The Shadows Star: Book 2

11: A Decade

Sombra, her stoic demeanor still in place as she tried to impress, began her explanation. "It is a pleasure to see both of you well. The senator has requested that I brief you on her current security situation. We must ensure our presence remains as discreet as possible. While the assignment has become more visible with the addition of both of you and my emergence from undercover work, I am determined not to inconvenience the senator further. She is a dear friend and a significant figure in the Senate."

Taking a deep breath, Sombra activated a holoprojector on the table, displaying the layout of the apartment. "I've already executed three-fourths of my strategy. Firstly, I've placed surveillance cameras throughout the apartment to monitor movements in real time, ensuring visual coverage of all areas. Secondly, I've stationed R2-D2 in her room. Advanced sensors are installed, and he's programmed to detect unauthorized entry or suspicious activity. Should an intruder breach the room, R2 will send an alert to us."

She paused, zooming out to show the entire building, gesturing to Captain Typho. "Third, Captain Typho's idea—though he insists on not taking credit. He's positioned officers on every building level. They will be discreet yet effective, ready to respond swiftly to any threats. The fourth measure involves us Jedi. We'll rotate between rest, monitoring the room, and overseeing the control center downstairs. With these precautions, we can ensure the senator's safety. Any questions?"

Raising her gaze from the holographic display, Sombra looked at the three men. Captain Typho regarded her with pride, his approving nod a silent endorsement. Obi-Wan appeared to be analyzing the holographic plan but found no apparent weaknesses. Anakin, however, seemed lost in thought, leaving her to wonder if he had even heard her words.

Captain Typho was the first to speak up. "You seem to have covered everything, Som. Impressive work," he said, offering a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Having you three here certainly puts my mind at ease. As she mentioned, officers are stationed on every floor, and I'll be at the control center downstairs. Sombra, may I have a word?"

Sombra nodded and followed Captain Typho out into the hall. Once they were alone, their stoic facades gave way to a more relaxed atmosphere. Typho's eyes softened, and a small, genuine smile graced his face.

"Som, are you alright? I thought you'd be happier to see your old friends," Typho inquired.

Sombra sighed, her uncertainty showing as she spoke, "I am happy, Ty. It's just... I guess I realized how much time has passed, and how many important moments we've missed. I've changed, and grown into a completely different person. My likes, my interests—they're all different now. And I'm sure they've changed too. But what if they don't like the new me? What if they hate who I've become?"

Captain Typho chuckled softly and gently took her hands in his. "Som, I may not have known you back then, but I've come to know you well in our shared missions. I've seen you work tirelessly, get shot at, share a drink, laugh, and cry. You've become a great friend to me, Som. You're incredibly talented, an impressive and beautiful person. You have nothing to worry about. And if, by some slim chance, they don't appreciate you for who you are now, I want you to remember something — the people who truly matter, the ones who genuinely care about you, they will see your light, no matter how much you've changed. Just be yourself, and that's all you'll ever need to be. Am I understood?"

Sombra smiled at Typho's words. His support and friendship meant a lot to her, and she appreciated his reassurance. She squeezed his hands gently and nodded.

"Loud and clear Cap," she replied with a lazy salute before walking into the apartment.

Meanwhile, inside, Anakin moped around, whining to a very excited Jar Jar. "She hardly recognized me, Jar Jar. I've thought about her every day since we parted... and she's forgotten me completely."