Chapter: 26 Hans Goes Solo

"Passion inspires, engulfs, distracts...and enrages."

Daring trials! Countless Padawans arrived early to tryout for an exciting new tournament, the Corellian Cup. While the first two segments proved who could master Force concentration and acrobatics, the third would shock many. The remaining contestants were placed into two separate groups, and opponents were randomly selected to duel each other. Now by the will of the Force, Padawans Elsa and Anna Dellian find themselves up for a rematch as they prepare to face off.

The dueling room went silent at Master Plo's words. Anna and Elsa looked into each other's eyes as time seemed to slow. Elsa recalled how the masters had said names were randomized by the will of the Force. Every path they'd taken had led to that very moment. When Elsa observed her sister, she saw a feisty youngling turned bold Padawan. She witnessed a hero of the Republic who had already endured so much. It felt like only yesterday since she was rushing to fix her lightsaber while dueling Anna. By the Force, Elsa thought. That was the day we were called to begin our Jedi Trials. How far we've come. For Elsa, the duel wasn't about winning or losing. It was a display of growth after all of their adventures. She knew she was where she was meant to be, and that the Force was with her regardless.

Anna's eyes narrowed in on Elsa. Unbelievable, she thought. After all we've been through...all that I've had to get over, just so apparently 'the Force' can throw this at me? Nope. I'm not buying it. Anna peered up at the observation deck. I bet Master Mattias set this up. He always thinks he knows what's best for me. But even he looks surprised. Kriff, everyone looks surprised except Master Plo. I actually have no idea what's going on beneath that mask. Maybe he has to sneeze. Can he even sneeze?" Anna shook herself free of such distracting thoughts and focused on her opponent. She knew that against her sister or not, this duel would decide if she gained a spot in the Corellian Cup. She needed it and wouldn't be denied. "Don't think I'm gonna go easy on you," Anna said as she ignited her lightsaber.

"I'd be insulted if you did," Elsa replied calmly and activated as well.

Their blue blades changed hues as both were dialed to training settings. "There are two ways to win this duel," Master Adi Gallia announced. "You can either disarm your opponent or be the first to achieve three strikes."

Thank the Force we're on training settings, Elsa told herself. She would've hated to hurt her sister with anything more than a sting. Contrary to her, Anna seemed quite determined to get her first hit in. She already had her weapon raised to commence her wild, Form IV technique. Elsa brought her saber towards her hip and positioned herself in Form VI's starting stance. A chilling realization gripped Elsa while the same thought made Anna smirk. Every advanced technique Elsa knew was taught to her by Anna. As if this situation wasn't harrowing enough, Master Plo delivered a final statement.

"Ready yourselves," the Kel dor said.

Anna rapidly paced in her circle like a caged creature waiting to be unleashed. Elsa used the remaining moments to shut her eyes and take deep breaths. She loosened the grip on her saber and relaxed her forearm. As her breaths slowed, so too did the world around her. A gong sounded from above and Anna instantly charged. Elsa kept her eyes shut and listened intently to her environment. She could hear her sister's rapidly approaching boots and rigorously spinning saber. Elsa felt Anna's rising emotions and compared them to their duel months ago. Her little sister's fury hadn't changed, but Elsa's approach would. Instead of backing up under Anna's intimidating maneuver, Elsa opened her eyes at the last second and engaged. She ducked under Anna's swing and swiftly slid her lightsaber upward. As Elsa stepped forward, she heard her sister grunt from behind. Things were all the more surprising when even Yelena gasped from the observation deck. Elsa slowly turned and discovered that she had actually landed the first hit. Anna staggered back in sheer disbelief. She clenched her stinging side and glared at Elsa. "How did...but-"

"I had a good teacher," Elsa chose to genuinely compliment her sister.

"Oh shut it," Anna growled and lunged at her again. Their blue blades clashed as Elsa hurriedly parried. The sisters alternated sides while remaining light on their feet. They batted away each other's attacks twice before locking blades on the third strike. Elsa bent her knees to take on the brunt of Anna's intensifying force. Their plasma grinded as sparks flared across the floor. During the stressful standstill, the siblings stared into each other's blue-hued faces. Anna gritted her teeth and dipped her blade towards Elsa's neck. Her big sister was tiring under pressure, but willed herself to fight on. Elsa pushed her saber up to counter Anna, who was losing her patience. In a crude attempt to stun Elsa, Anna opted to headbutt her sister between their locked sabers. Elsa disengaged to dodge the headbutt, and swiped her blade leftward. Anna yelped in response, for her furious headbutt had left her susceptible to another strike. As Elsa spaced herself from Anna, she noted how the youngest Dellian was clutching her shoulder.

By the Force, Elsa realized. That's another hit. She knew their duel would be challenging, but she never expected to be two strikes ahead of Anna. In those moments, Elsa felt a surge of confidence rise within her. Just one more hit, she told herself. You can do it!

Anna grew frustrated by the stinging sensations on her shoulder and hip. This is unreal, she thought. I've come too far to lose. Not now...not Elsa...not today. A dark consideration crossed her mind, only she embraced it this time. The pull is with me, she reminded herself. But I can control it. If I focus on my pain, I can channel it forward. Just like the alleyway in Uscru and every other stressful moment. My path doesn't end here!

Elsa uneasily watched as Anna made a fist with her free hand. She proceeded to hit her own shoulder and hip wounds while grunting in response. Elsa was so taken aback by the gesture, that she practically broke concentration to check on Anna. Any effort to do so was blocked out by her little sister's deafening screech. Pain drove Anna onward as she rushed Elsa.

Her older sister didn't back down and slashed towards Anna's legs. Anna leapt to evade and frontflipped behind Elsa. With a furious spin of her lightsaber, Elsa's wrist and collarbone were met with strikes. With their score tied, Elsa instinctually used a Force push to get some distance and protect herself. Anna countered with one of her own, which staggered her and sent Elsa to the floor. "Predictable," Anna muttered while Elsa crawled away. She didn't even give Elsa a chance to rise and was already slashing downward. Elsa raised her blade from the ground to fend off blow after blow. Anna's Ataru strikes were heavy and fueled by her pain. Meanwhile, the sting from Elsa's wounds had lowered her guard.

With each attack she brought sailing down, Anna called upon more suffering. She remembered the burning of binders on her wrists when a Coruscanti officer wrongfully arrested her. She endured the agony of watching one of Frollo's thugs shoot Mattias. Gasping for air in Manaan's depths, contracting the halkavirus, and even watching Erik kiss another woman contributed to her rising pain. All of it manifested into a final, powerful swing which knocked Elsa's lightsaber out of her hands. As her big sister's hilt swiveled across the dueling room floor, Anna held her blade to her neck.

The room was eerily silent as both sisters panted heavily. Anna's gaze was vivid and intense while Elsa's teemed with concern. "Padawans," Master Plo announced from above. "Proceed to the ascension platform."

Despite how much rage she'd called upon, Anna worked to tone it down. She focused on her victory while Elsa recovered her lightsaber with the Force. In an act of sisterly comfort, Anna extended a hand down to Elsa. Her big sister gracefully took it and said, "Well done, sis."

"Thanks, Elsa." Anna huffed. "You...had me worried there for a second."

"I could say the same about you," Elsa admitted as they reached the platform.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Anna asked and raised a brow.

"I understand you take your dueling quite seriously," Elsa answered. "But the look in your eyes was...spiteful. I just wanted to know if you were okay."

"Of course I am," Anna assured. "I was just...you know, in the zone." Elsa hardly accepted her answer and would've followed up had they not reached the observation deck.

"Padawans Dellian-" Master Plo began.

"-and Dellian." Master Gallia added with a grin.

"Congratulations on an exceptional duel," Plo said. "Though you fought well, Elsa, this victory will go to your sister. But I trust you will view this as an important learning experience."

"Both of you should," Gallia intoned. "Anna, you are lucky that training settings were on those lightsabers. Attempting to headbutt someone in a duel is a surefire way to get yourself killed in a real situation. You must find alternative means to handle feelings of exasperation when things don't go your way."

"This is why the duel permits three strikes before a victory," Plo explained while Mattias and Yelena took notes. "Because each instance when you were struck shows an area in need of improvement. Anna's first charge failed because she didn't formulate a plan of attack. This left you open to Elsa's first slash, as she was patiently waiting for you."

"Okay," Anna murmured. "But I still won, didn't I?"

"But at what cost?" Plo inquired. Though his eyes were obscured through his mask, Anna could feel him staring her down. "When you call upon your suffering and accentuate your pain, you invite a wave of emotions that can cloud your judgement."

"I was in control," Anna defended.

"This time," Plo retorted. "No matter how minuscule they may seem, the seductions of the Dark Side remain constant in our lives. You can deny them to me or even yourself, but once you accept this truth...you will become a greater Jedi. Remember this as you move forward, especially since you will represent our Order in the competition."

"Elsa," Gallia said. "You demonstrated superb usage of the Force to sense your surroundings. From the beginning of these tryouts, I have noticed you've been able to keep a level head under pressure."

"It's a work in progress," Elsa admitted.

"Your patience can help prepare you for most things," Gallia said. "But when it comes to an aggressive opponent, you must find a way to balance that intensity. Anna's acrobatics caught you off guard and allowed her to score two swift strikes on you. Once that happened, you were completely and literally thrown off balance until Anna disarmed you."

"I understand that my saber skills aren't sufficient enough," Elsa answered. "What can I do to improve?"

Gallia thought for a moment while looking Elsa over. "You need to stop thinking that your skills aren't enough and start adapting to the situation," the master said. "Know your capabilities and learn what it is you need to change within them."

With the duel over and feedback given, the sisters bowed and thanked the masters. Anna was sent to yet another waiting room while Elsa was dismissed with her master. Before she left with Yelena, she received a pat on the back from Mattias. "You should be immensely proud of yourself," he whispered. "You've improved so much since the last time I saw you two duel."

"Thank you, Master Mattias." Elsa answered with a faint smile.

While she initially accepted her defeat with grace, she found herself feeling more down about it as people talked. Skel and Chupaki were waiting by the initial assembly room with their masters. She gently waved as the Rodian and Togruta Padawans applauded her regardless of the outcome. Yelena could see right through her apprentice and gave her a nudge. "What's on your mind?" she asked.

"I'm...not sure." Elsa shyly replied.

Yelena raised a brow and crossed her arms. "Well I know what's on my mind. Food. You should eat too, you know."

Elsa bit her lip and tugged at her braid. "I'm sorry, master. I'm not very hungry."

"You must be starving after those tryouts this morning," Yelena said. She sighed heavily when Elsa didn't answer. "Okay then, Padawan. I guess I'll just go to the cafeteria and have Lothalian space waffles by myself."

She started to strut off until Elsa inquired, "Space waffles?"

Yelena smirked and slowly turned. "Oh yes, Elsa. I'm talking thick, fluffy, freshly baked space waffles. The kind that've got just the right amount of golden-glazed crisp on their edges. All of it topped off with that sweet, viscous muja sauce that hits your taste buds like-"

"You know what?" Elsa said and clenched her rumbling stomach. "Food sounds lovely."

Yelena had learned that if she wanted to connect with Elsa, she had to ease in to her struggles. Plus, delicious space waffles could only help her chances. She found them a table by the cafeteria window and poured a profuse amount of muja sauce. Elsa watched as the delectable substance coated her waffle stacks before Yelena started digging in. After a bite of her own, Elsa was already hooked. "How have I never had these?" Elsa asked.

"You tell me," Yelena muttered with her mouth full. Despite Elsa's enjoyment after the first few bites, the Padawan ultimately started prodding the remaining waffle with her fork. Yelena noticed her disposition and said, "It's alright to be disappointed, you know." Elsa's eyes widened and she hurriedly sat up straight.

"I'm not," she assured. It was if she'd shoved her emotions down with the waffle she'd eaten. "I'm probably just tired from the whole event. I was never the best with a saber anyway."

"That doesn't make it hurt less," Yelena said.

"But it was a learning experience," Elsa asserted. "I should seek to improve where I failed."

"Was it a failure if you did your best, though?" Yelena asked earnestly. Elsa was at a loss for words. She dropped her fork, slouched back in her seat, and stared out the window.

"There was a moment I thought I had her, master." Elsa sighed.

"I know," Yelena said. "If it were a real duel, you would've had her on the first strike. But that wasn't what the Force was willing."

"No," Elsa groaned. "It wasn't. But I wanted to prove to everyone I could do it."

"Padawan," Yelena huffed. "You know that you don't have to prove anything to anyone-"

"Except myself," Elsa exhaustedly finished the sentence. "I do know that. But it doesn't make them stop judging me. Sometimes I can brush it all aside, but I'm not invincible. Insults sneak their way in." Elsa winced at the thought of Gav Riden finding out she didn't make it through. "And I just want to show them all with action."

Yelena set her drink down and pensively rubbed her chin. "Sometimes words cut deeper than any lightsaber. They'll haunt you for the rest of your days if you let them. But you can't bear that burden alone. We all have our days, but part of that responsibility is on you. When you feel lost, you come to me."

"And if you're not there?" Elsa asked in a grievous tone. "Or if you dismiss me as you have?"

Yelena swallowed hard and hung her head. "Then that is on me. Your chance in this competition may be over, but that doesn't mean we stop striving."

Several chimes emanated from the wall-mounted datascreen and a Padawan eagerly tapped on the table nearby. "Master!" the teen alerted. "It's on!"

"Give me a moment, Trilla." Her master muttered while sipping hot caf. She smirked at Yelena and muttered, "It's too early for this."

All eyes were on the screen as a droid broadcasted footage of the cleared dueling room. Masters Plo and Gallia stood in the center with arms folded behind their backs. "Members of the Jedi Order," Plo began. "I want to thank every Padawan who came to the tryouts today."

"You all demonstrated brilliance in the Force and prove that our Order has a bright future ahead of it," Gallia added.

"Without further ado," Plo said. "We are honored to announce the eight Jedi who will represent us and compete in the Corellian Cup."

Eight silhouettes stepped into the light as Adi Gallia spoke their names. "I present Knox Deeker, Anna Dellian, Velti Munar, Dokin Wez, Gav Riden, Surk Vogan, Tori Vica, and Nelani Trell."

What? Elsa blurted within her own mind. She despised herself for such an internal outburst. She could handle being happy for her sister, it pained her that a bully like Gav made it, but Elsa struggled to understand how she felt about Nelani. The Duros was an honest friend to her. But Nelani had only passed the first two segments because Elsa helped her. She was only alive because Elsa and Anna had saved her back on Manaan. Elsa had to clench her fists in order to hold back such frustration. She wanted to be happy for them...but she couldn't bring herself to be. Jealously felt like a nasty venom crawling within her. All Elsa could do was breathe deeply and put on a smile. When she caught herself being superficial, she instead turned to Yelena and said, "Master...I'm not okay."

"And that's alright," Yelena assured. "I promise this will all pass."

Elsa was distracted from her own thoughts upon hearing the Padawan beside her. "I could've been one of those eight," she told her master.

"Trilla," the woman asserted. "The tryouts were only for those not actively serving in the war."

"We haven't left to join our clone unit yet," Trilla rebutted. "I could've easily won this competition in the meantime."

"You sound like my sister," Elsa interjected.

Trilla's braided black hair swayed as she glanced over. Only then did Elsa get a look at the vivid, blue-green eyes resting against her light brown face. "And you are?" Trilla asked.

"Elsa Dellian," she replied.

"Dellian?" Trilla pointed up at the datascreen. "As in, Anna's your...ahhh. Now I see the resemblance. Did you tryout-"

"How about these space waffles?" Yelena hurriedly changed the subject. "One of the best parts about hitting the cafeteria this early, right?"

"She's got a point," Trilla's master said and extended a hand to introduce herself. "Cere Junda."

"Yelena," Elsa's master answered. "Junda...that sounds familiar."

"Perhaps you know my master?" Cere proposed. "Eno Cordova?"

"That's it," Yelena realized. "Cordova the scholar. His work was fascinating, although I haven't heard much about his ventures these days."

Cere smiled as she reminisced on her missions with him. "Master Cordova mostly keeps to himself now. But I assure you, he's never stopped adventuring in search of unique artifacts and civilizations."

Suddenly, an inspiring thought crossed Elsa's mind. "Master Junda," she said. "Do you know if Master Cordova is currently in the temple?"

Cere and Trilla shrugged at each other. "I won't lie to you," Cere answered. "While he's often offworld, it can't hurt to take a look. His study's on the fourth level near the temple observatory."

"Thank you so much," Elsa said and eagerly rose from her seat. "It was nice meeting you!"

Though happy to see her Padawan's spirits revived, Yelena couldn't help but be confused. "Elsa?" she queried. "What is it you seek from Master Cordova?"

"Don't you see, master?" Elsa spun with a beaming grin. "This could be the answer to our investigation! We can't give up on the vision I had. If anyone can help us interpret that mysterious symbol, it's this Master Cordova."

"You did it!" Mattias cheered once he had a private moment with Anna. The duo shared a tight embrace before simultaneously sighing in relief. "Are you ready for this, apprentice?"

"As I'll ever be," she replied. "I hear our transport departs for Corellia tomorrow morning."

Mattias nodded. "The competition's right around the corner. It'll be nice get a break from the war around us, hm?"

"You can say that again," Anna assured.

"We should get our packing done with so we can go to bed early," Mattias insisted.

"I will," Anna answered. "I just need to make some stops first." She ventured into the Jedi Archives as she'd done countless times. When she eyed a familiar desk, she suavely leaned on it and said, "Guess who made it into the Corellian-" An oblivious youngling stared up at her. "-Cup?"

"Who?" the Nautolan child asked.

Anna's brows furrowed as she peered down the aisles. "Where's Hans?" she asked.

"His probationary period came to an end this morning," Master Jocasta explained while filing holobooks. "But you'll find young Zatt there to be a much better replacement."

Anna feigned a smile and awkwardly stepped out of the Archives. "Well then," she huffed upon exiting. "So much for that." She was surprised that Hans hadn't contacted her about his probation ending. In fact, she didn't even see him during recovery from her sickness. She wondered if he even knew about it...or cared for that matter. She ultimately figured he had just been busy and probably saw the tryout results anyway.

Elsa and Yelena found themselves staring down an intricate door to Master Cordova's study. The durasteel plating had various, mythological creatures etched into it and Elsa knocked between them. As she did so, the door's sensors triggered it to open automatically. "It was left unlocked," Elsa whispered.

"It can't hurt to check and make sure he's alright," Yelena suggested and entered first. "Master Cordova? Are you in?"

Elsa marveled over the vast array of intricate relics displayed in his study. While ancient statues stood on pedestals, bizarre creatures loomed overhead from suspensions. Cordova even had his own holobook shelf reminiscent of those in the Jedi Archives. Elsa's brow raised when she heard a distinct shuffling behind the shelf. She moved to investigate and knelt beside a pile of discarded garments. "Master?" she beckoned. In that instant, a pair of photoreceptors zoomed in from the pile and examined Elsa. She gasped and instinctually Force-pushed the clothing away. When she did so, a tiny...bipedal droid scurried out to her side.

"What is it?" Yelena worried and dashed over.

Elsa calmed herself after realizing the pair of curious eyes belonged to a droid. "I've never seen a model like this," she admitted. The white-plated droid hopped about like a metal bird and fervently collected data on Elsa. "It almost scared me to death."

"Apologies for my little friend there," a gentle voice said. Elsa turned and found a demonic, horned skull staring her down. The sight made her yelp and fall back into Yelena's arms. "BD-1," the masked man scolded. "What did I tell you about scanning people without permission? Sorry. He's just as curious as I am, you know."

"Speaking of curiosity," Yelena muttered. "What's with the mask?"

"Ah," Cordova realized and delicately removed the skull. "Forgive me. This relic dates back to the days of ancient Mandalore. I was attempting to reconnect with its lost wearers who used to worship the great Mythosaur."

Cordova offered the ladies a kindly smile and bowed. His bald head was coated in a thick layer of sweat from wearing the skull mask. "Eno Cordova, at your service." he said. "As you can see, my door is always open to those seeking knowledge. At least, when I'm in." His white beard quivered as he chuckled to himself.

Yelena encouraged Elsa to speak to him. "Master Cordova," the Padawan said. "My name is Elsa Dellian and this is my master, Yelena. I had this bizarre vision of a far off world. One neither of us, nor Master Yoda could define."

Yelena withdrew a piece of parchment from her belt and handed it to Cordova. "In the vision, we saw this carved into a wall," she detailed. "Do have any idea what or where it could be?"

Cordova unfolded the paper and squinted his eyes to examine it. As he did so, BD-1 scurried up his leg and peered over his shoulder. "By the Force," Cordova uttered. "This...came to you in a dream?"

Elsa nodded swiftly. "Yes. What does it mean?"

Cordova rested the paper on BD-1's flat head and scoured through his bookshelf. He used the Force to pull a holobook from an upper section and scoured through it. "I've only seen this symbol once before," he said. "During my travels in the Thanium Sector just two years ago." He found the right holopage and flipped it over. Yelena and Elsa leaned in to see a mossy, fungal version of the oceanic symbol. "I captured this image from an abandoned temple on Felucia."

"But the one in my vision was covered in snow," Elsa said. "What could it all mean?"

Cordova scratched his beard while his own curiosity got the best of him. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "I suggest we start our investigation at the first symbol. If we can understand the context, we'll know what your dream is trying to tell you."

"Wait," Yelena realized. "Did you say our investigation?"

"Your Padawan has received a vision from the Force. One detailing something that could herald an ancient, monumental discovery." Cordova appeared possessed with frenzied excitement. "To not look into this would be a crime by my standards." BD-1 chimed in agreement beside him. "We can take my ship and leave by sunrise tomorrow. That will give me enough time to prepare for the expedition. What do you say?"

It warmed Yelena's heart to see her Padawan cheerful about moving forward again. There was no way she could deny Elsa the opportunity before her. "We'd be honored," she said as Elsa profusely thanked Cordova.

"You won't regret this, sir!" the Padawan panted. "We'll see you bright and early tomorrow!"

That night, Anna had just finished packing her suitcase when she heard a knock at her door. Her heart sank as she hoped a certain Jedi knight had arrived. Her eyes rolled as soon as she heard Elsa say, "Anna?"

"Come in," her little sister sighed.

Elsa leaned in from the doorway and offered a wave. "Hey, sis. I just wanted to catch you before tomorrow morning."

"Well," Anna huffed. "You got me."

Elsa struggled to read her sister's emotions, but could ultimately sense she was troubled. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"You wouldn't get it," Anna muttered.

"Okay then," Elsa relented and started twiddling her thumbs. "This is...awkward."

"It is," Anna asserted.

Elsa chose to fight the tension with some of her own and said, "Anna...I just wanted to wish you the best on Corellia, okay? I know you'll be fantastic out there and the crowds will adore you. I'm heading out on an expedition in the morning and I don't know when I'll be back. So go get'em." Elsa let out a resigned sigh and turned to leave. "I'll leave you be, sis."

"Elsa," Anna blurted. "Wait..." Her sister froze in the doorway as Anna tried to find the right words. She bit back so many while Elsa stood patiently. "May the Force be with you," she said.

Elsa smiled faintly and whispered, "Always." She appreciated her sister's words before heading out and said, "Good night, Anna."

A cloudless sky welcomed a new day to the denizens of Coruscant. For many, the rising sun promised a bright future ahead. Anna and Mattias watched its fiery hues reflect across various skyscrapers before brightening the temple. "All aboard for Corellia!" Master Chaki hollered over from their ship's ramp. Anna watched as the competing Padawans and their masters filed into the prestigious transport, but the Selkath waited for them.

Nelani wasn't far behind him with a backpack swaying in the wind. "Come on, Anna!" she called. "It's now or never!"

"I suppose it is," Anna muttered to Mattias. As they ventured up the ramp, Anna took one last look at the Jedi Temple. Mattias placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and they boarded the ship. Meanwhile, a Jedi corvette was already soaring out of Coruscanti airspace.

While Yelena reclined her seat, Elsa peered down at the cityscape below. Cordova checked over his starcharts and input coordinates for the Thanium sector. As they left the planet's atmosphere, Elsa examined the strange symbol from her dream. BD-1 hopped on her lap and she pet him as they observed it together."

Back in the Jedi Temple, a certain Sentinel was enjoying his newfound freedom. Hans Westgard rose from his bed feeling extremely well-rested. He rolled off into a series of pushups and sprung to his feet upon completion. Hans took a moment to admire his toned upper body in the mirror before getting dressed. He lazily summoned his lightsaber from its stand and holstered it to his belt. "Come on, Steadfast." he spoke to his weapon. "We've got a new day ahead of us and it's good to be back," he declared with a flip of his auburn locks.

Hans strutted about the temple like he was the true chosen one, and stopped only when he heard a familiar set of giggles. He poked his head from behind a wall and observed a trio of chatting younglings. As fortune would have it, they were the same Mirialan children who'd harassed him during his archive work. Jocasta's not here to hinder me this time, he thought. One of the younglings chortled to his peers and sipped from a juice carton. Suddenly, the straw twitched and the carton quaked in the youngling's hand.

"What the?" was all the child could say before an unseen force squeeze the container. Juice surged out and squirted the child's face while the girls snickered.

"Oh?" Hans whispered to himself while manipulating the carton. "Did you punks want some too?" With a flick of his wrist, Hans tilted his juicy minion towards the others. The childrens' laughter ceased and they bolted down the hallway. Hans sent the carton to give chase and sprayed them until they were out of sight.

"Don't mess with Westgard," he mumbled to himself before bursting into a cackle. His wild laugh was short-lived when he bumped into a proud chest. He shut himself up, cautiously felt the robes behind him, and lastly touched his observer's mask.

Irked, the temple guard swatted his hand away and loomed closer. Though his outfit rendered him anonymous like all temple guards, his slender figure and significant height made him easily identifiable. "You're late," the guard bellowed.

Hans raised a brow and scoffed. "What are you talking about? The daily briefing's not for another ten minutes. I'll be there on time."

"If you're on time, you're late. Now go," the guard intoned.

With a roll of his eyes, Hans trudged down the hall. "Yes, dad."

"If I was your father, that mouth of yours would be put in check."

"You'd also be expelled from the Jedi Order," Hans quipped. "Cut me some slack, buddy. It's my first day, back."

"No one here gets special treatment," the guard asserted. "You're a Sentinel, Westgard. Start acting like one and stop disgracing us."

Hans and the temple guard entered a barracks designated for Jedi Sentinels. "Good morning, crew!" Hans declared as he stepped in. "No need to get up. Save your applause." Not a single Jedi humored him with a wave. The most he received was a passing glance and mild groan. While some Jedi were finishing up a quick meal, others were checking over their gear. Temple guards were suiting up for the day and looking over their patrol rotations. The guard who'd escorted Hans in removed his mask to polish it. The face behind it was one of duty and diligence. His pale furrowed skin gave way to a pair of solemn, silver eyes. This devout guard sneered at Hans in disgust, and brandished his jagged teeth. "What are you looking at, Utapau?" Hans scoffed.

The Pau'an ignored Hans' comment, put his mask back on, and stood at attention as Master Cin Drallig arrived. The other Sentinels gathered around and patiently awaited the daily briefing. Hans found a spot front and center while eagerly hoping to get a shoutout for his return. "Good morning," the Chief of Security began. "I'll start with safety measures. Anti-war protests are at their lowest this week. We won't need as many guards outside and can focus more on honing internal routes. However, I do want us prepared to enforce a temple lockdown if need be."

"Why's that?" a woman asked.

Cin sighed deeply. "Master Windu reached out to me personally upon returning from the Malastare campaign. In order to win the battle, the usage of an electro-proton bomb was authorized. This...awakened something. At the behest of Chancellor Palpatine, he and Skywalker brought a...Zillo Beast...back to Coruscant for examination. I saw the holoimages. The creature is titanic and I heard of its destructive nature on Malastare."

"Are we sure it's a good idea to have it on the Republic's most populous planet then?" the woman added.

"Not in the slightest, Rika." Cin said. "It touched down this morning. Now there are efforts in place to get the beast offworld, but I need Sentinels in place to protect this temple. I want others scattered throughout the city and prepared to aid civilians in the event of a crisis." Cin swiped through his datapad. "As you know, the Corellian Cup will begin soon and we've got two guards on assignment." He projected a hologram of the traveling ship and its passengers.

The Cup, Hans thought. That would've been an interesting assignment. Nice to see Anna made it through.

"Amidst all of this," Cin added. "We do have an investigation to look into. It comes directly from Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo." Projections of a shadowy docking bay flickered into view. "The senator's come into possession of evidence detailing the potential smuggling of illegal substances offworld. We need a Sentinel to-"

"I'll take it," Hans interrupted and immediately regretted doing so. Cin's steely stare made him stiffen, but he ultimately remained calm. "With all due respect, Master Drallig...I'm eager to get back out there. I've done my time and I'm ready to serve."

"If he's so eager to serve," Rika jeered. "He can polish my boots. You messed up, Hans. Now you pay the price. Master Cin, I can look into this."

I second Rika's notion," the Pau'an said. "Hans has only just returned and is unfit to resume investigations."

"Master Drallig," Hans defended. "I know I can be reckless at times, but I just need a chance to redeem myself. Don't listen to these folks. Rika just wants more cases and...well Utapau over there's been leading an inquisition against me ever since I became a Sentinel."

The Chief of Security squinted at Hans. His eyes drifted across each Jedi in the room before he came to a decision. "Knight Rika," he announced. Her eyes lit up with anticipation while Hans sulked. "I want you to oversee the city patrols." Her grin faded while Hans gasped. "Knight Hans," Cin said. "If I grant you this investigation, I expect results."

"Undoubtedly, sir!" Hans swore.

"Master Drallig," Rika intoned. "Please reconsider."

"You are the finest leader I can think of," Cin told her. "I know you want this case. But I need you to safeguard our citizens if this creature breaks loose."

Rika huffed but admitted, "It probably will."

"I have always had faith in second chances within our Order," Cin said. "Hans...prove me right."

He handed Hans a datadisc containing all of the case information. He graciously received it and started off. "You can count on me," Hans said while glaring at the Pau'an.

He was making his way down the hall when Rika caught up to him. "Hans!" she scolded. "You may have Master Drallig fooled by your little underdog prodigy act, but I see right through it."

"What's wrong, Rika?" Hans teased while flaunting the datadisc. "Jealous?"

Her tan, freckled cheeks flushed red as she growled. "I'm watching you, Westgard. The moment you mess up, I'll be there."

"Oh," Hans paused. "Hold that thought, Rika." He held up his comlink and exaggerated pressing it to his ear. "I'm receiving an emergency transmission from the 'NO ONE CARES' sector of the Outer Rim. It's an encrypted message, but it looks like it hails from planet 'BITE ME.'

Rika scowled at Hans as he marched off to begin his mission. She stood beside the Pau'an guard and whispered, "I really can't stand that guy."

A chilled breeze rattled the chainlink fences around docking bay 44. As night descended upon Coruscant, its criminal residents emerged from the shadows. "This looks like the place," Hans whispered and examined the bay from a rooftop. He used a pair of macrobinoculars to get a closer look at several teal-uniformed officials. Yellow armbands swayed at their sides as they hauled crates across the area. "A bit late for Republic dock work, isn't it?" Hans considered. A massive, black-scaled Trandoshan could be seen hissing orders. "You must be Chief Runko from the recordings." Hans looked over the evidence file. "The question is...do you scumbags really have your hands on kolto?"

Let's find out, Hans thought as he quietly climbed down. If I hurry this up, I'll make it home with enough time to seize glory and catch the Corellian Cup broadcast. I hope Anna isn't mad at me. I heard about what happened to her on Rodia and just wanted to give her space. Well, that and I wasn't entirely sure the vaccine worked. But, she was cleared to participate in a tournament...so that's gotta mean something. How hard can it be to make it up to her when she gets back? What does she like? Flowers...holodramas? By the Force, I don't think I could put myself through one of those cheesy shows. Hans dropped onto the street and cautiously approached the fence. Looks like it's showtime.

Using the Force to enhance his jump, Hans launched himself into the docking bay. He landed light on his feet and rolled behind a set of crates. "Tonight may be our best bet," a Nikto man said. "All eyes are on that Jedi Cup nonsense."

"The sooner we move it out, the better." a Twi'lek woman answered. An ominous rumble echoed across the distant cityscape and surprised even Hans.

"Vivi?" the Nikto worried. "What was that?"

"No idea," she said. In that instant, Runko stomped over and practically collapsed on Hans' hiding spot. "Chief?" Vivi gasped. "You good?"

"No," the Trandoshan grumbled. "Load up the ship. We need to leave now."

"But what's going on-"

"Just move!" Runko roared as another boom sounded from afar. Hans shimmied across the crates and peeked from cover. He spotted several so-called Republic officials scrambling to move unmarked canisters into a ship under Runko's supervision. "Where the hell is Zaryl?" the Trandoshan snarled.

"Probably getting high again," a smuggler muttered.

"We don't have time for this," Runko said and stomped off to find him.

Hans froze at the sound of a massiff barking. "What is it, Killer?" a smuggler asked. "Smell something, boy?"

Thinking quickly, Hans removed food capsules from his utility belt and threw them across the bay. The massiff focused on their peculiar sent and gave chase. While that would buy Hans time, he suddenly heard a holoprojector powering up. He crept back to his previous hiding spot and found Vivi placing a call. The violet-skinned Twi'lek seemed as on edge as her chief was. "Come on," she huffed. "Pick up."

The image of a male Twi'lek flickered on to her rusted device. "Vivs?" he whispered. "I can't really talk now, babe. We agreed to call when our jobs were done."

"There's been a change in plan, Crujik." Vivi cut him off. "Something's happening on Coruscant." She shuddered when something thundered from afar. "We're taking a shot at moving our goods offworld now. I'll take whatever cut I can get and meet you back on Tatooine."

"Don't sweat it," Crujik said. "When I'm done on Corellia, we'll have more than enough credits. We'll need them to lay low after what goes down here."

"Well that's what we get for working with Separatists," she remarked. "Stay safe and I'll be in touch. I love you."

"Love you too," he said and cut the transmission.

Hans' blood ran cold and his brows furrowed. By the Force, he thought. What else is at work here? He didn't find it coincidental that an illegal operation was underway in Corellia during a Padawan tournament. The concept of Separatist involvement combined with a necessity to "lay low" made Hans think of the worst...deadliest scenarios. And despite all of it, he imagined what grave danger Anna could be in.

"I got Zaryl!" Runko called to the rest of his crew. Unfinished deathsticks clattered to the floor as the Trandoshan hauled the pasty human aboard. "Pathetic. What's our status?"

Hans had to ask himself the same question. Two paths rested ahead of him as he struggled to choose. The temple was counting on him to fulfill his investigation into the illegal shipment. However, his personal feelings suspected danger on Corellia based on an overheard conversation. Time was running out and Hans opted to salvage both choices. With a deep breath and firm grip on his lightsaber, he leapt out from cover. He landed on the ahead of the smugglers and Force-pushed them off their ramp.

"I'm afraid no one's going anywhere," Hans said and sparked up his weapon. He brought its green glow towards his face and illuminated the darkness. "In the name of the Galactic Republic, you're all under arrest."

"It's a Jedi!" one of the smugglers panicked.

"Runko," Zaryl stuttered. "What do we do?"

The Trandoshan's orange eyes narrowed on Hans as he hissed. He noticed Vivi nodding sinisterly and realized there was no turning back. "Kill'em!" Runko snarled.

Hans spun his saber to deflect the initial blaster bolts. "I can't go back to jail," Zaryl whimpered. "I won't!" With dilated pupils and shaking hands, he frantically fired at Hans' legs. The Jedi leapt for cover but was suddenly pounced on by the smugglers' pet massiff. The canine chomped on one of Hans' tabards and forced him to the floor. While Hans wrestled with the creature, he accidentally dropped his saber.

"Killer's got'em!" Zaryl cheered. "Good boy!" He rounded the corner and took aim. "Get off him, you blasted mutt! I need a clear shot."

While holding off the canine with one hand, Hans called his saber with the other. As it zipped back to him, Hans activated the blade in midair so it would slice the Zaryl's hand off. Once the saber returned to Hans, he impaled Killer and broke free. As soon as he rose, Hans was immediately fired upon by a Trandoshan shotgun. The heavy, compact laser scorched an entire chunk of the nearby crate as Hans rolled away.

Runko reloaded the shotgun and called to his crew. "Start up the ship! We'll hold him off!"

By the time Hans realized that he'd said "we" a series of rapid-fire lasers was already battering his lightsaber. Vivi and Runko proceeded to box him in, each supplying a different intensity of laserfire. While Vivi's pistol kept Hans struggling to deflect each shot, Runko's shotgun blast's were unblockable. Their blasters were cacophonous alongside the handless Zaryl's screams. As Hans heard the ship's engines starting up, he understood he was out of time. He Force-pushed all of the crates he was hiding behind as a diversion and dashed forward. Vivi made an evasive leap while Hans took Runko head on. He frontflipped over the Trandoshan's shotgun blast but was kicked by his clawed foot. Hans swiftly recovered by turning that momentum into a backflip. He landed on his feet just as Runko took aim. With a valiant swipe of his saber, Hans slashed his shotgun in half. However, he didn't count on the Trandoshan quickly seizing his neck in an act of retaliation.

Hans writhed and wriggled as Runko's scaly claws wrapped around his throat. The Trandoshan's rancid breath puffed in his face as he fought to summon his saber. From the moment Hans felt a hilt graze his palm, he instantly activated the weapon and swiped across. Runko's grip gradually loosened and a dreadful look of surprise flashed across his face. Air returned to Hans as he peered down at his handiwork. The Trandoshan couldn't even stumble back, for Hans had left a devastating slash across the Trandoshan's waistline. Smoke rose from Runko's sizzling wound as his upper half completely toppled over. The sight of her chief's lethal bisection made Vivi instantly drop her weapon. Utterly horrified, she made a run for it and left Hans with another decision.

The rest of the smugglers were escaping with their cargo while Vivi fled with information on Corellia. Hans' feet shuffled as he struggled to pick a direction of pursuit. As he looked at the rising ship, he saw political datawork and thugs on inevitable parole. When he saw Vivi disappearing, he imagined Anna in mortal...preventable danger. "Damn it all!" Hans cursed and chose to chase Vivi. The smugglers flew off into the night as Hans and Vivi hopped the fence.

"No!" Vivi gasped upon seeing him. "Stay away from me!" She darted into an alleyway and tripped on several trashcans. A horde of frantic tooka-cats scattered out as Hans weaved between them.

"Make this easier on yourself!" Hans barked while trying to keep up. The Twi'lek fled out the alley's opposite side and collided with a passerby. My luck's changing, Hans thought while he caught his breath. His brows jaw dropped when he realized countless civilians were running down the street. They were in such a frenzied panic, that they didn't even consider Vivi or the person she knocked over. Hans rushed to their aids before either was trampled. He gripped Vivi by the arm and hauled her to her feet. Before he could speak to her, a series of stomps quaked the very ground beneath them. "What now?" Hans uttered. He and Vivi were awestruck at the sight of a gargantuan monster rampaging through the city. Its armored, serpentine body smashed through buildings while its three arms pulled it forward. A colossal, spiked tail collided with walkways and sent scores of civilians plummeting to the lower levels. The beast's sharp screech was deafening at close range and nearby windows shattered from the vibrations. Whatever the Chancellor was planning had indubitably failed and the Zillo Beast had escaped. "By the Force," Hans uttered. Vivi used the creature's distraction to elbow Hans in the face and keep running. "Hey!" Hans snapped and continued his chase. The tumultuous screams of horrified city dwellers echoed from all around as Hans shoved past crowds. He focused on Vivi's violet lekku and was determined not to lose her in the chaos.

Hans was about to cross a bridge when the Zillo Beast stomped directly over it. The entire foundation crumbled as bystanders slid and plummeted. Hans grabbed who he could and hoisted them back up. "I can't hold on!" a lumbering Ithorian shouted from the collapsing ledge.

Some of the other civilians wanted to climb down and help, but Hans threw up a hand. "No!" he shouted. "I'll get him. Stay where it's safe." Hans gingerly inched himself closer to the ledge. "Stay with me, old timer. Don't look down." The Ithorian's eyestalks twitched as he felt his grip loosening. The sound of the bridge further cracking beneath them was all the more ominous, but Hans pressed on. "Take my hand," the Jedi grunted. The Ithorian grabbed hold and Hans hauled him over the side. Once he was over, the bridge's remnant gave out under so much weight. "Go!" Hans ordered and shoved him to the others. He gasped as the floor beneath him split and Hans started falling.

He grabbed a section of exposed wire mesh protruding from the broken duracrete and dangled from it. As Hans desperately searched for a way up, he heard the distinct whir of Republic gunships. While several flew overhead to engage the beast, one of them hovered alongside Hans and opened its hatch. A clone trooper speedily beckoned him over. "Jump for it!" he exclaimed.

Hans harnessed what upper arm strength he could muster and swung into the gunship. He almost lost his footing, but two clones pulled him in by the tabards. "Thank you," Hans panted.

"We're clear," a trooper told the pilot. "Proceed to sector-" A building exploded in front of them as the Zillo Beast pounced through. "Blast it!"

The pilot fired every weapon at the gunship's disposal while those aboard shot their rifles. No matter the laser size, all of the blasts were useless against the beast's thick plating. "It's heading right for us!" a clone warned. "Pull up! Pull up!"

The pilot attempted a hasty ascension, but the beast's tail obliterated one of the gunship's wings. Hans clutched a handhold as the craft spun out of control. Warning sirens blared while the pilot fought to level out. "We're going down!" he screamed.

One of the gunship's hatches was shredded clean off and a trooper went flying out. Realizing the speed of the ship's descension and quickly flames were spreading, Hans had no choice but to jump out. He fell freely through the air and watched the gunship crash into a skyscraper. Teams of flaming metal rained down to the lower levels like deathly fireballs. Hans broke his fall with the Force and landed atop an evacuated fueling station. From there he glimpsed the true destruction of the Zillo Beast's path. Screams of torment filled the night as Republic fighters scrambled to hopelessly battle the creature. The city's emergency siren sounded across all districts and it was enough to send a chill through the most hardened soul.

"Come on!" Hans heard a woman panic from inside a cockpit. "Come on!" She had broken into one of the smaller ships and was desperately trying to hotwire it. Once Hans caught a glimpse of her lekku, he was able to better recognize her voice. Vivi froze when she heard a lightsaber ignite above her.

"Want some help with that?" Hans asked.

Vivi slowly raised her hands and sat up. "I don't have any goods," she admitted. "Whatever was on Runko's ship is all that-"

"I don't care," Hans intoned. "I wanna know what you're boyfriend's up to. Or is it hubby? You won't live to find out if you stay silent."

"Please!" Vivi snapped. "Crujik's job is his own. I don't know anything besides the fact that it pays."

"And that the Seps are the ones dropping those credits," Hans added.

Vivi started to sneer. "You're not gonna kill me."

"What makes you so sure?" Hans inquired. "You saw what I did to your chief."

"Because he was trying to kill you," Vivi retorted. "I'm unarmed. I'm no Jedi but I'm sure gutting me breaks one of those rules of yours."

"I see," Hans sighed. "Well here are two rules for you. Number one..." Hans brought the lightsaber to her neck. "I don't give a damn. And number two, do you really want to test a Jedi who doesn't give a damn right now?"

Vivi pursed her lips as the scorching plasma warmed her skin. "I don't know what he's up to. I swear to you."

"That's fine," Hans admitted. "We can find out together." Her eyes widened as he slid in to the copilot's seat. "You and I are gonna take a little trip to Corellia. Right here, right now. You're gonna call up your man and tell him you had to flee Coruscant. You want to tell him about the monster? Bonus points. But if you let him know I'm with you, well...you don't want to take that chance. Do you?" Vivi nervously shook her head. "Looks like we have a deal then," Hans said. "Go ahead and finish hot-wiring."

Hans kept his green blade dipped towards her as the ship powered up. Vivi cautiously sat back and began the craft's ascension. "What if Republic security asks for clearance?"

"They won't," Hans intoned and glanced at the destruction below them. "They've got more pressing matters to attend to."

As Vivi reluctantly flew them over Coruscant, Hans didn't feel a hint of regret. In his mind, he believed the Republic would ultimately find a way to stop the devastating beast. He didn't even lament the other smugglers escaping if it meant pursuing a far greater case. Don't you see, you fool? his conscience jabbed at him. This defiance is what got you on probation in the first place.

Hans drowned out his doubts with the hum of his lightsaber and brought it closer to Vivi. "I know Corellia's coordinates," he said. "Don't try anything on me now."

The Twi'lek huffed and typed the proper numbers into the navicomputer. "Happy?" she murmured.

"Quite," Hans assured as Vivi plunged them into hyperspace. As their ship rocketed through the vibrant vortex of lightspeed, Hans gave his next order. "Call him," he said.

Vivi bit her lip. "He'll see you if I use my holoprojector."

"I know that," Hans murmured impatiently. "Use the ship's voice communicator. Tell him you're on your way and you need his help." When Vivi didn't budge, Hans brought the saber's tip even closer to her neck. "Do it."

Vivi's resolve hardened as she stared Hans down. "You won't kill me," she asserted. "I don't even think you'd hurt me." Her words infuriated Hans as he clenched his saber. Her growing calmness made him feel like he was losing control over the situation. She noticed his trembling wrist and scoffed. "Because at the end of the day, no matter how tough you make yourself out to be...you're still-" Hans felt something sharp pierce beneath his sleeve. "-a Jedi."

Hans' arm twitched in response and he fell back in his seat. He turned his arm over and found a swelling, scarlet speck. He had been so focused on Vivi's upper body that he failed to see the needle she'd withdrawn from her belt. Whatever she'd injected him with had already numbed his forearm. She distanced herself to observe the damage as Hans struggled to stay conscious. He stumbled across the cockpit as a ringing consumed his ears. "What," he mumbled. "What did you do to me?" His trembling hand inevitably dropped his lightsaber and it sliced a portion of the dashboard open. Wires poured out as Hans collapsed beneath them. Vivi became a sleek blur in his eyes until all went dark.

The first sense to return to Hans was that of a pounding headache. It was only worsened by the sounds of two people arguing nearby. He slowly opened his eyes as his vision returned. Nausea and dehydration plagued his body as his head fell forward. Whatever he'd been drugged with was still working through his system as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. He didn't hear any engines, but felt like he was sitting on the cockpit's floor. When Hans moved to brush the hair from his face, he realized his hands were bound. The crude texture around his wrists led him to deduce he'd been tied to a seat with wires from the broken dashboard. Hans shut his eyes to fake unconsciousness as the voices continued.

"Think of him as insurance," Vivi said. "He was coming for you, babe. You're lucky I shut'em down."

"Do you have any more of that toxin?" Crujik asked. "If you got him during the flight, it's not going to hold him much longer."

Hans discreetly squinted to give the impression he was still out. He barely distinguished the two silhouttes standing before him and tried to plan his escape. "That was my only needle," Vivi admitted. "But we've got the upper hand now. He was trying to prevent your mission, but it's already over."

Hans had to stop himself from gasping. Damn it, he thought. What time is it? What day is it? How long have I been out?

"Only my part is finished, love." Crujik intoned. "When all hell breaks loose, they'll come for us."

While relaxing his visible body, Hans quietly wriggled through his restraints. He soon realized it'd take a burst of the Force to snap out of them.

"Then we'll use this Jedi as leverage," Vivi insisted.

Crujik sighed. "As great as that idea sounds, I know our limits. We can't hold a Jedi. You got lucky catching him off guard."

"So what?" Vivi scoffed. "We just off this guy?"

Crujik nodded. "The Separatist pay a million credits a head on Jedi and I'm already on their payroll. Plus, we can sell his lightsaber on the black market."

"I think it suits you," Vivi complimented. "You should keep it."

Hans had heard enough as he opened his eyes. While the couple was distracted, he noticed his weapon clipped on Crujik's belt. The golden hilt was dangerously close to the ship's open, broken dashboard. Using the Force, Hans manipulated his lightsaber to sway into the wires. Since the hilt's Haysian smelt was a powerful conductor, the interaction produced a wild shock. Sparks flew as Crujik received a mild electrocution. While the Twi'lek was able to break free, the dashboard short-circuited and caused a blackout.

"It's the Jedi!" Vivi warned as Hans snapped his bindings with the Force. She grabbed her boyfriend's blaster and fired into the darkness. Her eyes shot open when her lasers illuminated an empty seat with torn bindings. The pistol shook in her sweaty hands as she scoured the darkness. "Where-...where did he go?" she hissed. A sporadic Force push sent her sailing over the dashboard and into the viewport. Vivi hit the glass with a thud and remained motionless.

"Vivs?" Crujik mumbled through his daze. "No!" He was about to rush to her aid when Hans seized him from the shadows. He slammed the Twi'lek against the nearest wall and recovered his lightsaber.

"What did you do?" Hans roared while battling dizziness.

"Look," Crujik panicked. "I was just the middleman. I got her onboard. They paid me to smuggle her here to Corellia. That's it."

"Who is she? What's going on?" Hans interrogated and pressed his hilt to Crujik's neck. "You better start making sense."

"She never told me her name," the green Twi'lek said. "I'm just a smuggler. I swear!"

Hans' nostrils flared. "This woman...this plan...did it have anything to do with the Corellian Cup?" Though Crujik didn't speak, his widened eyes did all the talking for him. "Answer me!" Hans shouted and bashed a fist against the wall. When Crujik didn't oblige, Hans took a step back. "Fine. You think whoever you're protecting is scarier than me?" Hans glared at Vivi and thought on her words from earlier. "Think again."

He raised a hand towards Crujik and called upon the pull. In the name of protecting those he cared for, Hans tapped into the Dark Side of the Force. Though initially perplexed, Crujik suddenly felt a pressure building up around his throat. As Hans raised his hand, the Twi'lek started choking and was lifted off the ground. Crujik haplessly clawed at his neck as Hans squeezed the life from it. Just when his victim seemed on the verge of death, Hans released him. He knelt beside the wheezing Twi'lek and growled, "How about we do that again?" Hans noticed Vivi starting to stir and Crujik feared for her life.

The Twi'lek dropped to his knees, clasped Hans' tabards and whimpered. "No!" Crujik pleaded. "Please...have mercy!"

Hans angrily pulled Crujik up by the collar and said, "Then talk."

The ensuing interrogation was swift as Hans was met with little resistance. However...the information Crujik surrendered was so critical, that Hans didn't bother staying to apprehend them. He left the Twi'leks to scrape each other from their encounter as he stumbled out of the ship. Hans' eyes teemed with anxiety over what he'd learned. His heart and breaths hastened as he struggled to cope with his traumas. If everything divulged to him was true, those at the Corellian Cup were in terrible danger. He stumbled through his drowsy, post-drugged stupor as the silver city around him seemed endless.

"Hold on, Anna." he whispered and wiped the sweat from his brow. "I'm coming."

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading today's installment. I greatly appreciate readers like you on this intergalactic adventure. The Corellian Cup contestants are in trouble and only Hans Westgard knows what's to come! Next Frozen Force Friday, wind the clocks back and uncover what occurred prior to his arrival. Who won the Corellian Cup? What will become of Elsa's expedition? Find out next time on "The Frozen Force!"

May the Force be with you and Long Live Imagination!

- Michael