Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 4 -- Old Friends

Old friends reunited! Taska Rokanh’s friend since they were younglings, Yen Shila, is joining her for a mission. Despite her excitement at seeing him again, Rokanh has reason for concern, both for the Padawan and her own men.

“Ace,” Taska said as she caught up to him in the hallway. “I have good news. We’re getting more men.”

“Okay,” the captain said expectantly.

“As such, you’re being promoted to battalion commander effective immediately,” she smiled tensely.

“Oh, uh, thank you, General,” He said. “I’ll do my best. Is there… anything else?” He asked as she continued to walk beside him.

“No,” she said finally. “I’ll be in the training room for the next couple of hours,” she told him. “I’m expecting a call from General Sarlin at 0100, so if you could please get me a few minutes before.”

“Sure thing, General.”

“Thank you, commander.”

* * *

Drawing closer to the door, Ace could hear grunts and blows landing. Stepping inside, he could see two Jedi, one being his General, locked in fierce combat. They whirled around the room, lightsabers hitting each other at every turn. Sweat glistened on the General's face and uncovered arms, her eyes burning with concentration. Ace stared in amazement. He had seen his general block blaster fire and clear a battlefield plenty before, but there was something almost surreal about watching her fighting against someone with a similar skill set, and with such intensity. After a few minutes, her opponent overpowered her, and she ended up on the ground, smiling.

“Well done,” she panted as the Mirialan helped her up. She then noticed Ace standing by the door. “Commander. Ten minute mark?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Alright, I’ll try to compose myself,” she laughed. “This is my friend, Yen,” she said, gesturing to the dark-haired man whose padawan braid still swung behind his left ear. Ace simply nodded in acknowledgement. The two Jedi began removing the weights they tied to themselves for training. Once they had cleaned up, Yen headed back to his temporary quarters while Ace escorted Taska to the bridge.

He discreetly rolled his shoulder, and Taska flashed a smile. “Missing your pauldron already?”

“A little,” he admitted, mirroring her expression. He couldn't help but notice how her cheeks still glowed from the exercise. Mentally, he slapped himself. Focus.

* * *

“You and Padawan Shila's main goal is to help the civilians to safety,” the hologram reported, looking directly at General Rokanh.

“Yes, Master Sarlin,” she nodded. “As I understand, once all of them have been moved to the designated safe zones, our men can take care of them. Then would you like Yen and I to assist in completing your objective?”

“We will see when the time comes, but I suspect I will require your assistance,” the Zabrak agreed. “Please make sure that my Padawan obeys your order. I fear he will be more lax since you two are so familiar.”

“I assure you, there will be no problem,” General Rokanh replied faithfully.

The briefing ended, and they made their way to the gunships.

* * *

“So,” Ace began awkwardly as they walked. “Who is this Yen, exactly?”

She sighed. “His full name is Yen Shila. We’re about the same age, so we were under the care of Master Yoda at the same time. Have you heard of Master Yoda?”