Title: Prince's Gambit
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~CHAPTER ONE~
Yawning through her fingers, Nova Skywalker walked briskly down the stone corridors of Yavin Four’s largest Massassi Temple, tugging her black shirt and making her way to the east yard. Her hair was in a tight braid this morning, having known that she would be teaching a physical class early. Her husband, Luke Skywalker, was already out of bed and showered by the time she had rolled into a sitting position. He had kissed her on the cheek and strode out, looking as fresh as ever. Why did she have to marry a morning person? Nova smiled as she stepped out of one of the doors and into the humid day. He was an every hour kind of man, able to utilize any time of day or night to his own purposes. She had tried to be like that but she had yet to reach that far into enlightenment. She just figured it was just one of those things one was not meant to master. As she walked, the tiny group of assembling students came into view. Males, females, unisexes, humans, aliens and mutants, anyone who could feel the Force and desired to use that precious resource for the betterment of the galaxy came here to this academy. To become Jedi Knights. To become heroes. The group of eight that awaited her was just a small sampling. A few humans, a few aliens, different sexes but all ready for class, including a surprise male standing in the center of the group. Clapping her hands, Nova stopped and looked them over. “Good morning, class. Everyone break into three lines of three.” That one male stood off to the side and Nova snapped her fingers. “In line, mister!” The group snickered almost inaudible as he pointed at himself in shock. “Yes! Get moving!” Nova pointed to an empty space in the last line. “First, we are going to do our Limbering Exercises, Stage Two...” The class went through the ten minute warm up then stood at attention. Nova was trying to hide her grin as she walked around them. “How about some push ups? Those are always a favorite…” Nova stopped at the male she had been giving so much attention to and asked, “Why are you grinning, mister? I don’t see anything to smile about. What do you say, class? Maybe we should make Smilie show us how push ups are done.” The taller human cut his eyes at her but got down on his hands and knees anyway. Nova squatted down beside him as he started rising and falling against the ground. “Not bad. You look kinda rusty, though. Gettin’ soft?” “’Soft’?” “I didn’t say you could ask questions, maggot!” she growled in a deep, big voice. A giggle erupted from the little grouping. Nova looked up to see her main apprentice, Tara, holding a hand over her mouth. In fact, all of the students were red-faced or fidgeting, seeming humored or uncomfortable with the exchange. “You want some of this, girl?” Tara laughed harder and a few people felt safe enough to let out a couple of laughs of their own. After all, the young man doing push-ups and being called ‘maggot’ by the Jedi Master was none other than Luke Skywalker himself. Nova giggled and kissed his neck on the way up. “Okay, show-off, I think you’re done.” Luke stood on his knees, throwing his head back, sending dark blonde hair away from his face. “I sure am glad you aren’t my master”, he teased then glanced at the fresh-faced young woman in the group and nearly blushed. “Sorry, Tara.” Tara laughed, "Its okay, Master Skywalker, I've learned to get used to it. Once you get past the dish duty, push ups, jumping jacks and stretches for punishments she’s really a great master." Tara's green eyes sparkled with the mischief that they had always had and never seemed to loose. Master Nova looked over at Tara and raised an eyebrow. "Your luck you added that ‘great master’ in there, other wise you would have had dish duty tonight." Tara whispered to Luke, "See what I mean?" Master Nova crossed her arms and Tara closed her mouth and tried to look innocent. "All right, lets get today’s lessons going." Master Nova said. "We are going to work on feeling what your opponent is going to do, before he does it." Tara smiled, this meant they where going to get to practice fighting one another, and she loved that. Accept the one time she had to go up against her Master. Master Nova had made a fool of her, and Tara knew that it would happen again. "All right, lets pair up." Master Nova said. She looked at Tara then to Luke, "Luke, Tara, you two are a pair." Tara grimaced, Luke was even better then Master Nova. She walked over to Luke and bowed, readying herself to being flipped onto the ground a good many times. * * * * *
Nova stood back as the pairs got into their own spaces. “You, you… you…” Nova began picking out people. She weaved her finger in the air between her husband and apprentice. Then pointed to Tara. “And you… will be the offensives. Attack.” With arms crossed, the blonde human walked around each fighting pair. Within only a few minutes, the group had spread out all along the wide courtyard. She spoke lowly as students defended and attacked. They were practicing only, but that did not keep them from trying to win. Many circled and slapped at each other’s arms and hands. “This is not a sport. There is no winning or losing. You are to feel your opponent. Don’t think too hard about it”, she called out. “The Force is not your logic. It is fundamental. It is the base. Feel it. Let yourself be guided.” Stopping at her mate and the younger, she watched as Tara’s face grimaced. It was a bit unfair. Luke uses the Force now as though it was his hand or his sight. Tara’s slaps, punches and even her sudden kicks were fended off by him. One would think he would let her win once… but he was a great master, not one to let someone think they had leaned it all when they had just begun… and it was not about winning. Nova took in a breath. Wasn’t that what she was just telling her students? And Luke had learned this already. What more did he need to know about fending off a Force-sensitive young woman whose only weapon were her hands? But Nova was proud of her apprentice and knew that she, too, was training well. Time to let her shine. “Switch!” * * * * *
Tara stopped trying to hit Master Luke and began trying to block the punches and kicks that he sent towards her. The first few she was able to block and she knew Master Luke was being easy on her, letting her warm up. Master Luke turned up the heat a little and kicked Tara in the leg. She frowned and focused harder on his movements. She felt the Force flow through her and it was if she was one with every living thing. Tara blocked his next kick and spun away from his punch. She saw him smile and he began to move faster around her, making her work hard to catch the swipes and kicks he threw at her. She twisted, ducked and flipped out of the way. By the time Master Nova told them to stop, Master Skywalker had only gotten three or four hits on her. Tara was grinning ear to ear. This was a big improvement for her. Normally, she was not able to block anything! The pairs bowed to one another then lined up again, waiting for the next thing Master Nova would have them do. Hiding her smile, she one again moved around the class, looking at the students and sizing them up. She said a few words to one student who looked rather ill. He perked up a bit and she moved on. Practice was to hone skill, not break spirit. “Next up is… well, it’s a game. I’m sure you all have played it from time to time. It’s called hide-and-seek.” The students looked at one another, some making faces. Nova and Luke had been discussing this earlier and she supposed this is why her husband was here. “Luke and I are going to go run off into the woods. In about ten minutes, you all come and find us using the Force. Let’s see if you can pick us out of all the other life in the jungle… and figure out when or if you are being tricked.” Luke stood on the tips of his toes, looking over the small gathering. “Sound simple enough?” The students nodded in agreement or just understanding. “My dear?” Luke held out and arm and Nova slipped hers into his, patting his bicep and walking off with him to leave the students to mill about for a few minutes. Tara grinned, this should not be too hard for her. She was attuned to her master very well and could pick her out anywhere. "All right guys! Lets get going!" Tara called once the ten minutes was up. Well everyone else ran off into the woods, Tara sat there and closed her eyes. She felt the Force flowing through her as she looked for two presences. She found them and she focused on it more and soon found out that it was a trick. She smiled at the two masters ability in the force and stretched out her feelings more. Soon she found the two masters. Tara grinned as she ran through the woods. She ran quickly using the Force to help her along, lifting her over logs and brush. Soon she spotted the two masters sitting on the branch of a tree The red head looked up at them and grinned, "Found ya.” * * * * *
Nova’s eyes bugged slightly as she looked below her. “Tara?!” The girl nodded. “Yea, that’s me.” Nova sighed. “You weren’t suppose to find us so quick.” “Well…that was the point”, Luke said, swinging his legs back and forth in the air. Having thought quicker than his wife, he had created a shield around Tara to hide her exuberance from the other students. That way, they would have to find them upon their own merit. “You must have cheated.” “Did not!” she denied, laughing at her master. She tilted her head back and pointed up. “Isn’t that the Millennium Falcon?” Nova and Luke looked to the sky, both frowning. “Honey? Were you expecting your brother-in-law?” Luke looked confused then grinned. “No. But he’s always welcome… and Leia’s with him!” Luke looked down at Tara, "Will you go and meet them, and tell them that we will be there as soon as all the students find us." Tara nodded, "Sure I’ll go tell Han your playing hide and seek." She grinned, thinking of the comments Han was going to give back. Tara ran back through the woods, taking care not to go near any of the other students. She ran up to the landing area, just as Han, Leia, Threepio and Chewie came down the ramp. Tara smiled and embraced Leia, then Han, whom grumbled something about too warm of a welcome. "Good day Mistress Tara." The golden droid said. "Hello Threepio," she turned to tall wookiee, "Hey you fur ball! How are you doing?" Chewie grumbled a hello. "Where is Luke and Nova?" Leia asked. "Oh, playing hide and seek with the rest of the students." She said with a grin. Han snorted, "The great Jedi have resorted to playing hide and seek." Tara rolled her eyes, "It’s a great way to practice searching for someone and finding their Force sense and picking it out from other living things.” ~~~~~~~~~
Nova sat on the branch, looking as far out into the jungle as she could. Which wasn’t very far at all, for the green shield of leaves could overwhelm anyone’s view. “Suppose we should let them find us, dear?” “Umm?” Nova turned to look at her husband, their blue eyes meeting. “I have an idea that Leia and Han aren’t here for a family visit.” The male grimaced. “Yes… I noticed that the kids weren’t with them. Safe on Coruscant, I guess.” “Which means ‘not safe here’?” “’Not safe where we are going’ is more like it.” The woman grinned as a student darted passed them then doubled back, looking around until he finally lifted his head. The 19-year-old frowned and placed his hands on his narrow hips. “In a tree, master?” “Yep”, Luke replied. “Good job. Now, go back to the temple and look up Kam for us.” “Yes, master.” The young male ran off and Nova teetered back on the thick limb. “They don’t seem overly upset.” Luke’s Force sense arched out to his twin and her husband. “They’re use to trouble.” Nodding at the observation, she leaned back and waited for Kam to arrive and take over for them. Tara frowned as she saw Kam heading past her and the Solo family. "Where are you going?" she asked. "To relieve your master and Master Luke of their duties." He said. "Ah," Tara muttered then looked back at the Solo’s. "I guess my Masters will be here soon. “Would you like to come into the Temple?" she asked, knowing her Master would be unhappy with her if she did not. "That would be nice." Leia said. Tara lead the group into the Temple and seated them at a table. She brought them something to drink and sat down to wait for her masters. A few minutes later, the two Jedi walked into the room. Tara stood and bowed to them. * * * * *
“I think my little minion is getting better at hosting.” Luke rolled his eyes and made a b-line for his sister. He embraced her and they pulled back and smiled into each other’s faces, sharing more than looks through the Force-bond the twins held. “Hiya, kid.” “Han!” Luke grabbed the older man and they clapped each other on the back and Nova embraced her sister–in-law. “How are you, Leia?” “Fine”, she said with a smile then stepped back so Han could give Nova a hug. The male lifted her off her feet and she grunted then giggled. “You’re gonna break somethin’ you nerfhearder.” “’Scuse me”, his deep voice soothed as he set her carefully down on the stone floor. “You look good, Blondie.” “Well, ofcourse, I do!” Nova tried not to notice Tara rolling her eyes. The cafeteria, which could usually could hold a hundred people easily, was vacant now, as most students were at their studies or meditating. Luke bade everyone to take a seat and Nova patted her hand to the seat beside her so her apprentice would feel welcome. Chewie growled as he sat beside Han and everyone laughed. “Well, we didn’t come for the food, furball.” Nova snorted. “No body comes for the food, Han.” Tara snickered and Luke did his best impersonation of a man scowling. A droid brought out some native fruits and the Jedi woman took one, rolling it about in her palm. “But… this is not a family visit… is it?” Tara frowned at her Master then looked at the adults. She stretched out with her feelings and found that there was something troubling the couple. She looked at Leia as the women started to speak. "There is a planet that the senate is concerned about. They have been sending some threatening messages." She said, looking distressed. "What is the name of the planet?" Master Skywalker asked. Leia sighed and gave a half smile, "I do not want to tell you here, even in the temple many people can hear." She sighed again, "The senate wants you, your wife and of course Tara. This planet seems to respect Jedi, and for some odd reason…" she grinned and looked at Chewie, "Wookiees." Tara grinned at that. "So of course we shall be sending Chewie with you, if you choose to accept, I will tell you more about it, and the location." Leia said. “Leia”, Luke spoke softly. “I’m no diplomat. I’ve seen what you do and I don’t think I can handle all the nuances of it.” “That’s why we’re sending Golden Rod over here”, Han drawled, flicking his thumb behind him at the silent droid behind him. Leia remained silent, her chocolate brown eyes watching her brother’s face. Picking at the soft skin of the fruit she had, Nova grimaced at what she was hearing. “Wanna move it to the Falcon then? It’s more suitable for this kinda talk, I think.” “That might prove wise”, Leia said softly as they rose up. It wasn’t like she or Luke would say no to her. Leia would not come to ask a favor like this on a whim. She knew they were not diplomats. From what Nova knew… Jedi were the ones called in when the diplomats failed. The walk to the bulky freighter took only a minute or so, the landing arena outside looking abandoned to the untrained eye. Threepio scuttled behind them, his gold head looking back and forth, no doubt trying to see if R2 was about. Once inside the old ship, Nova asked the question she’d wanted to ask at the table. “Exactly what kind of threats are they giving?” Han brushed past her, the smell of his cologne making her smile and, oddly, more calm. “Apparently…” he answered for his wife as he leaned against the side wall beside Chewie. “They have a cool new superweapon.” Luke sat at the game unit and placed his unclothed arms on the top, lacing his fingers together. “How reliable is that claim?” Nova scooted inside to sit beside him and Tara stretched out at the other end like someone who had been on the Falcon one too many times already. ‘Force forbid if she picks up too many bad habits from Han Solo.’ ‘Like you haven’t, my dear?’ Nova smirked at the sound of her husbands voice in her head then caught sight of the datapad Leia handed to her brother. “Intelligence says it’s just a prototype. But, even then, if they decided to use it, it could spell disaster for whomever it’s aimed at.” Nova sighed heavily. “So what’s their deal?” Leia looked up at Nova, "That’s just it. We don’t know. Zanab has always been a quiet world. Quite frankly, we’re shocked by their sudden involvement in galactic affairs. They’ve been very close mouthed. That’s why we want you four to go. See what they are willing to do and what kind of deals the New Republic could make them. We need to know how serious this situation is. It’s obvious that they don’t trust us but want the New Republic’s attention." Luke nodded, "When is it you want us to go?" "As soon as you can." Leia said. "We can leave in a few hours." Luke said, surprising Nova only a little. Tara sighed and sat up. "If we are leaving that soon, I’m going to start packing now." She said then looked at her Master, "That is, if it’s ok?" Master Nova nodded and Tara left the Falcon, giving Chewie a scratch on the way. Tara entered the temple and went straight to her room. She grabbed a backpack and started putting in some extra robes and a few other things. * * * * *
Luke and Nova left shortly after, talking only alittle further about the details of the mission. They left the humidity of the jungle and stepped into the cool of the temple, seeing more students walking about. A few 'hello, masters’ and they were in their apartment. Nova made straight for the back of the room were an odd looking droid with flesh-like hands stood. Luke halted at the bed and pulled off his slightly damp shirt then walked slowly to where his wife was. She was bent over the side of a little crib that he, himself, had made. He set his chin on her shoulder and looked into the bedding at the angelic face of his son. A perfect, tiny life. "Not so tiny anymore", she whispered to him. Little Obi-Jaden was seven months old now and was growing like a weed. "I miss him already." He was still a little chubby but was steadily loosing his baby fat as he learned more about crawling. His hair was as light a blonde as could be and his eyes, now closed, were a sky blue with a darker blue rim around the iris. Nova smiled proudly, her eyes zeroing in on the beginnings of a cleft in his little chin. Luke grunted. "I know. But don't worry. Maybe we won’t be gone long... and Tionne will take good care of him. Now, come on... we have to get packed for our trip." * * * * * Tara was soon done packing and she did a quick check to be sure she had everything. "Hair brush, clean under garments." she laughed to herself, knowing that Master Nova always made it a habit to make sure Tara had clean under wear. When she was sure she had everything she walked out of her room, locked the door, then headed down the hall towards the ship they would be taking. * * * * *
It took a few minutes for Nova to allow herself to be separated from Obi-Jaden once again but she managed to make it to the port in time to catch her apprentice. Luke had stayed behind to give last minute instructions and advice to Gantoris. He would be taking over the administrative duties along with Tionne while the headmaster and master councilor were away. Hooking an arm around Tara’s slim shoulders, Nova watched Han and Leia approach with Chewie at their side. “Hey, Solo? Do we get to take the Falcon?” Han’s head snapped back. “Are you crazy, Blondie? After what happened last time I loaned my baby out?” “Are you still harping on that Death Star thing? Lando said he was sorry and he got you a new and better deflector dish.” Han smirked and Leia smiled broadly. “Ofcourse, you can take the Falcon!” The taller male jumped and looked at his wife in shock. “Huh?” Tara grinned, "Great! I'm great at piloting the Falcon!" Han's eyes went wide. "Whoa now, Chewie is the one piloting the Falcon, if you take it. And how are we suppose to get home?" he asked, making a good point. “Actually we’ll be in the Taral system by way of diplomatic transport.” “Huh?” Nova almost laughed. “We’ll talk about it later, dear.” “I still say-“ Nova gave a wide grin, surprised at Leia but very willing to take the ‘Old Girl’ out. Besides, the Nova Creation was out of service now and Luke’s X-wing wouldn’t carry all of them. And the Jedi had an idea that Leia had something up her sleeve for her to offer so willingly. So, to end it, Nova stated sweetly, “We’re taking it." In response, Tara grinned and darted aboard the Falcon to stash her stuff and start it though the preflight check. She plopped down in pilot’s seat and started flicking on switches, listening to the Falcon's engines start to hum. Chewie walked into the cockpit and growled something at her. "Oh get over it you fur ball. I'm piloting it, at least for a little while. You copilot, that should be good enough for Han." Tara had learned to speak wookiee years ago. She had practically grown up around Chewie. Nova laughed and walked up behind the Wookiee, patting him on one incredibly large shoulder. "We can sedate her if you like." The Wookiee 'oooraaaaled' and snuffled out a laugh while Tara did her best to look indignant at how quick he was to agree. Nova sat in the seat behind Chewbacca and relaxed a bit. They needed to hammer out a few more things before they left, hence why Han was grumbling in the next room and stalking the bare wires at the side wall. "Why my baby?" Nova thought she heard him ask. She felt Luke before she heard him and he sat beside her, at ease in the old freighter. "Leia will be here in a second." "Good", Nova answered, stretching and pulling her long braid around to lay on her chest, patting the silky strains. Her thoughts were on Obi-Jaden and it took a moment for her to realize that Luke was staring at her. "Huh?" He leaned forward, ice blue eyes dancing. "I said... this will be a short trip. Nothing really. We'll be back with Little Obi before he misses us." Nova smiled and nodded, trying to perk up. Leia walked into the cockpit and handed a datapad to Luke, "Show this to the leader of Zanab and he will be sure you are treated well, and put you up in a nice place to stay.” Leia handed him another one and tapped its small screen. “And this one will debrief you on everything we have on Zanab and what they’ve been doing for the passed few decades." Luke nodded and Han walked into the cockpit and marched over to Tara. "Alright kid, you put a scratch on my girl and you will be doing dishes for the rest of your life plus, washing the Falcon and giving her a new paint job." Tara turned to look at him, "You’re not my Master, only my Master gives me dish duty”, she said frowning as Master Nova looked up at her. "Oh, what ever Han says goes about his ship." she said, crossing her legs and looking over at one of the datapads. Tara's eyes went wide and Han smirked. "Okay, we better get going. We will contact you when we get there." Luke said. Han pointed his finger at Tara then looked at Chewie, "You keep an eye on her." The wookiee growled an affirmative and Leia hugged her brother. A few minutes later, Tara shut the hatch and lifted the Falcon smoothly off the ground and guided her into space. Nova watched carefully for a few minutes but, assured at her apprentice's skill, she settled into her crash webbing. Once they were out of Yavin's gravity well, they hit hyperspace and, having a hopefully smooth ride ahead of them, Luke, Nova and Threepio who had been secure in back got up to stretch and relax before the mission. "Let me see that datapad, hon." Luke handed it over without a word, going to the back to see about their provisions. Nova sat in the seat of the game unit and looked over the datapad information. She could hear Luke scrounging around in the cabinet beside her and she took in a breath. “Says hear that Zanab was not allied with the Empire but they didn’t resist, either.” “So, they were kept under the Empire’s thumb?” “Must have been…” Nova frowned as she continued reading. “They have a pirate problem. Smugglers, too. It’s not really a backwater world… but they are close to many of the main space lanes. According to this they didn’t have any useful weapons up until this superweapon thing.” Luke came back and sat opposite of her and handed her a meal bar. “Sounds like they were easy pickings.” “Yea… maybe they bought this weapon from someone.” The blonde male sighed soundlessly. “That sounds worse. Someone supplying weapons of mass destruction? Not good for anyone.” “Yea. Well, I’m puzzled. Why, if they got weapons to beat off the bad guys, would they be waving it in the New Republic’s face?” “That’s why we're going there. To find all that out.” Nova said nothing to her husband’s observation but merely nodded in response. * * * * * Tara leaned back the seat, propping her feet up and look as comfortable as the Corellian always did. She cocked a smile at Chewie who grumbled a question. "No, fur ball, I wont scratch the panel with my boots." she rolled her eyes, "You’re as worried as Han." She laughed as the wookiee threatened to tie her down in the smuggling compartment. A few hours later the buzzer went off warning that they would be entering real space in three minutes. Tara clicked on the comm and warned, "Everyone buckle up back there, we are coming out of hyperspace in two."
~CHAPTER TWO~
Nova and Luke scooted up front and buckled up, the female trying not to be nervous as the little redhead pulled them out into real space. The transition was blissfully calm. Ahead of them was a world that looked like a red gem, clouds of white swirling above the ground of the planet. It would have been inviting had it not been for the mission they were on. The comm crackled. "Unidentified freighter, pull into the prime space lane." Tara's fingers stretched out. "Uh?" Chewie grrred and piloted them into a route of buoy-lined space. "Oh", Tara said with a laugh. "What's with the directions?" Luke leaned forward, frowning. "They must have a problem with space debris." "Or too many strangers coming about and making trouble", Nova reminded him. Tara glanced back, "I like Master Luke’s idea better." She took over the piloting again as the comm on the ship crackled, "Please state your ship name and business." "Millennium Falcon, Diplomatic mission from the New Republic. Jedi Masters Luke and Nova Skywalker, Apprentice Tara, the Wookiee Chewbacca, and protocol droid Threepio aboard." Tara replied. There was a small hesitation on the other end of the line. "We’ve been expecting you. Please land on docking bay P 237," the voice said. "Copy." Tara and Chewie guided the ship down into the atmosphere of the planet and landed it smoothly onto the docking bay. "Umm, not bad." "Thank you, master", she replied as they pulled themselves out of their harnesses. Nova frowned and tilted her head at the empty concrete before them. "I figured the delegates would be waiting for us." Luke pulled on his Jedi robes then help Nova with hers. "I'm sure they are on their way." "Yep, there they are." Tara was leaned over the control panel, looking out the window. "Look at all the pretty colored robes." "Now, now, Tara. Maybe gaudy is a good thing here." Luke huffed, "Nova!” Tara laughed. “It’s not gaudy, master. It’s very pretty. Too bad the Jedi don’t have robes like that.” Luke frowned at her. “Tara, the Jedi try to not stand out in a crowd.” “I know, Master Skywalker, but they are still fun to look at.” She said as the four of them headed down the ramp of the Falcon. They stepped off and bowed before the delegates, Chewie locking up the Falcon with the touch of a few buttons. He was fastidious at making sure his and Han’s baby was safe. “Welcome to Zanab”, one said, stepping forward. “We’ve been waiting eagerly for your arrival. Please, come this way and we will take you to your housing for the duration of your visit.” Luke gave a gentle bow as they lead off into a walk that became a tour. Nova couldn’t help but feel terribly odd about the unfolding situation. She sensed that Luke was on guard as was Chewie. Even Tara was suspicious. Threepio, being Threepio, was being especially gracious, apparently glad that no one was shooting at him yet. They had come in response to a threat… and, yet, they were being treated as though they were here for a friendly visit. Nova snorted. Diplomats. After being shown about the area, which was actually a rather nice city built of a light blue material and dotted with flowered trees, they were taken to the Zealous Bard, apparently the designated area for visiting dignitaries. The main attendant who had introduced himself as Caral, the Prime Assistant to the Ascendant, clapped his hands together as they stopped before the classy building. “I know you are all eager to get down to business but I’m afraid the Ascendant has had a difficult meeting with one of our Ministers and will be late getting to you. I hope this doesn’t offend you.” Luke smiled kindly and said, “No, ofcourse not. We understand the constraints of leadership well enough.” Caral smiled. “Excellent. Please, let’s go inside.” He waved to the stone structure and the little group set off again. Inside, it was only slightly warmer than outside and was decorated in mint greens, light blues and pale pinks. Oddly enough, it reminded Nova of Jaden’s nursery back on Coruscant. They were lead through the main hall to a lift which took them to the third floor. “Your rooms are here. They are as close together as we could get them. Hanack will show Master Luke Skywalker and Wookiee Chewbacca to your rooms. Master Nova Skywalker and Apprentice Tara will be on the fourth floor.” “Oh! Wherever will I go, Master Caral?” “Hey, I’m not going that way”, Nova stated over Threepio’s prissy voice. “Me and him are married.” Caral had his hand frozen in mid air. “Your droid can go where ever you wish or we can take it to a storage unit.” “Storage unit!? I am a protocol droid and am not likely to-“ Luke held up his hand for attention that everyone gave almost instantly. “Why would you split us up, Prime Assistant Caral?” “Split you up? I’m sorry…” Nova pointed to the blonde man. “That’s my mate. Yea, I usually bunk with him.” “I sincerely apologize, Master Skywalker. But… males and females do not… bunk together here. Females are on the second, fourth and sixth floors. Men are on the alternate floors.” Caral smiled, glade he was straightening it out. Nova was shaking her head. “Not where I come from.” Luke shushed her through the force. “We will honor your rules, Master Caral. And Threepio will stay with me. Nova almost popped a blood vessel when the lift doors shut between her and Luke. She glared at Caral then looked at her apprentice, trying not to frown. This just didn’t feel right. Tara looked at her Master, “Well, that’s a weird rule,” she said as the lift opened and Tara and Nova where shone to their room. They entered and Tara flopped down on the large couch as Master Nova stared at the door. “Master, its ok. You can still reach out to Master Skywalker though the Force.” Master Nova turned and looked at her, “This feels wrong, Tara, also I don’t like being away from Luke like this.” Tara grinned. “You have me!” She put on a big smile and threw her arms up in the air. Nova smirked. "Ah, yes, I have that." Tara made to pout and her master laughed then sat down beside the redhead. "So... what now?" "We unpack... then wait for the Ascendant to call us." Tara groaned. "I hate waiting!" "I'm sure there are some dishes you can do somewhere”, Nova answered sarcastically. The girl stared. Laughing, Nova said, "Okay! Okay... we will brush up on the society page. See why women and men are separated here. What a dreadful rule!” Tara nodded to her Master and stood up. The two walked out the door and started down the hall before Tara stopped and looked at her Master. “Can we go shopping?” she asked, her green eyes sparkling. Nova almost laughed, “Shopping?” “Yes! I want to get some of those pretty robes.” Master Nova shrugged, “Well, ok, but no wearing them when we are doing business.” Tara nodded as the two stepped into the lift and went down tot he first floor. They exited and went out into the streets of the City. * * * * *
Nova was immensely glad they did not have to have a chaperone. She half expected it, even from Luke who, through their connection, told her and Tara to go on without them. Luke and Chewie were no doubt up to other things. "So what color do you want?" "Huh?" "Color robe, master." "Oh... umm, how about... many shades of blue. Or purple!" They stepped across a wide stone street and glanced around at the signs, one that pointed them to a 'shopping lane'. "How about you, dear?" Tara grinned, “Golds and silvers. Master Nova looked at her with a shocked expression “I love those colors!! I think they are wonderful! The master and apprentice stepped around the corner, and saw that there where lines of shops all around. Tara ran over to the first shop she saw that had robes hanging out side. She picked it up and placed it up to herself. It was a pretty gold with a sliver lining. “How’s this?” she asked her master. "Umm... gaudy?" "Mas-ter." Nova laughed at her apprentice’s rolling eyes. "Pretty, okay? You know... if you were performing a jizz-cert in front of millions." Tara looked at it again. "Is it that shiny?" "It's just fine, dear", Nova said, shaking her head. "I'm sure we have the credits to cover it." "We should get one for master." Nova's eyebrows lifted. "For Luke? My Luke?" Her lips pulled back and she bore her teeth in a feral grin. "Bright red!" Tara laughed, “Bright red! You think he would wear it?” Nova turned and looked at her, a sparkle in her eyes, “If I told him to he would.” Tara’s own green eyes began to sparkle, “We should get one for Chewie as well!” Master Nova laughed, “Now, I would like to see you get him to wear one.” A lopsided grin passed over Tara’s face, “I have my ways.” “Well then, what color for him?” “Hot pink?’ Nova barked a laughed, “I would not want to walk up to a wookiee and ask him to put on a hot pink robe, would you?” Tara blinked, “Well no…how about purple? Or a deep blue?” “I think you would be safe with a blue.” Tara nodded, “Ok, blue it is!” * * * * *
Nova eyed the robes in the window, wondering exactly what the purpose of the bulbous yards of silky looking material was for. Tara walked into the establishment and Nova looked around the some what busy street to make sure nothing was amiss, then followed her. They spent the next few minutes, going over sizes and particular combinations and shades of colors. If Luke didn't wear his, they could always make curtains out of the material. Their trip became even more interesting when they discovered the under garment that were what was usually worn as regular dinner dresses in their society. Nova picked out a rainbow swirled dress that she knew would become Luke's new favorite to see her in. Tara nodded in agreement and continued looking for a robe big enough for a Wookiee. Tara practically did a victory dance when she found one. They paid at the desk and made sure their new possessions were all together. It was about then that they heard the commotion outside the little shop. Tara and Nova looked at one another then raced out the door. Tara looked up the street to see a young man, maybe 17, running down the street. He had a group of people running after him with weapons. Crude ones… the kind grabbed in haste. “Tara, get him and hide him. I will see if I can slow them down.” Master Nova said. Tara ran up the street a little ways as the man ran by Master Nova. As soon as he did Tara grabbed his arm and yanked him down a side street, hearing the snap-hiss of Master Nova’s lightsaber. The man looked at her, he had blue eyes and longish blond hair. Eyes wide ands suspicious, he opened his mouth to speak. “Not now! Come with me”, she commanded, grabbing his hand and running with him down the street and turning down another side street, then going into an abandoned shack. * * * * *
"Halt!" Nova's voice boomed like thunder through the Force. The crowd fell back. "Mobs are of no use to anyone", she said more calmly. "Who is he and why are you chasing him? Where are your police?" Hearing the sounds of discontent in the people she stood taller, doubling her stance in the Force. Some started to peel off the end, moving away from the crowd. Others began looking around, wondering why the others were abandoning the chase. "I asked a question..." There was no answer. The crowd fell apart and Nova lingered for only a moment to make sure there would be no angry people to follow her. With that, she sought out her apprentice. * * * * *
Tara and the young man stared at one another for a long while, neither really knowing what do say. She reached up and scratched her head before placing her hand on her lightsaber as the door opened. Master Nova walked in and Tara grinned. “I was starting to wonder if you had been over taken by that mob!” Master Nova narrowed her eyes for a moment before looking at the young man. “What is your name?” she asked as Tara slapped her head wondering why she had not asked that. “Nataro,” he said. Nova bowed. "Nice to meet you, Nataro. Want to tell me why you were being chased?" "I am not criminal." "Ofcourse not. But that's not what I asked." The man, or boy, Nova corrected herself, straightened his back and became silent. His eyes ran down her length then they widened. He looked to Tara as well. "Jedi? You are the Jedi?" Tara grinned, “Yup, so why not answer my master’s question or we will have to pick the answer from your mind.” The boy turned and looked at her, his eyes still wide. Master Nova turned and looked at her as well, only she was glaring. Tara shrugged and looked back at the boy. "She didn't mean that, son. So? Why the chase scene?" The blonde licked his lips almost nervously but seemed to not want to show his fear. "A misunderstanding. A grand misunderstanding." Nova would have betted on thievery but he just didn't seem the type. There was a way about him... the way he held himself, the way he seemed to own the room. There was more to this boy than met the eye. "I was surprised you came here." "We were called by the government-" "No... no, you were called by me. The Ascendant doesn’t know about you. I was coming to get you." Tara and Nova looked at each other and the elder frowned and asked again, "Who are you?" "I am the son of King Seture and Queen Jia. I am their heir to the thrown. A thrown taken violently from us. We need the help of the Jedi. Our people need you." Tara blinked a few times. “You’re a prince?” she asked, raising a coppery eyebrow. The blond boy nodded and Tara almost laughed. Both master and prince looked at her. “What are you laughing about, apprentice? This is clearly not a laughing matter.” Master Nova stated, trying to get Tara to pat attention. “Nothing really, its just… well, I had no idea that you,” she looked at Nataro, “were a prince. And its is a little bit of a shock that you think your saving a civilian when your saving a prince.” "Prince or civilian, it does not matter", the elder stated then turned back to the young man. "Civil uprisings can be dealt with through New Republic channels if you are willing to-" "This is no civil uprising. My people loved us. We were taken over, many of our familial members killed by usurpers from off world! And, for your information, they said they were from the New Republic!" "I don't... think so." "Well, it's obvious now that they are not. But, at the time, we welcomed them as our guests. They had operatives here as well. It was so well orchestrated that we had no chance to fight back." He looked directly into Nova's eyes as he spoke then to Tara. "If my people see that you and the warriors of Kashyyyk are trying to foil this new leader then..." "Why were your own people chasing you, Nataro?" Tara asked with a deep frown marring her pretty face. "Because..." he began sadly, "they believed the lies." Tara bit her lip slightly, “Well, I guess we are going to have to find a way to make them un-believe.” She shrugged, “Though after what I saw in the streets, I really don’t think it’s going to be that easy.” Nataro nodded, “I could hardly find a safe place to stay as I made my journey here. It seems where ever I go people come after me.” An odd expression passed over Tara’s face and her master glanced at her. “What is it Tara?” “Well, I was thinking, Nataro is having a hard time finding a place to stay, so how about having him stay in a place where no one would expect him!” Master Nova raised and eyebrow and Nataro frowned. “The place we are staying, in our room! Only girls are up there, so he won’t be discovered!” Tara said grinning ear to ear. “How do we get him in and up to the room with out being recognized?” Master Nova questioned, tilting her head. “With these!” Tara held up the cloaks they had just bought, “He can wear one, and with a little mind trick, we could get him up there with out a problem!” Nova grinned proudly. "Wonderful idea, Tara!" The girl grinned back, a dimple playing hide and seek in her cheek, and took out the one meant for her. "Put this on. And remember, you're a girl." Nataro frowned. "I think I bare no resemblance to a girl." "Oh, you defiantly don't! Not at all!" The master, looking out the window, almost laughed at the girl's exuberance. "Just go along with the flow, Nataro. We can get you to our suite and contact Luke and Chewie." "The Jedi Master Luke Skywalker came here?" he asked in amazement. "Yep", the blonde replied sardonically. "He's an on-demand kinda guy." Tara snorted then looked back at Nataro, “Put it on!” Nataro looked at it, “Its gold.” he raised an eyebrow. Tara placed her hands on her hips and looked offended, “And what is wrong with gold?” she huffed. Nataro looked at her and figured it must have been her cloak, and shook his head, “Nothing at all, its just… erm.. not my color.” Tara pretend to look through her bag, “I know we have a hot pink one in here somewhere. “ she grinned as she looked up and saw Nataro wearing the golden cloak. “Great! Lets go!” Nova adjusted her own bag and they walked outside, holding the door and letting the other two follow. She was calm and lazy in her stride, looking around as though she was the normal tourist. They made way to the building that held their suite and entered. The guard was on them right away, trying to peek at the one under the gold hood. "Don't worry", Nova said, waving her hand. "She's a part of our entourage. There's no problem." "There's no problem", he responded with a polite smile, then ushered them on their way to the lift. Tara kept herself from laughing as they exited the lift and moved into their room. Once the door was closed behind them she let out a laugh. Mind tricks never failed to amuse her. Nataro removed the cloak and looked around then to the two Jedi. "That was amazing, the way you convinced that guard to let us through." "The Force can influence the weak of mind in many ways." Master Nova said sitting down and gesturing with her hand for him to join her. Nataro sat down as well and Tara looked from one to another, "Would either of you like something to drink?" she asked as she made her way to the kitchen to get herself something. They both shook their heads in the negative. "So, tell me, Nataro. If the Ascendant didn't know we were coming, then how do you explain our reception?" Nataro smiled graciously. "You see, the guards who met you are still loyal to me. Including Caral who is the Ascendant’s prime assistant. This is not even the embassy housing. You are being hidden. The ascendant will not be coming." Nova called mentally for Luke to bring himself and Chewie to their rooms. "I... see. And separating me from my mate?" "Oh, the sexes are separated so we did not want to draw attention to ourselves. Old tradition." "Stupid tradition", Tara's voice floated in from the other room. "And what is it you think we can do here, Nataro? Exactly... what do you want from us?" Tara came back into the main room carrying a glass of juice and sat down next to Nataro. "Well, I was hoping you would be able to find some way to convince them that the current leaders…." He stopped as the door opened and Luke, Chewie and Threepio came in. Tara cocked an eyebrow wondering how Master Skywalker managed to sneak a wookiee and that prissy droid down the hall unnoticed. Master Nova introduced Luke and Chewie to Nataro and explained his situation. Luke ran his hand through his hair and Tara looked at Chewie then grinned. Threepio was busy waving his arms and telling them how he didn’t want to be left alone in their rooms. “Oh, Mistress Nova! I don’t believe they like droids here at all!” Nova got a sympathetic look on her face and patted his metal arm. He could always count on her for comfort even when she felt like switching him off. “There, there. I’m sure it’s not as bad as all that. ‘Least no one is shooting at you… yet.” The droid managed to look shocked but quieted down finally. "Chewie come with me”, Tara whispered to Chewie as the droid continued to prattle. When she stood and walked back into her bedroom, Chewie following her. Tara went over to her bed where the bag was, "I got you something." She grinned and Chewie tilted his head, growling at her. Tara pulled out the cloak and showed it to him. Chewie roared at her and she put her hands on her hips. "Of course you are going to wear it, other wise I would not bought it, now stand still while I put it on you." She moved over to the wookiee who grabbed her and picked her up, holding her away from him. She dropped the cloak and used the Force to pick it up and put it on him. He growled at her and set her down. "I told you that you were going to wear it." * * * * *
Nova waited for Chewie and Tara, wondering how they were doing in the back. She made sure both the prince and Luke got enough refreshment. She sat next to him and let his heat seep into her skin. "Tara", she called. "Get in here, please. We don't have t-" Nova stared, horrified. Luke on the other hand, who had turned with her, trembled beside her, trying to contain his mirth. "Oh... my..." "You look lovely, Chewie." The male chortled and used his big hands to pull the bulbous fabric away from his legs. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he liked it. Nataro snuffled, not amused. "Wookiees don't wear clothing, you know. They are perfect in their natural state." Nova's blonde eyebrows lifted. She agreed but she had to ask. "Why the Wookiee-love?" “Oh! I know!” crooned Threepio. Luke looked over and shook his head. “Oh… Oh! Right. His majesty’s story. Go ahead, your majesty.” Nataro grinned at Threepio. "Thanks. You see, they are heroes to us. From long, long ago. Like the Jedi!" Tara glanced at Nataro, "I know Wookiees don’t wear clothing, but I still got this for Chewie. And he is going to wear it for a while." She nodded her head. Master Nova motioned for Tara to be quiet while she looked back at Nataro. "What did the Jedi and Wookiees do to gain such respect?” Tara listened through one ear as she went about fussing with Chewie’s robes. Nataro sat up and leaned forward, his youthful face suddenly looking much younger. "It happened almost 500 years ago. Our world seem to be falling apart. We were have quakes and great storms. People were dying by the thousands each day. "It was then that Korbakk, a great Wookiee Jedi came to us with her apprentice, a human. They seem to be everywhere at once. Soon things settled but if not for them, we would have not survived as well. They stayed even after the disasters had ended. It was then that we learned respect for the Jedi." "And lost it for the Empire..." "Yes... they who would not only annihilate the Jedi but make slaves of Wookiees as well!” he exclaimed, face suddenly hard then it softened from the memories of childhood stories. “She also taught us about her people as we are home-faring people and rarely leave our own system. We came to admire them greatly, some even aspiring to be like them.” Tara’s head snapped up when a hard rap was heard at the door. "Um…." She said wondering if they had been discovered. "Tara get the door and distract them for a moment”, Luke ordered, rising and gesturing to the others. Tara nodded and ran to the door, wondering how they where going to hide a wookiee. ‘Maybe in the shower?’ she thought as she smoothed out her cloak then opened the door. "Yes?" she said in her most innocent voice. "We thought we heard male voices in here." Said one of the female officials at the door. Tara shook her head, "Nope, just the holo." She said. The women looked down and bent over and picked up a large hank of fur. "This looks like Wookiee hair." Tara looked at it, "Nah, that’s just from a coat that I have." She nodded enthusiastically. "It sheds." Somewhere in the back, Nova rolled her eyes. 'Shedding coat? Oh, well...' Nova came to the door with a smile. "Hello, is there a problem?" "We heard men's voices... and..." "Holonet and a shedding coat." "Holonet and a shedding coat", the woman repeated. "Kay, thanks." "Thanks", she repeated with a smile and waved as they walked away. "'Spose that'll keep working?" the master asked with a wink. Tara grinned, "I’m sure it will as long as we need it to." She went to the back of the room and looked around wondering where Master Nova could have hidden a Jedi Master, a Prince, a droid and a Wookiee. "Okay, guys, come on out." Tara called looking around. Luke, Nataro and Threepio came out of the bathroom, while Chewie came out of the closet with some of Tara’s clothing hanging on his head. She laughed when he batted them away. "I guess they don’t make the closets big enough for Wookiees." Chewie grumbled and the group headed back into the living room area. "Okay. We have to put our sources together here. So, the Ascendant is not our friend and has no idea why we are here." "He doesn't know you're hear at all!" the prince said with a grin. "I made sure of it." Nova blinked. "Well. Good. Good for that. And our allies?" "My mother and certain members of my court that are still left." The smile disappeared and he was left saddened. "My father is missing. Imprisoned? Dead? We don't know." Tara frowned, "Have people been looking for him?" Nataro nodded, "Yes, but they have found no sign of him." Master Nova looked thoughtful, "Well, maybe while we are here we can uncover that mystery as well." Luke nodded as well and sat down besides Nova as Tara moved over to where Chewie was sitting and plopped herself down on his lap. Nova laid a hand on Luke's thigh as she leaned forward. "Nataro, when did this all occur exactly?" "Eight months ago." "That's all?" "Yes. At first... you see, we wanted to help ourselves. Really, we did... but we could get no aid. My people were against me. Believing rumors that we had simply sold our regime for credits. The Ascendant's intent was to have us all murdered to make it look as though we abandoned Zanab. But, luckily, many of us were able to escape. Some of us… didn’t. We were separated but slowly came together. When we thought to rise back up… our people had turned against us." He looked at Tara, his eyes filled with inner shame. "I realized I could do nothing. So, I sent a message you could not refuse." Luke's blue eyes alighted on the boy. "We would have come to a plea for help." "But how long would it have taken if you didn't think the New Republic was endanger?" he asked with a slighted gaze. Tara shrugged looking from the two masters back to Nataro. "I don’t know, but it would have been longer than what it took us to get here," Luke agreed, rubbing his palms together. The prince nodded, "Yes, and I thought it best if you got here as quickly as possible." Tara pulled her feet up and snuggled back into Chewie, he made a wonderful chair. Nova glanced over at Luke and watched as he took in a breath, his vivid eyes casting about the room. "We could offer you asylum, Nataro. You and your party. Once we get you from danger, the New Republic could then take action-" "Sounds rather a long ordeal, Master Skywalker. I'll not abandon my people as they thought I have already done." Nova's eyebrows lifted. “So, you want us to fix everything while we are here? It's not be that simple, Nataro." "Ofcourse not. But I don't think you understand just what kind of dire circumstances my people face! People are getting missing! Anyone who speaks out against the new doctrines or find out their real motives. Anyone who was left to believe in us is gone!" “That’s horrible," Tara commented from her seat. Master Nova gave her a look that seem to said, ‘If it was not horrible, why would he be asking for help?’ "It’s going to take some time to set everything back in order…" Master Skywalker said thoughtfully and frowning deeply. "Masters, how are we going to put everything back in order?" Tara asked with a questioning look on her face. Nova and Luke exchanges looks. "With a lot of trying, Tara." The wife nodded. "Direct approach, dear?" "Why not?" Tara raised an eyebrow and sat up straight, causing Chewie to growl at her as she pulled his hair. "Sorry Chewie," she said then looked towards the masters again, "Direct approach?” Master Nova looked up and grinned, "We go straight to the head guys and ask what’s up. Umm, in a polite… ‘we-aren’t-suspicious-of-you-kinda-way.’" Tara frowned, "Uh, master, do you really think that’s wise?” Master Nova frowned, "Of course it’s not fully wise, but for now, I don’t see a better choice. We we’re looking at is… well…" “A rebellion”, Luke finished for her. “And to do so in a natural way could take years.” “And we could lose”, the prince stated. “And lose, we will, if we don’t have your assistance. My family is willing to join Zanab to the New Republic if you do.” Nova’s brows lifted. It was one of Leia’s desires to have as many worlds under the New Republic umbrella and to make a strong union for them all. If they could reinstate the royal family, it would pave the way to future negotiations. Now… now, the New Republic would listen to their plea.
~CHAPTER THREE~
Luke and Nova stood at the sidewall, speaking softly to one another when it happened. Everything was fine then, in a flash of bright light, there was a great explosion that made the window shattered inward, showering everyone with shards of glass. “Tara!” “Here!” she shouted, grabbing the prince and staggering away with him. Luke had a hand at his saber but twisted away from where he was. “Someone has found us. We have to get out!” Tara pulled her lightsaber out and held it in her hands but did not ignite it. Nataro stood, eyes wide. “Where…” "The door maybe?" Tara suggested sarcastically. She tossed the Prince a cloak and motioned for him to put it on. "They already know I’m here! Why do I need to wear this?" Nataro growled as he held the bulky mess, frowning. "Because it will help once we get out on to the streets." She grabbed her Jedi cloak and pulled it on as the two masters did the same, then ran through the door open. "Stairs!" Nova shouted and her apprentice swerved to take them down two at a time, dragging the poor prince behind her. Luke held open the door for the rest, Chewbacca covering Threepio who was waving his arms and shouting. "Oh, oh! They're shooting at me!" "Put a move on it, Threepio!" Tara shouted from the floor below them. Nova sent out her senses and just as quick, brought them back. "They mean business, Luke. They're after the prince!" * * * * *
Tara heard what Master Nova had said and cursed. She stopped the Prince and took of her robe, "Take your robe off." "What?" "TAKE IT OFF!" she commanded. He quickly took it off and she threw her robe at him, and slipped into his, hiding her lightsaber under it. "Put that on, and pull the hood over." She grabbed his arm and pulled him right next to her, "Take a good grip on my arm, but if I say let go… let go. I may need it. Lets go!" The two set off again, Tara making it a point to act slightly clumsy. Nova, Luke, Chewie and Threepio were right behind them, now, Luke levitating the droid down the stairs to speed them up. They stalled on the first floor, ready for anything but surprised to see it empty. "Where is everyone?" Threepio asked calmly. "Evacuated like we need to do. C'mon!" Luke cried, his lean body rushing towards the back behind Tara. "Get ready. We are not to fight. Just flee... if we have to separate, we'll come back together at the Falcon." "Is that where we're headed?" Tara asked quickly. "Yes. Now... let's go!" Tara yanked Nataro along and they filed into the streets. Tara’s danger sense flared and she pretend to trip while pushing Nataro to the left as a blaster bolt flew past. She knew they had been aiming for her, but did not want to make it to obvious that she knew that was coming. "Into the crowd…" she hissed shoving him into a large crowd of scared-looking people. "Hold your hood on tight." She reached up and did the same. She shoved Nataro through the crowd, using the Force to gently push people out of the way as they went. "Left," she hissed and they turned left. She spotted the Falcon and pointed it out to Nataro. “Go!" Tara commanded and she and Nataro set off at a casual walk towards the Falcon. A blaster bolt landed next to them and they took off at a run. Tara’s sense working over time as she guided the Prince to the ship, and away from blaster bolts with out looking like she was doing the leading. They reached the side of the ship and Tara punched in the code. The ramp came down before them and they ran in. She threw down her hood and raced for the cockpit, Nataro following her. "Sit down and buckle up." Tara tossed herself into the pilots seat and started to run the Falcon through a very quick preflight check. * * * * *
Sabers out but unlit, Nova and Luke took side streets, not able to hide Chewie and Threepio well. The Wookiee had one arm around Threepio, carrying him around like a doll. They were making good time but not as well as Tara and Nataro. They came to the backside of a building and saw the Falcon. "There's the kids." Luke nodded. "Let's go. Try and keep up, Threepio." Threepio’s head turned to Luke as though to bemoan being held by Chewbacca. "Oh, I'll try, sir." Nova and Luke scampered down the side lane, Chewie taking up the rear. Well, Threepio was taking up the rear but not because he had much of a choice. Chewie had dropped the droid so he could better handle his bow caster. "Oh, wait for me!" he cried, metal feet hitting the ground. They stopped at the spaceport and saw that the Falcon was already going through a preflight warm up. Someone near by was still taking blaster shots at the hull. "Keep up, Threepio!" Nova felt like putting on a burst of speed but settled for running only as fast as their slowest member. * * * * *
‘Take off Tara!’ Tara felt her master’s voice in her head and hit the take-off button. "What are you doing? The others are not here yet!" Nataro said. "Here we are." Master Luke stated taking a seat behind Tara. Chewie took the copilots seat while Master Nova and Threepio sat down behind him, buckling themselves in tight. “Sorry, Tara. We ran into traffic.” Tara grinned at her master’s soft apology. Yea… traffic… "Take us into space Tara, and we will see what to do from there." Tara nodded at Luke and the Falcon shot off into the sky. Nataro huffed and spoke suddenly, "Space? I can't leave!" Luke held up his hand. "We aren't going anywhere. I promise." "We're just making sure you don't die", Nova said, staring hard out the cockpit window, face frowning in annoyance. Her danger sense was spiked but she could not tell why. Then, what was bothering her, made itself known... "Someone is coming up behind us!" Chewie growled and the sensors on the Falcon went off. Tara’s hands flashed over the controls bringing the shields up to full, just as the first laser bolt rocked the ship. "Oh, Han is going to kill me…!" Tara muttered as she sent the Falcon into a dive. "Tara, bring the lasers to full! Nova, come on!" Luke called, getting out of his chair and racing towards the gunner unit. Tara brought the lasers to full as three moving blips came onto the screen. Nova chased after her husband and she grabbed the ladder as he climbed up. She slid down and nearly fell into the gunnery unit. Sliding on the mic, she called, "Let's not aim to kill, shall we. Let's just get them off our tail." "Agreed", Luke's deep voice called. "There’s three. I'll take the leader." "Dibs on the two skinny ones." Tara's voice crackled onto the line. "Well, somebody shoot something!" "We’re working on it, apprentice! Patience." Master Nova’s voice came back over. Another bolt hit the Falcon and Tara jerked it down into another tight spin. "How are we going to hit something if you keep pulling moves like that?" Luke’s voice came over and Tara laughed. "Use the Force, Master Skywalker." "Oh your gonna get it, Tara…." Luke said distractedly, though his voice was playful. Tara heard a target lock hit the Falcon again and she pulled out of the dive and into a climb then pulled to the left. She watched the sensor to see that two of the ships had pulled back. "You two must be doing some good." Tara commented over the speakers again. Nova's face twisted. "Wasn't me." "Me, either." Up front, Nataro stiffened. "It's the control." "Who?" "Law enforcement. You didn't think they'd let people shoot it out over their skies, did you? Even though our government has been usurped, we still have local enforcers." A rough voice came over the comm and Tara stared at it, wondering what to do. Chewie growled and looked at her, tilting his shaggy head. "Yeah, I’m gonna answer just as soon as I figure out what to say…" she reached down and hit the comm button. "Hi, nice day you’re having here", she said as Chewie shook his head and Nataro frowned at her. “Lovely planet.” "You will land your ship on docking bay 1238, lower your shields and disarm your weapons," the voice said. "Hey now, I’m not lowing my shields. What if one of those crackpots decides to take another swing at us? I will however disarm my lasers." She did so and the voice came back over. "Fine, proceed to the docking bay." Tara clicked the comm off as Master Nova and Master Luke came back up to the cockpit. "We have to land," Tara said turning the ship around. "We don’t know what their orders are. It’s not going to do any good if we all get caught," Nova said with a frown on her face. “’Specially the prince here.” "Tara, you, Chewie and Threepio hide in the smugglers compartment-" "Master, it would be better if you, Master Nova, Chewie and Threepio hid in the compartments," Tara cut the master off, still managing respect. "And why is that Tara?" Master Nova asked crossing her arms. "Because you and Master Luke have a better chance of getting us out than I do with a fur ball and a droid." Nova sighed, looking at Luke. He just smiled and nodded. "You, too, Nataro." The young man nodded and followed along without a word. The compartments were roomy but stuffy which the two Jedi recalled once they shut themselves and their friends inside. They felt the ship land and soon after, heard the clack of boots and Tara's singsong voice greeting the newcomers. * * * * *
"Welcome aboard my humble ship!" Tara said with a wave of her hand grinning from ear to ear. The guards looked at her with an odd expression. "You’re the only one on board, young woman?" Tara nodded. "Yup, just me, my ship and the stars! Ah! What a wonderful combination." She leaned up against the side of the ship, her Corellian blood and Jedi training making her seem very calm and relaxed. But she could almost hear in her mind, her master telling her to… ‘not be so cocky’. "How old are you?" one of the other guards asked. "Oh, tut-tut," Tara said waggling her finger at them, "now you should know never to ask a lady her age." "I will ask you what ever questions I want to, now answer me," he growled, clearly use to people giving him a hard time. "Well, someone needs a nap," Tara frowned then gave a sideways grin. "Sixteen." The man glared at Tara the grabbed her arm. "You’re coming with us." "What ever you say, officer." Tara grinned despite the situation. "No need to be pushy." She snatched her arm out of the man’s grasp and marched down the ramp then stopped suddenly. "Keep going." "Well, I really need to lock up my ship. See… I lost one before from not locking it up. You can imagine how embarrassing it would be-" "The guards will checking that ship over." "All the more reason to lock it up." Before they could stop her, she slapped the control and the ships ramp closed. * * * * *
Inside, Nova gave Luke a grim look then turn to Nataro. "I don't suppose they are own your side." He gives a helpless shrug. "I don't know. They are Control. Just regular law enforcers. Sixteen is too young to fly a ship… They no doubt suspect her of illegal activity." "Okay", Luke murmured. "Let's get out now." Chewbacca lifted the panels and they all crawl out, stretching and looking around. "What do we do now?" Nataro's blonde eyebrows arched up, giving him an innocent look. "Well, we're grounded” Luke stated, his slender fingers lacing together. “I trust Tara to be able to handle them... so... what you are going to do…is tell us where your group is hiding. We don't need a divided front right now." * * * * *
Tara was in the lead, or more like, lead the way, to the local jail. She entered and the man at the desk looked down at her then to the guards. "What do we have here?" His was a gruff voice, tired and cynical. "Tara Willow, at your service," she said bowing lowly then coming up with a huge smile on her face. "She was flying a Corellian class freighter on her own over our skies, and she was being fired at by our authorities. Also she’s only sixteen and seems to be on her own." The man frowned and motioned the guard closer and whispered something in his ear, that Tara was able to pick up by using the Force. "Is she the one they said was in the hotel?" The guard nodded and looked back at Tara who was looking around, twiddling her fingers. * * * * *
"They are in the southern region of Letera, our smallest continent." Nataro was stiff where he stood, staring at his blue-clad legs. “We can't risk taking this ship there, though. It would endanger everyone.’ "We sneak?" Nova asked, eyebrows upraised as she tried to think of a way to stop this situation from deteriorating anymore than it already had. "I think we need to go through diplomatic channels here." "I think it's alittle late for that, honey. But, yes, I'll get in contact with Leia." Chewie growled. Nova petted his long arm. "Oh, ofcourse, we won't leave Tara behind, sweetheart. She can handle herself. You'll see!" * * * * *
Tara was led to a small cell and searched for weapons or contraband. She used the Force to help guide the man away from her lightsaber, where she had placed it near her lower back. She also deterred the guard from any type of closer inspections. The guard left and Tara leaned up against the cell bars for a few moments, watching him leave. She counted to five then looked up at the cell window. She stood up on the bench and looked out. It led to an empty street… With a snap-hiss her gold lightsaber slashed through the air and cut the window bars. She put the bars on the ground quietly and slid out through the window and landed silently onto the street. She hooked her saber to her belt and proceeded down the street, searching for her master with her eyes and mind. * * * * *
Having cloaked themselves, the small group left the Falcon, Chewie whining pitifully at leaving his baby behind. The group headed to a safe house where Nataro promised they would be lead to his allies in a swift and private manner. The group only went as far out as was safe enough without leaving Tara behind. "She's out in the city", Nova said quietly, the group huddled together as they walked. “Jail didn’t hold her very long.” Luke sighed. "I know. That means she's a fugitive." "We all are, I think", Nataro replied. "And for that I am truly sorry."
~CHAPTER FOUR~
Tara moved slowly out on to the main streets. People bustling all over, and it was doubtless that the guards had figured out she was gone now. Wishing she had brought her Jedi robe she walked through the crowds, giving off the era of someone who know where she was going and what she was doing. As she moved fluently in and out of the people on the streets her danger sense flared and she glanced slowly around. The two guards that had taken her from the Falcon where walking quickly through the streets being sure to search every face. "Blast it…" Tara muttered as they moved closer. She slipped to the far side of the crowd and using the Force she made a trash conveyer fall over on the side street near the guards. They quickly turned and went running down the street. Tara grinned and went on searching for her Master. * * * * *
At the same moment, the set of five were walking less briskly down a back avenue, heading toward a rail that would take them to the safe house. The prince was leading them now, making sure they took all the less populated roads. "There she is", Nova spoke, feeling Tara like a bright spot in her head. Luke's stride didn't falter. "Where?" "Due east, looking for us." "Good girl." "She's not far. " Nova let her attention go in just a bit then flare out to her apprentice. 'This way, Tara. Get a move on, little One.' Tara’s furrowed her brow as her Master voice came through her head. ‘I’m coming Master.’ She glanced around her and turned down a side street that was deserted and quickly made her way down it and out onto another crowed street. She closed her eyes as she walked and could picture her Master and the rest of the group near by. She turned down another road not very crowded and spotted them. She grinned and sped up a bit walking straight into the middle of the group. "Glad you could join us." "Where we headed?" "Elsewhere." Luke chuckled. "We are leaving for the Southern Continent… where his allies are located." "I hope we won't be walking there." Chewie moaned and worked his jaw. 'Well, we won't be taking the Falcon, short stuff.' Nova giggled but Nataro stated over her, "We take the south rail. It has been closed to the public for quite some time but I have contacts there that can get us a cart that can take us to where we need to go. We should be there in the morning if we can get there soon enough." “That’s better then walking," Tara said grinning ear to ear. The group walked for about a half an hour before they finally came to the south rail, which was as it sounded. A station, a car and a rail… in that order, all looking as though they had seen better days. They waited while Nataro made his way up to one of the people in charge and spoke in hushed tons for a moment then he waved to the group and led them to a small rail car. The group boarded and the door slid shut as the cart took off at a fast pace. Tara grinned and threw herself down into one of the seats, propping her feet up on the seat before her. Nova joined her, relaxing and settling herself. Somewhere to the side, Threepio was moaning about what a diplomatic travesty this was. Chewie growled at him and the droid quieted down. "So, why is your staff hiding out there? Is it some kind of safe zone?" Nataro was silent for a moment. "No... it is where we send our... unsavory." Luke frowned and turned from the window he was staring out of. "They are in exile?" "Self-exile. To keep us safe. The Ascendant would not look for us among our own enemies." Nataro slumped down beside Tara, staring at the ground. Tara frowned for moment the slapped her hand over her face as she yawned. She glanced out the window and noted that it was dark. "I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m tired." She said then she looked at Nataro. "These things have beds?" He nodded and stood up, Tara rising as well and following him. He pushed a button on the wall and the seat they had just been sitting on popped out into a bed. Tara grinned and grabbed her cloak which Nataro had and flopped herself down on the bed and snuggled under her cloak. Nataro waited for a moment then laid down next her, his eyes on the Jedi Masters the entire time. * * * * *
Nova stared at the two from the corner of her eye. Luke had pulled out a bed as well but he sat there, legs crossed and eyes closed, meditating. Chewbacca was at the back, standing guard, watching the green land turn to sand. Turning back to the window, Nova stared out at the scenery as it rushed by as well. Infront of them was an expanse of water as they left the land to skim over a quiet sea. Sighing silently, the woman sat beside her mate and joined him in his inner reverie. * * * * *
Tara slowly opened her eyes in the morning then jumped into a sitting position when she realized that she had woken up snuggled up next to Nataro with her arm around him. She blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes looking around. Chewie was sitting in a chair asleep while Threepio was standing next to him. The droid looked Tara’s way as she moved to stand up. She checked out a window but did not notice the land around her, but her hair, instead, which was a total mess, sticking up every which way. She pulled it out of its ponytail and combed it out with her fingers then left it down. Nova was awake well enough, as was Luke. They had only slept for a couple of hours but it was enough to rejuvenate them. The sea had given way to a new land. And she had a feeling that they would stop soon. Nataro stood and walked to the window then checked a display near the operation's panel. "Only a few more minutes", he said yawning. "Then, we get out and walk for a while." Tara groaned, "Walking…" Her master looked at her, "You could use some exercise since you’ve not had any training for a while." "Master… your supposed to be on my side," Tara whined. Chewie grumbled something and Threepio translated, "He says that you must excuse Mistress Tara, Prince Nataro. She is always alittle grumpy in the morning." Tara shot Chewie a dirty look as Luke laughed and so Tara gave him a dirty look as well, then wished she had not because master Nova shot her a look of her own that told her that walking would be the least of her problems. The whole group wavered to the side as the car began slowing. "Is this is?" Luke asked, looking out the window at the expanse of sparse plains. Nataro nodded. "Yes, it is. This stop is on no schedules so... we'll have to jump because the car will speed up soon and be on it's way." Tara groaned, "Fun…" "Alright everyone, ready…" Nataro said as he pushed the door open while everyone scrambled for what little possessions they had manage to bring. The train slowed down a little more, "Jump!" Nataro called. Everyone jumped, well… everyone but Threepio who stood at the edge of the door. Tara rolled forward and quickly stood and spotted the droid. With the Force she gripped him and lifted him out of the train and onto the ground. "Always going to cause problems, huh?" Tara said as she looked back at the others. Chewie and Nataro where standing up and dusting themselves off, the masters looked quite unharmed. Nova walked by and laid a gentle hand on Tara's shoulder. "Good snag, apprentice." She walked on passed her, feeling the younger's proud smile even though she didn't see it. "Okay, lead the way Nataro." The young man did so, his step sure and quick. The plain began losing it's sparse grasses and soon started looking almost as a desert would. The group had only a few provisions with them, so their load was light. Luke walked heartily, use to the sun, sand and heat but he would look over his shoulder often enough to check on the rest of the group. "Oh, my servos!" "Hush, hush Threepio", Nova cooed. "We'll get you a nice oil bath when we get home." "Thank the Maker! Why must all of our outings be such adventures? If only R2 was here." “Why? So you could blame him for this mess?” Threepio looked rather shocked but quieted down. Nova felt Luke smiling and they walked on, Tara passing her and walking beside the prince. And so they continued to walk, none speaking for what seemed like hours, and Tara was quite proud of herself for not complaining about it. Finally Nataro stopped and Tara looked around. "We are here." "Here is where?" Tara asked, not seeing anything except sand, sand, and more sand. Nova wiped a tiny beat of perspiration from her temple and, looking over at Luke, she grinned. He had a fine sheen of sweat on his face as well. Atleast he felt the heat, too. Nataro hunkered down and, looking around a few more times, began clearing away layers and layers of sand. Beneath the sand was a solid grate which lifted easy to the touch after he had put in a short code. He stood and gestured to it. "Everyone inside, quickly, please." Fearless, Tara hopped in first, followed by Luke, Chewie then Nova, who hovered Threepio down to speed up his progress. Inside was just as dry as the outside but here, it was cool and a draft quickly dried their sweat. There was a soft echo in the bare tunnel, a hum that hinted at machinery somewhere down the line. The group began down the hall and soon spotted groups of people who stopped talking and looked at them oddly until they spotted Nataro. Those people rushed up to him, greeting him and asking him of the goings on in the town. “These are the Jedi and Wookiee I sent for. They have agreed to help us,” Nataro added once he had gotten the group to quiet down. The sound of cheer went up from the little crowd and Tara grinned, Chewie letting out a roar. “This is Master Luke Skywalker.” A few gasps went up. “And his wife Nova, her apprentice, Tara Willow, the Wookiee, Chewbacca and Threepio.” Nova bowed when her named was mentioned as did the others. Luke stepped forward and his smooth voice said, "We bring greetings from the New Republic. And, as Jedi, we offer you our services and our council." Nataro smiled then did a double take over his shoulder. "Mother!" A beguiling woman entered the room, dressed in a brown silken cloak that was so popular in the city. She had honey brown hair and green eyes that roved over the group imperiously. But there was a softness in her face that showed kindness but, also, great sorrow. She tipped her head slightly. "Greetings, Jedi. Sir Wookiee. We are honored and grateful to have you here." Nova felt a bit of surprise upon perusing the woman's force-sense. The over abundance of robes hide her figure but she was obviously very pregnant, almost in her last days, she would guess. Tara looked from her Master to Nataro’s mother and stretched out with her sense and found what the female master was surprised at. She grinned at the women. Master Skywalker bowed to the woman. "We are pleased to be here, and happy to offer any assistance that we can." The slender-looking woman nodded and waved her hand towards a large table. "Won’t you come with me? We can talk in private and rest. You’ve all had a long journey." The group walked down to another section of hall, then turned into a parlor room. They were asked to sit at the center table. Nataro sat next to his mother and Tara settled in next to Nataro with Chewie at her side. Luke and Nova settled opposite of one another. They were brought drinks and some buttery bread, which they thanked them for and Tara took a large swallow of her drink while her master merely sipped at hers. Luke's eyes alighted on the woman. "Nataro has told us about the insurrection you have faced. I'm afraid our aid will be limited. The New Republic can assist but, keep in mind, it may take time for them to reinstate your regime." The queen’s demeanor cooled but her voice was calm. "And, in the mean time, my people suffer?" Nova stretched her legs. "We really didn't see that much suffering in the city we were in." The queen nodded. "That's because most of the vile business is occurring behind closed doors. And you have seen nothing, Madam Jedi. Go to the Range of Solaar and you will see the acres of land stripped of it's ore, the pollution above it..." the woman paused for effect, "...and the open mass burial grave in the nearby woods. Tara winced at the thought and she felt Nataro’s eyes on her. "We had seen nothing of this…" Luke said, trailing off. "I can take you there." Nataro said. His mother looked at him, "Nataro, no, I’ve been worried sick with you gone, thinking something had happened." "Mother, the Jedi have been keeping me safe, and I know they will continue to do so." Tara nodded. "We will. Also, it would be good to have someone who knows their way around the different cities well." Nataro gave Tara a smile thankful that she stood up for him. Leaning forward and lacing her fingers together, Nova frowned. "It's not necessary to take us there-" "It is necessary if you do not believe", the queen stated, her hand going to her belly. "Our network is growing. More and more people are realizing that we did not betray them. But it is help from the outside that we need. Help from the Jedi, I suppose." "Suppose?" Nataro looked down to the floor. "Bringing the Jedi was my idea and my idea alone." Luke's eyebrows shot up. "Ah, so it was you who threatened the New Republic with possible mass destruction? You... and you alone?" The queen sat back and stared at her son. "Mass-destruction? What is he speaking of?" Tara’s head snapped towards Nataro who dropped his gaze from all at the table. "I well… I thought it would get us help sooner, I meant no harm by it”, he said in a low voice. His mother was staring at him. "I cannot believe you would do something like this? Do you not realize the trouble you could have caused us all, threatening the New Republic like that?" "I’m sorry Mother, I was only thinking of getting help…" he trailed off then looked up at his Mother. “We can wait no longer for assistance.” Nova sighed with a grin and looked to Luke. His sense was equally relieved. The possible threat was now founded out as an innocent plea from a scared young man with too much weight on his shoulders. Chewie moaned and murmured something calmly. "Chewie's right!" Tara chirped. "You were only trying to protect your loved ones. It's an honorable thing." She made a face. "You could have thought of something different but it did makes us jump." Nataro grinned widely. The clearing of Nova's throat brought their attention back from one another. "Be that as it may, the New Republic will need to know of this. They are on alert because of that little tale." "Good! Send them!" the prince exclaimed. "They can uproot that murderer!" "Nataro!” his mother stated in a strong voice but said nothing more. Her son sat back down and laced his fingers together, finding his calm once more. "Could we get a secure comm to my sister, the Head of State?" Luke asked after a few moments of silence. Nataro nodded. "Yes, I will set it up for you." The slender male stood up and started for the door. Tara jumped up to follow then looked at her master, "May I assist him?" she asked in her most responsible voice. Her master raised her eyebrow then nodded and Tara dashed out the door after Nataro, leaving Nova to shake her head. "Your majesty", Luke was saying in a gentle voice. "Do you have any idea where your husband is?" Queen Jia slumped alittle, pressing her palms together. "No. We separated after we escaped the mansion-stead. He made sure we got to safety. We heard from him for a few days but... we lost contact and have not heard from him again." "I still say direct contact is necessary." She smiled when Luke looked her way. "As official envoys of the New Republic, ofcourse. If might stall them long enough for the New Republic to respond." Nova looked over at Queen Jia, running one of her nails along the pad of her finger. “If this… ‘new regime’ is slaughtering people as you say and you ask for help… the New Republic Compassion Effort will defiantly intervene.” “Compassion?” Luke nodded. “It’s a new group funded by the government. It’s to prevent suffering of people while administrators try to find political means to help ensure peace.” Queen Jia leaned back. Her sense fluttered, as though emotion tried to boil up inside her. Nova remembered well being pregnant and had felt that emotion well up often. The strength of the queen was amazing, knowing how to lay that emotion down. “It is what is best”, she said. “First, my people’s safety… then… then we can concentrate on regaining our birthright.” * * * * *
Nataro and Tara walked down what seemed like a thousand flights of stairs, but Tara did not seem to notice. She and Nataro where deep in a conversation about their childhoods, and how they had grown up. "Yeah, my parents where killed by Vader, they where smugglers. I was a toddler… don’t remember them very well. I got taken in by an okay couple but, after they died, had to find a way to live on my own for a little while before Master Nova and Master Skywalker found me. I’ve been living with them ever since at the Temple. Master Nova had become like a mother to me, and Master Skywalker, a father." She smiled thinking of all the times she had gotten into trouble with her Master, and all the times her master had held her close when was little after having nightmares. “How old were you… when you were own your own?” Tara barked a laugh. “Nine.” Nataro looked surprised. “Yea, I was really something”, she told him, laughing at herself. “But I’m not on my own anymore. When I became Master Nova’s apprentice a year ago, I wound up going with her everywhere!” She shrugged. “But she tries to stay at home with her son, Jaden. He’s cute. But, then, I leave with Master Luke when he goes out… so… yea…” "Wow, it sounds like a rough life, being a Jedi." "Yes, but its worth it, though I doubt its anything compared to being a Prince. The pressure has got to get to you." Nataro nodded. "Yes, its hard to always be in the public’s eye, though I would have thought the life of the Jedi would be the same." "We’re in the public eye lots, even though Master Skywalker tries to keep it down." She stopped. "Nataro?" "Yeah?" He stopped and looked at her. Tara noticed suddenly how deep and caring his blue eyes were… "Where are we going?" she asked after a moment’s hesitation. Nataro looked around and she saw him turn a deep shape of red. "Uh… we’ve passed it. Its two floors up." Tara laughed and turned around as the two began to trudge back up. They soon found the room and Nataro was about to send word back up with one of the guards to get Master Nova and Master Skywalker but Tara stopped him. "I have a faster way." Tara closed her eyes and reached out with her mind, letting her Master know they had a place and that it was ready. * * * * *
Flights above, Nova stared ahead for a second then interrupted softly, "Luke, Your Majesty, Tara says they have the comm unit up and ready to transmit." Nova's husband rose up. "I'll see to it." His hand smoothed over her shoulder as he walked by, escorted by a guard who looked no older than Nataro or Tara. "We'll find out what happened to your husband, Your Majesty." The woman said nothing for a moment then took a breath. "His only wish was for our people to know safety. To know peace and freedom as we once did. We cannot give them that under these circumstances. I do not approve of my son's actions but I am glad you are here." Nova nodded, yellow strands of hair falling into her eyes. "We'll do what we can." * * * * *
Nataro and Tara looked up from conversation as Master Skywalker walked in. Tara stood and bowed to him and Master Skywalker raised an eyebrow, she normally did not show such respect to those she knew so well, or at least to go extra extents to show it. "Master Skywalker, is it alright if Nataro shows me around?" she asked. ‘Ah,’ thought Luke, ‘That’s why she’s being so good.’ he smiled, "Of course, it will be fine, but meet Nova and I back up in the meeting room in an hour." Tara nodded and bowed again before leaving with Nataro. Luke stood before the elaborate communications system, fit with enough safety systems to guard any message. There was no Holonet access here so hyperspace signals would have to do. The wait for a connection was exaggerated by the distance but he was finally patched through to 'Shield of Valor', the ship that Leia said she and Han would be aboard. The sound was off and echoing, leaving Luke to frown and concentrate on what was being said. When the receiving individual finished announcing himself, Luke stated that he needed a streamline frequency to the ship and, after giving a code, was allowed access to Leia's private frequency. "Luke?" The male smiled at his sister's voice. "It's good to hear your voice, Leia." "Yours, too. Trouble?" "Not what we thought... but I think we're definitely going to need an assist here.”
~CHAPTER FIVE~
Tara and Nataro walked along the corridors before he stopped and looked at her. "What?" she asked, frowning as she did so. "I want to show you something. Come on." He set off at a run, went down some stairs and was soon out of sight. "Oi! Wait up!" Tara called after him, as she took off at a run, taking two or three steps at a time, her Jedi training keeping her from tripping and going head over heals down the stairs. She soon caught up to him, while he had stopped for a few moments to catch his breath. Tara stopped next to him, not even winded. "How… are you… not out of… breath?" he asked in between large intakes of air. Tara laughed. "It’s the Jedi training." She grinned as he rolled his eyes and led her down one more flight of stairs. "We are at the last level of this complex," Nataro said as he led her down a hall and into a room. Tara gasped at the sight before her. A magnificent waterfall fell into a glittering pool, the lighting in the room made it look like sparkling diamonds. "Wow, this is beautiful." Tara took a few steps closer to it. Nataro nodded and grinned. "Want to go for a swim?" She looked at him and grinned, nodding. Nataro took his shirt off and threw it onto the ground near a rock. Tara looked slightly shocked as he revealed a well-muscled body. He dove into the water and looked at her. "Well, come on." Tara thought for a moment then pulled her Jedi clothing off, revealing a tan bra and panties, as well as a well-toned body. She dove into the water and enjoyed the experience. It felt cool and refreshing. She dove deep down where Nataro could not see her. He peered into the water and his eyes went wide as something grabbed his leg and pulled him under. Tara came up laughing, her long red hair sticking to her body. Nataro came up sputtering and looked at Tara who was laughing so hard she was having trouble staying up. He shook his head and started laughing along with her. The two swam for some time before Tara realized that it had been over an hour. "Oh boy… We are going to be in sooo much trouble…" She and Nataro both rushed out of the water and put their cloths back on, their wet bodies and under garments soaking the outside fabric in odd patterns. The two rushed up the many flights of stairs and into the meeting room, both breathing hard. Master Nova and Master Skywalker raised eyebrows at the two as they entered, water soaked into their cloths. "Been busy?" Nova asked, her lips puckered and eyes frowning. "Just exploring." The master nodded, trusting her student not to be rash. "We've contacted Leia and told her about the goings on here. She promises a diplomatic party with in the week." "Diplomats!?" Nataro exclaimed, stepping forward. "That's not what I went through all the trouble for!" "Meanwhile…" Nova stated in a tone that pretty much said 'be quiet', "we will approach the Ascendant, find out his motives... and look for your father. He may very well be able to right this mess by showing himself to his people." "If he is alive, you mean", Nataro stated, his voice suddenly husky with emotion. Nova nodded, knowing the man-boy knew exactly what was going on around him. People didn’t always need comfort. "Yea, that's what I mean." "When do we leave?" Tara asked with an impish grin, leaning forward. "Luke and I leave in the morning. You don't." Tara stood up straight and stared down at her master. "There is no way your leaving me here!" she said putting her hands on her hips. "I think that I will be the one to decide what you do and don’t do, Apprentice." Master Nova said firmly. Tara huffed. "What is so wrong with me going? Are we not supposed to be in this together? Have I not proven myself to be useful and to be able to take care of myself?" "Yes, Tara, you have." Luke said looking at her, ice blue eyes filled with compassion. “Often.” "Then why can’t I come along!?" The blonde woman sighed and crossed her legs. "Because, my young one, you and the prince here will be elsewhere." Tara looked suspicious. "Elsewhere where?" "Here." The master stared hard at her apprentice. "No joke, Tara. We need you here in case we don't come back. You and Chewie will deal with what comes then." Tara stared at the older woman. "Master, I could be of more help to you there than here." "Tara, we’ve already gone over this." Master Nova said softly, standing and looking at her apprentice. Tara was by far the most stubborn person she had ever seen. She often acted rashly and went against orders, disregarding plans and leader roles. But she was good… through and through, and would one day make a wonderful Jedi knight and master. But for now, times were dangerous and despite how mature she thought she was… she was vulnerable in many ways. "Yes Master, but…" "No ‘buts’ Tara, you will do as I say." The tone master Nova used was one that Tara knew. It meant she was not to open her mouth again. "Yes Master." She said in a low voice, dropping her head and staring down at her chest. She would rather be with her master, and die by her side then to stay here, and let her Master go off on her own. "Tara," Nova said gently, "come with me for a sec." She took the apprentice by the arm and led her out to the empty hall. The girl had her arms crossed but was trying not to display too much emotion. "I know you want to come. That being left behind makes you feel like we think less of you." "No... no..." "Yea... in a way?" Tara nodded. "Look. You are young still but you have more maturity than most. You have to. You're a Jedi." Nova grinned at her. "You are more than my apprentice. Luke and I love you as though you were our own. It's our duty to protect you. So, I'll be straight with you. Keeping you here does serve two purposes. You're safer here and we need the back up. Yes?" "Yea..." "Yes?" Tara gave a half smile. "Yes, mam." "That’s my girl." Master Nova said smiling. "Besides, you will have Chewie and Nataro here to keep you company." Tara nodded slightly. "Yes… Master, please, keep in contact." The older nodded and smiled. Luke walked out and looked at the two as he stepped beside Nova, his arm automatically curving around her trim waist. Tara stared for a moment then moved forward and pulled them both into a huge hug. Nova ran her fingers through the red strands of her hair and patted Luke's smooth jaw with her other hand. They separated and Luke clasped his hands together. "Morning comes soon. The queen says we can bathe now, have dinner with her... then rest. Which we will all need", he said, looking pointedly at Tara. "What?" "Night owl." "Me?" Nova rolled her eyes and turned away with a grin. Luke shook his head and moved off after Nova waving for the young one to follow. He pointed to a room, "This one is yours, its connected to ours." Tara nodded and went in without preamble. She stripped herself of her wet clothing and hopped into the warm shower. She scrubbed her skin until it was rosy and washed her hair before stepping out and pulling a towel around herself. She searched through the closet and found a deep green dress with long sleeves and slipped into it. It fit her perfectly, showing every curve of her body. She brushed out her hair and then knocked on the door that led to her Masters’ room to see if they where ready for dinner. * * * * *
Nova sat up and Luke sighed, rolling off the bed. "No more kisses for you. Hurry up and dress." "You, too." "I'll wear this." Luke grinned. "Bathrobes are so 'in' this year, after all." His wife grinned, leaning back and snuggling into the bed. "No", she heard his voice sing. "No nap." He opened the door to Tara's side, after hearing a tiny knock at the adjoining door. He grinned at how she was dressed. Dressed to impress… "You go ahead, Tara. We'll catch up." Tara raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Okay, see you two down there." She pointed at her Master and said, "No napping." With that, the girl walked back through her room and out the door. She stopped for a moment wondering which way she was supposed to go. "Tara!" called a voice from behind her and she turned to meet Nataro’s eyes, which quickly looked her over. "Wow… You look really beautiful." Tara smiled. "Thanks, I don’t normally wear dresses, but since my other clothing is wet." Nataro chuckled at that statement. "I looked in the closet and found this!" He nodded. “Our assistants think of everything.” She looked at the dress again and smiled, admitting softly, “I like it.” “Well you should wear dresses more often, they look really good on you." "They look good on me, or I look good in them?" she asked, raising and eyebrow. Nataro looked at her for a moment then laughed. He held out his arm to Tara, "Shall I escort you to the dinning hall, my fair lady?" Tara bowed her head and curtsied. "If it would please my lord." "It would please me very much." Tara smiled and took his arm as the two set off down the hall to the dinning area. * * * * *
"Don't turn around yet." Luke snorted silently, hands on his hips, blue eyes staring at the opposite wall. He was already redressed in his now-cleaned robes, the brown and tan he knew Nova didn’t prefer. She liked the blacks he wore but he had kept to a more traditional style for the mission. "Now?" He heard her hassle then sigh. "Okay, now." Luke turned to see what she was dressed in and his breath caught. Blonde hair in ribbons and curls and tied up in a mass of softness. Her face was painted lightly but it was the dress he knew she was showing off. Made of the airy material he had seen in over-abundance here, it clung to her figure, betraying the softness in an otherwise muscular figure. Rainbows of colors climbed her body and brought his gaze back up to her face. Wide bones, large eyes and pink, smiling lips that he had come to adore. "You're beautiful." Her smile widened. "Thank you, master." Luke gave a warning look then grinned, holding out an arm. "Let's go, Beautiful Lady." * * * * *
Tara looked towards the door, a huge smile across her face. She had been laughing at a joke Nataro had just told her when her master and Master Skywalker walked in. She waved them over and pointed to the empty seats to her right. Nataro, on her left, smiled at the masters as they came, and stood as Master Nova went to take her seat. Tara smiled at his manners. "Why, thank you, Nataro." The prince bowed to Luke as he sat. It was obvious, despite his being raised as a member of a privileged family, he was also endowed with manners and compassion. The couple sat with the group as the food was laid out. The room was mostly silent as the prince, queen and other members lifted their hands and brought them close as a thank you to their Higher Power. Nova wondered if she should do the same but merely bowed her head in thanks for their respite, curls and ribbons dancing infront of her eyes. Once the small blessing was done, the food began to be ladled out. It looked more delicious than anything they had had in days. Tara refrained from her normal, quick eating styles and ate with all the dignity of the Queen. Master Nova looked over at her and smiled, waiting for her apprentice to see her before rolling her eyes… it was a rare thing that Tara use her manners. They ate and drank, talking of history and culture. Chewie was even minding his manners as he ate. The big Wookiee, despite being an honored guest, and use to social functions, was more than uncomfortable at the table, worried he’d do the wrong thing. Nova caught Luke giving him a sympathetic look. Luke was as down to land as she was and all this fancy etiquette got old quick. When the feast was over, the desert was brought out. Tara’s eyes went wide. She did not think she was going to be able to eat anything else. Oddly enough, Master Nova happily accepted the desert portion even though she normally ate sparingly. Luke waved off the odd looking sweet but Chewie mumbled and took both his and Luke's cups. The human chuckled softly and Nova leaned over. “It's really good. Almost as good as hot cocoaco." Nova grinned when his eyes brightened. It was his favorite. "Master Skywalker?" "Yes, your majesty?" "Tell us of the academy. I have often thought I would like to visit." Nova's eyebrows lifted. ‘So it’s not just Nataro who admire the Jedi.’ Tara leaned back in her chair as Master Skywalker described their life style, telling about the academy, and how it had beings of many different races and religions there, all training for the same purpose. The Queen seemed highly interested and it was only when one of the servants came over and mentioned that it was past midnight, did she stop asking questions. "I should not keep you any later. You’ve had a long journey here, and the masters have another long one tomorrow." Tara closed her eyes and took a deep breath at that note… her masters leaving her here and going off. She hated the thought. Nataro touched Tara’s arm and she opened her eyes and noticed that everyone was getting up "I’ll walk you back to your room." Tara smiled as he pulled her chair out for her and took her arm, leading her back to her room. * * * * *
Nova lay against Luke's naked back, her gown feeling hot between them. She stared through the darkness to the ceiling. "Luke?" "Hm?" "Are you sure we should be going this far? I know I've been all gung-ho about the direct approach but... shouldn't we get some real diplomats here?" "We will. Leia has to have time. There is other business about", he murmured sleepily. "We just have to stall. And keep others from dying in the meantime." Nova sighed and wiggled behind him. "And find the king?" "Finding him will certainly help when the time comes to usurp the usurpers." * * * * *
Nataro had led Tara to her door, kissed her hand gently, and left. Tara lay in bed trying to find sleep, though it was not coming easily. She was worried sick about her Master and Master Skywalker. Of course they were very capable and great at handling problems, it was only that Tara had lost so many people close to her and she did not want to lose anyone else. She had been nine at the time Master Nova first found her. Tara had been wandering the streets of Corellia alone, dirty and thin. She was in torn clothing and had cuts and scrapes all over her body. The Empire had killed her parents long ago, but she had managed to get away. Her parents had no other relatives on the planet so Tara had taken to roaming the streets, stealing food when she could. Master Nova had found her, won her trust, and taken her back to the Temple. Over the years, Tara had come to love her master as though she were her mother, and Master Skywalker and found a place in her heart as well, almost as though he were her father. Tara sat up in bed as an idea came over her. She grabbed her clothing and snuck over to the door, opened it, and stopped. Chewie was standing there, looking at her. He growled at her and pointed to her clothing. "Oh, um… nowhere," she said tossing it back inside the room. Chewie growled again and pointed to her Masters room. "They told you to guard me?" She shook her head and laughed. "They know me too well.” Chewie gave a wookiee laugh then pointed to the bed and growled. "Okay, okay, I’ll go to bed and wont try to sneak on to the transport." She hugged him then returned to her bed and soon fell asleep.
~CHAPTER SIX~
Early dawn came too soon. Nova and Luke rose, dressed and ironed out the last details of their journey. They went out into the wastes above the shelter, ready to fine their way back to the capitol. The queen had given then a cute little transport with no code for anyone to track. Nova stood back, looking beyond the lavender sky. "Worried about Tara?" "Tara worries me", Nova laughed as she corrected him. "I'm glad Chewie is there to knock some sense into her if she tries to follow." "Try?" Nova giggled as they climbed aboard the speeder-sized shuttle. "That's why I'm glad Nataro has to stay with her. He can no doubt keep her mind off us." * * * * *
Tara darted out of bed, using her Force sense to search for her Master. Not in her room… Tara knew the only other place she could be. She threw on her clothing and dashed out of the room, past Chewie, past a surprised Nataro and out of the underground city. She squinted when her eyes met with the sun as she looked for her master. She spotted her and Master Skywalker in a speeder getting ready to leave. "Wait!" she cried as she raced up to the side of the speeder. "Master, how dare you try and leave with out saying good bye!" She said reaching in and hugging her master tightly. "You two remember to check in every other night. And I won’t get worried if you miss one, unless I don’t hear from you three days in a row," Tara said then she frowned. "Are you sure you can handle this with out me? Because, I can still go." Nova barked a laugh. "I think we will do fine. Smooth and calm. Like masters." The girl grinned wopsided... much like a certain Solo she knew. "Please, stay out of trouble. I promise... all will be okay." Tara tilted her head. "You can't promise that." "Ofcourse I can. You just have to ask what my definition of ‘alright’ is." Nova winked. Tara rolled her eyes at her master. "We better go, Nova." Master Nova nodded at her husband and looked at Tara. "Behave," she said, then Luke kicked the speeder forward and they were gone. Tara made her way back down inside and Chewie grabbed her and began growling at her. "Whoa, calm down, fur ball. Its okay, I just wanted to say goodbye!" she explained, hugging him and laughing. "You worry too much." Chewie growled at her then and tilted his head as Nataro walked up. "Yes, they said they would be keeping in touch. Three days of not hearing from them, and we go after them." Nataro nodded. “Sounds solid. Now…If either of you are hungry, breakfast is ready." "I’m not," Tara said then glanced at Chewie as he growled. "He, however, is." Nataro laughed. "I’m not hungry either. Chewbacca, you can go down and get something if you want. Don’t worry, I won’t let Tara try to take off after her master." Chewie nodded to him and walked off. * * * * *
It had been two days since Master Nova and Master Skywalker had left. Tara’s comm went off while she was dressing after a shower and she snatched it up. "Tara here!” "Tara, it’s Nova. You all right there?" Tara grinned. "Yeah, I’m good. I was starting to worry. Good thing you called in… other wise, I might have went nuts." "Oh, please, Chewie and Nataro wouldn’t have let you do that." Tara laughed. "How are you two? Where are you?" "We’re fine… and we are at the border of the city. Just thought we would check in before we headed into the residential district." "Alright… well, be sure to check in the night after tomorrow. And keep safe." "Don’t worry, Tara. And you stay out of trouble." Tara grinned as she got a mental picture of her master shaking her finger in her face and telling her to behave. "Don’t worry master, I will." "Good girl. We’ll check in later. Good night." "Night," Tara said and she shut the comm off. She climbed into her bed and fell asleep. * * * * *
The next morning, Tara met Nataro and Chewie in a large room. Tara grinned as she handed Chewie and Nataro each a blaster that was set for training. Powerful enough to give you a nasty sting, but not enough to hurt you. "Okay, Nataro, you on that side of the room. Chewie, you over there. Once we get going you both can start moving, but just stay still until I get warmed up." "You sure you want to do this?" Nataro asked. "Of course, besides its not like I can get hurt with these. I also need to keep up with my practice, its just what my Master would have me doing if she where here." Tara pulled out her lightsaber and ignited it, the golden blade humming to life. "Okay, now." Chewie was the first to fire. Tara’s lightsaber sliced through the air knocking the harmless bolts into the wall. She turned sideways as she sensed Nataro’s first few bolts. "Alright you two, move." The two nodded and began going in different directions, firing the bolts at her more rapidly this time. She had to duck, jump, bend and use her lightsaber to avoid the bolts now, grinning all the while. * * * * *
Nova and Luke walked slowly up the path leading to the mass jumble of corporate buildings where the Ascendant was suppose to be. "Man... I hope Tara hasn't convinced anyone to shoot at her so she can train. I hate that." Luke laughed. "She's good." She did a double take at his meaning as they entered the first building. Their conversation was forgotten when they were approached by the guards. "Good morning, gentles." "Good morning", they responded. Luke clasped his hands infront of him. "We are here to see the Ascendant.” The guard grinned good-naturedly. “There are no listings for this morning." "We aren't on a list. We are emissaries from The New Republic and Jedi Masters." The young man's eyebrows shot up. "Jedi? Here?" "Yes. We have reason to believe that the Ascendant will be wanting to speak with us." Nova glanced over. 'Well, that's an understatement.' * * * * *
Tara was sweating like crazy now and finally called them to halt, she had only gotten hit with two of the harmless blasts, but that would have been be fatal if they had been real. "Okay… well... that was good." She brushed the sweat from her face, blowing out long breaths. Chewie growled something and left the room. Nataro smiled at Tara. "That was amazing." "Thanks. It takes years though, and still you can never be perfect." She sighed, tugging at her shirt. "Man, I’m hot…" "Want to go for a swim? " Tara grinned. "You sure you don’t have any Force sense?” She waited for him to shake his head before saying, “Because you just read my mind!” The two made their way down to the lowest level, chatting and laughing. They arrived quickly and Tara and Nataro stripped down to their under garments immediately and jumped into the water. The young woman loved the feel of the cold water rushing over her hot and sweaty body. “This feels wonderful!” she called to the prince as she stood under the waterfall, running her hands through her hair and shaking her head. Nataro sat on a rock, his eyes wide as he watched her. “It does.” Tara lowered her hands and looked at him, catching his drift. Tara wiggled a finger at him beckoning him over to her. He slid of the rock and waded across the water and joined her under the waterfall. They looked into one another’s eyes for some time before Tara reached out and ran her hand down his chest. He stepped closer to her and she closed her eyes as his face came closer to hers. The two jumped apart as they heard a roar. “Chewie! You scared us half to death!” Tara cried out at the wookiee. The mood wrecked, the teenagers stepped out of the water and dressed as the elder stood by. Tara cursed Chewie under her breath as the trio went back to the upper levels. She was annoyed with him for ruining the moment she was sure she and Nataro had been about to share. Tara knew Chewie was quite proud of himself for stopping them from kissing and the wookiee refused to let the two out of his sight the rest of the day. Tara fumed, figuring it would go on until the masters came back. * * * * *
"Aren’t they going to call us in?" Nova asked for the hundredth time. "I don't know. I doubt they make other dignitaries stall like this." 'Suppose they know somethin' is up?' 'Ofcourse.' "Jedi Masters?" a quiet voice called from a side hall. Both turned and walked forward to the woman that beckoned them. It felt so much like a trap, Nova could have laughed. Luke was grim-faced as they entered a new hallway separated by the other room by a security lock. 'Least now, we are getting somewhere.' "Right this way, if you will." Both clad in black, the two Jedi stood out like sore thumbs among the extravagant colors and bulbous materials worn by the individuals they passed. Luke cleared his throat. "You are taking us to the Ascendent, yes?" "Yes." Nova's knuckles cracked. Oh, yes... she had a very bad feeling about this. Half way down the hall, she went blind. Not her eyes, though it felt that way... her eyes, voice, hearing and touch all diminished. "Luke?" His hand shot out to take hers. "What’s-!" And the lights did go out, both Jedi taken by surprise, the poisons searing through their bodies as they fell together, not aware of when they hit the floor beneath them. * * * * *
Tara was sitting at a table with Nataro and Chewie eating dinner when her whole body stiffened, her green eyes going wide. “Master….” she muttered. A sudden charge of confusion had blasted into Tara’s mind, then it went blank. She closed her eyes, trying to feel her Master through the Force, but the link was not there. “Tara, what is it?” “Master Nova and Master Skywalker…something happened to them…I can’t feel them anymore.” Chewie grumbled something at Nataro then looked at Tara. “No, I know something is wrong… Bad wrong. We’ve got to go after them.” Chewie shook his furry head and growled at her. “Okay, okay, fine…” she snapped. “We’ll wait until after they are supposed to check in, if they don’t… we are gone, you understand?” Tara asked, her voice full of command and worry at the same time.
~CHAPTER SEVEN~
Opening her eyes slowly, Nova could only see a dark blur that lightened to fuzzy lines nearby. She ached all over. Trying to pull the force about her, she began feeling other things... like how she laid on a hard surface. How cold she was... and, more startling, binds around he ankles and wrists. Her force sense scattered from her. She could not seek Luke out, could not draw strength from his presence. Half way between reality and dream, Nova passed out once more. * * * * *
Tara was worried the rest of the day, and when the time that her Masters were supposed to call came and went, she was on edge. “Alright. That’s it! I’m going.” She marched off towards the lift that would take her to the surface. “Tara, wait!” Nataro cried. “I’m going with you.” Chewie growled his agreement and the three left a note for his mother, who was other wise indisposed, and departed. It took them two days to reach the city and the whole time Tara was growing more and more worried. * * * * *
Luke sat with his back straight against the wall, a tray of half-eaten paste in front of him. His wife napped in the corner of their cell. They took turns keeping watch. No one came to see them or question them. The only people they saw where the movement of the guards and the old droid that shoved the plates of paste into the cell. His blue eyes blinked lazily. At first, he thought they had Ysalamiri here but, as he had meditated on it, he realized that their Force-sense wasn't deadened, just stunted. He could feel its flow but could not become apart of it. He sighed and let his head fall back to rest against the wall. He could never remember feeling this groggy before... he just wondered what they were using to kill their Force power. * * * * *
Tara, Nataro and Chewie sat in the shed that Master Nova and Tara had used to save the Prince from the mob. Now Tara sat in the corner of the shed her head in her hands as she tried to locate her Master, but nothing was coming through and she was terribly scared. Nataro and Chewie tried to comfort her but she pushed them away, hating herself for letting her master and Master Skywalker go off on their own. Chewie walked over to Tara and bent down in front of her, growling softly. “Chewie, I’m not tired…” she answered him. He growled at her a little harder and she sighed and laid down on the cold ground and closed her eyes, but did not go to sleep. It was much later when Tara sat up slowly in the dark of the night. Chewie was sleeping near the door and Nataro was on the other side of the shed. Tara stood up and grabbed her cloak, moving towards the window. She needed to find her master and figured it would be easier to do it on her own. She opened the window and started to climb out when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Nataro staring at her. “You’re not going anywhere with me,” he said quietly. “It’s safer if you don’t come…” He put his fingers to her lips and she nodded. The two climbed out of the window and went down the street, leaving the sleeping wookiee behind. When they got around the corner, both covered in cloaks, Tara looked at Nataro. “Chewie is going to kill me when he catches up to us.” The prince shrugged helplessly. “We’ve got to check the prisons…” “There is only one where they keep people of high importance.” He nodded his head towards a street nearby. The two walked down it and came out the other side where a prison was. They milled about, walking hand in hand then disappeared into a dark alley that was laid down at the proper angle to watch the jail. The prison was lined in a blue haze. It was obviously a force shield of some type. “Well, that’s new”, Nataro mentioned, staring hard at the haze. “The force field?” Tara asked frowning. “Yeah… I hope you have an idea on how to get them out….” Tara sighed and stared at the place. “We could charge in… but getting the Masters out will be hard... I think they are not able to do much because I can’t sense them…” Tara’s hood had fallen back off her head and her red hair was showing as she paced up and down trying to figure out a way to get the Masters out. Her danger sense flared all of the sudden and her head jerked up. “Nataro! Get do—“ but her words where not finished. Something sharp stuck into the side of her neck and she fell to the ground. She pulled it out and was just able to see a dart before blackness took her. * * * * *
Brushing cool fingers against soft hair, Nova straightened back up from her sleeping husband. She walked around quietly then sat with her back against the door. Man, she hated being caged. If only they could... Nova snapped awake. She had drifted again. She imagined whatever was dulling her Force sense was also making her want to sleep and slowing her mind. Her thoughts went to her apprentice and hoped she wouldn't do anything rash. Nova sighed. Or maybe the child was just what they needed right now. Her eyes stayed open until she was relieved by her mate, then she slept heavily, awakened only when her husband gave her a gentle kick with his foot. She popped up, swaying then stood still as their cell door opened. The man who had opened the door had three guards behind him, weapons at chest level. His gray hair framed a face that held sharp features dulled by too much weight and too many years. The man was staring at them, raking them with his eyes as though he loath their very existence. Okay… not a friend… "You can't keep us here", Luke stated calmly, breaking the silence. Nova stood behind her husband, arms crossed. "I remember you", the man mentioned with a smirk. "A kid with too much power." “I can guarantee you, he's no longer a 'kid'", Nova defended. "He's right. You have to let us go." "Trying Jedi Mind tricks, are we?" "No... just a friendly warning." * * * * *
Tara’s slight form was thrown into a cell with Nataro who was sitting in a corner. After the Jedi had passed out, the men that had shot her had came out of their hiding place and had taken her and Nataro to the prison. The prince had been put in a cell while Tara was taken to a room and strapped down on a metal table. She had only come to once, put was quickly knocked out again. After the men had gone, Nataro crawled over to Tara and rolled her onto her back. He lifted up her head and put it in his lap as he stroked her hair gently. Tara’s eyes fluttered open and she looked sleepily up at Nataro. “Where… where are we?” she asked, her voice very low and soft. “The prison. Are you okay?” he asked in turn, his blue eyes full of concern. Tara closed her eyes and tried to call the Force about her but could not seem to. She tried with all her might. She could feel it flowing around her, but could not join it. She opened her eyes and slowly shook her head. “I don’t think so… I can’t make a connection with the Force, and I feel weaker then I ever have before.” * * * * *
"Come on!" the guard growled, pushing husband and wife into a transport. They were both still weak and had trouble walking in their restraints. The two blondes practically fell on one another when the door shut, locking them in a narrow holding cell in the transport. Nova's chest heaved, her breath fanning on Luke's face. "I don't suppose they’re taking us to the Falcon...?" He shook his head sadly but she knew, in her heart, the gears of his mind were turning brightly, thinking of a way for them to get out. Nova took a breath and did the same. * * * * *
It was later in the day and Tara was sitting up now, leaning against the wall of the cell with her eyes closed. She was trying to figure out a way out of here. Two guards walked in and Tara stood up, she wobbled for a second then managed to find her ground. “Awe, are you weak?” one of the men teased and reached out and poked Tara in the shoulder. It was just enough to send her backwards into the wall. “Hey! Don’t do that!” Nataro said standing and moving to Tara’s side. “Oh, the Prince speaks!” the other said, giving a mock bow. “Must do what he says, and that must be his girlfriend. I guess you have to defend the- Oof!“ He never got to finish what he was saying. Tara had taken one quick step forward and her fist connected with the man’s jaw. He spun and fell to the floor and Tara toppled down as well, the effort too much for her. “CHAIN HER UP!” the man on the ground yelled and the other quickly drug Tara to the corner of the cell and chained her arms above her head. “Now, behave- !“ The man yelped and let out a hiss of pain as Tara kicked him in the groin. The men grabbed her feet and chained them together and then to the wall so she could not lift them. The man she had kicked straightened and looked as though he would strike her. But the trio turned and left, no longer so eager to play. After the cell doors were shut, Nataro walked over to Tara and dropped down next to her. “Why did you do that?” he asked, staring into her eyes. “Because, he needs to know I can handle myself.” She took a deep, slow breath. “Even when I am drugged.” “You shouldn’t have done that… now you can’t move.” He gently brushed her cheek with his hand. She closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. “Its okay. I’ve been in worse situations.” She gave her best half-grin and Nataro smiled at her. “You’re so strong,” he commented softly, moving closer to her. “You better know it.” Tara laughed lightly. Nataro moved his face closer to hers, and with his hand still on her face, their lips touched in a slow timid kiss that quickly turned into one full of fire and passion. The two pulled away for the need of air and Nataro kept his face close to hers, their noses touching. “I love you”, he said softly. Tara opened her eyes and gazed into the blue ones of Nataro. Even with out the Force she could feel the truth behind the words, see it behind his eyes, and feel it in his touch. Nataro started to feel uneasy from her lack of words, but with a small smiled she moved her head forward and their lips locked again. In a tender, sweet, passionate kiss. When they parted for the second time Nataro smiled. “That’s all I needed to know.” “You better. Other wise, I need to work on my kissing,” Tara said, her voice weak, but full of her personality. * * * * *
Lifting his head, Luke straightened, muscles protesting. Their transport was slowing. Beside him, Nova stirred, making a pain filled sound. "I figured this stuff would have worn off by now." "No such luck." The transport stopped completely and the doors swung open, startling their eyes with too much daylight. "Get out." Nova exited first, her wobbling legs making her stumble. Luke was separated from her by two guards and the couple was set off to march away from the sinking sun. "Where are you taking us?" Luke demanding, ice blue eyes darting from the back of one guard's head to the face of another. No reply. Nova huffed. "You guys are gonna be in SO much trouble." After the first half mile, walking was getting easier. Apparently, the drug was working its way out of their systems. Nova could even feel a hint of her husband’s energy on the air. The area they walked in was much like the land that had held the hidden base for the queen. But, here, it was more hilly and had trees clumped together in certain areas. She was so thirsty. They entered a line of trees and began ascending a hill. The couple tensed. This was NOT going to be good. The air was practically unbreathable... Death... Rot... It was almost over-powering. "Feast your eyes, Jedi. You'll be here for a while." The duet found out quickly what the man was referring to once they came to the top of that hill. "Oh, my god..." Luke's face was pale as he stared out, unable to look away. He wanted to... to turn away. But that would never make the sight of it go away. He’d seen so many horrible things in his life. But not like this… nothing like this. There before them lay the remains of hundreds... decaying under the sun, reeking and losing any humanity that they had once possessed. The indention in the ground went on for as far as Luke could see then ended somewhere near the tree line in the distance. Carrion birds soared and squawked above them, feasting on the remains. At the sight of a body… small enough to be a child, Luke was finally able to squeeze his eyes shut. Hearing a whimper beside him, Luke turned to see his young wife with eyes downcast, trying to hide herself from the carnage. They were pushed roughly forward. * * * * *
When Chewie had awoken the next morning he let out a deafening roar once he realized Tara and Nataro had gone. The enraged wookiee went tramping through the city, looking for the two teenagers when he spotted Nova and Luke being led to a truck. He had stayed out of sight until the truck took off, then he had hitched a ride atop the vehicle, silent the whole way. Now he stood hidden, watching the two helpless masters being pushed forward, waiting for his chance to give them aid. * * * * *
A blurred form moved infront of Nova and she looked up. A large man, face covered by a handkerchief stood before them. "Fancy meeting you here, Skywalker. Mistress Skywalker." Luke's eyebrows lowered, his mind searching for a name to that familiar voice. The man pulled away the cloth, face curling at the stench of rot. "Grand Moff Gartreal..." "Glad you remember me... you should." Nova looked to her husband. She was clueless here... but who ever he was, her husband knew him... and was angered. * * * * *
The door to the cell opened again and two guards came in, they hefted Nataro up and began to drag him out of the cell. “Where are you taking him?” Tara asked struggling with her chains but giving up quickly since she had no strength. “No where you should be concerned with,” one of the guards snapped. Nataro went along quietly, princely. He turned to give Tara a measured look then he was gone, the cell door slamming shut between them. * * * * *
"Should I know you?" Nova asked, blonde hair falling about her face. She had suddenly remembered the story of this man but she had to stall... there was something tickling her mind, telling her to hold on. "Your husband here pretty much ended my career." "You ended your own career“, Luke stated. “You're a criminal." The man hummed then turned to his guard. "Kill them. Quickly, please." He replaced the cloth to his face as a new breeze of rot flowed over them. Nova tried not to gag at the stench, tried not to think of where it came from. The clicks of blasters brought them about, as the guards readied to do their duty. But it was a sharp smack of fire nearby that set everyone in motion. "Chewie!?" "Get moving, Nova!" Chewie dashed out of his hiding place, his blaster firing at the guards who were now falling to the ground, some dead, others trying to get out of the line of fire. Chewie let out a deafening roar as he moved in front of Luke and Nova. “We’re going! We’re going!” Luke said dashing for the truck that had brought them. Both of the masters were still weak, but Chewie was doing a good job of holding the guards off. Nova practically flew over Luke's lap, rolling onto the floor and hoping back up to sit in the front seat. Both were still bound and getting the truck started was a two-person job. Luke grabbed the wheel and Nova pressed the ignition button, her husband pushing pedals with his feet. The truck shot off and Nova gasped. "Chewie?" A roar on top of the truck told them he was still there and yelling for them to floor it. * * * * *
It was an hour before the cell door was opened again. Tara looked at it with hopeful eyes, but it was just a few guards. “You’re coming with us for questioning.” “Really? Make me,” Tara said rolling her eyes as the guards came over and unchained her, lifted her up and dragging her to her feet. They yanked her out of the room and pushed her down a long hallway. They turned sharply into a small, cold room which was barely lit by blue lighting. She was thrust into a chair and a man walked over to her. “Where is Nataro?” she asked, worried for the prince’s safety. The man sat down in front of her and waved the guards off. They walked out and stood by outside. The male, somewhere in his forties, stood and shut the door then returned to Tara. When the man spoke, his voice was low but clear. “His Eminence has left to accompany your masters to the killing fields.” Tara frowned, straightening as best she could. Her head swam and she tried to make his words make sense. “Nataro?” “No… the Ascendant”, he stated as though she was daft. “Why?” “To do away with them, ofcourse.” “Why are you telling me this?” “Because, I, as many here, are loyal to our King and Queen.” “You know where the king is?” she asked eagerly, her voice still kept small. “I do.” “What have you done with Nataro?” “He is safe.” Tara shook her head. She wasn’t sure if she could believe him. Her force sense just wasn’t there and she couldn’t read him. “What about me?” “I am sorry… but in order to save the prince. You will have to be sacrificed. The Ascendant will be told of the capture… he knows of the three Jedi and Wookiee that had arrived. We can save the prince. But you will have to face the Ascendant’s wrath, just as you masters have.” Tara shook her head. “What-?” “The Ascendant took them to make sure they would die. They were poisoned just as you and are to be…” The man stopped and looked at the time piece on his finger. “They have been sentenced to death and it has been carried out already. You will join them.” Tara’s red hair spilled over her shoulder as she stared at him, shaking. “No… No…” The older male took out a little box and pulled a small dart from it. He deftly stabbed her in the thigh with it. Tara barely felt it but she noticed her weakness double. “Don’t cry, dear. You will soon be with them. But know that you sacrifice yourself for the prince-“ * * * * *
Luke shook off his bonds, grabbing the wheel harshly as they bumped along. "Where is Tara!?" Nova shouted over the racked of the transport. Chewbacca roared. "What?!" Luke shouted back. "She what?!" Nova groaned and her husband jerked the bobbing machine to the left, speeding toward the city. The woman was shaking her head. She leaned out the window and shouted, “What about the prince?” Chewie whined. Nova cursed, being throw side to side by the wheeled monster. “What’s wrong with this thing?” “I think it got hit!” he shouted over the whine and growl of the motor. “It’ll make it!” “You sure?” “It’ll make it!”
~CHAPTER EIGHT~
Nova and Luke reentered the first building of the corporate section, home of the Ascendant. This time followed by Chewie, holding his bow caster. This time, armed with lit lightsabers and not-very-happy expressions. “I’m sorry but weapons are-“ “Move.” “Yes, sir.” The man bowed and backed away as Luke walked to the door and tried to trigger it open. He turned to the security guard who stared at his green blade. “Open this door, please.” “I… I can’t, sir. I’m sorry-“ Luke stuck the emerald blade into the door’s top and cut it top to bottom and on both sides. He kicked it, being careful of the melting metal. He let Nova through, holding her arm then went ahead himself. They jogged down the way they came, holding their breaths. But nothing happened, noone laying a trap for them this time. They made another hole in the wall, shocking a woman in the office they entered. “Ascendant’s office, please.” The woman stared, mouth agape. Nova and Luke exchanged glances as Chewie joined them. The woman’s shock changed just a little as she smiled, recognizing his species. The three walked out, now in a brightly lit corridor of rooms and halls. Neither of them would have noticed if Chewie had not have drawn their attention to it. The woman was pointing shyly to a place down the hall. Luke gave her a smile and a salute as the trio jogged off to that part of the building. The Ascendance’s office was exactly how they would have pictured it if they, indeed, had tried to imagine in. He was a pompous man, always had been. He had many riches here and was probably living better here than many of the people on this planet. Nova put herself right in his chair and tuned into his computer. Using the force, she felt where his fingers had been, typing in his codes to get them inside. “So easy”, she purred. “Where’s Tara?” “Same jail we were at… scheduled to be terminated… no mention of Nataro at all. Chewie?” He moaned and grumbled, still standing guard. Last he knew Tara and Nataro were together. “Maybe he got away then?” Luke asked, hands flat on the desk as his wife worked. They were not surprised they were not stopped on the way here. And not surprised that no guards had been called yet, though they knew some would arrive soon. The people closest to the Ascendant were, in fact, only workers. Workers who only did their jobs but saw what the new leader was doing… “Luke…” “Yea?” “It’s all here.” “What?” Nova leaned back, looking at the screen. There were long lines of information. Strip mining, assassinations, hit lists, contacts… Everything the queen spoke of. “He actually is not planning on staying on as Ascendant very long.” Luke leaned down, frowning. “Wouldn’t that-“ “Strip the atmosphere. Yea… Mining for Tellium is only done on dead worlds. It poisons everyone on the planet.” “Before it wipes them out.” “Genocide.” Nova shook her head. “How does he think he could get away with such a thing?” “You’d be surprised what people will do for money. And how often they get away with it. Copy it. All of it. We have to go before Gartreal’s men get here.” Nova snapped to it, copying the files to flimsy and stuffing the little ticket in her pocket. “Alight. Now… let’s go get my baby.” * * * * *
Tara lay on the floor of the cell, green eyes closed, her breathing shallow. Her entire body was numb and she could not hear anything. All of her senses were dull and it was as if the entire Force had left her, she couldn't even lift her little finger. Her mind was foggy and she could hardly remember who she was, all she knew was that she was going to die soon, a very long death, she feared. A low moan escaped her lips as she tried to focus her strength to no avail. * * * * *
Speeding unseen, Luke and Nova's bodies tried their best to respond to the will of the Force, touched by their minds as they ran to where the prison was... The Force had returned to them but, still, they felt dulled by the drug. They could not feel Tara, only knew that that was her last location. Nova prayed that she was okay... only drugged. Would they take her to the wasteland to do away with her, as they had tried to do with them? They slowed, the Force only sustaining them for so long. Both blondes stopped, looking around them, slightly winded. "The guards-" "Can't stop us", Nova finished. "C'mon." They walked, not hiding from the guards or cameras, into the street leading to the shield. Nova lifted a hand and the box, deep in the facility, shorted out. Lights flickered throughout the city block. Luke looked over to make sure she wasn't angry... Her force-presence was calm, though... she was merely driven, now. Driven to protect her young one. It was the mother in her. They didn't break stride and were soon inside, lightsabers drawn and lit. They lead themselves through the corridors to where the main cell-keep was. Most of the guards stepped back upon seeing the sabers, choosing not to interfere. "I think she's here", Nova murmured. "I can sense her... just alittle." They stopped at the door that lead to where she felt her apprentice. Luke put his hand on the lock and it snapped off, the door springing open. Nova and Luke entered the cell and quickly spotted the girl laying on the floor. They knelt down beside her and Nova gently ran a hand over her head. Tara's body twitched at the touch, though she didn't feel anything. "She’s really out of it... we have to get her out of here", Nova said looking at Luke with blue eyes pleading. "I don't think you will be going anywhere." A man’s voice came from behind them. The pair straightened, eyes spearing the man at the door. Luke frowned, shutting down his saber but keeping it in his hand. "Who are you?" "That's not your concern, really." "I think it is", Nova purred, her saber still lit and pointing at the man. "Did you do this?" He said nothing. "She a just a kid." "No, she isn't. She's a Jedi." Tara moaned and looked as though she would turn over but couldn't. Luke wanted to ask where Nataro was but was afraid to alert the other incase the prince had not been captured yet. "You work for the Ascendant?" Again the man said nothing. Luke bent down and hefted Tara into his arms and looked at the man, square in the face. "Move." "I'm afraid I can't. If she is not executed, the Ascendant will start to wonder," he stated then paused. "We've already been able to hide one prisoner, but we cannot hide another." A group of guards moved in behind the man. "Please, let’s do this peacefully." "I think we've exhausted all of our peacefulness," Nova said glaring at the man. "I am willing to let you both leave, but you must leave the girl." "No", Luke stated, his demeanor one of hidden anger. "Your ascendant won't be much of a problem any longer." Nova blinked lazily. "Where is Nataro?" "In a safe place, which is were you both can go. But leave the girl. She already knows she’s going to die”, the man said, no emotion in his voice. "You told her? How can you tell a kid they are going to die?" Luke asked, shaking his head. "She knows why she has to die”, the man stated, seeming to have no emotion about it. "I give you one last chance to end this peacefully." Nova's lightsaber made an angry hiss as she arched it toward the floor. Her hand came up and the older man flew, as though struck by an unseen hand, out the door and against the wall. The two Jedi walked passed him and the woman stopped to look at the downed man. "He knows where Nataro is..." "Take him with us?" Luke asked, holding Tara as though she weighed nothing. "No... allow me." Nova bent down and put her hand on the man's forehead... and, in his dreams, he told her everything. The group walked out of the jail and met up with Chewie on the street. Chewie growled and petted Tara's hair as she lay in Luke's arms, still unmoving. "She'll be alright Chewie," Luke said going to walk past the wookiee who growled again and took Tara out of his arms. The huge wookiee held the girl like a fragile piece of glass. Chewie moaned a question. "We are going to find Nataro. They are taking him to a nearby safe house. Apparently, they don't know that he has a safe place of his own." The Wookiee shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know where we can leave her. I don't feel safe with her.... Chewie, take her back to that shed. We'll-" Luke held up a hand to stop her, about to speak. The man that had kept Tara prisoner stumbled out of the building. “I’ll get him”, Nova hissed. She flaunted over and grabbed his wrist. “You stay with us. Make no noise, understand?” "Tara should stay with us," Luke said looking at Nova when she got close enough. "But, she could be in danger," Nova looked at the young women in Chewie's arms. She looked like a small helpless girl in the large Wookiee’s arms not at all like the capable Jedi she knew her t be. "She could be in even more danger if we send her off with out us. Chewie can carry her, right Chewie?" The wookiee roared an affirmative. Nova frowned at her husband and the man ahead of them waved. "Come on, we need to hurry before we are spotted." The woman jogged behind him, glancing over her shoulder at the Wookiee and girl. The male she had by the arm staggered a bit, still dazed. The sun was beginning to rise and darkness would no longer shield them. "Where, Nova?" "Down this side street." The woman followed the route that she had picked from the man's mind. "It'll be a few lanes over... an older building..." The group traveled and came upon the site, hunkering down near by. "I can't feel if he's there." "Me, either. That drug must be in our system more than we thought." Tara whined and curled up, an arm to her chest. Chewie stroked Tara with a free hand as they entered the building. "A room up the stairs." They headed up the stairs and Nova opened the door and sure enough, there was Nataro. He was sitting on a chair and jumped up when the group walked in. "You came- Tara?" he called out, walking forward briskly to look at the girl. Chewbacca pulled her away and growled at him. "It was her idea", he explained. "I just didn't want her to go by herself-" "Okay, cool it, you guys", Nova said, eyeing the hall, her light saber hilt in her hand. Luke looked around the room carefully. "Nataro, who are these people?" "They are still loyal to me and my father. They---" Everyone's head jerked towards Tara who was still in Chewie's arms. The girl whined then let out a blood curdling scream before her entire body began to shake and convulse. Chewie hugged the girl to him as her arms thrashed about and smacked him in the head. Suddenly her entire body went as stiff as a board. She suddenly screamed again before going completely limp, eyes closed and her breathing shallow. "Set her down!" Nova shouted, putting away her saber and sliding to a halt before the pale girl. Tara was a whisper in the Force, barely there. Luke was standing close, still standing as a guard "What happened?" "I don't know... I'm no doctor..." Nova put her hand on the girl's forehead and tried to reach the young woman... Tara gave a violent jerk as the Force flowed from Nova into her, then moved no more. "She might be having a reaction to the drug...." the man said moving towards them. Chewie let out a vicious roar and the man backed away. "If she dies..." Nova hissed at the man, glaring. Chewie sat down on the couch next to Tara and stroked the girl’s hair. "I'm... I'm sure-" "Sure what, you-?!" "Nova", Luke called sternly. "Calm. Steady Tara. We have to go." Luke looked off into a distance his eyes could not see. "There are others coming." Chewie stood and picked Tara gently up. "There is a back door. This way," Nataro said, leading the group to the door and out into a network of dusty hallways there. "We are on the back passages of the building." Nataro said as Luke closed the door behind them, just as a bunch of noise came from the other side. "Down the stairs!" Nova called harshly, moving in front of the group. Nova flung open a door at the bottom of the stairs and everyone piled into the small room. "They will probably think we went straight through… out side." Nova muttered as the group fell silent at the sound of boots going down the stairs, and going past the door... Tara let out a shriek and boots stopped as Chewie put his hand over the girl’s mouth. Nova rushed out of the room, passed Luke's staying hand. 'Get Tara help!' she sent. The men, seeing a blonde woman race by them, chased her into the breaking day. She lead them away, grinning as she dodged and lost them for a moment, running back to egg them on. It wasn't until she reached a busy road way that she stopped. The Force called to her, strumming through her skin, telling her that there was danger. She didn't even have time to turn around before she was caught by a blaster bolt. The bolt hit the top of her shoulder and threw her down, whirling her into darkness. * * * * *
Luke suddenly jumped. "Nova!" He called out to the others then raced out of the room, with Nataro and Chewie with Tara, following him, trying to keep up. "What is the matter?" Nataro asked, running to keep up with the Jedi Master. "She’s hurt..." was all Luke said as they raced out into the street and to the road where they saw men lifting Nova's body up. At mid-run, Luke ignited his saber and ran full blast into a barrage of weapon's fire. He swung careful so as not to hit his unmoving wife. At the site of the powerful man with such a fierce expression several of the men ran off. "Don't you dare run!" someone screamed. Luke turned and looked to the sound. "You!" Ex-Moff Gartreal recoiled, falling back, looking around for the men that he'd come with. He back-pedaled, suddenly realizing he had nowhere to go. Luke walked forward slowly to put himself between his wife and Gartreal. "These people aren't Imperials. You can't expect them not to run." Chewie growled and Luke nodded. "Yes, we will take him with us." Luke turned to his wife and, using the Force he lifted her up. He pointed his blaster at the imperial officer that had left Nova and Luke to die in the fields, boring his blue gaze into the other male. "Walk ahead of us, please." * * * * *
Coming to, slowly, Nova blinked, seeing sky moving above her. It took her a moment to realize that she was the one who was moving. "Honey..." She stopped and he up-righted her to let her land on her feet. "Good. You were getting heavy." Nova looked around tenderly, spotting the man before them, hands on his head. "Caught a fish, did we?" Luke nodded and they started moving again. “How bad is it?” “Not bad. Just burns… big bruise, maybe”, she answered, giving a painful cough. She was bleeding alittle but the injury was superficial. The muscle in her shoulder screamed and she dampened the pain with a suggestion. "What will we do with him, angel?" "Jail sounds good to me. While you were out, the prince called his faithful to him..." Nataro nodded. “Now that Gartreal is caught and you have that data disc, finding out conspirators will be simple. But, for now, I need those I can trust. There are no doubt others who know the penalty they face for allying themselves with this monster and will not like seeing my father retake his throne.” “You know were the king is?” The boy glanced behind him with an exhausted smile. “Yes. He is safe.” The group followed Nataro to the same run down looking building they had left previously. They slipped into it, walking up the higher levels. They reentered the well-lit room that Nataro had been kept in. Chewie laid Tara down on the couch, fussing over the child. Luke began to speak but was interrupted by Tara's blood curdling scream. The girl jerked and sat up suddenly, slight body shaking. Her eyes popped open and she looked around, true fear in them. "Tara..." Master Nova murmured with relief, moving towards her. It was shocking to see the girl recoil. "Who are you?" "What?" The child scooted back, eyes filled with confusion and fear. "Who... who are you?" The blonde woman frowned. "Nova... your master..." Her heart skipped a beat and she sought her support. "Luke?" The male was staring down at the woman-child, his face showing his confusion. "Tara...?" The girl shook her head. "How do you know my name?" Tara kept backing up until she felt something fuzzy touch the back of her head. She slowly turned around and screamed when she looked up at the huge creature before her. She stood up and tired to dart across the room, but was too weak and tripped, she tumbled into a boy’s arms. He grasped her as she struggled trying to get free. "Let me go! Please, let me go!" "Tara calm down," the woman called, her good arm held up. "How do you know my name? I don't know who you are! I've never seen you before!" she screamed, still struggling. Nova raised a hand, palm out. "Calm." Force was sent with those words. Words to calm, to try to reconnect. There was a blankness there that Nova had never felt in Tara. Luke's essence wrapped around her, giving her comfort. "Remember me..." Tara felt a wave of calmness rush through her body, "How can I remember you when I have never seen you before?" she asked, total confusing and fear coming from her eyes and force signature. The girl sank to the floor and pulled her knees up to her chest as tears began to stream down her face. "I just want to go home...where ever home is." she said sniffling. Nova frowned shaking her head. She knew her name but not who they were… not what Chewie was. Wringing her hands, she looked to Luke who stood closer to the girl, his senses on alert, not just on what was happening here but also in the world outside Nataro had a hands held to his head, staring in confusion, almost dazed. Chewie was quiet, standing away so he wouldn’t frighten his little friend again. And as she had done a few short years ago, she sat beside a child who did not know or trust her and looked into her eyes. “Tara… I know you don’t remember me but I remember you. You… are very close to me. Apart of my family, even.” She halted, trying to get a feel for what she should say. “I have holos of us. All of us. Your home is Yavin.” “Yavin?” Nova nodded. “You are a very important person.” Tara raised her head, green eyes measuring her. “I am?” Nodding, the master smiled. “We can tell you everything about yourself if that’s what’s best. But for now, I don’t want you to be afraid. I want you to trust us. I know it’s hard to take that kind of leap in faith.” Tara gritted her teeth. “If you like. I’ll let you walk out of here. But I’m going to follow.” Her face pinched and she gasped. “I don’t even know where I am.” “I know”, Nova whispered and she scooted closer. Tara allowed her to do something it took a long time for her to do before… When Nova reached an arm out, the fragile-seeming child hugged her, letting herself become enfolded in a stranger’s arms.
~EPILOGUE~
The back-up that Luke had called for finally came with Leia and Han at the forefront. They had come as soon as they could and it was no one’s fault that they got there just in time to clean up, the heaviest duty completed by three Jedi, a Wookiee and a valiant prince. Gartreal was handed over to New Republic authorities and several of his accomplices were captured rather quickly, while still others alluded the local government. The wheels of justice would no-doubt turn quickly for him and, with the testimony of the Jedi and Nataro’s people, grind him beneath. Prince Nataro was keeping close tabs on the investigation on his own people and the gruesome task of searching the killing fields fell to the young royal as well. But this was his own decision. He was determined to find out how many of his beloved people had fallen victim to this demon from the stars. The transition back from Ascendant to Royal Family was surprisingly easy. The people, despite their necessity to turn from their rulers, had not betrayed them fully. Fearing for the lives of their families, they had accepted Gartreal as their leader. No one spoke out because of this well-grounded fear. And when the news was released to the media of Zanab, King Seture and Queen Jia were welcomed back with open arms. And, now that everything was set on the right track for this world, the Jedi and the Wookiee hero were now ready to leave. Prime Assistant Caral stood at the landing field, staring at the ‘Millennium Falcon’. Han Solo himself was there, looking it over and squabbling with his copilot. Prince Nataro was soon to arrive and the assistant was eager for it. He felt very much lost as an ambassador. “Oh! Have I mentioned that it’s so good to be back above ground?” The shiny, golden droid made his way from the Falcon to him. “Greetings, Prime Assistant Caral. Thank you so much for my oil bath. It was very much appreciated.” The gray haired man smiled, alittle perplexed. Droids weren’t common on Zanab and he hadn’t realized they could be thankful. “I, uh… you’re very welcome, Seethreepio.” A sound from the west caught his attention and, with obvious relief, he took a step back. “Ah! Prince Nataro has arrived.” The car came to a halt and the side door opened. Prince Nataro stepped out and straightened his white uniform as he walked, his face holding no expression. He came as far as the lined divider of the space where the ‘Millennium Falcon’ was kept. He looked the ship over, remembering the first time he had seen the old freighter. He had been with Tara… Exiting, honest, incredible Tara… He almost walked away. He didn’t want to see her again. Not this way… Not knowing that she would look at him and see a stranger. It hurt too much. But no one could see it on the surface. The prince looked calm, as though this was any normal meeting. He had made a point to know when they would depart. He had to see her. Just once more. He had to say good-bye and… ‘I’m sorry... so sorry for what was done to you here.’ He straightened when he saw Master Skywalker walking down the Falcon’s ramp with his wife walking behind him. She stopped and held out her arm to beacon someone along. Tara obeyed and descended with them. She was dressed in a green uniform and her fiery hair was tied back into a ponytail. She looked shy as she walked toward him and his friend. His heart nearly broke at the sight of her downcast eyes. She was no longer the Tara he knew and he crammed the pain of that knowledge down so far he hoped he’d loose all feeling. The Skywalkers bowed and Tara followed suite belatedly. Nataro smiled lightly. “I wish, on behalf of all the people of Zanab, to extend our eternal welcome and thank you for… all you have done.” ‘And all you have sacrificed’, he thought bitterly as he glanced at Tara. She was looking at him now, unsmiling. “You’re welcome, Nataro”, Nova responded. She could feel his discontent and knew that he wanted to be away. “We’ll take good care of Tara, you know.” The young man nodded. When he saw Master Skywalker touch his wife’s arm and the two turn and walk away, he swallowed, not wanting to stay either. But Tara was looking at him and he could do no more than pay attention. “I’m sorry. My… master said that you and I were good friends. They hope I’ll get my memory back.” She stopped speak and shrugged. “I’m not even sure where to go from here.” Watching her bow her head in sadness, he reacted without thinking. Nataro stepped forward and cupped her face, dipping in to kiss her before she could protest. It was a sweet kiss, short and simple… a good-bye kiss. Tara stared as he walked away and for some reason, she felt like running after him. But that was foolish. She had to leave with the masters now. They called to her and she turned, her head full of chaos. What would happen to her now? What was expected of her? She looked up as she came to the ramp and saw five people and two droids standing there. The hairy one… Chewbacca, she thought and her two masters and a man and woman that she couldn’t recall the names of. But they smiled at her. They welcomed her. It was a warmth and kindness that could not be manufactured. And, despite the worry and uncertainty, she knew, with out a doubt, that she was going home.
~END~
~JADE BLOOD~
~MONA LEIA~
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