Chapter 76: Sphere of Influence
A child stolen is hope lost.
Recap: Pantora in peril! The newly elected Chairman of Pantora, Baron Papanoida, is caught in a deadly political game. The Trade Federation has blockaded Pantora and suspended all commerce with the system. Isolated from the rest of the Republic, the people of Pantora are beginning to rally against the Senate, who have seemed unsympathetic to their plight. To make matters worse, Count Dooku has come forward offering aid if Pantora joins the Separatist Alliance. Chairman Papanoida has dispatched Senator Chuchi to Coruscant with the hope that she can motivate the Senate to act in favor of Pantora before Lott Dod can legitimize the blockade.
On Coruscant, an assembly was held as the issue of Pantora was being discussed. On one side was Lott Dod of the Trade Federation, and on the other was Senator Chuchi. The girl who went with Anakin, Obi-wan, and Storm to solve an issue with Talz.
"The Trade Federation is neutral in this, but Pantora must pay its debt before we can resume commerce with the system," said the representative of the Trade Federation.
"That is a lie. It is well known that the Trade Federation is aligned with the Separatists!" said Chuchi as she voiced her argument for all to hear.
"Slanderous! We are not Separatists simply because we do business with them. How many times must I remind you of the Commerce Treaty of 1647? The Trade Federation is neutral."
Padmé was on her own repulsorpod as she wasn't buying what the Trade Federation was doing. Due to her own experience involving the Invasion of Naboo, she knew that the Trade Federation only wanted to bring chaos to the Separatists.
"I beg the Senate to listen to our pleas. Ignore the Trade Federation's feeble attempt to paint this as a domestic financial issue and allow us to resume trade," said Chuchi as the girl got a well-received response. Other members of the assembly and other senators all stood up and cheered while some applauded.
Eventually, the meeting was adjourned as they would reconvene to discuss the issue later. Padmé emerged from the assembly room as she entered the hallway and looked to her right.
"Wait! Senator Chuchi," called out the Senator to the girl. "I wanted to compliment you on your speech."
"Thank you, Padmé."
"You are very brave."
"The Trade Federation doesn't frighten me," said Chuchi as she learned to stand up for what she believed in since her adventure with the Jedi.
"I just wanted to let you know that there are many of us in the Senate that support you and Pantora in these difficult times. I know the Separatists have approached you to offer their help. Please do not take it. The Senate will force the Trade Federation to resume trade." said Padmé as she was merely looking out for her friend.
"Don't worry, Senator. There's no way that Pantora will ever have dealings with the Separatists. We'll always be loyal to the Republic. The Chairman of Pantora has just arrived. I must go brief him." said Chuchi as she excused herself.
"Please, send him my best wishes," said Padmé.
"And... could you say hello to Storm for me," replied Chuchi as she knew that Padmé saw the Jedi Knight more often due to how she was like a big sister to him.
Chuchi soon arrived at the Chairman's temporary quarters as he had some guests.
"Chairman Papanoida."
"Senator Chuchi. You spoke well on behalf of our people today. I only hope the Senate is truly listening." said Chairman Papanoida.
"As do I, Chairman," replied Chuchi.
"Allow me to introduce my family. These are my daughters, Chi Eekway and Che Amanwe, and my son, lon."
"Father, Amanwe and I are going home. Don't be too late," said Chi Eekway.
"I won't be long. lon and I have some issues to discuss with the Senator first," said the Chairman to his daughters.
"Things are deteriorating rapidly, Senator. lon has just brought word from Pantora that things are far worse than we've been led to believe," stated the Chairman as Chuchi took a seat at her desk.
"The people are restless. The Trade Federation blockade is causing
far more damage and disorder than we predicted," said lon to the girl.
"We need more time. The Senate will vote in our favor, I'm sure of it," replied Chuchi.
"Count Dooku and the Separatists are promising immediate aid and a resolution to the blockade," said the Chairman.
"You're not suggesting we join them, are you?" said Chuchi.
"Certainly not. I merely point out that the wheels of democracy are moving too slowly." said the Chairman.
"There are Pantorans rallying for us to leave the Republic and join the Separatists," replied lon as he emphasized his father's point.
"We cannot give up on the Republic Senate! Chairman, you must convince the people to remain loyal to our cause," said Chuchi.
"I will do what I can, Senator," answered the Chairman.
It was nighttime on Coruscant as both of the Chairman's daughters entered their quarters. Che Amanwe pushed the button on the wall to turn on the lights, but nothing happened. After a few more pushes, the lights still didn't come on.
"What's wrong with the lights?" asked Chi Eekway to her sister.
Before she could answer, a shadow ran in front of the sisters.
"Did you see that?" said Chi Eekway as she barely caught the shadow slipping by.
"It's nothing, just the shadows playing tricks," said Che Amanwe as she gave up on turning the lights and walked into the room.
Her sister was still hesitant as she looked around. Before Chi could respond, a shadow appeared behind her and dragged her away.
"Don't tell me you are afraid of the dark?" said Che Amanwe as she turned to address her sister but didn't see her.
"Chi?" called out Che to her sister as she slowly reached for an icon on the table she backed up into. "Chi? Stop fooling around." Some cackling was heard as Che looked around the room. "My father's a powerful man. If you hurt me or my sister, you'll be dead!"
"Big talk. You're coming with us!" said the shadow as they stepped into the light and revealed the intruder.
Another shadow approached Che Amanwe from behind as it grabbed her shoulders. She quickly turned and struck the figure with the icon in her hand. She then turned as the figure in front of her fired his blaster as he stunned her.
"Hurry! Let's go!" said the figure who was hit by the Chairman's daughter. He grabbed the icon and put it on the table as he then picked up the Chairman's daughter. The icon was shown on the table as some blood was on it.
The next morning came over Coruscant. Padmé was shown walking with Anakin and Storm toward a ship.
"I don't like the situation on Pantora one bit. It reminds me far too much of Naboo's own scarred history," said Padmé.
"Well, that blockade wasn't that bad. It's the reason I met you, after all," smiled Anakin to his wife.
"You certainly have a unique way of looking at things, Ani."
"Senator Amidala! Master Storm! Master Skywalker!" shouted Ahsoka as she was shown running toward the trio.
"What is it, Ahsoka?" asked Padmé.
"Someone has kidnapped Chairman Papanoida's daughters," answered the girl.
"I was afraid something like this would happen. Anakin?" asked Padmé to her husband.
"The Jedi can't get involved. This is a job for the local police."
"Look, Anakin, I'm not dissing on the police. But you sure they can do their job?" said Storm.
"Storm's right. I'm not so sure local authorities can handle it. The Separatists are putting a lot of pressure on Pantora to join them. I'm afraid this blockade may give the Pantorans no other choice." said Padmé as she turned to address Ahsoka.
"Master, if the Jedi can't officially get involved, let me do this on my own. Senator Chuchi is a good friend of mine," asked Ahsoka.
Anakin was still hesitant about letting his student go off on her own. Especially cause Twilight was currently busy with Celestia on some lessons. So without her usual friend to go with her, it gave the Jedi Knight some worry. Seeing that, Storm spoke up.
"Tell you what, Anakin. Why don't I go with Ahsoka?" said the boy.
"What?!" said both Padmé and Ahsoka.
"Well, for one, Twilight is busy. So she won't be able to join you on your adventures like you two normally do. And second, who else do you trust to watch over her than someone who knows you like the back of your hand? Not to mention the Trade Federation tends to work hand in hand with the Separatists." said Storm. "Plus, it'll give you and Padmé some privacy."
"All right, you win," said Anakin to his bud as he really wanted some alone time with his wife before turning to address his student, "With the Separatists involved, I guess it gives you cause to investigate. Go help Senator Chuchi, but don't get in the way of the local authorities."
"Aren't you going to help?" said Ahsoka as she was expecting her Master to also join.
"I said the situation gives "you" cause to investigate, not "us." I need to go back to the Jedi Temple and make sure the Council doesn't find out about your little expedition," said Anakin.
"Hey, you owe after the many times I covered for you," whispered Storm to Anakin.
"Should you really proceed without the Council's approval?" asked Padmé.
"We do it all the time, don't we, guys?" asked Anakin to his student and best friend.
"Yep," said both teens.
"Well, be careful, Ahsoka. Storm, make sure she doesn't do anything that Anakin would," said the Senator.
"I'll do my best," smiled the boy.
"Just make sure that she doesn't get hurt or do something stupid," whispered Anakin to his bud.
"Doing something stupid, I can't promise that. Cause she gets that from you," snickered the boy. "But I'll do my best to ensure she's not hurt."
"Appreciate it, bud."
"No worries, now go on. I'm sure the two of you would like some alone time," said Storm as he gave a wink, which only Padmé and Anakin saw.
"I still can't believe they let you teach," said Padmé as she and Anakin walked away.
The pair soon left as only the Jedi Knight and Padawan remained.
"Feels weird not having Twilight by my side," said Ahsoka.
"Hey, think of it this way. You and I never get to spend time with each other, which could be our way to see how well we work with each other. Remember, I'm a Jedi Knight, so I'm in charge while we investigate. Got it?" said Storm.
"Got it," said Ahsoka as she understood.
"Good, let's pay a visit to Chuchi's office?"
"You're on first name terms with the Senator?" asked Ahsoka with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, so what?" said Storm as he didn't think it was a big deal that Chuchi wanted the boy to call her by her name and not her title.
Speaking of Senator Chuchi, she was in her office talking with the Chairman. Word had gotten out about his daughters being kidnapped, and he was worried. His son, lon, had received a message from Count Dooku.
"Give your father my condolences. If you want your sisters back, we're here to help," said the hologram of Dooku as the message ended.
"Father, Count Dooku has offered to help us find Chi Eekway and Che Amanwe," said lon.
The Chairman began to stroke his beard. Before he could answer, the door to Chuchi's office opened as Ahsoka walked in. A few moments later, Storm also stepped foot into the office.
"Storm!" said Chuchi as she was relieved to see her friend after so long ago.
"Hey, Chuchi," said the boy as he was hugged by the Senator.
"Wow, I didn't know you guys were that close," said Ahsoka as she was stunned to see Chuchi hugging the boy.
"Well, an adventure can do that to people," said Storm as he recalled the mission the pair went on a while back.
"Chuchi, Senator Amidala sent us to help if we can," said Ahsoka.
"Chairman Papanoida. These are my good friends, Ahsoka and Storm," said Chuchi as she introduced the Jedi.
"Good. A Jedi can always be of help," said the Chairman as he looked at the two and could see that he could put his trust in the teens.
"Senator Amidala thinks this may have something to do with the Separatists," said Ahsoka.
"They've already made contact with us. I don't think this is a kidnapping. I think they're holding them hostage." said lon.
"A not very subtle attempt to get us to join the Separatists?" said the Chairman.
"Subtle and Separatists are two words that don't hand and hand, Your Honor," said Storm.
"If the Separatists are involved, your daughters may be held on the Trade Federation ship blockading your planet," suggested Ahsoka.
"That is a possibility. Why don't you two and Chuchi pay them a diplomatic visit and see what you can find out? We'll stay here and follow the police investigation." said the Chairman as he and his son began to leave the room.
"So, how do we get there?" asked Chuchi.
"I... have no idea," said Ahsoka as she didn't think about that.
"First mistake, Ahsoka. Plan out every part of a plan. Lucky for you, I already have a way for us to get there." said Storm.
While the Jedi and the Senator were visiting the blockade, the Chairman and his son were shown entering the apartment where his daughters were captured. Emerging from the room was the inspector tasked with examining the crime scene for any clues.
"Did you find anything?"
"We've completed a thorough sweep of your apartment, Chairman. No evidence of foul play." said the inspector.
"My daughters' lives are in your hands, Inspector," said the Chairman as he reminded the man of how serious the situation was.
"You have nothing to worry about, Your Honor. We are in complete control of the situation," said the inspector as he and the droids behind him all left.
The Chairman and his son entered the apartment and began scanning the room.
"That inspector is useless! They must have left clues somewhere," said lon.
"Look here. The icon of the moon goddess," said the Chairman as he noticed the icon on the table. The same icon that his daughter used to try to defend herself. "It should be up on the shrine with the others."
The Chairman walked over to where the shrine was and was about to set it down when he noticed something on the bottom of it.
"Wait a minute! What's this? Blood. It must be what they used to fight off their attackers." said the Chairman. "But the kidnappers didn't know to put it back in the right place. Information retrieval, I need you to match this blood sample against known galactic criminals." spoke the Pantorian as he pulled out a device and hovered it over the blood to scan it. Soon the device projected the image of the person to whose blood it belonged.
"A Rodian. Says here his name's Greedo," said lon as they saw the profile of the person who kidnapped his sisters.
"Looks like he's based on Tatooine," said the Chairman as he read the info under the picture.
"Then what are we waiting for?" said lon as he left the room. His father turned off the device and took a deep breath as he prayed his daughters were safe. He placed the icon on the shrine and began to exit the apartment.
While the father and son were heading off the Tatooine to find their suspect, the other group had made it to the Trade Federation ship surrounding Pantora. Seems Storm could find a spare shuttle as the boy piloted him and the girls to where the blockade was. They entered the Trade Federation, where two Neimoidians were waiting for them. The doors opened as out came Chuchi, who was accompanied by the Jedi. Storm had disguised himself as a pilot, while Ahsoka had a cloak over her as she served as Chuchi's servant. Both Jedi made sure to keep their faces hidden to avoid their identities being found out.
"Senator Chuchi. To what do we owe this pleasure?" asked one of the Neimoidians.
"I bring word from the Chairman of Pantora," said the girl.
"The Chairman has finally decided to agree to our terms?" said one of them.
"Not exactly. The Chairman wanted to inform you of an impending alliance between Pantora and the Confederacy of Independent Systems," said Chuchi.
"The Chairman is planning to join the Separatist Alliance?"
"If that were the case, would you remove your blockade of Pantora?" asked Chuchi.
"If that were the case, the Chairman would have to go to the Senate and renounce the Republic. Then we could discuss how quickly we can resume commerce," said the ambassador Neimoidian.
"Very well. I shall contact the Chairman," replied Chuchi. "We can discuss the finer details of the terms later this evening."
"Agreed. Now you and your servant may stay as our honored guests. Come this way to your rooms." said the ambassador as he began to lead the girls away.
As they walked, both sneakily turned their heads to Storm as they nodded. The boy then returned to enter the ship as they had to wait for the next part of the Jedi Knight's plan. At the same time, both the Chairman and his son had emerged from hyperspace as they saw the planet Tatooine. They entered its orbit as they were heading to Jabba's palace. They saw the place in sight as they docked their ship outside.
"Be careful, lon. The Hutts are the only law that matters on Tatooine," said the Chairman to his son as they exited their ship.
"I don't scare easily," said lon to his father.
A beetle was shown as it moved around. Soon a palm came on it as Stinky, Jabba's son, began to play with it.
"Rotta! Na hagwa do yafulkee!" said Jabba to his son in a stern tone.
Stinky heard his father as he gave him a sorry look. He then grabbed the bettle and, instead of continuing to play with it, ate it in one gulp. Inside Jabba's palace, a small party was being held. All around were other individuals as they mingled with one another. The Chairman and his son entered the palace, and they looked around.
"Where do we start?" asked lon.
"We'll have to get a feel for the crowd," said his father.
"Shouldn't we talk to Jabba directly?"
"No. Remember, we're not sure who's behind this kidnapping yet. Jabba could be involved." said the Chairman to his son.
"What if Greedo runs?" asked lon.
"We'll let Greedo know we're here. That way, he'll come to us."
"How are we going to do that?" said lon to his dad.
"Follow me," said the Chairman as he began to walk toward a table full of Twi'lek women. "Ladies! Do any of you know Greedo?" Neither of them said anything until a different voice answered.
"Who's asking?" said a Twi'lek woman leaning against the wall when she heard the name Greedo.
"We're asking. We're looking to hire a bounty hunter," said the Chairman.
"He's not here. But if he comes back, I'll tell him you were asking for him," responded the Twi'lek as she turned and left.
"Patience," stated the Chairman as he held his son back, "If she won't lead us to Greedo, she'll lead Greedo to us."
Meanwhile, Storm was on the ship as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. The Jedi Knight had gotten rid of his pilot disguise as he merely waited. The boy let out a breath as he opened his eyes and turned on his comlink.
"Ahsoka, you ready?" asked Storm.
"Ready, Storm," answered the girl.
"Alright, I'm making my way to Chuchi. Meet me there," said the teen as he ended their transmission.
He peeked his head out of the ship as he saw nobody in the cargo area. He kept a sharp eye out as he got out and sneakily began to make his way to his friends. After navigating and avoiding some droids guarding the hallways, Storm eventually made his way to where Chuchi was. The girl quickly hugged the Jedi; Ahsoka soon arrived as the trio began their investigation. They soon came to a room and noticed a guard sitting at a desk. Storm was about to do something when Ahsoka stopped him. The Padawan wanted to show the Jedi Knight how much stronger she was getting.
The boy stepped to the side and allowed her to handle this. Ahsoka peaked in and retracted. She stuck her hand out and waved it. It caused the small stuff in the corner to move about in the vase as if a breeze blew on it. The guard saw it and got up to investigate it; the momentary distraction allowed the Jedi and Senator to sneak into the next room as it closed behind them.
"Nice one, Ahsoka," said Storm softly as they crouched and walked.
"This is the ambassador's office. Maybe we'll find something here," said Chuchi as they were about to get up and inspect the room.
"Hold on... I... hear something," said Storm as he put his hand out to silence both girls. He then closed his eyes as he listened.
"The Separatists are still recovering from their defeat on Orto Plutonia," said a voice as it was familiar.
"They're coming! Hide!" said Chuchi as she could hear the muffled voices barely.
They all moved as they got under the table. The door opened as they snuck in at the last second, and the Neimoidian Ambassador and his advisor came in.
"We need to know who our supporters are," said the ambassador.
"I understand your profit margins with the Separatists can be considerable. However, I object to the kidnapping," said the advisor.
"The Chairman's children are leverage. Besides, they're well taken care of," responded the ambassador.
"Yes, but why on my ship?" said the advisor as he didn't like that idea.
Chuchi gasped as Storm quickly put his hand over her mouth. The boy was hoping that the Neimoidians didn't hear that.
"What was that?" said the ambassador as he heard the noise. "Are you certain we're alone?"
The trio under the table looked at each other as they saw the ambassador's feet approaching the table. The ambassador bent down to look under the table but saw nothing. As he got up, it panned out to reveal Storm and Chuchi hugging one of the walls with the boy holding the Senator close to him. Ahsoka was on the other side of the room, holding onto the upper walls spread out. The ambassador was now walking along the side of the table, heading toward Storm and Chuchi.
"I'm sure I heard something," said the ambassador as he was moments away from discovering the Jedi Knight and Senator.
Ahsoka saw her friends in danger as they were about to be discovered. Storm quickly glanced at the Padawan as he signaled with his fingers. The Neimoidian ambassador found the wall and turned his head, but there was nothing. As it turns out, Storm had signaled for Ahsoka to use her powers to lift Chuchi above while he quickly leaped up and held the wall like a spider. The pair were directly above the ambassador as the single slip would make them fall on top of the official.
"All of this scheming with the Separatists is making you paranoid," said the advisor.
"Do not worry; the daughters are not to be harmed, at least for now," replied the ambassador as he and his advisor left the room.
With the coast clear, Storm dropped down gently as Ahsoka began to release her grip. Chuchi fell into Storm's arms as he caught the Senator and smiled before gently putting her down. They looked at Ahsoka as the Jedi Knight gave a quick thumbs up as she did the same, despite sweating a bit. She then dropped down to join her friends.
"You see? The Trade Federation is behind the kidnapping," said Chuchi to both Jedi.
"Let's find the detention area. Come on," said Ahsoka as the trio began to leave.
A small gambling game was happening in one of the backrooms of Jabba's palace. One of the players was Greedo, who tossed a set of dice.
"Ha!" said one of the players.
"Poodoo!" said Greedo as he was annoyed by the result of his roll.
At that moment, the Twi'lek lady that the Chairman and his son talked to came into the room.
"Greedo, baby, there you are," said the woman as she kissed the bounty hunter. "There's some men here looking for you. Pantorans."
"They must have found some evidence," said Greedo as he was slightly surprised. "We'll have to settle things more permanently." He grabbed his blaster, as did his comrades, who were left to deal with the Chairman and his son.
Back on the ship, the Jedi and Senator had managed to avoid more security as they arrived at the detention area. They were walking towards it as a guard stood at the entrance.
"Have you done this before?" asked Chuchi to both Jedi.
"Plenty. Ahsoka is still weak, though," said Storm as the girl scowled at her friend for downplaying her abilities.
"No. But I've been practicing," said Ahsoka trying not to look weak compared to her Jedi companion in front of Chuchi.
The trio then stood in front of the guard as he saw them.
"The detention block is closed to visitors. Move along," said the guard.
"Stand back, girls. Watch and learn," Storm said as he cracked his neck, back, and arms. The boy approached the guard as he lifted his hand and looked to wave it.
"Mind letting me pass?" said Storm as he simply snapped his fingers.
"Certainly," said the guard as he was easily under the boy's mind control and stepped to the side.
Storm smiled as he whistled while walking by the guard. He turned back to look at the girls as while Ahsoka felt he was showing off, Chuchi was amazed by the power and skill that Storm had. Being able to do the Jedi mind trick merely by snapping his fingers showed his experience and training that Luna instructed her student.
"See. Simple and clean," said Storm with a cocky expression.
Ahsoka scoffed and made her way to the guard while grumbling a bit.
"The detention block is closed to visitors," said the guard.
"You will let me pass," said Ahsoka as she put her hand up and waved it about. Compared to Storm, the Padawan struggled a bit with it due to her inexperience, and it showed based on how hesitant the guard was in having his mind messed with.
"I will let you pass," said the guard as he slowly fell under the Jedi's spell and allowed Ahsoka to pass.
The Padawan smiled as she walked by the guard who stepped to the side. Chuchi smiled as she began to walk and looked to slip in when the guard suddenly stepped in front of her.
"I'm sorry, the detention block is closed to visitors," said the guard as he was free from Ahsoka's control.
"Storm? Ahsoka?" said the Senator as she signaled for her companions.
Ahsoka merely grunted as it seemed her powers still needed work.
"I got this," said Storm as he approached the guard who looked at him. "It's alright, bud. The girl's with me. Let her through." said Storm once again, snapping his fingers and putting the guard under his total control with ease.
"Very well," said the guard as he stepped to the side, and Chuchi walked in.
"Impressive," said Chuchi to Storm.
The boy merely bowed to the girl before offering his arm to her. Chuchi accepted it as she wrapped hers around his, and the pair began to walk down the hallway. Ahsoka merely scowled at how Storm showed her up as she began to follow the pair down the hall.
The Chairman and his son were shown near some people-filled tables in Jabba's palace. At that moment, a blaster was shown poking the Chairman's back as the two other comrades of Greedo appeared and restrained lon. Everybody else all got up and fled.
"Looking for someone, Chairman?"
"I was looking for you, Greedo. Tell me where my daughters are or die," said the Chairman as he gave a warning to the bounty hunter.
Greedo and his pals merely laughed at the Chairman's weak threat.
"You were a fool to come here. Let's dispose of them outside," said Greedo as he and his pals began to lead the Chairman and his son.
"I don't want to die on this dust ball," said lon to his father.
"We won't have to," said the Chairman.
The Chairman then pulled out a hidden knife as he quickly turned around and grabbed Greedo and had the knife to his throat while extending Greedo's arm that had the blaster. One of the bounty hunters restrained his son as the other pulled out his blaster. He kicked the other bounty hunter away and then turned the table on the one holding him. Greedo's blaster went off as the Chairman managed to get it out of the bounty hunter's hand.
"We're going to talk to Jabba about this," said the Chairman to Greedo.
Back with the Jedi and Senator, they were still walking about the detention area. Chuchi still had her arm wrapped around Storm as they turned the corner and proceeded down the hall.
"This is the fifth area we've checked, and there's no sign of the Chairman's daughters," said Ahsoka, walking alongside the pair.
"Can't you sense where they are? Isn't that something you Jedi can do?" stated Chuchi to her pals.
"Y-Yeah, it doesn't work like that, Chuchi."
"Storm's right. It's not something we can just turn on or off," said Ahsoka.
"Believe me, if it was, it would make things so much easier," replied the boy.
"We'll just have to keep looking," said Chuchi.
The trio was unaware that they were being watched on the ship's bridge; a hologram of them was displayed. The droids and the ambassador were watching.
"Sir, we have intruders in the detention area," said a B1 droid.
"It looks like our guests got a little too curious for their own good," said the ambassador.
In Jabba's palace, the Chairman, his son, Greedo, and his allies were brought before the mighty Hutt.
"Chairman Papanoida, the mighty Jabba wishes to know why you tried to kill one of his bounty hunters," said a protocol droid.
"Great Jabba, my daughters have been kidnapped. As a father yourself, I know you understand that I will do anything to get them back safely," said the Chairman as Jabba looked at his son and was reminded of what happened with Stinky. "I have evidence that Greedo is responsible, which means that either you are behind it or Greedo is working for someone else. Since we are friends, Jabba, I know you would never do such a thing."
"No! No! He's lying!" shouted Greedo.
"Chi sa Greedo!" said Jabba to the bounty hunter.
"We found blood at the scene of the crime. If it matches Greedo's, it will prove he is the kidnapper," stated the Chairman.
"Cootoo bagand bagwa."
"Jabba will allow a blood sample to be taken," translated the droid.
"Wait. Wait, no! It's all lies!" shouted Greedo as Jabba again shouted at him. The Chairman was about to take a sample when Greedo stopped him. "Okay, okay! I kidnapped them! The Separatists wanted leverage against you." confessed the bounty hunter.
"Where are they, you slime?" stated the Chairman as he grabbed Greedo and lifted him.
"One of them is here, at Mos Eisley. She's safe, I assure you!" responded Greedo.
"Take us there!" demanded the Chairman.
Back on the Trade Federation ship, the Jedi and Senator made it to where the detention cells were. After a few errors by Ahsoka, Storm took over as he began to showcase his experience. Eventually, the boy managed to get a trail as he began to lead the girls to a different section. They now approached the door that Storm led them to.
"Let's hope she's in this one," said Ahsoka.
"I'm positive," said Storm.
The boy opened the cell and was one of the Chairman's daughters. She was being restrained and guarded by some droids. Immediately, both Jedi leaped into the room and turned on their lightsabers as they easily disposed of their foes. Chuchi then came in as Che Amanwee saw her.
"Senator Chuchi? How did you find me?"
"It's a long story. Where's your sister?" asked Chuchi.
"I don't know. We were separated," responded Che Amanwee.
Meanwhile, the Chairman and his son had Greedo leading them to where his other daughter was being held. The bounty hunter led the Pantorans to a bar.
"All right, sleemo, no tricks! We're gonna go inside and find my sister. Nice and easy." said lon as he pushed Greedo with his blaster aimed at his backside.
"You think they will just hand her over to you?" asked Greedo.
"No, but I'll bet they'll hand her over to you," said lon with a smile.
They entered the bar as everybody looked at them. The Pantorans and Greedo made their way to the counter.
"Go get the prisoner," said Greedo to one of the patrons as he grabbed his cup from him and drank it.
"Greedo, what are you doing here?" asked someone who was the same person who helped Greedo in capturing the Chairman's daughters.
"There's been a change of plans. We're going to have to move the prisoner," answered the bounty hunter.
"On whose orders?" asked the person.
Greedo nervously tapped his fingers on the cup as the Pantorans put the blaster closer to his back.
"Gunray. He contacted me at Jabba's palace," said Greedo as he hoped his comrade would buy his white lie.
"Why'd he contact you? And who are those two?" asked the person.
"They're emissaries of the Trade Federation," said the bounty hunter.
"Trade Federation? They don't look like Trade Federation to me," said the person.
His response got everybody to look at them as even the bartender knew stuff was about to go down. He grabbed a bottle and ducked behind the counter. At that moment, the man Greedo sent to retrieve the Chairman's daughter appeared as she saw them.
"Father!"
"Father?" said the man as he looked behind.
"They're Pantorans! Blast them!" shouted Greedo as he slipped out of lon's grip.
Soon a whole fight ensued. lon shot the man holding his daughter, which triggered everybody to pull out their blasters. The Chairman pulled out his dual pistols and shot down a few of them. He then began to run while dodging the gunfire as he took cover behind a table and flipped it over. The shootout continued as one of the patrons was about to shoot lon; Chi Eekway saw her brother in trouble as she grabbed a nearby glass, smacked it on the back of the person's head, and knocked them out. Soon she began to help her family as she began shooting.
During the struggle, Greedo hid as he saw his opportunity and escaped. The Chairman and lon finished off their foes as they shot them dead. They got out from their cover, and they looked around. Greedo's partner hid behind the counter as he pulled out his blaster. He got up and took aim as he aimed to shoot both males. Just then, a blaster shot was heard as he fell. Both the Chairman and lon saw that Chi took out the person with a blaster in hand. They all came together as the Chairman hugged his kids.
With the other group, both Jedi emerged from the cell as they were looking to get the Chairman's daughter back on the ship. Ahsoka and Storm turned down the hall as the ambassador was shown walking with Superbattle droids.
"Stop them!" shouted the ambassador.
Both Jedi turned on their lightsabers as they began to engage the droids. The ambassador stepped to the side as the two ran and jumped into the air. The pair got between the droids as they bounced around in the small space while swinging their lightsabers. The Jedi took out the droids within a few seconds as they all fell into pieces.
"Surrender, Separatist!" said Ahsoka as she pointed her lightsaber at the Neimoidian.
"What is the meaning of this?" said the advisor as he came in and was flanked by some guard who circled the intruders.
"You've been holding the Chairman of Pantora's daughter as a hostage!" said Ahsoka as she turned off her lightsaber.
"What? Sib Canay, what is she talking about?" asked the advisor to the ambassador.
"I want my litigator," said Sib Canay.
"We are businessmen! We deal in trade and commerce!" said the advisor to the Padawan.
"Yes, but perhaps your business is war profiteering," said Chuchi as she stepped forward.
"How dare you!" stated the advisor.
"I dare because you claim to have no involvement, and yet here stands the Chairman's daughter on your ship, held by your administrator. I may understand your position, but I doubt the rest of the Senate will," said Chuchi.
"Blackmail!" said the advisor.
"No, business. I could, of course, be persuaded to defend your unfortunate circumstances to the Senate. That is, if this blockade ended." said Chuchi.
"I'd do what she says, bud," smiled Storm to the advisor lest he suffers Chuchi's wrath.
"I'll see what I can do," said the advisor.
On Coruscant, the Senate assembled. The Neimoidian of the Trade Federation was speaking as he addressed what happened.
"It has come to our attention that the ugly head of the Separatist has once again raised itself in the ranks of our very own Trade Federation. Nute Gunray's influence extends farther than we ever imagined. It was Sib Canay, acting on his own accord, who kidnapped the children of Chairman Papanoida. In good faith, we have returned them to him. And also, as a gesture of friendship, we are removing our blockade and reopening trade with the Pantorans."
Everybody cheered and applauded as Chuchi and the Chairman's family smiled. Soon the meeting ended as Senator Chuchi exited and talked with the Chairman's family as they left to go home. The girl walked to her office and soon found Storm leaning against one of the hallways.
"You did good," said Storm to the Senator girl.
"It wasn't easy, but we did it. I'm glad you and Ahsoka offered your help," said Chuchi.
"No worries. That's what friends are for. So... care to get some lunch? Twilight's having another lesson with her master so she can't make it." asked Storm as he got up from leaning.
"Let's," said Chuchi as she also was hungry from their latest adventure.
The Jedi Knight approached the girl as he offered his arm. Chuchi smiled as she accepted it and wrapped hers around his as the pair went off to eat.
Author's Note: A little mix-up for this one. Like Storm said, he doesn't normally get to work with Ahsoka outside of when it's him, Anakin, Twilight, and her doing group missions. So I'd figured a little one on one as a way for each other to learn something new from the other. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.