Chapter 44
Rebels on Dassana
Harris' ship glided through the dark depths of the water. Coral reefs coated the sea floor, glowing with bioluminescence. Schools of fish parted, swirling in harmony and escaping into the many crevasses amongst the coral. Headlights lit their path, reflecting off the multitude of eyes watching them pass. Ben accompanied Harris in the cockpit, commenting on every new sight as it went by. Harris didn't seem to mind, at least from Sam's point of view. She paced around the ship, picking at her nails and absently listening to their voices converse back and forth. Avan grumbled in her hood, trying to curl up for a nap, but her hurried anxious stomps were proving it difficult.
In a matter of minutes, they would reach another settlement. Kosh informed them it was under Separatist control, crawling with droids, but they weren't what made Sam nervous. She stopped at a railing that overlooked the lower deck and leaned against it. Kosh's and Hinata's voices echoed up, discussing their plans and asking each other questions to get to know the other better. Sam should have been down there. It would provide a distraction from the fact that she was about to be face to face with her father again, but even attempting to seem invested in the conversation made her twitch.
Lupe had checked in with her a few minutes prior, quickly moving on to Hinata when Sam rebuffed his concern. Her fingers tapped against the railing, first slow, then quick. The metal tips of her fingers caused a clicking 'ting' that bounced off the walls of the ship.
Hinata walked into view, hands on her hips as she looked up towards Sam, but she didn't say anything. She offered a smile and Sam awkwardly returned the sentiment, forcing her fingers to stop their movement. Kosh walked into view beside Hinata, a thick bundle of clothes in his arms.
"Do you have a moment to try these on?" he called up to Sam, offering up the clothes as if he wasn't several feet below and Sam could simply reach down and take them.
With a heavy sigh, Sam waved her hand dismissively and nodded. Accepting the answer, Kosh scurried back out of sight, saying something to Hinata. She watched Sam a moment longer before following.
"Do I even wanna know?" Sam asked quietly.
"Uh, yeah," Lupe's voice came through the earpiece. "So apparently that Harris guy is allowed on the main settlement no problem. But others aren't, especially outsiders."
"Which means…?" She rested her cheek against her arms on the railing.
"You and Hina are gonna have to wear disguises and pretend you're his crew for a show," Lupe replied.
Sam's nose scrunched up, the motion followed by a snort of sudden laughter. "There's no way anyone's buying that."
"You'd be surprised!" Harris called back from the cockpit, seemingly putting together the conversation he only heard bits and pieces of. "Had a couple of cathar with me several months back. Told the droids they were my backup dancers." He huffed out a laugh, shrugging. "Probably helped they weren't actually half bad at dancing at the show later, but, still—" he pointed towards Sam, grinning, "—worked like a charm."
Sam strained a smile, unamused.
"Dancers?" Lupe repeated with a bit of a crack in his voice. "He's not planning on having you guys dance, right?"
With a sigh, Sam said to Harris, "You better not be expecting us to dance."
Another laugh huffed out of him and he waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, you're just the backstage help as far as the Seps are concerned."
"That's a relief," Lupe said as Sam left the railing and slid down the ladder to reach the lower deck.
"Hinata's on board with this?" Sam asked Lupe once she was out of earshot.
"She was a bit skeptical of it, but Kosh seems pretty sure it will work," Lupe said.
"And you?" she asked.
She heard him shifting in his seat. "Hinata's the captain. If she thinks it's the right call, then that's the call. And it's what we've got, so I'm 'on board' with it too."
She scoffed, smirking. "Suck up."
"I could be offended by that, but I'm choosing not to be." he retorted, but she could hear the smile in his voice, which in turn made her snicker.
Allowing the discussion to fizzle, she turned away from the ladder. The lower deck was more spacious than above. Long windows lined the walls, inlaid with lights. Sam looked out at the waves of water and algae swishing past before setting her focus on Hinata and Kosh. In the time it took her to come down, Hinata already changed into the new clothes. A thick shawl concealed most of her body, with a hood that shrouded her face entirely.
"Isn't this what we have the bracelets for?" Sam asked. "Keeping us hidden or whatever."
Hinata glanced up towards her, but Kosh took the liberty to explain: "The Separatists have a scanner that will pick up on life forms within the ship. Even with this 'magic' your droid mentioned, this will be an assurance if they pick up your signals."
He held out the bundle of clothes for Sam and she reluctantly took it, saying, "They didn't pick up on us when we got here."
"Still," Hinata said, "I think we can use all the assurances we can get."
"Alright," Sam replied with a shrug. "You're the boss." She looked around. "Got anywhere to change?"
Hinata showed her the room, an admittedly small space cluttered with boxes and more elaborate costumes that Sam assumed were used for previous shows. Something told her that Harris did more than just the down to earth jazz playing she saw in the tavern.
Avan scuttled out of Sam's hood and into Hinata's arms as she left. Then the door slid shut, giving Sam her privacy. She stripped off her clothes, tossing them aside, and unfolded the thick garments Kosh provided her. Soft, velvet fabric unfurled down towards her feet, with plenty left in her hands. She hadn't noticed it on Hinata, though the cloak concealed most of her. Buttons went up the side, each one fastened with a knob of gold. It was an entire pantsuit, with draping pieces of fabric around the legs to create the illusion of a dress. Sheer shimmering mesh plunged deep down the neckline then went up into a halter that clasped around the neck.
She struggled her way into it. The heavy fabric pooled at her feet, meant for someone much taller than her. The sheer mesh itched as she clasped the buttons around her neck. Then came the shawl. Lighter in complexion to contrast the dress slash pantsuit, or at least that was what Sam surmised. It settled on her shoulders, the hood covering her face and vision entirely, while the rest of the fabric fell to her hips. Blowing out a breath, the tip of the hood swayed. She pulled it back, her hands still gripping the sides of it as she peeked into the mirror.
If there was any credit to be given to Kosh and Harris for their plan, it was that she didn't look anything like herself anymore. She hadn't gotten much of a look around at the people back on Nakano, but the people dancing in the tavern seemed to wear similar clothes. Well, if their outfits were ill fitted and slumped by their feet as if they were a child trying on their mother's clothes.
Her lips spread into a thin line and she allowed her hood to fall free at her back. She waddled towards the door, attempting to gather the excess fabric in her arms, but it proved too much and tripped her. The door slid open just as she face planted with a thud.
Lupe's sudden snort of laughter came through loud enough on Hinata's earpiece that Sam could hear it when Hinata rushed over to help her up.
"Hmm, you are shorter than I thought," Kosh said once Sam was standing again.
"Gee thanks," Sam grumbled, her ears burning.
"Are you ok?" Lupe asked through snickers.
"Great, just great," Sam said.
"You do look great, Sam," Hinata assured her. She bundled up the fabric, tying the excess to the side of Sam's hip. She stepped back, admiring her work. "We won't look identical now, but it's the best we've got."
"I think it'll work," Lupe said.
Hinata merely smiled but didn't reply. Sam took a few tentative steps, able to walk freely without tripping over the fabric. She thanked Hinata then looked towards Kosh, finding Avan lounging in his arms.
"How…?" she started to ask.
"Remember that Force thing?" Lupe asked and Sam nodded, wordlessly mouthing the word: 'wow'.
"I hope you don't mind," Kosh said, offering Avan back to Sam. "He was aggravated, so I aided in calming him down. He seems restless."
Sam hesitantly took her dragon back. Avan let out a mewl that seemed akin to a purr, nuzzling his head into her shoulder. "What else can you tell about him?"
Kosh ran his hand along Avan's back, his golden eyes soft and glued to the creature. "His mind is clouded with uncertainty. There's frustration, excitement, fear, all forming his curious nature. I have never encountered a creature like him before, but I surmise he is young in his development, yet changing. He is not sure what his future holds or what use he will be. Some reassurance and a place to truly be at peace seemed to be what he needed in the moment. I think you would be surprised to find how many creatures share the same sentiment."
Sam leaned her cheek against Avan's head. "Me too, bud," she whispered to him before addressing Kosh, "Um, thanks, for keeping an eye on him for me. We just started training him, this is his first real mission." She looked around the ship. "If you wanna call it that."
"I wondered as much." Kosh nodded. "I'll make sure to prepare a good meal for him when we are back on Nakano."
"Thanks," Sam replied with a smile.
"We're nearly there!" Harris' voice came through an intercom.
"We're on our way up," Kosh replied, bowing his head towards the girls. "Are you feeling well prepared?"
"As well as we can be," Hinata said.
"Don't you have to be disguised?" Sam asked.
Kosh sighed. "Unfortunately, I have been repeatedly roped into being Harris' show coordinator. My appearance is expected as is. Though I don't accompany him often. Just enough to see the waves of fans in the midst of this war." He breathed in deeply, an indigo flushing his cheeks and making his white freckles sparkle. "We should go up there. We'll need to be on deck when we arrive."
Sam breathed in deeply, feigning a smile and a nod before Kosh turned to lead the way back up. Reality was kicking in quick and she was struggling to keep up. Avan mewed and licked Sam's cheek with a rough tiny tongue. The act spurred Sam to a startled jump and she pressed her fingertips to where he licked. Whatever powers Kosh had, it melted through Avan's scaly hard exterior. Her strained smile softened and she scratched the scales behind Avan's budding horns.
She climbed back up the ladder and came onto the deck. A massive silhouette grabbed her attention in the distance, its details lost in the murkiness of the water. Ben seemed to notice it too. He leaned forward over the control board, completely silent and focused. Neither Kosh nor Harris acknowledged it, but it was impossible to miss. It reached into the darkest depths, its form becoming wider the further down it went. Above, it breached the surface of the water, towering into the sky into a point.
"What…?" Sam started to ask, her voice trailing.
"We're trying to figure that out," Lupe replied. "Our scanners don't know. It's not a building."
"Do you know what it is, Harris?" Hinata asked. She pointed towards it when Harris glanced over his shoulder at her.
He looked over uneasily at its massive silhouette, his shoulders drooping. "It was meant to be our ticket out of here. Pretty sure the Seps keep it there to remind us. Slimy bastards."
"It is a Republic ship," Kosh explained. He readjusted his glasses. "A Ventator, to be precise. The Republic attempted an attack on the blockade after I managed a message to Master Kit Fisto about our predicament. But… They weren't successful. They have yet to make another attempt." He cleared his throat, shifting his weight. "I'm sure my Master is doing everything he can. There are many worlds in our position."
Harris scoffed, his hands readjusting over the controls.
"I don't believe you have any right to react that way." Kosh stiffened. "The Republic has not forgotten us. Besides, between all the fawning fans and privilege, you hardly have a reason to complain about life here."
Rather than reply, Harris shook his head, keeping his gaze trained on their path. Kosh let out a breath, his cheeks warming with indigo. Sheepishly peeking over at Sam and Hinata, he turned and hurried away.
"There's a lot more going on here," Lupe commented, managing the volume of his voice to make sure Harris didn't overhear him through the earpiece. "More than we signed on for."
"We'll figure it out," Sam replied, walking to be right behind Ben. She rested her hands against the back of his chair, watching as the details on the ship came clearer into view. It was the largest ship she'd ever seen. It could fit the entirety of her old shop into it and probably every single ship she and her dad ever worked on.
"Were there any survivors?" Hinata asked.
Harris took a moment to reply. He nodded. "A handful, give or take. Couple of them managed their way to us. Most of them got taken by the Seps."
"Does it still work?" Sam asked next.
"Hell if I know," Harris said with a bit of a laugh. "Bet your dad's wonderin the same thing. But the whole thing's probably crawling with droids. Don't think we'll be getting the chance to check for ourselves any time soon." He cleared his throat, a charming smile overtaking his face. "Enough about that, eh? Your dad's been talking nonstop about you, Jane. You and that brother of yours. What's his name… Jold, Bjorn…"
"James," Sam answered, her throat going dry. "His name was James."
"James! Of course. Shame he isn't with you. Jarith woulda loved to see him." Harris said. "Takin care of your mom back home then?"
"He's…" Sam started to say, her words failing and hands tightening over Ben's chair.
"Something like that," Hinata cut in. "What should we be expecting when we get there? Do we have a rendezvous set with Jarith?"
Sam released her breath, tears prickling the corners of her eyes until she blinked them away. Lupe said something in her ear, but his words were lost to her as she stared out into the ocean. The Venator towered above them now, its massive frame blocking out the sunlight and dousing them in shadow. Faint orbs of light appeared in the distance, they formed a dome, similar to the one back on Nakano. Sam watched them approach, making out the silhouette of another Gampassa beneath the dome of lights.
Hinata's hand touched Sam's shoulder and she startled, blinking back to reality. She looked over and Hinata's eyes held so much care and worry for her. Sam's throat tightened and she placed her hand over hers.
"We need to stand behind Harris' seat," Hinata explained. "Can you let go of Ben's chair?"
She hadn't even realized she was still holding it. Her metal fingers dug so deep into the frame it took a moment to pry them free from its now malformed form. "Does Ben need to change?" she asked.
"I'm listing him as a prototype droid," Harris replied quickly. "Get back, and don't say anything, alright?"
Sam nodded, following Hinata's lead to stand on either side of Harris' seat. She pulled up her hood, matching Hinata, and clasped her hands in front of her. It was difficult to see out from beneath her hood, but she could see the settlement swiftly approaching.
"Incoming transmission," Kosh's voice called from the other side of the cockpit. "Patching it through."
"Vessel, state your purpose in Dassana," a droid's voice came through the intercom.
"This is the SS Ares requesting permission to land in Dassana for a scheduled appearance at the Zagar Theatre," Kosh replied. "We are accompanied by three backstage hands. Two women and a prototype droid."
There was a momentarily silence on the other line. "Uh, I don't see the SS Ares on the booking schedule. You need to turn around or—"
"Ok," Harris cut in, his voice matching the growing grin on his face as he asked, "come on, who mucked it up this time? I know I'm on the schedule. Officer Zot around? Put her on."
"Uhhh…" The droid's voice came out muffled for a moment: "Can he do that?" Another unintelligible voice replied to the droid before it replied, "Roger Roger."
Rustling footsteps could be heard through the intercom, then a huffy woman's voice came through. "Who is this?"
"Zot! There you are, let me in will ya?" Harris pressed a few buttons on the controls, bringing up a hologram of a Nautolan woman. Her tentacles of hair were tied back into a bun, a black uniform hugging her form. Her brow raised when she saw Harris and he continued, "Seems like another problem with those droids of yours. Are they forgetting me on purpose or do you just not like me anymore?"
"Harris Concordian," she said his full name, her expression firm and straight. "According to my records you are not due back here for another five days, at least. You will turn your ship around."
"What, and upset all the fans packed in Zagar?" Harris asked. "Wasn't it your boss that said my shows were good for morale? Besides, I didn't hear any complaints from you on the last tour."
She looked away, brow furrowed. Letting out a sudden huff of breath she yelled at the droids over her shoulder. "Someone get me a live feed of Zagar!" A series of scattered 'Roger Rogers' followed her order and she looked back at Harris, staring at him, neither of them speaking until a droid came up beside her and showed her a hologram. Sure enough, an entire theatre full of fans greeted her. Rolling her eyes, she waved the droid away. "Very well, Concordian. You are clear to land. Do make sure to double check your bookings from now on."
"You're an angel, Zot!" Harris beamed and saluted before the call cut out. He blew out a breath, leaning back into his chair. "That wasn't so bad."
"That was too close," Kosh muttered. "I think she suspects us."
"You think everyone suspects us, Kosh," Harris said with a sigh, flinging his hand.
"Kosh is right," Lupe whispered in the earpiece. "That felt way too close."
Sam tightened her hands, unable to say anything in reply.
"I'm bringing us into the hangar," Ben said, serious and focused.
The ship passed through the gel shield. Water poured down the sides of the ship and bright lights blinded them as the door hissed open. Officer Zot came aboard as Harris got up from his seat. A droid accompanied her on either side.
Harris walked towards her, passing between Hinata and Sam. They turned to face him, still standing behind him on either side, mirroring the droids behind Zot. She eyed the crew, her posture stiff. Putting up her hand, the droids turned and left the ship, leaving her alone. As their footsteps faded, she stepped closer to Harris.
"I trust your intentions are clear," she told him, voice quiet and firm. "You understand the position we are in. Do not attempt to push anything… Please."
He reached for her hand and gently kissed it. "You have my word, Officer." Standing tall, he motioned behind him towards the others. "You know Kosh. These girls are my stage crew."
She eyed the girls. "Different dancers for every show… Auditions must be tiring."
Harris chuckled. "You have no idea."
With a short hum, Zot gave him a look before turning and walking out of the ship.
"Did she say dancers?" Sam asked, quickly shushed by Kosh.
"She totally did," Lupe replied, chuckling nervously. "Let's hope she's joking."
Harris raised his hand, motioning them to follow. Sam kept her pace, despite the heavy fabric catching under her foot every few steps. Kosh and Ben walked behind them and the droids watched them pass, each one standing at attention with a blaster at the ready. Two walked on either side of the group, escorting them through the settlement. Sam couldn't see anything beyond the cobbled streets, her hood concealed the splendor of Dassana.
Droids walked the streets, posted at every corner. Their presence stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the beautiful architecture. Arches of polished stone went over the roads, each one shimmering and reflecting the light. Buildings were packed close together with sprawling murals of Gampassa along the walls, made with bits of colored glass and tile. This beauty was occasionally marred with blackened scorch marks of blaster shots or the crumbled remains of a battle. Each piece caused a crack in the visage that everything was perfectly fine.
Nautolans stopped and watched Harris pass. Some of them cheered, others welcomed him back. Then there were the ones that simply stared, watching the famous musician be escorted to the theatre by droids. Harris kept his charm up in full force, beaming and laughing as if everything truly were perfect.
"This is wrong…" A Nautolan said as Harris passed. His arm was wrapped in a sling, bandages stained with blood. He stepped towards Harris, but was stopped by a droid. "How can you continue like this?"
The droid threatened him. "Citizen, step back or we will be forced to—"
"Please," Harris stopped the droid, placing his hand on its shoulder. "He meant no harm. We're nearly at the theatre."
The droid backed away from the Nautolan man and followed the group. Sam glanced back at the man. He glared at Harris, but ultimately walked away.
Soon they reached the marbled stairs leading into the theatre. Carved statues of Nautolan performers stood proudly at the entrance, surrounded by pillars and lush plant life. Muffled cheers vibrated through the walls from everyone eagerly awaiting Harris inside. The droids led them around back to another entrance backstage.
"You are expected back in your vessel at sundown," one of the droids informed them.
Harris saluted. "I'll be there. Thanks a million."
"Roger, roger," the droids replied as they left.
Kosh held the door open for the others, closing and locking it behind them. The cheers from the crowd rumbled through the walls, making it difficult to think even though they were backstage. "Sundown is not a lot of time."
Harris let out a breath. "It is enough, Kosh. We will make it work."
"That officer lady mentioned dancing," Ben said. "Are Hina and Sam gonna be dancing on stage?" The more the words came out, the more excited he got at the prospect.
Lupe snickered as Sam pushed back her hood.
"Hard pass," Sam said and Harris chuckled.
"No, no, nothing like that," Harris assured them. "Last show Zot saw had dancers. I don't have them every time. And I'm smart enough not to throw you up there without warning."
"We need to get you changed," Kosh cut in, ushering Sam and Hinata to a dressing room. Sam tried to ask what he meant, but she was muffled by Kosh stuffing another pile of clothes in her arms.
The door to the dressing room slammed shut, leaving Hinata and Sam to get changed.
"Can we just pause for a second?" Sam asked, turning towards Hinata. "Why are we changing again?"
Hinata tossed her bundle of clothes to the floor. "The droids know what we look like in these outfits. We're going to change and then sneak out to find your dad in town."
"Right," Sam said. "Makes sense. You guys tried to explain that to me already didn't you?"
"It's ok," Hinata replied, pulling off the shawl. "I know you have a lot on your mind." She glanced over at her. "How are you feeling?"
"Terrified?" Sam admitted with an awkward laugh. She hastily undid the buttons. "I mean, that Concordian guy just reminded me that dad has no idea about James. That's… going to be a great conversation. And then there's mom. And whatever the hell is going on around here." She kicked the pantsuit away. "Should we just get in the ship and leave?" She stopped herself and then scoffed. "Right, blockade's sort of keeping us locked in, isn't it? I'm not really thinking straight and I'm starting to freak out a bit. I mean, who the hell was that officer chick anyway? And that guy on the street? What do we do about all of this stuff? I can't just leave, but I can't stay and help either. What do we—"
"Hey." Hinata gently grabbed her shoulders. "We take it a step at a time, alright? We're a team and Harris and Kosh seem to know what they're doing. First thing, find your dad and get him back to Nakano. We'll figure things out from there."
Sam swallowed hard, nodding. "Right. Yeah, you're right."
Hinata smiled, giving her shoulders a squeeze before releasing her. They pulled on their new clothes without saying much else to each other. It was much simpler than their previous getups. Tunics covered their bodies. Lighter in texture and cinched with a tie at their waist. Hooded scarves concealed their heads and faces. Altogether it gave them an entirely different silhouette compared to the heavier show outfits.
They opened the dressing room door to find Kosh pacing backstage, bickering with Harris. The specifics of their quarrel was lost to the cheers of the crowd. Despite Kosh's obvious stressed disposition, Avan remained curled around his shoulders, relaxed and soothed.
"Do they ever not fight?" Sam asked.
"Harris wants Kosh to go with you guys to find Jarith," Lupe explained, his voice coming back through the earpiece. "But Kosh thinks it's too risky and wants to stay at the theatre to watch over things here."
"We've got Ben to track my dad," Sam pointed out. "He can stay here if he wants."
"His scanner's fritzing out a bit," Lupe said, his own voice going to static for half a word. "Ben thinks it's the Separatist presence here. It's more than it is back on Nakano."
"Great," Sam sighed.
"I'll figure it out with them," Hinata said, walking to join in Kosh's and Harris' discussion.
"Why aren't you taking this seriously?" Kosh asked, his hands raking through his hair. "There is too much at stake here."
"We have done this countless times, Kosh," Harris countered, picking up an instrument and tuning it. "Help the girls find Jarith and get them back to the ship. I'll be there after the show."
"If I'm seen walking around without you—"
"Then wear a disguise," Harris cut him off, walking over to another instrument.
"You're being reckless!" Kosh followed him. "You heard what Zot said. What if she was trying to warn us?"
"I've been wondering the same," Hinata said. Both of them looked over at her and she continued, "Harris, I agree with Kosh. I think he should stay here. It might raise suspicion if he leaves the theatre and it feels like things are risky enough as it is."
Kosh nodded emphatically as Hinata talked and he motioned towards her. "She's right."
Harris sighed heavily. He lifted his hand and hesitantly placed it on Kosh's shoulder. "I know. Zot got in my head, too."
"If that's true, then why are you trying to make things worse?" Kosh asked.
With a breathy chuckle, Harris squeezed Kosh's shoulder before patting it and heading towards the stage with his instruments in his arms. "You'll get it someday, Kosh."
Kosh groaned, pinching his nose. "Harris, wait—"
Rather than wait, Harris slipped between the curtain and an uproarious cheer erupted from the crowd. Kosh sighed, shaking his head.
"Why do I get the feeling he knows something we don't?" Sam asked.
"Welcome to show business," Kosh replied with a bitter laugh. He hastily started grabbing up misplaced items and costumes, grumbling, "Where you are always left wondering if you are seeing the real person. This shouldn't be happening. Now, in the middle of this forsaken war, of all times." He threw the costumes into a bin and grabbed the edge of it. "What is he thinking?"
"I'm getting the sense we're running out of time," Lupe said. "We should get moving. What's your call, Hinata?"
She nodded, mulling it over. "Kosh stays here. We'll make due with what we got with Ben's scanner. But…" She took out her earpiece and cleaned it off on her tunic. "Here. This will let you communicate with us. Anything goes wrong, we'll give each other a call."
"Ben and I can share talking for a bit," Lupe said through Ben's body.
"So you are the one they've been talking to," Kosh said. He examined the earpiece, taking note of the small buttons up along its side before putting it in.
"Ah, yeah!" Lupe said, holding out Ben's hand. "Name's Lupe."
Kosh hesitated before taking Ben's hand, smiling awkwardly when their hands shook.
"So are we ready to head out?" Sam asked. "Those droids said we only get till sundown."
"Right!" Ben said in his normal voice, swiping his hand out of Kosh's grip and pointing to the door. "We've got places to be and not a moment to lose."
"Right," Kosh said, slowly closing his hand. "Stay off the main roads. Keep your heads down around droids."
"Thank you, Kosh," Hinata said. She smiled towards him before she followed Ben to the door. "Call us if you need anything."
Ben unlocked the backstage door and they left the theatre. Even outside, they could hear the cheering crowd and the beginning notes of Harris' performance. Ben unhooked the scanner from his chest and held it out. Static buzzed around the edges and stray lines of code dripped down the center.
"According to Kosh's info, Jarith should be in the lower sections of the city," Lupe said. He walked a few steps ahead, the scanner held out in Ben's hands. "Usually we'd have to take a transport there, but I think there's a tunnelway we can take on foot. It'll take us a bit longer to get there, but under the radar."
"Good work." Hinata patted Ben's shoulder. "We'll follow you."
Ben led the way, Hinata walking at his side. They talked occasionally, discussing the path they were taking and how far they had to go according to the scanner. Sam trailed behind, keeping her head down. Every step took her closer to her dad. The joy she expected to feel wasn't there. Instead, an ache settled in her heart. It'd been over two years, so much happened and she couldn't even be mad at him for being absent. One look at the war happening around them and she couldn't blame him for even a moment. Yet, that didn't dissipate the pain.
She was thankful Ben led the way. Or Lupe. She didn't know who was in the driver's seat at the moment. It gave her the chance to sort through her thoughts while they walked. She looked up, finally able to see Dassana beyond its roads. It was her vision come to life. Marbled archways and towering lights. Even in the alleyways, it was a beautiful place.
The tunnel ways were hidden from plain sight. Buildings lined the outside of it and the bricked road sloped downwards behind them. Droids patrolled its entrance. The group paused at a building, their backs against the wall.
"They'll alert the others if we try anything," Lupe said.
"And destroying them leaves a mess," Sam added, unsure that contributed anything helpful to the discussion, but she wanted to feel somewhat useful. She reached down and grabbed a loose piece of brick from the road. She weighed it in her hand and tossed it up, catching it. "Remember that scene from the last movie we watched?"
Lupe and Hinata looked over at her.
"There's no way that would actually work," Lupe said with a bit of a laugh. His disposition changed and Ben added, "But it might! Ooooh I wanna try it!"
Hinata sighed. "If it doesn't work we'll have to destroy them. Quick enough that they don't alert anyone else."
Sam huffed out a laugh. "I was sorta joking, but…" She gripped the rock with her mechanical arm and winded up. She jogged forward a few steps and threw the rock several feet away. It clattered to the ground, rolling into metal bins and knocking them to the ground.
"What was that?" one of the droids asked, raising its gun.
"I think it came from over there," another replied, walking forward.
"Should we check it out?" a third asked.
"Uhhh…. I guess that's our job," another droid replied. It walked towards where the rock landed, the other droids reluctantly following. "Uh, come out with your hands up! You know who you are."
"It actually worked," Sam said breathlessly, a grin growing as Ben grabbed her wrist and tugged her along with them to sneak into the tunnel before they were noticed. She met their pace, a laugh in her voice, "I can't believe that worked."
"That was the perfect throw!" Ben shook Sam's shoulders as they ran. "They were all, 'what was that' and we just snuck in behind them!" He laughed, covering his mouth when Hinata shushed him. "Sorry," he whispered, then his voice changed to Lupe. "That was pretty great." He nudged Sam with Ben's elbow. "Just like the movie."
She smirked back, a chuckle still in her throat. The tunnel was devoid of droids, but they found scattered groups of Nautolans living in them. Ragged tents and blankets were huddled together, filled with entire families that watched the group run by. None of them said anything, merely stared wide eyed at the strangers. Their path gradually sloped downwards, spiraling into the lower levels of Dassana.
They reached the opening of the end of the tunnel and discovered no droids posted there. Thin lights spread across the dark ceiling over the lower city. Steam billowed out of sewer holes, creating a thin fog over the entire city. Homes were built on top of the other, secured with scaffolding and thick metal ropes. The droid presence was significantly decreased compared to the surface. Nautolans walked freely through the streets, heads down and voices quiet as if concerned they would be heard by others. None of them acknowledged the group of outsiders. Many of them returned to their homes, closing their cloth curtains and shutting their doors.
A playing group of children stopped their game of catch, staring with slacked jaws and allowing their ball to roll away. Ben grabbed the ball and rolled it back. A little girl knelt down to pick it up and sent a tiny wave which the entire group returned.
Ben stopped in front of an old dilapidated home. Thick algae coated the cracked walls. Patchwork curtains hung from the windows, thin and showing light through it from inside. The scanner in Ben's hands pulsed with a faint light. They reached their destination.
"He's here," Lupe said softly.
Sam walked up to the worn door, raising her hand. She hesitated. Neither Ben nor Hinata rushed her. They stood on either side of her, waiting. Taking a breath, Sam knocked. The door creaked open on its own. The murmur of voices came from further inside around the corner, unaware of the visitors. Sam looked back at her friends before entering.
The voices spoke in a language Sam didn't understand. They were in soft, but harsh tones.
"Hello?" she called out from the entryway.
The speaking ceased and furniture scraped against the floor. A man rushed into view, dark lavender hair pooled around his shoulders, sections of it braided with beads that made his hair appear akin to the tentacle-like hair of the Nautolans. He froze at the sight of Sam, his purple eyes conveying more emotion than his words could articulate. His skin matched the exact tone of James', nearly an identical image to what James might have looked like twenty years down the line.
"Jane…" he said. Stepping forward, he corrected himself. "Sam."
Sam's breath choked. She couldn't breathe. Goosebumps trickled along her skin, prickling the hairs to stand on end. "Dad." It was the only word she could muster.
He stepped towards her and she backed up, her chest heaving. Even with the heavy breaths, she couldn't gather enough oxygen. He put out his hands slowly.
"It's ok, it's me," he assured her.
"James, he," she blurted the words out, disjointed and panicked, " a-and mom, she's… I… Dad, they're… I'm…" Her entire body trembled. She didn't know how to tell him, or how to face him. She looked up into his eyes. He waited, his gaze questioning, worried. Her feet carried her back. "I… I'm sorry…"
"Sam, it's alright." Jarith stepped towards her but she put up her hands.
"Stop." The word came out as a plea. She backed away, the world spinning around her.
Hinata and Lupe both attempted to say something. They gently grabbed her to help in some way, but Sam shook them off. She couldn't breathe. Turning around, she bolted away. She didn't know where she was going. Each of the houses looked the same, the streets all twisted and turned into each other. Her feet echoed against the pavement.
Finally she reached a secluded corner, hidden from the main street. An old metal railing lined the edge of the neighborhood, where the gel shield of the Gampassa was only an arm's length away. Sam hobbled over to the railing, her hands clinging to it. Her breath wheezed.
"I can't… I can't do this," she cried, hoarse. "What the hell is wrong with me?"
Lupe's voice came through the earpiece. "Nothing is wrong with you."
Her jaw clenched, her hands tightening. "Just stop, James! You don't get it!" She froze, the color draining from her face. "I-I'm sorry, I—"
"It's ok," Lupe quickly assured her and he let out a breath. "I can see you on the scanner. I'll keep watch. So take the time you need, ok?"
She nodded, her body shivering. Neither of them said anything. Sam's breathing gradually settled, her heartbeat stopped skipping. Tears dried on her cheeks, only to be replaced by freshly fallen ones moments later. They dripped from her chin, clinking on the metal railing. She looked out into the ocean. The shield warbled from the current of the ocean, creating a bubble holographic film over sea life just outside its walls. A pod of whales swam past, their calls deep and rumbly. Sam could feel it in her chest. One swam close enough she could see directly into its eye. It watched her for a moment, a massive creature taking the chance to gaze into her. A flood of bubbles sprayed from its mouth before it rejoined the others and disappeared into the water.
A full breath released from her chest. She swallowed, her fingers lessening their tension around the railing. "Lupe…" she said softly. "Are you there?"
"I'm here," he replied.
"I don't know what to do…" she admitted. "It's… I don't know how to face him."
He didn't reply right away and took a breath. "I don't think there is an easy way to face it. You just have to take it one step at a time. But… you aren't doing it alone. Hinata, Ben, me, Chirithy, we're all here for you. Every step of the way."
She chewed on her bottom lip.
"Hinata offered to tell him for you," he said softer. "If you need her to. She won't mention it unless you want her to."
"No," the word came out before she really had the chance to think it over. She took a deep, full breath. "No, I… I think it needs to come from me. I'd rather it did. I just… need to figure out how." She scoffed, letting out a bitter laugh as she ran her hands through her hair. "We went through all this shit to get here and I ran away. Wish I could say I was surprised."
"This isn't over yet," Lupe told her. "You can still go back."
She nodded and wiped her cheeks, sniffling. "Is he still at the house?"
"Actually, I think he's coming to find you on his own," Lupe said and Sam tensed. "I can try to stop him."
"No…it's ok," she whispered. She looked out into the ocean. "He can find me. And… Thank you, Lupe. For being here."
"I'm glad I could be," he replied and she could hear the smile in his voice.
Lupe was right. Barely a minute passed before the sound of Jarith's voice reached her. He called out her name, just loud enough to be heard in the vicinity but not draw attention. She closed her eyes, listening to his voice. For a moment she was a child again, giggling and hiding in the shop while he searched for her. Then he'd find her and swing her over his shoulder, letting out a hearty laugh at her responding squeal of delight. She would do anything to hear that laugh again.
"I'm over here," she called out, releasing a shuddering breath.
His footsteps approached and Sam's hands tightened along the rail. She wouldn't let herself run again. He slowed to a stop and Sam looked over. Their eyes met and the tears welled up inside her all over again. He didn't move towards her, but a soft, warm smile slowly spread over his face.
"Hello," he said.
A breathy chuckle sputtered out of Sam, even as tears slipped down. "Hi, dad."
"Can I come in?" he asked.
She swallowed and wiped her cheek with her shoulder before nodding. He sidestepped a half crumbled brick wall to get into her secluded enclosure. Sam scooted over, giving him space at the railing beside her. He settled there, matching her with wrapping his hands around the railing. The faint smell of ship grease and salt emanated off of him and the corner of Sam's mouth tipped into a smile. Even after all this time, he still smelled the same.
A cry tightened her throat, her mouth spreading thin. Jarith didn't say anything, he looked out at the ocean, allowing her to gather her thoughts. Her head leaned over, resting against his arm. The familiar scent enveloped her, and her memories followed. The ships they worked on together, both of them smeared with splotches of oil and grease. He taught her everything she knew. Then he was gone. Her breath caught, a choked whimper slipping out.
His hand reached over, going over her own. Callused fingers wrapped around hers, firm and strong. His breath shook and looking up, Sam noticed a gleam of emotion over his eyes. Still, the same warm smile remained across his mouth.
"I played out this moment in my mind a hundred times," he told her, voice soft and low. Sam felt it rumbling through him. "Now you're here and I can't find the right words to say."
"Doubt any of them had me running away," she said wryly, ending the sentence with a sniffle.
He chuckled. "You know how many times I had to chase down your mother? Running's an Ainsworth tradition."
She raised her head from his arm, the prickling anxiety in her gut returning. Jarith looked over at her, his expression softening into a frown.
"Not yet," he said and Sam looked up at him. He squeezed her hand. "It's been over two years since I've seen you, Sam. You and your friends came all the way out here to find me. Enjoy the moment." He shortly glanced towards her mechanical arm before drawing his gaze back to hers. "We'll get to the rest later."
She didn't reply. She couldn't bring herself to. Jarith released her hand and turned to face her, gently tugging her into a hug. The moment his arms wrapped around her, Sam broke. She buried her face against his chest, her hands clinging to his back. Sobs wracked her body and Jarith pulled her closer, securing her in his embrace. He kissed the top of her head, whispering that everything was ok. He wasn't going anywhere.
An elderly Nautolan woman ushered Hinata and Ben inside the house once Jarith went after Sam. She wobbled when she walked and leaned her weight on an old cane carved from wood. Her lavender tentacles of hair were held out of her face by a woven band. She led them through an empty living room, into the kitchen. Her cane clicked against the cracked tiled floor as she made her way to a kettle on the stove.
"Sit, sit." She motioned her cane behind her towards a small round table with four seats around it.
Hinata and Ben exchanged a look as they sat down in the stranger's kitchen. The woman turned around, two mugs in her trembling hands. Ben scurried over and grabbed the cups from her, also offering his arm to help her to her seat.
She settled in, picking up a mug already left on the table. It settled at her bottom lip as her dark eyes drifted back and forth between them.
"You are human, is that right?" she asked, her voice thick with an accent.
Hinata pulled down her hood, revealing her face. "Yes," she replied with a polite smile. "My name is Hinata."
"And I'm Ben, a robot." Ben waved and the woman simply raised a brow at him.
The woman took a drink from the mug before placing it down with a tremor in her hand. "I have not seen a human in over thirty years. We do not get many visitors here."
"We did get a few stares," Hinata said with a soft laugh. She tried to be polite while her finger traced the wood grain on the table. It was hard to focus when she knew Sam was off on her own struggling. "Thank you for taking us in."
She waved her hand dismissively. "My son warned of Jane's arrival. I only offer tea while we wait for his return with my granddaughter. Then you will leave."
"You're Jarith's mom?" Ben gasped, his fingers going over his mouth as if he were reacting to a twist in a soap opera rather than a real life situation. "No wonder he was here with you!" He scratched the side of his head. "But wait…" He pointed in different directions, mumbling to himself incoherently. "Isn't Jarith human?"
The woman laughed, the sound coarse yet hearty. She pointed towards him with a crooked finger. "Half human. You are a silly robot."
"Wow," Ben breathed out, leaning back in his seat. "I never woulda guessed it! What's the other half of him?"
The woman laughed harder. "I am his mother, you strange thing! He is human and Nautolan."
"Ah, yeah, yeah, that makes sense," Ben said, nodding in agreement with his finger under his chin.
"Was his father the human you mentioned seeing over thirty years ago?" Hinata asked and the woman nodded with a hum.
"Clever girl." She raised her mug towards Hinata and winked.
Hinata half smiled, taking a moment to taste the tea. It left a bitter taste in her mouth, coating it with spices she couldn't place. Still, she savored its warmth as she swallowed it. "Would you mind telling us why Jarith was here? We were expecting to see him earlier, but were told he was held back here."
The woman closed her eyes, keeping her mug at her chin and allowing the steam to billow against her cheeks. Silence stretched and Hinata began to believe there would be no explanation, which she supposed was understandable. It wasn't her business to know what Jarith was doing with his own mother. Still, she couldn't ignore all the questions wafting around in her head.
"He tries to change my stubborn heart," his mother finally replied. "I do not wish to leave my home, but he pleads with me to."
"He wants to take you back to Nakano," Hinata realized and his mother nodded.
She opened her eyes and looked around her home. "We have lived here for generations. Yes, it is broken, but the ocean spirit has been generous." She paused and made a motion with her hand, whispering a prayer in another language. "She has watched over us. Kept us safe. My faith remains. If my time has come, it is because she wishes it and I have made my peace with that."
It was a deeper reply than Hinata expected. Her brow furrowed as she looked down into her tea. "Is Jarith worried the Separatists will destroy this place?"
"He says it is only a matter of time," she replied with a sigh. "That boy, always so dramatic."
"Do you not think they will?" Ben asked. He pushed his cup of tea towards Hinata for her to drink for him. "Cause they do sort of seem like the types that want to destroy everything."
"They surely would if they found any of you here," Jarith's mother replied with a hint of bitterness laced in her voice. "But as of now, they have let our settlement be."
Hinata took another drink of the tea, making a slight face at the bitterness. "How much longer do you think that will be?"
The woman placed down her mug with a huff. "Do not start. I already have my son breathing down my neck. I do not need a human starting it up as well."
Hinata shrunk back, holding her mug over her mouth. "I understand. I'm sorry."
"Hina's not wrong though," Ben started to say until he was sent a glare by the woman and he quickly shut up and started to whistle instead.
"I am staying," the woman said, moving to stand. "Nothing will change my mind."
She shakily left the kitchen, leaning against her cane. Neither Hinata or Ben said anything as she left. They kept their eyes on the table, allowing the woman to leave them be. Once she was gone, Ben leaned over and whispered in Lupe's voice: "Sam's on her way back here with Jarith. We can spend another ten minutes here with them before we all have to head back to the theatre."
Hinata nodded. "Any news from Kosh?"
"Things seem to be going alright for now," Lupe replied. "Just a few more songs."
"Let's hope things keep going smoothly," Hinata said. She gulped down more of the tea, unsure why she kept going back to it despite its strong taste.
He stared at the table, his fingers drumming against it. "We didn't have to come here. Jarith wasn't in any danger."
Hinata's eyes darted over to him. She placed down her mug, mulling it over. "You think we could have waited till he came back to Nakano on his own."
"Or at least the five days till Harris' performance was actually scheduled," Lupe said, his voice quiet but firm. He blew out a breath, leaning back in his seat and putting his hand over his face. "And once again we're stuck in a situation we didn't have to be in."
"Always happens, one way or another," Hinata mumbled. She traced her finger over the rim of her mug. "We deferred to Harris and Kosh. And now we realize it wasn't the right call." She wrapped her hands around the cup, feeling its fleeting warmth. "But we'll be fine as long as the concert goes without a hitch. So far so good, right?"
"And if it doesn't?" Lupe asked. "You know we won't be able to get involved." Hinata looked over at him as he explained, "Our goal here was to find Jarith and get back. We can't get caught in the middle of the war. Harris got himself in this situation." He sighed and admitted, "It sucks, I know."
Her mouth twisted. She didn't like the sound of it, but at the same time couldn't deny him. They had their own mission to focus on and couldn't afford being trapped on a planet while Keres was missing. "I understand… But, I can't help but feel like Harris wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for us. We didn't know Jarith wasn't in danger, so we didn't get the whole picture. I know that. But, if things go wrong, I feel like there's a slight responsibility on us to help."
Lupe sighed again. His elbows leaned on the table and he covered his face with his hands. "I get that, but we could have used those five days to figure out a plan. Learn more about the war and the politics of everything going on. At least get an idea of what we were getting into." He flung his hands out, sitting up. "But now? We rushed in, again. And everything that Zot chick said got in my head. The percentage of risks just skyrocketed and I don't know what to expect." Both of his hands raked across his head, supposedly meant to ruffle his hair but all it did was scrape the metal of Ben's head. "Harris withheld information from us, whatever happens is on him."
"You're really worried about this," she whispered in reply.
"We're pretty much waiting for the ball to drop," he said, taking a breath. "Plus your dad would kill me if I got you caught up in this."
A huffed laugh escaped her. "You really are scared of him, aren't you?"
"Yeah, well, he kinda controls everything about my life right now, so a bit," he replied a bit haughty, but a laugh mixed in with his voice.
Hinata chuckled. "Whatever happens, it would be my choice. He wouldn't hold it against you." She lifted her drink to her lips. "Not for long anyway."
He scoffed. "Real encouraging thought."
The front door creaked open, followed by soft laughter between Sam and Jarith. Hinata smiled over at Ben, getting up from her seat. She walked into the living room, seeing Sam's grandmother already over to her, fawning over her long lost granddaughter. Her wrinkled hands went to Sam's cheeks, then to her hair. She picked up a strand of it and spoke to Jarith in another language, motioning towards the hair with her other hand.
Jarith waved her away dismissively, replying in the same language and laughing. Placing his hands on Sam's shoulders, he introduced her, "Sam, this is your grandmother, Janos Liawanai. My mother."
"Bah, she does not even know her own grandmother's name?" Janos grumbled. She reached and grabbed both of Sam's hands holding them in her own. "It is good to have you home."
Sam strained a smile, uncertain what to say. "I didn't know I had other family."
Janos sighed, pointing at Jarith. "Yes, your father liked to forget about us. He ran away to your world and that mother of yours. Never cared about us."
Jarith replied shortly in the other language and she argued back. The rest of the group stood around, unsure what to do. Hinata took the moment to go over to Sam, pulling her into a short hug.
"Everything ok?" Hinata whispered and Sam nodded. "Harris should be done soon—"
Sam cried out, cutting her off. Her hand snatched up to her earpiece. Even from where Hinata stood, she could hear Kosh yelling something to her. Hinata's heart dropped.
"Kosh, Kosh, slow down," Lupe said, his hand to the side of his head as if the earpiece were there on Ben's head.
"Kosh?" Jarith rushed over.
"Dammit!" Lupe yelled, his hand going over his head to tug at the nonexistent hair on Ben's head. "How many are there? The what…? Holocaster?"
Jarith grabbed a remote off an end table and aimed it towards a flat circular device. It illuminated, projecting a bright light that formed into a hologram. A news program played out, the presenter speaking in another language. A drone flew around the theatre. Dark plumes of red smoke billowed out of the busted doorways. Jarith dropped the remote and pulled back his jacket sleeve. A metal device covered his arm, with buttons and a screen across it. He began muttering into it, his eyes still glued to the holocaster projection.
Janos sat down on the couch, shaking her head while the others huddled around to watch. The scene switched to inside the theatre. The crowd remained inside, screaming and pushing against the droids surrounding them. Harris was on the stage, beaten and bruised with electric handcuffs around his wrists. His instruments were scattered about and destroyed. A man stood on the stage with him, tentacles growing from his chin like a beard. He wore the same black uniform as Officer Zot and held a blaster against Harris' head.
"Shit," Lupe cursed under his breath.
The man on stage yelled at the crowd, his words lost in the screaming and in another language. He shoved the blaster further against Harris' head and motioned wildly towards the crowd.
"This can't be happening," Hinata whispered, her hands clasped together over her mouth.
Jarith rushed over to Sam, giving her a quick but tight hug. He called over to Janos in their native tongue, pleading with her and motioning towards the group. She argued back, getting up from her seat and waving her arms.
While they argued, Ben's hands clenched at the sides of his head. "Shit, shit, SHIT!" Lupe's voice yelled through him.
"Lupe," Hinata started to say.
"Don't." Lupe cut her off, Ben's eyes a burning orange. "Don't even think about it, Hinata."
"All of those people are innocent in this," Hinata pleaded, pointing towards the hologram. "We can't just sit here!"
"NO!" Lupe yelled. "Harris got himself in this mess. We are here to get Jarith and leave. We go there, we're getting mixed up in this war and putting everything we're doing at risk! We can't!"
"Harris is there because of us!" Sam joined in. "You're not seriously thinking we just leave them to die? What the hell is wrong with you?"
"We aren't the only line of defense," Lupe reminded her and motioned towards Jarith. "He's got a team. He's got fighters. The rebels will handle it. We need to sit this one out."
"Lupe's right," Jarith said. He placed his hand firmly on Ben's shoulder and pulled out a card from his pocket. "Take this, so you can reach me."
"Dad!" Sam started to object as Ben took the card with Jarith communication code on it.
"I need you to stay here. Janos will keep you safe," Jarith told them as he rushed towards the door. "Wait for me here. I'll come back for you and we'll get to the ship."
He ran out of the house and Lupe let Kosh know Jarith was on his way. Sam started to run after her dad until Ben grabbed her arm. "Let me go!" she demanded. "You know damn well we can fight!"
"Reckless!" Janos whacked the side of Sam's leg with her cane. "Listen to your father. To your friend. Stay here."
Sam tugged out of Ben's grip, but didn't run out of the house. Her chest heaved as she shook her head. "So what? We just watch people die on the tv while we sit on our asses?"
"We leave it to the rebels," Lupe told her, his anger simmering down. "They signed up for this."
"Oh yeah, I'm sure they signed up for getting invaded by a bunch of metal lunatics," Sam bit.
"That's not what I meant," Lupe said, following her as she paced away. "They are part of this. This is where their fight is. Not ours."
"Your friend speaks with wisdom beyond his years," Janos said. She walked between them. "You have lost enough already. Have you not?" Her cane poked at Sam's mechanical arm and Sam swiped away. Turning towards the kitchen, Janos told them, "I will make a meal. It will help."
Hinata was speechless. She sat at the edge of the couch, hands clasped together in front of her mouth. The live news played out in front of her. Harris remained alive at the moment. The man holding them hostage seemed to have a goal in mind, but without understanding the language Hinata couldn't piece together what it was. He continued to roar at the crowd and the droids separated the people into groups. Kosh was shoved out onto the stage, his face beaten and glasses broken. Avan was nowhere to be seen. The arguing from the others fell silent as they also joined in watching.
Sam sat down beside Hinata and they exchanged a glance, both of their eyes reddened and wet with angry tears. An audience member raised a fist, screaming something out. The man on stage merely shook his head and motioned towards a droid. With a salvo of shots, the person was gunned down. Hinata startled, getting up from her seat. She ran to the kitchen and leaned over the sink, dry heaving. Sam and Lupe started arguing again.
Lupe cursed, slamming Ben's hands against the top of the couch. His entire body shook, the metal rattling. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes. The sound of Hinata hiccuping and wheezing grated over the sound of the holocaster. Sam grabbed the remote and shut it off, making the screams go silent. She tossed the remote onto the couch.
"I'm not going to listen to them dying," she grumbled, leaving to go into the kitchen.
After another breath, Lupe followed Sam into the kitchen. He went over to Hinata at the sink, his voice hushed and calmer than before: "I know we don't agree."
"We have to go," Hinata rasped out, tears pricking her eyes. "I can't stand by. You know that. I don't want to rush into it, but we have to do something."
He released a long breath. "I know. You're right." He rubbed the back of Ben's neck. "But I told you back on the ship that I'm going to do everything I can to keep you safe. We can't forget that."
"Someone was just killed right in front of us, while we did nothing!" Hinata snapped back.
Ben's eyes narrowed, the thin metal brow raising. Whatever thoughts Lupe had on her statement stayed locked in.
"They would have been killed no matter your actions," Janos said as she chopped up vegetables for dinner. "Even if you left with my son. How would you have gotten there in time?"
"That's not the point!" Sam yelled from her seat at the kitchen table. "We can fight. We can help keep others from getting shot and we're just sitting here!"
"Look," Lupe stepped in between them, cutting off another discussion, "this isn't the time to argue about this. If we can make sure to lay low and stay safe, follow safety protocols then… I'm willing to go out there to help. Jarith's got to have something for us to do that isn't on the front lines." He offered out Ben's hand. "Are you up for that, Captain?"
Hinata took a shuddering breath and nodded, taking his hand. Lupe gripped her hand firmly, the two of them staring at the other for a lingering moment, accepting the situation. Releasing her hand, Lupe turned his attention towards Janos.
"Janos, this is your last chance," he pleaded with her. "Come with us to Nakano."
She placed down her knife and hung her head forward. "I have already made my decision. I will not go."
Lupe reached out towards her, then clenched Ben's hands, letting out an aggravated huff of breath. "Fine." He turned and rushed out of the house. "Hinata, Sam, let's go."
"Janos," Hinata tried to reason with her.
"Nah!" Janos held up her hand. "I will not hear another word. Go."
Hinata hesitated, but ultimately listened, following Ben out. Sam got up from her seat and Janos stopped her.
"Samantha," Janos said, turning around. She went to Sam and cupped her hands around Sam's face. "You have a strong heart, like your father. Use it wisely. Listen to that boy's voice of reason. Your friend. He will keep you alive." Her dark eyes drifted over Sam's face.
Sam placed her hand over Janos'. "Why won't you come with us?"
"My place is here, child," she replied, patting Sam's cheek. "But it is not yours. Live your life and do not mourn me. I make my choice with dignity."
Sam stepped forward and embraced her grandmother, a soft sob escaping her. "I'm sorry. I wish…"
Janos hushed her gently, pulling back and grabbing Sam's arms. "Go. There is not much time."
With a nod, Sam turned around to leave, giving one last look towards her grandmother before she ran out. Ben and Hinata were already a ways ahead, nearing the tunnel. Sam picked up the pace, pushing past people in the street and apologizing as she went.
"Commander Jarith?" she heard Ben back with his normal voice. "Commander, we're on our way. What can we do to help?"
"I thought I—" Jarith's voice came through Sam's earpiece and he groaned. "We need a clear path to the hangar bay. A few of my men are getting overrun."
"We're on it, dad," Sam replied in Ben's stead, sprinting to catch up with the others.
They made it to the tunnels. Screams and blaster shots echoed off the stone walls. People ran past them, going the opposite way to escape to the lower levels.
"There, helping clear a path, is that safe enough for you?" Sam called out towards Ben.
"Sam!" Hinata scolded back. "Not the time?"
"Oh, uh, Lupe's taking a step back," Ben answered. He turned around and began running backwards so he could face Sam. "Chiri got worried when they heard him yelling." He waved a hand. "He wanted me to let you know he's still watchin and here to help. Anyway, I've got the wheel again!" He pumped his fist in the air with a cheer and jumped the right way around to run forward. "Time to save the world!"
"I don't think that's happening this time, Ben," Hinata admitted.
They neared the entrance to the tunnel, crowds of people shoving past each other to escape. The same droids they tricked earlier yelled at the citizens, threatening to fire if they didn't conduct themselves. Sam charged up her arm and fired a shot into a droid's chest.
"Careful!" Hinata yelled. With a curve of her hands, a stream of water enveloped the droids one by one. A current bubbled through it, lifting the droids above the crowd and giving Sam the perfect vantage point to shoot them.
The water poured down, the droid parts clattering to the ground with it. They ran past, destroying any droid in their way. Ben branched away from them for a moment, coming back with one of the droid's blasters in his hands. He fired red salvos at any droids the girls missed. Reaching the main road, they saw the billowing smoke from the theatre. It shrouded the lights overhead across the top of the dome as if they were outside in the middle of a storm.
Roars and yells carried over the frightened screams and they saw groups of Nautolans firing back at the droids. "That must be the rebels!" Ben exclaimed, hollering and raising his gun like a battle cry. This only captured the attention of the droids and they turned their fire towards them.
Hinata extended her arms, raising a shimmering barrier. Shots absorbed into it, warbling the protective orb before it dissipated. "Sam, keep your shield up," she ordered. "And stay close."
"Got it." Sam ducked behind a half crumbled wall, charging up her arm and pressing a few buttons to change the settings. "I can use my magnetic pull. Gather a bunch of them in the middle without their weapons."
"Do it."
Peeking out from behind her defense, she fired a spray of blue particles across a group of tan droids. The light in her arm shifted to red and she rolled out from behind her defense, sprinting towards another building. Her back pressed against the brick just as a shot hit the corner and carved out a hole of melted plaster. Breathing deeply, she waited for a break in the shots and looked around the corner. A line of silver droids marched into view, their bodies bulkier and far more armored than the tan group. She lined up the shot and red particles sprayed out over them, disorienting the march.
The color in her arm transformed back to its vibrant blue and she aimed a final shot at the center of the road. With an electric clack the red and blue particles slammed back together, creating a metal mess of droids. Rebels surrounded the hoard, firing and killing off any still functioning.
Cheers rang out. They overpowered the screams and Sam grinned over at Hinata. The sound of more clanking footsteps approached, which only meant more droids. Hinata waved Sam over and they joined the Rebels.
"What's a couple of humans doin out here?" a yellow Nautolan asked.
"Where here for my dad," Sam told them with a bit of a smirk. "Jarith."
The rebels' eyes widened, murmuring voices coasting through the group.
"His daughter's joined the rebels?" one of them asked.
"It's about time," another said. "Where have you been?"
Hinata raised her arm, quieting them down. "Jarith needs us to clear a path to the hangar bay. Which way do we need to go?"
"Keep on the main road and you'll reach it," the yellow Nautolan answered. "You got a blaster on you?"
Hinata held up her hands. "No, just some—"
Her words were cut off by one of the rebels tossing a gun into her hands. She examined it: a simple model, similar to the one Captain Amelia used to train her with back on Montressor. The memory brought a smile to her face as she charged it up for a shot.
"Make em pay!" the Nautolan yelled, his words followed by a battle cry from the other rebels.
They all spread out to attack the oncoming droids. Left and right they were shot down, many of them seeming to have little to no experience with fighting. The small amount of levity they found with the group was swiftly crushed. Hinata summoned another shield, surrounding them as they ran for cover.
"They really were in over their heads!" Ben exclaimed over the fire.
Hinata struggled to keep herself from throwing up. The fray of battle swarmed around her, more real and gruesome than she ever imagined it to be. She leaned up against the wall, shots firing and absorbing into the shield. There was nothing she could do about the rebels dying around them. A handful of them survived, gathering behind cover and firing from a distance.
"We have to stick together," Hinata told Sam and Ben. "We have the ship to teleport back to if we really need it, but if we're too far away from each other it won't work!"
"What's the plan then?" Sam yelled back. "I know you can't keep this thing up forever."
Taking a deep breath, Hinata said, "We clear the way through. Don't stay in the same spot for long and don't let them surround you." She looked between them. "Got it?"
Both of them nodded and Hinata's barrier shimmered away. They bolted into action. Hinata summoned her shield into her hand, spinning and throwing it into the building across the street. It embedded near the second floor, sending bits of brick and plaster into the air. Hinata warped to it, and settled on top, using the gifted blaster to fire into the droids. Sam ran in the same direction, her shield out in front of her and blocking the barrage of shots. Frost gathered on her arm until she slammed her hand down. Ice grew from her fingertips, coating the road beneath the droids.
Entire groups slipped and toppled over on top of each other, shot down by Hinata from above. Ben fired anywhere he could, keeping close to Sam and covering her. Lupe's voice started coming in through the earpiece again, warning Sam of any oncoming droids. Hinata warped back to the ground between them, her shield disappearing in a wisp of blue. Carnage of metal and oil soaked the ground. The streets were devoid of the general population, most of them managing to escape to the lower levels while the fight waged on.
The few rebels remaining came out from hiding, joining Hinata's team. They continued down the main road, firing down droid squadron after squadron. Jarith yelled behind them. They turned to see him running with a much larger group, the survivors amongst the audience. Two people carried Harris, both of them on either side of him. Green blood dripped down his neck, soaking his clothes. Kosh hobbled alongside him, a small blaster in his hand.
Hinata turned to the rebels. "Keep going! We'll cover Jarith."
They did as she said while Sam and Ben ran back with her towards Jarith. He quickly embraced Sam when she was close enough, but they had to keep moving. More droids crawled in from the alleyways, closing in on the progress Hinata and her team already made. Hinata blew out a breath and spread out her arms. Walls of water shot up on either side of the road, the current inside of them raging like waterfalls. Shots fired, but couldn't pierce through.
"Go!" she yelled. "I can't hold it for long!"
Gasps erupted from the crowd, but they did as she said and ran past while she held the spell in place.
"Hinata!" Lupe groaned through Ben, running up beside her. "What are you doing?"
"Grab me an ether from my bag," Hinata ordered rather than reply to him. Her breath went shallow. "I can do this."
He paused, just a moment, the color of Ben's eyes cooling to blue and he nodded. Pulling the cork off the ether, he put it against her lips.
She drank it down and spit out the vial. With a yell, she threw the water over like a tsunami wave on either side of the road. Droids cried out, swept up in the current. Many of them slammed against buildings, others flew all the way off the Gampassa's back and into the ocean itself. Hinata fell forward the moment the spell crashed, caught by Sam and Lupe.
"That was a really stupid move," Lupe blurted out, a grin evident in his voice as he helped her regain her footing.
"But also kinda cool," Sam added, offering another ether.
Lupe wheezed out a laugh mixed with a scoff. "Yeah, ok, it was pretty cool. But don't ever try that without us here."
Hinata took the ether, catching her breath. "I know." She drank it down and threw it to the ground. Life breathed back into her and she broke into a run. "Now come on!"
They caught up to the crowd and pushed through to reach Jarith at the front. The droids were finally beginning to thin out and the remaining rebels managed to push them back. They could see the hangar bay up ahead. Officer Zot stood at its entrance, with an entire legion of droids at her back. Droidekas rolled in on either side, unfurling and forming a translucent shield around themselves.
Jarith put up his hand, stopping the crowd and the rebels in front of her. "Zot," he said, stepping forward to meet her and raising his hands. "You don't have to do this."
She shook her head, lips spread thin. "Commander, you know better than anyone that isn't true." Her dark eyes went to Harris and she sucked in a breath. "I tried to warn him."
"That's how I know you don't want to do this," he replied.
She scoffed, looking away. No one moved. The droids awaited her command and the rebels awaited Jarith's. "They have my family," she choked out.
Jarith's hands went down. "I know…"
"Then you know I don't have a choice," she looked back at him, straightening her posture. Her expression hardened, though a sheen of emotion coated her eyes. "Take aim!" she ordered.
Every droid readied their weapons. Jarith looked between them all. They outnumbered the rebels five to one. His eyes widened.
"RUN!" Jarith yelled and the crowd dispersed with panic.
"Hinata, summon your barrier," Lupe ordered, his voice shaking.
Spreading out her hands, a shimmering shield surrounded them. Lupe moved Ben's body and grabbed Hinata's wrist. He ran them over to Jarith, Kosh, and Harris' body left unconscious on the ground. The droids opened fire, each shot warbling and rippling across the barrier. Hinata fell to her knees, sweat beading on her neck. Light enveloped them and all at once, the battle went silent. Hinata looked up, her shield dissipating. They were back in the synthetic town's lab.
"What…what just happened?" Kosh asked, his entire body shaking. He knelt to the ground, checking Harris' pulse with his fingers while he looked around frantically.
Jarith stepped forward, stumbling. "What did you do?" He spun around, chest heaving. "Where are we?"
"Dad," Sam put up her hands, trying to calm him down, "you're ok. We're in a safe house. We can get you back to our ship on Nakano."
"And the others?" Kosh asked, struggling to catch his breath. "What about them?"
"We took who we could," Lupe admitted, his office door sliding open. He walked out, his face solemn and dark. "I'm sorry, sir. I… didn't have a choice."
Jarith walked over to Lupe, his eyes darting over him. "You're just a kid." The panic in his gaze softened and he put his hand on Lupe's shoulder. "But you made the call. You did what you had to…" He looked over at Sam, Harris, Kosh, and then back at Lupe. "You kept us alive."
Lupe strained a smile, his eyes reddened with tears as he nodded. "We… can get you back to Nakano as soon as you're ready."
"And then what?" Kosh asked, a sob breaking out of him. He lifted Harris' head into his lap and leaned over him, crying. "What's the point?"
His broken cries resonated through the lab. Hinata remained silent, watching all of them and coming to terms with what just happened. She reached her hand over and rested it on Kosh's back.
"I told him not to go," Kosh wept. "I told him."
"He knew what was at stake," Jarith replied. "We all did." He knelt down beside Kosh, looking over Harris. "I'll take a transport back to Dassana."
"And do what?" Kosh asked. "Zot killed them. She killed everyone."
"Not everyone," Jarith said. "Many of them survived on Dassana long before we got there. We'll get another chance."
"You might be able to get a message out to the Republic from here," Lupe told him.
Jarith looked up at him, then shook his head. "They know we are under a blockade. Along with dozens of other planets in the outer rims. Their attempts to help us have crashed at the bottom of the oceans." He placed his hand on Harris' shoulder. "We just have to survive."
"I'm…" Hinata tried to talk, her voice hardly more than a squeak. She reached into her satchel and pulled out a potion. "This should help Harris."
Jarith grabbed the vial from her, examining the green, glowing contents. "Thank you." He handed it to Kosh then stood up and faced Lupe once again. "We're ready, son."
"Dad." Sam grabbed his arm. "I want to come with you."
Jarith tried to smile, but it fell. Instead, he pulled Sam into his arms. "Later. Stay here, recover. We'll see each other again soon."
"The Highwind needs repairs anyways," Ben pointed out. "So we'll be docked in Nakano for a bit."
Sam tightened her arms around her dad before letting him go.
"We'll see you soon, sir," Lupe said.
Another flash of light covered Jarith, Kosh, and Harris, then they were gone. Smears of green and indigo blood splotched the floor, their metallic scent filling the lab. The rest of them remained silent, no one daring to say anything. Lupe stumbled back into the wall, his legs giving out and he slid to the floor. Chirithy crawled into his lap and he wrapped his arms around them, resting his chin on Chirithy's head. Sam hobbled over to the door leading into her workstation, but rather than go through she leaned against it and joined Hinata and Lupe in sitting on the floor.
Ben stood awkwardly between them all, pulling at his fingers. "Can I get any of you something? A water, maybe. Or a snack?"
Jack's distant barking approached and he fazed through the door, whimpering at the sight. He barked softly at Ben and tugged on his arm with his mouth.
"Right, right, good idea," Ben agreed softly, following Jack out of the lab.
Minutes passed, until Sam finally said: "Avan's gone…" Lupe and Hinata looked over at her. "He was with Kosh when we left the theatre. Either he's dead or still on Dassana." She said it devoid of emotion, her gaze settled on the splotches of blood on the polished floor.
"I'm sorry…" Hinata replied with a whisper.
"So much for training him," Sam said. "I don't think he liked me anyway."
"He did," Lupe said, his eyes distant as he held Chirithy. "I know he did." His wrist glitched into a burst of pixels, the bracelet Hinata gifted him clinked to the ground. With a wince, he reached down and snatched it up, his fingers fuzzy and pixelated.
No one else replied. The whir of the lab and its irregular mechanical beeps were the only sounds between them. Minutes went by until Jack and Ben returned with a tray of snacks and drinks. Hinata tried to smile at them, thankful for the effort. Jack licked her cheek, nuzzling against her before he flew over to a water bottle and nudged it towards her.
She did as he asked, pulling off the cap and taking a drink of the cool, refreshing water. It coated her throat, filling her senses. She sucked in a breath once she finished, realizing then that she drank the entire thing. Jack's tail wagged and he nudged water towards Sam and Lupe in turn. Ben stood at the doorway, twisting his fingers.
"We'll be here if you need anything," he told them. "But I want you all to know that I think you did the best you could out there today. I-I don't know if that means much, but I'm happy to be part of this team. Even after today." He cleared his throat when no one replied and scurried out of the lab, leaving them to recover in their own time.
*Author's Note: Thank you so much for taking the time to read this chapter! It was a joy to finally bring Jarith into the series and has been a moment I've been waiting for. Harris and Kosh have also been planned for some time, though they've blossomed more than I expected.
The next chapter will fully follow Keres and her infiltration of the Organization Lab with Jumba and his experiments. It should be a lot of fun.
If you enjoyed this chapter or the characters, or anything about this misadventure, please make sure to leave a comment! It goes without saying how amazing and helpful those can be for a writer.
Anyway, have a wonderful week and thank you again for reading!*