Author's Note (THE FROZEN FORCE AT 50): Dear readers, we've officially done it! Fifty entire chapters of this ongoing saga have now been published! I cannot thank you enough for your constant support. As of right now, this story has surpassed 11,000 views and has received 86 reviews. Your words have power and I appreciate you all so much! I want to especially thank this adventure's 52 followers. If you're reading this, you're amazing and I thank you for the support! Here's the craziest part. In just two weeks, "The Frozen Force" will be a year old! And this is only Season 2, my friends! I have so much more excitement planned and we're here through it all. So let's keep growing together. Here, the adventure never stops and you always know there's something to look forward to next Friday. This is a place where Frozen and Star Wars fans can unite. Out of every fanfic I've ever made, this is my most cherished adventure and I want to make sure its quality is super for you all. So let's venture forth and learn together, dreaming bigger along the way. Amidst the laughter, tears, and everything in between...here's to fifty chapters. With this being said, on with the show!
Long Live Your Imagination and May the Force be with You!
~Michael
Chapter: 50 2-5-8-1
"Those who shroud their crimes in darkness will always underestimate the persistent few."
Beauty and a blast! The citizens of Galactic City awakened to a dreadful surprise when a bomb was set off at the Miss Coruscant welcoming festival. During the chaos, reporter Belle O'Har was saved by a mysterious stranger but chased by the 'Coruscant Killers.' In a peculiar twist of fate, the killers were confronted by newly-minted bounty hunter, Jee. Unfortunately, they were able to overpower her and authorities mistook Jee for the bomber. Across the way, Belle nearly escaped with the stranger but was suddenly stunned. At Coruscant Medical Hospital, those involved in the attacks are now receiving the finest care possible...
The halls of Coruscant Medical were bustling with doctors and nurses. Stretchers carried those wounded from the platform's explosion into intensive care. "Prep for surgery!" was a common proclamation as the harrowing events continued to unfold. Medical droids administered bacta supplements while their organic counterparts wrapped injuries. The agonizing groans and wails of those involved echoed throughout the hospital. Whenever the situation appeared to stabilize, emergency services would bring in another wave of victims. Flanked by her security detail, a heartbroken Celeste observed the ensuing chaos. She shook her head and wished she could personally comfort every ailing person. Her teary eyes swayed towards a datascreen as local news showed footage of the smoking platform.
"Another tragedy this morning in Coruscant's upper city," a reporter stated. "As contestants for the Miss Coruscant beauty pageant arrived, a bomb detonated on the landing platform. Two people are confirmed dead while countless others are injured. The Separatists have yet to claim responsibility for this act of terror, leaving many wondering who might be responsible. Shots were fired and reports are flooding in. Everything from snipers to airspeeder pileups are being grouped into this incident."
The network transitioned to a series of clips interviewing different bystanders. "There were at least ten shooters," a Nautolan woman said. "You could hear the lasers all around. On the platform, in the street...the alleys!"
The reporter proceeded to interview an elderly Mon Calamari. "Of course it was the Separatists!" he blurted through his quivering lips. "Dooku and that traitorous lot want to destroy our Republic way of life. It's all about infiltration, you see. It's the immigrants, I tell you. They come into our system to pillage Coruscant, taking our jobs and blowing up our beauty pageant platforms for Count Dooku! The immigrants are his minions!"
"But...aren't you an immigrant?" the reporter inquired.
There was a long pause as the microphone remained fixed on the Mon Calamari. "Yeah," he grumbled and folded his leathery arms. "But I'm different."
"How so?"
"I just am."
Someone swapped their datascreen's channel. "Welcome to the Great Kashyyykian Baking Show! But first, terror in Coruscant today when-"The viewer frustratedly switched channels again. The screen depicted two officials on separate panels discussing the morning's events. "An absolutely disgraceful tragedy," the woman said. "And where were the Jedi? Why wasn't security tighter?"
"You say this every single time, Karena," her colleague groaned. "They did the best they could."
"They didn't, Kylus!" Karena snapped. "And you know it's because they wanted it to happen. The Jedi are in on it and so is the Chancellor. It all goes back to what I've been saying. This is one elaborate plan into setting up a police state. Palpatine needs acts of terror to assume total control so the Jedi can carry out his orders."
"He doesn't have that power,"
Kylus grumbled. "How have you not been labeled a Separatist?"
"I don't know, Kylus." Karena fired back. "How have you not divorced your wife after our affair?"
Beyond frustrated, Belle O'Har switched off the datascreen entirely. She sunk into her pillows while a medical droid took her temperature. "For the last time-" she groaned. "I'm fine."
"Belle," Maurice lectured from her bedside. "Let the nice droid do his job."
"Stable," the droid computed.
"What a surprise," Belle feigned astonishment while Maurice glared at her. "What?" she asked and raised her bandaged hands. "So I'm a little banged up. I've been through way worse."
"I worried then and I'll worry now just the same," Maurice intoned.
Belle huffed. "This is terrible, Papa. So many are suffering and the news is hardly getting a full story out there! They're just going to do what they always do." Belle's scowl deepened as she clenched her sheets. She closed her eyes, envisioned the scenarios, and spoke them out loud. "They're going to dance around the actually issue and ride the fear-mongering hype. They'll sit on this potential Separatist threat for hours on end to keep people terrified when all of it isn't true."
"Do you have proof?" Maurice asked. "Not for me, but for those who will question your theories."
Belle shook her head and sighed. "I'd sent Chip to go get help. Has there been any sign of him?" Maurice's silence was enough of an answer. Belle's anger caught up with her and she frustratedly smacked her mattress. "I should be out there," she asserted. "Coruscant needs a reporter who's actually going to do their job."
"And that reporter is you," Maurice assured. "But please, just take a moment."
"Take a moment?" Belle scoffed. "While people are dead and dying? While other news outlets fan the flames of fear and hate? I'd be just as bad as the terrorists!"
"Don't say that, Belle." Maurice replied.
"You and mother once told me that words were my greatest weapon. If I don't seek and speak the truth, what good am I?" Belle sulked against her pillows as a sudden set of steps trudged beside her. LM-3R placed a stress relief candle on her bed. CO-G5 was about to ignite it when Belle stopped them both. "As much as I appreciate the gesture, boys...We're in a hospital. Oxygen tanks and flames are a terrible pairing." LM subtly retrieved his candle while Belle took a deep breath.
"My dear," Maurice began. "You are without a doubt the greatest reporter in all of Coruscant."
"But?" Belle mumbled.
Maurice simpered as his daughter predicted his statement. "I just want you to take care of yourself."
"We all do!" LM-3R exclaimed with an extravagant flick of his wrist.
"I look around and see such destruction," Belle said while observing those injured down the hall. "I have to do my part to end it. Coruscant has to stop these monsters." In that instant, Belle heard a distinct whirring coming from around the corner. "Wait," she murmured. "Is that-" A tiny camera droid hovered into her room and beeped upon seeing her.
"Chip!" Belle, Maurice, and LM rejoiced as one.
The C1-P unit excitedly zoomed over to Belle and nudged her bandaged cheek. "I'm alright," the reporter chuckled. "I was more concerned about you."
"It appears he did indeed bring assistance," LM-3R realized.
A set of booted feet tromped into the room. The inquisitive stare of Lieutenant Tan Divo appeared more bewildering than it was reassuring. "There she is," Divo said. "How are we feeling, Miss O'Har?"
Belle cleared her throat, but Maurice beat her to speaking up. "Now sir," her father started. "I'm sure you mean well, but Belle has been through enough for the time being and-"
"No no," Belle interrupted and placed a hand on Maurice's arm. The overextension had her shoulder aching and forced her back into bed. "It's quite alright," she assured. "Good to see you, lieutenant."
Divo squinted at Belle's monitor and glanced over at her. "First vigilantism and now assaulting reporters," he commented. "Hard to believe that Rodian did this. But I've seen it all in this line of work."
Belle raised a brow. "Excuse me? I'm confused."
"The Bug, Miss O'Har." Divo clarified. "The brave clones of the Coruscant Guard apprehended her at one of the many crime scenes. While her motives remain unknown, make no mistake...we will get to the bottom of this. I was hoping to get a statement from you on the matter."
"Great," Belle scoffed. "Because I'll start by telling you this wasn't the Bug's doing." Divo glared at her while she continued. "The Bug may have returned, but so have the 'Coruscant Killers'."
"They're working together?" Divo inquired.
"No," Belle snarked. "They fought each other. The Bug mentioned something about bringing them in dead or alive. She's probably working as a bounty hunter."
"Or covering up her involvement," Divo suggested.
"Oh come on!" Belle shouted and her heart monitor raced. "You're trying to tell me they purposely beat each other senseless while whoever they were trying to kill escaped?" Divo tilted his head with intrigue as Belle smirked. "Missed a detail, didn't you? There was a woman at the crime scene. Not the Bug. Someone else who helped me escape while the killers were after her."
Divo paused and squinted his tired eyes. He scratched his chin while humming in thought. "It appears as though there are other players in this game of terror. But one question remains..."
"Who was that woman?" Belle inputted.
"What was the Bug up to?" Divo asked instead.
It took both LM-3R and Maurice to keep Belle from throwing a pillow at Divo. "This is why those maniacs are still running rampant!" she scolded. "You've got your mind in all of the wrong places while I give you exactly what you need. All of your suspects are linked to the cloaked woman I encountered. The killers were out to get her and the Bug, who has a taste for vigilantism...was trying to stop them. It's just a theory, but we need to make the pieces fit."
Divo huffed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "So then who is this mystery woman?" he queried and reached for a remote.
"What are you doing?" Belle asked.
"Believe it or not, Miss O'Har, the Coruscant Rose isn't the only reputable news source out there." Divo turned the datascreen back on and flipped through multiple channels. He paused as one station showed coverage of the blast zone.
"All but one of the thirty-six contestants have been accounted for," a newscaster said. "But after forensic units swept the wreckage, they have found zero traces of any organic victims. With nothing more than the remains of droid pilots, a new question has experts scratching their heads: Where is contestant Chela Tuzi?" As the newscaster asked her question, the image of a young woman flashed across the screen.
Belle's eyes widened upon seeing the profile picture. That lavender skin, she thought. Those violet lips. She recalled the cloaked woman's shrouded face and remembered her words.
"Soon, you and all of Coruscant will know my name."
"Chela Tuzi," Belle gasped. "Divo, that's the woman!"
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"She has to be!" Belle blurted and examined the image. She noted Chela's speckled cheeks and the trio of horns on each side of her temple. "That blue-haired Theelin is who they're after. When I was pinned beneath the wreckage-"
"You were what?" Maurice yelped.
"I'm fine now, Papa." Belle reassured and continued. "When I was pinned, I heard someone emerge from some sort of capsule. If it was Chela, she and her accomplice spoke as though they knew they were going to be attacked."
Divo tried to keep up with Belle's theorizing. "So you're saying this pageant girl knew her ship was going to be bombed and didn't alert anyone?"
"Maybe she's more than just a pageant girl," Belle considered. "I don't know, but I do know that she was prepared. She knew people were coming to kill her and was willing to save my life in the process. Think about it. I've been covering this event for years and those ships are crammed with personal teams for each contestant. Chela was by herself with disposable droids." Belle winced and looked to her companions. "No offense." Maurice huffed while LM scoffed at her remark. "These killers were willing to obliterate anyone and anything to kill her. But why?"
"Did Chela Tuzi say anything to you?" Maurice asked.
"Did you get a look at this accomplice of hers?" Divo questioned as well.
Belle thought back to her pulse-pounding experience. "She said the injustices will be brought to light. Her Gran partner stunned me moments later. I heard her call him Korbi, but that could be an alias." Belle sighed as she contemplated all of the information. "We could have another vigilante on our hands."
"Don't give everyone the benefit of the doubt," Divo lectured. "Everyone thinks they're the hero of their own story. Count Dooku thinks he's righting the wrongs of this Republic. For all we know, Miss Tuzi's definition of injustice could be something petty...like a pageantry vendetta."
"She was on a mission," Belle remembered. "And seemed very committed."
"Most terrorists are," Divo concurred. "That's why we call them extremists." Belle sneered at him as he shrugged. "Look, if this girl is innocent...all she has to do is come to the police."
"Unless she feels like she can't trust them," Belle considered.
Divo leaned towards Belle. "Well then she's only made matters worse for herself by conspiring with someone who assaults reporters and then flees a crime scene."
"The Gran only stunned me," Belle defended.
"Which is still an assault," Divo jeered. "It appears we all have some digging to do, Miss O'Har. Coruscant is counting on all of us to do our part. In company with the Coruscant Guard, my officers will be on the lookout for the killers and now this Gran. Korbi, right? I'm going to find out what the Bug knows about all of this. As for you, I know better than to think you'll stay out of this for very long."
"There isn't a chance in this galaxy that I would," Belle asserted. "I'm going to uncover anything I can about Chela Tuzi. Background...friends and family. Wherever she is, I swear that this Theelin is the key to all of this."
"We're going to need more stress relief candles," LM-3R computed.
"Best of luck to you," Divo said.
"Lieutenant," Belle called before he exited. "What about the Ortolan child? Did my tip work out for you?"
Divo sighed. "No, O'Har. I stopped by the shelter and spoke with the Vicas themselves. The child had been taken to the Jedi Temple." Belle's brows furrowed as Divo threw up his hands. "In case you haven't noticed, we have much more pressing matters to attend to versus an instance of babysitting. Besides, the Jedi love taking things into their own hands. Normally, it really aggravates me how the Order just steps in to take command of my cases. But with everything going on, they can seriously have this one."
As Divo departed, Belle was left pondering, What do the Jedi want with an Ortolan child?
Padawan Elsa Dellian and her Master Yelena watched as their Ortolan friend devoured everything on his tray. They sat in the Jedi Temple's cafeteria, exchanging rather comical looks while the child scooped up anything his trunk could snatch. His beady eyes squinted with delight as he munched on assorted fruits and pastries. "Do you think there's a bottom to that stomach of his?" Yelena quipped and Elsa playfully nudged her. The Padawan giggled when his trunk slinked over to her tray and began plucking meiloorun slices.
The Ortolan paused mid-snatch and stared up at Elsa. She sighed, smiled softly, and gestured to her plate. "Go ahead," she insisted and the Ortolan went to town.
"I hope you don't intend on spoiling your Padawan like this some day," Yelena jested.
"That's if I ever got a Padawan," Elsa mumbled. "Or was knighted for that matter."
Yelena tilted her head. "What's wrong, Elsa?" she asked. "I thought you were really excited about mentoring in your future."
"Yes well...that was until I realized that I would be doing any student a great disservice." Elsa sulked while wiping the Ortolan's trunk with a napkin. "Elsa Dellian...the master who couldn't wield a lightsaber. I don't think I could forgive myself if I got my Padawan killed."
Yelena sighed. "It just takes practice," she insisted.
"But I've been practicing for all of my life," Elsa asserted. "I'm twenty-one, master...and I don't think I've ever really won a duel. Not by myself anyway. If Anna hadn't show up when I was fighting Grievous, he would've killed me." Elsa scoffed. "Fighting. Who am I kidding? I was just trying to stay alive."
"I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit," Yelena said. "You need to figure out how you define your victories. Not by other's standards...but by your own." The master noted her apprentice's sorrow and patted her shoulder. "I'll tell you what," she proposed. "When this whole 'Ortolan Ordeal' is finished, we'll see what we can do about those saber techniques of yours. Deal?" Elsa didn't respond and kept her head hanging low. Yelena leaned closer and said, "You can still be an outstanding Jedi Master, Elsa. But no matter where you go or which path you take, you are going to stumble. There will always be setbacks and people won't always agree with you, but you get to choose what happens next. Sometimes all it takes, is picking up your saber one more time."
Elsa took a deep breath and offered Yelena a gentle smile. "Okay," the Padawan whispered. "Blueblossoms right?"
"We stick and grow together," Yelena quipped and her vambrace chimed. "It appears Master Kenobi is ready for us."
Elsa guided the child from their table and followed Yelena out. They had nearly exited the cafeteria when they saw dreadful footage of a bombing on the nearest datascreen. After lamenting the sight, they made their way to Obi-wan's private quarters. She was sure to stow some extra snacks for the walk and the Ortolan was most grateful. Yelena knocked at her old friend's door and heard his swift response. "Do come in," Master Kenobi said. The Ortolan's trunk was sniffing profusely to the odor of freshly-brewed tea. Elsa and Yelena were quick to bow before Obi-wan returned the gesture. "I apologize for any delay," Obi-wan said. "I had to relay new orders to Anakin and Master Windu. Would you care for some tea?"
"Yes please," Elsa said. She poured a cup for the Ortolan and herself.
"How is that old apprentice of yours doing?" Yelena inquired while sipping her tea. "I heard he was quite the hero during the Geonosis campaign."
Obi-wan chuckled. "Yes, well...Anakin can hardly stay out of the action for long. Which is why hearing about his current task is all the more...amusing." The master shook his head in disbelief. "Anakin and Master Windu are overseeing a clone cadet demonstration." He gestured to the Ortolan. "While it is important for all of us to inspire the children of tomorrow, I cannot help but wonder how those two will fare."
"I'm glad they're getting a break from all of the madness," Yelena said. "Meanwhile, bombs are going off right here in our capital."
"These are the times we're living in," Obi-wan admitted. He set his tea down and took a seat beside the Ortolan. "Now then, let's see what your little friend here has to say." Obi-wan proceeded to greet the child in sign language. Before he could proceed any further, a tumultuous racket sounded from down the hall. "What in blazes is that?" Obi-wan asked.
"No running," temple guard Udo Klee could be heard scolding. "I said NO RUNNING! By the Force, slow down this instant!"
A series of heavy stomps reached Obi-wan's door as Anna and Hans practically broke it down. They barged in and toppled over each other in the process. "Did we make it in time?" Anna panted. Her eyes widened at the sight of the Ortolan. "Holy kriff! You really did get him, Elsa."
"Of course I did," Elsa answered. "I called you and told you we were taking the Ortolan from the shelter. Where-"
"How did you get him?" Hans interrupted. "Do you have any idea how long I've been searching for Dumbo over there?"
"Jumbo," Anna corrected.
"Hey!" Yelena snapped. "If you two are quite done, we're kind of in the middle of something here. Show some respect."
"Right," Anna winced while Hans grumbled.
Mattias huffed from around the corner and slowly hobbled into the room. "Padawan," he groaned and rubbed his back. "You know I can't run like I used to."
"Good!" Udo snapped. "Because there's-"
"No running in the halls," Mattias reiterated. "We got it."
Obi-wan displayed visible confusion, yet focused on the Ortolan. "Well then," he said. "Unless anyone else would like to barge in, I will attempt to start again." Everyone watched as Obi-wan signed to the child. The Ortolan shook and nodded his head along to whatever Obi-wan said.
While they communicated, Anna nudged Elsa. "Hey sis," the youngest Dellian said. "Looks like a bacta tank did you well."
Elsa rubbed her healed nose and hardly acknowledged her. She could only hope Anna wouldn't take her response as one of neglect but would instead realize that she was paying attention. Obi-wan knitted his brows with intrigue as the child signed away. "He says his name is...Heffalump," the master translated.
"I like Dumbo better," Hans whispered and Anna glared at him.
"But his mother calls him Lumpy," Obi-wan explained. "He says we can too. Especially you two." Kenobi gestured to Anna and Hans. "He seems to have taken a particular liking to them." Obi-wan noticed Lumpy's drooping ears and sorrowful snout. He chose to address it while the others awaited a response. "He misses his mother."
"Where is she?" Anna asked.
"Ortolans aren't the most common on Coruscant," Hans remarked. "So she'd stick out in a crowd."
Lumpy signed and his response left Obi-wan lamenting. "Oh dear," he uttered. "Lumpy says that he and his mother were asleep when 'two men' broke into their home. He managed to hide, but they'd taken her. When morning came, Lumpy was all alone."
"Poor Lumpy," Elsa grieved.
"Ask him about the dead guy," Hans blurted without the slightest ounce of tact. Obi-wan raised a brow until the knight elaborated. "Herv Bobak...this Togruta celebrity who crashed into Dex's Diner. Dumb-...Lumpy was there when Bobak told him his final words. I get that he's deaf, but the recovered footage made it look like Lumpy understood Bobak. Maybe he read his lips or something."
Obi-wan signed to Lumpy and inquired about Herv Bobak's final moments. The Ortolan thought back and then hurriedly signed in response. He concluded his statement with an intriguing set of gestures. They caught Hans' attention and took him back to the crime scene that day. Lumpy first held up two of his stubby fingers. He then switched to a five, then an apparent three, and concluded with only one.
"Not this again," Hans griped. "He did this same banthacrap the day I met him. He was asking for more food from me." The knight recalled his irksome experience with the Ortolan in Dex's Diner.
The child didn't hear a word he said and remained grateful. He released Hans' leg only to tug on his tabards instead. "What now?" the Jedi asked. "You want more?" The Ortolan shook his head yet held up two fingers. Hans snorted. "Two? Are you out of your mind?" He then switched to a five, then an apparent three. "First of all-" Hans said. "-make up your mind. Second, no!" The Ortolan shook his head again and held up a single, blue digit. "Not even one more," Hans asserted. "You got your meal for the day. You even got a hug out of it. Bye bye."
Everything came full circle for Hans and he facepalmed. "Oh for the love of," he whined. "He was trying to sign what Bobak told him...wasn't he?"
Anna patted Hans' head for reassurance. "Just take a deep breath," she jested. "Before you bust your head trying to overthink it."
"Interesting," Obi-wan stated. "He says that in the moments following the speeder crash, Bobak leaned close and spoke several numbers to him."
"Numbers?" Yelena asked.
"Tell me," Master Kenobi said. "Do the numbers 2-5-8-1 mean anything to anyone here?"
After several exchanged shrugs, it was clear that everyone was on a similar level of clueless. The floor was quickly opened for discussion over what the sequence of numbers could mean. "Maybe it's a combination," Anna suggested. "Like for a lockbox."
"But to open what?" Mattias inquired.
"Clearly something worth dying for," his Padawan persisted. "Maybe treasure or-"
"I think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves," Elsa intoned. "That's if those numbers are a combination."
"What do you think they are, sis?" Anna asked.
Elsa hummed in deep thought before answering. "What if they're coordinates?" she considered.
"Not a bad presumption," Obi-wan said. "However, most hyperspace and even district coordinates contain letters as well."
Yelena was about to add her own theory when Hans interrupted her. "I got it," he declared with a snap of his fingers. "Nuclear...launch codes."
There was a long pause before Mattias broke the silence. "Are you out of your kriffing mind, son?" He immediately waved an apologetic hand. "Excuse my language. My Anna is showing."
"Hey," Anna snickered. "That was great, master. Hans, why would a holodrama celebrity have access to nuclear launch codes?"
"Why couldn't he?" Hans countered. "I'm the Jedi Sentinel here. I know more than you do."
"We can debate theories all day," Yelena said. "But the possibilities are endless."
"She's right," Obi-wan concurred. "If you wish to learn the significance of this numeric sequence, I suggest you investigate any leads and associations with Mr. Bobak. Perhaps even look into this Ortolan for that matter. In my experience, sometimes the most seemingly irrelevant pieces can still be part of the same puzzle."
"What do we know about Herv Bobak?" Mattias proposed. "Besides the fact that Anna used to quote his one-liners to me."
"He was known for hosting Miss Coruscant," Hans answered as a thought dawned on him. "What if the pageant's getting nuked?"
"Nothing's getting nuked," Anna groaned.
"As far as I'm concerned, anything's possible right now." Hans retorted. "Now Lieutenant Divo first opened this case when Bobak was found murdered. During this time, he might've discovered more information regarding Bobak's affiliations. Maybe he'll know more about Lumpy's mom too. I'll go speak with him."
"I'll come too," Anna insisted almost instantly. For a second, it was as if she'd completely disregarded Mattias. With so many eyes on her, Anna quickly recovered by clearing her throat. "We should split into teams!" she suggested.
"And I'll be going with you, apprentice." Mattias assured. His suspicious tone had Anna gulping.
"It's possible that news sources could have more on Lumpy's mother," Elsa considered. "Or at least the incident. And I think I know just the reporter who'd go above and beyond."
"Wise thinking, Padawan." Yelena said. "We need to utilize every resource to our advantage."
"Then your teams are decided," Obi-wan said. "Safe travels and may the Force be with you all."
A Jedi airspeeder soared across the Coruscant skyline. "Temple intelligence reports that Lieutenant Divo is at the Judiciary Central Detention Center," Mattias said from the driver's seat. Multiple lanes had been locked down from where the platform bombing had occurred. While maintaining a steady altitude, Mattias glanced out of his window and sighed. "It seems like the chaos gets closer and closer to home each time," he grieved. "Or maybe it never left."
Seeking to lighten the mood on their flight, Anna changed the subject. "How are the boys?"
"The...what are they calling themselves?...Deathchasers?" Mattias muttered. "Blazer, Sparx, and Speedy returned to Kamino for proper ARF refitting. They're looking to turn that little group of theirs into quite the tactical unit. They keep insisting on wanting a Jedi to lead them." Mattias chuckled. "That hardened sergeant must have a soft spot for you if he's willing to share command."
"What makes you think Blazer wants me to lead?" Anna asked.
Mattias glanced at her. "You two butted heads the very first time you met. But when you worked together, you demonstrated how powerful your combined abilities could be."
"It'd be the same as any other Jedi and clone partnership," Hans groused from the backseat. He rolled his eyes while keeping Lumpy from hugging him. "Stay on your side," he growled at the Ortolan.
"I think you're just jealous," Anna quipped and Hans' glare intensified. "You're upset because now I have more experience with clones now than you do."
"Please," Hans scoffed. "You can hang out with all of the troopers you want, but it doesn't change the fact that I outrank you."
Anna guffawed. "When did this become a contest?"
"When you became jealous of me," Hans accused.
"Jealous of-" Anna nearly choked on the words from being so flabbergasted. "Hans, I don't envy you in the slightest. I've won more battles than you have."
"Yeah, but how many of those fights did someone back you up on?"
"You know what," Anna snapped. "I'm not doing this. I've been through enough. I don't have to prove anything to a guy who's never even won a fight."
A deafening silence filled the speeder as Mattias slowly raised his knuckles. He fist-bumped Anna and they subtly exchanged grins. Meanwhile, Hans descended into mental chaos as he muttered to himself. "I've won a fight," he griped. "There was that time I-...no. But then I-...no, I was knocked unconscious. No! I know I've won a duel!" Anna glanced back at his bumbling self and smirked. She rested her chin on her hands and blinked rapidly while waiting for an example. Hans struggled to provide any answer as Mattias landed the speeder.
The high-security prison's spire cast a daunting shadow over their speeder. While Mattias stepped ahead, Anna seized the momentary alone time to stare at Hans. "What?" he snapped.
"You're cute when you're flustered," she teased and helped the Ortolan out of his seat.
Two clones from the Coruscant Guard were quick to approach the vehicle. "Commander Fox," Mattias greeted. "I commend you for your ongoing acts of valor."
"Just doing my duty, sir." Fox answered. "How may I be of assistance to the Jedi?"
"We're here to speak with Lieutenant Divo," the master said. "We were told he's here."
Fox nodded. "Divo's currently interrogating a suspect I apprehended from this morning's attack. We're not sure about the extent of her involvement yet, but Divo's bound to get to the bottom of it."
"Her?" Anna inquired.
"The Bug," Fox answered and Anna's blood ran cold. She became numbed to the world around her while her companions stepped forth.
"That menace actually came back?" Hans jeered. "Clearly she didn't learn her lesson from the last time we-" He stopped himself with an abrupt cough. "I apprehended her."
"She was found amidst this morning's madness," Fox explained and guided them into the prison. The commander couldn't help but notice the small child traveling with them. "What's with the Ortolan?" he asked.
"Divo's been looking for him," Mattias responded. "He's part of the case."
"Well keep him close," Fox ordered. "A prison's no place for a kid."
Anna held Lumpy's hand and followed the others inside. She was caught off guard when Hans whispered in her ear. "So the Bug is back. Think she wants revenge?"
The Padawan shook herself free of any overthinking. "I-...I don't know," she stuttered. "We'll just have to find out for ourselves." Once she was clear of Hans, Anna was left to worry about her friend's predicament. Damn it, Jee, she thought. What the heck have you gotten yourself into?
Fortunately for the group, they didn't have to worry about taking Lumpy down any detention blocks. Fox escorted them directly to a secure chamber located in the spire's apex. Upon reaching it, they were ushered towards an elongated holding area with a one-way mirror. Anna's heart sank upon seeing Jee cuffed to the adjacent room's table. The Rodian's violet skin baked beneath a daunting spotlight. Lieutenant Divo sat across from her and observed every facial feature for clues.
"For the last time," Jee groaned. "I don't know anything about the bombing. You're wasting you're time."
"Am I?" Divo remarked. "Authorities found you at the scene of the crime."
"Because I was trying to nab those 'Coruscant Killers'," Jee growled.
"A likely story."
"Got a better one for a bounty hunter?"
"Your tale might've checked out if that's all you were. But we know you better than that, Bug. No name, no ID, but one crazy record. You racked up quite the body count during your previous visit to Coruscant. You're no stranger to violence."
"I'd never take an innocent life," Jee defended. "Every sleemo I've slaughtered was a piece of slave-trafficking trash!"
"Not the confession I was looking for," Divo admitted. "But a confession nonetheless."
"What do you want from me?" Jee asked.
"To make sure you stay locked away this time," Divo assured. "I don't know what delusions of grandeur you've got brewing in that head of yours, but no authority is above the law."
"Just the Jedi then?" Jee snarked and Divo scowled. "They somehow get a pass?"
As the interrogation persisted, Anna examined several confiscated items on a display table. Smoke bombs, grappling hooks, and tactical vambraces reminded Anna of her old friend's arsenal. Jee's smashed helmet and scorched backplate had the Padawan's heart racing. Something tells me that's not Commander Fox's doing, she deduced.
"Wait a minute," Mattias uttered and hastily approached the table. Anna shut her eyes and winced as she realized what he'd found. Mattias examined a lightsaber from the confiscations table and squinted towards it. "These markings are in Selkatha. I-..." The master's eyes widened. "I know this saber." Anna braced herself for the inevitable as Mattias gasped. "By the Force...this is Master Chaki's." Anna cringed when Mattias voice filled with anger. "That thieving, disrespectful-"
"What's done is done, right?" Anna interrupted.
"I'd heard of Jedi wannabes before," Hans chuckled. "I mean, who wouldn't want to be like this?" He gestured to himself but then returned focus to the lightsaber. "But you either become a Jedi or you don't. There is no in between." His snarky tone only made Anna's blood boil further. She thought about how much Jee had done for her during the pandemic on Rodia. In many ways, Jee was responsible for helping her rise from despair and had also saved her life when all hope seemed lost. It hurt Anna to think of a time where she had anything but respect for the valiant Rodian. She needed to get Jee alone and find out exactly what was going on.
Divo returned from the interrogation chamber and was surprised to see Jedi waiting for him. "Westgard?" he blurted and looked towards the nearby child. "And you found the Ortolan. Took you long enough."
"That's why we're here, lieutenant." Hans said. "While our little buddy here is deaf, he was still able to read Herv Bobak's lips before the Togruta died."
"Well then?" Divo asked impatiently. "What'd he tell him?"
"2-5-8-1," Mattias spoke up. "Do those numbers make any sense to you?"
Divo pursed his plump lips and pondered for a moment. "I'm sorry, Master Jedi. That numbers' as useless to me as a lightsaber without a crystal is to you. I can have my partner, GU-13 cross check for any references in our databases, but that's an awfully random number. I'm afraid without the full context, we're sunk."
Unwilling to walk away empty-handed, Mattias brought up another question. "The Ortolan also mentioned his mother being kidnapped. Do you have any reports about other members of his species going missing?"
"Believe it or not-" Divo said. "Kidnappings are actually quite common in the Republic capital. The news rarely reports the messes that occur in the underworld. I'll have my officers look into it and see what they find."
"Maybe 2-5-8-1 is an address," Hans suggested. "And Lumpy's trying to take us to his house."
"I doubt it," Anna said.
"And why's that?" Hans scoffed until Anna pointed at Lumpy. The Ortolan was shaking his head at Hans' remark. Recalling that the child could still read his lips, Hans huffed and dropped his theory.
Divo noticed Anna taking a particular interest in his prisoner. "Sense something, Jedi?" he asked.
As if, Anna thought. I need to get closer to Jee, but I can't seem suspicious. Mattias and Hans already know of my involvement in apprehending her. The only problem there is that they think I also loathe her. There has to be a way to get her out of this mess.
"Padawan?" Mattias worried.
"I want to interrogate her," Anna babbled. She exaggerated a seething scowl and clenched her fists. "She's making a mockery of you, lieutenant. Let a Jedi put her in her place."
Divo raised a brow at her and looked to Mattias. He seemed equally surprised until Anna gave him a reassuring nod. "My apprentice can be quite formidable," Mattias told the lieutenant.
"Now hold on," Hans interrupted. "I should lead the interrogation because-"
Divo held an irked finger up to Hans' face. "Just wait a moment, Westgard," he said. "I want to see what she can do. Plus, I already know what you can do: Nothing." Hans looked as though he'd pop a blood vessel at the lieutenant's remark. Divo gave Anna the go-ahead and she entered the chamber.
The air was eerily still as Jee slowly looked up. "Back for more torment, lieutenant?" the Rodian spat until she witnessed who'd arrived. Her bulbous eyes widened further and her snout drooped in surprise. "A-" she caught herself and choked up. "Red?" Jee observed Anna's toned physique beneath her form-fitting, magenta robes. "You look-"
"Quiet, criminal!" Anna roared and slammed her fists on the table. Channeling her frustrations, she sent a sporadic burst of Force energy circulating throughout the room. The pulse short-circuited microphones, shifted cameras, and cracked the observation mirror.
"Holy kriff!" Hans cursed from the adjacent room. "Has she lost her mind?"
"Just give her a second," Mattias assured. "Come on, Anna," he whispered to himself. "I know you're angry, but control your emotions." He watched as Anna leaned towards Jee. "Please lay off the threats," he willed. "The Jedi Order's image is at stake."
"What the hell happened to you?" Jee snapped.
"Listen to me," Anna whispered sharply. Her face never wavered from its intense expression. "The mics will be on momentarily. I'm gonna try to get you out of here, but you've got to work with me." Anna noticed the microphone power lights returning and put on her best scowl. "And that's just the beginning, you punk!" she pretended to threaten. "Just try to push me and see what happens."
Jee finished processing all which had occurred in the last fifteen seconds. She searched for a way to explain things to Anna while playing along with her scheme. "Like I told your friend there, Jedi...I'm a bounty hunter these days."
Anna fought to conceal a smile. "Well at least you're trying to make money."
"What good does it do me if I still end up getting arrested?"
Anna leaned over the table and stared her down. "You were after the Umbaran and Zygerrian," she said.
Jee nodded. "I saw their bounty marks while working in the Outer Rim. I don't know anything about the Force-" she lied. "-but something tells me you can sense what type of person I am. You know I'd never associate myself with monsters like that. Anyone I kill deserves it. And these 'Coruscant Killers' had a rep. A Twi'lek I'd rescued out on Tatooine said they'd kidnapped him from this fine capital of yours."
Anna raised her brows. "So we're dealing with a pair of kidnappers here," she said and glanced at the one-way mirror.
"Given how much trouble they've caused, I believe no crime would be beneath those two," Jee deduced.
"Care to explain how you wound up in custody?" Anna queried.
"I don't know what kind of training these scumbags have nor do I know who they're working for," Jee began. "But they knew how to hide. I'd spent nearly a month trying to track them down through the shadows of your city. It wasn't until this morning's attack drew them out. They must've had a serious target in their sights to attack out in the open like that. I saw my opportunity to nab them and I seized it." Jee huffed. "It turned out the killers were as formidable in combat as they were in stealth. Sleemos got the jump on me...and before I knew it, they had left me to take the fall for them."
"I believe you," Anna said. "I also engaged that dangerous pair. We're going to need all the help we can get if we're going to take them down. So I'd like you to join us." Jee chuckled at Anna's proposal. "What's so funny?"
"Your ongoing optimism," Jee said. "It's much...appreciated, Red. However, I'm in here for different reasons."
"Yeah?" Anna retorted. "And my influence says to hell with those reasons."
"You don't have that kind of power."
"I'll find a way!" Anna insisted.
"Red, Red, Red." Jee mumbled. "Don't you see? My time as a bounty hunter has opened my eyes to the truth. You can't run away from your past. I'm not perfect, and I still have a ways to go if I'm gonna figure out my place in all of this."
"If you're hinting towards another breakout-" Anna mentioned. "It won't help you. If anything, it'll only add to your sentence and make it harder for you live a life of freedom."
"So it looks like I'm just supposed to rot away then." Jee said.
Anna bit her lip. "Unless you are released with a pardon. I get the feeling that you're not the same person you once were. You performed a public service."
"But the law doesn't see it that way," Jee replied. "You mean well, Red. We've had our...encounters, but you're gonna have to let me go."
"We all need a Don-hreeda sometimes," Anna hinted.
Jee appreciated her Rodese and simpered. "So now you're my Mysterious Avenger, hm?"
A buzzer sounded overhead and Divo's voice blared through the intercom. "Time's up, Padawan," he said. "She's not budging."
"I'm gonna get you out of here," Anna whispered while departing. "I promise you."
"I believe you, Red." Jee replied and smiled softly. "See you soon." The cracked mirror divided split their reflections apart as Anna stood up. The confident grin on Jee's snout faded once Anna left the room. Hopeless optimism clashed with overwhelming uncertainty as Jee sighed heavily.
Anna returned appearing even further distressed. "Don't beat yourself up about it too much," Divo said. "Even a trained professional such as myself couldn't get her to spill."
"It's because she's told us all she knows," Anna mumbled.
"I should've gone in," Hans insisted. His remark was enough to irk Anna enough into storming off on her own. While Hans was left to gripe and watch Lumpy, Mattias chased after her.
"Anna," her master beckoned. "Padawan!"
"I just need a minute," she huffed and continued down the corridor.
"Please talk to me," Mattias said. "What's really going on here?"
Anna paused and slouched her shoulders. She thought about Mattias' angry reaction to finding Chaki's lightsaber. "I don't know if you'd understand," she admitted.
"Try me," Mattias assured. "Trust is our foundation, Padawan. If we lose that...how can we possibly maintain anything else?"
"Your reasoning is exactly why I worry about telling you," Anna confessed.
Mattias stroked his beard and contemplated what could be going on. "I think I understand," he answered in a lower tone. "You're not as hard to read as you think."
Anna swallowed hard and prepared to come clean. She thought of how she could properly phrase working with a lightsaber thief and how Jee was just trying to right the galaxy's wrongs. "Master I-"
"It's alright to feel emotion," Mattias said and Anna knitted her brows. "It's easy for connections to spark up, especially at your age."
"Wait, what?" Anna bumbled.
"Hans," Mattias said. "I sense some...tension between you two. But it doesn't seem all that bad," he teased.
Anna struggled to hide her blushing face. "Master, you know that kind of stuff is forbidden! I would never, ever get into that attachment madness."
"Alright then," Mattias answered. "But if you ever did," he added. "I would trust you to make responsible decisions." He patted her back and offered a kind a nod.
Anna was left to ponder over his words. What was that supposed to mean? she thought. Does he really know about Hans and I? Why doesn't he seem that bothered? Has he...been in my position? Is he STILL in my position? These questions became overshadowed by the massive promise she'd just made to Jee. How the kriff am I gonna get her pardoned? In those moments, Anna considered her sister's involvement with a prominent senator in the Ethics Committee.
As night descended over Coruscant, the sounds of machinery echoed across the darkest recesses of its industrial sector. In a decrepit and undisclosed hideaway, the 'Coruscant Killers' were briefed by a hologram. While Nel leaned towards the obscured and flickering figure, Jobun leaned against the nearby wall. "You idiots...IDIOTS!" the digitally distorted voice raged. While the Umbaran seemed shaken up, his Zygerrian partner was unfazed. "You had one job: make sure Chela Tuzi dies. It would've been no different from that blathering Mon Calamari nor that troublesome Togruta, Herv Bobak. But no. Now I see that not only is this Theelin tramp still sucking air, but she's also frolicking throughout our city! What the hell? You two are supposed to be the best of the best."
"There were complications, boss." Nel explained. "The bombs went off perfectly, but it appears Chela was prepared."
"You had over a month to prepare and still failed," the hologram said.
"It wasn't a complete failure," Jobun assured. "We engaged some saber-swinging skug during our chase. Thanks to Nel's quick thinking, we were able to pin the attack on them and flee the scene."
"There were shootouts, you lack-witted-" the hologram groaned in frustration. "It doesn't matter who you framed, it will only buy you so much time. Sooner or later, word will get out about your involvement once more. Bounties have already been posted on your heads and the amount of unwanted attention continues to grow. Need I remind you that your failures are my failures? If our Coruscant operation is exposed, Republic jail time would be a luxury. It wouldn't matter how skilled you were, my master would ensure that all three of us paid a far worse price for our errors. Do you understand?"
Jobun reluctantly nodded and Nel asked, "What would you have us do, boss?"
"After the platform attack, another manhunt will likely ensue," the hologram said. "Only this time, you two don't have the privilege of hiding away to bide time. You must track down and eliminate Chela Tuzi by any means necessary. I don't care who gets in your way, you kill them if it means Chela doesn't compete in Miss Coruscant."
"She can't hide forever," Jobun hissed. "We'll crush that skug."
"Boss," Nel added and the hologram turned to him. "During our chase, I recognized a woman traveling with her. It was that reporter for the Coruscant Rose."
"Reporters often stick their noses where they don't belong," the hologram said. "We can't have any unnecessary digging now, can we?"
Jobun brandished his fangs and flashed a toothy grin. "What are your orders?" he asked.
"I want you to send this city a message about what will happen to any reporter who looks into this story," the hologram commanded.
Swooshing headlights flashed across Yelena and Elsa's windshield. Their airspeeder soared through the darkened skylanes while Yelena kept a firm grip on the controls. Elsa glanced down at the holomap guidance systems. She followed their scarlet blip to ensure that they were still enroute for Belle's office at the Coruscant Rose. The Holonews speakers crackled just above the mapping system and the Jedi listened in.
"When questioned about another manhunt earlier today, Senator Dia Veritaz of the Ethics Committee had this to say."
Elsa's heart sank upon hearing Dia's voice. Although the senator meant well in her speech, Elsa couldn't help but think about their falling out on Life Day. "Coruscant's citizens and law enforcement must remain calm during this crisis," Dia said. "We cannot crumble to fear even as explosions rock our foundation. Our Umbaran citizens have suffered enough discrimination from the last attack on our city. It has come to my attention that the vigilante criminal known as 'The Bug' has been apprehended. Her involvement with this morning's bombing is yet to be revealed, but I have faith that our authorities will uncover the truth."
"How are you two?" Yelena inquired and Elsa shrunk back into her seat. "That's not good."
"We haven't exactly spoken since Life Day," Elsa admitted. "I stood my ground and so did Dia."
"Dia?" Yelena chuckled. "First name basis now?"
"At least we were," Elsa winced and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"If there's one thing I've learned about you, Elsa, it's that you'll always stand up for what you believe in. And not even I could ever dissuade you from doing so. Veritaz has to understand and respect that. Don't let a disagreement ruin your partnership. It's at least worth an attempt at conversation."
"Maybe when this whole 'terror in Coruscant' situation is over," Elsa suggested. "Right now it feels like everyone has their hands full."
"You never know, apprentice." Yelena said. "Sometimes a trial by fire is just what partners need."
Belle O'Har sketched away in the darkness of her office. Her droids observed her with rising concern as she continuously winced with pain. "My lady," LM-3R said. "Why don't you take a break? You're going to strain your already injured palms."
Belle tightened the grip on her stylus and finished her datapad sketches. "I can't stop now," she uttered. "Not while the memory's still fresh. Every piece of evidence counts and no second can be wasted." She aggressively shaded in the Zygerrian's pointy ears. She darkened his piercing eyes and set the stencil down to examine her work. "It's a lot clearer than any street camera," Belle said.
"This is the man who attacked you?" LM queried.
Belle nodded. "Hopefully the authorities can run some facial tracking and find out who we're dealing with."
"Honestly, madam. If you ever lose interest in reporting, you'll always have your artistic talents."
Belle offered him a gentle smile and then looked to her astromech. "What have you got for me, CO-G5?" The droid beeped and uploaded several files into her main computer. "Everything on Chela Tuzi," she rejoiced. "Nicely done, little guy." Before Belle could look over any of the files, there was a sudden knock at her door. The unexpected bangs caused her to shudder as she thought about the morning's explosion. Each knock was as swift as it was resonant.
In those moments, Belle's office felt even darker and quieter. "Now who could that be this late at night?" LM-3R wondered. "I'll go and-"
"Hold on," Belle ordered and slowly stood up. She set her datapad down and swapped it for a candlestick holder. Clasping it like a weapon, Belle motioned for her droids to stay behind. She cautiously traversed her shadowy quarters and approached the door. The headlights of passing airspeeders crept through her lowered shades. Belle flinched when another series of knocks bombarded the entrance. Her wounded palms ached as she impulsively squeezed the candlestick holder for reassurance.
"Miss O'Har?" a young woman beckoned. Belle's grip relaxed when she recognized the voice from her broadcasts. "It's me, Elsa Dellian. I'm here with my master."
Belle partially slid her door open and was relieved to see the Jedi. With an exasperated huff, she dropped her candlestick and fell back into the nearest seat. "Please come in. Be our guests," she murmured and rubbed her temples. "You'll have to excuse my state," the reporter said. "This morning's events have me jumping at shadows." Her droids entered and she was quick to make introductions. "LM, CO, and Chip...this is Elsa and her master-" Belle realized she didn't know her name.
"Yelena," the elder said. "We heard about what happened and are glad to hear you've been cleared for work."
"Not without a fight," Belle quipped and poured herself a drink. She offered a shot of her finest to the Jedi, but they both humbly refused. "If you're here for information, I was able to get a good sketch of the Zygerrian shooter. I didn't get to see the Umbaran, but our feline foe is a start."
"That's great," Elsa lauded. "We're sorry to intrude on you this late, but we have some questions for you."
"Go for it," Belle urged. "I'm exhausted from doing all the asking."
Yelena observed Belle's nearly-perfect, lifelike sketch. "You have a keen memory," the master admired. "Do you happen to recall any stories regarding an Ortolan kidnapping?"
Belle pondered for a moment before she shook her head. "Sorry, I don't. I've reported on many kidnappings here in Galactic City, but I'd remember one from a species as rare as the Ortolans. Unless it happened in the undercity. I don't often venture there and many of Coruscant's lower-level citizens get overlooked."
"I see," Elsa replied. "Maybe that at least narrows down where Lumpy lives. Just one more question." Belle craned her neck with curiosity as Elsa continued. "Is there any significance to the number sequence 2-5-8-1?"
"Not to me," Belle answered. "But I might know someone who can crack it. My father's a droidmaker and dabbles in coding. If there's any hidden message in those numbers, he could find it." Belle raised a brow and asked. "Where'd you get those numbers anyway?"
Elsa and Yelena exchanged suspicious glances until the Padawan spoke up. "Miss O'Har," she said. "If I divulge crucial case information, do you promise not to release it to the public until we know what's going on?"
Belle placed a bandaged hand over her heart and made a pledge. "I take severe risks because I want the truth and nothing but. When I do make my report, it will be completed and honest. You have my word."
Elsa took a deep breath. "The numbers are believed to be the last words spoken by Herv Bobak before his passing," she explained. "His death is looking like anything but an accident."
"It must have something to do with Chela Tuzi," Belle considered and approached her computer. She pulled up CO-G5's files on the Theelin and turned her screen so the others could see.
"That's the missing pageant contestant," Yelena realized.
"Only I saw her," Belle detailed. "And she somehow knew she'd be targeted. Her ship was piloted by droids while she stowed away in some kind of bomb-proof casing." Belle's screen flashed as she pulled up multiple reports from previous cases. "If we analyze the sequence of events, we'll notice a sinister pattern unfolding. First, pageant host Herv Bobak has an unfortunate speeder accident and dies. Then, air traffic controller Timia Lok is killed after trying to confess information regarding a glitched monitor. The same monitor that would've provided clear footage of Bobak's crash. Fast-forward to today and we find them targeting a contestant. The same killers are circulating around the same event. But why and what do these numbers mean?" Belle typed away at her computer while continuing to formulate a plan. "I'll contact my father about the sequence but let's see what my droid was able to dig up on Miss Tuzi."
Several images of Chela popped on screen, each showing the Theelin at a different point in her life. "Interesting," Elsa said while reading over Belle's shoulder. "Her homeworld is New Bornalex, but she came to Coruscant as a young refugee...eventually gaining citizenship."
"What's this?" Yelena questioned and pointed towards a monitor. One of the images showed a mugshot of Chela during her teenage years. "It says here she was arrested for inciting a riot on Tatooine."
"For a Coruscanti citizen, she doesn't seem to have spent a lot of time here," Belle said. "But according to these records, she got her act together over the last few years. Chela enrolled in an agency and became one of Coruscant's most popular plus-size models."
"I still don't understand how that would make her a target," Yelena mentioned. "We must be missing something."
A set of idle headlights gleamed through the shades and annoyed LM-3R. "These nightly drivers really grind my gears," the protocol droid muttered. "We simply must install curtains. I've only been saying this for months already."
"I'll get these files downloaded to a drive," Belle said. "CO-G5, dial Papa on your holocom." The astromech tried calling but suddenly found that his signal was blocked. Belle furrowed her brows and examined her droid. "What's wrong, CO-G5? Experiencing some interference?"
In those moments, Elsa and Yelena found themselves enduring a great discomfort. "Master," the Padawan winced and clutched her temple.
"I sense it too," Yelena said. "There's a dark disturbance in the Force."
"Honestly," LM-3R ranted while approaching the shades. "I'm going to give this dolt a piece of my mind." As he started to raise the shades, the invasive headlights shifted directions.
Nearly blending in with the night sky, a jet black speeder hovered closer. Nel kept the vehicle level and said, "I'm jamming the building's communications. Go ahead and light her up."
"With pleasure," Jobun snarled and opened the speeder's side doors. He let the night-breeze brush against his fur while he hauled up a Z-6 rotary blaster cannon.
"Wait," Elsa gasped when she heard a weapon's barrels start spinning. "LM, get away from the window!"
"What?" LM-3R asked. Noting the protocol droid's lack of maneuverability, Elsa sprinted over to grab him.
"Elsa!" Yelena warned while sensing the impending danger.
Time seemed to slow as Elsa tried to reach LM in time. Belle had just stood up and was trying to make sense of the situation. Within seconds, a furious spray of high-powered lasers came blasting through the window.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter of "The Frozen Force!" We've got some serious chaos on our hands as the 'Coruscant Killers' now target Belle O'Har! Can Elsa and Yelena save the day? Can Anna get Jee out of prison? WHAT THE HECK IS 2-8-5-1? THE NUMBERS, ELSA. WHAT DO THEY MEAN? Delve further into the action and mystery next week for the next Frozen Force Friday!
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You!
~ Michael