Author's Note: Dearest readers, I want to thank you all so much for supporting this story! Season 4's premiere was stellar and propelled "The Frozen Force" to reach new milestones! As of right now, we are:
- Less than 20 reviews away from 300.
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None of these milestones could've been possible without the amount of love you readers have shown this story. So thank you! With this being said, we've got some amazing premiere review shoutouts! This Friday, we raise our lightsabers to Starpottergeek, CoconutColonoy, CJG, and Jake!
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Alrighty my friends, it's time to return to a galaxy far, far away. Enjoy the show!
Long Live Imagination,
~ Michael
Chapter: 92 The Disaster (Part II)
"Some things never change."
Lives on the edge! Jedi Knight Anna Dellian and Clone Sergeant Blazer narrowly escaped Madame Meduza's clutches. After defeating the Crimson Dawn underboss, Anna learned that Republic intelligence discovered the whereabouts of the renegade Sith Lord, Maul. The situation only intensified when Anna saw that Maul had been located in close proximity to her unresponsive sister. Unable to contact Elsa and hardly recovered, Anna races to Bespin in an effort to end Maul's destructive reign...
Cloud City truly was a sight to behold. Spacers from across the galaxy had heard the stories of an illustrious and vastly-populated saucer. True to its name, the city hovered amidst Bespin's sea of clouds. Level upon level of lively districts lay stacked upon one another. Although, its upscale housing areas were all that commoners really spoke of. Tibanna gas mining was a booming business, and people would always seek out a steady credit flow. While the young and old tasked away to strike fortunes in the mines below, those above made true profit. Haughty-hearted aristocrats led luxurious lives, flaunting their wealth in the upper plazas. Whether they were aware or ignorant of their privileges, the wealthy used Cloud City as an escape from the Clone Wars. If they could sip one more glass of overly-priced wine or add one more dress to their overflowing wardrobes...maybe they'd forget about the planets in need. Perhaps the next materialistic trend could distract them long enough to miss another tragedy.
But while those in the upper levels dwelled in blind bliss, there were some beneath who sought to make a change. Bespin's position in the war was constantly teetering. Those managing its mines knew how valuable tibanna would be to both Republic and Confederate forces. Even after enduring a Separatist attack, the planet's neutrality had still been called into question. This uncertainty allowed a slight level of leniency for hidden meetings. The kind of which the Tholothian Union was particularly cautious of.
"Port Town" was Cloud City's most infamous sector. Covering over thirty levels of industrial loading bays and cheap housing, it had become a melting pot for smugglers and outlaws. Given Port Town's grizzly reputation, the esteemed members of the Tholothian Union were all the more perplexed. After all, it was a Jedi who had organized their meeting. But being faithful and trusting sorts, the Tholothians followed through with the Jedi's request.
As night descended over Cloud City, what little light crept into Port Town was soon extinguished. Vermin scampered into alleyways while drunken patrons staggered about. Hooded smugglers passed bagged goods to one another before dashing into the darkness. Rusted over security droids clunked around and were barely able to turn their heads. Yet amid the decrepit and ramshackle environment, a set of warehouse lights remained on. Each bold bar set a makeshift meeting room aglow and illuminated the seated delegates.
Hailing from the planet Tholoth, each Union member seemed nearly ageless. Their inquisitive, blue eyes contrasted vividly against their dark skin. Intricate, pale tendrils sprouted from their skullcaps and dangled just behind their necks. The lead Tholothian narrowed her eyes and peered at their host across the table. She clasped her azure, ceremonial pendant and said, "We have honored your request as a show of good faith, Jedi. But do not mistake our arrival for participation in this...proposal."
The Tholothian man nearest to her spoke up. "The Republic is already at war. Many of our people have served and given their lives for it. Is that not enough?"
"I believed the Jedi to be peacekeepers," the second woman in their group spoke up. "I stood by their principles, even as they led military campaigns. Because I told myself that it was all a means to an end. But now, what you're suggesting changes everything. It shows me that the Jedi don't just want to prolong the war, they want more of them."
The fourth Tholothian remained silent as his companions laid into the Jedi. Instead, he fiddled with his silver sleeves and braced himself for an imminent rebuttal.
But no aggression returned. A long pause filled the air as all eyes fell upon the Jedi. The overhead lights gleamed down on her platinum blonde bun. And despite all that she'd heard, her icy gaze stayed relaxed. Her deep blue robes flowed with her rested shoulders. She offered a gentle smile and understanding nod to the delegates. While she remained seated, a clone commander stood guard at her side. His turquoise markings led up towards a distinct snowflake on his helmet. When the commander looked at his superior, he felt like he was observing the snowflake itself. He'd never seen her so calm, collected, and confident. No matter what happened at the meeting, Commander Frost held on to one belief: Elsa Dellian had it under control.
"I understand your concerns," Elsa told the Tholothians. "And your contributions to the Republic war effort are greatly appreciated. However, I must insist that I am not seeking more conflict. I strive for peace."
The lead Tholothian chuckled. "Please, Master Jedi. Surely even you know how foolish that sounds. This is no lost colony in need of enlightenment. This is Aren you're referring to. A corrupt, broken, and war-torn world that not even the Republic will touch. Otherwise, why would you even be meeting with us?"
"Because she knows we have the resources she needs," her male partner murmured before glancing at Elsa. "Isn't that right?"
"I know it looks bad," Elsa confessed. "And what you say is true. The Republic refuses to intervene in Aren's affairs even as its people continue to suffer in the Unknown Regions. Lady Gilda, I implore you and the rest of the Union to aid me."
"But this wouldn't be a simple relief mission of any sort," Gilda retorted. "The Aren Regime has closed itself off from the rest of the galaxy. Any interference will be seen as an act of war. What? Do you think those in power will just let outsiders waltz in and provide its people with supplies?"
"Not directly, no," Elsa replied. "But with strategic and covert-"
"Listen to yourself," the other woman scoffed. "You mean to lead a stealthy operation into hostile territory. Aren already loathes the Jedi and their Republic. Why group our people into the mix?"
"Because someone has to intervene," Elsa answered.
"Then you do it," Gilda intoned. "Because the Tholothian Union will not be dragged into a lost cause."
Elsa's calm demeanor briefly faltered. "L-lost cause?" the Jedi stammered. "I come before you because I refuse to give up on Aren. Every day, citizens from its divided factions are living in squalor. Children without futures, born into hate. Adults with broken spirits knowing nothing but death."
"Closer planets are suffering just the same in your Clone War," Gilda's assistant griped.
Elsa bit back a gasp. "And that makes Aren's suffering any less important? Can't you see that we have a chance here? I'm not asking you to topple a regime. I'm asking you to help return hope to a broken world. Help me to help them. Because right now, Aren has given itself every reason to believe that no one cares. We need to show them otherwise."
"No," Gilda doubled down. "This is your crusade, Jedi." Elsa's stomach dropped at the delegate's words. "I know not what your connection to that doomed world is, but whatever you hold cannot be worth Tholothian lives. The Jedi hung her head as Gilda rose from her seat. "We're done here." Elsa winced as each of the delegates' seats skidded back with their departure.
Unwilling to show her full distress, Elsa merely rubbed her temples and sighed. "Thank you for your time," she barely uttered before the Tholothians exited. Frost's tender hand rested against her shoulder and offered a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sorry," he said.
"I knew it was a long shot," Elsa confessed while still looking down at the table. "But I respect their decision. No one wants to get involved with Aren. Not even our own Republic."
"Permission to speak freely?" the commander inquired.
Elsa raised her brows at his question. "Frost...you know you can always be honest with me."
He swallowed hard at her remark. For while Elsa spoke truthfully, the concept of honesty pried at him. Frost steadied himself and spoke up. "I'll stand with you," he said. Before Elsa could say she knew that, Frost carried on. "Why don't we go?" he asked. "We'll take the whole 213th to Aren."
"As much as I appreciate the sentiment-" she replied. "-that would put you all against the Republic. You'd all face consequences."
"But you told me that you went with Master Yelena," Frost considered.
Just saying her former mentor's name left a bitter taste in her mouth. Still, Elsa focused on the commander's initial intention. "Even our brief visit was pushing it," she said. "We risked so much just to see the uphill battle that we'd be fighting. The Jedi Order has never prioritized Aren. If we were discovered, I'd-"
"Elsa," Frost interrupted, noticing her frustration. "I know how much Aren means to you. And I'm grateful that you confided your family history to me." He took a knee, dropping to her level. "No matter what you choose to do, just know that I'm here. Only say the word and I'll follow you into Aren. Against their regime, against the Republic...whatever it means to-"
"Frost," Elsa asserted. "Please don't talk like that. You're speaking of treason."
"I'm sorry," Frost lamented. "I just...want to help you. Your cause make more sense than half of the campaigns I see clone units getting roped into. And respectfully, even the actions you've taken here would be considered treasonous to the Jedi."
Elsa sighed at his comment. "You're right...and I'm sorry too," she told him. "I'm just trying to take a stand when no one else will. For my parents and for everyone left behind on Aren."
There was that feeling again. As Frost watched Elsa ruminate over her predicament, all he wanted to do was comfort her. He wanted to tell her why he'd always stand by her side. Why he'd be willing to defy the Republic if it meant helping her save Aren. That reason had almost escaped his lips so many times. He'd let it spur him through many of their harrowing endeavors. Yet now, like every other instance...Frost held his breath. He kept a steadfast resolve, signifying that he'd remain with her.
Suddenly, the doors hissed open and the quietest delegate returned. "M-master Jedi?" the young Tholothian finally spoke up.
"Please," she insisted. "Call me Elsa."
"Very well, Elsa. I am Taros. Please forgive the others. Tholoth has already suffered greatly through its contributions to the Republic, and the war has left its scars."
"It's alright," Elsa told him.
"But I want to help," Taros said. "Long have our people helped those in need and Aren shouldn't be any different regardless of the risks." Elsa lifted her hopeful head as he continued. "I told Lady Gilda and the others to give you another chance. She's willing to listen to another proposal, but Elsa-" Taros' tone deepened. "-you've really got to sell it. Show her and the others that you walk the path of peace, even if they're heading into the rancor's den."
Without hesitation, Elsa rose from her seat and rapidly nodded. "Of course," she affirmed. "Thank you, Taros. I assure you that you've made the right decision."
"I'll buy you as much time as I can," Taros replied. "When you're ready, come get me in the back corridor."
Elsa smiled faintly while Taros returned to his people. Once the door shut before them, she turned to Frost as he said, "Hope's hard to kill."
"Where there is life, there is hope." Elsa remarked. A melancholic sensation passed over her as she recalled who'd first spoken that quote. The thought prompted images of a supportive Yelena to flash through her mind. Despite all which Elsa had been through, things still felt simpler back then. She'd managed to feel somewhat encouraged by her old master throughout her complex journey to knighthood. After the elder had revealed the truth about Elsa's past, she'd felt like they'd made genuine progress. But ever since Yelena had broken her promise to never lie in such a way again, Elsa had rarely spoken to her. Yelena's accusatory words still stung within the knight's mind.
"I was hurt at first with what I had to do, but seeing you now...seeing how you're reacting...I expected better from my former student."
In the months following the Revenant's defeat, Yelena rarely spoke to anyone let alone Elsa. In fact, she'd hardly been seen around the temple since she was given a seat on the Jedi Council. Regardless, Elsa couldn't just stop thinking on her mentor's words. She would need every ounce of wisdom to present an elaborate plan for the Tholothian Union.
"How can I help?" Frost asked and snapped Elsa out of her pondering. "I'll say whatever you need me to."
"As much as I appreciate that offer-" Elsa replied. "-your presence speaks volumes and helps me plenty. Besides, the Union's already on edge and needs to be quelled into the pursuit of peace. A soldier's persuasion, honest as it may be, could give off the wrong impression."
"I see," Frost concurred. "One stoic and supportive commander coming right up." His salute brought a smile to Elsa's face until the sliding doors rattled.
She knitted her brows towards the sound and whispered, "I thought Taros said we'd come to them."
"He did," Frost murmured and started slowly reaching for his rifle.
"It's open," Elsa called out, hoping to inform a Tholothian.
Instead, the doors were rapidly pulled open. Frost would've taken aim had he not seen the blur of crimson-streaked plastoid. "Elsa!" Anna blurted and barged into the room.
"Anna?" her big sister gasped. "I-...what are you-"
"What the hell?" Anna snapped at Elsa while thrusting an arm forward. "Secure the room." On her orders, the Deathchasers stormed in. Elsa almost thought they were coming to apprehend her and was even more confused when the ARF troopers took up defensive positions.
"Clear!" Sparx hollered from one of the corners.
While Anna's other men repeated similar callouts, she angrily approached Elsa. "Did your comlink and holocomm malfunction or what?" Anna asked. "Do you have any idea how many times that we've-...that I've been trying to reach you?"
"How'd you even find me?" Elsa asked, dodging the question about her silenced devices. "And what happened to you?" Her eyes widened at Anna's bruised face. Multiple, bacta-laced bandages were strewn across it."
Anna summed up her physical state with a brief, "I'm fine. But you...You might've been hiding, but the Deliverance was still in Bespin's orbit," Anna explained. "It took Watcher threatening Admiral Taka with a court-martial...a kriffing court-martial...to come clean with your whereabouts. What are you even doing down here?" Anna's eyes suspiciously darted between Elsa and Frost.
The eldest Dellian huffed, realizing that her covert efforts were futile. "Well, I was hosting a meeting with the Tholothian Union. The likes of which could actually give the people of Aren a fighting chance."
"Aren?" Anna grumbled. "Sis, not this again."
"I can't just sit by while that planet suffers any longer!"
"Well there will be a whole lot more suffering if we don't act right now," Anna warned.
"What do you mean?" Elsa asked. "Something tells me that this isn't just a surprise visit," she jeered while looking at Anna's patrolling squad.
Anna lowered her voice and leaned in. "Watcher contacted me," she said. "Maul's here."
Elsa glanced at Frost while taking in such news. "Maul?" she inquired. "Are you certain?"
"That's what witnesses reported anyway," Anna replied. "And you know how on edge people have been since he and his bother began their rampage."
"But what would they be doing here in Cloud City?" Elsa queried.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Anna sighed. "But I do know that we have a chance to end their reign of terror. According to Watcher, the eyewitness reports came from several levels just below us. If we hurry, we can-"
"Wait," Elsa spoke up. "Slow down, Anna. I'm in the middle of a vital-"
"-death sentence," Anna finished the statement for her. "I know you've seen the reports. If we don't act swiftly, who knows what chaos Maul and his brother are going to commit here. Do you really want the lives Cloud City citizens on your hands? Or even these Union members if they're put at risk?" Noticing Elsa's pensiveness, Anna pushed on. "We have a chance here to stop two of the most dangerous criminals the galaxy has ever known. But I can't do it alone, Elsa. Now that I know you're safe, I need you on this one."
Her big sister squinted suspiciously. She examined each facial bandage and said, "Anna, you don't look like you're in any condition for a-"
"Ugh!" Anna groaned. "I'm so tired of everyone telling me how I look and what to feel today. No one knows my body better than me and I say I'm alright! I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could handle it. Now are you with me or not, sis?"
Elsa looked over Anna from head to toe. She noted her fatigued, exasperated state and felt like it spelt disaster without assistance. Believing that Anna would try to take on Maul without her, Elsa relented. "I'm with you," she said. "Commander Frost, head down the adjacent hall. Inform the Union that an emergency has come up and that they should seek shelter immediately."
"Elsa," Frost worried and leaned towards her. "Are you sure about this? As you said, the Union's already on edge."
Elsa's eyes swayed between the commander and her impatient sister. "Taros will help them understand the situation," she assured. "Once you've finished speaking with them, meet up with us on the lower levels."
"Right away," Frost saluted. "Please be safe."
She nodded to him and joined up with Anna. "Let's move it out," the redhead said and briefly stumbled.
Elsa noticed her sister hiding a limp and asked, "So...can I at least ask happened?"
Anna stretched out her aching leg and sighed. "Blazer and I had a run-in with Madame Meduza and her crew," she confessed. "But don't worry. We won't be seeing her again."
Elsa was hardly surprised, yet her disappointment lingered. "Anna," she mumbled. "Did you at least give her a chance to surrender before it came to death?"
Anna zoned out as they walked through a Port Town alley. She let her mind wander back to those fateful moments on Mustafar.
"I suppose this is the part where you arrest me?" Meduza had jeered.
Anna didn't even remember what she'd said in rebuttal. She was too focused on the ticking, beeping thermal detonators that she'd thrown at Meduza's feet. True fear had pried at the criminal as she pleaded for her life. "N-now Dellian...Let's talk about this. Dellian!" she'd screamed before Anna shut the doors and the blasts ignited.
As Anna brought herself back into the moment, she feigned a smile and turned to Elsa. "Meduza went out fighting," she told her sister. "She'd rather give her life than surrender to us. But hey...one less crime boss, right?"
Elsa shook her head and muttered, "Until someone worse replaces her."
Anna subtly rolled her eyes and led the team down a spiraling ramp. One of several dozens, these winding structures connected each of Cloud City's levels. Anna raised a hand to halt her squad at the designated floor. "What's the plan, general?" Speedy asked.
"Scout ahead, boys." Anna ordered. "I want full recon on this level. Blazer, go west by the airspeeder garages. Sparx, the eastern streets are all yours. And Speedy, you take the rooftops. Elsa and I will check the mines. No one engages before reporting first."
The Deathchasers dispersed at Anna's command while she and her sister ventured forth. "Just like old times, hm?" the redhead jested. "Late night, birthday outings?"
Birthday? Elsa thought as reality quickly struck her. "By the Force," she gasped, realizing she'd forgotten. "Oh Anna, I-"
"It's okay," her little sister insisted. "I'm the gal who chose to take a mission and get captured before her birthday. Watcher says the truly vigilant can't afford to take breaks anyway."
"For what it's worth," Elsa answered softly. "Happy birthday, Anna."
"Thanks, sis." Anna replied. She was about to ramble on about her future birthday plans when Elsa suddenly flinched. "Hey," Anna worried. "Are you okay?"
"I'm...not sure," Elsa shivered. "Do you feel that?" she asked and rubbed her frigid shoulders.
"I don't know why you bother asking," Anna scoffed. "You know I'm not as attuned to the Force as you are."
"Well, have you tried honing your abilities?" Elsa asked while wincing.
"I've never really had to," Anna considered.
"Here," Elsa said and extended a hand. Anna's ensuing pause left her sister sighing. "Well come on then. Take my hand." Anna huffed and reluctantly obliged. She felt nothing unusual as her gloved fingers wrapped around Elsa's palm.
"I got nothing," Anna grumbled.
"Less talking, more feeling." Elsa insisted. "Close your eyes."
"My mind's always too loud. This type of thing doesn't work for me."
"Then let it be loud," Elsa whispered. "Don't fight it. Embrace each sound. Let the sensations carry you."
Anna slowly dropped her eyelids and listened to the district's ambience. Everything from chittering alley rodents to whirring speeder bikes echoed towards her. Each passing sound had Anna tightening her grip on Elsa's hand as she sunk into her subconscious. Amidst their shadowy environment, Anna suddenly felt a chill rise into her arm. "Woah," she whispered as the coldness took her. It was as if a colorless, yet icy essence had gotten a hold of her. Anna shivered as the ensuing sensation became both odd and familiar. As if greeting her like an unwelcome guest. Like a pull she'd often tried to balance and keep herself teetering against. As she embraced the surrounding chill, its source became clear.
"The Dark Side," Anna whispered as her big sister nodded.
"It's strong down here," Elsa said. "I fear our rogue Sith Lord may be near." The sisters opened their eyes and looked towards a mining station. The cacophonous clamor of machinery obscured their footsteps as they crept towards the building.
Steady hands were a must for tibanna gas miners. But in these moments, a middle-aged employee could hardly stop trembling. He balled himself up into a corner while spare tools dangled above him. Sweat formed on his bald spot and seeped down towards his greasy, thinning locks. His frightened eyes peeked out through a narrow slit in the maintenance closet as a pair of deathly figures stomped by. His haggard hands shivered while death-gripping a comlink. Every fearful urge within was begging for him to call for help, but he couldn't risk it. The miner's body ached, for he was too afraid to even budge. He was hardly breathing, thinking that the slightest gasp could give away his position. Instead, his horrified eyes watched as the figures lingered. While a lumbering mass trudged about, a thinner...taller creature skulked forward. Its sharp, metallic and taloned feet scrapped at the floor with each fiendish step. And as they advanced towards a flickering maintenance light, the miner glimpsed a horned head. The dreadful tips protruded from the stranger's skull like a jagged crown. Just when the miner feared being discovered, the intruders stepped away.
The overhanging lights set the talon-footed being's topless body ablaze. Only a pattern of bold, black tattoos could contrast against his blood red skin. With a pair of animalistic and cybernetic legs, the Zabrak was like an otherworldly beast. He waded through the tibanna gas mists like a lurking demon while his cohort trailed behind. Despite the Zabrak's formidable appearance, he spoke in an oddly calming tone. "Keep up, Savage," he whispered as his yellow eyes listed back. "We don't have much time."
Contrary to his older sibling, Savage donned a set of bulky Dathomirian armor. Even his lightsaber hilt comprised of a thick metal component which clunked against his belt. Hauntingly large horns stretched from Savage's yellow-skinned head while similar black tattoos ran down his face. "Brother," he murmured deeply. "Surely we can accumulate the wealth we need from these gas capsules."
"Tibanna is of little profit to us without the proper means of containment," Maul hastily answered while looming over a computer terminal. "The true wealth on this planet resides in its connections." Savage raised a brow while watching his brother type away. Datafiles flashed and flickered until a unique space station appeared onscreen. "The Banking Clan," Maul whispered. "How predictable."
"Brother?" Savage queried.
Maul's patience dwindled, yet he firmly dragged his finger across the datascreen. "This is the Cybloc Transfer Station," he explained. "Galactic credits from businesses like Cloud City's Mining Guild all flow through there. If we strike it, we'll be one step closer to seeing my plans fulfilled." After memorizing the coordinates, Maul shut the terminal down and nodded to his brother. "Come, Savage. We have what we need to-" The Zabrak suddenly came to a halt. His dark brows furrowed while his devilish eyes scoured the surrounding mine.
Still learning of his brother's impressive abilities, Savage leaned closer. "What is it?" he asked. "What do you sense?"
Maul's lips curled into a firm scowl. His nostrils flared as he whiffed the still air around him. Pure hatred pulsed through his veins as he chewed on such a venomous answer. When he finally spoke the word, it was as if he'd spit it out with every disgusted fiber of his being. "Jedi," he snarled ominously.
His scarlet glare focused on the mining catwalks as several hushed bickers echoed down. Despite Elsa's protests to stay hidden, Anna stormed out from cover. Her big sister groaned and facepalmed as Anna declared, "Maul!" The Zabrak stared up at the Jedi as she immediately sparked up her lightsaber. "Your reign of terror ends here!" Anna flourished the blade and jabbed it towards him. "In the name of the Jedi Order, this will be your only chance to surrender." Elsa couldn't help but feel like her sister was only saying that to please her. In reality, Anna knew that neither Zabrak was even considering standing down. She mirrored Maul's spiteful scowl and thought, Tonight, I'll avenge every Jedi who's died by your hand. Master Qui-Gon-... Distant memories of the Jedi Master's encouragement returned to her...-this is for you.
Just as Anna predicted, Maul and Savage stood their ground. Irritation lingered on their sinister glares, for they were no strangers to Jedi pursuers. Savage raised his hilt as a crimson blade pulsed from each end. The saber's ignition was deep and foreboding while Maul sparked up his single blade.
"We'll take them together," Anna said, destroying what sliver of surprise remained. Elsa sighed at Anna's remark and reluctantly emerged from cover. Her heart sank at the sight of such sinister foes. While Elsa could sense the frustration brewing within Savage, Maul's essence was unlike anything she'd ever felt. Pure malice radiated from his being. So much so, that Elsa would disorient herself if she kept trying to see through the Force. Maul was undoubtedly powerful, making it all the more difficult for Elsa to think how she'd take him alive. As Anna raised her blade in an aggressive, Form IV stance, Elsa focused on her Niman. She activated her double-bladed lightsaber to keep it low and close. Maul's eyes narrowed at Elsa's Form VI positioning and his metal legs creaked towards her. Yet while Elsa thought he was eyeing her weapon, he was actually observing her face. Like the hunter he once was, Maul probed Elsa for weakness. He used their tense standoff to watch her face for changes and snarled once her eye twitched. As Elsa's wrists slightly slacked, Maul found his opportunity. With an animalistic growl, he lunged up to take her head on.
Eager to intervene and fight him herself, Anna leapt between them. He jabbed her saber downward just as Maul swung towards Elsa. Green clashed with red plasma and sent sparks crackling throughout the mine. Anna's impact forced Maul back down as they dueled beneath the catwalk. Savage roared and stomped up to Elsa. Although she flourished her saber for combat, she instead sliced a nearby cooling tube. Mist from the tibanna refinery blanketed the catwalk just as Savage jumped up. By the time he swung in Elsa's direction, the Jedi was already gone. Suddenly, Savage was struck by a mighty Force push. The Zabrak blurted belligerently until a second push sent him tumbling over the catwalk. Elsa was about to push again when her opponent gave in to his rage. Furious, Savage thrust his hands towards the artificial mist. As he forcefully parted it, he also sent a hidden Elsa tumbling across the catwalk. Having revealed her location, Savage reactivated his lightsaber and attacked.
Despite Anna's initial offensive, she hadn't even put a dent in Maul's resolve. It almost felt like the Zabrak was toying with her based on how easily he parried each strike. Once he had Anna close enough, Maul attempted to kick her in the face. Anna ducked just in time and watched his taloned foot narrowly miss her. Thinking quickly, Anna attempted a sporadic Force push to gain some distance. Maul's cybernetic legs dug into the flooring, making her efforts pointless. "Kriff," she murmured and rushed him again. While Anna tried not to draw attention to her wounds, she couldn't deny the returning aches. Her body was still tender from Mustafar and all of her rigorous motions were loosening her bandages.
Steady, Elsa reminded herself. Remember your practice. Keeping up her defenses, Elsa twirled her lightsaber to block Savage's attacks. Each side of her blue blade buzzed against her enemy's strikes. It mattered not if Elsa had a well-planned defense, for Savage was relentless. He was like a bulldozer, delivering a barrage of brutal strikes against her lightsaber. Her forearms burned with each block as Savage's jabs intensified. Elsa braced herself as her foe unleashed a series of ferocious slashes. While his brother possessed a unique and organized form, Savage was purely chaotic. His attacks were so reckless and impulsive, that he didn't even realize that one end of his saber sliced the catwalk. Elsa and Savage lost their balance as the severed walkway came clanging down to ground level.
Anna and Maul continued their duel until their siblings tumbled down with the crashing debris. "Elsa?" Anna uttered.
"Savage," Maul murmured.
Anna used the distraction to take another swing at Maul. Sensing her jab, he hurriedly spun and blocked the attack. Meanwhile, Savage angrily forced himself out of the wreckage. He shoved debris off of himself as Elsa crawled on the opposite end. While she had a moment, the Jedi hurriedly activated her comlink. "Frost," she coughed into comms. "Do you copy?"
"I hear you loud and clear," the commander responded. "I'm on my way back from the Union now. Are you alright?"
"We've engaged the targets," she answered. "They're in the mining-" A heavy hum sounded as Savage's lightsaber spiraled through the hair. The titanic Zabrak had flung it towards Elsa just as she emerged. She ducked down just in time to evade the attack and watch Anna get kicked towards her.
"This is some birthday," the youngest Dellian winced as Elsa helped her up. She eyed the Zabrak brothers closing in and said, "Trade ya?" Before Elsa could even answer, Anna was already charging back into the fray. She took Savage head on, initiating an upward slash to push him on the defensive. Her monstrous foe didn't yield and matched her ferocity. As their duel persisted, Elsa glanced over at Maul.
His unblinking, hate-filled stare focused intently on her as he approached the debris pile. Elsa had heard enough temple stories about the infamous 'Darth Maul.' The Sith acolyte was a formidable hunter who had long served his dark and unseen master. As if any of his murderous feats weren't chilling enough, many in the Order were still trying to grasp Maul's survival. His defeat at the hands of Obi-wan Kenobi had become legendary. Just knowing that Maul had the capability...and unfathomable fury...to will himself to survive bisection was inconceivable.
Despite her dueling practice, the last thing Elsa wanted was to get within striking distance of Maul. She knew her limitations and chose to focus on her advantages. Calling upon the Force, she reached towards the debris pile and hurled chunks towards him. While Elsa aimed for his torso with one hand, she discreetly sent heavier pieces of the catwalk towards his head with the other. To her shock, Maul wasn't even fazed by the maneuver. He just kept stomping closer, occasionally weaving past whatever zipped his way. Elsa was about to strike Maul's head with a portion of railing, but he raised his lightsaber to slash it just in time.
Without losing momentum, Elsa threw her hand forward for a powerful Force push. As she did so, her wrist was suddenly met with a peculiar amount of pressure. Elsa's eyes widened as Maul also raised his hand. While onlookers would've seen empty space between the combatants, powerful energy fields were struggling for control. Elsa's nostrils flared while Maul's eyes narrowed. Her fingers trembled as his curled. The Sith slowly rotated his wrist, watching his opponent struggle as he did so. It was as if Maul was twisting the very essence of Force energy between them and redirecting it to her.
Elsa gritted her teeth and fought to resist his maneuver, but this was no mere counter. This was a strike forged from absolute malice. A horrid coldness gripped Elsa, even as she clung to the Light Side within. Maul's demonic eyes were relentless as he kept twisting his hand to resist her. He was unlike any foe she'd ever faced. He was a living nightmare breathing deathly life into all of those temple stories. Maul was a master of the Dark Side, and with a vengeful thrust of his arm...he broke through Elsa's Force push.
Shock took hold as the knight was hit with an insurmountable surge of energy. Maul's attack sent her flying through the air and smashing through the mining chamber's nearby window. While she'd managed to land against the frame, several shards shredded her robes and nicked her limbs.
The ensuing collision had Anna raising her brows. "Sis?" she uttered before Savage took another swing at her. While Anna should've easily parried it, she found herself weakening with each block. As more bacta bandages fell from her body, the pain of Anna's wounds returned. A nauseating lightheadedness came upon her as she struggled to keep fighting. She barely glimpsed Maul lurking elsewhere in her dazed peripherals.
Elsa slowly stirred amidst the crunch and crackle of broken glass. Her body ached with each stinging cut as a series of dreadful thuds echoed closer. Elsa raised her head in alarm as Maul vaulted over the broken window. His bright red lightsaber ignited with a terrible hiss. He had no words to barter with her...no negotiations to spark up. Elsa was just another Jedi standing his way.
Feeling cornered, Elsa knew she'd have to act quickly. Given her situation and injuries, part of her just wanted to grab Anna and get to safety. Maul drew closer and Elsa acted on instinct. Launching herself upward, Elsa extended her hands and unleashed a powerful Force repulse. Whether he'd noted her desperation or predicted her strategy, Maul was ready. He countered with a repulse of his own and their combined energy shattered nearby windows. Shockwaves rattled the mine's outer foundation as Elsa stumbled back.
Maul continued his advance as Elsa sparked up her lightsaber. There was a hint of reminiscence in the Sith's eyes when he looked upon the double-bladed weapon. A wave of rage swept over such thoughts as he struck both sides of her blade. Elsa tried maintaining a steady defense, but Maul was backing her into a trap. Each heavy parry brought her feet skidding closer to a platform's grated edge.
If I can just get my timing right, Elsa thought. I can sneak a Force push in and buy myself some time.
She spun her weapon, hoping the vibrant pinwheel would disorient him. Instead, Maul moved with her maneuver and slashed upward. To his surprise, Elsa parried just in time and struck with enough momentum to disarm him. Maul's brows hardly raised as his lightsaber went clattering behind them. While Elsa meant to hold her saber to his neck and bid him to surrender, Maul didn't yield. In fact, he moved with twice the intensity and reached for her saber hilt directly down the middle. Elsa shuffled with Maul as they wrestled for her weapon. His grip was deathly against her arcetron hilt. Panic consumed her face as he stared her down with his otherworldly leer. He gritted his yellow, grimy teeth and attempted to headbutt her. While she narrowly avoided his horns, the dodge left her vulnerable to be kneed in the stomach.
Elsa felt the wind literally get knocked out of her as she buckled forward. She managed to flail her arms leftward, tossing her saber instead of letting it fall into Maul's possession. While one hand clasped her aching stomach, Elsa thrust her second hand forward. She called upon the Force to push Maul as far away as possible, but he was ready once again. Snagging Elsa's wrist as she raised it, Maul furiously pulled her towards him. Whatever shallow breath Elsa could manage dwindled as she was dragged closer. She could feel the ominous air puffing from Maul's flared nostrils. And as she desperately tried to pull herself free, Maul still didn't yield. Suddenly, the grievousness of her situation became all the more real. Every moment of failed combat training as a youngling came crashing down on her, just like the pain shooting up her right arm. And with a daunting grip on her wrist and bicep, Maul quickly spun. His spin brought a pulse-pounding ache to Elsa's nerves, but nothing could prepare her for the sudden twist...and crack.
Anna was still dueling Savage when she heard her sister's scream. In all of their years together, the sound was unlike anything she'd ever heard. Elsa's agonizing and disturbing screech had Anna's heart sinking. "Elsa?" Anna uttered and turned towards a broken window. In that instant, Blazer and the other Deathchasers stormed into the mine. Noticing their general under attack, they opened fire and forced Savage on the defensive. While the Zabrak was occupied, Anna raced towards the window.
Dizziness overwhelmed Elsa as Maul threw her to the floor. Any slight movement plagued her in excruciating ways as she clasped her broken arm. Maul used the pause in combat to recover his lightsaber. He activated the crimson blade just as Anna peered down from the window above. Without delay, he plunged the saber down on his victim.
"NO!" Anna screamed until her throat ran raw.
Yet as Maul jabbed downward, he struggled to fulfill his attack. The Zabrak's malicious glare widened when he noticed something sparking against Elsa's body. Flares crackled as the tip of Maul's saber pressed against a thin, translucent veil. Using whatever strength Elsa could still gather, she used her one good hand to harness a cluster of Force energy. Her entire body strained as all of her efforts went into holding back his blade. But given her injuries and the amount of power needed, Elsa's strength failed her. The Force veil faded and Maul's saber pushed downward. Before it could strike Elsa, Anna lunged over to intervene. Her green saber batted Maul's away as she pushed him back. From the moment Elsa released all pressure, she immediately collapsed against the platform...devoid of energy.
Anna's offensive was short-lived as Maul easily dodged her attacks and Force-pushed her back. She crashed into the nearest wall just as several gunships whirred in the distance. "Brother!" Savage called before dropping from the facility's window. "More troops are coming!"
Maul sneered at the fallen Dellians. As much as he wanted to finish them off, he could already see the silhouettes of incoming gunships on the undercity platforms. "Get back to the ship," he growled. "Now."
Anna slowly stirred just as the brothers fled into the shadows. Driven by sheer will, she battled her injuries to crawl towards her sister. "E-Elsa?" she whispered. "Sis?" A distinct heaviness came upon Anna as she reached for Elsa's open palm. Her exhausted eyes fluttered as she fainted inches from her sibling. Gunships soared overhead while the Deathchasers descended from the mine. Searchlights shined down on the sisters and clone troopers swarmed the scene.
"General!" Blazer gasped and slid to Anna's side. She groaned while he, Sparx, and Speedy looked her over.
Meanwhile, Frost was quick to rappel from his gunship. Flanked by Rip and Doubles, the commander dropped his rifle in horror. "No," he uttered and dove for Elsa's body. His breaths shortened as he slid to his knees and threw off his helmet. The sight of such a lifeless Elsa wrenched his heart as he impulsively scooped her up. "Elsa," he murmured. "Stay with me-" Her head head fell back over his arm and he pressed his fingers to her neck. Feeling a faint pulse, he raised his head and yelled, "We need a medic over here!"
"Commander Frost," Watcher called over comms. "Sergeant Blazer. What's going on? Where's Maul?"
Frost was too occupied with Elsa to answer. "General Dellian and her sister are down," Blazer reported. "No sign of Maul or his brother."
"Continue the pursuit," Watcher demanded.
"Ma'am?" Blazer blurted.
"I'll get medical teams to you. Focus on capturing Maul. If he gets away-"
"Respectfully, Watcher-" Blazer interrupted while looking at his brothers. "We're not leaving Anna."
"Blast it, sergeant." Watcher murmured. "Then have Commander Frost send his men! Commander Frost? Come in!"
Focused on Elsa, Frost muted his comm and lifted her in his arms. Unwilling to wait for a medic, he carried her to the nearest gunship himself. "You hold on," he told her. "You hear me, Elsa? Hold on!"
The incessant hissing of tibanna gas mining had concluded. By the time Anna opened her eyes. she found herself resting amidst pure silence. The gentle ambience of space was welcoming on her tender senses as she slowly stirred. "Elsa," she whispered and the blurred figures around her shifted. "Elsa!" Anna gasped and the Deathchasers came to her bedside.
"Hey," Blazer said softly and gently rubbed her shoulder. "It's alright. You're safe. We've got you." Her body had been liberated of all plastoid armor and replaced by Republic-issue medical garbs. Fresh bandages and wraps lined her body while an IV administered vital supplements. A medical droid monitored her stable readouts while Sparx and Speedy approached.
"You scared us for a moment there," the lieutenant said.
"It's Anna," Sparx mumbled. "When doesn't she scare us?"
Despite his efforts to tease her, Anna only had one person on her mind. "Where's my sister?" she asked and the clones exchanged grievous glances. "Brothers," Anna asserted and raised her voice. "Where's Elsa?"
Noticing her distress, Blazer kept massaging her shoulder. "Elsa's fine," he assured her. "She's awake in the other room."
"Why not put us together then?" Anna asked.
Blazer's bearded lips quivered as the other clones braced themselves. "I think it's best if you too just take a breather for now," he suggested.
"I know I messed up back there-" Anna admitted. "-but if she's upset, I'm sure we can talk about it."
"Anna," Blazer intoned. "I saw your sister's face and-...just maybe give it a moment?"
"I appreciate your concern," Anna replied. "But I know my sister. Now help me up." Blazer huffed and reluctantly aided in getting Anna out of bed. The IV pod hovered at her side as the Deathchasers guided her to the next room. "Where are we anyway?" she asked while glancing out of a starry viewport.
"We thought it'd be best to treat your injuries at the nearest Republic medical station in the sector," Sparx explained.
The clones prepared themselves as Anna entered her Elsa's room. "Sis?" she beckoned as Frost turned first. The helmetless commander looked upon Anna and his fellow soldiers. His eyes were as disappointed as they were protective. As for his Jedi superior, Elsa wouldn't even roll over. All Anna could see was an unkept mess of platinum blonde facing towards the viewport. "Elsa?" Anna called and her sister shuddered.
"There was a chance, you know." Elsa whispered. "An actual chance."
"Oh I wholeheartedly agree," Anna insisted. "I mean...we put up a great fight. That was the best I've seen you in action and-"
"I'm not talking about the fight," Elsa growled in a tone Anna had seldom heard from her. She watched as her big sister slowly shifted to face her. As Elsa did so, she revealed the long sling buckled around her thick arm cast. Her eyes were reddened and glassy as she held back a sniffle. "I'm talking about Aren," Elsa clarified. "There was a chance to intervene. To help its people...our people. And now it's ruined, because I wasn't strong enough."
"Elsa-" Frost tried to reassure her.
"No," she continued. "I wasn't strong enough to say no to Anna." She turned to her sister and sighed. "The Tholothian Union contacted us once more. Despite my efforts to protect them and side with you, my actions sent the wrong message. They viewed our conflict as an act of bringing war to Bespin. I was given a second chance to show them that I meant peace, and I failed. Now they want nothing to do with Aren or me!"
"So what?" Anna scoffed. "That's somehow my fault?"
Elsa shook her head. "It's mine. Because I just had to help you. I gave in...again. You're your own mess, Anna," she said and made her sister gasp. "I've learned that I can't change that. But I caved to my own emotions and chose protecting you over my plans for Aren. Now what do we have to show for it? We didn't capture Maul or his brother."
Despite all which Elsa had presented, Anna only took one statement away from it. "What do you mean that I'm my own mess?" her little sister griped. The clones' heads swayed back and forth as the siblings' debate continued. "And I sure as hell don't need you to protect me! I thought this could be something for us to do together. It's my birthday, damn it!"
"DON'T!" Elsa snapped and winced as she strained her arm. Frost moved to comfort her, but she raised a hand to stop him. "Anna," she continued, lowering her voice. "This is just like when we were younglings. You think you're invincible, but you just aren't. So don't you dare use your birthday as an excuse for your actions. You knew what you were doing. You knew the risks. And still, you took it upon yourself to wreak havoc."
"Maul is the one wreaking havoc!" Anna fired back. "Not me!"
"Are you sure he's the only one?" Elsa mumbled as Anna grew wide-eyed. "Or are you ready to tell me what really happened to Dr. Morzetti?"
"Not this again," Anna groaned. "Look, Elsa. I'm sorry about your Union, but I'm not over here telling you how to go about things. I'm not slamming you for falling short on missions where you insist on going non-lethal. Or-"
"Don't make this about me," Elsa urged.
"All this don't, don't, DON'T with you!" Anna shouted. "Trying to boss me around like I'm a toddler! You're not our mom, you know."
"You're right," Elsa sighed. "I'm not our mother." She slowly raised her head from the pillow and stared Anna down. "But at least I'm honoring her legacy by trying to help her people." Anna's ensuing scowl made Elsa continue even sooner. "Get out," she said.
"Elsa," Anna prepared to argue once more. "You just don't-"
"GET OUT!" Elsa brayed and clenched a fist. When she did so, she sent a mild shockwave of Force energy rattling throughout the room.
"General," Blazer whispered and patted Anna's back. "Let's go." The youngest Dellian angrily stormed past all of them as the clones followed her out.
The door hissed shut behind her as Elsa sat up in her bed. Broken and ashamed, she couldn't even bring herself to make eye contact with Frost. "Please don't look at me," she said. While he respectfully looked away at her request, Frost hung his head. "Just leave me," she whispered through broken breaths.
"Is that what you want?" he inquired.
"I don't know," Elsa lamented and sank into her pillow. "At least I won't hurt anyone else if I'm by myself. Nor can anyone hurt me."
Frost took a deep breath and stepped towards her bedside. "Elsa, I would never hurt you."
"I'm sorry, Frost." Elsa confessed and faced the window. "I really don't want to talk anymore right now."
"I understand," the commander replied. "Would you like me to just...sit here with you?"
A faint sniffle sounded from Elsa's nose as she ultimately nodded. Frost sat at her bedside while she watched the stars outside. Elsa imagined Aren beyond the void, and visualized its people calling for help. Her help. As Frost rubbed her back for comfort, Elsa finally let her tears flow freely.
"My own mess?" Anna complained while trudging across the station. "Has Elsa seen herself?"
"She's going through a lot right now," Speedy said. He was quick to placate when Anna glared at him. "Just like you are, general."
"Let's just get you back to Coruscant," Blazer suggested. He raised a brow as Anna repeatedly glanced at her comm devices. "Is...everything alright?" he asked. Anna didn't hear his question, for she was too preoccupied with whether or not she'd received any transmissions. "Anna?"
"Hm?" she uttered. "Yeah, Coruscant. Sure. At this point, anything would be better than wallowing around here. This birthday's been terrible." As she stomped ahead of her squad, Anna couldn't help but peer at her device and whisper, "Not even one birthday wish, Hans? Come on, babe."
Oh get it together, Anna, she told herself. He's obviously coordinating something special with Mattias. I bet they're baking a delicious cake for you right now.
'Delicious' was the only word on Hans Westgard's mind as he collapsed against a set of scarlet bedsheets. His tousled, auburn hair was a knotted mess while he joyously caught his breath. He quivered slightly as another, equally sweaty body fell atop his. A pair of pale lekku pressed against his chest as a Twi'lek kissed his neck. "Delicious," Hans spoke breathily. His mistress smirked between kisses and ascended to his face.
"Absolutely delicious," Celenia said before pressing her lips to his. She snuggled up to him and ran her fingers through his hair. "This was a pleasant surprise."
"What can I say," Hans jested and rubbed her bare back. "I'm full of 'em."
Celenia bit her lip and whispered, "You handsome sneak. Tell me how you saved the Republic again."
Hans smirked and pulled her even closer. "Well there I was...pinned down on Scarif by the Revenant's cultists. The nuclear countdown's going off, and I quickly toss my lightsaber right into the leader's chest. As soon as he drops dead, I dart for the nearest computer, input the killcode, and shut down the missiles." Celenia grinned, enamored by his story. "Now of course, the mission was top secret. So you'll never hear any mention of it to the public."
"And yet you told me?" Celenia queried while tracing circles against his chest.
"But of course," Hans said. "You're not like everyone else, Celenia. I'd think your name was Tori." He noted her confusion and smirked. "It's Pantoran for 'goddess' gift'...but you're more than that. You're the goddess herself." Her eyes lit up at his words as he continued. "You're special, honey."
"You're so wise," Celenia remarked and rested her head on his shoulder. "So giving." She let her fingers curl against his chest. "And yet, so under-appreciated." Hans' brows furrowed at her comment. "You don't give yourself enough credit, baby."
"No," Hans corrected. "The Jedi Order doesn't give me enough credit."
"So leave them," the Twi'lek proposed so nonchalantly.
"What?" Hans sputtered. "Hold on, Celenia. I can't just leave the Order."
"Why not?" she asked and bundled the blankets around them. "Every time you come here, you go on and on about how under-appreciated you are. I mean...you saved the galaxy, and still you complain that they won't treat you right. They don't see you for the hero you are. But me-" Celenia took Hans' hand in hers. "I know a good thing when I see it. When I look into your eyes, I see a catch, Hans. A hero-" She bit her lip and leaned towards his ear. "And one hell of a lover."
"What are you getting at?" Hans grumbled.
"You must have connections," Celenia insisted. "Or I can ask around myself. You leave the Order...I'll leave the nightclub...let's start fresh somewhere. Just the two of us."
"Okay Celenia," Hans answered. His tone was anything but loving as he pulled away. "Let's just...take a breath here," he said and shimmied out of bed.
The Twi'lek slinked after him through the covers. "This war isn't ending any time soon, Hans," she said. "It's time to ask yourself what really matters."
Her remark went unanswered as Hans peeked at his communicator. He observed a plethora of missed calls from Anna as a chilling realization dawned upon him. "Kriff," he cursed under his breath.
"What is it?" Celenia asked. She leaned over his shoulder as he hurriedly hid his device.
"Just the Jedi Council," Hans huffed. "They need me for another mission. It's...urgent." He bolted out of bed and hurriedly dressed himself. "I gotta go."
"Will you at least think about what I said?" Celenia inquired.
"Um...yeah...sure." Hans barely mumbled while buckling his boots. "Look, I gotta go." By the time Celenia tried to get another word in, Hans was already out the door.
The brisk, Coruscant air and midday sun was torture on his dormant senses. To make matters worse, another call came through his reactivated communicator, making him wince. "Hm?" Hans hardly answered.
"There you are!" Mattias shouted over comms. "Hans, you were supposed to meet me in the lounge three hours ago. Did you forget what today is?"
"What? No. Of course not." Hans mumbled. "I know it's Anna's birthday. I'll be right there to help you bake the cake."
"It's already done," Mattias shut him down. "If you still want to be a part of the surprise, just hurry over and you can help decorate."
"Relax, Dad." Hans snarked. "I'll be there." He ended the transmission and stumbled towards his airspeeder.
Master Mattias had seen rusted service droids with a better work ethic than Hans'. As the elder finished placing Anna's chocolate cake, he glanced over and noticed the sluggish knight. Hans was barely moving as he lazily pinned a birthday banner to the wall. "Alright," Mattias sighed. "What's going on?" His patience thinned when Hans glared at him. "Don't give me that look, boy. If you don't want to be here, no one's making you."
"I do want to," Hans insisted.
"Then where's your head?" Mattias inquired. "Because it certainly isn't focused on pinning banners."
Hans sulked as images of Celenia flashed through his mind. He hindered them with a shake of his head and asked, "Do you think this war's going to end any time soon?"
Mattias glowered at the knight's query. "In truth...I don't know," he replied. "There are moments where I feel like the Republic's dealt a decisive blow against the Separatists. But then something just happens. A civilian tragedy or another surprise attack on our fleets thrusts us back into all-out conflict. And it's in those moments...that any end becomes unclear." Mattias simpered and stepped towards Hans. "I know the war hasn't been easy over the years. I've seen what it's done to our Order. Even its eldest members. But please know that you're not alone. We're all still in this together."
Hans scoffed. "Being in the same ship doesn't change the fact that it's sinking. In fact, it makes it sink faster. I mean, why am I even here anymore? Why are any of us? The Jedi are supposed to be regarded as these noble protectors of the Republic. Does it even want our help these days? I didn't hear a single mention about us after that nuclear fiasco. Instead, the Senate just voted for more emergency powers to the Chancellor like he lifted a finger to help."
"I know it can feel like the work we do is meaningless sometimes," Mattias said. "But that's when you need to shift your focus the most, and remember your 'why' in all of this."
"My why?" Hans grumbled. "I know my 'why', old man. It's to be the greatest Jedi that I can be. And to show the galaxy and this Republic what I already know in the process." Hans raised a brow when Mattias shook his head. "What?"
"All that we do as Jedi is in the service of others," the master intoned. "The glory you seek stems from the gifts you share. Not what you show off."
Hans rolled his eyes and continued to recklessly pin the birthday banner. "Well what do you care what I do anyway?" he groused.
"I care because you are talented Hans," Mattias encouraged. He raised his hands to help properly adjust the banner. "And I just want to make sure those talents of yours are shared with others in a productive manner."
Hans paused as the banner tacked into place. "You...think I'm talented?" he genuinely inquired before shutting himself down. "I-I mean...well obviously I'm talented. I don't need your help to show the galaxy who I am."
"Mhm," Mattias quipped until several footsteps echoed from the doorway. "By the Force," he gasped and switched off the lounge lights. "This is it! The sergeant should be walking her through at any moment!" He swiftly nudged the cake display to ensure that it was perfectly aligned.
As the doors slid open, Mattias hurriedly turned the lights back on. The swift flicker was accompanied by a disoriented Hans and a bold, "Surprise!" from Mattias. By the time they both realized that only the Deathchasers had arrived, it was all too late. "Wh-where's Anna?" Mattias asked while Hans still rubbed his eyes.
Blazer removed his helmet and sighed. "Sir...she wasn't feeling well. I think she caught on to what we were leading her to and just wanted to lay down. She's back in her room now."
Waves of worry and disappointment washed across Mattias' face. "Oh Anna," he lamented. "Sergeant...what exactly happened on that mission?"
As the Deathchasers relayed the tragedy which had befallen them, Hans took it upon himself to sneak away to Anna's room.
Anna had embraced the darkness of her quarters when three swift knocks came to her door. The redhead's somber visage rose betwixt an array of bulky blankets. She squinted towards her door until Hans' voice spoke up beyond it. "I know you're in there," he murmured. "Come on, Anna. Open up."
Hans impatiently waited in the hall, and tapped his boot until a sudden shuffling sounded. His head perked up just as Anna opened her door. Her tresses fell in knotted bundles while her tired eyes stared him down. And yet despite how upset she wanted to be with Hans, Anna was still relieved to see him.
"Based on your face-" Hans quipped. "-it looks like your mission went great."
Anna scoffed and stepped back inside. "What gave it away?" she moped while he entered. "The flipped over desk chair? The misplaced bed covers? Ooo, maybe its the puffy eyes!" Anna snapped and glared at him.
"Hey," Hans replied. "Calm down, will ya? I get that your day's been rough, but I didn't do anything. I'm here to help." He feigned stepping out. "But if that's how you're gonna talk to me-"
"No," Anna relented. "Please stay. It's just-" She plopped against her bedside and sulked. "-been a really...really bad birthday."
Hans sat down and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Well," he said. "It can't be that bad anymore. After all, I'm here now." His comment coaxed a chuckle out of Anna. "There's that pretty smile of yours," he whispered.
"I messed up the birthday surprise didn't I?" Anna muttered. "That's where the boys were trying to lead me?"
Hans nodded. "Yeah, but I'm sure they'll understand. But I'll tell you what...I can still give you your present right now."
Anna's eyes lit up as she lost herself in Hans' emerald gaze. For a moment, she felt herself reaching a tranquil state. Memories of her argument with Elsa blurred as Hans lifted his hands. Brief bewilderment took hold as Hans suddenly cupped her face. Instead of placing any present in her hands, he displayed himself as the gift. "Oh," was all Anna could utter before Hans brought his lips to hers.
"Happy birthday, Anna." Hans declared and dipped his head to kiss her again. With each sensation of his warm breath on her neck, Anna let her disappointment fade away. She leaned into his kisses and pulled him closer. Choosing to see the best in his efforts, she clung to Hans as he lustfully kissed across her shoulder. As Anna raked her fingers through his auburn locks, Hans eagerly went for her ear. Desperation clashed with Anna's affectionate thoughts. Every moment she'd shared with Hans came seeping out of her mind and down to her lips...materializing into a single, impulsive phrase.
"I love you," Anna whispered and Hans' body stiffened. Gone was any perceived passion as his eyes suddenly widened. His lips parted from her lobe as he too uttered a single, impulsive phrase.
"Wait, what?" he whispered back and slowly slinked out of her embrace. His hands stopped undoing her robes and retreated into his personal bubble.
Anna battled embarrassment amidst his expression and stayed true to her feelings. "I do," she affirmed.
"Anna-"
"Seriously, Hans. We've been together since I was a Padawan. I've had plenty of time to think this over and...well...I love you!"
"Okay, let's just slow down." Hans spoke in a deep and oddly authoritative tone. His demeanor was cold and stiff as he rose from the bed. "I get it. You've had a rough day. And it was wrong for me to come here."
"Hans?" Anna worried.
"It's obviously the stress."
"It's not the stress! I truly love you-"
"Would you stop kriffing saying that?" Hans barked and Anna gasped. He'd yelled and shaken his hand with a ferocity that he'd seldom used on her. He lowered his voice as her brows knitted angrily. "Anna," he lamented. "Babe...I'm sorry I-"
"Just go," Anna scoffed and stormed out of her own room.
"But where are you going?"
"Anywhere you aren't!" she fired back and kept trudging down the hall.
"Anna, wait." Hans huffed. His sorrowful beckoning quickly turned into a raging shout when she continued walking. "Anna!" The ruckus caused a temple guard to investigate and forced Hans to quiet down. As his lover departed, Hans was left to replay what she'd just told him. Between Anna professing her love and Celenia's dreams of settling down, Hans needed time to think.
"Do you think it's over for Anna and Elsa?" Speedy worried. "I hated hearing the sisters fight like that."
"It wouldn't be the first time," Mattias said while taking a birthday banner down. "But those Dellian girls are built tough. They'll get through it."
"It's a shame to let all of this cake go to waste," Sparx commented while cleaning off the table.
"And what makes you think we're wasting it?" Blazer guffawed and grabbed himself a fork. "Just because the general isn't here, doesn't mean we can't celebrate her birthday." He cut himself a slice and declared, "Happy Birthday to the best sister ever. Here's to many many more."
Mattias nodded to the sergeant until a figure emerged in his peripherals. The master spun to see his tired, former student standing in the doorway. Before he could even speak her name, he recalled Blazer's actions and hurriedly nudged him. "Sergeant," Mattias whispered. "Sergeant!" The gesture made Anna snicker as Blazer turned.
"Hm?" he mumbled with a face full of chocolate. His eyes widened at the sight of Anna as he hurriedly said, "I'm not eating cake!"
"Tell that to the crumbs and frosting on your beard, Sarge." Anna chuckled.
"General!" Speedy rejoiced.
"Am I...too late?" she worried upon noticing boxed decorations.
"Never," Mattias intoned and raced to hug his old student. "Happy Birthday, Anna. No matter how old you get, you'll always be that wondrous little youngling to me."
Anna smirked and leaned into his embrace. She soon found herself pressed against plastoid as the Deathchasers joined in for a group hug. Yet amidst Anna's rising jubilation, a set of foreign footsteps came to the door. Unprepared to see Hans again, she worriedly glanced over. To her surprise, a pair of familiar security guards had arrived.
"Sorry we're late," Kristoff said while Sven leaned over his shoulder. "Officer Ferix ran double inspections today."
"You're just in time actually!" Mattias rejoiced and reset the table.
While he did so, Anna recomposed herself in Kristoff's presence. "I didn't know you were coming too," she said.
"Mattias extended an invite to us," Kristoff explained only to quickly brace himself. "I hope that's...okay."
"Oh yeah!" Anna was quick to respond. "Please. Someone has to keep Blazer from eating all of the cake."
Sven gratefully grabbed a slice and took a grandiose whiff. The Cevrian sniffed so hard, that a chunk of chocolate icing smudged against his nostrils.
Anna and Kristoff bursted into laughter while Sven tried to hurriedly lick the icing. Despite their brief moment of hilarity, Kristoff couldn't help but notice Anna's subtle frown. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"I will be," she mumbled.
"So...no," Kristoff concluded. "Does it have to do with the fact that Elsa isn't here?"
Anna bit her lip. "You could say that. But look, Kristoff...you don't want to get mixed up in my drama."
"But it's upsetting you," he insisted. "Whatever's going on, you don't have to face it alone."
Anna grew slightly irritated by his persistence. "Fine? You want drama? Elsa's all hurt because I apparently ruined her attempts to help Aren. She's still fighting for that lost cause."
"She is?" Kristoff whispered under his breath before turning to Anna. "Why aren't you?"
"Oh not you too," she grumbled. "I'm not because my life is here, Kristoff. I have no ties to Aren and I certainly don't owe that planet a thing."
Kristoff took a deep breath and said, "Close your eyes."
"Huh?"
"Just do it," he insisted. "And hold out your hands." Anna reluctantly obliged and impatiently awaited his response. A sudden unclipping reached her ears and something sleek pressed against her palms. "Okay," Kristoff said. "You can open."
Anna peeked at her hands to find a woven necklace nestled between them. A smooth, yellow crystal was tightly bound to an mossy casing. "Is this...kyber?" Anna asked as he nodded. "But you're not a Jedi. Where did you get this?"
"It belonged to one of the Trolls who raised me on Aren. When Sven and I left the planet, he gave it to me as a reminder to never forget my origins. I know who I am, both past and present. You may have left Aren behind, but a piece of it will always be with you."
Anna clutched the crystal necklace and looked up at Kristoff. "I-I can't accept it," she said.
"The gift...or who you are?" Kristoff inquired as Anna paused. "No one said you had to figure it all out right now. But I hope that crystal helps you as it did me. Happy Birthday, Anna."
A hint of serenity passed over Anna. As she peered into Kristoff's soft gaze, she saw the same eyes willing to help her in every previous encounter. Anna didn't even notice the subtle, genuine smile making its way to her lips. "Thank you," she told Kristoff before tucking the crystal away. "You know-" Anna added. "I bet I can eat more cake than you."
"Is that a challenge?" Kristoff quipped while the duo rushed towards the table.
And as they stuffed their faces with slice upon slice of chocolate cake, Anna couldn't help but think, Maybe this birthday wasn't all bad in the end.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading this week's chapter! It's a joy to entertain you all each and every week. I thank you for your support as always and hope you're ready. Because next week, it's time for the SECOND ANNUAL FROZEN FORCE HOLIDAY SPECIAL! Get ready for some festivity with Chapter: 93 - I'll Be Home For Life Day (Part I) !
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with You!
~ Michael