Chapter Thirteen:
Leia stood once more before the Senate, her pod activated so that she was out in the atrium, and not along the wall. Han once more stood beside the entrance to her pod, and Leia was grateful for his support in this matter, regardless of which way it went. In the center of the room stood Mon Mothma, who was the current Chief of State.
"Senator Organa-Solo." Mon Mothma addressed Leia formally, and Leia looked to her mentor and long-time friend. "I am pleased to inform you that the Senate has discussed your recent proposal, and has almost unanimously voted in favor of it. Also, we received word from many of the governments outside our borders, who wish to form temporary alliances to offer their aid as well. They all agree with your wise reading of the situation, and are sending liaisons to help with the planning phase."
Leia smiled happily, bowing her head. "I thank you all!"
"It has been decided that a committee will be set up, comprising of seven members of the Senate, Admiral Ackbar, and all the liaisons from our friends who are on their way. This committee will only be in effect while the war commences, and will oversee the decision making on what the course of action will be, as well as the punishment you suggested for those who return to the Republic on their own." Mon gestured to Leia now. "And you will be the head of this committee, since this proposal is yours."
Leia bowed low. "I understand, thank you again."
"The seven senators have been selected," Mon said, "and notice has been sent to the liaisons enroute that a meeting is already scheduled for the end of the week. This will give everyone plenty of time to arrive."
Leia breathed a deep sigh of relief, even as she was dismissed. When she got to Han, he was grinning widely and he swept her up into a huge hug.
"Way to go Princess!" Han congratulated her. "I knew they'd see things your way!"
Leia laughed, sharing in his enthusiasm. "I almost can't believe it!"
Han snorted as they once more made to leave, their work here done for the day. "I sure can. You're brilliant Leia. You were one of the most influential leaders in the Rebel Alliance, and I don't think anyone has forgotten that."
Leia allowed Han to pilot them home, and she turned to him. "Thank you for all of your support as well, Han."
He reached across the seat to take her hand gently, and Leia noted that it as her prosthetic one. Recalling how she had lost the real hand made her blanch, but she had survived thanks to the combined efforts of her husband and friends that day. And, of course, the medics.
"Honey, I am always on your side." Han promised fervently.
Leia squeezed his fingers lovingly in return. "I know."
00000
Hobbie was just starting in on his latest meal, with Arthalinea sitting at his side when the Twilek girl stiffened with a gasp. Swift as lightning, she was on her feet and racing for the door of his cell. Hobbie stared at her in alarm, and just as his door shut, a small collection of people entered the dungeon.
A Togruta teenager that looked Ignis' age strode a few paces ahead of three other people. Two guards escorted an auburn-haired young woman inside. She was dirty and tired, and there was an alarming dribble dried of blood on her neck. She was bound at the wrists, but walked calmly behind the Togruta.
The Togruta glanced at Arthalinea as they passed, who now stood in a manner as to appear like she was simply doing her job.
"What are you doing down here?" the Togruta demanded.
"I just brought this prisoner his meal," Arthalinea replied, her voice a mixture of nerves and determination.
The Togruta spared Hobbie a glance, and then narrowed her eyes. "Is that the guy that tried to trick Tsu Mada?"
Arthalinea nodded. "That's him."
"Has the good Doctor gotten anything from him?"
"You'll have to ask him, Kida," Arthalinea replied, "he doesn't share anything with me."
At that moment, the Kaminoian in question appeared. "Ah, Acolyte Kida, how lovely to see you."
Kida folded her arms across her chest. "Cut the pleasantries, Tsu. What have you gotten from this man?"
Tsu hesitated. "Not much, I am afraid. He has proven rather… resilient."
"Oh really?" Kida looked to Hobbie in a calculating way. "Well, perhaps it's time to change up your tactics, Doctor. Do not forget that while you are here, under Vexa's asylum, you are also supposed to be working on her other projects."
"I have not forgotten," Tsu assured her. "I have in fact made substantial progress, if she would like a report, I can put one together."
"You do that," Kida said, "and send it to her directly. She would love to know how your time here is being spent. Also, the new arrival is not yours to toy with, so leave her alone."
The Togruta's cold gaze returned to Hobbie, and despite his being older, he felt a shiver run down his spine. "As for this guy… I think you should probably try harsher techniques. And if you can't break him, perhaps it should be left to Lady Wran. She doesn't like those who use her name for their own benefit."
Hobbie narrowed his eyes in her direction, but didn't speak. Tsu dipped his head after shooting Hobbie a glare, and then left. Kida dismissed the guards, who had deposited the newcomer into her cell, unbound her wrists and locked the door.
"Enjoy your stay," Kida said with a sickly-sweet smile. "Maybe if you behave, we can go shopping a bit more."
The auburn-haired girl gave the Togruta a stony look. "Where is Ignis?"
Kida snorted. "Well out of your reach, I assure you, physically, and otherwise." She paused, and then cocked her hip out in a nonchalant manner. "I am curious, however, what you had planned to do if you had actually caught up with Ignis. He isn't exactly himself right now, and whether he meets friend or foe, if Vexa wants that person dead, he kills them." Kida smiled predatorially. "Even you."
The auburn-haired girl clenched her fists. "I could reach him."
Kida offered a deriding look. "It's cute that you think so. Seriously though, what as your plan if you had caught Ignis? As soon as Vexa would have realized where he was, she would have turned him on you, and you would now be dead… and he would be a wreck, even if he is trying to pretend that he doesn't care."
The human girl cocked her head. "What does that mean?"
Kida considered, then shrugged. "Like I said, he isn't himself anymore… in more ways than one."
The human stepped forward. "What if I learned to be an acolyte too?"
Kida threw her head back and belted out loud peals of laughter. The other girl glared as Kida did so, until Kida finally sobered enough to speak. "Hah! You, an acolyte! Please!"
The human didn't rescind her statement, and Kida wiped all humor from her face. "You couldn't last against me out there, and you want to put yourself into that life, just for the chance to be near Ignis? You're an even bigger idiot than I had thought."
"I am not as weak as you take me for," the other gritted.
Kida waved a hand. "I don't care. See you sometime in the future… perhaps. I'm not sure what Vexa's got planned for you, actually."
Kida turned to leave, and once more glanced at Arthalinea, the condescension clear to Hobbie. "Why are you still here?"
"I was waiting to see if I am to take care of her now too," Arthalinea replied softly.
Kida straightened. "You might as well. It's not like you're good for anything else."
Hobbie bristled, even as Arthalinea flinched, but Hobbie knew that for him to speak on Arthalinea's behalf right now would not help.
Still, as Kida walked off, Arthalinea followed doggedly. "Kida, I know I'm not a very good acolyte, but am trying so hard to make Vexa proud of me! What can I do to be better?"
Kida stopped once more, laying an acidic glare on the younger girl, who cowered slightly. "You want to impress our master? Try growing a backbone! You are completely worthless, Arthalinea! If Ignis hadn't held your hand all these years, you would never have made it past year one. I don't know why she keeps you, though I suppose someone needs to guard prisoners that don't actually need guarding. Perhaps you can do that one thing well."
"Leave her alone, Kida!" the auburn-haired girl growled. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"
Kida barely spared the other teenager a glance. "I will do what I want, so long as Vexa is in charge. She doesn't care, because I am utterly loyal to Vexa," she sneered down at the Twilek girl, "and dependable."
With that, Kida left, and Arthalinea stood where she was for long minutes in utter silence. But the slump of her shoulders was telling, and Hobbie's heart went out to her.
"Arthalinea, don't you listen to what she said."
Arthalinea shook her head, her small lekku waving as she did so. "No… she's right. I'm not worth anything, and I only made it this far because of Ignis' help."
The auburn-haired girl spoke softly. "For what it's worth, I understand feeling worthless."
Arthalinea turned in surprise, and only then did Hobbie see the tears on her face. "You… you do?"
The older girl nodded. "I was kidnapped at the age of seven, and sold into slavery after they had conditioned me to their liking." The redhead smiled gently. "I also share a story about Ignis similar to yours. He finally made me feel human again. He got me to believe that I am worthwhile."
Hobbie gazed at the newcomer, hearing something in her voice as she spoke of Ignis, and seeing the telling look in her green eyes. And as the other went on, Hobbie felt a light click on within his mind.
"If it wasn't for Ignis… I would not be here either." The girl finished, reaching for the front bars of her cell.
Too late, Hobbie and Arthalinea both shouted a warning. The newcomer's hands wrapped around two bars, and then she was screaming in agony, jerking until Arthalinea used the Force to shove the girl away from the electrical bars.
The new girl lay twitching, and Arthalinea flew into her cell to check her pulse. Then the Twilek relaxed.
"She's alive. Badly hurt, but alive." Arthalinea wiped at her face. "See, this just proves it: she's been here less than ten minutes, and already I failed to do my job. Vexa likely wants this girl unharmed, and she's been electrocuted already!"
Sudden fear lit the girl's eyes, and she began to breathe erratically. "Vexa will p-punish me for this!"
Hobbie scooted to his side-wall of bars, these ones not electrical. "Hey, it's going to be alright. Arthalinea, look at me."
The girl did look to him, her eyes wide and terrified.
"Who knows when Vexa will come for this girl? I'm sure she'd have plenty of time to heal before then, so Vexa might never know about this incident."
Arthalinea considered that, and then took a calming breath. "You're right, but I need to go now."
She stood and left the cell, locking the door behind her. Hobbie's gaze followed her, his heart going out to her after the rotten way in which Kida had treated the girl. It made Hobbie angry on Arthalinea's behalf.
When she was good and gone, Hobbie gazed at the new girl, taking in the medium-length auburn hair, and her fair complexion. Judging from the minimal amount of time he'd been near her, Hobbie surmised that while the girl before him was kind, she was also a spitfire when need be.
Was this the young lady that Ignis had referred to when he and the boy had talked on Coruscant?
Hobbie thought it was very likely, and if so, he would do what he could to help this girl now too, for Ignis' sake.
00000
When their ship touched down, it was evening on Coruscant. Shmi breathed a sigh that was equal parts relief and nerves. They had not commed home, though Luke had assured Shmi that her mother was well aware of their arrival, and waiting patiently.
Shmi felt the weight of her lightsaber on her belt, grateful it was there once more. Luke had found it at the edge of the cliff Shmi had fallen down, and had returned it to her enroute to Coruscant.
Luke took the time to move his X-wing off the hull and once both vessels were cooled down, and sealed, the duo made their way home, Artoo in tow.
"I have to admit that I'm a little nervous," Shmi said as the lift took them to their floor. "I left in secret, and then ignored everyone for weeks…"
Luke wrapped a supportive arm around her shoulders. "It will be alright, Sweetie. Trust me."
Shmi did trust her father, and she smiled at him, grateful for his support. They left the turbolift once the doors opened, and Luke let go of his daughter to input the codes. Then the door was opening, and they strode through, Luke in front of Shmi.
"Daddy!" Emry Skywalker raced forward, a blur of strawberry-blonde curls and green eyes.
Luke laughed and stopped to open his arms, ready to receive his youngest daughter, who slammed into him and hugged him as tightly as she could manage. It wasn't long before a similar blur of red hair joined them, and suddenly both Ben and Emry were in their father's arms.
Emry was so overjoyed that she was weeping, and she would not relinquish her hold on Luke until Mara cleared her throat from behind her twin children.
Ben and Emry dutifully let go and turned to Shmi. To her delight, Emry and Ben were only happy, not angry, upon seeing her there.
"SHMI!" Emry squealed, jumping up and down for a second before she leapt to pull her older sister into a hug. "You're home too!"
Shmi laughed, her eyes misting at the pure love emanating from her sister. The two broke apart, and Ben took his twin's place, his eyes bright with joy.
"I'm glad you're home too, Shmi!" Ben said as he too embraced his sister.
The threesome turned when Kodai's laughter bubbled up from the direction of their parents. Luke was beaming at his youngest child, holding the babe in one arm and tickling his tummy with a finger. Kodai chortled happily, and Shmi abruptly realized that her brother was much bigger than he had been when she had left. Did babies really grow that fast?
Mara broke from her husband and youngest child to approach Shmi, her eyes bright with moisture. Shmi could no longer hold back her own tears, and she stepped into her mother's arms.
"Mom," Shmi whispered, "I'm so sorry I hurt you!"
Mara shook her head without lifting it. "No, Sweetheart, I am not angry. I admit I was hurt, but trust me when I say I understand. What matters is that you are safe, and home."
Shmi held the embrace for a long time, hearing Luke continued to play with Kodai, while Ben and Emry joined in from time to time.
Everyone stilled momentarily when Kodai opened his mouth and uttered one word. "Daa!"
Several surprised looks were shared, and then Luke chuckled, grinning at his son. "That's right, Daddy's home!"
Shmi and Mara rejoined Luke and the twins. With a pointed clearing of her throat, Shmi stepped up and held her arms out for Kodai.
"Does the oldest sister get a turn?"
Luke handed Kodai over, shared a whispered word and a kiss with Mara, and then helped with the bedtime routine. Soon all the young ones were in bed, and Kodai was fast asleep in a crib that had been brought to the girls' room for the evening.
Luke and Mara saw to their children, and when everyone was fast asleep, the two adults went to their own room. The privacy setting was on for their windows, which was good, because Luke wanted for nothing more than to spend tonight in his wife's embrace.
When the door was shut and locked, Luke turned to Mara, their eyes met… and then Mara was in his arms. Luke held her close, breathing in her scent; feeling her red-gold hair tickle his nose, and reveling in her warm body pressed to his.
"I missed you so much, Mara," Luke breathed.
"I missed you too." Mara pulled back and caressed his face, then moved in for a kiss. Luke's embrace shifted to pull her closer as their lips met.
His heart burst with joy at having his wife in his arms again, and he showered her with several deep, passionate kisses. Mara made a small noise, and something built between them. Mara was the first to react, reaching up to undo his shirt for him.
Luke did nothing to resist, and when his shirt lay on the floor, he tugged at the hem of her blouse. When it came free of her trousers, his hands slipped underneath, running over the smooth skin of her back. Mara quivered beneath her husband's touch.
After a moment, he removed the shirt, and pulled her close once more. Soon the remainder of their clothes were shed, and Luke picked his wife up, carrying Mara to their bed and laying her down.
He hovered over Mara for a moment, simply gazing at her and admiring her ethereal beauty anew after so long apart.
"You… are so beautiful, Mara," Luke murmured, caressing her face tenderly with his fingertips.
He allowed his fingers to then trail down her chin, neck, and down the center of her chest. He followed the trail of his fingers with his lips, rejoicing in the chance to truly love his beloved. He took his time, ensuring that she understood how much he had missed her, and that he still loved her endlessly. He explored her with lips and fingertips, reacquainting himself with her every curve.
Mara lay and let him explore, though eventually she started her own explorations, and he shivered with pleasure under her touch. When neither could hold back any longer, their lips met again, their embrace growing more fevered.
Uncaring of the passage of time, husband and wife lost themselves completely in each other.
Sometime later, they lay in the aftermath of loving; somewhat weary, but content. Mara lay against his side, her head snuggled on his shoulder.
"You should speak with Emry and Ben one-on-one tomorrow." Mara told him quietly. "Emry needs to hear you tell her that you're proud of her for standing up to the bullies. And Ben… he just needs your fatherly love right now."
"I am proud of Emry." Luke affirmed before he frowned in concern. "Did something happen with Ben too?"
Mara sighed. "Yes. He…" Mara paused to collect her emotions. "Vexa tricked him into watching… horrid videos of Ignis. It was really bad there for a while, Luke, before I figured out what was really going on. At first, I thought he was just sick, but then he started acting strangely, and I began putting some dots together. Finally, I caught him when he was in the midst of a vision."
Luke didn't bother to contain his shock. "What kind of videos? And a vision?"
"Let's just say it wasn't anything a ten-year-old should be seeing." Mara's voice was hard, and Luke sensed how upset she was with Vexa. "I haven't watched the videos myself, and he wouldn't say anything about the vision to me. But… I did catch a short glimpse of the last one he watched. It was horrible, Luke."
"I'll be sure to speak with them both," Luke promised softly, his own emotions starting to mix themselves up. But eventually he decided that he didn't want to ruin this reunion with his wife with anger and resentment. So, he pushed those away, turning his attention back to his beloved.
Mara also relaxed again, running her fingers over the hard planes of Luke's chest. He smiled ever-so-softly at her touch, enjoying it to the fullest.
"Shmi seems… different," Mara murmured.
"She does," Luke replied evenly, "but not in a bad way. I think she understands that what she and Anya did wasn't the best way to go about it."
"I agree," Mara said, "she seems more mature now."
"Yes, though Anya's capture was a real blow to her."
Mara stiffened, and she propped herself up on an elbow so she could look at him more directly. "Anya was captured?"
Luke nodded seriously. "Just before I arrived at Omwat. I was too late to help her." He closed his eyes for a moment, and then added. "I was almost too late to get to Shmi as well."
Mara gasped, and Luke told her everything he knew about the Omwat situation. When he was done, Mara closed her eyes.
"What will Vexa do with Anya? Especially when she realizes what Anya means to Ignis?"
Luke's heart clenched. "I don't know, but I do know that we are getting both her, and Ignis back."
Mara's gaze hardened with determination. "Yes, we are." Then she bit her lip. "Are you aware of Hobbie's similar situation?"
Luke stared at her. "What's this now?"
Mara blew out a breath. "That's what I thought. Luke… Hobbie is also missing."
Luke blinked. "Was he captured in battle?"
"Not quite," Mara corrected, "he went to help Han and company try to get more solid information from Tsu Mada about Ignis' squid removal. Apparently, Han wasn't satisfied with the information they'd already received."
Luke felt a stab of fear for his friend. "So, what happened to Hobbie?"
"Tsu has him, and we think the doctor took asylum with Vexa, though we don't know where. But… I think Han might have an idea on that. He came by yesterday to see if I knew when you'd be home, and told me that he was fairly certain he had a good lead."
Luke nodded slowly. "Of course I'll help."
Mara gave him a look. "We will."
Luke caressed her face, placed his hand at the back of her head, and gently pulled her in for another kiss. "Of course, Love. We will."
Mara hummed against his lips, and pulled at him to lay partially atop her. She wanted to feel his weight against her. Luke obliged his wife's unspoken request, and he traced indistinct patterns along her skin as he gazed upon her with open love.
She trembled, and closed her eyes to enjoy his ministrations. The passion began to build again, and when Mara gathered him closer still to her, they again lost themselves in each other.
00000
Wedge led the way to the Solo suite, Wes only a half-step behind him. It had taken them longer than normal to reach Coruscant because they had made a detour. They had hoped to get more information from one of their contacts, but had ultimately left in disappointment.
Now, they were nearly to the door when the turbolift opened behind them, and the two pilots glanced back out of curiosity. Both stopped in surprised when Luke and Mara Skywalker exited the lift, with Kodai on Mara's arm and Artoo in tow.
"Luke!" Wes greeted warmly.
The Jedi Master's gaze shot up from something in his grasp, and he smiled. "Wes! Wedge!"
The three converged and exchanged brotherly hugs and claps on the back.
"What are you doing here?" Wedge asked, even as he also greeted Mara.
"I was just coming to talk with Han," Luke replied, sobering. "Mara just told me about Hobbie last night."
Wes ran a hand over his hair. "We don't have a lot of details ourselves, but we came to help Han get Hobbie back."
"As did I." Luke promised, and the foursome moved to the Solos' front door.
It opened to reveal Han, who waved them through with a look of relief. However, when he laid eyes on his brother-in-law, Han grinned widely.
"Luke, you're back!"
Luke accepted Han's embrace, and then turned to find Leia hustling toward him also. Luke smiled and greeted his twin warmly.
"I missed you guys." Luke admitted. "Shmi and I just got home last night."
The Rogues and Han exchanged looks. "So, you found her then?"
Luke nodded. "Yes, and she's safely home." His face fell slightly. "However, Anya wasn't so fortunate."
"Who's Anya?" Wes asked, confused.
"The young woman that Ignis cares deeply about," Luke answered softly. "And I would like to share with you all that I discovered the truth. Ignis is my son."
Several shocked faces turned to him, and Luke smiled slightly. "Long story short, Ignis was stolen from me. Please don't ask for details right now."
The group pondered his reveal for a moment, though to his relief, nobody challenged him. Only then did Luke see that there were others in the sitting area. Lando, Chewbacca and Lumpawaroo all waited, though they now stood and came forward to make their own greetings of the new arrivals.
Once everyone was done, Han indicated that everyone should take a seat. "Thank you all for coming. First, I want to apologize for being the cause of Hobbie getting captured."
Wedge and Wes shared a look.
"Han it wasn't your fault." Wedge assured him. "Hobbie went of his own choice, and he knew the risks."
"Yeah," Han rebuffed, "but the whole trip was my idea."
"Was it a waste?" Wes asked bluntly.
Han gave him a shocked look, but shook his head. "No, I don't think it was."
"Then Hobbie's capture wasn't for nothing." Wes declared fervently.
"Did you learn something more about the squid?" Luke inquired.
"Well, that's the thing," Han said, rubbing the back of his neck, "Hobbie was recording everything, but we don't know where his datapad went."
Lumpy raised a furred paw. [What if Hobbie wasn't just recording?]
The others looked to him, but it was Han that spoke.
"What are you getting at?"
[What if Hobbie was also transmitting? He's smart, and he knew he might get caught. What if he made sure we would find what he learned from Tsu that day?]
Lando stood. "When I was going through Hobbie's ship to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything, I thought I heard something. But when I looked around, I couldn't find anything amiss." He frowned. "What if I heard the transmission alert, saying a message had been fully received?"
Han placed his hand to his chin. "Can you two go to the ship and see if you can't figure out if there is a transmission?"
Lumpy stood, as did Lando.
"We will be back shortly." Lando promised.
"I'll send Artoo to help you guys, if you want." Luke offered.
"Yeah, that'd be great," Lando replied.
Luke's astromech wheeled forward, and then Lando and Lumpy left with a promise to return shortly.
When they were gone, Han turned to the others. "I do have an idea of where Hobbie and Tsu could be."
Everyone straightened, ready to hear what Han had to say. Han offered Luke a pointed look, and then spoke.
"On our trip out to Bespin before the battle, Ignis spoke with me, and then later he left a pair of drawings for me." Han pulled out one of them. "The first was of the squid, and then there's this one."
He showed them all the castle drawing, and Luke felt something niggle at him.
"You'll see the 'BP' in the corner here," Han went on, indicating said letters, "and I did some digging while the kid was still with Luke's family. But I didn't really think much else of it, because he was acting fine. But lately, I have thought more and more, and I think… it could be Boz Pity that these letters mean."
Luke straightened, his memory finally clicking into place. Mara gave him a searching look, sensing his thoughts.
"Have you ever been to Boz Pity?" Ignis suddenly spouted, hurriedly, as if he was in a verbal race.
Luke shook his head. "No, I can't say that I have."
"There are a lot of interesting things to see there." Ignis finished before he stood and walked swiftly to his cabin.
"I think you're right Han," Luke murmured, coming back to the present. "When we were coming home from Bespin the first time, Ignis asked me if I had ever been to that planet. What was really odd was the way he was asking it. He was speaking so swiftly, that I almost couldn't understand him. Like he was desperate to get it out."
Han was gazing at Luke in surprise. "You don't suppose he was trying to tell us…"
"Where Vexa calls home?" Luke finished softly. "I think he very well could have been. But as usual, he couldn't come right out and say it, thanks to his limitations."
Han suddenly grinned. "But leave it to that kid to find a way to drop a major hint anyway!"
Wes and Wedge shared a look, and then smiled. Both of them had also really liked Ignis, and now they agreed that he was definitely one of a kind.
"So… does this mean we are going to Boz Pity then?" Wes asked hopefully.
"May I see the drawing, Han?" Luke held out a hand, and Han obliged. Luke studied the image, taking in the cliffs, and far in the distance behind those cliffs were what looked like waves. "This castle appears to be on a coastline."
Han frowned, coming forward. "How do you figure?"
Luke pointed out his find, which was admittedly hard to notice. "These look like distant whitecaps."
Han hummed. "Well, that will substantially narrow down the search parameters. I've been looking on my own, but it's been painstakingly slow."
"When Artoo returns, we can have him look over all the maps we have on Boz Pity," Mara suggested.
"Let's do that," Han agreed.
"Why don't we wait and see what Lumpy and Lando can dig up?" Wedge commented. "It would be nice to know we are going to the right place, after all."
Mara pursed her lips. "I could show this to Samanda, and get her reaction on it."
Wedge looked to Mara. "Have you gotten close to her after all, then? I know you've been working with her."
Mara inclined her head. "I've made substantial progress, but she's still holding some things back. She's still so afraid of Vexa."
Luke ran a hand over his chin. "I don't think we can really blame her, after what we have learned about Vexa's use of children."
There was a moment of heavy silence, and then the group chose to wait for their two companions.
00000
She was meditating like Mara had shown her to do, because for some reason Samanda was utterly restless today. She had thought that perhaps if she attempted to meditate, she could find some peace. However, upon brushing against a presence not that far away, Samanda stiffened.
Utterly shocked, Samanda paused and carefully probed the presence again to be certain. But no, she wasn't seeing things.
Katu was on Coruscant. Specifically, he was inside the Jedi Temple! Now she understood why she'd been so restless. If Katu had somehow spotted her…
Samanda let out a small gasp when Katu suddenly became aware that he was being probed, and he began to investigate. She swiftly withdrew from him, but he was much more experienced than she, and faster on the draw.
He spied her and his sense lit with disbelief. Samanda broke from the connection before he could fully locate her, and yet, he continued to probe at her. Samanda's breathing became erratic as she realized the implications of this.
Katu would undoubtedly report Samanda to Vexa… and Vexa would be furious! Utter terror seized Samanda and she leapt to her feet, pacing a rut into the floor. She should alert Mara to Katu's presence.
Samand paused, something striking her. What was Katu doing on Coruscant, let alone in the Jedi Temple? Samanda knew that Katu was good for one thing above all others… and she sucked in a breath.
Katu was going to bomb the Jedi Temple!
But Katu was also going to expose Samanda! And then Vexa would come for the Zabrack teen!
Torn, Samanda continued to pace until she panicked. She would have to take care of Katu, and hopefully that only meant she would have to capture him. But how to get out? She knew her guards would never let her out, no matter her claims. And for them to use their chain of command tactics would mean it would be too late.
Katu was already in the Jedi Temple, which meant that the building's time was limited. Who knew when Katu would blow the place? And with all those children inside too…
Samanda weighed her options, knowing she could not leave through the vents, as those had been secured. There was only one door in and out… and all the windows were likewise sealed.
Think Samanda, you have training for this…
Samanda went to the windows, and studied the terrain. Only one window had any viable escape options, though the prosect of what she'd have to do frightened her. She had not yet gone through the extreme-falls training that Ignis and the oldest acolytes had. So, if she miscalculated… she would most surely die.
But terror of Vexa's wrath drove her to action. Samanda swept into her room to throw on her boots, and to remove the robe she'd been wearing. She then went to her kitchen and selected the only knife she was allowed, and it wasn't very sharp. But it was a weapon.
Once ready, Samanda went to the window, selected one of the heavy barstools, and hurled it at the window with as much force as she could muster, using her Force abilities to enhance its speed.
To her relief, it smashed through, leaving a jagged hole wide enough for her to slip through. Below several meters was a sporadic line of speeders. She heard an alarm ringing behind her, but ignored it, even as the door opened.
Samanda spied the next vehicle and— with heart pounding forcefully— she dropped from her window. She screamed in terror as she plummeted… and then she slammed into the vehicle with enough force to knock the wind from her. But she had enough presence of mind to understand that she was slipping… and she swiftly got a hand-hold, clinging to the speeder until it took her over a pedestrian walkway.
She let go, and this time tuck-and-rolled to land. It was far less painful, and she leapt to her feet, caught her breath and then sprinted away.
It wasn't long before she sensed the security in her building working to locate her, but she put that aside, knowing that she needed to focus. When she had enough of a lead, Samanda swiped a coat from someone's chair and put it on to change her look. Then she slowed her pace so conserve energy, and made her steady way to the Jedi Temple.
She breathed a sigh when the building came into view, and she allowed herself a moment to truly appreciate the beauty if it's architecture. But the knowledge of what was about to happen there kicked her into acolyte-mode.
Samanda suspected that the Jedi Temple would have been alerted to her escape by now, but would they expect her to walk into the Academy?
No; they probably thought she was making a run for it… off-world. Well, that would work in her favor. Samanda approached near the front doors, noting that nobody looked especially alarmed yet.
She would have to risk it. Grateful that her swiped coat had a hood, she lifted it and walked like she belonged at the Jedi Temple. The guards stationed there were huddled about a communications station. Holding her breath, Samanda picked up her pace and walked… and only let out the air when she was inside unscathed.
Now she needed to locate Katu. But she could not confront him without a lightsaber. Her knife had been to help her get to this location, but would be torn to shreds by the other acolyte's lightsaber.
Samanda hid herself in a corner, eyeing the people that walked by. Finally, an older student with a pair of friends walked by, a lightsaber dangling from her hip. Samanda moved from the shadows and drew close to the girls. When she got close enough, Samanda prepared herself… and then bumped into the girl with the lightsaber.
"Oh my!" Samanda exclaimed, reaching out with one hand to steady the girl, while the other deftly lifted the lightsaber from her belt. "I'm sorry!"
"It's alright, just be more careful," the student replied, offering an odd look. "You don't seem familiar. Are you new?"
"Yeah," Samanda said, her confiscated weapon out of view under her coat. "I was trying to locate the animal rooms; my schedule says my next class is there."
"Oh, well you want to go down those stairs past the front entrance." The student gestured.
Samanda smiled. "Thank you!"
Without waiting for a reply, Samanda hurried off like she was going to be late for her class. It was fortunate that she was heading down, because she thought that Katu would be placing his explosives at the base of the building. She wasn't a demolitions expert, but Samanda knew that to take out a large object, you went for the support structure.
She made her way to the basement, and soon she was there. Withdrawing the hilt of her borrowed weapon, Samanda crept along. All her senses were alert, and she drew on her training to not let her panic overtake her again. But the fear was strong, and she was having a difficult time tamping it down.
About halfway into the basement area, a familiar voice spoke from the deep shadows.
"You know, you look pretty good for a dead person."
Samanda whirled, only seeing Katu's eyes because they glinted in the low lighting. He was larger than she recalled, but then, he being a Whiphid, he had always been robust. And very physically strong.
"Why are you here?" Samanda demanded.
"I could ask you the same thing." Katu retorted. "Why would someone who is supposed to be deceased be on Coruscant instead? Very suspicious…"
Samanda knew he had figured out her trickery, and she swallowed heavily. "What are you going to do?"
"I know someone who would very much like to know that her supposedly-gone acolyte has instead been alive this whole time…" Katu leaned forward menacingly, "and probably feeding intelligence to the enemy."
Samanda lit her blade, unable to stand it any longer. "So what if I have?"
Her voice trembled, as did she, but she did not let that stop her.
Katu looked to her weapon— one with a yellow blade— and snorted derisively. "You never were the strongest with a lightsaber. If I recall correctly, your scores were mediocre at best."
Samanda struck at him, and he deflected her attack. "I'll take my chances. You will not take me back to her!"
Katu glared. "You traitor! If I don't kill you, you'll wish I had when Vexa gets you back!"
"NO!" Samanda screamed, moving in to attack.
Little did she know that the student had realized Samanda's trick, and reported her stolen lightsaber to the nearest guards. Or when said student felt the Dark Side so close by.
00000
Luke was sitting with the others— catching up after his long journey— when the Force rippled, and he straightened. Mara did likewise, and they shared a look, both sensing the Dark Side being actively used close by.
Just then, Mara's comlink sounded for attention, and she answered it immediately. Luke, meanwhile, contacted the Temple, even as he got to his feet.
Leia approached Luke, who now held his baby boy. "I sense it too. Luke, let me watch Kodai."
Luke handed his son over with a word of thanks, and then went back to his comlink. "Yes, this is Master Skywalker, I returned last night. What is going on?"
"Master Skywalker, one of the students reports that a tan-skinned Zabrack teen stole her lightsaber. And now this student says she can sense the Dark Side in the Temple!"
Mara, who overheard, swore softly and spoke into her own comlink, then hung up and motioned Luke to follow her.
"Mara and I are on our way. Put all teachers on alert, and start moving all students to the safe areas." Luke signed off and the two Jedi raced from the Solo home.
"It's got to be Samanda," Mara informed Luke when they got to their speeder and flew off at top speed. "That was her guard at the apartment she's been using. She apparently escaped through a broken window."
Luke frowned. "Why would she escape just to go to the Jedi Temple?"
"I don't know, but it might have something to do with the Dark Side at the Academy." Mara remarked sagely.
Luke had to agree, and he felt determination harden his resolve: nobody was going to harm his students!
00000
Shmi also sensed the disturbance, but instead of following the other students, Shmi turned and ran toward the danger.
Shmi ignored anyone who tried to stop her, and made her way to where she felt the disturbance. She found that Master Porro had also come to investigate, and he looked to her with minimal surprise.
"Miss Skywalker, you really should be with the other students." He chided her.
"I want to help." Shmi informed him.
"It would be a greater help for you to protect the students," he replied sternly, "should the menace break free of the basement."
Shmi hesitated, looking to him. As much as she hated to admit it, he was correct. With a sigh, Shmi turned to go back, though she did perk up some when she sensed that Luke and Mara were enroute.
When she got to the gathering of students, Shmi located her siblings.
"Shmi, what's going on?" Emry asked, Ben at her side.
"I don't know, but Mom and Dad will arrive soon."
Ben nodded. "I can feel them."
"Then everything will be okay." Emry declared.
Shmi hoped she was right, and she positioned herself between the door and the other students, noting other older students doing likewise.
00000
Samanda struck high, then low, driving Katu about the cavernous basement area. She thought she was gaining the upper hand, and she figured she had him cornered… until it dawned on her that he was only letting her push him around.
Katu was by far the better duelist of the two of them, and he could have taken her out at any time. So why hadn't he?
"What are you playing at?" She demanded.
"What do you mean?" he asked innocently. "You're doing such a fine job."
Samanda knew he was toying with her; she just didn't know why. "You wouldn't blow the building while you were still inside it."
He snorted. "No, but there are more ways than one to leave this room."
Samanda understood then: he was allowing her to back him to his exfil point. "I won't let you leave!"
Katu's humor evaporated. "And what are you going to do to stop me?"
"She isn't alone."
Startled, both acolytes turned to find an elderly Cosian man standing there, gazing calmly at Katu.
The Whiphid snorted mockingly. "Get out of here old man."
Samanda did not know who this was, but she was already engaged in a battle with Katu, so she paid the Cosian little mind. Especially when Katu abruptly went on the offensive, and drove in at her with a series of powerful blows.
His sheer greater physical strength made his strikes all the harder to block, and Samanda felt them all the way up her arms. They trembled with the force of his attacks, and she was driven mercilessly back through the room, far from the Cosian and into a wall on the other side to the hall.
Samanda felt more fear, and she cried out when Katu knocked her lightsaber from her grasp. He then lifted a hand and snatched her wrist. "You're coming back with me whether you want to or not! You have a lot to atone for. Oh, and I'm sure Jayce would love some revenge too, since he took the brunt of Vexa's anger at your supposed death."
Samanda struggled against him as he again made to take his exit, and at one point he grew tired of this and turned about, slamming a fist into her head. Samanda saw stars, her hearing going out as it was replaced with an intense ringing.
She stumbled to her knees, reeling from his blow.
He said something else, but she couldn't make it out. Then a blue lightsaber was descending on Katu, and he released Samanda to block it. Samanda saw the Cosian now fighting, and was shocked at how the elder man was surprisingly agile for his age.
But Samanda feared that Katu would overpower the elderly Jedi too. She watched as the Cosian and Katu fought, and when Samanda sensed a pair of strong Force presences arrive at the Temple, Samanda realized that the Cosian was stalling for time.
00000
They flew about the room, and Katu admitted that despite the other's age, he was holding his own very well. But Katu also noted the man's flagging energy.
This amused him, and he laughed at the Cosian. "How do you think you will best me? Look at you, your arms are shaking, and you can barely walk without your cane!"
The ancient Jedi Master only smiled serenely. "My ally is the Force, young Whiphid. I need nothing else, even in death."
Katu rolled his eyes. "How quaint. Very well then, I'll grant the wish of death."
Katu increased his efforts, pounding his lightsaber down on the elder man's until the Cosian's lightsaber was almost at his own face. Katu grinned, locked blades with the Cosian and lifted a hand. Using the Dark Side, Katu began choking the Cosian.
The Cosian gagged, but otherwise did not panic. Katu saw only acceptance in the other's gaze, though he did look to Samanda with pity. Samanda leapt to her feet and charged forward with the obvious intent to help, but Katu wasn't about to let her succeed.
Tiring of how long it was taking to kill the Jedi Master, Katu stabbed the being in the middle and then sliced outward, cutting him in half.
As the Cosian's body fell to the ground, Katu turned on Samanda and let out a short burst of Sith Lightning. He had been trying to master the technique, and while he wasn't very good at it, he could manage enough to stun others. He grinned happily when Samanda was struck in the chest and screamed, dropping to the ground as her body smoked.
Then two more lightsabers lit nearby, and Katu felt a pair of strong Force presences.
"Put the lightsaber down!" Luke Skywalker commanded; his gaze as hard as ice.
Katu growled. "Not a chance, Jedi! I'll take you on too!"
"He's set up…" Samanda tried to warn them in a raspy voice.
"Shut up!" Katu snapped, spinning and using the Force to hurl Samanda into the nearest pillar, where she collided with it and went limp. Katu was gratified to hear something in Samanda crack loudly.
The red-haired woman glared murder at Katu, and he recognized Mara Jade Skywalker.
"You must be Katu." She gritted.
"It doesn't matter who I am, I will not to be taken alive!" He vowed, leaping at her. But he never got to her, because partway there, Katu was suddenly not moving toward Mara. He was instead jerked back and toward Luke. Katu was momentarily disoriented, but he managed to get his lightsaber up to protect himself as Luke lifted his own, emerald blade.
Katu rolled as he landed, catching Luke's strike and then rolling to get to his feet. Katu came in at Luke with the same ferocity as he had used on Samanda and the Cosian. He was counting on this man also being overpowered by Katu's brute strength, but to his dismay, Luke remained utterly calm and sure, his swordsmanship perfect, his confidence unwavering.
Katu unloaded everything he could on Luke, but no matter what he tried, Luke was always right there to block him. And the Jedi Master wasn't even breathing hard.
Katu realized his mistake— that he had greatly overestimated Luke Skywalker— and he began plotting how he would get out. His best option would be to blow the bombs, one at a time, and flee in the mayhem that followed.
Katu saw Mara checking on Samanda, and then she moved to join her husband. Katu reached into his pocket with one hand, and whipped out his detonator, though he kept it from view. But Luke did not miss the gesture. Instead, something else lit his gaze, and then he looked over Katu's shoulder.
Katu figured he was sharing a significant look with his wife, but the Whiphid did not care. He started to depress the trigger, using one of his folded fingers… but then his fingers wouldn't move.
He frowned in confusion, even as he attempted to continue to battle Luke. The Jedi Master was no longer looking at Mara, but he was gazing at Katu's fist. Then Luke's lip curled, and within the blink of an eye, Katu was no longer holding his lightsaber. No, it was in Luke's other hand, and both blades were held in an 'X' at Katu's neck.
Mara came into view, her hand up to show that it was she that held Katu immobile.
"You know, we never did figure out who set the explosives in the museum on Orinda." Luke's voice was deadly soft.
"Though when Samanda gave us all the information she had on each of her fellow acolytes," Mara added, "we thought we had more of a lead."
"Now we know for sure we were correct." Luke growled. "You were the one who bombed the museum. You killed all those innocent people…"
Mara deactivated her weapon, and struck Katu in the mouth with the hilt. "Our daughter was in that building!"
Katu tasted blood, spitting it out and making sure to aim for her boots. Mara didn't even flinch, her eyes promising him her full wrath. Katu did not fear her, for he had survived Vexa Wran all these years.
"You… don't scare me." Katu informed her. "You pale in comparison to Lady Wran."
"Where can we find your master?" Luke inquired, giving Katu an opportunity to confess. "And why were you trying to take out my students?"
Katu laughed. "Why keep the competition alive?"
Luke's eyes narrowed, but it was once again Mara who struck, this time hitting Katu's wrist with enough energy to make him open his fist… and drop the detonator. Katu knew he had failed, and yet he refused to spend the rest of his days in a New Republic prison.
Luke lowered his weapons and gestured for Katu to extend his arms so he could cuff him. Katu obeyed, though he readied himself to spring.
"You idiots, your time is coming to an end." Katu spat at Luke this time, and as Luke reached out for Katu's wrists, the acolyte whipped out a hidden weapon and dove in at Luke's chest.
But he never made it. He heard something whistle through the air, and the next thing he knew, he had a dagger in his heart.
Gasping in shock, Katu froze, looking down… before he slumped to the floor. Despite why he'd been there, Luke knelt beside the teen, offering a sympathetic look and placing a hand to Katu's shoulder.
"Tell us where to find Vexa. Where does she keep the children she steals?"
Katu smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know? Go… go to h-hell Jedi!"
Luke's lips thinned, but Katu ignored anything else the man said, until he knew no more.
When the Whiphid lay unmoving on the floor, Luke bowed his head, frustration bubbling inside him. Mara laid a hand on Luke's shoulder and he looked to her.
"You did your best, Luke," Mara said softly. "But Katu was one of those that Samanda warned us was openly loyal to Vexa."
"I know." Luke stood after closing Katu's eyes. "But why does she send children to die for her?"
"Because Vexa Wran is a coward!" Mara growled. "But trust me, her days are numbered."
Luke had to agree, though when his gaze landed upon the fallen Master Porro, his heart clenched. "No…"
Mara followed his gaze, and looked down. "He died a hero."
Luke knew she was right, but to see the Jedi Master of the Old Order like that was hard. Luke moved to the other's body and laid a hand on the man's head.
"Rest in peace, my friend," Luke murmured, "you are now one with the Force."
Luke felt Mara with Samanda, and let her tend to the girl. Luke called for a medic, and then started moving about the room, recalling why Katu had been down here. Luke spied the first bomb and studied it. But he didn't know how to diffuse these, so he would need help.
Lifting his comlink, Luke called for all the teachers to meet him in the animal area. He would order an evacuation of all occupants of the Temple before a squad was called in to rectify the bomb situation.
"Luke," Mara called. "I think Samanda's spine is shattered at the waist."
Luke flinched, coming to kneel at her side, and feeling the girls' abdomen and back for himself with gentle fingers. "I think you're right. Normally I wouldn't want to move her, but we can't ask a medical team to come down here with active explosives in the area."
"Can you levitate her?" Mara asked. "You're a much steadier hand."
Luke inclined his head, stood, and lifted the girl carefully, making sure that her body remained at the exact position it was in. Mara levitated the remains of Master Porro, and together they exited the basement.
"We'll be sure to give Master Porro a Jedi's funeral," Luke assured the fellow teachers when they saw their fallen comrade.
"I'll take him, Mara," another aging Jedi Master offered, one who had been close with the Cosian.
Mara relinquished her hold, and Porro was taken away by the other to be prepared. Luke would not release Samanda until a medical capsule arrived, along with a couple of guards. Luke took one of them aside and spoke with him, Mara joining them.
"Please do not press charges." Luke pled seriously. "Samanda saved the Jedi Temple just now."
"Sir, that is not my call, but I will pass along your request."
Luke nodded. "I understand, thank you."
Once Samanda and her escort were also gone, Luke turned to the remaining staff members. "We need to evacuate the Temple. There are explosives set in the basement, and before we attempt to diffuse them, I want the building cleared of all personnel. We have performed drills for evacuations before, so simply inform the students that this is a similar situation. They need to leave now."
Nobody argued with him, and Luke turned to Mara. "Would you please get the kids? We'll take them to Han and Leia's with us."
"You don't even have to ask," Mara replied, jogging away with purpose.
While she did that, Luke stayed at the front doors, and as the children appeared and began to file out of the Temple, Luke was there to offer reassurance. There was a building a few blocks away that had been set up as a refuge should something like this ever occur. Jedi Knights and Masters were staggered along the line of children, making sure that no more harm befell them enroute to their destination.
Sidara, the pink-furred Zygerrian girl, paused at Luke's side, looking worried. "Is… everything going to be okay, Master Skywalker?"
Luke bent to meet her at eyelevel. "I hope so, Sidara. Go, quickly, so we can take care of things here. This is a precaution, that's all."
Sidara nodded trustingly and followed her classmates. Mara was the last one to the door, their three older children in tow.
"That's everyone," Mara said. "I did a sweep in the Force, and found nobody."
Luke trusted his wife, and nodded. "Good. I'll make the call then."
00000
When the Skywalkers finally got back to the Solo residence, they were weary, the kids on edge from what had occurred. Though it was little Emry that was really concerning Luke. He noticed that ever since they had told their children what had occurred, she had slipped into a state of shock. Her eyes were glazed slightly, and her breathing was uneven.
Mara was likewise concerned, and the parents feared that she was having a relapse from her Orinda experience.
Ben and Shmi stood nearby as Luke set Emry on the couch. When Chewbacca and the others saw what was happening, they made room without fuss. Mara sat beside Emry, while Luke knelt in front of her.
"Emry, look at me, Sweetheart."
Emry didn't move, her eyes faraway. Luke gently patted her cheek, and finally Emry came-to, though her face scrunched in a familiar manner. She began to gasp fruitlessly for air, and Luke dug her inhaler out for her, holding it up to her mouth. Emry shakily took her medicine, and closed her eyes as it began to take effect.
When she opened them again, she leaned into Mara. "I… I was having flashbacks… of being buried in that rubble…"
Luke nodded slowly. "I know, Sweetie. It's alright. You're safe, though, so focus on that."
Emry nodded, and Luke took a seat on her other side, and it wasn't too long before Ben and Shmi also sat upon the couch. Luke explained the situation to the rest, noticing that Lando and Lumpy had returned.
Leia blanched. "I'm glad that the students are alright. But I am sorry about Master Porro."
Luke closed his eyes momentarily. "He will be missed."
Sensing that Luke and Mara did not want to dwell on it, Han cleared his throat. "Lumpy found the recording from Hobbie's datapad. We were right all along: Tsu withheld the full truth from us on getting the squid out of Ignis. And… Tsu confirmed that it's Boz Pty we are going to."
Luke nodded solemnly. "Mara and I are joining whoever goes."
When he looked to Leia, she held up a hand. "Yes, we will keep the children."
"Thank you," Mara murmured. "In light of what just happened, we should act swiftly before Vexa buttons up her hatches. If you know what I mean."
Wedge nodded in agreement. "She might get spooked and that won't be good."
"Or she will fly into another rage like with Galland." Wes bit out.
Mara cleared her throat to remind the adults that there were children present, and Wes blushed.
"Sorry."
Luke kissed Emry on the head and stood. "We will get the kids' things and meet you all back here." He paused. "Although, I would very much like to attend Master Porro's funeral."
Mara stood and took his hand. "We both would."
Han nodded. "We'll wait for you guys then. When is the funeral?"
"Tomorrow, once the explosives have all been removed."
"That will work, and it will give us time to get supplies." Han noted.
"Tomorrow evening, then?" Luke asked, looking about. When nobody objected, Luke inclined his head. "Alright then."
00000
Anya woke to a pounding headache and a searing agony in her palms. She didn't remember at first why she hurt, but when she came-to fully, it was to find the red-skinned Twilek girl waiting outside her cell.
"You're awake, good," the girl murmured, opening the door cautiously. "Don't try anything, okay?"
Anya was in too much pain to have done anything anyway, but she nodded carefully. The red-skinned girl knelt before Anya and offered her hand, which was closed about something. Anya looked from it to the girl, but sensed no ill-will, so she opened her palm.
When Anya saw the raw red burns, she gasped, only then recalling the electricity that had coursed through her.
"Ouch…" She groaned, realizing that her palms trembled. The burns throbbed like they were alive, and Anya focused on the items dropped into her palm, realizing they were powerful painkillers.
Without any hesitation, Anya popped them into her mouth, also taking the glass of water and downing it with the medicine.
"Thank you," Anya whispered on a hoarse throat.
The girl nodded, then set down a bowl of soup. "Your meal."
Anya looked to the girl. "Thank you for helping me."
Arthalinea— that was her name, Anya remembered now— only stood, wiping her hands on her trousers.
"For all the good it'll do."
Anya felt her heart go out to this girl. "Hey, it matters to me."
Arthalinea shook her head. "Kida was right, no matter what you both say: I'm useless."
"I don't think you are." Anya rebuffed gently. "You just have talents in other area from your peers."
Arthalinea closed her eyes. "I do… but I can't follow those dreams. I have to be an acolyte, because Vexa is my master, and she says it's so. And… I am not brave like the others. That's why I am still here." She gestured around as if that explained it.
Anya looked down. "I understand not feeling brave. But I am certain of one thing: you will find your courage when it matters most."
Arthalinea blinked her eyes open in surprise. "Are… you saying you believe in me?"
Anya nodded. "Yes."
"But… you barely know me!" Arthalinea protested.
"But I can see it in you," Anya murmured.
"How?"
"Because I see a lot of myself in you." Anya explained patiently. "I used to be just like you: I was in a similar situation and I know that moment, because I experienced it. You will too."
Arthalinea said nothing, gazed blankly for long moments before she stood and left the cell, closing it silently and walking slowly away.
The man in the cell beside Anya's scooted closer. "Thank you for that."
Anya gazed at him curiously. "Who are you? Why are you in here?"
He sighed wearily, and she noticed that he had new marks on him. Apparently, he had been to see the Kaminoian like Kida had suggested. The poor fellow looked horrible.
"My name is Hobbie," he murmured. "I tried to help Ignis, and my attempt, as you can see, went awry."
Anya straightened. "You know Ignis?"
He nodded, wincing as something obviously hurt when he did so. "Yeah… I met him at Bespin…"
"Are you the pilot he told me about?" Anya pressed, recalling that Ignis had admitted to her one day that he was growing ever more attached to one of the Rogue pilots. She was fairly certain Hobbie had been the name.
It was Hobbie's turn to be surprised. "So, you already know?"
"Sort of." Anya hedged. "He mentioned you, but I didn't know it was you specifically."
Hobbie smiled softly. "That sounds like him. But he's a great kid, with a solid head on his shoulders and a heart of gold…" Hobbie's gaze hardened. "No matter what that witch makes him do."
Anya's mood dipped. "Yeah…"
He heard her changed tone and studied her intently, before finally asking. "What'd she have him do this time?"
Anya bit her lip, but then sighed. "She sent him after the entire village of a senator that pushed Vexa too far. And he took the man's daughter to her."
Hobbie didn't need to ask for details, and Anya was glad.
There was a somewhat strained silence before Hobbie pushed the news away. He then leaned close to the bars between their cells, and softly voiced his theory. "Are you her?"
Anya looked at him oddly. "Am I who?"
"The girl that holds Ignis' heart?" Hobbie pressed gently.
The auburn-haired young woman blinked at him, and for a moment Hobbie saw a mix of profound loneliness and utter love within her green gaze.
Finally, she closed her eyes and a few tears slipped from their corners. "Yes."
Hobbie's heart ached to see her cry, even though he hadn't really known her for long. "What's the matter?"
She shook her head. "We keep getting ripped apart from each other," she whispered, drawing closer as well, sensing that he was someone she could trust. Especially if Ignis called Hobbie a friend. "Our respective lives have been so lonely and horrible! Ignis' more than mine, of course. But I still lived in fear for several years… and when we finally admitted our love out loud, it was when he was on his way back to Vexa. And… I love him so much! I miss him, and I am tired of being apart from Ignis! I just want to help him, to set him free from his cruel master…"
Hobbie's heart cracked as Anya broke down, and he reached through the bars the best he could to in an effort to hug her.
"I set off to find him, but all I did was waste time." Anya admitted, her face burning. "Worse yet, I dragged Shmi along for the ride. I finally saw a way that I might actually get to him, and so I allowed Kida to capture me. But I didn't count on being kept from him," Anya snorted bitterly, "though I guess I should have seen that one coming."
"What's your name?" Hobbie asked softly.
"Anya Euroa." She looked to him, taking in his ragged and bloody appearance. "Why are they hurting you?"
Hobbie smirked despite his discomfort. "Because I'm being a royal pain in Tsu's rear-end."
Anya tilted her head. "You say you tried to help Ignis? What exactly, does that mean?"
00000
Arthalinea stood in the shadows far from their cells, unnoticed. She had stopped when they'd started talking, and her interest had piqued exponentially when they'd begun speaking about Ignis.
Now that Arthalinea knew the reality of the girl and Anya, and how much she meant to Ignis, Arthalinea bit her lip. Should she help Anya and Hobbie? Should she do it for Ignis?
But what if she got caught? The thought of another of Vexa's punishments terrified Arthalinea, but she tried her best to cling to her courage. She didn't feel brave, only stupid, but she was determined to repay all the kindness Ignis had shown her.
Even if he never found out about it.
With a shaky breath, Arthalinea made her way to the communications console that Vexa kept on her throne. It was the only unguarded one in the castle.
She sat in Vexa's throne and looked through the list. She was certain that Vexa had a way to contact the person she intended to message…
There it was!
Arthalinea set up the call, and set it to a live recording which would transmit to the other end of the line.
When the indicator showed that her face and voice were being recorded, she began to speak.
"You don't know me, but I know where your friends are. They're being held at Vexa's castle…"
00000
Far away, Vexa looked to her personal datapad as it pinged for her attention. A ripple went through the Force, and Vexa frowned, picking up the device to read the alert. She swore viciously, and whipped out her comlink.
"Kida!" She snapped, contacting the young woman who was still in hyperspace on her way back.
"Yes Master."
"Return to the castle at once and bring me Anya… and Arthalinea. Alive! Meet me at these coordinates when you have them." Vexa paused, then swore again. "And I need you to collect the children in training as well, but you will ultimately bring them to my ship."
"At once, Master."
Vexa next contacted her castle's head of security.
00000
Arthalinea felt a warning in the Force, and she hear feet rushing for the throne room. Her time was up.
"Boz Pity!" Arthalinea cried into the microphone. "Follow the red-stone heads!"
Five guards exploded into the room, and Arthalinea screamed when they also brought in of Vexa's white hounds inside. She leapt from the throne without deactivating the unit, unaware that the next events were also recorded.
00000
Luke felt his datapad alert him to a priority message, and as he picked the device up, a shiver of premonition coursed through him. Mara felt it too, and joined him as Luke activated the message.
It was a live transmission, and yet Luke did not recognize the caller.
To his surprise, a Twilek child with red skin sat on an oversized chair, shaking like a leaf as she spoke.
"You don't know me, but I know where your friends are. They're being held at Vexa's castle…" she abruptly looked off-screen, sucked in a breath and shouted the last few things in a hurry. "Boz Pity! Follow the red-stone heads!"
Then, to Luke's horror, she leapt from the throne, which was still recording. He witnessed as five armed men and a huge white hound came after her. She shrieked in terror, trying her best to evade the animal, but it followed her doggedly and finally snapped its jaws down over her ankle.
The child shrieked in agony and terror, even as the hound first shook his head, and then hauled her out of view.
"Let me go!" the child cried, and Luke saw a trail of blood left behind as the poor girl was literally dragged from the room.
Luke stood in utter shock before he looked to Mara.
"We can't wait until tomorrow," he said grimly.
"No, we can't." Mara agreed, already reaching for her comlink.