Chapter 11: Awakening

"You should be there when she wakes up, Jas. After everything that poor girl has been through…it…it will be good for her to see a friendly face."

It was with those words in mind that Jas Dar Bynn now found himself at Vessaria Istillo's bedside. The young queen had finally been moved out of medical, and been taken to one of the guest rooms, here, at their new base.

She no longer required medical monitors, her readings had returned to normal.

Jas had been grateful to hear that, when the doctors had given the girl a clean bill of health, he had breathed a well-desired sigh of relief.

We did it Val, he thought to himself, we got your queen out of danger…

…now…it is your turn.

The girl murmured and rolled over, wrapping herself tighter in the blankets. Jas reached out with the Force, trying to sense anything amiss, still concerned about her well-being. The stasis pod that Targo had used to contain her was not the most stable of technologies, especially when it was damaged, and the person inside had needed to be woke up without going through the full reverse-hibernation cycle.

His concern was unneeded he supposed, the doctors had found no lasting signs of damage, if anything, Vess was in far better shape than anyone else would have been in the same situation.

The legacy of the Istillo bloodline, it was sometimes easy to forget just how long the girl's family had ruled Bantoon, and what they had done to stay in power, and keep that legacy strong.

Calling it interesting would be an understatement, Jas had learned a little about the Istillo family during his brief time with House Rist on Alderaan, not to mention the few history lessons he had gotten from both Val and Vess, they had wanted him to understand their world, the place that they loved…

What he had learned, the stories they had told him, they made him see why returning to their home was so important to the two women.

He still hoped that he could aid them, that they could make it happen.

Jas shifted in his seat, trying to get more comfortable, outside the windows the storm continued, he could hear the strong winds, and the spattering sound of heavy rain against the windows.

He was still trying to get used to that, this new base was not what the Organization had enjoyed on Pee Bee, but with luck, they just might be able to return there…one day.

The Gilded Claw had made a brief stop at their old base, or rather achieved orbit of it, from there they had been able to plot a new course, one that led to the fallback spot that Coop had arranged. The first one, the one that Jas had known about, had been compromised, or so Coop had feared, they had only been settling in, when Jonas Gillespie, Coop's third in command, had encountered a bounty hunter at one of the local settlements, the man had had a bounty puck for Vessaria, Coop, and several of the group's other well-known members.

Jas shouldn't have been surprised; he had not hidden the fact that he was looking for Val and Vess. Both the Jedi and the Republic knew that he was seeking the two women. It was unsurprising that those in power, people with links to both, had learned what was happening, and tried to turn it to their advantage.

The realization of that, it did little to endure the Republic and the order, in Jas' eyes.

As a boy, he had believed without question that the Republic was everything that was good in the galaxy. In the years since, he had come to see things in a new light.

Light and dark, they were not as simple as the Jedi Code suggested. The Republic had more shades of grey than it should have.

Case in point, the Republic and the Mining Guild's willingness to use bounty hunters and assassins to achieve their goals.

Jas wasn't sure that he liked that.

And those in power call us, criminals, he thought with a shake of his head.

Yes, he realized, the lines had definitely become blurred, at least where Bantoon had been concerned. The world was proving too valuable to the Republic, and that made those interested in it more likely to do what they thought was necessary…even if those actions did not follow the full letter of the law.

If that was the case, fine, Jas thought, they want to play with us…we can play that game.

They would just see who would win, it was a game he and his clan brother had come to know well in the last few years.

They would make things…interesting for their opponents.

Coop had had no choice, not after their second base had been compromised. They had needed to pack up again, quickly, and now…here they were, settling in at yet another base, but still watchful for outsiders, especially now that they had Vess under their roof.

They had been very careful when they had brought the girl in. As of right now, only Jas's crew, Coop, Randa, and the doctors here at the base knew that they had Vessaria here. They couldn't afford to take chances. All it would take was one wrong word, and the various fringe elements that now openly hunted Vess would descend upon them.

After that business with the Righteous, the secret about Vess was finally out in the open. Her value had been revealed to all, and that made her life a valuable commodity to those with a stake in the Bantoon situation, or looking out for what they thought of as the Republic's greater good.

This won't end, Jas realized, not as long as Vess is being hunted by her enemies. They had taken great pains to ensure that no one knew about the girl's arrival here, but still…

Vess murmured in her sleep and stretched, Jas again reached out with the Force, trying to get a sense of what was going on, again, his worries proved unwarranted, the girl was in no pain, and was merely dreaming.

He withdrew the Force, letting her rest.

"I'm sorry that it has to be this way, kid," he whispered with a slight narrowing of his eyes.

"I'm sorry that those that should be looking out for your best interests aren't. I'm sorry that justice and what is right is so easily bought and paid for."

He had meant the Republic, but as the same time, he could not entirely leave the Jedi blameless in that accusation, not after what he had seen with his dear brother on Alderaan, what he had felt during their conversation, the one where he had learned the truth about his accident years ago.

Yes.

Things were rarely black and white.

He would have liked to have gone before the council, explained what was truly going on, and would have liked to believe that they would have sided with Vess in this unfortunate affair, sadly, he was no longer innocent, or naïve enough, to completely trust the council's decision on such a matter. Master Venari served on the Council, and he had been Sy's master for years.

Jas could not say if he would side with his old padawan, perhaps even agree that what Sy and his friends in the Senate wanted was for the greater good. They may even believe that Vess was the cause of all this, that her simply existing made her the guilty party, and all because the Republic needed Bantoon and its resources to continue their glorious age of expansion.

Was one girl's life worth stopping that? Jas feared that many of his Jedi brothers and sisters might say…yes.

One life against the welfare of thousands of worlds?

On paper, such reasoning looked good, but he knew Vess.

He couldn't risk it. He couldn't trust her survival to others. He would see to the matter himself.

It was not up to the rest of the galaxy to decide if Vess deserved to be sacrificed, he would not give anyone that choice.

He couldn't take that chance. He wouldn't take it.

Val would have wanted Vess protected.

He would be damned before he let her down.

He didn't want to think less of the Jedi and the Republic, but after what he had seen in these last few months, he couldn't entirely hide his frustration or his disdain.

If the greater good justifies greed and evil, is it truly the greater good?

What right did those in power have to say that Vess, and her rights, deserved to be sacrificed?

Miraow?!

Jas looked down, and smiled.

Claude, Vess' loth-cat, had snuck into the room when he was not looking, he had been so focused on his black thoughts that he had not even sensed the animal slip in.

He shook his head.

Master Vey would have been disappointed in him, letting down his guard like that.

MIraow?

The Loth cat jumped onto the bed, wanting to get close to her. The animal had been trying since Vess had been rescued, but only now had truly gotten close since its mistress had finally been moved out of medical. No longer was Vess wired up with readouts and tubes.

Jas reached out and stopped Claude before he could get too close, he didn't want to disturb Vess, the doctors were insistent that she would wake up on her own, and needed to do so.

Claude hissed as Jas pulled him back, not liking that the Jedi turned smuggler had denied him, not when he had been so close to his goal.

Jas reached out with the Force and calmed the beast, it was still grumpy, but at least now it was not fighting him.

Claude hissed again, but stayed where he was, letting Jas pet him, let him try to calm him.

He sighed as he stroked the back of the furred creature.

"I thought we talked about this, furball," he said quietly, not wishing to disturb the sleeping girl, "When Vess wakes up, you will be able to nuzzle and rub against her to your heart's content, but… for now…we need to let her sleep."

It was hard to say if the Loth Cat understood his words, but it did get his meaning through the Force.

Miraow.

Claude rolled over in his lap, showing his belly, and batting playfully at Jas' hand. Any aggression turning quickly into playfulness, a sign that the animal was willing to accept what had passed between them.

Jas indulged him, let the animal play his games, it would keep Claude occupied, and prevent any further interruptions to Vess' continued slumber.

Jas stared down into those black button eyes, unlike people, animals seemed to know what they wanted, and their desires were unclouded by all the little things that distracted the supposedly advanced mind.

Jas envied that…sometimes.

Claude, finally accepting the attention he was getting, began to purr, and allowed Jas to rub his belly. A sign of trust for such an animal, or so Jas had heard.

He glanced down at the beast, and again at Vess, still sound asleep in her bed.

"I've missed her," he admitted to Claude, "I suppose you have too."

Reow?!

Jas chuckled.

"I'll take that as a yes."

As he entertained the loth cat, he came to realize that he felt a little better too.

It was strange, he had never had any pets growing up, never really understood the whole purpose.

Taking care of Claude, he was starting to see the reason why someone would want to. A pet's loyalty and affection were easy to come by and valuable, provided you were willing to earn it.

"Cute."

Jas blinked. The words had been a mere whisper, but he had heard them.

Claude had heard them too, the loth cat abandoned its games and sat up, its black button eyes darting quickly around the room.

Jas' attention returned to the bed, Vess was still laying there, but something had changed…

…the girl's mouth had curled just enough to form a smile.

Jas sat Claude on the floor and went to her side.

"Vess," he said softly…

…Vess? Can you hear me?"

The girl shifted slightly in the bed, and opened her eyes. She looked upon Jas Dar Bynn and gave him a shy tired smile.

"Hey," she murmured.

Jas couldn't help it; a silly grin broke out on his face.

"Hi," he said, it was the only thing that came out, he was…he was at a loss for words.

Vessaria Istillo blinked and looked around the room. Jas could sense a touch of confusion, unsurprising after so long a time asleep.

"Is this Coruscant," She asked, "Where…where am I?"

Jas was about to explain when Claude leapt onto the bed, no longer willing to be denied, the animal dashed to its mistress' side. Its Miarows and purrs filling the room.

Vess smiled and scooped him up, pulling him in close. Claude didn't resist. Vess nuzzled him with her cheek, kissing the top of his furry head.

"Hey Claude," she murmured, "Who's my baby? Who's a good loth cat?"

Jas didn't interrupt, the beast had missed Vess almost as much as he did, he could feel it.

He let them have this moment, let them enjoy the simple act of being together.

What came next, it would be much harder for the girl.

Yes…it would be much harder indeed.

IOI

Coop arrived with one of the base's doctors, now that the girl was awake, they would be able to see if she had suffered any side-effects of her hibernation, and her far too quick reanimation.

Vess answered the doctor's questions honestly. Claude had fallen asleep in her arms, and now provided some small level of comfort for the young queen.

Coop and Jas stood back, let the doc finish his work, and, at the same time, were able to quietly confer with each other. New information had come to light since Jas had retired to Vess' bed side; it was curious news to say the least.

"Our boys just finished checking out the spot that Targo expected you to go next."

Jas nodded; he was wondering how that had went. Targo had tried to set up a game for him. The bounty hunter had desired for him to walk the path that he had set, by striking at the safehouse on the Green Moon, he had hoped to catch their old rival off guard.

"Did they find anything?"

"Targo had been there," Coop said with an angry frown, "The scanning crew that went in after was able to determine that, but…they found no clues to suggest where he went after."

Jas nodded.

"I see. Did they find anything else?"

"It was…curious, some of the boys got the feeling they were being watched. Dannik ran the show, I think you are familiar with the guy."

"Yeah, good man, what was his opinion on what happened?"

"What they found, what they were seeing, he got the impression that they had discovered a trap that hadn't fully been set. The place had the feel of an ambush, and would have been well suited for it, but…"

"I wasn't there," Jas finished, "Targo probably realized that, and chose to abandon the thing. It is possible we may have done the unexpected this time, maybe we've finally gotten out ahead of the bastard."

"That would be nice," Coop agreed, "I don't like the idea of the guy running around out in galaxy with revenge on his mind. This place we built, it is pretty secure, but…"

Coop didn't need to finish that sentence.

Jas understood. Targo had always been…unpredictable.

He also trusted Dannik's read of the situation, he was a good man, and…with just a touch of Force sensitivity, not enough to ever make him a Jedi, but enough that he had come to trust his instincts.

Jas took some comfort from the thought that they might have gotten one over on Targo for once, but now, the next move was his.

Coop was right to be concerned what that move might be.

After having finished his conversation with Vess, the Doctor joined them, the man seemed quite pleased with his patient's recovery.

"It is amazing, sir," he informed Cooper, "That poor girl should be suffering any number of ailments from hibernation sickness, and yet, she seems as healthy as a new born Bantha."

"So, she has recovered quickly?" Jas asked.

"More than quickly, Mister Jas. I don't entirely understand it, but after looking at the girl's scans, I can see why. I've never seen human DNA like that. I wouldn't call it perfect, but it is as close to perfect as you can get."

"Interesting," Coop said stroking his chin thoughtfully, "Has our little queen had some genetic enhancement? I know the Bann are a bit famous for that?"

"The girl, no, I didn't find any evidence of direct tampering with her genes, but I'm guessing that little lady's mother, or grandmother, went through some things, what I saw in the scans, I'm guessing young Miss Vessaria was born with what she has. It is most intriguing, from a medical stand point.

Unsurprising, Jas realized, he had seen what the Bann's genetic science had done to Val, it was not so hard to imagine them doing similar things to members of the royal family. The thought that Vess' family's genetics had been tweaked didn't come as a surprise.

"The girl is asking about you," the doctor said gesturing over his shoulder. "It is probably best you tell her something about what happened, the stress of not knowing can be harmful sometimes.

Just like the stress of knowing, Jas thought, but in this, he agreed with the doctor.

Vess had been through a lot in the last seven years, if any eighteen-year-old woman could handle what had happened it would likely be her.

The doctor left to return to his duties, leaving Jas and Coop to speak with their guest. Vess sat up in bed, waiting, she no longer seemed groggy, and seemed eager for answers.

"Sounds like we have been summoned," Coop said with an amused smile.

Jas nodded as the two approached.

It was time to bring the young queen up to speed.

Hopefully, it would work out.

IOI

"So, I was kidnapped?"

"Yeah," Coop said with a nod, "An old enemy of ours has decided to involve himself in the business of your world."

"He is a bounty hunter now," Jas added, "But, when it comes to Coop and I, Targo Sei's interests go beyond credits. He was never the type of man to forget a grudge."

Vess nodded, digesting what she was hearing. She had finally let Claude slip out of her arms, the Loth Cat now dozed at her side, purring in his sleep, his small paws twitching as he dreamt Loth cat dreams. She reached over and idly scratched his head.

The young queen's eyes had narrowed as Jas and Coop had told her the tale of their history with Targo. Jas had expected Vess to be afraid when she heard just who it was they were dealing with, that would have been the expected reactions.

Vess…she wasn't afraid, in fact…she was angry. She was angrier than he had ever seen her.

It was simmering, right below the surface, but it was there. He had worried that that anger was directed at them, that Vess would blame him for Val's kidnapping.

"So…this man, this enemy of yours…he…he sold Val?"

"He took Val," Coop clarified, "We can't say if he has sold her yet."

"And he told to his underlings that she was more valuable than me," Vess asked.

"So, it seems," Jas said shaking his head, it still seemed odd, but…he thought he knew why Targo might see Val more valuable than.

Does he know how I feel about her, Jas had to wonder. If so, hurting Val might have gone to the top of Targo's list. The thought of hurting his old rival might be too satisfying to resist.

Vess sighed and gave Jas a weak smile.

"I don't know if I should be insulted or grateful that this man made such a choice?"

"Val would say grateful," Jas volunteered, "She would have gone to any lengths to keep you out of danger."

"Mmhm," Vess agreed her expression neutral, but the anger she was feeling still continued to bubble.

"I haven't given up on her, I just want you to know that," Jas tried to assure her.

"Once we've arranged safe passage for you back to Alderaan, Jas and I will continue the search for both Targo Sei and Val."

"We WILL find her kid," Coop promised, "You have our word on that…"

"Both of them," Jas added.

Vess leaned back, he would have thought she would be happy with the news, happy to return to the Rist Estate, to be safe.

That was not what he was sensing from the young queen, the anger remained, and it was so close to the surface now.

Vess' hand curled into a fist, the one not petting the loth cat.

She looked at Coop.

"This cannot stand," she said flatly, "In seeking to remain safe, I've allowed myself to be a target for far too long."

She turned to Jas, her expression softened, becoming warm.

"You came for me; I will never be able to repay that kindness."

He coughed and looked down.

What he was sensing beneath the anger, what Vess felt for him…it was…not something she should have been feeling.

It made him a little uncomfortable, and reminded how long it had been since he had been involved with a woman.

"Val, Aunt Dorma, Aunt Rehanna, they have spent so much time reacting to the threats on my life. I think the time has come to try a bit of action, especially since we know the name of this man, the one who took me."

Her blue eyes turned cold as she looked at Jas.

"This Targo Sei must die," she said flatly, "He is a threat to my life and rule. I want you to help me kill him."

Her statement surprised him.

"Vess?"

"Don't say it," she said flatly.

"Say what?"

"What you are about to say, that I should think what Val would want, that I should get myself to safety."

"It wouldn't be a bad idea, kid," Coop advised.

She sighed and looked down at her clinched fist.

"I've been on the run since I was eleven-year-old," she said, her voice sounding far older than it should have.

"They took my parents from me, stole my throne. Have sent kidnappers and assassins after me. I've known barely a moments peace since you found me in that alley all those years ago, Mister Jas."

Vess took a deep breath, her resolve hardening.

"A Queen cannot afford to spend her whole life running from bullies. It is time my enemies learned the price of making such attempts, of attacking those that I care about. This Targo is apparently a known commodity, a well-known hunter."

"He is known for his brutality," Jas remined her, "You don't want to face him."

"But I do, House Rist has been looking to make an example of my enemies, show them what happens if they try to attack me. This bounty hunter will be perfect."

Her expression turned sly.

"I will send parts of him to the mining guild, and the court of my Aunt Adira. This feared hunter will be my herald, he will inform my enemies that I'm no longer prey to be hunted. The blood of Annara I and Bayla the Bold flows through my veins, that blood cries out for vengeance."

Jas had to admit, he had never seen this side of Vess.

He was not sure he liked it.

Why, his more cynical side asked, can you really blame the girl? She has suffered multiple assassination attempts, and been kidnapped.

No, he didn't blame her, but he was worried.

If Targo got ahold of her again…

"Vess," he said, "I think you should reconsider…"

"I won't be a burden on your hunt," she promised, "Aunt Rehanna trained me well, and you saw that I can fight. Miri will vouch for me."

"Skill is one thing, kid," Coop said, "Experience is…"

Jas frowned as he looked at the expression on Vess' face, what he was feeling through the Force, it told him all he needed to know.

She is not going to take no for an answer.

If we send her back, she will just strike out on her own. It would be suicide, but…

Jas nodded.

He knew what needed to happen. Val would be pissed at him, but…

…what choice did he have?

"Okay," he said, "You can come."

Vess beamed.

Coop shot him shocked look.

"Buddy?! You can't just…"

"You really think she will be safe back on Alderaan, Coop? The Righteous thing showed just how big this matter with Vess really is. If Targo doesn't come after her, other hunters certainly will, there is likely already an open contract out on Vess' life. The only way that contract ends if Vess returns to her throne; with Val at her side."

Vess gave him that too-warm smile again.

"Thank you," she said, "I won't…"

His expression turned as cold as hers. He wanted to make sure that she understood this wasn't a game.

He was willing to humor her, but only so far.

"What you will do is stay close to the rest of the team, and not go flying off on some kind of vendetta. If you make me question for one moment bringing you along, we head straight to Alderaan and drop you off. I can't afford to give you any second chances, the stakes are too high. I won't risk Val's life over this."

"You won't have to," she promised.

"I want to help you save Val."

"You will follow my orders?"

"Yes."

"No questions?"

"No."

"This will not be a hunt for an amateur, please understand that."

If the young queen was insulted; she didn't show it.

She nodded, he felt gratitude from her, gratitude, and…other things.

She reached out and touched his hand, her smile warm.

"Yes, Mister Jas," she said politely, "I'll follow your every order."

She blushed slightly.

"I'm yours."

Jas didn't respond to that, not with words.

Though he could not deny a slight flush of his cheeks.

He turned to Coop.

"Send word to the Rist," he said, "Vess will be contacting them soon."

Coop didn't look so sure.

He shook his head.

"Lady Dorma isn't going to be happy."

"I'll keep her safe," Jas promised.

He gave Vess a sad smile.

"No one will hurt her," he promised.

The girl blushed a little brighter under his regard. He tried not to think about it.

They had a mission to complete. Val was still out there…somewhere.

They would find her, and Vess would not be in danger, not in anymore danger than the rest of his people.

She WILL be safe.

He nodded grimly.

"I promise."