Chapter 93

"I will contact master Antilles, Cornell, and ask him if my brother, Chati and the other two Jedi are safe."

"Then we will await his answer, Madam Jedi. I hope that all our plans will work out the way we planned. Thank you all. These last days we all have done a tremendous job, thanks to the good plan of master Solo and master Yarnick. The Wookiee Chewbacca has been a great help make the wall on the plateau much higher and more solid."

"Master Cornell, after the fissures are widened and the water starts to flow, we still have to monitor the water flow closely. There still might be some work to do to keep the flow to continue permanently. If everything looks the way we planned you still have to keep in mind that this is an artificial riverbed which might need maintenance. A maintenance group of harvest men is needed to watch the lake, its water level and the wall on the plateau. It might be that in the dryer season the water flow might not reach the inlet. Then the river on the other side near Ribana might dry up again."

"The harvesters will keep an eye on our work, also in the future, master Yarnick, but thank you for your warning. We will heed your words. Maybe it's an option to a kind of pumping system in the dryer season, but that's for later. First of all me and my men would be happy to see the water flow reach the inlet with enough force to break the wall at the end."

Later that day Leia was sitting with Han and Chewie in the control room of the Millennium Falcon. They looked very concerned at each other.

"Wedge has asked Mon Mothma and Sorjon Tyloban to escort the leaders of the Provisional Coruscant Council to prepare for landing on Palomintar Four. He had devastating news, for Doran Whain has been shot during an encounter with some patrolling droids. Wedge had brought him to the Astræga, where Chati Fonaldris is taking care of Doran."

"Has Luke been out of that foolish hibernation? What did Wedge tell you about Liane?"

"Shaayla-Car has joined Luke, Ian and Yarmod, but the droids Luke had ordered to serve her are now on the Astræga with Chati. Wedge seems to know a way to get inside Trevor's cave system without being noticed. He didn't tell me in which way."

Han sighed, but looked relieved.

"At least Liane and Luke are safe, more or less."

"Yes, but they are still inside Trevor's abode. Wedge assumes that Shaayla-Car will confront Trevor with the knowledge she and Wedge have gained after transcribing some files about the Battle near Solgar."

"The Battle near Solgar. Never heard of it, darling?"

"Neither have I, Han. It must have happened in the beginning of the resistance against the Empire. All I know is that Darth Vader settled the resistance on Solgar somehow. That was on the Holonet years ago. Luke told me that Shaayla-Car overheard a conversation between my father and the commander of the imperial domains on Morantan, talking about Solgar, but she didn't understand the meaning of their talk at that time."

"What's in those files. What have Liane and Wedge learned from the transcription?"

"Wedge is very elusive about their work. All he wanted to tell me is that Trevor isn't a real threat to any of the Jedi who are now in his underground abode."

"Did Wedge tell you, when those from the Tychorion will land on Palomintar Four?"

"No, he even hasn't told me their landing coordinates. Han, I also wonder if Wedge has told them that their agent is wounded."

"Why would he hide the truth from them?"

"Maybe, he want to avoid that the leaders from Coruscant will ask Madine to send a ground force with them. Mon Mothma knows that an armed action could jeopardize the plan Luke has in mind to eliminate Trevor."

Han rose.

"I'm going to contact the Tychorion, Leia. I want to know what appointment Wedge has made and where they will land."

"Don't mentioned Doran Whain, Han. As I said I don't know if Wedge has mentioned that Doran Whain got shot."

Chewie let out a long sentence of Shyrriwook.

"Might be an excellent idea, pal. Leia, Chewie just said that maybe Liane can heal Doran's wound with her special Force skills."

"I don't know if she and Doran were getting along well, Han?"

"Doesn't matter. I wasn't a real friend too in the beginning. I had given a very rude answer when I first met her in Mos Eisley."

Leia started to laugh.

"Never heard to story, my love. What did she ask you?"

"Eh ... well, she asked me to tell her where I could find you."

Leia laughed even louder.

"And you answered that you didn't know me, did you? You felt highly offended, because a young woman who, by that time, didn't know who she was, recalled my name, and you mocked her."

"I did. When I had woken up in the Falcon with her help, she reminded me at what I had said. Nevertheless she didn't hesitate to give me her help. She's a very forgiving person. Can you make contact with her and tell her that the guy who had become Luke's friend and ally in this cause is wounded and needs her help. I'm absolutely sure that she will persuade Wedge to bring her to the Astræga."

"What about her wish to tell Trevor she won't teach him Sith lore. That surely might anger him and he might revenge himself."

"Luke, Ian and Yarmod are capable enough to get rid of Trevor Matrik."

"I'll think of it, darling. Now call the Tychorion and find out what Mon Mothma and the other are planning."

Wedge had brought the speeder back inside the lower cave and hurried through the hidden caves and passageways to the main corridor. All the way he focussed on the presence of his four Jedi friends and was reassured that the Force told him they still were together. After he had entered the main corridor he used Altus Sopor to avoid that his presence would be revealed to unwanted eyes. He followed the Force lead and stood outside the doors which led to the main cave. He had taken his position barely when the double doors flew open and an enraged Darth Golluth rushed pass him.

"I will keep the four of you my prisoners until that Vader Lady will teach how to become a Sith." He yelled.

Wedge noticed that Luke appeared in the open doors, looking quietly at the enraged imperial admiral who disappeared around a bend in the main corridor. Luke looked aside and grinned.

"Hi, Wedge," He said.

Wedge released himself and looked at the three other Jedi who had joined Luke.

"Well you just saw one of Trevor's famous tantrums," Liane said, "What ever I tell him, he keeps insisting that he wants me to make him a Sith lord and he doesn't seem to realize that none of us can fulfill his wish."

"Did you tell Luke and the others what we have found out about Trevor," He asked Liane.

"Sure, I did, and I think it's time to confront Trevor with that truth. Oh, look there is our polite host," She said and pointed to Darth Golluth who came around the bend. When he saw Wedge he started to laughed menacingly.

"Another Jedi Knight has come to make me a Sith lord," He said still laughing, "but first I need to know where my loyal colonel is. Has any of you seen him or know where he's gone. I don't care, for I already am sure that he is a traitor, but now that I have laid my hands on five Jedi Knight I don't need him any longer. Lady Vader, when will you start with your lessons. I'm eager to know how I can become a Sith lord fast. Your father surely has told you, for I always had the idea that he wanted to overthrow Emperor Palpatine and become emperor himself. Let's get inside again."

The five Jedi looked at each other and stepped aside when Darth Golluth made clear he wanted to enter his main cave again. He walked over to the dais and sat down at his chair.

"Let's start immediately, Lady Vader. The sooner you reveal what I need to know the sooner will I release your friends. Not you, of course, your knowledge is too value for me."

Liane looked at the man on the dias and now realized for the first time what Luke, Ian and Leia had experienced. She saw him, but through the Force she didn't sensed his presence.

'I don't need to tell you how you can to become a Sith' She said in a penetrating Force voice.

"You don't need to tell me how I can become a Sith", Darth Golluth answered.

'That's it Shaayla-Car' Luke whispered through the Force. 'He is susceptible to Affect Mind. We continue together.'

The four Jedi formed a half circle around her.

'You don't want to become a Sith'Wedge continued.

"I don't want to become a Sith", the man on the dais answered.

'You don't want her to teach you Sith lore anymore.'Luke said.

"I don't want her to teach me Sith lore anymore." Darth Golluth said and looked at the five Jedi in front of him.

'You will not imprison any Jedi.' Yarmod emphasized.

"I will not imprison any Jedi." Trevor said as if in trance.

'You will allow the Jedi to leave now. Good day to all of them.'Ian said.

"I will allow the Jedi now. Good day to all of them," The cloaked figure rose and made a dismal gesture.

The five Jedi bowed and left the main chamber. Once outside they looked at each other.

"Let's get to the Doran's quarters. There we can talk about our next step. I didn't expect him to surrender to Affect Mind so easily," Liane said.

She lead the way and the five friends entered the huge cave. Liane activated the lights and the other four looked around in amazement.

"Stolen Quelan property," Liane said, seeing the surprised looked of her friends, "Just like the furniture in the main chamber. I'd wish I had an idea to hand all this back to rightful owners."

"Maybe they wouldn't want it back, Shaayla-Car. It might remind them to what Trevor has done with it. I think that once he is gone the Quelans want to start anew and produce their own new furniture while rebuilding and renovating the house in Ribana."

Liane turned to Wedge.

"I understand that you took Chati Fonaldris with you and brought her to the Astræga"

"On Leia's request, but I have to tell you all some devastating news. When I came back I met Doran Whain on the path leading downhill just outside the lower cave. Shaayla-Car did you handed him Trevor's Force Pike. Just after he had handed me the pike four patrolling droids neared and started firing at Doran and me. Doran managed to down one of them. I eliminate two, but the last droid shot Doran before he could hide."

Liane looked at Wedge.

"Is he badly hurt?" She asked, "Where is he?"

"I brought him to the Astræga where Chati is taking care of him now. I couldn't do more, guys. Doran asked me to warn all the leaders on the Tychorion and asked them to prepare their landing near Ribana."

"General, we're told that you are preparing your landing on Palomintar Four," Han Solo said to the holographic image on the display."

"That's right, general Solo. Your friend and Jedi master Antilles asked us to make preparation for our group to land near Ribana."

"When can we expect you general? I'm asking because Leia and I want to welcome there and show you around, so you can get a good impression of what devastation the illegal occupation has caused to a once flourishing community."

"That a brilliant option, general Solo. Although the Supreme Chancellor and I have heard your report about your first visit to the town, it would be a good opportunity to see it for ourselves. I even can add that for the leaders of the Provisional Corsucant Council it will be an eye opener. After all it is their man who has caused all this trouble."

"Can we expect you very soon, general?"

"Jedi master Antilles asked us prepare for landing, but he didn't urge us to come immediately. We even didn't exchange exact landing coordinates, yet. He was about to communicate the coordinates in his next call. On our side we need to prepare two landing shuttles which have to be equipped for our stay on the planet, for we expect the Jedi will need time to settle their dispute with admiral Matrik and his unconditional surrender."

Han Solo nodded, but he breathed an imperceptible sigh of relief.

"General, Leia will make contact with Wedge Antilles to coordinate the exact landing spot. Especially my wife is looking forward to meet the leaders of the Provisional Coruscant Council."

"We will ask master Antilles to coordinate all appointments with the Jedi and the Tychorion also with you, general Solo. We'll keep you informed."

"Thank you, general, for you cooperation. We'll looking forward meeting the leaders of our two governmental bodies on Palomintar Four."

The connection with the Tychorion was deactivated. Han turned around to Leia who had been listening to his conversation without being noticed. She started laughing.

"Darling, you're developing more and more a kind of diplomatic style. You did well to make them postpone the landing for a while. That will give us time to exchange information with the others who are dealing with Trevor as we need to tell Cornell and the Grann brothers when they have to blow up the fissures in the wall and release the water flow inside the underground riverbed. Any delay from the side of the Tychorion also give us the opportunity to discuss with Liane, if she is able to help Doran Whain."

"If necessary we can asked Wedge the coordinates of the Astræga and get there with the Falcon. We could transfer the guy to the medic bay of the Falcon which is better equipped than the one on Luke's ship."

"That's also a good option, love," Leia said, "I'm going to make contact with Wedge and explain what we have been discussing. Maybe Luke and the others will come up with their point of view on the situation. I truly am a bit worried about Doran Whain. It would be a great loss for the Coruscant Council if he wouldn't survive."

Han shrugged his shoulders.

"They probably will honor his legacy as a great dedicated hero, Leia."

"No, Han. Doran Whain is by far more important for the leaders of the Council. He has an exceptional record as undercover agent; he is a highly skilled communication technician; he often works for the Coruscant intelligences and he is a laureate professor in droid programming."

Han looked at his wife.

"You seem to know him well, senator Organa," He said snappy.

"Jealous, darling?" Leia asked teasingly, "I only recalled Doran Whain's record which Mon Mothma has shown me in secret. I've never met the guy, but what I have read about him, has convinced me of his extraordinary intelligence. One extra information for you. He is the nephew of grand admiral Jerno Thai, the leader of the Provisional Council. The name of Doran Whain is his alias on this mission."

Han started to laugh and walked over to a closet. He opened the door and took a much read manual from one of the shelves. With a grin he handed Leia the book while several loose leaves fluttered on the floor of the control room.

"Are you telling me, love, that Doran Whain is the author of this manual."

Leia took the manual and opened the book on the front page. A small holographic image of the author was visible in one of the front page's corner. Leia nodded and handed Han the book back.

"I have never expected to found out that my husband would rely on the expertise of some one else," She said.

They both laughed. Han kissed her.

"Sometimes I also have too, my love, although I don't like to admit it."

Chati had dozed off a bit when an unexpected movement alerted her. To her horror Doran Whain sat upright and wanted to get of the stretcher. She jumped to her feet and gently tried to push him back.

"Lay down, sir. You should get up and move." She said. "The wound in your side might be getting worse."

She looked at his face and noticed the bewildered look in his eyes. He didn't respond to her words and pushed her aside, but Chati stood her ground.

"Threepio, Artoo, help me to get him strapped on the stretcher again."

The two droids stepped up and helped her to get the wounded young man attached to the life support system again. Doran struggled against their intention.

"Need to warn them," He began to murmur, "Need to warn them."

Chati immediately understood what he meant.

"You don't have to, sir. That's been taken care off. My master has warned them. They certainly will come to your aid. Once they are here, they can transport you to the big ship and give you much better help."

Doran looked at her with a confused look in his eyes.

"Where am I?" He moaned.

"On board the Astræga, master Luke's space ship. Have you never been on board this ship, sir."

Doran frowned.

"Luke Skywalker ... the Jedi. I promised to bring him inside ... Trevor's caves. He was looking ... weird, like he was dead. He ... wasn't, he assured me. I need to wait for ... another Jedi, a woman. She ... is his apprentice. ... She know how to release him ... what did Luke say: ... Jedi Force hibernation. I don't ... understand."

Doran looked at Chati.

"Who are you?" He whispered, "I feel so much pain."

"You can call me Chati, sir. Your wound must be very painful, but if you lay still I will attach new bactas and leaves to your wound. I hope they will lessen the pain you feel."

"Chati, will you tell that Jedi woman ... she should release Luke ... otherwise Trevor ... will harm him. He want ... to take a space craft and throw Luke through an airlock into space. He will die ... I have to ... prevent that."

Again Doran started to struggle to get upright. Artoo released one of his utensils and wanted to press it at Doran's neck.

"Artoo, you can't paralyze him. He's a friend of master Antilles. You only may use paralyzing if someone is opposing us."

Chati looked at Threepio and Artoo.

"Can you provide a minor proportion, Artoo?" Chati asked.

Artoo beeps, but held the utensils near Doran's neck.

"He says, miss Chati, that he will use a minor dose, but I suggest that you first contact master Luke or master Antilles. As I said ... "

"No time for that, Threepio. I will tell master Antilles what I did afterwards. I now need to get the guy cooperating with his treatment. He is talking gibberish. Do it Artoo."

Artoo activated the utensils and a short electric pulse ran through Doran's body. Almost immediately Doran relaxed. Chati grabbed his hand and checked his heartbeat.

"Well done, Artoo. That's more than enough. At least I now have a way to keep him still. The more he move the worse the wound will become."

She looked at Threepio and put her hand on the droid's arm.

"He's alive, Threepio, and it's good that you expressed your worries, for a higher dose certainly will be lethal, isn't it?"

"I don't know, miss Chati. All I remember is that Artoo once became very angry with an Ewok when we were on Endor. Artoo released several electric bolts at the creature who jumped in fear and pain."

"Did Artoo kill it? What is an Ewok? Never heard of them?"

"No Artoo only punished the tree bear, because we were captured and nearly became the courses of their meals. I still don't know what happened to me, but after master Luke said I had to tell those tree bears they had to release us, otherwise I would became angry and use some magic on them. I did what master Luke asked and suddenly the stole on which I sat rose in the air and started to drift to one of their chieftains. Immediately we were released. The stole landed on the platform. I was frightened, but it was a great experience, although I never could do it again."

"I envy you, Threepio. You have been in so many adventures together with Ben. I hope that I will have similar kind of experiences now that I'm master Antilles' apprentice. He has promised me that he will teach me how to fly a space craft."

She looked at Doran and checked his heartbeat and breathing.

"He passed out. He probably will stay this way for some time. That will leave me the possibility to contact master Antilles and ask him what more I can do, but first I will replace those bacta patches and the leaves. Maybe you and Artoo can get some more leaves in the forest outside."

"Sure we can, miss Chati. Come on Artoo, we need to get more of those leaves we collected before."

The two droids went over to the ramp. Chati heard the deactivation of the cloaking and the shuffling steps of the two droids as they left the shuttle.

After Wedge had told her that Doran had been shot Liane felt in doubt. She knew she could help him to recover, but there also was her wish to confront Trevor with the consequences of what Emperor Palpatine had ordered Darth Vader to carry out. Anakin once had been a Jedi Knight. A Jedi Knight could use Sever Force to expel a Force user from the Force by a wall of Force Lighting. As the emporor's loyal servant had done what was ordered, but the emperor had made foul play and assigned his former admiral Trevor Matrik as a staff member on Morantan, so Anakin would always be reminded what he has done to Trevor."

Silently she listened to her friends who were discussing the outcome of Affect Mind on Trevor. Affect Mind or Force Mind Control which her foster-father had used as a normal habit to keep in control of his men at the imperial domains. She had learned to use it too, she had learned to hate it's use and never the less she had used it herself often. On her guards at Irithim and on Zolgathrii that renegade senator and on Leia, her foster-sister, but Leia had told her and so had Anakin that Affect Mind couldn't be use to control a Jedi's mind. A Jedi would resist Mind Control, because he would feel the penetration of the Force users thoughts. She once had experienced that herself. She had disappointed Luke on Endor, because she had refused his help. He had became emotional and tried to penetrate her thought so she would tell him, why she didn't want him to help her, curing the wounded Ewok. It had felt awkward and it had frightened her. But Trevor hadn't resisted the use of Affect Mind on his thoughts, just like Zolgathrii hadn't resisted her attempts. That meant that Trevor wouldn't be able to resist any future attempts when they made use of Affect Mind. Luke had agreed to continue, when she had first made use of her Force skills and the others had followed Luke's lead. Could this be a good way to confront Trevor with what has happened to him, before he had become a staff member on Morantan. The execution of the emperor's verdict had blocked the influence of the Force on him forever. He would never be able to use the Force again. He wasn't a Force-user anymore.

"Shaayla-Car".

Startled she broke off her train of thought, looked at Luke and smile at him.

"What are you talking about?"

"Wedge and I think you should go with to the Astræga and help Doran recover. You posses the skills of your mother and Wedge just told me that he fears that possibly Doran's internals might be dammaged. You can cure him the way you have cured Teebo and those other Ewoks. However, that means that have to leave to me to resolve the situation here and convince Trevor to surrender and leave. If he resists, I have only one option left: fight him and his droids until he surrenders."

"If Wedge and I leave to reach the Astræga there will be only three Jedi left to confront a possible fight with Trevor's killer droids as Doran has mentioned. Doran wasn't convinced that he had been able to reprogram all Trevor's droids and he also didn't know how many had been left."

Ian and Yarmod started to laugh.

"Aren't you underestimating our Jedi skills, Shaayla-Car?" Yarmod said.

"No I don't and neither do I underestimate Luke," She answered, "but I had in mind to confront Trevor with the verdict emperor Palpatine has spoken after the defeat of the Imperial Fleet near Solgar. It has been Anakin who had to execute the emperor's verdict. Afterwards the emperor confronted Anakin with the execution by assigning Trevor to the staff on Morantan. Over and over again the presence of Trevor on Morantan reminded Anakin of how he had to carry out Sever Force to block Trevor from the Force in a wall of light. Anakin helped me to made the transcription of the investigation written in Sith language. He didn't explicitly tell me how he has felt whenever he had to encounter Trevor on Morantan, but I know that Trevor's presence on Morantan was always nuisance to him."

"Shaayla-Car, I understand your point of view. I don't know much about your Force use as a Jedi healer, but if you won't go we will lose a good friend and more. Chati is now with him and she certainly takes good care of him. She has applied some of her knowledge of using herbs, her mother has taught her, but I understand that the skills of a Jedi healer are much better and beyond my comprehension."

Liane looked thoughtfully at the four other Jedi and suddenly she started to smile.

"Luke, Wedge, there is another solution to the dilemma I feel."

"Sure, there is, Shaayla-Car. You could do the same when you visited me as a Force ghost on Palomintar Six. You weren't really with me but with your help I began to recover," Ian said elated.

"I surely could do that, Tama-Hin, but that would mean I had to perform a very concentrated Force meditation for an indefinite time as I can't predict how much time I would need to give Doran my help and with Trevor Matrik around it isn't likely that I will find a spot inside these cave were he would find me and disturb my Force concentration. No, there is another fine option, Tama-Hin. You went with master Manall and his grandson Lorann to the campsite of the harvesters."

"Yes, you asked me to keep an eye on master Manall, because the old harvester was wounded, but he was a very though guy." Ian answered.

"While you were on your way weren't you able to use Force healing to lessen master Manall's pain? Even to start the healing of his wounds?" Liane asked.

"Yes, I have. What's on your mind, Shaayla-Car?"

"It's quite simple. We're both healers, you and me, because Severini, our mother, has passed on her skills to both of us. Maybe you haven't yet been able to develop those skills the way I can, but on Endor you also help me and I saw the same blue Force light which can be use to cure damaged tissue, stop bleeding and what ever is needed to help a wounded person. Tama-Hin, you should accompany Wedge to the Astræga and use your healing skills to help Doran."

Flabbergasted Ian looked at his sister, then he nodded thoughtfully.

"That would solve a lot. You, Luke and Yarmod will deal with Trevor, even Wedge can return to this place after he has brought me to the Astræga," Ian said and looked at Wedge.

"Shall we go, Wedge? I'm ready to follow you."

The two Jedi left. Luke, Yarmod and Liane remained behind.

"You made the right decision, Shaayla-Car," Yarmod said, "What you ask my friend to do, will certainly boost his self-confidence. Compared to me your brother is always acting very cautiously. He never takes any risks."

Liane and Luke looked at each other.

"Yarmod, Shaayla-Car and I share a different impression of your friend." Luke said.

General Crix Madine and Supreme Chancellor Mon Mothma looked through the panoramic window of the general's command quarters. Through the window, they saw a small sphere with various green and blue spots floating in the vastness of space. In the distance, several other spheres were spinning in their galactic orbits around Palomintar, a white sun.

"Palomintar Four," Mon Mothma said.

"An Outer Rim system with some twelve planets. Palomintar One to Twelve, if I'm right," the general remarked.

Mon Mothma nodded.

"An insignificant system, so no one ever made an attempt to name the individual planets. Yet, one planet on this system is causing us a lot of trouble. A backwater planet in a backwater system. Why did that former imperial officer take control of only a small town and settled himself in a cave system under a nearby mountain ridge. As far as I know he doesn't have an armed force, only droids to serve him."

"He was once a staff member on Morantan where the imperials had a solid foothold on the Darth Vader's domains. In my opinion Morantan would have been a far better starting point to revive the Empire: a large group of trained officers and ground force and a solid building equipped to sustain a long siege."

"That's right, but he wasn't liked and the commander of the Morantan forces had pledge allegiance to Darth Vader and his foster-daughter Liane Solichor. She was in charge and the commander remained loyal to her. We've been lucky, Crix, for if Trevor Matrik would have occupied Morantan things could have been developed the wrong way. Thanks to you, your ground force and the action of Luke Skywalker we could take control of the Morantan domains."

For a while they both watch the glowing sphere in front of them. Both were recalled for themselves all events that have happened after the New Republic had send an occupation force to Morantan. Finally general Madine turned to Mon Mothma

"Mon, when do you want me to schedule our landing on Palomintar Four."

"Master Antilles has only ask us to make some first preparations. Which means in my opinion, that our Jedi Knight are possibly getting in control of the situation. However I understand that my special advisoor Leia Organa Solo wants to coordinate our landing with master Antilles. I also appreciate the suggestion of general Solo to meet our delegation and that of Coruscant to give us all a good impression of what happened in Ribana. I hope to convince the grand-admiral and his co-leaders to support the New Republic's proposal to help the Quelans to rebuild their community. Before I left Irithim I've already issued a request to the Senate to provide all the necessary help needed."

General Madine nodded in agreement.

"Crix, we need to give the Jedi enough time to settle the situation on Palomintar Four. If we rush now we might jeopardize their ways to solve this illegal occupation. Moreover, master Antilles didn't explicitly tell us to prepare for landing at once. After your conversation with general Solo I'm convinced that master Antilles and Leia Organa will coordinate their plans and keep us informed. So I want us to wait until we get a clear message from them."

"The delegation from Coruscant has asked me if they could use their own space ship to land on Palomintar Four, as they want to head back to Coruscant immediately after they have laid their hands on former admiral Matrik. I advised them against it, telling them that the potential landing site at Ribana would certainly not be a spaceship dock, which would make it difficult to overcome the planet's gravity as they departed. They understood my explanation and have agreed reluctantly to make use of one of the landing shuttles of the Tychorion."

"I completely understand their position. This is an unpleasant situation for them, considering a former admiral has caused so much trouble for both our governments. They find it embarrassing, a colossal failure of their Council, even though the admiral had deserted during the Battle of Jakku and taken one of their Star Destroyers to flee to the Outer Rim. He eventually settled on Palomintar Four, where he intended to restore the Sith Empire, which our alliance had fought against during the Civil War. Crix, I want you to prepare three landing shuttles. Designate the first as a special vessel for the delegation from Coruscant. Make sure they can stay there in private for a few days, if necessary. There must also be some kind of holding area for their future prisoner. Our shuttle also needs to be equipped to be able to stay there for a few days. The third must remain on standby on the Tychorion and will only descend to the planet when ground troops are needed."

"I will give the orders, Mon, so everything will be ready the moment the Jedi will let us know that our presence will be needed to settle the final part."

"I'll go to my quarters now, Crix. The delegation from Coruscant has been taken care of, and they have retreated to their quarters. We'll discuss further developments later."

Wedge was on this way to the Astræga again for the third time. Ian sat quietly at the passenger's seat. His sister's great believe in his healing skills had overwhelmed him. Wedge looked to the side, but refrained from comment. He understood that the young Jedi didn't fully comprehend the impact the new task that had been laid on his shoulder. Ian had immediately agreed to go with him to the Astræligæ to help an injured friend with his Force skills as a Jedi healer, and Wedge could only have great admiration for him.

"How much time will it take to reach the Astræga, Wedge?" Ian suddenly ask.

"We will reach the ship soon. Chati Fonaldris is taking care of Doran. I'm sure that she's doing great."

Ian relazed when he heard the appreciation in Wedge's voice for the young Quelan woman.

"She was completely distraught when you suddenly said that you considered her your padawan."

Wedge grinned.

"The situation didn't leave me a good choice, Tama-Hin. I had promised Leia to get Chati to a safe place. Leia had become responsible for Chati as her temporary master, after Luke had asked Doran to bring him inside Trevor's abode."

"She easily seemed to accept to be your padawan learner."

"Yes she did, and to be honest, that amazed me, for Chati isn't easily to convince. We had a fine talk later, for she doubted my decision at first."

Ian look silently through the windshield.

"We're almost there," Wedge announced.

"How bad is master Whain's wound, Wedeg. What happened?"

"Doran and I had an unexpected encounter with a group of patrolling guards. We could eliminate three of them, but the fourth one hit Doran at his left side. I stemmed the bleeding as far as possible and brought to the Astræga, where I asked Chati to take care of him. She surprised me as she told me her mother had taught her how to use some special leaves which also stemmed bleeding wound. She even found those leaves just outside the Astræga. She might be a good help to you as well, Tama-Hin."

"I'm glad you took her as your padawan. It reassures me that she will help me to start curing the guy who has been on such a very dangerous mission these months."

"Hold on, Tama-Hin! We're nearing the valley where I landed the Astræga."

The speeder plunged along the steep hillside into the hidden valley. Wedge stopped and both Jedi left the vehicle. Quickly Wedge de-activated the cloaking and released the ramp. Threepio who had heard the noises, met them in the control room.

"Master Antilles, Artoo has done something terrible and miss Chati agreed he should continue and now master Whain isn't moving anymore. I fear he is dead, although miss Chati I shouldn't worry."

The two Jedi went over to the small medic bay. They looked at the body of Doran Whain. Ian neared the stretcher and put his hand over Doran's face. He became one with the Force and sighed relieved.

"Threepio stop worrying. The guy has passed out. Hello Chati, what happened?" He said friendly.

"I allowed Artoo to stun this guy, for he struggled and kept saying he had to warn some people on that big space ship that orbiting Palomintar Four. I had to adapt a huge bunch of leaves to stem the renewed bleeding of his wound. He isn't doing well, he has lost quite some blood and I don't know if there's some bleeding inside his body."

She turned to Wedge.

"Master, did you contact your people on the big space ship? Will they send help, so he will get better treatment. I can keep him stunned and stem the bleeding, but he needs much better help."

"You've done well, Chati, and I'm sure that Tama-Hin will be glad with what you have done. He will help you to take extra care of Doran Whain. "

Chati looked at Ian.

"I remember that you are going by a different name, master Ian, just like me. Master Manall often addressed you with your new name. Do you mind if I still call you master Ian?"

"Chati, names aren't important at the moment. Show me what you have done."

Chati went over to the stretcher and took away the coverage of leaves and bacta patches she had put on Doran's wound.

"I cut away his shirt, for I get a good view of the wound. It looks terrible. I've never seen an injury this size."

"Of course, you haven't," Ian said reassuringly, "Laser blast wound are always causing much dammage. I have seen similar wounds before and I'm going to help you to cure this guy."

"Did you bring extra bacta patches with you, master Ian?"

Ian shook his head.

"I'm going to use the Force to cure this wound."

Ian turned to Wedge.

"I might need you help too, Wedge. Do you have to return to help the others."

"Not yet, show me in which way I can help you, Tama-Hin."

Ian took off his coat and pointed to the stole Chati had used.

"Can I use that?" He asked.

Quickly Chati took the stole and put near the stretcher. Ian looked at her.

"Chati, can you drain as much leaves you have used in some liquid and squeeze those leaves until their liquid merges with the liquid in the bowl."

Chati nodded wordlessly and put as many leaves there were left in the bowl. She pour liquid on them and started to squeeze the leaves. The liquid got a clear greenish color at first, but the more Chati squeeze the leaves the liquid became dark green. Meanwhile Ian had sat himself on the stole and hovered his hand above Doran's wound. Through his connection with the Force he became aware how much pain the wound caused, but he also became aware of the damage the laser blast had caused. It reminded him off the terrible wound he had seen on Endor while he assisted Liane as she was helping Teebo. Doran's wound also reminded him of the wounds he had seen at master Manall's back in that Force meditation trance. Ian turned to Wedge.

"I understand that you wanted to witness my abilities as a healer. At least that's what my sister says I am. If necessary I will ask you to assist me with extra Force power. I'll let you know."

"I'll stay with Tama-Hin."

Ian tuned in on the Force and began to hover his hand again abode the wound in Doran's side. The Force began to show him what damage has been done to the muscle tissue, the blood vessel and the internal organs. Deepening his connection with the Force he began to pour his own Life Force deep inside the wound, where the laser blast has done the most damage. Blood vessels had been torn apart and still caused internal bleeding. Luckily the bacta treatment and the use of the special leaves had stemmed the bleed to become worse. From his fingers he saw the Force blue light penetrating the wound and beginning to mend the severely damage blood vessels and parts of the internal organs. He felt he began to sweat and nearly lost his connection with the Force, when suddenly he felt that a soft cloth wipe the sweat from his face before it would blur his vision. He smiled, nodded thankfully and paid attention again to his task. The blue streak of Life Force had smooth some part of the tissue around Doran's internal organs. The Force showed him that the damage the laser blast had done was almost gone. With a sigh he released himself from the Force and looked at Chati who stood next to him, holding the soft cloth in her hand and looking at him in amazement.

"Wow," she whispered, "I didn't know you could do that, master Ian."

"Thank you, Chati, for your help. Let me explain what happened. I didn't do what you saw. I let the Force use my own Force power to amend these deeper injuries so the guy's life is in less danger.

"That blue light, master Ian, that came from your fingers, what is that?"

"That's the light of my Life Force. I give a part of my life in the Force to undo the damage and start curing this wound. It's exhausting, so I have to do this step by step, but with your help we will get this guy become as new."

Ian turned to Wedge.

"The worse has been eliminated, Wedge. The life of Doran Whain is no longer in danger, but I can't tell how much time I need to completely fulfill this task. As I said to Chati, it quite exhausting, as I feel that the Force is draining my own Life Force. So I will need time in between the moments of my Force help, to recuperate. I'm not really use to do this way of Force use. My sister is more experienced as I saw how she cured seven severely wounded Ewoks day after day for a long period. On Endor Yarmod and Ian supported her Force use and I assume that our help has supported the recovery of those wounded tree bears."

"Do you want me to stay here, Tama-Hin. Maybe I also can give some extra Force help. I can tell the others I won't come back soon. Possibly my presence will be of some use for your wellbeing as well."

For a moment Ian pondered on Wedge's word. Wedge Antilles was already a Jedi Knight for a long time. His presence alone might be of some reassurance. Ian nodded.

"If you think the others can do their job, I would be glad if you could stay with Chati and the droids."

"I will warn Yarmod. He can inform Luke and your sister." Wedge said and left the medic bay.

Ian turned to Chati and smiled at her.

"Now hand me that bowl of leaf liquid, for I want to drip some of this liquid inside the wound. Next I want you to cover the wound with a bandage soaked in the liquid and cover that bandage with leaves as you have done before. Do you still have enough of these leaves."

"The plant is growing at a large area in this valley, master Ian. I can ask ... no, Threepio, Artoo and I can get much more of them, now that you and master Antilles are staying here."

"Good, Chati."

Ian took the bowl with leaf liquid and dripped some liquid in the wound. He sighed deeply.

"I leave the other chores to you, Chati. I'm going to find a place to rest for a while."

"You look tired, master Ian. Maybe you should get some sleep to recover." Chati said.

"I will, Chati."

Ian left the medic bay and found his way to one of the quarters of the Astræga.