Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Visitors From Beyond"
By: Koran Darr
Jae Dyn Brael
Liam Zaneth
Laedra Vorrel
WinLos (NPC)
VeeTa (NPC)

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

The two humanoids stood nervously in the foyer outside of the Jedi Council chamber. They were both shorter than the average Human, wiry with a look of strength and stamina about them. One was a female, the other was a male, they were both of a race called Hjarii. Basically they were human in appearance; bi-pedal, two eyes. Their body frames were slightly shorter and stockier, their skin was a pale pearly color, their hair and eyes of a metallic hue.

The Hjarii were miners from a little known moon, Hjar 1, that orbited a large gas giant called Hjari deep in the Outer Rim; about three days' travel from the Tae'Remok system. During the days of the Old Republic, the moon was chartered by a mining corporation after it had been found out that the indigenous peoples had long mined a precious crystal, a crystal that the company saw could be used for focusing energy for many uses such as sublight engines and energy weapons. The crystals were like many of the types found available throughout the Republic, but the moon and its people were not a part of the Republic. The savvy corporation saw a cheap labor force and an abundance of the crystals that could be harvested and sold for maximum profit.

For several generations the Hjarii people were turned from an independent tribal race, into a mining force. The two Hjarii had come to Tae'Karada to seek the wisdom and intervention of the Jedi. There home, their people, their very existence was threatened. They needed help.

"Do you really think the Jedi will come to our aid, VeerTa?" the male Hjarii asked his female partner.

"I wouldn't have dragged you all this way if I didn't think so," she answered with a sigh, having reservations of her own. "WinLos, we must get help. Our people are suffering, for too long have we been under the yoke of the Interstellar Mining Corp. They took away our culture and way of life, made us little more than slaves. And now the two Clans are with unrest, when once we were a united people. There has been much death...I know that something is not right with all of this. I can feel it. The Company is doing nothing; if anything they are encouraging it, if not openly."

"Our fathers will be furious when they find out we have brought off-worlders to meddle in our affairs, VeeTa. I should not have allowed this idea of yours to become the reality it has," WinLos said to the woman.

"I would have gone without you, my love, but I am glad you are here. I need your support in this," she begged of him. "Your Clan and mine need to have our world back, our lives back. If things go on without intervention...I fear our peoples may enter a civil war, and our future, will never be realized. Do you not want peace and justice? Do you not want us to be able to marry, WinLos?"

The Hjarii male shuffled his feet, his head hung low. He raised his head and his eyes met hers. "Of course I do, you know I do. I just worry. Clan tradition is important to my father. So much wrong has been going on lately, I just fear that bringing the Jedi will only serve to worsen our problems. They know nothing of our people and the Company."

"That is why we are here, to tell them and have them understand our plight. I am sure they will help, and they can help to give us justice," she soothed as she took his hand in hers.

The doors facing them opened, framing a young Padawan who bowed low. Her large blue eyes studied them curiously as she straightened. "The Masters will see you now." After a moment longer of scrutiny, the young girl stepped aside, permitting them to enter.

The pair took a deep breath and nodded to each other in confirmation, as they walked in to meet the Jedi.

Four Jedi Masters arranged around the room's round table bowed their heads at VeeTa and WinLos. They occupied one semi-circular portion, with chairs facing their visitors. On the outer edges were two females, both young and with dark hair; beside them sat the oldest of the lot, a man sporting a grizzled brown beard and hair that fell to his shoulders, and a younger man with a black head of hair showing not a trace of grey. His eyes were the bluest imaginable. All wore the ritual Jedi robes of white.

"Welcome," one of the women greeted, green eyes sparkling. "I am Laedra Vorrel, and these are my companions Koran Darr" --she gestured to each in turn-- "Liam Zaneth, and Jae Dyn Brael." Laedra smiled. "Please...sit."

The two Hjarii bowed in respect.

"My thanks, Master Jedi," VeeTa replied as she and her companion took a seat before the Jedi.

"It truly is our pleasure," Laedra insisted. "To meet members of your race.... It is a first for us and we are more than eager to become acquainted with your culture."

"As it is ours, I assure you, though considering the circumstances," VeeTa replied as she stole a look to WinLos as if requesting permission to move forward.

WinLos took a breath and stood tall, nodding to his companion.

"On behalf of our respected Clans, WinLos and I have come to ask for mediation, for help. Our people have for many generations mined the crystals of our small world. When once we were a people of peace, living our own lives, we have since become employed by the Interstellar Mining Corporation. What had first started as a mutual relationship between our two Clans in service of the interest of these offworlders, has led us to become little more than slaves. The unity we shared between our Clans, it has become fragile, life is...not...what it used to be," VeeTa explained as she lowered her head and fought the tears that swelled in her eyes.

WinLos then spoke up, to finish for her. "VeeTa is the daughter of her Clan's Patriarch and Matriarch, as am I, the son of my own Clan's Patriarch and Matriarch. Our men are the leaders, but our women are given the voice of the men's will," he explained. "VeeTa is quite passionate about our people, about our plight. While I have reservations of requesting outside help, what VeeTa says is true. I fear for the future of our people, and we believe that the Company has done us injustice, and has turned our Clans against one another."

Koran Darr nodded his understanding. "And, you seek the assistance of the Jedi in this matter? To help settle the growing dispute and return your lives to a less-fragile time?"

"We do, yes," VeeTa replied after having regained her composure. "We are worked night and day, we are given little in return, save but what will keep us working again the next day. Everyday, our brothers and sisters die. Some of us went on strike. You...you would not believe the atrocities that were dealt. The Company only cares for its crystals and creds. Not for us, and it is our home. We never cared for such things before!"

"It is true," WinLos spoke. "Though in recent times, more and more of our people are taken with the materialistic ways, it starts by a means to get out of the mines, and provide more comfortably for family. But they are soon corrupted, and forget where they came from, and what it was like to slave away. The Company uses such people, our own brethren, to command over us, so that their own hands are not dirtied! Our people have petitioned the New Republic, but our small world falls not within their borders. They sent Ambassadors, but they must have been paid off, or sent to inspect faux mines, where the Company put on a show. Nothing came of it, and nothing has changed. Our peoples grow weary, broken and desperate. We have never been fighters, though some have tried to rebel. But they were only met with death and increased hardships on the living."

"Please, won't you help us, please?" VeeTa pleaded.

"And what, if we decide to aid your people," Laedra asked. "What would you have us do? Are you asking us to rid your planet of this...Company's influence and banish all its representatives?" She sighed. "That is not within our power, I'm afraid. But...helping you seek a peaceful solution with the Company's leaders is. If the council agrees, of course."

"We only seek deliverance. We have come before you, in hopes that you can aid our plight," WinLos replied. "Perhaps with your aid, you can help to give back our people's lives. The Company is corrupt, and their practices are illegal. Just because our small world was never part of the Republic, should we be left to suffer? Are not our own lives and the future of our people as important as the next?"

"We will be able to mediate the matter between you," Koran stated. "But, you must understand we have no true authority in the matter. And, I must state that we are guardians of peace...if it comes to a war between your people and the Company, there is little we can do. We are able to act in an advisory capacity, helping each side to come to a mutual agreement. If they are as corrupt as you state, we will be able to expose that for all to see. Perhaps, if it comes to that, it will diminish the power and hold they have on your world."

"We understand, Master Jedi, and on behalf of our people, we welcome your wisdom," VeeTa replied.

"Then we shall confer," Laedra decided. "But it would appear we will be travelling to your planet very soon. You're welcome at the Temple while we prepare, and any other information you can provide that will assist us in our approach is appreciated."

"Anything you ask, we shall provide all that we may," VeeTa replied.

Laedra bowed her head. "Then Dephna will show you to your quarters."

Jae Dyn smiled at the two. "We will do everything within our power and our mandate to assist you in this," she said. "If there is anything you require during your stay here, please don't hesitate. And, I am certain that Orn will be more than happy to prepare a meal for you, if you desire."

"Our thanks," WinLos replied. "We would like to retire for a time, it has been a tiring trip."

"Then we won't keep you." Laedra inclined her head to the two. "We are truly honoured that you chose the Jedi to petition for assistance. It seems the galaxy has forgotten that we exist to promote peace. I am glad that you have given us the opportunity to remind them."

"It is we who are honoured by your assistance. It seems that the galaxy has forgotten a great many things..." VeeTa replied.

"Come, VeeTa, you need rest and the Jedi have important things to do, if they are to come to Hjari with us," WinLos said to his female companion.

The two bowed to the Jedi and left the chamber.

Once Dephna closed the door behind them, Laedra leaned forward to regard each of her peers. "I volunteer to go with the Hjarii and aid them," she said outright. "I have been looking for an opportunity to expose Vaya to some practical training outside of the Temple setting. This would be just that."

"It is a good opportunity for that," Liam said with a nod. "I believe that both Yara and Va'Lesh are capable students, but I do not believe they are quite ready for this yet." He glanced aside to Jae Dyn.

Kallia glanced down at her swelling belly, then chuckled. "I do not believe that I would be in any condition for such a thing, especially with my time coming due." Despite the laugh, there was sadness in her eyes. "If there is any way for Zari to go without me, I think it would be a great help for her training."

"We will see what we can manage," Koran said with a look over to Laedra. "My own Padawan's training is progressing, and I believe this would be a good opportunity as well." His eyes held reservations as he looked around at those assembled; while Cole's training was progressing, Koran wasn't so certain at the mental health of his student. But, as he said, it would be a good opportunity for Cole. His gaze found Laedra. "You and I and our students? And, what of Zari?"

"It might be wise to bring her along," Laedra answered. "Although I would hesitate to let she and Cole spend too much time together, getting her as far from Tae'Karada and what happened to her might be the best course of action."

Jae Dyn nodded. "If you feel it wouldn't diminish your own teaching of Vaya, would you take her on as your student for the journey, Laedra? I agree that allowing the two to spend too much time together would be hindering; perhaps, with separate teachers, the distance will be better managed."

She lifted a single eyebrow at Jae Dyn. "And you have enough confidence in my abilities to entrust me with Zari's training while I also train my own Padawan?"

"I do," Jae Dyn said with a nod. "At least, during the times when I am unable to serve my duties as Master and teacher."

"Then I accept." Laedra smiled faintly, acknowledging the still-tenuous peace the two women had achieved.

Jae Dyn nodded solemnly, wondering how long it would be before she would have to permanently step down as a member of the Jedi Council and possibly the Jedi Order due to her familial circumstances.

"Well," Laedra said with a sigh, "I imagine this means our meeting is adjourned. Koran and I will be departing in two days' time. Before then, we will be sure to research the Hjarii, their culture and customs...and track down more information on this Company."

"May the Force be with you and your Padawans," Liam said. "Hopefully this will be the event that shows the galaxy that we're back, and we're ready, once again, to serve."

"Thank you, Liam Zaneth." Rising, and aiding Koran in doing the same, Laedra Vorrel felt as hopeful as Liam in rebuilding the Jedi's reputation. Though, their success rested on mediating a peaceful resolution for the Hjarii. She hoped they did not fail.

As Koran Darr watched the meeting break up, his own thoughts were similar to Laedra's. Perhaps, in these actions, they may be able to restore the faith of the Jedi who were becoming discouraged as well. He knew it would be of no use, but he wondered if Kael would wish to accompany them on their mission.

Once only he and Laedra remained in the room, he turned to her. Nothing needed to be said as they turned together and left the room. It was good to feel like a Jedi Knight again.

"One, Two, Three, None"
By: Keeve Shivral
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Aria Tregat

Location: Tregat Residence, Yesdol
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

Pouting into his goblet of brandy - both at the vile taste and his recollection of the previous night - Keeve Shivral was perfectly content remaining secluded on the balcony in his favourite chair. Although there was a chill in the air, at least the stars made for a distractingly beautiful sight from the gloom afflicting him.

His brilliant scheme had backfired on him, deservedly so. Instead of the valiant hero, sweeping in to save Kim from the ogre meaning to carry her off, Keeve had become the villain. Thumping his fist onto the armrest angrily, he recalled the horror and disillusionment on Kim's precious face. He didn't think she would ever smile at him again, and if it had been up to her, he would have spent more than a night in that prison cell, cooling off.

"So stupid," he grumbled and quaffed his drink to its very dregs. It still tasted as horrible as he felt.

"Drunk yet," came a voice from behind him. Shiv moved around and flopped into the chair beside him. "She'll come around, Keeve, just give her time."

He smirked blandly. "Has she already found a new place?"

"She's got an eye on a couple places right now," Maeren said. "She and Merrick are out looking at them."

Keeve nodded and pushed out of his char, leaving his empty glass behind. "Then she's not coming around, Maeren. She's already decided she wants nothing more to do with me, and she's leaving." He slammed the heels of his palms against the balustrade's rail and looked out upon the city. "What the hells is going on here, Maeren? Why is everything so damned twisted!?"

"She loves you," Maeren answered. "Living so close, it's a constant torment for her. If you want a bit of good news, all of the places she's looking at, they're fairly close."

"And what's that supposed to solve?" he asked sourly. "I thought the point of moving was to get as far away from me as possible." Snorting, he muttered, "She doesn't even know what she wants, how could she expect me to?"

"Are you sad she won't be walking around our home wearing only a towel now?" Shiv asked.

"Maeren, shut up," Keeve spat. "You find this amusing, but I don't. In fact, I'm almost convinced you're glad she's out of the way."

"What do you want, Keeve? She wants to get away from you so you feel more comfortable without her constant flirting, but you're not comforted. She wants to give you space, as well as herself, but then you want her back closer. She's my twin, Keeve. If you want to be with her, I'm alright with that. If that will make you and her happy, then it's okay. I know you care for her, and as much as you deny it, I know it's true."

"You don't know," he informed her rudely and turned to lean his back against the rail's edge. "Maeren...stop encouraging her and stop encouraging me. Things are complicated as it is - I mean, we plan on starting our own family, don't we? What do you think a kid of ours would think about his or her father having two lovers?" He shook his head fervently. "I won't screw up our kid like that, Maeren, not like Kaysa screwed me up. I won't do that!"

"Are you screwed up because of Merrick and Zale? You're not screwed up because Kaysa has three husbands. If you're screwed up it's because you didn't have a real family while you were growing up! It's not because of the life Kaysa's leading now. It's because of her parents or because of Dargus...but not because she had three husbands after you were grown up."

"No!" he hollered, "It's because I didn't have stability! I didn't have a normal childhood, Maeren, and no matter what you think, having three husbands is not normal! I want our kid to have a proper family environment, and that means one mother and one damned father!"

"What do you want to do about Kim, Keeve?" Shiv asked. "Do you want to keep her close and know that keeping her close is driving her crazy? Or will you give her the space she needs? What do you want to do, Keeve?"

He sighed, his temperature cooling and all inclination to argue fading. His head hung low and his shoulders sank as he submitted to defeat. "I...I don't want to fight with her. I want to talk to her, to have her forgive me...and to figure out once and for all what we really want from one another." Chuckling weakly, Keeve admitted, "All this sexual frustration is driving me nuts, Maeren."

Maeren chuckled. "I know," she said and gave him a smile. "I can always tell when you've been around her when we're in bed together."

"Hey!" he protested and pushed away from the rail to trap Shiv in an embrace. "Only you," Keeve whispered, staring into her eyes. "Maeren, she's nothing compared to you. When we're together, there's just you and me, got it?"

"But, I can tell when you've been spending time around her," Shiv said. "Because you get more rambunctious in bed...not that you aren't when you haven't...but I can tell. But, considering that she's practically me, I don't think it's that bad. And stop fretting, it's alright...Merrick does the same thing to me."

Keeve grimaced. "Please...I'd rather not hear about your adventures in bed with Merrick. I'm not that tolerant of your relationship yet." Smiling again, he kissed Shiv's brow and reiterated, "I don't take her memory to bed with us, Maeren. I won't ever, okay?"

"Whatever you say, my love," Shiv said and kissed his nose, "but I think you're in denial."

"And I think you just want Kim to join us in bed," he accused playfully and swept her into his arms. "Even though she's not here...will you still join me in the bedroom?"

She gazed lovingly up at him. "I think I might be able to be persuaded," she said with a sly smile. "Come on, let's go find out."

As Keeve gallantly carried Shiv from the balcony into the room, a knock sounded at the door. He grumbled and paused before their bed. "Did you invite someone to join us?" he asked, eyeing her accusingly.

"You know I wouldn't really do that without your permission," Shiv said. "The thought may occur to me, but I know you'll just glower and pout, and then we won't have any fun...so I don't."

"We're still being interrupted, so I'll glower all I want," he complained petulantly, then set Shiv down and marched for the door. With a jab at the door release, Keeve reluctantly acknowledged their intruders, ones he could hardly be angry with when they appeared. He grinned at Kaysa, and Aria sleeping in her arms. His mother looked haggard, but she smiled brightly.

"At night, she screams like she's being tortured to death, but when it's nowhere near her bedtime, she barely moves," Kaysa quipped. Keeve was stroking his sister's plump cheek as Kaysa looked past him to Shiv. "You two weren't busy, I hope?"

"Not yet," Shiv said with a wink. "We were just wondering about Kimara."

"Merrick's still out with her looking for places," Kaysa told them, scowling mildly at Keeve. "That's why I thought that maybe you two might watch Aria for a bit while I get some rest."

"We'd love to," Shiv said with a happy grin as she quickly moved closer to get a better look at the sleeping infant. "She's so beautiful."

"She's my sister," Keeve boasted, "of course she is." He held out his arms for the girl, and Kaysa eased her into his hold. Little Aria barely stirred, and once cradled against Keeve's warm chest, she remained assuredly fast asleep.

"Thank you, you two," Kaysa sighed. "I didn't think I'd ever get a break." She kissed Keeve's cheek, then Shiv's and backed away. "If she cries, try changing her or singing to her. Otherwise, get me - she might be hungry."

"Well, I'll do the singing," Shiv said with a grin at Keeve. "And, I think my dear husband could use some practice with the changing part. You did see her? Kim? She's not still upset, is she?"

Kaysa sighed. "If she is, she's certainly putting on a happy face. I think she's truly excited about finding her own place."

"That's good," Shiv said with obvious excitement. "Once she finds a place, we're going to have to have a party for her. A big one, with lots of people. Merrick's band can play too!"

"And Keeve can pout all night," Kaysa teased, smiling facetiously at her glowering son. "I'll let you know when Merrick gets back about how the search went."

"Ooh! Right away? As soon as you know, you will?"

She smiled a touch tiredly. "As soon as I hear him come in. Now, you two have fun. I have a feeling I'll fall asleep the minute my head hits my pillow." With an eager wave, Kaysa departed for the comfort of her bed.

Keeve grumbled as silently as he could so as not to disturb Aria and marched back into the room. "She makes my life miserable, and she's getting a party?" he complained.

"She's moving out of the place where she makes you miserable," Shiv said with a wink. "Isn't that reason enough for a party?"

"Not if she's there," he retorted. As grumpy as he appeared, Keeve was smiling adoringly at his sister as she was gently laid down upon their bed. Keeve propped pillows against her on all sides to keep her fenced in, then moved around the bed to join Shiv in watching the precious baby. "I want one just like her," Keeve whispered, lips brushing against Shiv's cheek.

"We can try to make one later," Shiv said with a salacious grin. "And, you'll have fun, even if she's there. You know you will. And, I know you're going to miss her...well, everything but her flirting."

"I do like her, Maeren," he admitted softly while one arm slipped around her waist. "I just think that...maybe...she needs to find a hobby other than trying to get me into bed."

"Exactly," Shiv said with a nod. "And one you won't try to beat the bantha poo out of."

"I didn't try," Keeve informed her haughtily. "I succeeded." Winking, he guided Shiv back towards the balcony to maintain Aria's undisturbed slumber. "If I wasn't so afraid of corrupting her," he murmured, "I wouldn't mind making love out in the cold."

"Stop changing the subject," Shiv said. "And, stop being so afraid of people being corrupted if that's the choice they make. What's the longest you've ever gone without sex, Keeve?"

"Since marrying you, or before?" he asked irritably.

"From the first time you had sex," Shiv answered back.

Keeve sighed sharply and pulled away to tower over Shiv. "Not long, but she was a pleasure slave, Maeren! She should've had more than enough sex aboard Dargus' cruiser."

"How long has it been since you freed her, Keeve? That's the last time she had sex. We had sex last night, that's more than enough, right? You don't need it again? We've had sex every night we've been in bed together, so that's more than enough, right? We don't need any more!"

"Gods, what the hells is your point!" he shouted back, and was vaguely surprised Aria hadn't begun screaming. "You seem more concerned about her sex life than you are about ours. If she wants a man, she can go buy one!"

"As long as her valiant protector is no where nearby," Shiv snarled back at him. "That's my point, Keeve. You can't spout bantha dung like that out of one side of your mouth, and then beat the life out of the guy she finds. Does that even come remotely close to understanding in your thick, obstinate skull? Do you realize that me and Saris are practically her only friends? The only people she can go to talk to? And, when we talk, what do you think happens to be one of our topics of conversation? I'll give you one clue: her complete lack of a sex life because you won't give her one or allow her to have one."

"I'm not stopping her now," he seethed, "now am I? And I don't have my eyes on her all the hours of the day. If she wants someone else to satisfy her cravings, she has plenty of opportunity, so stop blaming me for her sexual frustration!"

"Stop being such a nerf-headed prat," Shiv said. "Think about what you did last night, Keeve! Think about that, and then tell me what you just did with a straight face! Fine! I'll tell her to get on with her life and that you don't want anything to do with her anymore. That way she can have a sex life without having to worry about you tearing the guy apart, pushing her away, and end up having her really hate you."

Keeve growled and quickly swung closed the balcony doors to keep their argument from being heard by Aria. "Look," he snapped, turning back to Shiv, "just because you two share genes doesn't mean you have to take her side all the time! Who said I wanted her out of my life? I just want her to lay off the dreamy stares and bashful smiles so we can act more like brother and sister rather than would-be lovers! Can't you get her to see that?"

"We're having two completely separate conversations here, Keeve," Shiv said. "She's moving on. You made sure of that the other night. But, while she's moving on, are you willing to let her move on? Or are you going to keep beating the spit out of every other guy she takes a fancy to?"

"I said I wouldn't," he managed through gritted teeth. "As long as she doesn't demean herself with scum to spite me."

"Why don't you let her live her fucking life, Keeve? Why don't you let her make those decisions? Why don't you just let go of her if that's what you want to do? If not, at least stop lying to yourself and me about her!"

Keeve chuckled harshly with a slow shake of his head. "I never thought I'd have to say this, Maeren..." His mouth set into a hard line abruptly and his eyes narrowed. "But, mind your own damned business and I'll let Kim mind hers. Deal?"

"No deal until you promise me you'll leave her alone and do absolutely nothing about any guy she chooses to be with, no matter who the guy is. If you're not going to step up and take a place in her life, then you have to mind your own business too."

"I will take a place," he told her firmly. "I'll be a friend, and that's all. Now will you damned well agree?"

"Sure," Shiv said with a nod. "I'll agree." She just hoped that Keeve could actually stay true to his word, knowing that his heart had other ideas.

Keeve sighed, dispelling his remaining anger and only partially succeeding. With a grunt, he turned and started back into the bedroom. "I'm going out for a while," he told her quietly. "Take care of Aria."

"Where are you going, my husband?" Shiv asked as she followed after him.

He stopped at the door, his hand on the control panel, and smirked wryly over his shoulder. "You're supposed to be minding your own business, remember?" Then released the door and stepped out with not even a kiss goodbye.

"Fine," Shiv whispered. "Bastard." She stood for several moments glaring at the door before turning and picking up Aria. She took her in where Kaysa slept. Thankfully the little one was quiet as she settled herself beside the bed.

Kaysa, too, was silent for a time - hours, it seemed - until Aria awoke with an unhappy wail. With a jerk, Kaysa too awoke, blinking in confusion before her motherly instincts reasserted themselves and she sat upright with arms opened to accept her child. "Shiv?" she whispered, voice cracking from underuse. "What are you doing?"

"Keeve went out, but he wouldn't tell me where. I think he was mad. And...and I didn't want to be alone out there."

Snugging Aria against her chest, the baby found Kaysa's exposed nipple and suckled away eagerly. After finding a comfortable position propped against her pillows, Kaysa sighed and reached a free hand out to caress Shiv's cheek. "Fighting about Kim again?" she surmised.

"He can be so frustrating," Shiv said. "But, yes. I don't think he knows what he wants to do about her or what he wants to feel for her, but he keeps claiming that he does. I'm just trying to get him to be honest with himself and her."

Kaysa nodded in acknowledgement. "You know, maybe he just wants to ignore the problem. And if it works...then why not be satisfied with that?"

"Because I don't know if he really can," Shiv answered. "I want Kim to be happy, to have a life of her own. And, I don't know if Keeve is really willing to let her live her life. He can be very controlling at times. She has to be allowed to make her own mistakes, and he can't keep protecting her."

"No?" Kaysa smiled knowingly at Shiv. "Are you sure you aren't just a little jealous of his concern, Shiv? I mean...you and he are fighting because of her. That's bound to create some resentment."

"Jealous? Me? Unless you mean I'm jealous that he won't admit his feelings and just go ahead with what he really wants to do. I'd rather have him just go for it than not. It's me, Kaysa. Do you really think that I'd be jealous? Me? I just want him to be honest, Kaysa. That's all. And, I want him to decide what he wants to do, and do it...rather than this on and off, stay and go thing he's doing."

Kaysa sighed and stroked Shiv's hair to restore calm. "Then let him deal with it in his own way, Shiv," she advised. "He's stubborn and proud. If he doesn't solve this problem by his own means, this struggle going on between he and Kim will likely never end."

"I know," Shiv said. "I guess, since I'm in the middle, I'm just trying to do what I can for them both."

"Then take yourself out of the middle," Kaysa advised. "If it's making you miserable, like I know you are, then distance yourself from this, Shiv. And if you do" --she grinned-- "it'll give you more time to spend with me."

"I like the sound of that," Shiv said softly as she shifted herself closer to Kaysa on the bed. "I've missed you a lot, you know. I'm glad we have this time together now. I want to be able to spend more time with you, Kaysa."

"Me and Aria," Kaysa amended and kissed Shiv's head ardently. "And," she added after a time of enjoying each other's presence, "it'll keep me from going nuts. I don't think I've had a full night's sleep since coming home from the hospital. I wish someone had told me about this before I decided to have a baby again."

"Don't worry," Shiv said with a smile as she brushed her lips against Kaysa's. "I'll watch her while you sleep. Whenever you need someone to watch her, I can do it. I don't have a busy schedule otherwise."

"So...you'll stay with me right now?" Kaysa asked, smiling expectantly. "You do know you're not leaving this room, not now that I have you in my arms."

"Oh, I don't plan on going anywhere," Shiv purred as she snuggled in closer. "So, how about we get reacquainted?"

Kaysa chuckled. "With Aria here? Sorry, love," she whispered into Shiv's ear, "she's claimed my breasts for herself."

"It's okay," Shiv said with a soft giggle. "I'll just snuggle in on the other side. We don't want to give Aria any wrong ideas."

"Just not yet," Kaysa agreed, smiling conspiratorially. "Maybe when she's a few days older."

Shiv caressed Kaysa's cheek while staring deeply into her eyes. "Maybe, tomorrow, we can have Zale watch her for a few hours."

"Maybe," cooed Kaysa, "I like your idea," and lowered her lips to Shiv's. The kiss' intensity banished all weariness from Kaysa's bones and filled her with a soothing warmth. She sighed happily. "That's better...."

"Yes," Shiv purred, "much better. I've really missed you, Kaysa..."

"Then we'll have to remedy that." Passing her lips over Shiv's chin and towards her throat, Kaysa whispered, "As soon as we can get Aria to sleep again...."

"Does she like lullabies?"

Kaysa laughed. "Sung by Merrick, sure."

"Guess who's been teaching me to sing? Want me to try?"

She nodded emphatically and both gazed down at the child as Kaysa began rocking her. "Okay," she whispered. "Give it a try."

Shiv gently started singing the same lullaby Merrick had sung to her on several occasions. Aria's eyes were already closed from the lull of suckling milk, but as Kaysa chanced to pull the girl's lips away from her breast, her eyelids never flickered. Kaysa grinned at Shiv and gingerly rose to lay Aria into her crib. She waved at Shiv to continue singing, even as they crept towards the door. Listening carefully for any signs of a fuss from Aria, they finally slipped into the hallway and silently closed the door as Shiv's song ended. Both chuckled quietly. "Works just as well as Merrick's," Kaysa whispered.

"She's such a good girl," Shiv whispered. "Come on, let's go to Kim's room. It's close enough that we'll be able to hear Aria if she wakes up."

"Christen her bed?" Kaysa joked at the sexually deprived clone's expense. Laughing softly, she took Shiv's hand and together they sought out Kim's bedroom.

Their fondles and caresses began before reaching the room, and only increased when they were finally there. It was clear their appetite for one another had grown in the absence of their intimacy. Kaysa was divesting Shiv of her clothing at a frantic pace, while her lips dealt bruising kisses. "I hope she won't mind," Kaysa said quickly.

"I'm sure she won't," Shiv said. "She'd wish she was the one in the bed, but I'm sure she won't mind us. Maybe one of these times we can invite her."

Kaysa barked a laugh, then quickly covered her mouth at the startling sound that emerged. She began snickering. "I hope you're joking, my love. I've just gotten Keeve to like me again, remember?"

Shiv giggled as she trailed kisses down Kaysa's throat. "Only partially," she said. "If he never knew... Though, I'm sure she'll find someone soon, and then she can be happy again."

"Has she ever been?" Kaysa asked seriously, slowing her caresses to match the sober tone of her question.

"I don't think she has," Shiv said. "She might have been happy at first when Keeve was showing her some interest, but then he stopped. Now she'll have to find happiness again."

"Like us," Kaysa reminded her, thinking of their own stormy past. Laughing, she spun Shiv by the waist towards the bed and rushed her towards it. They collapsed upon the mattress with a fit of giggles and removed what was left of their clothing.

Kaysa paused briefly at the sight of her pronounced curves in contrast to Shiv's thin hips, breasts, and stomach; but even with the extra suppleness of her body created by pregnancy, Kaysa still felt as beautiful as she had been, and Shiv's attentions helped to encourage that. Smiling, again she covered Shiv's lips with her own and melded to her lover's body. "Not too loud," Kaysa reminded her.

"I'll try," Shiv whispered. "Though, it does get difficult when I'm with you... Oh, Kaysa, have I mentioned how much I missed you?"

Kaysa pressed a finger to Shiv's lips and grinned. "Don't say it...show me," she whispered.

"Oh happily," Shiv whispered as she began to make love to Kaysa. It'd been so long since they'd been together, but the emotions they still held for each other had never burned brighter. And, thankfully, little Aria slept through the whole thing...twice.

"Cementing Allegiances"
By: Theen Fida, New Republic Ambassador to Tae'Karada
With: Denka Ador, Adarian Consular (NPC)
Sulan Kelor, CEO of Arcon Expeditions (NPC)
So Ti-Dal, CEO of Cerisi Explorations (NPC)
Hem Dazon, Arconan Consular (NPC)
Henk Taster, CEO Besaliskii Freight Enterprises (NPC)
Lirian Cheel, Bith Consular (NPC)
Ketrias Seda, Chagrian Minister of Interstellar Commerce (NPC)
Kyle Vortuno, Chandrillan Minister of the Sciences (NPC)
Marrikio Soo'nam'i, Esselian Consular General of Galactic
Entrepreneurials
(NPC)
& Tias Meyvair, VP of Karadan Imports and Exports (NPC)

Date: Vadris 13th, 4ABY
Location: New Republic Embassy, New Plouton

***

Theen Fida arose from his position at the head of the long table. To either side sat his aides, one was a Human male who was part of his diplomatic entourage, and the other an Arcanian women, also of the New Republic Diplomatic Corps. and part of Theen's diplomatic team.

The long table stretched for some meters. Seated to either side were various members of galactic governments, ministries, corporations and the like: Denka Ador, an Adarian diplomat within the New Republic, specializing in economics; Sulan Kelor, an Arkanian CEO of Arkon Expeditions, an intergalactic mining conglomerate; So-Ti Dal, a Cerean CEO of a rival corporation much like Arkon Expeditions; Hem Dazon, an Arconan Consular of galactic financial enterprises; Henk Taster, a CEO of Besaliskii Freight Enterprises, a freighter company; Lirian Cheel, a Bith Consular of Social Welfares within the New Republic; Ketrias Seda, Chagrian Prime Minister of Interstellar Commerce; Kyle Vortuno, Chandrillan Minister of the Sciences; Merrikio Soo-nam'i, an Esselian Consular general of Galactic Entrepreneurialsim; and Tias Meyvair, VP of Karadan Imports and Exports.

The membership was but a fraction of those who Theen and his closer colleagues had been bringing together for some time to forge a league of powerful and influential business leaders and diplomats within the Outer Rim. Those in attendance were the newest, who were gathered to sign a treaty, bringing them into the fold.

"Esteemed members," Theen began. "Welcome to a new age of mutual prosperity and collaboration. We are all familiar with one another and the entities that we all represent, so we shall move right along to business. With your signing of this treatise of diplomatic and economic collaboration, you are strengthening and taking the first steps as founders of this Interstellar Co-Op, where-in hence forth we all and our peoples may share in a more free and unobtrusive manner of trade between our worlds, our peoples and our respective businesses."

Theen began to walk around the table, making it a point to address each of the members individually.

"We all know the restrictions that are emplaced when dealing with individual entities and the galactic custodianship of the New Republic. We know that each of ourselves have our own agendas, our own concerns, and those of our leaders and competitors. Each of us knows the woes of war, the woes our people suffer due to the bureaucratic red-taping, financial and trade laws, regulations, restrictions and monitoring that have been placed by our respective governments and the New Republic as a whole," he said as he continued around the table. "With this co-op, we shall free ourselves from such binds, from such restrictions to the prosperity that can truly be sought and brought throughout the Outer Rim."

"Ambassador, we all know well these things, and while I can and cannot speak for everyone, nothing comes without a price, and nothing comes without its gains," the Besalisk representative spoke out. "While I like my fellow colleagues here applaud this endeavor, and do so the positive prospects of this co-operation, we all are business people at heart and soul. So what is it exactly we get out of this?"

Several murmurs of agreement and like questions filled the room from the table.

"There is much that can be gotten out of this, for anyone and everyone. Your respective ministries and businesses shall remain anonymous and sovereign of course. Think of yourselves as shareholders, what you gain shall be what you put into this co-operation, my friend," Theen explained. "Your efforts and cooperation shall improve your local economics and social infrastructures, increasing the prosperity and influence of your people, your worlds, your businesses. You will soon see greater returns in your respective endeavors, and much, more with your involvement in this collaboration. You sir, as the chairman of one of the Galaxy's most dependable and prosperous of cargo haulings, must bid for such accounts, and you are bound to the economics of the Galaxy, as to what is more fruitful to haul, what is more likely to produce the greater profit in such freights. Within the Co-op you shall have exclusive shipping rights, you shall have a plethora of goods that will always be of demand for your freighter fleet to ship back and forth and back and forth. My friends, what your people and businesses need, they shall get, from one another, and in turn they shall get what is desired and needed, and in turn...everyone is happy and everyone prospers. As members of this Co-Op, you needn't worry over galactic regulations, needn't worry over fluctuating prices and monetary values. We shall set upon a monetary and goods standard, that will be of a benefit for all. You all have reviewed the information, it is all there before you. No strings, no small print. Just pure and mutual cooperation, that will pump more economic power and stability to our worlds and peoples."

He turned to the Chandrillan representative. "As Minister of the Sciences, you know full well the regulations on scientific funding, of supply and demand, of galactic regulations in the advancement, testing and implementation of many branches of the sciences."

The Chandrillan, Kyle Vortuno nodded as he listened to the Ambassador.

Theen then moved near to the seat of the Arkanian, Sulan Kelor. "How much more profitable might Arcon Expeditions be if you were given exclusive mining rights to the moons of Ztarvoid 3, with the latest in mining technologies provided for, say, by you, Denka Ador," he said to the Adarian counterpart of the Arkanian CEO.

Sulan nodded, knowing well the improved the efficient machineries and automatons that the Adarian Consular's family were known for producing, and knowing well the riches that the moons held.

Theen continued with his explanations and examples, offering to the members what could be in store for them through cooperation and the possibilities that could be unfolded and unfolded in the future for the mutual benefit of all parties, all the while capturing their attention and luring them into the fold - playing upon their desires and passions, offering to them what they would want, how they could get it, and how it could all work.

But through him, and by him. He was the master organizer, bringing together a motley crew of various business leaders and diplomats and special interest groups that would normally compete against one another, and be restricted to the normal ways and regulations of conducting business and interstellar affairs - but now to work together, for each other individually and at the same time as a whole.

Theen smiled inwardly.

"Fatherly Visit"
By: Keeve Shivral
Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

Calm. Serenity. It was as if she floated in a tranquil sea, lost to all but her own thoughts and the Force. Kallia Brael knew her time was near, a time where a new life would once again be brought into the galaxy. She smiled at the thought, wondering what it would be like to hold her new son or daughter in her arms. She hoped that Yara wouldn't be too upset; though, Kallia had no intention of giving her baby girl any less attention than she already received.

Her meditation was disturbed by a knock at the door. She began the process of removing herself from the peaceful meditative state. Once she was fully conscious of her body and the room around her, Kallia opened her eyes. Dargus was still gone, in the city assisting at one of the hospices. She rose easily to her feet, a feat that could not have been conducted without the help of the Force. She moved to the door and opened it. The young face on the other side smiled up at her.

"Master Jae Dyn," Dephna said, "there is a visitor asking for you at the main doors."

Kallia nodded. "Of course, Dephna," she said. "I will be right there."

The Padawan bowed, and then made her way back down the hall to pass on the message. Kallia was only a few more moments before leaving her room.

She entered the foyer where Keeve waited and gave him a smile. "Hi, Keeve," she said with a smile. "I've been meaning to get into the city to visit you, but I haven't been as mobile recently. How are you? Other than under a fairly large amount of stress, I mean."

Keeve frowned, affirming her observation. "Is there somewhere we can talk? And maybe visit with Yara, if you don't mind."

"Sure," Kallia said. "Come on." She motioned for him to follow her. "She's being watched by Yara right now." She quickly explained the presence of the two clones after noticing the confused look Keeve gave her. "We can get her on the way to my room."

"Well...hold on." Keeve gripped Kallia's arm gently and drew her into his embrace. He held her close, burying his face into her chest, and deriving what comfort he could from her. "I promise not to stay away so long again," he murmured.

Kallia smiled and put her arms around him. "I'm glad you're here, Keeve," she whispered as she held him. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you as well."

Raising his head, he asked curiously, "Really? And what would that be?"

"Well, as you can probably tell, I'm going to be giving birth soon, and I'd be very happy if you could be there with me when I have my baby."

Keeve gaped. "Me? You want me there?" He laughed in disbelief. "But...why? I'm not the father...not biologically."

"You're close enough," Kallia said. "At least, in my heart, you are, Keeve. You're the closest I've ever been to any man, even Dargus and Liam. If you want to be there, I'd be very happy. I'll understand if you'd rather not be there though."

"N-No!" he stammered and framed her face with his hands. "I mean...yes," Keeve whispered. "I'll be there, Kal. I'd be happier than I have been for a while if I could see your child being born. I promise I'll even help out...if that's what you want."

"I'd like that," Kallia said with a smile, then leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Keeve."

"I should be thanking you," he told her. "After all that's been happening...this is actually something I'm looking forward to." Grinning, he added, "And seeing Yara." Stepping back, he gestured down the corridor. "Shall we?"

"Of course," Kallia said. She led the way down the corridor until they came to an open door. Inside the sound of two voices could be heard, one that of an infant trying to talk, and a much more mature voice giving encouragement. Kallia stepped into the doorway. "Yara," she called, then smiled when her daughter looked up. "Thank you so much for watching her while I meditated."

The older girl bowed her head and approached Kallia to hand off Yara. Glancing aside at Keeve, the older Yara said, "It was my pleasure to do, Mother. Who is this man?"

"This is a very good friend of mine," Kallia said. "Yara Zaneth, meet Keeve Shivral."

She cocked her head to one side inquisitively. "It is nice to meet you, Keeve Shivral."

Keeve nodded slowly, directing a questioning look at Kal before regarding the young woman again. "It's nice to meet you, too...Yara."

With a curt tip of her head, her attention shifted to Kallia. "Mother, may I depart? I wish to visit the training room before I retire to bed."

"Of course," Kallia said. "I'll see you later, my dear one."

The pet name encouraged a smile from Yara, who kissed her mother's cheek as she passed. Once having exited the room, Keeve looked back at the closed door, then raised an eyebrow at Kallia. "Who was that again?"

"That," Kallia said, "is Yara. She's one of the clones Dargus made of mine and Yelara's children. Unlike the others, she seems to have broken away from a lot of the programming."

"Clone?" Keeve murmured, troubled by what he remembered of his time aboard Dargus' vessel. "I know I met a lot of clones when I was with Dargus," he told her, "but...you'll be glad to know that I don't recall sleeping with any that looked like her."

Kallia laughed softly, but there was a bitterness beneath the surface. "Of all the people I know and don't, of those I'd approve of being with my daughter, you would be at the top of the list, Keeve. But, thank you. I guess a part of me is still surprised that the females, with as pretty as they are, were allowed to fight at all. I wonder if that was the beginning of Dargus' change, or if he was just hoping for the clones to be trained to perform a variety of tasks."

"Count on the latter, Kal," Keeve said gently and slid an arm around her waist. Leaning forward, he tenderly scratched at Yara's pudgy cheek with one finger and chuckled as she giggled fitfully. "At least someone's glad to see me," he quipped ruefully.

"We both are," Kallia said. "I miss being around you, Keeve. I don't quite miss walking around naked on a leash for you, but I definitely do miss having you a constant in my life."

"Oh, don't deny it," he teased. "You loved the leash. But don't worry...I prefer you this way, too." Kissing Yara's forehead, Keeve straightened and delivered one to Kallia as well. "Can we sit? If you don't mind...I have something I want to discuss with you."

"Sure," Kallia said and indicated the chairs and bed as possibilities. As she settled herself onto the bed with Yara, she gave him a smile. "And, yes, I did. So, what is it you want to talk about, Keeve?"

His expression darkened as he thought back to his argument with Shiv and everything preceding it. "I partially blame Dargus for this, you know," he began tautly. "Even though some good things came of his interference - like that Yara clone - he went too far with others." Keeve sighed and raked his fingers through his hair in agitation. "He created clones of Maeren...and I think I'm falling in love with one of them. I don't know how to stop it, as much as I want to."

Kallia nodded. "Emotions can be very difficult to control in that respect," she said. "Especially when it comes to a clone of the woman you're married to. Distance may help, if you wish to stop it. Meditation can help you control your thoughts and emotions as well. Is this the same clone who was living with you the night we came to get Zari and the others from your home?"

Keeve nodded. "We met on Dargus' cruiser, after Oot captured it, along with Saris...the other one. But Kim...she's different, Kal. She's..." He sighed and muttered, "She's perfect."

Kallia laughed softly and took Keeve's hand. "I don't know if I should say it, but...but it looks like it may be too late. Be honest with yourself when you answer my next question, Keeve, but do you believe that you do already love her?"

"I don't know," he groaned, hanging his head low. "I'm trying not to think about it too much...but whenever we're in the same room there's this...connection. And if I see her with other men, it drives me insane, Kal." Keeve's head jerked upright as he admitted, "I nearly killed a man the other night for just touching her! If...If I'm not in love with her, then something must be seriously wrong with me."

"I believe you're trying to deny what you're feeling," Kallia answered, "but it does sound like you do love her. And, what does she feel for you? Do you know?"

He snorted a laugh. "She's crazy in love with me, though I'm not sure if it's just desire that will fade if she finally gets me in bed, or if it's really love. And I'm not about to find out which by sleeping with her!"

Kallia chuckled. "I believe you have that effect on women, my love," she said. "Between Maeren, Kim, and Zari... Well, what do you think you want to do, Keeve?"

"I don't know," he admitted wearily, and laid his free hand upon Kal's. "If I could, I'd just stay here a while and have you make me forget about everything, as only you know how to do. Well...and Maeren," he added, "though she's too busy blaming me for all of this to be of any comfort."

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you'd like, Keeve," Kal said. "And, you're welcome back whenever you need time away. I want you to know that. As for what you should do, it's a very difficult situation, and one I'm not certain you're ready to resolve just yet."

"So, in the meantime my relationship with Maeren suffers?" Keeve exhaled sharply, loathing his dilemma. "Should I even bother talking to Kimara yet?" Chuckling, he lifted a hand to Kallia's cheek and said, "I wouldn't mind just staying here instead. It's been a long while since we've...well...been together."

"If you'd like to stay here, I'd love to have you. I've missed our time together, Keeve...all of it." She leaned forward and kissed the end of his nose. "As for Maeren and Kim, talking is very good. You need to make sure you're honest with yourself and them, that if you don't know, you say that...but if you do know, you say that as well. But for now, I think forgetting about all those things in your life is fine. It'll give us a chance to catch up."

"And Yara a chance to know her daddy a little better," Keeve added, and cheered up enough to begin tickling her belly, which delighted the child. He laughed at her boisterous shriek then scooped her up into his arms. "You don't mind if I stay a while, do you, my little precious one?" he asked, nuzzling the tips of their noses.

"Blaaboo!" Yara said and waved her hands and feet with excitement. "Baba!"

Keeve grinned and winked aside at Kal. "I guess that means I'm staying for dinner. Unless you have other plans... I mean...Dargus?"

"No plans," Kallia whispered. "Dargus is in the city...so that means, my plans for the night are you."

"Good, because I wasn't planning on leaving." He smirked charmingly and rose from the bed with Yara in his arms. Holding a hand out to Kal, he said, "Our first date. Not the fanciest, but I promise to make up for it."

"Oh, I'm not all that big on fancy these days," Kallia said with a wink as she got to her feet with Keeve's help. Keeping her hand in his, she gave him a smile. "I like the idea of 'the most of it' though. I think she's missed you too. She's been happy, but not this happy for awhile."

"I'm surprised she even remembers me," he admitted. "Now that Dargus is around, she'll forget me."

"Oh, she remembers you," Kal said with a grin. "And, unless you stop coming around, she'll always remember you. Dargus may be her biological father, but you've been more of a father to her. He's trying to make up for some of his wrongdoings now, but...but he still has much to make up for."

"Yara doesn't know about any of that, though," he pointed out. "As much as I still resent some of the things he did...for Yara's sake you have to come to some sort of peace, unless you plan on raising her to hate him."

"That's why I've welcomed him into our lives," Kal said. "It wasn't as difficult to forgive as I imagined, but part of it is that the good in him now, it's almost overpowering. Unless he's become extremely good at deceiving even the Force, he's genuine. But, as much as he's her father, Keeve, I still want you to be a father to her."

"Well, I am and I always will be. Since, at the rate Maeren and I are going we'll never have a child, I've got to fulfill my paternal instincts with someone, right?" He quirked a handsome smile and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. It was easy to forget his troubles with Kallia - she demanded nothing, and always gave love and affection freely. He would be forever grateful to her for that alone. "So," he said, segueing to a new topic, "what are you planning on calling the little one?"

"I haven't quite decided yet," Kallia said. "I've thought of some names, but...I'm still not sure if I'm going to have a boy or girl. And...and I'm still not sure who the father is."

"Does it matter?" Keeve asked frankly. "It will have you...and me. What else do you need?"

Kallia laughed softly. "That's true," she said. "And, we don't need any more than that. I think...I think I can narrow the father down to possibly three people."

He raised an eyebrow, truly intrigued. "So...you want to tell me who they are?"

"Well, Dargus, though I'm not sure if the timing matches. Then Liam. And...and possibly Kael."

Keeve's eyes narrowed and was slightly surprised at the flare of jealousy he felt. "And who would this Kael person be? I don't know him and...and...why are you making babies with him?"

Kallia laughed. "He was a student here at the Temple. He's now a Jedi. At the time, Yelara and I were leaving for Corellia, and Yel and he had...you know. And, when I found her...well, things happened. I wasn't trying to make babies, but...but it could have happened."

"Well." He harrumphed and pouted with his usual petulance. "I guess I'm the only one not making babies on this planet..."

Kallia massaged his shoulders with a consoling expression as she watched him. "I'm sure it will happen," she said. "And, after this one, if you still want one, I can make a baby for you. I seem to have a talent for it."

"Hey...wait a minute!" He laughed awkwardly and rotated his shoulders free of her hands as he turned to face her. "Kal...you're not a baby-making machine. One baby after another...don't you get tired of it? I mean...don't you want to just enjoy what you have?"

"Yes, I do," she said with a sigh. "Very much, and...sometimes, I feel like thinking that, it's...it's not wrong of me to think, right? I still love them, both, still love them very much. I want to be a Jedi again. I want to wear the clothes I used to again and not have to worry about what I eat or where I go."

"Then do it," Keeve urged her. "And I'll even help. Anytime you need someone to take Yara off your hands for a while, I'm there. Just...live, Kal, and be happy. You deserve that much, don't you?"

Kallia smiled. "I suppose I do," she said. "Thank you, Keeve. Thank you for being a friend."

"And here I thought I was more than that," he joked.

Kallia laughed and leaned close to plant a kiss on his lips. "Oh, much more than that," she said with a wink.

Keeve grinned crookedly and reached around Kallia's shoulder to brush her cheek with the back of one hand. "Not too much more, I hope. Dargus wouldn't like that much, I bet."

"Don't worry," Kal said. "Dargus would understand. I care for him very much, but we won't be getting married. We're close, but so are you and I."

"Good," he answered with a stiff nod. "Because...I used to be his son, so he shouldn't mind that I care for his almost girlfriend. And if he's not here to do so...then why shouldn't I?"

"No reason that I can think of," Kallia said with a smile. "Besides, no one's ever taken care of me and cared for me the way you do, Keeve. Only you."

Keeve hmphed proudly and steered them into the dining hall. "And that's why you're going to sit down right now. Are you so sure you should be walking around in your condition?"

"I'm fine," Kallia said. "Trust me. I'm more in tune with my body than most women are due to the Force. Though, I'll sit because you ask, but only as long as you sit with me."

"Me and Yara will," he answered, and as one small, cozy family, they took their seats at the dining table. It very nearly erased all memory of his argument with Maeren, and the agony of his conflict with Kim. He was still too young to suffer such heartache, but Kallia's proximity was solace enough. Watching Yara bounce in his lap, Keeve laughed. "Does she eat solid food yet? With that much energy, she'll be hungry enough soon."

"She's started on solid food," Kallia said. "There's some cereal she likes on that shelf over there. I've got some bottles of food in my room, and Orn has some in the kitchen too. How would you like to feed her, Keeve?"

For as bold and intrepid as Keeve always seemed, now he was obviously apprehensive. "You...you want me to actually feed her? Isn't it-- I mean...is it hard?"

"It's not hard," Kal said with a smile. "You basically just need to take the spoon, with food in it, and put it to her lips. She'll do the rest."

"Yeah?" He raised a skeptical eyebrow, though at Yara's encouraging laughter, Keeve sighed and held out his arms for her. The young girl nearly leapt into his lap, allowing Kallia to retrieve her breakfast. Keeve was left staring down at the boisterous child's grinning face. "You're going to give me a hard time, aren't you?"

"Daba!" the little one blurted as Kallia returned with the small jar of food.

"I think she likes you, Keeve," Kal said with a grin. She held out the jar to him. "Here."

Keeve hesitated while Yara urged him on with an excited flapping of her chubby arms. Sighing defeatedly, Keeve accepted the jarred mush with one hand, and a spoon with the other. Yara watched eagerly as he dipped the spoon into the purple fruit paste and scooped up a heaping portion. Her mouth snapped open in anticipation, but as the utensil approached, much of the puree slopped onto the table, the floor, and finally onto Yara's shirt as it reached her lips. She clamped down on the spoon's end hastily to capture what Keeve had managed to save of her once mounding dollop and licked the utensil clean. Keeve pulled it free of her now-gaping mouth and frowned at the mess he'd made of her clothing. He trepidly glanced up at Kallia. "Is that supposed to happen?"

"It is," Kal said. "That means she's ready for more. Are you sure you haven't done this before? You're a natural at feeding babies, Keeve. And, I guess you may be getting some practice around Kaysa's place now, hm?"

Keeve smirked. "Not me. Aria's still only breastfeeding and I can't exactly help with that." He dipped the spoon into the jar once again and attempted once more, this time with a steadier hand. Yara seemed to appreciate the larger portion she received upon her second serving. As Keeve settled into feeding her with greater confidence he smiled at Kal. "Thanks for this."

"You're welcome," Kallia said with a soft laugh. "I figured you'd like a chance to practice up before you had to feed one of your own. And, it definitely looks like the practice will do you good."

Keeve smirked wryly. "One of my own.... At the rate Maeren and I are going, there won't be any."

"Well, how often do the two of you...try?"

"According to her," he said bitterly, "I haven't left her alone since the wedding. I wouldn't be surprised if she's been taking contraceptives the entire time just to spite me."

"Have you talked to her?" Kal asked. "What does she say? Does she want children?"

"She says she does," he admitted, and paused to concentrate on delivering another large spoonful to Yara's ravenous mouth. "This whole thing with Kim, though, has us both up in arms...sort of. Since she's been around...it's been hard focusing...if you get my meaning."

"I understand," Kallia said. "I imagine Maeren would be having the same problem if there were two of you...or well, two of any man around, I guess."

He let out a hissing sigh, venting his anger. "I'm not going to turn into that. I'm not going to be like that. It's why I can't be with Kim. I won't turn into what I've always hated in Maeren." Keeve smiled acerbically. "That would only make me a hypocrite, wouldn't it?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no," Kallia answered. "Why do you hate her open, loving, affectionate nature, Keeve?"

"Because it's not normal," he blurted out.

"Alright," Kallia answered with a nod. "Have you ever heard of the planet Zeltros? Dani is a Zeltron, a species of empaths who go out of their way to find pleasure. It's perfectly normal for them. For many in the galaxy. Normal is generally whatever society claims is normal, whatever they dictate what you should be. Eleven year old boys should not be fully grown, married, and feeding the child of their former sex slave."

Keeve scowled mildly at her. "That's not the same thing. I'm her husband. Why does she need to be with someone else? I should be enough to fulfill her, shouldn't I?"

"I'm not the right person to ask," Kal said with a knowing smile. "Considering that I've had a child by one man, another on the way who may not be from the same man. Did you know that the law on Tae'Karada is that a man can have more than one wife?"

"I know," he said, smiling a touch humourously. "But I only want one, so Maeren should only want one husband."

"Maybe she does want only one husband," Kal said. "But, she's a very loving and expressive person. One way she expresses herself is through lovemaking. Kimara, I imagine is the same way." She watched him for a moment as he fed another spoonful to Yara. "Keeve, do you enjoy sex?"

His cheeks coloured slightly and purposefully focused his gaze on the spoon entering Yara's mouth as he answered, "Of course I do. Who wouldn't?"

"And, the reason you don't want to have sex with anyone but Maeren is because it's...not normal? Who claims it's not normal, Keeve?"

"I claim it, that's who!" he shouted, startling Yara, who emitted a tiny hiccup of surprise. Keeve sighed and kissed her forehead in apology. "Kal," he said softly, "I just don't want to complicate matters. If I give in to Kim...what do you think that will be like? How can that possibly work for everyone?"

"Maybe you should ask Kaysa, she seems happy." Kal sighed and brushed her hands through his hair. "Do you know if Maeren has seen a doctor? Or yourself?"

"Me?!" He snorted. "Kal, there's nothing wrong with me. And Maeren says she has and she's fine. So that only leaves one conclusion: she's been lying to me about stopping her contraceptives."

"Or the person who checked her didn't do a thorough job," Kal added. "Or, you two haven't been at it quite enough."

"Oh, we've been at it enough," he chuckled. "Trust me, Kal, it's not for a lack of trying. And Maeren's young - how could she not be fertile?"

Kallia looked away and sighed. "She was with Dargus for an extended period of time," she whispered. "Beyond that, I don't really know."

Keeve's eyes narrowed to angry slits and his grip on the spoon tightened into a deadly grip. "What are you saying, Kal?" he asked darkly. "That Dargus did something to her?"

"I'm not saying he did, Keeve," Kal said. "I'm suggesting that it is possible he could have. If she still hasn't conceived, perhaps the two of you should see a doctor together. If a child is what you want, then you should work on this together. The more you push her stuff to her and keep your stuff to you, the further the gap between you will widen."

But Keeve's mind was already closed off to her advice and was already set on finding Dargus and beating the information from him. He set down the spoon as Yara's greedy lips were reaching for its tip, and handed the child to Kal. "I have to go." Rising, he managed a smile for Kal. "Thanks for today. I wish I could stay longer but...there's an errand I have to run."

"Of course, Keeve," Kal said with a sigh. "I'll see you again soon? Yara and I will miss you."

Keeve paused long enough to discern the disappointment in Kallia's expression, and to hear the unhappy whimper Yara gave. That alone tugged at his heart. He might not now, or ever, have children with Maeren, but he had one right here and was foolishly turning his back on her. Grumbling at his own lack of resolve, Keeve held open his arms for the girl. "Daddy's sorry...okay? I promised to stay and I will." He looked pointedly at Kallia. "As long as Dargus comes home tonight and I can have a chat with him."

"I'm sure he'll be home tonight," Kallia said as she took Keeve's hand. She gave him a knowing look as she let Yara crawl back into his lap to finish her meal. "Yes, Daddy's right here, my little one. She would have started crying if you'd left." She leaned close. "She doesn't do that when Dargus leaves...just so you know."

He grinned despite himself, enjoying this defeat over Dargus. His child would never truly be his; it was one strike against Dargus Keeve could be sure would wound him. Kissing first Yara's brow, then Kallia's hand, Keeve whispered, "I do love you guys, you know."

Kal smiled and leaned forward to kiss the end of his nose. "I do know," she said. "And, so does Yara."

Keeve nodded his head gruffly and said, "She'd better," then grinned crookedly at his two girls and resumed feeding Yara. That uncomplicated, relaxed moment with them was more fulfillment than he had found with Maeren lately. And it frightened him, but for Yara he kept smiling, and for Kal he continued happily playing the role of husband and father to her child despite his anxieties. Though quickly enough it was becoming far more than an act - both knew it and all were willingly embracing it.

"Special Training"
by Aurra Sgall
and Quinlan Vos

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

Things had settled a little bit in the past few days, if such a thing was possible. Nieme and Dani still had the power of the Palace and the planet's political scenario, but at least there hadn't been any scandals reported as to outrageous acts... But that made her wonder if they were laying low because they were up to something, as well as how deep into the dark side they were.

Aurra dismissed her thoughts as she entered the room. She was to have a training session with Master Quinlan Vos, as opposed to her regular training with Kal'Aran. Apparently the latter was giving a special training to Taran, and thus had asked Quinlan to provide training for the young girl.

"Good morning, Master Vos," she bowed as she entered the room.

"Aurra..." Quinlan nodded with a smile. The young girl reminded him of his former Padawan, Aayla Secura, who was also a female twi'lek. She had the same strength and dedication. "Master Kal'Aran asked me to give you some training. Seeing that you are perhaps the better trained Padawan here at the Temple, I was asked to see how good your lightsaber skills are."

Aurra merely smiled. She enjoyed physical training and lightsaber training very much. "What would you have me do, Master?" she asked.

"I'm told that you train your lightsabers mostly with drones," Quinlan stated. "Although they give you quite good reflexes and defensive patterns, you must also be trained in how to use offensive tactics. We Jedi don't usually attack our foes. But if the situation should be dire, then you must have the know how."

Aurra nodded. This made sense, especially after Nieme and Dani having ordered an attack at the Temple. Maybe if the Padawans were all better trained, they would have done a lot better.

"Are you familiar with Teras Kasi?" Quinlan asked.

Aurra had heard of it and had learned some very basic movements, but not much. "It is a martial art form that Jedi use along with their lightsaber to improve their battle skills," she answered, from what she could recall.

"Yes," Quinlan smiled. "But Jedi learn how to use it to cope with their lightsaber, as well as how to use it when unarmed and against a lightsaber or some other weapon," he explained. "Come, I will show you."

***

A few hours later, Aurra was tired but content. Master Quinlan Vos had taught her the basics of Teras Kasi, and she had found it to be more simplified than she had expected, though complex at the same time. Teras Kasi used the most basic and natural movements of the body to cope with amazing results. And after learning some it all made perfect sense.

"You are most gifted, Aurra. You show great physical skills and are a natural to Teras Kasi," Quinlan told her.

"Thank you, Master Vos," she smiled. "But it was your guidance that made things easier."

Quinlan gave her a pat on the shoulder. "You can take the rest of the day to yourself. If you like, I can teach you some more tomorrow. If Master Kal'Aran will agree, of course."

"I would like that very much..." she bowed before she left the training room with Quinlan.

"Training Day"
By: Yelara Neerou
Meer'esh [NPC+]

Location: The Zacacea Blossom Caf� - Yuarteira, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

Yelara gazed down again at the white blouse and red apron that comprised the Zacacea Blossom cafe's uniform. The black pants were her own, a little piece of herself she could inject into the otherwise bland outfit. Though, she preferred it over the flashy, skimpy uniforms worn by those at the Golden Bantha. Looking through the large front window at the canal as she wiped down a table, Yelara decided the sights were much preferable to Weibran the Hutt as well.

It had been difficult leaving behind Leshie that morning, but like the good little boy he was, he made it easier on mama by not sobbing or pining for her. And with Liam watching over him, Leshie was quite content. So, with an almost clear conscience, Yelara had set out for the first day of her new job experiencing some jitters, but much anticipation.

The training process consisted of an hour-long tour of the cozy establishment, from rest rooms to kitchen, to the employee lounge and store rooms. Unfortunately, the disposal units were also introduced to Yelara, something, she was informed, she would be visiting often enough if she couldn't cut it as a server. It was sufficient enough motivation to learn the art of waitressing as quickly as she was able.

Her instruction wasn't in depth by any means - a short tutorial on taking orders, juggling numerous plates and trays with only two hands and arms, and learning the menu. Yelara absorbed the information, but practice was very much different from theory. She'd spilled two drinks that morning - luckily neither had consisted of steaming hot kaffe - and collided with a fellow server, nearly knocking all the woman's plates to the ground, and almost toppling her own tray. Luck had saved them both that time. From that point on, it had been clearing tables, answering the comm, and, yes, even a trip or two to the trash receptacles that determined her further to get the hang of waitressing. It was slow going, and she only got by with customers, who would have otherwise become disgruntled by spilled beverages and food, because of her cheerful personality.

It was a new adventure for her, and one she was undertaking eagerly. Having a life outside of motherhood and almost matrimony with Liam was a much needed diversion for her. As was the half hour break she had earned herself. Untying her apron and laying it over the sofa back, Yelara sank into the plush cushions and relaxed in the lounge. Her eyes had nearly closed on her when a figure drifted into the room unheard and almost unseen. Yelara's attention snapped back into focus and she sat up straight, only to stop short as the man did when their eyes met. She chuckled in disbelief and he did the same with his now-familiar grin.

It was the man she had had a fortunate encounter with the previous day - white hair, violet eyes, and a self-effacing smile that still managed to become charming. Conscious of her appearance under his scrutiny, Yelara tucked away a dangling curl behind one ear and rose to smooth out her clothing. He spoke first. "If you are in the employee lounge, you are employed here?"

Yelara smiled. "I am now." She gestured towards him. "You?"

The tall man shrugged but remained grinning. "I am here mostly to make coffee. The customers indicate that mine is best." Although his speech was clumsy, the richness of his accent and easy flow of his words made everything that passed his lips sound attractive. At least Yelara thought so.

She glanced away briefly as his stare overwhelmed her, and when again she looked back, he was standing before her with one hand outstretched. "I am called Meer'esh."

Yelara took his hand almost hypnotically. His smile, and her own, broadened at the physical contact. "I'm Yelara," she whispered absently. "I just started here today. I've never seen anyone like you." Realizing what had slipped past her etiquette filters, she bit her tongue and smiled sheepishly. "That...came out wrong. I just...where are you from?"

Violet eyes sparkling with mirth, the pale man answered, "That...is a long story. I am Meer'esh. And you are Yelara." His handsome smile ensnared Yelara. "I am glad this is your place of employment, Yelara. It awards me the opportunity to view you everyday."

Before Yelara could respond, even if she was able to speak after his compliment, Meer'esh glided past her and to his locker with a smooth, lithe gait. She turned to follow him with her eyes. He was of a thin build, but sinewy and graced with long limbs. His shirt stretched taut over his back as he reached into the locker for an apron, defining the strong slopes and curves of muscle, and further flustering Yelara like a schoolgirl. Collecting herself, she turned away and proceeded towards the sofa once again.

As she was sitting, Meer'esh shifted around to face her while he tied on the red apron. "It is too bad we cannot share breaks," he told her, violet eyes dancing despite his expressed disappointment. "We could speak to one another further." His shirt spread open at the unbuttoned collar as he reached behind to tie the apron's strings, and he was as deathly pale beneath the article of clothing as he was on the surface. It was somewhat troubling, as she still had no idea where he had come from and whether such pallor was normal. Still, she nodded in complete agreement with his sentiments.

"Perhaps we can do so later," she suggested. "If you're on your break when my shift is over...I could stay behind and we can finish our chat."

From the gleam of his smile, Yelara could almost believe he had just heard the most amazing thing in the universe. "That is a delighting idea," Meer'esh enthused. "I will break at 18h00."

Yelara, having regained some of her composure, nodded decisively. "I'll speak to you then. Maybe you can give me some tips on how not to completely stink at this job."

Surprisingly familiar with the slang, Meer'esh chuckled. "It will be my honour. But I must now go before I am once again late because of you," he joked. "Although, you are a good distraction." Where such a compliment would have sounded trite coming from anyone else, from Meer'esh Yelara found it charming and sincere.

She grinned and waved as he departed, then she again flopped onto the sofa with a contented sigh. Even with as horrible as she was at her job, knowing Meer'esh would be out there, smiling his modest yet dashing smile, Yelara was more than eager to give it another try. But it was Meer'esh's break and the end of her shift that she looked forward to most.

***

Disregarding her initial poor showing that morning, Yelara was nearly flawless in her second round of waitressing that afternoon. No drinks were spilled, no plates broken, and tips were stingy, but they were still there. She pocketed them with pride and sauntered away for the next table with a noticeable buoyancy to her step.

It helped, also, that Meer'esh was there in clear sight of her, and she, him. There would be no salvaging her confidence if she dropped a tray full of prepared plates onto the floor in his presence. Instead, his ready smiles and encouraging winks boosted her self-esteem; she found herself passing by the kaffe bar more frequently just to catch his eye once more. Though, it was not always possible, not as the caf� bustled with the evening crowd and Meer'esh's attentions were forced upon the customers disposing themselves around the bar, many of them young women he seemed adept at coaxing smiles from. It was easy enough, though, for many were openly flirting with the exotic, handsome man. Still, he did spare the odd glance at Yelara, and she made certain she was coyly looking the other way when he did.

Although she was hardly experienced in the art of courtship, Yelara seemed to know the game well, and playing aloof only spurred Meer'esh on. By the end of the evening, though, Yelara had acquired a few admirers of her own - a small group of men come to enjoy the sights of the Yuarteira canal, the atmosphere in the caf�, and of course the great kaffe. They ended up marvelling, however, at Yelara and her piercing violet eyes. She was young and beautiful, and Yelara knew both, but being requested specifically by the men themselves to wait on their table was still unexpected. The men joked, flirted, and cajoled her into joining them for dinner once she was off work, but all tactics failed and Yelara politely excused herself with a hefty tip stuffed away in her pocket when her shift finally wound down.

She was flushed from laughter and fatigue by the time she receded into the employee lounge, where she took a moment to catch her breath upon the sofa. Such satisfaction from hard work Yelara never believed could be achieved. It was fulfilling, and exciting, and interacting with others and not confined to those shadows from her past was liberating. She would definitely be returning tomorrow with eager anticipation. As much as she wished to revel in her whirlwind day, the sun had already set and the temperature was dropping. It was time to return home to her boy and tell him all about her day.

Depositing her apron into her locker and trading it for her longcoat, Yelara was ready for her trek home. She wended her way through the arrangement of tables and people in the dining area, receiving a hail of shouts and mimed kisses from her boys at Table 6. So distracted and flustered by their display was Yelara that she neglected to give Meer'esh a goodbye, or even look his way. She only remembered their arranged meeting when he appeared at the end of the paved path leading away from the caf�, with hands in the pockets of his coat and moonlight gleaming off his hair. Yelara smiled and made her way towards him.

"Those girls too much for you?" she called to him, laughing.

Meer'esh smiled charmingly. "They were uninteresting and vapid," he replied suavely, and shrugged as he walked forward to meet Yelara halfway. They stopped before one another and Meer'esh sighed. "Besides, I wished to save all my words for you. Or had you forgotten about our agreement to meet?"

"I did," she admitted apologetically. "But at least you caught me in time."

"I am glad that is so," he replied, as always smiling down at her and pulling her in with those mesmerizing eyes. Stepping aside, Meer'esh gestured towards the strip running along the canal. "Do you care to?"

Yelara hesitated, eager to get home to Leshie, but also curious to speak with this mystery before her. Meer'esh noticed and bowed his head contritely. "Forgive me. I do not mean to be so forward."

"No...it's fine," Yelara assured him. "I just..." She sighed, and no matter what his true intentions were, purposefully withholding that she wasn't as unattached as she appeared would be dishonest. Preferable in the long-run was full disclosure...almost. "Look, Meer'esh," she said haltingly, "I...I'm in a hurry and not because I'm trying to avoid you. It's...you see..." Yelara sighed. "I...I have a son and he's waiting at home for me."

Meer'esh smiled with revelation and nodded. "I see. You are not free...you are" --he searched for the word-- "committed to another."

Her mouth worked noiselessly for a moment. As tumultuous as her past was, she knew, for the time being, one thing for certain: She was no longer married to Liam, and therefore available, even if it was just for friendship. Yelara's chuckle seemed to work at melting away his tension and bringing back the smile she had smothered. "I am...unattached, Meer'esh, but I'm still a mother."

"Ah," he stated, nodding sagely. "It explains much."

Yelara furrowed her brow inquisitively until Meer'esh clarified poetically. "You glow with the brightness of one who has...created life. You are happy, I see that, as well, and it is because of your child." He grinned. "That is complete sense."

Although his phrases were not always very well put together, Meer'esh always managed to sound poignant. And he was. Smiling with wonder at the man who seemed to shine even by the moonlight, Yelara said, "Let's take that walk, Meer'esh. I think I've got a little time to spare."

"Then I am joy-filled," he replied with his usual light-heartedness, which elicited laughter from Yelara.

Maintaining a respectful distance, Meer'esh strolled along the path towards the canal. In the short time they had together, Yelara wished to gain as much information as she could coax from the man, so she wasted no time in asking the first question. "I admit...I've never seen anyone like you, Meer'esh." He smiled faintly at that, and looked sideways at Yelara as she leaned forward to study him. "So...what are you, exactly?"

This sparked a laugh from him. "I am a man, nothing more. What are you, Miss Yelara?"

She smiled coyly and turned her head away to answer evasively, "Oh...I'm just a woman. Does that help?"

"Very little," he chuckled. "But it matters not very much. You are you, and that is what concerns me." Meer'esh's brow wrinkled slightly as he reviewed his statement and decided it sounded awkward to the ear. "Or perhaps," he amended thoughtfully, "it is better to say it does not concern me." Meer'esh flashed a handsome grin. "It pleases me."

Yelara laughed and Meer'esh joined in with a gentle chuckle of his own. Their breath clouded against the chilling air and mingled whereas they kept their physical separation. His cheeks coloured nearly blue in the cold, and Yelara imagined his hands would have done the same if they had not been stuffed into his pockets. He was definitely not from any planet she'd visited, which only piqued her curiousity further. She would save further interrogation for another time, however; he seemed not eager in the least to answer personal questions.

Yelara was satisfied that she would not have to reciprocate and divulge information to him for every honest answer he volunteered, knowing he wouldn't. She was still without a past, and would have nothing to give him in return. There was no expectation to be someone she could never be again, and no burden of guilt for not being that person any longer. It was a great relief, and created a relaxed mood between the two of them. Yelara hadn't laughed and smiled as much as she did on that walk with Meer'esh.

He escorted her the entire distance to the nearest hoverrail terminal, knowing he would return late to complete his shift. Meer'esh seemed not the least bit concerned. As they stood face to face before the ticket booth, Meer'esh bowed his head genteelly. "I will find pleasure with you again tomorrow, Yelara," he told her solemnly, but when he glanced up at her from beneath his silver lashes, it was apparent he hadn't stopped smiling.

Yelara returned the half-bow playfully and laughed as she stole a kiss on one blue-tinged cheek. "Tomorrow, Meer'esh," she affirmed, then rushed off, the tails of her black coat flapping against the wind, two dark hands offering him a farewell of their own.

Meer'esh was left in his hunched position, immobilized by surprise, and purple lips agape. His violet eyes followed Yelara's retreating back until she disappeared within the station, though the memory of her kiss endured. His mouth stretched into a crooked grin and finally Meer'esh was able to head back to the caf�, though less than eagerly without Yelara awaiting him there.

"Tomorrow," he reminded himself, repeating her own words. "Tomorrow...lady of the raven hair." And still grinning, Meer'esh swaggered on back, thinking of future kisses to come.

"Extending Diplomatic Relations"
By: Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Cailin Fawkes
Pack
Yannick

Location: Arcadian Palace
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

"So you see, Ambassador, although the former rulers of this planet may have ignored negotiations with your own, we are not inclined to such snobbery." Donning far more conservative attire that bared only a respectable amount of flesh, Nieme and Dani sat before Riga's trade ambassador regally, but now without airs. All that would come after they had struck their deal. "We are amenable to your leader's proposal," Nieme concluded, and smiled at the older man, which again charmed him to no end.

He lowered his grizzled head in tacit acceptance. "It is my sovereign's hope our two worlds can come to an accord and once again enjoy peaceful, profitable" --the man's blue eyes flashed with lust at this-- "relations, now that Tae'Karada has acquired itself two of the most beautiful and reasonable leaders yet."

Nieme chuckled deeply and lightly patted the man's cheek from across the table. A blush suffused his wrinkled flesh, and another sort of hunger replaced that of riches in his eyes. Pulling her hand back, and letting it fall upon her exposed chest, Nieme said, "I have always enjoyed Riga's carefree, liberal, and" --she leaned forward to smile suggestively at the man-- "hedonistic beliefs. It is our hope that Tae'Karada can emulate Riga's standards for easy living and fulfillment of humankind's most basic - and necessary - desires."

"I had the pleasure of visiting Riga before ascending the throne here," Dani said. "It reminded me so very much of home. Perhaps, once all of the appropriate papers have been signed, you will be able to celebrate with us. Our palace has much to offer a man of your standing. It is fortunate the timing worked out as it did; had you been earlier or later, you might have missed Cailin, but I am certain she will be a perfect escort to you and satisfy your every need."

The Ambassador required no elaboration, judging from his greedy smile. "Well, I am certain such generousity on your part will go far towards maintaining friendly relations. My sovereign will agree, I'm sure, that after I have enjoyed the pleasure of this woman's company, we can proceed with the treaty signing."

Nieme inclined her head gracefully. "She will be with you immediately, Ambassador."

"We've had a very long talk with her," Dani said as she looked toward the door where Cailin would enter from. "If she causes you any sort of trouble or distress, please let us know immediately. She is new to this career, but I assure you, she is quite talented."

"I trust she has had masterful teachers," he replied, eyeing both women appreciatively.

The door was suddenly opened with Cailin framed in it. She looked around, and tried very hard not to shoot a dagger-filled gaze toward Nieme and Dani. She didn't like the arrangement, but from the threats cast down by Nieme and Dani, she knew she didn't have much choice in the matter. Her life as well as Adam's would be in serious danger if she refused them, and while she could just abandon Adam and everything, she knew it was not truly a choice. She couldn't just leave him behind to take the punishment meant for her, not without losing a large piece of herself to the dark side.

She moved forward, the gauzy fabric of her equadi feather-light against her skin, toward the table where the Ambassador waited for her, his eyes wide with obvious delight and lust. "Your Graces," she said to both Nieme and Dani with a deep, courtly bow to them, then turned to the ambassador. "Ambassador, I am Cailin. I will be your...your escort for your stay here within the Palace."

He licked his trembling lips eagerly and wasted no time in tracing the curve of Cailin's bare shoulder with his rough hand. "She will do," the ambassador decided without delay, and rose from his chair to tower over Cailin. His hand remained upon her. "Your hospitality will be noted, Empresses. My sovereign will be delighted."

"For now," Dani said with a charming smile, "our concern is for your delight. Your sovereign's will have to wait until you are able to report to him on your time here with us."

"And rest assured, Empresses, you will receive my praise." Watching Cailin lecherously, he murmured, "Let us go, young lady. There is a deal to be concluded."

Nieme speared Cailin with a warning glare. "Go on, my dear. You know what is to be done."

Cailin gave Nieme a curtsey that on the surface appeared to be quite courtly and proper, but below the surface was an unmistakable tinge of mockery. "Come, Ambassador," she said, indicating the door. "Our room is this way."

The middle-aged man tipped his head to Nieme and Dani, then slid his hand to the small of Cailin's back as he followed her out. "You will enjoy this, child," he whispered for her ears only and dropped his hand lower until it cupped her rear. "Don't mind the pain, however. You might even grow to like it."

"Oh, I'm certain, Ambassador," Cailin said with a glance for him. "The bedroom is just this way. The bed even has cuffs, should you desire to restrain me." She gave a hidden smile, and gestured toward the door looming on their right.

"Your empresses are most kind," he commented. "To offer their most talented whore for my satisfaction." His chuckle was hoarse and phlegmy. Squeezing her rear roughly, he shoved her towards the door. "Let us in," he advised crudely, "or I will take you here and now."

"Of course," Cailin said as she opened the door and pushed it open for them. She passed a hand before the illumination plate and the room was bathed in light. She moved toward the bed, then turned and regarded him.

"Undress me, you fool," he ordered with relish, quickly slipping into the dominant role.

Cailin took a step toward him. She raised her hand as if to reach for an article of his clothing, but gently pushed, through the Force, into his mind. "Undress yourself," she said.

His mouth twitched and brow furrowed as his mind reluctantly succumbed to her suggestion. Mechanically, he raised his hands to the fastening of his robe and undid it. The garment fell open, revealing pasty, shrivelled flesh and folds where the muscles of his chest sagged with age. His arms dropped to his sides.

"You have enjoyed the most exquisite sex you've ever experienced in your life," Cailin said, compelling him again through the Force.

The stubborn old man resisted, stuttering the words, but finally they flowed. Even his body seemed to believe - a lump formed in the front of his undergarment, and grew in size until it seemed to burst, leaving behind a wet stain as it again shrank.

"Now, you are exhausted," Cailin said softly. "You should sleep, rest."

"I am...exhausted," he mumbled in return, already fighting to keep his eyes open. The old ambassador stumbled towards the bed and finally collapsed upon it when he could go no further. Supine, with mouth gaping and arms splayed wide, he plummeted into sleep. His choked snorts and snores resounded.

Cailin made certain he was asleep, then moved to one of the nearby chairs and sat. She sighed to herself then glanced at the door. She had no idea how she would get out of here, not without condemning herself or her employer to death in the eyes of the planet's government. But, of one thing, she was certain. She would not be their prostitute.

***

"That's three down," Nieme mused as she and Dani sipped some wine before their next meeting. They had amassed an impressive group of allies, and more were to come. Soon, their empire would be unstoppable.

Dipping a finger into the purple liquid, Nieme asked, "Do you believe Cailin will be required for our next guests?"

"Not required, but perhaps she can make our new allies more amenable to our cause," Dani said with a smile. "You know how easily that type can be swayed by a woman's body, especially one with whom they have free reign."

"We should ask her how her time with the Rigan ambassador went." Nieme chuckled. "She likely had little to do. Just the sight of her seemed to get him off."

"I wonder if Adam has been treating her well," Dani said with a smile. "Well, I'm certain Pack and Yannick will treat her well, as well. I can't imagine she could have gotten much pleasure out of the ambassador, perhaps a couple gangers who know how to treat women will give her some. I remember Pack, and oh how he filled me up. She's a very lucky girl."

"I remember them well, too," Nieme replied darkly. "I remember their initiation. They laughed along with the rest of those gangers as we pleaded for mercy." With a haunted smile, Nieme whispered, "If they give us trouble, Dani...they will not live long."

"Of course not," Dani said with a smile. "But, the situation is not as it was. Despite what they did to us, my love, can you really fault them for what they did do? Are we any different? No. The only difference is bitterness and anger because we were the subjects of their attentions, though when thought of from a different angle, I respect them because we have done the same to so many others. We are like them, now. We are above them, and they shall be our allies."

Nieme smirked. "We shall see...."

"Empresses?" The Yara clone stood in the large entrance and bowed her head. "Your guests have arrived."

"Let them in, dear," Nieme purred, and eyed the girl's swaying rear as she turned from the room. "I think I'll have her join us again tonight...don't you?"

"Oh, yes," Dani said, her eyes too following the clone. "It appears that Dargus did gift her with some pleasure skills after all. Her personality really comes through when she's in bed, don't you think? She's much more animated and alive. Her walk has also changed, don't you agree? You can see the sex in her in how she walks now. Earlier today, I watched her walk past one of the males, and he watched her the entire time. Once she was gone, I looked more closely, and he was very erect. I helped him find relief, poor dear."

Nieme chuckled. "Yes...poor dear indeed." As she was leaning over her armrest to kiss Dani, the Yara clone returned, as stolid as ever. "Presenting Pack and Yannick, the leaders of the Thanatos United Front." She bowed and stepped aside.

Pack and Yannick, dressed in their most presentable desert garb, which included tattered brown cloaks and headwraps, strode into the audience chamber confidently. Neither smiled and both gave Nieme and Dani curt, yet respectful nods. Yannick was the first to speak. "As representatives of the Thanatos United Front and all the Kir'Thana who comprise it, we are honoured to have been invited to an audience with you...Empresses," he said with only a hint of disapproval at the title.

"It is a great honour for us to finally see a Kir'Thanan upon the throne of this planet, and we pledge the loyalty of our people, the Children of Thana and the Thanatos United Front. Empresses willing, we would like to honour you further with the Thana'Kih, the ceremony that will induct Empress Dani as a Child of Thana and a blood descendent of the Great Sand."

Dani glanced aside at Nieme, uncertain about the offer. She knew of the loyalty and honour among the desert dwellers, as dwellers of the desert and the hard life they knew there, and the pride with which they carried themselves because of it. She had a feeling that the two gang leaders had just offered her something very special, something that could tie her even closer, even more fully to Nieme.

As awed as Dani was by the idea, Nieme knew fully what was involved in the Thana'Kih. She sneered at Pack and Yannick, and shot up from her chair. "You dare insult an Empress by suggesting such a thing," Nieme hissed. "She is royalty. She should not be scrabbling through the desert, thirsting for water, hungering for food...this is her place, not the desert slums."

Pack bowed low. "We meant no offense by our offer," he said. "We only wished to extend Thana's will to Empress Dani; we only wished to make the offer of becoming Kir'Thana, a bond of blood and life that transcends all else. Again, we didn't mean to offend you."

Dani glanced at Nieme. "No offense taken by me," she said. "I am intrigued. I could become...Kir'Thana through this? Like Nieme?"

Pack nodded solemnly. "Yes," he said softly.

Dani turned to Nieme again. "Is it so bad," she asked. "We could be that much closer, Nieme. And, how long would I be in the desert? It would bind us even closer, my love."

"But you are royalty now, Dani," Nieme whispered. "You don't need to do this to bring us closer." She clutched Dani's hand and brought it to her lips. "Think of it, my love: five days alone in the sand, with nothing but a single bladder of water, no food, no shelter...no way home, to me. All for some foolish Kir'Thanan ritual?"

"If it helps bind the desert to our power," Dani asked. "Is it really so bad, my love. It's just five days...just imagine our reunion after."

"This is a mockery, Dani," Nieme insisted. "They're simply trying to make fools of us."

"I assure you, Empresses," Yannick interrupted, "we hold this ritual in the highest of honours. It is sacred to our people - they would never follow a ruler who hasn't experienced the sands for themselves. How can you, Empress Dani, expect them to accept you if there is no respect paid to their beliefs?"

"I couldn't," Dani said, then glanced sidelong at Nieme. "I couldn't expect that of them. It is five days?"

Yannick bowed his head. "It is. If you survive, there will be an induction ceremony. Then" -- he raised his eyes to Dani's and smiled sternly-- "we will consider pledging allegiance to you both."

"How dare you?" Nieme snapped. "We will not be coerced!"

"We're not being coerced," Dani said. "Are you so willing to just cast off alliances because you want everything given to you without giving anything back? They're not trying to offend us, Nieme. They're not trying to swindle us. They want to ally with us and add their power to ours. We can't hold this place all by ourselves, no matter how powerful we are. We need people to respect us and follow us...but they won't if we give them no reason to."

"So you're just going to agree to this foolish ritual?" Nieme asked her incredulously. "And if you fail?"

"I won't," Dani said coolly. "Think, Nieme. Think for a moment. What do you suppose happens if I refuse?"

Nieme cast a scathing glance in Pack and Yannick's direction, then regarded Dani once more. "We lose their loyalty. But maybe there's another way. Maybe Cailin..."

Dani smiled. "Perhaps," she said. "Should we call her in?"

She nodded stiffly and gestured a command to the Yara clone. The girl slipped out of the room silently and returned shortly with Cailin, still in her equadi, and still wearing a stony expression. Nieme clapped her hands together abruptly to bid Cailin forward. "You see," Nieme told Pack and Yannick, her smile smug and dripping with overconfidence, "is there really a need for such drastic measures when we have a much more pleasant alternative, gentlemen?"

Pack looked over the young woman and smiled. "Well, that is very nice," he said. "I don't mind if I do...if that's alright with you."

Dani smiled. "By all means," she said, gesturing both Pack and Yannick toward a large bed set off to the side of the audience chamber.

Yannick, on the other hand, frowned and laid a hand upon his friend's shoulder to halt him. "Empress Dani...does this mean you refuse to proceed with the ritual? That you would rather distract us with this young woman than give us a straight answer?"

"Have you heard me say no," Dani asked with a smile. "We aren't seeking to distract you with dear Cailin here. If she's not to your taste, I'm certain we can find another. For now, we only wish to give you something to make your time here more pleasant. Don't you think Cailin could make things very pleasant for you?"

"Perhaps," Yannick answered, "but that's not what we're here for. Will you, or will you not go through the Thana'Kih, Empress?"

"If I say yes, will you partake in the pleasures we are offering you," Dani asked. "And, ally yourselves to us?"

"I'm afraid we" --he gave a hard stare to Pack-- "must decline the first. But the latter?" The desert leader bowed his head. "If you survive, we would be honoured to do so."

"I'm certain Cailin will be very disappointed," Dani said. "And, I assure you, I will survive. So, if you'd like to partake, she won't disappoint. And, that means you will be able to enjoy her delights in another five or so days."

"Perhaps we will be more amenable to the idea at that time." Yannick smiled reservedly, though there was a glint in his eye that bespoke of the pride he held in the Thana'Kih. It was a great privilege to introduce one not of the sands to one of their most venerated rituals. "You have honoured us with your decision, Empress. We won't forget this."

Dani looked aside at Nieme, then back to Yannick. "The honour will be mine," Dani said. "As soon as the matters of state today are taken care of, I will travel to Thanatos to begin."

Nieme sighed sharply and retreated from the audience chamber furiously. Yannick ignored the sullen empress and continued smiling at Dani. "We await your visit, Empress Dani." Then the young man inclined his head respectfully and started for the door.

Pack cast one longing glance back at Cailin, then shrugged and hurried after Yannick. "You owe me," he muttered once close enough, then winked at his friend as they disappeared from the throne room.

Once they were gone, Dani slipped from her throne and followed after Nieme.

"I can't believe you," Nieme snapped when she felt Dani enter the backroom to their audience chamber. She whirled to face her lover, her skirt flaring as her anger did. "You fell right into their trap!"

"Thank you for your confidence in my abilities, Nieme," Dani said calmly. "Is your opinion of me so low? What trap, Nieme? How do you believe those two have trapped me? Do you wish for me to tell them no, they can take their support and burn with it? How much support are you willing to burn without giving anything back to those who are willing to support us? How far are you willing to alienate those who would stand with us because you are unwilling to give a centimeter of ground? How many potential allies should we lose before our forces can't withstand against our opposition? Stop being so gods-damned naive, Nieme. After you pushed him over the edge, do you realize how close you came to your own death? It was in his eyes. He would have struck you down as quick as taking his next breath. We are mortal, Nieme, despite our power. Your arrogance will not shield you from danger. And as the numbers of our opponents continues to grow, we need every ally we can pull to our side. Stop behaving like a sullen, pouting child and start acting like the leader of this planet. Stop throwing a tantrum whenever things don't go your way."

"That's not the point!" she shouted, and rushed towards Dani, gripping her arms tightly. Her eyes were wild and manic, and it was clear Nieme was trembling. "You...you can't leave me," she whispered desperately. "Dani...while you're in the desert, I'll be alone. What am I supposed to do? How...how am I supposed to survive!?"

The anger disappeared as Dani felt Nieme's fear as if it were her own. She reversed the grip Nieme had on her with a slight shifting of her body, and then pulled Nieme into her arms. "It'll be fine," she whispered. "My beautiful star, it'll only be a couple days. I'll be thinking of you the entire time I'm there, you know. Perhaps you could come to the desert to be there when I emerge. Yours will be the first face I see when I come back, and I'll take you into my arms and once again profess my undying love for you, for now and always."

"But how will I rule alone in the meantime?" Nieme whispered, clutching the back of Dani's top. "We're a force together, Dani. But alone...I'm nothing."

"Even though I will not be by your side," Dani said gently, "I will still be here. If you truly need me, we are bound through the Force. We will get through this, Nieme, as we get through everything. We are strong, my love, in all things. You'll see." She kissed Nieme's forehead, then her lips. "It will be fine, my love."

Nieme nodded unsteadily and whimpered as she returned Dani's kiss frantically. "You'll survive this," she told Dani breathlessly. "You'll survive this quest and come back to me, and we will rule stronger than ever!"

"Of course," Dani said with a reassuring smile. "This is our destiny, my love. And, after this, we'll add the power of the desert to our already considerable power. After this, we will be unstoppable."

"Unstoppable..." Nieme echoed absently, stroking Dani's purple hair compulsively. "That's...that's us." Her smile was shaky, but the love she felt for Dani was written clearly in her eyes. "I love you, my flower."

"And, I love you, my beautiful star," Dani said, her eyes and heart clearly conveying the emotion. "Come, let's go relax for awhile. I'll hold you close and sing songs from Zeltron. Everything will be perfect again. You'll see."

Nodding sullenly, Nieme walked with her arms around Dani's waist towards the longchair. "No one will oppose us, Dani," she whimpered. "Not ever...and...and if anyone dares, we'll cut them down." She smiled up at Dani hopefully. "Won't we?"

"Of course, we will, my love," Dani said with a smile. "No one will ever stand in our way, ever again."

"Because if they do...we'll simply kill them?" Nieme finished.

"Oh yes," Dani said with a smile, then brushed her lips against Nieme's cheeks. "Quickly in some cases, very slowly in others. But yes, those who stand against us, they will die."

The two sank into the sofa and Nieme clung possessively to Dani. Her cheek pressed into Dani's shoulder. "I wish...I wish I could come with you, Dani...but who would rule the palace?"

"If we could trust one of the female clones," Dani said. "They appear to be highly competent."

"But they don't have our power, Dani, our abilities." She raised her face to Dani's and whispered maniacally, "We're powerful, Dani...more powerful than anyone imagines. Only we can rule this planet...only us!"

"Yes," Dani whispered. "With our allies at our backs, we'll be able to rule Tae'Karada without fearing those who have small minds. We will usher in the greatest golden age this world has ever seen."

"You remember that," Nieme told her fearfully, "when you're in the desert. Consider it incentive to return to me."

"As if I didn't already have enough incentive," Dani whispered as she gazed into Nieme's eyes. "But, yes, Nieme, our dreams will fade if we aren't together, striving toward them. We will reach our dreams and succeed where all others have failed. But only together...only our love for each other will see us through it all."

Soothed by Dani's heartfelt assurances, Nieme sighed and pillowed her head upon Dani's bosom. She muttered unintelligibly to herself, fear of losing Dani reverting her to the timid, innocent desert rat she had once been. At least in her lover she found comfort and soon closed her eyes tranquilly. "Just like old times," Nieme sighed.

A loving smile curled Dani's lips as she looked down at Nieme, clinging to her. She kissed the top of her dearest love's head and held her, finding solace in the love they shared for each other and hoping that perhaps this peace would last. Perhaps with this, they could put some of their wickedness aside and thrive on their love for each other and not upon the pain they caused others. Perhaps.

"Briefing Mission"
By Tifa Alexandros Lionhart
Colonel Turkamen - CRS Concordia Commandos CO - NPC
First Lieutenant Seman Retar - NPC

Location: CRS Concordia
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

Tifa entered the briefing room where the rest of her team was located, most faces she already knew and were her friends. She greeted the teams and noticed in the far corner was new face.

"Hey, Carl. Who is the new face?" Tifa asked, looking to the woman.

"Hey, Tifa. She is Seman Retar, ex-captain of the Imperials. She was in Computer work on Underworld."

"Underworld? Oh, I remember her," Tifa said, she then approached Seman with a smile. "Hi! You probably don't remember me with the confusion on Underworld. I'm Tifa Alexandros Lionhart."

"Your face is familiar. My name is Seman Retar, please to me you," Seman said.

"So what is your spatiality?" Tifa asked.

"I was placed as expert marksmen," Seman said that she was not so happy, but had to obey the orders.

"Oh, we are going to be buddies. I'm also expert marksman."

"Attention!" Everyone in the room got up and put in attention position.

Colonel Turkamen entered the room. "Be seated!" Colonel saw everyone seating on their chairs. "We have been called up. There is world called Varset in this system, the north of this planet was invaded we like most of the commandos in this system are being sent there to withdraw this invaders of the planet and off this system." He paused and gazed the room. "You have twenty minutes to get your gear and some supplies that you want to take and present yourselves at the hangar. That is all."

Turkamen exited the room and everyone started to comment the mission and Seman and Tifa were no exception to it.

"What do you think who is these invaders are?" Tifa asked.

"Don't know, but the way they invaded is the same way has the Empire. Invading other planets when they are most unprepared and when they at least expected also their technique of conquering was efficient when the Empire rose, but the difference is simply that the Alliance was able to adapt itself the way they work and I think they hold the advantage since we don't know yet witch of the Remnants are."

"Well we find out when we get there. Come let's get ready," Tifa said, walking out of the room accompanied by Seman. Now their lives were in the hands of the Gods.

"Incoming - Part 1"
By Tidus Highwind
Elina Kasn - NPC

Location: Somewhere in the Arion Sector
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

It had been almost a day that Tidus and Elina had to leave the sanctuary of their ship into the cold and windy weather. They had to find the rest of the people, but so that no one would use Elina's ship for anything. Tidus didn't understand that letting the ship or probably the technology of the ship to be used by anyone, so they set motion charges inside the ship.

They were already a long way from the ship, seeing the ruined city where probably the rest of the survivors where located, but now without working ship there was no way out of that world. "If you don't mind asking, explain to me again how we get out of this world?"

Elina smiled beneath the cloths covering her mouth. "I just need to find a top building to contact some friends."

Tidus nodded. "That is the part I don't get. How are going to do that?"

"I'm not going to lie to you, but also I'm not going to tell you. What you don't know won't hurt you!" Elina said with joyful voice.

"Oh, really?" Tidus was about to respond, but an explosion in the distance behind them was heard.

Elina and Tidus looked back and in the distance could see a huge ball of fire. The weather was bad but to Elina eyes was good enough to see roof top of a walker. "Shit, Demons!"

"Demons. Stormtroopers?" Tidus looked in the distance but could see nothing; he simply had to take Elina's word.

"We need to keep up the pace, we need to get at the city fast as we can, or we're dead!" Elina said, continuing to walk towards the ruin city and Tidus followed.

It took about an hour until they were able to reach the city, it was in a rumble it was stroked by some kind of weapon. Since there was very large hole which was the impact zone of some kind. They continued to wonder off the city until they could find any luck the remaining of the survivors.

They couldn't find the survivors, but it was them who found them. A balled man with a huge scar on his left face waved at them. They approached and Tidus spoke. "Hi, my name is Tidus, we were going to rescue you, but we were stroked by lightning and we crashed."

"I was wondering why you were taking long! Please follow me," the man said and they followed.

Tidus saw a group of about 50 people or so, most of them were children still scared and some still hurt. He approach a woman that was covered with wet cold towels. Tidus took a closer look and saw that the woman's body was entirely burned. Tidus could see that she was in at most pain that no one could ever imagine.

"Who could do this?" Tidus asked to Elina.

"Well, who ever done this don't value life of other people." She paused realizing something. "The Demons!" she said softly to Tidus' ear so that no one could hear not to cause panic.

"You better do whatever you have to and quick. I will attend to these people," Tidus said and continued to follow the bald man. He took the chance where no one could hear their conversations and explain that they were followed probably by the same people responsible for what happen. Now they had to probably take defensive positions against their enemies he just hoped that was enough to buy time for whom ever Elina was going to contact.

"Preparation for a Trip"
By Kal'Aran
Taran Kinneas

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

Kal'Aran was at the front entrance of the Jedi Temple emerged in his thoughts and viewing the forest. Many things seemed to have happened recently, and this made him wonder how many more were yet to come. Strong time for changes after the ending of the Emperor...

And even the trees of the forest showed some of what was going on, since some had scars of blaster shots to show for it. Suddenly he felt Taran approaching from behind.

"Good morning, Taran," he said. "How are you feeling today?"

"Good morning, Master. I'm fine, within possible," Taran said approaching his Master.

"I was thinking that it is time for you to learn how to build a lightsaber," Kal'Aran told him. "In fact, it is time you assembled one for yourself, so we can take a step further into your training."

"Build my own lightsaber..." Taran was surely caught by surprise.

"Yes," Kal'Aran nodded. "The lightsaber is a Jedi's weapon. It is the only possession a Jedi has and the only tool that should always be with him. Not a random or clumsy weapon like a blaster, but a more civilized weapon. One that we should use for defense."

"Yes, Master," Taran said. "Master, it is from an Adega Crystal that we build our lightsabers?"

"Yes, it is," Kal'Aran nodded. "And even though in the old days, padawans were taken to a system called Illum to get their own, it has come to my attention that you already have one..." he added, then smiling. "Aurra told me about it. A rare one, it seems."

Taran took the box out of one of his pockets and opened it, revealing the white light of the Adega Crystal.

"Indeed a rare one," Kal'Aran nodded. "I shall teach you how to assemble your own lightsaber. And after you have accomplished this, I shall take you on a trip to the forest so that you may have proper practice. Let us call it a small trial to test your skills... Once we return you will have much to learn and much more to practice."

"Yes, master," Taran said simply.

Kal'Aran smiled softly. "Then it is decided. We shall depart tomorrow at the break of dawn. I'm sure that I can leave Aurra's training with Master Vos for a few days..."

"Yes, Master," Taran said looking to the crystal. "I can't keep wondering how did my father keep this crystal. I mean, when he gave it to me he said 'Take this, my son. In the future this will be something you always can rely upon.'" He paused. "It was surreal at the time, but now, knowing that the lightsaber comes from these kind of crystals, it was like he knew about the gift I have."

"Perhaps... One can only speculate," Kal'Aran nodded with a smile. "Now, how fast can you gather your things?" he asked.

"In five minutes maximum... Why do you ask, Master?" Taran asked.

"Because we depart soon," Kal'Aran answered. "Meet me here in twenty minutes."

"Sure, Master." Taran walked away to make his bag for his trip.

Kal'Aran watched as Taran walked away. He then walked back inside the Temple to find Quinlan Vos and Aurra. After setting things with them for Aurra's training over the next few days, he would meet Taran and depart on their journey.

"Incoming, Part 2"
By Tidus Highwind
Garnet Seifer
Aeolus - NPC
Elina Kasn - NPC

Location: Somewhere in the Arion Sector
Date: Vadris 13, 4 ABY

***

"Incoming," Tidus screamed as the missiles started to hit the buildings that still stood. Tidus looked to the side and saw another person being hit by Imperial fire.

He took out his blaster pistol and fired several shots hitting one Stormtrooper and hounded another. He turned to Elina that was firing her blaster Rifle. "You know. There is no absolutely no change we can hold them for long. They have bombs and we have only these!"

"We need to hold. Help is already on its way. We need to hold just five more minutes." She fired the blaster, hitting another stormtrooper.

Another missile hit the building they were on and several rocks fell to the ground. Tidus coughed of the dirt falling from the ceiling. "We don't have five minutes, Elina. In five minutes there will be only dead bodies to rescue."

"We have at least to try." She took cover as enemy fired against her position. She waited for the right moment to fire then out of nothing she heard silence. "Did I suddenly become deaf or did they stop firing?"

"They stopped for some reason!" Tidus looked through a small edge. "Well, they are standing there, but why waiting."

"You there, on the building. I'm Commander Nor, there is no need for you to die today, just deliver us the owner of the ship that crashed here and no harm will come to you. We will tell all survivors of this planet if you give us what we want." The voice was amplified by a small device in front of his mouth. There was no answer. "You have two minutes or will destroy what rest of that building!"

Tidus looked to Elina. "Do we have time!"

Elina looked to the ceiling above that shook any movement at all. "No, if they fire another missile we are as good as dead. If we could stall