Fight or Flight

Twisted

"Master Shano, what seems to be the problem?" Mace Windu is the first to appear in the small blue holographic image coming from my wristband.

"Are there any other council members around or just you?" I inquire. Master Yoda, Yarael Poof, and Ki-Adi-Mundi step into the hologram, as do Depa Billaba and Kit Fisto. "Ah perfect. I was hoping there would be more. The situation on Alderaan has become more concerning." I dart my eyes around, looking out for any more Pyke syndicate members.

"You are concerned about something?" Mace asks, raising a non-existent eyebrow.

"Yes. The Pyke Syndicate is here." Murmurs ensue from the hologram. "I am calling to request backup. While my padawan and I can stay them off for a while, we won't be able to do so for every long."

"The Organa's? Security, they have, no?" Yoda inquires.

"Yes, but their security is no longer trustworthy. Pyke Syndicate members have intruded into the castle as undercover workers. Some have disguised themselves to look like humans, though I'm not sure how."

"Sounds like a dire situation." Kit Fisto points out the obvious and it takes all the strength I have to not roll my eyes.

"Please. I ask for at least a few Jedi to come and aid Alderaan in its plight." The murmurs start up again and I breathe deeply, praying that at least some Jedi will come to help.

"I'm sorry Master Shano, but we can't." Mace states and the hologram ends. Shock hits my body in waves, and for a moment I feel off-balance. Tears threaten to spill over but I push them back. Taking a deep breath in, I push through the palace doors and head towards the staffing room. Once I arrive, I see a large crowd of staff and security guards lounging on the floor. Jehsak stands at the one door, guarding it with his saber in his hand.

"Jehsak."

"Master. Any word from the council?"

"They are not sending anyone, so this will be a mission for just the both of us."

"Is it possible it's part of my Jedi trials?"

"That...I don't know. How are things here?"

"They are restless, as you can see." Jehsak points to a few people standing against the walls looking antsy and slightly...guilty?

"I see. I will gather them and tell them about what is happening. Those who try to run out, stop them."

"Yes master." Jehsak turns to fully block the door with his saber fully ignited. I walk towards the middle of the room, clear my throat, and being speaking.

"I understand you are all eager to return to your jobs. However, we cannot allow for this to occur. There are members of the Pyke Syndicate who have infiltrated this castle through its staff and security. Spy droids have been placed in rooms such as Senator Amidala's. Now, if there are those of you in here who are part of the Pyke Syndicate, sympathize with them, or who have aided them in any way, I ask you to come forward. Mercy will be granted to those who are willing to speak. Otherwise, my padawan here will have to stop you in less merciful ways." The room falls silent, but the men in the corner appear to become more antsy. "Anyone?"

"Master, I don't believe anyone here is a sympathizer with the Pyke Syndicate." One of the maids speaks up. "I do know of some new staff who has been hired."

"I see. Who are the new ones who have been hired?" The maid points to the three men standing against the wall, as well as two cooks, and one maid. "Those that this maid has graciously told me are new to this job, I will interrogate you one by one. Those who are not new, you may now leave." The group stands up to leave, with the six staff being left behind. "Thank you." I speak quietly to the maid, and she nods. I am about to head off to the new room when one of the security staff on the wall makes a break for Jehsak.