Author's Note: Dearest readers, thank you for all of your love and support! We hit a new record last week reaching over 400 readers tuning in! On this note, I want to share some important updates. If you're interested in my upcoming works, my Frozen/ Mary Poppins crossover debuts tomorrow! "Love Is a Jolly Holiday" is a five-chapter adventure with chapter premieres each Saturday. I'm also doing an exclusive, livestream reading on my Instagram, (goldenheartstories) today at noon! I hope you enjoy today's chapter and I'll have more announcements at the end of it.
~ Michael
Chapter: 72 Mysteries of the Heart - Part: 1
"Love finds a way."
Frivolity in wartime! As the Clone Wars ravage multiple systems, there are those beyond its reach who still manage to get by unscathed. Hiding behind glamor and esteem, wealthy elites squander their savings away in the galaxy's Corporate Sector, believing themselves to be safe...
The term "luxury" was often the last thing anyone considered in regards to the Outer Rim. Those traveling deep into its Corporate Sector could expect getting swindled or indubitably boarded without cause. But there were ways around such obstacles. You were either too stealthy to capture or too wealthy to be bothered when traveling through the Corporate Sector. It was a bizarre and unforgiving set of systems. The kind where fast talkers and backstabbers thrived off hapless travelers just trying to get lucky. Ironically, luck was one of the sector's biggest attractions.
To an outsider, it would appear awfully suspicious to see so many luxury cruisers soaring towards a desolate world like Cantonica. But for those who knew of the planet's hidden gem, arriving was a privilege in itself. While the majority of the planet was comprised of a barren desert, travelers would migrate across an artificial sea. The coastal city of Canto Bight was a tourist destination for high rollers and frivolous scoundrels. Its antique avenues welcomed wealthy hordes into an assortment of shops. Fine-suited chauffeurs piloted the most expensive speeders on the market down the streets. While Canto Bight was teeming with awe-inspiring wonders, none was more alluring than Canto Casino.
Rare, Alderaanian chinar trees lined the casino's entryway and beckoned visitors to the glitzy...and costly...ventures within. Heads swiveled from patrons, valet, and police officers alike as a unique airspeeder glided into view. The sleek, teal, and well-polished vehicle brandished the Vica Family's golden crest on its hood.
A Pantoran butler emerged from the driver's seat and popped open the doors for his passengers. Adorned in a glittering white gown and crimson suit respectively, Hoff and Datya Vica emerged. "Thank you, Buthri." Datya said while linking arms with Hoff.
"Come on, dear boy!" Hoff insisted. "Let's have a drink and spin a slot or two."
"Oh no," Buthri retorted. "I'll stay with the Skybolt, thank you."
"You work too hard," Hoff said. "Valet can handle it."
"Are you forgetting what happened to the last Skybolt?" Buthri jeered.
As memories of Dia and her Zygerrian minion hijacking it at Miss Coruscant returned, Hoff mumbled, "Good point."
"We'll win you something nice!" Datya hollered before she and Hoff continued inside. "Buthri's a good man," she told him. "And practically family at this point."
"Speaking of which-" Hoff sighed. "-I do wish our Tori could've joined us."
"I miss her too," Datya said. "But she has Jedi responsibilities and we can never stand between those."
Before the Vicas could go any further, they were approached by a pair of welcoming police officers. Inky black capes swayed behind their teal uniforms. Pale, betaplast armor lined their collars. While their dark helmets descended in a series of fringes, they left the officer's faces exposed to promote public trust. The officers' department letters were displayed holographically atop their headgear. The glow rods, stun prods, and blasters on their utility belts appeared less frightening with the officer's cheery dispositions.
"Good evening," one of them said and held up a scanner.
"Welcome to Canto Casino," said the other while following suit. "Kindly spread your arms."
Hoff and Datya obliged and the officers scanned over their bodies for weaponry. "Oh goodness...I forgot my turbolaser cannon at home," Hoff joked and Datya rolled her eyes.
"I can't take him anywhere," she huffed.
"Oh it's fine, ma'am." One of the officers said. "We hear it all at Canto Casino. I've had a Besalisk tell me to arrest him because he was 'well-armed' before."
The officer's remark got a chuckle out of Datya as the scanners flashed green.
"Wow," Hoff gasped as they entered the casino's grand chamber. Hoots and hollers echoed from the tables. Gamblers reveled in their winnings while others moped at dwindling stacks. One particular ruckus caught Hoff's attention as he turned. A frustrated Rodian slammed his fist on a Hazard Toss table after losing the last of his earnings. Croupier sticks shuffled gleaming cantocoins across the board and all eyes shifted to the next player. Dice rattled in a Twi'lek's pink palm as she prepared to go all in on her bet.
Across from her sat a woman whose attire was a befuddling sight to behold. Tautly-wrapped, bronze sashes blended with an umber-colored coat. Her bizarre clothing labeled her as an eccentric billionaire...or a dumpster-diving vagabond. Either way, her stack of winnings made her a force to be reckoned with. Her dark, crimson lips curled into a smirk. "Are you sure you want to make that bet, Gurtila?" she teased. The Twi'lek jeered in Twi'leki and kept shaking the dice. "Suit yourself," the woman chuckled. Like some outlandish circus performer, the gambler proceeded to raise and swing her arms. A chaotic assortment of wide-banded bracelets rattled against her tan and freckled skin. "Roll," she said and started a chant. "Roll! Roll!" Her brown bob of spiky hair was as wild as she was. It was only a matter of time before the rest of the table was chanting along with her.
"Roll! Roll! Roll!"
Gurtila tried to ignore the patrons and anxiously rolled the dice. They clattered across the table as she willed her goddess to grant her winning numbers. Gurtila's purple eyes widened as her prayers went unanswered. Her heart plummeted with the crowds resounding "OHHH!" She watched as the rest of her cantocoins were shuffled over to her opponent's side.
"And that is that!" the spiky-haired woman cheered. "I win again!" She raised her arms amidst her kingdom of coins. "Better luck next time, Pinky!" she teased as the Twi'lek left the table. "Who's my next victim?" she hollered before downing a shot like it was water.
Hoff's mustache rose with his giddy grin until Datya tugged him by the ear. "Oh no you don't," she said.
"But dearest," he pleaded. "I love Hazard Toss. Just one game to show that gambler over there what a real pro looks like." Datya raised a skeptical brow at him. "And then we can hit the floating slot machines. I promise!"
"At least have a drink with me before you lose to that lady," Datya joked.
"Deal," Hoff replied as they approached an extravagant bar.
A fine-suited Nautolan leaned over the counter and asked, "What can I get the lovely couple this evening?"
"A Bespin Fizz please," Datya said.
"Count me in," Hoff added and held two fingers up to the bartender. The counter rattled briefly as galloping fathiers dashed across the nearby racetrack.
Datya smiled at him as they awaited their beverages. "Do you think we'll ever order a different drink?" she chuckled.
"Not as long as the Bespin Fizz keeps being so delicious," Hoff jested. "They'd have to invent an even fizzier drink to meet my needs. Perhaps something from-"
"Lothal," Datya murmured and looked above them.
Hoff's brows furrowed. "I was going to suggest another gas giant like Yavin...but Lothal could-"
"No," Datya said and pointed towards the bar's wall-mounted datascreen. Galactic HoloNews outlets were providing coverage of a daring rescue on Lothal. "Is that?"
Hoff's eyes brightened as he answered, "Yep!"
JEDI RESCUE HOSTAGES AND THWART TERRORIST ATTACK ON LOTHAL
Camera droid footage showed Meliz Sumar and Tori Vica using the Force to save civilians from a bombing. The Vicas beamed with pride as several casino patrons lightly applauded the footage. A pair of tall glasses were set on the counter beside them. "No matter what anyone says," the bartender mentioned. "Those Jedi are heroes in my book."
"I'll drink to that," Hoff said and raised his glass to Datya's. "Cause that's our daughter right there!" His cheer spurred others in the bar to join him and raise their glasses as well.
"To Tori!" Datya cheered alongside them.
As raucous celebrations echoed from within the casino, Buthri enjoyed some much-needed quiet time. He reclined the Skybolt's seat and prepared to indulge himself with a reading from the latest issue of Galactic Inquirer. As he prepared to read an article titled "My Husband the Rancor," a sudden clamor rang out in the darkness. It was enough to startle Buthri and have him peering up from his holomagazine. His golden glare focused on the parking lot's shadowy duracrete, but all seemed quiet. Just before he reclined again, Buthri could've sworn he'd seen a silhouette run past his window. He double-checked that the speeder's doors were locked and then nervously returned to his read.
Back in the casino, Hoff and Datya had just finished their Bespin Fizzes. As they prepared to try their luck at gambling, a hooded figure ascended the stairs. A unique set of golden robes lay hidden beneath a scarlet cloak. "Hey," a supervisor could be heard grumbling from behind the figure. "Hey! You can't get go in there!" While most patrons didn't hear the incident, his shouts caught the officers' attention. "Police!" the supervisor howled. "No ID...No pass...Stop her!"
The police nodded and approached the hooded woman. "Ma'am," one of them spoke in a calm, yet authoritative voice. He raised his hand to halt her and said, "I'm gonna need you to-"
With a quick thrust of her arm, the mysterious stranger snatched the officer's wrist. He hissed in her stern, twisting grip while his partner activated his stun prod. With her face tucked beneath a hood and cowl, only the woman's dark brown eyes were visible. Her unblinking gaze listed towards the second officer as he jabbed his stun prod at her. Moving quickly, she countered by pulling his partner between them. Her human shield convulsed as the officer shocked him. She waited for him to withdraw and then shoved the unconscious body into him. He recovered from his daze just in time to take a boot to the face.
The ensuing commotion was enough to turn some heads in the grand chamber. Guests gasped as an officer's helmet came clamoring down the stairs and onto the casino's pristine carpet. The nearby band stopped playing as a bouncer dashed over. He withdrew a hidden baton from his suit jacket and tried to engage the stranger. Screams rang out as the woman dodged his initial swing and delivered a ferocious right hook. The bouncer crashed into a set of slot machines as all eyes fell upon his assailant. A daunting silence filled the room while the stranger stepped in. Her steely gaze scoured the crowd until it fixated on the spiky-haired gambler at the Hazard Toss table.
"Kriff," the gambler cursed and nervously bit her lip. "Now I know this place isn't full of saints," she muttered and looked to the others at her table. "See all of my winnings? I'll give them all to whomever kills the party crasher." While several guests looked to the gambler bewilderedly, there were those who eagerly accepted her invitation. Burly players down on their luck cracked their knuckles and turned to face the hooded woman. As they did so, their solicitor tried sneaking away.
Chaos erupted as the newly-hired assailants rushed to attack. "Get down!" Hoff warned Datya as they lunged behind the bar counter. Fists and bodies flew as the stranger dispatched each attacker. She punched them senseless and threw them into tables, sending beverages spewing across the carpet.
Datya activated her communicator and hurriedly shouted into it. "Buthri!"
"Ma'am?" he worried. "What's going on? There are police sirens everywhere."
"Just get back to the casino as fast as you can!" Datya said. "We'll try and find a way out!" As Datya finished her call, one of the gambler's newfound goons came tumbling over the counter.
Desperate to make some money again, even the pink Twi'lek sought to kill the stranger. She grabbed a nearby bottle and smashed it against the wall. While she tried rush the stranger from behind, the woman caught on and hastily spun. It was like her senses were elevated as she disarmed the Twi'lek and kicked her into a pillar. Regardless of how strict security was at the Canto Casino, some guests still managed to sneak miniature blasters in. A snaggletoothed Snivvian revealed a concealed pistol from his pant leg and took aim at the stranger. As he fired, she threw up a hand and something sparked with a flick of her wrist.
The shooter's red blaster bolt ricocheted off of a bold, yellow beam. The laser returned and struck the Snivvian directly in his chest. Those still inside the casino watched as the hooded woman flourished her lightsaber. "No way," Hoff uttered from behind the counter.
The Vicas watched with widened eyes as the saber-wielding attacker chased after the gambler. She sliced through tables and slots as bright sparks flared from her blade. Cornered and out of bribed bodyguards, the gambler backed up against a wall. Her bracelets rattled as she raised her trembling hands in surrender. "Hey hey!" she laughed nervously.
"Kava Hish," the hooded woman asserted.
"That's me," the gambler gulped beneath her wobbly grin. Her emerald gaze swayed towards the attacker's lightsaber. "Is that really necessary?"
"It depends on how cooperative you are," the stranger intoned.
In that instant, a squad of police reinforcements stormed into the casino. They weaved between fleeing patrons and formed a perimeter across the chamber. Once inside, the officers aimed their silver-plated, Relby K-25 blasters down at the stranger. "CBPD!" one of the men yelled. "Drop the lightsaber!"
"Drop it!" another demanded. "Or we will open fire!"
Rather than submit, the woman flourished her blade and the officers deemed her gesture a threat. "Weapons free!" an officer yelled as bright red lasers ignited from their rifles. While the woman deflected each blast, Kava Hish scrambled to her feet and bolted for the door. The stranger tried to give chase, but the officers kept her pinned. Her yellow lightsaber spun wildly as she sent deflected blaster bolts zipping across the casino. Since her target had vanished, her new priority became escape. With a furious thrust of her hand, the woman Force-pushed the officers off of their feet. As they fell, she ran her blade across a decorative window and smashed through it. As she disappeared into the night, several officers regrouped to pursue. The others secured the casino while Hoff and Datya made a run for the exit.
Buthri raced the Skybolt to the casino's entrance and the Vicas quickly slid in. "Step on it!" Datya urged while Hoff slammed the door behind them.
Buthri obliged and sent them speeding down the nearest street. "If I didn't know any better-" the butler began. "-I'd think Canto Bight just turned into a warzone! What's happening?"
Datya looked to Hoff as he shook his head and said, "That women in there. Was she...a Jedi?"
The entrancing vortex of hyperspace flickered across the Legacy's viewports. Such a vibrant conflagration of indigo hues flashed across Elsa Dellian's pale visage. She stood in one of the ship's vacant, training rooms and activated her extendable quarterstaff. Lightspeed's blue flickers made her weapon's Echani markings glisten. With a deep breath, Elsa steadied her feet and spread her hands. Her silhouette danced along the viewports as she twirled the staff. Gentle maneuvers became swift jabs as she tried to better bond with the weapon. Feeling confident enough, Elsa quickened her cadence. She spun the staff at her sides and over her head. With each furious whirl, memories crashed upon Elsa's mind in waves. She relived the Battle of Eshan all over again and narrowly avoided death at Dordo's hands. Anna's jeers returned to plague her while memories of her abandoned clones lurked within her subconscious.
"Elsa," Commander Frost's voice came back to pierce her heart. "Please."
"No!" Elsa cried out as the staff fumbled out of her hands. It clacked to the floor and rolled to a shiny pair of admiral's boots. The Jedi did her best to compose herself, but there was no telling how long Admiral Shang had been observing her. "I'm...sorry you had to see that."
Shang pursed his lips and recovered the staff. Rather than answer at first, he instead assumed a combative stance. Elsa's eyes widened as Shang proceeded to masterfully spin the staff. If she didn't know any better, she would've thought he'd turned the weapon into liquid with how smoothly it flowed in his hands. Shang concluded with a bold swing and tapped the staff at his side. "This is a strong weapon," he said. "The Echani don't mess around." He faintly smirked at Elsa's surprised expression. "You didn't think all I did was stand around and point at people all day, did you? My father always prioritized teaching me self defense, no matter what career I ended up choosing." Shang chuckled to himself. "As if I wasn't supposed to carry on the family's military lineage."
"Well you're better with that staff than I am," Elsa confessed. "Perhaps you should take it for your heroism on Eshan."
"Knight Dellian," Shang said. "To receive a weapon from an Echani warrior is to be given their highest honor."
"Then I don't deserve it," Elsa sighed.
Shang tilted his head and knitted his brows. "Why?"
"Because I am no warrior," she answered. "I can lie to myself and say that I am. I can go a step further to dare call myself a 'warrior of peace' but it all falls flat. Anna was right. The people of Eshan and my unit never would've made it without her leadership. "That's why I stepped down."
"So you think you're protecting them...by shutting them out?" Shang asked.
Elsa scoffed. "Well...no but-"
"I'm just trying to understand," the admiral said. "Because it's sounding more like you gave up on them."
"Don't you see? They'll be better off with someone else," Elsa retorted, but her nervous smile faded.
"I see that you're trying to convince yourself that you made the right decision. One of the first things we learn at the naval academy is to value the lives of your crew. After all, they are the vital ones keeping your ship alive. If I feel that I've failed and sink into despair, what happens to the crew? I can't afford to shut myself off from them and what?...Jettison an escape pod because they'll be better off without me? It's not considerate, it's selfish. And by giving up on them, I'd actually be giving up on myself." Elsa shut her eyes at Shang's words and frustratedly hugged herself. Noticing his impact on her, Shang toned down his approach and asked, "Do you care about them?"
"The 213th?" Elsa inquired. "Of course I do."
Shang put a hand on her shoulder and looked into her troubled eyes. "Then fight for them."
"They'll never understand," Elsa worried. "After what happened on Eshan. After how I-"
"It's done," Shang asserted. "Respectfully, Elsa...it's over. What are you going to do about it now? They don't understand? Then make them. Show them who you are. Anna's told me about your code of ethics. And while it may be challenging for the times we live in, what isn't? Find a way. Because if you don't, you'll regret it. And no amount meditating in a garden for hours on end will liberate you from the 'could'ves' and 'should'ves' while your unit is out there." Elsa raised her head at his final words. "That's right. Your unit. You started a journey with them so finish it. Don't just hand them off to some other Jedi who will never show them the same amount of care you have." A tear fled Shang's eye and he hurriedly scrubbed it. "Blast it," he cursed. "I sound like my father."
"He sounds like he was a very wise man," Elsa said and smiled softly.
"I'm sorry if I overstepped," Shang added. "It's just that...we Shangs see things through to the end. The only true failure is giving up on all that we hold dear. I understand that we don't know each other that well, but I see so much potential in you. Both of you Dellians. I'd hate to see either of you throw any of it away."
"Thanks," Elsa replied.
"Someone has to keep you Jedi in check," Shang teased as a sudden sensation took hold of Elsa. It was enough to have her furrowing her brows as Shang tilted his head concernedly. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"Um..." Elsa murmured. "If I might have a moment alone with my thoughts."
Shang caught on and nodded dutifully. "Yes of course," he said before stepping out.
Once the admiral had departed, Elsa dropped to her knees and delved into the peculiar sensation. She reached out with the Force, wondering if her feelings over the presence were correct. E-...Evara? she dared to ask through her subconscious.
Her heart sank with Evara's brief, yet open response. "Elsa," the Force Wraith spoke in a solemn tone.
It is you! Elsa felt like she was on the verge of tears as she repeatedly shook her head. I'm so sorry for my weakness against the Jedi Code. I have tried to live honorably ever since in the hopes that you would return.
"Do not blame yourself for my absence, young one." Evara said.
But respectfully...it had to be my fault. All communication between us severed after what happened with Commander Frost and I.
"So much is clouded right now," Evara confessed. "I seek to mend the memories and time which I have lost. But my absence was not your doing, Elsa. I was seeing to a matter beyond the netherworld of the Force."
Elsa raised a brow while sinking deeper into her meditative state. I don't follow, she admitted.
"There is a distant, ethereal realm deep within the galaxy's furthest voids. It is a place where the Light and Dark Sides of the Force are kept in perfect balance. At least...they were."
What is this place? Elsa asked. What happened?
"Mortis is but a myth to those who've heard its name, but it's as real as the ship you travel within. It's a mystical plain inhabited by some of the strongest Force-wielders in all of existence. It was not until as of late that a shift had occurred on Mortis. The Father had summoned all essences of the Force...wraiths included...to witness the Chosen One's trial. Those on Mortis had called to him...and he had answered."
Elsa's eyes widened with realization. She thought back to her time on Coruscant and how Obi-wan was sent to investigate a mysterious signal. Master Kenobi is the Chosen One?
"Not the mentor, but his former student."
Oh Anakin, Elsa concurred only to grimace confusedly. Wait...really?
"He was able to balance the Father's children," Evara explained. "But your fellow Jedi's continued presence brought disorder to Mortis. The other wraiths and essences of the Force scattered in the chaos. The Father...and his children are all gone. And as Mortis' disrupted balance shifts, so too will the course of history in your galaxy. Once the trial on Mortis was complete, I could return to you untethered by the Father."
Well I must admit, Elsa quipped. My anxious paranoia came up with a lot of reasons that you'd stopped talking to me. But answering the call to a mythical Force realm wasn't one of them. The Jedi sighed. I was really worried about us.
"I am sorry, young one."
I don't do well without answers, Elsa admitted. It leaves too much up to my imagination. Do you think maybe next time something like this happens, you can just let me know?
"I will endeavor to do so, Elsa."
She smiled faintly and nodded graciously. Thank you. For what it's worth, it's nice to have you back, Evara.
"So what's this about Commander Frost that has you so concerned?"
the wraith inquired.
Elsa's cheeks flushed with red as she swallowed hard. Well...I- She chuckled nervously and pursed her lips. Frost and I-
A sudden chime on Elsa's comlink had her scrambling to answer it. "Knight Dellian," Shang said. "I'm sorry to bother you, but your sister's out of hibernation."
We'll continue this later, Elsa told Evara and raced to the Legacy's medbay.
A datascreen flickered overhead as multiple channels shuffled by. "For goodness sake-" Lieutenant Sparx muttered from his bed. "Speedy...Either pick something to watch or give me the remote."
"I'm just looking for a good holodrama," Speedy quipped.
While the duo squabbled, Anna rolled over in her blankets. It was as if Sergeant Blazer had felt her shift even has he lay with his eyes closed. Although the bacta tanks had replenished their bodies, it didn't stop them from feeling the grogginess of post-hibernation. "Give it to me straight, kid." Blazer mumbled while slowly turning his head. "No banthacrap now. How bad is it?" He faced Anna and she took in the sight. Cellular revitalization could only do so much and Dordo's glaive had left a daunting mark. The scar ran across Blazer's cheek, past the bridge of his nose, and concluded at a portion of his forehead.
Anna gulped and forced a smile. "It's...not terrible," she said.
"You hesitated," Blazer groaned but smirked to make her feel better. "Well, at least you'll be able to tell me apart from the others now...right?"
Anna could tell he was saying so more to make himself feel better. She simpered and said, "I don't need a scar to know who my best friend is."
In that instant, it was as if any of the sergeant's concerns had simply taken leave. His eyes widened only to soften. A gentle grin emerged beneath his beard. "We're...best friends?" he whispered.
"Hell yeah," Anna said and reached for his hand. "From Kamino to Ilum. No matter where we go, we're in this together."
He squeezed her hand and affirmed, "Damn right."
"So don't be scaring me like you did back there," Anna intoned and playfully punched his arm. "I thought you were dead!"
"Anna!" Elsa exclaimed from the doorway. She and Shang entered the medbay, eager to see their recovered friends.
"Hey sis," Anna sighed. "What are you doing here?"
Elsa sat at her sister's bedside and said, "I'm returning to Coruscant with you."
Anna and Blazer exchanged bewildered looks. "But what about the 213th?" the former asked.
Elsa bit her lip, but ultimately confessed. "I stepped down as general," she replied while Shang bit his tongue. "I just need to sort some things out."
"I see," Anna answered. Her eyes swayed towards the still flickering datascreen as Speedy swapped through channels. Her eyes narrowed briefly and she threw up a hand. "Wait...wait. Go back."
"Hm?" Speedy inquired.
"Go back two channels," Anna said as all heads spun to the datascreen. Speedy obliged and they caught the end of a report from Lothal. Footage showed Tori and Meliz saving civilians while a reporter's narration followed.
"And after such heroics by the Jedi-" the reporter continued. "-the summit was changed to a public conference for all to experience. Republic Senators Amidala and Organa met with Lothalian Representative Azadi to speak on Dr. Morzetti's disappearance."
"Turn it up, will ya?" Blazer asked Speedy.
The volume raised as the datascreen showed a closeup of Padmé at a podium. "Regardless of its origin, we mustn't bend to fear," she said. "I stand before you unafraid to speak out, unintimidated to stand, and unshaken by these threats."
"Dr. Nila Morzetti has aided the Republic for years," Bail began. "Her brilliance has helped keep our science divisions innovating into the future and those contributions do not go unnoticed. I know the people of Lothal are angry. I know they are scared. For if one of their own could go missing on our watch, what's to stop it from happening again? In truth, we do not know of Morzetti's whereabouts at this time. But I will tell you that the Republic is putting forth every possible resource to locate her and secure her safe return."
"And it is during these trying times-" Bail continued over a Jedi Temple datascreen. "-that our unity is needed most. Not as members of the Republic nor as the inhabitants of a planet alone. Instead, we must challenge adversity while being united under a common truth: The fact that we all deserve a life of freedom. And we can all agree that wherever she is, Dr. Morzetti deserves to be free. Through our combined efforts, trust, and faith...I believe we will bring her home." Lothalians erupted into applause as the senator respectfully nodded to them.
In the temple cafeteria, Kristoff's eyes were practically glued to the datascreen. He was so focused on Bail's speech, that he missed a meiloorun slice and almost pierced his hand with a fork. "He's so charismatic," he said and Sven mooed in agreement.
"If you believe in all that," Lyn Ferix scoffed. She and the other trainees were chowing down across the table. Her snarky comment was enough to have some Jedi glancing over at her.
"People are scared," Kristoff retorted. "He's trying to reassure them."
Lyn belched and barely gave herself enough time to shovel more food into her mouth. "Lemme ask you this, blondie," she quipped. "If a bomb is heading right for you and I tell you 'it's gonna be okay'...does that make the bomb go away? Or what if I hug you? Maybe send you some money? Does the bomb just suddenly stop? No, you die anyway."
"Lyn...kinda has a point," Maku said with a shrug. The Duros squared his shoulders and kept eating.
"I'm not sure about where all of you come from-" Kristoff said. "-but if Bail Organa made a speech like that on Aren, I know I would've appreciated it."
"Well goody for you," Lyn teased. She lightened up when she noticed Kristoff's dismay. "Look, I just don't trust anything a politician says. You can tell when they're lying because their lips move. Growing up in the slum districts, you don't know how many times my family put their trust in a suit. They'd visit our communities with their wide, ugly smiles."
As Lyn continued her story, she aggressively prodded her food with her fork. Each click of the trainee's utensil had a Mirialan Padawan twitching at the nearby table. Unable to relax, Barriss Offee set her tea down and glanced over at the security guards.
"They act like they're there for you, but they just want the votes," Lyn continued ranting. "My family fell for enough of those uptight idiots, but I learned to see right through them after a while. It's not a charity event to them, it's a photo op. 'Change' is a fun little word to stoke spirits and win votes. Go to Coruscant's undercity and let me know how much change you see." Lyn's frustration got the best of her and she slammed a fist on the table. "I'll tell you what you'll see!" she brayed. "Kids drinking from the same bucket they just bathed in. Some forsaken junkie balancing a sheet of plywood on his head and calling it a house. Some-"
"Do you mind?" Barriss snapped while retaining her composure.
Lyn glared at the Jedi while Maku raised a hand. "Lyn," the Duros placated. "Take a breath."
Lyn's nostrils flared as she addressed Barriss. "Do I mind?" she grumbled. "Do you? Do any of you?" She raised her voice even higher and gestured to any Jedi in the vicinity. "Who exactly am I guarding here? What the hell do you people even do? Meditate on good intentions and send positive vibes towards the downtrodden? How's that working out? You serve as generals on the frontlines while people in the Republic's own capital can't even afford housing."
"Miss Ferix," a Temple Guard beckoned sternly. The masked man tightly gripped his lightsaber and stared her down. "That is enough."
Lyn scoffed and grouchily returned to her seat. "Whatever," she muttered under her breath. "Keep living the lie." As the cafeteria situation quelled, Barriss recovered her tea. Her troubled eyes peered down at the murky liquid as she thought over Lyn's words.
High in the temple's grand spire, holograms of Tori and Meliz stood before the Jedi Council. "They called themselves the Revenant," Master Sumar reported. "They believed that the Republic...even the galaxy as a whole...must pay for sins of some kind."
"This isn't the first time fanatical zealots have threatened innocent lives," Mace Windu said.
"Members of the Cult of M'dweshuu have been known for their substantial amounts of brutality and hatred for outsiders," Ki-Adi-Mundi added.
"But M'dweshuu was exclusively for Niktos," Meliz said. "These insurgents comprised of multiple races."
"Were there any signs of Dark Side affiliation?" Depa Billaba inquired. "Perhaps we are dealing with a Sith cult like the days of old."
"I don't think so," Tori answered. "They seemed to have a problem with 'everyone that wasn't them' so to speak, and demonstrated no usage of the Force. They-" A sudden chime came to Tori's belt, prompting her jaw to clench. Instead of raising further suspicions, she simply bowed her head and said, "Forgive me, masters. I must see to this matter." Some of the masters raised curious brows as Tori departed to answer her personal communicator.
"Members of the council," Meliz continued. "It is my belief that we have a serious threat to the galaxy on our hands. One of which carries a deeply-rooted hatred for the Jedi and seeks to carry out its own form of retribution against them. While the Sith have been our enemies, they have looked upon us as weaker and lesser beings. They haven't fathomed the concept of 'Jedi Evil' which tells me that this Revenant is something else entirely."
As Yoda and the others brooded over her explanation, Tori's projection returned. Yoda noticed the Pantoran's concerned disposition and said, "Padawan Vica...more to share. have you?"
"Yes," she answered and nervously bit her lip. Meliz watched worriedly as Tori addressed the council. "I've just received word from my-" she bit back the truth and twisted the incoming words. "-informants. After all, Master Sumar is always telling me to be resourceful." She briefly nodded as Meliz went along with her cover. "A Jedi has attacked the Canto Casino on Cantonica." Tori's statement had masters exchanging suspicious glares. "One guest has been pronounced dead and others are reportedly injured. The suspect remains at large."
"What would one of our own be doing on Cantonica?" Adi Gallia asked.
"That's if this killer really is a Jedi," Mace murmured. "If 'Jedi Evil' is the Revenant's angle, they could be trying to frame the Order and cast us even further into a negative light with the public."
"Investigate this matter, we should." Yoda proposed. "The preservation of the Order's integrity...important it is. In these trying times, seek to divide us against those we serve, our enemies will."
"Master Sumar and I can go!" Tori blurted and instantly shrunk. "What I mean is-" she started at a much more controlled volume. "-my informants know me. We can lead the investigation and-"
"There's already been an attempt on Senator Amidala and Organa's lives," Mace said. "Stay with them and do not let your attachment to these 'informants' cloud your mind."
Tori sighed and hung her head. While she was embarrassed for speaking up in such a way, she was mostly disappointed and concerned for her parents' safety. Thanks to Meliz, she'd been able to accept her family into her life. But with that acceptance came the responsibility to keep her feelings in check. As her love for Hoff and Datya grew, Tori found herself walking a difficult tightrope between doctrine and normalcy.
"Send Jedi Masters to see to this incident, we should." Yoda proposed.
"Those who aren't bound by the war and have demonstrated effectiveness in the field," Plo Koon considered.
A gentle smile found its way to Master Billaba's face. "Masters who've trained valiant and capable Padawans."
Master Mundi nodded, for he knew one of the Jedi they spoke of was his former apprentice. He concealed what pride he had festering behind his stoic, white beard and said, "Master Mattias should go."
"A loyal partner and friend to him, Master Yelena has always been." Yoda added as the council nodded in agreement. "Send them to Cantonica to solve this mystery, we will."
A Jedi corvette rocketed through the void of hyperspace and into the Corporate Sector. Master Mattias kept a firm grip on the controls as his mind continued to wander. "They'll understand, right?" he asked.
Yelena huffed in the co-pilot's seat and gave him her signature look. "Of course they will," Yelena said. "At least, Elsa will. Anna might take some time, given her previous reactions to certain behaviors. But our girls aren't Padawans anymore, Mattias. They're knights and they have to understand that we're moving on too. Right now, someone's apparently hacking people with a lightsaber in the Jedi name. The council is trusting us to clear this up, so we must uphold our duty."
Mattias nodded solemnly and said, "You know...sometimes I really hate growing up." Yelena chuckled at his remark while he stroked his beard. His fingers grazed the greying hairs sneaking their way through. "What I'd give for one more day to be a scurrying youngling. Or at least see Anna that way again. To teach her so many wonderful things...and go through all of those blunders along the way."
Yelena simpered. "You could always take another apprentice, you know."
"As could you," Mattias deflected and Yelena instantly averted her gaze. "Or is teaching an entire class of the kiddos more your speed?"
"Let's just...drop it." Yelena said. While she tried to come off as playful, Mattias could feel the stress in her voice. The masters quieted as they descended towards Cantonica. They glided in with the setting sun and cast a bold shadow over Canto Bight's artificial sea. Onlookers watched from the city's beach as the Jedi corvette soared overhead. Once Mattias landed them on a designated platform, members of the CBPD were quick to approach the craft.
Mattias and Yelena exited via the ventral ramp as a poised officer nodded to them. With dark skin and vivid, hazel eyes, he exuded a welcoming appearance. "Thank you so much for coming," he said. "I'm Officer Geret Wosyn. You must be Masters Mattias and Yelena."
"Unless two other Jedi are supposed to be coming," Mattias teased until Yelena nudged him.
"We already have one on the loose," Wosyn griped. "So did she go rogue?"
"Well let's confirm that this suspect of yours is a Jedi first," Yelena intoned.
"How could she not be?"
"You'd be surprised," Mattias added. "Given that the incident occurred in a casino, you must have cameras in there. Can we look at the footage?"
"Of course," Wosyn obliged. "All recordings have been turned over to HQ, but I can escort you there."
As Wosyn guided the Jedi into his personal speeder, Yelena couldn't help but notice the civilians around them. Frightened demeanors accompanied their glittery statures. Unique bands snapped to each guests' wrist caught Mattias' attention. A dreadful assortment of judgmental glares and glowers fell to the duo. Some of these people have never seen a Jedi in their life, Yelena thought. And all it's taken is one incident to tarnish our image to them.
The Canto Bight Police Department was a maze in its own right. Rounded halls wrapped around each other as seemingly endless waves of law enforcement strutted about. These uniformed men and women responded to the most trivial absurdities that the wealthy could bring upon themselves. Anything from a patron being locked outside with his mistress to a drunken baroness pirouetting in the streets had been called in. When it came to actual corruption and business dealings, reports were scarce given that 95% of Canto Bight's police force was on the take. If a 'Canto Cop' wasn't corrupt, they were smart enough to keep their mouth shut before some hired gun shut it for them. From child laborers to gamblers, and dirty cops to magnates...Canto Bight had a system. Everyone knew their place in its grand, commercial scheme. However, nowhere did a Jedi fit into this filthy mix. People didn't even have the full story. Just knowing that some saber-swinging maniac assaulted people in Canto Casino was enough to put everyone on edge. Those with cops in their pockets doubled down on their investments to keep them on high alert. The rumors only intensified once Yelena and Mattias arrived.
"You can sense it, can't you?" Mattias whispered to Yelena as they traversed the halls. "The anxiety radiating off these people? Off this entire city?"
Yelena nodded and answered, "This place feels like a bomb about to burst."
"Here we are," Wosyn said. He snapped the Jedi out of their private conversation and gestured to a room filled with datascreens. Despite how entrancing so much footage was, it wasn't as distracting as the sound of shuffling cantocoins. Yelena and Mattias glanced over to see shady officers scrambling to hide bribes under their desks.
Rather than focus on the expected corruption of a Corporate Sector-controlled world, the Jedi focused on the footage. Wosyn activated the primary datascreen and played the previous night's recording. Yelena and Mattias leaned in and watched the mysterious woman's attack. They squinted, observing each jab and kick as she dispatched her adversaries. Their eyes only widened when she used the Force and activated her lightsaber.
"Looks like a Jedi to me," Wosyn grumbled and went unanswered.
"Does that form look familiar to you?" Yelena asked Mattias.
"Ataru?" Mattias inferred. "Incredibly aggressive...but then she demonstrates Soresu here. Such a blend is common with Guardians. Or Sentinels, given the yellow lightsaber."
"So she is a Jedi," Wosyn concluded.
"We never said that," Yelena replied. "But she's certainly skilled."
Mattias winced when she deflected a laser into a Snivvian's chest, killing him. "What if we're dealing with another vigilante?" he considered. "Like the Bug? It's not the first time a skilled, Force-sensitive individual has gotten their hands on a lightsaber that wasn't theirs and then attacked people."
"Oh come on," Wosyn insisted. "Was this Bug wearing robes like that? I understand that you Jedi must be partial to defend your own but-"
"Now hold it right there," Yelena asserted. "Do not mistake us seeking the truth for bias. Wrongful accusations hurt many more than merely the accused. You could be right...or you could be gravely mistaken. Either way, wrong is wrong and this woman must be found."
"The Jedi Council has no record of anyone out this far," Mattias said while analyzing the footage. He raised a brow as something caught his eye. "Wait, rewind!" Wosyn obliged. "And...pause!" Mattias tapped the screen. "There," he said. His companions observed the mysterious woman closing in on a particular gambler. "The suspect barges into the casino and beats the officers on duty senseless, but doesn't harm them further."
"She possibly has a code," Yelena said.
"Or a target," Mattias added. "These partygoers just suddenly start rising up, one at a time to take on an unknown assailant. This Twi'lek is using a broken bottle for Force's sake. They're desperate."
"For their lives or something shiny?" Yelena questioned. She scoured the footage for clues and watched how the combatants formed up in front of the bracelet-toting gambler. "Her," she said. "She says something to coax the others."
"And she seems to be the attacker's primary target," Mattias concluded and gestured to the end of the recording. "Had more police not arrived, it looks as though this gambler wouldn't have escaped."
"Regardless of her past dealings, this woman's life could be in danger." Yelena said. "And something tells me that if we find her, we'll find our so-called Jedi."
Mattias turned to Wosyn and asked, "How do you keep track of your guests? Does it have anything to do with those colorful bands I saw on their wrists?"
Wosyn nodded. "Canto Bight's latest innovation. It helps us monitor guests while simultaneously making their vacations easier. Everything from dining to recreational activities gets saved on those MagicBands."
"MagicBands?" Yelena murmured.
"Hey," Wosyn scoffed. "The bigwigs in corporate came up with it. But I think your friend is on to something." He zoomed in on footage of the fallen gambler and found a scarlet MagicBand tucked between her golden bracelets. "She's a guest. So if I can cross-reference her facial scan, I should be able to find her My Canto Experience account." The Jedi exchanged curious glances while Wosyn typed away. As every patter of his fingers seemed to stretch forever, they were relieved when his monitor chimed.
"Got her," the officer affirmed and expanded the profile. "Kava Hish, age thirty-four. She's been living it up in Canto Bight for the last two weeks and has built up quite a fortune for herself. Miss Hish is either incredibly lucky or a stealthy cheat."
"Where's she staying?" Yelena asked.
"Nightfire Resort and Spa," Wosyn read. "MagicBand history says she scanned into the property eleven minutes ago."
"Room number?" Mattias inquired.
"739," the officer said. "I'll get you an escort and-"
"No," Yelena insisted. "We don't want to spook our suspect. Mattias and I can handle this." Wosyn sulked at the elder's assertion, but ultimately backed off.
The Nightfire Resort was like a beachside palace. Guests exuded raucous laughter from its upper balconies while harmonious music welcomed visitors into the lobby. Yelena and Mattias spurred gossip and garnered side-eyes upon entering the premises. Their dark boots were strikingly contrasted against the lobby's pale and pure tiling.
"Do you feel that?" Yelena asked while peering around.
"The judgmental stares?" Mattias snarked.
"No. We're being watched beyond that." She glanced over at Mattias and whispered, "I think she's here."
"Then we'd best get to 739," Mattias said. He started towards the elevator and stopped when Yelena didn't join him. His brows furrowed as she stepped out towards the beach. "Where are you going?"
"I'm just fancying a look at the property," she said and offered a significant nod.
Mattias seemed to catch on and mumbled, "Right." They parted ways as he entered the elevator. "This is fine," he told himself while pressing the button for the seventh floor. He took a deep breath as the elevator smoothly zipped upward. "Just...going to 739. Dealing with a possible, murderous Jedi. Saving gamblers. Typical day in my life." Mattias was feeling his age as he groaned and cracked his neck. The elevator dinged as he reached the seventh level and smiled. "Let's do this," he whispered.
From the moment the doors opened, Mattias immediately observed a flailing Quarren. The bludgeoned, aquatic being was gargling for his life. Defensive splotches of ink spewed haplessly from his tentacled maw as a robed woman drove a lightsaber through his chest.
"HOLY KRIFF!" Mattias bellowed as Anna would. He reached for his lightsaber as the woman disengaged the Quarren. Her victim's ink-stained corpse plopped against the carpet in a sizzling mess. As Mattias ignited his blade, the woman sliced the overhead light with hers. Darkness overcame the ensuing sparks and she fled down the corridor, destroying other fixtures.
Mattias was left standing in the dark with nothing more than his weapon to guide him. He swayed the green blade in front of his face as the hallway grew eerily silent. "Great," he whispered and steadied his breathing. As he stepped forward, his lightsaber illuminated an assortment of bodies sprawled across the floor. "Why are you doing this?" he called into the darkness. His boot nudged one of the fallen's discarded blasters. Only then did Mattias see the scorch marks lining the walls. "Show yourself!" he demanded.
Mattias gasped when one of the hotel doors opened. He raised his lightsaber in defense as a timid Sullustan emerged from her room. She shuddered at the sight of him and staggered back. "What's going on?" she whimpered.
"Ma'am," Mattias intoned. "Please stay in your room."
As Mattias swayed his lightsaber to address her, he unknowingly highlighted the robed figure standing behind him. The Sullustan screamed and Mattias quickly turned. Before he could react further, the woman Force-pushed him into the nearest wall. Mattias struck it with a thud and clutched his aching back. While he was grateful for his spinal cybernetic's newfound sturdiness, he didn't count on his foe's lightsaber.
The woman reignited her yellow blade and brought its tip to his neck. "I have my reasons," she hissed. "Just stay out of my way."
"You know I can't do that," Mattias retorted before thrusting his saber forward. He swatted her blade away and scrambled to his feet. Their dark silhouettes circled each other in the resort's narrow corridor. With nothing more than green and yellow plasma to light their paths, the combatants stared each other down. "What do you want with Kava Hish?" Mattias asked.
"Answers," the stranger replied. "And I'll cross any obstacle to get them."
"I suppose these guests were obstacles to you."
"Guests?" the woman scorned. "Take a closer look." Mattias glanced down at the blasters beside each body. "Guests don't pack weaponry like this. It looks like Kava hired thugs in a half-witted attempt to scare me off. I'm warning you right now, old man. If you raise a weapon to me, you'll end up just like them."
Mattias glanced at the doors nearest to them. After locating room 739, Mattias promptly stepped in front of it. "First of all," Mattias began. "You'd better watch who you threaten, child. I might be old, but I'm no-" The woman instantly attacked with a series of sporadic strikes. "Seriously?" Mattias blurted and hurriedly went on the defensive. His saber clashed with hers as they dueled in front of Kava's room. Two swift parries were enough to build Mattias' confidence, but did little for his endurance. The young warrior ducked under his incoming slash and dropkicked him into the door. He and his activated lightsaber collided with enough force to send the door toppling over in two, sizzling pieces.
Mattias tumbled into the room and crashed directly into the bed. Kava, who was still rushing to pack her bag, screamed at the sight. "Oh karabast!"
"Kava!" the saber-swinging woman roared. She was about to charge the gambler when Mattias tackled her into a nightstand. They wrestled for each other's lightsabers while Kava dashed for the door. The gambler was almost out when her hunter Force-pushed a table lamp into her head. Kava struck the floor with a thud while the combatants carried on.
"Stay out of this!" the woman growled and punched Mattias in the gut.
He countered by hauling her up and tossing her into the nearby mattress. Meanwhile, Kava recovered from her head injury and tried running for the door again. "Freaking lunatics!" she sniveled and hobbled away. The stranger sprung up, batted away Mattias' blade with her own, and Force-pulled Kava back to her. "Oh come on!" the gambler whined while unseen powers dragged her through the air.
Before the stranger could catch Kava, Mattias grabbed a room service tray and clanged it over her head. The strike caused her to overextend her Force-pull and send Kava flying out the window. A heart-stopping silence followed as both Mattias and his adversary looked outside the broken sill. Fearing the worst, they put aside their conflict and scrambled to the window. Perplexed by the lack of a crashing sound, they peered out to see Kava clinging to a palm tree. Disheveled and wide-eyed, she nervously tried to shimmy down.
Realizing her target was still alive, the stranger shoved Mattias out of the way and tried jumping after Kava. Mattias hastily recovered and snatched his foe by the hem of her cloak. His pull counteracted her leap and they both plummeted without momentum. Patrons screamed as Mattias and the stranger fell multiple stories and quickly neared the pavement. Acting on instinct, both Force users unleashed powerful Force repulses before hitting the ground. These bursts of energy cracked bricks and caused both users to bounce towards the artificial beach.
Kava had just dropped from the palm tree when she witnessed the outrageous sight. "Haha!" she guffawed. "See ya, suckers. Kava Hish rides again!" She didn't even make it past the beachside bar before tripping and face-planting on the pavement.
As she did so, Yelena discreetly retracted her leg from behind the bar. The elder stepped over to the groaning Kava and said, "Stay down."
"Got it," Kava surrendered and succumbed to her aching body.
"No!" the robed woman growled. "Hish is mine!" She bolted upright just as Mattias tried to restrain her. Their lightsabers had rolled away during their fall, forcing them to fight hand-to-hand. Mattias twisted her arm as she elbowed him back. She went for a devastating roundhouse kick, but Mattias quickly snatched her ankle. He flipped her over, but suffered under her furious momentum. Sand spewed across their bodies as they both fell on the beach. Coarse, rough, and irritating granules got everywhere...causing their eyes to burn.
"It's over!" Yelena yelled from the bar while keeping Kava subdued. "Give it up."
"No," the woman panted while succumbing to exhaustion. "It can't end...Not like this."
She raised a trembling fist, unwilling to surrender, and threw a punch at Mattias. He swiftly caught it and pulled her close. Rather than strike her back, Mattias relaxed his grip. "Who are you?" he asked and she looked away. "Are you a Jedi?"
Her hand trembled in his as she fell to her knees. Police sirens rang out as pursuit craft created a perimeter. Officers swarmed the beach, clearing out guests and surrounding the suspect. Mattias gasped when the woman nodded in response to his question. "What is your name, young one?" he asked the Jedi. "Please. Let us help you."
"Only Kava could've," the cloaked woman uttered.
"The Force binds all of us together," Mattias intoned. "If you cannot trust those in the Order, then there is no one that you can turn to."
The woman huffed and slowly raised her head. Desperate, yet willing to believe in Mattias' words, she removed her hood and cowl. Long, black hair fell against her tan skin. Her thin brows furrowed as she said, "My name...is Raya. And I must find my master." That was all she could say before officers closed in with readied weapons and stun cuffs.
Author's Note: Thanks so much for reading this week's installment! Tune in next Friday for the epic continuation in "Mysteries of the Heart: Part -2!" Dearest readers, I have some updates regarding the future of the "Frozen Force." No matter what happens, I want to remain honest and transparent with all of you. My hope is that nothing will change and that this story will follow the season format that I've been keeping since its creation. I love this story and I love entertaining you all each and every week. The goal here at GoldenHeart Stories is to be a wonderful source of entertainment, particularly for Frozen and Star Wars fans. One of my biggest pet peeves with stories has always been a lack of communication between authors and readers. It's one of the reasons I do scheduled updates, formatting stories like TV shows in a sense to prevent a lack of updates. This being said, I want to keep communication strong if anything changes. When I started writing this story, the global pandemic crisis was just beginning. I was let go from one job and furloughed from another. And amidst all of this time, I have found solace and joy in entertaining you all. Each of these adventurous chapters is written with love each week to be published on Fridays. As the world emerges from the pandemic, I have now been called back to work in a sense. Make no mistake, I am in no way abandoning this story. By the Force, no. I have too much planned for this adventure to not see it realized. But I write this so that you know what's going on. Because I firmly believe that we need to tell our stories by all and any means. No matter what comes our way. So as of right now, nothing is changing. Weekly chapters shall carry on. But if something comes up now with work returning to my schedule, I will announce any changes. Whether that is a mid-season finale/ break or chapters switch to bi-weekly updates. Regardless, I only ask for your continued patience and support if it comes down to that. While these chapters have the quantity, I will never sacrifice quality. I want to deliver a good story because entertaining you all is worth it. It is my heart's calling...my destiny.
Thank you for your time and Long Live Imagination,
~ Michael