Chapter 7

Coruscant

They walked through the vaulted corridors of the Senate Building in complete silence. As the stoic leadership of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force passed by Galactic Alliance employees and Senators they would turn and look the group of Chiss and humans. But it was the silver streaked black-haired human wearing the pristine white uniform of the CEDF Supreme Commander who drew the most of the awestruck gazes. The GFFA knew Admiral Jagged Fel had the power to start a war. For, technically with the capture of his son and daughter-in-law on a GA planet, the Chiss military had been attacked first. Everyone knew the Chiss never would shoot first, but unless one wanted to see the full wrath of one of the most military-minded peoples of the galaxy you never shot at the Chiss. Because then nothing would stop them, especially under the brilliant leadership of their Supreme Commander. In the twenty-five years the Chiss military had been under his command, it had nearly never lost a battle of substance and had never lost one of the border wars the Chiss seemed to constantly fight on the fringes of the Unknown Regions. Although, outside of the knowledge that Captain Cle've'nuruodo-Fel and his wife Commander Mif'lori'noruodo-Fel were being held captive by possibly the Dro'godda Pirates nothing else was known, which only made everyone who saw the Chiss even more apprehensive.

X

Jag along with his entourage of Shawnkyr, his Executive Officer Captain Fiskyn, Ascendancy Ambassador to the GFFA, Penel, and GFFA Ambassador to Csilla, Jayme Darklighter were led into the grand office of the leader of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. Syal Antilles-Barrett stood from her seat at the head of the round conference table that occupied the right side of the spacious office. Jag acknowledged his cousin whom had been named ironically enough for his mother with a curt nod of the head.

"Chief-of-State Antilles-Barrett," he said in his clipped, accented Basic.

"Admiral Fel, General Shawnk'yr'nuruodo-Fel," Syal continued the formality the situation presented. Jag thought it almost unbelievable that only a little more than a month ago they were sharing family tales and laughing in good-humored fellowship of the family they were. Now, depending on what came from this meeting he could be her enemy. She then turned and greeted the rest of the Chiss delegation.

Jag turned his attention to the others around the conference table and greeted them in turn. First, he saluted the military officers, Syal's husband, Third Fleet Commander Admiral Pader Barrett, and next to him was Jag's counterpart in the GA military Supreme Commander Admiral Gavin Darklighter. Jag noticed the look of apprehension in the older man's eyes. Of course, he too had been family at the wedding celebration, now he was a possible enemy.

Finally, Jag tuned his attention to the non-military in the room, Intelligence Director Tuskr Kre'lar and Jedi Master and Council Member Jaina Solo-Durron. Jag gave Jaina a small smile and actually felt more at ease. He wondered if it was her doing.

"Master Durron, it is a pleasure to see you again," Jag said pleasantly.

Jaina looked at him and smiled as she bowed in traditional Jedi fashion. It amazed him how much she had changed and yet she didn't seem to change at all. She said after straightening, "I only wish the circumstances were different. It had upset us all to hear about Captain Fel and Commander Florin." Jag nodded his head and then was surprised by her next words. "I assure you that they are both all right."

Jag stared at her; she had said those words too meaningfully for them only to be empty sentiment. He raised the dark eyebrow below the scar he suffered half a lifetime ago and said, "Do the Jedi know the location of my son and daughter-in-law?"

Syal looked from Jedi Master to the Chiss Admiral and said as she gestured with her open palms, "Please, let us all have a seat before we continue." She waited patiently as everyone took their seats. Once everyone was sitting she asked, "Would anyone care for refreshment?"

Jag set the tone by responding that he did not care for any. Everyone else also declined. Syal then nodded and turned to the sliver protocol droid that had escorted the Chiss into the room and said, "Em-three, we require nothing. You are dismissed."

The droid bent at the waist and in an artificially pleasant male voice said, "Thank you, Mistress." It then turned and left the office.

After the doors had securely closed behind Em-three, Syal looked over at Jag and Shawnkyr and said, "We have received some information concerning Cleven and Florin. We have reason to believe they are being held on Tatooine."

Jag glared at his cousin, "Then what are you doing to get them released?"

Syal took a deep breath and glanced at Jaina, "It isn't that easy."

Shawnkyr speaking for the first real time since landing nearly an hour ago said, "What will be sacrificed if Captain Fel and Commander Florin are rescued?"

Jaina sighed and looked at Shawnkyr, her voice may not have given her desperation away at the capture of her son but Jag knew she was feeling it, and surly Jaina sensed it. The Jedi Master, that he one time would have pledged his life and love to, responded to his wife's simple question, "The Jedi insertion team has been given the assignment by Dro'godda to transport Cleven and Florin back to their contact on Ord Mantell."

Captain Fiskyn, who also was Jag's eyes and ears for the Chiss Intelligence Agency, peered at the Bothan Intel director and said, "We were unaware of another insertion attempt."

The cream colored fur on the back of his neck rippled and Kre'lar said, "We have kept the latest attempt quiet for fear that there may be a security breach in the Intelligence branch. Only, myself, the Jedi Council and Chief Barrett know of the team or their identities."

Jag noticed the impassive expression that Pader kept which somehow seemed in strict contrast to the covered surprise of Admiral Darklighter. Jag added, "Not even the military knew," he turned back to Kre'lar.

"No," Syal answered. "We have, as you know, already lost two teams of our best Intel agents to these traitors. When the Jedi offered one of its best Jedi Masters for the task, it was determined to keep that information as secret as possible. And as such it must remain."

Jaina picked up when the Chief-of-State paused; she first looked at Jag and Shawnkyr then the others, "The Council and particularly Grand Master Skywalker, fear that there is more to these pirates then meet the eye. We felt that possibly Jedi would have the best chance of infiltrating Dro'godda. Master Tainer has contacted the Council and informed us that he and the Knight with him are indeed in with the pirates. Their first mission is to transport two military captives from Tatooine, who we believe are Captain Fel and Commander Florin. However, it has been determined that the team's ultimate goal of uncovering the secrets of Dro'godda cannot be abandoned." Jaina paused and looked back at Jag, her brown eyes sad as she went on, "Unfortunately, the team has to deliver them to ensure the completion of their mission which hopefully will lead to the eventual destruction of Dro'godda."

Jag couldn't believe what he was hearing. He looked incredulously at Jaina then at his cousin and angerly said, "So, my son will be sacrificed? I will not stand for this and neither will the Ascendancy." With that he began to stand.

Shawnkyr's quiet Cheunh stopped him, "Tako," at the pet name she had called him since they were at the military academy together as teenagers he turned to look at his wife. She went on in their language, "I do not like this any more than you do. But our son would not want to be rescued. He would not want to forsake the possibility of stopping the pirates. Nor would he want a war to be fought over him. Tako, he would," she had a catch in her voice and Jag recognized the emotion as mother's love and understanding, "see it as his duty to give up his life if need be for the safety and prosperity of the Ascendancy. He would see this as his duty." She swallowed and added so quietly he almost didn't hear her, "Just as you or any Chiss would."

Jag relented and his normally militarily squared shoulders slumped ever so slightly and he nodded as he sat back down. He looked down at his hands which were still grasping the table edge and said in Basic for those present that would not have understood the Chiss words, "My wife reminded me that," he looked up and his lips twitched in what may have been a slight smile, "that I am not thinking as an Admiral of the Chiss Ascendancy but as a very human father."

Gavin Darklighter who had remained quiet until now smiled, "Jag, you are human. And trust me when I say this, if it were my son—well, let's just say we are on the same wavelength."

Jag looked at the older Admiral and nodded. Then after a moment Jag said, "I want put in charge of the Fifth Fleet which is currently supporting and being supported by General Cem Fel who has taken over Cleven's command in the wake of his capture. I will combine the fleets and add as much Chiss support that I can safely pull from our frontiers."

Darklighter pursed his lips and looked at Pader Barrett, he said to the Third Fleet commander, "I will have to pull Admiral Sevis and the Sullustans will not be pleased but," he looked back at Jag and continued, "I feel under the circumstances and with your expertise it is warranted."

Before Pader had a chance to answer, Syal nodded and said her voice almost sounding relieved, "Yes, I agree. I will sign the order to make the transfer happen."

Ambassador Penel spoke for the first time; he looked from the Chief-of-State to Jag, "This will prove to be a united front and will strengthen the relations between the Chiss and the GA. Possibly undermining what Dro'godda was hoping to accomplish with the attack of Chiss military on GA soil."

Jayme looked from his Chiss counter-part back to his father, the Supreme Commander, and chuckled, "I agree. It will unite us and it will surly strengthen the Fifth. Between the Fels and the Darklighters the entire upper command of the Fifth Fleet will be one big happy family."

Gavin allowed a small chuckle at his eldest son's observation. It did seem that way. "Then it is settled. General Shawnkyr," Kyrn looked at the admiral in mild surprise, "I am placing you in command of the entire fighter component of the Fifth. You will be stationed on the flagship of the Fleet—Han Solo. As you already know, Commander Nuruodo-Fel is already there with Rogue Squadron." Gavin shot a look at Jaina and went on, "We also have a Jedi on board with the Rogues, Zeth Durron."

Shawnkyr stood, saluted and replied, "Sir, I will take command and perform to the best of my abilities."

"I would never doubt that you wouldn't," Gavin's smile was genuine.

X

Tatooine

Cleven looked up from where he was sitting in the corner of the cell that he and Florin had occupied since their capture three weeks ago. They had not been outside the small windowless room and it stank of the smells from the small bucket in the corner and from their own unwashed bodies. They never saw anyone. The bucket, when it was emptied every couple of days, was done while they were both asleep. He and Florin both understood the tactic. Their captors were trying to make them go mad, break their resolve and cause them to doubt everything. Cleven had studied every possible crack, paint chip and pock mark on the wall. He was beginning to think the tactic was working.

He scratched at his straight black beard and looked over at Florin who was still asleep by the wall. Her face was drawn and gaunt. Her higher metabolism required more calories than his and they were only feed a meager meal once a day. He too had lost weight; however, even though he had inherited his mother's stature, he had inherited his father's musculature, which meant he could afford to lose more than she could.

Suddenly, he heard the lock hiss and instantly found his feet. " Florin," he softly called to her in Cheunh, "wake up." She immediately opened her bright eyes and looked at him; then she too heard the hiss of the look and began to climb to her feet.

The door opened to reveal the black clad human and the two shadowy Defels. They were the same group that had confronted them on Naboo and all three were holding blasters on them. The human looked from Cleven to Florin and gave them a grin that sent a shiver down Cleven's spine, "Well, I hate being the bearer of bad news but it seems you have been summoned by the boss and your transportation has arrived. Which means you shall be leaving your very humble home."

Cleven wasn't sure how to respond. He really was hoping his cousin wouldn't do something stupid and try to have them rescued, but after three weeks of staring at the same four walls and with nothing more to eat then a thin grayish gruel, he was beginning to wish she would. Finally, he said, "Where are we being taken?"

The human chuckled and shrugged, "Who knows. No one knows where the boss is unless she wants you to know."

Cleven had to laterally fight the impulse to look at Florin. Up until now no one even knew the gender of the leader of the Dro'godda.

Then without any further ceremony the Defels came around and grabbed their wrists and applied stun cuffs. After they were bound the leader stepped aside and motioned them out of the cell with a swishing gesture of his riffle.

They found themselves being lead down a short dark corridor and then brought into a larger room. There standing in the center was a tall bald human man with a neatly trimmed brown goatee and a young pretty blond female. Both of them were dressed in red flight suits and sported high powered blasters hung low on their hips. But as Cleven looked at the green-eyed girl something about her seemed oddly familiar.

He stole a glance at Florin and was shocked to find a slight twitching of her lips. Those who didn't know her wouldn't have understood the expression at all but Cleven did. She recognized them; for, no other reason would she be smiling at a time like this. They were being rescued.

The exchange was made without any fuss and they were now being led out into the bright Tatooine twin suns. Cleven who thought the cell was stifling gasped when the full force of the mid-day heat hit him. He heard Florin do the same and he glanced over at her. They were shoved into an enclosed speeder and not a word was exchanged. He turned to Florin and saw her intently staring at the man, who kept his blaster trained on them while the girl expertly flew though the crowded streets.

Finally, they entered a hanger and the girl stopped the vehicle before an old Corellian freighter. They exited the speeder and the man came up close behind them, then he said aloud, "No, funny stuff and I won't have to shoot you." Florin began to turn to look over her shoulder and the man quickly stopped her by whispering, "Don't show any signs of recognition until inside the ship. Then I'll explain everything."

The girl opened the hatch and bounded up the opening access ramp. After a few moments she exited and said, "It's all clear." With that the man gave them a shove with the riffle to move up the ramp.

Only once the hatch was secure did he put the blaster down on the cabin table and Cleven and Florin were both surprised to find the stun cuffs open and drop to the floor with only a wave of his hand. Suddenly, he placed the girl as she put her blaster beside the man's; she was a Jedi he'd met before at his great-uncle Wedge's.

"I am truly sorry about this," the man moved to stand before them. "However, once I explain everything it will be clear. I am Jedi Master Doran Tainer and she," he nodded towards the girl, "is my niece Knight Cassie Horn."

Cleven looked from one to the other but before he could speak Florin smiled and said, "Master Tainer, you do not know how pleased I am to see you again."

"Ah, thanks Commander, however, we aren't here for the reason that you think." The Jedi Master rubbed his goatee and looked at them with piercing blue eyes. "We have to take you back to our contact on Ord Mantell."

"Your contact?" Cleven couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Florin glanced at her husband and then back to the Master, "Are you an infiltration team? I know Director Kre'lar had been considering asking the Jedi after the last team was exterminated."

Doran looked at her and slowly nodded, "Unfortunately, we are. And this is our first mission for Dro'godda. If we allow you to 'escape' it would blow our cover or more likely get us all killed."

They were all quiet for several moments. Cassie moved to the cockpit and began the preflight procedures. Finally, after Doran invited them to sit Cleven said, "Then we will have to figure out a way to make this situation work against the Dro'godda." He smiled and said, "If we can find away to stay in contact we may be able to get even more information."

"What do you mean," Doran asked.

Florin looked at Cleven and smiled, "You really should have been an Intel officer, Cleven, because if what you are thinking works, it would be brilliant."

X

Coruscant

He was hidden in a secret room of the basement of the apartment building in which he lived with his wife. He was waiting for the specialized deep space hypercomm to come to life. He wasn't sure about everything but one thing he was sure or his wife was weak. He had always thought she would have been stronger than she was considering who her parents were but she wasn't.

And her weakness was going to be her downfall and not that of the GFFA. He believed that a stronger leader was needed; one who would not allow their enemies to become powerful enough to take over the rightful leadership, the planets of the New Republic. The Imperial Remnant was gaining strength and now the Chiss was in command of the Fifth Fleet, the strongest of the Defense Force.

Suddenly, the holoplate hissed to life and over it appeared the dark hooded figure of a woman. He instantly kneeled before her, "Milady."

"Rise and give me your report," She commanded her voice naturally husky, silky.

He rose but avoided looking her in the eye, there was something chilling and unnatural about those extremely bright blue eyes. "We are to leave for Hapes in the morning for the Naming Ceremony, Milady. Next month we will be going to Corellia. That would be the best time to make our move. I think."

She nodded her head and said, "Yes. I think you are correct. "Is there any news concerning the Jedi?"

He nodded and said, "Yes, it has been announced that following his return to Ossis from Hapes, Master Skywalker will announce his replacement as Grand Master soon after."

She nodded and then purred, "Good, good. That pitiful Order will be in a state of Confusion for a while. That is when we will make our move."

"Yes, Milady."

"You have done well. I will make sure you are rewarded when I am in control of the Galaxy." Then she added, "How is the progress on Naboo?"

He swallowed and nodded, "Thank you, Milady. Things on Naboo are coming along nicely. The queen will be dead by the need of the Unity Celebration."

"She had better be. I have grand plans for our home world."

The image flickered out and he immediately made his way up the turbolift to the penthouse suite the Chief-of-State and her husband of twenty years lived. But as he entered his home, Pader Barrett was sorting out the plans for his niece's assassination and his wife's eventual overthrow in his head and the power it would afford him when his one-time lover sat in the office of Chief-of-State.

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