Fane watched in dismay as the dreadnought fired. Then realised it was firing at Awgro’s ships. He looked at the others, puzzled.
‘The dreadnought’s hailing us,’ said Mrs. Holt.
Fane walked to the station where Void stood as he took the incoming call. A familiar male Rattataki face appeared.
‘Fane! Lord Void. I’m glad to see you in one piece.’
‘Vax?’ Talyc walked up to the station.
‘Our sources told us there would be an attack at Manaan. I’m glad we got here in time to save your necks, again.’ Vax smiled.
‘Vax,’ said Fane, ‘we appreciate the assistance. I owe you once again for aiding me.’
Vax waved a hand dismissively. ‘I brought some friends, given the alliance, it was an easy sway.’
‘Thank you!’ said Talyc.
Vax seemed to hesitate. Fane could see the unease in his eyes. ‘I’m glad you’re alive, Fane.’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Lady Gofaylia, walking over to stand next to Vax, ‘we’ll take over from here. We heard you had many injured onboard and few medical supplies. Now get going, this victory is the Empire’s.’
‘We’ll keep you informed if we manage to capture Awgro,’ said Vax.
They chimed out.
‘Well you heard him, hyperspace time, to the Crypt,’ said Nriwe. ‘And maybe we can heal the Sphere while we’re there.’
Shadie nodded. ‘Awgro is likely going to get away, but we can let Lady Gofaylia take this one for us. We’ll owe her, but I rather that than becoming flotsam.’
The ship lurched a final time, as starfighters still streaked laserfire at them, before the ship went into hyperspace.
Brenum entered the coordinates for the Crypt.
Knarf walked to Storimbu. ‘So are Vax’s sources…?’
‘I have Protectors everywhere,’ said Storimbu, a small smile curling on the edge of his mouth. ‘After recent events, I’m probably not welcome in Imperial Space much anymore, but Protectors are there. There are many even Shadie doesn’t know of, all awaiting my commands to know where to be next to protect the Force.’
‘Remind me never to get on your bad side,’ said Talyc.
Storimbu chuckled. ‘I’m here to protect you, aren’t I?’
* * *
Shadie let out a sigh of relief. She walked to Storimbu and sat next to him. He closed his datapad.
‘The others have secured my ship. It’s in good hands.’
‘That’s good to hear.’ Shadie smiled in sympathy. ‘Awgro really did a number on you, didn’t he?’
‘So Talyc tells me, word for word.’
Shadie let out a small laugh. ‘I’m a Kandera.’ She sobered. ‘Thanks for helping us, I’m glad Awgro didn’t kill you after all.’
‘That’s what I keep telling him,’ said Kafter.
‘He wouldn’t have gotten a word from me regarding your whereabouts,’ said Storimbu. ‘I’m sorry if my associations caused you… What I mean to say is, I still feel responsible.’
‘You’re not to blame, Storimbu,’ Shadie reassured him. ‘You couldn’t have guessed Maranna’s actions.’
‘If you were so confidant Awgro was bluffing,’ said Nriwe, crossing her arms, ‘why couldn’t Mrs. Mother-of-the-son-of-our-enemy just zip it?’
‘Are we certain he was trying to get Storm to talk?’ asked Kafter. ‘Think about it.’
‘It’s one thing for him to suspect Maranna might have the information,’ said Talyc, ‘but trying to kill you to get her to talk? You’d have to be…’ He trailed off.
Everyone looked at Storimbu.
‘But we’re not,’ Storimbu said carefully.
‘Ah, I’ve seen the way you two look at each other,’ said Drashdae.
‘I’ve merely been observing her from afar in order to protect her, and we’ve enjoyed chit-chats on occasion.’
‘More like admiring,’ said Kafter.
Shadie raised her brows at Storimbu.
‘Fine, I’ve enjoyed her company, but I’ve always reminded myself that she is our enemy,’ Storimbu admitted.
‘Seems like you’re a bit more than that to her, though,’ said Shadie.
‘When we first met,’ said Storimbu, ‘I welcomed her to our faction, wanted her to join, and our paths crossed briefly. I was taken by her then, something in her Force aura, a great passion seeking to be expressed. But she seeks to be saved, and I can see how she would view me as she once viewed Relsor.’
‘And what about you?’ Shadie asked gently. ‘How do you view her?’
‘I refuse to explore the thoughts I once explored.’ Storimbu downcast his eyes.
‘You two obviously have history,’ said Nriwe.
‘She chose her faction when she joined the True Sith instead of the Followers of Kromus,’ said Storimbu. ‘I’d be a fool to think she wouldn’t discard the Protectors in the same manner. Besides, I’m dedicated to protecting the Force.’ He took a deep breath. ‘When Kromus died the second time, many of us took initiative, but it was me to whom the others looked for guidance, and over time, I became the new leader. I…we have found our new purpose; I will not let those who still view me as their leader down.’
‘You are not just viewed as any leader,’ said Shadie. ‘Perhaps you follow my cause, but you are the leader of the Protectors of the Force. I won’t take that title away from you.’
‘Then more of a reason to uphold it!’
Shadie felt a pinch at her wound and she looked at the small gash on her hand.
‘I wish I could regenerate like Fane and Void can, this thing still stings. It’s annoying, but I’ve healed from worse wounds.’
She noticed Void staring at her, eyes wide. He rushed towards her and took her hand abruptly.
‘What’s this?’
‘Uh, it’s just a small gash. It’s already healing, that’s how minor it is.’
‘When did this happen?’ asked Void, sounding frantic.
‘While we were escaping the Reformed Sith,’ said Shadie. ‘One of them had a vibroknife. Void, what’s the matter?’
‘This is not good.’
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