AN: I hope everyone has had a great week and that you are ready for another chapter. Let me know what you think! As always, thanks for all of your support.
Chapter 52 - Reunions
"Stay on them!" Kastor ordered, taking the Ebon Hawk through its paces as they pursued the two Sith Fury-Class Interceptor-transports.
Jedi reinforcements were still being mobilized, but Asuna had deployed both squadrons to work alongside the Chandrilan Defense Force to scour for the transports that had brought the Sith to the planet, but unfortunately the Sith had prepared for that and took the sky almost immediately after the fighters, bombers, and transports had spread out to start working search patterns.
Kastor had seen his past flash before his eyes when two Sith transports flew into the sky. They looked pristine. Fury-Class Interceptors, just like Malgus and the Sith Empire had favored back during both wars. He wasn't sure whether they had been restored from whatever hell-hole that Malgus had been revived from or if Omega or someone else had simply custom ordered them for the Sith Lords, but like the Ebon Hawk, they had clearly been upgraded into the modern era with engines, armor, and shields . . . which wasn't great since they had already been fast in their original era.
The Chandrilans were flying Tikiar starfighters, which while a formidable starfighter, didn't have the speed to keep up with the interceptors. Unfortunately, Kastor's own squadrons were also falling behind, with the N-2 bombers having too much weight and the Fangs and Komr'ks not having the power in their engines. The only three having any luck were Rhys's N-1, Vana's Mantis, and the Ebon Hawk, but even that was largely to do with Scrappy rerouting a lot of power to the engines.
"Come on," Kastor muttered to his favorite ship. "A little bit more."
Kastor was pulling up on where Rhys and Vana were already firing on the two interceptors, with one of them serving to shield the lead ship, but even with superb pilots like Rhys and Vana, the Force was with their enemy and more shots were missing then being absorbed or reflected by the rear ship's deflectors . . . and they were already starting to leave the upper atmosphere. They'd be able to make a jump to safety in a matter of moments.
"We're receiving a communication on the open frequency," Adi said grimly, and she put it through.
"You may have taken your small victory today, Jedi," Malgus's gravelly voice came through the speaker, "but mark my words, you will come to regret this day before your time finally comes."
Malgus laughed.
"The Republic will fall and the Jedi won't be able to stop us this time. You Jedi don't even have the political weight to go to war with us yourselves. Ha, ha, ha! To see the Jedi so weak, so bent to the will of the corrupt Republic! Makes all the sacrifice worth it."
Kastor, Rhys, and Vana all unloaded everything they had and several bursts finally managed to get through and the rear interceptor's engine caught fire and it started a suicide spin before it went up in a ball of flame.
"Not good enough, Shan," Malgus taunted. "You never were."
The last interceptor made the jump and Kastor felt Malgus and Nox both fade away as the Sith presence left Chandrila.
"Karabast," Kastor swore angrily, and he could feel the disappointment even in Adi, which was rare from her. "All wings, return to the Darasuum."
He got acknowledgements all around and he turned his ship around and flew to where the Darasuum had been working on an intercept path. Once he approached, he brought the ship in and latched to the normal spot, at the bottom of the Darasuum.
He and Adi wearily made their way back to the cargo hold where the surviving members of their team were gathered around the casket. The four surviving Jedi (Kastor, Akial, Adi, and Talon) all lifted the casket with the Force and then carefully moved the casket onto the Darasuum, in the main hangar.
Taria, Fay, Rhys, and Asuna were already waiting for them and they eyed the casket with a mixture of interest and wariness.
"Keria is leading a crew that is working to recover all of the fallen," Asuna said. "She's already in contact with Sergeant Geran, who has taken a backseat to the new Chandrilan squad that responded.
"That's good," Kastor said with a tired nod. "We need to get a hold of the Council. It's time to alert the Senate to the return of the Sith and possibly the return of the Sith Empire. Malgus taunted us about not having the political weight to go to war with them ourselves, which tells me that they won't be in the shadows much longer. I don't think they'll go to war with the Republic . . . not yet . . . but they'll reclaim many of their abandoned worlds and reestablish their government to open trade. He knows that without the Senate's approval, we won't be able to openly combat them."
"It'll be another Cold War," Taria said grimly, and Kastor nodded in agreement.
"What do you want to do about this?" Fay asked, looking at the casket curiously. "I don't sense a dark presence inside, but it was clearly sealed shut so that whoever was inside cannot escape on their own."
"Everything I know about these oubliettes is theoretical," Kastor said, looking at the casket pensively. "I don't know what the person in there might be like once they come out. I don't know if they might experience some form of hibernation sickness or if they are fully aware of everything going on. I don't want to take any risks, however. A powerful Force user, dark or light, could cause great destruction if they lashed out and we couldn't contain them. I think we should hold off until we have more Jedi."
"Then, we should talk to the Council and see whether they want us to return to the Temple, or whether the reserve team is already on its way," Adi said.
"I'll put a guard on this thing and if it changes in any way, they will let us know," Asuna said, and the Jedi all nodded in agreement.
With that decided, they all made their way through the ship and to the command bridge where they found Des already managing to get ahold of Mace.
"Master Windu," Kastor greeted with a bow.
"Master Shan," Mace replied tersely. "Is the situation on Chandrila settled?"
"For now," Adi said. "The Sith managed to escape the system and we would prefer to have more Jedi when we open the oubliette. How long before another team of Jedi makes it to us?"
Mace sighed.
"It could be a while, if you are determined to wait for a team to get to you," Mace said. "The situation on Romin has become dire and I have embarked with the reserve team to assist Knight Kenobi and Knight Tachi with the stabilization of the planet."
Adi and Kastor exchanged confused glances.
"What happened, Mace?" Kastor said. "Last I checked, they were undercover on that planet, trying to extract Zan Arbor."
"So they were," Mace said, not sounding happy. "However, events occurred that brought Obi-Wan and Siri to the decision to back the resistance movement on Romin. A coup was staged and Roy Teda has been deposed."
Adi and Kastor exchanged startled glances.
"The resistance promised a bloodless revolt, with their plan involving disabling Teda's droids and security systems, but of course it did not go as promised."
"It never does," Fay said sadly.
"The situation has become dire. The resistance overwhelmed the army that fought, taking the city, but looting and violence continued after the resistance had won. The citizens of Romin had been oppressed for too long and they started executing many of the citizens that had profited from Teda that they encountered in the city and looted and burned much of the infrastructure."
Mace looked grim.
"Obi-Wan, Siri, Anakin, and Ferus have been gathering the wounded and preventing violence where they could, turning their villa into a shelter for anyone who needs it. The fighting has mostly stopped, however Teda escaped along with Zan Arbor and is still at large. Joylin, the leader of the resistance, has threatened to start executing Teda's senior government officials if Teda does not give himself up. We are en route to Romin to provide backup to Obi-Wan and Siri and to help bring some stability to the situation and of course, we must stop the violence and prevent the execution of prisoners."
Kastor looked at Asuna, who nodded firmly.
"Mace, we'll have the fleet on its way to Romin as soon as possible. We can assist with your efforts and then we'll have Obi-Wan, Siri, Anakin, Ferus, and your team to help contain whoever is in the oubliette."
"That would be appreciated," Mace said with a nod. "A very large portion of Teda's army is unaccounted for, and of course the capture of Zan Arbor is of the utmost importance, especially now that Obi-Wan has uncovered that she is working with Granta Omega."
The Jedi on the Darasuum all exchanged surprised glances, and Rhys's frown grew. The Mandalorians cursed under their breath, rather tired of the Sithspawn that kept managing to elude them.
"We'll see you soon. May the Force be with you, Master Windu," Kastor said, getting the farewell returned before they ended the communication.
"Get some rest," Kastor said to his team. "It seems like the action isn't over yet."
**The Will of the Force**
Obi-Wan and Siri made their way down the deserted streets towards Teda's palace. They were both happily dressed in Jedi robes, ready to talk to Joylin as members of the Order rather than as their covers. They'd left Ferus and Anakin in charge of the villa and the people that had taken refuge there.
"It's not that I'm surprised at what has happened," Obi-Wan told Siri. "It's just that I had hoped for better."
"It is always better to prepare for the worst," Siri said. "I'm glad we talked to Mace about it before it happened though."
"I can't imagine he'll be in the best of moods when he gets here," Obi-Wan agreed. "He wasn't happy about this plan from the beginning."
"Neither was Ferus," Siri said. "He was right about the revolt. It got out of control too easily. He thinks if we hadn't helped, maybe they would have postponed the revolt. Maybe Teda would have fallen without being pushed. I'm not sure I agree. I think this would have happened regardless of our intervention, and it probably would have been worse, but it doesn't make it easier. I can't help that little voice in my head that wonders . . . what if he was right?"
"If he was right, then we were wrong," Obi-Wan said. "That's all. Do you think the Jedi are always right?"
Siri sighed. "Sometimes you sound so much like Qui-Gon."
"After all these years, finally a compliment," Obi-Wan said, and felt satisfaction when he saw Siri's expression lighten and her lips twitch towards a smile. It had been a rough night for all of them.
"Don't let it go to your head," she said teasingly.
Joylin must have been waiting for them, because his security guards let them through without a problem. A tall guard led them to Teda's inner office. On the way, they saw resistance members wandering about the palace, staring at the fine things. Many had pulled colorful cloaks and tunics over their own threadbare attire. Obviously, they had raided the palace closets. The remnants of the grand party still lay about, food half-eaten on plates, musical instruments abandoned, drinks spilled. There was a strange energy here. The people seemed dazed rather than energized.
Obi-Wan and Siri walked into the office. Joylin had cleared out most of the fine furniture and rolled up the rug. Along with an assistant, he was methodically going through Teda's datafiles.
"I have enough here to convict him on state crimes ten times over, and I've only just begun an hour ago," Joylin said. In person, Obi-Wan could see both fatigue and triumph on his face. Joylin didn't look at them, but spoke as he flipped through files. "I suppose you heard about Zan Arbor. She escaped with Teda. Believe me, we tried to trail them. I don't know yet how they got away. Or where they are. Her ship was destroyed when the rioters hit the landing platform. Don't worry — I was able to stop them before they destroyed your ship. I even had it refueled for you."
Joylin looked up at last.
"I did what I could. I assume you came for the last half of your payment."
"We don't care about the payment," Obi-Wan said. "We'll give you back what you paid us already. Put it toward restoring the hospital."
For the first time, Joylin seemed to notice the difference in their appearance.
"Who are you?" he asked. His eyes narrowed.
"We are Jedi," Obi-Wan said. "We have the authority of the Senate."
"We've come about the executions you plan," Siri said. "You cannot do this without giving them fair trials."
Joylin's skin seemed to tighten over his bones. "I am the leader of Romin. I can do anything I want."
"That tone is familiar, even if it isn't the same face," Obi-Wan said. "Recognize it, Joylin?"
"I am not Teda," Joylin said. He shook his head at them. "How dare you?" he continued softly. "You arrived on my world two days ago. You've seen nothing. You know nothing. You have not seen the prisons, filled to overflowing with those who Teda felt threatened by, filled with those who displeased him. You have not seen even one corner of the misery he has caused."
"This does not justify murder, and executing them without giving them a fair trial is murder," Siri said. "You cannot be judge, jury, and executioner for these people. That goes against galactic law."
"They are all murderers!" Joylin exclaimed. "Don't you understand? If Teda is allowed to go free, we will never be safe. Our movement will collapse. We don't know how many of the army deserted or how many went with him. If I don't do this, we could lose control of the government!"
"Delay," Obi-Wan said. "The Jedi can help you. More are arriving."
"I did not call for the Jedi."
"I did," Obi-Wan said. "The Senate has approved."
Joylin stood. "This is my world," he said, his voice steely. "I have worked and sacrificed for twenty years to stand here. I will not risk the collapse of a government by the people."
"Excuse me," Obi-Wan replied. "From where we are standing, it appears that you are the government. You know Teda will not turn himself in for his people. He does not nor has he ever cared about his people and you know this. You are just using it as an excuse to execute those who were against you instead of putting them on trial. If they are found guilty of crimes worth death, then so be it, but you cannot deprive them their due process in accordance with galactic law."
Joylin planted his fists on the desk and leaned forward. His face was composed, but his eyes shone bright and hostile.
"Your interference is unwelcome. I have nothing more to say. Go, or I'll have you thrown out."
Obi-Wan and Siri were perfectly aware that no one in the palace had the power to throw them out. Yet a battle now would do no good. He and Siri turned and walked out.
On the way back to the villa, they talked over what to do next. With the meeting with Joylin having gone poorly, they had to prepare for him to demand they leave or possibly even attempt to force them to depart from Romin. Of course, they didn't have to leave, but it would make things far more difficult.
"I think our best bet is to find Teda," Obi-Wan said. "If Zan Arbor is with him, it will solve two of our problems."
"Agreed," Siri said, "and with our ship intact, he might even approach us to find himself transportation off planet."
They walked past the gates of the villa. Ferus hurried toward them.
"We just received a message," he said. "It's from Teda and Zan Arbor. They request a meeting with the Slams. It seems that our cover is still good, for now."
"Perfect," Obi-Wan said. "Let's not keep them waiting."
Teda and Zan Arbor were at a safe house well outside the city. They borrowed an airspeeder from one of the refugees they'd taken in, but the forest was so dense that they were soon on foot to make it to the prearranged coordinates. Once there, they found themselves meeting General Yubicon, Teda's chief of staff.
"It's just a quarter kilometer this way," he said.
They came to a small clearing. The house in front of them was made of prefabricated plasteel materials so it could be dismantled and moved quickly. It explained how he'd avoided capture. His safe house was constantly moving.
The Jedi took note of the guards encircling the house, and all could sense even more positioned in the woods. Joylin was right to fear that Teda had retained at least some portion of his army.
The house was tiny compared to the palace, but it was not rustic. It was furnished sparsely but lavishly, with plush seating and thick rugs. The rooms flowed into each other, forming a square around a central courtyard that was open to the sky. They were led to the courtyard, where they found Teda and Zan Arbor waiting for them.
Teda seemed a bit shaken, but Zan Arbor was composed. Not a hair of her perfect coiffure was out of place. Obi-Wan and Siri moved forward, hoping to keep the focus on them, since Zan Arbor could possibly identify Anakin, even if he was wearing a mask. It helped that the former dictator and the immoral scientist were focused on them.
Obi-Wan admired Siri, as she once again, wearing Valadon's more revealing robes, smiled seductively at Teda, despite her dislike of the man, and maneuvered herself as she turned so that her skirt flared out and she coyly settled into a chair, crossing her legs. Teda couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Obi-Wan put on his own friendly smile and sat down, flourishing his cloak slightly, as he felt Slam would do.
"Thank you for coming," Teda said. "Of course you realize that this so-called revolt of the people is a temporary situation only. It will all go away, I assure you."
'Not likely,' Siri said into Obi-Wan's mind.
"But that is not why you are here," Zan Arbor said, obviously bored by the subject of the revolt. "You came to me yesterday and offered me a chance to join you in an enterprise. Unfortunately, I had to refuse you. Now I ask for the chance to tempt you instead."
Obi-Wan tilted his head. "I'll try to forgive you for refusing me. Please continue."
Siri gave Teda a glance through her eyelashes. "I love to be tempted."
Zan Arbor looked annoyed at Siri's flirtatiousness. "Teda and I have been working together on a certain enterprise—"
"Excuse me," Teda said. "But I haven't lost my title, you know."
Out of Teda's sight line, Zan Arbor rolled her eyes. "Great Leader Teda and I are partners together in an enterprise. Because of the sudden, surprising nature of the revolt, even though there was enough warning if you were clever enough to catch it, and the complete inability of Romin's supposedly great army to retaliate —"
Obi-Wan could feel the interest coming from Siri, Anakin, and even Ferus. It was clear that Zan Arbor had no issues taunting Teda to his face, and he wasn't doing anything about it. Had this always been this way, or did the revolt change their power dynamic?
"—we find ourselves in a situation in which we are in need of your help. Thus we are able to offer you a chance to join us. In short, we need false text docs, very complete, which I understand is your specialty."
"That would not be a problem," Obi-Wan said. "We just need access to our ship and our files. Our ship has survived the revolt, I'm happy to say."
"Mine did not," Zan Arbor said, flicking an angry gaze at Teda. "It was a Luxe Flightwing. Completely destroyed."
"Ah. So you are stranded on Romin." Obi-Wan clucked his tongue. "How unfortunate."
"Naturally, we will pay you your normal fee," Teda said.
"Or a little more," Obi-Wan said with a grin. "Considering the circumstances."
Zan Arbor nodded, an acceptance of Obi-Wan's point. "We also need your heist skills for a particular job. Or rather, this is not just a job. It's an opportunity to change your lives. The scope of it means that if we are successful, you can retire and live very well for the rest of your lives."
"We already live well," Siri pointed out.
"You will live better," Zan Arbor snapped.
"And you will not be a fugitive," Teda said in a voice like honey. "You will have plenty of systems to choose from to live in." He winked at Siri. "Just tell me where you choose, so I can visit."
"In other words, you are in the right place at the right time, for once," Zan Arbor said. "You have a chance to change your destiny as small-time crooks."
"Jenna, Jenna," Teda chided. "You are talking about the Slams. They are brilliant masterminds."
Zan Arbor waved a hand. "I mean no disrespect. I speak the truth. I am offering them something they would never be able to contemplate by themselves. Slam, even though you lie for a living, you should respect that I won't lie to you. Now, where is your ship?"
"It's at the main landing platform. Fueled and ready."
"Good. So, are you in?"
"Whoa, let's pull back on the throttle a bit. I haven't heard enough yet," Obi-Wan said.
This was their chance to hopefully figure out what Zan Arbor was working on with Omega.
"We're intrigued," Siri chimed in. "We need a few more details. What is the nature of the job?"
"You don't need to know that yet," Zan Arbor said.
"Are you well financed?" Obi-Wan asked.
"That is not a problem," Zan Arbor assured him.
"Do you have other partners?" Obi-Wan asked.
"One other," Zan Arbor said reluctantly.
Siri fixed her blue gaze on Teda. "I hope that this partner's stature is as great as yours. Though I can't imagine it."
"It is," Teda boasted, before Zan Arbor could stop him. "He is the most powerful business power in the galaxy. He—"
"That is enough," Zan Arbor interrupted.
It didn't matter. That was basically a confirmation that it was Granta Omega.
Zan Arbor turned to Obi-Wan. "Now, our first step is to get off-planet. We must get to your vehicle."
"Have you heard Joylin's ultimatum?" Obi-Wan asked Teda. "He is threatening to execute your loyal officers. Hansel is the first."
"I heard. Oh, poor Hansel. I feel so very badly for him," Teda said with a sigh. He rubbed his hands together. "Now, are you sure you have enough fuel? We are traveling to the Core, to Coruscant."
'As expected,' Siri muttered scornfully in his mind. 'No hesitation.'
'He cares nothing for his subjects,' Obi-Wan agreed sadly.
"Coruscant?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Teda, be quiet," Zan Arbor snapped, her voice hard. "Who is your text doc expert?" she asked Obi-Wan.
"Waldo," Obi-Wan said, indicating Anakin.
Zan Arbor turned. The sun came out from behind a cloud, and all four Jedi felt the Force surge with a warning.
"I know you," she said.
"I don't believe so," Anakin replied, a bit uneasily.
"We have crossed paths."
"Perhaps," Obi-Wan said, trying to get the focus off of Anakin. "We've traveled widely."
"Joylin has closed down the spaceport, but we have received permission to leave," Siri interrupted. "However, we must do it within the hour. Can you be ready?"
"I am ready now," Zan Arbor said.
Her attention slid away from Anakin, and they all felt some relief.
"Then let us go," Obi-Wan said.
There was a commotion outside. Teda leaped to his feet, a blaster in his hand. The Jedi turned. The real Slam and the rest of his gang burst into the courtyard. Slam pointed a finger at Obi-Wan.
"Impostors!" he cried.
"Karabast," Siri muttered, using one of Kastor's favorite curses.
Teda looked alarmed, but Zan Arbor suddenly smiled, as if she had just figured something out. She turned back to Anakin.
"Jedi," she said. "Now I remember."
Now Teda looked panicky. "Jedi?"
She rose and drew closer to Anakin, ignoring the Slams and the other Jedi. "Good disguise. But it isn't your face that beings remember. It's your manner. Your power. The way you move. I remembered you after our visit together on Vanqor. I asked about you. Teda, don't you admire me for recognizing that this scruffy prisoner, one among so many, was different? You're Anakin Skywalker."
Obi-Wan and Siri both felt some concern that Zan Arbor not only knew who Anakin was, but that she could recognize him so clearly. She gazed at him with a hungry expression, and Obi-Wan felt his Padawan's unease.
"I have studied the Force for so long," she murmured. "Never did I expect such a prize."
"I'm not your prize," he spat out.
"Well, you're my prisoner, and that's the same thing. Do you know how many guards are surrounding you right now?"
Obi-Wan shot Anakin a look. The four Jedi all knew that they could fight and escape, but the stakes were too high. It was better to wait for the right moment.
"We can take them to the prison and have them executed on the spot," Teda said.
"Don't be so hasty," Zan Arbor said.
"Look, you don't have to kill them," Slam said, looking uneasy now. "Just tell them to stop impersonating us."
Valadon, as tall as Siri and as blond, shot her an icy look. "And give us our clothes back."
Zan Arbor had not taken her eyes off Anakin. "Do you know what we have here, Teda?"
"Yes," he moaned. "A big headache."
"Leverage. Remember our discussion before? If we bring a great prize to our partner, he will look at us differently. We can negotiate a different split."
'So, Omega, Teda, and Zan Arbor were not necessarily equal, or at least it didn't seem that way.'
"What are you talking about, Jenna?" Teda asked impatiently. "Prizes? Leverage? Please remember I am a ruling ruler who was just kicked out of his palace. I'm not in the best of moods!"
"The Chosen One," Zan Arbor said softly to Anakin, and all four Jedi felt their concern rise further. "I was told about you. My interest in the Force is deep. Enough to know how your destiny is your burden. Do you remember the Zone of Self-Containment? I can bring that back to you."
Obi-Wan felt his Padawan's turmoil. The temptation was there, but there was also determination.
"Ah," she said softly, "speaking of temptation…"
Anakin pulled off the mask.
"I'm not tempted by you," he responded.
"I saw how you enjoyed it," she said. "I can make all your burdens disappear."
"My only burden at the moment is having to talk to you," Anakin shot back.
She smiled. Her smile was lush, appreciative, and inviting.
"You remind me of someone I knew a long time ago," she said.
"Qui-Gon Jinn," Obi-Wan said.
Zan Arbor whirled around. She walked closer to Obi-Wan. "Do I know you?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi."
She laughed in delight. "Obi-Wan! But you were just a boy! You've grown up well," she said, appraising him. "I heard Qui-Gon died on Naboo. And Yaddle has recently 'joined the Force,' hasn't she — a Jedi Council member? It makes you think, doesn't it?" She shook her head. "What is happening to the Jedi? Their strength diminishing, their best leaders struck down. And yet they don't see that they are declining. Such a pity to watch. Yet, so intriguing to study."
Obi-Wan saw Siri's eyes flash.
"Jenna, we need to plan a plan," Teda said irritably.
"Oh, Roy, relax," Zan Arbor said. She waved at the tea table, indicating the Slams. "Slam, Valadon, have some refreshment. We need to talk. You are going to transport us off the planet — don't worry, we know where your transport is — and we have a proposition for you that the Jedi have already accepted on your behalf."
Easygoing as Obi-Wan assumed he always was, Slam pulled a chair up to the table and poured himself some tea. "This is sounding more promising. How happy I am that your messengers found me."
"Meanwhile," Zan Arbor said, "Teda, call the rest of your guards, and I mean all of them. I want General Yubicon in charge."
"But he's my personal bodyguard now!"
"Oh, don't be such a baby. I am tired of your whining." She turned to the Jedi. "They have superior weaponry, I assure you. If you don't want anyone else harmed, you'll do best to comply."
She gave a pointed look at the Slams. It was clear she would sacrifice them if the Jedi did not cooperate. The guards moved closer, and after a quick word through Teda's comlink, more had arrived, several on swoops, hovering above the courtyard. All of them had their rifles pointed at them and the Slam gang.
"Your lightsabers," Zan Arbor said. "Give them to General Yubicon."
Obi-Wan slipped his and Siri's lightsabers out of his belt and handed them over. He intended to have them back shortly.
"Put the lightsabers in the prison vault," Zan Arbor ordered the general. "I'll want to study them. Put the prisoners in the holding cell for now and have them guarded severely. We'll pick them up as soon as we finish here." She leveled her icy gaze on General Yubicon. "Don't let them out of your sight, don't listen to them, and don't make any mistakes. Go."
General Yubicon's eyes flickered as he stuffed the lightsabers into a satchel that he slung on his back. It was easy to see that he didn't like taking orders from Zan Arbor, but when Teda didn't say anything, it was clear as a Naboo sky that Zan Arbor had the power and was truly in charge.
Slam cocked his head at them. "Sorry. I didn't mean for it to go quite this far, but all's fair."
"That's very true," Obi-Wan said. "If you join up with these two, you'll get what you deserve."
The Jedi were roughly herded out of the house and pushed along a rutted road that ran through woods with branches so thick with dark green leaves that they blotted out the sun completely. The Jedi waited patiently for the right moment, and listened to Yubicon and the other officers complain.
"…thought we had a strong leader, but he is just as much a sham as they say he is. Am I supposed to pledge my loyalty now to Great Leader Zan Arbor?" one officer muttered.
"What can you do?" another officer asked in disgust. "One day we're living in a palace in Romin, the next in the middle of a swamp. It's enough to make me join the resistance."
"And what would the resistance do to you if they found you?" the first officer said. "Look what they're doing to poor Hansel. Listen, we're safer with Teda. Or at least I thought so. Now I suspect that Zan Arbor is planning to take off with him and without us. Teda said he would take his first officers, but will she let him? They're planning something big. Teda said they will have the Senate to do their bidding."
The four Jedi exchanged glances at that.
"Here we are," the other officer said. "Mind yourself. The prisoners know something is up, somehow. They're restless. Not to mention starving."
"Just be glad you're not in their place," General Yubicon said.
The prison rose ahead, long and low, built of dark green duracrete so that it would not be visible from above or from the road. The resistance clearly had not gotten here yet. The Jedi passed through energy gates and into the compound.
The inside of the prison stank of dirt and rot. There were no windows. A security console ran along a blank wall. Droids that had not been affected by the revolt in the city sat monitoring the equipment. Their sensors flashed green as General Yubicon entered.
Energy cages hung suspended from the ceiling. The walls and floors were stained with dark matter. Desperation and pain seemed to be as much a part of this structure as durasteel and duracrete.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin and Siri.
'Not yet, but soon.'
The guards flooded in behind them. Now they would not have to deal with the swoops overhead.
The guards opened a second door, which also rose vertically. Behind an energy fence was an enormous cell. It was stuffed full of beings and aliens from many worlds. Most of them wore rags and were barefoot. They eyed the guards with hatred.
"When, Master?" Anakin asked urgently.
"It seems to me," Ferus said politely, "that now would be an extremely good time."
"Okay," Obi-Wan said. "Now."
The four Jedi moved as one. There were twenty-two army officers in the prison and five prison droids within their sight. No doubt more droids were in the inner rooms of the prison, but it mattered little.
Obi-Wan, Ferus, and Anakin went for the officers, using the Force to push the first line with such power that they bowled over their fellow officers. Blaster shots went wild and pinged on the prison walls. Siri whirled and kicked General Yubicon in the head. His head hit the duracrete floor, knocking him out with the stunned expression still on his face. She leaned over, deftly plucked the lightsabers from the satchel, and tossed them to her fellow Jedi.
From there it was quick work as the Jedi deflected blaster bolts, cut blasters and droids in half, and used the Force to throw the guards around the prison. Soon, the remaining soldiers were fleeing the fight, having no desire to tangle with the Jedi with less and less backup. Behind them, the prisoners roared approval.
Then, the prisoners were roaring a different warning.
"The stun nets!"
More guards flooded the main room, stun net launchers in hand. Despite knowing they'd hit some of their own, they let loose the nets with their electrical charges. Nets were an effective counter to a lightsaber and while they wouldn't stop the Jedi, it would slow them down and give the guards the opportunity to defeat them. However, the nets weren't an effective counter to the Force.
Obi-Wan admired as Anakin stepped forward, gathering the Force and quickly flipped the nets backwards and onto the guards who had shot them, causing the guards to fall, shouting and kicking in pain.
The prisoners sent up a roar.
Suddenly, the prison wall began to glow. A red line appeared on the wall, moving upward quickly.
"The army must be outside," Obi-Wan said. "They're using laser artillery. Watch out for that wall!"
**The Will of the Force**
"Alright, you know the drill," Kastor said into the comms.
"Yep, saving Obi-Wan is starting to turn into a full time gig," Garen Muln responded cheekily.
The Ebon Hawk, a red transport that carried Mace Windu, Garen Muln, Bant Eerin, and a squad of Mandalorian warriors, and then all five of Kastor's Komr'k transports carrying scores of Mandalorians and Antarian Rangers were flying in fast towards where the Jedi could sense their compatriots.
"Looks like those four have gotten themselves into quite the situation once again," Adi remarked, and Kastor grinned at that.
"Scanners show four Jedi with a rag tag group of likely former inmates are currently engaged in a firefight with what remains of the Romin army in the field surrounding the prison," Koba said through the comms. "It seems that Obi-Wan and Siri are on the defensive, trying to protect the prisoners from mass extermination by using the Force to combat the mortars and rockets. Anakin and Ferus are leading the attack. You know, you Jedi really need to learn when to cut your losses and let people fight their own fights."
"Noted," Kastor responded dryly. "Scrappy, take control."
"Our orbital bombardment of their artillery positions will begin momentarily," Asuna's voice cut through.
"Understood," Kastor said. "Everyone, take note of those gun positions, and steer clear."
Kastor made his way with Adi, Taria, Akial, Talon, and Fay into the cargo hold. The Ebon Hawk came in fast before it came to a rapid stop and started hovering, cannons firing while the ramp lowered. The six Jedi quickly used the Force to jump down, one after another onto the battlefield.
Kastor observed Garen's ship drop like a stone into a perfect landing, like a feather on a blade of grass, and Kastor smiled, knowing only a handful of Jedi, and a very small handful of their pilots in the galaxy could do what Garen just did. Garen, Mace, and Bant rushed off their ship with their squad of reinforcements and immediately entered the fray.
All around the battlefield, Mandalorians and Antarian Rangers were jetpacking or fastlining out of the Komr'ks, surrounding the Romin army and unleashing volley's of blasterfire while all five ships and the Ebon Hawk also targeted the heavier weapons and mortar systems that the Romin army possessed. In the distance they could see the Darasuum's bombardment eradicating the laser artillery systems.
With so many Jedi in the fray, the Force was concentrated allowing for the Jedi to more easily use it for greater and greater feats and for the greatest number of their allies and the newly liberated prisoners to be protected.
Kastor ran up to where Obi-Wan and Siri were making a push for the Romin command group, and he received two warm gestures of acknowledgement through their shared bonds before as a group they launched a powerful Force wave which blasted the entire line of Romin soldiers facing them in various directions.
The three Jedi rushed forward to where the command group was starting to panic and trying to figure out how to counter the Jedi. All three Jedi Force leapt to various spots around the group and leveled their blades on the now surrounded leadership.
"The fight is over," Obi-Wan said. "Surrender now."
They looked at the three Jedi warily before they nodded and dropped their arms before sending out a message that the fight was over. Within moments the rest of the army was throwing their weapons down as well and the prisoners all sighed in relief while the Mandalorians looked disappointed in such a lackluster fight.
"Thanks for coming, dad," Siri said, eyes twinkling, despite her rather worn appearance.
"I feel like we're starting to make a habit of this, daughter," Kastor replied with a smirk.
"Rescuing Obi-Wan is definitely becoming a habit," Garen said, approaching with Bant at his side.
"Even I had to come along for the ride this time," Bant said, with her normal shy smile.
Obi-Wan chuckled and hugged his old friend who was like a sister to him, and she hugged him back with a light laugh.
"Great to see you, Bant," Obi-Wan said, pulling back, "but next time you can leave Garen back at the Temple."
Garen and Bant both laughed at that. Kastor watched the interactions, happy with how things had improved, socially, for many Knights and for his group of friends and family in particular. Kastor knew that Obi-Wan and Siri had systems with many of their friends where they would leave gifts in the person's room whenever they were back at the Temple, and in turn would have things from their friends when they had been at the Temple. It was always something small, a river stone, a sweet, a bottle of liquor (for Quinlan), a flower, some new phrase in a new language written on a sheet, or even a picture from some world they'd just come from, but the system was a nice way to keep them all close beyond simply talking to each other over messages or holocommunicators.
"If you all wouldn't mind curtailing the reunion, I'd like a status report." Mace's voice was dry.
Kastor grimaced. It was clear that he wasn't very happy about having to disrupt his schedule to fly to Romin. With the Sith showing themselves on Chandrila, he really did have other things to deal with.
"First of all, the real Slam gang is on Romin," Obi-Wan said, and Kastor shook his head at that level of bad luck.
"I know," Mace replied. "Apparently they bribed the director of the prison."
"Teda and Zan Arbor are scheming to get off-planet," Siri said. "They're going to try to use the Slams' ship. Joylin is still in power. The first execution is scheduled to take place in . . . about fifteen minutes."
"Then I think our first task is to demonstrate to Great Leader Teda the necessity of his surrender," Mace said.
"We'll keep watch over the army," Asuna said, gesturing to her, Rhys, and Koba. "We'll send one Komr'k with Mandalorians with you to the palace."
They caught Zan Arbor and Teda as Teda was attempting to start an airspeeder piled high with cases and boxes. Garen landed his transport directly in front of them, while the Ebon Hawk stayed airborne with Basilisk 1, both ships' cannons trained on the airspeeder.
"Do it!" Zan Arbor was shouting.
"I'm usually driven," Teda said. "I don't usually drive."
"For galaxy's sake, let me drive!" Zan Arbor yelled.
Mace Windu swept up and buried his lightsaber in the airspeeder's engine, effectively cutting off power in one stroke. "Don't worry. You can ride with us."
Zan Arbor's lips were white. Fury was evident in the strained muscles of her neck. Her veins protruded like ropes. "Jedi," she spat out.
"What did you do to my army?" Teda asked. "No one is answering my communications. You can't interfere with a sovereign power!"
"What's left of your army has been destroyed and your commander has surrendered," Mace said. "Our forces have them detained, and I'm afraid I do have the authority to interfere. I am here on behalf of the Senate to negotiate the terms of your surrender."
"I will never surrender!" Teda cried.
Zan Arbor began to climb out of the airspeeder. "I'm not part of this, so I think I'll—"
Mace Windu held his blazing lightsaber centimeters from her face. "I think," he said softly, "you'll do as you're told."
Zan Arbor backed up and sat on the edge of the airspeeder.
"Now," Mace Windu said, "where are the Slams?"
"How should we know?" Zan Arbor said sulkily.
"My guess is that they've gone to get their ship," Siri said. "No doubt they have plans to meet and transport Zan Arbor and Teda off-planet."
"Here's what's going to happen," Mace Windu said. "We're going to escort you to the headquarters of the new government of Romin."
"You mean bring me to my own palace?" Teda asked with a sneer. "So I can negotiate with thieves and murderers? Is that what the Senate sanctions these days?"
"The Senate is supporting this revolt on the basis of your many crimes against your own citizens," Mace thundered. "You are lucky the Jedi are here to ensure you won't be torn limb from limb. Now let's go."
Joylin was sitting with his closest allies eating a large meal in the dining area when the Jedi arrived with Teda and Zan Arbor in tow. He pushed away his food and stood.
"So, you came," he said, looking at Teda with hatred. "Not by choice, I see. Typical of your cowardice."
Teda looked at the meal. "That's my food!"
"It is the food of the citizens of Romin."
Zan Arbor rolled her eyes. "Ah, democracy," she sneered.
"Here is what the Senate requires," Mace said. "No executions may take place until trials are held and evidence is gathered. You cannot begin a new government using the tactics of the one you overthrew. Surely you can see that."
Joylin said nothing. He stared with hatred at Teda.
"Give the order to stop the execution," Mace said.
Joylin did not move.
"The Jedi have destroyed Teda's army," Mace said. "Would you like us to do the same to yours?"
Ferus spoke. "Senate support will be crucial in building your new world," he said to Joylin. "You have done so much. Your vision deserves the best chance to flourish."
Joylin turned. He blinked at Ferus, as though he had been disturbed out of a deep sleep. "Yes," he said. He picked up his comlink. "Stop the execution. Teda has surrendered."
"I hope you won't be putting me with the others," Teda said. "I wouldn't think they'd be very . . . pleased to see me."
"I think it's the perfect place for you," Joylin said. "Guards!"
"Can you hold Zan Arbor in custody as well, until such time as we can escort her back to the Republic prison?" Mace asked, and Joylin nodded tersely.
The guards led Teda and Zan Arbor away. Joylin leaned over to speak to an aide on the other side of the room.
"I feel sorrow that lives were lost, but the outcome is good," Mace said to the Jedi. "This change on Romin will make a better world."
He turned to Ferus. "You spoke well just now. You allowed Joylin to make his decision and save face in front of his supporters."
"There is a bit of pride mixed in with his politics," Ferus said.
"Ferus showed a greater grasp of this situation than we did," Siri said lightly. "He predicted a chaotic takeover. He said that Joylin would surprise us, and he was right."
"Good, Ferus. We need to anticipate problems," Mace said.
Obi-Wan noted that Anakin looked unhappy. Mace had singled Ferus out for praise. He moved closer to his Padawan.
"I am proud of you," he said. "You fought well, with compassion and precision."
But Anakin was not listening. Obi-Wan realized he wasn't unhappy about Mace praising Ferus, but he was focused on Joylin. Obi-Wan felt Anakin's joy fill up as the Force filled him and could sense his Padawan had come to some conclusion about his powers.
"You did it," he said to Joylin. "You let him go."
The Jedi turned to look at him, surprised.
"Those guards aren't taking Teda to prison. You never wanted him to surrender," Anakin said. "You knew he was too much of a coward to do so, just as my Master told you. You just gave him the ultimatum so you would have an excuse to execute all his loyal followers. You were afraid if they survived they would build a power base and ultimately destroy you. You knew that Teda was nothing without them, that he wasn't capable of running a government. He's just a figurehead. You don't fear him, so you don't need him dead. You just need him gone. So if someone like Zan Arbor pays you enough, you'll allow him to escape. She made the deal with you at the beginning of the revolt, didn't she?"
The Jedi turned back to Joylin. His angry silence told them everything.
"Where are they?" Mace asked, looking angry at himself for providing a sliver of trust to Joylin.
"I'd guess Teda and Zan Arbor are heading for the Slams' ship," Anakin said. "And I would also guess that the Slams have permission to leave Romin, no matter what Joylin has told us. He has kept the permission order for the Slams to leave in place despite the lock-down."
"Withdraw that permission," Mace ordered.
"It is too late," Joylin replied.
With a withering look of contempt at Joylin, Mace led the Jedi out of the room.
They rushed to the landing platform, zooming up in one of the turbolifts. When they reached the top, the Jedi quickly hid behind a gravsled stacked with equipment. They could see the Slams readying the ship for departure. Through a windscreen, Anakin saw a blond head.
"They are still here," Mace said. "Excellent work, Anakin. Let's go."
"Wait." Obi-Wan's tone was sharp, and Mace turned, surprised. He was rarely told to wait.
"We should let them go," Obi-Wan said. "This is our chance. They are on their way to Granta Omega. It's the only way we can find him. If we can get a tracking device aboard, we'll have him."
"Obi-Wan, we have Zan Arbor here, now," Mace said. "She is capable of doing great harm to many. Are you willing to risk letting her go for the sake of Granta Omega?"
"I feel strongly that we must," Obi-Wan said.
Ferus bit his lip, looking from Obi-Wan to Mace. Anakin waited, looking ready for either decision.
Siri's eyes blazed in agreement. "Obi-Wan is right. Ferus and I are ready to join them on this mission," she told Mace.
"I agree with Obi-Wan," Kastor said, and Mace glanced at him. "Omega could be our key. We need to find him."
"I do not know that you're correct," Mace said. "A position I find myself in all too often these days. If you feel strongly, Obi-Wan, I support your decision, but we need to get a tracking device on that ship without being seen."
Obi-Wan turned to Anakin confidently, and he felt his Padawan respond positively to the show of faith. Their bond was strong.
"Anakin?"
"Yes, Master," Anakin said easily.
He took a tracking device out of his utility belt and then started holding it with the Force. He waited for the engines to fire up, and soon the ship was rising slightly. He concentrated hard and launched the tracking device swiftly towards the ship, and it landed on the underside of the Slams' ship.
"Well done, Anakin," Mace complimented, and Anakin nodded at the praise, pleased with himself.
The Slams' ship shot out of sight.
Mace looked up at the vapor trail the ship had left. "I hope we made the right decision," he said. "Are you ready to track them?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan said. "Granta has always been one step ahead of us. He has always planned our meetings. Now I will decide how we next meet."
"First, you will assist me," Kastor said, and Obi-Wan, Siri, Ferus, and Anakin focused on their mentor and friend.
"Yes," Mace agreed.
"Assist you with what?" Siri asked with a frown.
"The mission to Chandrila was a very difficult one," Kastor said, gravely. "Most of my team did not survive."
Obi-Wan, Siri, Anakin, and Ferus exchanged shocked looks.
"We found that a large Sith team had infiltrated the memorial," Kastor said, causing their shock to increase. "That team was led by Darth Malgus and Darth Nox."
"How is that possible?" Siri asked, knowing what those two names meant to Kastor.
"I don't know," Kastor said. "Nox wears the mask of Darth Nihilus, so that information that Omega found about Nox seems to have been true. Perhaps the mask put him in some sort of suspended animation until he was awakened? For Malgus, I have no idea. He's an old man, but still as brutal and powerful as ever."
"What did they want?" Obi-Wan asked. "Surely they didn't reveal themselves simply to destroy a sacred place to the Order?"
"No," Kastor said. "There was an oubliette placed under the shrine."
"An oubliette?" Siri said in confusion. "But how? How is that possible? How did our Order not know, and how did the Sith?"
"All great questions, Siri," Kastor agreed. "The oubliette is not easy to sense, so us not knowing is very possible, though perhaps the Order covered up hiding someone there, making it a permanent tomb or prison. If so, how the Sith found out, I don't know. If it wasn't the Jedi, then it stands to reason that Malgus was the one who put the casket there, but why, I don't know."
"Do we know who is in it?" Anakin asked.
"That, my friend, is what we need to find out," Kastor said, gravely. "That is what I need help with. I wanted more Jedi present so that if we open it up to find a powerful Sith Lord, who may even be quite cognizant as soon as he or she is released, then I want to ensure there are enough of us to stop the Sith Lord from joining this new Sith Empire."
"Do you have any idea who it could be?" Siri asked, and Kastor's eyes shifted to her nervously, something she hadn't seen in a very long time.
"I have come up with some theories," Kastor admitted, "but I think I will leave them as theories until we know for sure."
"Well, then," Mace said, "let us get this over with. There is still much to be done, with Romin, Chandrila, and the Senate."
**The Will of the Force**
Siri stared at the oubliette, wondering what direction its secret would send them. Was it someone who they would have to battle to ensure that their darkness didn't spread to the galaxy, or was it someone who had been locked away by the Sith for a specific reason? Would they be a friend, a foe, or neither?
The oubliette was in the center of the hangar and all around were Mandalorians, weapons at the ready, prepared to counter a threat. Closer to the oubliette, were the many Jedi. Kastor and Fay were directly in front of the oubliette. Siri and Obi-Wan were on their right, Mace and Adi were on their left, the six of them serving as the core for the initial onslaught should a foe emerge and attempt to engage them. Behind Obi-Wan and Siri were their Padawans, both a bit nervous since they were dealing with something that potentially required so many Jedi to counter. Behind Kastor and Fay was Taria, Akial, and Talon. Lastly was Garen and Bant behind Mace and Adi.
Kastor raised his hand with Fay, and Siri and Obi-Wan readied themselves, their bond melded to its fullest. The Force surged and the seal on the casket broke and then the top of the casket was flung open with force.
Siri and Obi-Wan felt the light side of the Force surge, but it was nothing compared to the shock that filtered from themselves to Kastor and Adi and back in a continual loop. The person in the oubliette was not drawing on the Dark Side, nor were they raging out in confusion or anger, similar to how Kastor had been when he was first awakened. No, she was drawing on the light, and she seemed completely aware of her surroundings.
She was a beautiful woman, with shoulder-length brown hair, which was flowing freely down her back, and grey eyes. She had an athletic build, a pretty face, with laugh lines etched on her face. She stood strong, in traditional brown Jedi robes, but everything in her was focused on Kastor . . . almost like she was drinking in the sight of him . . . and Siri knew why, just as she knew why Kastor was looking at her in the same way.
The woman smiled, and said with a slightly wobbly voice, "Hey, dad. It's really great to finally meet you."
"Allara . . ." Kastor breathed out.
She moved forward, and some of the other Jedi tensed, but it was for naught as she crashed into Kastor with a desperate hug which he returned, and Siri felt joy and she felt it from Obi-Wan, Fay, Adi, and Taria as they saw tears flowing down both Shans' faces.
They still had to track down Zan Arbor, Teda, and Omega, and stop the Sith, but for a brief moment, they could let a father and daughter reunite.