Take the Path

Once the vision had dissipated, Tay was left in his room with his droid and the shimmering form of Skye.

"So that's it?" Tay demanded, "I'm only here because of some ancient rivalry between you and this Marr guy?"

Skye shrugged, "That pretty much sums it up. Your mother was also aware of this, but she died before she could actually get involved."

Tay's anger rose a bit. "And you didn't do anything to save her?!"

"Believe me, I tried. But Marr's spirit is just as present as mine and he's interfered more times than you may realize. You're the only hope we have left of resolving this blood tie now."

Tay pressed his head in his hands in an attempt to clear his head as he paced back and forth. BB-5 beeped with worry for his friend.

"I know this is a lot for you to take in" Skye said, "but you can't keep hiding from this. You're the last of my bloodline, so Marr won't stop until you're dead."

"And if I die?" Tay asked.

Skye shuddered, "Let's just say it wouldn't be good for either of us. Revan said he will help us, but you need to go on the path of this destiny first."

Tay sat down as he thought; this was part of the reason he had been hunted his whole life, the reason his parents were killed. He considered turning down the offer out of fear, however, he then realized he had a chance to end it all. A chance to avenge his parents and all those before him. Taking a few, calming breaths, he stood and faced Skye. "Fine, I'll do it. There's just one problem; I don't have a ship, so I have no way off this planet."

Skye pursed her lips. "Yeah, that's going to be a problem; the first step of this path begins on the planet, Batuu."

Just then, BB-5 beeped excitedly to get their attention.

"What is it?" Tay asked. The droid pulled up a holographic poster advertising a need for crew members on a ship called the Inception.

"Why haven't I seen this before?" Tay asked. BB-5 replied in a series of beeps, telling him that the ad was not only more recent, but also more secretive from the public.

"To avoid the Empire?" Skye guessed.

Tay stroked his chin, "Maybe. I'd say it's worth a shot."

Skye nodded. "Do what you need to. I'll be ready to help if need be."

With that, her form dissipated. Packing the few belongings he had, Tay then looked back over to the droid. "Lead the way."

…

Old Jho's pit stop was once again full of its usual travelers, all coming and going, but this time, a certain duo was waiting at one of the far corner booths: a Mandalorian in dark silver armor and a togruta in a mechanic's outfit.

The Togruta looked around and sighed. "You'd think SOMEONE would take notice by now."

"Easy, Val." the Mandalorian replied, "Remember, these people are still scared. They're probably still waiting."

"For WHAT?!"

Neither of them had noticed Tay and his droid walk in and begin looking for them.

"Does the ad say what the captain looks like?"

BB-5 beeped a few times to say no. Tay decided to ask Old Jho himself and see if he knew anything about the ad.

Jho thought for a few moments after Tay mentioned the ship. "Hmmm, it's not a ship I'm immediately familiar with. However, if it's a ship you're looking for, than those two might be able to help."

He then pointed to the Mandalorian and Togruta in the back and continued. "Those two came in just this morning and asked if they could use this place as a hiring station. No one's gone to talk to them, so either they're lying or no one's interested."

Or they never saw the ad Tay thought. Nodding to Jho, he walked over to the table. The Togruta perked up immediately when he did, and much to Tay's surprise, the two didn't look much older than himself.

"I hear you're in need of crewmates?" Tay asked.

"Well, it's about time someone showed" the Togruta sighed in exasperation before offering her hand for Tay to shake, "I'm Valeria. This is the captain, Nightstalker."

The Mandalorian nodded in greeting as Tay sat down.

"I'm Tay Bartel" Tay replied, "This is my droid, BB-5." He then gestured to his droid, who beeped in a greeting.

"Hmmm, an astromech variant" Valeria mused, "Those could be useful."

"Maybe" Nightstalker replied, "But what about you, Tay? Can you work on a ship?"

"I can do some technical work" Tay answered; he actually had worked on a few ships in the past as small jobs.

"Can you work?"

"Anything to get off this planet."

"So, you're trying to run away."

"Let's just say I have other places to be."

Nightstalker brought Valeria close and began exchanging words while Tay waited. Suddenly, he felt a cold stare in the back of his head, as if someone was watching him nearby. Looking around, he noticed two figures in black and red armor had just walked in and were gazing over the different people in the room. Tay's heart froze as that armor was all to familiar with his memory; Inquisitors. Valeria noticed his new expression and followed his gaze, then widened her eyes in worry.

"Oh," she whispered, "That's a problem."

Nightstalker looked over as well, then turned back to Tay. "Okay, you're in, but we need to leave now."

"Fine with me" Tay hurriedly said, "Let's get out of here."

Nightstalker nodded, then motioned for everyone stay calm and follow his lead as they stood up from the booth. Casually, they made their way towards the entrance, with Nightstalker leading the way. Suddenly, one of the Inquisitors looked at the Mandalorian and stepped in front of him.

"Going somewhere?" he taunted.

"Just back to my ship" Nightstalker calmly replied, "I was looking for new hires, but no one's shown up, so I'm moving on with who I've got."

The Inquisitor was surprised the hunter was so calm, but, much to his disappointment, also sensed the Mando was telling the truth.

"Fine" he said, "But before you go, have you seen any Jedi around here?"

Nightstalker cocked his head. "No. I'll keep you posted though."

The Inquisitor nodded in satisfaction before letting the hunter, Valeria, and Tay go. As Tay passed, however, he could feel that the Inquisitor watched him more so than the other two.

"This way" Nightstalker said, leading them towards the spaceport.

Back with the Inquisitors, the one from earlier approached the second one. "I think I found him, Sister."

The second looked at the first quizzically, "You're sure, Jeddak?"

Jeddak nodded, "I felt it on that young man as he passed by with the other two. It's him."

The second Inquisitor nodded. "Then get some troopers. We have to corner that Jedi before he sneaks out of here."

"Agreed, Sister."

"Hey, we're not full Inquisitors yet, you can still call me Jada."

Jeddak shrugged. "Just trying to get into the swing of it, I guess."

Jada said nothing as the two walked off.

…

After a few twists and turns, Nightstalker finally approached an entrance to one of the docks, typed a few keys in the pad, then walked through as the door hissed open, showing the ship concealed within. Tay was startled to see it; it was nothing like any ship he had ever seen. The sleek yet angular design was odd, and he certainly wasn't expecting so many weapons on one craft. The guns were the first thing he asked about.

"Let's just say" Nightstalker replied, "That the Imperials and us are not exactly on good terms."

"What'd you do?" Tay asked.

"More like something they did. I'll explain later."

Valeria appeared from the ramp. "We're all set to go!" but then she drew her pistol, "We got company!"

Tay and Nightstalker whipped around to see a squad of stormtroopers appear, the two Inquisitors from before leading them.

"That's far enough, Jedi!" Jada said as the stormtroopers raised their guns.

"I don't know what you're talking about" Nightstalker said, "But point those at me or my crew and this won't end well for you."

"Not you" Jada said, pointing to Tay "Him."

Nightstalker looked to Tay, who was suspiciously calm.

"Look" Tay said, "I don't want trouble."

"Unfortunately" Jeddak replied, igniting his lightsaber, "You are the trouble, and we won't allow it. You're coming with us."

"I don't think so" Nightstalker said. Suddenly, the turrets on the sides of the ship activated and moved to face the troopers. The stormtroopers immediately ducked for cover, giving Nightstalker time to grab Tay and run into the ship.

"Val, GO!" the Mandalorian yelled. Valeria furiously hit a few buttons on the cockpit and then pulled back on the joystick, causing the ship to begin to lift off. It began to pull away, but suddenly stopped.

"What was that?" Nightstalker demanded, "A tractor beam?"

"No," Tay replied, "Worse."

Tay ran over to the other end of the ship and looked out the window of the rear turret. The Inquisitor, Jeddak, could be seen holding the ship back with what Tay knew was the Force.

"He's got the ship" Tay said.

Nightstalker looked out the window. "What in the name of the Watch…?!"

"Hang on" Tay said, noticing a crate close to the Inquisitor, "I got an idea."

Tay then reached out with his hand, extending his mind towards the crate. Once he was sure he had it, Tay swung his hand to the side, sending the crate flying, hitting Jeddak and knocking him to the ground. With his grip loosened, the ship blasted off into space, where Tay finally breathed a sigh of relief, though he didn't sit down until the ship went into hyperspace. BB-5 nudged him gently as he sat down. Looking down, Tay patted the droid's head. Thanks, pal."

Just then, Nightstalker approached him. "Ok, you have some explaining to do. No one simply throws a crate like that."

Tay sighed, but he decided the Mando could be trusted. "The Inquisitors were right. I'm a jedi on the run from the Empire."

"If you're running from the Empire" Nightstalker said, "than feel free to stay with us. We're not exactly fond of Imps either."

"Thank you" Tay said, relieved.

The bounty hunter simply nodded, "Now tell me, what's a Jedi like you doing trying to get a job on a ship like this."

"You might want to sit down for that" Tay replied, "This'll be a long explanation."

As Nightstalker sat down, Tay realized that he just may be able to trust this ship's crew, and, for the first time in years, told him everything without fear.