Star Wars: The Padawan Menace

Riq Thorne

Riq is thrilled when Lana fills him in on everything that has happened in the two months when he was a Sith apprentice. She has gotten the chance to become a Jedi Padawan to the famous Luke Skywalker, the Rebel pilot who had used the Force to save the galaxy from the dreaded Death Star. Riq tells Lana and Asher about his experiences as a Sith apprentice, and then mentally he swears never to talk about it again.

Then the door bursts open and there stand five of the Emperor's Royal Guard.

"Uh, guys..." Asher says, "I don't know if I can take down five of them with one WESTAR 25." Nevertheless, he scoops up the pistol from the floor.

"I think we can handle this," Riq says, using the Force to lift his lightsaber into his right hand. He ignites it immediately, and Lana ignites her own. They give each other a nervous glance.

Not only have the twins not seen each other for two months, but they've never had to fight side-by-side before. And never have they used lightsabers in the other's presence. Not only that, Riq can see fear in Lana's eyes. She's still scared of him. She thinks he might turn back into Thorne at any minute. Riq knows that he's broken free from the Dark Side permanently, but Lana doesn't know that. He gives her the slightest of nods, and her expression becomes relieved. She trusts him.

"You," one of the guards says, stepping forward. "Freeze."

"Ha," Riq says, giving the guards a mischievous look. "You're funny."

Asher shifts uncomfortably. In precise unison, all five Guards aim their Force Pikes at the twins.

"I don't like this," Lana mutters under her breath.

Riq makes eye contact with his sister. He turns his gaze toward the Guard, and squints at three of them.

Lana nods. She gets the message. Then she ever so slightly taps her toe. Once... twice... Three!

Riq squeezes his hilt and together, both yelling a battle cry, the twins dive at the guards.

***

At first, things go great. Riq is able to swing his lightsaber at the very last moment, and one guard tries to block it, but he isn't expecting Riq to come this late. The Force Pike he's carrying snaps in half.

The guard is able to dodge and roll out of the way. Riq grunts and the guy runs from the room.

One down, two to go. Riq looks over at Lana. She is deep in battle. She lunges, blocks, parries, and rolls. Where did she learn all of this stuff? She must've been busy for the past two months.

Focus, Riq tells himself. Your sister's not the only one with a laser sword.

He turns his attention back to the two guards facing him, when suddenly a Force Pike flies past his face and stabs one of Lana's guards in the face. Everyone turns to stare at her. She's staring at her hands.

"What the heck...?" Lana says. "How did I-?"

"The Force!" Riq says giddily. "Lana, you're a Force user!"

"I... am?" Lana asks.

"Yeah," Riq says, "and you've given me some inspiration. Promise you won't freak out?"

Lana sighs. The guards tense.

"Riq-"

"Promise. You have to trust me."

"But I don't!"

"And yet."

"Fine."

Riq takes a deep breath. He's never tried this before. You have to maintain control, he thinks. Make it bend to your will, not the other way around.