"Back To Work"
by Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter

Location: Thanatos, Cantina
Date: Vadris 12, 4ABY

***

A Bith band was playing, but Jal wasn't really paying attention. He was too busy looking at an attractive Twi'lek that had just entered the bar. She had blue skin and shapely curves, and Jal found himself quite fixated on her breasts. The outfit she was wearing left little to the imagination, and so Jal could do little but sit and stare contentedly.

So fixated was Jal on the Twi'lek that he didn't notice a man approaching from the opposite side of the bar. When the man finally arrived and sat down, he found it odd that Jal still had not spared him a glance. The man cleared his throat in an attempt to get Jal's attention.

It didn't work.

"Erm... excuse me," the man said. This finally shook Jal out of his trance.

"What?" he asked, a little annoyed.

"You are Jal Saren, correct?" the man asked.

"I don't owe you money, do I?" Jal frowned. "Look, I don't have any creds on me, so why don't you just go back and tell your boss..."

"No no, it's nothing like that," the man said, shaking his head. "Actually, I was sent by my employer to inquire after your... 'services'."

This got Jal's attention.

"And just who's your employer?" Jal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A businessman," the stranger said.

"Look, I'm not a contract killer," Jal said, shaking his head. "You tell your boss I don't work for crime-syndicates anymore...unless they need something smuggled, that is."

"You misunderstand," the man said. "My employer is not a criminal, his holdings are all quite legitimate."

"That's what they all say," Jal said. "Look, pal, I've heard this all before, so don't waste your time. I'm not interested." He stood up to leave.

"We're willing to offer you the sum of half a million credits," the man said quickly. Jal immediately sat back down.

"Alright, so I'm a little interested. Talk."

"My employer would rather like to explain things in person," the man said. "You are to come with me to his estate in New Plouton immediately."

"Whoa, wait a minute," Jal said. "I have my ship, my droid..."

"You may follow me in your ship, of course," the man said. "My employer has a docking-bay waiting for us."

"Sounds like quite a guy," Jal said. "What's his name?"

"My employer would much rather explain all of this in person," the man said. "I assure you, however, you needn't be suspicious."

"Gee, why would I be?" Jal said. "What about you? Can I know your name?"

"My name is Jasen, sir," the man said with a slight bow. "I am my employer's chief aide."

"Alright, Jasen," Jal said. "Lead the way."

---

"Mr. Wexler, I Presume"
by Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter
AP-21 (NPC+)
Alexander Wexler (NPC+)
Jasen (NPC+)

Location: STAR-RUNNER Cockpit
Date: Vadris 12, 4ABY

***

"Remind me again why we're doing this?" AP asked.

"Another day, another dollar, AP," Jal said. "Besides, it's not like you have anything better you could be doing."

"Excuse me for saying so, sir, but lately it seems your choice in contracts has been less than admirable."

"What, that whole thing with Hoff?" Jal asked. "Don't be such a damn crybaby, AP, we made it out alright."

"But without our money, sir."

"All the more reason we hear this 'Jasen' character out," Jal said. "And frankly, AP, I was getting damn tired of sitting in that cantina drinking all day. I figure it couldn't hurt to get outside some."

"Whatever you say, sir," AP said. "But please note that I have voiced my concerns over the legitimacy of Jasen's claims."

Although he hated to admit it, Jal knew that AP was right. Typically, accepting jobs from somewhere who approaches you in a seedy cantina and offers up an exorbitant amount of money is a good way to get yourself killed. Jal knew he wasn't lacking for enemies, and his love of money was a fairly common weakness among those who shared his profession. Still, Jal knew that one way or the other, finding out just what the story was with Jasen and his mysterious employer would likely be far more exciting than spending another day drinking in the cantina.

"By the way, sir," AP said. "Are you sure you're alright to fly?"

"Just shut up, AP," Jal said, rolling his eyes.

***

"Receiving incoming transmission, sir," AP said. Jal checked the readout, saw that it was Jasen signaling them. In front of them, Jal could see Jasen's ship, a small, single person transport shuttle. It was not designed for travel in outer-space, but it made planetary transport very easy. Jal himself had flown one of those on Corellia in his youth, long before he'd gotten started in the smuggling business.

Jal flipped a switch. "This is Saren," he said.

"I trust you are having no trouble following me?" Jasen's voice came over the speaker. Jal noted, and not for the first time, that Jasen's voice always had a strangely flat quality to it. He made few, if any, inflections on his words, and always had a very professional, businesslike manner to him. Jal silently wished that his assistant was more like Jasen.

"No trouble," Jal replied. "How much longer?"

"We're very close now," Jasen said. "We are approaching New Plouton... my employer's shuttle-bay and estate are on the outskirts of the city."

"The outskirts?" Jal asked with a frown. This was starting to sound even fishier than it had originally.

"My employer enjoys his privacy," Jasen said calmly. "He has nothing to hide, however. If you would like, I'm sure he could produce proof that all his holdings are quite legitimate."

"I think I would like that," Jal said. "No offense to your boss, of course, but I've had a few run-in's with crime-bosses in the past. I'd rather like to avoid any more if I can help it."

"Of course, sir," Jasen replied. "I will inform my employer that you would like to see evidence of his legitimacy before we go further."

Jal leaned over and shut the comm off. Then he leaned back in his chair.

"I do not need to tell you that this sounds very suspicious," AP said.

"No," Jal muttered grimly. "You don't have to tell me."

***

Location: Wexler Enterprises Shuttle Bay, New Plouton

Jasen's small ship glided gently down, with the STAR-RUNNER behind it. After the ship had landed and the ramp lowered, Jal found himself standing before a friendly-looking man with a disarming smile. He was dressed in fine business attire, had a small brown beard, and bright, brown eyes. He extended his hand to Jal as he approached the end of the ramp.

"Jal Saren," the man said. "A pleasure, sir."

"Uh...thanks," Jal said, taking the outstretched hand and shaking it. "Listen, are you..."

"I'm the mysterious benefactor, yes," the man said with a friendly chuckle. "I apologize for all the secrecy, but after you hear what I have to say, you'll understand why I wanted to keep things quiet until this point."

"And just who are you?" Jal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Alexander Wexler, at your service," the man said with a slight bow.

Alexander Wexler was a name Jal had heard before. He was the owner of the galactic corporation known as 'Wexler Enterprises'. They dealt in several areas, including pharmaceuticals and, until the New Republic had returned to power, slavery. Wexler Enterprises wasn't the largest corporation, but it certainly had it's sphere of influence in the galaxy, and the name Alexander Wexler was one that everyone knew.

Jal could see why Jasen had offered him 500,000 credits to come on this little trip. If Wexler was his employer, they could certainly afford such expenses. Wexler's exact value was unknown, but it was generally understood that his wealth numbered somewhere in the trillions of credits. So yes, Alexander Wexler could easily afford Jal's services.

Jal wasn't sure how he felt about that, but couldn't deny that half-a-million credits was a tempting offer. If Jal played his cards right, he might even make more.

"Mr. Wexler," Jal said. "So...nice place."

"Thank you," Wexler grinned. "This, of course, is just my private shuttle-bay. I have commercial ones in the city, but this one is mostly just for personal use."

"Listen, Mr. Wexler," Jal said. "I don't mean to skip the foreplay and everything, but I'm really sort of curious as to just what a man of your obvious resources and connections could possibly need to hire me for."

"Straight to business," Wexler grinned again. "Of course. But may I suggest a change of venue? The subject matter is not...ah...not best discussed in the open."

"Alright," Jal nodded. "Fair enough."

"My office, then," Wexler said. "If you'll follow me. Jasen will see to it that your ship is refueled and taken care of."

Jal nodded, following Wexler as he headed for the shuttle-bay exit.

---

"SOS Signal"
By Tidus Highwind
Elina Kasn - NPC

Location: In middle of Arion Sector
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The ship flew across the star in Hyperspeed, while Tidus and Elina took the advantage of the free time to be better acquainted in bed. Tidus with tenderness moved his finger to Elina's hair. He looked to the ceiling with Elina naked, sleeping over his chest.

It was during that moment he thought about the family that survived the disaster of his world. He couldn't believe that he was so blind to see the truth. That point in his life history was the most darkness in all of his life, so blinded by hatred that almost killed the woman that I once loved. He knew that it was long over, that romance, because of Edea... How he missed her, so much. He looked down to Elina and he knew that he loved her too, but not so much as Edea.

He knew that to be alive and the way he was now, was all thanks to Edea. If she had given up on me I don't know if I was dead as the rest of his people or rounding around in space killing like some sort of serial killer, of some sort. He will always owe that favour and he couldn't repay it in his life time. But he was going to make her memory of hero, even if there was a tiny hope that she was alive.

He moved out of bed, moving carefully, putting Elina's head on the pillow without waking up. He walked around the ship to the cockpit. He didn't see Bazon because they left him on Tae'Karada, when Elina decided to help him in a new job he had. Now he was able to recover the object he was en route to planet to deliver. He sat on the seat of the cockpit with a robe over his naked body.

He tried to glimpse if there was any incoming message. He sat there looking to the marvelous display of the cone of the hyperspace, when a voice came from behind.

"So did you leave me out there alone in the bed?"

"Elina." He recognised the voice. "I went here to see if there was any message..."

Elina slipped into the chair, opening his robe as she sat over Tidus. He felt penetrating her as like they were in symphony with the stars moving. Tidus closed his eyes, as pleasure overwhelmed him. He kissed Elina's lips as she moved in and out.

Elina closed her eyes, as she cold feel the pleasure growing at each time Tidus penetrated her. Elina felt Tidus kissing her breasts, that made the penetration rhythm to be faster.

Elina screamed as the moment she had another very real orgasm and stopped, putting her head over Tidus. Both their bodies were sweaty. Tidus looked to Elina and smiled. "You don't get tired of this!"

Elina smiled, getting up and dressing the robe that she left outside the cockpit. "It's so wonderful, the way we make love. It is not like sex, it something higher than that, more..."

"In love?" Tidus said as he closed his robe. "It is the chemistry between us two that is clicking, I know, I felt that before."

"Oh, you did have someone before," Elina said with a voice like he haddn't told her.

"Yes, my fiancé, she died... well it has not been proved yet she is dead, but you know what happened to my world, what happened...." Tidus tried to explain, but very unsuccessfully.

"I know, I'm just kidding you." She made a look of now being serious. "I know, a world vanishing the way yours did has got to be the most awful experience that someone can have."

Tidus smiled. He was about to respond when a red light showed from the panel of commands.

Elina pushed her seat forward, facing the controls. She punched the light and static was heard. She tried to adjust the signal, but it was hard to pick it up.

Tidus saw Elina trying to adjust the signal, but unsuccessfully. He looked to the panel and another light, this time blue, started to blink. "Is that supposed to do that?"

Elina looked to the blue light and instantly she grabbed the controls in front of her. "Hold on to something."

Tidus did it so. A few seconds later he felt his seat moving forward, facing the controls and saw that the light of the stars narrowed back to the normal position. "Did we just get off of hyperspace? How?"

"That is system of the ship, that do when some high priority needs our attention, which means that nearby is Demons." Elina's full attention on the controls looked to the charts of the navcomputer, but it didn't pin point nothing of the Demons. She looked in front and started to see bits and pieces of what used to be a capital ship.

"Holy Force!" Tidus said, looking to the vast space of debris. Elina switched on the identifier and in a matter of seconds could enlist ten kinds of different ships.

"This is a vast graveyard, of ships," Elina said, moving her ship to avoid the debris. "This is definitely Demons' doing!"

"There you go again with that word! What is exactly Demons?" Tidus asked as he was amazed the size of space that had debris.

"Demons is a group that we called on Klain, that Empire that occupies half the planet. They're brutal in their doings and will kill anyone to achieve their goal and their policy is to kill anyone who surrenders."

Tidus couldn't believe the way the Galaxy was turning, the ultimate victory was achieved at Endor, but now he saw that only made many people to take advantage to make more war and that meant, more innocent people would die. Tidus stopped when Elina got a straight signal.

Elina saw it was a combination of signal of sounds. She tried to clear up the static a little more, when she realised that it was an SOS code. She flipped another button. "This is Kannezer, do you hear me?"

"Kannezer we are receiving loud and clear... We have been attacked by an extremely powerful weapon that is changing the climate of our planet drastically. Many of our cities have been destroyed by the nature of our planet... We detect large storms approaching and news from the north is almost null... Last connection with our satellites indicates four huge storms that is evolving the entire planet... We estimate everyone dying frozen in a matter of three hours... Oh Gods, please help us. Please get us out of here!" His voice was of desperation

Tidus couldn't believe. He'd heard of a super weapon destroying a planet, but altering the planet? "I got it! Demons fired a weapon of some kind that is altering their weather severely and the people that tried to flee the planet was destroyed."

"Which is the reason for this vast graveyard, leaving the people on the planet without any ships to be killed by the severe weather." Elina concluded Tidus thought it was too evil, but it was true.

"So what are we waiting for, let's save some people." He got up to get dressed.

"Tidus..."

"Yes I know to bring your clothes here, don't worry I'm on it." Tidus left the cockpit.

"Thanks," Elina said. With a smile she moved her ship in the direction of the defenseless planet. As the debris passed, she could see the entire planet covered in clouds and every minute she could see the lightning coming for the very thick clouds. It was going to be a bumpy ride, but they couldn't leave those people to die.

---

"Negotiations"
by Jal Saren, Bounty Hunter
Alexander Wexler (NPC+)

Location: Wexler's Office, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Jal stepped into Alexander Wexler's office and looked around. He noted the fine carpeting, the view out the large windows just behind the desk, and the many, many glass cases that lined the office walls. On further inspection, Jal saw that these cases were full of trinkets and treasures, likely small artifacts or other pieces of value that Wexler had collected in his time.

"I notice you're looking at my collection," Wexler said, grinning at Jal from across the desk. "Do you like it?"

"It's nice," Jal offered, though he really didn't care about it much either way.

"There are priceless artifacts in there," Wexler said, standing and moving over to a case near his desk. He opened it up and pulled out a small knife with a worn handled and notched blade. "This is a rare Mandalorian knife, that dates back a few thousand years. It was used in one of the last battles between the Mandalorians and the Old Republic. It cost me two million credits."

"For that?" Jal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's priceless, of course," Wexler said (Jal noted Wexler liked to use the word 'priceless'). "Of course, I would have paid three times that amount for it. The Mandalorians haven't made weapons of this kind in centuries, and to find one as old as this, still in good condition, is quite rare."

"If you say so," Jal shrugged. "I can't claim to be an expert on things like that, though I might be able to show you a thing or two about using it."

Wexler chuckled, then gingerly replaced the blade in the glass case. He turned then, to face Jal, and smiled.

"I suppose you could," he said. "Which is why I've asked you here."

"Look, let me get something out of the way right off," Jal said. "Do you want me to kill someone?"

"Well...that makes it sound very unsavory," Wexler said. "But essentially... yes. Yes I do."

"Who?" Jal asked.

"A woman," Wexler said. "She's the leader of a group of terrorists who have been harassing one of my mining operations recently. She claims she's an environmentalist, that my machines are destroying the ecosystem of the planet. I assure you, however, that I went through all the proper channels to establish mining rights on the world, and that there is nothing illegal about my activity."

"So why don't you just go to the authorities?" Jal asked. "I mean, no need to kill her when you can just put her in jail."

"It's a bit more complicated than that, I'm afraid," Wexler frowned. "Once you know the location, you'll understand why."

"Where is it?" Jal asked.

"Kashyyyk," Wexler stated simply.

"Kashyyyk?!" Jal asked. "You mean, the Wookiee homeworld?"

"Is that a problem?" Wexler asked.

"I don't know," Jal said. "But it certainly sounds like you think it is. What's the catch here, Wexler?"

"I'm afraid the terrorist leader has help in the form of a small tribe of Wookiees," Wexler said. "Please understand that I mean no harm to the planet or its native species, but if these attacks persist, my men will have no choice but to pacify the area and take all Wookiees into custody."

"That's a touch harsh, don't you think?" Jal asked.

"Which is why I would much rather handle this another way," Wexler said. "The Wookiees are brave, and they know the terrain well, but the woman is far and away the most clever of their number. If we bring her down, I believe the Wookiees will stop their attacks, and the mining operation can go on unimpeded. However, if I am forced to send in armed troops to keep the area safe, I fear it may only lead to more trouble with the Wookiees. Naturally, this will mean loss of profits... and of course, wholesale slaughter of Wookiees is hardly something I want on my conscience."

Jal fought the urge to roll his eyes. While the Empire had been in power, Wexler Enterprises had been one of the leading slaver-companies, and had "harvested" over five thousand Wookiees to sale to the Empire and other interested parties. The rise of the New Republic had outlawed galactic slavery, but Jal could certainly see why the Wookiees wouldn't like Wexler Enterprises to set foot on their homeworld again.

"Alright," Jal nodded. "I can see where you're coming from, I suppose. But why me? I mean, I've never been to Kashyyyk, I can't even speak their language."

"A fair question," Wexler smiled. "Recent events have proven that you are quite the capable man, Mr. Saren. Let's just say that my own information network is slightly more thorough than that of Thanatos' local investigators."

Jal though back for a moment to his run-in with Gherig Hoff and the psychopath, Reeve. He hadn't heard anything about it since Reeve had confronted him for the final time in the Thanatos hangar. Jal wondered just how much Wexler knew about that incident.

"What've you heard?" Jal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, nothing too detailed I assure you," Wexler said. "But let's just say that Gherig Hoff was a nuisance that I have had to deal with before, and I certainly was not sorry to hear of his disappearance."

So, that was it. Wexler had made no mention of Reeve - likely, he was unaware of Reeve's existence - and must have thought that Jal had been responsible for Hoff's death. In reality, Jal doubted that he'd even have been able to escape if not for Reeve's "assistance", but he saw no need to inform Wexler of that little tidbit.

"So you think that a little run-in with a crime-boss makes me the one to go Wookiee hunting on Wookiees' own turf?" Jal asked. "That's sort of a stretch."

"I have the utmost confidence in your abilities," Wexler said. "And I do believe that the fee I've offered you is quite fair."

Jal had to agree with that.

"Okay," Jal nodded finally. "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll go to Kashyyyk, have myself a look around, see what can be done. If it turns out I have to kill this woman, then I'll do what I have to do. But I don't like to kill people for no reason, so if it turns out I can bring her into custody, that's what I'm doing. You got it?"

"Of course," Wexler nodded. "Yes, yes, that will be fine, so long as she can no longer interfere with my mining operation."

"And I want half the money now," Jal added. "An angry Wookiee is not something I want to see, so I'm going to need a little compensation beforehand."

Wexler's smile faded slightly- Jal could see he didn't like have to pay upfront - but it returned in an instant and Wexler nodded. "Agreed."

"Well then... it's been a pleasure negotiating with you, Mr. Wexler," Jal said, extending his hand.

"The pleasure was all mine," Wexler grinned.

---

"Returning Predator"
By: Iyika
and Trell (NPC)

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The city of New Plouton was quieter than usual, perhaps they knew a predator was returning home, a killer of unrelenting efficiency. The sleek black speeder flew through the mist that was beginning to form ready for a new day. Dawn was closing in; it would only be a few hours and the first glimpse of the sun on the horizon would appear bathing the city in her radiant light.

Peeling off down the street, her engines humming quietly as if hunting prey, she came to her destination: a tall apartment building with apartments, each a large metal dome on its side. The main column itself was circular so it only really had one side and it was covered with hundreds of domes, each capable of housing a family.

This was one of the hideaways she had purchased. She couldn't remember if she had told Karma or not; it seemed years since the last time she laid eyes on her - and that didn't include the holo-images she had - she desperately wanted to see her in the flesh, to smell her scent, feel her soft skin against her own, to taste her.

Iyika sighed as she leaned back on the chair allowing the computer to take her in. It had taken a long time to find out where her sister was being held and by whom. Now they were dead and A'Kin was reunited with his daughter. The incident, which cost the lives of dozens including one vast nasty and unpopular Crime Lord, should have been plastered on every network throughout the system. Should, but it wasn't. Iyika knew her father all too well. He had his contacts and kept the incident out of the media spotlight.

Now she was back. Only it wasn't home; she didn't know how Karma would react if she came home out of the blue, opening the door stepping right back into her life like nothing had happened. Would she even take her back?

She couldn't hold the sigh as she stepped out of the speeder once she had landed. Iyika pressed the remote locking the speeder before stepping up to the apartment door. She didn't even look back as the speeder was taken away. A large compartment door opene, swallowing the speeder, storing it with all the other vehicles within the main column of the building. The security system allowed her through the moment it had completed scans recognising her heat patterns and unique imprints.

She threw her bag to the side, not caring where it landed. She didn't even feel like taking a shower, she just wanted to sleep. She felt like she could sleep for a month, a year, a century even. Instead she collapsed on her bed and with a deep sigh fell asleep lying on her bed fully clothed

The bed itself was in the room adjoining the front room which contained a large four seat sofa, a glass coffee table, with three cups resting on its surface, and a large holo-projector which could create anything from a detailed three-dimensional object to a screen for two way communications. But there was something else in the room, something that shouldn't have been there and it was moving as it breathed in and out.

A man bathed in shadows waiting and watching.

Her eyes snapped open. Blinking frantically her eyes glanced to the right and left. She knew she hadn't been sleeping long, it was still night outside. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck, she had woken for a reason. "Who's there!?" she called out, rising up, her hand instantly going for her pistol.

"Easy..." a male voice responded, causing Iyika to turn instantly fixed on his position. A corner lamp was turned on, the light shone upwards lighting up part of the man's face but left the bottom half in darkness. "I have no wish for a confrontation, especially if the rumours I hear of you are true."

Whether she believed him or not her hand still gripped the handle of her pistol. If he made any move she didn't like he'd be dead before he knew what happened.

"What do you want...?" she asked, not hiding the icy tone from her voice. She wasn't in the best of moods; for starts she was dead-tired and now she had an intruder in her apartment, and a safe-house of all places.

"My associates have become rather... twitchy... I suppose is the best word to describe it. The moment they heard the Ghost was back to her old ways, they sent me to ask if this was a one off... or if indeed you have returned."

Finger by slow finger her grip on the pistol eased until her hand lowered to her side. She stood stepping through the open doorway into the front room. Her eyes glowed, reflecting the light. "It was a family matter, one which has been resolved. I have retired from that line of work... as your associates should know. So you, and your friends, can relax."

The smile he sent in her direction would have sent shivers down her spine, if she wasn't so tired. It was nothing but a cold smile for the cold face it belonged to. "I will deliver the message. Good day to you, sorry for the intrusion..." The stranger turned, opening the window. A speeder appeared and in a flash he had dropped from sight with the humming noise of the engines quickly diminishing. Iyika was left in the room staring at the open window yet as she turned she paused. The hairs on the back of her neck were still bothering her, they were erect as if danger still existed.

Outside the dark, silent, sleeping city of New Plouton was effectively and efficiently cut by an explosion. The blast came from deep within a dome apartment, the initial blast smashed into three neighbouring apartments, ripping through their walls like tissue paper. Screams filled the air from those injured, those who witnessed the explosion and by those that were sent falling to their deaths. Two dark figures, one ablaze, fell after their apartments were struck, finding only air beneath their feet once the ground had been swept away.

Of the source there was nothing left; the apartment might never have existed apart from the death and destruction that had been dealt to the apartments around it. The humming engines of the retreating speeder diminished as she returned to the shadows of the city.

---

"Conquer of Trelonin - Part 1"
by Skillgannon
Captain Kaya V. Yasuyo - NPC
Major Dorian Falkyon - NPC
President Javili of Trelonin - NPC
Angelina Taggart - NPC

Location: Planet Trelonin in Terlin System, Outer Rim
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The Sith Spawn made its final approach towards the planet of Trelonin. Its guns fired without warning towards the defenseless station that exploded as it was hit. Several ships, fighters, transports of troopers exited from the prow of the MLK-120 Star Destroyer class ship en route towards the planet of Trelonin.

The fighter engaged towards the fighters of Trelonin that were launching to engage the attackers. The immortal fighters bombarded the many locations and eliminated any defense mechanism that would probably fire against the Immortal transporters.

One of the transports flew at maximum speed approaching the palace. Skillgannon was glancing over the pilot's shoulder and went to strap himself as he saw the palace from the distance. As the transporter was a few meters away from the palace, the pilot pushed the lever on her left side.

A metallic sound was heard and the part of the ship detached from the rest of the ship, like it was a sort of missile and dropped towards the palace grounds at high speed, the back part of the pod opened as the speed decreased almost suddenly colliding with part of the palace, creating a huge sound like it was a massive explosion.

As the pod settled finally on the ground, the doors opened and the troopers exited from it, lead by Skillgannon. He fired his blaster towards the guards of the palace, making every shot count. In the palace grounds the exchange of energy bolts were exchanged. From the distance other explosions were heard and the sky was filled with Immortal Fighters, making it look that the planet Trelonin was caught by surprise.

As the Immortal troopers pushed the guards in retreat they moved to take over the palace. Skillgannon moved as the fights were moving towards the inside of the palace. This part taking over the palace grounds was quicker than he planned; he hoped that the Trelonin that would be defeated easily.

***

The pod where Kaya and the 101 was in was released, falling at enormous speeds. The panels opened and the speed decreased in a matter of nothing, hitting hard on the ground. The impact was rough, but she and the rest of the troopers were very well secured and as the mechanism released everyone, the troopers exited, firing their blaster rifles towards the Trelonin guards at the castle.

Kaya took her bow from her back and took an arrow and once outside she fired with precision in moving and well distance target. The Trelonin trooper was hit by her arrow right in his throat, falling to the ground, struggling in pain. "Take control of those towers, push them towards the inside, try to make limited damage as possible in outer walls," Kaya told as she fired again with her bow making another kill.

The 101 started to move in a circle, taking down every guard in the courtyard where the pod hit where it was predicted to land, because those pilots usually miss the targets and that meant a lot of trouble for the people inside the pods.

***

Several explosions were heard all across the capital of Trelonin, the innocent people that were on the street running as the battle on the streets occured in much violence, but the Immortal troopers were making the Trelonin troopers to fall back in several locations of the city.

Skillgannon stepped inside the palace taking cover, firing his blaster sword. The weapon was formidable one it had no sight, but the metal of the sword was a good reference point and in case anyone approached him with a vibrosword he could easily use it to defend himself, but that was not the case yet. The markings of the intensive fighting in the entrance hall was visible, many Trelonin troopers were on the ground dead. "We need to get moving or the president will get away. Major!"

"Yes sir!" a man spoke next to Skillgannon.

"Fire a missile to their position. I don't care how extensive the damage that it will make, but get us to keep moving. We need to capture the president or it's game over," Skillgannon screamed, the veins of his neck were visible, by the extensive noise.

"You got it, Sir." The major moved picked up a portable missile launcher and pointed towards the enemy position. The missile flew in its direction, exploding near the location of the enemy troopers. The bodies of the Trelonin guards flew through the air, making the rest of the guards that were not caught by the explosion to retreat once more.

Skillgannon was getting nearer to the president that he could taste him. Soon this world will succumb to his rule, but he was worried about the things at the castle, since if they didn't hold the castle it would be the end of Skillgannon's dream of being the next Emperor.

***

Kaya moved up the stairs, firing against the last troopers in the courtyard. Now they had to take the castle walls and then moved towards the large building itself. The night was darker, but the fires erupting from the stables were visible and it made good light to spot any Trelonin Trooper.

Kaya fired her bow three times, taking down two of the Trelonin troopers in the walls in under five seconds. She moved inward with all the time in the world and fired again. Another trooper collapsed to the floor. In a matter of an hour the castle walls and the Courtyard were now controlled by the Immortals. There was no need to get inside the castle itself, now she had to wait for Skillgannon's ultimate move.

***

The doors that lead to the Presidential office exploded into millions of pieces. Immortal troopers entered firing at any enemy that still wanted to fight, but that was not the case. The president was behind his big desk with his family.

Skillgannon saw a teenage woman with blond curly hair and a boy, that wasn't much older than five years, scared, hugged around his father arms. "Mister president," Skillgannon spoke when the room was secured. "My name is Skillgannon, leader of the army that just invaded your world."

"You're here for my unconditional surrender..." President Javili spoke, hugging his son.

"You took the words out of my mouth," Skillgannon said, with a smile on his face.

"Ok, I give you the unconditional surrender, if you promise not to hurt my family or any other innocent family in this world," President said with surety in his voice.

"I give my word, Mister President, if your daughter joins the Immortals. To the cadet that had the highest scores in Trelonin history would be very valued asset to the Immortals." Skillgannon smiled, looking at the teenage girl that made a hated face.

"My daughter?" The president spoke in a tone that he had fear in what he might do to her daughter.

"I assure you that I'm not those pig Moffs that once conquer a world wants to have sex with girl of its world. I want her simply to be a symbol of trust between our two people if I show that she joined the Immortals to the world others will do the same."

"I see, using my daughter as propaganda. Very well, I have your word." The president tried to give his son to his wife, but the boy was too scared.

Skillgannon approached him and looked at him. "Don't worry, little one, I'm not going to hurt your father!" His voice was sweet in the boy's ears, but somewhat cold to grown ups. The boy let go of his father and hugged his mother. The president approached Skillgannon hoping that he valued his promise.

"Mister President it is time to make an announcement to you world to submit to my rule," Skillgannon said, with a smile.

***

Kaya looked to the castle building as some of the Immortal troopers took care of the wounded Immortal troopers. He hoped that the transmission was soon.

***

"Captain, Sir," a Trelonin screamed. "The president is making a speech."

"What?" He couldn't believe his ears. He ran towards the Holovid and saw President Javili's face.

"My fellow friends, today a force named Immortals attacked us today without warning. Our aerial forces had been decimated and many of the high ranking officers had been capture by them. To avoid many more deaths, I agree to give my unconditional surrender and deliver the power that was invested in me by you, to the High General Skillgannon. To keep his promise that he wouldn't hurt any innocent people, my daughter decided to join them as a good will of the Immortals. Thank you."

The captain was speechless. He walked and looked over the window of the castle to the courtyard. He saw some of the Trelonin troopers being healed by Immortal medics, which showed that they were forgiving persons. He had no choice.

***

Kaya was in the middle of the courtyard with her bow in one of her hands, saw the doors of the castle open. The captain was in front. "I presume you're the highest ranking officer," he spat towards Kaya.

"Not the highest, but I'm definitely in charge," she spat the same way. "A wise decision of yours to surrender."

"There was enough deaths today..." the captain said as missile flew over them, hitting in the highest tower, exploding. The debris fell, catching many of the Trelonin and Immortal's troopers. Kaya ran towards the walls, followed by the captain.

"Who in the hell is attacking us?"

"It's Nonans," the captain spoke. "A rebel group that wants to take control of the planet, they say they're the rightful people to control the planet. It is a long story."

"I can barely see their forces," Kaya told, trying to see through her electrobinoculars, but it was too dark. "We have to hold this castle until reinforcements." Kaya moved, but the captain grabbed her arm.

"Let us help you!"

"Help us?" Kaya asked, nodding.

"We follow orders from the president of Trelonin, which means you're the High general, also if the Nanons conquer this castle they will kill everyone, including us. The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

"You are right." Kaya smiled. "Colonel, contact Skillgannon that we have problems that we didn't count on."

"Strange your ranks?"

"Not strange! Just see it more trust worthy than other troopers." Kaya moved as another missile hit the castle.

***

Skillgannon was seated, reading the last reports that received that everything was planned. The ex-president Javili was with his family in the room, when an Immortal trooper entered without asking permission and delivered an urgent letter.

Skillgannon read the message and anger seemed to rise in him. "Mister Javili who are these Nanons?"

"It's a rebel group that had an uprising a couple of years ago. Their forces were minimized to a small group," the Daughter of the President spoke.

"Well the message that they are uprising everywhere. I very much doubt they can be reasoned with?"

"What? That is impossible. They will kill anyone who stands against them. Including innocent people," Javili said, fearing for his family.

"Take it easy, Mister Javili." He approached the young girl. "What is your name, cadet?"

"Lieutenant Cadet Angelina Taggart."

"I'm making you Colonel Cadet Palidin. Congratulations your job is to make sure this palace is well protected. You!" He pointed to Javili. "You're my new temp military minister, round up all forces, let's see how good you people are."

---

"Hazardous Climate"
By Tidus Highwind
Elina Kasn - NPC

Location: In middle of Arion Sector
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Tidus sat on the second chair of the cockpit, seeing the density of the clouds as the ship shook and trembled because of the high winds and probably because of the lightning bolts that hit the fuselage of the ship.

Elina had too much trouble on her hands trying to maintain her ship navigated as she didn't see anything in front of her. She flipped a button and the front window appeared red telemetry that showed across the clouds, which made more easy not to crash in a nearby mountain.

Minutes later the ship reduced altitude under the clouds and what they saw was unbelievable, it was like they were looking at Hoth. The buildings were all covered in snow. Also some other buildings had signs of destruction. Like the city had been raided by laser cannons. Whom or whatever did this was simply testing their weapons, Tidus thought for a brief moment.

As she flew across the rubbled city a lightning bolt hit the ship, which almost instantly shut down everything in it. The ship started to fall rapidly, but Elina stood her hands on the commands, avoiding to hit the nearby buildings.

Elina tried to bring the controls back on line, but it was too late. The ship hit hard on the floor.

An hour later Tidus woke up, seeing that they had crashed, but he was not seated on the cockpit, he was laying on the floor. He got up and noticed his head hurt like hell.

Elina entered the ship and saw Tidus waking up. "Are you ok? You hit pretty hard with your head on the controls."

"I'm fine. My head hurts like hell." Tidus saw Elina with warm jacket parts covered in snow. "What is our condition!"

"Well, the ship was hit by lightning that fried every crystal of the ship and I don't have enough replacements to bring power to the ship any time soon. Luckily the comm is working just fine and I was able to contact the survivors to where we are located. They will be here in an hour, and there we will see what we can do. For now you need the rest. I will wake you up once they arrive."

"But I want..."

"You don't want nothing. Just rest and recover your strength, that we will need it very much. Trust me," Elina said and kissed him on his lips softly and went to do a few things.

Tidus lay on the floor and in a matter of seconds he fell asleep.

---

"Conquer of Trelonin - Part 2"
By Skillgannon
Captain Kaya V. Yasuyo - NPC
Major Dorian Falkyon - NPC
ex-President Javili of Trelonin - NPC
Angelina Taggart - NPC

Location: Trelonin, Outer Rim
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Skillgannon overlooked the final preparations to his army to move. He didn't expect such a big revolt, no one could count with the Nonans, a savage human clan that opposed everything that came from the Stars. But no one expected that they would benefit when the planet was vulnerable to attack to reconquer it.

He knew that someone in his midst told them, because the attacks of the Nonans during the night were precise and effective, but their terror in killing innocent people, in killing any left alive of the descendants of the colonists were found alive, they would kill them. That proved to be a good thing the Trelonins joined the Immortals in one night. Many of the armies that Skillgannon was supposed to be destroyed was in his command to fight the Nanons threat.

Skillgannon sat on the presidential speeder and moved towards the front lines outside the Trelonin capital, no matter what, he had to win this battle or his plans of Galaxy domination would disappear, with this defeat. The commotion was great, because the common people didn't believe much on Skillgannon.

***

Part of the castle was destroyed and huge hunks of rocks laid on the courtyard, many troopers of the 101 and the Trelonins' troopers. The attacks ceased when the sun appeared on the horizon, simply hid their machines not to be easy targets, but Kaya knew that they were there.

They took time to re-arrange the defense, but to Kaya's eyes, they wouldn't survive a new night like this one that they had. The Castle was built on a very hard place to conquer, but with blasters, missiles and that sorts she knew that it was matter of time that any well defended castle didn't survive when it was surrounded, unless help could arrive in time.

Kaya motioned to the castle walls and glanced towards her electrobinoculars and saw a few camps in the distance, one of the machines was hidden behind some large trees, but she couldn't locate the others, but she knew that they had to be more. She had to have found out their numbers and what kind of machines they had, if they were meant to survive another night, because she knew that help always arrived late.

She walked back inside the partially destroyed castle to the foundation where there were located the many wounded, from the attacks last night. It was a weird sensation looking to Trelonin troopers that were wounded by her own people. From what the Captain told her that the Nonans conquered this castle they will kill anyone in it, especially the wounded. She couldn't allow that to happen.

She walked inside the castle, looking to anything that she could wear. As she entered into the throne room she saw that all the equipment that they were here to take out. She motioned to the throne and saw a huge painting above it.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

Kaya turned, facing the Trelonin Captain. "It is," she said. "What are those?" She pointed to the huge creature in the painting.

"Those?" The captain laughed. "Any visitor sees one of these paintings wants to know what they are." He smiled. "They are the ancestors of this planet, but the historians believe that they were huge creatures with formidable skills of combat, the historians say that they might be the ones that populated many of the other worlds, because the architecture of ancient temples that we have here is similar to others. The loss of Alderaan was great, because the evidence of these creatures were immense in Alderaan."

"Wait are you saying that these creatures can be, the ones who introduced the Corellians to the hyperspace technology? Because in a very well known myth says that species that lived on Alderaan, were the ones who introduced the Hyperspace to the Corellians thousands of years ago," Kaya said incredulously.

"It could be. The evidence found here pointed out that the myth might be true," the captain said. He noticed that Kaya was very interested on the subject. "Come I have something that you will enjoy to see."

Kaya nodded and followed the captain towards the catacombs of this castle. "This castle is one of the biggest findings in our history, but it was all destroyed, leaving only the foundations to build this castle. The Trel government decided to rebuild it because of the war against the Nonans in the Cold Wars. During one of the excavations they found this," he said, opening a large door that had a rusty entrance.

Kaya saw at the end of the room, was a massive vitrine protecting a suit and a mask. The mask was similar to the painting, with tails of what looked like some sort of clan tradition or something. "This is equal to the ones in the painting!"

"Not equals, but we think it belonged to one of them." The captain motioned with his arm. "We put it here as a secret, because we are not sure about this mask if it belonged to them, but the Nanons don't know about this, if they found out, the kind of consequences that might happen is sure, but it would be terrible. We learned that they have fear of it, so big that they simply ran away, but if found out this mask..." The captain shook his head, feeling cold going to his spine, then he heard from the comm that he was needed. "I have to go. You can find your way out of here?"

"Yes..." Kaya said as he continued to look to the mask and suit, without noticing the captain leaving. The wheels of her head started to function, she had an idea, but didn't know if it was going to work or perhaps she might offend the Trelonin people only with her wild idea.

***

"Father, should we believe in this Skillgannon character?" Angelina asked.

"To be honest, don't know, he seems a man of his word, unlike many of the grand Admirals of the Empire." Jailin moved out of the presidential desk. "Have a little faith, daughter. If this Skillgannon can destroy the Nanon's threat, the common people will love him and will see him as the hero, we can't change that."

"We have to obey his orders. I hope that following this Skillgannon wouldn't be our doom," Angelina said with a very worried look and impatient to hear who won the battle.

***

A few hours later, Skillgannon set his feet on the battlefield ground. Dorian joined him, but he missed Kaya beside him, but for a few years he engaged wars without her and today that wouldn't be a problem.

The first line of Immortals and Trelonins moved forward as they saw their enemies on the other side of the battlefield. As the Nonans gained speed, their lines started to break, their attack was fierce that could create fear in their enemies, but that wouldn't work with the Immortals. "Maintain the line," Skillgannon screamed as they continued to move forward.

As the Nonans got nearer to their enemies, they started to scream of the adrenaline moving throughout their bodies, but the effect was efficient; there was always someone afraid in the enemy lines of their charge.

"Blasters out!" Skillgannon ordered, pointing his blaster sword towards the Nonans. A synchronized movement of the Trelonin and Immortals troopers took their respective blasters and pointed them towards the enemies. The Immortals with their blaster swords and the Trelonins with their normal blasters of different formats. They waited impatiently for Skillgannon's orders.

Skillgannon waited for the right moment and when the Nonans where close enough, he screamed, "FIRE!" Every trooper fired their blasters, exhausting their rounds. A mist of smoke exited from the blasters, because of the cold weather. Skillgannon couldn't see if it worked or not, so he waited impatiently. Out of the mist a Nanon exited from the smoke with sword pointed towards Skillgannon's heart.

---

"Mending"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The reparations of the Temple's damages were progressing, and all Padawans and Masters seemed eager to assist. They would be done in a matter of hours at this pace, which pleased Laedra. Any reminder of what had occurred needed erasing before anyone could heal. Just as they would rebuild the broken pieces of the Temple, they would restore themselves as well.

Scattered across the grassy clearing behind the Temple, all the helpers sat to eat the picnic meal prepared for them by Orn. There was laughter as the children ate and conversed. It was a sound Laedra Vorrel had missed.

Having found their own secluded area, Laedra and Koran - who had insisted on spending time outside to mend - sampled their own lunch. They used their cloaks as blankets to sit upon, and Koran propped his back against a stout tree for support. Beneath the shade they watched and enjoyed the signs of life around them, though the moments were tainted by all that had followed the Temple's attack. Laedra could not let any of it go. "So...have you spoken with Kael?" She glanced aside at Koran and nibbled at a wedge of cheese.

"I spoke with him," Koran said. "The stresses of many things are affecting him, though I do not sense a fall. The situation with Raeila is at the heart of it, and I don't know what we can do to alleviate the problem. Nieme and Dani are a large part, and the fact that they're still on the throne."

"And you don't feel he will attempt to remedy that problem by removing them from it himself?" she asked.

"I think he knows he can't do it alone," Koran said. "I think that one of Kael's strengths is knowing his limitations. He's one of the more remarkable swordsmen I've ever seen, but he knows he can't take Dani and Nieme by himself. I don't think he'd drag Ferrig with him either. He loves him like a brother, and knows taking him into that sort of danger would likely get Ferrig killed. I think there are other areas where he may need to be watched. I believe our inaction is bringing up his doubts, making him wonder if we're following the path we should as peacekeepers."

Laedra watched the children spread across the clearing, asking, "And...are we? Is this what the Jedi are supposed to be about?"

"The Jedi have always been guardians of the peace," Koran said. "We're not soldiers or warriors. We're far removed from the Republic out here, but there is good we can do. The planet lost one tyrant to gain two. I do not believe sequestering ourselves out here in the forest is our end goal. Once we have healed, we need to step up and once again keep the peace." He looked into her eyes and sighed. "My only fear is that there are too few of us to do it effectively."

"That is why," she explained slowly, turning her gaze to his once more, "we need to focus on accelerating our training of the older Padawans. It is one reason I will be taking Vaya Bek onto a mission with me - to challenge her and test her skills."

Koran nodded. "Could be a fruitful endeavour," he said. "What is the mission?"

"I'm not certain yet." Laedra smiled. "I'll think of something, though. My only concern is leaving you while you're unwell."

"I'm much improved," Koran said with a laugh. "Though, if you'd like me to accompany you, I could use some time away from here to work with Cole."

Laedra chuckled as she slipped her arms carefully around his waist and leaned her chin upon his shoulder. "And here I thought this was my chance to be free of you...." Ensuring not a Padawan was looking she quickly kissed his cheek.

Koran chuckled. "Not on your life," he said. "When do you think you'll be leaving?"

"When do you think you'll be well enough to leave with me?" she amended. "But even so...there are other things to consider, like Kael and the stability of the Order. We can't simply leave if all is in turmoil."

"Very true," Koran said. "I should be well enough with another day of rest. We can speak with the other masters, get their take on the situation. If we aren't gone too long, it is possible they can hold things together here."

"And when we return," she added, "it may very well be with two new Jedi Knights." Smiling at the prospect, Laedra pulled away from Koran and plucked a torberry from the bowl for him. She held it to his lips, gazing up at him from beneath her lashes. "Are you healed enough yet that I might share a bed with you this evening?"

"Only if you go easy on me," Koran said with a laugh. "And if you promise not to kick."

"Only if you promise not to snore," she teased.

Koran laughed. "I'll do my best," he said. "But, on that I can't make promises."

Laedra shrugged. "Then neither can I, but I think the risk will be well worth it." Although engaging in such behaviour before the Padawans was imprudent, Laedra had been without Koran's touch for too many days to refrain from kissing his waiting lips fully. Bashful giggles and excited whispers swelled from the gathered Padawans; all sounded more amused than shocked, and considering all the pain they had faced recently, Laedra imagined a moment of levity was welcome.

Koran chuckled and peeped over toward the Padawans. "My dear, I believe they're on to us."

"When weren't they?" she quipped, and following another brief kiss, Laedra drew away once more to select another torberry for Koran. "Many of them probably have no notion of 'love'." Holding the succulent, red berry to his lips, Laedra whispered, "Why not let them see that not everything in this world is anger and violence and hatred?"

"I think that's a very good idea, my dearest love," Koran said as he closed his lips around the berry.

Teasing 'ooh's and snickers arose from the students at the display. Laedra and Koran laughed gently to one another. It was the most happiness any had experienced at the Temple for some time and Laedra and Koran were glad to have a hand in inspiring it. Whereas some on Tae'Karada would rather they fight their wars for them, this was the true role of the Jedi: to bring light where there is none, and that light was shining brightly upon the Temple that day.

---

"Aria's First Dinner"
By: Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat
Aria Tregat
Merrick Braston
Cadwin Tarrel
Keeve Shivral
Maeren Shivral
Kimara Shivral

Location: Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Donning the pink jumpsuit exuberantly presented to her by her Auntie Shiv, Aria Tregat rode out of the Yelldon District Hospital in her mother's arms. Merrick had lovingly offered to pick Kaysa up an outfit of her own from their mansion, and that very one she now wore while the entire family processed through the corridors as if accompanying royalty. Kaysa beamed, feeling thus with all the attention of her loved ones focused on her and Aria. It paid to be considered the family matriarch for all the privileges that went with that title. She and Aria would no doubt be spoiled and catered to splendidly once they arrived home. Kaysa couldn't be more excited.

Behind them trailed Keeve, supported by Shiv, as he still wasn't too steady on his feet, but had demanded he join them at home, despite Shiv's protests. Moril and Saris would be meeting at their home once Moril's duties at Antorial allowed, but still, Kaysa had all the family she could ever hope for with her now. She sighed, giving Merrick's hand a squeeze as he held it, while Zale pushed her hoverchair from behind. "So...when does the party start again?" she pried, hoping he'd finally catch the hint.

"What party?" Zale answered. "I don't know anything about a party. Do you know anything about a party, Merrick?"

Merrick chuckled. "Party? No, no party. I was thinking, I'd go ahead and get some sleep when we get home."

Shiv giggled and kissed the top of Kaysa's and then Aria's heads.

Kaysa frowned skeptically at her lover. "Your excitement, my love, leads me to believe differently." Then, she laughed. "A party just for Aria!" Kaysa kissed her daughter's round cheek tenderly. "Your very first, my girl, and not your last, because wherever I go from now on, you do too."

"Look at that smile," Shiv said as she grinned at the little one. "I think she knows. See how she's smiling."

"It could be gas," Merrick suggested with a grin.

"Don't you dare accuse my daughter of having gas, musician," Zale said with a laugh. "She's perfect."

Kaysa agreed with an emphatic nod. Spotting Cadwin through the open doors, waiting by their speeder, Kaysa laughed and waved. "Why didn't you come in?" she called to him.

"They would have towed the speeder if I just left it here," Cadwin said as he moved to open the other hatches. He flashed her a grin. "Come on...it's time for us all to go home."

"We're not all going to fit in there," Keeve grumbled as Shiv helped him down the stairs. Kaysa was rising from her hoverchair, and handed Aria to Kim to make it easier for her to maneuver into the vehicle. Keeve's eyes were on Shiv's clone. "We should find a taxi. It'll be less cramped."

Shiv followed Keeve's gaze and then nodded. "Sure," she said. "We're going to grab a taxi, but we'll meet you at the house."

Kaysa's head was still poking out of the speeder as she opened her arms to collect Aria from Kim. "Why? There's plenty of room in here!"

Shiv glanced at Keeve, then back to Kaysa, then shrugged slightly. "We'll be there quickly, don't worry."

Keeve let out the breath he'd been holding in and squeezed Shiv's hand gratefully. Kaysa shrugged and ducked back into the speeder, calling, "Don't be late for the party! Aria won't like that one bit."

"We won't be late," Shiv called back. "Don't start having too much fun until we get there!"

As Shiv and Keeve hurried off, Kim was watching. There was plenty of room in the speeder, and she could only think of one reason why Keeve would want to take another speeder home. She turned away, hiding the single tear sliding down her cheek and quickly got into the back of the speeder.

Piled into the speeder, with Cadwin and Merrick on either side of her and Zale in the driver's seat, Kaysa sighed happily. "Home...finally! Now move it, Tregat. We have a party to attend."

Without another word, Zale hit the starter and they sped out into traffic and off toward home.

***

Although no longer eating for two, Kaysa's appetite still amazed those gathered around the table. All watched as she polished her third plate of stew - Merrick's specialty - and although she asked for another helping, Keeve begged Zale to stop her. "You know she'll only get miserable and take it out on us if you don't keep her from stuffing herself sick," he reminded his step-father.

"Do you really think talking to her will do any good," Zale asked. "She's your mother, and you know how she is. I can talk to her if you'd like, but...well, you know."

"I can hear you," Kaysa sang, her words muffled by the food occupying her mouth. She quickly licked clean her fork and set it down. "See? No more."

Keeve sighed audibly with relief. "She eats almost as much as you, Maeren."

"Where do you think I learned," Shiv said with a giggle.

"If that's so," Keeve replied, smiling at his wife, "then where'd Kim learn it? Admit it, Maeren; it's in the genes."

"Well, I'm your wife," Shiv said. "And, she wants to be your wife too. Maybe if she eats like me, she'll get to be your wife."

Keeve grumbled and gently squeezed Shiv's thigh under the table. "Don't give her ideas, my love," he muttered between gritted teeth.

Shiv gave him an innocent smile, but across the table Kim was focused on not paying attention. As she thought about it, she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen her twin actually looking over at Keeve or herself. The smile dissolved into a frown as she turned her attention to her own food.

A squalling cry from Aria's crib turned everyone's head and Kaysa dropped her fork despite her still-raging appetite to see to her child. Merrick and Zale followed eagerly, with Cadwin trailing behind. Only Shiv, Keeve, and Kimara were left at the table, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake. Keeve sighed, motioned towards Kim with his head and nudging Shiv. "Go on," he whispered. "Tell her."

"Are you sure," Shiv asked softly. "I don't know if now is a good time. Look at her. I don't think I've ever seen her so...so sad."

"What better way to cheer her up," Keeve reasoned, "than to invite her out to a night on the town?"

Shiv nodded then looked up at Kim. "Hey," she said with a smile. "How would you like to come out for a night on the town with us?"

Kim looked up, glancing between the two. "Really?"

Shiv nodded again. "Really."

Keeve shrugged and gesticulated with his fork as he explained, "It'll be me, Maeren, and yourself. A little drinking, some dancing." A smile tugged at his lips. "A little...scoping out the available men, hm?"

Kim watched Keeve for a moment, then glanced at Shiv. "Sure," she said. "I'd like that."

If she'd been looking in his direction, Kim would have seen Keeve's amusement vanish. Quickly enough, though, he plastered on a grin. "Good. How's tonight? Too soon? Need something to wear?" He shrugged negligently and relaxed against his chair. "I'm sure Maeren will try not to outshine you. Right, love?"

"Tonight? Oh...tonight will be fine. I hadn't...but yes, tonight. I think I have something to wear."

"If not, Maeren will lend you something." He nodded at his wife conspiratorially. "Right, my dear?"

Shiv grinned. "Of course! Oh, I think I know just the thing! Should we go get ready now? Oh this is going to be so much fun!"

Keeve smiled unpleasantly at Kim, who replied in kind. "Fun indeed," he muttered, then set down his fork and pushed back his chair. "I'm going to nap in the meantime. You two get beautiful and I'll work up my stamina for an evening of excitement." He bent over to kiss Shiv, and saluted Kim loosely when he straightened. His eyes narrowed briefly at her before he swaggered away.

Kim and Shiv watched him go, then exchanged glances with each other before Kim bolted out of her chair and off toward the bedroom. With a giggle, Shiv followed after her.

"Hey!" Kaysa called out. "Don't think you can get out of clearing the table!" But they were already gone, and when she turned her eyes upon Merrick, Zale, and Cadwin they all quickly avoided her searching gaze and focused on Aria. Sighing, she resumed rocking her child in her arms.

"Kids will be kids," Merrick said as he watched Maeren and Kimara disappearing down the hall. He glanced down at Kaysa. "Do you suppose she's alright?"

"Who? Kim?" Kaysa shrugged. "She's sullen as ever when she hasn't had a moment alone with Keeve. Definitely lovestruck and frustrated is what she is."

Merrick sighed. "I wish there was something I could do for her," he said, then smiled fondly at Kaysa. "I just hope she gives up on him soon before he really breaks her heart."

Kaysa chuckled. "Or before he gives in." Coos and fond laughter gently rippled from the gathered parents as Aria opened her tiny mouth for a yawn. Smiling with adoration at her daughter, Kaysa whispered, "At least we know she's a few years away from heartbreaking yet."

Merrick chuckled. "Just a few," he said, though he decided to say nothing about how few those years could be if Dargus Kandran got his hands on her. Though, rumours indicated that would no longer be a problem. "Just a few..."

"So," she asked, looking between her men hopefully, "did anyone make dessert?"

"I think I happened to whip something up," Zale said with a grin. "Let me go check." With that, he slipped out of the room. Once he was gone, Merrick glanced at Kaysa with a nearly frightened look on his face.

She snickered and swatted his arm, then kissed him lightly to soothe all fears. "Just pretend to take a bite, and spit into your napkin," Kaysa advised. "Easier on the stomach that way."

"I guess Keeve, Maeren, and Kim skipped out at the right time," he said just before Zale pushed the door open and came back bearing a cake.

"Oh my," Kaysa enthused with much effort and even more anxiety. "Zale...dear...where did that come from?"

Zale laughed. "From the kitchen," he said. "And, before you start calling in New Plouton poison control, Moril's the one who actually made it."

She gave a bark of laughter, startling Aria who whimpered and began screeching. Kaysa winced and began rocking her back to sleep. "See? This is what happens when you surprise your wife."

Zale laughed. "I promise to send a memo from now on," he said.

And chuckling at her husband while soothing Aria, Kaysa, along with her other two husbands, made their way to the table to brave Zale's dessert and wonder at what trouble would follow Keeve, Kim, and Shiv on their night out.

---

"Memory Lane"
by Reeve

Location: Desert, Outside Thanatos
Date: Vadris 12, 4ABY

***

Reeve tightened his grip around the handle of his blade and watched the combat-droid in front of him warily. He had taken Gelko's advice and left Thanatos, taking up residence in an abandoned home a few miles out of the city. There had been a brief dispute over ownership of the small shelter with a desert-hermit who had claimed it, but that had been ended quickly, and Reeve doubted that anyone would find the hermit's remains before the desert-scavengers picked his bones clean.

Now, Reeve stood outside the small shelter (which he actually found to be somewhat livable, although he would have preferred more comfortable accommodations). Off to one side was a small swoop-bike Reeve had purchased for localized transportation. Reeve had spent a thousand or so credits on it - it was in poor condition, but Reeve knew he wouldn't have need of it for long.

In front of him stood the combat-droid. Droids like this were typically used for melee-combat training of soldiers and, Reeve had heard, Jedi. They could be programmed to use thousands of fighting styles with a variety of hand to hand weapons, and could be set to varying degrees of difficulty. Naturally, droids of this type were not cheap, but when Reeve chanced to find one in the back of an old droid-repair shop, he had been more than willing to throw down the money to purchase it. If nothing else, he knew it would give him something to do, a way to occupy his time, until Gelko got in contact with him again.

"Activate," Reeve said. The voice-command brought the droid to life, and its robotic eyes focused on Reeve.

"Awaiting command," it said in a metallic voice.

"Run dueling program, maximum difficulty," Reeve said.

"Warning - maximum difficulty requires deactivation of my safety subroutines," the droid said. "Serious injury or death to organic user may occur. Do you wish to proceed?"

It was an automatic warning, one the droid was programmed to give anytime it was asked to perform at maximum efficiency. It was a good thing, too - at maximum difficulty, the droid was deadly, and could easily slice through anyone who proved to be less than a master at melee-combat.

Reeve, however, was not worried.

"Proceed," he said.

The droid raised its blade and began to circle. Reeve did the same, taking care to stay well out of the droid's attack-range. This would require the droid to step forward before striking, which would give Reeve the opportunity to defend, retreat, or counterattack as the situation called for.

The droid stepped forward, swinging its blade in a deadly arc that would have split Reeve from shoulder to waist. However, Reeve saw the attack coming and easily sidestepped, making a counter-slash towards the droids midsection. No human opponent could have reacted fast enough, but the droid's speed was incredible - it whirled its sword around quickly and deflected Reeve's attack. Reeve, however, had been expecting this, and quickly spun around, attacking the droid from the other side.

The droid was not fast enough this time, and Reeve's blade bit into its arm. Reeve took care not to swing too hard - he could easily have severed the droid's arm, but he wanted to keep it in good condition for awhile longer.

So instead of pressing the attack, Reeve stepped back and took up a defensive posture. The droid came at him again, with a speed and strength that would have dazzled a lesser opponent. To Reeve, however, the droid was sluggish, and its moves were predictable. That was the trouble with droids - they tended to lack the capacity for creative thinking.

As Reeve fought, his mind wandered. He reflexively dodged or parried the droid's attacks, as his thoughts drifted away from the battle at hand. He was thinking about another duel he had fought, one that had been far more engaging than the one he currently found himself in. His first real challenge after escaping the Imperials...

***

*Location: Sith Academy, Korriban
Date: 1 BBY (Before Battle of Yavin)

The 23-year old Reeve frowned at the remains of the ancient Sith academy. Centuries ago, this place would have held dozens of young Sith, all training to become Masters of the Dark Side. Reeve cared little about the Jedi or Sith religions, especially considering that the Jedi and Sith had almost entirely disappeared from the galaxy, but he had to admit he had long wondered what it would be like to face one in battle.

Now, though, as he regarded the crumbling walls of the ancient academy, Reeve doubted that he would have a chance. As with all things, it seemed that the time of the Jedi and the Sith had come to an end.

Reeve thought about returning to the settlement, getting a meal and going to bed. He had booked passage aboard a transport ship that was due to leave in the morning, and a few hours rest would have done him well. But somehow... he could not turn away. He merely stared in silence at the stone temple before him. He felt as though something were drawing him to it- a dark presence that Reeve could not see or hear, yet made the hairs on his neck stand on end. The Dark Side, perhaps, Reeve thought.

So instead of leaving, Reeve stepped forward, up to the desiccated doors to academy. Where weaker men may have been afraid to approach a place so steeped in darkness, Reeve did not hesitate to reach out and place his hands on the gigantic stone doors that barred entry into the temple.They were closed, but the ravages of time had caused pieces of the door crumbled and fall, creating an opening just large enough for Reeve to get his hands between. He pushed with all his might, and found that they slid apart after some effort. Reeve wondered how long it had been since anyone had passed through them.

Not too long, probably, he thought. These doors look as though they've been recently moved.

Reeve spared no thought as to how someone could move them without genetically-enhanced strength, and instead stepped boldly into the academy. He didn't know what he was looking for, but decided that the opportunity to explore a centuries-old ruin was something he was rarely afforded, and resolved to take advantage of it. The deeper he went, the stronger the darkness became.

***

Reeve stepped forward now, out of the small, dark hallway and into a large chamber. It was circular, with high walls and stone columns in a straight-line, stretching out before him. There was ancient writing on the columns in a language that Reeve didn't recognize, but he spared them little attention. Instead, his eyes focused on the figure the knelt in the middle of the room. The lighting was such that Reeve couldn't tell if the figure was facing him or not. Reeve's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his blade, but he did not draw it. Instead, he stepped further into the chamber.

"Who goes there?" the figure said. Its voice was low and sinister, the kind that made men's skin crawl when they heard it. Reeve, however, was not as afflicted.

"I am Reeve," he said. "Humble explorer of these catacombs. And you?"

"Not someone to be trifled with," the figure said. "Begone! You have disrupted my meditation."

"Meditation?" Reeve asked. "In this place?"

"Why not?" the figure said, as it slowly stood up. It turned now, to face him, but Reeve still could not see its face, or even if it was man or woman. Based on the voice, it sounded male, but Reeve could not be certain. "This place is strong in the dark side. It feeds my power."

"You are a Sith," Reeve stated bluntly. No sense in mincing words- it was becoming rather clear just what the stranger was.

"I told you to begone," the figure said. "Yet you remain. Perhaps I should punish you."

"Perhaps you should try," Reeve said with a slight grin, patting the sword at his side. Although he was not so sure just what he was facing, he was confident that it had never faced someone like Reeve before.

"You have a fine weapon," the figure said, nodding its head slightly towards the sword at Reeve's side. "But will it stand up to mine, I wonder?"

And in an instant, the figure's lightsaber lit-up. It was red, illuminating the chamber with flickering crimson light. In that light, Reeve could see the Sith's face more clearly - it was a human male. His skin was deathly pale, and his eyes seemed to burn with even more intensity than the lightsaber he held. His hair was black and pulled back in a ponytail, and he was clad head-to-toe in sinister, black and red clothes.

In response, Reeve drew his sword. "It will," he smiled. "I assure you."

"Very well, then," the Sith said. And then, he leapt.

Reeve was amazed at the Sith's speed and agility. A distance of more than 15 feet had separated them, and the Sith closed it with a single leap, swinging his lightsaber in a savage downward cut as he landed. The move had been so fast that even Reeve hadn't expected it, and it was only his highly honed reflexes that allowed him to bring his sword up in time to counter it. The metal blade and the lightsaber met with a hiss. and Reeve could tell the Sith was momentarily confused.

Reeve knew why - lightsabers were blades of pure energy, and were able to cut through almost anything. But Reeve's sword was unique. Made with an ancient technology that had been used when Jedi and Sith were a common sight, and blades that could stand up to a lightsaber were in high demand. Cortosis weaving, if Reeve remembered correctly.

No matter. His sword held fast.

The Sith's confusion evaporated in an instant, and he pulled his blade up and spun clockwise, slicing at Reeve's stomach. Reeve was more prepared now, and parried the blow easily, as well as four more attacks, each one more fierce than the last.

Although he was able to defend himself adequately, Reeve was still astonished at the fury and intensity with which the Sith pressed the attack. Never before had Reeve faced an opponent like this, whose strength and speed seemed limitless, whose hatred burned hotter than a sun.

But even a Sith had its weaknesses. The Sith's anger was hot, irrational, all-consuming... and that kind of anger lead to mistakes. A cold, calculating fury was far more useful in battle, but fiery anger was uncontrolled, sloppy, and stupid.

This fact was beginning to show itself, as Reeve noticed the Sith's attacks were becoming progressively less precise. When the Sith overextended himself making a cut towards Reeve's neck, Reeve sidestepped and grabbed the Sith's arm, flipping him over onto his back and kicking him hard in the chest. The Sith had obviously underestimated Reeve's strength, and winced in pain as Reeve's boot connected with his rib-cage.

Reeve brought his sword down now in an attempt to skewer the Sith through the chest, but the Force-user moved too quickly, rolling out of harm's way and hopping to his feet in less than a second. Reeve stepped forward to attack, but the Sith's hand shot out suddenly, and Reeve felt an invisible wave of force knock him to his feet. The Sith did not waste a moment and slashed at Reeve, who barely managed to roll backwards and evade the lightsaber. Reeve sprang to his feet and swung his blade just in time to avoid another of the Sith's attacks.

For an instant, their blades locked and their eyes met. Reeve stared into the fiery red eyes of his opponent and saw nothing there but anger, fury, bloodlust. Eyes that had, until now, struck fear into the hearts of all who regarded them.

The Sith, meanwhile, stared into eyes as black as space. Eyes that betrayed no emotion, no hint of fear or anger. Cold, emotionless eyes.

Reeve was not afraid.

Reeve shoved, knocking the Sith off balance. The Sith stumbled backward, but put out his hand again, sending another Force wave towards Reeve. Reeve was expecting it this time, and steeled himself against it - it would not move him. Once it had passed, Reeve lunged again, not wanting to give his opponent any more time than he had to.

The Sith blocked three of Reeve's attacks before countering with a cut towards Reeves thigh, once again gaining the initiative. The lightsaber and metal blade clashed, parted, and clashed again. The hum of the saber and the crackling as the blades met combined to form a cacophony of sound in the gigantic chamber.

In a flash, the Sith whipped the saber around above his head, forcing Reeve to backpedal. Then, the Sith leapt into the air, bounced off one of the stone columns, and landed lithely on the far end of the room. Reeve regarded him for a moment, analyzing the situation.

The Sith, however, was not finished. Reeve saw a flash of movement from the corner of his eye and spun, swinging his sword as he went. The blade clashed against a piece of rubble, slicing the stone in two. Reeve turned and looked at the Sith, who merely grinned evilly as more pieces of rubble began to float in the air and rocket themselves towards Reeve.

Reeve was able to slice the first few, but a medium-sized hunk slammed into his back, knocking him off balance. He regained himself just in time to avoid a large piece of rubble that dropped from above. It was clear the Sith was not going to let Reeve off easily, as more stone slabs began shooting towards him.

Reeve rolled under one, sprang to his feet, and swung his blade just in time to slice another rock in twain. He was performing incredibly well under the circumstances, and he could easily see the Sith's increasing frustration that the tactic wasn't working. However, he knew it wouldn't last, as the Sith showed no signs of tiring. Reeve couldn't dodge rocks forever.

Reeve's mind raced, thinking about everything he had ever read or heard about the Jedi and the Sith. Their control over the Force was not understood - in fact, some foolish people claimed the Force didn't even exist- but Reeve's current predicament had proven that the Force certainly worked somehow. It was believed, however, that controlling the Force required a degree of concentration.

Reeve guessed that levitating multiple rocks at a time was taxing his foe's concentration at least somewhat. Enough, perhaps, that he wouldn't see an incoming projectile until it was too late.

Reeve's eyes scanned the floor. Even in the dim light, his sharp eyes spotted a small, fist-sized stone. He rolled, dodging another rock, and grabbed it, hurling it at the Sith even as he regained his feet. The Sith cursed and swiped his lightsaber quickly to block it, easily catching the stone in mid-air, but it gave Reeve the lull he needed. In the instant the Sith's concentration shifted, Reeve leapt.

In close-combat once again, Reeve's sword moved faster than it ever had before. The Sith's saber was equally as fast, but Reeve was clearly on the offensive now. He struck at the Sith's neck, chest, legs, anywhere he saw an opening. Each attack was successfully parried, but the Sith was giving ground fast.

You fool, Reeve thought. You've lost control of the battle. You're as good as dead now.

Suddenly, the Sith kicked out. This was unexpected, but Reeve saw the maneuver in time to step back slightly. Even so, the Sith's foot connected hard with Reeve's midsection and drove him back. The Sith followed this by extending his off-hand and making a sudden, sweeping gesture. Suddenly, Reeve felt a tremendous pull on his sword, as though some unseen force were trying to pry it from his grasp.

But Reeve's gene-enhanced strength made his grip like iron, and the sword could not be moved.

Wide-eyed, the Sith tried again, but Reeve's grip held the sword fast. Not even with the Force could it be removed.

Reeve took advantage of his foe's momentary confusion by stabbing out with the blade. The Sith's dodge was incredibly fast, but not fast enough- Reeve's sword grazed his side. The Sith grunted in momentary discomfort, but did not hesitate - his saber lashed out quickly. Reeve parried the attack, and two more, but the third found it's way through his defenses and bit into his arm. Reeve leapt back to give himself some distance and spared a quick glance at the wound.

It had burned through his clothing, and the wound beneath had been cauterized instantly. But it was a minor wound. Reeve's attention returned quickly to the battle.

The two foes met again, sword and saber clashed and sang. Back and forth they went, each attacking and defending in perfect rhythm, the rhythm of battle. The dance of death.

The Sith's eyes, sharpened by the Dark Side and years of training, spotted a weakness in Reeve's technique. Reeve's stance was momentarily flawed, he was off balance. It was the perfect time to attack, and so the Sith pushed forward.

What he didn't know, however, was that the mistake had been intentional, calculated. Reeve retreated instantly, and the Sith, realizing that the foe he'd expected was no longer there, stumbled forward.

He regained himself almost immediately, but it was too late. The metal blade flashed through the air, cut through flesh and muscle, severed vertebrae, and emerged on the other side, carrying with it a fountain of blood. The Sith's head bounced away into the shadow, as his body crumpled to the floor, lifeless.

It was over.

His breathing heavy with exertion, a sheen of sweat on his forehead, Reeve considered the fallen body for a moment. In death, the Sith was as fragile and weak as any other human. It's fingers twitched, the final, reflexive movements before eternal stillness, and Reeve smiled. He saw now.

He had faced a Sith, a student of the Dark Side, and won. He had won without Force powers, without the protection of the Light Side. The Sith, though a powerful and worthy adversary, was just like any other foe. Once his weaknesses were exposed, he had been crushed and swept aside. As with all others who had stood before Reeve.

It had been a close battle, Reeve knew, but in the end there could have been only one outcome. After all, the Sith fought with anger and rage, but Reeve was cold and emotionless. Ruthless efficiency was far better than mindless slaughter. And as for the Force- though it was unpredictable, it was not unstoppable. An opponent who wields the Force can be cut down just the same as any other.

Reeve wiped the blood off his blade on his foe's clothing, then returned it to its sheath. After that, he knelt down and picked the Sith's lightsaber up off the ground. He activated it, and once again the hum and glow of the blade filled the chamber. Reeve tried a few practice swings, then frowned and cast it aside. It was an elegant weapon, to be sure, but Reeve knew that he wasn't qualified to wield it. The blade of the saber had no weight, making it difficult to judge its location, as he could with a normal sword. To wield it untrained would be dangerous.

No matter. Reeve's sword had proved effective enough.

Reeve took another look around the chamber, wondering if he should explore further. He decided not to, however- this old ruin no longer held anything worth his attention. But he would not forget this day, nor the lessons he had learned. The Sith had been beaten.

And he would not be the last Force-user to fall by Reeve's blade.

***

Location: Desert, Thanatos
Date: Present (Vadris 12, 4ABY)

Sparks shot from the severed neck of the dueling droid as it clattered to the sand. Reeve lowered his blade and scowled at the droid - it had proven to be a disappointment. A waste of good credits.

Reeve sighed and re-sheathed his sword- the same one he had used five years ago in that chamber on Korriban. He thought back to that day again. He had never learned just who the Sith was, how he had come to inhabit the decaying ruin of the Sith Academy, but he knew that it didn't really matter anyway. Reeve had killed him, and in so doing he had learned that Force-users, like any other foe, were still mortal. And his sword could kill them just the same as anyone else.

"Error!" the severed droid-head said as it landed in the sand at Reeve's feet. Reeve merely frowned and kicked it, sending it flying. He did not watch where it landed, merely turned around and returned to the shelter. It was time for his serum dosage anyway.

---

"How To Make Your Clone's Husband Jealous In A Single Night"
By: Kimara
Maeren Shivral
Keeve Shivral
Ral (NPC)

Location: Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

"Come on," Kim called as the three left the speeder, motioning for Maeren and Keeve to hurry up. She was wearing a long skirt that came down to the tops of her sandaled feet with a slit up the side that showed quite a bit of leg. Her top had a single strap that went over her left shoulder, but left her right shoulder and arm bare. Her belly was also bared, showing off the silver ring embedded there, a difference from her clone she took great pride in.

Shiv giggled and hurried forward with her hand in Keeve's. "I think someone's just a bit excited," she said to her husband. She had decided to wear a pair of leather pants with a pair of sturdy boots and a silver halter with a long coat thrown over it. Her hair was pulled back into a braid that fell down along her spine. "Come on before we lose her."

"Would that be so bad?" Keeve grumbled, patting his loosely spiked hair to ensure it hadn't become dishevelled. As unhappy as he was portraying himself to be with getting dragged along for the event, Keeve certainly cooperated in looking the part of the willing escort. He appeared dapper in a single-breasted suit of dark blue polyester and a white button-down shirt whose collar he left casually open. Not adept at running in his stylish new shoes, Keeve nearly tripped over a crack in the pavement and had to rein Shiv in with a gentle tug. "What's the hurry!? We've got all night, Maeren. Calm down!"

"The hurry is her," Maeren said, jerking a thumb in Kim's direction. "Unless you do plan on just abandoning her here."

Keeve smirked. "Wasn't that the plan?"

"After we find someone for her," Shiv said. "Then, maybe. But, not before that. How would you like it if Kim and I went off and left you here?"

"I'm not the one looking for a date," Keeve pointed out sourly.

"She isn't either," Shiv said. "We're looking for one for her; she'd just prefer to have you."

"Well that's not going to happen, so this is the only alternative." Keeve sighed and picked up his pace. "Come on then...let's get this over with."

Shiv grinned up at him as they pressed forward. When they found Kim, she already had a large, purple drink and was moving in time with the music. "I wondered where you two went off to," she said. "You have to try one of these; they're great. Oh, this is a nice place, and look, they have dancing! Not that Keeve even cares about dancing. He just wants to go home, don't you, sweetie?"

He scowled mildly at Kim, then turned his back to her fully as he addressed Shiv. "You want something? You and your deranged clone can find a table while I get drinks."

"Whatever it is she's got," Shiv said as she linked an arm with Kim.

"That would be a Steaming Passion," Kim said with a grin for Keeve as she and Shiv moved off to find them a table.

"With that attitude," Keeve muttered, "it's no surprise she can't find someone to sleep with her." With a bitter shake of his head, Keeve waded through the crowd gathered around the bar to fill their drink orders, and scout for a man to take Kim's mind off himself.

***

Shiv and Kim had found a table close to the dance floor without being right on the dance floor. Shiv was scanning the dancers while Kim sipped at her drink. As Kim sighed, Shiv glanced at her.

"He's mad at me, isn't he?" She slurped noisily at the drink, her eyes fixed on the table.

"He's not mad," Shiv answered. "He just...he doesn't want you constantly flirting with him. He can't give you what you want."

Kim pushed her drink away. "I know," she whispered. "He's got everything he's ever wanted in you." She sighed again. "I should get a place of my own. I'm going to go insane staying there with you. I can't do that anymore, Maeren."

"I understand," Shiv said. She opened her mouth to continue, but Keeve's approach stalled her.

With drinks in hand, Keeve nodded to Shiv knowingly, then called curtly, "Kim." He stopped at their table and looked down upon her severely. "Cheer up." Setting the drinks down, he slid into the chair beside Shiv to reveal a man, no taller than Keeve and with the same roguish features. His eyes were taking in Kim. "Meet Ral" --he jerked his chin towards the man-- "Ral, meet Kim." Keeve slipped an arm around Shiv's shoulders to avoid any confusion on the stranger's part.

Still staring at Kim with blatant approval, Ral held out his hand to her. "It's nice to meet you, Kim," he told her in a deep voice and rolling accent.

She took his hand. "Nice to meet you too," she said. She glanced up at Keeve, then back to Ral. After a moment, she grinned. "Have a seat, if you'd like. My neck'll get sore if I have to stare all the way up there all night."

He nodded eagerly and scraped out a chair - the one adjacent Kim's - and sat as he set down his own drink. They smiled at one another for a time, Ral glancing from his drink and to Kim, then back again, before chuckling awkwardly. "Your brother says you just broke up with your boyfriend." He grinned. "He's a fool, if you ask me. Why would anyone want to let someone like you out of their sights?"

Kim glanced at Keeve and Shiv, then back to Ral. "I don't really know," she said, then grinned. "But, his loss I guess. Now I'm completely free."

Keeve rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath.

"Good..." Ral nodded appreciatively, then laughed. "Good. Want to dance? I'd like to get a look at you from the waist down, too."

Kim laughed. "Sure," she said. "I'd like that very much." She placed her hand into his and stood up. "After you."

Eagerly, Ral bowed his head to Shiv and Keeve, then led Kim through the crowd. Keeve snorted. "She'll go with anything, won't she?"

"Isn't that what you wanted her to do," Shiv asked with a raised eyebrow. "Besides, she knows she has no chance with you. She wants to move out into her own place."

"She doesn't even have a job," Keeve scoffed, though he began jiggling his leg restlessly. "How's she gonna pay for her own place?"

"Asking her to keep living with us as things are now is only going to drive her mad," Shiv said. "She's crazy about you, but you push her away constantly. Living under the same roof, it's driving her crazy, Keeve. Having you so close, but always out of reach..."

"And this is my fault?" he snapped, twisting in his chair to confront her directly. "I made it clear a long time ago that a relationship isn't possible! Why am I being blamed for her unhappiness? I found her that guy, didn't I?"

"And, then when she went off to dance with him, you insulted her," Shiv said. "I'm sure Zale or Merrick will be happy to help her with money if she needs it. And, if they won't, I will. I figured you'd at least be relieved that she wants to move out of our home."

"But--" Keeve sighed. "She's family, Maeren. For as much as I may...torment her," he allowed, "she's still a part of our family. We can't just let her leave like that."

"So you want her to stay with us so you can continue tormenting her and she can be even more miserable? Keeve, you need to make up your mind about her and quickly before you do worse than break her heart. You can't keep pulling her in and pushing her away."

He narrowed his eyes indignantly. "I'm not doing a thing, Maeren," he growled. "She flirts with me! What do you expect me to do?"

"Let her go if that's what she wants," Shiv said. "I'm sure she'll still be close. But, you're too much of a temptation for her, and being that close every day..."

Throwing up his hands, Keeve petulantly leaned back in his chair again. His eyes caught sight of Kim whirling with Ral and laughing - the first signs of joy he'd seen in her for days. He'd been the source of its absence and the knowledge pained him. "Fine," he whispered somberly. "We'll...we'll let her go. I'll even pay for the apartment." Keeve smiled wanly at Shiv. "Just don't tell her that or she'll get the wrong idea."

Shiv leaned close and kissed him. "I promise I won't say a word," she said.

He nodded sullenly and wrapped Shiv in an embrace. Kissing the top of her head, he watched Kim once again, happy and carefree, and knew his choice was the right one, even though it was twisting his stomach painfully.

Out on the dance floor, Kim grinned up at her dance partner. "You're a great dancer," she said. "I don't get to dance as nearly as much as I'd like. So, what do you do when you're not picking up girls in bars and dancing with them, Ral?"

Ral directed Kim into a single, quick turn and grinned at his self-imagined suavity. "I dabble in this and that," he replied, chancing to slide his hands lower until they cupped her rear. "And what about you? You must be a holofilm actress or something!"

Kim blushed. "Oh, not me," she said. "I'm learning to play music, but I mostly just stay with my sister and her husband. I'm trying to make a few breaks around the city as an artist, but it's not easy to get in."

"An artist?" He hooted with laughter. "That's a coincidence! I know a few people in the industry - I can probably help you out. Come back to my place and I can give you a few names and numbers." His hands kneaded her behind to mirror his inner desperation and longing.

"Really," Kim said as she smiled up at him. It was clear he had only one thing in mind, and he was certainly no Keeve. But, he would at least be good for a tumble. If he even knows what to do in bed, she thought. She moved her arms up to his shoulders, and then around his neck. "I'd like that."

He grinned. "Great." And unwound her arms from about his neck, then pulled her from the dancefloor. "It's close. You don't mind walking?"

"Sure," she said. "Let me let them know where we're going."

Ral made a dismissive gesture. "You can comm them when you get there. Besides, they look like they're deep in conversation. You really wanna bother them?"

"It'll only be a minute," she said. "I don't want them to worry...and I do want them to know where we're going." She grinned up at him. "Trust me."

Sighing irritably, Ral released her hand and motioned for her to get on with it.

"Hey," Kim said, nearly glaring at him. "No need for you to get grumpy about it. It's only going to be an extra minute or two."

Ral chuckled, his charming demeanour returning. "That's two minutes less I get to spend in your arms, Kam."

"Kim, Sparky," she said. "You almost had me there. Now, stand right here, I'll be back in a moment, and stop pouting. If it'll make you happy, I'll spend two extra minutes with you."

His hungry smile was approval enough, and as she walked back to the table, his eyes feasted on her swaying behind. Keeve noticed from where he sat and glowered as she approached. "What's going on? You finished dancing already?"

"Ral happens to know some artists and people," Kim said with a grin. "We're gonna run back to his place so he can get their information for me. I won't be long." She gave Keeve a wink and then kissed Shiv on the cheek, and hurried back to Ral before Keeve could raise too much of a protest.

"Wh--" Keeve gaped. "Is she stupid?! That's the most transparent load of bantha dung I've ever heard!" He snorted in derision. "Lucky break that he just happens to know some artists, huh?" Watching Shiv expectantly, Keeve asked, "So...are you going to stop her or what?"

"You're the one who found this wonderful treasure of a man and threw him at her," Maeren said with a knowing look.

"Well, I didn't think she'd run off and sleep with him!" Keeve exclaimed. He looked back anxiously at Kim disappearing in the crowd, then to Shiv pleadingly. "Shiv...that man is leading her away under false pretenses. He doesn't know any artists!"

"Do you really think Kim doesn't know what's going on," Shiv asked. "When do you suppose was the last time she didn't have any self-attended relief?"

"And is that so important that she could be going home with a murderer to get it?" Keeve growled in frustration and shoved away his drink, sloshing it onto the table. "She's doing this to spite me," he complained.

"Maybe," Shiv said. "There's also something in it for her, something she's not going to get anywhere else, and especially not the person she wants it from. Don't worry, Keeve. She'll be fine; Kim can take care of herself."

"Gods, that's not the point!" Keeve hollered, rising from his chair and drawing attention to their table. "Don't you care? She's a clone, Maeren. She's still naive about certain things. We can't just let her wander New Plouton with some sleazy jerk!"

Shiv didn't move, but she held his gaze and in a cold voice said, "You didn't think he was a sleazy jerk when you brought him over here and pushed him practically into her arms, did you? And, now that the very thing you set up is happening, you're upset. Dammit, Keeve, make up your mind what you want to happen! If you throw some sleazy jerk at her, expect that sleazy jerk to get a good fuck for his trouble. What the hell did you think would happen?"

"I don't know!" he whined. "I just thought she might want to leave behind her past as a pleasure slave, and instead she's slipped into it willingly again...and you're letting her!" Jaw set firmly and shoulders back with resolve, Keeve declared, "Well...I won't." Snatching up his glass, Keeve quaffed his beverage, then stormed off with his empty tumbler rolling abandoned on the table.

Shiv made a noise that was halfway between a sigh and a growl, and quickly followed after Keeve. She knew this would end badly...very, very badly.

***

Left behind in his wake was a club full of angry patrons who'd been ploughed through, but among them were not Kim and Ral. Running out onto the street where a light smattering of rain was falling, Keeve finally spotted them among the throng of club-goers both leaving and waiting to gain entrance. Cursing as his shoes slid on the slick pavement, Keeve gave chase.

"Kim! Kim, wait!" But with the din outside, his voice hardly carried. His anger escalated the longer he had to follow them, and it reached a peak when he witnessed Ral's hand slipping through the slit in Kim's skirt. A rumble built up low in his throat and Keeve beat a furious path towards them. "Kim, stop!"

The voice was vague and distant, but it finally reached her. Kimara turned and looked back in the direction from which it had come. Keeve racing toward her was unmistakable. She wasn't sure whether she should be happy or sad, though she had a feeling the man with his hand under her skirt would be very displeased. His fingers were still circling the tattoo on her hip, just barely visible through the slit, but they were inching around toward the cleft where his true interest waited for him. She slowed her pace, forcing Ral to do the same, but she didn't discourage what he was doing with his hand.

"Kim!" Keeve jogged to a halt before them, breathing heavier and face red with anger. "Where the hells do you think you're going?" he shouted at her, and disregarding Ral entirely, he grasped Kim's bare arm, prepared to drag her back to the club with him.

Ral, whose hand was pulled away from the warmth of Kim's thighs, protested. "Hey! Your sister's made up her mind!" The man, like in size to Keeve, maneuvered himself in front of the two, halting them. As Keeve sidestepped, so did Ral, until the two men were standing nose-to-nose. "Let her go," Ral rasped, his voice thick with either anger or unquenched desire. "She's my date, buddy."

Keeve smirked. "Not anymore she isn't."

"Keeve," Kim snapped, stepping around so she could more effectively glare at him, "what in all the hells do you think you're doing?"

"Keeping you from making a stupid mistake," he shot back. "We're going home, got it?"

"I don't think so," Ral growled. "She's my catch, buddy, and she wants it. So get out of my way."

Holding Kim back with his one arm, Keeve cleared the space between he and Ral. His smile was vicious to match Ral's, and both men developed a roiling bloodlust visible in their narrowed eyes. Before Shiv could catch up to them, fists were flying, one impacting Ral's cheek, jerking his head aside, and another finding Keeve's stomach. They seemed evenly match, grappling one another with equal strength, and matching punch for punch. A crowd began to gather for the show, cheering the two opponents on.

"Stop!" Kim cried, not wanting to get in the middle of the flying fists. "Stop it! Will you two-- Stop! Stop acting like children!"

Shiv arrived and rolled her eyes. "What in the hells..."

The onlookers emitted a collective pained groan as Ral skidded along the asphalt, laid flat by Keeve's uppercut. The fallen man recovered well, sweeping Keeve's feet with one leg. He landed on his back with a grunt, and again the crowd gasped, but were soon cheering once more as Ral launched himself onto Keeve.

Blood streaked the side of Ral's face, and was dribbling down his nose, while Keeve's white shirt was stained with his own emanating from the cut on his lip. The men rolled on the ground, punching wildly and throttling when they found opportunity to do so. Through it all, though, Keeve was grinning.

"You should've just left her alone," he rasped, and butted Ral in the forehead. The stunned man released his grip on Keeve's lapels, intending to slam his head into the pavement, and instead was thrown off of Keeve with both hands holding his brow. Keeve flew at him again.

Off in the distance, the sound of approaching sirens could be heard. Kim and Shiv were both now trying to get the two men to cease their brawling, but neither man seemed to hear. Kim was half inclined to call out for someone with a blaster to stun the two, but realized that would probably just make the whole matter worse. In the end, she sighed and settled herself being angry with both.

Keeve was pummeling Ral's face, forcing the man to raise his arms for protection, when an uproar erupted from the crowd as the New Plouton Security Force entered the fray. Keeve's arm was in mid-swing when both were pinned back by two officers and his weight pulled off of Ral. He struggled in their restraining hold, managing to land one final stomp between Ral's legs. The man cried out in agony and curled into a ball.

As Keeve was escorted away, the crowd whooping and applauding the show, he locked eyes with Kim as he passed and murmured to her, "That was for you, Kim. Remember it."

Kim's eyes narrowed, the horror at what she'd just witnessed clear. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn't look away. "Don't worry," she rasped, "I won't ever forget it. I won't ever forget that you're a thug and a bully. I hate you!"

Although his one eye was nearly swollen shut, the other grew wide in surprise. Before he could call to her, the knot of onlookers closed around them, blocking Kim from view. Keeve gave another struggle, but the officers succeeded in hauling him into their speeder. While they questioned him about the fight, Keeve's mind remained on Kim and the disgust he'd identified in her expression. Although his intent was not to push her away, Keeve realized somberly that he had succeeded in doing just that.

Shiv watched them taking her husband away and sighed. "I imagine a night in a cell will do him some good," she said. "Come on, let's go break the news to the others." With that, the two started off as the security people hauled Ral away. The night had certainly taken a dark turn and Shiv could only guess at what the future would hold now.

---

"Conquer of Trelonin - Part 3"
By Skillgannon
Captain Kaya V. Yasuyo - NPC
Major Dorian Falkyon - NPC
ex-President Javili of Trelonin - NPC
Angelina Taggart - NPC

Location: Trelonin, Outer Rim
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Skillgannon walked through the battlefield where bodies of the Nanons lay on the ground. He could see several of Trelonin and very few of his own people. The smell of burnt flesh and ground full of blood was scenery that almost was seen after a battle of this magnitude. From afar he could see several trees burning in flames. His plan has worked. He used fuel to spread by his ships in that area and set on fire.

With that he cut off Nanon's reinforcements and with that he was able to pull off a victory and made the Nanons retreat to the place he wanted to. The forest, he also knew that in the next days another one or two battles like this was going to happen, but the Nanons suffered great losses that they can replace on the next battlefield.

Since the weight was off his shoulders and the victory made him to be loved by his new followers the Trelonin. They had proven today their worth as warriors, but he couldn't think about Kaya; he wondered if she was still surviving against the Nanons or the Trelonins since he didn't know that his communication to the Trelonins reached that far.

***

Kaya fired her weapon as several ray guns passed next to her head. She jumped inside her vehicle and turned on and insisted the maximum speed of the vehicle. Several explosions were heard from the distance and the Nanons continued to fire towards her. She could barely breathe under that warm suit.

As the speeder approached the front gate she took out a small blaster and fired and blue light was seen. Moments later the large doors of the castle opened and Kaya drove inside. Once inside the doors closed and the people looked at this ugly and enormous beast. She took off the mask, showing her face to his own men. "Get this equipment out of the vehicle. Now!"

"How... when...?" the Trelonin captain asked.

"No time to explain, I made several damages in their camp and they're probably on their way to attack. Take your men and unload the equipment."

The captain even said nothing about the suit or how she pulled it off the equipment. He ordered others of his men to unload the equipment.

Kaya walked to the, wall seeing the Nanons make the counter attack. "Gemini help us!" she said to her own self.

---

"Opportunities"
By: Yelara Neerou

Location: New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Normalcy was what she craved after learning of her sordid, rocky past and Yelara Neerou was close enough to finding it. Moving away from the Temple had been a start, even though she'd simply returned to another place that held reminder of who she had been - the apartment she had once shared with Liam. Once it was within her means, Yelara would find another home for herself and Leshie, but until then she was living off Liam's generousity.

That alone unsettled her slightly, for it put into question his true intentions. He was still in love with her dead counterpart, and acts of kindness might, in his mind, warm her to the idea of resuming their relationship. Yelara would have to guard her emotions and actions carefully, and ensure she didn't project any false signals or desires. Liam was fragile, and although it was hardly her burden to bear, Yelara had vowed not to hurt him in any way. She allowed him unchaperoned visits with Va'Lesh whenever he wished it, and even now left her son in his care while she explored the city.

Her first few stops had been to various establishments advertising for help - to live independently and acquire her own wealth, she would need employment, no matter how little they paid. One business - a club with a large, golden creature dominating the front - scared Yelara even before she stepped foot inside, and when she had, the sight of its corpulent, greasy owner was enough to send her running. She determined not to seek employment in another nightclub again.

The fourth business, however - a popular cafe ten minutes' ride from Yelldon in the Yuarteira district - was perfect even before Yelara had set foot inside, and it was more so when she did. Overlooking the Yuarteira Canal, it was the most beautiful and tranquil locale Yelara could have imagined. The decor was rustic in feel, though still held all the modern amenities its customers demanded. Located directly in the hub of Yuarteira's bustling tourist industry, it was a favourite of many looking to simply sit back, enjoy a mug of kaffe, and watch the sunlight colour the rippling waters of Yuarteira's canal. It was admittedly a breathtaking sight, and when Yelara was offered a waitressing position, she jumped at the chance. Despite having no practical training, she was confident she could handle her appointed duties, and although it didn't pay much, at least she would be content rather than rich and miserable.

The Zacacea Blossom wasn't so far from her home in Yelldon that Yelara would have to relocate, and Liam was always willing to tend Leshie, so Yelara was certain she could manage a job. It was what she needed to establish that last bit of ordinariness to her life, and in a place offering such simplistic pleasures, she could certainly find it there.

Stepping out of the café with an appointment for training the next day, Yelara inhaled deeply the salty-sweet redolence of the sea water flowing through the canal, and allowed the refreshing breeze to sweep back her hair like a lover's hands. Hypnotically drawn towards the source of that thrilling wind with eyes lazily closed, it was only luck that sent her walking into an oncoming pedestrian rather than the canal's waters. Her eyes snapped open, and she heard a joint gasp, one from her own lips, and another, deeper from the stranger.

Strong hands were carefully gripping her shoulders, while her own had latched onto her unsuspecting victim's shirt. Blinking at the sunlight wreathing his head from behind, Yelara gazed up at the man and gasped again softly. His eyes were a violet more pure than her own - a colour she had no idea existed, but was glad did. The man stepped back to a respectful distance once he was certain she had been steadied, but maintained his hold on her shoulders to ensure she truly had regained her balance fully.

Having moved away from the glaring sun's path, Yelara was offered a better look at her rescuer. His kind, questioning smile added a warmth to his inordinately pale skin, and the golden sun reflected a yellow hue onto his white hair, though he was estimably only slightly older than herself and just as much taller. Yelara stared, and knew it, but couldn't help herself. She had never seen anyone like him before. This left it up to the exotic stranger to cut the silence.

He lowered his hands to his sides and said in a detectably accented lilt, "I am sorry. I was in a hurry and should have been watching my goings more carefully." He bowed his head apologetically, letting his pallid hair to fall forward.

Yelara continued watching him with fascination, but now managed to speak. "I was the one not watching...literally." And realizing she hadn't released his shirt, and he, oddly enough, not bringing it to her notice, Yelara chuckled and backed away a step. She recovered from her momentary embarrassment and added, "I was just...so taken with the view that I--"

"But I should not have rushed," he interjected in his halting standard. "I was being late for my employment...I should not have run around that bend in the road."

"No," Yelara insisted, "it was me. I was just being silly and--"

"And I was--"

"Please," Yelara laughed, "let's just stop this. You're sorry, I'm sorry. All's forgiven."

"Yes," he affirmed, grinning with teeth as white as his complexion, "it is and I am glad. And you are not injured, so I am more gladdened." His uniquely coloured eyes held her in an unabashed stare and Yelara felt the blush shoot through her cheeks.

She smiled back and stepped aside. His body shifted to follow. "I should be going," she said.

The man nodded. "As I should, too," he added. "I enjoyed colliding with you, lady of the raven hair."

Yelara chuckled curiously at his oddly bestowed designation. She was too at a loss with wonder to speak, and could only wave as she began backstepping away. His smile shone brighter than the sun it seemed, and was just as difficult to tear her eyes from. Having learned her lesson, though, she turned around to watch the path ahead, but couldn't help one last look back.

She caught a glimpse of his gleaming white hair before he disappeared within the Zacacea Blossom, and felt a flutter of excitement at the discovery. He said he had been late for work...and apparently at the same café she had just acquired employment with. Grinning to herself, Yelara found she eagerly awaited the coming of tomorrow when she would begin her new job, and perhaps again bump into the mysterious stranger. It only reaffirmed her decision to strike out on her own, to find some independence from those things related to her past. She was beginning anew, and although she would not abandon her old friends, Yelara was definitely looking forward to some new ones.

---

"The First Lead"
By: Girra Xel-Xux Zillar (PC)
& Thome Vhar (NPC)

Location: Dirg's Descent, Drogen Shipyard Station
Date: Vadris 12th, 4ABY

***

Girra had arrived early. She had made a trip out of system the day before, and though she was tired she was eager to meet with this contact before she was due to take off again. Dirg's wasn't the most impressive of establishments, she preferred Xayled's Abyss of those tavernesque holes the station offered. But it was far less seedier than that of Danebra's Den. The last thing she was in the mood for was someone to stick their nose where it didn't belong. Seemed to her the Galaxy, and the station in particular, was full of those who made their way through existence on the troubles and hopes of others.

She was apprehensive as to what kind of information this Omwati contact had, she didn't have her hopes up, per say. She was ready for either event; solid information or a bunch of Bantha poodoo - the latter she almost hoped for just to vent some frustration...but it was important for her to follow what leads she was to come by.

Girra chose a table in the corner, away from the main traffic of other patrons. She had given an employee a generous tip to lead the man to her table when he arrived. Girra knew that Omwati were scarce around the station, though there were a small enclave of them planetside. Supposedly, that is where the man was from, one of a small group of Omwati who had been living on Tae'Karada and following leads as to the whereabouts and eventualities of their kin, their kin who had been taken from them by the Empire.

Girra waited and waited, sipped from a tall glass of fruit flavored water...then she saw the employee making his way towards her, a frail and older Omwati man in tow. Girra rose to meet him, and nodded to the employee as he made his way off to check on other patrons.

Girra bowed in customary Omwat fashion to the man, and he returned the gesture pleasantly.

"Girra, thank you for meeting me," he said. "My name is Thome Vhar."

"Greetings," she said simply and with a tone to dictate that she was ready for business and not a pleasant get together of fellow Omwati.

The man looked old enough to be her father, though Girra was in fact some years older herself. She had been sick as a child, and was put into stasis, a stasis that preserved her age and body, decelerating the growth rate considerably. When she awoke some time later, many years had passed, and she was but a few years older in respect. Her parents had passed, and she hadn't had a brother, but had soon found out she did. A younger brother, though he was to be older, as Girra had been in stasis.

"I know you are looking for your brother, as many of our people have been searching since the fall of the Empire," Thome stated. "I recognized your name, and your face, after scouring public record of new Omwati arrivals to the system. I would have contacted you sooner, but I wanted to be sure that you were indeed who I thought."

"You claim to know me?" Girra questioned.

"I know of you, Girra. I knew your family, my dear, I knew your brother, Orthan," he revealed.

Girra felt the floor give out beneath her. She slumped back into her chair.

"You know Orthan? Wait...wait, you said you knew him..." she said quietly.

"I knew him, yes, I grew up with him on Omwat, we were childhood friends. Before he was taken. You share a strong resemblance, even after all these years. I knew your parents, I knew that they had had a daughter, a daughter who was ill and had been taken away from Omwat. A lot had transpired for our people, for our world. Atrocities..." he said as he lowered his head. "I was never taken, I did not meet the criteria that Tarkin sought. But my cousin did, and she was taken around the same time as your brother. It was a terrible time for us, you cannot imagine. And now, since the Empire has been driven back, many of us have been searching."

"I am sorry for your loss," Girra consoled. "I would like to offer any assistance I may, in return for your information of my brother," she said, getting to the point that she wanted the information. It was eating at her. "But I have been away from home for some time, and I really don't know anyone. As you know, I was sick and taken offworld."

Thome nodded his head. "You were one of the fortunate ones, to not have been there."

"Fortunate?" she asked with increased angst. "My family is gone, just because I wasn't there doesn't make it any less a misfortune! I awoke with barely any memory of who I was, where I came from or who my family was, and then to find that all that time, I would never know. My parents were murdered by the Empire, and the only other family I had was Orthan, a brother who I didn't have before and still do not have now."

"Please, please, I am sorry. I mean no disrespect," he apologised nervously. "I can understand your pain and questions, but just imagine living with the memories of seeing your loved ones taken, your loved ones harmed and killed! Every day I live with that, every night I awake with nightmares of what had happened on our world. I just meant, that you, Girra, were spared that...please, accept my apology."

Girra sat in silence for a moment, collecting her thoughts and feelings. She exhaled deeply. "What have you for me, Thome?"

"We have discovered an abandoned Imperial base about 4 parsecs out," he informed. "It may be nothing, I don't want to get your hopes up. We have paid for information, through contacts we have within the New Republic. Some remains were found, Omwati remains are among them. The base is supposed to have been some kind of research center. The Imperials pulled out and left the base in ruin, and apparently left many people for dead there before New Republic forces arrived. It is thought that they had things to hide. The New Republic left the base pretty much as it was, there isn't much left from what our sources tell us, but it is a lead for us to look into."

"And this does have to do with Orthan? How?" she asked.

Thome produced a small cylindrical container with green liquid. At closer inspection, Girra saw that it held a finger. She looked to Thome with a questioning look.

"A finger, an Omwati's," he said. "We have a database of genetic codes by which we try and match such findings. A compilation of those who were taken, though far from complete. The DNA does match that of the sample we have of your brother, Girra."

Girra stared at the finger in the tube, preserved by the bacta fluid within. It was a pinky finger, and her only link to Orthan.

"The finger does not match any remains on the base, Girra. It is possible he was taken with the Imperials when they evacuated," Thome said to reassure her some, that there was still some chance of finding out more for the better. "Will you take us to this base, take us to look f