Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"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 for clues and information? We could help each other, Girra."

"When can you be ready to leave?" she said.

"We can leave in one week," he replied. "We are waiting for a small group to return from Omwat. They had gone back home with remains and the news of others' loved ones."

Girra was ready to leave that instance, but she had waited this long, and she had other commitments, not that they would precede such an event as this.

"Alright then, leave word when your people are ready, and I will take you there," she said vacantly.

"We are most grateful, truly," he replied with relief.

Girra hardly even heard him, hardly even gave the man any other notice as she stared upon the finger, and subconsciously played with her own...

"New Ventures"
By: Kel Deneb

Location: Arcadia
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Kel flopped down into his chair, and closed his eyes. He had just returned from collecting a bounty, and he needed to relax somehow. Unfortunately, he did not believe that was going to be possible for some reason. His diggings into what really happened to Jordan's husband had been turning up more than he cared to know...or even watch. He had found various recordings showing her having sex with other men in her bedroom, amongst other things. Somehow, he did not believe she was telling him the whole truth. Kel needed to find more information before he could confront Jordan. What he needed to do was go to the planet she had lived on, and figure out what the hell happened. unfortunately, he would need some help in the manner, but he was not sure if Laedra would help him at this junction.

Standing up, he walked over to the comm station, and tapped in a message to her at the Jedi temple. Hopefully she was not off on some bloody mission. Kel peeked into the room that was Jordan's, and noticed she was asleep. He stepped outside into the evening sky, and looked around, taking a breath of the fresh air. He walked along slowly, trying to think about what to do about the whole situation...

"Resistance in the Air"
Kitana Gellar
Amii'a Val'or
Cloud Everblades
Hector Gilgamesh - NPC

Location: Gallorian Embassy, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Kitana walked through the corridors of the Embassy followed by Cloud Everblades and Amii'a. The news of the Empresses taking over the throne were sincerely bad ones. The Empresses were basically like Regi. By now he had negotiated to capture her and the rest of the escaped prisoners.

She ordered everyone to pack their things that they were going to run away to a more secure place. She walked fast. "Are you certain that the wounded are being safe until we give them our newest location?"

"They are safe and secure, Representative," Amii'a assured her. "They," she said, emphasizing the word in respect to the new empresses, "don't command the loyalties of the majority of my peoples, however they do control the Clone forces and certain unsavory characters who would use and abuse any situation to their favor. Your people are safe, I assure you. I have personally seen to it."

"Thank you again for your aid. Amii'a, I don't know how to repay you..." A man with brown hair approached Kitana.

"I apologize for the interruption, but there are twenty clone troopers at the entrance and its leader is demanding to enter. What should we do?"

"Already! They were quicker then I thought." Kitana paused for moment to think of something.

"I have an idea. Let them in and one of your people told them that you are in your office to surrender," Cloud said, seeing that Kitana understood her thoughts.

"Do as he said. Tell them to go to my office!" Kitana said as she walked out of there followed by Amii'a and Cloud.

The man did as Kitana said. He opened the doors and twenty Clone troopers got in without saying a word. "Corporal, close the door." The corporal did as his high ranking officer ordered. The leader turned to the man. "Where is Kitana Gellar?"

"She is in her office to surrender herself," the man said as he showed the way. Minutes later he opened the doors and the twenty troopers got inside the room.

They could see Kitana behind a desk they occupied the front part of her room with the leader inside. "Gentlemen and Ladies, I have only one thing to say..."

The doors closed rapidly, the troopers turned to face the door and saw a man and woman with their guns up pointing towards them. "Put your guns down, if you clones value your lives," Kitana said with a smile on her face.

Cloud examined carefully every trooper and noticed something weird in them. "Amii'a doesn't clones have the same height because they're clones?"

"Well, they are several breeds based on different DNA donors, they aren't all the same, I believe there are two or three persons who they are modeled from, but I could be wrong..." Amii'a whispered cautiously.

"We are here to help you," the leader said with a manly voice.

"Take your helmets off," Cloud said without.

The Clone troopers did and to the amazement that their faces were very different from the rest of the troopers. These definitely weren't the clones that they heard. "The name is Hector Gilgamesh, Leader of the Karadan Rebels."

Amii'a didn't know what to say or think. She was relieved that these were not Tae'Karadan Clone troopers, and then again she was wondering about the nature of these Karadan rebels...

"Karadan... Rebels?" Amii'a asked with wonder.

"Yes," Hector said. "We oppose the Empresses' rule of this world. We existed from the day they took over, but during this time we have been organizing ourselves to better fight the Empresses."

"I see..." Amii'a said with a raised eyebrow. "And who should you put back on the throne once the Empresses have been...deposed?" she asked.

"No one. We intend to reestablish order on this world and to have elections, so that the people of this world can choose freely who they want to rule this planet and who can accomplish the peoples' needs. A think that the past few years has not been done. The ones who suffer are the common people and not even the Mighty Jedi had failed to accomplish," Hector said with an angry face, but he knew that the twenty one questions was going to happen, but every time they asked a question time was being wasted and the chance to run was ending and fast.

"Well, I am all for democracy, but what you propose..." Amii'a said, "Is this the will of the people?"

"Was it the will of the people when the Empresses took over the throne?" Hector said, most polite that he can. "No! The people have suffered a lot from the Imperial occupation and now these Empresses took over and our economy is lower at each passing day, the people starve because they lost their jobs. We have no right to express ourselves without being arrested by Empresses' clones troopers. You asked if this was the will of the people and I have to say yes."

"Well, I guess we should be on our way then, huh?" Amii'a said with a raised eyebrow.

"Please, guys, this isn't the place or the time to have this situation," Kitana spoke, seeing that the questions were becoming a discussion. "We can question their reasons to form as a rebel group, but question them would question me and all the people that form the rebels to oppose a tyrant, like my uncle," Kitana said with a smile, getting up. "Amii'a you help us more than you can imagine, but I think our paths go in different directions. How you question how noble their cause is, you know in your heart that me and my people have no other possibility but to go with them and trust them."

"Promise me you will contact me once you're safe," Amii'a said. "This is my homeworld, as much as it is these Karadan Rebels, and I have no desire to sit idly by and let those demented bitches run my home to the ground. But I am a diplomat of this world foremost, so please. You know how to contact me securely at the Embassy. I know Theen will want to help orchestrate the overthrow of Dani and Nieme. Contact us, we have resources, you are not alone here."

"Don't worry about us, Amii'a, once we are settled I will contact you. I think that we need every resource to help us on this one. Gentleman, we have a job to do, but first let us take these people out of here."

"You heard her, people. Let's go," Hector said, leaving the room.

"Thank you again, Amii'a, for everything," Kitana said, extending her arm.

Amii'a took her offering, and bade her well, as she made haste for the New Republic Embassy.

Kitana and the rest of the people started to escape through the old sewers that no longer were in use. Kitana stayed to be the last one out of there and she was still in her office when she received message. She added time to see the message before leaving. "Praise the Gods..."

"What is it?" Cloud asked, that he was almost reaching the door of the office.

"We need to go off planet, I need to do something. Something that I should have done," Kitana said, looking towards Cloud. She picked up her blaster and fired towards the screen. "Help me set fire on these things."

Could help her to set fire in Kitana's office and both of them stayed until the fire was consuming her entire office.

"Let's go," Cloud said.

Kitana looked one last time. "I thought that my wars ended, but yet it seems that I been pulling to more wars. This is my life and my choice. I choose to fight or die trying," Kitana said, leaving the office, taking a badge that was given by her uncle when they won the Gallorian Civil War and threw it to the fire. She left the Gallorian Embassy that by now the fire started to consume other things and minutes before the Clones of the Empresses arrived to the scene that entire Embassy was consumed by fire.

"The Inner Conversation"
Garnet Seifer
Aeolus - NPC
Doctor Nighlong

Location: Headquarters of Lady Ammut in Unknown Planet
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The Doctor exited from the operation. He was cleaning with a white tissue the sweat from his forehead. He had been inside that room almost 25 hours straight non-stop.

Aeolus was waiting outside the entrance ever since the operation started and was somewhat relieved to see the doctor exiting the room. "So, Doctor. How did the operation go?"

The Doctor sighted heavily, but with a smile on his face. "The operation was a success, only because I'm brilliant, but it's far from over. Now it is up to Garnet and Ammut to join in or..."

"Or what, Doctor?" Aeolus demanded an answer.

"Or there is probably two things that could happen here: First, neither one agrees to join and she wakes up as she was before or..." He paused for a moment. "Or she could die."

"Die!" Aeolus said, amazed, but he refused to accept that.

"We only have to wait," the doctor said as he walked way from the room to refresh himself.

***

Garnet walked through a black room where she could see a dim light illuminating one spot on the ground. She walked towards it, with her heart was beating faster and faster.

As she stepped into the light she saw a reflection of a mirror. She smiled and the reflection did the same; she waved and the reflection was exactly like her. She then smiled again and the reflection did not. Garnet stepped backwards since she frightened herself and the reflection did not.

"So, pathetic and weak," the reflection spoke. "Finally we meet at last, Garnet. It is weird, because it is like I'm seeing my own reflection."

"Ammut," Garnet said, recognising her dark side of her ownself. "What is this place?"

"What? You don't remember this all around you?" Ammut started to laugh. "Come on, Garnet, for once in your life use your brains."

"I AM USING MY BRAINS..."

"Now, now there is no need to be shouting. It would not resolve anything." Ammut paused. "Pity, you don't remember this place, since it means a lot to you."

"Me..." She tried to remember an instant flash she saw fighting against her self under white light. "This is where I won you, isn't it?"

"Ah. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE," Ammut screamed and she then laughed so out loud that her laugh echoed in the dark room. "You see with little brains you can remember even what happened in our subconscious."

"This is our mind? I pictured it a lot different..."

"Yes, in manner of speaking. Now, let's do business shall we?" Ammut said and with a click of her fingers a table and two chairs appeared. "Have a seat, Garnet dear."

"How did you do that?" Garnet said, pointing to the chairs.

"If you spent a while here you get to know few things... Now sit."

Garnet did it so, with carefulness and doubt.

"Good. Now, Garnet I know that Aeolus showed you my operation by my orders and I know that you still have your desire to rule the Galaxy."

"Yes I am, but what is your main interest in this deal?" Garnet asked and she couldn't wait for her response.

"Oh, it's simple. We together can become more powerful than when we are separated. The thing is and I hate to admit it, is simply that I need you..."

Garnet smiled. "You need me. That is quite uh... What is the word?"

"Humble?" Ammut suggested.

"No, weak. Face it, Ammut, you were always weak and you will be forever weak."

"Why you little... Cool it, Ammut she wants you to lose your temper," she said to herself. "You don't get it, do you? If I'm weak, you're weak too, because we are two opposite sides of the same coin. If we join we become one strong steel coin."

"You didn't answer my question, Ammut." Garnet rose and started to walk towards the darkness.

"Wait..." Ammut knew that she would sacrifice her life to end hers. If Garnet stepped her foot in the darkness both of them would die. "Ok, fine. If we join together in a normal way most of you would destroy me and with operation we survived equivalent to each other." Ammut sat on the chair. "You don't know what it is like to be over twenty years in this locked place and finally when my chance to surface, to take control of the body, I failed. I was sent back here and this light started to diminish itself more and more and I decided to take over the body when you were the weakest."

Garnet sighed and approached the table. She saw a wild animal trapped in a cage, eager to get free. A free that she conquered when she created the Liberation Army, but that didn't go well, since she did mistake after mistake. She suffered a lot in the prison, but luckily she had people who still supported her.

"To join you is the most disgusting thing that comes to mind." She saw around her the light to diminish. "Because you seem to screw your own life to fall under the command of a man that you don't even know, and besides that you stole my projects?" Garnet paused. "Which means, that once we are joined together we are going to take control of this army and our fates be in the hands of destiny.

Ammut rose her eyes to Garnet's and she saw her smiling. She nodded in a strange way and quickly changed to a smile.

"Gods I've never been so alive," Garnet said with the same laugh as Ammut. Ammut approached her in front of her. Both women elevated their hands with the palms facing forward.

"Ready, Garnet?"

"Ready, Ammut. Let's do it." They clapped their hands against each other's and an explosion of light illuminated the room. The spot that illuminated the floor they were standing on spread and illuminated the entire room.

***

"Doctor!" the droid screamed. "Something is happening."

The Doctor looked to the window and saw Garnet's body shaking all around. The Doctor dropped his cup of coffee and ran outside his new office and ran through the corridors.

Aeolus saw the Doctor running and he knew that something had happened. He followed the doctor towards the operation room and when they stepped inside they saw Garnet seated at the table.

"Lady Ammut?" Aeolus asked.

"It is now, Lady Garnet, Aeolus," Garnet said, and a smile blew up on the doctor's face, screaming repeatedly, "SUCCESS!"

"Aeolus, let us show the Galaxy what we are made of," Garnet said, pushing part of her hair backwards.

"Yes, My Lady!" Aeolus said with great joy in his voice.

"Getting Reacquainted Via Dinner and Wine"
By: Yelara Neerou
Liam Zaneth
Va'Lesh Zaneth

Location: Yelara's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

It was nearly sunset when Yelara arrived home, soon enough to beat the drop in temperature that would accompany nightfall. Winter had undeniably arrived on Tae'Karada - it would be the first she shared with her son, and thought of him rushed her into their apartment. She had much to tell the little boy of her day, of new horizons she was exploring. Her boy was always a good listener, and while she chatted and he listened, they would enjoy the meal she'd picked up on the way back.

She was in mid-holler with Va'Lesh's name on her lips, when Yelara stopped short at what lay before her. Liam was reclined on the sofa, sleeping soundly, with their small child curled up upon his chest and nestled into the folds of Liam's cloak. Yelara grinned and covered her mouth to contain a joyful laugh. If she had a holocamera, the moment would've been captured forever in a picture. But Yelara would have to settle for a memory, of which she had few, but now there was at least one more to call her own.

Chuckling to herself, she moved quietly past the living area and into the kitchen, hoping not to wake either while she prepared their meal. Though, she was inclined to take her time, to allow father and son as long as they required to replenish themselves after a day, no doubt, filled with much excitement. Yelara knew what that was like, for hers had been just as eventful, but it only served to invigorate, rather than tire her. It was a small step, but certainly a first towards acquiring a passion for living that had all but been absent since her return. She rolled her eyes at her own stupidity. How could she ever have believed death would be better than living? Realization had come slowly to her, but at least it was coming.

Setting down her bag of groceries, Yelara began unpacking and devising a plan of action for combining the ingredients into a decent meal. Inspired by joy now, she imagined it would be easy enough to do so, and set about trying.

***

He wasn't sure if it was the soft burbling noises from the small body on his chest, or the smells coming from the kitchen that roused him, but Liam Zaneth found himself slowly sitting up and cradling his son in his arms. He looked around and spotted the light in the kitchen. He sensed the occupant within through the Force and smiled.

He shifted Leshie's weight, settling him in the crook of one arm as he stood and started toward the kitchen. The smells coming from within were delicious, definitely something new from Yelara. He moved into the doorway and smiled as she was busy chopping up something at one counter.

"Something smells rather amazing in here," he said. "This is a very nice treat to wake up to."

Yelara looked over her shoulder at the two and quickly laid down her knife to greet her son. He giggled at the kiss he received upon his cheek, and followed Yelara with his gaze as she did the same to Liam. "I was as quiet as I could be," she told him. "I thought I'd surprise you with dinner on the table, but I guess you can help now that you're here."

"I'd be happy to," Liam said as he moved over to where some dishes had been laid out. "You might have succeeded, but I could smell the food cooking in here, and so could Leshie. He was rather excited to investigate."

"Well, I'm not quite sure what it is yet," she admitted, laughing. "I don't know if I've ever cooked before, but I certainly don't know what I'm doing right now." Returning to the chopping board where her onion was still being cut, Yelara said, "If you don't mind...let Leshie sit and watch while you figure out what I've done in that pot stewing over there."

Liam chuckled and moved to the side to put Leshie into the little chair placed there just for that very purpose. With the baby safely aside so that he could watch them work, Liam moved over to the pot to examine what exactly Yelara had brewing. "Not a bad start," he said. "And, you never cooked much before. Your instincts are good though, it looks like. How you doing with that onion?" As he checked her progress, he also grabbed several bottles of various spices and seasonings from one of the cupboards. "I think we've definitely got the beginnings of a workable feast here."

"Now that it's in your expert hands," she quipped, and tipped her chopped onions into the bubbling stew. As she stirred, while Liam sprinkled in the spices, she said, "I...um...I got a job today."

"You did," Liam said, the surprise in his voice unhidden. "That's great. That's very great. It sounds like you're settling in just perfectly."

She shrugged. "We'll see. I haven't actually started...and I haven't figured out what to do about Leshie..." Her gaze shifted surreptitiously towards Liam. "I mean...someone will have to watch him."

"I can watch him," Liam said. "And, if I'm ever unavailable, Va'Lesh or Yara can watch him. They care for him very much."

Yelara sighed with relief. "Thank you, Liam. I think this will be good for me...for all of us. I have to establish myself as something other than a living corpse." She smiled, hoping it was as amusing to Liam as it was to her.

Liam chuckled. "A living corpse is better than a dead one," he said. "But having you happy with who you are is more important than anything. Whatever you need to do, do it. We'll pick up where we need to to watch after the baby. Whatever you need to do to get steady on your feet and to feel like you're a part of this world again, we're behind you two hundred percent."

"Really?" Yelara lifted an eyebrow skeptically, still turning her spoon through the thickening stew. "It will give you much more time with Leshie, that's true... But what of your duties at the Temple?"

"I will have to make some adjustments," Liam answered. "Though, it should not alter things too drastically. Most will be willing to make accommodations, either to watch Va'Lesh or to allow me to have him present. The exposure should do him good if he's to become a Jedi some day."

Yelara's stirring halted and the wooden spoon clattered against the rim of the pot as she turned to regard Liam. "No," she told him firmly. "I don't believe I want that life for our son. The life of a Jedi isn't one I want to subject my child to."

Liam nodded. "There are few with the gift he possesses," he said. "I hope there are others who will allow their children to train to become Jedi, to learn to use their gift and keep peace in the galaxy. As it is, I do not believe the Jedi we have now can last for more than a generation. As it is, we don't have the strength to stand against the current threats facing us."

"You aren't going to change my mind by playing to my sympathies, Liam," Yelara chided. "I don't care what happens to the Jedi. I don't want my son to lead a life that dangerous. He deserves more."

"He is my son as well," Liam said. "There's danger everywhere, Yelara, regardless of whether someone is a Jedi or not. The shadowy figure at the end of an alley could be just someone who wants to borrow a few credits, or he could want something far more sinister. Anyone trained as a Jedi will be able to protect himself and others. As a Jedi Knight, I happen to care a great deal what happens to the Jedi, including whether or not my son becomes one. In the end, the decision should be Va'Lesh's. He should begin training when he is young, and if he chooses not to become a Jedi, he can walk away when he chooses. If he doesn't at least learn to control the power within him, he could turn toward the Dark Side."

"By the time he's old enough to choose, it'll be too late!" Yelara exclaimed. "He'll already know about his potential. If he doesn't know, he won't be in danger of anything but a too ordinary life. If you want our son to learn self defense, then teach him, but do not dare expose him to anything related to the Jedi, or what he could be." She frowned, perturbed by the revelation provoked by their discussion. "I don't think.... He probably shouldn't go to the Temple anymore. It's the only way to keep him ignorant of his Force sensitivity and what it means. I think that might be best, Liam."

"And, does that include me," Liam asked. "Or do you expect me to hide what I am to our son? Undoubtedly, that means that we will not be able to have Yara or Va'Lesh --- the cloned elder version of our son --- watch him, and I will be unable to take him with me to the Temple to watch him while you're working."

"You could watch him here," Yelara suggested. "You...you can tell him what you are...I just don't want you showing him anything about what he might be. Is that so hard?"

"I will not lie about who I am," Liam said. "And, I can't lie to him about who he is. If he ever decides he wants to be like Daddy, I want you to tell him why he can't. Deal?"

"I will," she whispered, "and I'll tell him it's because I've lost so much in my life already, that I can't bear to lose him, too." Yelara looked up to disperse the tears in her eyes. "I need something constant, Liam. Leshie is that for me." Gazing down at Liam again, she pleaded, "Don't take that away from me."

"I won't take it away, Yelara," Liam said. "What about me? Do you resent me for what I am?"

She smiled wanly. "You are what you are, Liam. I don't judge you for that. I just...I want my son safe, that's all. And I want him with me, for as long as I have him, not sequestered away in the Temple once he's old enough."

"If he trains to become a Jedi, he won't be confined there," Liam said. "But, all of that is still a few years away. We don't have to worry about Jedi or Temples or anything. We can just try to be a family."

"Okay," she whispered. "We'll revisit this another time...like when my stew's not on the verge of burning." With a faint sigh, she turned back to her cooking pots and resumed stirring, while saying, "I really don't disapprove of your lifestyle, Liam. I just don't believe Leshie and I have to be a part of it to be a family. I don't think any of that matters, not if we're happy with one another's company."

Liam nodded. "I like the sound of that," he said. "I'll get that. Go ahead and get the bread ready. I think there should be something in the refrigeration unit for Leshie."

Handing the dripping spoon to Liam, Yelara followed his suggestions and made for the refrigerator. Along the way she was deep in thought about their small disagreement. It was becoming obvious she would have to share her only son with a man she still barely knew. It was disconcerting and gave her a sense of powerlessness. She hadn't chosen the father of her child, yet now she was obligated to grant him a say in how Leshie was raised. It nearly galled Yelara until she was sick, but she couldn't blame Liam for it. He was taking his responsibility as a father seriously, and it was to be respected. But, it also made beginning anew difficult when there was no possibility of shedding that loose end from her past.

Sighing wearily, she leaned into the refrigeration unit to search for Leshie's supper.

***

Leshie was quite content as the three of them stood over his crib. He was still nestled in Yelara's arms, looking up into the loving faces of his mommy and daddy. He waved one chubby hand, an action that would have had his entire body wiggling like a glibberbug had he not been ready to close his eyes and sleep the night away. He rubbed at one eye and yawned, bringing about smiles from his parents.

"I think he's a little tired," Liam said as he brushed a finger over Leshie's nose. "He had a big day. You had a big day too, I guess. So, a waitress? You'll be great at it, I know."

"I haven't tried yet," Yelara pointed out. "So we'll see." Smoothing back her son's ruddy hair, Yelara kissed his exposed forehead. "Goodnight, my little love," she whispered and gingerly lay him upon the soft, warm blankets awaiting the child. "His bottle," she reminded Liam softly.

Liam retrieved the bottle as he watched Leshie. He smiled at the boy, then glanced up at Yel with the smile still lingering. At the nod Yelara gave him, Liam leaned down over the crib and gave the bottle to Leshie. The little one seemed quite content with it, and accepted it happily.

As Leshie sucked away at his milk, Yelara pressed a finger to her lips and tip-toed from the room. They left the door open a crack and listened for Leshie, but he made not a sound. Smiling at Liam, Yelara motioned him towards the living area and started for it. "He's such a good child," Yelara remarked. "We must have raised him well."

"He gets a lot of love and attention," Liam said. "Though, it's not overdone; I think that makes a big difference. But, yes, we've raised him well."

Yelara smiled and found a spot on the sofa, while Liam did the same. She reached out for the wine bottle they'd brought out earlier and Yelara began pouring. "You sure Jedi are allowed to drink?" she teased.

"I'm sure," Liam said with a smile. "We can even overindulge from time to time if the mood strikes us."

"Is sex considered an overindulgence?" she asked slyly, handing him his goblet.

"Only when conducted in a public place with the Padawans watching," Liam said as he took a sip from the goblet. "When no one is watching, it's fine as long it's not so rambunctious that the Temple caves in; it's an old building, you know."

Yelara snickered and sank into the backrest as she revelled in the experience of unbridled laughter. "I can't tell, half the time, if you're being serious, or it's really sarcasm. Why is that? Why are you so reserved?"

Liam grinned. "Part of it is being a Jedi," he said. "Part of it is because I'm sitting here with a woman who looks like the woman I fell in love with, married, and had a child with. I'm sitting with a woman who looks like the woman who saved me from a path of darkness and pain. But the woman I'm sitting with isn't that woman. Part of the reserve is...I can't allow myself to give in to what I see and hear. I can't go back to what was, and...I have to go slowly, not give in to the hope that everything is as it was. Everything is different."

Sighing quietly, Yelara brought the wineglass curled in her hand to rest against her chest as she stared into the deep, purple liquid. It was fruity and tempting, but Yelara was too pensive to sip. "It still guilts me that I'm not her," she admitted. "But...that doesn't mean you can't loosen up a little around me. Things have been...tense lately, and I want that to end." She raised her eyes to his and smiled. "If we're to be friends, there shouldn't be any awkwardness between us...right?"

"That's true," Liam said with a smile. "I don't want you to think that I'm trying to rekindle my past or to turn you into her. I want to be comfortable around you, but I don't want my familiarity to give you the wrong impression. It's a double-edged sword, and I want to move forward...but you've already made comments about me holding onto my past. I don't want there to be awkwardness between us, Yelara. I'll try to be more relaxed though."

"As long as you're not attempting any...sexual overtures," she told him gently, "there's nothing to worry about. Just...be yourself, Liam. Isn't that the advice we would give to Leshie if he were in the same position?"

"Actually, I'd tell him to have a bottle and a nap," Liam said with a grin. "And, no...no sexual overtures. It wouldn't be right."

She grinned in amusement and again sat up. "Ah. But that doesn't mean you haven't thought about it," she accused.

"I won't lie," Liam said with a chuckle. "You are a very attractive and desirable woman. You may not remember our past together, but I do...and my body just won't forget." He grinned at her as he sipped at his wine, then added: "But it's nothing a cold shower won't fix."

Yelara laughed abruptly, sparking a brilliant light in her alluring eyes. She leaned an elbow onto Liam's shoulder as she buried her face into the crook of her arm, attempting to muffle her laughter and regain her composure. "Oh, Liam," she sighed, then coughed another stifled laugh. "Is that how you Jedi do it, then? It's no wonder you're all so uptight."

Liam couldn't help joining in her infectious laughter. "Well, not all of us," he said. "Before, the Jedi weren't allowed anything of the sort, so you can imagine how uptight they might have been. Trust me though, there's a whole lot of bedplay going on in that Temple. Like I said before, in private and not so rambunctious. Why, just the other day, I saw Master Koran Darr kiss Master Laedra Vorrel right on the lips, in full view of Master Kal'Aran. It was quite the scandal."

"Really?" Yelara giggled, watching Liam's profile intently. "Is that a punishable offense? Or do the old masters enjoy living vicariously through their younger...more virile counterparts?"

Liam chuckled. "Things have relaxed quite a bit, and if a Jedi shows they're able to handle the emotions with responsibility, a relationship isn't an issue. We discourage such things in the Padawans, of course. So, if a Jedi wants a wife or girlfriend, it's acceptable, as long as he hasn't proven himself a scoundrel."

She smiled mischievously at Liam and asked, "Have you?"

"Oh, I'm definitely a scoundrel," Liam said with a roguish grin. "Though, since I found the Temple here, I'm afforded special consideration."

"I see," she said with amused skepticism and sat back to sip her wine, though it was more of a gulp, after which she reached again for the bottle. "So...you've no one to misbehave with now?" Yelara topped off her goblet, then tipped more wine into Liam's.

"No one currently," Liam said with a chuckle. "But, things have been a little too hectic lately to consider misbehaving. After it happened, your...when you were killed, there was someone for a time. It was comfort during a time when I felt life crashing in around me, but we grew apart and had different paths to follow in life. We're still friends, but no longer lovers. But, there hasn't been any time for lovers for a bit. I was rather shocked when I realized I could survive without sex." He chuckled. "I miss the close connection, but I don't, if that makes any sense."

Yelara sighed and shrugged apologetically. "It doesn't...not to me, not yet. I...I haven't had that connection yet, so it's impossible to miss it. I do enjoy having friends," she added quickly, smiling again at Liam. "But I'm just getting used to being alive. I don't know if...if taking on a lover is something I want yet. It'll just complicate an already complicated situation."

Liam chuckled softly. "I didn't mean for... I didn't mean it quite like that. There are times when I miss having someone close, but there's so much going on that I really don't miss it. I'm sure I would like that again, but right now...there's just too much going on for me to work at being a Jedi, a father, a friend and then a lover on top of that."

"Good...I'm glad," she told him sincerely. "It'll make this all easier for us. Which means..." Yelara smiled naughtily and drained her glass before quickly refilling it. "We can overindulge and not worry about doing something we'll regret," she finished.

Liam laughed aloud and held his glass aloft to her. "Then, to friendship and family, and a bright future."

"And new beginnings," she added, and tapped her glass against his. Watching him pensively as she drank, Yelara imagined she could grow accustomed to having Liam around, to having someone to talk with other than Leshie. He was kind enough, humourous enough, and pleasant-looking. Shaking her head admonishingly, Yelara chuckled and drank down the rest of their toast.

"The Karadan Battle Cruiser"
By Akesha Valerious
& Theen Fida

Location: New Republic Embassy
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The Limo-speeder stopped at the entrance of the New Republic, Akesha exited the limo, dressed quite elegant, but nothing extravagant or anything, and this was business meeting, so she intended to negotiate a new product, not to make social visit.

She glanced over to one side and glanced to the other seeing the escort of Guards that departed from her house to arrive her. She was quite amazed that the Ambassador would send these extensive escorts. Probably it is about how tumultuous it has been on this planet the last couple of days, Akesha thought. She started to walk towards the entrance glancing to the large hall. She knew that the Ambassador had good taste for arts and the way the room was well lit.

"Welcome Miss Valerious," Theen greeted. "It is a pleasure to have you here."

"The pleasure is all mine, Ambassador Theen and thank you to receive me in such short notice," Akesha said with smile.

Theen led her to the turbo lift that would take the two to the upper levels of the Embassy.

As the doors swooshed shut, Theen turned to Akesha, "So tell me, Akesha...what is of such importance?"

"Well. I have proposition to make you, Ambassador Theen. Is there someplace safe to talk about this?" Akesha asked.

The turbo-lift doors whooshed open and Theen led her down a busy hallway.

"My office is right up here," he said. "It is secure."

Akesha entered the room followed by her helper that placed a small holoprojector. She took out a small crystal and placed on the holoprojector. Out of nothing appeared a huge holoimage of a huge ship. Akesha smiled. "This ship is the proud jewel of the Ix Technologies. It is about two kilometers deep, can carry about up to ten squadrons and 500 troopers. It has extra power in the shields and on the different weapons that are scattered all over the ship."

Theen studied the holo image and specs of the ship. "Impressive. Is it for sale? Are you looking for a contract?" he asked, trying to get right down to the point.

"That is what I like about you, Ambassador!" Akesha smiled. "It can be yours and sooner then you think. You see this ship had been being built on the Drogen Shipyards for quite some time and is entering the final stage of construction."

Theen smiled. It wasn't something he didn't already know. You couldn't build a ship on a station like Drogen without someone knowing about. Drogen was a cesspool for spies of all manner...Tae'Karadan, New Republic, Imperial, criminal and those who just made it their business to know things.

But Theen did want it. Not for Tae'Karada. Not for the New Republic. But for himself. For his growing co-op, his little coalition of those who could and would help to shape the future of the galaxy.

"Let us go take a look hmm?" Theen said. "I can have a secured diplomatic shuttle leave immediately. I would be delighted to have a tour and see for myself."

Akesha took a datapad and looked to it. "Well I'm all booked today and the next few days." She paused touching her finger on the datapad. "How about the sixteen of this month?

"That would be fine," Theen answered waiting to see if the woman had anything to say.

Akesha got up. "I'm looking forward to our tour!"

"As am I," Theen said as the two engaged in some small talk for the rest of the meeting.

"Patience"
By: Kaleb Cutter

Location: New Plouton, Yallder District
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The days had passed by slowly and Kaleb wondered if he'd ever get anywhere with this investigation. The sad thing was that he really didn't have a customer, since the man that had entered his office was now a pile of ash. But Kaleb's investigative juices would not allow him to just ignore what happened in his office. So here he was - standing the night shift a run down warehouse that was the home of Agnar Enterprises.

He had lied his way into this job and the pay wasn't all that bad, at least enough to rent a small room near the warehouse and pay for simple sustenance to stay alive. During his shifts he would walk around the parameter but of course he found nothing unusual. It was a standard warehouse that housed many crates and boxes of various items. No unusual activity was seen at night which of course is when most illegal activities would happen. He was also surprised about the lack of acknowledgment of the dead man who had information on this place. Was he employed here? Or just an investigator like himself? In any case Kaleb knew he must be careful.

As he made his way around the front side of the building he was surprised to see two more guards and a large hover-truck, surrounded by a few more men. Kaleb walked over to the assembled men and hover-truck. All of them were wearing the same coverall uniform Kaleb was wearing - another reason this job sucked. He walked up to a tall human with a tattoo on his face, "Late delivery?" Kaleb asked.

The man turned and faced Kaleb, "You must be new here, of course this is a delivery. And you will be one of the lucky ones to help unload it all," he smiled, showing missing and rotting teeth.

Kaleb nodded, "You check the paperwork? I don't want to get fired just yet."

The man nodded, "It's all checked out. I have the datapad forms here and they are signed and authorized."

Kaleb nodded, "When do we start?"

The man laughed as the warehouse doors opened and the hover-truck's back door opened to reveal the contents. The were large containers, unmarked and luckily there was a hover-lift available. Kaleb doubted anyone could lift the containers alone - well maybe a pissed off Wookiee.

*** 1 hour later ***

The containers were finished being unloaded and Kaleb was surprised to see a hidden room in the back. It also had more of the same containers. They were flat on the bottom but more cylindrical on the top. Kaleb wondered if these could possible be contraband weapons or explosives. It was highly possible. As he set the last container down he exited the room. The guard he talked to earlier moved to a small access panel closed the door then punched in a sequence of numbers to lock it, Kaleb turned and watched the man's hand - memorizing the pattern. As the man turned around, Kaleb quickly moved on hoping the man didn't notice.

By the time he returned to the main warehouse door the hover-truck and guards were gone. Kaleb shrugged and parked the hover-lift then saw the man he had talked to earlier appear. "No more shipments tonight, you're lucky - sometimes we have up to three. By the way my name is Harem I work at the main office downtown. And you must be Kacy right? Hired 3 days ago?"

Kaleb nodded. "You got it. It's not so bad. It's usually quiet around here and having shipments come can break up the monotony. Anyway, my shift is almost up so I want to make another round before turnover."

Harem smiled his toothless grin, "Very good Kacy - I gotta run these datapads back to the office, I'll be seeing you around."

Kaleb nodded as Harem exited the building. Kaleb then punched the door controls and closed the warehouse door. Tomorrow he'd have to see what was in the crates and finally get some answers he thought. Patience. That's what his father would have said.

"Leaving the Shipyards"
By: Alexis Soren
Shrezade Anoran
Security Personnel [NPCs]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Alexis finished loading the mysterious black cases into his ship. He had asked his new employer what was in them and had not received a very nice reply, but Alexis insisted on knowing what he was delivering; he'd been tricked before. It was one thing to smuggle spice but another all together to smuggle human and alien organs in stasis, which was what had happened to him the last time. But it turned out that it was blasters and ammunition that he was smuggling. Apparently few people were willing to smuggle on the station - the administrator was very tough and competent, a rare combination in station administrators. So that meant more money for Alexis and more money was what he needed.

He had legally bought a blaster from one of the station's many stores. He liked it. Alexis wasn't much of a fighter but he had chosen the nastiest, most fierce looking weapon he could afford to put people off as much as possible.

Alexis was just lifting the last case in when he heard a noise behind him. Alexis put the case back on the ground and his hand rested on his new blaster. He waited for a second, and looked around. He didn't think anyone was there but he shouldn't dawdle. Alexis loaded up the last case, ran round to the front of the ship to check everything was ok and tidied up. He didn't want anything left behind. Alexis opened the door to his ship when he heard another noise. He went to turn round but it was too late.

"Don't move!" hissed a voice, "Station security!"

For the briefest of seconds, Alexis considered going for his blaster, but he quickly changed his mind - that guy sounded tough and Alexis certainly wasn't.

As the small security team fanned out to cover all sides of the ship, the leader remained where he was, holding his weapon steadily at Alexis. "We've been tracking your movements since you arrived, and the administrator has deemed your actions suspicious," he informed Alexis gruffly. "My men will be inspecting your cargo while you and I" --a smile formed beneath the man's dark moustache-- "are going to pay a visit to the administrator."

Alexis didn't like the sound of that, his blaster was whisked from him before he had a chance to react. He saw security begin to rifle through his ship as the mustachioed one pointed his blaster at him and lead Alexis away. Alexis was getting worried. He heard the administrator was tough and strict, but what could they do? Alexis was suddenly scared; he didn't know the laws here. Did they execute people? Did they have prisons? Alexis tried to calm himself. Whatever it was, he would get out of it.

He was conveyed like a criminal, binders and all, to an interrogation room in the security wing of the station. Minor felons occupied many of the cells lining the corridor, and many watched Alexis with hungry smiles. Only the forcefields separated the villains from the still-unincarcerated Alexis. Then, they passed through a reinforced door and Alexis was instructed to seat himself in one of the two chairs within. The guards who had escorted him posted themselves within, on either side of Alexis. The binders remained on his wrists.

A thick, metal table separated Alexis from the opposite chair, one that was soon occupied by a tall, lithe blonde woman in a dark pantsuit. She watched him severely from across the table, and set down a datapad set to record their conversation. "Name and occupation," she asked him curtly, then smirked. "True occupation."

Alexis was surprised when he saw the administrator. He was expecting a tough, old, ugly man, not the young pretty woman before him. Still he couldn't really find her attractive, she might well have him imprisoned for life. "My name is Alexis Soren and I am currently unemployed, looking for work on your fine station," he said smiling. She did not look pleased. "Why have I been brought here?" asked Alexis, "I demand to be released at once. This is an insult. Is this how you treat all newcomers?" Alexis was hoping his fake indignation might convince her he was a man of some importance, but it didn't look like it was working.

Crossing both arms beneath her bosom, Shrezade Anoran narrowed her eyes at Alexis and told him, "Your identicard and ship's ID are suspicious, and upon following your movements through this station--" she smiled shrewdly "--my station, we have deemed your actions questionable. I have it within my rights, Mr. Soren, to now inspect your cargo. This station does not abide criminal activity, sir, but if you confess now...." With spread hands, she shrugged. "I'm sure we can work something out."

Alexis knew he was in trouble, this woman knew what she was doing. He hadn't actually hidden his illegal cargo in any way; they would find it almost immediately. Smuggling weapons. He had a few options, he could try and bluff his way out of this, pretending he had no idea what was going on, which almost certainly wouldn't work. He could confess and hope she was lenient. That might work but his new business associates would probably kill him. He could make a run for it now and probably be shot before he was out of his chair. "I have done nothing illegal," he said defiantly, enjoying his last few moments of dignity and freedom.

Shrezade snorted dryly. "Only because you haven't yet left the station with your presumably illegal cargo. You will do something against the law, Mr. Soren, and part of my duty aboard this station is to make sure nefarious types such as yourself do not compromise the safety of Tae'Karada and this system by allowing them to engage in prohibited activities on this station. So," she told him nonchalantly, "if you happen to be harbouring illegal items aboard your ship, you won't be going anywhere but a jail cell."

Alexis thought for a second. "OK...OK, I have twelve cases of quality spice, they were given to me by a human calling himself Traik who I met in some bar or other. He paid me a considerable sum of credits to take them to Corellia," he said. That felt better. He had lied to her well and truly. "But I'll have to take you to my ship. You'll never find all of them by yourself. I have several clever security systems that your men will never be able to get past." Alexis began to think fast. How would he get out of this?

"Mr. Soren," Reza drawled, "you were foolish enough to get arrested. And now you are trying to convince me to allow you on board your ship in order to activate whatever internal automated security systems you have in place to harm my men?" She chuckled harshly and leaned forward, folding her hands atop the table and watching Soren coolly. "If there's something on your ship, they will find it, rest assured, Mr. Soren. But since you've confessed...we've no need to delay. We should just throw you into prison right now, hm?"

"You said we could make a deal!" snapped Alexis. He supposed it wasn't that dishonest of her, as he had lied to her too, but she didn't know that. First of all her men would probably trip over the blasters - they were placed right in the middle of the cargo hold; secondly she had grossly overestimated him - he had no security systems at all on that ship. "Look, I'll do anything, just don't send me to prison!" he pleaded. Alexis knew this wasn't very dignified, but he'd choose freedom over dignity any day.

"Then I won't," Reza answered with a bright smile as she sat back. "I'll just turn you over to the New Republic garrison on Somnie. Or" --she produced another datapad from her jacket's inner pocket, held it up for Alexis to see, then tossed it towards him-- "you can tell me what those are doing on your vessel?"

Alexis felt deflated. She had him, well and truly. He was stuck. "I'm a smuggler, I smuggle things, this time it was weapons...next time spice, whatever," he said finally being honest. "I've been doing it for several years and I'm good at it." He put the datapad back down. "If you send me to prison I'll be murdered by the people I am smuggling for. If I tell you who gave them to me and get released, I'll be murdered...things don't look good for me," said Alexis. "Please, take the blasters, and just let me go. I'll leave and never come back, ever," Alexis was getting desperate. "I'm not from round here." Alexis could see it wasn't working. He smiled, "OK, forget it send me to prison...I'd rather go there than deal with you anymore."

Shrezade's expression remained smug. "I'm hurt. Truly, Mr. Soren. We will send you to prison as you've asked." Rising, she nodded to her security guards, who moved forward to each grasp one of Alexis' arms. The binders quickly went on again as Anoran added, "A New Republic prison, of course. They'll be expecting you."

Alexis smiled. "Pleasure to meet you," he said as the guards lead him away.

Dozens of escape plans ran through his head, and Alexis thought that almost all of them would have lead to his death and the others would lead to him getting hurt. The pair of guards were bigger and stronger than Alexis, plus they were armed - what could he do? The guards kept tight hold of him as they navigated the busy station. People parted as they approached and Alexis noted a hint of disrespect and fear from many of the station's patrons.

Alexis could suddenly hear raised voices. As the crowd parted further Alexis could see two people arguing. One was a human male and the other a female Twi'lek; they were arguing fiercely. One of the guards relinquished his hold on Alexis and stepped forward to intervene; the other guard held tighter. As the guard approached, the Twi'lek pulled a blade and went to slash at the guard. He dodged the blow and grabbed hold of her. The human then went to attack the Twi'lek. The guard holding Alexis went for his blaster and for a second his grip weakened, Alexis darted forward, managing to slip from his grasp.

Alexis darted into the crowd and kept running, pushing past people. Alexis kept running. He could hear shouts from the guards behind as they gave chase. Alexis stopped and dived into a bar. Everyone turned to look at him. A bunch of tough looking aliens were playing some kind of game with dice, money was piled on the table. Alexis walked over and flung the table on its side. The aliens were outraged and jumped to their feet, some drew weapons.

Alexis was questioning the merits of this plan when the pair of guards burst in, blasters drawn. For a second there was a standoff, blasters pointed at various people, one of the guards called for backup and it happened. The aliens fired first, but were terrible shots; however the guards were much better shots and two aliens were dropped with their first shots. The bar suddenly exploded in violence. Alexis took this opportunity and ran, jumping over a table and back out the other side of the bar, stopping briefly to pick up a cloak from a chair. Pulling the cloak over him he raised the hood and began to calmly walk away. Several security guards passed him as they ran into the massive blaster battle that was the bar.

From there Alexis managed to sneak aboard a freighter that was heading to the nearby planet of Tae'Karada and escape. He had lost everything though, his ship, his possessions, all his money...he shrugged. Most of them he had stolen from other people, besides he'd wanted a new ship for a while now.

"Repossessing Slaves, Part 1"
By: Kael Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin
Raeila Selrid
Jadda the Hutt
Talara Sorenne
Vorgoth

Location: Tae'Sollar Gauntlet, Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

"We're nearly there," Kael called over the roar of the speeder's engine. "We should be seeing the edge of the Thanatos township any minute now. Dargus should already be in place. Once he gives us the signal that the bait has been taken, we'll move in on Jadda. Anyone having any doubts?"

Sitting beside Kael, and garbed in a sleek black bodysuit, Raeila shook her head. A strand of blonde hair escaped the tie she'd had it pulled back in and brushed her cheek. "We'll be fine," she said aloud as if convincing herself. "I'm sure of it."

Kael grinned and reached over and took her hand into his. "So am I," he said. "Once we get there, we'll have to do a little bit of scouting. We need to make sure she's still where we think she is. But, once we know, we grab her and go."

"Right," she nodded, and smiled back at her brother sitting behind. "You won't get anxious to see her and jump the gun, will you?"

"I promise I won't," Ferrig said with a nervous chuckle. "I'm anxious to see her, but not anxious to die...or...or see anything bad happen to her."

"And nothing will," Raeila assured him softly. "With the three of us, and Dargus backing us up, we'll get this done right."

"There's Thanatos," Kael said as they approached the outer perimeter marker. "I wish we had time to do some visiting. We'll ditch the speeder by Orn's old place. We'll move closer to the palace from there."

Raeila and Ferrig shared in nostalgic chuckles at Kael's oversight. She tapped his shoulder and leaned over to whisper, "Ferrig and I blew it to pieces, remember? We won't get any cover there."

Kael chuckled. "Did he have any neighbours?"

Ferrig laughed. "There's a place up the street," he said. "I'll guide you, Mr. Jedi."

Raeila giggled, despite the knot in her stomach. At least, if something horrible happened to one or all of them, they would have one final moment of happiness.

Night on Thanatos had changed since their last visit, for where there was once fear of roaming the dark streets and being attacked by a murderer, thief, or other predator, now the presence of the organized, yet ragtag police force developed by the former gangs of Thanatos instilled confidence in its residents. The streets were alive with people and laughter, and not a one tried to rush their speeder and steal it with them inside. Raeila was glad to be home.

"They've done very well with themselves here," Kael said, echoing Raeila's thoughts. "I wonder if Thanatos would be a safe place to raise a child now." He glanced aside at Rae with a knowing look.

She swatted his arm playfully and snuggled up against him. "It's so different. I wonder if anyone would recognize us now."

Kael laughed. "Recognize," he said. "Looking around, I have to wonder if they'd even remember us."

"Well, it wouldn't be so bad if they forgot us," Raeila mused. "Then, no one could ever call me a whore again."

"And, people would forget all of the horrific things I did here," Kael said.

"Same here," Ferrig said. "To the horrific things. People never called me whore because I never made them pay." He gave a rakish grin and chuckled softly.

"That's because you had no business sense," Raeila quipped, and all three shared in gentle laughter.

"Well, that too," Ferrig said. "I had one person tip me one time, but then I realized after they'd tried to steal my wallet, but Kael stopped them and made them give it back."

"Kael was always looking out for you," Raeila remembered fondly. "And me, too," she added with a wink. "Though, he always did keep me safest in his bed."

"At the time, you two were the closest thing I had to family, and I loved you both very much. Ferrig in the manly way, of course." He grinned. "And, now, you are my family. And, I'll always be looking out for both of you."

"And we'll all look out for each other," Rae answered emphatically. "Tala will know that when we storm the palace looking for her." She smiled warmly at her brother.

"You don't suppose you two have some extra room wherever you're going, do you?" Ferrig asked. "After Tala's rescued, and all that. When you...you know...I mean, I know you want to be alone, but...but I have a feeling maybe...maybe Tala will need some time after her ordeal."

"Away from the Temple?" Rae guessed. She extended her arm across the gap between them and touched his cheek with her hand. "There's always room, Ferrig, for you and anyone you choose to love. It might be a tight fit, but we'll manage, I'm sure."

"Thank you," Ferrig said with a smile. "We'll make sure you two have your privacy, but...I just would like some time alone with her, for us. I imagine the Jedi will want to put her right back into training, but...she'll need time to heal."

"And she'll have it," Rae promised her brother. "We'll help her together. She's still my friend, Ferrig, no matter what's happened."

"I know," Ferrig said with a genuine smile. "She looks up to you, Rae. I know having your friendship through this will mean very much to her."

"Your love will mean more to her," Raeila told him. "It'll make all the difference in the world...after...after...." She trailed off, unable to imagine her young friend at the mercy of the slimy Hutt.

Ferrig chuckled weakly. "I've been trying not to think...about what she's going through," he said. "I know it'll take her time, but...but we'll get through."

She smiled confidently and nodded to her brother. Facing forward again, she slid her hand across the seat, closer to Kael's until they touched. Raeila needed comforting of her own if she was to face her past captivity. Killing the Hutt with her bare hands would be one way to accomplish it, but she would likely not have that chance. Saving Talara, in the end, would be just as meaningful and satisfying.

As they approached the spot where they'd stash the speeder, Kael slipped his hand into Raeila's, savouring the contact. He knew they'd make it out, could feel it deep within himself and in the Force, but there was always a chance something could go wrong. Raeila's touch was enough to cast out the doubts.

He pulled the speeder to a stop and was preparing to exit when a sign caught his eye. "Sithspit," he snarled, using the term that had seemed to catch on due to Koran Darr's influence. "Change in plans." He pointed out the sign indicating a large podrace taking place that day. Jadda was sure to be there.

"Oh, Kael," Raeila said dispiritedly, "this is bad. How can we ever get to her now? She'll be chained at his side the entire time!"

"Perhaps," Kael said. "Even so, the biggest problem we'd face is Vorgoth. The trick, of course, will be getting him away. Though, I think if Dargus puts on a little demonstration at Jadda's palace, that should draw him out, don't you? That will leave Talara virtually unguarded at the race."

"It...might work," Raeila allowed. "But what if Jadda doesn't bite? We just give up?"

"We'll find a different way," Kael said. "We're not leaving the desert without Tala. Agreed?" He glanced between Rae and Ferrig.

Ferrig nodded. "Agreed."

Raeila did the same. "To the podraces?"

"We can fill Dargus in on the way," Kael said as they started off.

***

Contacting Dargus was easily accomplished, and the former crimelord seemed delighted at the change in plans. Something about causing all sorts of havoc at Jadda's palace seemed to appeal to him.

The enormous arena where the race would start came into view ahead of them, and a large swarm of humanity was crowding around to enter the event. Kael reached out with his thoughts, but he couldn't sense anyone specific within the mass. There were far too many people filling the area with life for the Force to be that precise. He could, however, sense a darkness ahead of them. Whether it was Vorgoth or just the type of people who came to these events, he wasn't sure. But, they would definitely have to remain wary.

Raeila averted her gaze to the unholstered blaster now in her hands, for the stadium, too, held haunting memories. Talara was experiencing everything she had, but perhaps they could save the girl before it was too late. As she checked the power cell on her weapon, Raeila looked up suddenly and gasped. "Oh no... Our weapons, Kael! They'll be confiscated for sure."

Kael smiled. "Leave it to me," he said.

Raeila nodded slowly, warily but had no choice but to let Kael handle matters in his own way. She and Ferrig were amateur warriors at most and would spend more time fumbling about than actually aiding in Talara's rescue. One thing was for certain: they knew how to shoot a blaster, and as long as they were equipped with one, they would be of some importance to the mission.

As their speeder pulled up alongside another vehicle parked outside the large arena, Raeila jammed her blaster into its holster once again and covered it up with one side of her cloak. There was nothing left to do but hop out of the speeder and gain entry to the stadium. Then, they would make their way to Talara. Raeila steeled herself with a silent prayer to Thana, asking her to protect Kael, Ferrig, and Talara, then she looked aside at her husband and tipped her head adamantly. "I'm ready."

Kael pulled his cloak over the blaster he wore on his hip and the lightsaber clipped to his belt. He glanced over as Ferrig pulled his longcoat into place to cover his own weapon. They nodded to each other, and then started toward the gates that would get them inside, to where they would find Talara. "Stay close to me," he said in a low voice.

"Don't worry," Rae whispered, taking his hand, "I'm not going anywhere. We're in this together, my arozeil."

"I was hoping you'd say that," he said as he leaned close and brushed his lips against her throat. "I think I can sense her now. And, I can sense Vorgoth as well, his presence is diminishing. I believe Dargus has his attention."

"Let's just hope Talara doesn't have Jadda's," Raeila said anxiously, and all talk of their mission ended as they reached the admission gate, one manned by two armed guards.

"Tickets," the broad, taller of the two gruffed. His blaster was still in its holster, but one hand rested atop the handle, prepared to draw if necessary. Raeila moved in closer to Kael.

"You don't need our tickets," Kael murmured, pressing his will, through the Force, on the ticket taker.

"I think we do," the other guard pressed, stroking the butt of his blaster significantly while the first guard blinked in confusion.

"You don't need our tickets," Kael said again, this time spreading the influence of his suggestion to the second guard. He turned his gaze to the other man. "We are honoured guests."

"Honoured guests?" the first repeated, sounding out the words as if they were foreign to him. "You're honoured guests?"

"They are honoured guests," the second repeated numbly. "We don't need their tickets."

Following his partner's lead, the first guard repeated, "We don't need your tickets. You're honoured guests." Guard Two deactivated the field barrier securing the entrance. "Enjoy the races," both guards told them monotonously and nodded towards the opening.

Raeila murmured to Kael, "Are they serious?"

"Absolutely," Kael said as they stepped through and started up the ramp to the arena. He glanced back as the guards reactivated the field. "Sometimes, the best way to get through a situation isn't by fighting through. It only works on those without strong wills, but it can really make getting past guards like those easier. Unfortunately, Hutts tend to have very strong wills and generally a suggestion won't take hold on them."

"Tell me about it," Raeila answered significantly and shuddered at the memories of pleading with Jadda, only to have him ignore her entreaties. "He's...he's a very determined slug, isn't he?"

"With a very overblown sense of his own self-worth," Kael added.

"Well, today he gets to learn the lesson that he doesn't get everything he wants," Ferrig said, "and I hope it's a lesson he learns well. Though, for the damage and suffering he's caused, it's a lesson I wouldn't mind teaching him again and again if he needs."

"With that attitude, you'll get yourself killed," Raeila chided him. "We don't need him dead...no matter how vile a creature he is."

"He can't suffer if he's dead," Ferrig said with a slow smile. "I'd just like to see him hurting, that's all. Whatever we can do to make his bloated life miserable."

"Well, I have an idea," Raeila muttered bitterly. "What's a Hutt if he's physically incapable of violating his concubines?"

"Just another slug," Kael said as he glanced aside at Raeila. He blinked slowly and let the anger that suddenly welled within him at her words dissipate. Anger would not gain them Talara's freedom, and could very well cost them their lives. "We'll go after Talara and get her away from here. If after she's free, we want to extend some desert hospitality, we can come back and do so. I'd even happily forget about non-violence and peaceful intentions for dear Jadda."

"Not yet," Raeila reminded him. "For now, we need to figure out if we want to split up or stay together... and who goes where."

"Let's stay together for now," Kael said. "We're stronger that way. Let's head up that way. That looks like the main viewing stand, and that overly large platform there, that looks like the best spot to watch from, which means that's where Jadda will be."

"I've got your back," Ferrig said. "Raeila has...other parts."

She scowled at her brother and swiped at him with one hand, but he deftly maneuvered away. "Not now, you trich. We're on a mission, remember?"

"Okay," Ferrig said with a laugh. "Raeila has your back too."

Kael smiled and shook his head. Suddenly he stopped, his face showing deep concentration. After a moment, he looked up. "She's up there," he said, indicating the large canopied pavilion. "I can sense her." He smiled more broadly. He reached behind his back beneath his cloak and moved a small cylinder around to where he'd have easier access to it. "And, she senses us."

"She's not planning on doing anything rash, is she?" Raeila asked worriedly. "If she causes a commotion, there's no way we'll reach her."

"No," Kael said as he concentrated on Talara. "She knows why we're here, and she's waiting for us to make our move. Besides, I've got a gift for her."

Raeila regarded Kael with utter bemusement. "What kind of gift?"

Kael pulled his hand from beneath his cloak and opened it briefly to give only Raeila a brief glimpse of the silver and black cylinder within. With a knowing smile, he slipped it right back beneath his cloak.

She quickly wiped the look of surprise from her face and instead smiled lovingly at her husband. "You think of everything, don't you?"

Kael chuckled. "I try," he said. "Let's just hope I have thought of everything for this. It could be pretty heated in close quarters. If blasters come out from their side, make sure you stay close to me. If things get hot, my own lightsaber is coming out too. We should get up there and ready to move. Once Jadda starts the race and attention is drawn down to the track, we'll make our move."

"Then let's get started," Raeila agreed, and the three climbed their way through the inclined access tunnels that would lead them to the upper tiers of the arena, to where Jadda and his entourage were seated. They would get nowhere near the Hutt, yet, but posing as eager spectators, they would be allowed to reach their seats...no matter how close they were to the Hutt's private box.

***

Talara had been shuffled along behind Jadda's majordomo as they approached the Hutt's private viewing box. The chain that led to the collar at her throat made a gentle tinkling sound as it dragged on the ground as she was led forward. Her feet were bare and the plasticrete was warm against them. The halter she wore barely covered her breasts and left a good deal of tanned flesh exposed. The skirt at her waist had no sides, but was attached to a belt that was positioned low on her hips. The garment left her thighs exposed, drawing much attention to her as she was hurried along.

It was well known that she was one of the Hutt's personal slaves, and one of her primary jobs was in pleasuring the great one. A large number of Jadda's lackeys salivated over the chances of getting turns with her once Jadda had been sated. Here in public, though, she knew she was safe. Here, with the race, he wouldn't give her to them.

Once they had reached the box, her chain was attached to Jadda's dais. With the activity below, there was little for her to do but watch. So, crouched at the edge of his throne, near where his tail thumped with seeming excitement against the dais, she watched below and made silent wishes for a way out.

"Impressive, is it not?" Jadda asked Talara.

Talara looked up at him and nodded. "Yes," she said, knowing that she couldn't give a meek reply and risk upsetting Jadda, "it is very impressive. I had always heard of the wonders of the arena here, but never had a chance to come see. It is very imperssive, Master Jadda."

Jadda laughed. "Care to place a bet onm one of the racers?"

"I have nothing with which to place any sort of bet, Master," Talara demurred.

"There's always something you can bet on..." Jadda laughed. "Humm... You can choose a racer for me to bet on then."

Scanning the pods assembling down below for a moment, she let her mind drift and intuition drew her attention to a blue and silver pod near the edge of the track. She pointed. "That one," she said.

Jadda laughed. "Yes...A good choice. That pilot works for me. One of the fastest podracers in the Galaxy, if not the fastest."

Talara nodded, then let herself fall into silence as she watched out into the arena. Left to herself as she was then, she could almost survive in this new life. The return to the palace, however, would throw her back into the life of nothing more than a warm body for Jadda's court to slake their carnal lusts. And, once they had finished, she would be turned over to Vorgoth once again. She sighed softly and watched the blue podracer. Despite the peace in the booth, the nightmare was not over yet.

As all of their attention was on the preparations for the race, Vorgoth approached Jadda and whispered something that only the Hutt could hear.

Jadda opened his eyes wide and merely motioned. With that, Vorgoth walked away.

"To the Pod Races"
By: Rilanna Kir
Oyani Tala
Hajne Toray
Chamlembec

Location: The Tae'Sollar Gauntlet
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Clad in a ridiculously tight and flashy leather catsuit, Hajne Toray skipped alongside her wookiee escort as they descended the Ryloth Storm's ramp onto Tae'Sollar's shifting sands. This was the day of her life, until Cham would finally allow them to marry, and would only get better once the race actually begun. Still, with straps dangling, zippers clacking, buckles jingling, and stilettos tapping the ramp as she bounced, Hajne was having a ball.

Oyani Tala, Captain of the Ryloth Storm, was next down the ramp. She smiled, at the sight that was Hajne, her own red lekku swaying to match the rhythm of the other woman's hips as she watched her descend the ramp. Oyani enjoyed having them along. For one thing - Cham had made an excellent co-pilot for the trip, and it had given Oyani and Ril a chance for some quality time alone.

"You're obviously enjoying yourself, Miss Toray," Oyani commented as she stepped down the ramp, her Corellian boots making a loud clank-thump sound that contrasted sharply with the sounds Hajne's costume was making.

"Hajne is always enjoying herself," Rilanna commented as she appeared. "That's why we all love her so much, especially Cham. Though, Haj, you might want to take those off for the trip across the sand...or Cham will have to carry you on his shoulders."

"What are you talking about?" she replied shriekingly. "I'm an expert in these things!" The moment her feet touched the sand, the two thin, pointed heels disappeared in the ground and Hajne yelped as she collapsed against Cham. He warbled the wookiee equivalent of a weary sigh while holding up his clumsy fiancée. Hajne complained, "But they look so good on me!"

Oyani laughed in spite of herself, and looked up at the Wookiee. "If she doesn't take off those things you will have to carry her," she said, her lekku bobbing and twitching. "Or... we could call for a speeder. But, what do speeder-drivers make around here?"

Cham grunted and let out a barking howl as he opened his arms for Hajne to climb in. He woofed another series of sounds to her, then a snappy howl to Rilanna.

"I'm sure the sand won't be good for any of us," Ril said. "And, I'm sure Haj will be more than happy to bathe you later. Hajne, up you go. Either that, or go in and borrow a pair of boots to make it across the sand."

She giggled insanely and hopped into Cham's waiting arms. "No thanks!" Hajne replied brightly. "Up here is just fine with me! Isn't it, my Chammie-pooh?" she asked, the two nuzzling.

"I don't think boots would go with her outfit, anyway," Oyani commented. "But, Cham looks like he could, and would carry her all day." The Twi'lek's lekku wiggled as she spoke. She didn't understand Wookiee as well as Rilanna, but she did catch some of the gist of what Cham had said. Something about sand getting into his coat.

Cham let out a series of soft barks that had Rilanna both smiling and rolling her eyes. "Okay then, let's go see a pod race." With that, she started them all off toward the arena.

***

The lines were long and there were people of all types milling around. Rilanna had been in similar places, though never for a pod race before. She looked over at Oyani and smiled. "Have you ever done one of these before? I've never actually seen a race. It should be a lot of fun."

"I saw one, once, on Tatooine," Oyani said. "But... I had a lot less liberty then. I was a... dancing girl, for a Hutt called Rubba. You can probably guess the rest. This will be my first Pod Race as a free woman. Something worth celebrating, I'd think." And as she spoke she curled one lekku around Rilanna's waist. "I hear they have wonderful hotel accommodations here, for racing visitors."

"For as disgusting as he is," Rilanna said, "the Hutt goes to great lengths to keep the people who give him money happy. I'm sure we can take him up on some of those accommodations if you'd like. We'll need to make sure we're back on the station early enough for Hajne to start work. And, I imagine I really should go back to being the head of security tomorrow."

Oyani winked at her lovely companion - a gesture that was not nearly as subtle as all of the twists and wiggles of her lekku - but was unmistakable in its meaning. "Remember... I've got a fast little ship. I think we can get home in time."

The line was slowly thinning out. Oyani watched the crowd milling around them. It was something of a cross section of the lifeforms of the Outer Rim. She spotted Quarrens, Sullustans, even a Trandoshan moving through the crowd. It was definitely a big day for the races.

They reached the front of the line just as a small commotion began in front of them. The ticket-takers, a pair of unimpressive looking guards, where exchanging words with a young, blond-haired man. After another moment, both of the guards gave the trio a bow and directed them through. Rilanna couldn't help raising an eyebrow, but put the encounter out of her mind.

She handed the four guards their tickets, and they were passed right through. With a grin for her companions, they all proceeded into the stadium. Once inside, she turned to face them. "Okay, seats first, or should we get some refreshments?"

"Thirsty," Hajne wheezed over-dramatically, clutching Cham's fur.

"You two get us some good seats, then," Oyani said. She then playfully rubbed her long fingers down Rilanna's cheek. "We can get the refreshments," she said, in a sultry tone.

Rilanna quirked a smile. "I think I saw a vendor right down that aisle," she said as she slipped an arm around Oyani's waist. "You two be good," she added for Cham and Hajne.

"Oh, we will," Hajne promised wickedly and giggled shrilly as Cham carried her away towards their seats.

Ril turned back to Oyani and chuckled softly. "I wonder if they'll scare off everyone else seated around us," she said. "They're very cute together though. You wouldn't think a Wookiee like Cham could be so gentle."

Oyani glanced back over her shoulder as the pair walked away. "They're almost too cute. When we have more time you'll have to tell me how they got together. A Wookiee and a human female... I don't think I've ever actually seen that combination. But... around here anything is possible." The look in the Twi'lek's eyes made the meaning of that statement clear.

She had never expected to meet anyone who made her heart jump like Rilanna did.

So, if Hajne found happiness in the furry arms of a big Wookiee - as far as Oyani was concerned, they were a lovely match.

"I'm not quite sure if I can do the story justice," Ril said with a grin. "But, I'll do what I can to re-tell it. Actually, the whole story is an interesting one. All of it happened at the time the Empire was controlling Chimaeria, and they'd taken control of the station away from Reza."

The Twi'lek listened intently as Rilanna recounted the tale of love between an almost too innocent girl, and a Wookiee. She was smiling and her lekku were wiggling joyously as Rilanna spun her yarn.

"You'll see Shrezade roll her eyes at the mention of those two, but if you look close enough, you can see the romantic glint in them. She is very happy for them both; I think everyone is. Oh, there's that stand. Come on."

They stepped up to the stand and Rilanna quickly ordered beverages and enough snack food to last them all through the first half of the race. With both laden with their goodies, they started up to the seats Hajne and Cham were saving.

"So," Ril said as they were climbing up, "have you thought about taking on an apartment on the station? I'm sure we could get you some great rates." She gave her lover a wink.

Oyani giggled a bit, as she handed the Wookiee a drink that seemed oversized, even for his big, fur covered hands. "Definitely. As a matter of fact, there's a vacant apartment on my level. And I'd much rather have you two as next door neighbors than that Rodian family that just moved out. We'd have lots of fun!" and she returned Rilanna's wink. "Whadda ya say?"

"That sounds like an absolutely perfect place," Ril said. She nudged Hajne. "So, what are your plans once the two of you get married?"

Hajne shrugged as she sucked on her straw. "Maybe we'll go on a vacation," she responded from one corner of her mouth. "Though that's only if Anoran will give me leave."

"I'm certain she will," Rilanna said with a smile. "But, I meant, as far as living? Will you and Cham get a new apartment on the station together?"

Hajne's red lips parted from her straw and she frowned at Cham questioningly. "Well...I guess that would be nice, wouldn't it, Chammie? We can't keep sharing mine, or yours. And when we have the little babies running around...."

"I offer you the services of the Ryloth Storm, for your honeymoon," Oyani said, as she nibbled a snack of some kind. Something fried on the outside and gooey on the inside that she had ordered at the concession. A Twi'lek snack of some kind.

Her dark green eyes were fixed on the race track in front of them. The race was about to start, and the different pods were being moved into position. Oyani watched as each racer came to stand by their pod after the traditional procession of flags passed by. Each racer had their own flag - some used a color or symbol from their planet of origin. Others had a sponsor and whatever logo that sponsor wanted displayed was displayed. Oyani thought she noticed the same symbol on at least three different flags, and she rationalized that those racers were sponsored by Jadda, the local Hutt.

As Oyani sucked on her drink - a sweet, semi-frozen concoction - her eyes widened. As she thought she saw the shapely form of a blue skinned Rutian Twi'lek emerge from a racer...

"Ril... Rilanna... " she pointed down towards the race track. "One of the drivers is a Twi'lek !"

"Very impressive," Rilanna said with a slow nod as she observed the Twi'lek preparing for the race. "The reflexes required in a race like that...it says quite a bit about your people. One thing is certain, you can definitely see a slice of the various races out here in the Outer Rim at an event like this. There are quite a few I've never even seen before." She'd glanced up at the private box situated over the track, where the Hutt would watch from. "Though, humans and Twi'leks still appear to be the prizes as slaves." She gave a nod to Jadda's side where a young girl sat chained as she observed the racers readying for the race.

Oyani gave the young slave girl a good long look. Her eyes trained in on the face, and her lekku twitched as she saw the expression of despair on the young girl's face. Little did Oyani know what emotions were going on inside the mind of Talara Sorenne as she sat, chained to the Hutt's throne. But the Twi'lek could see on that girlish face a pain she wished she could remove.

That was, however, Oyani's main weakness. She liked to help others, and play the hero whenever she could. It had gotten her into more than her share of trouble before, and it was destined to do so again.

"I wonder what the punishment is for freeing slaves around here," Oyani whispered to Ril.

"I would imagine pretty severe," Rilanna said. "Provided you get caught. No punishment if you make it away though. You're thinking what I think you're thinking, aren't you?"

"I'm thinking that if I were that girl... I'd lay awake nights hoping for a rescue," Oyani said. "And I'd just bet the four of us could pull it off... " she flipped a lekku in Cham's direction. "After all, we have a Wookiee with us!"

"We have to get closer, that's for sure," Rilanna said, calculating. "We'd be severely underpowered against them without my battle armour or Cham's bowcaster, but we may be able to pull it off." She glanced at Hajne, who was still happily watching the racers preparing for the race. "Haj, would you consider yourself a non-combatant if we were to try to rescue the girl?"

She straightened her legs before her to display her dangerously pointed heels. "With these things? I'm made for fighting!" Hajne giggled boisterously and kicked her feet happily.

Oyani looked from Hajne to Ril, and her brow wrinkled beneath her headdress. "Somehow those don't seem the kind of weapons I'd imagine taking out the Hutt's guards," she said. "What do you say, Cham? Game to try your hand at rescuing slaves?"

Cham let out a howl, a clear indication that he was more than ready.

"Okay, we need to figure this out," Rilanna said as she reached out and pushed Hajne's feet back down to the ground. "Careful with those. You don't want to hit the Dug sitting in front of you and put your heel through his head. That'd probably just make him angry."

Hajne grinned and wrapped both arms around Cham's upper one. "That's no problem. Chammie would take care of him for me!"

Rilanna opened her mouth to reply, but before she could utter a word, the stadium rumbled with the voice of the race announcer announcing the start of the race. All of the pods and their pilots were lined up and ready to take off into the distance. She frowned and looked up at the box, then back to her friends. "If we're going to do this, we have to decide to do it now."

"Let's have a vote on it." Oyani said. "Ril... how do you vote... Cham? Hajne?" she turned her green eyes on each of her companions in turn, waiting for their responses. And out of the corner of her eye she watched the Dug in front of them. Dugs were notoriously, well, notorious. And Oyani was having a strange feeling he was eavesdropping on them.

"Well...I say 'yes'," Hajne announced, glancing hesitantly aside at Rilanna. "But only if she doesn't rat me out to Anoran."

"Don't get yourself killed, and I won't have a reason to," Rilanna said with a smile. "I'm in."

Cham howled along with the others, letting everyone know they couldn't leave him behind.

"Don't worry, we wouldn't dream of it," Ril said as she patted his shoulder.

Oyani's lekku curled at the tips. And she had a smile on her face. Something told her that young girl needed rescuing, desperately. "Good. Now... we need a plan. I used to be in that girl's position. Chained to a Hutt's tail all day long. And.... well... I won't go into what happened at night. So, the odds are not in favor of him letting her out of his sight at night. Unless he has a good reason to. Rubba liked to loan me out to... um... people to whom he owed debts." Oyani's eyes wandered to that Dug again, but this time the expression on her face was one of mixed disgust and recollection. "Ril... you're the security chief.... any ideas?"

"Unless we want to let her have another night of whatever she's been dealing with, I say we get up there and get her away. We're a little undergunned, but I think with a little bit of skill and guile we can get her. I think there are enough weapons around in this place that we should be able to grab enough for our purposes. Hajne will have to stay back, but I think you, Cham, and I can get in there and lay it down for the Hutt. I'm sure, if he's like other Hutts, he won't do well under pressure or with a blaster pointed in his face."

"And after we get the girl out - a hasty retreat is probably a good idea," Oyani replied. "Hajne - I've a job for you. You can get back to my ship, and tell R4 to run a preflight and input a course for Drogen. That way we can load the co-ordinates as soon as we break atmosphere." The Twi'lek looked up, again, at the sight of the poor young girl chained to the throne of the grotesque giant slug that was Jadda the Hutt.

And the pod race began. Cheers welled up in the crowd, as the racers lurched their crafts forward.

The Hutt gave a loud howl that was meant to be a cheer of his own, and he tugged the chain holding his slave, forcing her to fall into his bloated body.

Oyani turned her gaze away, and winced, her lekku wiggling wildly.

"Repossessing Slaves, Part 2"
By: Kael Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin
Raeila Selrid
Jadda the Hutt
Jadda's Majordomo [NPC+]
Talara Sorenne

Location: Tae'Sollar Gauntlet, Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

Kael glanced above them at the box where he could sense Talara and the Hutt. As the Hutt's Zabrak, Vorgoth, stalked away from the box with cloak flaring, Kael exchanged a look with his two companions, and all three nodded. It was time. "May Thana watch over us," he whispered as they stood and started up toward the entrance that would lead them to the Hutt.

"There'll be an attendant of some type at the entrance," Rae whispered. "He'll immediately demand to know who we are and alert everyone within. He needs to be subdued first."

"Do you know how capable he is?" Kael asked. "I imagine a stun setting on one of the blasters should do it."

"It should," Raeila answered, "but he'd probably scream like a girl before he went down."

"We'll have to make it quick then," Ferrig offered. "If we surprise him, he won't have time to react before he's unconscious. So, after he's taken care of, what other obstacles on the way to Lord Slimy Pants?"

She shrugged. "Just a couple Gammorreans. Is that too much?"

"Not remotely," Kael said. "It sounds too easy, so let's make sure we stay cautious." He turned to Ferrig. "Ready to go?"

"Oh yeah."

Kael looked to Raeila. "Ready, my arozeil?"

"I have been since that slimy jerk laid a hand on me," she answered fervently, and dropped her hand to the grip of her blaster. "Let's get this over with."

Kael nodded, then reached into his cloak to grasp the hilt of his lightsaber. "Rescue time," he said, and slipped forward into the doorway that would lead them to the attendant watching the door and then Jadda the Hutt. He could feel Ferrig and Raeila behind him, and his senses picked out Talara ahead of them like a beacon of Force energy.

Ahead of them, one of Jadda's attendants turned to them with an obsequious smile, starting to hold up a hand to halt their progress. His smile faltered when he recognized Raeila and noted the fierce glare spearing him. He hadn't a chance to squeal an alarm before Ferrig rushed up behind the twi'lek and clamped a hand over his mouth. Raeila jammed the barrel of her blaster into his gut and grinned facetiously at the Hutt's lackey. "Don't worry," she whispered, her voice almost lost amid the howl of pod engines, "I won't kill you for standing by while your master treated me like his lapdog." She tossed her head towards Kael. The Twi'lek's eyes bulged at the brief glimpse of Kael's deactivated lightsaber. "He will."

"You're lucky he got that," Ferrig rasped. "He'll kill you quickly. I wouldn't give you the pleasure of escaping the pain and suffering if it were up to me."

Kael stepped closer. "You don't have to die today," he said evenly. "If you go and not look back, you have the chance to live a long and happy life. Hinder us here, and I'll let my brother take care of you once I track you down."

The twi'lek gave a muffled reply beneath Ferrig's hand and bobbed his head wildly. Raeila grinned at her husband. "I think he agrees."

"My brother is going to release you," Kael said. "You make a sound or attempt to warn anyone, it will be the last thing you ever do. And, it will be worse on those standing in our way if we have to deal with you too." He nodded to Ferrig, who slowly released the twi'lek.

At first, Raeila was certain the quivering creep would collapse, but for as spineless as she had first pegged him, the twi'lek opened his mouth and sucked in a large breath. Rae gasped and abruptly shoved the end of her blaster between his parted lips before he could get a scream off. The twi'lek gagged, cutting off his cry. "You lied," she whispered. "Not very nice. Kael?" Rae grinned fiendishly. "Take care of him." The twi'lek stumbled back into the wall.

Timing it with a roar of the crowd, Kael's lightsaber ignited. The twi'lek's death would have been painless and quick. It would probably have been much more than the man deserved, but to force him to suffer would go against everything Kael believed in. However, the blade never entered the body, but it certainly gave the twi'lek a look at the afterlife looming. Instead, Kael's hand pressed against the side of his head, and with a jolt of energy from the Force, knocked him into unconsciousness. As the body crumpled to the ground, Ferrig pushed it out of the way. With that problem resolved, Kael nodded to Rae and Ferrig and they started up again. "He'll be asleep for awhile."

Rae sighed. "That was close. For a moment, Kael, I thought--" She didn't finish her thought, unable to admit her distrust to her husband. Instead, she smiled gratefully. "Nice move."

"I think he did too," Kael said. "Perhaps when this is over, he'll think twice about his current place in life. Next time, it could be someone far more ruthless facing him, and he may not be so lucky."

The crowd roared outside as the race heated up, and from within Jadda's balcony, a gurgling laugh erupted. Raeila cringed at the familiar sound. "We...we have to do this," she urged Kael. "I can't take much more."

Kael deactivated his lightsaber and hid it within the sleeve of his cloak. "Anything for you, my arozeil," Kael said, then moved forward.

Raeila was close behind, devoting all her energies towards maintaining focus on the task ahead. Her fingers twitched against the handle of her blaster.

As they neared the curtains at the end of the long antechamber leading to Jadda's private booth, a tall, robed figure emerged from the darkness and blocked their path. Raeila gasped softly and brought her blaster up into firing position.

"You don't need weapons. Not yet," the female said. It was Jadda's majordomo. "If it is an audience you seek, then there are ways to do so. Subduing the guard is not the best way to make it peacefully..."

"You," Raeila whispered in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm Jadda's majordomo..." the female twi'lek replied simply. "It is only natural that I am where my master is too... Now, if I may ask the same...what are you doing here?"

Raeila narrowed her eyes viciously at the twi'lek. "You know what we're doing here," she rasped. "How could you let that slug do this to another woman? Don't you care?"

"Quite honestly?" the Majordomo asked with a raised eyebrow. "No, I don't. The girl was a gift, given to my master by the Empresses. She offered no resistance and she never complained either..." she replied. "But to answer your question, I could care less for the girl. Not even a tenth of how I cared for you... That was a different case, of course," she smiled. "Would you care for an audience?"

Raeila glanced at Kael and back to the Majordomo. "We would," she answered with a hesitant nod. "Our friend doesn't want to be with that monster anymore than I did. We need to set her free."

Jadda's Majordomo chuckled. "Don't say that to me as if I cared. I don't give a bantha's fodder whether you need to set her free or not, and whether she wants to be there," she told Raeila. "Now, if you will follow me..." she motioned, leading them to Jadda's private booth.

Kael glanced to Raeila, his expression easily readable. The carelessness with which these people dealt with human life was revolting. It would take very little for him to take his lightsaber from his belt and give them the sort of caring concern they showed for all life but their own and their master. He could only wonder how they would feel when they fell out of favour with the Hutt, and were put into a position just like Talara's.

***

They entered the room where Jadda and his people were watching the podrace. With the exciting race below, all attention was directed away from the three sneaking in.

Chained to the small dais that held the bloated worm was Talara. She was clad in little more than nothing with a silver chain going to the collar at her throat. She was the only one in the room aware of the trio. She smiled with only a hint of the glee that was building within her.

Kael took a step forward, senses primed to their fullest. "Jadda the Hutt," he called out, readying himself for action, "you have something that doesn't belong to you, and we're here to see to her release. Let Talara Sorenne leave freely with us, and no harm will come to you or your men. Refuse and I'm sure your imagination can conjure up a few images of what may befall you."

Jadda laughed. He always found it amusing to see how Jedi truly believed that they could always have things done their way.

"Porkman Jedai... Chowbasa, chowbasa. Chik youngee Talara Sorenne bolla chuba. Jee nobata tinka," Jadda told them. By his side, the protocol droid translated the words. "Master Jadda welcomes you, Jedi. He also states that Talara Sorenne is not going anywhere."

"I believe that is a decision for Talara to make, and not you," Kael answered. "She is a member of the Jedi Order, and she will be leaving with us. If you wish to hinder her departure, I'm sure it will give those people who find new guards to serve you something to do. In either case, you have no right to keep her, and if she desires to leave with us, we will assist her." He pulled his hand free of his cloak, revealing the cylinder of his lightsaber. "This is your last chance."

Jadda laughed. And before saying anything else, he pressed a button that lay on his side. It basically made the whole structure of Jadda's private booth go up into the air and hover over the arena. They were really high up and a fall would be most deadly. As they were up there, there was also a shield that was activated, one that safeguarded Jadda from the Jedi.

"Ha chuba ree tinka jee con peedunkey?" Jadda laughed at the Jedi. "Stoopa Jedai... Talara nopa bolla kickee pa! Chuba see newpa parchee wan punda? Chik youngee bolla neechu yatuka ovv... Boom!" he laughed.

The droid translated. "Master Jadda states that you must think he is a fool and that Talara is not going anywhere because if she leaves for more than a certain distance, then she will explode."

By Jadda's side, his Majordomo smirked. "That is our new system. The females all wear a special necklace and are bound in pairs. None know whom their pair is, of course. If the necklace is removed by force...it explodes. If damage is done to it, it explodes. And if the girls decide to leave, after a certain distance is created between then, it explodes."

"You bastard!" Raeila hollered. "Let her go!" And aimed her blaster squarely at Jadda's forehead. Her shot caught its mark...but was deflected by Jadda's shield and rebounded towards the crowd below. Shrieks were heard as the audience scattered away from the orange bolt rushing at them; it safely impacted the stands, but had obviously caught everyone's attention and the race was all but ignored as little by little all eyes turned to Jadda's floating balcony.

Jadda laughed. "Con hodruda nobata keepuna... Gopptula Talara chuba moocha. Uba cheeka bolla boo chuba?" he asked. The droid translated. "Master Jadda asks that you do not fire into innocents at the race track. He also states that if you have come for Talara then you should ask her if she wants to go with you."

"Yes," Talara said before the question could be posed to her. "Yes, I want to go! Yes, I want out of here!"

"Well," Kael said, "I guess that answers that, doesn't it? And, I wonder if Jadda would really care about the innocents down there who might get caught beneath this nice little platform if it were to suddenly fall from the sky." His other hand flashed out of his robe, sending a silver cylinder tumbling toward Talara.

His aim wasn't necessary because even if it had been off, Talara pulled the lightsaber hilt into her hand with the Force and ignited the blade, an action that seemed like second nature now. The chain holding her to Jadda's throne sparked as the blade sliced through it, and she was free.

"Let us go," Talara said as she turned her gaze onto the Hutt. She reached up and touched the collar.

Kael smiled. "And, I suggest you have one of your people take that off her before she decides to test the explosive in it while standing right next to you."

Talara grinned.

Jadda smiled. "Chuba win de tempo... Ree ha jedai. Jee wamma ateema tah chuba." The droid translated. "Master Jadda informs that you have won this time. He enjoys the resourcefulness of you Jedi."

And with that said, the Hutt pressed the button, thus sending the booth back into its original location. As soon as they were down, the shield went back down. The Hutt's Majordomo took the necklace off Talara.

"Ateema bolla..." Jadda said, uninterested in the Jedi anymore. He was obviously sending them away.

"You'll pay for this one day soon, Jadda," Rae shouted at the slug as he slid off his dais to depart. She took an angry step forward and shrieked, "You can't do this to people! You'll be dead soon, Jadda! I vow it!"

"Come on," Kael said, motioning for Talara and Ferrig as he took Raeila's arm. "I don't trust the Hutt to just let us walk out of here, but I'd rather have a head start."

"Good idea," Ferrig said as he gave Tala's shoulder a gentle squeeze, earning himself a warm smile from her.

Without acknowledgement, the Hutt disappeared through a back door that gave way to a private sail barge inside a closed hangar. It was his way of escaping fast, should the need arise.

"We'll get you, you bastard," Raeila mumbled absently, staring back at the closing door even as Kael led her towards the stairway. "I won't let this go...I'll never let go...."

"Don't worry, my love," Kael urged. "We'll get him, but another time. For now, let's get Tala away and to safety. Then we can begin planning the Hutt's demise."

She nodded faintly, but still looked with despair at where the Hutt had once been, and where her best hope of retribution had quickly vanished.

Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, there were four Gammorrean guards waiting for the party that had come to rescue Talara. And the guards who had been up by Jadda's side were also coming down to cut them off on the other side.

One of the Gammorreans grunted and the others pointed their blasters at Kael, Raeila, Ferrig and Talara. It was obvious that this was no discussion. Just a plain and simple set of scores...meaning bloodshed.

"I guess it wasn't as easy as we thought," Kael said as he glanced at the group in front of him, and then behind. "Tala, drop back three steps. You've got the group behind us, I'll take these in front." He glanced with a nod at Raeila and Ferrig. "You two just shoot at them...we'll keep them at bay."

"I like this set up," Ferrig said as he checked the charge on his weapon.

Talara took the three steps back, her bare feet nothing more than a whisper on the stairs, and angled herself to cover Ferrig and Rae. As one, she and Kael ignited their lightsabers.

"There is no need for this," Kael called down to the leader. "And, in the end, you will lose."

The Gammorreans opened fire, their shots being quite precise. After all, they were a race of warriors who were bred to die thirsting for battle more than to live and drink the cup of life. They had no word for fear in their native language for a reason.

Some of the Gammorreans also held battle axes in hand in case their opponents got too close. Behind Talara, Kael, Ferrig and Raeila, the other group showed up, also opening fire at them.

Ferrig and Raeila shared vicious smiles with one another, unaccountably pleased to be in such a dire situation, but only so because of the opportunity to once again fight by one another's side. With determined nods, Ferrig remained firing at the Gammorreans, while Raeila turned to face-off with the new arrivals. She began squeezing off rapid shots, aiming to kill.

Those Gammorreans with blasters fired back at Raeila and the others, but those in the front of the line holding axes and other grisly looking weapons, could do nothing against the deadly bolts of energy. Talara moved in a graceful dance, standing between the ugly pig-like creatures and Raeila, her green-bladed lightsaber appearing everywhere a blaster bolt fired. None came close to finding their mark, leaving Rae free to pick her targets off at will.

In the front of the group, Kael did the same for Ferrig. They all made for a very effective and efficient team. At range, it was quickly becoming clear that the Gammorreans stood little chance of stopping them.

Though as they were, the Gammorreans saw some of their comrades fall to the small group. They were somehow able to block their shots, as if guessing where they would hit. And although they were impressed, they were not about to quit their attack or fall out.

One of the Gammorreans decided to move on them and started to run, while brandishing his axe. His mates tried to provide cover for him so that he could get close enough to slash the humans.

Talara noticed the one break off from the group and charge at them. She let the Force flow through her and a calmness descended over her. Somewhere, deep within the Force, she could feel Master Andro smile. He had tried for so long in his teachings. A slight smile touched her lips as her blade came up and stopped one, then two blaster bolts, and in a smooth motion, her blade arced out and sliced the head off the vibroaxe, and then as if it was all part of the same movement, she blocked a third bolt of energy and sent it right back at her attacker. As the Gammorrean nearly collided with her, Talara called on her Ta'Sae'Kordo training. With a grace that was only possible with Force-enhanced reflexes, she pivoted away, and with a twist of her foot and an almost gentle barehanded strike, she diverted the force and power of the creature's charge, and sent it crashing headfirst into the wall. It slumped to the ground unconscious. Talara finished the move by bringing her blade back up to ready, facing the opposition once more.

The Gammorreans were falling one after the other. Soon their numbers were down to less than half, which made them wonder whether they ought to keep battling. After all, it seemed like every time they tried to close in on their opponents, they would simply die trying.

Raeila stifled a cheer as she downed another of Jadda's advancing soldiers, while Talara subdued one herself with a precisely deflected blaster bolt to his chest. Crouched low, Raeila twisted around to Talara's other side to keep her shots from being anticipated. She had no idea how Ferrig and Kael were faring, but Raeila felt sure she and Talara could fend off their attackers. So intent on succeeded, Raeila barely flinched when a stray bolt grazed her arm. She would worry about her injuries once they were safe.

They kept trying, but the Jedi were just too fast for them. When there was but one Gammorrean left to fight, he tossed his blaster rifle down and placed his hands up, getting back enough to let them leave. It was a custom of the Gammorreans, that one should survive to tell the tale, even though one rarely did.

All four remained in their fighting stances, even as the Gammorrean fled and the last soldier fell. There was no way of discerning how many more were waiting in the wings. "Kael?" Rae whispered breathlessly. "What's going on?"

"I don't think Jadda really wanted us to leave," he said. "Though, I think the explosives in the collar around Tala's neck had him worried for his own safety. Come on, let's keep moving. I can't say if we'll run into more resistance, but I'd prefer if we do, that it be further away from here."

Raeila nodded in complete agreement, and the four navigated their way carefully through the corridors. Raeila kept her blaster in her hand, while she used the other to cover the wound on her shoulder. There was only a single moment to smile at Talara as they ran. "It's good to have you back, Tala."

"I was so happy to see you guys," Tala said as they pushed their way through one of the crowds that had formed. "It was...it was horrible..."

"I know," Raeila told her grimly. "Believe me, Talara, I know. But...we'll be home soon. Then...everything will be perfect."

"It feels close to it already," Talara called as they bounded down a series of stairs and turned in the direction of the exit. They veered toward the end of the bank of turnstiles. The majority of the people filing out stayed near the center, leaving the end nearly clear for the four fugitives to make good on their escape from Jadda's clutches. With a whooping cry from Ferrig, they burst out into the open.

They didn't stop there, though, as they raced onwards toward their speeders.

"Fight for Possession"
by Dargus Kandran
and Vorgoth

Location: Jadda's Palace
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

With lightsaber in hand, Dargus Kandran slashed outward and sent part of the tapestry dropping to the ground. At first, the resistance had been fierce, but his skill with the lightsaber eventually overcame the forces of the Hutt. An occasional shot would be fired, and his blade flashed to catch it before it could do harm. He could sense the Sith approaching. He could feel the anger, the hate. He smiled and turned his attention toward where Jadda kept a pen of slaves. Today would be a perfect day for freedom.

The Hutt's reinforcements arrived and were pointing their blasters at Dargus. But before any of them opened fire, Vorgoth passed in between them, and made a simple gesture as if to tell them to seal the area off and leave the rest to him.

Vorgoth grinned viciously at Dargus. "We meet again. How unfortunate for you. Last time you were marked to be killed. Today I may not be so benevolent."

Dargus refrained from the laughter he felt. "Yes," he said, "I'm sure that you are usually the epitome of benevolence. So, are you going to come kill me now? I tell you, I am just shaking in my boots over here. I have an idea; how about we go out and find a nice cantina, grab a couple pints of something cold, and talk this out. Reasonable and civilized. Unless you really wish to be the barbarian here, of course. I can go either way, honestly."

"Both you and I know that there are no words to speak between us. And actions speak louder than words as it is." Vorgoth answered. And with that much said he ignited his lightsaber on both ends.

"You've got a pithy, sinister saying for every occasion, don't you," Dargus said as he pulled a second lightsaber from his cloak. "I had a feeling there would be no reasoning with you. Oh very well." He ignited the second blade and turned to face Vorgoth. "Oh, before we begin, could you do that sneer you do? That is *very* scary, let me tell you. I bet you frighten off all the little kids with that, don't you?" He gave a mocking shiver, and then laughed.

With a frown, Vorgoth moved forward. He lashed out at Dargus but missed, cutting a part of a nearby wall. He then moved, twisting his blade and sending it to cut his foe, but once more only found lightsabers in the way, blocking his attacks.

Vorgoth leapt back in a somersault, grinning as he had more space now. "Not bad. But I'm still warming up."

"Well, that's good," Dargus answered as he circled away from Vorgoth. "I'd hate to think that this was your best. I would be mightily disappointed." He continued grinning as he parried another attack from the Sith. "So, while I have you here...I do hope your boss will be alright. Now comes the hard part. Do you keep fighting the guy who's tearing up Jadda's palace...or do you go rescue your boss from the Jedi and his friends who are off rescuing the new, delightful slavegirl chained to Jadda's throne. Decisions, decisions."

Vorgoth laughed. "Are you really that foolish? Do you think I'm that easy to distract?" he asked. "I sensed your presence a mile away... I knew the Jedi were here and I knew that they were headed to my Master. They'll be lucky to survive, just as you," he answered. "We knew you were coming..."

"If you knew, it sure took you long enough to get here," Dargus said. "You know, I used to have the same problem with arrogance you do. When you are so full of yourself, it's far too easy to blind yourself to your opponent's strengths. Don't underestimate Kael Selrid's power. But, you can leave your master to deal with the Jedi Knight while you take me on."

"Of course I can..." Vorgoth pointed out with a smirk on his lips. "And I shall. Jadda has many spies. More than you can imagine. We knew all along and we were already prepared in a sense... As for you, it is most obvious that you never knew the full power of the Dark Side. Only a weak person would falter from it as you have."

And with those words, Vorgoth kicked sand onto Dargus' eyes and moved forward to attack him. His strikes were clean and precise, and he moved quite fast, hurling his lightsaber to dash and open the path to his foe. When he created an opening, Vorgoth kicked Kandran's chest, making go a few steps back.

"Come on... Show me what you've got," Vorgoth hissed at Dargus.

"I don't think I've ever had a man say that to me before," Dargus said with a cocky grin. "Why, Vorgoth, I didn't know you cared. But, I'm afraid it would never work out with us. You're far too moody for my tastes." He committed himself to an attack against Vorgoth's flank, but then quickly reversed the attack and sliced across Vorgoth's body. The Sith managed to get his blade up in time to block the attack, but wasn't able to do anything about the Force wind Dargus conjured. The currents of air twisted violently throwing a cloud of sand up into Vorgoth's face. In that moment, Dargus kicked out and the sole of his boot crashed against Vorgoth's shin. With the Sith off-balance, Dargus flipped backward using Vorgoth's chest as a springboard.

Dargus came down ten meters from Vorgoth's position, and quickly dropped into a stance of readiness. "I bet you didn't even take advantage of Talara's body when you had her under your control, did you? Pity. I bet if you gave it to her right, you could have secured her loyalty. Now, you're stuck fighting me and she's going to go back to the Temple and become a Jedi Knight. You couldn't bend a weak girl to your will and turn her to Darkness. You're the weak one here, Vorgoth."

Vorgoth rubbed his face with the back of his hand and tasted some of his blood out of a small cut he now had on his lips. "At least I'm focused enough in what I am instead of not knowing whether I'm a Jedi, Sith or just a kinky pervert. And for your information, Talara has killed... Besides, are you so sure that she won't follow Nieme and Dani again? She wasn't kidnapped. She went with them willingly," he pointed out.

And without waiting for an answer, Vorgoth gathered his energies and became faster, almost like a blur. He used the wall to give him momentum and parried Dargus' lightsaber to the side, then kicking him in the face. As soon as he had his feet back on the ground, Vorgoth slashed again with his other blade. He missed, only managing to cut through Dargus' clothes and making nothing but a small burn on his shoulder.

Vorgoth grinned. "I shall cut you a piece at a time if I must."

Dargus scissored his blades toward Vorgoth, hoping to catch part of the Sith between them. A tendril of smoke spiraled up from where the blades caught a sleeve. He finished the move by separating the blades, and lunged with both, driving Vorgoth back. "Woe be the life of a kinky pervert," Dargus said as he pressed his attack. "At least, however, I have the option of being a kinky pervert." He made a lopping motion at the level of Vorgoth's groin with one of his lightsabers to emphasize his point. "For someone who is so unfocused, I certainly seem to be holding myself up against you. Though, could you say kinky pervert again? With that sneer and snarl, it's quite entertaining."

"Instead of speaking words, let me give you a one way trip to hell..." he smirked as he twisted his dual edged lightsaber to take Dargus' blades out of way. He then moved fast and leaped over his opponent. And even though Dargus turned around in time to have his blades meet Vorgoth's, Vorgoth still managed to spin and kick Dargus back.

Dargus recovered quickly, and twisted his body around. His foot clipped Vorgoth's chin as the other kicked out against the Sith's thigh. The action propelled Dargus away from Vorgoth where he flipped quickly in the air, rotating his body, until he touched down on the ground again, this time ten meters from and facing his opponent.

"You know, this really isn't that exciting of a fight," Dargus said. "Besides, I've already received word that Kael and the others are now exiting the arena with Talara, and the Hutt has fled to parts unknown, minus several of his guard. So, being that I was merely the distraction to keep you occupied, I'll be going." He gave Vorgoth a smart salute with one of his lightsabers, and then fled using Force-enhanced speed through one of the lightsaber-created doorways he'd made upon his arrival.

"Coward..." Vorgoth sneered at the sight of Dargus fleeing the scene. He deactivated his lightsaber and walked away.

"Homeward"
By: Talara Sorenne
Kael Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin
Raeila Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 12, 4 ABY

***

The return trip to the Temple had been a quiet one after the initial reunion. They had achieved their goal and Talara had been rescued. Once they'd reached their speeder, many hugs were shared, with Talara finally ending up in Ferrig's arms as they clung to each other tightly. Tears slipped freely from Talara's eyes as he whispered soothing words. She said little about her captivity, knowing that to do so would only inflame her rescuers again, especially Raeila and Ferrig. After the effort it took to pull the two from Jadda's platform, she didn't think any additional fanning of the bonfire-strength flames would let the healing begin.

Kael and Raeila rode in the front of the speeder, leaving the back seat for Talara and Ferrig. She spent the entire trip enfolded in Ferrig's arms. As they neared the city, he removed his jacket and covered her with it. The desert may have been warm, but her attire was not appropriate to the snow-covered streets of New Plouton, even if they were within the climate-controlled warmth of the speeder.

It was with great relief that the Jedi Temple finally came into view. Tears sprang anew into Talara's eyes and she held Ferrig all the more tighter. She still held him when they exited the speeder and started toward the entrance. She used the Force to endure the walk from the speeder as the snow on the path chilled her bare feet. The warm floor of the Temple was a great relief and she sighed happily.

"I think I should take a shower," Talara finally said. "I need to put on some real clothes as well..." She looked between the three, and chose to hug Raeila. "Thank you for coming for me...I don't know how much longer I could have endured."

"Long enough," Raeila whispered, kissing the top of her friend's head. "I survived, Talara. I knew you would, too. I'm just...I'm sorry we couldn't come sooner..." Something warm and wet dribbled down Talara's forehead as the two embraced, and only when it reached her lips did she taste the distinct saltiness of tears.

"You came though," Talara said and glanced around to Kael and Ferrig. "You got me out, and I'll never forget it. I don't know how, but...but later, can we talk, Raeila? About...I'm just...never mind, it's okay. I...I partly want to talk about it, but...but I don't know if I really want to remember... If that makes sense."

Raeila nodded briskly, wiping at her tears. "I know what you mean. We...we should talk. I have some things I want to get out...and I know you, more than anyone, can understand."

Tala nodded. "Maybe tonight then," she said softly.

"We can't go just yet," Kael said, "but we're also all going to take a trip away from here for a bit. I think we've all been under a lot of pressure lately, and I think we could use some time to decompress and find a balance again. Besides, I really would like to see Raeila in a bikini."

"Me too," Ferrig added with an eyebrow waggle for his sister.

She laughed softly. "In a few days, maybe. We need to get Talara settled first." Raeila squeezed her friend's shoulder affectionately. "Right? It's all happened so fast. Let's just...catch our breath."

"Good idea," Kael said. "And, it'll give me a chance to make arrangements for transportation and lodging. Why don't you take Talara off and help her get cleaned up. Ferrig and I will go talk to Orn about preparing a feast for us, and whoever else happens to be hungry."

"Will do, Jedi Knight Selrid," Raeila teased, then slipped her arm around Talara's waist and steered her away from the two men towards the Temple. "Better get cleaned up really good," she confided to her friend, smiling. "Ferrig's been waiting forever to see you again."

"I dreamed about him a lot," Talara said as they walked along. "I can't believe I'm free. How is everyone? Where's Zari? What happened to everyone? This place seems practically empty. Oh, I have so many questions!"

Snickering, Raeila kissed Talara's cheek and as they wandered the corridors of the Temple to reacquaint her with her home, Raeila set about catching Talara up on all she had missed in her absence.

***

"And, so Master Koran Darr, Master Laedra Vorrel, and their Padawans are all off on the planet Hjari, negotiating for peace between the natives and the corrupt company oppressing them. And, I think that pretty much is all the news."

Talara sighed and shifted her head against Ferrig's shoulder. "I've missed so much," she said. "I hope Master Laedra returns soon. I have much to make up for, and I have to prove to myself to her that I can be a good Jedi."

"From what I've seen so far," Kael said, "you will. You've definitely improved, and there is a focus about you now that wasn't there before. I believe Master Vorrel will be satisfied with the progress, once she is certain of your dedication to the Jedi."

"Well..." Rae said slowly, glancing up from where her head lay upon Kael's chest as they rested atop the bed, "are you dedicated to the Order, Talara? I mean...it's alright if you aren't. It's just...do you really want to be here?"

"I do," Talara answered. "I'll need to talk to Master Laedra, but I feel that...it's like I woke up and see things differently now. I want to be a Jedi Knight."

"Then you will be," Raeila assured her. "We'll all support you."

"Thank you," Talara said as Ferrig's arms circled her and he nuzzled the back of her neck.

"We're a family," Kael said, "within the Jedi and without. No matter what, Talara, you'll always have us."

Talara reached up and wiped a tear away. "You don't know how much it means...or...or how happy I am you came for me. I was...the despair was setting in, and you saved me."

"I know what you mean," Raeila whispered sadly. Her hold on Kael tightened. "I was like you, Tala. Being with Jadda--" She shuddered and closed her eyes tight against the torment of remembered emotions. "We really need that vacation," Raeila said, laughing weakly.

"The arrangements are made," Kael said as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "We leave in two days. I've arranged for transport on a commercial liner, and it'll take us to a planet called Turren. I've heard it's one of the most beautiful places in this region of space."

Opening one eye, Rae looked up at Kael and asked, "No Hutts?"

"None," Kael said. "And, no empresses or Temples, or any of the other things that could keep us from finding complete relaxation and happiness."

"Really?" Ferrig asked with a grin. "Can we move there?"

Raeila chuckled. "Maybe...but only if there are deserts. That's where me and Kael want to live. That's where we want to have our baby."

"That's a perfect place," Ferrig said. "Especially now that they've cleaned up Thanatos. When we get back, now that we're not on a mission, we should go visit Pack and the rest of the gang. I don't think they'd believe us...or worse, they'll think we're imposters."

"They'll be glad to see us," Raeila assured her brother. "Maybe they'll even buy us drinks for old time's sake." Remembering their friends fondly, Raeila snickered and amended, "Okay...maybe not."

"Oh, I'm sure they'll want to give you a drink alright," Ferrig said with a snort of laughter. "Especially Pack with that monster sand worm of his."

Raeila gasped, and sat up quickly to fling a pillow at her brother. "You jerk!" she laughed. "I'm sure Kael will make it known immediately that I'm no longer on the market."

"Oh, don't worry," Ferrig said with a laugh, "I'll make sure they know too. Still, it'll be good to see them, even if they will make us buy our own drinks."

"Do you think they'll like me," Talara said. "I mean, as your...your girlfriend, Ferrig." She looked up at Rae. "I know I'm young, but...will that...will it bother them?"

"Talara," Rae confided with a smile, "they've seen younger. Don't worry, they're nice guys. They'll like you, I'm sure."

"They're a bit rough around the edges," Kael said, "but that's what makes them Kir'Thana. They'll love you as much as Ferrig...just watch out, because they may try to love you just like Ferrig."

Talara's eyes widened, and she looked up at Ferrig.

Ferrig kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, my arozeil, no one will touch you. You are my chosen, and they will respect that."

"As savage as they might seem at first," Raeila added, "they're really civil people. They just like having fun, that's all."

"But, they know what lines not to cross, especially with us," Kael added.

"Thank you," Talara said. "Before we go, there's someone I need to visit in the city. He...he helped me a lot when I was a prisoner in the Palace."

Raeila and Kael exchanged surreptitious looks, then Rae smiled at her friend. "Alright...we can do that tomorrow. Do you know where he...or she lives?"

"Yes," Talara said. "He's a friend of Zari's. I went to the apartment he lives in when he picked us up that time Nieme and Dani captured us."

"If Kael and Ferrig are busy, we can go together...just the two of us," Raeila suggested, glancing at both Ferrig and Kael. "It would, you know...give us some time to talk."

"Actually, that sounds like a great idea, whether we're busy or not," Kael said. "Unless you want one of us coming along with you, of course. Or both. It'll give me time to get some last-minute things finished around the Temple, and...and Ferrig, well I'm sure there's something he can do as well."

"Great! Then tomorrow it is." Raeila grinned at her friend. "We can go shopping too if you want...if you're up for it. Kael will lend us some creds." She eyed her husband pointedly.

"Of course he will," Kael said with a chuckle.

"Keeve'll be so happy to see I made it out okay," Talara said. "He really helped me stay away from the Dark Side. I don't think I would have made it without his help in there. I owe him so much."

"How did he manage to escape?" Rae asked, puzzled that Talara hadn't escaped with him.

"I helped him, Oot, and Ferrig escape," she said. "But, I didn't go with them... I stayed behind to cover their escape, but Nieme and Dani found out and they punished me, then sent me to Jadda."

Rae nodded for a time, silent and troubled. "Talara?" she asked quietly. Gray eyes raised to her friend's now, she continued somberly, "Why did you go to them?"

"Because I was stupid," Talara answered. "Because I thought they were giving me something I wanted. There was...so much pleasure, and it was all too tempting... But, in the end, the pleasure they offered was just a mask to help disguise the pain that was the heart of what they really were giving. I was stupid."

"Not...stupid," Raeila answered carefully. "Just...looking in the wrong place for something you thought you were missing. Or," she added with a wan smile, "looking for the wrong thing in the first place."

"I think I'm headed down the right path now," Talara said. "At least, it feels right now...and one of Master Andro's teachings was to always trust my feelings."

Raeila smiled warmly. "And I guess your feelings told you that your true place was here...with those who love you."

"The only place to be," Talara said before returning her hand to Ferrig's. "I won't ever do anything like that again...and if Nieme or Dani ever come to get me again, I know what to say now."

"If Nieme and Dani ever come here," Rae added with a mischievous smile, "they're not leaving alive. We'll all make sure of that."

"Just promise you'll let me help," Tala said with an equally mischievous grin. "Though, after, I'm not sure if the Council would let me. But, if they didn't know..."

"They don't have to know," Raeila said with a shrug. "I'm not a Jedi; I don't have to tell them a thing."

"I'm sure they'd have their initial doubts," Kael said. "But, if you prove yourself, those doubts will be put to rest. The Jedi have been forced to take a lot of chances lately, and not all of them have paid off. But, I'm certain that once they're certain of your loyalties, you'll be given all the trust they can give you."

"And from Master Vorrel most of all," Raeila assured her. "She's not as surly as she looks." Then, she sniggered and leaned against Kael. "Especially now that Master Darr is satisfying her true...needs."

Ferrig laughed. "You can really tell which Masters are getting some, and which aren't. I bet Master Vos has never even seen a woman naked, let alone...you know." He gave a wink for emphasis.

Raeila laughed shrilly and dropped onto her back with both hands over her stomach to hold in the aches. "And what about...what about Master Kal'Aran? I bet he'd love to get to know a woman!"

"Oh, I'm certain we could find someone for him," Ferrig said. "He'd need instruction though! He wouldn't know what to do with a woman!"

Kicking the mattress with the heels of her feet as she struggled for air, Rae gasped and hollered laughingly, "He and Vos can practice on one another!"

Talara covered her mouth, then burst out into a fit of giggles to match Raeila's.

"You really have to wonder how they manage," Ferrig said. "I mean, all that discipline aside, it's unnatural. Human beings were made for it. Look around this place. Look at all the desirable females in this Temple alone. You have to really wonder what they do when they close their doors at night. I know what I would be doing if I were a Jedi Master after having to spend a day training someone like Aurra or working with someone like Shaza Nightshade."

"Ferrig, you're a fola hog!" Raeila shrieked and giggled fitfully.

"And no one here would have it any other way," he said with a big grin. "And, you know it's true too. It's no wonder those Jedi wear big, voluminous robes."

Raeila continued laughing, turning her face into a pillow to bury her voice. The rest of the Temple wouldn't appreciate hearing her, no doubt.

"What about the girl Jedi," Talara said turning to face Ferrig. "What about them?"

"Oh, the girls," Ferrig said knowingly. "Well, there aren't many who aren't Padawans, but none of the girls wear underwear under their robes."

"And how would you know that?" Raeila teased. "Have you looked lately?"

Ferrig laughed, then reached around and pulled the waistband of Talara's pants down far enough to reveal that he'd spoken true of at least one Jedi as the bare flesh of her hip and upper thigh was put on display for Raeila and Kael. "I have a feeling that doing more research beyond just Talara might get me into trouble though."

"Ferrig, you're such a dog!" Raeila told him playfully. "You just can't wait to get into Talara's pants, can you?!"

"Only if she wants me there," Ferrig said. "But you see I was right about the underwear thing."

Kael nodded. "Yes, you were right. Don't let it go to your head. Now, it's late. I think we should all get to bed. Rae, why don't you go help Talara get situated in her room, and tucked in. I'll walk Ferrig to his room."

Raeila nodded slowly, understanding. "I see...going to have a man-to-man chat?" She smiled at her husband and gave him a kiss before slipping off the bed. "Sure thing. Just don't be late."

"I promise I won't," Kael said.

Talara gave Ferrig a hesitant kiss as she slid off the bed and moved toward the door. "Goodnight, Kael," she said. "Thank you again. I'll see you in the morning, Ferrig. I love you."

"I love you too, my arozeil," Ferrig said with a tender smile.

"Oh, enough of that," Raeila chided playfully as she strolled up behind Talara and steered her towards the door. "You'll see her in the morning." Throwing him a warning glare, she added, "And don't even think about sneaking into bed with her, got it?"

"I promise," he said with a rolling of his eyes. "Now, get going before I change my mind."

Raeila smiled facetiously. "Already gone." And both girls slipped out of the room.

Once they were alone in the hall, Talara smiled at Raeila. "When you go back and see Kael, thank him for me. I love Ferrig very much, but...I...I can't tonight, not...not after...with Jadda and the Palace."

"I know," Raeila told her softly. "I couldn't either, with Kael. It was...pretty bad, wasn't it? Being with Jadda...."

"It was the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life," Talara said softly. "Each time, I wanted to die."

"But you didn't, and neither did I," she whispered fervently, pressing a hand to Talara's cheek. "We'll get through this, Talara. That fat slug won't break us, not ever."

"Never," Talara whispered. After a few paces in silence, she looked up at Raeila. "You don't...don't think Ferrig will be upset because I'm not ready...to...to be with him yet, do you?"

"Of course not," Raeila told her emphatically. "Oh, Tala...he's just so glad to see you again. He knows there'll be time for that...and your relationship is more than that, right?"

"That's...that's good," Talara answered. "I love him so much, and...and I don't want to hurt him...but I just...I can't right now. I'll talk to him tomorrow."

"He'll understand." Rae squeezed her shoulder and smiled. "Kael understood, too. If someone loves you, they'll always understand." Talara's room came into view and Raeila nodded towards it. "Do you want me to come in for a while?"

"If you'd like to," Talara said with a smile. "The company would be very nice."

"Just for a little while," Raeila whispered excitedly, and the two hurried into Talara's room for a little catching up.

Talara quickly changed into a nightgown and crawled into her bed as Raeila took a seat on the edge of the bed. As she lay back and her head touched the pillow, Talara remembered just how comfortable the beds at the Temple really were. She smiled at Raeila as they spoke softly, avoiding any subject that was too dark and dreary. After what they had both suffered, neither needed the nightmares such conversation would dredge up so close to falling asleep. Their talk was comfortable and relaxed, deepening the bond between the two and solidifying a friendship that had grown out of Talara's relationship with Ferrig.

As Raeila left the room and returned to the one she shared with Kael, Talara couldn't help thinking of Raeila as a sister. And, the thought of her friends and family so close here at the Temple, allowed her to drift off to sleep and begin putting the darkness of her time with Nieme, Dani, Jadda, and Vorgoth behind her.