Chapter XXXI –
Insurrection
– Part I
“Apology unacceptable,” Reynard seethed, his voice
low and menacing. At his feet lay the Captain of his
guard, Vuron Dantes, writhing in pain as the collar
around his neck tightened in slow increments.
“Failure is punishable by death, but you know that,
don’t you?”
Vuron remained silent, trying to save what breath he
could. His eyes felt as though they were being
ripped from their sockets and he closed them to
block the glaring light shining directly down on
him.
“I
find all of this too…convenient,” Reynard slowly
said, his gaze shifting over to his assistant, Zula.
Zula
felt the scrutinizing glare but didn’t flinch. He
knew any display of his deception would endanger
other lives in addition to his own. He didn’t even
allow himself to feel relieved when Reynard finally
looked away.
“Find the intruder, Vuron, or you’ll be dealt a fate
worse than death.” Turning away from the agonized
Clawdite, the scientist tossed the fusion inhibitor
– the device responsible for Vuron’s present
condition – to Zula. “Don’t fail me!” Reynard
warned, locking his gaze on his assistant and then
stormed from the room.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Luke
had recently finished rinsing their clothes in the
pool, cleaning them the best he could and laid them
out on a few large boulders to dry. Feeling some
relief, he thanked the Force and his father as he
watched the slow rise and fall of Cela’s chest as he
lay propped up beside her on the ground. Although
far from healed, her pallor now had more of a
natural tinge to it. The water or whatever special
properties it contained had helped the young
teenager, allowing the Jedi to breathe easier. After
adjusting his robe [the only item of clothing not
wet] that was covering her slumbering form, Luke
smiled and leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.
“You’re a fighter, Cela. Remember that,” he murmured
to her. Lying down on his back, Luke closed his eyes
and fell asleep.
Luke
had no idea how much time had elapsed as he rubbed
the sleep from his eyes. He sat up and glanced over
at his serenely sleeping friend. Reaching over, he
placed two fingertips on Cela’s neck. Her pulse
wasn’t as strong as he would have liked, but it
wasn’t as weak as before either. Taking the only
container he had left, the other had been lost in
the sandstorm; Luke went to the edge of the pool and
filled it with water. He only hoped once they
reached outside it wouldn’t be as hot as before.
Kneeling next to Cela, Luke softly said, “Wake up,
sleepyhead. I need you to drink some water.”
Cela’s eyelids fluttered but she could hardly open
them. Cradling the girl in his arm, Luke sat her up
just enough to drink from the water container.
“Small sips,” he advised with a smile.
When
she couldn’t take anymore, Luke lay her back down
and refilled the container again. “Time to get you
back to the ship,” he determinedly affirmed.
__________________________________*****_________________________________
Mara
lazily opened her eyes believing that her dream
would be reality. As her vision cleared, she soon
realized that her fanciful dream was nothing more
than that. Perturbed and disappointed, she sat up
and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. It took
her a moment as she looked at her clothes to
remember why she was dressed in Jedi attire.
“I
remember now. I wonder how long I was asleep?” she
commented out loud as she walked to the refresher.
“Doesn’t matter,” she continued to mumble, “I’m
getting out of here.”
Her
hair still damp from her shower, Mara studied the
map the navigation computer pulled up for her. Due
to the security lockdowns in the cockpit, it was one
of the few functions she was able to access. “And
people think I’m paranoid,” she sarcastically
stated. She couldn’t glean much from the rocky
terrain other than it looked like a desert with
cliff faces and small mountains. One area that
caught her eye was the one with a slight shimmer
around it. She couldn’t get the sensors to penetrate
further, which she attributed to her own
restrictions or whatever was preventing the area
from being read.
“I’d
venture to guess that the Jedi,” she said the
word with complete disdain, “discovered the toxin
and…learned about the meeting…” Her brows knit
together as her anger began to rise. “Cela! She’s
the only person who could have said anything. If she
went to them…” Mara leaned back in the chair, her
eyes closing to mere slits as a sneer snaked up her
lips. “If she did…she’s no doubt under their
protection. No matter, I’ll teach her for betraying
me!” she snarled venomously.
After calming herself, she commented, “Looks like
it’s time to meet this crazy scientist. I’ll find a
way to obtain the toxin or maybe make a deal.
Anything is better than sitting numbly on this ship.
Besides, now I have an added revenge to take
pleasure in.”
Bereft of her own boots, Mara reluctantly put on the
ones she supposed her mother had left behind – after
all, this terrain would not be the kind she wanted
to go barefoot on. In spite of the fact that they
were a little big for her, she surmised it was
better than nothing. Although, mentally shaking off
the echo left behind by her mother’s presence vexed
her. She’d already tried to find something else but
the lone boots were it. She’d also found a fully
charged blaster and holster and strapped it to her
left leg.
“If
only I had my lightsaber,” she scowled.
Mara
watched as the ramp ascended and sealed tightly.
Turning away from the ship, she set out into the
blazing sun.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Now
situated with their respective clothing, Luke again
used the Force to transport Cela. She protested his
method of helping her but she wasn’t in the position
to argue vehemently. After a few minutes, she
relented and gave Luke a wry smile.
Her
voice barely above a whisper, she said, “I’m
going to owe you…a very expensive dinner…when I get
better.”
“I’m
going to hold you to that,” Luke teased.
Cela
tried to smile as she rose off the ground and
hovered next to the Jedi. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep
you safe,” Luke reassured her.
A
small nod of her head provided her answer.
They
left the pristine grotto and disappeared into the
tunnel that they had emerged from before. Luke tried
to maintain his optimism that he would remember his
way in the maze of tunnels and avoid capture.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Mara
anticipated she would have some difficulty
traversing the terrain due to her incapacitation for
an unknown amount of time. She had felt so weak
before but she seemed to be passing out of that
phase now as she felt her strength returning. Her
heartbeat was strong and it made her wonder about
the toxin.
“He
wouldn’t have sent it full strength…” she mused to
herself as she continued her trek over or around
large boulders. “That would’ve not only cut into his
profits but someone could analyze it and figure out
the formula.”
Eventually stopping to catch her breath and drink
some water, Mara then started out again, silently
vowing she would never live in such a place.
She
ignored the small creatures she encountered along
the way except for the few tripions. Not knowing how
poisonous the scorpion-type creatures were, she gave
them a wide berth. She’d had enough of feeling weak
and being out of commission. Shielding her eyes with
her hand, Mara looked up into the midday sky and the
sun that was beating down upon her. “Rain would be
nice,” she mockingly commented wiping the sweat from
her brow.
She
was nearly drenched in sweat when she felt a
presence nearby. Her hand instinctively went to the
blaster strapped to her leg and her eyes scanned
every direction but she didn’t stop walking. If
they think they’re going to ambush me, they’d better
think again, she silently mused as her lips
curled upward into a roguish grin.
She
walked quite a bit farther, the presence following
her but leaving her alone. That’s when Mara became
irritated. She continued toward a large area of
rock, as if oblivious to her stalker. As soon as she
could, she darted behind the boulder, drew her
blaster, and began firing.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Since she had to accommodate Reynard’s schedule,
Sakoya decided that exploring the suite thoroughly
while she waited for her tour of the estate would be
a good way to pass the time. Restless as well,
Xar’ek eagerly joined in, hoping he would find
something of interest.
Wandering into the study, Sakoya found herself
admiring the white marble fireplace and its
decorative mantel while Xar’ek snooped in the
expansive bedroom. She was casually strolling by a
large oval shaped mirror when something made her
senses tingle. She stopped and looked around just as
Xar’ek walked in.
“Red?”
“Uh
huh?” Sakoya absently replied.
Xar’ek watched her for a moment, enjoying the
wondrous look that her face displayed. After a
minute, he shook his head and remembered why he had
come in the room in the first place. Purposefully,
he walked forward and wrapped his arms around her
tightly. She resisted immediately but he simply
tightened his arms and whispered softly into her
ear.
“Just go with me. We’re under surveillance. I found
a few devices in the bedroom and I’m sure there’s
more.”
She
stopped struggling instantly and whispered back,
“Vid or audio?”
“Both in the bedroom,”
Xar’ek replied and immediately felt Sakoya’s body
stiffen.
“That sick dianoga! What a pathetic parasite!”
“Harsh words, Red. Appropriate, but harsh,”
Xar’ek stated, suppressing a chuckle.
“Xar’ek! You are impossible!”
Sakoya continued to whisper but her tone implied her
slight annoyance. “So, I assume our cover is
blown. We can only hope Obi-Wan and Bail have found
the toxin and activated the beacon.”
“Next move?”
Xar’ek asked.
“We have to get out of here, but there are soldiers
everywhere.”
Enjoying the closeness with Sakoya, Xar’ek dared to
take it one-step further. He pulled his head back
and angled it toward her, his lips pressing onto
hers.
An
instantaneous howl erupted from Xar’ek as he let her
go and backed away, his lower lip flecked with
blood.
“Will you never learn?” she snarled.
Xar’ek gave her a lopsided grin and retorted, “You
take away all the fun.”
Sakoya rolled her eyes and stormed out of the room.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Blaster fire erupted all over and Mara found herself
outnumbered. She also didn’t have an inexhaustible
supply of power packs and knew she couldn’t hold out
for long. Laser blasts careened off the stone she
hid behind and a fair share also flew overhead,
skimming her shelter. Dirt and rock shards sprayed
their remnants wildly across the terrain and a few
narrowly missed pelting her. She turned her body,
searching for another place to take cover and
fervently wishing she had her lightsaber.
“You’re surrounded!” a voice immediately shouted as
the blaster exchange stopped. “Surrender and you may
live,” the voice warned.
Mara
glanced down at the power pack on her blaster and
frowned. Surrender had never been an option for her
– she had always been the victor. This turn of
events made her feel vulnerable and that was not
something she welcomed.
The
Clawdite in charge nodded to one of his men and
ordered, “Set your weapon to stun. If she tries to
take off, nail her.”
“Yes, sir,” the other responded.
Mara
couldn’t hear their conversation and was still
trying to decide what to do when she suddenly leapt
up, began firing again, and took off at a run.
“Fire,” the lead Clawdite ordered as soon as Mara
emerged.
Mara
almost made it to the next area of rock that would
have sheltered her, but she fell hard onto the
ground, stunned by the last shot.
The
sentries cautiously approached with their weapons
drawn, ready to collect their prisoner.
(Caution is commendable but only if you’re ready for
what possibly awaits.)
As
the sentries drew near, Mara suddenly turned over
onto her back, her blaster leveled at her enemies
and fired with deadly accuracy on each of them. Of
the five Clawdite’s, only one survived and that had
been her intent.
She
took a chance and she knew it. The shot she had
taken could have easily been a fatal one, but she
considered they might want to question her and she
was relieved to have been right. Using the Force,
she leapt to her feet and advanced on the living
Clawdite, her blaster aimed at his head. “Might I
suggest you set your weapon on the highest stun
setting when you don’t know who you’re dealing
with?”
__________________________________*****__________________________________
The
door of their suite chimed but before either of them
could answer it, Reynard opened it and stepped
through.
Sakoya walked into the main area of the suite just
as the scientist walked in. “Good afternoon,” she
called out, smiling as she approached.
“Good afternoon,” Reynard replied rather aloofly.
“Reynard, do you mind if I call you by your first
name?” Not waiting for his reply, Sakoya continued,
“While this may be your estate, it is unacceptable
for you to barge into my suite. I could have been
otherwise engaged and that would present an awkward
situation.”
Reynard slowly dipped his head to his chest and then
brought it back up. “My apologies for intruding. I
am now available for your tour.” His voice was cold,
indifferent.
Sakoya nodded and then turned to Xar’ek who was off
to her left. “I’ll be back later.”
“You’re welcome to join us,” Reynard offered in the
same tone of voice as he turned his head toward the
Corellian.
“Thanks but I’ll wait here,” Xar’ek replied,
suddenly feeling uneasy but refusing to show it. He
could see by the scientist’s mannerisms that
something wasn’t right.
Reynard’s eyes narrowed menacingly as he said in a
low tone, “I insist.”
Sakoya and Xar’ek exchanged glances and then Reynard
interrupted, holding out his hand. “I’m afraid
weapons aren’t allowed in the lab; please give me
your lightsaber.”
“I’m
rather fond of it, thank you.”
“This is not negotiable,” Reynard stated icily.
Reluctantly, Sakoya took the saber from her belt and
placed it in the scientist’s awaiting hand. “After
you,” he genially said.
With
two of his sentries maintaining a distance behind
them, Reynard walked alongside Sakoya on her left
side and Xar’ek beside her on the right. Xar’ek
watched Reynard out of the corner of his eye,
wondering what he had planned. His instincts were on
fire and telling him to get out of there but he had
nowhere to go and he wasn’t about to leave Sakoya.
He certainly didn’t have a weapon that could
withstand all of the Clawdites he kept seeing. He
thought back to when they had been escorted into the
castle and the door they had first entered. Might
be able to go that way, but we’d be open targets,
he silently mused. Although the Jedi was able
bodied, Xar’ek recognized there was only so much she
could handle.
The
Corellian wasn’t the only one having thoughts of
escape, Sakoya sensed they were in danger too. If
she could have heard Xar’ek’s thoughts, she would
have agreed with him. Her hand brushed by her
lightsaber that Reynard was holding in his hand and
that gave her some comfort as they walked. As to
where they were going, Sakoya didn’t want to guess,
she already had unpleasant ideas.
Reynard guided them past the staircase Sakoya had
gone down before and deeper into the second floor.
Gleaming obsidian colored walls, identical to the
area of Sakoya and Xar’ek’s suite, reflected their
images back at them as they slowly walked past.
There were no adornments of any kind in the hallway,
but both the Corellian and Jedi espied an encasement
filled with various weapons. It wasn’t an armory but
it held enough weapons that if needed, they were
available.
At
the end of the hallway, the small party could turn
to the left or go down the stairs on the right.
Without pausing, Reynard turned left while Xar’ek
considered jumping down the stairs.
Sakoya could feel the rising agitation emitting from
her friend but she didn’t react quickly enough as
Xar’ek bounded over to the stairway and jumped down
several stairs.
“Xar’ek, no!” Sakoya shouted.
“C’mon, Red!” he hollered back at her.
All
it took was a flick of Reynard’s index finger and
his guards began firing at the fleeing Corellian.
Sakoya grabbed the wrist of the nearest guard,
making his blaster shot ricochet off the obsidian
wall, his own shot striking him in the chest. As the
guard fell to the floor, Sakoya used the Force and
called her lightsaber to her hand. Ripping itself
from Reynard’s loose grip and into its owner’s hand,
a snap-hiss resounded and the emerald blade pulsated
with intensity. Sakoya became one with the weapon,
her body twisting and turning with precision as the
saber whirled through the air – blocking and
parrying each shot – as she commenced to slice
through each wrist or arm of the guards, their
blasters clattering to the floor.
It
was over as quickly as it began and Reynard stood a
few meters away, glaring hard at the Jedi. If he
could have killed her with that look, he would have
done it.
“You
missed one,” he acerbically stated and then added,
“Zula, escort your friend to the main lab. You’ll
find him on the staircase.”
Zula
had barely emerged from his nearby quarters and
looked askance at his master.
“You
heard me, wretched filth!” Reynard heatedly snapped,
his eyes never veering from Sakoya.
“I
don’t understand, Master,” Zula quietly replied just
as a squad of guards thundered up the stairs in
front of him.
“You
will soon,” Reynard snarled and then spoke to
Sakoya, “Disarm yourself, woman.”
“The
hell I will!” she shot back.
Amused, Reynard allowed himself a slight grin.
“Subdue her!” he ordered, stepping back out of the
way and onto the circular walkway behind him.
The
guards immediately began firing their blasters.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Luke
could feel the warm breeze circulating through the
tunnels and knew they were almost free. He looked
over at Cela as she floated beside him, the Jedi’s
use of the Force carrying her along. She had been
sporadically semi-conscious throughout the trek of
the tunnels and Luke softly spoke to her, helping to
keep her somewhat alert yet placid.
Luke
maintained his vigilance on the security devices
along the way, each one disabled through the Force,
until they had passed. He knew that even missing one
would bring a horde of sentries’ right to them – a
chance he wasn’t willing to risk. Periodically, he’d
managed to evade guards but they were more casual –
walking, not running – apparently not in pursuit of
anyone, which brought a sense of relief to the Jedi.
The
smile on Luke’s face as he stepped out into the
sunlight was one of elation. Finally, no more
tunnels, guards or humid air. From here, he just had
to get his friend on the ship and to the nearest
medical facility.
“Soon, Cela,” he said with a genuine smile, as his
hand brushed across her damp forehead.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
The
Clawdite glared at the woman standing over him in
spite of the blaster she held poised to his chest.
“What do you want?” he grumbled.
Mara
sneered at the guard and replied, “Take me to the
scientist.”
Nurya looked at the woman incredulously. She
actually wanted to see Reynard? “Why? He’ll kill
you.”
“Perhaps not. It’s my business anyway,” she
acerbically shot back.
“Doesn’t matter to me, wench. Your funeral,” Nurya
offhandedly commented.
A
second later, the Clawdite’s head felt as if it had
been ripped from his shoulders as Mara’s foot jammed
into his skull. He now lay on his side, facing away
from the angered woman.
“That’s for being impolite,” Mara snapped. “And
this,” she kicked him hard in the back, the tip of
her boot digging into his spine, “is for addressing
me improperly.” Mara took a step back, the blaster
leveled on the moaning Clawdite. “Now get up and
take me to Reynard.”
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