Before - Legends Revenge of the syndicate, Starset roulette, mini games

Revenge of the syndicate, Starset roulette
Author: Earlybird-obi-wan
Timeframe: 170 BBY
Characters: see below
Genre: mini-games challenge
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to Lucasfilm and Lucasfilm belongs to Disney.

From @ViariSkywalker for her Starset roulette I got #2 is "Back To The Earth" from the album Vessels:

For the Meow you are talking challenge by @Chyntuck I got short and sweet purrompt 5 – The police cat – and she plays a great role in the chapters 5 and the next ones

Dramatis personae

Syndicate
Andro Gianini, 72, human, boss Gianini syndicate
Silvia Vival, 26, human, assistant hangar Jeditemple

Jedi
Hano Manuci, 65, human, Jedi-healer
Reno Helcani, 23, human, padawan Manuci
Shh-Kirr, 90, Barkanian lizard, Jedi-knight
Gavin Maurishka, 110, Serindian, Jedi engineer

Corellians
Ken Joffre, 44, human, owner Joffre yachts
Danny Remick, 55, human, nurse Coronet city university hospital
Don Hewit, 52, human, nurse Coronet city university hospital
Jack Markin, 50, human, surgeon Coronet city university hospital
Han Arel, 75, human, retired specialist
Jarin Keana, 92, human, retired Corellian Jedi healer

CorSec
Tarhin Engaron, 320, Dunai elder, instructor
Jacen Coronel, 54, human, officer
Jonno Emery, 59, human, officer
Ros Horn, 51, human, officer
Jake Keana, 25, human, junior officer
Zeno Horn, 19, human, student
Elmar Halcyon, 19, human, student and Jedi padawan of
Han Halcyon, 51, human, Corellian Jedi and officer

CorSec CSI investigators
Anna Geor, 49, human
Lisa Komolka, 54, human
Vin Bernosky, 55, human

Revenge of the syndicate

Chapter 1

She was happy and put on the holostream in her airspeeder when she left the hangar of the Jedi-temple. Tomorrow she would be working in that hangar, alone, without that pesky master Maurishka following every move. She would revenge her father and mother killed by the Jedi-knights during a raid where the Gianini syndicate lost almost half of it's members. She, her grandfather, grandmother and her uncle Pedro Gianini and his wife had been on a trip to Anaxes to negotiate with the Fire sun syndicate. She had loved the tales of her father, telling her about his membership of the Tarancola pirates and his narrow escape from Esseles and joining the Gianini syndicate.

She was guiding her airspeeder to her home. She was singing, repeating the words she had heard “And the world
Pull me high, far above, wicked skies
Set me free
Set alive.”

“There she is, my precious.” Andro Gianini saw his granddaughter landing her air-speeder in the hangar. The hatch opened.

Silvia sang “I become, satellite
Isolated, I succumb to the weight of the world
Separated, I fall from the sky
Is this death or rebirth?”

“Hey Sivia, what's that?”

“A new song I picked up from the holostream and it is very fitting for what I will do tomorrow.” Silvia Vival rushed to her grandfather.

“It's a sad song.” Andro hugged her.

“But very fitting. Tomorrow I am working on a CMH transport. And when it is used by those pesky Corellians that were the bane of my father, they will have an interesting landing when the engine quits upon entering the atmosphere of a planet. They will crash.” She told him more about what she had discovered working for the Jedi-engineer and saw the smile appearing on his wrinkled face.

“An excellent song and plan Silvia. You are on your way to become a great asset to our syndicate when I am too old to rule and my son Pedro takes over.”

- - -

A master and padawan were returning to their appartment in the Jeditemple. Both were sporting wet hair and were laughing. A procedure in one of the OT's had ended in the usual way in the scrubroom with a sponge and water fight.

A reach with a wet hand to the door opposite to alert the meditating healer.

“No view of the skyline today.” Master healer Manuci got Reno Helcani by his other arm. “This way my naughty apprentice.” He opened the door. “And go and see of those pesky birds are still there.”

“They are.” Reno Helcani spurted past his master to see the two green birds having a go at the left bread-crumbs from the breakfast that had been on the table on the balcony overlooking the indoor garden that was surrounded by the healers' ward and the appartments of the healers who preferred a view of the garden.

“Tomorrow they will have to search different food on one of those balconies.” Hano had joined his padawan on the balcony. “Yes Reno, we are visiting my old master Jarin Keana and his family on Corellia. And maybe a visit to the university where...”

“I can show my skills.”

“Yes, yes, you are ready for the trials Reno. Show me tomorrow how you pilot a medical transport to Coronet city and I will tell the council about your progress. Medicines and procedures are already mastered by you. Only the...”

“Offensive fighting is not something I like that much. I have my lightsaber but it will be used for defence only.”

“Reno, you will be judged for your piloting and for your healing skills. It's has been enough for me to become a healer and it will be for you too. I was raised to the rank of Jedi master after I educated Jedi-nurses on Rhinnal. Raising one padawan as naughty as you will be enough for me.”

tbc

 

Chapter 2

“Falling back to the earth
I ignite, engine call
Jettison, all I know
Isolated, I succumb to the weight of the world
Separated, I fall from the sky
Is this death or rebirth?
Falling back to the earth” Opening the hatch of her airspeeder Silvia Vival stopped singing, swung her bag over her shoulder and walked to the equipment room of the great hangar. A cart with tools was selected by her after giving a nod to Master Maurishka. She could go and placed her bag on the cart. No questions about her work. A fighter or a general transport was hers to check and repair if needed. She began to push the cart outside and collided almost with a large being.

“Easy young woman.”

Silvia looked up to see a fearsome face with sharp teeth, scales and spikes looking down. “I uh.” She observed the being. She had read about the species.

He was a Barkanian lizard. Towering three meters, covered with scales and sharp spikes and ending in a large spiked tail and having clawed feet and hands and wearing only a loincloth and utility belt where a lightsaber was attached.

“I am Shh-Kirr and was on my way to see master Maurishka because I need a transport tomorrow.”

“Oh. I am just a tech.” Silvia guided the cart past the lizard. He wouldn't be using the transport she had just sighted in one of the berths quite near the equipment room but out of sight of it. It was one of twelve identical Corellian Corruul factory transports. She went to work after opening the ramp of the first one. Her target was the repulsor lift engine in the engine-bay. It would work perfect on take-off but the transition to hyperspace would sign its demise when it was put to idle. Tubing was replaced by a piece of tubing of inferior design taken from her bag. A bolt was turned. A piece of wire and a forgotten cutter still on that wire. A visit to the cockpit. Turning some bolts on the chair of the co-pilot. She was ready with her sabotage when she heard soft voices in the equipment room. She left the transport and heard.

“drive transport number 3425.”

“Master Manuci. You can have one of the twelve Corellian Corruul factory Medical hyperdrive transports. The transports are there and yours to choose.”

Siliva headed outside and parked her cart near the opened ramp of number 3425. She didn't want the two now headed towards the transports to take that one, being the first in the row. She went inside 3425 with a hydrospanner and heard the two men coming towards the berth.

“Hano, let's take the requested number 3425.”

Silvia used the hydrospanner on a piece of plating.

“There is an equipment cart standing before it and one of the technicians is working inside. “We can take number 3167. That ramp is open and just there.” Hano put his large bag down for a moment, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“You had to take those famous pies your master loved in your bag and carry it yourself despite my offer to take your bag to carry.” Reno took the bag and carried it up the ramp, placed it with his bag in the sleeping cabin and headed to the cockpit where he took the pilot-chair and strapped himself in.

Hano followed and settled down, strapping in in the co-pilot chair. “Take her up Reno.”

Reno did and heard the soft sounds of the repulsor lift engine. Purring along nicely and put to idle when he pushed the levers of the hyperdrive engine for the journey towards Corellia after entering the jump-coordinates. He saw the smile of his master reflected in the viewscreen.

- - -

Entering the atmosphere after a for him exiting ride that had them skipping and bouncing through the outer layers Reno threw the switch that would have them using the repulsor lift engine again when he was on an approach vector to the spaceport. “Yes?”

“Done with all that bouncing?” Hano smiled. “You sure have shown me some skills at unassisted flying.”

“It's made for this master Hano.”

The light that showed the activation began to blink.

“And we have now power again on our repulsor lift engine. On final approach to Coronet city spaceport. Get the com master and tell them that we are coming.”

“MHT 3167 to Coronet city spa...” Hano began when a vibration shook the transport.

The piece of tubing broke, a bolt turned loose and a wire frayed and snapped.

“We have lost our repulsor lift engine and are going in free-fall.” Reno saw the red light showing failure. And he was glad that the shape of the transport was aiding him. “Opening ramp to give us more lift. And declare an emergency.”

Hano toggled the com.

“Coronet city dispatch.”

“MHT 3167 has lost control. Going down, going down.”

“There is a large lake and it will be our landing place.”

“It's Firwood-lake.” Hano recognised it immediately from previous visits with his former master Jarin Keana and with his padawan.

“MHT 3167 what is your position?”

“Firwood lake.” Hano said.

The transport splashed down in the water, bounced and turned with the back going down first in the deeper water.

- - -

A boat was speeding over the water of Firwood lake. In it was Ken Joffre the owner of Joffre yachts. He was testing it for a customer. A sound of breaking branches and a splash had him looking over his back and turning the fast boat that way. A small transport – immediately recognised by him – was going down. He took his com, pushed speed-dial.

“Coronet city dispatch.”

“A Corellian Corruul factory Medical hyperdrive transport just crashed into Firwood lake.”

“Help will come. And you?”

“Going towards the site.”

“Be careful. Dispatch out.”

Ken Joffre turned his boat towards the disturbed water.

- - -

A chair broke loose.

Hano tried to protect his head with his left arm. Collided with the viewscreen. “Oww.”

Water was entering through the open ramp and the transport began to sink, turned and was floating down.

tbc

 

Chapter 3

Reno unstrapped and saw. “Someone has been tinkering with your chair and our repulsor lift engine.”

“But we survived.” Hano tapped with his right arm on the chair with a painful expression on his face. “And that is something to investigate.”

“We have to get out.” Reno helped his master to unstrap when he saw the bent left arm.

“Through the now open ramp?”

“Yes we will get wet. We have to swim.” Reno took the aquatabreather from Hano's belt and inserted it in his masters mouth. “I will guide you.” He took his own aquatabreather and guided his master into the gurgling water when it reached the cockpit.

- - -

Instructor Tarhin Engaron was passing the hall of CorSec headquarters towards his office when his gaze was focussed on the large viewscreen that displayed all the emergencies taking place in and around Coronet city. The name Firwood and MHT 3167 caught his attention. Firwood was a place often visited by him after the funeral ceremony for Elsie Keana. He had gone to Joffre Yachts to rent a boat and be on the lake for a diving trip with Jacen Coronel or for hikes in the wilderness. MHT transports were familiar for him. They were used by his colleague Han Halcyon to go with his son Elmar to the Jedi-temple on Coruscant. 'Corellian Jedi-training' Tarhin grinned and halted in the open door of Han's office to see father and son busy with a report.

“Tarhin what's up?” Elmar saw his instructor. “New exercises with our group?”

“No but Firwood and MHT 3167 crashed in the lake were on the viewscreen listed among the emergencies.”

“A Jedi-transport shouldn't go down in a lake and is something for us to investigate.” Han stood up and barreled past Tarhin with his son following him. Taking out his com Han shouted “Ros with me to the hangar.”

“I can be of use with my diving experience,” Tarhin began to follow Han and Elmar.

“Engaron with us.” Jonno Emery grabbed Tarhin by his shoulder. Officer Coronel is getting an airspeeder with our CSI Komolka. We are needed in Vittorio avenue to investigate a murder.”

“The beginning of a busy day.” Tarhin saw Ros Horn and his son Zeno hurrying with Han and Elmar to an airspeeder equipped with floats.

- - -

Ken Joffre eased his boat to a stop when he saw bubbles indicating where the transport had settled down on the bottom of the lake. And he heard the siren of an approaching airspeeder in the distance and coming nearer when soft sounds of popping bubbles had him looking down and seeing two men ascending. Difficult to see in the disturbed water but there they were, struggling with their dark wet cloaks.

Reno got his aquatabreather out with his right hand. “A boat.”

“Let me help you.” Ken reached out to grab that hand.

“First him. Get his right hand and don't touch the left one.” Reno put his aquatabreather back in its pouch and grabbed the cloak of his master. “Hano, he will get you aboard.”

Hano reached for the hand of the man and helped by him and Reno he managed to get aboard and settled down on one of the seats in the back of the boat.

Reno climbed aboard. “Thank you. I am Reno Helcani and...”

“Hano Manuci and thank you.” Hano had removed his aquatabreather with his good hand. “Our transport was sabotaged but thanks to the expert piloting of my padawan we could survive the crash. I have a fracture of the left ulna and radius needing a bacta cast after they have been set by a surgeon working at the Coronet city university hospital.”

“Ken Joffre. And you know what's wrong?” He took two blankets from a locker.

“We are Jedi-healers and my master takes me on frequent trips to that hospital.” Reno smiled when he saw the snug look on Hano's face and the surprised one on their saviour. He began to help his master to dof the brown cloak, careful of the broken arm. Next came his own cloak and he accepted the blankets.

The airspeeder came and began to hover next to the boat.

“Responding to your call. We can see that you have everything under control.”

“I have here Jedi-healers Hano Manuci and Reno Helcani after they could swim to my boat. The Corellian Corruul factory Medical hyperdrive transport is here at the bottom 12 meters below the surface.”

“He is precise.” Hano was comfortable and heard the soft conversation between Ken and the officer.

“Very.” Reno smiled.

“And there is sabotage involved. I can bring the Jedi-healers to my marina and to the Coronet city university hospital in my groundspeeder.”

“We will stay here. And there is a CorSec craft coming our way.”

“CorSec will investigate and maybe Han Halcyon and his son Elmar are involved.” Reno saw Ken sitting down at the controls of the boat. “Anything Jedi is theirs to solve.”

“Or their friends Ros and Zeno Horn and Jake Keana.” Hano gave a soft grunt when the blanket moved because Ken began to turn the boat towards the direction of Firwood village.

tbc

 

Chapter 4

In a house in the suburbs of Coronet city that was quite near the universities was Jarin Keana waiting for his two guests when a shiver passed his old features. Something was definitely wrong with Hano. But he decided to wait. Knowing Hano and padawan Reno Helcani, he knew that they would contact him as soon as possible.

- - -

“There a boat is leaving.” Han Halcyon put the airspeeder down on the water where a police airspeeder was hovering and heard immediately the response from one of the officers when he opened the com and said “CorSec to assist.”

“Officer Pasko with report. Marina owner Ken Joffre is with Jedis Manuci and Helcani going in his boat to his marina and will deliver them to the Coronet city university hospital because Jedi Manuci is injured. The Corellian Corruul factory Medical hyperdrive transport is here at the bottom 12 meters below the surface. It was sabotaged.”

“That officer is precise.” Zeno Horn whispered sitting in the backseat with Elmar Halcyon.

“As any good officer should be.” Elmar grinned. “And they want to get back to their caf that's no doubt getting cold on their desk.”

“Or their patrol.” Han turned for a moment to the two boys before giving a reply. “Because there are Jedi involved CorSec will take over and thanks for your precise report.”

“Alright.”

Han closed the com.

After the airspeeder left Han turned to Ros Horn. “Before we contact the salvage crew to get the transport we will need our CSI-investigators and some diving gear.”

Elmar asked “and who has a lot of experience in diving?”

“Instructor Engaron.” Zeno, Han and Ros chorused.

- - -

That man was bent over a corpse of a man and pointing at the marks on a shirt. “Falling to the earth didn't kill him. He was dead when he was pushed over the edge Lisa. Your intuition served you when you saw this on the boards and contacted the police that CorSec had to come to investigate.”

Lisa Komolka turned to the coroner and his droid orderlies. “We are finished here. Take him to CorSec headquarters.”

“We need to go up to see from which appartment he was pushed and who he is.” Jacen Coronel said. “And...”

Beep pi beep pi

“My com.” Tarhin took it and said “Officer Engaron.”

“Officers Halcyon and Horn need your expertise. They are on Firwood lake where a Corellian Corruul factory Medical hyperdrive transport is at the bottom after making a landing after being sabotaged. It is at a depth of 12 meters.”

“I will return to headquarters. My diving-gear is there. Engaron out.” He turned to Jacen. “I should have gone with them.”

“And I will get you back because you need me too.” Jacen turned to Jonno Emery. “Jonno, you and Lisa get on with this. I will send a full CSI-team to aid you. Tarhin here is our expert-diver after his stay on Varanko and I will be his buddy.”

“Have fun.” Jonno saw the two leaving in the airspeeder.

tbc

 

Chapter 5

“We planned to visit this too.” Reno was helping his master out of the groundspeeder after Ken Joffre had stopped it before the entrance of Coronet city university hospital.

“Yes but with us as doctors and meeting our friends.” Hano had his left arm in a splint, applied by Reno and Ken and was wearing comfortable sweatpants, a shirt and flipflops. Old clothes given to him and Reno with a smile from Ken when he said 'I have always unfortunate tourists coming back with wet clothes and have a stash of supplies for them.' He turned to Ken at the controls. “Thank you and...”

“No thanks. Get that arm treated. Your clothes and boots will be cleaned. I will return to my marina. Maybe I will be able to help CorSec with their investigations. See you when you come for your clothes. You are welcome to stay at my marina.” Ken drove away in his groundspeeder.

Reno, like his master in sweatpants and flipflops but with a long sleeved sweater and the his lightsaber tucked in a pouch of the sweater, headed to the entrance with his master. He was shivering a bit.

A security-droid stopped them.

“Jedi-s Manuci and Helcani have an assignment with surgeon Markin.” Reno gave a soft push to the droid.

“Proceed Jedi-s Manuci and Helcani.” The droid hovered aside to let them pass.

No questions from students or teachers, some surprised looks at their apperance when they were recognized. The noise from their flipflops. Coming to enter the waiting room of the surgery-wing that was very familiar for the two with Hano being a Corellian Jedi-surgeon and Reno studying to become one. Reno had been born on Risalles but had found out that his parents were Corellian Jedi and on a mission to give aid to the victims of a flood-disaster.

A senior-nurse was busy with the magazines and papers and turned when he heard the strange sound of flipflops. “Hey Hano, what happened to your old bones?”

“Danny Remick is that the way to welcome your old teacher and my master?” Reno couldn't suppres a shiver and wiped his nose at the right sleeve of his sweater. “Hano has a broken ulna and radius.”

“I see. Your teacher Markin is available to help master Hano.” Danny began to walk to a closed door and opened it. “Some relief for me from arranging the mess in the waiting room and for you from doing those boring reports Jack. Teacher Manuci is in need of some repairs to his left ulna and radius.”

At his desk Jack Markin looked over his viewer and stood up. “Come in with him and ask Don to come with the bacta cart.” He guided Hano to a treatment table with a big smile on his face and asked “what happened to you and where are your clothes?”

“Our transport was sabotaged. Reno managed to get us down in Firwood lake. We swam to the surface where Ken Joffre, a very nice marina owner, helped us and gave us a ride.”

“And Reno can help me to set the ulna and radius.” Jack began to remove the splint and was almost done with that when Don Hewit came in with the cart.

- - -

Tarhin Engaron was back at headquarters and in the changing room with Jacen Coronel.

That man was opening his locker and taking out a wetsuit. “Changing here?”

“No. We take our airspeeder and fly to Joffre marina to rent a boat. And we need big tanks. He has them. Aquatabreathers like that one are only for short dives and we have to explore a big transport.” Tarhin got a large bag with a smile, remembering his colleague, the Ceitan Bul Kevin and the first time he met him. 'It is Kevin for you and Bul is my surname.' Yes Kevin had been a nice colleague. I had a lot of fun with him. When he said goodbye he gave me this wetsuit and my papers showing my diving achievements.' He stuffed his wetsuit in the bag. “I have only used it here on trips.”

“And you became my inspiration to get diving too after that first boatride and stopping to show me the aquatic world of Firwood lake.” Jacen had his big bag ready, took another bag from supplies with a mischievous smile on his face, stuffed that in the big bag and followed Tarhin to their airspeeder.

- - -

Jonno Emery had found and entered the apartment of the murdered man with Lisa and had asked a Coronet city police officer to guard the entrance. He was staying in the hall of the appartment after Lisa had opened the door to see the mess in the living room and the open door to the balcony. Givan Amairic – the owner – had been in a fight with an intruder and the only living creature was a kitten, softly meowing and wearing a cover with the name 'police dog' hiding most of her little red body.

Lisa had dropped her small bag in the hall and had the kitten coming to her. She was sitting on the floor, stroking the cat and avoiding the pieces of fur where blood had dried. Evidence? She would have to examine that. She had cats at her home and knew how to treat them. And the cover? Blood was on it.

Jonno was more a dog and tooka lover, had one dog but cared for Lisa's cats when she was away on a trip. He bowed down to Lisa and the cat. “Is she a cat in the home of a dog-lover or a cat wanting to be a dog?”

“We have to examine that. Removing the cover can reveal more but I will do that in the lab.” Lisa heard the elevator opening.

“Officer Bernosky why are you always lugging that large bag with you?”

“He is still capable because of his training at the gym. You are our driver and I greatly appreciate that you are carrying my bag.”

“Yeah, yeah. I am the junior officer helping two old particle...”

“Yes junior.”

“And I am the first Keana to join CorSec.”

“Yes junior.”

“Junior officer Keana come in and place that heavy bag there.” Lisa smiled when she saw Jake Keana and Vin Bernosky followed by Anna Geor coming into the hall of the apartment. Jake an eager junior officer, willing to please everyone and with stories about his grandfather Jarin being a Corellian Jedi-healer and seeing CorSec in action and wanting to join and succeeding. She liked the young man and the two that were with him. Vin and Anna were among the most experienced CSI-officers to help with a case and even better than the droid-investigators that were mostly used by the Coronet city police department. She was glad that she had sent the coroner with the corpse to CorSec where she could examine it further. And maybe that was the reason that had her at this crime-scene. Or the kitten? That had to go with her to the labs. And the why of the 'police dog' cover was interesting too. Givan Amairic was murdered but by who?

tbc

 

Chapter 6

“Father.” Jolene Gianini was using a cloth to treat the bloody scratches on her arms. “I didn't get my cat back.”

“Givan Amairic managed to get her from your airspeeder when you were delivering her with that fancy police-dog cover used by me to hide the drugs to one of our couriers. You should have been more careful.”

“She was still wearing that cover when I came to his appartment. My oh so annoying ex didn't want to return her to me. I got into a fight with him that ruined some of my precious possessions still in the appartment. He slipped and fell down to his death. I tried to get my cat but she attacked me and crawled under a closet. I tried being friendly to get her. That's when I heard the elevator coming and decided to leave using another elevator at the other end of the corridor and get out at another entrance thus avoiding the police.”

“But now the police or even CorSec will know where to search.” Hendo said. “I have to warn my brother Andro on Coruscant. Our entire syndicate can be compromised.”

- - -

Reno had helped Jack to set the ulna and radius after helping his master to get into a very relaxed and meditative state. But now that Danny and Don were busy with the bacta-salve and beginning to wrap the arm into gauze that would harden into a cast he was reaching for a green cloth on the table to wipe his nose.

“That cold water didn't agree with you at all Reno.” Jack remarked. “You and your master have to stay here for observation. You can develop a nasty cold.” He walked to a comstation. “I am coming with Jedis Manuci and Helcani to the guest-room. Cold dunk protocol.”

“And our Jedi-gear?” Reno sniffed. “It is at Joffre marina and we could come to get it back today.”

“Joffre marina?” Danny grinned. “I will go and get that gear. My shift has ended 10 minutes ago.”

“And return asap.” Jack snickered. “I have heard about your visits to Ken Joffre. Boat tours ending in parties and you coming late for duty.”

Don asked “can I go with him?”

“Sure. Your shift has also ended. Return with the gear before Jarin comes to visit Hano and Reno tomorrow.”

“Don't tinker with my lightsaber and our coms.” Hano said.

“A promise. No.” Danny and Don chorused.

“And have fun at the marina.” Jack gave a mischievous wink with his left eye.

“Yes.” Don and Danny left in a hurry.

“Asap for those two comedians?” Reno grinned.

“Asap is tomorrow after you two have taken that very needed rest after that dunk in the cold water of Firwood-lake.”

“Ken Joffre and his boats, always a nice passtime.” Hano said.

Jack walked with Hano and Reno to the guest-room. “You should visit Ken Joffre when you come back to Corellia after the mess with your transport is investigated.”

“Yes to get the culprit who must be working in the hangar we have to go back to the Jedi-temple and for...” Hano gave a playful tap on the pouch from Reno where the lightsaber was stored. “Your knighting ceremony. You have passed the last test in an impressive way, guiding a sabotaged transport down to a safe landing and rescuing me.”

“Master Keana,” Reno sniffed. “We came here to visit him today. He must be getting antsy.”

“After being his padawan he will know that there is something with me.”

“He has been my teacher, colleague and friend too.” Jack steered the two into the guestroom. “Cold dunk protocol is beds and hot drinks there on the nightstand to be downed now.”

Reno sat down on the first bed, reached for the mug and downed the hot chocolatemilk in a few gulps.

Hano downed his and being already in a relaxed state he laid down on the second bed.

“There was fast acting sleeping medicine in the chocolate milk.” Reno wiped his eyes and dropped down with his head touching the pillow.

“Doctors orders.” Jack removed the flipflops and covered the two men.

Reno heard before closing his eyes.

“I will contact Jarin.”

- - -

“No CSI's.” Elmar saw a boat with his teacher Engaron and officer Coronel headed to the crash-site.

“But they are wearing wet-suits and will be able to get the evidence.” Ros said. “And these clearplast bags can be used for evidence.”

“They have big tanks.” Han said. “At 12 meters they have to obey the decompression rules.”

“Ready for us?” Tarhin guided the boat to the float and secured it with a rope to the float of the airspeeder. “Or...”

“They didn't bring swimming trunks.” Jacen reached for the big bag in the back-seat. “Get dressed Elmar and Zeno for your new teaching experience.” He gave the smaller bag to the two students.

“No we won't look.” Ros turned his gaze away from his son Zeno, who began to open the bag to reveal a towel. “Do as your teacher says. And hop into that boat to give assistance.”

“After you have found the evidence, I will go to Coronet city university hospital to visit my Jedi-colleagues.” Han said.

“And we can bring them back to the Jedi-temple.” Elmar was doffing his uniform. “I have to follow lessons from master Yoda in lightsaber-fighting.” He had been on numerous trips to the Jedi-temple with his father being a Corellian Jedi and getting his education also there before going back to Corellia. He was looking forward to this class. Master Yoda was famous for his skills with the lightsaber.

- - -

Zeno and Elmar were ready and sitting in the boat when Tarhin swam with Jacen to the transport.

The two knew where to look. Loosing control sure had to do with the repulsor lift engine and an injured Jedi would have them examining the cockpit.

Giving hand-signals Tarhin entered the transport through the open ramp. He had a mesh-wire bag and swam to the engine-room.

Jacen swam to the cockpit and saw the dislodged chair of the co-pilot. Two bolts were found by him and put in a mesh-wire bag.

Tarhin used his Dunai elder senses and discovered soon the tubing, a piece of wire and the cutter that was out of place. The evidence was secured. And seeing Jacen returning he gave another hand-signal indicating up and no decompression needed. He swam out through the ramp and to the surface.

Jacen followed and spit out his mouthpiece with a big smile on his face when he saw the two shivering students in their bright orange swimming trunks. He gave his mesh-wire bag to Zeno. “Take this to headquarters with your dads. No swimming lessons today. The water is too cold. Get warm and dressed.”

Tarhin gave his mesh-wire bag to Elmar and climbed with help from him and Zeno into the boat. He doffed his tank before helping Jacen. “You should have taken two wetsuits for them Jacen.”

“That would have taken too long.” Jacen appreciated the help from Tarhin and the two students.

“A prank from officer Coronel.” Zeno said. He climbed with Elmar into the airspeeder with the mesh-wire bags and unfastened the rope before ducking inside to get warm. They could now change into their uniforms.

“See you at headquarters.” Han activated the controls of the airspeeder.

“And be very afraid officer Coronel.” Elmar closed the door.

“Youngsters.” Jacen said. “They will be back before we are.”

Tarhin turned the boat towards the marina and was there tying it at one of the quays when he saw an airspeeder with the logo of the Coronet city university hospital parked near another quay.

Ken Joffre came with a cart and saw Tarhin looking. “My friends Danny Remick and Don Hewit, two nurses from the hospital, were here to get the gear of the two Jedi. But that is in the cleaner and they have to wait.” He laughed. “I gave them a boat with supplies and I know. They will return tomorrow.”

“We have another case waiting for us.” Jacen put the two tanks on the cart and began to walk to the changing cubicle where he had left his uniform.

“Yes, heading back but I will come soon for another visit.” Tarhin secured the boat and followed Jacen.

tbc

 

Chapter 7

No more worries for Jarin Keana. Jack Markin had contacted him and had told him what had happened to Master Manuci and his padawan Reno Helcani. He had replied with “I will come tomorrow to visit them and will ask Han Arel to drive me.”

- - -

After landing in the CorSec hangar Tarhin was the first to get to the changing room, lugging the bags.

Jacen hurried after him. With two wet wetsuits to clean and dry he had to help Tarhin or... He smiled. 'Tarhin is planning a prank. He has told me about his adventures on Varanko, finding his wetsuit in a bucket filled with perfumed soap. I have to be there.' And he was in the room where Tarhin was just about to open the two bags. “I will take mine to clean.”

“Ah you knew what I was planning?” Tarhin tossed the second bag to Jacen.

“Yes and if we hurry we can go to the CSI labs. Lisa should be busy with our Vittorio avenue murder.”

“With Vin and Anna. They were the CSI-officers on duty when we had to go to Firwood. Let's get this cleaned.” Tarhin began to fill a basin with water and laughed when the suds were soon covering the entire surface and gave a sweet lily smell. “A student prank and I doubt if we will find a clean basin.” He closed the tap.

“My fault.” Jacen shrugged with his shoulders. “Swimming pool showers?”

“Sure.” Tarhin got his bag. “They will have clean water.”

- - -

Pure water was used by Lisa to soak the mesh wire bags containing the evidence.

Vin Bernosky was busy with the evidence bags collected in the appartment of Givan Amairic and opening the third one when Tarhin and Jacen came in after storing their cleaned wet suits in the lockers.

“And?” Jacen walked to the desk.

“Eager tookas,” Vin looked up for a moment. “Let us examine this and come back tomorrow. And by the way. Horn and son and Halcyon and son are now in the training salle after getting into contact with the university hospital. Jedi's Manuci and Helcani are resting after their dunk in the cold water and can have visitors tomorrow. And tomorrow we will have the results.”

“I have to dry the evidence first and that takes time.” Lisa placed the mesh wire bags in a tray. “And I have that one to care for.” She pointed at the cage where the kitten was snoring contently. “I have removed her 'police dog' cover, cleaned the fur, collected evidence and fed the poor little thing.”

“She had food and we not.” Tarhin turned to Jacen.

“We are in for a very late lunch.” Jacen walked to the exit. “And there are some reports to finish before I return home to care for Blacky. All that water has made me hungry and thirsty.”

“And with that dive we have had enough training. I too have reports to finish and give them back to my students.”

- - -

And the world
Pull me high, far above, wicked skies
Set me free
Set alive

Silvia Vival heard the last words of the song when she landed her airspeeder in the hangar and opened the hatch to see her grandfather with a bag.

“Stay inside and get me to the spaceport and my yacht.” Andro sat down at the passenger seat.

“Why?”

“We are going to Corellia. My brother Hendo is in trouble. His daughter is injured after murdering her ex. She was trying to get her cat back. And your sabotage?”

“Two Corellians left with the sabotaged transport and must have met a grisly end.” Silvia guided the airspeeder out of the hangar. “I am satisfied.”

tbc

 

Chapter 8

Andro Gianini arrived at daybreak after an uneventful journey. He had guided his yacht into one of the berths of Coronet city spaceport. He came with Silvia to the place where Hendo had parked his airspeeder.

Siliva just sat down after getting a small bag into the trunk. She saw the worried frown displayed by Andro and Hendo.

Andro asked when he sat down in the backseat “brother what's wrong.”

“First we go to my apartment.” Hendo directed his driver, a trusted lieutenant of his syndicate. “Jolene is there and she failed to get her cat back and murdered her ex. My spy-cam is still there at the apartment of Amairic. I watched the recording after she got back with those scratches and saw four CorSec officers arriving. Two of them left after getting a call from Firwood where a transport had landed. CorSec needed the two divers. Three new investigators arrived and collected evidence and went away with the cat in a cage. The cat was still wearing that police dog cover.”

“Which can lead to where you bought it and to our deliver-point the beauty salon Amazing pets.” Andro shook his head. “Stupid brother. We have to move.”

“And join the Fire-sun syndicate on Anaxes.” Silvia said, taking the initiative. “Becoming a member of that syndicate will be a great profit for us. Your son can form a powerful alliance and should be warned too. Going to Anaxes with your wife will be his first priority. And what worries me is that transport at the bottom of Firwood lake. It can be the one sabotaged by me. CorSec is always involved when there are Jedi in trouble. Now the Jedi can be after me. We have to leave as soon as possible.”

“Brother, I have opened a secure com to your son.” Hendo gave a communicator to Andro who began to direct his son to take immediate action.

- - -

White tiles with wriggly black dots.

Reno blinked a few times with his eyes. Yes they were the quite annoying ceiling tiles used in every hospital he had seen and he knew where he was after the wake up, getting something to eat with Jack Markin helping him, falling asleep again and now yes. He was in a hospital bed in the guest-room of the surgery wing. And he was comfortable and warm and moved his hands over his chest. There a hospital gown also something that Jack had helped him to don. And with Jack he had helped his master who didn't wake up at all to don the hospital gown.

“Snrrr, snrrrrr.”

He looked to the left to see the rays of the rising sun entering through the window and painting the face of his master in a soft pink hue. Still asleep but not for long. He heard the soft footsteps and the soft sound of wheels outside in the corridor coming to a stop before the door.

“Good morning Reno.” Jack came in with a cart. I have breakfast for you. And I am sure that before your visitors Jarin Keana and Han Arel come, Danny and Don come with your belongings.”

“And maybe CorSec.” Reno sat up. “They will have investigated the crash.”

- - -

CSI Vin Bernosky was indeed ready with his examinations. He smiled when He saw Tarhin Engaron, Jacen Coronel, Ros and Zeno Horn and Han and Elmar Halcyon coming into the lab. All at the same time and all with the same eager looks on their faces. “Six eager tooka pups.”

“Or six prowling cats.” Lisa Komolka said.

“You and your cats.” Jacen smiled. “I have one of your kittens and he is quite the personality.”

“I know when you selected him out of the group and named him Blacky.”

Elmar remembered his last visit with his father to the Jedi-temple and asked “Blacky? A relative of the famous Blacky of the Bantha clan?”

“Could be.” Lisa replied. “Your grandfather Garin brought one female to CorSec headquarters when he returned. She was pregnant.”

“We are diverting from the reason of our visit.” Ros walked to the desk where Vin was sitting. “You have results?”

“I have discovered fingerprints on the tubing and bolts.” Vin said. “I have sent them to the Jedi-temple intel department.”

“And there was a hair in the cutter that allowed me to do a DNA-sequence.” Lisa said. “That too is now available for the Jedi.”

“And they will have taken action.” Han said. “Case closed. Elmar, come with me. We have to visit two Jedi-healers to tell them about the sabotage and help them to get back to Coruscant.”

Tarhin asked “and our case?”

“Still working on it.” Lisa replied. “The kitten is now at my home. The hair of the kitten revealed blood that was not that of the victim. The 'police-dog' cover had more blood on it and after I removed it I saw a pouch in the lining that was filled with a substance. I examined that. Propodaze. The killer could have been searching for those drugs. When we are ready, we will call you. A closet in the apartment had hair and blood. The kitten could have taken that as a refuge from who was trying to catch her.”

“Lisa and her cats.” Elmar followed his father.

“But this was a cat with a twist. A police dog cover hiding drugs! What was that owner thinking?” Jacen grumbled. “Givan Amairic must have been a dog lover.”

“Or a tooka lover.” Tarhin gave a wink with his left eye to Vin Bernosky. “Back to reports and teaching classes.”

“For us too.” Ros said and followed with his son Zeno the two senior agents Engaron and Coronel.

- - -

Shh-Kirr was ready for his mission to Denon to settle a dispute between two clans. He had left his apartment and was walking with big strides, claws clicking on the tiles to an elevator when his com indicated a message. It was from his long time friend Chenbi Junno and had him picking up speed and rushing inside the elevator. A second message from Wren Ronius, a Jediknight from the intel department, had him exiting that elevator and barreling into the hangar. “Master Maurishka. Is your new technical assistant Vival in the hangar?”

“What's the hurry Shh-Kirr and what's with Vival?” Gavin looked up to the Barkanian lizard. To hear master and his surname used by Shh-Kirr was something serious and he saw the fierce look in the yellow eyes.

“Vival has sabotaged the transport of Hano Manuci and Reno Helcani.” Shh-Kirr showed the messages from Junno and Ronius. “Evidence was found by CorSec in the wreck now at the bottom of Firwood lake. Manuci suffered an injury to his left arm and Helcani is alright. Both are in the Coronet city university hospital.”

“And Keana's and Halcyon's will get them back.” Gavin gave a relieved sigh when his com began to beep. “The same messages. Now let's get Vival. She has the early shift and should be in the hangar to help Q-418 with the maintenance of the airspeeders.”

Shh-Kirr stormed with all the speed he could muster towards that place in the great hangar where the airspeeders were parked quite near one of the open doors for easy use.

Gavin followed but knew that he couldn't match the speed of Shh-Kirr. His beeping com had him reading and knowing and slowing down to a walk.

Shh-Kirr saw only Q-418 standing near a cart with tools and asked “is your assistant Vival here.”

The mainenance droid responded with his metallic voice “no humanoid lifeform designated Vival detected. Waiting for assistance. Time passed 1 hour, 43 minutes, 23 se...”

“Stop Q-418.” Shh-Kirr grumbled and headed back to Gavin who had a sad look on his face.

“I have more messages from Ronius. Vival is the daughter of Silvo Vival and she is living with her grandfather. He is Andro Gianini, the ruler of the Gianini syndicate and connected to the syndicate of the same name on Corellia. And they are difficult to track. Jedi Intel had their run in with the syndicate but couldn't get all. Ronius will visit Andro Gianini today.”

“Q-418 reported that Vival didn't come. No more work for us. I will take one of the ZX 230 transports to go to Denon.”

“May the Force be with you.” Gavin returned to his office after seeing Shh-Kirr walking to a transport but halting when Wren Ronius, followed by Chenbi Junno came towards the Barkanian. Gavin joined them.

“Care to go with us?” Chenbi asked.

“Sure.” Shh-Kiir gave a toothy smile. “Master Maurishka has a splendid record of keeping all that comes and leaves his hangar in great shape. And that recent assistant Vival has put a dark splatch on it. I met the girl yesterday and had no bad feelings about her but now.” His eyes became fierce. “She is responsible for the crash and has to be delivered to the authorities.”

tbc

 

Chapter 9

Pedro Gianini closed the contact with his lieutenant. Important files and belongings were now delivered by a member and pilot of the syndicate to the yacht parked at a spaceport near his apartment. The first investigator to open the store-room would start a devastating fire. He was satisfied and was throwing his belongings into a large suitcase when his mother came into his room. “We have to move mom.”

“Siliva's doing?”

“That and Jolene, that no good niece of mine on Corellia. She tried to get her cat back from her ex and failed. The cat and dog-cover for our drugs on Corellia can be compromised. And CorSec is investigating Sylvia's tinkering with a Jedi-transport. Dad is moving with the family to Anaxes and we are going too.”

Softly muttering the old woman began to collect some of her belongings and was soon ready to follow her son to the airspeeder where a member of the syndicate was waiting for them.

“Now this and who will come here will meet a nice house-droid.” Pedro secured the apartment and left with his mother. He knew that the entire syndicate would come to Anaxes.

- - -

Danny Remick and Don Hewit had delivered the Jedi-gear to the guest room with a big smile on their faces and telling about the boat-ride, the camping on the shore of Firwood-lake and finding a well stocked basket in the boat. Returning to Ken Joffre had them with the cleaned Jedi-gear and a promise to come back for another trip.

Reno had helped his master to dress and was ready when the door opened to reveal Jarin Keana and Han Arel and Han and his son Elmar. “Come in, this is the guest-room.”

“No two visitor restrictions.” Hano was sitting on the comfortable couch and wearing his usual Corellian Jedi tunics.

“Good to see you being alright.” Jarin sat down next to Hano. “I sensed yesterday that something was wrong.”

“But not too wrong.” Reno smiled.

“Your great piloting saved us.” Hano turned to his padawan. “And that is counting as your final test. When we return you will be raised to Jedi-knight and healer.”

“And we will bring you back.” Han said. “Elmar has some classes to follow.”

“And we have solved the why of the crash.” Elmar said. “The transport was sabotaged by a tech in the Jeditemple. They know now and will have taken action. It began for us when Officer Engaron saw the emergencies on our viewscreen and told us. Zeno and his father Ros and my father and I went to Firwood where we needed CSI to investigate the crash. Engaron and Coronel collected the evidence.”

“Engaron?” Hano looked up to Reno and towards Jarin. “We have saved officer Engaron when we were visiting you.”

“And I wrote about that in my diary.” Jarin said. “And I will write more. This is interesting.”

“Don't mention us saving him, was what we told you.” Reno said.

“And I like to be at your knighting ceremony.” Jarin said.

“You can and we can go as soon as you are released by your doctor.” Han turned to Reno and Hano. “You two have been to quite an ordeal with that dunk in the cold water of Firwood lake.”

“No more sniffing.” Reno grinned when Jack Markin came in. “You can release us.”

Jarin stood up. “I have to get my Jedi-gear from my home. “Han will bring me back and to the space-port.” He left the room with Han Arel supporting him.

“See you there.” Elmar said. “We will come with Hano and Reno.”

- - -

“Just the two I need.” Lisa entered the office of Tarhin and Jacen. “The police-dog cover has come from Pet-supplies in Bojar street and I want to visit that shop.”

“You need two strong guys.” Jacen laughed.

“Yes and one of you to pilot the airspeeder. Let's go.”



The shopkeeper at Pet-supplies was a likeable man, willing to give all the support to the three CorSec officers. Cats, pittin, tooka's, birds were all kept in great cages and looking healthy and happy with toys, enough food and a place to sleep. A copy of the register of his dealings and who bought the dog- and cat-covers was given and Lisa was the one to discover the name Amairic when she scanned through the document.

Lisa showed a holo of the police-dog cover and asked “who was the buyer of this one?”

“Mr Amairic and his wife Jolene,” the shopkeeper replied. “But that was three months ago when he came to get his new weaned kitten. A week ago he came again. I was so sorry to hear from him that he had arguments with his wife when he came. He wanted a new cat but couldn't find the one he liked most. He wanted a red cat.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.” Lisa thanked the shopkeeper and left with Tarhin and Jacen.

“Now what?” Tarhin slid behind the controls of the airspeeder.

“Find out who Jolene is.” Lisa replied. “She can be responsible for the murder and the blood on the cover and fur of the kitten.”

- - -

Jolene is Jolene Gianini. She is in our files. The blood-sample you have sent us is hers. She divorced 22 days ago from Givan Amairic. She is now living at 286 Kreskaya avenue with her father.

Lisa was reading the message of the Coronet city police. She took the register and began to leaf through it and gave a shout. “Yes, Gianini is the one who buys those covers for his nefarious business. Let's see if we can get the whole gang.”

“More traces on the police dog cover showed me that it has been in the beauty-salon Amazing pets.” Vin Bernosky said. “It must have been used by Jolene to deliver the drugs to a courier or her customers.”

“Yes and observing that shop will lead us to more.” Lisa began to enter a message. “I have sent a request to the Coronet city police to assist us. And a copy is now sent to Coronel and Engaron.”

tbc

 

Chapter 10

After parking their airspeeder on the roof of the Falomar building the three Jedi-knights had entered the building where Andro Gianini was living on the top-floor in a penthouse.

“Wren, Chenbi this is creepy.” Shh-Kirr was standing with his activated lightsaber in the hall before the front-door of the apartment.

“What do you sense?” Chenbi activated his lightsaber. His former crèche friend had some uncanny senses.

“No edible meat.” Shh-Kirr had used his strong smelling senses. And with a smile. “Even I cannot taste them if we catch them for the crimes they have done. There is no one here.”

“Shh-Kirr is always on the hunt for meat.” Wren Ronius gave a wink with his left eye and pushed his activated lightsaber in the door-lock that opened to reveal.

Bolts of lightning, particle-slugs all came out in rapid firing.

“They have a house-droid.” Shh-Kirr deflected the particle slugs back through the door and destroyed others. “Concentrate on the house-droid.”

Chenbi and Wren did and the result was soon visible.

No particle slugs or lightning were seen anymore but thick brown smoke mixed with crackling sounds and a big explosion at the end and the howling of a siren coming nearer.

“Now what?” Chenbi deactivated his lightsaber to see a fire-engine accompanied by two police airspeeders nearing the building.

“We have activated all the allerts with our show.” Wren grinned. “Stand aside and let them pass.”

Three firefighters clad in protective gear and wearing BA-masks exited the fire-engine and barreled past the three Jedi-knights with a hose spitting foam.

Two police officers came into the hall and saw the clothes and cloaks. One of them asked “What are you Jedi-knights doing here?”

“Trying to get a woman who has sabotaged a transport.” Chenbi replied. “But there is no one here.”

“No living creatures.” Shh-Kirr gave a toothy smile when he turned to the fire-chief. “There is no-one to save.”

The leading fire-fighter came out of the door to report to his chief. “The apartment will be totally gutted after the fires are gone. We managed to get into the main hall where the pieces of a house-droid were smoldering but the rooms beyond are all on fire with the fire-extinguishing system working to help us.”

“Nothing more to discover for us and the culprits are gone.” Wren said to the police officer. “You can take over.”

“We will and we will investigate the Gianini family and their business here on Coruscant.” The police officer began to search in his datapad and discovered more. “I see you have had business with the Gianini’s before.”

“With them staging this destruction, they might have fled. We have the authority and will contact our Corellian Jedi working at CorSec to tell them that the Gianini family might be on their way to Corellia.” Chenbi began to walk back to the airspeeder with Shh-Kirr.

- - -

“Jedi-knight Junno you can tell us. I will report this to one of the Corellian Jedi when I see him.”

“We were at the apartment on Falomar building when we were met by an house-droid, preventing our entrance and destroying the entire apartment after we started using our lightsabers. No living being there.”

“So Gianini can be here?”

“Gianini can and that's your job to find out.”

“We will.”

Tarhin was walking with a cup of caf back to his office when he heard the conversation between Ros and Jedi-knight Junno and saw Jacen coming his way.

“Jolene is Jolene Gianini.” Jacen said. “Lisa has asked Coronet City police to observe the beauty salon Amazing Pets because the covers are used by Gianini to deliver the drugs.”

“And they have a Gianini too.” Tarhin entered the office of Ros and Zeno with Jacen.

“Gianini.” Jacen said. “I had a message from Lisa that our case is dealing with a Gianini.”

“And where is this Gianini living?” Zeno asked.

“Let's see.” Jacen walked to the desk and began to enter a command. “Yes Gianini is living at 286 Kreskaya avenue. Time for a visit?”

“Yes and I hope they are still there.” Ros stood up.

“The Jediteam encountered a house-droid.” Zeno remarked. “What if the same happens here? Assistance of one of our Corellian Jedi?”

“Han and his son are visiting the hospital,” Jacen was looking at the viewscreen. “Correction were. They are now at the spaceport and that’s too far away to return to us in time.”

“And other Corellian Jedi working here?” Tarhin asked. “A lighsaber will come in handy when you encounter a deadly house-droid.”

“Oilosse is on a mission to Corruul, Gorullus is at Cor Sanol. No luck but we have not a moment to loose.” Jacen headed to the exit of the office with Tarhin, Ros and Zeno. “We will ask a team from the Coronet city police to assist us.”

“Allright. Let's go.” Tarhin slid behind the controls of the airspeeder.

- - -

“This is it.” Silvia Vival saw 286 Kreskaya avenue from above when she began to steer the airspeeder with the Gianini family towards the spaceport.

“Gone from this and getting a new future.” Jolene smiled.

“And no dog and cat covers to deliver our drugs.” Hendo said. “They have brought us trouble.”

“Just like that revenge of the syndicate you started.” Andro gave a playful pat on the shoulder of Silvia.

“But I had my revenge.” Silvia said. “The transport crashed and it must have been some fancy flying that saved them.”

“Or the Force.” Hendo grumbled. “Never underestimate a Jedi. One of our lieutenants came with this message. Pedro and your wife are away. The apartment is destroyed but the Jedi coming there were seen leaving and unharmed.”

“But I am sure there are no traces left to track us.” Andro said. “My house-droid was programmed for total destruction. And your estate?”

“Will be destroyed as soon as one of those pesky officers enter.” Hendo smiled. “No Jedi here to save them.”

tbc

 

Chapter 11

Elmar Halcyon was happy. He was allowed to pilot the Corellian 950 hyperdrive capable transport with the registration number 9856. He was securing his harness when he saw Reno sitting down next to him in the co-pilot seat. “Piloting together?”

“Yes but you can land her at our destination. My master said that I have passed the last test by flying to Corellia and landing safe. He is now helping Jarin Keana in the passenger cabin.”

“Take the com Reno.”

Reno took the com. “Spaceport control. This is CorSec C 9856 requesting departure vector.”

“Take 84 by 4289. Have a safe trip CorSec C 9856. Out.”

“That will take us over the city.” Elmar powered up the repulsorlift and took the transport out of the berth. “Slow passing to avoid any encounter with some of those high-flying tourist shuttles. But we can pick up speed after we have passed the city and head out.”

- - -

Tarhin was feeling uncomfortable when he piloted the airspeeder towards 286 Kreskaya avenue when he saw one of the airspeeders of the Coronet city police coming in for a landing. He took the com and shouted “land 10 meters away from the entrance and wait for us.” He gave a relieved sigh when the officer did as told and landed his airspeeder.

Jacen was already out with Ros and Zeno but waited for Tarhin. The shout had been a warning and he knew about Tarhin's uncanny senses.

Tarhin exited the driverseat and headed to the police officer. “Do you have a droid officer Linan?”

“We have.” Officer Linan replied.

“Get that and steer it towards the entrance of the estate. On Coruscant the Jedi-knights could escape thanks to some quick thinking but we don't have them here.”

“They are busy elsewhere.” Ros Horn remarked.

“Alright, let's sacrifice a droid.” Officer Linan began to instruct his colleague to get the droid out of the back of the airspeeder. And guiding it to the gate of 286 Kreskaya avenue it happened.

Explosions followed by a raging fire and whooping sirens.

“The Gianini's are gone instructor Engaron.” Zeno said with a smile on his face when he saw the Coronet city fire-brigade arriving with an engine and a rescue-vehicle. “Not much to do here anymore.”

“Officer Linan, you can investigate the case of the beauty-salon Amazing Pets. Maybe you can catch more persons involved in the drugs-trade conducted there.”

“We will and if we need assistance of CorSec we will call.”

“Back to headquarters and our reports.” Tarhin walked back to the airspeeder with Jacen, Zeno and Ros. “Gianini cases closed.”

- - -

“Look at that.” Reno was looking through the viewscreen when Elmar guided CorSec C 9856 over the city. “There is a big fire and it could be connected to our crash.”

“It is.” Han Halcyon was at the entrance of the cockpit with a dreamy look on his face. “And the culprits are gone and we don't know where. We will know more after our return to Corellia but first your lessons and your knighting ceremony.”

“Join the masters in the cabin and get strapped in dad.” Elmar said. “We can pick up speed and head out. Entering jump-coordinates for Coruscant. Here we go.”

- - -

Gavin Maurishka was the first to rush to the landed transport after hearing from Control that it came from Corellia and was piloted by Elmar Halcyon and Reno Helcani. He headed up the opened ramp towards the cockpit and said with a smile on his face that had the tips of his moustache dancing. “This one is in one piece.”

“Yes master Grease.” Reno unstrapped and stood up. “And that no good Gianini girl is gone where?”

“I don't know but Shh-Kirr came back with sorrow etched on his face. He headed immediately to the restaurant, came back fully stuffed with the raw meat he prefers and took a transport to settle a dispute on Denon.”

“Our masters are in the cabin with Jarin Keana.” Elmar stood up.

Gavin asked “Old healer and master Jarin Keana?”

“Yes he will be at my knighting ceremony with Han, Elmar and my master.”

“And I will ask my old friends Shh-Kirr and Chenbi Junno to be there.” Jarin Keana was in the door of the cabin and glad that Gavin offered him some support.

“Shh-Kirr is away but he will return in a few days.” Gavin said.

“Time enough to inform the council and meet our friends.” Hano walked with Reno down the corridor and to the ramp.

“Lessons for you.” Han Halcyon followed with his son. “And no Yoda-talk or...”

“I will get to sample his horrid stew.” Elmar laughed.

- - -

They were in the great hall of knighting a few days later when Reno Helcani entered.

Master Yoda with his green lightsaber, ignited.

Shh-Kirr, the negotiator, Chenbi Junno and Wren Ronius from the intel department, Gavin Maurishka, the engineer, Glenn Dugan, Shana Milgazar, Dris Kyle and Hano Manuci from the healers' ward, all with ignited lightsabers.

Jarin Keana was there, fragile but standing with his lightsaber aloft and waiting for a sign. He saw Master Yoda looking his way and said “we are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed. We are ready Reno Helcani.”

“Padawan Helcani begin you can,” Master Yoda held his lightsaber aloft.

Reno strode through the rows of Jedi and sang.

“There is no emotion; there is peace.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no death; there is the Force

Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.

Hano joined Reno:

“Jedihealers help injured beings in the galaxy.
Jedihealers use their powers to cure, never to kill others.
Jedihealers respect all life, in any form.
Jedihealers help enemies and friends.

Hano walked towards Reno. “Almost twelve years ago I gave a part of myself to you as symbol of our bond to one another in my apartment. My Padawan braid joined the beginning of yours as a symbol of the continuity of life within the Force and life within our Order. I secured our bond and braided your hair, tying it with the tuft of blue & white yarn.

White like the life and light
That is the Force
The living Force
That guides us
You became my apprentice.
Now it is time to raise you to knighthood.
Reno Helcani. Padawan, by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee, Jedi Reno Helcani Knight of the Republic," Hano said with pride showing in his voice and he touched with the tip of his lightsaber very lightly the braid severing it and catching it.

The masters bowed and said with one voice “Jedi Knight and healer Reno Helcani welcome. May the Force guide you on your path.”

“And Corellian Jedi.” Reno whispered and accepted the severed braid from his master, his friend.

“Yes Reno. Your first tour of duty will be in Coronet city university hospital. You can guide Jarin home.”

“And you?”

“I will return to Corellia when you have a padawan.”



FIN

 

Epilogue.

Hano Manuci did return to Corellia but that was after 7 years. He had seen Reno taking Randy Bel Wandal, a young Corellian boy, as his padawan. He had been like a parent to Reno and knew that Reno would act as the father for the boy, who was willingly given by his parents to become a Corellian Jedi.

 

7 ABY
Tony Keana was smiling when he read the diary of his ancestor Jarin Keana. The man had been a Jedi-healer, had been friends with Avar Kriss, Elzar Mann and Stellan Gios when he was staying in the crèche, had a nice master when he became a padawan and was allowed to marry Elsi Bel Innis because he was a Corellian. The last entry was intriguing. It was about CorSec investigations. He turned to his son in the pilot seat. "We have something to study after our return to Corellia."
"What about?" Kevin asked.
"Something with cats."

 

This was a really great read! I want a Star Wars medical/crime drama show now.

You did an amazing job weaving all the prompts and plot threads together, especially the kitten! And I love how all of your characters have such rich friendships and histories with each other. It really brings them to life.

And the knighting ceremony was a wonderful way to finish. I liked the songs, and of course the symbolism of the Padawan braid.

So great! It ties things up neatly for this story but leaves lots of space for more adventures, too.

And then the epilogues were the perfect finishing touch. "Something with cats", indeed.

Again, you did a wonderful job with this story and I enjoyed it so much! Awesome work.

 

Thank you for your great review. It was fun to write about police work and showing more about CorSec and Corellian Jedi. There will be more crime and cats in my upcoming diaries for 2024