Chapter 79
s Wedge and Liane returned to Cantamaga, Manall, Ian and Yarmod walked over to meet them. Wedge greeted the old harvest man cordially and and their acquaintance brought a beaming smile to the old man's face.
"I feel a very fortunate person, master Antilles," Manall said, "that, at my age, I can witness the rise of the Jedi again. Especially, because probably in the near future two of them are the children of my good old friend Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Liane had joined her brother and Yarmod. She looked at her friend and Wedge's former padawan whose braid had been cut off. No longer was he wearing his hair in a ponytail fastened at the back of his head. Quickly she averted her eyes, when she saw that her brother was the only one who was wearing his hair in the ways of a padawan learner, but Ian grabbed her arm and kissed her.
"My dear sister, master Antilles initiated you indeed as a Jedi Knight, as Yarmod told me. He was certain that his former master would make you a Jedi Knight, because the two of you took a private walk. Hey, where did you get that brooch?"
Embarrassed Liane put her hand over the clasp of her Jedi coat.
"It's Wedge's," She whispered, "I may wear it temporarily, because Wedge thought I wouldn't believe him, if he would tell me I am a Jedi Knight."
"Master Antilles surely knows you well, Shaayla-Car," Ian said and kissed her again, "Well, so I am the last us being a padawan learner, for on board the Astræa master Antilles has given Yarmod his initiation to Jedi Knight too. I knew that that had happened the moment he entered Manall's house. Manall was astounded and could believe his eyes. Over and over he expressed his gratitude for meeting another Jedi Knight. And you were right, my dear sister, Manall, like Kamalin, is a Force-sensitive Quelan. He predicted that Yarmod was on his way, before he even had walked up the hill."
Toallin and Mugin joined their company. Kamalin was following them at short distance
"We have arranged a meeting with our council for tomorrow morning. Shaayla-Car Kenobi, may I introduce one our most respected council member, master Kamalin. Against all odds, he managed to lead our community during our long absence. Your friend Luke has asked him to be my daughter's tutor and guide, for she has to learn a lot about the Force, the ally of the Jedi, before master Skywalker will decide if she can follow in his footsteps and become a Jedi Knight."
"Pleased to meet you, master Kamalin," Liane said friendly, and made a slight curtsey.
"The pleasure is all mine, miss So ... miss Kenobi," Kamalin said.
Liane looked at the old advisor. She smiled friendly as she clearly felt his presence through the Force.
'You wanted to address me with my old surname, didn't you, master Kamalin.' She said, using Force telepathy.
To her surprise Kamalin answered her in the same way.
'Yes, but perhaps you would rather not be reminded of that name.'
'Solichor is the surname of my mother, master Kamalin,'Liane answered, 'It surely isn't an insult, as some one calls me by her name.'
'I've heard a lot about you, miss Kenobi.'
'You do? Then I fear that it's not all positive.'
Kamalin beckoned her to walked up with him with a friendly gesture.
'What made you think so?' he asked, while he lead her out of the crowd.
'My brother has told master Toallin and master Mugin who I am and where and with whom I grew up, hasn't he? Your governors must have informed the Council of the Elders about me.'
Kamalin seemed startled at her words. Liane was now fully aware of Kamailin's many uncertain feelings about her.
'You're very Force-sensitive, master Kamalin, if you can so easily converse with me in the special way common among Jedi Knights and their padawans. Why haven't you become a Jedi Knight?' She asked, surrounding the older man with feelings of friendliness and comfort.
'My parents weren't aware of my special talents, miss Kenobi, and Jedi Knights didn't frequently visit the Palomintar System. So I never was brought to the Jedi temple as a youngster. By the time Manall's friends came to visit him I was already too old to start the Jedi training.'
'You're talking about a time I'm not aware of. I grew up on Morantan under the guidance of the Emperor's servant Darth Vader. By that time the Jedi Order had ceased to exist, as the emperor has ordered to wipe out the order.'
'Did he told you what happened to the Order of the Jedi Knight?'
'No, master Kamalin. The Supreme Chancellor, lady Mon Mothma, has given me access to the history of the Old Republic, the rise of the Emperor and his Sith reign, and the Civil War. My Force-sensitivity has brought me in contact with many Jedi Knights that went before me. My father, general Kenobi, and many others Jedi Knights of old have told me about the rise of the Jedi Order, and their decline and demise through the machinations of the Emperor. '
'Nevertheless you have learned those special teachings of knowledge of the Sith lore, didn't you?' Kamalin asked, feeling more and more highly uncomfortable about the open and spontaneous reactions on his interrogation. Liane who had felt Kamilin's doubts about her upbringing by Darth Vader from the beginning of their conversation, walked on with the old Quelan advistor with a calm and peaceful mind. They had reached the streets of Cantamaga outside the center. Liane turned to her companion and continued in a normal way of speaking.
"Master Kamalin, I sense you're have many doubts about my influence on governor Toallin and his wife. You think that I am a threat to Quelan community because you have heard I have learned a lot of evil knowledge from my foster-father, Anakin Skywalker. You're especially very concerned if I will ever use the Force in the same way Darth Vader has taught me, aren't you? Your doubts about me have become stronger, now that you are aware that I'm now a Jedi Knight, so it's important to me to find a way to convince you I'm here with only the best intentions for your people in mind.
Let me explain what I mean to you. The intruder, who calls himself Darth Golluth and who has invaded Ribana and ruined the way of life of your people, is ruining the way of life I want with his unrelenting search for me. Like you, he is convince that I am a Sith lady, a Force user of the Dark Side, familiar with the Sith lore. He wants me to teach him the evil knowledge, I once had to study and practise under my foster-father tutelage. In you opinion I want to go to Myr to team up with the guy who has ruined the way of living of the Quelans. Master Kamalin, Trevor Matrik is not only your enemy and the enemy of your people, but he my enemy as will and he also is a great threat to this galaxy for the Force has shown me what his real intentions are. He wants to relive the Empire again and become the next Emperor. Master Kamilin, although I know that Palomintar Four hasn't really suffered under Emperor Palpatine's reign, the rest of the galaxy has fought a long struggle to find peace and freedom again. The New Republic and the government on Coruscant haven't signed the peace treaty between their two governmental bodies to witness that a former imperial admiral wants to plunge the galaxy into another war. That's why I, as a Jedi Knight, want to go to Myr to join Jedi master Luke Skywalker, his companions and the Quelan harvest men, and make sure that Darth Golluth, or former imperial admiral Trevor Matrik, will give up his arrogant and overconfident plans about the future of our galaxy, voluntarily or under pressure. I also want to undo the injustice he has done to your people.
Master Kamalin, you probably have heard from master Manall that my father - general Obi-Wan Kenobi who - many years ago - fought in the Clone Wars. After the Emperor took control he had to go into exile and hide himself from Palpatine's revenge. My name is Shaayla-Car Kenobi, and Jedi Master Antilles gave me my initiation to Jedi Knight, like my father Obi-Wan Kenobi once was a Jedi Knight, like my mother Severini Solichor who also was a Jedi Knight and once the Jedi healer in the Jedi Temple. I'm their daughter, and I'm proud to know they are my parents. They have passed on their Force sensitivity to me, and that means that I, like them, will be a servant of the Good Side of the Force and have the Force as my ally, and do her will as she expects of me. Your doubts about me, concerning my Force knowledge, and my plans are justifiable. Your doubts aren't an indignity or offending me, although they hurt me deeply. I'm a Jedi Knight but you want me to proof, that, despite the knowledge I have gained of the Dark Side, I'm not a Sith Lady."
KKamalin looked at the young woman in front of him. His Force use made him aware of the truth of her words. Her strong convincing words about about her past and her determination, expressed with a great dignity had struck him. He was aware that she was a true Jedi Knight, a follower of the Good Side, one of those ancient fighters for peace and justice.
"Your honesty is overwhelming me, miss Kenobi. Are you aware that your plan to fight the intruder of Ribana holds many dangers?" He asked.
"I'm aware of it, master Kamalin, but that doesn't scares me off. I have faced much hardships and many losses and dangers on my own in the past. On this mission I won't be alone. All the friends who came with me, have promised to help me, so together we can make sure that your people can return to Ribana."
"Your determination and commitment tell me that our life in exile in Cantamaga will come to an end. You have my blessing and my support, Shaayla-Car Kenobi. May the Force be with you."
"Thank you, master Kamalin." Liane said.
Kamalin offered her his arm and together they walked back to the center. The two governors of Cantamaga seemed pleased with their appearance. Liane asked Toallin how his wife was doing. Showing his gratitude he brought Liane inside the private wing of the community building where Udine took her inside and hugged her. Toallin joined Mugin and Kamalin.
"You had a long talk with Shaayla-Car, Kamalin. Have you changed your opinion about her?"
"She certainly is a great Jedi Knight, Toallin," Kamalin said elusively.
Mugin looked skeptically at the chair man of the Quelan council.
"What my brother wants to know, Kamalin, is, if you believe she isn't a threat to the Quelan community anylonger," He said quietly, "We know she is a Jedi Knight."
The three men weren't aware that Manall had walked over to them.
"Kamalin, did I hear, that you are expressing doubts about the daughter of general Kenobi?" He asked irritated, "Haven't you heard that master Antilles has given her her initiation to Jedi Knight, as he will also do to general Kenobi's son, Tama-Hinn, soon. How dare you insult the children of my good friend, Obi-Wan."
Kamalin neglected the angry glance in the eyes of the old harvest man. Mugin grabbed Manall's arm.
"The chair man of the council may express any doubts he has about our policy and plans, Manall. That's the prerogative of the members of Council of the Eladers."
"Ridiculous," Manall commented. He cast another angry look at Kamalin, before he walked away, muttering in himself about the injustice, which had been done to the daughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi, while she had come to their village with the intention to help them, so they all could return to Myr. Kamalin watched him go. Toallin put his arm reassuring on his advisor's arm.
"We all know, that you and Manall, are always disagreeing, Kamalin, about many things. Tell me in honest, are you willing to accept Shaayla-Car's help."
"I will support her plans, Toallin. I no longer doubt her intentions but we must remain patient as long as it is not clear when we can return to Ribana. We mustn't expect fast results of her mission with her friends," Kamalin said.
"That's a good for a start, my friend. That's a good for a start. We're not in a hurry, living on Tyr has become quite good," Toallin said and patted the arm of his old friend.
Kalip Ru'undo looked at Jerno Thai and Valann Namaran.
"Another message probably again from our uncover agent on Palomintar Four." Kalip said, "This time the message mentions that our admiral wants to board the Basilisæa again as his private space craft to start his own search for Darth Vader's daughter and the Jedi. Our admiral wants admiral Vestor to send a transport shuttle to bring him on board, despite what has been agreed in the peace treaty. What will our action be?"
"Doran can't order admiral Vestor to stay in orbit," Jerno said.
"To avoid this development which implicates that we won't be able to monitor what Trevor Matrik is doing I suggest we call back the Basilisæa to Coruscant. We still have a good reason, because admiral Vestor has already deviated from a given order. We then made it clear to him that leaving his position in the Outer Rim would not be tolerated." Valann said.
"Lady Mon Mothma has shared her opinion about admiral Vestor expedition to Endor. She thinks that Trevor had put Vestor under pressure, may be even has bribe him. Lady Mon Mothma thinks the Basilisæa didn't go to Endor voluntarily."
"Order the communication desk to make an immediate call to the Basilisæa, Valann. Tell them it's very urgent," Jerno said.
While Valann was away Kalip look at Jerno.
"In the mean time we have gathered valuable information about what Trevor has done in the past, what he sees as his ultimate goal and what kinds of plans he is still initiating. It's about time we interfere on Palomintar Four, don't you think, Jerno?"
"I have a feeling that the New Republic also has some of her people on Palomintar Four. For instance Jedi master Skywalker and we have heard the plea of the Lady Mon Mothma to change Doran's mandate concerning the Darth Vader's daughter. Wheels have set in motion, Kalip, but we can't send ground forces to Palomintar Four and Trevor probably knows that."
Valann returned.
"Connection with the Basilisæa will be established within minutes." he said, and activated the holo display on Kalip's communication desk. "There is admiral Vestor. Welcome, admiral, we have sought connection with you as we want to exchange some different view on your obligations. Grand admiral Thai wants to consult you"
Admiral Vestor looked at the group of holographic images on the display at his desk.
"Admiral, we've finally located your position. You have been using your prerogative to roam the Outer Rim Territories without sending us a regular update on your activities. We order you to return to Coruscant immediately." Jerno said
The commander of the Basilisæa raised his left hand in protest.
"Grand admiral, I have to object. I can't return to Coruscant. Major Doran Whain, the young officer your council has appointed especially to my crew, still hasn't returned to the Basilisæa. If I have to leave my position around Palomintar Four, he won't be able to contact me. "
"Major Whain can take care of himself, admiral Vestor, he qualified at our academy with the highest marks ever. You're only his commander, not his guardian, nor his protector. We order you to leave the Palomintar System at once, and return to Coruscant without further delay. This is an order, admiral." Jerno said sternly
Admiral Vestor looked astounded at the grim faces of the members of the triarchy.
"Grand Admiral, a New Republic's star cruiser, the frigate Tychorion, has arrived near the Palomintar System and has gone in orbit near Palomintar Four. May I advice you to leave the Basilisæa at her position to keep the Rebel Alliance at bay. I also had many confrontation with the X-wing squadron of commander Antilles."
"Admiral, the Rebel Alliance has ceased to exist many years ago, as we assume you know. The imperial government is now dealing with the official New Republic's councils as an equal. You have violated the peace treaty our two official political bodies have signed end all hostilities. And as far as major Whain is concerned, you're no longer responsible for his presence at Darth Golluth's unlawful sojourn at Palomintar Four."
"I only expressed my concern about one of men, sir. I will follow your order, but I want to issue an official report of objection." The admiral said, in a last attempt to prevent the unforeseen departure of his ship.
"We will discuss your arguments after your arrival on Coruscant. Admiral, we are expecting the arrival of the Basilisæa in Coruscant's orbit without delay," Jerno Thai said on icy tone.
The holographic images of the triarchy of the Provinsional Council disappeared. Admiral Vestor looked at the display and gritted his teeth. He activated his infocom.
"Officer, send an urgent message down to Palomintar Four at the known coordinates and frequency. Tell major Whain that the Basilisæa has been ordered to return to Coruscant. Tell him, we can no longer support him."
Shirty he switched off and left his quarters. Still feeling angry about the reprimanding tone of Grand Admiral Thai he went over to the command bridge.
"Captain, prepare the ship to leave the Palomintar System. I've got the order to return to Coruscant at once."
"Yes, sir," The captain saluted, and hurried to his infocom system.
Admiral Vestor walked over to the big lookout window and watched the nearby planet, Palomintar Six. Slowly the image of the planet started to change her position as the imperial star destroyer turned around. The buzz of the sublight engines cause slight tremors in the ship, and as the admiral looked back the planet became smaller and smaller. As the PA-system warned that the Basilisaea would go to lightspeed within two minutes, he went back to his official quarters and sat down in his security chair and fixed his webbing. The count-down had started and as the hyperdrive started the Basilisaea disappeared.
Down on Palomintar Four at the display of the communication system at Darth Golluth's lair Doran Whain read the message from the Basilisæa. With a relieved sigh he scramble the message and send an encrypted message to Coruscant to report the departure of the Basilisæa
On board the Tychorion the officer on duty warned general Madine as he noticed the movements of the Basilisæa. Together with his commanding staff Madine watched to maneuvers of the ship until the Basilisæa went into hyperspace.
"Warn Gold Squadron to board, sergeant; their surveillance is no longer needed, and prepare a message to Irithim, that the Basilisæa had left the Palomintar System unexpectedly."
Madine went to the communication system and hailed the Millennium Falcon. To his surprise Han Solo responded immediately.
"Any news, general?" Han asked.
"The Basilisæa has suddenly left their surveillance around Palomintar Six. They went to lightspeed a couple of minutes ago."
"That's good news, general. I will tell the others at once," Han said cheerful.
"Might be, general Solo, but it might also mean that Mon Mothma will withdraw the Tychorion too. I have to inform her immediately. If I'll get the order to return to Dalmaran, you will be on your own on Palomintar Four."
Han nodded and turned to Chewbacca.
"General, hold on. Chewie, see that you will get Luke and Leia, and hurry. No, I don't where they are. Let's hope they haven't gone to do some further investigations in the underground riverbed. Take Chati with you. Where is she anyhow? Oh, yeah, Cornell asked to get transparisteel foil from the cave's storage."
The big Wookiee left and hurried outside. He ran up the steep path to the camp site. None of the harvesters were there, but to his relief Chati had followed him with several transparisteel foil.
"What's the matter, Chewbacca?" She asked.
With wild movements of his arms Chewbacca began to explain Han's message. Chati listened and nodded.
"I'll get them for you. They went into the underground riverbed not so long ago. I don't expect them to be far inside the tunnel already. Wait here."
Chati rushed over to the rope ladders, descended quickly and went to the inlet to the underground riverbed, followed by Chewbacca. At the noise of the Wookiee's grunts Cemall had looked up from his work near the outcropping.
"What's wrong, Chati?" He asked.
"General Solo wants Ben and his sister to come over to the Millennium Falcon at once. They went into the old riverbed, if I run, I might catch up with them. Here, take my belt."
She dropped the heavy equipment belt, switched on her flaslight and descended down the rope ladder. Chewbacca watched her go and let himself down through the narrow inlet. The low ceiling was a big obstacle for the big hairy Wookiee, and he often bumped his head. He lowered his speed and grunted annoyed, as he couldn't catch up with the Quelan girl. As he ran into a large protruding rock he let out some frustrated loud rumbling grunts which reverberated along the tunnel walls.
Inside the tunnel Chati held her pace. Startled by the loud echoing noise she stopped.
'This is not good, I'd better go back and tell Chewbacca he shouldn't follow me any further,' She thought.
She turned around, but before she had rounded one of the winding corners in the tunnel, she heard running footsteps behind her. Luke Skywalker caught up with her, followed by Leia.
"Was that Chewie?" She asked.
"I guess so, ma'am," Chati said, "He ran after me and has ran into the protruding rock around the forth bend."
"What's he doing inside?" Luke said worried.
"Master Solo wants you and the lady Jedi to come over to his ship, Ben. Chewbacca said it was urgent," Chati said.
"Let's go back, all of us," Luke said and followed the winding path to the underground entrance.
Chati had been right. Near the forth bend Chewbacca sat on the tunnel floor and rubbed frantically along the side of his head. His nose was bleeding. Leia went over, and took a cloth from her belt.
"Hold it to your nose, Chewie. I take care of the bleeding once we're outside again. Luke, you go ahead with Chati," She said.
Luke and Chati rushed on and the rope ladder within minutes. Luke jumped out of the underground cave, while Chati quickly climbed the rope ladder.
"Come on, Chati. Let's find out what Han wants of us," Luke said, forgetting, that Han had asked to see him and his sister.
They ran to the high wall, climbed to the top and rushed down the mountain path to the base cave. Luke ran over to the Millennium Falcon and rushed up the ramp.
"Han!", Luke yelled.
"Over here, Luke, in the control room. What took you so long? Where's Leia?"
"She's coming, she is taking care of Chewie. He has a big lump on his head and a nose bleed, because he followed Chati into the underground tunnel."
Han noticed Chati who stood near his brother-in-law.
"Why did she come with you?" He asked, pointing at her, "Chati, get back to your work."
Chati turned around, but Luke held her back.
"You'd better stay with us, Chati," Luke said, before he turned to his friend, "Han, what's urgent?"
"Madine has news about the Basilisæa. She has left and went into hyperspace unexpectedly. I've asked him to hold on, until you and Leia had come," Han said, and cast a not understanding look at the young Quelan female.
Luke walked over to the communication console and activated the holo-display.
"General," He said.
Madine who had used the time to give some further orders to his men, turned around.
"Hey Luke, you're still busy down there, I assume," General Madine said with a broad smile, then he noticed Chati, "Well, hello, young lady, you're still accompanying our famous Jedi master. I must say, you're a very obedient Jedi assistant"
Chati cast down her eyes, but inside she beamed.
"You're a lucky guy, master Skywalker. I always find you in the company of some lovely ladies," Madine teased, and continued still laughing, "but I miss your lovely sister, Luke, and my dearest friend: senator Organa, princess of Alderaan."
"Leia's coming, general. What's the news? Han just told me that the Basilisæa has left the Palomintar System."
"Indeed, Luke. She left very unexpectedly. I've ordained Gold Squadron to land board the Tychorion, for the disappearance of the star destroyer might have some consequences for the presence of the Tychorion, and for all of you on Palomintar Four."
Leia and Chewbacca, who was holding a large cloth against his nose, were entering the control room. She had heard the general's words.
"General, did you already inform Mon Mothma about the departure of the Basilisæa?" She asked.
"Not yet, but I have to keep her updated about the situation here, your Highness," Madine answered.
Leia looked at her brother and her husband.
"So we will be on our own again on this mission," Leia said.
"Might be, your Highness. I have to inform Mon Mothma and wait for her answer, but I will try to persuade her to let the Tychorion stay in this part of the galaxy, but probably not as near Palomintar Four as I want."
Leia, Han and Luke nodded.
"We understand your predicament, general. Please, contact us, as soon as you have received Mon Mothma's answer." Luke said.
"Of course, I will, Luke. I keep you informed. Good luck down there, and may the Force be with you," Madine greeted and his image disappeared.
"This is an unexpected development, Luke," Leia said, "The Tychorion surely will be ordered to return to Irithim. Have contacted Wedge already while he is on Tyr with Liane and the others?
Chati who had taken care of the wounded Wookiee, made a surprised gesture, and Luke looked up.
"Your parents know that you're with Cornell and his men, Chati," He said, "Liane has told your parents you're safe."
"They must have been worrying about me, Ben?" Chati whispered, "Will they understand?"
"They are all too glad, that you're not killed in the nut forest, as they assumed for a while. At least your mother had been convinced, that the Urams killed you after you disappeared without telling anyone. You know what I've told you one of the first days after your unexpected arrival."
"Maybe we should bring her back, Luke," Han suggested, "Now that the Basilisæa has gone I can lift off with the Falcon and fly back and forth to Tyr. Maybe I should so, and get Wedge Antilles back with me."
For a moment Luke Skywalker stared to one of the passageways of the Falcon, then he shook his head.
"No, Chati stays on Myr with us. I might need her help in the near future. I have an idea of how we have to proceed. I will contact Wedge and asked him to come to Myr without Liane and the padawans. As soon as he has arrived I will explain what we're going to do. I only hope that Mon Mothma will allow the Tychorion to stay close to the Palomintar System."
The others looked puzzled. Luke rose and looked at the remnants of the devices he had demolished.
"Any luck with those probes, Han?" He asked.
"The normal imperial rubbish: heat-seeking sensors, life-form detectors, and image recorders. Nothing sophisticated, but one of them had a laser beam thrower which could cause a wild fire, and there is one other point; the one with the laser beam functioned as a main device which controlled the other two. If we should have another encounter, then wiping out the main device would stop the others. I have made some detailed scans of the differences in appearance. That will probably help us to detect the main device first."
"Good work, Han. Cornell will be pleased, and so am I. The excavation site must be protected at all cost, especially because I fear that Chewie's howling has drawn attention at the other end of the underground riverbed. No, Chewie, I don't blame you for your outburst. It must have been very painful. Underground tunnels aren't really fit for Wookiees."
Luke patted his friend at his hairy arm.
"Chati, can you do me a favor? Can you ask Cornell if he has some medical support to ease a terrible headache? Maybe he also can help Chewie to stop the bleeding"
"Easy enough, Ben. I don't have to ask Cornell, my mother taught me to collect the bark of a certain tree to relief and cure any pain caused by falling or bumping. And there are many herbs in the undergrowth that often helps to stop any bleeding. I'm sure I can find one of those trees in the forest near the camp site or near the clearing. They are very common on Myr."
"Well, well, here we have another future Jedi healer," Han grinned, and he continued mockingly, "Chewie, this time it's your turn to be the patient. Follow Chati, and let her help you."
Luke winked at the Quelan girl who looked uncertain after Han's mocking comment. He nodded encouragingly.
"Chewie, if Chati has helped you to stop the bleeding and ease your headache, tell her what Han meant with his words."
Chati and Chewbacca left. Luke waited until he was certain that they were walking up the mountain path to the camp site.
"After I have contacted Wedge, I will contact Doran Whain, and ask him to meet me again near Ribana. My plan partially depends on his willingness to take part in it," He said.
"You're still relying on his cooperation, Luke," Han sneered.
"I do, Han. The more I talk with him, the more I'm convinced I have found a new trustworthy friend, although he is working for our former opponents. You'd better leave Doran to me."
"Alright with me," Han said grumpy, "I'm not really looking forward falling in the hands of imperials again."
"You won't, darling," Leia commented, "The imperials you're referring to don't exist any more. Shall we get back to the camp site to Cornell and his men to give them an update on your findings of the probes."
Luke left the Millennium Falcon and walked uphill to the clearing where Chati had practise his first lesson. Daylight was beginning to fade and soon the light of Palomintar's star would disappear behind the trees and the mountains. He had good hope that he could reach his like-minded friend Doran Whain at short notice. When he reached the edge of the clearing he activated his infocom and started to wait.
'I hope that Doran's system amendments will indeed detect my infocom,' He thought, while he turned around to look at the trees that surrounded the clearing. His sharp Force senses made him aware of the rustling sound of the waterfall, far behind the high wall, but also of the far off buzzing of the voices of the harvest men working at the plateau. He looked at the display of his infocom and sighed, when the display suddenly activated and the tiny holo-image of Doran Whain appeared.
"Luke, any news about your female padawan?" He asked.
For a moment Luke wondered, if his unexpected friend could know anything about Liane's arrival on Tyr. He decided not to reveal anything about her presence on the other continent.
"She has contacted me, if that's what you mean," He said.
"So she isn't in trouble," Doran said, and Luke noticed this friend sounded relieved. He had been wrong, Doran was as worried about Liane as he was.
"She is fine, but do you know, why the Basilisæa has left the Palomintar System?" He asked.
"Trevor's new foolish idea to get onboard the Basilisæa again to start looking for your padawan himself. I've informed Coruscant about Trevor's plan. They have ordered admiral Vestor to withdraw"
"Can you talk freely, Doran, at the moment?" Luke asked suddenly concerned.
Doran Whain laughed.
"I can, otherwise I wouldn't have answered your call, Luke. Trevor has a great weakness: he loves his stolen stock of Palomintar wine a bit too much. He shares several bottles with me each time I have dinner with him. After five or six glasses he retires to his sleeping cave, supported by his majordomos droid. He drinks the heavy Palomintar wine as if it's water."
"You still should be careful, Doran," Luke said.
"I am, don't worry. I have placed several series of trackers along the main corridors. As soon as Trevor passes these trackers I get an alarm at the tracker in the collar of my uniform."
"You're really quite busy with your mission," Luke said grinning, "Doran, I want to layout a plan to you to get me inside Trevor's underground dwelling with him permission."
"Sounds interesting, Luke. Can you tell me more now, or do we have to meet again."
"Can you leave again without being noticed? What about Trevor's army of droids?"
"I'm still reprogramming them, so they obey to my commands too. Can you meet me - let's say - at night two standard hours after midnight at our former rendez-vous, the day after tomorrow?"
"I can," Luke said thoughtfully.
"Excellent. I'll meet you at our rendeze-vous point."
The image of Doran Whain disappeared. Luke switched off his infocom and walked further inside the forest. He found the path that lead up to the waterfall and followed it until he had reached the lake. He sat down on a moss overgrown rock and reached out to his friend Wedge.
'Wedge, I want to discuss some further plans with you,' He said.
'What do you have in mind, Luke?' His friend asked immediately.
'Can you come to Myr with Artoo and Threepio, but you must leave Liane and the two padawans in Cantamaga?'
For a moment Wedge Antilles silenced, then he said thoughtfully, 'I can of course, Luke, but if I do what you ask, it feels as if I'm betraying my promise to our three new Jedi Knights to support them on this mission.'
'Three new Jedi Knights? Are you telling me, that you have initiated all three as members of the new Jedi knighthood?' Luke asked surprised.
'I have. Luke, all three have been able to perform the Illum-mediation to assemble their own lightsaber during their stay on Tatooine. I have challenged them and their combating skills with their training lightsabers at the hills behind Cantamaga. They're excellent fighters, able to defend themselves against any possible attack, using the Jedi lightsaber fighting stances. They can act on their own and take responsibility for whatever mission they have to undertake, relying on the Force. Their skills have grown and all three show they can control the Force, using and obeying to her power whenever they have to. I know that the initiation to Jedi Knight is officially up to you, but .... '
Luke had listened with intense interest to his friend's explanation.
'I trust your judgment, Wedge. In the New Jedi Order any Jedi master should decide to knight a padawan, as long as there is enough proof of the required Jedi skills. It is the master who know his padawan the best So not only Ian and Yarmod have passed the Illum-meditation and finalized it, but Liane also?'
'Yes, although I think that the two padawans need to prove, that they can fix the Kyber crystal stones they have used. After I met Yarmod again on Tatooine, I felt so strongly, that he had changed much, Luke. He wasn't a Force learner any longer. He had grown so strong with his commitment to support his friends and rely on their common Force knowledge. I saw an equal, a Jedi Knight who knew his responsibility. Maybe you want some extra proof from him and Ian at a later time, but for the moment I am absolutely certain that they would pass any of the Jedi trials I had to undergo on Dagobah.'
'And Liane?'
'Especially Liane, Luke. She has left me devastated. Never felt such a strong Force use, when I asked her to put the Kybercrystal stone halves together again, although she admitted that you hadn't told her a padawan has to reunite the broken rock again. Except for you, I have never met a stronger Force user as her. Her Force use, commitment, and determination to the task she sees as her most important goal, is so exceptionally overwhelming. I would really feel embarrassed, if I would leave her and the others on Tyr without informing them.'
'Did she accept her Jedi knighthood, Wedge?'
'Yes, that is to say. I decided to gave her the brooch you gave me at my initiation, for I felt I needed a true symbol to convince her of her initiation. It's my idea, that the discovery of her real relation with Ian and their common lineage, being the children of your old master, have convinced her of her destiny.'
Luke started to laugh.
'Wedge, you must tell me what really happened between Liane and you,' Luke said, and Wedge felt a great relief in his friend's words, 'You did well. Wedge, come and meet me on Myr, and take the droids with you. I need your cooperation and the use of the Astræga to provide the necessary support Liane needs as she will face Trevor Matrik. At a later stage I will settle everything with Liane, or should I say Shaayla-Car Kenobi. I wonder how she and Ian have found out the truth about their common descend. '
'What about the Basilisæa and the Tychorion?'
'The Basilisæa left the orbit of Palomintar Four. The Tychorion has registered her departure and the jump to hyperspace. You get get to Myr with the Astræga without being noticed. I'm sure that general Madine won't interfere.'
'The Basilisæa has left the Palomintar System. Any idea of a reason, Luke?'
'We will discuss these new development after you have arrived on Myr.'
'What are the landing coordinates?'
'3287-1848. I will ask Han to deactivate the cloaking of the Falcon.'
'I see you soon, Luke,' Wedge said, but Luke was aware of the plight his friend felt for his three Jedi companions.