Chasing the Wind

Gone? How can they be gone? Kyp looked around the room in utter disbelief. We didn't hear any of the natives nearby during the exchange outside.

Keilana shook her head. They're smart, the Geonosians. I'm sure they used some sort of odorless, invisible gas to knock the twins out, but not before the kids got a piece of them. She gestured around the room. All of our senses were tingling with danger and I'm sure most of us assumed it was because of the attack outside. I never thought Why would they want the twins anyway?

It's not so much what the Geonosians want with the twins, it's what the Yuuzhan Vong want with them. And, personally, I wouldn't be surprised if the bugs were making deals with the Vong. In fact, I've heard a few things that would link them to the enemy.



Twins are very rare among the Yuuzhan Vong and are borderline sacred, if I understand it correctly. This is because of their twin gods, Yun-Harla and Yun-Shuno. Traditionally, one twin would kill the other either in the womb or at a very young age. Kyp paused to make sure Keilana understood. She nodded for him to go on. Well, the warmaster, Tsavong Lah, wants Jacen and Jaina for a sacrificial ceremony in which they would have to fight to the death. Thus far they've managed to escape. Bringing them along on this mission was risky, but we needed them both.

Keilana shook her head. We've got to contact Coruscant immediately.

I think you're right.

Right about what? Came another voice from the hallway. Kyp and Keilana turned in that direction. Seva was standing with her helmet tucked under one arm, her other hand on her hip. There's something going on here and I want to know what it is right now.

Keilana and Kyp exchanged glances before turning back to Seva. Her wingmates had joined her, both having removed their helmets now that they were inside the ship. The male was getting on in years with grey-streaked black hair and the woman appeared Keilana's age, her hair short and blonde. Both remained silent as they watched Kyp and Keilana.

Kyp gestured for Keilana to go ahead. You concocted the story.

Story? What story? Seva's eyes narrowed in suspicion. What is your consort talking about, Leena?

First off, this man is not my consort. His name is Kyp Durron and he is a member of the Jedi Order assigned, along with myself, on a mission to the outer regions of the galaxy.

Seva snarled. Her brow knit before she laughed. You don't expect me to believe that you are a Jedi, do you, Leena?

I'm not. Keilana stated this in such a way that caught Kyp off guard. What did she mean by that? However, Keilana went on. At least I don't consider myself one.

I don't care who or what you consider yourself. Who are you and what do you want with the Cluster?

Keilana sighed and glanced at Kyp for reassurance. He nodded and shrugged as if to say what choice do you have? Pursing her lips, Keilana turned back to the pilots.

My name is Keilana

That was as far as she got before the Lyians reacted. Seva's eyes widened impossibly as her wingmates reached for their daggers.

Seva said after a moment. No, you can't be Keilana. I don't believe you.

Are you calling me a liar?

I'm simply calling your bluff.

On what grounds?

One: Keilana disappeared over a year ago and all records state that she is most likely dead.

Most likely doesn't mean is.

Seva continued, giving Keilana a hard stare. There is an outstanding warrant of arrest on Keilana's head in the Lye Cluster and I would assume that such a well respected bounty hunter would know when to stay clear. Three: Respected New Republic agents have reported the death of Keilana from several reliable sources.

Keilana snorted and shook her head. You, of all the people I've met over the years, are one of the last I would have expected to believe such statements.

I believe what I am told, Leena.

The younger woman shook her head. She placed her hands on her hips before speaking. Let me dissect these facts. One: People disappear for years on end just to reappear on the other side of the galaxy where they are least expected. Here, for example. Two: I was and am aware of the bounty but assumed that Winton wouldn't turn me in, which he didn't. It was only because your mother came to see me that I was found out. Three: Your agent, Añaa Geiv Ulkin, is not a reliable source of information nor is her bounty hunter informant seeing as I am still alive.

Seva looked as if she was about to say something nasty when Kyp stepped in between the two women.

With all due respect, your Grace, you are wrong. However, that is not the topic of discussion. As we speak the other half of our team is being carried further away from us and, if we don't act fast, our chances of finding them will become next to impossible.

There are more of you? Seva said. Her nostrils flared with anger. This was too much for her to take in all at once.

Two more Jedi, Keilana said, holding up as many fingers. The twins Jacen and Jaina Solo.

Seva said, quite obviously having had enough. So we have the man who destroyed Carida, a wanted criminal, and the Solo brats whom the Yuuzhan Vong are after all together on one mission. So what are you planning? Are you going to go on some fool-hearty quest to save them? I wouldn't expect anything less out of you what with the reputations you have. Except maybe you, Lee—Keilana. I'm surprised you haven't blasted off already to leave them to their fate, sad as it might be.

Records and reputations hardly show the character of a person.

Actually, Keilana

Shut up, Kyp, you aren't helping me any.

They looked at each other for a moment before they were interrupted by chuckling. It was Seva.

I see Master Skywalker chose a competent team to head this mission. She gave them a smile and shrugged. Well, it looks as if I'll have to stick around to help you find your little lost children.

Excuse me?

Well, obviously you two wouldn't be able to find them on your own and I don't think the Skywalkers and Solos would appreciate it if you lost your charges. Keilana stood with her mouth hanging open as Seva turned to her pilots. Return to your ships and get what gear you need.

Kyp was the first of the two to respond. Are you offering to help us?

Oh, don't expect me to do this without getting something in return, Seva said over her shoulder as she started to exit the room. I expect to be well compensated upon the termination of this mission. Besides, I was trained to save those who were taken captive and not just leave them to their own devices.

Before Keilana or Kyp could respond, Seva turned around and disappeared. As soon as she left, they turned to look at each other and began talking at the same time. When they realized this, both fell silent.

Well, how do you like that, Keilana said, crossing her arms. She thinks that she can just come waltzing onto my ship and weasel her way into our rescue plans.

What plans? We didn't have any until she came aboard.

I don't know about you, but I was already thinking of an idea. Granted, it would have been difficult. I mean, two against thousands—millions?—aren't very good odds.

Kyp chuckled but didn't explain. Keilana pursed her lips in annoyance and continued.

Okay so I wasn'treally. Wellnever mind. But still, five against however many are out there is going to be difficult. Fun, yes, but difficult. Keilana sighed. It would have been so much easier with only the two of us though.

You say that as if you've got something up your sleeve.

Well, of course. Haven't you noticed the amount of space in this ship that has gone unaccounted for? She is a frigate after all. Keilana's lips curved into a smile and she shrugged. Now, I need you to put your talents to good use and find out where they are while I go break the news to Skywalker.



Well, you can detect black holes easily enough, I assume finding an ysalamiri's void is somewhat similar. Keilana made a gesture with her hand. Kyp sighed.

I can't promise anything, but I'll give it a shot.

Good, that's all I ask for. Keilana nodded and turned from the room as Kyp settled in the middle of the floor to start his meditation. He ignored the dead bodies of the Geonosians and the sand as he focused his energies on finding the twins.

Taking long strides through the starboard corridor, Keilana turned into the outrigger cockpit and took a seat in the pilot's couch. She pulled on her headpiece and started warming up the communication system. As soon as it came up, Keilana let out a sigh and hailed the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. A young Jedi she didn't recognized answered the holocomm.

Isn't this Master Skywalker's private frequency? Keilana asked, her brow furrowed.

the female Twi'lek answered in accented Basic. But I can connect you to him if you wish.

Keilana said. The image of the young woman disappeared and, within a few moments, was replaced by Luke Skywalker. He stood silent for a moment before making a gesture. His expression was serious.

he said in greeting. I assume you are contacting me to give me an update about the disturbance we've felt? My sister is quite beside herself with the twins' distress.

I am, Master, Keilana said with a nod. We have a bit of asituation on our hands.

What, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?

Well, after being chased out of the Lye Cluster—

What were you doing there? Luke interrupted. "You were supposed to travel to Naboo.

Of course, Master, but there was someone on the planet Lye whom I knew to have the most updated information on Trigen. He proved worthy and, while attempting to leave, I was recognized as a wanted criminal and they chased me out of the system. There's some bad blood where I'm concerned in that Cluster but everything turned out perfectly all right.

Luke gave Keilana a disappointed look before sighing and shaking his head. "Well, what has been done is done. While I am disappointed, it sounds as if you might have discovered something by going against the plans.

I did, Master, however

I don't like the sound of that, Keilana.

Keilana continued. We were not simply chased out of system. The Royal Guard was trying to, well, to destroy us—



—and I was forced to land on Geonosis with malfunctioning engines. Keilana watched the image of Luke as he took his forehead in his left hand in exasperation.

It seems as if disaster only follows in your wake, Keilana. Please tell me that the Lyians don't know that you are on a mission for the Jedi. Keilana's silence gave Luke his answer. How many?

Three pilots of the Royal Guard which includes their leader. She is, coincidentally, the fiancée of my informer and the daughter of the Head Advisor and Prime Minister under the King.

Luke began to rub his temples. Just tell me what happened to cause the disturbance?

That was caused by the Geonosians. They attacked us and have captured Jacen and Jaina.

If Luke Skywalker had had a deity to speak with, now would have been the time. However, what anger Luke might have felt was not obvious. He simply shook his head, his grave disappointment obvious in his features.

Just tell me that you have a plan to rescue them?

Of course I do. Kyp is working on finding them now, since they took my ysalamiri with them, and the Lyians are preparing themselves to help us. Lady Seva Caiterina might dislike me, but she's a good soldier. And that is the reason the three Lyian's know. I had to tell them, though, I certainly didn't expect their help in return.

Luke took in a deep breath of air and released it slowly. How exactly were the twin's captured?

While Kyp and I were outside my ship speaking with the Lyians, the natives attacked. I assume it was a distraction so that they could enter my ship but I hardly believe they could have imagined what they would find there. I know that the Yuuzhan Vong want the twins and I wouldn't put it past the Geonosians to have joined forces with them. They've made some shady dealings in the past, but that's besides the point. As soon as Kyp has any idea as to where they've gone or in what direction they're heading, we'll be on our way.

Luke nodded, his disappointment still obvious.

The two sat in silence for a moment just looking at each other, neither knowing exactly what to say. Before either had the chance to break the uncomfortable silence, Kyp stuck his head into the cockpit and looked at Keilana.

I've got a heading, he said, nodding to the miniscule image of his master. Luke could not see him, but he did look at Keilana as she turned away from him to look at Kyp.



Kyp found them.

Then may the Force be with you, Luke said just before he disappeared.

I'm guessing that it didn't go well, Kyp said as soon as Keilana joined him in the lounge.

What do you think, Kyp? We've disobeyed orders and now the twins have been kidnapped. He certainly wasn't jumping for joy. Keilana gave Kyp a tired look as she started to gather an assortment of tools.

Pulling on a pair of fingerless gloves, Keilana motioned towards the general direction of the hatch before heading that way. Kyp followed closely behind her.

The three Lyians were standing huddled together and conversing in low tones when Kyp and Keilana approached. Seva barked some last minute instructions to the other two in their odd language before turning away from them.

I assume you two are ready? Good. Seva had removed her cape and the cords that marked her as part of the Royal Guard; her pilots had done the same. They were now wearing no colour other than black. There was even black paint smeared on their cheeks and forehead. Obviously they had also been trained in ways other than merely piloting. How do you presume we travel? The nearest spirehive is twenty kilometers away and would take nearly a full day to reach on foot.

Keilana shook her head. They aren't heading towards the nearest spirehive, she said. She pointed to the southwest—the directly opposite direction. That's were they are heading.

But those are at least twice as far as any of the others.

Now, I didn't say that the bugs had any sense, Seva Caiterina, I simply said that that's the way they are heading.

We'll never catch up to them.

Oh, I think we will. Though, one of us will have to stay behind unless someone feels like getting cozy with his neighbors.

Seva narrowed her eyes as everybody turned their gaze on Keilana. She gave them a smile and turned on her heel. Jogging around the parameter of her ship, Keilana came to a halt near the aft on the port side. Reaching up above her head and raising herself onto her toes, Keilana slid a panel out of the way with one key code and entered another password into the control panel she had just revealed. With a hiss that was accompanied by the steady tempo of a pulsating red light, a hidden compartment lowered to reveal two S-7 swoop bikes.

Keilana explained as the small landing pad continued to lower, they were only made for one person each, but I think we might just be able to squeeze two people on them. So, that leaves the question, which of you two, she said, pointing at Seva's soldiers,is willing to stay behind and guard the ships?

Before either one of them could answer, Seva turned to them and pointed at the man.

You stay, Aklahn. We'll need Cera's stealth more than your strength for this. Besides, the swoops are small and we need the most speed we can possibly muster out of them.

Naakatii, tan'Likna (Of course, your Grace), the male pilot said. He bowed low and ducked into the night. Seva gave a nod and turned back to Keilana who was checking over the bikes.

How do you propose we split up?

You and me on one bike; Kyp and your lieutenant on the other.

How did you decide on a seating arrangement so quickly?

One, because Cera is the smallest and Kyp the largest and you and I, Seva Caiterina, are the same size. Two, I don't trust you and want to keep an eye on you. Keilana gave Seva a half smile as she crouched to inspect the bike closest to her. She moved to the other bike quickly before throwing a set of keys to Kyp. I assume you know how to pilot one of these?

If they are anything like other bikes, then yes I do.

Keilana pulled her goggles down over her eyes and mounted the bike nearest her. She motioned for the others to follow her lead. Seva slowly climbed her way onto the bike, her arms wrapped around Keilana's torso. They were much closer than comfortable but the bike's small frame didn't allow them to sit on it in any other way. Keilana glanced over at the other bike; Kyp and Cera were in a similar situation. Turning her attention back to her own vehicle, Keilana leaned low over the body of the bike and started it up. With a hum, all of the systems came online. Revving the engine, Keilana motioned for Kyp to follow her before she pressed down on the acceleration pad. The bike shot forward into the night, kicking up sand in its wake. Pressing a button under her thumb, the ship they just left started to purr. The air around the Scrimshaw started to glow as her weapon systems came online.

You might want to warn your pilot to stay at least seven meters away from my ship if he wants to stay alive! She yelled over to wind to Seva. She felt the other woman's nod on her shoulder and the slight movement it took to locate a commlink. Keilana ignored everything further and concentrated on were she was going.

---

Keilana said under her breath. She handed a pair of binoculars to Kyp who was laying in the sand next to her. They were stretched out on their stomachs on the edge of a cliff watching a group of Geonosians moving across the valley floor beneath them. Seva was on Keilana's left, Cera on Kyp's right. Keilana and Kyp had been passing a pair of microbinoculars between them, trying to focus in on the group. They were sure that these were the ones who had kidnapped the twins and, sure enough, Keilana had been the one to spot the cart holding the unconscious siblings. It was attached to the back of a speeder bearing several of the natives. The rest of the large group were riding one- and two-man speeder bikes. As far as the humans could tell, the aliens had not spotted them.

The twin's look unharmed, Kyp concluded as he put the binoculars down. And their pace has slowed considerably.

Keilana nodded. They had been tracking this group for the past several hours, keeping them just on the horizon. I think we're getting close to where ever they came from.

But there are no spirehives around, Seva said in low tones. Keilana turned to regard her.

They could be operating out of a remote location or on their own. I'm sure not every bug lives in the hive.

I'm pretty sure they're hive minded, bounty hunter, which would make it very probable that they do, in fact, live in one of the hives.

Fine, whatever. Maybe there's something else they're slowing down for, Keilana brought the binoculars up to her eyes again and began to search the valley. Though, what it is, I've no idea. There's nothing else out here except us and them andoh no.

Oh no? I don't like the sound of oh no, Keilana, Kyp said. He grabbed the binoculars out of Keilana's grip and brought them to his eyes.

he muttered.

I think I like the sound of oh no better, Durron, Seva said. Go back to that.

Too late, Keilana said. A great screech filled the air as a large shadow swooped down towards them in the predawn light. The group scattered as the creature punched at the ground. We've got a nhala on us now. I guess the bugs have been alerted to our presence since these are their pets.

I'd say that is a very good assumption, Kyp said as he pushed himself up from the sand. The others followed him back to the waiting bikes. As soon as everybody was on, Keilana and Kyp took off towards the cliff's edge.

What do you think you are doing! Seva yelled above the rush of air and the screech of the nhala.

I'm getting us out of here! You just concentrate on getting that thing away from us. Keilana looked up at the giant, reptilian creature that was preparing for another pass just before she led the swoop bike over the edge of the cliff. Seva's arms were clamped tightly around her midsection as they screeched down the side of the cliff in a suicide dive toward the ground. Gritting her teeth, Keilana manhandled the bike into the correct position to continue their ride along the ground rather than into it. The bike jinked back and forth in protest and threatened to tip its passengers off before Keilana gained control. Only then did she look back to see how the others were doing. Kyp had had less of a problem than Keilana and was now pulling up along side her. The nhala was still on their tail.

Get your blaster ready, Seva! Keilana called back to her passenger. She could feel Seva loosen her grip to reach for the weapon holstered against her thigh. Under her breath, Keilana counted to three before forcing her bike into a tight circle to head straight for the flying creature. Kyp mimicked her maneuver in the opposite direction. Both bikes came out of the bank at the exact moment their secondary passengers began firing upon the surprised beast.

It was Seva who dealt the killing blow. The creature died before it hit the ground between the two bikes, creating a long crevasse where it fell and skid. Keilana felt the Lyian's relief like a tidal wave. She also felt another one of the creatures approaching from the south.

The Geonosian's are getting away, Keilana! Kyp yelled above the wind. Keilana pulled up next to him and shook her head.

We've got another winged problem to deal with first. She pointed at the other creature. This one was larger than the first and the colour of the desert sand. I think we've stumbled across a nest cause that looks like an awfully mad female.

Kyp swore. It was becoming more obvious as time went by that Kyp was growing tired of chasing the Geonosians. He simply wanted to find the twins and get back to the ship as soon as possible. Why is nothing ever simple around you?

I don't know. Faulty luck? Keilana managed a smile. Anyway, this one isn't going down without a real fight. We've got to get off these things and help out. Keilana set a grim smile on her face before skidding to a halt. Before the bike had properly stopped, Keilana locked the brake in place and leapt out of the seat, Seva on her heel. She pulled out both of her blasters and slowly advanced on the creature flying towards them. She was ready to fight. Her muscles were bunched in anticipation and she could feel the adrenaline pulse through her with each passing moment.

As if the creature could sense this, she landed ten meters away from the bikes and cocked her head to the side, studying the humans. Her front limbs, which worked as both wings and front legs at their final joint, danced slightly before she started to paw the ground. There was no saying what was keeping the creature in her place just as there was no explanation as to why Keilana continued to advance on the animal that was four times her size.

Kyp ran up to her side and grabbed her shoulder to stop her progress. Keilana tried to jerk away from him but Kyp proved too strong.

Where the hell to you think you're going? Kyp tightened his grip on Keilana. She turned to look at him, her brow furrowed. She opened her mouth to say something but, before the words could escape, Keilana gave a gasping cry and gripped the sides of her head. Her blasters fell forgotten to the dust. The nhala hardly blinked an eye.

Kyp kneeled next to her and shook her shoulder but Keilana did not respond. She was lost somewhere in her mind

The sand started to swirl around her, pulling at her hair and tugging at her clothing. She was standing in the middle of a dust storm with no idea where to turn or what to look at. But she was not afraid, for she was not alone. She could feel his presence behind her even though she could not see him, and she could hear the rasp of his breath as he tried to draw from the sand clogged air.

It is rather amazing, he said slowly after a moment. His accent was familiar; it was like her own. The tone of his voice held the same harsh qualities that she had grown accustomed to over the years but at the same time it had the gentleness she had sought but never won. When she turned to look at him, he placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her. She received only a glimpse of dark hair and silver armour.

What is? She asked. The sand continued to whip around them but the air in which they stood was calm.

When they told me I could have a son, I never imagined that my line would continue beyond him. He wastoo eager to train with weapons and to kill. He held every quality that I had suppressed for most of my life until they came in handy. Boba was too open in his hate, just like one of yours. Boba, he laughed, Boba was selfish. He had everything until he lost it all, but you had nothing from the start. You had nothing to lose. You are more like me than my son ever was.

Who are you? She asked, attempting to turn once again. He simply turned with her, keeping just out of her sight at all times.

You know who I am.

That's not what I meant, she said slowly, quietly. She paused, hardly able to believe she was about to admit it. I meant... I never had anything to hold on to, I've never had anything of my own. I was given the chance at one identity and nothing else. Whoam I?

You know more about yourself than those you surround yourself with, my dear. They all have false images of themselves and have placed themselves on pedestals of righteousness. They will not accept who they are. But you are more real than most. You may not have been given a choice but you embraced what little you were given and you put your soul into becoming who you are. And who you are is what you are. There is no façade. You do not play the masque like most people in the galaxy do. You do not have to be afraid of it anymore, even if what you do has changed.

I've never been afraid of anything.

But you've lived your life afraid of who you are and, now, afraid of what you've become. You've had nightmares about your future and what it held and when those dreams became reality, you did everything in your power to push them away and to be who you were told to be. Do not be afraid to hurt him by pushing him away.

I do not harbor any ill feelings for the Jedi. They were doing what they had to do and I was simply a casualty. I knew it would come someday and all I can say is at least I died fighting rather than rotting. Boba never forgave them for what they took from him. He loved too much. He went on to detach himself from any feelings but hate and anger. And by the time you came to him, he had forgotten how to love. He feared you for what emotions you were able to bring to the surface and he detested you for making him weak. He did not want you to love or to be able to love because he was afraid that you would lose him just as he lost me. He did not want that pain for you. And in the process of detaching you from feeling, he learned to love again. But then you turned around and hurt him more than anything I or anyone else could have ever done to him; you became who you were born to be. He did not know what flowed through his daughter's veins and he was too blind to see the things that you did as a child for their truth. You are real, my darling, but you are living a lie because you do not want to give in to the truth.

What are you trying to say?

Let go. You do not have to be afraid to hurt him anymore.

I've never been afraid

Be who you were meant to be.

I am nothing but a bounty hunterscum. There is nothing more real than that; there is no lie in what I am. I am not a Jedi, I am not what they want me to become. Do not force me to be one. I have people who do that already. I have no destiny beyond dying in some hole just like the rest of my kind. I am not special, I never have been. I am not what they want me to be. I am She shut her eyes against her tears. Why can't anyone see that? Why won't they just give up on me and let me leave? Let me live? I don't want to be a part of their world. I hate too much to ever embrace their peace.

He squeezed her shoulder as if in embrace but remained silent.

What do you want with me?

Nothing beyond being able to watch you and to tell you to let go of your childhood and your father. They are not relevant anymore. They have helped shape you but will now only hold you back. You have so much more to do.

I don't want to do anything beyond being able to live my life as I choose to.

Your life is theirs now.



Listen. I do not exist in your Force and none of your friends can sense me. I live beyond death here in a place that will never reach my redemption. I am but a memory of this planet. But you have to move on from that and erase my memory from your mind. I am only doing to you what your father is. Let go of everything, my dear, just let go.

She furrowed her brow and spun towards him. He did not turn with her this time. Instead, he disappeared with the swirling dust. She had not been able to catch even a glance of him nor of the armour he wore. A shrill screech resounded through the air and the dust caught her once again. She felt more alone than ever before

Keilana let go of her temples and she looked up from the ground, her eyes growing clearer with each passing moment. She did not look for Kyp or her companions but for the nhala that had not moved. The female stretched out her long neck towards the humans and turned her head to watch them closely, her rust coloured hide shining brilliantly in the morning light. Her great eye was a whirlpool of blue and green, swirling like a storm but peaceful as could be. Blinking once, the creature took to the air and disappeared beyond the great cliffs that rose into the sky around the small group of humans. None of them spoke for a long while.

Standing up, Keilana remained silent as she turned back to the bikes, her pace slow. Kyp noticed something different in the way she moved and how she interacted with her surroundings. It was as if she were fighting herself for control. She seemed confused, lost.

He had never seen anything like it.

--------
A/N: Hmmm