AN: Happy holidays to everyone. Hopefully your enjoying some time with friends or family. I hope you all enjoy this next chapter, and as always, thanks for your continued to support!
ASeekerofknowledge - Thanks for kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
Chapter 20 - Traps (28 BBY ~ 7 months later - Ruusaan)
"Break it up!" Kastor called out, moving towards where two initiates had taken their practice duel too far, as teenagers tended to do.
A Weequay boy rolled off of a Mon Calamari boy, and they both separated, but both still glared at each other.
"Starros and Vebb, I'm glad to see that you'll take the fight to the end, but I don't believe rolling on the ground improves your lightsaber abilities," Kastor said dryly.
"Sorry, Master," both boys muttered, though he could still feel the frustration that filled both boys.
"This is the third time this month I've had to separate you two," Kastor said sternly. "I really hate to, but you're forcing me to tell your Masters, and you both owe two hours of meditation to try and find self-control."
Both boys slumped slightly, knowing that Kastor was generally considered more understanding among the instructors of the Temple, so they knew they must really have tried his patience. Telling their Masters was the worst of the two punishments. Vebb's Master, Kit Fisto, and Starro's Master, Jabarro Norcuna, both had only recently taken them on as Padawan learners.
"Understood, Master," both boys said glumly, and left the training room to start on their punishment.
Kastor sighed. He enjoyed teaching, he really did, but some days, his students drove him to the edge of his patience. Then again, he didn't know many instructors at the Temple who wouldn't agree with him. Even the most patient of people often needed meditation to regain inner peace.
He glanced around the Training Room where he was currently supervising an open hour in which students of any age could work on their lightsaber skills. Kastor's interruption of the two unruly students had drawn the notice of many others, but now that Kastor's focus was back on the room, many of the younglings and initiates had returned to their practice.
In the past seven months, Kastor had stayed above ground, so to speak. Except for the occasional mission here or there, negotiating a few treaties, finding a kidnapped senator, and stopping an arms smuggling ring, he'd mainly been a lightsaber instructor at the Temple mostly teaching eight through thirteen year olds alongside Soara Antana, whose skill with a blade was renowned within the Order, though he occassionallly taught the younger kids as well, not including his interactions with initiates of all ages when he was overseeing open sparring and training hours in the sparring room, like he was currently.
It was enjoyable work. He was able to help those most soon to be picked up as Padawans, helping them to develop the more refined lightsaber skills they'd need on missions, and helping them to figure out which form would best suit their disposition. Outside of lightsaber combat, he was able to offer his wisdom and experience to initiates, Padawans, Knights, and Masters alike as requested. He was slowly becoming less myth and legend and more an identifiable member of the Order, a feeling that he'd almost forgotten.
Rhys too filled a unique position at the Temple, providing instruction and experience to young Jedi about how to work with and utilize Antarian Rangers, and also filling in as a hand-to-hand combat instructor and helping with flying instruction. When Kastor went on missions, Rhys accompanied, and occasionally even if Kastor was at the Temple, Rhys would utilize the Ebon Hawk to check on the base on Odessen and its progress with the construction droids. It was almost complete and they would then be able to transfer the construction droids and most of the security droids to the next outpost.
"You look like you could use a break."
Kastor turned back to see Obi-Wan walking in with Anakin.
"A break would be nice," Kastor admitted. "You finished the inspection on Yinchorr quickly."
Obi-Wan nodded, his face betraying a slight hint of distaste.
"The Yinchorri haven't forgotten our intervention, and having been involved in that intervention myself, they were almost as bad as Neimoidians in their efforts to fulfill my requests and get me on my way," Obi-Wan said.
"Yes, I was rather glad to not get that mission," Kastor admitted. "The Yinchorri have never recovered militarily since that conflict, and while I hope they never do while they still hold designs on conquering, I never enjoy the concept that Jedi must do inspections just to continue a show of force."
"I'm rather surprised to see you still being an instructor, Master," Anakin said cheekily. "I would have thought you'd be raring to get back undercover."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said in disappointment.
"It's fine, Obi-Wan," Kastor replied with a chuckle. "You should know, young Padawan, it is the duty of every Jedi Knight to pass on what they have learned. Someday even you should desire to spend time here as an instructor."
Anakin gave a sheepish, but slightly disbelieving grin and Kastor smiled.
"In either case, Rhys and I have been laying low to monitor the bounty placed on my alias's head. For the past six months, nothing changed, but in the last month, the amount went up."
Anakin frowned. "It went up?"
Kastor nodded seriously. "We're unsure if it's because no results have happened within that time frame, or if it's to try and draw me out, but regardless, we are continuing to wait and see if it will continue to go up and if so, how high will the value climb? The higher it climbs, the more attention from the most dangerous bounty hunters in the galaxy it will attract, but they are also the kind that will need to have some sort of interaction with their employer, which might be what we need to find out who placed this bounty on me."
"I guess that makes sense," Anakin said with a frown.
Kastor sighed. "I'm not a huge fan of it either, but if my cover has drawn this type of visibility, perhaps it is time for it to fade and a new one to be made or perhaps it's a sign my undercover days are over. For now, it's better to just see if that's what needs to happen. Besides, the Force seems content to have me be here for now, and who am I to argue with the Force?"
Anakin nodded, knowing that as a Jedi he couldn't really disagree with Kastor's position.
"So, is this a social visit or are you here for a specific reason?" Kastor asked.
"We are here for a reason," Obi-Wan confirmed. "We're on our way to Sev Tok to help negotiate a treaty between the people of that world and their neighboring planet, Artesia."
"Seems fairly straight forward," Kastor noticed.
"The world was helped by the Senate's Refugee Relief Movement when quakes damaged much of their infrastructure and caused the decline of their economy a few years ago. The planet is still trying to bounce back after two years. Artesia is backed by the Hutts, who are trying to expand their network to include Sev Tok. The Prime Minister of Sev Tok is very against this, and has already refused to let Hutt influence on his planet. Originally, they were going to hold their peace talks on Farquar, another neighboring world, but the Prime Minister's ship has been attacked twice while he was in transit, both assassination attempts having failed, and two more attempts have occurred in his palace."
Kastor nodded, "And naturally, the peace talks broke down after the assassination attempts."
"Correct," Obi-Wan said. "Prime Minister Lo Mai of Sev Tok has agreed to reopen negotiations but only with the Jedi's presence. Artesia agreed, but only if the talks occurred on Artesia."
"You need a ship," Kastor said, seeing why Obi-Wan had come to him. "You specifically need a ship that can handle whatever pirates, mercenaries, or bounty hunters the Hutts have been hiring in order to escort the Prime Minister to Artesia."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Master. While some of the diplomatic vessels the Republic Navy have might work, I feel the Ebon Hawk would be a better option. Plus, I really believe we could use another team with us, so I'm hoping you and Rhys will come along and fly escort."
It didn't really take much thought from Kastor.
"If you think you need my help and you need my ship, then of course you have both," Kastor replied. "When do we leave?"
"We need to leave in the next two hours," Obi-Wan said, giving him an apologetic look.
Kastor nodded. "I'll make it work. I'll see you down at the Ebon Hawk in two hours."
Obi-wan gave him a grateful look and then hurried off to finish up the rest of his preparations. Kastor pulled out his comlink.
"Rhys, come in," Kastor called.
It was only a short ten or fifteen seconds before Rhys answered, and Kastor heard through the comlink.
"What's up, boss?"
Kastor shook his head even though his young partner couldn't see him. Rhys only called him boss in order to annoy him.
"We've got a mission. I'll meet you at the Hawk in two hours. Grab what you need and get enough fuel for both the Ebon Hawk and Shadow Hawk, and restock on proton torpedoes."
"Understood," Rhys replied, and Kastor heard the comlink go dead.
Kastor quickly went to his and Rhys's shared quarters, normally the quarters a Master and Padawan would share, that they were being allowed to use since Kastor had made it clear he intended to work with Rhys indefinitely, something that other Jedi linked with Antarian Rangers did as well. They'd have to revisit the living situation down the line if Kastor took a Padawan.
Once there, he quickly grabbed his field pack, double checking he had what he needed, knowing it wasn't much, since he kept most of his stuff on the Ebon Hawk. Once done with his pack, he made his way to the refectory and obtained a stock of field rations.
All in total, it took him just under an hour and half to get everything prepared. Finally, he made his way back to the Training Room where he knew Soara would be preparing to teach a class.
He entered to see the group of mostly eight and nine year olds talking animatedly, many still excited that someone of Soara's reputation was teaching their class. Soara was in a meditative trance towards the front of the room, but her eyes opened when she sensed him enter.
Kastor walked over to her quickly, knowing he was fast approaching when he needed to leave, but thankfully, he knew Soara was blunt and to the point, so this should be quick.
"Knight Antana," Kastor greeted with a friendly tone.
"Master Shan," Soara replied with a slight smile. "You have a mission."
Kastor grinned and nodded. "I'm leaving within the half hour, so I wanted to give you a heads up so that you could cover down in my class later this afternoon or perhaps you can help me by finding someone else to cover it?
Soara nodded. "Of course, Kastor. I'll see that it's done. How long will you be gone?"
"Unsure," Kastor said. "It's an escort mission that will turn into negotiations, so in a perfect galaxy where everyone can find common ground, I'll be back in a few days."
"More likely, you'll be back in a few months," Soara replied dryly and Kastor laughed.
"That is a possibility," Kastor agreed.
Soara nodded. "I'll let Master Yoda know that we need to find someone else to take your classes for the foreseeable future."
"Thank you, Soara," Kastor said warmly. "May the Force be with you."
"And with you," Soara replied.
Kastor turned to head out, but he hadn't taken more than a few steps when he was approached by two of the initiates, a togruta and a human.
"Ah, young Ahsoka and young Aubrie," Kastor said with a kind smile, always happy to teach these two exceptionally bright young initiates. He was sure they were both destined for great things in the Order, and he would be lying if he hadn't thought that he might consider taking either as a Padawan in a few years.
"Is it true you're leaving, Master?" Ahsoka asked quickly, without much fanfare, looking sad.
"I'm afraid so," Kastor said, kneeling down so that he was at eye level with the two girls. "The Force willing, I'll be back soon so that I can get back to drills with you all. Then you can show me just how good you've gotten under Knight Antana's guidance."
Both girls slumped slightly, and Kastor hid his amusement. Soara's skills were legendary, but many an initiate learned the hard way that Soara was a perfectionist and would happily make somebody do an exercise a thousand times if she thought they could do it better. Her methods worked, but some preferred Kastor's walk-crawl-run method, or some just preferred his more relaxed attitude compared to Soara's blunt honesty.
"May the Force be with you, Master," Aubrie said first, remembering where they were and who they were talking to, and Ahsoka quickly echoed her rival and friend, shooting a slightly annoyed look at Aubrie that just made Kastor laugh inside.
"May the Force be with you both," Kastor said, and then he got up and quickly left the room, making his way through the Temple, and finally reaching the Hangar and his ship, where he saw Obi-Wan and Anakin waiting for him.
Anakin grinned and met him as he approached. "Can I fly the Ebon Hawk this time, Master?"
Kastor rolled his eyes. Anakin was never happier than when he was behind the controls of a ship.
"Well, you better go ask Rhys if he's willing to let you help him," Kastor replied. "I have no issues with you taking control, but keep the ship at acceptable speeds. Last time I had to answer to the Council for reckless speed," Kastor admonished, and Anakin blushed sheepishly.
"Yes, Master, thank you!" Anakin said and rushed up into the Ebon Hawk, while Obi-Wan and Kastor followed at a more relaxed pace.
"I really wish you had just told him 'no'," Obi-Wan said with a sigh, and Kastor chuckled, knowing that while Obi-Wan appreciated, admired, and trusted Anakin's skill, his young Padawan tended to conduct flying maneuvers that drove Obi-Wan crazy.
"He needs to get a good feel of this ship, since he might very well be piloting it during the escort journey," Kastor said. "I'll have Rhys fly fighter escort, and you and I can man the guns, since I suspect we are better shots than your young Padawan."
Obi-Wan frowned before he nodded. "And Anakin has more than enough talent and skill as a pilot to keep us out of harm's way while we engage possible hostiles."
"That's the hope," Kastor agreed.
**The Will of the Force**
Sev Tok was the type of planet that Obi-Wan enjoyed visiting. A planet that teemed with the Living Force, due to its inhabitants doing their best to live with their ecosystem rather than exploit it.
They landed on a landing pad in the palace where Prime Minister Lo Mai resided. It was a stately palace, but its elegant design at least worked with the local fauna rather than removing it, so Obi-Wan could appreciate that.
"Anakin, keep the ship ready to leave," Obi-Wan told his apprentice who nodded, looking happy to avoid the formalities.
"Rhys, prep the Shadow Hawk," Kastor ordered, and Rhys started towards the garage, where he'd get ready to fly fighter escort.
Kastor and Obi-Wan proceeded down the ramp to where a government official and several guards were waiting for them.
"Greetings, Master Jedi," the Sev Tokian greeted. "My name is Jan Kun, the Prime Minister's aid. I will take you to meet him."
"Thank you," Obi-Wan responded with a bow, and the two Jedi followed the aid with their escort.
The palace corridors were very open with broad windows, which was another part of Sev Tokian architecture that Obi-Wan could appreciate. He did wish the ceilings were a bit taller though. Sev Tokians were a shorter species, generally only between four and five feet tall, so even with 'tall' ceilings, Kastor and Obi-Wan's heads were brushing the ceiling.
They entered the palace throne room, and Obi-Wan was pleasantly surprised to see that here the ceilings were very tall. At the end of the throne room sat the Prime Minister in a central seat with another eight seats to the left and right of the central seat, in a half circle. All the seats were empty, which suggested to Obi-Wan that the Prime Minister was only using the room to greet them, and court had not been in session.
"Ah, Master Jedi, it is a real honor to have you on my planet," Prime Minister Lo Mai greeted them pleasantly. "I appreciate what you are doing for me."
"Of course, Prime Minister," Obi-Wan said with a bow. "We are glad we can be of assistance. My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, and with me is Master Kastor Shan. Also with the team are my Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, and Antarian Ranger Rhys Dallows, both of whom are with the ship. Are you ready to depart?"
"Indeed I am," Lo Mai responded with a sigh. "I hope we can bring these negotiations to a swift end. The Hutts will have no place on my planet while I am the elected leader."
"A wise decision," Kastor said with a nod. "It doesn't take them long to make a world their own."
Lo Mai nodded and then got up. "Aide Kun, bring my bags to the ship. We depart as soon as possible."
"Of course, your excellency," Jan Kun said with a low bow.
Obi-Wan knew Kastor was a bit disheartened to see ten guards follow the Prime Minister as they escorted him to the Ebon Hawk. Kastor, a bit distrustful as a Jedi, wasn't going to enjoy having far more people on his ship than he could watch, especially when the job was to protect the Prime Minister, but he'd get over it, and with the guards on the ship, they could man the gun positions while Kastor or Obi-Wan helped Anakin out as the copilot and the other one of them watched the Prime Minister.
"I would have thought the Jedi would have better ships," Lo Mai said, glancing at the Ebon Hawk with distaste.
"It's my personal ship, Prime Minister," Kastor responded, "and I can assure you that you will be hard pressed to find better."
Lo Mai gave a slightly dubious look, but he nodded like he'd accept Kastor's word. Four of his guards moved onto the ship first, to check out and dub it safe for their leader and after the signal was given, the rest of them escorted the man onto the ship.
"My second in command will be flying fighter escort for the duration of this journey," Kastor informed the Prime Minister, nodding at where Rhys was finishing up with his starfighter. "I'd like to have two of your men man the dorsal and ventral cannons, if you have two who are good shots and can be spared?"
Lo Mai exchanged looks with his aide and the man who was the captain of the guard, the latter of whom nodded and then pointed to two men. Kastor quickly directed them to the turrets.
"Master Kenobi," Kastor said, looking at him. "Go join your Padawan in the cockpit and get us on our way. I'll stay here and watch over the Prime Minister."
Obi-Wan nodded, glad that he would be able to watch over his Padawan and assist as his co-pilot.
"What do you mean, 'watch over the Prime Minister'?" the captain of the guard, Antok, asked with glare.
"Captain, I mean no offense, but while he is on my ship, he is under my protection," Kastor said firmly. "As trustworthy as I'm sure you and your men are, I must still insist on being around just in case."
The captain scowled, but grudgingly nodded, seeing Kastor's point of view.
"Prime Minister, you and your men should get strapped in for takeoff," Kastor told them. "We'll be leaving shortly."
Obi-Wan left his mentor and went to the cockpit where Anakin was just finishing his pre-flight inspection.
"Our guests are strapping in now, so prepare for takeoff," Obi-Wan told him, sliding into the co-pilot's chair.
Anakin waited for a signal from the hold from Kastor signaling everyone was strapped in and then eased the Ebon Hawk into the sky, steadily heading into space. Once they made it into orbit, Anakin held steady while Rhys deployed out of the hangar and assumed his position of fighter escort.
Their journey wasn't going to be something as easy as jumping to lightspeed and being done. Due to a large number of nebulae surrounding their destination, they'd have to stay in sub-light speed throughout a large portion of their journey or risk destruction or at the very least tripling the length of their journey in order to do dozens of different hyperspace jumps to get around the nebulae.
"Master Kastor and Rhys have fine tuned these controls since last time," Anakin marveled, still always impressed with the old Jedi's ship.
He put a lot of effort into his ship, and Anakin wondered how he obtained the credits from the Order to do some of the improvements he did, but then again, with his proclivity for undercover operations, maybe the Order was more generous, or maybe Kastor used his ill gotten gains in order to improve the ship, though he had to wonder if that was with or without the Council's approval.
"It is one of his greatest prides," Obi-Wan said with a chuckle. "Hopefully we can keep it in working condition or he might not forgive either of us."
Anakin chuckled in agreement, even though they both knew that Kastor prized his friends and living beings above his ship, even if he was very fond of his ship.
"I'm taking point," Rhys's voice came through the comms. "Stay on course, and I'll stay within distance to assist as needed."
"Understood," Obi-Wan responded for his Padawan and Anakin started following the path charted for their journey, heading in the general direction that Rhys flew off towards.
In total, it was going to be a seven hour trip, and Obi-Wan only hoped it stayed peaceful.
**The Will of the Force**
"You seem nervous, Master," Ferus said and Siri glanced at her Padawan, almost amused at how long it had taken him to finally voice his opinion.
They hadn't been Master and apprentice for long yet. They had been on a fair amount of missions in their time though, and their bond was growing, but he still was hesitant to voice his opinions and broach conversations when he felt he might be out of line or reaching beyond his station. She was hoping that as she continued to answer him, he'd eventually start loosening up.
He was a truly gifted young Jedi and would go far, but where he lacked was in his ability to think outside of the box. He could come off as stuck up and pompous, and unempathetic, all traits she felt she'd had in her youth. These were things she was hoping to help him lose, without him going through major failures to do so.
"This mission does not come from a reliable source," Siri admitted. "In addition, Jedi have not been welcome on Ruusan since the Seventh Battle of Ruusan when Jedi Master Hoth's Army of Light defeated the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness and ended the war, nearly a thousand years ago. Jedi have even been attacked on this planet when they came to verify other possible sources of Ruusan crystals. Lastly, the hyperspace routes to Ruusan are unpredictable, which means if anything goes wrong, getting help could be problematic."
Ferus nodded in understanding as Siri piloted their craft down towards the surface. When the Brotherhood of Darkness had unleashed the Thought Bomb in an effort to destroy the Order, the destruction had destroyed most of the major cities on Ruusan and killed many of the native people and creatures. The survivors had blamed the Jedi Order for not preventing it, even though there was no way they could have. The mass destruction had seemingly destroyed all the reserves of Ruusan Crystals which had been found on the planet, and since mining itself was rather poor on the planet, Ruusan had faded from importance. Over the last thousand years, shifting nebulae had erased many of the hyperspace routes, causing the planet to fade from importance and memory as the Republic focused more inward rather than expanding into shifting space.
A new reserve of crystals would make the planet important for the Jedi Order which in turn could also revitalize other beings returning to Ruusan, bringing it back to the galactic scene.
"If they have found a new source of Ruusan Crystals though, we can't afford to not investigate," Siri said, and then she grinned at her Padawan. "Maybe you'll get a second crystal for your lightsaber."
Ferus shrugged and said, "If the Force wills it," but she could Sense his excitement about the possibility. Her Padawan knew that as a Jedi, he shouldn't be excited by something like that, for getting an extra lightsaber crystal certainly was not needed, but most young Jedi dreamed of the day they'd get their first lightsaber crystal from Ilum, and then after time as a Padawan, most dreamed of a mission that would take them somewhere that they could get a second or third crystal to enhance their blade.
Most Jedi were Knights if not Masters before they were able to obtain a second or third crystal for their lightsabers, so the chance of obtaining one at Ferus's age was almost unheard of and would surely have excited anyone in Ferus's class. Anakin would have been hyped up and ready to scour Ruusan for the chance of a second crystal. Obi-Wan would have been struggling to control his over-exuberant Padawan.
She almost wanted to laugh just at that thought.
"Feeling excitement for something that might happen is not wrong, Ferus," Siri said with a sigh. "As long as you don't focus on possibilities and let them distract you from the mission."
"Yes, Master," Ferus responded with a slow nod. Finally, Ferus grinned. "It would be interesting to study a Ruusan Crystal, since they haven't been seen in nearly a thousand years."
"Only you would think about studying the crystal rather than looking forward to enhancing your saber," Siri muttered fondly.
Ferus grinned sheepishly. "I will look forward to enhancing my blade too, Master," Ferus agreed before hesitantly he asked. "Do you have a second crystal?"
"I do," Siri said with a nod, but didn't expand, hoping he would ask further. It was only a few minutes before she was rewarded.
"How did you get another crystal?" Ferus asked, and she smiled inside.
Every Jedi had their own unique story and circumstance on Ilum for obtaining their first crystal and it was generally the same for secondary and tertiary crystals. Most Jedi got their first crystals on Illum that is, and while stories from Ilum were generally very personal and weren't often shared, the same wasn't always true for secondary or tertiary crystals. It was generally assumed that a good story went with each crystal. Siri though, didn't have to work for her second crystal.
"Master Shan gifted me with a second crystal several years ago," Siri answered to Ferus's surprise. "Throughout his journeys, both now, and before, he has run across crystals on many different planets, or obtained them from various sources. One such crystal that he kept, he felt I could use."
"That is a very generous gift," Ferus said, and Siri nodded.
"Yes, it was a very generous gift from a very good friend," Siri said softly in agreement.
"What type of crystal was it?" Ferus asked.
"He gave me a Jenruax crystal, which makes my lightsaber a bit lighter and swifter in movement, which pairs with my primary Hurrikane crystal quite nicely," Siri answered.
Ferus nodded in interest.
"Do you know how many crystals Master Shan has?" Ferus asked curiously.
"Well, he has three in his blade, and he does have a short saber," Siri answered. "I believe his short saber also has three crystals. I know he has a few others, but I'm not sure on an exact count."
"That's incredible though," Ferus marveled. "That's so many crystals."
Siri chuckled. "Yes, well Kastor is an unorthodox Master to say the least, and he has ventured far and wide in this galaxy, even for a Jedi, which has resulted in him finding crystals in some odd places, which he has collected and either gives to the Order or eventually passes on to other Jedi directly."
"So, he's given away even more crystals?" Ferus clarified in interest, and Siri glanced at him in amusement.
"Did you think he just hoarded them as he found them?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Well, I guess not," Ferus said sheepishly. "You just made it sound like he has a great many in his possession."
"He does, but generally those are ones he gets a feeling in the Force he might need for someone in particular, though I know he has at least one crystal that I believe he keeps for a replacement lightsaber should he ever lose his. With as much undercover work as he does, it's certainly always a possibility," Siri answered, a bit amused at how much Ferus was asking about Kastor.
Like many in the Order, Ferus found Kastor an enigma, and while those permanently or semi-permanently in the Temple were seeing him more often, there was still a lot about him that was so different from how many Jedi were. He could be a maverick, like Qui-Gon Jinn had been, but yet at times he seemed far more dedicated to the Order as an organization than Qui-Gon had ever been.
Siri guided their shuttle down to the landing pad, and started shutting down the ship, checking all the readouts to make sure the ship was still in working order.
"This planet looks to have recovered quite well since the war a thousand years ago," Ferus commented, and Siri nodded.
Indeed, the destruction on Ruusan was clearly a thing of the past and the planet, perhaps due to its lack of importance . . . and even thought on the galactic scene had ensured that it returned to being a planet teeming with plant and animal life. In fact, the native Ruusanians seemed to have cultivated very little of the planet if the ship's readings were to be believed.
Siri and Ferus went to the ramp and exited the ship, finding two humanoid Ruusanians waiting for them.
"Ah, it is good to see you finally made it, Master Jedi," the lead Ruusanian said with an interesting clipped accent. "I hope the trip was well?"
"Indeed it was, Mr. Savos," Siri replied with a short bow to their contact. "We are honored to be on your planet and grateful for your alerting the Order to a new source of Ruusan crystals."
"We may have had problems with the Order in the past, but our government sees a partnership with the Order as a path to bring our planet back into the galaxy's influence," Savos responded. "We are hoping this will at the minimum create trade agreements to help our global economy."
"Our Order hopes the same," Siri responded.
"The crystals are located several hours journey by speeder from here," Savos said. "I have a transport prepared. Once we get to the mountains, we'll have a couple hour hike to get to the actual caves where the crystals were found. I have packs and a speeder already prepared, and a team ready to go when you are, Master Jedi."
"We appreciate your efficiency," Siri responded. "We can leave immediately."
Savos nodded, and turned away, so Siri and Ferus started following him away from the landing pad and through a nice garden that turned into a courtyard for the government compound that they had landed at.
They quickly made it through the compound where they found a troop transport that made Siri start to feel a bit concerned. Around the transport were thirty armed Ruusanian soldiers. She didn't outwardly show her concern, but she knew Ferus felt it through their bond, and she could also feel his worry in return.
"Does checking a mine require this many soldiers, Savos?" Siri asked.
"It's more for our safety, rather than yours, Master Jedi," Savos responded. "Most of these soldiers will remain with the speeder and guard it from the dangerous wildlife found in the region. The rest will set up camp outside of the caves while we make the remainder of the journey to where the crystal deposit is."
"Is wildlife an issue?" Ferus asked.
"It can be," Savos responded. "The area we'll be in is home to Ganjuko packs, Koriena packs, and occasionally, unfortunate travelers will run into rathtars. That doesn't include the reports of some spined creature that survivors call a mauler."
Ferus and Siri nodded, and through their bond, they could both feel the other's interest, both wondering if the soldiers truly were a safety measure. Savos quickly got the soldiers into the transport and Siri and Ferus joined them, Siri hoping they were ready for what was to come.
**The Will of the Force**
"Shadow Hawk, bank right and we'll take care of those two on your tail," Anakin said through the comms to Rhys, who was pursuing two, with two on his tail.
"Negative, Ebon Hawk," Rhys's voice responded. "I've got these four. Stay on course."
"Rhys will be just fine," Kastor's voice said through the internal comms. "Our job is to get to Artesia."
"He's doing his job, we need to do ours," Obi-Wan affirmed Kastor and Rhys's words. "We need to try and outrun that cruiser."
Anakin frowned, but nodded tersely, unhappy.
Anakin took the Ebon Hawk into a sharp spin, dodging the blasts coming from two of the starfighters on their tail. The attack force had come about halfway through their journey. The enemy group included two light freighters, a dozen starfighters, and one light cruiser, a bigger group than they'd expected.
Rhys had taken out two of the starfighters during their approach and then engaged one of the freighters, dragging three other starfighters into the dogfight. The two guards that were in the gunner positions weren't nearly as accurate as Anakin, Obi-Wan, or Kastor would like, but they had at least taken out another two starfighters, however if Anakin wasn't such a crack pilot, the Ebon Hawk would have been in trouble due to the volley of shots coming from the cruiser, the other freighter, and seven other fighters.
"We should stand and fight," Lo Mai said angrily, making his way into the cockpit, four of his guards with him.
"Prime Minister, please take your seat and let us do our job," Obi-Wan responded sharply. "Our job is to protect you, not battle mercenaries when we have a ship capable of outrunning them."
"They'll just follow us, and then we might have to deal with them on Artesia where they will likely have the aid of the vile Artesians," Lo Mai argued. "Stand and fight!"
"Master, I agree with the Prime Minister," Anakin said. "Besides, we might be able to outrun them, but it's unlikely that Rhys will be able to."
"Rhys will get himself out after we escape," Obi-Wan responded.
"That's if he survives!" Anakin protested. "We should fight them while we can!"
Obi-Wan sighed, knowing that he was unlikely to convince Anakin, especially if the one they were protecting was advocating to do what Anakin wanted. An order might do it, but did he really want Anakin choosing to deliberately ignore him?
"Anakin, I'm going to give us an edge," Kastor called from back in the hold. "Find the opening and strike."
Obi-Wan nodded at Anakin, resigning himself to their course, knowing he would have a talk with Anakin after this.
Anakin banked the Ebon Hawk, while the gunners continued firing, taking out another starfighter. Obi-Wan controlled the forward blasters, firing on the light freighter that was attempting to engage them, while Anakin skillfully dodged the blaster fire coming from the freighter, the cruiser, and several starfighters.
Obi-Wan knew what Kastor was doing, but he felt his Padawan's awe when Kastor's Battle Meditation started to take hold, and Anakin's piloting became even more crisp and precise, showing the type of skill that Obi-Wan had only seen in some of the best pilots in the Order, like Clee Rhara, Garen Muln, and Saesee Tiien.
The two gunners started firing more accurately, and the enemy starfighters started making mistakes, which allowed two more starfighters to be destroyed by the gunners and a third to be wiped out when the cruiser's stray fire missed the Ebon Hawk and hit the starfighter.
Obi-Wan saw on the scanners that Rhys had used the Battle Meditation boost to finish off the light freighter he'd engaged, and was now in a lopsided dogfight against three of the four remaining starfighters.
Anakin flew towards the light cruiser, evading the spray of fire, while Obi-Wan fired the forward guns, and when he saw the opening, he used Kastor's proton torpedoes, firing them into the bridge of the ship, causing the ship to start capsizing and exploding as a chain reaction destroyed the rest of the ship.
Obi-Wan looked at the sensors to see that the remaining light freighter and the now three remaining starfighters started flying away, breaking contact and fleeing the battle space.
"They're bugging out," Rhys said. "Resuming escort position."
"Incredible," Lo Mai muttered, looking at Anakin in awe. "I'd heard how impressive Jedi could be, but . . ."
He shook his head as he broke off.
"Please return to your seat, Prime Minister," Obi-Wan said. "The remainder of the journey should be calm."
Lo Mai nodded, and he and his guards returned to the main hold as Kastor came to the cockpit. Obi-Wan was slightly surprised when he felt Kastor put up a Force Barrier sealing off the cockpit from the main hold.
"Anakin, you need to have more faith in your comrades," Kastor scolded, causing Anakin to glance down. "Rhys has faced far worse odds, and he is one of the best pilots I have ever seen. Fighting defensively as he was, he would have been able to evade and either hyperspeed jump away, or use his sublight speed engines to catch up to us. His ship is built for that unlike most single man starfighters. Even if he was in danger, it would be up to him to request our aid. There was no reason to engage those mercenaries to that extent, and due to your verbal agreement with Prime Minister Lo Mai, we were forced to inflict death to a larger degree than warranted."
Anakin flushed, and Obi-Wan could feel the irritation, anger, embarrassment, and shame all warring within him.
"Anakin, you put Master Shan and I in an uncomfortable position by openly disagreeing with our mandate and with our instructions. You effectively gave us no choice but to agree and thus engage the mercenaries, which resulted in a great many deaths," Obi-Wan said sternly. "I understand your reasoning, and your feelings do you credit, but Master Shan was right in that you need to have more faith in your allies, and more restraint."
Obi-Wan felt his Padawan take their rebukes, and he took a moment before he took a breath and responded, "Yes, Masters. I understand and will do better."
Kastor and Obi-Wan nodded. Kastor dropped the barrier and went back to the main hold to watch over the Prime Minister.
**The Will of the Force**
Siri started pulling out of her meditative trance as she felt the transport start slowing down. She glanced at Ferus and saw him nod, confirming that they'd arrived to where they would continue on foot from.
The transport came to a complete stop and Siri and Ferus got off along with the soldiers that Savos had brought with them. The area was heavily forested with mountains all around in the distance. Siri and Ferus assisted the soldiers as they set up a temporary hold from which to defend the transport while also providing shelters for the guards.
"The caves are a few hours journey northwest," Savos explained. "From here, you can see where the mountains come together, creating a dead end in that direction. That is where the cave is. If we leave now, we should make it there by mid afternoon."
"Then let us be off," Siri said simply, and Savos nodded with a smile, though she still felt a sense of unease when she looked at him. The Force was urging her to be cautious, but it hadn't revealed the source of danger that was certainly coming.
Most of the journey ended up being quite peaceful. The planet really had recovered since the Jedi-Sith war a thousand years earlier. Siri knew that if she went near where the fallen Jedi had been placed or where the Brotherhood of Darkness had used the Thought Bomb, then she'd feel the sorrow and destruction, but the rest of the world had recovered for the most part.
The woods gave off a feeling of healthy wildlife, and she and Ferus both enjoyed hearing the birds and other small animals that made up the harmless part of the forest. The only confrontation they had was with a koriena pack, which Ferus and Siri were able to calm and send on their way using the Force.
Finally though, they reached their destination. Siri felt it before she saw it. She could feel warning in the Force, the feeling that something dark was nearby, that danger was close, and yet she could also sense something light, something that helped focus the Force. She figured the light was the crystals that must actually be in the cave, but what the dark was, and what the warnings were about, Siri was unsure.
Siri found a small clearing outside the cave. It was a little too open if one was trying to stay hidden, but it was perfect for setting up a small camp and would be nice for comfort and was open enough for mining equipment to eventually be brought into it for the crystals, without having to destroy much, if any, of the forest. The real issue Siri had with it was that it was large enough to easily have landed a starship or two, which begged the question: why did they use speeders and then walk the rest of the way on foot?
Like they had done back at the transport, Siri and Ferus helped the soldiers set up a small makeshift defensive and sleeping area in the clearing. As she noticed Ferus finishing up on the far side of the clearing, she approached the cavern.
She closed her eyes, reaching out with the Force, and feeling apprehension at the prevalent dark feeling that was coming from the cave. There was something in there, something that they would have to face if they wanted the crystals, but Siri knew to be cautious. There were any number of dark creatures that could have been feeding off of dark energy or even producing said dark energy, and now that the Sith had once again shown themselves in the galaxy, she had to be wary about possibly having found a place they might have hidden. Ruusan was a historical planet for both the Sith and Jedi after all, and with it being nearly ignored for the last several hundred years, it could have been a very good place for the Sith to hide.
She started coming out of her light Force trance when she felt the Force give her a sharp warning, and she spun around igniting her lightsaber just in time to block several stun shots from several of Savos's soldiers. Across the clearing, she could see that Ferus had just managed to get his guard up in time as well, but more and more of the soldiers started opening fire on the two Jedi, attempting to stun Siri, but going for the kill against Ferus.
Siri dodged and blocked more and more blasts, but with her back against the cavern, and ten spread out soldiers attempting to stun her, the odds were not in her favor.
"Ferus, run!" Siri ordered, and she felt fear and worry spring up in their bond, but she slightly relaxed when she saw him drop two soldiers and then turn and run into the forest.
Siri blocked another volley using the Force to hurl two of her opponents back, but now that Ferus had left, she was dealing with fourteen soldiers instead of ten or eight, and their stun blasts couldn't be reflected back at them to help her even the odds.
"Surrender, Jedi!" Savos spat, coming up the center. "No harm will come to you, if you come quietly."
Siri could feel a partial truth to that statement. They needed her alive for something, but she suspected eventually, her use would run out. Sir kept her blade at the ready and reached into her belt, pulling out a transmitter. She quickly started up the distress beacon, but that's when she noticed the pleased expression on Savos's face, and realized he'd wanted her to call for aid.
The soldiers all started firing on her again, and while she fought extremely well, she finally took several stun blasts to her torso and dropped, her vision fading as she saw Savos's boots approach.
**The Will of the Force**
Ferus ran through the woods, and then used the Force to propel him up into the high trees where he could hide, but also, from which he might be able to spy on their attackers. Ferus was cursing himself from being so far separated from his Master. If they had been together, they might have been able to fight off the soldiers. He felt her fall unconscious, but he at least took solace in that she was still alive.
He shrouded himself with the Force, slightly helping to conceal himself, though he didn't nearly have the proficiency of his Master, and then he waited as he heard soldiers approaching.
He glanced down, seeing nine soldiers fanning out, scanning for where he might have gone, even some looking up into the trees, but none of them had spotted him yet.
"Did you find the Jedi welp?" Savos's voice said, and Ferus saw him come from the direction of the clearing.
"No, sir," one of the soldiers responded. "He seems to have gotten away."
Savos growled, "Well, one Padawan will hardly be a problem. He'll be coming soon to talk to the Jedi, and then set up the preparations for the next part. We'll have to alert him to the Padawan's escape," Savos said with a slight shiver.
'Whoever they were working for frightened them,' Ferus noted, 'but who hired them? Why? What was the next part?'
Ferus didn't know, but he did know that he needed help if he was going to have any shot of saving Siri. He'd already seen that she'd activated the distress beacon, so he could only hope that another team wasn't too far away, and more importantly that they would be enough to assist.