The Frozen Force Chapter 98 - Dishonor Thy Father, a Star Wars + Frozen Crossover fanfic

Author's Note: Dearest readers, thank you so much for your patience with me during this difficult time. To those of you who reached out and expressed your understanding through reviews, I want to add an extra thank you. It means a lot to be heard, especially now. I have no reason to keep anything from you. I am in a very difficult time right now and the future is unclear. Aside from what is going on with my father, my own mental health is at its lowest. I bring this up because I also want to raise awareness for mental health as a whole. No matter how much someone entertains or shows a smile on social media, it can be difficult to know how they "really" are. But when the curtain drops and the lights fade, the truth is I am extremely depressed. While I have been able to stave off thoughts in the past, the concept of hurting myself and not existing anymore has returned in full force. It all stems from my current situation as I try to do what's best for my father without blaming myself for it. Because in truth, no one is to blame. Alzheimer's is. But this is easier said than done. I open up about this because everyone should be able to. I don't know if this reaches anyone, but your mental health is valid. You don't have to just get over it. You don't have to calm down. But you can get help.

I want you all to know that despite what is going on, I am getting help. I have a support group, including my wife, some other family, and good friends. I will also be returning to therapy.

The most I can say beyond this is thank you for being patient with me. We will get through this. And one day, we will go back to one week at a time. I know we will. But right now, we just need to stay together and stay strong.

800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

For the time being, "The Frozen Force" will continue to be updated every two weeks. So Chapter: 99 will premiere Friday, February 18th.

I love you all,

~ Michael

Chapter: 98 Dishonor Thy Father

"Judge a man's past by his upbringing, but leave his present up to him."

Valiant counteroffensives! In an effort to withstand General Grievous' Outer Rim Sieges, the Jedi Order has pushed its members to the brink. However, the decisive victory on Carida yields as much hope as it does controversy. Public opinion over the Order tilts as Chancellor Palpatine strives to maintain peace where the Jedi cannot. With tensions rising on Coruscant, the Jedi must look within to confront their struggles...

There was a distinct calmness within Master Yoda's personal chamber. Sunlight barely crept in through the closed shades and left Elsa embracing the shadows. She succumbed to whatever stillness she could find and straightened her posture. Sinking in to the meditation cushion, she looked at the grand master himself. Yoda's ancient, yet curious eyes observed her through the silence. Much like Elsa, he chose to sense a person's overall aura before engaging with them. Yoda shut his eyes and briefly grumbled. "Conflict, I sense in you," he said.

Elsa simply nodded. "Master Yoda," she uttered. "I come before you with a heavy heart. What I seek to confess is...unsettling."

"Anyone else, have you told?" Yoda asked. He raised a wrinkled brow when Elsa shook her head. "Not even...your old master?" Elsa still denied speaking to anyone else. "Severed, your bond still is. Knight Dellian...what ails you? Tell me, you can."

"It's about my sister," Elsa lamented. "She's done something terrible and I fear what it means for her." Yoda's eyes were unblinking as Elsa swallowed hard. "Anna..." It took a deep breath for Elsa to keep herself steady in Yoda's presence. Her mind warped ahead, already imagining her sister's expulsion. Still, she couldn't just stay silent. "During the Revenant Crisis...Anna tortured and-...murdered Dr. Nila Morzetti in order to extract information. She did so, under what I believe to be the pull of the Dark Side. And worse, she justified it."

Yoda's silence stressed Elsa further. His dark eyes listed towards the shady ground as he took in Elsa's claims. His sharp nails scratched at his chin before he answered. "A dangerous line, your sister walks." Elsa was about to agree until Yoda continued. "As do all Jedi who serve in the war."

"P-...pardon?" Elsa stuttered.

"Pushed us to our limits, the Clone War has." Yoda explained. "Unfortunate, the death of Dr. Morzetti is. Yet saved, many lives were...when the Republic stopped the Revenant." Yoda paused, observing Elsa's disturbed glower. "Recognize your discontent, I do."

"Then respectfully, Master Yoda-" Elsa replied. "-how can you justify this as she does? I don't want to see my sister get expelled, but how can you condone her actions?"

Yoda sighed. "Look beyond these walls, you must." Elsa's brows furrowed until he elaborated. "At war, the Jedi are. Not merely with the Sith, but amongst those in the Republic. Public opinion...worsened it has, despite best efforts. But a powerful symbol to the Republic, your sister has become. One of redemption...of heroism. Like Knight Skywalker, she is known to lead victories in this war."

"I just want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly," Elsa said. "You mean to tell me that the only reason Anna won't even be reprimanded for her actions...is to preserve her image as a military hero? All to shed some sliver of light on the Jedi Order instead of focusing on charitable benevolence?"

"Work together, we must if the Jedi Order is to survive." Yoda insisted.

"Oh the Order will survive," Elsa mumbled and rose from her cushion. "Whether any of our morals are left afterward remains to be seen. Respectfully, Master Yoda, we don't have to play games for public image. Our actions...our true actions should speak for themselves."

"But monitored by the Senate, our actions are." Yoda intoned. "And a powerful voice they have. As a Jedi Consular in training, recognize this you must."

"I do," Elsa agreed. "But if I wanted to play politics, I would've continued being a senator's accessory." She swiftly bowed before Yoda and said, "Thank you for your time, master." She stepped out of his chamber, leaving Yoda to ruminate on their conversation.

As Elsa emerged from down the hall, she found her apprentice impatiently waiting for her. He was rapidly shuffling his boots and picking at his belt buckle. Yet no matter the stress, the Theelin's eyes lit up when he saw Elsa. "Master!" he greeted. "How'd it go?"

"Not as I had hoped," Elsa groused. Noticing her grievous tone, she raised her voice as they continued walking. "But it's nothing some food can't fix, hm?"

"Great!" Stel had already moved on. "I'm starving."

As they proceeded to the cafeteria, Elsa delved into her own mind. She still couldn't get over Master Yoda's reaction...and how right Anna had been.

"Believe it or not, I've come to respect your method of going about things," her sister had said."But that doesn't change the fact that someone has to get their hands dirty. If you tell anyone about what really happened to Morzetti, they'll probably still agree with me."

Her sister's words stung as they replayed over and over. Elsa looked around at any surrounding Jedi. It mattered not whether they were young or old. No matter what rank they held, Elsa wondered if they were doomed to perpetuate the cycle of arrogance. To care more about outside opinions instead of the very principles their Order was founded upon. As she glanced down at Stel, she saw the youthful future of the Jedi.

"Padawan," she said while walking down the hall.

"Yes, master?" he inquired as Elsa suddenly paused.

"No matter what happens," she told him. "Don't let someone stop you from doing the right thing. Not even me."

"Is...everything okay?" Stel worried. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No no no," Elsa assured and knelt down to his level. "You are doing your best, and that's all I could ever ask of you. But in life, there are those who may even criticize your best, and say that it's not in their interest. Just-" Elsa bit her lip and squeezed the youngling's shoulders. "-don't listen."

"Yes master," Stel nodded and Elsa faintly smiled.

Anna Dellian never imagined how much of a luxury downtime would be. With the Outer Rim under siege, it was only a matter of time before her Deathchasers were called back into action. That was, if Clone Force 99 stopped hogging the best missions. Anna scoffed, thinking of the enhanced clones as she downed a glass of meiloorun juice. Her thoughts were cut short as someone plopped a fresh stack of Lothalian space waffles on her table. The clamor echoed throughout the temple cafeteria. She glared towards the perpetrator as Hans slid a bottle of chocolate sauce over to her.

Anna's frown deepened. Not only was she irked by Hans' unoriginal gesture, but by the fact that she'd actually raised her expectations. Anna had let herself believe that someone else would come to visit her. The fact that Anna thought Kristoff of all people would have any business dropping in left her scolding herself. That rising frustration became a judgmental stare as Hans invited himself to sit with her.

"What's with the look?" he muttered. "I thought you loved chocolate."

"Are you just gonna completely ignore my already finished plate?" Anna grumbled.

"No," Hans refuted. "But chocolate," he insisted and shook the sauce like she was some kind of pet. Anna rolled her eyes and departed from the table. "I don't know why I bother with you," Hans huffed and chased after her. He followed Anna down the halls while Elsa and Stel entered the cafeteria. "You get upset when I don't talk to you...then you get upset when I do. There's no pleasing you."

"Are you kidding me right now?" Anna turned and snapped at him. "You can't pin this all on me."

"I can when it's about your feelings," Hans countered. A discreet smirk formed on his lips as soon as Anna quieted. Just seeing Anna questioning herself was enough to know he'd won.

"Well," she muttered and made sure they were alone. "I can't just deny those feelings." Anna and Hans ducked into a shady corridor away from prying eyes. "I just would've thought that after everything, you might've felt the same about me," she whispered.

"Look," Hans sighed. "It's not that I...don't care about you. Your company's great. I just..."

"Don't love me," Anna concluded. "But I don't get it. You said I was your one and only." As Anna's tone rose with her emotions, Hans nervously checked their surroundings. "How can I mean that much to you without love being involved?"

"I-" Hans angrily bit his lip. "I don't know," he growled and averted his gaze. "That's just how it is, okay?"

"That's a banthacrap answer," Anna doubled down. "What is it that you're not telling me?"

Hans' brows furrowed as Anna leaned towards him. While she probed him for answers, the glint of her necklace distracted Hans. "Wait," he blurted and raised a hand to silence her. His open palm curled into a pointed finger as he observed her trinket. "What...the hell is that?"

"It's kyber," Anna mumbled.

"I'm not stupid," Hans answered, his tone deepening. "Where'd you get it?"

Anna clutched the yellow crystal and countered his abrasiveness. "None of your business. It's not like you're being very open with me anyway."

"Oh please," Hans groused. "Do you hear how hypocritical you're being? If you really loved me, you'd tell me everything. How could I even share mutual affection for someone who doesn't even prove her love? You're over here saying that I don't do enough, but what exactly have you done for me?"

Anna's mind raced to keep up with Hans' accusations. Frustrated by the ordeal, she relented and said, "Fine. If you really have to know, Kristoff gave it to me."

Hans' brows raised as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. Any semblance of insecurity was brief as he laughed off Anna's answer. "Wow," he mocked. "And here I was thinking that you were loyal."

"Excuse me?" Anna uttered.

"I don't return the love you wanted, so you just hook up with that oaf? And you were worried about me cheating?"

"What is your problem?" Anna snapped, putting Hans back on the defensive. "I have been nothing but supportive to you. I spoke my feelings in full confidence, and I'd come to accept your response. But that never stopped me from loving you, nor would I ever even think of cheating on you."

"Then explain the necklace," Hans griped with his arms crossed. "Hm?"

"Kristoff gave it to me as a birthday gift, which was more than you gave me."

"I was your gift," Hans defended. "So I'm not good enough for you?"

"Kriffing hell, Hans." Anna groaned and almost stomped out of the shadows. "It's not always about you, damn it."

"You're right," Hans scoffed. "It's the 'Anna Show.' Poor Anna. Poor you. Complaining every damn chance you get."

"Stop projecting on me!" Anna snapped again, her voice echoing across the hall this time. Her raised volume was enough to have Hans shrinking his shoulders.

"Let's keep this discreet," he urged.

"Shut up," Anna scolded. "All you do is complain and complain and complain! Why doesn't the Jedi Order do this for you...Why aren't you advancing to that...Look at yourself, Hans! What the hell have you done for yourself besides talk?"

"Are you finished yelling at me?" Hans murmured impatiently.

"No," Anna growled. "You know why Kristoff gave me this kyber crystal? To remind me of my origins. And while I don't necessarily agree with taking action on Aren, the gesture holds true. It's enough to keep anyone grounded. And you..." Anna took a deep breath and stared Hans down. "I don't know if you've ever been grounded. You just bounce from place to place, jabbing fingers and looking for someone to blame. Did you ever stop to think about why you're the way you are?"

"Anna-"

"Just think about it!" she demanded. "Take an actual moment...and just think."

Hans sighed frustratedly and slouched against a temple column. He pursed his lips, letting his mind wander until he ultimately said, "Master Gaston never went easy on me. I can't stand the guy. Is that what you want to hear?"

"It's something," Anna replied. "Anyone with eyes could tell you that your old master is a sleemo. And if years of his influence had its messed up way with you-"

"Now hold on," Hans interrupted. "Just because Gaston was a jerk to me doesn't mean it had lasting effects. I'm tougher than that."

"Tougher?" Anna proposed. "Or unaccepting?"

"Who are you, Rapunzel Crin now?"

"I'm merely responding to what you give me," Anna asserted. "You may have given up on yourself Hans, but I haven't. Regardless of how you feel about me-" Anna lamented. "I love you, and I want to help."

Hans hung his head at her words. "I don't know what you could possibly do for me in this matter," he admitted.

"Where are you from?" Anna considered.

Hans raised a brow and lifted his head to meet her. "I don't remember much. The Southern Systems are a blur to me."

"Yet you spoke so highly of them when we first met," Anna remembered.

"Yeah well...fake it until you make it, right?"

"Maybe you don't have to fake it anymore," Anna insisted. "Hans, I know things don't always go according to plan...but when they do, lives change forever. Tori found a piece of herself when she reunited with her parents. Maybe the same can be true for you."

"What exactly are you getting at?" Hans inquired.

"Let's look into your past," Anna said. "Find out where you really come from. It could be the discovery that...well...keeps you grounded!" Anna stepped up to her lover and pulled his hands close. "Please, Hans. Let me help you."

"Even if we do this-" Hans began. "-I wouldn't know where to start looking."

"The Archives," Anna considered. "It's only the greatest source of knowledge in the galaxy. There's bound to be something about the Westgards in it."

"I don't know about this," Hans groaned.

"Come on," Anna urged. "If we were never meant to uncover our origins, why would the Order let us keep our last names? Sure, my origin is a dumpster fire...but that doesn't mean yours has to be!"

With a heavy sigh, Hans obliged. His nod gave Anna hope as she led him to the Jedi Archives. And while the duo departed, a Jedi temple guard emerged from around the corner. His masked face tilted with intrigue as he observed his curious findings.

"Just like old times, hm?" Anna teased as they plopped into a pair of seats. The Archives' blue-tinted computer monitors illuminated Anna's jovial visage.

"Shhh!" a Jedi whispered from the adjacent desk.

"Just like old times," Hans mumbled, keeping his head down as Jocasta Nu passed the upper level. I've spent enough hours toiling under that old crone, he thought. The quicker we get out of here, the better.

"Let's start with a broad search," Anna said while typing on her computer. Hans snooped at her screen as she browsed the HoloNet for the Westgard name. His heart sank when the majority of results were Coruscanti headlines about his CoCo Town blunders.

HANS WESTGARD: LACKLUSTER PROTECTOR OR COLLATERAL MENACE?

Reported by Mak Padena

WESTGARD JEDI STOPS AIRSPEEDER CRASH: REDIRECTS VEHICLE INTO NURSING HOME

Reported by Mak Padena

"KR*FF THOSE KIDS," WESTGARD SAYS

Reported by Mak Padena

"I'm pretty sure that last one is made up," Hans scoffed. "I never said that...out loud anyway."

Anna shook her head at his remark and the articles. She scrolled past them and squinted her eyes at a peculiar find. "Hang on," Anna whispered. "Got a report here." She pulled up the intricate file and read over its title. "Welm Westgard among those caught in a union dispute on Trandosha. Does that first name sound familiar at all?"

"No," Hans declined. "I don't recall much of my early life, but if Welm's a Westgard, he could be our only lead. What else does the report say?"

Anna kept scrolling. "The union dispute got so bloody, that Mid Rim Law Enforcement had to intervene. As part of the ordeal's settlement, Welm bartered his funds in exchange for safe passage to-..." Anna knitted her brows and read on. "-the Pirate Queen?"

Hans seemed just as perplexed. He cross-referenced Anna's findings on his own computer. She leaned against his shoulder and observed statues of an oblong, wide-eyed being. "The Pirate Queen of Takodana," Hans read. "Given such a title for granting sanctuary to the galaxy's rogues and smugglers."

"And now the only link to your family-" Anna realized. "-resides in her abode." She couldn't help but wince at some of the screen's mysterious statues. "Spooky," she whispered.

"Takodana," Hans pondered. "That's a Mid Rim world. We can hit it and be back by tomorrow morning."

"That's if everything goes smoothly," Anna considered. "I could arrange for the Legacy to-"

"No," Hans declined. "Why get anyone else involved? Just because the council hasn't given me any new assignments, doesn't mean anyone else has to know. I am a Jedi Sentinel after all."

"Hans?" Anna braced. "What's your plan?"

"Just follow my lead," Hans insisted and rose from the desk. "Come on. We'll get a T-6 from the hangar."

"I hope you know what you're doing," Anna whispered sharply as they left the Archives.

Anna tensed up as they ventured into the Temple hangar. Everyone from technicians, clones, and fellow Jedi alike were going about their businesses. Reinvigorated by Anna's findings, Hans was a man on a mission. His eyes narrowed on a refueled T-6, ambassador shuttle. A pair of engineers had just finished locking its rotating wings into place when Hans approached.

"Master Jedi," one of the workers greeted. He was quick to straighten her posture. "How may I be of service?"

"My fellow Knight and I have been assigned a mission," Hans answered and Anna's stomach dropped. "We need to use this shuttle effective immediately."

The youthful engineer glanced at his Abyssin partner. His single, slit-pupiled eye widened with concern. "But we haven't finished maintaining it," the youth said. "It still needs to be linked to the Republic's positioning network and-"

"As Jedi Sentinels, our mission will require absolute stealth," Hans asserted. "We can't have anyone tracking our whereabouts. Not even the Republic. Understand?" Hans scowled at the engineers' shared silence. "Tell me," he continued. "How difficult is it to get a job in our esteemed temple? Surely they don't let just anyone work here." The engineers gulped as Hans paced around them. "I can't imagine how things would fare for you two if I told the council how you impeded our investigation. You seem pretty replaceable."

Anna wanted to scold him for such harsh words, but his threats yielded results. "No report is necessary," the engineer assured and forced a smile. "Jackar and I will unlock the shuttle for you."

"Wonderful," Hans rejoiced. "I almost thought we had a problem there." His passive-aggressive remarks kept the engineers on edge as they unlocked the T-6. While Jackar prepped the wings, his younger partner lowered the ramp. Pleased with his results, Hans motioned for Anna to join him aboard the ship. As he buckled up in the pilot's seat, Anna plopped into the chair beside him.

"You know...they're just doing their jobs," she told him.

"Well now they can just do them without questioning me," Hans snarked while priming the engine. "Everyone wins." Anna reclined and braced herself as Hans launched them beyond Coruscant's skyline. He guided their T-6 high beyond the clouds and set course for Takodana. With the hyperspace coordinates locked in, Hans pulled back on the dashboard lever and launched them through lightspeed.

Silence had dominated their high-speed, hyperspace flight. While Anna overthought the journey ahead of them, Hans dwelled on his family. He delved deep into his youngest thoughts, hoping to scrounge up the slightest sliver of familiarity. Knowing he was deep in his head, Anna couldn't help but ask. "Any luck remembering?"

"Barely," Hans replied. "My parents are a distant blur, and any siblings I might've had feel like ghosts. Like haunting whispers that never were." Hans winced, realizing how confusing it all sounded. "Everyone just feels invisible, yet I sense that something was there." Hans scoffed. "I hate that my family is full of faded memories, but Master Gaston is still fresh in my mind." Hans sulked in his seat and stared into the vortex. "I don't even know why he ever took a Padawan, let alone me. Things were always about him. I just trudged along, wandering in his growing shadow."

"I'm sorry, Hans." was all Anna could say before he threw up a hand.

"Spare me your pity," he groaned. "I'm the one who put up with it. Just telling myself that all I had to do was be knighted. Then I'd be free of his berating degradation. But easier said than done, I suppose." Hans mockingly chuckled to himself. "Do you know what Gaston said to me when Ventress scarred my back?" Hans laughed again, as if to cope with such pain. "He said...'If only she'd killed you. It would've spared you the humiliation.' He just openly said that to his Padawan." Anna's jaw dropped at Hans' confession. "But what the hell was I supposed to do? Tell him off? He was my master, and all I ever wanted to do was please him. But like the council today, nothing I did was ever good enough." Hans lost himself in lightspeed's spiraling vortex. "But that's the point of a master, right?" he inquired. "To push our limits and never let us settle?"

"Yeah but-" Anna huffed. "Hans, what Gaston said to you was wrong. We couldn't even take Ventress in our later years. How were you supposed to beat her back then?"

"You wouldn't get it," Hans countered. "I'm sure your master never wished death on you."

"You're right," Anna admitted. "But Mattias and I butted heads plenty of times. We were in no way perfect, yet he showed me he cared. And ya know, I think Mattias cared...cares about you too."

Before Hans could offer a rebuttal, his communicator suddenly rang. "Damn it," he hissed and rushed to sit up.

"Here," Anna insisted and rose before him. She scooped his device off of the ship's dashboard and said, "I can get it for you-"

"No!" Hans snapped, partially startling her. He was quick to regain his composure. "I mean...I've been getting spammed by these hackers as of late. No idea how they got my holonumber. I like to personally see them off." He Force-pulled the ringing communicator out of her hands and hurriedly checked the ID. Seeing Celenia's name had his heart racing as he hurriedly disconnected the transmission.

"Weren't you gonna answer it?" Anna questioned.

"Thought about it," Hans sighed. "But as soon as I saw the name of that company again. They must've tapped into a number of communicators on Coruscant. All they do is call and ask if I want a new datascreen installed. Like I'm just gonna pay for a premium package!" Anna's ensuing giggle had Hans sighing in relief. To solidify his security, Hans subtly grinned. "You have such a pretty laugh," he said.

"Oh please," Anna mumbled until Hans rose to meet her.

"I'm serious," he assured and stepped closer. "Combine that with the way these lights just hit your face and-" He caressed her cheek, letting her lean into his touch. "-well...you're stellar."

Anna smiled softly and gazed into his focused, green eyes. She could feel her lips quivering, as if being drawn closer to his. Luring her in, Hans' gentle caress became a pull as he hook his finger on her chin. And yet before their lips could meet, Anna held him back. Pressing her hands to his chest, she said, "Hans...You've already shown me how you feel. If you don't love me back, how can you still-..."

Hans eyed her body from head to toe. "The way I see it," he began. "We finally have an entire ship to ourselves." He leaned in over her shoulder, and whispered tantalizing thoughts into her ear. "All alone...not a single prying eye. No need to hide." Anna's hands relaxed as he firmly gripped her waist. "No need to be-..." He took his time hovering over her neck, building anticipation as he whispered, "-quiet." Hans plunged into the nook of her neck. His firm kiss had Anna clenching his shoulder and moaning with delight. Hans basked in her ecstatic moan and kissed her neck to incite more. He did so until Anna was so excited, that she grabbed a handful of his hair to lift his head. Staring at him with lusty eyes, Anna pulled Hans into a passionate kiss. Her reasoning faded in the name of bodily pleasure as Anna repeatedly kissed him. Hans' hands roamed her robes, tugging at her tabards to expose a bare shoulder. Anna's heart pounded as he propped her up against the ship's dashboard. Eager and hungry for his passion, Anna furiously pulled his tabards. Her breaths shortened as she laid hands on Hans' toned, bare chest. And as his robes hit the floor, the T-6 shuttle rocketed out of hyperspace.

"Kriff," Anna hissed, still clinging to Hans' body. She frustratedly curled her fingers against his sideburns as he released her. With the planet Takodana drawing nearer, the Jedi were forced to recollect themselves.

Anna was still winding down as their ship entered Takodana's atmosphere. She anxiously tapped her boots and glanced at her lover. "Um...Hans?" she blurted. He looked over as she motioned to his hair. Realizing it was still a mess from where she'd grabbed him, Hans hurriedly swept it back into place. As they approached their destination, Anna reflected on her actions. While Hans hadn't reciprocated her love, she'd still given into temptation to be with him. His touch was just so welcoming...so fulfilling. It was an addicting spark she needed, even as her mind asked, Anna...what are you doing?

Hans, on the other hand, didn't seem conflicted at all. He had Anna right where he wanted her. She was in the palm of his hand and he'd take every kiss he could get out of her. He focused on their flight ahead as they soared above endlessly lush forests. Outsiders from barren worlds would never imagine that so much greenery could exist in the galaxy. But on Takodana, life was thriving...Both naturally and criminally. Unmarked trading vessels glided alongside their ship. They kept their distance, especially after noticing the T-6's Republic insignia. Hans maintained a casual flight pattern as they followed the suspicious ships. Each craft zipped across a scenic and expansive lake. Their robust metals reflected off of the water's surface as they joined a host of ships along the shoreline. As if the vehicular variety wasn't astounding enough, a tremendous castle was situated beside the lake.

The ancient structure was as much of a relic as it was a modern watering hole. A chaotic assortment of smugglers and strays poured into the edifice. And despite the castle's secluded setting, none of its patrons appeared frightened. If anyone was on the run, they were still happy to be in the Pirate Queen's sanctuary. Hans landed the shuttle on a stretch of gravely soil overlooking the lake. Anna was the first to disembark, opting to wear a bulky Jedi cloak instead of her armor. Raising a hood over her head, she was prepared to blend in with the castle's vagabonds. Hans stumbled behind her and threw on his own hood.

"Good to see you've gotten better at being secretive," he quipped. "I taught you well."

"Pft!" Anna jeered. "You wish."

"You're forgetting who helped you sneak out of the temple when you were still a Padawan. And who also took the fall for you when you almost got caught."

"What do you want? A medal?" Anna groaned.

"That would be great," Hans jested as they approached the castle. The Jedi stood in awe and observed an astounding collection of flags. Emblems from across the galaxy were united beneath a statue of the Pirate Queen herself. Her thin arms were stretched to the clouds, as if beckoning weary travelers in from across the stars. "This sanctuary is Welm's last known location," Anna said as they approached the castle doors. "Your relative has to be here."

"Here goes nothing," Hans muttered and stepped inside with her. As they passed through the doors, Anna glanced at an overhead sign which read:

All are welcome. (No fighting)

"That's reassuring," Anna mumbled and immersed herself in the castle's ambience. Synthesized tunes played across a droid-operated bar. Hunched patrons remained occupied with their brews while others mingled over game boards. Safety clashed with eeriness, as all seemed oddly calm within the castle. Keeping her guard up, Anna squinted and scanned over the occupants. "Well, we've got to start somewhere," she said and approached an Ithorian. The gentle giant was reading over a holobook when Anna asked, "Excuse me...do you know a Welm Westgard?" The Ithorian spoke in his native tongue. The slits along his four throats flexed as he emitted stereoscopic sounds. Noticing that he wasn't wearing a vocoder, Anna realized his responses were useless to her. She looked on in confusion as her interviewee continued in Ithorese. Given his frantic gestures, he could've been cursing her out for all she knew.

Hans rolled his eyes at Anna's failed attempt. He noticed two Twi'leks playing sabacc and leaned over their table. "Ladies," he greeted smoothly. "I don't suppose either of you have seen a guy named Welm Westgard, have you?"

While the tables' purple Twi'lek kept to herself, her green-skinned date nodded to Hans. "Oh yeah," she assured. "I've seen 'em."

"Where?" Hans asked.

"At the corner of Get...and the intersection of Lost." The Twi'lek's insult coaxed a cackle out of her girlfriend while Hans was left scowling. "I swear," she snorted. "You creeps have the worst pickup lines."

Flaring his nostrils, Hans immediately stormed up to the bar. Noticing his frustration Anna stepped over to join him. "If we're going to deal with these people-" he grumbled. "-I'm gonna need a drink." He impatiently tapped against the counter, attempting to signal one of the service droids. "Come on," he groaned, only to find a stout individual waiting for him to turn. "Kriff!" he hissed and flinched backward. Anna couldn't hold back her giggle at how startled Hans was. The short being's head barely cleared the counter. The low-hanging bar lights illuminated her orange skin and cast a reflection against her bulbous goggles.

"Wh-what are you staring at?" Hans growled, yet the being didn't budge.

Her magnified gaze narrowed and she looked deeply into Hans' eyes. "You wanted a drink, didn't you?" she inquired. Her voice was bold and assertive for such a stout entity. "Or...much, much more?"

Hans raised a brow while Anna examined her further. "More?" he blurted.

A gentle grin formed on the being's thin lips. "I know this castle has its wonders," she said. "But it isn't very often that two Jedi would venture here. Let alone for a mere drink."

"What's it to you?" Hans griped.

"And how did you know we were Jedi?" Anna asked, making sure her lightsaber was concealed.

The woman saw beyond their cloaks and sighed. "There is more to your prestigious order than vibrant, pulsing blades," she said. "And you can't hide the Force when I can feel it flowing through both of you." Anna and Hans exchanged bewildered glances. "Now there's no cause for alarm," the elder insisted. "it earnestly brings me comfort. To know that there are Jedi in my castle."

"Wait...your castle?" Hans sputtered as she nodded.

"By the Force," Anna gasped, recognizing the woman's oblong head from the statues in the holofiles. "She's the Pirate Queen."

The woman chuckled. "Please, call me Maz. Although the other title does help keep business booming."

"And you said you could feel the Force, Maz?" Anna questioned while Hans glared skeptically.

She nodded. "Oh yes. For as you both know, it binds all living things. I've felt the connection long before either of you were born. And it's helped me to better understand those around me." Maz tilted her head towards Hans, even as he silently judged her. "For a Jedi, you aren't very settled within."

"And for an old lady, you aren't wrinkly enough." Hans countered.

His taunt completely missed and actually made Maz laugh. "You deflect a lot...don't you? Always looking for someone else to cast a fault upon. Never looking within first."

"That's what I'm saying," Anna agreed. Her boastful grin was short-lived as Maz suddenly turned to her. The old woman magnified her goggles and actually vaulted onto the counter. "Um..." Anna worried. "What are you-"

"Hmmm," Maz pondered and stared into Anna's eyes. "You understood what I knew about your companion here," she said. "And I can see and sense the concern in your eyes. You're a fixer. Just yearning to throw yourself at problems so you can form solutions."

"Is that so wrong?" Anna asked.

Maz sighed and glanced at Hans. "Not every problem is your responsibility to fix," she whispered.

"Well aren't you the Force sensitive?" Hans snarked. "You might as well sit on the Jedi Council, Maz. Come on, Anna. This whole trip is a waste of time."

Flustered with Hans' impatience, Anna focused on Maz. "I don't suppose you know anything about a Welm Westgard?"

"As a matter of fact-" Maz began and Anna's eyes lit up. "I've seen him around. I only know him by name because he's always looking for work in here. Perhaps he'd get some if he wasn't stumbling about with a bottle of Trandoshan ale all of the time." Maz gestured to Hans. "You look a little like him, believe it or not."

"Where can we find Welm?" Anna questioned.

"When he's not stumbling down here, he's typically snoozing on the second floor." Without wasting a moment, Hans bolted leftward. "Stairs are on the right," Maz hollered, making him angrily switch directions.

"Thanks for the tip," Anna snickered before stepping away from the bar.

"Remember, Jedi." Maz said, even as Anna departed. "The choices we make...the actions we take. Moments both big and small...shape us into forces of destiny."

Anna thought on the Pirate Queen's words while following Hans up a winding set of stairs. Was Maz really Force sensitive? the Jedi asked herself. Or was she the one having too much Trandoshan ale?

A commotion was underway as Anna and Hans reached the second level. Patrons shuffled about, either to watch or evade a raucous spectacle. The sight called Maz's 'No fighting' rule into question as one of the smugglers threw a punch. He was a bold and robust figure. His chiseled jaw and piercing green eyes struck fear into those around him. His haughty laugh was unwavering as he punched a patron to the ground.

"That's gotta be Welm," Anna whispered.

"You really thought you could get more credits out of this?" the mighty man growled. "Just because you drove the damn speeder? Get over yourself, Welm!" Anna and Hans froze up, learning that his relative was in fact the beaten up man. Before Welm could respond, his assaulter beckoned two stern-faced Nautolans over. "Take 'em to the roof, boys," he said. "Welm's about to have himself an accident." He jabbed a finger at onlookers while the Nautolans scraped Welm off of the floor. "And if any of you reports this...you're next!" he threatened.

One look at each other had Anna and Hans picking up the pace. They followed the ruffians out to the castle's expansive rooftop. And as the Nautolans pinned Welm to the edge, Hans finally got a good look at him. Maz wasn't exaggerating any resemblance. Even beyond the bruises from his beating, Welm still possessed similar features to Hans. His broad nose rested atop a thin and bearded face. Welm's lengthy, auburn tresses were as crisp as Hans'. They blanketed his face when the smuggler's next punch made him shudder.

"Let him go!" Hans dared to speak up.

The smuggler's head swerved towards the doorway. His brows furrowed at the hooded duo. "You want to take a dive too?" he warned. "Mind your own business!"

"That man is my business," Hans intoned.

The smuggler grew increasingly frustrated. While the Nautolans held Welm steady, he gave Anna and Hans his full attention. "Look, if Welm here heckled you too...get in line."

"Last chance," Anna warned and stepped towards the group. "Surrender that man, or this only gets ugly for you."

"Hey," one of the Nautolans panicked. "Who are these guys?"

"Shut up!" his boss snapped and sneered at his adversaries. "You think I'm afraid to get my hands dirty? That I'm worried about some stupid rule? I'm Hubar Lunos, Pirate of the Hydian Way!" Hubar flipped open his coat and rested a hand upon his holstered blaster. Sweat trickled down his temple as his opponents remained silent. "Well?" he blurted. "Say something!"

"We weren't sure if you were done yet," Hans remarked.

"I was just waiting for him to say a title that made him relevant," Anna added. "I still haven't heard of him. Look, sleemo. We'll make this easy for you and your lackeys to understand. It doesn't matter who you think you are or whatever you say to feel special. Because that man there is on the Jedi Order's watchlist." Hans' eyes widened at her comment, but he hurriedly played along. Together, they dropped their cloaks and revealed their robes. Takodana's sunlight made their lightsaber hilts gleam as the Nautolans shivered.

Anna patted her weapon. "Do you really wanna try pulling that gun of yours on us?" she taunted. "Think we'll let you keep your hand, let alone your life?"

Hubar's eye twitched. His henchmen were already loosening their grips on Welm and looking to their boss for answers. His hand trembled, barely grazing his pistol's grip. All Anna had to do was stomp, and it was enough to make the 'bold' pirate flinch. He tried to play off his humiliation as a second thought and snorted at Welm. "This rat isn't worth it," Hubar grumbled. "Come on, boys." Any false bravado Hubar had built up fell apart as soon as the Nautolans released Welm. The trio then quickened their pace and scrambled to get out of the Jedi's way.

Welm caught his breath and scrubbed the dirt from his bruised cheeks. He braced at first, listening to the sounds of Anna and Hans approaching him. His weary, blue eyes slowly relaxed. "J-Jedi," Welm uttered. His cut lip shivered into a smirk as he chuckled. "I've had my share of close calls with scumbags, but I can't say I've ever been saved by Jedi before. That was some big talk back there," he grunted as Anna helped him up. "I always thought you were silent, peaceful types."

"Not all of us," Hans murmured and sternly observed Welm.

The older man raised a brow. "What's his problem?" he asked until something drew him closer. "Say...have we met?"

"You tell me," Anna's partner said. "You're the only other Westgard I've met in a long time."

Welm's jaw dropped. It was as if all breath had been suctioned out of him as he squinted towards Hans. His mind was working overtime to piece together a forgotten puzzle. "Another...Westgard?" he contemplated while looking at Hans' Jedi robes. "And a member of the J-" Welm staggered back. The older man would've fallen over had Anna not caught him. "Karabast," he gasped. "Hans? Little Hans?"

Anna looked at her lover for a response as he was just as perplexed. "How do you know me?" Hans demanded. "Who am I to you?"

A joyous grin emerged beneath Welm's scraggly beard. "My son," he said and Hans' heart skipped a beat. "I'm your dad, kiddo!" He declared with open arms. Before Hans could fully respond, Welm threw his arms around the knight and pulled him into an embrace. "Haha!" he cheered. "Look how big you've gotten!"

Anna concealed her snicker while watching Hans' discomfort. The malodorous stench of Trandoshan ale had the young Westgard grimacing as his father held him close. "Okay," Hans wheezed. "That's good. You can let go now."

"My boy," Welm rejoiced and squeezed even tighter.

"Okay, enough!" Hans scoffed and wriggled out of his father's arms. He scrubbed his blue tabards as if to rid them of Welm's filth.

"Sorry, son." Welm sighed. "It's just been so long. I never imagined that I'd see you again, if I'm being honest. How'd you even find me?"

"HoloNet," Hans snarked. "So helpful. We saw something about a union dispute. What the hell have you been doing during all of this time?"

Welm sulked and let his shoulders shrink. "Of course," he murmured. "Naturally, you have so many questions." Welm's head turned towards a clamor from within Maz's castle. "But let's not talk here. Too many prying eyes and ears. As you've now seen, this place isn't short of shady characters." Partially intoxicated, Welm tried to walk in a straight line. He stumbled toward the castle's back corridor and waved a hand towards the Jedi. "Come on. I've got a spot just a little ways from here."

"He seems friendly," Anna teased. "Warning us about shady characters and then leading us into the woods. This is fine."

"Very funny," Hans groaned as Anna came to terms with their situation.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I can't imagine that really seeing your dad for the first time is easy. How are you holding up?"

Hans sighed as they ventured out of the castle and along the shoreline. "I'm not sure what to make of this guy," he confessed.

"Well at least you have a chance to talk to him," Anna replied. "That's more than I'll ever get from my parents." As she said so, she was reminded of her mysterious visions. If they even were visions, that was. She recalled seeing a woman claiming to be her mother and hearing her voice repeatedly. Anna shook off the thoughts as they trekked deep into the nearby forest. Thick trees obscured a clearing in every direction while dense leaves shrouded the sunlight. Welm's shadowy silhouette dipped beneath a log and disappeared into the darkness. After several mumbles and a prominent clicking sound, he activated a faulty power cell. The compact device emitted a faint light around his tattered tent. Broad tarps had been repeatedly stitched together to survive frequent rain showers. Welm popped his head out from within and called the duo over.

Anna and Hans cautiously entered the tent. Stacks of unmarked goods clashed with half-eaten provisions and discarded wrappers. "You'll have to excuse the mess," Welm commented. "I don't often get guests. And don't worry!" he assured after noticing their grimaces. "The smell grows on you. Either that or the forest fungus will!" His boisterous cackle went unreciprocated. "Please, make yourselves at home," Welm said. He gestured to a stack of glitchy holobooks and a dented container. Understanding that they were meant to be seats, Anna and Hans obliged. Their bodies tensed as both the stack and container nearly gave out under their respective weights.

"So, Hans." Welm jested before plopping on a pile of cans. "Aren't you gonna introduce me to your girlfriend?"

Anna's cheeks reddened as Hans quickly covered. "Anna's...not my girlfriend. Jedi aren't allowed to form attachments."

"And yet here you are-" Welm quipped, a smirk emerging through his beard. "-seeking out your father."

"I didn't know you were my father," Hans scoffed. "The only thing I knew was that you were a Westgard. I came to learn more about my family."

Welm reclined and drummed his fingers against his paunch. "Why dwell on the past?" he asked simply. "The future is the only part that matters. And lemme tell ya, the three of us could be making a fortune out here."

"I don't give a kriff," Hans growled. His aggressive tone had Anna impulsively taking his hand to calm him.

Welm grinned at the gesture and made Hans reject her hand. "What's there to know, son?" he asked. "You joined the Jedi Order, and I've been profiting off ofany opportunity the galaxy throws at me since. You know...making it work."

"You act like I voluntarily became a Jedi," Hans retorted. "I wasn't even old enough to make my own decision, let alone remember it."

"Then for all you know, you could've said yes." Welm teased. He watched closely as Hans questioned himself.

"You're obviously some kind of smuggler," Anna interposed. "What was really going on with those thugs in the castle?"

"I ran some...desirable goods for them," Welm answered. "Only I thought I deserved a bigger cut because I actually flew the ship. Hubar didn't like that. But people seldom get what they're actually worth."

"Welm," Hans began.

"Please...call me Dad."

"Welm," Hans deeply reiterated. "Where's my mother?"

His father's grin faded while his fingers drummed away. His eyes scoured the cluttered floor for a million ways to provide a one-word answer. And when his mind exhausted itself, he simply answered, "Dead."

Any hope of hearing from another parent came crashing down in Hans' mind. He bit back any gasp and sank into the broken holobooks. Each ensuing crunch was no different than his fragile, inner state. Hans used a forceful cough to speak up. "H-...how did she-..." Hans gestured to Welm, unwilling to finish the2 sentence. For while he hadn't known his mother, he'd built up a hope to possibly see her. To hear her perspective and understand what she thought of him.

"Spice overdose," Welm lamented. Hans didn't even have a chance to berate him for it. And even if he fathomed the thought...could he honestly say he was better? "Her and I tried some of Kessel's finest. We weren't strangers to the hard stuff." He uncapped a flask of Trandoshan ale and gulped it down. "The spice was so strong," Welm coughed. "Knocked us both out." His brows furrowed as the chilling, time-faded memory returned. "That wasn't a first for us either. The only first...was waking up without her." The holobooks continued to crack beneath Hans. "I remember just staring at your mom...waiting for her to wake up." He chugged the rest of his ale and shook his head. "Kriffing spice, man."

"And those desirable goods you mentioned running," Hans uttered. "Spice?"

"Of course, kiddo." Welm answered without a sliver of regret. "Spice running is where the real credits flow."

"After it killed your wife?" Hans grumbled. "My mother?"

Welm didn't take Hans' harsh tone lightly. "Do you know how many colorful chemicals your mother and I injected, huffed, and smoked? We knew one of them would kill us. It was only a matter of time. It's just how the galaxy works." Without missing a beat, he leaned forward and raised his hands with a proposition. "Anyway, I saw how you two dealt with those thugs back there. With my connections and your intimidation, we could revolutionize this industry and-"

"Are you kriffing out of your mind?" Hans scorned. "You just tell me that spice killed my mother and then try to recruit us into your operation?"

"What do you want me to do?" Welm asked, matching Hans' intensity. "Lie and tell you she's alive? 'She's fine, son. She writes letters to you every day. Hugs and kisses.' Welcome to reality, Hans. She's gone. Dead. That's life and there's nothing any of us can do about it. Now you came looking for me, and all I'm trying to do is lend a helping hand. Help you become someone and make some real money."

"You don't even know who I am!" Hans snapped. His outburst caused the holobooks to crack as a Force tremor rippled throughout the tent. "What I've become," he grieved in a somber tone. "What I've accomplished..."

"You still don't get it," his father sighed. "None of that matters, Hans. You don't matter." Hans' eyes widened as Anna's blood ran cold. "If it's any consolation," Welm laughed it off. "I don't matter either! None of us do. The only thing that does is the amount of credits in your pocket. And I don't have to be a Jedi to know the Republic doesn't pay."

"Hans is a good man," Anna defended. "He's done more for this galaxy than some spice runner has."

Hans grimaced, knowing that she was building him up to be something he wasn't. Still he embraced the sentiment. "Oh please," Welm groaned and made Hans scowl. "You speak of him like he's this golden child. Chosen by the 'gods' to save the universe or some nonsense. There's nothing special about him. He wasn't even the first."

Hans confusedly knitted his brows. "Wh-what do you mean?" he asked.

"Lucky number thirteen, kiddo." Welm snarked. "Your mother and I had so many children over the years. All boys, as fate would have it."

"Brothers," Hans whispered while his eye twitched. "Where are they?"

"Hah!" Welm cackled. "More like where aren't they?" Hans' heart raced as Welm carried on. "Spice isn't cheap, Hans. And you'd be surprised what people will pay for hard-working kids. Ironically, some went to the spice mines of Kessel. Probably excavated have the stuff we snorted." As Welm continued, Anna watched Hans' disgust deepen. "Some of 'em went to Cantonica, I think. They needed stable boys." Welm nearly choked with his increased laughter. "Your mother and I were so tight at one point, that we sold one of the little hellions for drinking money!"

Hans was as enraged as he was frustrated by Welm's words. As if the fate of Hans' brothers wasn't disheartening enough, his father's desensitization was all the more disturbing. As Anna sat there in shock, she noticed Hans' eyes reddening. She'd never seen him so misty-eyed before. Flared nostrils and firm breaths kept Hans from shedding a tear. "And what kind of money did the Jedi give you for me?" he asked.

"Get over yourself," Welm mocked. "They wouldn't charge us a credit. You were supposed to go to a Trandoshan pirate. He'd always wanted to taste a human."

"T-taste?" Hans hardly murmured.

"That lizard thought you looked scrumptious and promised to pay us handsomely," Welm explained. "We'd nearly finished the transaction when one of those blasted Jedi Seekers intervened. Snatched you up under Republic authority and the rest of us had to flee the scene." Welm gawked at Hans' frown. "Oh don't look so dismayed. You lived, didn't you? And everything happened for a reason. The fact that we're together is all that matters now. There's opportunity here, my boy."

"Opportunity?" Anna snapped. "You almost sold Hans to his death. And now you want him to just accept things as is?"

"He doesn't have much of a choice," Welm asserted. "Unless he wants to dwell on what was and cry about it." He leaned towards Hans. "Is that really what you wanna do, son? Sob and sniffle as if that's going to change anything?" Welm kept talking, and any protest from Anna became just as blurred. All sounds were muffled against Hans' distorted hearing.

The young Westgard felt himself dissociating. The decrepit holobooks beneath him crunched and crackled. And as he sunk deeper into Welm's surrounding filth, he lost himself in the moment. Hans' eyes grew dark. He was staring at his father, but he was in no way present. He glared at Welm's chapped, moving lips and felt utterly disgusted. Every venomous utterance had Hans' heart thundering. If Gaston neglected Hans, Welm didn't even care for his presence. Not unless it suited his needs anyway. In his most recent years, Hans had taken time to ask what his life would be like had he never become a Jedi. Learning the truth from Welm, meant he would've been eaten had a Seeker not saved him. Hans' lip trembled as Master Gaston's words returned to haunt him.

"If only she'd killed you. It would've spared you the humiliation."

So much pent up pain manifested in Hans' watery eyes. His lips curled, and parted just enough to reveal his gritted teeth. "Hans?" Anna worried. He ignored her, focusing solely on Welm's smug visage.

His father glared back and said, "Pout all you want, but don't waste my time." Ignoring Hans' state further, Welm proceeded with his plan. "Now after you and your woman rough up some more of my associates, the credits are gonna start flowing. Then we can buy a-"

"No," Hans whispered and stopped Welm's proposition.

His father laughed off the remark. "Excuse me?" he chuckled. "Listen... If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even exist. So you'd better show me some respect, boy." Hans sneered as Welm jabbed a finger at him. And that accusatory gesture was enough to have Hans fully embracing his emotions. Rage surged within. Anna could feel the anger radiating off of Hans as the holobooks rattled beneath him. Hans clenched his fists, letting every part of Welm's scolding fuel his fury. And when a familiar, dark pull called from within...Hans answered it fervently.

Welm was still talking. Still spouting on about Hans' worthlessness when the Jedi threw his arm forward. Hans didn't utter a word in rebuttal. His single, raised hand sent a powerful Force push surging towards the area he'd been so keenly focused on. Anna had seen what strangling someone with the Force could do. But any images she had of Dr. Morzetti shattered with Welm's neck bones. Hans had delivered a Force push so powerful...so concentrated...that it'd snapped his father's neck on impact.

Anna rose with a gasp, watching as Welm's limbs briefly flailed. Nausea took hold as she observed the back of his twisted head atop his forward-facing body. Welm's limp corpse collapsed atop his filthy belongings. Scum embraced scum as Hans leered at his kill. As he rose to his feet, the stack of holobooks was completely smashed beneath him. Gone were Hans' teary eyes. As he shut them with a deep breath, he suppressed the insidious and yellow tint of the Dark Side. Without a word, Hans stormed out of the tent and left Anna astonished.

"Hans!" she called as he picked up speed. Anna chased his silhouette deep into the woods. "Wait!" she hollered, almost out of breath from the situation.

Hans felt like he could run forever. So much adrenaline was pulsing through him, that he practically would've run across the entire forest. He would've pushed himself to run forever had he not tripped on a rotten log. Hans tumbled forward and fell face first into a puddle of mud. As he lifted his filthy face from the muck, a daunting reflection emerged beneath him. Master Gaston's terrible face came back to mock him, taking the place of Hans' own reflection.

"Cutting you slack is exactly why you're the way you are." The figment jeered.

"No," Hans murmured as soil dripped from his hanging locks.

"It's not my fault if you couldn't keep up," Gaston's voice loudened.

"Stop it," Hans growled and clawed at his dirtied head. It was if he was literally trying to rip his old master's voice out.

"You've turned out to be quite the embarrassment anyway."

"SHUT UP!" Hans roared, sending a Force repulse across the terrain. He angrily unclipped his lightsaber and sparked up its emerald blade. He turned with wild eyes and imagined that the nearest tree was Gaston. Hans lunged at it with wild slashes, mutilating its trunk with unparalleled ferocity. Grim marks sent steam spewing from the tree as it toppled over. Without losing momentum, Hans turned to the other trees. Envisioning them to be Knight Le-Fou and Master Gothel, he viciously attacked them. Thinking of every crude comment...every judgmental leer...only made him swing harder. Trees toppled in droves as Hans cut down all of the envisioned antagonists in his life.

"Then there's your problem," Jocasta Nu's voice echoed. "There's always more to learn. The moment you close your mind and open your heart to ignorance, you end up on a downward spiral."

"I said shut up!" Hans snarled and bisected another tree. Tremendous thumps echoed throughout the forest. Takodana's sun set amidst Hans' raging destruction. He massacred the surrounding foliage, slicing trees to pieces as images of his father shattered within.

Betwixt his episode, Anna suddenly dashed in and grabbed his arms. "Hans!" she blurted and pushed against him. "Stop!"

"Get off of me!" he barked and shoved her away. Hans continued to swing his saber through the dusk air. Refusing to yield, Anna activated her lightsaber and slid in front of him. Willing to swing at anything, he savagely hammered away at Anna's weapon. Their green blades sent sparks of plasma spewing across the loamy soil.

"Hans!" Anna yelled. "Snap out of it! It's me!" Hans lost momentum on one of his strikes, giving Anna the chance to catch his wrist. "Look at me," she demanded.

"Get off of-"

"Look at me!" Anna intoned. Her stern voice had Hans halting in his tracks. His captured wrist trembled in Anna's fierce grip. As Hans forced himself to look at her, his eyes slowly relaxed. His breaths slowed and he deactivated his blade with a trembling finger. Anna dropped to her knees, mirroring Hans' exhausted gesture. His once white robes had become completely stained with mud. Thick splotches of dirt coated his face as he knelt in the shadows. Despite his covered face, Hans' eyes were still wild and vivid, even as he calmed down.

"That's it," Anna whispered and also shut down her lightsaber.

"I-" Hans barely uttered. "It all just-...He-..."

"Let's just get back to the ship," Anna insisted. "We'll get you cleaned up. Okay?" Hans took a deep breath and slowly nodded to her. A thick mist stretched across the forest. As the woods succumbed to nightfall, Anna helped guide Hans back to their shuttle. She was initially confused about operating the ship, but Hans was willing to get them airborne. Despite his minimal effort, Hans didn't utter a word. He remained absolutely silent as the ship left Takodana and rocketed into hyperspace.

Even after it'd been used for some time, the shuttle's cramped shower left an absurd amount of humidity aboard the ship. Hans just sat on the refresher's bench. Wrapped in nothing more than a towel below his waist, he'd lost track of how long he'd been in the refresher. He deduced it'd been quite some time when Anna's knock persisted. "Yeah?" Hans sighed.

The door slid open as Anna stepped into the room. At most, Hans glanced at her when she sat next to him on the bench. "There's that handsome face of yours," she began. "One-hundred percent mud-free." Her moment went unrecognized and made Anna sigh.

"I shouldn't even be here," Hans whispered as Anna raised a brow. "You heard Welm," he clarified. "I was just a number that two addicts were gonna feed to a lizard for money."

"Maybe he was lying," Anna suggested.

"He might've been a scumbag-" Hans said. "But all of that back there was too elaborate. He had no reason to fabricate any of it. Especially with such a-...nihilistic point of view."

"I'm sorry, Hans." Anna sighed. "I just saw how troubled you were back at the temple. I thought finding the truth about your past would help you."

"They say it sets you free," Hans mumbled. "Maybe there's some truth to that."

"Oh?" Anna inquired.

"Can I trust you?" Hans asked.

"Absolutely," she affirmed. "I-" she stopped herself from professing her affection again.

Even without saying it, Hans' look predicted her next statement. Still, he carried on. "You know what I called upon in that tent. The anger...the hatred. I know we've both dabbled in the Dark Side before, but this was different." Anna shimmied closer as Hans knitted his brows. "This wasn't just to feel stronger, it was to be stronger. To be myself. When I killed my father, I-" Hans bit back the words, unsure of even Anna's reaction. His lips trembled as he inevitably spat them out. "-I enjoyed it." Anna leaned back at his confession as Hans continued. "It was empowering. I didn't have to hear him blather on about his garbage anymore. Putting me down just like Gaston and the others. And by killing him...well...he'll never bother me again." Hans turned, finally facing Anna on the bench. "Don't you see? Even as Jedi, we've been pulling our punches. How many sleemos get by just because doctrine tells us not to give in. Not to give in to what? Our true potential?" Hans shook his palms and proclaimed, "We can manipulate objects with our minds. How many people can kriffing do that? And yet the Order's keeps chains on our ankles, keeping us from ever fully flying. We are so much more powerful than anyone says we are. Who are they to tell us? If we wanted to, we could rule the damn galaxy. Make things the way we want them to be." Hans lowered his voice and hung his head before Anna. "Don't apologize for a second. This trip you suggested was eye-opening. Why have a past when I can let it die? I killed the damn bastard. My future...our future is up to us."

"Our...future?" Anna uttered.

Hans' smirk twitched. "Anna," he whispered and brought his hand to her cheek. "I've never felt this strong before. And I love you."

Her eyes lit up at his words, and yet she felt unsure over his declaration. "Hans?" she worried.

"I do," he insisted and brought his other hand to cup her face. "Don't you still love me? You said you trusted me absolutely."

"Well yes," Anna answered, her heart racing as Hans pressed his forehead to hers. "But-"

"But nothing," Hans interrupted while constantly caressing her face. "I've never felt more like myself than I do now and it's all because of you," he rejoiced. "So how's about I give you what I should've before we landed on Takodana?"

Anna's heart felt like it would burst out of her chest. Hans' firm hands and warm breaths kept her consistently focused on him. She eyed his toned and topless body as it hunched towards her. Giving in to her carnal temptations, Anna reached for Hans' face. They pulled each other into a deepening kiss as she firmly gripped his shoulders. Hans was as animalistic as he was energized. With a lustful growl, he scooped Anna into his arms and lifted her off the bench. She wrapped her legs around his waist and hungrily kissed his neck. As Hans worked through undoing Anna's tabards, she tugged for his towel to drop.

Their shuttle thundered through the vibrant void of hyperspace. And as lightspeed's rumble intensified, so too did the amorous encounter of two Jedi. Anna threw her head back against the viewport's indigo vortex. Bright blue hues set her slender silhouette aglow against Hans'. And like their ensuing fit of passion, all which had transpired on Takodana fell to secrecy.

"I shouldn't even be here," Hans whispered as Anna raised a brow. "You heard Welm," he clarified. "I was just a number that two addicts were gonna feed to a lizard for money."

"Maybe he was lying," Anna suggested.

"He might've been a scumbag-" Hans said. "But all of that back there was too elaborate. He had no reason to fabricate any of it. Especially with such a-...nihilistic point of view."

"I'm sorry, Hans." Anna sighed. "I just saw how troubled you were back at the temple. I thought finding the truth about your past would help you."

"They say it sets you free," Hans mumbled. "Maybe there's some truth to that."

"Oh?" Anna inquired.

"Can I trust you?" Hans asked.

"Absolutely," she affirmed. "I-" she stopped herself from professing her affection again.

"Our...future?" Anna uttered.

Hans' smirk twitched. "Anna," he whispered and brought his hand to her cheek. "I've never felt this strong before. And I love you."

Her eyes lit up at his words, and yet she felt unsure over his declaration. "Hans?" she worried.

"I do," he insisted and brought his other hand to cup her face. "Don't you still love me? You said you trusted me absolutely."

"Well yes," Anna answered, her heart racing as Hans pressed his forehead to hers. "But-"

*

Anna was the last to awaken...that was if Hans had ever gone to sleep. The duo had fully reclined the pilot's seat and found an emergency blanket to snuggle under. Anna's hair was a disheveled mess as she rested against Hans' firm chest. She could feel traces of cold sweat on his skin as she ran her fingers up it. Hans held her close, letting his strong hand press against her bare and freckled back. He found comfort in her smooth presence as they gazed into the hyperspace vortex.

"I love you," Anna whispered.

Hans took his time and peered down at his fellow Knight. He smiled and let his fingers intertwine with hers. "I love you too," he said and pulled her into a firm kiss. "Thanks for sticking with me."

"Of course," Anna insisted. "Doctrine has us falling short in too many instances. My troops and I had to blast a guy during a riot to shut it down." Anna huffed and returned to caressing her lover. "But why ruin the mood?" she teased and nipped at his ear. He succumbed to her touch and dipped his head to her lips. Anna's longing grin was barely visible beneath a forest of auburn strands. "That was amazing, by the way. Not having to hold back with each other. Not having to worry about...noise."

Just talking about their endeavors was enough to rile Hans up. "It sounds like you're asking for round two," he murmured.

"Now you're catching on," Anna quipped and slinked her arms around his neck. He eagerly pulled her completely on top of him. With nothing more than a blanket to shroud them from the galaxy, Anna straddled Hans' lap. She buckled forward, letting her amorous moans muffle beneath Hans' rough kisses. And as they once again tempted fate, the shuttle boomed out of hyperspace.

Anna had just finished biting Hans' lower lip as she peered back over her shoulder. Her eyes widened once she realized that they were on full approach for Coruscant. "Kriffing hell!" Anna gasped as she and Hans shuffled. They tumbled out of the pilot's seat, almost snapping it altogether. Anna's hunched silhouette scurried down the ship's corridor. Her bare feet smacked against the heavy tile as she raced to grab her scattered clothes.

"T-6 Shuttle Mark 8291," a voice called from a Venator in the Republic fleet. Admiral Yularen's bold tone was easily distinguishable. "You're listing in an irregular flight pattern. Is everything alright?" Hans scrambled to rise while still hiding his body from view. "Shuttle 8291. Please respond."

"Kriff...kriff," Hans grumbled before hurriedly slamming on comms. "Everything's fine here," he blurted. "Situation normal. Just had an issue with our...um...thrust." Anna toppled over in the hall, still trying to hurriedly get dressed.

"Then get back on course," the Yularen ordered.

"Yes," Hans was quick to answer. "Right away, sir." As soon as Hans leveled out, Anna threw his cleaned robes over his shoulder.

She giggled when the gesture startled him and said, "Laundry's done."

"That's the benefit of traveling in an ambassador's craft," Hans jested. He switched the ship to autopilot and quickly got dressed. "It comes with a portable washer and dryer."

As Anna returned to the co-pilot's seat, she couldn't take her eyes off of Hans. He could've probably sputtered the stupidest thing in the universe and she'd still give it a chuckle. Seeing the best in who he was and could be, all Anna could think was, I love you. Hearing him say it back had propelled her to new to levels of ecstasy. Every touch she'd experienced with him since was surreal. While their position in the Order was uncertain, Anna only wanted to get closer to Hans. We'll make it work, she kept telling herself. Just like Mattias and Master Zodra. Who knows how many other Jedi are in secret relationships. This will only make us stronger.

As Hans docked their shuttle in the temple hangar, Anna realized that the unhinged fun was short-lived. It would soon be back to hushed flattery and late night visits to each other's rooms. But Hans was worth it. He was willing to fully be himself around her. At least, that's what Anna believed. And that alone was enough. Once the ship powered down, Anna took a moment to seize Hans' hand. She pulled him away from the cockpit and into the corridor. Kissing him one more time, she embraced the sensation before they'd have to hide. Hans grinned and savored the taste of her lips. Eager to tease her, he let Anna lead the way towards the ramp. As soon as she turned, Hans smirked and smacked her behind.

Anna gasped and swiftly spun to get him back. She eagerly raced to return the smack, but Hans had timed it so the ramp would drop when she tried. With the duo in full view of hangar personnel, Anna grouchily crossed her arms. "I will get you back," she grumbled.

"It's on now," Hans teased her.

"Hey!" a voice suddenly scolded. Hans turned to see the youthful engineer whom he'd pressured to prep his shuttle. "There you are!" he yelled from beside a docked gunship.

"Me?" Hans inquired and strolled up to the teen.

"Respectfully, Master Jedi-..." he gulped as Hans loomed over him. "You-...lied t-...to me." Before Hans could offer a rebuttal, the young man quickly scrolled through his datapad. "I checked hangar release records, even for covert ops. Nothing was listed. In fact, the T-6 you took was scheduled for maintenance. Not flight."

"That was obviously code for my mission," Hans fibbed.

As Hans continued to speak with the teen, Anna suddenly got an idea. She snuck towards the hangar's exit and waited behind the doorway. When he comes through, that butt of his won't know what hit it, she thought.

"What was this mission?" the engineer inquired, further flustering Hans.

"You think I can just disclose that to you?" Hans snapped. "You've got some nerve, kid. I warned you that not listening to me could cost you your job. And so will overstepping."

"Then take me before your council," the youth dared to say. Hans' eyes shot open as his threat fell apart. "I'll tell them exactly what I told you. And if I'm wrong, I'm wrong."

"Kid," Hans huffed, still formulating another lie in his head. He wrapped his arm around the engineer and smiled. "You don't want to make a whole ordeal out of this. Trust me. I-"

In that instant, the nearby gunship exploded in its entirety. Hans had hardly seen the flash, felt the heat, nor heard the blast before all faded to darkness. A fiery shockwave rang out across the hangar. Screams spewed through the smoke while pieces of flaming debris launched towards other docked ships. The ensuing collisions triggered chain reactions as the Jedi Temple's foundation rattled.

A monstrous cloud of black smoke surged out from the doorway and forced Anna back. She fell to her knees and broke out into a heavy coughing fit. Several smaller explosions had her ducking down beneath the infernal cloud. Emergency sirens blared as Anna barely rose to her feet. "H-Hans?" she croaked and staggered into the temple hangar. The muffled wails of those trapped beneath debris became a blur alongside a string of charred corpses. Tears rolled down Anna's ash-coated cheeks as she screamed into the wreckage. "Hans? HANS!"

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading today's chapter. Thank you for your kindness and ongoing support of this story. Your understanding over this situation means the world to me. Stay strong and we will get through this. I'm doing my best to take care of my family and myself at this point. Because now I need to get the help I need. If you or a loved one is in need of help, please remember that there IS always some form of hope. You can be one question, one comment, one remark away from saving someone's life. I'll see you all in two weeks.

800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Sincerely,

~ Michael