Chapter 81
he Grann brothers had used the days after their landing near Cantamaga - where they unexpectedly had met Toallin and Mugin Fonaldris again - to discuss several possible trading destinations in the vicinity of the Palomintar System, but so far none of the brothers had made up his mind of what they would do, after they had given Liane all the help she needed.
They hadn't been really involved in the plans and ideas the Community Council had exchanged with Jedi master Antilles, although Wedge had kept them informed about the outcome of his meeting with Toallin and Mugin. The six brothers had spent many hours with the younger Quelans who enjoyed the numerous stories the brothers told about their space travels. The youngster were so eager to hear everything about their ship, that Yarnick and Brion had decided that they secretly would lift off with a group of the young Quelans and make a low flight around the planet.
"We'll take some twenty of those Quelans with us to the Grannd Traveler, show them around in the ship, and then we suggest that we will simulate a lift off. The others help them to fix their safety webbing, while you and me will start the engines. I want to see their elated faces once we're in outer space.
Remember Brion, when Marek took us on our first flight with the Grannd Traveler. He didn't tell us, that he had bought the ship especially for us," Yarnick said, while he grabbed a towel and threw it to his brother.
"Wake up, you lazy bones. I'm going to take a shower and after having a fast breakfast I want to that landing spot outside the town. Ronan and Kieran have agreed to pick up a first group of twenty Quelans, while we're doing a final check on the Grannd Traveler."
Brion sat up and yawned.
"You still don't want ask Wedge if it's safe to make a flight around the planet. He said, that we had to stay out of reach of the New Republic's frigate Tychorion and the imperial star destroyer Basilisaea."
"We will stay just below one planet diameter, and those cloud layer will prevent detection. Probably those clouds will serious send strong interference radiation around the whole planet. Flying at low altitude it also will give us the opportunity to get a clear view of the layout of the other continent and any possible landing spots near the former hometown of the Quelan. I expect that some of the older young fellows will tell us exactly what we see. Now get up, Brion, we have work to do."
Yarnick opened the door to the bath room and took a quick shower. Refreshed and energetic he went back to the guest room he shared with Brion on the top floor of the community building. While Yarnick took time to dress, Brion took a long shower, singing in a loud voice an undefinable melody. Yarnick grinned and took some minutes to make his bed and that of his brother. After Brion had dressed the two brothers took the stairs to the ground floor where Udine and Camona were laying the table for all the guests. Brion looked at the many delicious dishes. Udine made an inviting gesture.
"Take a seat, sirs. My sister and I will serve your breakfast in several minutes. Do you want anything special?"
Brion laughed.
"Dear lovely ladies, you both remind us of our mother. She always fears that we don't get enough to eat while we're from home. We will certainly tell her, how you have been spoiling us with all your delicious dishes."
"Young men, like you, sir, need good and healthy food. We don't know anything about space travel, but we assume that you're not always getting a proper meal."
Yarnick and Brion took a seat. Just after Udine had brought them a plate of red-hot scrambled eggs with stewed vegetables, Ian and Yarmod entered.
"Morning guy, this smells delicious. Good morning Udine, good morning Camona," Ian said.
"Can we bring you the same, young Jedi masters," Udine said, but Ian raised his hands in protest.
"Udine, I'm still Ian Tydon for you. I'm still your husbands' friend for life. My initiation to Jedi Knight hasn't changed our relationship," He said, while taking a seat on the other side of the table.
The two Quelan women laughed to show their gratitude.
"You want some bread, Ian; you too, Yarmod?" Camon asked
"Yes, please, and will you send Threepio or Artoo to us?" Yarmod asked.
"Mast... Yarmod, we haven't seen your droids this morning?" Udine said, while she put a small basket with buns on the table, "Do you also want some vegetables, or shall serve some slices of our bread with nagawa cheese."
"You haven't seen Threepio nor Artoo, but I had given them the order to help you preparing the extra meals. They would do all the needed the preparations, so you and your sister only have finish the dishes," Yarmod reacted amazed.
"I will ask my husband, master Yarmod," Udine said and with her sister she left the room.
In the mean time the other Grann brothers had entered too, and had overheard the conversation about the missing droids.
"I have seen them busy in the kitchen in the private wing of the governors," Ronan said, "I returned late, having done some endurance exercises outside the village, and I was looking for a drink."
"What time was that?" Ian asked, but Ronan suddenly seemed to realize that Wedge Antilles and Liane hadn't also joined them yet.
"Around midnight, Ian. By the way, where is your sister, and has some one seen master Antilles?"
"I saw Liane leaving the village this morning about an hour before dawn. She was walking to the hills behind Cantamaga," Kieran said, "I was up early, and as I looked outside I saw her. I called her, but she didn't seem to hear me."
"Maybe she has asked Wedge to meet her to talk again about her initiation to Jedi Knight. I still have the feeling, that she has some doubts about the Wedge's explanation about the way she has passed the Jedi trials. Yesterday evening I was with her on the terrace of her room for a while, and I saw that she had been reading in the book about the Jedi path again," Ian said and reached out to his sister to comfort her, for he felt her presence.
Yarmod started to laugh.
"I won't be surprised, Ian, if Liane will ask Luke to accept her as a padawan learner to pass the trials all over again on Dagobah. She is so difficult to convince the truth. I don't think she is doubting Wedge's words, but she is in doubt about her own Force use and awareness."
At that moment Toallin entered the room, followed by his brother, his wife and her sister.
"Ian, Yarmod, has Jedi master Antilles told you that he would leave us?"
The two young Jedi Knights and the Grann brother looked astounded.
"Leave us, Toallin? What do you mean?" Ian asked.
"The space ship with which he and young master Yarmod arrived is gone, and also the two droids are missing."
Yarmod and Ian looked at each other.
'Could it be that master Luke has sought contact with Wedge?' Ian said to his fellow Jedi Knight.
'Possibly, but why hasn't he told us about it.'Yarmod answered through the Force.
The door of the room opened and Liane, Manall and Lorann came in.
"Ian, Yarmod, Wedge has taken the Astræga," Liane said, looking very seriously, "I met Manall after I had done my morning meditation. He told me that he and Lorann had heard the noise of starting sublight engines last night."
She brought Manall and Lorann to some empty seats and made sure that the old harvest man had made himself comfortable.
"Toallin just has told to same, Shaayla-Car, and Wedge also has taken Threepio and Artoo with him."
"I'm going to call Luke," Liane said determinedly, "after I have some breakfast, "Toallin, Udine, do you mind if Manall and his grandson join us for breakfast. This all looks so tasty and appetizing. It would be a shame, if we wouldn't do justice to all the work of you and your sister."
"Not at all, Shaayla-Car," Udine said and busied herself to put some plates and cutlery.
"Let's all join this table, Udine. We have to discuss the serious matter," Toallin said, and took some extra seats to the table.
For a moment the group was busy to make room for the newcomers. Toallin and Mugin also insisted that their wives would join their meal.
"Manall," Toallin said, after he taken a seat, "tell us what you and Lorann have heard last night."
Liane looked at the Quelan governor and gently shook her head.
"Toallin, let's have a joined breakfast together without disturbing our appetite with some upsetting stories. We don't know why Wedge Antilles have left us and taken the droids with him, but the Astræga is gone. We'd better enjoy this delicious meal and honor your wife and her sister as our hostesses. After we had our breakfast, I'm sure that Manall and Lorann will tell their part of the tale."
Mugin looked at his brother.
"We should take Shaayla-Car's advice, Toallin. There's nothing we can change the situation. There's planned meeting with the members of the Council for this evening. I suggest that all us, you, me, our wives, the three Jedi, our friends the Grann brothers, and Manall and Lorann attend the consultation with the Council and contribute to a possible solution."
Udine and Camona looked surprised, and also Manall expressed his amazement. Lorann became excited with the idea that he and his grandfather were allowed to attend a meeting with the Community Council. He grabbed his grandfather's hand and pressed it, before he paid attention to his meal.
They all filled their plates and poured something to drink. The Grann brothers complimented Udine and Carmona on their cooking talent and enjoyed the different dishes. Ian, Yarmod and Liane paid attention to their breakfast with the mindfulness of the Jedi. Toallin started to discuss the new situation with his brother Mugin, but Udin reminded him of what Liane had said. Liane looked at the Quelan women and felt how much they both enjoyed the fact that they were accepted as equal members of the group.
After they had finished their breakfast Liane looked at her two Jedi friends. Imperceptible Ian and Yarmod nodded. Together with the Grann brothers they went outside, but Toallin and Mugin held them back.
"What kind of options do you have, now that master Antilles has taken the Astræga and left you on Tyr with us?" Mugin asked.
"There still is the Grannd Traveler, governor," Yarnick said with pride.
"You're right, but I have to remember you about the surveillance of some star ships around Palomintar Four" Toallin said.
"We are aware of that, Toallin," Liane said, "And we have to be careful not to violate any agreement between the governments of the New Republic and Coruscant. Master Antilles' unexpected departure surely complicates my plans."
"The Quelans will still help, Shaayla-Car," Mugin said, and Liane nodded.
"We have no doubt about your intentions, Mugin, nor of the rest of this community. My friends and I will to discuss the possibilities we still have, now that the only space craft which could reach Myr undetected is gone."
"We will bring the issue at tonight's Council meeting for a discussion with all of you, and Manall and his grandson Lorann. It's better if the Council hears what Manall and Lorann have witnessed last night," Toallin said, "In our former meeting the Council agreed to help you, but we now need to look more seriously at the way we can give you our help."
The three Jedi friend bowed, and Ian said.
"Thank you, Toallin. We highly appreciate the efforts of the Council, and we're sure that together we will work out several options and find a solution for the new situation. In the mean time my sister will contact Luke Skywalker and asked him if he knows anything about master Antilles disappearance."
"I'll let you know what time tonight's meeting will start. I fear that the earliest possibility will be near sunset. Most members of the Council have many other work and chores, and so have my brother and I. By the way, Shaayla-Car, do you know the frequency of Luke Skywalker's infocom? We can give you access to our infocom system, if you need to make contact with him."
Liane put her hand on Toallin's arm.
"You're such a good man, Toallin, I appreciate what you all want to do for us, but my friends and are Jedi Knights, and we can use our Force skills to reach Luke, Wedge and Leia."
Mugin started to laugh.
"We should have remembered, brother, how Ian tried to reach one of his masters while he was in our cabin on Palomintar Six."
"Then we won't bother you any further, Shaayla-Car. Good luck, and we hope you will can tell us some good news during tonight's meeting."
The two Quelan brothers went back inside the building. Ian watched them go.
"I have seldom met a couple of more helpful people, like those two. They risked so much after I got wounded in Ktafunda," He said.
"You tried to save their lives, Ian," Liane said, "Something they didn't expect someone would do for some Quelans. Come, guys, let's all go to the hills outside Cantamaga. On the plateau halfway up the hill, you have a wonderful view on the village and the surrounding farmlands. I've been there this morning to do some meditation. It was such a great feeling to see the Palomintar sun rise and feel how she warmed my skin."
"You want us to accompany you, while you're going to contact master Skywalker?" Yarmod asked.
Liane nodded.
"I want you all to stay with me. I going to use my special way to contact Luke. Which means that I want his Force spirit to visit me through the Force. I'm sure that Luke will noticed all of us, including Yarnick and his brothers."
"Liane, we're no Jedi, and what do you expect of us?" Kieran said.
"Show Luke, that we're very close friends, and that we're determined to support each other, and stick to our plan to get to Myr one way or the other."
"Any idea why Wedge has taken the droids with him, Liane?" Bran asked, and Liane saw that also Yarmod and Ian looked puzzled.
"I have an idea, but I might be wrong. Now let's go, it's quite a walk and the path which goes up those hills is rather steep."
They walked through the farmlands behind Cantamaga and climbed the steep path to reach the platform.
Once there Liane took the Jedi-pendant in her hands and reached to Luke. More than once she called his name, but the apparition of Luke didn't appeared. With a sigh she put the pendant under her tunic again and sighed.
"I can't reach him again. Yesterday he answered immediately when he had asked Wedge that I should contact him," She said, looking frustrated, "I wonder what's keeping him so busy, that he isn't aware of the influence of the pendant."
"Why don't you use Jedi telepathy?" Yarmod asked, "We know you can reach any of us through the Force."
For a moment Liane was in thoughts, but then she nodded.
"I don't know if it will work, but if I used that Jedi ability none of you two will hear Luke's answers."
She reached out to the Force and sought contact with her friend, using the Jedi way to communicate."
'Luke, I want to ask you something?' She said.
She waited a few seconds, before she repeated her question, but Luke Skywalker didn't respond through Jedi telepathy either.
"Liane, could it be that Wedge has left for an other reason," Conor suggested, "We know that the Tychorion is orbiting the Palomintar System. Could it be that Wedge Antilles has sought contact with general Madine to inquire about Luke. Could it be that Wedge couldn't reach Luke either."
"Wedge has reached Luke, using Jedi telepathy, after ... ," Liane suddenly stopped.
"After what, Shaayla-Car?" Ian asked concerned, as he saw the look on her face.
"After I've got another Force vision about Luke. I shared what I saw with Wedge, and afterwards he contacted Luke and later I spoke with Luke, using the pendant."
"Was it the same kind of Force visions you told us about on Tatooine," Yarnick asked.
"No, it was different, for I saw Threepio and Artoo with Luke," Liane murmured half aloud.
"That would explain a lot, Liane. Listen, when Wedge contacted Luke in the Jedi way, did he tell him, that he was on Tyr with all of us, including those droids of him. Could it be that Luke needs the help of Threepio and Artoo. Maybe he has asked Wedge to bring the droids to Myr. In that case Wedge might come back to Tyr, after he has delivered the droids," Brion said.
"Shall I contact my old master, Shaayla-Car, and asked him the reason for his secret disappearance? I can't think about a good reason, why he would bring Threepio and Artoo to Luke, without telling us that Luke needs their help," Yarmod said.
"I'll contact Wedge, and I'll ask him myself," Liane said with a determined look. She reach out to the Force.
'Wedge, where are you? Why did you leave us, without notifying us?' She asked.
'I apologize, Shaayla-Car. Luke asked me to meet him on Myr and bring Threepio and Artoo with me. He explicitly said that he didn't want you and the others to join him.' Came the immediate answer from Wedge Antilles.
'Where is Luke now, Wedge?' Liane urged.
'He went away with a Quelan girl called Chati. They went into the old riverbed under the mountain. He promised me that he will tell me about his further plan.'
'What plan?'
'I haven't a clue, Shaayla-Car, but I will come back to Tyr. I promised to support you, and I will keep that promise. As soon as I know more I will contact one of you. Do you agree?' Wedge said.
'We don't have much of choice, do we?' Liane commented, 'We're stuck here, because you took the Astræga to get to Myr, the only space ship which can reach Myr unnoticed.'
'Shaayla-Car, you must believe me. Listen, when Luke come back, I will ask him to contact you first, so you can ask him any question you have. As I said, I don't know anything about Luke's plan yet. I'm sure that if you talk to Luke, he will reassure you inquietude. I also will ask him if I can get back to you as soon as possible.'
Liane heard the unhappy tone in his voice. It hadn't been Wedge's idea to leave them on Tyr.
'Yarmod, my brother and I will wait till we hear from you or Luke, Wedge,' She said calmly on a soothing tone.
'Thank you, Shaayla-Car. I'll back soon, I won't let you down.'
The Force flow of Jedi telepathy vanished and Liane told Yarmod, Ian and the six Grann brothers what Wedge Antilles had told her. After she ended her report, Yarnick shook his head.
"I have a bad feeling about master Antilles' words, Liane. I think, that our friend Luke will get master Antilles involved in his plan, so he won't be able to came back to us soon."
"What can we do now?" Kieran asked and looked his older brother, "We could get to Myr, using the plan we've set up to show those young Quelans their planet from above. If we do a low flyby, we could determine where it's safe to land. We possibly could detect that deserted town."
The three young Jedi looked puzzled after Kieran's comment. In a few words Brion explained what his brother meant. Liane shook her head, and looked at Yarmod and Ian who also didn't seem to convinced.
"It seems feasible, Brion," Ian commented, "but maybe we should keep that plan as a last option. I hope that master Luke will contact my sister, and that master Antilles will return soon. Tonight we will attend the council meeting. We'd better listen to the options the Quelan leaders and the member of the council come up with."
"You shouldn't have answered Liane's contact, Wedge," Leia said, sounding out of humor, "for you're not going back to Tyr. Luke will explain his plan to you, after you've met his new friend Doran Whain. Luke wants you to fly him and the droids to the Tychorion. Once on board you will take out Gold Squadron and continue with your surveillance mission above Ribana and the nearby mountain ridge."
Wedge looked at her, and raised his eye-brows.
"You're not agreeing with your brother's plan, are you, Leia?" He asked, "I sense you have doubts about the outcome."
Leia sighed.
"I won't tell you anything, Wedge. It's Luke's plan, and it sounds ridiculous. Maybe you can persuade him to come up with something else less dangerous. He doesn't listen to Han and me anymore. Han and I will continue to help Cornell and his men and keep an eye on the girl Chati."
"Why did Luke make that girl your padawan learner?"
"Chati is part of Luke's plan, and that another ridiculous decision of my brother," Leia snapped, hardly controlling the frustration she felt, "but you have to talk to Luke. He will probably explain his plan in detail to you."
"What about Liane and her friends?" Wedge asked feeling a similar kind of frustration, "If the Astræga will stay on board the Tychorion, who is going to pick them up and bring them to Myr? You can't keep her on Tyr, Leia. She know it's her task to face that former imperial admiral Trevor Matrik, and convince him of his illegal occupation of Ribana."
"Han will fly the Millennium Falcon to Tyr, as soon as we hear that Luke's plan is in progress, and that's why he wants you and Gold Squadron to keep Han and me informed."
"I don't understand what you're talking about, Leia, but it doesn't feel good."
"That's what Han has told Luke, but my brother has a different view of the situation."
"When will Luke and that girl Chati be back?"
"Not before it's dark. Luke has asked me to show you the work Cornell and his men have done, and what they want to achieve. Maybe you can also use your lightsaber to crack and crumble a few rocks."
Wedge looked puzzled, but followed Leia to the plateau. They descended the rope ladders, where Chewbacca grunted a kind of welcome. Surprised Wedge looked at the rough wall along the edge of the plateau, but Leia took him with her to the outcropping where half of the harvest men were working, using the freezing foil method to crumble the rock. The men cheered as the two Jedi arrived. To his surprise Wedge saw Han working along the harvest men.
"Nice to see you, Wedge. Give us a hand, will you, so we can make some progress today. Leia, darling, will you use your Jedi skills and remove those rocks which are blocking the path of the inlet of the underground riverbed. For a moment Wedge watched the group of harvest men and Leia and Han as they continued to extend and widen a new path the river had to take. Wedge followed the rough trajectory of the path and calculated the work that still had to be done. Han jumped down from the outcropping which still blocked the inlet.
"There's quite a lot of work to do," Wedge commented, "what's their goal?"
"I'll show you, follow me, Wedge," Han said with a cynical grin.
The former freighter pilot took his friend to the other end of the plateau where the work on the shallow overflow pool was still in progress. Wedge looked up along the wall and turned to Han.
"This wall blocks the water flow that Cornell and his men want to redirect the underground bedding. Their main goal is that Ribana will get its lake and river back," Han said, "This plateau was the original bedding of a river, but millennia ago earthquakes have caused upheavals and subsidence which formed this plateau.
"They are using an old fashioned method to crumble the rock," Wedge commented, "In the days of the Civil War, we have been using those freezing foils to flatten walls of our hide-outs. Why aren't they using those liquid little explosives cubes our scouts used to create the rough outline of our hiding places. These cubes could do the work in no time."
"I have told Cornell, but he is afraid that explosives will draw unwanted attention of the intruder.
"There isn't a real danger to use those liquid explosives. Do you have those explosive cubes on board the Falcon?"
"Two or three container, each with some ten cubes. That isn't enough to get the work done, Wedge. Besides Luke agrees with Cornell's point of view."
Wedge nodded.
"Han, do you know where the underground river surfaces again?"
Han grinned.
"Near Ribana, flowing through Trevor's underground network, Wedge."
Wedge laughed.
"I see Luke's point of view. He wants to use the water flow as a kind of surprise attack, I assume."
Han grunted.
"... and drowning himself inside that network."
"How does Luke want to get inside Darth Golluth shelter? Without being noticed? How?"
"That is part of another foolish plan which he wants to achieve with help of his new imperial friend Doran Whain ... and you."
"Leia also mentioned Doran Whain. I heard that name mentioned when I was at Irithim. He seemed to have taken part in the communication shutdown on Quoith. There seems to have been a kind of secret plan between the High Council and our communication system on Quoith and the Provisional Council on Coruscant to lure Trevor Matrik in a trap, but the guy's name was mentioned as the architect of the agreement."
"The same. Leia told us that Doran Whain has to be trusted, but she's still bound as Mon Mothma advisor and won't reveal any details about any possible plans between Irithim and Ccruscant. Luke has met the guy twice and is convinced that his sister spoke the truth. You probably will meet him one of this days, for the outcome of Luke's plan depends on the guy's cooperation. Or betrayal."
"You don't trust him, Han?"
"Wedge, you just said it yourself, the guy's name has been mentioned in a kind of secret plan with the leaders on Coruscant. I think he's working for those imperials, our former enemies. Luke is convinced that the guy ia an uncover agent for the Provisional Imperial Government. He thinks that Doran Whain has been sent deliberately to Palomintar Four to keep a close watch on Trevor Matrik and report Coruscant Trevor's intentions. "
"When I meet Doran Whain, I can take him with Luke and me to the Tychorion. Leia mentioned that I am supposed to bring Luke to the Tychorion with the Astræga, after Luke has asked the guy to cooperate in his plan."
Han grinned.
"I don't think neither Luke, nor Leia will agree with your idea, Wedge"
"I'll talk to Luke, and tell him what I have heard about Doran Whain at Irithim. Between you and me, I think that he is the guy who is behind the hack of Quoith's communication system," Wedge said, "What do you and Leia expect me to do. How can I help here? "
"I'll show you, Wedge," Han said and they walked back to the outcropping where Leia had removed some larger boulders.
Ian, Yarmod and Liane, the Grann brothers, Manall and Lorann participated in a meeting with the Community Council and the governors Toallin and Mugin in Cantamaga. The two governors presided the meeting and had made sure that their wives had been given a seat in the meeting room too. They let Woldin to take the floor.
Woldin rose and looked at the three Jedi Knights at the opposite side.
"First of all I want to congratulate our honored guests, master Ian, master Yarmod and lady Shaayla-Car with their great achievement. Our governors have informed the Council members that you won't participated in this meeting as padawan learners, the apprentices of a Jedi master, but as responsible Jedi Knights. None of us is familiar with the requirements you had to meet, but you must have deserved your new status and title. We bid you welcome. Unfortunately we've heard that the forth Jedi, Jedi master Antilles, who has explained your arrival on Tyr in the former meeting, has unexpectedly left Cantamaga with his space ship, taken with him his two droids."
The other members of the council nodded at Woldin's words.
Woldin continued.
"In our former meeting we have agreed that we would support all of you and especially our lady Jedi Knight Shaayla_Car Kenobi in her attempt to reach Myr in a way that wouldn't violate any agreement our government at Irithim as issued. According to what Master Antilles told us before, this means that neither you Jedi, nor our six traders can make use of a space crafts to set course to Myr, because your landing on the other continent is prohibited. I assume that master Antilles had informed you too."
The three Jedi Knights and the six Grann brothers acknowledged.
Woldin turned to Manall and his grandson.
"Master Manall, you have told miss Shaayla-Car that you have witness master Antilles unexpected departure last night."
"I haven't witnessed his departure, but the noise of some engines woke me up, master Woldin. My grandson can explain why the other Jedi probably wanted to leave Tyr unnoticed. Will you listen to his explanation?"
"Most certainly. Lorann, go ahead," Woldin said.
A bit nervous Lorann stood up.
"Honored governors, masters of our Council... " He began with a stammering voice, "Last night I woke up because I thought I heard the noise of some sublight engines. I was wondering if another space craft was going to land near Cantamaga, so I quickly dressed. But outside I only met with my grandfather. I asked him if he was alright."
"Go on, Lorann," Woldin said on encouraging tone.
More confident Lorann began to tell what he had explain to his grandfather about the difference between the noises and power of ion-drive and sublight-engines. The attendants listened without interrupting the boy's story.
"We've gone back to bed, but this morning master Tama-Hinn's sister visited our cabin. My grandfather informed her and she invited us to tell the governors what we thought what had happened last night. Miss Shaayla-Car is a very friendly woman, she took care of us and we had a excellent breakfast with all her friends and the governors and their wives."
They all began to laugh.
"Well, Lorann, you're story had an appetizing ending. Your words tell that you enjoyed the unexpected meal." Woldin said still laughing.
Lorann nodded with gleaming eyes. Manall took his arm and pulled him to his seat.
Mugin stood up.
"We have discussed several options of support the Quelans could give our friends. There is a way, but it's not an easy one, and possibly those present wouldn't agree, because of the danger. Master Kamalin."
Kamalin looked at his audience.
"The option we have discussed, is more or less the reverse of the way how we have come to Tyr. In plain words, we could allow the Jedi and the Grann brothers to use the remaining hoverpulse crafts the harvest men have used to bring us to safety. However that would leave us without the opportunity to return to the other continent after our friends on Myr have freed Ribana, as a second group of Cornell's men have used the other vessel."
Liane and Ian shook their heads, and also the Grann brother expressed their doubts.
"No, master Kamalin," Yarnick said, "that option holds to many uncertainties for the members of Cantamaga community. We don't know what will happen once we're on the other continent. We need to stay in touch with this Council to keep you informed. If all goes well on Myr there must have a way to join us."
"There also is no pilot harvest man on Tyr to accompany them and steer the hover vessel," Mugin commented, "and without a skilled pilot the crossing would be a dangerous journey because of the strong currents between the two continents."
Yarnick looked his brothers.
"My brothers and I think that as we fly at the lowest possible altitude the Grannd Traveler won't be detected or intercepted. We have thought about this possibility, because we wanted to do some young Quelans a favor and show them Tyr and Myr from above, which would also give us the option to look for a landing spot near Ribana. We still can do it and transport all of us to Myr."
"We appreciate the favor you wanted to do to some of our youngster, master Yarnick, and I'm sure that they would have enjoyed it, but the situation has changed in a way we couldn't have foreseen," Toallin said with an understanding glance, "This morning Shaayla-Car has used her Jedi skills to contact her friend Luke Skywalker. In vain, but she managed to contact master Antilles. He told her that he expects to return to Tyr soon, however he couldn't tell her when he would be back."
"How many passengers have to cross the ocean between Tyr and Myr," Manall interrupted, "If it's these three Jedi Knights and their six friends the journey would be easy. Each of our hovercrafts can transport more than two hundred passengers if necessary. If I take this last boat I can tell my son to send the other boat back to Tyr with only its pilot. You would have a hoverpulse boat and a pilot to bring a first group of Cantamaga back to Myr, after the intruder has been dealt with. Have you forgotten that in the past I have been the first pilot of these vessels for many years during the harvest season. "
"Master Manall, you're still recovering from the Urams attack," Udine said concerned, "We have promised your son Cornell, that our community would keep an eye on you."
Somewhat irritated Manall made a gesture with his hand.
"I feel great again, Udine Fonaldris, thank you for your concern, but piloting a harvest hoverpulse craft is an old habit of me. As I said, I have been a pilot many years in the past?"
"We could help you, master Manall. My friend and I are skilled space ship pilots and as Jedi Knights we could rely on the help of the Force to get to the other continent. Beside we also have a group of very skilled space traders with us. Shouldn't we consider master Manall's suggestion?" Yarmod said, "Using that hoverpulse boats might be a good option to reach Myr without any of the surveillance space craft outside the planet might notice us. Master Manall could tell the pilot of the other boat to return to Tyr to make sure there would be a way to transport the inhabitants of Cantamaga back to Ribana, governors. After we'd succeed to free Ribana, master Manall or his son also could return to Tyr to evacuate Cantamage. I also think that if the Tychorion could distract the Basilisaea and we could ask general Solo to fly all the Quelans back to their home town with the Millenium Falcon, and don't forget the idea of the Grann brothers whose ship can also use to transport many of your people."
"Aren't you running ahead of things too fast, master Martan?" Toallin said laughing.
Yarmod grinned.
"I'm always more mindful of the future, master Toallin. At least that's what master Antilles always said to me. I just wanted to outline some future possibilities, but I'm aware that there are still some minor obstacles to overcome.
Now they all roared with laugher.
"Yarmod, you're an incorrigible optimist," Yarnick said.
"I am, Yarnick, but looking optimistic at our situation, ensures that we continue to believe in our goal," the young Jedi Knight said, "Master Manall, are you sure you can pilot us to Myr?"
Manall grinned.
"Of course I can, master Yarmod. I might look old, but I still in for another daring adventure. Let's get to the harbor site and board immediately."
Toallin raised his hand.
"Manall, don't rush things. Shouldn't we discuss your journey in more details, for instance what you will do after you have reached the harbor site on Myr. It's quite a walk from the east coast of Myr to Ribana, and you have to take sufficient measure to defend yourself against the probe droids, the drones, or even the killer robots the guy is using," Toallin said.
Lorann looked at his grandfather.
"Granpa, I want to come with you, so I can take care of you."
"Of course, you're coming with us, no doubts about that, son. So we've agreed I will take our guests and pilot them to Myr. Once on Myr again I know how to get to Ribana in a safe way, or I will bring our friends to where my son and his men are working," The old harvest man looked around the attendants and met with their undisguised admiration, "It will be a great honor for me to bring the children of my friend to Myr and help them to fulfill their mission."
Wedge Antilles looked at his friend. Luke had taken Wedge inside his tree house.
"Why are you doing so elusive about your plan, Luke? You should involve Liane in what you're up too. Besides Leia told me that I won't be allowed to get back to Tyr to pick up Liane and her friends. I have to bring you and the droids to the Tychorion with the Astræga and join Gold Squadron again. Luke, I think it's reasonable to contact Liane and explain to her what you want to do."
Luke shook his head.
"I won't, Wedge. I won't tell her anything at the moment. At a later moment the droids will tell her about my plan and its meaning. Liane is intelligent enough to figure out what I intend to do. I will tell you everything once we've lifted off with the Astræga."
Wedge shook his head, Luke laughed and patted his friend on his shoulder.
"You think, I'm unfair to her, right?"
"It's not right to have her stay on the other continent without a proper explanation and a reassurance that she and the others will be brought to Myr, so she can carry on with her own mission."
"Maybe your unexpected departure will delay what she's up to, Wedge, but the success of her mission depends on some matters which depends on the cooperation of you and the undercover agent in Trevor's abode."
"You know I will support you, Luke, but it still feels that I have done foul play with her. I promised I would give her all the support she would need, but because of your intervention, I broke my promise to her. When she contacted me this morning, she clearly expressed her surprise that I'd disappeared without a word. Although she wasn't angry, she said the whole group was now stuck on Tyr because of my actions. Luke, I will bring you and the droids to the Tychorion, but than I will return to Liane and the other on Tyr," Wedge said determined.
"If you would do so, you would shatter my plan, Wedge, and my way of support to Liane."
"At least you could tell me, and Han and Leia what your plan entails."
"I have told them, Wedge, in detail. Han and Leia both disagreed, but I'm convinced that the plan I have in mind will be right. Listen, Wedge, tomorrow morning we will lift off with the Astræga, you and me, with the droids. I promise that once we're in orbit around Palomintar Four I will tell you all the details of my plan and why I think you're part of it. And now, my dear friend, let's get to the community building and enjoy the good food these harvesters can cook."
They both left Luke's tree house. Outside they met Chati who was on her way to the community tree house too. She greeted Wedge with the Jedi salutation. Wedge started to laugh.
"Did Luke taught our official salutation, Chati?" He asked, after he had answered her greeting.
"No, master Antilles. When you arrived on Tyr the first time I saw how you greeted Ben."
"It's the official greeting between a master and his apprentice, or when a Jedi meets another Jedi Knight." Wedge explained.
"Do you mean I'm not allowed to use this way to greet you, master Antilles?" Chati answered, looking disappointed, "I apologize for overstepping the rules between the Jedi Knights, but master Leia doesn't object when I greeted her on that big space ship. Did Ben tell you, master Antilles, that he wants me to be master Leia's padawan, ... temporarily."
"That's a good development of your skills, young lady," Wedge said with a laugh.
"She will be my master as long as ..." Chati started, but saw Luke's warning look.
" ... as long as is needed I suppose," Wedge commented, for he had intercepted Luke's warning.
Chati nodded with a reddish color on her cheeks. She looked at Luke who gave her an imperceptible smile. They had reached the rope ladder which lead up to the huge community tree house. Wedge and Luke ascended, while Chati followed them. Leia, Han and Chewie were already present, as were most of the harvest men with their leader Cornell and Wollin. Chati wrinkled with her nose and began all smiles.
"Mashed Kulanos with nagawa meat, cooked in our famous broth." She whispered at Wedge, "Very tasty and nutritious. My mother taught me to make it, but mine is not as good as hers, or the harvest men can make. You will love it, master Antilles. Shall I bring you a serving?"
"Yes, please, Chati" Wedge answered and looked for a place among the harvest men to share his meal."
Chati had gone over to the ion-furnaces on which huge pots with the steaming hotchpotch. She took a bowl and scoped it full. With both hands she brought the bowl to Wedge who thank her, but Chati ran back to get some cutlery.
"What about Luke, Chati, won't you serve him?"
"Ben knows our rules, master Antilles, you've just arrived here. You're still a kind of guest."
Wedge bows his head with a smile. He winked at Han and Leia who sat nearby.
"You'd better get yourself a serving too, Chati, and come back here I make room for you."
Chati's cheeks changed color again. She hastened to the ion-furnace, filled a bowl, took a spoon and a knife and walked back to Wedge who shifted his position so she could take a seat next to him. Luke watched the conversation between his long-time friend and the young Quelan woman with calm smile, as he was watching the interaction between the girl and Wedge.