Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Not the Worst of Days"
by Symm Ruus Dunn

Location: Destroyed Settlement in the Desert Around Thanatos
Date: Eos 12 to 13, 4 ABY

***

Symm groaned as the throbbing blaster wound in his side woke him from his exhaustion. He wondered how long he had been unconscious and moved further into the ruined hovel he collapsed in. He checked his forearm minicomputer and found the screen all but shattered. Testing his luck he powered the display up and noticed that it still functioned; Symm would just have to make out the display through a spider web of cracks.

After studying the screen for a short while, Symm noted that he had been unconscious for a good four hours. He slowly and tenderly pulled his cloak over his head and repeated the process with his loose battle dress tunic. Bending slowly, he got a closer look at the wound in his right side, pulled a bacta patch from the kit that he had requested for the Folst 4 mission and adhered it onto the ugly burn. He immediately felt the coolness of bacta working itself into the wound and repairing the damaged cells. Then, from the same kit, he pulled a pain reliever and swallowed it.

Now, Symm thought to himself, what to do, what to do. Symm began to let his Intel and Pathfinder training take over. He remembered the first two weeks and Gunnery Sergeant Tasker.

"Now listen up plebes!" Tasker would start up. "The absolute first rule is, take note of where you are." With his hands on his slim hips, his nearly seven foot tall frame towered over even the Defel recruit, Thoth'Rrrrr, who himself stood a good foot and a half taller. Even he would cringe as the scarred face of Tasker layed its steely eyes upon him. Tasker would let the statement sink in, and then, inevitably, someone would do something that would put Tasker into a furious tirade.

After reducing the offender to a quivering mass, Tasker continued the lesson. "Know your environment, your surroundings, these things will save or take your life and it is best to know which one pertains....." With blinding speed, Tasker leapt and strode through the mass of recruits, all sitting on the ground around him and grabbed a poor human recruit by the name of Foss by the back of his collar and threw him out of the group. "Did I give you permission-- no, the privilege, to sleep!?" Tasker was in front of the shaking man in an instant. "Are you tired, are you sleepy? Do you need assistance in staying awake?" Tasker's forehead was pressed painfully into the face of Foss as Foss struggled to maintain the position of attention. "Wait a minute!" Tasker exclaimed. "Here you go, I've got it. Run. Run!" Tasker's voice had crept slowly up several decibels. "Run boy! Like your life depends on it!"

Foss sprinted away.

"Don't turn your back on me, boy! Look at me when I am speaking at you!" Tasker's voice had reached a fever's pitch. Foss continued running but with his eyes focused on the red faced gunnery sergeant.

"Now where was I?" Tasker began as he turned to the rest of his students......

Symm smiled as the memory overtook him. In the training battalion, every recruit had to take on a pseudonym for security reasons. Most of the recruits that made it to graduation never worked again with the people he knew in training; the open Pathfinder slots were too widespread and numerous for that to be practical.

I think I might still have that old shirt with Foss on the front. Symm smiled as he put his battle tunic and camouflaged cloak back on and took cover as he scanned the area around the ruined hovel he was in.

The rubble that used to be a village was arranged in a horseshoe with the ruin he was in at the extreme western edge of the town. With piles of sandstone and adobe around him, Symm made his way slowly around to all of the ruined dwellings and checked inside them. In one of them, there were several cans of vegetables and a package of jerkied meat of some sort. After making sure that the town was uninhabited, Symm sat against one of the remaining walls inside a semi intact house and ate through a squash-like mush which was in one of the cans. The flavor was enough to make him gag at first, but he was hungry enough to be able to ignore it.

Symm powered up his minicomputer once again and began its auto mapping subroutines. After making a complete map of what was left of the village, he was startled by the appearance along one of the dunes of a group of five thin, dune cats. He could see murder in their eyes and guessed that they were a pack type species. Symm knew that if he were to stand a chance, he would have to kill each and every one of them. Even after killing one or two, the rest would, after feasting on their compatriots' flesh, continue on to him. The dry season was starting and already a group of carnivores were feeling the effect of famine.

Symm ran back towards the mostly intact building where he had stashed his rifle just as the cats, with a chorus of snarls and yowls, started the lope down the dune's slope. He made it into the dwelling as the cats made it into the town proper, and snatched up the rifle. Chambering a round, Symm pulled the rifle up into his shoulder and aimed through the empty doorway at the lead cat.

With the same characteristic wuff sound, the rifle gently pushed back into his shoulder as Symm sent a flechette through the neck of the lead cat. The cat's body began to roll and tumble end over end as the rear two attacked it. Symm was already concentrating on the next beast. Without moving from his stance he sent the second cat tumbling into a ruin pile, a hole glistening wetly from the side of the animal's face.

Seeing two of its pack members fall dead before they even reached striking distance of the prey, the third cat veered away from the open door and disappeared from Symm's view. Symm also noticed the two who were feasting on their pack member's body, begin dragging the corpse away from the town. For good measure, Symm shot both of them down and stepped out of the doorway to find a better vantage point.

With a snarl the last cat sprang, looking to rake open the belly of the prey and bite into the soft neck. Symm fell backward with the animal as it raked into his already wounded side and missed the bite by mere inches. On the way down, Symm shot twice into the cat's belly and was rewarded by the feel of the animal going limp as it fell on top of him.

Throwing the body to the side, Symm winced as the pain in his side lanced though him. The wound lay right over the blaster wound but it wasn't cauterized and had begun to bleed. Symm knew that the wound was a life threatener and he needed to find medical attention. The time for his desert trek back was at hand. Sighing, Symm gathered his depleted equipment and began trudging in the direction he knew Thanatos would be.

It seemed hours later and the sun had begun to set on a lone figure walking over the dunes on the west side of Thanatos. As he walked bits of sand behind him were moist and red. Several times as he made his way onto one of the streets, his right foot seemed to fail him and he seemed on the verge of toppling into the sand but he always caught himself. Further down the street a Stormtrooper patrol caught sight of the wounded man and began walking towards the wounded desert wanderer.

"Marauders"
by Moff Albren Seare
and introducing Captain Degray Spen and the Marauders [NPC+]

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

Moff Albren Seare dropped the datapad with the latest casualty reports onto his desk. He sighed with disgust at the blatant disregard for Imperial authority displayed in the number of injured and dead under his command. Since Tarkin had had one of the Resistance leaders captured, the native efforts had been less focused and precise, less damaging. But, there was another, and judging from the profile of attacks, a single man that was causing no end of trouble within the area.

"Moff Seare," Lieutenent Aares said as he appeared in the doorway of the office, "the men you have requested have arrived, sir."

"Send them in, Aares," Seare said.

At last. It had taken a few days for them to arrive, but they were finally hear. They'd been stationed on one of the Star Destroyers near the Corellian Sector. Through his own influence and a little of Tarkin's, he'd managed to get them here with minimal fuss. Since the phantom terrorist was becoming a growing threat to Imperial control and influence, the use of such resources was finally approved. The terrorist was giving the people of Thanatos hope, and hope was the last thing they needed...at least from an Imperial perspective. Too much hope would give them the strength to rise up, to strive farther, and to gain an upper hand, even against Imperial superiority. Moff Albren Seare would make an example of this Hero of Hope and crush the morale of this minor rebellion by showing them there was no more hope.

And, the elite squad that entered his office then was exactly the tool that would produce that effect, he thought with a smile.

"Captain Degray Spen, reporting as ordered," the obvious leader of the group announced. "We are the Marauders, sir."

Seare quickly looked over the six-man team that stood in his office. They wore Imperial combat fatigues with a variety of weapons visible. He smiled as he finished his appraisal. They were all in peak condition and appeared to be well within Imperial regulations in regards to appearance and grooming. There were four men and two women, and he knew that he would wish to meet none of them in a back alley.

"At ease," he said and moved to his desk. "I am glad you were able to arrive here so promptly. We have a...situation, here in the desert. There is a single man giving us no end of trouble. His skills in terror and guerilla warfare are exemplary. My men are not equipped to deal with this sort of phantom threat, not with the local resistance. There is little Intelligence available at this time; all that we have his here." He slid a datapad to Captain Spen. "I want him brought in alive and as uninjured as you can arrange. Really, I only need him to be able to speak; those parts of his body not required for that task are fair game. I want him brought in as quickly and discreetly as possible."

Degray Spen glanced around at his team and then back to Seare. "We'll bring him in for you, sir. We will desire to interview with those who have either witnessed or survived any of his assaults."

"I will have them made available to you."

Spen nodded his assent. "The Marauders accept this assignment, sir. This terrorist is as good as caught."

Seare smiled. "Thank you, Captain. Dismissed."

Without another word, the small group filed out of the room. Seare's smile broadened once they were gone. Professionals, unlike the bounty hunters that Grand Admiral Tarkin favoured. He still remembered the woman as she approached him with her task. She had tried to intimidate him, but it hadn't worked. Since she had the proper papers, however, he had allowed her to do her job. She completed it with only a minor amount of property damage. Thermal detonators. He sighed. At least her task was finished and now she was gone.

The admiral's proclivity to employ such...resources was discouraging, disheartening, and Moff Seare had to question both Tarkin's strategic planning and his...well, sanity. Bounty hunters, he thought again with a shake of his head.

If he had hired the woman Tarkin used, he had a feeling that half of Thanatos would be a smoking ruin when she was finished. The Marauders, however, would be silent, precise, and so very effective.

Perhaps, he thought with a slightly more sinister smile, the wrong man is sitting on the throne in Arcadia.

"Meeting Grand Admiral Tarkin"
by Kyra Ronso
and Grand Admiral Tarkin

Location: New Empire Mainbase, Arcadia
Date: Eos 12, 4 ABY

***

The Ion engines whistled softly as they shut down in the hangar. Once outside there was an Imperial guard who came forward to her presence. She was told that she was due to meet the Grand Admiral herself, so as to officialize her arrival. As for her starship, it would be well taken care of in the hands of the team of specialized mechanics that the New Empire had.

A few minutes later, Kyra was making her way to the Throne Room. She was a few moments away from meeting one of the greatest men of the Empire, if not the greater at this point. Kyra knew that after the Emperor's death he was the only one who was strong enough to raise once again the Empire to its former glory.

She was allowed in by a Red Guard who stood before the door. He simply nodded to her and let her pass. And there he was... The Grand Admiral Tarkin himself. She walked nearer to the New Empire Leader and bowed respectully. "Commander Kyra Ronso reporting for duty, sir," she said.

Tarkin nodded in consent as he had watched her. She was indeed someone who had a look of self-confidence. And even though not as imposing as a Red Guard or as a stormtrooper's armor, her looks were menacing... It was her eyes. They were empty. An assassin's eyes. He smirked. "Welcome to Tae'Karada, Commander Kyra. I was expecting your arrival. It is fortunate that you have not been caught by the rebels in this time of turmoil and chaos. Even though I promise that soon enough the tides will change..." he told her. "Please, walk with me. We have something to discuss..."

As she walked out a side door and along a large corridor she didn't say a word. She was hoping that the Grand Admiral would simply tell her whatever he had to say. Still, she couldn't help wondering what was so important that she had to meet Tarkin in person. It would certainly have to be something important...or so she thought. Descending through some ladders they got to the gardens, which were extreemely well kept even in spite of the Imperial Walkers that lurked about.

Suddendly Tarkin turned to her and gave a small nod. "As you know, the Rebellion has managed to surpass Emperor Palpatine's defenses and with that came the loss of the Emperor... Now, as terrible a downfall that may seem, the same mistakes will not happen twice. But I am in need of your skills here where we are currently based. You see, there are some rebels and rebel friendlies. Not here nor in the region of Arcadia, but in New Plouton and Thanatos. I wouldn't worry about Thanatos, but I want you to find their location in New Plouton," he explained.

"New Plouton..." she repeated. "A very large city. And one I have not been to for almost more time than I can recall... Where am I to begin?" she asked, hoping to get a few leads on where to begin her search.

"Our Intel department believe that either Yelldon or Yallder districts would be the best. Perhaps you can start there. The starport in Yelldon may be a good place to interrogate about those who come in and out of the system," Tarkin said, omitting the fact that the latter one wasn't the nicest place to be in. But, of course, he knew that would not pose a threat to her anyway.

Intel department... Intelligence but not too intelligent! she thought to herself. She would probably have to search deep either way, as undercover rebels were hard to distinguish sometimes. But their fault had always been to be too nosy and always snooping around. And that meant one of two things: rebels or smugglers. And both deserved to be restrained if not butchered. "Your wish is my command, my Liege." She bowed. "Anything else?"

"Nothing else," he sneered. "Needless to say that I expect you to succeed without flaws. After all, your record is most impresive. Don't smudge it now! Besides, it shouldn't be too hard to find the rebels for you. After all, you used to be one of them..." he commented.

" 'Used to be' is the correct way to put it. Not anymore... That was in the past, and one I wish to put behind me and make amends by taking them out. And, just as you, I'm sure, I won't stop until my mission and goal are complete. And when that happens, no one else will stand in the way of the Empire and we will thrive in days of eternal glory."

My eternal glory! he told himself, even though he maintained his straight poker face, only nodding in consent. "Very well then. It is good to see that you agree with me. I will expect a report within the next three days. And you will report directly to me and me alone while you are here. Is that clear?" he asked.

"Crystal, my Liege."

"In that case you are dismissed. Don't forget, three days time for a report. Now go, and show me why I hear such good reputation on your person from our High Command posts..." he told her.

"You will have your report, Grand Admiral. I will have it done and delivered personally in two days time," she promised just before she bowed one more time and walked away through the gardens and back onto the hangar bay where her vessel was, having been refueled and preped for departure, as they always did in case of a need to go back out. One of the measures that under Tarkin's command did not fail. To be always ready was of absolute importance.

By the time the Grand Admiral got back to his chambers he overlooked outside and was able to see a TIE Defender blasting off the palace grounds. He grinned at the sight of it. Professionalism seemed to be the best word he could find to classify this woman. And if his first impression was correct then soon enough he would get rid of the rebellion scum that lurked in New Plouton and was surely making plans to battle him sooner or later. Now to wait for the results...

"Contraband, Part 1"
Adam Edwards - Smuggler

Location: The Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

The Elusive, a Corellien YT-2400, approached the main hub of the Drogen shipyards. "This is Adam Edwards of the Elusive requesting permission to dock," Adam said.

The answer came back. It had the icy demeanour of a Imperial. "Permission granted. Your assigned docking port is number 7."

Edwards replied, "Thank you".

The Elusive shuddered as it docked with the hub. Adam made sure his blaster was sturdy in his holster and proceeded to the ramp. The ramp was down to reveal the landing bay. Two Imperial stormtroopers stood at the base of the ramp. The first one spoke. "We must search your ship for contraband. Please wait here".

Adam wasn't worried about them finding the illegal blaster rifles on his ship that were headed for Rebel sympathizers. They were carefully hidden in secret compartments. The stormtroopers would never find them. Soon enough the two troopers came down the ramp. "You are cleared for passage on this station. Any violation of station laws will be dealt with swiftly," one said.

"I understand," Adam replied.

With that, the troopers left and Adam left to meet with the Rebels to whom the weapons were to be delivered. They would be waiting in Danebra's Descent. Putting his hand on the hilt of his blaster, he kept watch for any Imperials on the way.

"Unity"
By: Yannick - Leader of the Razors [NPC+]
Pack - Leader of the Feltreys [NPC+]
Bral - Leader of the Gorgaths [NPC+]
Kern - Leader of the Raikes [NPC+]
Tallan - Leader of the Erynxs [NPC+]
Various other NPC gang leaders

Location: Thanatos
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

"Look, me and Ferrig made a pact to unite the gangs and win back the desert, and I'm sticking to it." Yannick raised his hands to quell the expected shouts of protest and contention from the other gang leaders gathered around the rickety table. It seemed the moment Ferrig disappeared, everything began crumbling. "Everyone shut the hells up! You'll all get your chance to speak. Now shut it!"

It took some table banging with his fists to capture the seemingly short-spanned attention of the gangers, but finally Yannick received it. "Pack." He nodded to the young man. "You're the new leader of the Feltreys. You go first. What do you say we do?"

"We want the desert back," Pack said, looking around at the others. "They've invaded, and now we need to drive them out. They may be better equipped, have stronger armour, have machines that can level the entire settlement...but this is our home. We have an advantage over them. We're intelligent. We know how to use the desert to our advantage. We'll take back what's ours, and let Thana take out her burning anger on them and their machines."

"But what about those duds that pale bastard sold us?" Bral, the leader of the Gorgaths asked. "That shit has less firepower than Pack's dick."

The boys around the table snickered, and one of them, Uri, clapped Pack on the back.

"Bend over, Bral," Pack said with a smirk, "and I'll show you just how powerful my dick happens to be is."

"We don't need powerful weapons," Yannick interjected. "If our strategy's sound, it won't matter how useless our weapons are. We can still beat them!"

"What about that sniper guy?" Kern, the leader of the Raike's, said. "The one who's been appearing out of nowhere, shooting a bunch of Imps, and then fading back into the sands? Maybe he could help us out too."

"If we can find him," Yannick muttered. "No one in the city's even caught a glimpse of him. The guy's a ghost. If we could get his help, great; but who wants to be the one to go out there, searching for a guy with a gun who's most likely cracked up or something? He'd end up shooting us in the head."

There was silence around the table, but everyone was nodding in agreement.

"We can use the sand. If we go up against them, we lose. If they go against Thana, they lose...especially if they're hurting her children. Maybe we could learn some things from how that sniper guy operates. Sneak in, shoot, fade out. Drive them mad trying to find us and catch us. I think killing their morale will be better than gunning them all down."

"And they won't even be looking for us either," Yannick added. "They'll think it's that ghost out there. They're expecting a single man, not a whole legion of gangers. We'll catch 'em off guard. I think we can pull this off."

"We need better weapons, but not from that sickly freak," Pack said. "You should have seen the guy coughing up blood. I kept wanting to look into that little rag he was horking into to see if there was a lung in there."

The gangers around the table enjoyed a round of laughter, quite a change from weeks of worrying about what the Empire had in store for them next.

"So, that's that, then," Yannick said, after clearing another chuckle from his throat. "Our first job is to find some weapons or modify the ones we have. I bet that sniper fellow could give us a few tips, but does anyone know any good weapons dealers who won't rip us off?"

"I might be able to put us in contact with one," Pack said. "Word is he's also 'sympathetic' to our cause. After that sickly guy, I don't think we have much money left. But, I'm sure we can make arrangements somehow."

Yannick's expression became stern. "If this contact of yours wants to continue making a living without the Imps shutting him down, he'd better be willing to make arrangements with us."

"That's what I'm counting on," Pack said. "But, I'm sure he also wants to make a living. We'll figure it out. Until then, we should go over placements. I think we can also make the settlement treacherous for them. Too bad we can't generate a nice sandstorm here. But, I'm sure Thana will provide. Who wants to go with me when I contact this guy?"

"I'll go," Bral volunteered. He grinned at Pack as he patted his crotch. "Gotta have someone to test out the firepower."

"That thing? Hell, you've got the power of one of those blasters you stick in your boot while you keep your big gun up on your hip." He patted his own. "It's going to have to come down to a duel with you, isn't it?"

"We could pick up some chicks later and settle this once and for all," Bral proposed.

"You two idiots are going home to rest," Yannick stated with a mildly reproving look. "You're waking up early to go seek out that contact of yours, Pack." He chuckled lowly. "I'll take care of the ladies for ya."

"You might need some backup for that, Yan," Pack said with a laugh, though there was no malice in his voice or his eyes. "I'll let you know what we find out."

"Good." Yannick's entire countenance became grave as he regarded Tallan, the leader of the Erynx's. "What have your boys come up with? Any news on Ferrig?"

Tallan shook his head and sighed. "Nothing. Tan is still recovering, and I think Gela's gonna lose his left hand. We tracked her to the edge of the city, but there were too many Imps to follow far. Someone took him to the city. I don't know how we can find him."

"If there's still a body to be found," Uri muttered. At Pack's sneer, he raised his hands defensively. "All I'm saying, Pack, is that Ferrig would've gone down fighting. The Imps don't like insolent scum like that. If he pissed them off enough...."

"We get it, Uri," Yannick said. "As long as we can, we're gonna keep looking. We promise you that, Pack."

"I'd hate to be that bitch when Rae finds out she nabbed her brother," Pack said. "She may not carry around those bombs or blasters and all, but that albino slit wouldn't stand a chance with Raeila Mullerin in a rage."

"Well, Raeila won't hear about it," Yannick replied. "She's wherever the hell she is and there's no way to get any news to her. It's too bad too," he added, rubbing his crotch again. "She was the best around. It's a shame she had to get all wet like she did."

"She may be wet, but I bet she's still a reisacat in the sack," Pack said. "I don't think the city makes you lose that kind of talent. I heard that the women in the city only wear clothes when they have to, and when they do go outside they wear just little gauzy dresses that you can see right through."

Bral gaped. "Really? What the hells are we still doing here!"

The group chuckled collectively, Yannick included, though he soon cleared his throat and clapped his hands together to divert their attention back to him. "It's been a long night, boys and we're gonna have even longer ones until we retake Thanatos. Before we adjourn is everyone clear one what you have to do?"

Murmurs of assent went around the group. Finally, Pack looked around the group and thrust a hand out into the middle of the table. "May Thana watch over us!"

The once contending gangers put in their hands as one and sent up a praise to Thana. Ferrig's vision had taken shape and was embodied now in the representatives of Thanatos' warring gangs gathered around a table, sharing laughs and conspiring against a common foe. Divided, they were easily overcome. United, the Empire had something to fear.

"Contraband, Part 2"
Adam Edwards - Smuggler

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

Adam entered one of the seedier bars on the station and looked around for his contact. The New Republic had said the man would have a short moustache and have dark black hair. He would answer to the name of Telonis. He noticed a man sitting in the corner matching the description. He walked up to him. "Are you Telonis?" Adam asked.

The man looked up. "Who wants to know?"

"In this case, I do," Adam told him.

The man said, "Yes, I'm Telonis. Are you my contact?"

Adam sat down and looked across the table at him. "The one and only. I have your supplies."

Telonis smiled. "All of them?"

"35 E-56 model heavy blasters, and I threw in a couple of thermal detonators because your people pay well," Adam said.

Telonis leaned across the table and grinned. "Meet my people on deck 436 tonight. Bring the supplies and I'll make sure you get your payment."

Adam said, "I'll get them there. How often is that deck patrolled?"

Telonis laughed. "Are you kidding? Imperials hardly ever go down there."

Adam stared hard at the man. "So we have nothing to worry about?" he asked.

Telonis grinned. "It couldn't be simpler."

"Okay, I'll be there, but make sure your people don't screw up."

Telonis assured him, "You have my word.

Adam stood up and headed for the door. He would have to work out a plan for getting the weapons down to deck 436 without getting stopped by Stormtroopers. Either way those supplies had to be delivered. The job had to get done. Adam always got the job done.

"Awakening"
By Jack Black
And Robin Black [NPC+]

Location: Thanatos
Date: Eos 12, 4 ABY

***

Jack had been asleep for a few days, and now his breathing had returned to normal thanks to the serum. His brother checked the ship's systems one more time. The ship could fly, not very far or very fast but it would move and with the sand piling up around it, moving was probably preferable to staying still. It could wait until Jack was up though. Robin moved across the cabin to where his brother was sleeping fitfully. He rested his hand on Jack's forehead. The hot burning skin was nothing new. He had hoped that the serum would have reduced Jack's permanent temperature.

Meanwhile Jack slept.

"Kill the child!" yelled Jack's father as his mother lay dead. "Kill it and have done with it!"

The doctor looked up. "Your wife is dead," he muttered. "There is nothing to do."

Jack's father turned angrily away from the bed where his wife lay. He reached towards Jack and grasped him by the foot; he raised the child up preparing to bring it crashing down on to the floor. Jack didn't cry.

The doctor's hand caught Jack's father's just before he could bring it down. "We've had one death from this birth, accept what you have been given."

Jack awoke again. He didn't scream over the last few days. He had gotten used to the nightmares of his birth. He could see his brother staring at him with concern.

"Turn your worried look away from me, my brother, and get the ship repaired," Jack groaned, lifting himself out of his bed.

"Jack," Robin said and was by his side in a second. "You should be careful."

"I'm always careful," Jack snapped. He swung his legs over the side of the bed. Four days he had been at rest and that was three days too many. "What's the condition of the ship? Can she fly?"

"She can fly, but wouldn't risk anything outside the system," Robin reported and moved to help his brother dress.

"Then get her working properly," Jack ordered. Jack picked up his staff. "Sensors are working?"

"Yes," Robin said with a face of worry.

"Then bring them up. I want a good scan of what is out there in the desert. Also see if you can lock onto the local news network and city computer."

"I'm not sure they have a city computer but I'll find a news network."

Half an hour later Jack was sitting in his control room with two screens showing local news, a third displayed intergalactic news. Jack looked over the sensor scans. There wasn't much out in the desert. He could detect a few life signs here and there; they could be animals, or anything. Jack sipped at a cup of coffee his brother had bought him.

"I think it's time we visited the capital," Jack said to himself, rubbing feeling into the back of his neck. For some reason all of his joints ached more than ever. He thought it must have been the injection to his lung. He looked down at the small hole. He poked it with his finger relishing the pain. He then turned back to his maps and continued to work.

"The Huge City"
By Kyra Ronso
And various minor NPCs

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 12, 4 ABY

***

Kyra set her coordinates for New Plouton. She was going to see where Auron had born and grown up. Every time she thought about him she wanted to cry. But she focused on piloting her TIE Defender. She saw huge buildings growing in the horizontal line. As she flew over the city of New Plouton she was quite impressed of how big the city was.

"Big," she told herself. "More like extremely huge city!" she added, then reminding what Auron had told her. Someday, I'm going to show you New Plouton and take you to meet my parents. They'll love you! She remembered every single word that Auron had said to her the day before the incident.

Getting clearance to land in a spot in the spaceport in the Yelldon district, she set down her vessel. As she came out of her ship she was met by an Imperial worker who was already there to stand guard to the incoming ships. She turned to one of the operatives who were nearby. "Fuel it up and get it ready to take off at any moment," she ordered.

"Yes, sir," the worker answered.

"Did you see or hear anything suspicious? Perhaps someone who caught your attention for a particular reason?" she asked.

"Now that I think of it, yes, there was something... There was a small group, five or six people, who came here making some questions about the Imperial ships and the routes," replied the worker as he gave orders to two droids.

"Interesting..." said Kyra, frowning as she thought about it. "Would you happen to know which way they went?"

"I overheard something about Lath's Bar."

"Very well then. Thank you." She bowed as she started to walk away. "If you keep up with the good work, maybe you'll be promoted," she added, noting the man's air of satisfaction.

Coming out of the starport, she was admired of how tall the buildings were. It seemed that from down in the streets they were even higher than she had seen from her ship before landing. She thought to herself that perhaps it would be better to a get a speeder, as it would certainly prove to be a faster way to get around the city. Besides, this Lath's Bar might not be near. Alas, there was no speeder nearby and none that she could borrow from a stormtrooper.

She walked for a while, glancing to the people in the streets. Then she saw a man who was walking towards a small speeder and turning it on. She ran towards him and grabbed him by the back of his collar, pulling him backwards, and threw him to the middle of the street. Before he could even react, she got into the speeder and she drove off, leaving the citizen shouting about being robbed.

When she entered the Yallder district she could see that it was definitely the poor district in New Plouton, as she started to notice spice dealers, people begging, and small gang groups in some of alleys. She punched the onboard computer and asked for the location of Lath's Bar. It took but a few seconds to get its location, and immediately she set her way there.

A few minutes later she saw the entrance to the bar, and thought to herself while she parked her new speeder that it was a place where she could most certainly find all the scum. As she got out of the speeder she glanced to the people at the entrance. There were two big guys whom were checking out all the girls that entered the bar. She made her way to the entrance but one of the guys stopped her.

"Well hello theres, pretty ladies," he said. "Wants some company?"

"No," she answered, looking straight at the guy with bad grammar and pushed him aside. "If you excuse me..."

"I wills not let you pass untils you give me what I wants, and what you've gots!" said the guy, taking a knife from his back.

Alas, it was less than a second after he had pulled off his bladed weapon that she punched him in the stomach and grabbed the hand with the knife. But, meanwhile, the other guy grabbed her from behind, just after she had taken the knife, making the knife drop on the floor. She impulsed her feet and placed her legs around the first guy's throat. With a twist she snapped the large man's neck and he fell lifeless on the floor, while his friend watched in terror.

She then stomped on the foot of her second foe, and while he twitched in pain she widened her arms and ducked slightly, elbowing him in the torso and then turning to face him and jabbing him smack across the jaw. The guy jerked back as everything happened so fast. He tried to look back at her and throw a punch, but his balance was somewhat off and he missed her. The last thing he saw was her grinding her teeth as she drove a punch in his nose, sending it upwards and into his skull, killing him instantly. As she stood there, untouched, she sneered at the two large dead men and entered through the doors.

The bar was full of several different species. And even though some looked at her as she entered, nobody seemed even vaguely interested about the noise that had come from outdoors before she entered. She walked slowly to the bar and examined every single person on her way there. She was looking for a group of five or six people, since that was her main lead. But she was not about to go by every table as she wanted to keep a low profile.

"Bartender, give me a Corellian ale," she ordered.

When the bartender handed her the drink she had ordered she placed some credits on the counter to pay for her drink. By then a drunk man stumbled to the stool next to her, slamming credits on the counter as he spoke loudly to the bar patron. "Give me your best drink!" he said, then turning to Kyra and giving her a large smile. "I've got money... Some strangers paid me to give them the table I was on!" he laughed loudly. "Maybe they want to discuss something that's illegal, eh?! Don't really give a damn... They can pay me drinks anytime, those bums!"

The man definitely caught her attention. She turned to him and grinned ever so softly. "I will pay you two of the best bottles in the house, if you just point them out to me..."

"You've got a deal there, lady!" he said at once, then laughing again. "This must be my lucky day! Just get me those bottles and I'll tell you!"

Kyra called the bartender and she asked to bring two bottles of the finest brew in the house. As soon as the bartender placed them she handed them over to the drunk man. "Well...?" she asked.

The man pointed at the table. It was a corner table that passed quite unnoticed. Almost hidden, and she had not seen it when she had first entered the bar.

She picked up her drink and sat in a vacant table from where it was possible to view the six rebels without being spotted by them.

After a couples of hours in the bar she saw them leaving the table and going to the exit. Getting up, she followed them to the exit and into the streets. Curiously the two dead she had left in the entrance were no longer there. Probably picked up by muggers. She kept following them until they reached a more secluded and deserted area. "What you discussed in the bar should be quite interesting..." she said calmly.

The six men turned to face her. She was at a clear disadvantage, but that didn't seem to concern her at all. "Who are you? What you want?" asked the Bothan.

"Nothing, really..." she stated. "Just want to get some information about the rebel operatives in New Plouton. And, if you're the rebels that I think you are, I will personally introduce you six to Grand Admiral Tarkin."

"She's an Imperial! Catch her!" shouted the small guy, who had quickly deduced who she really was. The six guys surrounded her, ready to attack, but she just crossed her arms, waiting patiently for them to strike first.

"You're at a disadvantage..." warned the Rodian.

"What?" she grinned. "Are you backing up from the fight?" she asked as she studied each and every one of them carefully.

The Rodian was the first to strike an offense at her. As she sensed the attack she jumped making a rotation to her left, kicking him with her right foot. He fell unconscious with that one strike. The others charged against her all at once. She jumped in a backflip, grabbing the small guy by his neck with her legs and twisting so that he was thrown to the right and hit the Bothan, leaving both of them knocked out. As she got up, the other three were stunned with how quickly she had left three people out with only two attacks.

The way they saw it, it was impossible to beat her in hand to hand combat, so their best chance was to shoot her.

Kyra saw them grab their blasters. She ran towards them, taking her dagger out of her back as it was hidden in her trench coat. She stabbed the nearest guy's hand and left her dagger there, trespassing his right hand, which made his blaster fall down, but she didn't stop there. As she reached the second guy, she hit him with her left knee in his torso so hard that he fell down, holding his stomach. She then leaped and kicked the third one in the face, sending him down and unconscious. Turning around she kicked the second guy to make sure his lights were out too...

Then she looked at the last man standing and saw him take out the dagger from his bloody hand. She started to approach him slowly, but he started to run away leaving the dagger behind on the floor. Kyra let him go for no reason at all. After all she had five unconscious rebels already. She picked up her dagger and cleaned it on the clothes of one of the unconscious bodies. Now, she was going to take her prisoners back to Arcadia.

She gathered the group, tied them and even gagged them. She picked up one by one and put them inside the trunk of the speeder she had stolen. After locking them inside, she got into the speeder, turned it on and drove off to the spaceport to take her new prisoners to the Grand Admiral. She had promised two days time, but had managed less than that...

"The Jedi Temple"
by Andro Ki'Ayalin
Talara Sorenne
Sirra Xanye
Dani
and Nieme Selrid

Location: The Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

They'd been hiking for several hours already today, and hopes were high that they would soon find the location of the Jedi. It'd been several days since Sirra's ship had set them down in the forest, and they were still searching. It'd seemed like they'd gone in circles at several points, and it hadn't been long before they abandoned the direction-finding equipment they brought with them.

Something in the forest was affecting that, and from one moment to the next, their compass couldn't be relied on to accurately point north. Talara had been delighted when she'd been watching the compass and saw it change direction. While he'd been amused at her enthusiasm, Andro didn't want to encourage her boisterous giggles.

Now, she was about ten meters ahead of them, with the energy that only a child could contain. At the end of their daily treks, she'd collapsed from exhaustion. But, up until that point, she had enough energy to power most capital ships. And, when the sun rose and they'd started out, she had, once again, been full of life and energy.

"I sense something ahead," Talara called, rushing back to where Andro and Sirra walked. "I sense something up there!"

Sirra glanced at Andro and reached out with her senses, briefly, before joining her two companions as they moved forward cautiously. She, too, had been amused by their young companion, and had become fond of the young woman. The Jedi Knight was also impressed by Talara's potential in the Force and her seemingly boundless energy and positive outlook. Though Sirra was able to keep check on her emotions well enough to avoid it, she was starting to become frustrated by their long journey through the forest.

"I feel something as well. I think it is what I felt before, the disturbance I felt. It is stronger than I expected, though, and I can still feel the change that occurred a few days ago. We should be cautious." She was primarily addressing Talara, since she knew that Andro would be nothing but cautious.

The girl nodded quickly and decided, at the Falleen's admonition, that she would stay back with the adults as they approached. She looked up at Andro, who nodded to her and offered a kindly smile.

As they walked, Andro glanced over at Sirra. "The feeling is different. There is darkness, but not as black as before. I sense a great tragedy."

Sirra nodded; she agreed, but saw no point in saying anything. It might even be dangerous. Though they couldn't feel anything nearby, there were some dangers that they might not be able to discern beforehand. She moved forward slowly, watching for dangers and reaching out with her senses.

Then she saw the Temple through the trees. It looked old, even ancient, but there had clearly been a recent renovation. This was where the disturbance was, this was what they all felt. But who was here? Who had renovated these ruins? She had felt a powerful dark force user just a few days ago. Was this a temple to the dark side of the Force?

She glanced at Talara and Andro for their reactions.

Andro was calm as he observed the large, imposing structure. There was a serenity in his eyes, and it was clear that he was feeling something from the place. "This is a Jedi temple," he said softly.

Beside him, Talara was more animated, and her face showed her excitement. The way she shifted from foot to foot and looked ready to leap forward at a moment's notice. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "Can we go, Master? Can we see who's there?"

Andro turned to Sirra. "I sense no darkness here now, at least nothing but the residue."

Sirra nodded in agreement, though she still looked wary. "I do not feel any darkness here, either, no current dark force presence. But we must be mindful of the fact that someone used enough of the dark side for us to feel it in the city and for us to still feel a residue here, days later."

She looked at the building and could feel the presence of the Force, more specifically of the light side of the Force. She had never been to a Jedi temple before. But caution had been the correct course time and again before.

"Let us go watchful and ready. Do not go in with preconceptions, only accept what your senses tell you is there." She quoted a teaching of Jedi philosophy, more to curb Talara than Andro, but even the Jedi Master seemed to be assuming something here. " 'Not seeking, not expecting, a Jedi is present, and can welcome all things.' "

Sirra smiled, taking the sting from her rebuke, small though it had been. "I have never seen a Jedi temple before. It is beautiful, isn't it?"

"It is indeed," Andro said. "Come, let us see what awaits us there. There is a strong presence in the Force." With that, he led them forward.

They reached a large archway and stepped slowly through it. The arch led into a courtyard where a variety of speeders and other craft had been parked. He could sense serenity and peace, knew immediately this was a place of good.

Talara moved forward slowly, her eyes wide with wonder as she looked around. She'd never seen anything like it before, not even growing up on Naboo. She heard voices approaching and tensed. Soon the voices resolved to be two young women, though they were older than she. She smiled at them, and they altered to approach her. They continued speaking to each other, their words punctuated by giggles. They were both very pretty, but the one with the purple skin was more beautiful than Talara ever imagined a person could be.

"Hi there," the purple girl said. "I'm Dani, and this is Nieme."

Nieme smiled at the young girl. "You're new. Where'd you come from and how did you find your way here?"

"We had a ship...but there were fighters. We got down into the forest, and walked." She looked back at the two adults and then stepped closer to Dani and Nieme. "Because of the weird things in the forest, we were going in circles for awhile because the compass kept changing. I'm from Naboo. My name is Talara."

"Hi, Talara, I'm Nieme." She grinned at the girl. "And you talk in riddles far more puzzling than mine. You're a Force-user, aren't you?" She looked to Dani and nodded her head. "Yep. That would explain it."

"I am a Jedi Padawan," she said. "I have been since I was two years old. Master Andro is my teacher. Are you Jedi Knights?"

Dani smiled. "We're Padawans like you, Talara. We just got started a short time ago because Master Liam Zaneth found us. He's helping to train us, but Master Koran Darr is doing most of our training."

"We're Jedi Diplomats," Nieme added. "Which means we have to show you around the Temple and introduce you to everyone." She held out a free hand to Talara. "Care to go take a look?"

Talara looked down at Nieme's hand, and then back to Andro.

The Jedi Master smiled broadly as he and Sirra approached. "Go ahead, Talara," he said. "Sirra and I will go in and seek out the other Masters. You will be able to find me inside when your tour has concluded."

Talara smiled. "Thank you, Master," she said, and then slipped her hand into Nieme's. "I'm ready," she added.

"Come on," Nieme said cheerfully. As the three made their way along the cobbled path of the courtyard, she could be heard asking, "Hey... How would you like to meet a friend of ours named Kimra?"

"A friend? I'd love to! I didn't have many friends growing up, so...oh yes yes!"

Nieme grinned slyly at Dani. "Oh, he likes meeting new people. So, Kimra it is, then."

"Thank you very much," Talara said with a wide grin.

"That's what being a friend is all about," Dani said. "And, we'll be your friends, Talara. Nieme and I, we'll be your best friends ever...and Kimra of course!"

Nieme giggled and lowered her lips to Talara's ear. "We'll even let you borrow him from time to time. Oh, we're so glad you're here, Talara." She brushed her lips against Talara's cheek as she pulled away, then smiled silkily at the girl.

"Me too," Talara said with a smile as she looked between each of her new friends. "I like having new friends."

And, with that, the three of them disappeared inside of the Temple.

"Forgive and Forget, Part 1"
by Daemor'rah - Jedi/Bounty Huntress
Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Aurra Sgall - Jedi Padawan

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 12, 4 ABY

***

The day was a hot one. It was visible that the summer had finally arrived and even in a modern city like New Plouton the sun shined in a clear sky. Kal'Aran could not stop wondering what it would be like in Tatooine, with its twin solar system. But he knew that Thanatos and the Tae Sollar desert could be just as hot.

But even amidst all the heat, it was still a nice day to walk in the city streets, especially in the market area where there seemed to be all sorts of different things, ranging from fruit and food to mechanical gear and even clothes. Aurra was quite content for the walk and seeing things, even if she didn't want them or did not know what they were.

Kal'Aran watched his padawan and smiled. She seemed to blend in perfectly, even in spite of her blue skin. Plus, without her Jedi Padawan attire she looked very different. It was curious, but she reminded Kal'Aran of Quinlan's former padawan, Aayla Secura. And he was sure that Vos thought so too.

Aurra picked up some yellowish fruit which looked very tasty, so she decided to buy it, since it was cheap and she had some credits on her. She tasted one and it was one of the sweetest things she had ever tasted.

"They call those parshicaa..." Kal'Aran said as he approached his padawan. "It means love fruit and it comes from Corellia," he smiled.

"It's tasty!" she smiled back. "I'm taking some back to the Temple so that the others may have some too!"

"That's very nice of you," he told her with a friendly squeeze of her shoulder. "Come on, let us go buy some creamy ice. In this heat it will taste even better!" he said only to get her nod and smile.

They walked away, moving amidst all the other people who walked about and entered a caf� that was open for some refreshments and creamy ice.

***

From above the buildings she watched. She had spotted them for some time and had been following them from high above. The man she knew to be a Jedi and the girl could be one too, but she wasn't sure. She had wanted to shoot them both, but with all the people around it was possible that she would fail or hit someone else by mistake and she could not afford that. If she would miss the shot then her cover would be blown and she would lose the element of surprise. Plus there was a chance that they would run away.

So, instead she grinned and held back, waiting for the best chance to strike them down and claim one or two more prizes for her collection. When they entered the caf�, she sat at the edge of a building, watching and waiting...

***

Inside the caf�, Aurra was enjoying her creamy ice and her master was having a nice cold drink. "How is your creamy ice?" Kal'Aran asked.

"Lovely... Very tasty!" she smiled. "Want some?" she offered.

"No, thank you." He bowed gently. "So, what do you want to do next? Today we have a leisure day..." he told her.

Aurra smiled at the thought. No training or studying, no worrying about nothing truly important... Just having fun! "Maybe we can buy some things and have lunch in the forest," she suggested. "I like the forest better than the city."

"Very well then, let's do that!" he smiled. "We can get the things we need from the market, I'm sure," he said with a nod.

They got up and Kal'Aran left some credits on the table to pay for their bill. As they were about to go out the door he stopped and stood frozen, placing his arm in front of her. Something had told him that it was not safe to go out. He had felt it.

"What's wrong, Master?" Aurra asked, confused.

"Someone awaits outside. Someone who wants us harmed," he replied in a soft whisper.

"Not that Sith, Dargus Kandran!" she said, worried. It would never stop. There would always be someone that wanted the Jedi extinct. The Emperor had almost done it, but others would try where he had failed.

"No, not Kandran... Older and not a Sith..." he said as he concentrated to see if he could find out who it was.

"Not a Sith?! But a Jedi would not harm us, right?" She frowned.

"Don't be too sure, my padawan. There are others... Rogues who are no different in their goal to harm the Order," he warned her, as he finally had distinguished the person who was standing outside. She was trying to conceal her presence, but he knew it was the huntress. The one whom he had faced before and whom had killed Aurra's former Jedi Master. He wondered whether this would affect the twi'lek girl. "When I say, you run as fast as you can. We will not fight and risk the lives of innocents... We must lure our opponent into an open space, and perhaps we may get away without a quarrel."

Aurra nodded, and took her lightsaber, same as her master had done and readied herself to run to an open space. He gave the signal and they started to run. It was fortunate that she was such a dedicated pupil and was able to use the Force to move faster than normal. At their current speed the shot missed them.

The huntress, having missed, was now going after them, not worrying to conceal her presence anymore. Instead she had her lightsaber in hand and one of her blasters in the other hand and was determined to catch them and kill them, as she had no more shreds of doubt that she was hunting Jedi.

Alas, Kal'Aran and Aurra were running quite fast and it was proving to be difficult to catch them. But she would not quit! It became obvious that their objective was to lure her into an open space without innocents. All the best, since then there would be no Imperials to come and hassle them.

When they finally got to the outskirts of New Plouton, Kal'Aran turned around and ignited his lightsaber. He stood between the huntress and Aurra, defending every shot that Daemor'rah fired upon them. It was by then that the young twi'lek froze. She couldn't believe what was happening. The assassin who had killed her former Jedi Master... The one who vowed to kill her as well one day. It was her worst nightmare come true.

Daemor'rah grinned as she had them seemingly cornered. But when the Jedi pulled the blaster from her hand it ceased to be a game. "Very well, Jedi, let's face-off with our lightsabers then... Others fell and so shall you!" she said.

Kal'Aran prepared himself. He had met this woman and he knew all too well that she was capable of killing. Even Jedi... And then it struck him. This had been the huntress who had killed Yandoor Lugoth, Aurra's former Jedi Master. But he dared not look back at the girl even though he could feel she was horrified.

The white-skinned woman attacked and Kal'Aran moved fast and steady with his movements precise, fending off the huntress. He was able to twist her lightsaber and even make her take a couple steps back as both of them battled. All the while, the young twi'lek girl stood frozen, her lightsaber in hand as she merely watched what happened, and her Master always kept her behind him, not letting Daemor'rah even one small step further.

"You fight well, old man!" Daemor'rah said as she was forced to back up to fend him off. "But now you die!" she told him as her second hand reached for her back and brought about a second lightsaber. There was the sound of another lightsaber igniting and a scream. The huntress jumped back. In front of her stood the young twi'lek girl.

"You will not kill again! Not again!" Aurra shouted as the second lightsaber that Daemor'rah had grabbed fell on the ground. She had moved swiftly and had struck not to kill but to prevent death.

Daemor'rah had a cut and her arm was all bloody. She ground her teeth and moved once more to attack the blue-skinned girl who stood closer now. Aurra fended her attack off and Kal'Aran pushed the huntress away with the aid of the Force. The huntress got up once more and jumped on Aurra, enraged, but this time the young girl smashed her opponents face with the back of her lightsaber and kicked her in the ribs afterwards.

Daemor'rah grabbed young Aurra by the neck and lifted her up, but Kal'Aran moved faster than she could make a movement and took his padawan from her, pushing her once more. He then looked at Aurra. "Are you okay?" he asked her.

But the girl merely screamed and pushed away from her Master, extending her hand and using all she knew and had learned about the Force to push the huntress away from them as she had gotten up once more. The blow was strong and Daemor'rah was sent flying into an opposite wall, banging her head on it.

Kal'Aran walked over to their opponent to make sure she would not get up and attack again, but the woman merely moaned before she opened her eyes. When she saw the man standing near, pointing a lightsaber at her, she backed up.

"What do you want from me? Who are you?" she asked confused. "Please, please don't kill me!"

"Is this a game to you?" he asked calmly. "How can you enjoy yourself at the suffering of others?"

"What the heck are you talking about?" Daemor'rah asked. "I don't know what you mean! I can't... I don't know..." she said, frightened.

Aurra had come closer also. "You don't know what?" she asked.

"I don't know... I can't remember anything! My head hurts. I don't know..." she sobbed.

Kal'Aran was stunned with the reality he faced. With all his training he knew that the huntress meant her words. She had suffered a severe hit and, apparently, she now had amnesia. He safeguarded his weapon and looked at the white-skinned woman. "Who are you?"

"I told you, I don't know! All I know is that I woke up and you were here threatening me! More than that I don't know! My head hurts... I don't know..." she said again as she sat down against the wall, frightened as a small child.

Aurra did not know what to think. This woman had lost all her memories and was now helpless and scared. And as much hatred she had for the huntress she believed that all this was true. She looked at her Master who was almost as appalled as she was.

Suddenly, Daemor'rah looked at herself. "Why am I carrying all these weapons? Who am I? Please, help me..." she whispered with tears running down her face and holding her hand up.

Kal'Aran helped her up, careful not to fall for a trick, even though the chances of that seemed slim. As it was, Daemor'rah handed over her weapons, glad to get rid of them. "Please... Help me..." she begged again, then fell unconscious.

Aurra was too confused, but it felt wrong to leave this woman like this, all alone. And everyone deserved a second chance... She turned to Master Kal'Aran and nodded in concordance to helping this woman. They took her weapons, grabbed her unconscious body before heading back to the Temple. Perhaps this woman could yet be saved...

"Forgive and Forget, Part 2"
by Daemor'rah/Chani
Master Kal'Aran
Master Alisson Blair
Aurra Sgall
Nieme Yaresh
and Dani

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 12, 4 ABY

***

After a long trip they had finally arrived back to the Temple. The day had started out as a nice warm one, but an encounter had changed all that, and now they were carrying the very same person that had attacked them, as unbelievable as it would seem.

Kal'Aran was quite surprised by the way that Aurra was handling the whole situation. After all, the huntress was part of her past life, and one he knew she wanted to forget. And yet, she too had the initiative to help this fallen foe... Truly the actions of a Jedi.

"Do you want me to go get some help?" Aurra asked her Master.

He nodded. "Yes, go get Master Vos and Master Darr, and call Liam and Alisson if you find them," Kal'Aran said.

"Yes, Master..." The twi'lek girl nodded as she ran off to call the others.

Meanwhile, Kal'Aran took the white-skinned woman, with the aid of the Force to lift her, into a room and set her down on a stretcher. She was still unconscious and he wondered what it would be like when she awoke.

***

"I saw them come this way," Dani said to Nieme as they rushed through the halls of the Temple. "They had someone on a stretcher. Thankfully it wasn't our beautiful little blue girl. I think we need to kidnap her down to the waterfall soon. I miss her!"

"I definitely miss how she tastes," Nieme said. "Blue is not better than purple, but it's still tasty." She giggled and nuzzled her lips to Dani's neck as they turned a corner in the corridor. A slight twitch of her senses drew Nieme's focus to the far end of the hallway. She stared quizzically at the nothingness that was there, while the sensation grew stronger. In another moment, Nieme was grinning, and after that, Aurra sped around the corner. "Aurra!"

"Aurra!" Dani squealed with delight. "What's happening? Who did you and Master Kal'Aran bring back?"

Aurra halted and looked at the two girls with a soft smile. "We...uh... We brought someone who's in need of help. I'm supposed to find Master Koran Darr and Master Liam as well as Master Blair. Do you guys know where they are?" she asked, choosing to omit her own personal feelings about the huntress they had brought in.

Before Nieme replied, she moved to Aurra and embraced their friend tenderly. When she pulled back, she kissed her lips lightly, then gave her friend a response to her inquiry. "You'll have trouble finding Masters Darr and Liam. They're not here. Neither is Laedra Vorrel. I have no idea where Master Blair is." She smiled bashfully. "Me and Dani have been too busy to notice."

Dani grinned and, surprisingly, found herself blushing. "We've been busy, but we're not too busy now to help you find the others. Did you want us to help you, Aurra?" Before the twi'lek girl could answer though, Dani had covered her lips with a kiss. "We'll have to spend time together later," she urged. "Come on, let's go find Master Blair."

Aurra smiled at her two girlfriends. "Yes, let's go then... I don't feel too glad about leaving Master Kal'Aran alone with that woman!" she said truthfully, not taking more time to explain, but rather taking Nieme's hand and pulling her along down the corridor. Once they reached the door to Alisson Blair's room she knocked. "Master Blair?"

The door opened and there was Alisson with a large smile. "Hello, girls." She bowed. "How may I help you?"

"It's Master Kal'Aran. He called for you... He needs your assistance in the medical room," Aurra explained.

"Who's sick?" Alisson asked with a frown as she came out of her room and closed the door behind her.

"Well... A woman we brought in. It's a long story, but for now we just need you there as well!" she explained somewhat exhilarantly.

Alisson made no further questions and went after the girls. Once in the medical room she saw that Master Kal'Aran had beside him a woman with white skin. But this woman she had seen before. It was the assassin who murdered the High Princess! "What's happening in here?" she asked.

Kal'Aran turned to face his former Padawan. "Alisson, before you say anything... This woman, attacked me and Aurra but lost her senses and is suffering from amnesia. Now, we brought her here because this may be the safest place to diagnose her," he said.

Alisson sighed. She knew that Kal'Aran was right but she didn't like the idea of the High Princess' killer in the Temple. And yet, he was right. At the Temple she would do nothing and they could watch her. "But what if she's bluffing?" she asked.

"I do not believe she is..." he replied.

"Neither do I and this is the second time she nearly killed me..." Aurra stated, then looking at Nieme and Dani.

"Does anyone know when Master Koran Darr will return or where Master Quinlan Vos is?" Kal'Aran asked.

Dani glanced at Nieme and then back to Kal'Aran with a shrug. "Master Darr didn't say when he would return," she said. "And, I haven't seen Master Vos all day. Nieme and I were down at the waterfall, and then around...and doing things."

Kal'Aran nodded with a soft smile. "Very well then... Have you girls ever practiced Force healing?" he asked Dani and Nieme. "I hear you're leaning diplomacy and getting good at it, so perhaps you could make use of this skill..."

Aurra smiled trying to think things the better way. She had been learning this amongst other things and wondered what they had been learning so far. She knew that Dani had a lightsaber but not much else from what they learned from Master Koran Darr... "Are we going to perform it?"

"We should if we want to help this woman," Alisson said.

"I-I don't know how to heal," Nieme told them, "but I want to help. Maybe...maybe I can talk to her...in her head, sorta. I can help her find her way back while you heal her body."

Kal'Aran smiled. "That would be very good if this was a regular case, but it won't be necessary," Kal'Aran said, not wanting to have the huntress wake up and recall who she really was. He looked at both Nieme and Dani and gave them a reassuring nod. "You know, Master Koran Darr tells me that you are quite the skilled padawans, and he is very proud of you... I know I am not him, but perhaps I could teach you how to Force heal..." he offered as he took off his cloak and put his sleeves up.

Dani leaned close and pressed her lips to Nieme's ear. "It'd be nice to learn that," she whispered. "Especially since I'd learn what I did to heal you in the desert. Should we learn from Master Kal'Aran?"

"I guess so," Nieme replied. "I mean, are we allowed? Won't Master Zaneth be mad?"

"I don't think Master Zaneth will be mad, not if we learn good things," Dani said. "And, if not, it'll give us a chance to calm him down." She gave Nieme a mischievous grin.

Nieme returned Dani's smile, then regarded Master Kal'Aran. "We will learn what you have to teach us, Master."

Kal'Aran nodded with a smile. He then turned to Aurra and nodded to her too. "Very well then, I need you three girls to take places around our unconscious guest and concentrate. Then, I will give you some few simple instructions."

Nieme looked uncertainly to Dani for a moment, then shrugged and took her place at the foot of the bed, while Dani and Aurra stood on either side of the prone woman. She hoped they weren't doing anything wrong by taking instructions from Master Kal'Aran, but healing was a necessary skill for a diplomat, and learning it now was as good a time as any. She looked to the pale woman curiously and concentrated as Kal'Aran had told them to. She didn't dare penetrate the woman's mind; he apparently didn't want that, but instead, she scanned the surface, hoping to at least feel if she was in any pain or distress. Nieme, however, could read nothing. Whoever she was, she had done well in walling up her mind.

As soon as he felt the three girls' concentration at a good level he breathed deep. "Now, I want you to feel this woman... She too is part of the Force, as any living being is. Feel her in the stream and you will start feeling small things in her as well... Feel her heart pumping and her lungs breathing," he told them.

Aurra concentrated slowly. In a few seconds she could feel Nieme and Dani focusing also, as well as Alisson and Master Kal'Aran nearby, but she focused mainly on this woman. Her heart pounded like a steady drum and her breathing was soft like a small hum. She began to feel the very blood as it moved in her bloodstream and she was sure that it was precisely that which she was supposed to feel, along with everything else.

Kal'Aran knew that all the girls were focused on the same precise spot. "Very well... Now, the bloodstream is what carries the cells to regenerate. I want you to use that to accelerate the process. Feel her as part of yourself..." he said in a whisper.

Dani opened herself to the Force, to the woman lying on the table before them. She could feel the darkness as if it were an oily slime coating her skin, coating her mind. She pushed that away to feel the life-force pulsing within her, the spark of life that bound her to the Force. She felt the Force surge within her, and the connection with the bounty huntress was as solid as any of the cables that ran within a circuit board. She felt herself gasp as the woman's body began healing, regenerating. She slowed herself, controlling what she was doing. It was like with Nieme in the desert, when she'd healed her lover's face. Here again, she was healing the Huntress of her injuries. It was clear she had a gift for healing.

Throughout, Nieme could sense and feel her lover's beautiful, radiant essence. It pulsated within the woman and from her aura alone, beginning to glow brightly, it was apparent she was getting stronger through their joint efforts. You can do it, Nieme whispered to her. You can find your way out of the darkness. I know it! I found my way. It was scary and difficult, but people helped me. We'll help you. Just let us help you...

It was visible that the woman was healing, her small cuts slowly fading away and the few ones that bled before were now mere scratches. "Now let go slowly," he told the padawan girls. "Slowly..." he whispered. Once he felt them all back into their selves he told them to open their eyes and smiled. "You have done very well! All of you! And look, she is much better now than she was before... You should all feel proud of your skill."

Aurra smiled at Nieme and Dani. It was good to heal others. It felt like the right thing to do. And she was proud of her friends and of having such a great Jedi teacher. "Thank you, Master." She bowed.

Nieme looked to Aurra, then Dani with a large grin. She too bowed to Master Kal'Aran. "I'm glad you let us have this opportunity, Master. We can help more if you'd like. We would like to help the woman."

Alisson smiled warmly. "That would be very helpful, but for now we must let her rest and wait for her to regain her senses..." she said in a reply to Nieme.

Alas, the huntress moaned. Kal'Aran turned to face her and readied himself, just in case. Daemor'rah opened her eyes and got up in a rampant, startled with a small scream. "Who...? What...?" she asked, confused as she looked around. She was looking at everyone and seemed frightened. "Who are you? Where am I?" she asked as she tucked her knees up.

"You are being taken care of... Your wounds..." Alisson answered calmly as she motioned for her arm.

Daemor'rah looked at her arms and passed her fingers over where a wound had been, and was now healed. "Did you save me?" she asked, looking directly at Dani.

"We helped you," Kal'Aran intervened. "You were hurt and in need of help. But, tell us, who are you?"

The white-skinned woman looked down to the ground and shook her head. "I...I don't know. It's all a blur. I was hoping you could tell me. But you don't seem to know..." she said.

"You're at the Jedi Temple," Nieme replied readily. "You don't know your name...really? We could help you remember if you'd like."

The woman's eyes brightened. "Really? You could help me remember? I would be much appreciated. I... You saved my life. I can't thank you enough!"

Nieme stepped forward and touched the woman's hand. "Of course we'll help." She looked up at Kal'Aran, then, with an inquisitive expression. "We can...can't we?"

Kal'Aran nodded. "We can..." he said, as he wondered about how they could, and yet it seemed like a golden opportunity to bring someone from the dark side back to the right track. "We will help you," he added.

Daemor'rah looked at everyone and smiled. "Thank you! Thank you, all of you. I can't thank you enough, and yet I must make a request... Do you have anything to drink? My throat is dry."

"There is some water," Dani said. "I'll get you some." With that she rushed from the room. She was only gone a moment, when she came racing back in with a bottle. The others were all gathered around the woman and asking and answering questions. She handed her the bottle. "Fresh from the spring outside. I hope it's alright."

"Thank you," Daemor'rah smiled as she took the bottle and took a sip, then looked at Nieme. "You said this was a Jedi Temple. Am I a Jedi too? I shouldn't be since you don't know me, right?"

Kal'Aran raised an eyebrow. "Do you recall Jedihood?" he asked. "Or anything alike?"

"No..." Daemor'rah sighed. "And yet it all looks as if I'm used to it. Seeing those vests I mean," she said. "But I'm sure that I'm just confusing things!"

"It's alright," Dani said with a comforting smile. "We'll help you through this. We'll make you feel welcome and loved here, won't we, Ni?"

"Yeah," Nieme said with a large smile. "That's what Jedi do. When you're better, we'll take you for a tour..." She looked uncertainly at Master Kal'Aran. "If we're allowed."

Kal'Aran wasn't too sure about letting the girls take Daemor'rah for a tour. Even though all he knew told him that this woman had lost her senses and couldn't even recall who she was, he still considered the slim possibility that this was a hoax. Still, he nodded with a small, gentle smile. "Yes... Once you feel much better I'm sure it will be okay for you to get to know the others and take the tour," he said.

Daemor'rah smiled and thanked Kal'Aran. She then smiled at Nieme and Dani and Aurra. But it was an empty smile. "I can't recall anything... No family. Not even my own name!" she said quite sadly, then making herself smile: "So, you're my only friends and all I've got for now! Until I remember that is..."

"We'll help you," Dani said with a smile. "But, until you do remember, is there anything you'd like us to call you?"

"I don't know..." Daemor'rah raised an eyebrow. "I think I'd rather be called by my real name, but until we find out what that is, maybe... Chani?" she asked.

Nieme grinned. "That's a great name! We'll call you that, then, Chani." She took a seat upon the edge of the bed and covered Chani's livid hand with hers. "Are you hungry, Chani? I'll bring you something to eat. Is anything alright?"

"Anything sounds just great!" Chani smiled.

Aurra frowned. She didn't know what to feel. It was all too odd. Here was this woman, this slayer of Jedi, suffering from amnesia and they were supposed to help her... She, the same woman who had butchered her former master. And yet she knew this was right and that, despite how she felt, Master Lugoth would be proud of her. She would not oppose this, but would not help it either, so she turned around. "I'll be in my room. I'm tired..." she said.

"Thank you... Thank you once more for saving me," the white-skinned woman said, only to see Aurra nod and leave the room.

Nieme watched Aurra go, then glanced at Dani questioningly. "Um... We'll go get you that meal, Chani," she said to the woman. "We'll be right back." She rose from the bed and moved to Dani's side. "Come on, my love. We have a girlfriend to cheer up."

"We do," Dani said, watching after Aurra. "I don't like it when she's upset like that. We'll be right back." She slipped her hand into Nieme's, and they slipped from the room together. "What do you suppose it is, my love?"

Nieme sighed. "I don't know, my love. I just don't know."

With Nieme and Dani gone as well, Alisson sighed in relief. She felt it safer if none of the girls were near this assassin... And yet, she was obligated to agree that this was the right thing. Perhaps this was a second chance this woman had to start it all. She motioned for Chani to lie down. "Here... You need to rest. In a while we will bring you a meal," she said as she placed her hand in the woman's forehead.

Chani laid down and closed her eyes. She didn't know why, but had full confidence in these people. There was something about them, like some kind of an inner glow. She merely nodded and closed her eyes, letting herself fall asleep. Kal'Aran and Alisson stood there, watching her. Neither of them spoke a word but they were thinking of the same thing. Whether it was a matter of time before she remembered or not, and what would happen then...

"Till Death..., Part 1"
By: Dargus Kandran
Yelara Neerou
Kallia Brael
Keeve Zenarr [NPC+]

with Oot Kovan

Location: Dargus's Cruiser
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

Everything was going off without a hitch. The decorations were tastefully arranged, per instructions. The lighting was at a perfect level. The guests were in place. The groom stood in position. And, the music had started.

Dargus Kandran, despite the fact that he was a Sith apprentice and ran a very prosperous criminal syndicate, found that he was nervous. He glanced back down the aisle where the first billows of an equadi could be seen and it took considerable effort to remind himself to breathe.

And, then she appeared. Radiant, he told himself. Simply stunning and radiant. His bride offered a smile to all who had turned to gaze upon her, and in that moment, Dargus Kandran felt the power of his love for her more strongly than he ever thought possible. Today, he was certain, would be the most magnificent day of his life. He smiled for her, and the entire universe -- guests, officiator, ship, planets, and stars -- all seemed to vanish, and for a few precious moments, only he and Yelara existed.

She was moving forward towards him and he felt his anxiousness rising with each step closer she took. No one else in the whole galaxy could generate such feelings in him, and for that he would love her and cherish her as she deserved.

She would be his empress, his life-mate, and would carry out her duties as his wife without complaint or protest. It was just what any man wanted - an obedient wife, yet one who strayed from that ideal only in the fire that burned within her. Dargus seemed to like that fire, especially when it flared in the bedroom. It would definitely be burning brightly on their honeymoon.

Yelara inclined her head slightly to the important guests filling the seats. She knew not one of them since Dargus had invited them, no doubt to use his beautiful wife to impress them. From their approving smiles, he was succeeding. Or perhaps, they were smiling at her shapely, voluptuous body visible beneath the sheer, pink fabric of her equadi. It wasn't at all cold in the room - a storage bay modified into a ceremonial hall for the occasion - but her nipples had hardened and now pushed against the gown; it put a grin on more than one male guest's face. Yelara didn't mind, though. She still moved with confidence and grace, and focused only on Dargus, especially since she could barely look at the state of Kallia's dress.

That Keeve could even think of asking her to wear such an outfit - such as it was - sickened her. The only skin concealed was that covered by the leather harness around her abdomen. A strip of leather ran up the midline of her torso, between her breasts and stopping at the thick band of leather around her neck; another long strip of leather travelled along her spine to also meet the collar encircling her throat. What was worst of all was the leash feeding from it and leading to Keeve's hand. Yelara sneered at Keeve for a brief moment, then haughtily redirected her attention to Dargus. The boy would pay later.

The smile she wore for Dargus returned, and in it she expressed her love for him. When he extended his hand to her as she neared the altar, Yelara graciously accepted, and all in the room rose. "Quite a turnout," she said to him.

"I'm quite impressed," Dargus said. "I'm surprised anyone outside of the ship would show up, but I guess Dargus Kandran marrying is quite a momentous occasion. Still, I'm quite pleased. I noticed your look at Keeve. I can't believe she would allow him to choose something like that for her."

Yelara shook her head and pressed her hand to his cheek. "Let's not talk about that. Let's not ruin our day. I just want to marry you, Dargus. That's all that matters now."

"Yes, my love," Dargus said with a smile. "How would you like to have our honeymoon on Corellia, my love?"

"We can visit my grandpa," she blurted out excitedly, then laughed. "Oh, he'll absolutely hate you."

Dargus smiled. "Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?"

Yelara traced the curve of Dargus's lips with her fingertips and purred. "A very good thing, my love..."

As the officiator moved into position, Dargus gave Yelara a lecherous grin. "Is it considered bad form to consummate a marriage before the marriage takes place?"

"If it is, we've been very naughty this past week." She lightly rested her hand upon his chest, then slowly turned to face the officiator, though her eyes remained only on Dargus.

As the officiator began his invocation, in the audience observing the ceremony Kallia Brael stifled a sob. She tightened her grip on Keeve's hand and wondered just how Yelara could do this to her. How could she go off and marry Dargus just days before they had been set to wed? Once she'd heard about the wedding, she had been very willing to wear the dress Keeve suggested. She hadn't even hesitated. She'd revelled in the staring and ogling as she came in on Keeve's arm, tethered by the leash he held in his hand. They could see her entire body, except where the thin straps of leather covered...though they covered nothing that should have been covered in polite society. All her charms were on display for whomever wished to view them. "While they're away," she whispered to Keeve, "we'll have lots of time together."

Keeve smiled knowingly, yet he revealed nothing of what was in store for her. "And thereafter as well. Don't worry, Kal. I'll make you forget all about Yelara."

"I don't want to forget about her, Keeve," Kallia said. "Not completely, anyway. I could never forget about her, Keeve. I love her too much...but...but now she's marrying someone else again. I don't know." She leaned more fully against you. "Thank you for being here with me, for allowing me to lose myself and be yours."

Keeve slipped his arm around Kallia's waist and kissed the side of her head. "Don't worry," he murmured into her ear. "I'll make it all better, Kal. You'll see."

Kallia brushed her hand sensuously down along his thigh. "Thank you," she whispered. "Later, I'll show you how much I appreciate you."

"Oh, I know you will. It's all you'll think about doing in time." Keeve chuckled lowly at the secret knowledge that only he and Dargus shared, and which Kallia would only be privy to after her procedure...if she even cared about anything but being with him after that.

She allowed her hand to brush back up against his groin. "The ship will be all ours once they leave," Kallia whispered, brushing her lips against this throat. "Whatever will we do?"

Keeve sharply jerked back the leash to crane Kallia's neck, then he ravenously nipped at her throat and teased the flesh with his lips. In a moment, he wouldn't care how many people were in the room; he and Kallia would be consummating their relationship in a less savoury fashion than Yelara and Dargus. "We can sneak out the moment they give their vows," he whispered against her throat. He trailed one finger along her slit and grinned at the moisture there. "Don't have an accident, Kal. I doubt Yel would appreciate that."

Kallia moaned quietly at his touch, but it was clear her eyes were burning with a passionate desire and yearning. "No accidents," she whispered. "I am yours, Keeve. Whatever you want of me, wherever you want me, I'm yours." She looked around, noticing a very familiar looking twi'lek watching her as she did. "Looks like we've caught someone's attention. Though, it might not be a good idea to go much further beyond surreptitious groping for now. I don't think either of us want Dargus or Yelara's ire right now."

"You're wise for a pleasure slave," Keeve commented playfully. "We'll save it for later, though. Looks like they're about to start anyway and I for one want to see if Dargus actually goes through with it."

"I'm surprised part of the ceremony wasn't the two of them having sex on that table up there while everyone watched. I'd like to watch that. I haven't seen him having sex in a long time, but I still say you're better."

"I am," he assured her with absolute confidence. "Definitely better." He laughed softly and lightly tapped the tip of her nose. "Pay attention now. As much as you're dreading this, you have to admit, Yelara does look happy."

"I'd prefer that she'd be happy with me," Kallia grumbled, "but it is nice to see her smiling. Dargus is better looking when he smiles too." She leaned against Keeve and sighed as the Officiator began speaking.

As per Dargus's behest, the wedding ceremony was performed entirely in the Tae'Karadan tradition. With his aspirations to become emperor of the planet, it was only fitting that he marry his empress in accordance with their beliefs to begin making a good impression upon them. It was, of course, degrading to any female not native to the planet, but that was Tae'Karadan ideology and if they were to honour the Karadans - even insincerely - they had to play the parts.

"Now, repeat after me," the officiator said. " 'I, Yelara Neerou am now your asri, Dargus Kandran, bound to you and ever devoted.' "

Yelara smiled at the officiator and passionately recited the vows. She couldn't help displaying the pride she felt in marrying Dargus. He was handsome, powerful, and although it was not yet common knowledge, he would soon rule a planet. Any woman would jump at the chance to marry him, yet not all would receive the love from him she did. That is what separated her from other women, that and her unique tendency to be drawn to Jedi of one form or another.

"And you, Lord Kandran," the officiator went on, bowing his head respectfully to Dargus. Even the pious sought to appease Dargus, bringing him that much closer to the omnipotence he aspired to. The man read the vow elaborately to Dargus, not once capable of holding his piercing gaze, and only looked up to receive Dargus' reply, to hear the lord speak.

Dargus smiled first at the officiator and then to Yelara. "I, Dargus Kandran, am now your asri, Yelara Neerou, bound to you and ever devoted."

The officiator raised his arms high, keeping his eyes from Dargus' as he did so. "Joined in love and obedience, may your hearts never stray from where they truly belong. Yelara Neerou, everything that you are, you are for Dargus Kandra and only him. You are Yelara Kandran. Dargus Kandran, that which was Yelara's is now yours, utterly and completely." The man held out a piece of thick parchment, a sure sign of Dargus' wealth and prosperity. A stylus appeared in his other hand, both implements offered to Dargus to complete this ritual. "Do you accept, Mr. Kandran?"

Dargus took both parchment and stylus and with a flourish signed his name to them. They would be holographically recorded and entered into the planetary records later. "I accept," he said.

With an obsequiousness only present around a man like Dargus, he took the parchment and stylus back and extended them to Yelara. "You divest yourself of all you own, and pledge it to your new lifemate. Do you accept?"

"All I have is his," Yelara declared reverently as she took the stylus and, with a steady hand, signed her name to the parchment, stretched taut by the officiator. With her signature now indelibly marked beneath Dargus's (in keeping further with Tae'Karadan tradition to reinforce the place of a woman below her husband), Yelara handed back the stylus to the officiator and focused again only on Dargus.

After a short blessing from the officiator, Yelara raised Dargus' hand to her lips. "My Lord...." She smiled silkily as she pressed a kiss to it, sealing their union.

Dargus pulled Yelara into his arms and kissed her firmly. He could hear cheering around him as with his kiss to Yelara, their marriage become, official, binding, and permanent. He felt a rush of the power such a joining gave him and the enormous love they felt for each other. Dargus realized, as he held her close, their lips sealed together, that he was truly happy.

***

Back on Tae'Karada, Liam Zaneth danced between a trio of practice remotes. Twin blades of cobalt slashed through the air to stop the bolts of crimson seeking their target. His movements were precise and true, stopping each of the blasts from the remote. It felt good, he realized, to lose himself in these moments.

Suddenly, he felt his body tense in a spasm of pain. He dropped to his knees, lightsabers clattering uselessly to the ground at his sides. Great pain seared through his body as if someone were driving a lightsaber straight through...through his heart.

He let out a mournful cry that seemed to carry with it unplumbed depths of anguish. He cried out again, this time adding a word to that pain.

"YELARA!"

***

As humourless as the senator's joke was, Yelara gave him her most infectious laugh and lightly backhanded the middle-aged man on the chest. She hated mingling, especially with guests she didn't know, nor did she care to get to know them. All she wanted was to hop on a ship with Dargus and Leshie, and fly away to Corellia...after she got into some decent clothing. Thought of that inevitably brought with it a reminder of Kallia's choice in attire - Keeve's, rather - and her eyes soon set about looking for her lover. She searched the room for Kallia, no doubt still being paraded around on a leash by Keeve, but instead found someone she hadn't expected to see, someone she wished she hadn't.

The woman's eyes and face were impassive, despite the soft smile touching her lips. Yelara wondered why looking at her suddenly inspired such guilt, such anxiety. All she could think to do was look away. Rather, she turned away and leaned in closer to Dargus. "I can't believe you invited Oot Kovan," she whispered. "The woman who almost succeeding in killing you. Why, Dargus?"

Dargus smiled and kissed Yelara's hand. "My dear wife," he said, his eyes sparkling with affection, "I do believe that you also almost succeeded in killing me along with Ms. Kovan."

Yelara bit back a grin. "I did... But I've already made it up to you through hours of sex. What has she done?"

"Well, no sex," Dargus said. "But, I figured it would be nice to have someone here who could relay how beautiful our wedding was to Liam."

"Yes." Yelara smiled weakly at Dargus and swallowed back the nausea she felt within her. "A good idea, my love." She took a deep, calming breath and once again turned to face the direction of the twi'lek. "Ingenious."

"I noticed her watching you earlier, though not quite as hard as she was watching Keeve and Kallia." He glanced around for his son and leashed toy. They were nowhere around. "You remember how you were watching me last night before we made love?"

The same enticing smile she had worn during the moment in question appeared on Yelara's face. "I remember..."

Dargus smiled seductively. "That was exactly the look she had," he said. "Okay, not exactly, but very damn close."

"She had a thing for Liam too when we were on her ship." Yelara revisited that memory with a twinge of melancholy. She remembered clearly the celebration after the attack on Dargus' fleet, a celebration much like the one she was trapped in the middle of now. Afterwards, she and Liam had talked about their dreams, their future together, all before they made love to each other. How could she be so cruel to a man she still loved so deeply? "I need a drink," she said breathlessly. Her eyes flitted about confusedly before she spotted the table bearing a diverse selection of spirits. "I-I'm gonna-- I'll be back." Yelara smiled tightly at the man they'd been socializing with, then inclined her head at Dargus. "Excuse me, my love. Um...thirsty. I won't be long." Before Dargus could speak, she kissed his lips then departed for the alcoholic beverages.

Dargus watched her go, a touch of the sadness he'd felt from her lingering within him. He turned back to his guest and smiled. "All the excitement's made her thirsty. So, have you met my son? He's racing pods now. I'm very proud." He glanced toward the door as Keeve walked in with Kallia at his heels, the leash running from her throat held loosely in his hand. He could tell from her flushed skin and the slight bruising along her arms and sides that they'd been outside of the hall enjoying each other's company. If that didn't tip him off, the fluids drizzling down the insides of Kallia's thighs was certainly more than enough to do so.

He watched Keeve slip a possessive arm around Kallia's waist, and a moment later he noted Oot Kovan approaching them.

"Great," Keeve said under his breath. "The Twi'lek bitch that's been watching us all day. She has that look about her...like she wants to eat one or both of us." Keeve nuzzled his lips to Kallia's ear. "I think she's got the right idea."

"She's very beautiful," Kallia whispered. "If you wanted to invite her, my beautiful Master, I think the three of us could have a very nice time together."

"What? I haven't satisfied you yet?" Keeve brought a hand down between her legs from behind and caressed her damp slit. "I can change that. We don't need her."

Kallia moaned. "No we don't," she murmured, "but I just thought it would be fun. Look at her, I bet she knows a few tricks for under the sheets. But, I won't complain if you want to just let her keep lusting after us."

Keeve passed his gaze over the form of the slinking Twi'lek until his eyes rested on her face. There was a moment of recollection, a faded image from his youth, but he quickly shut it away. He remembered the woman from... Where? That smile... Those eyes that give you the impression that she'd rather feast on you than make love to you....

"Shit," he spat. His hand fell away from between Kallia's thighs and he shook the viscous fluid from his fingers. "Is Dargus a complete idiot? Inviting spies to his own wedding." Keeve jerked on Kallia's leash as he stalked towards the Twi'lek. He still didn't know her name, but he knew who she was.

Oot's smile broadened when she saw Keeve approaching her. The anger in his eyes didn't phase her mood or alter her expression. "Keeve...Kandran, is it now? It is so good to see you. I remember you when you were a little boy. I must say the man you are now is most impressive. Very beautiful, and with good taste in companions as well."

"Shut up," he snapped. He halted before the woman, barely leaving an inch between them. She was tall for a woman, tall enough to stare him levelly in the eyes. "You were with Zale. You don't belong here. Plan to relay information back to him?" Keeve snorted. "If you do, tell him I haven't forgotten about him or Kaysa or that pansy musician. I'll come for them one day, which means you'll need new employment."

"What did they ever do to make you so bitter? Or what did you do to so terribly break that poor girl's heart? Kaysa misses you and loves you. You leaving nearly destroyed her." She pulled out a holocube and held it out to him, then pulled it back. "A recording from Maeren...well, such as it is through the tears and sobs."

Keeve's resolve wavered for only a moment as his eyes followed the cube with a yearning to have it, to touch it as he desired to touch Shiv. With a low growl he snapped his eyes shut briefly, then opened them again to glower at Oot. "If you think coming here with...that and with your lies is going to change anything, it won't. I don't want anything from her - from them! Why the hells can't I just be left alone?"

Oot held out her hand once more with the cube resting in an upturned palm. She said nothing, choosing only to watch him.

His hands were clenched into fists, prepared to strike the obnoxiously self-satisfied smile from Oot's face, but all his rage was diffused with one look at the cube. She said Shiv had been crying, inconsolable.... He hated it when she cried, especially when he was the cause of it. Just one last look at her, one last memory, that's all he needed. Hearing her voice one more time would put his grief to rest.

Keeve reached up with a trembling hand, his fingers almost touching the cube that held within it the key to his undoing. At the last second, his hand flinched away as if struck by a slight jolt of electricity. His face contorted into an expression of grief-mingled annoyance as he hastily slapped the cube from Oot's hand. As it skittered across the ground, coming to a stop against a chair leg, Keeve took a menacing step closer to her. "Listen to me, you alien bitch. I don't want anything to do with any of them, not anymore. You tell them that." He hesitated for a moment, but added, "All of them, including Maeren. Keeve Zenarr is dead. Only Keeve Kandran remains, and I don't think they'd like him very much if they met him. You tell them." Keeve slipped an arm around Kallia's waist and pushed her slightly forward. "And tell Maeren she's been replaced. I'm sure that'll end this insane obsession of hers."

Kallia looked the red-skinned twi'lek over and frowned. "You should leave now," she said. "It's a shame, really. It could have been so nice if you'd chosen your sides better." She slipped her arms back around Keeve, folding her body to his, then nuzzled against his neck.

Oot inclined her head to Keeve and then stepped back. "Very well," she said. "I would like to see you maintain this strong exterior if you were actually watching her recording. Perhaps I should arrange to have my delivery of your message to her recorded. Would you like to see it as your message shatters her heart and destroys her? She already refuses to eat any food, and it took Lerrah considerable effort to pull her from the studio where she was destroying all of her artwork." She again inclined her head. "I hope you are satisfied with your work, young master."

"I'm not happy about any of this," he rasped. "You don't understand the situation. You don't--" Keeve clenched and unclenched his jaw in an attempt to fight back the grief in knowing he had hurt Shiv more than he was helping her. He shook his head until he was able to hold Oot's gaze. Though he had succeeded in doing that, he couldn't keep the sadness from his eyes. "Just leave," he said, his voice much more controlled now. "Just--" He sighed impatiently. "Tell her you never found me. For her sake, just tell her I'm dead. And stop interfering. None of this would've happened if people just learned to mind their own damned business."

"None of this would have happened," Oot countered, "if you hadn't loved her and she hadn't loved you. You wanted her love, but then when she tried to give you love in return, you pushed her away. And, now you expect her to stop caring and go on as if nothing happened. Perhaps that's easy for a selfish brat such as yourself, but to fall as hard as she did, and then to be dropped... Don't blame us, Keeve; this is your doing. You're the one who's hurt Maeren."

Keeve growled as he shoved Kallia away and advanced upon the obnoxious Twi'lek - obnoxious only because she was right. Before he could wrap his fingers around her neck, a wave of fluttering, pink fabric appeared from the corner of his eye and with it came Yelara. She placed herself between Keeve and Oot before an altercation could occur, and delicately pressed her hands to his cheeks. Guests were already being drawn to the scene as it was; if Keeve embarrassed Dargus, she feared for what would befall him. "It's okay," she said soothingly. "Keeve, let it go. Just take Kallia and go. I'll take care of her."

"No!" Keeve shouted. "The stupid bitch thinks she can just come in here--"

"Keeve." Yelara brushed her lips against his as she stroked his cheeks. "It's okay, Keeve," she murmured. "Forget her. Let me handle this."

"But--" He sighed and closed his eyes, surrendering to Yelara's quelling touch. "Just...get her out of here." He kissed Yelara gently then stepped back. He opened his eyes again, only to glare at Oot. Even as he bent over to retrieve the end of Kallia's leash, his intense gaze still remained on the twi'lek.

As Keeve and Kallia departed, Yelara turned, though she was hesitant to face Oot. When she did, all she felt was disappointment and disgust. She had no doubt let down Oot, her friend and a woman whose opinion she respected. Never before had she felt so guilty. "I should...get back to Dargus now." Yelara looked over her shoulder at her new husband, then regarded Oot again...barely. "Enjoy the rest of the party, Ms. Kovan." And then she quickly sought escape.

"It was good to see you again, Yelara," Oot called after her. "Congratulations." With that, she turned and started toward the door. Kambra would be upset enough as it was that she'd angered Keeve to the point where he nearly got his hands on her. But, as she left the reception, it was obvious from the slump of her shoulders and the way her lekku drooped, that she was disappointed. She couldn't help wondering, as Dargus' guards fell in step with her as they escorted her to her ship, if there was some way she could save Yelara from this fate. Or if she even wants to be saved...

"Till Death..., Part 2"
By: Dargus Kandran
Yelara Kandran
Kallia Brael
Keeve Zenarr [NPC+]

with Oot Kovan

Location: Dargus's Cruiser
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

"Twi'lek!"

Before Oot Kovan could take her first step onto the landing ramp of her ship, she was turned around by the call. Keeve's pet was no longer trailing behind him and as he stalked towards her, he looked far less angry than he had been in the reception hall. He approached her with an urgency and by the time he reached her, he was panting heavily, but not from the exertion of running entirely from his quarters to the hangar bay; it was the pressing need to seek her out in time that had his heart racing. The guards parted for Keeve to reveal Oot. As was to be expected, she appeared slightly perplexed. "She sent you here, didn't she?" was the first thing he said. "Maeren sent you here to find me."

Oot smiled. "She didn't send me," she said. "I did receive an invitation from Dargus Kandran, and came because of that. However, when I told Maeren I would be attending, she asked me to give you that holocube, and to tell you that she loves you. In a sense, I guess she did send me here to find you. Though, her description of you doesn't do you justice."

Keeve laughed weakly, ruefully. "Dargus's doing. You should give him the compliments."

Oot smiled. "From what Shiv explained," she said, opting not to reveal the true source of her knowledge, "he merely advanced your age. Therefore, I imagine that in time you would have still looked as you do now. While he may have accelerated your growth, your appearance is still your own. Regardless of where your looks came from though, you are still a very attractive man...and from talking to her last night, you have clearly captured Maeren's heart."

"I know it's what I wanted," Keeve said quickly, "but I didn't mean for this to happen. I wanted her to love me, but I didn't think--" He sighed. "I hate hurting her, but she doesn't understand how dangerous it is for her. Can't you make her see that? She can't afford to be this close to Dargus. She doesn't understand that I can't protect her, not from him. Can't you make her believe that?"

"She doesn't want to be protected, Keeve," Oot said softly. "She only wants to love you. And, if you lay claim to her as your mistress, wife, girlfriend, companion, or what-have-you, do you believe that Dargus would do that? He allowed you to have her sent back before, didn't he. Perhaps it's not as dangerous as you perceive it is."

"And it's not as simple as you're making it sound," he shot back. "She's there, I'm here. She loves Kaysa and Merrick too, and there's no way she'd give them up. How exactly do you think we can be together? It's impossible and if I do give it another try with her and it doesn't work, don't you think she'll only hurt more?" Keeve stepped closer to Oot and said quietly, "You may think I'm a bastard, but I'm doing this for her. I love her more than I thought I was capable of and it's killing me to know she's in pain right now. But I have to let her go."

Oot reached out and took Keeve's hands into her own. "I understand what you are doing Keeve, and it shows that you are both noble and caring. One thing you're not doing, though, is letting Maeren have a say. She doesn't want to be let go, Keeve. She wants you, and I don't think she cares how she gets you as long as she has you."

"But I do care," Keeve told her. "I want to be able to wake up in the morning to see her smiling face as she lies next to me. I want to be able to go into the next room and find her there, waiting for me. I don't want to have to travel hundreds of light-years just to see the woman I love! It isn't fair! It isn't right. I love her and she loves me and...and..." He gave a cry of frustration and, after wrenching his hands from Oot's grasp, threw up his arms. "This isn't how it should be! We should be able to be together like we want to. She should be able to find happiness and she shouldn't be crying like she is! All we want is to be together and everything's standing in the way, and I want to know why. Why the hells can't we be together!"

Oot bowed her head slightly and then took a step toward him. She held a single, plastisheet card in her hand. "You could always go to her and ask her those very questions. She's an amazing dancer, and I should know. She'll be there tonight and tomorrow night...if you're interested."

Unlike the holocube he had batted across the reception hall, Keeve let out a deep breath and gently pulled the card from between Oot's fingers. He chuckled softly when his eyes glossed over the name of the club. "Palace of Stars? Seems suited for Maeren." The moment of levity passed far too quickly and again Keeve frowned. "I have to think about this. I have to...try and work things out in my head before I walk back into her life and have to leave again. I don't want to do that her."

Oot raised a hand to his cheek and smiled. "Hopefully you will find that you don't have to leave again," she said. "I know you won't like to hear this, but I believe Kaysa would be very proud of you Keeve. Despite your association with Dargus Kandran, you're a good man. I can see why Maeren loves you as much as she does."

Keeve smiled wanly and nodded his thanks. "In case I decide not to see her.... Will you tell Maeren I'm sorry for everything? And tell her not to worry about the...injury." His organ began throbbing with latent pain at even mention of its encounter with Shiv's boot. "I deserved it. Just...tell her that."

Oot smiled and then nodded. "I'll tell her, Keeve," she said. "Though, I'll leave out that Kallia is tending to the injury. I hope you do get the chance to see her. She is very good, and I know that seeing you again will brighten her mood considerably."

Keeve smiled wryly. "I have to think about it, but thank you for giving me the option. I guess you're not such a bitch after all."

Oot grinned. "Only when I want to be," she said. "If you can, track down that holocube in the reception hall. Or, if you'd like, I do have a copy still on my ship. If you don't mind my saying, I think you and Maeren would make a very attractive couple, for humans. I can only imagine how beautiful and full of life your children would be."

The prospect Oot spoke of almost made Keeve's mind up for him. Unless he could find a reason to do otherwise, he'd watch Shiv dance. Anything more, he'd decide when he got there. "With Maeren's looks, there's no way they could be anything but beautiful. Thanks again, Ms. Kovan. And don't worry about the holocube. I've already had someone retrieve it."

Oot smiled and gave him a nod of encouragement. "Good luck to you, Keeve," she said. "Make her happy. You wouldn't believe, even when she's sad, how her eyes light up when she speaks of you. Perhaps I'll see you again soon." With that, she started backing up the ramp while still watching him.

Keeve hadn't expected it, but he was growing to appreciate the Twi'lek. He had accepted her assistance, so it was only right he think of her as something other than a bitch, and helpful acquaintance was an accurate enough title for Oot Kovan. He waved to the woman as she reached the top of the ramp. Once she disappeared within the ship, Keeve's eyes strayed to the plastisheet card held between his fingers. He didn't know for certain yet if he would attend the show, but if he did, it would only be to watch her from afar...or so he tried telling himself.

With a dry chuckle, Keeve began making his way back to his quarters. Kallia would be getting restless without him, and he needed to quench the urges the thought of Shiv dancing inspired; though, Kallia wouldn't know he was thinking of Maeren while making love to her, as he always did. And if that wasn't enough to satisfy him, he'd watch the recording on the holocube, even though it contained a crying Shiv. One look at her would be enough for him, and that was all. He could survive with only a look...for a little while at least.

***

Dargus Kandran slipped his arm around Yelara's waist and planted a kiss on her throat. "It's nearing time for us to leave. I just need to speak with the doctor and the pilot, but then we'll be ready to go. Are you ready, my love? It's been a long time since I visited Corellia. Perhaps with you there at my side, I can make some good memories."

"We will, Dargus." She smiled. "My treat. I have to go pick up Leshie anyway, so I'll meet you at the ship. Though, what do you need to speak with the doctor about? Nothing's wrong is it?"

"Nothing at all," Dargus said with a smile. "He's working on a new project, and I just wanted to make sure things are going well."

"Alright." She sighed as she looked over her shoulder at the last of the departing guests. "At our next wedding, could you invite less people, my love? I think half of them were only here for the food anyway."

Dargus smiled as he pulled her into his embrace once more. "Anything for you, my love. Though, I really don't think I want to know what the other half were here for." He couldn't help wondering just how many of them had shown up to be able to try to kill him. At least no one tried openly, and security was very tight. "Did you wish to say goodbye to Kallia before we leave?"

Yelara lightly swatted Dargus on the chest. "Of course I do! How could I leave for a week without saying goodbye to my lover? Though, I wonder how much she'll miss me with Keeve occupying all her spare time."

"I'll go talk to the doctor, and you go give her something to keep her thinking about you while we're gone."

"That's alright, my love. I think I can give her something to remember me by." She grinned mischievously and tenderly kissed Dargus. "I'll meet you later, dear husband." Yelara began backing away towards the door. "Don't leave without me!"

"If I did that," Dargus said with a smile, "then I'd be leaving the best part of me behind."

"No need to sweet-talk me, Dargus. We're already married, remember?"

"And, I want to keep it that way," Dargus said with a sly grin. "Now, get going. I'll see you soon." He started after her toward the door, even though their destinations would be different. "I'd ask you to give her a kiss from me, but I don't want you to get the wrong idea."

"You and she had something before," Yelara stated. "I'm fine with it, Dargus." As they stepped into the corridor, she kissed him once again. "I'll give her one for you. I love you and I'll see you soon." With a gentle laugh, Yelara waved at him and skipped her way down the corridor.

Dargus stood in place, watching her go. Finally, as she turned a corner, he shook his head and laughed. So this is what it feels like to be truly happy, Dargus thought as he turned down the corridor to see the doctor. I wonder what my master would have to say. He'd worry about that another time. For now, he was just content to revel in the happiness and joy he'd found with Yelara.

***

With her ear pressed to the door, all Yelara could do was snicker at the piercing, sometimes startling cries coming from Keeve's chambers. She was no longer shocked or perturbed to know that her lover was sharing herself with another; in fact she found it amusing. Yelara waited until she heard the characteristic whimpering shriek Kallia emitted whenever she had reached climax, and once it did assail her ears, Yelara casually strolled into the room.

Keeve had just collapsed onto his back beside Kallia, and her lover was lying limp on the bed, save for the heaving of her chest with every rapid breath she took. Sweat shone on both their naked bodies and both looked quite content. "How sweet," she commented playfully. "I'm beginning to wonder why neither of you ever invite me to join in."

Kallia giggled and then held her arms out toward Yelara. "I would love to have you join us," she said. "Oh gods, Yel, would you believe Keeve is getting even better? It won't be long and he'll be one of those sexual masters you hear about. When you get back, oh gods, please join us. I think the three of us together going at it...we could probably melt a hole through the deckplates."

Yelara made a sound of approval as she sat upon the bed. "Well, he looks quite pleased with himself. I would watch the praise, my love. His ego will only expand and eventually grow too big for this ship."

"It's not my ego Kal's interested in," Keeve quipped.

Yelara looked pointedly at Keeve's organ, then shrugged. "Doesn't appear too extraordinary. I guess you make up for it in technique."

Keeve smirked. "Screw you...mother."

"Oh, what a sweet boy!" Yelara laughed and reached across Kallia to lightly slap Keeve's bare thigh. "Now, if you two are done playing, do you think I can say my goodbyes?"

Kallia grinned and ran a hand along the silky fabric of Yelara's equadi. "Is there time for a goodbye romp? My love, do you have any idea how positively sexy you look in that?"

"Oh, I have some idea," she replied. "But unfortunately, I don't have time to show you how sexy I look without it. Dargus and I have to go. But we'll be back in a week."

Kallia playfully pouted for Yelara, and then slid off the bed. "I'll miss you," she said. "Have fun; you've deserved it. And, don't worry about us, we'll make sure nothing happens while you're gone. I heard Dargus going over everything with Keeve before, and I must say that Dargus is leaving the operation in very good hands while he's away. Plus, you're just a short comm call away if anything does happen." She held her arms open to Yelara and smiled. "I love you, Yel."

Yelara didn't waste time in rising from the bed and embracing Kallia. "I love you too, and when I get back, you and I will have our day. I promise."

"I know," Kallia said, and then kissed Yel. By the end of the kiss, her knees were weak and the throb that Keeve had already sated had returned full-force between her thighs. She knew her lover couldn't stay, and so she took a step back to allow Yelara a chance to say her goodbyes to Keeve.

"You'd better keep her happy while I'm gone," Yelara told Keeve, but her smile all but removed any trace of menace from her warning. "And I want you to be happy too," she whispered to him.

"I am, Yel," he replied. "Really, I am."

"Good. I won't have my son moping around the cruiser while a beautiful woman is in his bed, ready and willing to put a smile on his face." She laughed softly and leaned over to kiss Keeve's brow. "I'll see you when I get back."

Keeve smiled at Yel. "Sure. Have a nice trip, mommy."

"Brat," Yelara teased. She turned back around to face Kallia and gave her a brief kiss before taking a step away. "I'll miss you both. Have fun around here, okay?"

Kallia flopped back onto the bed and let a hand idly trail up Keeve's thigh to his groin. "I'm sure we'll find something around here to keep us occupied," she said, and then gave Yelara a wave. "Have fun! I love you! Bye!" She couldn't stop laughing as she pressed her body against Keeve while waving her goodbyes to the woman she loved.

"Oh gods," she whispered to Keeve, "I'm going to miss her."

Keeve pulled Kallia on top of him and smoothed his hands over the curve of her rear. "No you won't," he said with a hungry smile. "Care for me to demonstrate?"

"Yes," Kallia said with a grin. "I think you will need to demonstrate. Possibly twice."

"I actually had something else in mind. But--" He kissed her roughly. "This'll work for now." Keeve surged upwards and rolled Kallia onto her back, while he straddled her waist. Without wasting time, Keeve immediately started in upon pleasuring her. It was an effective way of taking her mind off Yelara, but once Dargus and his new wife departed for Corellia, Keeve would make certain Kallia would never even remember her lover, let alone miss her. Though it was becoming more likely he would see Shiv again, he still thought it nice to have a willing slave on the side, and Kallia would definitely make a perfect one.

***

Dargus broke into a beaming smile as Yelara strode into the flight deck. He stepped away from the man he'd been talking to and approached her. "I really wish I could convince you to dress like that all the time," he said. "Though, if you did, I'd never be able to concentrate on anything else."

"Leshie seems to like it too. Easier access to his mother's milk." Yelara bounced her child gently in her arms and smiled fondly at the laughter she induced. "You don't mind that I'm bringing him, do you, my love?"

Dargus smiled at the infant. "Not at all. He's your child, and together we'll raise him. He belongs with us." He reached in a finger to tickle at Leshie's belly. "He has your smile."

Leshie's squeal of delight and his ensuing laughter almost overjoyed Yelara. He seemed to like his new father. She hoped he remembered nothing of Liam, for his own sake. "I want him to bear your name, Dargus. I want him to be ours. That he's got Liam's blood in him is bad enough. I want nothing more to trace this child back to him. As far as I'm concerned, he was born Va'Lesh Kandran. That's how I want it to always be."

"Then he shall be Va'Lesh Kandran. I would be proud to have him bear my name. When we return from our honeymoon, we can make it official with the Tae'Karadan officials. He'll be ours and only ours, my love."

Yelara expelled a breath of relief and leaned against Dargus. "Yes, my love," she whispered. "Then everything will be perfect. Let's be on our way, then. I can't wait to introduce the family to Orinth."

Dargus put one arm around her waist and the other continued to tickle Leshie. "Eventually we'll live in the palace on Tae'Karada, but how would you like a home on Corellia too? A large home with lots of space and land. I've never really had much property other than my ships. I think I'd like a mansion of our very own."

"Where Leshie and Yara could run around, and Keeve and Kallia can have as much sex as they wanted in their sound-proofed room without shattering all the chandeliers." Yelara smiled dreamily. "Sounds wonderful, my lord."

"Idyllic," Dargus said as they ascended the ramp to the ship. Once they were inside, the ramp closed, sealing them inside and away from the rest of the ship. And, with that, Dargus and Yelara Kandran's honeymoon had begun.

"Resistance Movement"
by Tyriam "Ty" Kat'Ritara [NPC+]
Tasia Harough [NPC+]
and Chrak [NPC+]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 12, 4ABY

***

Tyriam Kat'Ritara stole back through the darkened, unused corridors of the Drogen Shipyards. The sounds of air traffic behind him had diminished to nothing. The datapad he carried had been safely tucked into the side pocket of his pants, and his portable computer was strapped to his back. He came to another intersection and slowed his movement. At the corner, he glanced down both directions and then fled across and down further into the darkness.

Since the station had been abandoned, he'd more or less been on his own, along with a few others. Their resistance was in the early stages, but they were doing well so far. He was on his way back from an intelligence gathering mission, and he had things to report. At least they hadn't caught Mrs. Anoran yet, and Captain Kir was still free as well, according to what he'd found.

Ahead of him, a light flickered. The signal. He brought his hand down to the handlamp at his belt, and flashed it back at the person who'd signalled him. Once the signs had been given, he sped his way.

"Success," he whispered. "They didn't detect me, and we're still safe. They know something's up, but they don't know who it is."

The woman blending in with the shadows swept a loose strand of brown hair from her eye and pulled Ty deeper into the shadows. "Good. You make sure they never find out either or you'll put us all into jeopardy."

The stench of feces and urine was thick in the air, and although it was tough to stand at times, at least it kept the Imps away. As the two crept through the narrow passageway, Tasia Harough forced down her associates head and smiled at him in the darkness. "You always forget about that low-hanging pipe, don't you?"

Ty chuckled softly. "Yeah," he said. "You'd think after the first seven times, I would have learned. And, don't worry, I'm careful snooping around. I honestly don't think this place is high enough priority to station a good slicer here. Their online security is pathetic. I've got all the data I downloaded in a datapad. We can go over it when we're out of here. I'm buying this time, aren't I?"

Tasia's chocolate eyes flashed with humour. "Who taught you those manners, young man? Don't you know you're never supposed to ask a woman that question? Especially attractive, dangerous women."

Ty chuckled again. "I'll take that as a yes," he said. "And, I learned my manners within the confines of a corporate enclave, nearly chained to my desk. Which I imagine is still quite a bit better than the way men are raised her