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Jedi Headquarters, Imperial City, Coruscant
Luke Skywalker knocked softly on Helaine Trillium's door, hoping the girl was awake. She'd been sleeping when he first tried to talk to her; and he hadn't wanted to wake her up from a much needed rest. Fairly certain she'd ask again to go to Mantooine, Luke knew he couldn't say no. It had certainly been the case with Mara and Mirax. He heard footsteps in the room, followed by a tired looking Lainey opening the door. "Master Skywalker," she said in greeting, bowing to him.
Inclining his head in greeting, Luke said, "Hello, Lainey. May I talk to you for a moment?"
"Of course," Lainey replied, stepping away from the door. With a wave of her hand, she added, "Please come in."
"Thank you," Luke answered politely, stepping into her dorm room. He gestured her to sit on her bed, while he took a seat in her desk chair. "I know this is difficult for you but...I need more information about Valdemar."
Lainey stiffened slightly, folding her hands on her lap to mask her response. "What do you know?"
"Well, I know that he lives on Mantooine, has some sort of vendetta against Jedi, and is able to block our connection to the Force with a drug. Cilghal did some testing on it, and found that it affects only a certain micro-organism in the blood. It turns them inactive." He paused, resting his chin in his hands to lower the formality of the discussion, and put her at ease. "What else can you tell me?"
"I'm pretty sure his organization is small, I only saw two of them. I don't think he has any vendetta against the Jedi...," She hesitated, looking at her hands. "It gives him perverse pleasure to break past your emotional shields, because Jedi fight so hard to maintain them." She wrung her hands, sighing. "I didn't fare well."
Luke took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay." He paused, catching her gaze. "The Force sent you there for a reason, you know."
Lainey nodded. "Yes... Master Yoda said I would serve it best by going to Mantooine, instead of helping fight the war. I think I understand why now." She paused, wondering how to bring up something that had been on her mind. She elected the direct approach. "He skipped something in your training, you know."
Blinking, Luke asked, "What? How can you tell?"
Shrugging her shoulders slightly, Lainey replied, "It's evident in the way you train your students, and their perceptions of the Force. It's nothing critical, I suppose. You've obviously done fine without it, and probably would have for a long time, with your advesaries only being able to use ysalamiri to block your use of the Force, after Valdemar. But I imagine your numbers would stay small."
Luke was definitely curious as to what she was alluding to, but he had learned to wait patiently. While Lainey said it probably wasn't critical, Luke wondered what was so obviously lacking in their knowledge of the Force. The fact that she mentioned his old master, Yoda, peeked his curiosity. Yet, he knew better, Lainey hadn't had long to adjust to the new time frame, and the Jedi purge was still fresh on her mind. "What is it?" Luke asked, prompting her to speak again.
Lainey took on a lecturing tone. "The midichlorians, Master Skywalker. They're micro-organisms that live in your blood, creating a symbiotic relationship. A Jedi cannot touch the Force without these conduits and messengers of the Force. These are the micro-organisms Healer Cilghal found and noticed were inactive under the influence of Valdemar's drug." Lainey took a breath. "If she had chosen to take a count of them, she probably would have noticed that mine ranged in the 10,000 while Valdemar's people would likely be less than 6,000. The higher your midichlorian count, the stronger you are in the Force." She paused. "Every child born into the Republic was tested for them, and whether or not they trained, their count was in their medical records." She shivered. "That made the purges easier and more efficient."
Leaning back, Luke stroked his chin as he processed what Lainey told him. This was certainly important - and potentially dangerous information. He'd never imagined that Force sensitivity could be tested by a simple blood test. It had always seemed more mystical to him; perhaps that was what Lainey meant by his students' perceptions of the Force. Lainey's warning about the purges and Valdemar had been clear; but Luke knew the Jedi could not survive with the few numbers they had now, especially considering that the amount of new potentials had dropped drastically. They needed new searching methods, and Lainey had just given him a simple, efficient one. His eyes met hers and he nodded. "Thanks for the information, Lainey. I understand the inherent risks, but I believe it would be beneficial to adopt the old method of testing Force sensitivity. Any results concerning midichlorian numbers would be kept confidential, of course."
Lainey nodded, biting her lip. "Master Skywalker?"
"Yes, Lainey?" Luke asked.
Hesitating, Lainey took a deep breath. "I want to go to Mantooine with you."
Luke sighed; he had known this would come. Staring intently into her eyes, he asked, "Are you certain you are ready to do this?"
Nodding again, Lainey said with conviction, "Yes, he's my Master."
"Okay," Luke said, rising to his feet. Her answer wasn't a surprise. Hopefully, she was ready to face Valdemar again. "We'll leave at 0500 hours in the morning. You best start packing and preparing yourself for the trip now."
***
One week later
Mantooine
It was cold, dark, and his head hurt like it'd been repeatedly pounded by a Wookiee. He must have slept for hours - days probably - for he could remember few waking moments before the darkness claimed him again. No longer in a ship, he could feel no movement beneath his body. The Force was blocked from him, giving him no connection to his family, or to the outside world. There was no fear. Monsters like Valdemar would sense it. No need to give him the satisfaction. Since he was allowed to stay awake, that meant Valdemar would soon be coming.
Corran Horn stretched on the stiff cot he had been placed on, pulling on the restraints that had been placed on his wrists. His feet had been left unbound - a possible fatal mistake on Valdemar's part? - but Corran didn't think he was that stupid. Slowly and painfully, he opened his eyes, blinking against the soft light of his cell. Glancing up, he noticed a caged ysalamiri hanging from the ceiling. The creature looked down at him, moving so slowly he barely noticed it blink. Corran wondered why they weren't using the drug on him. Perhaps it was in limited supply?
There was a bucket that passed for a refresher in the corner across from his cot. Is that soft, blinking light above it a holocam? There were no buttons on his side of the door from which to try to bypass a code, and they certainly hadn't left his lightsaber with him. Corran sighed, realizing he'd have to wait until this Valdemar chose to approach him before he could make any escape plans. No doubt a rescue party was on its way, but he didn't want to make things any tougher for them.
Soon, he heard slow and precise footsteps coming down the corridor. Corran used his elbows to pull himself up into a sitting position, struggling to look as relaxed as possible with restraints on his arms. His cell door slid open, admitting a tall, apparently ageless man. His dark features and deep gray eyes no doubt could have attracted many women, if there had been any trace of warmth behind them. He clasped his hands behind his back, offering Corran a cold smile. "Welcome to my home, Jedi Master Corran Horn."
"How could I resist your invite?" Corran asked, injecting sarcasm into his tone.
"I must admit that it was ratherpersuasive," he said smoothly. "I am Valdemar."
"I know," Corran said, keeping his voice calm. "I am also aware that you are a changeling... why do you choose human form?"
"Because you are human," Valdemar replied simply, offering no other explanation.
Corran didn't need one. If he had been a Hutt, Valdemar would have assumed Hutt form. Being among people of your own race often creates a sense of comfort and stability, unless you are being harmed by them. Then you feel betrayed, and are forced to see your own kind at its worst, perhaps even seeing a mirror image of yourself in their eyes. "What is it you have against the Jedi?" Corran asked.
"Nothing, Master Jedi," Valdemar answered, his face remaining an emotionless mask. "I simply find them to be fascinating." His dark gray eyes glittered. "They seek to suppress every natural emotion, but claim to serve life." He paused. "I choose only to embrace the necessary ones."
"Such as?" Corran asked, dreading the answer.
Valdemar's lips curled into a sick impression of a smile. "The thrill of a kill." He paused, closing his eyes for a moment. "The sweet sound of anguished screaming, made even sweeter knowing that I caused it."
Corran shook his head. "Why?"
"Why not?" Valdemar countered smoothly. "Because it is...wrong?" He raised an eyebrow. "Should my conscience warn me against it?"
Spreading his hands as best he could in his restraints, Corran replied, "You tell me."
"Nice tactic," Valdemar appraised. "Certainly deserving of an answer. You see, Master Jedi, I have come to observe that believing in a right or wrong places limits on infinite potential."
Corran leaned against the wall, creating the best image of nonchalance possible. "Explain."
"It's simple. Imagine what Anakin Skywalker could have done if he had shown no restraint, was not a prisoner to his anger or Master. If he had not cared to save his only son. What if the Jedi Council had chosen to read High Chancellor Palpatine's mind, or execute Anakin Skywalker the moment they felt the danger from him?" Valdemar asked, then pointed to Corran. "And you, Master Jedi, could have easily killed my men in front of your daughter at the expense of her innocence, and you would have remained free to come and challenge me on your own terms."
Corran fought hard to keep his anger in check. "What would be the point, if I didn't believe in right or wrong?"
"The challenge, of course," Valdemar replied simply.
Understanding rose Corran's chin. "Which is why you pursue Jedi."
Valdemar nodded. "Exactly. Though I must admit Skywalker's Jedi are slightly less interesting. The Old Republic's were far more... hypocritical and adamant about their beliefs." He paused, looking thoughtful. "Take your Padawan, Helaine, for example. She's a fighter, isn't she?" Corran didn't answer, causing Valdemar to give him a slight smile. "And for what? An order that was swiftly dying, one that denied her the right to see her own family. That's what made so many of the Jedi apprentices upset, you know." He stroked his chin. "It also made them grow closer to their masters. Helaine was very close to Lanelle Caine." His smile grew bigger. "I do look forward to reuniting them."
Corran clenched his fist. "What do you mean?"
"I am a collector, Master Jedi. I am certain you would find my exhibits to be...fascinating," Valdemar answered vaguely. "Helaine did." He paused. "I think I shall make her my only living entry."
Though he knew he was being baited, Corran said, "It's a long way to Coruscant."
Valdemar nodded. "Yes, but it is a short walk to Terrance." He steepled his fingers in front of him. "Where Skywalker recently landed." He paused, gazing intently at Corran "With your apprentice."
***
Terrance, Mantooine
Coming back to Mantooine was a surreal experience for Helaine Trillium. It had changed in almost fifty years. The town had stayed small, still having only one hotel. The same hotel that she had stayed in with Lanelle Caine. She kept her silence while Master Skywalker ordered a suite. She was grateful that they wouldn't be in the same room at least, because their group was larger and needed a bigger room. Not that it mattered. They wouldn't be spending a long time in it. That night Master Skywalker was going to go into the forest to attract Valdemar and his followers. The rest of the group would follow, sneaking up on them and apprehending them when they made their grab for the Master.
Master Skywalker and his wife had fought over the plan the entire trip, but Master Skywalker was adamant. It was he who Valdemar wanted, not her. When Mara tried to suggest another option, he refused. He wouldn't even consider letting Helaine be the bait. Not wanting to get between the two Jedi, Lainey made no comment. The thought of walking into Valdemar's clutches with her eyes open turned her stomach.
Helaine fingered her new lightsaber, having built a new lightsaber on the trip, one with a silver blade, like Master Horn's. Her old lightsaber had been purple, but she couldn't bring herself to copy it.
A droid carried their luggage to their suite, and led the way up six flights of stairs. Helaine found herself thinking about the all too familiar layout, wondering why they hadn't chosen to remodel after all these years. Their suite was much larger than the room she had shared with Master Caine - three rooms, a kitchenette, and living room. They spent most of their time in the living room, discussing the plans for that evening. Helaine mainly listened, both dreading and looking forward to the evening. She could not feel her Master's presence in the Force, but that was to be expected. Valdemar most certainly used his drug on Master Horn.
She didn't worry about not seeing him again. Valdemar wouldn't kill him until she was there to watch. Or Master Skywalker. Helaine wondered what Valdemar possibly wanted with him. He would probably be delighted that Mara had come along, becuase he could torment Master Skywalker with her.
Watching the sun sink too fast behind the mountains, Helaine fought back a shudder. Valdemar liked the dark, lurking in shadows where it was easiest to hide. He was also a coward, never choosing to fight fairly. His opponents were bound, and already emotionally drained by losing their connection to the Force. And the purges.
While darkness consumed the light, Helaine rose from her seat with the others, then donned her camouflaged clothing in the room she shared with Mirax. Master Skywalker was wearing his Jedi Robes and uniform, making himself the perfect target. Little was said when the group again met in the living room, and when Helaine, Mirax, and Ganner left to give husband and wife some time alone.
***
Still inside the suite, Mara folded her arms. "You better be careful, Skywalker."
Smiling, Luke walked toward her, touching her cheek. "I will be." He paused, gently stroking her cheek with his palm, staring deeply into her green eyes. "What did I do to deserve such a beautiful wife?"
"You don't," Mara informed him, stepping into his embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck. "But I'll put up with you." She rose up on her toes, kissing his lips.
Luke wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her up to him, deepening Mara's kiss. Mara allowed it to linger only a few moments before quickly drawing away. Luke tried to pull her back, but she moved out of his reach. "If we don't quit now, we won't."
Sighing, Luke said, "It sounds like a much funner way to spend the night."
"And an easy way to get shot by Mirax," Mara pointed out.
Luke winced. "Right." He pulled Mara back to him anyway, hugging her close. "Take care of yourself, Mara," He hesitated. "And our child."
Mara frowned. "You know I won't let anything happen to him."
"Her."
"You've been wrong before, Farmboy," Mara reminded him.
Luke shrugged. "Doesn't make me wrong now."
***
Valdemar had Corran sedated soon after he left his cell, explaining that he wanted Corran to get plenty of rest for the night's exertions. Corran had fought the sedative, knowing he needed time to think and plan. That was probably Valdemar's intention all along. He awoke from a dreamless sleep possibly hours later though it felt like minutes, feeling slightly dizzy as the cell's light first assaulted his eyes.
The moment he sat up in his cot, using his arm to rub his eyes, he realized that something was different about his cell. The lighting was the same, the door remain closed, and his "refresher" was still in the same place, but something was different. Frowning, Corran searched the room again, this time turning his gaze upward.
The ysalamiri was missing.
He was still blind from the Force, which meant Valdemar had used his drug on him. But why run the risk of it wearing off? Unless that was his intention. Valdemar had made it quite clear that Corran was bait for Luke and Lainey, a fact that bothered Corran more than having to be rescued. Fortunately, Valdemar was giving him back the Force, if even for a short while. Corran vowed to make that his captor's big mistake.
***
The Mantooine forest was deceptively beautiful at night. Starlight pooled through the leaves of the ariam trees, illuminating the foliage covered ground. Helaine traveled with Master Rhysode, a meter behind Mara and Mirax, who both had more experience in espionage. They both also carried packs full of explosives, in order to give Valdemar's victims a proper funeral pyre. Hidden in shadows, they cleared the path in the trees for Helaine and Master Rhysode. Master Skywalker walked on the forest path, striding purposefully where it was easiest to see him.
The forest was unusually silent. Insects chirped every once in a while and rodents scurried, but it was mostly quiet. A strange feeling started forming in Helaine's stomach as she continued to follow Master Skywalker at a distance. It was taking too long for Valdemar to show up. Helaine brushed past a tree branch, when suddenly her bond flickered. She froze, reaching out to Master Horn's faint presence. Master?
Lainey, are you alright? Master Horn asked.
Fine, Master. Have you escaped?
No, I'm a lure, Lainey. You must be careful, Valdemar is leading you guys into a trap.
Helaine paused, thoughtfully. Can you escape though, with telekinesis?
She could sense her Master's frown. I'm afraid that's not an option, Padawan.
You're wrong, Master, it is. I'll lend you the energy. Closing her eyes, Helaine gathered the Force within her, channeling it toward Master Horn.
***
Corran Horn braced himself against the wall when it came, quickly transferring the energy into telekinesis, wondering exactly how much Lainey knew about the Halcyon line. He walked toward his cell door, using telekinesis to maneuver the wiring and open it. He couldn't sense any guard outside his door, but he expected them to block their presences. The moment his door opened, the guard jumped to his feet, unholstering his blaster. Corran snatched it quickly with the Force, pumping a stun shot into him.
He trained his gun down the dimly lit corridor, started to send a gratitude message to Lainey, when her presence suddenly disappeared in the Force. Corran froze, but only for a moment, because he heard voices floating down the hallway. Glancing around, Corran realized his only chance was the room across from him, through the Force he couldn't feel anyone in there, but that didn't mean much. Corran dashed across the hall, slapping the door opener button, then slid into the dimly lit room.
The first thing to hit him was the sickeningly sweet smell of decaying flesh and must. The second thing was the mangled body of a young man, which looked far fresher than the rest of the bodies in the room. In fact, behind the open wounds in his face, Corran realized he was vaguely familiar. . . Corran's stomach dropped when he realized who it was: Manuel Rigazzo.
Corran's heart ached for the fallen apprentice, but he didn't have long to reflect on it. The voices from the hallway were growing louder, heading toward the room he was in. Fighting back his gag reflex, Corran moved through the ghastly menagerie, hiding behind a rather large corpse. Bright light entered the room in a rectangle as two shadowy figures walked into the room.
***
Contacting her Master caused Helaine to fall behind from her group, and her concentration with the Force dampened her other senses, making her an easy target. Helaine didn't notice the other's presence until she felt the sting of an injector against her neck as one large hand covered her mouth. Helaine squirmed, kicking behind her as she reached for her lightsaber. His grip released a little bit, giving her room to grab it, switch it on, and twist in his arms to press it against his leg. He fell to the ground, hissing air behind clenched teeth. Helaine knelt beside him, and switched her lightsaber off, hitting its hilt against his head.
"Master Rhysode!" she called out, just before she felt the tingling of a stun bolt hit her in the back. It wasn't strong enough to knock her out, but it paralyzed her, allowing her new attacker to gag her and lift her up over his shoulder.
"Lainey!" Master Rhysode called from a few meters ahead, causing the bushes to rustle as he ran. "Where are you?"
Helaine lay limply across her attacker's back, working her tongue against the gag in her mouth, but couldn't get it out. Her attacker suddenly stopped walking, kneeling beside a large rock and putting Helaine down long enough to move it, revealing a dark staircase.
Lifting Helaine across his shoulder again, he strode down the staircase, without replacing the rock. Helaine glanced up as he carried her, watching the sky grow smaller as he descended the stairs, wondering if the man was just careless, or had left the door open on purpose.
***
Ganner Rhysode ran through the trees, with Mara and Mirax on his tail. Luke had turned away from the trail, heading toward Lainey's call as well. But the moment the others' backs were turned away from him, Luke was tackled from behind. It took two men to take him down. One injected him with the Force suppressant drug, the other bound his hands with stun cuffs. Luke's mouth was gagged before he could call for help, and the lack of the Force made him feel more exhausted than he had before.
Luke arched his back, trying to toss his assailants off his back, but failing miserably. They started to lift him when the sound of blaster fire cut through the air, knocking the first down. The second fired back, using red killing fire instead of stun blue. Luke turned his head, noticing that Mara immediately turned her fire to kill, hitting her opponent square in the chest. Luke groaned as the man fell on his back, and as his wife ran to him. She quickly pushed the man off of him, kneeling beside him. "You okay?" Mara asked, removing his gag.
Nodding, Luke rose to a sitting position. "Did you find Lainey?"
Mara shook her head. "They got her... but I think Corran's escaped. I can sense him now, but he's being followed.
Luke jumped clumsily to his feet. "Where?"
Pointing southeast, Mara said, "That way." Then she raised her eyebrows, gesturing to his hands. "Are you trying to show off, or would you like me to free your hands?"
Blushing, Luke extended his hands to her, palms up. "Please."
***
Helaine was carried into an all too familiar room, and placed into an all too familiar chair. Her attacker removed her gag. Binders were placed around her stomach and chest to keep her from sliding off the chair, just as a tall man entered the room, carrying a stiff body. Helaine's blue eyes widened as she realized it was a corpse, and though deteriorated, she knew whose it was. Master Caine's. Valdemar smiled at her reaction. "I thought I'd allow you some time with your old Master, Helaine, before bringing in your new." His gray eyes roamed over her. "You've reached a sixty many women would kill to reach, my dear." He raised an eyebrow. "Am I to receive any gratitude?"
"For what?" Helaine asked. "Killing my first master and imprisoning the second?"
Valdemar clasped his hands behind his back. "For allowing you to live, to help improve the New Jedi Order. Certainly there are many suggestions you've chosen to give to Master Skywalker, such as forbidding love, perhaps?"
Helaine shook her head. "He is head of the order now."
"He is also the son of Anakin Skywalker." He turned toward Master Caine's corpse, resting his hand on its shoulder. "He would have killed her had I not."
Wincing, Helaine averted her gaze, fighting the queasy feeling in her stomach. She had seen the holo of Master Caine's corpse, but seeing it now was worse. But she couldn't allow Valdemar to see that. "Master Skywalker has proven himself trustworthy."
"And Anakin Skywalker didn't?" Valdemar asked skeptically. "He was your man of prophecy, a true hero of his time. He would have been nothing without the Force, however." Valdemar paused. "Many Jedi aren't, which is why you are so easy to capture, because I, Helaine, have conquered the Force."
"No," Helaine objected. "You haven't. It's impossible."
"But I have, Padawan Trillium. It fears me because I am invisible to it, and can take it away from its servants as well." He smiled. "As I have you."
***
Ganner and Mirax appeared from the trees, just as Mara freed Luke's binders. "I think we've found where they've taken Lainey," Ganner announced, bouncing her lightsaber in his right hand. "They left the door wide open."
Mara frowned. "Then they are laying a trap."
Mirax shrugged her shoulders. "They can't lay a trap big enough to keep me from my husband."
Luke nodded slightly, rubbing his chin. "Is it our only entrance?"
"It's our fastest," Ganner replied, spreading his hands. "I believe speed is of the essence, Master, because we have obviously lost our advantage of surprise."
Gesturing toward the trees, Luke said, "Show me it."
***
A rectangle of light spread into the dimly lit room, allowing two figures to enter the room. Both wore human form, looking like two young men. Corran trained his blaster on them, slinking deeper into the shadows. "Hello?" one called out in a tenor voice, stepping further into the room.
"There's no one in here," his partner said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
"You're just scared. There could be anyone hiding in here."
"Or anything." The young man looked around nervously, pulling a lightrod from his belt and switching it on to look around.
The first man shook his head. "The Jedi Master escaped. This is the most logical place for him to go. Valdemar said we must find him." He paused. "You know the punishment for failure."
Gulping, the other nodded, and stepped around the room, waving his lightrod again. Corran waited for the door to close behind them, and their attention split, before training his blaster on them. The second young man stepped closest to him, peering around the bodies that surrounded the large corpse Corran was hidden behind. Setting his blaster on stun, Corran aimed and shot him in the stomach, then aimed at the other who shot at Corran the instant his comrade went down.
Corran used the corpses for a shield as he moved away from his position, glad that the kid's aim was off and unpracticed. Crouching behind a new hiding spot, Corran tracked his blaster on the young man, shooting him down before he could make a comm message. As soon as he fell, Corran picked up the first young man's glowrod, and started searching for a way out of the room.
***
The entrance Ganner had found was wide open as he'd said, and Mara reported that she could sense no one with the Force. Luke couldn't sense anything at all, a fact that handicapped him and caused Mara to make him enter everything last. He didn't like that at all, but she gave him a look that invited no argument-one that would mean him sleeping on the couch that night- or she'd stun him with her blaster if he tried.
Mara floated a glowrod down the staircase using telekinesis, smirking as it drew a jumpy guard's blaster fire. Mirax quickly aimed at and stunned the guard with her blaster, peering down the staircase to see if there were any more. Ganner floated his glowrod down, but caught no more blaster fire or guards. He glanced at Luke. "Should we go down?"
Luke turned to Mara. "How's your danger sense?"
"It's good," Mara said, removing her lightsaber from her belt. "Let's go down."
***
"No," Helaine objected again. "You're wrong."
Valdemar raised an eyebrow. "Am I? Can you feel the Force now, Helaine?"
Lowering her head, she quietly said, "No."
This conversation was familiar, but she wasn't going to let him win this time. Just because I cannot touch it, does not mean it is not there. It is always there. Master Caine's words came back to her then, as well as something she'd said to Armand Naberrie. The Force is in everything, it's just stronger in Jedi. You could be taught to clear your mind enough to hear its gentle whisperings.
She lifted her head. "But that does not mean it isn't here. Yes, you blocked me from it, but not it from me."
Cocking his head to the side, Valdemar said, "Explain."
"The midichlorians are a Jedi's access to the Force, and yes, if you cut them off, then a Jedi loses access to the Force. The midichlorians are messengers of the Force, not the Force itself. The Force is in the air now, it is in your people, my Master, and me, though I cannot feel it." She paused. "It is also in you."
"I have never noticed its influence in my life," Valdemar said, then unclasped his hands to extend his right. "But please, go on."
"Never noticed or never listened?" Helaine questioned. "Many people leave full responsibility to the Jedi when it comes to matters of the Force, never realizing how much it has influenced their own lives. Whether it be for the good, or detrimental,-when it comes to the Dark Side." She took a breath, focusing her eyes on Valdemar's. "Hiding yourself from the Jedi blocks you from the Force as well, giving you a greater disadvantage than you realize. You haven't noticed the Force influencing your life, but I have. When the creditchip landed on tails, you allowed me to live...according to the will of the Force."
Valdemar shook his head. "That is where you are wrong, young Padawan. I give everyone I kill that same option."
Helaine nodded. "Yes, but how many Jedi survived?" she asked. "My guess would be one, me, because that is all the Force needed."
He didn't answer, instead, Valdemar pulled out a small square box, pushing some buttons. "This, Helaine, is a remote that will turn on an intercom system. I think it is time we bring in your Master." He pulled a lightsaber from his pocket next, turning on a silver blade. "Do you recognize this, Helaine?"
"Yes, it is Master Horn's," Helaine answered, feeling a rock form inside her stomach.
"Very good, Padawan," Valdemar praised, walking over to her side. "Let's see how long it takes him to come to your rescue, the moment you start to scream." He pressed the lightsaber to her neck, close enough to burn, but not to cut.
Shuddering from the pain, Helaine closed her eyes, and spoke through clenched teeth. "I won't."
***
Corran Horn stiffened the moment he heard Valdemar's voice over the intercom. His fists clenched when he heard what Valdemar had said about luring him to them, and anger stirred in his heart when he heard the pain in Lainey's voice. He'd come alright, but where? He threaded his way through the mass of corpses, looking for another door, when he felt Mara's touch through the Force. Their connection wasn't as strong as his and Lainey's, so he didn't get exactly words from her, but their meaning was clear enough.
Mara was first sending support, and that they'd already ran into two more of Valdemar's people, and had quickly stunned them. They had heard Valdemar's announcement as well, and were debating what to do. Valdemar continued to talk to Lainey, and she was still refusing to scream. Corran knew it would only get worse until she did, but he was proud of his apprentice's courage. Mara wanted to know his location, but he didn't have the strength in the Force yet to send her an image.
He found a door while conversing with her though, and noticed that the voices were much louder from there. He informed Mara that he thought he'd found them. Pushing the door opener button, the door slid open, revealing a large room with a carbonite freezing chamber in the back, and a wide open area in front, where Valdemar faced Lainey, who was bound to a chair. Holding a lightsaber to her neck, Valdemar turned his head to smile at Corran. "Welcome, Master Jedi."
Lainey looked up at him, her dark blue eyes clouded with pain. She just nodded to him, unwilling to open her mouth for fear of screaming. Corran glared at Valdemar's smile, raising his blaster. "Release her."
Valdemar shook his head, moving the blade deeper against her throat so that it drew blood. "You're at a disadvantage, Master Jedi. You see, life to me is merely a game, one that must be lost some day. Whether it is sooner or later, matters very little to me." He paused. "But to people like you, it is a game that must be fought with every piece of your being, drawn out until you are too crippled to move. Every player must stay till the end, especially those you care for." He cocked his head. "You may shoot me, Master Jedi, but I will take your Padawan with me."
"Why?" Corran asked. "If your life and hers matter so little to you?"
Shrugging slightly, Valdemar replied, "Every little bit counts." His dark gray eyes roamed over Lainey. "She's pretty, isn't she?" Using his free hand he started to stroke her hair. "Young, soft, so full of life." He looked back at Corran. "It'd be a shame to cut up her pretty little face, wouldn't it?" Valdemar turned back to her, his tone turning thoughtful. He moved his hand down to the side of her face, using his thumb to stroke the skin beneath her eyes. "I'd start with her eyes, such beautiful windows to her soul, but much too defiant."
Corran felt white hot anger surge through his veins, but remained calm, knowing that Valdemar's comments were aimed at him, to make him mad, and do something stupid. And he wouldn't. Mustering up all the strength he had in the Force, he sent the image of Valdemar holding the lightsaber to Lainey's neck, urging Mara to distract him.
Receiving the image, Mara took a moment to think over the situation, possibly discussing it with the others in her group. Finally, she informed him that she would distract Valdemar long enough for Ganner to pluck the lightsaber from his grasp using telekinesis, and for Corran to shoot him once the lightsaber was safely away from Lainey's throat. He needed to be ready. Cautiously, he set his blaster to kill.
Valdemar was watching him. "Lower your blaster, Master Jedi, or I will slit her throat," he said dangerously.
Nodding slowly, Corran bent down, placing his blaster on the floor.
***
Mara cautioned Luke, Ganner, and Mirax back, then started placing charges against the door. She looked at Ganner, whose blue eyes had grown unfocused.
"Are you ready?"
Ganner nodded, saying, "Okay."
Mara set the timers for ten seconds, then jumped out of the way, dragging Luke ten meters back with her. She covered her ears in preparation for the blast, but Ganner stood calmly, his attention focused on the lightsaber in Valdemar's hands.
The charges went off with a blast, sending dust and wall particles flying toward them. Mara dropped her face into her knees, covering her head with her arms.
"Got it," Ganner announced, his voice sounding strained from concentration.
Luke jumped to his feet immediately, brushing dust off his clothes. "Come on!" he shouted, grabbing his blaster and running into the room.
Cursing under her breath, Mara ran after him, easily catching up and moving ahead of him. "I'm first, Skywalker!" The first thing she saw was Lainey bound to a metallic chair, her head turned to the left. Mara frowned, wondering where Corran was, when she saw him struggling on the floor with Valdemar. Corran's small frame worked against him, as well as the fact that Valdemar had a vibroblade in his hand.
Mirax raised her blaster, training it on Valdemar, but was unable to safely shoot Valdemar without hurting Corran. They were also moving too fast for her to try getting Valdemar with her blaster. But he needed a weapon.
Corran kicked Valdemar's vibroblade away, then punched him in the face. Valdemar returned the hit, knocking Corran to the side of him. Valdemar started moving toward the fallen vibroblade. Ganner quickly floated Corran's lightsaber to him, just as Valdemar grabbed his vibroblade and stalked toward Corran. Mirax shot him, but the bolt was a near miss, just glancing across the side of his ribs. Valdemar didn't acknowledge any pain from the wound, he merely moved toward his target.
Catching his lightsaber in the air, Corran was able to switch it on just in time to block Valdemar's vibroblade from hitting him, slicing through the weaker weapon. Corran then lunged with his lightsaber, hitting Valdemar through the chest with it. Valdemar fell without a scream onto Corran.
Helaine watched Mirax run to her husband, shoving Valdemar off of him with a look of disgust. Master Horn immediately grabbed hold of her arms, pulling her onto him for a kiss. Helaine smiled slightly, then caught sight of her Master, Lanelle Caine's corpse, still standing where Valdemar had placed it. Her stomach convulsed at the sight of the sunken eyes and obvious rot of her body, and her heart ached at the memory of her death, of her life. There were other Jedi corpses in the adjoining room, and the dust of others filled the galaxy, their lives forgotten by the millions they'd served in their lifetimes.
She barely noticed someone releasing her bonds, until a gentle hand lifted her chin, turning her head to the side in order to inspect the lightsaber wound on her neck. "The cut is shallow, but the burn looks second degree," Master Horn said, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Does it hurt much?"
Helaine knew she should answer him, but she had a hard time turning away from the remains of her old Master to look at her new. What if he, and all of the other Jedi, died as well? She wasn't certain she wanted to take that chance, but...she'd already formed a bond with Master Horn.
Master Horn moved his hands to her shoulders, gently shaking her. "Padawan, talk to me."
Still unable to tear her eyes away from Lanelle, Helaine spoke to him, her voice shaking. "He wanted me to see her again."
"I know," Master Horn said softly, squeezing her shoulders. "But that isn't Lanelle Caine anymore."
Helaine nodded, tears flowing down her cheeks. "It was her not very long ago," she said, her voice cracking. "Everyone's gone, Master."
"Not everyone," Master Horn said, pulling her against him for a hug. He stroked her hair. "I'm still here, Helaine. And I always will be for you, no matter what." He paused. "The Jedi will not fall again, not under Master Skywalker's watch. And I can tell that you, Padawan, will someday make a great Jedi Knight."
Lanelle had never mentioned her Knighthood, because she had somehow known that she wouldn't live to see it. But Master Horn had now, seeming pretty certain that he would be around to see it. She hoped to the Force he would. "Master," Lainey said, her voice tight. "It's Lainey."
***
Mantooinian Security, called by Master Skywalker, came to pick up all of Valdemar's men who had been stunned. They were horrified to hear of Valdemar's atrocities, and tried their best to make it up to the Jedi for not catching him before. Master Skywalker, at the behest of his wife, informed them that all he wanted was for the house and basement to be destroyed, with the corpses inside, for their funeral pyre.
He asked Lainey if she wanted to hold a private one for Lanelle, but she felt that her former Master should be burned with the others. Mara and Mirax set up all of their charges, and even a low powered thermal detonator for their blast.
Lainey watched the explosion thirty meters away, with Master Horn's supporting arm around her shoulders. The sun began to rise as the flames engulfed the shadows of a past, long forgotten, that would now be forever remembered.
Copyright 2003 by Luney.
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