Chapter Seventy-Four: Zygerria

D'Nar's mind was a minefield after I left it, but I wasn't concerned. Anakin had entered only moments after I let the Zygerrian slump to the ground in pain whimpers. His own darkness overshadowed my own, leaving my deeds unnoticed.

Skywalker had threatened, but I already knew that the colonists were being sold into slavery. They, like Twi'leks, were unfortunately sought after prizes in the slave world.

I swallowed thickly in the cockpit of D'Nar's ship, which was now piloted by Skywalker, clad in Zygerrian armor. I crossed my arms uncomfortably over my civilian clothes I'd elected to wear, since beskar would stand out far too much in a slave market and I didn't want to lose it. Rex and Obi-wan were in Zygerrian armor too. And while I knew it was for the trick we were about to pull, it didn't stop from making me uneasy.

"It looks like Zygerria is a popular place these days," Skywalker commented on the hundreds of ships heading towards the planet.

Obi-wan hummed thoughtfully. "Whatever is happening is attracting all types of high-class scum."

"The rebirth of the slave trade," I grumbled, my anger and fear bubbling below the surface. They didn't comment on my words, all knowing it was true.

"You're sure this will work?" Obi-wan asked me finally, giving me a pointed look. "Your intel is from some time ago."

I smirked darkly. "The queen hated Bruno then...and she hates Bruno now. I can guarantee it. There was nothing he could do to change that."

"I say we take her word for it," Anakin commented, still navigating through the horde of ships. "Ahsoka and I will handle the queen while you and Rex act as Kida's guards and search the marketplace."

"Very well," Obi-wan conceded, though even I could feel his trepidation. "You two best go get changed."

I glanced at Ahsoka, but followed her grudgingly into the back. When we were alone, the young padawan began to disrobe, looking questioningly at the light cerulean cloth that matched her eyes.

"How am I ever supposed to wear this?" she asked, peering at me through the fabric.

I would have laughed, had the situation been different. Instead, I approached silently and helped her dress, draping the gold over her in flattering ways. She settled the headpiece over her motrals, looking unfazed by the slave part she was playing. Finally, I covered her in a robe, shielding her from view so that she made it to the queen without getting picked off.

"Are you...going to be okay?" she spoke quietly as I pulled together the emerald material that would make up my disguise.

"I'm not playing the part of a slave, so that's good," I grumbled, more to myself than in answer to her.

Ahsoka chewed her lip for a moment before sighing. "I know this isn't easy. But we all appreciate the insight you have on this planet. It could help save the colonists."

I forced a small smile. "I know. I'll be okay."

Despite not fully believing me, she accepted my answer and left to wait in the hold as Anakin navigated the ship through the atmosphere. Finally alone, I covered myself with the emerald silk, cinching it in around my waist to brush gently at my thighs.

It was a fashion I'd often seen the queen wearing, so I knew I would pass as a noble. Still, I placed a thin veil over my mouth that connected to the silver circlet along my hairline to hide the scars I sported on my face. Metal bracers and soft fabric now hiding both my tattoo and the slave brand, I brushed color over my lids and gathered myself.

"Wow."

I turned quickly at Rex's voice, seeing him take my in. We were alone in the room, so he wasn't shy about his appraisal.

"You look amazing," he allowed. "I just wish I could see your face."

"I look like a slave owner," I whispered back, glancing at the ground. "And I feel ridiculous."

The clone frowned. "You've had to play the part of a noble for your work before, I'm sure."

"Not often. And I've never…"

His hand touched mine, our fingers lacing. "You don't have to do this."

I gave him a hard look, slowly pulling my hand away as I felt the ship landing. "Yes, I do." My gaze softened when I felt the pain he still carried from Umbara. "You know I do."

His lips pressed into a thin line, but he gave me an understanding nod and dropped the subject. We stepped out of the room to join the Jedi in the hangar as they prepared themselves.

Ahsoka was waiting there already, shifting uncomfortably in her new outfit. Rex and I fell in step behind Obi-wan and Anakin as they discussed.

"Remember," Skywalker said, "I'll keep the queen occupied while you locate the missing people of Kiros."

Obi-wan gave his former padawan a raised brow as they all put their helmets on. I held back the shudder that immediately wanted to ripple down my spine. "How do you plan on keeping the queen occupied?"

"Well," Skywalker chuckled, "With my magnetic charm, of course."

I would have laughed, if I hadn't been so nervous. "Oh yes, of course," Obi-wan rolled his eyes.

"Hold on to this, will you buddy?" Anakin said to R2 as both he and Kenobi handed over their lightsabers. They glanced at me expectantly, but I shook my head.

"It's back on my ship," I explained to their confused looks. "I didn't want to risk its loss. Not here." That was a lie. It was tucked carefully into the folds around my waist, concealed by the flowing silks and dangling gold. But they'd never let me go on this mission armed with a lightsaber, as it could be blamed on them. It was their mission, after all.

But as much as I trusted R2 to keep both me and my things safe, walking into some of my literal worst memories without it was out of the question. Once upon a time, I hadn't ever dreamed of relying on a lightsaber. Part of me hated the fact that I did. It was the bounty hunter part of me. But the connection with the kyber crystal was so intense...it often felt like I was losing a limb when I parted with it.

The group accepted my lie, though Obi-wan gave me a skeptical raised brow. Still, he said nothing as we turned to the hangar doors. They cranked open with a hydraulic whir, the bright sun of Zygerria pouring through. I stayed behind the Jedi as the gangway descended, staying beside Rex. He dared to brush his hand reassuringly against mine. I wanted to grab hold and not let go until we left this nightmare.

No. I had to be strong. I could do this.

I glanced sideways at the captain, giving him an appreciative nod. "Remind me why I'm the one playing the part of the slave?" Ahsoka said beside her masters, turning my gaze her way.

The Force darkened around Anakin as he turned to his padawan, his eyes downcast. "I tried it once," he said. My vision grew hazy as I heard a small boy's voice.

"My mom and I were sold to Gardulla the Hutt, but she lost us betting on the pod races."

"You're a slave?" a young woman's voice responded in my mind. It was almost familiar. I looked back to where Skywalker had been standing to see a young boy, dressed in simple tan garb, likely for a desert climate. His blond hair hung over his forehead, a fiery look in his eye

"I'm a person, and my name is Anakin," he said. I blinked and he was gone, replaced by the Republic General, disguised in Zygerrian armor.

"I wasn't any good at it," the Jedi growled. My vision blurred again, and this time I reached out and grabbed Rex's hand. No one was looking at us anyways, and I felt as if I'd fall.

There was a terrible scream of a pod racing engine, blasting past me. "Now, be brave," a kindly woman's voice said. "And don't look back."

"Where is my mother?" That voice sounded like Anakin. There was the sound of a lightsaber. And...tusken raiders? They were screaming.

Rex's hand squeezing mine brought me surging back to the present. I was grateful for it. His low voice whispered, "Are you okay?" He let go when I finally looked at him.

I nodded mutely, still dazed but quickly searching for my balance. This place...and everything that had happened since Umbara...it was bringing out the worst in me. My emotions were rampant, making my control of the Force all but nonexistent. I'd grown good at keeping unwanted thoughts and memories from my mind. They were always rattling...and usually accompanied with horrible things.

"Besides," Anakin said, the Jedi clearly having not noticed what had happened, "The role of master comes easily to me." The statement was rather chilling, considering the situation. I knew he was trying to be funny, though. I could feel the darkness that was tempting him.

Ahsoka crossed her arms, huffing a laugh to break the tension in my chest. "Really? Well this time, try to be convincing at it." My energy coming back as I centered myself on Rex's trained tranquility, I allowed myself a smirk at her sass. I was sure she felt how uncomfortable Anakin and I were.

With a final steadying breath, I took off beside Rex into the capital. My heart never left my throat as we passed the giant walls that lined the city, armed to the teeth with horrible guards. I knew they were there to keep people out...and to keep people in.

The wall's shadow passed over us as we entered the marketplace, the streets teeming with slaves and their masters. The sounds brought back...memories. Ones I never wanted to revisit.

I nearly fell into them, but was quickly grounded by Rex's hand on the small of my back. He disguised it as a bodyguard leading a noblewoman...but he knew I needed it. I centered myself on his Force signature, using the practiced calm to steady my breathing. Amongst the calm and the hidden anguish he still carried, I also felt the warm blossom of love. It spread from his hand and through my limbs, forcing my muscles to relax. I gave him a grateful smile, but this time the captain didn't break the contact.

I was grateful for that too.

Ahsoka scoffed as she looked around the streets filled with calling vendors. "Ugh. How can a civilization this advanced still practice slavery?"

"It makes them wealthy and powerful at the expense of others," Anakin replied gently. For a moment, I thought about how the Kaminoans were technically slavers then...but I knew that wasn't an argument the Jedi wouldn't listen to. Nor was it the time. Anakin's dark turmoil seeped into my mind as he continued. "Before the Hutts bought my mother, she was sold in a market just like this," he growled.

I glanced sideways, seeing a woman in clothes similar to what I had seen young Anakin in. My eyes were drawn to her, despite all the dancing colors that decorated the vendor hutts. She had dark hair that was drawn back into a bun, revealing her long, sad face.

I heard a weak voice. "I love…" It was barely above a whisper. And broken. "I… I love…" the voice faded, the woman's image fluttering away like dust. My heart hurt for Anakin, connecting that I had just seen his mother in a vision. This mission was bringing back terrible memories for both of us.

As we walked in a group, led by R2, we came across a junction. Immediately, I felt Ahsoka's anger flare when a Twi'lek slave fell as his marching line continued forward. I remembered being paraded through the streets between vendors. Like livestock to be bought.

"Get up, you useless skug!" the man's Zygerrian handler growled. He had been leading a whole group of bound Twilek slaves, them each looking broken by despair.

The green slave cowered before his handler, his body trembling with fatigue. "Master, the bonds," he whimpered, "They are too heavy." My heart ached for him, but I had learned from my time there that a slave was in no place to complain.

The Zygerrians would only make it worse.

"Tell it to my whip," the slaver growled, drawing his electrified weapon. I took a half-step back in fear, pulling Rex to a stop beside me. He stepped in front of me slightly, getting me to turn my face away from the situation.

But I never heard the whip find its mark. "You don't want to do that," I heard growled instead. My eyes shot back to the slaves, seeing Ahsoka gripping the Zygerrian's wrist to stop his attack. The Twi'lek slaves watched with bewilderment, their eyes wide. The slaver's whip disengaged as he threw Ahsoka's hand off.

"Ah, you dare touch me!" I glanced at Obi-wan with worry, but Anakin seemed to handle the situation himself.

The Jedi brushed his padawan aside gently, addressing the Zygerrian directly. "Excuse my slave, friend. She is freshly caught." He said it so easily, it sent a shudder up my spine. He played the role well. Enough to even bother me.

Two Zygerrian guards raced up to join their brother in arms, an observation droid floating in. I was thankful for the veil that shielded my face. You never knew who was watching. "Mmmm what do we have here?" the slaver mused, "You wear Zygerrian armor, but you are not one of us. Who are you?"

"I've come for an audience with the queen," Anakin dared.

The slave smirked. "Then you have an invitation. We can't just let anyone in to speak with Her Majesty."

"No invitation," Skywalker lied smoothly, "But I do bring news. News the Queen will be eager to hear."

"I doubt that." I raised my brow at the Zygerrian's tone, but didn't move any closer. I stayed partially behind Rex, watching over his shoulder. "You're nothing more than a brigand."

Anakin only smiled at the accusation. "I wouldn't say that, especially when the Queen learns you prevented her from hearing the news about Bruno Denturri."

The slaver advanced dangerously, two more guards coming up to surround Anakin and Ahsoka. And then suddenly the observation droid zipped in, stopping before the lead slaver. "Halt," it droned, "Cease all hostilities. This man is to be escorted to the palace by order of the Queen."

Anakin glanced at his padawan before following his new escort towards the palace. Kenobi and Rex began to follow at a distance, but we allowed the others to gain a significant distance.

"It seems your plan is working," Obi-wan commented under his breath as we walked the streets. I only hummed in response, still on edge.

Rex saw my discomfort, but didn't dare to reach out while we walked beside a Jedi. Instead, he asked, "Where would we even begin to look for the people of Kiros?" He was trying to settle my mind on a single task. Smart man.

I swallowed thickly, forcing myself to focus. I shrugged, glancing between the two men posing as my guards. "The slave market, I suppose. But there's a chance they are all in reconditioning."

"Reconditioning?" Obi-wan repeated worriedly.

"It's where they break their spirit," I sighed gently, easily picking out the slaves around me that had seen that terrible place.

Kenobi touched his chin beneath his helmet. "Where is this facility?"

I could only shrug. "I don't know. I've been there, but I couldn't say where it was. There wasn't a chance for escape...so why hope for it?" I realized how defeated the sentence was, but neither of them commented. Though I felt their worry. And their pity. I didn't want it. "Let's start at the market," I said forcefully, trying to distract them from my horrific backstory as a slave.

My senses flared, the Force ghosting over me like a gentle wind. My gaze turned immediately, letting the Force focus my vision on skin that was so beautiful, it was like the sun had flaked gold onto her. I recognized the unique coloring immediately, and trusted my instincts. I had to do something.

"Go to the holding cells for the slaves. The people of Kiros are new arrivals," I explained curtly, "They wouldn't be milling around the marketplace yet. They're either in reconditioning...or in the holding cell market."

Obi-wan stopped, cocking his eyebrow at me. "And where do you think you're going? We have a mission here."

"I understand that," I sighed gently, "But there has been an unforeseen circumstance."

The Jedi crossed his arms. "You're going to have to do better than that."

"Actually, no I don't. This mission is a hellscape for me, but I came because you asked me to." I gave Obi-wan a hard look. "Go on ahead to the cells. I'll find you. I know this place better than most."

"We should stick together," he argued, but I only waved my hand dismissively.

"I'll catch up," I called over my shoulder, heading towards where I had seen the familiar Twi'lek last.

A hand caught my elbow. Any other day, I'd have flipped whoever it was and broken their arm. But I was disguised as a noble.

And I already knew whose hand it was.

I turned back to see Rex's golden eyes darkened with worry. "Are you sure?"

"I have to help her," I replied vaguely. He didn't push for details. Neither of us had the time, anyways.

"Will you be okay?"

Probably not. "I'll be fine," I assured him with a smooth smile. He looked skeptical, but I knew he was aware of my concealed lightsaber. I might not be able to avoid mental trauma or causing a scene, but I probably wouldn't die.

He accepted that. And the fact that there was no arguing with me on the matter. "Comm if you need me."

I smirked. "Always." It managed to get a small smile out of my captain, the warm shimmer returning to his gaze. Rex turned back, chasing briskly after the Jedi that was already forging his way towards the holding cells.

After sucking in a long, calming breath, I made my way through the streets alone.

Zygerria became immediately more terrifying.

I fought the trembling in my legs, forcing myself to stride confidently down the street. Vendors called out to me as if I were a slaver, not knowing of the brand burned onto my forearm. I flashed them all polite smiles with a declining wave, finding my way to a gathering crowd.

Before us was a grand stone stage, colorful silks draped across as artificial archways. A lavishly dressed Zygerrian was calling to the crowd, announcing the next piece. To the side of the stage, I saw a line of sorrowful looking slaves. I was standing at an auction.

My stomach turned, but I held back the nervous bile. My eyes danced along the line of slaves, not spying the beautiful golden skin of my lost friend. There! At the very end, I spotted a golden hand slipping out from beneath a purple cloak. The hand was dripping in lavish jewelry, twinkling in the sunlight. They were dressing her up as the main event.

I was overrun with guilt for a moment. I'd never come back to search for those I'd met in this horrible place. Then again, it was rare to return here once you were sold. Unless you were even more misfortune than most slaves.

I ducked away from the yelling crowd as they fought over who would buy the burly Wookie that let out a defeated whimper. Instead of waiting to potentially lose my chance at freeing a friend, I made my way straight to the source.

With both the veil and time, I doubted the Twi'lek recognized me as I approached. Her soft violet eyes peered out from beneath her hood as a Zygerrian intercepted me. I arched my brow at him in a practiced manner, donning an heir of superiority.

"I beg your pardon," I snipped at the guard, pretending to be offended. "I am a loyal customer and you don't allow me to survey the product?" It occurred to me that I adopted this role nearly as smoothly as Anakin did. I guess we'd had a lot of time to learn the mannerisms of slavers.

The guard sneered at me. "This one's special. She made us good money last time." He turned and ran his knuckle over her cloaked shoulder. The Twi'lek didn't flinch, but I felt her anguish inside. My chest hurt with the knowledge of how long she had endured their abuse.

"How much do you expect to make on her this time?" I asked.

The guard looked at me, arms crossed. "You trying to see if you can afford her? I doubt you can."

My chin raised with pride...only some of it acting. "I don't repeat myself, soldier," I bit. He seemed taken back for a moment, one of the other guards snickering from his post. "So I'll say this instead. Whatever you expect to make off of her today, I will double. And this," I added, pulling a small satchel of wupiupi and tossing it to him. "Is for your haste in speaking to your master."

I knew that my calling his superior his master would irk him. He was a slaver, after all. They all wished to be masters of others.

Still, he hesitated for only a second before turning and running off, another guard stepping a bit closer to watch their prized slave. The female Twi'lek looked out from under her elegant hood, but I still saw no recognition in her eyes. I played my part, letting my eyes trail over her. It made her uncomfortable...and I felt awful, because I remembered what that felt like. But I was being watched by every guard within earshot.

I couldn't risk blowing my cover. The chance that this was going to work was already slim.

A fatter Zygerrian approached me, his lips turned down in a frown. "Why do you people always want to ignore the auction?"

"Why should you care?" I shot back, looking down my nose at him. "I'm making you rich. Isn't that all you care about?"

His broad brow arched. "And how can you pay this price?"

I scowled, reaching over to tap my wrist comm against the one on his datapad. Apex was on board in moments, letting me wire wupiupi right to the Zygerrian's account. He looked at his datapad in awe, his jaw dropping.

I took the activator for the Twi'lek's collar from the slaver's hand, plucking it easily from his stunned fingers. With a firm nod of my head, I beckoned the woman I just purchased to me. She glanced hesitantly at the Zygerrian, unsure what to do as he sat in silence. Finally, he looked up, giving her a dazed nod of permission.

Merl was going to kill me when he saw that wire transfer on the record.

The Twi'lek, who I knew to be named Alema, followed me dutifully as I turned and strode from the auction stage. She was confused, as were most of the people I passed, but I didn't care. I was saving her, and we had to get out of there before someone fought me on the matter.

When I felt we were far enough from the slavers who had been holding her, I turned, doing my best to appear non-threatening. "Alema, right?"

The girl hesitated, her mouth opening and closing silently as I led her to the side of the street, out of the way. "H-how-" she started finally, only to taper off again. She was fighting her instinct to question. In her eyes, I was her master now. I glanced around, making sure we were covered by shadow, before pulling the veil from my face slowly. Her eyes widened when she saw the array of scars across my face. "You're…" she still hesitated.

I replaced the veil, looking over her briefly. She was even more beautiful than I remembered her, having grown into her long legs and filled over the once protruding ribs. "You can speak freely, with no consequence," I assured quickly. Having been a slave, I knew what she needed to hear.

"You're no noble," she said boldy, but still hushed. "None like I've ever seen."

My brow quirked. "I'm glad years as a slave didn't make you stupid."

"Never, Miss," she replied easily, "Years as a slave only make one more intelligent." A good response. And a correct one.

I smiled gently under the veil. "It's been a long time," I whispered, "You may not even remember me. My name is Kida, we came to Zygerria around the same time."

Her violet eyes widened in disbelief. "You...the little spitfire girl?" I nodded, accepting the hand she slowly linked with mine. "You got out? Look at you! Wait, why are you back here? Why would you ever come back?"

"I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know you were here." I figured there was no point in lying to her. "But when I saw you, I knew I couldn't just walk away and not free you."

"You're freeing me," she whispered slowly, the words sinking in.

I hushed her, glancing around as people began to notice us looming in the alley. "Of course. But I'm here on an assignment that I must continue to do." I led her from the alley quickly, the girl assuming a slave's place behind her master, her head bowed. She knew we had to play the part to get out. "Take this," I instructed, sliding my communicator from my arm and handing it to her. "It will lead you back to my ship. When you get there, plug it into the bridge and my AI assistant will handle the rest, okay?"

She nodded, looking around nervously. "What are you going to do? When will you be back to the ship?"

"As soon as I can," I assured vaguely, seeing two Zygerrian guards ahead of us. "I know this is a lot at once, but you need to trust me. Just play the part of the slave and then you can hang out freely on the ship. Just wait there for me." I raised my hand at the guards, gesturing them over to me.

"What are you doing?" Alema hissed nervously.

"Trust me, " I muttered back through my smile at the guards. "Guards, I have just purchased this gorgeous slave, but I wish to continue looking for a new laborer. Would you be so kind as to escort her to my ship?"

The nodded, this being part of their jobs sometimes during incredibly busy market days. Alema gave me a nervous look, but ducked lower into her hood and followed dutifully nonetheless.

It occurred to me that I'd just given my communicator to her, leaving me alone in the marketplace of my nightmares. I sighed gently, turning to head towards the cell blocks. It wasn't far, but I was shocked to find it vacant.

"I'm sorry, Miss," a Zygerrian guard said as he stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "This area is currently closed."

My heart sprung in my throat. Something had gone wrong.

"What? I could have sworn my husband had gone in there only minutes ago," I lied easily, my brow quirking as the guards shared a glance.

"Was it an athletic, stubborn guy with a beard?" one asked.

I forced a chuckle past the growing lump in my throat. "My husband? Athletic? Please. He's more of a stout Togruta with blue montrals?" I asked, glancing sideways at the fat Togruta I was describing. "Oh! There he is. Thank you, good soldiers."

I stepped away from them easily, unable to stop myself from rolling my eyes. I walked rather purposefully towards the stout Twi'lek-long enough that the guards stopped taking interest in me-before ducking sideways and making my way along the side streets to hop to the next market.

The next market was packed, likely overflowing with all the people taken out of the cell block. I stopped at the first stall-one that was selling golden jewelry-and steadying myself while pretending to shop.

Okay. So the guards had definitely described Obi-wan, meaning that the Jedi had gotten himself captured. That meant that Rex was either captured as well, or was running from the guards somewhere. As far as I knew, Anakin was hopefully wooing the Queen right now. He'd be the only one doing exceptionally well right now.

I set off towards the palace, hoping I'd catch a glimpse of Anakin somewhere, so we could figure out how to handle our latest hiccup. I just hoped my absence wasn't what caused their capture.

Author's Note:

So sorry that I've been absent for a bit. My life has been a bit bonkers, so I'm not participating in NaNoWriMo this year. Hope you enjoy and I'll try to update soon! As always, reviews/likes/shares are always welcome:)

-Ryder