Master Allie and I glanced around to see the cave dimly lit with torches on the sides of the cave. There were several narrow passageways filled with boxes that no doubt contained equipment, ammunition, and food. One thing was for certain. This was certainly no ordinary cave...
Master Allie then motioned with her head to follow her. Looks like she knew where to go, or perhaps she saw a Drall, preferably Garthhar, but that was hopeful thinking. What are the odds of him still being here? I then followed Master Allie down one of the passageways. After what felt like hours, we followed the Drall into a room.
My eyes widened when we walked into the room...it was the same one that I saw in my vision...the one where I discovered the Separatists were helping the Drall Patriots. I turned to Master Allie who seemed to know what I was thinking as she gave me a nod. As soon as we saw more Drall enter the room, Master Allie and I hid behind some boxes.
"How much longer?" I whispered.
"They will be here soon." Master Allie assured me. "Remember Storm, patience."
I nodded. "I know...patience has never been my strong suit."
Master Allie had called CorSec also known as the Corellian Security Force to call us just before we left Coronet City. Currently we were outnumbered, but once the CorSec would get here that would all change. As we waited, Garthhar walked in along with a cloaked figure. Whispers filled the room as the Drall gathered around them.
"Garthhar, who's this?" A Drall asked.
"Have you brought an outsider?" Another asked.
Before Garthhar could answer, the cloaked figure pulled back their hood, and my eyes widened as soon as I saw her face. It was Vorlega...my cousin. I turned to Master Allie as I finally managed to speak. "It's...Vorlega, Vorlega Kryze."
Master Allie raised an eyebrow. "How do you know her?"
"Obi-Wan, Anakin, and I not only faced Count Dooku on Geonosis, but Vorlega as well." I explained.
"I am no outsider, Drall. I am Darth Xochra, an ally to the Separatist." Vorlega introduced herself as she glared at the Drall with her yellow piercing eyes.
"She is the apprentice of Lord Tyranus himself." Garthhar added with an impressed look.
As I kept my eyes on Vorlega, I slowly placed my hand on the lightsaber. Master Allie immediately noticed this as she caught my arm. She gave me a stern look. "Do not engage, Storm."
"I must. This may be the only chance I get to take her down." I protested. "She will not escape from me this time."
I then shot up from my hiding spot, and in that moment, I broke my concentration, accidentally revealing myself to the Drall and to my cousin. All the Drall looked at me in shock. Vorlega wore a grin when she saw me. "Well, well, well, if it isn't my good cousin, Storm Ca'ana."
I mentally groaned. I left out the tiny detail that Vorlega was my cousin to Master Allie, and I had no idea how she looked due to her still being invisible thanks to the Force cloak. However that changed as she broke concentration, giving me a stern look. "She's your cousin?"
I winced. "I may have left a very minor details out..."
"Ah, and you've brought a friend with you. How nice." Vorlega said in a sarcastic tone.
The Drall then raised their blasters, some were armed stun batons. Vorlega pulled her cloak back, revealing her belt, which contained her lightsaber. "This will be fun."
At that moment a group of CorSec forces arrived in the room, surprising Vorlega and the Drall. I smirked. "You never asked how many friends I brought."
Vorlega narrowed her eyes at me. "You will not defeat me, Storm."
"Oh watch me, Vorlega." I retorted.
As the CorSec forces fought the Drall, who resisted, Master Allie and I made our towards Vorlega, igniting our lightsabers. Vorlega ran out into the passageways of the cave. No doubt she did this as a means to separate us. I cautiously looked around, sensing she wasn't far from me. At that moment, I heard light footsteps right behind me. I immediately whipped around, and my lightsaber clashed with Vorlega's. We tested each other's strength as she pushed with all our might in hope that one of us would cave in. But it will certainty not be me.
Once she finally stumbled back, I swung my foot, knocking her to the ground. However she didn't give up, she used the Force to send a pile of rocks down on me. I hastily raised out my hands, reaching out to the Force to stop them from crushing me. As soon as the rocks were on the ground, Vorlega took the opportunity to flee. I was about to go after her, when I felt a hand on my arm.
"Storm, this isn't part of the mission." Master Allie's stern tone reached my ears.
My shoulders slumped as I reluctantly stopped before turning to face Master Allie. I nodded. "Of course. Sorry Master, I let my emotions get the best of me."
At that moment a woman my age approached us. She had long strawberry blonde hair with hazel colored eyes. The woman wore the uniform of CorSec. As soon as she reached us, she introduced herself. "Eilani Obrith, Master Sergeant of CorSec."
I shook her hand. "Storm Ca'ana, Jedi Knight. And this is Jedi Master Stass Allie."
Master Allie shook her hand before Eilani replied. "It's a honor to meet you both."
"So have all the Drall Patriots been captured?" Master Allie inquired, cutting right to the point.
Master Allie means well, but when it comes to business she prefers getting straight to the point rather than making small talk. She's one of the kindest people I know. However you don't want to get on her bad side.
"Unfortunately not all...but most. A couple did manage to escape." Eilani informed us.
"And where will they be held?" I inquired.
"They will be held in the CorSec Maximum Security Prison in Coronet City. It's a high-security prison." Eilani assured us.
"Then we'll leave the Drall Patriots in your hands, Master Sergeant." Master Allie replied.
Before we left on our speeders, Eilani approached us with a hesitant look. "If I may, I'd like to go to the palace with you both to discuss with the Diktat and his council what to do with the Drall Patriots."
I then glanced over at Master Allie, who nodded. "Of course."
With that we returned to the palace with Eilani. The guards escorted us into the audience chambers where Koltav, Korste, and the rest of the council sat. From the corner of my eye, I thought I noticed Korste's eyes lit up upon seeing Eilani, who offered a shy smile. Oh this just got interesting.
"Most of the Drall Patriots have been captured." I informed them.
Koltav raised an eyebrow. "Most?"
"Unfortunately some managed to escape from our forces, Diktat Catroe." Eilani clarified. "It wasn't Jedi Master Allie's and Jedi Knight Ca'ana's fault...They were preoccupied."
"Preoccupied with what?" Korste insisted.
Master Allie and I exchanged a look, wondering what exactly to say. There's no way I'd let them know Vorlega's my cousin. It's already bad enough that Koltav and Korste know that Dooku's my grandfather. How will they react if they discover I have a Sith Lady for a cousin? Especially Koltav...I can't imagine how he'd react.
"Preoccupied with fighting a Sith Lady named Vorlega, who is alliance with the Separatists." Master Allie informed them, speaking up for me.
I nodded, snapping out of my thoughts. "Yes, unfortunately she managed to escape."
Koltav didn't seem dejected that we lost Vorlega, but instead looked worried. "And are you both alright?"
I wore a small smile, showing my gratitude towards Koltav, but remembering we weren't alone. "Yes, we're quite fine."
Koltav glanced at me, his gaze lingering. However, I turned away, knowing very well that Master Allie or someone else would notice. Master Allie then cleared her throat, causing Koltav to look at her.
"Since the threat has been taken care of, I think it's best if we return to the Jedi Temple." Master Allie mentioned.
This surprised both Koltav and me, but we tried our best not to show it. We knew this would happen sooner or later...but neither of us ever brought it up, not wanting to think about us going our separate ways as we both have duties to attend to.
Koltav nodded, keeping a cool and collected composure when I knew on the inside it hurt him. "Of course. My council and I thank you for your service. And should I ever get into trouble again, I know who to call."
Koltav then gave me a smile. I returned his smile as I replied. "It's been a pleasure getting to know you, Diktat. I hope our paths cross again."
Koltav's smile widened. "Only time will tell, Jedi Knight Ca'ana."
With that Master Allie and me bowed before Koltav. We then left, I refrained from looking back, knowing I'd attract attention. As Master Allie and I made our way to Storm's ship, Master Allie spoke up. "The Diktat seems to be awfully friendly with you."
I let out a nervous chuckle. "He's just trying to show his gratitude for our service, Master."
Master Allie then raised an eyebrow. "Storm, you haven't formed any type of romantic attachment to the Diktat, right?"
"Of course not, Master. I merely think of him as a good friend." I lied, trying to put her worries to ease.
"Good, that's the way it has to be. You know what will happen if you form attachments...the Jedi Council will expel you from the Jedi Order." Master Allie warned me.
As we reached the spaceport, I could feel my heart sink as I as took in Master Allie's words. It was difficult, knowing the Jedi Council will throw me out if they discover the truth. However I can't help but love Koltav. This feeling of love has never been as strong as it is now. It's inevitable...I feel like I cannot live without him. I need Koltav in my life.