Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"A Kiffar Life Debt, Part 2"
by Kelldon Jusk
Frigg Maligma (NPC)
Lohmoh'tak
Docko'lar

Location: New Plouton, Yallder District
Date: Vadris 11, 4ABY

***

Frigg Maligma sat at his post which was actually a booth that sat closest to the door. He was a beefy man with a military haircut whose neck was so muscular it seemed as though his head met at a point. It was Frigg's job as chief of security at the "Dark Side of Ryloth", which was a small bar and club in the Yallder district. He worked for Lohmoh'Tak, a sadistic worm-head with a short temper and an odd obsession with rare and exotic deadly animals. Frigg kept his nose clean and kept an ever better eye on who entered the bar as to stay on the twi'lek's good side. It wasn't bad work, and hell, it beat putting roofs on houses with his dad back on Tatooine. "Plus the scenery ain't too bad either," he thought to himself as his eyes followed a scantily clad female dancer making her way to the bar.

Two beings entered the club and with them a burst of cold air that sent ice particles swirling into the room. One was a green skinned twi'lek male dressed in a blue dress jacket with black pants and tunic. The other one was a male, but Frigg couldn't place the species. The being was of average human height but had black glossy skin, dark red eyes, and a tangled mass of black hair that was tied behind his head in a loose pony tail. Frigg glanced at the time counter and saw that it was two hours after mid-night. This was a common time of night for spacers, smugglers, and criminals to come around for drinks and some entertainment with time to spare before the sun came up. They must be here for the show. As the two started to walk the bouncer threw out an arm and stopped the twi'lek before he could enter and motioned toward the black skinned being. "This is a respectable establishment; keep your... friend... in line."

"E chu ta!" the gnarly haired alien spat, slapped a twenty credit marker on the table, and gave Frigg a smile that revealed a pair of sharp canine teeth. As the two turned and walked toward the stage seats Frigg smirked and tucked the credit chit into his breast pocket.

***

Kelldon found a small table toward the right side of the stage, furthest away from the bouncer as he could get without looking obvious. He was trying to keep from sweating too much but the make-up he was wearing was uncomfortable and felt like it was smothering his pores. The small club looked alot larger from the outside and it was stuffy as well. Kelldon hoped he wouldn't have to be here too long so that his sweat wouldn't make the make-up run. The disguise had been more effective than he thought though.

Before they left, Kelldon stopped into a little shop on the shipyards called "Diva's Drama Depot". The store had all manners of masks, costumes, props, and make-up for drama productions and costume parties. He thought he should keep his face off of any surveillance cameras they might have at the club in New Plouton so he purchased a pad of glossy black make-up, some prop "rakghoul teeth", and a pair of red full-eye contacts. He also tied his hair back to keep it out of the make-up on his face. Docko'lar dressed casually and didn't bother to hide his identity because he didn't feel he would endanger himself by going without a disguise.

Kelldon noticed Docko glancing about anxiously on the stage. A group of rowdy aliens and humans were gathering around the stage hooting and cat calling to the women dancers. "I don't see Filo. She must be in the back. Blast!" Docko pounded the table with his fist at the disappointment. He was hoping to go into the club, pull his sister off the stage or from behind the bar, and blast off the planet before anyone knew what happened. Kelldon understood his disappointment but motioned for him to keep his cool.

A motor sound started from the stage and the crowd began to cheer wildly. Kelldon looked confused as the lights on the stage went out and was replaced by flashing colored lights and some dramatic music. He saw a platform rise from the center of the stage with a figure on a chair and a smaller figure sitting in front of it on the platform. As the lights flashed back on the crowd roared again as Kelldon saw a pale blue skinned twi'lek male dressed in a decorative robe and seated in a chair. In front of him was a young green skinned twi'lek female in a matching golden top and bottom. She was chained by the neck to the male twi'lek's chair.

"Filo!" Docko shouted and shot up out of his seat. His shout was drowned out by the noise of the crowd. Kelldon stopped him and sat him back down.

"Hold on. Not yet." Kelldon turned to a weequay that was seated next to him who was grinning at the display. "What's going on?" he rasped in huttese.

"The owner of this place is adding another yum-yum to his harem. He is going to brand her between the shoulder blades to mark her as his," he replied enthusiastically.

"Like hell he will!" Docko burst and went to stand. Kelldon had to yank him back into his seat.

"Not yet! If you charge up there now we'll get blasted for sure. You're no good to her dead. I have a plan." Kelldon reasoned.

Docko was barely able to bite back his anger and swallowed back the tears of rage that built in his eyes.

Up on stage the blue twi'lek, Mohloh presumably, stood and shouted, "Friends! I bring you here tonight to witness another addition to our little 'family'..." The word family was added sarcastically and ushered up some chuckles from the crowd. "Tonight I have here my newest little jewel. A true princess of Ryloth, in the sense that all of the women of my culture are royalty." The young twi'lek girl glanced around nervously and hugged herself as the members of the crowd grabbed at her but were just out of reach of the platform. Mohloh removed a metal brand from a box to the right of his seat and revealed the red glowing end to the crowd. "With this marker our gods send their blessing upon you." With that Mohloh pushed Filo's head down as she began to cry and positioned the brand in the air between her shoulder blades.

"NOOOOO!" Docko'lar exploded before Kelldon had a chance to put his plan into motion. He had planned to distract the presentation with a little act of his own before Docko jumped up. The table toppled and Docko drew a blaster he had hidden in his jacket. He began to fire at the blue twi'lek on stage and managed to break through the crowd and hop up. Security grabbed him right before he could get to Mohloh and began to pull him off stage but he managed to throw his blaster pistol at his target in a last ditch effort of desperation. The butt of the blaster struck Mohloh's hand that was holding the brand and a corner of the still red glowing piece of metal singed into the twi'lek's right cheek. Mohloh howled in pain.

The three security brutes dragged Docko to the center of the bar and began to throttle the thrashing twi'lek with metal clubs. Kelldon cursed and pulled out his own blaster and opened fire on the three bouncers. He took one of the men out with a blaster bolt to the back of the head and ran to kick the second guard, a blonde haired middle aged man, in the kidney.

Mohloh could be heard from on stage saying that to night's ceremony would take place tomorrow night and began to sink beneath the stage. Kelldon was shocked when a strong hand grabbed him by the hair and attempted to slam him to the ground. He planted his right foot to keep from falling and pivoted, throwing his left elbow into his attacker's face. With a hearty crunch the bouncer who greeted him at the door slumped to his knees and clutched at his collapsed nose that began to ooze with blood. Kelldon followed up with a swift kick to the man's torso and sent him reeling in pain to the ground. The disguised kiffar went back to help his friend as more guards filtered in through the doors in the back of the club.

Kelldon pulled his dirk from his boot and was about to stick the blade into one of the guards flank when he received an unexpected blow to the back of the head. Kelldon fell to his knees and kept falling until he hit the ground, which felt to him like sponge and seemed to absorb him until he could see almost nothing but blackness. He heard the bouncers nasally voice through his broken nose order the guards to subdue the other one and bring them to the back. Before he passed out, Kelldon felt a muted pain as a boot connected with his side and some metal binders on his wrists behind his back.

***

Frigg gritted his teeth and grunted in pain as the medic droid applied a bacta-gel patch over his broken nose. The two assassins were taken to the boss' chambers and restrained. The bouncer didn't envy the fate of those two but figured it served the bastards right for ruining a perfectly night and breaking his nose.

"Meeting Gelko"
by Reeve

Location: Thanatos, Cantina
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Reeve strode into the cantina, his expression grim.

It was two days after the business with Hoff, and since then Reeve had decided it was best to just lay low. He'd kept up with the news reports on the holo-net... Hoff's ship, the FOE-HAMMER hung in orbit for nearly a day until the Tae'Karadan government investigated. When the ship did not respond to any attempts at communication, a team was sent inside to investigate.

The official report was that there was some sort of mutiny. The entire crew was dead, there was no sign of the ship's owner, and two escape-pods had been jettisoned. Officially, the case was marked down as "closed".

Unofficially, though... Reeve knew it would be better to keep his head down. He'd done quite a lot of killing since he'd arrived in Thanatos, only days ago, and the last thing he needed right now was to show up on the Republic's (or the Imperial Remnant's) radars.

So, for two days, Reeve laid low.

And now... he was bored. Bored and angry.

The man he'd spoken with, five days ago, had said that the crimelord's representative would meet with him today. If the man was wrong, he would die. Painfully. The mood Reeve was in demanded no less.

Fortunately, however, it did not come to that. For, as Reeve sat at a small booth near the back of the cantina, he noticed a Rodian staring back at him. Reeve thought for a moment that it could be another bounty hunter, but then the alien began moving towards him. Reeve's hand instinctively went to the handle of his sword, but beyond that he did not move. Instead, he merely smiled as the Rodian approached.

"Something I can do for you?" he asked.

"You are the one named Reeve?" the creature asked in its own language.

"Indeed," Reeve nodded. "And you are?"

"Gelko," the Rodian replied. "May I sit?"

"I suppose," Reeve said.

The Rodian sat down across from Reeve. Reeve kept his hand on the handle of his blade, but the rest of his manner was polite.

"You are the one looking for work," the Rodian said. Reeve noted that it was not a question, but rather a statement.

"I am," Reeve nodded.

"Tell me," the Rodian said. "There's rumors among the local underworld... there was some sort of bounty on your head, yes?"

"I seem to remember something like that," Reeve smiled.

"And Gherig Hoff was the man who posted it, yes?" Gelko asked.

"Yes, that's correct."

"Quite convenient for you, that his entire crew should suddenly be slaughtered and Hoff himself should suddenly... disappear."

"Quite convenient indeed," Reeve chuckled.

"Answer me honestly," Gelko said, lowering his voice and leaning in closer. "Did you kill Gherig Hoff?"

Reeve seemed to consider the question for a moment. Then...

"Well, let's just leave that between me and him."

Gelko did not seem satisfied, but leaned back in his seat.

"Alright," he nodded. "My employer might want to meet you."

"And who is your employer?" Reeve asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh... I can't really say," Gelko said. "Not yet. But I can arrange a meeting... I think he'd be interested in hiring someone like you."

"When?" Reeve asked.

"It depends," Gelko shrugged. "My employer is a busy man. But I'll tell him about you, and if he's interested in a meeting, he'll make the time."

"Very well," Reeve said.

"One suggestion," Gelko said. "You should get out of Thanatos."

"Why is that?" Reeve asked.

"Local authorities are starting to ask questions," Gelko said. "My guess is you're behind most of what they're investigating... you probably want to be somewhere else."

"I'll keep that in mind," Reeve said. "I assume that you'll be in touch?"

"Don't worry," Gelko nodded. "Feel free to leave and go wherever... my employer will find you when he needs to."

"I'm sure he will," Reeve smirked. Gelko nodded, then stood up and walked away, not casting a single glance back at Reeve.

Reeve did not loosen his grip on the sword-handle until the Rodian had left the cantina.

"Settling In"
Cassin Sato - Sniper/Infiltrator/Pilot

Location: New Plouton, His Apartment, and Streets of New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Thunk

"Here you are, sir," the man said, setting his last case on the ground, "I'll just leave you to your things then, and welcome to Chimaeria."

"Thanks."

The man walked off in a scuffle, moving on to his next job. Cassin looked around the large apartment he had just bought with a satisfied look. He supposed it would do, and knew it to be much better accommodations than those he had on Ryloth. He loved that planet very much, and had considered it his home for a very long time, but he knew it was time to move on, start a life of his own, a life he wanted. He missed Roi'dira already.

He decided on something backwater; a planet on the Outer Rim, where he knew excitement always lived, and peace from the war between the remains of the Empire, and the Rebellion continued.

"Well, Sniper, let's get this place correctly accommodated, shall we?"

Sniper responded with cheerful blips. Sniper was his companion, his droid, his only love, at least so far. As soon as Cassin saw him he knew he would own him, and now he was rolling past him to a crate, pulling out his tools to begin opening it. Over the years Sniper, an R2 astromech, was modified time and again, each to both help him and the droid. Cassin smiled at the little guy, and moved to a separate crate and began to open it.

Cassin and his droid spent much of the afternoon unpacking everything out of the crates, and looking for places to put them, all the while managing to get a few hurt fingers and toes. Sniper can be forceful at times, and shows your toes his love and affection when it doesn't work.

At the end of the day, Cassin sat on his couch, and looked at the last case on the ground. Those cases contained items that Cassin was very highly trained in, and had spent much of his adult life using. He proceeded to check them all, making sure everything was fine.

The first he opened was his sniping blaster rifle. He checked all the fittings, making sure the travel from Ryloth didn't hurt any of its parts, then proceeded to clean the rifle before placing it back inside. He then moved onto the second and third crates, smiling as he opened them. These contained all the necessary equipment for assassination and infiltration. Computer slicing devices, stealth suit, detonation devices, throw knives, small vibroblades, and other assorted things. Toward the back of one was his staff, his personal favorite weapon. He grabbed the staff and opened with a quick swish. He spun it around once, and began to practice with it.

Beep-do-eet

Cassin stopped and turned quickly to the door. He closed his staff, and grabbed one of his two blaster pistols from inside the crate that was open. He walked to the side of the door, and preceded to open it, blaster pistol aimed at the ready.

A man on the other side jumped back startled. "It's me, th-the owner."

Cassin lowered the blaster, and let out his breath, "Anything wrong?"

"No, nothing, just making sure you were alright, unpacking going fine?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Alright, I'll just leave you to it, then."

Cassin closed the door, and moved to his crates once more. He placed his blaster pistol away, and grabbed a smaller pistol, a pullout blaster, and placed it on himself for security. He placed his staff on his side, and began moving toward the door.

"Sniper, I'm going to go look around this city a little bit. I should be back in a few hours tops, surprise me and finish putting everything away will you?"

Sniper bleeped affirmatively and Cassin stepped outside.

Alright, let's see what this place has to offer, maybe I'll try a cantina, see if I can make a friend. I just hope they serve non-alcoholic at wherever I find one, he thought to himself, and moved out toward the expanse of city lights.

"Digging Out, Old Family Connections"
By Skillgannon
Kaya V. Yasuyo - NPC
Dorian Falkyon - NPC

Location: Somewhere Near Terlin System, Outer Rim
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Skillgannon approached the windows of the bridge of his MKL-120 The Sith Spawn. He saw in the distance the tiny planet of Trelonin, the one where tomorrow the attack was taking place.

He looked one more time as he heard two people approaching from behind. His species' skills was very useful for him. "Kaya, Dorian, I finally showed up!"

"We came as fast as we could," Kaya spoke, approaching her leader.

"I do have a request for both of you." He turned to face his two most trusted soldiers. "Especially you, Kaya." He paused, looking seriously into her eyes.

Kaya stood there, waiting for what was exactly the request. She knew when Skillgannon spoke a request was more like an order than anything else.

"Kaya I'm putting you in charge of the 101. It is your responsibility to hold that castle until backup shows up." He paused and looked towards Dorian. "You will take the 61 and you be the backup that Kaya is going to be waiting for."

"Yes, sir," the two soldier's said and prepare to leave.

"One more thing, Kaya." Skillgannon looked towards the entrance. "You know that is against my rules any contact with family, but you and Dorian are exceptions, but make sure that you don't reveal nothing about our plans." He threw the datapad behind him. Kaya with swiftness caught it in mid air. Skillgannon moved towards a tiny edge that lead nearer the window. He walked in it like it was the most normal thing. He turned towards and stopped, looking now more closely to the planet that was possible.

"I know if I told anything would be very unprofessional of me," Kaya said, walking away.

Kaya walked through the corridors, keeping the datapad in her hands as she reached her private room. She took out her jacket and placed it over her bed. She placed the datapad in the slot and activated it.

A face that she well knew appeared on the screen. It was her beloved sister.

"Hello, Kaya," her sister spoke. "I hope you're alright and everything. You know that father never spoke with you ever since you joined, but things on our planet have been a nightmare. Me and father had been ok, surviving this time of terror and despair." Her sister paused. "To tell you the truth, father kind of misses you. He is a strong man that fights to live, but I noticed that sometimes looking at your picture that we took, on our last vacation. He tells that you are no longer his daughter, but still deep inside him loves you as daughter. Still I fell that being away from you has been hard on him... I know, I know. You know how I am. Being diplomatic to keep this family together, but I have to ask if there is any chance that you can show up here. It would mean so much to me and father, would cheer up our old father. Anyway you know where to contact us. Hope to hear from you soon." The message ended at that point.

Kaya inclined over the small keyboard and started to press the keys and saw the data that was recorded. She saw that the datapad was about a month old. At first it was strange what took so long to reach the message here, but then again ever since the death of the Emperor Skillgannon had strict security, just for mere precaution, but now it was time to think about the battle that was going to happen and only after he was taking time to respond to her sister's message, because the love that she had for her father was far greater than any other force in the Galaxy.

"Ship's Broken Down"
by Quistis Knox
Hangar Officer - NPC
Hangar Repair Man - NPC

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Quistis exited from the transport liner that went from Gallor to Tae'Karada. She got out seeing that she was at the hangar of New Plouton. Well definitely kills my time, she thought, the business that she had to do in Tae'Karada could wait.

She walked towards the place she left her ship and once she got there, she saw the marvels of her ship that she didn't see for quite few days.

As she was about to insert the security code to lower the ramp of her ship, someone called for her. "You, there? Is this your ship?"

Quistis turned, keeping the sword covered with a long black sheet. "Yes it is and you are."

"Finally you decided to show up! You owe us 150 credits for overdue staying plus 200 for the extra security and plus 1000 for you god forsaken ship, fill this hangar floor full of oil."

"Oil?" Quistis said as she dropped her bag and moved under the ship. "Fuck." Seeing the marking where the oil leaked. "Ok..." she said, allowing an ironic smile. "How much would it cost if you called one of your repair man?"

"500 credits," the officer said.

"Well that goes in 1850 credits. Ok I will pay it."

"Good," the high officer said, leaving to call the repair man.

During the time Quistis waited for the repair man, she opened her ship and took some tools to see where the leak was coming from. She opened it and started to seek, but minutes later after beginning her search the repair man showed.

"Hey, you have a problem with your ship?"

Quistis looked under the ship and smiled. "Yes, I am. Can you fix it?"

"First I must have a look, then I will see if I can repair it or not," the repair man said. He set his tool box on the floor and walked towards Quistis. He picked up his flashlight and pointed towards the confusion of circuitry and tried to figure out where the leak came from.

After a long extensive tour, he finally spoke. "Found it!"

"Great," Quistis said, approaching the man, with a smile. "Can you repair it?"

"Yes, but I have to replace your left entire engine. Which will cost you twenty thousand," the repairman said, cleaning his hands.

"What? You must be kidding! The engine was in perfect condition."

"Yeah it was but the engine is a piece of junk, is it the original one?" The repair man approached his tool box, Quistis following him.

"No, I had to replace it on Corellia, it cost me ten thousand," Quistis said with an incredulous face.

"Well there is the problem, you got ripped off, lady. An engine for this old ship cost at least fifteen thousand. Do you have the money to pay?"

"21850 credits? Not here I do not, but I can get it."

"Good go get the money and only then will I replace the engine." The man picked up and started to walk towards the exit.

"How long will take to put it there?" Quistis asked with heavy thought.

"A day or so. Just tell me when you got the money, ok!"

Quistis cursed herself for this to happen right now, but it was better to happen now than on hyperspace. She could die if she flew it now. She now had to ask Akesha's help and probably that she would be lucky to have an engine of that model here on Tae'Karada, which she doubted.

She picked up her bag, closed her ship and walked towards Akesha's mansion, but she had a lot to walk, because she had no money - none whatsoever at least to pay the ride. She hadn't the money to pay the officer Hangar the overdue of her ship.

"Box Secret Revealed"
by Taran Kinneas
and Aurra Sgall

Location: Waterfalls near the Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Taran was seated on a rock on the other side of the lake that was formed by the waterfalls. He looked at it and moved his eyes to the tiny box. The box was closed, but Taran figured out how to open it, but he didn't yet have the courage to do so.

With the palm of his right hand turned upwards he used the Force to maintain the box flying, and there he stayed for almost an hour. He didn't see time pass by because, once again he felt helpless in a difficult situation.

Aurra saw Taran and walked up to him, sitting beside him. Everyone seemed on a down slope after the attack on the Temple and the failure at the Palace. She sat herself beside him and gave a friendly pat on his back followed by a smile. "Hey, Taran... What have you got in there?"

Taran turned to Aurra and smiled. "Hey, Aurra. Inside the box?" Taran said as the box continued to fly over the palm of his hand. "To tell you the truth, I don't know."

"So, you're keeping it for someone else?" she asked.

Taran looked at her. "To whom?" he asked calmly. "My entire family died... I know that this is for me to open."

"Ohh..." Aurra nodded. "I hadn't realised that this belonged to your family. But at least you have a new family with us at the Temple," she said with a smile, trying to cheer Taran. "Anyway, when are you planning on seeing what's inside?"

"Well..." Taran started to explain what he was feeling. "I don't know if I have the courage to. My father found this in one of the excavation sites to build a lava river. It had been his luck charm and he passed it down to me. The strange thing is that I feel I have some connection to it. It helps me when in bad situations, and I can feel that it helped me survive last night."

"Then I believe that this good luck charm works," the girl smiled. She then placed her hand on his shoulder and nodded. "But part of the path to becoming a Jedi is overcoming fears. And you must find it in you to sum up the courage and finally see what your father has left you. After all, I'm sure that he wanted you to have what is inside the box, and not just the box itself..."

"You're right..." Taran looked at the box and moved his other hand, placing it right above it. He used the Force to unlock the box. The box landed on his right hand and he opened the box with his left one. A glow of white shined through the small entrance, and when he looked inside his eyes went wide open.

Aurra glanced at the contents of the box and could see what Taran was looking at. She could tell that he was admiring what he saw, and wondered if he knew what it was... The twi'lek girl smiled. "That is what we call an Adegan Crystal. They're also more commonly known as Force crystals, and the Jedi use them to create their lightsabers..." she told Taran.

Taran glanced at the Adegan Crystal with its silver color. "How did my father come up with this... I mean I know he found it, but why did he keep the crystal if he didn't value this kind of stuff?"

"Perhaps he simply thought that it was a nice crystal and different from the other things he had seen in his lifetime..." Aurra stated, making a mere assumption as she looked at it herself. "They are rare. And this is an even more rare colour..." she added.

"Probably. We never will know the reason why my father kept the crystal." Taran closed the box and got up. "Come, Master Kal'Aran is probably waiting for us, for our training."

Aurra took Taran's hand and got up. "Yes, he probably is," she nodded. As they began to walk back she could not help to wonder. "Taran, did you have anyone in your family who was strong in the Force?" she decided to ask, even though the question seemed weird. After all, should he have had, there were only two possible outcomes: either the person would not have known so, or otherwise he or she would have instructed Taran.

"Not that I do know of, no." Taran looked at Aurra's face it seemed that he could almost read her mind. "It makes one wonder, doesn't it?" He looked back to the box.

"Yes, it does..." she nodded. "But either way, you now have what you would require to build your lightsaber. When the time for that comes, I guess you can use that crystal..." she stated. "Maybe Master Kal'Aran will be able to tell us more."

"Yeah..." Taran said with a smile while walking with Aurra back to the temple.

"Hutt Slime"
By Amii'a Val'or, Diplomatic Consular to the New Republic

Location: New Republic Embassy
Date: Vadris 11th, 4ABY

***

The view out of Theen's office used to be one that inspired Amii'a. It was the opposite view she used to glare out of from her diplomatic office at the Arcadian Palace. Now, she stared out of the same expanse of New Plouton, but on the other end of the spectrum. That is how she felt of late. On the opposite ends of where she belonged. But as happened too often in the Galaxy, things were always in one form of transition or another. And people like her were caught in the middle.

Once an agent of the Empire; serving in a capacity for the Imperial Intelligence, though she thought she was doing honest work, to a Rebel operative on her homeworld of Tae'Karada fighting against the evils of the Galactic Empire. Now she stood as a diplomatic liaison for Tae'Karada to the New Republic, serving under Theen Fida, who she had also served with during the Rebellion. Now though, she wasn't clear where she stood.

Politics are as slippery as Hutt Slime, she thought to herself as she stared out beyond, wondering just what was going to become of her beloved world.

Speaking of Hutt Slime, she thought, as the past conversation with Theen began to swirl around in both her gut and mind.

Apparently he had procured information about the betrayal, which led him to believe that more essential information may be found within the court of one Jadda the Hutt. Amii'a had never met the Hutt, be she knew about him. She knew a lot about the underground, as she was one of the main recruiters during Tae'Karada's own over throwing of the Empire, and the regime that was spawned there after. She had contacts. Most would just as soon feed her to a Rancor; since the liberty of Tae'Karada, those criminals who acted in the interest of freedom, were but criminals again today. But she knew a few people...and a few people would know a few, who knew a few, who knew a few...

One way or the other, her mandate was expressively clear. She had to get to the bottom of the betrayal, and the bottom was always coated with Hutt Slime.

"Looking For Orthan"
By Girra Xel-Xux Zallir

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 11th, 4ABY

***

(From Girra's private data-journal...)

...I have only been in the Tae'Remok system for three weeks. And already I have gotten myself into more shit than I cared too, or need to for that matter. My sole purpose for coming here was to follow up on a lead about Orthan...the only living (at least that I am hopeful of) family I have in the forsaken Galaxy.

Today when I came home to my domicile aboard this space-station, I had a message waiting for me. It was written in Omwati, to my personal parcel account that is associated with my room and board here. My contact is suppose to be a man, a fellow Omwati, who has also been investigating the whereabouts of those of our kind who were stolen from us, stolen by the Empire, stolen by Tarkin. Took him long enough. I have had to haggle with a snivelling Neimoidian on a cargo run, was duped into a bounty which led me to be abducted and worse... The gala at the New Republic Embassy was the highlight of my stay here so far. And that isn't saying much. I was suckered into a 'diplomatic mission' which led me to a mudball called Gallor. I have had dealings with Ambassador Theen before, during the Civil War, when he worked for the Rebellion. He was supposed to help me sift through some archives at the Arcadian Palace, Imperial documents that had belonged to Tarkin's brother. I hear he was a winner as well. Must be in the genetics. However...a couple of psycho bitches had taken over the Palace and declared themselves Empresses. This system sucks engine coolant!

Laerron escaped and I have played host to what was at one time a Wookiee...he yet may be again. I've bounced the idea of hiring a small crew around for sometime...but I just don't know. I suppose if I can put up with his Nerf-Flea bitten ass I could put up with anything. I don't know...Chakka is alright, I suppose. He plays a mean Dejarik though! And it isn't like I keep much company. I'm too moody anyway.

So, I am to meet this 'mystery man' tomorrow morning, here on Drogen. I hope for his sake he isn't pulling my sublight actualizer chain. I might find a new use for a hydrospanner if he does...

"Meditations"
By Vaya Bek, Padawan

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11th, 4 ABY

***

A lot can happen to a person in one week.

Vaya stole a morning stroll through the bustling streets of New Plouton. She didn't really know if it was okay to just up and leave the Temple, but she didn't particularly see why she couldn't. She wasn't a child. By all Galactic Standards she was legally an adult. She needed a bit of time away.

As she strolled along the street, she took stock in the numerous sentients that went about their business. People in their own little worlds, it was like the Galaxy to her. Micro-systems that connected to make larger systems, and larger systems, each revolving around its own star, and they revolved around others, and others...until collectively they made up the whole. And when one or two went awry...everything had a way of going to shit.

A few days back, Vaya began to experience some odd day-dreams and visions. At times, she felt as if she was outside of her own body, at other times she felt as if she was not even in control of her own body and thoughts. And then came Dani and Nieme's Troopers...and death. The whole temple was shook up, and the Jedi had been betrayed and defeated on a mission of great importance.

The Force works in mysterious ways, she thought as she continued to walk amongst the crowd of people.

Her former mentor, Kherris, had often took her into the middle of a city to meditate. Not a peaceful place for one to clear their mind and feelings, no. But it was a good technique. Vaya knew one of her weaknesses was her ability to stay focused when there was much going on around her. She could at times, when she wasn't thinking about doing it. Vaya mulled these philosophies over in her mind.

Point: When the Clones attacked, she instinctively pushed out with the Force, creating a wave of telekinetic energy that knocked the Troopers to the floor. She didn't think, she let the Force take over.

Point: In the midst of being attacked in the dead of the night, hopelessly out numbered by skilled warriors, she survived.

Point: Master Vorrel says to stop thinking so much...

After a short time, Vaya found a nice spot. A sizeable congregation of benches and a quaint water fountain in the middle of one of New Ploutons busiest pedestrian paths. A small refuge from the madness of sentient traffic.

Perfect! she exclaimed.

She found a seat and made herself at home.

Crossing her legs and using her breathing techniques, Vaya began the simplest of meditation exercises. All about her she could hear the goings of people, the sounds of the city. Speeders whizzed by, people were talking. It was a collage of noises...a collage of life.

Outward life.

People like Vaya, those who were attuned to the Force, knew that life existed beyond the tangible, beyond what one could see, hear, touch, smell, taste. Even dream. And even know.

There was the Force.

Vaya cleared herself of such thoughts and feelings and touched the Force. She let it flow through her like water flowed over the rocks and down to the lake at the falls about the Temple. That water joined more water, becoming one, made of the same stuff. Much was the same of the Force. Everything was connected by it, it flowed through it and from it, created by it. The Force was an enigma. It was there, but it wasn't. It was believed in, but it wasn't. It could be used, it could use you, and at times it couldn't, or wouldn't or even shouldn't.

Such was the life of a Jedi. Constant learning, understanding, practise, application...tools of the Force were they, and yet the Force was like a tool, it was everything and nothing, and so much, much more.

Vaya could feel her surroundings as she gave into the Force. She felt the people about her, some burned hotter than others, like stars on a map of the Galaxy. To Vaya, through the Force, she was like a rock at the middle of a raging river. The currents of the Force flowed with great power and purpose, yet so easily as if it wasn't even with purpose. It was just being.

Vaya knew that through the Force she could see, feel, and know things. She was particularly gifted with psychometry, though unskilled with its use and control. Vaya let the Force take her where it may. She had no particular thoughts or desires as to what she may be looking for, she just wanted the Force to give to her what it may.

Vaya felt a tug in the Force, the swirling sensation of the city and the people around her began to come into focus about her, as if she were on the outside looking in. She sensed something, a nudging of Force energy about her person, and she could feel a tugging next to her.

A split second vision of the future. Vaya reached out and grasped the wrist of hand that was about to try and snatch her satchel, just before the very moment it was to have been snatched.

Without opening her eyes she spoke to the person, "Excuse me, that is mine." And then she opened her eyes.

Starring back at her was a familiar set of eyes, with an unfamiliar set of bruises upon his face.

You! she thought as she recollected the young lad who had snatched her satchel the very day she was on her way to the Temple.

"What?!" the boy said with much attitude and a sneer across his face. "You think you're some kind of Jedi or something?"

"You are not a very good thief," Vaya said. "This is the second time you have tried to take my bag. Do you have nothing better to do with your time?"

"What's it to you, huh?" he mouthed. "Let go or I am going to call for the police! Lady! Hey...Lady!?"

Vaya found herself in a moment. She was outside of herself again, like at the Temple. And still holding onto the boy's arm.

She was in his shoes. She felt his anger, his distrust, his sorrow, his fear...his pain. It was a food of emotions that Vaya could relate to, she had felt them before her training. And she had felt them before at the Temple...when she had had those experiences.

"Your mother does this to you, child?" she said with a deep and vacant voice as she came out of her vision.

"Mind your business," he said with a cold and unchild-like voice as he tugged free and ran away.

Vaya watched him off. She wanted to chase him and down, she felt something for the boy. She was feeling a lot though, and thought better of it.

Pyschometry was a tricky business. Especially for Vaya. Visions, feelings, sensations...they came and went. Sometimes all it took was the touch of an object or a person. It had happened with Qel's lightsaber, it had happened with the cred that Kherris had flipped her the first time they met. It had happened when she saw in of Koran at the med-lab. Sometimes, it didn't happen right away, sometimes it had a delayed reaction, or it just came in dreams, whether they be the dreams at night while she slept, or other worldly day-dreams when she was awake.

There was no mistaking the visions and sensations she had had earlier at the Temple, when she was wondering if she was losing her mind. She had felt that way before when her Force abilities were manifesting after having grasped the lightsaber of a long fallen Jedi. It was from the boy. From when he had first stolen her satchel just over a week before. And now again, as she had sat there and held his wrist in her hands.

He felt the cold voice of his mother, the anger and the despair of both persons. She had felt his pain, both physical and mental at the abuse he was subjected to. She felt his sorrow and anger.

Vaya decided she needed to go after the boy after all...

"One Street Urchin to Another"
By: Vaya Bek, Padawan
& Jori, Street Urchin

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11th, 4ABY

***

Vaya had continued her meditations in the small park-like area in the middle of pedestrian traffic. She had much success in blocking out the background noises, having reached a state of meditation within the Force, yet still being aware of her surroundings.

She stretched out to the people about her, not invading their minds and personal thoughts, but touching their presence within the Force. She thought it like having a fish's view in the depths and currents of a river. She felt the ebbing flow of the Force about her, through her and from her.

She saw the people about her, like white stars, some were bright and vibrant, others were shadowy and some were just plain troubling in the sensation she was afforded through her focus in the Force.

She could see a man bounce into a woman, though in reality it happened mere seconds after Vaya's vision. She continued to skip around, sensing whatever came, not fighting it, but going with the flow, unless something caught her interest.

And something had.

Vaya felt a familiar presence approaching her. She awoke.

"Hello, Jori," Vaya said with a smile before even opening her eyes.

"Sith!" he cursed. "You must be a Jedi! Are you? Do you live out in the forest? I've heard you guys live out in the forest and like, practise magic and stuff!"

Vaya laughed. "I am not a Jedi, but I am training to become one. And yes we live out in the forest, but we don't practise magic!"

"Well people say you guys have powers, and can do stuff! Like the tricks you did! And how did you know it was me? I was quiet! And your eyes were not even open!" he exclaimed.

"Well, we have skills, skills come from the Force. Many of us can do many things, with practise, and when it is necessary," Vaya said.

"Some people think you guys are wicked, and that you do weird things...and...you're not to be trusted!" he said as a matter of fact like.

"Well, people often are afraid of what they don't understand," Vaya explained. "But we are not wicked, and we don't do weird things, though how we live may seem strange to others. The Jedi use what they know and learn to help other people, Jori. That is what we are about, helping people."

"Lady, you must have fried a circuit, people don't just help other people for nothing! Not from where I am from!" he said.

"Different people live different lives, but we can all learn and change for the better can we not?" she asked.

"Whatever," he said, losing interest in the conversation.

"I like to find places like this, or sometimes a quiet place to be alone, to think and study," Vaya said, changing the subject. "How about you, Jori, what kind of things are you interested in when you're not trying to steal from people?"

Jori gave her a questioning look. "What's it to you? Huh?"

"Just trying to make conversation. People do that often enough," she said.

"Well, I like Batchi Ball," he said as he thought some more. "And I like to travel around the city..."

"Don't you go to school, Jori?" she asked.

"Sometimes, but I don't like it much. It's boring!" he said.

"Well, I'm sure some things are, but don't you want to learn and be smart? To leave the city and make a life for yourself?" she asked.

"There's nothing out there I don't already know, you are nosey, you know that?" he said.

"I suppose, I was just trying to get to know you is all. Is that a bad thing?" she asked.

"I guess not, but I didn't ask you to, alright?" he said.

"Alright then," Vaya replied. "You know, I used to run the streets, and I wasn't very happy with things. I used to think life could be a lot better, but never thought it would. But I met people who helped to show me that things can change and life can be better."

"So what's your point?" he smarted.

"I'm just saying, if you think like that, maybe you could tell me, if you wanted a friend to listen," she offered.

"Lady, you came to me, not the other way around. And you don't know the first thing about it," he said.

"You might be surprised. I wasn't so different from you once," she said.

"So what, you are better than me now? Because you live in the forest with those goofy Jedi people?" he asked.

"No, I don't think I'm better than you, but I have grown and learned, and I am a better person than I was," she explained.

"Well, that's your life, lady, not mine," he said.

"True, but I had help, or maybe I wouldn't be here today. Nothing wrong with having help, as long as you make something of it," she said.

"What do you think you can help me with?" he asked.

"Whatever you would like me to, whatever I can," she answered.

"What makes you think you can change anything?" he asked.

"Anyone can change, and anyone can help change to happen," she said.

"Yeah...well, like I said, no one asked you to," he said. "I'm out of here."

"Suit yourself," she said. "I might be back around here another day, think my satchel will be safe?" she asked.

He giggled, "I won't try to take it again, you're too tricky!"

And he was off, running down the street.

Vaya watched him off, until she couldn't see him with her eyes anymore. She thought she would make it a point to come back again, and see if she could befriend the boy.

Vaya gathered her satchel and made for the Temple.

"Something In the World Doesn't Sit Right, Part 1"
By: Kel Deneb

Location: Arcadia
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Kel sat down at his computer terminal, yawning a bit. Jordan and Kel had managed to get the living arrangements worked out, which were not the easiest, to say the least. Kel's living space was designed as a two bedroom place, but only one room to take a shower and what not in, which may prove to be difficult. Not to mention the other room had been a storage area for his bounty hunting gear, which had since become piled in his room. Shaking his head, he scrolled through various news stories, checking for any possible clues as to where a few bounties he had been tracking could be.

Stifling a yawn, Kel still was not quite certain why Jordan had come to him with this mob problem, or whatever it was. He was not even certain he could help, let alone solve the problem. There were too many variables occurring for Kel to be completely at ease with the situation. He continued reading along the various articles on his terminal. Soon he would have to resort to data mining. Oh well, not a completely unwelcome way to pass the time and get information.

He knew Jordan had gone out for the evening, fairly confident that the presence of police and guards in the area would keep her safe, since this was the capital city, high up in the sky. Kel had spent the additional credits to live in the secure area of the city as well, and he was only a com call away if she got in trouble. Kel remembered her vaguely talking about going to a local bar that he went to sometimes, just to get out of the place.

While Kel was searching, he happened across the news article outlining the death of Jordan's husband. Curious, he stopped and read over the report. In the paper it indicated he had died by some sort of poison, which was consistent with Jordan's story. Also, the reporter for the article ventured that it was probably mob related. Again, checks out with what she told him, but something still was not completely sitting well with Kel. Perhaps it was inherent pessimism and his want to question everything until he was certain of the truth. Must be, he thought.

He studied the picture of the funeral, which had Jordan nearly in the center, overlooking her now dead husband's body. Curious, he thought, studying it a little further. She did not seem the least broken up about what had happened, at least in the photo. Sitting back in the chair a little, Kel furrowed his brow. Come to think of it, when she came to him, she did not seem that broken up at, more worried about her own fate. Those few little bits of trivia got Kel's mind working, and he would have to bring up a few things with Jordan when she returned.

He continued scrolling along, and managed to find a reference to a bounty he had been after. Luckily, it was just in the next system over, so it would not take too long to get there. Reading it over, he noted that the name mentioned had brought in a large amount of money to the community he was located in, and was being heralded as a great person. Kel smirked a little at the great person comment. Apparently this community did not know he was wanted in three systems for extortion, fraud, and at least two counts of murder. They would find out soon enough.

Kel was about to start typing a few things in, when the door to his place opened, and stumbling through the door came his sister, entangled in some guys arms, giggling and carrying on. "What the hell?" Kel asked, seeing the commotion.

"Ooohhhh, sorry Kel," Jordan said, obviously highly intoxicated. "Uuhh, Kome here and I are just...Uuhh..."

"Uh huh," Kel said, raising an eyebrow to the two of them. "Sure you are. Who the hell is this, and why is he in my home?" Kel asked.

"Kome! I just told you," Jordan said, leaning into the other guy, who was intoxicated himself. They were supporting each other it appeared. If one wavered, they both would most likely fall to the floor.

"Great, he can go home," Kel said, turning back to his computer.

"He's too drunk to fly back, Kel, he has to stay here!" Jordan said insistently.

"There's a taxi," he said nonchalantly.

"Couldn't find one," Kome managed to slur out, snickering a little.

"Let me call you one," Kel said, standing up and going over to Kome, looking at him. He pushed a button, and re-opened the door to his place. "And you can wait outside," he added, untangling the two and pushing Kome out the door.

"Why did you do that?!" Jordan asked, nearly falling over. Kel steadied her, then took Jordan to her room.

"You'll thank me later," Kel said simply, getting her to lay down on her bed. Very shortly, Jordan was sound asleep. Kel rolled his eyes. "And this just furthers my suspicions," he said to no one in particular, going out into the main room. He called the local police force instead of a cab, not wanting this Kome fellow to even think about coming around his home again. Very few people knew where he lived, and he wanted to keep it that way. Too many people know, and someone will come looking for a bounty hunter...to eliminate them.

He sat back down at his terminal, and began searching some more.

"Meeting New Close Friends"
by Quistis Knox
Akesha Valerious - NPC+
and Dumah Garden - NPC+

Location: Akesha's Mansion
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

"They told you what? How much?" Akesha said, as she was incredulous. Hearing the door bell, Akesha's butler went to open the door.

"You heard me. They want that amount of money to replace an engine. I tell you something, I'm not going to leave my ship in that place!" Quistis said with a hint of frustration. "A bunch of burglars! I tell you, that engine was in perfect condition when I arrived here. Gods, how I hate this planet!"

Akesha limited herself in laughing.

Dumah entered the room, as he was shown into Akesha's study. He saw that she was talking to someone. A young gorgeous looking woman it seemed. He wondered what she did for Akesha... "Ahh, good evening, my dear," he said as he walked over.

He had overheard the last comment about the girl who was talking to Akesha saying that she hated a planet. There were many systems that he too hated. "I see you were in the middle of a conversation. I apologise for the interruption," he told Quistis. "But I also overheard that you hated some place... Couldn't help to hear, I'm afraid," he grinned. "So, what place is that?"

Quistis glanced to the good looking man standing at the entrance of the room. She slightly moved his head to the side still figuring what he asked. "Excuse me?"

Akesha got up and went to greet him.

Dumah picked up Akesha's hand and kissed it gently. He gave her one of his playboy grins and looked her in the eyes. "You look stunning, as always..." he said with a smile. "I'm sorry for coming in when you were on a private call, but I was actually shown in."

"Don't worry about it..." Akesha said with a smile. "May I present Quistis Knox, my bodyguard and truly my best friend. She supports me in most difficult times."

Quistis nodded, but didn't bother to get up.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Dumah said with a sly smile to the other woman. "And if I may be bold enough, may I suggest that you let me contact the man in charge of the Spaceport you just mentioned? I have many contacts in that particular sector. I'm sure I can get your ship the repairs it needs for a much more reasonable price... Probably even free of charge."

Quistis finally got up, nodding. "What do you wish in return? Because no one does anything for free."

Akesha made a terrible look. "I'm sorry for her attitude, Dumah, but she doesn't trust people that do anything and ask nothing in return."

"Perhaps that is what the Galaxy needs," Dumah stated with a chuckle. "A little bit of charity," he told Akesha. Dumah then looked at Quistis again. "I merely offered because you are friends with Akesha. And since I have a partnership with Miss Valerious, I thought I could help you out."

"Thank you for the aid. And if you can make the repair be faster, because I have urgent matters to take care of on Kiffu. I will probably buy you a drink," Quistis said with smile.

"Well, I can't lose out on that one, I guess," Dumah grinned. He took a very small holocomm out of his pocket and pressed a few buttons. Once linked, there was an image of a Rodian.

"Dumah sooba," the Rodian smiled. He was obviously a bit nervous at seeing Dumah Gardan.

"Hello, Doopa," Dumah grinned. "I am told that you have a ship there. One belonging to a miss Quistis Knox."

"Yeah. Haku uba choo?" the Rodian asked.

"I want you to fix it, free of charge. And you will make it your priority," Dumah stated.

"Nobata wontahumpa... Wamma parchee!" the Rodian said. It was obvious that he was not content.

"I will not. And you will do as I say, otherwise you will get in trouble with New Republic customs. Both of us know what I mean..." Dumah warned. "Unbanka?" he added up, in Rodian.

"Yeah..." the Rodian nodded. "Dopa dai kagwa."

Dumah nodded. "Thank you. Goodbye," he said just prior to shutting the holocomm off. He then turned and gave Quistis a smile. "Two days tops. Free of charge."

"I thank you, Mr. Gardan," Quistis said with a smile.

Akesha saw this conversation, but quickly she interrupted as she saw the time. "Dumah, the game..."

"Ahh yes..." Dumah nodded. "Miss Knox, will you join us at the Brutball arena? The first match of this new season will commence in less than an hour."

"I don't know. I'm not clean and definitely not properly dressed for the occasion," Quistis said, even though it was obvious that she wanted to go.

"Nonsense!" She looked to the other side. "GAALON!" Akesha screamed.

A Frozian appeared. She was almost two meters of height, with brown fur and a face like cat. "Onuin?"

"Yes, Gaalon. Please prepare a bath for Miss Quistis Knox on the double, and choose one of my pretty dresses for her to wear. We are in a hurry, Gaalon, so please be quick," Akesha spoke politely, like she was asking her to do it, not demanding.

"Asnoun it thum anorian," Gaalon bowed gracefully and showed the way to Quistis Knox, who followed her out of the room.

Akesha turned to Dumah. "She said that we must wait at least twenty minutes. I hope that you have the power so we can get there in fifteen minutes?"

Dumah grinned. "I would make us be there in ten if it was necessary. However, these events always seem to start a little bit after the supposed hour, so there should be no problem," he smiled.

Akesha and Dumah stayed in the room, talking about many subjects of their liking, and some of the areas in which they worked in. Dumah found Akesha to be a woman of great interest and very nice to be with, and the twenty minutes seemed to fly by.

When the doors opened, Dumah couldn't help to raise his eyebrows in admiration. Quistis Knox was beautifully dressed. "My dear... You look gorgeous," he smiled.

"Oh my glorified Aphrodite!" Akesha said instantly. She could see Quistis wearing a white dress that covered her breasts and went all the way down to her feet, with a white skirt, making her shoulders out in the covered. Her face was softly painted only to enhance the beauty of her face. The painted long blond hair was gathered behind her head, making her more stylish. Over her head she was wearing a small diamond tiara that shined by the light.

"Thank you, Dumah," Quistis said.

"Quistis, is it you?" Akesha said, kidding. "I can tell this Gaalon really deserves a raise after this."

"I'm sure he does," Dumah nodded with a sly grin. He then motioned for the two ladies. "Shall we?" he asked them, as he took their arms into his, one on each side.

"Thank you." Quistis felt a little uncomfortable in the way Dumah looked at her, but after a few seconds she felt more like a woman than ever before.

Gaalon said in her dialect towards Dumah. Akesha laughed.

"What did he say?" Dumah asked.

"The exact words were 'I'm female you daft p...' " Akesha said with a smile. "Not sure what that last word was."

Dumah chuckled. "My most sincere apologies, Gaalon. I was not aware..." he said with a nod. "But may I give you my compliments on your outstanding work," he said with a smile.

"I know that she didn't mean that," Quistis said. "Shall we?"

"Yes..." Dumah nodded as he took Quistis' arm and walked out the door.

"Discussion About War"
by Cloud Everblades
Amii'a Val'or
Girra Xel-Xux Zallir
Kitana Gellar

Location: En route to Tae'Karada
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Cloud looked to the wounded people in the cargo hold of Girra's transport. Some of the Councilors had quite the treatment. But as he looked to the people in the cargo hold he understood what was going on in their hearts, because his planet, at least half of it, was under the rule of a tyrant against the local people's will.

He moved to the entrance and saw Kitana picking up a white large tissue and covering a man's face. Another one had died due to the injuries that were inflicted on him. It made three in this trip and he thought how many more would die.

Cloud saw that each would always make a part of himself, but he couldn't worry about the people in Gallor and how many days, weeks, months and even years had to put up with Regi's tyranny. He knew that it would be a question of time, but as long he was on the throne, the more the casualties would be bigger.

Amii'a had come back to the cargo hold to see after those who were rescued. Half of the people had been off-loaded aboard the Star Destroyer, to take another transport. She saw that Kitana was busy taking care of some of her people. Amii'a felt for her, she knew her world was in dark times, as Amii'a's own world had been before.

She noticed Cloud with a perplexed look upon his face as she moved closer to the man.

"Amazing, how war and death propagate in the galaxy, like a plague!" Cloud spoke, noticing Amii'a approaching him.

"It is a sad fact of the natural course of things," Amii'a said.

"No, it is not natural. War or anything that causes pain in others is a species condition, that can be called greed, power and many other things. People must suffer, when people want power by force. Tell me since you're a New Republic trooper. Do you believe that we will reach the peace that your government so promises?" Cloud continued not looking to Amii'a. He stood there calmly.

"Conflict is natural, Cloud," Amii'a said again, "But you are right, such conflicts as these are derived from the greed and corruption of unnatural peoples. I don't know that there will ever be the kind of peace most people wish for. It takes everybody working together, and that is not always simple. And I am not a New Republic trooper, Cloud. I was in the Rebellion, but I am a diplomatic consular for Tae'Karada, to the New Republic presence in these parts of the Outer Rim. I can assure you, that Ambassador Theen Fida, of the New Republic, works very diligently to help promote and establish peace through diplomatic and economic means. Sometimes though, outsiders can only do so much, people have to learn to get along, to compromise and to help themselves. No one can give help to those who cannot help themselves."

"Yeah, but sometimes I think to leave a bad person on the throne would be the best thing, because everytime a tyrant is killed a new far worse the previous one shows. If we reach to peace time in this galaxy it only will be for a short period. People like us, will keep fighting until we are killed in the battle field that is our destiny and how much we want to change, we can't," Cloud said, looking to Kitana, praying for the departed soul.

"It is never a good thing to leave things as such," Amii'a said. "Some would say it is a noble death to pass from this life in such service. But death is most unfortunate in any case, we all must just make sure that death isn't needless and without such a just cause."

Cloud sighed at Kitana for a brief moment and looked back finally to Amii'a. "In a war there are always many needless and meaningless deaths in my planet; there are many examples. We tried to survive any way we can, to protect the innocent that needs our aid and protection, but how hard we try there are some poor bastards that are executed or killed to reach the Free Territories."

"It isn't always easy to deal, Cloud," Amii'a explained. "All we can do is try hard to help maintain democracy and freedoms, and to educate people, and to provide the help they need to flourish. There will always be those who wish to do others harm, take their freedoms and control lives in the search and conquest of power. One of the reasons I work so closely with Theen, is because of his beliefs and work to try and make the Galaxy a better and more free place. We have been working towards a unilateral alliance of diplomats and business officials, to provide an organization based upon major galactic companies and influential public leaders, to help provide such economic and educational resources to help worlds and their peoples stand strong on their own feet and to not succumb to such dictatorships and civil unrest.

"The influence and resources of the New Republic can go only so far, when it is a republic of individuals representing their own interests. Theen strives for a cohesive union of worlds that help each other. Think of it this way: if a world has more raw metal resources than it needs, but not enough food to feed its people, then they must sell and be dependent on those sales of raw materials to feed its people. Too often though, those in charge of such economics only think of their own pockets and stomachs. And then you have this other world, whose people have a world rich in farm lands, but do not have the raw materials to build cities and machines. We try to bring these worlds and people together to share in their wealth to benefit all, help them to help themselves, without having to rely on their local governments and the galactic government, to debate and come to a mutual agreement about prices and quantities," Amii'a tried to explain.

"You understand what I am trying to say? It isn't always just a matter of some bastard, often they are spawned by the troubles and greed of their world, which paves the way for them to become dictators. Often enough times, when a world and its people are at peace, prospering in business and education, civil unrest does not occur. Unless a people become complacent, and the rich and powerful are not kept in check. That is where our league comes in, to provide a system within a system, to help provide what people need, what worlds need, and to keep more power and riches for the people themselves."

"You know, she is right," Kitana said, approaching them. "Your name is Cloud?"

"Yes."

"The reason that your world still is divided is like two or three hundred planets that the Empire still controls. The New Republic is trying to free those planets and I'm almost sure a planet like Klain rich in Flaming Jewels is in the New Republic plans to free." Kitana paused. "If it is not too much trouble to you two, I'd like you to accompany me and these people until we are inside the Gallorian Embassy."

"Of course," Amii'a replied as Girra sounded the alert that they were approaching Drogen.

***

The three unloaded with the refugees, and made for Amii'a's diplomatic transport that had been docked and waiting for her arrival. The refugees who needed immediate medical attention were taken to the Drogen Station's medical ward under New Republic and Tae'Karadan Diplomatic Security, while the others boarded with Amii'a, Kitana and Cloud to make for Tae'Karada.

"Would You Like a Thermal Detonator With That?"
By Amii'a Val'or, PC
& Korva Valkier, PC

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11th, 4ABY

***

Amii'a had checked her messages when she had gotten back home from the Embassy. It had been a long ass day, and she was surprised to find a message from Korva.

Wow, talk about 'hey stranger'! Amii'a thought as she browsed over the message.

He had asked if she might like to meet him that evening, and they could catch up. It had been a long while for sure. Since the Rebellion, as a matter of fact.

During the Rebellion, Amii'a had worked as a recruiter and saboteur. That is how she had met Korva. He smuggled weapons and people for the Rebellion. They formed a friendship, mostly as comrades, it had never developed into anything more. Their friendship was sporadic, Amii'a was a busy diplomat and Korva...well Korva was always doing his thing.

On the eve of her new mission, Amii'a thought Korva's call couldn't have come at a better time. She could use a distraction, maybe something to help ground her back into focus. And it would be good to see him and catch up with him.

She punched in the reply number to give him a return call.

***

He had missed the good life, the norm of walking the streets without bounty hunters following him. His little stay on Tantooine didn't help matters, in fact it only seemed to make things worse. Jadda's men were getting closer. It was only a matter of time before his luck ran out. So why was he back on Tae'Karada? Looking up old friends? That was a small part of it, he needed all the friends he could get right now, old and new, but this would be the last place the Hutt would expect to find Korva.

Chowe was back onboard his ship looking after her while he was out. Passing through the entrance into the bar he scanned the tables. She hadn't arrived yet. Calling the attention of a waiter as he seated himself he ordered a quick drink while he waited. He made sure the table was away from the entrance and so he could watch it at all times. Never hurts to be careful... he reminded himself, taking a sip of the drink.

Amii'a arrived through the doors of the restaurant. Korva had picked the place, a little known, yet respected establishment called the Outer Rim Gourmet. The maitre 'd droid was busy with a haggling Neimoidian couple, so Amii'a passed them by to find Korva herself. It didn't take long.

"Korva," she smiled as she came upon his table.

"Ami," he smiled, using the nickname he'd come up with, though it wasn't really a nickname just a shortened version of her name. Truth be told he still had trouble saying her name; he didn't know why, one of those things, he guessed. Returning her smile he stood up, leaning towards her, kissing her cheek. "Please, have a seat..."

"Thank you, nice to see some men can still have a sense of chivalry," Amii'a commented as she took her seat.

"Didn't think you'd want to see me this quickly... must have made an impression..." he smirked, taking a sip of his drink. "Do you want something before we order?"

"Yes, I will take a Nubian Green Fruit Fizz," she said. "Well, things have been pretty hectic of late, the life of Consular and all," she laughed. "And of course now that we have two brand new Empresses," she said with a roll of her eyes. "It was good to hear your voice. I was looking forward to meeting up with you. What have you been up to, besides trouble I'm sure," she said with a teasing wink and grin.

Korva nodded to the waiter and ordered her drink, plus another for himself. "It seems I've been getting into nothing but trouble..." he admitted with a wince. "Life has been on the edge, I'm thinking about sending Chowe off, back to his family, for a bit. Being around me tends to be dangerous. I don't know..."

He took a swift drink from his glass, pausing as the waiter returned with his refill and Amii'a's Nubian Green. "How's my favourite diplomat? Life treating you well?" He was eager to change the subject, and didn't hide the fact.

Amii'a knew when to leave well enough alone, but she was also pretty crafty when it came to having information revealed. But she reminded herself she was not on the job, she was with a friend. By the stars do I ever need a vacation, she thought as she took a hearty sip from her drink.

"I cannot imagine you sending Chowe anywhere, that whole life-debt deal and all," she commented. "Well, it is my job to help promote peace and prosperity...but we have a couple of psychos up on the throne now, don't we?" she said with a hushed tone. "It isn't the same as before, Korva, it is almost harder. Our enemies were always clear and distinct. It was the Empire. And now? Ambassador Theen says I need a vacation but he is quick to send me off on some diplomatic crusade or what not."

She took another sip of her drink as a man approached the table.

"I heard about that..." Korva nodded, drinking the last of his first drink before reaching for the second. "Ugly business those two empresses, heard the Jedi tried to take them down and ran home with their tails between their legs."

"Excuse me? Consular Val'or, yes?" the man asked.

"Yes?" Amii'a said questionably.

The man had a drink in his hand and his hand was trembling. The look on his face was one of rage and fear.

"A person of your stature no doubt doesn't remember a person of mine," he growled, barely getting the words out. "During the Rebellion, you promised sanctuary for my family, in return for information...you got your information, but you did not save my family, bitch!" he said as he threw the drink in her face and reached inside his inner jacket pocket.

Just as his hand reached into his inner pocket he felt something violently pressed up against his privates. Looking down he saw, to his horror, that a blaster was pressed right up between his legs. "Unless you want your holy of holies splattered all over the bar behind you I suggest you take out whatever it is under your jacket by your thumb and forefinger, but very... very slowly. You see, Ami is a friend of mine, and I have very few friends left after the war..."

He swallowed despite having nothing in his mouth and slowly started to move to his hand, revealing what was under his jacket.

Amii'a wiped the drink from her face - it reeked of Rodian Ale - while she watched the man slowly follow Korva's order.

The man pulled out a spherical metallic object with glowing nodules. It was not an object to be mistaken for.

Amii'a's eyes were wide as she saw the engaged thermal detonator procured from inside the man's jacket.

He forced himself not to react to the thermal grenade, despite knowing from past experience what they could do and how much damage that can be caused, and this walking madman had one clutched in his hand. Korva was hoping for a blaster, a knife on the outside, but a grenade? The red light was flashing beneath the activation switch, it was primed and the flashes would become faster until it was a single constant and when that happened.... you didn't want to be around it.

"I am sorry for your family, sir," Amii'a told the man, not knowing if her words were going to make a difference for the better or worse. "Many unfortunate losses came from the wars, why don't you just sit down, turn that off, and we can talk about."

"TALK, you want to talk?!" the man babbled with much emotion. "Talking doesn't bring them back!"

It was only a matter of time before the ordeal caught the attention of patrons. All hell had just broken loose around Amii'a, Korva and the man with the thermal detonator.

"You think you're the only one who lost someone...?" Korva muttered through clenched teeth. "Wake up, you fucking ass..." Korva wanted to grab the man and beat some sense into him, and would have had he not been holding a thermal grenade. "Do you think your family would want this? Throwing your life away... and killing all these people?" Korva nodded to those who occupied the restaurant, men and women. "You know what a thermal grenade will do? It'll turn this restaurant into an inferno... by your hands!"

The man was trembling, his eyes darted all about - from Amii'a, Korva, patrons and back again.

"You don't want to do this," Amii'a said in a calm and low voice, trying to get the man to keep eye contact with her. "It won't change the past, all you would be doing is hurting these innocent people here. They have family too. Do you want them to lose someone dear to them? Hasn't there already been enough of that?"

"I...I...JUST SHUT UP, YOU FUCKING BITCH!!!" the man erupted as he twirled around and held the thermal detonator into the air, his face red and his veins popping. Tears were strolling from his mad, mad eyes. "EVERYBODY SHUT UP....I CAN'T THINK!!! I CAN'T THINK!! SO MUCH NOISE!!! TOO MUCH NOISE!! GOTTA MAKE IT STOP!! GOTTA...MAKE IT...STOOOOOP!!!!"

"You don't want to do that..." Korva slowly rose and though his blaster was at his side aimed at the ground he could lift it in a heartbeat, but he didn't want to kill this man, he knew it would ruin his appetite. "You have a life to live... your family would not want you to throw it all away..."

"No! NO!" the man shouted, shaking his head, waving his hand out in front of him, the hand holding the grenade, causing Korva to flinch. For a moment he believed he was going to drop it, or activate the primer and detonate. Thankfully his hand held and the grenade remained unchanged. "I love them so much... I loved them and SHE TOOK THEM AWAY!!" His blood-shot eyes looked in Amii'a's direction, tears running down his cheeks.

"And you think they want to see you like this?" Korva knew shooting him wasn't the answer; he was fast, but not that fast. Lifting his left hand up he slid the blaster down into its holster before moving his hand away. "They want you to be happy, to live your life, not to turn down the path you've set yourself on... they want to look down at you and smile... Do you think they're smiling now?"

He shook his head slowly as the Corellian's words sank through the pain and suffering. "No..." he finally whispered. "No they aren't." He looked up at the ceiling as if he could actually see his family gazing down at him. His thumb pushed down on the grenade and the flashing red light was suddenly cut.

"Get this man a drink." He stepped over to the bar, waving Amii'a to remain at their table. He sat with the man, speaking with him, talking about the family he lost. How they met, when they were married, almost everything. Korva left the barman instructions to call a certain doctor and an appointment, with any luck he would be back on his feet inside a year.

When he returned, food had been placed on the table. Obviously Amii'a had ordered without him; luckily she knew his favourite. "How are you doing...?" he asked, whispering as he took his seat.

She smiled, "That was very impressive, I was waiting for the meat-wagon for after you blasted the psycho." She sighed with released nervous tension. "I thought he was going to blast this whole building..."

"The thought had crossed my mind..." he whispered, sipping at his drink. "But if I had shot him then he would have blown the building, and us along with it. I normally leave the fireworks for later..." He grinned, winking at her.

Amii'a blushed with a grin as vast as the Kron Sector. "Well aren't we the confident one," she laughed.

Even after the escapade with the deranged patron, and all the things she had stewing in her mind, she suddenly found herself complacent, and at total ease with Korva's company. He had been a friend, and she trusted him, didn't have any social walls built up around herself in his presence. And now, she felt as if a new door had swooshed open to reveal a turbolift to a whole new level in the building of life.

Then she caught herself. Caught herself analysing. A diplomat's curse, even in the presence of good company, off duty, she was doing it again. She took a hefty gulp of her drink and shook the thoughts from her mind as it became foggy with alcohol. She wasn't going to have her evening ruined with such things.

"So what do you have scheming in that brain of yours, Korva? huh?" she said teasingly.

His grin broadened as thoughts ran through his mind. "Well, time will tell..." he said before adding, "Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise." He signalled to the bartender for another round before looking back at Amii'a, staring into her sparkling eyes.

"Hmm, well...the night is still young," Amii'a said. "Who knows what may transpire..."

He nodded without words as the waiter brought their drinks. "I have to admit, I've been thinking more about my past, working for the Rebellion smuggling peoples and people.... meeting you..." His eyes looked up at her, hoping to catch a reaction. He wasn't disappointed. "The trouble I've been having lately, it's given me a swift kick in the ass, I need to find something... or someone... to put me back on track."

"I can relate to that," Amii'a replied with a smile, which was more of a grin. "But before you go kicking it to hyperdrive, flyboy," she said teasingly, "...warm the engines up and take her out for a few practise runs, hmm?"

He couldn't help the smile as he leaned forward. His hand slid across the table to lightly touch Amii'a's. It was a soft teasing touch. "I can warm the engines up..." he whispered. He leaned forward, caressing the side of her cheek, pausing for a moment before kissing her on the lips. He felt her pushing against him, opening his mouth. His tongue traced the edge of her mouth.

Amii'a pulled back slightly, biting her lip, "Well, I guess dinner is concluded hmm?"

She stood up from her chair and waited for Korva to take her arm. He flicked a few cred chips onto the table top, more than enough for the bill and to have left a generous tip. The two exited the establishment, both having their arms around one another's waist, into the night...

"Brutball Game"
by Auron Ronso
Kyra Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen
Jadda The Hutt
Garnet Seifer
Aeris Strife
Tifa Alexandros Lionhart
Kilgara Khaanor - NPC
Jubey Saaknor - NPC

Location: Brutball Dome, Yandrosa District, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

The night had fallen and the sky was clear. In fact it was strange that in the middle of Winter Season a clear night like that had fallen, but people seemed to have forgotten this since it was the night of the grand opening of the game of Brutball ever since the occupation of the Empire. The one little difference was that the game was for the first time open to the general public and players didn't have to belong to the Tae'Morad.

The spotlight moved around the building, pointing to the huge amount of people gathering watch the match. The dome was well lit and the stands of food were by the thousand to make sure that they would make some profit that night.

A huge row of people formed in the ticket stands ever since the Holovid told that were still a few tickets available, and so there were lines forming towards the parking lots that were also full. The people that had their tickets moved towards the many entrances of the Dome.

Inside there was loud music and a few dancers to entertain the people in the long hours before the game would start. The public was obviously exited with all that was happening, but seemed eager for the game. A few of them placed bets on the electronic markers even though the team roosters were not yet known to the public.

***

In the locker rooms both teams had already occupied their respective lockers. And, just as it was planned, both teams never met or saw each others players.

Auron was seated on his on bench putting the last protection that he needed for his elbows. He had protection all over his body. He glanced to the side and saw people somewhat nervous about the incoming game. It was just an exhibition match, but the truth was that whoever was going to win today was going to be in the history of Tae'Karada and probably news in the nearby planets. He knew that his fellow teammates wanted to win as badly as the other team probably would.

Auron got up and picked up his jersey that had the colors and the logo team and put it on. The others started to get ready, gathering round. "People, let's kick some Devils' asses!"

The players cheered and started to move to the entrance that led them to the ring.

***

"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to a fabulous night of BRUTBALL!" The people cheered as the announcer spoke. "Where the teams Devils and Angels will fight to leave this dome as winners!" The music came just for a few seconds and then disappeared again. "Please, a round of applause for the two beneficiaries that made possible the return of our tradition to you. The Great Jadda the Hutt and the beautiful and charming Miss Garnet Seifer!"

The people applauded has Jadda and Garnet entered the VIP room waving to the people. "How does it fell Jadda? The power of the people cheering for you like you were some beloved Emperor?"

Jadda laughed. "Jee lapti inkabunga hodrudda magi podrace magi mo gootu. Oob porko buttmalia um cheeska play, jee panwa. Foonta game..." the Hutt replied. The protocol droid that Jadda had with him translated his words. "Master Jadda states that he fancies more the classic amazing podracer competitions better, but that the big betting and cheating that is part of this game is much of an entertainment. He is satisfied."

"That is good to hear, Jadda. Let's hope that this game will satisfy you even greater," Garnet said with a smile.

Jadda nodded. He then pushed a button that was on a small console right in front of him and opened two sets of doors on the ring below. The doors gave access to the two teams' locker rooms and was the sign for them to enter the ring.

The people cheered up as the two teams entered inside the ring rolling it and waving their hands to the public. Auron smiled behind his helmet, looking towards the public as the two teams stopped in front of each other near the midfield line. Auron took his helmet off at the same time as the rest of the players.

Auron looked towards the man in front of him which gave his full attention. It was Zucker, the man who almost ended Auron's career in Brutball, by hitting him with a stick on his knee. "Zucker, you son of bitch. Who did you have to bribe this time?"

"Well, well, well. Auron Ronso. It is so good to see you again, especially in here," Zucker paused. "Watch out, Auron. This time I'm going to slam your face against the floor and permanently end your career, here and now."

Auron laughed. "I don't know if you saw what I'm dressed with. I'm a striker now, not a middlefielder anymore. Sorry to disappoint you. But I tell you what, if you start to become violent to my fellow team mates it is I the one who will permanently end you fucking career."

***

On the stands Ellemiek saw Zucker and cursed it. That particular player being in the game was not good. She turned to Aeris and pointed to the ring. "See that man in front of Auron? That one's named Zucker. That one is a dangerous player, known for his brutality in the court. His career file in brutball include having sent several players to the hospital. He once almost ended Auron's career when he hit him in the knee. In the end he was discharged from the Tae'Morad for killing a man on the ring deliberately."

"Sithspit! I hope the rest of the team watches out for him..." Aeris paused and her mouth was wide open. "Ellemiek tell me that the one on screen is not who I think it is."

Ellemiek looked up at one of the giant screens over the ring and saw what Aeris was talking about. She was surprised herself, to say the least. "That's... Kyra. What in the blazes is she doing in there? Especially when she's part of the opposing team!"

"I don't know. What in hell she was thinking?!" Aeris paused realizing something seconds later. "Does she know what she's getting into?"

"I sure hope so..." Ellemiek sighted. "Not quite sure though. I mean, she'll be playing against Auron and the rest of our friends. And Brutball... well, I guess the name says it all! It's no easy ride..."

"...or painless for that matter," Aeris said. "The game is about to start."

***

On the ring, the players got into their positions for the game to start. As soon as everyone was placed on their positions, the ball shot high up into the air.

Everyone cheered as the ball went up, but on the ring the midfield players seemed concentrated on when it would fall down, so they could catch it. Kilgara was going to catch it, but Zucker pushed her back with his stick, and caught it first.

He grinned once and moved to dodge Razchak, who was coming his way to take the ball from him. But before he could get to Zucker, Razchak was intercepted by one other player from the Devils, and Zucker passed on to the striker of his team.

The ball was caught by the Devil's striker, who gave it a small kick to lift it for a second blow. But he wasn't fast enough, and Jubey pushed him from the back and onto the ground, catching the ball with him knee and stopping it with his foot. "Not today!" he said as he kicked it back onto the midfield.

Kilgara caught the ball and started to move fast. She had two of the devil's midfielders coming to intercept her from two different sides. She realised she could not pass them without confrontation, so she readied herself. Waiting for the last second, Kilgara slid herself on the ring floor, taking the first midfielder down with her legs, and shot the ball through the mid tunnel.

"Tifa, catch!" Kilgara shouted as she passed the ball to the other side of the ring.

Tifa caught the ball and moved forward has Zucker began chasing her. She saw that he was too fast for her, and, out of nothing, Kyra was in front of her. She passed the ball to Razchak. Kyra ducked and Tifa flew through the sky falling hard on the ground.

Razchak moved forward and felt Zucker nearby. Without thinking he made a long pass to the Angels striker, Auron.

Auron saw the ball coming in his direction. He moved his body, kicking the ball to elevate itself, and hit it high in the wall above the goalie. The ball made a strange arc, coming back. Auron was very pressured by the two defenders, so he slammed his shoulder into one of the defenders, making him lose his balance and fall to the ground. Auron moved upwards and only then did he see that the defender's intention was to slam him. So, as the defender came towards him, he sat one of his hands on the defender's head, elevated his legs up, and was upside down, with the defender as support. He kicked the ball while in mid air, shooting it fast towards the goal.

The defender moved fast in his direction and barely touched the ball, but it was enough to change its direction, making it slam on to the post and reach the other defender, who then passed to Kyra.

"I can't believe my own eyes! An excellent play, by Auron, ladies and gentleman! Of all the many years of commentating, I had never seen anything as spectacular as that!" the commentator said with an exciting voice.

Kyra caught the ball with her stick and started to run to the other side. Razchak was right behind her, and she had Tifa blocking her way. In a sudden move, she changed direction and moved towards Kilgara. The other midfielders from the Devils were shouting for her to pass the ball, and she could tell that Zucker was most furious.

Kyra then stopped. She saw Kilgara coming to slam her herd and waited for her to come close enough. At the last second, Kyra jumped and kicked Kilgara across the chest, jumping back with the impulse and slamming her back against Tifa. Both women were down, but Kyra was still able to pass the ball onto Zucker.

With only Razchak to worry about, Zucker moved the rest of the midfield area. Razchad cut his way and was able to get in front of the Devil's main player, but Zucker spun once and to the right side, pushing the Angel's midfielder out of the way. He passed onto the striker.

But before the striker could even touch the ball, once more, Jubey slammed him down with a strong hit with his arm across the striker's chest, making the player from the Devil's team fall hard on the ground.

"Kilgara! Fast pass special!" he shouted as he kicked the ball back onto the midfield area.

Kilgara ran fast and slid on her knees to catch the ball with her stick. Once she had it, she turned fast and threw the ball upwards. As Zucker was coming her way, she thrust her stick onto his stomach, making him stop and then hit him again on his shoulder, which resulted in making him lose balance for a while. She caught the ball as it came down and threw it over to Auron.

Auron moved, followed by the two defenders, as the ball came in his direction. But before he could touch the ball, Auron saw Zucker continue to move in his direction. Auron knew that there was no way to get out of Zucker's way.

Zucker threw himself in the direction of Auron, and caught him on the stomach. But Zucker's stick fell off of his hands, hitting one of the defenders hard on the crotch.

Auron was thrown backwards as the ball passed over him. Luckily, Zucker hit his legs on the other defender's face, leaving the latter knocked out. Auron tried to get up to reach the ball, but Zucker was too heavy. Kyra approached them and, after she saw that Auron was ok, she picked up the ball.

Alas, as soon as Kyra picked up the ball, there was a loud horn that went off. Most of the players knew it was due any second and were expecting it. Zucker had committed a foul, and the Angels had just won the right to a penalty shot.

"Wow! What an incredible move by Zucker! Crushing two players in one move! Too bad one was his team mate..." the commentator said over the speakers. "That's the reason they call this game BRUTBALL!" he added as two droids entered the ring to catch the Devil's defense player who was knocked out and a new one came into the ring.

"The first substitution in this match... Devil's own wall of steel. Nothing gets past this man! Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome TRODOS, the Devil's giant!" the commentator said as he presented the new player who had just come into the ring to substitute the fallen defense. He was a two meter tall wide brute of muscles.

Trodos turned to Auron and grinned once. "I'm gonna fuck you up!" he said in a low growl.

"And we have the first foul of the night! Zucker has passed over the line!" the commentator explained. "And now, Auron Ronso has the chance to score a penalty for the Angels!"

Auron readied himself and concentrated. The ball was shot upwards from the center of the ring and Auron ran towards it. He touched it mildly with the first touch, sending the ball just slightly up and spinning and kicked it hard with his next kick. The ball flew hard to the goal and with a curving angle and the goalie couldn't catch it. The ball entered the goal and people cheered for Auron as he ran towards his team mates to celebrate.

"Auron Ronso scored! Auron Ronso scored! It's one nil for the Angels!" the commentator said.

The devils cursed the goal against their team, and so did Jadda up on the balcony. But the one who was the most angry was Zucker. He grinded his teeth and looked at Auron.

Kyra called Zucker but he was ignoring her. Finally, she approached him and punched Zucker's helmet, which turned his attention on her.

"That goal was your fault, you stupid fuck!" Kyra told him. "Next time, stay inside the lines!"

"Fuck off..." Zucker replied as he passed her and gave her a bump in the shoulder.

The players went back to their positions and got ready for the restart of the game. The ball was shot upwards from the center once more. All the midfield players ran towards it, but it was Kyra who got there first. She jumped and caught it, then twisting in mid air and sending it to her team mate, then falling on top of Tifa, and getting back up.

The ball was then passed onto Zucker who was already in position and ready to receive it. He was close to the line and ran just to position himself better to pass onto his team's striker.

Razchak tried to intercept Zucker from behind, but the Devil's player was already expecting that and moved his arm backwards in a hard motion. Zucker caught the Angels' midfielder in the chest with his elbow so hard that Razchak flew two meters across the ring.

Zucker then passed the ball to the Devil's striker, who was on the open, after having pushed Jubey down to the ground. He caught the ball, stopped it and kicked it hard. The Angel's goalie was able to touch the ball but not enough to make it stop, and the ball went in.

"By the gods! What a comeback!" the commentator said excitedly. "They're back in the game! It's one all and anyone's game!"

"Come on guys, we can score another!" Kilgara screamed to encourage her team mates. Kilgara moved to the center and waited for the ball to come out.

As the time passed, the two teams hit, kicked, punched eachother to take advantage of the ball. The Devils were making the Angels have a hard time. The horn was sounded and it signed the end of the first half. Some of the players had some bruises, and some probably had one or two broken ribs. But they would recover to play the second part of the Brutball match.

***

"Well, it's anybody's game..." Ellemiek commented. "I wasn't expecting the Devils to play this hard. If they keep it up, they'll end up scoring another one. I sure hope Auron comes up with a new strategy."

"Yeah, the only one that is not playing it hard is Kyra, but I think that she is hanging there pretty nicely," Aeris said.

"Maybe she's not sure that she's on the right team... I mean, she knows most of the players on the opposing team!" Ellemiek commented. "I wonder what made her go and join the Devils."

***

Up on the private booth, Jadda laughed amused. This Brutball sport was indeed fun to watch. Kind of like gladiators but with no real weapons. He thought of how much better it would be if they had real weapons, but he knew that most people would be displeased at the gigantic blood spilling, should that ever happen.

"Meendeeya Brutball mee hodrudda..." Jadda told Garnet Seifer. The protocol droid translated. "Master Jadda states that he finds the competition of Brutball quite entertaining."

"I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself, Jadda," Garnet said, looking to the cheerleaders as they came into the ring to entertain the halftime. She smiled when Jadda inclined his body forward to see more closely the cheerleaders.

"Ahh!" Jadda exclaimed. "Chik youngee mee!" The droid translated. "Master Jadda states that the dancing girls is a good touch to the entertainment."

"Thank you!" Garnet said with a smile. I'll take that as a compliment, she thought.

***

The players came back into the ring and people cheered for them as they went to their positions. The ball was shot upwards from the middle area and Zucker was the first to get there.

Both Tifa and Razchak went after him, but he elbowed one across the chest and pushed him back and swept the other one's feet with his stick.

Zucker ran to the line and had Kilgara on his tail, but Kyra intervened and slammed into the Kilgara. The devil's midfielder passed the ball to their striker, who immediately pushed one defender towards the other to have free space. The devil's striker then caught the ball with his chest and shot it towards the goal.

The ball went in and the crowd went wild.

"Oh my goodness!" the commentator said. "What a move by the Devils! Not one minute on this second half and they're winning already! They seem to have come back with the thirst to win!"

Zucker grinned and nodded to their striker. He then gave him a nod and returned to the center of the ring. The ball was shot upwards again. But this time it was Kilgara who caught the ball, with a jump. Alas, as she came down, Zucker punched her to the ground and took the ball off her.

Zucker then ran towards Tifa and slammed his stick on her ribs, then catching her arm and sending her down also. Razchak had to to help his team mates, but the Devils' midfielder used his stick and slammed it into Razchak's back. He grinned and moved to play the ball forward, now that all the opponents in midfield were down.

The crowd was making the biggest noise. Some applauded his brutality and some called him a brute. But both only made Zucker feel more pumped. He shot the ball forward, but sent it onto an Angels defender's back. The ball bounced off, as the defender lost his balance due to the amazing speed of the ball and the strength with which it hit him.

Losing no time, the Devils' striker moved and caught the ball. He shot a second shot to the goal from a point where the defender was blocking the goalie's view of the ring, and once more it went in.

"Three to one! Three to one!" the commentator shouted over the screams of the fans. "The Devils score again and take their advantage by one more goal! And what a play by Zucker! He annihilated the opposition!"

Auron looked and saw one of his players was still down. He signaled the referee who was seated behind a glass cage, requesting for time. A sound was heard and the referee spoke. "Time for the Angels! Five minutes!"

Auron exited from his place of play and ran towards Razchak, who was laying on the floor, screaming in pain.

"My back!" Razchak told Auron. Darius entered the ring with a suitcase on his hand and started to examine him.

"Where does it hurt?" Darius asked.

"Don't know, it's hard to breathe!" Razchak answered.

The medic saw what it was exactly. He requested that the player left the game. As Razchak was helped by some of the fellow players to leave the ring, Auron glimpsed and saw Zucker laughing.

"Doc, is it serious?" Auron asked as Tifa approached Auron and the doctor.

"He broke some ribs from his spinal column. One or two centimeters to the left and this player would have been paralyzed from the waist down," Darius said still with a worried face.

Auron saw Razchak leaving and looked at Zucker. "Tifa, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just bruised," she smiled trying to comfort Auron, even though she knew it didn't work.

"Tifa, tell Kilagara to hold the ball for as long as possible, make the devils go after her. If it has to, the rest of our team mates cover her. You stay away from the group, lore Zucker to you. Just use your stick and hit on his crotch."

"Are you crazy? Zucker will be all over me!" Tifa said.

"Yes, that is my plan. Once Kilgara passes the ball to you, make a long pass to me." He paused. "Don't worry."

Auron ran back to his place, watching Tifa telling Kilgara his plan. The sound was heard and the players narrowed to the center. The ball was fired up, and as it came down Kilgara jumped and catch it. The Angel's middlefielders started to cover Kilgara with exception of Tifa.

Tifa approached Zucker from the front and moved her stick fast enough, hitting on Zucker's just near his lower parts. She didn't make a direct hit because that would be a foul, but it was close enough to make him fall in pain. Anger rose in Zucker as he got up and started to run after Tifa.

Kilgara saw Auron doing the signal. She exited from cover, jumped and shot the ball on the side hole, sending it flying to the other side.

Tifa caught the ball in mid air and without thinking twice she threw the ball to Auron, as he instructed. But Zucker used his stick and hit Tifa's legs, making her spin on the air, before hitting hard as the crowds whistled at Zucker's hard play.

As the ball approached Auron, he moved towards the ball that was coming in fast. The two defenders were covering Auron. He moved to the side using both the defenders as cover. The defenders ducked as the ball hit the wall and made an arch almost near the line. There was no room for Auron to kick it back to the goal, but that was not his intention.

He jumped and kicked the ball back to middlefield. The ball flew fast and under a second it made a direction to Zucker. He had no time to avoid it, and the ball hit his face, sending the Devil's player flying almost all the way to the Angel's defense area.

The people cheered as Zucker took the same treatment he was doing to the Angels' players. Zucker laid on the floor unconscious. Kyra even left out a smile. She was somewhat relieved that the game could go as in the first part without heavy blows and too much violence.

Some of the crowd actually cheered for Zucker being down and some were screaming for him to get up. The game paused for a while, as a time out was called on for the Devils. Zucker was in bad shape and sent out of the ring. In his place came in a different player. The replacement seemed a tough player, but not as bad as Zucker for sure.

"Oh dear..." the commentator laughed. "I guess that's what they mean by justice in the ring. Zucker, who had sent out a midfielder of the Angels has been injured and is out of the game himself!"

"Time for those goals people!" Jubey screamed to his team mates. "Let's get back in the game!"

Tifa caught the ball that Jubey passed her, and moved fast to the line. The new middlefielder of the devils tried to take the ball, but she anticipated him, passing to Kilgara who moved to the attack zone.

Auron saw Kilgara throwing the ball to the left. He touched it with his right shoulder and spin kicked it with his feet. The ball went fast and passed the goalkeeper, right into the net.

"Goal! The Angels score! A magnificent come back! It seems that the game is far from over!" the commentator said screaming.

The Devils cursed the goal, but seemed disoriented now that their key midfielder was out. Kyra managed to catch the ball when it was shot up and passed by Tifa and shot it up front. Alas, the Devils' striker missed it, and Jubey sent it back up front with a powerful pass onto Kilgara.

With the ball secured, Kilgara moved and passed it to Tifa, who immediately passed the ball to Auron. But before Auron could catch the ball, Trodos intercepted and pushed Auron down to the ground. "Not so fast..." he told Auron as he shot the ball back to midfield.

Tifa intercepted it with a quick move in mid air and passed to the other side. Auron saw the ball moving to another end, so he released himself from Trodos and went for the ball. Trodos was happy by the blow that Auron gave on his stomach and charged against him, slamming him against the wall. The ball passed by Auron and went back to the Middlefield. Trodos kicked Auron's stomach and the referee whistled.

"Unnecessary violence! Penalty against the Devils!" the referee stated from his box, away from the players.

Trodos shouted back in a growl, furious. The crowd was divided into clapping for the decision and screaming for the Devils, saying that it wasn't a foul. But the referee maintained his call, and had the penalty given to the Angels.

Trodos looked back at Auron and spat on the floor. He was obviously furious. And would surely be even more if Auron would score the penalty shot.

"Well... Let's see how the Angels deal with this given penalty!" the commentator said. "It appears that the Devils aren't too happy about the foul granted to the opposing team. Especially Trodos."

Auron stood in front of the ball looking at the goalie. He ran fast and kicked the ball. The goalie jumped to one side guessing that Auron was going to shoot in that direction, but the ball flew to the other side.

"The Angels score! Wow! What a game! It is 3-3 and we only have five minutes to the end of the game. Let's see if any of the teams will have an inspired moment to resolve this game!" the commentator spoke excitedly.

Trodos grinded his teeth and cursed to himself. The players took their positions and the ball shot upwards once more. Kyra caught the ball and passed it up, but it got intercepted by Kilgara who passed on to Auron at once, hoping to score a goal in the middle of the surprise element.

Alas, as soon as Auron caught the ball, Trodos caught up with him and pushed his against the wall. Trodos then slammed into Auron and pushed him to the ground, kicking Auron's back. "You dumb fuck! Let's see how your team deals without you!" he said as he prepared to jump on him. Trodos wasn't even paying attention to the ball, which was just laying on the floor.

Auron moved to the side avoiding being stepped by Trodos. Auron got up and kicked the ball towards the curved wall. The ball traveled through the ground and wall and was once more back in the air. As he prepared to kick it, Auron glimpsed to the clock. The game was about to be over.

Trodos got up and tried to get Auron through his back, but what he didn't count on was that Auron had military training, and long Trodos started the attack, he already knew that he was doing something. Auron ducked and let the weight of Trodos fall on him to pull Trodos off. Trodos fell hard with his face to the ground and tried to get up again, but wasn't fast enough. Auron had already jumped, using Trodos' back as an impulse to jump even higher.

Auron flew through the air and motioned quickly so that the ball was now falling towards him. He kicked it at the last possible second and the ball flew too fast for the goalie, and went in.

Seconds later the sound of the end of the match was heard and the people cheered the Angels and celebrated and applauded for an amazing recovery.

"Oh, my gods! The Angels score! The Angels win this match and show an amazing fighting spirit! Oh gods, if every game of Brutball is going to be like this I'll have a heart attack pretty soon," the commentator said.

"Letting the Dead Rest"
By: Yelara Neerou
Liam Zaneth
Leshie Zaneth

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

They were walking side-by-side along the strip of street vendors. In one hand, Yelara held a frazzie and in the other, Liam's hand. Leshie bounced gently against her back as they walked, the small pack giving him a good view of all that was ahead of him. Occasionally, he'd let out a happy squeal that was rewarded with a taste or two of either mama or papa's frazzie.

Today, Liam was dressed in his Jedi robes. The air was cool but pleasant, and both Yel and Leshie were bundled up. They'd been spending a good part of the day just walking and talking, while Liam related more stories of their past together.

"We had lunch at that spot over there," Liam said, pointing out a streetside cafe. "You kept throwing your noodles at me."

Yelara appeared mortified. "I did that? Are you sure? Was I drunk?"

"I don't believe you were," Liam said with a laugh. "It was something fun. I believe it had something to do with a song we'd heard in the city."

"Which?" she asked. "I mean...if a song would lead me to toss noodles at you, I should probably avoid listening to it."

Liam chuckled. "It was a harmless bit of fun," he said. "And, it was a bit of spontaneous amusement. And, you caught me offguard, about like the time you pulled me into the water on our honeymoon."

"Do I want to know about that?" she asked warily. "Besides, it was your honeymoon with your wife. Something that intimate...." Yelara shook her head and quickly looked away. She felt suddenly uncomfortable having her hand laced with Liam's. "You don't have to say a word," she whispered.

"It's just that it was funny, Yel," Liam said. "That's all. It was a little thing we had, where from time to time, you would try to take me by surprise."

She shrugged. "Perhaps I'm no longer that spontaneous. Dying may have tempered such inclinations."

Liam chuckled. "Perhaps," he said. "I guess we'll just have to see where things take us, hm?"

"Or where you're taking us," Yelara quipped. "I don't like Leshie being out in the cold so long."

"I don't think he minds," Liam said as he reached a finger up for Leshie to grab which he did with glee. "But we don't want you getting sick, little one. Time to go get warmed up." He glanced at Yel. "How do you feel like a trip to Drogen now? Do you think you're ready?"

Yelara exhaled deeply, but still failed to clear the heaviness in her chest. "The thought still makes me anxious," she admitted. "But I have to do this. I can't shy away from learning what I can about my past." Smiling kindly, Yelara amended, "Our past."

"Your past," Liam said. "I think that's more important now. There's a shuttle port just up the street, we can catch a shuttle up to the station there."

"Sure..." she nodded slowly. "Will it be safe for Leshie?"

"It will," Liam said. "I wouldn't let anything happen to him, and he's been flying around in space for most of his life. I think he likes it, don't you little one?"

Leshie yawned a reply, understating his enthusiasm. Yelara chuckled. "Well...that's settled, I guess. Let's get going then. And before anything, Liam," she added, squeezing his hand, "thank you for this."

"Even if there were no personal gain in it for me," Liam said, "I would be happy to help as I am. I know what it is like to search for something...and even though you may not remember, you helped me find that something before. I am happy to help you seek out your past and forge your future, upon whichever path it may take you."

Yelara laughed lightly. "Are you usually so profound?"

Liam laughed along with her. "Not usually," he said. "At least, I don't feel so. There's the port. Before we go in, I don't want to push you to this. You do want to go now?"

Playfully growling with impatience, Yelara gave Liam's arm a tug and began backing into the port with him. "Come on! I'll be fine, so let's go!"

Liam laughed and followed along willingly. He bought them each a ticket and they proceeded through to where the shuttle waited for the last of the passengers that would be boarding. Their luck was fortunate in that there weren't many travellers and they wouldn't have long to wait for the shuttle's take off.

Once they were settled in their seats with Leshie between them, Liam smiled over at Yelara. "I know things are very different now, but I just want you to know that it's very good to have you in my life again. I imagine I could have raised Leshie alone, but I think he needed his mommy and his daddy. He's much happier now than he has been for a long time."

"So you've said," she reminded him, fondly brushing her fingers through Leshie's hair. "Maybe next time, though...maybe we should spend some time alone. Without Leshie as the only connection present, we might have a better idea of whether you and I, alone, are still compatible."

"Good idea," Liam said. "We can ask Va'Lesh and Yara to watch him. I think they'd like to spend some time with him again. They grew very fond of him when we were off traveling."

"Who wouldn't?" she laughed, but all sign of humour faded as the shuttle rose swiftly from the ground. Yelara gasped softly and grabbed for Liam's hand blindly.

Liam closed his hand around Yelara's. "It's alright," he said softly in a soothing voice. "I'm here with you. We're safe."

She swallowed hard and nodded quickly. "I know... It's just the thought of that place... It still gives me chills."

"I'll be with you the entire time," Liam said. "I'll keep you safe, all of us safe. We don't have to stay long, either."

"And what if I enjoy myself?" she joked feebly. "Do we still leave?"

Liam laughed. "We'll stay as long as you like," he said. "If you'd like, I'll even take you to the place where you and Kallia drunkenly danced on a table."

Yelara groaned miserably, embarrassed by her actions, and mildly perplexed that she had been such an impetuous woman. If she had been as she was now, there would never have been any noodle-throwing or table-dancing. "Please," she begged with a chuckle, "keep the more disconcerting revelations for another time. There's only so many I can stand in a day."

Liam laughed softly. "I have a feeling Kallia would say the same thing."

Sobered now, Yelara said, "I don't know if I can love her again as she wants, Liam. I'm...not even attracted to her in that way, not now."

"Maybe you will in time," Liam said. "Maybe not. Just as with me; maybe, maybe not. I believe her first hope now is that she can be a friend for you. I think she's still trying to find her way again, and the new baby will probably be along very soon."

"The fatherless baby?" Yelara asked with mild disapproval. "Was she always so promiscuous?"

"No," Liam said. "Though, in her case, there are extenuating circumstances. In some of the situations, she had no choice. As I understand it, neither you nor she had much say in Dargus' desire to practice his own promiscuity with you."

"That was before," Yelara pointed out. "What about this time around? She chooses to be his lover, knowing what he was. If that's not promiscuity, then it's certainly foolishness."

"I am uncertain what her motivations are now," Liam answered. "It appears that she has forgiven him for what he had done before, and is allowing him to be a father to her child. The darkness has fled and he is honestly trying to be a decent man. I don't know how long that will last, however."

"It's lasted for you, hasn't it?" she asked. "You've never truly regressed, have you?"

"Not truly," Liam said. "The only time I have wavered was in my attempts to bring you back, as my actions went against the natural balance of the universe."

"And do you believe the universe will attempt to re-establish that balance? With consequences neither of us will like," she added, instinctively stroking Leshie's hair.

"I am not certain," Liam said. "Perhaps it already has, bringing you back with no memory of your past."

She chuckled dryly. "Punishment for you, and for myself, even though I had no say in the matter. The universe is unjust."

"I will not argue with that," Liam said. "However, Leshie knew you immediately...he remembered you. And, we're getting along fairly well. I think now I'd prefer to think of the future than the past. While I may want to recapture what we had, I know that it can't be so simple. I believe it is important, however, for you to have some knowledge of who you were before, and to see if anything sparks memories of that past."

"And I agree," she replied, smiling. "When we get to the station, we'll see if we can do just that."

Liam chuckled. "You just happen to be in luck," he said and pointed out one of the small windows beside them. "We're at the station."

***

They stepped off the shuttle and onto the flight deck of the station. The place had a different feel than before, than when they had inhabited it. Still, despite the change in ownership, there was a faint oppressiveness that seemed to pervade. As he sought to place it, Liam found it further down in the station, where the poor mixed with the shady. It was a part of the station they'd avoided when they lived here. As they moved further from the shuttle, Liam hazarded a glance at Yelara.

She had clamped her hand onto his forearm the moment the ramp descended and now had an unyielding, biting grip secured that had initially made him wince. The cold durasteel and blaring light, and the incessant clangs, shrill whines, and thundering of industrial labour was startling. Yet Leshie watched it all wide-eyed and with delight. Yelara appeared horrified. "Gods...we lived here?"

"It wasn't so loud where we were actually living," Liam answered. "You worked a bit here though. You were shift foreman, and a damn good technician. You managed to get my ship back in one piece."

Yelara nodded absently, still surveying the bay anxiously. "You said that's how we met...right?"

"Yes," Liam said. "I landed my ship in here, and you came right out to see what I needed fixed. I helped you out as best I could, but there really wasn't much for me to do but get in the way."

"I see," she murmured, then grimaced. "Can we go somewhere else? This place is just a little too...shocking for me."

"Yes," Liam said as he put one hand around her waist and led the way toward the exit. "We were up a few levels from here. Not sure if the rooms are available or not, but we'll soon find out."

She smiled playfully at him. "Did we share a room often?"

"Not while on the station," Liam said. "There was one night where we shared a bed, but nothing happened. You were afraid of what Dargus would do to me if he found out about us."

"And were you afraid of him?" Yel asked curiously.

"I wasn't," Liam said. "But, while I had no fears about what he might do to me, I knew he would hurt you to hurt me."

She frowned worriedly and asked with a quaver in her voice, "And...did he?"

"We kept our relationship a secret," Liam said. "At times, he hurt you...and others, he tried to win your affections with gifts."

"Gifts I accepted, and affections I reciprocated...is that right?" she surmised bitterly.

"From what you said, you learned early on that defiance was not tolerated. I do not believe you had much choice in the matter."

"But did I love him?" she pressed.

"I'm not certain," Liam answered. "Perhaps you did. I can't honestly say that I know if you did or not. If you ever did, it was never a happy love."

Yelara sighed gravely and the two walked the corridors in silence. Nothing of her past came to mind as they strolled, save for the odd feeling of discomfort and anxiety; and from what Liam had told her the previous day, Yelara was grateful for her memory loss acting as protection against a sordid past. She shook her head angrily at her own stupidity. "I'll never be like that again," Yelara declared fiercely. "Liam...I'll never be that weak."

"I know," Liam said softly. "And, I believe you. You're not the same woman you were before, and the circumstances this time are different. You have a second chance at all this now."

"As long as I don't become fooled by Dargus' supposed transformation, like Kallia," she added, "then I should be fine."

Liam nodded. The lift arrived as they stepped into the corridor, and they both entered. There was a sudden feeling of movement as it raced upwards. "The new administrator of this place is...an interesting woman."

Yelara smiled curiously. "In what way?"

"She doesn't like me very much," Liam said with a chuckle. "I came here before for a young Force Sensitive woman...and it turns out she'd come to some trouble with the station administration. Mrs. Anoran wasn't too pleased when we left here with the young woman."

"I didn't know you Jedi shunned authority," she teased. "It's no wonder I can hardly get Leshie to sleep at night...you've instilled in him the same rebellious tendencies you seem to have."

"Authority is one thing," Liam said. "But altering the rules and regulations to support your own claims is something entirely different. The young woman was a Zeltron, a species of near-humans who are empathic and who embrace a hedonistic lifestyle. Mrs. Anoran didn't approve of the woman's lifestyle choice, and attempted to contrive infractions against her in order to remove her from the station."

"Is this the same woman who allowed Dargus Kandran to use the station as his base of operations?"

"From what I heard, she did," Liam said. "It was a mutual effort, from what I understand, to thwart the Empire when they took over. Hypocrisy knows no limits, hm?"

As Yelara agreed with a chuckle, the lift halted and both doors opened. Yelara looked aside at Liam. "Is this it, then?"

"Your apartment used to be just down this corridor," Liam said, then led the way forward. "Come on." They moved together until they were just outside the door. Liam cast a glance aside at her while using the Force to determine that the room inside was empty. "Ready?"

"Of course," she answered confidently, though her tremulous smile betrayed the apprehension she felt. Leshie, sensing it, cooed and gently twined her hair around his pudgy fingers. When the door slid away to open the room, Yelara sighed, inexplicably relieved that no memories surfaced. From the few details Liam had given her, she truly didn't wish to remember her time aboard the shipyards.

"This...was my apartment?" she asked softly. "And I lived here long?"

"For a few months," he said. "It's been awhile since you lived here." He regarded her as she examined the room. "Nothing?"

"Not yet," she admitted apologetically. Yelara compassed the room slowly, taking time to brush her hand against surfaces, study objects that might have held a connection to her, and finally moved into the bedroom, where she seated herself upon the mattress in defeat. There was nothing.

"I'm sorry," she whispered to Liam as he stood in the doorway. "If I were a Jedi, I imagine this sort of thing would've worked...but I'm just me, Liam. I only perceive what's there, what I can touch and see. Any impressions I may have left in this room..." Yelara sighed. "I can't access them...and I'm sorry."

"It's alright," Liam said with a smile. "We're just trying to find your past...and if we can't, we still have the future. There is another option, but it would require us to leave Tae'Karada for a short time."

"Leave the planet?" she asked uncertainly. "And...where would we go?"

"Corellia," Liam said. "You were born and grew up there. We could also stop at some of the planets where you and I stayed, but I don't want you to think that I'm just taking you there to recapture our romance. I was just thinking that places that bore a strong emotional tie might stir something inside you."

"Liam," Yelara sighed and held out a hand to him, inviting him to join her upon the bed. "I think something needs to be made clear..."

"Of course," Liam said as he sat on the bed beside her.

Yelara paused to gather her thoughts and choose the most delicate way to phrase them. She smiled wanly at Liam and squeezed his hand. "I...I don't want to do this anymore, Liam. I don't need to remember - I'm not even sure I want to after hearing all I have about my past. I just..." It was obvious it pained her for his sake to admit what she was about to. "Let's just...stop, Liam. I want to move on with my new life instead of chasing my old one. You and I will take Leshie home...and we'll do just that."

Liam nodded. "Of course," he said. "I understand completely, and I don't blame you. We can take the next transport back. Back to the Temple then?"

She smiled. "For now...then I was wondering if you could help Leshie and I find an apartment. One very close to the Temple," Yelara assured him.

"What about the apartment?" Liam asked. "It's not too far from the Temple, it's already furnished, and all the carbosyrup is gone."

"Can I redecorate it?" Yelara asked, grinning.

Liam laughed. "Of course you can," he said. "It's yours to decorate and arrange as you'd like."

"Great." She patted his knee and rose. "Shall we get off this floating heap of durasteel?"

"Gladly," Liam said as he stood. "It's definitely time to go home. Perhaps, right here, it's a touch premature, but welcome home Yelara Neerou."

Yelara chuckled and Leshie squealed. "Thank you, Liam Zaneth, for helping me find it. For that alone I'll always be indebted to you."

"For the happiness of my son and the woman who helped me bring him into this galaxy, of course," he said. "I know you were my wife before, and now that is not the case. But, I hope to be your friend for now and always. If it becomes more than friendship, then it is obvious our destiny is to be together. If not, I know I will always have a friend in you."

"Truly, Liam," she affirmed, smiling fondly. "Always."

Sliding her arm through his, Yelara and Liam left behind her former quarters on the station, and her bleak past. She was focused, now, only on her future, keeping Yelara Zaneth dead forever.

"Shopping and Surprises"
by Zion "The Worm" Xandler
and Raeila Mullerin

Location: Zion's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

"Ok..." Zion nodded. "That can be arranged. I'll be sure to go there shortly. However, it may take me some time to get her there, but I'll do it, my Empress," he told Nieme as he viewed her on the holoscreen.

"I knew you would," she purred and blew a kiss at him. "We'll await your final word. We are counting on you, Mr. Xandler. Don't fail us."

"I won't... I'll be contacting you. Hopefully sooner than expected," he grinned. This could turn out very good indeed.

"Zion?" Behind him, leaning against the doorframe in her silken robe, Raeila rubbed at one sleepy eye. "Working already?"

Zion pressed the button and shut down the console at once before Raeila could see anything. For a split second, he wondered if she had seen or heard anything, but then again, Raeila wouldn't have reacted the way she did if she knew he had been talking to Nieme.

Turning around, Zion smiled at Raeila. "Good morning! You caught me by surprise there... And almost ruined the surprise!" he told her. And it was true.

She smiled curiously. "A surprise? Could I maybe persuade you to tell me what that is and ruin the surprise?"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" he winked at her. He was simply content that she had understood nothing of the conversation with Nieme. "Hey, come on. We're going shopping for clothes first. I think that's the best way to free your mind of the recent worries!"

"For a while at least," she admitted. "And if you don't mind... I'd like to comm the Temple. Just to speak with Ferrig. He'll be worried, I know it." Smiling, she asked, "But... are you going to give me breakfast first, like any good gentleman should?"

Zion chuckled. "Of course. What will you have? Or do I order a little bit of everything to be made for us?" he smirked.

Raeila laughed as she rushed forward and grabbed Zion's hand. "I'm hungry...so everything!" she announced, and tugged on his arm to haul him out of the room. "Eating before work...though shopping after eating first, right?"

"I guess so..." he grinned. "Cylo, prepare breakfast for us, please. Have a little bit of everything set up for Raeila and myself."

"Everything?" Cylo asked as she showed up from thin air.

"Well... Everything that would be in a breakfast menu, of course," he corrected.

"My databanks refer to over three hundred courses," Cylo replied. "Should I have them all set up?"

"No... Top ten of my liking," Zion answered.

"Very well," Cylo bowed before disappearing into thin air again.

"Do you think that will be enough?" Zion asked Raeila.

"Oh, I think it'll do," she mused, and the two made straight for the dining room, with Raeila nearly dashing to reach it in no time.

***

Still full, but quite satisfied, Raeila and Zion zipped through the streets of New Plouton towards Yelldon's popular fashion district. It seemed Zion was holding nothing back this time, and Raeila wasn't about to complain.

She watched the passing high-rises and boutiques with wonder and finally giggled as she bounced around in her seat to face Zion. "So...how much did you say I could buy again? And there's no price limit?"

"As much as you want...no price limit," Zion told her with a grin. He could tell that she was content to say the least. "The only rule is that you have to have fun and enjoy yourself, ok?"

"I promise," she told him, smiling graciously. "Though...you'll have to let me thank you somehow. I wouldn't feel right if I couldn't give you something in return."

"Ok...I can live with that," he chuckled. Soon after they arrived at their destination. "We're here. Now, remember...no price limit, as much as you want."

"Oh Zion, you're going to regret that," she teased and hopped out of the speeder as he released the hatch. While waiting for him to round the speeder to her, Raeila let out a deep breath to expel the grief seizing her once again. She'd missed waking up beside Kael this morning - she needed to see him, but first she'd talk to her brother later that day to gauge Kael's mood. If Kael was still angry with her, she wouldn't want to deal with him just yet. For the moment, though, she planted a cheerful smile onto her face and slipped her arm through Zion's as he stepped close. "

So..." she started as they strolled along. "Did you miss me, Zion? It wasn't a long time...but we did part badly."

"You parted badly..." Zion corrected perhaps a bit too fast. "I was just angry," he said, only then realising the choice of words. "But not at you... It's just that I... I mean you..." he then sighed. "You know what? To be perfectly honest, I just didn't like the simple fact that the Jedi boss you around. It's not like you have to do what they tell you to do, you know?"

"Well, I know that," she answered. "I don't think they've ever actually made demands of me. It's just that...I guess they want to look out for me. That's all Master Vorrel was doing."

"Sure... That's why they went to rescue you from Jadda the Hutt," Zion said sarcastically. "They knew... They knew you were there and they left you! Look, Raeila, I can understand that you like Kael and all, but you can not be so blind! They've done nothing for you and yet they expect you to stand by their side..." he told her with a sigh. "Look, no matter what you say, if they leave someone they like in a Hutt's Palace, then I'll never like them."

"Maybe they were biding their time," Raeila suggested unconvincingly. "Maybe...maybe it was too dangerous just then." She closed her eyes against her doubts, ones that implied Kael had left her with the Hutt to rot so he could be with Nieme. How could she still love him if that were the truth? "I'm just a fool," she whispered to herself, "that's why." Gazing up at Zion, she kissed his cheek. "I'm glad you rescued me. You really do like me, then."

"I would never leave you in a Hutt's lair..." he told her in a whisper. "And I never lied to you, Raeila... But I can't stand to watch you be neglected the way that you are by the Jedi," he sighed. "With me, you are like royalty, and I'd never treat you otherwise. Never..." he smiled. "So, how about that shopping?"

Raeila smiled warmly and nodded. "Yeah," she whispered. "Let's." And into the most fashionable store on the strip they went, with Raeila suddenly less than excited about the prospect of a shopping spree. For Zion's generousity, though, she would try her best to appear bright and cheerful.

The effort was made slightly easier by the luxurious selection before her - dazzling silks, shimmering satins, chiffons so fine it was like a splash of sunlight was hanging from the rack rather than the equadi that dangled from its hook; Tae'Karada's native garb seemed to have come back into fashion recently, and it was widely known the current Empresses had decreed it. Looking at the one before her, Raeila didn't mind in the least.

"Everything's gorgeous," she breathed. "And so elegant. If I buy one of those dresses, we'd have to go to an elegant dinner."

"Are you trying to take me out on a date?" Zion asked with a sly grin.

Rae chuckled. "Are you accepting?"

"Depends on the date..." he winked. "If it's just me and you, and if I get to choose the location, then why not?" he grinned.

"Then why not?" she affirmed, then scampered towards the bounty of dresses that were beckoning. Raeila wasn't very discriminatory when it came to selecting, for she merely wrapped her arms around as many dresses as she was physically able and hugged them to her chest. Then, she trotted towards the changing room. "Be sure to stand outside," she called back to Zion. "I want you to see each one I try on!" And disappeared behind the curtain.

"Can't I go inside and watch you put them on?" he said with a chuckle as he leaned on the wall, just outside the changing room.

"I'll do you one better," Rae told him. "I'll come out once I'm dressed and show you what I'm wearing, rather than what I'm not."

Zion laughed at the comment. He hadn't expected Raeila to let him in anyway, but he couldn't help loving her sense of humour. "I think I'd rather see what you're not wearing..." he teased. "But I guess I'll have to wait and judge that."

"Ok!" she announced after a couple minutes. "Ready!" Then she hopped out of the changing room cubicle and presented the flowing gown of red. It fastened around her neck and criss-crossed over her chest to conceal her bosom, but left her abdomen bared as the straps disappeared behind her back. The skirt hugged her hips closely until the fabric flared at her knees and dropped in loose folds to her bare feet. Raeila was beaming. "Isn't this great? Gods...I've never felt fabric so soft!"

Zion raised an eyebrow as he looked at Raeila. "You... You look like a goddess. A goddess of love," he told her. "We'll definitely take that one!"

"Really?" Rae giggled and spun for Zion. "So where are you taking me, anyway? I mean...it must be somewhere fancy if I'm wearing this."

"I didn't say that was the only thing you should get," Zion grinned. "But today we shall feast at a special place. A special place with a magnificent view..." he said as he thought of the restaurant on the very top of the New Plouton Tower, one of the highest buildings in Tae'Karada. "But you should also get some clothes for some warmer weather."

Rae laughed. "Why? You taking me to the desert, Zion? Not my idea of fun..." And reaching behind her neck to undo the dress' ties, Raeila disappeared within the changing room again. The garment was heard dropping to the ground as it slid off Raeila's body. "So... any other hints?"

"If I give you any other hints, you'd probably find out what the surprise is..." he laughed. "Just trust me and get some clothes for warm weather."

"Fine," she replied and held out one bare arm over the changing room curtain. "Since you know more than I do, how about you pick out the outfit, Mr. Mysterious."

Zion chuckled. "You sure you wanna try that? I might pick skimpy outfits... Though it would surely serve the occasion," he joked. He then picked some swimwear that consisted in two parts - one bottom and one top - plus a matching scarf to tie around the waist. Perfect for a beach. "Here, try this on," he said as he handed it over to her with a grin. He was almost sure that she wouldn't know what it was for, but then again he could be wrong.

"Hmm..." Rae sounded pensive. "Let me guess: wherever we're going, there's a beach, right?"

"That too..." Zion chuckled. "But not only that."

Again stepping out, this time with the two-piece swimming outfit and wrap, Raeila rested her hands on the slope of both hips and eyed Zion suspiciously. "It's winter, Zion. Where on Tae'Karada would I be able to wear this, other than the desert... and even then, there isn't any water there!"

"Who mentioned anything about Tae'Karada? I never said that it was in Tae'Karada..." Zion grinned. He knew the surprise was ruined, but he had at least kept it long enough.

"Oh really?" she asked skeptically. "That means you're whisking me away to some other planet?" Raeila chuckled. "Why?"

"Because... I think you need a getaway from the recent life you've had. Some place to truly rest. Vacations," Zion answered. "And there are so many places spread across the galaxy that are so beautiful... I'd like to share some of those places with you."

"Me too," Raeila replied with a warm smile. She took Zion's hand into hers and studied it as she deliberated on the ramifications of running off with Zion, and leaving Kael behind. Rae trembled with grief and quickly wrapped her arms around her waist for comfort. "I should...see Kael," she whispered. "Shouldn't I? Wouldn't he be worried?"

"I don't know..." Zion sighed. "Maybe you should. You can tell a lot better than I can how he would be. If you think he'd worry, then at least you can tell him you're ok," he told her. "But promise me one thing. Do not let him cloud your mind with whatever promises you know are fake. I mean, last time he promised you that things were going to be ok... And yet, they weren't. I don't think they ever were, really. Not with him."

"Well...there were plenty of good times," Rae confessed. "They...they just didn't last so very long." She smiled ruefully. "I wish they had...I wish they still could. I...I just need to see him. I can't leave like this...because if I do, there's no way I can come back." Picking up Zion's other hand and bringing both to her lips, Rae asked sweetly, "You won't be mad...right? It'll be just a little visit... then we can go. Alright?"

"Sure," Zion nodded, forcing a faint smile. "Do you want me to take you there? Back to the Temple?"

"No," she answered quickly. "Not there... Take me to their headquarters in the city. I'll...I'll send Kael a message along the way to meet me there." Reassuringly, Rae smiled. "We'll go on our trip, Zion. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that promise," he told her simply. The fact was that he didn't really believe she would go. At least not without Kael tagging along. But there was not much he could do about it. It was her choice. He smiled and nodded. "Come on, let's get you a few more things and have some lunch."

With an endearing smile, she hopped and planted a kiss on Zion's cheek before scampering back into the changing room. As excited as she appeared, her stomach was performing flips at the thought of meeting with Kael. He might still hate her, and with good reason, but at least knowing was preferable to idle suspicion. If he despised her...then a vacation on some lovely, faraway beach was definitely in her future.

"The Hunt"
by Jerek Welder [NPC+]
& Daemor'rah

Location: Toprawa, Toprawan System
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

The ship that Jadda had provided for Jerek was a lot better than expected. It was a used YT-2000 transport, but was in fairly good condition and worked in good order. He dubbed it the Majestic II after his previous ship that was destroyed over a year ago. The ship was in many ways better, aside from missing an enhanced hyperdrive and even had four holding cells in the cargo hold. It had been a while since Jerek had gone to apprehend someone, and if he'd done his homework correctly, he knew this Daemor'rah to be a character not to be trifled with.

Jadda received confirmation that Jerek was ready for departure from his Majordomo who was at the Hangar Bay to see Jerek depart. With the orders from Jadda, she pressed a comm button and contacted Jerek, who was now inside the ship.

"Mr. Welder, Jadda has received some information that Daemor'rah was recently on the planet of Toprawa. She is thought to be there still..." the female twi'lek informed.

"Any particular location? Or will I have to search the entire rock?" Jerek asked.

"The system only has one major spaceport which is used for commerce purposes mostly. Our information suggests she is in that area," the female twi'lek replied.

"Understood, Welder out."

***

On the forests on a planet named Toprawa, Daemor'rah sat on the ground, meditating. She had not yet been able to find a transport in which she would be able to go on and about her journey, and so chose to let herself course the forest and practice and meditate.

It was during her meditation that she had a vision. A man was after her and conflict was imminent. Opening her eyes, Daemor'rah wasn't sure whether this was to happen in reality or just a glimpse of a possibility in the future...

Still, she had her concentration somewhat broken even further when she saw a Corellian transport scorch the skies towards the nearby settlement. Perhaps I can get a ride when this ship leaves... she thought to herself. And with that, she started to walk through the forest towards the spaceport.

***

Jerek walked down the ramp of the ship, blaster slung on his right hip. He didn't like blasters much, they made things too easy. Although it was a Merr-Sonn 5, it still wasn't as honourable as Jerek's fists and feet, and although he knew how dangerous his target was, he still hoped for some hand-to-hand combat. Quickly, he began making his way to the bar below...

Daemor'rah arrived at the small settlement, though it harboured the most important spaceport in that system. People looked at her in a strange way for her being so pale white, but none paid too much attention. She got to the spaceport and asked where had the latest ship docked. The information droid told her to go to hangar twelve.

Alas, when Daemor'rah got there, the hangar was empty and only the ship lied there, closed. She called out, even though she couldn't see anyone, but no reply came to her calling. Finally, she decided to focus herself. Extending her feeling in search for lifeforms, she got something entirely different... A sense of danger.

Opening her eyes, Daemor'rah perceived that the ship in question was no regular freighter, nor a commercial ship. She knew that many of these ships were also into other acts, such as piracy. It was unclear what this one was.

The white skinned woman made her way to the attendant for the spaceport. "Greetings. Can you tell me where the ship on Docking Bay 12 came from?" she asked.

"I could..." the man replied as he turned to face her, with an obvious look of disgust. Clearly he did not enjoy any other races, besides human. "But I won't! Besides, that is classified information for spaceport personnel only!"

Daemor'rah sighed. She waved her hand gently. "You will tell me where the ship on Docking Bay 12 came from..." she said, concentrated.

"I will tell you where the ship on Docking Bay 12 came from..." the attendant repeated. "It came from the Tae'Karada system. Just arrived," he added.

"Thank you," Daemor'rah said with a short bow of the head before leaving. She was not sure what a ship from Tae'Karada was doing in the remote system of Toprawa. Surely it did not belong to the Jedi, otherwise she would not have felt danger emanating from the ship. Perhaps something else... Someone who was there as an enemy probably. She had to find out. And since no one knew she was there, this had to be a bounty hunter of some kind.

Knowing that any mildly skilled bounty hunter had to pick up a trace somewhere, she did what she would have done herself in days past. She went towards the bar below.

Jerek relaxed in the chair, enjoying his strong but sweet Syllaanian ale. The aroma from the potent alcoholic beverage left a great feeling in Jerek. He looked at the door as a white humanoid alien walked through the door. She matched the description of Jerek's target, so he had to be wary.

She looked around, but she did not know who she was looking for. There were many races and many different people standing by and sitting down. Finally, she went over to the bar and sat down, hoping that whoever it was, he or she would come up to her. She kept her senses alert for anyone who could come close enough and extended her feelings throughout the Force, should anyone try anything sneaky like pulling a blaster.

He watched her for a bit, watching her actions. He figured she knew he was here, due to her apparent sensitivity to the Force. What did Jadda want with her anyway? Usually he didn't care for such things, as long as the money was there, but he'd grown a bit of a heart since then. He stood up and walked over to the empty stool beside the bar.

"May I?" he asked her.

Daemor'rah looked at the man. She had seen him as soon as he got up to walk over. She had readied herself for any possible threat, but she didn't feel one. And once he spoke, she loosened herself just enough. This was the man who was looking for her. That much she could tell.

"I'm not the owner of the bar, so I have no authority as to where you sit," she replied. "However, may I inquire as to why you came over here?"

"I have business with you..." Jerek responded.

"Speak..." Daemor'rah said simply.

"My employer requires you..." said Jerek, trying to play it cool. "From what I understand, it's a matter of importance to him..."

"And so your role here is to ask me to go with you?" Daemor'rah asked with a raised eyebrow. "Somehow I doubt that whoever sent you, did so with the intention of an invitation... Who's your employer?"

"What my boss wants, he gets..." Jerek replied simply, still staring forward at the bar. "He wants you, and it's my job to get what he wants..."

"I see..." Daemor'rah chuckled. "Although that might not be as easy as you consider it. However, I do like your honest approach. So, are you going to tell me who employed you?"

"That's not important right now. You'll find out soon enough, but for now, we have business to attend to..." Jerek said, standing up.

"Oh really?" Daemor'rah stated with a chuckle. "That's not the approach I would advise you. But if you feel strong about it, then let us go somewhere more private and with less bystanders. I wouldn't want innocents to be involved and possibly get hurt."

"All right, fine. Listen, if I tell you will you come with me?" asked Jerek. "Trust me, I don't want to do this just the same as you."

"It all depends on where you're supposed to take me," she replied. "I'm not really into travelling with someone who's supposed to take me to some crimelord and not knowing with whom I'm dealing," she told him as she got up from the stool at the bar. "And I warn you to share that information, lest I be forced to fight and hurt you because I don't want to go without my own consent."

Jerek grinned. "I'm not that easy, honey. Let's say I do tell you, what then?"

"Depends... On whether I like the answer or not, and whether or not I'm willing to go," Daemor'rah replied.

"Jadda the Hutt sent me..."

Daemor'rah chuckled. "Jadda sent you to come get me? He really wants to test you, doesn't he?" she asked him. "He probably expects you to go back half dead or not at all... But I can sense that you're not doing this task for him for the money. So why then?"

"A favor to a friend..." replied Jerek, not wanting to reveal too much. He knew she had tricks up her sleeves, so dodging them was a natural maneuver. Whether it worked or not, Jerek was not sure.

"Well, I can tell you that the only reason why Jadda sent you after me is to test you," she told him. "I have no dealings with him or debts for that matter, so I wouldn't imagine that he would need me. And even if he did, he would ask as he always has," she said. She was sensing no malice in Jerek, even though he wasn't trusting her at all. "Well... Maybe I can help you out still," she said as she started to walk out the bar, and motioning for Jerek to follow.

Jerek followed, wary of what lay ahead. He kept behind her so he could see what she was doing and counter any attempt to strike first, if that was the case. As a pit fighter, he was never supposed to have his guard down.

Daemor'rah walked all the way to Jerek's hangar. She knew which one is was because it was the only one that was not for business purposes and was not occupied by the time that she herself had arrived at that planet.

Once they were both there, Daemor'rah knew that they were alone. Alone and away from innocents. She turned and struck at Jerek with a spin kick. She missed him but gained some distance. She then positioned herself for a fight with her bare hands. And yet, her face was a peaceful one.

He grinned as he placed himself into his fighting position, arms raised while he bounced back and forth on his feet. "I'm not as easy as you think I am..." Jerek said with a sly grin. "I don't want to do this, but I will if I have to."

Without an answer Daemor'rah plunged herself at him. She threw him a straight punch, followed by a cross and a low kick. Alas, Jerek was able to block the punches and dodge the kick. Daemor'rah then gained some distance and tried to hit Jerek with a spin kick. But Jerek was faster and kicked Daemor'rah back. She picked herself up just before he was going to attack her and Force pushed him back.

"Only in battle does one show his true intentions..." she told him as she let her guard down. "I had to try and test you. You understand..."

Jerek slowly lowered his fists keeping a stern eye out. "True enough. Code of a warrior. I knew Jadda was testing me, but this goes way beyond a test. I need to find someone, and Jadda may be the connection."

"This was no test for Jadda. It was a personal one," Daemor'rah replied. "If this was Jadda's he would have asked me to use my lightsaber and Jedi training on you until you either cracked or won. But Jadda is not a friend nor an ally in any way. Let us say that we have had certain agreements in the past. But that is long gone for me..." she explained. "So, I will go with you since it may get you what you seek."

"Hope Reunited"
By: Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Jedi Headquarters, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

Raeila paced the office of the Jedi's New Plouton headquarters, wringing her hands nervously and constantly watching the door for his arrival. She hadn't actually spoken to him directly to ask for the meeting, but Ferrig had assured her Kael would be informed. Raeila wondered if he would show. If he didn't, she would understand. If he didn't, she would know for certain there was no turning back. Lingering on that thought, Raeila whimpered and buried her face in her hands. Everything had just fallen to pieces.

Kael had left the speederbike he'd ridden from the Temple still running when he'd leapt from it upon his arrival. He'd forced himself to pause, shut down the powerplant, and take a deep breath to calm himself. He hadn't expected to be contacted by Raeila so soon and had been going frantically out of his mind with worry over it. He took another deep breath, forcing his heart rate and pulse to return to normal levels as he stepped through the door. He and Ferrig were nearly ready to go into the desert, to rescue Talara from the Hutt. Their intelligence had been gathered and they had their plan, everything was falling into place. Two hours later, and they probably would have missed Raeila's call.

When he saw her, his breath caught. Kael took a sudden step forward, and breathed, "Raeila?"

She kept her face covered until she could gather the courage to look at him without fleeing. It was a long time coming, but Rae finally and trepidly peeked through her parted fingers as she whispered, "Kael?" When her hands fell away from her face, Raeila gasped and rushed towards him, only to stop mere steps from him in uncertainty. She couldn't discern if he was angry still, or ecstatic to see her. Raeila hazarded a smile. "Hi...I...I didn't know if you'd come..."

Kael glanced back to the door, as if to point out the path he'd just walked to get there, then turned back. "I just arrived," he said. "I came as soon as Ferrig told me. I'm just glad a speederbike was available. Are you...is...are you alright, Raeila? Did you need anything to eat? Oh Thana, Rae, I was so scared." His eyes shown with tears as he gazed at her, gauging her as she was him. Finally, unable to hold himself back any longer, he opened his arms to her.

Raeila cried out his name and threw herself into Kael's embrace. Sobbing against his chest and clawing at his back, she wailed, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I was afraid, Kael. That's why I ran. I'm still so afraid!"

"I know, my arozeil," Kael whispered. "So much has happened, and so much is still happening...but, we're safe right now, in here together." He kissed her forehead and held her close. "I'm so sorry for everything that's happened, Raeila." He continued to hold her, not wanting to let go lest she slip away again. With her in his embrace, he felt peacefulness descending upon him. When he held her as he was then, he felt complete. "I love you, my dearest heart."

"I love you, too, Kael," she murmured contentedly. "I'm just...so confused. I needed to get away...I think I still need to be away from the Temple and the Jedi. I--" Raeila smiled up at him, tears shining in her pale eyes. "We need to heal, Kael."

"I'm not sure if I can get away now, not until Talara's back," Kael whispered. "But, we were going to rescue her today. If you want, we...we can get away tonight, go somewhere and heal."

"T-Tonight?" Raeila appeared troubled, and even glanced outside to where Zion would have been waiting. "Tonight," she repeated deliberately. "I...Zion...he wants... Well, he was worried about me and he offered to...well...." She trailed off, hoping Kael would understand.

"You've been with Zion," Kael sputtered, shocked. "Rae...he's...he's been dealing with Nieme and Dani! We received a recording...it has...oh Thana...please, Raeila...I...the recording." He pulled out his comlink. "Ferrig, I need you to send me the recording we received the other day."

"Consider it done," came Ferrig's reply.

A moment later, a message indicator on one of the desks began blinking, and Kael hurried over to prepare the message. Once he was certain he was at the segment of the message he wanted Raeila to see, he started it.

Raeila watched and listened with growing horror as Zion negotiated his deal with Nieme and Dani to betray the Jedi, and sealed it with a rambunctious bout of lovemaking. One phrase resounded in her mind, one bitter, hateful declaration by Zion after it was done: "After all, if not for them, I would have Raeila all to myself." She sobbed and shook her head in denial. "No...oh Kael, no... Where did you get this? This can't be true!"

"I don't know the source," Kael said. "But it was sent to us the other day. We had an expert go over the recording, and it's authentic. It's true, Raeila. I'm very sorry. I know he and I weren't friends, but I know he was a friend to you."

"He still is!" she insisted, weeping. "Kael...maybe he was playing, maybe he was just fooling them. Isn't that possible?"

"Maybe," Kael answered. "Though, if he were trying to deceive them, they might be able to sense it. I just know that he wants you for himself, to get me and the Jedi out of the way, so that there's no competition for your love. How far do you think he would go to do that? How far do you think he would go to take you away from me, from Ferrig? I don't know him very well, Raeila, so I can't answer those questions. But, if you are with him, then I'm very afraid."

"He's done nothing to me," she told him desperately. "Kael...he's been so kind. He wouldn't betray me. He wouldn't! He...he wants to take me away with him. He just wants me happy. Show him the recording and I know he can explain," she insisted, clinging to his robes. "Kael, please...I know it!"

"Rae, listen to what you just said," Kael asked. "And, think about what he told Nieme and Dani. He wants to take you away with him. He wants to take you away from me, to have you for himself. If you want to bring him here, to let him see the recording, and explain it to us...I can play it for him again, the whole thing."

"I don't know..." she whispered. "This is all a misunderstanding...it...it has to be. He's treated me so well, Kael. He wouldn't do this unless there was an explanation. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me."

"Of course not," Kael answered. "He wants you to be his woman, his wife, his lover, and no one else's. He wants to take you away, away from me, away from our life together. Please, Raeila, look at what he's said...look at what he's given you...they add up. Do you think Zion wants you to return to your life with me?"

"I know he doesn't!" Raeila hollered, pushing away from Kael. "He wants me happy and doesn't think I can be with you. He just...doesn't understand. If we could make him...maybe he'll see that what he's doing is wrong."

"Rae," Kael whispered taking a step toward her. "I'm losing you to him. He buys you whatever you want, he takes you places I can't afford, and...and I can't compete with that. All I have that I can give you is my love for you. But is that enough?"

"Thana, Kael, yes!" she shouted at him incredulously. "Do you think me so shallow? Do you think all I want is some new clothes and more money than I could ever imagine? Do you really believe I would want to move back to the desert if that's what I desire, the desert where there aren't credits enough to throw around, you jerk!?"

Kael took an involuntary step back, as if he'd been slapped. "What about Zion?"

"I don't love him!" she told him. "No matter what he buys me, I won't love him. Won't you ever see that?"

"The question is, will he? Have you made it clear to him, Rae? Have you made it clear that you don't love him, and that you don't want to be with him? He wants to take you away from me...and...and I don't even know how hard you want me to fight to keep you by my side. I love you, Raeila, more than life. I want you to be happy, for us to have a happy, fulfilling life. But, I can't say or do anything right. Whatever I do, whatever I try, it upsets you." Tears filled his eyes once more, and Kael quickly turned away. "Maybe he's right."

Raeila came up behind Kael and laid a hand upon his shoulder. She kissed the back of his head and told him softly, "Maybe he isn't. Maybe we've had some rough times...but all we need is some time away from the Temple. We need to go back to that time in our lives when we were happy...to figure what it is that makes us happy."

"After...after I get Talara free from Jadda's palace," Kael whispered. "Will you go away with me? We can...as much time as we need, as much as we want. Let's go away together and find ourselves again."

Raeila laughed gently and slipped her arms around his waist as she rested her chin upon his shoulder. "Let's do that," she whispered fondly. "But first, I'll need to talk to Zion. I did promise him we'd go away. Maybe...you could come with us and investigate him. If he's a threat to the Jedi, he needs to be stopped, right?"

"He does," Kael whispered. "And...and wherever it is, I'm sure I could...seek out those with Force sensitivity for the Temple, to see if there are any worthy candidates there. And...and it would give us time together." He turned in her arms so that they were facing each other, with her chin now on his chest and each gazing deeply into the other's eyes. "I've missed you so much, Raeila. We've got a lot of lost time to make up for now."

"And much to heal," she added sadly. "There's...there's a baby we'll never have that we need to talk about. I-I'm just so sorry, Kael. I'm sorry I can't give that to you...."

"There may be other ways," Kael answered, the tears finally falling. "We'll look into it...and find out what she did to you. Maybe...maybe Zion's planning on taking us somewhere there's a very good doctor available. And...and there used to be...there used to be Jedi Healers...I could, maybe I could, but I don't know...but maybe that's the path I could follow. I've caused so much pain and suffering in my life, that...perhaps I should walk a path that eases that pain and suffering now."

Raeila smiled warmly. "If that's what you want to do, then I'll help you, Kael. I'll be right beside you, as I should always be. Then...maybe we can make a little baby for our family. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"It would be," Kael whispered and brushed his lips against hers. "It would make me very happy to make a new life with you. I promise you, Raeila, I will do everything within my power and ability to make it so we can have a baby. Our little Thanis or Thanara will be the most beautiful baby ever, too. There will be so much to learn...I never thought I'd want to become a doctor, but...but it feels like a right choice."

"It does," she agreed, giggling. "I can be your assistant, and wear a cute little skirt. How about that?"

"Perfect," Kael said with a laugh. "There will be a lot to learn, and if you're willing, I think I could use a partner to help me with the studying. And, it would allow you to learn along the way too. We may both be able to become doctors."

Raeila laughed. "Me? A doctor? Ferrig would never believe it!"

"He's missed you quite a bit too," Kael said with a chuckle. "I don't think I've seen him as excited as he was when he came to tell me you'd commed."

"We should go visit him," she suggested. "I just...Zion's waiting for me. I should go talk to him...." Smiling hesitantly, she asked, "Do you...want to come with me?"

"I'd like that," Kael said with a smile. "It'll give me a chance to begin my investigation. Then we can go visit with Ferrig. Do you...do you want to help us with rescuing Talara, my love?"

"Of course!" she answered. "I just...don't quite know what I'd do. I can't really fight or anything..."

"You can watch our backs," Kael said. "You should also have a blaster, just in case. But, having you close will help keep my mind at ease. We can discuss the details later. Let's go meet with Zion."

"Okay," she said, "but he won't be happy. Not at all." Slipping her hand into Kael's, Raeila smiled and added, "But...at least we'll be."

"And, that's what's important," Kael said, then pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

Raeila was giggling as their lips parted and she flung her arms around his neck in a crushing embrace. "Shall we go now before we get ideas to use the desk?"

"That is very tempting," Kael said with a wicked grin. "Come on, we can reacquaint ourselves with our own bed tonight." He gave her hand a squeeze and nodded. "Come on."

She smiled happily and strolled with Kael to the door. Zion would not be pleased, Raeila knew as much, but she couldn't abandon her marriage for him. She would get to the bottom of his meeting with Nieme and Dani, and if he dared lie to her, Zion would know true suffering.

"Repelling Opposites"
By: Kael Selrid
Raeila Selrid
Zion "The Worm" Xandler

Location: New Plouton, Outside the Jedi's Headquarters
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

As they descended the stairwell, Raeila gazed up at Kael nervously and squeezed his hand for strength. She had made a promise to Zion and now it was to be broken. But what he'd done was far worse. Consorting with Nieme and Dani, conspiring with them...that could not be forgiven and even if it meant losing a friend, Raeila would get to the bottom of it. She only hoped he didn't lie to her directly; above all else, that would hurt the most.

"Kael," Raeila whispered, "what will you do? If it's true...what will you do to him?"

"I won't kill him," Kael said. "At least, not unless he forces me to, and I don't think he's capable of doing that. I will subdue him, and turn him over to the New Republic authorities."

"You're going to have him arrested?" she gasped. "Oh...Kael can't we just talk to him... Do we have to go and do that?"

"If it is true," Kael said, "he should be arrested. But, we can talk to him, but what if he shows no remorse for consorting with them? There's so much that can happen, Rae, that I can't say what will be done...a lot of it will depend on Zion."

"Alright," she sighed. "Just...please don't antagonize him, Kael. If you do, he'll go on the defensive and we'll get nowhere."

"I promise not to antagonize him," Kael said. "And, I promise not to act rashly or threaten him. I will only present the information, and we will let him tell us what is going on. Would you like to do most of the talking? I think that may make him feel more comfortable."

"O-Okay." Raeila exhaled deeply as they approached Zion's cruiser. She saw him throw open the hatch and exit the vehicle, and nearly balked. Instead, she waved at him. "Zion! Over here!"

"Hey, Raeila... Kael..." Zion nodded. He didn't like Kael and he had decided as of late that he didn't need to, not even for Raeila. But he had no quarrel with him, unless one counted on the fact that Raeila, the woman he loved, was Kael's wife. But Zion would never turn on someone, especially a Jedi. "So, what am I doing here?" he sighed.

"Well..." Raeila swallowed hard and managed a weak smile for her friend. How could she accuse him of the crime Kael had insisted he had committed? Especially after all he had done for her... She frowned and gazed up at him sorrowfully. "Zion," she whispered, "Kael...he has to show you something... I-I don't know what to think. You have to tell me, Zion. Please..."

Kael pulled the portable holo-emitter from the sleeve of his robes and held it out in an open palm. With a slight touch of the Force, he activated the unit. As the slicer watched, his meeting with Nieme and Dani was replayed for him in holographic form.

"Well... I wonder how you got that," Zion stated. "I don't think that you were able to place a hidden self charged camera in the throne room which means that you have an insider. And if you do, then I would share the information you get with the New Republic authorities. As for my part in that holo-projector, I can only say that it is perhaps one of my greatest schemes so far," he stated, rather happy about it.

Raeila looked between Kael and Zion in perplexity. "What do you mean? You-- It was all a ploy?"

"Well... It all depends on how you look at it, really. I can guarantee you that the security system is very real indeed. No one will get even close to the Palace without being detected," he answered. "Or perhaps that should be rephrased. No one but me or whoever I deem as fit to do so."

"But...those things you did with them, Zion!" Raeila reminded him. "All those things you said! Those things about...about the Jedi and...and me," she whispered.

"Oh yeah..." Zion chuckled. "Well, it's no secret. I don't exactly love the Jedi and I don't really believe in their cause or agenda. Fact is, I haven't seen them do anything good! But that doesn't mean that I'm Dani and Nieme's ally. But I did have to tell them what they wanted to hear."

Smiling hesitantly, Raeila said, "So it's true? You were just acting? You're not...bad?"

"Ok, now that hurts, Raeila..." Zion said, looking in a stern way at her. "I saved your life, twice at least. And I saved you from a Hutt's lair! It's a heck of a lot more than your own husband can say! Would I do it if I was a bad person?" he asked, though he didn't let her answer. "If this is why I came here, to be asked these petty questions, then I guess you aren't the person I thought you were. Goodbye, Raeila." And with that said, he turned around and began to walk back to his speeder.

"By the way, Kael, do you plan on saving the girl named Talara from the Hutt's lair, or are you leaving her there to her own fate, as you did with Raeila?" he asked as he went away, the sarcasm being obvious in his tone.

Kael checked the chronometer at his wrist. "We're leaving in one hour and thirteen minutes," he said. "You're welcome to join us if you'd like, though I don't think Jadda would appreciate you participating in our assault team. I imagine it would hinder future business opportunities you might have with the Hutt. In any case, I believe they're outmatched with me, Ferrig, and Raeila going in after Tala." Kael glanced at Raeila, then back at Zion. "To state that you're a good person because you saved Raeila has an inherent flaw: would you have saved her had you not known her and had feelings for her? If she were just some woman you saw chained there and did not know, but decided to bargain for her freedom, then that would make you a good person. Your actions were merely opportunistic. But, if you want to be a good person, to show us you're a good person, join us in freeing Talara from the Hutt."

Zion stopped and turned back laughing. "When I saved her life the first time I didn't know her. I had been with her once as a client, but I didn't know her and I wasn't friends with her, if that answers the question you asked... In fact, she was trying to end her life, probably because of you," Zion pointed out. "And that being said, I don't have to prove anything to you. So, you have fun at the Hutt's lair. I'm sure that your heads will have a price on them soon enough... Though there are other ways to get her out. Ways that aren't as vile and risky, of course. But I doubt a Jedi is capable of thinking at all as you all seem to wave the lightsabers you have faster than you sit and think a peaceful way out of things. Ironic, considering that Jedi think they can preach non-violence to others."

"Not everyone has a bank filled with credits to throw at whatever problems they face," Kael answered calmly. "That is a luxury your life affords. I will speak with the Hutt if Jadda will allow it; but, I will come away from that place with Padawan Sorenne. A person's life is not something to be bartered or bought, and I will defend that to my dying breath. People are not possessions, and to enslave the life of another is as deplorable as needless death. Violence for the sake of violence is wrong and I do not condone it. To take up arms in the defense of life, however, is sometimes necessary. Perhaps in this case, it will become necessary...but that is for Jadda the Hutt to decide. In either case, Jadda will release her to us or we will take her away, but in the end, he has no right to keep that which he has no right to keep.

"If you do not wish to assist us in this, I will understand," Kael continued. "To do so would compromise your place between the two sides of the conflict where you can profit; you would jeopardize your ties to the Hutt and to the Sithlings on the throne. But, even so, we will be going to the desert and we will return with Talara. If Jadda the Hutt wishes to place a price on our heads, then we will have to live with that...though, I hope he thinks through the wisdom of such an action before carrying through with it." He glanced to Raeila and sighed. "The Jedi seek a peaceful resolution in all matters, but should the Hutt or anyone be unwilling to reach for a peaceful resolution, the Jedi will end it swiftly and finally, for the sake of all. When the cost of inaction is more suffering, from now on, I will always take action, even if that action requires me to raise my blade against another. My inaction almost cost me the dearest part of my soul, and I will never take that path again." He took Raeila's hand in his and gave it a gentle, loving squeeze. "And, now we must go to the desert and rescue Talara." He glanced into Raeila's eyes, an unspoken question in his own, then finally nodded to her with a slight smile that spoke more to the bond between them than any words could ever express.

Raeila smiled wanly and turned her gaze to Zion. "I'm sorry...I can't abandon Talara like this. And...I don't want to abandon you either, if you're still my friend. I just can't run off to some exotic beach while she's suffering. If...if you truly have the skills I know you do, you can really help us, Zion. And not for me - for Talara."

Zion thought about Kael's words for a while and had to chuckle at them. He only made Zion believe less and less in the Jedi. "The Jedi seek a peaceful resolution in all matters, but should the Hutt or anyone be unwilling to reach for a peaceful resolution, the Jedi will end it swiftly..." he said, repeating after Kael, using the same words. "So you say... You know, I think I heard Emperor Palpatine saying something similar... It resembles the politics of either taking your side of things or killing those who oppose you. You really think you're all powerful and always right, don't you, Kael? It's ridiculous if you ask me!

"Hutts are negotiators. That is true. But one must know how to negotiate with them..." Zion continued. "I was able to do so with Raeila at the time, which was fortunate. I don't have anything to offer to him now, besides credits. And I doubt that he would sell her at all, because credits is what he needs less. If you are smart, which I don't think you are, you will bargain with the Hutt. And if I were you, I would offer your services in exchange for her freedom... Fighting a Hutt is suicide, especially when he knows where the Jedi Temple is. I doubt you want to risk the lives of those who are there again."

Zion then walked away towards his speeder and jumped back inside it. He thumbed with a padd and connected it to a second one, then tossing it afterwards towards Raeila for her to catch. "Here. This is as much as I can provide you with... The schematics for Jadda's Palace. And one more thing. If you fail to negotiate with Jadda, don't be an asshole by trying to fight it through. You'll lose."

"We will not give legitimacy to a criminal by negotiating for that which he has no right to possess," Kael said. "And, has no right to sell. As I said before, he will release Talara to us or we will take her from him by force. In either case, she is not his to barter with. I cannot believe you would put such little value on life to believe that anyone should barter and bargain with another for a life. To do so, you tell the other that you recognize their right to possess a human life, and that is wrong. I hope that one day you will see that, you will understand. But, I refuse to play that game with the life of another. I will not sell out my soul or that of my friends. I will see the Hutt to dust before I offer him anything for that which no being has the right to own.

"You underestimate the Jedi," Kael continued. "And, you underestimate me. One Hutt has already fallen at the hands of a Jedi for similar. If Jadda is as wise as the rumours indicate, he will avoid this fight at all costs. The Force is on our side, and his actions against life will result in his ruin. We will never legitimize his criminal actions by taking a path that justifies the pain and suffering he brings onto others."

As Kael focused his gaze on Zion, the power that radiated from him was immense, making him appear to be much larger than he was. "Zion Xandler, you have allied yourself with evil. Your claims at being a good person are empty and hollow; your actions are only those of an opportunistic man seeking out only that which will serve his own needs. If you are incapable of acting for the good of the people of this planet, and this galaxy, for the friendship that Raeila bears for you, I tell you now to do the selfish thing and gain as much distance from this conflict as you are able, while you are able. Nieme and Dani will not suffer betrayal lightly, and against the power they wield, you are impotent. Now, save yourself, and go...before it is too late."

"Then you are more stupid than you look..." Zion spat back. "Fighting when there is no need could only come from someone who is too dumb to negotiate at all. It's not about bargaining for life, but from finding a way to get things done without killing. It's something I don't think you understand, the concept of diplomacy. And that shall be your demise, Kael Selrid. You are far too plunged into your so-called power, that you fail to see other options... I hope that it doesn't bring death and mayhem for yourself and those that you care for, because the war that you bet upon is one that you cannot win. Not without losses."

With that said, Zion turned on his speeder and turned it around. "As for Nieme and Dani, I don't recall asking you for help."

Kael turned to Raeila, a look of profound sadness filling his eyes. "We should be going," he said softly. "Ferrig is waiting for us, and so is Talara."

Raeila looked desperately between Kael and Zion's retreating back. "What-- Kael...what does he mean? He's not going to help us?"

"I do not believe so," Kael answered. "He does not believe in the methods he believes we're going to use. He believes we should bargain for Talara's life, negotiate for her freedom. I believe it is his opinion that we should give the Hutt something in order for the Hutt to return Talara to us."

"But she never belonged to him to begin with!" Raeila exclaimed. "Why should he gain for abducting an innocent girl? It's...it's not right!"

"You'll get no argument from me," Kael said. "Though, apparently, that is not a concern for Zion. And, since we will not be bartering for Talara's freedom, I don't believe he has any interest in helping us."

Raeila nodded ruefully, still watching Zion slipping into his vehicle. Despite his arguable methods, she still believed his intentions were somewhat innocent. But, she could hardly rush to him to say so. Instead, Raeila sighed and embraced Kael for consolation. "He's really a good man," she whispered. "I know he can be."

"I know," Kael said as he circled her with his arms. "I think he has chosen his particular lifestyle, and it is difficult for him to break away from it. I believe he is too used to bartering for his own services, and cannot bring himself around to the idea that the life of another is not a commodity, meant to be bartered. I believe his motivations are selfish and center around his own wants and needs, but in time, perhaps he will see that there is little joy in the accumulation of wealth." He looked into her eyes and smiled. "In most ways, I would say that I am far wealthier than he." He leaned forward and kissed her. "Though, I think through his interaction with you, he is coming to realize that there is far more to life than a high credit chip balance. I know I've learned that."

"Well...maybe I can help him learn the same," she said hopefully. "After all he's done...I do owe him that at least."

"I think he needs to find a woman," Kael said. "I think he's just hoping for me to die or leave or something, and then he can swoop in and take you away to be his. It's not healthy for him to live that way. And it's not good that whenever you and I are together, near him, he ends up running off in a snit after shouting at both of us."

"He's...just upset," Rae explained, and whereas an hour before her reconciliation with Kael she would have turned to run after Zion, now she could only suppress tears for her friend and smile at her husband. "Yeah...he'll get over it. We have to think about Tala right now. Let's go home and get Ferrig. I think we'll need a plan."

"I agree," Kael said as they moved toward the speeder he'd brought from the Temple. "When this is over, and Tala is safe, you and I need to take a vacation together. I was thinking of somewhere that you might be able to wear one of those...very small swimming outfits."

She giggled and leaned affectionately against him. "You're such a fiend, Kael Selrid. You should be the one in the tiny swimwear."

"For you, gladly," Kael said with a laugh. "Come on, I'm going to lose my focus if we start talking about this now."

"Alright." She nodded seriously and tried not to grin, but being in Kael's arms again was reason enough to smile, even if their friend was being held prisoner by a Hutt.

"Meeting the Board"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - NPC
Lani Vissip - NPC+
Ty Cotah - Executive, Ares - NPC
Jove - Executive, Ares - NPC
Lin Kei-oh - Executive, Ares - NPC
Kira Nafu - Executive, Ares - NPC
Georu Huftin -Executive, Ares- NPC
Gurey Huftin - Executive, Ares - NPC

Location: Ares Macrotechnology Corporate Headquarters, New Plouton, Yesrin District
Date: Vadris 11th, 4ABY

***

As the hoverlimo pulled up in front of the corporate offices for Ares Macrotechnology, Rylaa Lyssander, the soon-to-be owner, grunted as his tie was yanked sharply. "Not so hard, damnit, that hurt."

"It's not my fault you never learned how to tie a tie," said the sweet voice of his companion, Lani Vissip.

"Never had to, before. I always just wore what I wanted when I ran Rising Thunder."

"Well this time you need to make a good impression." She made a final adjustment then leaned back to look at her handiwork. "There, done. Now let's go talk to our new execs."

A uniformed valet opened the door to the hoverlimo and bowed as Rylaa and Lani stepped out. The Ares building was a huge structure, which housed both the corporate offices, and the research and development laboratories. A set of long steps ran up to the large double doors fashioned out of transparisteel and embossed with the Ares logo. A large statue of a man holding a pair of futuristic-looking blasters stood in the middle of the stairs. The statue wore a strangely archaic helmet; it appeared to be made of bronze and had a red mohawk running down the middle. Looking at it from the side, you could tell that it was a 3D representation of the Ares logo.

Four men and two women, all human, stood in business suits. Rylaa, Lani in tow, walked up the steps with a wide smile on his face. Before the executives could say anything, Rylaa began to greet them each by name. "Ty, good to see ya buddy. Jove, how's the wife and kids? Lin, that surgery last week go alright? Kira, lovely to see you. Georu, Gurey, the pazaak game win big for you last night?"

The look of shock that washed over their faces was priceless. They obviously did not know that Rylaa had done his homework on them, did not even think that he would. Well, they would learn. They had better, because if they didn't, they were going to be fired and replaced by one of Rylaa's choice.

Jove began to say something, but Rylaa cut him off. "Listen, I'm busy man and I have another appointment later today so the tour will have to wait. My assistant here will provide you with a contact number and I can assure you that someone will be there most of the time. Now I know that you are all wondering how I'm going to save this company, and I'll outline my plan right now." He clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace up and down the line of shocked senseless executives. "I've got a lucrative deal in the works, one that will guarantee income for several years to come. It involves the palace and some equipment that came into my personal possession a few days ago. This is just the beginning, ladies and gentlemen, and there is much more to follow." He stopped in the center and spun to face them.

"This is what I expect of you. Keep running the company the way you have been, it obviously worked until LaCroix began to embezzle money. You are the people with the skills and the knowledge to do what needs to be done. Yes, I've run a corporation before, but not one as important and complex as this. As soon as I get the hang of things, I can assure you I will take more of a heavier hand in things. Until then, I want daily reports and everything you are doing and briefs on all projects currently underway."

"Sir," Lin Cambell injected while Rylaa paused to draw breath. "Many of our projects are underfunded. If we can't complete them on time, we'll lose those contracts and even money. Then so on and so forth. It's a vicious cycle, sir."

"And that was the point I was coming to, Miss Cambell. I am planning on investing much of my personal fortune into the company until things get off the ground. When I get the briefs from the project leaders, include in it a budget and a wish list. I won't guarantee everything on the list will be taken care of, but I will do my best. Any questions? No? Good. I expect those briefs to be on my desk no later than Friday next week. Have a good day, people, and keep doing what you do best."

With that said, Rylaa turned gracefully on one foot and strode down the steps and into the waiting limo. Behind him, the six men and women blinked for the first time since Rylaa began speaking to them and stared at each other, trying to comprehend what just happened.

Inside the Limo, Lani could not contain her smile and practically bounced on the seat with glee. "That was masterful, Rylaa. I can't believe you just did that to them!"

He grinned at her, amused. "I just kept feeding them bullshit until I was sure they bought off on it. Of course, I fully intend to do all those things I said and I fully plan on reading every single one of those reports. I've got Lorgal and Credit working on the employee list and doing checks on certain supervisors and managers to make sure they are trustworthy. If they are, I might bring them into fold with what I plan on doing. The two brothers, Georu and Gurey are on par, and I think that I will keep them. The rest will more than likely have to go. One way or another." Rylaa leaned back into the plush seat and folded his hands over his ponderous stomach. Everything was going as planned. Now if he could only pull off his deal with the palace during his meeting in a few days.

"Soliciting Aid"
By: Kael Selrid
Raeila Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin
Dargus Kandran

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

They returned to the Temple as quickly as possible with Kael driving the speeder perhaps a little faster than was safe. But, with his Jedi reflexes, they were never in any danger. As the Temple came into view up ahead of them, he reached over and took her hand in his. Once this was over, they would get away together, find each other again. He smiled warmly, a feeling of completeness settling over him.

Using the Force to keep them on the right path, Kael looked over at Raeila and smiled with the deepest of love for her. "You are sure you want to come with us, right?"

"Where else would I want to be?" she answered fondly. "Now that we're together again, I don't want to be apart, Kael. We need each other now, more than ever."

"Yes," Kael said with a smile. "And, once Talara and Ferrig are safely together again, we're going to go away together. It'll just be you, me, and a pile of medical holocarts, and all the healing time we need."

Rae groaned playfully. "Do we have to work our brains while on vacation? Can't we work other parts?" She grinned suggestively.

"Oh, I see," Kael said with a grin. "Well, in that case, no holocarts. Just vacation. We can start studying up when we're done with that, and back situated in our regular lives, whatever they happen to be. And, after our vacation, Rae, I want to find a home for us, in the city, or maybe the outskirts of the city. A place for us away from the Temple and the Jedi."

Raeila gasped softly and stared at Kael in utter shock. "You'd-- You'd actually do that, Kael? You didn't want to before..."

"I would," Kael answered with a thoughtful look. "Things have changed, and as important as the Jedi are to me, you are so much more. I will go to the Temple as I am needed, but we will be together. We should keep our room in the Temple, in case we need to stay there for anything. But our home will not be there. We can even have a place where we can have a room where we can study medicine. As much as I hate to admit it, and I'm sure the Council would frown terribly, for me now, the Jedi Order will have to come second behind my wife and our life together."

Giggling excitedly, Raeila snuggled up against Kael. "This is great! I've been waiting for this day...forever! Are you sure they won't kick you out or anything?"

"If they do," Kael said with a shrug, "it will be their loss. I'm not trying to sound arrogant, but I know I am good at what I do there. And, besides, if I do become a healer, those skills would be very useful in the Order. But, I do not believe they will, and if they do we will get by."

"I'll have to work again," she warned. "Not...my old job, of course. But I'll have to find something."

"We can find something if you'd like," Kael said with a smile. "That is, if you want me to help you find something. I'd like to find a hospital or clinic that I might be able to help at, if they'll have me of course."

"You're a Jedi," Raeila reminded him, "of course they'll accept you! And me...I could work at a shop or a restaurant. Though," she sighed, resting her head upon his shoulder, "we'll get by, Kael. We always do."

"Of course we will," Kael said as the Temple came into view in the distance. "Perhaps after some of our initial training, you'd be able to get a job in a medical office too. If you wanted, of course."

"That means we could work together!" she exclaimed. "How amazing would that be!"

Kael laughed. "I think that's what we should plan on then," he said. "May not happen right from the start, but we'll make it happen, Rae. From now on, we're going to make all of our dreams happen."

"And a baby is part of them," she whispered. "We'll...we'll make it happen, Kael. No matter what Nieme and Dani did to me...we'll defy them both and have that baby."

"We will," Kael said with just as much fervor. "And, in the meantime, if depending on how many we want, we can adopt. But, yes, my love, we will have one of our own, no matter what Nieme and Dani did. And, there isn't a force in the universe that can stop us."

"Yeah," she whispered absently, then fell silent as they weaved through the forest towards the Temple's clearing, all the while thinking of a child with hair the colour of gold and eyes as blue as the ocean. Raeila desperately wished merely conjuring an image of the baby she'd always wanted with Kael was enough to make it real. Hopeful as she could be in the situation, Raeila still fought to keep sorrow from diminishing her joy, and only barely prevented a single tear from escaping her eyes.

As he brought the speeder to a stop before the Temple, Kael reached over and took Raeila's hand. "Once we're finished with this rescue, if you'd like as well, I'd like to practice making babies with you." He didn't know if his power within the Force would be enough, but perhaps he could heal her through his own love. If not, he would be come a Healer through the Force, and then he would repair the damage done by Nieme. At first, he longed for revenge. But now, all he desired was life. Nieme would burn eventually, but nothing he would do to her would undo what she'd caused. "Come on, I'm sure Ferrig is excited to see you again."

She smiled with renewed happiness. "My brother.... Gods we haven't had enough time together lately." Brimming with excitement, Raeila kissed Kael deeply then laughed and pushed open her hatch. She bounced eagerly as she awaited Kael's exit, and once he was by her side, she grasped his hand and scampered towards the Temple, laughing.

Kael laughed along with her as they fled toward the Temple. They didn't need to go far at all until the familiar form of Ferrig Mullerin appeared in the large, open doorway of the Temple. His face lit up as bright as the desert sunrise when he saw her, and rushed forward with a whooping cry of happiness. They all came together in a crashing hug. Kael tried to keep his distance, giving the two siblings the time together they needed. He felt tears in his own eyes as he witnessed the joyful reunion. Things were returning to how they were supposed to be.

"You're still here!" Rae shouted ecstatically, clinging fiercely to her brother as they swung around and around. "I thought you would run off and do something stupid again...like try to save Talara on your own."

Ferrig laughed and pulled her into a kiss. When he finally let her breathe again, he was still grinning. "I tried, but your husband wouldn't let me. He said you'd be very upset with me if I went off and got myself killed."

Raeila giggled as she punched Ferrig in the arm. "He's right! You couldn't go off and do that alone. That's why Kael and I are here." She grinned. "We're going with you."

"Just like it should be," Ferrig said as he put arms around them both. "Thank you for this, and I know Talara would wish to thank you as well. I know there have been problems lately, but in her heart she is a good, wonderful person. When we get her back, I'm going to see that she has a chance to prove that to everyone."

"And she will," Rae affirmed warmly. "If she could love you, then she's not as horrible as they think she is." She kissed her brother's cheek, then Kael's and smiled at both of her men. "We should go inside and plan. I know Talara will be waiting."

"Come on," Kael said, as he motioned them onward. "We can use our room to plan. I'll see if I can get Orn to make us something quick. I know I think better when I'm not hungry."

"I know I think better after I've had a shower," Raeila put in. Eyes glittering impishly, she raced past Kael and Ferrig into the Temple, shouting back, "Anyone joining me?"

"Orn can wait," Kael said as Ferrig chimed in with, "Actually, now that you mention it, I'm feeling very dirty..."

And, with that, the three disappeared into the Temple for some time alone together before they would need to venture into the desert to rescue Talara from the Hutt.

***

The remains of the meal had been stacked to the side of the desk while the holoprojector had been set up to display the schematics of Jadda's Palace, courtesy of Zion before the slicer abandoned them on their quest to free Jadda's so-called slave.

"I would like to at least try talking to the Hutt before any violence breaks out," Kael said. "We'll be led in to this point to see Jadda." He indicated the path on the holographic map. "From here, I'll ask for her release from the Hutt. We will offer nothing for her and we will not bargain. He has no right to keep her, and I'll see him dead before he profits off of the pain he's caused." He glanced at Rae and Ferrig and they nodded resolutely. "If he will not release her, we will take her from him. Our plan should be to get her out, fighting only when we need to. They'll outnumber us, but we know the desert and we've got each other. Thana's watching us, and the Force is on our side. I should be able to feel her through the Force once we're in, and that should help us get to her, if Jadda isn't keeping her chained to his throne."

"Kael," Raeila said carefully, "Jadda won't listen to negotiations. What's the point in even bothering to ask for her release? We all know he won't acquiesce." She shuddered inwardly, recalling her own encounter with the Hutt. It was difficult to stomach any thought of her friend in his slimy grasp, but she was a part of this mission and would need to develop a shield against her own pain if she was to be of any use. "Look," she murmured, recovering some composure, "we'd have a better chance of just sneaking in there late at night and secreting her away. I know some of the passageways. I can probably guide us through there."

"I guess there's a part of me that wants him to know what's going on. I want him to know that he has the choice to turn her over to us or suffer. But, you're right, we probably have a better chance, if it comes to a fight, of using stealth to get in and away. What do you say, Brother?"

"I want the Hutt to hurt badly, but you're right. The bigger the commotion, the greater the chance that one of us or Talara will get hurt. Stealth it is."

"So we'll go in at night," Kael said. "If we're going in like this, I won't go in as a Jedi. Jadda has no rights to complain, but that doesn't mean he won't. I don't want to bring any bad publicity onto the Jedi if I don't have to. We'll need to acquire weapons before going in. Blasters?"

Raeila nodded. "I can handle that. But, Kael..." She swallowed hard and watched him fearfully. "What about Vorgoth? He'll sense us. He always had a knack for knowing what I was doing or thinking at any given time. You...you can't hide anything from him."

"Master Koran Darr and Master Laedra taught me a few things," Kael said. "I might be able to shield us through the Force. If it doesn't work, I will be bringing my lightsaber along. If we come across Vorgoth, the two of you will get Tala and go. I'll keep the freak busy long enough for you to get out. And, don't worry about me, I promise you I'll be fine."

"No you won't!" Raeila hollered in terror, nearly knocking over their table as she leapt to her feet. "Kael, he's evil! He kills with a thought. He...he could kill you if he gets a chance." Trembling badly and breathing heavily, Raeila gasped, "We can't face him. Please, we can't...."

Kael went to her and had her in his arms in a flash. "If we don't have to face him at all, that would be my preference. Our goal is getting Talara free, and that's all. He would only slow us down. If it can't be helped, I can face him. But it would be best if we avoid him altogether. I will do my best to keep him from even knowing we're there."

Raeila exhaled shakily and bowed her head against Kael's chest. She gripped the sleeves of his robe tightly, taking some time to regain her calm. When she had succeeded, Raeila raised her eyes to Kael's, and they were bright and clear again as her sense returned. "He...doesn't have to be there," she told him calmly. "What if we can lure him away from Jadda's Palace somehow. If he's far enough away, even if he detects something, he won't have time to interfere."

Kael thought about it for a moment. "The Feltreys, do you suppose?"

"They would help us," Raeila insisted. "Especially if you asked them. But...would it be enough? We could just be placing them into danger."

"I thought about that," Kael said. "It's the one part I'm not sure of. If Vorgoth were to catch any of them, it would probably mean their death, and I couldn't do that to them. I'm sure they would step up willingly, but I don't think I could send them off to die for us. What else do you suppose might draw his attention?"

All fell silent as they considered the monumental task. Raeila shook her head after only a few moments. "I don't know, Kael. I don't know what drives him."

"Neither do I," Kael said. He was about to sigh, but then looked up. He smiled. "But, I think I know someone who may. Dargus Kandran..."

Raeila laughed. "He might be insulted that we'd think of him as our only source of knowledge on evil."

"He might," Kael said with a grin. "Though, considering how he gets treated around here, he might be happy someone thought of him at all."

"Then let's do it," Raeila decided, looking excitedly between Kael and Ferrig. "I know he'll help. I can talk to him if you like."

Kael chuckled. "Do you think we'd have a better chance of him helping us if you go alone?"

Raeila shrugged enigmatically. "We might."

Both Kael and Ferrig laughed. "Okay," Kael said. "Go ahead and talk to him. There are a few things I want to go over with Ferrig anyway."

"Alright...." Raeila kissed Kael briefly, then waved at her brother as she departed with much anticipation. Dargus would be the last piece of their puzzle, and she only hoped he would agree to aid them. Chuckling to herself, Raeila realized she had ways of convincing Dargus if he proved stubborn....

***

Dargus Kandran had just sat down at one of the tables in the cafeteria when he spotted Raeila step through the door. He gave her a smile as he settled himself into his seat. To his surprise, she was heading toward him. "Good afternoon, Raeila. Welcome back. You're looking very happy. I'm glad."

"Me too," she answered kindly and took an uninvited seat in the chair adjacent to Dargus'. Sitting up straight and smiling brightly, Raeila nodded towards him and said, "You're looking pretty happy, too. You must like it at the Temple."

"I do," Dargus said. "Some of the old ghosts rise up here and there, but on the whole the experience here has been extremely positive. And, I owe it to you. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for your encouragement. Thank you."

Blushing slightly, Raeila bashfully looked down at her hands folded atop the table. "You...you made the choice on your own. We're all proud of you, Dargus. Truly. That--" She paused and took a deep breath. "That's why we wanted to ask you something...."

"Of course," Dargus said. "Anything you want to ask, you can ask me."

"Okay," she answered hesitantly. There was a heavy exhale as Raeila considered how to formulate her question, and decided to do so as sincerely as possible. Her first instinct was to reach out and cover his hand with her own. "Dargus...you know about Talara's abduction, right?"

"Yes, I do," Dargus said. "She was at the Palace, but I heard she was sent to the desert."

"That's right," she confirmed. "She's...she's been given to Jadda. Talara - no matter what she's done - she doesn't deserve that." Raeila sighed deeply and leaned in towards Dargus to whisper, "That's why we're planning on stealing her right back. And we need your help to do it."

Dargus nodded. "Anything I can do, and gladly," he said.

"But...it's dangerous," she insisted. "After what we've shared, you don't owe me anything, Dargus. Just know that before I explain. Okay?"

"I understand," Dargus said with a gentle smile. "Go ahead, I will listen and then answer, though I have a feeling I know what my answer will be already."

Raeila smiled uncertainly. "You...you know about Vorgoth, right? He's Jadda's protector and henchman. He's very powerful."

Dargus nodded. "Yes," he said. "I've had run-ins with him on a few occasions."

Her eyes brightened and Raeila grew excited. "Really?! So I guess he's not so strong after all." She giggled happily. "That means you can hold him off while we rescue Talara without a problem!"

"I believe I should be able to if you need me to," Dargus said with a nod. "So, if I understand correctly, you'll need me to create a diversion to keep Vorgoth occupied while you get into Jadda's palace and rescue Talara?"

Sobering in the face of her tactless approach, Raeila bowed her head meekly and murmured, "That's exactly it. I-I know it's dangerous, but there's no way we can succeed without evading Vorgoth."

Dargus smiled at her and reached over to cover her hand with his. "Count me in," he said.

She gasped. "Really? You'll do it? You could be hurt, Dargus. Don't think of this as a favour - only do this if it's really what you want."

"I'm not thinking of it as a favour," Dargus said. "Though I would still gladly do it if it were. I will do it because Talara doesn't belong there, and my helping you will help her get home where she does belong."

"Oh, Dargus," she whispered fondly and threw her arms around his shoulders for an embrace. "Thank you. Thank you, Dargus. If you hadn't agreed, Kael would have done it himself...and I know he's not powerful enough yet to beat Vorgoth. Thank you, so much!" Raeila kissed his cheek firmly then smiled at him. "Anything you want is yours, Dargus. I promise."

Dargus smiled and returned the embrace. "Well, if it's anything, then make sure you, Kael, and Ferrig all come home safe and sound. When will we be leaving?"

"As soon as we can," she answered. "Tonight or tomorrow night. Whenever you're ready, Dargus."

"Well, let me finish this meal, and then I'll be ready to go," he said with a charming smile. "Where should I meet you when I'm done? Unless, of course, you'll be waiting here."

She grinned and shifted her chair closer to Dargus'. Slipping an arm around his, she told him, "I'm having whatever you're having, Dargus, so don't expect me to go anywhere."

"Then I'm very happy for your company," Dargus said. "Shall we? I think this is Orn's special, but I'm not sure."

"It will be," she assured him, "especially if we're eating it together." Smiling up at Dargus, Raeila had confidence that their chances of succeeding would multiply exponentially. Talara might be coming home after all.

"Then let's eat," Dargus said with a grin. And so they did.

"Stressful De-Stressing"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Doctor Sanra d'al Dreng
Captain Dresh Kano
Hajne Toray

Location: Drogen Shipyards; New Republic base on Somnie
Date: Vadris 11, ABY

***

Shrezade Anoran looked up from her datapad as a shadow filled the hatch. Her personal transport was ready to disembark - the only thing left to wait for was its second passenger, and she appeared in a timely fashion at the top of the ramp. Reza tipped her head at the corpulent Askajian and motioned to a vacant seat beside her own. "Still as eager as you were yesterday, Doctor?"

"Oh, yes ma'am!" Sanra replied. "If not moreso! I haven't been out and about in quite a long time. I took the liberty of packing a few things. Medical supplies, shall we say... excellent for therapy of all kinds, and for soothing nerves!"

Sanra stuffed an overpacked case in the luggage bin above their seats, and took a seat where Reza had indicated. She exhaled heavily, as she tried to squeeze her massive form into a comfortable position. "This is... nice..." she panted.

"Yes," Reza answered, watching the doctor queerly. "It's mostly for ferrying diplomats and those individuals who expect someone of my position to impress them with lavish decor and a top-of-the-line transport vessel." The administrator smirked. "The spoiled snobs...."

Sanra fiddled with a control on her seat that allowed the back of the chair to fold out some and thusly allowed her to sit in a more reclined position. "I think I need to burn some water, or I'm going to get too big to fit into my clothes!" Sanra commented. "So, I'm hoping there's some activity where we're going where I can work up a thirst?" she gave Reza an almost girlish grin.

"There's plenty of men where we're going," Reza told her. "I imagine fending them off will certainly work up a sweat." She smiled to herself and tapped the internal commlink embedded in her armrest. "Pilot, we're ready to depart."

"Yes, Administrator," came the reply, and nearly instantly the ramp began to retract.

"Ready for some sport, Doctor?" Reza asked facetiously.

Sanra laughed heartily. "I'm always ready for some sport... especially the masculine kind," she said. "But... I doubt your Captain Kano's men will be interested in a chubby ol' thing like me! I'll settle for a few hours on a handball court. I'm good at that - because I surprise my opponents. They never expect someone of my appearance to be able to move with any agility. I might even think of challenging my present company to a game..." and she leaned towards Reza with a wicked smile on her face: "Doctor's orders?"

"Handball?" Reza asked, surreptitiously moving away from the woman. "Who says I even play? I doubt I'd know my way around a court even if I tried."

"My goodness, what do you do for fun?" Sanra asked, loudly.

Reza shrugged, and gazed past Sanra at the viewport as their transport sailed free of the station. "I don't have fun," she answered simply. "Well...not all the time, and it's more enjoyment than fun... There is a difference, I believe."

"Yes... there is," Sanra said. "But, if you enjoy yourself, and it brings a smile to your face, then you're having fun. Now, remember, Shrezade, this is a vacation. That means that no matter what you call it, you have to have just a little bit of fun."

"I thought this was a medical endeavour," she replied coyly. "We're on our way to make certain our New Republic allies are happy and well. And if they aren't" --Reza gave the barest hint of a smile-- "we'll try our hardest to bring joy to their lives."

"One or two at a time!" Sanra commented. It was easy to tell she liked the company of men, and probably hadn't had any such company in a long time. "Now... when does this little jewel of a spacecraft take off... and do we have anything to drink 'round here?"

Reza watched Sanra curiously, glancing past the rotund woman at the drifting stars outside of the viewport. They were already part of the way to Somnie, yet given the doctor's ebullient nature, it was not difficult to believe she had not noticed their departure. With a chuckle at the forces that had conspired to throw two individuals with such contrasting personalities into a transport headed for Tae'Karada's moon, Reza saw to retrieving them drinks for their voyage. Spending a day with Sanra, Reza decided she would need it.

***

The station was just as he remembered it, except maybe a little brighter. Though, it could be because the base had dim lighting. He left his duffel in the ship. He'd pick it up later, but for now, he had more important things to take care of. He smiled as the lift doors opened for him, and he stepped in for the ride up to the top level.

Once the doors closed, he leaned back against the wall and breathed a sigh of relief. The trip here was one of vacation on one hand, and work on the other. Republic Intelligence required additional information, though he didn't quite know what he'd be able to pick up here on the station. Still, if there were any people fleeing the planet through the station, he might be able to gain some information while he was here.

The lift doors opened as the turbolift car came to a halt. He traveled down the short hallway, and stopped at the doorway to the office. He spotted Hajne sitting at the desk, and smiled. He stepped around the corner and held a finger to his lips. The woman looked up and squawked as only she could. Dresh chuckled silently and re-emphasized his request for silence. He pointed to the door, and glanced back to Hajne with a questioning look. She stared at him blankly. He repeated the gesture twice more before the woman seemed to catch on, and then nodded enthusiastically. At the clattering racket her assortment of earrings made, Dresh wondered that the entire station didn't hear.

With a grin, he slipped past Hajne's desk and over to Shrezade Anoran's door. He pressed the activator and it opened. The sound couldn't be helped, so he stepped into the doorway and leaned roguishly against the door. "I was wondering," Captain Dresh Kano drawled, "if I might have a word with the station administrator."

Behind him, Hajne giggled madly at his display, especially considering it had been for naught.

Dresh blinked and turned back to the desk outside Reza's office. "Hajne, where's Shrezade? I asked you if she was here," he said, using the same gesture he'd used before, "and you said she was."

"Well," Hajne said, swivelling side to side in her chair compulsively, "she was, but that was an hour ago." Snickering, Hajne told him, "She left."

"Hajne, I only asked you a couple minutes ago," he said. "Why did you say she was in there when she left well before I asked?"

Hajne scratched her head and winced guiltily. "Because...I forgot?" Before he could reply, she rushed from her seat and clutched at his jacket. "I'm sorry! It's just...she's always so quiet, I never know if she's around or not! Please don't hate me. It was an accident!"

Dresh chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't hate you," he said. "If you can tell me where she went, though, it might put you right back into my good graces."

"Well...." Hajne smiled up at him brightly. "She's at the New Republic base on Somnie. Your base." Snorting a laugh, she exclaimed, "Isn't that funny?!"

Dresh sighed. "Hilarious," he said with a shake of his head. "Are you certain she left an hour ago? And, did she plan a flight path? I may be able to catch her before she gets there."

Hajne shrugged and answered sweetly, "It's hard to say...she might just be on her way back now to skin your hide." Covering her mouth, she shrieked with laughter.

"I'll have to take my chances," Dresh said. "Hajne, if you weren't engaged to a Wookiee, I'd kiss you. If Shrezade does return here and I'm not with her, please tell her not to go anywhere." With that, he strode for the door.

"I'll tell her!" she called back to Dresh, watching him go. "Good luck, Dreshie-poo!" Hajne sang, and waved briskly at his departing back.

Dresh waved as he strode through the door and back toward the lift. He had no idea if he'd be able to catch up to them in time, but his ship was a fast one. He just hoped it was fast enough.

***

Sanra threw her arms out to her sides, her fingers reaching for the sky above her: "Lovely... lovely!" she shouted. Reza's transport had just landed at the Republic base. She began her descent of the landing ramp, her heavy footfalls making the ramp rattle as she walked down it. "Sooo... Reza... where is this man of yours!?"

"Not entirely certain," Reza answered distractedly as she surveyed the bay of milling technicians. She grunted disapprovingly at the base's failure to send them a greeting party, and stalked the remaining distance down the ramp. Hurriedly, a uniformed man jogged from between two crossing workers to intercept Shrezade and Sanra. Stopping, Reza looked down the length of her nose at the saluting man.

"Administrator Anoran. I was just informed of your arrival. Welcome," he greeted.

Reza harrumphed dismissively. "Why did Captain Kano not attend to us himself?"

"Sorry, ma'am, Captain Kano is no longer on base. I believe...well...." The man grinned abashedly. "Ma'am, he departed for Drogen Station not an hour ago. I'm...afraid you just missed him."

"He what?" Reza asked lowly, eyes narrowing. "Do you mean I came all this way for nothing but a group of tactless, filthy techs who haven't the decency to even stop and salute me when I appear? I am still an honourary general" --she glanced briefly at his rank designation-- "Lieutenant. This is unacceptable!"

The officer bowed his head in apology, but had obviously been warned of the infamous Shrezade Anoran's irrational bursts of anger, for he was unfazed. "Again, I apologize, Ma'am. I will attempt to contact him immediately and notify him of your arrival." With a clipped salute, the lieutenant turned on his heel and marched away.

Reza was still fuming, and turned on Sanra as she hissed, "Imbecile! This is ludicrous!"

Sanra was doing her best to contain a laugh. She was one of the few people Reza had never actually directed one of her outbursts towards. So, in a way she found them oddly entertaining. Sanra was known, however, for a rather off beat sense of humor.

"Looks like he and thee had the same idea.... at the very worst time," the doctor said. "Well, what do we do now? We could always send a communication to Drogen.... let him know you're here. Before Hajne has to face his ire, like that lieutenant."

Reza thought on Sanra's suggestion with an exceedingly smug smile forming. She finally chuckled lowly and answered, "No...I think we'll wait right here for Mr. Kano, Doctor. No matter how long he takes...." Still grinning deviously, she nodded to Sanra and began to stroll off. "Come. We'll take a tour of the station. I think it's due for a surprise inspection...."

Sanra giggled an almost evil giggle. "And I'm sure you brought along a pair of white gloves," she said, as she and Reza made their way further into the main part of the base.

"Oh yes," Reza assured her wickedly. "Definitely yes."

***

"Captain Kano! Capta--"

Dresh whirled in place, continuing along backwards so he could face the lieutenant rushing toward him. "Already got the message, Both," he said. "Lieutenant Fleden informed me as soon as I touched down. Thank you though."

"Just...just thought you'd want to know right away, sir," both said. "Thank you, sir."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Dresh said. With that, he spun again until he was moving forward.

It wasn't far to his quarters, and Dresh sighed to himself as he neared. In the future, surprise visits would be announced. He couldn't believe that he'd gone to Drogen just at the same time Reza had left to visit him. He had to laugh.

He tapped the opener at the side of the door, and his room opened before him. Dresh smiled as he saw her looking up at him. "Honey, I'm home."

She remained comfortably seated in his armchair, with one drink in hand, and tipped her head lazily. "You're late, Captain," Reza chided. "You have a lot of making-up to do."

"We could have already been doing that if you hadn't decided to surprise me with a visit," Dresh said with a chuckle. "Or, I guess if I hadn't decided to do the same. Now, what was it you said the last time we saw each other? That you were going to rip my clo-- Oh, hi there. I didn't realize you'd brought a friend." He blinked at Sanra, glanced at Reza, then smiled. "I'm Dresh Kano, New Republic Security Division." He stepped closer and held a hand out to Sanra.

Sanra watched the exchange with a smile on her chubby face. And she took Dresh's hand when offered. "I'm Dr. Sanra," she said, simply. "See... he agrees with me. You need to spend more time together. Otherwise he'd have never made the trip to Drogen. I'm her doctor, Captain. And this trip was my idea. Get her out of the office, and off the station for some much needed rest and relaxation. Of course I prescribed the same thing for myself, I hope you don't mind?"

"Only in that we missed out on time running around trying to find each other," Dresh said with a grin. "It's nice to meet you, Doctor. And, I'm glad someone is looking after Reza's rest and relaxation. Hopefully I'll be able to help out in that regard now too."

"Oh... I'm certain you can," Sanra commented. Her furrowed brow seemed to knit even more than the natural wrinkles allowed for as the doctor gave Reza a sort of surprised look. "You never mentioned he was beautiful," she commented, trying to keep it under her breath, but it was quite possible she had already had too much of Dresh's wine.

Still staring intensely at Dresh, Reza replied, "I didn't think it was necessary. He's only an acquaintance, remember?"

Dresh raised an eyebrow as he turned his attention to Reza. Her comment had caught him offguard, and he was sure it showed on his face. "Doctor, do you think Shrezade and I could have a few minutes alone?"

"By all means, Captain... by all means." The gregarious Askajian stood, a bit slowly. "I mean you don't even have to ask. This is your base after all." And she gave Reza a wink that no one understood. "I'll just avail myself of the fascilities and see if there is anything to eat that might go well with this wine. Don't have any Krayt Dragon Cheese, do you? Oh, well...."

She slowly sauntered out of the room, eyeing every decoration and sundry item as she went; her wide smile never left her face.

Once Sanra was gone, Dresh turned to Reza, the questioning look still there. "I've missed you," he said.

"Literally," she quipped, smiling, and motioned her eyes towards the vacant couch beside her. "You enjoyed your gift, then?"

"It looked like the good doctor was enjoying it more than I've had a chance to," Dresh said with a grin. "But, yes, I think it's the best I've ever had."

As he sat and reached eye-level with her, Reza extended a hand to him and whispered, "Don't let the meddling doctor know, but I've missed you too."

Dresh took her hand and kissed it, then glanced up at her. "So, she doesn't know about us?" he asked, then chuckled. "I'll have to work on being more aloof."

"Oh, I'm sure she does," Reza said with a shrewd smile, "but I'm trying to be as secretive as possible. She tends to...talk loosely, almost as much as Hajne."

"Well, on the positive side, she doesn't have Hajne's laugh, so that's a step up," he said. "Though, I guess after awhile, it does grow on you. So, how is everyone at the station?"

Studying his hand idly, she answered, "Well enough. Rilanna's found a new...friend." Reza chuckled. "She's having fun for once."

"That must be...what was her name? Oyani? I know you and Rilanna were close...are you okay with her new friend?"

"Of course," she replied without pause. "Why wouldn't I be? I have my own friends, you know. Take Dr. Sanra for instance. Who wouldn't have fun with such a vivacious specimen?" Reflecting the frayed state of her nerves after having spent half a day with the doctor, Reza hastily downed a large portion of her drink for fortitude. She sighed and nodded approvingly. "A right choice for your gift. It truly hits the spot."

Dresh laughed again. "I see," he said. "Well, if you're up for it, we may be able to spend some additional time together for the next...bit of foreseeable future. If you'd like, of course."

"I only forsee a couple hours more, Dresh. I do need to be getting back."

"I wasn't talking about us here," Dresh said with a grin.

Reza watched him askance with restrained curiousity. "No? And where might that be, Captain?"

"Because of the situation on Tae'Karada, I'm being temporarily transferred to the unit operating out of Drogen, to assist in the next stages of what the New Republic considers extreme threat removal."

A hint of a smile touched her lips. "Really?" She nodded, giving nothing away. "Well...I expect you'll need accommodations?"

Dresh nodded. "I expect so," he said. "Initially, I'd say probably for two months."

"I think I can find you something then," she mused. "When are you arriving?"

"About eight hours ago," Dresh said with a laugh. "But, whenever you go back, I will too. Unless you think I should wait longer."

"No," she answered quickly, then regained her poise and repeated calmly, "That will be fine. You may return with Dr. Sanra and I within the hour. Are you packed?"

"My bag's still aboard my ship," Dresh said.

Reza unintentionally surged from her chair and declared, "Then let's leave now. No need to delay, right? You need to see your new quarters, after all."

Dresh laughed and found himself standing as well. "Before that, this is the first time we've seen each other for awhile," he said. "We haven't even said hello properly."

"Oh...you're right," she answered, and coyly thrust out a hand to him. "Shake?"

With a chuckle, Dresh reached out and took her hand, then quickly pulled her into an embrace. "There," he said. "Much better, I think."

Grinning, Reza loosely slipped her arms around his neck. "I agree. It's too bad Dr. Sanra is standing just outside."

"Well, I can hold my desires in check for a little longer," he said. "Just being near you is enough for now, as corny as that may sound."

"Very much so," she agreed playfully, and honoured him with deep kiss.

As the kiss ended, Dresh cupped her chin and gazed deep into her eyes. "From now on, no more long separations like this. Deal?"

"I'm all for that," she replied. "You're the one living on a moon far, far away from me, remember?"

"Consider that, in the past," Dresh said with a lopsided grin.

"That means now's the tough part." Reza backed away towards the wine bottle and finished, "We'll be together everyday. Can you handle it?"

"Oh, I can definitely handle it," he said with an intense look in his eyes. "Why don't you go give the good doctor the news, and I'm going to take a quick shower before we leave."

She chuckled lowly. "I guess that's not an invitation..."

"Well, when you put it that way..."

"No," she laughed, and evaded his reaching hands for the door. "You shower. I'll comm the pilot to prep our transport."

"Alright," he said. "And, I'm sure there will be plenty of time for shared showers later." With that, he started toward the refresher, but not before giving Reza another quick kiss as she backed into the door.

When he had gone, Reza removed the large grin from her face and activated the door release. She was entirely composed when again she regarded Sanra. The large doctor was leaning against the wall, still looking wholly pleased about something or other. "Captain Kano will be joining us on the trip back to Tae'Karada," Reza reported stiffly. "We will be leaving within the hour."

"Hmmmm... still time to have some fun!" Sanra commented. "So, what's your pleasure - food, drink, or.... whatever else comes to mind?" and she threw her hands out to her sides, in a gesture of comical confusion.

Reza snorted. "I'm sure I know what you have in mind, Doctor. Shall we go meet some more of Captain Kano's men, then?"

Sanra clapped her hands together like a very young girl. It became easily clear that she didn't get out much: "Lead on... I'm always interested in meeting new people!"

"And I'm certain," Reza muttered as she started past the lively Askajian, "that they'll be ecstatic to meet you." And as weary as Reza portrayed herself, she allowed a tiny smile to touch her lips when her back was to the doctor. Sanra had been right - all she'd needed to bring some cheer to her life was an excursion away from the station, one made all the more enjoyable courtesy of the ebullient woman accompanying her.

And Sanra was enjoying herself, as well. The doctor was having a healthy taste of her own perscription. But it did the Askajian's two hearts more good to see her favorite patient smiling, more than anything else.

"Flesh For Metal"
By: Adam Edwards
DB
Cailin Fawkes
Nieme Yaresh
Dani

Location: Arcadian Palace, Arcadia
Date: Vadris 11, 4 ABY

***

The wind blew hard, as if attempting to knock the silent climber from the side of the palace. The figure reached a robotic hand to grasp the side of the building, the strong grip forming new handholds as they plunged into the wall.

DB was scaling the wall, toward the location of Adam's locator beacon. The droid carried a pack over his shoulders, full of gear. He reached the source of the locator beacon, a window that stretched out.

Within their room, Cailin was sprawled on the bed with Adam beside her. She preferred being alone with him, rather than with the leering faces of the Empresses around. She glanced at Adam, who hadn't stirred, then glanced around the room. She heard something, she was sure, but couldn't place it. She reached over and shook Adam gently. "I can hear something," she whispered. "I think it's outside."

Adam slipped closer to the window, and almost jumped back when the window was pushed in from the outside, and a black figure jumped into the room.

"I wondered how long it would take," Adam told his droid.

The droid cocked his head. "I detected the beacon. Are you in need of assistance?"

Moving to the door, Adam put his ear to it, listening for any figures nearby. Once satisfied, he moved back to DB.

"You could say that," he whispered. "Do you have the weapons?"

Adam's droid nodded, pulling Adam's blaster and Cailin's lightsaber out of his pack.

"What are your intentions?" DB asked.

Adam checked the charge on his DL-44, slid it into his holster, and slung his belt around his waist.

"I'm sorry for getting us into this mess. I should have gone somewhere else to get the money." He sighed. "There is something very wrong with those two, and I wanna get out of here while we still can."

"You won't get any complaints out of me," Cailin said as she checked the power level on her lightsaber. The equadi wouldn't be her preferred attire for making their escape, but it'd do. She tried to arrange the garment so it didn't reveal quite so much, but after a moment knew it was an impossible task. "We going out the window, or do we have to sneak the long way out?"

Adam looked down into the darkness outside the window. "DB could get back down, but I doubt you and me can climb down. The Elusive is still sitting on the landing pad. I suggest we simply get down there and try to avoid detection."

Cailin nodded and glanced at the door. "Well, I'm ready to get out of here if you are," she said with a smile for him. "Once we're free, I think I could use a nice, hot shower."

Adam nodded, and guided the group to the door. DB unslung the concussion rifle from his shoulder.

The door opened and the group moved into the corridor.

Cailin reached out with the Force. Just outside the door was clear, but there had been some clones positioned just down the hall to watch their door. "Down around the corner," she whispered, then her eyes widened slightly. "They've noticed us."

As if summoned by her words, two guards strode around the corner. They were each clad in the form concealing black body armour all the clones wore. One female, one male, though Cailin had a feeling that to the clones working for the so-called empresses, gender did not matter.

She pulled up into a ready position, her blade snapping to life. The guards leveled their weapons.

"In the name of Empresses Dani and Nieme, halt and return to your rooms," the male called.

The two guards didn't get a chance to take another step. DB leveled the concussion rifle and cut down the two before they had the chance to fire.

Adam grabbed the rifles off the two guards. "Let's go."

"I really like that plan," Cailin said. She pointed down the corridor. "That way leads toward the courtyard. We can get out through there."

Adam nodded, as the group moved at a brisk walk in the direction of the courtyard. DB dispatched another guard that moved to stop them with his wrist blaster.

Ahead of them, the gates leading to the landing area beyond were visible. Cailin looked around, then frowned. The number of guards that should have been present seemed lighter than she would have expected. With a wary look at Adam, she tightened the grip on her lightsaber as they moved forward with DB in the lead. "I don't like this," she said. "It's too quiet. There should be more guards around, or more activity of some type."

Adam smirked inwardly. It's about time they caught a break.

"You detecting anything on your active scanners DB?" Adam asked his droid.

The droid's head moved left to right. "I'm not detecting any heavy opposition in between us and the Elusive."

"Good," Adam said. "Let's keep moving."

They encountered a small amount of resistance at the gate, but that was easily dispatched by the droid. Once they were outside of the main courtyard, the ship could be seen, waiting invitingly for their approach. Neither Adam nor Cailin needed much prompting as they hurried forward. Despite Cailin's misgivings, it appeared their freedom was close at hand.

A heavy, ominous sensation filled the pit of Cailin's stomach as they neared the vessel, and a dark resonance in the Force vibrated around the two, slowing their progress. From within the vessel, two figures in long robes emerged at the top of the ramp. To Cailin's eyes, the Force swirled angrily around them, giving no doubt to their identity.

As the two descended from the Elusive, Adam took a step back, and raised his blaster. But when it came time to speak, he said the only thing he could think of.

"Get out of my ship!"

"After all of our hospitality, this is how you treat us," Dani said as she descended the ramp with Nieme at her side. "If you desired to leave, my dear, all you needed to do was ask. We know you have a business to run. But, sneaking off in the night and shooting our guards? That's not very nice at all."

"Not at all," Nieme concurred fiercely. "That was very disrespectful of you, Mr. Edwards, especially after all we've done for you." She grinned. "And to you. In compensation," Nieme told him as they stepped onto the ground, "I think we'll have your ship."

Adam's trigger finger tightened and he took a step forward, glancing from DB, then over to Cailin.

"Over my dead body."

Nieme chuckled tauntingly and clasped her hands to her bosom in delight. "Isn't he darling, Dani? To offer us such a gift!" Her features darkened and a shadow crossed over her eyes. "It can be arranged, Mr. Edwards," she rasped. "Don't toy with us. If it's the ship you want, then take it...but there will be a price, I assure you."

At this threat, DB dropped his concussion rifle to the ground. He reached behind him and pulled out a Krath War Sword, made with a cortosis weave.

He stepped out in front of Adam, in a defensive posture, his eyes glowing a dull but intimidating red.

Neither Nieme nor Dani were intimidated however. Dani took a step forward, her lightsaber still resting on her hip. She raised a hand and it quickly filled with dark energy. Her lips twisted into a cruel sneer. As the droid prepared to charge forward, it suddenly lifted off the ground and continued to rise. The tricky part of fighting with a sword was that it was only useful if the combatant could close the gap with its target. "You seem to be going out of your way to anger us," Dani said, seemingly calm. "We will make you a deal. You and your droid may leave to continue running your business, but young Cailin will remain here. She will be treated well, and no harm will come to her as long as you uphold your end of our bargain. We are business partners, after all. Once you have proven to us that our investment in this operation is not a waste of our time and effort, and that you have the talent to run the business successfully, then we will return Cailin to you. Now, what is your answer?"

Adam's outstretched arm maintained his grip on the blaster, as he watched his droid in the air.

"No. It's not her will to remain here, and I won't leave her here with you."

"Perhaps," Nieme told him with false sweetness, "you should let her answer for herself. She couldn't possibly be happy with you." Glancing briefly at his groin, she chuckled derisively. "Very unsatisfying."

"In either case," Dani said as she pulled a comlink from her belt, "either she stays here, or all of you will." She activated the comlink. "Gunnery control, there's an object hovering about twenty meters above the main gates." She glanced at both Cailin and Adam; she smiled. "Shoot it down."

"No," Cailin cried and surged forward. "As long as they both get to leave, I'll stay. As long as they can take their ship and go...I'll...I'll stay with you."

If looks could have killed, then Adam's eyes would have vaporized the two Empresses where they stood. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

"This isn't over," Adam said.

"I think it is," Nieme countered. She grinned lustfully at Cailin and beckoned her forward. "This was rather a fruitful trade, don't you think?"

Cailin nodded, but turned to Adam and approached him. "I'll figure out some way to get through this," she whispered. "I'll get back to you as soon as I can, Adam. I promise." With that, she kissed him as passionately as she could under the circumstances.

Adam kissed her and nodded. He then looked back at the two Empresses.

"Get away from my ship," he growled.

"Yes," Dani said, "you've already said. We'll be going, and Cailin will be coming with us. Then, you will leave here. Though, I have a feeling this attitude of yours will cause unfortunate ripples in our business arrangement. If you have no intention of continuing with our agreed upon arrangements, the money will not be turned over to you and you will have to seek your financial support elsewhere."

"That's terrible," Adam said, with obvious sarcasm.

He started toward his ship, motioning for DB to follow. As he neared the Empresses, he looked at them with a glance that could burn durasteel.

"You hurt her," he hissed, looking at Cailin, "And I will be the last thing you ever see.

"Oh how will I ever survive such a threat," Dani said, sarcasm perfectly mirroring Adam's. With the thought, she reached out and squeezed at his throat, cutting off the flow of air. "Be careful with your threats, man-child, especially when you cannot back them up. Now leave before I lose my temper. You may be arrogant enough to think yourself a threat to us, but try to carry out your little words, and you will be proven sorely wrong. Nieme, strip our new slave of her clothing; she will have no need of it from now on."

Nieme smiled viciously at Cailin. "I'd be more than honoured," she purred, and with a focused thought, Cailin's clothing fell away to the ground in pieces.

Her eyes flashed darkly as she turned back to Adam. "Take your droid and go. Return here, and your life will be forfeit." She picked up the remains of Cailin's clothing and tossed it at Adam. "A souvenir for you. Now, get the hell away from our planet."

Adam sat down in his cockpit, looking at the three forms through the viewport. For a moment, he considered launching a concussion missile straight onto the landing pad, but quickly squashed the idea.

No, those two would get theirs soon enough.