Silent Reckonings [Yord Fandar x OC]

Chapter 39

Elara stood before the Jedi Council, her form projected in shimmering blue light as she recounted the harrowing encounters with her father. Her voice, though steady, betrayed the exhaustion that had taken its toll on her body and mind.

"The first time I encountered him was during a mission," she began, her eyes scanning the holographic forms of the Council members. "It was... a shock. He revealed himself to me as a Sith. Since then, he has tried to communicate through the Force, attempting to lure me away from the Order."

The holograms flickered slightly as she took a deep breath, her hands trembling at her sides. "He sent someone to capture me while I was on Voltar. I managed to fend them off, but the attempts didn't stop. I learned to block him out of my mind, but he persisted. The most recent encounter was just hours ago, on the streets of Coruscant."

Her voice wavered, and she pressed a hand to her forehead. The room seemed to spin around her, and she struggled to maintain her composure. "He wants me to join him. He believes the Jedi will abandon me, as they did him."

Master Windu's hologram leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "How long have you known about him, Padawan Tannis?"

"Only since the first mission," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "My mother kept his identity and his affiliations hidden from me. I never knew the truth until recently."

Master Yoda's hologram tilted his head, his wise eyes filled with concern. "Much danger, this presents. Careful, you must be."

As she continued to speak, her vision blurred, and a ringing sound filled her ears. Her cheeks felt numb, and she struggled to catch her breath. "I have always resisted him. I fought against him on Kofar. I will not join him. I am loyal to the Order."

Master Norin, standing behind her, shifted his weight, drawing her attention. She turned to him, confusion etched across her features. "Master Norin, what is it?"

Before Master Norin could respond, the room spun violently, and Elara felt her knees give way. She collapsed onto her hands and knees, her consciousness faltering. Darkness crept at the edges of her vision, and she struggled to stay aware.

"Elara!" Master Norin's voice was filled with urgency as he quickly walked toward her, worry etched on his face.

The Council members reacted swiftly, their holograms flickering with concern. "We will contact you again, Master Norin," instructed Master Windu.

The transmission ended abruptly. Master Norin knelt beside Elara, helping her up, but she could barely stand due to her dizziness.

"Elara, we need to get you to the med bay," Master Norin suggested, his voice firm yet gentle.

Elara shook her head weakly, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "It's just... I'm tired. Rest is all I need. I'll be good as new," she insisted, her voice faltering.

Master Norin looked at her, his eyes filled with concern, but he nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but if it gets worse, promise me you'll go to the med bay."

"I promise," Elara replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile.

•••

Elara did not sleep soundly that night, her mind plagued by the fear that her father might invade her dreams. She tossed and turned, her thoughts swirling with anxiety and the weight of recent events. The encounter in the dark alley, her father's words, and the looming threat of his presence all haunted her.

Despite her exhaustion, sleep was elusive. Every creak and shadow in her room seemed to remind her of the darkness that had seeped into her life. She feared closing her eyes, worried that she would see his face again, feel his cold presence through the Force.

As the hours dragged on, she finally drifted into a restless slumber, but even then, her dreams were fragmented and filled with unease. Visions of her father, cloaked in shadow and speaking in cryptic riddles, haunted her subconscious.

When the first light of dawn seeped through her window, Elara awoke with a start, her heart pounding. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, feeling as tired as she had the night before. She knew that she couldn't let these fears consume her, but it was difficult to shake off the lingering sense of dread.

Elara got dressed as usual, her movements quick and efficient despite her lingering fatigue. She was startled by the sound of Master Norin calling her, instructing her to meet him.

"Elara, get ready. We're leaving in an hour with Master Sol and Jecki," Master Norin said.

She quickened her pace, dressing and gathering her things. As she walked briskly to the meeting point, she was surprised to see Yord there as well. Master Norin must have forgotten to mention that Yord would be joining them. This mission, just a small disturbance involving illegal activities on a nearby planet, didn't seem like it would require a larger team.

Once they reached the planet, they headed towards a cantina known for its unsavory dealings. As they approached the entrance, a Mirialan woman stopped them.

"The only ones allowed in tonight are the ladies," she said, eyeing Elara and Jecki. Master Norin protested, followed by Yord, but the Mirialan insisted. "Leave your lightsabers. Blend in and drink if you want."

Jecki handed over her lightsaber and entered the cantina. Elara struggled with her attachment before finally handing hers over. As she moved to follow, the Mirialan woman stopped her, scrutinizing her closely.

"There's something about you," she said, placing a hand on Elara's stomach. Master Norin and Master Sol approached, and Yord's hand hovered near his lightsaber.

The Mirialan laughed at Yord's defensive posture. "Relax, Jedi. I just didn't expect a Jedi to carry a child in her womb. It's my first time meeting a pregnant Jedi."

The Jedi looked at her in confusion. Master Norin asked, "What are you talking about?"

"I can hear the heartbeat of an unborn child. My species can sense these things," she explained, her hand still on Elara's stomach.

"You must be wrong," Elara stammered, and Master Sol's gaze found Yord, who looked guilty. The Mirialan laughed again. "No, we were never wrong." Elara's heart skipped a beat.

"Well, you can't drink tonight, dear. That's not good for your child, is it?" She said, still amused by the situation.

She allowed Elara to enter the cantina, and Elara hesitated before going in, trying to avoid Master Sol and Master Norin's intense gazes. She gulped and began searching for Jecki to investigate the illegal substance being sold in secret. The cantina was dark, making it difficult to see.

Outside, Master Sol, Master Norin, and Yord waited. Yord shifted awkwardly, running his fingers through his locs, worry evident on his face. He felt busted. He and Elara had been careful, but now it seemed their intimate moments had led to this unexpected outcome. He never thought this would happen, believing their precautions were enough.

Master Sol's intense gaze bore into Yord, making him cough awkwardly. Inside, he was panicking. Does Master Sol and Master Norin know?

Master Norin finally broke the silence. "Yord, do you know anything about this?" His tone suggested he might already know the truth.

Master Sol added, "Do you have something to say, Yord?"

Yord hesitated. "Elara never mentioned anyone. She never mentioned a man specifically."

Master Norin's expression remained unreadable, but his tone was stern. "We will discuss this further. For now, we must focus on the mission."

Yord nodded, trying to push his worry aside. Inside the cantina, Elara and Jecki continued their investigation, their senses on high alert. They navigated through the dimly lit space, aware of the danger lurking around every corner.