From Scratch

Chapter 32

Flynn paced the interior of the small camp where Jacen and Tenel Ka slept. Both were still sound asleep and the sun hadn't yet begun to set. He ignored the sleeping couple, his gaze instead on the horizon and the camp of the Warriors guarding the Well of the World Brain. The back of his neck itched and he had a feeling that Vola was slowly moving beyond his grasp. But that wasn't possible, was it? He clasped his hands behind his back, continuing to pace, too keyed up to eat. He'd finished the preparations Tenel Ka had instructed him to make hours ago, and now the waiting was slowly driving him crazy. Surely there was something else he could do?

He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't see the shape looming up behind him until he turned on his heel to pace back the other way and recoiled. "Jacen! Man, you scared me!"

Jacen yawned, his face having taken on its normal coloring again, but the strain lines were still there. Softened by his rest but still visible. "Flynn. Where's Vola?"

Flynn clenched his hands. "The camp's leader took her. Nom something."

"Nom Anor?"

Flynn nodded.

"Did you see him take her?"

Flynn glared at the older man. "No, I didn't, but your wife was up around dawn and asked some questions when I told her I was worried. Vola hasn't been in the camp since before sunrise. She wouldn't stay away this long, not unless something was keeping her away. She's in trouble man." He extended the sketch Tenel Ka had brought back with her and watched as Jacen carefully examined it.

"That's Nom Anor alright, but he's not wearing his ooglith masquer."

Flynn took a step back at the anger simmering in Jacen's eyes. "Will he hurt her?"

"The Executor is a coward, but he's cunning. I think it's time I paid him a little visit. Why didn't you wake me up when you found Vola was missing?"

Flynn looked down at Tenel Ka who was still in her healing trance. "She said you were in no shape to go after anyone. Frankly, man, I have to agree. You still look like you could do with a few hours of sleep."

"And you agreed, even thought it meant leaving Vola in Nom Anor's clutches all day?"

Flynn flinched. "I don't like it, I didn't like it then and even less now, but I can't take him on by myself. She said we could go after Vola once the sun sets. Something about having a better chance of freeing her in the darkness."

Jacen looked down at his wife, silently cursing. She was right, dammit, but he didn't like it. Leaving Vola, leaving anyone, with Nom Anor longer than a minute was too much. He sighed, raking a hand through his hair before looking at Flynn. "She's right, but I think I'm going to pay a visit to Nom Anor before she wakes up."

"Why?"

"Call it scouting." Jacen bent to rummage through his pack. "Where are my..." he glanced up, spying his clothing stacked haphazardly off to the side. "Never mind."

Flynn sank down next to the fire he'd kept going all day, tossing another log onto it as Jacen changed into a clean pair of trousers but didn't bother with a shirt. Jacen crouched next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If she's in the tent, I'll know and I'll bring her back. If she's not..."

Flynn's eyes narrowed. "She'd better be, or I'll tear his ears off."

Jacen chuckled. "If he had ears left, Flynn, I'm sure that threat would give him pause. I'll be back shortly, don't wake Ten-"

Flynn slapped a hand over his mouth. "Don't say her name, she said it would wake her up."

Jacen looked at his wife, smiling softly. "Smart woman. Alright, don't wake her up until I get back... unless you need her help, alright?"

Flynn nodded, his eyes anguished. "Will you find Vola do you think? Will she be alright?"

Jacen squeezed Flynn's shoulder before standing again. "If she's not, I'll be sure to hand you my lightsaber. Watch the camp for me."

Flynn watched as Jacen left, starting off across the camp with sure, even strides. His lightsaber was firmly clasped in one hand, ready for use, and he quickly disappeared from view. Flynn turned his gaze back to the camp and the sleeping woman in his charge. Getting to his feet he began to pace again, sending a silent prayer towards the heavens that Vola would be safe and unharmed. If she was injured, there'd be hell to pay.

Jacen crossed the camp with long, sure strides, his temper carefully under wraps. Nom Anor had gone too far. He'd been expecting betrayal, thought he'd be prepared for it, but he hadn't expected the Yuuzhan Vong to strike out at someone other than himself or maybe Tenel Ka. He silently berated himself for not warning Vola and Flynn about how dangerous the Executor could be and to take the proper precautions. It was his fault Vola was in this predicament; his fault Flynn was sitting in their camp consumed with worry and guilt.

He pushed the thoughts away, clearing his mind as he continued towards the tent in the center of the encampment. He was weary, Flynn had been right about that. The endeavors of the previous night had taken their toll, the emotional drain far greater than the physical. He'd almost lost Tenel Ka last night. Something he'd never forget... or forgive. He hadn't won her to lose her now.

The whispers that spread ahead of his steps were frantic and admiring. Apparently the news of their success last night had already reached the camp. That didn't change his mood any. He'd chosen his course and was now going to act on it. Vola wouldn't be in Nom Anor's hands any longer than necessary. Yet, when he slipped into the tent without being announced to find the Executor with his ooglith masquer firmly in place and his Vongsense detected no one else around, he frowned.

"Ahh, [i]Jeedai[/i], you have decided to come and gloat."

Jacen's gaze narrowed. "I've come to secure the release of a young woman you are holding hostage." He said softly, his voice holding a note of steel.

Nom Anor didn't seem to notice it. "A young woman? Isn't she sleeping back at your camp? Your wife, is it not, another [i]Jeedai[/i] I remember from past acquaintance, no doubt."

"And one you'll make again if you don't stop playing games, Executor." Jacen informed him, crossing his arms over his chest. "Where is Vola?"

"Vola?"

The innocent tone didn't dissuade Jacen a bit but, in fact, only reassured him that he'd stolen her. "You know of whom I speak. You took her. What I want to know is why."

Nom Anor pushed to his feet from his cot. "She's not here, Solo."

"Then where did you hide her?" Jacen's face was an impassive mask but something in his gaze must have warned Nom Anor that he wasn't fooling around. He would either cooperate or Jacen would make him cooperate.

Nom Anor was silent for long moments as he mentally measured the youth in front of him. Jacen hadn't changed much since his time with Vergere and Nom Anor knew the Jedi could be devious and underhanded if the situation warranted. And this situation would warrant it if he refused to cooperate. A shame. He hated having to lose someone as valuable to his cause.

"I won't ask again, Executor. What have you done with my friend?"

"She's with the shaper." Nom Anor's casual words caught Jacen from the blind side. [i]With the shaper[/i]! Jacen knew his eyes flared dangerously, something in their brandy-brown depths warning Nom Anor he had stepped beyond the limits. Nom Anor was quick to speak again. "I can get her back, I'm simply having her examined. I need to know if she is capable of bearing young."

"If Vola is even touched by your remaining shaper, I'll have both your hands and feet for a wall decoration. When did you send her?"

"An hour ago."

Jacen turned on his heel and left the tent, not bothering to say anything more. He'd deal with Nom Anor later. For the moment they had a rescue to pull off. One that was even more dangerous due to its objective. He jogged back to their camp, unable to tolerate walking, and the sun was beginning to set as he dropped back into the camp.

Tenel Ka was sitting up, her hand wrapped around a mug, her gaze on him. "What did you discover?"

He blinked. "Shouldn't you still be sleeping?"

She flexed her leg. The wounds had mostly healed, though they were now shallow cuts and wouldn't do more than sting if they were hit. Not like that would stop her. "I am fine. Did you find Vola?"

Flynn was staring at him, mute, unable to ask the question for fear of the answer and felt relieved that Tenel Ka had asked it for him.

Jacen nodded. "I know where she's been taken. Apparently your girlfriend has taken Nom Anor's fancy."

Flynn exploded to his feet, "I'm going to kill him!"

"Flynn." Tenel Ka's voice held a sharp note of reprimand even though she didn't raise it.

Flynn rounded on her. "You'd do the same, cousin, if this jerk had Jacen!"

"I did not say otherwise."

"Then don't speak to me in that tone! That... creep has Vola!"

Tenel Ka rose slowly to her feet, facing him calmly as she spoke to her husband. "Jacen, did you find Vola in Nom Anor's tent?"

"No." He stepped between the two of them, meeting Flynn's gaze. "She's not there."

"Then where the hell is she?"

Jacen grabbed Flynn by the shoulders. "Nom Anor sent her to the shaper."

"I thought you killed them all."

He shook his head. "No Flynn, all but one."

Flynn tried to shrug Jacen's hands off but his grip was too tight. "If you'd done your bloody job, man, she wouldn't be in this position!"

Jacen felt Tenel Ka's hand on his shoulder and slowly released Flynn. "If we'd killed all the shapers, Flynn, Vola would still be in that encampment. Nom Anor would never keep her here since we know her. She's too distinctive and memorable. He may be a jerk and a creep, but he's not stupid."

"Then why was he still around for you to confront?"

Jacen smiled grimly. "Because he's a devious adversary. I'm willing to bet if we go back to find him, he won't be there. It's his move on the dejarik board, so to speak."

"Dejarik?"

Tenel Ka shook her head. "A game of strategy. Nom Anor is particularly adept at thinking ahead of his enemies."

Jacen nodded. "If he sent Vola to the remaining shaper there's a reason for it. A reason beyond what he told me."

"What else did he tell you?" Flynn demanded.

Jacen smiled faintly. "He sent her to be examined by the shaper."

"I'm going to cut his feet off and beat him to death with em!" Flynn spat. "If that shaper touches her in any way, he's dead!"

Jacen sighed. "Calm down, Flynn. I understand your distress, but it's not helping the situation. We need a plan, not to run off half-cocked to play hero without knowing what we're up against. We can't help Vola if we're dead."

"B-but... he... she... I can't..." sputtered Flynn as the couple turned away from him to settle beside the fire.

"I'm not going anywhere without eating first," Jacen informed him practically. "Vola is in the camp beside the Well of the World Brain and that's the direction we're heading. If I'm not mistaken, Nom Anor will have some mode of transportation away from here when he gets there."

"But..."

Jacen held up his hand. "Feed yourself, Flynn, we leave as soon as it's finished. I promise you this. I won't let anything happen to Vola if it's in my power to stop it."

Flynn looked at him critically before accepting the bowl Jacen held out. He took it, but paced as he ate, his eyes focused on the horizon.

Jacen turned to look at Tenel Ka, who'd gone back to her cup of stew. Her eyes were clear, steady, as she arched an eyebrow. Jacen smiled, sitting close beside her as he ladled himself a bowl. "How are you feeling?"

"I am fine."

He smirked. "So you said right before you passed out yesterday. Honestly, how's the leg?"

"Sore." She admitted reluctantly. "But I can walk. I am able to help with rescuing Vola. I will not be left behind."

"I wasn't intending to leave you behind, but I was wondering exactly how fast you can move."

"I can keep up with you. We must move swiftly if we are to keep two steps ahead of Nom Anor."

Jacen settled back to eat, a frown on his face. "That's just it, by going after Vola we're doing what he expects us to. I can't help but think Vola isn't in that guarded camp. He wouldn't be stupid enough to send her there and tell me about it. Nom Anor has seen the way I've dealt with warriors, he was there when I chose the dhuryam to be the World Brain. He was there, watching, when I took down the warriors, when I made them pay for what they were doing to the slaves. He knows what I can do, so why would he send me back to the warriors if not to kill them? Something's wrong with this situation."

She took a sip of the broth in her cup. "Are we going after Vola or not?"

Jacen glanced at Flynn, keeping his voice down. "I don't think she's that far away. I think Nom Anor just wants us to go to the camp and eliminate it so he has the chance to get away with her."

"And if she is at the camp?"

Jacen sighed. "That's the dilemma. Flynn thinks we're going to be heading for the other camp, but I firmly believe Vola is somewhere nearby, closer and out of enemy hands. Nom Anor wouldn't gain anything by siding with the losing side, he knows it, so why insinuate that he has?"

"To put you off track."

Jacen nodded, continuing to eat slowly, his mind turning around fiercely. "Are you well enough to search around on your own, Tenel Ka?"

She arched an eyebrow. "I am able, yes. You plan to take Flynn and scout the other camp."

"Do you see another way of keeping him occupied?"

She shook her head once. "He is safer with one of us but your diversion is risky. I do not wish to lose you."

He lifted one hand to gently cup her face. "Nor I you, Tenel Ka, but we have to see this through. One of us has to take Flynn to the camp. With me, he'll be safe, completely safe, since I am able to... control certain Yuuzhan Vong creatures. I'll make sure we don't engage the warriors, but you have to find Vola."

"I will."

He leaned in close, gently placing a kiss on her lips. "I love you, be careful. I almost lost you yesterday."

"It will no happen again," she replied, kissing him back before he rose to his feet and put his bowl to the side.

"Flynn, are you ready?"

Flynn spun, "Anytime you are, Jacen my man. Just say the word."

Jacen looked down at Tenel Ka as she placed her cup to the side and rose to her feet beside him. "I will circle around the other side," she told Flynn calmly. "You and Jacen take the side with the slide. It is easier to maneuver than the flat plains I will be covering."

"Shouldn't we all stick together?"

Jacen smiled faintly. "She's a Jedi Knight, Flynn, trust me, she knows what she's doing."

Flynn scooped up two small bundles of supplies, handing one to Tenel Ka. "Here. I made these, the contents might come in handy."

She accepted it, attaching it firmly around her waist, "My thanks. Good luck."

"You too. Be careful."

She nodded and left the camp, feeling Jacen's eyes follow her just as his final words echoed in her mind. [i]Be careful.[/i] She almost smiled. Careful was second nature when it came to infiltration. Stretching out with the Force, she mapped the area, marking where the pockets of no feeling were, and headed for the outskirts. They Yuuzhan Vong might be immune to the Force, but personal shielding affected everyone. She wouldn't be seen. Concentrating on her task, she spared Jacen and Flynn little more than a thought. They were now on their own.

Jacen led Flynn towards the same area where he and Tenel Ka had first observed the encampment the night before. He hadn't tried to tell Flynn his suspicions since he'd have been wasting his breath. He should have kept what Nom Anor had said to himself. Then he wouldn't be in this predicament. Blame it on a day of restless sleep after an exhausting night. He pushed the thoughts away. He'd almost lost Tenel Ka last night, but he wouldn't dwell on that now. The very thought could get both he and Flynn killed.

They were stealthy, as stealthy as a Jedi with a non-Jedi tag-along could be, and they managed to escape detection as they entered the slide. They began climbing towards the upper reaches of the Well and Jacen felt a flash of premonition. He whirled. "Flynn!" he hissed.

But he was too late. Flynn's hand came down on a cracked rock and, as he began shifting his weight, he slipped. "Woah!"

Jacen reached out, stretching to catch him, but Flynn was out of reach. Digging deep into the Force without thinking, he caught the other man just shy of the large rock. And, from the look of Flynn's position, saved him from a broken leg. Or worse. Carefully lifting Flynn back towards him, Jacen kept an ear out.

The camp had quieted, Flynn's outcry having drawn the attention of the guards on duty. Holding perfectly still, yet using the Force to lift the younger man, and keep him quiet, was taxing. Splitting his attention was never a problem fully rested. If he could have spared the energy to smile faintly, he would have. He was about two weeks overdue for a week's worth of sleep and nothing else.

No one, not even Jaina or Tenel Ka, would accuse him of being fully rested just now.

The guards could be seen on the floor of the encampment, their gaze on the pile of rocks where the Jedi and survivor hid as Flynn was deposited beside Jacen. Jacen reached for his Vong sense as Flynn huddled close to the rocks. He knew how close he'd just come to a serious injury. Not to mention it wasn't everyday one was caught by a Jedi and flown through the air.

Jacen closed his eyes, having to dig deeper than normal for that special sense he'd acquired under Vergere's tender care, and reached for any other creature that might be in the vicinity. Nothing. Nothing other than what the guards had on them. Fair enough.

Reaching out to touch the essence of the amphistaffs the guards were carrying, he touched their instincts to feed and to mate. He didn't see what happened next but the sudden, startled intake of breath at his side told him he'd had the desired effect. Jacen pulled away from the amphistaffs, leaving the lingering impression that mating and eating were of the utmost importance. And leaving Jacen and Flynn room to move before reinforcements were called. Jacen opened his eyes, not bothering to see what the amphistaffs were doing as he turned to look at Flynn.

Flynn's expression was one of pure horror as he stared below and he almost screamed when Jacen placed a hand on his shoulder, jumping a couple of inches off the rock. Jacen nodded to the left, motioning that Flynn should follow him and Flynn nodded, swallowing hard. He was going to lose his lunch.

Jacen continued up the mountain side towards the Well's peak, Flynn almost directly on his heels, keeping out of sight behind the largest boulders and scanning ahead. He was fading fast as he climbed, the exertions thus far more than he'd ever been under. And yet, he was exhilarated.

He hadn't been pushed like this since his captivity, hadn't had to find those reserves of power, of determination and ingenuity, which were buried deep in his core. He climbed higher, working his way to the ledges where he and Tenel Ka had escaped to the previous evening and glanced back to find Flynn's pale face still with him.

Flynn who looked like he was going to be sick, and valiantly working his throat so that he wouldn't be. Jacen paused in their climb, finding a vantage point that overlooked most of the camp. There was little activity beyond where the Yuuzhan Vong guards were trying to pull their voracious weapons off their comrades. Or, in some cases, simply allowing them to feed.

Jacen met Flynn's gaze. "If Vola is in the camp, she'll be in that building," he pointed to the building directly below them and to the left. "It's well guarded and there are several creatures that we'll have to avoid. I don't want to have to say this again, Flynn. Absolute secrecy and stealth will keep us alive. Any rage you're feeling can't be expressed outwardly in violence. If you can't control yourself say so now and I'll investigate on my own. Once we're down there mistakes could get us killed. If I think you're going to lose it, I won't jeopardize Vola's safety by allowing you to stay."

Flynn looked from Jacen to the building and back, noting the exhaustion on the Jedi's face, but also the determination and honesty. Jacen was determined to investigate, with or without him. "Can't you just feel her through the Force or somethin'?"

Jacen's smile was faint. "Yuuzhan Vong don't exist to the Force; they're blank spots. I can tell you how many of them are in that building and convince them to sleep using a different kind of Force, but finding individual Yuuzhan Vong is beyond my capabilities. So far."

Flynn looked skeptical but shrugged, "Whatever you're going to do, man, do it quick. I'm not losin' her to these monsters."

"Neither am I after all the two of you have done for us," Jacen assured the other man. "Now stay still and quiet, this is going to take a few minutes to convince each Yuuzhan Vong to sleep. Don't distract me unless we're about to be discovered or attacked, alright?"

Flynn nodded and settled back on his haunches, turning his back to Jacen. He'd keep watch, and not watch what Jacen was going to do. After the last display he wasn't sure he could stomach it. Carefully, quietly, Flynn settled in to wait for the long minutes that would stretch into eternity.

Vola had to be alright. She just had too.