Vickie walked quickly down the street. Try as she could to blend into the crowd, she still felt odd. Her extreme Western European looks stood out compared to all of the Israelis and their dark, olive colored skin. "I need a tan," she grumbled as she moved on.
She had taken night duty so her schedule wouldn't be so messed up. Currently, it was late afternoon/early evening in Mendellia. On a normal day, she'd probably be in the kitchen helping Rich with dinner or something.
Bored and very lonely, she scoured the streets for anything familiar. The comforting weight of her lightsaber swung under her arm with every step. "I am so ready to go home. This whole trip has been a complete waste of..." She came to a dead stop in the middle of the street.
"Eti, I'm tired." Naira leaned against a mud wall, but quickly stood up again as she realized she was getting dirty.
"Sister... how many times do I have to say this. We have to keep going and find our way out of here. The sooner we get this thing to Lord Thayer, the sooner I will become Queen." Eti grabbed her sister's arm and pulled her down the street.
Vickie's brow furrowed. "What kind of thing would Eti and Naira have that Thayer would want?" Her eyes widened in realization. "And how the hell did they get it? I think I better find them and ask myself."
She concentrated on their presence and moved quickly through the streets, masking her presence with the Force. Soon, she found herself in the old city. She had always wondered what the ancient city looked like in person. Now was her chance to actually view it. However, she didn't have the time.
Winding her way through the maze of walkways, she happened upon the sisters. Once again, Naira was complaining. "I can't go on, Eti!"
Eti sighed in frustration. "I am so tired of hearing you whine. I really wish you would grow up!"
"Some could wish the same of you, Etidorhpa." Vickie stepped around the corner and looked at the two Mendellian ladies.
"The Jedi is here to save us," Naira cried with relief.
"Shut up, Naira," Eti hissed. "What do you want? We were just admiring the city." She fumbled with something in her hand, trying to shove it in her pocket.
"I know you're lying, Eti." Vickie watched the item in her hand fall to the ground. Reaching out with the Force, she telekinetically brought it to her hand. "Well, well, what have we here?"
Naira's eyes widened as she saw the piece in the woman's hand. "Give that back!" she cried frantically as she launched herself at Vickie.
The Jedi's reflexes caught the young woman before she could fall flat on her face. "Careful. You don't want to get hurt."
Eti took the distraction to attempt to grab the part from her. "I found that to take back to Lord Thayer. You cannot have it."
Vickie's hand closed over Eti's. She pulled the younger woman to face her. "Etidorpha, this item is part of what we've been looking for. I could easily bring you up on charges of obstruction. What do you think Thayer would think about that?"
Eti let the words sink in. Her grip on the part loosened and she stepped back from the Jedi. "How do you know it's what you're looking for?"
Vickie opened her hand, confident that the Lady in Waiting would not try to take it again. Though it was rather small in size, boldly emblazoned on one side was the Imperial emblem. "You may not recognize this," she said pointing to the image. "But guessing from the configuration, it must be a rather important piece of our puzzle."
Naira was suddenly tugging on Eti's arm. "Um, sister? Those men that the lady saved us from are headed this way."
"What??" Vickie and Eti said at the same time. They looked up to see several men spreading out searching the darkened streets. Vickie grabbed the sisters and pulled them into a nearby building. She had them crouch in a corner as she stood near a window. "Nine to base," she whispered into her comlink. "Do you copy?"
Raymond sat in the copilot seat of the Red Home gazing out at the countryside. Tensions were running high among the group. He had come here seeking solace. He jumped when the comm crackled to life. "Nine to base. Do you copy?"
"Mike?" he queried quietly before jumping up and running to the beaded curtain. He parted it and yelled into the ship. "MIKE!"
Kristy looked up from her seat in the galley. "What is it, Raymond?"
"Lieutenant Boyd is calling. I know nothing about the controls on this vehicle."
The Prophetess scrambled to her feet and pushed past him into the cockpit. "I repeat, nine to base, do you copy?" she heard Vickie say over the comm.
Flipping the switch to open her end, she replied, "Base here. What is it?"
"PK?"
"Yes, it's me. You sound stressed."
"I found our lady friends with something very important. Now we're being pursued. I need backup now." The comm crackled and cut out.
"Vickie? Vic? Nine, are you there?" Static was her only reply.
"Did you get a read on her position?" Mike asked from over her shoulder. He leaned forward to press a few buttons on the console. Pulling up the map, he studied it intently. "Somewhere in the old city, I'd say."
Josh, who was standing just behind Mike, nodded. "Okay people, let's get going. I want everyone to have a blaster. This may get messy, so be careful."
Everyone nodded and went to prepare.