Guest Fiction

By Anzik Hayes

Zizziana's Tatooine Adventure

The twin suns burned brightly as they broke the horizon of the desert world. Tatooine was a harsh and barren landscape of shifting sands and sweltering temperatures. It was also the world of Zizziana Nightstar's birth, although she was far too young to remember it. She was little more than an infant when she was identified by a wandering Jedi Knight and brought to the venerable Jedi Temple on the galactic capital of Coruscant. Now she has returned on quest that has brought her from one side of the known galaxy to the other in search of clues that may help her solve the mystery which she has pursued for the seemingly long months since the confirmation of her rank of Jedi Knight.
Her long blonde hair streamed behind her like a golden tassle as she soared over the arid terrane on her speeder bike, her face hidden behind small circular goggles and a veil draped over her nose and mouth to protect her from the grainy contents of the scorching air. As she sped along, almost skimming the surface her mind wandered back to the events that brought her back to this hellish place.
The summons had been abrupt, yanking the young Jedi out of her evening meditation. She was led by hovering concierge droid to the foyer outside the chamber of the Jedi High Council itself. She tried to calm herself using the techniques she had learned over the nearly two decades of her training. She was partially successful. She closed her eyes. She moved her thoughts away from the anticipation and uncertainty of what this cryptic meeting may hold for her. She began to relax and then to feel the energy course through her. Gradually she became aware of its flow, both within and outside of her. She remembered the words echoing in her mind "Do not concern yourself with the moment past, or the moment ahead. Fix your consciousness on the moment and the Force will correctly guide you to the next." She was a good student, and was never one to take the words of a senior Jedi lightly. Her body relaxed, her mind eased, her apprehension dissipated. She was in tune with the Force. She now felt the faith that whatever lie in store for her, the Force would lead her to her destination.
The door to the foyer hissed open as her twin brother stepped in still adjusting the belt around his olive tunic, his light brown cloak slung over his shoulder haphazardly.
"Zizziana! No one told me you were summoned too. Hey, maybe this means some adventure at last!" Said Alec.
Zizziana opened her eyes, alert from her meditation.
"Alec, adventure is not our goal, we must serve whatever purpose the Council feels the Force has in store for us." She said confidently in tune with the Force.
Alec smirked under the soft scolding. He was always more impulsive than his sister, more eager to jump into things and let chance guide his way. He was older than Zizziana when he came to the temple. The two were seperated after they were born and he was raised till the age of four on the forest moon of Endor. Even at that tender age he showed a great interest in mischief, earning himself the nickname nyub gree nyar by the native Ewoks, loosesly translated as "the white menace".
The door to the council chamber opened the two looked at each other, paused momentarily and stepped inside, walking slowly to the center of the council floor. Master Yoda stood alone gazing out at the Coruscant skyline.
"Greetings young Nightstars, well you are I assume. Need has the Council of your talents."
"We are ready Master, we won't fail you!" Interjected Alec.
"Be not so hasty, know not what entails this mission do you. Impetuousness leads to carelessness. Have my reservations do I, on sending you young Alec."
Alec's gaze drops to the floor ashamedly "I only wish to be of service Master."
The diminutive Jedi master seemd to stiffen. His head began to turn slowly. "Believe that do you? Know better do I. Seen inside you have I. Dreams of granduer, fancies of glory. Doubtful am I of your motivation, doubtful am I that know you what motivates you. If faith Master Haize had not in you, here would you stay."
Alec looked up, his face stalwart and solid, showing no sign of insult or injury by the harsh words of the wise master. Instead he focused on the truth in those words, indeed he had far to go and at times it seemed like he never progressed, but he had faith in himself, as did his siter and to his astonishment, so did Master Haize. "I will do whatever is required of me master, whether it is a large part or small."
"Hmmm, along will you go. At the landing platform, a transport will you find. May the Force be with you."

A long wedge shaped craft sat upon the main landing platform its engines idling as it prepared for flight. Alongside the craft Jedi Master Anzik Haize was speaking to The young Jedi Knight Taranos, as Zizziana and Alec approached, carrying the small bundles of personal supplies.
They bowed in a show of respect to the older Jedi as he bowed back in ackowledgement. " I trust the Nightstar twins are well this day." He said in his deep, rough voice. "This assignment, although not seemingly vital, may test you more than you may expect."
Zizziana spoke up "We will not fail you master. And we will make you proud you recomended us for this mission."
"A Jedi has no need of pride Zizziana, it feeds the ego which interferes with the will of the Force. Fulfill my trust in you and learn what the Force will teach you through this."
"Yes Master."
"Good, then without further delay, Taranos will give you the details of your duties, he will lead this task, help him as you can." Said Anzik as he bowed to them in farewell. "and May the Force be with you."
The master turned to leave as the three young Jedi boarded the craft, trying desperately to maintain their composure and hide their excitement.

Zizziana's recollections were cut short as a hail of blaster fire erupted from behind her. She reached out with the Force as she dodged pulse after pulse. Slamming hard on the throttle, she forced her speeder to its limits, ripping through the air. Her confidence growing as she pulled further from her pursuers, her mind began to think of how to turn the attack against them when suddenly a great, dark shaped loomed in front of her careening speeder. Too close to evade and going to fast to stop Zizziana leapt from her craft in a seemingly suicidal plunge.

Taranos regained consciousness slowly, his head pounding. He moved his hand to touch the blood matted hair against his scalp in a tender, probing gesture. There was the a very loud, or at least what seemed to be very loud beeping and whistling, coming from somewhere behind him. He slowly pulled himself off of the floor and managed to kget to his knees. He tried to look around, only to discover he was seeing double. He blinked a few times, shook his pounding head and began to focus inward. He felt the Force inside of him, waithing to be directed. He slowed his breathing and concentrated on the energy coursing through him. Directing it with his will, it travelled up his spine, into his throbbing skull, soothing it as passed through, he felt his vision regaining itself as the Force returned his body to its naturally balanced state. The injuries were still there but they were healing quickly thanks to his training and at least now he could function. He stood up slowly and looked across the darkened room towards the commotion of tweets and whistles. There in the half light he could see a small R5 droid in an unusually aggressive posture poking at a frightened looking maintenance droid. Suddenly the PM droid extended an appendage and sent an violent electrical charge into the other robot sending it flying backward across the the darkened chamber. The little machine twirled around and made its way toward Taranos and bumped him as it past.
"Odd behavior for a droid", he thought, but he had more pressing matters on his mind now, such as where he was, how he got here and where was his lightsaber.
He navigated down the slender passages. The smell of machine oil and burning ozone permeated the air and irritated his already strained eyes. It was apparent that he was in a vessel of some sort, by the rocking motions, it was just a mystery of whose vehical it was and of what sort. He reached out with the Force and sensed several lifeforms on board but all he could see was a vast number of droids and disassembled machinery. He came upon a small droid hovering about with a circular body and four optic sensors that seemed to be taking down information on a datapad with its long thin arms. The "eyes" snapped onto a focus onto Taranos. It whirred and beeped several times and he could hear the processors clicking.
"What manner of droid are you?" It said in a mechanical monotone.
At first he was uncertain how to proceed, then he started to adlib.
"I am a new model protocol droid from Correlia. Pardon me, but could you tell me where I am, please?" Doing his best to impersonate the overly congenial attitude of a protocol droid.
"There is no record of any aquisition of such a model, what section of the transport did you originate from?" Inquired the inventory droid.
Looking back over his shoulder, Taranos said "Up there in that direction."
"Yes, you must have been mixed in with the debris of the bulk speeder that was collected earlier. Please give your identification number."
"um...P1S0F.." He shrugged.
"0MP1S0F...you are now catalogued and itemized. A bio unit will be along soon to fit you with a restraining bolt." The droid announced as it moved toward the next robot in line.
He thought he should know some of the events that led him here, but that would take time and meditation to pull them from his still cloudy memory. And that kind of time he just did not have.

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The world spun around as Zizziana tried to keep her bearings. The speeder was traveling very fast as it was shot out from under her, and now all she had between her body and an unforgiving ground was torrid air. Suddenly the boom of heavy engines echoed in her ears as a swoop soared in and a hand grasped the back of her Jedi cloak. As soon as she became aware of her new direction she flipped herself around and landed squarely behind her brother on the back of the swoop bike as he screached high into the air, looped completely over and came up behind their pursuers. Each Jedi, acting in perfect sync, ignited their lightsabers and cut the engine off of each of the enemy combat speeders, sending them carrening out of control. The first craft exploded on impact, killing whatever occupants were onboard, the second however tumbled end over end till coming to rest in a bed in the ocean of sand. The hatch opened and a single human occupant attempted to flee on foot, only to find he was sinking into the shifting sand the more he tried to run. By the time the swoop slid in and hovered beside him, he was already up to his chest.
"Boy, that has to be a scary way to die. Imagine drowning in sand...."Said Alec in a cold, mocking tone.
"You're Jedi, you can't let me die! It wouldn't be noble!" Mocked the trapped man as he slipped deeper.
"I never said I was a very good Jedi, y'know, I've always had problems with that part."
"It's true you have, haven't you?" Responded Zizziana, apparently not noticing the struggling mercenary as he sank to his neck.
"Help me!" He cried.
"Well now thats the issue isn't it? we help you but what do you do for us?" Said Alec in a serious tone with an equally serious expression.
"I..I.. I can take you too them..I'll do anyth.." was the last thing the twins heard as the sand swallowed him completely.
They looked at each other, turned back towards the small impression where their would be assassin was, Zizziana hooked one end of the cable from her belt to the swoop and dove in after him without a moments hesitation. For long minutes Alec sat impatiently waithing for the signal, and then it came, there was a tug on the line and fired the engines. The sand parted as Zizziana and her cargo burst from their sandy grave.

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"Chancellor I need that droid back, if the information were to fall into the wrong hands my world could suffer horribly!" Said the grey furred Bothan. "I wish to show no disrespect, but I do not share your faith in these Jedi!"
Vallora eased back into her chair. "Senator Fjork, there is no need to assume that this was the work of any conspiracy. Master Haize believes it was the work of thieves seeking material gain. No one with any political motivation at all. I must say, from the evidence gathered so far I must agree with him."
"I am not surprised he has told you that! I bet the Jedi were behind the entire incident!! I demand an alternatative investigator.!" Shouted the Bothan as his fur started to shed at his visible agitation.
There was no change in the expression on the face of Master Haize. He just stood there off to the side of the Supreme Chancellor's desk. There was no sign of insult taken, just a careful study of the irrate senator.
"Chancellor, we have traced the theives to Tatooine where we have three Jedi closing in on the suspects now. However if the senator wishes us to cease, I can contact them immediately." He said calmly.
"I..I didn't say...You are twisting my words with your evil mind tricks!!! I don't have to stand for this!! Chancellor either you have success in three days or I will take it into my own hands!!" Fjork got up and stormed out of the office.
"I think it went well for a meeting with a Bothan." Master Haize said as he turned to leave.

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Taranos was making his way through the strange vessel he found himself on, albeit slowly. Thankfully most droids weren't obtrusively inquisitive, so his presence didn't cause much consideration. Finally he found a droid logging entries into a terminal. He strode up to the small machine and clicked its power deactivation switch. As the robot slunk in front of it's work station, Taranos quickly accessed the information files and scrolled down to the vehicle diagnostics. It was a large bulky land conveyance with huge treads for making its way across the desert. Looking over the shematic he familiarized himself with the general layout, noting exit points and the control rooms. He needed to escape this monstrosity but did not relish the thought of escaping into the Tatooine wilderness without food or water, he just needed a little more information. That was when he felt the first blast rock the sand crawler.

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"It doesn't necessarily mean the worst Zizziana." Said Alec in a consoling tone to his distressed sister.
"A Jedi doesn't just drop his lightsaber Alec, it can only mean he's in trouble and you know it as well as I do." She said half looking over her shoulder as she knelt beside the gleaming weapon, her fingers gingerly touching it. "But I'm sure of one thing..." Her hand grasped Taranos' lightsaber and ignited it. "I will know where he has been taken." She stepped toward their captive, noticing how the glowing blade reflected in his the width of his frightened eyes.

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Smoke filled the passage ways as Taranos made his way out of the crippled sandcrawler. He was expecting to come into the blinding sunshine of the Tatooine day, instead he emerged in the middle of the night, watching half a dozen small fighter craft hovering over the smoking hulk. They seemed to be unconcerned with the small, brown robed Jawas fleeing their doomed vehicle, so Taranos threw his hood up over his head and ducked inside just out of sight of the mercenaries that were now preparing to board the maimed transport. They were a hodge podge collection of various races of the known galaxy, with nothing to indicate any kind of single group affiliation, except for the leader. He wore black and purple Mandalorian armor, and was directing the others as they swarmed on the sandcrawler. He sat quietly, watching them remove droid after droid from the wrecked vessel, meticulously searching for something, he could only guess there was a connection between their search and his own quest for a stolen droid.
Finally as the suns began to break the horizon, they gathered five droids and placed them aboard the largest of their flying craft, then proceeded to reboard themselves. Taranos had been very alert during his vigil, noticing the way the wind would push the still billowing smoke, so when it shifted and drifted once more towards the departing ships, he ran along inside its hazy darkness and leapt up onto the rear of the last craft to leave, as it left an explosive momento behind to eliminate any evidence of their actions.

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There was a certain chaos to Coruscant that was like no other place in the galaxy. It was virtually impossible to be alone anywhere and yet at the same time it was virtually impossible to be noticed amongst the countless lifeforms inhabiting the city-world. One might try and single out a single drop of rain in the middle of a torrent. It was here on the observation deck of a Coruscant cruise ship that there stood an ordinary looking human, dressed in a simple, hooded brown robe gazing at the endless sea of towering skyscrapers. A small, stocky humanoid creature casually approached him, its prehensile tail swaying rythmically as it walked.
"Pleasant night." The grey furred creature said.
"Why is that?" Asked Jedi Master Anzik Haize, in an almost rhetorical tone.
"Well technically its not any different from any other Coruscant evening but it is considered rude in some places to walk up to someone and ask them why they've summoned an old friend from his comfortable fishing trip, without so much as a simple greeting." Responded the Ryn, as his tail continued to sway.
"And I greatly appreciate your coming Don J'Bar, I only wish our little reunion was under better circumstances." Come on, let's sit down inside the Lounge and we can continue our discussion there."
The lounge on board the observation deck was bristling with life. There were singers crooning broody melodies as a Twi'lek girl swayed to its haunting tune on top of a floating stage over the main bar. Cruise ships like the D'godin Star were well known for their entertainment, and this was a typical night. The two friends quietly settled in a table in the back.
"So you said you needed a little discreet investigating done eh?" Said the Ryn.
"At first it seemed like a simple theft case, but there's something more to it. There is this Bothan senator who lost a droid, claiming there is vital information inside it." Anzik said quietly.
"So, even so, it sounds like a job for Coruscant security officers not the Jedi." Interjected Don.
"I agree, it seemed a little too much of an overreaction, even for a Bothan. So who better to call in than someone with your 'special talents'?" Smirked Anzik as the serving droid hovered over to them.

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Alec Nightstar's thoughts were dwelling on his sister's well being and he knew it. He felt her battling her own emotions, trying to calm herself as she had been trained but the thought of losing Taranos was, to say the least, very disturbing for her. He knew how distracted she was and how that distraction might endanger her.
"Zizzy, we should contact the council. This situation has become much more complicated."
"You're right Alec, transmit your report to them, but I can't just sit and wait around for them, I must...I mean we must find Taranos ourselves."
"What about me? I helped you, let me go now!" Growled their captive mercenary.
Zizziana turned to their captive and looked into his eyes. They were filled with a deep hatred of the two Jedi, a hatred fueled by his fear of them. She casually waved her hand in front of him and said, "You don't want us to let you go."
"I don't want you to let me go." He repeated.
"You want to help us find our friend." Zizziana said as her eyes pierced his.
"I want to help you find your friend."
"Where were you supposed to meet your comrades?" She inquired.
"There is..is a camp, outside Mos Eisley. We were supposed to rendezvous there and wait for a transport." He stammered nervously. He knew he should not be saying these things but he found he couldn't help himself as the words just slipped past his lips.
"How many of you are there?"
Zizziana's interrogation was cut short as Alec swerved his swoop violently as blaster fire ripped through the air. He might have given her a warning but he was too focused on avoiding the attack. His mind was centered on the Force, and even still he was barely able to avoid the rapid fire of the numerous blaster cannons of the pursuing ship. Zizziana ignited her lightsaber and did her best to reflect as many of the energy bolts back at their attacker, but the onslaught was intense and the guns were numerous. The first blast that hit tore into the back of the swoop jolting its passengers violently. Zizziana kept directing the bolts back at the ship, but another came through and hit the stabilizer controls. The swoop careened out of control and was heading straight into the ground.
"Come on Zizzy, it's time to leave!" Alec said as he turned from the useless controls, grabbing his sister and their captive, he leapt from the doomed craft. Almost as soon as they were clear, another blast from the enemy ship blew the swoop into a fiery oblivion. The shock wave from the explosion sent the three refugees hurtling through the air and crashing savagely into the ground. Dazed and stunned, they were lying in the sand of the cold Tatooine night as the ship settled next to them. The hiss of a door opening echoed through Alec's ears as a figure emerged from the craft, dressed in green and yellow armor, as moonight glistened off the jet pack on his back.
He walked to the groaning figure of his colleague and rolled him over with is foot. The mercenary looked up at his teammate and smiled, until he saw the blaster leveled at his head. He tried to cry out a plea for mercy as the shot fired.
The Mandalore next approached the barely conscious Zizziana, as Alec struggled to move to his sister's defense, but he knew he would never make it in time.

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He had spent the better part of four standard days in the seedier parts of the capital world of Coruscant. He was thinking how good it would feel to get himself back to the natural living worlds he loved so much. For a Ryn, Don J'Bar in particular, there was a certain vitality that came out in him when he was free to leap through the limbs of trees and feel the flow of the Force through him as he swung from limb to limb. Perhaps after this mission was complete he would take a well deserved break from his duties for the Jedi High Council and finally take that trip to Kashyyyk and see the grand trees. But that would be after his mission. Don J'Bar was a Jedi Knight in the service of discreetly collecting information. No one was particularly surprised to see a nomadic Ryn travelling about, so it gave him great latitude to do his work without the hinderance of prying eyes. He had a simple theory. The Bothan senator was hiding something, he just had to find out what. He had the senator's intern under surveilance. She was a little on the heavy side with thick black fur on her head worn in an unflattering style, underneath a beret. She travelled to several ordinary places, on apparently official business. Then towards the end of the day she went into a stylish club with loud, pulsating music. Don waded in, picked out a space at the bar where he could watch her.
She chose a table off to the back where a serving droid painted in vibrant colors took her order. She sat there sipping at a fruity looking beverage and eating a large portion of snacking foods. After a few minutes of waiting she was joined by another female, although not a bothan. She was a Trippian Ogress with a very large head and long blondish hair flowing behind her like a Yavinian goat mane.
"Gawds, Moaneeka you look awful, he stood you up again didn't he? Said the large, intimidating female.
"No he's just been really busy. His work in the Senate is very important and I understand that." Said the Bothan woman, as if trying to convince herself of what she was saying. "Do you still have that package I gave you?"
"Don't you worry, it's safe. I told you I'd take care of things. And just to be on the safe side I copied all the information onto this, for extra insurance!" Grinned the uncommely ogress.
The words found their way to the ears of Don J'Bar, it was just the bit of information he had been waiting for, now all he needed was a distraction. Stumbling toward their table was a large intoxicated Twi'lek male. Don moved unobtrusively in their direction and gave a slight Force shove, knocking the drunk into the two females causing the table contents to spill onto the floor. Including the small silver disk the ogress had been holding.
"You idiotic worm head! Look what you've done!!" She shouted in a tone that would curdle blue milk.
"Hey it wuz an assiden' lady, don' be so...bitter." He said, exhaling his heavily liquored breath on her. "Besides, you're a single girl, let me buy you a drink."
"How do you know I'm single?" The ogress inquired.
"Cause you're as ugly as poodoo." Replied the Twi'lek with all sincerety.
Don siezed the opportunity and used the Force to pull the disk to his hand as the Ogress lifted the Twi'lek by his throat and hurled him across the bar, as her companion was shouting "Leendah don't!!".
The Jedi made his way out of the establishment just as the helpless body of the inebriated male crashed into several tables, whatever information was on this, he would know soon enough.

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They had been travelling for over an hour, and Taranos was starting to fatigue. His grip on the back of the strange assault craft was weakening as it shot through the chilling night air of the Tatooine wilderness. Finally it started to slow and descend for a landing. He readied himself, felt the Force all around him and he leapt onto the downward slope of a large dune. He scrambled to a good vantage point where he could observe his adversaries and gain some measure of them.
The craft hovered for a moment next to four other similar ships. Standing alongside them were three figures wearing old style Mandalorian armor and about two dozen others of various races, cheap mercenaries, Taranos surmised. He was so completely focused on the events before him, he didn't notice the strange shape approach behind him.

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Alec fought the fear that tried to well up inside of him. Instead he focused on the Force. The world seemed to slow. He saw the armored mercenary aiming at his helpless sister. He saw the finger tightening on the trigger. He closed his eyes and Zizzy's dormant lightsaber ignited and sprang to life, cleanly slicing the arm just below the elbow of it's owner. Almost without reaction the soldier drew his other weopon in his other hand and started to fire at Alec, who scrambled, trying to stay one shot ahead of his deadly adversary. He rolled to the left, he sprung backward, the sliding of the sand and the pressure of this dangerous opponent kept him from being able to escape from this defensive strategy. His last landing did not go well. His feet slid from under him and he came to rest in the cross hairs of the Mandalore.
The gun lowered at Alec, he searched for in vane for something to use, to distract this seemingly super enemy. He calmed himself, waiting for the blast to end his life and return his energies to the Force. Thats he saw the blade of the lightsaber cut him from his left shoulder clear through to his right hip. As the body fell in two, he saw silhoutted against the night sky the form of Zizziana Nightstar standing over the lifeless form, light saber gently casting a cold glow onto her fair skin.

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The gaffi stick had just missed Taranos' head. He felt the presence of the Tusken Raider just in time to roll out of the way of the clumsy attack, but as soon as he cleared one strike another was coming in. His mind flashed back to the lessons he had learned. Master Haize' voice echoing in his head about flowing with the energies of the opponenent. Letting the power of the attack work for you, as well as using some innovated thinking yourself. "Always let yourself feel the possibilities." He would say.
The Tusken lunged, Taranos did as he was taught, he sidestepped and at the same time used the Force to gather a layer of the fine desert sand and raise it into a thick cloud to disorient his attacker. He kept his momentum ans spun completely around, kicking the ragged clothed figure in the small of the back. In the surprise of Taranos strike, his grip eased on his weapon enough for the Force to snatch it from him and fly into the hands of the young Jedi. Taranos spun around his body once in perfect flow and arced the gaffi stick down onto the head of his foe, rendering him unconscious.

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The small R2 droid displayed the holographic image to the two Jedi. The expression on their faces was as close to disbelief one was likely to see on members of their order.
"So this is why our esteemed senator was so concerned." Said Don J'Bar in a contemptable tone.
"I would imagine he would be concerned about his activities coming to light. But I'm more concerned about our young team on Tatooine. Aside from his rendezvous with his interns, the bribery and his imbezzelment, I think the other parties involved in his illegal arms trading scheme may go looking for his lost property as well." Anzik replied, grimly.
"What are we waiting for? lets take my ship." Said Don, already moving toward the hanger.

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Zizziana climbed behind the controls of their attackers ship, as Alec hurried into the copilot seat, issuing his protests. He thought to himself how desperate this situation had become when he was being the voice of reason to his sister.
"Do you have any idea what you're heading into?" Asked Alec rhetorically.
"Yes, I do actually. Our captive told us they were hold up outside Mos Eisley, so that's where we're going." Replied Zizzy, matter of factly.
"I don't suppose it will help if I reminded you that we don't know how many we're dealing with, or how well armed they are."
Zizziana just glanced over at her brother.
"I didn't think so." he said, as he bucked his flight harness.

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The mercenaries continued about their business, scanning and downloading the information on the droids they had collected. They had no specific information on what kind of droid is was that they were looking for, only that it had incriminating evidence on it and that it needed to be retrieved. And quickly. There were twelve dressed in traditional Mandalorian armor, and another eight hired guns, as well as two technicians to perform the diagnostics on the newly aquired droids.
There were sentries posted all around the large, rectangular ship. The one on the eastern side was busy munching on some rations and did not notice the sand moving towards him, until Taranos sprang from under a layer of the powdery dirt that covered his Jedi robe and struck him under the chin with the heel of his hand, snapping the mercenary's head backward, and rendering him unconscious. He knelt down and recovered his fallen opponent's blaster, then covered him in the gritty soil, so he would not be easily discovered.
He peered out over the ion engine nacelle at the scene of the droids being violently probed and their memory banks raided, so that all that remained was so much unthinking metal. There was a small PM droid putting up quite a bit of resistance. Then he recognized it as the droid he saw on board the sand crawler, zapping the maintenance droid. In the light of the gradually brightening sky, he could see the markings on it now. White with purple accents. He was glad for the little droid making such a fuss. It was a good distraction.
Taranos, looked down the line of droids, and saw the one they had been sent after. Just two from the front now, if he was going to act it had to be soon.

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The mercenary moved quietly across the sands, despite his armor. The visor of his helmet blcoked the majority of sand blowing into his face. His training had taught him to endure the hardships involved with any campaign without protest, but he was eager to get off of this hot and sandy planet. His thoughts began to dwell more and more upon his discomfort and anxiousness to leave this hellish place, and his body language was beginning to show it. This was the opportunity Taranos had been waiting for.
He made his way over to the sentry, and crept up behind him.
"You shouldn't be here." He whispered in the other man's ear, while gesturing with his hand.
"I shouldn't be here." Repeated the man in a hazy tone.
"Don't let them leave you here." Said Taranos, his words melting into the other mans brain. "You had better take over that ship."
The man in the dark blue Mandalorian armor leapt towards the ship, shouting about some conspiracy. The others quickly moved to subdue him as his blaster waved menacingly in the air. Suddenly the stun blast rippled through his form, causing his legs to fall from under him.
Taranos took the opportunity to begin firing on the technicians raiding the memory banks of the droids. Admittedly it wasn't much of a plan, but he didn't have time to come up with a better one, as the blaster fire began to hurtle towards him.
Every mercenary in the party was firing at the agile Jedi as he evaded countless shots, but he knew he could not keep this pace very long. Fortunately he wouldn't have to as the roar of an engine shook the air above him. Blasters fired from the mounted gun turrets as the familiar form of Zizziana Nightstar somersaulted from the craft, her lightsaber blazing to life as her body turned in midair. Taranos' outstretched hand eagerly received the lightsaber she sent his way.
Blaster fire crisscrossed the air, as lightsabers bounced the lethal bolts of energy back at their opponents. Many of the mercenaries fell as the shots tore into them, and still more fell to the deadly blasts from Alec's borrowed craft.
The battle did not last long, as lightsabers seared through the flesh of their relentless attackers. In minutes the field was cleared except for the two technicians cowering in the corner. One little droid made a point to go up and issue what seemed to be a word of thanks to Zizziana, although she was convinced that there was some distinct sarcasm in the PM droids beeps and whistles. As it rolled by a fallen mercenary, it turned suddenly and jolted the lifeless form vengefully.
"You might not want to load that droid all the way up there yet." Said Alec " I think the power core is shot."
The three of them looked out at the vast expanse of sand that lay between them and the outskirts of Mos Eisley under the heat of the early morning suns. It would be a long walk, so they started on their way with the two droids in tow, and the PM droid all but riding onto Zizziana's heels.
The Jedi seemed to pay no mind to the two survivors as they scampered off in the

***************************************************************

Fjork Oppis paced nervously in his senatorial office. It had been a full day since he had heard from his tactical team and he was beginning to worry. It had been the worst of circumstances. He had arrived to his reserved landing platform to discover his ship was missing with his personal attache droid onboard. At first he was reluctant to alert the Coruscant authorities. He used his contacts in the underworld to discover which of his political adversaries was behind the theft. He sat in disbelief when he was informed it had just been the work of a simple thief, taking advantage of an opportunity to procure the dazzling spacecraft. Fjork immediately dispatched a mercenary unit he kept on retainer. They quickly picked up the trail of the thief, after all, a craft as expensive and rare as the senator's stood out like a homing beacon. They had the thief, a Rodian with a penchant for gambling, on his way to Malastaire for some podracing and fired on him attempting to take out his hyperdrive. They had not counted on him doubling back and jumping into lightspeed so quickly. It took days for their network to locate the ship which he promptly sold, on Tatooine.
The senator was unsure how to feel about the news his precious droid, which contained not only the records of his own illicit activites but those of some of his rivals, which he could use for extortion was in the hands of the junk dealing jawas of the desert planet. He was confident the mercenaries could retrieve it from them, but the young Jedi were a different problem altogether. He decided it was time to leave.
As the last of his luggage was packed, he made for the door. He jumped as the signal rang announcing he had a visitor. His aide opened the door to reveal a tall man dressed in simple taupe robes and high boots. He had dark skin and black hair which he wore close cropped to his scalp, and a small beard and mustache. His name was Feaz Windu, a Jedi master who's family had a long history in their service. He was a man of much reknown and at the sight of him Senator Fjork Oppis fur stood out nervously.

***************************************************************

The ship roared in over the five travelers in the twilight. The effort of their day long journey in the sweltering heat was showing in their stride. Don J'Bar banked hard and came to rest next to the weary wanderers. The door opened and Master Haize stepped out to greet the young Jedi.
"You had us concerned when we found the remains of the Mandalors and your tracks heading off this way. The heat of this world is harsh, even for Jedi."
"We are relatively well master, and here is the object of our quest." Taranos presented the small droid.
"You have done well, all of you." He replied with the slightest hint of pride on his face.
"Well we are certainly glad to see you and Master J'Bar,. I don't know how much longer I could stand this little droid clinging to me." Interjected Zizziana.
"Yes, I noticed you had a new friend. But lets get moving, we have to get back to Coruscant immediately. There is vital information inside this droid that we must act on. And Master Windu is waiting for us.
They all boarded the ship and it quickly burst through the atmosphere and into hyperspace.

***************************************************************

Alec Nightstar sat in disbelief as he listened to the tale of corruption and murder centered around the senator and his droid. The news of the indictment of Fjork Oppis spread like wildfire through the capital, and the Jedi temple was buzzing with accolades for the three young Jedi who retrieved the missing droid and exposed the villainy of the Bothan senator. Alec had dreamed of this moment for years. And now that he had some recognition for his accomplishments, he found himself reevaluating his goals. He was finally beginning to understand that he was just part of a larger picture where all the pieces fit together to make the whole scene. Now as everyone came to congratulate him, he was surprised how humbly he was dismissing his own part. He was starting to feel like the Jedi he wanted to be.
As Taranos finished relaying the full story to Alec they noticed Zizziana coming towards them with her new droid following close behind.
"Look here comes Zizzy." Said Taranos as he admired her. She was quite remarkable this young girl. He understood the lessons on why he should refrain from attachment to the temporary things of the world, but at the moment, just for a second, he was wishing things could be different.
"Not just Zizzy, Taranos, she has PM-S2." Added Alec.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

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