Tahiri looked up wearily as the sky-tram she boarded came to a stop in a station. She wanted to lie still for a few minutes or few days to rest but knew she couldn't rest yet. For one thing, the sky-tram would begin moving again with a fresh load of passengers and one trip on the roof was enough excitement for one day. She nearly bounced off the tram when she first landed on it, only the Force allowed her to grip the side of the tram and pull herself back on. Then she had to use the Force and her own strength to keep from being blown off as the tram traveled through the valleys created by the buildings. Her arms were cramped, she had a headache, and was exhausted both mentally and physically but she was sure she had lost any pursuers.
Slowly she stood up, jumped off the roof, and landed on the platform, only barely noticing the stir she had caused. Her focus was to get away and find a place to hide out until Poster Boy could come find her, wherever she was. She had been so busy trying to survive that she wasn't sure where she had travel too or how long she had been on the tram. That was something that she would have to find out later after she got somewhere safe to hid.
At least the worst is past, she thought as she down the flight of stairs to the lobby area, it was then that the public announcement system kick on and made things worst.
"Attention citizens of Denon attention please, the following individual is a Yuuzhan Vong spy." Tahiri looked up in horror at the comm screen, they were broadcasting a picture of her in her man skin wearing the same clothing she was now wearing. "This individual is armed and extremely dangerous and is wanted for a murder earlier tonight. We repeat this warrior is extremely dangerous and wanted for a murder of an unarmed man. If you spot this individual, do not approach but contact Denon security, Galactic Military or the Jedi. There is a $2000 credit reward for any information to the where about of this warrior, $20000 credits for his capture …"
"There he is!"
Tahiri turned and saw a couple of men who looked more to be outlaws then concern citizens pointing her out to the rest of the crowd. Many were pulling out personal communication devices but a few were pulling out weapons.
"Hold it right there scum!" One of the men who first spotted her said has he drawn a bead on her. Tahiri started down the stairs slowly and keeping a weary eye on the men but then heard sounds of security forces running up behind her. She turned her head slightly and caught the sight of four security officers drawing their weapons. "Move and your dead scar head!"
["Bangor ignite!"] Tahiri said aloud as she threw herself down the stairs. As she leaped the two men above her and the four below opened fired. Some of the beams she deflected away from her and kicked one of the guards in the face, knocking him down. Then with expert swings of her light saber she either defected incoming fire or sliced the weapons apart without injuring the officers. Doesn't anyone know what a stun setting is, she thought as she fought off her attackers. She tried to defect the beams back at the shooter, to hit near them and scare them off but she wasn't trying to hit anyone. However, she was less then successful at that action as the scream of one of the shooters testified to that fact. Making her way past the guards she ran down the passageway not turning to look at who was following her. Above her, the screens were showing a real time picture of her, tracking her through the building.
"Freeze …" a security officer said jumping in front of her raising his stun baton. She was too close to him to use Bangor or to move out of his way. He was able to get a couple blows in on her right arm before she was able to twist out of the way. As she used Bangor to slice the baton in half and then backhand him in the neck to knock him to the ground, she used the Force to wash away the pain and the stunning effect from the baton. She was so intent on the officer in front of her that she didn't notice the men that caught up with her until one of them tackled her.
["Bangor, disengage,"] she screamed out as she tried to twist out of the grip of a man three times her size. Size matters not … was the saying that Master Skywalker had drilled into his students everyday. It was also the truth of self-defense; it didn't matter in the fight what your size was, it was all about leverage. All her training, Jedi, Yuuzhan Vong and Tusken Raiders, all dealt with leverages and how to use her small size to get the upper hand. Going limp she caused him to tried and get a better grip on her, when he took one hand off her, she twisted and connected with her foot to a part of his body she was sure he treasured. With a high pitch scream, he fell to the ground clutching himself in pain. She had just enough time to center herself before the next wave hit her. How could this possibly get any worst …
"Who authorized that transmission Captain?" Jaina said, screamed actually, in to the comm system. The last thing she wanted was it to be known that they were chasing a dangerous Vong around the planet; it wasn't something that the public needed to know until after they captured him. She didn't want a bunch of amateurs interfering in a sensitive operation while trying to collect the reward. Moreover, since they believe that the Vong was sensitive to the Force it could get bloody very quickly. Most of these wanna-be had no idea how to fight someone like that or even how to hold him or her until the authorities arrived. Luckily, the reports from the location of the Vong show that the injuries were minor and non-life threatening but she couldn't see how that could continued for long. After all the Vong were not known for their non-violent conflict resolution.
"We are investigating that right now Colonel but that is the least of the problems." The nervous Denon security guard said watching something off screen, "several news agencies have converged on the location and running this all live."
"It's two in the morning who would be up to watch this," Alema said from the driver station as she worked her way through the never-ending traffic. Like Coruscant use to be, here on Denon, the planet never truly sleeps.
"It is being broadcast all over the planet so I am sure some are watching it," the young captain said with a shrug, "I do know that someone is watching them since we have several reports of ordinary citizens flocking to the area in hope of collecting the rewards. They are flooding the area and my men are being swamped trying to help the injured and stopping these yahoos from shooting each other."
"How many people have been hurt Captain?" Jaina said switching one of the comm channels to news feed channel to see what was going on herself.
"So far 2 dead and about 20 injured, the two who died were caught in the cross fire trying to get a shoot in themselves. As far as I have been able to tell the Vong hasn't killed anyone … yet."
"That won't last long," Alema said with a weary look in her eyes. Jaina had to agree with her friend.
"Captain, we are still about 15 minutes away. We have several teams of MP's and other support personal on the way to that location. I have them coordinate with you on where to help you."
"Thank you Colonel, and the Vong?"
"Leave him to us, we have a team of Jedi on the way."
"Very good Colonel Solo, I let my people know help is on the way. I'll contact you again with any new developments."
"Very good Captain, Solo out," Jaina said switching off the comm and watching the news feed.
"At least we can track him," Alema said glancing at the screen.
"So can any idiot with a blaster," Jaina said sourly as she contacted the two troop transports behind her and gave them their orders to help the local security forces. Looks like they are forcing him to the high levels, Jaina though as she switch over to another channel. "Dad, are you there?"
"Jaina, this your mom we are on our way with your uncle and aunt," the voice of Leia Organa-Solo said coming across the speaker. Jaina instantly felt better at the sound of her mom's voice, with them around she knew everything was going to work out. Her parents and Aunt and Uncle have been doing crazy stuff like this years before she was born and if anyone could help her capture this Vong it would be them. "Corran, his son and Kyp are following us in another speeder, has there been any changes?"
Jaina spent the next few minutes up dating them on the chase, the news media tracking the spy and the strange weapon the spy was using. When she was done, her uncle's voice replaced her mother's voice.
"Jaina are you sure he has a light saber?"
"I saw it Master Skywalker," Alema said in a tight voice, "it looked like a light saber to me. Plus I know it used a Force Blast to knock me to the ground."
"The troopers I have heard from describe it that way to Uncle Luke. I think we have to agree that somehow this Vong can use the Force like we can."
"Is he a dark side?"
"I'm assuming so but neither Alema nor I can feel him in the Force." Then she turned slightly to look at her brother, "and all Jacen keeps saying is that this warrior is the key."
"Jacen?" Uncle Luke's voice sounding perplexed, "when did you get here?"
"Uncle Luke we must save that warrior, the future depends on it. The Will demands it," Jacen replied never taking his eyes of the monitor showing the fight between some locals and the warrior. Jaina figured they would be there in a minute or so and started to get ready.
"What do you mean Jacen?"
"The Will demands it the warrior is the key."
"That is about all your going to get Uncle Luke," Jaina grounded out in frustration.
"I thought Tahiri was the only Jedi Vong," the rough voice of her father coming through the comm system.
"Maybe someone tried to repeat the Shaping on someone else and succeeded this time?" Kyp's voice came across, not sounding as if he really believed it.
Jaina wasn't so sure; Tahiri had gone almost two years before her shaping really took hold. If a Shaper had used someone else who was sensitive to the Force, it might have taken this long for him to mature to the point that they could let him go out and fight. Maybe that is way the death rate is so low, maybe he still learning what it means to be a warrior. Jaina shook her head clear as they landed at the building, in which the Vong was located. They had 20 flights of stairs to climb before they would reach the warrior and get some answers. "We're here, the warrior is out at the landing pad on the North side almost to the top. We'll meet you guys there." She heard her parents' voices as she jumped out of the car but didn't stick around to answer them. She knew what they would say and didn't want to waste time arguing with them right now. They were only a couple minutes away and they would be able to catch up with her before she had to face the Vong. Better to get there a head of them and assess the situation first then wait for them.
When Jaina, Jacen and Alema got to the right floor, Jaina saw that the local security force had the situation at least partially under control. The vigilantes were being herded down the stairs, many grumbling about lost chances and credits, while four of the guards were laying down cover fire to the landing pad.
"Report," Jaina barked out at the sergeant whom seemed to be in charge.
"Colonel Solo?" He asked, when she confirmed her identity he relaxed some and gave her a quick run down. "We have sealed off access to this area and rounded up the unauthorized personal. The landing pad out there is mostly designed for local traffic not space worthy ships. We had your X-wings set up a no-fly zone and remotely locked down any craft out there. The target is at the far end of pad 2, straight ahead, and we have a team setting up two floors above us. The Vong had used any shots at him to take out the lights out there with that light saber of his so we have the team using night giggles to locate him."
"Good sounds like you have him contained," Jaina said looking over the situation. Hopefully they did have him contained this time, "do you have night vision goggles?" When he handed her a pair she was able to see a slight outline of the Vong's body heat as he hid behind some kind of containers on the far end of the pad.
"I thought the Vong didn't have any Jedi in them," the sergeant asked.
"We're not entirely sure what is going on," Jaina admitted, "but looks like we may have been wrong."
"I need to speak to the warrior," Jacen said starting to move out to the pad. Jaina grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back in.
"Have you gone space happy? We wait till the others get here."
"We have to save the warrior now, before they get here."
"They? What are you talking about mom and dad would …"
"No, they who would destroy the future. They will try to keep the warrior from doing what is required, what is necessary, to save everyone from themselves. Especially her, she will be here soon and she will take the warrior and destroy that warrior."
"We are going to capture that warrior Jacen, but first we wait for …" Jaina saw the back up arrive. Her parents, looking grim but ready, her Aunt and Uncle, Kyp, Corran and his son Valin; they all looked rested and ready but not happy about doing this action. A lot of tension in her seems to evaporate seeing the best the Jedi had to offer standing before her. As quickly, as she could she got them all up to speed on their target. "Jacen is driving me nuts about saving this guy but I think he might be right. We should let him talk to the warrior with the rest of us as back up."
"I agree," Uncle Luke told her, "Jacen can go out and talk to him. The rest of us should be out there with him too just in case."
"One thing though," Corran said looking over the situation, "Valin, Han and Leia should stay back here with the security people."
"DAD!"
"If you think …" her dad started but was cut off by Luke.
"He's right Han. Leia and Valin are the least experienced fighting with a light saber or fighting someone with the Force and, no offence Han, but you're not a Jedi." Uncle Luke said gently but firmly, "It may come down to a fight and we can afforded any extra distractions, plus if he does get by us we need to three back her to coordinate with the security forces." Uncle Luke nodded slightly toward Valin and for once her father seem to pick up the unspoken request.
"Right," he said, "but if you need us kid."
"You will be the first ones I call." Luke said with a relieved smile, Jaina knew how hard it was to change her father's mind once it was made up. "Valin, do you understand?"
Valin didn't look pleased at all but nodded his understanding. He pulled out his light saber and moved over to stand next to Leia.
"Make sure that your snipers know we are heading out there." Corran said to the security sergeant.
"I make sure the fighter are warned also," Leia said with concern written all over her face.
"Ok Jacen you can …" Jaina turned and saw her brother already heading out to the pad, "never mind."
She followed Jacen out with Luke, Mara, Kyp, Corran and Alema close behind her. They all spread out behind Jacen as he came to a stop about half way to the Vong's hiding space.
"Come out my friend, we will not hurt you." Jacen said in a clear but compelling voice. "We are here to take you home, back to Zonama Sekot."
Jaina figured talking would do no good and wasn't to surprise when the warrior didn't reply.
"Please, there is no reason to hid. Come out and embrace the Way." After a few seconds, Jaina saw the crates the warrior was hiding behind move out of the way on their own. It was dark out with the lights from the near-by buildings offering a back lighting so she couldn't see the warrior's face but she was sure surprise was there.
"Guess I don't have much of a choice," the rough husky voice came from the dark as the warrior slowly stood up. In his left hand, Jaina could see something … squirming.
"You have been lost my friend, I am here to take you back home to Sekot." Jacen said with a stupid smile on his face.
"Well, I was lost but thankfully there was a map down below so I know where I'm now and I can find my own way back home." The Vong said in a very tired voice. "But thanks for the offer."
"Great we have a comedian on our hands," Corran softly.
"Sekot needs you to help others," Jacen said taking a small step forward and Jaina saw the Vong take two steps back. "Sekot misses you, Sekot needs your help in teaching the new way to the others."
"Sekot," Jaina heard the Vong whisper out that word, not as if he was repeating the word but as if he was seeing Sekot. There was also a heart breaking longing in his voice as if he was more homesick then he even knew. "No, I can't go back. My mission is too important, more important then you know."
"The gods don't exist you know," Kyp said from his position.
"Are you so sure Master," the Vong said after a long pause, "perhaps they and the Force are one."
"If you believe that then you should go back to Sekot for Sekot is beginning to believe that as well." Jacen said taking another step forward. Jaina was shaken by the Vong statement, she could tell her aunt and uncle was too. Anakin had believed the same thing before he died and it was unsettling to hear a Vong say the same thing. "Your friends will only lead to your destruction and your downfall. They don't understand you nor do they understand the Force."
"Oh like you understand me," the Vong's voice suddenly going hard. He then said something in his language and the light saber clicked on. The Vong was visible in the icy blue light of the saber. "Take one more step forward and I will hurt you."
"We don't want to fight you," Luke said suddenly, stepping forward to stop Jacen from moving any closer. "I know you are a great warrior and we do not wish to battle you or any other Yuuzhan Vong. However, I must implore you to listen to me for a moment. Even if you do not wish to return to Zonama Sekot, I must ask you to please come with us. You have a great gift in the Force; you may be the first of your kind to have the abilities of the Jedi. But with that great gift come a greater responsibility, only a properly trained Jedi with the Force as an ally can with stand the Dark Side."
"I am sorry Master Skywalker but I must refuse at this time." The Vong said taking a finial step backwards to the very edge of the landing pad.
"She is here," Jacen said in a low desperate voice. "You can feel her can't you? Your friend can't love you as Sekot could. She can't understand you only fear you. She will destroy everything to keep you from your destiny." When the Vong said nothing Jacen voice got very hard, "I can't let you leave, you will destroy everything if you do."
It was then Jaina notice a large black shape rise from below the pad, her danger senses went off like a High Day Celebration. As she screamed for everyone to hit the deck the ship opened fire with its top quad guns. She lost sight of the Vong but heard him run up a ramp of the ship. She felt the powerful engines as the ship turned and rocket off into the air. Everyone was standing back up except Jacen who was still standing watching the fleeing ship.
"Colonel Solo to PDF, you have a ship heading outbound," Jaina said in to her comm unit. She gave the PDF the coordinates of the fleeing ship and the best description she could considering how little she saw of it.
"It was a YT-1300," her father said helping her up.
"Are you sure dad?"
"Trust me honey I know the sound of a YT-1300 in my sleep," her dad said with his famous smirk.
Jaina passed on the word and got a confirmation from the PDF.
"We have a two frigates and a corvette answering the alert. The frigates are on stand by alert since they were in dock but should be moving in a few minutes the corvette just showed up in system so their crew is already at station. They are a picket carrier and have launched four X-wings."
"What's the name of the corvette," Jaina asked suddenly feeling a little apprehensive.
"The 'Mount Tantiss' ma'am."
"Alright please keep me informed," why does that name of that ship sound so familiar. Mount Tantiss was the location of the Empire's store room and cloning tanks that Grand Admiral Thrawn had used to make a bib to destroy the New Republic back when she was born. And it was not uncommon for corvettes to be named after famous historical events but still there was something not right about this. She turned to grill her brother about what was really going on but didn't see him. "Where is Jacen?"
"Ma'am we are tracking a YT-1300 heading outbound, we are scrambling our forces to the area." The voice said distracting her and pulling her back to her job.
"Roger maker sure you take them alive," she click off the comm unit and looked at her uncle, "we got them now."