Chapter Six:
From their spot in an old, unused room deep under the Palace, Ignis kept a silent vigil over his two captives. He had spared the handmaiden despite Vexa's orders to the contrary. But Vexa had also been explicitly clear that the Queen was to be taken alive and well. In Ignis' mind, if the handmaiden's safety was the way to do that for now, then Vexa would understand. Ignis could not say what his master would do once the pair was presented to her, but that was out of his hands.
Ignis eyed the pair as they occasionally conversed, uncaring of what they were saying. Nobody would find them, because the room they were in had been forgotten since before the original invasion of Naboo all those years ago. Not to mention they were far enough underground that comlinks on their own were useless. But Ignis had been given a predetermined signal to follow by his master, and he awaited that.
To help pass the time, Ignis pondered whether or not he could resume his training in Jar Kai. Vexa had set no true limits on his training, and she only kept tabs on it enough to be certain he wasn't slacking at all. He could work out whenever he wanted, however he wanted, so long as he could still perform.
But where would he get a shoto?
Ignis considered, knowing that his best bet would be to raid the weapons vault either onboard Vexa's flagship, or her castle at on Boz Pity the next time they were there. Ignis had access to the vault whenever he was sent on a mission, and he knew that would be the best time to snag his needed second blade. It would be the only time, really, when Ignis' presence at the vault would not stir suspicion.
Ignis made his choice then: he would resume his self-taught lessons on Jar Kai double-blade fencing. And he would use one of the acolytes' training droids as his fighting companion so Ignis could actually spar with two blades, and not just go through the forms.
"What does the Rising want with Naboo?" Queen Zamira asked, drawing the young man from his musings.
Ignis looked to her through his mask, and then turned his head. "You will find out soon enough."
She blew a breath of air out through her nose. "May I ask where you come from, Fist? You appeared quite literally from thin air; much like Lord Vader, if I remember his origins correctly."
Ignis' mood soured, but he did not allow annoyance to touch his heart. He would remain numb.
"You may ask, but that doesn't mean I will answer," Ignis replied, turning from her. "Now, be silent."
Zamira seemed about ready to speak more when Ignis whipped back around and gave her a look that she felt even through his mask. She duly shut her mouth and Ignis maintained his threatening, warning pose for several seconds after that to make his point. He would die before he told her anything anyway.
Ignis straightened and maintained his vigilant watch until Kida's presence brushed against his, and he felt the signal be given. Ignis replied in kind and shifted.
"Stand up." Ignis ordered the women. When they had complied, Ignis motioned. "Walk."
They obeyed, and Ignis instructed them on when to turn and where to walk. He was taking them to a point that would bring them out at the halfway point of Theed. That way, as Vexa had ordered, Queen Zamira would seen by as many Nabooians as possible. Vexa wanted the people to realize that things were hopeless.
Ignis noted at one point that the handmaiden was acting antsy, and Ignis decided to warn her off. "Don't try anything, handmaid. It will not end well, for either of you."
The woman sent him a calculated look, and Ignis met it without fear, even though she could not see his actual eyes through the mask. She glanced at the queen and then sighed, calming down. Ignis eventually took them to an exit from the tunnels that would lead them aboveground. There he paused, attached a length of chain to each woman's cuffs, and then took the lead with a warning gaze upon the handmaid.
Once they were outside, both women gasped, seeing that Rising forces were all over. Some of their ships hovered above the city in strategic places, an AT-ST was spotted at one point, and smoke rose from a few structures where fighting had gotten particularly intense.
But it was the groups of civilians held at blaster-point that caused the greatest stir among Ignis' two captives.
"What are you doing to my people?" Queen Zamira demanded. "We are peaceful, and have done nothing but defend ourselves!"
Ignis remained silent, knowing that Vexa would negotiate, not he. Ignis simply led them along, not giving either woman the chance to talk to anyone, or make physical contact. Ignis drew close to the palace, which was now under armed guard.
As he approached, Raythe appeared, no doubt assisting in keeping watch now that things had settled. The Yevetha motioned to the men blocking the doors, and a path was cleared for the approaching trio. Ignis led the queen and her handmaid up the steps to the door and then through it, hearing and sensing the pathway shut once more, as did the heavy doors.
Ignis took in everything as he walked, from the pockmarks on the walls to the fallen soldiers from both of the battle-groups. Ignis noted the Rising men who were now at security stations or guarding particular rooms and such. But he acknowledged nobody until they arrived at the throne room, where the sister acolytes stood guard along with a quartet of Rising men.
Ignis stopped before them and spoke. "I have come with Vexa's prize. Let me through."
The sisters shared a look, and then motioned to the guards, who opened the doors. Ignis jerked lightly on the chain and the two women followed him, albeit a little haltingly. Queen Zamira gasped at the carnage around her, particularly one man with a hole in his chest that could only have come from a lightsaber.
"Marino!" Zamira's eyes leaked tears, but when she tried to go to his fallen form, Ignis jerked her back on course.
Ignis brought the queen and her handmaiden before the Sith Lady, who sat upon Zamira's throne like it had been made especially for her. Ocher eyes followed his every move until Ignis stood before the woman, where he bowed at the waist.
"I have brought the Queen, Master," Ignis said, waiting for Vexa's orders.
"Excellent work Fist," Vexa replied. "Unchain them, but leave the cuffs."
Ignis did so, and then took a step to the side. After a moment, Vexa tilted her head, looking to Ignis again. "I said no prisoners other than the Queen, did I not?"
"The handmaiden was a condition of the Queen surrendering to me, Master." Ignis explained. "I leave her fate up to you now."
Vexa narrowed her eyes, and at that point Queen Zamira spoke, taking one step forward. "My handmaiden is to remain unharmed."
Vexa lifted a brow. "You are hardly in a position to make demands, Your Majesty."
Zamira held her ground. "Am I not? You want me alive, and I want my handmaiden to remain alive and well. I think that's a fair trade."
Vexa studied the woman for along minute, and then smirked. "Very well, she may live. Kida, take our lovely handmaiden to her new... quarters."
Kida also smirked and bowed low. "Yes Master."
She grabbed the handmaid by the elbow. However, the handmaid balked and tried to return to the queen. "Your Majesty! I want to stay with the queen!"
Zamira glared at Vexa. "What is this?"
Vexa sat forward. "You only said unharmed, and she will remain thus, so long as you cooperate. I never said she'd remain with you."
Zamira thinned her lips, but turned to the maid. "Remain calm Althea, and go with the young woman."
Althea sighed but did as the queen had ordered, allowing Kida to take her away.
Once they were gone, Zamira returned her attention to Vexa. "Now, what is this attack all about?"
Vexa sat back once more, clearly enjoying herself. "Partly, this is a warning to other systems of what price they will pay if they too stand against me like Naboo did at Bespin. The other... let's just say some old friends want to pay you an extended visit."
Zamira frowned, causing Vexa's smirk to grow. "Our friends among the Neimoidians will be here soon, and with them a new and improved droid army that they've been working on in secret. Naboo will be a testing ground for these new units."
Zamira paled, but remained defiant. "Why are you living in the past, Lady Wran? It's unbefitting an able warrior like you."
Vexa glared at the woman, all hints of playfulness vanishing. "I learn from the past, Queen Zamira. It's how I gained so much of my Sith knowledge. As for dwelling on things... sometimes that is all we can do, especially when our fate is determined for us at the hands of others. Well, now I will make my own fate."
Zamira opened her mouth to retort, but Vexa lifted a warning finger, motioning with her other hand. A group of guards left, and returned with some of the stragglers who'd been collected from within the palace.
Zamira watched as a boy of eleven and an elderly woman were marched forward. Zamira recognized them as the palace librarian and her grandson.
"Every time you defy me, every time you make a move against the Rising, more of your people will suffer."
Vexa gestured at the newcomers and both started to scream in unseen agony, dropping to the floor and writhing in pain. Zamira watched, horrified, even as her mind struggled to compute what she was seeing.
Vexa was not touching them, nor was anyone using a weapon on them, but here were two people being tortured right before her eyes.
Ignis watched dispassionately, and then turned his face away, though he could still hear everything.
Abruptly Vexa stopped and spoke once more to the queen. "Maybe they will even die."
Vexa motioned to her Fist, and he straightened. "Execute these two."
Zamira cried out in outrage as the Fist did as Vexa ordered, using his red blade to remove both persons' heads. Zamira was left to stare, bile rising in her throat before she glared murderously at first the Fist and then Vexa.
"You will get what's coming to you, mark my words." She hissed vehemently.
Vexa walked right over the corpses as if they were not there, and she lashed out to slap the queen right across the face, leaving a mark. "If by getting what's coming to me, you mean full rule of the galaxy, then you are correct. Anything else will fail. You have no idea what I am capable of, or what is truly coming for the galaxy. The age of the Sith will begin anew, and it will be even stronger than it has been in the past."
Vexa grinned in anticipation. "It's going to be quite the party."
She then motioned to the Fist and indicated a new feature in the throne room. "Chain her up to those pillars. Her new managers will decide what they want to do with her when they arrive."
The Fist did as ordered, separating the woman's cuffs and attaching them to a pair of chains that had been installed between two pillars. Once she was chained, Ignis returned to his master's side.
"You have done well, Fist." Vexa circled him slowly, almost playfully, and Ignis tensed subconsciously. Thankfully, however, she did not touch him. "Patrol the city tonight and tomorrow to make sure no insurrections occur. The citizens are free to go about their lives, but under the watchful eye of the Rising."
Ignis bowed and left the throne room.
00000
The violet orb of Fondor lay before Luke's viewport, and along its surface were rings of lights that could only be cities. Each also circle bore straight lines that either connected to other rings or simply... ended. From space, they all looked to Luke like an artist's rendition of something geometric. That befitted the planet's known history as a Techno Union territory during the Clone Wars, he knew.
But before one even got to the atmosphere, they would have to bypass the impressive orbital shipyards, where much of the planet's industry occurred. These shipyards, of course, were surpassed only but those at Kuat and Corellia. Still, Fondor was known for its high-quality spacecraft of all sizes, ranging from Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer the Executor to the tiny one-man fighters the New Republic used.
Luke looked to the display he had been reading from while in hyperspace. He'd had a relatively easy time looking Corsair Atriedes up, but it only to find basic information. Most of that information was related to him as a businessman, while there seemed to be very little on him in personal matters. Corsair had been the both the owner and CEO of Aces Manufacturing; one of the companies that manufactured transparisteel, both for viewports used in spacecraft, and windows for ground-based homes. In the last decade, they had expanded to also create and install many luxury items one could fit into a ship or house.
But according to the HoloNet site for Aces Manufacturing, Corsair had retired about three years ago, leaving the company in the hands of another man.
Luke could find no information on where Corsair would have gone, or where he might be now. Luke's best bet would be to go to the business' office and ask, so that's what Luke chose to do.
He approached Fondor now, eventually landing in a docking area for public use. Luke popped the canopy, listening to Artoo Detoo tootle curiously.
"Yes, you may come, Artoo," Luke answered the droid's query. "Just stay out of trouble, alright?"
Artoo tweeted once more and waited patiently for Luke to levitate him from his socket. The Jedi Master did so, and then stripped from his flightsuit to don instead his Jedi robe. He stashed the suit and helmet inside his cockpit, which he sealed shut behind him.
Once the droid and he were ready for a walk into the city proper, Luke kept an eye out for a public use terminal. He predictably found one nearby the spaceport he'd landed at, and motioned for Artoo.
"See if you can get an address and directions to Ace Manufacturing, Artoo." He ordered.
Artoo acknowledged and Luke took the opportunity to look around. Fondor was a strange place, seemingly mostly stone with a light dusting of shrubbery from what little the Jedi Master could see beyond the city itself. Luke had just begun pondering on the wildlife that might be found on the planet, when Artoo signaled that he was finished.
Luke returned his attention to the astromech and read the file Artoo now showed him. "Great, thanks Buddy. Let's go."
Luke allowed Artoo to lead the way since he had the map. This also allowed Luke to take in his surroundings a bit more, though for privacy's sake he kept the hood up on his Jedi robe. Much of the space he saw was either taken up by housing or shops. Most of said shops appeared to focus on making one thing or another for spaceships specifically, in order to support the planet's main industry and thus its economy.
However, there was also the typical smattering of grocery stores, restaurants and retail outlets which allowed local residents to meet their basic needs. At one point Luke passed a stand-alone food stall that was selling something that frankly smelled wonderful, and Luke was forcibly reminded that he had not eaten a full meal in quite some time.
With mouth now watering, Luke decided that he could spare some time to eat. He signaled to Artoo, and the droid fell in with him as Luke approached the vendor.
"Good day to you Sir," the Nikto man said, his light green, scaly skin appearing dull in the sunlight. His collection of facial horns and spikes would have made him look almost intimidating were it not for the apron wrapped about his waist.
"Hello. What is that you are currently cooking?" Luke inquired.
"Our special for today: grilled Pawa." The man lifted a piece of meat from his grill to let Luke see. "It's native to Fondor, and is a cousin to the pom-hopper found on Naboo. It's served with a side of tubers and on a bed of red rice."
Luke considered. He'd never had Pawa before... but then, he wasn't opposed to trying something new.
"I'll take it; and bottled water please," Luke said. He produced the correct amount of credits once the man began putting Luke's meal together.
When Luke sat down at one of the nearby tables no doubt set up for this man's customers, the Jedi gazed in open curiosity at his food. Almost hesitantly, Luke put a piece of the meat in his mouth and began to chew. To his surprise, the meat was slightly gamey, but overall pleasant to his palate. And whatever sauce the Nikto had put on it was divine.
Luke dug into his meal more eagerly after that, relishing the fresh ingredients after two weeks in the swamps of Dagobah. He'd had food, of course, but he'd mostly gotten things that were quick to fix without the use of a stove. Thus Luke had not had a hot meal in a long time, and that made this one all the sweeter.
When he finished, Luke sat back with a satisfied breath of air, allowing his gaze to wander again for a moment. He allowed himself time to appreciate a full stomach, sipping on his water here and there. Finally, Luke knew it was time to get back to it, so he disposed of his garbage and allowed Artoo to lead him along once more.
Luke spied the company logo atop the building before they reached it, the signage being large enough to be seen from a healthy distance. The office itself was a skyscraper, though by Coruscant's standards it was a small one. Behind this office stood a massive, lower-lying structure that had to be their warehouse. This building could not have been taller than three of the skyscraper's stories.
As Luke watched, a cargo freighter took off from the rear of this building, and began to lumber its way to the sky above. Luke briefly wondered if it was taking goods off-world, or if it was merely going to the shipyards above. Many businesses delivered off-world also, which was a boost to Fondor's economy, and many businesses' wallets.
Luke entered the office and lowered his hood. The lobby was a pleasant place to view, no doubt so that potential buyers could see the professional nature of Aces Manufacturing. A small, stand alone fountain was nestled in an atrium-like room, with a few select plants nestled against its lowest point. Sunlight filtered in through a scattering of skylights, as well as the large front windows. Seating was set up in deliberate places where anyone waiting would either have a pleasant view or something to read while waiting.
Luke took this all in at a glance and approached the front desk, where a human woman in business attire typed away at a computer. As Luke approached, she glanced up at him around her reading glasses.
"Hello, welcome to Aces Manufacturing," she greeted him with a warm smile, "how may I help you?"
"I am looking for Corsair Atriedes," Luke replied politely. He glimpsed her nametag: Della Arza. "Do you know where I could find him please?"
Della blinked. "Mr. Atriedes? I'm afraid he no longer works here, Sir. He retired a few years back. But we can still help you with anything you need." The woman reached for a datapad. "I can show you our catalogue..."
"That won't be necessary, thank you," Luke cut in politely, "I am not shopping for anything."
This time the woman hesitated, her grey eyes studying him more closely. After a moment, Luke saw recognition spark in her gaze, and Della spoke.
"Master Skywalker, right?" At Luke's confirming nod, she continued. "May I ask what you need him for?"
"I'm afraid that's a personal matter." Luke glanced at the lift door he could see. "Is there anyone I could speak to who would know more? Please, it's rather important."
She bit her lip and then turned to the comlink on her desk. "Let me try our current CEO. I think he is here today."
Luke nodded. "Thank you."
As Della made the call, Luke glanced at Artoo, who stood patiently. As the minutes ticked by, Luke allowed the sound of the fountain to soothe him, taking a few deep breaths. He tuned back in when Della set her comlink down.
"I'm afraid he is in a very important meeting all day today, one he cannot break away from. But if you would like to return tomorrow, he would be available to meet first thing."
Luke sighed inwardly, but decided that he would have to make do. "Alright, thank you."
He left quietly, replacing his hood once he was outside. He pursed his lips, deciding that he would need a hotel room for the night. Luke found a place nearby and got himself settled in. Then, feeling antsy, Luke decided he wanted to poke around town a bit more.
Where would he go if he wanted more of a biography on Corsair? If Luke knew more about the man's personal life, he might be able to figure out where he would go.
"Artoo, do you think you could snoop around and find more information on Mr. Atriedes?" Luke asked. "Don't go into illegal files or anything, just see what you can dig up. I think I'll do some digging of my own."
Artoo tootled an acknowledgement and rolled up to the computer terminal in the room. Once Luke was assured the droid was set, Luke left.
00000
Han was the first to wake, and when he did, it was to discover that he had a massive headache. If Han hadn't known any better, he'd have said that there was a mudhorn trying to get out of his skull.
Han cursed softly, not remembering at first why he'd been knocked out. As he opened his eyes fully, Han eventually realized that he was lying in a bed, gazing up at the underside of a bunk.
Frowning, Han shifted his head and saw two more bunks across from the one he lay in. Lando occupied one, and Han could see strands of cinnamon hair hanging over the edge of the bunk above himself. Fur that likely belonged to Chewie.
A little more confused, Han rose carefully, feeling his head spin slightly before his equilibrium returned fully. Once he was stable, Han stood up, glimpsing Chewbacca laid out on the top bunk.
Han's ears picked up on the deep hum of a hyperdrive in use, and suddenly everything came rushing back to him. Han sucked in a breath and rushed from the cabin. They were back on Hobbie's ship, and clearly they were travelling.
But what had happened after Han and his friends had been stunned?
Han barged into the cockpit to find Lumpy sitting forlornly in the pilot's seat. He did turn at Han's approach, though one look in the younger Wookiee's eyes told Han that he wasn't going to like the news the being had to share.
"Where are we?" Han demanded.
[En route to Coruscant,] Lumpy replied, [we revert in a few hours.]
Han looked around, noticing the absence of one party member. "Did Hobbie make it out?"
Lumpy sighed. [I do not know what became of him. You three were brought to me at the ship, and I was given an ultimatum: leave or we all die. I had little choice.]
Han's stomach knotted. Had Hobbie been captured? Or had the Kaminoians bought his act and simply caught on to Han and his group?
"Do you think they took him?" Han asked.
[I cannot say for certain, but that is my gut feeling, Han,] Lumpy replied. [The way the guards spoke, it was like we were all in trouble. They were not kidding around either.]
Han ran a hand over his hair. "Asa spoke as if they knew Hobbie's ruse, now that I think back." Han cursed virulently. So Hobbie was with the Kaminoians... but what had become of him?
[I didn't know what to do, so I took us back to Coruscant,] Lumpy said softly, and Han heard the uncertainty in the Wookiee's tone.
"Hey," Han laid a gentle hand on the young Wookiee's shoulder. "You did what you had to. And if we had been killed, we would not be able to do anything to help Hobbie. We will figure this out, so don't beat yourself up."
Lumpy nodded and Han sighed. "Besides, this was my idea to start with, so if anyone is at fault it's me."
Lumpy frowned, but it was someone else who spoke.
[That's not fair to you, Han.]
The two already in the cockpit turned at Chewbacca's voice.
"What do you mean?" Han asked.
[Hobbie knew the risks, and though the basic mission was your idea, the plan we ultimately went with was Hobbie's.] Chewie reminded him. The elder Wookiee checked on his son, and the two shared a private moment, which Han allowed to pass before he replied.
"Yeah, you're right." Han grimaced. "I'm going to have to contact Wedge when we get back home. I'll see what he wants to do."
"I'll help with any rescue we mount," Lando said as he now appeared, looking as ragged as Han still felt. Being stunned was no walk in the park to recover from, as they all knew intimately.
"Well, first we need to figure out if they took Hobbie, and if so, where would they go?" Han fingered his chin thoughtfully.
"I doubt they're still on Kamino." Lando took a seat. "Asa and Tsu know we are aware of their lab on Kamino, and if they have something to hide, and now have Hobbie, they would be fools to stay put. I'd bet half my paycheck that they left Kamino."
Han sighed. "Great, now we have an entire galaxy to search."
[Maybe not,] Lumpy said, drawing everyone's gaze to him. [We can most assuredly take their actions as proof that they are working with the Rising. So if they needed some place to lay low, and if they're scientists...]
[They would seek asylum with the Rising.] Chewie finished for his son, offering a proud pat to the other's back. [They will probably work for the Rising while under their protection.]
"Well, that does narrow things down a little," Han murmured, trying to think, but admitting that he was too tired to do so properly. "For now, I think we all need rest. When we get to Coruscant, we will contact Wedge and go from there."
The others nodded, and Lumpy stood. [I will continue to man the cockpit so you can all get some rest.]
"Thanks Lumpy," Han agreed, moving back to the bunk room, though he detoured to grab some painkillers first. Han laid down and let sleep reclaim him.
When he woke the next time, Han felt much more refreshed, and he heard an alert over the ship's PA system.
[Prepare for reversion to realspace.]
Han rose from the cot and made to wake the others. Soon the whole group was in the cockpit again, with Han taking the copilots seat. They took the ship to the berth she'd left from, and as the smuggler and young Wookie ran through the cool-down sequence, Lando and Chewie left to gather everyone's gear.
Once the ship was sealed, the quartet stood at the exit to the hangar bay. "I'll call Wedge, and either let you know what he says, or you can come along and join me on the call."
"We will come." Lando determined, receiving confirming nods from both Wookiees.
"Alright, let's hail a cab," Han said.
They did just that and were flown to the building where Han and Leia lived. Han led the way to his house, and was glad when nobody was home. That meant that Han didn't have to explain things to his wife just yet.
Han made a beeline for the communications console and sat down while the other men stood in a loose cluster behind him. Han input Wedge's comm. codes and waited patiently. It did not come as much of a surprise when Wedge did not answer, and when it came time to leave him a message, Han cleared his throat.
"Wedge, it's Han. I need you to call me back as soon as you get this. Thanks."
Han signed off and ran a hand over his face. "Well, there's nothing to do now but wait. I will let you know what he says when he calls me."
The others nodded and filed from Han's home. Once it was just him, Han decided he needed a shower, and so he went to the master bedroom, where he began to clean up. As Han washed, he replayed events in his head, slowly and methodically.
The more he thought about it, the more it would appear that Tsu and Asa had called Hobbie on his ruse. Tsu had been amiable enough the first time, but only after Han and Lando had become useful to him. But then the man had sabotaged Han's ship, nearly killing the group in the process.
Han now knew that Tsu had been stalling for time; allowing Ignis to complete his mission from Vexa without interference from Han. Only, Ignis had not done the full job, though he had left a good deal of emotional damage in his wake.
Han shifted his thoughts a little. Lumpy had guessed that the Kaminoian scientists would take refuge behind enemy lines. And if so, they'd likely be working on projects for the Rising, but from where?
Something niggled at the back of Han's mind, but when he turned his attention to that sensation, the thought evaded him. Han frowned, but for whatever reason could not figure out what was going on. Frustrated, Han had to admit defeat when he started to get another headache.
Han finished his shower and left it, getting dressed now. As he was donning his shirt, he paused, one arm halfway into a sleeve. If Tsu was working on a project for the Rising, did that mean Vexa was going to dabble in bio-warfare?
Han shuddered at the thought. Or... maybe she wanted to utilize the squid on more people? Han moved on, knowing that if Tsu was captured, all of his work would likewise be taken.
So Han supposed that the priority would be to locate Tsu or Asa, who would in turn lead them to Hobbie. Or, better yet, to one of the Rising's strongholds.
Or so Han hoped.
With a sigh, Han finished dressing and checked the chrono. It was getting late, and soon the children would be home from school, and Leia from work. Han smiled warmly and decided he would make dinner preparations.
He was halfway through when the front door opened, admitting his two children, followed by their mother. Carmi and Asher both spotted Han when he appeared at the kitchen doorway.
"Dad!" they rushed forward to greet him, and Han accepted their hugs warmly.
"Hey you two!" Han kissed each on their head. "How was school?"
"Good!" They chorused.
"Just good, huh?" Han asked wryly. It was the same routine almost every day: he'd ask after their day and he would get a general 'good' rating. Only later, usually with a fair amount of coaxing, would he get more from his children.
Han shook his head and patted the two on their shoulders. "Well, go get your homework done, alright?"
"Yes Dad."
As they ambled off, Leia appeared with a smile on her face. Han accepted her warm embrace, kissing her deeply.
"How did your mission go?" Leia asked softly.
Han sighed. "Not good. We..." Han glanced up to make sure Carmi and Asher were both well out of earshot, "lost Hobbie."
Leia gasped. "How?"
"Tsu and Asa caught on and overwhelmed us," Han replied, returning to his cooking so the food did not burn. "They stunned Lando, Chewie and I, and Lumpy says that they pretty much forced him to leave without Hobbie."
Leia shook her head. "Why would they take Hobbie? Did they figure out who he was?"
"I don't think so. He was using an alias: Javaan, and was pretending to be there under Vexa's orders. I think they figured out he was playing them, but I do not think they realize his status as a member of Rogue Squadron."
Leia considered. "That may be a good thing. If they realize who they have, things could truly get ugly."
"Yeah," Han whispered, "don't remind me."
"What will we do to get him back?" Leia asked, steering the conversation to avoid a guilt trip.
"I contacted Wedge, but he didn't answer," Han replied around his dinner preparations. "But I am now certain that Tsu was in league with the Rising. Now we just need to figure out where he'd go for asylum."
Leia pursed her lips. "I'll draw up a list of their known affiliations; maybe that will help."
Han smiled at her. "Thank you Princess."
She rubbed his back soothingly and then exited the kitchen, leaving Han to his thoughts once more.
00000
"I have to say," Samanda Yvyyn said as she poured hot water into Mara's mug. "I've enjoyed these meetings."
Mara nodded, smiling softly. "So have I, Samanda."
After Luke had gone, Mara had decided to keep visiting with Samanda in an effort to both get to know her and learn more of the Rising; accepting whatever she could get Samanda to share. Through this, Mara had learned a fair bit about the Rising's fleet.
Such as the fact that while the Surefist was the flagship, and where Furch stayed, Vexa spent most of her time on her personal ship the Dark Mystery. That, or when the woman went to ground, it was to her castle; the location of which Samanda had as of yet to give away. Samanda had also not yet given away the method by which to locate the ship of her former master, and Mara wondered if these hesitations were driven by lingering fear of Vexa Wran.
That notion would match the way Ignis had been hesitant to share certain information. That is, until they had learned of the squid holding the young man hostage.
Mara had also learned, via her time with the Zabrak teenager, what little back story Samanda had on the Sith Lady. All that Samanda knew was that Vexa had been around during the Clone Wars, and she had an apparent personal vendetta against the Skywalker family. Mara was surprised at this news, and had thought at first that Samanda was messing with the Jedi Master. But Samanda had been completely serious, and Mara knew that Samanda thought she was being honest.
But if Vexa had been around in the Clone Wars, how was it that the woman was not physically as old as she should have been? Mara had seen footage of recent battles which Vexa had participated in. The woman didn't look a day over forty.
Mara was befuddled at this, though intuition told Mara that there was probably more going on with Vexa than anyone knew.
"I appreciate that you have taken the time to get to know me, Master Skywalker," Samanda said softly, drawing Mara from her musings.
Mara sighed softly. "Samanda, please, call me Mara. We have been over this."
Samanda stared into her own tea. "I know, but it feels wrong for me to address you as such. You are my elder, and we are not friends... officially. I have been with Vexa for so long, and I never got the chance to truly make a friend. With my master, it was survival of the fittest, literally. Not that we acolytes were trying to kill each other off. No, we are rather like Vader's Inquisitors: working together for a common goal, though we trained separately at first. We would of course train in pairs or groups as part of our training, but mostly we worked solo."
Mara reached across the table and touched her hand. "Samanda, I would like to think we are becoming friends. However, if you never let your guard down, then you will forever be alone. Take it from one who knows that firsthand."
Samanda eyed her, and a timid smile touched the young Zabrak's lips. "Yes, you probably do, being raised by Palpatine as his Hand. Vexa shared your history with us once. I remember that story well."
Mara inclined her head. "Then believe me when I say that you will need to open up and trust someone at some point. You were forced into the life you lived, and you have so far done what you could to help us once you got away from her. I respect that."
Samanda straightened. "Really?"
Mara nodded once. "I do. You have given us much information, and that's helped a lot."
Samanda dipped her head, sipping her drink now. "I will continue to help as I can, though there are yet some things I am not ready to talk about. I only ask that you accept that."
Mara eyed her over the rim of her cup. "I get where you are coming from with that. However, you need to remember that we are at war, and we may need that intelligence earlier than you are comfortable with."
Samanda shifted. "I have given you much already."
"You have, and I am grateful, as I've already said. But it would be very helpful if you could help us figure out where to strike at the Rising, or where she keeps her other acolytes, things like that. You understand Vexa more than we do, you know how she thinks, where she likes to hide..."
Samanda swallowed heavily. "I... I still fear Vexa. You are right: I do know her very well, and that is why I hesitate to openly use my knowledge against her. She would know you had inside help, and she would likely figure out from whom." Samanda shuddered.
Mara pondered what to say to that. "Ignis defied Vexa: he chose not to fulfill he wish in bring her my youngest son."
"And look where that got him." Samanda countered bitterly. "He is now her puppet, unable to choose for himself on almost all matters. He's wreaking havoc on the galaxy, and he can't do anything to stop himself because she literally has him on a mental leash."
Mara thinned her lips, admitting to herself that the girl was right. Still... "But at least he took a stand against her. He risked everything for those he cared about."
Samanda stared into her tea. "I don't have anyone like that. Maybe you, but like I said, are we truly friends?"
"We could be, if you would let me in." Mara reminded her gently. She knew this was hard for Samanda, and Mara understood the fear of going against one's powerful, harsh master. But Mara was also trying to get Samanda to open up, to realize as Mara had, that sometimes you can't do everything alone.
Samanda said nothing for long minutes, and eventually she set her teacup on the table. "I'm just still so afraid. It's been ingrained into me not to trust anyone, and I know you mean well, but it's hard to break that training."
"It was difficult for me too, and I had several months away from my master in which to really figure out my true loyalties." Mara sipped from her tea again, remaining calm so Samanda could feed from that positive vibe. "Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of that much time. I know it's frightening, but at some point you will need to make a choice. Continue to live in fear of Vexa, and live forever in the shadows, or take a stand against her and win your freedom. Yes there will be peril, but that's the price anyone must pay for freedom."
Samanda sighed. "I will... think about it."
Mara nodded. "Thank you."
Then, wanting to shift the topic to something less tense, Mara sat forward. "Did you enjoy your field trip two days ago?"
As a reward for her good behavior and the information she'd been given the Republic, Samanda had been granted a night out of her room. She had been required to wear a tracking device and disguise. She had also been escorted by a plethora of undercover guards, and even a pair of Jedi, but she'd been allowed to go shopping and even eat at a diner.
Samanda perked up. "It was great! Before I was brought here, I had never been to Coruscant. It was a little overwhelming at first, but it's kind of grown on me."
Mara smiled. "I agree. There are days it's nice, and days where I curse how busy it always is here. Coruscant truly never sleeps. Something is always moving, people are always doing something... you get the idea."
Samanda indicated her understanding. "It's crazy."
She tilted her head curiously, and then went on. "Has anyone seen this planet's surface?"
Mara lifted a brow. "Probably not for centuries. And if so, it's probably not a pleasant place to be."
"Because everything is built on top of everything?" Samanda guessed, looking out the window.
"Pretty much," Mara answered. "The further down you go, the darker and seedier things also get. It's downright dangerous for anyone to go past a certain point, in more ways than one."
Samanda took that in. "But it's not impossible, right?"
Mara studied the young woman. "I suppose not, but what reason would anyone have to go all the way down there?"
Samanda shrugged. "Curiosity?"
Mara thinned her lips. "That's what killed the nexu, Samanda. Curiosity has its place, to be sure, but not in this case. Please, heed my warnings: the underlevels, and especially anything below the livable levels there, are not any place you should be."
Samanda sighed. "Okay."
Mara didn't relax until she could sense the other's honesty. "Since we're on the topic of planets, why don't you tell me more of where you've visited?"
Samanda perked up at that a little, and she began to do just that, with one exception.
00000
Raythe straightened from his position near the palace doorway when a commotion made its way to his position. The guards also stationed with Raythe straightened in readiness for trouble. Raythe narrowed his eyes at the approaching figures, seeing that it was an adult man and a child. Said youth was struggling fearfully against the grip of the adult, uttering pleas that Raythe could not yet make out.
"Acolyte Raythe, would you like us to get rid of them?" the captain asked, his blaster already at the ready.
Raythe considered, feeling a stir in the Force. "Be at the ready, but do not fire unless I give the command."
"Understood."
Raythe walked to the base of the stairs, though he stopped on the final one, waiting to see what this odd duo wanted. He could now make out words.
"Please Dad!"
"Shut up!" the adult snapped roughly. "I am done with you!"
Raythe made eye contact with the child, which turned out to be an emerald-skinned Mirialan boy. His father had skin that was slightly paler in hue, and the pair's facial tattoos were different. Whereas the father's were all diamonds in a pattern that followed his eyes and nose to end at his chin, the boy's were more erratic, and seemed to be fewer in number too. Raythe did not know much about Mirialan customs, but he supposed that the young did not get their full tattoos until they came of age.
"That is far enough." Raythe warned them when they got to within a few feet of his position on the stairs.
The man dutifully stopped and then hauled the boy to stand in front of him. "I bring a gift of sorts to your master."
Raythe's eyes narrowed. "A... gift?"
The man nodded, and the boy whimpered in his grasp, trying to shrink back, but the elder held him fast.
"I will only deliver it in person to her, however," the man said firmly, meeting Raythe's gaze without fear, which garnered a touch of respect from the Yevetha.
Raythe considered, and then motioned for the pair to remain where they were. Raythe went a few paces back up the steps and called Vexa on the comlink.
"Master, do you copy?"
It was a few moments, but Vexa eventually took his call. "What is it Raythe?"
"Master, a man is at the doors, claiming he has something to give you."
Vexa hissed. "I am not interested in anything the locals have to offer."
"With respect, Master, I think you may want to at least take a look at this... offer," Raythe said calmly.
Vexa heard his tone, and no doubt paused to consider. "Very well, I am on my way. But this had better not be a waste of my time."
Raythe would be amused to see Vexa execute the man before him. Still, that would now be Vexa's call to make. Raythe replaced his comlink and waited patiently for his master's arrival.
When the door opened to admit her, Raythe bowed to Vexa, indicating the man and child below. Vexa eyed them both but approached.
"What do you want?" Vexa demanded of the adult.
"For you to take this... whelp off of my hands." The man growled.
The boy shot a hurt look at the man, and Vexa was pleasantly reminded of another incident in which a son had been given up by a father. She withheld a smile though, not wanting to give this man the wrong impression.
"And what use would I have of your... son?" Vexa challenged.
"He is no son of mine." The man retorted coldly. "Not since his freaky powers came to bear. I want nothing to do with them, or him. He's yours... in exchange for my being let off-world. I want to return to my home planet."
"Dad..." the boy began, but the adult silenced him with a backhand to the mouth. "I said shut it! You have been nothing but a thorn in my side since your mother died. You are worthless to me."
He threw the child down at Vexa's feet, and Vexa did allow a small smirk now. "What is your name?"
"I am Ulric Alucard, and this is Tharan." The man indicated the boy. "But no longer is he an Alucard."
Tharan began to weep, and he tried to crawl back to his father, but the man stepped clear pointedly.
"Do we have a bargain?"
Vexa eyed the child, indeed sensing that he was Force-sensitive. Another child in her arsenal would be nice, though his training would take time. The reminder of the other time a father had given up their boy returned, and Vexa's amusement grew as an idea came to her.
Yes... yes that would do nicely.
Vexa chuckled evilly, taking hold of the child in the Force. "Agreed. You may leave tonight. Captain," Vexa motioned to the man, "escort this man to his ship and give him a clearance code to leave. Then return to your station."
"Yes Milady." The man saluted and gestured for Ulric to move.
Tharan tried still to follow. "Dad! Dad wait! Please don't leave me!"
Ulric didn't look back, did not stop, and Tharan's cries grew ever more frantic until Vexa grew tired of it and grabbed him by the chin. With her greater physical strength, Vexa forced the boy to look at her.
"Listen to me, runt. You belong to me now, understand? You will do as I say, or you will know pain and suffering, is that clear?"
Tharan only stared fearfully at her, and Vexa dropped him with a growl, using her special ability to cause him pain without physical touch. Tharan screamed and writhed, and Vexa made sure to hurt him well. She stopped momentarily, and then briefly sent Sith lightning into him to really sell her point.
She stood over the smoking child, looking down on him. "I said, do you understand?"
The boy had enough sense to realize he was still in danger, for he managed to nod an answer. Vexa turned to Raythe. "Take him to my shuttle and lock him up. I have use for him elsewhere. Once he is secured, return to this post."
"Yes, Master."