Author's Note: Guess what! SURPRISE! HAPPY MAY THE 4th and HAPPY STAR WARS DAY! As a special treat to celebrate a franchise that means so much to so many, I've decided to drop this week's chapter early! I hope you all enjoy this installment and I'll see you next week! Happy Star Wars Day and here's to many, many more. No matter who you are...no matter what you like about Star Wars...you are welcome in this universe. Star Wars is for everyone and there's so much to explore. Long Live a franchise that's captured our imaginations time and time again!

May the Fourth be with You!

~ Michael

Chapter: 64 Planet of the Birds

"A broken bridge of trust is one of the most difficult to mend."

A web of deception! As the Clone Wars escalate across the galaxy, networks of espionage feed constant information to multiple factions. In a shocking twist of events, a Republic spy has been discovered on the neutral world of Avinaria. In order to prevent another war from breaking out, the Jedi Council has dispatched Knight Elsa Dellian to deescalate the situation. Meanwhile her sister Anna leads an elite strike team to investigate a lead on the mysterious anti-Jedi insurgents...

The lush planet of Onderon was as humid as they come. A dwindling breeze from the nearby jungle offered the citizens of Iziz some form of relief. As the stars glistened over the planet, those still roaming the streets survived as they could. Purveyors beckoned the weary to their carts while reptilian draft animals roared alongside wagons. But despite economic accommodations, the Separatist presence within Onderon left many feeling unsettled. There had been whispers of a rebellion festering in the jungles, but droid investigations had so far proven fruitless. Apart from its illuminated central plaza, Iziz was teeming with shadowy alleys and decrepit districts. Even without an imposed curfew, it was often better for Onderonians to remain off of the streets after certain hours. It wasn't uncommon to hear B1 battle droids marching in the dead of night.

As the city succumbed to darkness, one said droid patrol stomped through a quiet district. As they marched onward, a droid came to a halt and examined its surroundings. As the rest of its unit left, the droid found itself standing in silence betwixt the shadows. Its circuits fizzed as it peered at the apartment complex above. It gazed intently into the shadows until another B1 scolded it. "Corporal!" the captain yelled in its nasally voice. "What are you doing?"

The corporal looked as though it was about to short-circuit under pressure. "I...well-...thought I-"

"Get back in formation before I have you deactivated," the droid captain ordered.

"Roger roger," the corporal affirmed and scurried back to join the others.

A heavy silence set in once the droids departed. As another humid breeze surged across the stony street, it also tussled Anna's hair in the darkness. "Stupid clankers," the Jedi remarked. Anna and her Deathchasers had ascended the apartment complex and were using the shadows to screen their movements.

As they lay suspended in the blackness, an encrypted message came through Anna's stealth communicator. "Legacy to General Dellian," Shang called in.

"I hear you," Anna whispered while pressing a finger to the device. "The earpiece is working great and we're in position."

"How does it feel?" Shang asked.

"Well it takes some getting used to but-"

"Not the earpiece. Knowing Asajj Ventress is dead. Does it bring you any comfort?"

Anna huffed. "Not really. It's a pity that I didn't get to bring her down, but at least she won't hurt another Jedi."

Shang related Anna's feelings about Ventress to those he had about Death Watch. "Do you feel any lighter?" he inquired. "Relieved even?"

Blazer kept a close eye on his superior as she shook her head. "I'm not sure," she replied. "I'm not trying to sound like my sister, but I don't know if her death was justice or not. She may be gone, but the wounds she inflicted still remain. Don't get me wrong, the Sith are insane...but maybe they were right about one thing." Anna sighed deeply. "Peace is a lie. I mean, look at how much war we're all enveloped in. There's talk of our heroics bringing a swift end to the conflict, but we all know another war will just take its place. And so on and so forth."

"We clones were made for war," Blazer added. "Without it, what use would we serve?"

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Anna muttered.

"Perhaps," the sergeant considered. "What it really means is that it doesn't matter how many wars the Republic has in store. There could be a hundred conflicts right around the corner and you'd still have us at your side."

"Always," Sparx affirmed.

"To the end of the line," Speedy added.

Anna faintly smiled until Sparx's scanner vibrated. "We've got movement in the target's room," the lieutenant said. "It's now or never."

"It's go time, brothers." Anna affirmed.

As they prepped cables and slowly rappelled down, Shang called in to Anna's earpiece. "Remember, Deathchasers," he intoned. "A known Republic presence on Onderon would complicate things on a scale beyond any of us. Phobi must remain alive. Keep things covert and find out what you can."

"Copy that," Anna said and gestured for the clones to follow her. The group cautiously descended towards Moshenu Phobi's window. Their black silhouettes made them look like krykna spiders lurking down webs. Flickering lights could be seen deep within the expansive apartment. A stout figure appeared hunched before a tremendous and pixilated canvas. Anna and the Deatchasers landed on Moshenu's vacant verandah. While being careful not to bump into his furniture, they crept up to the door.

Anna took a deep breath and reached out with the Force. Come on, she told herself. She shut her eyes and thought back to Elsa's teachings. As Anna visualized the lock in her mind, she gingerly rotated her wrist. A devious grin crept across her lips when the knob clicked in response. "Got it," Anna rejoiced and opened her eyes...only to see what had actually transpired.

Sparx had finished picking the lock and nodded to his general. "Apologies," the lieutenant said. "It's just that...time is of the essence and-"

"Yeah yeah," Anna groaned. "Let's just go." How long was I taking? she thought.

They slipped into Moshenu's apartment and Speedy closed the door behind them. He wasn't expecting any wind assistance and gasped when the door nearly slammed. The brief clamor caused Moshenu's head to snap in their direction. The Umbaran's broad silhouette remained steadfast in the moonlight. He briefly glanced back into the shadows before returning to his latest artwork.

Anna held a hand up from behind the wall and signaled the team to advance. Blazer, Sparx, and Speedy each snuck to a separate part of the art studio to cut off any means of escape. Once they were in position, Anna closed her fist and stomped up to their target's chair. By the time Moshenu realized something had gone awry, Anna was already spinning him in his chair. The Umbaran's silver eyes widened as he found himself face to face with a Jedi Knight.

"Don't you kriffing move," she growled.

His art stylus shook in his hand as the Deatchasers emerged from the shadows. They aimed their firearms from multiple angles and forced him into submission. "Drop it," Blazer ordered.

Although he was initially shocked, Moshenu didn't seem surprised that the clones wanted him to drop the stylus. "Everything's a threat to you people," the Umbaran whispered but complied. His stylus clattered to the floor as he stared Anna down. "I knew you were murderers, but-"

"Cut the banthacrap," the Jedi asserted. "Where is Dr. Morzetti?"

Moshenu seemed genuinely perplexed and asked, "Who?"

Anna narrowed her eyes and towered over her target. "You know. Your followers have her."

"Followers?" he queried. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Deliver us from Jedi Evil," Anna recited. "We know those are your words from your work. So tell us what you know."

The Umbaran sighed. "I know-" He leaned in was sure to maintain eye contact. "-that my words ring true." He scowled at Anna and looked over her appearance. Especially for a so-called Jedi such as yourself."

Infuriated by his words, Anna seized Moshenu by the collar and dragged him out of his seat. "So-called?" she growled. "I am a Jedi!" she snapped and slammed him into his mural. His digital art strobed from the impact while she kept him pinned. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"

"General?" Speedy worried until Blazer held up a hand.

The clones watched as their leader violently pulled Moshenu closer. The older Umbaran winced from his aching back. His unfinished, anti-Republic poster loomed over them. It depicted a burning Jedi temple while distressed faces cried out in terror. A demonic, robed beast wielding a lightsaber emerged from the ravaged temple as if spawning from its destruction.

Anna bared her teeth and savagely slammed him again. "My patience is wearing thin," she hissed. "You will answer me," she snarled. "Or this is gonna get ugly."

Moshenu took his time answering. He peered into Anna's raging eyes and exhaled. "How so?" he asked. "What will you do to me that won't prove my point?" Anna raised a brow and followed his gaze to the 'Jedi Demon' on his mural. "Kill me and you'll only prove me right. But you don't even have to go that far. You've already proven that the Republic is willing to cross any line to get what it wants."

"Don't try to turn this on us," Anna growled and loosened her grip. "All we want is freedom."

Moshenu appeared both astounded and heartbroken. "Believe it or not...despite all of my work against the Republic, I still gave Jedi the benefit of the doubt. I told myself 'they can't all be warmongers' and such...but just look at you." He tapped on her armored wrist before she shoved him back. "More soldier than peacekeeper. Wielding deadly force as the first and only resort. And the worst part...you truly believe it's for freedom. What? You think the Separatists want to blow up every planet in the galaxy or something? Did you ever stop for an instant to think beyond the battle droids? To think of the lives on each of our worlds? The families? The children?"

Speedy thought about the kids he encountered back on Coruscant. Whether they were getting by on the streets or just finding out their father had been killed, he tried to imagine similar impacts for Separatist children.

"Ever think they want freedom too?" Moshenu continued.

"The freedom to destroy us," Anna retorted and the Umbaran nearly lost his mind.

"By the stars," he uttered. "These might as well be the end times. To hear a Jedi be so ignorant is beyond depressing. You should be ashamed of yourself...ashamed!"

Anna shoved him again and pressed her hilt to his chest. "You don't get to tell me who I am or how to feel!" she scolded. "It's not my fault you're delusional."

"And I suppose the hundreds...thousands of systems who have joined the Confederacy are also delusional? Open your eyes, child! You're on the wrong side. I know nothing of these 'followers' you speak of, but I'm no stranger to zealots and visionaries taking inspiration from my work. Revolutions are brewing and people are waking up. The Jedi have become puppets to a corrupt Republic. You can't blame the clones. After all, they're just good soldiers following orders. But you have no excuse, Jedi. You have forsaken every ideal the Order of old stood for." Anna peered up at the mural while Moshenu continued. "You can't act surprised when people lose faith in you."

"What do you mean?" Anna inquired while gazing into the 'Jedi Demon's' fiery eyes.

"There was a time when a unified galaxy looked to the Jedi for guidance," Moshenu explained. "They were beacons of hope betwixt our dreadful lives. But as we started to see them for the hypocrites they had become, we realized the Jedi Order couldn't be relied on. We would have to fight our own battles for true freedom."

Anna snapped out of the mural's entrancing stare and focused on Moshenu. "You dense,old man," she murmured. "You may not be leading these insurgents, but they are your fault. It's liars like you that keep this war going and cost people lives. You think your cause is just, but the Republic will silence your poisonous rhetoric."

"By killing me?" Moshenu countered. "How just of them. Kill me here and you'll drag Onderon into the war."

"No," Anna scorned. "But you'll get yours just like all of the rest. And if I ever catch you on a Republic world spewing this nonsense, it won't end well for you. So enjoy your empty words because they'll never reach the Republic."

The Umbaran's eyes listed over Anna's shoulder and he smiled faintly. "They already have," he whispered.

Confused, Anna glanced back and noticed Speedy had lowered his rifle. "Trooper!" Blazer scolded. "Weapon up!" Speedy didn't budge at first. His helmeted head trembled as if indecision was eating him up from within. "That's an order," the sergeant demanded. The rifle rattled in Speedy's shaking hands while he slowly raised it.

Fed up with their lack of progress, Anna pushed Moshenu back and pressed a finger to her earpiece. "Admiral," she called in. "Phobi's a dead end. We need a stealth evac effective immediately and we'll meet you at the jungle landing zone." She took one last look at Moshenu's chilling artwork and stormed up to his apparatus. The Umbaran watched as Anna deleted months-worth of digital painting from his computer and wiped the mural blank.

As the Jedi departed, Moshenu didn't even seem that angry. Seeing Speedy's defiance had proven to be enough of a victory for him. "Good to see they think for themselves," he mentioned before Anna was out of earshot. She paused and sneered at him. "This is just the beginning, Jedi. More planets will continue to wake up and secede from the Republic. Even Umbara knows better, although I fear war is inevitable."

"If war comes to Umbara-" Anna began. "-I'd be honored to be part of that campaign. Just so you could know that I led the Republic to victory over your people."

Anna and her team exited through the verandah, leaving Moshenu to rise on his own. He thought on Anna's words while rubbing his aching back. "Victory over your people," he reiterated. "Those are the words of a conqueror...not a savior."

Under the cover of night, the Deathchasers slipped out of Iziz and returned to the jungle. The Legacy was obscured between thick trees and a mossy rock formation. Once the Deathchasers were aboard, the ship soared high into the night sky and left Onderon behind. As Anna and her team prepared for debrief, Speedy broke off and kept to himself.

Anna pulled the other clones aside and asked, "What was that back there?"

"I'm not sure," Blazer said. "Maybe his mind wandered?"

"I can speak to him," Sparx suggested.

"No," Anna shut him down immediately. "I'll do it. Just give us some space." Blazer and Sparx reported to the bridge while Anna sat beside Speedy. He removed his helmet and rubbed his tense temples. Sweat droplets glistened across his buzz cut. "Hey brother," Anna greeted.

"General," Speedy mumbled. "I-...I'm sorry."

"What happened in there?" she asked. "Why'd you lower your gun?"

Speedy swallowed hard. "I just started thinking about the families Phobi was mentioning," he confessed. "Kids suffering. All of these people getting dragged into this war from both sides. He wasn't a threat so I wanted to hear him out. I figured he might talk more without a gun a pointed at his face."

"But no one told you to do that," Anna insisted.

"I know," Speedy admitted. "But-"

"But nothing," Anna intoned. "I don't think you're understanding the gravity of the situation here. Do you trust me?"

Speedy's eyes widened. "Of course I do, general!"

"Can I trust you?"

"Wholeheartedly," Speedy assured.

"Well what you did back there was untrustworthy," Anna scolded. "You didn't have my back. If something went wrong in that room and your gun wasn't up, could you have reacted in time?"

Speedy pursed his lips while his gaze scoured the floor. "I...yes. I believe so."

Anna sighed heavily. "We take our wins and losses together, but that means we have to work together. One of us can't go off doing their own thing. If you want to go trusting enemies, join my sister and the 213th."

"I don't want that!" Speedy exclaimed. "I'm a Deathchaser!"

"Then act like a Deathchaser," Anna asserted. Gone was her reasonable demeanor as she stared him down. "Next time we're in an engagement, you follow orders. Got it?"

"Yes, general." Speedy sighed.

"Good," Anna replied sternly and rose from her seat. "See you at the debrief." As she rounded the corridor, she discovered that Blazer had been eavesdropping the entire time. "Sergeant? What are you still doing here?"

"I'm all for discipline-" Blazer said. "-but don't you think that was a little...harsh?"

"He didn't follow orders," Anna defended. "I had to set him straight."

Blazer removed his helmet to look Anna dead in the eye. His black-bearded frown deepened as he said, "So is Sparx next then?"

Anna knitted her brows. "What do you mean?"

"He didn't follow orders either. You were trying to open the verandah door with the Force and he picked the lock. By your logic, he should be in trouble too."

"It's different," Anna scoffed and stepped away.

"How?" Blazer queried and chased after her. "And what did you mean about us being unable to do our own thing? We can't but you can? You got to fly out into space and take out a dreadnought without running that by any of us."

"Yes...well...in the heat of the moment-"

"Don't give me that," Blazer growled. "Anna, just tell me that this isn't some sort of power dynamic issue. That you're only punishing Speedy because he defied you. Because that Jedi hubris is exactly what I spoke out against on Kamino and-"

"Sarge," Anna interjected. "It has nothing to do with that nor does it pertain to Sparx. I laid into Speedy because some crazy Separatist was able to get inside his head."

"Speedy has a good heart," Blazer said. "He might've slipped up, but don't mistake that for naivety."

"That slip-up could've cost someone their life," Anna said. "Know who else has a 'good heart'? My sister. And every manipulating psychopath would love to play nuna-ball with it. I've seen her methods almost get her killed one too many times. I'm not going to let something like that happened to Speedy." Anna sighed. "Now come on. We have a failure to report."


There was a tremor in the Force as Master Chuza scraped his talons before the Jedi Council. The stout Avinarian ruffled his feathers and stood alongside his Padawan, Gav Riden. "This is outrageous!" he cawed as the circle of masters sat in silence. "It's unfair!"

"Take a breath, old Chuza." Master Windu intoned.

The elder's talons twitched frustratedly. "This is madness. With all due respect, my fellow masters...why was I one of the last to know of this Avinarian situation?"

"Appointed to a rising Consular, the mission was." Yoda explained. "Discreet, negotiations must be."

Chuza started grinding his beak. "And so you send the very Jedi who lost the Republic Avinaria?" he blurted. "As a Padawan, Elsa Dellian failed to negotiate with Senator Finc and solidified their secession. Now you think she stands a chance at retrieving a Republic spy? The rank of Knight will not improve her judgment."

"That's not for you to decide," Master Obi-wan Kenobi defended.

"Avinaria is my homeworld," Chuza squawked. He tapped Gav with his wing and said, "Our homeworld! If you think we're going to stand idly by while a human child meddles in Avinarian affairs, then the consequences of her failure will be on your hands."

"Knight Dellian is already enroute to Avinaria," Master Plo Koon said. "What would you have us do?"

"Send my Padawan and I to assist her," Chuza suggested. "She doesn't know a thing about that planet. We'll make sure she doesn't fail."

"Or do you mean to upend her efforts and see to this matter yourself?" Obi-wan asked.

"Elsa has proven resourceful in the past," Master Billaba added. "I say we let her handle this."

"As do I," Obi-wan agreed. "Plus, the situation on Avinaria is already tense enough. More Jedi would only fan the flames."

"You're willfully ignoring the fact that Gav and I are Avinarian and will be embraced with open wings," Chuza said. He glared at Obi-wan and Depa Billaba. "I know you favor this girl, but I can only hope the rest of the council will see reason." He turned to them and focused on Master Yoda. "Understand that if Dellian fails, she won't just cost the Republic a spy and worsen relations with Avinaria. She'll bring them one step closer to breaking their neutrality and siding with the Separatists. Take it from an Avinarian. My people may be trying to leave their bloody past behind them...but they weren't called the warbirds for nothing. The Republic does not want Avinaria to side with Count Dooku. For if it does, it will be dragged into another brutal conflict and the Jedi will be blamed."

A daunting silence ensued as the masters conferred amongst each other. In the end, all eyes fell upon Masters Yoda and Windu. The old, green Jedi let loose a resigned sigh. "Fall to the Separatists, Avinaria must not," he said. Assist Knight Dellian, you will."

A grin formed across Master Chuza's beak while Yoda's decree was met with mixed reactions. Obi-wan subtly shook his head, but ultimately accepted Yoda's decision. "You've made the right choice," Chuza said and bowed before the council. "My apprentice and I shall not fail you."

The duo departed and entered the spire's elevator. As they descended to the temple's lower chambers, Gav couldn't help but ask, "Do you really plan on assisting Elsa Dellian, master?"

"She'd be a fool not to take our advice," Chuza said. "That child has no idea what she's doing so listen carefully, Gav. Elsa will either follow our lead or get out of our way." As Chuza finished his statement, the elevator doors opened to reveal Yelena and Mattias. Chuza instantly swapped his glower for a fraudulent grin and said, "Mattias...Yelena! Old friends! How are you?" Gav rolled his eyes while the masters mingled.

"Younglings are a handful," Yelena replied. "But it's rewarding to mentor the Jedi of tomorrow."

Because you did such a fantastic job with Elsa, Chuza snarked to himself. "Well you are a wonderful teacher," he said instead. "I'm sure our Order's future is in great hands."

"We're about to see if the council needs anything else from us," Mattias explained. "What are you and young Gav up to?"

Chuza cleared his throat and spun his own version of the event. "The council is sending us on a top secret assignment. I'd tell you if I could but, some of us still have Padawans who need to pass Jedi trials." Chuza's nervous chuckle bordered on cynical. He and Gav rushed down the hall, leaving Yelena and Mattias perplexed over his demeanor.


The Deliverance boomed out of Hyperspace and soared towards a mysterious planet. The noble Venator-class Star Destroyer cast a triangular shadow over nearby ships. Elsa, Frost, and Admiral Taka monitored their steady approach from the command bridge. "You should take at least half of the 213th with you," Taka advised. "After discovering a Republic spy, you can expect hostilities to be high."

"That's precisely why the battalion needs to stay here," Elsa replied.

"With respect, General Dellian..." Taka insisted. "You can't face those warbirds alone."

"We'll come with you," a clone suggested. The trio turned to see troopers Rip and Doubles standing by. "We've got your back, general!" the former saluted.

Elsa simpered. "As much as I appreciate your devotion, there have been instances where you've been...rather unstable."

"She's talking about you," Rip mumbled and gave Doubles a nudge.

Doubles smacked him upside the head and said, "Me? You're the genius who thought firing your flamethrower at the ground would make you fly."

"I had to try," Rip shamelessly confessed.

"At least let me come with you, Elsa." Frost suggested. "I know you can handle this, but what harm could come from having a partner you can trust? An extra set of eyes watching your back. I'll stand by you no matter what."

Elsa sighed but ultimately obliged. "Okay, commander. The two of us will venture to the Avinarian capital and negotiate terms."

"Admiral Taka!" a clone officer beckoned. "We have an incoming transmission from the planet."

"Put it through," Taka replied while Elsa stood beside her.

A holoprojection flashed in front of them and a robust Avinarian came into view. His refined plumage was neatly groomed and tucked beneath an elegant uniform. "Republic starship," he cawed. "Halt your descent and divert course immediately."

"We've come to negotiate," Taka assured.

"Avinaria has no interest in negotiations with the Republic," the official replied.

"And what about the Jedi Order?" Elsa inquired. She caught the Avinarian's attention and stepped closer. "I understand that you've captured one of the Republic's spies. I have come here to speak with your leader on behalf of the Order. As a Jedi, I am permitted to enter neutral worlds."

The Avinarian paused as if contemplating what a Jedi's presence meant. It looked as though he was speaking with his superiors in out of view. "Only you may land," he eventually said. "We will send a cruiser to escort you."

"As a show of good faith-" Elsa began. "-I humbly request that I bring my commander and only him." Elsa persisted when she noticed the Avinarian's uncertainty. "He acts under my orders alone and walks the path of peace."

"We shall see," the Avinarian responded and looked to his superiors again. "The commander may come but he must respect our ways."

"Of course," Elsa agreed.

Taka's suspicions only rose as the transmission ended. "Call off this crusade," the admiral said. "It's too risky. I don't trust these Avinarians one bit, especially if they have one of our own while we have nothing to bargain with."

"Trust is like a bridge, admiral." Elsa said.

"I agree," Taka nodded. "Once it breaks, it can be almost impossible to repair."

Elsa furrowed her brows. "No. Like a bridge, you can start building trust from either side. Sure, we'll eventually have to meet in the center...but we can take the first step."

"What if we're the ones who broke the bridge in the first place?" Frost considered.

Elsa winced at the concept and huffed. "Well, that definitely complicates things. But we'll have to see how the Avinarians are handling this spy situation on their end."

The Deliverance halted while Avinarian frigates maintained a defensive perimeter over their homeworld. It wasn't long before a sleek, azure transport came soaring towards the Venator. The Avinarian cruiser was accompanied by a squadron of fighters flying in a tight formation.

"Admiral," Elsa ordered. "Power down our primary defense turrets and lower the shields."

Taka's eyes widened. "Have you lost your mind?" she hissed.

"Just do it," Elsa intoned.

Taka scoffed but gave the order. "If I so much as see a single laser come zipping, I'm vaporizing that squadron."

As the transport closed in, one of the Avinarian fighter pilots activated his communicator. "This is Comet 3," he reported. "My scanners show the Venator is powering down. Weapon systems and shielding have disengaged. Could be a glitch in my readouts."

"Negative Comet 3," his leader said. She checked her readouts and verified. "My scanners say the same."

"Now's our chance," Comet 3 considered. "Forget these negotiations. It's probably some dirty Republic trick anyway. If we power up our thrusters at the right time, we can strafe the hull and-"

"Stow it," Comet Leader commanded. "I'm no fan of the Republic either, but I'm not about to open fire on a non-hostile vessel. Perhaps they are trying to make amends. We're here for escort duty and that alone so stay focused."

The fighters circled their transport until it docked in the Deliverance's hangar. Once aboard the Republic starship, it dropped its ramp and awaited the passengers. "Looks like we have to go to them," Frost said while Elsa nodded.

As the duo ascended into the Avinarian ship, Rip got one last holler in. "Hey Commander! If you get kidnapped or something...am I the next in command?" Frost ignored him as the ventral hatch sealed. Rip turned to Doubles and jested, "That technically wasn't a no."

While they were aboard, Elsa and Frost could faintly make out their surroundings. Avinarian silhouettes shifted across the upper decks while the ship descended. As they experienced atmospheric turbulence, Elsa realized she'd forgotten to take her motion sickness pills. She started reaching for her satchel when two rifles powered up from the flight deck.

Avinarian soldiers took aim as Frost held up a hand. "She's nauseous," he pleaded. "Just grabbing pills."

"Hands at your sides!" a soldier demanded.

"Frost," Elsa groaned and rested her head back. "It's fine." As Elsa tried to control her motion sickness, she suddenly felt a set of fingers slip beneath hers.

She glanced over at Frost who said, "It's technically still at my side. I've got you, general. Deep breaths."

Elsa squeezed his hand and exhaled as the ship descended into Avinaria. Massive, temperate forests stretched on for miles in every direction. The transport glided over a sea of greenery and joined countless ships in a thriving capital. In an effort to work around deforestation, complex structures were built alongside colossal trees. On Avinaria, society and nature coexisted through a unique system...all of which was invisible to Frost and Elsa. Their windowless compartment was dark and cold as the ship landed on a platform.

The ventral hatch unsealed and heralded beams of blinding sunlight. "How are you holding up?" Frost asked as Elsa squinted.

"I'll be alright," she mumbled. "Thank you." As she glanced at him, she focused intently at the snowflake on his helmet.

"Some clones mark up their armor for intimidation, but mine is a dedication," Frost had said. "You are this snowflake because no one else is like you. You might not always get things right, but who does? You always have the best intentions at heart and that's what makes you a Jedi worth serving under."

Looking to Frost hardened her courage as they descended from the ramp. A line of Avinarian infantry stood at attention. Their navy blue, form-fitting uniforms showcased their toned physiques. While each soldiers' beak type and feather color varied, they were united under blue berets. Daunting blaster rifles were nestled in their feathered digits as they escorted Elsa and Frost forward.

"On a scale of one to ten-" Frost whispered. "How angry do you think they are?"

"Eleven," Elsa answered. While they were marched across a brick courtyard, the duo observed an architectural marvel. Ivory columns peeked behind intricate trees and led towards a set of glistening stairs. Once they reach the entrance, the soldiers stood in position and awaited further orders.

Elsa and Frost received their first formality as a blue-feathered Avinarian emerged. Her badge of authority glistened in the sunlight as she peered down at the visitors. "Welcome to the city Tristis," she said. "I am Halcoa Poma. Chief of Capital Security. Bold of you to come here, Jedi. Especially with a soldier."

"We mean no harm," Elsa began.

"And yet you send a spy to our world?" Halcoa jeered. She extended a wing to the set of doors behind her. "I will take you to President Kestri."

While Elsa and Frost were guided inside, soldiers already had to stop members of the press from getting a closer look. Cameras flashed until they entered the Executive Manor. Winding, gleaming halls lead to a secured office on the upper floor. Halcoa saluted a suited Avinarian and said, "Madam President."

Unlike many of her Avinarian brethren, President Kestri possessed a prominent and coiled crest atop her head. Her vivid, scarlet feathers were contrasted by a set of black rings around her eyes. These distinct, dark markings continued across the tips of her wings and tailfeathers. The golden-winged symbol of Avinaria was pinned to her slate-colored suit jacket. Her black beak clicked while she examined her guests.

"We are honored to meet you, Madam President," the general began. "I am Jedi Knight Elsa Dellian. This is my friend, Commander Frost."

Kestri glowered. "Friend? That's a cute name for a tool in your war machine."

"Respectfully," Elsa defended calmly. "No clone is a tool. They are living beings and should be referred to as such."

"I suppose you're here to recover your other living being then?" Kestri inquired. "I mean...seeing as you'd probably think spies aren't tools either."

"On behalf of the Jedi and the Republic, I want to apologize. This wasn't our doing."

"Don't play coy with me, Master Jedi." Kestri intoned. "We know she's a Republic spy. That much has been uncovered. The real question is, where do you people get the audacity to spy on us after our secession?"

Elsa sighed. "Allow me to rephrase my previous response. When I said it wasn't our doing, what I meant was Frost and I are not part of whatever operation this spy is. We're here to negotiate terms of-"

"Terms of what? Release?" Kestri squawked. "You expect me to believe that the Republic's rapid response team has nothing to do with the spy we just captured? And why? Because they sent a Jedi like that's supposed to impress me?" Kestri huffed and leaned across her desk. Her dark, piercing eyes stared directly at Elsa. "Seeing as you still didn't answer my previous question, I'll propose another. Tell me, Jedi...do you know what it means for an Avinarian to 'raise their wings'?"

"Yes," Elsa affirmed and the president squinted suspiciously. "To raise your wings is to go to war."

Kestri slowly nodded. "Hm," she grumbled. "Well then you must understand that this spy leaves your Republic in quite a predicament. When we found her, all information had been wiped from her computers but much more is still unaccounted for. Avinaria is outraged, Master Jedi. The people are ready to raise their wings."

"You all have every right to be angry," Elsa agreed.

"And every right to go to war too?" Kestri added and Elsa stiffened. "Because I could easily take this spy as a declaration on the Republic's part. But here you are, trying to clean up the mess."

"There must be another solution," Elsa insisted. "We don't need to resort to war-"

"What part of 'you started this' are you people not understanding?" Kestri scolded. "My citizens are demanding action. They want a swift response to this treasonous ploy."

"And there are alternatives to fighting," Elsa assured.

"Oh of course," Kestri simpered. "Like giving you back your spy with all of her stolen information. Leaving Avinaria vulnerable to the Republic until we're forced to rejoin, right?"

Elsa sighed and Frost tried taking over. "Madam President," he said. "No one here wants more conflict."

Kestri's squawk forced Frost into silence. "This Jedi might have some authority to speak, but you have none. How can I take the word of a creature bred for destruction?"

The president's remarks set Elsa off. She interposed herself between Frost and Kestri. "He is alive and no different than either of us," Elsa defended.

"Enough, Jedi." Kestri groaned. "It's over. I will not be dictated to in my own office. Whether you are directly responsible for this spy or not, this is your Republic's fault. There is nothing you can do." She pressed a pager on her desk and summoned someone into the room.

"Then why let us land?" Elsa asked. "If the situation is hopeless, why even give us a chance?"

"As a favor to a friend," Kestri relented as the doors opened behind her.

Elsa hadn't turned yet, but she could already feel a familiar sensation in the Force. A warm field of energy pulsed through her senses and had her widening her eyes. She peered back to see a tall, broad-shouldered Avinarian. His polished talons were uncapped, never to be restricted by Republic regulations again. His strikingly yellow feathers and bright blue eyes had Elsa spiraling into a whirlwind of memories.

"Senator Ryx Finc insisted that I give you a chance," Kestri grumbled.

"Ryx," Elsa gasped and almost choked up. All she wanted to do was leap into his feathered embrace just as she had long ago.

"Elsa," Ryx bowed and exposed his black-feathered head. "Or Jedi Dellian? Master Dell-"

"Elsa is fine," she said. "It's so nice to see you again!"

Their rejoicing was mutual as Kestri looked on in disbelief. "I just wish it was on better terms," Ryx lamented. "There's been another complication. Please tell me that you're not responsible for this spy," he cringed.

"I'm not," Elsa intoned. "I was unaware that this was even happening and am acting on the Jedi Order's behalf. Not the Republic's."

Ryx sighed in relief. "I was hoping you'd say that. President Kestri, Elsa is the finest Jedi I've ever met."

"And how many Jedi have you met?" Kestri jeered.

Ryx gulped. "Umm...that's beside the point. I trust that she's actually here to find a diplomatic solution."

"Well that makes one of us," Kestri griped. "I still don't see the difference between the Republic and the Jedi Order."

"That's because there is none," a deep voice declared as the doors opened once more. In those moments, Elsa felt a chill like no other. Her senses surged out of control and sickened her to her core.

"Elsa?" Frost worried upon noticing her discomfort. "What's wrong?"

"I-" the Jedi winced while trying to regain control. "It's-" Her shivering body perturbed Frost, for he knew Elsa rarely got cold. "The Dark Side." They faced the entering stranger and were both frozen in shock.

A dark cloak trailed across the fine carpeting. The elder adorned in such daunting robes possessed a fearsome stare. "That's the complication I was talking about," Ryx whispered.

Elsa swallowed hard and uttered, "Count Dooku."


Author's Note: Thanks so much for reading this week's chapter and special surprise! I love entertaining you all so much and I thank you for your support on this ongoing journey! As a reminder, because of today being Star Wars Day, there will be no Frozen Force chapter this Friday. You got it early this week as a special treat!

May the Fourth be with you!

~ Michael