Look, I'm going to spoil you by getting another chapter out semi-quickly. I don't know where I found the time to write this one, perhaps it was when I was slacking off while I should have been doing other things. Anywho, I promise not to hurt Keilana for a little while after what I did to her in the last two chapters.

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Gale Force



After several days of wandering mindlessly around the Jedi Temple, Ganner decided to visit the hospital ward once more. His guilt over Keilana's injury had subsided in that time to only a mere bother and annoyance. With black hair slicked back and out of his face, Ganner entered the hospital and looked around. There was talking coming from the back of the room and Ganner assumed it was associated with Keilana. He started to make his way towards the bacta tanks and hoped that something else had not gone wrong.

After navigating through the maze of beds, the bacta tanks finally came into Ganner's view. There were several young Jedi Healers around Keilana's tank, two on top and a single medical droid. The droid signalled something to the Healers above the tank and punched a button. Keilana's conscious body started to float toward the top of the tank and, with the help of a male healer, Keilana was pulled free of the healing solution. Gil laid her gently below a shower head and removed the breathing mask from her face. Keilana mumbled something to him that made the red head laugh as he turned on the shower to rinse her off.

A female Healer approached Keilana next and with the help of Gil, she wrapped a soft towel around Keilana as she stood. Keilana made some other remark to the two helping her as they slowly moved down the steps. Once they reached to bottom, Keilana looked up and directly at Ganner.

Well, of all the people who could possibly be here at the moment, she started to laugh. The laugh, however, quickly turned into a cough and Keilana nearly doubled over before she stopped. When she looked back up at Ganner, he was nearly by her side. She looked around her and, when she could not figure out what time of the day it was, she glanced back at the Jedi. day, Ganner.

Good day to you too, Key, Ganner nodded as the Healers lead her away. After several minutes, Keilana was back in the main room, this time only leaning on Gil for support. She was now dressed in a pair of light coloured pants and a tank top that fit her curves of the same beige colour. Ganner bit the inside of his lower lip as he watched Gil help Keilana into her bed, his arms tingling as he remembered holding her a few nights past. Shaking his head, Ganner couldn't figure out what had come over him.

Gil made her lay down and quickly piled several pillows under her head and shoulders. Keilana whimpered slightly in pain and closed her eyes while taking in a deep and stuttering breath. After finishing with his task of trying to make Keilana comfortable, Gil picked up her right arm and quickly put an IV needle into the back of her hand, taping it in place.

Thank you, she muttered as the pain killer quickly spread through her aching body. Gil nodded back and finished up with what he was doing. As soon as the Healer left, Ganner approached the bed and stood silently next to it. Keilana's right eye cracked open and was quickly followed by her left eye as she noticed Ganner. Hello again.

How are you feeling this morning? Ganner said as he looked over Keilana. She grunted and wriggled under the tight sheets.

Trapped and like shit.

An interesting combination, Ganner nodded.

Hey, you would feel the same way if you were just stabbed and as near to death as I was, Keilana snorted as she scratched her nose. But I don't want to talk about that. Everybody is too bloody concerned about me and I don't know, or care, why. I'm am just a normal person who was stabbed. There is nothing special about me in the least bit.

I beg to differ, Ganner cut in quickly. Keilana turned her head to look at him, her left eyebrow arched.

Do you now?

You have a rather high midichlorian count, Key, Ganner said as he pulled up a chair to sit down. Keilana's face went blank as she shook her head slowly. Higher than most in the Temple.

That means absolutely nothing to me, Ganner. Look, she held up her hand as Ganner was about to speak, you don't need to explain it to me. I'm sure in time I will understand, but right now I am just a confused little girl who happened to stumble into something far bigger than imaginable. Like I told your master, I never truly believed the Jedi existed until the Yuuzhan Vong invaded and to find myself possibly beginning the training to become onethere are no words for it. My mind is pulling me in so many directions I don't know what to do or which path to follow.

Your path will let itself be known eventually, Key. Ganner turned to look at an approaching Healer and stood up. I really must be going. It's good to see you doing much better than you were, Key.

Uh, thanks, Keilana half-smiled as she watched Ganner leave.

Anytime, Key, anytime, Ganner responded over his shoulder just before the door shut behind him. Outside the hospital there were several young apprentices. One of them looked up at Ganner in amazement, his eyes sparkling with respect. Ganner smiled at the children and stopped in front of them. Don't you all have classes to get to?

Yes, but a blonde girl answered as she peered around Ganner. She was disappointed to see the door behind the tall man shut and it reflected in her eyes. Is it true there is a powerful Jedi in the hospital?

Powerful, yes, but a Jedi, no, Ganner kneeled down on one knee and looked directly into the children's faces. I would have to say that she is far less trained than any one of you three. The children giggled and looked at each other. Don't laugh, young ones, for it is very true. She showed up two days ago with no training and a great amount of potential. Now, run along to your classes before your masters become upset. Ganner stood up as he watched the children run off to their morning class. A smile crept across his face as he took off in the opposite direction and headed toward the large arena. The pure innocence of young childhood had always amazed him, more so now that he spent time around them everyday. These young children were so opened and attuned to the Force and the evil's of the Dark Side had not yet the chance to set in.





Back in the hospital, Keilana looked around at her white environment completely bored out of her mind. She had never been able to sit still for as long as she could remember and now was certainly not an exception. Delicate and slightly calloused fingers were drumming against both the sheets on her bed and the railing next to her. Her dark eyes were shifting constantly and her head was bobbing back and forth to some tune in her head. Healers would constantly look in on her and the only view she had was up for thick, white sheets surrounded her bed, restricting her view to the sides. The ceiling above her was even less interesting and she had already counted the beams and panels several times over. She had started to count the holes that were in the ceiling but was interrupted by a Healer who had come to feed her a bowl of mush that was an indescribable colour of green. Keilana had considered going hungry rather than eat the stuff in the bowl, but hunger eventually won. The mush had not tasted half as bad as it looked, but her stomach still turned.

After some time, Keilana could feel her eyes start to droop. She sighed softly as sleep finally took over and fell into a deep, but not quite restful, sleep.






Tattooine was a bright orb that seemed to just hang in space. The day side of the planet had taken on it's normal tan colour while the night side of the planet was covered in shadow. Memories flooded back into Fett's head as he gazed done over the planet. This was the planet on which he should have died and was miraculously saved.

It doesn't seem quite as bad from this distance, Fett shook his head as he walked into the cockpit. He was already fully dressed as he slid into the captain's chair, helmet and all. With little thought, Fett piloted his ship to the far side of the planet where night was just falling. He managed to land without anyone bothering him and quickly exited and locked up his ship. With blaster rifle in hand, Fett crossed a great expanse of cooling sand and pushed through a pair of gates. The guards looked at him warily, but they had been expecting this certain bounty hunter for quite some time so none of them stepped forward. Fett walked through the tall, old-fashioned doors and into a tall and wide receiving room. On the other side of the hall sat a woman draped in thin silks and clothes. Her black hair was done up in an intricate bun and makeup had been artfully smeared across her eyelids. She turned to regard Fett and straightened out in her chair as he approached.

Boba Fett, she said as a small smile danced across her full lips. I expected you sometime ago, but at least you have come. Holding out a single delicate hand, she beckoned Fett to draw nearer and help her out of her throne. With an inaudible sigh he took her hand and watched the small woman stand. Her outfit covered most of her body but left little to the imagination in the process. The light purple of the silk clung to her body and had a high enough thread count to cover her, but only barely. The woman looked at Fett and blinked, her thick eyelashes brushing her cheeks. Walk with me and we will discuss the job I have for you.

Of course, Fett replied while his hidden eyes watched the woman closely.

They walked in silence for several minutes before Añaa turned to her guest. This job is a private one that I have reserved just for you I know you can bring this bounty in because you are the best, despite your growing years, Añaa looked over her shoulder at the bounty hunter who was following her closely. Fett narrowed his eyes as he recognised the look she was giving him and pursed his lips. The woman turned her head back around to watch where she was going and continued. This bounty is placed on the head of another bounty hunter. This other hunter was one I had hired not to long ago who proceeded to bring the bounty, once captured, to someone else when I wouldn't pay a high enough sum. I do not care for that sort of business and believe that she should not live long enough to make the same decision and mistake again. If you bring this bounty in, I will give you the amount I would have paid herplus double. That would be a grand total of four million credits.

Fett had to hold back the whistle threatening to escape his lips as he and Añaa stopped on a balcony. And who, Lady, has earned such hate from you?

she handed the bounty hunter a holoprojector. I'll give you this so you can remember what she looks like. Go ahead, turn it on. Añaa turned to lean on the balcony and look out at the emerging stars. Fett flipped the switch and his eyes opened wide as the holo shown clear in the dark night. In his hand was a tiny picture of his daughter. Her name is Keilana.

Yes, I recognise her from somewhere, though I never knew her name. Fett said as he continued to look at the holo. Keilana was wearing her normal black tight-fitting flightsuit with tall, black leather boots and gloves that left the tips of her fingers free. The multitude of weapons she carried was concealed, however, by a long and very dark brown leather jacket he barely recognised. The woman turned to look at Fett and narrowed her eyes.

It seems as if you know her a little more than merely recognising her, Añaa suggested. Fett turned off the holoprojector and stuck it in a pouch as he looked up at Añaa. What is she? An old lover? or perhaps she's a hunter who stalks the streets at night.

Fett bit back his disgust as he regarded the woman in front of him.

Then where do you know her from. The sentence was more of a statement than a question as Añaa crossed her arms over her breasts.

She was one of many hunters hired for a job some years ago, Fett lied outright knowing that he would be unable to leave until he gave her an answer. Añaa seemed satisfied and turned back to look at the sky. A slight breeze picked up and her thin outfit started to blow around her legs as her skin goosepimpled. Fett, on the other hand, was quiet unaffected by the chill of the night and did nothing to help the obviously freezing Añaa. he started again after several minutes. Añaa turned to look at him with furrowed brows.

However what? she spat. I want this girl's head in front of my throne so don't you go howevering' me, Fett.

Fett continued as if she had never cut in, the girl is dead. She was killed three nights ago on Coruscant after a stand-off.

Añaa screeched. Fett flinched behind his helmet but made no movement otherwise. Dead, how can you be sure? Did you witness it? Fett nodded slowly and spread his legs shoulder width apart as he crossed his arms in front of him. And you did nothing to stop it?

Why would I stop it? She meant nothing. All she was to me was competition and one less bounty hunter to compete against the better, Fett leaned over Añaa's tiny frame slightly and narrowed his eyes behind his helmet even though she couldn't see them. Añaa's face screwed up for a moment before she let a frustrated scream escape. Fett stepped back a little and let Añaa continue on with her fit.

Añaa looked up at Fett after several minutes and seemed slightly surprised to see him. Her hair was all array and the make-up on her eyes was smeared from tears of rage. You're still here? Go. I have no other job for you. She turned away from Fett and started into the house. She turned as if in afterthought and scratched her chin. If you find her body, bring it to me and perhaps I'll give you a fraction of the pay. She turned back around and started into the house once more. At least the worthless bitch is dead.

After Añaa had left, Fett stood on the balcony for several minute longer before entering the house himself. He was flexing his left hand as his right fingers tightened on the trigger. Thoughts of hate were running through his mind as he exited the grand house and walked toward his ship. Once out of view of the guards, Fett slowed his pace and looked at the stars above him. He had never realised before Añaa's words of hate how much he truly cared for his daughter. A hole had opened up in what soul he had and a piece had crumbled from his heart. There were no true words to express his grief over his daughter's death and only his distant ship would truly know his pain. Not even the wind that now whipped around him would be let in on the pain and rage he felt inside.

As he continued over the sand to his ship, a desert storm started to whip around the two solitary objects in the area. The house was now far behind Fett and his ship was still a good distance in front of him. Sand started to find its way into his armour and under his helmet even though it was tightly sealed. The sand had grown so thick that he could barely make out the arm he was holding up in front of his face. After several more tired and trudging steps, Fett collapsed in the sand and could not move any longer.

Sand started to pile up around the man as he lay still in the middle of the desert. Within minutes Fett was merely a small dune among many in the unforgiving sand storm. He could feel the sand start to compress his lungs and his breathing become short.

This is not how I'm going to die, he kept repeating to himself. However, despite what his mind was telling him, Fett's limbs would not move to obey his commands. He tried again and was actually surprised when he was able to move his left foot. With the great amount of strength he possessed in his old but still fit muscles, Fett got his arms and hands beneath his body and pushed up. He felt the sand as it fell away from his body and could almost feel the pull of the wind. With another attempt to get up, Fett found himself only half buried, his waist and legs still covered in sand. His knees were bent and started to shoot pain through his body as he quickly realised they were twisted to their extremes. With one last push, Fett stood quickly and collapsed next to the grave that would have been his.

Fett continued to move around enough to keep himself from being buried once again, but he could not stand. Pain was pulsing in his knees and started to leak up and down his legs. When it was obvious the storm was not going to let up, and that his strength was not going to hold, Fett forced himself to his feet. He bit back a cry of pain as he managed to stand and take several steps forward. The wind almost pushed him back to the sand, but Fett pushed on and eventually bumped into a large mound of sand. It took Fett several minutes to realised that the large mound had his ship buried somewhere underneath and he started to curse as he dug through the sand. After digging around for awhile, Fett found the button that would open the hatch and punched it. The hatch door opened swiftly and Fett, along with a large pile of sand, fell inside and landed on the ground. He released his helmet and pushed it off as he closed his eyes.

Knowing that the storm would only bury his ship further, Fett pushed himself off the floor and made his way to the cockpit. He looked out the window in dismay when all he could see was sand and a string of curses started up. Sitting down, and placing his helmet next to him, Fett started up the ship. The engines groaned in protest, indicating that they were full of sand. Fett punched the wall next to him in frustration and furrowed his brow. While pulling several levers and pushing a couple of buttons, the engines finally emptied themselves, much to the surprise of the bounty hunter, and roared to life. The Slave 1 started to shake as she tried to punch through the sand that covered her. It took awhile, but the ship eventually emerged from the sand and into the gritty gale. Fett grabbed the controls firmly and narrowed his eyes as he tried to peer through the sand. Giving up, the hunter started to fly blindly through the storm, relying only on his sensors and displays to get him through.

Once out in open space, Fett pulled the holoprojecter out of his pouch and set it on the control board. He hit the button to turn it on and watched as the holo of Keilana appeared. He sighed and reached out to touch it, forgetting that his finger would pass right through. When it did, Fett pulled back and rubbed his cheek. Even through the thick fingers of his glove, he could feel the thick stubble starting to grow there. He had not bothered shaving since he left Coruscant and did not actually plan on doing it anytime in the near future. Sighing, Fett turned to his nav computer and chose a non-Yuuzhan Vong inhabited system. He did not really pay attention to where he was going and ended up setting a course to Corusant. After his jump into hyperspace, Fett picked up the still glowing holo of Keilana and wandered off into his ship in order to find some way to kill the pain in his knees.