Location: Thanatos; Jedi Temple
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

Dani uncoiled herself from the chair she'd been sitting in --- though sitting wouldn't quite be the proper term, possessing it would be more appropriate...as a reisacat might --- and approached where Nieme stood at the window, looking out over the golden sands of the desert. "For as stark as it is," she said, "it is beautiful in its own way. Though, there's something else beautiful I wish to see. I want to see the Temple again, and I want to visit some of our friends there."

Nieme grinned at Dani's reflection in the glass. "So soon? Do you miss them that dearly, my flower?"

"They're such special people," Dani said with a wicked smile, "I think they need some of the special care that only we can give them. Especially Raeila and Ferrig, and I do believe that Talara must miss us very much."

"Very," Nieme purred, sliding a hand over the leather encasing her abdomen. "A night raid again?"

"Yes," Dani answered. "I think the night is the perfect time to raid them. They're careless and have no concept of security. It'll be as easy as finding a willing sex slave in downtown."

Nieme nodded pensively. "Do you think Dargus wishes to join us? He really could use some fun after what he's been through."

"Oh, I think he'd like that very much," Dani purred. "And, I think he might like to sample Laedra while we're there. You know his fondness for beautiful women. We should go get him and tell him our plan. I wonder if we'll need to...wake him up." She grinned. "I hope so."

"With our welcome?" Nieme chuckled throatily and rose with sensuous grace from her chair. "And if he doesn't wish to join us this evening," she told Dani, holding a hand out to her, "we'll just bring the fun home."

"Oh, he is certainly lucky to have us," Dani said as she slipped her hand into Nieme's. "At least he appreciates us, unlike your silly master."

Nieme snorted. "He's a fool. I've offered him everything, and he refuses. Maybe he's a eunuch."

"Maybe next time we're in town, we should pick him up a toy to play with," Dani said. "Maybe he just doesn't prefer girls."

"I'll ask him," Nieme announced with a cheeky smile. "He'll probably make me run his obstacle course again." She rolled her eyes, then giggled as she hurried to Dargus' bedroom.

Dargus was stretched out on his bed, covers only coming up to his waist as he slept. When Nieme entered the room, a smile curled his lips, and he shifted languidly in his sleep, as if her mere presence affected his dreams in some profound way.

"Isn't he so intoxicating?" Nieme whispered, staring lustfully at his bared chest marked with livid scars, but still so appealing.

"Oh, he is," Dani whispered back. "Maybe we can delay going to the temple for...an hour or so."

Nieme chuckled and gently sat upon the edge of the mattress. "My dear...he needs to save his strength for the Jedi, and we need to save ours for pretty little Tala."

Dani's hand snaked down between her leather-clad thighs. "Oh, I look forward to ensuring her devotion and loyalty again, my love. Though, this time we will need to be more strict with her, and...far more convincing."

"And we will be less susceptible to her deception...the little whore." Nieme smiled viciously. "I do think, though," she added, sliding her hand across Dargus' chest, "we will have help with her this time."

"Oh, I think he will be very happy to help us with her," Dani purred. "And, I can't wait to see him help himself to her."

Nieme giggled and glanced aside to watch Dargus' eyes slowly open. "Care to join us?"

"Nothing would make me happier," Dargus said with a lustful grin. "So, what is it that I'll be joining you in? I can tell by your smiles that it's something I'll like very much."

Dani and Nieme exchanged mischievous grins. "Oh...you'll see," Nieme sang.

Dargus pulled the sheet away and glanced down at himself. He looked up at them and smiled. "I'll need to put some clothes on, I think."

"Pity," Dani added with a purr.

"Quite," Nieme concurred with a sad nod, then smiled. "We'll watch."

"Enjoy the show, my two little nymphs," Dargus said as he slipped out of the bed and moved to his closet. Making certain to keep himself within their view, he slowly began pulling on his clothing, all the while doing what he could to give them a delightful show.

Sighing with glee, Nieme reclined on the bed, folding her hands behind her head. "So, Dargus," she called out languidly, "how many females do you want tonight?"

"Besides the two of you," Dargus said as he pulled on a pair of leather pants. "I think I would like...well, how many can I have? As you're aware, I seem to have the gift of stamina."

"Well, I hear they've stocked up the Temple with Padawans," Nieme mused. "Will that be sufficient?"

"Including this little one of yours," Dargus asked, then smiled viciously. "Yes, very much sufficient. I heartily approve."

She chuckled throatily. "Of course you do. Though, are you up for it? We will have to approach with stealth. Are you strong enough?"

"I'm strong enough," Dargus said. "I may be scarred---though I think perhaps I should do something about that---but I'm still strong with the Force, and my recovery has progressed...very well."

"Will it help to screw a Jedi?" Nieme asked, a smile growing.

"I'm certain it will," Dargus said with a grin. "Well, the females, for certain, will be screwed. Again and again."

"And we'll take care of the men," Nieme volunteered readily. "Did you tell him what you did to Koran Darr, my flower?"

"Oh it was beautiful," Dani whispered as she approached Dargus. "I used my pheromones and the Force. He didn't know what hit him. I didn't even have to lay a hand on him to make him cum the first time. But that wasn't very much fun...so I took him on the roof, under the stars and the moon. He is quite talented, especially when he's very willing. I expect he'll be very willing the next time too. You should have heard him calling out my name; it was beautiful, truly beautiful."

"I wonder if he told anyone," Nieme mused.

Dani giggled. "Oh, I wonder what Laedra Vorrel would say about that," she said. "I want to get the two of them in the same room, we can have Koran Darr, my love, while Dargus takes Laedra right next to us. Oh, I do like that plan very much."

Nieme moaned in response and dipped her hand between her legs. "Oh, Dargus...please hurry. There's so much to do!"

Dargus quickly pulled out a shirt and a jacket and pulled them on. It was only a few more moments before he turned. "Ready to go have some fun, my beauties?"

Nieme squealed with delight as she flew off the bed and into his arms, Dani doing the same. "Ready!" she announced, then chuckled lowly. "Oh, you don't know how much so...."

"Oh, I may not know, but I'm getting a very good idea," he said. "I leave the two of you to lead me. You know, girls, I think we need our own place. Maybe a few places. But a large, impressive home we can call our own. With plenty of naked, willing servants."

Nieme and Dani giggled as they started off with Dargus, intending for at least a majority of those willing servants to be comprised of Jedi.

***

The forest was dark and quiet, nearly serene. The trio move swiftly, shadows in the night, homing in on their goal. They could sense it, a beacon of light in the darkness. It was vile and repulsive to anyone of their sensibilities. And, soon all within would fall. Soon, there would be nothing left to stand in their way, and the planet would be theirs for the taking.

But first, there was fun to be had.

Amid the trees they watched the entrance to the Temple, the place that had once been their home, but its oppressive weight had become too much to bear, and now they were free to wreak their vengeance. Grinning up at Dargus and Dani, Nieme whispered, "Shall we split up and take one each? Talara shouldn't be too difficult, nor should Raeila. Though, I'm afraid Laedra Vorrel and Koran Darr will put up a fight."

"We'll probably find Laedra Vorrel and Koran Darr snuggled up in bed together," Dani said. "Why doesn't Dargus go after them and we go after Talara?"

"And Rae," Nieme added quickly. "We can't forget her." She grinned at her lover, then at Dargus. "Good hunting," she sang, and gripping Dani's hand, the two rushed from the trees and merged with the darkness. "Here comes fun," she whispered eagerly.

"They'll never know what hit them," Dani purred.

***

"I think things are really shaping up around here," Koran said as he and Laedra lay together in bed. "We're filling up and the students are learning well. I'm very happy with our progress."

"In time, we'll need to find more teachers," Laedra answered. Sighing softly, she turned her face into his bare chest and pressed a tender kiss to his sweat-sticky flesh. "You know," she mused, moving her lips towards his throat, "I think Kael's ready to begin training Padawans. Not entirely on his own...but I believe he would do well."

Koran smiled. "I think you're right," he said. "He's come a long way from where he started, hasn't he? He's turned into a fine Jedi and a very good young man."

"And you should be proud that you had a hand in it." Laedra gazed up at Koran, grinning tenderly, then reached upwards for a kiss. Neither noticed the shadow falling through their window and across the pale moonlight illuminating their bed.

"I'm proud of everyone here," Koran said, "they're all doing so very well. Look at the youngest ones, how far along they've come just in the last month? I'm very happy to be a part of this." Something nudged at the back of his mind, but it was quickly followed by a feeling of safety and security. There was nothing wrong, he told himself.

Laedra sighed contentedly, and remained silently in Koran's arms simply sharing in his warmth. After a time, Laedra shifted away from him and slipped out of bed. "I'll be back soon," she whispered, and pressed a kiss to his brow. "Did you want something from the kitchen?"

"Only you when you're done," Koran said with a smile. "I'll see you soon, my love."

Laedra chuckled softly and reciprocated the sentiment before turning away and heading for the door. She picked up her robe along the way and pulled it on as she stepped out of the room, into the thick darkness of the corridor. The door closed behind her.

***

Talara shifted in her sleep, snuggling closer to the soft, warm body next to hers. Even in her groggy, half-awake state, it didn't take much work to figure out it was Raeila to whom she snuggled against. She smiled and pressed her lips against Rae's shoulder. They hadn't done anything, well nothing that included her. Ferrig and Raeila had, though. They were beautiful together, and they didn't seem to mind that Tala was in the room with them. Still feeling some of the ache from the denial of release, Talara slid her hand down between her legs. She just hoped Rae and Ferrig didn't mind.

"Oh, they won't," a voice from the darkness purred. "But if you need help..."

Talara gasped and turned quickly. She shook her head, as the single shape separated into two as they approached. The shadows loomed closer until she could make out the features of Nieme and Dani in the darkness. "No," she whispered. "Please..."

Nieme chuckled lowly. "Did you hear that, my love? She's begging." She moaned, then, and shifted closer to the bed. Her hungry smile came into view. "I love it when she begs."

Talara couldn't move, caught in the gaze of Nieme and Dani. She shook her head again, but felt her back arching as they drew nearer. Their hold over her was still strong...and her body remembered. "Please," she whispered again.

"Don't worry," Nieme crooned as she sat down by Talara's side. "We'll get you out of here." She lowered her lips to Tala's and kissed the girl briefly. Her eyes gazed past Talara and towards Raeila's bared, sleeping form. "Would you like to bring her, too?"

Talara looked to Raeila and felt her hunger blossom. She was certain everyone in the room would feel the heat radiating from between her legs. Without turning away, she nodded. "Yes," she whispered, and knew she'd regret the word.

Dani slipped a hand between Tala's thighs and purred. "Oh, she's missed us," she whispered. "Either that or she really wants Rae, or maybe Ferrig."

"Or both," Nieme added with a knowing smile at their young apprentice. "We can bring them both if you desire, Talara. It will be a show of good faith on our part, dear girl." Her hand smoothed across Talara's belly, the piercing at her naval detectable against her palm. She didn't belong at the Temple, Nieme was certain of that, as was Talara. "We have to move quickly," she whispered. "Can you do that, Talara? For us?"

No, said her mind, though her mouth, at the urging of her body, answered, "Yes. I will."

"She is still one of us," Dani purred, "though she was very naughty and will have to be punished. We will have to think up a very good punishment for her, won't we my love?"

"Oh, yes," Nieme agreed with a silky smile. "Perhaps tie up her hands so she cannot find release on her own?" She nodded at her own suggestion. "While she watches us take Raeila...or Ferrig, maybe?" She chuckled throatily, transferring her hand to Raeila's abdomen. She whimpered in her sleep and shifted against Talara.

The heat of Raeila's body brought out another moan in Talara and she whimpered as Dani's hand disappeared from between her legs. She started to move her own hand there, but it was caught quickly and held. "Yes," Dani said. "I think that is a delightful idea. And, until she learns her lesson and re-earns her freedom, she will be our little slave."

"A good little one," Nieme told her with a sweetly vicious smile. "Now, get up." She rose from the bedside, grasped the sheets and threw them back with one toss. Raeila snuggled closer to Talara at the fleeting warmth and her eyes flickered open as she muttered sleepily, "What's going on?"

"We have to go," Talara whispered. "They'll...they'll hurt us if we don't go, Raeila. We...we have to go with them."

"With who?" Rae sighed, and opened her eyes fully. Through the haze was Dani's violet, smiling face. She gasped and sat upright in bed, only to be faced next with Nieme. Her bewildered, sorrowful gaze shifted to Talara, and slowly she shook her head. "Tala," she whispered, choking on the word.

"They'll hurt us," Talara whispered. "I...I don't want you hurt, Rae. I don't want Ferrig hurt. They'll...they'll hurt us...we...oh gods, I'm sorry...please, just...I don't want you hurt."

The betrayal and pain in her eyes wasn't masked, neither was the rage as she turned her attention again to Nieme and Dani. They moved in towards them, and Raeila screamed.

Dani lashed out with the Force, pushing Raeila back onto the bed and holding her in place. As she'd done so many times before, she silenced the screaming bitch with a thought. "That wasn't very smart," Dani said. "You didn't listen to the little slut's warning, did you? Now, all three of you will be hurt because you don't know how to follow instructions."

Ferrig was awake in an instant, but he received the same treatment from Nieme. She grinned ferally at him. "Thank Tala for this," she told him.

"No," Talara whispered. "I didn't...it wasn't...I..." She looked to Nieme with the same expression of betrayal Raeila had given her.

"You bitch," Ferrig rasped, his voice barely audible through the control she had over him. "You'll...you'll...pay."

She snorted. "Unlikely." Motioning her head towards the two, Nieme addressed Talara. "Get them up. We're leaving."

"I can'--"

Before she could finish, Dani cuffed her. "Of course you will," she said. "And, if you don't, you'll be very sorry. Now, get them." She pulled her lightsaber and moved toward the door.

Behind her, Talara moved to Raeila and Ferrig, glancing back at Nieme and Dani, suppressing the glare she wanted to give them. She turned back and sobbed as she started to bind Raeila. "I'm sorry."

Her once hard stare softened, and Raeila managed a tender smile for Talara. Her hatred, though, still burned for Nieme and Dani. After her bindings were in place, Raeila was helped to her feet and restrained there by Dani's will. Nieme was rummaging in the drawers for clothing that could be haphazardly thrown over them; the last thing she wanted was for their new slaves to die of exposure, not when they were so close to finally possessing them.

***

The kitchen was dark and silent as Laedra pilfered a snack from the refrigeration unit. Of course, Orn was never one to discourage a midnight snack, so there were never repercussions for taking one. Tonight, however, would turn out to be a bad day for filching treats. "That looks very tasty," a voice in the darkness said as it circled her. "And, so does your little treat there."

The pastry in her hand was slowly set down as Laedra looked out into the darkness. She knew that voice...but also knew it could not belong to the man who had once owned it. The light from the refrigeration unit stretched out into the black room, illuminating her fully, and only his legs, but the evil stench rolling off him was all she required for identification. "Kandran," she whispered, and took a step back.

"Oh, you're good," he said, and it sounded as if he was smiling. "I'm certain the advantage is in my favour against you in this little encounter considering your flimsy nightshirt. And, I'm fairly certain you're not carrying a lightsaber because there's only one place to hide it, and Jedi Master Koran Darr was hiding his lightsaber there not so long ago. However, I don't believe in even odds or playing fair. However, I do strongly believe that no pretty woman should go untouched. Now, will you go easily or not?"

Laedra responded by dashing past Dargus, while summoning one of Orn's knives into her grasp. She whirled on him with the weapon raised. "You're supposed to be dead," Laedra stated with surprising calm. "Cheated death again?"

"I make a policy of cheating everyone and everything," Dargus said with a smile. "I find that I get the things I want in life that way. Then again, I got more than I paid for in that fight with Kace Mordin, but I'll pay him back one of these days. Until then, I'll have to settle with you."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow at him, and with incremental movements began steering them towards the door. "I have no quarrel with you, Dargus. I've done nothing directly to hurt you. Or is it simply that I am Jedi, and that is enough for your scorn?"

"You are a Jedi and you share the bed of one of the Jedi Masters here. I hear that Dani had quite a fun time with Master Koran Darr. He was crying out her name, as loud as he could atop the Frasce-Katri building in New Plouton. Don't let him fool you, he enjoyed getting himself inside her. She also says that he's masterful with oral sex. I believe her words were, as soon as he got his tongue in me, I was screaming his name as well."

"That means little to me," Laedra told him, keeping her emotions tightly composed. "It was against his will; he cannot be faulted for that." She quested out through the Force, into the darkness, and sought the door. It was near, and she only needed to distract him a moment longer to escape.... "I wonder," she continued, "did Yelara do the same with Liam Zaneth? Was his name the one she spoke when you made love?"

"Quite possibly," Dargus said. "Oh, the things she wanted to do to you for stealing Liam from her. I was going to help her too, though things didn't quite work out the way we'd hoped. I guess her love for him was too strong, and his love for you...well, hard to say if it existed at all. According to rumours, he's run off with some other woman. Ah, fickle fickle. A little more to the left if you're looking for the door."

Laedra stopped and probed through the darkness for Dargus' position, while also seeking out Koran through the Force. "You should leave," she warned him.

"I know," Dargus said. "Though, I was hoping for a kiss before I go. Don't be such a prude, Laedra. I'm a sexual master, just think of all the things you could learn and share with Koran Darr. Oh the possibilities..."

"Delusions," she corrected, then spun and lunged for the door.

Dargus waved a hand through the air and wind summoned from nowhere buffeted Laedra, arresting her charge and keeping her just out of reach of the door. "My powers are stronger than yours," Dargus rasped. "Don't force me to show you just how strong I am. Now, cease your attempts at heroics, and submit. It'll go easier on you if you do."

"But I won't," she spat, and instead of fighting the powerful winds, Laedra turned and allowed it to throw her towards Dargus with knife swinging.

Dargus slipped to the side, allowing Laedra to hurl past him, then spun toward the door himself. "I'll see you again, Laedra Vorrel," he said. "Perhaps next time, I could show you a technique that will have Koran Darr in your power forever." He gave her a salute, and slipped through the door.

Laedra frowned into the darkness, but overcame the momentary confusion and followed after Dargus. In the main hall, his presence was absent, but his lingering essence remained. Eyes still scanning the blackened room, and knife poised to strike, Laedra called out through the Force for Koran. It seemed there would be no peace that night.

***

In his bed, Koran Darr bolted upright. Laedra!

Through the Force, he sensed what had happened with her, and knew the danger they faced. So...he sounded the alarm.

***

"Hurry," Dani urged, and swatted at Ferrig's backside. "Your survival depends on us getting out of here. If things look bad, know that the three of you will be killed, so I suggest a little less resistance, unless you wish to die."

"Leave him alone," Rae snapped, earning a shove from Nieme that sent her stumbling into Talara.

"I think, Mrs. Selrid," Nieme hissed, "that you believe we require you alive." She grinned. "We don't. So, I'd refrain from handing out orders."

"Yes," Dani said with a giggle, "your abduction is purely for our own enjoyment, and we'll enjoy killing you just as much as we will engaging in the other blissful activities we have planned for you."

"Kael and the Jedi will save us," Raeila declared. I hope, she added mentally, and looked back with longing at the Temple growing more distant the deeper they moved into the forest.

Above them in the trees, a brilliant, glowing shaft of green appeared, and was quickly followed in the darkness by the form of Kael Selrid. His sudden arrival caught Dani and Nieme by surprise, giving him an extra moment to act. "You never learn, do you," he said as he planted a boot into Dani's abdomen, sending her sprawling back away from where she and Nieme and been walking. "You're not welcome here as long as you walk the path of Darkness."

"Well, we were just leaving anyway," Nieme replied sweetly, and as one hand unclasped her weapon and ignited it, the other locked around Raeila's waist. Her purple blade swung towards Rae's neck but stopped mere millimeters from it. "We're taking our toys with us," she told him. "With or without their heads."

Kael looked into Raeila's eyes and felt his heart shatter. "Damn you," he rasped, then lowered his weapon.

She chuckled. "Too late. Now, back away. Talara...take his weapon."

Talara stepped forward and pulled the weapon from Kael's hands, apologizing under her breath. He backed away, keeping his eyes on Nieme and his Force senses open.

"Well," Nieme sighed, smiling with satisfaction. "I think we'll be off now. You have a good night, Kael, and know that if you hadn't fucked with me, this would never have happened." She gave her ex- lover a sultry wink, then motioned the others into the forest. Raeila groaned and reached out with both bound hands for Kael as Nieme began dragging her away.

Kael watched them go, a frown deepening on his face. He reached out through the Force and touched Raeila. I'll come for you, he thought to her. I'll be there soon, my arozeil.

***

"I don't sense him anywhere," Laedra reported to Koran as she returned to the atrium after her search of the forest. Instead of her nightgown, she was in her Jedi robes, as was Koran. They were prepared to encounter an enemy now, but it appeared to be too late. "Kael's still out there," she said softly. "He won't come in until he finds Raeila."

"They're heading toward Thanatos," came Kael's voice as he strode through the door, his dark robes swirling behind him.

Koran turned and nodded to Kael.

"Having to bring Talara, Raeila and Ferrig slowed them until they got into the city, then they stole a speeder. Talara is working with and against them; I believe she's in deep conflict between us and them. From what Raeila told me, she was introduced to a number of...intoxicating activities, and I have a feeling that her body is craving them against the will of her mind."

"Thanatos," Koran said as he mused. "It is understandable they'd return there. Though, how do we catch them now?"

"Especially with Dargus Kandran guiding them," Laedra pointed out. "I was certain he was dead... I felt his departure through the Force."

"His continued existence is troubling," Koran said. "The three of them will be difficult to stop, and I'm not sure if the three of us will be able to. Fighting against their type, who are willing to do anything to win, is always difficult, though not impossible."

"We don't need to defeat them," Laedra told them. "We just need to hold them off long enough to retrieve Raeila, Ferrig, and Talara...if she wishes to return."

"When I caught up to them, I could feel her doubts and fears," Kael said. "She doesn't want to be with them, but I believe she's addicted to the emotions and pleasure she gets with them. If we can tempt her away from them, she'll return. After she returns, we will need to do everything we can to help her build up a defense against Nieme and Dani's enticement."

"I believe," Laedra stated, "that she will not like my method of rehabilitation. But then, she doesn't have to, as long as she wishes to be a Jedi."

Kael met Laedra's gaze. "You may want to rethink that. Taking a hard hand with her now could very likely drive her back to them, and we may never get her back. To deny her what she wants now, when they offer it to her... That which is denied will become the heart's desire. We should ease her back into life as a Jedi, allow her access to what she longs for. If we deny her the love she feels for Ferrig, she will find another way to get it. We don't want her turning to them, especially not willingly."

"She can love without succumbing to depravity," Laedra reasoned. "Allowing her to do so will only lead her down the path she now treads. We can't afford to be liberal with her, Kael, or we'll never get her back." She held his gaze steadily, then diverted her attention to Koran, an indication that there was nothing more to discuss on the matter. "When do we depart?"

"I'm leaving now," Kael said, and spun on his heel and was heading toward the door.

Koran watched after Kael for a moment, then looked to Laedra. "It sounds like we're leaving now."

"I am inclined to agree," Laedra replied with a touch of a grin, and followed after the headstrong Jedi Knight.

"When we get her back," Koran said as he followed along beside Laedra, "do be careful. We'll be walking an extremely hard line with her, and we don't want to make what Dani and Nieme are offering her too desirable."

"If she truly loves Ferrig," Laedra answered, "it won't be." Smiling significantly at him, and knowing how difficult it was to remain separated from him, she was confident that Talara would make the right decision in the end.

"Just...be careful with her, Laedra," Koran said. He then added: "If you push her too soon, we will lose her."

She sighed, and with a tight smile nodded assent. "I will go slowly with her," she relented. "I promise."

"Thank you," Koran whispered. "Now, let's go get her back."

They stepped outside of the Temple, into the dusky clearing. The sun was coming up and throwing mottled splashes of light onto the forest floor. Kael was already in the speeder, waiting, and as she and Koran slipped inside, there was a distinct sensation of deja vu. They had gone to Thanatos once to retrieve Nieme and Dani after their abduction, but now, they would meet the girls again to potentially end their lives. It was a cruel irony that left an unsettling feeling in her stomach, but it had to be done. They were dark and their taint would soon enough consume them all. For the future of the Order, Nieme and Dani had to be stopped by any means necessary.

"Landing"
By Jahrn O'Kair

Location: Space to Thanatos
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

The wall to his left seemed so bright while the corridor remained in pitch black. He could hear footsteps, not his own, in front of him. He turned a corner and there he was. Breathing deeply, scared and all too clear in the dark. Blaster fire flew from Jahrn's gun, the many blasts silent. Bodies flashed into, then out of, existence, an aura of red surrounded their pain streaked faces.

Jahrn shot up and gasped. He took deep breaths, feeling as if he had been submerged in water, refusing his lungs the air they needed. Even if the air was recycled and stank of oil. Jahrn ran a hand through his spiky brown hair, making sure it was angled back as well as trying to soak up any sweat.

"You were thrashing like a girl. I had to pull out into here to keep ya from hurtin' anyone."

He realised that he had been lying on the floor and in a green tinged cargo room. Across the floor sat an old man with a large white beard. Jahrn saw his satchel near him with his leather coat folded neatly on top of it. He sat up and stared the old man in the eye.

"Thanks...did I say anything...or hurt anyone?"

"Nope...not badly at least. I have a bruise or two on my chest where you swiped me, but otherwise I'm fine," he smiled then asked: "So why're you headed to Thanatos? Not the most peaceful place in the galaxy. You looking for someone or something?"

Jahrn rubbed a thumb against his sideburns. He was relieved that he had not hurt any innocents. He'd done enough of that already.

"Close. I'm a Bounty Hunter. I'll be looking for many people."

"A Bounty Hunter, eh? I've heard stories about 'em. Bad stuff mostly. Did you hear of how many died during the war against the Empire?"

"Yes, but they were against the rebels. I'm not on either side, the Remnant of the Empire or the New Republic. As far as I care they can both take their politics and stick it up their..."

"Whoa there, boy! Calm down. Like they say, 'The war's over,' eh? But there's no use denying that powerful men died. Great killers sent after great killers and death spreadin' around them. You heard of Fett?"

Jahrn nodded in recognition of the name of one of the deadliest men who had ever lived.

"Now he's dead! There ain't much good for a Bounty Hunter to do besides spread death and cause misery."

Jahrn shook his head. "No! Some deaths will mean that others will live. I am not a monster and I know the risks, but I will pull through."

A long silence thickened between them. The old man finally gave up and pushed himself to his feet.

"Then you'll need this back." He withdrew Jahrn's blaster and handed it to the surprised youth. He hadn't realised it had been missing.

"Don't get killed too soon."

The old man left the room and left Jahrn to his thoughts. He returned to his seat several minutes later, greeted by worried stares with the old man being one of the very few who did not crane his neck back to see the Nightmare racked youth.

The ship's Repulsorlifts kicked in as it entered the atmosphere heading for the hot, dirty and dangerous Thanatos port.

"Bittersweet Homecoming"
By: Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr
Cadwin Tarrell [NPC+]
Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Kimara [NPC+]
Maeren Shivral [NPC+]

Location: Agarra
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

The transport set down onto the landing pad, blowing a gust of air out away from the small craft. As its hydraulics accepted the weight of the ship, it settled into its berth and prepared to offload its passengers. In the side of the slate grey hull, a hatch opened and descended to the ground, a small ramp extending outward for those inside to make dirtfall.

One of the first off the transport shaded his eyes against the bright sun shining down, one of the few places the sun did shine down to the ground on this jungle world. He looked into the small crowd gathered at the base of the transport and smiled as he found the smiling faces waiting specifically for him. He moved toward them with haste. When he reached them, he pulled the first one out of the crowd, rushing toward him as he rushed toward her, into his arms.

Merrick Braston had returned to the love of his life, and the tears that railed down his cheeks were a testament to the love he felt for her. "Oh Kaysa," he rasped, holding her tight. "Oh gods, Kaysa, it's you..."

"Of course it's me," she whispered thickly, clutching the back of his shirt desperately. "I know there's a little more from the last time we were together, but it's still all me."

Merrick laughed. "You look beautiful," he said into her ear as he rubbed a hand gently over her belly. "It's...you have no idea how good it is to see you again. I thought...I thought I'd never see you again, but...but here we are. Oh gods, Kaysa...it's so wonderful."

She smiled up at him, at the grey eyes that were a blur beneath the wash of tears. Tenderly and trembling with anticipation, Kaysa leaned in and brushed her lips against his. In that instant, she was reminded of how much she truly missed him. Sobbing, she held him in a secure embrace and spread her kisses to his cheek and throat. "Everything's right again," she whispered. "I love you, Braston."

"Hey," Shiv said from next to them as her arms circled around them both. "Don't forget to let me tell him how much I missed him, and how much I love him." She looked up into Merrick's eyes and smiled. "I missed you too. Oh gods, so much Merrick."

"This is a perfect homecoming," Merrick whispered. "My girls. My beautiful girls. If neither of you have plans tonight, I'd...well, if it's alright, that is..."

Kaysa chuckled. "Quite alright...though there's so much to tell you." She pulled back slightly, and regarded him suddenly gravely. "And I think there are a few things you have to tell me, too."

Merrick nodded slowly. "Yes," he said, his voice gentle but haunted. "But tomorrow. I want today, tonight, to be for us. There will be time for...the rest tomorrow."

"Alright," she whispered, and kissed him again gently. "For now, there are some new people you need to meet, and some old faces to become reacquainted with."

"I look forward to that," Merrick said as he loosened his hold a little and slipped one arm around Kaysa. "It's so good to be back here with you again. I think you probably have an idea how much I missed you."

"If it's as much as I missed you," she answered, "then yeah, I've got some idea." Smiling affectionately at one another, they moved off towards the waiting crowd of friends and family, grateful that Cadwin had chosen to stay behind for now.

***

"Don't fidget," Keeve snapped at Kim, though with a smile, as they started down the ramp. "You look fine."

"I'm sorry," Kimara said as she quickly put her hands down to her sides. "It's just...I'm nervous. What if she doesn't like me? Or if she thinks I'm a bad person...or...or anything. What if it doesn't go well."

"It will," he assured her with a squeeze of his arm around her waist. "Just be yourself, and I know she'll want to take you to her bed in no time." Keeve chuckled.

Kim giggled. "She will?" she asked, her voice perhaps more hopeful than it should have been. "I'll be really good...and...and it'll be fine...and I won't fidget. I promise."

Keeve nodded, and once they hit the ramp, he stepped aside from Kimara and searched the crowd for Shiv's beaming smile. Once he saw it, he clutched Kim's hand and hurried her down the ramp with him. "There she is," he announced, and his grin broadened.

"Oh wow...she..." Kim looked over to Keeve, then back to where Shiv stood. "She...she looks just like me. Can we...go meet her?"

He shot her his charming, crooked smile. "Why do you think we're in such a hurry?" And with a laugh, he jogged the rest of the way down the ramp with Kim, opening his arms for Shiv as he did.

Shiv flew into Keeve's arms with such force that it spun both of them around. She covered his face in kisses, squealing with delight. "Oh gods I've missed you, Keeve. I'm so glad you're back...so happy...oh...it's you...in my arms, and...so happy."

"And talking in complete sentences," he joked, then covered her lips with his as he gave his wife a proper greeting. She suddenly became nearly weightless in his arms as he crushed her to his chest. "Oh, Maeren," he sighed once his mouth was numb, "you wouldn't believe the couple weeks I've had."

"Oh, I know! We've had a floopy week here too! Well, first Kaysa's ex-husband, who I guess is actually still her husband showed up, and Zari, and...oh, Hope ate a hole in one of my favourite shirts. I think she thought I had some shaznip in there."

"Wait." Keeve gripped Shiv's arms gently once he had set her down. His once elated expression had darkened considerably. "Kaysa's ex- husband...my father?" he asked.

Shiv's jaw dropped open as she realized what she'd actually said, then nodded. "Yes," she said. "He's here...he arrived right after you'd left...he's over with Kaysa and Merrick now...over there." She pointed.

Keeve's jaw clenched and he turned his head away with a sharp sigh. Kim, displaying concern, came into view. He smiled wanly at her. "Oh, yeah" --his gaze returned to Shiv and his head motioned in Kim's direction-- "this is Kimara. She's your clone."

Shiv's jaw dropped again as she looked at the young woman who looked exactly like her, a mirror image right down to the piercings. "Wow," she whispered.

"Wow," Kimara whispered back. "Hi."

Shiv smiled then squeezed Keeve happily. "Hi. Wow...she's like...exactly like me, even the...the pierces."

"Well, we had to do that to her," he explained distractedly. "For some ruse... I-I have to talk to Kaysa immediately. It's just-- My father, Maeren. How the hells did that happen?

"He was here...hiding," Shiv said. "He'd be able to tell you for certain, or Kaysa. It sounds like there was a problem with something he'd done, and he had to leave, to protect you and your mother. It sounds like it was some trouble...with the Tregats."

Keeve hissed through his clenched teeth. "Those bastards again? Oot should've killed them...."

"What...what did she do with them?" Shiv asked. "They...gods, Keeve, they...they've tainted so much..."

"Well, they won't ever do that again," he told her firmly. "And neither will Zale."

"Good," Shiv whispered. "You should go see Kaysa, and...and Cadwin. They're over there."

"I'm guessing you want to talk to Kim...alone." He smirked and nodded towards the girl. "Don't do anything naughty, okay?"

"I promise as long as she does," Kimara said, closing the distance between the two.

Shiv giggled. "I'll do my best," she told Keeve, then gave Kim a long look, "but she is very sexy. Don't worry, we'll be fine out here in public."

"Somehow," Keeve replied, "that instills little confidence in me, Maeren." After pressing a hand to their cheeks, Keeve sighed and turned away. He didn't know which person in the crowd was Cadwin Tarrel, but when he did find out, Keeve didn't plan on being genial.

***

As Cadwin and Merrick stood together, talking with Kaysa, there was an awkward comfort in the moment. While they were both her husband, there was little point to competing. In how she interacted with both, her love was obvious and tangible. In only a few minutes, both had accepted their places in her life.

Merrick was nodding over something Cadwin had said. "It was difficult, but they're finished now. I don't think we'll be dealing with the Tregats for a very long time."

"Not if I have a hand in it." The three turned towards the voice, Kaysa smiling fondly at her son. She was soon in his arms, embracing him. He sighed and returned the gesture. "Hi, Mom," he whispered, and she kissed his cheek firmly.

"I missed you," she told him and when it sounded as if she would sob, Keeve grumbled and pulled away with cheeks blushing.

"Mom...stop that," he muttered, and she did, with a laugh at his discomfort.

All sign of humour vanished when his eyes found Cadwin's and Kaysa saw it immediately. She held his hand to keep him calm, then motioned towards Cadwin. "I want you to meet someone," she whispered.

"Let me guess," Keeve cut in, his voice dripping with contempt, "this would be my wastrel father - or at the least, the man who knocked you up."

"Keeve!" Kaysa hissed.

"It's alright, Kaysa," Cadwin said. "He has the right to be angry without knowing any of the reasons why I left. And, considering he's our son, I expect that this will be a stubborn grudge he'll hold from one side. Though, I really do wonder, whose tongue does he have? Yours or mine?"

"Definitely not yours," Keeve spat. "I want nothing to do with you."

"Too late," Kaysa said gently. "You've already got his smile."

"Well, this all seems very familiar," Merrick said. "I knew that he'd been too nice lately; I was missing all the frothing anger and hatred."

"Shut up," he told Merrick with little venom. It earned him a cuff to the back of his head. "Mom!" Keeve exclaimed at a near-whining pitch as he rubbed the throb away. Kaysa snickered and embraced him. Keeve slipped an arm around her waist, and held her protectively from Cadwin. "You've got a lot to make up for, Tarrel," he told Cadwin.

Cadwin looked at Keeve and nodded. "I know I do," he said. "I know I wasn't there for you, Keeve, and I wasn't there for your mother. But I want to be here now, if you'll give me another chance." He held out a hand to Keeve as his insides twisted with the fear of his son's rejection.

He stared with hard eyes at the hand, shaped so much like his own, yet only feeling revulsion at the sight of it. It wasn't time for forgiveness yet, not by a long shot. "Mom," he whispered, turning his gaze from Cadwin's offered hand, "we should get you home now."

Disappointment was clear in Kaysa's features, but she smiled at Keeve; she couldn't blame him for his resentment, for she had felt the same towards Cadwin at one time, and Keeve had suffered far more than she had. "Okay," she said softly. She glanced aside at Cadwin and favoured him with a reassuring smile. "Let's go home."

Merrick glared at Keeve, then, just before he started off in the direction the vehicle would be parked, rasped: "Prick."

Cadwin watched Merrick move off, then pulled his hand back and shoved it into one of the pockets of his pants. "I should go to my hotel," he said. "I'll see you later, Kayse."

She smiled apologetically at her husband, and moved forward to embrace him. "He'll come around," she whispered. "It took him almost a year to call me anything other than Kaysa, or 'bitch.' "

Cadwin shook his head and sighed. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I'll let you have your reunion with them tonight, and maybe we can see each other tomorrow. I don't think I'd be very welcome there tonight."

"You are, though," she assured him. Pulling back, she smiled. "Come for dinner. He may not want to see you right now, but the rest of us do." Kaysa shrugged. "You've got the majority in your favour, Cad. So...don't be a stranger."

Cadwin was silent as he looked off into the distance. "I guess Zari would be upset if she didn't get a chance to finish that picture she'd started," he said. "Wouldn't want to disappoint her, would I?"

Kaysa chuckled. "Not a chance," she whispered, then sought to ease his anxieties with a tender kiss.

"Thanks, Kayse," Cadwin said. "Well, I guess we'd better get going before they leave without us."

She grinned and came up beside him with her arm slung across his waist. Walking alongside Cadwin, and with her family waiting beyond, Kaysa felt nearly complete. Though she couldn't help noticing Zale was missing. He'd honoured her wishes and kept away, but she couldn't help the yearning she felt, and wistfully hoped he might show up after all.

When they finally caught up, Merrick caught the look in Kaysa's eye and nodded. "Don't worry," he said softly to her. "He'll be fine. He has Moril and Saris watching out for him, and I gave them a few specific instructions for keeping him out of trouble. He'll be fine. Everything will be fine."

Kaysa laughed softly. "Stop saying that," she urged him playfully, then hooked an arm around his. "I know he'll get over it...once his tantrum has run its course. As long as he does nothing more than glare during dinner, everything's good, right?"

"Him too," Merrick said as he looked at her. "But, I was talking about Zale."

Kaysa stopped abruptly, her face pale and her body trembling. Turning her head slowly in Merrick's direction, she whispered, "Zale's here?"

"He's still on Tae'Karada," Merrick said. "You said you wanted him to stay away, so he's doing as you asked. Though, Moril and Saris are keeping an eye on him."

The colour seemed to return to her complexion, and Kaysa relaxed with a sigh. "I'm not ready to see him...and I'm not sure I'll ever be. You promise he won't come?"

"I can't promise that for him," Merrick said, "but I doubt that he will after your conversation with him. And, I don't think Moril or Saris will let him leave the planet, not with so much left to do."

"Left how?" she asked with a tinge of bitterness. "To rebuild the empire he let crumble while he was fucking to his heart's content?"

"That isn't fair, Kaysa," Merrick said. "Even if he weren't doing the things he did, he was still their prisoner and couldn't have done anything outside of what his brothers forced us into. It would have crumbled regardless, whether he was willing or not in the depraved activities they had us performing. He was wrong to do what he did, but what happened to his empire was not his doing."

"What do you care?" Kaysa snapped. "I hope he loses everything. I hope he suffers, because he certainly didn't care whether you were, or whether I am because of what he did!"

"He is suffering, Kaysa," Merrick said. "He'll be suffering for a very long time. However, I'm angry at him for the things he did, for the choices he made. I hope it crashed down on him for what he did to me, for what he did to you, and for all the things he's done in the past. Blind anger will only cloud the issues, and I don't want my anger at him clouded. The truth is he had no say in what happened to Antorial. The truth is that because of what he did to me in there, I hope he's not able to pull things back together. I hope he gets back what he gave to me, and the irony would be that everything around him crumbles because he alienated all those who could help him get it back. He didn't let it crumble because he was too busy fucking everything that moved. But, after what he did, I hope it does crumble and all he's able to do is watch helplessly while everyone who was close abandons him as he abandoned us."

Kaysa narrowed her eyes at Merrick as a fierce smile sharply curled her lips. "I'm glad you agree," she said in a low voice. She left both Cadwin and Merrick standing while she stalked off, cradling her distended belly in her arms.

"I think she's a little angry," Cadwin said.

Merrick smiled. "If I were Zale, and I'm really glad I'm not, I wouldn't get within ten parsecs of her. Come on, let's go catch up before they leave. I don't think that she'd forget about us, but Keeve might."

***

Once Merrick and Cadwin were in the speeder, and after directing a scowl at Cadwin, Keeve fired the speeder's thrusters. "Everybody tired of reunions and anxious to get home?"

"I like reunions," Kimara said. "It's so much fun meeting everyone."

Shiv laughed. "It's going to be very crowded at home."

"Wait--" Kaysa, sitting in the center of the backseat, leaned forward and peered into the front section. Twin faces stared back at her and Kaysa's eyes widened. "Shiv...there's two of you."

"Hi," one of the two Shivs said, "I'm Kimara. I...I'm a...a clone..."

Kaysa nodded slowly, thoughtfully, and finally answered with, "Oh" then leaned back once more.

With introductions made finally, Keeve sighed and hit the thrusters. Their very full speeder pushed forward into traffic, leaving behind the spaceport and all the drama it had offered them that day.

"Freedom's Plight, Part 1"
By: Koran Darr
Kael Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Dani
Nieme Yaresh
Dargus Kandran
Talara Sorenne
Raeila Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Jadda's Palace
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

The sand stretched out all around them, expanding seemingly into infinity. This had been Kael Selrid's home, the place where he had grown to be a man, but not the place where he had found the maturity and drive to become a Jedi Knight. Tonight he returned, though there was no joy in the returning. Tonight he sought that which had been taken from the safety of the Jedi Temple. Tonight he sought to end the reign of terror Nieme and Dani had started.

"They are inside there," he said, pointing to the large, palatial structure. "I cannot be sure of their location within, but once we are inside I can lead us to them. There is more here than just them though. This is a place of evil and corruption. This is the palace of Jadda the Hutt."

"Then we may have more to contend with than Nieme and Dani." Laedra Vorrel looked aside at Koran Darr, her grim expression mirrored by the anxiety she was working to suppress. "We must infiltrate the building from different areas. By dividing our forces, we have a greater chance of subduing any guards within."

"A good plan," Koran said with a nod. "We'll cover more ground that way. I don't believe the Hutt's regular forces will give us much trouble. Our difficulty will come from Nieme, Dani, Kandran...or...or the other presence."

"If we meet any of them inside, we should signal the others," Kael said. "I don't believe this is a place where we want to get ourselves surrounded and cut off. If Nieme or Dani catches any of us, they will neutralize us as quickly as possible, and what comes next will not be pleasant."

"Let's not think about that," Laedra advised. "It will only create doubt." She sighed and crouched behind the dune they were using to conceal them with her back to the shifting sands. "May the Force be with us all...and let us at least hope Talara is still on our side."

"Keep the secure channel open at all times," Koran said. "If we find Talara or the others, we all converge and get them clear. That is our first priority. Taking down Nieme and Dani or any of the others inside is secondary. May the Force be with us."

"Always," Kael said.

Laedra gave Koran a significant, tender smile, then threw her cowl over her head and ducked off into the darkness.

"We'll get them out," Koran said to Kael. At Kael's confident smile and nod, Koran turned and slipped away, leaving Kael alone. He knew they would get them out. What he didn't know was how much they'd have to sacrifice doing so.

***

"Oh," Dani purred, "aren't they cute? My dear, I do think they're scared, don't you? Look at the way they tremble." She slinked in front of where Raeila and Ferrig lay on the bed near each other but not touching. Talara sat a short distance away, her hands bound where she would be unable to touch herself, to find the relief she desired. She'd been a bad girl, and now she paid the price. "So, whatever shall we do with them? I have a few ideas that I know I'll like."

"Oh, I have a few ideas." Nieme chuckled lowly as she came up beside her lover. Rae and Ferrig had been stripped of their clothing - slaves didn't deserve to be attired. "I wish to torture them then force them to pleasure us. Should I make the bitch bleed, do you think?"

"Not yet," Dani said. "If we make them bleed, then it'll just get messy when they pleasure us. We can make them bleed after, my love. I want him coherent enough when I fuck him, and I want her coherent enough when she watches us."

Nieme grinned viciously at Raeila. "A wonderful idea, indeed..." Glancing aside at her lover, Nieme whispered, "I believe Dargus would like to take the girl while we take her brother. Make her scream, hm?"

"Oh, yes indeed," Dani said with an equally vicious smile. "He's had an erection since we got her back here just thinking about it. Yes, I think he should definitely get to have his way with her now. I wonder if we'll need to tie Raeila down for this."

As if in response, Raeila screamed against her gag and thrashed violently in the bed. Nieme sighed and halted her with a single raised hand exuding a web constructed by the Force. "So defiant," she chided. "We really should get Dargus in here immediately."

"Do you want to get him, and I'll get Ferrig warmed up?"

Nieme rolled her eyes and sighed wearily. "My love...I already have summoned him. The Force is a powerful ally, remember?" Making a shooing gesture at her lover, she ushered her towards Ferrig. "Talara, my dear," Nieme called to the girl, "come closer so you can watch."

As Dani moved over to where Ferrig lay, unable to move, Talara moved closer as Nieme commanded. She looked to Raeila and Ferrig and felt a scream deep within her heart begin to build. But, there was little else she could do, so she looked away, focusing on Nieme. "I am here and ready...my mistress."

"Then kneel beside him," Nieme ordered. "I want you close enough to stare directly into his eyes, and he into yours. It is for your own good, Tala. You must get over this foolish attachment you have to them."

"Yes, Mistress," Tala said, then knelt beside Ferrig as she'd been commanded. "I am ready now, my Mistress."

Beside her, Dani's hands had begun to work their magic, stroking his limp organ into rigidity. Using her hands and mouth, it wasn't long at all before Ferrig was moaning.

"Oh my," came Dargus' voice, "now isn't that a lovely sight there? I believe this is going to be a very enjoyable experience, for all of us." He cast a smouldering look over to Rae, taking in the curves of her body. "Such a shame that she's so...resistant. When I've finished with the little one, I can warm her up as well."

"The little one?" Nieme raised an eyebrow at Dargus. "Not Tala... She's being punished, you see. No pleasure."

"I see," Dargus said. "Then, who do I have the pleasure of pleasuring tonight?"

She grinned broadly, winding a hand up towards her breasts. "Well...who would your second pick be?"

Dargus licked his lips and nodded slowly. "You know the answer to that," he said with a smile. "Though, I believe we are both very overdressed for the occasion." He stepped closer, and let his hands follow hers, tracing the outline of her breasts. "I'm going to like this arrangement."

Nieme chuckled and coyly pulled away. "Oh, Dargus...I would love to play, but don't you think Raeila is feeling lonely?" She turned her fierce gaze towards the girl, and she whimpered in response. "Young...ripe...and experienced. A perfect specimen."

"Well then," Dargus said, and fixed his gaze on Raeila. "You know, you're right. She is looking a little like she needs...attention." And, with that, he approached Raeila on the bed. "I have a feeling you're going to start out unruly, so I think I'll warm you up." He slid himself between her legs, kissing his way along her thighs until his lips brushed against the treasure in their cleft. "Beautiful," he murmured.

Rae growled deep in her throat and snapped her knees closed, trapping his head between them. Nieme hollered at her as she rushed forward and dealt a sharp slap to her cheek. "Insolence will not be tolerated!" She struck the other cheek, tossing Raeila's hair into her face as her head whipped aside against the blow's force.

"Now now," Dargus said with a smile as he continued to pleasure her, "I'm sure you'd much rather feel happy than all this anger...and pain. And, besides, if you hurt me, I'll hurt him. You wouldn't like that now, would you?" Using the Force, Dargus parted her legs once more, and maneuvered so he could look into her eyes. "Now, I strongly suggest you put forth your best effort to enjoy this, my dear, or all you will have left to play with of your brother will be pieces. I take it you understand me."

Rae's eyes flooded with hot tears, but there was hatred in them. She sobbed and looked away, giving her submission.

"Such a good girl," Nieme patronized, then giggled and twirled Rae's loose blonde hair around a finger. "I should cut off a lock and send it to Kael. Do you think he would like that?" Rae ignored her, her gaze still averted.

Dargus buried his face between Raeila's thighs, bringing his considerable talents to bear against her stubborn willfulness. Beside them, Dani's head bobbed vigourously over Ferrig's erect organ and his face was twisted into a contorted mask of pleasure and remorse. It was obvious he didn't want to enjoy what was happening to him, but Dani was trying to make his body's desires overcome his brain's rationality. So far, she was succeeding masterfully.

Raeila searched for her brother's eyes, but he was focused on the ceiling, too ashamed to face her. Instead, she found Tala's gaze, and with her own Raeila implored the girl. She tensed and flinched away from Dargus as he nipped indelicately at the sensitive flesh hidden between her legs. The tears tumbled down her cheek onto the pillow; she stared still at Tala.

Tala shifted her gaze to where she sensed Raeila's. When her eyes met her friend's, they filled with tears and shame. She fought back a sob, pleading for forgiveness from Raeila. All she could do though was reach out to her friend and offer her what strength she could through the Force, adding in a silent apology with it. I'm sorry, she mouthed.

Raeila smiled sorrowfully with her eyes alone, offering Tala her forgiveness. As long as she held eye contact with her friend, she barely noticed Dargus was still there, inflicting a violation upon her. Still, she couldn't help pining for Kael. I know you won't leave me here, my arozeil. Please...help us.

***

Kael looked up as he crept along the corridor, a presence drifting through him. He closed his eyes and reached out, searching.

There.

He turned and moved in the direction where he had felt her presence, where he had found her...and the darkness. I'm coming for you, my arozeil. I'm coming.

***

Laedra was only a shadow thrown against the durasteel outer wall by the moon's radiant light. Her boots crushing the sand made not a sound, nor did the flapping of her robes in the cool night breeze. She sensed a patrolling guard around the corner, but detected that he would pose little challenge to her. Laedra Vorrel reached out with the Force and wrapped the thick tendril around the soldier's mind, distracting him from the task at hand. With his attention diverted, Laedra whipped around the corner and thrust a hand out towards him. The guard was thrown back two lengths of his body, before he could even think of pulling out his blaster. Laedra pinned him there with the Force as she sprinted towards him.

He attempted to cry out, but Laedra was atop him, her hand clamped over his mouth. "Do not speak," she whispered. "I am not here to harm you. I simply want my friends returned to me. Now...where are they?"

The man cursed at her in his mind - Laedra heard it clearly. She also plucked another unspoken thought from him, and it was the location of Raeila and Ferrig. She bowed her head at the guard and smiled in gratitude. "Thank you," she told him, then summoned him to sleep. He had no choice but to obey.

Still straddling the unconscious man, Laedra raised her wristcomm to her lips and whispered, "Koran? They are in the south wing of the building. Heavily guarded, no doubt."

"No doubt," came Koran Darr's hushed answer. "I am on my way. I'll meet you there, Laedra. Be careful, I sense another power in here that isn't with the others."

"I will be," she answered. "I'll see you soon, my love." Laedra severed the connection and looked up as another presence entered the range of her senses. She agilely swung around and grasped the man beneath his arms. As she dragged him off into the darkness, she called upon a wind to sweep away traces of the trail left by his heels raking across the sand, once again becoming nothing but a ghost in the night.

***

As Dani rode Ferrig, who was helpless to do anything but give in to the pleasure of her performance, Dargus shifted himself from where he'd positioned himself with Raeila. With little preamble, he positioned his erection at her entrance, then he entered. He knew Nieme wanted to hurt the girl, to make her suffer. But his goal was different. He wanted to break her, to allow her to succumb to his prowess. His shaft disappeared deep inside of her, filling her, and then he pulled back. Despite her efforts, he could feel her body's betrayal. He could feel her heat, and soon he would awaken her desire.

She still refused to look at him, choosing instead to stare at Tala. At Dargus' next thrust, Raeila's eyes snapped shut and her body arched off the mattress, hands clenching around the sheets. She thought of Kael, then, only Kael, yet still she could not overcome her body's ingrained reaction to the pleasure he was delivering. Raeila whimpered against her gag, fresh tears falling.

Her reactions seemed to spur him on as he continued to pump inside her. Using the Force, he removed her gag, then leaned into her and kissed her.

She twisted her head away and finally allowed a shrill scream to rip from her throat. Nieme laughed darkly. "I love it when they scream," she drawled.

Dargus continued thrusting while he moved his lips to her throat and breasts. "She does have a beautiful scream," he said between kisses. "I'd have her suck me off, but I'm afraid of what she'd do if I jammed my cock down her throat. Though, I imagine she'd behave if she knew whatever she did to me would also be done to her dear brother." He slipped one hand between them to further stimulate her, and could see that despite her resistance, he was having a profound effect on her.

"Stop it," she rasped, but it was offset but a thick moan. "My husband will cut you down for this!"

"Will he?" Dargus asked. "He doesn't even know where you are. He has no idea what's going on here. And, even if he did find me, I doubt he'd even get close enough to touch me. Though, I will be kind, for you, and instead of killing him, I will make him a present for Nieme and Dani. Of course, if you're more cooperative, I could be persuaded to be more lenient..."

Rae groaned and shook her head pleadingly. "Don't do this.... We haven't done anything to you!"

"Oh?" Nieme smiled viciously and drew closer to Rae, her face looming over the girl's. "He's done plenty. He just hasn't told you about it." Raeila narrowed her eyes at Nieme and abruptly turned her face away. Nieme gripped her chin and forced her head forward again. "Your wedding day," she whispered. "Do you remember? Kael and I...we rode together?" Raeila's eyes grew wider, allowing more tears to flow as realization dawned. Nieme giggled. "That's right... He was a very naughty boy." She dragged her lips across Rae's cheek towards her ear, and whispered, "Twice."

Rae sobbed and shook her head in disbelief. "He didn't. He wouldn't..."

"But he did," Nieme said harshly, transferring her hold to Rae's throat. She gagged. "He did and he loved it. You aren't enough for him, that's why he's not here. That's why we're going to kill you, and he won't shed a tear!"

"No!" Rae wailed, then tossed her head back and emitted a strangled cry as Dargus forced her over the precipice. At once she felt mind- numbing ecstasy, and heartrending sorrow.

With Raeila's orgasm, Dargus let go of his own and flooded her insides with his seed. Once spent, he leaned close and kissed her. It was, at once, both passionate and tender. He remained inside of her, holding her close. Beside them, Dani collapsed atop Ferrig, both of them spent as well.

"Well, well, well," Nieme said languidly and with approval, "wasn't this entertaining? Shall we do it again in...say...half an hour?" She looked to Dargus for acknowledgement.

"A half an hour sounds like a perfect time," Dargus said. "I think Dani's young stud can handle that. Will you be partaking in any of the fun, Nieme? I think you deserve some fun as well."

"Oh, I will," she purred, smoothing a hand over Dargus' shoulder. "Retire to my room with me, and I'll prove it. The whore here" --she tossed her head towards Raeila, shaking with silent tears-- "needs some time to grieve."

"I'm sure she does," Dargus said as he turned to Nieme. "Though, later on, perhaps I should help her forget this scoundrel to whom she's given her heart. It's a shame when a man does such a thing to a woman."

Nieme chuckled as she looped her arms around his neck. "A damn shame..." Then she kissed him hungrily.

Dargus returned the kiss with equal passion then laughed. "Are you certain you wish to retire to your room? I think it's very comfortable right here."

Dani moaned. "Here would be very nice," she said. "I like watching the two of you together."

Nieme quirked an eyebrow at Dargus, and grinning slow, she brought her legs up around his waist. "Well, since we're in such high demand..." Then she kissed him deeply again.

Dani slipped off of Ferrig and was moving over to where Dargus and Nieme were caught in a clutch when a flash of insight through the Force struck her. She snarled and turned toward the door. "Intruders," she rasped.

***

Laedra had subdued the last of the sentinels in her wing of the palace, and had now joined Koran on his side. "Has Kael reported in?" she whispered.

"Not yet," Koran said. "But I can sense him moving with haste in the direction we're going. I think he's sensed them but is moving to confirm."

"I sense much from this place," Laedra whispered, shuddering from the nauseating sensation rolling off the cold, steel walls. "We have to get them out of there, Koran. Now."

"I could not agree more," Koran said. "Let's move, before it's too late." He quickened his pace and sped quickly down the corridor.

Laedra kept her senses open for Kael, but she was not worried; for Raeila's sake, he would ensure he persevered. They had yet to come across any more patrols, but in the distance, there was music and cheers and other sounds of merriment. Distinctly heard was the bellowing, heaving laughter of a Hutt. Laedra cringed at the thought alone. "I guess everyone's occupied," she quipped.

"If only something could be done about places like this," Koran said. "Perhaps when Liam returns to Tae'Karada, something will."

"If he ever returns," Laedra added with a frown. "We must rely on ourselves if we wish there to be change--" She halted abruptly and flattened her back against the wall, as did Koran. They looked to one another. "Someone has detected us, I feel it."

Koran slipped his lightsaber from his belt and held it easily in one hand. "The time for stealth is over," he said. "We must move quickly and efficiently. We must find them and get out of here before the whole palace is after us. While I think our skills outmatch most in here, their numbers would quickly overwhelm us."

Laedra, reluctant to take up arms, grasped her lightsaber as well. "I will try and come up behind them," she whispered, nodding towards a corridor off to their right.

"Very good," Koran said, then moved off ahead. Before he was out of earshot, he glanced to Laedra and smiled. "The Force is with us."

She inclined her head in agreement, truly believing it. In the next instant, she was gone.

***

"Stupid Jedi," Nieme spat, wringing the hilt of her lightsaber with her agitation. "I was perfectly aroused and they had to ruin it!"

Dani purred. "I don't know," she said. "They've still got me going. If we capture them, just think of all the toys we'll have. And, just think of how happy Dargus will be, to be able to make Laedra Vorrel his personal sex slave. I want to see her pierced and wearing a collar."

"She always was too stiff for her own good." Nieme chuckled and tossed back her robe as she pulled free her weapon. Their booted footsteps echoed down the hallway. "Did they believe they could infiltrate us without notice?"

"I believe they're arrogant enough to think they could," Dani said as she straightened the long, cloak-like coat she wore. They'd dressed quickly and she'd once again slipped into a bodysuit of form-fitting leather. She enjoyed the way it made her feel, dark and powerful. "They'll soon learn their lesson."

"And I believe," Nieme said slowly, "that our first one...is right...." She ignited her blade and aimed it at the lone finger awaiting them. Nieme grinned and finished, "...Here. Hello there, Koran Darr."

"Nieme. Dani." He cast a glance between them. "I think you know why we're here. This will all go a lot more peacefully if you turn them over and let us leave. If we have to fight you, we will."

"Koran Darr," Nieme sighed wearily, "we don't even have to raise a finger to murder you. Now...leave. The delectable Mullerins and our Tala are staying."

Koran pulled his cloak back and drew his lightsaber in one smooth motion. "We'll see about that," he said. "Though, I've always known that dark siders don't have the courage to face a lone Jedi. They need others to back them up so there is no chance the fight can go against them. Three against one, how...predictable."

"Not at all," Nieme drawled. "We'll take a piece of you one at a time." She giggled and sauntered towards Koran. "If you put down the weapon, we'll make you a very happy man, Koran - more than Laedra ever could. Don't you want that?"

Koran took a defensive stance. "I think I'll pass," he said. "Laedra satisfies me more than you ever could."

"And Dani?" Nieme chuckled. "She didn't make you cry out in ecstasy?" She clucked her tongue chidingly. "Now, now, Koran, don't be coy. You know you've always desired us. Why not take?"

"I don't like the price I would have to pay," Koran said. "Besides, I prefer women who aren't whorish sluts who only think of themselves."

"Aww...he's trying to hurt our feelings!" Nieme shook her head disparagingly at Koran and halted, though her stance was arrogant and confrontational. "For that, Koran Darr," she said lowly, "I'm afraid you have to die." Her face was a mask of dispassion, cold and hard. Even as she was leaping towards him, her weapon raised high, did her expression remain unchanged.

Koran reached inside himself and called upon the Force. His blade snapped up into a defensive stance and crossed his lightsaber up to block her attack. The force of her blow knocked him back a step, but he recovered and regained his balance. He parried her attack away, but his danger senses flared as a dark presence charged in from the side. He slipped sideways, but Dani adjusted and her body slammed into his, driving them both back to the wall. As the flowery scent surrounded him, fighting to overcome his senses, he felt her strength bear down on him, working to subdue. He couldn't fall to them, not again.

Nieme was cackling with glee beside them, taunting Koran on his lack of discipline, and on Laedra's inability to satisfy him as only she and Dani could. The jeering halted with an abrupt gasp as Nieme was tossed back by an disembodied hand, landing heavily a good distance away. Laedra Vorrel's eyes fixed on Dargus Kandran's as he turned, favouring her with a lecherous smile as he stood a measure away, watching. "You should teach your student's some manners," she told him flatly.

"Oh dear me," Dargus said, feigning horror. "I had not realized them to be so unruly. That's just dreadful. But, you know kids today. And, besides, when they're as good as these two are in bed, you really have to cut them a little extra room. Though I wouldn't expect a prudish, sexless witch such as yourself to understand. Though, I imagine your man does. He's tasted one, and he longs for the other as well. You can feel it."

"I feel nothing but disgust at what I see," Laedra retorted. "Allow Raeila and Ferrig to come with us, and we shall leave you to your depravity."

"Perhaps we can make a deal," Dargus said, his smile as lecherous as a smile could be. "If we allow the two of them to leave with you, what do you offer us in return?"

Laedra held his gaze steadily. "Your lives," she answered. "Satisfactory?"

"I don't believe the two of you could take the three of us even if we were to put down our lightsabers," Dargus said. "I think you'll have to come up with a better deal than that."

"It's the only one we're offering," Laedra replied. "If I were you...I'd take it."

"Just remember this when this is all over," Dargus said with a sly smile. "You had the chance, but you threw it away. Now, I'd love to stay and play, but I need to be somewhere else. However, Dani and Nieme would love to play with you." He shoved with the Force, throwing Laedra a few steps back as he fled back down the corridor to wait for Kael to reach his objective.

"Koran!" Laedra called out as she rushed towards him. Nieme was upright again and in a rage. She launched herself at Laedra, but her blade was deflected in mid-flight, and a kick to her abdomen veered Nieme into the wall. Laedra resumed, unfazed. "Kael needs assistance! Leave the girls to me. You go!"

Koran frowned. "Damn." Then he was off after Kandran. The hallway twisted around, but the Jedi Master had a feeling he knew where they were headed. Kandran was going back to where the others were. But, for what purpose he did not know.

Dani lunged toward Laedra, her pheromones filling the air and her Force powers closing in around Laedra Vorrel. She fed her lust and desire into the Force and directed it at the female Jedi. "Welcome to my world," she whispered.

Laedra sidestepped the girl, staggering momentarily against the onslaught of flowers and arousal. It was enough of a distraction for Nieme to rush Laedra and tackle her to the ground. Laedra was certain this battle would not be an easy one to win.

***

Raeila was still racked with tears, convulsing now from their intensity. Nieme's lies had a ring of truth, as much as Rae tried to deny them. Kael had betrayed her, as had Talara, and Dani. She turned her face into her shoulder to blot out the world she now desired to leave.

"Hello again, my dear," came Dargus' voice from the doorway. "I hope you didn't think I'd leave you in here. Your lover is on his way, and I was thinking we might give him a taste of his own medicine. What do you say?"

"No!" she groaned. "Leave me alone.... I don't want you. You're...you're old and ugly and you're not Kael!"

"How sweet," Dargus said, his tone filled with mockery. "So, you'll just forgive him everything he's done? Pity."

Raeila sucked in a shuddering breath as her eyes turned towards Dargus. "E-Everything?" she asked. "What...what everything? It was one time... It was...wasn't it?"

"Oh, yes, yes," Dargus said, making his voice as sincere as possible. "I'm certain it was only that one time. Just that once. I'm sure."

Her bottom lip trembled, and fresh, stinging tears sprang to her eyes. "Stop it!" she blurted at him. "You're trying to...turn me against him and I won't let you!" Raeila sobbed helplessly, shaking her head and in the process finding Tala's gaze. "Please," she whispered. "Make it stop."

Talara fixed her gaze on Dargus. Her eyes narrowed and her lips compressed into an angry line. "Leave her alone," she said. She hoped her voice sounded more impressive to him than it did to her. Threats shouldn't be delivered in a squeak.

Dargus laughed. "Oh, that's brilliant." He made a show of trembling. "I'm so scared now. I'd better back off before you hurt me. Hm?"

Talara's gaze narrowed even further and she concentrated on tossing him against a wall so they could get free. She pictured him lifting off the ground and flying into the far wall. He was heavy, but size did not matter.

Her eyes widened in surprise when Dargus did actually fly into the far wall, crashing into it hard enough to put a dent into its surface. Talara was about to feel proud of her accomplishment, but then she noticed the figure at the door.

"What you're trying to do, Kandran," Kael Selrid said, voice calm and even, "it won't work."

Dargus laughed. "It already has, foolish boy," he said. "Look into her eyes, and you'll see the doubt. Oh, it's definitely worked."

"Kael!" Rae called out to him. Despite the questions in her mind about Kael's fidelity, she desired freedom too much to pass up her single chance out of scorn. She'd much rather sleep in Kael's bed than Dargus'.

"They're coming with me, all three of them," Kael said. "Talara, help free Ferrig. Rae, can you stand?" Dargus merely laughed as he got back to his feet, while Kael kept a wary eye on him.

Raeila swung her legs over the mattress' edge, and grunted as she strained to sit up. Her hands remained bound at her back. "Kael...I wanna go home," she whimpered.

"We're going," Kael said. "I'm here with Koran Darr and Laedra Vorrel. We're here to take you home."

"That's a nice sentiment," Dargus said, removing his lightsaber from his belt. "But, I'm afraid you aren't going anywhere."

"Oh, I'm afraid I am," Kael said. "You can try to stop me, but I don't believe you have the strength for it." He rested his hand on his own lightsaber. "Do you?"

Dargus' answering laugh had the feel of a thin film of oil covering the surface of a lake, a flammable oil that could set the lake ablaze with a single spark.

"Talara," Rae whispered desperately. "Please...help!"

As she helped Ferrig to sit, she slipped an arm under him, then stood, bringing him to his feet. She then shuffled over to Raeila. "I don't know what that bitch did to him," she snarled, "but he's barely cognizant. It's like...she wore him out."

"Now she's a bitch?" Rae questioned her cynically, then looked away in disbelief. "Why couldn't you have realized it sooner?" she whispered.

"It's easier to say now when she's not here," Tala said. "Before...if she thought...she'd hurt us."

Raeila shook her head solemnly and allowed Tala to slip and arm around her waist. They inched their way towards the door.

"You know you won't get out of here," Dargus said. "The Hutt's people will stop you. My people will stop you. You'd save yourselves a lot of trouble if you just give in right now."

"And you would've saved yourself trouble if you'd left us alone," Rae shot back, her voice quivering. She was almost near enough to Kael to touch him, but wasn't yet certain if she could.

"About time you got here," Kael said with a chuckle as Koran entered the room, skidding to a stop beside the younger Jedi. "I thought I was going to have all the fun in here by myself."

"Seems as if a couple of the Hutt's minions woke up and decided to try to detain me. I'm glad you didn't start the festivities without me."

"Rae, Tala, get out into the hall, this is going to get...rough."

The two hurried for the door, Rae's gaze locking on Kael. "Be careful," she whispered to him, then slipped into the corridor.

"You too," Kael said, his gaze lingering even though his Force sense concentrated on Kandran. "I'll see you soon."

But she was already gone, leaving the three men in the room to decide one another's fate.

"Freedom's Plight, Part 2"
By: Koran Darr
Kael Selrid
Laedra Vorrel
Dani
Nieme Yaresh
Dargus Kandran
Talara Sorenne
Raeila Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin

Appearance by: Jadda the Hutt

Location: Jadda's Palace
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

Although Dani had intended to evoke desire within her, Laedra Vorrel only experienced agitation. Dani's scent was cloying and irritating; no matter how aggressively she fought the girl, the pervading smell of flowers hung thickly in the air. She wondered how Koran had tolerated it at all that night on the roof. Nieme shrieked as a foot was driven into her stomach. She staggered away from Laedra, who turned her attentions to Dani. "Must we go on like this all night?"

"Well, unless you remove all your clothes and become our sex slave," Dani said with a less-than-friendly smile, "it looks like we'll be going on this way all night. Though, I can't wait to have more of sexy Master Darr. I'm sure Dargus will give him to us soon."

Laedra smiled humourlessly. "I'm sure he will not." And swung her lightsaber towards Dani's.

Dani stepped back and slipped her body to the side, narrowly avoiding Laedra's lunge. "Close, but not quite on the mark," she sneered. "Though, I guess that could be your life story, couldn't it? Don't worry, though, we won't kill you too quickly. Maybe, in time, you'll even come to enjoy life with us. I know Talara has."

"Or so you believe," Laedra riposted, and kicked out to catch Nieme in the chest before her attempt at severing Laedra's head could be followed through. She slumped to the ground with a wheezing gasp. Laedra's weapon turned on Dani. "We end this now. I do not wish to kill you."

"Don't worry," Dani said darkly. "I don't think you can. However, you're more than welcome to try, Laedra. If you win, you kill me. If I win, you become my slave. All in all, it's not a bad deal."

"There would be no winning in killing you, Dani," she told her gravely. "No matter what you've become, I do still care for you - we all do. Don't do this to yourself."

"Oh, but if that was true," Dani said as she circled around, searching for an opening in Laedra's defenses, "then why do you resist. I could make you feel so good, Laedra, but you resist us. That's not nice, you know."

"And it is not nice to force others against their wishes," Laedra replied, holding her position and blindly monitoring Dani's location through the Force as the girl moved behind. "Dani...do you believe Rae or Ferrig hunger for this torture? Does it please you to make others miserable."

"You should have heard Raeila's screams of delight when Dargus made her cum," Dani said. "She didn't sound miserable at all. And, when he was with me, I assure you, he was thoroughly enjoying what I was doing to him."

"I imagine he was." Laedra's blade arched over her head and inverted in line with the center of her back. She was in time to halt Dani's blade sweeping towards her midsection. Laedra could only sigh grimly. "You have chosen your path, Dani," she whispered. "Which means we are enemies." Batting away Dani's blade, Laedra swung around to face her and thrust out a hand. The Force sent Dani stumbling backwards, and with another mental push, Laedra had her toppling to the ground. "I'm sorry, Dani."

"Sure you are," Dani said with a snarl as she pushed herself to her knees. "How can you serve the light without even knowing what the darkness is? How can you protect against that which you don't understand? You reject without even truly knowing what it is you reject, but that is the way of the Jedi, isn't it? Fear the darkness, and preach its terror, without even knowing what it is."

"We know what it is," Laedra corrected. "We've seen what it's done to you and Nieme. It isn't fear...it's a desire not to lose our souls."

"Prove to me that I've lost my soul," Dani said with a taunting smile. "Prove to me I've lost my soul, and I'll return to the Jedi and be a good girl. Prove it to me, Laedra Vorrel, and I will be yours again."

She inclined her head at Dani, accepting the challenge. Nieme, having recovered from her blow, joined her lover. "When was the last time," Laedra began, "either of you felt any guilt for what you've done? When have either of you scrupled to harm another? When?"

"Is that my soul?" Dani asked. "Before I can lose my soul, I have to have one. What is a soul, Laedra Vorrel? Is it conscience? Is a soul only that feeling of guilt you get when you hurt someone? Were you in danger of losing your soul when you were toying with Koran Darr? Have you mended your ways? Or do you still tease him incessantly with your body? Shame, shame, Laedra Vorrel. That isn't very nice of you. I'd rather lose my soul than be nothing more than a tease to the man or woman who loves me."

"Dani," Laedra said ruefully, "you already have." With that, she deactivated her weapon and clipped the hilt to her belt. "You are dead to us, Dani, Nieme. We're taking Raeila, Ferrig, and Talara, and you will not stop us. If you try...we will kill you."

Nieme snorted. "I'd like to see you try!"

Laedra merely turned and started down the corridor.

"Coward!" Nieme called after her.

"You won't leave here with them," Dani called out. "You won't get out the front door, let alone out of this hallway. I suggest you just leave, forget about them. If you seek peace and harmony, leave them with us because if you try to take them, there will be nothing but violence and pain. The choice is yours, but I suggest you truly think about whether you want the hurt and pain, Laedra. Think about it hard before you decide, because you're also deciding the fate of Kael and Koran."

Laedra paused, turning her head slightly over her shoulder. "You wish violence - you feed on it. I will not give you what you want. As with us all, the Force will decide your fate for you." Bowing her head at them both, Laedra resumed.

"As long as that fate involves your face between my thighs," Dani said as she shifted into a high-guard stance, "I'm up for it." She glanced to Nieme. "Come on, my love, no one walks away from us." And, with that, they started after Laedra once more.

***

"That way," Talara called out, pointing down a long corridor that headed in the direction she thought they'd come when brought into this place. "Down there."

Ferrig had begun to rouse once again, and with his renewed mobility, they were able to clear the distance across the hallway quickly. Raeila's gaze continually drifted back towards the room they'd left Kael. As confused as she was about him, she still loved him dearly. "Will he be okay?" she asked Tala. "I mean...can you sense him?"

"I can," Talara said. "He's...they're fighting, but he's still fine." She looked at Raeila. "They're both doing well against him. I'm sure he'll be with us-- Oh no...there are people coming this way." She pointed ahead of them. "From there."

"Hurry!" Rae steered them into an adjoining corridor. The footsteps drew closer, as did Jadda's distant, roaring laughter. Rae shuddered. "Kael," she whispered. "Please hurry."

"They're coming," Talara cried.

"That way," Ferrig said, pointing down another corridor. "Let's go that way."

Talara looked to Raeila, unsure whether Ferrig's directions should be followed in his current condition. "I don't sense anything bad down there," she said softly.

"Then let's go!" Rae urged.

The three broke into a run, Rae and Ferrig's bare feet pattering against the cold marble floor, and Tala's boots scuffing the surface. Behind them, heavy footfalls hastened; Rae stifled a startled cry. "I don't want to go back there," Rae sobbed. "We have to leave!"

"I wish I had my lightsaber," Talara said. "That door. I think that leads out. We can...oh no. There are more there. The other way." She pointed to another door that led in the opposite direction. "There."

Rae didn't bother to think or question Tala - she simply changed direction and ran for the door. She slapped the control panel with her open hand, did it once more when the door remained sealed, then turned pale-faced towards Tala. "It's locked."

"No," Talara sobbed. She reached out with the Force, hoping to manipulate the door, to open it with a thought. It wouldn't budge. "It won't...oh gods, Raeila. We have to. I don't want to go back. I can't...I don't want...we have to..."

There was a shout from the end of the corridor, then another. Rae gasped as a horde of armoured silhouettes appeared in the dimly lit hall, then bolted with Ferrig and Tala beside her. "Kael!" she cried desperately, hoping the echo would somehow reach him.

From off in the distance, Kael could sense Raeila's distress. He knew she was in trouble, and he knew he couldn't get to her.

Talara shifted in front of the two of them and took up a defensive stance. "I'll keep them occupied and you slip past," she said softly. "It'll give you enough time to get back to the others."

"Tala...we can't leave you," Rae pleaded. "You can't stop them all. You have to run!"

"I'll buy you time," Talara answered. "At least the two of you will be able to get out. And, then you can come back for me. Please, Raeila, please...get yourselves out. Save yourselves and...and then come get me."

Raeila's eyes glistened with tears as they looked past Tala at the thundering group of soldiers, then back to her friend. She sobbed and quickly kissed her cheek. "We'll come for you," she promised. "I love you, Tala."

Talara looked into Raeila's eyes and smiled. "I love you too, Raeila. I'll see you soon." With that, she moved forward, using her limited Jedi training to instill some semblance of confidence into herself. Just get free, Talara thought to herself. Just get away and free. With that, she moved to engage the charging soldiers.

***

The fight started tentatively. Attacks designed to search for an opening, to find a chink in the defense and use it for a quick strike that would lead to a quicker victory. They were wary and attentive, not willing to give ground. Dargus' ruthlessness made up for Kael and Koran's greater numbers. He had no qualms about employing dirty tricks to get his way. Whether it was flinging objects across the room at them, or letting a burst of Force lightning crackle from his outstretched palm.

"There is only one way for this fight to go," Kael said.

"I know," Dargus answered with a roguish smile. "It's a pity too. You have so much potential and I shall regret killing you."

Koran circled around to Dargus' flank while Kael moved in the opposite direction. Dargus feinted, aiming a low attack at Kael and quickly spinning to strike high at Koran. Parry and thrust. Riposte. Then they backed away again and began circling. The next time, Dargus opened with a sweeping attack designed to cleave Koran's head from his shoulders, but reversed the attack and aimed it at the Master's midsection. Kael pressed his attack, forcing Dargus onto the defensive.

The Sith was outnumbered, and he knew he had to end the fight quickly if he hoped to live to see tomorrow. He threw a bolt of Force lightning at Darr and charged Selrid, hoping to keep them on the defensive. He knew he would tire before them, but if he could keep them guessing, he stood a chance.

Now, he thought, to find that opening...

***

One moment she was charging them, the next, she was caught in a sea of bodies, all vying to capture her and take her back to...to who? It didn't matter. All that mattered was that Raeila and Ferrig got free, got to Kael. That was all that mattered now.

She threw a fist into one armoured chest and smashed an elbow into another. The worst part, to her mind, was the laughter. They were laughing at her. They were...and she was... She sent a boot into the shin of one of the soldiers, but he seemed to just push her leg away, as if she were nothing.

"Stop," she cried. "Stop...I'm...stop! Stop treating me like...like a child!" A part of her mind, however, was at least grateful they were paying attention to her, and not to Rae and Ferrig.

Tala's fist impacted with another goon's chest, and to their obvious surprise the man sailed back halfway down the corridor. Talara gazed in awe at her balled up hand and the powerful blow it had just delivered, but the illusion quickly faded as another, then another soldier was flung away from the circle surrounding her, all without even a single look from Talara.

"Padawan," a stern, projected voice called from behind. The thrum of a lightsaber igniting accompanied it as did Laedra Vorrel's tall, lissome figure as it stepped into the gap made by the subdued soldiers. She bowed her head at Talara. "Fight by my side?" she offered her.

Talara gave her a smile, then nodded. "Gladly," she whispered, but through the Force it was loud enough to have almost been yelled. Calling upon the things Master Andro had taught her, she vaulted over one soldier and landed gracefully by Laedra's side. "Thank you for coming."

"And thank you for finally choosing the right path," Laedra answered, and together they charged the remaining soldiers.

***

"Ferrig...we have to move faster!" Raeila, with her hand tightly clasped to her brother's, scampered through the winding corridors that seemed to lead them nowhere. Her mind went back to Talara, to Kael, to all who might be dying to save them. She rapidly blinked away tears.

"I'm trying," Ferrig said. "I don't know what she did to me, but I feel like I'm filled with gelatin. I'm starting to...gods, more of them. If only I had a blaster...it'd be...go left." They slipped down a side corridor, but it was obvious they didn't know where they were going, but the inhabitants of the palace did. "Damn. Which way to Kael? I'm...I'm all turned around."

"I don't know," Rae groaned. The festive noises and that of the Hutt's gurgling bellows had Rae sobbing. Rebounding off the durasteel walls was the cadenced marching of guards, and from farther off in the distance, where Tala was, blaster fire rang out. Rae's body trembled violently and her legs refused to move. All hope of escape had fled and all she could do was wrap her arms around her brother and cry into his shoulder. "I'm tired of running," she whispered. "Let's just...stop, Ferrig. Let's stop."

"But if we stop...what do we do? We...we have to find Kael? Can you...can you contact him? Like the Jedi do with their loved ones? You...you do have a bond with him, don't you?"

Raeila rocked her forehead against Ferrig's shoulder. "I-I don't know anymore, Ferrig. I don't know..."

"Rae...what...what is it? Of course you know. He's your husband. You love him, and he loves you. You're not...not going to start believing that sandspit they were trying to feed you, are you? He's yours and only yours."

Rae gave no reply. She continued sobbing against Ferrig, while the clomping footsteps closed in on them. "I'm sorry, Ferrig," she whispered. "You...you should go." Gazing up at her brother, Rae smiled. "I love you.... And tell Kael I love him...okay?" She kissed her brother, then, deeply and with all the love she held for him. Pulling back, she caressed his cheek then bolted. Her direction was for the oncoming soldiers.

"Raeila, no!" It was too late. He watched her go, and knew he should go after her, but he knew it wouldn't help. With one last, long look at her, he picked a direction and hoped that was the one that would lead him to Kael. If he could find Kael, they'd be able to get out. Kael would make sure they got out. And, if he didn't...Ferrig didn't want to think about that.

***

"Why don't things ever go the way we plan," Dani snarled as they strode through the hallway. "And, now the slug's people are involved. You know how brutal they are. They'll damage our toys before we can. If that distended piece of filth so much as harms any of our little prizes, I will make him pay."

"And he'd gladly let you," Nieme said with a grimace of disgust, "and enjoy it...the lecher." The distinct noises indicative of a scuffle were coming from straight ahead. Nieme sensed that it was Laedra Vorrel and their pet, Tala. She growled and abruptly changed direction. "That little slut betrayed us again!"

"I think our punishment is going to have to be much more...lasting this time. We'll get our message through to her if we have to invade her mind through the Force and put all the thoughts there ourselves. She will pay for her betrayal this time. I'm thinking perhaps we should give her to the Hutt for a time, to learn as his slave."

Nieme giggled wickedly and skipped with her lover through the corridors. Although not oblivious to the battles being fought around them, Nieme and Dani paid no heed to it all; they needed to regroup with Dargus and figure out a solution to their Jedi problem. It was then that the two came face-to-face with a naked and stunned Ferrig Mullerin, running aimlessly through the corridors. Nieme grinned, and seized him with the Force. He struggled as she crooked her finger at him, summoning the helpless man towards her. "Naughty naughty," she chided.

"Why are you doing this to us? Why...we...we weren't this bad, were we? Please...please, just...just let us go. Or...or let Raeila and Talara go, but keep me. Let them go safe, but I'll be your prisoner, your slave. Please...just let them be free."

"Oh, you think too highly of yourself, Rat." Nieme chuckled throatily, and when Ferrig was directly before them she dragged her finger over his cheek. "I think we'll keep you all. How about that, hm?"

"Please...you...just...please, let them...let them be free."

"Shut up," Nieme snapped, gripped his arm and flung him into the adjacent hallway. "Now, walk!"

Ferrig glared at her, his jaw working as he thought of all the things he'd do to her if he had the power to do so. But, he knew she would destroy him, so he turned and moved in the direction she forced him. You'll pay for this...

***

The air hummed and crackled with the sound of lightsabers clashing. Verdant and cobalt arced against crimson, casting the entire room in an eerie glow. Koran Darr parried a lightning attack from Dargus' blade, but the Sith's weapon quickly reversed and aimed itself at Kael Selrid's midsection. The younger Jedi sidestepped and batted the weapon away, and countered but too late to do any damage to Kandran.

"You call yourself Jedi? I've seen some of your students fight better than this."

"You call yourself a Sith? I've seen boys put up a better fight than this," Kael said. "You're power is fading, Dargus. You can't last and you know it."

Dargus laughed. "That's where you're wrong, boy." He threw out one hand and pushed Kael back with the Force while he spun and fired a series of deadly attacks at Koran. The Jedi Master's blade flashed, keeping itself between himself and Dargus, battering away at each of the attacks before they could find their target.

Kael flipped up onto his feet and rejoined the fight as the two Jedi concentrated their efforts and backed the Sith into a wall, clearly overpowered.

From the doorway, a deep, sultry chuckle rang out. As Kael and Koran turned, Nieme and Dani were there, appearing quite amused with the scene, as well as with the predicament they had Ferrig in involving Nieme's lightsaber at his throat. She grinned. "I think, boys, that it's time you left."

Dargus tried to capitalize on the distraction and lunged, but Kael spun and snapped his blade away. While Dargus was off-balance, the younger Jedi snapped out an open palm and pushed the Sith back, sending Dargus crashing into the wall.

Koran raised an eyebrow. "We will leave," Koran said. "Though, I suggest you make sure nothing happens to Raeila, Ferrig, or Talara."

"They're ours now," Nieme stated, maintaining the bluff that Talara and Raeila were still in their possession. "If we intend to kill them, you'll be the first to know." Her smile was sarcastic.

Koran glanced at Kael then back to Nieme. "If you do harm them, I suggest you go ahead and kill yourself because whatever happens to you after will be far worse."

Kael's eyes bore white-hot holes through Nieme as he stared her down. "Know that you will not get away with this, Nieme Yaresh," he breathed. "I will stop you and you will pay for the pain you've caused others. I will stop you and cleanse the sands of your taint. Masuk tsi kara ti jizuk na'k tsoro i karu shizat." With the last of my breath, I will see your sand-blasted bones buried beneath the dunes.

Nieme smirked at Kael and stepped aside to allow him and Koran passage. "Next time you decide to drop by, comm first."

"We could say the same," Kael said. He suddenly seemed to loom over her, towering above her small frame, wreathed in a light that was the purest white and the darkest black. His voice was pitched for only her to hear, but still it seemed as loud as thunder. "Harm my wife, and you will pay dearly. Hurt her in any way, Nieme Yarash, and nothing will stop me from hunting you down and extracting the blood vengeance of kir'thoros."

It wasn't until he turned and stalked away that Nieme realized that her heart had actually been stopped for the several seconds it took for Kael to deliver his message.

Recovering with a gasp, Nieme shoved Ferrig into the room and quickly followed. Unconsciously she moved up beside Dargus for protection and made certain to keep her eyes on Kael and Koran's retreating back. "You should've killed them," she rasped.

"I would have been happy to," Dargus said. "However, I have only one lightsaber, and there were two of them. And, my strength is not fully recovered." He flexed his hand, and took a breath. "If we can get out of this cess pit, perhaps I can regain my strength even quicker, and I will need to build another lightsaber for myself."

"Dani!" Nieme hissed. "Close the door." Then her attention returned to Dargus. "Talara and Raeila are gone. We can't leave without them!" Dani waved her hand and the door closed with a thump. "They're still in the building," she said. "Actually, I think the Hutt's people are enjoying Raeila at the moment. Probably not a good idea to run naked through corridors around here. I sense Talara, but she is still uncaptured."

"We'll need to go find Talara then," Dargus said. "And, we'll need to get Raeila back from the Hutt. I will not stick my dick in anything that thing has gotten its slimy stump into."

Nieme chuckled weakly, still disturbed by Kael's threat. "I'll...I'll stay here and guard Ferrig. You two...you go."

"Why don't you and Dargus go," Dani offered. "I'll stay here and make sure Ferrig behaves. And, perhaps I can find a way to convince him to help us get to the other two."

"No!" Nieme snapped, casting a glare at Dani. "Just do as I say!"

"Do not yell at me," Dani snarled. "They are the enemy, not me. Unless you want to try to drive me to their side. I am your lover and your companion, and will not tolerate you snapping at me."

"Then just--" Nieme sighed, seeking her composure. Her voice was softer when she spoke again. "Just go with Dargus. Please?"

"Fine," Dani snarled, and then stalked to the door.

Dargus watched after her, glanced at Nieme, then followed.

She sighed, relieved that she was safe in the confines of her room. Her gaze drifted to Ferrig, naked and stubbornly standing by the bed. She grinned hungrily. "Lie back," she ordered, sauntering towards him. Punishing him for his disobedience would quell her fears...for a little while.

Without hesitation, Ferrig did. Even though he felt crippling fear within him, he knew there was nothing he could truly do to stop her from doing whatever she wanted with him.

***

Laedra Vorrel nodded approvingly at the rows of unconscious soldiers around their feet. "They fought bravely," she commented. "Though, foolishly." She added a smile to her words. "It was an honour fighting with you, Padawan."

"And you, Master," Talara said. "I am...am sorry you were forced to come after us. But I am very grateful you did. As pleasurable as...as the sorts of things they were making us do can be...I did not enjoy them, and...and it wasn't fun."

"Until the next time?" Laedra ventured, then sighed. "You have much to make up for, Talara. But we will deal with that when we return to the Temple. For now, we must search for Kael, Koran and the rest. Would you care to join me?"

"I would like that very much," Talara said with a smile. "Thank you." Laedra's own smile faltered briefly as the Force fluctuated with an approaching presence. She whirled around with lightsaber at the ready, but sighed when she recognized the specific signature she'd detected. "Koran," she breathed. "He made it."

"Koran is here too? We need to get Raeila and Ferrig. They went that way...toward Kael, but...but I'm having trouble sensing them now."

Laedra nodded absently, questing with the Force for Rae and Ferrig. She sighed at what she detected. "We will wait for Koran and Kael before acting," Laedra told her. "Ferrig and Rae have been captured." Tala's features shifted to fully express her sorrow. "No," she whispered. "Oh...we...oh no...they...those...oh gods..."

"We will try again," Laedra told her gently. "But we must depart before more of the Hutt's soldiers decide they wish to play."

Talara fought against the emotions she was feeling within and nodded. "I understand, Master," she said. "I am worried about them though. I want to become a Jedi, so I may help them. If not them, then...then in the future, others like them. I want to be a good Jedi."

"Then this time around," Laedra told her, "you must work with me instead of against me. Can you do that?"

"I promise I will," Talara answered. "I'll do whatever you ask of me, Master. I want to be a Jedi. I want to be the Jedi Master Andro would be proud of." She looked up into Laedra's eyes. "And, you too."

Laedra smiled tenderly at Talara and pressed a hand to her cheek. "You can do that when we return to the Temple," she said softly.

"Thank you," Talara whispered, then smiled. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity, Master."

Laedra bowed her head to Talara, then motioned for her to follow as she hurried through the hallway, careful to step over the prone bodies scattered about.

Talara quickly scampered after Laedra, sensing the other approaching Jedi as they moved onward. She tried to reach out with her Jedi senses, but found her mind too cluttered to focus. She would trust in the Force.

***

Outside, gazing upon the fortress they had infiltrated yet failed in conquering, the sole Jedi, now joined with her once astray Padawan, reflected briefly on their failure. "We shall return for them," Laedra said softly, but no doubt her words were lost on the wind.

As they watched, two dark forms slipped away from the towering monstrosity that claimed to be the palace of a Hutt. As they slipped closer, moving faster than any normal human should have been able to move, it became readily apparent that the two shapes belonged to Koran Darr and Kael Selrid.

"Sorry it took us so long," Koran said once they arrived. "It seems as if Dani and Dargus Kandran didn't want us to leave." He noted Talara's presence. "Then they do have Raeila."

"We'll come back for her," Kael said as he sent strength to his wife through the Force. "We'll come back and Dani and Nieme will pay for the pain and suffering they've caused."

"Guard your emotions, Kael Selrid," Laedra advised. "You want to be completely whole when Raeila returns to you."

"I know," Kael said. "Though, we cannot afford to allow Nieme and Dani's actions go both unchallenged and unanswered. They must be caught, and they must make reparations."

Laedra sighed and squeezed Kael's shoulder for comfort. "We will return to the Temple tonight, rest...then in the morning we will discuss our next move."

"If Nieme is smart, she will do everything she can to make sure they stay safe and sound," Kael said. "Though, it's been awhile since Nieme has really done anything smart."

Laedra sighed softly and nodded at Koran. "Let's go." Then, she turned away and, in a crouching run, merged with the darkness behind them.

With a shared look, Kael and Koran quickly followed after her. Before disappearing completely into the darkness, Kael took one last look back. "Hang in there, my arozeil," he whispered. "I'm coming back for you." And, with that, he was gone.

***

She shrieked and thrashed wildly to free her arms from her captors' hold. When she had refused to cooperate and walk, one had gathered her legs around the ankles and hefted her up. Now, there were jeers and appraising laughter as she was carried in offering to their master.

The stench was putrid, and it was only by sheer luck that she had managed to keep herself from vomitting, but the closer the procession of soldiers came to the robust throne elevating the creature, the harder doing so became. She pleaded, producing sobs to arouse pity in her audience, but their cheers grew in volume at the sight of her desperation, and at the knowledge of what her fate was to be.

A gurgling, alien voice bellowed a command in some foreign, retched tongue. The soldiers obeyed and she was forced prostrate to the ground, her nude body laying across the descending steps of the dais. She sobbed now as the slug heaved itself from its throne, creating the sickening, wet sound of mucous meeting the ferrocrete surface as its full weight settled. The scraping as of sandpaper rubbing against the stone grated at her ears while the creature slid towards her. This time, she turned her head aside and gave a dry heave as the offal smell forced its way up her nostrils and seized her gut. The crowd found humour in her discomfort and emitted a raucous, unified laugh.

Carrying above it all was the rumbling, guttural utterance of her obese captor as he spoke again in his incomprehensible language. Fortunately for her, the accented, delicate voice of the droid shuffling by his master's side translated. "You are mine to play with now," it said.

Raeila Mullerin, trembling and teary-eyed trepidly raised her head to gaze up at the over-sized slug looming above. She screamed and clambered down the steps, only to be halted half way by the guards. Her actions elicited a bellow of laughter from the creature, and she sobbed aloud. Though, barely cutting through the din, she could still hear the droid's voice translating: "You are Jadda the Hutt's. Welcome to your new home."

"A Special Training"
by Auron Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen
Aeris Strife - NPC+
Tifa Alexandros Lionhart - NPC+

and

Jubey Khanor (NPC) - Black Hawks Pilot
Kilgara Saaknor (NPC) - Black Hawks Pilot Benal
Gaarto'or (NPC) - Flying Blazes Pilot (Twi'lek)
Finchawaca (NPC) - Flying Blazes Pilot (Wookie)
Zendel Agamo'or (NPC) - Flying Blazes Pilot (Human)
Yert Yeglor (NPC) - Flying Blazes (Givin)

Location: CRS Concordia
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

Auron was asleep, but he woke up with a strange feeling on his mouth. He tried to get up without waking Ellemiek when he realized they were giving a time off. He knew Ellemiek too well, and the fact that Kyra was back in Auron's life made Ellemiek a little insecure in her relationship with him. The words 'let's give a time off' had the same meaning as 'you should have the obligation as a husband to Kyra.' In part Ellemiek was true about that; he should now play his role as husband because he still loved Kyra, but there was also a part of him that loved Ellemiek. He was divided between these two beautiful women who cared as much for him as he did for them.

He got up and dressed up. He decided to talk with Ellemiek about this, since Kyra had been called up to Coruscant to help out some important Admirals with information about the Former Imperials that were now Imperial Remnants. To be near both of them was killing him inside. He exited his room and walked to the entrance of Ellemiek's room. He knocked on the door and waited until Ellemiek opened it.

"Hi, Elle. Can we talk before we go to the training?" Auron chose the words, between his smile.

Ellemiek smiled back at Auron. It was strange to be so near him. It was almost intoxicating. But Kyra was his wife still and she too was near him, so she had chosen to step down and let the two of them sort their things out. Besides, she thought Kyra needed Auron more than she did. On the other hand, just hanging out with her former friends was great! "Sure, come in..." she told him as she walked back into her room and grabbed a band to make a ponytail out of her hair.

He looked like he was in highschool, the slightly small problem of speaking to girls was back, but it wasn't the same thing. This was a touchy subject for him as it was surely for Ellemiek or Kyra. "Elle, I... What I wanted... This is hard to talk about, Elle. It's like I'm ripped apart. Part of me stills loves and completely adores you, but the other part loves and adores Kyra. I can't suddenly choose one of you! It is not that simple, Elle. If I chose you I would lose Kyra forever, and if I chose her I would lose you," Auron said as he sat down on the bed, looking at Ellemiek.

She sighed. "Yes, that may be true. But right now I think she needs you more than I do. Besides, she's still your wife and you are still married to her. And as for us... Well, we'll always be friends, Auron, but to tell you the truth, I'm not sure there's room for more than that in any of our lives right now," she told him. And she meant it, even though some part of her still wanted to be with him and be more than just friends.

Auron simply smiled to Ellemiek. "Sure, I understand. I'm going to do my job as as husband. As your friend, Elle please, take it easy. You will find the right man for you and if you need anything, just say it. We can be friends but part of me loves you and I will use it to ensure that you're happy, most of the time," Auron smiled and got up. "To have a friendship like yours is blessed by the Gods. I promise if you're ever shot down I will search for you!" He gave an ironical but warm smile.

She laughed and scratched her head. "Well, let's just hope that I'm never shot down at all!" she replied with a wink. She then grabbed her helmet. "How's the training with the rookies coming along?"

"Fine, but they still need a lot of work... I'm afraid that the Admiral would put them in active duty before they are ready. If the rumours about Imperial Remnants giving the Alliance forces a hard time are true, we can be called up at anytime. We may be at peace in this Sector, but we only control one fourth of this Galaxy. The Imperial Warlords are trying to crush the Alliance Forces and the New Republic..." Auron sighed. As much as it pained him to say it, he had to face the truth and the cruel reality. "The death of Emperor Palpatine has opened many different fronts, leaving us vulnerable to sudden attacks, like it or not."

Ellemiek sighed. She knew that Auron was right, but she was also hopeful that they were headed the right way. And it seemed that the largest pillar of them all had already fallen. Emperor Palpatine was that pillar. And something told her that, sooner or later, the once powerful Empire would crumble. She patted Auron in the shoulder. "Yeah, but at least we're driving them back more and more with each passing day, and many have gone for the run... Come on, I'm due for briefing the Black Hawks soon."

"Yes, of course. I'm also due briefing with the Flying Blazes," Auron smiled. But he wasn't calm with himself as Ellemiek was with herself. There were going to be fights before the true end of the Empire and that made him uneasy, but the fact wasn't the eminent attack of the Empire Remnants, but the fact that someone worse could take the late Emperor's place. Stop thinking like that, Auron! No one can be worse than the former Emperor! No one! Auron thought to himself.

As Ellemiek and Auron walked through the corridors, down to the lift that would carry them to the hangar bay, they ran across Jubey and Kilgara. Both were also headed to the docking bay, as they were part of Elle's squadron.

"Commander Vermolen, Commander Ronso," Jubey saluted with a smile, knowing fully well that there was no need really since they were amongst friends. It was more of a practical joke of his bad humour. They had all gone a long way back... Long before Jubey, or even Ellemiek or Auron for that matter, had entered the New Republic ranks.

Kilgara also smiled. "Hey, Elle... Professor..." she smiled, since she had known Ellemiek for longer than she could remember, and Auron had been her instructor when she was at the Tae'Morad academy. She had never stopped calling him professor.

They didn't talk important things while riding the elevator. But they always managed to laugh when they were together. It always seemed the best of times, especially remembering the former days when they were all part of the Tae'Morad.

As the lift got to the hangar, a young kid came their way. He was dressed in pilot gear, but seemed a bit young for the job. He saluted to his superiors. "Hell,o sir... ma'am..." he nodded. "I just wanted to tell you that I ran the obstacle course B-125 and that I made a score of almost 3000 points, sir..." he told Auron, with a clear smirk on his face. "2982 to be precise."

"Obstacle B-125... I think I made about 4000 points on that one," Jubey commented.

"Actually it was 4260 points," Kilgara said. "And to think I made just twenty points less than you..." she smiled.

"Come on guys, play nice..." Ellemiek winked. "3000 is a good score!" she told the rookie, even though she could tell the rookie was stunned with the info. "And don't worry, Auron's a great teacher!"

Auron looked to Ellemiek. "True..." With an ironic smile.

"Don't worry, Zendel, you will reach those scores in no time!" Auron said to lift Zendel's spirit. "Jubey always likes to brag about his scores. Yesterday Jubey confronted Aeris Strife on the sim in the Redemption scenario. Aeris was piloting an TIE Fighter and Jubey an X-Wing. Of course Jubey was in advantage because TIE Fighters don't have shields..." Auron laughed. "Instead, Aeris shot him down after an hour of being prosecuted by Jubey, winning the simulation." He tapped on Jubey's shoulder. "Don't forget you still owe me and Kilgara 300 credits!"

"I know..." Jubey laughed. "Who would think that she could pull that one off, eh?" He then turned and gave Zendel a nod. "Don't worry, kid. Kilgara's one of the best I've seen so far and she was taught by Auron, so I'm sure you'll learn a lot. And maybe we can scramble on sim sometime..."

"Anytime!" Zendel grinned.

"Ok, why don't you guys go ahead? I'll meet you near our section in a few minutes..." Ellemiek told Kilgara and Jubey.

"Sure! See you around, professor! Zendel..." Kilgara said, as she walked off with Jubey.

"So, Auron, want to introduce me to the rest of your squadron?" Ellemiek asked with a grin.

Four pilots saw the scene. Auron hadn't seen them. As he faced them they saluted him and Auron responded in the same way. "At ease, gentleman!" Auron looked at Ellemiek. "This is the rest of the Flying Blazes, whom you haven't met yet. It will be the first time on the X-Wing, but they are skilled in different fighters."

"Gaarto'or." Auron pointed to a male Twi'lek who immediately saluted.

"Finchawaca." A huge Wookie, the tallest of them all. He saluted and grunted something.

"You know Zendel Agamo'or..." The rookie with whom they had talked a few seconds earlier.

"And he is a rarity among the Alliance Forces. This is Yert Yeglor... He his Givin, a volunteered one!" Auron pointed to a guy who had a face like a skeleton, wearing long robes like a Jedi.

Yert smiled on his own way and saluted. "Yert speaks for everyone. An honor to meet Ellemiek, it is," Yert said. Givins rarely spoke out of their native language and Auron saw the reason why.

Ellemiek smiled back at them. An odd group, but race had never been definitive in piloting skills. "Nice to meet you all! I'm Commander Ellemiek Vermolen, and I lead the Black Hawks. I've known your Commander for a very long time, so believe me when I tell you that he is one of the best pilots I've seen so far..." she told them with a smile.

Auron looked at Ellemiek and gave her a smile. He glanced to the other rookies. "Let's go to the briefing, gentlemen." He saw the four rookies walking away in the direction of the briefing room, not too far from where they stood. He looked at Ellemiek and smiled. "So, do you want to see my briefing? You know, to see if I'm doing it correctly. If I still remember everything!" Auron said, although he had a huge ironical smile.

"I'm sure you still remember that much..." she winked back at him. "I'll see you later, ok?" she told him as she walked away.

"Hard Life...and Enjoying It, While It Lasts"
by Auron Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen
Tifa Alexandros Lionheart - NPC+
Aeris Strife - NPC+

and

Jubey Khanor (NPC) - Black Hawks Pilot
Kilgara Saaknor (NPC) - Black Hawks Pilot
Gaarto'or (NPC) - Flying Blazes Pilot (Twi'lek)
Finchawaca (NPC) - Flying Blazes Pilot (Wookie)
Zendel Agamo'or (NPC) - Flying Blazes Pilot (Human)
Yert Yeglor (NPC) - Flying Blazes (Givin)

Location: CRS Concordia
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

Aeris was looking towards the window to see the sun of the Tae'Remok system. She gazed at it, as if it almost prevented her to talk to her fellow mates, but the thing was that Aeris was always a loner. It was in her nature. The time with the merchants, smugglers and pirates, those were the only times when she hadn't felt alone. Of course, it was a need to know her mates back then, but she knew that she had to do it. The problem for her was that her skills of introduction and social matters were too weak at this point. She was the enemy to most generals and Admirals to whom she had been introduced to, and even a Y-Wing pilot had called her a spy... Aeris stop thinking like that! You're doing the right thing! she told herself.

"Yeah, Aeris!" A female voice came from behind her. She turned and saw Tifa standing there, folding her arms on her chest, with an angry look on her face. "What the hell are you waiting for?"

"What?" Aeris raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Ohhhh... Yes! Our little deal... Sorry, not now."

Tifa looked towards the window and stood beside her. Yes, it was beautiful... "Look, Aeris, if you keep putting yourself isolated and apart from the rest of the squadron, it won't do much good for you or the others. Now, you have two choices. Either I order you to come with me and start talking to your fellow pilots, which is impractical since I'm the same rank as you, or you can come with me and blend in. Take your pick."

Aeris looked at Tifa and giggled. "I don't have much choice, do I? I'm afraid that they'll call an Imp!" she said, opening her arms, smiling, just a second before she was pulled by Tifa.

"Don't worry! If they called you that, it means one thing! They don't know you as well as I do!" Tifa said as she continued to pull her by the arm to the center of the briefing room, where the rest of the people stood.

"Ladies and gentleman, Aeris decided to join us..." Tifa blinked her left eye towards Aeris. "Now, before she enters formerly on our group, I'm going to clear one thing. Aeris was called a spy by a Y-Wing pilot. If you guys have a problem with her being a former Imp, you have to face me. Are we clear?"

The rest of the group nodded to the weird announcement from Tifa. "Tifa, chill out! Aeris is the oldest in this squadron by one day! Of course it's ok with us to have Aeris being on our side..." Zendel said with a huge grin.

"Besides, the privilege to fight on our side Yert has, for freedom and equality between races our," Yert said with a straight face.

I don't know if a Givin has any face expressions! Aeris thought.

Finchawaca grunted something that no one understood, but a metallic droid next to him translated. "He says that it is better to have Aeris on our side, than on the imps' side." But Finchawaca continued to speak in Wookiee. "He states that at least we have someone who knows first hand the way the Imperials do their training, which will surely help our cause."

"The Wookiee is correct, Aeris. You are one of us and if they insult you, they insult everyone in this squadron! We may be a bunch of rookies, but with Commander Ronso we can be a mean, killing machine!"

Everyone laughed.

"Thanks, guys! Trust me when I say this. This can be a hard life, but enjoy it, while it lasts..." Aeris smiled, but she was interrupted as Auron entered the briefing room. Everyone sat on their places as Auron placed a datapad on the respective slot on the desk and a holographic image appeared.

"Ladies and Gentleman, first of all I welcome the last acquisitions to this squadron, but this isn't a vacation. Since we are in the so called peace in this sector, that doesn't mean that the Empire is dead. There are, however, different rumors about the Empire. To kill any speculations and rumours, know that the rumours are true. The Empire has opened different fronts and the Alliance Forces who protect the New Republic and freedom are being called. We can be called at any time. So... let's begin with training."

Auron punched a button and the holographic image changed. "This is the Great Canyon of Gemini on the Spira System. This mission will train you in aspects such as astronavigation, as well as how to fly in a trench that is barely wide enough to fit two X-Wings. This is a trench that resembles the one in the first Death Star. Almost just as wide." Auron paused as the imaged showed the course of the mission. "There will be no torpedoes since torpedoes are the most important weapon that you will ever have on a mission. This training is for you to practice your laser shooting and thus minimize the use of torpedoes."

Auron looked at the group and saw that everyone was paying attention. "There is a catch... Wing Commander Vermolen has agreed to join our training sessions. They will be your enemy. The mission is to get to the end of this course without being shot down. Are there any questions?" Auron looked at his people and saw Zendel getting up.

"Commander, are those dimensions correct?" Zendel asked.

"Yes, they are Zen," Auron said, nodding.

"Sir, that is impossible..." Zendel didn't finish his sentence since Auron interrupted him.

"Mr. Agamo'or, may I remind you that Rogue Squadron had to destroy the first Death Star and fly in a much smaller trench than this one, without any training at all? Ever since the first Death Star, this is one of the standard training missions. Any more questions?" Auron looked at everyone, but none said anything at all. "Good! Let's go to our ships."

Everyone got up from their chairs and walked out of the briefing room. Zendel was the last one to leave, but as he got near the door he turned to Auron. "Sir, I want to apologize for my behaviour back there."

Auron nodded both eyes in surprise. "Zendel, you don't have to be sorry about that. You were the wisest to ask me that..." Auron told him as he put the datapad back on one of his pockets.

"Why, sir?" Zendel was somewhat confused by what Auron had just said.

"This datapad has the correct information, since it was studied to precision... Look at it this way. If this was a mission we would only rely on information from our spies. Information that sometimes is not correct. By making that question I could answer if the measures are to the precision or not."

"I see, sir." Zendel saluted and walked out of the briefing room. Auron prepared to leave, when he gave a warm smile.

"You can enter the room, Kilgara, or you can stay there and accompany me to the hangar," Auron said as he walked towards the door.

"Professor..." Kilgara smiled. "So I hear we're going to make joint training. Black Hawks versus Flying Blazes. Should be interesting to see what you've been teaching your pupils nowadays!" she teased.

Auron smiled and nodded. "There are skilled pilots in this squadron, but one thing is to pilot as a single individual and another is to pilot as part of a squadron. At least they act like one! I know most of my pilots won't reach the end of the course with the Black Hawks on their tails, but hey, who knows! Aeris got Jubey with a TIE Fighter and showed us things that we didn't know a TIE Fighter could do."

Kilgara laughed. "Yeah that was a surprise. Well, I have to go get ready. Besides, I don't think I should consort with the enemy!" she teased. "I'll be seeing you from your rear end, professor..." Kilgara smiled.

Auron laughed. "Don't count on it, Kilgara!"

Kilgara waved her hand and trotted off to the other end of the hangar, where her squadron was forming up. Ellemiek nodded as she arrived and grinned at all the others. "Ok, people. As you're well aware of, we're going on a joint training mission with the Flying Blazes. The mission is simple: we're their enemy and vice-versa. Whoever survives in the end, wins. I want clean moves and no suicidal moves... Unless it's your last chance!" she smiled, only to get a laugh out of the group. "We pair up when and if I say we break loose, and you never leave your wing-man! The Flying Blazes are mostly rookies but some are pretty good at piloting, so don't think this will be easy. Missile locks or three ion hits are considered death. Once dead, you are out of the game and must return to stay near the Concordia. And ion cannons are always in a single shot mode. Any questions?"

No one seemed to have questions, but all seemed eager to start. "Very well then. Prep up! We leave in five!" she said, as the group walked off, each to their own ship.

Auron entered his X-Wing and sat up while his R5 Unit was placed on its own compartment. "This is Blaze Leader to Control, asking permission to lift off!"

After permission to the Flying Blazes was given and they had flown off the hangar, the Black Hawks fired up their engines and softly took off as well. There was a marked point for the two squadrons to meet up and get at each other. That point was the Great Canyon of Gemini on the Spira System. A rocky small trench that was hard to fly in. But Ellemiek had confidence in her pilots since she herself had made them run in asteroid fields. This was no harder.

It didn't take them long to get to the Great Canyon. Once there Ellemiek opened her comm to her men. "Ok people, stay alert. Fly in pattern Alpha 2, keep your distances short and cover each other's wing!" she told them. It was but a second later that her R2 unit was able to pick up the Flying Blazes. "I have them on my scanners, bearing 2., about twenty miles ahead!" she said.

"This is Black 2. I copy that read, Black Leader!" Jubey said.

"No need to tell you that the leader is our prime target! But keep those eyes on the others. We've seen proof that they're good, so don't underestimate them!" Ellemiek told her wing as they changed into attack formation.

It didn't take long before the Black Hawks caught up with the Flying Blazes. The latter squadron broke up like fire flies all over, which was most unexpected and left Ellemiek's squadron with little cover on all the adversary pilots.

Good thinking, Auron! Ellemiek grinned from behind her visor. He was working with what he had, and his call was a good tactic. "Scramble on pairs!" Ellemiek shouted over the comm. There was little time for more instructions, but then again she had already given all the instructions before and trusted the Black Hawks to do what was right.

The Flying Blazes were shooting in and out and that made them uneasy targets for both fire and missile lock. Also working in pairs, they were going for quick runs. Going in, shooting and getting out before they had someone on their backs.

Aeris had the first successful hit. Aided by her wingman, Finchawaca the Wookie, she had gone into the trench after Black four. The Black Hawks pilot was guarding Jubey's wing who was after Gaarto'or. As Aeris approached he almost had a lock on his opponent, who was making his best attempt to keep off the missile lock. Black four knew that she was back there as he knew that Jubey was also aware of the tight situation. But he was not leaving Jubey open for Aeris now that he was so close to making his kill. Alas, there was little that he could do in such a small trench and so he was eventually hit three times and was out.

Jubey decided that he was too close for missile lock so he shot his ion cannons. The first two hits were successful and a few seconds later he got his third one. Garto'or was the first one down on the Flying Blazes, which meant that the game was tied. Alas, when he pulled out, Aeris still managed to get after him and hit him once. He was in a spiral, trying to get her off his back and away from her fire, but it wasn't getting any easier. Besides, he was now running two to one.

But salvation had come for Jubey. Kilgara had gone after him once she saw the situation. The only thing that Finchawaca heard was a missile lock on him and he knew that he was out as well. Trying not to be next, Aeris was forced to pull out of her pursuit. It was now Jubey who had gone after her.

But Kilgara's courageous actions to save Jubey had cost the team, without her knowing. When she had gone after Jubey she had left Black five after Tifa. It seemed that Tifa had also had a rescuer. Zendel had got Black five, also with a missile lock. He and Tifa spun their ships and went after Kilgara, who was now open, out of the trench. Without hesitation she thrust her max speed and went into the trench. It was her best chance. She was flying low and fast, which made things harder for maneuvering but also harder for the Fling Blazes to get to her.

Tifa was the leader, with Zendel after her. But none seemed to be able to get to Kilgara. She was just flying too fast. A maniac in a trench... No one should be flying that fast in such a tight spot! But Tifa would not let go. Zendel shot out and tried to cut Kilgara off by using his after burners to speed up ahead of her and re-entering into the trench ahead of her. But their plan, even though well thought, was not successful. Kilgara had read it too soon and twisted her ship into a half-loop, a u-turn. She got Tifa in the crossfire, although Tifa got her twice as well. Kilgara was lucky to still be in the game.

Zendel was way off, but still went after Kilgara. He was searching for Kilgara when his scanner went red. He had a missile lock on him! It was Jubey... The Black Hawk was lucky and had got Jubey almost by mistake, as he was actually trying to get to Auron. But the leader of the Flying Blazes was out of his league, so when Zendel crossed, he had changed his target. Unfortunately, the one second off from Auron had provided the chance for Aeris to get him. The hunter was now the hunted, and she got Jubey in the one second of distraction that they had had.

Meanwhile, the leaders were at each other, and both had almost got to one another, but they somehow managed to get away from each other, even from the oddest situations. In and out of the trench, Auron followed by Yert and Ellemiek followed by Black three and Black six. The fight would be unbalanced, if the wingmen of both leaders didn't find it hard to keep up. At Ellemiek's call, Black three was ready, and when she criss-crossed, Yert was open. There was little he could do, but whatever that was, he had done it because he had only been hit once. But the situation was not over. They were still after him.

Auron had now turned fast and was covering him. He got Black six, but not before Black three got Yert. And Ellemiek was almost on him! And there was little or no margin this time... But out of nowhere came Aeris. She was firing like crazy and got Ellemiek to pull out. Black three tried to follow but in vain. Auron caught him as he tried to evade the blaze of ion fire coming from Aeris. There were very little left in the game, and Kilgara was missing in the conflict. All the better, as they were both after Ellemiek now.

She was forced to pull and turn and spiral to dodge them both, and she knew that she wouldn't be able to keep it for long. Her scanner picked up Kilgara all of the sudden, as she was bursting to reach her from behind. If she could just make a few more seconds, maybe she had a chance.

As it was, Kilgara engaged in what she saw as the strongest link. She had gone after Auron and left Ellemiek to deal with Aeris. But Aeris was not a lot easier than Auron. And this was proof that the imperial pilots were good indeed, as she was not being able to shake Aeris off her rear. But she had been in this situation many times, and having been a Tae'Morad was all the more helpful. She went in and out of the trench and looped around Aeris, turning the tide. Aeris was still able to make Ellemiek lose a few minutes after her, before she finally got the Flying Blazes girl. And that was more than she had ever spent after anyone so far! And in the midst of this, Auron had somehow gotten Kilgara. The girl had almost got her former teacher, but it seemed that the student hadn't surpassed her master...

So, the winning team now depended on the leaders, and Ellemiek was on a worse position. Auron was not a man to let go off an advantage, so he engaged Ellemiek. She knew that she would never outmaneuver him, not even in the trenches, but she tried to fly low all the same. At least it gave him a harder time and her a few more seconds to come up with a plan that had to be almost miraculous, if she was ever to get him. She finally decided to try something. It was either her best shot or totally suicidal.

"R2, power off the engines and power them back up as fast as possible at my mark..." she told her R2 unit. "NOW!" she yelled. At the same time that her ship lost power, she had turned it a little bit upwards. With the sudden decrease of speed, Auron had passed by her without time to do much at all. And with her engines back online, she was now after him.

This was most unexpected, and Auron had never seen such a maneuver. In fact he hadn't known it was possible or even that a ship could do that. It was almost as if it had brakes! He heard the missile lock and knew it was over... But the battle had been good nonetheless, so he had to grin.

"Ok people, everyone back to the hangar for debriefing," Ellemiek said in open comm to everyone. "And congratulations to all of you. You did well!"

"Scoundrel's Wages, Part 1"
by Daemor'rah
and Aurra Sgall

Location: New Plouton
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

The girls were on their way back to the location of their swoop, after having gone to New Plouton to pick up some groceries that Orn had asked for. The afternoon had been a rather hot one, even in spite of the Autumn having already arrived. It was beginning to get dark and the skies were in shades of purple and light blue.

"So, what of the new padawan?" Daemor'rah asked.

"Which one? Nyah or the other two who have just come to stay with us?"

"All of them, I guess!" Daemor'rah laughed.

Aurra smiled. "Well, I haven't talked much to Nyah, but she seems to be quite a nice person. And Master Alisson also seems to think well of her new Padawan, so that's a good sign."

"And the others?"

"I haven't seen much of... What was his name? Cole Slaton. But I guess he was in sickbay and such. I'm not sure he's been appointed to a Master yet. I have talked to Taran Kinneas though, and he's very nice!"

"Well that's good! I mean, at least we have more new Padawans and that means that our numbers will increase with time. Besides, it's nice to have new students to discuss training with," Daemor'rah commented.

"Indeed!" Aurra agreed, as she looked at their things and packed them up inside a duffel bag. "Well, I guess we have all we need. We should get going back..." she said as both of them got back on the swoop and started its engines.

On the corner of the street a man stood. He was tall and dressed all in black, his hair spiked up and his hood covering most of his face. He let his cigarra off his hands and into the ground and set his foot on top of it, while pressing a comm. "Target is in sight..." he mumbled.

***Location: Jedi Temple, the following morning.***

Aurra had come out early. She felt like taking a walk before her training, and she still had a few hours left until she met her Master, so she decided to go for that walk. The swift morning breeze and its fog made the forest near the Temple look fantastical, like out of a tale.

"Aurra wait!" Daemor'rah called as she ran to catch up with the girl. "Good morning! So, what are you doing up so early?"

"The same question goes to you!" Aurra grinned.

"Well, I was going down to the lake for a swim. Want to tag along?" Daemor'rah invited.

"Sure! I don't see why not..." Aurra smiled. The idea was even more appealing than just a walk. They got there in just a few short minutes, and both took their garments off. Normally Aurra wouldn't even conceive of looking around before undressing, but both new Padawans were male, and Cole seemed to be just the man to come in and try his luck. Much like Nieme and Dani had done in the past...

As for Daemor'rah, she couldn't care less if there was anyone looking or not. She took her clothes off and walked right into the water. Surprisingly enough, the water was rather warm. Perhaps it was heated by some volcanic stream.

"Come on, Aurra! The water's just fine!" she called out to her blue skinned friend.

Aurra was going in when she heard something. It wasn't really a sound, but more of a feeling. "Did you feel that?" she asked Daemor'rah in a whisper.

Daemor'rah stopped, but she had heard nothing. "Maybe it was nothing. Just a small animal... Come on!" she giggled.

"I'm not so sure..." Aurra said. Alas, she could see nothing. Maybe Daemor'rah was right and maybe it was nothing but her imagination. It was just then that she actually heard something. Alas, when she turned to see what it was, it was simply too late. She was struck in the chest by a blaster and fell to the ground.

"NO!" Daemor'rah screamed as she saw a man in some sort of armor coming out from behind a tree. At once, she jumped out of the lake and in a somersault had her lightsaber in her hands, already ignited.

The man tried to shoot at Daemor'rah, but the white skinned woman deflected his shots and even redirected one of them at the man himself, knocking him out. But at that same time someone else had come from behind and shot at Daemor'rah. It was too late for her to do anything about it...

"Retrieve the woman and get her clothes," the man in black ordered to another trooper who stood behind him. He then looked around. Good, there was no one else to deal with. He walked over to the knocked out soldier and looked at him while lighting a cigarra. "Fortunate that we were using stun shots... Get him as well!" he ordered.

"And the Twi'lek girl, sir?" the trooper asked.

He thought for a while. "We're taking her too..." he said.

"Persuasive"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Captain Rilanna Kir
Captain Dresh Kano

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

"We've had some very bad things happen on this station, but never anything like this," Rilanna Kir was saying as she gazed out the window overlooking the planet below the massive station. "We're still in the process of identifying the bodies. Given the nature of Down Below, it's not quite so easy. However, I think it does make the idea of tightening security on the station more appealing, even to them. If nothing else, it would also protect the peace, which is necessary at this point." Ril shook her head. "I don't like that things like this are happening here...not when the whole thing is a mystery. I've got people working to identify the murderer, as well as watching all the exits, though I doubt it'll do us much good now."

Shrezade Anoran had maintained a thoughtful silence throughout Rilanna's report, gazing through her empty tumbler in search of nothing at all. When Rilanna paused and the room fell into thick silence, Reza finally sighed and swiveled in her chair to face her security chief. "Double...triple...quadruple security down below if you have to," she told her. "This place plummeted into chaos once, and it isn't happening again. Tell me what you require, and you'll have it."

"I've worked up a list," Ril said, and slid a datapad across Reza's desk. "It's on there. I tried to keep costs reasonable."

Reza gave her a weary smile and glossed over the numbers briefly. Her sigh was of disgust as she pushed the padd away. "Bastards... Why must they choose our station for their corrupt deeds? Do they believe this is their playground?" She rose from her seat angrily and stalked for her window. "Just do it. I'll cover the costs. Take what you need and clean up this cesspool."

"It'll be done," Rilanna said. "I've already begun assembling teams. A new security station will be established every five decks as well. That'll give us a stronger presence, and the ability to react much more quickly to any threat. I foresee a personnel increase of twenty percent, though I believe those costs can easily be made up through additional taxation to the station's businesses...who will see an increase in business with the new people aboard."

"If they're not robbed blind by those wretches squatting on my station," Reza quipped acridly. She thumped her fisted hand against the window embrasure and sighed to regain composure. "I want more surveillance equipment down there. I want the identity of any who perpetrates a crime on this station."

"It will be added," Ril said. "Anything that happens on this station, we'll know about it. And, anyone touches any of station security's property will answer to me personally, and I don't think they'll like one word of what I have to say."

"I don't think they're ones to respond to mere words, Rilanna," Reza pointed out. "Their language is violence."

Ril gave a cold smile and patted the holster at her side. "I know," she said. There was no enjoyment in her eyes or in her tone. It was a job she had to do, and probably the only one that would get through to those who thought they could get away with anything on the station. "Hopefully, I'll only need to deal with them once before they learn."

"Well...be careful." Reza said this with a long look over her shoulder, one that spoke of the affection she shared for Rilanna. "You're expected at dinner tonight, remember?"

"I wouldn't miss it for anything," Ril said with a smile. She edged closer and slipped her hand up onto Reza's shoulder. "And, dinner will help me take my mind off of all of this for a little while. I enjoy my work to a point, but I also enjoy my time away from my work."

"I enjoy your time away from work, too." Reza allowed her first smile all day and leaned back to kiss Rilanna's cheek. "For now, though," she whispered, brushing her lips across Rilanna's jawline towards her own lips, "get back your station, Captain."

"Aye, aye, my dear," Rilanna said with a grin. "I'll see you tonight. I'm looking forward to it. After our time away, I don't think I could ever tire of the good cooking here."

"Thank the chef," Reza told her, then with a kiss, she lightly swatted her lover's rear. "See you later."

Rilanna let out a yelp as she made for the door. "I will, but I think the woman who hired him also needs some thanks...but I guess we'll take care of that later."

Leaning lazily against the wall now, Reza smiled slyly and remarked, "Dessert with you is always an event I look forward to. Don't be late!"

Rilanna gave her an equally sly smile in response, and slipped out the door. As the door was closing, her voice lingered slightly: "See you tonight..."

When it sealed, Reza sighed almost contentedly and again sank into her chair. The situation on her station cast everything in a gloomy light and thinking of Rilanna was all she could do to keep herself from brooding entirely. Resources were low, still after the battle to rid the Imps, and expenditures on repairs had made credits tight. Reza hadn't the funds to give Rilanna all the men she required, but perhaps she could circumvent the problem by calling in some favours. Chuckling throatily and idly brushing her fingertips across her chest, Reza imagined her associate would be more than willing to aid...for a small price she would readily pay in full.

***

"Oh wow," Dresh rasped, his body spent. "That was...well, that was quite a welcome home." He looked over at her as they lay together and smiled. "I missed you, Reza."

Smiling languidly, she caressed his sweat dappled cheek lightly and whispered, "You, too. You stay away far too long."

"Not by choice," Dresh said with a languid smile. "Oh, if I weren't needed there, I'd spend all my time right here with you. Well, maybe not here specifically, but on the station at least. Our schedules should be relaxing soon, and so I believe I'll have more time I can spend here on the station...if you have room for me, of course."

Reza glanced around at the oversized bed they'd rolled through and grinned. "Yes...I think there's plenty of room for you right here. But," she added, nuzzling her lips to his throat, "this isn't the main reason I summoned you. I have a request."

"Oh, a request," Dresh said with a grin. "I've never done requests before. Just give me a few moments to recharge my drives." He chuckled and moved his lips along her shoulder, working his way to her chin. "What can I do for you, my dear?"

"Lend me some men," Reza answered directly. Smiling at his skeptically raised eyebrow, she clarified, "Soldiers, Dresh. Soldiers. We've been having security problems and Rilanna needs more officers. I thought, since my loyalties are now to the New Republic and myself" --she idly dragged her finger down his chest, towards his abdomen-- "you'd wish to help by sparing some men for my station."

Dresh reached down and caught her hand. He brought it toward his lips, then kissed her fingers and palm. "I'll see how many I can spare for you. I think with the changes here, I should be able to get some to you, especially if we can establish a small New Republic presence on the station and perhaps some berthing space for ships."

"You'll have it," she declared with a joy in her eyes that matched the adoration she held for Dresh. "They will have living quarters at no expense, but what I'm able to pay them won't be a fortune, I'm afraid. It isn't feasible right now."

"Living expenses will be enough as long as they're free to act on New Republic business when they need to," Dresh said. "We'll make certain any time they're needed, though, will come with plenty of warning."

"And I hope," she purred, pulling herself onto his waist, "you'll deliver those warnings personally."

Dresh looked up into her eyes and smiled. In a husky voice, he answered: "Very personally."

Leaning forward, with her wispy bangs brushing his forehead, Reza chuckled and whispered, "I'm glad," then engaged him in a deep, voracious kiss.

***

When Rilanna returned to Shrezade's apartments, all of the exhaustion she'd been feeling faded away as it usually did when she returned "home" from a day of keeping the station secure. "Oh, it smells wonderful in here," she called out as she moved to where she knew Reza would be. And, she also knew that as soon as Reza heard her voice, she'd be on her way to greet her lover and best friend. They met in the hall as they usually did. "Miss me?"

"As much as I was able," she replied enigmatically and tenderly greeted her with a kiss. "You look tired," she murmured, threading her fingers through Rilanna's hair.

"Long day," Rilanna said with a smile. "Though, you look a little tired as well. How about some wine and a couch to soothe our tired bodies? I still say we should have that spa installed in here."

Reza chuckled and twined her arm around Rilanna's as they started for the living area. "When credits are in greater abundance," Reza told her, "you shall have that spa, my dear. I'll even share it with you."

Ril laughed as Reza left her at the couch to go retrieve a bottle and two glasses for them to share. "I like the sound of that," she purred. "But, for now, I'm content to share that oversized bathtub we've got in your refresher."

"Then my oversized bed?" The reminder of her afternoon on it summoned a grin to her lips. "Dresh is going to help us. He's offered men."

"Oh really? That's great news," Ril answered. "At least with some of his men, we won't have to rely on chance recruiting. I can only imagine the problems that might slip through a screening process."

"I trust Dresh," Reza began, pouring a stream of blood-red wine into a goblet, "but his men are another thing. You should screen them no matter where their allegiances are. It's simply precaution."

"True," Ril said. "However, I believe men coming from him may be a cut above what we'd get through our normal recruiting procedures. And, if there are problems, we can always send them back to him to be straightened out."

"And he'd gladly do it." With both chalices cradled in her palms, she joined Rilanna on the couch. She handed Rilanna hers with a light kiss, then sat back. "How's the hunt going?"

"Slowly, but I think we're beginning to make a little bit of progress. We're analyzing what we found now, so we should have a stronger direction by midday tomorrow. My guess is whoever it was is on the planet now."

"Then it's out of our jurisdiction," Reza said with a heavy, resigned sigh. "Why bother with any of this if those bastards can easily escape justice by fleeing to the planet?"

"They won't find it so easy once we're finished here," Rilanna said. "No one will simply vanish off this station any longer. When people are being killed, some of the liberties that have been enjoyed will have to be curtailed. Especially if they allow this sort of thing to continue. No, Reze, they won't be escaping justice for long." She kissed Reza's brow then lips. "And, once we have more information, I have half a mind to suit up and go after the bastard."

Reza laughed throatily, while her fingers glided lightly over Rilanna's arm. "You're still so impetuous. Sometimes, I fear for you. You'll be careful?"

"Oh, I'll be extremely careful," Ril said. "I can't stand the thought of leaving you all alone. So, count on me always coming home to you."

"Oh, but I won't be alone." Grinning, Reza leaned into her lover and whispered, "I'm sure Dresh would be more than happy to help me grieve."

"Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't," Rilanna said with a laugh. "But, I know I make you scream in ways that he doesn't. And, besides, who else would slip under your desk for middle of the day stress release?" She brushed her lips against Reza's chin. "I think I'd rather come back to you...I happen to like you far too much to stop."

"Now it's been reduced to simply liking me?" Reza teased. "What happened," she asked, pushing a hand up beneath Rilanna's breast to cradle it, "to love?"

Rilanna chuckled. "Oh that," she said as she leaned into Reza. "Yeah, I guess I do love you. You've got nice hands and you keep the bed warm at night. Then, you know that perfect spot where I like to be kissed." She gasped suddenly as Reza's lips nuzzled against her throat. "Oh yes, that's the one. Quite definitely love; I'm certain of it." She shifted her body so she could look into Reza's eyes. "If you'd like, I can prove it to you before dinner."

"But when would we eat?" Reza asked playfully, and chuckled at the answering gaze from Rilanna. "Oh," she answered, nodding, "that kind of eating."

"I think we can figure something out," Rilanna said with a sultry smile. "So, tell me about your day, my love."

"Do you really want to know?" Reza asked skeptically. "It involves Dresh and my bed."

Rilanna laughed. "You're such a scoundrel, my love," she said.

"How else was I going to enlist his help?" Reza asked defensively. "Without a single roll through the sheets, we would have received half the men he offered." Smiling guiltily, Reza admitted, "Though, I really did just miss his company."

"I know you did," Rilanna said with a chuckle. "Then again, who wouldn't? He's a very attractive, desirable man who enjoys sharing your bed with you. And, since I'm alright with the two of you, I see no problems with you finding some pleasure and enjoyment in his arms, as well as some assistance for the station."

Snaking an arm around Rilanna's waist as she moved in closer, Reza whispered, "Then neither do I," and kissed her lover slowly.

Rilanna sighed happily as she gave in to Reza's touch, allowing herself to let go of the day through the pleasures and joys she could only find in the arms of her lover.

"First Test"
By: Yara Zaneth [NPC+]
Va'Lesh Zaneth [NPC+]
Leshie Zaneth [NPC+]
Liam Zaneth
Shaza Nightshade [NPC+]

Location: Aboard the Shadow Stalker
Date: Lythe 14, 4 ABY

***

"You have very good form, Yara," Va'Lesh said as they left their training session together. "Your growth continues to impress me, and I cannot help feeling slightly as if I am falling behind. It is a good incentive to push myself farther. I believe we should look in on Va'Lesh, and then we can begin preparations for the meal. I would like to attempt one of the recipes we found on Ajorise the other day."

"I find cooking to be a difficult skill to master," Yara mused. "It seems our versions of the recipe always taste so different from Liam Zaneth's, yet the ingredients are the same."

"That is for certain," Leshie said. "Miss Nightshade does not seem too very particular about food, however. Her figure seems to not suffer from her consumption. Though, as I ponder the situation, neither does yours. Your form is as pleasing as when I first saw you."

"Thank you, Va'Lesh," she replied graciously, though hardly blushed and appeared otherwise unflustered by his compliment. "Your figure is appealing as well. Though, I do believe you are becoming firmer. Liam Zaneth certainly trains us hard."

"That is understandable considering the goals we have set for ourselves," Va'Lesh said. "The life of a Jedi Knight is not an easy one, and will certainly be physically demanding. I am grateful for the amount of work Father gives us."

"As am I," Yara concurred. "It will give us greater discipline. That is precisely what a Jedi requires." Reaching the door to Leshie's room, Yara and Va'Lesh paused, both smiling. "He knows we are here," she whispered. "I can feel his excitement."

"How soon do you suppose it will be before we have one of our own? Though, even though he is not ours technically, it feels like it at times. Doesn't it for you? I do not believe our attachment to him is unhealthy. Quite the opposite. While Father does spend a considerable amount of time with him, he is only fulfilling half of the role Va'Lesh requires in his development, while we are able to satisfy both of those roles."

"As mother and father?" Yara ventured. "Or more like...brother and sister?"

"As strange as it may seem, I believe we are able to satisfy both roles," Va'Lesh said. "Perhaps Leshie feels that as well. Do you feel this, Yara?"

She smiled fondly. "I feel as if he were our very own, Va'Lesh." Tenderly, she pushed her fingers through his ruddy hair. "He looks just like you, too."

"He is a very special child," Va'Lesh whispered. "I am very pleased Father allows us to help in raising him. Together we can give him the best of everything."

Yara nodded in wholehearted agreement and kissed Va'Lesh lightly. "Come, he awaits us." With a single typed command, the door opened for them, and Leshie let loose with an exuberant squeal. Yara chuckled.

"He fills my heart with such joy," he said as they approached the crib where Leshie lay, tiny feet kicking into the air. "It is certainly apparent when he is excited."

Yara leaned over the rail of the crib to regard Leshie, and couldn't help tickling at his healthy, round belly. He shrieked with laughter and squirmed under her touch. "I believe," she said, raising her voice to carry above his cries of delight, "he is happy to see us."

Placing a hand on Yara's back, Va'Lesh smiled down at his younger twin. "Yes," he said, "I believe you are right. Shall we take him for a walk around the ship? I know I would be tired of being cooped within this crib all day long."

"As would I." And with the decision easily made, Yara gingerly scooped up Leshie, cushioning his head in the crook of one elbow, and supporting his bottom with the other. He gazed up at her with glistening, blue eyes and dimpled a smile. "We love you, Leshie," she whispered. He cooed and burbled as if in reciprocation.

"He knows," Va'Lesh said with a smile. "It is in his eyes, you can see it. Come Leshie, let us go for a walk." He slipped a hand down to Yara's waist, and gave her a smile. "For as much as I enjoy training to be a Jedi, I also enjoy this, my love."

"It is very fulfilling," she added, the two starting for the door. "I never imagined I would find such enjoyment in my life. Being a soldier seemed to be enough...but now I know it was not."

"The things we have learned since we became Father's padawans, it is quite remarkable. I feel as if...as if before I knew nearly nothing."

"Perhaps we did not," Yara explained. "Master Kandran kept us sheltered and ignorant to anything outside of training and being soldiers. Liam Zaneth is teaching us much more."

"I am very thankful for all Father has taught us. And, I am pleased at what we have learned together." He smiled. "I look forward to what we will some day be able to teach to little Va'Lesh."

"Liam Zaneth says he may be old enough soon to begin training." Yara's smile was bright and hopeful. "Do you believe he would allow us to train Leshie, just a little?"

"I believe that we may be allowed to," Va'Lesh said with a firm nod. "We can help him learn discipline, and Jedi lore."

"And how not to listen to Ms. Nightshade." Yara and Va'Lesh shared a light chuckle.

Va'Lesh rolled his eyes. "She is a wicked woman," he said. "She may be very attractive and talented, but she's wicked...and she doesn't capture my heart."

"Not any longer?" Yara asked.

"She never did capture my heart," Va'Lesh said as he kissed her cheek. "That's always belonged to you. She ignited my passions, but without the heart it was empty. You are my passion and desire, and my heart."

Leshie gurgled serenely as Yara shared an amorous gaze with Va'Lesh. "We shall be like Liam Zaneth and Yelara Zaneth one day," she whispered. "We shall be married."

"And, we shall have a baby just as beautiful as Va'Lesh," he said.

The sound of booted feet could be heard ahead of them, and a moment later, Liam turned the corner. He gave them both a warm smile.

"There you two are," he said. "Might want to buckle in. We're coming up on Gotrib'Mai. Need to meet with a man there, and if you're up to it, you can restock our inventories."

"We would be delighted to, Master." Yara raised Leshie to her chest and kissed his cheek. "Come now, Leshie. We must get buckled in." Bowing her head at Liam, she moved off towards the cockpit, the two men trailing behind her.

"Your training went well today," Liam said as they moved to their places. "I am pleased with your progress lately. Both of you."

"Thank you, Father," Va'Lesh said. "Much of the credit must also go to our teacher."

"A very good teacher," Yara concurred, though speaking to Leshie who giggled in response.

They reached the cockpit, where Shaza had already begun landing preparations. "We'll be down in just a few minutes," she said. "We've already got clearance." She glanced back at Yara and gave her a smile. She looked away, focusing on the controls. "Would you like to sit up here, Yara? So little Leshie can watch us land?"

She looked aside at Va'Lesh, seeking indication of a ruse on Shaza's part. With his nod of encouragement for her, Yara smiled and took her place beside Shaza. She barely looked at the woman. "Do not touch, Leshie," she advised the child affectionately, and smoothed down a patch of his fiery hair before planting a kiss upon his crown.

Shaza expertly piloted the ship down. The planet was lush and full of life...even little Leshie could feel it. There was a turquoise ocean dominating the southern hemisphere. The location they had chosen to land, however, was the black spot on the planet. As was usually the case with spaceports, they attracted the worst of the worst, and despite the rest of the idyllic scenery, this planet was no exception. Buildings rose up on all sides, obscuring the sun from view. Still, despite the darkness, life was present in abundance. Perhaps, in time, the pure could overcome the impure...at least, that was Liam's hope.

"Not exactly the beautiful vacation spot," Liam said. "But, it'll do."

"Leshie seems to like it," Yara noted as the child bounced in her lap and flapped his arms happily. "Can we take him to visit, Master?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at Liam. "Leshie would like some fresh air."

Liam studied both Leshie and Yara for a moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said. "I sense...danger. Nothing specific, but just...at an increased potential. So be careful and watchful. Use the Force. And don't get too carried away with supplies." He chuckled and nodded. "I'm sure you'll both be fine. We'll meet back at the ship in two hours."

Yara grinned, and after unstrapping herself, stood from her seat. Before turning away from it, she told Shaza, "Thank you for the ride, Ms. Nightshade."

Shaza smiled at Yara. "You're welcome, Yara," she said. "I'll see you in two hours. Be safe."

Yara bowed to their pilot respectfully, though it was more than Shaza deserved. Holding Leshie securely to her bosom, Yara ducked out of the cockpit with Va'Lesh.

As they grabbed their things and exited the ship, Va'Lesh couldn't help the wide grin spread across his face. "It is nearly an adventure," he said as they started off through the spaceport. "I don't believe I have had any adventures yet. I am happy to share my first with you."

"Hopefully there is not too much excitement," Yara said as she settled Leshie into the sling over her torso. "Leshie will get easily tired, I imagine."

"I imagine that is true," Va'Lesh said as they passed through the gates to the spaceport and out into the city. "However, he seems quite excited at the moment." He brought a hand up towards little Leshie, and immediately had one of his fingers seized in a small fist. Va'Lesh smiled. "He shall help us select our supplies."

"Because Leshie is very bright," Yara appended, smiling fondly. "If he could speak, the things he would say..." She sighed in wonderment.

"Perhaps we can help him to speak," Va'Lesh suggested. "We do have a bond with him, and I believe with our help, we could teach him to communicate with us. If we could do that, teaching him to become a Jedi could start right away."

Yara giggled softly. "Va'Lesh, he is too young to speak. It is physically impossible." And to soothe his wounded pride, she kissed his cheek.

"But he does grow each day," Va'Lesh answered. "And, perhaps there are other ways in which he can communicate with us, other than speech."

"Through the Force?" Yara guessed. "Liam Zaneth has said he is sensitive."

"There is potential," Va'Lesh said with a nod. "Perhaps after we've left this planet, when we're back on the ship, we can try."

Leshie happily patted at Yara's shoulder in approval. She grinned at Va'Lesh. "Yes, we shall try that indeed."

"Come, the market is this way," Va'Lesh said with a smile. "We will be able to find our supplies there." With his hand held in Yara's, they started across the square for the market that lay beyond.

***

"Over there," Shaza Nightshade said, pointing.

Liam followed where she was pointing and nodded. "Yes," he said, "that's the place alright." Taking her hand, they turned toward the cantina.

"Liam, about...about everything..."

"You mean the things with the kids?"

Shaza nodded. "Yes," she said. "I'm...I'm sorry. I knew I was causing trouble, but...but I really have no excuse. It was wrong of me. But the thought of losing you, of never seeing you again... I know we have an open relationship, and I know it was alright for me to be with Va'Lesh because he wanted that as well."

Liam stopped and turned to more fully face her. He nodded for her to continue.

"I felt bad for you, for...for me being with Va'Lesh, but then...but then Yara rejected you. I know you'd wanted to be with her..."

Liam laughed softly. "I'm attracted to her, just as I was to her mother. If she wanted to be with me, sure. But she's chosen Va'Lesh. And, besides, why would I really want anyone else in my bed when I have you? Now, it's in the past. Hopefully we can all move on, and you can stop pushing for things like that. I'm content with things as they are."

Shaza smiled. "Then I am too," she said.

"Come on. Let's get to that meeting before it's too late."

They approached the building and stopped at the door. Shaza looked over the place quickly, using an eye trained to find such things as might harm either of them. As a bounty hunter, she had to learn to know when someone was trying to kill her. Liam used his own senses and sensed no malice, at least none directed at them.

"I'll wait here by the door," she said. "Signal me if you need backup."

He nodded, then kissed her. "See you soon," he said, then slipped inside.

He found his contact easily enough, and moved to the back of the cantina where the darkened booth waited for him. This meeting had been set only two days before, but the information seemed to be very current. Liam nodded to the Rodian outside the booth, and then slipped inside. Even with Force-aided senses he couldn't make out the details of the person across the table from him. He gave a nod in the darkness, and sensed an answering nod.

He leaned forward slightly, peering into the darkness. "I'm here for information about...the doctor."

***

As Va'Lesh and Yara arrived at the market, they were surprised at both how large and how dirty it was. The product itself didn't seem so very bad, but the people and the buildings. Everything appeared to be...run down, and nearly worn out. The eyes of the people there were dark and shifting. There was a general feeling of menace to the place that even Leshie could feel. He shifted uncomfortably against Yara and clung even more tightly to Va'Lesh's finger.

"We must be careful here," Va'Lesh warned softly as they moved slowly forward.

"Yes, I feel it too." Yara wrapped her arms around Leshie; even the child seemed unsettled by their surroundings, as evidenced by his whimpers and frequent, agitated movements. "Let us procure our supplies, then move on, Va'Lesh. This is no place for a baby."

"I agree," Va'Lesh said. "Come." He gave her hand a squeeze, and sent a gentle ripple of reassurance through the Force to Leshie. He smiled as the child calmed slightly. He would have to inform Father that he had succeeded in that Force trick. Liam Zaneth was always pleased to hear of such accomplishments.

"We will require some food and clothing for Leshie," Yara told him after spying a stall offering jars of blended vegetables that would be perfect for their young companion.

They approached, greeted kindly by the toothless merchant; Leshie didn't seem to mind him at all. Ingredients were the topic of Yara's questions to the man, and he answered with enthusiasm, taking much pride in the quality of his product. Yara couldn't help but smile. A case of jars was purchased, for a modest sum arrived at following much haggling; the sight of a child in her arms struck a note of generousity in the man...or so he had said. With their transaction complete, Yara thanked the vendor and Va'Lesh hefted the crate as they resumed their trek.

Hard stares followed them as they walked - they were clad in attire that appeared extravagant compared to the worn and patched rags donned by the resident rabble. That alone seemed enough to gain their scorn, and Yara could feel it dripping off them like some vile scum on the surface of a puddle, one threatening to drown them. She trembled, but not from fear, from disgust.

The three of them made for another small shop overhung by an awning - shelter from the fetor threatening to absorb them. They were halted by a voice calling to them from the side, a female, though it was difficult to tell through the rasp.

"What an adorable baby," she gushed. The three goons ghosting her smirked viciously, the largest of them casting a lecherous gaze in Yara's direction. She was still far too naive of such things to notice. The small gang loomed nearer.

"Can I hold him, you think?" The woman's outstretched arms revealed skirling tattoos that disappeared beneath the short-sleeved, leather vest covering her long torso; she stood nearly a foot taller than Yara, but it was the studded rings piercing her lip and nostril, her eyebrow and the several lining her ear, as well as the deep scar across her cheek that intimidated the young Jedi. She instinctively pulled Leshie tighter to her chest. The woman pouted, as if wounded. Va'Lesh instinctively moved between the small band of rabble and Yara and Leshie. "We are in a hurry and have no time to tarry," he said. "Our humble apologies, but perhaps another time."

He could see by their eyes and the shifting of their bodies that this was not the answer they had desired to hear.

"Master Zaneth will be expecting us," he said to Yara. "We don't wish to keep him waiting."

"Of course not," she responded, and began backing away.

"Oh, now don't go," the woman called to them. To further express their desire for a peek at Leshie, one of the burly men rushed up behind Yara to block her passage. She spun on him when her back pressed into his solid chest. "If you stay a while," she continued, eyeing Va'Lesh lazily and appraisingly, "we promise to be nice."

"We encourage you," Va'Lesh said, shifting to where he could see all of them, "to seek your entertainment elsewhere. This is not worth the trouble you're going through."

"No trouble at all," said one of the men as he leered at Yara. "By the way the two of you talk, sounds like you could use some loosening up. And, loosening up--" for emphasis, he gave a very lewd rolling of his hips "--is one of our specialties, you might say."

"We do not require loosening up," Yara snapped, glowering at the man inching closer to her. He reached out for her waist and she slapped the hand away. Chuckling, he shook out the abused appendage while his fellow oafs joined in the laughter.

"See?" The woman grinned. "They just want to play." Still fixing her lusty gaze on Va'Lesh, she added, "And so do I...."

"I am afraid you will be disappointed," Va'Lesh said, then moved to Yara's side. "We're leaving now. I would advise you to let us pass."

She chuckled - cackled, rather. "He's a brave one, isn't he? Shall we show him how much less...painful it is to do as he's told?"

"Oh, I think it's time he learned," came one response. "Both of 'em, says I," came another. "I like teaching lessons, especially to young whelps like that 'un."

"You don't wish to do this," Va'Lesh answered. "Trust me."

That earned another bout of guffaws and booming laughter, and it was in that moment everything degenerated into chaos. Yara gasped as a corpulent hand grasped her arm. The amazon gruffly ordered the two remaining lackeys to seize Va'Lesh. Leshie, strapped to Yara's torso, let loose with a shrill bawl.

Carefully dropping the crate he carried to the side as he moved, Va'Lesh stepped forward into the attack, relying on the senses Liam Zaneth had been helping to hone to keep him a step ahead of the thugs. He came up into a defensive stance that would allow him easy access to his lightsaber should he need it.

Behind her, a thick body pressed against Yara's back. "Don't scream, girlie," the owner of the body rasped, "though, screams always do get me going. And, don't do anything that'll get that precious babe of yours hurt, if you take my meaning."

Mention of injury to Leshie awakened Yara's protective motherly instincts. Cradling Leshie's head with a single hand, but daring not to draw her lightsaber, Yara twisted her arm free of the man's grip and spun away. He immediately charged, his mouth bearing a fierce grin. Calling upon Liam's teachings, Yara focused on a crate sitting upon the ground. It trembled and quaked under her influence. Only when the thug was nearly upon her did it skitter into his path. With a roar, he crashed to the ground, flattening the crate under his substantial frame and sending splintered debris flying. Yara leapt back to avoid the pieces.

Just a few meters away, Va'Lesh twisted to the side to avoid the blows aimed at him. He sent one fist into the back of the man that was now in front of him, and launched a kick backwards at the other. The attacks weren't enough to stop them, but more than enough to give them pause. He spun again, gathering moment enough behind him to send one of the two sprawling back onto the ground. He turned to the other, setting himself for an attack. "Are you sure you wish to do this?" he asked.

The man's rotted, leering smile foretold his intentions before he had lunged for Va'Lesh. One hand, with blazing speed, had reached behind and whipped out again with a blade in its grasp. The weapon slashed towards Va'Lesh's chest.

The tell-tale snap-hiss of an igniting lightsaber echoed around them as a cobalt blade sprang to life. The brilliant glow of the blade illuminated everything in cool, blue light as it flashed. In an instant, it was gone again. There was a clattering sound as the blade that had been held in the thug's hand landed a meter away, now rendered harmless. Va'Lesh pushed the man back with a thick tendril of the Force, putting distance between them once more. "I ask again," he asked, lightsaber hilt still held in his hand, "are you certain you wish to continue this?"

"Stop!" came the grating shout of the ringleader. She stepped forward, arms held up in surrender.

Yara rushed to Va'Lesh's side, giving a wide berth to the man she had felled. For now, there was a lull in the fighting, but Yara and Va'Lesh remained wary.

"Enough of this, now," the woman said, her tone chiding. "We haven't harmed you, have we?"

Va'Lesh looked to her, his expression neutral. "Had we not the skills to defend ourselves, perhaps you would not be able to say that. We stated our intentions, yet you persisted. That is harm enough. Now leave this place before we notify the authorities of your assault."

There was accompanying laughter as the woman scoffed, "Authorities? You don't know what planet you're on, do you? We're the authority here, we're the law." She rested gloved hands onto her shapely hips and stared down at the two Padawans. "No matter what sort of fancy weapons you wield, these are still our streets, and you're still intruding. Leave."

"We were merely purchasing supplies when you intruded upon our privacy," Va'Lesh said. "As long as you do not try to arrest our return to our ship, I'm certain we can put this situation behind us. If you try to stop us again, I assure you it will go far more poorly for you." Calling upon the Force, he hefted the crate one-handed and nodded to Yara. "Let us leave."

She watched the ruffians sidelong as she and Va'Lesh slowly backed away. Leshie whimpered still and she stroked his hair. They received catcalls and jeering laughter as they departed, but at least they were no longer on the defensive.

"See you around, pets!" the woman shouted after them. Yara moved in closer to Va'Lesh.

"It is alright now," Va'Lesh said softly, both for Yara and Leshie. "We have the supplies we need; we can return to the ship."

"Leshie still requires clothing," Yara replied, seemingly unfazed. "We will seek attire elsewhere."

"That is acceptable," Va'Lesh answered. "Shall we return our purchases to the ship, or bring them with us? It may be best to bring them with us, since returning to Shaza Nightshade's ship will require too much time."

"We are capable, Va'Lesh," she reminded him. "Let us continue as we are." Yara smiled, then, a trace of pride in her expression. "We are truly Jedi now, Va'Lesh. Truly."

"We did very well," Va'Lesh said with a smile. "Father would be proud of how we handled ourselves during our first crisis."

"I am proud of us," she added and nestled her head upon Va'Lesh's shoulder. "We have purpose. For that, I am glad."

Va'Lesh leaned close, then kissed her tenderly as they walked. "It feels good to have purpose," he said. "It feels good to stand firm in our resolve, and push back that which would seek to hinder us on our path. We will be good Jedi."

Leshie burbled an affirmative and Yara laughed gently. No longer merely soldiers, she and Va'Lesh were now Jedi. Instead of fighting wars instigated by Dargus Kandran, they would maintain peace and protect those who could not protect themselves, like Leshie. The roles were quite different, but Yara preferred the latter to the former. It was more fulfilling following the bidding of the Force rather than that of a nefarious crime lord.

Yara and Va'Lesh, two clones created to serve had finally achieved free will and the happiness that came with it. Freed from the shackles of their genetically predetermined fates, their lives would be devoted to the Jedi Order and one another for all time. It was a most pleasing prospect.