FicWad

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.

21.5 BBY

Last Time:

Dooku was furious as he watched the bridge crew working. His enemies had once more escaped his grasp. He was about to order the Navigator to set a course to the fleet rendezvous when the holocomm on his belt began beeping. Without a word to those on the bridge he left.

Once in his personal quarters he placed the holocomm on the floor and knelt before activating the channel.

"What is your bidding my Master?"

"I have a new mission for you Darth Tyranus."

Chapter 15 - A New Order


HoloNet News


Republic Security Threat Exposed

Senior Republic Security sources have announced that they are investigating a number of incidents involving criminal syndicates operating in the outer rim. Initial reports of Jedi being involved have denied by the Chancellor.



Senate Calls For Decisive Action Separatist Forces

Several prominent Senators have called for a stronger military response to Separatist annexations. Ludo Morth was quoted outside his Senate offices, "These separatists are being allowed to directly control key systems. We need to win back worlds like Jabiim whose suffering people should be demanding republic assistance."




oOoOoOo



Haven


"Harry"


Harry turned to see Sirius and Remus waving to him from the edge of the crowd. He waved back and then turned to finish giving his instructions to the Droid tasked with unloading. As soon as he finished he trotted over to where the two marauders were watching the chaos with somewhat gob smacked expressions.


Sirius smiled at his godson and pulled him in to a hug. "Merlin's balls Harry my lad you don't bugger around do you?"


Remus laughed and pated Harry on the shoulder, "Good to see you Harry. I see that you managed to find us some more residents."


Harry shrugged, "We were very lucky to be able to help but to be honest I foresee a few problems on the horizon. Could you find Altis and Keisha I think we need to have a meeting and sooner is better than later."


As Harry was speaking Luna appeared at his shoulder. Behind her was her ever present shadow Velath.


Luna smiled serenely at the two older wizards, "Remus, Sirius it's good to see you. I assume Harry has already called for a council?"


"We'll get it organised for tonight," Sirius reassured Luna. "What sort of trouble are we talking about here?"


Luna shrugged, "Hopefully none but we need to decide how we are going to manage the cultural differences."


"Such as?" Sirius asked as he covertly studied Velath.


"The Dathomiri are a matriarchal society where men have a lesser standing. Think male house elves although the system wasn't quite outright slavery it's pretty close. Men are for breeding and it's acceptable to knock a man over the head and drag him back to your tent to be your mate. We have tried to explain but its part of their culture. They are almost an analogue of the amazons of human mythology. Change will take time so I think we need to set up some ground rules."


Sensing that Sirius was about to make some sort of off colour joke Remus jumped in first, "Are we likely to have that sort of problem here?"


Luna shook her head, "No, well I hope not. The clan knows why they are here and what the alternative is. Their clan matriarch has her clan well in hand. Given that most of them are Force sensitive warriors I think erring on the side of caution is best."


oOoOoOo


The Talia


"Haven Control this is the Talia requesting permission to dock," once more Ron was acting as the pilot with Alissa in the co-pilot's seat. Hermione was sitting in the third seat keeping a close eye on the long range scanners.


"Talia this is Haven Control you have clearance. Be aware Talia we have a full house so you are to proceed to bay fourteen."


"Acknowledged Haven," replied Alissa.


"Welcome home Talia."


As they slowed to negotiate the asteroid field Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "No sign of any ships. There are quite a few decaying trails."


"They did say it's a full house," offered Ron.


When they entered the concealed dock the bustle was surprising given that the large ex-mining operation had a large number of docking bays.


"They weren't joking were they? " Ron said softly as he slowed the ship maneuvering to their waiting berth.


Ron and Alissa began the checklist to power down the engines and the corresponding systems as Hermione unbuckled herself. "I'll go and check in with the others. We need to report in and find out what's going on."


As it happened she didn't had to go far.


Keisha was standing at the base of the main ramp, "Hermione, it's good to have you back."


Hermione embraced the former Padawan, "Good to see you too. How's Alina?"



"Hopefully asleep although with all the noise.....She's fine and growing like a Vadik plant."


Hermione smiled pleased for the younger woman. "Things look pretty busy. I take it that the Dathomiri have arrived."


Keisha shrugged, "Just a few hours ago. They brought nearly their entire village. Look I know you've just got back but would you be able to meet with the Dathomiri elders?"


"Of course, when?"


"Tonight, Harry and Luna called a meeting after they arrived."


oOoOoOo


Yanra took a sip of tea from the small glass before returning it to the table. "The quarters you assigned us are adequate. My concern is more focused on the bringing together of our people. If we wish to avoid...incidents we had best be clear in our orders. The elders were surprised and somewhat relieved to see so many women here in positions of authority."

Luna's eyes flicked to Harry for a moment before she answered. Harry had agreed to let Luna, Hermione, Keisha and Alissa do most of the talking in the meeting. He had also briefed the other males of what the most likely problems might be.


The conversation went back and forth for nearly three hours but eventually all parties agreed on a general set of rules to govern the growing mixed population. A council with two representatives from each body would sit in judgment on any contentious issues. The most pressing problem was the livestock. They had bought a large selection of livestock that needed housing. So far it had been corralled in a section of the gardens. Hermione had explained and then demonstrated a space expansion charm as a solution.


That was just the first of the issues but eventually the Dathomiri had agreed to be a part of the ongoing exchange of information and training program which had been somewhat of a sticking point. It seemed that like the Jedi they were somewhat arrogant about the 'rightness' of their society.


Yanra had along with several of her elders had been hesitant about participating. Eventually it had taken a demonstration of magic from Luna to sway their opinion that the Dathomiri had 'little to learn'.


Leaving the details of things like division of labour and to be worked out by the representatives the meeting drew to a close with a light meal in the open gardens. The conversations and interactions were still a bit stiff but all those present were satisfied that a good start had been made.


Luna sipped from a small glass of fruit juice, "What do you think Harry?"


"A good start I suppose I'm surprised that they didn't raise more issues around integration."


Luna smiled slightly, "Yanra has them well in hand as she is well aware of what is at stake. I'm sure more things will come up but for now I agree it is a good start."


As they talked Hermione and Ron appeared. Ron with a plate of food piled high and Hermione with what looked like a selection of fruit. Hermione was still looking around with interest at the large crowd.


"This is fascinating I'm so glad we were back in time to attend the meeting."

Harry smiled at his oldest friends, "I'm glad you're back as well."


oOoOoOo

oOoOoOo


Outer Rim Territories - CIS Executor


Dooku frowned as he considered his masters orders. He had left Grievous to conduct the war and had begun the search for the renegade Force sensitive's that had so disrupted their plans. His first stop had been Dathomir. His allies had been tasked with destroying the light aligned Clans as 'proof' of their value. His master had plans for the witches that would see them serving as assassins and spies. But something had gone wrong. An entire clan had disappeared and the few survivors among his allies had described two Jedi, two young Jedi that had been involved.


From there a trail of bribes and guesses had led him to the Outer Rim. He still had no 'fixed location' but there was something, a minor eddy in the Force that told him that he was in the right part of space.


Now there was nothing. His master's skills at determining the movements of their enemies had been somehow rendered useless and his own meditation revealed nothing. The Sith could cloak themselves in the Force but how were two children doing so?



oOoOoOo

Haven


Luna stepped out of the freshener drying herself with a towel. She could have used magic but preferred the feeling of toweling herself dry. With her hair still slightly damp she paused to look in the large mirror. Giving her reflection a nod she tossed her towel in to the hamper and walked in to the room she was now sharing with Harry.


"You truly are beautiful Luna."


Luna smiled and blew a kiss at Harry who had been sitting on the bed reading from a data pad but was now running his eyes over her.


"I mean it Luna. Inside and out body and soul, you are beautiful."


Sensing his seriousness she walked over and sat on the bed next to him. "What is it my love?"


"I watched you walk out of the freshener and realised......well I realised that you needed to hear me say it. I don't think I say it enough to do you justice."


"Well thank you love but I don't near to hear the words. I can feel your Force presence all the time. I know how you feel."


Harry reached out and gently stroked Luna's face. His touch made for an even deeper connection. Luna almost shivered at the intensity of his emotions as they swirled around her merging with hers and strengthening their mutual bond.


"Luna?"


Luna replied to the whispered question by leaning in and capturing Harry's lips in a kiss even as his stroked from her face to her waist. Their kiss deepened and Luna pulled Harry to her by griping his shoulders. Harry's hands stroked her back, caressing her shoulders and hip.


Luna pushed him back and pulled his shirt off before easing him back on the bed. Harry seemed content to slowly caress her but she wanted things moving quicker. Her hands found his trousers and she nimbly undid them and slid them and his undershorts down his legs.


As soon as he was naked she lay down and reached out to stroke him. As always she marveled at his hard yet soft skin, in his warmth and smoothness. Kissing him again she gave a small gasp as Harry's long fingers found her womanhood. Shifting slightly she parted her legs allowing him better access.


His gentle fingers parted her and slowly traced over her clitoris. Slowly she began to more with his questing fingers as they explored her. Losing herself in the sensation she gasped when she felt his lips kiss her thigh.


She shuddered as his tongue caressed her and complied as his hands gently shifted her thighs, parting them to gain room. As Harry worshipped her she began to feel the heat building and tried to beg him for more. Her words however changed to a low moan as he slowly inserted then curled his long fingers. She could feel her orgasm building as Harry slid up her body to kiss her neck. Then he was inside her.


Her legs wrapped around him as he fell in to slow, long thrusts. The sensation had her rocking her own hips. Searching for more contact, more of Harry as she began to peak.


Harry could feel Luna fluttering around him as her orgasm approached. Her thrusts lost their rhythm and her breathing quickened as her nails dug in to his back. Looking in to her eyes he gave a final thrust sending her over the edge with her eyes looking in to his. There was nothing hidden in her gaze as she clenched around him and her back arched. A long gasp and her hands slowly relaxed as she recovered from her passions.


Harry made no move to remove himself as he looked in to Luna's eyes knowing what he saw was reflected in his own.


After a few moments Luna gripped him with her thighs and flexed her pelvic muscles making him twitch within her.


Without breaking eye contact he began to move again slowly stroking in and out. Luna began to move as well and soon both were lost once more in their lovemaking. Within minutes Harry could feel his own climax approaching.


Luna thrust upward and with a small cry clenched around him again. This time Harry let go as he pulled her close staring in to her eyes as they both climaxed moments apart. With a passionate kiss Harry pulled Luna in to a hug.


"Luna?"


"Hmmmmmm?"


"I love you."


oOoOoOo


Haven - Central Cavern Training Room


Harry leapt over Remus and Force pushed Sirius backwards to collide with a wall. Luna parried an attack by Altis responded with a thrust that forced the Jedi Master to twist away from her attack. The five combatants fought on for nearly ten minutes before Ash called time.


There were a number of questions from the others in the room around their choices made in the sparring session. Altis then walked several of the younger Jedi some of the more advanced fighting techniques. The half dozen Dathomiri present asked a few questions around the fighting styles and the session quickly became an open discussion around the advantages and disadvantages of various styles and techniques.


Next up was Remus who explained about foci and how the Force could be used in conjunction with just such a suitable focus. The rest of the lesson was around the light spell. After an hour almost all the Jedi could cast the spell. Those without lightsabers were encouraged to try using several of the wands bought back to Haven from Earth. Several of the Dathomiri managed to cast light spells which in turn became a discussion around gaining access to their own wands.


Lastly Luna stood and presented a session on the difference between the philosophies of the Jedi and the Sith. With the Dathomiri leery of anything associated to the 'dark' she was careful to stress that she was not advocating wholesale adoption of the dark side. Several of the Dathomiri and Jedi looked uncomfortable but Luna's position that intent was all important when judging actions was well argued. She went on to answer several questions before finishing with an invitation for a volunteer to present a rebuttal for their next session. Yanara was among those who asked what the purpose of such topics would be.


Luna made a sweeping gesture indicating the audience gathered in the cavern. "We don't all share the same beliefs but I believe that there is room for different beliefs. I read somewhere once that if you wish to be understood seek first to understand. Every citizen of Haven is invited to participate in these sessions. No doubt we shall not all agree but there is nothing wrong with healthy debate."


Harry stepped forward to stand beside Luna, "Our master saw a dark time coming. A threat so vast, so far reaching that it would bring untold destruction to the galaxy. That threat is far in the future but the first parts of her vision have already come to pass. The threat grows closer each day and the Force grows more out of balance. Part of what we do here is to spread and in that way preserve knowledge. If we can achieve that then we are helping to defeat that distant enemy as well as the enemy currently at our door."


As Harry finished Yanara stood, "May I speak?"


Harry nodded and the Dathomiri matriarch walked to the centre of the room to stand beside Luna and Harry. "We have long held ourselves aloof from life outside our clan. Then I had a vision, a vision that showed the destruction of my tribe among countless others. Haven is truly a haven for my people, one that I shall encourage all to embrace."




oOoOoOo


Planet Barseg - Outer Rim Territories


Jedi Knight Kel Narl ducked behind a smoldering wall beside two ARC troopers. "This position is untenable until we get some more fire power in here, so much for this being a neutral planet." Another round of blaster fire slammed in to the wall. "Something has happened to the reserves they should be here by now."


Kel and his squad of ARC clones desperately needed reinforcement if they were going to succeed against the heavily armed separatist units. His old master and several other Jedi were meant to have been here with a company of reinforcements almost an hour ago.


The senior ARC trooper gestured toward the enemy positions, "Sir we need to knock out those two bunkers before we get picked off one by one."


Kel risked a peek over the wall. The consequences of waiting for reinforcements were made clear by the dead and wounded, "I know. Boomer, order the rest of the squad to lay down some covering fire. You two get ready to follow me to the next building. We will act as a diversion and once in position we'll cover the squad's withdrawal. Then we'll pull back to the Alpha position as well."


The Clone Lieutenant nodded, "Yes sir........okay lads cover fire we're giving you a distraction so get ready to pull back to the Alpha position."


CLUNK

Kel suddenly felt the Force warning him of danger, "Watch..."


There was a painfully loud noise and a huge flash of white light then darkness.


oOoOoOo


Kel awoke to a blinding headache and a feeling of disorientation. He cracked open an eye to find himself lying in the dirt. Extending his Force perception he could sense several artificial life forms approaching.


Even turning his head slightly in his prone position he could see several unmoving clones. With a groan he knelt and extended his hand summoning his lightsaber. Moving quickly he checked Boomer but the clone was dead. Checking the others he quickly realised that the explosion had decimated the squad. He had only survived because Boomer had shielded him. Summoning his strength he prepared himself for the droids arrival. He would need to strike fast and hard if he was to escape.


"Check for survivors," ordered the synthetic voice of a battle droid.


"Roger, roger," acknowledged another further to his right.


Kel burst in to motion igniting his lightsaber and destroying the droid next to him and somersaulting over the rest of the droids. There was no gain in fighting here so he decided to head back toward safer ground. His starfighter and the ARC drop ship should still be back at the Alpha location. Moving with Force augmented speed he moved away from his pursuers in to the heavily wooded area near the river.


oOoOoOo


The drop ship was a smoking wreck and his star fighter was completely destroyed. All he had been able to salvage was a med kit and a damaged tactical comm unit from a dead clone pilot. The unit was missing the mouth piece that had fitted in side the pilot's helmet but the receiver still appeared to be working.


It was too dangerous to stay here so he decided to begin the long hike to Republic's man base of operations that on foot was, he estimated a good seven hours away.


He had been walking amongst the trees for nearly two hours when the comm unit picked up a transmission. Breathing a sigh of relief he held the unit to his ear. The reception was poor but considering the unit was meant for short range comms he was lucky to be getting anything.


"....All units are ordered to regroup at............" Kel smiled as he recognised the calm, measured voice of Jedi Master T'Rul the senior most Jedi attached to his battle group.


".....watch out they've got a hidden emplacement near the ridge they.....aieee."


"We need reinforcements on the perimeter we have......."


"......cut off from the rest of the fleet. Repeat....."


Kel shifted uneasily as he realised the battle was turning against the Republic forces. As the chatter slowly died away he received one final ominous message.

"...are dead. This is Hammer all............stand at....beach. Long live the...."


Overhead a flight of CIS Vulture-class droid starfighters shot across the sky.


With a sigh he pocketed the comm unit. It appeared that there mission to secure the supposedly neutral planet and the important hyperspace route had failed; now he was behind enemy lines. His only real choices were to hide and wait for rescue or to try and find a functional ship and get off Barseg. Moving back in to the shadowed wood he resumed his long trek to the spaceport.


Moving carefully through the increasingly dense woods he paused and reached out with the Force. So far he had only encountered animals but better to be safe than.....he paused as he sensed a strong disturbance in the Force. Centering himself he tried to determine exactly what had caught his attention.


There was something, right on the edge of his awareness. It was elusive and nebulous but it was there. It was hidden away deep underground, far from the light of day. Kel concentrated and tried to get some idea of where it was.....north....a cave.


He opened his eyes and looked around. Whatever it was there was no possible way he could not investigate. All Jedi had a responsibility to investigate and report all such anomalies, regardless of the circumstances.


oOoOoOo


CIS Long Range Shuttle


"You must travel to the Barseg sector. Something has been discovered there.....you must recover it before the Jedi."


Dooku didn't react visually to the sudden change in his orders but his master still detected it.


"You have a question apprentice?"


"I do not question your orders my master."


"But you do Tyranus; your doubts are clear so I will explain. These Force adepts are a danger to our plans. They are an unknown that somehow remains hidden, even from me. Thet are a threat but this new is an opportunity. Something powerful has stirred in the Barseg sector, something from the ancient Sith that would aid our cause. Do not let it fall in to the hands of the Jedi."


Dooku bowed his head until the hologram disappeared and then gave the necessary orders to the droid pilot.


oOoOoOo


Jedi Temple - Coruscant


Yoda awoke with to an oppressive feeling of suffocation. After a moment he centred himself and sent his Force perception questing for the source of the disturbance. As was the norm of late the dark side cloaked nearly everything but he persisted. Finally he caught a glimpse of Jedi Master T'Rul fighting furiously before being cut down in a hail of blaster fire........shadows obscured his vision before it cleared again. A figure in Jedi robes was peering in to a cave. The figure looked around before disappearing in to the darkness.


oOoOoOo

Jedi Council Chambers


"Kel Narl found something dangerous he has," Yoda explained to the hastily gathered members of Jedi council.


The hologram of Adi Gallia sat back in her chair and sighed, "And Master T'Rul is dead?"


"Correct I fear I am," replied Yoda gently, T'Rul and Adi had been friends as Padawan learners. "A great loss to the Order his death is."


"The cruiser sent with the advance force has failed to make contact. That means reinforcements will have to be redirected from the Spinax system. That will take several days at best." Ki-Adi-Mundi reported from his position near the tactical display.


Yoda shook his head, "Too late they may be but send help we must. Dangerous this situation is. Send a master we shall."


"I will go," volunteered Adi Gallia. "I am but hours away with a fast courier ship."


oOoOoOo


Haven


"Harry?"


Harry turned at the familiar voice of Darth Vectivus.

The former Sith Lord gestured and a palm sized red crystal globe appeared in his hands. "This is the Oracle Stone. It is an ancient Sith artifact that has been lost for three millennia. In the past it helped build empires and tear them down. Any sufficiently strong Force sensitive can use it and glimpse things far away, spy out your enemies movements or seek out hidden things. I sought it out long ago but its hiding place eluded me."


Harry studied the illusion in his instructor's hands. "It sounds like a powerful tool."


Darth Vectivus spread his fingers and the illusion vanished. "It has been found on the planet Barseg. Even in this form it calls out to me. You can be sure your enemies can hear its call just as well as I. I am sure that you see the problem here."


"Well beside the fact that it would give the Sith a huge advantage against us it also destroys any hope of hiding Haven from our enemies."


Darth Vectivus nodded, "Indeed my student. You must retrieve it at all costs. If you are able to destroy it, having it here would be almost as bad as it falling in to the hands of the enemy."


Harry sent a mental call to Luna, "I've warned Luna. We'll put together a team."


Darth Vectivus shook his head and his eyes grew hard, "I'd be careful many Sith artifacts are well protected. Some even have a disturbing level of sentience and may fight against their destruction."


"So just Luna and I?"


'It might be for the best," acknowledged Darth Vectivus as he slowly faded. "Beware of others seeking the crystal. I suspect that beside the Sith many Force sensitive's may also have felt the same disturbance I did. As will have the Jedi, even if they don't understand its cause they are sure to investigate."




oOoOoOo



Planet Barseg


As Harry and Luna walked down the ramp from the Lily they had a magnificent view across a pristine river and the heavy woods on the opposite bank.


"It's beautiful," commented Luna.


Harry nodded, "Yes it is however even here in the sun surrounded by the living Force I can sense something, a taint."


Luna closed her eyes for a moment, "Yes I can sense something it's like a shadow over the sun."


Harry sealed the Lily and cast an area effect notice-me-not spell followed by a simple warding line which was essentially a magical alarm. As he worked Luna sank in to the lotus position and took several deep breaths to centre her self. Reaching in to the Force she began seeking out the source of the disturbance. Her technique was rooted in neither the light nor the dark but rather wove a path between the two.


To Luna it was if she was travelling through a light mist. Around her shapes formed and then fell back in to the mist. A face...........a ship burning.........lovers entwined in passion.......a tree of immense age......a Jedi standing at the mouth of a cave shrouded in the dark side.....Dooku striding through the trees.



Luna's eyes snapped open, "Harry I've found it. A cave, about two hours walk away in that direction. We need to hurry a Jedi is already there."


Harry looked over at the ship but Luna shook her head, "Too slow. Take my hand."


With a loud crack they both disappeared.


oOoOoOo


Kel walked slowly through the cave. The Force was warning him that this was a dangerous place but something was whispering in his mind calling him forward. He paused as he reached a chamber carved from the living rock, the whispers were louder now.


Amid the fallen stones and other refuse one item, a stone box lay shattered beneath a fallen rock. From within came a red gold glow. Using the Force Kel lifted the fallen stones and pushed them to the side. Another gesture and glowing sphere was exposed for the first time in millennia.


Entranced Kel reached out and summoned the crystal sphere in to his hand.


oOoOoOo


As they reappeared at the mouth of the cave both Harry and Luna paused as a feeling of malevolent glee assaulted them.


Luna winced "Bugger, we'd better hurry."


Following the cave they came to a figure hunched over on the floor of the cavern. The sense of evil was radiating outward from the motionless figure in Jedi robes but their eyes were drawn to the figure in the shadows.


"You may as well stop hiding we can sense you well enough," warned Harry.


"Can you boy......so unlike the fool at your feet," stated a hooded figure as it emerged from the shadows. Clad in armor of a design not seen for countless years a figure formed. Its features resolved in to those of an alien with pale blue skin with withered features and cold yellow eyes.


"I am the guardian of the Oracle stone. My fate is to protect it..."


Luna snickered, "You are a Sith and a dead one at that. We are quite familiar with Force ghosts."


The Force ghosts eyes narrowed and Luna frowned as she sensed an attempt to gain entry to her thoughts. Beside her Harry tensed sensing the attack taking place.


"You will never gain access to our thoughts. Now release the Jedi," demanded Harry.


The Force ghost hissed and raised its hands sending Force lightning streaking toward Harry who contemptuously battered it aside with his hand.


Harry didn't move as the Force ghost advanced toward him, "Let the Jedi go Sith."


"You've been trained boy but you are no Sith," The yellow eyes were cold but there was a hint of something calculating in his gaze.


"Nor are we Jedi. Now release him," ordered Harry.


The Sith laughed, "I have nothing to do with his predicament. The fool has done this to himself. I am but a spectator."


Luna stepped forward and raised her hand. Slowly she began to chant in Latin as she raised a hand to point at the ghost. Who sneered before shuddering, "What have you done girl?"


"Begun a spell of banishment which I will finish if you don't start explaining," warned Luna.


"I am Darth Ruin you insects are....arghhhh," the Sith's words became an unintelligible scream as Luna began chanting once more.


Harry stepped forward and peered at the flickering ghost, "Tell me Darth Ruin how does it feel knowing that your stolen existence on this plane of existence is about to end. Do you fear what awaits you in the Force?"


"I have done..... nothing to..... the Jedi," Darth Ruin replied through clenched teeth as the painful pulling on his non-corporeal body halted once more.


"Then what is happening here?" demanded Luna.


The Force ghost looked rebellious for a moment before fliching as Luna raised he hand again. "Fine.....the fool touched the artifact and in his ignorance he is now trapped in the visions it has shown. The Oracle works but it also a trap to the unwary. Now release me woman!"


Luna shared a look with Harry who turned to the dead Sith, "Why are you here are you it's guardian?"


Darth Ruin hissed in displeasure, "I died here at the hands of my 'faithful' followers. The fools fled the place of my transcendence never knowing the treasure lying at their feet."


"What is the Oracle?" asked Luna. When the ghost sneered at her question she once more took up her chant.


"Enough," screamed the ghost. "Curse you it is a semi sentient device it grants clairvoyance and to the strong glimpses of the future."


"How do we release the Jedi?" asked Harry.


Darth Ruin laughed vindictively, "I don't know I never possessed it."


Harry considered the Force ghost for a moment before turning to Luna, "Any more questions?"


Luna shook her head and raised her hand once more chanting in Latin.


"No wait.....aieeee...I can give you power......arghhh."


The Force ghost of Darth Ruin wavered and dissipated in a scattering of dust.


Uncaring of the Sith's long overdue fate Harry walked over to study the motionless Jedi, "Perhaps if we were to summon the stone."


"Wait a moment," warned Luna who took off her cloak held it in front of her, "I have no desire to touch it."


Harry nodded and levitated the stone out of the Jedi's hand and in to Luna's cloak. Once it touched the cloth Luna secured the stone. "I don't want to risk shrinking it until we understand how it works."


The Jedi gave out a groan and collapsed to the floor in a boneless heap. Harry quickly checked the Jedi out and was relieved to find that he was breathing normally.


After a final glance around the chamber Harry picked the unmoving Jedi up and threw him over his shoulder. "I'll bring our friend lets get back to the ship."


oOoOoOo


Jedi Courier Ship


Adi Gallia let her former Padawan and now fellow Master Siri Tachi pilot the ship while she concentrated on finding their missing Jedi.


The shroud of the Dark side was making it very difficult but proximity to her quarry was aiding her cause. Then suddenly the mists parted and she caught a glimpse of Knight Nar. He was unconscious or wounded being carried by someone out of a cave. She concentrated and gleaned a bearing.


"Siri I have him," using the Force as her Guide Adi took the helm and began a rapid descent toward the heavily forested southern continent.


They had been exceptionally lucky to find that the CIS fleet had departed. The only other ship that had appeared on their sensors had been an inbound shuttle. That luck probably wouldn't last but for now they would take what the Force offered.


Adi scanned the landscape looking for a safe landing area, "I'll set us down as close as I can."


Once on the ground the two Jedi masters moved rapidly through the trees toward the Force signature of Kel Nar.


"I'm sensing two Force signatures with Nar and a third approaching from the east," Adi warned Siri.


Siri nodded as she leapt to the top of a steep embankment, "I know we had best hurry as I don't believe in coincidences.


When they reached the location of the Force signature they spotted two figures, a female and a male. The male laid a third on the ground as they turned to face the two Jedi.


The woman smiled at Adi, "Well for a cave in the forest this seems a popular locale."


oOoOoOo


Harry hid his smile at Luna's greeting and kept his attention focused on the two Jedi.


The dark skinned Jedi appeared raised an eyebrow at Luna's greeting and he thought he saw the blond Jedi's lips twitch.


"Indeed," said the darker Jedi. "I am Jedi Master Adi Gallia and this is Jedi Master Siri Tachi. We have been looking for one of our brethren."


Harry tilted his head toward the unconscious Jedi, "I take it that this is your lost lamb?"


Adi looked somewhat bemused by the reply, "If you mean that he is our lost comrade then yes he is."


"Well he's unconscious but alive which considering......." Harry paused as he sensed danger. He raised his hand and his lightsaber leapt from his utility belt to his hand and ignited. Behind him he heard Luna's blade hiss in to life as well.


He noted that both the Jedi also drawn their lightsabers.


"Dooku," hissed Harry as he recognized the Force presence of the approaching Dark sider.


Adi Gallia reacted when Harry said Dooku but didn't have time to comment before a figure dropped from the crest of the wooded hill and charged the two Jedi Masters.


Harry smiled grimly obviously Dooku considered the two Jedi the bigger threat. Time to disabuse him of that notion he noted with a private smile. "Luna protect the wounded."


Adi blocked Dooku's blows as she gave ground to allow Siri to join the attack. Neither saw the blur that was Harry until he slammed in to Dooku driving the older man backward.


Dooku recognised Talia's apprentices as he had engaged the two Jedi masters. He knew Gallia quite well and knew she lacked the ability to beat him one on one. The fact that a second Jedi was with her made her more dangerous and thus his first target. He was unprepared for being slammed in to by Talia's boy. The young Force sensitive was powerful and fast keeping up a vigorous attack that forced him to give ground so he used the Force to leap high in the air and land well away from his opponents.



Dooku smiled as Harry stalked forward, "We meet again boy."


Harry didn't reply as he advanced toward Dooku.


Without warning Dooku sent a torrent of Force lightning toward Harry who blocked with his lightsaber. To his left he could see the two Jedi moving toward the Sith.


Dooku banished every rock in the clearing toward the two Jedi without taking his eyes of Harry.


Harry smiled.


There was a loud crack as Luna appeared behind Dooku she was already moving as she appeared her lightsaber reaching out......but some how the Sith managed to avoid being run through instead taking the lightsaber in the shoulder. Harry attacked but Dooku parried and spun away in to the blade of Adi Gallia which barely missed decapitating him as it cut in to his other shoulder.


Dooku cursed realising that the battle was lost. Fury at another defeat coursed through him and with a scream he unleashed a storm of dark energy that burst out from him like a bomb blast.


Harry who was advancing on Dooku was thrown backward by the blast before impacting heavily with a tree.


Luna, Adi and Siri were likewise blow off their feet and scattered around the clearing.


Dooku staggered over to the Jedi on the ground. He could sense the artifact close by.....there. Dooku touched the controller on his wrist to summon his modified speeder. Wincing as he reached down for the bundle of cloth and pulled it apart to reveal the red crystal orb.


He turned as his speeder appeared through the trees and walked toward the hovering vehicle. He could feel the Force imbued power leaving him as his injuries combined with Force exhaustion to make him feel like he was going to black out.


Just as he touched the speeder burning pain struck his hand. He looked down to see around burn hole through the artifact and his hand.


Luna struggled to her feet on the far side of the clearing as Dooku went to mount a speeder with the Oracle in his left hand. With one smooth motion she threw her lightsaber. The blade passed directly through the Oracle and Dooku's hand before she summoned it back.


Dooku slumped but managed to get the speeder airborne.


"This is going to hurt in the morning," complained Harry as he walked over cradling an obviously dislocated left shoulder and sporting a bleeding cut above his right ear.


Luna checked him over, 'You'll live but you better sit down. I'll check the others."

oOoOoOo


Adi Gallia finished examining Kel he remained unconscious; "He will hopefully recover but he appears stable for now. How is your shoulder Harry?"


Harry frowned, "Have we meet Master Jedi?"


Adi shook her head, "No but both of your descriptions have reached the Jedi Council." She studied the two young Force sensitives. They were to her eyes too young. It was reckless no matter how skilled they were. Had they been Jedi they would still be Padawans.


Before Harry could reply a high pitched whine passed overhead.


"Droids," warned Siri from atop the small hill. "We've just had a fly over and I can sense a large number of them in the trees."


Luna helped Harry to his feet, "Dooku warned them. We should have expected this."


"We can't fight an army of droids like this," warned Adi.


Siri slid down the hill and made her way over. "There are droids everywhere in the woods. There is no way we can make it to our ship now."


Luna gestured toward the two women. "Harry can you apparate these two to the Lily. If you can I'll get the wounded one and we can get out of here."


Harry nodded. It was giving away one of their abilities but there were not a lot of choices. Well choices he could live with anyway.


Siri looked back and forth between Harry and Luna, "What is apparate?"


Harry motioned for the two Jedi to come closer, "A way out of here, I need you to both grab my good arm. You'll feel a squeezing sensation. It's a really good idea to not let go. As soon as Luna's gone we'll follow."


The two Jedi were not that surprised when Luna and Kel disappeared. They knew something was going to happen. However when Harry asked them to grip tight they did not expect the feeling of compression to be as acute as it was. The feeling passed quickly less than two heart beats later they were standing in the cargo hold of the Lily.


Adi took a deep breath, "That was an interesting experience. I assume we are in your ship."


Harry gestured to the bulkhead, "Welcome aboard the Talia. If you like you are both welcome to come to the bridge or I can take to our sickbay. No doubt that's where Luna is now."


Siri looked around what she could see of the ship. It was new and looked to be a top of the line civilian ship. Whoever these two were they certainly had money. "I had better come to the bridge. It's only a short hop to where we concealed our ship."


Harry gestured to the left, "Our sick bay is the third door on the right. Now if you follow me Master Tachi."


Siri followed Harry to the bridge. She had definitely been right, the ship was new and as good a merchant ship as money could buy. Even the order didn't have this standard of fit out. Harry gestured for her to take the co-pilots seat as he began working through a quick pre-flight check. When he turned to check a panel and winced she remembered his wounded shoulder.


"Are you alright, do you need a hand?"


Harry gave am odd one armed shrug, "I'm fine for now. I'll get Luna to fix me up once we are off planet. I've got a feeling we are going to be up to our arse in droids pretty soon." As he finished speaking he gripped the controls and the Lily smoothly lifted off.


"Okay so which way?"


Siri got her bearings and pointed toward a bend in the river, "We are in a clearing north of that bend in the river."


Harry kept the ship at minimum power for such a short flight. He was just about to lower the landing struts when the Siri cursed. He looked up from the controls and spotted what she had seen, smoke. The Lily drew closer and soon the source of the smoke was confirmed. The Jedi's ship was being torn apart by a large company of droids.


Pulling back on the controls Harry steered the Lily toward open space. "Looks like you are getting a lift with us."


BEEP


The tactical console beeped and Siri turned to the console, "You have multiple incoming ships."


"Not for long," replied Harry as the Lily rocketed in to open space. Reaching over he activated the comm unit. "We are about to jump to hyperspace."


As the Lily cleared the planets gravity well he finished his calculations activated the hyperdrive jumping to hyperspace.


oOoOoOo


Dooku hissed in pain as the Neimoidian Medical Droid began repairing his damaged hand. The little blond whore had destroyed the artifact when she hurled her lightsaber. His hand was repairable but the Artifact was now nothing more than a hunk of inert crystal. He had once more underestimated them. Well not anymore the next time they crossed paths she and the boy would die.


He was pulled from his angry musings when his holocomm beeped and vibrated indicated an incoming call.


His Master would not be pleased.