Author's Note: Dearest readers, I want to thank you all for your time and support. I appreciated all of your kind words, reviews, and messages especially last week. We are one big Frozen Force Family and I love bringing this story to you. Please stay tuned for the second note at the end of the chapter, as I have a curious question! This being said, I hope you enjoy this week's installment! Have fun!

~ Michael

Chapter: 66 Inhibitors

"Your strength radiates from the company you keep."

The tides of war shift! Separatist forces are on the move, surging throughout the Outer Rim Territories. In an effort to combat the rising threat, the Republic prepares to dispatch multiple units deep into occupied zones. As conflicts intensify, members of the Jedi Order are chosen to lead valiant troops against the forces of General Grievous...

Darkness descended over a dense and frigid forest. Thick tree trunks stretched high towards the starry skies while the moon illuminated their leaves. The creatures of the night howled and chittered across this mysterious world. While birds of prey soared overhead, fuzzy rodents cautiously emerged from their burrows. One of the tiny critters inched its way out of the soil and sniffed around. Dirt slid off of its nose as it sniffed across the terrain. Its squinting, scarlet eyes swayed amidst the shadows, searching for food. As the rodent prepared to start foraging, the bushes rustled behind it. The creature's ears perked up just in time and it fled back into its burrow. A metallic foot stomped forward as a BX-series commando droid came into view.

The droid's pale photoreceptors glowed amidst the blackness as it scanned for targets. Its gears clinked and whirred with each advance through the woodlands. The sudden snap of a twig had the commando deterring from its patrol route. Its head spun towards a shifting set of foliage. Curious, the droid clenched its blaster and slowly crept forward. Its biggest fears were realized as an arm zipped out from the bushes. With a flash of white plastoid, the commando found itself trapped in a clone trooper's grip. Sergeant Blazer poured all of his anger towards commando droids into his maneuver. With one swift jerk, he snapped the unit's neck and severed it from its body. As his kill collapsed against the mucky terrain, Blazer called in to the rest of his squad. "All clear," he reported.

Anna Dellian and the other Deathchasers leapt down from the trees above him. "You know-" she remarked. "-I could've easily taken that one."

"Because a flashing lightsaber is so stealthy," Blazer teased.

She and the sergeant playfully shoved each other while Sparx and Speedy secured the perimeter. "Alright, brothers." Anna reported. "If Watcher's intel is correct, General Grievous has been spotted in this area. If we bring that monster in dead or alive, this war's nearly over."

"Do you have a preference, general?" Sparx inquired.

Anna took a deep breath and glanced at her lieutenant. "I don't see capturing this cyborg going well in the slightest. Tonight, we're taking him down and making sure no one puts him back together again."

"Copy that," Blazer affirmed and charged up his pistol. He observed its Old Republic design and said, "I think Carth Onasi would be proud knowing that his blaster's still fighting tyranny."

"Keep your guards up," Anna commanded. "I'm sure there's more commando droids skulking about." She activated a handheld holomap and examined a set of flashing coordinates. "Grievous' compound is about two klicks west of here. Let's move it out!"

Speedy glared at Anna's holomap. He focused on the projection until it flickered out of her hand. "Trooper," Anna asserted to snap him out of it. "Form up."

"R-right," Speedy uttered and shook his head.

Blazer knocked on his helmet and said, "Keep your head in the game, brother. We could end this Grievous mess right now."

"End this," Speedy whispered as his gaze trailed off. While he followed the rest of the squad, he struggled to remain focused. Speedy stumbled about, bumping into tree trunks and scraping against branches. His breaths hastened despite any attempt to slow them. A distinct ringing plagued his ears while he thought about the holoprojection. He didn't even feel how long they'd been walking for. Speedy felt like he was on autopilot, listing through the motions as they traversed the shadowy forest. Anna's next orders were muffled to him as she spoke up.

"There's the compound," she said.

"There's at least a battalion of droids down there," Sparx deduced. "If we creep along the treeline, we could sneak through the-"

A daunting pause ensued, yet Speedy couldn't comprehend why. He suddenly realized that all of his squadmates were facing him as he stood tall. "Speedy!" Blazer scolded. "What the hell are you doing? Get down!"

"What?" was all Speedy could mumble before the droids spotted him. He was so out of it, that he hadn't taken cover like the rest of his team.

"Intruders!" a B1 battle droid shouted. "Blast them!"

Scarlet lasers lit up the forest as Anna sparked up her lightsaber. The hue of its green plasma illuminated her frustrated face. "So much for stealth," she huffed. "Nice going, Speedy." The trooper became angered by his general's words as she flourished her blade. "Attack!" she roared and leapt into the fray. With a furious twirl of her saber, Anna batted away multiple lasers. Several droids crashed to the floor in steaming heaps while Blazer and Sparx formed up behind her. Their bright blue blasts darted across the forest and scrapped nearby foes.

A dreadful series of gyrations had Sparx recharging his rifle. "We've got commandos inbound!" he warned.

Anna slid to his side and cut down the first commando. "Where the heck is Speedy?" she grunted while following through with her swing.

Still stumbling through the brush, Speedy struggled to make his way towards the battle. Everything felt like a distant blur while his breaths shortened. His cybernetic legs felt weighed down like never before. It was as if they were magnetized to the grass while he shuffle forward. "The mission," he whispered as an anger festered within. "Complete...the mission."

"General Dellian!" an insidious voice beckoned. Anna finished downing another droid and peered up at Grievous himself. "You are a feisty one." His taloned feet clanged against his compound's upper catwalk.

Anna flashed a daring smirk towards him and hissed, "Grievous. I was wondering if you'd have the guts to face me." Anna paused and considered her jeer. "Wait...do you even have guts? Or do you run on batteries or-"

Infuriated, Grievous roared and leapt down to her. He struck the land with a titanic thud, sending mud spewing towards Anna and the clones. Without hesitation, Grievous split his arms and ignited four lightsabers. Anna fearlessly took him head on while her clones engaged the remaining droids. Saber sparks flared across the grass as the duel intensified. Feeling cornered, Grievous spun his upper arms in an attempt to disorient Anna. His flashing sabers were enough to catch her off guard as he kicked her into Blazer.

"General!" Sparx worried while blasting the final droid. With his reinforcements depleted, Grievous deactivated his lightsabers and fled deeper into his compound. Sparx seized the opportunity to run over to Anna. "General, are you alright?"

"Fine," she huffed and rolled off of Blazer. "Just a little shaken, but Sarge broke my fall."

"Oh I'm great," Blazer griped. "Totally not dead. Thanks for asking, everyone."

Anna playfully nudged him before jabbing her lightsaber towards the compound. "We need to push our attack," she ordered. "Grievous is getting away!"

"More clankers on the catwalk," Blazer pointed out as lasers descended from above. The trio formed a defensive line while Speedy staggered behind them. "Trooper!" Blazer yelled. "Get in formation! Speedy!"

Speedy barely heard his sergeant's words. Instead, his helmet tilted towards the group's center as he eyed Anna. A rage like no other boiled within him. Sweat soaked his armored body as he hyperventilated. His hands trembled while he slowly raised his rifle. "Jedi," he growled and aimed at her. His heart raced as Anna glanced back at him.

"Speedy?" she worried and raised a brow.

Blazer noticed his fellow clone taking aim and lunged to stop him. "No!" he yelled, but couldn't make it in time.

Sparx was too far away and Anna wasn't able to dodge quickly enough. Speedy steadied the blaster on her head...and pulled the trigger.

Speedy bolted up with a ballistic scream. His arms flailed atop the Legacy's thin, sweat-soaked bed sheets as he caught his breath. He clutched his temples as if nursing an aching headache. His frantic outburst caused Sparx and Blazer to awaken from the beds adjacent to him. While the lieutenant spun and rose to his feet, the sergeant reached for his pistol. "The hell's going on?" a groggy Blazer grumbled through his scraggly, black beard.

"Speedy?" Sparx worried while slipping out of bed. He lowered Blazer's pistol so he didn't accidentally shoot anyone and then approached his brother." Are you alright?" Speedy repeatedly shook his head while trying to calm down. "Deep breaths, soldier."

Blazer set his pistol down and rubbed his weary eyes. "Holy kriff, Speedy," he murmured. "I thought we were under attack."

Sparx gently rubbed Speedy's back for reassurance. He noted that even the clone's cybernetic legs were rattling. "It looks like you just had a nightmare," Sparx said.

"Not just any nightmare," Speedy uttered. "The nightmare."

Sparx and Blazer immediately looked to one another as if grimly understanding. "I'm sorry, brother." Blazer lamented. "I know how real that stuff can feel on some nights."

"It's torturous," Sparx added.

"But you guys don't get it," Speedy intoned. "It was different tonight." His brows furrowed as his lower lip quivered. "I actually...saw who I killed this time."

"And?" Sparx inquired.

Merely recalling the nightmare brought tears to Speedy's eyes as he shut them tightly. He pursed his lips and hung his head in shame. "Speedy," Blazer intoned and rose from his bed. "Who did you kill?"

Speedy struggled to utter her name and nearly choked on it. "A-..." he whispered. "Anna."

"Well...it's just a stupid nightmare," Blazer instantly denied.

"Then why do we keep having them?" Speedy asked and raised his voice. "And why did I kill Anna this time?"

"Because-" Blazer scoffed. "Um...well-...Because-. Sparx, back me up."

The lieutenant scratched his head. "I've read that some cultures believe dreams have meanings to them," he considered. "Perhaps this nightmare reflects how you feel about Anna."

"For kriff's sake, Sparx." Blazer grumbled. "He doesn't wanna kill her. Do you, Speedy?"

"No!" Speedy blurted. "I could never!"

"I'm just trying to explain the nightmare," Sparx defended. "I don't see you coming up with anything, Sarge."

Blazer hummed and pensively scratched his beard. "I got it," he said. "What did you eat before bed, Speedy?"

Sparx rolled his eyes while another thought crossed Speedy's mind. "What if the dream is a warning?" he considered. "What if Anna's in some sort of danger?"

"From you?" Blazer asked.

Speedy shook his head. "In the nightmare, she was fighting General Grievous. What if he's done something to her?"

"We'd know about it," Blazer assured.

"Why don't you call Anna, Speedy?" Sparx suggested. "I'm sure speaking to her would at least put your mind at ease."

"You're right," Speedy sighed and grabbed the nearest holocom. Caring little for his shaken appearance, he hastily dialed her frequency and waited. Every second seemed to stretch on forever as the clones looked to one another. "She's not answering," Speedy fretted.

"You literally just called her." Blazer groaned. "Give her a moment."

"Speedy's right," Sparx said. "She's not picking up."

"For the love of," Blazer huffed. "Anna's probably out doing Jedi things! We're going to go to the bridge and sort this out with Admiral Shang right now. Another moment with you two and I'm gonna start freaking out about her too."

The Deathchasers hurriedly geared up and marched to the Legacy's command bridge. Admiral Shang was surprised to find the clones awake and raised a curious brow. "So much for sleeping in," Shang jested. His subtle humor faded when he noticed the clones' stern postures. "Is something wrong?"

"It's Anna!" Speedy blurted until Blazer calmed him down.

"What the trooper is trying to say-" Blazer corrected. "-is we'd like to know where General Dellian is. We tried getting in touch with her, but she isn't responding."

"That's because she's on Coruscant," Shang explained and the clones looked to one another. "Yes, Anna informed me that she was called back to the Jedi Temple for an urgent meeting overnight. Her communications would be temporarily switched off as she spoke with members of the temple in their...how did she put it? 'Sanctuary of Tranquility' I believe."

"So...she's okay?" Speedy sighed in relief while Sparx patted his back.

"I told you, brother." Blazer intoned. "Anna is out doing Jedi things."

Vacant boots and discarded Jedi robes littered a dark, dorm room floor. Blankets shifted from the nearby bed as Anna Dellian collapsed against the pillows. Her unbraided, auburn tresses were a disheveled mess as she sighed amorously. Sweat coated her face and made her stupefied, exhausted grin glisten. As she blissfully shut her eyes, she found herself gasping as a new sensation took hold. A pair of firm, muscular forearms planted themselves at her sides. Anna gasped while feeling her lover's warm breath climb up her bare, toned back. His lustful lips planted a trail of kisses up to her shoulders until he buried his face in the nook of her neck.

Anna quietly cooed as Hans kissed her ear. "I should get going," she whispered.

Hans shook his head while kissing her other shoulder. He snuck an extra kiss between his words. "You can't leave until I've kissed every...single...freckle on your body."

Anna gasped at his warm breath and entangled her fingers in his hair. She pulled him towards her and they locked lips once more. Their bare bodies met in a tender, passionate embrace until a series of bold knocks came to the door. Anna and Hans' eyes widened as their lips parted. "Kriff," Anna whispered as they froze.

"Get dressed," Hans mumbled. "Go!" The couple Force-pulled their robes into bed and rushed to get dressed. Another set of knocks bombarded Hans' door. He recognized who would knock in such a way and rolled his eyes.

"Who is it?" Anna asked while rushing to put her sleeves on.

"Just hide," Hans grumbled and tried to fix his hair.

"Where?"

"I don't care," Hans scoffed. "I thought you were smart. Figure it out." Hans straightened his tunic and Force-pushed the bedsheets forward. In her panic, Anna dropped to the floor and rolled under the bed. Hans huffed and reluctantly opened his door. The daunting figure of Master Gaston cast an imposing shadow over his former apprentice. "It's you," Hans griped. "What joy. To what do I owe the honor?"

Gaston wrinkled his nose in disgust. "By the Force, Hans. I was going to see if you were up for some sparring for old time's sake. But given your haggard appearance, I wouldn't want to humiliate you any further."

"My hagga-" Hans gritted his teeth and clenched a fist. "I just woke up! Cut me some slack."

"Oh please," Gaston mocked. "Cutting you slack is exactly why you're the way you are."

"And who's fault is that?" Hans jeered.

Gaston snorted. "Not mine. It's not my fault if you couldn't keep up. I was hoping that sparring together could remind me of how well I taught you."

"You mean show off to everyone else."

"Perhaps it's better if you don't come," Gaston insisted. "You've turned out to be quite the embarrassment anyway."

"Excuse me?" Hans growled.

"That's all I and so many others have done, Hans." Gaston explained. "Excuse your failures time and time again. But you still have yet to do anything remarkable. You can't even win a lightsaber duel. Do you know what that's done to my reputation?"

Despite being under the bed, Anna's connection to Hans allowed her to feel the anger surging within him. Hans gritted his teeth and jabbed a finger at his former master. "You wanna see something remarkable?" Hans snapped. "I'll give you something remarkable and take your reputation along with it! Forget sparring." Gaston's eyes narrowed as Hans continued. "A full on lightsaber duel. You and me."

A dubious smirk crept across Gaston's lips. "Well well," he lauded coyly. "Perhaps my apprentice does have a spine. I accept your challenge. Shall we say...the dojo at 16:00?"

"I'll be there!" Hans hissed.

"Excellent," Gaston chuckled before Hans shut the door in his face.

Anna waited a moment before slipping out from under the bed. "Well," she huffed. "That escalated quickly."

"It's time for you to go," Hans said.

"Wait, what?" Anna muttered.

"I thought you said you should get going?" he grumbled.

"That was before we continued kissing. And then that whole thing with your old master-"

"-is precisely why I need to focus," Hans intoned. "I've got a big duel to win this afternoon so I can shut him up for good."

"Well, I'll be there to support you." Anna insisted. "Better yet, we could even warm up and-"

"You're not getting it," Hans scolded. "I don't need your help. Look, we spent time together already. Now I need to prepare for this duel so if you'd kindly see yourself out," Hans simpered and gestured towards the door.

Anna glared at him, but could see the pain beneath his eyes. She could tell he was on a mission to prove something. "Look," she sighed. "I've been in your boots before-"

"Don't give me that banthacrap," Hans scoffed.

"No, Hans." Anna explained and pointed at their footwear. "I mean I've literally worn your boots so I know when we've accidentally swapped them. These are huge and yours are chocking your ankles. So if you're kicking me out, can I please have my boots back?"

"Oh..." Hans realized and started unbuckling the footwear. "Right."

A pair of blueblossoms bloomed amidst countless plantlife in the temple gardens. Amidst the scenic greenery, Elsa Dellian stood alongside her old master, Yelena. They joined members of the Jedi Agricultural Corps and passed the time watering the gardens. "So let me get this straight," Yelena said while watering a pot of nova lilies. "Not only did you safely return the Republic spy, but you managed to safeguard Avinaria's neutrality?"

Elsa nodded while handing a water can to her porg droid. "And I couldn't have done it without Porgen," she said.

Yelena shook her head in awe. "Your little friend seems to be getting smarter," she admitted while watching him water plants.

"His adaptive data-brain lets him grow with his experiences," Elsa elaborated. "Maybe one day, he'll even form complex sentences!" As she said so, Porgen tipped over and tumbled into a flower pot. "Well...I said one day," she giggled and scooped him out.

"Elsa," Yelena said as her former apprentice peered over. "I'm...proud of you."

Elsa had heard Yelena speak those words during her apprenticeship, but they carried a different meaning this time. They weren't spoken with the passing of a trial nor were they brandished for grandiose gratification. When Elsa looked into Yelena's eyes, she saw some small measure of acceptance. "R-really?" Elsa uttered.

"Really," Yelena said. "You carry such a kindness with you on your ventures. A willingness to preserve. You'll undoubtedly have many challenges ahead of you, but as far as I'm concerned...you are nothing less than the noblest Consular to walk these halls. And I-" Elsa tilted her head when she noticed Yelena's brows furrowing. The elder's voice cracked as her lips trembled into a blissful smile. "Well...I just wish Master Chaki was here to see you now." She looked to Elsa with teary eyes and placed a caring hand on her shoulder. "Sorry," Yelena sniffled. "I just remember how fervently he strived for you to be a Consular. That old Selkath yapped about it at any given opportunity."

"I miss him too," Elsa said. "It's okay to have those feelings." Yelena slowly nodded while Elsa continued. "I think about his kindness from time to time." She softly smiled as her own eyes started to water. "And Nelani's. Even Korbi crosses my mind. I try to remember all of the good people we've lost along the way."

"Loss is inevitable," Yelena sighed. "Such is life."

"But that's what makes it all the more valuable," Elsa said. "That it's unique. Limited. We can still try and preserve it so everyone has a chance. Because even at their worst, they still deserve another try."

Yelena smiled at Elsa until a rather raucous voice screeched across the garden. The strident, nasally announcer had members of the AgriCorps wincing and turning their heads. "Is that a dying ronto?" Yelena jested towards the man's awful voice. Elsa playfully winced while observing the boisterous individual. He was a stout, pudgy Jedi with a rather rotund nose. "By the Force," Yelena groaned. "It's Knight Le-Fou."

"A knight?" Elsa whispered in disbelief. "But he's so much older."

"Oh please. Le-Fou wishes he could achieve the rank of master."

"Attention Jedi of the...um...gardens!" Le-Fou proclaimed. "I invite you to take a break from your mediocre lives and witness the showdown of the century! Experience the power of Jedi Master Gaston as he duels is old Padawan in the dojo today at 16:00. Be there or be square!" He snapped his finger like he was some kind of grandiose showman. As soon as Le-Fou stomped back indoors, the AgriCorps just forgot about his announcement and got back to work.

"What an embarrassment," Yelena told Elsa. "What could an airhead like Master Gaston actually have to prove by dueling his former student?"

Elsa raised a suspicious brow. "Wouldn't that be Hans?" she inquired. "I don't like the sound of this."

"Men will always blather about something to prove," Yelena explained. "Try not to put too much thought into it." As she went to water more plants, an idea suddenly crossed her mind. "Say, I'm going to a briefing today in the temple communications center. They're going to be providing all of the latest updates on the war effort. You should join me!" Yelena pointed a finger and said, "It could grant you and that clone unit of yours some extra insight."

Elsa considered Yelena's offer and ultimately nodded in agreement. "Sure thing! I'm open to learning more," she replied as Yelena led the way.

*

Master Mattias peered down at his food tray. Feelings of melancholy got the best of him as he eyed a chocolate-filled pastry at the edge of his plate. His mind wandered to a time when his plate was littered with the sugary delights and the chair before him wasn't so vacant. As he stared across the cafeteria table, he saw a redheaded...bright-eyed youngling stuffing her face with desserts.

"Anna," his younger self had chuckled. "Do you even know what a napkin is?"

"I do," she'd replied while continuing to massacre the chocolates. "But napkins are no fun!" Mattias snickered and shook his head as she munched on another treat.

Mattias snapped himself back into the moment when a familiar hand snatched the pastry from his plate. He followed his food up to Anna's lips as the Jedi Knight inhaled it. "Oops," she teased.

"Anna!" Mattias rejoiced and bolted up from his seat.

Anna's grin widened as they pulled each other into an embrace. "Master-...erhm...I mean, just Mattias. It's so good to see you again."

"I've missed you," Mattias said while squeezing her tight. "How long have you been here? Did you just get in?"

Anna nervously scratched the back of her head. "Um...yeah!" she fibbed. "The Deathchasers and I just wrapped up a mission and I thought I'd swing by."

"Well how are the boys?" Mattias asked and invited her to sit with him. "I'm sure you're all working hard out there. Fighting the good fight."

"Trying to anyway," Anna grumbled and slid into the seat across from him. "I thought fighting for the Republic as a Knight would be pretty straightforward. But the truth is...things feel as confusing as ever. Trails go cold, my boss sends us elsewhere. Sometimes on the chancellor's behalf! But at least it's all in the name of security." Anna scoffed as she recalled her recent mission. "Would you believe there's actually people out there who hate the Jedi and think we're evil?"

"Where have you been?" Mattias teased. "We've been fighting a war against them."

"But it's not just the Separatists," Anna huffed. "I encountered these...zealots. Lunatics babbling on about Jedi sins and evil. What even is that garbage?"

"Not everyone is going to agree with us, Anna." Mattias said. "This war has affected so many different lives and not everyone is a soldier. Some are children who've lost parents or vise versa. Others are survivors with broken dreams. Some are just looking for something or someone to blame for all the pain. They need it to make sense. This war isn't as black and white as it may seem." Anna listened intently to Mattias' words and considered Speedy's reluctance to raise his weapon. She was about to respond when she noticed someone closing in from her peripherals. "Wait," Mattias uttered. "Isn't that?"

Anna peered over and raised a bewildered brow. "Yeah?" she questioned as a uniformed Kristoff and Sven approached. Badges bearing the symbol of the Jedi Order gleamed on their chests.

"Oh!" Kristoff gasped. "Anna!" He set his food tray down at a nearby table while Sven made sure it stayed occupied. "Hi!"

While Anna waved with a forced smile, she spoke to Mattias through her teeth. "Oh Kriff," she whined. "He's coming this way."

"So what?" Mattias jested. "He seems like a nice boy."

"Well he can be nice and not come over to-" Anna was forced to engage Kristoff as he stood over their table. "Hey!" she greeted. "Nice uniform."

Kristoff bumbled for a moment and nervously corrected his posture. "Oh thanks. Sven and I are part of the new temple security initiative."

"I gathered that much," Anna teased until her former master poked her.

"Be nice," Mattias groaned and turned to Kristoff. "I think it's wonderful that a dedicated young man such as yourself is going to be helping out around here."

Kristoff nodded respectfully. "Thank you, sir. I know I don't have the Force but-"

"Hey now," Mattias stopped him. "Says who? Just because you're not lifting rocks and shoving folks doesn't mean the Force isn't with you." Kristoff's nervous grin faded as he focused on the master's wisdom. "The Force has guided you this far, young man. It's led you through all the trials of life and has brought you to the Jedi Temple itself. The Force has always been with you."

"I-I don't know what to say," Kristoff admitted.

"You don't have to say anything," Mattias assured. "Just enjoy your life in the service of something bigger."

"Yes sir," Kristoff replied before looking to Anna. "So...um..."

Anna turned while munching on Mattias' leftovers. "Hm?" she inquired and raised her brows.

Kristoff cleared his throat while Sven watched from a distance. "A-Anna," he began. "My guard training shift ends at 18:00 tonight."

"Okay?" Anna snarked until Mattias nudged her from under the table.

"I was wondering if...maybe you'd like to-" Kristoff gulped as Anna tilted her head. "-hang out?"

"Oh?...OH." Anna blurted. "Kristoff, you're really nice, but-. Look...I know you're new here, but Jedi aren't allowed to love."

"He said hang out, not get hitched," Mattias murmured. The master feigned a smile and tried to set Kristoff down gently. "Maybe some other time, son. Nice talking to you though!"

Kristoff sighed, yet understood. "Some other time perhaps," he reiterated and returned to Sven.

As soon as he left, Mattias looked to Anna and asked "What was that about?"

"I saw the way he was looking at me," Anna whispered. "I didn't want to give him the wrong idea. Besides, Jedi attachments are strictly forbidden and he needs to understand that."

"Of course," Mattias agreed in a tone which left Anna squinting at him.

"Why'd you say it like that?" she asked and faked obliviousness. In that instant, a glass sharply clinked on the opposite end of the cafeteria. "Now what?" Anna griped.

Jedi Knight Le-Fou raised his glass and made sure he had everyone's attention. "Masters and Padawans!" he brayed. "Knights and...uhhh-"

"Kriffing hell," Anna whispered. "Who's this moron?"

"Whatever!" Le-Fou blabbed when he couldn't think of another title. "Get ready for the ultimate showdown at 16:00!" Anna's eyes widened at the mention of such a time. "The dojo's going to come alive with the sound of saber strikes as Master Gaston duels his feeble, former apprentice!"

"Now why would Gaston challenge Hans like that?" Mattias pondered.

"Hans challenged him," Anna explained and noticed Mattias' suspicious visage. "He...um...told me."

"Either way, such a duel can't possibly end well," Mattias concluded. "You want to talk about morons? I have no idea how Gaston managed to reach the rank of master."

"Mattias," Anna proposed. "Want to watch the duel with me? Perhaps if we're lucky, Hans will wipe the floor with his old master." The very thought brought an eager grin to Mattias' face.

Elsa and Yelena were quick to enter the temple communications center. They discovered some vacancies amidst the inclined seats circling the oval-shaped chamber. "Psst! Over here!" a familiar voice beckoned. The duo turned to see Padawan Tori Vica sitting beside her master, Meliz Sumar. The Pantoran waved and gestured towards the empty seats beside her.

"Padawan Vica. Master Sumar." Yelena greeted. "So nice to see you both."

"The pleasure is ours," Meliz replied. "Why don't we swap seats and let the kids mingle?" Her jest prompted Yelena to agree as Tori slid beside Elsa.

"Been a while," the Pantoran said. "How have you been, Knight Dellian?"

"You can just call me Elsa," she insisted. "I've been well. Although sometimes I miss the calmness of temple life."

"With the war, it's hard to remember a time like that ever existing." Tori considered.

It wasn't long before Jedi Master Plo Koon stepped towards the primary holotable. The robust, masked Kel Dor activated the projectors and displayed several planets. "Thank you all for attending this briefing," he said. "As you all know, struggle for control of the Outer Rim continues to be a problem. Ever since the Republic's previous defeat on Felucia, Separatist forces have spread across the planet. In agreement with officials from the Grand Army of the Republic, we have been cleared to launch a second planetary offensive." Whispers echoed throughout the chamber as Plo continued. "We cannot allow General Grievous to secure his grip on the system. Weakening his forces on Felucia shall become our priority as more troops arrive. As for the Nexus Route-"

"What's that?" Tori whispered as Elsa shrugged.

"A key hyperspace route between Republic and Separatist space," Meliz explained.

"Master Even Piell will be dispatched deep into the Outer Rim in an effort to uncover the extent of this route," Plo Koon said. "Republic outposts have also put out several reports for weapons specialist, Dr. Nila Morzetti...who went missing after during a skirmish at Polis Massa. And lastly..." The Kel Dor's tone deepened with grief. "After severe losses on Devaron, we must regretfully reassign the general in charge of the assault."

"Perhaps if I had been given more troops-" a deep and dreadful voice interrupted. "-Devaron wouldn't even be up for discussion." The voice was familiar to all but Meliz as the women slowly peered leftward. A towering, leathery-skinned Jedi leaned against the chamber's shadowy corner. The Besalisk's four arms tensed as he angrily crossed them and stepped into the light.

Upon seeing Master Pong Krell again, Tori impulsively gasped. She felt as though she'd been drained of all blood and oxygen simultaneously. Her head swayed and she nearly fainted against Elsa's shoulder. She connected the dots upon realizing it was Krell. Elsa held Tori for reassurance as the Besalisk glared at Plo. "Master Krell," Plo asserted. "Under your command, your clone unit was virtually destroyed. The obliteration of troops helps no one."

"Then perhaps the Kaminoans should send brighter troopers instead of...defective ones," Krell remarked. His comment made Elsa's blood boil while she rubbed Tori's back. "If you give me better clones, I'll secure a victory on Devaron."

"Respectfully-" Plo began. "Devaron has just been one of many failed campaigns on your record. You will not be returning there. Instead, the council has chosen to send Master Halsey." Plo gestured to the Roonan. "Take Padawan Knox and secure the planet once more." Halsey nodded alongside his Nautolan student.

"That will be all," Plo concluded before shutting off the holotable.

The overhead lights returned as Elsa looked to Tori. Before she could say anything to the fear-stricken Pantoran, Meliz stepped in and spoke up instead. "Tori?" Meliz said softly. "Are you alright?"

"I-" Tori swallowed hard to battle the lump in her throat. "Um. I-. I just. Um..." Her golden eyes listed towards Krell and widened with his thundering stomps. Her heart sank as his dark glare fixated on her. Tori's knees trembled as she lost herself in his stare. It was as if all her time with Meliz had amounted to nothing and merely seeing Krell was crushing her from the inside out. She was at a complete lost for words, waiting with bated breath for Krell to say something...anything. But his spiteful words never came. His wide, thin lips twisted into a disgusted scowl as he looked down upon her. Tori was nothing to him. She wasn't even worth a single statement for him to waste breath on. He simply scoffed and stepped out. Krell took the heaviness with him as Tori felt a weightlessness with his departure.

"Padawan," Meliz said while gently caressing her hand. "I've got you."

"You've got me," Tori barely reiterated. Her unblinking gaze listed towards her master as her lower lip quivered. "He-...didn't even care. It was like he saw right through me. I might as well have been dead to him. Just like the troopers in his decimated unit."

"Hey," Meliz assured in a soothing tone. "Look at me." She softly smiled while holding back tears of her own. Meliz's Force empathy allowed her to share Tori's anguish as she sighed. "Master Krell was never going to care but that was never your burden to bear. I know that doesn't justify his treatment, nor does it relinquish the pain he's caused you...but you need to know that his abuse isn't your fault."

Tori peered down at the comet keychain on her lightsaber. It made her think of how much Meliz valued her and brought a gentle smile to her lips. "Thanks," the Pantoran whispered. "For being patient with me. Just seeing him again took me back to being his Padawan again."

"I know," Meliz said while holding Tori's hand. "And we will take as much time as you need to process your pain. Just know that he can't hurt you anymore." Meliz squeezed Tori's palm and deepened her tone. "I won't let him."

Tori smiled and looked to her other companions. Elsa nodded in agreement with her master while Yelena proposed an idea. "Perhaps we could all use a stress reliever," the elder said.

"What did you have in mind?" Meliz asked. Elsa took one look at Yelena and knew where they were headed.

The boots of various Jedi shuffled into the temple dojo. Despite the uniqueness between each warrior, none went tromping around wearing boots like Gaston. His bold stomps echoed across the dojo as he stretched out his body in preparation. "By the Force, Rapunzel!" Master Donma Gothel scolded from the crowd. "Could you move any slower?"

Rapunzel Crin trudged after her former mentor and sulked. "I'm right here," she huffed. "Why'd you even drag me to this in the first place? I have tasks to complete back at the Circle of-"

"Nonsense," Gothel interrupted. "Master Gaston needs our support! Besides...I'm sure you don't mind seeing your old friend, Hans, from apprenticeship." Rapunzel glowered and observed Hans from afar. He stood on the opposite side of the dojo, cracking his neck and glaring at his old master. Rapunzel raised a brow when she noticed Anna of all people approaching him.

Hans had just finished taking a deep breath when Anna tapped on his shoulder. "Hey stud," she whispered as he shot her a grievous glare. Her playful demeanor faded as she asked, "How are you holding up?"

"Fine," Hans murmured.

Anna scoffed. "Well that wasn't very convincing. Look, I'm just trying to be supportive."

"You wanna be supportive?" Hans snapped. "Then get out of my face. In case you couldn't tell, a duel's about to start-" Hans' nostrils flared as he clenched his lightsaber. His furious reflection shined across its golden, Haysian smelt hilt. "-and I need to win."

He stepped away from Anna and she returned to Mattias. "That didn't look like it went well," he muttered.

"I don't get what his problem is," Anna remarked. "I've just tried to have his back and he's acting like an idiot."

Mattias sighed. "Anna, how much do you know about Master Gaston?"

"He seems like a loudmouth and you said he was a moron," Anna snarked. "What more to him is there?"

"Gaston has often gained favor among those in the temple because of his dueling prowess," Mattias explained. "But aside from that, he's never been known to treat anyone with much respect. Now think about Hans. That poor boy's had to grow up under the tutelage of that man."

Anna scowled. "Are you insinuating that Hans is just like Gaston?"

"No," Mattias intoned. "I'm saying that Hans is under a lot of pressure here. You can feel it, can't you? He wants to beat Gaston so he can prove he isn't like him. Prove that he's beyond such pompousness. Winning this duel, in a sense...would give Hans closure."

"You really think so?" Anna inquired.

Before Mattias could answer, his eyes lit up at a familiar sight behind them. "Well look who it is," he rejoiced. Anna turned to see Elsa, Yelena, Tori, and Meliz walking over.

"I hope we're not too late," Yelena said.

"Nope," Anna moped. "Just in time."

"Hey sis," Elsa greeted. "It's been a hot minute." She knitted her brows upon sensing Anna's anxiety. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," she murmured.

Elsa glanced at Tori, who also saw right through her. "That wasn't very convincing," the Pantoran snarked.

"I was just worry about you," Elsa confessed.

"Well don't," Anna snapped. "Worry about Hans." She crossed her arms and nervously observed the arena.

"Jedi of the Jedi Temple!" Knight Le-Fou proclaimed from the dojo's center. "I present to you a spectacle like never before! It'll be powerful...bold...exupoweriferous! And most of all-"

"Get on with it!" Gothel shouted as Rapunzel cringed beside her.

Le-Fou flinched at the master's jeer and cleared his throat. "Right then," he chuckled. "In this corner, I present to you a man among men. An awe-striking inspiration! A perfect and pure paragon. Master Gaston!" While some of the spectators nodded and slow-clapped, none cheered louder than Donma Gothel. She was as raucous as they came and had Rapunzel hiding her face. Gaston stepped into view and boasted a bold swagger. He waved to the other Jedi before twirling his lightsaber's dark hilt. "And in this corner," Le-Fou said with an extreme lack of enthusiasm. "...Hans."

The crowd barely responded as the knight nervously stepped forward. Suddenly, several familiar voices called out to him from a section of the crowd. Hans glanced over to see Anna shouting at the top of her lungs. "You've got this, Hans! You were born ready!"

"Come on, Westgard," Mattias cheered and clapped steadily.

Hans was surprised to see even Elsa, Yelena, Tori, and Meliz expressing their support with subtle nods. His gaze fell back on Anna as she smiled to him. He faintly smiled back before igniting his lightsaber. Its green hue flickered against Hans' face as Gaston sparked up his own blade. The crowd quieted as Gaston's yellow blade pulsed and hummed.

"Now gentlemen," Le-Fou said as both combatants readied themselves. "Don't forget to switch to training settings."

"Of course," Gaston jeered. "I'd do anything to make sure little Hans feels safe." His sarcasm had Hans' blood boiling as he reluctantly switched to training settings. While such was necessary, his former master had worded the situation to make it look like it was Hans' fault.

"The first to disarm or deliver a near-strike wins!" Le-Fou declared. "Ready?" Hans tightly gripped his saber and stared Gaston down. He brandished a twitching sneer while Gaston smugly grinned. "Begin!" Le-Fou shouted and the Jedi charged each other.

Neither went on the defensive as green clashed with yellow. Sparks flared across the dojo as the sound of their heavy strikes echoed into the crowd. "They're both using Ataru, aren't they?" Anna realized as Mattias nodded. "This is intense."

"Come on, Hans." Gaston taunted while parrying his strikes. "Surely I've taught you better than this."

"Shut up!" Hans growled and jabbed his saber forward. Gaston caught his arm, kneed him in the chest, and flung him across the floor.

Gothel's cheers irritated both Hans and Anna. "Don't give up!" Anna yelled from the sidelines.

"Oh that is adorable," Gaston chuckled. "You've got a fan." Hans gritted his teeth while rising to face his opponent. "Pity she won't even remember you after this duel."

With a ferocious growl, Hans brought his saber swinging in from the side. Gaston easily blocked it and elbowed his former student across the face. Hans didn't even get a chance to recover before taking Gaston's boot to the chest.

"I don't understand, master," Tori murmured. "He's stunned Hans multiple times and had multiple openings. Why not just end the duel there?"

Meliz hung her head and sighed. "Because Gaston doesn't want to end it. He's toying with Hans."

Elsa shook her head and leaned towards Yelena. "This is abuse," she whispered. "We have to stop this."

"Hans can do it," Anna affirmed over her sister. "I know he can." She watched with unblinking eyes as the duel raged on.

Bruised from Gaston's repeated attacks, Hans could barely stand up straight. Still, the knight dared to attack again. Without a solid defense, Gaston merely waited to counter him. As Hans performed a leaping slash, Gaston humored him by locking blades. With a bold lunge, he shoved Hans' saber away and snatched him by his robes. Some Jedi winced as Gaston delivered a brutal, disorienting headbutt against Hans and then shoved him to the floor.

"That's enough!" Elsa dared to shout from the crowd. He glared at the knight as she continued. "Master Gaston, you've won. Leave Hans be."

"You've got nothing else to prove," Yelena spoke up and then looked to Hans. "Neither of you do."

"That's not for either of you to decide!" Gothel refuted from the opposite end of the crowd.

Gaston simply shrugged and nudged the groaning Hans with his boot. "It's up to him," the master said. "What do you say, old Padawan?" he asked in a condescending tone. "Care to yield?"

"N-...never." Hans uttered from the floor.

His body trembled as he tightly shut his eyes. Gaston leaned towards Hans and exaggeratedly held a hand to his ear. "I'm sorry, boy. I didn't catch that. You're really going to have to speak up."

Hans' lips quivered as a seething rage festered within. He furiously clenched his lightsaber and bared his teeth. A familiar, chilling pull reached out to him...and he gladly accepted its call. "I said-" Hans hissed as a flicker of yellow briefly flashed across his eyes. "NEVER!" He sprung up with an animalistic roar and his saber ready to strike.

Despite Hans' newfound fury, Gaston was prepared for such an outburst. He merely stepped back as Hans poured all of his anger into one swing and then delivered one of his own. Gaston's powerful strike came without warning and sent Hans' saber flying out of his hands. Disarmed and stupefied, Hans suddenly felt Gaston's blade slash across his torso. Under its training settings, the lightsaber left a devastating sting and forced Hans to the floor.

"Hey!" Mattias snapped. "He was already disarmed!"

"What the hell was that?" Anna yelled in agreement.

Gaston ignored their remarks and loomed over the writhing Hans. He was more a victim than he was an opponent as Gaston whispered, "No one...duels like Gaston." He flashed an insidious smirk and lightly patted Hans' cheek. "Hope you've learned your lesson."

While Le-Fou and Gothel cheered for Gaston, the rest of the Jedi were left unsettled. Caring little for any of their opinions, Gaston departed with a boastful wave of his hand. Hans was left quivering on the ground. His torso ached and throbbed from where Gaston had struck him. The rest of his wounded muscles remained still in rebellion as he painfully shut his eyes.

A set of footsteps closed in until a voice had him looking up. "Hans?" Anna beckoned.

Ashamed of himself, he averted his gaze. "Go...away," he hissed.

Anna knelt down beside him. "Why don't we both do that?" she suggested. "Let's just leave the dojo behind for now. We can just take some time with ourselves and-"

"And what?" he murmured as his bloodshot eyes swayed towards her. "Pretend this didn't just happen?"

"Look...defeating Master Gaston doesn't matter at this point," Anna asserted. "You'll get him next time. Now, you're wellbeing matters." She brought her voice down to a whisper and said, "You know how I feel about you."

"Oh I know," Hans groused. He sat up and leered at her. "And you would think this doesn't matter. You wouldn't understand what any of this is like. How hard it is to be me. Because it's all about you, isn't it?"

"What? Hans, I'm not saying that."

"My struggles don't matter as long as you get what you want," Hans remarked. "I'm glad your life is so perfect that you can't be bothered with my problems."

"Hans," Anna placated and reached for his shoulder.

"Don't touch me," he snapped and pushed her hand aside. "You're the reason I lost."

"Excuse me?" Anna blurted.

"I could've beaten him!" Hans assured. "I'm a better duelist than anyone in this damn room. Better than you, that's for sure. But you kept...kriffing...distracting me."

"But how did I-"

"Just leave me alone," Hans rebuked. "Haven't you done enough?" Anna gasped at his words as he stormed out of the dojo.

Anna stood in silence and tried to process all which had just occurred. "Sis?" Elsa worried and stepped over to her. "Are...you okay?"

"No," Anna sighed. "Elsa, what do you do when you feel lost?"

The eldest Dellian paused and considered Anna's question. "I try to find myself in an act of service. I try to help someone."

"What if the person you wish to help doesn't seem to want it?" Anna inquired.

"Then I try to aid someone else for the time being," Elsa added. "Sometimes I work on self-reflection to see if I can make amends anywhere. Why?"

Anna withdrew her communicator and sighed. She realized she'd never turned it back on since her 'venture' in Hans' room. Upon seeing multiple missed calls from the Deathchasers, Anna was reminded of her last conversation with Speedy. "I-" Anna swallowed hard. "-I think I need to make some amends."

"Whatever they are," Elsa said. "Whoever they're with." She placed a comforting hand on Anna's shoulder and smiled. "I believe in you."

Back in the Legacy's crew quarters, the Deathchasers were winding down. Donning Republic-issue, form-fitting shirts, the clones each kept to themselves. While Blazer curled a dumbbell, Sparx read over defense strategies on a datapad. Speedy stayed in bed and kept ruminating over his nightmare.

"Well I'll be," Sparx said. "Hey Sarge, the Republic's thinking of attacking Felucia again."

"Why would anyone want to go back to that fungal hell?" Blazer griped. "The Seppies are never gonna give that up. What the Republic should do is blast the entire planet from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."

"Blazer," Sparx groaned. "You know they can't do that."

"I know," he confessed. "But you have to admit it'd be efficient. Right, Speedy?...Speeds?" Blazer and Sparx glanced over as Speedy remained zoned out.

"Oh," the trooper finally answered. "Um...yeah."

A sudden knock at the door had all three clones snapping their heads over. "Hey brothers," Anna quietly greeted.

"General!" the trio blurted in unison.

They rushed to look presentable until Anna stopped them. "There's no need for that," she insisted while setting a bag down. "But we do need to have a talk."

The clones looked to one another until Blazer spoke up. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm sorry I missed your calls," Anna said. "I didn't mean to make anyone worry." She found a vacant seat and scooted over to them. "The truth is, I'm still figuring a lot of this out. Who I am as a knight and what the kriff it even means to be a general. And I think somewhere along the line, I let the weight of those titles distract me from where we started." Anna observed the crew quarters around them. "I mean...remember when this ship was frozen solid on Ilum? When we were all gathered around power cells in this very room and still getting to know each other?" The clones nodded as she continued. "I want to hold on to that." She thought of her previous encounter with Hans and shook her head. "I never want any of us to feel like they aren't supported or heard. Speedy..."

"Yes, general?" the trooper fretted.

She smiled at him and said, "Your heart is so big, that you're always willing to share it with others. You lift people up and are amazing with kids. And it's because of that heart, that I need to remember how considerate you are. Back on Onderon, I was so afraid that you'd betray us. I was so blinded by my own authority, that I couldn't even see your own opinions. I couldn't trust you and for that...I'm sorry." She gestured to the rest of the Deathchasers. "I'm sorry to all of you. Because an injustice against one of us hurts all of us. If you're willing to forgive me, I promise I'm trying to be a better leader."

"Anna," Blazer said. "You're an amazing leader. We all make mistakes and we'll learn from them together."

"I was never angry with you," Speedy said. "I was sad and frustrated, but never angry. So much so, that I think our conversation even manifested into a nightmare. But I want you to know that I would never betray you nor any of my brothers."

"I believe you," Anna replied and softly smiled. "Alright...bring it in."

"Huh?" Speedy choked as Anna opened her arms.

"All of you," she commanded. "Deathchaser group hug. That's an order!"

Speedy smirked and eagerly sprung with his cybernetic legs. While he, Blazer and Anna squeezed as tightly as they could, Sparx nearly suffocated in their embrace.

"Can't...breathe..." Sparx wheezed.

"Just hang in there, lieutenant." Anna grunted while squeezing harder. "Eight second hugs are scientifically proven to release stress! Aaaand...release!" The clones relinquished their grips and Sparx nearly fell over.

"I do feel slightly happier," Speedy confessed. "So what's in that bag of yours, Anna?"

She flashed a devious smirk and it was as if Blazer read her mind. "Oh no," Blazer uttered.

"Oh yes," Anna announced and unzipped the bag. Speedy's eyes widened as she removed several cassettes and said, "Holodrama night!"

"Sweet!" Speedy cheered while Anna tossed a popcorn bag to Sparx.

"Pop that, lieutenant. Please and thank you," she said. Anna then waved the cassettes and said, "Do we want to marathon 'The Real Housewives of Corellia or just jump right into Celeste?"

"Hmmm," Speedy thought before snapping his fingers. "How about both?"

Anna's grinned widened as she activated the nearby datascreen. "Kriff yeah!" she shouted. "Let's do it!"

Blazer groaned as Anna and Speedy pulled chairs together. Sparx returned with the popcorn and the Deathchasers settled in. As the lights dimmed and holodramas flickered across their screen, Anna let her mind wander. She relaxed alongside her companions and loosed a tranquil sigh. As they laughed, cried, groaned, and munched on popcorn...Anna wished their time together would never end.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter of "The Frozen Force." I appreciate all of you so much and look forward to continuing this epic adventure. I do have a curious question for you:

Would you be interested in previews for next week's chapter? I've done it in the past on occasion, but I'm considering making it a consistent practice. So you could get hyped up knowing what's coming next week! Like a "Brace yourself for _ and the ultimate _. Will Anna bake a pizza in time? Can Elsa do the Hokey Pokey and turn herself around? Find out next time!" etc.

Let me know what you think moving forward! I hope you're enjoying Season 3 so far and I'll see you next week for more fun.

Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You!

~Michael