Star Wars: Vindictive Justice/Chapter 3

Sora handed his sister a cup of a hot, soothing liquid. The room Sora had rented from the bartender had no furniture, just a few metal crates stacked against a wall, so the twins sat on the floor. Shortly after Lora's arrival, Sora had released the three pirates to do whatever they wished. For a second time, he had warned them against returning to Bolvo.

"You look good," Lora broke the silence, smiling and sipping her drink.

"You, too. How have you been?"

"Pretty good, actually. I've been busier than usual, lately - going lots of places, and doing a lot of things. I had just returned from a mission on Bandomeer when I heard about Leela. I requested to be sent on a rescue mission for her." Lora's smile disappeared. "The two of us have grown close ever since you left. I wanted to be the one to save her."

"When Obi-Wan came to tell me about Leela, I didn't expect a family reunion to take place. This is better than I expected." Sora smiled and sipped his own drink.

"Are you well? Are you healthy?" Lora asked.

"I get by. I pay my rent, I'm never hungry, and I always have enough to buy a drink when I want."

"Are you happy?"

"I'm happy enough. Like I said, I always have enough to buy a drink."

"Would you come back to the Order?"

"No."

"Don't you miss us?"

"Of course. I miss you, Leela, and some of the others, but the Council is ignorant, and I would be stupid to put myself back under their authority a second time."

"You know, I always meant to come visit you, but things kept coming up, honestly."

"You don't have to explain. I understand."

There were a few moments of silence, which Lora broke: "Do you...have anyone? You know...Is there a girl that you...you love?"

Sora stared into his cup and answered, "I left the woman I loved at the Temple." He then gulped. This drink was an herbal tea, but he was wishing it was alcohol. "Do you know how she is?"

"No, Sora, I don't." Her tone was sympathetic. "I haven't seen her since the day you left. Sorry..."

"Doesn't matter."

In an effort to change the subject, Lora asked, "So what's the plan for rescuing Leela tomorrow?"

"We do whatever it takes to bring Leela back safely. Simple as that."

"We should go tonight and check the place out. We could form a strong strategy."

"I have a strategy," Sora replied.

"What?"

"Kill anyone who gets in the way."