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Four levels beneath the surface of Coruscant
Wald watched Bartand Stephen load the cargo hauler. A gleeful feeling formed in Wald’s stomach as he thought of their fortunate discovery. By running from the Groundquake, the looters ahead of them missed out on a huge load. There was everying from old lightsabers, robes, to what could have been training tools. Even the frozen girl was of interest to him. Wald touched the cool gray of the carbonite rectangle, glancing up into Bart's eyes. "Who do you suppose she is?"
Bart shrugged his shoulders. "At best, a long lost Jedi Knight. Which would account for all the Jedi artifacts we've found." He paused. "Can you imagine how many credits we could bring in for her?"
"I can." Wald nodded. "But I wouldn't bet credits on her being a Jedi. I'd assume she's either a servant being punished, or maybe even one of Palatine’s concubines."
"Doesn't matter to me," Stephen said, helping to push the carbonite block into the hauler. "As long as she's a sweet young thing."
Bart laughed softly, elbowing Stephen. "Haven't had a woman in awhile, huh?"
"Oh, I've had a woman," Stephen replied, his dark eyes glittering. "But not a girl," he said, leering at the block of carbonite.
"Then you'd better hope she isn't a Jedi, or you wouldn't get close enough to touch her," Wald interjected, sealing the back of the hauler.
Bart froze. "What if she is? We don't have anything that could hold a Jedi."
"We'll play it safe," Wald said, walking to the front of the vehicle. "And not release her until we have some ysalamiri. Now," he gestured to the doors. "Why don't we head to the spaceport while security's down?"
****
Imperial Palace's Spaceport, Docking Bay 12
Corran Horn watched in silent amusement as Miranda Sierr tried desperately to lift two suitcases, a carry-on bag, and keep her short pink skirt down. Rubbing a smirk off his face he asked, "Need some help?"
"No," Miranda swayed to her feet. "I got it."
Miranda had short blonde hair, sparkling blue green eyes and a friendly smile. Her flirtatious nature and sociability was going to cause problems at the Academy; Corran was already trying to calculate how many young Jedi hearts she would break. Corran stepped across the transport’s cabin to her, grasping the handles of her suitcases. "How about I be a gracious escort and help you anyway?"
"If you insist," Miranda said with a sigh, gladly releasing her burden onto him.
Having only her carry-on bag to juggle, she released the hatch and led the way down the boarding ramp. The docking bay was strangely empty, the only other ship being a small Corellian corvette. The first person Corran saw beyond Miranda was Luke Skywalker, who wore a mischievous smile.
"Hello, Corran," Luke greeted him, blue eyes twinkling.
Corran frowned slightly, wondering what Luke was up to. "Hello," he said cautiously, just as speeding ball of motion attached itself to his right leg. Corran swayed a bit as he took the final step off of the ramp. Jysella's squealing brought a smile to his face. He set the suitcases down and ruffled his daughter's dark hair. "The rodents in this Spaceport get bigger every day!" He lifted his right leg to Luke, earning high-pitched giggles from his daughter. "Look at this sucker!"
Luke grinned. "You'd better be careful Corran, if it bites you, you could get really sick."
"Oh no!" Corran feigned terror. He gently shook his leg, causing Jysella to laugh even harder. "It's not coming off. Do you think TK would do the trick?"
"I can try..."
"Daddy!" Jysella cried, looking up at him. "It's me, Jysella!" She grinned, green eyes sparkling.
"Oh!" Corran hit his head. "I never would have guessed." He winked at Luke, and pried his daughter from his leg, lifting her up against his hip. "What's this kid doing up so late?" he asked, throwing Luke an accusing look.
Luke spread his hands, preparing to answer him, when Jysella broke in. "Mommy said if I was really, really good, and if Master Skywalker was willing to take me, I could come meet you here." Her face grew serious. "But as soon as we get home, I have to go right to bed."
Corran arched an eyebrow at Luke. "You're getting soft in your old age, Master."
Luke smiled. "Aren't we all."
Corran almost chuckled, before the reality of Luke's statement punched him in the gut. He was growing soft. 20 years ago, he couldn't imagine even wanting a kid. 25 years ago, he couldn't picture himself tied down to one woman... well, liking it anyway. The life of a bachelor Cor-Sec officer and Rogue pilot was quite satisfactory for him.
But now... now, he didn't want to hold any other woman but Mirax in his arms at night. Watching Valin grow up, and even imitate him a little, brought a smile to his face. Jysella crawling onto his lap and planting sweet kisses on his cheeks warmed his heart. He wondered what Pre-Father Corran would think of him.
Miranda cleared her throat, knocking Corran out of his reverie. He glanced at her, and laid his free hand on her shoulder. "I seem to have forgotten my manners, I'm sorry." He nodded to Luke. "Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, Miranda Sierr. Miranda Sierr, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker."
"It's an honor," Miranda extended her hand to Luke, then hesitated. "I suppose a handshake isn't suitable for a Jedi Master," she said, sheepishly withdrawing her hand.
Luke caught it in his. "It is perfectly acceptable." He smiled warmly at her, shaking her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miranda Sierr."
"You too, Master Skywalker." She returned his smile, freeing her hand to touch Jysella's cheek. "And you, Jysella." Her eyes sparkled. " Are you Daddy's Little Princess?"
"Nope," Jysella gave Corran's neck a hug. "I'm Daddy's Little Terror." She beamed, a proud smile tracing her lips.
Corran patted his daughter's back. "A title well earned."
Luke chuckled, then gestured to the ship. "I was expecting more students."
"So was I," Corran said with a sigh. "But a certain fancy flying mouth claiming to be a Jedi Master got there first."
Luke frowned. "Kyp."
"His ideals are easier than yours, Master Skywalker," Miranda commented. "I wasn't fooled though."
Luke smiled, and rested a hand on her shoulder. "That is very good, Miranda. Being able to see the problem with Kyp's view is a fine trait for a Jedi."
"It is indeed," Corran agreed. "The fact that he is recruiting students now bothers me."
"Me too." Luke scrubbed his forehead. " I don't know what to do about him."
Jysella squirmed in Corran's arms. "Nuke him, like Daddy does to bad guys in space."
Lowering Jysella to the floor, Corran laughed softly. "If only it were that easy." He straightened up, keeping his hands on Jysella's shoulders. "I could fly circles around that kid."
"Corran," Luke warned.
"What?" Corran spread his hands. "I am simply stating the truth."
Luke shook his head. "I think you and Mara are bad influences on each other."
"Nah," Corran grinned. "We just have similar likes," he winked at Luke. "And dislikes."
"Well what do you know," Miranda said, changing the subject. "We aren't alone in the docking bay."
Corran spun on his heels to see what she was talking about. She was right, they weren't alone. Barely ten meters away from them, a group of men were loading cargo into a small Corellian cruiser. They were either oblivious to the Jedi, or ignoring their small group. A large gray block caught Corran's interest, bringing a slight frown to his lips. Using the Force to enhance his vision, he got a better look at it and swore under his breath. "Master Skywalker," he gripped Luke's arms. Luke, who had been standing so as to face both Corran and Miranda, turned inquisitive blue eyes to him. "About how many times in your life have you seen someone encased in carbonite?" Corran asked.
Luke frowned. "Once with Han..."
"Well here's a second time!" Corran jabbed his thumb towards the men, who were still trying to load the girl.
"Sithspawn," Luke whispered.
Corran was already thinking of ways to relieve the men of their prisoner, when the Force stirred so strongly it took his breath away. They had to save the girl quickly. Luke was pulling on Corran's arm, obviously receiving the same impression Corran had. "Keep Jysella here with you by the ship," he instructed Miranda over his shoulder as he took off with Luke.
Miranda nodded, taking Jysella's small hand in her own.
Corran followed Luke to the men, bothered that he hadn't sensed the danger emanating from them. He and Luke reached the ship just before the men had the girl in the ship all the way.
Luke slowed to a stop, raising one hand. "What are you doing?"
One of the men, in dirt stained coveralls froze, then turned to face Luke. "None of your business," he growled, resting his hand on the butt of his blaster. "As long as you keep it that way, I'll let you live."
"I think not." Luke waved his hand. "You will release the prisoner and cargo to me."
"I will..." The man said sleepily, before he was interrupted.
"Sith!" One of his men cried, shaking the man. "It's Jedi, Wald!"
Wald blinked, stepping back. He quickly unholstered his blaster, unable to get a shot off before it flew from his hands and into Luke’s.
"It's Skywalker!" another cried, not even bothering to unhook his blaster before taking off at a run.
The other two considered the Jedi a moment, until Corran unhooking his lightsaber made the decision for them. They took after their comrade, causing Corran to twist his mouth in disgust. "Cowards," he growled underneath his breath. Luke raised an eyebrow at his comment. Corran gave chase, with Luke on his heels.
****
Miranda watched the two Jedi chase after their quarry, tightening her grip on Jysella's hand. She couldn't believe that things were already going wrong, on the first night she arrived! She had to admit though, that she liked the excitement of it. Her life on Trenon had been less than boring, the Vong hadn't even threatened to invade. She wouldn't have wanted that of course... would she? She frowned considering this, not noticing the small hand slip from her own. Of course she wouldn't. The only danger she wouild maybe want was something that effected her alone.
Jysella studied the Miranda Lady for a moment, sending a faint Force suggestion that she was still holding her hand. Grinning to herself, she tiptoed to what she deemed the Pirates Ship to see what her daddy was so concerned about. She made it to the ship and climbed the boarding ramp, risking quick glances back at Miranda, who was still lost in thought. Good.
The small cargo bay was filled with interesting sparkling jewelry and trinkets. Weaponry littered the floor, so she carefully crawled on her hands and knees to the gray block that had captured her father's interest. She wished she had the time to inspect everything, but the little trick she'd pulled on Miranda wouldn't work forever. And Daddy and Master Skywalker would be back soon. She crawled up onto the surface of the statue, amazed at how life-like the features were. She stared in amazement at the sad face, for all of two seconds.
The blinking lights lining the side of the gray surface were far more intriguing. Buttons! Jysella made her way over to them, green eyes reflecting the soft yellow lights. She pushed the buttons down in a row, slightly disappointed that they didn't make noises. When she touched the last one, strange pinpoints of light appeared all over the statue, slowly melting the gray away. Jysella jumped off of it with a screech, and stumbled out of the bay, down the corridor and out the ramp.
****
Corran Horn deflected several poorly aimed shots, disgusted that he and Luke hadn't caught up to the criminals yet. The robbers still continued running towards the lower levels, taking time only to occasionally turn and shoot at he and Luke. Corran was just about to press harder, when a tiny scream pierced his ears. Jysella! His heart clenched in fear, how could he have left his tiny daughter unguarded? He had thought these thugs were the only ones... "Master Skywalker, you hear that?"
Luke nodded. "We'd better head back," he breathed, slowing his steps.
Corran was already turning back around. The thought of letting those guys go bothered him, but his daughter was far more important, not to mention Miranda and the poor girl entrapped in carbonite.
Luke ran alongside him. "I don't sense any danger surrounding the girls," he said, sounding relieved.
Corran stretched out to the Force, confirming Luke's statement. But the fear radiating off his daughter was enough to quicken his feet, and clench his fists. Whatever was scaring her, wouldn't be for long.
It didn't take him long to reach Docking Bay 12 and catch a terrified Jsyella in his arms. "What's wrong, sweetie?" he asked, stroking her soft hair.
Luke turned to Miranda, who had been running after Jysella. "What happened?"
Miranda was running towards Jysella, "I don't know!" Miranda shook her head, rubbing her temples. "One moment I was holding her hand, and the next I hear her screaming clear over here."
"Daddy," Jysella pulled back from him, her green eyes bright with tears. "The statue melted!"
Corran frowned, studying his daughter's face. "What?" he asked, though he got the sinking feeling he knew exactly what she was talking about.
"I pushed the buttons on the statue and it melted," Jysella replied, looking into her father's eyes.
Corran spun on his heel towards the ship, worry creasing his forehead. Most pirates or kidnappers who put someone in carbonite, did so to keep the victim from the escaping, or so that they could torture them as near to death as possible, and be able to keep them alive for who they were being held hostage from.
"I'm on it," Luke said, patting Miranda's back before climbing up the boarding ramp.
Corran passed Jysella over to Miranda. "Stay here," He instructed his daughter, staring into her eyes. "And don't even think about playing another mind trick on this nice young lady." He touched her cheek. "Understand?"
Jysella nodded solemnly. "I won't," she replied, too scared to try it again.
"Hold on to her tight," Corran whispered to Miranda, just in case.
"I will," Miranda said shakily.
****
Luke knelt beside the young girl, relieved to see her breathing. The cuts on her cheeks worried him, as well as her still being asleep; Han had awakened seconds after being unfrozen. Luke laid his hand on her forehead, checking her presence with the Force. He could barely feel her.
"How is she?" Corran asked, carefully making his way towards Luke.
"Not good." Luke shook his head. "Looks like our kidnappers were into torture," Luke said, tracing the skin lining her cuts with this finger.
Corran dropped to one knee with a frown. "And we let them go," he said, his soft tone beguiling the anger rising in him.
"We had no other choice," Luke said gently. "Had we taken the time to catch them, she would probably be dead. And who knows what could have happened to Jysella and Miranda."
Corran blew out his frustration in one long breath. "I know. I don't like it, but I understand."
"I don't either." Luke worked his arms underneath the girl’s head, and under her legs. "But we'd better get her to the infirmary," he said, rising slowly to his feet.
Nodding, Corran headed towards the ramp. "As ordered, Master."
Copyright 2002 by Luney.
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