Burning Shadows
Chapter 2
After sleeping soundly and keeping Yumikaya feeling safe and loved, Kalina awoke alone and yawned before panicking slightly as she looked around before exploding out of her quarters and rushing to the main room of the transport to look for Yumikaya.
As she entered the main area, She immediately saw Yumikaya running around the room, Playing happily with a small droid that appeared to look like a small creature but as Kalina got closer, She realised that it was a modified RE series droid. The droid had four small legs with feet that each had several small finger like attachments, A slightly bulky, Sturdy looking main body despite the tiny size and a circular head with a small red sensor on the front. As it ran around the room with Yumikaya in hot pursuit, The droid beeped and whirred happily whenever Yumikaya managed to catch it, Causing her to laugh happily.
After a moment, A tall man with brown hair that was braided toward the back of his head with a beard and light blue eyes walked over to Kalina as he spoke.
" Sorry to cause you alarm. We caught her wandering around the engineering deck trying to catch the mouse droids. When the engineers brought her to me, The poor thing was terrified. Then that little menace of a droid got out of the crate it was in and she started chasing it. The two have been inseparable all morning. " The man smiled as Yumikaya spoke loudly.
" Ziyo, Get back here! Cheeky droid! " Yumikaya giggled as the droid darted under a table before popping through the gap in the bars covering an air vent and disappearing with a satisfied beeping noise. After a moment, The droid popped out of a vent on the other side of the room as Yumikaya laughed loudly before running across the room and diving toward the vent in an attempt to catch the droid as it jumped over her and bounced off her butt before darting across the room again as she turned and gave chase before Kalina spoke.
" Ziyo? " Kalina looked toward the man as he smiled and spoke.
" Yeah she named the little bugger. It's a prototype one of the engineers made when he was bored but had no intention of using it. Called it a RE-Ten Infiltration Droid. Apparently the size and speed gives it an advantage in infiltration. It also has camouflage capabilities, Advanced toolkit and computer interface capabilities while being outfitted with a small blaster and a stun discharge. Not an overly complicated droid but a handy one. It's taken a liking to that little scamp. " The man laughed as Yumikaya tripped and landed on top of the droid with an unceremonious thud before rolling on to her back and groaning softly as Kalina spoke.
" It is good to see her happy. She has been through a lot. Sorry, I really should offer an introduction. My name is Kalina. The scamp is Yumikaya. You are? " Kalina looked toward the man as he smiled.
" Larkhan. This ship is my pride and joy. I've sunk half my savings into upgrading her. " Larkhan grinned proudly as Kalina giggled.
" From the outside she looks tough but inside it is pretty comfortable. As much I would like to get a peek at the engine and weapon systems, My main focus is Yumikaya. I really should teach her some skills. " Kalina sighed softly before Larkhan laughed loudly.
" I have a few ideas if you are willing to hear them. " Larkhan smiled as Kalina nodded. " Lovely. In that case, One of the engineers caught her playing with floating tools. I don't know much of it but there is a Jedi aboard that might find that interesting. Talking with him and letting him talk to the little one might be a good plan. Secondly, Until that droid busted out of it's box, She was playing with a toy starfighter and took it apart within a few minutes. I would be interested in having her learn some tricks from the engineers and pilots. If you are interested of course. " Larkhan grinned devilishly as Kalina sighed audibly.
" Hate it when others figure this stuff out before I do. That being said, I love this plan. Start with the Jedi. It will do her good to meet someone that is a bit weirder than the rest of us. " Kalina smirked as Larkhan laughed heartily.
" Weird is definitely a word for him. Alright, I'll go wind him up. Have a talk to the little one will you? Make sure she isn't too nervous. " Larkhan smiled before walking away with a slight swagger as Kalina groaned.
" Nervous... Sure... " Kalina sighed before walking over to Yumikaya and kneeling down as she played with the small droid as Kalina spoke. " Yumikaya... I uhm... I have someone I'd like you to meet. "
" Who is it? " Yumikaya looked nervous as Kalina sighed softly.
" A Jedi. I heard you were playing with floating tools and he might be able to help with that... Whatever it is. I know it's scary to meet new people but I promise I will be with you okay? " Kalina wilted slightly as Yumikaya picked up Ziyo and held it tightly with a terrified look on her face.
" I... I don't know... New people always meant more pain... " Yumikaya whimpered softly but perked up a bit as Ziyo beeped loudly before wriggling out of Yumikaya's arms as it's chassis opened and a small arm with what looked like a claw popped out and started making a loud zapping noise before the arm clicked back into place as the chassis closed and Yumikaya giggled softly. " Thanks Ziyo. "
" You understood it? " Kalina looked at Yumikaya in shock as Yumikaya nodded and spoke.
" Ziyo said that if the Jedi scares me, He will zap him. " Yumikaya giggled as Ziyo ran around her in circles playfully before the nearby door opened and Larkhan walked in followed by a tall, Older man wearing robes that had different shades of brown with white decorative lines on it and a dark brown cloak. After looking around the room quickly, Larkhan and the Jedi walked over before Larkhan spoke calmly.
" Alright then, Kalina, Yumikaya, This is Jedi Master Orgus Din. I'll leave the three of you to work out this floating tools business while I sort out the rest of my plan. " Larkhan smiled as everyone nodded before he left while Orgus spoke.
" Floating tools is rather vague. Explain to me what happened. " Orgus sat down as Yumikaya quickly moved behind Kalina as she spoke.
" Sorry... She has had a hard life and meeting new people makes her... Nervous. Give me a minute? " Kalina spoke softly before Orgus nodded and stood before walking a few metres away as Kalina turned to Yumikaya. " Sweetheart, I know you are scared and nervous but I promise you that I will not let anyone hurt you anymore. I promise I will stay right here and watch everything he does and listen to everything he says. Your safety is my only concern sweety. I only just found you and I will fight the entire blasted galaxy to keep you. "
" Thank you Kalina. It means a lot. I am scared but... " Yumikaya took a deep breathe before breathing out as she trembled and spoke shakily. " Alright. I'll talk to him. "
" You're a tough girl kiddo. I'm proud of you. " Kalina smiled before kissing Yumikaya's forehead gently as she turned and nodded to Orgus who walked back over and sat down as Yumikaya spoke.
" I don't know what happened. I was looking at a shiny tool on a shelf I couldn't reach and as I was trying to reach it, The tool moved to my hand. " Yumikaya still looked terrified as Orgus thought for a moment.
" I was brought to the Jedi as a young boy. I wasn't more than two or three years old when my parents gave me to the Jedi Order. When I first arrived at the temple, The master that was watching over me and the others had this little way of making us pay attention while also learning what we were supposed to learn. If you like, We can start with that. Simply put... " Orgus smiled as he pulled a small colourful ball out of a pouch on his belt and placed it on the ground before continuing. " Move the ball. "
" That's it? " Yumikaya looked confused as Orgus chuckled softly.
" Don't let the simplicity of my request fool you. Most trainees that enter the temple take months to move the ball with the Force. My previous Padawan took five months before he could do it. But, If you can make a tool move then you can make a ball move. So do it. " Orgus sat quietly as Yumikaya glanced toward Kalina, Who nodded quietly.
After a moment, Yumikaya concentrated on the ball for several minutes to no avail. After a moment, Yumikaya groaned in frustration, Causing the ball to rapidly expand before exploding with a loud popping noise. After the shock wore off, Kalina spoke softly.
" I think I understand how you escaped your cage so many times in the slave markets now. " Kalina looked proud but concerned as Orgus spoke.
" I think I understand. You are Force Sensitive but having nothing but pain and anger to fuel it, Your connection is... To put it plainly, Chaotic. I cannot promise that I can fix that. But I can promise to help. If you will let me. " Orgus Din smiled as Yumikaya looked to Kalina again before nodding shakily. " Wonderful. Come with me. "
" Wh... What? Where? " Yumikaya looked panicked as Orgus Din stood and spoke.
" To my quarters. I cannot train you out here little one. Far too many distractions and learning to control the storm within you will require leaving your comfort zone. " Orgus spoke calmly but looked concerned as Yumikaya quickly clung to Kalina with a terrified look on her face before he continued speaking. " What is it that scares you little one? "
As Orgus finished speaking, Yumikaya immediately burst into tears and quickly hid herself in Kalina's arms as Ziyo's chassis opened and the small arm quickly extended and made zapping noises as Kalina spoke.
" Don't. " Kalina spoke with a stern tone of voice before picking Yumikaya up and standing as she continued. " Those are scars she is having enough trouble dealing with. I have no issue with you helping her but if you are going to help her than you need to do it in a way that makes her comfortable or not at all. I will not have you putting her through the trauma she grew up with just so you can teach her how Jedi taught you. She isn't you. " Kalina walked away with Ziyo in tow as Orgus thought silently. After a few minutes, Orgus walked to his quarters and connected a holocall to the Jedi Temple on Tython. After a few minutes, The holocall was answered by the Jedi Council.
" Master Orgus. Have you arrived on Ilum? "
" Not yet Master Shan. We are only a few hours out of Nar Shaddaa but I have encountered something... Unusual. " Orgus sighed softly as Master Shan looked to the other Masters in the call before speaking.
" Define unusual Orgus. " Master Shan looked curious as Orgus spoke.
" A young girl. From what I understand, She has spent the last ten years in slavery. Her connection to the Force is apparent but it only shows when she is frustrated. The ball exploded. " Orgus chuckled softly as Master Shan sighed.
" You and your damned ball trick Orgus. Exploded you said? What was her emotional state? " Master Shan had a genuinely curious look on her face as Orgus sighed loudly.
" Visibly frustrated and for all intent and purposes, Emotionally distressed. When I asked what scares her, She became... Distraught. Immediate emotional breakdown and her guardian became protective and stated that I have to teach the girl in a way that makes her comfortable or not at all. " Orgus spoke calmly before the other Masters started speaking.
" Should we not accommodate her needs? "
" Our teachings are ancient. They work. Why change them for one troubled girl. "
" Do you hear yourself when you say foolish things like that? Every Master in this temple that has a Padawan changes the way they teach to accommodate the Padawan's needs. You yourself have done it and yet you can sit there and spit hypocrisy like that? "
" Hypocrisy? HYPOCRISY? You have some nerve accusing me o... "
" ENOUGH! " Master Shan spoke loudly, Forcing the other Masters to fall silent as she continued. " Masters if you cannot discuss this with an unbiased attitude than please remove yourselves from this discussion. I will not have you arguing over beliefs and opinions. This not about either of you. This young girl needs help and you two cannot see past your own noses. Be better. As for the girl Orgus, Accommodate her needs. No exceptions. " Master Shan sighed as the holocall ended before turning to the others. " You two, I am absolutely appalled by your attitudes. Jaric, You need to rethink your opinions of how this Temple teaches it's students. Your constant contradictions are nothing but a headache. Syo, You have always been accepting of redemption and healing and yet you would turn this girl away? Where did this come from? You of all people I would have expected to be first in line to help her. The two of you need to meditate and rethink your opinions. Until then I will not have you attending meetings in this chamber. "
As the two Masters left, Master Shan sighed exhaustively.
Meanwhile
As the holocall ended, Orgus sighed loudly before leaving his quarters. After a few minutes walking through the hallways, Orgus entered Kalina's quarters and spoke calmly.
" Firstly, I apologise. You were right. Her teachings should accommodate her needs and now they will. To start, I would like to teach her how to quiet her mind. You are absolutely welcome to oversee all of her training and intervene at any point to ensure her safety and comfort and I will not argue. I ask only the chance to help her. " Orgus bowed politely as Ziyo made several beeping noises before Kalina nodded and tapped on the door of the cupboard beside the bed before speaking.
" Sound good to you sweety or should I tap on his skull with a vibrohammer? " Kalina smirked as the door creaked open and Yumikaya spoke softly.
" Vibrohammer sounds amusing. " Yumikaya sniffled but smiled as Orgus chuckled.
" That's fair. If you find it agreeable, We will forego the hammer for the moment and meditate. See if we can't find a happy place in that mind of yours. " Orgus smiled as Yumikaya nodded silently before Kalina lifted her out of the cupboard and set her down before she sat across from Orgus with Ziyo on her lap as he continued. " Meditation is quite easy and rather simple to do. All you have to do is close your eyes, Breathe and focus on your breathing. Nice, Slow, Deep breathes. Give it a go. "
" Alright. " Yumikaya closed her eyes slowly before breathing and trying to concentrate on the sound and feeling of her breathing. After a few minutes, Yumikaya started to relax as waves of calm energy slowly seeped out of her as Orgus spoke.
" Very good. Just keep breathing. Let your thoughts come and go. Focus only on your breathing. Deep, Slow breathes. In and out. " Orgus watched as Yumikaya continued to breathe slowly. After several minutes, Yumikaya opened her eyes and sighed tiredly as Orgus spoke.
" Excellent progress. For someone so young, There are so many emotions swirling around in your head that trying to calm them exhausts you. That being said, You made excellent progress today. Have some food and sleep. We can continue tomorrow. " Orgus smiled before smiling and standing. After bowing politely, Orgus left the room. As the door closed, Yumikaya fell sideways and snored softly as Kalina giggled happily.
The Next Morning
Kalina awoke and stretched out before looking over to Yumikaya's bed and smiling as she saw her sleeping peacefully with Ziyo laying on the end of her bed before getting out of bed and kissing Yumikaya's head gently. After getting dressed, Kalina left the room and sat in the main area. After a few hours, Kalina started to wonder if Yumikaya was going to get out of bed at some point. Before she could go and check, Orgus sat next to her and spoke softly.
" I take it she is still sleeping? " Orgus smiled as Kalina nodded.
" I honestly don't think she has ever slept so peacefully before. To see her like that was... It was honestly breathtaking to see her so calm and peaceful. Even when I touched her it didn't so much as make her eye twitch. " Kalina smiled happily as Orgus chuckled.
" Then I see no reason to disturb her until she is ready to awaken. Let her enjoy her sleep and do let me know when she is up and about please? " Orgus smiled as Kalina nodded and sipped her coffee slowly.
Midday
Yumikaya sat up and stretched slowly before yawning and getting out of bed. After getting dressed, Yumikaya walked happily to the main room with Ziyo in tow before sitting beside Kalina as she spoke.
" Why hello sleepyhead. How do you feel? " Kalina giggled as Yumikaya smiled happily.
" I have never slept so well before. I feel so calm and peaceful today. " Yumikaya hummed happily as she leant against Kalina.
" It is so damn good to see you happy sweetheart. It really is. " Kalina smiled before noticing Orgus walking past and whistled to get his attention. As he turned his head, Orgus smiled before walking over and sitting down.
" How are you feeling, Oh sleepy one? " Orgus chuckled as Yumikaya giggled softly.
" Honestly, I feel amazing. I have never been so calm and peaceful and I have never slept so well. I feel like a new person. " Yumikaya smiled brightly as Kalina blinked back tears while Orgus spoke.
" That is a far throw from the terrified little mouse I met yesterday. Shall we meditate again today? " Orgus smiled as Yumikaya nodded enthusiastically. " Excellent. Your quarters in say... Ten minutes? "
" Sounds good. " Yumikaya smiled brightly as Orgus nodded and left the table before Kalina and Yumikaya walked back to their room and sat down to wait for Orgus while Ziyo bounced around on Kalina's bed playfully. After several minutes, Orgus entered the room and sat down before speaking calmly.
" Alright, Today we will continue meditation lessons but this time I want to teach you something. Your emotions and mind are like a still lake today and I want to take advantage of it. Close your eyes, Breathe but this time, Open your mind to the Force around you. See without your eyes. " Orgus watched as Yumikaya closed her eyes and breathed slowly. " Good. Now, Open yourself to the Force. "
Yumikaya shivered slightly before taking a deep, Slow breathe and letting the walls in her mind fall. The moment she breathed out, A volcanic wave of energy erupted through her and she fell backward, Unconscious as a ripple of energy echoed through the Force while Ziyo made several loud, Panicked noises.
" That was... Unexpected... " Orgus looked terrified as Kalina lifted Yumikaya onto her bed before Orgus stood and rushed out of the room. As he walked into his quarters, The holo-communicator beeped and he answered the holocall to see a distressed Master Shan who spoke shakily.
" What in all the galaxy was that Orgus?! The entire blasted temple felt it! Even the youngest Padawan's! " Master Shan looked completely horrified as Orgus spoke slowly.
" That... Was the girl I told you about. While meditating, I instructed her to open herself to the Force. If you think what you felt was scary, I was five feet from her. " Orgus breathed heavily as Master Shan shivered before speaking.
" I have never felt anything like that in my entire life Orgus. All she did was opened herself to the Force? " Satele spoke in disbelief before Orgus sighed and explained.
" It was a sight exercise. I was hoping through her meditation she might see through the Force. I never expected this. It never even occurred to me as a possibility. " Orgus sighed softly before continuing. " Her mind was calm and her emotions were peaceful and still. But this... "
" Orgus, I have no idea what that was or who this girl is and it is terrifying. Find out who she is. Who she really is and contact me the moment you do. " Master Shan was shaking lightly as she ended the call. After sighing loudly, Orgus left the room and returned to Kalina and Yumikaya's room. As he walked in, Orgus rushed to the bedside as he saw Yumikaya sweating heavily and her skin was a light shade of grey as he spoke.
" What haven't you told me Kalina? " Orgus looked toward Kalina, Who had tears streaming down her face as she took a breath and spoke slowly.
" What do you want to know? If it helps her through this, I will tell you anything you need to know. " Kalina sobbed softly as she ran her fingers through Yumikaya's hair.
" Who is she? Really? Her parents, Her past, Everything. " Orgus spoke sternly and listened carefully as Kalina spoke.
" Her mother is Darth Nox. Her father is Master Tazokhan. She was taken from them a week after her birth. Ten years as a slave. What else? " Kalina spoke bluntly as Orgus rubbed his temples gently.
" Where did she spend most of her time as a slave? From what I understand, Some of the slaver colonies are quite literally the end of lives. " Orgus listened carefully as Kalina spoke.
" I tracked her through at least a dozen slaver colonies over the last ten years but from what I know, She spent at least three years or longer on Zygerria. " Kalina motioned to continue but froze as Yumikaya's eyes shot open and she rapidly sat up while gasping loudly before shaking as she tried to breathe slowly. " You're okay sweety just breathe... "
" What was that... What happened to me... " Yumikaya spoke hoarsely as Kalina rubbed her back gently as Ziyo made relieved noises before Orgus spoke.
" I don't know but whatever it was sent a ripple through the Force. Even the newest Padawan's at the Jedi Temple felt it. There is something very unique about you little one. I intend to find out what it is. But for now, I need you to rest and avoid anything strenuous alright? " Orgus smiled as Yumikaya nodded and laid back down as Kalina put a damp cloth on her forehead before Orgus left the room and walked back to his quarters.
After entering his room, Orgus turned on the holo-communicator and the console beeped several times before Master Shan answered the holocall.
" What have you learned Orgus? " Master Shan spoke shakily as Orgus sighed softly before speaking.
" A few interesting things. Firstly, Her mother is Darth Nox. " Orgus spoke sternly but fell silent as Master Shan gasped loudly.
" Zanira... That is... Surprising... " Master Shan looked upset for a moment before continuing. " And her father? "
" Tazokhan. " Orgus watched as Master Shan looked visibly shaken.
" Her father... Is one of the most powerful Jedi in our order and her mother is one of the most powerful Sith Lords that ever sat on the Dark Council? " Master Shan paused as Orgus nodded before speaking again. " That... Is highly unsettling given what happened... "
" Oh it gets worse. " Orgus chuckled nervously before continuing. " She was taken from them a week after birth and enslaved. She spent ten years in various slave colonies but three or more years of her life were spent on Zygerria. " Orgus smirked as Master Shan swore loudly before speaking.
" The things those slavers would have done to her... It is no wonder she is so unbalanced and out of touch with the Force. The scars that girl must have... Both physically and emotionally... " Master Shan looked visibly unbalanced by the news Orgus gave her before taking a deep breathe and speaking slowly. " Orgus, This young girl is unique in ways we can't understand. Given her parents... And my history with Zanira... DO NOT allow her daughter to come to harm. And DO NOT try to convince her to join the Jedi. Am I clear? "
" Perfectly. " Orgus bowed politely as Master Shan ended the holocall. " Unfortunate. But we will see where this leads. "
A Few Days Later
Yumikaya woke up and stretched slowly before getting dressed. Upon leaving the room, Yumikaya bumped into Larkhan. Who chuckled as he tousled her hair gently.
" Well, Hello there baby bird. Just who I was coming to see. " Larkhan smiled as Yumikaya's face lit up before Larkhan continued. " Today, I am going to take you on a full tour of the ship and introduce you to some of my staff. Ready? " Larkhan smiled again as Yumikaya smiled playfully before standing in a salute pose as Larkhan laughed.
" Ready, Captain! " Yumikaya giggled playfully as Larkhan tousled her hair gently.
" Come on then kiddo. Let's get started. " Larkhan smirked before walking toward the turbolift with Yumikaya in tow." We will start on the bridge. "
After a few minutes in the turbolift, Yumikaya followed Larkhan as he led her through the spacious bridge as he explained the different stations.
" Alright, The big space in the middle is the communications area. Off to the left is fighter command. To the right is combat control. And at the front ofcourse is ship command and control. Have a look around and come get me when you have had enough. " Larkhan smiled before walking away as Yumikaya ran over to the ship command consoles and watched for several minutes before speaking.
" Something isn't right. " Yumikaya watched as two of the consoles lit up with red lights and a warning sounded. " Kill the power! "
The pilots quickly disabled the engines and swapped to emergency power before the ship dropped out of hyperspace as Yumikaya thought for a moment. As she was thinking, Larkhan ran over and spoke sternly. " What the hell is going on?! Who broke my ship?! "
" I can... I think I can try to see... " Yumikaya looked nervous before sighing softly as Larkhan nodded. After closing her eyes, Yumikaya breathed slowly before concentrating on her sight.
After a few minutes, Yumikaya gasped loudly as her vision rushed through the ship to the engine room. As her vision slowed, She noticed several sparks coming from the hyperdrive before her vision rushed forward to show the hyperdrive core with a large, Glowing slash on it. As her vision rushed back to her, Yumikaya's eyes shot open as she breathed heavily while a ripple echoed through the Force.
As Yumikaya breathed heavily, Orgus ran over and spoke. " Explain little one. "
" I... I could see... Through the whole ship... To the hyperdrive... The core is damaged... " Yumikaya sighed loudly and held her head tenderly as she spoke. " The core looked like it was badly damaged but I couldn't hold my sight long enough. We will have to see it up close. "
" You want the job kid? " Larkhan grinned as Yumikaya steadied herself and shook off her headache before nodding. " Alright. Keep the ship powered down save for shields and weapons. Mechanics to the engineering bay. Full diagnostics and repair equipment. " Larkhan turned back to Yumikaya as the nearby crew conveyed his orders throughout the ship before speaking. " Follow me. Let's keep the Jedi tomfoolery to a minimum around the mechanics. They are a twitchy lot. "
" Yeah... Okay. " Yumikaya seemed nervous as she followed Larkhan through the bridge to the turbolift. After a quick ride, Yumikaya left the lift with Larkhan and walked quickly through the engineering bay to where the main hyperdrive was connected. As they approached, The team of mechanics entered the room from a different door carrying tool kits and two were pushing a large cart with various instruments on it. Before anyone spoke, The hyperdrive made a loud crackling noise before Larkhan spoke.
" Alright kid. Get in there and find the problem. " Larkhan motioned to one of the mechanics who handed Yumikaya a tool belt. As Yumikaya took the belt, She noticed that the mechanic wasn't much older than herself before climbing onto the hyperdrive's casing and popping open one of the small repair hatches. As she dropped inside the casing, Yumikaya saw what looked like a slash mark on the hyperdrive core that was red hot. After popping her head out of the hatch, Yumikaya spoke loudly.
" The core is busted Captain. It looks cut! " Yumikaya looked nervous as Larkhan shot her a disbelieving look.
" Cut? What you mean cut? " Larkhan looked disbelievingly toward Yumikaya as she dropped off the casing and spoke.
" There's a large slash and the cut is red hot. I doubt this is damage from use or age. It looks like sabotage. " Yumikaya shivered before continuing. " The... The slavers on Zygerria had similar weapons. Energy based with a cortosis weave. They were called light whips. But they never did that much damage. "
" Looks like we have a stow away on board. " Larkhan activated his commlink before speaking as his voice echoed through the ship. " This is the Captain. All hands red alert. We have a saboteur aboard. Helm, Chart a course to the nearest starport. Security teams, Sweep the ship. Lock down all escape pods. "
" It will hurt... Might even knock me out... But I can try to use my sight again... " Yumikaya looked shaken as she spoke but relaxed as Larkhan tousled her hair gently.
" You've done enough kiddo. Hang here with the twitchy fingers while I get my ship back in order. " Larkhan rushed out of the engineering bay as Yumikaya turned to see the young mechanics face barely an inch away from her own as she spoke.
" Why do you do that? " The mechanic spoke as she glared at Yumikaya while she shivered and spoke.
" D... Do what... " Yumikaya trembled lightly as the mechanic stood back.
" That. Shake. Why do you do it? " The mechanic spoke calmly as Yumikaya stepped back slightly before speaking.
" I... I am uncomfortable around new people... New people meant pain in the slave colonies... " Yumikaya glanced away sheepishly before the mechanic sat on a nearby box and tapped her leg with a tool. As she tapped, Her leg made a metallic clanking sound.
" Think you're the only one from a slave pen? Least you came back whole. " The mechanic took off her goggles as Yumikaya realised that her right leg was metal and walked over with a calm look on her face.
" You were a slave too? Which colony? " Yumikaya looked at the girls leg with curiosity as she spoke.
" Hosnian Prime. The factories are primarily run by slaves. " The mechanic rubbed her leg longingly before continuing. " Lost my leg in the furnaces. I was only five. "
" Being a slave wasn't an easy life. I might have all my parts, But I am far from whole. " Yumikaya sighed softly she looked away sheepishly. " I'm Yumikaya. "
" Prosa. " Prosa took off her face covering, Revealing that she was a young Rattataki. " Nice to meet you. "
" Nice to mee... " Yumikaya screamed loudly as a Mandalorian dropped out of and pressed a stun baton to her neck before falling unconscious as she was slung over the Mandalorians shoulder as their jetpack activated and they disappeared into the vent system.
" Well that was dramatic. " Prosa spoke softly as Larkhan and Kalina rushed into the room.
" We should... " Kalina paused as she looked around in worry. " Where is Yumikaya? "
" A soldier dropped out of the vent, Shocked her and took her back through the vents. " Prosa spoke quickly before a rumbling sound filled the engineering bay. After leaving the engineering bay, Kalina and Larkhan returned to the bridge. As they entered and looked out of the view port, They saw a small fighter craft fly past before landing in the shuttle bay of a larger transport. After a moment, The transport jumped into hyperspace.
" DAMMIT! " Kalina slammed her fists against the control console as Larkhan placed a hand on her shoulder.
Meanwhile
Yumikaya awoke slowly before gasping loudly and shuffling away from the large man sitting in front of her as he spoke.
" Why the Sith want this brat is beyond me. "
" This isn't right Ironfist. Where is the honour in putting a child in chains? "
" Shut it Vizla. Chains is where slaves belong. "
" Please... I can't live as a slave again... Please let me go... " Yumikaya had a pleading look in her eyes but trembled as the man stood and hit her across the face.
" If you want to keep your tongue, Then keep your mouth shut brat. " Ironfist walked away as Yumikaya sobbed quietly.
" I'm sorry kid... There isn't anything I can do... "
" You could be better than him. Let me go. I have been a slave all my life. I can't live through that again. Please... " Yumikaya sobbed softly as the woman sighed and spoke.
" I... I'm sorry... "
The woman had a saddened look in her eyes as Yumikaya curled up on the floor and cried softly.
Meanwhile
" How in blazes are we supposed to find them?! " Larkhan grunted irritably before Kalina sighed softly.
" Really didn't want to have to do this... " Kalina groaned before inputting a commlink code and waiting for a connection. As the call was answered, Kalina motioned to speak but was cut off by a young woman.
" The ever lovely Kalina. What can we do for you today? " The young woman smiled sweety as Kalina sighed.
" You haven't changed Mako. Still exhausting. Is he there? " Kalina sighed again as Mako nodded and stepped aside to reveal a large man wearing gleaming silver Beskar armour adorned with various carvings, Small spikes and a long cape trimmed with fur. As he turned, A wide grin appeared on his face.
" Kalina. Long time no see. What can I do for you? " The man spoke calmly before Kalina bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes.
" I found her Ara. I found her. " Kalina sighed sadly before speaking shakily. " But a Mandalorian took her. They jumped to hyperspace before we could do anything. "
" WHAT?! What empty headed, Nerf herding, Swamp soaked imbecile would DARE put their hands on her?! WHO? " The man spoke with ferocity and anger but calmed slightly as he saw the devastation in Kalina's eyes before she spoke fiercely.
" I don't care who. Just get her back. And make the bastard pay. " Kalina gritted her teeth as the man growled loudly.
" You can count on it. I'll keep you posted. " The man ended the call as Larkhan spoke.
" He looks tough. Old friend? " Larkhan smirked but stayed silent as Kalina turned toward him as she wiped her tears away.
" Family actually. Aratarus. One of the most renowned Mandalorians in the galaxy. He won the Great Hunt last year. He is the best hunter I have ever met. Can find anyone, Anywhere. And he happens to be Yumikaya's cousin. " Kalina grinned as Larkhan huffed.
" Sounds decent. Well, No point standing around waiting. We need to get my ship back in working order. " Larkhan sighed before turning to the pilot. " Get us to the nearest port. "
" To our current position, Alderaan is the closest. Without the hyperdrive though it will take us at least three days to get there. "
" Do your best. Everyone else get back to your posts. All engineers and mechanics to the engineering bay. I want that hyperdrive back up to snuff. " Larkhan looked exhausted before Kalina spoke.
" Got any engine and drive parts to spare? Maybe from fighter craft or transports? " Kalina had a confident glint in her eyes as Larkhan nodded. " Then give me tools and get out of my way. Up to snuff is never good enough. I'll make it better than new. "
" Be my guest. Our resident gear jockey is Prosa. Shes a hot headed brat with an attitude to match but you won't find anyone more competent. If you need hands, Use hers. " Larkhan smiled as Kalina nodded and left the bridge.
Chapter 2
End