Disclaimer: I own a CD or 2, but nothing more of Star Wars. Any new
characters are mine, though.
Something over a year passes. What will happen after the Sith is found?
The Fist of Uriah
Chapter 4
Governor's private study, Fist of Uriah Governors Mansion, Jan Ko
Governor Heilburg questioned his chief of security: "Are you sure it was a Sith they killed?"
"Yes, governor, there was no doubt: it was definitely a Sith," Col. Hiel answered firmly. "We only found out because Jedi Master Horza's old master was Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi the Sith killed. Jedi Horza dug around until he found out the truth. They went to very great lengths to make sure noone found out about this one."
"So did they find out who the Sith's Master is? Did those idiots find out anything at all?" the governor demanded.
"Not even a single useful lead, sir. Even as incompetent at they are, they really pulled out all the stops. They even managed to ask for the assistance of some law enforcement groups that are actually capable, and they still found nothing. Either this guy was astoundingly good, or he had some help from someone in a very high position," the Col. answered.
"We must know. Do you have any ideas that might work?"
"Just one: Jedi O'Tool has been nearly forgotten. If he were to somehow to 'die', we might be able to learn something."
"But, will he do it?"
"If we send the Russian with him."
The governor thought in silence for what seemed like an hour, although it surely wasn't more than a couple minutes. The immensity of the decision to pursue a course nearly independent of the rest of the Repulic was no lost upon him. Finally he answered. "Do it. Have the Ministers of War and Finance sent in as well. We have decisions to make."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Immigrant Quarter, Ran O'Tools flat
Ran took a break from his studying and looked his beautiful young study partner. In the long year he had been here, she had been, above the other officers and even his new Christian brothers and sisters, a source of strength and comfort. In truth, he really wasn't a true Jedi now that he had become a Christian. If he could get up the courage, he would seal that defection by making her his wife. Well, now was probably not the best time, but it was the only one in which he would have the guts to ask. He got up and pretended to be getting a drink while he retrieved the ring he believed he had somehow hidden from her extreme skills of perception. Here went nothing. Pulling the ring from the case, he cleared his throat to get her attention and asked, "Tatiana Ivanovna Petrovna, will you marry me?"
Tanya was stunned, and she couldn't move for a couple moments. Of course, she knew he liked her, but she hadn't thought he would want to codify his rejection of his Jedi vows. That would mean that he... "Yes, yes! Of course!" she exclaimed before he could retract the offer, extending her hand so he could slip the ring on. For some reason, they didn't get any more studying done that night...
BAM! BAM! BAM! Ran woke up to an incessant pounding on his apartment door. He glanced groggily at the 2:53am. He groaned, rolled slowly out of bed, threw on a robe, grabbed his light sabre, and headed for the door. Misao. What the heck was she doing here at this time? He opened the door a crack.
"It took you long enough," Misao growled from his entryway.
Ran glared at the Lt. who was now standing inside his flat. How did she do that?! "Yea, whatdya want. It's 2:53 in the morning, in case you hadn't noticed."
"Actually, it's 2:54, and you and Tanya are coming with me to meet with Col. Hiel. Now," she said with finality.
"She isn't gonna like it," he warned.
"Tough. This isn't optional, and it is critical we get there as soon as we can," she replied.
"May I at least get dressed? I doubt the Col. will like to see me in a robe."
"Of course, but make it double time."
Ran went into the bedroom and dressed quickly. Given the circumstances, he took no chances. He double checked to make sure he had everything. He didn't often go out fully dressed for action, but tonight was one of those times. He clicked through the list: light weapon, light shield, blaster belt with (pausing to look) a fully loaded blaster and several reloads, teargas, tornado wood knife, tornado wood nightstick, cuffs, radio, belt med kit, lockpicks. He felt like a walking arsenal, and that was good at the moment. He finally put on an oversize pullover shirt to partially conceal the hardware. He walked out to a waiting Misao. "Ready," he said.
After making the short trek to Tanya's flat, Ran decided it best if he woke her. He really would have liked to see her make Misao pay a little for this, but they just didn't have the time. He knocked quietly but insistently. Shortly, he heard an interrogator from the other side of the door ask, "What is it? This had better be good."
"It's me, sweetheart. I'm here with Misao. May we please come in, it's important," he pleaded softly.
Moments later, the door opened. Ran decided he was due his morning kiss, and he moved to collect. Even as gruff as she had sounded, Tanya readily moved to respond.
Misao gaped. Sure, she knew they were crazy about each other, but, to the best of her knowledge, they seldom hugged, let alone kissed. Something had changed, and she could barely contain herself until they got inside to find out. "Alright, spill," she demanded. "The last time I saw you two together, you'd barely let yourselves be seen holding hands, and now you're kissing?!"
Tanya glanced at Ran, who just nodded slightly. She extended her left hand for Misao's inspection. "He proposed to me last night. You're the first one to know," she said, beaming.
Misao, just barely remembering that she was supposed to be quiet, only let out a small sqeak as she grabbed Tanya in a bear hug to congratulate her. "Awesome! That's awesome! I didn't think he'd ever do it, with his Jedi vows and all. I'm so happy for the both of you!" she gushed, letting out another sqeal.
"He even managed to surprise me with the ring, the lunk," Tanya said, freeing herself from Misao's grasp. "But I'm glad he did," she concluded, leaning over for another kiss. "Now, what are you here for that has my man dressed in full gear?"
"We have a meeting with Col. Hiel as soon as we can get there. No, I didn't tell him to bring all that stuff, but, truthfully, I'm glad he has it. I don't like the feel of this---it's got to be something big. I'm even tempted to bring Master Yazumi with me even though he isn't invited."
The couple took a quick glance at each other. Everyone knew Misao had a huge crush on the master, and it was a great opportunity to tease he about it. Tanya, ever the observant one, had even concluded, on the basis of the interactions she'd seen the two having at church funtions, that the Master was equally enthralled with the young Lt. She moved in to strike. "Are you sure that would be a good idea, Misao? After all, Master Yazumi is a stickler for the rules, and I can't see how he would want himself mixed up in this just because you're scared and want him there to hold your hand."
"It's nothing like that. It's just that..."
"Just what, Misao? We don't even know what the meeting's about."
Misao was just about to beam a retort when she heard Ran start to laugh. She exploded, throwing up her hands. "Arghh! You two are impossible! Why do I ever put up with you?"
Tanya laughed and prepared to dodge the inevitable missle from Misao. "Ran, dear, why don't you run along and pick up the Lieutenant's boyfriend-- -and Lt. Speer, while you're at it. We all know they weren't invited, but I have a feeling they're needed. Misao, tell him the address so he can meet us there. I'm sure I'll be safe enough with you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A safe house, later that night
Col Hiel groaned. Not only were his guests late, the surveilance cameras showed that Master Yazumi and Lt. Speer were with Ran when he joined the ladies. What was it with these people, never following orders? It smacked of the Russian's touch---she seemed to have a sixth sense about who would work well for a task, and she very well might be right about this one, too. In any case, it was pretty much too late to send the uninvited parties home. He buzzed them in as they walked up.
Before the Col. had time to voice his displeasure with the uninvited guests, he noticed that Ran and Tanya were acting friendlier than usual--- much friendlier. He was just about to ask what was up when he noticed the ring on her finger. 'He actually did it,' the Col. thought. 'I didn't think he'd do it with his Jedi vows. That's good---I was planning on sending them both, anyway, and it'll be easier to come up with a new identity for a married couple.' He started as soon as they were all inside. "I'm glad you could all make it, even if some of you weren't properly invited," he said, beaming a glare at those who had been invited. "It also appears that congratulations are in order for the 2 lovebirds there. Truthfully, I didn't think he'd do it, Tanya."
"I didn't either," she replied, pressing closer to Ran's side, "but I'm glad he did. I'm impressed, too: he even managed to suprise me with the ring!"
"That is an accomplishment. This will work out very well, although we may have to move the timetable on your wedding up a little. I assume the the extra guests are your idea, Miss Petrovna?"
She nodded sheepishly.
"It's probably just as well, although I'll hate to lose their immediate services, too. It has come to my attention that a very critical event has occurred, and, as it is my duty to protect all of the Fist of Uriah first and foremost, it must be addressed. Recently, a Sith was fought and killed. Unfortunately, he killed Jedi Horza's old Master Qui-Gon Jinn before he was killed himself. That is, in fact, the only reason we found out about it: it is being buried directly by the Jedi council, and only a few others know."
"So what does this have to do with us?" Misao said, impatiently.
"It seems the Jedi, and those they have brought in to help, have been able to turn up nothing. True, only about 3 or 4 of those actually looking knew what they were truly looking for, but still, they found nothing."
"So you want us to find out, correct?" Ran answered.
"Correct. They even went so far as to bring in outside help, they were so desperate. This means either the Sith was amazingly capable, or that he had help from very high places. Whatever the case, we must know. I fear that the stability of the entire Repulic is threatened, and the security of the Fist of Uriah must be maintained. Period," the Col. concluded forcefully.
"How are we going do this without it being too obvious?" Tanya asked. "After all a Jedi and a few SSS officers are going to attract plenty of attention."
"You will be dead. Your new identities are already being created. A convenient freighter engine meltdown will fake your---and some others--- deaths. After that, it should be straight forward, especially for someone as skilled as yourself," the Col. glanced around the room. Lt. Suzuki was sitting as far away from his weapons master as physically possible and kept shooting glares at the newly engaged couple. What had they done to upset her now? "Lt. Speer, your primary task will to be to ascertain the projected technological threats that can be brought to bear on us. I don't know how you'll manage this, but you must. Lt. Misao and Master Yazumi, you are to assist the others in any way possible. I'm putting Jedi O'tool in charge of the mission, but clearly you are going to have to work together closely if you are to be successful. Do you have any more questions for me at the moment?"
"Would it not be more efficient if Lt. Suzuki and myself were to begin our new life together?" asked the Master quietly.
"What do you mean, 'together'?" the Col. asked.
"I mean, wouldn't it be easier for this assignment if we were to do it as a married couple."
"I'm not going to pretend to be married to you just for some stupid mission!" Misao fumed.
"I didn't say we would be pretending," the Master responded smoothly.
Misao was just about ready to scream some quick retort when what he said registered. She paused with her hand outstretched, stunned. Had he just proposed to her?! "What did you say?" she squeaked.
"I said, we wouldn't be pretending," he said calmly.
"You're asking me to marry you?" she said, bewildered.
"Yes"
"Why now?"
"As we are, it is impossible. But, we are to 'die' shortly, and in our new life, I will be free to love you."
Misao just stood there, stunned, a very rare sight, indeed.
"Well, Lt. Misao Suzuki, will you marry me or not?"
"Yes! YES!" she shouted, quickly running to throw herself into her new fiance's arms.
Everyone else took that as a sign the meeting was over, and left quietly. Nothing like a little space disaster to bring a couple together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes
Wow---two engagements in one chapter. Really, I wasn't in any way planning on there being much fluff in the chapter. *shrugs shoulders* I am still amazed at how much a story writes itself. I had some of this what I thought was fairly planned out, but, as always, it came out much differently. Still, it seemed cute.
Yes, I know you're out there: you're wondering what went on after Ran proposed to Tanya. Sheesh---get your mind out of the gutter. Although I wasn't so rude as to stay around and watch, they both assured me at sword point that they did nothing more than hug, kiss, snuggle... Actually, they did a lot of all those, but nothing more. Conveniently, the wedding will be the following week, and I leave it to your imagination what will happen after that. As for Misao and Aoshi, they were more restrained, due almost entirely to the Master. Again, I leave it to your imagination to conjure up what their married life will be like.
Something over a year passes. What will happen after the Sith is found?
The Fist of Uriah
Chapter 4
Governor's private study, Fist of Uriah Governors Mansion, Jan Ko
Governor Heilburg questioned his chief of security: "Are you sure it was a Sith they killed?"
"Yes, governor, there was no doubt: it was definitely a Sith," Col. Hiel answered firmly. "We only found out because Jedi Master Horza's old master was Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi the Sith killed. Jedi Horza dug around until he found out the truth. They went to very great lengths to make sure noone found out about this one."
"So did they find out who the Sith's Master is? Did those idiots find out anything at all?" the governor demanded.
"Not even a single useful lead, sir. Even as incompetent at they are, they really pulled out all the stops. They even managed to ask for the assistance of some law enforcement groups that are actually capable, and they still found nothing. Either this guy was astoundingly good, or he had some help from someone in a very high position," the Col. answered.
"We must know. Do you have any ideas that might work?"
"Just one: Jedi O'Tool has been nearly forgotten. If he were to somehow to 'die', we might be able to learn something."
"But, will he do it?"
"If we send the Russian with him."
The governor thought in silence for what seemed like an hour, although it surely wasn't more than a couple minutes. The immensity of the decision to pursue a course nearly independent of the rest of the Repulic was no lost upon him. Finally he answered. "Do it. Have the Ministers of War and Finance sent in as well. We have decisions to make."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Immigrant Quarter, Ran O'Tools flat
Ran took a break from his studying and looked his beautiful young study partner. In the long year he had been here, she had been, above the other officers and even his new Christian brothers and sisters, a source of strength and comfort. In truth, he really wasn't a true Jedi now that he had become a Christian. If he could get up the courage, he would seal that defection by making her his wife. Well, now was probably not the best time, but it was the only one in which he would have the guts to ask. He got up and pretended to be getting a drink while he retrieved the ring he believed he had somehow hidden from her extreme skills of perception. Here went nothing. Pulling the ring from the case, he cleared his throat to get her attention and asked, "Tatiana Ivanovna Petrovna, will you marry me?"
Tanya was stunned, and she couldn't move for a couple moments. Of course, she knew he liked her, but she hadn't thought he would want to codify his rejection of his Jedi vows. That would mean that he... "Yes, yes! Of course!" she exclaimed before he could retract the offer, extending her hand so he could slip the ring on. For some reason, they didn't get any more studying done that night...
BAM! BAM! BAM! Ran woke up to an incessant pounding on his apartment door. He glanced groggily at the 2:53am. He groaned, rolled slowly out of bed, threw on a robe, grabbed his light sabre, and headed for the door. Misao. What the heck was she doing here at this time? He opened the door a crack.
"It took you long enough," Misao growled from his entryway.
Ran glared at the Lt. who was now standing inside his flat. How did she do that?! "Yea, whatdya want. It's 2:53 in the morning, in case you hadn't noticed."
"Actually, it's 2:54, and you and Tanya are coming with me to meet with Col. Hiel. Now," she said with finality.
"She isn't gonna like it," he warned.
"Tough. This isn't optional, and it is critical we get there as soon as we can," she replied.
"May I at least get dressed? I doubt the Col. will like to see me in a robe."
"Of course, but make it double time."
Ran went into the bedroom and dressed quickly. Given the circumstances, he took no chances. He double checked to make sure he had everything. He didn't often go out fully dressed for action, but tonight was one of those times. He clicked through the list: light weapon, light shield, blaster belt with (pausing to look) a fully loaded blaster and several reloads, teargas, tornado wood knife, tornado wood nightstick, cuffs, radio, belt med kit, lockpicks. He felt like a walking arsenal, and that was good at the moment. He finally put on an oversize pullover shirt to partially conceal the hardware. He walked out to a waiting Misao. "Ready," he said.
After making the short trek to Tanya's flat, Ran decided it best if he woke her. He really would have liked to see her make Misao pay a little for this, but they just didn't have the time. He knocked quietly but insistently. Shortly, he heard an interrogator from the other side of the door ask, "What is it? This had better be good."
"It's me, sweetheart. I'm here with Misao. May we please come in, it's important," he pleaded softly.
Moments later, the door opened. Ran decided he was due his morning kiss, and he moved to collect. Even as gruff as she had sounded, Tanya readily moved to respond.
Misao gaped. Sure, she knew they were crazy about each other, but, to the best of her knowledge, they seldom hugged, let alone kissed. Something had changed, and she could barely contain herself until they got inside to find out. "Alright, spill," she demanded. "The last time I saw you two together, you'd barely let yourselves be seen holding hands, and now you're kissing?!"
Tanya glanced at Ran, who just nodded slightly. She extended her left hand for Misao's inspection. "He proposed to me last night. You're the first one to know," she said, beaming.
Misao, just barely remembering that she was supposed to be quiet, only let out a small sqeak as she grabbed Tanya in a bear hug to congratulate her. "Awesome! That's awesome! I didn't think he'd ever do it, with his Jedi vows and all. I'm so happy for the both of you!" she gushed, letting out another sqeal.
"He even managed to surprise me with the ring, the lunk," Tanya said, freeing herself from Misao's grasp. "But I'm glad he did," she concluded, leaning over for another kiss. "Now, what are you here for that has my man dressed in full gear?"
"We have a meeting with Col. Hiel as soon as we can get there. No, I didn't tell him to bring all that stuff, but, truthfully, I'm glad he has it. I don't like the feel of this---it's got to be something big. I'm even tempted to bring Master Yazumi with me even though he isn't invited."
The couple took a quick glance at each other. Everyone knew Misao had a huge crush on the master, and it was a great opportunity to tease he about it. Tanya, ever the observant one, had even concluded, on the basis of the interactions she'd seen the two having at church funtions, that the Master was equally enthralled with the young Lt. She moved in to strike. "Are you sure that would be a good idea, Misao? After all, Master Yazumi is a stickler for the rules, and I can't see how he would want himself mixed up in this just because you're scared and want him there to hold your hand."
"It's nothing like that. It's just that..."
"Just what, Misao? We don't even know what the meeting's about."
Misao was just about to beam a retort when she heard Ran start to laugh. She exploded, throwing up her hands. "Arghh! You two are impossible! Why do I ever put up with you?"
Tanya laughed and prepared to dodge the inevitable missle from Misao. "Ran, dear, why don't you run along and pick up the Lieutenant's boyfriend-- -and Lt. Speer, while you're at it. We all know they weren't invited, but I have a feeling they're needed. Misao, tell him the address so he can meet us there. I'm sure I'll be safe enough with you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A safe house, later that night
Col Hiel groaned. Not only were his guests late, the surveilance cameras showed that Master Yazumi and Lt. Speer were with Ran when he joined the ladies. What was it with these people, never following orders? It smacked of the Russian's touch---she seemed to have a sixth sense about who would work well for a task, and she very well might be right about this one, too. In any case, it was pretty much too late to send the uninvited parties home. He buzzed them in as they walked up.
Before the Col. had time to voice his displeasure with the uninvited guests, he noticed that Ran and Tanya were acting friendlier than usual--- much friendlier. He was just about to ask what was up when he noticed the ring on her finger. 'He actually did it,' the Col. thought. 'I didn't think he'd do it with his Jedi vows. That's good---I was planning on sending them both, anyway, and it'll be easier to come up with a new identity for a married couple.' He started as soon as they were all inside. "I'm glad you could all make it, even if some of you weren't properly invited," he said, beaming a glare at those who had been invited. "It also appears that congratulations are in order for the 2 lovebirds there. Truthfully, I didn't think he'd do it, Tanya."
"I didn't either," she replied, pressing closer to Ran's side, "but I'm glad he did. I'm impressed, too: he even managed to suprise me with the ring!"
"That is an accomplishment. This will work out very well, although we may have to move the timetable on your wedding up a little. I assume the the extra guests are your idea, Miss Petrovna?"
She nodded sheepishly.
"It's probably just as well, although I'll hate to lose their immediate services, too. It has come to my attention that a very critical event has occurred, and, as it is my duty to protect all of the Fist of Uriah first and foremost, it must be addressed. Recently, a Sith was fought and killed. Unfortunately, he killed Jedi Horza's old Master Qui-Gon Jinn before he was killed himself. That is, in fact, the only reason we found out about it: it is being buried directly by the Jedi council, and only a few others know."
"So what does this have to do with us?" Misao said, impatiently.
"It seems the Jedi, and those they have brought in to help, have been able to turn up nothing. True, only about 3 or 4 of those actually looking knew what they were truly looking for, but still, they found nothing."
"So you want us to find out, correct?" Ran answered.
"Correct. They even went so far as to bring in outside help, they were so desperate. This means either the Sith was amazingly capable, or that he had help from very high places. Whatever the case, we must know. I fear that the stability of the entire Repulic is threatened, and the security of the Fist of Uriah must be maintained. Period," the Col. concluded forcefully.
"How are we going do this without it being too obvious?" Tanya asked. "After all a Jedi and a few SSS officers are going to attract plenty of attention."
"You will be dead. Your new identities are already being created. A convenient freighter engine meltdown will fake your---and some others--- deaths. After that, it should be straight forward, especially for someone as skilled as yourself," the Col. glanced around the room. Lt. Suzuki was sitting as far away from his weapons master as physically possible and kept shooting glares at the newly engaged couple. What had they done to upset her now? "Lt. Speer, your primary task will to be to ascertain the projected technological threats that can be brought to bear on us. I don't know how you'll manage this, but you must. Lt. Misao and Master Yazumi, you are to assist the others in any way possible. I'm putting Jedi O'tool in charge of the mission, but clearly you are going to have to work together closely if you are to be successful. Do you have any more questions for me at the moment?"
"Would it not be more efficient if Lt. Suzuki and myself were to begin our new life together?" asked the Master quietly.
"What do you mean, 'together'?" the Col. asked.
"I mean, wouldn't it be easier for this assignment if we were to do it as a married couple."
"I'm not going to pretend to be married to you just for some stupid mission!" Misao fumed.
"I didn't say we would be pretending," the Master responded smoothly.
Misao was just about ready to scream some quick retort when what he said registered. She paused with her hand outstretched, stunned. Had he just proposed to her?! "What did you say?" she squeaked.
"I said, we wouldn't be pretending," he said calmly.
"You're asking me to marry you?" she said, bewildered.
"Yes"
"Why now?"
"As we are, it is impossible. But, we are to 'die' shortly, and in our new life, I will be free to love you."
Misao just stood there, stunned, a very rare sight, indeed.
"Well, Lt. Misao Suzuki, will you marry me or not?"
"Yes! YES!" she shouted, quickly running to throw herself into her new fiance's arms.
Everyone else took that as a sign the meeting was over, and left quietly. Nothing like a little space disaster to bring a couple together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's notes
Wow---two engagements in one chapter. Really, I wasn't in any way planning on there being much fluff in the chapter. *shrugs shoulders* I am still amazed at how much a story writes itself. I had some of this what I thought was fairly planned out, but, as always, it came out much differently. Still, it seemed cute.
Yes, I know you're out there: you're wondering what went on after Ran proposed to Tanya. Sheesh---get your mind out of the gutter. Although I wasn't so rude as to stay around and watch, they both assured me at sword point that they did nothing more than hug, kiss, snuggle... Actually, they did a lot of all those, but nothing more. Conveniently, the wedding will be the following week, and I leave it to your imagination what will happen after that. As for Misao and Aoshi, they were more restrained, due almost entirely to the Master. Again, I leave it to your imagination to conjure up what their married life will be like.