Trial by Fire
2001 short story by Jonathan
Hicks Thirty-six
years after Episode IV – A New Hope The Nexus Six
came in at a steep angle, the rear end spewing smoke and fire as it battled
against failing systems to avoid crashing. An actual uncontrolled landing was
almost an inevitability and as the landing struts
connected heavily with the plastcrete of the hangar
one was sheared off, sending debris and arcing power to the walls. The nose,
devoid of support from the broken leg, slammed into the ground and tore up
the glaring luminous paintwork that denoted this area as ‘Landing Pad 26’. The transport threw sparks and squealed loudly as it came
to a rest, the reverse thrust blowing hot exhaust towards the sealed far
wall. It finished it’s forced landing procedure
three meters from a pile of combustible fuel rods and hissed as automated
shut-off systems initiated. Although the ship had come down hard and had all but
mangled the hangar bay, no alarms sounded. No klaxons blared or sirens
wailed, no lights rotated and flashed to accentuate the danger. The hangar,
like the rows and rows of bays that spread out above and below it, were
silent and deserted. There was a small explosion and a jet of gas from the
emergency escape hatch of the Nexus
Six as the door blew open, the explosives sending the panel of thick
metal careering through the air to slam with a huge ringing sound into the
sidewall. Before the smoke had time to clear three figures emerged, blaster
weapons ready and eyes wary. They all dropped to their knees as they hit the
landing pad floor and quickly scanned the area. “Looks clear,”
said the scar-faced man, lifting his helmet visor and turning back to the
hole in the ship that was the hurried exit. The green-eyed reptile nodded. “I’ll check we have
access to the bay”. He moved quickly to the rear of the hangar. “I’ll see if
we’re still being pursued,” said the golden-haired woman, and she ran to the
main doors of the open bay. Scar leaned into the hole and nodded. “Looks clear,
ma’am. We have to get to cover. Those Ki-Ki ships could still be tracking
us.” The woman that emerged from the exit was dressed in
simple brown robes, with a white tunic that was done up at the neck. Her
bobbed brown hair was tied back into a ball at the back of her head and she
regarded Scar with blue eyes that showed concern and calm at the same time.
In her right hand she held a de-activated lightsabre. Jeddess Essar nodded to her friend. “We should get
as deep into this complex as possible,” she said, a command yet not a
command. Scar nodded compliance. “Give me good
news, beings!” he shouted at his companions. Reptile was the first to answer. “Doors are
unsealed, sir, we have access to the complex. I think we…” But the golden-haired woman interrupted him. “Incoming
ships! I think they’re the Ki-Ki gunships that bought us down! ETA too soon!”
Golden stared into a small hand-held device that had several antennae
protruding from the top. As she checked her readings she quick-stepped back
to the others. “Into the
complex,” said Jeddess, “we can try to lose them in there.” “The old
Wennicas shipyard is a maze of tunnels and access points,” warned Scar,
walking to Reptile’s location quickly. He was cautious and careful, not
enjoying risk and sacrifice in battle, and he looked at the Jedi Knight with
concern. “It wouldn’t do to get lost down there.” As Jeddess walked through the door that led to the inner
corridor of the shipyard she nodded and was about to consider their position
when the sound of de-cycling engines echoed through the complex. The Ki-Ki
gunships were descending to the Nexus
Six’s position. They all hid in the shadow of the blast door’s frame
as they came into view, their stubby fins and heavy weaponry trained on the
fallen transport. The lower bellies slid open and figures dressed in blue
armour and toting heavy rifles drifted from the openings with hands in grips
that were attached to head-sized balls. They slowly descended to the ground
just inside the hangar bay and took positions of defence. Golden watched with concern. “Gravity parachutes,” he
said as he saw how the figures were descending. “They’re not
Ki-Ki troops,” said Scar and the others looked at him. His face was twisted
into one of concern and confusion. “But they’re
Ki-Ki gunships,” said Golden. Scar nodded. “I know they
are,” he said slowly, pointing at the figures, “but they are Janos foot soldiers.” Letitia Arkensaw stared out of the wide window that sat
in the side of the dome of the attendee’s quarters on the moon of Benesk. A
slice of Zelon shone brightly in the distance and she focused on it
carefully. With half-closed eyes and slightly parted lips she concentrated
hard. Her jet-black hair, long and braided, hung over her eyes but she
ignored its presence. Jeddess. Hear my thoughts.
Jeddess… The door to the room bleeped twice and she snapped from
her concentration. She pressed back her momentary feeling of annoyance and
turned to the portal. “Enter.” The door slid upwards to reveal Ocern Gabe, his attire of
office crumpled and creased which gave the impression he had not rested or
changed in many hours. He stepped into the room slowly, slightly unnerved at
the distinct lack of lighting, and stood by the door. The Ishi Tibb coughed
and looked at the Jedi Knight with tired eyes. “Governor,” she
said, nodding slightly and motioning towards a seat. Ocern waved his hand in
deference. “I cannot stay, Letitia, I have to address the council in an hour.
I thought I’d drop by your quarters and update you on the news of the Nexus Six.” Letitia nodded. “It is not good
news, is it, Governor?” she said with a whisper. Ocern nodded and looked down at a datapad in his hand. “Wennicas
Traffic Control detected the Nexus
Six as it entered orbit to collect the senator of that world on its
way here. According to reports, two Ki-Ki gunships dropped from hyperspace
and… shot it down.” He stopped briefly as Letitia lowered her head but then
continued. “They tracked the ship’s
descent to the surface but lost its signal in the abandoned zone of the
planet’s industrial complex. It appeared to have some control. There are no
other reports at this time.” “Why have Ki-Ki ships fired on a Galactic Alliance transport?”
Letitia asked quickly. She looked back out at the sliver of Zelon. “The Ki-Ki
Sector are supposed to be ignoring every vessel flying Galactic Alliance
colours and allowing them free passage within the zones conquered by their
fleet,” Ocern replied. “That is a condition of war they imposed themselves.
They always said they did not want conflict with the Galactic Alliance.” “Perhaps they
did not realise,” Letitia mused but she already knew Ocern had an answer for
this. “The Nexus Six was covered with Galactic
Alliance markings and transmitted the transponder code that Ki-Ki was
supposed to be aware of. I can’t believe they didn’t know its neutrality. And
this sudden attack from hyperspace…” “They knew the
ship was going to be there?” Ocern sighed heavily and looked directly into Letitia’s
eyes. “It would seem so. Which would mean we have a leak
somewhere on this moon.” Letitia nodded. “Or in the
Galactic Alliance itself,” she said hoarsely. Scar headed the group; being as he was from the Setnin
Sector it made the others feel comfortable with him at the lead and with lamp
in hand he made his way down the corridor, which seemed angled slightly
downwards. It was filled with discarded items; machine parts, droid limbs,
rubble from the collapsing roof. “This place
stood for eighteen years before they realised it had been engineered for
public use. With all the heavy industrial ship landing and taking off from it
I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did.” “You seem to
know a lot about Wennicas,” Jeddess said, casting a quick glance over her
shoulder to be sure the others were keeping up. Reptile was just behind her
whilst Golden stayed at the rear, watching the dark passage behind them. Her
lightsabre was back on her belt. “I make it my
business to know where I’m going with valuable cargo,” Scar said with a
lop-sided smile, which Jeddess smiled back at. “You’re pretty much the most
valuable thing I’ve carried for the Galactic Alliance since… well, ever.” “I’m sorry about
your ship,” Jeddess said as she felt the wave of regret that came from Scar’s
emotions as he talked of transporting. Scar merely shrugged. “It’s
salvageable. The Nexus Six
has been battered before.” “We’re being
followed,” Golden hissed from the rear. “I can hear voices.” Those same voices seemed far off but were growing closer,
a mix of individuals that were either giving orders or reciting what sounded
like prayer. Jeddess half-closed her eyes and cast out her thoughts,
trying to ascertain their numbers. Scar took her elbow and motioned with his
head. “We’d better go…” he began to say but his advice was interrupted by
Jeddess as she wrenched her arm free and reached for her lightsabre. “Get
down!” she shouted, igniting the bright green blade and dropping into a
defensive stance. Her thoughts had touched the minds of the following
party, not enough to probe their thoughts but enough to read their emotions.
She could sense intent and devotion to their mission, suddenly followed by a
wave of anticipation and what felt like exultation. Such a sudden feeling
could mean only one thing. “They’ve found
us!” Reptile roared, bringing up his rifle as he dived for the cover of a
ceiling support. As he moved so did the others and then the hall was filled
with bright red bolts of blaster energy. The Janite front-runners opened fire with their combat
staffs, the shots exploding into floor wall and ceiling around the fleeing
group. They all managed to get into cover except Jeddess, who stayed in the
centre of the hall with her weapon raised. Scar lifted his hand to shout a warning but his words
died in his throat as he watched the Jedi swing her weapon at the hail of
light. The bolts slammed into the green blade of the lightsabre and screamed
back towards the Janites, the energy dissipating or exploding into the walls
and ceiling. Jeddess’s blade span impossibly fast, deflecting the bolts in
every direction except towards her company. Scar managed to suppress his shock and raised his rifle,
adding his own burst of fire to the reflected blaster bolts. Golden and
Reptile joined the barrage and the Janites were forced back, diving for cover
or running back down the hall and out of range. Parried blaster shots knocked
down two and another three were hit by the combined actions of Jeddess’s
group. The Janites retreated. “Let’s go!”
Jeddess shouted, taking advantage of the momentary pause in the combat. The
four companions ran further into the complex. They had not gone far when Reptile held out an arm and
slowed everyone down. He narrowed his eyes, trying to improve his already
excellent vision, and then with a sigh turned back to the others. “They’re coming
up at us from the lower bays, I can see their lume lights,” he reported
glumly. Scar ground his teeth. “We’re trapped.” “Search teams on
Wennicas think they know where the Nexus
Six came down and are searching the area as we speak,” Ocern said,
although the tone of his voice told Letitia that the situation was grim.
“They tracked the Ki-Ki gunships and are approaching their position.” “They should be
careful,” Letitia commented. “Engaging the Ki-Ki forces may be seen as an
invitation for the invasion of Wennicas.” “The Galactic
Alliance warship Divine is in
the area,” Ocern said matter-of-factly. “They could intercept within two
hours from their position.” Letitia let her gaze wander back to the plasteel window
and the view of Zelon outside the protective dome. Her sigh was an indication
of both her sorrow and her frustration. “Governor Gabe,”
she said slowly, choosing her words carefully. “I have already informed the Divine to remain on her patrol
route and not enter the Wennicas system.” There were a few moments of silence as Ocern considered
Letitia’s words. The Setnin/Ki-Ki War had been going for eight months with
sporadic fire fights on the ground and in space, and all that time the
Galactic Alliance would not, could
not get involved. During that time the Council and the citizens alike cried
out ‘we are supposed to be part of
the Galactic Alliance! Why don’t they help us?’ But Ocern already knew the answer to that. It was because
many sectors surrounding the Setnin Sector did not like their neighbour and
the fact that Setnin was, figuratively speaking, being pounded by the Ki-Ki
invasion was good news to them. It was strange how, as Ki-Ki forces entered
Setnin space, the other sectors applied for Galactic Alliance membership, as
had the Ki-Ki Sector. If the Galactic Alliance took sides in a war that
appeared justified to the surrounding sectors then they risked losing all
those other parts of space, and others local that had already joined. This
was the outer edge of the Mid-Rim, where things were done very differently.
It was a very delicate position for them. For Letitia. “Ki-Ki gunships
notwithstanding,” Ocern said in his own slow, deep voice, “the target of
their attack is a Jedi Knight. Surely you are justified in rescuing your
friend?” “I have faith in
her abilities,” Letitia answered. And her mission, she thought. There was another burst of flame from up the hall as the
Janites threw charges down the halls. The explosions were getting steadily
nearer and the light and heat getting closer. Scar shook his head. “They’re trying
to flush us out,” he said, the smoke and stench of burnt plastic causing him
to cough violently. Golden put a hand on his shoulder and he patted it with
thanks. “I’m alright”. Jeddess turned to Reptile. “What about the others approaching from below?” “They seem to
have stopped,” was the answer. Reptile’s eyes were narrowed as he tried to
discern forms in the dim light further down the hall.” “They might be
waiting for us to run from the explosions,” Scar said. “Ambush.” Jeddess closed her eyes and reached out with the Force,
her thoughts once again projected to the enemy to ascertain their emotions
and possible intentions. But this time she detected no intent towards them. There
were no violent thoughts or anything else that made her consider the other
force further down the hall was against them. In fact, she could sense
confusion and more than a little concern. “They’re not Janites,”
Jeddess gasped as she opened her eyes again. “I think they’re looking for
us.” “Search and
rescue?” Reptile said with a dubious tone. “This soon after the crash?” Golden had a face smeared with concern. “No way. I reckon
these are Ki-Ki troops masquerading as Janites and the
group further down is in ambush…” “But they do not
feel like the men chasing us,” Jeddess said quickly, raising her voice as
another explosion tore down the hall. “They do not feel as thought they are
involved with a deception.” “Could they be
masking their thoughts?” Scar asked. “The only people
to know there was a Jedi on the Nexus
Six were yourselves and several others on Yavin who would never do
such a thing as inform outsiders of secret routes. “No, I believe we should
head down and hopefully get aid and transport from these new arrivals.” They all nodded affirmation but Golden was still not
convinced. “We should stand
and fight,” she said through gritted teeth. The others were already moving away and Golden bought up
the rear reluctantly, casting continual glances over her shoulder towards the
bright explosions behind them. As the group neared the end of the hall where it
flattened out to join the rows of landing bays further down the huge
construct they could hear voices. As they drew nearer the torch lights waved
quickly, some were extinguished and then shapes started to emerge from the
dark. All the search and rescue team could see were four
figures approaching, one with a green-bladed lightsabre that hummed deeply,
behind them blossoming fire of charges. The leader of the team stepped
forward with one hand on his holstered pistol and another held up, palm out. “Identify yourselves,” the man said in a sharp, commanding tone. “We are the
survivors of the Nexus Six,
commander,” Jeddess said calmly, deactivating her lightsabre, which lowered
the light level even further. “We are being pursued by what appear to be
Janites, with staffs and explosives.” “But we were
informed of Ki-Ki gunships in this area,” the commander said. “Have you seen
them?” Scar asked. He noticed that the commander was quite perplexed, even
worried, and he also noticed how Jeddess’s features had turned to an
expression of confusion. Just as the commander opened his mouth to speak,
Jeddess said, “I was wrong. You were not looking for us.” Her hand clenched
into a fist and she narrowed her eyes. The feelings and thoughts she was
getting from the man were clearer now that she was closer and she tensed with
anticipation. The commander appeared shocked, but then suddenly
snapped. “Get them!” Jeddess swung up with the lightsabre as weapons were
bought to bear. The blade extended green and sliced off the end of two of the
weapons, the molten metal of the destroyed blasters splashing red on the
floor. Reptile lifted his blaster but suddenly the upper part of his chest
erupted in sparks. Scar, blinded by the sudden explosion, turned to see where
the shot had come from, expecting to see Janites heading at them from up the
corridor. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped as he saw Golden
swinging her blaster to take a shot at him but as she pulled the trigger he
dived forward. She pulled off several shots as he gambolled towards her, the
red blaster bolts exploding against the floor. He came out of the roll on his
back, his blaster pointed up at the woman who had been surprised by his
manoeuvre in actually getting closer
to her. With a single shot he disarmed her, the smoking hole in her right arm
causing her to lose her grip on the weapon. As she fell back he came up with
his weapon ready. The Janites had joined the fray. Reptile was badly
injured but continually fired into the approaching ranks of blue-armoured
warriors. Jeddess spun through the small group of men they thought
had come to help them. Her blade flashed and another weapon was severed. Her
raised senses detected danger and she leaned back as a blaster shot screaming
just over her head, and she came back up to deflect another bolt away. Her
blade stabbed out, neatly holing a shoulder and producing a scream. As she
spun she kicked out to knock down another man and then flipped over forwards,
her legs spinning in the air and then landing square behind them all. Another
slice and a hand fell to the floor, and then her third strike caused them to
rout. She flipped back over to stand ready with her friends. She watched the Janites as they came running at them,
staff weapons blazing and blue armour glaring. They all screamed prayers and
blessings as they threw themselves upon them. The battle was well fought, but the outcome was already
decided. Letitia Arkensaw pulled in a deep breath and let it out
slowly. With a nod she turned back to the two people stood behind her. Ocern Gabe was smiling. The information he had just been
given would aid him greatly in his quest to unite the Setnin worlds against
the enemy, now that they knew exactly who the enemy was. All he needed now
was confirmation of what had happened on Wennicas two days previously. Jeddess Essar stood patiently, watching Letitia
carefully. “Jeddess,”
Letitia said, “This has been a very successful mission for you. I know that
it was a trial by fire but you have conducted yourself well.” The Jedi Knight nodded affirmation. “Thank you, I am
glad that the mission was a success.” With a cough to attract attention Ocern held up his
datapad. “Sorry to
interrupt, but I’ll need details of what happened. I have a meeting with the
assembly soon, so…” With a nod to Jeddess, Letitia sat down behind her desk. Jeddess turned to the governor. “There have been
several Ki-Ki attacks on Setnin targets recently that the Galactic Alliance
has blamed the invading sector for, but they in turn know nothing of such
attacks. These operations have incensed Setnin worlds and the fighting has
been heightened. There was a theory, presented by Master Arkensaw herself,
which said that another party might be responsible to increase the violence
between the two sectors. I was asked to fake an important journey for a
Setnin official for the trial of tactical information led back to Galactic
Alliance staff. “My suspicions
were confirmed when the woman who accompanied us requested transfer from her
usual job to the courier, the Nexus
Six. Not only did she inform the Ki-Ki gunships where we would be and
when, she also arranged transport for herself with a pirate group who we also
intercepted on Wennicas. It appears governor, that she has been supplying
Janos with intelligence regarding tactical data so that the Janites,
disguised as Ki-Ki personnel, could hit those targets. A virtually
unprotected Galactic Alliance vessel with a Setnin senator on board was too
good a target to miss. The trap was sprung and we managed to stop the Janites
and uncover the informant.” Ocern shook his head. “But why would the Janites do such
a thing?” “To prolong the
war, governor. To watch both the Setnin and Ki-Ki Sectors tear each other to
pieces to leave them to pick up what is left and claim victory.” With a shake of his head, Ocern flipped off the pad and
started for the exit. “Well, I guess I’d better inform the assembly…” “Governor.” Ocern turned at Letitia’s sharp voice. “Governor, it
may be wise not to mention that the informant was in the employ of the
Galactic Alliance. Tensions are high now, and we do not want the Setnin
Sector turning against us while this war rages. Distrust and agitation will
not do in these troubled times.” With a frown Ocern looked out of the opening door and
then down at his datapad. Grudgingly, or apparently so, he nodded. “Very well. But
this cannot remain a secret forever, Letitia.” With that he walked from the
room. Jeddess
relaxed and looked over at Letitia. “Perhaps it would have been wiser to be
honest, especially since the Galactic Alliance has no part in this war and Setnin
needs help.” But Letitia shook her head. “The people of Setnin would
not see it that way. Not only are we not helping but also people in our
government are helping their enemies. How would they view that? “Jeddess, you
must realise that truth is a powerful thing, but what is truth to one is
tragedy to another. These are the things you will learn as you progress as a
Jedi Knight.” She reached out and touched Jeddess’s shoulder lightly. “And
after the mission you have just completed, I can see you will go far.” Jeddess blushed and looked at her feet. Trial by Fire
2001 short story by Jonathan
Hicks Thirty-six
years after Episode IV – A New Hope Histories – The introduction of a new Jedi Knight to the Setnin Sector, Jeddess Essar.
An apprentice of Letitia Arkensaw, Jeddess is introduced during the sectors darkest hour. Stumbling onto a vital piece of
information, Jeddess proves her worth to Setnin, establishing herself and
paving the way for further adventures.
The first Lightsabre-era
story to appear on another website first, this tale by Jonathan Hicks appeared on
the Jedi
Girl SSR site in January of
2001, months before its premiere on Lightsabre.
Cast of Characters
Jeddess
Essar Letitia
Arkensaw Ocern
Gabe Reptile Golden Scar |