A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
PRIZED PUPIL, part One
Season 1, Episode 1
40 years passed since
Emperor Palpatine was defeated.
For years and years chaos remained as
the remnants of the Empire tried to maintain control
of the galaxy and the leaders of the Rebel Alliance tried to unite
the people in an organized democracy. Such attempts failed on both sides,
and the galaxy fell back to the political structure it had known before the creation of
the Old Republic. Small systems, bigger systems, coalition of planets, yet some planets are still
divided and self-regulated countries. Democracies, monarchies, empires, warlords, anarchies, even
the Hutts control a few systems, and still some parts of the universe have not been explored or heard of.
As Luke Skywalker grew older, he began training other Jedi, and today marks the beginning of a new era for him and the Jedi order as his first student becomes a master.
##
"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge" he paused "Brett Ho-Xin, the Force put you in my path when you were just a child. You have been my Padawan, then the first in the
of Jedi knights. Today, your first Padawan becomes a Jedi Knight in his own right and that makes you a Jedi Master. May the Force be with you.
Thank you Master Luke for I am honored to transfer to others the knowledge of the Force that you have thought me. Padawan Obu I hereby grant you the title Jedi Knight…may the Force be with you.
They were all standing in the temple on the planet Dagobah. Luke, Brett, Obu as well as Amirah Lozof, a Twi'lek who was probably next to bring a Padawan to Jedi Knighthood. They were all pretty excited for this special event. Luke thought to himself it was a long time ago he had been the last of the Jedi as Master Yoda told him. He also knew he would not live to be 800 years old like his master, so we had to find an apprentice to keep the knowledge going. That's when he came across Brett. At that time, Luke was still himself learning, about the Force, about life, about the Jedi in their ways, but he knew training a child would allow that apprentice to grow stronger in the Force. With all the political battles going nowhere Luke decided to move permanently to Correlia, Brett's home planet to reduce the risks of him being tempted by the dark side. Still, it happened to Drika. Drika. He almost had forgotten about her with all the positive of today's ceremony. Because when Brett became independent enough to be a Jedi Knight, Luke had taken two apprentices simultaneously, Drika and Amirah. However, that task proved to be too demanding, and before Luke realized it was why the old Jedi Masters much more versed and experienced than him in training never took two Padawans. Drika was tempted by the dark side of the Force. She almost killed Amirah. Drika was definitely the most powerful of the two. And felt her progress was slowed by Amirah so she tried to learn more on her own leading her to using emotion such as envy than disdain than hatred… And that led her away to the dark side. Luke decided to let others, such as Brett, help. Perhaps he should take on another apprentice, but not now.
- "Master?" Brett said with the usual respect "you seem concerned?"
- I am thinking back on where you came from my friend. And of what we have accomplished together. Tell me Brett, now that you have completed your training of Obu, what do you intend to do?
– With your permission, master, I would like to search for another apprentice. I found the experience fulfilling and understand the training Padawan's should now be more my role in order to allow you to lead us into clearer paths.
– I do not know that to be true, Brett. I am older now and can no longer travel the galaxy in search of adventure. Perhaps just staying here in training Jedi is all I should do?
– But master, you're the one who knows Drika the most, and can anticipate their next move. Shouldn't eliminating her in the risks she poses be our priority?
– I guess you're right. Actually, I still would like you to attend the annual meeting of the people of the quadrant on behalf of the Jedi. We have been invited, and I wouldn't be surprised if she took advantage of that event to cause some more damage.
– Yes, Master. Actually, after these last few years with Obu, I am looking forward to working on my own again…
– Then go. And may the force be with you.
##
– Tantrum! Here is your best for the annual meeting.
Drika was standing, as she usually did when ordering her servant, just amplifier height advantage. She was a strange woman, and her species females were bigger taller and stronger than most males. An imposing she was, both physically and with her presence, enhanced by her gaze.
– Alright, Master. How shall we proceed? The servant asked, even though he had a pretty good idea of what his master's plan were.
– The newly elected leader of the Ambulia system will be there and probably will try to make an impact, trying to impress his fellow leaders and to show his people that is capable of bringing Ambulia to par with the other powers of the quadrant. Now of course you can't, he's an idiot. But at least he doesn't look like one and that's the part we will use.
– Use? Asked Tantrum. Usually, Drika would select a high-profile target like that, then execute him to enhance her image as a ruthless assassin and to raise fear in the hearts of her future enemies.
– Yes, Tantrum. Use. Ambulia, because of its docile yet efficient army, will serve as the first system I want to take control of. It is small enough not to attract attention, yet will bring us sufficient resources to plan a major offensive on another target later on.
– But what if the Jedi try to interfere with our ruling of the system?
– First, they will not know that I will rule that system because we will use chief elect Webell as our pawn. Second, even if they knew, I would have such a strong grasp of him that there will not be anything left for them to know. But knowledge of our control of that system, when we obtain it, would interfere with the following steps so I want to keep them as far as we can from Webell and Ambulia during the meeting. That is why I want you to be there…
– Do you know who will be there representing the Jedi? Skywalker?
– Of course not. The Jedi only get invited to this meeting because it gives the meeting some glamour. But Skywalker will not waste this time there for he has nothing to gain from being there himself. I expect him to send some low-level useless diplomat like Lozof. So, they won't be that's difficult to distract from what is really going on.
– So, what should I do?
– There going as an escort to Princess Java of Alderaania reborn. Of course, the Jedi will recognize you and given the efforts Skywalker and his sister put into the rebirth of the Alderaanian Society, they will see this as a threat from me towards Alderaania. Which is what I want you to lead them to believe, to distract them. But before the first public appearance, Princess Java is scheduled to visit with Webell and as you accompany her, you will get the message to Webell that I will meet with him as his quarters exactly 3 hours after the closing of the first ceremony. From the previous conversation I've had with him, you will be expecting me…
– I shall prepare for this mission and will not disappoint you, Master. He turned around and left.
Of course, he won't. In only one area did he disappoint, his absence of Force sensitivity. But Medichlorians were not something that could be implanted so you would remain a mere servant. But he was submissive yet intelligent, instinctive, efficient and a very good soldier. She would trust him to carry on a mission as much as any other non-Force sensitive being. And she had spent so much time cloaking him in the dark side that at least the Jedi probably would not be able to read his mind or manipulate him with the Force. He would do all right indeed. Then she would meet with Webell and submit him to her powers. He was going to be fun to play with, a handsome man yet a charismatic and weak-minded fool. Control of Ambulia, secretly as much as possible, was the first step towards her gathering the power she was due and acquiring the resources to destroy the Jedi.
##
Chief elect Webell was still fresh from a satisfying election, having one with a comfortable margin. The people of Ambulia loved, and that was all that mattered. His detractors said he was a all style, no substance kind of guy, but in the end, the idea was to be loved by the electors, not to be an accomplished bureaucrat. Anyway, Ambulia was a wonderful system to live and to rule. It had plenty of natural resources, a docile yet efficient army kept invaders of away. And most of all it had been a grossly underachieving player in the trade department, so any increase as easily as it would come would be seen upon as a success for Webell.
– You will see, Neeah, that I will be the centre of attention of the meetings and that the people of Ambulia will love me even more after that! Said Webell
– yes Mr. Webell. I shall enjoy the show you will put on.
Neeah was a teenager that had been assigned to Webell during the campaign when all signs showed he would become chief. Most teenagers in Ambulia were assigned to a work earlier than in other human societies, and family was not a particularly important value to them. Since she had always been the best student in her class, she could easily pick the assignments she wanted and to work for the leader was clearly the best one available.
– Have you heard of Princess Java? I'm supposed to meet with her before the meeting.
– Yes sir. She is the daughter of King Vorgata, of Alderaania reborn. I assume she wants to discuss trade of nickel and salmadium with you, for their new planet does not have sufficient resources for these two
– I meant, you think she will like me? Is she beautiful? Married? Promised?
– I would not know sir. I'm afraid a romantic pedigree is not part of the information I researched.
Neeah was already growing tired of chief elect Webell's interests and lack of focus.
– Alright, then. Any other stuff I should know?
– Well, Alderaania reborn does have the support of the Jedi, as you must've known, so it's safe to assume that any important dispute with them should not become a violent one.
– The Jedi, really… I have met one recently, her name was Drika. Not incredibly beautiful but… With a paralyzing gaze… I am looking forward to meeting her again. As for Princess Jada
– Java…
– Java, anyway, we shall see. Make sure we've got some good wine when she comes up.
– Excuse me sir, but Alderaanians do not drink alcohol. Fresh slivi juice from Ambulia three could be a better fit.
– Then have some wine and slivi juice. And make sure we have people knowledgeable about nickel and salmadium on our team.
– Yes sir.
Boy, he was the leader but being elected and being efficient required two different sets of skills, and even at her young age, Neeah knew that Webell only processed the first one.
##
– Chief elect Webell, it is my pleasure to introduce to you Princess Java of Alderaania reborn.
Neeah opened the door and let her in.
– Chief elect Webell, my pleasure" she said as she extended her hand.
– Welcome to my modest home for this meeting, Princess. It is a pleasure to meet with you but be assured that our next meeting will take place in my palace on Ambulia, a much more convenient domain to entertain someone as beautiful and classy as you.
He had done everything he could to impress, with the largest suites at the meeting, and wanted to give the impression he was used to this kind of luxury. Anyway if she ever came to Ambulia she will be there for his charms, not his resources.
– Luxury is not at stake here, but if both our systems can come to commercial agreements that will benefit both our worlds, luxury is something we will be able to afford and grant our citizens.
Neeah could see the Java was an established diplomat. Impressive… let's get her away from Webell before he does himself a disgrace.
– Princess Java, I would like to taste slivi juice from Ambulia, known to be one of the most distinguished beverages this side of the galaxy.
Neeah took the princess away as she had already set up a meeting with trade representatives who could seriously discuss nickel and salmodium with her. Ambulia was doing on a position of strength on this and somehow Neeah felt that the Princess was trying to get Webell to give up that edge by committing an unnecessary concession. Webell saw Neeah draw the Princess, and he was pleased, because quite frankly was not interested in nickel and he had already learned that Princess Java was not interested in men, more in business. But he had noticed one of her aides, who was rather attractive.
– Your Princess is an impressive diplomat.
– She is Sir. She's doing her best for all of us.
Another of the aides jumped in the conversation, which annoyed Webell.
– As I assume you are Mr. Webell.
Somehow the man was familiar to Webell. He asked
– I believe we have met before?
– Yes sir. My name is Tantrum. We met a while ago.
The young girl took the opportunity to leave Tantrum alone with Webell.
– I used to work with master Drika. I believe you have met her before.
Webell was pleased. Yes, Drika, the one with the gaze.
– Yes, he said with a smile, Drika. How is she doing with the Jedi? I thought Jedi did not have servants.
– She has disassociated herself from the Jedi. She is now handling business on her own. She did tell me she wanted to meet with you again. She's here at the conference.
– I am here for the entire week. I coul make myself available for her.
– Is there a way to reach you personally and confidentially?
– Yes, she can use this comlimk, it is encrypted.
– I will get it to her very soon.
He smiled and left. Webell had made good impressions with Java, had sent her to negotiate with the proper people, and now he was going to meet Drika again. This was a good day.
##
Webell was preparing for the first ceremony when his comlink beeped. He retreated for privacy and received a one-way recorded message from Tantrum.
– Mistress Drika will meet with you in your quarters exactly 3 hours after the end of the ceremony. Be ready.
Rather direct, he thought. But then again, she did not seem like the type who would mess around with formalities. He moved back towards his team and addressed Neeah.
– I will have company for another business proposition after the ceremony. Please prepare wine and a quiet private meeting room. You shall greet her, and then leave us.
– Yes sir.
"Her" she thought. Her… She was obviously not the business proposal, or what her business was definitely had nothing to do with the greater good of Ambulia…
###
Brett entered the reception area and you walked across Princess Java. He bowed and so did she. Jedi knights knew of master Luke's affection for Alderaania reborn, and the Princess was very appreciative of the Jedi's support. While he disliked highly social and formal events, Brett was not here to socialize but to try to find out if Drika was going to pull a coup. The quadrant meeting was always special, revealing surprising alliances, escalating feuds, extravagant wardrobes and egocentric leaders. All the leaders of the most organized yet most evenly matched sector of the galaxy were present tonight for the ceremony, and most were spending the entire week here. The perfect set for Drika to kill important people in a highly public assassination that would catapult in the lead role of dangerous lunatics to fear. And lunatic she was. Dangerous and unpredictable. Since she had left the Jedi, she had been known for random acts of violence that did not seem to be interconnected. He was interrupted.
– Mr. Jedi…
– Brett Ho-Xin, please.
The employee was obviously trying to get everyone to take their seat. Brett and no idea we were supposed to sit with.
– If you will follow me, please
– of course
He soon found out that he was stuck for the evening with the honorary table of some newly elected egomaniac who was supposed to steal the show, eccentric charismatic leader Webell of was going to be a long evening, although it was better this way since you could keep his senses open for any move by Drika.
– Ladies and gentlemen…
The speeches were starting, endless and useless. People applauded, nodded, even laughed or did other gestures or comments depending on cultures. But Brett was not listening. He was looking for a cue from Drika. A Force glance across the room did not reveal the presence of the dark side. But Master Luketold him that previously Jedi had not been able to notice the presence of Palpatine, so the dark side could cloud his vision and allow Drika to hide her presence. That of course, assuming she had sufficient knowledge and control of the Force required, which was doubtful because she was not close to the level of experience that Palpatine had attained. Either way, you would scanner the Force periodically but keep his other senses aware as well.
##
Tantrum and seen Brett enter the hall. Surprising pick. He was also the one Drika at the most fear from, for she knew he had very polished skills and would not make any judgement mistakes. We decided to slip out to alert his master.
– What is so important that you contact me, Tantrum? Anything you cannot handle yourself?
He hated when she talked like that.
– No master, I just wanted to inform you that the Jedi here is Brett Ho-Xin.
– Interesting choice. Perhaps the Jedi are really expecting us to do something drastic here. This might even work in our favour, your presence with Alderaania will be a better decoy than I thought. Who is he seeting with?
– Some of Webell's honorary guests. I have not seen him engaged in any type of conversation with them anyway.
– Very good. Try to be noticed before the end of the meeting. He has seen you before and will take the bait.
– I will.
##
Brett had just completed a visual sweep of the area. No Forceful presence noticed. Even a deeper search of the entire building did not reveal any dark side impression. A teenage girl approached him.
– Hello sir, I am Neeah and I work with Mr. Webell, chief of Ambulia. I would like to discuss briefly with you regarding the Jedi view of certain issues.
She was young but seemed excessively bright. They discussed the Jedi supportive of Alderaania reborn, a topic on which Brett tried to keep his distances… Other planets had shown jealousy. He was not very talkative, for the discussion was taking him away from this task. However, he could still keep his senses aware. The discussion was cut short by another speech, and Brett turned around to pretend to listen to it. As he did however, he saw men walking in the room. The man he knew. He was expecting that to happen although he did not really want it to. Tantrum was Drika's right hand man. Not an apprentice for she did not have enough knowledge of Sith methods to train one, having been trained as a Jedi and not a Sith. Apparently, the training was very different and based on such different approaches that she would require a lot more experience with the dark side before transmitting that to others. That was one of the reasons why Brett thought that eliminating her now, before she corrupted some other for sensitive being, was important. Brett did not know if Tantrum was Force sensitive. Anyway, his presence here was proof that Drika was planning something. But how could he be stupid enough not to disguise himself was a surprise to Brett. All Jedi were familiar with his appearance, and he was certain Tantrum was well aware of his own identity as well as they locked eyes. Brett followed him trying to find out who he was sitting with and under what false pretense was here.
This can't be. He was with the guards of Princess Java. Again, Brett scanned the hall in the building for Drika and the dark side. Nothing. He decided to scanner differently, just sending out a wave that would hit anybody who was Force sensitive. This add the advantage, perhaps, of revealing Drika if she was just hiding her dark side, and to reveal if Tantrum was aware. However, that also meant that Drika could feel that he was scanning. Since Tantrum had already seen and certainly recognized Brett there was no harm in doing that.
The wave bounced right back at him, right away, but from an unexpected source. Neeah. The young girl was sitting right beside him, and immediately turned towards him, as if she had been struck by lightning, looking at him with perplexed eyes… Shocked by the effect that she somehow knew had come from him. He was as surprised as she was, and could not react fast enough to prevent her from getting up and leaving the room, towards Webell's personal passageway.
This was unexpected. She was Force sensitive all right. From her reaction he gathered that she did not know that, and didn't suspect her powers. Brett felt the urge to leave and to track her down. Perhaps he could convince her to follow him to Dagobah to meet with Master Luke. Perhaps even becoming his new Padawan. But he had more pressing things to address. Drika could very well be after Java, just as an insult to Luke and to the Jedi. He would not let that happen. He searched for Tantrum and found him, sitting next to Java. To close for Brett's comfort. Neeah. Neeah was her name – stop, he thought, attend to the urgent business before – Tantrum, Drika, and Java.
"There is no emotion, there is peace".
As soon as he could get up without looking impolite or rude, Brett walked to the other Alderaania represented table and asked for the security chief.
– Yes, master Jedi, how can I be of service?
– Your Princess is in danger. How well do you know your security personnel?
– Most of them are of the royal brigade, except for four public appearances specialists we have hired recently for this event. They all have exemplary files. Why the question?
– One of them is an intruder, sitting next to her…
As he looked to identify Tantrum, he was gone his seat empty.
– Where is the princesses personal passageway?
– I will show you.
– Alright. Then regroup with your staff. One of them will be missing, alert the others that he is an intruder, and instruct the Princess that she must remain here until I return.
– Understood.
Brett quickly probed his mind and saw that he could trust, so he left. There was going to be action.
##
Tantrum make sure the Jedi had noticed him. He left. He didn't want to be forced to fight him. He had also hired low level mercenaries to plan and attack on the Princess that he knew had no chance to succeed with an accomplished Jedi protecting her. However, that should keep him honest and busy while Drika met with Webell. He stopped to contact his mercenaries.
– Is everything according to plan?
– Yes. We have men all across her personal passageway. Her guards will be no help in a tiny passageway like that. Everything is under control. I gather that you've made the payment?
– Do you expect anything else?
– Of course not.
Obviously, Tantrum and not given them a credit. This will make no difference since they would all die. And didn't want anybody to link his master's credit account with such amateurs.
##
The passageway was not very big, wide enough for perhaps two humans, not more, but with very high ceilings. It was meant more as a decorative way than a secure one. Brett walked along slowly. Neeah, she said. His thoughts wandered. Would she allow him to train her?
Surely since her work did not seem to be the most gratifying for someone of her abilities…
The mission, Brett, the mission. His focus was back." There is no emotion, there is…"
Someone, hiding about 20 m ahead. Brett felt like reaching for his lightsaber. But he waited a little bit. His attacker was not Tantrum, but some weak-minded humanoid. The man shot his blaster at him. With the help of the Force, Brett sent the bolt towards the ceiling, a trick he had mastered with delight. Blocking bolts with the lightsaber was one thing, but barehanded, it was another story… Moving matter was easy, but energy was trickier.
Another shot came. This time the lightsaber was lit, and the bolt went back straight into the shooter's leg, causing him to drop his weapon. Someone else was coming, falling from the ceiling, and Brett pushed him away with the Force before the poor man would fall on the lightsaber and hurt himself. Two more men came rushing towards him from the back. Electromagnetic lances were cut short by the lightsaber in a single swipe. One kick in one punch, followed by a jump to cut short on the second attackers attempt to use his blaster, were all he needed to eliminate any danger coming from these four men. Brett then heard footsteps, echoing from further down the hallway, but fading. He started running in that direction, fully aware that this little ambush, if intended for him, was only to slow him down. That person running away, however, could very well be Tantrum, and he would be an interesting prisoner to take home. His senses aware of what lay ahead. He picked up one life form, still running, but he was catching up with it. At the end of the corridor were the princess's quarters. Since his predecessor had, be entered as well. Nobody in these premises either, but the door leading outside was still open. Brett walked in a huge hangar-like room, with merchandise stocked and double stacked. He was awfully close to his prey. Bolts were fired at him, dozens of them. He ignited his lightsaber just before the first one reached him, blocked and rolled over the shots just in time to see a green dressed man fire another set of shots at him before vanishing behind a set of blast doors. Could that still be Tantrum, already changed in some other clothes? He blocked the shots, then ran at the blast doors, opening a hole in them with his lightsaber. That delay would probably cost him the time he had gained on his prey before. But the blast doors led him in a very long corridor, and the man was within sight. Brett smiled and extended his right arm. A simple Force push would cause him to lose his balance, trip, fall and within seconds Brett was on top of him, lightsaber ignited, to destroy his weapon. He grabbed the man by the throat. It was not Tantrum, unfortunately, but perhaps he could tell him where he was.
– Who are you?
– My name is Beevoul… I am the leader of a group of mercenaries. We were hired to stage an attack on Princess Java. Obviously had we known a Jedi was protecting her, we would have declined the opportunity. I assume all my men are dead?
– I don't kill defenceless creatures. Who hired you?
– The man's name is Tantrum. I do not know him. His last communication came from the spaceport, shortly after the end of dinner. I assume he left before we attacked.
Brett could sense that all he said was true. He went back to find the Princess.
##
Drika was, as usual, early for the meeting.
– "I am here to meet Webell" she told the guard
– your name, business and security code, madam?
What a pitiful creature, she thought. Perhaps I should kill him just to show my business and wipe his body out of my way for my clearance code. But she just used the Force to submit him to her will.
– It's not relevant to you. Tell Webell I am here, he is expecting me. I can go along with my business.
– Sure, it's not relevant to me. I shall tell Webell you are here. You can go along with your business.
So easy. How could the leader of a system like Ambulia be protected by such a fool? When she takes control, she will see that.
A young girl was behind the sliding door when it opened, much to Drika's surprise. Not another guard obviously, perhaps just a protocol gimmick. She knew that Ambulians were assigned jobs at a very young age, so maybe she was just a graduated teenage girl hired to handle government work.
– If you will just follow me Mrs. Drika, chief elect Webell is expecting.
– "Good" she said, at the same time thought the same thing: no need to trick her, anyway, for she led him to Webell. She would only need to trick her if the girl stayed with them.
The door opened and Webell was standing handsomely in his quarters. Nice table, nice food, some bottles of what was probably nice wine, which would indeed be a good meeting.
– Greetings Madam. I am most pleased to meet with you again.
– Likewise chief elect Webell.
– If you don't require my help anymore, Neeah asked, I will be leaving.
Perfect, Drika whispered to herself.
– Thank you, Neeah, that will be all.
Neeah left, and Drika sat with Webell. He poured her a glass of wine, and he started the conversation. Drika felt no need to get to the point, she knew right away she could manipulate the man like she could tie her shoelace.
##
Neeah left the room. She was relieved her duties were over, for she was still stunned by that feeling she had in the hall, during the ceremony. She had never felt anything like that, like being hit by a telepathic wave. She had always been the clever and intuitive one, to somehow be able to "gutfeel" and to make the right choices at the right time before events actually happened. She'd also been somewhat lucky, which helped obviously. But to feel that kind of a bang, so strong, was unheard of and brand-new to her. And whatever it was, the Jedi had felt it to because he had looked as stunned as she had. Maybe his powers just allowed him to feel how startled she knew very little about did the Jedi. Maybe even he was the source of that wave, but why? Ambulians were never big on history and the fact that the Jedi had been almost extinct for a generation did not help. She entered her room only to realize she had forgotten to lock the meeting door on her way out. Even though that Drika woman did not look the way she expected, she knew Webell would not want to be disturbed. She walked out, heading back towards the meeting room…
##
– I believe all danger is eliminated now, Your Highness. The mercenaries of left and will not be back.
– Thank you, Master Jedi. Once again, my people and I are in debt to you for protection and wisdom.
– I'm afraid that your relationship with us and the sympathy for your cause from master Skywalker is what put you in danger. We also have enemies. My assistance in this case is only normal.
– Thank you, regardless.
– But be careful. The meeting is a weeklong and Tantrum might try something else. We should stay in contact.
– We shall be very careful from now on, thank you again.
Brett turned around and figured the area was safe for the Princess. Now would be a good time to try to find a teenage girl, Neeah. The meeting had been over for a few hours now, so whatever functions she had for chief elect Webell would be over as well. He sat down, calmed down, yet didn't want to startle her again so he refrained from sending his Force sensitive wave. He she looked and scanned with the Force, the way he did before and could not find Drika, you would find her. And he did, right away.
Neeah was just a few blocks away, but she was not alone. A few people in the same room as her… Including a very fearful, evil, twisted and angry presence who casted a dark shadow over the Force. Brett shivered. There was only one such person, and Brett could feel her presence like no one else's.
Drika was with Neeah. Now. He had to hurry. Obviously, she had found out about a teenage Force sensitive girl, and perhaps the Alderaania coup was just a ruse to get him away from Neeah, so the Drika could dispose of her or worse, try to lure her to the dark side…
He hurried on the stairs guided by the Force, focusing on Neeah's forced race and on Drika's shadow. They had been separated for a few minutes, which was a huge surprise and a comforting thought to Brett. Maybe she didn't know yet. But as he approached, he felt the two of them growing closer together. The door opened and he felt that Drika had sensed his presence as well. So much for the surprise effect… Things were going to get rough.
##
Drika was already beginning to take control of Webell when she felt a twinge in the dark side. Her senses were kept opened in case Brett tried to track her down. Now, she had just felt him. She extended her probe to find him, but she was surprised to feel another Force presence approaching. Strong yet uncontrolled, could it be the young girl? Yes, definitely. This was going to be interesting… Obviously the Jedi had realized her powers to and would try to take her away as an apprentice. Brett would also probably assume that the girl was the reason for Drika's presence which was a good thing to her. Good, very good. Very quickly her thoughts shifted. The thought of taking an apprentice for herself, a real one, finally, paralyzed her for an instant. That was unexpected but she had to make up her mind really quick. She excused herself from Webell and stepped outside to meet the girl before the Jedi arrived. As her gaze caught that of a surprise teenage girl, she made up her mind: if it would be easy, she would take her and decide later what to do with her. If, however, Brett was to make it difficult and had the slimmest of chances to take her back with him then she would have to do what she had to. Neeah would have to die. Better to do it now before she becomes a Jedi.
Then the door opened and at the other end of the corridor stepped in the Jedi.
– Unfortunately I was expecting you. I see the old man now sends his maid out to clean his mess.
– You are your own mess Drika.
The corridor had only tree doors, the one Drika came from, the one Brett came from, and another one behind Drika where Neeah stood. There would be no choice but to fight. They ignited their lightsabers and sarcastically smiled at each other. Neeah was paralyzed by surprise.
TO BE CONTINUED