Guardians of Light

Deception

Clarke was hesitant to emerge from the cell and return to the bottom deck where she knew it would be a frosty welcome from the crew. 

'You can't seriously be considering this?' Cal challenged the Jedi, narrowing his eyes at the blonde woman with undisguised displeasure as she hovered uncertainly in the door way. 

'I have considered it Cal, and I have made my decision,' Lexa replied dismissively, more focused on the matt black box that rested on the bench in front of her. 

Clarke was in no mood to be on the receiving end of the Cathars quips and took a purposeful step forward, taking her onto the main deck, abandoning hesitation to stand resolute in the face of any hostility. 

It was apparent that Cal was not alone in his reservations. The Nautolan, Rakal, and the Zabrak, Bekk, also shared a similar expression as they wondered what Lexa's end goal was in taking the prisoner along to Coruscant with her. 

Even the G3P droid was humming his agreement with Cal's remark but nothing they could say would dissuade their captain.  Lexa pressed her ear lightly to open the comms link to Sharr and Toril who were up on the flight deck piloting the ship. 

'Take us down into a private docking bay this time Sharr. I don't think the security team at the main spaceport would take kindly to our return after the recent theatrics.'

Lexa carefully picked up the matt black box and placed it into a backpack at her feet. More secure methods of transportation would only attract unwanted attention in the city and that was something they couldn't afford. 

'What exactly is the plan?' Clarke inquired, blatantly ignoring the looks being sent her way by the crew. 

'We're meeting a Jedi master I knew from my days here training at the Jedi temple,' Lexa explained, picking up the rucksack with one hand to hold out towards the blonde. Clarke just stared at it uncertainly for a moment. 

'You're giving me the holocron?' 

'Would you rather return to your cell?' 

Clarke took the offered bag and slung it over her shoulder. The prospect of danger had never ruled her decisions and this was no different. A journey into the city would at the very least be interesting.  

The ship shuddered briefly as it touched down, the engines soon falling silent as Lexa gave the crew some final tasks to be finished onboard whilst she was gone. 

'Are you certain that you don't want a few extra bodies to accompany you?' Nova chimed in, not trusting that the prisoner wouldn't cause the Commander any trouble. 

'That won't be necessary. I need this ship in top condition for when I trade her in, so make sure everything's working at it's best. I'll keep you updated on our progress.'

The crew reluctantly disbanded to make a start on repairs and general maintenance until it was just Clarke and Lexa remaining on the deck. 

The Jedi gestured to the med bay and insisted that the blonde change before they departed, her thicker layers no longer needed now that they had left Hoth far behind, and Clarke was pleasantly surprised by the choice of clothes that had been selected by the Jedi. 

A light blue shirt with a darker fringe at the neckline had been laid out along with a navy blue jacket that could almost be mistaken for black in the right light. She abandoned the thicker undershirt that had served her well on Hoth and pulled on the new outfit. The fur lined leggings were replaced with dark trousers and she found that she could move far easier in this new attire. 

All she could possibly want for now was a good plaster at her hip, but that was not about to be supplied for her any time soon. 

The material must have been designed to stretch accordingly to the wearer because the clothes fit almost perfectly. With a few final adjustments to straighten the leather jacket, Clarke returned the bag to her shoulder and returned to where the Jedi was waiting.