Solin and Keira stood before the Jedi Council was again. A day had passed since King Mobbs spoke to the Senate.. Solin felt that the mood of the Council was somewhat somber, but maybe that was because he had never appeared before the Council at night.

"Well, Solin, your feelings were correct about Ngema," Sabe said, looking pleased. "She passed our tests with superior results. We are prepared to offer our recommendation for her to enter the Jedi Order, but first, we would like a Jedi Master to accompany her and observe her defensive skills in person. For that, we are sending Master Elocin Trahkrik with you as you finish the next phase of your mission."

At that, Elocin stood up and walked over to Solin and Keira, nodding at them silently before she turned around and faced the Council with Solin and Keira.

"As I'm sure you know, Solin, the Senate is voting on whether to create an Army of the Republic," said Master Park. "But, King Mobbs has decided to take matters into his own hands and return home to retake Ord Mantell and wipe out the Army of Malastare from his planet. This will put pressure on Malastare and could widen their confrontation."

"And draw out Vulcan Gunner so he can take action," added Sabe.

"Go with the King to Ord Mantell and prepare to confront Vulcan Gunner once again," Master Park ordered. Solin nodded at him. "This could be the clue we need to unravel the mystery of his fall and these so-called Sith."

"May the Force be with you," said Sabe.

Solin, Keira and Elocin bowed before they turned and left the council chambers.

On the landing platform, Solin walked up to Ngema with Elocin as King Mobbs' entourage prepared to board the ship.

"Ngema, I'd like to introduce you to Master Elocin Trahkrik of the Jedi Council," Solin said when they reached Ngema.

"Hello there, Master," Ngema said, shaking Elocin's hand. "I remember you from my appearance in front of the Council, but I don't think you spoke when I was tested."

"Quite right," Elocin replied. "I was observing you through the Force. I must say you are exceptionally talented based on what I could sense."

"Thank you for that, Master."

"Now, I will be traveling with you, Master Solin and Keira as we return to Ord Mantell to assist the King in retaking his planet. I am going merely as an observer. Solin tells me you have strong defensive abilities, and the Jedi Council would like me to see them for myself before we accept you for training."

"Er….all right," said Ngema, sounding uncertain. "Is there anything I need to do?"

"No, no," replied Elocin kindly. "Just simply act as you normally would when we arrive on Ord Mantell and I will be able to determine your abilities through observation."

"All right then. Shall we get on board?"

"Yes, please, lead the way."

Ngema led Elocin and Keira up the ramp as Solin remained behind to greet King Mobbs, who approached him along with Captain Menousek. Solin bowed slightly at King Mobbs before he started walking with him toward the ramp of the Royal Starship.

"Your Majesty, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you," Solin said. "And now we have the help of Jedi Master Elocin Trahkrik of the Jedi Council to assist us."

"I welcome your help," King Mobbs replied as they walked up the ramp. "Chancellor Von Croy and Senator Jear both fear that the Army of Malastare seeks to destroy me."

"I assure you I will not allow that to happen."

King Mobbs sat on his chair in the throne room of the Royal Starship. His entourage and the Jedi all stood around him, debating what they were going to do when they arrived back on Ord Mantell.

"As soon as we land, the Army of Malastare will arrest you and force you to sign a treaty to legitimize the invasion," said Captain Menousek with an air of anger in his tone. "I don't know what you wish to accomplish by returning."

"I will take back what's ours," King Mobbs replied shortly.

"There are too few of us, Your Majesty. We have no army."

"If I may, King Mobbs," said Elocin, standing forward slightly. "There may be a way for us to have an advantage going into battle."

"If you have any ideas, Master Jedi, I am all ears."

Elocin nodded. "I believe the best way for us to ensure any hope of victory is for Keira to remain here on the ship and use her Battle Meditation to aid us. As I'm sure you know, her Battle Meditation was able to get you through the blockade unscathed, so having it on our side when we enter the palace would be extremely helpful. With a Jedi Master and a Jedi Knight in the group defending you, the Army of Malastare would be overwhelmed and with Keira assisting us with her Battle Meditation, it would give us an edge in our attempt to liberate Ord Mantell."

King Mobbs considered Elocin for a moment before he nodded.

"Thank you for your suggestion, Master Jedi. I think that would be our best chance of retaking the Palace. We will settle on that and work on formulating the rest of the battle plan. Master Solin, would you mind sending Captain Senih here, and if you could, handle the piloting of the ship while we work out the battle plans?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Solin said with a slight bow. "Keira and I will handle piloting the ship."

General Nute sat in the throne room of the Ord Mantell Royal Palace. Lieutenant Silas stood to his side while Captain Plutt stood guard by the door. He was just considering leaving for the night when a hologram of Lord Nacluv suddenly appeared.

"Yes, My Lord?" Nute said, feeling the usual tingle of fear shiver down his spine.

"General, you must prepare for battle," Nacluv replied with an air of urgency. "I have just received word that King Mobbs is returning to Ord Mantell and will attempt to retake the palace from your control."

"My Lord, we shouldn't worry about a small entourage of people attempting to retake the palace," said General Nute with confidence. "There is no way they will be able to push back against the guards, and…"

At that, General Nute stopped speaking as he started to choke. He was gasping for air as Nacluv had a hand raised in a choking gesture. When Nacluv spoke, he sounded angrier than Nute had ever heard.

"You idiot!" Nacluv snarled. "You underestimate King Mobbs and his entourage. Not only are the escaped Jedi coming with him, they now have a senior member of the Jedi Council with them!"

Nacluv suddenly released his chokehold on Nute with the Force. Nute massaged his neck for several seconds before he spoke.

"A Jedi Master?" he said, barely able to conceal his fear.

"Yes, you fool. And that is why I am returning to the palace, so I can handle the Jedi."

"You're coming here, My Lord?"

"That's right," Nacluv growled. "And you had better make sure your troops are prepared for battle by the time I arrive, or you will suffer more of my displeasure."

The hologram faded. General Nute took a few moments to massage his neck before he turned to Lieutenant Silas, who could hear the worry in Nute's voice.

"Prepare the troops for attack," he ordered. "We will need as many of our forces on the ground as possible if there's a Jedi Master in the midst."