Eye Of The Needle (Star Wars)

Chapter 5: Moving To Tyrena

I quickly returned to where Koltav and R3 were before I left to pursue the bounty hunter. Koltav seemed relieved to see me. "There you are. Where were you?"

"I have information on your assassination attempts. The rumors Master Allie heard were true." I confessed.

His eyes widened. "You tell me everything, Storm."

"I'll tell you but not here. We must return to the palace." I urged.

"You're right."

With that Koltav, R3, and I made our way to the palace and into the audience chambers where Korste, Master Allie, and the council were waiting. And boy were Korste and Master Allie both livid.

"What in the name of the Force were you doing out in the city?" Master Allie asked me as soon as we entered the chambers.

"There was an explosion! You could've all been killed." Korste chimed in.

Before I could speak, Koltav spoke up. "This was not her fault. It was mine. She only followed me since she knew I would not return to the palace. She protected me."

"Koltav, there's no need to cover for me." I assured him before facing my master and the others. "It was I who suggested that we go into the city. I only wanted to make him feel better. I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt, I swear."

However before you scold me any further I must inform you that I did find something that will be of interest to you all. After the explosion, I tracked down a Klatooinian bounty hunter named Cedno Trar. He fled right after and I was able to get him, and interrogate him. He mentioned he was one of the bounty hunters hired by a group called the Drall Patriots." I explained. "Cedno also told me that one of the leaders of the group on Corellia seeks to kill the entire Catroe family."

No doubt this group consisted of Drall, but I knew not all Drall were like this. When I was younger, I use to know a couple of Drall who are the kindest, peaceful, and smartest people I'd met. Master Allie's face changed from stern to a praising look. "Excellent work, Storm."

Korste's face paled as well as Koltav's. Koltav slumped down on his chair. "This is far more serious than I thought."

"These patriots...do we have any idea where they could be?" I questioned.

Koltav shook his head. "We do not know much about them. We know they've been around for quite some time..."

"But they weren't as strong as this." Korste finished.

"And where is this bounty hunter now, Miss Ca'ana?" One of the council members inquired.

I averted my gaze to the ground. "He...he killed himself before I could take him back here."

"Are you kidding me?! We're going to believe her word." Blazvic asked, looking rather appalled. 

"I trust Storm with my life." Master Allie defended me.

"As do I." Koltav added.

"And so do I." Korste chimed in.

I wore a smug look as Blazvic glared at me. Needless to say he was beyond pissed. Blazvic gritted his teeth. "You'll regret this."

With that he got up and stormed off. Once he left, Korste spoke up.

"This city is no longer a safe place for my brother. He needs to be taken somewhere else." Korste insisted.

"We could take him to Tyrena. My home there is on the outskirts of the city close to the crystal swamps." I suggested.

Korste turned to Koltav and Master Allie who thought carefully before exchanging looks.

"I believe that's our best option." Koltav commented.

"Then it's settled." Master Allie said as she clasped her hands. "Storm and I will take both the Diktat and his brother."

"Wait, you're talking me as well?" Korste asked rather confused.

"Yes, you heard what Storm said. They just don't want to kill the Diktat, but the entire Catroe family, which includes you." Master Allie reminded him.

"Very well. We'll prepare everything." Korste said as he, Koltav, Master Allie, and the council left the audience chambers.

As they left the chambers I remained, staring at the ground. I could still hear Cedno's words echoing in my mind, haunting me. "I'm pretty sure this isn't the Jedi way, Ca'ana. You're just as vicious as your sister, Jinx when it comes to dealing with enemies."

Jinx what have you done? I then shook my head. No, Jinx isn't capable of such things. None of us in the Ca'ana family are capable of doing anything terrible...right? 

•••
That afternoon, R3, Korste, Master Allie, Koltav, and I left the palace, making our way to Tyrena. We disguised ourselves so we wouldn't attract attention. We finally arrived at my home at dusk. My home was a medium sized house filled with antiques from other planets, Holopaintings of our family, and basic Corellian furniture throughout the home. Once we arrived, I noticed my grandparents, Boccran and Mangis Ca'ana sitting outside, listening to the Holonet News.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" I exclaimed before rushing over to hug them like a child.

Their eyes lit up as soon as they saw me. "Storm!" 

Once we pulled away from the hug, grandpa spoke up. "It's good to see you again, Stormy!"

I groaned at the mention of my nickname. "Grandpa, you don't have to call me that...especially in front of other people."

Koltav chuckled. "Oh no please continue. I find this rather amusing, Stormy."

I could feel a massive blush forming on my cheeks. Luckily my master was too preoccupied with the task at hand. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Ca'ana, forgive us for intruding but it's vital that we stay here in your home." Master Allie informed them.

"Intruding?" Grandma repeated in disbelief. "Why you aren't intruding at all. Any friend of our lovely granddaughter's is a friend of ours."

Master Allie, Korste, and Koltav all wore relieved looks at my grandma's words. As my grandpa escorted them inside, grandma placed a hand over my arm. I looked over at my grandma to see a mischievous smile on her lips. "Who's the guy?"

"Which one?"

She always did this whenever I spoke of a boy or even brought one home as a friend, which was something my grandma didn't understand. It frustrated me at times, however I know she loves me and means well.

She gave me a knowing look. "You know who I mean."

R3 beeped, backing up my grandma. 

"Hey! Who's side are you on?" I protested.

"Looks like even your droid knows what I speak of." Grandma replied.

I sighed. "His name is Koltav Catroe. He's the Diktat of Corellia."

"Oooh the Diktat, huh?" Grandma teased.

"Grandma, it's just a Jedi mission. We must protect him." I clarified.

Her face quickly grew more serious. "From what?" 

"From the Drall Patriots." I replied before heading towards the door. "Please try not to say anything that'll embarrass me."

"No promises, Stormy." Grandma said, causing me to groan.