Chapter 4

A Respite

Like many similar scenarios before, the Jedi were reminded not to judge a book by its cover. Though Lann proved himself swift with a blade, it was his exquisite dancing that had finally earned him trust among the group. And this surprise display filled our heroes with high spirits as they continued onward through the great forest, further bolstered by the good fortune of facing no additional winged threats, large or small. As the hours ticked away, though, the relative quiet was about to change, for the group wasn't alone in the twilit wood.

(The group is moving through the forest as everything turns orange from the setting sun. Lann still has his entourage, grinning and somehow back in his original get-up.)

Lann: And that's when I laid out my hand and told him to fry me some eggs sunny-side up.

Sara: Whoa… to think you could match Lando Calrissian in a card game. So cool.

Anna: Ah yeah, hahaha! That'll show 'im to be all cocky and suave all the time, heeheehee. Pour me some more of that good spirit, friendo.

Lann: Sure thing. (Gives her a pour of his flask)

(Tailing behind them)

Jo: Can you believe this guy? Stays quiet for hours and then says some random statement which they immediately fall for. Like some big shot fratboy.

Will: The free alcohol definitely solidifies that image.

Rick: Rampant complaining and envy makes for a lesser man, Jo. Remember that.

Squishy: Yeah. Just look at Alex.

Cope: Hey! (Tries to kick Squishy)

Jo: Naaah. Killjoys are born, not made. It's a proven genetic fact.

Cope: Based on research by scientists who specialize in enhancing beauty products.

Sylvia: Can't deny that shine, though.

(Holds up sparkling claw. Suddenly there's some rustling and Lann stops the group)

Lann: Hold! You guys heard that?

Stan: I did.

Sara: Me too.

(More distant rustling)

Sam Jackson: Ah h***. Just when I thought we were done for today.

Lann: (Draws sword) Follow.

(He creeps along into the brush with everyone behind. Something flits through the leaves in the distance)

Stan: I saw it!

Lann: Shhhhh! We gotta stay quiet, Stan. Everyone, stay close and make as little noise as possible.

(They creep along)

Jo: Who said he could green light a team investigation?

Rick: Just let it go, Jo.

Jo: Pffft.

(They sneak along. Every so often they spot a slender figure through the trees, until nothing shows up)

Sam Jackson: I think we lost it.

Sally: What's over there?

(Sam Jackson groans as they creep along up to a bushy ledge that overlooks a clearing surrounded by short trees. In the middle of the clearing is a small boulder, and across from the group is a break in the foliage that reveals more of the planet's landscape, including a small lake. There's some rustling, and the group turns in its direction. Far to their left on the clearing's edge a white apparition steps out into the open. It's revealed to be a tall woman in a white blouse and black trousers, with pale skin, long black hair, a slim physique and pointy ears)

Cope: Is that an elf? Here?

Sara: Those clothes look modern.

Anna: God her skin's practically glowing. Stupid magical bulls*** making it so smooth, it's unfair.

Cope: Dear, you're intoxicated.

Anna: Ya think?

Lann: Nay; that be no elf. That's a dragon in disguise. The Elvin look is common among the shape-shifting variety.

Gray: A dragon?! Well I'll teach it a lesson in trying sneak around Gray!

(Busts out blades and begins to rise but Lann yanks him back down)

Lann: Put those away. You can see she's just looking around. Not an ounce of hostility to warrant those.

Jo: And how are you so sure about that?

Lann: Because I have these things called eyes, Jo. And maybe it's because I'm a Dragon Scholar? I'm supposed to know these things.

Sam Jackson: Yo keep it down! If that thing's a dragon, I prefer not to draw its attention, ya dig?

Will: It's moving.

(Everyone shuts up and watches intently. The elf-imposter walks along the outer edge of the clearing, beginning to hum a quiet but sweet tune. Eventually she heads over to the boulder in the center and delicately sits down. Her eyes focus on the distant lake and horizon, and the discomfort that plagued her movements appears to dissipate. Leaning back a little, she takes a deep breath, and sings. A melody as soothing as a calm breeze, words of a foreign tongue interwoven into it whose very vocalization eases the mind. Our hidden viewers are captivated, and it even prompts Squishy to reflect internally so hard that we can hear his thoughts)

It was otherworldly that sound that filled our ears. I mean it made sense since we were on some other world, but all the same it was breathtaking, much like the trees and the distant lake illuminated by the dying sunlight, as well as the nearly imperceptible mountains beyond that. I couldn't help but be reminded of a songbird, singing beautifully with a hint of melancholy in its notes. Don't know if that thought is alluding to anything, or just random fluff the writer decided to throw in. In any case, it's an unexpected but welcome reprieve from the craziness we went through earlier today.

Dragons aside, this really was a gorgeous planet. Such natural splendor: The plants, the clean air, how so many stars were beginning to show up in the sky. Once we're done here, I don't know what the Republic's gonna do with this place. That is if there aren't any dragons still around by that point.

I put those thoughts aside as I looked over at the others: My family, the friends I've known most of my life, and our three extra companions. We've only known them for a day and no doubt there's plenty more to learn about them, but what a trio. Lann was pretty cool and had a weird style I can get with, and Gray was a cool and helpful—if rowdy—guy to have around. And Samuel Jackson… well, it's Samuel Mother-F***ing Jackson. At least he's beginning to warm up to us.

Then I look over the rest of my crew. My original interstellar family, brothers and sisters in arms. We often become so distant during these long intermissions of peacetime, but it's always a good feel seeing us reconnect so effortlessly when we're back together. Of course, they're still looking fine on their own. Will and Sara still looking cute together as always; Copeland, admittedly, looking more lighthearted those days; Anna looking tipsy and being utterly enthralled by the song judging by the goofy smile on her face; Jo for some reason looked on the verge of tears, poor guy. I wonder what profound thoughts are being conjured in his head by this beautiful song...

Jo: (Thoughts) Oh god I'm so frickin' lonely. Why do all the good things happen to Squishy? How come he gets the girl and everything works out for him? I'm the Jedi leader and I look ten times better than him, but he's the one living the happy family life. And not just him either: Will has Sara, Alex has Anna, and I'm willing to bet those three kids will be getting the hook-up before I have the chance! There's really no justice in this universe, I tell ya! After all that I've done and put up with, when does Jo get his lovin'? How'd I get so pitiful! Boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo sniffle sniffle sniffle! (Mental nose blow)

I looked over to Sylvia. Ah, Sylvia. Still looked as beautiful as the day I met her. She's done a lot for me over the years, put up with a lot, and still remained by my side. Even going to the furthest reaches of time and space just to save me. I still feel like I owed her much, much more to her, even though she's told me we were perfectly even, with all the things I've done for her and her people. Even so, she's blessed me with the joy of parenthood, and that goes far and beyond anything else I've done.

And that thought brought my gaze over to the kids. They grew up so fast me and Sylvia barely had time to fawn over them as little kids. In half a decade they were practically full-grown adults. And so wildly different from each other, despite being triplets.

Sally, my... not-so-little princess. Always so exuberant and giddy and carefree; just one joyful bundle of sunshine. Making her way as a pop diva, making full use of that endless energy of hers to delight so many. But I've noticed she had calmed down somewhat these past few years. She's been visiting us more often, and looks out for her brothers. Probably from something she faced back when everyone came looking for me. Sylvia suspected as much, but Sal hasn't said anything. Still, I like this subtle shade of maturity on her usually carefree nature.

Then there's Richter. He said he's doing alright, and he looked fine, but I still can't help feeling a little worried for him. No doubt he still has some insecurities left that need to be worked out, with how he still mostly keeps to himself. But he's his own person, and those are issues he is undoubtedly working out on his own. I just have to be around to help him should he ever ask for it.

And finally, Stan. Always behaved like the run of the litter, but that also changed in the past couple of years. He moves and talks more confidently, though he's not as outspoken as either his brother or sister. Something I noticed in that waning light was that he seemed to be the most interested in the dragon's singing. Probably this style of music was more his liking, I thought. Yet he looked at her a certain way. An… all too familiar gaze, when I found time to think about it. Hmmm. It seemed even more change was in the works on that mission.

(At this time Anna leans in for a better listen, but snaps a twig. Hearing this, the pseudo-elf stops singing and whips around, simultaneously morphing into a great dragon with scales that shined like cobalt steel. It opened its great mouth and growled, showing the sparks popping over its sharp fangs as it looked for attackers. By that point everyone had ducked behind the bushes, and after some tense staring the dragon closed its maw and spread its two great leathery wings. With a mighty leap the dragon launches from the ground and flies off into the night, as our heroes cautiously stand back up watching its departure)

Lann: Told ya it was a dragon.

Gray: Yeah. Lightning type, from the look of it.

Sara: It sang beautifully. Shame it had to end so abruptly.

Jo: We wasted enough time spying, anyway. We better focus on covering as much distance as sunlight permits.

Cope: Smart idea. Come on, Anna.

Anna: Yaa, yaa.

Sam Jackson: Preferably someplace with softer ground.

(They all leave. Stan, however, stays behind and continues to stare up at the sky where the dragon parted, with eyes of deep wonder and longing)

Will: Yo Stan! Are you coming or what?

Stan: (Snaps out of it) Huh? Oh! Coming!

(Rushes off to catch up)