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Just a job , he reminds himself constantly. Leia charms everyone around her. Such a serious face, such an intense will, in such a young girl. But Ferus knows well the dangers of growing attached. It blinds the senses, dulls the instincts. Leia has a large family, a full staff, an entire planet of people to love her. But she has only one who is solely dedicated to protecting her. Love is just a distraction.

The shadows appear just as she approaches the deserted marketplace. For a second, Ferus imagines he sees a pack of wild taopari stalking the young princess. Then his vision resolves itself: They are men, three of them.

But they are stalking her nonetheless.

She notices nothing. She is nearly skipping down the street, arms outstretched to the darkness. He can feel the joy rolling off her in waves. Her anger at her father has dissipated, leaving behind a pure exuberance at being alone in the night. She is free, and the freedom is forbidden, making it all the sweeter.

She doesn't sense the danger—but Ferus can. He activates his lightsaber. The blue blade shimmers in the night. Ferus stretches out with the Force, and the men's whispers tickle his ears as if he is standing invisibly in their midst.

" Too risky, it's got to be a trap. "

" Don't be paranoid, she's on her own. Now's our chance. "

" She's just a kid. They wouldn't let her out alone like this. "

" Exactly, she's a kid, she probably ran away. They might not even know she's gone yet, and by the time they do, we'll be long gone. "

" It's still a risk. "

" No risk, no reward. And Senator Aak's going to pay big. "

" Bold move, using Organa's daughter to blackmail him. "

" Bold and brilliant—if the senator gets the kid, Organa will vote however he wants.

His power's gone. "

" We're not gonna hurt her, right? She's a kid.

" You said that already. "

" No, we're not gonna hurt her."

" As long as she behaves. "

Ferus strikes. He streaks through the dark night, invisible but for his glowing blade.

The blade swoops down in a graceful are, slicing through the largest man's blaster. In a single, fluid move, Ferus whirls around and jabs his foot into a soft, fleshy stomach.

There is a quiet "oooof," and the second man drops to the ground. Ferus steps down hard on his wrist, forcing him to drop the laser pistol he's just retrieved.

The third man strikes at Ferus's head. The blaster hilt slams into his skull. Before Ferus can protect himself, another blow lands. There is sharp crack of durasteel on bone.

Ferus stumbles backward, dazed. His vision clouds over.

That shouldn't have happened , he thinks, lashing out blindly with his lightsaber.

Perhaps the years of inaction have left him soft. Clumsy. Perhaps his connection with the Force is weakening. It wouldn't be the first time.

A laserbolt whizzes by, close enough that he can feel the heat against his cheek. He raises his lightsaber, stretching instinctively toward the incoming blasts. As he breathes in deeply, trying to absorb the throbbing pain in his head, blast after blast sparks off the glowing blade.

One of the men he's knocked to the ground is climbing to his feet. He lunges toward Ferus.

" No! " shouts the man with the blaster. " You'll block the shot! "

It is all the opening Ferus needs.

The first man throws a punch. Ferus ducks and grabs his forearm in a durasteel grip.

He pulls the struggling man into a tight embrace, using his body as a shield. The blaster bolts stop instantly.

The pain in his head ebbs away, and the moment stretches. He is suddenly clear on how to end this.

The Force is with him again.

Ferus grabs the thug he's using as a shield and flings him toward the man holding the blaster. It is a direct hit. They stumble backward and hit the ground in a tangled heap.

The blaster goes flying. Ferus lunges forward and snatches it out of the air. He grips his lightsaber, poised to strike.

But the men stay on the ground. They know this is over.

" I don't want to hurt you, " Ferus growls, as the thugs cower beneath him. He suddenly realizes this is a lie. They are enemies of the