Alex Rider: Jedi Knight

Jedi Goat

Disclaimer: I don't own Alex Rider or Star Wars.

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Chapter 20: Discovery

The Jedi Council Chamber announced itself with blaster shots that echoed for miles around. The sound brought Ferus, Alex and Sabina running, Darra stumbling along at Sabina's side.

Alex skidded to a stop in front of the grand oak doors. One hung unsteadily off of its hinges, giving a small hole to peer into the room.

Alex looked inside; once, the chamber must have been a magnificent impression. Its circular floor was raised, sparkling dimly sapphire blue in the fire of the sunset coming through the giant window. Twelve chairs in various states of dilapidation sat around the chamber, some overturned and ripped apart. A crystal chandelier had crashed to the ground, glass spilling around its skeletal frame.

A small squadron of battle droids patrolled the chamber, blasters clutched in their metallic hands. At first, this struck Alex as odd, but then he spotted a flicker of a short form darting behind one of the chairs.

Alex drew back from the door, whispering in shock, "There's Younglings in there!"

Darra's bronze eyes flashed. "We have to save them then!"

"They're only children," Sabina sympathized quietly. "They don't deserve to die."

Silently tallying the votes of his friends, Alex nodded and turned back to the doors. He gripped his lightsaber, called on the Force, and then kicked down the broken door.

CRASH!

The battle droids swiveled around as the wood slammed into the ground. Blasters fired at the intruders.

Alex was already moving, lightsaber dancing through the air. He leaped, sliced through a droid and whirled to face the next one. He caught flashes of the others charging into battle. Ferus swiped at the droids, felling two with one blow. Darra and Sabina fought side-by-side, Sabina defending her at the same time. Alex couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride: Sabina had learned so much in such a short time.

Alex jabbed his weapon through the droid's control panel. Sparks exploded and the droid stilled, blaster pointed out at him. Alex withdrew, whipping his lightsaber back to knock the blaster out of another droid's hand. Smoothly turning on his heel, Alex took out the droid.

Going in to a defensive position, he searched out his next challenger. But the droids had already been reduced to smoldering heaps.

Standing up, he grinned. "Great work, you guys."

"You weren't too bad yourself."

Alex turned, surprised. He was even more shocked to see a familiar figure stepping out from behind one of the chairs. "Obi-Wan?"

"Hello, Padawan." He glanced back, smiling slightly. "You can come out now."

Five small faces peered out at them, before the Younglings came out of their hiding places, eyes wide and scared.

"Oh!" gasped Sabina.

"The droids caught us here in a crossfire," he explained, stepping up to Alex. "It's good to see you, Padawan. Unexpected, but good." His eyes turned questioning. "What happened to Anakin?"

"He ambushed the hospital," Alex said quietly. "We – dealt with him. Master Siri died."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, silent for a long moment. Then he looked over at Ferus. "Your Master was a great Jedi. She will be missed."

Ferus nodded, looking pained. Darra touched his arm comfortingly. "She asked that we come here."

Nodding, Obi-Wan gestured to the Younglings. "We have to get out. There are still droids out looking for survivors." He and the others headed to the door.

"We're just going to leave Jack?" Alex demanded fiercely, riveted to the spot.

"Padawan, it's probably too late."

"I'm not leaving without her." Alex's eyes blazed. I'm not losing anyone else!

Obi-Wan sighed. "Fine. But remember, Alex. These Younglings are defenseless. We have to be careful."

Alex nodded and stepped out into the hall. He focused on the Force, feeling for life.

That's when he saw it: a flickering blue figure down the hall to his right. Ian Rider gave him a small nod and disappeared.

"This way!" he ordered, racing after the ghost.

Rounding the corner, the group heard the distinctive whistle of blaster fire. Obi-Wan turned to Alex, grim-faced. "We've found something."

Alex nodded. Cautiously, he strode up the hall, listening at the doors. "It's coming from this room."

"That's the meditation garden." Obi-Wan moved to the room across from it and opened the door. "Here's a training room. One of us can hide here with the Younglings."

"Darra should stay," Ferus pointed out. To her, he added gently, "You're already injured."

Darra didn't argue; she took a Youngling by the arm and led him inside.

"Okay," Ferus sighed as soon as the door was closed behind the young Jedi. "We go in and fight."

"Whatever happens, we have to save the last of the Jedi. And Jack and Yassen." Alex looked around at his companions. Ferus and Obi-Wan were determined and battle-ready. Sabina looked scared but she, too, was ready to fight.

"Let's go!" Alex pushed open the doors and stepped inside.

To be continued...

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Their journey is almost complete...

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