Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 15 -- A Family Reunion

Finishing what was started on Krownest, Jedi Knight Taska Rokanh has been assigned to another mission that must be kept secret, this time without the help of her clone soldiers. She finds herself in the unfamiliar Mandalorian system, which may be closer to home than she knows.

"They were the same Mandalorians you encountered during your mission with Duchess Kryze. They seem to have moved on quite quickly."

"And... how many people did they kill, again?" Taska tried to make the question sound collected, but it was hard when they were talking about so much murder. She was used to the droids. It had always been difficult for her to stomach the idea of people killing each other. And you let them get away.

"17," Shaak Ti said solemnly. "I was surprised at the damage, considering that they had relatively few weapons at their disposal, but they are clearly very dangerous."

So why not send Master Kenobi, or Master Windu?

"An internal affair, the Republic has claimed this to be," Yoda said, picking up on her train of thought. "Mandalorians attacking one another on a distant planet in the sector, our safety it does not affect, or so the Chancellor says." She could tell the ancient master was less than pleased with the decision.

"Regrettably, we cannot send one of the masters that the Chancellor is likely to call upon for meetings or support," Master Windu continued. "He'd notice, and we don't want the war effort to slow down because we were arguing with the Senate."

"So we decided to send you," Master Ti told her. "You, wisely, have managed to keep yourself out of politics and the public eye," she subtly praised. "We believe you are fully capable of handling anything that you should come across."

"I thank you for your faith, Masters," Taska bowed, looking at each of the Councilmen in turn. "I will do my best to keep the galaxy peaceful."

"In the meantime, your clones will remain on call while they are on leave here. Since they are part of the Republic Army, they cannot go anywhere if the Chancellor does not approve of it."

Taska's heart sank, though the reasoning was sound. She had really wanted to have at least one of her men by her side.

"I understand. I'll be on my way right now."

* * *

"Excuse me," she asked, striding towards the shopkeeper with datapad in hand. "I'm looking for some information. Perhaps you could help me?"

"Depends on what kind of information you're looking for," he grunted.

"All I'm asking is if you've seen these men," she showed a picture containing a family in various types of armor, scars on many of their faces. She recognized the youngest one, and the oldest as well, most likely the father.

The shopkeeper glared at her. "You don't want to know where they are. I suggest you leave."

"So you have seen them," she insisted. "You must understand that this is important."

"I said you should leave."

She stared at him for a while longer before nodding. "Thank you for your time."

As she turned to leave, an older woman sitting in the corner of the room called to her. "Come here."

Taska tilted her head before obeying. "Do you have any information?" She asked.

"What's your name?" The woman narrowed her eyes, gazing at her with a kind of penetrating observation that managed to unnerve her.

"Taska Rokanh," she said cautiously. What do you want?