STAR WARS: Fugitive

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

There’s been a disturbance in the Force, thought A’pratti’ka as she sat in deep meditation with her eyes closed, hidden in the dark shadow of a mine trolley turned on its side. She heard a noise that sounded like an explosion or thunder in the distance, which slightly rumbled the ground for a few moments before dying away. Her eyes popped open with a sudden new revelation, She’s turned back! She smiled, and stood to begin making preparations for the arrival of her apprentice.

“Your friend, Melco,” said the Zeltron, “couldn’t quite figure it out. It all seemed to happen as soon as you left the clinic.”

They had been at a near jog and not spoken to each other since the explosion until the old Roonstone mine finally came back into view and they slowed to a more relaxed pace, though Thera kept a sense of urgency in her step. The Zeltron had begun sharing the details of his recovery from his strength loss to Thera.

“About that,” replied Thera, sparing a momentary guilty glance, “it was all my fault. I... saw an opportunity to practice my use of the Force... anonymously,... so after you hit that wall, I focused on your muscular system and restricted your movements,... pretty much... the whole time.”

The Zeltron stopped, looking insulted. “You nerf!” he said sharply. “You made me go through... through electric shocks?”

Gosell stifled a snicker and a smirk, but still kept up with Thera.

“Sorry,” said Thera without slowing her pace. “You were a great specimen,” she added looking back a moment before continuing on.

The Zeltron sighed, disgusted and annoyed. “I’m gonna go find Peri,” he said, stomping off in the opposite direction.

Thera stopped near the mine’s entrance turning to Gosell and paused, thinking.

“Do you think he’ll ever forgive you?” posed Gosell.

Thera shook her head. “Not really, with changes that are about to happen,” replied Thera.

“ ‘Changes’. Is this another dangerous Force premonition?”

“Possibly. You should probably go with him.”

Gosell grimaced. “I have a bad feeling about this! You may need me around. Besides, I’ve had about enough of his charm.”

“Okay, but... you may not survive what may ensue here.”

“Thera, I have nothing left. My early life was cut short. My life afterward was torture until I fought my way to where I was at Keldabe. It all changed again when you and Peri ran into me. Since then ...” she paused, gestured with her eyebrows and cocked her head.

Thera made no reply, but still looked uneasy.

“Look,” Gosell went on, “I’ll stay back at a safe distance, until you signal all clear.”

Thera sighed and nodded, “Alright. But I may not be able to protect you from whatever happens.”

 “It’s my risk; I’ll take the chance,” said Gosell breathing out a determined sigh of resolution.

Gosell followed Thera into the mining site and located shelter in a dark shadow beneath an old grinding mill. Thera continued on, weaving her way through the mine’s maze toward the shack, near where her brother had died.

She paused at the shack’s entryway and peered into the darker shadows further back. Seeing no signs of life, she turned to face the empty clearing and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and felt for the currents in the Force. She reached back with her mind the way she came and found Gosell, brimmed with caution, curiosity, and calculation. She stretched out further around the mining compound, identifying pieces of broken down machinery. She felt the presence of Lady A’pratti’ka moments before she heard her voice.