THE CHASE>>>>>

As I came to, I heard the snow crunching underfoot. I summoned all my strength, sat upright, and Force-punched the approaching figure with everything I had.

 

If I had the Force powers of the other Jedi, the individual would have crumpled to the ground, but my adversary was only sent backward a few steps.

 

I could see the figure was staggered, and I threw my blade at it without hesitation. A wild hissing occured as the blade passed cleanly through the target's torso....I recalled the blade thus.

 

Momentarily, the figure shuddered and stepped forward, then plummeted onto his face. I noted the AT-AT was not moving, so he must have been alone.

 

Slowly, I regained my bearings, and made my way to the corpse. Carefully rolling him onto his back, I noted he was wearing no uniform, although the AT-AT looked in prime Imperial military condition.

 

"What was he doing out here in this Force-forsaken icefield?! And more importantly, why the assault?" I contemplated as I gleaned his clothing for some ID.

 

I happened upon a small vid player, and a disk. Upon it was the mappings for my province.....and my dwelling!

 

Finding nothing more, I went to the AT-AT, and investigated further. Within, I noted a transmission that led me to believe that he had been enroute to my abode when he learned of my travel.

 

Apparently, he then plotted an ambush. But, it takes quite a vehicle to hot-drop an AT-AT.....and he didn't look the type to own such a craft outright, which lead me to wonder who had fronted his efforts.

 

I notioned that if his comrades came to follow up, I'd need the AT-AT for a time. I buckled in, familiarized myself with the controls, and fired the mech up.

 

Clumsily at first, I maneuvered the AT-AT north again, but left the radar passive....no sense in announcing my presence.

 

The power levels on the AT-AT were nearly maxxed out, so the drop area must have been close by. I thought about doubling back on it's own tracks to find the deceased's cohorts, but the mission seemed to loom larger for me now, so I trekked on.

 

With the substantial drop in temperature, it was easy to keep the AT-AT running at speed. But with the severed lower actuator, I calculated that I would reach the Straits in about 18 hours.

 

Normally, I would have rested before then, but in leui of the circumstances, I pushed on, using any ice formations for cover.

 

About twelve clicks from the Straits, I pulled up, and starting looking for a place to ditch the AT-AT.

 

One of the iceflows had a hollow section, so I backed the AT-AT in, and shut down.

 

After egressing the cockpit, I noted an overhang of ice, which I dislodged with my Katana; it fell all about the AT-AT, leaving only a small section at the top clear.

 

"It will be difficult to detect under all that snow and ice" I surmised.

 

Snow was falling again, so I knew my tracks would vanish soon. I moved off toward the village at the Straits.

 

Never the neat dresser, I knew my attire would not draw undue attention, but I couldn't help but think that my assailant had others watching out for me.....I had to be on my guard.

 

A passerby coming into town from one of the remote villages gave me a lift on his speeder.....thank the Force it was only a short distance.....I had to ride outside on the flatback.

 

Upon reaching the village at the Straits, I hopped off, offered my benefactor compensation, which he refused, and made my way to the hover-ferry depot.

 

Since the depot was Imperial-run, I'd have to be very cautious. I force-spoke to the guard, urging him to let me pass on my ancient fake ID card, which he did.

 

I remained hooded, shuffling slowly through the crowd, until the hover-ferry lifted off. I then made my way to the stern, where I awaited it's arrival at the western station.

 

Staring off the stern into the grey waters of the Strait, I could feel eyes upon my back, but when I looked about casually, no one was focused upon me.