The Returning Knight: A Star Wars Story

Chapter 39: Rescue Mission

"Quiet or they'll notice us." Revan signaled to both Turan and Shim. Getting caught infiltrating the royal palace on Hapes, was not something that would end well for anybody.

The pair of arguing Norgri's paused before turning to her and nodding. The trio resumed forwards with their operation.

Climbing the ledge of one of the many rain soaked rooftops of the palace, proved no obstacle for any of them.

Revan was about to move forwards before Turan put his staff in front of her. "There." He whispered, pointing to a patrol of two women. "Gas them." She ordered and the two commandos moved just behind the pair before releasing the toxic mist from their staff; the guards dropped dead immediately.

Revan herself was impressed by the capabilities of these weapons and with the help of the duo, built one for herself.

Reaching above a window, she reached out using the force, trying to anticipate when lightning would strike next. She intended to time it with her breaking of the window.

Five minutes of wait later, she sensed an incoming thunderbolt and slammed her staff right into the palace window; jumping in along with the Noghris.

The three guards inside were easy work, having been caught off guard by the trio jumping in and kicking them to the floor before delivering a staff to the face.

"You remember the layout?" She questioned to which both nodded. "Well search the areas we agreed upon where the clone is most likely to be. You also have my brothers' younger pictures for reference." The last part came out almost forced; she didn't want to think about her late brother. His memory was sour and sweet at once but she tried to forget the sour in particular.

But she wasn't the only one pained by his 'death'. The Noghris were also mourning his death. They had sworn a life oath to protect him yet they failed and were now bound to help the closest member of his family; in this case it was his sister.

They split up, hoping to cover as much ground as possible. Their target was a very tall child with a slender build and wearing extravagant outfits befitting of the royal family.

The hallways were lined with patrols of guardswomen who they evaded; killing more would just be too obvious.

The layout Sigil had provided before his departure for Fondor was matching with what they were seeing but the child's quarters were unknown even to him.

The three were forced to sneak a peek into every room in the living areas of the palace. Leaving no room for doubt; they even searched all educational and training areas while under immense pressure not to be caught.

Revan was heading into yet another room when she felt the comlink on her belt vibrate. "Talk." She whispered. "Found a tall and slim child. Her face seems to match that of the late Admiral but her hair is red." Shim spoke.

"I'll come and check. Location?" She asked. "Room fifty-six-G, western wing. I've got the child incapacitated and Turan is on his way." Shim said, ending the call.

By the time Revan had snuck her way there, Turan and Shim had the child ready to go. "This one." Shim said as soon as she entered.

"A girl?" She mused. Looking more closely at the face, build and force signature, she determined that this was her brother's clone and the one they were looking for. "This is the one." She said, turning around.

"You won't be coming with us?" Turan questioned. "I'll destroy the rest of the genetic samples." She elaborated. "But look." Turan pointed. "She has red hair. Kaminoans were the cloners, not palace scientists since they allowed for minor changes like hair to happen." Shim said.