"Gripping Nightmares"
By: Cole Slaton
Laedra Vorrel

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

He lay in his bed tossing and turning, he was dreaming...dreaming nightmares. The bed shook under him, both the bedside tables vibrated with the lamp falling over, smashing on the floor, spilling glass everywhere.

"Who's there!?!" he demanded. He stood in a dark room, at first it seemed pitch black, unable to see anything, but the more he looked he could see shapes moving within the darkness. Noises came out from the dark, whispers of distorted words. "Who's here!?!" he demanded again, his voice rising with panic.

"Who do you think..." a deep male voice replied as a figure emerged from the darkness, stepping out into view. He wore a large robe, similar to that of the Jedi but black as the night sky. The hood was pulled up over his head, hiding his face in shadows. "Did you think I wouldn't forget? Did you think you could escape me so easily?"

"Who are you?" Cole whispered. He had wanted to shout out the words but fear nagged at him constantly. The figure lifted his head. At first Cole could see nothing but shadows cast over the figure's face then two burning orbs exploded. Where his eyes should be was nothing but flames; they gave no light to reveal the rest of his face.

"Do you not recognise the face of who you murdered?" the figure asked. Cole stepped back and shook his head.

"No...no...it can't be...no!!" He lifted his hands, placing them over his ears but the figure's words still came through like nails being driven into his skull.

"But it can be, Mr. Slaton...you killed me! You sent me to hell...!!" the figure roared, stepping forward towards Cole. "I'm here to return the favour!" With his next step fire raged up his leg under the robe he wore. It ran up his other leg at the same time, merging when hitting his stomach. The flames continued up over his chest until they engulfed every inch of him. But his robe remained untouched; it contained most of the heat, keeping it away from Cole but some still managed to escape, hitting Cole, forcing him back.

"I didn't mean to!! Please!"

"Please... Please!!! That word has no mean for me now...no meaning!!" the figure roared. His eyes burned hotter if it were possible. He reached up with his hands and flames shot out from his hands. They struck Cole in the chest, throwing him back. He slammed into an invisible wall behind him. He hit the ground and started patting the flames out that covered his chest. Smoke rose up into the air around him. Through the smoke he looked up and saw the figure stepping up to him, flames dancing all over his body. "You believe that was pain...that was nothing!" he chuckled, lifting his hands once more. Cole lifted his own, trying to protect himself. Fire shot out, hitting a barrier that encased Cole. The flames danced over the surface as if trying to find a way through, a way inside to get at Cole but the barrier blocked them. "You think that will protect you?"

Sweat ran down his face. Though the flames were being beaten back the heat wasn't. His hair was plastered to his face, he could feel the sweat running down his back. This couldn't be real?! How could this be happening? He crouched lower to the ground as the barrier protecting him, shrank more and more inch by incredible inch.

"No one can save you...you're all mine!" The barrier cracked like glass until a hole appeared. The fire raged through the small hole like a hole in a dam. The fire struck him instantly, engulfing everything within the barrier.

He screamed out when he woke, throwing his hands out. The bedside tables were thrown forward. One smashed into the far wall, spilling its contents while the wooden fragments fell to the floor. The second table smashed through the window, vanishing from sight along with glass fragments that followed. The lighting in the room exploding, covering the room in total darkness. His heart raced, threatening to explode. His eyes looked right and left, expecting the figure to jump out at him. But he was alone, he was always alone.

***

Laedra Vorrel was already awake when a persistent knock sounded at the door of her quarters. She had sensed the turbulent emotions arising from somewhere within the Temple, as had Koran Darr, who was, too, waking. While he did so, Laedra rose, summoning her robe into her hand as she rushed for the door. When it swung open, the young boy who had been rapping gave a startled gasp, which he quickly recovered from. "Joran?" Lae prompted curiously. "What is it?"

"My roommate, Master," he answered timidly, pointing down the hallway. "He's...and the tables...and screaming... I think something's wrong!"

Laedra told Koran to stay in bed while she slipped on her robe. Then she hurried off, with Joran's small legs carrying him quickly to lead the way. When they neared the room he shared with Cole, Laedra held a hand up to keep Joran back. He obeyed, though appeared disturbed by what had happened. With a reassuring smile, Laedra edged into the room.

She sensed no danger, only a prevalent terror and anguish she understood all too well. In the darkness, she searched the room, and spotted the shattered glass littering the floor where a window had been smashed out. Both beds were empty, their sheets rumpled, but the one bed nearest the window showed signs of one who had been in an agitated sleep. The sheets had been thrown clear off the mattress, leaving a trail behind the one who had occupied the bed. As Laedra's gaze followed the swath of linen, it found Cole, curled up in a ball and rocking compulsively. She sighed and approached carefully. "Cole?" she whispered. "What has happened?"

He looked up dimly, hearing a voice in the back of his mind. It was him! "No!!" he screamed, throwing his arms up. The bed beside him rose up. He was about to throw it at him when he blinked. It wasn't him, it wasn't... It was...Laedra. He released the bed and it slammed down to the floor, the noise echoing around him. He clamped his hands over his ears, shutting his eyes tightly. "Make him go...make him go!!" he shouted louder and louder, rocking back and forth.

As he shouted, ornaments that had managed to stay in one piece started to shake. One fell off from a shelf, smashing over the ground below it, but Cole never even heard it hit. "I didn't mean to...it wasn't my fault...he made me... I didn't mean to... Make him go!" A vase rose up from the shelf beside before it exploded. The shards and fragments were held suspended in mid air.

Laedra kept herself protected with a bubble of the Force; broken pottery glanced off the invisible surface, and were deflected harmlessly away. Once near Cole, Laedra knelt beside him and laid an arm on his shoulder. She injected a sense of calm into him, trying to expel whatever nightmare had seized him. "There is no one," she whispered soothingly. "Let go, Cole. Just let go."

His haunted eyes looked up at her. It seemed he was trying to look through her as if expecting her to be nothing more than another person dreamed up. He had pretended to be other people before, but always it was him. Always. "How do I know..." he whispered. "How...? Is it you...?" he asked, hoping, praying it really was her. He couldn't stop his hands from shaking; the more he tried the worse they shook.

Laedra smiled gently, and took both of Cole's hands between hers to keep them steady. "Do I feel like myself?" she asked softly. "Let the Force guide you, Cole. It will give you the answers you seek."

Did she really think he understood a word she said? Had she forgotten this was his first night? Let the Force guide you.... Please! He shook his head though kept his mouth firmly shut, closing his eyes. "I don't know how..." he finally whispered.

"You will," she assured him. "Train with us, and you can make it go away, Cole. I promise."

"Anything..." he whispered, answering her. "I want...him gone..."

"In time," Laedra murmured and finally slipped her arms around Cole in an embrace. "Just close your eyes, and relax," she whispered. "I'll give you temporary relief...but the rest is up to you." With that said, Laedra extended the shielding Force bubble around her and wrapped Cole in it. "Let go...." she told him softly.

He breathed out heavily. "Let go..." he whispered to himself, not caring if Laedra heard or not. "Let go..." he whimpered again, trying to relax. It was harder than before. The nightmares were always different but always ended the same. He had a feeling who the figure was but his identity remained a mystery. Slowly, very slowly, he started to relax but it was hard work. Laedra helped. His hands stopped shaking and his heart returned to normal.

She smiled. "Good. Now...did you wish to sleep? Or I can remain here and we can discuss what happened." Idly stroking his hair, she added, "It is sometimes very good to talk."

"Never worked before..." Cole said, taking deep breaths before nodding. "Though it couldn't hurt..." He glanced at Joran standing in the doorway, still nervous at entering. He looked back at Laedra, his eyes shifting to where Joran was standing. "Can we talk somewhere else...?"

"Of course." Holding him for a moment longer, Laedra then relinquished her embrace and rose smoothly. "Come. Some fresh air might do us both a little good." She extended a hand to him to offer aid.

He looked at the hand but stood by himself. He'd been on his own for most of his life - old habits died hard. He stepped up to his cupboard and pulled out a dressing gown, sliding his arms through the sleeves. "Fresh air does sound appealing..." he said with a half-hearted smile.

"Doesn't it?" Laedra chuckled lightly and moved towards the door with a grace accrued through years of training in the Jedi arts. "Joran," she said to the young man, still watching them with wide-eyed wonder, "you may return to bed." The young boy nodded briskly, then hurried past Laedra into his room. Tying her robe closed, Laedra started down the corridor, Cole now joining her. "Perhaps we should begin with you telling me how long ago all this started."

He glanced back at the door for a moment before replying. "When it all started...when I was born..." he replied just above a whisper. "My mother died giving birth to me, some kind of complication, I never got the whole story. My father was a career minded ass in the navy, a captain of his own deepspace cruiser. He blamed me for her death. We were never close. I grew up with different baby sitters, nannies.... I was thirteen when I received a message through military channels. My father: 'Missing In Action'."

They stepped along the wide corridor of the temple. It was empty apart from Cole and Laedra. "It didn't take the banks long to move in. We owed a lot of money. Taking what I could, I fled. Been on the streets ever since."

Parts of Cole's history seemed to run parallel to Laedra's. She nodded in complete understanding. "I dwelled on my own past for most of my life as well," Laedra confessed. "It took me years to overcome the hatred, the pain, the resentment I felt towards my parents and..." She sighed, remembering Ina. "And others.... You will learn to do the same, Cole. The past is something that you cannot change. To dwell on it, to allow it to torment you only gives it life. Do you really wish for it to occupy your thoughts any further?"

Cole shook his head. "It's all I know...it's all I've ever known..." he countered, looking down at the ground as they walked along the large stone slabs. "I worked for criminals..." he began again. There was much more to tell. "Crime Lords, lowlives... I did everything and anything to get money. I was on a job, owners of shops and stores paid for protection and I was sent to collect from an old man who hadn't paid. I knew something was wrong the second I entered that damn apartment building where he lived. He had two sons, and they brought a friend with them."

Cole stopped, looking up at the ceiling before his eyes returned to Laedra. "We kicked down the door expecting the old man, they jumped us. My...friend...was knocked unconscious and thrown into a corner while they threw me into the main room." He ran his hand through his hair, scratching at an itch before continuing. "I don't remember much of what happened, at the end of it I couldn't even feel them hitting him. Something...happened...the tables started shaking, a lamp exploded, lights smashed... I don't know why but I threw my hands out at one of the men."

He looked deep into her eyes before continuing. "I watched as he flew back through the window. We were on the eighteenth floor. In the confusion I picked myself up and escaped. I later found out, the man killed was that old man's son. I killed his son! He was protecting his father and I killed him! He's dead because of me...!"

"Not you," Laedra told him firmly, gripping his arm for emphasis. "Let me ask you this, Cole: If you could have controlled your powers...would you have killed that boy?"

"It doesn't making any difference!" he shouted, waving his hand in the air. "It was me who killed him, it was me who sent him through that window. No one else was in that room...but me!!"

"It does matter," Laedra countered gently. "It matters because you had no intention of killing that boy. You regret what happened...it proves that you have a good heart, Cole. It proves that, if you had been in control of these unbridled powers of yours, you would never have even thought of harming him. That's what matters, Cole."

"He's not the only one I've killed...." he countered, tears forming in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away before they fell. "You know the police arrested me... I shot someone. And that does not need Jedi powers! I pulled the trigger... I watched the life drain from his eyes..."

Cole's grief was palpable and it took all of Laedra's discipline in the Force to prevent it from overwhelming her. "Cole, did you have another choice?" she asked softly. "Even Jedi must kill when all other options elude them. Even we are not so noble as to sacrifice ourselves in the face of ultimate defeat, not unless it will serve a purpose."

It took all Cole's control to stop shouting at her. He sighed heavily, nodding as he looked away. "Then you can't get rid of him..."

"It is not for me to do," Laedra explained. "This will be your journey as a Padawan. It will be the obstacle you must overcome on your quest to be a Jedi." She smiled to lessen the sternness of her words. "Do you understand?"

He nodded, though reluctantly. "I understand..." He was hoping he would find help here; he was half right. They were just offering a different kind. "I've nothing else on my calendar... I'll stick around..." he said with a genuine smile and a half wink.

Laedra chuckled gently and squeezed his shoulder. "I am glad. You do still have to clean up the mess you made, after all." With a playful wink, Laedra continued towards the doors leading out of the Temple.

Cole visibly winced, shaking his head, running his hand through his hair. "Yeah...suppose you're right, I did sort of mess up the place." He sounded proud more than anything. He stepped out of the Temple and saw the stars shining in the night sky. Soft whispers of cloud hung in the sky, slowly floating by. The forest was buzzing with life and noise coming from animals more at home in the night than day, much like Cole. "When do I get my lightsaber?" he askedn getting straight to the point.

"When you can learn to wield it," Laedra answered. A brief gust of wind fluttered her loose brown hair. She pulled her robe closed tighter. "First, you must learn the basics, then you must earn your lightsaber. But, a Jedi only uses their weapon when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, we rely on the Force."

He shrugged, trying to act as if he didn't care one way or another, but truth be said he had wanted to get his hands on a lightsaber. Was a handy weapon. "Can you tell me about it? How does it work...how do I do the things...I do...?"

Laedra nodded slowly. "A lightsaber is personal to each Jedi. You will learn to make your own, and only when you have mastered the Jedi principles, basic combat, use of the Force..." She smiled at Cole, reminiscing. "In the past, Jedi would travel vast distances, to the planet Ilum to find their own crystal - the one required to complete a lightsaber - as part of their Trials. Perhaps, in time, we will return to those ways...." Laedra sighed wistfully, thinking of her own past and how much enrichment she received in seeking out her own Force crystal. As arduous as the task was, it had been the most excitement she had experienced in all her life. "Maybe one day..." she whispered.

"Are there different kinds of Jedi?" he asked, walking with Laedra. There had to be varieties of abilities from one Jedi to another. "Where does the Force come from? Who was the first and how did he master all these...abilities?"

Laedra sighed, realizing their walk was destined to be a long one, but she was always glad to answer. "Each Jedi has an ability or a number of abilities they are especially adept at. You, for example, will be quite skilled at telekinesis, I imagine. As to where the Force comes from.... No one really knows," she answered truthfully. "All we need know is that it does exist, and that it flows through each of us. In it, you could say, we are all linked."

Cole nodded looking to the trees. "Even the animals?" he asked. "Trees...plants?"

Laedra laughed with mirth. "Everything. If you open your mind, relax, you can feel the Force." She watched Cole curiously, and asked, "Would you like to try?"

Cole licked his lips before slowly nodding. He looked around him for a moment before stepping closer to Laedra, wiping his sweaty hands on his dressing gown. "What do I have to do?" he asked.

She clasped his hands and slowly lowered herself to the dewy grass below. She encouraged Cole to follow. "I'll help you," she told him, and once he was seated, she rested their joined hands atop her knees. "You'll have to close your eyes. And, trust me."

He took a tentative glance around him, breathing heavily before nodding almost to himself. He closed his eyes, relaxing his body, trusting Laedra. He had to start somewhere, why not now?

Sensing his compliance, Laedra let out a calming breath then instructed Cole to do the same. "It might be hard, but clear your mind. Think of nothing. Just...open yourself to the sounds of the forest, of the leaves fluttering on the wind, the fresh smell of dawn approaching - all of it."

Cole allowed the breath he was holding to escape through his nose. He tried to empty his mind. Someone had once taught him a technique, 'Flame and the Void', used to shoot. He formed the flame within his mind and pushed everything into it, fear, doubt, anger, hatred. Then the flame flickered out, leaving nothing but the void, nothing but emptiness. He opened himself to everything around him.

A family of squirrels sleeping soundly in their home deep within the tree, an owl flying above the forest, looking at the ground, hunting for prey, a mouse running across the ground, searching for food, a young dear following her mother through the forest. These and more. He could even feel the plants and trees, the very grass beneath them and around them. Then something happened. He caught a glimpse of something. So huge, it was like a blinding light, the light of a thousand suns all burning together.

His eyes popped open and he looked at Laedra sitting in front of him. "That was...incredible..."

Laedra bowed her head in acknowledgement. "That," she said, "was the Force. You will learn to let it guide you. You will learn to turn to it when the dreams come again, or the guilt. But, never use it to act out on your emotions, Cole," she warned. "That is the most dangerous thing a Jedi can ever do."

"Why...?" he asked. "What will happen if I do?"

"You could," she stressed, "fall to the dark side, a place more frightening than even your dreams, Cole. I equate it with death, for that is essentially what it is. You lose yourself to it, and many never return."

Cole nodded, remembering his nightmares all too well. He almost shivered but held it back. "I'll remember that..." he finally said, looking back at her.

She smiled. "Good. It will be a continuing struggle, as it is for all Jedi" --Laedra frowned momentarily-- "even myself. But...I will help if you ever falter, Cole. We all will." Sighing, Laedra gathered her feet beneath her and rose. "That said...we still need to find you a master."

"I take it no one is jumping at the chance..." Cole said, slowly rising. He knew it would happen. Who would want to teach me?

"We still haven't discussed it," Laedra told him. "But, someone would be glad to, Cole. We are all devoted to the Force. Training new Padawans, no matter how troublesome they are" --she smiled teasingly at him-- "is an honour for us all."

"Mmmm..." Cole didn't sound very convinced but he let the matter go. "I think it might be time to go back to bed....or what's left of it..."

"Of course. You can clean the mess up in the morning if you like," Laedra told him.

He muttered several choice phrases underbreath as he walked with Laedra back towards the temple. He hadn't cleaned a room in his life and he wasn't about to start any time soon.

---

"Unforgivable"
By: Zari Zathmir [NPC+]
Kaysa Zenarr
Cadwin Tarell [NPC+]
Maeren Shivral
Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Kallia Brael
Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat

Location: Agarra; Arcadia
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Zari looked up from where she sat and looked across the room where Kaysa and Cadwin were huddled together, whispering. She giggled in remembrance of what she'd seen. She'd also seen Maeren and Kallia, though they'd done different things together. She'd been able to find some perfect hiding places from where she could observe, and even used some of the tricks Kallia had taught her to keep from being spotted. So far, she'd seen Kaysa with all the others, but she did not appear to be sharing Cadwin, despite all the suggestions to the contrary. The wondering only helped to pique Zari's curiousity

The soft scratching on the pad in front of her continued again as she added in more features on the sketch she was making. Her hand moved quickly and easily, filling out the frames of each of her subjects. She wasn't sure if she was capturing the emotion as Maeren always told her, but she smiled at the improvements she could see in her own work since meeting Maeren again. When they weren't here, and the others weren't off having sex, or she wasn't training, she and Maeren would draw together.

"Wait!" she cried out as Kaysa tried to get off the couch, then sketched frantically. Once satisfied, she looked up and grinned. "Okay, you can move now."

"Next time you're secretly drawing me," Kaysa quipped, "at least give me some warning. If I'd known, I would've worn my hair up." She smiled at the young girl, and this time managed to get upright. Taking a moment to steady herself, Kaysa sighed, then started for the kitchen. "So, when is your much anticipated art debut?" she asked the young girl playfully.

"Soon, I think," Zari said, then waved at Cadwin and followed after Kaysa. "At least you have your clothes on though. Usually when I decide to draw Maeren, she's naked. Not that that's a bad thing, though I like drawing clothes because there's more contrast and stuff. Usually, though, I'll add some clothes on her, even if she's not wearing them. Just to see what my imagination comes up with, and I get to practice folds and stuff."

"With Maeren, the only place she'd be caught dead in clothes is in a drawing," Kaysa retorted. "With Keeve gone, she's become more liberal regarding that."

Zari giggled. "I think Kallia is enjoying the freedom here too," she said. She leaned closer to Kaysa and whispered, "Maeren has a lot of influence that way. I think if she could, she'd turn everyone into exhibitionists. If all clothes just went away, I think she'd just explode with happiness."

"Well, she shouldn't," Kaysa replied with a thin frown. She opened the refrigeration unit and perused its contents. "Cadwin, you wouldn't dare look at another woman, would you?"

"Never," Cadwin called, and then appeared in the doorway. He moved in behind Kaysa and folded his arms around her. "Besides, Maeren and Kallia are too caught up in each other to really be of any interest to me, and that just leaves Zari here. Though, now that you mention it..." He grinned when the girl blushed.

Kaysa slapped his arm. "Cool it, Mr. Testosterone. She's just a girl, and your wife is here, remember?"

"I'm kidding, Kayse," Cadwin said with a grin. "She's cute and spunky, and a real charmer, but I've got my one and only right here." He gave Zari a glance, and gave her a little chuck on the chin. "Sorry about that, kid. I'm definitely taken."

Once again, Zari blushed and giggled. "It's okay," she said somewhat shyly, "you're too old for me anyway."

Cadwin clamped a hand suddenly over his heart and gasped. "Oh, Kibbie, she got me. Shot in the heart." He stumbled against Kaysa, and gave up the pretense to laughter. "I'm not too old for you, am I, Kibs?"

She sighed and appeared deep in thought. "Well...it was attractive when I was sixteen...."

"Oh, Kibbie, say it isn't so," Cadwin said with a laugh. "Just as long as you don't run off with Zari here, and find some jungle home high in the trees where you can draw and joke about decrepit old men." He gave her a wink. "The old pride just can't handle the strain."

She chuckled dryly. "Pride? You still have some of that left despite walking around in those clothes?"

Cadwin looked at himself. "What's wrong with my clothes?"

Kaysa shrugged dismissively and slipped away. "Oh...nothing at all...." She shared a secret grin with Zari.

Zari giggled. "I think the problem," she said as she skipped after Kaysa, "is that you're still wearing them, silly."

"Oh," Cadwin called, following after them, "is that so?"

"No, that is not so," Kaysa replied, giving Zari an admonishing glare.

Zari giggled. "Sorry," she said. "I just thought with all the naked talk, you wanted him...well, naked. I mean, if I were a boy and looked like him, I would be proud to walk around naked."

"But only in the confines of one's bedroom," Kaysa stressed. "Isn't that so, Cad?"

"Exactly," Cadwin answered quickly. "Only in the bedroom, and the shower. Now, stop trying to get me in trouble, Zari, or I will tell Maeren you've been adding clothing to the pictures you've been drawing of her."

"No! Okay, I'll be good!"

Kaysa laughed at the two as she again ensconced herself on the couch. She set the juice she'd selected onto the table, and leaned back with a sigh. "Come on, Zari, you can draw some more while I relax."

Zari let out a squeal of delight and rushed back to where her pad still rested. She flopped down on the other side of it and picked up the stick of charcoal. A moment later, the gentle scribble-sound of her sketching whispered across the room.

"That is a beautiful pose," came Shiv's excited voice from the door of the room. She wore only a skirt, and motioned for Kaysa to follow. "But you have to move! Quick! Here! Comm! From Tae'Karada! Come on!"

"What?" Kaysa hastily rose from the couch again, looking nonplussed, relieved, and definitely anxious. Without another word, she rushed forward despite the hefty bulk at her abdomen. "Is it Keeve?" she asked once close enough to Shiv.

Shiv nodded. "Kallia's talking to them now, but it's all of them, Kaysa. It's Merrick, and Zale, and Keeve! They're okay!"

Kaysa's joy sparked briefly, then fizzled away at the quick reminder of the images she'd seen displayed across a hundred vidscreens, all of Zale grinning with vicious glee as he violated Merrick. She shuddered and strode numbly past Shiv into the room. Kallia was on the bed with her back to them and gentle murmurs were audible as she spoke to the terminal. An image dominated the screen, but she couldn't yet tell who it was. She didn't want to know. "Kallia," she called out quietly.

There was a pause in the conversation across the room, and Kallia held up a hand to whoever it was she was speaking with, and then slid off the bed and moved to Kaysa, a questioning eyebrow raised.

Kaysa nodded slowly, and kept her eyes fully on Kallia as she moved towards the comm unit. As she neared, a familiar voice from the screen drew her attention towards it, and the sight of the concerned, yet tender smile offered to her brought a sigh of relief. Kaysa sank down onto the bed.

"Mom? Is everything okay?"

Kaysa laughed softly at the title he'd chosen instead of her name, and brushed her fingers over the image of Keeve's cheek. "Everything's good now," she whispered. His smile was filled with less tension, then. "Keeve...Merrick and Zale..."

He sighed. "They're here... Do you want to talk to them?"

Her hesitation was obvious in the delay of her response.

"You know you don't have to, Mom," he told her gently.

"No...I want to," she assured him. "Just...can I see Merrick first?"

Keeve smiled. "Just one sec." Then he was gone from the screen. It was a few moments before anyone appeared, and when they did, it was a disheveled and haggard looking Merrick. Kaysa sobbed.

His eyes brightened when he saw her, and he reached out and brushed a hand over the video screen wishing it could be her. "Kaysa," he whispered. "You don't know how wonderful it is to see your face, to see you. I love you, Kaysa. I...I want...I missed you."

"Me too," she whispered thickly, then laughed softly. "Merrick...you look horrible."

Merrick gave a wry laugh. "Yeah," he said. "It's been a rough four months without you. I'm alive though, which is a very good thing. And, I hope to see you very soon. Should...should I come there, or...or will you be coming here?"

Kaysa sighed. She hadn't expected Zari or Cadwin to come into their lives, and couldn't simply uproot either to return to Tae'Karada. "I'll...I'll have to get back to you on that one. But for now..." Lines formed on her brow, giving her features a clearly distressed quality. Her eyes refused to look at Merrick. "I saw things...you and Zale... Oh gods...what happened there, Merrick?"

"They made us...it was..." He glanced behind him, then leaned close to the imager, lowering his voice as he did. "Zale...he enjoyed it too much. They made us...with each other, with others...oh gods, Kaysa, it was...I try to block it out. I broke...it was so hard to fight, but...but in the end...I'm...oh gods." He closed his eyes and opened them again. "I don't know...about him...now."

Her fears were validated by Merrick's testimony, and she could do nothing but tremble. "I need to speak with him," she said flatly. "Alone."

Merrick nodded. "We'll...we'll leave...I know...I know he wants to talk to you too. I love you, Kaysa."

She sighed and met his gaze once more. "I love you, Merrick. There's so much I have to tell you..." Smiling tenderly, she kissed the tip of her finger and pressed it to Merrick's lips. "We'll speak again soon."

Merrick nodded, then stepped away. There was quiet conversation away from the vidlink, and then Zale appeared. Worry shone in his eyes, but he gave her a smile. "Kaysa," he said softly. "I...I have so much to tell you...it's...oh gods."

She turned her cheek to him, glancing over her shoulder at those in the room. "Please, leave now."

There was no complaining at her demand, and except for Zari, who lingered for a moment, then followed, leaving Kaysa and Zale alone. The worry in his eyes deepened and he sighed. "I know you're upset," he began, then stopped not knowing what else he could say to the look she was giving him.

"I'm not upset," she told him with little emotion. "I can't afford to be. I mean, I always suspected you were this way - a lecherous bastard incapable of controlling his urges." Kaysa smiled grimly. "It's why you cheated on me the first time around, isn't it?"

"No," Zale answered. "That's not why. The situations were different. It was a mistake the first time, a flaring of passion that got out of hand. This time...they would have killed us. Things may have gotten out of hand, but they wanted that of us, wanted the carnality, wanted the brutality. If it weren't me, it would have been someone else with him."

"And perhaps someone else wouldn't have enjoyed it," she riposted, and found herself surprisingly calm. There was only disdain, however, when she stared at him. "What's happened to you, Zale?" she whispered. "What have you become?"

"Maybe I have darker passions, Kaysa," he said. "Maybe I enjoyed the control too much. But Merrick, he--" He sighed, and shook his head. "He didn't deserve that, regardless of what I thought. He...I enjoyed it because it was him, Kaysa. I do care about Merrick. How can you not live with someone, share the same wife, and not develop some sort of attachment? Perhaps it was dark and forbidden, but...I thought I was doing what was best for both of us, to keep us alive."

Kaysa's eyes narrowed and in a burst of rage she slammed her fist onto the stand elevating the terminal. The visage of Zale rippled, then returned to focus. "How dare you," she rasped. "You were smiling-- Laughing while Merrick was weeping! Damn you, Zale! You were tormenting him and you enjoyed it! Was that part of your fantasies about him?"

"No," Zale said. "No, it wasn't. They were watching, Kaysa. What was I supposed to do? Refuse? I had to, and I had to enjoy it, or at least look like I was. It was wrong of me, but...but I didn't see any other choice under the circumstances."

"Then why is Merrick afraid of you?" she asked. "Why does he feel the need to warn me!"

"Because he feels betrayed," Zale said. "Because I wasn't able to protect us, to get us out of it. And, because there were parts of our captivity that he actually enjoyed."

"Shut up!" If Kaysa could have slapped him then, she would have. Instead, she shook her head disparagingly at the screen. "He was right, wasn't he? You have changed...and I'm not so sure I want you anywhere near me." Kaysa looked down at her distended belly, and the developing child within it. She soothingly pressed a hand to it, and whispered, "Or our baby." The moment of bewilderment, followed by shock in Zale's eyes went unnoticed by Kaysa, and unacknowledged as she sighed. "Goodbye, Zale." Then she ended the transmission, collapsed onto the bed, and wept into the pillow. "Oh gods," she whispered hoarsely. "Zale..."

A moment later, the door opened and Shiv slipped inside. She closed it quietly and approached the bed. She sank down next to Kaysa and pulled her into her arms. "Oh Kaysa," she whispered.

***

Zale stumbled backward, staring at the blank screen. Sorting through what he just heard, reordering it in his mind, and crying out both mentally and audibly. He collapsed to his knees, bringing the table down with him. "Oh gods, no..."

"Zale? What the hells--" Keeve approached him cautiously, staring at the mess. "Kaysa took it hard, I gather."

"She...she...she broke it off." Zale looked up at Keeve. "She ended it. And, she's having our child, our baby. And, she's ending it with me. Because of what happened."

Keeve sighed and held out a hand to Zale. "I know. She left to begin with because she found out about the pregnancy. She didn't want to say anything until your brothers were dealt with."

Zale nodded. "You'll...will you talk to her, Keeve? Will you...I don't know. I don't know if she'll ever want me back."

Hefting Zale to his feet, Keeve answered, "Give her time, Zale. Let her come home first, then talk to her in person. She'll get past this."

Zale turned to see where Merrick watched him, a hidden smile seeming to curl his lips. "She may," he said. "But will he?"

"He will," Merrick said as he approached. "Given time, and a little just desserts, and yes. But, it will take time. It will probably take a lot of time." He turned to Keeve. "I want to go to her. Can you make the arrangements?"

He nodded curtly, and looked skeptically between the two. "I can go now...but should I leave you guys alone?"

Merrick glanced at Zale, then shook his head. "No, I think it would only just diminish his chances of ever making peace with us again. He can suffer for a bit, as he's made us suffer. Perhaps it will do him good to feel the pain of his actions for awhile. If I didn't love Kaysa so much, I'd throw his ass over the table and let him really know how it feels."

Keeve raised both eyebrows and chuckled wryly. "Come on, then. You can help me make the arrangements." He started for the door, but kept his periphery focused on Merrick...just in case.

Merrick followed after Keeve, but stopped in the doorway. "Time to make some hard decisions, Zale," he said. "I hope you make the right ones. And, in the meantime, get help." With that, he was gone.

***

The tears had subsided, but Kaysa remained still in Shiv's embrace. She hadn't said a word for hours, and only listened to Shiv's murmured reassurances that they would get through this, that everything would work out. Kaysa was loath to believe it.

Exhausted and emotionally spent, Kaysa sighed and nestled her cheek into Shiv's bosom as they lay together, with her lover stroking her hair soothingly. "Was I wrong?" she whispered after a time. "Maybe I overreacted..."

"Time will tell," Shiv said softly. "If nothing else, it'll make him think about what he did and where he wants his life to go from here." She kissed the top of Kaysa's head. "He was wrong to do what he did, and he deserves to be punished. After what he did to me...that one time, and then this. He has issues, Kaysa. Maybe, if things improve, we can get him some help." Shiv smiled as a bundle of white pounced onto the bed, and padded over to where they lay together. She let out a trilling mew, and nuzzled against Kaysa. Shiv grinned. "See?"

She laughed tearfully and tousled the fur atop Hope's white head. "Yeah...you're probably right. But...what if he needs my help to get through it? Gods...Shiv, he never abandoned me when I was having problems. How can I do that to him?"

"Let's go back to Tae'Karada then," Shiv said. "Let's go back...and talk to him. You can see him face to face, look in his eyes, and...and hopefully see if it can continue. What he did was bad, but...but I don't think he's a complete loss. And, it would be a terrible waste to toss out a lover like him."

Kaysa chuckled and kissed Shiv's cheek tenderly. "Even if I find I can't forgive him, we can still keep him around for sexual favours, right?" She sighed, and returned her head to Shiv's chest. "I do still love him, Shiv, and I don't want his child to never see him. It happened with Keeve, and I can't go through that again."

"We'll make it right again," Shiv said with a smile. "Everything will be good again, with you and your three husbands; and me and my husband and two lesbian lovers."

"I am not a lesbian," Kaysa quipped haughtily. "I am simply undecided."

"Well, Kallia's the same," Shiv said. "So, how about my bi-sexual lovers? And, if I ever see Lerrah again, maybe I could have a sometime lesbian lover, if my other lovers didn't mind, of course."

Kaysa smiled. "Of course not, Shiv. Now, Keeve on the other hand...."

"Well, we'll just have to see what Keeve thinks then," Shiv said with a giggle. "Now, how are you feeling, and is there any way I can make you feel better?"

"I'm feeling alright now," she sighed. Gazing up at Shiv and smiling, she whispered, "Thanks. This is why I love you so much, Shiv."

Shiv giggled. "Good," she said. "And, I love you, Kaysa. Shall we go rejoin the others, or did you want some more time in here. I think Hope's enjoying nuzzling with your arm."

The kitten molded perfectly to the bend at her elbow, and its warbling purrs provided a calming vibration along her arm. Kaysa sighed. "I'll stay here, with you. Though, we should probably let the others know everything's okay." She frowned and added, "And to make sure Cadwin still has his clothes on."

"Oh gods, if he's out there with Zari, good luck on that," Shiv said as she rolled her eyes. "I think she's made it her life's mission to make certain everyone in the galaxy gives up wearing clothes."

"Yet she's so insecure about her sexuality." Kaysa grinned. "You'll help her with that, I imagine...."

Shiv gave a big grin. "It would be an honour and a privilege to do so," she said with a giggle. "Someone has to help her with it, right? And, she is extremely curious."

"I know that from experience," Kaysa replied. "Do you know I caught her spying on Cadwin and I during...you know..."

"Really?" Shiv giggled. "That's really funny, because I caught her spying on me and Kallia too. She's a little peeping Zari."

"And Cadwin enjoys it." She sighed. "His ego, you know.... Which is kind of like Zale, I imagine. Could that be one of the reasons he did all those things, Shiv?"

"It's possible," Shiv said. "It's very possible. And, it looks like Cadwin's getting another chance, perhaps Zale should too. And, while I think he likes Zari, I don't think he'd do anything with her, but I don't think he minds letting her watch. I don't. It's probably a little twisted, but...I kind of like it. Not her specifically, but in general."

"Because you're an exhibitionist," Kaysa explained. "But..." She sighed and struggled to sit up. Hope mewed as the warmth of her arm left the kitten's back. "Let's go let them know things are fine."

"Okay," Shiv said. "And, make sure our little peeper doesn't have everyone stripped naked for her to 'draw' them. We're going to have to watch her, I think. She may end up being as naughty was we are." She held a hand out to Kaysa, a smile of love and affection curling her lips.

Kaysa returned it, taking Shiv's offered hand. "You know, my love, despite everything, I think we're gonna be okay."

"Me too," Shiv said as she kissed the hand clasped within hers. "We all love each other too much for it not to. There's too much love in our lives for it to fail."

She smiled, still experiencing a twinge of sorrow. She couldn't give Zale up so easily, no matter how she felt. But at least she had a home full of lovers and friends to comfort her, and the hope that her child, even without a father, would feel loved enough.

---

"The Man Comes Around, Part 1"
Erns Barca
Gloiphune [NPC]
Adza'iron Adzannas [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

The Abyssin stood silently in his brown robes, giant central eye blinking uncomfortably in the fog as clouds of it continued to jet out of the Quarter's four exhaust ports, swirling in vaporous pools below the freighter's frigid bulk. His lumpy green face was stone-set in careful neutrality, despite the gas and the chill of the cavernous shipyard berth; for he was happy, after all (or at least as happy as a miserable bastard of Byss could reasonably be expected to get), that Mr. Barca had finally arrived after such a long and eventful absence.

The aforementioned did not immediately appear. First the loading ramp set down, ejecting another disgusting cloud of vapor and with much wheezing of hydraulics. Then of course the battle droids clambered down it and took up station-- big, blaster- toting things, full of malevolent purpose and explosive ammunitions. The Abyssin regarded them unflinchingly, and fortunately they took no notice of him. But then there was a long moment of silence; and his eye began to water, from the irritation.

Finally the sound of multiple boots came down, pounding heavily on the ramp and punctuating a clear monotonous voice raised to yell over all of it. Mr. Barca appeared, dressed in pinstriped beige suit and yammering at someone through a tiny phone; he was followed as always by his indispensable adjutant, the Sullustani woman, Gloiphune. The Abyssin straightened up a bit further at the sight of them.

"I don't know," Barca yelled, as someone might to a dense three-year-old. "Look, just tell me what he....what he. Yes, I know! No. No." Clomping past the battle droids--neither of which moved--he spotted his cyclopean ally, and waved to him eagerly. "No. Look, it doesn't matter. Just keep me up on it, alright? I don't need all these details. Just keep me up. Look, Loli, I have to go! I'm meeting someone. Alright?" The Abyssin could now hear an agitated voice on the transceiver, buzzing like an insect. "Fine. Fine, I'll leave it up to you. Alright....yes. Alright. Bye." He immediately hung up and handed it off to the Sullustani, giving her an incredulous look. "For crying out loud...frogs!"

The Abyssin blinked, finally, as a couple more henchmen appeared at the top of the ramp and Erns turned his attention to their surroundings: the filthy, junk-strewn expanses of the Drogen berth. "What a shithole," he mumbled, sounding much put- upon; and then he sighed.

"Hello, Mr. Barca," the Abyssin piped in just then, "Excellent to see you again, sir." He blinked again, and bowed respectfully.

"It's been too long, Addie," Erns nodded, clapping him amicably on the shoulder as the other straightened back up. "Too long. Six, seven months, yes? You've met Gloiphune, I guess."

"Eleven, sir," the Abyssin nodded back, and gave a slight bow of professional regard to the Sullustani. "And four days. Greetings, Gloiphune. Welcome to Tae'Karada."

She did not answer, but looked at him stolidly with her huge black eyes. Erns just went rambling on happily to his old associate. "Eleven, well! Holee. All's well that ends well, I guess. C'mon, let's you and me catch up for a minute or two. Gloi, would you see to everything? Thank you. C'mon, Addie." He waved to his adjutant, who nodded and immediately turned back toward the crewmen on the ramp. The two smugglers continued on toward the entrance to the berth, arms thrown with great comradery over each other's shoulders, as Gloiphune clapped her hands three times and began to give out orders.

"Everything's been taken care of already, Mr. Barca," Adza'iron burbled happily; he had been waiting a long time to see his old employer. "We've got two bays paid up already to the end of the week, and as many more as you need on hold. Also several suites upstairs for your use. Will you be staying on the station long, or heading down planet-side?" Behind them the sounds of cargo lifts filled the hangar.

"I don't know," Erns admitted, leaning over to open the hatch leading out into the corridor, "I've spoken only briefly to Joka, and only in code-- we could only talk so much. How are you, you old rascal? How's business?"

"Business is fair," Addie shrugged, his tall frame bending a bit to get through the low hatch. "So am I. All in all, we're showing returns averaging 6.4 percent for this year. Not as good as last year, of course, but it's a rough market in the Rim just at present. A lot of Republic activity, downbeat competition, the rest of it." He did not go into much detail, as it was not required; Erns likely knew it all, already, and was only being polite. The news was not tremendously good, anyhow. "How was your trip, sir?"

They headed toward the lifts. "Oh, fine, fine," Erns smiled wearily. "A little tiring. Last minute details we had overlooked, you know. Have you been rotting away up here? Tell me you've been getting a little sun-- Tierfon's miserable, of course, and I'd like to get to a beach or something while I'm out here."

"I've only been here since last week, making preparations, sir." Addie looked both ways for any curious foot traffic, as was the custom of his profession. "But there are plenty of beaches here. Joka's looking after everything else perfectly well." He reached out to press the call button.

Erns laughed; he was obviously happy to escape the ship, even if only for the shipyards. "Good old Joka....I'm flabbergasted the place is still standing. What's this place like, then?"

"The planet, Mr. Barca?" Addie puzzled. "Or the shipyards?" His great eye blinked down at the smaller, though still heavily built, human.

"Either. The shipyards. Who runs it? I know who used to run it."

Addie rubbed his elbow, and then the lift door opened. It was empty, so they got in. "Some blonde witch," the Abyssin shrugged. "Name of Anoran. 'Administrator', you know." He pronounced her title with an extra bit of hardness, to emphasize her 'moral uprightness'.

"Appointee?" Erns sounded hopeful.

"Owner, unfortunately," the other replied, with a bit of professional disgust. "She's played for every side except the smart one, I guess. I doubt she'll know who you are-- which might be more helpful than not, all things being equal. If she did, she might not want us around." He set in the floor number, and up they went at a tremendous pace.

"Well," the gangster sighed, "who can blame her. If she used to work for the Imps, there've got to be eyeballs around already. We don't need this dump, anyway." He sounded supremely confident, a habit that had won him many allies-- including Addie. "What about the spaceports?"

"The big one out in New Plouton is run by some- thing called the Tregat brothers," the Abyssin sniffed. "The others benefit at least partly from their influence."

"Good heavens," Erns remarked, rather mildly. "What on earth is a Tregat brother?"

"They're invested pretty heavily in this system, in one form or another," Addie said, "Much like us, but more openly. Just local scum, sir. Looks like they've had a pretty bad run-in with the Tae'Karada Jedi council recently. It may take care of itself." The lift began to slow down, as they approached the upper levels.

"And it may not," Erns said lightly, taking a deep breath of air. "Get a closer look at them for me, would you?"

If Addie could have looked at him cockeyed, he probably would have."Of course, Mr. Barca....I take it this is a little more than a vacation?"

The human smiled breezily, staying silent.

---

"Moving Forward"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Raeila Selrid
Talara Sorenne

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

"I don't know, Koran." Laedra sighed and paced thoughtfully from the conference table towards the arched window letting in a stream of sunlight; it brought a soothing warmth as the golden light splashed across her face. "We cannot force Dani to be where she isn't content. I just wish she'd at least given us a chance."

Koran nodded and came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "If we could talk to her," he said. "Though, I don't know if there's any realistic way to break her of her devotion to Nieme, or her desire for whatever it is that Nieme seeks. I don't believe she is truly evil, though she will do anything Nieme asks of her." He sighed, remembering the encounter on the roof of the building where he'd found her. "Though, perhaps that isn't even true any more."

"There is no such thing as true evil," Laedra philosophized. "I saw the good in Dani that night at the Palace. I don't understand what went wrong..." Shaking her head regretfully, Laedra shifted around to face Koran. "We won't be forced to kill either of them, will we, Koran?" she whispered.

"There may be good in her," Koran said, "but her love for Nieme may override that. When I caught up to her...she was powerful, far too powerful. If we can't stop them, we may have to kill them." He turned away from her. "Dani's pheromones could be very dangerous as well. She overpowered me using her pheromones and the Force, and...and I was helpless against her."

Laedra smiled to herself. "You never did tell me what happened on that rooftop. You're ashamed that she defeated you?"

"Not just defeated," Koran said. "She...she overpowered me. I...she forced me to be with her, and I couldn't refuse. Her pheromones were so powerful, and she seized my mind...and...it was like I was a padawan in my first year again."

Raising a single eyebrow, Laedra said, "She forced you to have sex with her?" As inopportune a time as it was, Laedra could do nothing to restrain a chuckle. "That certainly is a unique ability.... Truly a foe to be feared."

Koran shook his head. "She did," he said. "Something with how she was using her pheromones and the Force together. It's a very distracting combination. And, I think it was three times before she finally left me."

Laedra pushed her tongue into her cheek to smother a laugh and nodded her head knowingly. "Truly a traumatic experience, Koran," she mock sympathized, then chuckled softly and strolled casually past him for the door.

Koran laughed and followed after her. "I'd like to see how well you'd hold up against her new secret power," he said. "And, here I thought you might be jealous."

"Why should I be?" she answered. Halting in the doorway, Laedra smiled skeptically and added, "Unless you enjoyed it...."

"To be honest," he said, "all I remember is the complete feeling of helplessness. And, that I felt more drained than I ever have before. It was like she took control of my mind and body, and I was only along as a spectator."

"Then we'll simply have to discover a way to counteract her powers." Laedra shrugged and coyly slipped away, while saying, "Unless you'd rather put up a brave front and go through it all over again...."

Koran shook his head. "I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I? You are a cruel, cruel woman, Laedra Vorrel. And, I love it, though I still want to see how well you can hold up against her ability to cause orgasms without laying a finger on you."

"I imagine pretty well," she answered slyly, "considering you haven't managed to accomplish that, and your fingers have been all over me."

Koran's eyes narrowed. "Is that how it is? I thought you were finished leading me on...I guess I was wrong."

"Koran..." Laedra's features sobered and now exhibited confusion. "What are you saying? I'm teasing...I thought you realized that."

Koran sighed and shook his head. "I guess I didn't," he said. "I didn't realize...I...I guess the thing with Dani has me doubting myself."

She frowned slightly, and laid a hand on Koran's arm to pull him aside in the corridor. "Koran...you could not have prepared for something like that," she told him soothingly. "How were any of us to know she held such power?"

"We've always known they were powerful," Koran answered. "Perhaps it was my own arrogance that kept me from seeing the danger in them, even if they are untrained. Together they're powerful, but apart...they're powerful in different ways." He shook his head and laughed. "I should have figured Dani would have some special affinity through the Force that had something to do with sex."

"Well, now we do know. And next time, we will be prepared." She smiled gently and caressed his cheek. "Don't dwell on this any longer. I promise to at least act jealous if you don't."

Koran laughed. "I won't," he said. "So, now that we know what she can do, how do we stop them? Hell, how do we find them?"

"We don't," she answered plainly. "We concentrate on making certain Talara doesn't take the same path as Dani, and we focus on keeping Tae'Karada safe. If we run into either of them again, we shall do what needs to be done. The Force, Koran," she whispered, "will guide us."

Koran smiled. "Good advice," he said. "So for now, we let them go but stay vigilant. And, we figure a way to stop them should we run into them again. So, until then, how would you like to grab a bite to eat and see if we can translate that last passage of the history we were working on?"

Laedra chuckled as she dropped her hand to his chest. "Both in the confines of your room, I gather?"

Koran smiled. "I won't object to that," he said as he covered her hand with his. "Would you?"

She shook her head, then kissed his cheek tenderly. "And I lied," she whispered as her lips to moved to his ear. "There were many orgasms while I shared your bed." And while letting the words sink in, Laedra coyly slipped away.

"Well, let's go see if we can add a few more," he said, then quickly followed after her, the situation with Dani fading for a little while...

***

A bubble of puerile, exuberant laughter fulminated as two young Padawans scampered down the cobbled path, filling the courtyard with the sounds of joy and innocence. Raeila looked up from the bed of flowers she was tending to watch the girl and boy chase one another, and was induced to laughter herself at the sight of them.

"They look so cute in their tiny robes." She grinned and turned her attention to Talara, who had once again chosen the white robes of a Jedi herself. It was farther than Dani had gotten before she left them once again. "You know you don't have to help me dig up these weeds, Tala. You can go play if you like."

"I like it here with you," Talara said as she adjusted her robes once more. "And, this is relaxing, and...and it helps me to stay calm and focused. I do still miss them, but it's not as bad. And, I like being with a friend, especially when Ferrig is busy in the city. Next to him, you're my next favourite." She looked up at Raeila and smiled. "You'd be my first favourite if I didn't love him though."

"I know," Rae answered warmly. "I don't blame you, either. All that matters is you're back, and I have a friend to talk to once again."

Tala smiled. "I like that," she said. She was silent for several minutes as they uprooted several more weeds, then she looked up again. "Rae, if what they did was so bad, why did some of it feel so good?"

Raeila sighed. She hadn't planned on being the one to give Talara the 'sex talk.' Planting her trowel into the soil, Raeila sat back with her hands propping her up and stared at Talara levelly. "It felt good because that's the way your body works. I mean...there aren't many people who don't like sex, Tala. It's okay if you liked it."

Talara blushed and nodded. "I liked it very much," she said with a mischievous smile. "Ferrig and I, we kiss and cuddle, and...and last night I tried to, but he said it was still too early for us. I think he's scared."

Raeila nodded solemnly. "It's been hard for him...and I think he's still unsure about everything. You've changed so much and it takes some getting used to. And," she added with a smile, "he really loves you, Talara, and he wants it to be right."

Tala smiled. "I know he does," she said. "And, I know he's scared. I need to figure out how to tell him it's alright. Master Laedra wouldn't be happy with me, though. She said I have to dress like a Jedi and behave like one, which means no boys."

"And what did you tell her?" Raeila asked.

"What could I tell her," Talara answered as she lifted the fabric of her robe for emphasis. "She'd be very cross if she knew that I was a little defiant though."

Raeila seemed worried as she said, "You really should talk to her, Tala. I don't think she's going to be lenient with you if she finds out you're disobeying her."

"It's not like she'll find out," she said. "And, she's not the kind of person you can talk to. She takes being a Jedi very seriously. So, Jedi should dress appropriately and act appropriately and wear underwear and things like that."

"Tala," Raeila warned, "she's not like she used to be. If you mess up...she'll punish you. She might even forbid you from seeing Ferrig. You have to do something, Talara."

"What can I do though?" Talara asked sullenly. "I don't know if there is anything. And, I can't just change who I am now, not after what I've been through. I need...I need to be with Ferrig, I love him. Maybe if I promise to be a good Jedi she'll let me wear the clothes I want and be with him."

"Then that's not exactly being a Jedi," Raeila told her gently, "now is it?"

"So you're saying I have to give him up too," Talara said, the dejection clear in her voice.

"No," she answered slowly. "I mean, Laedra has Koran, right? I guess...I'm just saying that you have to talk to Laedra. Dani and Nieme went bad because they loved each other more than being Jedi. You just have to figure out if you can love Ferrig, and be a Jedi." "I can," Tala said urgently. "I can, and I want to be. I'll be a good Jedi and I'll be very good for Ferrig. I can."

Raeila embraced Talara to quell her fears. "I know you can," she whispered, and kissed her friend's cheek. "You'll show them, Tala. You'll show them all."

"Thank you," Talara said with a happy smile. "I know I can with your help, Raeila." She looked up, suddenly shy. "Raeila, I know you and Ferrig are together, and you and Kael, and the three of you have been together. Did you...did you want to be with...with me and Ferrig?"

"You mean..." Raeila's eyes widened, conveying her dawning awareness. "You want to be with me?" she asked.

Talara nodded slowly. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, I would like that. And I know Ferrig would like it too. It's...it's something we've talked about before."

She giggled timorously and embraced Talara again, if only to conceal her reddening cheeks. "I-I'd like that," she whispered. "Oh, Tala...I want to be with you, too."

Tala's eyes widened. "Really?" She giggled and hugged herself tightly to Raeila. "Maybe a night when Kael has to go out on patrol, you can sleep with us."

"Just sleep," Raeila clarified. "For now. Then...we can go slowly with the rest." She pulled back a margin to gaze at Tala, and tenderly stroked her cheek. "I love you, Tala. You're my best friend."

"You're mine too," Talara said with a smile. "I love you, Raeila. When I was away, I thought a lot about you too. I missed you very much." She met her friend's eyes, then leaned forward to gently kiss her. It wasn't a passionate kiss, but it carried all of her love and affection for Raeila. "I'm glad I'm back now, very much."

"Then don't ever leave," Rae whispered, and tentatively returned Talara's kiss. Behind them, giggles erupted, and with a gasp Raeila pulled away. She frowned at the two children spying on them, and shooed them. The young boy and girl squealed, then darted away, laughter trailing behind them.

Talara giggled as she watched them go. "They love spying," she said. "They caught me kissing Ferrig earlier today too. He was leaving to go into the city and I was saying goodbye. They usually wait until just after the kiss starts, then they giggle. It's really nice that there are so many people here at the temple now. It seems so much more alive."

"These flowers certainly don't," Raeila quipped as she prodded a sagging ngolia rose. "Shall we finish up here, then find a snack?"

"Yes," Talara said. "I want to say hello to Orn. He likes to give me little treats if I sing him songs. I sang him a song last time, and he gave me a slice of cake."

Raeila laughed. "Our little performing Jedi," she teased. "What would we do without you?"

Tala grinned. "I don't think we want to find out," she said with a grin. "I've already spent too much time away from everyone here, and while the experience was extremely pleasurable, it's not one I would like to experience again...well, except for the pleasure part, but that will be with you and Ferrig."

"In time," Raeila amended with a smile. "In time." And after holding Talara's gaze long enough to affirm her affection for the young girl, Raeila turned her attention to the flowers that had been so neglected of late.

With a big smile, Talara went back to grooming the small garden alongside Raeila, content to be near her friend. Her life had been turned upside down, but she felt happy with it. She knew the feelings that Nieme and Dani had woken in her should have lay dormant for a few more years, but now that she knew of them, she wished to explore them. But there was plenty of time for that.

---

"Frazzied Excursion"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Rilanna Kir

Location: Arcadia
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Rilanna Kir and Shrezade Anoran stepped out of the planetside government building, and found themselves bathed in Tae'Karada sunlight. For the two women who spent most of their time on the Drogen Shipyards, the sunlight on their faces was a welcome change. Though, too much of it would be bad for either's pale complexion. Rilanna glanced aside to Reza as they walked and smiled. "So, how does it feel to be important enough to be on the council that runs this place? You were good in there, by the way. And, I think you got a few of them interested in our plight up there. After the empire left, most of the scum had been removed, but now they're all back again. There are times when it even seems worse than before."

"Keeping them off our station is your job, my dear," Reza pointed out with a smile. "I wouldn't complain so loudly if I were you." At Rilanna's scowl, Reza chuckled and stroked her cheek placatingly. "If you need more officers, Ril, just tell me. I know you're working hard, but maybe we need a larger security force."

"I need more people," Rilanna said. "And, I need to close all the security gaps. It'll slow passing through, but we need to limit the number of ways to get onto the station if we're going to control the criminal population in any way. We don't have enough people to cover every way in."

"Then we'll get you more people," Reza declared. She wrapped her arm around Rilanna's waist and held her in a comforting half-embrace. "You really do need a vacation, my dear. You look horrible."

"Would you like to go on a little vacation with me, Reza?" Rilanna asked with a slight smile. "I'm sure there are lots of places we could go to try to stay out of trouble."

"Tempting..." She chuckled. "But who would take care of my station? There's too much to be done for me to simply run off on a vacation. And besides...whatever would Dresh say?"

"Maybe Dresh would like to come with us," Rilanna said with a laugh. "But, I guess you should stay here. I wonder if Lerrah could get away from Tasia for some time away."

"Do you really think that's possible? They've been inseparable since we returned."

Rilanna sighed and nodded. "You're right," she said. "I guess I'll just go alone then. I'm sure it'll be fine, and I can find one of those exotic worlds that are nothing but vacation spots."

"Oh, don't play at being sullen with me, Rilanna Kir," Reza chided. "I will go on a vacation with you - but only for a weekend!"

Ril grinned. "Well, a weekend will be sufficient, I think," she said. "I think one full weekend alone with you will definitely help get me very relaxed and content. So, where would you like to have our little vacation, my dear? A weekend on the coast here would be the most convenient, and we wouldn't lose a lot of time due to travel."

"Then let's," Reza said decisively. "We'll book a trip the minute we get back to the station, and this weekend...." She smiled slowly as she nuzzled her lips to Ril's cheek. "Just you, and me," she whispered.

Rilanna slipped an arm around Reza's waist. "You know, that sounds positively lovely," she cooed. "I think we should rent a little house for ourselves, and just live it up. Hell, if it's too nice, I may not want to go back."

"But people depend on us, Ms. Kir," Reza told her. "There will be time for lengthy retreats someday."

Ril grinned and brushed her lips against Reza's cheek, getting very close to her lips. "Then people are fools," she whispered.

"Except when you're sleeping with them?" Reza chuckled. "So fickle, my dear Ril."

"Not fickle at all with where my heart truly is," Rilanna said with a smile. "I love you; I care for Lerrah. If I had to choose only one, it would be you and only you."

"But you know you don't need to," Reza reminded her gently. "Things are fine as they are. Though, if we tell Dresh about this vacation, he might just want to invite himself." She laughed lightly. "He actually believes we plan to one day run off and get married."

"You and Dresh," Rilanna asked as they passed a boutique with exotic clothing displayed in the window, "or me and you?"

Reza smiled enigmatically at Ril. "We'll see, now won't we?"

Rilanna laughed, and slipped her hand into Reza's. "Well, I guess we will," she said. "I think we should keep our little vacation a secret. We can leave a message with Hajne to give Dresh if he asks."

"You want me to engage in subterfuge with you, my dear?" Reza's smile grew evermore sly. "Now I know why I hired you. You're perfectly sinful," she whispered silkily against Rilanna's throat.

"Perfectly," Ril purred as she drew a hand across Reza's abdomen. "And, I believe we should pack...as little clothing as possible for this little getaway."

"Clothing?" Reza snorted. "My dear, who said anything about clothing?"

"Well, unless you want to be completely dangerous and wear nothing at all to get there, I guess so," Rilanna said with a mischievous smile. "Then again, I think that would be somewhat fun."

"But completely out of character for me," Reza told her. "We'll save the nudity for our room, how about that?"

"Very well," Rilanna answered. "Though, if we head to the beach, I hear it's customary to go topless."

"Only if the beach is deserted!" Reza exclaimed. "Rilanna...I had no idea your thoughts were so depraved." Her grin indicated she approved.

Rilanna laughed. "Oh, they are," she said. "My deepest and heartfelt apologies if my ideas offend you in any manner. Though, if perhaps they arouse you, then I must surely express my sincerest delight. Just think of all the men out there who would become suddenly erect, painfully so, as we walk down along the sands, our breasts bared to them, and the unquenched ache we feel as we kiss, and move on."

Reza chuckled as she shook her head chidingly at Ril. "Have you been daydreaming again?"

"You have to admit it's a nice daydream," Rilanna said with a grin.

"And that's what it's going to remain!" Reza sighed woefully, then smiled serenely and lay her head upon Ril's shoulder. "It's a good thing you came to my station. You're better off with me."

"Much better off," Rilanna said with a smile. "And, I think you're pretty good for having me in your life. You smile a lot more now, Reze; and you have a beautiful smile. I think there are times when good things happen to offset all the bad things that happen. I think us finding each other was one of those things."

Reza smiled wanly. "Yeah... Just like the many other things that have happened to us this past year. If the rest of our lives are going to be this eventful, I'll be worn out long before I'm old enough to die."

"I don't know," Rilanna said. "It keeps things exciting, and you do always manage to find enough energy to keep things interesting in bed."

"You keep that to yourself," Reza warned playfully. "I have a perfectly decent reputation to uphold."

Rilanna laughed again. "It'll be our little secret," she said with an equally playful wink. "Now, would you like to go look for places we might stay, or should we take our shuttle back to the station?"

Reza hummed pensively for a moment, then sighed deeply and shook her head. "A little while longer. I'm just getting reacquainted with the sun."

"I was hoping you'd say that," Rilanna said with a smile. "There's a park nearby if you want to go take a look. I hear they have a statue of the new Regent up there now. I hear he's quite the looker."

"Who?" Reza asked. "Liam Zaneth?" She waved dismissively. "Met him. He wasn't very nice at all." Then she grinned slyly. "Though he did have the bluest eyes I shall ever see...."

Rilanna laughed. "Blue eyes are nice," she said. She reached up and caressed Reza's cheek. "I happen to like blue eyes very much."

"And brown happens to be my favourite colour," she replied with a tender gaze at Rilanna's eyes. "I guess we have good taste."

"We do," Ril answered, then slipped her hand into Reza's. "Do you think Dresh worries about us, that we're going to run off and leave him? He doesn't seem worried, and the two of you don't seem all that concerned. It seems like everything is rather perfect, doesn't it? Oh, hey, you want a frazzy?"

Reza chuckled at the maddening pace of Rilanna's thoughts, and shrugged in half-hearted assent. "I've never had one... Are they good?"

"It's a lot like creamy ice, but with fruity flavours, like beebleberry," Rilanna said. "Now we have to try them, for the experience. Come on."

"Fine..." Reza relented, then rolled her eyes and dragged her feet alongside Rilanna as they approached the vendor. As they neared, Reza reached into the inner pocket of her jacket and habitually pulled out her credit chit for Rilanna. "As many as you want."

Ril chuckled. "I think two is sufficient for both of us," she said. "We do have to watch our figures if we're going to be going on this little weekend away. Though, I'd still love you if you ate all the frazzies on the planet. I also hear there are some people who swear that frazzies are the ultimate sexual aid."

"And you think we require that?" Reza asked in slight disbelief. "I thought you were just boasting about my abilities in bed a moment ago."

Rilanna laughed. "Actually I don't think we need it. I tend to prefer my food at the table and my sex in the bed, and not mixing the two. Though, I guess either can happen other places, though both in the same place at the same time is generally...not pleasant. Though, sex on the dining room table the other night was very pleasant."

"Oh, Rilanna," Reza sighed, "you still have that nasty habit of rambling, don't you?" She smiled fondly at her lover, and laid down her credit chit upon the vendor's counter. "Two frazzies," Reza announced. "Beebleberry, I believe." The young girl gave a quick nod, and turned to retrieve their order. "I won't look silly eating these things, will I?"

"No," Rilanna said with a smile. "And, if you did, would it really matter? If you'd like, we can even get a spoon for you, though the traditional way really is best."

Reza grinned warily. "And what's the traditional way, exactly?"

"Two frazzies," the girl prompted, and thrust out the treats towards Reza. She glanced down at them with scrutiny, then gave a tight smile and transferred her hold to the sticks impaling their purple snacks.

"Oh, Rilanna," she said grimly. "What have you gotten me into?"

Rilanna smiled and kissed her friend and lover's cheek. "Something extremely tasty," she said. "You'll enjoy it, Reze; I promise. Now try...like this..." She demonstrated the proper technique for eating a frazzie in as conservative a manner as possible. "See?"

She chuckled lowly. "I see, alright. You're absolutely filthy, Rilanna Kir." She said it affectionately, and followed it up with a return kiss. Retrieving her credit chit with a thank-you for the girl, Reza set off towards a bench with Rilanna. "A fine planet," she mused, then lapped at the tip of her frazzy as Rilanna had shown her. "My dear, we get more messy when we're together," Ril said with a smile. "Of course, not in public, but it's good practice."

Reza frowned at Rilanna. "I am not making a scene with a frazzy on a stick," she said flatly. "Now, once we're in a secluded area...." Her sultry smile returned.

"My love, despite your conservative image, I believe you're as naughty as I am. I think I saw a few secluded areas in that park, if you're interested. And, on the way, we can talk about how to clean up our station."

"Ejecting every single one of them into space?" Reza ventured, then chuckled dryly. "Oh, if only.... I do have morals, Ril. I think that's my problem. I could exterminate each and every one of them if I chose to...but I know I could not."

"Neither could I," Rilanna said. "Despite the lives they've chosen for themselves, or happened to end up in, they are still living people. To just eliminate them... I don't know if I'd ever be able to face myself again."

"Nor I," Reza concurred. "But indirectly, they are hurting people. Their weapons are causing others to inflict violence, their drugs are killing spirits.... I won't have that on my station, not this time."

"We'll do our best to get rid of them, to send them somewhere else, or to reform them. I don't know if we can, but if anyone can, it'd be us. We'll figure out a way to clean things up and make our station a place people will want to be and where people can be hopeful toward the future. I think I have a few ideas on how we can start that too..."

Reza raised an eyebrow at her security chief, smiling slowly. "Do tell, Ril. That is why I keep you around," she teased.

"Really," Rilanna answered with a coy smile. "I thought there were other reasons you kept me around. But, in any case, I think if we seal seventy-five percent of the access points on the station, we can set up checkpoints and screen everyone coming through. It'll require more people, but it'll give us a better idea of who's on our station. I'd also like to set up security substations, where we can have a command post to work from, and can put forward a greater presence in more areas."

"Without turning my station into a military stronghold," Reza mentioned pointedly. "The station is supposed to be an environment that encourages commerce and tourism. If soldiers are storming through every corridor, don't you think some might get scared off?"

"We'll have security at the checkpoints," Rilanna answered. "We can place people around the station, but keep them in civilian clothes. They can watch without intimidating. That's the theory at any rate. We won't turn it into a military installation, but we will do what we can to discourage and eliminate those coming in who seek to cause trouble. The other option would be keep things as they are, but have several fast-response teams who can move in on any danger, pacify the situation quickly, and withdraw to let people get on with their lives. With the right training, it would be very low-impact as well." "Whatever is more effective," Reza answered, then sucked on the tip of her frazzy once more. Her lips came away purple when she released. "Tasty," she commented at the treat.

Rilanna gave her a mischievous grin. "Yes," she said. "Very tasty. I'd like to try a combination of both if possible. I'll work up the details in a report for you."

"Thank you," Reza replied with a curt nod, focused on business even when her tongue was stained purple. "You're a clever girl, Rilanna. Not many your age can boast that."

Rilanna chuckled softly. "Thank you," she said. "I think it comes from working as I did before I came to the station. You have to stay on your toes or you die. Cleverness is life."

"It's true in most cases," Reza agreed. "But, I hope your life is simpler now, Rilanna. I have tried to give you that, at least."

"It's much simpler," Rilanna said with a smile. "And, much happier. It's always better to have someone to share your day with or at least with the details of your day. I know I could have never gotten that at home...well, the home I grew up in."

"Yes," Reza mused, "the one you never speak of." She smiled gently at her friend and slipped an arm around her waist. "Was it so bad, then, that you don't wish to discuss it?"

"My parents are not people you would approve of," Rilanna said as she gazed off into the distance. After a moment, she looked back to Reza. "I'm not proud of them, or...or that I used to be associated with...with the life they lead. It's one of the reasons I left, and one of the reasons I do what I do. My parents...my parents work for a criminal syndicate called Black Sun, as do my brothers. I...it's a past that I'm ashamed of."

That Reza's eyebrows were raised and that she had suddenly fallen silent was clear indication that the Black Sun's infamy had not escaped her notice. She nodded slowly, and finally let out a sigh. "You chose a better path, Rilanna. I'm proud that you could turn your back on that life, even with as hard as it likely was." Smiling tenderly, Reza pressed her lips to Rilanna's cheek, leaving a sticky, purple mark in place.

Rilanna grinned. "Thank you," she whispered. "It wasn't easy at all, but I knew I had to...I knew what they do isn't right. It led me down a better path, to a more hopeful future." She brought a hand up to caress Reza's cheek. "Thank you so much for understanding. I'd feared that their reputation would...I knew you'd understand, but...I guess I was afraid of what you would have thought of me...for being part of that, even unwillingly."

"I could think nothing different than what I know of you, Rilanna," Reza said softly. "We've been through so much...and I'd like to think you're the same person I love. That person isn't evil, and that's all I care about."

"I am who I am," Rilanna said, a slight blush colouring her cheeks as her eyes gazed deeply into Reza's. "I'm still me, my dearest love, and I always will. That me will hate those who prey on the weak. That me will love you completely."

"Then that's the one I want," Reza whispered fervently, and gingerly brought her lips to Rilanna's. Even at the slightest caress, she could feel Rilanna trembling.

When they finally pulled apart, Ril laughed lowly. "Oh, the things you do to me," she whispered. "I guess if you can still make me feel like that, you still love me. Come on, I think I saw a secluded spot back this way..."

Reza grinned wickedly at her friend, and blindly tossed her dripping frazzy towards the nearest trash receptacle. She slipped her free hand into Rilanna's, squeezed it affectionately, and led her friend away. "One romp in broad daylight coming up," she announced.

"Oh I love it when you say that," Rilanna said with an excited laugh. "And, tonight, I'm making you dinner."

"And we're eating it in bed," she finished with a sultry grin.

Rilanna let out a happy moan and uncharacteristic giggle. "Oh, I definitely like the sound of that. Though, I hope you don't mind if you're dessert."

Reza winked languidly at Rilanna as she backed into the alley. With a single tug, Rilanna soon joined her.

Many of the passers-by weren't quite sure what to make of the ecstatic cries and moans coming from the alley, though quite a few had suspicions. Whether they moved on with a grin on their faces or a frown, they left the alley and its inhabitants alone, to seek whatever pleasure they may find within the not-quite-secluded alley.

---

"The Man Comes Around, Part 2"
Erns Barca
Adza'iron Adzannas [NPC+]

Location: Xaylid's Abyss, the Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

"You look more like an employee than a customer," Erns said, lighting a gold-tipped cigriotte. "I've half a mind to get you working here. Might be useful."

The two smugglers sat quietly over glasses of zzar in one of Xaylid's booths, not far from the sleek jizzer droid tinkling away at the tavern keyboard. Adza'iron's big yellow eye rolled slowly from side to side in response to his boss's joke. "I don't know, sir," the Abyssin said slowly, "I was never any good at waiting tables."

"Yes, you were always so much better at blowing them up. Now lay it on me, Addie. I want to know everything." Erns drew the incense deeply into his lungs. "Let's start with the government."

His companion shrugged. "It's all run from Arcadia. We've had three of our people there since the first quarter: a trade ministry rep, a police officer, and the owner of a catering service."

"Who's the plant?"

"Balceister." Addie swizzled his drink without further comment.

A trace of amusement played across Barca's lips. "That's fine. Who's in charge? The AOR?"

"Right now? AOR has a Republic rep. Twi'lek...and a real hardcase. We may be able to get on with her alright, given the right...conditions. I don't think she frets much over unpleasant details, but for now it's all in the High Prince Regent's pocket."

There was a moment of silence. "What," Erns blew smoke out of his mouth, "is a High Prince Regent? Are you sure you have that correct?" He frowned slightly at the Abyssin.

"I don't know where the title comes from, but I'm pretty sure it's the right one." But he sounded faintly unsure. "I know it sounds a little contradictory. And I haven't heard anything about an indisposed king, or anything."

"Well, sort it out; it sounds like nonsense. Are they royalty or not?" Erns grimaced. "And who are they working for, the banks? Does the central bank own them?"

"I don't think there is a central bank here, sir. At least not yet. The Regent is a Jedi."

"Good grief." Erns sat back against the comfortably padded seat. "This place may be a bit too weird, even for us. What sort of Jedi do they have here? The brooding, self-important kind, or the deranged priapist kind?"

"I think there is a mixture of both, sir," Addie said dryly, and swizzled his zzar again. "There is a popular style here, a synthesis of both varieties. It's very...melodramatic, and frankly a little boring, once you've witnessed it. Particularly in casual conversation."

Erns shrugged. "They're like that everywhere. Anyone to look out for? Dark elements?"

"A small one," the Abyssin nodded, "Dangerous, but small, relative to the size of the overall group. The temple was recently identified publicly. It's outside New Plouton. Joka has been paying more attention to them than I have, sir; you might wish to consult him first."

"I imagine he has. How strong are they, overall? I don't want any nasty surprises while I'm here. You remember Yavin."

"Yes, sir. There are certainly a lot of them around, and a few are even quite talented. They are not particularly bright or even well organized, but they have recently been consolidating some of their power. We may have a small window of opportunity, unless they manage to collapse themselves from within. It's happened before, and judging by the looks of this group-- well, it could easily happen again."

Erns waved away a tendril of smoke. "Alright. I'm tired of talking about Jedi idiots. What about the real competition?"

"The usual. A few gangs are trying to organize their cities against the Republic-- or with it, I'm not quite sure. People do quite a bit of switching sides on Tae'Karada, though that's hardly uncommon anywhere. Thanatos is still fairly open for business, though, and this place may have its virtues. New Plouton is a Jedi minefield, but it's large enough to get away with something. We've got six men there, and thirteen in Thanatos. The outlying regions have a heavy Hutt influence. Jadda, I believe its name is." Abbie looked down at his glass.

"Hutts. We've done business with them before," Erns shrugged. "And dealt with them before, too. What's the big deal?"

Addie looked a little uncomfortable, and paused for a moment. "Yes, Mr. Barca."

The human's dark eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What? What is it?"

"Well...this Hutt....he's found himself a fucking pet Zabrak, somewhere," the Abyssin reluctantly answered. "Yeah. You know what that means."

Erns breathed out slowly, and sank back a bit in his chair. "A Zabrak. Well, what a surprise." There was another moment of silence, and then his voice took on a tone of childlike curiousity. "Where the hell did he get it, I wonder?"

"I don't know, sir." Addie sounded rather glum.

"Wow. This may be more difficult than I anticipated." Erns tapped his cigriotte against the tray calmly, but he still had a queer note in his voice. "A fucking pet Zabrak. Well, we'll just have to work around it the best we can, I guess."

"Yes, sir. Shall we think about opening a 'shop'?"

Erns frowned, but nodded. "That might be for the best, Addie. I should say, yes. We'll open it in the capital; that sounds safe enough, don't you think? At any rate I don't think we ought to stay here...these great floating filling stations have never really suited me."

"Yes, Mr. Barca. How many ships are you bringing in?"

"Er, five, I believe. You'll have to ask Gloiphune, but I think the final number was five. There's No Quarter, Bright Wit, the Brave Era; a couple of others. How many do you have here?"

"Eleven. Any larger than that and we'll tip the 'index'." Addie did not need to identify the syndicate's methods of judging cost-benefit analysis beyond that; Barca himself had developed it, after long trial and error. "I wouldn't worry too much about anything; there's enough to go around. You may be coming at just the right time, sir; I think things are shakier than they first appear."

"Well," Erns mused. "If they're not, they'll have to be. That's business, after all."

---

"Leaving"
Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Krevin, Ronar's brother and yet another bounty hunter (NPC)

Location: Imperial Outpost, Outer Rim
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Maximillian looked into the mirror...he was ready... The face was pale. But the eyes were still fiery. Even after all the murder and bloodshed he still fought on. His hands traced the red scar on the right side of his face. Tracing the edges of the small but apparent deformity. It wasn't really disgusting but nonetheless people tended to focus on it. It ran from above his right eye over his right cheek. It was red...perhaps pinkish.

He sighed and took some more water in his cupped hands, splashing the whole load into his face. He took a towel and dried his face. He sighed as he turned to look at his uniform.

Once he had been a prince and a noble officer of the Empire...now...he was an assassin, a bounty hunter. Though he still believed in the ideals of the New Order he preferred to fight the fight his way.

He took his modified uniform and put it on. He sat down and took the shiny black boots. His Cybernetic left hand was hidden from view by a black glove. His other hand, still bare was quickly covered by the matching glove.

His personal armour was strapped on. Protecting his body from blades and light weaponry. Decorated with red and golden markings. The chest and shoulders still showed old decorations and Imperial Markings. Around his neck he wore his datakey, the Imperial emblem and his unit's insignia as a reminder of days long gone.

He put on his long black vest. Cracking his neck he took the next item. A half mask designed to cover the skin around his right eye and hid the scar from view. He finished by putting on a helmet. It had a Y-shaped visor. It was pitchblack. The area around the visor marked by red lines. He activated the helmet and checked whether the commlink and data readouts worked. They did.

Than he took his belt and put it on. Two customised Imperial Blasters would be his main defense. He took the most priced item...a sword he had inherited from his ancestors. The sword was put in a scabbard in his vest. He caressed it then took the rifle and left his quarters. He glanced back one last time before leaving.

Krevin waited for him. "Brother..." Krevin nodded and patted his shoulder.

Ronar merely answered with a nod. They knew each other too well to talk... there was nothing to be said.

"Nightraid is ready to go," Krevin said as they entered the hangarbay. He entered his pitch-black stealthship and sat down in the cockpit. Of course he had permission to leave. Next to him sat a droid, his assistant.

The reason he was sent out was simple...he was the only one available to pull this off. A big amount of credits and a chance to get a base in the sector to work from. He had to go analyse the situation on Chimaeria. And deal with a few other matters. The Imperials here still knew him and were lenient with him. It was not the first time they had hired him. He was still an Imperial at heart and to most of them he still was. That was why he preferred to work for the Empire. He still believed in the New Order. He was almost honourbound to do so!

Nightraid flew out of the hangar bay. And headed towards Chimaeria. The droid took over the controls as Ronar retreated to his personal quarters in the back. He started to meditate.

Reaching the Drogen Shipyards, the Nightraid docked. His astromechdroid checked the engines while his partner, the droid checked the systems.

The vessel sat down. Exhaust smoke covering the floor in a thick mist. A black shape emerged from the ship. Maximillian Ronar, The Dark Knight had come. Looking around he frowned. The inefficiency of the place was unexpected....

He cracked his neck and stepped away. He had a permit...and an aura which would make sure nobody intervened. He walked through the station until he passed a bar. Suddenly the sensor display of his helmetsensors activated. They locked onto two faces.

They were talking. Data on them appeared on the viewscreen within his helmet. They were both medium criminals. One wanted dead for insulting a Hutt, the other had been part of some major fraud. Both men were wanted. dead. This suited his purposes.

For the place was filled with people. A kind of cantina where voyagers and crew enjoyed a drink or relaxed. He could kill them but not drag them out. If there had been a higher bounty on their head for them captured, he still would have killed them. He took the course of the lesser risk.

He played things calculated and smart. He was daring and pushed his luck only when needed or the stakes were worth the risk. He entered the cantina.

His helmet recorded it all and sent the data to his ship where Warrior, his co-pilot would sent the data to the Bounty Hunters Guild. He looked up...an exposed powergrid for the lighting. Good. He ordered a drink. Everybody looked away - just another caped alien. For he wore a cloak hiding his battlesuit. He nodded as he received the drink. And waited.

The time to strike came when at the gambling table a fight started. Two card players getting into an argument. Everybody distracted, he struck.

He rose his hand in the air and a projectile hit the ceiling. The circuitry got fried by an electric burst. He went over to infrared and jumped up, drew his blasters. Shot at point-blank range. The barrels of the blasters were pushed against the chest thus the energy discharge was barely visible. His helmet recorded and sent the information through to his ship. He took some credits, threw them on the table. To pay for his drink and the mess. Then he got out quickly. The mob was making much noises and did not realise what had happened.

He removed the cloak. And disappeared into a corridor.

He activated his communicator. "Warrior got it?" he asked.

"Indeed. the guild has sent the credits and kept the percentage they were promised in your contract," the droid said with its heavy voice.

"Good. Ronar out," Ronar said.

"Yes, Prince," the droid answered.

Ronar moved deeper into the station. His long leather coat moved as he passed the air vents in a certain sector. He planned on checking the database for its list of all people present on the station.

He was a Bounty Hunter and legally acting. Or so he could claim. He had a license...and could claim to be hunting any criminal, in fact the Republic would even have trouble punishing him for the killing at the cantina. He smiled. Besides he had several aces up his sleeve...as always.

In the cantina a waitress screamed in terror as she found the dead men. And some money laid on the table together with the bill. Ronar arrived at a central computer corridor..and smiled. His bionic hand moved firmly as he pushed a button.

---

"The Big Hack"
Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Warrior - Co-pilot Droid of Ronar

Location: Drogen Shipyards. Data crossroad 5
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Ronar opened the panel. The former Elite Commander looked at the circuitry with his icy gaze. His scar ached again. The soothing maskpart that covered it rubbed against the inside of the helmet. Ronar let his mechanical hand break the circuitry. The leather gloves isolating and protecting him from the current. He rerouted the wires with his other gloved hand. Then activated the computer screen above.

"Good now for...the prey...let's compare the list with all people aboard this station..." Ronar murmured.

Maximillian attached a small datapad into the keyport and uploaded the data. He ran a comparison. Names, faces and data flashed by until three names appeared. Three men he sought. Three of the list. But none were the traitors he hated so much.

"Damn... oh well... Warrior..." he said activating his commlink.

"Yes Prince?" Warrior answered.

"Sending through the data...three prey found. They are not the traitors but they are part of the hunt. I have located them. Two live together. Some goons with them in a room near the outer circle of the Station. One of the Main leaders of the gang on the station is in the inner circle. An expensive suite. I think the woman and man accompanying him are expert bodyguards. But they should be no problem. Establish a link with my viewscreen and I'll contact you later okay?" the efficient Bounty Hunter ordered.

"As you wish... link established," Warrior answered.

Ronar moved through the corridors. On his way a pretty Twi'lek came up to him.

"Hey, cutey.... Why don't you get out of that thick armour and we'll play" --she wetted her lips-- "a little game...".

Ronar was an Imperial... He disliked Aliens. Except for Thrawn and a few aliens, most aliens were expendable and despicably inferior. Decadent and irrational he disliked them. "Move out of my way, female.... I am busy!" Ronar ordered. His cold and emotionless voice scared the woman off.

"Okay okay..." She stepped back and let him pass. The hunter moved, focussed and disciplined. It was more a sort of stride.... His long vest hid his weapons from view. He reached a door. It slid open as he punched the button. He had reached the outer circle. Here whores, criminals and scum worked. This station wasn't too bad. Ronar had seen worse. More a transit for criminals than a playground for them. After all habitation wasn't the primary purpose of this shipyard.

He entered the small corridors. The smart ones moved out of the way. A technician repairing a broken conduit backed away. Confidently Maximillian Ronar moved through the hallway. Suddenly two criminals in front of him and two behind him cut him off.

"Your money or you life..." grinned a deformed Pilot.

Ronar had noticed the sensors in this part of the Shipyard weren't up to date and in a bad state. Perhaps a recent conflict? In each case...blaster fire would not be noticed...fast....

"We said your..." The man dropped down, a blaster bolt in his gut.

The two men behind him attacked. Ronar made a turning kick, making his opponents drop their knives and a blaster. Then he shot again with his two blasters. The last man attacked.

"They never learn do they?" Ronar asked rhetorically.

He slammed his cybernetic hand in the man's face. He twirled his blasters around his indexes and put them back in their holsters. His robotic hand went for the man's throat.

"Thanks to you... I have a small chance of getting detected too soon...that...makes me angry..." Ronar said...crushing the neck.

He stepped away, his cybernetic hand resting on the grip of his sword. He had located the enemy. They were all still in their room. He decided to wait a moment before he would strike. When some goons had left he would take his chance. Never rush things...observe...be rational...take as little chances as you could.... He knew the sequence of actions he would undertake but first he would wait.... His eyes peering icily at the room....

---

"The First Kill!"
By: Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Warrior - Copilot Droid of Ronar [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards. Outer circle.
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

"They come and go on a regular basis," Ronar said.

"I see, Prince, but what to do then?" Warrior asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I'll take them down one...by one and then go for the main pack."

"I see, Elite Commander.... Good luck hunting," Warrior said.

"Luck? Don't need luck...just patience and skill." He closed the commlink.

The armoured warrior looked at the room. The door slid open. He stealthily followed the Twi'Lek male.... Aliens... pfff, Maximillian Ronar thought.

The Twi'Lek was wearing a black robe. He was white as chalk and Ronar had easily identified the well hidden blaster. He followed cautiously.

The Twi'Lek passed some shops. The Security Forces watched the Twi'Lek with suspicion...he was, after all, probably already known by station security. Security let him pass...the sooner the bounty hunter got the criminal the better.

The Twi'Lek bought some food and went to get a drink. After thirty minutes he came out again. Drunk and unaware that Maximillian was practically on top of him.

Drunk... too easy..., Ronar thought.

The criminal made a tour of the station buying some groceries then returned towards the outer circle of the station. Ronar had foreseen this action and stopped. He took a right turn and ended in front of the Twi'Lek.

"My dear fellow got a quarter for me?"

"Huh?" the Twi'Lek moaned, half drunk and loaded with groceries.

"Indeed..." The Dark Knight leapt forward and within a second he lay dead on the floor.

He sent the data through towards Warrior.

"Information received, prince," Warrior said.

"Good..." Ronar answered.

He knelt, took two rings from his prey. Made from valuable materials and disappeared into the shadows. He wore the rings under his glove. Two of the Twi'Lek's allies appeared on the scene....

Two Darts planted into their necks finished their lives quickly. No price stood on the heads of these Rodians.

He cracked his neck and stepped away. Three down and a whole bunch left to go.... He laughed...grimly.

He waited near the exit. The Security investigation had turned up nothing. Besides they liked this cleanup on their station.

"Law and order prevail..." Ronar murmured as he waited patiently...ready to strike again.

---

"Another Hunter?"
By: Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Warrior - Copilot Droid of Ronar [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards. Outer circle.
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Ronar waited patiently. Nothing moved. By his feet lay the corpse of another eliminated thug. The prey's defenses were faltering. The killed thug had no price on his head so Ronar just tossed his corpse into the garbage disposal for incineration. He moved away. The enemy was preparing its defenses.

They had tried to contact their richer counterparts in the more luxurious inner circle of the Shipyards but to no avail. Of course...that was because he had scrambled their communications.

"Warrior I am about to go in..."

"The link is active... the hunt will be recorded as proof, Prince," Warrior answered.

"Good... I...?" Ronar went silent as another character ran through the halls and smashed into the prey's quarters. Blaster fire!

The armoured Hunter stood up and he roared, "Blast...another hunter?"

"Milord what... Who is that I see on the camera system?" Warrior asked.

"Not now..." Maximillian Ronar said and he drew his double blasters. His long black vest moved brusquely as he ran through the hallway and jumped through the door. He barrelrolled and landed crouched while firing his blasters at the thugs. The other intruder...a bounty hunter, he guessed was pinned down behind furniture...but had nonetheless killed quite a few thugs... Only a handful remained in the huge barrack-like quarters. The dirty room was filled with slain men as the two hunters fired.

But time was running out. He wouldn't be able to count on internal security's benevolence forever... certainly not if they would find out he was hired by the Empire.

The leaders...his main targets drew heavy repetitive Blasters and wounded the other hunter.

"Aargh..." It was female voice.

Maximillian however was more skilled and smarter than the amateur. He dashed aside while firing. Both men went down... The two wanted men were killed and it was all recorded. Their chests and heads pierced - it was certain that he had won his prize.

Maximillian stepped over the corpses of the goons and crouched beside the goons, one gun aimed at the presumed dead men...the other blaster pistol was aimed at the wounded Hunter. He stood up after checking and kept his aim locked onto the wounded Hunter.

As he had almost left...

"Help me..." the Huntress whispered.

"Why should I...you messed up... . Almost cost me my price. Your reckless overconfident dash attack forced me to take greater risk than necessary..." Maximillian Ronar said coldly.

"Please..." she coughed. Her face was hidden behind a facemask of metal, only her eyes were visible. Beautiful, clear eyes.... He turned and was about to leave.

"I can tell you about the traitors... I can aid you...really... I am inexperienced but I can handle a weapon...you saw that I killed several of them.... And I got info..." the female said.

"Huh... do you even know who I am?" Maximillian Ronar said.

Time was running out...but the woman intrigued him and for once he did something illogical...he stayed.

"Maximillian Ronar, The Dark Knight, Ex Elite Commander, Imperial at heart, former strategist, one of the most infamous Bounty Hunters in the Outer Rim..." she said.

"At least you are informed..." Ronar said. "What are you, a freelancer rookie?"

"I work for the Empire..." the huntress said. "Watch over you...but got overconfident..."

"God... I must be crazy..." He took her in his arms and ran out.

He was deadly and skilled but his strength wasn't enormous...he had trouble keeping this pace up.

Ronar finally reached the hangar bay 5 alpha 9 where he had put his vessel 'Nightraid.'

Warrior had already prepared the sickbay. He put her in his care. One of his two astrodroids joined him. He tended to her wounds but let Warrior and the other droid do the high precision surgery. She had lost much blood.... But she would live. He restrained her wrists and ankles than left. She was fast asleep....

A ship had arrived next to her...a warship like his, though not as deadly as his.. The predatory vessel of an amateur.

He investigated and faced...a modified protocol droid?

"Halt..." it said, pointing the blaster that left its gauntlet, at Ronar.

Ronar smiled and crossed his arms. The robot was probably quite deadly...but it knew better.

"Your mistress is wounded... I suggest you join us..." Ronar said. Turning he stepped away. But kept alert. He turned his back to the droid but was ready to dodge if needed. But he heard metallic footsteps...the droid followed.

"Ah, a modified protocol droid," Warrior said. Warrior possessed pieces of a protocol droid but he had Assassin Droid technology, weaponry, gadgets installed in him. A droid that was tall and a bit bulky...ideal for some hunts.

"Indeed...my mistress... Lady Sarissa...where is she?" the protocol droid Hunter asked.

"Here..." He pointed at the Huntress fast asleep. The droid entered.

Ronar had a long discussion with his three droids. He understood the astromechs...though it was still very hard. He got the main thoughts but never the nuances in their speech. Warrior's was clear as ever. The woman might be useful but was most probably a nuisance...and Ronar agreed.

"In each case your two kills and got you another nice flood of credits...and I managed to identify one of the thugs as another wanted..." Warrior said. An astromech beeped.

"Goood..." Maximillian grinned. He was so good...

The armed droid entered. "Lady Sarissas wishes to see you..."

Ronar entered, pushing the droid aside. Warrior blocked the protocol droid out. Ronar was alone with Sarissa.

The woman had gotten loose...she held a key. She smiled arrogantly. Her mask still lowered below her chin.

"Smart...but if you had left the security system would have killed you."

She frowned surprised.

The helmeted Dark Knight moved closer. She looked beautiful...he had to admit. Red armour, slim figure, intelligent eyes...and skills to go with it. But Ronar was beyond mere appearances.

"Now speak. I saved you...you owe me. You're going to help me and give me all the information you have."

Sarissa smiled. "Partners?"

"Don't push it," Ronar said. "My humanity fades away as soon as either my efficiency or my currency is lowered."

"I do get a percentage? Forty percent?" Sarissa asked.

"Like hell you do..." Ronar said, his hand twitched over his right holster.

"Listen, I appreciate you rescuing me...but I do get something. I did help you out a bit didn't I and I got much to offer..." Sarissa said.

"Ten percent no more...woman..." Ronar said.

"Fifteen and the name is Sarissa..." Sarissa said.

"Ten or you die...and I know your name from your droid... Woman..." Ronar said.

"So my hero is a sexist?" Sarissa asked, surprised.

"Ten and stop the gibberish... I have a hunt to complete..." Ronar said.

She sighed. "Okay...hero." She smiled wickedly.

"Move to the cockpit..." Ronar said.

Suddenly pain flashed through her body but Ronar caught her. "So, hero, you save me again..."

"Shut up, woman...now come with me..." Ronar said.

And a moment later they both sat in the cockpit. The terms were discussed...not much change though as female seduction were pretty ineffective when it came to money....

"So we have an agreement?" Sarissa said.

The armoured Hunter nodded. "Now spit it out... "

"Alright here goes..." Sarissa started talking.

---

"Two Well-Known Faces"
By: Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Sarissa - Bounty Hunter
Warrior - Hunter Droid copilot
Krevin - Bounty Hunter

Location: Drogen Shipyards. Inner circle
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Maximillian Ronar asked around for information. Two security officers managed to give him some more information on the three who lived in the luxurious quarters.

The two bodyguards were well known to Maximillian. Vorpax and Trakatto...two Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters with whom he had worked before...skilled and deadly. They protected his prey, another one of the criminals wanted dead. This one brought a lot of Credits if he pulled it off.

"Ronar!" It was female voice.

"Yes?" Ronar asked.

"I'm going to get us both some new equipment, okay. I'll see you in a few hours. Don't forget to use the trick I told you about," Sarissa said joyfully.

"Of course not, woman..." he said, though playfully this time.

"Good...and don't even think of leaving without me!" Sarissa threatened.

"I wouldn't dare..." Ronar said.

Sarissa said nothing.

"Point well taken...but you have my word...we have a contract and no Bounty Hunter may break a contract... It's part of the code we both accepted when we joined the guild."

"Plus you can't backstab a partner!"

"Neither can you...and partner is a big word..." he said. "Now get off this channel I have work to do..." he said.

Maximillian Ronar finished his drink and put his helmet back on. The halfmask on his face had caught attention. He left, leaving the drunk security officers behind.

Now that he knew that he was completely certain who he'd face...he could begin.

The bodyguard had entered with fake names but the Security of the station had quickly identified them. They'd be glad to be rid of them. He loved this station...it liked to look away if it got things done.

Sarissa had moved her ship to his hideout on a very small moon on a nearby planet. They had one ship in spare in other words...good.

Ronar decided to do what was best to get his prey. He would not go in guns blazing - his opponents were too skilled for that. He could take them yet...one mistake and it would be over. So he would use their arrogance to defeat them. Their overconfidence.

Sarissa had given him the location of an interesting plasmaconduit. He would use that.

An engineer was working on it. A sleeping dart and the man was knocked out.

"Warrior, activate viewing link!" the Dark Knight ordered.

"Yes, prince..." Warrior said.

Ronar's viewscreen showed a small emblem, meaning the camera was activated. His gloved hands opened the computer system above the conduit.

"Too easy..." he murmured.

His robotic hand pushed some bullets while his other hand pulled the plating of the conduit tube.

"Now..." he pushed the last button...overrode the safety system and waited. Screams of pain could be heard in the distance. He ran towards the room. The door cracked and dropped. The plasma evaporated. He took a look at his prey.

The bodyguards' armour and weapon melted...their skin burned and part melted. His prey was still recognisable. A quick look identified the prey. Then he stepped back and ran off. His two old comrades were dead. "Never liked them anyway...."

He entered the Nightraid in a hurry...the engines were running warm.

"Ready?"

"Yes, Elite Commander..." Warrior said. "Will we wait for the female?"

"I suppose we will have to...we are honourbound to do so..." Ronar said.

"Good," Sarissa said. "Nice to see you are upholding your end of the bargain."

Maximillian Ronar didn't reply he just flew the Nightraid out of the Shipyards and into space.

"Shall we return to our base?" Warrior asked.

"No... I have already contacted my brother Krevin, he's guarding the place and operating from there for a few of his last hunts... It's secure. Besides we have an appointment," Ronar said.

"Oh?" Sarissa asked. Her droid was still in her ship. She felt uneasy.

"Yes, we're going to hunt on Arcadia.... The Empire wants me to finish this hunt as fast as possible and seemingly the other traitors and criminals did the unlikely... they hid on Arcadia," Ronar stated coldly.

"You're kidding, right?" Sarissa asked.

"Nope..." Ronar said. "By the way could you prepare one of my backup armours for use... might need them."

"Will it be that hard?" Sarissa said.

"This last phase of the hunt will be...intriguing and challenging but most of all pro-Empire and lucrative!" Ronar grinned.

"I like that...yes..." Sarissa said then went to prepare the equipment.

"Do you trust her, Prince?" Warrior asked.

"Not much but she'll follow me if not for honour at least for the Empire and the money... " Ronar whispered.

Sarissa had overheard that and shook sadly her head. "He really doesn't remember me..." A tear rolled over her cheek.

Krevin watched Sarissa's warship next to his. "Fine ship...but I hate its protocol droid..." He sighed and turned away. Passing a small astromechdroid busy fixing his ship.

---

"Enemy or Ally?"
By: Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Sarissa - Bounty Hunter
Warrior - Hunter Droid co pilot
Iyika

Location: Arcadia: Main Spaceport
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

The Nightraid descended onto the platform. The ship had served its master well so far and made a few clean kills... lucrative ones and efficient... The hatch opened and Maximillian Ronar descended the ramp. Sarissa and Warrior followed.

"Arcadia... And here it is we'll find our prey?" Sarissa answered.

Maximillian Ronar merely looked around.

"Prince? Elite Commander?" Warrior inquired but the armoured Bounty Hunter did not answer...studying a datapad extensively.

Iyika was walking on the streets of Acadia, her old home. Familiar faces passed her by while walking the streets she knew all too well, but times change, people change. A faint smile washed over her face at the thought of how drastic her life had been turned upside down by one woman. She wouldn't have it any other way.

Day dreaming again? the familiar voice said with a hint of sarcasm in the back of her mind. Iyika only nodded, not going to fall into the A.I.'s trap.

"You could say that..." she replied, whispering. She saw the looks people gave her who had overheard what she had said, but she didn't care. She wore her old black coat dragging partially along the ground, the hood pulled up over her head. She was heading back to the dock where her speeder was located; her apartment had finally been sold. She was richer than she had been two hours ago. Now all she had to decide was what to get Karma.

Why not a nice dress...? Oz said but Iyika had other ideas, clothes did come into it but not in the way the A.I. was thinking of. When he saw the image Iyika had in her mind the A.I. shrank back, vanishing to wherever the A.I. vanished to.

"Ahh...little kitten got frightened..." Iyika joked, smiling as she continued down the street, ignoring the strange looks she was getting.

"Sarissa you go check the transport manifest...and whatever other info you can hack out of the computers... I shall go do things intuitively...might work...since the prey is located in this district." Ronar ordered. "Warrior you stay here."

Warrior nodded.

"Intuitively?" Sarissa wondered.

The armoured droid Warrior answered, "The Elite Commander means he's going to ask around..."

"Oh..." Sarissa said. Her eyes followed Ronar, who entered an elevator and disappeared from view. The man wearing the black cloak and modified armour moved focused and disciplined.

"Why do you call him Elite Commander and Prince?" Sarissa asked.

"He is the heir to a great monarchy spanning over several planets. But after the fall of the Empire and his parent's deaths...the planets turned Republican...and democratic. He was the first in line for succession. He still has his title prince but is not instated as king. And Elite Commander...you know perfectly well he used to be an Imperial," Warrior lectured.

Sarissa sighed and shrugged. "Just wanted to be certain."

Maximillian Ronar moved through the crowded streets. Everybody moved aside. And fearfully halted when he showed them the holos of his prey. His description was among law enforcement and Imperials...feared among traitors and criminals...or good citizens who just had bad luck.

Something caught her eye, a nice black outfit standing in a shop window. She stopped, looking through the glass window at the dress worn by a holographic woman with long black hair. Iyika tried to imagine it on Karma. "Has potential..." she muttered, stepping into the shop. Five minutes later she was stepping out of the shop. She had ordered the dress, matching shoes, and another outfit for herself. Karma would be pleased.

Oh give over! Oz cursed, causing Iyika to laugh while continuing down the street, looking out for more items to buy.

Maximillian Ronar caught the eye of a beautiful woman near a shop. He moved towards her. "Miss... Have you seen any of these individuals? They are wanted criminals..." he said, showing her a holo where with a push of a button peoples' faces and bodies were shown sliding by.

Iyika looked up at the man before taking the data PADD he was holding. She flicked through the faces but none seemed familiar. She shook her head, about to hand the PADD back to the stranger when she flicked to the last image. "Wait..." she said. "I know him... Simous Jolik, bit of an ass. All muscles no brains. You can usually find him in the night clubs, his favourite is Dancing Jugs," she said, handing the PADD back to the stranger.

"Where is this Dancing Jugs located, Lady?" His helmet flickered...a bio appeared... "Iyika? Wait a moment... I know you...you are or were a freelancer weren't you? Working for all sides who had the credits? How would you think of making a lot of credits?" Ronar asked.

"Sorry, big boy... I'm retired..." She hit the side of her head with the palm of her hand. "Damn I always forget to send that transmission, I'll have to get her to remind me one of these days." Shaking her head, smiling at the private joke, she quickly wiped the smile from her face, regarding the stranger. "I'm sure you can take him yourself, like I said...all muscle... no brains. I'm sure you'll cope, whoever you are."

Ronar nodded. "As you wish, milady... Now if you can direct me to this..." and the next part he said with a certain sarcasm, "place of cultural refinement where this... 'individual' goes..."

She raised her eyebrow at the way he put it. "It's a strip club, you can say that can't you? The address is plastered all over the city, but if you want the direct location try the network. It will give the location you're looking for, sorry but don't know the others you're after. I can have them found though, if you can afford the credits."

"I am Maximillian Ronar... the Dark Knight... I excel at the...hunt...what the?" He saw Simous Jolik walk by. "Speak of the devil... mmm..." Ronar just aimed his gauntlet and a dart hit the man in the neck. "This must be my lucky day," he said. His movement had been so fluid - his aim so perfect... only a second had passed... He walked over to the man and looked down.

The crowd moved apart. He examined his papers. And found a few interesting notes. "The price on your head is higher dead...and since I found the clues I need..." he said. The paralysed man screamed out in terror. A moment later he was dead.

Maximillian Ronar looked at the woman. She was cute and deadly. But also...distracted. Her movement lacked focus... He nodded then turned. "Plebeian scum... Notify the security forces...they have a dead man to collect...!" he said to the crowd. Several men rushed away...so great was the former officer's authority.

"Warrior...sending information," Ronar said.

"Affirmative... Sarissa got some info too... I'll sent it to your helmet."

Warrior answered.

"Good... Ronar out..." the Dark Knight answered.

Iyika shook her head as he killed the man. He wasn't worth the effort she knew but still, she despised killing without reason. And money was no reason. "I see you have your hands full..." she said coldly, bowing her head slightly. Arrogance was death in his line of work. She turned away from him and started walking along the street in the way she was heading back to her speeder.

Another woman who thinks she knows best... Ronar thought to himself. Always take the highest price for the lowest risk...that keeps one alive... And he moved out.

---

"Observation - Anticipation...Elimination..."
By: Maximillian Ronar - Bounty Hunter
Sarissa - Bounty Hunter
Warrior - Hunter Droid co pilot

Location: Arcadia - Inner city, rooftop
Date: Lythe 12, 4 ABY

***

Observe, anticipate and eliminate: those were three key concepts that were essential to Ronar. He had stood there for hours, observing the huge luxurious skyscraper from another skyscraper several blocks away. The zoomfunction of his helmet was not even good enough for it so he had taken off his helmet and used special Binoculars.

"And?" Sarissa asked.

"Nothing... now be quiet!" Ronar said.

"You haven't spoken in hours... actually you barely ever speak," Sarissa noted.

Ronar kept watching.

The enemies, his prey, the traitors were all inside that heavily fortified hellhole. Seeing the activity and increase of security, they were aware of the Bounty Hunter that was chasing him. He was surprised it had taken them this long to get the news of what happened to their compatriots in the Drogen Shipyards.

"Master?" Warrior asked through the communicator of both his helmet and his mask.

"Yes?" Ronar answered dryly.

"The hyperdrive is showing a small decrease in efficiency... I could use some help," Warrior said.

"The astromechs?" Ronar asked.

"TR5 and RD3-O9 are both having an overhaul..."

"I see, well we must keep our ship in top shape... Sarissa will join you and aid you," Ronar said.

"What!?!" Sarissa exclaimed. The beautiful older warrior was not happy.

"It's important..." Ronar said.

"So is this..." she said.

"Listen, my dear, first of all...we might be partners but not equal ones...understood! Next without the ship we won't be able to escape when all hell breaks loo