SEARCHING FOR SLAVERS
The return trip to Coruscant seemed to be longer than usual. Trevor could not concentrate on anything, due to the anxiety from the night before. Even though he had been in a bacta tank for ten hours, it still felt as if he'd gotten a full nights rest. The feeling of unease could not be shaken. Those Dashade were a sight that he could not forget, and yet, there was something disturbing about creatures who were known assassins being used as common thieves. There was something underneath the surface that bothered him, but could not put his finger on it.
The familiar surge of hyperspace travel to sublight reverberated the ship. Trevor walked to the main bridge to find Shudo guiding the Phoenix through Coruscant traffic space to the Jedi Temple. Shudo's face showed no emotions, but Trevor noticed that his coloring was a mix of calm / anxiousness, and that worried Trevor. He kept it to himself, though. Shudo knew of the feelings that Trevor was feeling, but did not acknowledge it. Trevor will mention it in due time, Shudo thought.
The Phoenix glided through the hanger bay and landed abruptly. Shudo stood up and motioned for Trevor to follow him. Nothing was directly communicated but there was an abrupt feel to Shudo's Force signature. Trevor felt something along the bond they shared, but followed along silently. They traversed the hanger bay directly to a bank of turbolifts. Shudo walked to the only lift with direct access to the Council chambers. Trevor stopped short of the lift in wonderment. Shudo turned to Trevor and motioned him into the lift. Trevor nodded, entering cautiously.
In the many different missions that Shudo and Trevor had partaken over the years, never had he gone directly to the Council chambers upon returning from a mission. He had been in the chambers many times before, most recently a few months ago for a status report on a training incident. Since that time, Trevor had not been summoned to the Council, nor had he visited with them during any mission debriefs. This must be serious if he is bringing me along, thought Trevor.
The doors to the lift opened to a small waiting area to the Jedi Council chambers. They proceeded into the Chambers without pausing. In all the times he visited, it never ceased an awe-inspiring feeling from the depths of his soul. The Coruscant cityscape could be seen in a 270-degree panoramic view. The travel lanes with hundreds of ships could be seen going in a north – south or east – west route. The Council seats were on the peripheral of the chamber, in such a way as to have all twelve council members watching the presenter from all angles. The circles on the floor notified the Jedi where to stand in relation to others. The pair walked towards the middle of the chamber, silence permeating throughout the chamber. Most of the council members were already seated. The three seats reserved for Ki-Adu-Mundi, Adi Gallia, and Plo Koon were empty. Trevor stood just behind Shudo's right side. Master Yoda nodded to Shudo, "Master Shudo, a report to give you do. Share your experiences, you should."
"Master. Council. I have begun the diplomatic process of peace between the Gotal and the Techno-Union. We need to have some professional diplomats continue the negotiations. And Trevor Gul'dan, my padawan as many will remember, has some interesting news regarding the secondary mission that you assigned us."
Trevor took nearly half an hour detailing everything that went on at the museum, including the attack of the Deshade, the kidnapping, and the subsequent pursuit of the second figure. Nervous energy flowed through Trevor as he explained the entire incident. Trevor suddenly realized that the Council may not know about his lightsaber, but maybe that would be for another time. He finished his description of the events, and stood back in his normal position.
"Trevor Gul'dan, you faced two of these Deshade by yourself," asked Mace Windu, his face an ebony monolith, but his eyes blazed in astonishment.
"Yes, Master. I contacted Master Shudo as I realized that the thief might have been too much for me. However, Master Shudo mentioned that he would not be able to be there right away, so I took it upon myself to deal with him. Master Shudo wanted me to keep it at the museum, so I tried to deal with it the best I could."
Yoda and Windu looked at each other knowingly. Trevor was not sure what was going on, and he could not get a read from either of them. Mace nodded to Shudo as if to dismiss the pair. Shudo bowed as well.
"Very lucky you are, young padawan, to survive. Extremely strong they are. Trained killers this race is. Glad to have survived we are. A strong Jedi will you make one day.
Trevor looked at the wizened faced Jedi, realizing that he had been brooding for nothing. Jedi were not perfect, sometimes there were stronger enemies and it takes more than just one mistake for a Jedi to fall from grace.
Yoda nodded very slightly to Trevor, and he bowed his head towards the ground to keep the smirk from showing to the Council.
Mace Windu raised his chin, commanding attention.
"The council will investigate this matter. It would seem that there is something more here than we can see. Clear your mind of this matter," and with this, he turned his eyes over to Trevor. Well, revenge is the path to the dark side. I hope that I have another chance someday.
"Some new information has reached us from Jedi Master Ooma Koomal. She and Nawara Komad are tracking some slavers. A large shipment of slaves is to arrive on Brentaal in the next few days. We are uncertain of how they are being shipped there, or even where they are going to dock. Your mission is to investigate and shut down slave operations if possible. Priority is to safely recover all of the slaves.
Trevor felt the need to speak at this point. "Pardon my boldness, Masters, but how many slaves are there supposed to be on this 'delivery'?"
"Nearly two dozen believed to be there are."
Shudo nodded to his padawan, yellow highlights speckling his skin. "Has there been any word from Ooma?"
"No," replied Windu. "She isobserving communication silence right now. She is undercover, and getting us this message was dangerous as it was. No word from her padawan either."
Trevor thought back to his days as a youngling in the jedi temple. His Nexu Clan was formed very early on, and most of the eighteen members of his clan were still alive. Nawara was a purple skinned twi'lek, a very common race of slaves. She was also had successfully become a Jedi Knight, one of eight current knights in Trevor's clan. He worried about her, as he would his sister. His clan still met for dinner each night when they were in the temple and they would almost act like a family. They worked with each other on assignments, comforted them when necessary, pushing them more often. Some of the clan had died in the line of duty, but they all remembered the lessons and happiness.
"Very well, Masters," said Shudo. "We leave within the hour."
The pair bowed to the Council, turned and left the way they came in. The door to the Council chambers closed, and Yoda and Windu turned to one another, the bond of Padawan & Master still connecting them in the Force. The unspoken words filled in the gaps much louder than the silence that filled the room.
The Crystal Phoenix departed Coruscant air space an hour after Trevor and Shudo left the Council Chamber. Trevor did not have time to visit with the remainder of his clan for dinner. Shudo was insistent on leaving within the hour. Trevor assisted with the preparation of supplies for the ship and even took his assignments from the prior week that he did not finish prior to leaving for Alderaan. Brentaal was just over an hour of travel from Coruscant, but Trevor felt that he needed to keep busy. Shudo, on the other hand, had a different idea. Ten minutes after entering hyperspace, Shudo called Trevor him to the crew lounge. Shudo was sitting at a table, looking at a datapad. Even though Trevor was fairly silent, Shudo acknowledged his presence.
"It would seem that the slaver information sent by Ooma barely detailed the slaves release. We have very little information to go on. Brentaal has three spaceports that might work. What do you think, Padawan?"
While looking at the information given, Trevor dared to ask a question.
"Master Ooma trained you, correct?"
"Yes, she did. She has been with the Order for quite some time. She's a very good teacher and an excellent friend. I would be lying if I said I was not worried. As I am sure that you are of your friend, Nawara, I believe? Do not worry about your friend. She is a capable Jedi, and would not have been allowed to take on the Trials if Ooma did not think her ready."
Trevor nodded silently and regarded the datapad intently. He did not want to think about losing another of his Clan. But he was old enough to understand the risks of that the Jedi Order took to keep peace and justice in the galaxy. Many Jedi over the past forty thousand years lost their lives doing what they must to maintain order. The only order Trevor had in his 'sight' was the mission given to his master by the Council.
The datapad showed the spaceports of Brentaal organized by types of ships received during a Standard week. Brentaal was a major junction point for two of the highest traveled trade routes throughout the galaxy. Thousands of ships passed through that sector on trading business, both legal and illegal. Most of the cargo was left on container in space, however there were a great number of spacedocks on the planet that would give room for a container large enough to transport slaves. Trevor suddenly had an idea.
"Master, I am trying to place myself in the heads of a slaver. Where are the best places to smuggle something in, not have an inspection agent look too close, and get it off planet quickly?"
Trevor sorted the list of spaceports by types of containers sorted and then by security personnel on hand. Only three centers stood out, but Trevor's mind kept going back to Othard, the most wretched place of the three.
"If I were carried a large container of slaves, I would want them in good condition; not battered, but alive. A place that security would look the other way, or just doesn't have the resources to handle a container that large. Master, I think they would land here," pointed Trevor to Othard.
Shudo watched his apprentice growing before his eyes. Normally, Trevor would have followed along with the mission outline that Shudo put together, but Shudo wanted to test Trevor's mission planning skills. He also needed something else to occupy his mind, and Shudo could read that Trevor was concerned about his friend. Emotions are not becoming to a Jedi, but even Shudo understood the link between clanmates. Trevor's common sense was very good, but his Force-sight needed a little work. Shudo locked away this piece of information as well, hoping a better time would come to apply it.
"How would you suggest we search for these slavers? Just can't ask them now, can we?"
After a moment's pause, "Master, would you be willing to lead a blind man around town for a while? If we get off the ship and switch clothing, we might be able to don disguises of a blind man looking for a little… companionship."
Brentaal's planetary almanac showed that eighty-five percent of the population was human. Most normal humans did not know a Miraluka from a blind man. Trevor had used the blind man routine on a few occasions, just to test it out during his teenage years mostly to play practical jokes on the humans in Coruscant. He never thought that it would actually come in handy on a mission. Shudo's skin turned a bright yellow. "The master becomes the padawan, and the padawan becomes the master. Interesting notion, Trevor. Sir. Why would you pick that disguise?"
"Actually it is rather simple. Who is going to disturb a blind man who has a four meter tall bodyguard / nurse nearby? The Anx race is well known for their anatomy, and it most likely will be assumed that you are a nurse, but your walk should also give people pause that, even though you are a nurse, you know how to handle yourself in a fight. It will get you into places that would normally be off limits to you based on your size. I know you can get in an out of places rather easily, Master, but wouldn't it be simpler if we were just part of the crowd?"
Shudo's face broke out into a rare smile which surprised Trevor.
"It is a sound plan. Let us prepare. Your studies will have to wait another day. Sir."
"Boy, this is going to be hard to be used to." Trevor smirked at Shudo, and the two enjoyed a good laugh.
The Phoenix landed at the Othgard Spaceport shortly after midday. Shudo and Trevor sneaked off the ship, going directly to a maintenance shop with Ee-Five. Ee-Five was going to bring back a case of tools to be used for repairs. At least that was Shudo's part in the charade. Shudo and Trevor switched clothing and exited the shop unnoticed. Trevor expanded his walking cane, grabbed hold of Shudo's cloak and gently waved the stick in front of him. He thought he looked silly, but when he hit a few people in the ankles before they walked in front of him, the looks they shot gave Trevor no reason to think that the disguises were not working.
Shudo and Trevor walked the streets, looking for a place that reeked of corruption. Unfortuntately, most of the cantinas in this part of Brentaal were run down and seedy. Brawls and scuffles were the norm. Trevor's outfit caused him to be a bit out of place, but Shudo's presence turned of anyone from bothering them. They continued down what Trevor called Cantina Way for another half-kilometer when Shudo moved his head towards a multi-floored cantina with scantily clad women draping themselves over the patrons on the balconies. Trevor turned his head towards the cantina, and with it, had a premonition that this would be the place. Trevor motioned his cane towards the 'establishment' and Shudo complied.
They walked up the few steps together towards the door. Trevor noticed right away that Shudo would not have fit through the door in any form. He would be on his own.
"What is the problem?" Trevor prompted Shudo.
"Sir, I shall be unable to enter this establishment. The doors are too small for me to fit." A slight edge could be heard in Shudo's voice. Trevor did not like going in alone either, but the way of the Force was mysterious. Trevor needed to keep up the charade he wanted to portray.
"Very well. Stay here until my return. I am going to have a drink and hopefully a talk. You will be fine?"
"Yes, Sir. I can manage here."
"Very well."
Nearly giggling at the exchange, Trevor walked into the cantina and navigated directly towards the bar. The current patrons ignored him as he moved on. He purposely caught his cane on a few tables and chairs, just to keep up illusions that this was not a familiar place.
The crowd was actually quite sparse for the time of day which made Trevor a bit nervous. He ordered a drink and sipped it quite calmly, reciting the Jedi Code in his mind the entire time. The drink wasn't especially good, but he did order a Corellian red wine. Something that was a bit expensive, yet not overly so. Well, that should get someone's attention.
A fragrance greeted Trevor's senses, and he turned his sight, but not his face, towards the sounds of footfalls nearing him. An buxom human woman wove her way through the establishment. Trevor nearly dropped the act right there, but was smart enough to also realize that this woman was a pro. She knew exactly how to walk, how to present herself, and probably how to speak elegantly. His defenses immediately went up.
"Is this seat taken," asked the woman.
Trevor moved his head slightly to sound of her voice, portraying a blind man.
"I am not sure, to be honest with you. I haven't heard anyone sitting there yet."
The woman looked him up and down, nodding at what she saw. Trevor saw a light in her eyes. She's thinking I am an easy mark. Well, let's just see how easy she thinks I am.
The two started up a conversation of small talk with each trying to gauge the others' intent. A few drinks came and went, with Trevor picking up the tab. He had never really done this before and wanted to keep on her good side. He waited until almost three drinks later to broach the subject of 'companionship'.
"Irana, I wonder if you would allow me to ask you a personal question. Would you know where a gentleman could find some companionship? Being blind does have it's downfall, and I'd rather like to have some more compatible companionship that my nurse outside."
The woman turned towards the door, and noticing Shudo pacing outside.
"My, he is a big one, isn't he?"
"Helps having a body guard as well. Only need one to fill two posts. However, I do get lonely. Know anyone who can help? Money is no object." Trevor leaned forward and slurred his speech slightly.
"Well, I am not exactly the person to talk to, but I might know someone who'd help you out. Are you business activities completely above board," she whispered.
"My dear, I would not be here if everything I did was completely above the board."
"Let me contact my employer. He might know someone you can get in contact with. Will you excuse me for a moment?"
"Certainly."
Irana got up from her chair and proceeded to pull a comlink out of her vest pocket. She punched a few numbers on the com, and began speaking in hushed tones. Trevor decided not to impede the conversation by listening in; he could see her face and it was certainly animated.
Trevor also turned his vision towards Shudo. He was pacing nervously back and forth looking into the window on occasion. When Shudo looked in, Trevor nodded his head in the direction of Irana. Shudo nodded back, signifying that he received the signal. He moved off to the northern side of the balcony and began looking out over the cityscape.
Irana returned shortly thereafter. Trevor's nerves were certainly on the edge, but the drinks largely kept him calm enough for Irana to not suspect anything. She had a sly smile on her face.
"Well, you return. And what did he have to say?"
"Can you purchase immediately?"
"Depends on the method of delivery, cost and quality of the merchandise. I have specific needs and I can make arrangements necessary if I have to."
"Good. Then let's go."
Irana reached over and grasped his elbow to lead him away. Trevor stood, paid the remainder of the tab, and exited the building on Irana's lead. Shudo sensed his padawan's presence, but noted that Trevor seemed to be in control of the surrounding. The two exited the cantina and Trevor stopped at the top of the stairs.
"Excuse me, dear." He turned towards Shudo. "You are dismissed for the rest of the day. I have an appointment that I must keep. Be ready to leave as soon as I get back." Trevor sent a warning through the Jedi bond, hoping that Shudo would not really listen, but play along instead.
Shudo nodded at Trevor. "Certainly, Master," indicating to Trevor that Shudo received both messages. "I will be waiting for you at the ship upon your return. You are certain you do not need me?"
"I shall be fine, nursemaid. Do not wait for me. Enjoy yourself in this fine city."
Trevor moved towards Irana. "Well, then my dear. Let us be off."
They turned south and walked for nearly ten minutes. Trevor kept his vision moving around, keeping up with Shudo and his position to Trevor and Irana. Shudo could certainly keep himself hidden when he wanted to. No one else seemed to be following them, and knowing that Shudo was nearby made him feel much easier. The feeling of doubt still nagged at him, but having his Master nearby always made him feel better.
An open car shuttle stopped near the pair. Irana ushered Trevor into the cab, and Trevor became a bit more nervous. Shudo wouldn't be able to follow easily. Irana pushed him from behind gently into a seat. By all accounts, Irana's employer was someone who didn't take their chances when meeting with anyone. The shuttle left the street with a sudden lurch. Trevor turned his sight downward and realized that Shudo was running towards another shuttle cab, trying to pursue Trevor's vehicle. However, Trevor lost sight of him within moments. He was now truly on his own. This could be a problem, thought Trevor.
The hotel that Trevor stopped in front of was a bit run down on the outside. A circular area in the front allowed for cabs and taxis to drop off their fares at the front door. Most of the patrons of this establishment walked up to the building instead of being dropped by a vehicle. Irana checked the perimeter quickly and exited the vehicle with Trevor in tow. They entered the hotel lobby, which was remarkably different. Where the exterior was rundown and beat up, the reverse was true for the inside. Lavish furnishing were everywhere. The sofas and benches seemed to have an extra shine on them. The lift doors were surprising close to the front enterance. A lift arrived, leading the pair to the top floor. The lift doors opened to a lush suite. Irana walked into an open area with a sunken circular sofa and led Trevor to the kitchen area.
Behind a counter was a green skinned Sarkan. The Sarkan was over 2.25 meters tall. The snout protruded out from the jaw and two sharp teeth pointed up from the lower jaw gave him a very sinister look. The dark green eyes looked over at Trevor as he and Irana walked in. Trevor nearly shook in fright but managed to keep his cane moving in front of him.
"I have brought our new customer, Zirak."
"Good. Have a seat. Want something to eat?"
The polite way from the Sarkan didn't throw Trevor off. He waited patiently for Zirak to finish his drink canister. Zirak continued eating and drinking while the door to the other room opened. Trevor turned his head slightly towards the sound and moved his point of view to the living quarters. Three Klatooinians, hairless humanoids with course reddish-brown skin, canine-shaped jaws, walked in and spread out around the room. The high foreheads gave these Klatooinians a fierce look, and it reminded Trevor of a similar race that was used as slaves by the Hutts. Directly behind the Klatooinians, two reptilian humanoids with leathery ruddy-red skin, horned faces, no visible nose, and armed to the teeth stood guard by the door. Trevor also recognized these as Red Niktos, another Hutt slave species. The Niktos kept their hand-like appendages near their weapons at all times. No catching them off guard, Trevor thought
"So, I hear from my assistant that you are looking for some companionship."
"Yes, I am. I am looking for a female who can be docile, and yet intelligent enough to realize that a blind man can do only so much."
"So what species do you require?"
Trevor took a moment's pause. "Twi'lek. Some associates of mine have a few twi'leks on their staff." Trevor pause before saying the last words.
"Well, I believe that I can provide you with what you want. However, payment needs to be provided up front."
"I don't work that way. If you have product, fine. If you don't want to do business, I'll leave now."
"What?" Zirak was stunned by the sudden reply.
"Very simple. You have a product; I have the credit to purchase said product. However, I require that I inspect the merchandise prior to purchase. I do not expect blind purchases. If I am going to be using your merchandise
Zirak looked directly at him, debating the wisdom of his words. Trevor looked around the room, trying to 'blindly' look at the Sarkan. Zirak smiled, nodded and responded.
"Very well. We will inspect the product prior to purchase."
"Good. When do we inspect the merchandise?"
"Irana, you are excused. We don't need you the rest of the day." Irana immediately got up from her seat in the kitchen and left the domicile posthaste. Zirak motioned to his guards. The two Niktos immediately opened the door and moved outside. Two of the Klatooinians raised themselves off the sofa and moved towards the door. Zirak stopped the third Klatooinian, and whispered something to him. The Klatooinian nodded to him, looked at Trevor and sneered. Trevor never moved his head from its position, but he doubted that was a good sign. The entourage headed out the lounge towards the turbolift. A Klatooinian grasped Trevor's arm and led him out of the apartment. They took the lift back down towards the lobby and headed to another shuttle car. Trevor thought about reaching out with the Force to find Shudo, but did not want to take the risk in case some one might be Force sensitive and give himself up. Shudo can take care of himself, thought Trevor. He'll find me.
The cargo stacks were on the outskirts of the city. Many large containers were stacked one on top of another, two and three high, three long, and four or five across. Trevor got lost in the amount of containers. How the Force am I going to get out of this? Trevor shifted slightly to feel his lightsaber next to his ribs. The three Rodians nudged each other, pointing at Trevor. Knowing that his disguise could go wrong at any moment, he tried to move only a little.
The shuttle slowed down, and started a landing approach to an opening within a large storage area. The shuttle landed in the edge of an area inside of the containers thirty meters long by ten meters wide. The shuttle car fit neatly at one end of the corridor. The group disembarked from the shuttle and walked to the end of the on the opposite end of the long corridor and traversed the entire area in a few moments. As they turned the corner, another area thirty meters long by ten meters wide laid out before them. At the other end was a pair of whiphids guarding a door located nearly in the middle of the back wall. The four moved straight towards the door. The group entered the conainer, and Trevor's nose detected stench of peoples being too close together in a confined space. Trevor adjusted his sight to find a surprise.
The container's interior was lined on each side with cages, each five meters wide. Trevor heard movement in one of the cages but kept his edge on. Here were the slaves that he'd been assigned to find. Zirak walked nearly half the container towards a number pad on the wall. After punching in a code, the nearest door opened, and Zirak led Trevor into the room. Inside were twelve female Twi'leks of different coloring. Most of the women cowered in the corner as Zirak walked in. He grabbed a blue-green female and thrust her up towards the center of the room.
"Sir, your newest companion."
Trevor walked up to the young lady, who could not have been more than fifteen standard years old.
"No, she is too young. She will not do."
Zirak shook his head, and his countenance took on a look of disgust.
"Well, you are the customer. It is not like I haven't done this before. Ah! Here's one! She's a bit feisty, but she'll do will for you."
Zirak grabbed a yellowish twi'lek by the hair and yanked her to her feet. She grabbed a hold of his arm, but she could not escape his grasp. Trevor walked over to her and placed a hand under her face.
"You can let go of her now."
Zirak release her, and the twi'lek, feeling something gentle in the touch, did not fight Trevor's hand. She stood up straight, standing nearly as tall as he. Trevor reached out and felt down her arms, walking around her as if inspecting her. As he walked behind her, he waited until the female was between Zirak and himself. He whispered to her behind her back.
"Remain calm."
The muscles on the back of her neck tensed and immediately relaxed. Trevor grasped her neck, shoulders, and felt her face. He placed his hands on her face, turned it down to him. He smirked slightly to keep her attention on his face. Her cheeks tensed, giving Trevor the immediate sense that she was trying to smile. As Trevor removed his hands, the increasing sound of ship reached his ears. Trevor frowned slightly. Someone was approaching the area. Any more aliens nearby and Trevor would be in even more trouble. A squawking comlink raised Trevor's attention level. He tried to listen but the language was something that he had not heard before. The voice sounded confused and under duress. Trevor thought that was odd. He turned from the twi'lek and headed outside of the cell. Zirak was standing outside the door with a comlink in his paw. He snarled into it, and turned back towards Trevor.
"Well, how is she?"
"She'll be—" Trevor started, but a distant snap-hiss stopped them in their tracks.
"What the—" Zirak reached behind him, and grabbed a large blaster pistol from under his jacket. "Stay here. I don't want a blind man in my way."
Zirak walked down the corridor toward the door. He was nearly at the door, when a second snap-hiss diverted his attention back down the corridor. Trevor had interposed himself between the Sarkan and the slaves. His white blade illuminated the entire container in a steady light. The Sarkan turned his blaster back towards the diminutive Jedi, intent on blasting him out of the container. However, Trevor knocked the bolt right back at the Sarkan. The laser bolt hit the bulkhead near Zirak causing sparks to shower all over him. Zirak roared his frustration at Trevor.
"You will not get out of here alive!"
"We'll see, Zirak. We'll see."
Zirak fired twice more, but nothing got through Trevor's defenses. Trevor did not move his positiion, keeping Zirak and company away from the slaves that were five meters away. The Council's missive about keeping the slaves alive was all Trevor thought about, and standing here was the best thing for him. He felt more alive than he had before. This is right, thought Trevor. The two Nikto moved away from the main door, around Zirak and headed towards Trevor. Zirak maneuvered out of the way and the Sarkan smiled.
"You will not get out of here alive, Jedi!"
The Niktos fired a barrage of fire at Trevor. He blocked only three of the shots, a fourth ricocheting off the near container wall. Sparks showered Trevor, but he ignored the burning ashes as they fell upon his skin and robes. He advanced towards the Niktos to give them something else to think about. Zirak reached the door but had to back away from the door as a blue-white blade made an arch through the metallic structure. Trevor blocked all the laser fire that neared him, however, not much got near him. The exterior light suddenly illuminated the interior as a loud CLANK shook the floor. A four meter tall shadow stood walked into the archway, and the blue blade swooped around very quickly, neatly taking off Zirak's blaster arm. Trevor had spared with Shudo as he was learning the lightsaber techniques. Many years had gone by and Trevor still not believe how fast the Anx Jedi could move. Shudo effortlessly floated from one fighting position to another. Zirak tried to attack Shudo, but was unable to even get close. Shudo did not even bat an eye when Zirak went down. A Klatooinian turned around, and upon seeing Shudo, immediately took off towards Trevor. Trevor kept his blade up and the Klatooinian fired nearly point blank. Trevor dodged out of the way, and swiped at the Klatooinian ,not expecting to land a fatal blow. The body slump to the ground, and Trevor disengaged his blade. He turned to the remaining three bodyguards.
"Drop your weapons, now!" Trevor commanded. The three guards dropped the weapons as if they were made of molten metal. Shudo walked over to Trevor.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, Master Shudo. I am fine."
"Good." A door on the far side of the container jolted the Jedi into action. Shudo commanded. "Stay here," and as graceful as a glider hustled across the container.
A movement warned Trevor of problems. One of the Nikto reached behind his back and had pulled a small handblaster out. He had it aimed at Trevor's head. Immediately white light filled the area as the blade suddenly roared to life. Time seemed to stand still. The blade, as if moving of its own volition, turned nearly horizontal and reached out toward the Nikto's arm. As the arm came down to aim at Trevor, the blade sliced off the entire lower arm, blaster pistol intact. The appendage clattered as the barrel of the pistol connected with the flooring. As Trevor turned his sight towards his prisoners, time returned to normal. The Nikto fainted in shock from the sudden loss of his arm, while the remaining Klatooinian and Nikto dropped their weapons to the ground. The remaining guards put their hands up into the air, not wanting to lose what their companion did. Trevor then turned back towards Shudo.
Shudo's hands were certainly full. Another pair of whiphids had entered from the back door. They were surprised at the large Jedi bearing down on them. One had successfully backed out the door and was trying to hide directly next to the door. The other, unfortunately, did not last long under Shudo's practiced hand. After dispatching the first, Shudo looked at the remaining door, and jabbed his lightsaber through the right side of the door way. A squeal of pain could be heard, and then a muffled thump. Shudo's blade revereted back into its disk, and he returned back towards Trevor.
"We have to get these slave out of here."
"Master, we need to tie these thre…. Two remaining prisoners up. I think the third will comply."
"Trevor, what have I –"
"Master, I did what was necessary to protect myself and you." And he nodded to the appendage on the floor.
"Very well, find some rope and apprehend these two."
Trevor found some sturdy rope and tied the three prisoners together. The one-armed Nikto was still in pain, but definitely alive. Shudo proceeded to disengage all the locks within the container. Trevor assisted with the extrapolation of the slaves into the open area outside. The sight disturbed Trevor very much. Slavery in the Republic was illegal, but smugglers and the Hutts still found ways to sell and use slaves. Trevor found that he was sickened by the conditions of the twi'lek slaves. Squalor and fetid were two words that came unbidden into his mind. The stench in some stables were overpowering.
Trevor called over to Shudo while escorting the twi'leks that he had inspected just a half hour before.
"Master, that ship is certainly not going to be enough. We need to have the Phoenix to transport everyone. Shall I contact E5?"
Shudo nodded and helped the former slaves out of the container. Trevor contacted E5, requested the astromech to move the ship from the space dock to the Stacks. E5 twittered an affirmative and Trevor returned to assist Shudo with the return of the slaves.
The Crystal Phoenix arrived over the Stacks five minutes after Trevor's call. E-Five extended the landing ramp into the open area. The nearly two-dozen slaves limped aboard and found their way to open areas within the ship. Trevor and Shudo found room for everyone within the hallways, kitchen area, and even in the cargo holds. Trevor found extra blankets and passed them out. Twenty minutes after E-Five dropped the ramp, the Crystal Phoenix streaked through the atmosphere, heading back to Coruscant. Shudo contacted the Council, letting them know that the slaves were safe. Master Windu, who answered the communication, acknowledged that there would be Med-Corp staff for when they arrived.
Trevor walked back through the ship, checking on each of the slaves, making sure that each one was as comfortable as possible. A young girl motioned to Trevor.
"What is it, little one?"
"The old lady is not feeling well, but she will not admit it. I have seen her stand up to the slavers."
"Really? Maybe we should see if she would like to be in a comfortable bed, shall we."
The little girl, who was no more than twelve, got a twinkle in her eye from the joke, started to bounce down the hallway. Smiles could be seen on many of the faces. A few of them had confused looks on their faces, but smirks could be seen. A yellowish-gold twi'lek, with wrinkles on her face, could be seen leaning against the bulkhead.
"Ma'am, can I offer you a better place to rest that this hard door? Someone of your stature needs something better accommodations."
"No, I am fine…"
"Ma'am, my Master would be very upset at me if I didn't offer you something more comfortable. I know just the place. Please follow me."
Trevor led the old woman down a short corridor to his room. No one had taken his room, but the older lady looked like she needed a good rest. Trevor moved aside and directed the woman to the sleeping pallet.
"It is sparse, but it is what I call comfortable. It will get you off your feet for the next hour or so. I will come and wake you when we arrive at Coruscant."
The woman turned to Trevor with tears in her eyes. Kindness was not something that she was used to. Trevor bowed to her, turned and exited the room. The feeling of accomplishment came over Trevor as he walked towards the bridge of the ship. There was certainly more to the Jedi Order than he ever figured before. Now, who would be shipping slaves in such terrible conditions?
Nearly an hour later, Shudo Laan worked the controls of the Phoenix as Trevor entered. He was proud enough of his padawan for adjusting to the situation at hand. Trevor showed that he could handle himself to get into a place, and be able to complete an objective. 'This may have been a simple mission, but Trevor's handling of this slaver ring is something that the Council should know about,' Shudo thought. He composed the message in front of Trevor and sent it before Trevor could see what he had done. Shudo knew that the request would be considered, and no other course of action could be taken. He proved he was ready.
An indicator light flashed on the piloting console, and Shudo pulled back the hyperspace controls. The starlines shrank back to points in the viewscreen, and Coruscant loomed quickly in front. The Phoenix was immediately cleared for landing at the Jedi Temple. Landing in the main hanger bay only took fifteen minutes more, and soon, Shudo and Trevor were helping to get the twi'leks onto Med-Corps stretchers and repulsorbeds for the Med-Corp to give a complete physical exam. Many of the twi'leks gave the pair nods and smiles. The young girl that Trevor spoke with waved happily as she was led to the turbolifts. Trevor smiled at the pure happiness that radiated from her.
A ripple in the Force announced Shudo's adjustment. "Get yourself checked out as well. I want to make sure that you are also fine."
"Master, you do not want me to report to the Council with you?" Trevor asked in near relief.
"I think that the Council will respect my judgment in this particular matter. Go get some rest. You have earned it."
Trevor bowed to Shudo, and proceeded to head back to his quarters. Shudo watched the Miraluka and knew that he would be a very good Jedi. He would miss Trevor as a padawan, but as with his previous padawan, Kimber Thomree, those two would certainly start to erase a part of Shudo's past that he did not talk about much; a Jedi that has turned away from the path of the Order. 'This one will be fine, I can feel it.' Shudo turned from the hanger bay and headed towards the Council lift.