~ Be Strong Song by The Martins

For the past three days, Seyla had been constantly training in the ways of the Force. Zen had been showing her how to handle the strange powers that filtered through her. He taught her everything from hovering objects in the air, to using its energy to feel, see, or hear anything nearby. She had surprised him on several occasions by doing the exercise before he asked her too. Each time that happened or when she would tell him about some history she knew of the Jedi or Sith, Starrider would laugh. She loved how he looked when confused or puzzled.
Seyla was now in the room that Zen had told her would be hers. It was the same one he had put her in the first night she spent on the strange planet.
Starring at her image in the vanity mirror, she no longer looked like the girl she was before the abduction. Her hair had been cut shorter than it had been before; its original color highlighted with lighter brown streaks; make-up was applied on her face. Her reflection now shown a beautiful girl, but her eyes...the light blue glint of hope...now seemed to be the only thing that ensured her what she was doing was right.
She dropped her head onto the smooth surface of the vanity, burying her head in her arms. Seyla cried, not caring if Zen came in and found her weeping. All of the events, which happened over the last three days, collided on her like a rockslide.
*God, send me a thought? A dream? Something that will keep me going. * She prayed through her soul.
Suddenly, something did come to her mind. Opening one of the drawers, Starrider pulled out a notebook and pen. She began to write.
After a few minutes she set the pen down on the soft surface. Folding the paper, she stuffed it into the side-bag that was strapped around her waist. There were only a few things in the pouch, nothing that was make-up, only a new datapad, and a comlink.
Taking in a long deep breath she stood up and starred in the mirror one last time. In her blue jeans and top, the Vong gave back to her the day after her arrival; she saw a glint of light flash behind her.
Frightened, she whirled around to find no one there. Calming her fast beating heart, she grabbed her cloak, and walked out of the room.
Quietly shutting the door, she slipped with grace into the living room. The extra datapad Fin'h used to type down quick reminders was left on and open on the coffee table, along side of it was a lightsaber. Interested she bent down and scooped up the pad. It read; Starrider, This weapon is for you. I had to leave early this morning to meet with one of the Yuuzhan Vong officials. If you're hungry you know where to go. I won't be back till noon. Make sure that you are here by then. Zen.
As she grasped the saber, a thought came to her. *Won't be back till noon? * What could she do while he was gone? Excitement surged through her.
Jacen.
She hadn't seen him since the day he arrived. There were two reasons why she couldn't have: one was that Zen had worked with her about how to use the Force. It was a day and night effort. Only until that last afternoon had she been able to sleep. Then there was the problem of sneaking out without his knowledge.
Without wasting time, Seyla put the pad back down on the plexi-glass table. Running to the kitchen she pulled out two fruits. Shoving them into her bag, Seyla rushed out of the room. Just as she was passing through the hallway, an agony shot into the back of her right leg.
Trying to keep her balance, she placed her hand on the wall. Taking in slow deep breaths, the discomfort finally subsided. Regaining her senses, her hand slid off the wall.
To her astonishment, the part of the wall that her hand was resting on turned see-through. An imprint of her hand lingered on for a few seconds then enveloped back to its original color. Curious, Seyla began to push her hands all over the wall to make a big enough window to see what lay behind the strange wall. But unknowingly, her hand found a slit, pushing passed it.
She lost her balance and fell to the other side of the barrier. Gathering herself up, she saw she was in a small entryway. A door was in front of her. Taking her chances, the fourteen-year-old swung the door open. Her mouth hung down in shock. Her blue eyes took in all the elements that lay about her.
It was an office. *It's Zen's personal office! * Glancing around the room she saw everything in perfect order. What caught her eye was the Holo-council.
Her heart leaped with joy. She could ask Jacen what the number to contact someone on Coruscant, or maybe even the Millennium Falcon.
Taking in one more, quick sweep of the contents in the room, she glided out, shutting the door with the Force. Once in the hall, Seyla check to see if there was any evidence that showed the slit had been found.
Satisfied she left the quarters and headed to the Jedi Infirmity.

Jacen still lay on the solid cold ground. He could feel blood seeping from the gash on his leg.
A Vong accompanied by Lydia Ebony had just visited him. She hadn't said much, only asked one question. "Will you renounce the New Jedi Order and come over to the darkside to join the Union?"
He answered without procrastination. "No."
Ebony hadn't given him anytime to anticipate what was going to happen next. Everything came back to him in a blur. He couldn't remember what the Vong hit him with, but the pain from the blow was easily detected.
The two left him shortly after. Before Lydia retreated from the cell she sarcastically threw reality back into his face. "Now you have admitted that you won't become a dark agent, your fate is now in the hands of the Yuuzhan Vong. Oh, I almost forgot. Your plan to think of sending half of the transports to Yavin 4 and leaving the other half on Coruscant isn't going to keep us from attacking. Nice try though."
He so wanted to use the Force to make her fall, but he knew he couldn't risk it. It wasn't a Jedi-like to do such a thing too, but it surely would have been entertaining to see such happen to her.
What light there was in the room began to swirl around him. His heart began to beat faster. Jacen could feel blood ease out of him with each and every breath. *Even if I do survive this, the Yuuzhan Vong will still kill me for their gods. *
The sound of the cell door opening came distinctively into his ears.
*Maybe they've come back so they can say they did sacrifice me to their gods, rather than have me die for nothing. *
He closed his eyes and waited with anticipation for a kick or shove to be made into his side, but none came. Instead, the soft touch of human hands began to clean his wound. Jacen forced his eyes to open but was unable to move his head up to see who was at his aid.
The white ceiling loomed above him. Spots formed in front of his eyes. He could feel the presence of much needed sleep taunted him.
Whoever was tending to the gash was doing a good job in keeping the pain from him.
Jacen winced as he thought to himself. *You had to go and think that didn't you, smart guy? *
To his surprise the figure leaned over him and stroked his hair back away from his eyes. It took a second to adjust to the sudden light change, but once he did he saw a beautiful girl hovering above him. Her light brown hair was cut short curling under her chin, creating a mystical silhouette of love around her. Curious who she was, he asked, "Who are you?"
She blinked at his question, and then laughed. "What do you mean, 'Who are you?' It's only been three days and you don't remember me?" She paused and the sudden look of understanding flooded her facial expression. "I didn't know how much make-up and one good hair cut could do to a person. Do I really look that different?"
Jacen studied her again, telling himself he never seen the girl before. Then it all came back in pieces. "Starrider?" She defiantly resembled her, but with all the cosmetics, she looked like somebody else.
"Yes it's me." The found themselves gazing deep into each other's eyes. Clearing her throat she questioned, "So what happened to your leg?"
"A visit with Lydia Ebony, a Vong, and telling them that I wouldn't join the Union... didn't turn out so pleasant as you can see."
Starrider paled. "She asked you if you would become a dark agent?"
"Yes."
"That means..." her voice trailed off into hushed whisper.
"Means what?"
"It means the sacrifice for those Jedi who don't join...is tonight, as well as the ceremony for my making this promise to the Union. No wonder Fin'h left so early." Her gentle eyes began to water. She used all her might to compose herself, and did so in such a quick manner it caught Jacen off guard.
She reached into the bag, which lay at her side, and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "This is for you. If we don't ever get to see each other again, I want you to know...need you to know a few things."
Slowly he grasped the note in her hand. His enveloped hers. She starred at their hands then turned her attention to him. "I want to ask you something."
"Go on." He replied.
"Do you thing that two people, two total strangers, could have a Force link?"
"Well, yeah. Why?"
Her head bent down facing the ground. "Because I think that you and I are connected." Bringing her head up she locked her gaze into his. She explained the pains she felt in her stomach and the sudden agony that stormed up and down her leg before she left the apartment.
"Do you really think that we are?"
"Yes. When one of us got hurt, the other would feel it. That's what has been happening with us, at least that's what I think."
Jacen said, "It seems logical, but..."
"Anything is possible with God."
This took Jacen aback. "You're religious?"
"Yes. I...oh...I'm sorry, I forgot you..."
"No, I don't mind. I would like to know more about your faith, when there is time to talk about it."
Just before she got up, she slipped her hand out of his and wrapped her fingers over his and the note. "Please read this. I wish I could stay, but I've got to go now." She got up and glided to the door.
"Wait! If you can, get a hold of Han Solo, my father." He told her the number to the Firelight, one of Lando's ships he let his old friend borrow. "One more thing, promise me that you won't go to the darkside?"
As Starrider placed her hand on the door she answered, "I promise. May God protect you."
Then she was gone.


Part three ~ If You Really Knew Song by Out of Eden

"No! You promise! You gave me your word!" She screamed at him. Fin'h had arrive shortly after she entered and had began to read something off the book and data shelf. Just now, he told her about how the Vong's religion fit into the role of becoming a dark agent.
"I only said being a dark agent doesn't involve the sacrifices before you made The Promise. But after on the other hand..."
Appalled by the mention even the thought of watching the immoral ceremony again made her skin crawl. "I will never."
"Are you defining me?"
"Zen, I...I can't." she whispered under the air.
Raising one eyebrow, Fin'h questioned, "Why? You've already said you would join the Union and become a dark agent."
"Yes. But I also made a commitment long before I promised to join the Union that I wouldn't practice any religion." *Other than my faith, * she added to herself. She took in a deep breath, and continued in a softer tone. "Zen, I can't be apart of this. If being involved in the Union means... live sacrifices, I will leave."
He glared at her in shock, drilling his cold eyes into hers. "And where will you go? Huh? You know no one. You have no grasp of what lies all around you. No understanding of what you could become. How could you possible choose a different path when there is no where for you to go?"
"I know more than anyone here could even begin to imagine. You have no idea what I've been through. Kidnapped from my family, my home? Forced to see fellow friends die in agony before my eyes? HOW COULD YOU KNOW WHAT I DO AND DON'T KNOW?" Starrider's azure eyes began to swell with tears. They cascaded down her cheek.
Reaching out to wipe them away, she backed away from him. Fin'h ignored her statement. "We will deal with this later. Come on, it is getting close to the time to meet our guests." Yanking her forward towards him with the Force, she tumbled into his arms. Starrider tried to push away from him, but he grabbed her forearms he pulled her face close to his, digging his nails hard into her skin. "Listen, I control your life at the moment, so I would be cautious in what you say and do. Now, will you put this away for the moment? Or do we have to debate on this some more? Because I can assure you, I won't have any trouble in doing so."
Starrider kept her eyes trained on his. In a shaky voice she answered, "No."
"Good, then let's get you fixed up a bit, and take you to the ceremony."

The sound of running machines and constant beeps douse through his ears. Lifting up his heavy eyelids, a sudden throbbing began to pound in his head. Where was he?
He glanced at his surroundings. Everything was so white. All sorts of medical equipment lined the walls.
*A hospital? *
Turning his head to the other side of him, he saw Leia Organa Solo, lying so lifeless on a bed next to his own. Reality submersed his mind.
His name was Jag Fel. *Yeah, genius. I know my name, but how did I get here? * Trying to piece back together what happened before he was knocked out, a light filled the room unexpectedly. Squeezing his eyes closed, Jag threw his arms up quickly in protest against the brightness.
"You're awake!" A female voice gasped.
The clash of some type of metal tray tumbling on the hard ground crashed the room. A surge of recollection brought back the recent past.
Jag was watching Jaina sleeping intently as he began to try to take in the shock of being a Force-sensitive. The door had opened and he went to go check out who had came in, only to be thrown across the room and fall into an unimaginable darkness.
*So if I am here, then where is Jaina? * he pondered.

"...as for the former members of the Rogue Squadron you are welcome to accompany us. It is all your decision. Wedge?"
Wedge Antilles looked up at the Commander in Chief of the Military Affairs. "Sir, I must decline."
"Is it is alright of me to ask, why?"
"Well, I don't think my duty, right now, is to fight. I have some... issues that I need to be in, and would be of greater help to everyone if I did finish them."
The Commander replied, "I understand... well good luck."
"Luck has nothing to do with it. Only skill, agreement, unity, peace, and maybe the extra assistance of an unseen force will be the only things to save us, Commander, " Wedge said as he go up from his seat.
"So does that mean you'll no longer be part of the military portion during this time of dire need?"
The retired X-wing pilot twisted his head around to face his questioner. "Not only do I need to fulfill my issues, but I don't quiet agree with how the Inner Council of the New Republic is approaching this. I have nothing against the military; just it's means that come from the Senators and politicians behind it. No one trusts each other, making any political representative unfit to make the right decisions. They're to caught up in their reputation or to suspicious that Senator So-and-so might be segregating them out of the picture. This government was doing well, till the time we brought former-Imperials, who were ready to give up and change, into the scene. Now everybody's just too wary that these people are trying to steal information from us when a war is going on. These people just want a second chance and no one will give them a fair try. I am sorry, but that isn't the type of leadership I fought for."
"Giving up on us, huh?"
"Never. Not when it means thousands are being slaughtered for this so-called 'cleansing' the Yuuzhan Vong has going. I am still fighting, just not in the way you or anyone might envision."
The Commander waved his lean hand toward Wedge, "Thank you for all of your efforts."
"May the Force be with you."
Wedge pivoted his heal and headed out the door. He could hear a grunt of disapproval from his former boss. *Hey, if no one will believe what the Jedi have to say, then I guess I'll have to make them listen even if I am not one. *
"Wedge."
Someone called his name in the front waiting area outside of the conference room. Locating where the voice had come from, he saw Mara stumbling over to him as fast as she could go.
Rushing to her side he showed her to a chair, but she refused. "Wedge, you must come back with me to the hospital!"
Fear enveloped his thoughts. The only thing that he could think of was that Leia or Jag had... "Why? What's the matter?"
"Jag's awake. I just receive a call from a routine nurse. I'll explain on the way."

"Zen, I don't think that this will work," Starrider yelled from behind the bathroom door.
"Oh, just come out of there and let me see."
"But..."
Interrupting, his voice grew louder. "You let me be the judge, ok?"
Zen waited impatiently as the door creaked open. Stepping lightly into his main bedroom chamber, a dazzling lady was revealed before him. In a maroon, almost crimson, sleeveless velvet dress, it hung just above the ground. Deep red lipstick was applied to her lips. The man surveyed her once more from head-to-toe.
When he got to her eyes they twinkled, but not in excitement. *Fear? *
Her whole body seemed to shake, even thought she tried so hard to not allow her fright to show. He hovered the cloak, which went with the outfit over into his right hand. As he moved closer to her, she didn't budge. Seyla kept her stance as he wrapped the article around her shoulders.
His eyes suddenly found themselves gazing into hers. At that time he knew he would have her, no matter what it took.
Seyla broke the silence, "Well?"
Taking his hand, Zen placed it on her cheek, soothing her clammy skin. "I think you look radiant." With that, he pulled her face near his. Their lips touched, but only barely just to be parted by her hand. "Thank you," she breathed, retracting from his grasp. "I've got to go and fix my hair. You should get dressed."
Disregarding what just had happened to him, Zengi replied, "I should, shouldn't I? Go on and finish. I'll be done in a few minutes."
Nodding, Seyla left the room in haste, leaving him alone in the room wearing an evil smile. *Don't worry, Zengi, * he told himself. *She'll be yours. Maybe sooner than even she realizes. *

Slamming her door, Seyla fell onto her bed. Vulnerability drowned her soul, along with the shock and fear running through her adrenaline. Her heart was beating so hard. She had felt Zen's last feelings for her as she ditched him and rushed to her quarters.
*Why? Why does he have to fall in love with me? Of all people he could of chosen, it had to be me. *
If their lips had made contact...
She shuddered at the thought. Hadn't she claimed that she would be pure till marriage? Then why was he trying to make her break her promise?
Getting up from the bed, Seyla grabbed the brush from the dresser. Combing through her tangled hair, she began to part it to one side. Only when she did so, a realization flashed through her mind.
*Zen, he never taught me how to resist his power, just others'. Oh, God what have I done? * A sense of loneliness spilled out of her heart. Even if she did get Jacen and the others out, they would vanish from her life.
*No, I've got to try. God won't give up on me, so I won't give up on myself. The Jedi need my help. I made a commitment to this, to them. I can't abandon them, or Jacen. *
Tip-toeing out of the room, Seyla went to Zengi's secret office.
Once inside, she walked cautiously to the com-council, flipping the switch and waited for the center to boot up. The office was dark. She had left the lights off so she would have a bit more time to hide if Zengi came in.
The green light flashed on the dialing pad, telling her the council was on. Keying in the number to the Firelight's private line, she anxiously paused as the connection was being made. Jacen had told her it would attach her to his father's comlink if he wasn't on the ship.
A hologram projection of Han Solo flickered on, looming in front of her. It showed him from his waist up. He looked the same as the photographs back on Nrutas Seyla had seen of him. A bit older, and some gray hair, but definitely the same guy. "Hello?" he questioned in his gruff voice.
Taking a deep breath she answered the man. "Hi, Han. You don't know me, but I have some vital and essential information you must know.
"Your sons, Jacen and Anakin are in the hands of the Yuuzhan Vong. So is Luke." She saw his skin whiten. "I can't be long, but I honestly don't know where they are, much less where I am. My guess is Adega or Khuiumin. Both are located in the Moddell System. Khuiumin is the planet closest to Endor. I gather you know were that is? Anyway that's all I've got for you. Contact Mara Jade if you want to know more on what is happening. I honestly don't know what is up in Coruscant, but I think there is something wrong. I must go now, before I get caught."
Anger clutched his tone. "Who are you?"
"Seyla Starrider. You can reach me through the HN at sey:(.union. Please find them. I am doing everything in my power to keep your friends and all the Jedi captives alive, but I need your help. I would not leave them in such suffering as the Yuuzhan Vong can inflict. May God and the Force be w..."
A strong human hand clamped itself over her mouth and nose. She tried to struggle out of the hold, but it was no use.
In a rasp tone a deep male voice started to talk to the Holo. "You dare come near this place, Solo, and I guarantee you, you won't have any family to worry about." Using the Force, he shut of the communication.
Her lungs screamed for oxygen. Seyla whimpered out a cry for Fin'h to let go. His hand only held on tighter, making it impossible to bring in air through the Force.
"As for you, you better have a good explanation for this." He loosened his grip and she fell to the floor in exhaustion.
Seyla gasped for air, but at the same time felt a horrible burning sensation in her chest. "Zen..."
Dropping to one knee he reached her eye level. Locking her gaze into his own.
"...It was a...a trick. A trap I... set up so we m...might capture Han Solo."
"Go on."
She continued, focusing her glance down to the ground. "From what I know of his character and personality, if any of his loved ones are in danger, he would, most assuredly, do anything to get them back."
Zengi narrowed his eyes. "Then how did you know his number? How did you even know of my office?"
"I visited with his oldest son, Jacen, today." Tilting her head up, she continued. "I was able to manipulate him into believing I was faking you and the Union out, and that I was really on the Republic's team. In doing so he told me to get help from his father." Seyla swallowed, praying he'd fall for the part that she was on his side. "As for how I found your office was by accident. I had a cramp in my leg and leaned on the wall, or what I thought was one, for support. I found myself in the little entryway with a mystery door. You can figure out the rest."
*I'm telling him the truth, just not that I am not for the Union. *
Shifting his position, she comprehended that he was standing up, offering his assistance to help her up. Taking his strong hand, Zen pulled her up in one swift motion.
She began to straighten out her gown, trying to organize herself.
"So, I suppose I made the perfect impression to Solo?"
"Well, it definitely didn't hurt any matters any, only my breathing."
He laughed, "Forgive me for jumping to conclusions."


Part four ~ Somewhere Somehow Song by Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant

Han Solo starred blankly at the static Holo projection. Was it true? Was this girl, Seyla Starrider, telling the truth? So many questions cluttered his mind. Fears caved in, seemingly suffocating him. Something touched his shoulder, making him jump.
"Shi..." Han decreased his voice once he got a look at who it was. "Droma? What's up with scaring a guy half to death? New past time?"
The Ryn answered, "No. You looked a bit pale, and still. Everything ok?"
"I don't know."
"Is it about your family?"
The former general kept his gaze on him. He told his friend the whole conversation he had with Starrider.
"Well, how about you call Mara."
"Yeah, I've been needing to see what's happening there, but things with Leia haven't been well."

The door swung open. Running into the room was Wedge and Mara. Quickly, Jag tried to sit up to greet them, but immediately had to fall back onto the over stuffed pillow.
"Uncle Wedge, Mara? What happened? Why is Leia sleeping in a bed next to mine? Where is Jaina? How..."
In a soothing matter, Mara intervened his panic questions. Sitting on a chair to his left, she spoke, "Jag, you have been unconscious for three days."
His eyes went wide in shock. "Three days?"
"Yes."
"And Leia?"
"She is in a coma. We don't know what caused this. As for Jaina she..." she stopped. Her eyes reverted to his uncle's as if asking for permission to say something.
Concern for his girlfriend shook him profoundly. "She what?"
Clearing his throat, Wedge answered. "She's gone."
Jag starred at his relative in fear, not for himself, but for the whereabouts for Jaina. "W...what?"
His uncle told him of how he and Mara found Leia sprawled on the ground. Wedge explained to him that the door to Jaina's room swung open freely when he slammed his fists upon it. That's when he found his nephew unconscious against the wall on the hard tile ground, and an empty hospital bed.
Chills ran up and down Jag's body. His mind was going haywire with questions and worries, all combined with fear, sadness, and anger. The conversation went silent, and after a few moments Jag made a decision, a promise that somewhere, somehow he'd find Jaina.
"I've got to find her," Jag cried out as he pulled out the IV lines stuck into his arm.
In shock, Mara got out of her seat and gestured to Wedge not to say anything. "Jag, what are you doing?"
"I am going to go find my girlfriend." Getting up from the bed, he went to the bathroom where he found his flight suit, clean and folded nicely on the counter. Closing the door he began to dress.
"Jag, you don't even know where she is. And what are..." Miraculously, she ceased her talking.

"Mara Jade, speaking," she answered her comlink.
A low baritone male voice came protruding back. "Hey Mara, is Luke with you?"
Familiarity stung her memory. "Han?" She could barely take in the amazement.
"Yeah, it's me. Is Luke with you? Anakin? Jacen? Jaina? Leia?"
Taking in a deep breath she prepared herself to tell the man the news. She had no idea how he would react to it. After losing Chewbacca, Han fell into a serious depression, eluding his family and friends from his feelings, even his presence. He was still new to this family thing, and from what she knew of his past, which was little, he didn't have family that kept him stationed in the right direction. *Well, it's not like I did either. Palpatine took me away from my home before I could even remember, but I know I can communicate. Then again Han grew up a smuggler. *
"Han, ever since you left, there has been a few events that have happened."
"What's wrong?"
"The transport, in which Luke and Anakin boarded to Yavin 4 has disappeared. Jacen hasn't been seen since. And Jaina, we think was kidnapped last night by a Yuuzhan Vong agent who got in using a masquer." Everything sounded like it was coming out of some of synthetic recording.
Her heart felt so broken and lost. She hadn't heard from Luke for four days now. How she longed to be held in his arms again. She longed that one day she and Luke would create a new life together, but for all she knew her illness might sprout back. Mara didn't want to put their child endanger if that was to transpire. But if Luke...
Mara stopped her thought, making sure she would never finish it. The Jedi Master knew that she couldn't allow such doubts to snake into her mind. All she could do was pray that they'd survive, and everything would be all right.
"And Leia?" The response came out of her comlink so soft and full of fright, it shook her deepest part of her heart.
"S...she is...insentient. In a coma."
She thought she heard his voice crack, like he was on the verge of tears. "...will she...is she going to...make it?"
Mara gulped and did her best to get the words out. "The doctors don't know when and...if she'll wake...again."
"No..." the word came barely audible over the comlink's transmission.
Before Han could say more, Mara interrupted, "If you're thinking about going into another time of guilt, forget it. It won't help her, you, or anyone if that happens again. I know Chewie was like a brother to you. He was my friend too, even if we only knew each other for a while. This is harder than you think for me to say, but you... we all have to let Chewie go. He will always be with us, helping us through, but we can't cling to the past and regret about our choices and others'.
"Right now this family, your family, our family, is being torn apart by this war. We will never get anyone back by trying to do everything ourselves. We got to...have to work together or we'll never be free from this crisis or any other problems that come our way. So are you willing to help us save the galaxy together?"
Endless moments passed before he answered. "Yes." The firm and seriousness in the tone he used made her smile. *He's beginning to understand. *
"Something had to influence you to call. What is it?"
He told her of Starrider communicating to him on the Firelight by the Holo council. "I was planning on checking out Adega anyway, because Droma here said his clan mates might be there. But the New Republic, hasn't heard from the place since the war began."
"Endor is close, isn't it?"
"Somewhat, why?"
"Just thinking." Mara paused. "You need not worry about Starrider. She is on our side."
"Oh, I am not. Just what she told me. Luke, Anakin, and Jacen were captured and are prisoners by this group called the..."
"Universal Union." If they were there with Starrider, chances of finding them together were going to be a lot better.
"How'd you know?"
"Long story. I better let you go. If anything updates here, I'll contact you."
"Bye."
As she clicked off the comlink, she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. Stuffing the idem into her pocket, Mara turned to find Jag besides her. He was dressed with a face pale and white as a ghost's silhouette. Obviously he heard the assumption of who everyone thought Jaina was taken by. "Jag..."
"The Yuuzhan Vong did it?"
"It is just a theory, nothing more. Someone with Force abilities had to have helped them. So it couldn't have been just..."
"Then it's a likely guess that the Peace Brigade agreed to this? Someone who..."
She never thought of them. "Jag, listen. You heard me tell Han that there is no way to get out of this war, unless we stick together. You can do more here than chase Jaina when you don't even know where she is, much less going to be. Please?"
"I'll stay."
"Then you better get to the simulator. You got to be sharp if there is a lead or hint to where Jaina might be." Jag nodded and hurried out the room, only staying for a second to mumble a few words to his uncle.


Part five ~ Matter of the Heart Song by Brother's Keeper

"What now?"
Zen escorted Seyla out of his office, concealing the hidden entrance before progressing into the living room.
Glancing casually out the window he discovered that it was nearly dusk. *Almost time to go. Still a few minutes left. * Taking her hand, he whisked her out onto the balcony. Pointing to the stars above, he said, "See how many stars line the sky? How many worlds and planetary systems do you think there are among them?"
Seyla put her elbows on the railing, gazing into the night sky. "Not even I know the answer to that."
"The Union and Yuuzhan Vong will control them. Every Imperial who has turned to the New Republic will be put to death for their treachery. All of the citizens of the New Republic will have the choice of joining us or dying."
"What is the joy in that?"
Zen was caught off guard. That was something that had to be revealed after the ceremony tonight. Ignoring her question he continued. "Tonight you will make a promise, in the presence of not only the other dark agents, but representatives of the Peace Brigade. Also attending is some Yuuzhan Vong priests, and Tsavong Lah, the warmaster of the Yuuzhan Vong." The night seemed to dim into darkness. "Come. We must get to that dome over there," he showed her where it was.
"It's huge."
"It has to be. Let's get going, the speeder is waiting."

Tsavong Lah stood erect on the altar steps. He had been expecting the dome to be unsuitable for such a service, but as it turned out to be Enoil Domain Shai created the dome into a temple possibly as respectful to the gods as the Great Temple, back in the Yuuzhan Vong's home system.
The dome was larger than he thought. It could pass as a Yuuzhan Vong temple easily. The altar was adorned with all sorts of plants and flowers. The gods' beauty flourished through out the dome. A natural fountain bubbled to the right side, creating a pond full of unknown marine life that swam in the waters clear blue safety.
Each of the high walls was covered with vines and some type of luminescent shrub to light the interior. Everything was set, and going according to plan.
Clearly satisfied with the place he twisted to the elite soldier. "You have done well. My only concern now is the sacrifices, are they worthy enough to be offered?"
"I cannot determine that, but their stature may."
Intrigued by this new information, Tsavong said, "And what are these offerings so great that their position may decide what the gods think?"
"They are all Jedi, Warmaster." The Vong bowed lowly in honor, nearly touching the ground.
"Caught by our own kind?"
"Yes, but the plan in which was executed was thought up by the human male who calls himself, the Agent."
Tsavong nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, I know him very well." Twisting around to study the tall statues of the gods that were stationed on the altar, his cloak swirled around him.
"The sacrifices should be brought in shortly. The priests are getting ready for the procession."
"Good. Check once more that everything is in place. This ceremony mustn't got wrong."

Senator Viqi Shesh walked to her quarters in complete triumph. She stopped in front of her door and punched in the key code, then waited till it slid open.
As she stepped into the finely decorated room, she saw a human male seated comfortably on the over stuffed black plush sofa. She knew who it was, even though she had never seen him in this new ooglith masquer. This one made him look attractive, but she shook of any hint of feeling toward the cover up. She knew very well that underneath that masking was a Yuuzhan Vong.
Recollecting her manners she slightly bowed her head. "Good evening, friend. What brings you hear so unexpectedly?"
"Just the normal."
Smiling she sat on the chair across from him and replied, "Curious about the Inner Council and the Chief of State?"
The man only gave her a half grin, lifting one eyebrow in interest.
"Since Borsk Fey'lya, the current Chief of State, is...how should I say, to busy drowning in fear, I am planning on bumping him out of office."
"Murder?" The word came out of his mouth almost to quickly.
"No. Let's just say it will be self inflected without his knowledge." She watched his eyes light up with an eerie glow. "But to do that, and without the suspicion much less evidence of it being poison, I need you to do whatever you need to, to create something of the sort to make sure that this will follow through."
"If I agree, what will guarantee that you'll be elected into office."
A seductive smirk beamed along her face. "Oh, I assure you, there isn't anything that the council could do to stop me getting that position. You can even say that your gods are clearing a perfect path for me to gain the trust of these beings."
"You have a deal then Senator. This better work."
She showed him to the door, and casually answered back. "I give my word it will."

The Jedi Master staggered along through the hallway, trying his best to keep the pace in which the Vong pushed him to go. Even the Force seemed far off.
How he longed for Mara's soft touch, her musical voice whispering into his ear every morning to get up, her scolding tone telling him that he always had to things the legal way, her closeness. Keeping back the tears, Luke vowed to himself, to his wife that he wouldn't give up.
One thing he regretted was for not giving his wife one last kiss goodbye before he left Coruscant to the supposed destination Yavin 4.
Tripping over his feet, Luke fell forward onto his face. Energy depleted from the later beatings of the last few days. His arms had been tied behind his back, making it impossible to push himself up. The Yuuzhan Vong guard jerked him back onto his tired limbs.
Luke knew even a Jedi Master couldn't take the pain which the Vong made him endure. *But I can't fall. These Jedi Knights, these beings are so young and look up to me. I must not give in, no matter how much I want too. Mara if you can hear me, I promise you that will have a child together. I long to see a little one of our own. *
The alien shoved him forward along with Anakin and all the other Jedi who hadn't joined with the Union.
He suddenly realized that they were in a giant chamber. Statues of what looked like ancestors of the Yuuzhan Vong stood at the back of the stage. Luke felt fear rush through the Force as the students struggled to stay calm. He knew what they were thinking.
They were on an altar, and were going to be sacrificed.
The lush green of the vegetation and other unrecognizable plants spread throughout the building.
Enoil, a Yuuzhan Vong Luke had met, was coming up the steps with another of his kind. This one obviously was of higher rank, for he wore a cloak of multi-metallic colors. From what Luke saw, some type of growths that grew on his shoulders and neck back kept the cape secure. Its face scarred and frightening.
The Jedi Master compared it to one of the statues in which placed at the center of the altar.
Luke didn't move as the two Yuuzhan Vong's advanced on the group. No one even flinched for the guards that had brought everyone into the strange room, positioned themselves all around them.
"You, I am told, are the leader of the Jedi?" The other Vong ordered at Luke.
In a placid assertion, the man answered. "One of the two."
"What is your name, Jedi?"
"Jedi Master Luke Skywalker."
A deep rumbling of a laugh bellowed out of the creature. "Master, you? I will go along with it, Master Skywalker." Luke remembered the same sarcastic tone everyone at the time gave him for believing that he could become a Jedi. *But look at me now. *
"I am Warmaster Tsavong Domain Lah. Enoil was right, your offering is worthy."
Defending himself as well as the others in his group, even if they hadn't been allowed to talk to one another, he could feel them hold their breath as he spoke. "We aren't offering you or your gods anything of ourselves, never will we."
At that instance the girl Luke had met the day of his arrival walked in through the other side of the altar, behind Tsavong. Accompanying her was Fin'h. She wore a lavish yet elegant gown of red. Her hair had been trimmed, but the same eyes still glittered on her face, feathered by the soft eyelashes around them.
He could feel shock and happiness surge from her to all the Jedi in the room.
Tsavong trailed to what the Jedi Master was focusing at. Turning to the entrees, he greeted them. "Fin'h, is this really the leader of the Jedi?"
He progressed forward, with the girl trailing behind him, still searching for someone in the crowd.
"Yes, this is what you've been up against. Amazing how small and pitiful one can appear to be, but is strong in ways unknown." Waving a hand to the girl, Fin'h introduced her. "Tsavong, I believe you haven't met Seyla Starrider, a new addition to the Union, or will be once she has made the promise. Seyla this is..."
Starrider cut the leader off and hesitantly curtsied to the alien. "Tsavong Domain Lah, Warmaster of all the Yuuzhan Vong."
*How did she know his name? *
It was inevitable that both the Warmaster and leader of the Union were aghast and stunned that she knew his name, too.
"Where did you hear of me, young one?"
With her lower lip trembling, she answered, "As I told Zen before, I know more than anyone here could even begin to imagine. So what are you and Enoil doing?" She was acting like she was interested, but Luke could feel total deception coming from her. Her every move, every word she spoke of was done by force, not by her natural character.
"The guards just brought in the sacrifices, and Warmaster Tsavong was just deciphering if they were worthy or not."
Starrider nodded.
Fin'h changed the subject, "Tsavong, when is the ceremony supposed to start?"
"Now. Take your places and the beings will commence and enter the dome. Guards, take the offerings around the back and let them follow in behind the priests."
All of the guards acknowledged Tsavong with a swift salute by crossing one arm to the other shoulder then they pushed the group off the altar.

Seyla watched quietly as the Jedi were shoved out the door. The way Luke looked at her made hope surge through again. One young boy, she guessed the same age as her, stood behind him. She had no idea who he was, but a slight warning to be careful.
The warning from the boy came through the Force almost pleading for her to be cautious. She wanted so much to ask him what his name was, but knew she couldn't risk talking back through the Force with Zen near.
*At least not now. *
Tsavong faced her and Zen, carrying out conversation with him. Evidently, the Vong was too preoccupied to cast another glance towards her. *Which is good, * she thought. *That way if there is anyway for an 'accident' to happen at this immoral ceremony, I will be able to do it without powerful eyes glaring at me. *
Zen interrupted her thinking, by saying to Tsavong, "I have an addition to the offering."
"What?"
"Only a mere boy by the name of Jacen Solo, the Jedi Master's nephew. He will be the first to be inflicted with the new organic gas that Nom Anor has discovered. If it works on him, the others shall be thrown into the cell with his dead corpse."
Her heart plummeted with bewilderment. For all of the Jedi who were going to be slaughtered. For...
Jacen.
When Seyla called Han on he Holo council, she had told him she would do everything in her power to keep the Jedi alive. But how was that possible, now? The only way to stop these iniquitous aliens was... *God, here my prayer. Save these people from death. Do anything in Your power to restrain the Yuuzhan Vong from following through with their ritual. Anything. *
A human hand found its self onto her middle back. Uncertain of who's it was, Seyla twisted her head to the side, to see Kyp Durron guiding her to a chair-like plant.
He took his seat next to her. Glaring at the man she harshly whispered to him. "You? Of all the nerve...cause of you, your fellow Jedi friends are going to be put to death."
"Because of me, you are here to stop that from happening."
*Are you really on the right side Durron? * Music began to play harmoniously through out the dome as it filled with Yuuzhan Vong's and the high elite of the Union. Forced up the isle was Jacen.


Part six ~ Goodbye Song by Plankeye

Bound in shackles, bloodied from another whipping, Seyla was still able to catch his swollen eyes with hers. They kept the gaze on as the priests and others came onto the altar. She could feel Jacen through the Force. His life burned so brightly even though his exterior appearance looked fatally weak. From that moment she knew he read the note.
*Thank you, Jacen. *
Tsavong and Zen stood at the head of the platform and began the wicked practice.
All of the Jedi were huddled at the foot of the shrine. The guard that held the sixteen-year-old's chains yanked Jacen back, fowling up his footing and causing him to fall in a heap to the solid ground.
"This offering," the Warmaster proclaimed in a tone so loud that it seemed to shake the walls and beings in the dome. "Will be given to the gods to not only cleanse the immorality of these galaxies, but to be given up to Yun-Yammka, the god of war. With these humble sacrifices we hope to win the favor of this mighty immortal one and defeat this race." He bowed to the statues in front of him. Zen did the same.
Five of the priests slowly strolled up the steps in respect. Each had two attendants to carry out with the ceremony. They began to talk in their native tongue, and Seyla couldn't follow. Not like she desired too.
Two of the servants, dressed in elaborate garments, went to the center of the altar and pressed something on the floor. A huge clear cell began to rise from the ground. The guard took the shackles that kept Jacen from running, and tugged him to back get on his feet.
Reluctantly, the young Jedi Knight did get up. Roughly the Yuuzhan Vong pushed him to the opening of the cell.
Glancing at Jacen, he lifted his head up to meet her stare. *Jacen, I love you. *
Without warning the roof of the dome was blasted into dust. The plaster fragments and fine dust suddenly blurred everything. She could hear Tsavong cursing over the chaotic noise.
Abruptly, Seyla got up from her seat and did a summersault in the air, landing besides Jacen. Using the Force she broke the chains and whispered at him in an apprehensive almost scolding tone, "Get out of here!"
She could barely see his face, even if they were only inches away from each other. Jacen quickly kissed her, jammed a piece of paper into her hands, and then ran away from her.
As she regained her breathing from the stun of the peck, Seyla rushed to where the other Jedi were grouped. Pulling out her lightsaber, she turned it on with the traditional snap-hiss. *God, don't allow me to fall to the darkside by freeing them. *
Seyla swung at the unaware guards. They fell one by one to the ground.
"Skywalker, use the Force to break the chains, " she yelled as quickly and quietly to the Jedi Master as she could.
The dark ruby blade blocked a blow from an amphistaff that came darting at her head from behind. It was too clouded to see where the animal whip had gone. She had not idea wither she killed the creature or it still lurked in the dust.
Not waiting to find out she jumped over to where her seat was, and innocently searched for Kyp.
"Durron, where are..." but Seyla was never able to finish her cry, for her left arm was mysteriously pulled and the hand led her out of the crumbling ruin.
Once they were far away from the building and out of sight in the night's gentle breeze, the rescuer stopped. Seyla leaned over to rest. Her side cramped with pain from running so fast. Slumped over trying to regenerate her lost energy, she breathed out, "Thank you."
Standing straight up, she gasped at the rescuer. "Kyp? You're hurt." The side of his arm had a deep gash. The open and bleeding flesh would able to be contaminated easily.
But the man only waved his hand at her. "You won't care about a measly wound on my body after what I have to tell you."
Seyla prepared herself for his confession.
"I am an undercover Union agent."
Unable to keep a stable balance on the ground, Seyla toppled forward into his arms. Looking up at his face she sputtered, "B...but...what about..."
Kyp cut her off. "The Han I knew exists no more."
"No longer does the boy he once called son, even though they weren't related." She mumbled.
"That was long a..."
"Kyp," Seyla begged. "Han hasn't changed. He lost a friend; a buddy who was always there for him, through any time of hurt or joy. And when the big fur rug was killed, the only way Han was ever taught to grieve was to keep the troubles to himself. He had no one to tell his sorrows or problems too when he was younger, except Chewbacca. He wasn't blessed to have a kind and caring family as you did." She felt his heart begin to understand. "Don't you see? It's still not to late to go back."
"And you? What will become of you if I do go?"
Casting her glance to the ground, answering him. "I don't know, but I promise whatever does happen to me, I won't fall to the darkside." Shaking of her needs, she forced herself to look into his dark eyes once more. "Will you go back and change for good?"
"I..."
"Please? When you mistakenly were corrupted by revenge to kill the Imperials that murdered your parents, and you killed billions, including your own brother...how could you allow yourself fall back into that same deceitful power? You lost your brother over that vigor, I beg you don't slide back into its grasp and lose yet another loved one just to make you see the right path."
She felt his grip on her, loosen and she was able to stand on her own feet again. "So?"
"No. I am..."
"One with the darkside?" Sarcasm poured out of her mouth. "I hope when you see Luke again he will finally see the true you.
He half closed his eyes, as if he were searching for something. "Skywalker is free and so are the others." Opening his eyes Kyp sternly ordered her, "You wait here. If I come back to find that you're gone, I will make sure the next time you fall to sleep, you won't ever wake up again."
When he left, Seyla leaned heavily against the structure frame with gratefulness. Her eyes suddenly became difficult to keep open. Not able to stay in the conscious atmosphere any longer, she fell into a black phenomenon finding her worst fears that would only permit her to rest in a fitful and alarming sleep.

Han Solo waited impatiently as the Firelight proceeded onward to Adega. The hyperspace ride seemed so long and boring.
He sat on the newly furnished couch, wishing he had just taken his own ship and given it a decent paint job. The Falcon surely would have been in the Adegaan atmosphere by now. Closing his eyes, the former general tried to get some shuteye.
"We will find your family."
It was Droma. Han replied back, not bothering to lift his eyelids. "We are searching for your family, not mine."
"Listen, both of our families are somewhere in this universe. Miraculously they might be on the same planet. Plus I owe you the favor for taking your time away from you. Even if they weren't even on the same planet, I'd help you find them."
"You have the mentality as Chewie..."
Utter stillness flooded into the room. Han had opened his eyes now and was staring across the room at absolutely nothing. Had he just spoken the old Wookie's name?
*Well, I wasn't sleeping. Neither was I went lost him. * This was the first time he hadn't denied himself from thinking about friend's death. *I owe everyone an apology, but first I got to get them back. Ok, Chewie if you can hear me, and whatever power or force that is near, get this hunk of junk to Adega quickly. *
The alarm in which to warn the pilot that he was coming out of hyperspace, beeped loudly.
"Already there?" Droma asked in complete confusion.
Han's eyes widened. He discarded the thought that his prayer was actually answered. *Hey, now you're just trying to freak us out. * The familiar noise of a Wookie's laugh filled his mind. It was time to let go, and get going. Racing to the cockpit, he yelled at his co-pilot. "Get ready to pull out of speed."
*Co-pilot? Is that what Droma is turning into? *
Keeping focused on the matters at hand, Han gripped the handle and click off a few buttons and switches overhead.


Part seven ~ Always and forever Song by RAZE

Jacen sat quietly in the seat as the large cargo transport burst out of the planet's atmosphere. All of the Jedi had jumped into the ship once Ganner and Anakin cross-wired the ships controls and got he machine running. There were only thirty-two Jedi to be exact, most of which were Jedi Knights.
His uncle was busy in the cockpit helping out with decoding that had been programmed into the ships computer so that no unauthorized authorities could take the machine without a code.
*Hopefully after Uncle Luke is done, I could get some time to speak with him about this note. * Again he read the note Seyla had given him.
To my only friend, Jacen Solo.
I write this with tears in my eyes. There a million things that I long to tell you of your family's lost past, but I unfortunately don't have the time nor enough paper to write it on. The wicked ritual of live sacrifices will happen later tonight. I have a plan to get you out, but will not reveal it for this slip of paper might fall into the wrong hands. What ever you choose to do after everyone is free from bondage, is up to you. I need to tell you a few things before I stop. Follow your heart and dreams. I must warn you if I don't make it out of this place, keep going and don't falter or fall to the darkside. The day we first day we met you said you'd be my friend, and I told you, you would never know how much it means to me. I still don't think you'll ever feel the pain I have felt in my heart, knowing I'll never see my family and friends on Nrutas is hard, but then you must live with the constant knowledge that one of your loved ones might die from the war. I suppose we do feel the same inside. I promise I will be always and forever your friend, and here for you.
Always dreaming,
Seyla Starrider Sey:)
An emptiness surged through his heart. He stared at the sheet of paper. Enough waiting, the teen couldn't take it any longer. Trying to take his mind off the strange girl, he strolled to the cockpit.
The hatch slid open when he approached its smooth bulletproof layer of metal.
Ganner and his brother kept the ship on the correct course at a steady and quickened pace. To the left of them was Luke. Sitting at the ships navigation computer, he manipulated the Force using it to break the codes.
Taking one step inward, the door shut. None of the people in the room seemed to even hear the inconvenient noise. Apparently they were to locked in their pervious jobs at the moment. Jacen couldn't blame them. For all they knew, one of the Yuuzhan Vong's skips were tracking them down.
Unexpectedly, beeping came squeaking loudly from the ships transmission council.
Ganner ordered, not bothering to turn around, "Hey, whoever came in get that. We can't do everything all by ourselves."
Already at the council, Jacen answered. "This is the..." glancing out the window at the side of the ship, he read the name of the transport. "Sapphire Spear. Speaking here is Jacen Solo. Who is advancing on us?"
"Hear you loud and clear, son. This is the Firelight, and your father, Han Solo replying. May I ask why are you guys are in such a hurry?"
"Just fleeing from the Yuuzhan Vong, nothing big. You?"
"Looking around for some disappeared family members that vanished from the stars, and have been unheard from for three days." The older man cleared his throat. "I guess that Anakin and Luke are with you too?"
"Yes. Hold on one second." Jacen turned to his uncle, opening his mouth only to hear his uncle answer him.
"Go on, Jacen."
Wide-eyed, he understood how hard it was for Luke to send his nephew out into danger. Even if it was a war. Turning back to the communications board, Jacen pressed the intercom button. "Hey, dad? Still going to Adega?"
Moments passed till an answer came back. It was Droma, his father's temporary co-pilot. "Where headed down on the surface. You think about hitching a ride?"
"Yeah. Can you two latch on the ship and airlock the entrances together?"
"Sure. Get ready to dock." This time it was his father.

Yanking the oblivious girl up from the ground, Enoil drove his razor sharp claw growths deep into her exposed arms. Anger rose inside of him, boiling out with frustration. How could she have done such a thing, he pondered. The Yuuzhan Vong knew very well it was she who set the Jedi free from the temple.
Over flowing with shock that this insignificant human, female much less, was capable of such treachery. Enoil tightened his grip on her.
A cry left her lips, yet still soft enough for only his ears to hear. Her eyes-lids flew open. He could see her eyes redden, starting to water from the agony he was inflicting on her arms, but she made no move to struggle from his grasp.
Keeping a firm stare he asked, "Why? How you even think about freeing the infidels?"
"Why shouldn't have I? Am I not an 'infidel', as you say?"
Shaking his head he answered, "But the promise you m..."
"I MADE NO PROMISE!" Starrider yelled in the alien's face.
Enoil did his best to blink back the surprise. "What do you mean?"
She made no attempt to answer back.
"Tell me now or I will kill you right here and now!" He dug his claws deeper into her flesh. Blood began to spew from the puncture wounds he created on her skin. The red liquid oozed down her arms in a slow yet agonizing timing.
Swallowing, the girl replied to his question, not allowing her own eyes to waver from his. "I was scheduled to make the 'promise' after the ceremony. So in truth, I didn't commit any crime."
Everything suddenly deceased its sound, forming an unbearable silence. Tension hung in the air, like a thick fog. The noise of footsteps coming near the ally in which the two were, came closer. Releasing his grasp, Enoil let her go. In a hushed voice he whispered, "You be sure that this doesn't happen again." Enoil kicked her calf on the side, making her fall.
Before she even made it close to hit the pavement, he whisked her into his arms in a rough manner, not caring if she got hurt in the process. He ran out of the alley, pretending she was close to fatal death. Apparently Starrider got the idea in what he was trying to make them look like, because her face no longer was free from any form of dirt, but now smudged with grit and blood. *Must be a Jedi trick. *
As he got out in the open, Enoil almost collided into a guard of lower rank.
Facing the solider, he ordered, in the Yuuzhan Vong language, him to give him an update.
The answer wasn't good. "None of the infidels have been located."
"Then look harder."
Looking up he saw the young mercenary's salute to him then get back inspecting the city.
Soon as the Yuuzhan Vong was out of ear shot range, Enoil began to rush to the temple ruins where Tsavong or The Agent might be. As they approached the rubble, the voice of a small child came running into his ears.
To his shock, it wasn't a child, but Starrider's voice.
"You won't tell them...will you?" It was a desperate plead.
Enoil didn't answer her, but instead began to scan the area and try to find where Fin'h had gone.

Part eight ~ Speed of Light Song by Avalon
(Note: two days after the destruction of the Yuuzhan Vong pagan temple on Adega.)

Zen held her hand firmly in his. The strength it possessed frightened her.
They were standing behind the stage curtain waiting for whomever to introduce them to the crowd of elite officials and agents of the Universal Union.
Seyla sighed, letting out the fear that seemed to submerge her heart. *God, what have I done? What am I doing? Please Lord, do something, anything to get me out of here *
With a gentle jerk of the hand, she was pulled back into reality. Seyla looked up at him with her azure eyes.
"Ready?" he asked.
For a moment, the girl thought she actually heard some sincerity in his voice. She nodded slowly as if it were the first time moving her head. "Yeah."
With that, the two strolled out on stage into the spotlight.
Seyla didn't allow herself to show any emotion what so ever across her face. *Especially in front of these people. *
"Welcome fellow followers of the true way." Zen began. "I have brought you all here tonight for a very special initiation for this young lady standing next to me. But first I must introduce her to you. Gentles, here is Seyla Starrider." At that instant, when Seyla Starrider thought everyone was going to applaud, Zen dropped traditionally down upon one knee facing her, and projected loud enough for all in the room to hear. "Sey, I know that this isn't how you pictured the ceremony to go, neither did these people... but will you marry me and rule besides me as the Queen of the Union?"
Her jaw almost fell to the floor. Did she hear everything he said correctly? Or was she having another nightmare?
Blinking back a few times, she realized it wasn't a dream. Instead of answering him, she grinned, not knowing what else to do.
He got up from the ground straight before her.
Still holding on the fake smile, he bent down low enough for him lips to brush lightly across hers and whispered, "I really didn't think you'd say yes, but I am glad you did."
His hand crept around her waist then pulled her face into his.
Fury, confusion, and adrenaline skyrocketed through her. How she wanted to shove him off the stage; she could have gotten away with it too, if there hadn't been an audience.
The unwanted kiss seemed it would never end. By this time everyone in the room clapped as it continued. *Now they applaud. * Seyla thought sarcastically. *Oh just get it over with smart guy. You probably knew the longer they clapped the longer you could keep your mouth on mine. *
Finally the connection broke. Both she and Zen were breathing hard, but for entirely different reasons.
He took her hand and they faced the audience. Whistles came from the crowd along with more applause.
She barely grinned, doing her best to look happy about the proposal as everyone else.
A figure in the back of the room began to make his way out to the outside. The forceful betrayal of the kiss seemed to be saddening him as much as it did her. She would have to find some way to talk to him.

Jacen had snuck into the party by disguising himself using some blond hair dye, and an old Imperial flight suit his father found 'lying' in one of his secret storage compartments in the Falcon.
Making his way into the room, he was surprised to see everyone was focused on the center stage. Every being in the room ceased from making a sound. Jacen stepped to the back of the room where he was able to get a better view on who everyone was looking at.
With raised eyebrows, Jacen did his absolute best to hide his disbelief in what he saw on stage.
It was Seyla, and Zen was kneeling on one knee before her. His voice carried to the back of the room, shocking him. He had to lean against the wall for support.
"...marry me?"
Jacen only could understand those two words but he knew exactly what Zen asked. Starring in complete puzzlement, Seyla smiled in agreement. The man stood up and wrapped his hand around her then kissed her fiercely on the lips.
People and aliens around him applauded in accordance, but betrayal filled his heart like never before.
Trying to find a place where he could get out of the room without going through the front entrance, the young Jedi Knight found an exit that led outside.
*Better out under the moonlight, than in here in danger of being spotted. Especially by her. *

As the people began to get louder with approval for their new queen, Zen escorted her off the stage. They walked over to a group of obviously high-achieved officials. The figure had just strolled out.
Before they got there, Seyla tugged on Zen's hand. "I need some fresh air."
"Over there is the balcony. It is covered with all sorts of exotic plant life. The Skydome Garden is what it's called. I'll be here if you need me."
Seyla responded with a nod and leisurely walked out into the fresh air.
Breathing in, the fourteen-year-old girl hugged herself tightly as a soft breeze came by. It wasn't the wind that was making her shiver; the long sleeved black dress was warm and comfortable. What was making her tremble was remembering the last few minutes of her past.
Seyla went deeper into the garden hoping maybe; just maybe she would spot the stranger. That and some reassurance from God everything will turn out well.
Walking on the clear dirt path, a shadow caught her eye and dashed into the bushes.
Her heart began to swell, knowing all to well who it was. Running after the shadow she yelled out loud enough for only him to hear. "Jacen, wait. You got it all wrong."
The dark silhouette stopped and turned around to see who was calling for him.
They were now in a small hidden grove where a glint of moonlight shown down between them. All was quiet and only the constant noises of the nocturnal animals and insects could be heard.
"Seyla?"
She took one small step into the pale light. Casting her eyes to the ground she waited fro him to finish.
"How could you? I trusted you. You even promised me you wouldn't go to the darkside. Now you deceive me by..."
Seyla cut him off. "Hold it. I didn't betray anyone."
"Then what just happened in there? What about your fiancée? I'm sure he will agree with me on this."
"I am not his fiancée! I never gave him my answer. He assumed, just like you, that a simple grin means 'yes.' You two were wrong. And the kiss..." Oh, how it enraged her to think he laid his lips on her, in public no less. "The kiss I couldn't stop. Zen knew it too. Jacen, you must believe what I say is true; I don't love him, and I am neither an agent nor a citizen of the Union. I love..." she stopped herself. "Well it really doesn't matter who I love, as long as you know I couldn't control what he made me do."
A frown crossed his shadowed face.
She explained, "When he taught me of the Force, he never taught me everything."
"You mean, he never taught you how to defend yourself from him?" the teen whispered.
"Bingo," she mumbled under her breath. A twig snapped from a distance startling the two.
"Listen, my dad is here with the Firelight. You can come with us."
Smiling Seyla responded with joy. "Yes, I'll go, but what about Zen?"
"What about him?"
"I can't just leave him thinking I... I am engaged with him. He'll probably chase the galaxies just to get me back if I don't tell him I am not who he thinks I am."
Jacen recognized her problem and described the escape plan. "All you have to do is glide back in there and tell him in some way you have to decline his offer."
"What the crazy? He'll probably kill me there on the spot! I can't..."
"Sey, calm down." He grabbed her shoulders gently but also in a firm manner. "You asked me, not long ago, to trust you. Now I am doing the asking, will you trust me?"
Tears formed behind her eyes. Was he beginning to understand her feelings? A sense of hope, not with the chance Jacen gave her to escape from Zen's grasp, but that they might become close friends. She knew inside her heart she wanted to have faith in him, but taking the first blind step always troubled her. Seyla had to many recollections of not being caught by the one who promised her they'd catch her.
Deception, betrayals, pagan rituals...all of it was evil and all of it was killing millions, and hurting her in some form or way. In the end, she knew God would never abandon her, and Jacen was offering the same type of protection and comfort. She answered him with a simple shake of the head. "Yes." She turned to go do her part of the plan when she was pulled back slightly by his hand.
He leaned into her ear and whispered, "Please have trust in me. I know what I am doing. You not only saved all the Jedi who were captured, but my uncle and brother. You also saved my life too. This is the lest I can do."

Seyla walked lightly along the cleared pathway. She was meditating on what Jacen had said to her.
*I'm sure after this is all over Jacen will want nothing more of me. I will probably become a nuisance to him. Like I was t...to dad. * The remembrance stung her soul.
Though in her soul, Seyla knew what she tried to per sway herself into believing wasn't true. She had feelings for him, and she knew it. He was the only person she knew and who she could truly talk too in the strange universe.
Breaking Seyla from her thoughts was the sound of an unruly voice. She knew the evil deceptive tone anywhere.
"Seyla. I've been looking for you. Where were you?"
"I really needed a break. Life's been spinning ever since you proposed to me."
A seductive grin surpassed his face. "Well, let's get you back inside. You look a bit cold."
Seyla started to open her mouth, but stopped.
Strolling into the room, Zen led her to a table of refreshments. Besides the drinks was a plate of black powder. He took a pinch of the fine powder and offered it to her. "Would you like some?"
Cautious, the teen stammered, "W...what is it?"
"Glitterstim."
"No thanks."
An expression lit his face. He was taken aback. "Suit yourself."
*NO! * The cry spiraled throughout her body. If he used the spice he would be allowed to look into hers or anyone's mind and go through whatever secrets, thoughts, past memories, anything dwelling in their heart or mind and read it. He could find out anything he wanted to know with one pinch of the stuff; which he had. "Wait, you're not going to have some, are you?"
"Why else would I be handling it?"
"Why?"
"I think that every engaged man should know what's going on in his wife's mind."
*So smooth talker is a male chauvinist pig. Huh, who'd of guessed. * "You don't believe that I am hiding anything from you, do you?" she innocently questioned.
"We shall find out."
"Zen...um...how about a dance?"
"All in good time, but first tings first."
"Zen, please!" Seyla was now begging him not to follow through with his idea. The overwhelmed confusion of the crowd focused on them. "Can't you do this in private? I beg you, don't do this. Not here."
A skeptical illustration painted transversely on his face. "Oh, come on. What could possibly in your mind I don't know about? You're acting like you are hiding something."
*I AM IDIOT! AND YOU DON'T KNOW EVEN ONE STITCH OF MY TRUE SELF! * Trying to get out of the room, Seyla turned and ran to the door, but he guards were already there with their plasma guns. *This isn't what I meant in telling Zen about who I really am Lord! *
Two of the Yuuzhan Vong guards discarded their guns and roughly grasped her forearms. Enoil came in behind her and jammed his gun into her spine. They held her before the cunning ruler.
Hiding her eyes, she kept her gaze on the floor. She unexpectedly felt invisible hands inside her head going over her memories and darkest secrets; from her life on Nrutas to letting the Jedi captives free. He plucked out every memory like picking a flower.
Both surprise and shock flooded from him.
Ashamed and exposed, tears danced down her fair skin falling to the floor. After the unbearable minutes as he searched her heart, Seyla crumpled to the ground weeping in mixed emotions. The guards made no move to life her from the ground, apparently to confused by her behavior.
The feeling of Zen's eyes burying themselves on her felt like fire scorching her soul. She never felt so vulnerable in her life.
Suddenly the Force wrapped around her wrists, pulling her up on her feet. Once she stood balanced, he glared at the rings on her fingers. Again the Force touched her face, twisting her head up so her eyes were locked on his. When Zen opened his mouth to speak, a gunshot blasted out barely missing their heads. Another came lashing out.
Everyone began to either run or fall cold to the ground.
Taking advantage of the distraction, the young girl pulled away from Zen and scrambled from the area in petrified fear. She raced out into the Skydome Garden towards the end of the large balcony. Scanning the ground below, Seyla made out the figure of a boy running.
*Jacen? *
The figure stopped and looked directly up at her.
*Jacen! What do I do? *
*Jump! *
*You're crazy. There is no possible way that... *
He interrupted, *Sey, do you trust me or not? Wait...how about do you trust in your God or not? *
He did have a point. *Alright Solo, you got me, but you better catch me or I vow, I'll haunt you till the end of your life. * Climbing steadily onto the smooth marble railing she leaped out into the air plummeting down.

Tsavong raced from the other side of the room, along with his attendants, to where the shots had been fired. When he got there, Fin'h's arm was bleeding, but the Yuuzhan Vong who fired was taken down now trapped in organic cuffs. Four soldiers had to keep him from moving.
Proceeding to Fin'h, Tsavong asked, "This traitor shot the gun?"
"Yes." The Union leader kept his eyes on the culprit. "We've got him under control, but you have whims on what to do with him. I have no authority to punish him. He's all yours."
"Did he tell you his name?"
"That he did answer without hesitation. Calls himself Enoil Shai."

The next thing she knew she was in Jacen's comforting arms. He released her after he knew she was stable and able to keep balance.
Once on her feet again, he clutched her right hand and they headed towards the Firelight.

To be continued in Forceful Betrayals Section 3!