AKwxlady Obi Wans Daughter Part three Chapter six

Kad, Ki’tia and Jorj were a family. They were given a small suite of rooms at the Lake House. Kad at times made short trips to Kyrimorut, and went on a few ‘missions’ with Darman and the rest of Omega and the Nulls. Ki’tia never asked what the missions were about, but she was asked to heal a few injuries on occasion on their returns. Only minor scrapes and burns, and they insisted it was nothing, but “since she was here and so good at healing…”

On one late winter night, when Jorj was just over a year old, Ki’tia was lying next to Kad in bed. They had made love earlier in the night and had conceived a child. It was now near morning and this child was eager to be a part of her, she had just felt the embryo attach to her womb. So much faster than with Jorj. This is what Kad wanted, a grandchild for Darman. This child would bring so much joy to the Lake House. Kad stirred next to her.

“Ki’tia,” he awoke, “is everything alright?” Then his Force senses realized something had changed. “Someone is here!” He reached for his blaster beside the bed.

Ki’tia put her hand on his arm to stop him. “Someone new is here,” she smiled and moved his hand to her abdomen. His eyes lit with comprehension and his face broke into a huge grin.

“You’ve conceived our child!” he said. “I can feel it in the Force.” He took her into his arms. “Ki’tia, you’ve made me so happy!” He looked at her. “Are you happy?”

“I’m very happy, Kad. Very happy.”

At breakfast that morning Ki’tia brought out Darman’s favorite omelet. She sat the plate in front of him, gently kissed him on the cheek saying, “Good morning, Ba’buir.” Then she stood with her hand on his shoulder, smiling at him.

“Good morning, daughter,” Darman smiled at her and started eating his omelet. The talk around the table ceased and the room became still. A few people’s mouths dropped open and others just smiled at Ki’tia and Kad, who was now standing beside her. Kal’buir was grinning from ear to ear. Darman took a few more bites of his omelet, then he slowly noticed everyone staring. He turned to Ki’tia, “What did you call me?”

“Ba’buir,” she repeated. “That is the correct word for grandfather, isn’t it?” The room exploded in cheers and laughter. Darman leapt to his feet and threw his arms around her.

“You’re pregnant!” he said, now grinning more than Kal’buir.

“I am,” she replied. Darman picked her up and spun her in the air. People were slapping Kad on the back and congratulating him.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” Darman asked. “Not that I care. I love it anyway.” He stood her on her feet and patted her belly.

“I can’t tell, yet,” Ki’tia replied. “It’s only a few hours old.”

“Only a few hours old!” Darman repeated. “Force users!” He exclaimed, grinning.

A few weeks later Ki’tia and Kad told Darman the baby was a girl, and that her name would be Etain, after Kad’s mother.

“Little Etain will have the Force,” Ki’tia told Darman and Kal’buir, “but not in great strength. She will be a warrior, like her grandfather, strong and determined.” Ki’tia’s words brought tears to Kal’buir.

“She sounds very much like her grandmother,” Darman said. “Etain claimed she wasn’t much of a Jedi, although I saw her do amazing things with her powers, but she was a great General. She cared about her men. She saw us as men, not just clones, right from the beginning.” Darman’s eyes were now filled with tears, also.

Tears were now flowing down Kal’buir’s face. He had never been a man afraid to show his emotions. “Little Etain will do well to emulate her grandmother,” he said and a sob escaped his lips. “She did us all proud.” Ki’tia didn’t fully know the story of the Jedi Etain Tur-Mukan, Kad’s mother, but the love she felt coming from Darman for her through the Force was stronger than any she had ever known. Now, she understood why he never remarried. His Etain was still a part of him, of every breath and heartbeat.

Ki’tia’s second pregnancy was an easy one. Darman was more attentive than Kad, who started spending more and more time on Kyrimorut. When Ki’tia went into labor, Kad was away and Darman ordered him to return to be with his wife. Kad arrived shortly after little Etain was born, which caused an argument between father and son.

“How could you miss the birth of your first child?” Darman asked Kad.

“Second child, Buir,” Kad replied, “and there are important duties that require my attention on Mandalore.”

“Your duty is to your family,” Darman jabbed a finger into Kad’s chest. “That family is here on Munin. You need to stay out of Mando’ade politics and take care of what you have here.” Darman pointed to the ground. He took a deep breath to calm down. “Son, the time I had with you and your mother together was so short. You have a great opportunity here to be with a family. Your family. It’s time you will never get back. Ki’tia is a good woman.”

“Yes, she is, Buir,” Kad replied. He put his hand on his father’s shoulder. “I’ll try to be a good father to little Etain, Dad. I really will.” He smiled at Darman.

When little Etain was two years old, preparation were underway for the celebration of Kal’buir’s 90th birthday. Etain had dark brown hair and blue-green eyes, a surprise among the clone children, where the dark eyes had been dominant. Ki’tia was expecting her third child. A boy this time, they had agreed to name him Darman, or little Dar, but this child would not be a warrior. She had not told the others. Little Dar would be a healer, not a true A’nir, he would have access to both sides of the Force, but not in great strength. Little Dar would be a doctor, with special abilities from the Force to help make him more attuned to his patients. Ki’tia rather liked that idea.

There had been reports of Thrawn being in command of the Imperial forces over the past few years. He had orchestrated a siege of Coruscant which nearly crippled the New Republic government. The Nulls told Ki’tia his military prowess was genius, but she felt his actions were often harsh. Then there were the rumors that he was using clones. That didn’t go over well with anyone on Munin.

Kad was at Kyrimorut. Ki’tia was lying in bed awake when Jorj came into her room. “Mommy, there is danger,” he said, his red eyes glowing brighter than normal. Ki’tia new better than to question Jorj’s Force senses. She picked up her comlink and selected the code for Darman.

“Darman, Jorj says there is danger.”

“I’ll be right there,” Darman replied.

Ki’tia put on her robe. “Where is the danger, Jorj?” He pointed out of her room. She took him by the hand and went out into their small family living area. Darman was just coming into her suite, blaster in hand. “Show Mommy where the danger is, sweetie.” She was searching with her Force powers, but felt nothing nearby.

“Out there,” Jorj pointed out the door.

“Come on,” Darman said, taking Jorj by the hand. “Is the danger inside the Lake House, Jorj?” Jorj shook his head, ‘no.’ Darman led them through the house and out the front door. Ki’tia still could not sense anything through the Force. “Do you sense anything, daughter?” Darman asked, scanning the yard and trees in the dark.

“No, nothing,” Ki’tia said. “Where is the danger, Jorj?”

Jorj pointed to the sky. “He has a knife. He’s going to kill.” Jorj’s red eyes suddenly flashed. “Now!”

Ki’tia screamed and grabbed her chest. “Thrawn!” she gasped, and collapsed to the ground.

Darman dropped next to Ki’tia. He put his hand beneath her head. Jorj was still looking toward the sky. “Ki’tia,” Darman put his other hand over hers on her chest. “What’s wrong daughter? What’s happened?”

Ordo and Mereel were running from the house, they had heard Ki’tia scream. “What’s going on?” Ordo demanded. “We heard Ki’tia scream.” They both had weapons ready. “Has Ki’tia been injured? Darman!”

“I don’t know!” Darman replied shortly. “Ki’tia!” Darman said sharply. He lightly shook her shoulder.

Ki’tia opened her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking around. “I’m sorry.”

“What’s happened girl?” Darman asked.

“Thrawn,” she said, looking for Jorj. She reached for her son and took him into her arms. “He’s been murdered. I felt it, just now.” She looked at the men around her. “I’ve never told Jorj about him. I don’t know how he knew.”

“It’s okay,” Darman said. “Let’s get you both back inside.” Darman helped Ki’tia to her feet. “Is the baby alright? Should I contact Mij?” He had Jorj by the hand and the other arm behind Ki’tia.

“Darman,” Ordo started to say something, his voice firm.

“Now is not the time, Ordo,” Darman cut him off. “He’s just a boy.”

Ki’tia went into labor later that day. Kad was on a mission with Jusik and could not be reached. For the second time Darman helped with the birth of his grandchild, in place of his son. Little Dar looked like his father, dark hair and dark eyes. The 90th birthday celebration for Kal’buir was to be held in two days, Kad would return to the Lake House for the party.

“Kad is Mandalorian, Darman,” Ki’tia was trying to reason with him the day after little Dar was born. “A good Mando’ad wife can’t expect her husband to be with her for the birth of their children.”

“These are beautiful life events,” Darman argued. “He loves you, he should be here. Not off fighting, or negotiating, or whatever Jusik has him doing.”

Ki’tia looked away. “There are causes that are important to Kad,” she said. “He is a good man, Darman.”

“But, is he a good husband, Ki’tia?” Darman considered her.

“Kad has given me two beautiful children,” she replied. “He’s given my first son a name and a home. That’s more than I hoped for when I came to Munin.” She kissed the baby sleeping in her arms.

“Does he love you?” Darman whispered. “Do you love him?” He stared at her with a concerned expression.

Ki’tia thought for a minute. Darman continued to watch her. “Love has never been a part of our relationship,” she admitted. “We are close, very close. The children were conceived under pleasurable circumstances.” Ki’tia smiled at Darman, but he still stared at her, concerned. “Kad and I were being thrown together.” She tried to explain. “He knew you wanted grandchildren. I needed a father for Jorj. I think we both hoped love would grow between us. It just never did.” Darman looked crushed. “We care for each other. We respect each other. We love our children. It’s a good life, Darman. For me, it is a life. That’s more than I expected when I arrived here.”

“You should have love in your life,” Darman said sadly. “You deserve that.”

“I do have love in my life,” Ki’tia countered. “I love my children. I love you and Kal’buir, and so many of the people on Munin. My life is surrounded with love.” She reached out and took his hand. “It is Darman. It truly is. I’m happy here.” Darman looked into her face and squeezed her hand. There were tears in his eyes.

The 90th birthday celebration for Kal’buir started the next day. No one knew Kal’s actual birthday, but it was a good time of year for a party. The celebration was to last for three days and the Lake House was filled with guests. Kad arrived and accepted congratulations on the birth of his son. He acted the doting father for the duration of the party, then was gone the day after it was over. Kad left Munin in the morning. Ordo and the other Nulls came to visit Ki’tia and Kad in their suite that afternoon. Darman was with Ki’tia, helping with the new baby.

“Where is Kad?” Ordo asked when the Nulls entered the suite. Darman showed them to the little family living area, which was cramped with six large Nulls, Darman and Ki’tia with the baby.

“He left for Kyrimorut this morning, with Jusik,” Ki’tia answered. Darman frowned. “What’s wrong, Ordo? Why are you all here?”

“We want to discuss what happened with Jorj, the night Thrawn died,” Ordo replied. “Kad should be here, as this concerns his son.”

“I’ll see to the boy’s best interests, ner vod,” Darman put an arm around Ki’tia. “Jorj is my grandson, after all, and I told you what happened that night.”

“Reports from Imperial sources,” Ordo began, “indicate Grand Admiral Thrawn was stabbed to death on the Bridge of his Flagship, the Chimaera, by an alien body guard. The reference is vague. The times verify with Jorj’s alert and Ki’tia’s collapse. I can understand Ki’tia sensing Thrawn’s death. They were, close. I want to know how Jorj knew Thrawn was in danger.” Ordo frowned at Ki’tia. “You said you’ve never told the boy about his natural father.”

“Ordo, I told you Jorj is strong in the Force,” Ki’tia explained. “He is stronger than I am, because he is not an A’nir, he has access to both the Light and the Dark. I don’t know if he sensed Thrawn was in danger through the Force, or through the A’nir, because of some connection between Thrawn and me. It’s a moot point now. Thrawn is dead.”

“What about Jorj?” Ordo asked. “How will he grow in the Force? How will he learn to control it?”

Ki’tia sighed. “I will train him,” she answered, “as Master Yoda trained me. I can’t teach the fighting skills.” She looked at the men in the room. “Maybe you can help with that. The leaders of Thrawn’s 501st trained with me. I can teach him to control the Force and to understand what he is sensing.”

“You will begin at once,” Ordo ordered. “I want you to have one of us, or Darman present during the training sessions.”

“Is that necessary?” Darman objected. “Ki’tia is not the enemy.”

“Ki’tia and Jorj are family,” Ordo stated, “but this is unknown territory. It is necessary.” Ordo’s decision was final and absolute.

Ki’tia began Force training with Jorj the next day in the clearing four clicks from the Lake House. Darman and Ordo were present for all of the initial sessions. One or two of the other Nulls, Mereel, Jaing, Prudii, Kom’rk or A’den, joined the group on a daily basis. The men did not interfere with Ki’tia’s instruction, they simply stood at the edge of the clearing and watched her methods.

She and Jorj were sitting in the center of the clearing, facing each other. “Jorj,” Ki’tia began, “remember when Mommy showed you how to clear your mind to meditate?” Jorj looked serious and nodded. “Let’s do that now.” They both sat with arms on thighs, eyes closed, took deep breaths and called the Force to them. “Jorj, open your eyes and look at Mommy.” He did, his red eyes glowing. Ki’tia had placed several small rocks near the center of the clearing. “I’m going to concentrate on that rock and call it to me.” She effortlessly lifted the rock and caught it. Jorj had seen his mother do this for the children of the Lake House with their toys, so he was not surprised. “Now, you try it with one of the other rocks.”

Jorj looked at a rock not far from Ki’tia. It wobbled, then flew toward them at a rapid speed. Darman jumped to his feet thinking the rock would hit either Jorj or Ki’tia. Ki’tia simply reached out with the Force and caught the rock between her and Jorj. “I didn’t do it right, Mommy,” Jorj said, his face in a frown.

“You did just fine,” Ki’tia assured him. “You’ll learn control.” She smiled at her son. “Try again, and picture the rock coming to you slowly.”

Jorj nodded. He took a deep breath and looked at another rock. This time the rock lifted slowly from the ground and floated over to him. He caught it. “I did it!” he smiled and his eyes flashed.

“Yes, you did!” Ki’tia exclaimed. “And, on only your second try! That is very good.” She hugged her son.

Over the following weeks and months Ki’tia instructed Jorj how to call on the Force to aid in balance and coordination, how to use the Force to jump higher and run faster. She helped him develop his abilities to control and move objects much heavier than himself. She, also, taught Jorj to conceal these talents from people. “You must only use your Force abilities when absolutely necessary,” Ki’tia would remind Jorj often, “to protect those you love. Trust the Force to tell you when it is right to use your powers.”

During all the time the Nulls were watching Ki’tia instruct Jorj how to control his Force abilities, they were realizing how powerful she was in the Force.

“We could use her on missions,” Prudii said during a strategy session with the Nulls and Omega.

“No!” Darman insisted. “She’s a mother, and she’s not a Jedi.”

“Etain led armies long after Kad was born,” Kom’rk stated, “and little Dar is nearly two. He’s not a baby any longer.” Darman glared at him. “Ki’tia wouldn’t need to fight, but it would be beneficial to have her Force senses with us.”

“We could protect her, Darman,” Fi said. “She could stay in the background, away from any fighting.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” Darman countered.

“Ki’tia is part of this family,” Jaing stated. “This is the family business. I say she goes.” Darman jumped up and slammed Jaing against the wall.

“Ki’tia is my family, di’kut,” Darman yelled. “I say what she does!” He raised his fist.

Kal and Walon entered the room. “Darman, stand down!” Kal ordered, his voice firm. Darman immediately lowered his fist and stood away from Jaing. “What is going on here?” Kal asked, looking around the room. He took Darman by the arm and led him away from Jaing. “What is it, Dar’ika?” he said softer.

Ordo spoke up. “We think it would be beneficial for Ki’tia to join us on missions,” he explained. “Darman disagrees.”

“I don’t disagree her Force powers would be beneficial,” Darman corrected. “I just don’t want to put her at risk.” He looked at Kal.

“Ki’tia is no stranger to risk,” Walon pointed out. “She has lived with it for much of her life, and survived very well.”

“We are all at risk,” Kal reminded them. “Why don’t we asked Ki’tia how she feels about working with you?”

Ki’tia was standing in Aay’han trying to adjust the plates of her armor. Aay’han was the DeepWater-class light freighter the Nulls had turned into a well shielded, heavily armed and fast fighter, that could haul just about anything they needed on a mission. The armor she was wearing had been Kad’s when he was a teenager. She removed the chest panel. “This just does not fit,” she complained.

“Well, you’re not exactly the same shape as a teenage boy,” Kom’rk laughed, wiggling his eyebrows.

“None of this fits,” she held up her arms. “I can’t bend my elbows, or my knees.” She started taking off the plates. “I’m not wearing the armor.”

“You will,” Ordo ordered. He was mission commander.

“I will not!” Ki’tia stood up to him. “It doesn’t fit and I can’t move in it.” She stood toe to toe with Ordo, looking up at him, unblinking. They glared at each other.

“Ordo, the plates don’t fit her,” A’den reasoned. “The bodysuit will provide her some protection, and we can have the plates remade for the next mission.” Ki’tia and Ordo continued to stand, staring at each other. He stood a third of a meter taller than her, but she was not backing down.

Darman walked up and took Ki’tia by the shoulders. He moved her away from Ordo. Ordo was accustomed to his orders being followed by ‘Yes, sir’ or just being acted upon. Discipline left over from their days in the Grand Army of the Republic. Ki’tia had no military discipline, what-so-ever. Most of the men were trying very hard not to laugh at the standoff.

“Get her outfitted with a bead comlink and a holster,” Ordo ordered.

“I’m not carrying a blaster,” Ki’tia opposed him. “I can’t use a deadly force against anyone, you know that.”

Ordo turned on her, his face hard. “You will carry a blaster,” he said coolly. “You may keep it set on stun, but you will be armed, and you will follow my orders!” He turned away from her and stormed toward the cockpit.

Later, at the mission briefing, Ordo displayed a holo map of the planet Brigia. “Our mission is asset denial to a relatively new group of pirates who have set up a base in the northern hemisphere of Brigia. It is in a forested area and there is a lake five clicks poleward of their base.” Ordo rotated the holo and zoomed in on an area. “We will land Aay’han on the lake,” he pointed to a lake on the map, “and go in from there on foot. Jaing and Niner will stay with the ship and perform extraction when we are ready.” Jaing and Niner nodded. Ordo zoomed in further on the pirates’ compound. “Fi will set up on this high ground to take off anyone who makes it out past us, and to watch for reinforcements.” Fi, the squad sniper, gave him a thumbs-up. “Prudii and Kom’rk made a perimeter survey last week. They have a weak electronic fence, we can disrupt without their notice, to get in. We’ll blow it later. Atin and Prudii will set remote explosives in their fighters and freighters. While they’re doing that, Ki’tia is going to help us locate the path of least resistance to enter the main building. Darman, Mereel, A’den and I will set more remote explosives. Once we’re out, we blow the perimeter and Aay’han extracts. Then we blow the place and go home.” Ordo looked around at them. “The idea is to take out all their resources, not, necessarily, termination, got it?”

There was a round of ‘got its’ and the men moved away from the holo. Ki’tia stared where the holo had been. There would be deaths among the pirates. She wondered how the A’nir would react to her part in this. She was using her powers to keep those she cared for safer, but the axiom of the A’nir was absolute. She must cause no mortal harm to sentient beings.

Aay’han landed in the lake and the assault team headed off through the forest. The bead comlink in Ki’tia’s ear allowed her to both hear and talk with the men via their helmet comm systems. The men were visible by the distinctive t-shaped blue light of their eye slits. They were using infrared, or a combination of wavelengths to walk through the forest. Ki’tia was using her Force sense to guide her path. They were about half way to the compound when Ki’tia stopped. “There are two beings twenty meters ahead of us,” she reported into the sub-vocal range of the bead comlink. “They are not exactly human and are not fully conscious.” Darman, who had been walking with her, motioned for her to stay where she was. The men fanned out to surround what they assumed to be a sentry post.

The sentry guards were Weequays and were in their cups. Ordo and Prudii stole upon them, and using the vibroblades in their gauntlets, slit their throats. Ki’tia felt their ends in the Force. When Darman came back to get her, she looked at him. “They killed them,” she whispered.

“If we had left them alive they could have alerted the compound of our presence,” Darman explained. “It’s them or us, Ki’tia. We can’t take chances.”  Ki’tia nodded and they resumed moving toward the compound. Before long Fi broke off from the group to head for the high ground. He carried a Verpine sniper rifle. Kal’buir spared no expense for his boys.

When the group reached the electronic perimeter fence, Prudii set a small device on the ground that generated a disruption large enough for two to pass through at a time. Prudii shut off the device after everyone was inside, and he and Atin started for the landing pad. Ki’tia and the others started for the building. “Wait!” Ki’tia said. Everyone stopped and turned toward her. “I’m sensing men in some of the ships on the landing pad. Most are sleeping, but a few are alert for danger.”

“Osik,” Prudii swore. “Ordo, if they hear us, this mission will be shabla.”

“I know,” Ordo was looking at Ki’tia. He thought for a minute. “Prudii, take Ki’tia to clear out the ships. The rest of us will do the compound the normal way.”

“I’m going with them,” Darman started after Prudii and Ki’tia.

“No Dar,” Ordo commanded. “The rest of the plan remains the same. You’re with us.” Darman hesitated.

“I’ll be fine, Darman,” Ki’tia said. “Ordo is right. Your place is with the squad.”

“I’ll watch out for her, Dar,” Atin assured him.

“Get going,” Ordo ordered.

Prudii, Ki’tia and Atin headed off for the landing pad. When they approached the first transport ship, Ki’tia indicated it was empty. Atin attached the explosive charges to the engines. At the next ship, also a transport, she sensed two humans, both asleep. She held up two fingers and laid her head on her hands to indicate they were sleeping. The hatch was open, so the three went on board. Ki’tia felt one man asleep in a cabin. Atin entered the room and shortly she could no longer sense the man in the Force. The second man was in the cockpit. Prudii went forward and dealt with him, then he placed the explosive charges and they exited the ship.

The third ship was a fighter and had a man alert in the cockpit. The only way to him was through the canopy. Somehow they had to get him to open the canopy. “I have an idea,” Ki’tia said. Atin and Prudii though she was going to use some Force trick, instead she unbraided her long milky white hair and finger combed it out over her back. Next she stepped out in front of the fighter, keeping her back to the man in the cockpit she used the Force to leap into the air and float back to the ground. Wearing the skintight black body suit, her white hair looked ghostly floating in front of the fighter. The man saw her. Ki’tia repeated the performance a few times. He drew his blaster and popped the canopy. Prudii reached in immediately and jabbed his vibroblade into the man’s neck. Atin set the charges.

“Nice one,” Prudii said, as Ki’tia was re-braiding her hair. There were twelve ships in all. Seven had one or two men in them. Only three of those were not sleeping. Ki’tia was able to locate the men for Purdii and Atin, but it was slow going. Eleven kills. By the time they were finished and back at the RV point at the fence, Ordo’s squad was waiting for them.

“Any problems?” Ordo asked.

“Nope,” Prudii reported, “and little sister certainly earned her place in the squad tonight.” Prudii had one arm around Ki’tia.

“Since we don’t have an alert sounded,” Mereel interjected, “what would you say to RV at Aay’han, and blowing this place from the air as we wave good-bye?”

“Agreed,” said Ordo. “Fi, you copy? RV at Aay’han. Jaing, Niner copy change RV to Aay’han at present LC.”

“Copy RV at water LC,” Jaing replied. “Engines are hot and so is the caf.”

Kal was waiting when they landed at the Lake House back on Munin. Ordo had already briefed him on the success of the mission. He embraced Ki’tia as she exited Aay’han. “Well done, ad’ika,” Kal kissed her on the cheek. He was beaming. “My mandokarla.”

The second mission Ki’tia accompanied was to the tropical world Phindar, located near Mandalor. Walon Vau had heard the Mandalorian Death Watch was using a remote location on Phindar as a weapons cache.

“The Death Watch are thugs and common criminals,” Walon insisted. “If you can take out their weapons stockpile in the Mandalor sector it will be a major blow both strategically and psychologically.”

Phindar was located along the Salin Corridor trade route and had recently joined the New Republic. This didn’t concern Ordo and the rest of the Nulls and Omega. The Death Watch weapons cache was not close to any population centers, and the newly established government on Phindar was too busy struggling with its own problems to bother with remote visitors. The New Republic had no knowledge of Munin or the clones living there, and for the time being Ordo planned on keeping it that way.

The Death Watch’s weapons cache was in a vheh’yaim secluded in a box ravine. The circular structure was hidden well, being built from the native rainforest trees and vines, and partially constructed underground. The entrance was cut into the ground, but there must be some method of draining water from the structure, from the near constant rains in the area. This indicated the presence of a tunnel network for drainage and escape, or ambush.

“It’s unlikely anyone is stationed in the tunnels,” Purdii observed. “They would be too wet to be at all comfortable for long term occupation.” He was pointing to a holo map of the vheh’yaim and area, while aboard Aay’han during the flight to Phindar. “Regardless of how tough the Black Watch think they are, they’re not going to sit with their shebs in water if there’s not a good reason to. There must be tunnel entrances down the road. He expanded the view on the holo. The ravine was ten to twenty meters high on the three sides of the vheh’yaim and continued on about a click. From there the ravine side to the west flattened out. On the east the ravine became a cliff and the road followed out along at the foot. The nearest settlement was 25 clicks to the north. That was where any reinforcements would have to come from.

“We station Fi on the top of the ravine to the south of the vheh’yaim to watch for anything approaching from the north,” A’den suggested. “He can take out the first in line, while we exit the structure.” Fi nodded in agreement.

“Ki’tia should be stationed with Fi,” Ordo said. “She will have better access to the entire deployment area. I’ll be there, also, for cover.” He turned to her. “Ki’tia, will you be able to sense the Death Watch men at that distance?”

“At the complex, yes,” Ki’tia answered. “It will be difficult to sense men approaching from more than a kilometer.”

“The complex will be enough,” Ordo assured her. “We’ll be able to see anyone on the road.”

“The problem I see,” Mereel pointed to the holo, “is due to the density of the rainforest, the only place to land Aay’han is on the road. You’ll have to take the speeder bikes to the top of the ravine, and Aay’han will have to wait aloft for extraction.”

“We’re still going to be faced with one entrance,” Niner said, “and however many Death Watch are inside waiting to pick us off.”

“Why can’t we blow the vheh’yaim from the outside?” Atin asked.

“The weapons cache is likely below ground level,” Kom’rk explained. “A surface explosion wouldn’t destroy the armaments. Just bury them, and it wouldn’t take long to dig out that rainforest debris.”

“Could we blow another door?” Fi asked.

“Not without knowing what was on the other side,” Darman replied. “Not unless you want to take a chance on bringing down the whole vheh’yaim.” Several of the Nulls nodded agreement.

“What if you could get in through the tunnels?” Ki’tia asked. All the men turned to look at her.

“The entrances are hidden, Ordo replied. “We don’t know where they are.”

“Prudii said the tunnel entrances were likely by the road,” Ki’tia explained. “If you give me a few minutes when we land, I can use the Force to sift through the surface soil and find the areas that have been disturbed.” Darman squeezed her shoulders. Several of the other men smiled and nodded.

“Good,” Ordo said. “Two men will head up each tunnel Ki’tia discovers. When you’re all in position, blow the doors and take them out. Set the charges and get out the front door. We’ll call Aay’han to extract and meet you on the road.” He looked around at the nods and thumbs-up. “Mereel, you’re in Aay’han. Niner, are you good to go with her guns?”

“All, set,” Niner responded. “Kom’rk checked out Omega on the new rocket launchers before we left Munin.”

“Good, then you’re with Mereel,” Ordo ordered. “Keep your eyes open for incoming starships. They may call for help.” He made eye contact with everyone in the ship, lingering for a moment on Ki’tia. “On the ground in 90 minutes. Ib’tuur jatne tuur ash’ad kyr’amur.” Which Ki’tia understood to mean, “Today is a good day for someone else to die.”

Aay’han landed just beyond where the ravine widened. The men disembarked, followed by Ki’tia, then Ordo and Fi on the two speeder bikes. Everyone was wearing full Madalorian armor, beskar’gam, except Ki’tia. She wore the refitted arm, leg and body plates, but the helmet and gauntlets interfered with her Force abilities. Ordo had agreed to allow her to forgo them. She was wearing the bead comlink in her ear that kept her in communication with the squads.

Ki’tia stretched out with the Force. She extended her hands. The men could see a slight disruption of the groundcover as she used the Force to ‘sift’ through the surface soil. “There is a hatch four meters, at 90 degrees,” Ki’tia pointed in the direction where she had located the first tunnel entrance. Darman and A’den ran over. They used an electronic jammer to disable any alarms, then Darman used a small strip of explosive tape to blow the lock. He opened the hatch and stood ready.

She found the second tunnel entrance in just a few minutes. “Ten meters into the rainforest, at 120 degrees,” Ki’tia said to Kom’rk. He nodded and ran over with Corr to make their entrance.

“Let’s go,” Ordo commanded. Prudii, Jaing and Atin started walking through the rainforest toward the vheh’yaim. The two tunnel teams disappeared down into the ground. Fi jumped on his speeder bike and Ki’tia climbed on the other speeder bike behind Ordo. Her beskar’gam had been re-worked to fit her body, and adjustments had been made for her rather full breasts. This was unusual for female Mando’ad warriors, but then Ki’tia was an unusual body type, being tiny in stature and shapely. “Ki’tia, wrap your arms around me to hold on,” Ordo commanded.

“I can’t reach that far,” the chest panel of her armor clicked against Ordo’s back panel when she tried. She heard an exasperated huff from Ordo. “I’ll just hold on with my legs. I’ll be fine.”

“Grab my belt,” he ordered, “but be careful not to touch the weapons.” She thought she heard a muffled laugh over the comlink in her ear. There were so many weapons on Ordo’s belt, she didn’t know where to put her hands. She finally grabbed the back of the belt and Ordo fidgeted on the seat. Fortunately, it was a short trip to the top of the ravine ledge behind the vheh’yaim. Ki’tia jumped off as soon as Ordo slowed the speeder bike. She moved to the edge of the ledge overlooking the ravine. “Status report,” Ordo commanded.

“They weren’t planning to use these tunnels anytime soon,” Kom’rk reported. “They’re overgrown with roots. The goings slow in ours.”

“Ours too,” Darman agreed. “Estimate 20 minutes to tunnel end.”

“Estimate 15 to 20 in our tunnel to end,” Kom’rk said.

“We’re standing by in the forest behind the structure,” Jaing reported.

“Speed it up in the tunnels,” Ordo ordered, “but don’t make too much noise. You’re our surprise. Ki’tia, any idea the numbers we’re dealing with inside the structure?”

“I’m sensing five beings inside,” Ki’tia reported. “They feel agitated.”

“They may have heard Aay’han,” Kom’rk said.

Fi was watching the door to the vheh’yaim through the scope of his Verpine sniper rifle from a tree on the ledge. “Someone’s coming out!” he called within the confines of the helmet comlink.

“Ki’tia, drop!” Ordo yelled. She was still standing on the edge of the ledge. He dove for her throwing her to the ground, knocking the wind out of her. Everyone heard the gasp of breath as she hit.

“Is she okay?” Darman asked, concern evident in his voice.

“Darman, worry about your own job!” Ordo ordered.

“I’m fine,” Ki’tia answered. “Ordo was just protecting me.”

“Do you want me to slot him?” Fi asked. “I’ve got a clean shot.”

“Negative,” Ordo replied. He was still lying flat on the ground with Ki’tia. She was on her stomach with her head down. Ordo had one hand over her head.

The Death Watch man looked around. He walked a few meters from the door, weapon at the ready. Then he returned down the entrance to the door.

Ordo motioned to Ki’tia to crawl away from the ledge. She followed him. When they were back a few meters he stood and offered her a hand. She let him help her stand. He removed his helmet, so he could speak just to her. “You need to get something to cover your hair,” he said to her. “It’s too bright.” She nodded at him. “Are you really fine?” he looked her over, concern showing in his eyes. “Did I hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” she replied. “I’ll cover my hair for the next mission.” She started walking away.

“Ki’tia,” Ordo stopped her with a gauntleted hand on her arm. “You’re doing very well.”

“Thank you,” she smiled briefly. Ordo smiled and replaced his helmet.

“Ready to blow tunnel one door,” Darman reported.

“Ready to blow tunnel two door,” Kom’rk reported.

“We’ve got company coming down the road,” Fi said. “Ten minutes tops to reinforcements.”

“The men inside are clustered around the main entrance,” Ki’tia informed the group.

“Prudii, on go your group start toward the main entrance,” Ordo said. “The main assault will be from the tunnels, only. Mereel start getting Aay’han back here for evac. Darman, Kom’rk three to go.” He paused a moment for any comments. “Okay, three…two…one…Go! Go! Go!”

The vheh’yaim shook slightly as the explosive charges detonated, then there was the sound of blaster fire. Prudii, Jaing and Atin sprinted out of the rainforest and around the front of the building.

“Corr’s down!” came the report over the comlink. Atin ran down into the main entrance to the vheh’yaim. He kicked open the door and entered the structure.

“Reinforcements imminent on the road!” Fi reported. “Less than five minutes.”

“Aay’han, where are you?” Ordo inquired.

“On our way,” Mereel answered. “ETA three minutes. We’ve got incoming from up here, too. Be prepared to bug out fast.”

“Vheh’yaim secured, charges set,” Kom’rk reported. “Any chance of speeding up that ETA? We won’t be able to load under fire.”

“Not unless you want me to bounce on landing,” Mereel replied.

The men had gathered outside the vheh’yaim. Corr was lying on the ground.

“Aay’han, could you bring down some of the ravine ledge with a rocket and block the road from the reinforcements?” Ordo asked. They could hear Aay’han approaching.

“The rocket shot is easy,” Niner replied. “I can’t say where the scree would fall.”

“I can,” Ki’tia said. Ordo looked at her. “I can direct where the landslide will flow. I can make it cover the road where the ravine narrows. I need to do it from up here.”

“Did you hear that, Aay’han?” Ordo asked. “Niner take your shot then land next to the men. Ki’tia will keep the area clear. Fi get down there. I’ll stay up here with her.” Fi took off.

“No Ordo,” Ki’tia said. “You need to be down there. After you get everyone loaded, can’t you fly by me with the hatch open and I’ll Force jump on?” Ordo looked uncertain. “Trust me, Ordo.” He nodded and jumped on his speeder.

Down by the structure, the men were starting to take fire from the approaching Death Watch reinforcements. “Anytime, Aay’han,” Prudii said.

Aay’han soared overhead and Niner let loose a rocket into the ravine wall. The explosion released massive amounts of dust, trees, rocks and dirt in all directions. Ki’tia quickly used a Force push to keep the small particles away from the men below her. Then she swept the debris field toward the approaching Death Watch forces, blocking the road.

Meanwhile, Aay’han had landed and the men were loading. They turned to watch Ki’tia in amazement. “Get moving!” Ordo commanded. When everyone was onboard he ordered. “Get us in the air. Leave the hatch open, and let’s go pick up Ki’tia.”

Darman stood on the cowling next to the open hatch as Aay’han flew over Ki’tia on the ledge. She used the Force and leapt onto the ship. Darman grabbed her and pulled her into the ship. He closed the hatch.

“Kandosii!” was shouted by all in the cabin. “Excellent! Little sister,” A’den added, giving her a hug.

“Where is Corr?” Ki’tia asked. “I need to heal him.” She started toward the medbay. Corr was unconscious on a table. He had a blaster wound to one hand, which was not a problem, as both Corr’s lower arms were prosthetics. He had lost them during bomb disposal duties in the GAR during the Clone Wars. His other wound was a vibroblade slash along his right neck and shoulder. Fi was applying a medpad. “Do you mind if I help, Fi?” Ki’tia asked.

“Go right ahead,” Fi stepped back from Corr.

Ki’tia stepped up to Corr and placed her hands over the slash. “He’s lost a great deal of blood.” She said without looking up. “We need to replenish his fluids. Fi, can you start an IV saline drip, please.”

“Yes ma’am,” Fi replied. The IV cannula was usually inserted on the lower arm. Corr’s lower arms were prosthetics. Ki’tia felt Fi’s confusion in the Force.

“Fi, use Corr’s foot for the cannula,” Ki’tia suggested.

Darman helped Fi remove Corr’s boots and expose his feet. Fi started the IV drip while Ki’tia continued working on his wound. Within an hour the wound was healed over and Corr had regained consciousness.

“We make a good team!” Fi said, giving Ki’tia a high five.

“That we do,” she replied, smiling. “Thank you for letting me help.” Fi was the Omega Squad medical officer.

Jilka, Corr’s wife, met Aay’han when it arrived at the Lake House landing pad. She had always been a little cold toward Ki’tia. Jilka rushed up as they helped Corr off the ship. She hugged her husband and inspected his injury. Then she saw Ki’tia exiting Aay’han. Jilka walked over to Ki’tia and hugged her. “Thank you,” Jilka said to Ki’tia. Ki’tia just smiled and nodded.

Ki’tia needed to meditate and to rest. There was going to be a celebration of the successful mission, but she headed for her family suite. She was near collapse. Corr’s healing was not overly taxing. The stress of maintaining control of the exploded ravine, keeping the debris field from causing mortal harm to the enemy attackers, while still blocking their advance toward Aay’han, did deplete her Force reserves. She gave the rest of what she had to Corr.

“Ki’tia!” Fi called after her. “The party’s this way.” He motioned toward the karyai, where the central fire was blazing and the clan already gathering.

“I need to see my children,” she explained, “and rest a bit.” She smiled and turned toward her rooms.

The party was in full swing and people were asking for Ki’tia. It was well known she was uncomfortable with praise for her Force abilities, and often excused herself early from the after mission celebrations.

“Come on, Dar,” Mereel said to Darman. “Let’s go get Ki’tia. She’s got to celebrate with us.”

“I agree, Dar’ika,” Kal added. “For this mission, Ki’tia certainly should be a part of the celebration.”

Darman, Kal, Mereel and Ordo headed down the hall toward Ki’tia’s family suite. They were met at the door by little Etain, now 5 years old. “Hello Ba’buir,” she said to Darman.

Darman picked up Etain. “We’ve come to take you and your brothers and mother to a party, Etain.” Darman was starting to spin Etain around in the air.

“No!” Jorj said firmly. He was standing in the middle of their family room with his hands on his hips. “What did you do to our Mother?” He asked, his red eyes bright and flashing.

Darman and the rest of the men quickly rushed past Jorj to Ki’tia’s bedroom. When they entered Ki’tia was on her bed with little Dar standing beside her, holding her hand. “Mommy’s too weak,” little Dar said, looking very serious for a three year old. Ki’tia’s eyes were closed. Darman went to her.

“Ki’tia,” Darman said softly, he still had little Etain in his arms.

“Shush, Ba’buir,” Etain put her finger to her lips. “Mommy is meditating, and little Dar is helping.” Little Darman had his head bent over his mother’s hand. Jorj had come into the room and put his hand on his little brother’s back.

“Mother is much weakened in the Force,” Jorj explained. “Little Dar is better at healing than Etain and I. He is helping Mother meditate to regain her strength.”

Kal went to Jorj. “Is there anything we can do to help, ner vod?” Jorj looked at them all in turn and shook his head.

“I’ll stay with them,” Darman said. The other men left. Darman knew if Kad were here, he could help Ki’tia. His son was spending less and less time on Munin, less and less time with his wife and children.

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