Here, have this,
Reviews and criticism are welcome.
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
32 BBY or 968 ARR (Current Day)
It was the Temple night cycle when I arrived. With its bright billboards and light apartment buildings, you would never know the planet ever had a night cycle. The taxi ride had been uneventful. No duels to death, and no more lost limbs, so I called that a win. Once I paid the cabby and turned to look upon the temple during the night cycle. I had stashed the new headhunter at a lot not far from my apartment. I didn't want the Jedi asking questions of where I got it and how I paid for it.
Not many souls were about as the majority of the species residing here weren't nocturnal. Those that were often did adjust their sleep schedule to match the daytime. Jedi were weird about forcing discomfort on themselves. It was a "shed off all distractions'' type of deal. I still remember that itchy set of padawan robes Tal'or made me wear for a full year. Never again. I swear that they were weaved from fiberglass with how itchy they were. Luckily he wanted to get me in line with proper Mirialan dress code and out of Jedi attire rather quickly. He would have never desecrated Mirialan attire in such a way or worse tied poor memories of Mirialan attire to my childhood memories. A good technique to draw the padawan mentally away from the Jedi and more into the Mirialan school of thought. We are an interesting little sub-order.
Other than the presence of the Temple Guard, the Jedi Temple was eerily quiet at night. I stopped in the main hall and looked at the massive pillars and the darkened halls. The place looked dead, but didn't feel it yet at least. For a moment I had a glimpse of the place post Order 66. Shattered pillars and torn carpet and shadow troopers skulking about. Hopefully I could spare the Jedi of that fate, but my way would still lead to this temple being torn down. Well maybe not torn down, but reduced in use. I just needed to get the Jedi away from the heart of Galactic Politics.
A memory entered my mind, There were places the Jedi could go. I wasn't sure about Tython though. If I remembered right that place was steeped in darkness now. There was another place. Its name escaped me at the moment. Nothing that I couldn't look up in the archives later. Speaking of the archives, I would have to visit the Holocron Vault now. I would have to return Bastilacron there at some point. I kept her around so long, mostly because I wanted to be thorough.
I walked to my room, though the halls when I felt a presence. They were doing a poor job of hiding their presence. It moved gracefully and swiftly. Ah, they were most likely dodging patrols. Well unfortunately I was there to ruin what had to be a youngling's plan to sneak out and practice. I smiled at the memories of my own little training sessions.
I rolled my eyes and tracked the kid down. It was only as I got closer that I realized that they were really trying to be sneaky. They just had a massive amount of force power to hide. It was Anakin. Was there someone else with him? Anakin's glow was ironically hiding another presence.
I sensed the direction they were heading and of course it was the speeder bay. Hiding my own presence, I headed them off using my superior knowledge of the temple. I arrived so I saw the speeder bay was properly locked down. but I was able to use the force and open the door. One of the panels was designed with Jedi in mind. I slid in the darkened bay and waited, ready to switch the lights on.
The door opened again and Anakin entered again, pocketing some sort of tool. I noted he now sported that annoying haircut and braid some of the padawans got saddled with. Luckily I never had to wear that, even if the hairstyle I wore under my veil was a mess to deal with on a daily basis. I don't know why I put up with it these days. I could get by with a shorter haircut, or a ponytail, but I think putting the hair together every morning had become a form of meditation so I rolled with it.
Anakin was quick to pick out a speeder. He knew how to pick'em. That model was Master Tiin's. It was a viper of a speeder. Along with his ship Tiin never stopped tinkering on the thing. He threw a small pack into it and hopped in. He looked prepared to leave the temple entirely. This wasn't just some overnight trip. I was about to do my dramatic reveal when the second presence entered the bay.
"Anakin," whispered a small voice as a girl entered the room, dressed similarly to Anakin. She was younger, but maybe only a couple years and very familiar. I could only wonder how the two had met.
Anakin stopped his preflight check and stopped moving hoping to not be seen.
"I followed you here so don't hide." Anakin sighed and I sensed him rolling his eyes.
"I need to go see her." Anakin quietly called back.
"But they'll kick you out of the temple if they catch you." she said.
"I just have to be sure. One last time. She needs to know I am alright." He started up his pre-flight once again.
"The Jedi will let her know. Your friend Queen Padme will have her living well on Naboo won't she? How will you get there?" the girl asked.
"I just need to know she is alright." Anakin was focused now. Just as he was about to hit the button to start up the speeder. I used my power to halt the button from being pushed.
"It won't budge." After a few moments of frustration pushing Anakin growled. I used that moment to switch the lights on with a telekinetic flick from across the room.
I heard a gasp from the girl and saw her and Anakin covering his eyes. As their vision adjusted, they noticed me standing there.
"Bell- I mean Luminara?" He corrected himself. "Your back?!" Anakin was shocked. I noted the girl who looked afraid of what might happen to her. She was a mirialan. Of course it had to be her.
I covered any annoyance I felt and smirked while leaning on a nearby speeder. "I had just walked in the temple entrance when I sensed a couple of younglings sneaking about. Anakin, you still need more practice covering your signature while sneaking about, but good effort." I looked to Barriss to give her a small reprimand and a bit of praise, but Anakin cut me off.
"Bariss was only trying to stop me. She shouldn't be punished-" I cut him off, returning the favor.
"And she won't." I took note of the girl. She looked frightened but her aura held more concern for Anakin's fate than her own." If I recall, she was only two years younger than Anakin. Just how did they cross paths I wonder. She stepped forward in spite of skeptical gaze.
"Anakin just wants to check on his mom." Her voice didn't waver or crack. I was surprised at the sudden shift. Bariss stood taller and more fiercely than before.
"Understandable, but still forbidden. Younglings do not leave the temple unless under strict supervision." I rubbed my eyes. Damn I was tired. Starship lag.
"They won't tell me anything." Anakin climbed out of the speeder.
"Well letting go of your attachment to her is part of your training." I kicked myself for repeating the Jedi mantra and felt hypocritical considering my recent trip so I continued, "But considering your circumstances, I understand your situation. Which is why in the morning I'll start looking into setting up a visit." This really was probably the wrong way of going about this.
"Really?!" Anakin said excitedly.
"I all but earned my Master rank so I am more than qualified to be a chaperone." I stood up from where I was leaning. "Now we better get you both back to bed." I motioned for them to go. Anakin smiled before noting Barriss and seemed to still look guilty.
"Can Barriss go with us too?" He looked at me with a hopeful expression. One I saw many times back on that old dustball when he would ask what more I could show him.
"Sure why not?" It seemed Anakin had found his first friend in the temple. I led them back to the dorms. We continued to avoid patrols of Temple Guards so this matter could stay off the record because I hate datapadwork
Before we got to Anakin's room, I stopped him. "Just so you know, I am not officially a Master yet. It may be a week or two before I can set this up. If Amidala has taken her to Naboo it will take some time to bring Shmi back here."
"I understand, and I won't try sneaking out again until then," he nodded.
"Good," I waved him back into his room.
It was time to drop off Barriss. It also would sate my curiosity as to why she ended up as Anakin's friend.
"So how did you meet? You and Anakin." I asked. Her eyes lit up.
"No one wanted to spar with him. He is too good. Master Plo-Koon said that maybe we could spar together. No one ever wants to spar with me. They don't think I offer enough of a challenge." The way she said it sounded like she was repeating the words of the other students. I tried to recall what I knew about Barriss' childhood. She was compassionate, but rather straightforward. She had proven she had a bit of backbone too. Overall I think Anakin and her would get along well enough. I knew Anakin could use a friend while he was training here. Especially when I was sent on missions away from the temple. It was nice to know Plo was keeping an eye on Anakin as well.
"I hope you thank Master Plo for helping you find a good friend. He's cool like that." She nodded happily, "Now you better get off to bed as well." I dropped Barriss off and went to my room.
The light was acting a bit wonky, but despite my tiredness, I checked my room. Mostly to make sure the Gray Paladins hadn't run off with my Westar. After I found it in its usual spot, I all but fell into bed. I would have to report tomorrow, but for now I could count bantha.
It was on the way to the Council Chambers that I ran into Obi-Wan.
"You're awake." Last heard he was still in a coma.
"Just woke up a few days ago, shortly after you left. I heard they sent you on a mission to earn your Master rank." There was a small hint of envy in his voice.
"They did. Still feels a bit surreal."
"You earned it. The first Jedi to kill a Sith in a thousand years, and aided in the fall of his master too. Perhaps ending their threat before it could ever be brought to light." Obi-wan sounded genuinely impressed.
"You survived your battle with him on Naboo. That's no small feat." Obi-wan nodded at the praise. It was then I realized that he wasn't in jedi attire. I did not notice a limp until he leaned awkwardly and hobbled toward a window. I heard the whir of robotics.
"Going somewhere?"
Obi-wan nodded. "Stewjon and after that anywhere I like." There was a note of relieved freedom in his voice.
"You're leaving the order." I was stunned. Obi-wan leaving the order was anathema to me or really any Star Wars fan for that matter. I felt a dark pit welling in my stomach. This was my doing.
"Indeed, after the fight with Sith on Naboo I felt out of my depth and with you taking on Anakin, I couldn't help but feel there was nothing for me here."
"Have you talked to Quinlan yet?" Perhaps he could talk Obi-wan out of this decision.
"Yes, he tried to convince me to stay, but I am set on this path. Enough about my leaving, where did your journey lead you to?"
I sensed he wasn't going to budge. If Quinlan couldn't convince him, I had little hope.
"Well it started on Mirial and after some various encounters there I ended up on Mandalore. Where I was able to forge this. The dagger slipped up out of the makeshift sheath and floated up on my left side. I grabbed it in my gloved hand and held it pommel first to Obi-wan. He took the dagger.
"Mandalore you say?" I noted his lips quirk into a smile, no doubt remembering his own time on Mandalore prior to Naboo as he looked over the blade. He handed it back. I took the blade and sheathed it. "A marvel. Truly your promotion is well earned."
"I suppose so. Feels sour now that you're leaving."
"No need to worry about me, Luminara. Enjoy your accomplishment." I nodded, still feeling like osik, but let go of the feeling anyway.
"I wish you luck, Obi-Wan Kenobi. May the Force be with you."
"And you as well, Luminara Unduli." We both bowed and I watched him depart. He stopped briefly to look out on the city as the morning sun rose before he walked down the hall for the last time.
I turned back to enter the Council Chambers. I banished any feelings of regret quickly before I was allowed entry.
"I see you have returned." Windu's tone was the standard Jedi monotone, but I sensed a hint of disappointment. I don't think he wanted me to fail, but I don't think he would have lost much sleep over it if I had.
"I did. Got back last night." I shrugged.
"Sense something you have to share, I do." The Grandmaster was reclined back.
I nodded and unsheathed the dagger from the makeshift sheathe. "With a bit of help I was able to make this." The dagger floated up hovering above the palm of my hand. My connection to the blade felt right, like it was a part of me, even though it merely hung in the air with my connection to it via the Force. I found the ability to control it instinctive. That was something I would practice on developing later.
"What a marvel." Poof stood and walked over. He had a look of awe in his eyes.
I floated the dagger his way until the long necked jedi reached out and took the hilt in one of his hands. His neck bent down to look at the blade in his hand.
"Finely balanced, both edges are razor sharp and well honed, made of mandalorian iron. You must have found a Mandolorian Blacksmith. An impressive feat in its own right." He handed it back, hilt first. I held it in my hand at my side, not needing to show off anymore.
"Yeah, quite the story."
"Let's hear it." Plo Koon had his clawed hands steepled in interest.
So I recounted the tale of my journey. I left out meeting my family for obvious reasons, and the Pius Dea stuff. I don't think Katri or Gren would like me spilling those kinds of secrets of what I went through on Mirial. I knew the Council would most likely assume it was a Mirialan secret, which it was and didn't pry. Other than the acquisition of my new headhunter. I told them about the station and Lam. Most of that was breezed over. I put all the detail I could into how Ida's Gramps and I were able to create the blade. The Council seemed to perk up as I described the process. This was what they were truly interested in hearing about.
There was a bit of silence in the room as I finished my account.
Plo nodded and looked over to Yoda. The old Jedi nodded and scratched his chin with his tiny clawed hand.
"A great rediscovery of our roots, this is." The grandmaster sat up straighter in his seat before speaking again. "A promotion, well earned it seems."
"She could have used a more natural material like wood. The greatest of the ancient Jedi preferred simpler weapons." Rancisis grumbled. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Master Piett came to my defense.
"Don't the elements of steel occur naturally? It is a more involved process to forge, but no different to carving and shaping wood into a quarterstaff or club." The thought of a Force Shillelagh was both amusing and horrifying. Rancisis conceded the point while I wondered if there was a blackthorn substitute in the Star Wars verse.
"I dare say this matter is settled. We have a lot more to discuss," Master Poof said. "You are dismissed, Master Luminara." He waved me off with a smirk. I guess it was official. I suppose the lack of pomp was to be expected for this rank. I wasn't going to complain. As I left, I remembered something I had proposed in the past, but my new rank would help a lot more now.
"Masters of the Council, I, Master Luminara, have a request." Windu seemed to know I had something in mind but was official about it.
"The Council will hear the proposal of the newly promoted Master." His tone held an air of "what is it this time?" with heavy emphasis on the "newly promoted."
"I request that the Jedi Order establish a new Enclave in the Outer Rim."
There was a long silence with my proposal.
"Why?" Master Tiin sat up, leaning forward to look at me seriously. He rarely spoke even at Council sessions.
"The Outer Rim has been growing more and more lawless since the Stark War. Not to mention the tension we all feel building between the Core and Outer Rim worlds. I believe the Jedi would fulfill our mission statement more aptly if there was an enclave to both enforce Republic Law and have a presence in the Far Reaches of the Republic. There are still Slavers and heavy Pirate activity in those places. It would help the Jedi's image as well." I wanted to "say do what is right," but that was ultimately an arbitrary statement and the Council wouldn't take me seriously then.
I waited a few tense seconds. The room was silent.
Everyone looked to the Grandmaster when he lifted his hand to his chin.
"Most interesting, your proposal is. Require Senate approval and funds, we would." He frowned and I resisted the urge to frown. I wanted this off the books and moreover never even being hinted of in front of the Supreme Chancellor.
"Are you truly considering this?" Windu looked even more annoyed than usual.
The Grandmaster nodded. "Believe Luminara is sincere. I do. Perform a trail run, we should."
"I volunteer to lead such a venture should it come to pass." Plo leaned forward. "I assume you already have a well hidden base to operate from. This smuggler's station you mentioned."
I nodded.
"Nothing is decided yet." Windu said, and Rancisis nodded noticeably.
"Indeed, much more we have to discuss today. A special session in future, Need to further discuss this matter, we will. Dismissed you are." With that I couldn't argue further. The Grandmaster had spoken.
I had already pushed my luck. I bowed and left the room. Once the doors shut, I did a fist pump in celebration.
I was drawn back to another matter. I pulled out my communicator and brought up the Office of the Queen of Naboo. I used my new title for the first time in an official capacity to get an audience.
Padme appeared dressed elaborately as usual. She looked tired. What time was it in Theed right now anyway? "Master Luminara? Congratulations on the promotion."
"Congrats on getting your world back from the Trade Feds, Queen Amidala." I nodded. "I wish this was a social call, but I wanted to inquire about the status of Anakin's Mother, Shmi."
I could feel the uneasiness radiate from her. Which was odd considering she was lightyears away. I dismissed my musings quickly.
"We lost her." Padme admitted. "She was left on Coruscant. I thought it wouldn't be safe to take her into a battle so I left her with the staff there. I even hired a counselor to help her adjust to life out of servitude." Which wasn't a bad idea from her perspective.
A chill ran down my spine. This wasn't a coincidence, I had a sneaking suspicion of who could be behind the abduction. Why would he care about Shmi now. He had only met Anakin briefly? Wasn't Palpitne still high off his Master's death? Or more than likely, he was in survival mode and looking into Anakin more thoroughly as to why Plagueis would be so obsessed with the boy. This wasn't good.
"How did she go missing?"
"We are still investigating. So far, it looks like Grela, the Counselor we hired, took her to a nearby market to see the sights. Shmi was getting stir crazy and needed something to do. When they were in the market, Shmi was snatched and their guard was knocked out. I am so sorry, we lost her. I can only think of Anakin's reaction to all this. He would hate me." Again I felt her dejection from here. I wasn't sure about that, but I knew he would rush out to go find her if he did hear of this. The consequences wouldn't even enter his mind.
"Thank you for your honesty, Padme. I will look into this matter myself." She nodded and I ended the call.
First off I had a conundrum. Did I tell Anakin? He would insist on going to look for her. However, he couldn't leave the tower, which wouldn't stop him. I couldn't take him along without getting us both into trouble. I could never get it approved to have a youngling on a kidnapping investigation.
I would have to convince him to stay put. I rubbed my temples in thought as I made my way to the younglings quarters. I stopped. I could tell him after I investigated. The trail was going cold as I mulled this over.
I decided to investigate on my own. I sent a text message to Plo informing him what I was doing. As I made my way to the shuttle bay, I got a reply.
Keep me apprised and take Quinlan Vos with you.
That's what I liked about Plo. He didn't try to stop me, he liked to let me make my own mistakes. He even offered an idea I almost overlooked. Now I just had to find Quinlan.
"After all the commotion, She was gone. I was frantic, but it was like she vanished. I am so sorry Master Jedi." The therapist or Life Adjuster Grela was a twi'lek. She was on the verge of tears. A former Slave who specialized in this type of work. I sensed no lie and believed her. She was more composed now.
"You are not at fault. I am told the market you took her to was considered safe. Many Senator's aides and employees often shop there from what I hear."
"Who would take Shmi? She was too old for more…" Grela trialed off, unsure of how to say it in front of a Jedi.
"I understand. I believe it may be a ploy to get the Jedi to pay a ransom. While we strive to ensure the families are well off and protected. Shmi was particularly vulnerable if only for a brief time." Twi'lek nodded.
"They would be crazy to try that." Quinlan who had been slowly meandering around the room said.
"There was one thing. One of the Vendors was acting odd. He was selling fruit, but he wasn't overcharging. Many of the merchants know the people who shop in that district cater to the Senate, so they over charge. This merchant wasn't even haggling. It was odd.
That sounded like a spy of sorts. For who though? Palpatine or could be them. That was an even worse case scenario.
"Thank you Tisha. You have been very helpful." I bowed.
"Please find her. Shmi was a blessing to those I work with. She had a way with people, especially those who had been in bondage." She looked so sad.
"I will do my best to locate her. Coruscant is a maze, but she could be anywhere."
We both left the apartment. It was when we were about halfway down the hall when Quinlan spoke.
"She didn't have anything to do with the abduction. No signs of corrosion either." I took him at his word. He had psychometry and I didn't. He was in a dark mood though. I didn't need the force to feel it. His long face tattoo was permanently scrunched up under his eyes in a scowl.
As we got into the speeder. He gunned the engine toward the market where Shmi was abducted.
"Something eating at you?" I think I knew the answer, but I wanted to be sure.
"Obi-wan." Just as I thought.
"You think he should have stayed?"
"Well, I do. I didn't expect him to give up especially when he was so close to making Knight." Quinlan growled.
"I don't know if he did. Just because he left the order, doesn't mean the Force left him. I'm sure our paths will cross again. Perhaps he will even return to the fold. Let him find his own path for a bit." I meant it. I knew the Force wasn't done with Obi-wan.
Quinlan sighed. "When did you become all preachy? Is that something that happens when they slap Master Rank on you?"
"First I believe it and I know you do too. Second, I am not sure about the Master thing. I just hope that I can get the order out of the flat footed rut we had been stuck in since the Russan Reformation." I sighed and leaned my head back.
"But I don't want to talk about that. Anyway, what have you been up to?"
"Aayla and I were undercover on Tatooine."
"Right now I remember. You were keeping a low profile so I didn't want to interfere. Then I got wrapped up with Qui-gon and Obi-wan's mission."
"I didn't sense you at all. Your cover must have been pretty solid."
I couldn't help but smirk. "It was."
Quinlan tried to think back to who I could have been. I smirked and would let him try to figure it out.
"So," Quinlan seemed apprehensive about bringing up the next subject. "What was fighting the Sith like?"
"Which one."
Quinlan shook his head with a snort, "We'll go with the assassin."
"He only used one form. Juyo to be specific. He had a double bladed saber. He used it really well. If I am honest. You know how in the texts they say that it is always possible to determine where both blades are?"
"Yeah,"
"Well, just never underestimate the value of a good backstroke." I held up my gloved ghost arm.
"So it's true then? You found a way to restore limbs with the force. Your promotion makes a whole lot more sense now." Quinlan chuckled.
"I think it was a combination of factors, but yes."
"Could you teach me that little trick?" I thought about it. If Quinlan turned like he did in Legends and even in Canon, that could make him dangerous. I was hesitant. There was one thing Quinlan could teach me that I normally would never have access to however. Vaapad. Mace would never teach me that. It was dangerous, Especially for someone like me. I looked at my arm. If I fell… The damage I could do was immeasurable. I suppose that is why having Master Windu teach me would be a good thing. He wouldn't hesitate to put me down.
"Would you be willing to teach me Vaapad in return?" I noted the slight nervous twitch on his cheek when I said it. "If you say no, that's fine. If you want to learn Limb Restoration, then I will still teach you."
Quinlan was quiet for a long time. "How did you know I knew Vaapad?"
I shrugged, "It was a guess. Master Thame knows the form and I just assumed he taught it to you."
"I'll think about it." Quinlan pulled the speeder into the parking lot not far from the market where Shmi was abducted.
We exited and walked throughout the place. I clasped my hands together and asked, "So is there any chance you'll find something to lock on to with so much traffic?"
"It will be slim, but do or do not, as an old tiny green Jedi I know is fond of saying."
I chuckled. I zeroed on the stall Shmi was at before the attack. If the twi'lek's description was any good.
Quinlan got to work. If I had been alone I would have gone under Bellicose's identity. People tended to clamp down around Jedi. So I used my Battle Meditation. I reached out and let out a soothing aura. It didn't outright banish the fear, but it did help in reducing the tension in the market square.
Quinlan hummed in approval. "I think I got something."
"Shmi?"
"No, her captor. It is very strange. He knew… who she was and her future? Hard to make out." I felt a familiar chill. Quinlan walked to a nearby alley.
"He was waiting for her, posing as the merchant. He managed to knock her out and drag her back into a nearby alley."
Quinlan moved quickly. I followed. He was enthralled in the hunt. I managed to keep up.
We reached an elevator. Qunilan pushed a button and we descended into the lower levels.
"I am not sure I will be able to pick the trail again." Quinlan said.
I understood. The fact he could pick up the trail at all was amazing.
The elevator stopped a few times and Quinlan signaled aspiring occupants to take the next one.
The Elevator went all the way down to 1313, because of course it had to. I could only feel sorry for Shmi having to be lost down in the dark. I knew she was a tough woman, but she was way out of her element on Coruscant.
Quinlan seemed to approve. He smiled.
"Couldn't be that easy could it."
I snorted in amusement. We exited and went about looking for clues. I projected a field that felt out for any potential witnesses. Looking for beggars and locals that may aid us. What I sensed was hostility not curiosity. We were unwelcome. Quinlan must have felt it too, but was more focused on finding Shmi.
"This way. He took off, jogging down an alley."
We went for a few blocks. He reached out and touched various objects as he went.
We stopped at a large pile of refuse. Quinlan used the force to lift up the trash, revealing a body. It was a Mirialan man with dark green skin. He was lithe, despite the glowing puffiness of his corpse.
"Kriff," Quinlan muttered. He searched around for any trace of Shmi. "I can't get a lock on her. Too much traffic down this alley. It is a shortcut to a local bar."
"We could ask around…" I trailed off.
"I sense them too." Quinlan drew a vibroknife. Lightsabers were a bit too flashy for this part of town. I drew my new dagger.
I felt the intent of several individuals to approach. It looked like a local gang had taken an interest.
"What do we have here?" A human man walked out of the shadows. He had pale skin and dark grey hair contrasted the red faux leather jacket he wore. His face held lines of age that placed him in his late forties. He stuck out compared to the individuals coming from the opposite direction.
"Oh, we just got lost while searching for someone just as lost." Quinlan quipped.
The stranger noted the corpse. "Seems you found him."
"He abducted the woman we were looking for." I sheathed the dagger. Careful to not cut the leather sheath. I really needed a better one.
"I see," he said. I noted the other individuals inching closer.
"Why would the Jedi care about such a woman? Is she a senator or a highborn welp?" There was a bit of venom in his voice.
"The opposite in fact. A former slave." I sensed his surprise. I didn't mention her connection to the order yet.
"When did the order start caring about the little folk?" he said.
"We always cared." Quinlan growled out.
The man barked out a raspy laugh. It was a harsh thing that told us what he thought of that statement without words.
I brought up a datapad and flashed her picture to him. I sensed his recognition.
"You have seen her." Quinlan said.
He waved his hand and the others in the opposite end of the hallway stopped their advance.
"Yes, that asshole was leading her around. She caught the attention of the bartender. She sensed her distress and had her bouncers throw that asshole out of here. He tried to pull a blaster, but the bouncer is a big one and kicked him into the street. He broke his neck." The man frowned. "They could have at least taken the body to the incinerator."
"And the woman?" I asked with a bit of desperation.
"She is fine. The owner of the bar hired her to wash dishes and keep the place clean. Place hasn't been that clean since as far back as I could remember." I sensed a growing fondness for Shmi from the man.
"Could we take her back to the surface with us?" It was a simple question.
"No, the way I see it she is one of us now, Jedi. You will not have her without a fight." I heard the clicks and ready blasters from hidden places around us." I looked at Quinlan. He shook his head. It seemed we were of the same mind. No sense in causing a fight.
"May we at least speak to her?" I asked.
"And let you do your magic on her, oh no." He chuckled.
"I need to at least see if she is alright with my own eyes. You can go back to running your bar after that."
He thought for a moment. He was unsurprised that I guessed his connection to the bar. "No funny business. Desiree will sense if you are messing with her head." He turned down the alleyway. "Des."
A beautiful young Zeltron stepped out with Shmi. Her outfit was nabooian in design, but she wore an apron. I sensed no distress from her.
I walked up. I was stopped by the man. "That is far enough."
"Shmi, are you all right?"
"Yes, Luminara. I am fine. Zane helped me escape that man." Shmi wasn't lying. The Zeltron gave off no sign of manipulation either.
"See she is fine. Now get back up to your fancy tower Jedi." Zane said. "We'll take care of her. She is among the Unseen now." At the mention of the Unseen, I relaxed a bit. They had grown in recent years from what I heard. They acted like a gang too much for my liking, but they still helped people down on their luck it seemed. I hoped they wouldn't get worse in the future, but I couldn't control the organization at this point.
"Luminara, we can't just leave her here." Quinlan was reaching for his lightsaber. I held up a hand to stop him.
"Stop. I will let her stay, but I will stop by to check on her from time to time. Her son might come by too in the future." I looked into Zane's eyes, with an unyielding expression.
He relented and nodded. "She told me her kid was at the temple, but I didn't quite believe her until you showed up. You can go."
"Thank you for your hospitality." As I turned to leave, my eyes drifted over the corpse of the dead abductor. He had a small tattoo on his wrist. I didn't have time to notice it before. The image sat in my head for some time after we left level 1313. It was another butterfly. I shook my head. I was getting really tired of these assholes. I didn't bother with the body. I knew it led nowhere as usual. It hurt to ask.
"Did you happen to get his communicator by any chance?" Zane tossed it to me. I caught it by hand.
"Damn thing fried. I was wondering who would bother stealing a nice woman like Shmi. Thing is Bith tech. Had a DNA scanner in it. Fried it when I tried to access it." I was disappointed, but not surprised.
"Can you do me a favor, Zane was it?"
"That favor would be?" He raised an eyebrow.
I walked up to him. He was on his guard. I held the communicator up and undid its seals and screws with the force. The Communicator blew out like a blow chart, the parts floating in the air. I picked out the one piece I was looking for in the thoroughly charred mess of parts. The one with the maker's mark. It was the only clue I had been able to gather on these assholes over the years.
"If you or the others among the Unseen, find someone with this symbol anywhere on your person, please give me a call. Beware they may have some means of killing themselves to prevent capture. I held out my own comm and sent my contact info to his own device.
"I will want to check in Shmi from time to time so you might as well have my comm number."
"You are not what I expected Jedi," Zane said.
"Not all of us like being Senate attack kath hounds." I replied with a shrug. I smiled and leaned around Zane to give Shmi a small wave. She gave one back if a bit awkwardly. I sensed that she would be fine despite being down in thee the most dangerous level on this planet.
I took my leave. Quinlan shook his head.
"1313 is and always will be a world within a world won't it?" he quipped.
I found myself agreeing.
"You sure about leaving her down there?"
"Yes," I said, "It felt ironically enough like a safe place for her to be. I will have to investigate the area and this Zane to be sure, but I sensed no ill intent."
"Despite being anti-Jedi as well as most authority figures, the Unseen are known to look after their people." Quinlan said. "Good people, but just a little misinformed. Make no mistake, if she is allowed to stay there, she is one of their people now."
I felt amused at the irony, being snubbed by an organization/possible gang I created. Luckily Bellicose could move in circles Luminara couldn't. I would be sure Zane was on the up and up, before leaving Shmi in his care. Now I had to tell Anakin, that visit may take a little longer to set up. I'll be honest if the Council said no, I would probably have to go behind their backs. No way in the nine Corellian Hells I was breaking what was essentially a promise.