Post 5
Coruscant
Leia hesitated at the entrance to the small lounge adjacent to her office. In the unbidden reaches of her mind this group almost appeared to be part of a special council of war; friends who had supported her through the fledgling Republic's most desperate hours. This was to be a different kind of war, one which she hoped would decide who the next Chief of State would be, because despite Mon Mothma's insistence, Leia could not resign herself to Borsk's inevitable success.
At her hip her commlink twittered softly, and she stepped back into the hallway walking a few steps before she answered. "Organa Solo"
"It's Han. I just wanted to let you know I've got a meeting with Lando in a few hours. He'll probably have additional information about what happened on Cloud City. As soon as we get it down formally, I'll draft a report with Winter and send it to you."
"That would be great. The more we know about what Czetheros and the Black Sun are up to the better." Her eyes scanned the nearly empty hall, catching sight of a young aide with dark braided hair walking towards the office. Recognizing her as one of Borsk's aides Leia nodded a greeting at the girl's seemingly deferential look of awe, and turned away as she felt the same manipulative gloating in the aide's presence that had been following all of the Bothan's staff for the last few weeks. It is as if he's already been elected! In the back of her mind, Han's voice continued, and she focused on it once again.
"…listen, afterwards I'll be on the Falcon." If you need me, was the unspoken addendum that she automatically filled the longer than usual pause with.
Nerfherder.Leia smiled at the comm, thanked him, and then made her way back to the lounge. This time she entered the room and quickly sealed the doors behind her. It was a relaxed atmosphere, but she knew that once they heard what she had to say it would be bustled with activity.
Cal Omas was having a quiet whispered discussion with the Caamasi Senator Elgos A'kla, while Councilor Triebakk and Ponc Gavrisom watched her with a measure of curiosity. After a moment the conversation to her right ceased and she murmured a brief greeting before delivering her news. "I'm sure you realize that in about a year the Senate has to re-ratify me as Chief of State. After talking with my family, and Mon Mothma and a long period of self reflection and thought…I've decided I will not be running again."
Her Force sense appraised the myriad of reactions from around the table. Cal, was reflective, as if he had known this was coming, Ponc and Elgos surprised, and Councilor Triebakk held no expression, but then again not many people could decipher expressions from a Wookiee. He shook his shaggy head and groaned a question.
Leia shrugged, and shook her head, "No I do not think I can ever step out of the political arena, but unlike the last time," she nodded her head deferentially at the Calibot, "this is permanent."
"If I could be impolite and ask a question," Elgos respectfully interjected. "This is in no way influenced by Senator Borsk Fey'lya's apparent bid for the post?"
"No!" Vehemently, she continued, but with more control. "No. I've been in office for thirteen years. Before that it was the rebellion. Mon Mothma was President for only seven years, and as the second Chief of State since its inception, I think that the New Republic needs new leadership." She added quickly, "Not that I would like to see Borsk in my seat anytime soon."
Cal Omas leaned back in his seat. "I had wondered why your aides had not submitted the forms along your usual timeline. You're normally well ahead of the deadline." He looked at his fellow Alderaanian.
Leia frowned, "How long do you think I have before someone else, like Borsk, figures this out?"
"I wouldn't worry. His machinery is so caught up in slandering your name that they won't look to see if you actually filed until much later. It's the Holonetnews that you have to worry about."
She grimaced. "Well, I'll just keep quiet about it. I want to finalize the speech before I set the date of a press conference. I've discussed this with some close advisors, and we think that two-three months should be adequate. This way one of the four of you can file for candidacy immediately after without any further issues."
Cal looked at her slightly amused. "One of us? Why not all four? Odds of any of us having another chance at this are fairly low considering the life-span of the office."
"Whoever runs will need the other three for support. You four are the leaders of coalitions which I believe are critical in preventing extremists like Pwoe from gaining control. "Her words halted as the commlink beeped.
Flipping it open she snagged her datapad with her other hand, "Yes? Hello, Luke."
She listened for a moment, then queried, "Where? When?" After motioning to the four to talk amongst themselves, Leia moved towards a inner part of the room for privacy.
As she walked away Triebakk growled again, and was not surprised at Elgos and Cal's almost immediate agreement. "The only qualified being is former President Gavrisom."
Cal nodded. "I don't think that two Alderaanian's in a row will help me."
Elgos frowned, "I do not think I am suited for the job. I would make a better ambassador, or advisor."
Looking flustered, Ponc tilted his head graciously. "Are you sure? Senator Omas, being Alderaanian should not be a reason not to run."
The senator merely shrugged, "You have been in the office before after serving many terms as senator. Under your leadership peace with the Empire was obtained. "
"But that was only after President Solo's intervention on our behalf," the Calibot interjected.
"Under your leadership peace with the Empire was obtained." Elgos repeated, "Your name is on the charter. "
"You, out of all of us, are the strongest being to defeat Borsk and his factions. " Cal urged, "You must see that Ponc." His eyes glanced towards Leia who was making her way back to the table.
Her voice was steady, almost restrained, "Fine, meet me down here in fifteen minutes we'll have to work with some damage control." She glanced towards the foursome before her.
"So?"
Three of the eyes turned to Ponc Gavrisom, who stood up with steadiness and character.
"Madame President, I would be honored to take your place, if elected, as the next Chief of State of the New Republic."
Leia smiled although her eyes betrayed some underlying tension; she nodded firmly, "Good, now get to work."
She hesitated before moving towards the door. "There has been an incident in the Empress Teta system. As details arise, I'll make sure you're kept informed."
Before leaving the room, she scanned the hallway for familiar and unfamiliar presences, and was startled to find the same aide lurking nearby. Well, if she's looking for information, we'll give her some.
Leia turned back to her companions and displayed an almost wicked smile. "Gentlemen, there is one more thing I'd like to discuss with you…"
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Fifteen minutes later, Luke strode into her office, where she sat almost stunned by the carnage on her screen. It was a scene of a building in the corporate sector of the Empress Teta system, and it appeared to be an explosion or bombing of some sort. She looked at the time stamp. Four hours ago. "What happened?"
"Wurth Skidder and Tresina Lobi were there, we'll have a report as soon as they return." He turned to Leia and with a level of confidence which she was sure was part façade.
"Leia, you know this tragedy will do in the Senate, especially since the Jedi were on planet, they've begun to take every incident as a sign that the Jedi aren't being controlled. There are some who want something to be done." He hesitated and then continued,
"I thought about the conversation you had with Mon Mothma, and there may be something we can do, something that I've been thinking about for a few months, but wasn't sure it was the right answer until today. "
He met his sister's gaze. His blue eyes, burning with a level of intensity she saw only when it came to matters of extreme import.
"Leia, I want to reinstate the Jedi Council."
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To the others in the grand corridor, she was indistinguishable from the many staffers rushing to their next meeting, or dictating into a recorder. Staring only at the floor and avoiding eye contact Morleigh Awim counted the number of steps to her boss's office, trying to stop herself from shouting with glee.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
Within moments she let herself confidently into the lobby of Borsk Fey'lya's office, finally allowing herself a self-satisfied grin, "Morleigh Awim, to see the Senator."
"You aren't on the schedule." The droid behind the desk was unwavering. "The senator has a meeting in ten minutes, I'm afraid you will have to come back later."
"No, I'm afraid that is unacceptable." She was adamant now. Somehow one of the other low level aides would realize she was absent from the committee meeting they were supposed to be taking notes on, and try and scoop her in someway. Who cares about government contracts anyway?
She started as the inner door to the Senator's office opened, and the charismatic Bothan walked out with some files. She straightened, her dark plait swinging behind her, "Senator Fey'lya."
"Good Evening Morliegh." He turned back towards the office.
"Senator, if I may have but a moment?"
Turning around and with a look of patience that was somewhat forced, he waited for her to speak.
Choosing her words carefully, to avoid the other beings waiting in the Lobby, she added, "In private?"
He gestured for her to follow him into the office barely allowing the door to slide shut before dropping all pretence of patienc, "Yes?" It was an order.
Her breath came out rushed and stumbled. "I was walking past President Organa Solo's office and saw her come out of a conference room, looking upset. " She was not going to mention the fact that she had been staking out the office just in case something like this did happen. "Then, almost ten minutes later, Senator Omas, Ak'la, Triebakk, and Gavrisom exited."
The powerful Bothan's expression looked almost bored. "They are her most ardent supporters." His tone was slightly mocking. Except for Gavrisom, who has his own agenda.
"Yes, I know, but I happened to be walking in front of them and heard something I thought you should know. " She paused for dramatic effect.
"The four senator's are going to propose a new piece of trade legislation, a sort of addendum to the Duro's proposition that would tariff all exporters of military grade hardware unless they are willing to import certain agricultural materials…"
A bill that would redeem the Chief of State on her hard-line military preparedness image that we've perpetuated. She gloated inwardly before continuing.
"…and she turned them down!" She knew she had the Senator's attention and breathlessly, with flourish added the kicker.
"They turned to other topics for a few moments, and just before I turned to walk back here, Senator Gavrisom turned to Senator Omas and said 'She's just not working out, I may just have to withdraw my backing. I need this addendum to pass, or my constituency will be asking me some hard questions." The young aide lapsed into silence, sensing that her discovery was as important as she had thought it would be.
Borsk's eyes glinted, "Thank you, Morleigh. Please, let yourself out."
As the aide left Borsk Fey'lya chuckled to himself. "If passing that bill means that 'Puffers' will switch sides. I may finally have something to offer him."
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Valdet
Sian stared at his desk stop, adjusting his wiry frame, trying to will his comm to ring.
They were late. He looked at the door, than looked back at the time, then again at the commlink. How did it come to this? He had already had a terrible day, and grimaced as he thought of his earlier visitors.
He jumped as the door to his office slammed open, but was not surprised as his conspirator Koi Esperenza strode in. Her high forehead was pulled taught and her features stretched in tension. "Sian." The following stare was unnerving, and it was expectant.
One of his fingernails tapped the table involuntary. "No word. It has been nearly a full week since the last check in."
"And the other team? The one following Alluvia's shitzu? "
His spine stiffened at the vulgar reference to Nestor Alluvia's family. After their late night meeting so many weeks ago, Koi's bitterness at their manipulation had transferred itself to the bearer of the news, and towards her hatred for the monarchy. He knew he was being manipulated again. "They left Drask behind, she is after all alone. They're hoping to make contact soon. "
"How soon?"
Sian pursed his lips, holding back the urge to kill this woman before him. "Ten minutes ago." Imperceptibly, the corners of her eyes tightened.
"Really." It was a hiss, almost snake-like. They stood silent for a few moments, neither moving when the comm beside his hand blinked. Koi tilted her head, as if giving him permission to answer.
Hiding the disgust in his voice, Sian jabbed at the button, "Arran. "
Full of static, he recognized the Lieutenant of the second team. "I found them. "
"Where."
"On a cliff face. Two dead, the others were stunned and tied up. "
Koi spoke spat out. "What happened? Don't mince words. Did they succeed?"
There was a scuffle on the other side of the comm, and a groan, The voice of the team lead came over the comm, in obvious pain. "We don't know. The Jedi came out briefly after I talked to you, she…we didn't stand a chance.
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One week earlier…
Danshitie
It had taken her a little over two days, moving at a brisk pace, to make her way back through the cave and through the opening cavern. Drawing closer the vague danger sense that had yet to disappear grew stronger, prodding her to increase her speed. Carefully maneuvering over the narrow pathway, Mara was nearly through the hidden entrance when strange voices caught her ear.
"Yes, no…she has not come out yet. Don't worry sir, we won't fail. There are six of us, and just one Jedi. No sir. Yes sir, we'll bring it right away, sir." An audible pop echoed through the cavern as the commlink outside was shut off.
Stretching her senses Mara could make out four individuals standing at ready alert, too alert for her to distract them. From their presences it seemed like they were in a loose semi-circle around the cave entrance and all four were exhibiting signs of nervousness and to some extent an emotion that Mara could only term as superstitious. They are afraid of this cave. It is almost as if they don't really want to be here.
"We're not going to watch you kill her. She's Mara Jade Skywalker. I'm fairly sure that if she doesn't completely destroy you, her husband will when he finds out that you even aimed a blaster at her." Mara almost laughed, recognizing the deep voice of Rian. She could tell that her four traveling companions were sitting next to two unfamiliar presences, one maliciously focused, while the other was agitated, and tightly wound. The leader and his personal goon.
Iralian's voice was low, "I'm not sure why you're even doing this, why work for someone like Sian Arran and Koi Esperenza? They're worse for our planetary future than the Romani's or the Morodin's. "
Mara remembered him telling her about the Nida' di Accord. The Night of the Accord when Nestor Alluvia had tied up Sian and Koi, told them of how they had been manipulated, and then forced them to work together.
Nestor Alluvia was not a stupid man, because he followed these actions with a concise message to his daughter and husband entrusting them to watch both beings. It was obvious that he hadn't even trusted their word to his face. At the time they were a means to an end, a way for Tristan to follow Iker Rafagr. Now, his entire plan for restoring order was dependant on whether Mara had been successful or not. She listened to Iralian again.
"Everyone native to Valdet and Danshitie are descendants of that original clan. Even the Fl'intil." His steady confidence did not appear to be swaying the leader, but two of the guards were pretending not to listen.
Mara took stock in her situation. She could wait until it got darker, and get more rest allowing her body to heal. Or she could go out now, and deal with this mess. It was obvious that Sian and Koi had them followed, and while Mara knew she could take out the six individuals with some fancy footwork, she didn't want to be arrogant enough to think she couldn't get hurt in the process. She'd have to be suicidal.
Once again, the Force decided for her.
The leader's voice had interrupted Iralian. "You know what? I don't care what this is all about. As long as I get paid, anyone can have my allegiance. In fact, I bet that she didn't survive the cave. I don't believe in that all powerful Jedi nonsense. Even these idiots I work with will be able to take her out. One against the six of us. HA! You'd have to be suicidal. "
Mara grimaced, as she realized his insult had drawn the attention of the four guards away from their task. She was not going to get another chance like this. Gently laying the pack on the ground, she stepped through the cavern entrance, blaster in hand. "All right, let's get this over with."
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For a moment no one moved. Then almost in unison the four humans who moments before had faced the fire, now whirled around, blasters drawn.
She looked at them, and laughed inwardly at the expressions on their faces. I don't look that tough to you do I, I look a bit like I've spent almost five long days inside a cave. She was well aware that she didn't look like the clean cut Jedi Knight of legend. Waving her blaster at them, she arched her eyebrows. "Well, what are we waiting for?"
The men shuffled, not sure what to do, wary. Mara caught Danel and Rian's eyes and watched as the latter slid his glance towards the other two men. She blinked.
The Fl'intil stood up slowly, and walked towards her, making sure he remained behind the guards. "Where is it?"
Innocently Mara looked from their captor to Iralian. "Where's what?" She shrugged. "Don't know, don't care. Frankly, I think it's all a part of your imagination."
His lips twitched, "Liar."
Mara, who exuded calm, grinned, "If you say so."
His green skin paled for a moment before, with a semblance of a man in control, flicking his wrist. "I can search you dead as well as alive. Shoot her."
Mara saw the four shots coming long before he gave the order, and was ready, instantly leaping up fifty feet before flipping over the gunmen, landing softly in a crouching position between Iralian and Halden. From the corner of her eye, she saw both Rian and Danel lunge towards the other two men. With her lightsaber still clipped to her belt she yanked the left two blasters from their grips with the Force, twisting them up and around before slamming the two guards together. They fell to the ground, unconscious.
With her hands still free, she simultaneously lined her sight shooting off stun beams toward the other two. The third of the four assailants collapsed immediately, but Mara realized that the fourth guard had gotten off a shot. Dropping her knee to the ground, she arched back flattening herself to the ground. She watched as the bolt passed harmlessly over her.
Thunk.
Mara leapt to her feet and turned around, feeling the death behind her. She had been hoping for a bloodless fight, but casualties were sometimes impossible to prevent. The leader's thug had caught the blaster shot that she had escaped, and from what she could tell, Danel, upon seeing the last guard about to shoot her, had used the Fl'intil's blaster which was not, as expected, preset on stun, with the hopes of stopping him.
She swept the area noting that none of her four companions had any obvious injuries before striding to the cave opening. Reaching in she snagged the bag and swung it lightly over her shoulder.
Her voice was controlled, "Tie up the four that are living. Leave the dead. They'll have backup coming as soon as they don't check in."
Halden came up to her, laying a limb on her shoulder, "Are you all right?"
Mara gave him a quick glance. This is not the time to think about it. "As well as can be expected." She caught Iralian's eye, and he quickly looked away pulling the camp together.
She kept her voice low "Iralian, Danel, Rian. I found it, and if you can get me back to Valdet, I can show you where the other half is and we can end this feud forever."
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Valdet
Sian stared at the comm, grimaced and looked up at Koi.
Her voice had gotten louder. "You don't know?"
"You don't know!" She repeated, and was about to say more when her personal comm chirped. Angrily, Koi stalked out of the room.
The voice was subdued, "She wasn't holding anything before she attacked."
Sian sighed, "Did you think that maybe it was inside the cave?"
"It could have been, but there wasn't any time." He was miserable. "What do you-"
He was cut off as Koi reentered the room, and slammed her finger onto the comm, disconnecting the line.
"What the hell do you think you're doing!" Sian growled. "This is my office, not yours."
Koi slapped him. "Stop whining. If we don't get ourselves together we're not going to have offices at this time tomorrow. My aide just commed. They landed early this morning, and snuck into town. Kilan just saw the Jedi with some of Tristan's former friends in the legislature.
Sian, if they found it, they can destroy our credibility, and we're through."
Stunned Sian dropped his head into his hands, so she wouldn't see his look of resignation. It was better that she saw him as weak. Her cynical laugh brought his head back up.
Koi looked at him piteously, "They can destroy us, but don't worry Sian, we won't go down without a fight."
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Tatoonie- Anchorhead
Nestor removed the last of the boxes from his hold, and secured the ramp to his ship, Selanore before turning to Raoul, the young Ho'Din standing patiently beside him.
Carrying their own load of boxes, the two of them made their way to the hovercart choosing an easy silence until the unloading was complete. Standing almost three meters high, Raoul's red and violet scales glittered in the low overhead lights as he heaved his boxes in place, steadying them with hand. Brushing at the ever-present sand on his tunic, he then took the last box off of Nestor's pile before asking conversationally, "So, how was the trip?" He closed the gate on the cart, secured the load and walked around to the front.
Following, Nestor casually waved goodbye to his temporary co-pilot who was finishing the station paperwork while he escorted the supplies to the NREMAT storage area, "Not too bad, uneventful actually. "
"Good, Good." Raoul grabbed the hovercart controls, and then meandered through the corridors ducking under a low arch towards the main corridor. "Uneventful is always good."
Nestor nodded in agreement, "How about you, how are the vaccinations going? Did you find the missing ingredient for that salve?" Raoul was a member of the NREMAT homeopathic team. In fact he was the homeopathic team. With a background in the famous natural-medicine field, he had been attempting to find a remedy for the skin rash that many in Anchorhead were suffering from. The doctor's had pinpointed the cause to an updraft of coarse sand particles, but had been unable to soothe their patients. As with all NREMAT doctors, today was Raoul's shift in the dock area, helping the medical teams unload the daily supplies that were constantly arriving
Raoul shook his head, "I found something I thought would work, unfortunately it was effictive only once before the rash reappeared. I need something stronger." He gestured to the boxes Nestor had brought, "Maybe the Gingean I ordered arrived."
"Maybe, although, I would not bet on it. The inventory list indicated it was more bandaging and sterile equipment."
"Ahh, the Doc's will be happy to hear that." A few minutes later they had deposited the cart with the storage master, and were walking back towards the quarters.
Nestor looked over at his companion with a smile. "How's the weather?"
"Hot." His tone was bland, uncensoring. It was always hot on Tatooine. "In fact you may want to cover up before we head out the UV levels have been intense."
Nestor weaved the white band of cloth that had been hanging from his neck like a scarf up and around his head, "I am going to clean up, but I don't want to stay inside. Is there anything going on tonight?"
"Some doctor's transferred over from Mos Eisley today. We're having a welcoming get together, "
"I'll be there."
xxxx
It took him about an hour before he felt presentable enough to show himself in public. Wrapping back up, Nestor exited the quarters he shared with Tristan and four other doctors, ambling towards the dining quarter, dubbed the NREMAT decontamination unit.
Right before ducking into the tent his practiced eye, trained to search out threats at every moment, took in the NREMAT complex. Five buildings made of a mixture of clay bricks smoothed over by years of sandstorms, the complex boundaries was indistinguishable from the rest of the Anchorhead trading buildings. The days on Tatooine began early, with most inhabitants taking advantage of the relatively cooler mornings to complete transactions and errands. Consequently, as the twin suns of Tatooine barely peeked over the horizon, most of the lights within had been extinguished long ago, and the complex buildings were peaceful and thankfully empty, standing still, with no medical emergency putting them to use. By habit, Nestor paused to examine the smallest of the buildings where a low light flickered in the window.
Every evening one doctor was expected to take the night shift, ready to sound the alarm, and comm those if an emergency arose. Nestor knew that once again, Tristan had traded with the scheduled doctor, eager to let them join the late night parties while he stayed alert and alone. Nestor had never felt pity for his highness, instead regretting his own inability to help a man who, with so large a load on his shoulders, had suddenly found himself stagnated, without the means of support.
When Dr. Stanton, had given him the NREMAT information Tristan had been hesitant, almost suspicious. Upon realizing that he lacked options, they found themselves whirlwinded to Tatooine, quickly filling in the spot of a doctor at one of the two posts on the desert planet. A quick placement, by any means but nevertheless welcome. Nestor had found himself a job quickly, helping in the docking area with transport, making bi-weekly jaunts to pick up shipments. They had swiftly found a routine that was both comfortable and unobtrusive.
Tristan's days were spent amongst other doctors, remaining involved but generally aloof unless with a patient, where Nestor saw the old Tristan come feverishly alive. At night, the doctor retreated into his thoughts, no longer angry or completely depressed, but inevitably living in a self-imposed quarantine from life.
Nestor on the other hand had made friends quickly, and would spend time in the company in others almost as much as he spent time with Tristan. He had never had a chance to travel far, and while not a sheltered man, he was determined to embrace this opportunity while staying true to his duty. Therefore, it was with little reluctance that he pulled himself away from the brief observance of the flickering candle, and ducked into the tent.
Weaving his way through the gaggle of younger interns and medical students he made his way towards the back of the tent, nodding to those who greeted him along the way. He spotted Raoul at a small makeshift table, sitting on a crate.
"Nestor! Welcome," He waved his hand and gestured towards an open seat, sliding a clay cup of liquid towards him. "Feeling better?" The Ho'din's tone was much more cheerful, having consumed a few glasses of the local ale already.
"Yes, although I will cherish having a full shower again." Nestor took a sip from his cup, grimacing, as usual, at the aftertaste. His eyes slowly went around the table taking in the other occupants. Besides Raoul, there was his sometimes co-pilot Generazio Decatur, a Coruscanti native, the resident mechanic. There was also a slim female named Syla, a nurse who smiled behind her cup in greeting. Both were wearing the light tunic's that were all the rage in Anchorhead. After noting the empty seat across from him, he turned to the third individual sitting peaceably to his right.
Raoul introduced them, "Doctor Benin Akil of Mon Cal, Nestor Alluvia of…" he trailed off and stared at Nestor intently. "You know what, I don't know where you're from."
Nestor froze for a moment, then shrugged extending a hand towards the Mon Calamari's flipper. "I'm from a small planet in the outer rim, but it is enough to say I came from Thyferra."
"It is good to meet you," Benin said gravely.
His friend's face brightened at his words. "Thyferra, really? The other new doctor just came from there-she's been on Tatooine a few weeks longer than you, her name is-"
"Nestor!"
At the sound of his name, Nestor turned away from the table, finding himself staring into the intent hazel eyes of Dr. Keladry Stanton. For a moment he took in her appearance, before he smiled, pleased to see her again. "Dr. Stanton."
She laughed lightly, more relaxed then he had ever seen her. "Keladry, Nestor. My name is Keladry." He watched as she looked around the table, and her features gained a slight pinch. "Where's …." She trailed off at his warning look, and abruptly moved around the occupants, taking her seat on the other side of the table. She fell immediately into conversation with Raoul, but Nestor saw her glance at him every few minutes, as if she wanted to ask about Tristan, but wasn't sure how. When their party had dwindled down to five, Dr. Akil turning in early, she opened her mouth to ask, silenced by a raucous laughter coming from a group of younger medical students. One, a blond haired girl, stumbled over to the empty seat next to Nestor and barely managed to not slip off of it.
"So, Nestor Alluvia." Her voice had a slight slur to it, but was conscious enough to look him straight into his eye. "We have a question about your cute cousin. Dr. Romani. He's so mysterious, yes mysterious." She paused for a second, not noticing the quiet interest of the rest of the table's occupants. "We," she languidly gestured to a few interns standing in a corner, "Want to know why he doesn't talk to anyone. Does he hate us?" She hiccupped, "Or are we so beneath him that..." She hiccupped again, and changed topics, "Nevermind. Tell him that we like him. He's nice." She looked at Nestor expectantly, and then somehow got onto her feet almost landing in Nestor's lap before hesitantly weaving her way back to her friends. He winced inwardly as the group burst back into uncontrollable laughter.
Keladry watched this exchange with some level of worry and amusement. Nestor's face had become guarded, and she could tell he was getting ready to leave. For a moment the other occupants of the table watched him warily as he appeared to fight some inner demons Then abruptly, he turned to them. "Listen, do me a favor. If Dr. Romani comes to you and tries to take one of your night shifts make an excuse and say no." He looked plaintively at Syla whose brown eyes were concerned. "He's been working for four days straight, and the only way I can talk him out of these night shifts is to get people to stop letting him cover them."
Kel was soft as she answered replied, "Nestor, he is a grown being. He has to make his own choices."
Nestor looked at her, and frowned.
Syla sensed the darkening mood, and jumped in with feigned ease. "Dr. Rantic has the night shift tomorrow. He won't relinquish it once I talk to him, but that means we'll be one short for sabaac. Will Dr. Romani play?"
Nestor struggled from looking away from Keladry, paused, then shook his head, "There was a time when I would be sure about that, now I am not". He looked at Keladry, recalling the sabaac game he observed when Tristan was still in a coma. He raised his eyebrows, questioningly, "I know you play, will you join us?"
She nodded, her face still expecting a response.
Desperate to avoid her queries, he ignored the look, and carefully extricated himself from the table. Despite the chorus of 'Stay!' and 'It's so early!' from Raoul and Syla, he found himself walking to the exit of the tent.
Astonished, Keladry watched him leave, and blinked when she realized that Syla was asking her a question.
"I'm sorry, yes?"
Syla grimaced, clearly not wanting to repeat her question. "It's none of my business, but Dr. Romani is always so…" She searched for the right word, "…unhappy. Do you know why?"
Noting that Nestor had been caught by an acquaintance near the door, she stood to leave, hoping to catch up with him. She looked at Syla, and hesitated. "I know a little, but I'm not sure if it is something I am at liberty to repeat." She shrugged, and said her goodbye's quickly, noticing that Nestor had just ducked out.
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Nestor had not gone more than two steps before he heard Keladry calling his name. He turned, his fist slamming against his thigh, "Yes, m'lady?"
Keladry stopped for a moment, taking in the cool night air. "I was wondering if you could escort me back to my quarters."
Nestor nodded, but didn't offer her his arm. Instead he tried to head off her questions with one of his own. "How is your situation Dr. Stanton."
"Keladry," she replied nonchalantly before continuing, "My situation?"
"The doctor told me about the incident in the children's ward, and I remembered you receiving other letters in my presence. Have the security forces been successful?"
Her heart froze, and for a moment she was afraid that her stalker was about to jump out from behind a corner. Letting out a ragged exhale she shoved her hands into deep pockets, and shook her head. "No. But I didn't leave my contact information with many people. So I hope that he has given up." Once again she hesitated, there had been so few real people she could talk to about this. "It's been going on so long, that I find it difficult to relax, but occasionally I forget and am able to enjoy this freedom. This space..." She tossed her head back her eyes soaking in the open sky, and fluid starscape. Nestor watched as a few wisps of hair escaped from where she had pinned it up. "I fear though, that I will awaken, and find this an illusion. Some trick of fate, willing me into security." She stopped, surprised to find themselves already at her door and at how much she revealed.
Nestor turned, and she noticed just how safe she felt in his presence. He casually placed his hands on her shoulders. "Dr. Stanton. He's not here. You are free, do not let him control what life you have left." Hesitantly, he squeezed her shoulder, then whispered softly, "If you are afraid, and you need help. We will not hesitate to help. We have not forgotten your kindness to us, and anything we can do to keep you safe is our duty."
He saw her into her dwelling, and it was only after she was lying in bed thinking about what he had said that she realized that he had said "We."
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The next day was intense with Keladry quickly becoming used to the typical problems and patterns that befell the Anchorhead NREMAT team. Located on the opposite end of town from the city hospital, they quickly found themselves dealing with an overflow of survivors trickling in from a late morning sandstorm. She marveled at the stoicism of these people, and noted how though the injuries ranged from mild to severe, not one patient complained.
She had her first chance to observe Tristan when she exited the suture hut for some water. The sound of laughter turned Keladry's head, as it was a sound rarely heard on mornings such as these. For moment she thought she was watching a stranger, instead of her former patient.
Dr. Romani kneeled before a young pregnant woman who appeared to have a case of mild dehydration. As she watched, he patted her arm speaking softly, which caused the young woman to smile and giggle. The girl replied, her lips twitching mischievously as Tristan adjusted the hydration IV, and Keladry jerked with a start when he laughed in return.
Astonished, she took in the absence of shadow under his eyes, the slight tilt of his head, his upturned mouth in an expression reminiscent of a smile. When he turned she saw the mirth and twinkle in his gray eyes, an expression which disappeared when he caught sight of her unwavering gaze. Chagrined, she gave him a small wave to which he nodded before he turned away, his manner more reserved.
That evening she arrived at the dwelling where Nestor, Dr. Rantic, Tristan, and Raoul lived, and was immediately dealt into the sabaac match. An hour later she excused herself for a round after losing first to Raoul then Syla. Reaching into their cooling unit, she poured herself a glass of blue milk, a Tatooine specialty, and then turned as the door to the dwelling swung open.
Startled, she turned towards the door, and met the tired, cool eyes of Tristan Romani, who she presumed was coming in after finding his offer to take the night shift kindly rejected. Casually, much as she had done earlier that day, she waved, simultaneously relaxing as the sweet milk tumbled down her parched throat. "Dr. Romani."
"Dr. Stanton. " His greeting was gruff, almost forced. She cautiously followed him up the stairs and out of the narrow kitchen. Watching him from the back she detected a slight limp, half inclined to make sure he was still on his meds.
While she reclaimed her seat, Nestor turned around and watched his cousin's retreating back. After a moment, he casually folded his hand.
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Nestor ignored Syla's triumphant scoff when he folded his idiot's array, slowly following Tristan into the back room. He caught the door before it fully closed. Nestor frowned as Tristan popped the tops of his meds, tossed them in his mouth and, seeing his bodyguard, toasted him with his bottle of water. "Hello, Nestor. "
Nestor leaned against the doorjamb, "Not working the late shift?"
Tristan shook his head, "Nope, surprising though, since Dr. Rantic is one of your saabac buddies. " He looked beyond to the laughter coming from the game. "Go back to your game Nestor. I'm in for the night. Who knows, maybe I'll actually sleep." Somehow he didn't seem convinced.
Gently closing the door behind him, Nestor scanned the room. "Dr. Stanton says that she hasn't received more letters since she arrived here. But she seems, to be still uneasy. I told her that we're here for her, so be nice Doctor."
Tristan turned to his friend who was already opening the door to leave and monotonously replied. "I'm always nice. "
The former royal bodyguard laughed, relieved that their former banter had resumed. "You're always nice Doctor, just not always human," he shrugged, "Do you want to play a hand? I'm being wiped out and I remember you were a sharp player back on Valdet."
Thinking for a moment, Tristan gulped down some more water and shrugged, "It is not as if I have anything better to do, since you've prevented me from taking any more night shifts."
Nestor shifted uncomfortably at being found out, then lead the way back to the table. Yanking a chair over and putting it in the empty space next to Dr. Stanton he motioned to the dealer. "Tristan's going to play a hand for me. " He slid his pile over to his friend, who sat stone faced before exhaling and looking at his cards. Then Nestor sat back and watched Syla and Raoul cry.
By the end of the fifth round, Keladry had come out even, and the other two had lost miserably. She watched amused as Nestor and Tristan looked at each other, and almost smiled herself when Tristan's mouth twitched into a smirk. I wonder what else he likes. Maybe including him more will draw him out.
Nestor crowed, almost seeming ten years younger. "Doctor, wait until I tell Elbereth about this o-"
Keladry looked up to see what stopped his exclamation and saw that his face had grown ashen. "Nestor, are you all right?" He was looking to her right, with an intensely apologetic look on his pale face.
"Doctor, I.."
The color of Tristan's formerly animated face matched Nestor's, but as the older man face remained fiercely apologetic almost fearful, the only significant alteration in the doctor's features was in the tightening around his now suddenly bloodshot eyes.
Worried, Syla immediately placed her hand on his forearm, a touch which seemed to break the moment which had been frozen in time. Quickly, his breathing ragged and heavy, Tristan jerked his arm away, quickly moving almost desperately toward the door.
Slam.
The room was deathly quiet, before Raoul scooted his chair to Nestor whose color was slowly returning. "Nestor. Who was Elbereth?"
Nestor stood, knocking back his chair letting it land with a loud thud. The remaining individuals watched as he paced slowly around the table. A few minutes into this he stopped, as if hearing Raoul's question for the first time. He looked up an uncertain tilt to his forehead before answering. "Elbereth was his wife. She died…" He struggled to inhale, "She died after a building collapsed on her, despite an almost certain death due to an incurable illness."
Nestor turned to her, "Don't you see Keladry, all that anger, all that pain has been transferred into his work. He burns it daily when he saves one more person's life. All the progress I just destroyed by reminding him…" He choked, righted the chair and sat back down again. Syla moved to his other side, placing a petite hand on his shoulder.
Slowly, Keladry stood, torn between helping her former patient, and helping Nestor, who obviously wanted to follow Tristan, despite his fear of ruining much more. She reached over the table and clasped his hand, realizing just how much she respected his perseverance. As their eyes met she followed his gaze to the now closed front door. He mouthed, "Please?"
She summoned her patience and opened the door to the dwelling. Shivering at the sudden cool blast of air, she scanned the horizon, finally seeing Tristan making his way up a low dune behind the house. She sighed, pulled the door tight behind her, and followed. It took her nearly fifteen minutes to catch up, but she found him just beyond the rise sitting, shivering as he stared at a the dark bleakness of an empty endless landscape.
Ignoring the grittiness in her mouth, and the sudden bruising on her ankles from the buffeting wind, she slid herself slowly down the hill till she was sitting, partially covered in sand next to the quiet man.
It was dark, with the only light coming from the homes behind them, and even that was minimal. Consequently, when she angled herself towards him, she could not tell what his expression was, or what was going through his mind. She reached out her hand and placed it on his cheek, gently turning his head to face her. "Tristan. I'm still your doctor, and I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. "
She paused, "Talk to me, and if I can help, I will." She felt the sudden moisture on her fingers, and began to remove her hand when he gripped her wrist removing it himself.
Instead of releasing her hand, he fumbled through the darkness entwining her fingers with his, and then, barely audible above the rising wind, broke into gentle sobs. The hallowed whistle moaned through the dunes, as he, still holding her hand, slowly curled up into himself. Then, in a single phrase he revealed to her just how much she may have misjudged this man on Thyferra.
Repeating himself, he turned his featureless face towards her.
"I miss her."
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I knew how he felt.
Seven years ago, my parents and I met on Coruscant during one of my breaks in medical school. During their visit the lift they were on malfunctioned, and after plunging over fifty levels, the emergency team was able to rescue them.
My father was in a coma for four months before he died.
My mother, lives on Mon Cal sleeping blissfully through the changing galaxy.
I miss them.
His tears were brief, and the silence long. But in those three simple words, he told me more about the pain, the grief, and the silence he had been enduring alone. When he finally spoke again, it was to thank me and to apologize for behavior on Thyferra.
The world changed for him that night.
Life changed for us that night.
I may not have realized it then, but Nestor's slip, his inadvertent rebellion against Tristan's directive from Thyferra, saved us all.
He gave us both a future that we did not realize we had lost.
xxxxxxx
Valdet
Mara, both Faiences, the two Honor guards, Halden and few other pivotal members of the group strode into the legislature hall serene and confident. The hall was elegant, and designed to fit the number of Citizen Representatives from both planets, along with a viewing gallery for their local holonetnews affiliates. Both Sian and Koi sat in their chairs at the top of the raised dais, staring at the empty supplementary seats for the group just entering the hall.
Koi had a disgruntled expression, while Sian was bleak, resigned as if he knew what was about to happen, and wasn't happy with it. Mara could sense Koi's venomous looks at the two packages that Isabelita and Iralian carried.
Leaning towards Isabelita she whispered, "Watch Koi, she has something up her sleeve, and it is apparent that Sian doesn't really want anything to do with it." Then she glanced at Halden, who was aware of the importance of his place in the coming events.
Koi slammed the gavel down, "Order, this emergency meeting shall come to order." She directed her stare towards the group below her. "You citizen, who called this meeting through our members, speak."
Isabelita stood up. "We have been at war with ourselves for over two hundred years. Two hundred years, in which children of our families, fathers of our families, and sisters of our families have died.
For what? For a feud that started years before our births, over trading rights, planetary control, or the need to take each others lives? We don't know the answer, and I do not think we ever will.
Some time ago we had a new government, two monarchs working for our security, two monarchs who reached across our divisions and brought our two planets closer than they have been in over two hundred years. To bring them to this point, two families were destroyed, leaving only Tristan Romani and Elbereth Morodin, who found, in the end, that they had more similarities than differences.
Less than a year ago, more tragedy. A man many of us admired, a man we believed had our best interests at heart was killed. Perhaps a Danshitie native, perhaps not, he manipulated his way into our hearts and minds making us think that if opening our planets to one another had brought us this much grief this much death, maybe isolation from one another would protect us.
His death brought us this-" She gestured to the ruins of the palace behind them, "and this." Isabelita struggled to keep her face emotionless as she moved her arm to point at Koi Esperenza and Sian Arran.
There was a murmuring in the chamber, and Mara heard Rian mutter under his breath. "Steady, Isa, Steady."
She took a deep breath. "I have come to tell you today, that you have been lied to.
Tristan Romani is alive." There was a collective gasp.
"The night of the bombings, Tristan pulled himself out of the rubble of his home, the only home he had ever had after losing all of his family to Morodin destruction, and watched his wife die.
You don't need me to rehash the events leading up to her death. We all know what happened, the miscarriage, the illness, the inevitable loss. We know that she would have died eventually, there was no cure to be had. Instead though she died because of their-" Once again she looked at the two statues at the front of the room, "and your negligence."
"My father, Nestor Alluvia, saw Elbereth's last moments, but before the bombs, and the darkness she told him about our worlds, about our history-a story that had been passed down for generations between Morodin rulers, about how we are one."
She launched into the quick, ten point description of how Danshitie and Valdet had once been of one overclan, perhaps a group of travelers from another planet, that had found themselves crashing into two separate planets, forever separate, forever apart. It was at the end of this description, that one of the Citizen Representatives raised their hand.
"Ms. Faience. This is all well and good, but its mythology. There is no proof." It was an older gentleman from the Northern country of Valdet.
She nodded, glad for the opening, and her arms tingling with excitement, she smiled. "We have proof." The room was quiet and then burst into loud chatter and discussion.
"Order, Order." Koi slammed the gavel, leaning forward in her seat so that she could watch Isabelita unwrap the first of cloth bound packages lying before them. Mara watched humorlessly as Sian began to slump, almost shrinking away from his co-leader.
Iralian stood, and in a teacher's voice, quite different from the emotionally charged expression from before, he outlined the events that lead to the discovery of the Danshitie artifact. "What Jedi Master Skywalker found, was a stone tablet, on which was written some text, in what local archaeologists and scientists refer to as Danet. Up until days ago, the only evidence of Danet was on Danshitie, showing up in many different ruins and sites in the Al'lorians. There was no way of translating the script until, with Tristan and Elbereth's marriage, the passing of knowledge between scholars became commonplace. It was then that the means for deciphering the script was found in the linguistic roots of traditional Valdet." He paused for a sip of water, then continued.
"For some that was proof enough of the connection between planets. For others, it was a mere coincidence. We struggled to find evidence of Danet here, in this very city, but with no success. Then Elbereth told the story of the Moror and Din'sal, about the mark. Only her story had a slight deviation from the public records.
In her version, the Moror were not looking for a means to exert dominance, but rather were making a pilgrimage to a sacred ancestral altar. It was from that story and translated script on other sites that we believed that there was some record of the journey, something that would justify Tristan's legitimacy on both planets, having ultimately been the descendant of this single overclan.
Elbereth hoped that this would prevent another period of war, another period of death upon her passing. "
He sat down, and Mara understood that it was her turn to speak. It was a new sensation for her, nervousness. She had long since been invisible, blending in to the background, separate from politics. She had always been alone, on the outside always watching from a distance. And then, she met Luke and things changed.
She stood and looked around. "Honorable Citizen Representatives. " She could sense the mixture of awe and suspicion. "I am a mediator, a neutral observer in these matters, but as a Jedi I can not refuse a request for help. Tristan Romani asked me for help, not for his wife, but to prevent these two worlds from tearing each other apart. Isabelita Faience approached me weeks ago for help in retrieving this artifact. It was no easy task, but up until that point, I had wondered what my place was in helping bring stability to the region. Then I saw the script on the tablet and realized I had seen it before, here, on Valdet."
Her eyes turned to Sian. "It was during my meetings with Sian Arran and Koi Esperenza, that I saw a stone carving, not dissimilar to the one that Isabelita holds right now." Slowly Iralian began unwrapping the second tablet." I thought nothing of it at the time, but once the background information had been provided, I realized that this had to be the missing piece."
"We rushed back to the city, hoping that the news of our initial discovery had not reached Valdet. We found Sian Arran sitting in his office, with the tablet just where I had seen it last. He knew that they had been found out, and with their feigned ignorance revealed, willingly handed it over." Mara turned solemnly to a now white-faced Koi Esperenza, who obviously had not been given this information.
"What you do with this information is up to you, but I ask that you work with your people, and find out what they want. There has to be a balance between isolation and stagnation." She sat.
In the silence that ensued, Isabelita pushed her piece, with is broken edges towards the piece that Iralian now held, and in a physical demonstration of unity, they clicked naturally together.
Isa took a deep breath and when she released it she released all of her fears. "My purpose in coming here today is not to level unfounded accusations upon the honorable Koi Esperenza and Sian Arran, but to set the record straight. To show, that this is not the way it has to be."
At this Koi Esperenza finally found her voice, "I suppose that the point of this melodrama is to get us to approve Tristan's reinstatement as King Tristan Romani? High lord over all of us?" Desperate, but determined not to show it, she threw in the only card she had left to play. "Where is he? If you're speaking for him, have him come before us and defend himself."
They had expected this, and knew what had to be done. Isa turned and glanced at Danel and Rian before she spoke. "No, we cannot bring him before this council, just as we are not here to speak for him." She sighed, finally showing her distress. "There is one more thing I need to say, and then the surprises, I hope, shall be done. On the great night, where Sian and Koi brought a truce to death that had been plaguing Valdet City for days, the Nida d' Accord, Nestor informed them of one the greatest betrayals of our history. You have heard me talk of a great man, who many of us believed in to bring peace through separation. You also heard me refer to him, in the same breath as a manipulator. Tristan Romani, former ruler of Valdet and his bodyguard, my father Nestor Alluvia of Danshitie, saw Iker Rafagr alive."
The roar in the room was impenetrable, and Koi slammed her fists onto the desk, not even bothering to refute the claims, but trying to control the assembly. "Order, Order."
Mara glanced at Halden, who she had finally convinced to tell her of his NRI affiliations, and learned something infinitely more important. She stood, and calmly using the Force muted the volume in the room. In seconds they were quiet again, "There is another witness."
She felt the surprise from Iralian and Isabelita. "I can tell from the conversations that an accusation such as this cannot go unmitigated. So I present to you New Republic Observer Halden Onith, who as a neutral observer, has corroborating evidence."
She saw Iralian relax his fist under the table, and motioned to Isabelita to go on. Although there were still rumblings in the hall, they had quieted down enough for Isabelita to continue. "As soon as the no-fly sanction was lifted, Tristan and Nestor left-to trace Iker Rafagr and bring him back to face justice." She raised her voice in praise, determined to not falter at the last." Some will say Tristan abandoned us, but I say he gave us the greatest gift that any Romani or Morodin has ever given us. "
"He gave us the gift of choice." She let her words ring, in the now deathly silent hall, and she knew that she had recaptured their attention.
"What we do now is up to us, to the citizens, to the people. Not a group of Citizen Representatives meeting in secret to determine the course of our peoples without their say.
Iralian, Rian Manlo, Danel Tilan and a group of Citizen Representatives from both sides of the aisle, have come up with a proposal. Once outlined, we hope that it will come to a general vote on both planets. In short it calls for an era of compromise, an era of peace where we shall be separated by our own bodies of legislature with a united group to keep us closer together." She took a deep breath, allowing the basic idea to permeate the stillness. "If approved we hope that it will become the basis for a safer, secure and stable Valdet and Danshitie!" With those words she yielded the floor to allies, and slumped exhausted into her seat.
The proposal came next with the Citizen Representatives they had been talking to in secret outlining their ideas, and when it was all over Koi and Sian had been detained for questioning, and the ringing of applause filled her ears.
Finally, things were going to be set right.
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Thyferra
Nurse Moria turned from the emergency room desk to find a well dressed man leaning heavily against the counter. Alarmed, she quickly asked "Sir, can I help you?"
He shook slightly before answering. "Is Dr. Stanton here? "
"I'm sorry, she left a while ago to assist the Medical Assistance Team."
"Where? It is imperative that I contact her."
She apologized. "I'm sorry, I can't give out that information." She gestured to Natir who quickly approached. "Natir is a friend, maybe she can give a message to Dr. Stanton."
The guy exhaled with frustration, "No, I have to talk to her about a medical condition. I have to talk to her in person."
Natir frowned, "I'm sorry, but all her cases are being worked by Dr. Ignace. If you wait a moment I can page him."
He shook his head again, and stood straighter, as if suddenly getting into a role. "Ma'm, I'm with the Nashaw Reef Home on Mon Calamari. It is about her mother."
Natir, looked at him alarmed, "Is everything all right with Mrs. Stanton?"
"No-which is why it is important that I speak to the Doctor. I need verbal confirmation on what to do next. All of her mail has bounced back."
Natir exchanged a glance with Nurse Moria before answering. "If you come with me, I'll send her a message telling her to comm immediately."
"If you give me her contact information, I have channels that can get the documents to her faster. We can't waste time, its life or death."
Natir glanced down at her hand, and then back at the Nurse who shrugged. Kel had given her explicit instructions not to give out her information… but if something was wrong with her mother…. "All right. She's on Tatooine."
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Crystal Reef, Mon Calamari
Anja had worked as hard as she could manage. She had no strength in the Force, and her only special abilities with a light saber had come from having her body pumped up with andris spice. She was free of that addiction now, however. She would never use the spice again…but that also meant she would never feel the same rush again, the energy she had once considered a part of her strength.
The lightsaber in her hand was a fraud, nothing more than an antique she had purchased from a peddler who specialized in Jedi artifacts. Anja knew how hard Zekk had worked to build his own sleek and simple weapon-and its hilt looked nothing like the heavy, ornate design of her energy blade.
However, Zekk's lightsaber was real. He had earned his, and he knew how to use it. The Force had guided him. Anja's didn't belong to her, no matter what she had paid for it. It was a Jedi weapon, and she was not-nor would she ever be-a Jedi. Perhaps the light saber was itself a symbol of her addiction-her willingness to rely on something that was not part of her.
Caught up in he restless thoughts, she swam around the fin of the minisub and saw something trapped between two struts in the support casing that held the rudder in place: a single remaining vial of andris spice, glittering and preserved in the frigid water. It must have caught there when they broke open the containers hidden under the ice caps, or when the sea monster had attacked them and consumed the rest of the stash.
As if drawn by a magnet, Anja swam forward and plucked out the vial. It was pure andris.
Anja hesitated. She could take it…treat herself to one last dose.
She felt the yearning return inside her, a longing for that familiar surge of energy that made her feel so intensely alive. She knew it was more mental than physical. If she succumbed now, if she kept this dose for herself…it would be like voluntarily placing her hands into a set of stun-cuffs. She might as well lock herself up and become a prisoner of her own addiction once more.
But Anja didn't want that. She didn't want it ever again.
She let the vial drift out of her hand. The small object floated there in front of her, taunting her, daring her to change her mind.
Anja locked her acid-yellow light saber on and, with an effort, swept down, slicing through the offensive vial. It disintegrated in a puff of seared materials.
Then, as she stared down at the Jedi relic in her grasp, Anja knew she could never use it again. Deep inside, she felt a calm finality at this knowledge.
Anja's cold fingers released their grip of the hilt and let the lightsaber drift away. Then with a feeling of satisfaction, Anja swam back to the warmth and companionship that waited for her aboard the minisub.
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Coruscant
Walking into the apartments he shared with Mara, Luke turned on the holonet broadcast, and trudged to the backroom to take a shower. He had begun the evening meeting with Corran's young son Valin, who had been having trouble working around his lack of telekinetic ability. It had been good to see Mirax again, and they had parted with a promise of hers to come by with some pre-imperial pieces that she thought might have been from the old Jedi Temple.
Then he had worked on some drills with Anakin, whose lightsaber skills improved with each passing day. It had been a somewhat full day, which was not quite finished.
Idly glancing at the data pad on the bed Luke thought about his plans to reinstate the Jedi Council. After much discussion, Leia had agreed that it may be a way to soothe the senate and be a good way to organize the order, but they would have to figure out how it would fit within the current New Republic hierarchy, if at all. Luke realized just how much he depended on Mara's input, when it came to matters such as this, especially when it came to sifting through the library of material that Winter was sending him from the Archives.
As he emerged from the refresher and made his way back towards the living area he glanced at the image on the screen and turned the volume up with curiosity.
"Today in a surprising announcement, Borsk Fey'lya proposed an corollary to the recently passed trade legislation."
The Bothan's voice emerged from the speakers. "I propose a bill that would place a light tariff on the exportation of military hardware, unless the planet agrees to accept provisions to import foodstuffs from the following planets…"
The helicopter's voice resumed speaking. "What is surprising about this announcement is that it came just before President Organa Solo's announcement that the contracts for the new XJ class fighter hardware had been awarded. Topping the list was Bothawaii's own Al'rik Corporation who is a major developer of hyperdrive and proton torpedo guidance systems. With the passage of this tarrif, the costs projected by Al'rik shall skyrocket. We contacted Senator Fey'lya's office for comment, and was refused."
The holovid focused on Borsk and his entourage leaving the Senate hall. Just a step behind the Bothan was a young human woman who looked as if she had just been on the receiving end of the Senator's anger.
Shaking his head Luke muted the holonet and moved towards the comm to retrieve his messages. Artoo trundled up next to him and whistled.
"No Artoo, I don't know when she'll be coming back. But we will be going back to Yavin IV in a few days."
The little droid rocked forward, and his dome swiveled. Glancing at him curiously Luke smiled, "Go ahead and lock up for the night, I'll be heading to bed soon enough." He watched the little droid trundle off toward the main entryway and then turned back to the comm unit to pull up the messages.
The image flickered, with lines traveling across the vid screen as the comm unit tried to adjust the quality of the message. Glancing at the time stamp Luke saw that it had arrived just moments before he had gotten home, and the path scrolling across the bottom of the screen indicated that it had been relayed directly from Yavin IV, after bouncing throughout the Outer Rim. Idly glancing at the moving figures on the holonet, he pursed his lips as the carnage from the Empress Teta system scrolled across the screen.
He had just come from a meeting with the Wurth Skidder and Tresina Lobi, whose account of the incident shed some light on the unfortunate catastrophe. A multiple speeder crash had occurred just beside one of the buildings structural pilings, one of the speeders had been carrying, more than the legal amount of fuel, which when ignited by the collision had revealed a flaw in the buildings superstructure. The chain effect had been horrendous, with a casualty toll of nearly 1400 being deemed missing or dead. Tresina and Wurth had come back to gather more provisions and Jedi before returning.
"Lu-ke," His head snapped towards the comm unit, feeling refreshed, just by hearing his name on her lips.
"Luke." He watched, as the image of his wife coalesced on the screen, and as the message played he sighed with relief.
"Hello, Skywalker, I see that you're not on Yavin, so I'm hoping that this will reach you on Coruscant before too long.
Events here in the Outer Rim appear to have settled down. I shall be returning shortly." Her messages had never been extremely detail oriented, and this one screamed typical Mara.
"There is a vision that needs discussing. I hope to arrive back at Yavin and find you there." The screen flickered again, and her image seemed to waver before adding, "I love you farmboy. "
Flicking some controls, Luke played back the message, and paused it. Though still grainy from the distance, he examined her image with a measure of concern.
She looked tired. Fine lines along her eyes, tightened through lack of sleep gave her away, but with the tilt of her shoulders, and the set of her jaw, he could tell that her mission, to some extent had been a success. Leaning forward, he let his gloved hand brush against the screen before searching through the Force for her presence.
It was faint, but coming closer. A low whistle drew his glance towards Artoo's powering unit. "Yes Artoo, we're going home."
End Post 5
Credit: Everything in this post is mine... with the exception of the section near the end on Anja Gallandro. That is from Crisis at Crystal Reef pp 161-163. Reviews appreciated.
