Lost in the Dark (Book 3)

Chapter 8: Scared to be Alone

          Hardcase, Kix, Ventress, and I rushed back to my half of the 501st. They were taking a much-needed rest from the fighting; however, the fight, I fear, has only just begun. "Get up, boys!", I ordered. "I got word from General Kenobi that Kane and the Twi'lek were both spotted near the Temple. We need to rendezvous with the rest of our brothers there to aid them however we can."

"Yes, sir!", they responded, now full of energy and ready for the fight ahead.

"She likes to sneak around in the dark," commented Ventress. "Hah! Sounds like how I used to be. An assassin. I'll leave you and your brothers to deal with Kane and the Knights, as they seemed to be called. I'll split off and keep watch for that Twi'lek. I'll contact you if I have any updates."

"You've been an amazing ally during this, Asajj," I replied with a hidden smile behind my helmet. "Stay safe."

"You too, Fives."

           I contacted Rex with my holopad as soon as Ventress left the rest of us. His figure appeared. "Fives did everything go okay over there?", he asked. He seemed unaware of what General Kenobi told me.

"I lost more brothers than I want to think about, but we eliminated them. They call themselves Knights and they serve a higher power called the Eternal Empire."

"Eternal Empire? I've never heard of them before."

"Neither have I, but that's something we can learn more on later. General Kenobi recently contacted me saying that clones have spotted Kane and the Twi'lek near the Temple. Have you seen either of them?

"It's been relatively quiet down here, actually," Rex said. "If they're here like General Kenobi said, they must be waiting for something, or someone."

"Me..." I just realized that this could be yet another one of her plans to lure me into a trap. "I think she wants me to be there before she attacks," I stated. "I won't stand by any longer and let Kane suffer. I'm getting him back today. Nothing she tries will stop me from reaching him. Nothing."

"She wants you dead, Fives," explained Rex. "Maybe you should wait a bit until we can get a clearer idea of her location."

"No!" I shouted. "The longer I wait, the more pain Kane has to endure by her hand. It ends here and now." I had my other hand reaching for the trigger of my blaster, eagerly waiting to use it against anyone who attempted to slow me down or get in my way. I calmed down a few seconds later. I needed a clear head. "Rex," I said. "Just promise me one thing..."

"Anything, Fives. What is it?"

"If I do die out there. Promise my death won't be in vain. Get Kane back for me."

"C'mon, don't say things like that," Rex retorted. "You've come this far for him. You'll be there to finish what you started. We'll be there with you until all of this is finally over."

"Thanks, brother," I replied. I silently wept behind my helmet. I was so close to the finish line. I could have Kane back in my arms before the day's end. I could not wait for that moment when I finally embrace him after so long. The feeling of his body touching mine will make all of this fighting worth it.

"Let's end this, brother," Rex commented. "Meet me at the Temple in one piece."

"You got it, Captain."

           My brothers and I took a LAAT to the Temple to meet Rex. There were not any Knights anywhere in sight. I could tell that it made my brothers nervous. A hidden enemy was always the most dangerous one. Rex was waiting for us near the entrance to the Temple. "Nice to see you all safe and sound, men," he stated. "We've lost a lot of good soldiers today, but I'm afraid the fight is not quite over yet."