Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's chapter 30! Thanks for all the great reviews. Six months have passed since the events in chapter 28. Hunter and Blake have been with Anakin and Padme now for a year.
Notes and thanks to reviewers:
Hannah Jane: Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully this chapter was worth your wait too. :)
froovygirl: Glad you enjoy the family dynamic, it's my favorite too. As for Luke and Leia, they will eventually fill in, but I won't reveal much more than that. As for Obi-Wan, we don't see him in this chapter, but he will slowly make very important discoveries. As for updates, while they may be a little slow, I never abandon my works. :)
MyNoseAgreesWithMe: I think I vaguely remember reading something about Plo Koon's ability, thanks for the info though, I'm going to read up on that. The idea for the elemental control largely stems from my love of Power Rangers Ninja Storm and mirrors their abilities in that show. I've also been told it is much like what they do in the Last Airbender. Glad you're enjoying the story. :)
ULTRA SONIC: Yes, it's turned into quite an epic. Obi-Wan will slowly discover the truth. And the small group of Force Jumpers will now have continued roles in the story. I'm building to something with them. As for Obi-Wan/Satine and Rex, time will tell. :) I'm glad you like the blend of Jumper, Star Wars, and Last Airbender,(though my influence for the elemental powers comes a little more from my love of Power Rangers Ninja Storm in which they also control the elements).
Harry2: Yep, new Force Jumpers to add a whole new dimension to the story. :)
Candace Marie: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it so much. As for Luke or Leia having this ability, only time will tell. ;)
fantasyfreak133: Thank you. Glad you're enjoying the story so much.
Guest: Thank you, glad you enjoyed it so much. The wedding was my favorite part too. :)
Destiny Changer: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it. Mace will be exposed eventually, I promise. ;)
Stormburn2: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. :)
Lady Misha: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it. Yes, the fact that Samuel L. Jackson was the villain in Jumper played a huge part in me choosing Mace to be the villain in this story. It fit so well. I loved Mia too, more than I thought I would when I wrote her and I really, really struggled with the decision to kill her. I didn't want to...but I had to in order to further the plot unfortunately. Enjoy this next chapter! :)
Shadowprice: More is here. Enjoy. :)
Skylanian Writer: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it.
Avalon West: Thanks, glad you think so and glad you're enjoying. :)
Force Jumper
Chapter 30: Order of the Sun
The man checked their position and then trusted the autopilot to do the rest, as they were safely tucked away in hyperspace. He ventured back into the cabin of the cruiser and saw that their guests were already beginning to talk to his young charges.
"I suppose introductions are finally in order," he said, as he sat down next to the blonde girl that had manifested water from her Force lightning.
"You took a big risk in helping us. Why?" Whie asked.
"Because we're tired of our kind and those we love who don't even have our abilities, being hunted like animals by those self righteous bastards," the man replied.
"We reside on an unknown planet in the outer rim with our families. We call it Solaris V. It's our haven and we've built a thriving village. Those that are part of our families that are not Force Jumpers operate normal daily lives. Those that are Force Jumpers spend their days training under me and other senior members," he explained.
"As you may have guessed, these pupils of mine possess extra abilities that are unique even to Force Jumpers. We train in hopes of one day growing powerful enough to take down the Xal'Kaar for good. My name is Jake Zearing," he stated, before gesturing to the girl beside him who could be no older than eleven, much like the other children.
"This is my daughter Arianna. She has the unique ability to create the element of water with the Force," he stated.
"This is Dustin and Mina," he said, referring to the young chocolate haired male and young brunette female.
"Dustin can channel Force energy into the ground to create quakes and even rock slides. Mina as you saw can transform her Force energy into snow," Jake explained.
"And this is Skylar and Riley. Sky is able to channel his Force energy into wind, while Riley is able to use his to create powerful force fields. These force fields also very efficiently erase our jump scars in an instant," Jake explained.
"Sky? That name is appropriate, considering your element," Whie mentioned with a smirk. Sky nodded.
"I get that a lot," he replied in amusement.
"So...how many Force Jumpers are there?" Scout asked.
"Well, I'd say our city is quite good sized, a community of about fifteen hundred. Of those, about half have the Force Jumping ability, give or take a few," Jake replied. Whie's eyebrows were in his hair.
"Seven hundred and fifty?" he asked. Jake nodded.
"Of those, about fifteen of us have had extensive hand to hand combat and weapons training to enhance our abilities and learn to channel the elements through our Force energy. So far, we've learned that without a midichlorian count of at least fifteen hundred, the ability to learn an element isn't possible," Jake stated. Scout's heart sank.
"Mine's not that high," she admitted. But Jake only smiled.
"Mine isn't either and that's why I compensate by learning the art of hand to hand combat and training with various weapons. In the end, we are all still Force Jumpers," he explained.
"That in itself is still a skill that requires much practice to perfect. Of our some three hundred students, only half of those have the potential to possibly learn an element. Less than that actually develop any use with an element and those that are proficient in it are only about thirty," he said.
"These five are some of the most gifted students we have ever had," he added.
"Do you think you can help Scout improve her Force Jumping abilities?" Whie asked. Jake nodded.
"Most definitely. It's hard to use your powers when you're trying to hide from the Xal'Kaar. We enjoy anonymity on our home planet and freedom to use our powers. In turn, there is something you can teach my students," Jake replied.
"Us?" Whie asked. He nodded.
"I didn't miss the light sabers on your belts and commend you for managing to escape Mace Windu with your lives," he replied. Whie nodded.
"He purposely convinced the Council to allow him to take Scout on as his padawan and then tried to have her killed when they left for the front lines. It would have been easy for him to cover her death by claiming she perished in battle," Whie explained.
"I escaped and hid for several months. Whie didn't give up on me though and found me," Scout said warmly. He squeezed her hand.
"I didn't believe him for a second when he said she was dead. I would have felt it. How can we help your students though?" Whie asked.
"Well, my partners and I are very well trained with many weapons and blasters, except light sabers. It's a special skill and while many of us may be too old to learn, my students aren't," Jake explained.
"You want us to give them light saber training?" Scout asked. He nodded.
"Think about it. You train my top students and eventually they can train new, promising students. Someday, we'll be a force to be reckoned with, especially if we can seek out the mysterious Knightblade and team up with him," Jake stated. Whie nodded.
"It's a great plan, though it make take years until we have the numbers, even with Knightblade's help, assuming we're able to find him. If the rumors are true, he can jump entire planets. From what little we know, he's the only Force Jumper that can do that," Whie replied. Jake nodded.
"Yes, which is why eventually getting involved with him will be essential to taking down the Xal'Kaar. I'm not extremely worried about his cooperation, for he shares our goal in wanting to destroy the Xal'Kaar," Jake said.
"Then Scout and I will gladly help. It's the least we can do to repay you for giving us a place to live without fear," he replied. Jake nodded with a smile.
"Then it's settled. Welcome to the Order of the Sun," Jake said, as he shook their hands. Whie and Scout smiled, eager to begin this new life.
Blake sat on Anakin's knee with a cup in his hand. While the adults were enjoying wine, the boys were treated to sparkling cider.
"The bubbled tickle my nose," Blake giggled, as he sipped at his juice. Anakin chuckled, as he saw Quinlan stand up from the table. It was a small, family reception, but to them it was perfect.
"The old man tells me it's time to make a speech, so we'll see how eloquent I can be," Quinlan joked.
"If I was looking for eloquent, I would have Ruwee or Sabe deliver the speech," Sifo retorted, making them all chuckle.
"Anakin...when I first met you, you were just a scared kid who had made his first jump and was losing his lunch all over the ground," Quinlan said, causing more chuckles.
"I knew this was going to be embarrassing," Anakin grumbled.
"I brought you home with me and the old man decided we should keep you. And you've been a pain in my butt ever since," he said affectionately. Anakin rolled his eyes.
"Then ten years later, Padme came along and talk about a lovesick fool. I could see why though. You're an amazing woman Padme and in all seriousness Anakin, seeing you so happy makes me happy. It's not hard to see that you two were made for each other. Then you did something that's made all our lives complete when you found the boys and brought them into our lives," Quinlan said, pausing for a moment.
"Tonight, we celebrate this family. To Anakin and Padme, for proving to me that true love is real. To Hunter and Blake for being two of the most amazing kids and enriching our lives. And to me, of course, for being the coolest Uncle ever," Quinlan said, further amusing them, as they toasted and drank.
"Thanks Master, that was a wonderful speech," Anakin mentioned.
"Yeah, but all this mushy stuff isn't my style, so don't expect that again," he joked. Padme giggled.
"That's okay, Ani and I have mushy covered pretty well I think," she replied, as she slipped her arms around his waist. He gazed down at her and sought her lips in a tender kiss.
"That's an understatement," Quinlan quipped, as he finished his drink.
"Master..." Depa said, as she bowed deeply before her Master's hologram. Though he maintained his usual stoic expression, she knew he was not pleased with her in the slightest.
"I gave you a simple task. Those two shouldn't have given you and our agents so much trouble. I sincerely hope you have a good explanation for their escape," Mace said curtly, as he was clearly trying to keep a tight lid on his anger.
"Unexpected interference occurred, Master. More Force Jumpers with special abilities showed up and saved them," Depa tried to explain.
"What kind of abilities?" Mace demanded to know.
"Like the boy living with Senator Amidala, the one that can use Force lightning. There were more children and they used the Force to harness the elements of water, wind, ground, and ice. I'm afraid I was caught off guard and they all got away," Depa said regrettably.
"These Force Jumpers with special powers must be eliminated. We cannot have them banding together like this. I will increase patrols in the mid and outer rim," Mace decided.
"What are your orders for me, Master?" she asked.
"Return to Haruun Kal for training. You are suspended from duty for one month. I can have no more failure from you, Depa. Do not make me replace you with someone more capable," Mace threatened. Depa steeled herself against his piercing gaze.
"I will not fail again, Master," she assured him, as his hologram faded. She sighed and left for her ship.
"Are you and Daddy going away?" Blake asked, as Padme tucked them in that night. She kissed his head and then Hunter's. The reception was over and they had changed into more casual clothing.
"Just for tonight sweetie. We'll see you at breakfast," Padme promised.
"Yeah B, remember, dad can jump anywhere so it doesn't matter how far they go. They'll be back in a flash," Hunter explained. Padme smiled.
"Big brother is right," she told him, as she ruffled his dark hair.
"I love you both so much," she gushed, as she hugged them both.
"We love you too mom," Hunter said.
"Is daddy coming to tuck us in?" Blake asked.
"I'm right here, little man," Anakin replied, as he came in to say goodnight.
"We'll see you in the morning," he told them.
"Sweet dreams, babies," Padme said, as she lowered the lights and closed the door.
"Are you ready, angel?" he asked. She nodded.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"It's a surprise. You'll see in just a minute," he replied, as he took her hand and they disappeared.
They reappeared just moments later and Padme gasped in surprise. They were suddenly standing on a beach and the sun was setting, the tide was coming in and there was not another soul in sight.
"Ani...this is beautiful," Padme said, as she gazed around.
"Where are we?" she asked. He shrugged.
"A planet I found in the outer rim a while back. I think there are sparse settlements on some of the landmasses, but most of it is completely unsettled, including dozens of these islands. I thought it was the perfect way to begin our wedding night," he replied, as he took her in his arms.
"But we didn't bring our bathing suits," she said. He smirked devilishly.
"Angel...it's our wedding night. We don't need bathing suits," he replied, making her cheeks burn.
"No one is around?" she asked. He concentrated for a moment, so he could get a clear sense of his surroundings through the Force.
"The closest human life force I can sense is at least two hundred miles away. We'll have fun here and then jump home for more fun," he said, wriggling his eyebrows playfully. She giggled.
"Well, when you put it like that, let the fun begin," she replied, as their lips met with tender passion that slowly grew intensely. He slowly lowered her to the sand and her face was etched in pleasure, as he kissed his way down her neck. And it was there, in the surf as the tide washed around them, that they made love as husband and wife for the first time.
The next day
Gavin Jothra admired the beautiful architecture in Theed. It had been a long time since he had been to Naboo and its beauty never ceased to amaze him. Truthfully, his busy schedule almost didn't allow for this visit on short notice, but the call he had received had left him so intrigued that he had cleared his schedule for a couple days and agreed. As he entered the quaint cafe, the hostess greeted him.
"Hello, table for one?" she asked.
"Actually no, I'm meeting a woman here by the name of Jobal Naberrie," Gavin replied.
"Of course, you must be Mr. Jothra. Right this way," she said, as she led him to the table. Gavin Jothra had never met Padme Amidala's mother before, but he instantly saw the resemblance.
"Mrs. Naberrie, it is truly an honor to meet you," Gavin stated.
"Likewise Vice Chair Jothra, I'm just sorry we haven't been introduced sooner. I was truly disheartened when you and Padme ended your relationship. I thought my daughter might finally settle down with someone honorable," Jobal replied, as he took a seat.
"Believe me, Mrs. Naberrie, no one was more upset than me when Padme dumped me," he said sadly.
"Please, call me Jobal. You must be curious as to why I summoned you," she stated, as the waitress delivered their drinks and they quickly ordered.
"I'll admit, I was very intrigued, but something told me that we needed to meet. Padme's erratic behavior in the past year has been quite troubling," he replied.
"Then we agree. I wish my ex-husband thought the same, but he only encourages her recklessness," Jobal said in frustration.
"That's unfortunate. I think if Padme would have given me a second chance, I could have made her happy," he mentioned.
"You still love her?" Jobal asked.
"More than anything. I'd even love her boys if she would let me," he confessed.
"She hasn't even introduced me to them, though I'm not sure what wild hair she got that convinced her to suddenly adopt two street boys," Jobal spat.
"I think we both know the root of her delinquency," Gavin surmised.
"That horrible vigilante...he is behind all of this," Jobal replied.
"We agree again, but you know, there are people out there exactly like us and they have the means to deal with people like Knightblade," Gavin stated.
"I'm not sure I understand," Jobal replied in confusion. Gavin looked around and leaned forward.
"There are others out there with the same ability as this Knightblade and then there are those that hunt them to rid us of their destructive ways," Gavin whispered.
"Are you saying that you're one of them?" Jobal questioned.
"Not directly, but my family has contributed to their cause for many, many years. I believe I may know someone that can help us rid this filth from Padme's life. She would be hurt at first, but ultimately, she will see him for what he really is when he is faced with choosing to protect her or save his own skin," Gavin stated.
"And how exactly do we put all this into motion?" Jobal asked. Gavin looked at her, slightly surprised.
"You're interested?" he asked.
"I want that scourge eliminated from my daughter's life, no matter what it takes," Jobal replied. He smiled.
"Then we want the same things. She is going to fight me though, but I know Knightblade will show his true colors when he has to choose between her and his own life. It will hurt her emotionally at first, but in the long run, she'll be better off. And eventually, she'll even thank us," Gavin said.
"What do you need from me?" Jobal asked.
"The secretive organization that works to rid the galaxy of Force Jumpers relies on continued funding from people like us that believe in their cause. A sizable donation would be a most welcome contribution," Gavin replied. Jobal smiled and reached for her satchel.
"Then I believe this will be the beginning of a wonderful business relationship," Jobal replied.
"I agree and I will bring Padme back to us, milady. Some may think our actions are drastic, but I will do anything to protect her," Gavin said.
"Protecting Padme usually means protecting her from herself. You will have your hands full with my daughter. But at least with you, she won't be disgracing herself by cavorting with a vigilante," Jobal replied.
"I'll take care of her...you have my word," he stated.
The ship landed on the small landing pad at the equally as small space port. The occupants disembarked and found an entourage awaiting them. In the center was a beautiful middle aged woman with long, flaxen blonde hair done up, wearing a similar uniform like the others were wearing, except she and those around her adopted a tan color and more relaxed material. It was clear that while those they had come with were wearing uniforms of a combat nature, hers and those around her were more an official nature, signified by the formal indigo colored cloaks they wore. They watched the young blonde girl, Arianna, run to the woman in the center and embrace her. A smile eclipsed the woman's face and now it was easy to tell where Arianna had received her blonde hair from so it was no surprise to see Jake hug her next, before bringing her and a few of the others over.
"We have a couple new additions. We stopped Mace Windu's lap dogs from killing them," Jake explained.
"Then you're Force Jumpers too?" the woman asked with an accent that sounded Coruscanti to Whie.
"I am, ma'am," Scout replied respectfully.
"This is Tallisibeth Esterhazy and Whie Malreaux. They used to be Jedi, but when Windu discovered her abilities, he started hunting her. Whie left the Order to find her, so he naturally became hunted too," Jake explained. The woman shook her head.
"I'll never understand that man or his ways, but welcome to our home. I am Jake's wife Katrina," she introduced herself.
"It's nice to meet you, milady, and thank you for welcoming us," Whie replied.
"My wife is also our President," Jake said proudly.
"President?" Whie asked. She nodded.
"Even in a smaller society like this, we still must have laws and governing. We have chosen democracy as a means for this," Katrina stated.
"Like the Republic, albeit much less corrupted I'm sure," Scout replied.
"We like to think so, Tallisibeth," Katrina said.
"Please Madam President, most people call me Scout," she replied. Katrina nodded.
"Scout it is then. Allow me to introduce my staff and friends. My Vice President, William Evans, my staff members and friends, Anna Morgan, Summer Hanson, and Sydney Landers. And our Sheriff, Xander Morgan," Katrina introduced.
"And these our some of my associates that you'll be training with. Johnny Landers," he said indicating the shorter, but well built dark haired man next to him. He and Sydney are Sky's parents. My lead combat instructor, David Hanson," he said, indicating the taller and very well built man with short spiky brown hair. His arms were bigger than any Will had ever seen, but his eyes were friendly and danced with a mirth that told him that he wasn't to be feared unless you tried to harm someone he loved.
"He and Summer are Mina's parents. Sheriff Xander and Anna are Dustin's parents," he explained.
"You'll meet others later, but first we need to get you settled in the dorms at the Academy. Then we'll all meet for dinner tonight," Jake stated.
"Yep, and then training, bright and early tomorrow morning," David added.
"Thanks again...for saving our lives and taking us in," Whie said. Jake patted his shoulder.
"It's a new beginning. The Xal'Kaar have no right to do what they do and someday with your help, we'll stop them," Jake said. Whie and Scout nodded, now completely committed to their new cause.
Gavin Jothra waited nervously at the table in the dark, run down establishment. He was taking a big risk, but if everything went as it should, he wouldn't have to get his hands dirty. A man slid into the chair across from him and dropped the hood on his cloak, revealing himself to be Cox. At one time, Cox had been one of the Xal'Kaar's top operatives until Master Windu had tired of his failure and he was remanded to a desk job on his home planet of Haruun Kal. He had been angry since and Knightblade was the cause of it all.
"Thank you for coming," Gavin greeted.
"If my supervisors find out I'm here, then I'm done," Cox warned.
"Trust me, what I have could put you back in the good graces of Mace Windu himself," Gavin stated. Cox scoffed.
"I doubt that," he grumbled.
"My plan will draw Knightblade where ever you want him to be," Gavin insisted.
"And how are you going to manage that?" Cox asked curiously.
"Senator Amidala is a colleague of mine and very close friends with my boss, Senator Mon Mothma," Gavin replied.
"I still don't know where you're going with this," Cox spat back.
"Listen...if the three of us and say her little boy happened to be gathered together at my residence discussing Senatorial business and happened to be held hostage by an unsavory character, Knightblade and his other brat would surely come to rescue us," Gavin said.
"You're willing to put yourself in that kind of danger for our cause?" Cox asked skeptically.
"I'll never be in any real danger and neither will Padme. I have the means to hire the best mercenaries in the galaxy to do whatever I tell them too. Once Knightblade comes, then the rest would be up to you and your operatives," Gavin replied.
"What do you get out of this?" Cox asked. Gavin smirked.
"I'm going to rescue Padme and protect her. Once her lover is dead, it will my shoulder she cries on. I'll even show an interest in that brat she loves so much," Gavin replied.
"You're deluded if you think this could actually work. If you haven't noticed, Knightblade has thwarted my attempts to take him out time and again. He's taken on several of us at one time and still won," Cox warned.
"If everything goes according to my plan, you and the bounty hunter I've hired are all that will be needed to end him for good," Gavin replied, as he set a small device in the center of the table. It was a perfectly round, flat disk and looked like some kind of sensor.
"This is a new device that's only available on the black market. Apparently some very angry slavers out there have hired a few scientists to fashion these to neutralize Force Jumpers. He's cost them a lot of money and they're angry," Gavin stated.
"What does it do?" Cox asked, now very interested.
"Dozens of these will be placed around my entire residence and the second he tries to Jump, the sensors will pump him full of electricity. Force Jumping won't be possible as a means for escaping. These are supposed to nullify his ability when he is within the vicinity of one," Gavin replied.
"This...could work. But why do we need the bounty hunter?" Cox asked.
"I need someone to hold us hostage for a believable reason. Nute Gunray has already hired one bounty hunter to try to kill Padme so it would come as no surprise that he would hire another. For the price I'm going to pay him, he'll say anything I want him to," Gavin responded.
"Who have you hired?" Cox asked.
"A radical from the outer rim that is quickly making a name for himself. If the rumors are true, then this Cad Bane, as he calls himself, is even better than Jango Fett at what he does," Gavin replied.
"And you're going to involve your boss in this? What if she's caught in the crossfire?" Cox asked. Gavin smirked.
"You're going to pay Bane to dispose of her, aren't you?" Cox asked, with a smirk. Gavin just shrugged.
"Is the life of one Senator worth making sure you get that Force Jumper scum and restore your reputation?" Gavin questioned. Cox considered it for a moment. If he refused, he returned to his mind numbing desk job. If he agreed, then there was a chance to make himself a legend.
"All right...I'm in," Cox agreed. Gavin smirked.
"Then we're both well on our way to having everything we want," Gavin replied, as he ordered them two drinks...