Chapter 21
Aftermath
Once again they found themselves in the council chambers, or as Melissa started thinking of the place the room for beings in need of a retirement home. The usual suspects were gathered there. Vandar looking old and wise. Vrook looking constipated or angry, sometimes she wondered if that was the only expression he was capable of. Dorak was reading something furiously. Zhar looked bored and Hissk was fiddling with a lightsaber. Though tonight they were honoured by three guest appearances, a blonde woman who had been staring down her nose at them since they arrived and two human males, pne with short blonde hair and one in serious need of a haircut and a shave, the moustache he had reminded her of holodrama villains.
Terri was standing in front of the gathered group with the rest of the crew sans Bastila behind her. They were obviously going for the silent intimidation tactic as they had been standing there for at least fifteen minutes. Looking to the side, Melissa spotted a bunch of chairs stacked next to the door. Using telekinesis she brought a stack over and placed one behind each of them, before lowering one behind Terri and swinging one around and seated herself against the backrest next to Terri.
"Anyone got a piece of cloth?I have some bug stuck to a corner of my visor." Melissa asked, pulling her helmet off
Vandar's mouth corners were twitching. Vrook had developed a twitching eye. As for the mystery woman; if she tried straightening her back more you should be hearing vertebrae shattering.
"This is no time for juvenile deflection attempts." The woman snapped.
Melissa pointed to a corner of the visor.
"See there, right there. It has been driving me crazy. So I can take that as no on that cloth then."
Zhar cleared his throat
"I believe we should begin our discussion with the Matale, Sandral matter."
"Yes, more particularly how an instruction to investigate two disappearances and mediate a truce between two feuding families devolved into the catastrophe it has become." Vrook interrupted.
"Both the family elders are deceased and the surviving members are threatening legal action." Zhar continued
Melissa put her helmet down and fiddled with her left vambrace, pulling out a datadisk. She pointed to the rooms holoviewer.
"Master Dorak, if I may?"
The old master motioned her to continue. Melissa stood up and slotted the disc in and displayed two images. One of the Sandral estate and One of the Matale estate
"I would make sure that both parties fully understand their rights when you arrest them for criminal conspiracy, violation of the Republic security act, I believe it is seven eight nine nine dash seven two article twenty. Violation of restricted military items act, sorry I cannot remember the specific law. Black market racketeering and smuggling and possible sedition and treason." Melissa stated.
The silence was so absolute that you would have been able to hear a mouse fart. The masters were stunned into silence. Dorak was seemingly the first to recover.
"Care to explain that provocative statement."
Melissa pointed to the two images.
"Can anyone tell me what is wrong with these two pictures. What do you see."
"A bunch of droids and a group of turrets." The brunette male answered
"Close,Master?"
"Zhess Khai Ell." He finally introduced himself
"Those are military grade turrets, and those are not security droids, they are war droids. That is in violation of the restricted military items act, that forbid civilian ownership of said items. That is one charge."
Melissa walked closer to the chairs.
"Now for bonus points can anyone tell me how many security droids a person is legally allowed to own for security purposes?"
"I am sure you are eager to tell us." Vrook spoke, condescendingly
"Three per individual per residence. That would be six for Matale and nine for Sandral. Clearly there are much more visible here than what is allowed. That is charge two."
She forwarded the Sandral footage to where Rahasia was cowering under her blankets.
"Ignoring the stupendously stupid cowardly display on the bed. I want to draw your attention to what is under the bed."
"Hoth Mammoth pelt." Zess Khai Ell identified the item
"An endangered species, so that points to black market connections as there is no legal way to obtain it. Then there is the fact that miss Sandral was fully aware of Mister Matale's kidnapping and illegal incarceration. By not reporting it to the relevant authorities she is at minimal aiding and abetting in a criminal act."
Melissa enlarged the pictures of one droid and one turret.
"Master Dorak. It is properly needless for me to ask, but do you perchance have access to the newest fleet training manuals?"
"OF course, we have access to it child." The woman interrupted.
Melissa looked at Dorak in fake surprise.
"Master Dorak, I did not know you were a ventriloquist. Is that a special Force technique or a hobby of yours?"
Mission openly snickered, The two human male masters coughed into their hands and Vrook achieved a richer red colour. Dorak looked bemused.
"I am sure you are letting this lead to somewhere. But yes we do have access to it."
" Could you pull up images on Sith defensive positions from the training file footage. Specifically droids in common use and turrets."
It took a few moments of his tapping on his pad and a new set of images appeared next to the first two portrayed, Melissa manipulated the images to superimpose them on another. They were a perfect match.
"And there we have sedition and treason. Now the big question is this. Why do seemingly high profile members of Khoonda society have access to Sith hardware? The same members. I might add,who have had frequent access to the Enclave and the inner workings of the local government. Were they megalomaniac patsies or Sith infiltrators?"
She sat back in her seat.
"From my point of view. The assignment brought to light much more than the petty squabbling of two bitter old men. That also raises the question as to why you were planning to give Terri a hard time when the council itself had failed to settle the dispute between them on several occasions."
Melissa felt annoyance filter through the force coming from a large percentage of the masters and a sensation of thankfulness coming from Terri. Vandar made a motion for Terri to speak.
"Concur do you with your friend."
"Yes."
"Then why not quietly report back, instead you performed a hostile invasion on a premises." Zhar questioned.
"At the time I believed that Shen Matale was in imminent mortal threat from Nurik Sandral and action had to be taken to secure his well being."
Vrook scoffed.
"And that is why you failed. Your need to immediately jump in and not consider other actions or seeking the wisdom of others will lead you to the dark side; as it had…"
"Vrook! Stop!" The blonde male barked
Vandar lifted his hand in a command for silence.
"Finished this matter is. Speak no more, we shall. Republic intelligence we will contact for further investigation. As for the other tasks…"
Terri shrugged her shoulders.
"The droid was found when it was surrounded by kath hounds, its destruction could not be prevented. As for the students, they were recovered without any loss and they were kept safe till they could be recovered and brought to safety. The kinrath nest was a complication I will admit."
"And again to violence you resorted." Vrook had to butt in.
Melissa looked mockingly at him.
"So are you saying we should have left the poor innocent sentient killers happily breed on in peace. Sending them happy thoughts and good wishes, or going back to Khoonda to start organising a lottery for sacrifices to them to keep them from overwhelming the town and this enclave eventually."
"You under estimate the abilities of those within these halls. The threat presented by the colonywere neglible." The woman replied.
Melissa looked at her in annoyance.
" Sorry, who are you again?"
" Atris, the High Archivist." She proudly proclaimed
"So this would be a case of acceptable losses, the town of Khoonda. The farmers, all the civilians while the council can meditate and ponder the situation. Why does it sound so familiar? Could it perhaps be the same stance taken during the Mandalorian wars. Where the innocent suffered needlessly; and action only taken when the important planets and people got threatened?"
The silence was back and thicker than before, a recent upgrade was the chill in the air. Melissa waved her hand dismissively
"Well you will be happy to hear, that we managed to convert a dark side convert to come back to the temple. So I am guessing we got twenty five percent right. Or does Terri get a failing grade for having to beat some sense into her first."
"Hey, you are the one who shocked her till she peed herself before passing out."
Melissa gave a happy smile.
"That's right. That was me, so the excessive violence is on me not you. So if they are fair you should still pass."
She picked up her helmet and stood up.
"Are we done with this farce of a report back. If not please tell me, I kind of would like to get some sleep and a hot meal and a shower sometime during the night. And I really need to go clean my armour."
Vrook made a dismissive motion and the crew left the chamber. Canderous grasped her shoulder.
"You did well in there. You showed no fear in protecting your family. That makes you a true Mandalorian and I could not be prouder of you than I am now."
"You really showed them up." Mission added her five credits."Extra points for getting Vrook to start twitching"
Terri pulled her into a hug.
" Thanks for having my back, all of you." Her voice thick with emotion
"Mess with one and you mess with us all." Mission chirped, happily.
Melissa had just settled in her hammock when the cargo bay door opened and Mission walked in, holding her stuffed toy. She walked up to the hammock and pulled Melissa's blankets back.
"Budge over, I am sleeping here tonight."
"Mission what is going on? This is a bit strange." Melissa asked.
"After what you told us in the cave, I am not letting you sleep alone tonight. You might have hidden it from the others but I can see you are hurting."
Mission held up her hand.
"And before you say Terri needs some help too, Bastila has already slipped aboard and is with her. I might need to move in here soon to give those two some space."
Mission plopped herself into the hammock and pulled the blankets up. She slipped her arms around Melissa, in tight hug
"Let it go, I am here for you." She whispered.
Melissa felt a lone tear run down her face, her shoulders hitched and the damn broke. Mission held her silently as she wept herself to sleep, softly running a hand through her hair, crooning a soft melody she vaguely remembered.
Melissa woke with a heavy weight and a wet spot on her chest. A soft snore reminded her that she was not sleeping alone. Lifting her hand, she started to try and move the weight slightly, rubbing a hand along Mission's lekku she felt the soft organ twitch and Mission gave a soft moan. Remembering what she had read about the organ and its functions, she rapidly lifted her hand, blushing slightly.
"Don't stop." Mission muttered.
She looked down and saw Mission looking up at her, eyes still drowsy, her lips partially open. Her mouth dried as she focused on the soft lips. She felt Mission brushing her face with one hand. Gravity pulled them closer. Their lips met, a soft moan escaped her. More gentle pressure came. Slightly she opened her lips wider, her tongue probing slightly. Mission opened her mouth and their tongues met. The slight contact increased in intensity, breathing became hard.
Her hand found its way to the lekku again, softly stroking up and down it, gently rubbing the tip. Mission moved higher, adding slightly more weight already on her body, a deep moan escaping her. She felt a hand gently lifting her shirt, the hand sliding up her stomach. She grabbed the hand and broke off the kiss, Breathing harshly. Mission looked at her in slight confusion.
"I am not ready." Melissa gasped out.
Mission nodded in acceptance, before placing a soft small kiss on her lips.
"I can wait." She simply said.
"Thank you for understanding."
Mission propped herself up on one elbow, idly stroking Melissa's arm.
"Seeing as we are not really carrying cargo, do you think the others will mind if we start converting this space into a decent room. I really prefer a mattress to a hammock. Maybe add another refresher, a bigger one if we can, the ones in the dorms are so cramped and the sonic shower, ugh."
Melissa looked about the space, a few ideas forming.
"Cannot say about a bigger refresher, that might be a bit hard. I can built a cupboard to hold a double bunk, it would not take up a lot of space." Melissa said musingly
"Good, then we have our assignment for the day. I want to move in by tonight." Mission stated firmly
"I am scared we are moving a bit fast here." Melissa was hesitant.
"We can take as fast or as slow as you want. That is if you want to be with me." It was Missions turn to be hesistant.
Melissa reached for her hand and entwined their fingers, She pulled it up to kiss the knuckles, before putting their entwined hands on her chest.
"I want this. Just promise me, if it does not work out, that I will not lose you as a friend."
Mission smiled down at her.
"Friends always."
Mission slipped from the hammock. She ran her hands over herself, "smoothing" her nightgown. She gave an impish smile.
"Care to come wash my back?"
Mission broke the news during the communal breakfast. Everyone was present except for Zaalbar. Said Wookie was outside the ship having his own meal, as no one could tolerate the stench of cooking kinrath, the Wookie adamant to eat his way through the available stock of insect or die trying. She did it with her usual impeccable grace and understated style.
" Right, new rule. No one is to open up the door to the cargo hold without permission from now on."
"Is there a reason? Apart from it being Melissa's room." Carth asked
" It is now our room. And unless you want to perv on amazing beauty stay out. And be warned you risk death if you interrupt happy naked time." She went on blandly.
Carth and Bastilla choked on what they were eating, coughing. Melissa went a deep shade of red, slapping Mission's arm at her bluntness. Terri started grinning. Canderous looked sternly at Mission.
" Do I need to remind you, what will happen if you hurt my adopted daughter."
"Pft. You are a soft marshmallow, grandpa Candy." Mission blew the threat off.
Canderous was unsure whether to smile or scowl. On one hand he appreciated the confidence and sass on the other it was a challenge to his image.
"Really," He drawled," I think it is time that we start those close quarter combat classes. I am so glad that you decided to join."
"Not today. We have to go shopping for furniture." Mission replied airily.
Melissa wanted to slam her head against the table. Concussions is a valid treatment for embarrassment right? Seeing the look in Terri's eyes she knew it was liable to get worse, a lot worse. Carth finaly having cleared his throat, decided to move the conversation elsewhere.
" Before we become too domesticated. Let us discuss a few matters."
"Such as?" Melissa' gratefully asked.
" The Vesalisk's. You made no mention of them last night. They are a threat the council should be warned off."
The mood fell rapidly. Melissa finished eating a piece of egg before speaking.
"Yes, they are a threat. The bigger threat is how badly Khoonda and the council is compromised."
"Go on." Carth stated.
"We have run into large groups of raiders, military hardware in the hands of civilians and a militia not responding to a direct threat to the colony it protects. Something is very rotten here."
Terri nodded at her points.
"I have been thinking the same recently. The amount of raiders is too large for the population density to be sustainable, we don't know how many more there are. I am starting to suspect a coup is imminent."
"The council will never allow it." Bastila objected.
"Then why has the council not acted more to eradicate the problem." Carth said" I am not saying they are complicit, but they are way to docile to the threat."
"That would explain the increased resistance to my training of the militia." Canderous said. " The Vesalik's may be bargaining on their perception that the council here will not step in unless directly attacked like they did during the war."
"The council will intervene if an attack occurs. A military option will fail." Bastila stated
"Will it? How many in the enclave is combat ready. Most a re apprentices and novices in there Large numbers is a great equaliser." Carth replied.
"And not all coups are military in nature. An attack could be used to wipe out oppositions groups. Leaving the "unfortunate" survivors to have to take over for governance; for the greater good of all." Terri added
"The Vesaliks, won't stay in a place where they can be pinned down. Like Terri said they are most likely here to clear the board and leave." Canderous spoke up
Melissa looked thoughtfull.
"The problem is how dowe get the council to take us seriously in the first place, Vandar will listen but Vrook and that Atris woman will be against us on principle, the others might listen if we had solid proof, which we don't have. Then you also have to ask, when was the last time they did a security sweep? The council and the Jedi can be trusted, but what about all the support staff?"
"Then we get our own help." Mission said simply
"Where?" Carth asked
"It will be rude not to invite the family of my girlfriend to the opening of our business. And we all know how much Mandalorians love a good party, so all the cousins will have to be invited as to not cause hurt feelings." Mission grinned
"You are right, it would be rude not to invite as many as we can. After all the clan heads must be present for marriage negotiations" Canderous, smiled wolfishly.
Melissa swallowed slightly and tugged at her collar. Sure they were planning a deception, but still. Carth again saved her. H pointed slightly to the three force sensitives.
"While we are setting this up, there is something else. We will have to go back to the caves, we found something that you should see."
"What did you find?" Bastila asked
"A cavern full of crystals, I don't know how to explain it, the crystals felt alive." Mission said.
Melissa felt stunned as she entered the cavern after crawling through the rubble the recent explosions in the egg chamber has caused. The three had felt the presence the moment they had stepped into the matriarch chamber, a multi colour gleam had marked the opening.
"How did we not feel this before?" She asked breathless.
"I don't know. This is amazing." Terri answered enraptured
Bastila motioned them to sit down. She assumed a meditation position.
"You will most likely find the crystal to your lightsaber here, maybe a few more. Just reach into the force and let it guide you."
They sat down and assumed the positions. Melissa being slightly uncomfortable in her armour. The discomfort disappeared as she settled into her meditation. The residual negative effects that they had been experiencing slowly easing away into nothingness, till there was only the sensation of flowing through the force.
The rest of the crew was slowly pulling the rubble away to make exit easier. Carefull not to break their concentration. Bastilla was the first to rise. Touching a clear formation, a piece broke off and turned a stunning bright yellow in her hand, eyes still closed; she unerringly moved to another formation picking up a dark blue almost purple crystal that for a moment seemed to pulse. She opened her eyes and moved over to where the others were standing still having stopped their work to watch when she moved. She motioned for silence.
Melissa was next, finding a blue crystal and another that flickered but did not change colour. Mission looked sharply as Bastilla gasped softly. Terri eventually stood and gathered two blue crystals. The two shook themselves as they seemed to gather themselves.
"What is with the clear crystal?" Mission asked, softly
"That is for Melissa to find out, she will have to meditate with it extensively before it will unlock for her. I have only heard of such crystals." Bastila whispered back.
"That is good, right?" Mission went on hesitantly.
"We will have to see."
The trip back to the Hawk was done in contemplative silence. Melissa entered her room and went to her footlocker. Pulling out Bereks lightsaber, she reluctantly dissembled it and retrieved the diamond that had been the focusing crystal. She felt it when the crystal broke its bond to the hilt and its previous wielder. She walked to the middle of the hold and sat down in a lotus position holding on to all three crystals and tried to enter a meditative state. She felt uncomfortable, Standing up she stripped down to her underwear and sat down again Placing the three crystals directly onto the skin of her chest in a prayer hold she tried again.
She yelped in surprise as she fell to the deck as she opened her eyes. She was beyond thirsty and hungry and she felt weak. Her bladder demanded immediate attention. She felt Mission pull her up.
"Need some help getting dressed."
"No time, Refresher now." She gasped
Mission helped her stumble to the female dorm and left her to her business, coming back moments later with a pile of fresh clothes and a water bottle
"You going to let those crystals go anytime soon or are they a permanent addition to your hands." Mission teased gently
Melissa looked down at her hand and realised she was still holding them one handedly, a light flowing through her fingertips as she held them tight. Slowly she opened her hand. The clear crystal was glowing in an incandescent silver, the diamond had a light blue tint and the blue crystal was now flashing brightly. She swallowed trying to get some moisture into her mouth.
"How long was I out?" She croaked out.
"Two days."
Mission cracked the water bottle opened and handed it over. Melissa started swallowing rapidly. Mission grabbed her shaking hand to steady her.
" Easy, small sips, there is a lot more where that came from."
" Two days." Melissa was incredulous.
" Yes, you were floating in the air for two days. Now you owe fifty credits."
"Why?"
"I bet Carth you would be floating around longer than Terri and you lost me that bet. According to Bastila she is still floating in the meditation garden by the enclave."
" I will gladly pay it if you could get me some food while I clean up."
"Deal."
Melissa looked down at the components scattered across the workbench. Hissk was standing of to the side as she was constructing her lightsaber. That had only been made possible by the direct intervention of Vandar when Vrook had done whatever he could to have her banned from completing her journey. A move that has likely cost Vandar a considerable amount of support in the main Council.
She assembled the hilt and clipped on the emitter before sealing the assembly. She activated the charger and plugged it into the power cell. She went back into meditation as the lightsaber charged for the first time. Through the force she could feel as the components shifted and connected to one another and to the crystals and ultimately to her.
Hours later she felt a pull back to reality. She opened her eyes, standing up. Unclipping the power charger she flexed the hilt in her hands, before finally pressing the activating stud. A brilliant silver blue blade ignited and thrummed steadily. Hissk gave a nod of approval and motioned her towards a sparring circle.
" Care for a quick spar with your old and decrepit teacher?" He asked
"You old and decrepit? Never" Melissa replied, with a smile.
She stepped into the circle and acknowledged him with a flourish and settled into a Soresu stance. Hissk stepped in and settled in his style opening stance. Melissa knew the Vaapad practitioner was likely to make the first move and she lowered her self slightly to brace for impact.
Hissk gave a feral grin, before exploding into movement. Melissa grunted as she blocked his overhead strike, driven to one knee. She flicked off her blade, rolling clear, kicking at a knee joint in passing. The barabel easily missing her attack. She flipped back twice and relit her saber, before twisting and turning falling into ataru to counter the strength of Vaapad with agility and unpredictability.
"You have been practising I see." Hissk observed, easily parrying.
"Cannot spend the whole day doing my hair can I?" Melissa quipped.
They spun and circled for a while, Melissa failing to hit with Hissk clearly holding back. Finally he stepped back and held up his hand, disabling his blade. Melissa straightened and deactivated her blade.
"Your weapon is well made, may it serve you well on your Path."
"Thank you, Master." Melissa, bowed deeply.
Hissk grasped her shoulder firmly.
"Despite all that has happened I am proud to have called you my student. You may see yourself as Mandalorian but know this. You are Jedi as well. Find a balance for yourself and hopefully strike a new path for others to follow as well."
Melissa reached out and encircled him in a hug.
"Thank you for everything." She said.
He gently rubbed her back with his taloned hand. Before slightly pushing her back.
"Now you really have to tell me, where did you get that delicious paint."
"I mixed it myself. I will give you the recipe, it is mostly food colouring mixed with a non toxic paint."
"Can you add extra flavours as well?"
Half to three quarters of Khoondas population had turned up for the opening of the new business. A skittish distance was kept from the large groupof armoured Mandalorians, who kept calling for the doors to be opened and the drinking to start. A chant of why are wewaiting was started by them, some of the farmhands eventually joining in.
There was and exaggerated cheer as Melissa and Mission stood in front of the door. Ellia solemnly holding the ceremonial scissors on a cushion, her hair pulled back into a plait. Mission happily cut the ceremonial ribbon holding the door closed before pulling on a rope to reveal the name hidden underneath a cloth. The pink neon lettering flickered to life for the first time officially. Two Female figures were seated on the edge of the frame, pistols in hand, the sign read. The last round.
Melissa opened the door.
"First round are on us." She called to jubilant cheers.
Tables had been set up outside and several spits had ibex slowly being roasted. Barrels of ale and beer set up by each table. Music started pumping into the air. The two crowds slowly started to mingle as the day progressed to night. Karana nudged Melissa and pointed to a table to the side.
"I believe cousin Lancelot will be around often to check up here. Purely for business of course"
Melissa smiled as she spotted him in deep conversation with Fay, Ellia sat in his lap fast asleep.
"About time that one settled down." Daria commented.
"They are just talking." Melissa pointed out.
"He has been ignoring all the other women here tonight, normaly he would be jumping from one to another by now." Karana stated
"Never misjudge the drawing power of a pretty single woman with a child." Terri spoke behind them", Sometimes the added package adds to the allure."
"With the amount of kids he has already one more won't matter and hopefully this one may follow the way." Daria added
. Melissa and Terri shared a quick their puzzled expressions. Karana explained.
"The mothers of his children has so far not allowed him to teach them the way. He looks after them irregardless though, but I can see he chafes at the restrictions they place on him."
"Enough about your cousin, you should be looking around for yourself. " Daria chided gently.
"I am still young." Karana objected.
"I am not getting any younger here. I want more bu'ad and you have to start delivering." Daria said firmly
She pointed over to where Carth had been cornered by a pair of twins.
"See Marina's daughters know how to keep their mother happy, see how hard they are working."
Melissa tried to hide a snicker as she noted Carth's discomfort. She felt a slight slap to her shoulder
"And you have no excuse either, nor your girlfriend. And don't start with you are too young either" Daria espoused
"Daria, it is not a competition." Marina drily remarked
"You are only saying it because you are currently winning."
Melissa hurriedly looked for an escape, slightly starting to rise. Terri pulled her down into her seat arm across her shoulder blocking escape.
"She is right, Melissa it is never to early to plan for the future. So let us hear what are good traditional names to use for the little ones. Three each should be a good start I think."
"I like the way you think." Daria lifted her mug to Terri
Melissa tried to jump up again.
"Got to go check on the stock and find Mission before she dances on the tables again." She valiantly tried.
Karana added her arm to the restraint.
"No need Cousin. Annaka is watching the stock for you, with number five on the way she cannot drink, Canderous has been told to watch Mission tonight. Now I have always liked the name Sabine…"
The Hidden watchers kept their vigil up as they observed the festivities dying down in the early morning, the night echoeing with the traditional mandalorian folk songs.
" Looks like the bosses were worried for nothing." One spoke.
"Till they leave, we have reason for worry." A voice spoke behind them
Three armoured figures appeared behind the watchers, their armour was black and red, easily mixing into the night.