In Command (#1 Post-Order 66 Series)

In Command - Part 24

"Please, let him go. I'm the one you want. You can have me if you just let him go."

"Senna!" Echo, Tech, Wrecker, and Hunter were entering the room behind her, taking in the scene before them. Keeping her eyes locked on the Inquisitor, she reached out with her hand and used the Force to push them backwards. "STOP. Stay there!" she shouted. "Let him go, please," she pleaded, turning back to face the Pau'an. "You'll have me. Just let him go. Please." Her whispered pleas repeated as she locked eyes with the Inquisitor. Just let him live. Please.

The Inquisitor pondered for a moment before his smile deepened. He used the Force to fling Rex forward onto the hard durasteel walkway a few meters from Senna as he stooped to pick up her lightsaber. Senna's mind was screaming at her to run to Rex, but she held her breath and didn't move as the Inquisitor seemed to weigh her proposition. Finally, he curled his fingers around her lightsaber hilt, tucking it into his belt.

"Very well."

She raised her hands in surrender as she stepped forward slowly. The Inquisitor watched her as she approached Rex and knelt down, pressing her hands to his chest to lift him into a sitting position. The Inquisitor reached out again, and the binders fell from Rex's wrists. "Put those on, Master Aven, and come with me."

"SENNA, NO!" Echo shouted. He lunged forward, but Hunter grabbed his shoulder, holding him back. She turned and waved a hand at him.

"It's fine, Echo. It's ok." Her voice shook as she lifted Rex to stand. "Go to Echo, Rex," she whispered.

"No...won't leave...you," he mumbled, barely conscious.

"I'm not asking. Go to Echo." Gently, she pushed him with the Force until he was in Echo's arms, Wrecker helping him carefully catch the captain's body. Rex turned his head weakly, and she heard him cry out again.

"NO! SENNA NO!"

Tears streaked her cheeks, but she set her jaw as she knelt down and picked up the binders. "GET HIM OUT OF HERE. THAT'S AN ORDER!" she barked, her voice cracking. Echo ripped his helmet off, meeting her eyes. "Echo, please," she begged. "Please. Do this for me. Finish the mission."

Tech slipped his hand onto Echo's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Come on, we have to do as she says," he said quietly. "He wins this round." Echo bit back another protest staring into Senna's eyes, her plea apparent there as well. Finally, he nodded, slipping his helmet back on and draping one of Rex's arms across his shoulders while Hunter slipped under the other arm. Wrecker kept his blaster trained on the Inquisitor as Hunter and Echo dragged Rex past him. Senna locked eyes with Tech through his goggles, and gave him a small, sad smile, mouthing thank you. Tech nodded.

Turning back to face the Inquisitor, Senna sniffled defiantly, raising her chin as she slid her hands behind her back, clicking the binders into place around her own wrists. She heard raised voices behind her, her name being called out by Rex as his brothers pulled him away, but she didn't dare turn around. Tears streamed silently down her face as she walked forward, the Inquisitor placing a hand on her shoulder and pulling her close. "Now, Master Aven, you and I are going to have a long discussion about what you've been up to for the last year."

He waved a hand over her face, and the last thing Senna thought of as she lost consciousness was Rex's eyes.

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The room was cold, but the durasteel table she was tied to was colder. Senna slowly opened her eyes, and the world around her slowly came into focus. She was in a dark room with metal walls that was roughly five meters by five meters. It had no windows and a single harsh light positioned directly above her. She was restrained across her chest, wrists, hips, and shins by metal clamps, and there was no give or room for her to slip out when she tested them. She shivered in her thin tunic and the cool metal beneath her bit at her bare shoulders. Calm yourself. Learn what you can from your surroundings. She closed her eyes and let her mind drift as she reached out to test her environment. There's a slight vibration under your boots, so you're on a vehicle, probably a starship. There are...thousands of life forms here, and there's only one starship that'd be big enough to house that many. I'm on a Star Destroyer. Kriff.