Chapter 2
"I think I liked it better when I couldn't see them …" Kim whispered as she dropped her blaster.
"OK … now what?" Mission asked, raising her arms, glancing around the horde of troopers. "Any bright ideas, Girl-Who-Can-Do-All?"
"That's girl who can do anything," Kim replied unsurely but then her lip quirked into a small smile. "He's here." She said, and Mission noticed without the usual dread in her eyes.
Mission couldn't help her own grin from appearing when the sound of five pop hisses echoed. "Lets see how well you boys handle Jedi," Mission said as she and Kim dropped to pick back up their blasters as the four Jedi dropped in around them.
"Always in trouble, Kim-dono," Yori smirked back at her friend twirling her twin yellow short lightsabers. "Ask of me to watch over him, must I watch over you as well?"
"Can we save the cat fight till after we kick their tails?" Mission asked dodging a blaster shot.
"Hai," Yori nodded, deflecting two shots with her sabers. "The Force fights with me!" She called out her battlecry as she dove into a melee.
"I'm sorry, Master," Tahiri said, working her way to her master's back, "You always say that, don't you think it's a bit repetitive, I mean seriously," Tahiri said deflecting some shots with her own saber, "You're a Jedi Knight, right? Wouldn't you just showing up say the Force is fighting with you. But to continually say that …"
"Padawan, do you wish your punishment worsened?" Yori asked, taking a glance back.
"Shutting up now." Tahiri gulped.
Kim aimed her blaster and shot down two troopers, just barely noticing one sneaking up behind her. She spun to fire on the attacker approaching behind her when she spotted Ron's back to her holding his saber over the downed soldier gripping his stubbed forearm.
"Ron …" Kim breathed, staring at him.
"KP," Ron returned, lacking the warmth that nickname used to carry.
"HI KIMMIE!" Anakin chimed, kicking one trooper and slicing another with his lightsaber.
"Keep your head in the game, Anakin," Ron scolded, spinning his own scarlet blade at a group.
"Yeah, Baby Brother." A playful voice added behind the troopers accompanied by two more pop hisses.
"Mind if we join the fun?" Mara Jade-Skywalker asked as she and her apprentice Jaina Solo leapt to join the surrounded group.
"Slag … six Jedi," one of the troopers breathed, as the large group of troopers visually began to get nervous.
"Ok, folks," Mara smirked, holding her first gift from her husband, an ocean-blue lightsaber before her. "We can chop ya all into tiny pieces, or you can run away. What's it gonna be?"
Almost the whole remaining group looked at each other before beginning to run in every which way but toward the Jedi, Kim and Mission.
Ron spotted one of the more extravagantly decorated one, force grabbed him, and slammed him into a tree. "Where do you think you're going, pal? I've got some questions for you."
"OK," Ron said standing before the horrified commander. "Who sent you?"
"I'm not talking." The trooper stated firmly.
"Yes you are," Ron stated with a glare. "See her?" He asked motioning toward Mara. "She used to be an Emperor's Hand. I could let her question you. But if you talk to me, I might be able to let you off easier."
"Darth Fist…" the trooper breathed, "I'm working for Darth Fist."
"Who's that?" Yori asked stepping forward.
"Darth Shego's Apprentice and Personal Assassin." The trooper explained, still eyeing worriedly, not noticing Ron's eyes darken at the name of the Dark Lady of the Sith.
"What's she up to?" Ron asked darkly, earning the eyes of his companions.
"I … I don't know …" the trooper gulped.
"I don't believe you." Ron said emotionlessly, raising his hand, causing the trooper to rise up the tree with it, holding his neck. The trooper continued to rise till even his feet wasn't touching the ground. "What is Darth Shego up to? ANSWER!"
"RON!" Yori, Kim, and Mara called out at once.
The darkness in Ron's eyes left as the widened in shock of what he himself was doing. Ron shook his head a few times. "Get out of here," Ron told the trooper who didn't wait to be told twice.
"Anakin, you and Tahiri go help Mission-dono," Yori instructed the nervous young Jedi.
"Jaina, you go with them," Mara instructed, "Make sure your brother doesn't blow anything up."
They watched the younger Jedi follow Mission to the transports before turning back to the still stunned Jedi Knight. "Ron-chan?" Yori asked with concern.
"You ok, Ron?" Mara asked placing a hand on the Jedi's shoulder.
"Sorry … I just …" Ron shook his head before glancing down at his gloved prosthetic hand, "Every time I think of Shego …"
"Anger leads to hate, Ron-chan," Yori spoke softly, "Hate leads to the suffering."
"I know, I know, Yori," Ron rubbed his face, "I guess … I just still have some things to learn, huh?"
"We are all here for you, Ron-chan," Yori whispered touching his arm, "All of us, if you'd let us." She said glancing back at the uncomfortable Kim.
"I was just supposed to pull these four trouble makers off this overly green and blue mud ball." Mara shrugged, changing the uncomfortable subject, "But seeing as you and your Twi'lek friend seem to attract trouble more then Anakin and Tahiri, Kimmie, we'll go with you on your delivery." The elder redhead glanced toward Ron. "That ok with you, Jedi Stoppable?"
"KP never could keep herself out of trouble without me around." Ron smirked at his former lover.
"Hey now, I handled myself pretty well with you off playing Guardian of the Galaxy the last few years, Mr. Jedi Knight!" Kim snapped indignantly.
"Oh yes," Ron brought his good hand to his chin, "You were doing awfully well at taking care of yourself when we arrived."
"You stupid insensitive jerk," Kim stomped her foot, glaring at Ron before smile. "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I've missed your stubborn idiocy."
"And I might have missed your one track minded foolishness," Ron said pulling his hood up over his features, "Now, I believe you've a delivery, All mighty greatest bounty hunter turned delivery girl."
"Oh bite me," Kim snapped, turning her back to the group to hide her smile as she started toward the transports.
"Been there, done that, KP!" Ron shouted behind her.
The transports approached the large beach on the other side of the jungle. "Ok, so … end of the line?" Tahiri asked Kim from the passenger seat behind the redhead.
"I think you got gypped," Anakin piped in from his seat beside his master on Mission's transport.
"Someone's coming," Ron nodded as a tall thin figure rose from the water.
"Is that a Gungun, Master?" Tahiri asked her Jedi-master, earning a nod in reply.
"You guys wait here, I got business to talk about," Kim nodded to Yori and Mara, and then to Ron and Mission across on the other transport.
"Whatever you say, delivery girl," Ron piped up, earning a glare from his ex.
"I'm Kim Possible, and I have a delivery for Boss Binks." Kim said as the Old Gungun walked up onto the shore.
"Mesa Boss Binks," the Gungun grinned, "Mesa very much happy to meet you, Kim Possible. Wesa no expect you arrival yet. Mesa call for the boys to take delivery to New Gungun City." The large grayish brown creature turned his back and brought his hand to his mouth. "HEY BOOOOOOOOOOYS, WORK!" He bellowed over the waves.
A moment later several large water baring transports rose to the surface. "Wesa get them things," Binks smiled, before Ron and Yori stepped up.
"It would be our honor to aid you, Honorable Boss Binks," the Echani bowed politely.
"Mesa game." Binks nodded.
Ron lifted his arms and the cargo crates lifted from the two hover transports, floated across the air and landed on the opened submersibles. "No Big," Ron shrugged at the Gungun boss.
Ron blinked when he noticed the Gungun looking at him funny. "What?" he asked, rougher then he intended.
"Nothings," Binks shook his head, "Yousa just reminding mesa of an old friend … strong Jedi, strong-strong Jedi was he. Even had scar on eye like Yousa. Annie was kindest … Nicest friend mesa ever had … then …" The Gungun closed his eyes and took a pained expression. "Bad memories … no like thinking bout it … sad times … sad times …" he said lifting up his arm, Ron taking notice that the Gungun's left arm was nothing but a stub just past the elbow. The wound was straight and clean, only a lightsaber would cause a wound like that.
"I can understand that," Ron nodded, getting a vague idea on what happened.
"We ready to pull out?" Mara asked as she and her Padawan approached.
Binks' eyes fell on Jaina and Anakin, and for a moment he was taken back. Then he turned to Kim and Mission. "Here yousa's pay."
Kim looked at the credits then blinked in surprise a few moments before looking up at the Gungun, "This is three times what the job was worth …"
"Mesa know," Binks nodded, "Mesa know a Skywalker when mesa see one, too" He said glancing toward Jaina and Anakin, "Mesa glad to see old friend live in kiddos."
Jaina and Anakin eeped when the taller Gungun pulled them into a crushing hug. She awkwardly patted the Gungun on the back before he broke the hug. "Yousa look just like your Grand-Mama but with Grand-Daddy's … spirit, and Yousa look like you grand-Daddy muchly!" Binks grinned, "Extra credits not enough for chance see Mes Padmé and Little Annie again."
"Um … thanks … I think …" Jaina said, as she and her brother eased away from the Gungun slowly.
"Mesa love to stay and yap but Wesa got lots of work to do so Wesa be going now." Binks waved, "bye-bye, Kim Possible, Kim Possible partner, Jedi, Grandbabies of Annie and Padmé!"
Ron and Kim glanced at each other, or meant to glance. The Glance turned into mutual lost in thought stares.
"We have to go too," Mara said, grabbing Ron's attention "Luke wanted to see you as soon as possible, Ron."
"Yeah, we're due back on Coruscant tomorrow night too," Mission said coming up to stand by Kim's side.
"Ron-chan?" Yori said trying to grab her partner and boyfriend's attention.
"Yo, K?" Mission waved her hand in front of Kim's face.
"Right … um … lets go …" Kim said a faint pink crossing her cheeks.
"Yeah, right behind you, Kim," Ron said as the group filed on the transports.
The ride back to the city was silent all the way till the group stopped at the junction of paths leading to the Wildecat and the Jade Sabre. "I guess this is it, huh, Kim?" Ron asked uncomfortably.
"Yeah …" Kim said uncomfortably as she hugged herself.
"Yeah …" Ron responded, scratching the back of his head.
"Goodbye then, Master Jedi," Kim voice shook as she turned her back and ran up the ramp of the Wildecat.
"I'll talk to her …" Mission said starting after her, "Bye guys."
"May the Force be with you both," Yori called after them as the Wildecat's engines started and it lifted into the sky.
"You ok, Ron-chan?" Yori asked touching his arm.
"I'm … fine," Ron said, not facing the worried looking Yori, Mara, and Tahiri.
"Your thoughts betray you, my lover," Yori sighed, hugging his arm.
"I just … It's really nothing." He said hugging her. And glanced up at the other two girls. "Hey, where'd Jaina and Anakin go?"
"I have a good idea …" Mara gave a sad smile.
"For a royal graveyard, they should take better care of these places," Jaina said sitting on her shins as she pulled weeds from the grave.
"Hi, Grandma," Anakin said using the Force to push away the dust and grime from the tombstone.
"Padmé Amidala Skywalker, beloved Queen, Senator, wife and mother." Jaina read sadly.
"And his angel," Anakin read the final mark below the name, that was easily observed to be carved with the blade of a lightsaber.
"Think she would have liked us?" Anakin asked as he stood up to stare at the statue-like tombstone.
"You and Jacen, maybe, me definitely, and dad … I doubt it …" Jaina smiled sweetly at her younger brother, who was sticking her tongue out in reply.
"Granddad was just as much of a rogue as Dad, so Grandma probably would have liked him too," Anakin responded.
"Yeah, but …" Jaina looked at the saber mark, "there's a line between rogue and crazy psycho-killer. Sure he came back to the light in the end, but Darth Vader was one bad herder for a long time."
"And for the record, Amidala would have been nuts over all of you," Mara said as she and the others approached them. "Now lets bid your grandmother goodbye and hit the skies, or else your Uncle Luke will whine and complain like a farm brat."
All the Padawans laughed at that before they all made their way toward the Jade's Sabre with the exception of the Solo children. They stayed for a moment longer to give their grandmother's grave one last glance before they ran to catch up with the others toward the Sabre's dock.
"Kim … we're almost there …" Mission gulped as she looked at the star-map before her, especially at the quickly approaching Planet Coruscant. She glanced over at Kim who's eyes were still focused forward end the Wildecat not showing any signs of slowing out of Lightspeed. "Kim … WE are ALMOST THERE!"
Mission closed her eyes tight as Kim finally placed her hand on the lever and brought the ship suddenly out of Lightspeed and to a full stop, throwing Mission against the restraints and then back into the seat. "DANG IT, KIMBERLY POSSIBLE DON'T DO THAT!" Mission squawked, glaring daggers at her partner.
"Sorry," Kim whispered before maneuvering the ship into Coruscant orbit on down into the towering city-world. "Leia owes us for this one …"
"Awe, you're just an old wet blanket, K!" Mission slapped Kim's shoulder as the ship lowered toward the New Republic. "Parties are supposed to be fun you know? And they ARE! You never know, K, you might actually find a guy that'll sweep you right off your feet!"
"Yeah, and Chewbacca'll shave his whole body," Kim rolled her eyes, "Number one, I'm not looking for a guy, and number two even if I was, all Leia's friends are politicians. I'd rather be the one to SHAVE Chewy then to date a guy like that."
Mission laughed as the ship planned on the landing pad and the two girls exited the freighter. Kim couldn't help but smile at the three young Jedi Apprentices coming up to meet them: Jacen Solo, Tenel Ka, and Lowbacca.
"Hi guys," Kim greeted as the three young Jedi stopped before them. Jacen was the spitting image of his father, Han Solo, but acted more like his Uncle Luke though he did have his moments when his Solo blood shined through. Tenel was slightly shorter then Jacen with long braided red hair and silver-gray eyes, and her left arm was missing from just above her elbow from a lightsaber training accident. Lowbacca, Chewbacca's nephew was a typical Wookie, tall and furry with a translator droid hanging on his belt.
"Hey, Kim, Hi Mish." Jacen greeted, blushing slightly at Mission's nickname, earning a slight scowl from Tenel.
"Where's the tweebs?" Kim asked glancing around. "They not come with you guys?"
"Jim and Tim stayed behind on Yavin to wait on Jaina," Jacen rolled his eyes, "Just so they could do kissie faces …" he shook his head at the thought.
"Oh, just like someone else I know," Tenel shot, turning her back on her two friends. "No offence, Mission, but I'll just leave Jacen here so he can drool over you some more." She said as she stomped back toward the celebration hall.
Lowbacca chuckled loudly, earning a glare from Jacen, "Laugh it up, fuzz face." Jacen smirked, "Last week during the nature hike, Tenel showed her true feelings for me."
"WHAT?" Tenel stopped and spun around to face the group in one of her few showings of emotion.
"You know what I'm talking about, Ten-ten," Jacen smiled smugly.
"You … smelly …scruffy looking … NERF HERDER!" Tenel screamed as she stomped toward them.
"Get that from mom huh?" Jacen grinned, crossing his arms across his chest. "What cha gonna do? Kiss Lowie, or maybe Kim or Mish to make me jealous?"
The smile didn't last as Tenel's remaining fist slammed into his face sending the eldest Solo boy flat on his back. "JERK!"
"Ow!" Jacen gasped as he held his nose, "You almost broke my nose!"
"Almost? Damn." Tenel growled, "Serves you right if it did you waste of skin and bone."
"And another thing, you bastard," Tenel growled before grabbing Mission with her good arm and giving her a simple kiss that she held for a few seconds that brought Kim, Jacen, and Lowbacca into stunned silences. She finally broke it and glaring at her best friend who was lying at her feet then walked into the celebration hall.
"Whoa … I didn't think she'd actually do it …" Mission said with widened eyes as Lowbacca laughed whole heartedly at the stunned Jacen.
"C'mon, lover boy," Kim teased as she helped the younger teen off the ground. "Lets go be bored senseless while you try to reboot your brain." She said earning even more laughs from Jacen's Wookie companion.
Jedi Master Luke Skywalker looked out at the morning light over his Jedi Academy on Yavin IV. He took a deep breath before looking down at the empty, lush green courtyard before seeing a small flicker. He recognized it instantly and made his way out to his favorite meditating place. "Hello father," He said as he approached the transparent blue figure sitting cross legged.
"Good morning, Luke," Anakin Skywalker responded glancing back at his first born. "Something troubles you, my son?"
"You could say that," Luke said as he sat across from the Force Spirit of his father, "I've had several visions lately, none of them very clear. I've sensed Kim and Yori screaming and … something horrible happening to Ron … also a name … Demonus."
"Master Yoda once said that the future is clouded. The Emperor may be gone," Anakin sighed, "I fear the Dark Side will always have a champion."
"Darth Shego?" Luke asked, cocking his head to the side.
"Perhaps … but I sense she's as much a puppet as her Sith Troopers," Anakin replied, "Something much bigger is happening, Luke. Something that effects everyone in the New Republic and then some. Even me."
"Even you, but no offence father, but you're dead," Luke said sheepishly.
"As a door wedge, but that's not the point," Anakin folded his hands in his lap. "I'm still here for a reason. Master Obiwan and Master Yoda have passed on to the land of rest, but I'm still here. I figure I have something I must do or help you and the Jedi do or … it's just my punishment for my sins."
"Father …" Luke said softly.
"I can give you some advice, judging by your visions." Anakin changed the subject. "Ron seems to be in trouble, which explains Yori and Kim's screams, seeing as they both have strong feelings for him. Keep an eye on him. I've sensed a great deal of sadness and pain in him, sadness and pain he's suppressed. That's not good, I know that first hand. Watch him and be there for him."
"Right," Luke nodded.
"That's about all I can tell you now, son," Anakin said standing up and beginning to fade. "May the Force be with you."
Luke sighed and began to meditate. "I'll help you Ron, whatever's wrong, I'll help you."
Kim, Mission, Jacen, and Lowbacca walked into the crowded party, and were greeted by Jacen's mother Leia Organa-Solo. "I'm so glad you two could make it!" Leia beamed at Kim who had become an unofficial member of her family.
"No big, Leia," Kim hugged the older woman.
"Oh I'd like you to meet someone." Leia said, before waving at someone.
Kim followed Leia's line of sight and froze as a young man in a blue and white robe approached them.
"Hello, Mrs. Solo," the young man said as he came to them. He was quite tall, well over six foot, and very well built with long slightly unruly, dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. "You must be Kim Possible," He said taking Kim's hand and kissing her knuckle.
"Right," Leia nodded, "This is Kim, her partner Mission Vao, my son Jacen and his friend Lowbacca. Kim," she said turning to the stunned redhead. "This is Erik Amidala, the new Representative from Naboo."
"You're just as beautiful as I imagined, Ms. Possible," Erik said with a bright, yet lopsided smile. "Or can I call you Kim?"
"Ahuh …" Kim managed to 'gracefully' force from her gapped mouth.
"Would you like to sit with me?" Erik asked, a faint blush crossing his nose, "I'm really hungry …" he said as his stomach rumbled.
"Ahuh …" Kim nodded, ignoring the others as she was led away to the tables.
"Better get some shaving cream and extra strong razors, Leia," Mission crossed her arms. "Looks like Chewy's up for a trim."
After a short time, Kim finally relaxed and was talking animatedly with Erik, and found him very familiar. 'It's almost like I'm with the old Ron again …' Kim smiled as she listened to Erik talk about how boring some of his work was. 'Force answers prayers … I wanted Ron back … and the Force gave me the upgraded model.'
"Looks like the party's almost over," Erik said glancing around as people were starting to file from the room.
"How long were we here talking?" Kim glanced, looking down at her Chrono, "it IS really late!" she gapped.
"Hey, time flies when you have a bondigity time, huh KP?" Erik asked, flashing another grin.
"I guess so …" Kim said, blushing slightly.
"So, are you going to be on planet for a while?" Erik asked, letting his hand fall on Kim's.
"Yeah, for a few days probably, maybe a week." Kim replied softly.
"Want to go out and grab some Nacos sometime?" Erik asked, with near pleading eyes.
"Um …" Kim stalled, glancing down at his hand on hers. "Sure, I'd like that … how's tomorrow afternoon sound?"
"Booyah! It's a date then," He said, moving closer and kissing her cheek softly. He then stood up. "I hate to cut and run, but I've gotta meet some people. Job's such a drag … so I'll meet you here tomorrow around noon?"
"Sure … bye Erik …" Kim waved slightly.
"Bye KP ..." he said moving in for a quick surprising peck on the lips before he turned to leave.
Kim watched him go before laying her head on the table feeling like she was going to melt to the floor.
Two Sith Troopers entered the command station on the floating Starforge slowly and fearfully. "Lady Shego," the lead trooper gulped as the Dark Lady of the Sith turned to face them. "We have word from Lord Fist …"
"And?" Darth Shego asked, with narrowed eyes.
"He's studied Jedi Stoppable and learned he is in a relationship with Jedi Onasi as well as taken the youngest Solo child as his Padawan Learner." The Trooper reported.
"That's already been reported you fools, what else is there to report?" Shego growled causing the two armored men to back step.
"Lord Fist is going to make his first strike during the freedom celebration next weekend, ma'am," the trooper replied fearfully.
"Now that IS interesting, what's monkey boy planning?" Shego smiled leaning forward.
"He didn't say, ma'am …" the Trooper gulped easing toward the door.
"Then why are you standing here wasting my time!" Shego growled lighting her Lightclaws.
"Sorry, Ma'am, we'll report as soon as a new update comes in!" They screamed in unison before dashing away.
"Idiots … I have got to get me some good help around here …" Shego sighed resting her face in her prosthetic hand. She jumped slightly when a beeper sounded from her armrest with a small flashing light. She pressed a button that sealed the windows and doors and a large hologram stand rose before her throne. She stood up and approached it before bowing down on one knee.
"My Master?" She said humbly as a cloaked figure's hologram appeared before her.
"Good evening, Darth Shego," the figure said coldly his features completely hidden in the Sith cloak.
"What is thy bidding, My Lord?" Darth Shego asked, humbly keeping her eyes low.
"The first stage of our plan has begun," the figure stated, hatefully. "We shall strip Young Stoppable of everything he cares for … and make him blame the Jedi. As we did with Lord Vader, only this time … we won't make the mistake of letting any who can effect him remain alive."
"My Lord, may I ask a question?" Darth Shego asked softly.
"What is it?" the man's glowing yellowish red eyes narrowed behind his hood.
"There are three of us, My Master," Shego said slowly, trying to form her question politely. "Are there not only to be two?"
"The Jedi says there is to be no more no less then two," the Dark Lord sneered, "But the Jedi are gone, and we will wipe these imposters from the face of our galaxy and take back what is ours." Shego's eyes widened as she gasped and held her chest. "You will do well to not ask foolish questions from here on in, my Daughter …" he said as she fell forward, curling into a ball. "No matter how many light years separates us, Apprentice, I will crush your heart if you question me."
"I … I'm sorry Father … master … My Lord it … it won't happen again …" Shego whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes, "I'm so sorry …" she half sobbed as the pain finally lessoned.
"Let that be a lesson to you, my daughter," Darth Sidious replied icily. "I will be reporting in periodically. Do not fail me." He said as his image faded.
"Father …" Shego closed her eyes tight and curled up into a tighter ball in the floor.
To Be Continued …