Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 13:04:37 -0400
From: Mike Wolf <wolfstorys@hotmail.com>
Subject: Jedi Encounters: Part Four. (Lesbian, Celebrity Section.)
Jedi Encounters: The Force Divided.
Part: Four.
By Mike Wolf
wolfstorys@hotmail.com
Required note: This story contains graphic written descriptions of sex
involving mainly lesbian relations but may contain other heterosexual or
other wise later on. If you are under eighteen or this kind of story is
illegal for you to read then please don't read it. The author holds no
responsibility if you choose to read on and get in trouble for it.
Legal Note: All characters belonging to Lucas Arts, George Lucas, or any of
the other star wars affiliates are owned by them and are used without
permission in this story. If this is a problem then let me know and I will
not use them again. This story also makes or gives no assumptions about
these characters orientations and in no way relates to the actors that
portrayed the characters in the movies, games, etc.
Story Note: This is a fairly long story involving the characters of the
Star Wars universe, I plan on releasing it in parts and would very much
like feedback rather it be criticism or helpful hints or what ever. I will
respond to all emails granted I have the time and they are well written,
what I mean by that is I don't want, "This sucks or you blow big wookie
chunks." as an email. The story itself is based on a group of characters I
made up and revolves around there struggle with the dark side. This is not
meant to be something you can get your quick fix off of, but if that's what
you're looking for then by all means read on. For everyone else I hope it
provides both mental stimulation as well as the other kind, thank you for
reading.
Chapter Eight: The trip to Karthnat.
Lena and Luna stopped long enough to watch Luke begin Jenny's
training, it was lightsaber on lightsaber training now so Luke asked for
the belt Lena was still wearing and she gave it to Jenny. Luke seemingly
anticipating this already had on the belt Mara had been wearing. They
watched for a minute or so as Jenny warmed up but compared to Lena's
display earlier this was rather dull. A few of the Light Sabers crew who
had nothing to do stopped to watch but for the most part everyone went
about there business, which was just fine with Jenny who did not want to
look silly in front of a crowd.
Lena then took Luna's hand and pulled her away towards the Swan, "I
forgot something when we were on the swan earlier."
Lena said as she dragged Luna towards the ship, which now had
several people swarming around it and on it. It appeared the Captain had
asked them to repair her as well because several technicians and droids
were sealing up the holes in the hall. As Lena went up the ramp a young
looking tech stopped her.
"You are the one who brought this ship in aren't you?" He asked to
Lena then saluted Luna.
"Yes why?"
"Well we need a hyperdrive if were going to get this thing running
again and the only ones we have are Star Destroyer sized or shuttle sized,
we do have a few fighter sized ones but all of those are either too big or
small for this ship. I see your ship over there however is the right size
and I thought I'd take a chance and see if you'd have one." He explained.
"You are in luck I just replaced the Wolf Star's drive the other day
with a newer one. The old one is still quite good and happens to be in my
cargo hold, do not go inside however to get it, I'll get it out and set it
by the Swan in a minute alright?" Lena asked.
"Sure thing Master Jedi." He said then left to do something else.
Lena turned to her lover and told her she would be back then she
left to retrieve the hyperdrive.
Lena was careful not to look at the trio working on Cynthia as she
entered the Wolf Star and walked back to the cargo hold. It took very
little of her Jedi ability to lift the drive up and move it out of the
cargo hold. A minute or so later she deposited the drive next to the swan
and walked back up the boarding ramp to find Luna holding something in her
hand. Lena walked up to her and Luna wrapped her arms around her as she
slipped something over Lena's head.
"I believe that's what you were looking for isn't it. I found it in
the cockpit under one of the seats, it must have been pulled off when they
took her." Luna said and then Lena looked down and saw that it was indeed
Luaxanna's crystal.
Lena held it to her chest and as she did the two crystals glow faded
and they were once again black.
"You really care for her don't you?" Luna asked causing Lena to look
up.
"Yes but no where near as much as I care for you." Lena replied.
"Listen don't worry about me being jealous Lena, like I already said
I don't care as long as you are with me now and always. I was only curious
about what happened besides just sex that made you so close?"
Lena smiled, "Do not worry I will never leave you." Lena paused for
a second, "It is hard to say why I care for her so much, I suppose it is
because she changed me. After working on the cargo ship I became a brash
young woman who only cared about finding you, I was rude and hardly thought
about how others cared. Then she came along and showed me what love was
even though I cared too much for you to return it. She listened to my
dreams and reassured me that I would find you one day, she also paid me
enough so that I would be able to start searching for you when I left. She
did all that and she knew I would eventually leave, even though I could
tell she wanted me to stay so bad it was killing her. Then when the time
came she let me go to find you and for that I thank her the most because if
she had asked me to stay I'm afraid I might have and then I would not have
found you. You see she changed me for the better and then let me come to
you a better person, I guess in a way she was like the mother I never knew
and that I guess is why I care for her."
Luna smiled her blue eyes twinkling, "That's a good reason to care
for her in my book. Now let's go."
Lena pulled Luna close, "Are we going on that tour now?"
"You can have as much of a tour as you can get on the way to my
quarters." Luna said wryly.
"Hmm sounds like the tour will be to long if you ask me but I'll
just have to suffer." Lena shot back slyly.
Then they rushed out of the Swan and left the docking bay, Luna did
keep her word as she pointed out a few things along the way but the tour
ended promptly at the door to her quarters.
Inside the massive bedroom was of course a bed but this one was a
lot different then any one Lena had seen before. At first glace Lena
thought it was a huge platform with a blanket lying on it but then Luna
pressed a button on the side of the bed and the blanket floated into the
air.
"Is that your bed?" Lena asked.
"Yep, it's a rupulsor bed, it nullifies the ships gravity over the
bed making you weightless then it uses mini repulsors to keep you in the
air and on the bed. It's extremely comfortable and great for well I'm sure
you can guess". Luna then jumped up and landed on the blanket in mid air.
"That's all wrong though." Lena said and Luna gave her a funny look.
"What's all wrong?"
Lena smiled wryly and Luna knew she was in trouble, Lena then held
out her hand and Luna's clothes flew off her and piled up on the floor the
whole process taking less then ten seconds.
"Hey, wow that's some trick I'd love to have you at a party, well
maybe not." Luna exclaimed as she looked down and found she was
buck-naked.
"There, much better."
"Hay it's your turn now Lena." Luna said as she held out her hand
and Lena waited but nothing happened then she heard something rip.
"Uh I don't think your doi..."
"Shhh I'm trying to concentrate!" Luna exclaimed then she lost
control and Lena's clothes split right down her front and back from her
neck to her crotch.
Her ripped shirt and belt fell to the deck, her lightsabers and
blaster clattering down with them. The only thing that remained was the
legs to her pants still clinging to her legs, each with a portion of the
top part of the pants attached.
Luna began to laugh even though she was trying to apologize, "I'm
... sorry I didn't mean too..."
"Sure you didn't now you're just going to have to pay the price."
Lena said as she ripped the legs off and slipped off her boots, and then
she jumped on the bed and strategically landed right in Luna's crotch.
Luna saw the frontal assault coming and closed her legs to prevent
premature entry, however.
"Not so fast you will have to earn your prize." Luna said slyly.
"But this is your punishment for ripping my clothes." Lena replied
back just as wryly.
"Then punish me up here I want you to go slow and make me suffer, I
also just want you so please don't use the force this time. Don't get me
wrong I love the pleasure but right now I just want you." Luna said as she
pulled Lena up her body, which wasn't all that hard considering they were
weightless.
"I'll try my love but it isn't easy to hold it back especially when
I get down low." Lena explained.
"Please do I just want you for now then I want to take you and make
you scream for more." Luna said with a broad smile.
"Alright then lets get to it before someone comes looking for us."
Lena replied as she ground her hips into Luna's.
"Then hurry up and kiss me!" Luna exclaimed and Lena took her mouth
without further ado.
This kiss was like the first time all over again for them as this
was the first real time they had each other completely to themselves. No
aunt's to barge in on them no worries about being caught in a bar not to
mention that they were both completely naked this time and floating in air.
Lena and Luna both were growing very excited but Lena was having a
hard time controlling her power, her lust was trying to drive her inherent
power out but she continued to try desperately to keep it inside.
Lena gently spread Luna's legs with her own and Luna wrapped her
legs around Lena's locking their bodies together. They stayed like that for
almost ten minutes, kissing, playing, and rubbing until Lena couldn't take
it anymore. She needed to move down, Luna's sex was calling her and she
wasn't going to deny it. Lena slowly moved down kissing first at Luna's
neck then licking slowly to her breast's relishing the unique taste of
Luna's body. Luna was writhing in sweet anticipation as Lena worked her way
to her nipples ever so slowly. Then Lena took one in her mouth, sucking,
licking and caressing it softly, Luna let out a soft scream as Lena teased
first one then the other nipple. Kissing around and in between her breasts
as she switched nipples. Even Luna's head tails were flushed as Lena
worked her magic on her breasts.
Lena then slowly began exploring, kissing, and licking each part of
Luna's body as she slowly moved down. Finally reaching her prize she waited
drinking in her smell.
"Oh please take me ... I've suffered enough!" Luna screamed between
moans.
Lena was having a hard time controlling her power so in retaliation
she was going to make her wait. So Lena began kissing all around her thighs
and then right above her sex on her smooth hairless mons. Luna began
shacking she was so worked up then she finally reached down and pushed Lena
into her most sensitive area.
"You must have been lost because that's your prize now take it!"
Luna screamed as she clamped her legs around Lena's head.
Lena let out a muffled reply and then went at it fearing she would
smother if she didn't make Luna come soon. Lena slowly began licking and
sucking for all she was worth, her tongue caressing each fold and then
slipping inside then back out and up to her clit. Luna let out a massive
moan as she reeled from the assault. Then her climax hit her like a ton of
bricks and she shook in the anti-grav field as she slipped into her orgasm.
Lena relished her taste as she continued to lick and suck Luna's sex until
she pushed her into another orgasm. Only when Luna fell limp and feinted
did Lena finally stop and crawl her way back up Luna's body.
'This bed is wonderful.' Lena thought as she laid right on top of
Luna something that would have made it hard for Luna to breathe but since
there was no gravity it remained as comfortable a position as it was
pleasurable. That's where Lena remained until she drifted off to sleep with
Luna still unconscious under her.
Some unknown time later Luna woke with a start bucking Lena off her
then as soon as she remembered where she was she rolled over and right on
top of Lena to return the favor.
"It's your turn now!" Luna exclaimed right before she kissed her
lover.
Then she followed Lena's example to the letter slowly working her
way down until she was forced into her sex. Lena was rewarded with a double
orgasm, which released her power regardless of what her desires
were. Suddenly Luna let out a moan right into Lena's still dripping crotch
as she felt a quick climax and orgasm sweep over her body. Then as Lena
joined her they both moaned and then fell silent as they fell into
unconscious yet again.
It was over an hour later that Lena woke to the door chime ringing.
"Oh who could that be?" Luna said groggily as she pulled herself up
and out of Lena's crotch.
"I'll go see I guess." Lena said as she slipped Luna off her and
tried to work her way to the edge of the field, not an easy task
considering there was nothing to hold onto.
"How are you supposed to get off this thing?" Lena finally asked.
"Well normally you switch it off by saying 'Bed Off.'" Luna replied
and the bed beeped and then slowly let them down to the ground where Lena
was finally able to get off.
As soon as she was though Luna said, "Bed On."
Luna then floated up into the air and as she did she pulled the
blanket out from under her and wrapped it around herself. Lena however was
quite naked and her clothes were ripped and on the floor.
"There's a robe in the closet over there." Luna said as she pointed
to her closet.
Lena followed her finger to a small door and then walked over and it
opened to reveal a large walk in closet. Lena stepped inside and looked
around, there were tons of black dresses and clothes.
"You weren't kidding about loving black." Lena shouted from inside
the closet.
"Better hurry I think there getting impatient, it's strange though
can you feel there presence?" Luna asked.
"Slightly it's like they have force ability but not really." Lena
replied as she finally found a robe and put it on.
"Yea that's kind of what I feel it's strange and not normal, I
wonder who it is?" Luna said groggily.
"Only one way to find out I guess." Lena said as she appeared out of
the closet wearing a black silk robe.
"Better take your sabers I don't like the feel of it." Luna replied.
"Were on your ship remember, besides can't you feel Master Skywalker
out there too." Lena said.
"Yea but he seems nervous and there are ways onto any ship without
being noticed so just take them for my piece of mind." Luna replied
sternly.
At that Lena shrugged her shoulders and held out her hands and drew
her sabers off her ripped belt. They flew over and landed in her hands
before she walked over to the door and pressed the button to open it.
The doors slid open and Lena was assaulted by a set of flying arms,
she was almost smothered as someone hugged her so tight she almost burst.
"Oh Mistress Lena, you saved me and are risking your life to save
the Mistress, I can't thank you enough." Someone wailed into Lena's ear.
"Is that you Cynthia, let me go for a second so I can breath." Lena
said as she pushed her back.
"Oh I'm sorry Mistress I was just so excited to hear that it was you
that rescued me and had me repaired. Then I found out about Luaxanna and
how we were going to save her and I just had to come see you." Cynthia
rattled off through her tears.
"Hold on a second Cynthia the last time I saw you, you were laying
on a workbench being repaired. So just give me a second to process this
alright?" Lena asked.
"I'm sorry it's just..." Cynthia said as she cried, but someone
behind her cleared his throat.
Lena looked around Cynthia to see Master Skywalker, "Master?"
"Yes, sorry for the intrusion. I tried to convince her to wait but
she wouldn't have it so I brought her here. Besides I wanted to give you
something I think you will need." Luke said as he gently slid Cynthia to
the side and handed Lena a small bundle of clothes.
Lena accepted the bundle and opened it to see they were a set of
Jedi robes.
"Those are the robes of a Jedi Master, at least the way they use to
wear them long ago. Now it seems like Jedi prefer their own style of
clothes, but I can't say much can I? Well anyway there you go, wear them
or not it's your choice. Either way you are officially a Jedi Master now
and will be recognized as such if you wear those robes. I will take my
leave of you now, I trust I can leave Cynthia here." Luke said as he bowed
then turned and quickly departed.
Lena yelled a hasty thank you, to him as he disappeared around a
corner.
The robes were similar to Luna's, very unassuming. There was a set
of cream- colored pants and top and then a long flowing brown robe with a
hood. Along with a brown belt and a pair of black boots to top it
off. Cynthia's sobs drew Lena's attention off the clothes and she took her
arm and pulled her inside so the door would close.
Lena then walked over and laid her new clothes on a chair along with
her sabers before she went back over to Cynthia and had a good look at
her. She was wearing an orange mechanics jump suit that really didn't look
good on her but other then that she looked like the Cynthia Lena
remembered, except for the black hair that was.
"How do you like your hair color?" Lena asked and Cynthia looked up
shocked for a moment.
"Huh what do you mean?" She asked surprised and Lena pointed to the
mirror on the wall.
Cynthia walked over still sobbing and looked into it and then turned
around to look at the long main of jet-black hair down her back.
"It's different but I like it, I guess I really didn't see that it
had changed until now. I remember them explaining how they covered me with
human skin using your DNA as a template but I really wasn't paying
attention. I just wanted to know about Luaxanna and you." Cynthia admitted
as she wiped at her tears.
"How does it feel? Any different?" Lena asked trying to distract her
from Luaxanna.
"Well I don't know it's hard to describe, it's softer and warmer and
feels better but somehow less precise. I'm a little paler colored as well I
guess but that doesn't matter, I'm just glad I'm alive and we're going to
rescue the mistress." Cynthia said as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"Well I think you look good and it seems you have acquired some of
my inherent force power just in what DNA of mine you have. I do not think
you could control the force but it does give me a good idea." Lena said as
she held out her hand.
Cynthia turned around to look at Lena then she fell to her knees as
Lena pleasured her.
"Ohh my is that what you could do to Luaxanna, my word I ohh... was
missing out on so much ohh..." Cynthia moaned as she clutched at her
breasts through the rough jump suit.
Cynthia was powerless against Lena's abilities and she came quickly
with Luna walking up naked to stand behind Lena as she added the final bit
of pleasure.
"Sorry I had to try, she had felt so left out before." Lena
whispered to Luna.
"No problem I think she needed it anyway she was about to soak the
floor with tears." Luna whispered back.
Cynthia moaned for a second then with energy only a droid would have
she slowly climbed back to her feet to see Luna.
"Is that you Solonie? No you're taller and older, you must be Luna?"
Cynthia said like she hadn't just been moaning on the floor in orgasm.
"Yes I'm Luna, it's good to see you fully functional again. I am
worried about my sister however, didn't anyone tell you she had been
captured too?" Luna asked.
"Yes I'm sorry I guess they did but I get so absent circuited when
I'm flustered." Cynthia replied apologetically.
"Absent minded Cynthia, remember you're a human now. No one probably
even a Jedi will be able to tell otherwise so you truly need to forget
you're a droid." Lena explained.
"Yes I guess you're right, it will be nice not to have to worry
about hidden scanners and frisky droids." Cynthia said as she wiped more
tears from her eyes.
"I'm sorry about how R6 talked to you right before well you were
attacked. Oh god I'm sorry I forgot, I'm really sorry but we had to
download some of your memory to find out where Luaxanna was. But I was the
only one who watched it, I'm really sorry." Lena was the one apologizing
this time.
"Don't be sorry Lena I would gladly give my life if it would help to
find Luaxanna so having my memory invaded is nothing." Cynthia replied as
she ran over and hugged Lena again, catching Luna as well.
"Alright were all sorry about allot of stuff but can you release us
Cynthia?" Luna said as she stifled a cough, Cynthia let them go then cried
some more.
It took several long minutes to fully calm her down, but finally
Lena and Luna managed it. But now they were all tired so after stripping
Cynthia and admiring her patch of black pubic hair to go along with her new
hair, they laid her down on the grav field and then joined her. Cynthia
powered down and Lena and Luna held each other as they all drifted off to
sleep.
Chapter Nine: History revealed and change in leadership.
Lena opened her eyes to find herself on the Bridge of the Light
Saber though she was not sure how she had got there. She had fallen asleep
in the bedroom just a minute ago. 'Maybe I was sleepwalking, but I'm fully
dressed in my new robes how can this be?' Lena thought to herself. But she
knew the battle at Karthnat was close at hand so she didn't have time to be
confused so she walked over to ask the Captain how much longer they had
until they reached Karthnat. But as she got to his command chair she saw
something she did not expect, there was a dark robed woman sitting in his
seat.
The woman was clad from head to foot in the dark robes wore a mask
that covered all but her gray eyes. Lena looked around to find the Captain
or the rest of the bridge crew to ask them who this woman was but to her
surprise the crew wasn't anywhere to be found. Instead men and women in
dark uniforms unlike anything Lena had seen the republic personnel wear had
replaced them.
Lena turned back to the dark robed woman in the Captain's chair and
asked, "Who are you and what are you doing in the Captain's chair?"
But she did not respond, she didn't even flinch or show any signs
that she had heard Lena at all.
Lena then walked in front of the woman and said, "I'm talking to
you, who are you and what are you doing aboard Luna's ship?" But still the
woman did not respond she just remained motionless staring seemingly right
through Lena. "I don't know who you are miss but you better speak up, I'm a
member of the Jedi order and you are trespassing aboard my friends
ship. Tell me now what you are doing here or I will remove you from this
ship!" Lena ordered and this seemed to stir the woman because she stood up
almost bumping right into Lena who had to step back several paces.
The dark warrior then reached for something under her robes and to
Lena's horror she drew out a pair of light sabers just like Lena's. Lena
realizing now that this was a dark Jedi, force drew her own blades and
prepared for battle. But instead of attacking the dark Jedi turned towards
the door and spoke.
"Why have you come, can you not let me live with my darkness Luna?"
Lena upon hearing that exclaimed "What?" Just then a dark uniformed
man walked literally right through Lena as if she was a ghost, he then
stood behind the woman and saluted. Lena was beyond confused now, 'What is
this, a dream or am I dead, what does it all mean?'
Lena was most disturbed though by what the dark uniformed man said,
"Lord Darkhammer I do not know how they managed it sir but somehow two Jedi
have invaded the Dark Saber."
Lena's head spun, 'Lord Darkhammer how can that be?'
"Do you think I'm ignorant Commander, I knew they were here long
before your pitiful troops ever did, now be gone." The dark Jedi said in a
voice that chilled Lena to her bones, it was so familiar yet not, she could
not explain it.
Then Load Darkhammer flicked her hand and the commander flew back,
Lena went to catch him but he went right through her as before. He then hit
the deck and slid until he impacted the forward bulkhead where he lay
unconscious or dead Lena did not know as her Jedi senses seemed to have
taken there leave of her for the moment.
Just then the doors to the bridge opened and to Lena's joy it was
Luna although older then she was now. She was wearing her Jedi robes and
following her was another Jedi, a male Twi'Lek with light green skin.
"Can you not leave me in peace Luna, why must you insist on trying
to turn me back." Lord Darkhammer said to the new comers.
Then Luna spoke though her voice sounded different, "Because
Taristra you are not evil and I will save you from yourself."
'I've never told Luna my middle name and why would she call this
Lord Darkhammer by it?' Lena thought as she rushed to great Luna but as she
got there and stopped Luna walked right through her just like the commander
had done.
Lena turned to see her advancing on the dark lord her lightsaber
still hanging from her belt. Darkhammer then reached up and slid her hood
back and dropped her mask, Lena nearly fainted for the person behind it was
her, although older.
"Luna you must realize by now my slip to the dark side is complete,
you need not look farther then the dead commander over there to see that."
Lena's older self exclaimed harshly.
"You know he isn't dead as well as I Taristra, are you trying to
fool me or yourself into believing you are evil." Luna exclaimed back.
"I am evil pure and simple, there is nothing you or anyone else can
do to turn me back. Now go or I will be forced to strike you down where you
stand." The dark lord that was the apparent older version of Lena
exclaimed.
"You can no more strike me then my apprentice can, you do not have
it in you for deep down you still care for me." Luna replied and in
response Lord Darkhammer activated her lightsabers.
"You put to much trust in me Luna!" Darkhammer replied as she raised
her sabers.
"Strike me down then, I will not fight back, I can go on no longer
without you so if you will not turn back then take my life and end my
suffering." Luna said as she held out her arms in utter pacification.
The Dark lord's hands seemed to tremble as she held her sabers above
her head poised to strike, the twin red blades humming evilly in her hands.
"I can not strike you my love I never could but I beg of you to
leave I can not go back I have committed far too many atrocities to be
forgiven." The Dark lord said as she lowered her sabers and deactivated
them.
"Every one can be forgiven please just come with us and leave this
ship." Luna begged but as she did seemingly out of nowhere a dark figure
leaped and struck the unarmed Luna down with a pair of violet sabers.
Both the Dark lord and Lena screamed "No!" but it was too late.
The halved body of Luna then seemed to evaporate into nothingness on
the floor with the hooded dark figure standing over the empty clothes.
"You are week Taristra you should have killed her long ago, I am
ashamed to have ever called you master. Now you will die along with your
petty Luna and her pathetic apprentice and then I will be the Dark lord!"
The Dark woman spat in a completely evil voice.
Luna's apprentice leapt forward attacking the dark Jedi but she
easily threw him aside and charged the Dark lord who erupted in what could
only be called pure rage. Her eye's glowed red as she charged the dark
Jedi, the bridge crew fled as the dark warriors began battling. Force
lighting streaked across the deck burning panels and any crew unlucky
enough to get in the way. Lena hardly noticed the battle as she fell over
the area where Luna had disappeared, now all that remained were her cut
clothes.
Lena then screamed herself and ignited her sabers and leapt in one
bound to the dark Jedi and cut her through. But nothing happened, the dark
pair just continued to fight around the bridge. Lena tried cutting her down
again and nothing, she couldn't touch her, rage began to bubble inside her
as she tried to cut the dark Jedi again and again. But the battle just
continued then the dark apprentice used one massive force push and threw
the dark lord back. As she did she leapt forward passing the dark lord in
flight and as she landed she turned and cleaved the dark lord in three
pieces.
Just before she breathed her last the dark lord whispered, "I'll see
you soon my love." Then her body evaporated as Luna's had.
"Weak to the bitter end, to think she could have been redeemed even
after all she has done." The new Dark lord spat then right through the
stunned Lena, Luna's apprentice leapt and although the Dark Lord saw him at
the last second she could not avoid his blade entirely.
He missed her head but managed to cleave off her left arm at the
elbow, the dark lord screamed for a second but still fought with her other
saber. Luna's apprentice was clearly at an advantage now though as she kept
backing off. Then in what seemed like a last minute burst of strength the
dark lord let loose a massive wave of lighting and the Jedi yelled as he
writhed in agony but she could not hold him for long and he dropped to the
deck and she fled the bridge leaving him coughing and gasping.
Lena ran after the dark Jedi following her down corridor after
corridor, she passed stunned troopers who looked at her severed arm in
shock as she passed. She jumped in an elevator and pressed the button for
the docking level. Lena could do nothing but glare at the Jedi for even
though her sabers were still lit she could not harm her anymore then she
already was. Finally Lena gave up and put her sabers away, she could do
nothing.
As the elevator opened the Dark Lord fled through it with Lena close
on her heels then she turned into the docking bay and to Lena's surprise
the Wolf Star was there. The Dark Lord ran over and up her ramp, Lena tried
to follow her but something pushed her back and she fell to the deck.
By the time she got to her feet the ramp was already up and Lena
could not get to the panel to activate it. Something held her where she was
and for several minutes the Wolf Star remained where she was then finally
the ship hovered up and out the already open doors.
Then a booming voice came over the speakers, "This is your first and
final warning crew of the Dark Saber. I am a great Jedi warrior and I have
taken control of this vessel. Leave now or I will slay you all one by one,
which is if you have any oxygen to fight back since I have deactivated the
oxygen generators. Flee if you have the time or stay and die like your
Master!"
This brought Lena out of her rage for hearing Luna's apprentice
speak of killing an entire ships worth of people was unbelievable. Then
Lena's grief returned and she dropped to the deck even as troops began to
run into the docking bay desperately searching for a way off the ship.
Then a sickeningly evil but familiar voice spoke, "What are you
doing here, you pathetic excuse for a Jedi?"
At first Lena did not even look up for she believed this to be some
horrible nightmare but then the voice spoke again, "I'm speaking to you
Angelina, why have you come to this place to witness this are you seeking
some kind of answers."
Lena looked up and a horror unlike any other befell her, a Dark Jedi
stood before her clothed in black carrying a pair of lit sabers one violet
and one red. But what most horrified her was the face of the Jedi, it was
her as she is now. It was like looking into a mirror and seeing your
reflection, the only difference was her eyes, which were gray and
evil. Lena's own blue eyes were blood shot from her crying but she was
certain of what she saw.
"Wh... Who ... are you?" Lena stuttered as she climbed to her feet.
The Dark reflection laughed a horrid laugh that sent chill's to
Lena's bones. "Hasn't that fool Skywalker told you anything about your
past and your future?"
Lena shook her head, "No all he has told me is that I am destined to
face a dark Jedi of immense power and skill and that it is my destiny to
fall to the dark side."
The dark reflection laughed again, "Then are you so stupid that you
can't figure it out, the Jedi you are to face is I ... or rather
yourself. For you are destined to fall to the dark side and destroy all who
love you!"
Lena cried, "No!..." Then everything went black.
All of the sudden Lena shot straight up in bed gasping, it took
several seconds for her to realize she was back in the real world in her
own time. Now in the room she remembered falling asleep in but as she
desperately looked around for her companions she could not find them. Then
she looked at the clock and saw why they would be gone, there was only a
couple hours left until they dropped out of hyperspace into the Karthnat
system.
Lena threw on her new robes and sabers and ran out of the room, she
had to talk to Master Skywalker. She was going to head to the bridge but
then she felt he was not there so she followed her feelings and they
eventually led her to the docking level and inside the bay where the Jade
Saber was docked. There she found Luke looking over his ship with his wife
Mara.
"Master I need to speak with you." Lena called to him, Luke looked
away from the ship to Lena as she ran up breathlessly.
"Yes Lena what is it?" He asked calmly.
"Master I just had some kind of dream or vision I don't understand
it please I need your help!" Lena cried drawing Mara's attention as well.
"Calm down Lena and relax remember a Jedi is always calm." Luke
stated very coolly and Lena looked at the older Master and it shook her
slightly as she realized how frantic she was.
"Your right Master I will slow down, but can you help me with this
dream?" She asked allot calmer this time.
"I may be able to, but let us sit first and relax you are too worked
up to analyze anything rationally." Luke said then he sat right there and
folded his legs as if he were going to meditate.
Lena could not believe that but seeing that he was not going to help
her if she didn't join him she went ahead a sat down as well. Mara seeing
he had it handled went off to do something else.
For several minutes Luke said nothing he just sat there with his
eyes closed, Lena copied him but she could not relax.
Finally Luke said, "Look for your inner peace and let go of your
emotions or I will not be able to help you at all. Remember I once said you
were deserving of the title Master please do not make me resend that."
Lena looked at him sternly for a minute then realizing again that
there was no way around it she closed her eyes and concentrated. It took
her at least ten minutes but she finally managed to rid herself of all her
emotions and reach the calm state she had so easily found when she first
battled Mara and Luke.
"Much better, now without losing your calm remember the vision and
tell me about it. As you do reflect on it don't just relay it to me, think
about what you saw rationally and emotionless and then maybe the answers
you seek will present themselves to you." Luke said calmly.
Lena then took a deep breath and started relaying the dream to the
great master and every once in a while he would interrupt.
"Tell me about this Dark Lord the one who looked like you but older.
Who do you think she is or was?" Luke asked and Lena thought hard about it,
the vision of her removing the mask played over and over in her mind.
Then the answer seemed to come to her from out of nowhere, "At first
I believed it was I sometime in the future but somehow I know now that it
was my mother."
"Correct and what about the older version of Luna?"
The answers seemed to come to Lena now so easily, "It was Enchantay
Luna, my Luna's mother."
"Correct again, see how when you are calm everything becomes
clearer. As I told you not long ago, you should listen to your master. Now
continue and I expect you to tell me the answers you seek without further
prompting from me." Luke instructed then went silent.
Lena concentrated and then began were she left off, "As I said my
mothers apprentice whose name is ... Selkata had slain Luna's mother and my
mother then, Luna's apprentice caught Darth Selkata off guard and removed
her left arm. Luna's apprentice Vokath was his name, continued attacking
until Selkata got him with some force lightening and left the bridge. I
followed her but when she got to the Wolf Star I found I could not follow
her inside. This I see now was caused by well ... I cannot say who caused
it but who ever she was she looked just like me and clamed to be me.
Although she was pure evil, I could feel it inside her like a plague. I'm
sorry master I do not know who she is, it feels like she is blocking the
answer from me. But if she is me then how could I block the answer from
myself? I do not understand Master I am sorry." Lena relayed
apologetically.
Luke then opened his eyes, "It is alright Lena, the answer is being
blocked from you by her and since you do not know your past it is
understandable that you can not find the answer. But you must try for I can
not tell you the answer, all I can tell you is to look inside yourself."
Lena sat there for a long time meditating on the vision and
everything she could remember of her life. Then a very brief vision came to
her, one of her mother holding two infants one seemed to have a light
around it and the other darkness. The baby of light had crystal clear blue
eyes and was crying as she was handed to Lena's aunt. The other baby had
cold gray eyes and remained silent and with Lena's mother.
"She is my identical twin sister Taristra, named after our mother
for she was most like her. I was given my mothers middle name as my first
for I was the exact opposite of her and my sister whose middle name is my
first name." Lena exclaimed.
"Very good that is something worthy of a great master, to see a
vision of your very infancy. Now that you have worked out the basic facts I
will fill in what you do not know even though I believe you could work them
out yourself eventually. But first we must wait for Luna who I summoned
earlier, she should be entering the bay any minute now." Luke praised Lena.
"Summoned through the force right master?" Lena realized now.
"Yes I called to her a few minutes ago, it is time for you both to
learn your complete pasts for good or evil." Then as if on cue Luna walked
through the hanger doors and ran over.
"You summoned me Master?" Luna asked then spotting Lena she
exclaimed, "Lena I'm glad your awake, you were so soundly sleeping we could
not even wake you so I had to just leave you to your rest." Luna said as
she sat down next to Lena.
Lena smiled for a brief second then her face turned grim, "I had a
vision, a terrible vision in fact." Luna looked at her seeing the graveness
in her face and words.
"I see, was it of Luaxanna?"
"No her vision was of your pasts, but before she relays it to you I
think I better start with a history lesion." Luke answered for Lena.
"Do we have time Master we are fast approaching Karthnat?" Luna
asked.
"We will make time, besides Karthnat no longer concerns me. We will
be victorious at Karthnat it is where we will have to go after it that is
worrying me the most. Things have been made clearer since the dark shadow
over Karthnat has left but where it has gone and what it did while on
Karthnat is of grave concern. Anyway I was going to start a history lesion
so listen up for I am about to tell you how I came to be a Jedi." Luke said
and after ignoring there questioning stares he began with how his father
had been a child born of the force, with no father and a mother that was
later killed. A force child Luke called him, then he continued on briefly
outlining the battles and darkness that consumed his father then he went on
to himself and how he had come to be a Jedi.
Luke took several long breaths before continuing, "There now that
you know my history I will tell you yours and how it relates to mine. To
start with, many years ago a young woman came to me. This was not long
after the battle at Endor, when I was still a brash young Jedi with little
control and knowledge under my belt. Anyway this woman was Lena's mother
Taristra, I could tell she had enormous force potential inside her and so
could she. Taristra had indeed sot me out in the hopes I would train her in
the ways of the force. At first I didn't want to undertake such a challenge
when I myself was so new to the Jedi but she would not let me ignore her so
finally I relented. To my surprise she took to the training with a zeal I
could not believe. Soon she even began besting me in certain skills,
especially with regards to lightsabers. She like you already know Lena, was
the first Jedi I had seen that could wield two sabers, and like you her
skill with them was amazing. I soon found myself outmatched and although I
do not like to admit it, in love. Yes I cared for your mother greatly and
she relished the attention but always remained just out of reach. That
disappointed me severely since she was well much like you are today Lena, I
hope Mara didn't hear that?" Luke said as he looked around the docking bay.
After not seeing his wife and calming the giggles the girls acquired
he continued, "Now as time progressed I began receiving more people looking
for training, some were not even capable of becoming a Jedi so they were
turned away but many had great potential and I could not deny them
training. So I started taking on student after student quickly becoming
overwhelmed, so after there initial training I started passing them off to
Taristra to train further, which she did with zeal like everything else in
her life. That is how she met Luna's mother Enchantay, the pair hit it off
immediately. They were like two kids, I have to admit I was a little
jealous but that's maybe why I eventually fell myself but that's beside the
point."
Luna Interrupted, "So you're saying that Lena's mother and my mother
were in love?"
"It was not mere chance that drew you two together, you are your
mother's daughters. Practically identical in every way to them, for me it
is like looking through a window into the past when I see you two. Now
without more interruptions I will continue." Luke scolded and the girls
just nodded.
He paused another moment to collect his thoughts, "Well anyway your
mother and Luna's soon grew tired of training Jedi at the academy, then
after seeing me fall and come back to the light they realized they needed
to leave and see the galaxy. So they had the Wolf Star constructed and as
soon as she was complete they left. I did not like loosing the two most
promising Jedi I had but that is the way of life and the force. Well to
continue, they explored many worlds together even finding new Jedi which
they sent on to the academy. But then something terrible happened, Taristra
learned that her mother and her wife had been captured and killed by some
gangsters. Well being the brash Jedi she was she went to find the gangsters
and to her destruction she found them. They were not gangsters after all
they were a band of Jedi who she had trained at the academy. They too had
left seeking adventure but had been lured to the dark side by greed and
power. Taristra tried to bring them back to the light but they would only
attack her, they would not listen. Finally she left them to contact me for
council but they set a trap for her and Enchantay and managed to injure
Taristra and capture Luna's mother. They knew they could never best
Taristra or turn her with out Enchantay so they took her to their base
leaving Lena's mother wounded. After she came to and realized Enchantay was
gone she erupted with rage unlike any before had seen. The dark Jedi's goal
was to turn her, which they did, but instead of a powerful warrior leader
they got an executioner. I'm sorry to tell you this Lena but your mother
killed every single one of them, there ends were far more gruesome then you
would want to imagine. She found Enchantay in there dungeon weak and
underfed but unharmed for the most part, the Jedi had tried to turn her but
like Luna here her mother was pure light there was nothing that could turn
her."
Luke paused again to reflect, "After that day Taristra continued to
slip further and further into the darkness. Even Enchantay's love could not
halt her fall, but even in her darkness Taristra still cared for Enchantay
so much that she could not stand her to see what she was becoming so she
made way for Yavin four under the pretense that she was seeking my aid. But
then along the way something nether of them expected or even imagined was
possible happened. They became pregnant, both of them with no man around."
"We have no fathers!?" Luna and Lena exclaimed together.
Luke sighed, "That's correct, like my father you both were children
of the force but let me finish then you can ask questions. So continuing,
Luna saw this as a gift meant to save Taristra but in reality it hardened
Taristra's resolve to leave Enchantay on Yavin four because she feared that
if Enchantay's baby was around her she too may fall. Taristra knew
Enchantay would never fall but her own child and Enchantay's she was not
sure of so she made with all speed to Yavin four and as soon as she touched
down and tricked Enchantay out of the Wolf Star she left. Well this of
course devastated Enchantay but she became more determined then ever to
turn Taristra back. But I could not let her leave with a child on the way
so I made her stay at least until she gave birth, which begrudgingly she
did. I occupied her with an apprentice who she trained well, maybe a little
to well but I cannot say. After the nine months were up and you Luna were
born she settled some but she never gave up on Taristra. Eventually she
even received a message that Lena had been left on Coruscant with her aunt
and uncle in the hopes that seeing such evil relatives would bind Lena to
the light. Enchantay wanted of course to retrieve Lena but I asked her to
honor Taristra's wishes for now, because they held the wisdom of someone
who knew the dark side all to well."
Luke paused once more, "At that time we did not know however that
Taristra had twins. She did not see fit to inform us of the other child,
the reasoning behind that was because she could sense in the infant the
immense darkness that dwelled in her second child. She did not want this
child's darkness to taint her good child, such was her love for you
Lena. She could not end the child's life though even in mercy for the
darkness her daughter would be bound to her whole life. So instead she
raised her desperately trying to bring some light into her but she could
never manage it. Soon however both Taristra and Enchantay became lonely and
although they still cared for each other they sought companionship with
others. Taristra met a Jedi female already on the dark path and took her
both as a lover and student. Enchantay had fleeting encounters with her
apprentice but it was something she did not take to even though her
apprentice did. He loved her even though she was still in love with
Taristra. This of course is how your younger sister was born Luna. But over
time Enchantay began to seek Taristra much to her apprentice's dismay and
eventually they found her but only to loose her again. Then again and again
until finally I sent them out to stop Taristra for good since her evil was
spreading too far and that was where Lena's vision began. So I will let her
relay it to you now and then I will continue."
Luke waited while Lena relayed the vision in great detail to Luna
who was both shocked and horrified to hear how her mother had died and what
had happed to Lena's mother. Then she was taken back farther by Lena
telling her about how the twin sister Lena never knew she had, had visited
her in her vision.
"So Lena's mother's apprentice Selkata is the Dark lord now and
Lena's sister is her apprentice and Lena has to face them both. Also what
happened to my sisters father the man I thought was my father?" Luna asked.
"No that's not right, Selkata is dead killed by my sister's hand not
to many years after that day. Your sister's father is also dead, he was
killed by my sister as well. He ... he turned that day and hunted Selkata
using her own ship but what he found was Taristra who struck him down like
he was nothing." Lena's head fell into her hands as she had that
revelation.
Luke was nodding gravely, "That's correct, it was ten years ago now
when Lena's vision occurred and for two years Vokath searched for Darth
Selkata. I tried desperately to turn him off that path but he wouldn't
listen. On the third year after that day, Selkata was destroyed by her
apprentice, your sister even at fourteen easily slew Selkata. I then tried
to convince Vokath that Selkata was dead, killed by her apprentice but even
that didn't stop him. I was however able to convince him to leave the Light
Saber in my care and give it to Luna if something happened to him. I did
this not because I wished for him to go to his doom but only because I
feared what Lena's sister would do with a ship such as this. She has none
of the morals your mother had Lena I can't even imagine how many worlds
would have been decimated by this ship had it fallen into her hands. In
any case after many long years of searching he found the Wolf Star on
Tantooine."
Luke paused again, "That was four years ago and before you say
anything, yes I know you thought he was dead over six years ago. I told you
that because I didn't want you to know he had turned and was hunting down
Lena's sister to kill her. Well there you go more conniving on my part but
were running very short on time now so I will finish this story. Well
Vokath confronted Taristra and found out quickly that I had not been lying
about her killing Selkata or how powerful she was. Lena's sister could have
turned him to her cause but she did not see the reason for she was so
powerful she did not need any help. So he was destroyed and after that
Taristra took his shuttle, which was equipped with a stealth generator, the
device they used to get on board the saber years earlier. The generator
proved very valuable and after selling the Wolf Star on Tantooine she used
the generator to board a Republic ship and well you can guess. I do not
know how she managed to find one of the few super star destroyers still in
use by the republic, I guess by torturing many Republic soldiers. So in the
end she still managed to get a hold of a super star destroyer but so far
she has not used it to its deadly potential. But I fear it won't be long
for in fact I believe that when we get to Karthnat were going to find it
deserted for the most part and what ships and slavers there will already be
dead or working for Taristra."
Words could not express the horror that had appeared on both Luna's
and Lena's faces, even Mara who had been listening in from behind a crate
let out a loud gasp.
Luke looked around at the crate and nodded, "Do not worry however
for she is not there, I can see that much so do not fear that we are flying
head long into a battle with another super star destroyer. We surly could
not win if indeed the slavers have been turned and there fleet incorporated
into Taristra's. But I do fear that we will eventually need to face her and
I know we will need a fleet of our own at that time. When this will be I
can not say but not long that is certain, because if we wait she will only
grow stronger."
Luke relayed before standing up and walking over to the crate and
then disappearing behind it. After a minute he reappeared with a red faced
Mara, then he rejoined the girls but did not sit prompting them to
stand. Luna stood but Lena remained seated.
"What should we do now Master?" Luna asked as she wiped the tears
from her eyes.
"I am not the one to ask, I pass this mission onto Lena now, it is
her who will decide our course from now on. She is the only one that will
know when she is ready to face her sister. But I will say one final thing,
we must not forget about Luaxanna just because we have more pressing
matters. Now that said I will inform R6 for you that you have met the
requirements Taristra your mother gave him. He will be most relieved that
he no longer needs to lie to you, he had said it was your mothers
apprentice but in fact as you have heard it was your sister who sold them
to Gregory. It is fortunate however that she never learned R6 controlled
your mother's vast fortune." Master Skywalker said as he looked at Lena who
seemed deep in concentration.
Finally Lena stood, "We will continue on to Karthnat and determine
what evil my sister has wrought there as well as save all those imprisoned
there including Luaxanna. Now Master I will ask you to tell me how many
credits I inherited, R6 would not tell me when I asked before."
Luke nodded his agreement, "Your decision agrees with me however I
stand by what I said before, in fact the Jade saber, my wife, and I will
follow your orders now. To answer your question, your mother had a vast
fortune before she turned and more so after, now before you begin to worry
about how she acquired it, don't for however she did is of no concern
now. Just know that you can use it to make things right that were once
wronged. So that said I can not give you the exact credit amount, for that
you can ask R6 but if I guessed I would say around a hundred billion
credits." Luke relayed calmly.
"A hundred billion that's enough to buy this ship several times
over!" Luna exclaimed.
"Lena's mother did not steel this ship she bought it so as you can
see she used her credits. Lena's sister however has very few credits and
instead relies on her power to get what she wants making her much more
deadly." Luke said.
Lena nodded through all this then calmly spoke, "Luna I will need to
contact the Corellian Ship yards as soon as possible. The Mon Callimarian
yards would also be helpful, I would also like you to have one of the crew
look into any ships currently for sale that are large enough and modern
enough to battle a large fleet."
Luna looked at Lena questioningly, "Do we really need that many
ships and what about the Republic surely they will aid us?"
"My sister has amassed a larger fleet then just a Super Star
Destroyer and a couple frigates. The time she has spent not pillaging
worlds has been spent on acquiring a fleet and now I fear it numbers around
twenty to thirty large capital ships. The republic may send us a couple
ships but nowhere near the number we will need. They will not believe us on
the size of my sister's fleet, they do not believe that it is possible to
gather such a fleet without them knowing. Besides they do not trust the
Jedi and after the last wars with the dark side they will desperately try
to avoid anything that sounds like another dark war." Lena explained calmly
to the onlookers and every one except Luke and Lena looked shocked.
"Lena is our leader now and I have full confidence that she is
making the right decisions for now she sees through the darkness. Her eyes
have finally cleared and the force flows through her with clarity as well
as power. Master Lena, Mara and I will find you crews for your ships, we
have many friends and they will not hesitate to aid us in this time of
great peril. My friend General Solo and his wife, my sister will be the
first to join us in this as well as many others." Luke said and Lena
nodded.
"Thank you Master and thank your friends and family for without them
we will not stand a chance." Lena said as her face took on a seriousness
Luna had not seen before.
Luna then stood at attention, "I will issue your orders Master Lena
and they will be followed to the letter, I will go to the bridge
immediately."
Luna went to leave but Lena grabbed her hand, "I will join you."
Luna looked into her eyes and the Lena she knew had returned but
there was a sadness that lay behind them. Luna smiled and then gripped
Lena's hand tight leading them out of the docking bay with Luke and Mara
close behind.
Chapter Ten: Karthnat.
As the group walked on the bridge the Captain stood and saluted the
Admiral, "Admiral we are approaching Karthnat, we will drop out of
hyperspace in ten minutes. We will drop out right in orbit and our laser
cannons will make quick work of their Ion cannons before they even have a
chance to charge them."
"Very good Captain but you are telling the wrong person, I am but
the admiral of this ship. You need to address our new Fleet Admiral Lena
she has my full support." Luna replied as she saluted the Captain then
Lena.
"She has the full backing of the Jedi Order as well Captain and as
soon as I make a few calls she will have more then that. Though I doubt the
Republic will officially back us." Luke said.
"It appears I have missed some important conversation, but I will
not question the admiral or the will of the Jedi for both are above me and
far wiser I'm afraid. Now Fleet Admiral I give you control of this ship and
her crew as Admiral Luna has, please give us your orders." The Captain said
as he turned and saluted Lena.
"Thank you Captain but you do not give yourself enough credit, as
for your orders. You are the captain of this ship and your battle plan is
acceptable to me, after you destroy the planetary guns you will no longer
find any significant resistance. Once the guns are destroyed I will lead a
team consisting of Master Skywalker and Master Jade in there ship and
Admiral Luna and myself in mine. I ask that two small complements of
volunteer elite troops be gathered to join us in capturing the slavers
base. There will not be much resistance however so we need to take care
not to get too aggressive." Lena ordered.
"As you wish Admiral, Commander begin gathering volunteers to
accompany the admiral's in the base assault." The Captain ordered.
"Yes sir!" The commander said as he saluted then left swiftly.
Then the Captain sat down, "I know that I am a mere Captain and I do
not wish to question either Admiral Luna's or your decisions but maybe you
could enlighten me Admiral as to what caused all these changes? I am still
a republic officer and I have a duty to carry out there wishes and polices
so it pains me slightly to hear that we may be going against there wishes
but I would like to hear the full account before I judge."
The captain asked and Lena nodded, "I understand Captain and I will
do my best to enlighten you in the time we have."
Lena spent the next several minutes explaining what had transpired
this morning and the Captain nodded gravely through her explanation. Luna
however spent the time gathering crew to locate ships for there fleet. Luke
was busy making his call to the Solo's while Mara tried a few of her
friends and acquaintances.
Then the Nav. Officer yelled out, "Dropping out of hyperspace in one
minute."
"Alright Admiral I see now that we face a destiny far graver then
any before and although I will try, I like you doubt the republic will aid
us much. I will do my best however and maybe with the Solo's and Master
Skywalker behind me we will at least get a couple star destroyers and a few
troops. But what ever the republic says I and this crew will follow you
Master Jedi." The Captain said as the hyperdrive engines shut down and they
were thrown back into normal space.
Karthnat loomed in the windows of the massive super star destroyer
as they dropped right into orbit of the blue green planet.
"Contact them lets see if they'll surrender." The Captain said to
the comm. officer.
"Sir, they were excepting us apparently." The Lt. commander said
just as a bolt from a planetary laser cannon rocked the ship.
"Sir there on Comm." The officer reported as the screen flashed to
life in front of the captain.
On the screen was a Hutt with a bunch of Gamorrian guards standing
behind him.
"This is Fargunga the Hutt and I have been given strict orders by
our new master Lord Darkhammer that you are to be destroyed." The tan
colored slug like sentient gurgled.
Hutt ease was one of the few languages Lena understood besides
basic, due mainly to her years on cargo ships with people that spoke it.
"I have never seen a Hutt who would bow before anyone even a Dark
Lord of the Sith." Lena said as she stepped into the view.
"Ah so it is true, you do look just like the Dark Lord who I bow to
only because a fool would resist one so powerful." Fargunga replied coolly.
"How many troops did you loose before you realized that, Hutt?" Lena
shot back.
"Two battalions of Gamorrian's and many droids, but that is none of
your concern Jedi." The Hutt spat.
"Well we do not wish you to loose more than you have to my sister
either by death or her capturing them so just surrender or you will loose
what few men you have left." Lena ordered.
"I do not doubt your threat Jedi but defying the Dark Lord is a fate
far worse then death. Besides she has already taken the slave you are
trying to rescue, so just leave and search for your sister." The Hutt shot
back.
Lena stepped back slightly then she glared at the Hutt, "Tell me
whom she took."
Lena asked with the full power of the force and the Hutt seemed to
tremble for a second as if he was going to resist Lena's mental urge to
divulge his secrets.
"I do not know why I'm telling you this but it was a Twi'Lek slave
named Solonie, she was brought in with another woman of a strange race we
have not encountered before." The Hutt said reluctantly and Luna let out a
gasp and began to cry.
"About this other woman?" Lena asked and the Hutt visibly shook
again trying to resist Lena's mental power.
"She's ahh is still here but if your thinking of rescuing her you're
probably to late since she aged very quickly after we captured her. We do
not understand this, we tried to get her to explain but she resisted our
questioning." The Hutt replied.
"You will release her and all your slaves to us now Hutt!" Lena
ordered and although he shook again he resisted this time for his fear of
the dark lord outweighed even Lena's power.
"I can not, you will have to take them by force, now perish!" The
Hutt said as one of his underlings closed the comm.
The Lt. commander turned around, "They're firing with all their
batteries now Captain." Just as he said that several bursts hit the ship
causing the lights to flash.
"Return fire before those Ion cannons break through our new
shields." The Captain yelled.
"Yes Sir." He replied as the weapons officer commenced firing.
"That's our cue Captain, we'll head out now and with luck we can
help you with the planetary guns." Lena said as she ran over and took
Luna's hand.
"You have your orders Master and may the force be with you." Lena
said to Luke.
"Yes sir, we'll see you on the surface." He replied before he and
Mara followed them off the bridge.
"Good luck admirals and Master Skywalker!" The Captain Yelled to
them as they left.
Luke and Mara split off as they got to the docking level to head to
the Jade Saber while Lena and Luna headed to the Wolf Star. As they got to
her they saw the Bridge Commander standing in front of about twelve men in
heavy armor carrying a vast array of weapons.
"Commander Johnston reporting for special ops with my team, I have
assigned Lt. Commander Farina and her troop to the Jade Saber, Admirals."
He saluted.
"Thank you all for volunteering, now I want to keep this as non
violent as possible but I do not expect you to hold back. All I'm saying is
that if they surrender, let them, alright?" Lena ordered.
"Yes Admiral." They all replied.
"Good now get on board we're heading out!" Lena exclaimed and they
all saluted then piled up the boarding ramp.
Just as Lena was about to run up herself Cynthia came running down
the ramp of the Swan, "Trooper Cynthia reporting for duty Mist... I mean
Admiral Lena."
Lena looked over and was stunned to see her wearing a full array of
what was definitely Mandalorian battle armor, she was not wearing the
helmet however. In her hands was a massive weapon that looked as deadly as
Cynthia in that armor.
"What's that?" Lena asked as she pointed to the gun.
"This is old Betsy as Luaxanna calls it, it was a gift from a
Mandalorian along with this armor. The gun itself is a heavy assault
repeater capable of rapid suppression fire. I would offer the services of
the Swan as well but unfortunately they were not able to complete the
repairs in time." Cynthia said as she ran up.
"That's alright Cynthia, the Wolf Star and the Jade Saber will be
enough. But are you sure you want to come I do not know how Luaxanna is
fairing besides I'd hate to loose you again." Lena asked.
"I'm coming regardless of how she is doing, I will not stand around
and let you face these thugs without me. I will not be taken by surprise
again you can count on that, I'm even wearing an extra remote battery pack
so I can use my shields longer. Now let's go we don't have much time,
BATTLE MODE engaged!" Cynthia yelled as she walked around Lena and boarded
the Wolf Star.
"Guess there's no stopping her." Luna said to a surprised Lena.
"No and from what I saw of her earlier venture into battle mode I
wouldn't worry about her being able to take care of herself."
"Wonder how she can carry all that gear though?" Luna asked.
"Must be her battle mode because normally she's just as strong as a
normal girl." Lena guessed, and then another round of fire hit the shields
and that got Lena moving again.
They ran onboard the Wolf Star and past the group of troopers
sitting on the floor of the Rec room looking at the well outfitted Cynthia
in awe. Lena and Luna then ran into the Cockpit to find Jenny at the helm
with R6 plugged into the wall.
"We're ready for take off Lena." Jenny said as she jumped out of the
pilot's chair and let Lena and Luna pass her to take the pilots and
copilots seats. Jenny then strapped herself into the jump seat and Star
said.
"Do you want me to fly us Master Lena?"
"No I got it Star, no offense to you but I can use the force to
anticipate." Lena explained.
"No problem Master I am well aware of the Jedi's abilities and may I
just say I'm pleased to have one as skilled as you at my controls." Star
replied but then the Commander came in.
"I'm sorry Admirals but I have looked all over and I can't find the
turret controls could you help me in my ignorance."
"My turrets are fully automated Commander, thank you but I can
handle them myself." Star replied to the surprised Commander.
"Don't ask commander it's a long story, just go back and relax as
best you can until we get planet side." Lena said and he saluted.
"Yes sirs as you wish." He said somewhat questioningly but departed
nonetheless.
"Master Lena the Jade Saber is ready and is waiting your orders." R6
said.
"Good tell them were leaving now and that they are to follow us."
Lena replied.
"Yes Master." He replied.
Then Lena pulled up the repulsers and they floated into the air and
backed out of the docking bay. Just as they got out though, the ship took a
hit.
"Lena we have X-Wing fighters closing in fast, they must have
expected us." Luna said as she looked at the sensors.
"Star I trust you can handle them." Lena said as she dove for the
planet dodging lasers.
"With pleasure Master, opening fire." The massive auto cannons
started lying off volley after volley. "Wow the new ones you bought that I
asked that nice engineer to put on for me sure are powerful." Star
exclaimed as a fighter exploded right in front of them.
"The Jade Saber is following and returning fire as well Master." R6
reported.
"Good now scan the planet and get me the location of the Ion
cannons, and then find the prison." Lena asked just as she rolled to avoid
a blast from the very Ion cannon's she had asked about.
"Never mind I've found them, just work on the Prison." She added.
"Got It Master, it's about ten kilometers to the south of the
cannons. We can safely fire our torpedoes without risk to the prison." R6
replied.
"Star you heard him." Lena said.
"Woo Hoo!" Star exclaimed as she let loose four torpedoes which
streaked ahead of them and into the atmosphere.
Seconds passed by and then four clear explosions burst to life.
"Cannons still operating at fifty percent, firing another volley."
Star reported as she let another four torpedoes go.
This time however an X-Wing caught them with his lasers exploding
them just as they punched into the atmosphere. His act of heroism was cut
short as he was caught by Star with a full round from her laser
cannons. Then she let yet another round of torpedoes go. No one offered to
sacrifice themselves this time if there were indeed any fighters left
between Star and the Jade Saber. The Light Saber also focused its weapons
on the Ion cannons and in combination with the torpedoes the Ion Cannon's
exploded leaving a large crater in the earth. The Wolf Star then plunged
head long into the atmosphere with the Jade Saber a close second.
There were a couple fighters left but the Light Saber cleaned them
up along with the rest of the planetary Lasers. As they approached the
prison a few smaller turrets came to life but Lena easily avoided them and
Star did a good job of blasting them. Then Lena brought her down swiftly to
the landing pad with the Jade Saber right behind them.
Lena brought the Wolf Star down softly on the pad but just as she
did a large group of Gamorrians and battle droids emerged from inside the
prison and begun to lay down a surprising amount of suppression
fire. Before Lena could say anything however Star took care of them leaving
a large smoking black area across the landing pad.
"Sorry Master Lena I guess I got carried away there." Star
apologized a little too late.
"It's alright Star just try to be more ahh forgiving next time."
Lena replied as she sprang up to leave with Jenny and Luna close behind
her.
"You sure you're ready for this Jenny?" Lena asked as they got to
the training/rec room.
"Master Skywalker has prepared me well Master Lena, I'm as ready as
I'll ever be." Jenny replied as she drew her saber.
"Very well then." Lena said then she turned to the assembled troops.
"Alright every one listen up!" She ordered and the assembled group
stood at attention waiting for her orders. "We're about to head out, so
Commander I want you and your troops behind Luna, Jenny, and myself. We
will provide cover for you and your troops and you will provide the
firepower. Remember I said no unnecessary force but in the same token I
want each of you to come home so don't be afraid to shoot back. Now if I
should fall or be separated then Luna will be in charge followed by Jenny
and then the commander. Cynthia here also seems to know a little about
fighting so be sure to listen to what she has to say. Now if you're ready
then let us not delay any longer for our friends are in great danger!" Lena
rallied the troops.
"Yea!" They all screamed as they activated their personal shielding
and weapons.
"Great now lets move out!" Lena yelled back as she ran down the ramp
followed closely by the other two Jedi and then Cynthia and the rest of the
troops.
Apparently the opposition had taken the hint and had surrendered the
landing pad, as no one was there to oppose them. Luke and his troops along
with Mara piled out of the saber about the same time as Lena did.
"We'll take the north wing!" Lena yelled to him as they ran for the
doors that were blown completely open by Stars earlier volley.
"Alright I'll keep an eye out for your friend but I do not doubt
your path." Luke yelled back as he and his company took the left corridor
that headed south.
Lena, Luna, and Jenny took the right followed closely by Cynthia and
the troopers. As they reached the end of the corridor and made a left
through a set of large blast doors they were greeted by a fray of blaster
fire.
The three Jedi easily began deflecting the blasts right back at the
battle droids firing them. Lena especially was accurate however and many
droids feel on there first shot. The troopers fired back expertly around
the Jedi and whooshing lightsabers, Cynthia pushed between Lena and Jenny
and opened fire with the heavy repeater. Lena couldn't imagine where the
burst of fire was coming from until she looked over and saw Cynthia.
Between the Jedi and Cynthia the droids were soon decimated but that
was not the end of the fight as a mixture of Gamorrian's and various other
thugs charged. The troopers and Cynthia cut down a few but there were too
many to be handled by blasters alone. So the axe and vibroblade wielding
thugs met the Jedi head on, a vibroblade would stand against a saber but
the skill of their wielders was far less then first-class so many thugs
fell armless or dead before the Jedi as they pushed into the prison.
Many doors and paths lay to the left or right but Lena continued to
lead them down the main hall, she was following the force and to her the
path was clear. Finally they made it to a large elevator and Lena ordered
half the troopers in and she followed them along with Luna, Leaving Cynthia
and Jenny with the rest. She then read the chart on the wall and selected
the detention level, which made sense as well as felt right. "Level five!"
Lena yelled to Jenny as the doors to the elevator closed.
The ride down seemed exceptionally long even though it was only a
few levels down from where they started. As the doors finally opened they
were greeted by yet more blaster fire from both automated turrets and
droids.
"This prison is certainly not for the comfort of the inmates." Luna
said as she bounced back several blaster bolts.
Lena then gave a short yell as she leapt forward severing several
turrets from their bases. She then threw her short saber severing the
others that Luna had not taken care off, the troopers watched in amazement
as the saber severed the turrets then returned to her hand. Several of the
battle droids seeing this dropped their rifles and held their hands up.
The troopers piling out of the elevator mowed down the ones that persisted
in fighting.
Finally the last trooper was out and sent the elevator back up for
the rest of the company. Lena held the hall rounding up the droids that had
surrendered while they waited for Jenny's company to make it down to their
level. After they arrived and filed out of the elevator Lena instructed
them to hold this position as well as their prisoners while they went on
ahead and released the captives.
Lena led the group down the corridor signaling for the troopers to
release the captives as they went. Which they did instructing the various
potential slaves to head down the corridor with there hands up until they
met the other half of Lena's company. There were many different races of
sentient aliens in the prison but most common was Twi'Lek females who were
highly sot after as slaves. There were a few Wookies which thankfully
understood Basic even though they could not speak it. They did however make
quite a ruckus about putting there hands up but after Lena spoke to them
they decided it was for the best. Lena was probably a little too terse with
them but she was more concerned with Luaxanna's safety then anything.
As fate would have it they came to the last door and Lena allowed
her finger to hover over the button for several seconds as she fought with
her emotions. She as a Jedi knew the person on the other side of the door
was still alive but fading fast, but her human emotions kept trying to tell
her otherwise. Finally she pushed the button unlocking the door and as it
slid open, she was horrified to see a gray old lady lying on the bed at the
far end of the room. Luna looked in then gasped as she saw Luaxanna.
"Close the door behind me and don't open it until I tell you
alright?" Lena asked and Luna just nodded then closed the door as Lena
walked inside.
The old lady lying on the rickety old bed looked so close to death
that Lena wasn't even sure she was still breathing. Luaxanna took no notice
of her or even opened her eyes as Lena approached and looked at her in her
tattered clothes that apparently the guards had thrown on her. Lena had to
close her eyes to hold back the tears as she extended her hands and used
her power hoping desperately that it wasn't too late. It took several tense
minutes in which Lena thought for sure she was gone before she started
stirring. Then as if she had been caught in some kind of temporal rift,
Luaxanna began to regress, her hair blackened and her skin changed from a
pale gray to her normal tan color. Then she let out a long raspy moan as
Lena continued with more hope and vigor until Luaxanna finally sat up with
a start braking Lena's concentration.
Luaxanna looked around as her eyes cleared and finally focused on
Lena kneeling at her bedside. Then she mouthed several words but nothing
came out, finally she coughed and sputtered for a second then spoke.
"Is that you Lena, my word you look different." She said hoarsely.
"Yes of course it's me did you think I would ignore your crystals
call." Lena cried as she slipped the second crystal off her neck and slid
it over Luaxanna's head.
"I wondered for a long time if you did but since it was gone when I
woke and I did not know where it had fallen, I lost allot of hope then. But
you are here now and are safe, but the door is still closed. They didn't
capture you as well did they?" Luaxanna realized as she became more aware
of her surroundings.
"No my friend Luna is outside along with several republic troopers.
Cynthia is also out there waiting for you, I'm sure you can imagine how
worried she is." Lena replied.
"She's alive? Those pigs told me they had scraped her and left her
on the Swan when they blew it up." Luaxanna said as she tried to get to her
feet.
"They thought they had killed her and blew up the Swan but we found
both still pretty much intact and have made repairs to the pair." Lena said
as she helped Luaxanna to her feet and then wrapped her own robe around her
and tied it.
Lena then helped her over to the door and rapped on it several times
until Luna opened it and after gasping again she helped Lena carry Luaxanna
out of the cell to Cynthia who was already running over to help.
"Is that you Cynthia, your hair is different and you're a little
paler?" Luaxanna asked.
"Yes, it's a long story that will have to wait until we get back to
the ship." Cynthia replied surprising both Lena and Luaxanna who expected
her to break down balling.
"Yes the story can wait but not for long since we're done here, now
Cynthia you take Luaxanna, Jenny, the troopers, and the other slaves back
to the Wolf Star. Luna and I are going up to have a chat with our Hutt
friend." Lena ordered.
"No! Jenny can take Luaxanna and the others back, I'm coming with
you." Cynthia replied sternly.
"What?" Lena asked surprised that she had talked back, something she
had never done before.
"I'm coming with you, you will need fire support. Not even a Jedi
such as yourself can break into a secured compound without a little
firepower to back you up." Cynthia exclaimed just as sternly as before.
"She's right, I could never have imagined you would have become a
Jedi so quickly but even if you are you still will need someone with a
blaster." Luaxanna said as she levered herself out of Lena and Cynthia's
grasp to stand on her own.
"Fine I can see I'm not going to win this even though Luna and I are
more then capable of handling ourselves. Commander!" Lena replied then
yelled at the man down a couple cells.
"Yes admiral?" He replied as he ran over.
"Take the company and escort Luaxanna and the other slaves back to
the Wolf Star, Jenny will provide cover for you as well. You will have to
call down a shuttle when it's safe, we'll never fit them all onboard the
Wolf Star. We're heading up to the top to deal with the Hutt and his
friends." Lena ordered and although the Commander looked at her
questioningly he replied.
"Yes Sir."
Then he led Luaxanna and the troopers back down the hall to where
Jenny was holding the elevator. Luaxanna gave one final wave goodbye before
disappearing in the distance. Lena waved back then turned to head down to
the other end of the corridor with the others in tow.
As Lena got to the smaller elevator at the other end of the corridor
she ran into yet more turrets but between her and Luna reflecting back
there own blasts and Cynthia's barrage of fire the turrets didn't last
long. Unfortunately the elevator was in lock down mode, but using her force
ability she decoded the security panel and turned the elevator back
on. Then like he was standing next to her, Lena heard Master Skywalker's
voice in her head.
"Lena we've rescued all the slaves on this side but no Luaxanna, I
trust you have had better luck?"
Lena concentrated and called back to him as they piled onto the
elevator.
"Yes we found her and she's doing alright now, I sent her and the
other slaves back to the Wolf Star with the Commander and Jenny. They're
going to call a shuttle down to take the slaves back aboard the Light
Saber. Luna, Cynthia, and I are heading up to have a little chat with the
Hutt to see if we can't get some more useful information out of him."
There was a long pause then he replied, "Very well but be careful, I
know you are the leader now but I must warn you never to let Luna stray
from your side. Also Hutt's are extremely strong willed so you may find it
difficult to question him. They also have traps so be wary, I know from
experience on the truth of both of those things." Luke replied.
"I understand Master and thank you, we will be very careful." Lena
said back.
"You were talking to Master Skywalker?" Luna asked.
"Yes, he has freed the other slaves and wishes us luck as well as
caution." Lena relayed.
Then the elevator opened on the top level, as well as a hail of
blaster fire. Lena and Luna pushed out of the elevator reflecting blast
after blast like it was nothing. Cynthia emerged next and although a
couple shots hit her shields she still pushed out mowing down guards and
turrets with her repeater. Then a Gamorrian came at Luna from behind but
Lena felt the attack coming and the green piggish alien went sailing
through the air and impacted the wall with such force that the metal
paneling caved in. Then three more came right for Lena and she held out her
hand and all there axes were pulled out of there hands and clambered to the
floor at Lena's feet. That did not seem to detour the guards as they
continued to rush Lena but her second wave pushed them back through the air
and right into another group of guards knocking them all senseless.
Cynthia took care of the remaining guards and turrets as they came
to a massive set of blast doors. Lena looked at the wall for a panel but it
was clear that the only way to open these doors was from the other
side. Not being able to see the controls was a problem even for a Jedi so
she decided to use a more basic approach, brute force.
"Stand aside!" Lena yelled as she stood in front of the massive
doors, Luna and Cynthia nodded then stood a ways off to the side.
Lena then held out her hand and concentrated, for several seconds
the doors remained closed tight. But then a long grumbling moan was heard
coming from the doors and Lena dug deeper drawing on even more of her
power. The doors then began vibrating violently straining under her power,
then with a tremendous explosion the doors ripped out of the wall and flew
on either side of Lena until they slammed against the wall caving it in
several feet. A few of the guards regained consciousness in time to see
that but as they did they quickly realized the folly of attacking Lena
again and ran away as fast as possible.
On the other side of the blast doors were a set of regular thin
metal doors which would have been easy for Lena to rip off there tracks but
she decided a more impressive display would be better so she ignited her
sabers again and made several cuts around the door which quickly feel into
the room beyond. Another small contingent of guards was inside the entrance
area but they didn't seem like they were in any mood to fight as they held
up their hands and ran out of the room screaming and squealing. Lena let
them pass although she kept a weary eye on them until they were out of
sight. Finally she entered the first room followed by Cynthia and Luna,
another set of doors greeted them at the other end of the room. These doors
however were thicker then the last set yet not as thick as the blast doors,
upon them was the Hutt's name and his slavers insignia. Just as Lena was
about to slice the controls the doors opened for her, as they did she
realized whom the one who welcomed them inside was.
Lena was standing almost face to face with a Dark Jedi. The Jedi was
clothed from head to toe in black robes. It appeared to be a man but with
the mask and robes it was difficult to tell.
But as the dark one spoke it became clear that it was a man, a man
with a voice Lena had heard before, "You have angered my Master, Jedi and
for that you will pay."
Lena was still holding her lit sabers but she did not raise them
even though the Dark Jedi raised his single red saber.
"It would be advisable for you to put up your guard Jedi!" He
threatened but still Lena did not raise her sabers, then to Luna's dismay
she actually shut them off and clipped them to her belt.
"You are even more foolish then I thought if you believe I won't
attack just because you're unarmed." He spat.
"Then why are you wasting words babbling to me?" Lena replied
calmly.
This seemed to anger the man greatly, "Because I didn't want you to
die believing you had a chance."
"Then prove it, if you're as powerful a Jedi as you believe then
strike me down, I am unarmed." Lena replied as calm as she was before.
"Fine I will." He shouted as he leapt for Lena, Luna tried to cross
the distance to catch his saber but she couldn't move. Even Cynthia seemed
to be frozen in place.
Then just as he came within inches of cutting Lena in two she raised
her hand and he flew back somersaulting several times before he landed with
a thump on the Hutt, who groaned and gurgled as he Jedi recovered quickly
and jumped off the slimy slug.
For several seconds the dark warrior remained standing in front of
the Hutt silent then he seemed to recover his composure.
"So you are as powerful as my master believed. But that matters not
since I am far superior to you."
He then held his hand out flat and Luna squealed knowing what he was
planning. But Lena did not budge and as the lighting flew from his hand
she still remained motionless but as it hit her, the lighting split off and
hit the walls around Lena without even hurting her. This infuriated the
Dark Jedi even more and he clipped his saber to his belt and used both
hands to assault Lena, finally Lena held up her right hand and the lighting
seemed to bend right for it as if it was drawn towards her palm. His eyes
flashed as he used all his force ability to try and get past her defense
but still Lena just seemed to absorb the attack like it was nothing.
Finally breathless the Jedi stopped and then after several seconds
he straightened up and held out his fist like he was trying to choke
someone. Lena made no signs that what ever he was doing was working and
after several seconds he fell to the floor completely out of breath.
"Your parlor tricks are no match for a Jedi of the light, come back
to the light or you will eventually be destroyed by your own evil." Lena
said calmly as if nothing had happened.
The Dark Jedi did not even seem to hear her as he gasped trying to
catch his breath then he finally stood and drew his saber yet again.
"Your words fall on deaf ears Jedi for I have heard your speeches
all too often. I unlike you like what I am and have no desire to go back to
the light. So one of us will have to die today in order for either of us to
leave. So who's it going to be? I won't be caught off guard by your tricks
this time so you had better draw your sabers."
Lena did as he requested this time, "Very well but it does not need
to be like this you can still come back."
His response was not verbal however as he charged instead. Lena
calmly ignited her sabers and caught his blow easily, he then made several
more and Lena just caught each one without even moving. His attacks soon
became desperate and he became blinded by rage, then he saw an opening.
He jumped for Luna but Lena saw this and with two massive swings she
trisected him. His body fell in pieces to the ground and to Luna's horror
the mask fell off right as his head rolled too her feet. Behind the mask
was a pale green Twi'Lek man that both Luna and Lena recognized.
The Twi'Lek was indeed the man Luna use to call father and was her
sister's father.
"Vokath!" Luna exclaimed as she stared at the severed head. "I ... I
thought you were dead long ago, why didn't you say something why did you do
all this?" Luna cried as she fell to her knees.
Lena did not look for she had surmised who it was before he had even
attacked. Instead Lena walked slowly towards the Hutt who looked as
terrified as a Hutt ever could. But as Lena approached a warning rang out
in her head like an alarm, suddenly she turned and using all her force
power she could she ran back grabbing both Luna and Cynthia as she ran by
and shot out of the entrance area. Just as she made it around the corner a
massive explosion rang out and the whole building rumbled. Lena continued
to run holding the stunned women in her arms as a massive fireball followed
her.
As she came to the elevator she used the force to blow the doors off
and luckily the elevator was not there, and she jumped right down the empty
shaft. As she fell she hoisted Luna on her shoulder and drew her long saber
which she ignited and drove the blade into the wall. The metal sparked and
smoked as she held the saber into the wall creating a long gash down the
shaft. The drag however slowed there decent enough so that when the top of
the elevator came into view Lena was able to force throw her saber at the
elevators roof and using an unheard of amount of control she sliced an
opening in the roof and as her feet hit the roof they feel inside. She blew
the doors open to the elevator and the wall all at the same time then
caught her saber and leapt out into the detention area just as the
explosion caught up with the elevator and blew it down the shaft. Lena had
to duck dropping the two women as the fire ball flew over there heads
scorching the back of Lena's robes.
Several long seconds passed by until Cynthia dropped old Betsy
creating a loud clang then Luna screamed quite loud and long until her
voice faded. Lena then stood but as she did there was a loud grumbling
noise and the ceiling gave way, she quickly held up her hands using the
force to hold it up but it seemed that more then one floor was resting on
the ceiling because she was having difficulty holding it up.
"Hurry Luna take your saber and go into that cell and cut a hole in
the exterior wall, I can't hold the ceiling up much longer." Luna looked at
Lena for several seconds then she woke with a start and ran for the cell,
she went to press the button but Lena blew the door open for her.
Luna then ran inside and ignited her saber and proceeded to slice
four very hasty gashes into the metal. She called on all her ability's and
pushed the wall section out and a rush of air nearly blew her off her feet
as the section fell outside and air rushed out of the building.
Luna looked down and as was usual in this day she could not see the
ground, the level five they were on was just the level five of this
detention facility. There were hundreds of other levels to this building
all housing different complexes. But before Luna could even think of what
to do next she was picked up again and they were out the hole. Luna was
looking backwards and was mortified to see the whole building collapsing
behind them. Somehow Lena had her communicator in her hand and was yelling
for Star, Luna didn't believe that Star would even still be alive since she
was on the top of the building which was now collapsing and burning far
below them as they plummeted towards the earth streaking through clouds.
Suddenly the communicator sprang to life, "I'm here Master are you
still alive?"
"Yes but not for long if you don't hurry!" Lena screamed back.
There was a brief pause then, "Oh my word, I'll be right there
master!" Star yelled back just as they broke through the clouds and saw the
ground come into view.
The trees and dirt grew closer and closer then Lena heard the
familiar wine of engines and Star burst out of the clouds flying as fast as
she could towards them. As she came along side, Lena used the force to push
them towards her and Luna and Cynthia grabbed onto the hall. Star then
began to pull up but they were going so fast that she was having a lot of
trouble managing it.
Lena could already feel the strain of drawing so heavily on the
force that she wasn't sure if she could help but she tried. They began to
turn upwards slightly quicker but it was still going to be close. Then two
torpedoes shot out from the Wolf Star and plunged towards the ground. They
hit a mere half second after launch and the explosion engulfed the bottom
of the Wolf Star but the blast gave them the added push they needed and
Star pulled out just a few feet from impacting the ground.
Several tense seconds passed with the wind whistling over the hull
before any of them could breathe again, including Cynthia who needed to
take in oxygen for her new skin.
Then all of a sudden Cynthia exclaimed, "Woo Hoo!"
To that Lena fell over backward from her sitting position and
collapsed onto the hall. A minute or two later the hatch opened and a very
white faced commander appeared out of it. Cynthia did not waist a beat and
drug Luna and Lena over to him and he passed them down to someone before
she handed him old Betsy and then let herself be passed down even though
she was capable of climbing down the ladder herself.
The Commander closed the hatch and climbed down the ladder, Lena was
already climbing shakily to her feet aided by one of the troopers. Luna
remained where she had been sat against the wall, her hand turning white as
she still held a death grip onto her unlit saber. Then she calmly clipped
the saber to her belt and fainted, one of the troopers caught her as she
started to slide over.
"Take her to the bedroom and lay her on the bed." Lena said as she
steadied herself against a bulkhead.
"Yes sir the clammy faced trooper replied before lifting Luna up off
the floor and carrying her the short distance to the bedroom.
"Cynthia, make sure she's ok and I believe you'll find someone else
in the bedroom you've been looking for." Lena said with as much of a smile
as she could manage, Cynthia nodded then picked up old Betsy and trotted
off to the bedroom.
Lena then composed herself some and straightened her hair a little
before walking down the corridor and into the Rec./Training room, which was
filled with troopers and slaves. It looked like most of the slaves were the
Wookies that had complained about raising their hands. There were a couple
others but they were hard to spot amongst the mass of hair and armor.
"Commander can you give me a report, it looks like all our company
made it on board but what about the other prisoners and what of the Jade
Saber and her crew?" Lena asked.
The commander took a few seconds to compose himself then he relayed
what had happened, "Luckily we had called the shuttle down on our way back
up to the Wolf Star and it met us on the landing platform. We loaded as
many prisoners onto it as possible then Master Skywalker loaded his company
and as many slaves as he could take aboard the Jade Saber. The Wookies
however did not wish to ride in any other ship but yours so we loaded them
and a few others up and were waiting for you to return. Master Jenny and I
were waiting on the landing platform when we felt the explosion, Star
yelled for us to get in as fast as possible so we jumped on the ramp and
she closed it just as she was blown off the landing platform. She recovered
then began circling hoping you had somehow gotten out of the building. Then
of course you called and from there I think you know what happened. Besides
any of the slavers and other building personnel left in it when it
collapsed there were no lives lost either from the Light Saber's personnel
or the prisoners."
Hearing that Lena almost collapsed with relief. She thanked the
Commander profusely then turned back to the throng of bodies.
Lena wanted to talk to Jenny and Star about the events that just
unfolded but as she tried to weed her way through the crowd a particularly
old looking Wookie stepped in her path and growled something to Lena. She
was not prepared to talk with him mentally or physically but he made it
clear he would be heard. So Lena calmed her mind and concentrated then
asked him to repeat what he had said. The old Wookie growled and grunted
again and Lena focused in on his mind since she did not know a word of
Wookie. Eventually she began to hear his thoughts clearly after asking him
to repeat himself once more.
"Great Jedi Lena we who have been imprisoned and taken from our home
world by the evil Hutt have been freed by your exceptional bravery. Your
deeds this day will forever be spoke of on Kashyyyk with honor and we who
you saved swear our lives to you great Jedi. We horror your valor with the
highest debt a Wookie can make, a Life Debt, from this day forward we will
always be in your service." As the gray haired Wookie finished the others
began to growl and hoot their agreement.
Lena couldn't believe what the Wookie had just said, she had heard a
vague reference to Wookie life debts once or twice but she never thought
she would be given one by a whole group of Wookie's let alone one. Lena had
no desire to have a large group of massive hairy friends following her
everywhere trying to save her life, but she got the definite impression
that you weren't suppose to refuse.
She had to think about this carefully, "Great Elder you honor me
with your pledge of a life debt and I would be honored to accept
it. However I cannot for I am a Jedi and such things are not allowed, we
must serve the light without thought of reward or compensation. I would
like to make a request however, a great evil has befallen the galaxy. My
sister a powerful dark Jedi has taken possession of a large fleet of ships
and men and is planning on conquering the republic as well as many other
planets. I cannot allow her to do this and so the request I would make in
exchange for your life debt would be for you to serve on the fleet of ships
I am building. I need many great warriors and crew to man my ships and I
know that you would serve me with honor. When we have defeated my sister
you and your friends can return home to your families."
The Elder seemed to give this great thought while the younger
wookies were grumbling and growling amongst themselves.
After several long minutes the Elder lifted his head, "It is not
usually honorable for one to refuse an offer of a life debt but I see the
wisdom in your words. In most cases of refusal the wookie being refused
would be shunned and exiled as a failure but in this instance I think it
can be allowed. For even if a Jedi such as yourself could accept our
pledge, it would not be in your best interest to have many lesser warriors
following you. Therefore I will accept your exchange and join your fleet
with a provision if you will allow it."
Lena nodded, "Name your provision and if it is within my power to
grant I will."
"My provision is that you take us to our home planet Kashyyyk, there
I will speak with our Chieftain and ask him to aid you in your mission. He
is a far wiser Wookie then I and I know that he will grant you many great
warriors and pilots for your ships. It will also please him that you seem
to be doing this without the permission of the republic. For many years
they have ignored the pleas of our people to put an end to the slavers but
they would not listen or were to preoccupied by other matters to aid us. I
have a feeling that you will be different and may even aid us, but if not
at least it may get the republic to notice us." The elder growled.
"Very well I will grant you this provision and I will add to my
original offer, when we have defeated my sister we will return to Kashyyyk
and I will do everything within my power to stop the slavers. I will even
give your people one of our ships from the fleet we are amassing for full
time protection." Lena offered.
"You are indeed a noble warrior to make such an offer and I can
sense your words are not false, I do not believe however that our chieftain
would accept the ship. Our people may have been forced to master space
travel because of our many years of slavery but they still do not find it
appealing. But that will be up to the chieftain to decide in the end, now
let us celebrate!" The elder growled loudly and the others joined in
creating quite an ear-shattering racket.
It took several minutes for the ruckus to die down enough for Lena
to escape to the cockpit, something had been bothering her and she needed
to find out what was happening. As Lena got into the cockpit she realized
something really bad was happening because both Jenny and R6 were
frantically working controls and panels. As Lena looked out of the cockpit
windows she saw why, they were still inside the atmosphere. Not only were
they not in space but also they were still just a few thousand meters above
the ground.
"What's happening why aren't we climbing?" Lena asked as she jumped
into the pilot's chair.
"Master I'm sorry but between the two explosions I lost two of my
four sub light engines, with all the weight were carrying I can't even gain
altitude let alone break out of the atmosphere." Star replied nervously as
she circled trying desperately to gain altitude.
"Can we land?" Lena asked.
"If we don't do something soon we will be on the ground master but I
wouldn't call it a landing."
Lena hung her head, it seemed the force was testing her at every
corner. What was she to do, her body was still spent from her previous
efforts how could she push herself farther without killing herself off.
Finally she looked up and said with determination, "Bring us down as
best you can Star, I will do the rest."
"I will not master, your body is strained from your last severe uses
of the force. Pushing yourself any harder will kill you and I will not
allow that to happen even if it means sacrificing myself."
"I can handle it Star a Jedi's power flows from the force, our
bodies are nothing the force is what gives us our power and why are you
questioning me." Lena replied harshly.
"That is true Master but even Master Skywalker would admit that the
amount of power you have channeled today is beyond anything a Jedi has ever
done before. Channeling that kind of energy for as long as you have is
what is causing you to tire and using the kind of power necessary to bring
us down will strain your body to it's limits, you know this as well as I so
we will find another way or I will bring us down even if it kills me." Star
replied just as harshly, sounding surprisingly motherly.
Lena was about to argue back but Jenny cut her off, "Master Lena the
Jade Saber is closing on us fast, there locking on to us with a tractor
beam now."
As Jenny finished talking there was a jolt and then the nose of the
Wolf Star rose as the Jade Saber strained to lift them into the atmosphere.
"Thought you could use some help." Luke's voice came over the comm.
"Yes as a matter of fact we could use a bit of help Master." Lena
replied back quite relieved.
"That was some feat getting out of that building alive, I was afraid
we had lost you." Luke added.
"It was challenging to say the least but with everyone's help we
made it out." Lena replied as she thankfully watched the atmosphere
thinning as they climbed.
"I think you are being modest Lena, but that is good in a Jedi. Now
let's get you back to the Light Saber where you can tell me everything that
happened alright?"
"Sure Master as long as we make it to the ship in one piece, the way
things have been going today, that is uncertain." Lena replied
sarcastically.
"Alright see you on the ship." He signed off.
Lena sat there for several minutes watching their slow accent into
space then Star burst out, "Master we did it!"
Lena rolled her eyes, "Did what Star?"
"We got my engines back online, I thought my auto repair circuits
had failed as well but they finally managed to get all of my engines
back. I can now take us out of here at full power!" Star exclaimed.
"Alright tell the Jade Saber we can take it from here, and then I
want to talk with you about what happened earlier." Lena replied.
"Yes Lena I just uhhh told them to release us. Now what was it you
wanted to talk about, maybe how I managed to survive that massive explosion
or my spectacular flying when I caught you?" Star asked sheepishly.
"You know what I want to talk about and I want some answers, I've
met all the requirements your previous master gave you or should I say my
mother Taristra gave you." Lena asked maybe a little too harshly.
Star did not respond for awhile, in fact she remained silent until
they were almost to the Light Saber.
"Why is it you want to know these things Lena?" Star finally asked
in a very undroid like fashion shocking both Lena and Jenny.
"Why because I want to know, I deserve to know. I mean I was locked
away for over sixteen years with my evil aunt and uncle not even getting to
see my mother let alone know who and what she was." Lena cried.
"I'm sure Master Skywalker informed you why you were left with your
aunt and uncle. But yes you do deserve to know Lena but are you certain you
wish to know." Star avoided responding to the question.
"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't, but if we're going to play this
game then at least tell me how you knew I had been using the force to the
degree I had. You couldn't have seen anything I had done surely." Lena
asked exasperatedly.
"That is easer to answer, your mother, my creator installed a device
that allows me to sense the currents in the force. I'm not saying I can use
the force but I can see it being used and from what the sensor picked up I
could tell that you had truly harnessed the force to your maximum. Besides
I have many medical scanners and your vital signs even now show you are
under severe stress."
"Alright but if you can detect people using the force then why did
you ask if I was still alive?" Lena asked.
"I could see you were using the force to hold the building together
but when it collapsed you quit using the force. For all I knew you had been
caught in the collapse, all my regular sensors were obscured by the shock
wave of the collapsing building so I could not see you until you called for
me." Star explained honestly.
Lena thought about all that for a minute, "Alright fair enough, now
maybe you can explain why you were willing to let everyone perish just to
make sure I didn't die?"
"You should have listened more carefully to what I said. I only
mentioned sacrificing myself for you and the rest of the people onboard. I
could have brought us down and right before we crashed I could have
diverted all the power I had left into the shields, that would have spared
you and everyone else but the subsequent power surge would have killed
me. But in reality if it had come down to you and the rest of these people
I would have gladly sacrificed everyone onboard except for Luna to save
you." Star explained.
"Your life and the others are not more valuable then Luna's and
mine." Lena spat.
"In normal circumstances I might agree but most likely not, in any
case these are not normal circumstances and if I had let you kill yourself
to save us then it would be a waist for we would all die later on
anyway. You would see that as well as I if you weren't so preoccupied with
interrogating me." Star spat back.
"I can't believe I'm arguing with you, I think I liked you better
when you did everything I said and called me Master." Lena yelled as she
crossed her arms.
"Oh is that the way you like it, I thought you were a Jedi and
valued everyone's opinion. Very well then MASTER you can keep your
questions to yourself because I'm done answering them MASTER!" Star yelled
back.
Lena almost wanted to hit the panel she was so angry, but then she
began to realize what Star had said was true. Seeing her mother struck down
so easily by her student then Selkata was struck down by her sister when
she was still a child. How could anyone but her defeat her sister and if no
one could how evil would her sister become. These thoughts softened Lena
as Star brought them into the docking bay of the Light Saber.
"I'm sorry Star you were right, these are not normal circumstances.
It's just that thinking about actually sacrificing so many people just for
me is well disturbing." Lena apologized.
"If it did not disturb you then I would be worried, for one who will
easily sacrifice others for the sake of themselves is more like your sister
then a Jedi, master." Star replied as she brought them down next to the
swan.
"I said I was sorry please don't go back to calling me master, my
names Lena." She apologized again.
"I'll have to think about it master Lena." Star replied coyly.
"I'm sorry a hundred times over for ever yelling at you."
"Alright Lena I accept your apology, now was there something else
you wanted to ask me?" Star finally accepted.
It took several minutes for Lena to remember why she had brought any
of this up in the first place, "Well for starters can you tell me why my
mother had you programmed the way you are? It's not that I mind it's just
that it's not normal, there must have been a specific reason for it other
then just so you could operate independently."
"Maybe I can explain that best." The voice was Stars but it did not
come from the speaker's overhead, instead it came from behind Lena causing
her to turn around.
In a mixture of horror and disbelief Lena found herself staring
right at the ghostly image of her mother. She was just like the spirit of
Yoda that had appeared before.
"Mother?" Lena finally choked out causing even Jenny who had been
busy staring at the controls to turn around.
The very beautiful older version of Lena nodded, "Yes Lena I see you
recognize me, I was a little disappointed that you did not recognize Stars
voice as that of my own. Nonetheless it is good to see you again my
daughter, it has been so long since I last saw you. I wish though that I
could see you with my old eyes and touch you again but I cannot. Maybe that
is for the best anyway I would not want my evil to corrupt you as it did
everyone else around me."
Lena began to cry, "You were not evil mother."
"But I was my daughter, I do not remember those times as well as I
once did but I know I committed many atrocities. I am ashamed to admit that
I could fall so easily to the dark side when I had once been a great Jedi,
but such is the lure of the dark side. It seeps into you like a disease
then when you are at your weakest it strikes consuming your very soul,
damming you to evil forever." Taristra said as she sat in one of the jump
seats.
"You were redeemed at the end mother I saw it and I need no more
proof then you being here to prove it." Lena cried.
"Yes I suppose at my bitter end I was redeemed but look at what my
redemption cost. Enchantay died for what, to turn me back before I was
slain trying to avenge her death. She did not deserve that nor did her
apprentice deserve his fate, now don't go believing I blame you for
that. He was far beyond ever being turned back, it was my failure that
allowed him to be turned in the first place."
"It was not your failing Taristra it was his own, I talked with him
on numerous occasions and he blamed nobody but himself. He knew that
falling in love with someone who could never be truly in love with him was
a mistake but he would not let go." Master Skywalker said as he walked into
the room.
"It's good to see you again Luke, it's been even longer since I saw
you last. But if that was truly the case then I would be guilty on two
counts." Taristra said with definite sadness.
"My own fall was my fault alone as well, it was you and my other
friends that brought me back if you recall." He added as he sat in the
other seat.
Taristra smiled then took a very serious look, "I suppose but all
this is accent history, we have more pressing maters to discuss. Lena to
answer your question I designed and built this ship from scratch just for
you, granted the Corellian yards built her but they did so to my
specifications and designs. I alone constructed Star, I used my own brain
wave patterns to program her. Why did I do all this for a child I didn't
even have at the time, because I saw long ago the events that would
transpire at this time. I knew I would fall eventually and die though I did
not know why. I could see you and your sister and your eventual
conflict. So I designed this ship and even R6 to aid you in finding your
true path and destiny. My plans however were nearly discovered by your
meddling sister who hated me and most of all you. I never told her about
you but her skills as a Jedi emerged quickly and even without training she
soon felt your presence like a needle in her conscience." Taristra paused
letting her head fall to her chest.
"I am sorry Lena I should have killed her long ago but I couldn't,
how can a mother kill her own daughter. Even when her daughter is as evil
as her, now I have left not only her fate in your hands but also the fate
of the entire galaxy. I understand if you hate me for all that I did and
left to you but I didn't want you to end up like me or especially like
her."
"I do not hate you mother how could I, I... I just wanted to have
grown up with you like I was meant to. I don't care how things have turned
out or how they would have turned out I just wanted to know you as you
were." Lena cried.
"You honor me Lena but you should not since as I said you would be
as evil as I if I had kept you. Either that or your sister would have
killed you long before you could have defended yourself. I must warn you
Lena, your sister is pure evil. I tried to turn her for years but she would
not, her heart only holds blackness inside there is no light to be had in
her. I believe now that she is everything you and Luna are not, she is the
balancer to the force. You and Luna are light side Jedi with powers unheard
of before and your sister is the Dark side equivalent. What I'm getting at
is do not try to turn her she will only destroy you if you do. There is no
other way then to destroy her, I know that as soon as you do the dark side
will simply move to another champion but maybe you will have at least a few
years of peace before that happens."
Lena nodded then she hung her head and remained like that for
several minutes, silence filled the room as they waited for Lena to say
something.
Chapter Eleven: Resurrection.
Still real busy, but I hope everyone really enjoys this part as I
think it's one of the best parts to the whole story. I would still like
feedback on this story especially if you have not already written me, to
those that have been writing me, thank you and please continue.
Thank you,
Mike Wolf
wolfstorys@hotmail.com