Chapter 33

"Be sure, she reaches Palomintar Four alive," Darth Golluth grumbled.

"Of course, master. They'll mix something through her meal, some sleeping drug."

"Don't make any mistakes this time. I need her here as soon as possible."

"A Twilek' trader has promised us to arrange a transport, master. Can we already give him the coordinates and the other landing instruction?"

"The sooner, the better. Yes, tell him. I will instruct my droids to bring her to my underground shelter."

Unaware of this strange conversation between Darth Golluth and his Irithim spy at the space port, the transport hopper with Luke, Ian and Leia drove to the detention building at high speed. When they neared the building Leia activated her infocom.

"Threepio, come in. Where are you?"

"We're at the backside door, mistress Leia. The exit, where once I saw how you ..."

"We're almost there. Make sure that back door to the underground entrance is unlocked."

"Artoo has been working on it and will open when you drive in."

"Well done, you two. Stay inside the building. We'll meet you there. You know what to do next."

Leia switched off the infocom.

"Are you sure, nobody will notice our approach, Leia?" Luke asked.

"The backside entrance is guarded only with surveillance cams. It is meant as an emergency exit. Artoo has switched off those cams and any other detection system around and inside the back side of the building for a couple of hours, supposedly for maintenance. As we've entered the building we can make our way to the sewer entrance unnoticed."

"What about the transport hopper, master?" Ian asked.

"Once inside the guards will take Threepio and Artoo to the government building. They will escort the droids to Mon Mothma offices, using her secret elevator."

Luke hesitated.

"Two well-known droids in a transport hopper carrying the official markings of the Supreme Chancellor. That vehicle will certainly attract attention."

"Before you'd arrived, Threepio and Artoo deliberately have made this trip in and out the building several times. They have the look-a-like of maintenance droids carrying out an official urgent maintenance order from the Supreme Chancellor."

Luke laughed.

"You've taken care of everything, haven't you, Leia."

"I hope I have. If the spies of Darth Golluth should find Liane and bring her to him on Palomintar Four, Mon Mothma and I fear for her safety, and also for the peace in the galaxy. "

"Who is this Darth Golluth, the Supreme Chancellor mentioned?" Luke asked. "How has she find out about him? What does he want of Liane?"

"I'll tell you all the details while we're on our way to the government building via the Great Sewer. Darth Golluth and his secret desire to bring Liane to Palomintar Four are the reasons for this covert operation with me acting as Liane. But to satisfy your curiosity: his real name is Trevor Matrik and he has been an Imperial officer, one of Palpatine's praetorian guards, and an admiral in the Imperial Space Fleet. He is extremely Force-sensitive. Most of his career he has spent on Coruscant, later he was located on another planet. However, the document about that new assignment wasn't in his personal file, but still it contained a lot of information about Trevor Matrik. Commodore Valann Namaran, one of the triarchy leaders, gave Trevor's personal file to Ian and me. Look the door is open. Here we go. Let's hope everything will turn out well."

The transport hopper vanished through the backdoor of the large detention building. Some fifty feet from the entrance Luke noticed the figures of Threepio and Artoo. The vehicle stopped and the guards hopped off. They opened the doors on both sides and Luke, Leia and Ian jumped out. Leia beckoned the two droids.

"Good work, well done. You know what to do next?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Good luck."

"Nice to see you again, guys," Luke said and put his hand on Threepio's shoulder.

"It's good to see you again on Dalmaran, master Luke. Please, stay a while on this planet. Artoo wants to accompany you again on your next trip."

Luke laughed.

"And you, Threepio. Are you coming with me too?"

The fastidious droid stepped back.

"If you don't mind, sir. I want to stay on Dalmaran and make a quiet living here."

"You will get, what you want, Threepio," Leia said and smiled.

"Ma'am, you have to proceed with the chancellor's plan. The maintenance vessel will arrive in about four hours. You mustn't miss it." One of the special guards said.

"Come on. Threepio, we see you and Artoo later on."

The three Jedi turned their back on the two droids and the special guards.

"If we reach the government building you will have to imitate the appearance of Leia as a Jedi Knight and the representative of the former Royal House of Alderaan. Leia is also a member of the High Council and my special advisor," Mon Mothma said. "You can do that, can't you?"

Liane still felt uncomfortable in Leia's Jedi clothes. Mon Mothma sensed how overwhelmed the young woman was by the rapid changes after the landing of the Millennium Falcon

"Liane, weren't you once in charge of the imperial troops on Morantann?" Mon Mothma asked gently, hoping she reassure the girl a bit, "Darth Vader's men had given you a special title, remember."

"An alias, madam, a name I hate."

"Leia told you're not proud of it and you don't deserve it any longer. I've heard better stories about you."

"Thank you, ma'am, for your discretion. It's very kind of you, for I don't want to be remembered as that person. I've never really been her."

Han touched Liane's hand. For a moment Liane looked up at him. She saw a understanding look in his eyes, then she looked at Mom Mothma again.

"Why are you doing this, ma'am? What's the reason? Leia said that you want to protect me, because you know who has made those attempts to capture me."

"Leia has discovered the name of that person, Liane? She asked me to put you under the special protection of the New Republic."

"I knew that someone was after me, but I thought that it was, because you have been told that I escaped from the Wegoyy prison. I never escaped, madam. I have been lock up in an SL-chamber. I wasn't allowed to sleep. Luke and Han say that I have been given a drug to wipe out my memories."

Mon Mothma grabbed Liane's hands.

"I'm really sorry about what has happened to you, Liane. The ones you're referring to and have attacked you on Endor are in detention awaiting their trial. However, Leia has found evidence that a possible new Sith Lord wants you to become his apprentice, because your foster-father taught you how to handle and use the Dark Side of the Force."

Liane frowned and shook her head.

"I will never cooperate with another Sith Lord. Never again. I know too well, what evil my fa... my foster-father has brought to this galaxy. Besides I've promised Luke I will not use my old knowledge anymore, ma'am. I want to use my special skills to serve, to cure people and help them to overcome their sorrows."

"She is really great doing that, Mon," Han interrupted, "If Liane hadn't accidentally been on Tatooine with Luke, where they met Chewbacca, I would never have decided to come back to Dalmaran."

Mon Mothma smiled.

"And leave my most trusted advisor an unhappy woman for the rest of her life, general Solo?"

Han's cheeks slightly colored. Liane looked at him.

"Leia will join us in the government building, won't she, ma'am? " She asked

Mon Mothma nodded.

"Yes, she will, but we're approaching the government building. Do you understand what I expect of you?"

"I do," Liane said and she sat upright.

The official transport hopper braked and entered the square in front of entrance of the government building. The special guards jumped out and one of them open the door and offered his hand to Mon Mothma. After her he helped Liane to get out, followed by Han and Chewbacca. Before she had left the vehicle, Liane had pulled the cowl of the Jedi cloak over her hair and partly over her face. While she joined Mon Mothma, she folded her hands in the wide sleeves of the cloak, like she'd seen Luke do. She slightly bowed her head as if she was listening to the Supreme Chancellor. Han wanted to protest, but Mon Mothma immediately understood what Liane had in mind. Leia would certainly walk at her side, when she was going to her offices. She beckoned Han and Chewbacca to follow her. Mon Mothma was amazed about the change that had taken place in Liane's attitude during their short trip through Irithim. She didn't show any nervousness, instead she walked at self-conscious pace next to Mon Mothma. The four conspirators entered the government building and took the special elevator to Mon Mothma's private chambers. After the door had been closed Mon Mothma turned to Liane with a smile

"Well done, Liane. You're no longer have to pretend you're a Jedi Knight. You did very well."

Liane sighed relieved, and pulled back the cowl of the Jedi cloak.

"Thank you, ma'am." She looked at Han who was still looking surprised.

"I had to do what the Supreme Chancellor expected of me, Han, for she's doing this to protect me?" She said.

"You were great, but not as I expected. You're full of surprises, sweetheart. Maybe you have something of a princess in you, a beautiful Force princess," He said.

"Where is Leia, ma'am?" Liane said looking around the room.

"Leia, Luke and Ian Tydon, your former guard, are on their way. We will meet them in a few hours. Oh, there are Threepio and Artoo."

A side door of Mon Mothma private chambers had slid aside and two special guards brought in the two droids.

"A few hours!" Liane exclaimed disappointed, "but I thought they would be here already."

"Impossible, sweetheart. If I understood it right, Leia and company are using the sewer system under the detention building as a decoy, before they will meet us here." Han grinned.

"Please sit down, you two, Chewbacca take that large pouch. Threepio will bring us some drinks, while I will tell you about our plan," Mon Mothma said.

Then she revealed in detail the plan to bring Liane to a safe place in a secret underground accommodation on Na'ctaMagh'Ba, one of the prohibited continents of Dalmaran. In Standard Basic the continent's name meant the 'Valley of the Four Lakes'. There the New Republic had gotten permission to create a safe haven for the members of the High Council in case of emergency. The accommodation had been set up deep down under the mountainous area which covert almost the whole continent, surrounding the valley on all sides. The project had been build without disturbing the existing nature and had the approval and full cooperation of the Dalmaranian leaders and the scientist who ran a couple of scientific laboratories and farms in the valley.

Mon Mothma showed Han, Chewbacca and Liane detailed holographic images of the valley. Liane admired the vistas of the Valley and Mon Mothma showed her the four lakes, which had given the valley its name.

"It looks wonderful, so serene." Liane mused.

"It is a serene place and not accessible without explicit permission of the Dalmaranian government", Mon Mothma said.

"How do those scientists get their supplies?" Liane asked.

"They have air support from the nearby space port of Mas'onom. Every standard week they get all the extra supplies they need. On the farms they grow the food and tend the cattle which covers most of their daily needs. The surplus of the harvests are taken to Mas'onom to be sold on the market. In the laboratories the scientists check the influence of human inhabitance on the surrounding nature. The whole project is more or less self supporting."

"What happens if some one get ill, or has an accident?"

"The scientists have direct access to the air support when ever they want. Help is given immediately."

"Tough organization", Han said, "Wouldn't it be better to build some medical facility."

"Building activities are prohibited on Na'ctaMagh'Ba, general Solo. The farmhouses and the housing of the laboratories which the scientists use for their accommodation are build with natural materials only. The scientists are doing long-time research on the impact of human colonization of uninhabited worlds."

"Will we meet any scientists once we're there?" Liane asked.

"Not likely. We are using the outlet of an underground river to get inside the accommodation. Once inside we don't have access to the valley, we're even not allowed to. The accommodation is part of the cave network underneath the continent."

Mon Mothma looked at the chrono at her desk.

"While we're waiting for the others I have ordered a late lunch. Will you please follow me."

She rose and pushed a button in the wall that slid aside. Liane saw a beautiful dining room, where a table had been set for ten. Another door on the opposite side of the room slid aside and three members of the High Council entered. Mon Mothma took Liane's hand and walked over to her advisors.

"You, probably, remember master Sorjan Tyloban, Liane, and you know general Madine, and this is Samira Rolan from Naboo. She has made a study of the impact of the mind-drug you have been given on Wegoyy."

Liane shook hands with members of the High Council who looked at her with interest. General Madine pressed her hand more firmly and smiled at her.

"Did you manage to help those wounded Ewoks on Endor, miss Solichor?" He asked.

Liane nodded not knowing what to say. Mon Mothma brought her to a seat next to her.

"Before we're having lunch I would be very obliged to you, Liane, if you could tell the members of the High Council and me in detail what treatment you underwent in the Wegoyy prison? How did you manage to leave Wegoyy and what has happened to you, before commodore Skywalker found you on Endor," Mon Mothma said.

"I will gladly tell you what has happened to me on Wegoyy and what I have done afterwards, ma'am. You've been very kind to me, although I'm officially a prisoner of the New Republic," Liane said feeling a bit uneasy about the three unexpected visitors.

"I will have a chat with you about that former verdict after we have arrived at the underground accommodation, Liane," Mon Mothma said.

While Liane was enjoying her meeting with Mon Mothma, telling her and the members of the High Council about her imprisonment on Wegoyy and the forbidden torture commander Dendicott had used, Leia, Luke and Ian were on their way through the cellars of the detention building to find the entrance to the sewer system. As planned Artoo had switched off all surveillance cams of the system. The entrance grate had been unlocked and one by one they climbed down the iron bars in the wall. Luke, as the last one, put the grate in place and secured the lock. Twenty meters down the small shaft they reached the bottom and entered the sewer tunnels. Leia activated a datapad with a map. They waited for a couple of minutes and then a little green dot signalled their position, while a red line showed the path they had to follow.

"That way", Leia said and pointed north.

"What time will we engage that maintenance submersible", Ian asked.

"At seventeen hundred hour, standard time. We have about four hours from now to reach the spot where we can pick it up."

"It's thirteen twenty. We've lost some time finding the entrance grate," Luke said. "We'd better hurry."

The two Jedi and the padawan ran, following the red line. As they continued the line became shorter.

"We will reach the spot in time," Leia said, while they made steep turn and found their path block by a heavy steel door. Behind the door the red line continued.

"It seems, master, that our road is cut off," Ian said.

"This is an emergency door," Luke said. "It probably has closed when Artoo switched off the surveillance system. Let's hope it doesn't withstand a lightsaber."

Luke and Leia unbuckled their lightsabers and held them close to the metal locks. They ignited the blade and a hissing sound started melting the steel around the locks. It took some twenty minutes before the locks gave way and the heavy door could be pushed open. They jumped through and continued their way.

"Let's hope there's no other obstacle in our path," Leia said looking had her chrono. "We have two hour and a half left. Ian, look at the map, how long before we reach our rendez-vous point."

"Time needed, three hours and ten minutes according to the map." Ian said.

"Then let's run a bit faster. I don't want to swim to the Grand Sewer, if we miss the submersible."

They rushed forward and flashed through the underground network of tunnels. The tunnels widened and at the distance they could hear the flow of the rushing water of the Grand Sewer.

"We're in time," Leia yelled and ran through the opening.

"There goes our submersible, master," Ian said and pointed to the floating submersible which rounding the bent to the Grand Sewer.

Luke stretched out to the Force and stopped the automatic floating boat.

"Hurry. I'm holding it."

Leia and Ian ran to the vessel which was floating some hundred and twenty meters ahead of them. Luke followed holding the object in his Force grip. Leia reached the boat first and unhooked a cable from her belt. She swung is around rear side of the boat and pulled. Immediately the boat stopped; the automatic floating switched off as soon as an obstacle was detected.

"Got it, Luke," She shouted, "Ian, Open the hatch and get inside. I have the code to overrule this floating computer."

They went down in the hold and Leia rushed over to the navigation console. She flipped back several switches and pressed a red button. The computer asked for an entry code and Leia typed the seventeen digits. Immediately the screen above the console lit up and showed a clear vision of the Grand Sewer.

"The controls are on manual now. Now let's bring this floating device to our next destination: the quay of the underground escape route under the the government building. There's an elevator which will bring us to Mon Mothma's offices, where we'll meet Mon Mothma and the others. We will leave the Supreme Chancellor's offices with a more comfortable underwater transport to reach Na'ctaMagh'Ba: Mon Mothma's gorgeous and spacious submersible, a special gift from the Dalmaranian leaders.

"What did you say?" The Twilek' asked shaking his headtails in disbelieve.

"I've told you already three times. We aren't expecting any new prisoner transport! You are misinformed." The guard said with an annoyed sigh.

"What about an escaped convict from the State Prison on Wegoyy?" The Twilek' asked nervously.

"Any prisoner from Wegoyy, who is captured again, is transported back to Wegoyy immediately. That's standard procedure."

"Transported back to Wegoyy?"

"Yes, I don't know what's that of your concern?"

"Nothing, nothing at all. Thank you for your information." The Twilek' said hastely and walked away.

The guard shrugged his shoulders and walked back to his post.

"What did that creature want?" His colleague asked.

"If I knew something about a Wegoyy prisoner in detention on Dalmaran. I told that Wegoyy prisoners are always send back to Wegoyy immediately. I thought that everybody knew that procedure."

"Strange behavior, why did he want that information?"

"I don't know. He seemed very much surprised, when I told him we weren't expecting any newcomers."

"If I'm not mistaken I've seen that Twilek' here the last couple of days regularly. I wonder what he wants. His behavior raises questions. Make a remark in the log, if he turns up again, we warn the commander and put him under surveillance."

"What for? Maybe he was expecting a friend. Well if this so-called friend was a Wegoyy prisoner, he has to book a transport to that planet. Maybe he belongs there too. Forget it. I've send him off."

Little did the two guards know that the Twilek' was being watched already. A small floating surveillance droid was hovering nearby and held the Twilek' in its sight.

Not far from the detention building the Twilek' stopped and looked back.

"They haven't brought her to the detention building, but where is she now? I must find her, otherwise my master will be very, very angry. I have to contact Zulin, maybe he knows what happened to the girl. Maybe she's brought in via a secret entrance. If it is a standard procedure that Wegoyy prisoners are sent back, maybe they haven't informed those guards about her. I will leave him a coded message, that I'm expecting him at our standard meeting point."

The Twilek' took out a hand held device and ducked in the shadow of porch. Quickly his fingers flicked over the screen and even faster he slipped the device back under his clothes. Then he vanished among the crowd, but the floating surveillance droid had registered his behavior. It started following him again from a distance.

"Two consecutive messages have been transmitted between Dalmaran and Palomintar Four. Both mentioned the arrival of the escaped prisoner from Wegoyy. I have asked Quoith to send you a full transcription of the messages and the audio track of both sides. We definitely need the complete holographic recordings. I'm awaiting the permission to proceed with the plan I'm developing. "

"Thank you, for keeping us informed about, what's going on on Dalmaran, officer Whain. We will listen to the audio track and watch the transcription carefully," Kalip Ru'undo said, "I will pass your message to the grand admiral."

The holographic display went black. Kalip used his infocom to inform Jerno and Valann. They came over to his office at once.

"It was a short connection via Quoith, but it's interesting that once again some messages have been exchanged. It is clear to us, that our former admiral still seeks ways to get hold of the woman."

The infocom on Kalip's desk flashed. Kalip activated the device.

"Receiving message's transcripts and audio track commencing," A computer voice said.

The three leaders listing to the voices and nodded.

"It's Matrik's voice," Jerno said and looked at Kalip and Valann.

"He still doesn't seem to be aware, that he's been monitored," Valann commented.

"I will attach these ones to his dossier again," Kalip said, "It will be another piece of evidence."

"We're still unaware of what the New Republic intends to do, now that Liane Solichor had returned to Dalmaran," Valann said a bit worried.

"I will bring up her case, when we're discussing our agent's plan," Jerno said.

Hours after sunset two different individuals met outside the outskirts of Irithim, one was the Twilek' who had been looking for information about Liane, the other was a Y'vanna, a humanoid who was wearing the uniform of a guard of Irithim prison.

"Tell me," The Twilek' said. "Do you know where they have brought the girl I've told you about."

"There hasn't arrived any new female prisoner. I've checked all the logs of today and yesterday, but there are no new arrivals. I also haven't found upcoming transports to Wegoyy. There hasn't been any transports to Wegoyy since the troubles there about an escaped prisoner who seems to have been tortured."

"My contacts told me, that they have seen how the girl has been transported from the space port after the landing of the Millennium Falcon. It seems that general Solo had captured her. Jedi Skywalker was also on board. He and another Jedi were escorting the girl."

"I'm sorry, Trimas. There weren't any new arrivals today. I would have been the first person to know, you know."

"Yes, yes, Zulin. Do you have any clue where they might have taken that girl."

"Maybe they brought her to the government building. If she is the one who managed to escape from the Wegoyy prison, they want her to tell the members of High Council what happened to her. Remember that commander Dendicott and the Phylotar brothers are still waiting for their trial to start," Zulin said.

"Yes, yes, Zulin. I'm aware of those facts, but I need to know where the girl is now. You said, that you would take care of her the moment she would arrive at the detention block and now you tell me you weren't informed about her transport, while I have heard that Jedi Skywalker and his friend were escorting her to the detention building. "

Zulin grabbed the Twilek' at the throat.

"Are you suggesting, I'm a lair, you little rat. If I tell you there haven't been any new arrivals I speak the truth. You told me the girl can be of some help to our master to revive the empire. "

Trimas struggled to get free.

"I don't want to offend you, but I need your help. If I can't find the place were they are hiding her, we're in trouble. Our master won't allow anymore failures from me."

"I see what I can find out, but don't expect a quick answer. I have a job to do, and I don't want to attract attention." Zulin said, releasing the Twilek', "I'll contact you as soon as I know more."

The Twilek' ordered his tunic and cloak and nodded.

"Make it fast. I promised our master I would have a ship ready to transport the girl the same night, if possible."

"Stupid to make such a promise, if you don't know anything for sure. I'll have to go now. I'll keep you informed."

Zulin vanished among the shadows of the surrounding buildings. The Twilek' sniffed not feeling very confident about the deal. A surveillance droid had registered the rendez-vous.

Mon Mothma had taken the two Jedi Knights, Leia's padawan, Liane, Han and Chewbacca down deep under the government building. When the elevator doors slit they all stepped on a broad quay adjacent large underground lake. Attached to strong moorings a magnificent, large submersible was waiting for them. The hatch stood open and Mon Mothma ordered the group to embark.

"General Solo, you and your Wookiee friend will navigate the vessel. The navi computer will show you the route we'll have to take. You need to follow the exact instructions which the computer will show on the display. Especially the depth has to be followed exactly, for the Dalmaranian Sea Guards will monitor the vessel during its underwater journey."

Han and Chewbacca started to study their route on the monitor. Chewbacca grunted some words at his friends.

"We'll manage, Chewie. It looks different, but I think it's quite similar when flying the Falcon. Is everybody inside yet?"

"All things set, Han." Luke said and grinned, "Even Leia's pile of luggage is on board."

Ian Tydon walked over to Luke to tell that Threepio and Artoo had been brought on board too.

"Master Luke, I have told the droids to attach themselves to the charging unit at the rear."

"Very well, Ian. Oh, there is my sister with Liane and the Supreme Chancellor."

Han looked over his shoulder and grimaced to Leia. She walked over to him and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Do you and Chewie manage, darling?" She asked.

"Of course, we do. Steering this vessel is nothing less than flying a space craft under water. Is the hatch closed and sealed."

Mon Mothma laughed, while Ian looked in amazement at Liane who was still wearing Leia's Jedi outfit. He grabbed her hand and took her to the couches near the rear.

"These clothes fit you so well, Liane. You're really looking like a real Jedi Knight. Should I call you, master Liane?"

"Of course not," Liane answered snippy, "I am absolutely no Jedi Knight, I even don't want to become one. Leia, can we change clothes again here."

"I don't mind if you keep them on, Liane, but as soon as we have arrived at our destination I will gladly hand you back the clothes I wearing."

Liane frowned and sighed, before she intended to take off the cloak.

"Accept what my sister says, Liane," Luke said with a smile, "Ian is right. Those Jedi outfit suits you. I love to see you wearing Leia's ceremonial outfit. Please, wait patiently until we reach Na'ctaMagh'Ba."

"You see, Liane, even master Luke thinks you're born to wear these kind of clothes," Ian said.

"How long will it take to reach our destination?" Liane asked, showing her discomfort.

"About twenty hours, Liane, maybe more" Mon Mothma said.

Liane sighed again and looked at the Supreme Chancellor. She tried to produce a slight smile

"Then at least master Luke and I will have the pleasure to see you wearing those clothes during this trip," Ian said.

"I looked better in the clothes I had to wear in the Wegoyy prison. I'm nearly beginning to like the green jacket and pants," Liane murmured under her breath.

"You don't mean that Liane. That outfit never flattered you. You looked frail in it and forlorn. I remember all too well what you looked like in those clothes. What did you do with them?"

"I discarded them after Yarnick and his brothers bought me more comfortable clothing. Especially Kieran detested the clothes I was wearing after I had left Wegoyy with them."

"Did he tell you those were prisoner's clothes?" Ian asked.

"Never, although I'm sure that they recognized them the moment I met them."

Mon Mothma who had taken a seat on one of the other couches, looked at Liane.

"If that's true, Liane, then I wonder, why they haven't brought you back to prison?"

"They explained their decision, when I was visiting their parents on Rasth, ma'am. Bran told me that he and his brother had become suspicious, because I couldn't remember anything. That's why the Granns took me with them on board their ship. I have travelled with them for more than a year. Those travels always were a great experience ! I always enjoyed visiting the many different planets."

"If you should have worn that green outfit, sweetheart," Han commented aloud from the cockpit of the vessel, "I would have known where you had come from, but when I met you in Mos Eisley you looked as the prettiest women I had ever seen."

Liane's face became red. Ian laughed.

"General Solo, Liane is indeed the prettiest woman I have ever met. I even would say she is the prettiest woman in the galaxy."

Liane started to laugh and gave Ian a push.

"Stop flattering me, Ian," She said laughing while she caught a peculiar expression on Luke's face.

"Don't say anything, Luke, about me being the prettiest woman you've met. You know otherwise. At least I hope you remember."

"I certainly do, Liane, although I am convinced that you once will really become the prettiest woman in this galaxy, as your former guard just stated."

"Ian said something foolish, Luke. I am not a pretty girl, otherwise I never should have done what I did. It's better to call me the stupidest and most inexperienced girl in the galaxy."

She turned again to Ian who was looking at her in admiration.

"Didn't you call me naive and ignorant, Ian Tydon?"

"At that time you were, Liane, but you've changed into a pretty and nice woman who has taught me a lot about Force healing. It was so amazing what you could do keeping your hands above those terrible wounds, allowing the Force to start healing Teebo's wounds. Did you use those Force powers after you had left Endor?"

Liane looked at Luke who winked imperceptibly.

"No, there was no need for, Ian. I am glad that Leia told me that Teebo and the other Ewoks have fully recovered. Luke and I have fled Endor in a hurry, there nearly was time to say goodbye to them."

Liane became silent and a sad expression covered her face. Ian put his hand on her arm.

"You miss them, don't you, Liane," He said with compassion in his voice.

Liane nodded, looking depressed.

"Yes, I do, Ian. I wish I could go back and live among them. They are my friends and I feel part of their tribe. Chirpa gave me a wonderful necklace as a token I belong to them."

"I'm sure you will go back there, Liane, and if you go back, I will go with you, if you want me," Ian said.

Liane grab his hand which was still on her arm.

"Will you, Ian. That would be wonderful. I will show you again how I can cure wounded Ewoks. You will help me, won't you?"

"Of course, I will. What you showed me was amazing. I want to learn to use the Force that way too."

"Oh, it would be great to go there together," Liane answered elated and her face expressed her feelings for the young padawan, "Maybe I also could learn from you, because by that time you certainly will be a Jedi Knight like Luke and Leia. Then you could be my master."

She didn't seem to notice that Luke seemed unpleasantly surprised by her last words.

"First Luke and his sister have to deal with your adversary on Palomintar Four, Liane," Mon Mothma said.

"Of course, ma'am, but as soon as they have finished him off, I can go where ever I want, and I would love to go back to Endor."

"Liane, killing someone isn't the way the Jedi Knights deal with an opponent,” Luke remarked in a calm tone.

Liane shrugged her shoulders.

"Whatever you will do to him, I don't care, as long as I will be really free and can go to Endor and show Ian how I can help wounded Ewoks. Perhaps you also will accompany us, Luke. Then I would have my best friends with me on Endor."

Leia looked at her brother. She felt how Liane's words caused her brother to feel discomfortingly.

"You're looking too far into the future, Liane," Luke commented, "You should concentrate on where you're now and what you're doing."

Liane frowned, but didn't comment on Luke's words.

"Maybe we'd better take some rest, before many more future plans are made," Mon Mothma said and pointed to the couches on which they were sitting, "If you press the button above the couch the seat and the backrest will lay flat. In the space underneath there are plaids and cushions. So we can make ourselves comfortable and if you want, have some sleep."

She rose and together with Leia, she demonstrated her words. Both the backrest and the seat lowered themselves and with the plaids and the cushions a comfortable way to take a long rest was provided. Ian and Luke did the same with the opposite couch. In between a small walkway remain to reach the rear of the submersible, while the cockpit with the extra passenger seats was separated from the center section with double plastisteel panels.

"Ian and I will use the passengers seats to rest, ma'am," Luke said, "I want to relieve Han and Chewbacca, for after several hours they need a rest too."

He beckoned Ian to follow him and both disappeared behind the panels. Mon Mothma had already stretched herself on one of the couches. Leia took Liane with her and when the lights in the compartment were dimmed the group came to rest.

Liane laid on her back looking at the ceiling and recalling all what has happened after the Millennium Falcon had landed on Dalmaran.

She sighed and started listening to regular breathing of Mon Mothma and Leia.

Were they already asleep? What would this new adventure bring her? Where are they heading? It was a network of caves underneath the surface of the continent of Na'ctaMagh'Ba. What would it look like? Caves always look dark and gloomy and often moist. Would they really think she would be safe there and would she be able to make herself a living in those caves? How about food and drinks?

Liane sighed and closed her eyes. The images of the valley of Na'ctaMagh'Ba had looked wonderful and so serene. It would have been great if she could live there. Well maybe she could ask the Supreme Chancellor to get permission to live in the valley, if those caves would be too depressing.

In fact they were bringing her to a new place to live in exile. Would there be guards to control her and how should she have to spend her days, if Luke wasn't with her to tell her more about the Force and the ways of the Jedi, for it was certain that he had to find the guy who seems to be another evil Sith lord, like her foster-father had been.

In the half darkness of the submersible she shook her head. No, Anakin hadn't been evil. He was seduced, as Luke as told her, by the temptations of the Dark Side emperor Palpatine had shown him. Emperor Palpatine who in reality was Sith Lord Darth Sidious. He had made Anakin Skywalker a victim of the Dark Side. He had entangled Anakin in the tempting evil web of the wrong use of the Force.

Poor Anakin and poor Padmé. He certainly must have loved her so much. Poor Luke and Leia who had been brought up separately, living their lives without knowing they were brother and sister, twins. Yes, they now are happy to be together as Leia has told her, but wouldn't it has been much better if they would have been living together with their parents as a happy family. Luke had loved his uncle and aunt and Leia had been devoted to her foster parents, but they surely must have missed a lot during their youth.

'I didn't, Liane," a soft voice resonated suddenly in her mind.

'You noticed what I had been thinking, Leia?' Liane responded

'Of course, I did, darling. You shouldn't worry about what has happened in the past to Luke and me. What Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda decided after we had been born, was right. Our existence had to remain secret. Being Anakin's offspring, we had inherited the great influence of the Force. We were a threat to the emperor, but we also would be the hope for the few remaining supporters of the Republic: my foster-parents Bail and Breha Organa, Mon Mothma, Jedi master Yoda and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia's voice explained.

'I understand, Leia, but nevertheless things shouldn't have gone the way they did. You both should have grown up with Anakin and Padmé' Liane commented.

'What about you, Liane. Would have been better if you too should have grown with your mother?'

'My mother must have been seriously ill. She probably knew she wouldn't live long enough to help me. I think, she had met Anakin before she died and has asked him to take care of me. He fulfilled his promise to her, although what he taught me was utterly wrong.'

'You still care for him, don't you?"

'Yes I do, Leia. I pity him, because he hasn't been strong enough to withstand the emperor's machinations. Luke was right. Anakin wasn't all evil as Obi-Wan Kenobi wanted him to believe. Anakin cared for me in his own way and after he had discovered that Luke was his son, he surely began to doubt his use of the Dark Side of the Force. Those doubts cause the conflict he often felt. It only took a long time before he was able to fully renounce the Dark Side. It was your brother who brought him to that understanding. Luke always believed, that he could return Anakin to the good side of the Force, so he would be again the Jedi Knight he once had been.'

'Did I ever tell you that I have seen him and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ben, on Endor, after I got back all my memories in a dazzeling flow of thousands of images after I had read the words on that commemmorating stone. Even before I had discovered that stone, I have heard Anakin's voice several time. He has been trying to convince me I wasn't the girl I thought I was. He used to call me Liane, but I didn't comprend his words. On a time I had dozed off and I heard his voice and I called him 'father'. I heard his relieved sigh, as if he was glad I could recall something of my past. Now I'm grateful for his efforts. He wanted me to recall my past. After I had called out to Luke, using the Jedi-pedant, I constantly felt Anakin's compassion as he tried to comfort me over and over again, reassuring me that Luke knew where I was and that he would come.'

Liane silenced, then she felt Leia's hand around hers.

'Thank you for telling me this, Liane. You're a good friend....'

'... and your foster-sister. I'm glad I'm, Leia, for I feel less lonely now I can see you and Luke as my sister and brother. I love to be a relative of you.'

'You are and you will always be, Liane. Not try to sleep. Tomorrow we will reach our destination, where, I hope, you will be safe and can live for a while without the fear of being brought to Palomintar Four. Luke and I will prevent that you have to flee again. No get some sleep and forget what you have been through.'

Liane heard the strong Force tone in Leia's voice. She surrender herself to the compelling power of the Force that touches her mind. All disturbing thoughts seemed to vanished and a deep sleep surrounded her.

"Good day to you, grand admiral Thai, and to your co-leaders Kalip Ru'undo and Valann Namaran," the holo image of the New Republic agent addressed the triarchy, "I want to discuss a matter a group of technicians on Quoith have brought up to me. Of course I also will bring it up to the Supreme Chancellor. It sounds a bit an odd plan, but according to the explanation, it would give our two governments much more information, maybe even access to the communication system which our new opponent on Palomintar Four is using to share his disturbing message with his supporters."

Jerno, Valann and Kalip hardly could express a smile.

"That's quite a flattering description of what's going on on Palomintar Four, sir," Kalip commented, "Not to say, that's it is quite worrisome what our opponent wants to achieve, but tell us more about what your technicians on Quoith had in mind."

"On cooperation with your agent on board the Basilisæa they want to infiltrate the communication system on Palomintar Four and make an attempt to get full access to that system. They already have been discussing this matter with your agent, but they can't proceed without the permission of both our governments."

The three leaders of the Provisional Coruscant Council looked at each other.

"Not so long ago, we have heard a similar idea from our agent," Jerno said, "When will you discuss the matter with the Supreme Chancellor?"

"Lady Mon Mothma is on a diplomatic mission at the moment, but will be back at Irithim shortly. I'm already contacting you, so we can exchange ideas and possible advantages or disadvantages. You said that your man also has laid out this plan with you. Are you willing to share his point of view with me. I can tell you, that our technicians on Quoith have a very high esteem for you agent. They have discussed many options together with him. He surely is an expert, but he made clear to our guys on Quoith that what he has in mind can't be done without the full permission and cooperation of our governments. If I have understood them correctly, your agent's plan boils down to the following: in the separated and secured area on the Quoith system, a special area must be further separated using special access codes. That special part should contain information which our opponent might be very curious about. The information which will be added to that special part will be a forgery and incomplete. It doesn't correspond to any actual information about the persons our opponent is interested in. Your agent will ensure that our opponent can access the special part through his communication system on Palomintar Four. The necessary access codes will be deliberately but secretively leaked at Irithim and Mas'onom to our opponent's spies. What I understand, is that it is some kind of trap to trick our opponent to access and read the information in that double shielded partition. If he does access the partition, detailed information about his system becomes known to us which would make it easier for your agent to monitor him. Your agent has requested assistance from our technicians, as he has limited freedom to carry out his plan from the Basilisæa."

"Indeed our man has limited freedom for any direct invasive actions from the Basilisæa, but won't this plan create some dangerous consequences for the New Republic?"

"I have told our men on Quoith that both of our governments will consult each other about possible consequences and possible dangers of discovery in advance, before they can carry out their plans."

"We on our site, don't have real objection as long as it wouldn't endanger the peaceful co-existence of our two administration," Jerno said.

"That's out of the question, grand admiral. The cooperation between the Provisional Coruscant Council and the New Republic won't be at stake. However, both our governments surely have an interest in preventing the dangerous plans of our opponent. "

"You just said that you would share with our opponent some special information concerning certain persons. You probably mean Liane Solichor, but who else can he be interested in?" Kalip asked.

"Our Jedi Knights."

"He also is about your Jedi Knights?"

"We know he desperately is looking for information about Liane Solichor's whereabouts, don't we?" the New Republic agent said.

Both Kalip and Valann looked skeptical.

"Are you seriously thinking, telling him information about her?" Jerno asked.

The agent shook his head.

"The information we will share are a forgery, a file with misinformation. We only share, what he already knows about her. For instance, about her involvement with the late senator Zolgathrii and her flight with him to Ortel. We also will share some details of the trial against her and the verdict which has send her to Wegoyy. Those are facts, he surely knows, but those facts might pique his curiosity to dig further. In the meantime it has become very clear to us that he also wants to bring Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker to Palomintar to involve him in his plans."

"He wants to capture not only Liane Solichor, but also master Skywalker? Where did you get that information?" Valann asked concerned.

"Partly through princess Leia Organa and partly through some rogues we recently have arrested on Endor. One of those rogues was still in possession of a holographic order the group had gotten from Rand Phylotar, They had to go to the Ewok village in search for miss Solichor and Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker. They had to bring them both to Palomintar Four."

"As far as we know that second also attempt failed. Rand Phylotar has been secretly visiting Palomintar Four a second time, shortly after Jedi Knight Skywalker had left Endor taking Liane Solichor with him, " Kalip remarked.

"Correct, so we also want to put an amended version of the trial against commodore Skywalker and his sister in that separate partition too." The agent said.

"Then he would become familiar with the family relationship between master Skywalker and the princess of Alderaan. That's dangerous information," Jerno said.

"Not at all, Jedi master Skywalker has also trained his sister as a Jedi Knight. Wouldn't be advantageous to have two Jedi Knights to cope with our opponent in the future. Princess Leia has already seen our opponent on Endor and she is busy in finding out what kind of guy he really is, especially if he really is dangerous to the peaceful coexistence of our two governments. You shouldn't underestimate the knowledge of both Skywalkers, grand admiral."

"We certainly don't, but would the Jedi Knights be willing to give their support, if we would need it?" Kalip asked.

"That's something we have to discuss, as we also have discuss which information we really could safely share with our opponent. But most important is that the Provisional Coruscant is willing to cooperate in the proposed plan of your agent on board the Basilisæa and our technicians on Quoith?"

"What is the probability of success?" Valann asked.

"Impossible to predict, but I think we should give this plan our thoughts. As soon as the Supreme Chancellor is back I will discuss this matter with her in detail. She probably will seek a personal contact with you to consult your points of view."

"We will discuss this matter between the three of us, for not too many persons should have the knowledge of this covert operation," Jerno said.

"I fully agree with your opinion, grand admiral Thai. The lesser persons are aware, the lesser chance of betrayal."

"We will await the consult with the Supreme Chancellor, sir. Thank you, for consulting and informing us," Jerno said.

The holographic image vanished. Jerno looked at Valann and Kalip.

"I think," Valann said cautiously, "that our agent on board the Basilisæa is working out his ideas very energetically. I hope he is aware of any dangers."

"Those guys on Quoith are as energetic as he is, maybe this cooperation will workout fine," Jerno said.

"Doran Whain must keep us informed about the progress," Kalip commented.

"Don't worry, he will and we also will get information from our allies," Jerno said.

"We have arrived," Han announced and he stopped the engines, "Chewie and I will get out first to fix the moorings of the submersible. We will help you all out afterwards.

The top hatch opened with a hiss and Chewie went first up the ladder, followed by Han. Within minutes the two friends had attached the submersible at the heavy magnetic moorings.

"It's safe to leave now," Han yelled, "May I asked the Supreme Chancellor to set foot on her special residence first."

Mon Mothma left the submersible and stepped on the jetty, followed by Luke and Leia. The twins lifted the two droids Threepio and Artoo, after which Ian gave Liane a hand to step out of the vessel.

Meanwhile Mon Mothma already had walked over to entrance door. The door slit aside effortlessly. Liane looked amazed at the gleaming transparisteel doors. Luke and Ian went over to the Supreme Chancellor.

"Wait, ma'am, before you enter the main hall, until we will have activated the lights inside," Luke said and disappeared through a second set of transparisteel doors. Within seconds several bright lights flared up, illuminating a wide lavishly furnished hall. Mon Mothma looked back and beckoned Liane to come over.

"This is going to be the secret accommodation I will offer you for a while, Liane," She said, "Come with me. I'll show you around as soon as Luke and his friend have activated the lights in some other caves."

Speechless Liane followed the Supreme Chancellor inside. In the meantime Luke and Ian had activated all the lights in the adjacent rooms which were part of the main hall. Mon Mothma walked through the main hall to the next even larger room.

"This has been developed as the living and conference room. To left there are three long corridors which hold the library, my study, a number of private quarters and the rooms to stock and prepare foods and drinks. "

Liane didn't know where to look first. Where these really caves? Several lights flared up behind some other broad doors which seemed to lead to an even broader terrace and behind that she saw something which looked like a lake surrounded by a lawn. To right of the lawn a paved path led to just another cave and Liane thought she saw some vague outlines of trees. Mon Mothma had opened the doors to the terrace and took Liane with her. Flabbergasted Liane turned her head as she felt a soft breeze and heard the sound of the rustling of the wind through the canopy and the chatter and whistles of birds. Mon Mothma smiled.

"What you feel and hear are artificial sounds. They will give the impression of a serene environment which is, in moment of stress and crises, a great relieve."

"This ... is ... unbelievable," Liane stammered, "Am I really going to stay here?"

"You are, Liane, and I hope you will be comfortable and safe, while Luke and the others will find a way to cope with our adversary."

"Our adversary?" Liane asked, "Is that guy threatening more people?"

"Not more people, Liane, the whole galaxy. The person who is looking for you, has some very dangerous plans in mind. Together with the leaders on Coruscant we need to prevent that he will start a new war in the galaxy. He is a threat to the peaceful co-existence of our two governments who both wants nothing else than to keep this galaxy peaceful and prosperous for a long time. But you don't have worry about his plans. You will be safe here for his machinations. Only our government and that of the Dalmaranians have knowledge about this facility. This will be your new home for as long as necessary. To be honest I hope your stay here won't be too long. After what you have been through you should live your life in freedom."

"This place is awesome! I didn't expect this, ma'am. When you told me about a cave network underneath the valley of the four lakes I expected something gloomy, dark and depressing. I can't believe you want me to stay here."

They had walked over to the shores of the lake. Liane bowed and touch the surface of the water.

"It's real!" she exclaimed.

Mon Mothma laughed.

"This is one of the many underground lakes in this cave network. The trees over there, in what my technicians have called 'the forest cave', are also real. They are not as big as they would be in a real forest, but big enough to provided a temperate climate system in these caves. In the soil underneath many herbs and plants are growing. During the night fog patches and a slight drizzle will provide the trees and the undergrowth of necessary water and fertilizer."

"During the night?" Liane asked in wonder.

"My technical staff has create an artificial day and night rhythm, so those who have to stay here will keep their normal daily rhythm. I sincerely hope you will find a way to live here, Liane, and will feel happy here."

"Oh, I sure I certainly will, ma'am."

"There's a lot more to show you. We'll make you familiar with all the facilities the oncoming days. There's lot of things which needed to be activated and checked, but Luke, Han, his Wookiee friend and Ian will know what to do. Leia and I will tell you everything you need to know about the ways New Republic has been founded and our relation with the Provisional Council on Coruscant. This is all for now. Let's inspect the 'kitchen' and instruct Threepio and Artoo to prepare some food and drinks for all of us."

To be continued...