"Visitation"
By: Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Va'Lesh Zaneth

Location: Yelara's Hospital Room, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 5 ABY

***

Liam entered the hospital room, thankful to be able to get through all the obstacles standing in the way. Given the nature of things on the planet, heightened security was necessary for the woman within the room. If the Jau ever found out she was here, they would undoubtedly raid this place and very likely kill her. They would have to get through him first if they ever attempted that, however.

Held in his arms, a little bundle of energy nearly shrieked with delight when he saw his mother looking up at him. Liam couldn't help smiling at the reaction. "Mama," the little one crowed, using one of the few words his one and a half year old vocabulary contained.

"I brought a visitor to see you," Liam said.

Yelara chuckled warmly. "I heard." Seated upright in her bed, Leshie nearly leapt into her arms. She caught him with a grunt. "My, aren't we getting heavy? What are you feeding him?"

"Bantha steaks," Liam said with a grin. "How are you feeling? You look great."

"About ready to get out of here. The doctor said it won't be much longer."

"Best news I've heard all day," Liam said. "I've been looking at houses. It's mostly to get an idea of what's out there. I figure if you're still interested in something like that, once you're well enough we can look together."

Yelara shrugged while walking her fingers up Leshie's chest and playfully tapping his nose. The young boy giggled. "Whatever you think is best. Anything will be better than living in a hospital room."

"I imagine so," Liam said with a chuckle. "I think a home will be good for us, and for Leshie. Plus, we can make some adjustments to protect ourselves. And we can have a carbosyrup dispenser installed." He gave her a sly wink as he reached in to tickle Leshie's belly.

She grimaced. "I hate carbosyrup. Maybe we could leave that out until I get pregnant again?"

"I think we can make arrangements to have no carbosyrup in the house," he said. "Have you been able to move around?"

Yelara nodded vigorously. "They let me stand. Next is walking, and when that happens, I'm walking right out of here." She patted the bed, inviting Liam to sit next to her. "Tell me...how have things been with the Jedi?"

"Things are going well for the most part," he said as he sat next to her and covered her hand with his. "Plans are underway to liberate the planet, though I'm not entirely certain of some of the people we're calling allies. The Jedi are committing some of our number to a raid on the mining operation the Jau have set up in the desert. I hope...I hope that Yara and Va'Lesh are still alright and that they can be rescued."

"They're strong," she whispered. "They'll survive. But I'd rather they were safe, here with us." Gazing into his eyes so there was no opportunity for deception, she asked, "Are you participating in this raid?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Liam said. "Talara has expressed interest, as has Master Novix. I am not sure if Koran or Laedra will be going, but they have been involved in the talks with the other groups involved. With Va'Lesh and Yara there, it is a temptation to go. But, thus far, my plans will be keeping me close to you and our son."

"If the Jedi are to be involved, how can so few participate?" Yelara inquired. "Do we not want this raid to succeed?"

"There are a lot of others involved," Liam said. "And we don't have a lot of trained Jedi, so we have to be cautious in how many of us are committed. In case there is a tragedy, we don't want the entire order wiped out in a raid that goes wrong."

She smiled. "I'm glad. I hate worrying about you. The doctor says it will only delay my recovery."

"I believe that," he said. "And I don't want to put you through that. Besides, this little guy is getting to be a handful. I think you'll need my help with him."

"I can handle him," she dismissed with maternal confidence, then grinned at Liam. "Or is it you who needs the help?"

Liam chuckled as he brushed his thumb over the back of her hand. "It seemed like a good reason to be able to shirk my duties as a Jedi, rather than just shirking my duties as a Jedi."

"If you need an excuse to shirk your duties," Yelara informed him, "then I think you need to re-evaluate your desire to be a Jedi."

"Actually, I don't," Liam said. "But, things are as in hand as they can be right now, and my family needs to take precedence."

"Spoken like a true Jedi," she quipped. Va'Lesh, seeming to comprehend his mother's ironic remark, flapped his arms and laughed boisterously. Yelara smiled, all innocence. "I have no idea what is so funny."

Liam grinned at her as he tickled his son's belly. "If things get too bad here," he ventured softly, "what do you think of just packing up all of our belongings and going?"

"And where would we go? I thought the Jau had infiltrated every corner of Tae'Karada."

"They have," Liam said. "I was thinking of...out of the system. I honestly don't know if I could, but after everything, I want to make sure you and Leshie are safe."

"How could you not?" she asked. "It's because of the Order that all this happened to us. If you hadn't been bound to them, we could have gone off on our own long ago, where we'd now be safe."

"That's something I've told myself repeatedly," Liam said. "Once you're able to leave, and once we know what we need to be able to keep you healthy --- the doctor suggested that the operation would need to be maintained periodically --- we can find a new home, somewhere that'll be safe for us. The Order will be able to survive without me. We have more Jedi coming in every day, and some of the Padawans should be promoted to Knight very soon. I think they can get by without me."

She smiled hesitantly. "You'd give up the Order so easily?"

"Before the Order formed here, there wasn't one," Liam said. "I don't know if I could give it up completely, at least to the point where I no longer cared. But your safety and health is more important to me now, and I need to focus on that."

"Right you do," she affirmed with mock severity, then kissed her husband briefly. "That's more incentive for me to get walking. I'm predicting I'll be up and about by the end of the week."

"If you need help, Leshie can show you," Liam said with a fond smile. "He's been practicing as often as he can."

"Really?" she asked joyfully. "Well, go on," Yelara urged Leshie, "show me." Liam obliged upon his son's enthusiastic squeal, and set the child upright on the floor. He held Leshie's hands a moment longer to ensure he was steady, then he let go and hurried a few feet away, where he squatted and opened his arms to the boy. Leshie, fearless and determined like his parents, showed no hesitation and toddled quickly towards Liam. He fell into Liam's embrace and emitted a triumphant screech. Yelara clapped, laughing fondly. "So that's how you do it."

Liam enfolded Leshie in his arms and gave him a kiss as he stood and returned to the bed with their son still giggling happily. "It's quite a task to keep him in sight these days. He's quite the explorer, our son."

"He gets that from his adventurous mother," Yelara boasted. "As long as he doesn't get himself into trouble, what's the harm?"

"No harm that I know of," Liam said as he let Leshie explore his way over to Yelara across the bed. "It's good for him. It just wouldn't be right for our little one to not have insatiable curiousity and a desire to see what's around him."

"Which also worries me," Yelara confessed. "He's fearless, Liam, and intelligent. He possesses all the qualities one needs to train as a Jedi, and I don't want that life for him."

"I know," Liam answered. "We will have to do our best to raise him. He may choose that life on his own, but we will make sure he is fully aware of all the options life has for him. I don't know what Jae Dyn's thoughts about Yara becoming a Jedi are, but she may have some ideas that could be helpful if you want me to talk to her."

"I should talk to her myself. I've been ignoring her - at the least, I need to apologize. We were lovers once; she deserves an explanation."

"I know that she would love the chance to see you again," Liam said. "Whenever I am at the Temple, she asks after you. It's been nice to have good news to tell her lately. The doctor might not approve of her coming to visit here, but I know that she and Yara would love to see you and Leshie."

Yelara smiled conspiratorially. "I think I can convince the doctor to let her in. Ask her to come by when she's free. It's about time we talked."

"I will," Liam said with a smile. He reached over and ruffled Leshie's hair. "Hopefully it will be alright if the little ones can visit too. I wonder if they remember each other."

"I'm sure they will. Leshie has the best memory. His mother" --she grinned-- "not so much, but then I did...well...die."

"You did, but you have been remembering more and more," Liam said. "I imagine it could just be a matter of time before you remember everything."

"Or we could just help me make new memories." She smiled at the idea. "Once I'm discharged, maybe."

"I think that's a great idea," Liam said with a fond smile. He watched as their son looked between each of them with a large smile on his face. "Though, I think we're already making some good memories here. With both of us in his life again, he's so much happier."

"I just hope he doesn't remember any of what happened at the palace," Yelara whispered. "It was horrible. He must have felt all the evil swirling about there. If only he could talk then, he could've warned me about Meer'esh. He always did feel uncomfortable around him."

"Hopefully that gift will stay with him," Liam said. "And will help keep him safe. And perhaps us if he lets us know what he's feeling. He talks a little bit now, but it's still a lot of babbling. He did say mama and home, yesterday."

Yelara gasped in joyful surprise. "Did you, Leshie?" He flapped his arms wildly as she pulled him onto her lap. She kissed his cheek heartily. "Do you want mama home, is that it? Don't worry, I'll be there soon."

Liam turned toward the door just before it opened and a nurse appeared. He nodded to her before she could say a word. "Looks like visiting hours are over," he said. "I'll come back to see you tomorrow if that's alright."

"Definitely," she whispered fervently and leaned in to meet Liam's kiss. Leshie watched her expectantly, so with a chuckle she delivered a kiss to his cheek. "I love you both. Maybe tomorrow you could bring something nice for me to wear. These hospital gowns are so drab."

With a lingering hug, Liam said, "We'll bring something nice," he said. "Rest well, and I'll talk to Kallia tonight. If the doctor agrees, perhaps she can visit the day after tomorrow."

"Yes," she sighed, "then I can stop feeling so guilty about not speaking with her."

"I'm sure she'll understand," Liam said. "We've all been through a lot." He leaned in close and kissed her one last time as the nurse glared in through the door one more time. He gathered Leshie into his arms. "We'll see you tomorrow."

"Another tomorrow," Yelara murmured to the now empty room, hoping that there wouldn't be many more spent away from her family.

---

"Reclaiming Concubines, Part 1"
By: Reinrich Tas
Magnus Kresk
Zari Zathmir
Dev [NPC+]
Kimara

Location: Nocturnal Delights, New Plouton; Keeve's Apartment, Vendra
Date: Vadris 12, 5 ABY

***

The bouncer stepped into the office at Reinrich Tas' summons. His name was Argath Kandol, and he had served many roles through the years, though primarily as a mercenary. He liked the money Reinrich Tas paid him, and it kept him in the entrepreneur's employ. After returning to the club with the boss' new dancer and joy girl, he needed to make his report on what he'd observed. As Tas bid him forward, he came to stand before the desk. He bowed. The boss liked that.

"She was living in Elkara Towers in Vendra, just off the coast," Kandol said. "They have the top two floors. I waited at the door, but I saw her twin sister, I guess, inside. Couldn't see any others, but I thought I heard sounds from farther in. By the looks of it, they've got quite a brood of women there. Before she came out with her things, I saw the girl, the blonde one, but only briefly. Couldn't see Talara."

"What about the other one," Reinrich asked. "That tough guy who came to snatch her away. Was he there?"

"Didn't see him," Argath Kandol said. "But, there was a holo of him on the table just inside the door. No idea where he was, but he lives there from what I could tell."

Reinrich nodded pensively, then gave his henchman a pointed stare and a decisive tip of his head. "Get them."

"Just your own men, boss," the bouncer asked. "Or you want that new guy in on it too? Test him out, so to speak."

An insidious smile twisted his lips. "Have him come along. If Talara's not there, maybe he can get the others to give her up." Then, he shooed his man away, leaving him with a final instruction: "If anyone gets out of hand...neutralize them."

Kandol nodded his understanding, then departed the room. He quickly gathered his people, the ones he knew would be good for the task. And then he placed a call to Magnus Kresk. From what he'd heard, the man might have a strong interest in trying to recapture the girl Talara.

Twenty minutes later, Kandol's people and the interrogator were gathered in their safehouse to go over the plan.

***

Two hours later, the door to Reinrich Tas' office burst open. Three hooded figures were pushed through the door with their hands twisted around and bound at their backs. One was dressed in a pair of leather pants and tank top while the other two, a young man and woman, were naked except for the hoods they wore. Argath Kandol came out from behind the naked girl and motioned for Kresk to come fully into the room as well. The two guards that remained kept vigilant watch over the prisoners.

"These three were the only ones in the place," Kandol said. "But, we know where the others are."

Reinrich Tas chuckled deeply as he scanned the three figures before him. "Dev...is that you, boy?" He focused on the appendage dangling between his legs and grinned. "You've grown, I see."

Kresk kept a careful gaze on the prisoners as he stepped forward. He glanced at Tas. "I assume you want me to interrogate them?" he asked, already his eyes gleamed at the prospect of inflicting pain.

"Of course," was Reinrich's answer as he methodically approached the three captives, his movements that of a stalking predator. "Unless," he added, "they wish to speak now."

"What do you want with us," the clothed woman cried, shrinking from the sound of Reinrich's voice.

"Reinrich," Dev said, "whatever you want to know, I'll tell you. Just don't hurt them."

"Dev," Zari rasped. "Don't."

"I won't see you hurt, Zee," he said. "I'll answer anything, just...just don't hurt them."

"Anything?" Reinrich inquired. "Even Talara and that male friend of hers?"

"Sure," Dev said. Even though he still had the hood covering his head, he turned toward Zari. With a sigh, he continued. "They're with the Jedi, in Vendra. I don't know where exactly, but it's one of the warehouses."

"Dev, stop!" Zari hissed.

The clothed woman seemed lost and confused, but she knew the implications of Dev's revelation and it wouldn't be good. "Is that what you're after? Talara and Keeve?"

Reinrich seemed amused by the young woman's boldness and approached her. "Yes...but for very different reasons. I want Talara on my stage" --he paused before Kim and lightly passed his hand over her arm-- "and I want the meddler dead."

She flinched at his touch. She seemed to have spirit, but the situation was sapping her resolve. "Just let us go. We'll stay out of your way and we won't ever bother you again. Please. We just want to live in peace."

"Peace?" he laughed. "With the Jau running things, there won't be any of that. So, I might as well have my fun, hm?" Reinrich nodded to his men. "Take them wherever Mr. Kresk wants them. I want to know if they're holding back any details."

"Sure thing, boss," Kandol said. "You want us to strip the blonde girlie down like the other two? They were going at it like a pair of gincers in heat when we got there, else they'd probably be dressed to."

"Really?" he mused, turning away from Kim to scan Zari's backside. "A lively girl...just the kind my club needs. You'd better keep that one intact, Kresk."

Kandol nodded. "The other girl's a twin for that new one you just hired. Might get a good show out of putting them together on the stage. Some of the customers are into that."

Reinrich chuckled lowly. "I don't pay you enough, Kandol. I may do just that...." He pivoted swiftly to face to his men and ordered, "Take this one to a secure room" --pointing at Kim-- "while these two are questioned. And remember, Kresk, don't harm the pretty one."

"I won't," Kresk said. He had a few methods in mind on how to get the boy to talk. He glanced at the two guards. "Follow me."

---

"Reclaiming Concubines, Part 2"
By: Reinrich Tas
Kimara
Keeve Zenarr
Talara Sorenne
Jae Dyn Brael

Location: Nocturnal Delights, New Plouton; Jedi Sanctuary
Date: Vadris 12, 5 ABY

***

Keeve and Talara were in their room at the new Temple -- little more than a warehouse, really -- engaging in activities that would have had Master Vorrel frowning had they been anywhere else. But, with the door closed, they were free to express their feelings for one another without risk of being scolded.

Before things could become too interesting for the couple, however, the door to the room burst open. Framed in the doorway was Jae Dyn Brael. She was clad in leather with a blaster on one hip and a baby in her opposite arm. The baby, however, was not one of her own. The baby was Kellin Zathmir, Zari's infant son. The look on Jae Dyn's face was a clear indication that all was not well.

"I found him at home, but everyone else was gone. There were signs of forced entry and a struggle. Kim, Zari, and Dev should have been there, but they're not."

Modesty was of little concern to Keeve when he surged from the bed, fully unclothed and stalked towards Kallia. "When? And why was Kellin left behind?"

"He was bundled in his crib," Kallia said. "My guess is that he was asleep and overlooked. Since she got him back, Zari has been very protective of him; she wouldn't leave him."

"No one knows we're here," Talara said, not bothering to cover herself as she slid to the edge of the bed. "None of our enemies could find us here. How could they?"

Kallia frowned. "Somehow, someone found a way."

"Trouble is," Keeve reasoned with barely restrained venom, "we only have one enemy." He looked back at Tala. "Tas."

"I think we should pay him a visit," Talara said. "You'll watch after Kellin for now?"

Kallia nodded. "Of course," she said. "You want anyone to come with you? Either I or one of the other Masters, or even Kaylee could go with you."

"I'll go. Tala...you're staying. If his intention is to lure you to him, then I'm not playing into his hand."

"You need someone to watch your back," Talara said as she slipped from the bed to search for clothing. "Besides, you have anger management issues, and are likely to get killed if you suddenly go berserk and aren't thinking clearly. Think of it as a practice run to see how well we work together."

"You're staying," Keeve told her with finality. "Kallia can watch my back just as well. You're safer here."

"Kallia has to watch the babies," Talara said as she selected a pair of pants and began looking for a top. "I belong with you anyway."

"Belong with me?" he echoed incredulously. "What the hells does that mean!? You don't need to do this with me, Tala, and you're not. You're staying right here. If Kallia can't make it, then I'll take Kaylee. But you...stay!"

"No, I'm not," Talara said. "I'm going with you whether you want me to or not. Zari is my best friend and she came for me. I'm not going to just sit here. You can try to stop me if you'd like, but you're going to fail." With that, she began pulling on a pair of tight-fitting leather pants.

"Are you a fool?" he shot back, marching towards Talara now. "This is exactly what he wants! He wanted to draw you out of hiding so he can snatch you again. Don't you see that?"

"Yes," Talara said, "I do see that. But, I'm going in prepared and know what to expect. Keeve, I will be alright. He won't touch me." She turned to face him as she pulled a tank top over her head. Once it was settled into place, she gave him a disarming smile. "You'll see."

Keeve shook his head bitterly. "You enjoy walking right into trouble, don't you? Or is it that you want revenge? How...unJedi of you."

"Stop trying to bait me," Talara said. "I want to do for my friend what she did for me. I'm not after revenge, Keeve, no matter what you think. Now, get dressed so we can get them away from him and make sure he leaves us alone for good."

Growling in frustration, Keeve stalked to his dresser, hollering back, "You're stubborn and I'm an idiot for indulging you."

Talara pulled a matching pair of weapon belts from a case near the small dresser in their room and began strapping them on. She gave Keeve a grin over her shoulder. "It's one of my charms. Once the belts were settled into place, she moved over to the bed to pull on her boots. "Everything will turn out fine, you'll see," she said. "We're a good team, Keeve, and it's time we let others know that as well."

"So, you're only out to prove something to everyone?" Keeve snorted as he shoved his foot into a pair of dark cargo pants. "Such an ego for someone so small."

A snicker behind Keeve was an indication that Kallia hadn't left them. In her arms, Kellin had a strand of her hair wrapped in his tiny fist as he watched Talara and Keeve. "She's not the only one," she said. "Stay safe, and if you want additional backup, don't hesitate to ask for it. I'm going to take the little one over to see if Orn could prepare something since I don't have any formula left now that the twins are older."

Keeve sighed and nodded solemnly. "We'll be back soon...I'm sure of it."

"I'll see you then," Kallia said. She approached, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Stay safe, and may the Force be with you."

"Kal," he whispered while Talara finished fastening her boots, "can't you convince her to stay? She's the true target. I don't know if I can protect her."

"If you were in her place," Kallia answered back, "would you? I can try to talk to her, but I think her mind is made up."

"Maybe I should sedate her and run off on my own." Keeve smirked. "Or I need to start giving my women obedience training."

"Just watch her and keep her safe, and she'll do the same for you," Kallia said. "She's good at what she does, Keeve. As long as she's attuned to the Force, she should be able to sense any danger before you're in the middle of it."

"And if she isn't focused on the Force, that's where we'll run into trouble. She has a score to settle with this Tas man, and I'm not sure she'll think clearly when face to face with him."

"It will be a good test for her," Kallia said. "Do you really want me to encourage her not to go? If she is a Jedi, I can pull rank as a Master."

Keeve gave a brief chuckle. "She's not a Jedi. I think she lost that title they day she decided she couldn't live without a man in her life." Accepting there was no dissuading Talara, Keeve sighed and muttered dismissively, "Forget it. I'll just...make sure she doesn't get near Tas." Then he smiled viciously. "I'll take care of him myself."

"Alright," Kallia said. "May the Force be with you both."

"Ready yet," came a voice from the other side of the room. When he turned, Talara stood there with twin blasters strapped to her thighs as well as her lightsaber. A long coat fell down to the heels of the boots she wore. She looked ready for danger.

Keeve groaned inwardly, certain by Talara's state of preparation that there would be no changing her mind. With a resigned sigh, Keeve nodded. "Let's round up some abductees," he said unenthusiastically.

"Cheer up, Keeve," Talara said. "You're going to get to see Kim again. And, I think we'll wipe the smirk off Reinrich Tas' face."

"In that case" --Keeve frowned wryly-- "let me get my shirt."

Talara laughed softly. "I don't mind, but it might not make quite the impression we're looking to make." With a grin, she turned back over to the closet to find Keeve a shirt that would give the clear impression they were there for business.

***

Gaudy decor, barely clothed women of questionable age, and tasteless music assailed Keeve and Talara as they stood in the doorway of Reinrich Tas' Nocturnal Delights. Keeve scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Tas or his friends. All he saw were drunken, lustful men groping passing waitresses or drooling over the sight of them. He glanced aside at Talara, wondering if she had been subjected to much of the same during her time at the club. He dared not ask, however. Ahead of them were another set of doors leading into the main hall, one guarded by two well-muscled beings. On the left stood a Rodian who looked like he exercised by lifting speeders and to his right, an equally built Twi'lek whose right arm was a cybernetic replacement. Keeve smirked. "I doubt they'll let us through willingly."

Talara started forward, her long coat flaring behind her. "Leave it to me," she said. The tone of her voice changed as she addressed the pair, a hypnotic suggestion being pushed into their minds. "We have an important meeting with Reinrich Tas. You will let us through."

The Rodian appeared compliant, moving to step out of Talara's path, but the Twi'lek was far less easily pursuaded. "ID," he ordered gruffly, holding out his real hand to receive them.

"I am Talara Sorenne," she stated, "and unless you want that hand to match the other, I would step aside and let us through. I assure you that Reinrich will want to see me."

The Twi'lek smiled cruelly. "Why would he? He's seen far better than you. Don't waste my time." The guard flexed his cybernetic arm threateningly, the servos whirring as they worked to form a clenched fist with his hand. "Leave."

Talara gave him a calm smile and shifted enough so that her coat opened to reveal both blasters strapped to her thighs as well as the lightsaber clipped to the belt. "You must be new here," she said. "I'll give you one last chance before I use my lightsaber and give you a reason to get another fake hand."

Whereas his counterpart was still under the effects of Talara's hypnotic suggestion, the Twi'lek remained unswayed, instead growing angrier by the moment. His next move was to engage Talara and Keeve, but his attention seemed elsewhere suddenly, as if listening to a suggestion being whispered into his ear. He imperceptibly nodded his head and stepped aside. "Have it your way. Welcome to Nocturnal Delights," he gruffed.

Talara passed through the door, but maneuvered alongside Keeve once they were inside the club. "Reinrich knows we're here," she said. "Be ready for anything."

"I warned you," Keeve reminded her. "He's been waiting for you. We're walking into a trap."

"We can handle it," Talara said as she headed toward the stage door that would lead to the special rooms as well as Reinrich's office. "Stop being such a baby, my love."

"I'm serious," Keeve whispered harshly. "People may die tonight, Tala. I hate killing."

Talara stopped before the door and turned to face him. "I'm sixteen years old, Keeve," she said, her gaze imploring. "I've killed before, and, as a Jedi, I've felt it more strongly than you could at a very different level. I hate killing too, and I will avoid it at all costs. I want to get Zeezee, Dev, and Kim out of here, and then we're out of here. If I have to kill Reinrich in the process, I will. But I won't enjoy it. I've walked the path of the dark side, and I never want to follow those steps again." She reached up and placed her hand in the center of his chest. "Let's do this so we can go home. And, on the bright side, you'll get to see Kim sooner than you'd thought."

"Yeah," he muttered, "if she'll wanna see me after all this. She'll insist I never should have left them all alone." Patting Talara's hand, Keeve sighed. "Alright...let's get this over with before the knots in my stomach get tighter."

"I'll help relieve the tension later," Talara said with a smile. With a last, long look at Keeve, she turned to face the door, then pushed her way through. A confrontation with Reinrich Tas awaited.

***

Stroking her bare thigh idly, Reinrich smiled at his captive as they watched the feed from his club's security monitors. Ensconced in his favourite viewing chair with his preferred companion of the three he had captured, Reinrich forced Kimara to look on as Keeve and Talara entered the backstage corridors. On another screen was the swarm of armed men waiting for them to turn the corner. "Don't worry," he assured Kim. "They've been ordered to spare Talara." His grin became vicious. "The other will die quickly enough."

"Please don't," Kim said, wishing she could move away from the wretched man but knowing she couldn't. "I love him. We were supposed to get married, but everything kept getting in the way. Please don't hurt him. I'll do anything. Just don't hurt Keeve."

"Your Keeve needs to learn a lesson," Reinrich told her. "He needs to learn to stay away from what doesn't belong to him." His hand clenched around Kim's thigh as Talara and Keeve neared the ambush. "Here we go," he whispered. "I just hope my little pet doesn't get caught in the cross-fire." Reinrich chuckled, caring not a lick if Talara did get injured or worse in the confrontation. It was entertainment, after all.

As they watched on the monitor, Keeve and Talara came around the corner, as expected. As if informed by some unseen traitor, Talara seemed to react before the danger was fully revealed. The slender cylinder at her hip leapt into her hand and ignited into a shaft of iridescent blue. As the ambushers attacked, the blade spun to deflect the incoming blaster shots. With the noise of the crowd out in the club, no one would ever hear the sounds of the fight. No one would ever know what happened here. As the bolts flashed toward Talara and Keeve, Talara's blade seemed to be there to intercept them, sending them right back at the attackers.

In the office with Reinrich, Kim couldn't hide her grin.

"That little whore," Reinrich growled, though with a hint of desire, "a Jedi. If I'd known, what a weapon she could have made..."

There were many comments Kimara wished to make, but instead she only watched the screen in satisfaction.

***

With blade whirling in front of her, Talara advanced toward Reinrich's guards. The hallway was filling with the bodies of the fallen. The air was thick with the smell of burned flesh from where reflected blasts had been rebounded back at their attackers. One of Reinrich's men reached in to grab at Talara as she slid forward. As he did, Talara snapped her lightsaber downward,a nd removed his hand at the wrist. The man shrank back clutching his stump.

She could feel Keeve behind her, his presence comforting. She was doing her best not to kill. A hand could be replaced, a life couldn't. Inch by inch they edged their way closer to Reinrich's office. In the end, she would disable all of them, or they would run, but she would get to Reinrich's office.

"Glad I came along," she called back to Keeve.

"Ecstatic," he replied sardonically then peeked around the corner to assess the situation, squeezing off a shot as he did to subdue one of the numerous guards awaiting them. Using the wall for cover again, Keeve shook his head. "We're still outnumbered. We need a plan."

Talara brought her blade up and sent another shot flying back in the direction of the men standing between them and the office. With a resigned sigh, Talara stepped forward. With deft movements, her lightsaber spun before her, the afterimage of its passing forming a shell before her.

"Follow me," she said to Keeve, and then began advancing. Those before her would either be forced to retreat or they would be cut down in her passing. It wasn't her preferred choice, but it would get them to their objective.

Keeve's aim was on mark, helped by Talara's defense. With less focus required to evade blaster bolts, Keeve was able to pick off those of Reinrich's men Talara had yet to take care of. The odds were getting better by each passing moment, but Keeve heard clomping of boots behind them, warning that they were being flanked by reinforcements. "Talara!" he hissed, already ducking into a side corridor.

Talara turned to face their back, swiped her blade around to deflect the incoming barrage. With her free hand, she thrust it toward them. As one, as if the men were picked up by an invisible hand, they were flung backward down the corridor. One blast came close from behind, grazing across her thigh and burning through the leather to sear the flesh beneath. With a yelp of pain, she turned to face them, and sent several shots back their direction, dropping three before finally flinging them backwards. "Let's move."

Keeve followed, growling under his breath. "You know there'll be more waiting for us on the way out, right?"

"Very likely," Talara said. "Though, we'll just have to make sure that Reinrich gets us out of here safely. That is, unless he no longer likes his head where it's at."

"Those are dangerous words you're speaking," Keeve warned.

"Yes," Talara said. "And let's hope that Reinrich thinks I will follow through on them. Let's just concentrate on saving Kim, Zari, and Dev, and get out of here alive."

"Right," Keeve replied stiffly. They continued down the corridor unimpeded and unchallenged, even as Reinrich's private room approached. Clenching his jaw, Keeve was fiercely determined to reach the end of that hallway; whatever Talara threatened Reinrich with, Keeve didn't intend to threaten - he intended to harm, and would.

In moments, it was clear why their path to Reinrich's room had been unprotected thus far: out from the room stepped Reinrich flanked by a horde of guards, with Kim by his side. She wore little but a sheer equadi and bruising on her arms and legs from being handled roughly - even now Reinrich had her arm in a vice-like grip.

"Kim!" Keeve shouted.

"Keeve," Kim cried. She started toward him, but Reinrich's grip held her fast.

Talara glared at Reinrich and quickly calculated the odds of getting Kimara away from him. She didn't need Liam Zaneth's tactical skills to know that it would be nearly impossible. She kept her lightsaber leveled in his direction, its blade casting her features in a blue glow. "Let her go. She has no part in this."

Reinrich grinned. "Alright. I'll let her go," he agreed, though from his smug expression there was more to his quick acquiescence than was plainly seen...at first. "As long as you take her place, she can go," he added.

"And Dev and Zari," Talara asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Talara, don't be stupid!" Keeve snapped. "You can't go back to him."

"Just making sure I'm aware of all the options, Keeve," Talara said. "More than likely, our only real option is going to be to fight Reinrich and his guards to get Kim, Zari, and Dev away. Is that what you want, Reinrich?"

Folding his arms across his chest, Reinrich shrugged. "It might be amusing.... I've seen what you can do. I wouldn't mind seeing more."

With predatory grace, Talara shifted her stance. The twirled the blade in her hands, and adjusted her footing so that she now faced Reinrich with her left shoulder, providing a much a smaller target. Adjusting her balance from the defense of Soresu, she adopted the much more aggressive Djem So. She placed her weight on her front foot, and angled her blade toward Reinrich.

"Keeve, I will take care of Reinrich and his guards. You get Kim and the others. I'll meet you back at the new Temple."

"And I should listen to you?" Keeve shook his head incredulously. "This is crazy."

"Perhaps," Reinrich drawled, grinning lecherously at Talara, "but fun."

"What do you suggest, Keeve," Talara asked. "How do you recommend we get Kim and the others back? Or should we just go home?"

"Now's not the time to patronize me, Tala," he whispered between clenched teeth. "Not in front of him. I just want to make it clear that I disapprove."

"He has Kimara, Keeve," Talara whispered back. "I cannot guarantee I can get her away from him safely. I can buy her freedom, along with Zari and Dev. Or we fight him and take our chances. I don't like either choice at all, but leaving them with him is not an option."

"No," Keeve admitted, looking towards Kim in resignation, "it isn't."

"Are we doing this or not?" Reinrich snapped.

Keeve frowned at Talara and whispered to her, "Yeah...we are."

Talara deactivated her lightsaber and attached it to her belt, then unbuckled the belt and handed it to Keeve. "I love you," she whispered, then turned to Reinrich dreading what would come next.

"See?" Reinrich was saying as Keeve backed away reluctantly. "It'll be more fun without him."

"Kim," Keeve called firmly, "come to me."

Kim practically ripped herself away from Reinrich's touch and hurried to Keeve. When she reached him, she was shaking, but his touch helped to sooth her quaking nerves. "I love you," she whispered.

"I should never have left you alone," he murmured, holding Kim close. "Where's Zari?"

"She was taken somewhere else," Kim said.

Talara fixed her gaze on Reinrich. "Zari and Dev too," she said.

"If I like what I see," Reinrich allowed, "then you'll have them." Then, he snapped his fingers. His men hustled into firing position, creating a barrier to Reinrich. They raised their weapons without another word. With one last, somber look, Keeve ushered Kim away from the scene, to safety.

"That wasn't the deal," Talara said. "I'll do what you want, just let Zari and Dev go."

"Get through my men first, then we'll talk." Reinrich chuckled smugly. "Boys, don't let her through. Just try not to kill her, hm?" His men opened fire.

Talara let out a growl of frustration, but it was short-lived as she was forced to move. Through the Force, she could practically see each blast as it came in. Using techniques she commonly used with her lightsaber, she twisted her body through the hail of fire, moving faster than any normal human being could ever move without assistance through the mystical energy field that bound all things together. As she came up out of a roll, she whipped her hand out toward one of Reinrich's men.

There was a part of her that would have wished to strike them all down using Force lightning, or to choke the life out of them by crushing their throats. But, she had committed to the path of light, and could not bring herself to use the Force for such destruction. And so, the blaster in one of the hands leapt free and across the room. The smack it made as it met her palm was satisfying. A quick flip of her thumb and the lethal laser blasts were switched to a stunning concussion that would send anyone hit by the blast into a deep sleep.

The first blue ring hit the man whose weapon Talara now held. He fell to the floor unconscious. She twisted again to avoid another blast, using the pivot as a chance to aim her weapon. Another blast, and another fallen guard. She leapt forward, firing from a spinning crouch. Two blasts, and two more bodies hit the floor. As she landed deftly near the door, she fired one last time, dropping the final guard. She spun again, this time to bring the weapon around to point directly at Reinrich's chest.

"Your men were just thugs doing what they were ordered to," she said. "For as misguided as they may have been for working for you, that wasn't enough reason for them to die. You, on the other hand, are dangerous." With a cold look, her thumb toggled the blaster again. "Perhaps too dangerous to allow you to continue walking the streets of this planet."

Reinrich glanced down with disinterest at the blaster, his smirk remaining as he met Talara's steely gaze again. "You won't do it," he told her. "After what we shared. You enjoyed it, you even screamed my name. Go ahead. Deny it."

"You were holding the lives of people I love in your hands," Talara said. "And, now I've got a blaster pointed at your chest. Did you like hearing me scream your name, Reinrich? Did that thrill you? Did it make you feel like a man? Sad fact is, you had to force me into your bed. I bet Merrick never had to force that woman into his. I bet she went to his bed willingly without any coersion. He's the real man, and you're a pathetic wretch who has to buy someone to warm his bed. But, everything comes with a price, and now it's time for you to pay." The blaster kicked in her hand, and a blue ring slammed Reinrich in the chest.

As Talara rushed from the room, she pondered the moment when she'd flipped the blaster back over to stun and almost wished she hadn't. He would be very upset when he woke, but all of her friends would be out of his grasp. She would make it clear to him that if he ever came to bother them again, that she would not be nearly as forgiving.

---

"Reclaiming Concubines, Part 3"
By: Magnus Kresk
Zari Zathmir
Dev [NPC+]
Talara Sorenne

Location: Nocturnal Delights, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 12, 5 ABY

***

The Hapan had led them to a large room with a chair that he had oufitted. Two bracer like objects were there to pin the victims arms down.

"Put the boy in that. Leave the girl unbound for now." Kresk nodded and he stroked a hand down Zari's face.

Zari flinched away from his touch as Reinrich's guards hauled Dev over to the chair. He only struggled slightly as they strapped him in place.

"The boy is secure," one of the guards said as he stepped aside.

"Good." Kresk strode over to Dev and took two elecrodes and placed them over his testicles. "Now listen carefully, boy," the Hapan said. "Every time you refuse to answer my question this wonderful machine here will send volts of electricity through your family jewels."

He then got up and walked over to Zari. "But if that is not motivitation every time you also refuse to speak. I'll enjoy your little friend here." He placed a slender hand over her chest and groped her hungrily.

A shudder went through Zari's body and Dev strained against the restraints. "Just ask your questions," the young man snarled. "Leave her alone and I'll tell you want you want to know."

"I could do that." Kresk kissed Zari's neck. "But how do I know you aren't feeding my lies? This is your inspiration, boy."

"How could you know if I'm telling the truth or lying? Leave Zari alone, and I'll tell you whatever you want. Just...just don't touch her."

"Be a good girl and pleasure me," he told Zari. He turned over to the boy. "Now where are they hiding?" he asked, crossing his arms.

Zari didn't move, instead just looked up at Kresk, then over at Dev.

"They're with the Jedi in Vendra," Dev said. "I don't know the exact location, but that's where they are. And, they're not hiding. They're training to fight the Jau."

He glanced at Zari. "Do as I said and pleasure me or I'll have your friend killed," he snapped. He glanced over a Dev again. "I think you do know where the Jedi are hiding."

Zari only needed to see the look in Kresk's eyes to see that he was not fooling around. She went to her knees before him. She fumbled getting his pants open, but managed it after a few moments. She found him already ready for her. Freed of the constraints of the fabric, she took him into her mouth. As she slid her tongue along his length, she felt him hardening even more.

"Please," the young man pleaded, unable to Zari pleasuring the man. "I don't know where they are. Don't make her do that. Please. I just know Vendra. I'll go there and find them for you, just please don't make her."

Kresk stroked Zari's hair and smiled down at her. "Continue," he told her.

The Hapan glanced over at Dev. "You will go and find them and then you will come here and tell me where they are. But as an insurance policy" --- he sighed in pleasure--- "she will stay here and continue what we started. I want this to be your motivation."

"I don't know where they are," Dev complained, his eyes drawn toward where Zari's head bobbed along the torturer's erection. "It could take me a couple days to find them."

"Stroke me with your hands and go harder." The interrogator sighed in pleasure once more. However when Dev spoke his head snapped around and he glared at the younger man. "You said you knew Vendra. Since I'm not familiar with the terms for this planet I can assume it is either a person or a city. If Vendra is a city go there and pray to whatever gods you believe in that you find the girl. And if it is a person find out what you can from them."

As Dev watched Zari do as Kresk commanded, he shook his head. "I know the Jedi are in Vendra," he said. "Vendra's a town, it's where we were living, and it's where the Jedi are. That's all I know. I don't know where they are, just that it's in Vendra. And...and I don't even have any clothes."

Kresk pointed to a guard. "You," he ordered. "Get the boy some clothes." He then pointed at Dev. "See? That's one problem solved. Now you're going to get Vendra alone and you are going to look. Am I in anyway unclear?"

He then released inside of Zari's mouth and he stroked her hair. "Now there's a good girl."

Dev flinched as he saw some of the milky substance leak past Zari's lips. There was some relief though. If he'd spent himself in her mouth, he would be less likely to have sex with her. Dev wasn't entirely certain Zari had protection yet. "No," the boy answered. "You're perfectly clear."

A guard returned with some clothes which he tossed to Dev and removed the binds from the young man's wrists. Kresk nodded at Dev.

"Now run off and find out where they are," he ordered. He pulled out of Zari's mouth and stroked her hair once again before fondling her chest.

Dev dressed quickly, trying to keep his eyes away from Zari. Kneeling before Kresk placed her partially in profile to him, making the tattoo on her shoulder stand out against her bare, pale skin. At least he'd be gone before he had to witness the interrogator climb atop her. While he had fantasized about sharing her with another guy, just as they'd shared themselves with Maeren, this was definitely not the way. He pulled the last of his clothes on and turned to Kresk. "Okay, I'm ready to go. I'll find them and come back. Please...just...I'll find them, please leave her alone."

"You had better find them." The Hapan glanced down at Zari. "But you better start thinking about yourself. Instead of others. Now get out of here."

With a final look at Zari, Dev hurried away in search of the Jedi and Talara. He feared what would happen to Zee in his absense, but there was nothing else he could do.

Kresk knelt before Zari so that his face was inches away from hers.

"So tell me, my dear," he said. "Do you know anything about where the Jedi are hiding?"

"I haven't been to wherever they're at now," Zari said. "I've had so many other things to do, and so I haven't been able to visit."

He nodded at her before getting to his feet and moving to sit on a chair. The Hapan glanced at her.

"Dance for me," he ordered her.

Zari got to her feet and nodded. She didn't quite know what to do, especially without any music, but she did her best and hoped her moves would be ones he liked.

The Hapan watched her move about...and as if to intimidate her even more he had a small knife out which he was twirling between his fingers as if it were a coin.

"I thought," he began slowly, "that Jedi were able to sense their own. Shouldn't you be able to do that? Personally I think you are and you're witholding the information to protect your friends. But you have to ask yourself: would they do the same for you?"

"Only some Jedi can sense the presence of Force users," Zari answered. "And those who have the potential. I can't. I don't have any of the Talents. If you want to be able to detect other Jedi, then you need Master Novix. He's currently the only one here that can. But, even if it were possible, they would. Dev might find them and bring them back. If he's smart, he'll leave me and Talara here to fend for ourselves and hide. He probably won't be smart, but I hope he is."

Kresk laced his fingers together and he stared up at the girl. "Isn't love a strange thing?" he asked, there was a taunting edge to his voice. "It's so so easy to predict the plans of a man in love. He'll try to save you. He may even bring Talara back...along with a few other Jedi to try to save you. He may even try to barter for your life."

Before Zari could answer, the door opened. Clad in a long black coat, leather pants and tank top, Talara strode through. "Zee, it's time to go home," she said.

Zari stopped dancing and glanced back at Kresk. "Uh, what about...him?"

"He's going to be nice and let us walk out of here," Talara said. "And we'll be nice and let him keep breathing."

A grin curled Zari's lips and she nodded. "Good plan."

Kresk glanced coldly at Talara. "And I actually thought you enjoyed the time we shared together, harlot," he replied coldly.

The Hapan got to his feet and walked towards the girl. "I'm afraid I can't let you go. Staying alive isn't really all that important to me. But I think you can find another way to convince me." He reached out with a hand to stroke a lock of Talara's hair.

Talara raised the hand that had been halfway hidden by her long coat and raised it so the muzzle of the blaster she held pressed against the fleshy part beneath the Hapan's chin. Her thumb flicked the selector to full power and she smiled. "I hope this is fairly convincing," she said. "If it's not, I'm sure your brains splattered on the ceiling will do the trick." She motioned for Zari with her head, and the blonde moved between her and the door, putting her on the opposite side from Kresk. "You see, last time I was here Reinrich was holding the threat of turning over those I loved to the authorities, but now that's a card he can't play.

"So, you're now going to sit back on your chair and you're going to wait peacefully while we walk out of here and go home. When Reinrich wakes up, you will inform him that next time he sends goons after me or those I care about, I will not use a stun setting to deal with them. Now, take a seat before you force me to hurt you."

Kresk smirked. "Well you forget one thing, bitch," he hissed. "My life is also in the balance. So you may consider me greedy and what not...but I do not want him to kill me simply so that you can get away." The Hapan's dark eyes searched her face. "I don't think you're really going to kill me. I'm unarmed. And your kind don't kill unarmed prisoners unless you want to tall to the dreaded Dark Side. So just put down the blaster and go back to the life Tas had planned for you."

"You're right," Talara said. "That's one of those been there, done that situations, and I didn't really like it that much last time. Plus, I'd have to be all evil again. You're lucky I'm one of the good guys because if I weren't, your life would be one very quick moment of intense pain, and then it'd be over. You probably never have been hit with Force lightning, have you? It will truly ruin your, not to mention frizz your hair out."

Talara lowered the weapon, and just as he had started to relax, she whipped it back up and slammed it against his temple." The Hapan dropped to the floor out cold.

"You should have shot him," Zari said she caught the blaster as Tala tossed it to her.

"I could have," Tala answered. She removed her coat and handed it to Zee, then took the blaster back, "but it wouldn't have helped. Ready?"

The blonde girl nodded and they fled the room and Reinrich's club. It would be a long trip home, but at least they'd be free. For now, at least.

---