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 had to smile at the thought of the former professor confronting the matriarch of the Weasley family, "You know I should, you know let them know Mum will go off if she finds out I didn't tell her."
"That's not actually a bad idea Ron," mused Hermione "There are quite a few things we could use."
"What's not a bad idea?" asked Ron.
Hermione gave Ron's hand another squeeze, "A trip to Earth."
oOoOoOo
Chapter 12 - A New Order
A narrow eyed Yoda tapped his stick on the Drop ships ramp, "A senator you think this Sith is?"
Luna nodded.
Harry was busy watching medical droids removing the bodies from his ship. The covered corpses were being carried to a medical drop ship.
Yoda slowly shook his head, "Serious this allegation is. If true explains much it does. Too much influence our enemy has."
Obi-Wan who had just made his way over to the small group on the ramp frowned as he took in Yoda's words, "Politicians are generally not to be trusted but it is a big leap from corruption to being a Sith."
Luna shrugged and looked over to where the medical drop ship was taking off, "And yet we have Dark side adepts running around. Adepts who are remarkably well informed of not only our movements but what the Jedi are doing."
"That doesn't prove that there is a senatorial Sith in the Republic's seat of power," Obi-Wan argued.
oOoOoOo
Haven - Outer Rim
"So Harry and Luna are okay?" Hermione asked anxiously.
"They're fine. A bit annoyed at the damage to their new ship, but fine." Remus assured Hermione.
"Are they on their way home?"
"No not yet. They have let the Jedi know that they think the Sith on Coruscant is a Senator. Yoda is apparently taking it seriously," Remus shrugged. "Anyway they think absenting themselves from Coruscant for a while is a good idea. Luna's a bit worried they may run in to some problems with the authorities now that they've suggested a senator."
"Did you tell them about our plans?"
Remus smiled, "Harry said to get him some Butterbeer if you go. Well that and say hello to the Weasley's."
Hermione sat back in to the chair looking a bit less worried, "Well than I'd best tell the others that the trips on."
Her organized mind was already working out a list of supplies they needed to purchase.
oOoOoOo
Harry and Luna sold a few more conjured gemstones to resupply their ship after they finished the repairs on the hatch.
"You know I may be rethinking the whole 'who needs money' philosophy," commented Harry as he maneuvered a large crate in to the cargo hold and secured it in place.
Luna sighed, loudly, "If you are still going on about the price you paid for those Nerf sausages I'll throw them out."
"Well they were expensive Luna," said Harry, his tone aggrieved.
Luna turned to look at her partner. Harry noted the narrowed eyes, "Harry we are not going to argue about this are we?"
"No.....ah sorry," replied Harry.
"Good, "was the rather more cheerful reply.
Luna smiled and stepped in close to kiss Harry briefly before skipping down the ramp for the next crate.
He still had a smile on his face when he reached the pile of cargo at the base of the ramp. He quickly cast a feather light charm and picked up a largish chest and followed Luna up the ramp. Wondering idly if he should get some more Ithorian starfruit, Luna loved them.
He was on his way back down the ramp when he spotted a figure in a heavy cloak standing near the perimeter fence. Even though the motionless figures face was hidden in the shadows of the robe he was getting a clear feeling that he was being watched. There was no sense of malice or danger but rather a feeling of curiosity.
Luna appeared beside Harry a curious look on her face.
"I think she is waiting to speak to us."
"She?" echoed Harry.
"Definitely a she, I can sense that from here."
Harry studied the figure before speaking, "So what do we do now?"
His answer came as the figure began walking toward the ship.
Harry's lip twitched, "Okay, you or me?"
Luna seemed to stare at nothing for a moment as reached out in to the Force. "I think me."
Luna advanced down the ramp and walked several steps before pausing to wait for the approaching woman. She was certainly confident; there was no hesitation in her stride as she approached the ship. At the base of the ramp the figure halted and threw back its hood. The first thing Luna noted was that she was right. It was a woman.
The dark haired young woman looked Luna over impassively before nodding, "You are the seer?"
Luna nodded while above her Harry palmed his wand.
"I am Salara of the Bright Cave Clan of Dathomir."
Luna bowed slightly acknowledging the greeting, "I welcome you Salara, I am Luna Lovegood and this is my companion Harry Potter."
Salara glanced at Harry before dismissing him with a flick of her eyes. "My clan matriarch wishes to meet with you Luna Lovegood. She offers full alliance.
oOoOoOo
"She didn't seem to like me very much," commented Harry as he watched Salara walking across the tarmac.
"Matriarchal society love, we'll cross that bridge later on if we need to. I think we need to do this. From the little she shared with me they appear to have built a society around being Force sensitive. Think of all the knowledge they've developed. They even think in terms of spells for many of their Force powers. Thus the name Witches of Dathomir."
Harry scratched at his chin, "Hmm I guess so. It's just that I'm not looking forward to being on a world where I'm a second class citizen."
"I look after you," replied Luna with a bright happy smile.
"Ha bloody ha. What else did you find out?"
"They don't think much of the Jedi. Apparently the founder of the Witches was an exiled Jedi. Their laws and customs are based on her teachings. If we can negotiate an alliance even with one Clan we will be preserving another variety of Force usage." Luna shook her head. "The Jedi are so narrow minded its way past arrogance. There are so many different types of sensitives in the galaxy."
Harry leaned back against the bulkhead. "And if we don't somehow find them the Sith will swallow them up or destroy them outright."
Luna stepped in to lean against Harry's chest, "We shall protect and preserve what we can and on Haven we will build a home for them all. That was Talia's dream my love and we will make it happen. Too much is at stake if we fail."
oOoOoOo
Harry bowed as the tall Dathomiri, "Salara, welcome aboard the Lily."
They hadn't had much time to consider naming their new ship but then Luna had suggested the ship be named Lily and the name had stuck.
Salara glanced at him but this time she seemed to notice the lightsaber clipped to his belt. She paused for a moment before nodding and walking past to greet Luna with a hand clasp, "Luna thank you for agreeing to meet my Clan leader and for letting me travel with you."
"It makes sense for us to travel with you as our guide and accept your ahhh assistance with the politics of the situation. The last thing we want to do is cause an incident through a lack of understanding of your ways."
"Good then we understand each other. Now Luna since we are to share our journey may I ask you a question?"
"Of course," replied Luna.
"Why do you permit your....companion to be armed?"
Harry bristled at her words but Luna could sense the genuine curiosity underlying the question.
"Harry is much more than my companion. It has been together that we have triumphed over the challenges we have faced."
A worried look crossed Salara's face as she considered Luna's answer, "That may be a problem amongst some of the more traditional clan members. It is not customary for males to be allowed weapons."
Luna shrugged, "If they cannot see past our differences then our potential alliance is doomed before it starts. Many of the Force users at Haven are males. All are equal in standing."
Salara nodded, "You are wise Seer-Luna and I believe you are correct we must adapt or we will face the darkness divided, just as my matriarch's vision foretold."
oOoOoOo
Harry piloted the Lily well clear of the more common spaceways and activated the navcomp. The co-ordinates supplied by the merchant ship Salara had arrived on would mean a fairly long jump but certainly doable. As he activated the hyperdrive he checked for any problems and seeing none set the auto-pilot. He was about to head aft when he felt a presence behind him.
"Can I help you Salara?" he asked without turning.
"I believe I may have offended you before."
Harry swiveled in his chair to face the Dathomiri, "I'm generally not easily offended Salara. We come from different cultures and that presents challenges and forces us to reconsider our own beliefs. I will admit my first reaction was to give you an earful but what would that have achieved, save potentially alienating you."
Salara leaned back against the bulkhead and for several long moments she quietly studied Harry seemingly considering his words. "You make a good point but I fear that the Clan leaders will dispute it. You may need to prove yourselves many times over."
Harry smiled at the warning, "My homeworld had a saying, well a curse really. May you live in interesting times. Well I think your homeworld will be very, very interesting."
oOoOoOo
Haven
Hermione chewed on her bottom lip as she watched Alissa scan Ron. The healer consulted the medical scanners readout before smiling at the anxious patient and his equally anxious girlfriend.
"He's healing well so I have no problem with him travelling provided that he takes it easy for a few more days."
Ron smiled as Hermione leaned over to kiss his forehead.
"So are you going?" asked Alissa with a smile.
"If Ron gets a clean bill of health, yes we we'll make a run back to Earth. There are quite a few things we'll need anyway and we'd like to catch up with our families."
Ron nodded, "Mom and Dad will be rapt too see us even if I do get an earful for getting hurt."
"Would it be possible for me to accompany you?" asked Alissa.
"Does Ron..." began Hermione.
Alissa quickly corrected Hermione, "No, no nothing like that. It's just that I would love to speak to a magical healer and get some healing texts."
Hermione nodded, "It shouldn't be a problem and Altis, Sirius and Remus have the training well in hand here. We can even continue our studies on the trip."
"I'll let Altis know," promised Alissa.
"I...." what Hermione thought was interrupted by Sirius apparating in to the medial bay and yelling for Alissa.
"What is it, is someone hurt?"
Sirius looked desperate, "Keisha...I need...it's the baby!"
"Where is she Sirius?"
"In the library, she just grabbed her stomach. "
Alissa immediately began grabbing sealed med-kits from the shelves and tossing them to Hermione. "Hermione grab these, I'll get the rest of my equipment and I'll get you to apparate us to the library."
A minute later a wide eyed Ron was left looking at an equally wide eyed Sirius.
oOoOoOo
The Lily on route to Dathomir System
Harry swayed to the side to avoid a vicious thrust from Luna and kicked out. He didn't connect but it did force her backward. With a flick of his wrist Harry launched a large crate directly at Luna. An obvious move but it was designed to hide the container he had prepared earlier flying for her back. To further distract her he surged forward swinging his lightsaber in a sweeping movement aimed at her legs even as he ducked under the crate Luna had sent hurtling back at him.
Luna used the Force to push the crate at Harry and jump over his arcing blade only to have something impact her back sending her stumbling forward in to Harry.
Harry caught Luna as she stumbled and kissed her on the neck.
Harry made sure Luna was steady on her feet before stepping back with a grin, "Got you that time."
Luna acknowledged his victory with a nod and a smile, "Nice bit of Force concealment. You prepped it before hand?"
"Yep about ten minutes before you got here," replied Harry.
"And you kept me talking before we started to not give me a chance to notice the Force ripple. Nice work love."
Harry shrugged, "It's a good trick but I'm still working on how to use it during an unscheduled fight. Any half competent Force user could detect an incoming missile. If I can find a way to dampening the Force around it...well I think it would be a good combat ability."
"You are both very skilled," offered Salara from where she had been watching them spar.
"Would you like to join us?"
Salara nodded and removed her outer robe to reveal that she was wearing a simple halter top and a short skirt. "As you can no doubt see I am unarmed so perhaps a hand to hand bout?"
Luna stepped forward but Salara held up a hand. "Perhaps a bout with your m...with Harry may give me a better understanding of his abilities."
"No weapons and passive abilities only," suggested Harry who received a nod from Salara.
Luna nodded and stepped back to allow Salara to approach Harry who hooked his lightsaber to his belt and assumed a balanced fighting stance with his knees bent and hands by his side. Salara however began to circle him. Her eyes were running over his stance looking for a weakness to exploit.
As she went to pass behind him Harry attacked with a simultaneous punch toward Salara's head and a kick toward her knee. The Dathomiri danced out of the way and then countered attempting to grapple with him as she hooked a leg behind him.
Harry tried to counter by pushing his stance wider to give himself stability while pulling Salara's arm forward to pull her off balance. Unfortunately she was stronger than she looked and apparently quite an experienced wrestler. Once Harry began trying to pull her off balance she simply held for a few moments then went with the move and pulled Harry with her.
Harry felt Salara give then he found himself flung through the air to land on his stomach. He went to roll away when Salara landed on his back pining him to the floor.
"You are strong for a male but you underestimated me I think." Salara ran a hand down Harry's back feeling his muscle. "It is a pity you are taken. You would produce wonderful children." Salara climbed back to her feet and turned to Luna.
"You should practice more hand to hand. A swordsman he may be but his hand to hand is a touch predictable. Many of my sisters will view him as a challenge and will try you both. To test you as outlanders or to try for the right to couple with your male, if you want I can work with you."
"Thank you Salara we will," replied Luna with a respectful nod.
Salara bent over in front of Harry to gather up her robe. Moving slowly she pulled it back on and left but not before looking over her shoulder at Harry.
"Oh shit," whispered Harry as Luna began to giggle.
oOoOoOo
"I'm not sure I'm comfortable being eye candy for a bunch of aggressive women," complained Harry as he sat on his bunk letting Luna smear massage oil over his shoulders.
"I'll be there to deter your suitors love," replied Luna. Harry didn't have to look at her to 'see' the smile.
As Luna finished he turned to face her, "How's your back?"
"A bit sore," confirmed Luna.
Harry took the cream off her and gestured for her to get on the bed, "Your turn."
Luna grinned and pulled off her shirt and her bra before turning her back to him. Harry began to work on her shoulders and back. The massage oil supplied by Alissa was excellent and soon her shoulders began to relax.
"Harry?"
"Too hard?" replied Harry easing off her back a bit.
Luna turned to face Harry and leaned forward to kiss him. "I'm done with back massages. I think I'll practice staking my territory."
Harry leaned in for a kiss as his hands stroked Luna's ribs causing her to make a mewling noise even as she smashed her lips in to his. Luna's hand went up to Harry's hair as his fingertips brushed over her nipples. Then Harry was on his back as Luna pushed him down with a growl and began kissing her way from his throat to his chest.
Luna's quick hands had the fastener to Harry's pants undone and tugged down before he even registered what had happened. With a smile he lifted his hips allowing her to strip him completely before he flipped her over and rolled on top of her.
Now it was Harry's hands working at Luna's clothes and he quickly had her down to her underwear. With a final kiss to her belly he hooked his fingers in to her panties and looked up at her for permission. Luna simply lifted her hips and he slowly slid her last bit of clothing down and off her legs.
Harry couldn't help but stop to appreciate Luna's beauty as she lay before him. She had been his constant companion and friend long before becoming his lover and in that time he had come to appreciate her quirky personality and intelligence. As they trained together he saw her power grow as she mastered the skills they were taught. Yet it was now in this moment that he truly saw here as a woman. She was sleek and muscular, an athletes figure. From her slender neck his eyes travelled down ward. Her pale breasts were perfectly proportioned and her toned stomach and narrow waist highlighted her flared hips. Without realising it his hands were trailing down her body coming to rest on her hips even as he took in the triangle of sparse pale silver hair adorning her womanhood.
Harry looked up in to her eyes, "So beautiful. You are so beautiful my love."
Luna simply smiled as she lay with her long silver blond hair splayed out beneath her. If she had ever truly wondered about Harry this moment closed off forever any doubts she had. His green eyes were glowing with love and desire.
Their lovemaking was still awkward in many ways. Neither was all that experienced but what they lacked in knowledge was made up for with their passion. It was Luna that took charge directing Harry with touches and murmurs of encouragement. She led him as they explored together they found new ways to please each other.
oOoOoOo
Harry was half asleep himself as he lay in bed watching his lover sleep. He really should be up to check the auto-pilot and ship board systems but it was so peaceful sitting with Luna's head in his lap. Absently he twirled strands of her hair around his fingers. He was about to wake her when he felt her tense. Then he felt it as well. There was a ripple of warning from the Force, a sense of danger approaching.
"Harry?" said a suddenly awake Luna.
Harry was up and pulling on his clothes. With his pants on he reached down to the floor and tossed Luna her clothes.
They reached the control room as the first alarm sounded.
oOoOoOo
Haven
Keisha was asleep by the time Alissa finished the last of her stitching. The birth had been routine if quick and there had been a little tearing so once all the excitement was over Alissa had applied a local anesthetic and finished off.
As Alissa worked Hermione found herself holding the baby. The child was beautiful with a mess of black hair and the palest of pale blue eyes. It was the first birth Hermione had ever been a part of and far different from what she had expected. Far more.....well visceral than she had realised. Pain and blood then new life, it was a humbling experience.
Alissa finished packing up her med kit and turned to smile at Hermione who was making faces at the baby, "Amazing isn't it?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile in return, "Yes although I'll admit I hadn't really thought about what childbirth was like."
Alissa laughed, "Worried? Don't be Keisha will be a bit sore for a few days but once she's recovered the memories of the pain will fade. If they didn't who would have a second child?"
"How are mother and baby?" asked Altis from the doorway.
"Mother and daughter are doing fine, Keisha is asleep so I'm about to do a complete check on the baby if you want can pry her away from Hermione."
Hermione carefully handed the newborn to the older Jedi. Altis smiled down at the tiny infant, "She is a beautiful baby."
Alissa smiled at her old Master, "Yes she is. She is also the first baby to be born here on Haven."
Altis glanced at Hermione with a smile tugging at his lips, "True. When you write up the history of Haven I'll remind you to put it in." He gave the baby a kiss on the forehead. "May the Force be with you youngling," Altis handed the baby back to Hermione. "Now when will you all be off?"
"All?" echoed Alissa.
"I know you want to go Alissa. What with the options available to a healer from the Magical world. The different ways they have created to use of the Force is amazing. Sirius and Remus have applications for just about everything. I'm surprised you lasted this long before you wanted a trip. "
"You know me too well Master," replied Alissa.
"Now our newest resident has joined us I'm assuming you will be heading off soon?"
Ron looked over at Hermione who nodded.
The Twi'lek medic smiled, "If you will excuse me I've got to talk to Jelish and Castilla to see if they can take over the medical duties for me."
oOoOoOo
The Lily on route to Dathomir System
Harry cursed as he dropped in to the pilot's seat. The ship's sensors had detected a pursuer.
"We've got at least one ship following us," reported Harry as Luna took the co-pilot's seat.
"How?" asked Luna.
"No idea....actually hang on." Harry flipped several switches and activated the ships communications array searching for anything that could be transmitting.....got it.
"We've got some sort of transmitter aboard the ship. Very low power but it shooting a very tight beam signal back to the ship following us."
Luna closed her eyes and concentrated trying to sense through the Force to find who was pursuing them. Whoever it was they were shielding them selves, which by itself was an answer of sorts.
"Luna wake up Salara. I'm going to drop out of hyperspace. I doubt it will throw them off but we can't lead them to Dathomir and besides I want to get a look at what we are up against."
oOoOoOo
Dooku watched in silence as the bridge crew of the CIS Executor worked to maintain the pursuit of the distant merchant ship. His master had been less than impressed with the loss of two more of his Dark Jedi. The body count that could be linked back to the two mysterious Force adepts was growing large. Now his master was demanding action.
Not that Dooku minded. The two and their apparent allies had humiliated him and to a Sith that crime was inexcusable. It was evidence of his weakness and weakness would not long be tolerated. So he had adapted his master's plan and insisted Ventress place a shielded beacon on his targets ship, just in case.
Now that foresight meant that he was closing on the Merchant ship with two CIS cruisers. Powerful and skilled they may be no matter how much he begrudgingly he admitted it, but they wouldn't survive being blown apart. But first to find out their destination, it was always better to know your enemies.
"Sir, the ship has dropped out of Hyperspace," reported the senior Neimoidian bridge officer.
"Then drop out at the same co-ordinates and scan for the beacons frequency," ordered Dooku.
"Should we raise defensive shields?" asked the nervous weapons officer.
'Cowards' thought Dooku, "By all means we wouldn't want a merchant ship to get the drop on us would we?" was the derisive reply delivered in a cultured tone.
oOoOoOo
"Okay it looks like they are following us," reported Luna.
Harry grinned and handed the controls over to Luna, "I think I'll go and prepare a couple of surprises."
"Surprises?" asked Luna.
"I'm thinking a Marauder style prank, an overpowered light spell, a reverse gravity spell and a transfiguration field on a delayed activation."
Luna smirked at the thought, "Oooh that's evil love."
"What do you need me to do," asked Salara with a look of confusion on her face.
Harry smiled at the nervous looking Dathomiri, "I need you and Luna to find and deactivate that beacon for me."
"Will do, give us a few minutes," replied Luna.
Harry nodded and ducked out the hatch.
"How can you stop two ships?" Salara asked Luna.
oOoOoOo
Conventional wizarding lore tells magic users to avoid apparating to an unknown or moving location. It was considered dangerous because of the risks involved with not having a visible fixed arrival point. The risk however was somewhat mitigated by visual contact with your arrival point. The bridge windows of the CIS cruisers gave an excellent view of the bridge.
oOoOoOo
"Scan the asteroids, they must be hiding there," ordered the Captain of the CIS Interrogator.
"Roger, Roger," acknowledged the droid at the sensor console.
The Captain was grateful that Count Dooku wasn't in his bridge but that small mercy would not save him from the wroth of Dooku if he let their quarry escape. So focused was he on the readout on his screen that he dismissed the faint popping noise from behind his chair.
That would prove to be a fatal error.
oOoOoOo
Dooku frowned as he felt a ripple in the Force. Something was wrong. He had just managed to stand up when there was a faint popping noise behind him. Spinning around he caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure as it disappeared. Shocked at the sudden disappearance it took him a second to glance down.
oOoOoOo
The huge flash of blinding light burnt out the photoreceptors of half the droids on the bridge and blinded nearly every organic being, including Dooku. The reverse gravity field stuck everything thing not secured to the overhead bulkhead and then a field of randomised transfiguration magic did its work. Destroying equipment and disrupting systems.
On the Interrogator the blinded Captain tried to summon help but his communication unit was fried. In his panic he tried screaming orders to the droid bridge crew but those that were not damaged were stuck to the overhead or currently experiencing being brooms, rabbits or giant canaries. As it was there wasn't anyone in a position to notice the damaged engineering console reporting the fact there was a critically overload building in the power plant.
The Executor faired slightly better as fewer of the critical systems were damaged. And Dooku managed to retain his composure enough to quickly determine that only two droids had not been impacted by whatever had happened. He immediately ordered them to assume navigation and weapons and to pull the ship back to a safe distance.
oOoOoOo
Luna and Salara returned to the bridge ten minutes later and found Harry in the pilots' seat.
"Okay we have the beacon," reported Luna as she tossed him the deactivated device. 'We found it hidden near the main hatch. It's magnetic so I'd say one of our intruders planted it as soon as they came aboard."
Harry nodded, "Okay so let's make ourselves scarce. I'll....whoa look at that!"
Luna and Salara looked up to see one of the ships begin to list to starboard and veer off course.
"I can't believe that actually worked!" exclaimed Harry.
Luna replied "I'm not sure they designed their ships with defending against apparating in mind."
Harry confirmed the navigational calculations and activated the hyperdrive.
Behind them explosions ripped along the hull of the Interrogator.
oOoOoOo
Haven
The group of Jedi watched carefully as Remus demonstrated casting Petrificus Totalus.
There were a few questions and then the group split in to pairs to practice. The teaching of theory was going well but the practical aspects were hampered by the lack of wands. Hermione and Keisha's work on magical foci was progressing but many of the Jedi were still struggling with how much power they needed to use to get their spells working properly. Remus and Sirius walked the floor correcting pronunciations and movements as the groups cast the spell then the Finite Incantatem to release their partners.
When Remus reached Altis and Ash the older man was just releasing his Padawan. He looked up with a grin, "A good effect Remus. I can think of a number of occasions when this would have been useful."
"You need to be careful though. One of the drawbacks of this particular spell is that it can be broken easily by the Finite Incantatem. It also has a varying active duration so it's best to stun your target as well."
There were a few questions and then Remus began discussing other ways to disable attackers.
oOoOoOo
"Hold Sirius," instructed Ash.
"What is it?" asked Sirius.
Ash Jarvee demonstrated a bock with his own practice lightsaber, "Your block on the low attack was too strong. If you do that you can push your opponent's weapon in to a better attacking position."
Sirius nodded and stepped away from Remus.
"Okay Remus attack again, using the same pattern," ordered Ash as he stepped back and extinguished his own lightsaber.
oOoOoOo
That evening in the open park outside the main building the population of Haven gathered for a meal. Officially it was simply a chance for everyone to relax in each others company. The frantic pace of training and the multitude of projects underway meant that many of those at Haven were working on several different things. Food production, water and air recycling, health care the list of projects and things to be managed was huge even if you left most of it to the Droid staff.
Unofficially this was a chance to welcome the newest member of Haven's community. Alina was sitting with her mother under a large flowering tree with what the other residents were jokingly referring to as the Adepts council.
Sirius was making faces at Alina as the others watched on, "She really is a beautiful girl."
"I'm sure she appreciates your flattery Padfoot," said Remus with a smile.
"When do you leave Hermione?" asked Altis.
"The Talia is already loaded and ready to go so as soon as we wrap up here."
At that Sirius looked up from Alina, "Well we certainly need the supplies."
Remus looked out over the crowd in the park, "We'll probably need to do this regularly. Merlin knows we will need more supplies of, well everything when more people arrive."
"I don't know that our budget will spread that far," replied Hermione in a worried tone.
Sirius sprang up and took off toward the house calling out, "Oh hell, wait on I've got an idea."
A few minutes later he returned with an ornate key on a golden chain, "Here Hermione take this it is my key to the Black vaults."
"Sirius I can't just..." began Hermione.
Sirius interrupted her with a laugh, "Yes you can. I don't want the money. It should be used for something that will have my dear dead mother spinning in her grave. There are millions of Galleons in the vault, buy whatever you think is necessary."
"Imagine what we can buy," whispered Hermione as her eyes unfocused.
"Great now you've broken her," complained Ron with a smile.
oOoOoOo
Dathomir System
The Lily returned to relativistic above the Fourth planet in the Dathomir system. With Salara navigating and Harry and Luna at the controls the ship descended slowly toward the planet.
Salara pointed to the costal region of one of the three large continents, "We should put down near the lands of the Bright Cave clan. I wouldn't expect trouble but we should practice caution."
The landing was routine even as they brought the Lily down on some flat ground in the low hills surrounding the end of a mountain chain.
The sun was setting over the mountains as the ramp lowered.
"Nice spot," commented Luna.
Harry looked around and nodded. The flat ground was covered in wild grass and some small shrubs with the occasion rock protruding for the vegetation. "I guess. Is this area dangerous Salara?"
"Dangerous? No more so than the surrounding areas but it is not an area to wander about in the dark. There are ravines near here. We had best wait till morning if we are not found before then."
"Found?" asked Luna.
"My Clan patrols this area and would investigate any ship found in our area," replied Salara as she glanced around.
Luna turned to Salara, "Okay so we spend the night onboard and head off in the morning?"
Harry walked back over to the others and gestured toward the increasingly shadowy hills, "This may be moot ladies. I think we may have company approaching."
Salara brightened up as she considered the approaching figures, "Most likely it is a Bright Cave patrol. They would have seen us landing. Wait here and I'll go and explain the situation."
As Salara walked towards the approaching patrol Harry began to feel uneasy. There was nothing untoward that he could see but the sense of menace continued to grow.
Beside him Luna was also glancing around the open area. She could sense Harry growing agitated sensing the same feeling of.....darkness and deception. "Harry they're going to attack we need to help her."
Harry heard Luna's warning and didn't hesitate drawing his lightsaber, "Luna apparate left."
As Harry disappeared Luna drew her wand and activated her own lightsaber and apparated to the left of Salara.
Harry appeared to the right of Salara just as a blade flashed toward her. He moved to block but Salara beat him to it. She side stepped the attack and backhanded her attacker across the face sending the woman staggering backward.
Seeing Salara was in control he moved to engage two cloaked figures wielding a sword and a spear. He waded straight in side stepping a spear thrust he Force pushed the spear wielder in to a large boulder and moved to confront the swordswoman. Attacking her weapon produced an unexpected result a parry. Somehow the sword held against the lightsaber. Ducking under her counter attack he spun and kicked out at her feet. She managed to avoid being hit but was off balance when his Force push slammed in to her abdomen.
Luna was further away from her opponents so she raised her wand and cast a stunner at the closest figure. Surprisingly the black clad woman managed to turn in time to deflect the spell. Sneering contemptuously the woman raised her hand and yelled something and made a gesture that sent a stream of Force lightning at Luna. With a simple raised hand Luna blocked the attack and sent the energy cascading back at the older woman who managed to dive to the ground and roll out of the way. The second black clad figure screamed in anger and charged at Luna with a whip that was practically glowing with Dark side energy.
Salara ducked under another attack lashed out at her opponent's throat. The woman she struck was gasping for air as Salara followed up with a second blow to the woman's face that dropped her to the ground.
Luna Force leapt in to a high somersault that took her over the lashing whip and landed on her feet behind her charging opponent. In the same movement she fired off a bone breaker that struck her opponent in the thigh and sent her spinning to the ground.
Harry stayed on guard scanning the surrounding area as Luna and Salara moved among their downed attackers. Luna was moving between the figures stunning and binding the injured in magical ropes. Salara had paused in her study of the fallen and was examining the attacker she had punched in the face.
"Nightsisters," hissed Salara as she knelt down and studied the dead woman.
"What are nightsisters?" asked Harry.
Salara turned her head and studied Harry's face for a moment as if divining his reasons for asking before she turned away and replied. "The Book of law gives one rule all must obey. Never give in to evil. These ......Nightsisters are given over to evil. These here are young and ill-trained which means they are probably initiates."
"Should we take them prisoner?" asked Luna.
"How long will your bindings last?" Salara asked as she stood and moved to the next bound figure.
Luna shrugged, "Till we dispel them and with those stunners, well they will most likely be unconscious for several hours at least."
"Good then leave them here while I make the run to the Bright Cave. These.....scum are wearing clan necklaces. There are only a few ways they could have those and they all bode ill for my people. They must be warned."
Salara reached down and picked up a spear from the pile and tested its weight.
Luna looked over at Harry who nodded, "Do you want me to come with you?"
Salara shook her head, "No, I know the way and will be recognised. You may well be attacked by our sentries before they realise you are not an enemy."
Moments later Salara disappeared as she jogged in to the hills.
Luna sat on a rounded rock and sighed, "Want a cup of tea?"
oOoOoOo
The Talia
"Okay everybody I'm about to jump to hyperspace." Ron warned as he reached over to activate the Hyperspace controls.
"First jump of three," said Hermione as she lowered herself in to the co-pilot's chair.
"I'll take first watch Mione, you go and get some rest," said Ron as he adjusted his chair to a more reclined position.
"You're sure you are up to it?" asked Hermione.
"I'm fine," seeing her doubtful expression he smiled at her. "Really I am. It's not like this is strenuous is it?"
Hermione studied his face for a moment before standing up and walking over to kiss him. "You call me in four hours Ronald Weasley or so help me I'll have Alissa drug you and drag you to a Bacta tank."
Ron watched Hermione leave the flight deck and settled down to what would probably be a long, boring watch. There was no way he could be aware of the small device emitting a homing signal or of the small ship following them.
oOoOoOo
Jedi Temple - Coruscant
Yoda frowned as he finished listening to the report from the intelligence team that had taken apart the shuttle captured on Bespin. It didn't tell them much beside what they had already knew. There was a very well resourced Sith supplying equipment and by deduction intelligence to....who?
What did they really know? That the Sith were back was now beyond doubt. Dooku was a case in point there. What they thought they knew about the Sith was now coming in to question. The rule of two, one to embody power and one to seek it was pivotal to what they knew of Sith history. What had changed?
The Dark sider caught on Bespin had told them little but her very existence was another piece in the puzzle.
"Much there is that we are not seeing," said Yoda.
Mace Windu nodded, "The more we uncover the less we seem to know."
Yoda conceded that point without comment as he raised another point of concern, "Uncomfortable I am with your decision to spy on potential allies."
Mace frowned at his fellow Master, "I stand by it. We know next to nothing about these people you seem determined to ally us with. It is high time we acquire some solid intelligence."
"Risk alienating them you do. A betrayal of their trust this is."
"Come old friend surely you can see the need for this, even if it is distasteful. Besides Knight Serra Keto is very skilled and her ship is built for stealth. The beacon we planted is shielded so they will more than likely not even know she is there," said Mace.
"Skilled she is but paying we are for our arrogance and lack of foresight. Distrusting our friends, the work of the Dark we do."
Mace sighed as he considered Yoda's words, "I fear that also but I will not fail the Order through inaction. We are already stretched to breaking point," Mace rubbed his chin, "Besides the chaos hiding them from us....I find myself wondering what the Sith hope to gain from this war."
Yoda sighed, "Fear that answer I do. Giving it to them what they seek we might be."
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 had to smile at the thought of the former professor confronting the matriarch of the Weasley family, "You know I should, you know let them know Mum will go off if she finds out I didn't tell her."
"That's not actually a bad idea Ron," mused Hermione "There are quite a few things we could use."
"What's not a bad idea?" asked Ron.
Hermione gave Ron's hand another squeeze, "A trip to Earth."
oOoOoOo
Chapter 12 - A New Order
A narrow eyed Yoda tapped his stick on the Drop ships ramp, "A senator you think this Sith is?"
Luna nodded.
Harry was busy watching medical droids removing the bodies from his ship. The covered corpses were being carried to a medical drop ship.
Yoda slowly shook his head, "Serious this allegation is. If true explains much it does. Too much influence our enemy has."
Obi-Wan who had just made his way over to the small group on the ramp frowned as he took in Yoda's words, "Politicians are generally not to be trusted but it is a big leap from corruption to being a Sith."
Luna shrugged and looked over to where the medical drop ship was taking off, "And yet we have Dark side adepts running around. Adepts who are remarkably well informed of not only our movements but what the Jedi are doing."
"That doesn't prove that there is a senatorial Sith in the Republic's seat of power," Obi-Wan argued.
oOoOoOo
Haven - Outer Rim
"So Harry and Luna are okay?" Hermione asked anxiously.
"They're fine. A bit annoyed at the damage to their new ship, but fine." Remus assured Hermione.
"Are they on their way home?"
"No not yet. They have let the Jedi know that they think the Sith on Coruscant is a Senator. Yoda is apparently taking it seriously," Remus shrugged. "Anyway they think absenting themselves from Coruscant for a while is a good idea. Luna's a bit worried they may run in to some problems with the authorities now that they've suggested a senator."
"Did you tell them about our plans?"
Remus smiled, "Harry said to get him some Butterbeer if you go. Well that and say hello to the Weasley's."
Hermione sat back in to the chair looking a bit less worried, "Well than I'd best tell the others that the trips on."
Her organized mind was already working out a list of supplies they needed to purchase.
oOoOoOo
Harry and Luna sold a few more conjured gemstones to resupply their ship after they finished the repairs on the hatch.
"You know I may be rethinking the whole 'who needs money' philosophy," commented Harry as he maneuvered a large crate in to the cargo hold and secured it in place.
Luna sighed, loudly, "If you are still going on about the price you paid for those Nerf sausages I'll throw them out."
"Well they were expensive Luna," said Harry, his tone aggrieved.
Luna turned to look at her partner. Harry noted the narrowed eyes, "Harry we are not going to argue about this are we?"
"No.....ah sorry," replied Harry.
"Good, "was the rather more cheerful reply.
Luna smiled and stepped in close to kiss Harry briefly before skipping down the ramp for the next crate.
He still had a smile on his face when he reached the pile of cargo at the base of the ramp. He quickly cast a feather light charm and picked up a largish chest and followed Luna up the ramp. Wondering idly if he should get some more Ithorian starfruit, Luna loved them.
He was on his way back down the ramp when he spotted a figure in a heavy cloak standing near the perimeter fence. Even though the motionless figures face was hidden in the shadows of the robe he was getting a clear feeling that he was being watched. There was no sense of malice or danger but rather a feeling of curiosity.
Luna appeared beside Harry a curious look on her face.
"I think she is waiting to speak to us."
"She?" echoed Harry.
"Definitely a she, I can sense that from here."
Harry studied the figure before speaking, "So what do we do now?"
His answer came as the figure began walking toward the ship.
Harry's lip twitched, "Okay, you or me?"
Luna seemed to stare at nothing for a moment as reached out in to the Force. "I think me."
Luna advanced down the ramp and walked several steps before pausing to wait for the approaching woman. She was certainly confident; there was no hesitation in her stride as she approached the ship. At the base of the ramp the figure halted and threw back its hood. The first thing Luna noted was that she was right. It was a woman.
The dark haired young woman looked Luna over impassively before nodding, "You are the seer?"
Luna nodded while above her Harry palmed his wand.
"I am Salara of the Bright Cave Clan of Dathomir."
Luna bowed slightly acknowledging the greeting, "I welcome you Salara, I am Luna Lovegood and this is my companion Harry Potter."
Salara glanced at Harry before dismissing him with a flick of her eyes. "My clan matriarch wishes to meet with you Luna Lovegood. She offers full alliance.
oOoOoOo
"She didn't seem to like me very much," commented Harry as he watched Salara walking across the tarmac.
"Matriarchal society love, we'll cross that bridge later on if we need to. I think we need to do this. From the little she shared with me they appear to have built a society around being Force sensitive. Think of all the knowledge they've developed. They even think in terms of spells for many of their Force powers. Thus the name Witches of Dathomir."
Harry scratched at his chin, "Hmm I guess so. It's just that I'm not looking forward to being on a world where I'm a second class citizen."
"I look after you," replied Luna with a bright happy smile.
"Ha bloody ha. What else did you find out?"
"They don't think much of the Jedi. Apparently the founder of the Witches was an exiled Jedi. Their laws and customs are based on her teachings. If we can negotiate an alliance even with one Clan we will be preserving another variety of Force usage." Luna shook her head. "The Jedi are so narrow minded its way past arrogance. There are so many different types of sensitives in the galaxy."
Harry leaned back against the bulkhead. "And if we don't somehow find them the Sith will swallow them up or destroy them outright."
Luna stepped in to lean against Harry's chest, "We shall protect and preserve what we can and on Haven we will build a home for them all. That was Talia's dream my love and we will make it happen. Too much is at stake if we fail."
oOoOoOo
Harry bowed as the tall Dathomiri, "Salara, welcome aboard the Lily."
They hadn't had much time to consider naming their new ship but then Luna had suggested the ship be named Lily and the name had stuck.
Salara glanced at him but this time she seemed to notice the lightsaber clipped to his belt. She paused for a moment before nodding and walking past to greet Luna with a hand clasp, "Luna thank you for agreeing to meet my Clan leader and for letting me travel with you."
"It makes sense for us to travel with you as our guide and accept your ahhh assistance with the politics of the situation. The last thing we want to do is cause an incident through a lack of understanding of your ways."
"Good then we understand each other. Now Luna since we are to share our journey may I ask you a question?"
"Of course," replied Luna.
"Why do you permit your....companion to be armed?"
Harry bristled at her words but Luna could sense the genuine curiosity underlying the question.
"Harry is much more than my companion. It has been together that we have triumphed over the challenges we have faced."
A worried look crossed Salara's face as she considered Luna's answer, "That may be a problem amongst some of the more traditional clan members. It is not customary for males to be allowed weapons."
Luna shrugged, "If they cannot see past our differences then our potential alliance is doomed before it starts. Many of the Force users at Haven are males. All are equal in standing."
Salara nodded, "You are wise Seer-Luna and I believe you are correct we must adapt or we will face the darkness divided, just as my matriarch's vision foretold."
oOoOoOo
Harry piloted the Lily well clear of the more common spaceways and activated the navcomp. The co-ordinates supplied by the merchant ship Salara had arrived on would mean a fairly long jump but certainly doable. As he activated the hyperdrive he checked for any problems and seeing none set the auto-pilot. He was about to head aft when he felt a presence behind him.
"Can I help you Salara?" he asked without turning.
"I believe I may have offended you before."
Harry swiveled in his chair to face the Dathomiri, "I'm generally not easily offended Salara. We come from different cultures and that presents challenges and forces us to reconsider our own beliefs. I will admit my first reaction was to give you an earful but what would that have achieved, save potentially alienating you."
Salara leaned back against the bulkhead and for several long moments she quietly studied Harry seemingly considering his words. "You make a good point but I fear that the Clan leaders will dispute it. You may need to prove yourselves many times over."
Harry smiled at the warning, "My homeworld had a saying, well a curse really. May you live in interesting times. Well I think your homeworld will be very, very interesting."
oOoOoOo
Haven
Hermione chewed on her bottom lip as she watched Alissa scan Ron. The healer consulted the medical scanners readout before smiling at the anxious patient and his equally anxious girlfriend.
"He's healing well so I have no problem with him travelling provided that he takes it easy for a few more days."
Ron smiled as Hermione leaned over to kiss his forehead.
"So are you going?" asked Alissa with a smile.
"If Ron gets a clean bill of health, yes we we'll make a run back to Earth. There are quite a few things we'll need anyway and we'd like to catch up with our families."
Ron nodded, "Mom and Dad will be rapt too see us even if I do get an earful for getting hurt."
"Would it be possible for me to accompany you?" asked Alissa.
"Does Ron..." began Hermione.
Alissa quickly corrected Hermione, "No, no nothing like that. It's just that I would love to speak to a magical healer and get some healing texts."
Hermione nodded, "It shouldn't be a problem and Altis, Sirius and Remus have the training well in hand here. We can even continue our studies on the trip."
"I'll let Altis know," promised Alissa.
"I...." what Hermione thought was interrupted by Sirius apparating in to the medial bay and yelling for Alissa.
"What is it, is someone hurt?"
Sirius looked desperate, "Keisha...I need...it's the baby!"
"Where is she Sirius?"
"In the library, she just grabbed her stomach. "
Alissa immediately began grabbing sealed med-kits from the shelves and tossing them to Hermione. "Hermione grab these, I'll get the rest of my equipment and I'll get you to apparate us to the library."
A minute later a wide eyed Ron was left looking at an equally wide eyed Sirius.
oOoOoOo
The Lily on route to Dathomir System
Harry swayed to the side to avoid a vicious thrust from Luna and kicked out. He didn't connect but it did force her backward. With a flick of his wrist Harry launched a large crate directly at Luna. An obvious move but it was designed to hide the container he had prepared earlier flying for her back. To further distract her he surged forward swinging his lightsaber in a sweeping movement aimed at her legs even as he ducked under the crate Luna had sent hurtling back at him.
Luna used the Force to push the crate at Harry and jump over his arcing blade only to have something impact her back sending her stumbling forward in to Harry.
Harry caught Luna as she stumbled and kissed her on the neck.
Harry made sure Luna was steady on her feet before stepping back with a grin, "Got you that time."
Luna acknowledged his victory with a nod and a smile, "Nice bit of Force concealment. You prepped it before hand?"
"Yep about ten minutes before you got here," replied Harry.
"And you kept me talking before we started to not give me a chance to notice the Force ripple. Nice work love."
Harry shrugged, "It's a good trick but I'm still working on how to use it during an unscheduled fight. Any half competent Force user could detect an incoming missile. If I can find a way to dampening the Force around it...well I think it would be a good combat ability."
"You are both very skilled," offered Salara from where she had been watching them spar.
"Would you like to join us?"
Salara nodded and removed her outer robe to reveal that she was wearing a simple halter top and a short skirt. "As you can no doubt see I am unarmed so perhaps a hand to hand bout?"
Luna stepped forward but Salara held up a hand. "Perhaps a bout with your m...with Harry may give me a better understanding of his abilities."
"No weapons and passive abilities only," suggested Harry who received a nod from Salara.
Luna nodded and stepped back to allow Salara to approach Harry who hooked his lightsaber to his belt and assumed a balanced fighting stance with his knees bent and hands by his side. Salara however began to circle him. Her eyes were running over his stance looking for a weakness to exploit.
As she went to pass behind him Harry attacked with a simultaneous punch toward Salara's head and a kick toward her knee. The Dathomiri danced out of the way and then countered attempting to grapple with him as she hooked a leg behind him.
Harry tried to counter by pushing his stance wider to give himself stability while pulling Salara's arm forward to pull her off balance. Unfortunately she was stronger than she looked and apparently quite an experienced wrestler. Once Harry began trying to pull her off balance she simply held for a few moments then went with the move and pulled Harry with her.
Harry felt Salara give then he found himself flung through the air to land on his stomach. He went to roll away when Salara landed on his back pining him to the floor.
"You are strong for a male but you underestimated me I think." Salara ran a hand down Harry's back feeling his muscle. "It is a pity you are taken. You would produce wonderful children." Salara climbed back to her feet and turned to Luna.
"You should practice more hand to hand. A swordsman he may be but his hand to hand is a touch predictable. Many of my sisters will view him as a challenge and will try you both. To test you as outlanders or to try for the right to couple with your male, if you want I can work with you."
"Thank you Salara we will," replied Luna with a respectful nod.
Salara bent over in front of Harry to gather up her robe. Moving slowly she pulled it back on and left but not before looking over her shoulder at Harry.
"Oh shit," whispered Harry as Luna began to giggle.
oOoOoOo
"I'm not sure I'm comfortable being eye candy for a bunch of aggressive women," complained Harry as he sat on his bunk letting Luna smear massage oil over his shoulders.
"I'll be there to deter your suitors love," replied Luna. Harry didn't have to look at her to 'see' the smile.
As Luna finished he turned to face her, "How's your back?"
"A bit sore," confirmed Luna.
Harry took the cream off her and gestured for her to get on the bed, "Your turn."
Luna grinned and pulled off her shirt and her bra before turning her back to him. Harry began to work on her shoulders and back. The massage oil supplied by Alissa was excellent and soon her shoulders began to relax.
"Harry?"
"Too hard?" replied Harry easing off her back a bit.
Luna turned to face Harry and leaned forward to kiss him. "I'm done with back massages. I think I'll practice staking my territory."
Harry leaned in for a kiss as his hands stroked Luna's ribs causing her to make a mewling noise even as she smashed her lips in to his. Luna's hand went up to Harry's hair as his fingertips brushed over her nipples. Then Harry was on his back as Luna pushed him down with a growl and began kissing her way from his throat to his chest.
Luna's quick hands had the fastener to Harry's pants undone and tugged down before he even registered what had happened. With a smile he lifted his hips allowing her to strip him completely before he flipped her over and rolled on top of her.
Now it was Harry's hands working at Luna's clothes and he quickly had her down to her underwear. With a final kiss to her belly he hooked his fingers in to her panties and looked up at her for permission. Luna simply lifted her hips and he slowly slid her last bit of clothing down and off her legs.
Harry couldn't help but stop to appreciate Luna's beauty as she lay before him. She had been his constant companion and friend long before becoming his lover and in that time he had come to appreciate her quirky personality and intelligence. As they trained together he saw her power grow as she mastered the skills they were taught. Yet it was now in this moment that he truly saw here as a woman. She was sleek and muscular, an athletes figure. From her slender neck his eyes travelled down ward. Her pale breasts were perfectly proportioned and her toned stomach and narrow waist highlighted her flared hips. Without realising it his hands were trailing down her body coming to rest on her hips even as he took in the triangle of sparse pale silver hair adorning her womanhood.
Harry looked up in to her eyes, "So beautiful. You are so beautiful my love."
Luna simply smiled as she lay with her long silver blond hair splayed out beneath her. If she had ever truly wondered about Harry this moment closed off forever any doubts she had. His green eyes were glowing with love and desire.
Their lovemaking was still awkward in many ways. Neither was all that experienced but what they lacked in knowledge was made up for with their passion. It was Luna that took charge directing Harry with touches and murmurs of encouragement. She led him as they explored together they found new ways to please each other.
oOoOoOo
Harry was half asleep himself as he lay in bed watching his lover sleep. He really should be up to check the auto-pilot and ship board systems but it was so peaceful sitting with Luna's head in his lap. Absently he twirled strands of her hair around his fingers. He was about to wake her when he felt her tense. Then he felt it as well. There was a ripple of warning from the Force, a sense of danger approaching.
"Harry?" said a suddenly awake Luna.
Harry was up and pulling on his clothes. With his pants on he reached down to the floor and tossed Luna her clothes.
They reached the control room as the first alarm sounded.
oOoOoOo
Haven
Keisha was asleep by the time Alissa finished the last of her stitching. The birth had been routine if quick and there had been a little tearing so once all the excitement was over Alissa had applied a local anesthetic and finished off.
As Alissa worked Hermione found herself holding the baby. The child was beautiful with a mess of black hair and the palest of pale blue eyes. It was the first birth Hermione had ever been a part of and far different from what she had expected. Far more.....well visceral than she had realised. Pain and blood then new life, it was a humbling experience.
Alissa finished packing up her med kit and turned to smile at Hermione who was making faces at the baby, "Amazing isn't it?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile in return, "Yes although I'll admit I hadn't really thought about what childbirth was like."
Alissa laughed, "Worried? Don't be Keisha will be a bit sore for a few days but once she's recovered the memories of the pain will fade. If they didn't who would have a second child?"
"How are mother and baby?" asked Altis from the doorway.
"Mother and daughter are doing fine, Keisha is asleep so I'm about to do a complete check on the baby if you want can pry her away from Hermione."
Hermione carefully handed the newborn to the older Jedi. Altis smiled down at the tiny infant, "She is a beautiful baby."
Alissa smiled at her old Master, "Yes she is. She is also the first baby to be born here on Haven."
Altis glanced at Hermione with a smile tugging at his lips, "True. When you write up the history of Haven I'll remind you to put it in." He gave the baby a kiss on the forehead. "May the Force be with you youngling," Altis handed the baby back to Hermione. "Now when will you all be off?"
"All?" echoed Alissa.
"I know you want to go Alissa. What with the options available to a healer from the Magical world. The different ways they have created to use of the Force is amazing. Sirius and Remus have applications for just about everything. I'm surprised you lasted this long before you wanted a trip. "
"You know me too well Master," replied Alissa.
"Now our newest resident has joined us I'm assuming you will be heading off soon?"
Ron looked over at Hermione who nodded.
The Twi'lek medic smiled, "If you will excuse me I've got to talk to Jelish and Castilla to see if they can take over the medical duties for me."
oOoOoOo
The Lily on route to Dathomir System
Harry cursed as he dropped in to the pilot's seat. The ship's sensors had detected a pursuer.
"We've got at least one ship following us," reported Harry as Luna took the co-pilot's seat.
"How?" asked Luna.
"No idea....actually hang on." Harry flipped several switches and activated the ships communications array searching for anything that could be transmitting.....got it.
"We've got some sort of transmitter aboard the ship. Very low power but it shooting a very tight beam signal back to the ship following us."
Luna closed her eyes and concentrated trying to sense through the Force to find who was pursuing them. Whoever it was they were shielding them selves, which by itself was an answer of sorts.
"Luna wake up Salara. I'm going to drop out of hyperspace. I doubt it will throw them off but we can't lead them to Dathomir and besides I want to get a look at what we are up against."
oOoOoOo
Dooku watched in silence as the bridge crew of the CIS Executor worked to maintain the pursuit of the distant merchant ship. His master had been less than impressed with the loss of two more of his Dark Jedi. The body count that could be linked back to the two mysterious Force adepts was growing large. Now his master was demanding action.
Not that Dooku minded. The two and their apparent allies had humiliated him and to a Sith that crime was inexcusable. It was evidence of his weakness and weakness would not long be tolerated. So he had adapted his master's plan and insisted Ventress place a shielded beacon on his targets ship, just in case.
Now that foresight meant that he was closing on the Merchant ship with two CIS cruisers. Powerful and skilled they may be no matter how much he begrudgingly he admitted it, but they wouldn't survive being blown apart. But first to find out their destination, it was always better to know your enemies.
"Sir, the ship has dropped out of Hyperspace," reported the senior Neimoidian bridge officer.
"Then drop out at the same co-ordinates and scan for the beacons frequency," ordered Dooku.
"Should we raise defensive shields?" asked the nervous weapons officer.
'Cowards' thought Dooku, "By all means we wouldn't want a merchant ship to get the drop on us would we?" was the derisive reply delivered in a cultured tone.
oOoOoOo
"Okay it looks like they are following us," reported Luna.
Harry grinned and handed the controls over to Luna, "I think I'll go and prepare a couple of surprises."
"Surprises?" asked Luna.
"I'm thinking a Marauder style prank, an overpowered light spell, a reverse gravity spell and a transfiguration field on a delayed activation."
Luna smirked at the thought, "Oooh that's evil love."
"What do you need me to do," asked Salara with a look of confusion on her face.
Harry smiled at the nervous looking Dathomiri, "I need you and Luna to find and deactivate that beacon for me."
"Will do, give us a few minutes," replied Luna.
Harry nodded and ducked out the hatch.
"How can you stop two ships?" Salara asked Luna.
oOoOoOo
Conventional wizarding lore tells magic users to avoid apparating to an unknown or moving location. It was considered dangerous because of the risks involved with not having a visible fixed arrival point. The risk however was somewhat mitigated by visual contact with your arrival point. The bridge windows of the CIS cruisers gave an excellent view of the bridge.
oOoOoOo
"Scan the asteroids, they must be hiding there," ordered the Captain of the CIS Interrogator.
"Roger, Roger," acknowledged the droid at the sensor console.
The Captain was grateful that Count Dooku wasn't in his bridge but that small mercy would not save him from the wroth of Dooku if he let their quarry escape. So focused was he on the readout on his screen that he dismissed the faint popping noise from behind his chair.
That would prove to be a fatal error.
oOoOoOo
Dooku frowned as he felt a ripple in the Force. Something was wrong. He had just managed to stand up when there was a faint popping noise behind him. Spinning around he caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure as it disappeared. Shocked at the sudden disappearance it took him a second to glance down.
oOoOoOo
The huge flash of blinding light burnt out the photoreceptors of half the droids on the bridge and blinded nearly every organic being, including Dooku. The reverse gravity field stuck everything thing not secured to the overhead bulkhead and then a field of randomised transfiguration magic did its work. Destroying equipment and disrupting systems.
On the Interrogator the blinded Captain tried to summon help but his communication unit was fried. In his panic he tried screaming orders to the droid bridge crew but those that were not damaged were stuck to the overhead or currently experiencing being brooms, rabbits or giant canaries. As it was there wasn't anyone in a position to notice the damaged engineering console reporting the fact there was a critically overload building in the power plant.
The Executor faired slightly better as fewer of the critical systems were damaged. And Dooku managed to retain his composure enough to quickly determine that only two droids had not been impacted by whatever had happened. He immediately ordered them to assume navigation and weapons and to pull the ship back to a safe distance.
oOoOoOo
Luna and Salara returned to the bridge ten minutes later and found Harry in the pilots' seat.
"Okay we have the beacon," reported Luna as she tossed him the deactivated device. 'We found it hidden near the main hatch. It's magnetic so I'd say one of our intruders planted it as soon as they came aboard."
Harry nodded, "Okay so let's make ourselves scarce. I'll....whoa look at that!"
Luna and Salara looked up to see one of the ships begin to list to starboard and veer off course.
"I can't believe that actually worked!" exclaimed Harry.
Luna replied "I'm not sure they designed their ships with defending against apparating in mind."
Harry confirmed the navigational calculations and activated the hyperdrive.
Behind them explosions ripped along the hull of the Interrogator.
oOoOoOo
Haven
The group of Jedi watched carefully as Remus demonstrated casting Petrificus Totalus.
There were a few questions and then the group split in to pairs to practice. The teaching of theory was going well but the practical aspects were hampered by the lack of wands. Hermione and Keisha's work on magical foci was progressing but many of the Jedi were still struggling with how much power they needed to use to get their spells working properly. Remus and Sirius walked the floor correcting pronunciations and movements as the groups cast the spell then the Finite Incantatem to release their partners.
When Remus reached Altis and Ash the older man was just releasing his Padawan. He looked up with a grin, "A good effect Remus. I can think of a number of occasions when this would have been useful."
"You need to be careful though. One of the drawbacks of this particular spell is that it can be broken easily by the Finite Incantatem. It also has a varying active duration so it's best to stun your target as well."
There were a few questions and then Remus began discussing other ways to disable attackers.
oOoOoOo
"Hold Sirius," instructed Ash.
"What is it?" asked Sirius.
Ash Jarvee demonstrated a bock with his own practice lightsaber, "Your block on the low attack was too strong. If you do that you can push your opponent's weapon in to a better attacking position."
Sirius nodded and stepped away from Remus.
"Okay Remus attack again, using the same pattern," ordered Ash as he stepped back and extinguished his own lightsaber.
oOoOoOo
That evening in the open park outside the main building the population of Haven gathered for a meal. Officially it was simply a chance for everyone to relax in each others company. The frantic pace of training and the multitude of projects underway meant that many of those at Haven were working on several different things. Food production, water and air recycling, health care the list of projects and things to be managed was huge even if you left most of it to the Droid staff.
Unofficially this was a chance to welcome the newest member of Haven's community. Alina was sitting with her mother under a large flowering tree with what the other residents were jokingly referring to as the Adepts council.
Sirius was making faces at Alina as the others watched on, "She really is a beautiful girl."
"I'm sure she appreciates your flattery Padfoot," said Remus with a smile.
"When do you leave Hermione?" asked Altis.
"The Talia is already loaded and ready to go so as soon as we wrap up here."
At that Sirius looked up from Alina, "Well we certainly need the supplies."
Remus looked out over the crowd in the park, "We'll probably need to do this regularly. Merlin knows we will need more supplies of, well everything when more people arrive."
"I don't know that our budget will spread that far," replied Hermione in a worried tone.
Sirius sprang up and took off toward the house calling out, "Oh hell, wait on I've got an idea."
A few minutes later he returned with an ornate key on a golden chain, "Here Hermione take this it is my key to the Black vaults."
"Sirius I can't just..." began Hermione.
Sirius interrupted her with a laugh, "Yes you can. I don't want the money. It should be used for something that will have my dear dead mother spinning in her grave. There are millions of Galleons in the vault, buy whatever you think is necessary."
"Imagine what we can buy," whispered Hermione as her eyes unfocused.
"Great now you've broken her," complained Ron with a smile.
oOoOoOo
Dathomir System
The Lily returned to relativistic above the Fourth planet in the Dathomir system. With Salara navigating and Harry and Luna at the controls the ship descended slowly toward the planet.
Salara pointed to the costal region of one of the three large continents, "We should put down near the lands of the Bright Cave clan. I wouldn't expect trouble but we should practice caution."
The landing was routine even as they brought the Lily down on some flat ground in the low hills surrounding the end of a mountain chain.
The sun was setting over the mountains as the ramp lowered.
"Nice spot," commented Luna.
Harry looked around and nodded. The flat ground was covered in wild grass and some small shrubs with the occasion rock protruding for the vegetation. "I guess. Is this area dangerous Salara?"
"Dangerous? No more so than the surrounding areas but it is not an area to wander about in the dark. There are ravines near here. We had best wait till morning if we are not found before then."
"Found?" asked Luna.
"My Clan patrols this area and would investigate any ship found in our area," replied Salara as she glanced around.
Luna turned to Salara, "Okay so we spend the night onboard and head off in the morning?"
Harry walked back over to the others and gestured toward the increasingly shadowy hills, "This may be moot ladies. I think we may have company approaching."
Salara brightened up as she considered the approaching figures, "Most likely it is a Bright Cave patrol. They would have seen us landing. Wait here and I'll go and explain the situation."
As Salara walked towards the approaching patrol Harry began to feel uneasy. There was nothing untoward that he could see but the sense of menace continued to grow.
Beside him Luna was also glancing around the open area. She could sense Harry growing agitated sensing the same feeling of.....darkness and deception. "Harry they're going to attack we need to help her."
Harry heard Luna's warning and didn't hesitate drawing his lightsaber, "Luna apparate left."
As Harry disappeared Luna drew her wand and activated her own lightsaber and apparated to the left of Salara.
Harry appeared to the right of Salara just as a blade flashed toward her. He moved to block but Salara beat him to it. She side stepped the attack and backhanded her attacker across the face sending the woman staggering backward.
Seeing Salara was in control he moved to engage two cloaked figures wielding a sword and a spear. He waded straight in side stepping a spear thrust he Force pushed the spear wielder in to a large boulder and moved to confront the swordswoman. Attacking her weapon produced an unexpected result a parry. Somehow the sword held against the lightsaber. Ducking under her counter attack he spun and kicked out at her feet. She managed to avoid being hit but was off balance when his Force push slammed in to her abdomen.
Luna was further away from her opponents so she raised her wand and cast a stunner at the closest figure. Surprisingly the black clad woman managed to turn in time to deflect the spell. Sneering contemptuously the woman raised her hand and yelled something and made a gesture that sent a stream of Force lightning at Luna. With a simple raised hand Luna blocked the attack and sent the energy cascading back at the older woman who managed to dive to the ground and roll out of the way. The second black clad figure screamed in anger and charged at Luna with a whip that was practically glowing with Dark side energy.
Salara ducked under another attack lashed out at her opponent's throat. The woman she struck was gasping for air as Salara followed up with a second blow to the woman's face that dropped her to the ground.
Luna Force leapt in to a high somersault that took her over the lashing whip and landed on her feet behind her charging opponent. In the same movement she fired off a bone breaker that struck her opponent in the thigh and sent her spinning to the ground.
Harry stayed on guard scanning the surrounding area as Luna and Salara moved among their downed attackers. Luna was moving between the figures stunning and binding the injured in magical ropes. Salara had paused in her study of the fallen and was examining the attacker she had punched in the face.
"Nightsisters," hissed Salara as she knelt down and studied the dead woman.
"What are nightsisters?" asked Harry.
Salara turned her head and studied Harry's face for a moment as if divining his reasons for asking before she turned away and replied. "The Book of law gives one rule all must obey. Never give in to evil. These ......Nightsisters are given over to evil. These here are young and ill-trained which means they are probably initiates."
"Should we take them prisoner?" asked Luna.
"How long will your bindings last?" Salara asked as she stood and moved to the next bound figure.
Luna shrugged, "Till we dispel them and with those stunners, well they will most likely be unconscious for several hours at least."
"Good then leave them here while I make the run to the Bright Cave. These.....scum are wearing clan necklaces. There are only a few ways they could have those and they all bode ill for my people. They must be warned."
Salara reached down and picked up a spear from the pile and tested its weight.
Luna looked over at Harry who nodded, "Do you want me to come with you?"
Salara shook her head, "No, I know the way and will be recognised. You may well be attacked by our sentries before they realise you are not an enemy."
Moments later Salara disappeared as she jogged in to the hills.
Luna sat on a rounded rock and sighed, "Want a cup of tea?"
oOoOoOo
The Talia
"Okay everybody I'm about to jump to hyperspace." Ron warned as he reached over to activate the Hyperspace controls.
"First jump of three," said Hermione as she lowered herself in to the co-pilot's chair.
"I'll take first watch Mione, you go and get some rest," said Ron as he adjusted his chair to a more reclined position.
"You're sure you are up to it?" asked Hermione.
"I'm fine," seeing her doubtful expression he smiled at her. "Really I am. It's not like this is strenuous is it?"
Hermione studied his face for a moment before standing up and walking over to kiss him. "You call me in four hours Ronald Weasley or so help me I'll have Alissa drug you and drag you to a Bacta tank."
Ron watched Hermione leave the flight deck and settled down to what would probably be a long, boring watch. There was no way he could be aware of the small device emitting a homing signal or of the small ship following them.
oOoOoOo
Jedi Temple - Coruscant
Yoda frowned as he finished listening to the report from the intelligence team that had taken apart the shuttle captured on Bespin. It didn't tell them much beside what they had already knew. There was a very well resourced Sith supplying equipment and by deduction intelligence to....who?
What did they really know? That the Sith were back was now beyond doubt. Dooku was a case in point there. What they thought they knew about the Sith was now coming in to question. The rule of two, one to embody power and one to seek it was pivotal to what they knew of Sith history. What had changed?
The Dark sider caught on Bespin had told them little but her very existence was another piece in the puzzle.
"Much there is that we are not seeing," said Yoda.
Mace Windu nodded, "The more we uncover the less we seem to know."
Yoda conceded that point without comment as he raised another point of concern, "Uncomfortable I am with your decision to spy on potential allies."
Mace frowned at his fellow Master, "I stand by it. We know next to nothing about these people you seem determined to ally us with. It is high time we acquire some solid intelligence."
"Risk alienating them you do. A betrayal of their trust this is."
"Come old friend surely you can see the need for this, even if it is distasteful. Besides Knight Serra Keto is very skilled and her ship is built for stealth. The beacon we planted is shielded so they will more than likely not even know she is there," said Mace.
"Skilled she is but paying we are for our arrogance and lack of foresight. Distrusting our friends, the work of the Dark we do."
Mace sighed as he considered Yoda's words, "I fear that also but I will not fail the Order through inaction. We are already stretched to breaking point," Mace rubbed his chin, "Besides the chaos hiding them from us....I find myself wondering what the Sith hope to gain from this war."
Yoda sighed, "Fear that answer I do. Giving it to them what they seek we might be."
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