Categories > Books > Harry Potter > A New Order
Synopsis: A renegade Jedi has a force vision of a pair of powerful force sensitive's and sets in motion events that will see the rise of a new order. Her actions will have a profound effect on the future of many worlds.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars and I make no profit from this work of fan fiction. I am in the debt of its true owners as they have been the creators of worlds of fiction that millions have enjoyed. All Hail to JKR and GL!
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners.
The original characters and plot are the property of the author.
The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
No copyright infringement is intended.
Last time:
"Ron?" whispered Remus as he checked for a pulse with a shaking hand, finding a faint pulse he cast the strongest healing spell he knew "Curatio vulnus, Don't you bloody die Weasley."
oOoOoOo
Chapter 10
Bespin - Jedi Enclave
"Sirius," screamed Remus.
Within moments Sirius skidded to his knees beside Remus, "What the hell happened?"
"He got run through, do you know any healing spells I don't...." Remus trailed off as he looked down at Ron.
Sirius drew his wand and made a complex gesture over Ron, "Vitalas Congelo,"
A faint green sphere formed around Ron before absorbing in to his skin. "What was that spell?" asked Remus.
"It a suppression spell, a very powerful suppression spell that slows his bodies functions. It should last a few hours and that is long enough to get him to MK to patch up." replied Sirius.
Working carefully Sirius levitated Ron and walked him toward the Talia.
oOoOoOo
Bene had been helping the enclaves Jedi defend the compound when the battle suddenly slowed and then seemed to come to a halt. Looking around she spotted her Master talking to Master Altis and several over Jedi, deactivating her lightsaber she looked around and went over to a wounded Jedi and began checking his injuries. He was unconscious and would need treatment for the blaster burns on his shoulder.
"Are you injured Padawan?" asked an unfamiliar voice.
Turning Bene saw a human male in Jedi robes who was carrying a field medkit.
Bene shook her head, "I'm not injured but, he's got some severe blaster burns on his shoulder."
The Jedi knelt done and examined the fallen man and nodded, "Its okay Padawan I'll take him from here. You might want to check out the other wounded and call me over if you need me."
Bene nodded and joined several Jedi as they moved around the compound checking both their and the enemy wounded. She checked several of the fallen attackers but they were all dead. Shaking her head at the loss of life she stood and walked over to where a woman dressed in the same black gear as the other attackers lay motionless on the ground she was only a few steps away when she saw a strange red hilted lightsaber laying on the ground, curious she used the Force to summon it. The uniquely shaped hilt was made of a light weight black alloy and the crystal was ruby coloured, it was an odd weapon for a Jedi, in fact she had never seen a ruby coloured crystal before.
With a shrug she clipped it to her utility belt and made her way to the prone figure. The woman obviously had been physically struck across the face and from its odd angle her leg was also badly injured if not broken. Leaning down to check for a pulse she paused as someone called out.
"Leave her."
The startled Padawan turned to see one of crew of the Talia, the dark haired Sirius. Who had a blaster in hand and an expression of barely contained anger on his face, "Step back Bene, she's injured not dead and she's bloody dangerous."
Bene paused for a moment, was the older man going shoot the injured woman? "I can't let you attack an injured prisoner," warned Bene.
Sirius shrugged but didn't lower the blaster, "Well seeing as how she nearly killed one of my friends I thought it would be a good idea to treat the bitch with a bit of caution."
Bene paused at that silently reminding her self that she needed to stay calm and centred, "She is defeated and no longer a threat." As she finished speaking she felt the familiar presence of her master behind her.
"What is going on?" asked Cin as he stood beside Bene.
Bene quickly answered keeping her voice even, "Master I was trying to treat the wounded and..."
"And I was just about to shoot your prisoner," finished Sirius.
Cin stepped between Sirius and Bene, "Perhaps we can resolve this without further bloodshed, stand down Sirius and I'll make sure she is detained and questioned. She is not a threat anymore."
For a moment it looked as if Sirius was going to make good his plan before he relaxed and lowered his blaster, "She nearly killed Ron so keep it.....keep her away from me and mine."
"Does he need medical assistance?" asked Cin.
Sirius's shoulders slumped "He's in with our medical droid now, It doesn't look to good.....the lightsaber cauterised the flesh and it apparently hit his heart."
"The lightsaber?" asked Cin as he looked down at the fallen woman with narrowing eyes.
oOoOoOo
"Does anyone recognise her?" asked Altis.
There were shaken heads all around as all those in the small cell studied the unconscious prisoner.
Cin ran his hands through his hair, a rare gesture of frustration from the usually composed Jedi Master, "I checked the courtyards security holo-camera footage and all I can determine is that she has been trained, well trained in lightsaber combat."
"A dark Jedi perhaps," suggested Ash.
Altis looked up from the data screen and shook his head, "She has no records at all in the Republic Database or the Jedi archives so I doubt she was ever trained as a Jedi."
"A Force sensitive trained on some non-republic world?" asked Serra.
"I think she is a Sith or at least allied to them," said Altis quietly.
Tanuri Chiell, one of senior members of the Altisian Jedi frowned as she studied the unconscious figure, "I can't sense any Force presence at all."
"Which tells us that she has been trained to somehow suppress her aura," said Altis.
A worried Cin looked over at Altis, "Old friend I'm getting that feeling again, I know that you have more information and I need it, the council needs it."
"That is not my decision to make Cin, but I'll ask," replied Altis.
"The council needs to know what has happened here, I will have to report this." insisted Cin.
"Do as you must but be careful Cin I have a bad feeling about this."
oOoOoOo
Hermione looked up as the communications panel lit up with a signal from the Talia, tapping the console she was somewhat surprised to see Remus face appear.
"Remus how goes the mission?" asked Hermione.
Remus shrugged, "We've had an incident here, the Jedi enclave was attacked and we have a number of wounded."
"Okay I'll let Harry know, we'll no doubt need to prepare...," Hermione trailed off at the look of concern on her old professor's face. "What is it Remus.....oh dear Merlin Ron, its Ron isn't it?"
"He was badly wounded, he's alive but, it's a pretty severe injury," Remus warned Hermione.
Hermione took a deep breath as she tried to centre and calm herself, "When will you be on your way?"
"An hour or so and we'll be underway," promised Remus.
"Okay I'll let Harry know..."
Remus quickly interrupted her, "Don't worry about that, Sirius has already spoken to him. We are doing everything we can Hermione and we'll be underway soon and this time we'll make a speed run home," Remus raised his hand in farewell as the channel closed.
Almost before she could move the door slid open and Harry and Luna walked straight to Hermione before pulling her in to a three way hug.
oOoOoOo
Serra Keto handed the Bespin official a small data pad and accepted one in return. The dark skinned human simply nodded as he pocketed the pad and walked off, disappearing in to the crowd, leaving Serra to make her own way out of the crowded market.
Bribery, grease on the wheel of intelligence gathering, distasteful but needful, even for a Jedi.
Trusting in the anonymity supplied by the large crowd in the market she moved quickly making her way to the small eatery where her companion was waiting.
"Did you get it?" asked Bene as Serra joined her at the small corner table.
"I think so," replied Serra as she quickly scrolled through the information on the pad.
"Have we got the bay?" asked Bene quietly.
Serra slid the pad across the table to Bene, "We have indeed Padawan, landing bay 34B. Finish up and we'll head over and see what we can see."
oOoOoOo
Landing Bay 34B contained a state of the art long range shuttle.
Getting aboard took a lot longer than they had anticipated considering the number and lethalness of the ships security protocols and even then ships log and memory core were wiped by the time they had found their way past the last of them.
"This is military grade technology," said Bene as she looked over the control surfaces.
Serra gave up on the memory core as she turned to Bene, "And that has to tell us something even if the core is fried."
Bene nodded as she tried the navcomp backup, "Serra I've got some spatial co-ordinates in the back up."
Serra leaned over, "Any route information?"
"Ahh most of it jumbled and nearly all of its partially erased, I'm not.....hold on, these are the co-ordinates for Coruscant."
Serra frowned and gestured toward the unit, "Make a copy and we'll report in. I think the Council needs to know this. We'll send some technical people to give this ship a full inspection."
oOoOoOo
"What is happening?" asked Remus as he walked in to the medical section.
Sirius didn't answer as he sat watching MK working on the figure suspended in the Bacta tank.
"Sirius?" asked Remus as he laid a hand on his friends shoulder.
Sirius didn't turn away from the scene as he answered, "MK didn't sound too positive, his heart has been damaged, badly damaged. It had stopped beating and even with the suppression spell there may have been some brain damage."
"Shit," whispered Remus as he sat with his friend.
"Yeah, shit," replied Sirius.
The sound of the door hissing open was ignored as both men focused on the Medical droid.
"How is he?" asked Altis as he walked in.
Sirius sighed, "Bad, the lightsaber went straight through two chambers of his heart. MK is working on repairing the damage...it doesn't look good."
"Anything at all he needs let me know," offered Altis.
"We will Altis thank....." Sirius stopped talking as the Medical droid backed away from the tank.
"Well?" asked a grim faced Sirius.
The Medical droid gestured toward a medical readout on the bulkhead, "Master Weasley is in critical need of a heart transplant. His heart and lung tissue has been cauterised and this has led to a number of other systemic failures. I have managed to stabilise his condition temporarily but realistically he needs to be transferred to a major medical complex so an artificial or cloned heart can be implanted. If I were to attempt such a procedure with these facilities the chance of success would be less than ten percent."
All three men were silent for a few moments as they considered the droids words.
Altis was the first to speak, "The medical facilities on Bespin are adequate but for this....I think that we need a second opinion, no offense MK."
oOoOoOo
The Jedi healer shook his head as he read the readout, "I concur with the med droid Master. Most people would have died from that injury already. He needs to be in a top clinic like Republic Central Medcenter."
"Bugger, okay I need to speak to Harry," said Sirius quietly as the healer left.
oOoOoOo
Coruscant - Jedi Temple
Yoda's expressive face looked around the room at the Jedi Masters of the Council, "Disturbing this news is, adept at hiding the Sith have become."
Mace Windu nodded, "While the Altisian faction is.....somewhat unorthodox many of us remember Jedi master Djinn Altis as a competent Jedi. I have no hesitation in trusting his judgment on this issue."
"Decided it is, sending a council member to question this prisoner we must," said Yoda.
Master Eeth Koth gestured to the hologram of Cin Drallig, "Master Cin is on Bespin is he not; surely he could conduct the questioning?"
"It is vital we find out who she is, this may be our chance to finally get some first hand intelligence on the Sith. She should be bought back to the Temple and questioned," argued Saesee Tiin.
Yoda shook his head, "Worried I am about transporting this Sith, disappear I suspect she would."
Several of the Jedi present exchanged glances, had things really come to this?
Yoda leaned heavily on his stick as he searched the faces of his fellow masters, "Shrouded is the Force, difficult to see ways forward, one thing is Dooku's betrayal but worry I do about the hidden things we see not."
Mace frowned as he considered Yoda's words, "Where is Altis receiving his information from, it seems remarkably accurate if, as Master Cin Drallig has reported he knew of the upcoming attack on his enclave."
Yoda looked up at Mace, "Hmmm, ask we shall but in this plot our course carefully we must."
Mace turned to the hologram of Master Drallig, "Has Djinn revealed anything about his source?"
The image of Cin turned to look at Yoda, "Not really Master Yoda. He has promised to tell me more but with the attack there hasn't really been much opportunity for us to talk privately and the crew of his ship have been equally close mouthed."
"Is Altis still using the Wookie Gunner?" asked the Master Adi Gallia.
"No he was in a ship called the Talia, a converted merchant ship," replied Cin.
"The Talia, hmmm interesting that is," said Yoda as he sat back in his cushioned chair sharing a look with Mace.
"Indeed Master, the crew were force trained but they were not Jedi nor did Altis claim them as part of his sect," added Cin.
Mace Windu sat forward, "Did you get their names?"
"Sirius, Remus and Ron, all three were Human males," reported Cin.
Yoda looked up at the hologram once more, "Think on this we will Master Drallig and a shuttle we will send to collect this Sith."
Master Drallig nodded and gestured causing an image of a young redhead to appear, "Master Altis has also requested a medical evac for one of the crew of the Talia who was injured. Apparently he needs emergency organ replacement."
"Let Master Altis know that we will arrange the treatment if he forwards the medical information," said Adi Gallia.
The image of Jedi Master Cin Drallig bowed and disappeared.
"So Harry has new allies," offered Mace as he locked gazes with Yoda.
Yoda nodded slightly "Appears so it does and again thwarted the Sith they have. Perhaps insights they have hmmm?"
"Perhaps but the question should be will they share them with us?" asked Adi Gallia.
oOoOoOo
Hermione shot up as soon as the first beep sounded almost knocking Luna off the lounge. Activating the channel she found herself looking at the face of Sirius Black.
"Hermione, firstly he's alive, he's not great but he is alive. MK and one of the Jedi healers insist that he needs to go to see some specialists."
Hermione felt her fear recede somewhat, "Specialists?"
Sirius nodded, "They want him in some hospital on Coruscant apparently it's the best in the republic. So we're just about to leave Bespin on route to Coruscant with some Jedi. Hermione, Altis is brining his ships straight home so if you want he's going to give you a ride back to Coruscant."
"Can I speak to him?" asked Hermione as Luna laid a hand on her shoulder.
Sirius smiled sadly, "He's in stasis for the trip. I know you're worried but we will take good care of him Hermione until you can get here yourself."
oOoOoOo
Obi-Wan Kenobi leaned back in his pilots chair and closed his eyes, he felt like he could sleep for a week. Even with the Force flowing through him he was tired. His last mission form the council had been to destroy a separatist factory on Nivek which had turned in to a running battle with the well equipped locals and at its conclusion he and Anakin were immediately ordered to return to Coruscant. His tired musing was cut off as his Padawan cleared his throat.
"Master we are about to enter orbit," Anakin's voice sounded amused even through the com system.
"Thank you Anakin, R4 I'll take it now," Obi-Wan advised his astromech droid.
The Temples flight deck was as busy as ever as the two Jedi maneuvered their ships to their assigned docks. As soon as Obi-Wan's ship was settling on to its landing struts R4 began powering down the engines. Moments later he was on the deck where Anakin was talking to the Padawan tasked with maintenance.
"....I think it's the power coupling but if you could work with R2 to run a diagnostic we'll be able to pin point it."
"Okay Anakin I'll get on it straight away," seeing Master Kenobi the Padawan inclined her head respectfully, "Master Kenobi, welcome back."
"Padawan Briella," acknowledged Obi-Wan with a tired smile.
"Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker, made good time you have," commented Yoda as he walked out on to the landing platform.
oOoOoOo
"Another Sith not Asajj Ventress?" asked Anakin with some surprise.
Yoda nodded, "Indeed Padawan, being brought here our prisoner is. Perhaps learn about our enemy we might."
Anakin looked surprised, "How did Master Cin manage to capture a Sith"
Yoda shook his head, "An enclave of Jedi was attacked, Master Altis you know of?"
Obi-Wan nodded while Anakin looked somewhat lost, "I thought he had left the order?"
Yoda nodded slowly, "Left the order he has but in communication with us he has been after meeting two young Force adepts."
"Two young Force....Harry and Luna?" asked Obi-Wan.
Yoda smiled at Obi-Wan, "Perceptive indeed young Kenobi, many threads weaving together there are, more perhaps we will know when Master Cin arrives."
"Master Yoda, did you want us to be a part of the questioning?" asked Anakin.
"No, another role you will have," promised Yoda.
oOoOoOo
Coruscant - Beneath 500 Republica
So his operative had failed, doubly failed in fact as she had also allowed herself to be captured. It was particularly disappointing as she had shown a great deal of promise and he had held many plans for such a useful tool, all malice and hate.
Failure and yet not disaster, Aralina knew nothing he did not want her to know, his identity was secure as were his plans. Yes he lost one of his squads of dark adepts but they were easily replaced and yet their was a shadow at the edge of his perception, a disturbance in the Force one that he had sensed before. Whoever it was they had apparently thwarted his plans once again. His spy on the Jedi council had been unable to get too close but had managed to ascertain that Aralina was being transported to Coruscant along with a wounded Force sensitive that had been involved in thwarting her mission. Perhaps something could be salvaged from this failure.
oOoOoOo
"How far out are we?" asked Remus as Sirius walked back in to the small cabin they were sharing on the Talia.
Sirius slumped down to sit on his bunk, "An hour or two, these pilots know better than I do how to fly and with all the Jedi aboard our mystery Sith isn't going anywhere."
"I checked in on Ron," supplied Remus.
"And?" prompted Sirius.
Remus shrugged, "And he is still in stasis, I should contact Hermione and let her know we are about to arrive."
oOoOoOo
Harry pressed his attack.
Luna merely smiled and used the Force to leap straight, up landing on a small stone ledge toward the roof of the cavern.
Harry knew instantly that he couldn't leap up to the ledge; it was too narrow and with Luna already there it would be all but impossible to even gain his footing but before he could come up with a plan the communications panel beeped. With a gesture he activated the unit.
An image of a worried looking Hermione appeared, "Harry?"
Harry quickly walked over to the unit, "Hermione what is it?"
"They've reached Coruscant and we have just received a message from Altis, his ships are about two hours out."
As Luna moved to stand next to him Harry looked straight in to his friend's eyes, "Okay we'll be up in a minute and Hermione he's where he needs to be and we will get you where you need to be."
By the time Luna and Harry walked in to the main dining area they found Hermione sitting with Alissa as Keisha conversed with several droids. As Keisha's pregnancy had progressed she began to spend less time training and had taken over more and more of the day to day administration of the facilities. With the imminent arrival of the Jedi from Bespin she had shown a remarkable degree of skill in directing the myriad of tasks needed to prepare the facilities. The former Padawan looked up as they approached and waved them over.
Keisha gestured toward the three droids, "We're basically ready for our new arrivals and I've made sure that for now anyway we've put appropriate security around the caverns."
Luna nodded, "Excellent, I think we'll need to be careful about who has access there and the library until we have a chance to talk to Altis."
Keisha glanced over at Hermione, "I've also got everything ready to resupply Altis for a trip to Coruscant."
"Thanks Keisha," said Harry as he walked over to sit next to a red eyed Hermione who looked up at him with a wan smile.
"Hi Harry."
Harry reached out and took his friends hand, "Hey Mione, all packed?"
Hermione nodded absently squeezing his hand, "I'm so worried about him, I...can't lose him like this Harry."
Using the Force Harry projected his love and concern toward his friend, "Have faith Hermione, Ron's stronger than we give him credit for."
Hermione squeezed his hand again, "I know Harry but it's hard not to worry."
1C-32 the Droid in charge of the habitats operations turned away from Keisha "Master Harry three ships are approaching the habitat."
Harry nodded and made his way to the wall mounted communications panel and opened a channel, "This is Jonex mining operations control, please identify."
"Jonex control this is the Wookie Gunner requesting permission to dock," even over an audio channel everyone could recognise the speaker.
"Bring them in Altis," replied Harry.
oOoOoOo
Harry smiled at the Bespin refugee's, "Welcome to...well asteroid designated XM whatever isn't that memorable so we decided on Haven. So on behalf of all of us welcome to Haven."
There were smiles as well as curious looks as the newly arrived Jedi and their families took in the dark haired young man and his blond companion.
Their attention was then drawn to Master Altis as their leader stepped forward to speak, "And a haven it shall be but not just for those of us here today. The attack on our Bespin enclave is an aspect of the war with the Separatists and ultimately a war with the Sith, a war we will get drawn in to regardless of the neutrality we sought to maintain," Altis gestured toward Luna, "Luna is a Seer as was her Master and they have shared with me some of what they have seen of what is to come and it is horrific. Our role will be in part to save what we can, Haven will become a sanctuary. Our hosts are not Jedi but they are Force trained in a way we have never seen before. The second part of our mission is to teach them even as we learn their techniques. I once asked if you were brave enough, committed enough to our vision of what a Jedi should be to leave the Jedi order. Today I ask are you brave enough to challenge your perceptions of the Force."
As he finished Altis stepped backwards allowing Luna to take his place, "We ask no allegiance from you, we want no vows all that we ask is that you approach Haven with an open mind. We value learning and knowledge and we judge a being by its actions not its reputation so we ask you to respect that trust."
"1C-32," Luna gestured to the Droid, "has allocated you all rooms so if you would liaise with him we can start getting you all settled."
"I think that went well," said Altis as he watched his people talking softly amongst themselves as Haven's droids moved amongst them beginning the room allocation process.
Harry shrugged, "The real test will come when they realise just how different Haven really is."
Altis smiled, "I think they'll surprise you Harry."
oOoOoOo
"Are you sure Hermione?" asked Luna as the brunette pulled a small wheeled case up the main ramp of the Wookie Gunner.
Hermione shook her head, "Really I'm fine, Sirius and Remus are with Ron already and besides you two have enough to do here as it is."
Luna studied Hermione for a moment before nodding, "Okay well you make sure to keep us in the loop and if you need us we'll be there, no arguments."
"Hermione, I thought I felt you coming, you are right on time," said Harry as he appeared in the ships hatch, "Altis wanted me to let you know that the ship is restocked and ready to go."
"Well I'm ready whenever he is," replied Hermione.
Harry could feel her fear and worry and pulled his friend in to a hug, "Come on I'll show you your cabin."
oOoOoOo
Jedi Master Mace Windu was silent as he watched Yoda talking to the two Force trained humans who had been escorted in to the council chamber by Cin Drallig. Both appeared to be middle aged humans at first glance but there was something....off about the quieter one, Remus.
"Harry's teachers you were then?" Yoda asked when the formal part of the questioning about their unusual captive was completed, without any new information coming to light.
Remus smiled sadly, "Once many years ago I had the privilege of teaching for a short while at Harry's school but these days I'm the student far more than the teacher." The last was said with more of a genuine smile.
When Yoda looked at him Sirius laughed, "Merlin no, Harry is my godson and right now one of my teachers."
'One of his teachers' thought Mace, Talia is dead who's teaching them now?
"If need anything you do, contact the temple you must," instructed Yoda.
Remus nodded politely, "Thank you Master Yoda."
"One thing more there is," said Yoda seriously, "If Sith she is some danger there may be for you and your friend."
As Yoda spoke Mace watched both Sirius and Remus share a look.
"We'll take precautions Master Yoda, thank you for the warning," said Sirius.
Yoda frowned, "Assign an escort I would."
Sirius looked surprised, "With all due respect Master Yoda we should be fine but I would appreciate you keeping an eye on Ron while he's laid up."
"Assign guards we will," Yoda agreed with a nod.
After the two men left to return to the hospital Mace Windu turned his chair to face Yoda, "There is something here we are not seeing, something important."
Yoda gnawed on his glimmer stick, "Hmmm sensed it did you, touched by the darkness he is, touched but not mastered by it. Troubled I am not sure what I am sensing in the Force. Darkness but not the malignancy of the Sith, strange it is."
Mace frowned as he watched Yoda, "We should have them watched and followed," quickly raising his hand to stop Yoda voicing a complaint, "for their own good I doubt that the Sith will be pleased with their interference."
oOoOoOo
"They say he'll make it," said Anakin as he watched the human doctors and Med Droids working on the young man on the gurney.
Obi-Wan nodded, "He's very lucky, not one in a thousand would survive a wound like that."
"What do you make of them Obi-Wan?" asked Anakin with a gesture to the two older men standing quietly on the edge of their view screen.
Obi-Wan scratched at his beard which was still re-growing after their last mission, "They seem decent enough people, a little undisciplined but not unlike some Jedi I know."
Anakin looked troubled for a moment, "It surprises me that the council is okay with them just wandering around without the council overseeing them; I mean until recently I didn't even know that the Altisian Jedi existed and now there's another group of Force trained people running around the galaxy. The archives don't even mention them."
Obi-Wan looked over at the younger man with a slight smile on his face, "Well the council has always known that there were other Force users out there and not all of them are unfriendly. I've even met a few when I was a Padawan some of the other Force users out there were quite skilled in using the Force in ways we never considered."
“It’s just….well actually I don’t know why but it bothers me,” Anakin looked away from his friend as he spoke his thoughts drifting to Padmé and for a moment he considered other paths he might have taken before he clamped down on those thoughts. The Jedi needed him and the Chancellor relied on him.
oOoOoOo
“Hermione?”
The sound of her name summoned Hermione from her meditation.
Altis smiled reassuringly as he manipulated the controls of the Wookie Gunner, “We’re just about to land.”
For a few moments Hermione watched as Altis weaved through the heavy air traffic, “Have you heard from Remus or Sirius?”
“Only a message saying that we will be met when we land,” replied Altis, as he banked the ship to starboard, “Which means any minute now because that’s our landing bay.”
oOoOoOo
Hermione was pretty much operating on autopilot as she was introduced to her guide, a Jedi of a species she wasn’t familiar with and whose name she failed to catch. Indeed for the entirety of the short journey to the medical facility she was focused on her concern for Ron. It wasn’t until she saw him suspended in the Bacta tank that she managed to focus on the world around her again. Finally noticing Altis talking quietly to Remus as Sirius talked to a human dressed in white.
“…and the surgery went very well. We have absolutely no fear now in saying he’ll make a full recovery.”
Realising that Hermione had not been listening Sirius draped an arm around Hermione’s shoulder and gestured to the middle aged human, “Thank you Administrator Tharron, I think we’ll just sit with Hermione for a while and let it all sink in.”
The small man smiled and nodded, “Of course, of course and if you need anything please let one of my staff know.”
“It’s going to be okay Hermione,” said Sirius giving her shoulders a squeeze.
“He looks better than I thought he would,” whispered Hermione.
“He’s on the mend, it will be a long road but he’ll be okay,” Sirius said giving Hermione’s shoulder a final squeeze before leaving her at the viewing window.
“Think she’ll be okay?” asked Remus as Sirius joined him.
Sirius looked over to where Hermione was standing motionless as she gazed in to the treatment room, “I think so….. I hope so.”
oOoOoOo
Harry swayed away from Luna’s thrust even as he wandlessly cast a blasting curse at her chest which missed as she continued her forward motion and gestured deflecting the curse away.
“Hold,” ordered a voice behind them bringing to an end their forty minute duel.
Harry and Luna turned to look at the translucent figure standing behind them as the Force ghost of Talia Tal-Shin smiled at her two former apprentices, “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, how hard you have worked. You are skilled and in touch with the Force my beloved apprentices.”
Both Harry and Luna kneeled with bowed heads in acknowledgement of her praise.
Talia gestured or them to rise, “Your powers continue to grow but all too soon the time foreseen will be upon us and you must be ready to act, fully trained or not. The dark is ascendant and soon it will crush the Jedi. You are surrounded by enemies my apprentices and have but a little time to save what you can so that it is not lost.”
Luna looked up at her former master, “We had thought to use Haven as a sanctuary for those we could save, shepherded by Altis and his people.”
Talia nodded, “Altis is a good man and a good choice for a shepherd.”
Harry continued for his mentor, “But it is our role to seek out those we need to save.”
“Not an easy task,” warned Talia “But your first task is harder; you must identify your enemy.”
“You don’t know?” asked Harry.
Talia shook her translucent head, “No beloved they remain hidden, well save Dooku and I know only that he is no Master. It is vital you know who your enemies are ”
Harry glanced over at Luna and then looked in to Talia’s eyes, “We’re ready Master.”
oOoOoOo
On his security console Obi-Wan watched the small group talking for a few moments before they slowly left the room turning to Anakin, “They look to be turning in for the night, well all of them except the young woman, Hermione she looks to be settling in.”
Anakin frowned at the external monitors for a moment before adjusting the feed and turning to his former master, “They seem a tight knit group.”
“Yes and it’s clear that Master Altis is involved with them they greeted him as a friend I……something is wrong,” Obi Wan reported as he felt a sudden presence in the Force, a dark presence.
Anakin cursed as his panel was suddenly filled with static, “The external senses are being jammed but I caught a glimpse of a ship.”
Obi Wan gestured at the wall, “Get next door and defend it, I’ll check out the exterior sen….”
A large explosion rocked the room and blew in most of the external wall showering both Jedi with debris and knocking them to the floor, “Go Anakin,” ordered Obi Wan as he pulled himself to his feet and drew his lightsaber.
Anakin didn’t acknowledge the order as he used the Force to slam open the door, leaving the room with Force assisted speed.
The corridor was a mess as stunned and injured medical personnel lay among the wreckage; cursing again Anakin almost blew the door off its hinges with a Force push as he charged in to the recovery ward. He was just in time to see two destroyer droids open fire on one of the people he was tasked to protect.
For Hermione her recent training took over as she rolled and hastily raised a shield even as she drew her lightsaber to faceoff against the two Mark II droideka that immediately opened fired even as their shields blossomed in to place.
Anakin took in the scene and leapt in to action engaging one of the droids trying to deflect its blaster canon bolts back at itself or its companion. Initially he had feared that he was too late to help Hermione but the young Force sensitive was calmly maintaining some sort of shield as she deflected blaster shots with her lightsaber and tried to edge closer to the shattered wall, no doubt to protect her helpless friend. One of the deflected shots went through the hole in the buildings outer wall and this gave him an idea.
Raising his voice he called out to the younger human, “Get clear,” as he used a massive Force push to shove the shielded droid out through the shattered wall and in to the night. The Droid didn’t have time to react as it disappeared and plummeted out of sight.
The second droideka now had two separate targets and chose to engage Anakin which gave Hermione the opportunity to attack the droid with magic. With a quick incantation and a gesture she sent a thin blue beam of light at the droideka which to Anakin’s astonishment passed straight through its shields to strike the droids ‘head’ and sending electricity arcing over the droids limbs and more importantly disrupting its shield. Anakin took immediate advantage and with two swift strokes of his lightsaber the droideka was destroyed.
oOoOoOo
With narrowed eyes Obi Wan watched the shuttle hovering near the destroyed outer wall without hesitation the Jedi Master squeezed through the remains of the wall and dropped to the ledge running along the outside of the building. With a simple Force jump he landed on the roof of the shuttle even as a droideka went flying through the space above his head. No doubt Anakin’s work mused Obi-wan with a smile as he moved toward the top hatch.
Anakin could sense it now, a familiar if unwelcome presence, Asajj Ventress. Raising his lightsaber he used the Force he tried to sense the darksider.
oOoOoOo
As much as Asajj Ventress loathed the Jedi and Skywalker in particular she had to admit that he was skilled. The young Jedi and his female companion dealt with the two droideka easily enough; luckily they had still served their purpose and distracted the Jedi enough to allow her to reach her quarry.
With a swift movement she tossed the unconscious human over her shoulder and threw a thermal detonator in to the bacta tank and another against the far wall before summoning her personal shuttle with the remote on her wrist. With three quick steps she reached the gap in the wall even as a scream sounded behind her.
oOoOoOo
Hermione rushed Anakin making for the gap in the shattered wall between the two rooms. She managed to squeeze through before Anakin could catch her. Cursing he squeezed through the same gap just in time to hear Hermione scream and see Ventress leap out through the shattered wall with Ron over her shoulder.
He was about to follow the darksider when the room exploded.
oOoOoOo
Obi Wan moved quickly and silently as he tried to override the seal on the hatch. He could always cut his way in but without knowing what was awaiting him stealth was the safest approach. He had just about done it when an explosion sent him tumbling from atop the shuttle. It was only his quick reflexes that allowed him to gain a hand hold on ledge of the building as the shuttle rocketed skyward.
oOoOoOo
Keisha was talking quietly with Alissa when Harry and Luna walked out of the training caverns dressed in their almost uniform of black and grey and were kitted it with their specially designed holsters.
“What is it?” asked Keisha as she sensed something of their intentions through the Force.
Luna smiled as she took the heavily pregnant teens hand, “We’ve been given our marching orders.”
“When do you leave?” asked Alissa.
Harry gestured toward the landing dock, “Talia stressed that our window of opportunity was small so I can’t really see any reason to delay.”
Luna gave Keisha’s hand a squeeze, “That and we need to travel to Coruscant to see Ron and the others before we drop out of sight for a while. We’ll stay in contact of course but we may be away for a while although we will try to make it back for the birth.”
oOoOoOo
“Not quite the Talia is it?” commented Harry as he began the preflight checks on the small two person shuttle that had originally been used by one of the Jedi’s old cruisers.
“No but it will get us to Coruscant,” replied Luna as she finished entering their course in to the nav-comp.
With a smile Harry keyed his mike, “Haven flight control this is shuttle one requesting a departure.”
“Harry this isn’t a commercial spaceport,” replied Alissa from Haven’s small control room.
Harry laughed as he replied, “Just keeping you on your toes control, we are ready for departure.”
“We will stay in touch Alissa,” promised Luna.
“Make sure that you do,” said Alissa. “May the Force be with you both….hold something is….We’ve got Sirius on the Vid, there was an attack on the hospital.”
“What happened?” asked Harry.
“Hold on I’ll patch him through to you,” replied Alissa as disheveled and dirty Sirius appeared on their screen.
“Harry, it’s a real fucking mess here,” reported a grim faced Sirius.
“Are you hurt?” asked Harry as he took in his godfather’s appearance.
Sirius shook his head, “No Moony and I are fine, Hermione was a bit knocked around when the room exploded, its Ron he’s missing. Someone abducted him straight out of the bloody hospital.”
Harry felt a strong urge to punch the wall, “Shit….okay Padfoot, please keep an eye on Hermione, we’ll be there as soon as we can.”
“I have a bad feeling about this Harry, “said Luna quietly after the channel closed.
“So do I love so do I,” acknowledged Harry.
oOoOoOo
“You have him,” said the distorted image on the view screen, the tone indicated that it wasn’t a question.
“Yes Master.”
The image with its face shrouded in shadow nodded, “Good bring him to me.”
oOoOoOo
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars and I make no profit from this work of fan fiction. I am in the debt of its true owners as they have been the creators of worlds of fiction that millions have enjoyed. All Hail to JKR and GL!
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners.
The original characters and plot are the property of the author.
The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
No copyright infringement is intended.
Last time:
"Ron?" whispered Remus as he checked for a pulse with a shaking hand, finding a faint pulse he cast the strongest healing spell he knew "Curatio vulnus, Don't you bloody die Weasley."
oOoOoOo
Chapter 10
Bespin - Jedi Enclave
"Sirius," screamed Remus.
Within moments Sirius skidded to his knees beside Remus, "What the hell happened?"
"He got run through, do you know any healing spells I don't...." Remus trailed off as he looked down at Ron.
Sirius drew his wand and made a complex gesture over Ron, "Vitalas Congelo,"
A faint green sphere formed around Ron before absorbing in to his skin. "What was that spell?" asked Remus.
"It a suppression spell, a very powerful suppression spell that slows his bodies functions. It should last a few hours and that is long enough to get him to MK to patch up." replied Sirius.
Working carefully Sirius levitated Ron and walked him toward the Talia.
oOoOoOo
Bene had been helping the enclaves Jedi defend the compound when the battle suddenly slowed and then seemed to come to a halt. Looking around she spotted her Master talking to Master Altis and several over Jedi, deactivating her lightsaber she looked around and went over to a wounded Jedi and began checking his injuries. He was unconscious and would need treatment for the blaster burns on his shoulder.
"Are you injured Padawan?" asked an unfamiliar voice.
Turning Bene saw a human male in Jedi robes who was carrying a field medkit.
Bene shook her head, "I'm not injured but, he's got some severe blaster burns on his shoulder."
The Jedi knelt done and examined the fallen man and nodded, "Its okay Padawan I'll take him from here. You might want to check out the other wounded and call me over if you need me."
Bene nodded and joined several Jedi as they moved around the compound checking both their and the enemy wounded. She checked several of the fallen attackers but they were all dead. Shaking her head at the loss of life she stood and walked over to where a woman dressed in the same black gear as the other attackers lay motionless on the ground she was only a few steps away when she saw a strange red hilted lightsaber laying on the ground, curious she used the Force to summon it. The uniquely shaped hilt was made of a light weight black alloy and the crystal was ruby coloured, it was an odd weapon for a Jedi, in fact she had never seen a ruby coloured crystal before.
With a shrug she clipped it to her utility belt and made her way to the prone figure. The woman obviously had been physically struck across the face and from its odd angle her leg was also badly injured if not broken. Leaning down to check for a pulse she paused as someone called out.
"Leave her."
The startled Padawan turned to see one of crew of the Talia, the dark haired Sirius. Who had a blaster in hand and an expression of barely contained anger on his face, "Step back Bene, she's injured not dead and she's bloody dangerous."
Bene paused for a moment, was the older man going shoot the injured woman? "I can't let you attack an injured prisoner," warned Bene.
Sirius shrugged but didn't lower the blaster, "Well seeing as how she nearly killed one of my friends I thought it would be a good idea to treat the bitch with a bit of caution."
Bene paused at that silently reminding her self that she needed to stay calm and centred, "She is defeated and no longer a threat." As she finished speaking she felt the familiar presence of her master behind her.
"What is going on?" asked Cin as he stood beside Bene.
Bene quickly answered keeping her voice even, "Master I was trying to treat the wounded and..."
"And I was just about to shoot your prisoner," finished Sirius.
Cin stepped between Sirius and Bene, "Perhaps we can resolve this without further bloodshed, stand down Sirius and I'll make sure she is detained and questioned. She is not a threat anymore."
For a moment it looked as if Sirius was going to make good his plan before he relaxed and lowered his blaster, "She nearly killed Ron so keep it.....keep her away from me and mine."
"Does he need medical assistance?" asked Cin.
Sirius's shoulders slumped "He's in with our medical droid now, It doesn't look to good.....the lightsaber cauterised the flesh and it apparently hit his heart."
"The lightsaber?" asked Cin as he looked down at the fallen woman with narrowing eyes.
oOoOoOo
"Does anyone recognise her?" asked Altis.
There were shaken heads all around as all those in the small cell studied the unconscious prisoner.
Cin ran his hands through his hair, a rare gesture of frustration from the usually composed Jedi Master, "I checked the courtyards security holo-camera footage and all I can determine is that she has been trained, well trained in lightsaber combat."
"A dark Jedi perhaps," suggested Ash.
Altis looked up from the data screen and shook his head, "She has no records at all in the Republic Database or the Jedi archives so I doubt she was ever trained as a Jedi."
"A Force sensitive trained on some non-republic world?" asked Serra.
"I think she is a Sith or at least allied to them," said Altis quietly.
Tanuri Chiell, one of senior members of the Altisian Jedi frowned as she studied the unconscious figure, "I can't sense any Force presence at all."
"Which tells us that she has been trained to somehow suppress her aura," said Altis.
A worried Cin looked over at Altis, "Old friend I'm getting that feeling again, I know that you have more information and I need it, the council needs it."
"That is not my decision to make Cin, but I'll ask," replied Altis.
"The council needs to know what has happened here, I will have to report this." insisted Cin.
"Do as you must but be careful Cin I have a bad feeling about this."
oOoOoOo
Hermione looked up as the communications panel lit up with a signal from the Talia, tapping the console she was somewhat surprised to see Remus face appear.
"Remus how goes the mission?" asked Hermione.
Remus shrugged, "We've had an incident here, the Jedi enclave was attacked and we have a number of wounded."
"Okay I'll let Harry know, we'll no doubt need to prepare...," Hermione trailed off at the look of concern on her old professor's face. "What is it Remus.....oh dear Merlin Ron, its Ron isn't it?"
"He was badly wounded, he's alive but, it's a pretty severe injury," Remus warned Hermione.
Hermione took a deep breath as she tried to centre and calm herself, "When will you be on your way?"
"An hour or so and we'll be underway," promised Remus.
"Okay I'll let Harry know..."
Remus quickly interrupted her, "Don't worry about that, Sirius has already spoken to him. We are doing everything we can Hermione and we'll be underway soon and this time we'll make a speed run home," Remus raised his hand in farewell as the channel closed.
Almost before she could move the door slid open and Harry and Luna walked straight to Hermione before pulling her in to a three way hug.
oOoOoOo
Serra Keto handed the Bespin official a small data pad and accepted one in return. The dark skinned human simply nodded as he pocketed the pad and walked off, disappearing in to the crowd, leaving Serra to make her own way out of the crowded market.
Bribery, grease on the wheel of intelligence gathering, distasteful but needful, even for a Jedi.
Trusting in the anonymity supplied by the large crowd in the market she moved quickly making her way to the small eatery where her companion was waiting.
"Did you get it?" asked Bene as Serra joined her at the small corner table.
"I think so," replied Serra as she quickly scrolled through the information on the pad.
"Have we got the bay?" asked Bene quietly.
Serra slid the pad across the table to Bene, "We have indeed Padawan, landing bay 34B. Finish up and we'll head over and see what we can see."
oOoOoOo
Landing Bay 34B contained a state of the art long range shuttle.
Getting aboard took a lot longer than they had anticipated considering the number and lethalness of the ships security protocols and even then ships log and memory core were wiped by the time they had found their way past the last of them.
"This is military grade technology," said Bene as she looked over the control surfaces.
Serra gave up on the memory core as she turned to Bene, "And that has to tell us something even if the core is fried."
Bene nodded as she tried the navcomp backup, "Serra I've got some spatial co-ordinates in the back up."
Serra leaned over, "Any route information?"
"Ahh most of it jumbled and nearly all of its partially erased, I'm not.....hold on, these are the co-ordinates for Coruscant."
Serra frowned and gestured toward the unit, "Make a copy and we'll report in. I think the Council needs to know this. We'll send some technical people to give this ship a full inspection."
oOoOoOo
"What is happening?" asked Remus as he walked in to the medical section.
Sirius didn't answer as he sat watching MK working on the figure suspended in the Bacta tank.
"Sirius?" asked Remus as he laid a hand on his friends shoulder.
Sirius didn't turn away from the scene as he answered, "MK didn't sound too positive, his heart has been damaged, badly damaged. It had stopped beating and even with the suppression spell there may have been some brain damage."
"Shit," whispered Remus as he sat with his friend.
"Yeah, shit," replied Sirius.
The sound of the door hissing open was ignored as both men focused on the Medical droid.
"How is he?" asked Altis as he walked in.
Sirius sighed, "Bad, the lightsaber went straight through two chambers of his heart. MK is working on repairing the damage...it doesn't look good."
"Anything at all he needs let me know," offered Altis.
"We will Altis thank....." Sirius stopped talking as the Medical droid backed away from the tank.
"Well?" asked a grim faced Sirius.
The Medical droid gestured toward a medical readout on the bulkhead, "Master Weasley is in critical need of a heart transplant. His heart and lung tissue has been cauterised and this has led to a number of other systemic failures. I have managed to stabilise his condition temporarily but realistically he needs to be transferred to a major medical complex so an artificial or cloned heart can be implanted. If I were to attempt such a procedure with these facilities the chance of success would be less than ten percent."
All three men were silent for a few moments as they considered the droids words.
Altis was the first to speak, "The medical facilities on Bespin are adequate but for this....I think that we need a second opinion, no offense MK."
oOoOoOo
The Jedi healer shook his head as he read the readout, "I concur with the med droid Master. Most people would have died from that injury already. He needs to be in a top clinic like Republic Central Medcenter."
"Bugger, okay I need to speak to Harry," said Sirius quietly as the healer left.
oOoOoOo
Coruscant - Jedi Temple
Yoda's expressive face looked around the room at the Jedi Masters of the Council, "Disturbing this news is, adept at hiding the Sith have become."
Mace Windu nodded, "While the Altisian faction is.....somewhat unorthodox many of us remember Jedi master Djinn Altis as a competent Jedi. I have no hesitation in trusting his judgment on this issue."
"Decided it is, sending a council member to question this prisoner we must," said Yoda.
Master Eeth Koth gestured to the hologram of Cin Drallig, "Master Cin is on Bespin is he not; surely he could conduct the questioning?"
"It is vital we find out who she is, this may be our chance to finally get some first hand intelligence on the Sith. She should be bought back to the Temple and questioned," argued Saesee Tiin.
Yoda shook his head, "Worried I am about transporting this Sith, disappear I suspect she would."
Several of the Jedi present exchanged glances, had things really come to this?
Yoda leaned heavily on his stick as he searched the faces of his fellow masters, "Shrouded is the Force, difficult to see ways forward, one thing is Dooku's betrayal but worry I do about the hidden things we see not."
Mace frowned as he considered Yoda's words, "Where is Altis receiving his information from, it seems remarkably accurate if, as Master Cin Drallig has reported he knew of the upcoming attack on his enclave."
Yoda looked up at Mace, "Hmmm, ask we shall but in this plot our course carefully we must."
Mace turned to the hologram of Master Drallig, "Has Djinn revealed anything about his source?"
The image of Cin turned to look at Yoda, "Not really Master Yoda. He has promised to tell me more but with the attack there hasn't really been much opportunity for us to talk privately and the crew of his ship have been equally close mouthed."
"Is Altis still using the Wookie Gunner?" asked the Master Adi Gallia.
"No he was in a ship called the Talia, a converted merchant ship," replied Cin.
"The Talia, hmmm interesting that is," said Yoda as he sat back in his cushioned chair sharing a look with Mace.
"Indeed Master, the crew were force trained but they were not Jedi nor did Altis claim them as part of his sect," added Cin.
Mace Windu sat forward, "Did you get their names?"
"Sirius, Remus and Ron, all three were Human males," reported Cin.
Yoda looked up at the hologram once more, "Think on this we will Master Drallig and a shuttle we will send to collect this Sith."
Master Drallig nodded and gestured causing an image of a young redhead to appear, "Master Altis has also requested a medical evac for one of the crew of the Talia who was injured. Apparently he needs emergency organ replacement."
"Let Master Altis know that we will arrange the treatment if he forwards the medical information," said Adi Gallia.
The image of Jedi Master Cin Drallig bowed and disappeared.
"So Harry has new allies," offered Mace as he locked gazes with Yoda.
Yoda nodded slightly "Appears so it does and again thwarted the Sith they have. Perhaps insights they have hmmm?"
"Perhaps but the question should be will they share them with us?" asked Adi Gallia.
oOoOoOo
Hermione shot up as soon as the first beep sounded almost knocking Luna off the lounge. Activating the channel she found herself looking at the face of Sirius Black.
"Hermione, firstly he's alive, he's not great but he is alive. MK and one of the Jedi healers insist that he needs to go to see some specialists."
Hermione felt her fear recede somewhat, "Specialists?"
Sirius nodded, "They want him in some hospital on Coruscant apparently it's the best in the republic. So we're just about to leave Bespin on route to Coruscant with some Jedi. Hermione, Altis is brining his ships straight home so if you want he's going to give you a ride back to Coruscant."
"Can I speak to him?" asked Hermione as Luna laid a hand on her shoulder.
Sirius smiled sadly, "He's in stasis for the trip. I know you're worried but we will take good care of him Hermione until you can get here yourself."
oOoOoOo
Obi-Wan Kenobi leaned back in his pilots chair and closed his eyes, he felt like he could sleep for a week. Even with the Force flowing through him he was tired. His last mission form the council had been to destroy a separatist factory on Nivek which had turned in to a running battle with the well equipped locals and at its conclusion he and Anakin were immediately ordered to return to Coruscant. His tired musing was cut off as his Padawan cleared his throat.
"Master we are about to enter orbit," Anakin's voice sounded amused even through the com system.
"Thank you Anakin, R4 I'll take it now," Obi-Wan advised his astromech droid.
The Temples flight deck was as busy as ever as the two Jedi maneuvered their ships to their assigned docks. As soon as Obi-Wan's ship was settling on to its landing struts R4 began powering down the engines. Moments later he was on the deck where Anakin was talking to the Padawan tasked with maintenance.
"....I think it's the power coupling but if you could work with R2 to run a diagnostic we'll be able to pin point it."
"Okay Anakin I'll get on it straight away," seeing Master Kenobi the Padawan inclined her head respectfully, "Master Kenobi, welcome back."
"Padawan Briella," acknowledged Obi-Wan with a tired smile.
"Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker, made good time you have," commented Yoda as he walked out on to the landing platform.
oOoOoOo
"Another Sith not Asajj Ventress?" asked Anakin with some surprise.
Yoda nodded, "Indeed Padawan, being brought here our prisoner is. Perhaps learn about our enemy we might."
Anakin looked surprised, "How did Master Cin manage to capture a Sith"
Yoda shook his head, "An enclave of Jedi was attacked, Master Altis you know of?"
Obi-Wan nodded while Anakin looked somewhat lost, "I thought he had left the order?"
Yoda nodded slowly, "Left the order he has but in communication with us he has been after meeting two young Force adepts."
"Two young Force....Harry and Luna?" asked Obi-Wan.
Yoda smiled at Obi-Wan, "Perceptive indeed young Kenobi, many threads weaving together there are, more perhaps we will know when Master Cin arrives."
"Master Yoda, did you want us to be a part of the questioning?" asked Anakin.
"No, another role you will have," promised Yoda.
oOoOoOo
Coruscant - Beneath 500 Republica
So his operative had failed, doubly failed in fact as she had also allowed herself to be captured. It was particularly disappointing as she had shown a great deal of promise and he had held many plans for such a useful tool, all malice and hate.
Failure and yet not disaster, Aralina knew nothing he did not want her to know, his identity was secure as were his plans. Yes he lost one of his squads of dark adepts but they were easily replaced and yet their was a shadow at the edge of his perception, a disturbance in the Force one that he had sensed before. Whoever it was they had apparently thwarted his plans once again. His spy on the Jedi council had been unable to get too close but had managed to ascertain that Aralina was being transported to Coruscant along with a wounded Force sensitive that had been involved in thwarting her mission. Perhaps something could be salvaged from this failure.
oOoOoOo
"How far out are we?" asked Remus as Sirius walked back in to the small cabin they were sharing on the Talia.
Sirius slumped down to sit on his bunk, "An hour or two, these pilots know better than I do how to fly and with all the Jedi aboard our mystery Sith isn't going anywhere."
"I checked in on Ron," supplied Remus.
"And?" prompted Sirius.
Remus shrugged, "And he is still in stasis, I should contact Hermione and let her know we are about to arrive."
oOoOoOo
Harry pressed his attack.
Luna merely smiled and used the Force to leap straight, up landing on a small stone ledge toward the roof of the cavern.
Harry knew instantly that he couldn't leap up to the ledge; it was too narrow and with Luna already there it would be all but impossible to even gain his footing but before he could come up with a plan the communications panel beeped. With a gesture he activated the unit.
An image of a worried looking Hermione appeared, "Harry?"
Harry quickly walked over to the unit, "Hermione what is it?"
"They've reached Coruscant and we have just received a message from Altis, his ships are about two hours out."
As Luna moved to stand next to him Harry looked straight in to his friend's eyes, "Okay we'll be up in a minute and Hermione he's where he needs to be and we will get you where you need to be."
By the time Luna and Harry walked in to the main dining area they found Hermione sitting with Alissa as Keisha conversed with several droids. As Keisha's pregnancy had progressed she began to spend less time training and had taken over more and more of the day to day administration of the facilities. With the imminent arrival of the Jedi from Bespin she had shown a remarkable degree of skill in directing the myriad of tasks needed to prepare the facilities. The former Padawan looked up as they approached and waved them over.
Keisha gestured toward the three droids, "We're basically ready for our new arrivals and I've made sure that for now anyway we've put appropriate security around the caverns."
Luna nodded, "Excellent, I think we'll need to be careful about who has access there and the library until we have a chance to talk to Altis."
Keisha glanced over at Hermione, "I've also got everything ready to resupply Altis for a trip to Coruscant."
"Thanks Keisha," said Harry as he walked over to sit next to a red eyed Hermione who looked up at him with a wan smile.
"Hi Harry."
Harry reached out and took his friends hand, "Hey Mione, all packed?"
Hermione nodded absently squeezing his hand, "I'm so worried about him, I...can't lose him like this Harry."
Using the Force Harry projected his love and concern toward his friend, "Have faith Hermione, Ron's stronger than we give him credit for."
Hermione squeezed his hand again, "I know Harry but it's hard not to worry."
1C-32 the Droid in charge of the habitats operations turned away from Keisha "Master Harry three ships are approaching the habitat."
Harry nodded and made his way to the wall mounted communications panel and opened a channel, "This is Jonex mining operations control, please identify."
"Jonex control this is the Wookie Gunner requesting permission to dock," even over an audio channel everyone could recognise the speaker.
"Bring them in Altis," replied Harry.
oOoOoOo
Harry smiled at the Bespin refugee's, "Welcome to...well asteroid designated XM whatever isn't that memorable so we decided on Haven. So on behalf of all of us welcome to Haven."
There were smiles as well as curious looks as the newly arrived Jedi and their families took in the dark haired young man and his blond companion.
Their attention was then drawn to Master Altis as their leader stepped forward to speak, "And a haven it shall be but not just for those of us here today. The attack on our Bespin enclave is an aspect of the war with the Separatists and ultimately a war with the Sith, a war we will get drawn in to regardless of the neutrality we sought to maintain," Altis gestured toward Luna, "Luna is a Seer as was her Master and they have shared with me some of what they have seen of what is to come and it is horrific. Our role will be in part to save what we can, Haven will become a sanctuary. Our hosts are not Jedi but they are Force trained in a way we have never seen before. The second part of our mission is to teach them even as we learn their techniques. I once asked if you were brave enough, committed enough to our vision of what a Jedi should be to leave the Jedi order. Today I ask are you brave enough to challenge your perceptions of the Force."
As he finished Altis stepped backwards allowing Luna to take his place, "We ask no allegiance from you, we want no vows all that we ask is that you approach Haven with an open mind. We value learning and knowledge and we judge a being by its actions not its reputation so we ask you to respect that trust."
"1C-32," Luna gestured to the Droid, "has allocated you all rooms so if you would liaise with him we can start getting you all settled."
"I think that went well," said Altis as he watched his people talking softly amongst themselves as Haven's droids moved amongst them beginning the room allocation process.
Harry shrugged, "The real test will come when they realise just how different Haven really is."
Altis smiled, "I think they'll surprise you Harry."
oOoOoOo
"Are you sure Hermione?" asked Luna as the brunette pulled a small wheeled case up the main ramp of the Wookie Gunner.
Hermione shook her head, "Really I'm fine, Sirius and Remus are with Ron already and besides you two have enough to do here as it is."
Luna studied Hermione for a moment before nodding, "Okay well you make sure to keep us in the loop and if you need us we'll be there, no arguments."
"Hermione, I thought I felt you coming, you are right on time," said Harry as he appeared in the ships hatch, "Altis wanted me to let you know that the ship is restocked and ready to go."
"Well I'm ready whenever he is," replied Hermione.
Harry could feel her fear and worry and pulled his friend in to a hug, "Come on I'll show you your cabin."
oOoOoOo
Jedi Master Mace Windu was silent as he watched Yoda talking to the two Force trained humans who had been escorted in to the council chamber by Cin Drallig. Both appeared to be middle aged humans at first glance but there was something....off about the quieter one, Remus.
"Harry's teachers you were then?" Yoda asked when the formal part of the questioning about their unusual captive was completed, without any new information coming to light.
Remus smiled sadly, "Once many years ago I had the privilege of teaching for a short while at Harry's school but these days I'm the student far more than the teacher." The last was said with more of a genuine smile.
When Yoda looked at him Sirius laughed, "Merlin no, Harry is my godson and right now one of my teachers."
'One of his teachers' thought Mace, Talia is dead who's teaching them now?
"If need anything you do, contact the temple you must," instructed Yoda.
Remus nodded politely, "Thank you Master Yoda."
"One thing more there is," said Yoda seriously, "If Sith she is some danger there may be for you and your friend."
As Yoda spoke Mace watched both Sirius and Remus share a look.
"We'll take precautions Master Yoda, thank you for the warning," said Sirius.
Yoda frowned, "Assign an escort I would."
Sirius looked surprised, "With all due respect Master Yoda we should be fine but I would appreciate you keeping an eye on Ron while he's laid up."
"Assign guards we will," Yoda agreed with a nod.
After the two men left to return to the hospital Mace Windu turned his chair to face Yoda, "There is something here we are not seeing, something important."
Yoda gnawed on his glimmer stick, "Hmmm sensed it did you, touched by the darkness he is, touched but not mastered by it. Troubled I am not sure what I am sensing in the Force. Darkness but not the malignancy of the Sith, strange it is."
Mace frowned as he watched Yoda, "We should have them watched and followed," quickly raising his hand to stop Yoda voicing a complaint, "for their own good I doubt that the Sith will be pleased with their interference."
oOoOoOo
"They say he'll make it," said Anakin as he watched the human doctors and Med Droids working on the young man on the gurney.
Obi-Wan nodded, "He's very lucky, not one in a thousand would survive a wound like that."
"What do you make of them Obi-Wan?" asked Anakin with a gesture to the two older men standing quietly on the edge of their view screen.
Obi-Wan scratched at his beard which was still re-growing after their last mission, "They seem decent enough people, a little undisciplined but not unlike some Jedi I know."
Anakin looked troubled for a moment, "It surprises me that the council is okay with them just wandering around without the council overseeing them; I mean until recently I didn't even know that the Altisian Jedi existed and now there's another group of Force trained people running around the galaxy. The archives don't even mention them."
Obi-Wan looked over at the younger man with a slight smile on his face, "Well the council has always known that there were other Force users out there and not all of them are unfriendly. I've even met a few when I was a Padawan some of the other Force users out there were quite skilled in using the Force in ways we never considered."
“It’s just….well actually I don’t know why but it bothers me,” Anakin looked away from his friend as he spoke his thoughts drifting to Padmé and for a moment he considered other paths he might have taken before he clamped down on those thoughts. The Jedi needed him and the Chancellor relied on him.
oOoOoOo
“Hermione?”
The sound of her name summoned Hermione from her meditation.
Altis smiled reassuringly as he manipulated the controls of the Wookie Gunner, “We’re just about to land.”
For a few moments Hermione watched as Altis weaved through the heavy air traffic, “Have you heard from Remus or Sirius?”
“Only a message saying that we will be met when we land,” replied Altis, as he banked the ship to starboard, “Which means any minute now because that’s our landing bay.”
oOoOoOo
Hermione was pretty much operating on autopilot as she was introduced to her guide, a Jedi of a species she wasn’t familiar with and whose name she failed to catch. Indeed for the entirety of the short journey to the medical facility she was focused on her concern for Ron. It wasn’t until she saw him suspended in the Bacta tank that she managed to focus on the world around her again. Finally noticing Altis talking quietly to Remus as Sirius talked to a human dressed in white.
“…and the surgery went very well. We have absolutely no fear now in saying he’ll make a full recovery.”
Realising that Hermione had not been listening Sirius draped an arm around Hermione’s shoulder and gestured to the middle aged human, “Thank you Administrator Tharron, I think we’ll just sit with Hermione for a while and let it all sink in.”
The small man smiled and nodded, “Of course, of course and if you need anything please let one of my staff know.”
“It’s going to be okay Hermione,” said Sirius giving her shoulders a squeeze.
“He looks better than I thought he would,” whispered Hermione.
“He’s on the mend, it will be a long road but he’ll be okay,” Sirius said giving Hermione’s shoulder a final squeeze before leaving her at the viewing window.
“Think she’ll be okay?” asked Remus as Sirius joined him.
Sirius looked over to where Hermione was standing motionless as she gazed in to the treatment room, “I think so….. I hope so.”
oOoOoOo
Harry swayed away from Luna’s thrust even as he wandlessly cast a blasting curse at her chest which missed as she continued her forward motion and gestured deflecting the curse away.
“Hold,” ordered a voice behind them bringing to an end their forty minute duel.
Harry and Luna turned to look at the translucent figure standing behind them as the Force ghost of Talia Tal-Shin smiled at her two former apprentices, “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, how hard you have worked. You are skilled and in touch with the Force my beloved apprentices.”
Both Harry and Luna kneeled with bowed heads in acknowledgement of her praise.
Talia gestured or them to rise, “Your powers continue to grow but all too soon the time foreseen will be upon us and you must be ready to act, fully trained or not. The dark is ascendant and soon it will crush the Jedi. You are surrounded by enemies my apprentices and have but a little time to save what you can so that it is not lost.”
Luna looked up at her former master, “We had thought to use Haven as a sanctuary for those we could save, shepherded by Altis and his people.”
Talia nodded, “Altis is a good man and a good choice for a shepherd.”
Harry continued for his mentor, “But it is our role to seek out those we need to save.”
“Not an easy task,” warned Talia “But your first task is harder; you must identify your enemy.”
“You don’t know?” asked Harry.
Talia shook her translucent head, “No beloved they remain hidden, well save Dooku and I know only that he is no Master. It is vital you know who your enemies are ”
Harry glanced over at Luna and then looked in to Talia’s eyes, “We’re ready Master.”
oOoOoOo
On his security console Obi-Wan watched the small group talking for a few moments before they slowly left the room turning to Anakin, “They look to be turning in for the night, well all of them except the young woman, Hermione she looks to be settling in.”
Anakin frowned at the external monitors for a moment before adjusting the feed and turning to his former master, “They seem a tight knit group.”
“Yes and it’s clear that Master Altis is involved with them they greeted him as a friend I……something is wrong,” Obi Wan reported as he felt a sudden presence in the Force, a dark presence.
Anakin cursed as his panel was suddenly filled with static, “The external senses are being jammed but I caught a glimpse of a ship.”
Obi Wan gestured at the wall, “Get next door and defend it, I’ll check out the exterior sen….”
A large explosion rocked the room and blew in most of the external wall showering both Jedi with debris and knocking them to the floor, “Go Anakin,” ordered Obi Wan as he pulled himself to his feet and drew his lightsaber.
Anakin didn’t acknowledge the order as he used the Force to slam open the door, leaving the room with Force assisted speed.
The corridor was a mess as stunned and injured medical personnel lay among the wreckage; cursing again Anakin almost blew the door off its hinges with a Force push as he charged in to the recovery ward. He was just in time to see two destroyer droids open fire on one of the people he was tasked to protect.
For Hermione her recent training took over as she rolled and hastily raised a shield even as she drew her lightsaber to faceoff against the two Mark II droideka that immediately opened fired even as their shields blossomed in to place.
Anakin took in the scene and leapt in to action engaging one of the droids trying to deflect its blaster canon bolts back at itself or its companion. Initially he had feared that he was too late to help Hermione but the young Force sensitive was calmly maintaining some sort of shield as she deflected blaster shots with her lightsaber and tried to edge closer to the shattered wall, no doubt to protect her helpless friend. One of the deflected shots went through the hole in the buildings outer wall and this gave him an idea.
Raising his voice he called out to the younger human, “Get clear,” as he used a massive Force push to shove the shielded droid out through the shattered wall and in to the night. The Droid didn’t have time to react as it disappeared and plummeted out of sight.
The second droideka now had two separate targets and chose to engage Anakin which gave Hermione the opportunity to attack the droid with magic. With a quick incantation and a gesture she sent a thin blue beam of light at the droideka which to Anakin’s astonishment passed straight through its shields to strike the droids ‘head’ and sending electricity arcing over the droids limbs and more importantly disrupting its shield. Anakin took immediate advantage and with two swift strokes of his lightsaber the droideka was destroyed.
oOoOoOo
With narrowed eyes Obi Wan watched the shuttle hovering near the destroyed outer wall without hesitation the Jedi Master squeezed through the remains of the wall and dropped to the ledge running along the outside of the building. With a simple Force jump he landed on the roof of the shuttle even as a droideka went flying through the space above his head. No doubt Anakin’s work mused Obi-wan with a smile as he moved toward the top hatch.
Anakin could sense it now, a familiar if unwelcome presence, Asajj Ventress. Raising his lightsaber he used the Force he tried to sense the darksider.
oOoOoOo
As much as Asajj Ventress loathed the Jedi and Skywalker in particular she had to admit that he was skilled. The young Jedi and his female companion dealt with the two droideka easily enough; luckily they had still served their purpose and distracted the Jedi enough to allow her to reach her quarry.
With a swift movement she tossed the unconscious human over her shoulder and threw a thermal detonator in to the bacta tank and another against the far wall before summoning her personal shuttle with the remote on her wrist. With three quick steps she reached the gap in the wall even as a scream sounded behind her.
oOoOoOo
Hermione rushed Anakin making for the gap in the shattered wall between the two rooms. She managed to squeeze through before Anakin could catch her. Cursing he squeezed through the same gap just in time to hear Hermione scream and see Ventress leap out through the shattered wall with Ron over her shoulder.
He was about to follow the darksider when the room exploded.
oOoOoOo
Obi Wan moved quickly and silently as he tried to override the seal on the hatch. He could always cut his way in but without knowing what was awaiting him stealth was the safest approach. He had just about done it when an explosion sent him tumbling from atop the shuttle. It was only his quick reflexes that allowed him to gain a hand hold on ledge of the building as the shuttle rocketed skyward.
oOoOoOo
Keisha was talking quietly with Alissa when Harry and Luna walked out of the training caverns dressed in their almost uniform of black and grey and were kitted it with their specially designed holsters.
“What is it?” asked Keisha as she sensed something of their intentions through the Force.
Luna smiled as she took the heavily pregnant teens hand, “We’ve been given our marching orders.”
“When do you leave?” asked Alissa.
Harry gestured toward the landing dock, “Talia stressed that our window of opportunity was small so I can’t really see any reason to delay.”
Luna gave Keisha’s hand a squeeze, “That and we need to travel to Coruscant to see Ron and the others before we drop out of sight for a while. We’ll stay in contact of course but we may be away for a while although we will try to make it back for the birth.”
oOoOoOo
“Not quite the Talia is it?” commented Harry as he began the preflight checks on the small two person shuttle that had originally been used by one of the Jedi’s old cruisers.
“No but it will get us to Coruscant,” replied Luna as she finished entering their course in to the nav-comp.
With a smile Harry keyed his mike, “Haven flight control this is shuttle one requesting a departure.”
“Harry this isn’t a commercial spaceport,” replied Alissa from Haven’s small control room.
Harry laughed as he replied, “Just keeping you on your toes control, we are ready for departure.”
“We will stay in touch Alissa,” promised Luna.
“Make sure that you do,” said Alissa. “May the Force be with you both….hold something is….We’ve got Sirius on the Vid, there was an attack on the hospital.”
“What happened?” asked Harry.
“Hold on I’ll patch him through to you,” replied Alissa as disheveled and dirty Sirius appeared on their screen.
“Harry, it’s a real fucking mess here,” reported a grim faced Sirius.
“Are you hurt?” asked Harry as he took in his godfather’s appearance.
Sirius shook his head, “No Moony and I are fine, Hermione was a bit knocked around when the room exploded, its Ron he’s missing. Someone abducted him straight out of the bloody hospital.”
Harry felt a strong urge to punch the wall, “Shit….okay Padfoot, please keep an eye on Hermione, we’ll be there as soon as we can.”
“I have a bad feeling about this Harry, “said Luna quietly after the channel closed.
“So do I love so do I,” acknowledged Harry.
oOoOoOo
“You have him,” said the distorted image on the view screen, the tone indicated that it wasn’t a question.
“Yes Master.”
The image with its face shrouded in shadow nodded, “Good bring him to me.”
oOoOoOo
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