Kendra Zor ducked and leaped over a series of attacks from the training droid. The machine was simulating the Makashi style utilized by Asajj Ventress with two lightsabers. The energy blades were dimmed as they were set to stun which wouldn't kill anyone but instead inflict a painful shock.
Ever since her last run in with Ventress, Kendra would spend any free time she had here in the sparring room. She just couldn't that last encounter out of head. Kendra was as good as dead and she knew it. Ventress would have killed her had the clone reinforcements arrived to drive her off. That wouldn't happen again.
Kendra deflected a downward slash then twisted to avoid a lunge. She knew she couldn't defeat Ventress's style with outright aggression so she needed to be smart. Kendra's style focused on Form III Soresu which was all about defense. If she was going to beat Ventress then she would have to first survive the assassin's aggressive attacks then catch the Sith off guard. So Kendra decided to train in counter attacks, believing it would be the best chance she had to deliver a decisive blow.
Her first counter was repelled and the Padawan forced back on the defensive. Her second attempt didn't have any more success. One try after another all failed. Ventress's style was just too tight. The assassin just didn't make any mistakes.
"Cease program," a voice spoke. The training droid deactivated it's lightsabers and shut itself down.
Kendra turned to see her master standing in the entrance.
"I believe I told you to meet me in my Meditation chambers at 1400," Kenobi remarked as he stepped inside.
"I am Master it's only..." Kendra explained until she pulled out her chronometer and realized it was 1430.
"Lost track of time?" inquired Kenobi.
Kendra winced, "Sorry Master."
"I understand wanting to be prepared for another encounter with Ventress but this is starting to turn into an obsession," stated Kenobi.
"But Master she almost killed me and Ahsoka and there was nothing I could do. I can't let that happen again," protested Kendra.
"You're afraid of her," Kenobi spoke. It was more a statement then a question.
"I...know Jedi aren't supposed to fear anything but..." Kendra said. She felt small in that moment, unbecoming of a Jedi.
"Every Jedi feels fear and it never goes away my dear. All you can do is learn to live with and not let it control you," explained Kenobi.
"No disrespect master but that's a lot easier said then done," sighed Kendra.
"Yes it is," agreed Kenobi. "But know this. Even if you had the lightsaber skills to rival Master Windu, you would still lose to Ventress because you are afraid of her. Until you can overcome your fear, you'll never overcome Ventress."
Kendra knew he was right. It didn't matter how many times she sparred with the training droid, she never got close to winning. Maybe she needed to spend more time meditating and centering herself rather then swinging a lightsaber around.
A electronic beeping could be heard from Kenobi's holo com. He pulled it off his belt and activated it, creating a holographic representation of Anakin Skywalker.
"Master. Republic Intelligence has a good lead on Dooku. They believe he's on a Separatist cruiser in the Vanqor system," announced Anakin.
Kenobi frowned, "Vanqor? Why would he be that far out?"
"They don't know. Listening posts have picked up the cruiser in the system but can't confirm if the Count is onboard," replied Anakin.
"If his ship is alone, Dooku will run the moment he sees any Republic ships. We're going to have infiltrate his cruiser and confirm his presence as well as sabotage the engines before he can escape," Kenobi said, thinking out loud.
"You have a plan?" asked Anakin.
"As a matter of fact I do. I'll brief you once I get to the Resolute," Kenobi spoke before cutting the transmission.
"I have to ask Kendra. Can you keep your feelings in check for this mission?" inquired Kenobi.
"Yes Master. I won't let that bog witch get to me," Kendra said firmly.
In the Resolute's hangar bay, every available fighter was manned and powered up to be launched the moment they emerged from hyperspace. Kendra was in her Delta-7 Aethersprite fighter waiting to receive the go ahead signal.
Masters Kenobi and Skywalker were sent to infiltrate Dooku's cruiser and sabotage it's engines. Once that was done, they would signal the Resolute and the ship were jump into combat. Ahsoka was on the bridge with Admiral Yularen and Commander Cody.
Kendra considered herself fortunate enough to be a good enough pilot to join Blue Squadron for this battle. She wouldn't disappoint her Master and let that assassin keep getting under her skin. Her new astromech R6-D7 had finished going through the final flight check and all readings were in the green. They were ready to launch anytime.
Red lights flashed around the hangar with a klaxon heard from the loudspeaker.
"All hands to battle stations. We will be dropping into a combat zone. All fighters and boarding craft will be launched at once. Maintain your spatial awareness as you depart," announced Admiral Yularen over the com.
That meant that Master Kenobi and Skywalker were successful. The enemy's hyperdrive was disabled and now was the time to strike. Everyone of the technicians in the hangar bay quickly dispersed from the spacecraft as pilots began sealing up their hatches and initiating their final preflight checks.
"Drop in three...two...one," Yularen's voice came through the hangar bay's loudspeaker.
Kendra could feel the shift as the Resolute dropped out of hyperspace. The hangar bay door opened up and green lights lite up on the ceiling signaling the first wave of fighters to launch. Kendra activated her thrusters and guided her ship through the environmental fields into the vacuum of space.
Kendra turned her ship and saw her target. A Munificent-Class Star Frigate. It was a typical warship utilized by the Separatists with enough firepower to present a threat to even a Republic capital ship. The Resolute opened up with it's turbo lasers. Blue tracers raced past Kendra's and Blue Squadron into the enemy ship. The Separatist ship began to turn, trying to bring about it's heavy cannons.
"This is Blue Leader. We've got incoming droid fighters. They're heading straight for our landing craft," came through the com.
"Copy that. Blue Squadron engage those fighters. Protect our landing craft until they can reach the enemy ship," ordered Kendra.
"Roger that Commander," acknowledged Blue Leader.
Kendra followed Blue Squadron as they headed straight for a group of five droid fighters. Immersing herself in the Force, Kendra broke from formation. She anticipated the droids would just try and rush through the Republic fighters. After all preventing a boarding party from landing was their main priority, not surviving.
At least two droids were blasted into dust but three others managed to swerve their way through the oncoming Republic fighters. But in their haste to make it through Blue Squadron, Kendra now had a clear shot at them. She opened fire with her twin blasters, turning the remaining Vulture droids into scrap.
"Good job Blue Squadron," announced Kendra.
"Got another squadron of clankers heading our way," reported Blue Leader.
"Let's take 'em down," responded Kendra.
"Ahsoka. Kendra. Dooku managed to escape. We're in pursuit but we could use reinforcements. Follow us in whatever ships you can round up," Kenobi's voice came through the com.
"We'll get there as soon as we can," Ahosoka's voice replied.
"Sir. That enemy squadron heading for the Resolute," reported Blue Leader.
"Protest the Resolute. I'm going to help my Master," ordered Kendra.
"Be careful Commander," acknowledged Blue Leader.
Kendra turned her ship towards the source of Master Kenobi's transmission and ignited the thrusters. Her body was pressed backwards from the momentum as she shot through the void of space.
"Master I'm on my way. I'll be there in less then thirty seconds," transmitted Kendra.
"The sooner the better. We've got company," Kenobi said.
On the sensors, Kendra could see Master Kenobi and Skywalker's shuttle was closing in on a series of smaller craft. One was recognized as a solar sailor, the trademark ship used by Count Dooku. The rest were four Vulture droids, his security escort.
The fighter droids turned around and charged directly at their pursuer. Normally Anakin would easily pull off a bunch of fancy moves and blast the droids into pieces but the ship they were flying in was much slower then then a fighter. They must have had to commander a shuttle which were horrible to use in a dog fight.
Still too far out to intervene, Kendra could only watch the battle on sensors as the Vulture Droids attacked the Jedi vessel. Before they could be overwhelmed, the shuttle opened fire on Dooku's solar sailor. The Count's ship began to register increasing heat signatures on sensors, indicating his ship caught fire. It began to steer towards the nearby Vanqor, probably for an emergency landing.
Anakin and Obi Wan didn't have time to celebrate as their shuttle was bombarded with laser fire. Kendra was no close enough to see the action with her own eyes. The Jedi shuttle managed to destroy one of the fighters but then another one crashed into the wings. It began a quick descent into Vanqor's atmosphere.
Kendra couldn't do anything to help the Masters until she dealt with the remaining fighters first. That wouldn't take long as the two Vulture Droids were now coming after her. She blasted the closest one then performed an inside loop maneuver to avoid blaster bolts from the other fighter. Once she completed the loop, she had a clear shot and finished the mechanical fighter off.
Kendra turned her attention back to Master Kenobi and Skywalker. Their ship was making a crash landing on the surface of Vanqor. There was nothing she could do but wait and hope they survived.
The instant the ship hit the planet's surface, Kendra activated her com. "Master Kenobi. Master Skywalker. Do you copy?" she transmitted.
It took a few moments before she got a response.
"We're here. No thanks to my former Padawan's crashing techniques," quipped Kenobi.
"If you'd hit that second fighter that clipped us, we wouldn't be in this mess," protested Skywalker.
"Are either of you injured?" inquired Kendra.
"Just a few few bumps and bruises," answered Kenobi.
"I'm tracking your signal. I'll be at your location in a few minutes," Kendra spoke.
"Stay in the air Kendra and sweep the area near the crash site. Dooku is on foot and we need some eyes in the sky to find him," ordered Kenobi.
"Copy Master," acknowledged Kendra. Her fighter descended through Vanqor's atmosphere as she followed the signal. It wasn't long before she found the crash site for Dooku's solar sailer as well as the shuttle the Jedi strike team stole to pursue him.
She saw two figures walking away from the wreckage. That must be Kenobi and Anakin. Kendra descended, getting a closer view. One of the figures waved as she passed by overhead.
"Nice of you to join us," transmitted Kenobi's voice.
"Any sign of Dooku Master?" asked Kendra.
"No. His ship was too damaged to take off. We found a tracking beacon he left behind but nothing else," replied Kenobi.
Kendra activated her sensors and scanned the surrounding area.
"I'm not picking up any lifeforms for miles in either direction," reported Kendra.
"He couldn't have just disappeared," sighed Anakin's voice.
"I see a few cave entrances. Maybe he took shelter inside," suggested Kendra.
"Depending on how deep underground he is, Dooku wouldn't show up on sensors," agreed Kenobi. "Kendra keep scanning the immediate area for life signs or tracking signals in case Dooku reemerges to call for help."
"Understood Master," acknowledged Kendra. She cut the com and said, "R6 keep an eye on the sensors for anything suspicious."
Her astromech beeped in response. Kendra glanced out her viewport to see the two Jedi on the surface entering a nearby cavern. For the next several minutes, she circled an area of fifty square miles but there was no sign of the Separatist leader.
R6 chimed in that he was picking up a ship on long range sensors. Kendra looked over the readings. The vessel were saucer shaped and it's drive signature matched those manufactured by Haor Chall Engineering. The company made numerous vehicles for the Separatists but they had sold numerous civilian craft so these ships might not be enemy combatants.
"To unidentified vessels, this is restricted airspace. By the authority of the Galactic Republic, I order you to vacate the area," Kendra transmitted. Technically she didn't really have this kind of authority but she didn't want them to get any closer.
"Republic vessel...Please...repeat...," a voice replied though it was completely garbled in static.
"You are flying into a combat zone. Please for your own safety, turn around," Kendra urged.
"Transmit...malfun...not...," came through the com. Kendra couldn't understand anything else so she turned it off.
"Sounds like they may have a busted coms array. We'll have to get close and signal them via tight beam," sighed Kendra.
She maneuvered her fighter closer to the unknown ship and activated her transmitter's tight beam setting. It wasn't as efficient as you needed light of sight for anyone to receive the signal but they were often used as a backup should the main transmitter of a ship was damaged.
R6 suddenly began beeping in alarm. Sensors were picking up power surges, the kind you'd see when someone was powering up their weapons. Kendra didn't have time to wonder how she didn't pick up those weapons before and quickly tried to turn away.
The fighter shook from an impact. Her command console began to flicker on and off.
"We've been hit by an Ion cannon. Hold on R6. I'm going to have to land us," Kendra said.
She tried her best to keep her ship in the air as more power began to drain from her primary engines. She was losing altitude fast and her maneuvering thrusters weren't going to cut it. So Kendra had to glide her fighter to the surface. It wasn't going to be a pretty landing but at least she'd survive. The Padawan clenched the joystick back as hard as she could. The altimeter showed she was slowing down as she started to level out.
The impact jolted Kendra forward, her restraints slamming into her chest to keep her from flying through the viewport. When she came to, Kendra's head was swirling. She must have succeeded in a crash landing because she was still alive.
Kendra opened the canopy and slowly climbed out of the wreckage. Her legs felt like rubber as she slide down the side of her ship to the ground.
The Padawan sat down and leaned her back against the wreck. R6 ejected himself and landed on the ground nearby. He asked if he could begin repairs in binary.
"I love your optimism little guy but I think this might be beyond your capabilities," Kendra chuckled.
R6 didn't seem dissuaded by the extensive damage and got to work. He didn't care that the fighter would need a complete overhaul with extensive rework and replacements. The droid just got to work, regardless of how much he could actually accomplish.
Kendra took out her holocom. "Master can you read me? My ship was attacked. I crashed landed but I'm okay," she transmitted.
She got no response. Kenobi was probably still too deep in the caverns to receive any transmissions. Kendra then contacted the Resolute and gave them them the coordinates to send a rescue party.
After taking a few minutes to compose herself, Kendra got to her feet and headed to a nearby hill to get a better look of the surrounding area. She first scanned the sky but didn't see any sign of her attacker. Must have fled once she was out of the way.
Next Kendra scanned the ground. The wrecks of the ships that brought Dooku, Kenobi, and Anakin here weren't too far away. Her eyes caught movement and the Falleen instantly dropped to her hands and knees hoping to not be seen.
Sith Lord Count Dooku was exiting a cavern entrance, the same one that Anakin and Kenobi went inside. With a motion of his hands, Dooku used the Force to collapse the tunnel entrance. That can't be good. That traitorous scum must have done something to the two Jedi. Kendra didn't know if her Master or Anakin were still alive but she couldn't just let him escape.
Kendra was also under no illusions that she stood a chance against him in a fight so she would have to follow him from a distance. She pulled out her holocom and tried contacting the Resolute. To her surprise, she was getting only static. Her com was picking up interference and it wasn't natural. Someone was jamming her.
Kendra glanced back at the wreckage and realized Dooku was gone. She couldn't lose him. His death or capture could turn the tide of the entire war or perhaps end it entirely. Countless lives hung in the balance if the Sith Lord managed to escape again.
Kendra slip down the hill and moved from rock to rock for cover. She didn't stretch out with the Force for fear that Dooku would sense her. The Padawan got close enough to wreck to glance into the cockpits but didn't see any movement in either them. Dooku was either in the hold areas or he moved on.
The rock Kendra was hiding behind was lifted into the air. The Padawan scrambled away as the rock dropped back down, trying to crush her. It hit the ground behind her, crumbling into pieces.
Kendra quickly scanned the area and the blood drained from her face. Dooku was standing nearby, his eyes trained right on her. It reminded Kendra of the same look a Vornskr had before it pounced on its prey.
"So this is Kenobi's latest pet. His choice in pupils always leave much to be desired," Dooku remarked. He drew his curved lightsaber and ignited it.
Kendra drew her own lightsaber. She was under no illusions she stood a chance against him but she wouldn't go down without a fight. "What did you do to my Master?" she demanded.
"The same thing I'm about to do to you my dear," Dooku replied. He stood a step forward, ready to attack.
"Excuse me!" a voice called out.
Dooku stopped in his tracks and glanced over Kendra's shoulder. Kendra turned around to see a male Weequay standing on the same hill she was just a few minutes ago.
"Pardon me Master Jedi. I hope I'm not interrupting anything!" the Weequay said.
"I am no Jedi," Dooku hissed.
"Get out of here! Run! He's a Sith Lord!" Kendra shouted.
"A Sith Lord? Now there's a rare bird. Albeit a very very old looking one but rare none the less," commented the Weequay.
"Enough of this," Dooku sighed. He raised his free hand and electricity shot out of it. It was aimed for the Weequay but Kendra acted on instinct and leaped up. She blocked the bolt of energy with her lightsaber, deflecting it harmlessly to the side.
Kendra landed on her feet and assumed a Soresu stance.
Dooku watched her amused. "Ah Jedi and their endless drive to safeguard the innocent," he mocked.
The Weequay burst into hysterical laughter. "Me innocent? You have a great sense of humor sparkle fingers!" he chuckled.
Suddenly a dozen Weequay stormed the hill, aiming their weapons down at the force wielders below. At almost the same time, more armed men appeared on other hills nearby surrounding Dooku and Kendra.
"It took you all long enough," the Weequay grumbled to his men. It was clear he was the boss.
"But you said not to do anything until everyone was in position," protested one of the underlings.
"Pirates," grumbled Dooku.
Kendra realized these must have been the same people who shot down her ship. It was too much of coincidence that they should so soon after attacking her.
"Now would you all please be so kind as to drop you weapons," the Weequay boss called.
"It would appear we'll have to settle this another time child," Dooku remarked. He looked ready to fight his way out of this.
That's when an idea formed in Kendra's mind. She turned her lightsaber at the Sith Lord.
"What do you think you're doing?" glared Dooku.
"You're going to surrender Count. I'm sure you can take me on no problem and you can probably take them on as well but can you take us all on at the same time?" mocked Kendra.
"Jedi whelp," hissed Dooku. His anger seemed to prove to Kendra that the mighty Sith Lord wasn't so confident about surviving such odds.
A whirling sound caught everyone's attention. Kendra glanced up to see the same ship that attacked her earlier was approaching overhead with their large cannons aimed downwards. Deflecting blaster bolts from simple rifles was one thing but deflecting cannons installed on ships was beyond a lightsaber's capabilities. If the odds were against Dooku winning a fight before, they were virtually impossible now.
Kendra felt two things and it wasn't the stasis cuffs that had been shackled around her wrists and ankles. She first felt triumph as the same thing was happening to Dooku. The mighty Sith Lord was now being marched towards the Pirate's ship, a prisoner of a bunch of common criminals. Whatever they had planned for the Count, it wouldn't be good and that counted as a win.
The second thing was fear. True she managed to get Dooku taken hostage but now she was in the exact same boat. Things rarely ended well for prisoners of pirates, especially female captives. Still whatever happens to her was worth the cost if Dooku never threatened anyone ever again.
The pirate leader approached Kendra, looking as cheerful as ever. "Thank you gentlemen but I'll take it from here," he told the Padawan's guards.
The thugs nodded and backed away. They didn't go too far though.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Hondo Onaka," the leader spoke as he pulled out a controller. With a tap of a button, Kendra's leg shackles loosed and dropped to the ground.
"Thank you," said Kendra, grateful for the restored freedom her legs could move again. Of course he didn't loosen her wrist restraints but it was better then nothing.
"No thank you my dear. I could have been fried hotter then a Kowakian steak if it wasn't for you," Hondo replied.
He motioned for her to follow her towards the ship so she complied. The thugs who were guarding Kendra earlier followed from a distance. The pirate captain might be friendly at the moment but he wasn't going to take chances either.
"So who are you Master Jedi?" Hondo inquired.
"Kendra Zor and I'm just a Padawan," answered Kendra.
"Still a learner I see. Good that means there's still hope for you," smiled Hondo.
"What does that mean?" asked Kendra as they walked up the landing ramp onto the pirate's ship. Their escort closed the distance and were now followings directly behind them.
"Oh let's not worry about the future. Let's focus on the present. And by present, I mean you and Sparkle Fingers falling into my hands," Hondo explained as they entered the cargo bay. The room was filled with various different shaped cargo containers as well as scrap that was probably salvaged. The only question was whether they salvaged from a wreck they caused.
"The Republic will pay you whatever you want if you turn him over to them," Kendra urged.
"I hope not with Republic credits. It's not widely used in my regular itinerary," remarked Hondo.
Kendra noticed Count Dooku nearby with a large pirate escort. The guards shoved the Sith until he was directly underneath a crane. It activated, releasing a small ray shield that normally was used to move cargo but in this case made for an efficient holding cell.
"Come my dear. I believe we will both be much more comfortable on the bridge," stated Hondo. At least they weren't putting her with Dooku for the ride.
Hondo,Kendra, and their escort entered a tube shaped elevator and rode it up until the bridge. The circular room had a command chair in the center with numerous terminals all situated on the various corners of the room.
"Time to go home," Hondo ordered. The helmsmen nodded and Kendra could hear the ship's engines starting up. Hondo headed to the central chair and took a seat. Kendra moved next to him, her guards staying close behind.
"The Republic has other ways of paying you. Tell them what you'll need and they'll get it," Kendra said.
"I'll keep that in mind my dear," Hondo shrugged.
"Just who are going to contact within the Republic? You realize they're not just going to take your word that you have Dooku. They might you have a shapeshifter impersonating him," pointed out Kendra.
Hondo pondered over that, knowing she had a point. "I trust you had a solution to that dilemma?" he asked.
"Let me do the talking and I promise you'll get your reward," Kendra said.
"And what would you want in exchange for this?" wondered Hondo.
"You could let me go," suggested Kendra.
"And you go back to your Jedi the conquering hero who defeated the dreaded Sith Lord not with her laser sword but with her cunning negotiation skills. That'll be a story to tell your fellow Padawans. Kendra Zor savior of the Republic!" laughed Hondo.
Kendra knew she shouldn't trust this pirate but there was a certain charm about him. Strangely enough, she was actually starting to warm up to him despite shooting her ship down and taking her prisoner.
"You have a deal," smiled Hondo.
To call the planet Florrum civilized was comical. The mostly desert world was home nothing more then local fauna and pirates. Hondo's pirates set up a base inside a shallow gorge that must have been formed from a river that had long dried up. The base was via power lines to a massive structure that looked like an old mining facility. Judging from the broken down outer hull, it had been abandoned for quite some time. Hondo explained the reactor inside was still usable and provided power to their base.
After landing, Hondo had Dooku transported to the dungeons and took Kendra to his main computer room. It contained the pirate's only long range communicator. Kendra used it to contact the Jedi temple and informed the Jedi Council about Dooku's offer. They said they would bring it before Chancellor Palpatine and now Hondo and Kendra were just waiting for them to call back.
"I do hope they're taking this seriously my dear. If they don't, I'm sure the Separatists will be willing to pay my price," Hondo warned. That was quite the threat as Kendra was certain she would be included in the exchange as well as Dooku to the Separatists if they agreed to the deal.
Finally the holocom came to life with a holographic picture of the Chancellor. "Greetings I am Supreme Chancellor Palpatine," he introduced himself.
"The Supreme Chancellor? I should have dressed up better," Hondo muttered to himself.
The pirate cleared his throat and said, "Good evening...or morning...or whatever it is where you are. I am Hondo Onaka and I come with the opportunity of a lifetime."
"I understand you're willing to hand over Count Dooku. What is your price?" inquired Palpatine.
"A million credits. The payment will be in spice and delivered in an unarmed diplomatic ship," explained Hondo.
"We'll need proof that you have him in custody before agreeing to your terms," replied Palpatine.
Hondo glanced at Kendra, signaling her that it was her turn to talk.
"Chancellor. My name is Padawan Kendra Zor. I can attest to Hondo's statement. He does have Count Dooku and blue skies can be torn asunder under red clouds," Kendra spoke.
Hondo frowned, "What is that supposed to mean?"
"It's a Jedi confirmation code," Master Plo Koon's voice could be heard. He must have been observing the negotiation from the sides and probably with other members of the Jedi Council.
"They're designed to verify a Jedi's identity to ensure they are not shapeshifters as well as communicating they are not under duress," Master Mace Windu's voice explained.
"Hmm. That's actually not a bad idea," conceded Hondo.
"This proves nothing. For all I know, Padawan Zor has been deceived into believing these pirates have Dooku," stated Palpatine.
Kendra held back her frustration. This was their best chance to get Dooku locked up for good and the Chancellor could be throwing it all away.
"If you refuse I'm sure the Confederacy of Independent Systems will be more then willing to pay my price," sighed Hondo.
A familiar figure appeared behind Palpatine. Senator Padme Amidala whispered something to the Chancellor then said, "We would like two Jedi to confirm you have Count Dooku before delivering the ransom."
"Send your Jedi but they must be unarmed," agreed Hondo.
"Impossible," protested Padme.
"They will be quite safe," Hondo assured her. "We have no interest in getting involved in your war. Your Jedi will verify my prize and will stay as my guests until the ship arrives to exchange for the spice. Then you can take the Count and my little friend here off my hands. Do we have an agreement?"
Chancellor Palpatine glanced around, clearly seeing the opinion on the faces of the Jedi Masters and whoever else was in the room.
"Very well captain. You have a deal," nodded Palpatine.
"Excellent. I look forward to your Jedis arrival," smiled Hondo. He tapped a button and terminated the connection.
"Celebration time!" Hondo suddenly shouted.
Celebration was an understatement. Kendra had never seen a Weequay banquet before but boy it was sure something. The pirates had a large roast prepared and were downing chunks of it with alcohol. Whoever wasn't eating or drinking was getting into fights while spectators cheered them on. It was complete pandemonium and yet everyone seemed to love it.
Kendra was seated next to Hondo who seemed to be drinking in moderation. The captain seemed to want to keep his wits through this whole thing. Considering he was the leader of a group of treacherous pirates, that was probably a good idea. Coups were not uncommon among outlaws this so Hondo may command them now but he always needed to watch his back.
"You've never attended a Weequay banquet before have you?" asked Hondo.
"Is it always so..." Kendra started to say just as a brawl broke down a few feet away from her. "...violent?"
"I prefer to think of it as eccentric," quipped Hondo. "Don't get the wrong impression of us. We might have a non conventional source of income but we are just as civilized as everyone else."
"Captain. Mardis and Slithan are going at it," a pirate announced.
"Fifty credits on Mardis," replied Hondo.
"And which civilization are you comparing yourself to?" frowned Kendra.
"The fun kind," chuckled Hondo.
Kendra knew she wasn't supposed to be showing emotion but she couldn't help but be a little amused with the whole thing. Every time two pirates got into a brawl, they would either beat themselves unconscious or one would be while the victor would simply walk off and refill his beer mug. The loser would wake up and go on about his business like nothing happened. It was strange how the pirates could be so violent with one another yet they never seemed to hold grudges over any of it.
A waitress brought two cups for Hondo. After taking one for himself, he set the other one in front of Kendra. "Drink," he said.
"Uhh...I'm not sure I'm old enough to drink that," stuttered Kendra.
"Stop with the whole Jedi thing and just have some fun for once," sighed Hondo. He stopped banging on the table in a pattern and sang, "Drink...drink...drink..."
Soon everyone else in the room noticed what was happening and started chanting as well. "Drink...drink...drink..." they all sang with their eyes on Kendra.
The Padawan groaned and picked up the cup in front of her. She already knew she was going to regret this but took a sip. Instantly she recoiled, struggling not to gag but managed to gulp whatever the substance down her throat. The whole room erupted into laughter and cheered.
"We'll make a pirate out of you yet," laughed Hondo before patting her on the back.
A pirate approached the table. "Captain. The Jedi are here," he announced.
Kendra's spirits raised immediately. Finally someone was going to get her out of here. Dooku was going to spent the rest of his life in prison and the Seperatist leadership would go into a meltdown. Without the Count to keep them in line, Kendra had a funny feeling the likes of Grievious, Ventress, and Gunray were going to turn on each other.
"Send them in," ordered Hondo.
It wasn't long before Master Kenobi and Skywalker entered the dinning hall. Kendra suspected they might be the Jedi sent since she last saw them on Vanqor, a planet not far away from Florrum.
"Kendra are you alright?" asked Kenobi.
"She's fine," Hondo spoke up. "Enjoying all the benefits of Hondo Onaka's hospitality."
"Hondo...I'm pretty sure this drink is made of fuel," groaned Kendra as her stomach started groaning.
Hondo took her cup and sniffed it. "No it's just Weequay ale though I can understand the confusion," he quipped.
Hondo attempted to hand the cup back to Kendra but Kenobi quickly snatched the cup away from the pirate. "I think my Padawan has had enough to drink," he stated.
"Ah so you're Kendra's Master. You would have been proud of her. The fearless heroine defended me from the dreaded sparkles fingers," Hondo said as if narrating a dramatic story.
"Sparkles Finger?" frowned Anakin.
"Dooku," moaned Kendra as she clenched her stomach.
"But where are my manners? I am Hondo Onaka, leader of this merry band," the captain introduced himself.
"You have a strange definition of merry," remarked Anakin as he noticed another fight break out amongst the pirates.
"I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Anakin Skywalker. The Chancellor sent us to verify you have possession of Count Dooku," Kenobi spoke.
"I will arrange a meeting. I'm sure sparkle fingers is feeling quite lonely right now," chuckled Hondo.
"I have to ask. How'd you capture Dooku?" asked Anakin.
"The dreaded Sith Lord might have had a flashy beam sword and that mysticism you Jedi do but he didn't have Hondo's brains," Hondo said proudly.
"He distracted Dooku while his men surrounded him. I also threatened to help them kill that traitor unless he surrendered," Kendra spoke up.
"You make it sound so boring. Stories like these should be exciting," sighed Hondo. "Where's your sense of creative liberties?"
"I think I'm about to punk them all up," groaned Kendra as she held her stomach.
Anakin and Obi Wan returned from their meeting with Dooku who was being held in a containment field. Kendra was surprised that Hondo could afford something that expensive but figured he probably stole it from someone. She had a feeling that was how he acquired a lot of things.
While the two Master headed outside to contact the Chancellor to confirm Hondo did have Dooku, Kendra remained seated next to Hondo. The Captain refrained from serving her any further ale and instead gave her a cup containing an anti-veisalga substance. It tasted even worse then the ale but at least her stomach started feeling better.
"Feeling better?" Hondo asked.
"Much thank you," nodded Kendra.
"You have no idea have many crates we go through of that stuff," Hondo chuckled, referring to what Kendra was drinking.
"Considering how you party, I'm guessing enough to fill an entire ocean," quipped the Padawan.
"Close but still not enough," laughed Hondo. "So Kendra what is it like being a Padawan?"
"It's hard work but it's fulfilling," admitted Kendra.
"Fulfilling how?" pondered Hondo.
"Well I help people. I save lives and stop scum like Dooku," answered Kendra.
"Yes but is that what you want?" asked Hondo.
"What do you mean?" frowned Kendra.
"Are you a Padawan because you want to be or because you were told you wanted to be? I know the Jedi recruit their younglings when they are just infants and raised to want to become Jedi. I'd hardly call that a choice my dear," explained Hondo.
Kendra wanted to respond to that but truthfully didn't know how. The pirate was right. For as long as she could remember, Kendra had wanted to become a Jedi but she had be raised by Jedi. They told her how they were the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. How could any child not want to become a Jedi?
"I want to do good and being a Jedi is the best way to do that," Kendra said.
"You didn't answer my question," Hondo pointed out and he was right.
"Can we please talk about something else?" sighed Kendra, feeling uncomfortable.
"If you insist," shrugged Hondo. He motioned to a waitress to approach. "Bring our guest another drink."
The female Weequay server nodded and walked off.
Anakin and Obi Wan entered the hall. Judging from the calm look on their faces, the Chancellor must have finally agreed to pay the ransom. The Jedi approached Hondo with what Kendra hoped was good news.
"The Supreme Chancellor has agreed to your terms," Kenobi spoke.
"Excellent! Take a seat gentlemen and join us for a drink," celebrated Hondo.
"Uhh...sure," Anakin said.
"But nothing too strong," agreed Kenobi as the two sat down next to Kendra. A waitress arrived and delivered drinks to the Jedi.
Hondo got to his feet. "To a successful transaction," he announced, raising his glass.
Everyone raised their mugs and cheered.
Kenobi raised his glass and said, "To powerful pirates and new friends of the Republic."
"And now my friends it's time we proceed with our new business opportunity," Hondo spoke.
"And what's that?" asked Anakin.
Hondo pressed a button on his wrist com. Suddenly the net decoration directly above the table dropped. Before Kendra knew what was happening, the net enveloped them all and discharged bolts of electricity. The Padawan's body convulsed before she collapsed out of her seat and onto the floor. The last thing she could make out was Anakin and Obi Wan collapsing as well before darkness overtook her.
(I changed the ending of Dooku Captured because it never made much sense. Anakin and Obi Wan clearly switched the drugged cups out at the end of the episode and yet are drugged as the start of the next.)