Chapter 15

Cordatis had escaped Boz Pity but there were still enemy star fighters on his tail. Shionne lay motionless on the cold floor and the pilot was beginning to lose her nerves.

"Is Shionne alright?" The pilot was tense and her voice was unsteady.

Cordatis stood and moved behind the worried young girl, "What is your name?" he asked calmly.

"Carolyn, sir." She answered hastily, "Please, tell me if is Shionne okay?"

"The would was fatal, there was nothing I could do. I'm so sorry." Cordatis sat down in the passenger seat, shaken up by the loss of his friend.

Carolyn looked as if she was about to weep and her elegant face tensed as she held her tears back and swallowed her sadness. Cordatis activated the ships radar and found that their pursuers were gaining on them. The enemy were using v-wing star fighters, these we fast and nimble ships characterised by the 'v' shape that the four wings formed.

One of the v-wings fired a few shots and Carolyn struggled with the controls as the ship rocked and juddered. Cordatis now spoke urgently to Carolyn, "Can we out run them?" he asked. He knew that it was impossible but at this stage he was trying for any string of hope he could find.

"Maybe," Carolyn answered as she fiddled with the controls, "But we'll need to go into hyper drive, and that's risky in these conditions. I'll need more time."

The v-wings fired again and the ship lost control for a moment until Carolyn restored the balance.

"What weapon systems does the ship have?" Cordatis questioned.

Carolyn turned the ship on a fast angle and maneuvered away from the next burst of enemy fire. "There is a laser turret at the back of the ship, but its only manual."

Cordatis made his was to the turret, careful not to treat Shionne's body with any disrespect. The turret was a simple set up with a one hundred and sixty degree view from behind the ship. Cordatis tested the turrets mobility and then lined up his first target in the laser sight crosshair. He fired a quick burst and shot down the unsuspecting v-wing. Then without pause Cordatis lined up the next target. This time the enemy was aware of the turret and tried to manoeuvre away, but Cordatis used the force and predicted their actions. He shot down two more hostile ships before he heard Carolyn call out, "We are ready, switching to hyper drive now."

Cordatis stared out of the cockpit window as Carolyn set the ship up and watched the stars stretch, as is the usual effect of hyperspace.

After only ten minutes of travel Carolyn pulled out and the ship stopped. They were in vast empty space.

"Carolyn, what sector are we in?" Cordatis asked.

Carolyn checked her navigational system, "The Numesh sector, sir."

"How the blazers did we end up in the Numesh sector?" He questioned rhetorically, "Set a course for Coruscant, I have to meet with the other Jedi."

"Sir, I have just received a transmission from Coruscant." Carolyn read out the pre-recorded message, "It says that all Jedi are to return to the temple immediately for their own safety."

Cordatis placed his hand on his chin and thought for a moment, "It doesn't sound right." He stated, "Most of the republic army is stationed at the temple, it can't be safe there. Nevertheless we should check it out. Maybe I will be able to find master Yoda, he'll know what to do." Cordatis sat back in his seat and placed his hands on his knees, "Take us to Coruscant, and do it quickly, its only a matter of time before those clones catch up with us."

Carolyn nodded her head, "Yes sir." And then she readied the ship for hyper drive again.