"Combing the Sands"
By: Raeila Selrid
Dani
Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos
Date: Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

The towering buildings and ferrocrete of the city had turned into green fields and then finally into the sands of the desert. As the speeder sped across the golden dunes toward the settlement of Thanatos, the inside of the speeder had grown warmer. Neither Dani nor Raeila had really noticed. Racing headlong over the paved path linking the desert settlements with the city, they held each other's hand for comfort, but otherwise said little.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Thanatos slowly rose from the sands. Dani felt Raeila's grip on her hand tighten briefly. Almost there.

"We should go to the house first," Dani suggested. "If he's not there, the Feltrey house is close by."

"How would he have gotten here so soon, though?" Raeila asked. "What if we passed him? What if he needs our help back in New Plouton?" She sighed. "If I had been paying more attention to him, none of this would've happened...."

"He probably had a head start on us," Dani said. "Master Darr didn't say how long ago he left...but he could have made it here before us if he left before us."

"Then why isn't he answering his comm?" Raeila tried to shake loose the fatalistic thoughts weighing in her mind. She had neglected her brother and driven him to seek out affection from Zari...even if it meant forcing it from her, but Raeila blamed herself for that, too. Having always given him what he wanted when he wanted, Ferrig wasn't used to being refused, and he likely hadn't taken well to Zari denying him. "If only...." she whispered in grief.

"He made his choices," Dani said softly. "Don't blame yourself. We'll figure this out, Rae. Maybe he doesn't have his comm with him. We'll find out soon enough. The house isn't far now."

Although it wasn't, Raeila found it a frustratingly long trek through the desert, and when they finally arrived at the home Kael had purchased for them, she parked the speeder with a lurching halt, disengaged the thrusters, and flew from the vehicle. "Ferrig!" she hollered, stumbling her way through the dense, cold sand. "Ferrig...please be here!"

Before she could reach the door, it opened and Ferrig's head popped out. He looked around until he spotted her and grinned, and the rest of him followed out onto the porch. He was carrying a drink in one hand and the other was holding what appeared to be a towel. As she got closer to him, it was obvious his hair was still wet. "Hello, little sister," he said with a smile. "I was hoping you'd be by, but I didn't expect you to bring company with you. But, that's perfectly fine. You look--" Before he could finish, she'd slammed into him and caught him in a tight embrace. Some of the drink spilled, but he didn't mind.

He had little time to enjoy the press of her body against his before Raeila had pulled back and caught him in the chin with a swift right hook. What was left of his beverage splattered entirely onto the porch as he staggered back, the glass soon following. "You idiot!" she shrieked at him tearfully. "What did you think you were doing!? How could you be so vile, Ferrig!"

Ferrig felt his lip with his tongue and tasted blood. "I suppose you're talking about that thing with Zari? She was practically begging for it, Rae. Whatever she said afterwards isn't taking into account the sandshifting orgasms she had. I don't see what the trouble is, anyway; we used to do that sort of stuff all the time."

"But not now, Ferrig! Not at the Temple! We're supposed to have changed. We're supposed to be better people!"

"I guess you're better at it than me," Ferrig said. "Don't you get bored, Rae? Always trying to be perfect? Don't you ever get the feeling you want to cause some chaos? I can't just sit around and do nothing. What's more wild than having yourself a little piece on the side while you work it steady with another? Don't get me wrong, I do love Tralesha...but the wetter traditions were drowning me."

Raeila's tone softened, her own Kir'Thanan blood finding sympathy with Ferrig's explanation. It had been difficult to do without Kael's support, but Raeila had managed to curb her reckless tendencies; having neglected Ferrig, he had no one to aid him in doing the same. "Ferrig," she whispered, again closing the distance between them to take his hands. "Why didn't you come to me? Why did you have to hurt Zari like that?"

"I wanted the power," Ferrig said. "I wanted the control, and I could get that from her. I love you, Rae, and I always will. But, you have Kael and Dani, and you mean more to me than just someone to use for sex. I just needed sex, dangerous sex...and I couldn't do that to you."

"I haven't changed that much," Raeila insisted, surprised at how she could find offense with learning she had become far too wholesome. "I wouldn't have turned you away, Ferrig...if you'd only just come to me. Now, you're in a mess I can't fix. Cole...he wants to kill you. How can we stop that, Ferrig?"

Ferrig shrugged. "I figured Kael would kill him first," he said.

Shaking her head in disgust, Raeila retorted, "So you cause havoc and expect the rest of us to clean it up? What has gotten into you, Ferrig? You were never like this...never a coward."

"I'm not a coward, Rae," Ferrig said. "I know my limits, that's all. It would be foolhardy to think I could stand up to someone like Cole because he knows how to use that lightsaber of his. Very nearly took my head off with it; he would have if weren't for Tala."

Raeila gaped, unable to comprehend her brother's cruelty. "So you'd have Talara - someone you love completely - defend you even if it meant her own demise?" She wrenched her hands from Ferrig's and snapped, "Would you have me do the same for you! Is that how much those you love mean to you?"

"Of course not," Ferrig snapped. "You're everything to me, Rae. Talara was about to turn me over to the Jedi Council, and Cole showed up and tried to kill me. She defended me. I thought I was dead when he slammed her into the wall and knocked her out, but she still had some fight left. I know I should have stayed with her, but I knew I was in trouble." He glanced over at where Dani was standing with arms crossed under her breasts. The look she was giving him could have frozen a star. "Okay, I did something wrong...but I can try to fix it, right? Will you help me try to make things better, Rae?"

"If you really, truly want to," she answered softly. "I've always been there for you, Ferrig...you just have to learn to reach out to me."

"I can't go back to the Temple," Ferrig said. "I'll have to live here from now on. And, they turned Tralesha against me too. We were going to get married, but then...then Laedra and Koran came in and revealed my dark secret. Tral wasn't happy."

"Did you expect her to be?" Raeila chuckled in disbelief. "Are you that jaded, Ferrig, to think Tralesha would accept your screwing Zari?"

"She's got a wild side," Ferrig said with a shrug. "I thought maybe she'd want to join us."

"Ferrig, just stop!" she shrieked, pushing away from Ferrig and his nearly palpable taint. "Don't you feel anything? Don't you feel sorry for anything you've done?!"

"Well, sure," Ferrig said. "I do feel bad. But, I can't wallow in that. I can't allow what I've done to consume me. I have to move on from that. I wish things had gone differently, but that's all done now."

"And now? What now, Ferrig? How are you going to fix this!"

"I don't know that I can do," he said. "The Jedi were pretty firm with the and never come back part. What can I do to tell Zari I'm sorry for what I did? I can't even get near her now."

"I...I can help," Raeila insisted and again ventured closer to Ferrig. "I can talk to them - or Kael can! But if you want to go back, you have to be good, Ferrig, really good."

"And if I can't," Ferrig asked. "If the urge to be a bad boy comes up again? I'm probably better off being here, and you can visit me. You prefer the desert anyway."

"I could...I could stay with you for a while," Raeila suggested. "Ferrig...I don't want you to be alone, not after all this. You shouldn't be all alone."

"Because you don't trust what I'll do?" Ferrig said. He glanced quickly at Dani, then back to Raeila. "With your Jedi helper to make sure I stay in line?"

"No," Dani said. "To keep your pathetic ass alive if Cole does make it to the desert. There are some who believe that you would get what you deserve from him if he killed you."

"And, you?" Ferrig asked, acid in his voice.

"For as wrong and hateful as your actions were, for as dark as I can feel your emotions are now, you do not deserve death," Dani said. "What you did was horrible, Ferrig, and I know you do not understand that. Your mind is clouded and I do not know why you act as you do. I have seen others in the desert, and very few act as you have. How many times have your Feltreys raped young girls just for the thrill of it?"

Ferrig didn't even flush with embarrassment at her words. "I'm sure it's happened here or there when the desire arose. We're not good people."

"Perhaps not," Dani said. "But, from my observations and experiences, the chaos of the Feltreys has centered and has always centered around gaining power over the other gangs in the region, not in causing havoc for the sake of havoc. When Nieme and I were taken by the Feltreys, it was for personal revenge because of Kael's foolish choice to be with Nieme instead of Raeila."

"I don't understand you," Ferrig snapped. "Why don't you take your purple-ness and your Jedi ramblings back to the Temple where they belong? We don't want them here in the desert. We've survived without you for this long, we can make it the rest of the way. The Feltreys, and me, do what we want, when we want, and however we want...and we don't need the Jedi telling us whether it's wrong or not. This is the life of the desert. I just forgot after being away for so long."

"You're wrong, Ferrig," Raeila told him sadly. "Pack and Yannick...they're trying to change things. You can't just come back here and inflict your own cruelty onto the desert. You'll ruin everything, Ferrig!"

"Are things actually changing here? Are things better? Is this the desert you'd rather live in, or do you prefer the desert we grew up in?"

"There's less blood, and people are happier. This is how our home should've been when we were little, or do you enjoy all the violence?" Raeila accused. "Are you becoming like father!?"

"I haven't started drinking yet," he said. In his mind, however, he saw his father, trying to get into Raeila's room, to sleep with the young girl. Yet in his mind, she now wore Zari's face, and his father bore his. A surge of anger, of resentment surged within him. "I don't have time to just stand here arguing with you. I'm going to the Feltrey house to see Pack and Yannick."

"Don't start trouble there, Ferrig," Raeila pleaded. "They've come so far. Don't ruin it for them with false promises of fame and power that only a return to their old ways can bring. I'll never forgive you if you do."

"I'll try to be good," Ferrig said. "I promise."

Raeila narrowed her eyes, masking her sorrow with mimed disdain. "Liar," she answered harshly. "But while you're there...if you manage to run into my real brother, tell him I'm waiting for him."

Ferrig frowned. "Sure, I'll do that," Ferrig said. "Though, I think who you think your real brother is and who he really is aren't the same. You've changed a lot, Rae. You've gone soft like the rest of the wetters."

"When times change, people change," Dani said. "That is humanity's greatest strength: its adaptability. Those who don't adapt to the changes, die. I thought a Child of Thana would know that better than anyone."

"What would you know of that? You who has caused this planet so much grief!?"

Dani smiled. "I believe you've made my point for me. What I did, I did for my own reasons, Ferrig. In the end, what I did was wrong, and I regret my actions greatly. I may never be able to repay for the pain and suffering caused by my hand. But the difference between us, Ferrig, is that I see what I have done wrong and am seeking to make amends. You seem to have deluded yourself into thinking that there was nothing wrong with what you did. Even before, in the days when Thanatos was more violent, it wasn't right...to treat others in such a manner is always wrong. Perhaps you will come to realize that; and hopefully before someone does teach you a hard lesson."

"You should listen to her, Ferrig," Raeila advised softly. "She knows better than anyone about turning your back on evil. Why can't you just believe us?"

"Why would we try to lie to you? About this of all things?" Dani asked softly.

"It's not that I think you're lying," Ferrig said. "It just... I need time to think...time to-- to sort this out."

Raeila watched her brother with large, woeful eyes as she whispered, "Promise you'll come back? I'll be waiting for you here, Ferrig."

"I promise," Ferrig said with a nod. "I'll just be over there for a couple hours. I trust I'll find the two of you in your bed when I get back? And, I will be coming back tonight."

"I won't be sleeping," Raeila told him. "I'll be waiting and worrying. So...be careful."

"I will," Ferrig said. "If...if you hear trouble over at the House...you'll..."

"We'll come straight over," Dani said.

Ferrig nodded. "I'll see you soon then." With only a slight hesitation, he started off toward the Feltrey House.

Raeila watched him until Ferrig was engulfed entirely by the darkness of night. Only then did she look away, struggling to control her pain. "He doesn't know what he's doing," she mumbled. "Why won't he listen?"

"He's very scared," Dani said as she moved to stand behind Raeila and then enveloped her into a comforting embrace. "Perhaps after some time with his friends, he'll feel more comfortable opening up to you. When you made the comment about your father, it was like ringing an emotional gong for him. That really struck him, and I believe he made a realization there he didn't wish to make." She kissed the back of Raeila's head. "He will come around in time, I am sure. I do not know how the Jedi Council will take my remaining here, but I have been their prisoner long enough...and I know I am needed here."

"You don't need to stay if it'll only cause you trouble. I mean...what about Nieme? Do you think Laedra and Koran will take care of her while you're gone?"

"I can contact them," Dani said. "Besides, Kael asked me to protect Ferrig should Cole show up. And, I'm not going to leave you like this. You mean too much to me to just abandon you. I hope the Jedi will understand, and if not, I will see that they do."

Raeila's hands slid over Dani's and she leaned back against her friend. "Thank you. I have a feeling Ferrig could use more help than I can give him alone. We can do it...together."

"Anything I can do to help," Dani said. "I will have to make sure I use protection with Ferrig; I hope he doesn't mind."

"What do you mean?" Raeila asked uncertainly.

"Oh...I'm sorry," Dani said, blushing brightly. "I think I misunderstood completely. I had thought you meant the two of us, and Ferrig. I just...I do not know if that is what you do want, or if anything such as that might happen, but I will need to be certain I use protection with any partner other than Kael. I guess that's what they mean when they say someone has the mind of a Zeltron."

Raeila turned, smiling increasingly, until she was facing Dani. "You plan to rehabilitate Ferrig by sleeping with him?"

"Well, no, it hadn't been a plan," Dani said, her skin flushing all the way down to the tops of her breasts. "For some reason, when you said helping him, I had thought you meant comforting him, as in sleeping with him. I did not mean for that, and I don't really know if it would help him. Do you suppose it would? For myself, I would prefer to be with you and Kael, but if you thought it would help, I would have no objection with Ferrig."

"You can do what you like," Raeila reminded her gently, "but I'm not so sure that would help Ferrig. He's got to learn that he can't always get what he wants...and it doesn't mean he can just take."

Dani nodded and smiled. "He has to earn it," she said. "Honestly, and not by saying what he wants us to hear to get what he wants."

She chuckled weakly, and again slipped into Dani's embrace. "Let's get inside. It'll be cold soon. I hate the cold."

"I'll start us some tea," Dani said as they started inside together. "We can sit in the main room while we wait for Ferrig to return. We can talk if you'd like."

Raeila smiled ardently and leaned her head against Dani's. "I like talking to you," she murmured. "Maybe tonight, I'll tell you everything about mine and Ferrig's past. It might explain a lot...."

"I'd like that," Dani said with a smile. "We can curl up in front of the thermal emitter with our tea, and talk. If you'd like, I can tell you more about my people if you're interested. Someday, I would like it if you could come to Zeltros with me to see where I grew up."

"Maybe after the baby," Raeila answered. "And after I can be sure my brother isn't going to become the new terror of Thanatos."

"I do not know what my parents would think of me having a baby," Dani said as they slipped inside the house. "I think they would be delighted that I was able to help a friend who needed me. My people are very giving, and I think they would approve. If Kael comes here tonight, maybe we can make our first attempt to have our baby."

"You two can go ahead, I think I need time to think about things." She chuckled. "I can't do that with you two doing...you know what."

"Well, he's not here yet, so it's just you and I. And, maybe I can help you take care of those things you need to think about before he gets here. But, if you'd prefer some time alone, I'll understand...just as long as you know that you can talk to me about anything you need to talk about."

"I know. I've always known I could." And as the two women settled onto the rug laid before the thermal emitter, Raeila began to recount the painfully tragic tale of her spoiled youth, and how Ferrig had saved her. Throughout the account, it became clear to Raeila that she couldn't abandon Ferrig and couldn't resent him for his transgression, for just as Ferrig had rescued her from a future promising only suffering and heartache, Raeila was obligated to do the same for him. And she would.

---

"In a Corner, Part 1"
By: Master Liam Zaneth
Dame Oot Kovan
High Princess Yelara Neerou
Meer'esh

Location: Royal Palace of Arcadia
Date: Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

Liam Zaneth stood beside the door, watching the dignitaries gathered around the table before him. They were aware of his presence, but paid him no mind. Their own problems were of greater concern to them, not the Jedi. And, now their voices continued to gain in volume as each minute passed. He suspected they might even riot if kept waiting much longer. Though, that they were still waiting was a concern to him. It was uncharacteristic for Yelara to make them wait for this long.

"Master Jedi, when will the High Princess arrive?"

It was the representative from Varset, a man who always had somewhere more important to be.

"I am certain we will know soon," Liam answered. "It must be something very important to delay her from meeting today."

The man grumped, and then turned back to complain to his neighbour some more. Liam frowned once the attention was no longer on him.

As he felt a tickling inside his mind, he turned to find the door opening. One of the palace guards stood there. The young man bowed. "Master Zaneth, the meeting has been cancelled," he said. "The High Princess passes on her regrets." Then, with another bow, the guard withdrew.

"Wait," Liam said, but the man was already heading down the hall. With an internal sigh, Liam turned to the waiting delegates. "The meeting has been cancelled. The High Princess' office will notify you if tomorrow's meeting will resume as scheduled. We apologize for the inconvenience."

As the room behind him erupted in self-important chaos, Liam excused himself and was already striding toward the section of the palace where the High Princess kept her rooms. At his pace, it did not take him long to reach her door.

As if anticipating his arrival, Meer'esh slipped out of Yelara's chambers, sealing the door fast behind him. He remained there, barring entry once Liam reached him. His bow was stiff and curt, obviously executed only out of protocol. "You are receiving Yelara's message, then?"

"Yes," Liam answered. "And, now I would like to see Yelara."

"She is not taking visitors." Meer'esh gave the faintest of smiles, doing nothing to conceal his mild satisfaction in denying Liam's request. "I will gladly be notifying you when she wishes to be seeing you."

"She will see me," Liam said.

Meer'esh's smile grew, now infused with a touch of arrogance. "I'm afraid I am being the only one Yelara wishes to see. You would be bold enough, Jedi, to go against what she is wanting?"

"All I have is your word and your gloating smiles," Liam said. "I do not believe it is beyond you to hide the truth and lie, is it?" He gave the alien a knowing look. "Very well, I will go discuss the matter with Dame Kovan. I am quite certain she will be able to give me some news." This time, it was Liam's turn to give an enigmatic smile. With that, he turned and started down the hall the other direction.

Meer'esh frowned, his violet eyes darkening as they watched Liam's departure. He had been working to rid the Jedi from the palace, but the pieces were not yet in place to accomplish his goal. At least he could find some delight in knowing Yelara would be out of his reach for a while yet.

Confident Liam had no plans to return, Meer'esh slipped back into Yelara's chambers to tend to her, and ensure no one else disturbed their precious time together.

***

"I should just give up this position and return to the Temple," Liam Zaneth said. "I have been near useless for the last three months, doing nothing more than babysitting Va'Lesh every night and making sure the meetings stay on topic. I am wasting my time here."

Oot Kovan watched the lines of Liam Zaneth's back as he stood before the window overlooking the palace courtyard below. She could see the tension in them even through the Jedi robe he wore. She approached and took a seat in one of the chairs facing in his direction.

"Yes," Oot finally answered the question that had lingered in the air for several minutes. "Something did happen. Two evenings ago, I was summoned to Yelara's quarters. She'd collapsed, and I called for a doctor. I do knot know what she and Meer'esh were doing, but I am going to assume they were extremely close, and my assumptions of such things are only slightly less reliable than a Zeltron's."

Liam nodded, understanding her meaning.

She gave a quick summary of the doctor's findings, and Meer'esh's response. "Under the circumstances, there was nothing more that I could do. He essentially speaks for her when she is unable to speak for herself. He is becoming a very influential person around here, Liam and it concerns me greatly. I do not trust him."

"Neither do I," Liam said. "I haven't since I first met him. There is something about him, something elusive. I cannot pin it down, but I have felt it every time in his presence. I only tolerate him, against my better judgment, for Yelara. If he does anything to harm her, I don't think there's any power in the galaxy that will be able to stop me from going down that road I've walked before."

"Now I know why the Jedi frown on attachments," Oot said.

"Precisely the reason. I've lost her once, and I can't do it again. Leshie needs his mama, no matter how much she doesn't need his father."

"And Leshie in Meer'esh's presence?"

Liam sighed. "There's nothing I can do about that," he said. He turned back to face her. "I can't get into her room without a confrontation, and I do not know if I trust myself enough in a confrontation against him. I wanted to just pick him up and toss him down the hallway."

"I will talk to her," Oot said with a nod. "I do not know if she has given such orders that none are to see her but Meer'esh, but if he tries to bar me from seeing her, I have no compunctions against having Kambra shoot him."

Liam rolled his eyes. "I don't know if I'd go that far."

"Perhaps only a kneecap then," Oot said with a smile. "His species does appear to have kneecaps." She was silent for a moment, observing him as he observed her. "How do you feel about the two of them together? And, you do know they are together, don't you?"

"I don't like it because of what I've felt from Meer'esh," Liam said. "But, Yelara needs to learn to stand on her own and make her own mistakes. I'm only hoping that I can be close enough to make certain the mistake isn't a fatal one."

Oot nodded her understanding again. "And, are you seeing anyone?"

"I made that mistake after she died," Liam said. "It was a nice escape with Shaza, but that's all it was. She was a buffer to help me deal with the pain. For now, I am content as I am."

"Good," was Oot's reply. "I will go speak with her at once. If I must, I will bring the doctor along. And, of course, I will have Kambra by my side."

"As always," Liam said, "I am in your debt."

"And, as always, sleep with me just once, Liam Zaneth, and all your debts will be erased." Oot's eyes twinkled merrily as she watched him.

Liam bowed before her and started toward the door. "One day, you will fall out of your chair in surprise when I take you up on that offer," he said.

"I await the day," Oot said as she rose and followed him to the door. "So, you will not be relinquishing your post here and returning to the Temple?"

"Not yet," Liam said. "Though, if I have to endure Meer'esh's gloating smile too many more times, I will need to. I am not certain how long Yelara's hesitation would be if I were lop his head off with my lightsaber, but I have no doubts that at the end of that hesitation would be my arrest."

With that, he left Oot Kovan alone in her room and stalked off down the corridor. With a dramatic sigh, Oot sat down at her comm station to summon Kambra and to put the doctor on standby. It would probably be a long day.

***

Although she'd been awake for hours, Yelara kept her eyes closed and continued to feign sleep despite Meer'esh's gentle entreaties to return to him. As heartwrenching as it was to ignore his pleas, Yelara was not yet willing to face the reality of her condition, or her fate. The doctor hadn't gone into details the previous night, but his quiet demeanour indicated more than words could have. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Too craven to attempt moving her legs, Yelara remained very still, and in complete denial. If she just tried hard enough, Yelara was certain they would move, as they had ceased to do the previous night. If only.... For herself, for her son who deserved to see his mother, Yelara overcame her cowardice and opened both eyes. The sunshine streaming through the grand windows was blinding. Yelara squeezed her eyes shut against the pain, then opened them a crack until she adjusted to the light's intensity.

A survey of the room indicated Meer'esh truly had left her side, perhaps to secure a meal, but it was a favourable circumstance for Yelara, for with Meer'esh's doting and overprotectiveness, she would likely remain bed-ridden. That was not Yelara's goal. She intended to walk again, even if she must force her legs into cooperation. So, she tossed back her bedsheets, gathering up the might to glance down at her legs. The sight of them seemed to assuage her anxieties, and as she pushed the hem of her nightgown down to cover her thighs, there was faint, but detectable sensation. Nothing could deter her now.

Wrapping her hands beneath her thighs, Yelara took two deep breaths and braced herself as she lifted her legs over the mattress' edge. She paused to catch her breath, and while doing so stared intently at her dangling limbs, willing them to work and hold her up. The last thing she wanted was to become an invalid, and for anyone to consider her helpless. With those thoughts providing further motivation, Yelara pushed herself upright...and instantly crashed face-first to the ground with a pained groan. And there she remained, pressing her forehead against the floor in rage and grief.

"What did I do?" she sobbed. "Was I so horrible a person that I deserve this?'

"Yelara!" Meer'esh's panicked shout failed to draw Yelara out of her self-pity. She barely noticed him dragging her from the ground, into his arms, and carrying her once again into bed. Only when Meer'esh began dabbing at her cut lip with a small cloth did she acknowledge his presence by pushing away his hand.

"I'm not completely helpless," she told him far more harshly than she'd intended and held out one hand. Meer'esh delivered the cloth to her waiting palm. Yelara pressed it to her wound.

"Are you being hungry?" Meer'esh asked gently, ignoring the incident. Judging from her foul mood, it was best not to lecture her just yet. "I have something that is waiting in the dining room, if you are being up for it."

Yelara shook her head. "I'm not hungry. I'm...angry, Meer'esh. I don't know what's happening to me and why."

He cradled her cheek and smiled warmly, hoping that, too, wouldn't illicit an angry response. "The doctor said that something can be done. Surgery, Yelara...if it is what you're wanting."

She looked up at Meer'esh, her eyes wide and expectant. "Is this true? Then what am I waiting for!"

"Yelara," he murmured soothingly, "you must be thinking about this. There...there are being risks, things worse than not walking."

"Like, what? Death?" She chuckled bitterly. "Meer'esh, I'd rather die than live like this. Truly."

His hands gripped Yelara's shoulders in his desperation. Her words frightened him inexplicably. "You cannot be saying that, Yelara. I may not be giving you much to live for, but at least be thinking of Va'Lesh. Do you not want to be there for him?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed, the frustration clear in her attempts to extricate herself from Meer'esh's hold. "I want to be his mother, but how can I? I can't stand, Meer'esh! How am I to take care of him?"

"I will help," he whispered. "Let me help you, Yelara, and you can be the mother he is deserving."

"I know," Yelara answered with a choked sob. "But I'm scared, Meer'esh. I don't know what's going to happen to me next."

He took Yelara into his comforting embrace and brushed his lips against her brow as he murmured, "Whatever will be happening, I am protecting you, Yelara. You will never be scared, hm?"

This coaxed the tiniest of smiles from Yelara. "I'll try. With your help..."

"Always with my help," he affirmed and was moving his lips towards hers when a susurrating chime indicated a visitor's arrival outside. Meer'esh frowned, suspecting Liam had returned for another attempt. But, he said not a word about their initial encounter to Yelara as he excused himself with a kiss to her brow.

Only when he was no longer in view did Meer'esh cease his easy, casual striding and stalked to the entryway. He flung open the door, and stopped short when Oot Kovan appeared in Liam's place. Meer'esh blinked slowly before gathering himself and bowing respectfully to Oot. "You have come to check Yelara's well-being?"

"Actually, I thought that her condition would be improved by my dancing the rysha'aki," Oot said. "Yes, I've come to check on her condition. If you will please step aside."

Meer'esh considered the Twi'lek for a time, making no signs of permitting her within Yelara's chambers, but one glance past the Twi'lek's shoulder, to the armed Gungan standing behind her and Meer'esh's hand was forced. The Gungan's single eye always seemed to gleam with murderous intent whenever in his presence. "Only you," Meer'esh finally said and did step aside for Oot. "Yelara is not being up for many guests."

Oot brushed past him without a second glance and entered Yelara's apartments. When she came into Yelara's view, she dropped into a curtsey. "Your Highness," she said. "I am glad to see you are awake. The doctor is still working diligently with the information gathered the other night. I expect results within the next day, at the most two. And, I am glad that you are able to receive me; I have heard that others of your top advisors have been turned away at the door."

Yelara frowned briefly, then sighed and admitted, "It's probably just as well. I'm in no position to see anyone right now, and I'd rather they didn't. If this isn't a sign of weakness, then I don't know what is."

"Up until a short while ago, Liam Zaneth was still unaware of your condition," Oot said. "He was informed that Meer'esh was the only one you were seeing, including your top advisors. He now knows what happened because I felt that, in his position here as your advisor and our liaison with the Jedi, he needed to know. I know you are going through a difficult and stressful time, Yelara, and I am here for you, whenever you need me: as a friend and an advisor. I told Liam I would speak with you and clear this matter up. I do not believe he is happy doing nothing but babysitting delegates and having his wisdom as an advisor ignored. I would like to speak with you more on this situation, but it would have to be privately."

Meer'esh arrived in time to catch Oot's final words, and now stared daggers at the Twi'lek. When he shifted his gaze to Yelara, it had softened completely. "Yelara is being very out of sorts today. Maybe this can be discussed tomorrow."

"No," Yelara interrupted. Her apologetic smile worried Meer'esh, and he was right to be. "Please...I need some time alone with Dame Kovan. Besides...I do think I'm hungry after all. Would you mind checking if the kitchen will bring me some beebleberry flatcakes. And please remind them not to forget the carbosyrup."

Meer'esh's stunned expression was hastily wiped from his face as he bowed curtly. "I will be returning shortly." Then, he strode briskly from her bedchamber. His displeasure was not easy for Yelara to miss.

She sighed ruefully, but mustered a smile for Oot and gestured her to a chair. "He wants so much to protect me, that sometimes he doesn't realize how he comes across to others. Please don't fault him for that, Oot."

"Before I say anything more, I want to assure you that I am and will always be yours and Liam's friend," Oot said. "The two of you helped me more than you could ever know. Even if you no longer remember it, I do. That said, whatever strain exists between yourself and Liam saddens me, but it is understandable. If you are happy with Meer'esh, then I am happy for you. While Liam still loves you, Va'Lesh having his mother back is more important to him than his own needs and desires. Again, with that said, I am placing no favour with one over the other or working as an agent to bring the two of you back together. If it happens, I will be overjoyed, but I have enough trouble with my own relationships that I don't need to stick my lekku in anyone else's. I say this because I want you to know that, without a doubt, my thoughts and feelings on matters are my own and are not those of Liam Zaneth. If Liam wishes to gain the courage to speak of them, then he is welcome to do so. I speak for myself, and no one else."

Oot smiled and sighed, and then continued. "I know you care for Meer'esh very much. I know you and he are growing ever closer, and the state in which I found the two of you when I arrived here the other night was clear enough indication. As your friend, as your advisor, and as someone who has fought for the future of this planet for the last year, I tell you that, whether you can see it or not, Meer'esh is treading into dangerous territory. Perhaps it is his overprotectiveness, perhaps it is something more sinister, but he is alienating your advisors. He is speaking with your voice. And, he is extremely jealous of Liam. I do not know how much of Liam's past he has revealed to you, but I do not believe you or Meer'esh want to see Liam pushed too far. Liam is maintaining his temper for now, but I imagine there is only so much of Meer'esh's goading he will be able to take before Meer'esh is handed his own head. I do not believe having the meeting today cancelled, and then being turned away by Meer'esh helped matters any. With others, perhaps Meer'esh is protecting you; with Liam, Meer'esh is protecting himself. He has laid his claim, I believe, and does not want to let anyone close who can threaten that claim."

"He's only doing what I've asked of him," Yelara explained, though made somewhat uneasy by Oot's words. "I asked him to keep Liam away. I don't want him seeing me like this. He's been through enough that he doesn't need to watch me--" Her voice caught in her throat and Yelara looked down at her legs, lifeless beneath her bedsheets. When she glanced up at Oot once again, she whispered, "I'm dying...aren't I? Meer'esh didn't say...but I feel something's very wrong with me, Oot. Am I right?"

"It's possible," Oot said, deciding not to keep anything from Yelara. "It sounds like your nervous system is destabilizing, from what the doctor has described. If you would like, I can have him come by to explain things more fully to you, to give you all of your options. Liam is the one who brought you back, Yelara; maybe there's something he can do, through the Force, that will help you."

"And if he can't?" She shook her head. "I won't put that guilt on him. I've ruined his life enough already; I can't do this to him, as much as he believes I feel nothing for him." There was a long pause while Yelara collected her thoughts, revisiting those that had been plaguing her mind for months, and had been ignored stubbornly. Now, Yelara desired for Oot to understand her position, and to believe it was not entirely selfish. "I don't want to hurt him anymore, and I have been because I'm afraid to admit what I know in my heart." She smiled wistfully. "I love Liam. I just don't know if it's a memory of an emotion, or how I truly feel. And that's why I can't act on it. It's why," she admitted softly, "I've turned to Meer'esh for affection. I don't know how else to react, in this situation."

"If that is the case, keeping Liam here at the Palace is unfair to him. You are a walking memory of what his life once was, but you keep him at a distance. If you love him as much as you believe, you may have to let him go. Or make it clear you are with Meer'esh, but rely on his counsel. Keeping him as you are is doing you both no good, and probably causing more harm than you realize."

"He'll hate me if I admit my relationship with Meer'esh," Yelara insisted. "I need him, Oot. And although I may disagree with his opinion at times, I really do appreciate him. Doesn't he feel that?"

"Lately, I do not believe so," Oot answered. "Also, the longer you delay admitting your relationship with Meer'esh while the clues and hints that such a relationship does exist become more and more apparent the worse it will be when the truth is finally revealed to him. He'll hate you less if he hears it from you, rather than from one of Arcadia's tabloids...or happening across the two of you at an inappropriate moment."

"We haven't done anything," Yelara admitted. "He...he hasn't wanted to. But I know you're right, and I had intended to tell Liam...but there just hasn't been a convenient time."

"In matters of the heart, there never is," Oot said. "I also think you need to decide if Meer'esh is the one you want to be with. It isn't fair to him or yourself if your heart is only half-committed, or that you have chosen him merely to keep yourself distant from Liam. If you do wish to be with Meer'esh, you will need to speak with him of his overpossessiveness. You are the High Princess of Tae'Karada and the leader in the Tae'Remok Alliance, and his behaviour is already causing friction that you don't need.

"I believe I understand your hesitation in not telling Liam," Oot continued. "I believe within you is a hope that perhaps you will realize your feelings for him are really your own, and that perhaps that will be a life you can pursue...but telling him effectively ends any chance of that, of Va'Lesh having both is mother and father. As it stands now, Liam and Meer'esh are like a pair of bantha bulls, and you're the mare. Liam is content to allow you your space, to live your life as you choose, however much it hurts him inside. Meer'esh sees Liam as a constant threat, and keeps butting his horns against Liam's. Until now, Liam has not fought back, and I believe that is giving Meer'esh a false sense of victory. I know Liam Zaneth does have a breaking point, and I do not know how close Meer'esh is to finding it. I don't think any of us, Meer'esh especially even if he doesn't not realize it, want that point to be breached."

"But I don't want to lose Liam," Yelara told her despondently. "I may be High Princess, Oot, but I have no idea what to do." She chuckled weakly, though it was more of a sob. "I know Meer'esh gets very outspoken at times...but he has very definite ideas of how things should be done, but never has he defied me. I'll...I'll have to talk to him about his behaviour, I know...but there's so much to do...I just can't keep up with everything. There just isn't time. There's never any time...."

"The best trick a leader can learn is to delegate to others," Oot said with a smile. "Make certain that the people closest are people you can trust, your aides and confidantes, and then delegate whatever you can to them. I am here to help however I can, Yelara. Use whatever knowledge and experience I have to help you do what you must." She reached out and covered Yel's hand with her own. "If you need more people to help, I am always happy to provide some of my staff, and we can interview others to assist as well."

Yelara smiled warmly at Oot. "Thanks. I may take you up on that...but not before I speak to Liam and clear things up." She watched Oot knowingly and said, "He knows about my condition, I gather?"

"I explained as much as I could without making it worse," Oot said. "I am not versed enough in the medical field to fully explain your condition. But he knows."

"Then Meer'esh has no reason to keep him from seeing me. Which means...." With a sigh Yelara nodded, finally relenting. "When you see Liam...will you ask him to visit me? I'd like it if he brought Va'Lesh with him... And don't worry, I'll make certain Meer'esh is doing something else when Liam arrives."

"I will be happy to," Oot said with a smile. "Did you want me to go search for him now? I think I know where he may be."

"As soon as possible." Squeezing Oot's hand gently, Yelara told her with great sincerity, "Thank you. I've been foolish, but I'll try harder. And if I can manage not to alienate Liam entirely, I think I'll be able to get a better handle on things around here." She smiled ruefully. "If he doesn't already hate me."

"I'm pretty sure he still loves you as much as he always has. He's just frustrated, that's all."

"If that's true," Yelara reasoned, "then he'll agree to meet me, won't he?"

"He will," Oot said. "I'm quite sure of it. He was very worried when the meeting was cancelled, and then when he found out about your condition."

"I understand--" Yelara went silent and listened to the telltale grind of her chamber doors opening, then closing. "Meer'esh is back," she surmised. "I'll take care of him. Please tell Liam to join me here in a half hour. I'll be ready to discuss everything with him by then."

"Of course," Oot said with an encouraging smile. "It was good to speak with you, Yelara. I hope we have more opportunities to talk. It is very nice to have a friend I can chat with."

"If I last long enough," she joked mildly, "then I'm sure we'll find more time to speak."

"I'll see you soon, Yelara," Oot said. "And, I'll have the doctor contact you later to give you an update on what's been found."

Before Yelara had an opportunity to reply and thank Oot, Meer'esh stepped into her bedroom without awaiting permission, carrying a covered tray of what was presumably Yelara's breakfast. He was undeniably agitated, and more so by Oot's presence. "They were having trouble with finding the carbosyrup," he announced, and carried the tray to her night table. Yelara, meanwhile, mouthed a thank-you to Oot.

Oot gave Yelara a warm smile, and then bowed with respect before taking her leave. She gave Kambra a nod once she was out of the room and he fell into step beside her as she started off in search of Liam Zaneth.

---

"In a Corner, Part 2"
By: Master Liam Zaneth
High Princess Yelara Neerou
Va'Lesh Zaneth

Location: Royal Palace of Arcadia
Date: Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

In a tantrum, or what was the closest approximation to one, is how Meer'esh left Yelara after being dismissed for the hour. Of course he had protested vehemently that she not be left alone in her present condition, but Yelara was unconvinced that Meer'esh had been ignorant of her reasons for requesting solitude, or that she would be alone, which had made his departure far more tempestuous. Even still Yelara had trouble forgetting the murderous expression he had fled with, and she knew precisely who he had been thinking of in that moment.

Before his flight, Yelara had asked Meer'esh to seat her in her favourite high-backed armchair next to the double-doors leading to her private balcony. A blanket covered her legs, hiding them from sight rather than to provide warmth. Yelara couldn't yet bear to look at them, knowing they were now as lifeless as she was beginning to feel.

Sunbeams slanted through the window panes, warming her face and reminding her that, despite her condition, she was not quite dead yet. The comforting heat made her drowsy to a point where she was nearly asleep when Liam had been admitted to her chambers by the door guards. She looked back at him, and at Va'Lesh bouncing eagerly in his arms. Yelara smiled at them both. "I've been waiting."

Liam gave her a smile as he shifted the squirming little one in his arms. "We would have been here sooner, but someone decided his chaba sauce would taste better after it had been rubbed into his hair." He brought Leshie closer, each step seeming to raise their child's excitement even more. "I think he's missed you."

"Me too," Yelara whispered thickly, and extended both arms towards her child. Once he was wrapped in her embrace, and snuggling into his mother's warmth, Yelara nodded her gratitude to Liam. "Have a seat. It would appear we have much to talk about."

"Of course," Liam said as he moved to take a seat. He settled his robes behind him as he seated himself on a chair near Yelara. He smiled as he watched the two of them together. "He's growing up fast. It won't be long, and he's going to be walking."

"I know," she whispered thickly as her throat began constricting with the knowledge that she might never see that day. "I just hope we're doing the best we can with him. He deserves it."

"I think we are," Liam said. "He gets a lot of attention and love, and we don't spoil him too much. I think, under the circumstances, we're doing the best we can, and he seems happy." He smiled at both Yelara and Leshie. "He seemed to know right where we were going after I got him bathed and into some clean clothes."

Yelara held Va'Lesh tighter, becoming quickly distressed at hearing of all the things she'd be missing out on. She didn't realize she was weeping until Leshie began whimpering and fidgeting against her. "You know what's wrong with me, Liam. Do you know how bad it truly is?"

"I know you are unable to walk," Liam said. "Oot is going to have her doctor stop by to explain the situation. I would like to have Kael also talk to the doctor. He's studying to be a Force Healer, and perhaps he will see something due to his studies. I do not know if you want me to try to do anything. I may be able to use the Force to help you...but I'm uncertain. When you came back, I think I had a hand in that...through the Force, but I do not know what it was I did." His voice wavered slightly with emotion. "I never wished for this to happen. I only wanted Leshie to have his mama again. Anything I can do to help, you just have to name it."

"I don't want to be examined and studied like a lab specimen," she answered with finality. "This is fate catching up with me, Liam. Don't you see? I shouldn't be alive now, and the universe knows it. Whatever forces are at work out there," she whispered, "they've come to take me back where I belong. That's why this is happening, and that's why we shouldn't do anything to fix it. Do you really want to defy the gods, Liam?"

"If it means not having to wake up in the middle of the night to have to soothe Leshie as he cries for his mama, yes," Liam said. "If there is some force in the galaxy that believes you should be dead, that Leshie should not have his mother, and that all those who love you and care for you should have you torn from their lives, then that force is an evil far worse than Palpatine ever was. I don't believe it's fate catching up with you, Yelara...it's something and we can find out what it is. I'll meditate on it and perhaps the Force will give me some guidance."

"Forget the Force, Liam!" Yelara exclaimed, startling Leshie who jerked abruptly and stared up at her with wide, fearful eyes. "The Force is what caused this entire mess," she continued with less intensity. "I told you, I don't want Leshie exposed to it, and I don't want it influencing me, either."

"And so you just want to die?" Liam asked softly. "Perhaps if you don't want the Force influencing you, I should go away. The Force is my guide, Yelara. It is a part of who I am and it's not something I can just shut out."

Yelara sighed and managed a warm smile for Liam. "I'm not trying to push you away. I just...I can't deal with everything and it's been easy to take out some of my frustrations on you. But...you do know I value your opinion and am grateful for your support, don't you?"

"I don't know if I can just turn away, Yel," Liam said. "Not knowing what you're going through. I have to help in some way, especially since I'm the reason it's happening."

"You certainly enjoy pinning the blame on yourself all the time, don't you?" Shaking her head, she chuckled. "I'm not asking you to go anywhere. If you want to give up your position as Jedi advisor, then you're free to. Just know that..." Yelara reached out her hand to Liam. "I want you here. I need you here with me."

"I won't go anywhere," Liam said as he took her hand. "But I still don't like just sitting by while you just let whatever's happening to you happen." He was silent for a moment, then continued as he met her gaze. "I know you're with Meer'esh now, and I won't stand in the way. I can't turn off how I feel about you, but I won't interfere in your relationship with him."

Yelara almost visibly winced at her own insensitivity. She raised Liam's hand to her lips, hoping a tender kiss would be apology enough. "I meant to tell you," she explained. "There's been so much happening...I failed to find the time and I'm sorry. I've already hurt you enough."

"There's no need to apologize," Liam said. "It's been apparent for some time, and I can understand your hesitation."

"No," Yelara assured him with an enigmatic, bitter chuckle. "You don't understand at all. Even I don't entirely comprehend everything that's happening. I'm attached to Meer'esh...but he's distant all the time. I can't get close to him and--" Smiling bashfully, Yelara again apologized. "You don't care about all that. Just know that you're still very important to me, Liam...and nothing will change that."

Liam smiled and nodded. "How does Leshie take to him?"

"He doesn't," Yelara admitted. "Meer'esh has tried...but Va'Lesh just won't warm up to him."

Liam nodded. Perhaps his fear that Meer'esh would replace him was even more distant now, with her admission that he was important to her still, and that Va'Lesh did not seem to be growing attached to Meer'esh either. "Well, I guess that definitely means I have to stick around. Leshie needs his daddy, doesn't he?" He reached out a finger to tickle his son's belly, earning himself some boisterous giggles in response.

"How could you think I'd replace you?" Yelara whispered. "Are you so threatened by Meer'esh?"

"I only know that you have been distant and seemed to not want me around, and you disapprove of the Jedi Order, of which I'm one of the leading members of the Council," Liam said. "I hope you can see that thinking it a possibility isn't too far of a stretch. It is not something I've desired to dwell upon, Yelara, but knowing that you and Meer'esh were getting closer, and that eventually you may wish to be a family together. I don't fit into that, and I think my presence would only cause trouble. Meer'esh is antagonistic enough toward me already, and it very well could get worse when he knows that I know that you and he are involved in a relationship now."

"Oot implied as much. But...you wouldn't really hurt him, would you?"

"I would do everything I could to prevent that," Liam said. "I would defend myself, however, if it ever became necessary."

Furrowing her brow in disbelief, Yelara exclaimed, "He would never turn violent towards you! He's gentle, Liam; I know his words sometimes sound harsh, but it's only miscommunication. I don't know much about him, but I do know that he's a kind, caring man."

"At the moment, he seems content with trying to incite me into something," Liam said. "But, since you know him far better than I, I will accept your word that he won't resort to violence. Perhaps his antagonism toward me is merely because you and I are still on friendly terms, and we have our little one keeping us closer than he would like."

Yelara fondly lay her cheek upon her son's crown while smiling at Liam. "I do still feel a connection with you - our son is not the only reason I maintain contact." Still holding Liam's hand, she rotated her wrist, bringing into view the kestrel dangling from the bracelet there. "I keep this near me because it just...it feels a part of me somehow." She glanced up at Liam from beneath her lashes and squeezed his hand. "Just like you do."

Liam smiled but there was pain in his eyes. "I'm glad to still be a part of your life," he said. "The kestrels. Whatever I can do to help you through this time, Yel, just let me know. I know there has to be a way to get you healthy and fit again."

"Meer'esh mentioned the doctor had suggested surgery, but that it would do little for me." Wallowing in self-pity despite her refusal to do so, Yelara sighed unsteadily and tried unsuccessfully to blink away tears. "I don't want to die, Liam. I can't leave Va'Lesh behind again. I can't leave you behind, or Meer'esh or this life... I won't be cheated out of all this again, Liam. I won't."

"Allow me to do whatever I can to help, and you won't be," Liam said. "Let me talk to Kael; he's been studying on how the Jedi of old used the Force to heal. I know you don't trust the Force, but it may be the help you need."

"I don't know," she replied in grief. "I'm so afraid. I-I don't know what's happening...."

"Ama," Va'Lesh uttered, patting Yelara's cheek soothingly, and smothering her tears. She laughed softly and kissed her child's brow. "I have to try," she decided. "I can't disappoint my son." Turning her smile onto Liam, Yelara added, "And I can't let you down. Tell him to stop by tomorrow. We can all meet."

"Sounds perfect," Liam said. "I'll have Oot make the arrangements. She's extremely good at that sort of thing, isn't she?"

Yelara chuckled dryly. "Yes...she is. Though, she isn't very good at keeping secrets, is she?"

"I think she's good at keeping the ones that should stay secret," Liam said with a smile.

"Then she's forgiven." Realizing her hand was still linked with Liam's, Yelara loosened her hold and allowed Liam to free his own if he so desired. "Just...drop in when this Kael man arrives. Meer'esh may be here...but I know he'd like to be present for whatever is going to happen."

Liam nodded. "That will be fine," he said, shifting the hand that had been in hers to tickle Leshie. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Does the Force tell you this?" she asked with mild cynicism, though her smile was teasing.

"I was only referring to the meeting," Liam said. "I'm relying on your trust in Meer'esh, and my confidence in Kael's growing abilities as a healer."

"And if he can't heal me?" she asked carefully. "I'll have to face the council members eventually, Liam, and they'll want to know the truth. But, I don't want to show vulnerability to them. They already have little faith in my abilities."

"Let's see what we can do to heal you first," Liam said. "If that fails, then we'll consider what our next step is."

"We can't hold them off forever. They'll know something's wrong."

"We don't have to hold them off forever," Liam said. "Just until after we talk with the doctor and see what Kael has to say."

"They're already restive," Yelara reminded him. "Maybe...maybe you could speak on my behalf to them? Tell them I've taken some time to be with my son?"

Liam nodded. "I'll talk to them," he said. "I don't think they'll like hearing it from me any more than you, but I will talk with them. If I need any extra diplomacy, I'll let Oot at them."

She laughed softly and absently brushed her fingers over the back of his hand as it rested upon Va'Lesh's back. "I was foolish to leave you out of this. You know just what to do, Liam."

"I do my best," Liam said with a smile, though a haunted look still lingered within his eyes. "The choices I've made and actions I've taken haven't always been well-received, but had I to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing."

"I might," Yelara admitted. "But that's impossible now. I simply...have to focus on getting well for Va'Lesh." She smiled fondly at Liam. "Go get your Jedi friend and let's get started."

"Alright," Liam said. "I'll see you soon, Yelara. I'm sure Leshie will enjoy this time with mama. He's missed you very much."

"And I missed him," she returned. "I'm glad we had this time together. I'm sorry for all I've done."

"There's no need," Liam said with a warm and caring smile. "All is fine now, and we'll make everything else better as well. At least, that is my hope, and I'm sure Leshie agrees. Don't you, little one?"

As their son giggled at his father, Yelara grew more determined to seek the help of Liam's Jedi friends, even if she was wary of the entire Order and their powers. For Leshie, she would overcome her prejudices and accept whatever treatments they could offer. The only obstacle was convincing Meer'esh, who was proving more stubborn than she ever remembered being, to let her do so. She sighed, and gave Liam a brief wave. "I hope you come through for me," she told him earnestly.

"I will do everything I can," Liam said. "I promise I will never give up on you or our baby boy."

Yelara bowed her head in gratitude and watched Liam depart. His assurances left Yelara with a sense of optimism that slightly overshadowed her fear. Tomorrow, whatever happened, she would return to her active rule of the planet with or without the ability to walk. She would go on, for Liam would be at her side throughout her struggles, and if her condition truly was terminal at least she will have tried everything and anything to cure her ailment. Yelara could live with that.

---

"Walking into Something Bad"
By: Brenna Hennely - Smuggler
Assorted Pirates - NPC

Location: Transport Shuttle in route to Arcadia
Date: Selene 14, 5ABY

***

Brenna rubbed her eyes again trying to stay awake. She had gotten hardly any sleep that night before she had to get her flight. "Mar's definitely pissed," she said to herself pulling out a the directions again. It stated that she go to a certain cantina but she had no clue where this place was. "At least they paid half in advanced," she said looking down at the code at the base of the message. She yawned again then felt her stomach growling. It was that time again. "I could use something to eat, and drink." She looked at the woman sitting next to her and smiled. "Do you mind watching my seat," she asked. The woman nodded and Brenna thanked her. She headed to one of the service ways in between the passenger cabin and one of dining areas when she froze. It wasn't the fact that there was a Trandosian on the other side of the door, what worried her was it was the same Trando that attempted to take her ship. He was joined by a pair of humans a seconds later. "Oh this is just grand." She spotted an area in the hallway that looked to be a good hiding place and ducked in. She leaned against the wall and waited for them to enter.

"Find any trace of her yet," the human said to the Trandosian. The Trandosian shook its head "Then find her." She watched as the Trandosian rushed past her grunting not even looking around. She suddenly wished her holdout blaster and vibroblade weren't confiscated when she arrived at the shuttle station. She looked at her right boot and smiled. The only thing that wasn't confiscated was the spray stick she had hidden in her right boot. She slowly reached down towards it as the two humans walked in. One was the captain of the bandits she could tell that while the other was just another one of his crew. She stopped moving for a second and listened to them.

"We searched high and low for this girl, why are we still searching," he started. "Our ship is being repaired as we speak, we will be able to continue our work so why does it matter." The Captain turned towards him and glared.

"Her ship embarrassed us, her cargo was ours worth a fortune in the black market." Brenna had to hold back her laughter hearing that, the Cargo wasn't worth that much. "I just want her dead, If we had blasters right now and found her, nothing could stop me from pulling the trigger." The man grabbed him.

"Then we would all be in trouble." He let him go and let out a long sigh. "Besides if she is on board she is as unarmed as either of us." He looked around and let out a sigh. Brenna slowly dropped down into a sitting position and hugged her knees, waiting and listening to there conversation. "Speaking of blasters, where exactly are we going to get weapons in Arcadia?" he asked.

"We have a contact in Arcadia, he will be giving us our gear so we can hunt her down and finish her off, then we can get her copilot and her ship is ours," he said with a smile. After a few seconds the two headed out of the hallway and walked off. Brenna counted to twenty before heading into the dinning area. First she needed to eat then she needed to think about how she was going to get out of this mess she was now in.

---

"Moving Forward"
By: Vaya Bek, Padawan (NPC+)
Laedra Vorrel, Master Jedi (PC+)

Location: Tae'Karada (various)
Date: Selene 14th, 5ABY

***

Vaya held in her hand the slight weight of her lightsaber as the swirls of hyperspace danced outside the cockpit of the Aethersprite Jedi starfighter. She felt its smooth metallic surface as she turned it over and studied its design, almost as of it was all new to her. In fact it was rather new, as she had recently constructed it under the guidance of her mentor, Laedra. She didn't covet the thing, not in the sense that it was a material object of possession, but for what it represented to her. It was a totem of sorts that heralded an entirely new level of her training and career in service to the Force.

Brandishing a lightsaber was not something new to her, for she had possessed one for sometime; the old lightsaber of a long past Jedi Master named Qel of which she acquired before having begun her journey as a Jedi, and the one that her present mentor, Laedra, had given her upon their first spar. Neither had been hers, they had not been created by her as it was in the old ways.

She was proud of her accomplishment, and also humbled by it. The past months had been quite busy for the Jedi, and her training and time with Laedra had been nearly night and day. She thought back. Laedra had pushed her in every way imaginable and then some, so much so that Vaya had briefly thought that she had incurred some great disfavor of her mentor. It only drove her to excel further, and she soon realised that her mentor was only doing her duty. After all, a Jedi held a most serious commitment and her training was to reflect such.

Vaya secretly enjoyed the hard work and sometimes harsh-like lessons that were taught when Vaya less-than met Laedra's expectations. Vaya had never had it easy in life, so she was no stranger to hard work and hard lessons. Word around the Temple had been that Laedra was rather crafty in her training, that she pushed her charges to the extremes. Vaya cracked a smile as she thought back upon some of the tests, and her heart was also warmed by many of the conversations they had shared...

"Have you ever meditated on a tree branch before?" Laedra asked, scanning the green expanse of tree canopies laid before them. She glanced aside at her Padawan, balancing, herself, on a leafy thick arm of the tree they'd ascended, and barely suppressed a grin. "We should try, for even if you fall, you'll have learned something, hm?"

"The idea has never crossed my mind, Master," Vaya said as she maintained her balance next to her mentor. Somehow she knew that "falling" was inevitable, even though acts of balance and agility were a strong skill for Vaya. She knew that Laedra had a way of hiding the true lesson; she knew she tried to think too much, but then again some lessons could only be taught and learned through failure.

She eyed Laedra suspiciously before taking a seat upon the thick limb, legs crossed and her arms relaxed upon her thighs. A light breeze sent the summer smells of the forest through the branches; scents of the numerous species of fauna, a mixture of wild sweets and tangs. The sunlight above sparkled through the slight meandering of leaves. Vaya cleared her mind as she took in the life of her surroundings.

"Isn't it strange, Padawan Bek," Laedra mentioned serenely, "that we're up here, physically distancing ourselves from the people of Tae'Karada, yet one of our goals is to preserve the peace they now enjoy?"

Vaya remained still and quiet for a moment though she heard her Master's voice.

"Perhaps it gives us perspective, Master?" she asked in reply.

"Or perhaps it provides us an excuse to stay out of planetary affairs," Laedra countered. "After all, are we not meant to remain neutral in matters of conflict?"

"I'm not sure we are ever truly neutral, Master," she said as she recalled their actions in the storming of Arcadia, and that of the Hjarii. "I think our decisions and actions come from neutrality, in seeing all sides and perspectives. We do take sides though, but not for the interest of the Jedi, but in service to life, of justice. Were we neutral would we not have left the Hjarii to the fate that awaited them, just as nature weeds out the weak from the strong in the survival?" she asked, being opinionated but looking for her mentor's advice and critique. "Their lives and world had nothing to do with us, nothing to do with the freedom and security of this world, so we were not neutral in the affairs of Hjarr."

"My dear Vaya," Laedra reminded her, "have you not forgotten something? Have you not overlooked one motivating factor that is core to our beliefs and the root of any action we take?" Her smile was hardly condescending and, instead, warm. "Does maintaining equilibrium within the Force not influence your own decisions, Padawan?"

"Of course, Master," Vaya answered. "As Jedi we always serve the Force. I only meant from a narrower point of view. I do believe in the wisdom of the Force, Master," she continued after a thoughtful moment. "Of its guidance, but...we are but a vessel for the Force are we not? We have free will and people often interpret things differently, so how is it we find that neutral ground to both serve the Force and the interests of those we protect?"

"That, Padawan, is one of a Jedi's most challenging struggles," Laedra admitted. "It is, perhaps, like standing one-footed on a tree branch." She glanced down at their location, a pointed smile adding a touch of playful arrogance to the modest Jedi Master's features. "One misstep may not completely spell disaster, you may still regain that balance you've lost, but first finding it is always the most arduous. It may take years for you to find it, Vaya, but you will, one day." Bouncing upon their supporting branch, Laedra's robe's flared with each downstroke and pressed close to her body as she sprang upwards, resembling the Jedi Master to a bird preparing for flight. The tree branch shook dangerously. "In the end," she calmly told her Padawan, who was now fighting to stay alight the wooden limb, "it all boils down to how you achieve that equilibrium, and what you sacrifice in the process to do so."

Vaya fought for balance as the limb shook with enough force to bounce her right off. She didn't want to fall, but she wasn't afraid of falling. She could always call upon the Force to lighten her fall, or to help gravitate her towards another branch. She kept her focus, even with the outside world vibrating for her to slip and fall. She felt a rhythm in Laedra's bouncing, so instead of trying to fight the motion Vaya went along with it.

Laughing softly, Laedra called, "See? Eventually one finds their balance." She continued to spring herself ever higher into the air.

Although cleverly veiled, Laedra's lessons were numerous and always interesting. Above all else, they always kept Vaya on her toes, if not literally, at least figuratively.

***

The warning klaxon bleeped as the swirls of hyperspace reverted to starlines and then to normal space. Ahead of the Jedi was the construction platforms of a new military station orbiting Tae'Karada. It bustled with work and to Vaya it was an amazing sight. She still was in wonder at how so much had changed about the world she now called, felt and thought of as home. She disengaged the hyperspace rings that were magnetically clamped to the starfighter and followed her Master's lead into the atmosphere of Tae'Karada.

It had been a long day, but Vaya felt no fatigue. She was young and she always had the Force. During the short jump back in system she had taken the opportunity to use a Force healing trance to rejuvenate herself after long hours in the cockpit and so little sleep.

For the entire day she had been stuck behind the controls of the cramped cockpit of the Jedi Aethersprite. Laedra had taken her out to the very edge of the system for exercises in maneuvers and combat. Some of the Jedi were experienced in such things, some were not, including Vaya. She had never flown before but she took to it quite naturally, even under the constant drilling and testing of Laedra. Vaya was quite sure that a normal person would have cracked under such circumstances, being confined in such a small cockpit. Vaya found it cozy, and over the past months she found a new skill and joy in flying. Although Laedra had 'killed' her more times than not in there exercises of past, Vaya put all her training and skill to test this past day and was returning home a most accomplished trainee.

Clearing the upper atmosphere the two fighters raced across the sky, breaking through puffs of clouds for home. The treetops blurred past in swashes of summer greens as the Temple and its starport showed itself ahead. They landed their craft, and though Vaya felt fine she also knew it would be so very nice to be out of the cockpit. She had thoughts of a good hot shower, but she had a feeling that perhaps her day was not even over yet. Laedra had a way of making a long day even much longer when it suited her, and that thought cracked another smile across Vaya's fair face.

She exited the cockpit, stretching her limbs and flexing her muscles which had developed more so in the past months with rigorous training. She was lean and strong, both in mind and body, more so than from the previous year when she had first arrived.

Laedra joined her Padawan, and briefly admired the starport generously donated to them by the reigning High Princess. "That was...productive," she commented. "Though, do you believe you will ever beat Jedi Knight Selrid's score?"

"Good question," she said with a grin. "Time and practice will tell yes? Though the thought had never occurred to me," she said as she too looked upon the port. It was a marvelous change and the Jedi were fortunate for the monarch's generosity.

"Do you think you will ever beat his score?" Vaya joked.

"I'm not the competitive type," Laedra replied evasively, though with a hint of a smile. "But if I were to challenge Kael Selrid, I'm certain it would prove to be a very close match."

Vaya smiled deviously at her mentor as she ignited her lightsaber and lashed out at the Jedi Master.

"On guard!" she cried out, wanting to have a little fun, even though the landing deck was hardly the place. Vaya wasn't concerned about it - Laedra had taught her through unpredictability.

Laedra gave no reaction, other than a faint twitch in one corner of her mouth that predicted a chuckle. "It always amazes me how much stamina Padawans possess. Though," she added, tipping her head invitingly at Vaya, "we elders aren't wanting for the same." She smiled, still weaponless and with hands comfortably tucked within the sleeves of her cloak. "Proceed."

Vaya twirled her yellow blade with a flick of the wrist and proceeded with her attack from a high guard position, cutting down at her opponent at an angle to force her foe onto the immediate defensive. Vaya had trained hard in the past months to improve her lightsaber techniques. She had opted to adapt several forms to create her own style, borrowing from various techniques she was able to switch in and out of various forms with out her opponent being able to foresee which style came with the next strike. It worked well against the training bots, and most Padawans she sparred with, but Master Laedra was no droid. She took no illusion in comparison of skill, but that didn't stop her from always trying. Laedra always taught her to never assume defeat, for then she would most certainly fail.

This would be the first time she used her new lightsaber against a live opponent. It had only been a short week earlier when she and Laedra had returned from Ilium where she took a rite of passage that countless generations of Jedi before her had done...

Vaya was awed by the cavernous caves of Ilium. Outside the never ending arctic winds blizzard with snow and cold, but she did not even notice anymore for she was caught in the moment. Once the crystals that grew within the caves were abundant, now they were rare. Laedra had instructed her to open herself to the Force to seek that which she wanted, but also as to why. Only through the Force would she find the crystal that would be the heart of her Jedi weapon.

She looked back at her master. Laedra nodded for her to proceed. Vaya closed her eyes and reached out into the Force, becoming attuned to the surroundings. She thought about what the lightsaber meant to a Jedi; a symbol of their pledge to protect those who were aggressed. The lightsaber was to be an extension of herself, not a weapon for attack, but defense - defense of the self and defense of those the Jedi served.

Vaya walked through the interconnecting caves, feeling, searching. Soon she was out of sight from Laedra, but never out of mind.

She lost sense of time, following the pull and tug of the Force as she wandered throughout. Just ahead she saw a sparkle reflecting the light from her glo-stick. She made her way to its twinkling summons, climbing over rocks and negotiating tight spots until she reached where the crystal lay.

Vaya looked upon the crystal with wonder, an amazing and brilliant feat of nature. She had found what she had come for. Using a utility vibro-knife she carefully removed the crystal, a lone yellow gem among a small flowering outcropping of orange colored crystals. She held the crystal lightly but firmly in her hands. She turned away with her prize, took a few steps then stopped. She turned back around, closed her eyes and thanked the Force for the gift she had received. She then made her way back to Laedra to complete the creation of her lightsaber.

"So," Laedra commented, "it has found you?" Vaya received an encouraging nod. "What will you do with it, Padawan?"

Vaya looked at her master questioningly, "Will I not use it to complete the construction of my lightsaber, Master?"

She wasn't quite sure what Laedra was getting at, after all she had never constructed a lightsaber before, but as it was with most things she knew there were lessons to be learned.

"I cannot answer that for you. I'm only here to guide, Vaya, but in the end, this is your journey alone." Then, Laedra's eyes shone with warmth and approval. "Shall we return to the ship and get that lightsaber started? I haven't had a very fulfilling spar in quite a while."

Vaya nodded with a smile. She was ready to finish her lightsaber, and was always willing to go a few rounds with Laedra. It seemed to her that Laedra looked forward to it as well.

After a series of acrobatics to avoid Vaya's strikes, Laedra smiled to herself and reflected fondly on her Padawan's recent progress. Although she had come to the Order with a foundation in the Jedi arts, Laedra hoped she was at least responsible for some of the girl's development. A Padawan, in Laedra's mind, was only as good as her master. And to ensure her Padawan didn't lose her sense of levity and joy in following the path of a Jedi, as Laedra had, herself, when a trainee, she leapt back, pulled free her lightsaber with one smooth motion of her arm and ignited its pink shaft of light. Emitting a contented chuckle, Laedra crossed blades with Vaya, pink and yellow tangling as student and master became inextricably linked through the Force, and the bonds of friendship.

Vaya was never surprised by her Master's skill. She found Laedra to be agile, swift and quite crafty in her form. She enjoyed their spars - it always tested Vaya's skills to a higher degree, forcing her to adapt and learn. It was more than just exercises and lessons though, it was a time of bonding as much as were their discussions.

Before coming to the temple Vaya was just good enough to not cut off her own head. Her previous training under Master Kherris greatly revolved under moderate lessons of the six Jedi Forms, with the seventh, Niman, combining elements of all six. With Laedra and the other Masters and her time spent sparring with other Padawans, Vaya had increased her skills and adapted a personal style to her technique. Her style was greatly influenced by Form II, Makashi, and Form IV, Ataru, as well as elements of Form V, Djem So. Vaya's style with Makashi and Ataru allowed her to press her attack while keeping herself defended, and both Forms had strong elements of acrobatic maneuvers, which was a strong and favored skill of the Padawan.

With blades crackling, Master and Padawan danced around the hangar, their blades humming with movement and crackling with contact. Vaya focused her center, drawing on the Force for energy and stamina as well as to guide her hand as she engaged her opponent. She was constantly on the move, always aware of her surroundings as she stepped forward with her attack, pivoting and lashing from side to side. When she was forced to take a defensive stance, she quickly parried and turned to the offensive.

Her muscles flexed and stretched, she used her entire body, the lightsaber having become an extension of the self. She relied mostly on quick and precise strikes, stepping out and swinging the blade around with a one-handed technique to gain momentum for a more forceful strike. When more physical strength was needed, she used a two-handed technique. She had grown stronger with rigorous training, but she had not the physical mass of the likes of Koran or Cole. A two-handed style helped give her more power when a forceful blow was needed.

Anticipating a diagonal strike, Vaya grasped her hilt with both hands, delivering a powerful parry as she Force leapt with a reverse flip onto the wing of one the Jedi Starfighters. When the pink blade came around again, Vaya simply jumped off and flipped off. Her back to Laedra for just a mere second, she had to block a quick strike from behind - jabbing her blade behind her before pivoting. She blocked again as she faced her Master, flicking her wrist to allow an opening to continue her attack.

Laedra's finely tuned senses detected the pressure applied by Vaya's hand, and the directionality of the momentum her weapon would achieve upon follow-through. Spinning away, Laedra slipped behind Vaya and had intended to sweep her legs out from under the girl, but a persistent chirping of her portable comm suspended their spar. From the ring type, Laedra knew it was not a call that could be missed.

Laedra leapt well back from Vaya before the girl could strike, and stayed her with a raised hand as she swung around. Deactivating her weapon, Laedra retrieved her comm device. "Master Vorrel speaking. Is there an emergency?"

Vaya stopped immediately. She disengaged her own lightsaber as she walked towards Laedra.

"Master Vorrel, this Consular Val'or," Amii'a replied over the com. "I am en route to the Temple. I request the service of the Jedi on a diplomatic mission. I can explain more once I arrive."

"We will be awaiting your arrival, Consular. I shall inform the other Jedi Masters...unless you require utmost secrecy."

"That won't be necessary. The matter is urgent, but nothing to demand secrecy or grave concern. Val'or out."

Vaya waited patiently for her master. She could tell from her words that something of some importance was going on if the Consular to the New Republic was of need of the Jedi. She wondered what it could be.

"Well," Laedra commented nonchalantly, "it would appear we have a meeting, Padawan." And she began making her way to the Temple, glancing aside at Vaya to query, "Are you coming? No need for you to miss this."

Vaya nodded, "I'm right behind you. I'm thankful for this opportunity, Master."

"Thank the Consular," Laedra advised cheerfully, and side by side, Vaya keeping pace with the longer strides of her master, the two Jedi strode into the Temple to learn of their first mission together...as Master and full-fledged Padawan.

---

"Further Instructions"
By: Brenna Hennely - Smuggler
Pirates (Random NPCs)

Location: Starport in Arcadia
Date: Selene 14, 5ABY

***

Brenna glanced back twice as she exited the shuttle, just to make sure that the Pirates weren't following her. She took a few uneasy steps outside of the ship into the terminal and swallowed hard. She spied some of the local peace keepers and headed in there direction. If she stuck with the local law she should be fine. Her eyes darted across the reception area as she looked for a way to reach her destination. All at once she spotted the Trandosian, about twenty feet from her. She didn't think that it had noticed her yet but she had to hurry. She walked a little faster now her right hand moving around the inside of her jacket getting a grip on the spray stick. As she walked she checked the note of directions again.

"Sit down in the seat next to the Rodian male dressed in black and wait for further instructions." She shook her head. "This is the last time I do cloak and dagger work again," she sighed as she spotted the green alien relaxing in a seat at the near by bar. She moved over to where he was and sat down next to him. As she sat down the Rodian stood up and left. She watched him leave for a few seconds as another man joined her. He was dressed in an Imperial gray long leather over coat, black pants and black boots. She glanced at him slightly then looked away. Slowly he slid an envelope over to her. She glanced down at it, seeing her name written on it. "What's this?" she asked. The man looked away as he spoke.

"The Advanced Pay, or rather the rest of the directions to get it, that code...it was fake." Brenna looked at him and glared at him. "Don't worry you'll get your 5,000 now and the rest of the credits will be on the way after you deliver our cargo to our friends," he replied. "Included in the envelope is the directions you need to follow, do not deviate from the directions do you understand." Brenna nodded.

"I may be a girl but I'm not Gamorrean," she replied. "And if you ask me you hired the right girl for the job, so can I open this now?" she asked. The man nodded then walked away. She carefully opened the envelope and withdrew a datapad as well as a some credits. She checked the datapad pad and shook her head. "Next time I'm going to make sure this job isn't as cryptic as this." The directions gave her three things a time, a place and a date, Selene 15, 5ABY. "I better call up Mar," she told herself. "She's probably worried.

***

In a nearby alleyway the man in the imperial gray coat waited as he was met by the Trandosian and his partner. "I did what you wanted," he told them "Now where are my credits," he demanded. The Trandosian looked at him then to his partner, the pirate Captain. "I want my credits now," he repeated. The Trandosian suddenly lifted a holdout blaster from his hip pocket and fired one shot hitting the man square in the chest. He dropped to the ground instantly, dead. The man went forward and checked his pulse.

"Nice shooting, now hurry up and help me hide his body," he ordered. "We have plans to keep." He watched from a distance as the female smuggler. There was no way he was going to be set up by a female second rate Smuggler. He would pay her back dearly.

---

"Holocron Handout"
by: Rylaa Lyssander - Crimelord
Lani Vissip - Bodyguard/Padawan-to-be
Koran Darr - Jedi Master
Orn - Chef
Various other NPCs

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 14th, 5ABY

***

As the speeder cruised to a stop in front of the newly renovated Jedi Temple, Rylaa couldn't help but give a low whistle in appreciation. Last time he was hear it looked like it was all they could do to hold it together and now it looked to be growing. Support staff moved among the grounds, tending to the many bushes trees and flowers of the carefully cultivated gardens. Rylaa was dressed in his new favorite style, expensive but not flashy, with simple but expensive jewelry. He carried with him a blaststeel briefcase locked by several highly sophisticated devices and lasercuffed to his hand.

Lani, on the other hand, had dressed to kill... literally. She didn't know what to expect at the temple so she dressed as if she was going into combat. Her skintight dappled-grey outfit did little to hide the fact that she wore nothing underneath. A full body harness carried not only a pair of powerful blaster pistols, but also numerous vibrodaggers and throwing blades. Her whole setup suggested a swift and painful death to any who might bother her.

The chubby criminal looked at her with a grin, his eyes shining behind his dark sunglasses. "Well, here we are? Now what?"

There was a tug at the hem of Rylaa's shirt, and another, then yet another when the robust man failed to notice.

Rylaa looked around, wondering what mysterious forces the Jedi used to pull at his shirt. Then he looked down, unsure of what he would find.

Staring up at him with large blue eyes, crinkled, freckled stub of a nose, and a gap-toothed smile was a young red-haired girl clothed in a white tunic belted at the waist and loose-fitting pants of the same colour tucked into dark riding boots. Her small hand still gripped the tail of Rylaa's shirt. "You smell funny, sir," her high-pitched, ringing voice pronounced. "Did you travel a long way?"

Looking directly at Lani, who had a small smile on her face, Rylaa frowned. "Yes hun," he said sweetly, "I did travel a long way. I'm here to speak with the Jedi, could you take me to them?

The inquisitive young girl squinted aside at Lani, noting the weapons adorning her body. "Why do you want to see them?" she asked slowly. "Are you planning on shooting someone? That's really not allowed, sir."

The grin that slid across his face practically dripped grease. "No dear, we're not going to shoot somebody. My friend here is dressed like this because... well... she always dresses like this. And I'd like to see them because I have an object that would be of great value to them."

The youngling grinned expectantly and asked, "Can I see?" Is it a Delvnian Beldrak birdy egg? That's the only thing I'd ever want!"

"No no, little one," Rylaa replied, "This is for your Masters only." Impudent little scamp, bugger off! "So if you can take me to them, or at least let them know I'm here... well who knows, maybe that Delvni Geldrek bird egg thing could appear one night under your pillow." Note to self: bird egg thing, youngling, red hair... annoying.

"It's Delvnian Beldrak egg," the young girl corrected dryly. Frowning stubbornly at Rylaa, she swivelled on her tiny heel and marched with unusual poise into the Temple. However, there was little need for the red-headed child to announce their presence to the nearest master, for Jedi Master Koran Darr had already become aware of the visitors' presence in the courtyard. When he was close enough to speak without shouting, Koran bowed.

"I see you have already met Irie," he said. "I am Jedi Master Koran Darr."

Rylaa acknowledged the bow with a nod and then stuck out his hand in a friendly manner. "Master Darr, it's truly a pleasure to meet you. I am Rylaa Lyssander and this is my friend Lanissia al Vissip," he waved a hand to indicate himself and Lani, who growled at the use of her full name. "I've come of my own behalf because a few months ago I found something that I know will be of great interest to you. Not only that, but my friend and associate has something that she wishes to speak to the Masters of your temple privately about."

"I see," Koran answered. "And, I trust you wish to bring that up with the Council and not discuss it with me here?"

"You are correct, sir." Rylaa decided that being as cordial as possible with the Jedi was the safest path.

"Then we had best go inside," Koran said. "Any weapons will be left in the foyer, then you will be taken before the Jedi Council."

"Of course," Rylaa responded with a smile. He nodded to Lani and she glared but began to remove her various weapons and went to stow them in the vehicle. Even without her harness and the many implements of war, she still managed to look deadly as she walked gracefully back to the two men. "Well, Master Darr, I believe we are ready. Please, lead on."

"You'll be scanned on the way in," Koran Darr said as he gestured toward the entrance to the Temple and then began leading the way. He paused long enough to glance back, in case either of the two remembered a missed weapon.

At the mention of scanning, both Rylaa and Lani suddenly remembered several knives and a hold-out blaster apiece. Chuckling to cover his embarrassment, the chubby criminal puffed after the taller Jedi Master.

Koran Darr stifled a smile. "That's why I love the simplicity of a lightsaber," he said with a mirthful twinkle in his eyes. "I never have the need to remember where the rest of the weapons have been stashed. You're sure you have them all now?"

"Errrr... Yes I believe that's all of them!" Rylaa answered with a grin.

"This way," Koran said as he gestured toward the Temple entrance. "It will take a little time to assemble a quorum for the Council, though not too terribly long I would think."

He led them through the large double doors and down the tiled corridor toward the Council meeting chamber. While it had been renovated quite a bit since Liam Zaneth had first discovered the location, it still appeared to lack many of the amenities of more modern structures. Looks, however, could be deceiving.

As the Jedi Master led the two into a large room, he gestured toward a waiting area at the front of the room. Beyond, twelve seats were arranged in a circle. Other than the trio, the room was empty.

"While I gather the rest, would you care for anything to eat or drink? I can send for our cook, who I'm sure will be happy to prepare something for you."

The thought of food sent the chubby criminal's stomach rumbling, reminding him that he had had nothing that morning. "Why yes! I do believe a light lunch would set the mood quite nicely. Thank you for the offer, Master Darr."

Lani said nothing. Actually being inside the Jedi temple electrified her like nothing she had ever felt. It was coming true! What Jedi Master Vindoo Sharr had said was coming true. He had told her that if she went to the Jedi, they might accept her as a pupil and teach her their ways. He had already taught her much in their few brief classes, mostly about feeling the Force and being able to manipulate other than the few techniques she already knew.

Koran gave a nod to the two and started back to the door. "I will return with the Council. Until then, make yourselves comfortable. Orn shall be along in just a few minutes to take care of your requests for food."

Rylaa sat his bulk onto one of the surprisingly comfortable seats. "So what do you think?" he asked Lani.

"What do I think about what?" she replied. "The Jedi? The longer I stay here the more I believe they will let me stay. But that is up to the Council to decide."

"Well, I'll back any decision you make, you know that. Though, I will miss your company in my bed." He grinned and a naughty gleam came to his eye as his sunglasses slid down on his nose.

"Hah hah," his lover said sardonically, "Just keep your eye on the game. Once the Holocron is safely in the Jedi's hands and you have built up the repertoire with them, you can move your operations off planet."

The chubby criminal grinned again. "I already have, Lani dear. Before we left I gave several orders for some more... 'hostile' takeovers of several other minor syndicates in and around the Outer Rim. By the time we, or I, return I expect to hear how they went."

Lani crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow but before she could say anything the door behind them opened.

Executing perfect timing, the hefty temple cook swaggered into the council chambers with two metal trays balanced on each hand. He chuckled with mirth, his bulk oscillating as he did. "I've been told we have some hungry visitors." Spotting Lani, Orn produced a good-natured whistle. "We never get guests so stunning as you are. You must be a royal dignitary, hm?" And before her he placed one of the heavy trays.

Lani smiled with genuine warmth at the good natured cook. "No no," she chuckled, "I might have been royalty once, but that's long behind me."

The smell of Orn's cooking, however, had already entranced Rylaa soundly. The 'light lunch' promised by the absent Jedi Master turned out to be a true feast...to the rotund and hungry. A normal person would have called it roast beef sandwiches and Gortian Pea Soup but Rylaa called it majestic.

A spoon quickly dipped into the bowl and scooped up some of the thick green soup. The round criminal could only moan as the delicate sweetness of the Gortian peas tickled his tongue. "Oh, my good man!" he said after his first taste. "You have truly outdone yourself! I've been in some of the fanciest restaurants in the Outer Rim and many of them can't compare to this level of flavor!"

Orn's head elevated to a decidedly haughty angle as his pride swelled. "Oh, it's just a little something I came up with," he dismissed modestly. "I used to own a restaurant in Thanatos, but I doubt any of them ever appreciated the subtle flavours I tried to express...." Rubbing his palms together anxiously, Orn asked Rylaa, "Can you detect anything interesting there? Just a hint of something....tangy?"

Rylaa cooed around another spoonful of the delicious soup. He rolled it around on his tongue, savoring every bit of flavor. "If I had to guess, Ser Orn, I'd say you added just a touch of nova melon juice."

The corpulent chef laughed in delight and gave a swift clap to Rylaa's back, nearly sending his spoon down his throat. "You're a connoisseur, I see! No amateur has such a refined palate. I'm impressed, Mr..."

Rylaa coughed and said, "Lyssander." He grinned and patted his bulk, "And trust me, I'm no amateur when it comes to food. The cook and the criminal shared a laugh while Lani tasted her own soup. While it was certainly good, she couldn't taste anything out of the ordinary.

"So," Orn ventured casually while Lyssander and Lani were lulled by his decadent meal, "you have a mission for the Jedi or something? Get into trouble and need their help?"

Lani and Rylaa shared a look before Rylaa spoke up. "No not really," he said to Orn cheerfully. "I found something awhile back and wasn't sure what to do with it, until I found out that it was a Jedi artifact. So I decided to let them have it. Because, frankly, it wasn't doing me a whole lot of good sitting on my desk."

"Odd," Orn mused. "The Jedi don't covet much in the way of objects. Must be something real important to them, eh?"

"So I've been told," he responded over a mouthful of succulent beef and mustard. "My associate here is the one with any real experience with it."

Lani, who had only eaten a little, looked up from her own personal musings and said, "I'm afraid, Ser Orn, that disclosure will have to wait until after the Jedi Council have had time to meet about it. Once they accept it in the good faith that we bring it, I'm sure that word will spread." Her words reflected the coldness of her heart as she emptied it of emotions as Jedi master Vindoo Sharr had taught her.

Because of your emotions... hate, lust, greed, perfection, love, whichever... you will never be able to achieve perfection in the Force. When they are gone, you will feel the Force for what it is, neither light nor dark, neither good nor bad, but the one truly neutral force in the universe. Lani had listened, enraptured at what the tiny image of the long dead Jedi Master told her. When you perceive the pureness, you will be able to manipulate it for yourself, so that you may enhance what you already have. You have already done this, Lani, with your Enchani teachings. But I will show you how to take it one step further.

"...Lani?" Rylaa's words broke through her thoughts.

"Sorry, I was thinking."

"That's fine, how's the food?"

"Fine..." she mumbled, losing herself in thought again, "it's fine."

Jedi Master Koran Darr returned through the double doors of the council chamber. Following him were the other members of the Council, Masters all, who were not off on a mission. He moved to his own seat and turned to face the center of the room. Around him, the other Masters did the same. Once they were all in place, he finally sat. It was only then that he regarded Rylaa Lyssander once more. With a gesture, he bid the man and his associate to approach. "Mister Lyssander, we are able now to discuss the matter you bring before us."

Rylaa nodded in turn to each of the robed Masters, there were certainly more of them than made him comfortable, and laid the blasteel briefcase on a tall stool in front of him. "Masters of the Jedi Council," he started, "good day to you. My name is Rylaa Lyssander and I come before you today to present an object of which I have been told you all find highly valuable. As Master Darr already knows, I found it a few months ago on the planet Avalan VI through an archeological dig that my company, Ares Macrotechnology, was funding.

"The scientists there had discovered an ancient Jedi temple, thousands of years ago, and were on the verge of opening it when they had requested some assistance. I'm sorry to say that we couldn't arrive in time. We were, however, able to send an expedition down into the temple itself, and that is where we found this..." With the appropriate dramatic pause, Lani flourished an electronic key from somewhere and ran it across the lasercuffs that connected Rylaa to his briefcase. With a snap, the metal cable fell away.

Rylaa himself opened a tiny display on the top of the case and dialed in a short combo. The clasps popped and the hiss of escaping air could be heard from the pressure seal. With a grin, the criminal spun the now opened case around to display the tiny Holocron resting on a short pedestal with a bank of blue lights illuminating it. Rylaa waited for the appropriate oohs and ahhs before he continued.

The reaction from the Jedi wasn't nearly as enthusiastic as the crimelord had hoped. There was, however, an undercurrent that swept between the Masters, yet the excitement remained beneath the surface. Koran Darr leaned forward. "A holocron," he said. "A very rare find indeed. You've verified the authenticity of the holocron?"

Lani nodded and stepped in front of the slightly mortified Rylaa. "Yes, it contains the legacy of Jedi Master Vindoo Sharr, a Jedi Guardian of un-paralleled skill. If you wish, I can activate it for you and you may speak with him yourself."

"I don't believe that will be necessary," Koran Darr stated. He turned to Rylaa. "We thank you for bringing this before us, Mr. Lyssander. It is indeed quite a find and one that could answer many of the mysteries lost to time."

Another of the masters, a man with a neatly trimmed goatee and wearing the traditional Jedi robes, leaned forward. "Does this holocron come with a price, or is this to be an artifact turned over for the betterment of all?"

Rylaa studied the Masters for a moment before answering. "I wouldn't even know where to begin with the price on this thing. The knowledge that inside could be some long lost secrets of the Jedi Order, or it could be a recipe from Algonian Pancakes. The only one that it's spoke to so far is my associate Lani, and she's recommended to me that we simply turn it over to you. After being here and speaking with you, I am forced to agree. The holocron is yours."

"You have our great thanks," the bearded master said with a nod of his head. "And, if it is indeed a recipe for Algonian Pancakes, you shall be invited to enjoy the first batch." He gave a smile and glanced aside at Koran.

The senior Jedi thanked Rylaa as well. "I sense that there is something else you wish to discuss with us." The Jedi's gaze, however, was on Lani rather than Rylaa.

Lani, for once, was seized with panic. Here was a moment where a couple of words would drastically change her life. She glanced at Rylaa and he gave her an encouraging look. So she took a breath and looked directly at Koran as she spoke, "I would like to train to be a Jedi. When... when we found the holocron, Master Sharr said that it was my affinity with the Force that brought about his activation after so many centuries. He said he was surprised that I had no formal training, since it was clear that I already used the Force without knowing. He then said that I should seek out the Jedi for training. So here I am today."

Koran Darr studied her for a moment. "In the time of the Republic and before, students were taken on when they were very young. It helped to begin their training while they were so young, so they could be raised without the attachments made while growing up. The students who have come to us are not ideal. They are all between the ages of ten and twenty years, and getting them to unlearn what they've learned hasn't been easy. Will you have a problem letting go of your ties aside of the Order for your training? Attachment is still a concern, especially for our Padawans. Can you turn your back on your attachments to enter into life as a Jedi Padawan?"

She had given this considerable thought prior to making her decision to come to the temple. "Yes, Master Darr, I can set aside all that I have known to begin my training. Since Master Sharr first told me the I could use the Force, I have been waiting for this moment, preparing for it. The most difficult of all will be to set aside my Echani training, but I know that with enough willpower it can be done."

Koran smiled. "Very well, we will test you for your potential, and proceed from there. I will have a room prepared for you here, and we can begin the test in the morning."

Lani's bow was a little awkward but she managed not to look too foolish. Rylaa, however, was grinning like a madman and bouncing on his toes. He was so full of energy, probably a combination of Orn's delicious soup and his joy for Lani, that the little fat man looked about to burst. "Well," he said, "I suppose I'll just leave both of my most precious artifacts here in the safe hands of the Jedi and be on my merry way."

"We thank you again, Rylaa Lyssander," Koran Darr said with a seated bow for the man. "May the Force be with you."

"And with you," Rylaa said with a slight bow. He looked at Lani but it was obvious that her joy had surpassed any other emotion she might have felt over seeing him leave. A sigh escaped his lips as he allowed himself to be escorted from the temple back to his speeder. His driver, an older man who knew his place and would say nothing of today, was leaning casually against the craft. When he saw his boss, he simply nodded and started it up. Rylaa only glanced at Lani's equipment sitting in the back before nodding to the driver that it was alright to leave. He didn't even glance back.

---

"Getting Even"
Chun Li - escort pilot
and various NPCs

Location: Pirate's Nest, System M45879
Date: Selene 14, 5ABY

***

"Start your strafing run," Li heared over her comm. They were about 10 lightyears from Chimaeria, hanging behind an asteroid. So far they had not been spotted yet. Li was part of a Y-wing squadron, Braaku squad, that was one pilot short, and they would have to blow open the base so the ground troops could enter. Escorting them were a squadron of TIE-fighters and a squadron of TIE-interceptors. The TIEs had just launched from a Strike cruiser they had brought along. This strike cruiser also carried the troops that would assault the base. The other capital ship was an old Garrack class cruiser and between the two ships they had more then enough firepower to deal with a couple of Corellian corvettes.

As soon as Li and the other fighters came in sight of the base, there was a flurry of comm chatter. Li spotted a door opening and she turned towards it, her temporary wingman following.

"Fire on my target," Li ordered as she fired two concussion missiles into the tunnel that was now visible. A TIE-fighter was just at the opening when the missiles flew in, exploding the fighter. The Y-wing's proton torpedoes exploded against the wall of the tunnel, causing a cave in.

"Braaku 5," the controller on the carrack cruiser came through her comm, "what are you doing?"

"I identified a TIE-fighter launch tunnel, control," Li said, "I thought it would be useful to be closed before the TIEs got out. It makes the rest of the job easier."

"Okay," control said, "but run those things past us next time."

"Aye control," Li said, "progressing towards primary target."

After a couple of strafing runs the entrance to the base was wide open for the ground troops. While the Strike cruiser put down to disembark the troops, the Carrack was tangling with the two Corellian corvettes the pirates owned. Li was pleased to see that one was still not fully repaired, even after three months. It seemed that the pirates didn't have much in the way of resources. With the pirates' fighters not being able to take off, the Chimearian fighters had not much to do but circle around, so Li asked if she could join the ground troops.

Permission was granted and Li put down her fighter next to the troop transport. Descending, she was met by two of the intel specialist dispatched with the troops to take everything the pirates had apart and see what they could learn. Li, as ex-imperial intelligence agent, joined with this group for their 'tour' through the base.

After almost a full day they had gotten a great deal of information, like companies these pirates had sold stolen stuff to. Most of the information would be send to the police forces of the world in question, if any, and they could do with it whatever they wanted. From the information Li had seen, some smaller companies in Arcadia would face some problems soon.

After getting all the information out they could get their hands on, as well as any valuables that could be found, the demolitions experts got in and wired the base. The troops and the captured pirates went onto the Strike cruiser and Li went back to her fighter. After taking off, the base was blown to little pieces.

Five hours later Li was back in her apartment on Drogen Shipyards. There would be an after-action briefing the next day, but for now sleep was in order.

---

"Faces of Death"
by: Calus Renodt - NPC Assassin - Human

Location: Mining moon of Vinjo, Caladonian system
Date: Selene 14, 5ABY

***

It had taken days to find the right location to set up. The height needed to be correct, the angle of the window just so, the path of escape clear. The room on the fifth floor of the 'Rising Arms' inn provided exactly what he was looking for. The cramped one-bed room overlooked the fertile central park area of the mining moon's one major city. He didn't know the name, but names mattered little to him. Faces, weapons, money... that's what truly mattered in life. Anything else was just fluff for the ego, entertainment designed to drive a man away from those things that he cared about.

Dim street lamps tried vainly to light the duracrete roads. The city had very little in the way of replusorcraft transportation, and many of it's citizens still used ICE vehicles. One such drove by now, the acrid exhaust rising even up to where the man sat and waited. The soft red glow of a dying cigarra illuminated a thin face carved from stone. Ashes fell from the tip to a light blue jean jacket, but the man made no move to brush them off. He had stopped caring about such trivial things a long time ago, and a little dirt wasn't going to change that.

The clock on the table next to the bed began to beep, the green numbers telling him that it was past midnight, local time. This was when his target was supposed to meet a 'friend' in the park. The information had been hard to come by, requiring both bribes and threats, but it would all be compensated for later by the me he worked for. Movement caught his eye on the street below and he quickly melded with the shadows in his unlit room, peering out the corner of the window. Only the glow of his one vice could be seen now.

A car pulled up just below the hotel, a long one that could seat several people at the same time. The driver, a heavyset man wearing sunglasses even at this time of night, and his partner riding shotgun both got out of the vehicle and walked around to the other side. Shotgun had the look of a fighting man and was visibly armed with what looked like an antiquated slugthrower. Both wore dark grey suits, like something out of a bad organized crime movie. I brought a thin smile to the man's lips when he realized this. After all, these guys where supposedly the crime syndicate on this speck of dirt.

Sunglasses and Shotgun both looked around, checking to see if the streets were clear, before opening the door. An old human stepped out, his face looking as tough all the security his bodyguards were taking was unnecessary. With him was a young woman in a green dress who posed as his girlfriend but was really his second-in-command. Second's sandy blond hair was pile generously on her head and woven through with strings of Mon Cal pearls and Corellian Fire Diamonds, both very expensive and very hard to find. Target took Second's hand and led her into the park while Sunglasses and Shotgun stayed with the car.

The one spot of green within the city wasn't very large, and its center was dominated by multi-tiered stone fountain which spat gouts of water high into the air. Tonight it was illuminated from within with several small spotlights. Target and Second both sat on a stone bench in front of the fountain, looking for all the part like two lovers taking a walk in the park after a party. The man knew different, of course, knew with whom they were going to meet.

Two men in truly non-descript clothing stood up from the bushes. One had his hair drawn back into a ponytail, and was immediately labeled as such while the other... well that was Target Two. Both groups converged and entered a heated argument, while the man opened the black case the sat by his feet. He took from it the pieces he needed to put together his weapon, the instrument he used to play the sweet song of death and chaos. When the weapon was assembled, a process which took all of a few seconds, the man lit another cigarra and took a deep drag. His normally dull eyes sparkled as he pictured exactly what he was going to o in his mind. He repeated it, again... and again. When it was fixed firmly, placed his eye to the high powered scope mounted atop the rifle.

Target's face showed clearly through the electronic scope, data for range and windage both scrolled on the right side. The man made a slight adjustment.

Deep breath... Let it out halfway... Hold it... Finger gently on trigger... Slight pressure...

bang.

Target drops, a fountain of blood erupting from his forehead mimicking the stone edifice they stood in front of. Second screams, startled by the easy death of what was once the most powerful man on the planet. The man drank in the chaos, the fear. It tasted like credits. Before instinct could take over, the man pulls the trigger again. This time Target Two goes down, his body thrown in the water from the impact of the round.

Shotgun and Sunglasses have noticed something amiss, something wrong. They begin to run over to Second, only to see a large chunk of her skull break off as the bullet tears through it. She falls over the body of the old man, again giving the impression that they were lovers. But the man doesn't care, he calmly packs his weapon and stands. The butt of the cigarra gets flicked out of the window carelessly, his calling card. It was doubtful that these backwater types had heard of him though.

"Good night Mr. Renodt," the lady at the front desk says to him. The man turns, one hand in his jacket pocket.

"Yeah, night to you too," he replies and walks out the front door with the case carrying his weapon. Soon a new organization would step in and absorb both of the now headless syndicates. 'New Dawn' was what they styled themselves, but again, the man truly did not care. They paid him well, and that was all that mattered.

---

"Unexpected Help, Part 1"
By: Kel Denab
Selena Rellik

Location: Arcadia
Date: Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

Kel was walking back to his place, having grabbed a bite to eat. Unfortunately, he still was no where near figuring out who he was, or what he had been doing in the past. He was slowly starting to come to grips with the fact that maybe he never would, and he would have to restart his life. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught some movement. What was that? he wondered.

She had watched him from atop a small building. Good strong build, short clipped hair, scruffy beard, and a stand that would seem to belong to someone who was firm in his beliefs and strong of character. Much the Imperial standard build, which could be right, since there had been many former Imperials defecting or abandoning their service after the fall of Emperor Palpatine. His expression, however, was not the regular one that went with such a stance.

Selena had long learned to read off small details. There was much one could tell from them, and it helped when overlooking a crowd or picking up impressions. This one, had caught her attention for two reasons, for not only was he curious in his way of being, but he was being followed by someone who obviously didn't want him to know. Perhaps he was a criminal, or maybe he was being targeted by a criminal. Selena would have bet on the latter choice, but she wanted to first check what this was about. She decided to stay atop the buildings and follow their movements, staying hidden for the time being.

Kel shrugged, and continued on. The way things were going, he was a bit jumpy as of late about everything. He wondered where to start next, and what to look into. Perhaps he should just forget it and start re-living his life. Suddenly, he felt a hand grab him, and turn him around. Instinctively, he dropped into a defensive stance.

"Ahhh, Mr. Denab, I have finally caught up with you," the man said. "You do realize that you are a dead man."

"Oh?" Kel asked. "How am I supposed to know that?"

"There's a bounty out on you now, for elimination. Apparently some ex employers of yours decided you were too much of a risk," he said. "So, I luckily have the chance to collect on the bounty. I do apologize," he said, pulling out his blaster.

"No, wait... I'm not who I was," Kel said.

"They all say that..." the man said. "I'm glad we had this short conversation," he added, getting ready to squeeze the trigger.

There was a sudden swift sound, as it something was cutting clean through the air. A twisting vibrodagger flew straight into the man's forearm, trespassing the wrist and pinning the man's arm to the wall beside him. The pain made him drop the blaster that he held as he jerked in pain. Selena approached, blaster in hand, and shook her head as if to say that there was no point in either men trying to escape the scene, unless they wanted to be shot.

"Bounties... Now that is something I cannot relate to," she started out. "If you want to kill somebody don't rely on paying others to do so. That's cowardice." With that said, she looked at Kel Denab and back at the man for a short period of time. "Now, I am a person of little patience, so I will ask simple questions and you will answer simple answers. I don't want no big explanations, so keep things short. No stories," she forewarned. "Who placed the bounty?" she asked the bounty hunter.

"A...a group of people, a bunch of people who had called upon Denab's services in the past," the hunter said, the pain searing through his arm. "That's all I know! They have banded together and are simply known as 'The Group'," he stammered out.

Kel's eyes were wide at that moment. Who was this person, and why was she helping him? Was this someone else that his former life knew? He came up beside her slightly.

Selena immediately pointed her blaster at Kel Denab as if to have him step back, while positioning herself. She wasn't sure of all the facts that she needed to really know what was going on, so that made Denab someone who she wouldn't trust to be innocent. And if what the bounty hunter said was true, then Kel Denab could very well be a dangerous man himself. After all, what was this service that he had provided to make his former employers want him dead?

"And so," she started out, looking at the bounty hunter, "you wanted to simply collect a bounty?" she asked sarcastically. But she didn't really want a reply from him. Most bounty hunters would look for jobs from the guild, and this would surely be no exception. Besides, she wasn't to simply listen to one end of the story. Before the bounty hunter could reply to her, she turned to Kel. "So, Mr... Denab, is it? Who are these people who want you dead?"

Kel shrugged. "That is a good question, one that I want to find out myself," Kel said to her. "There is a lot I want to find out, in all honesty..." he added, seeing her gaze upon him. His mind knew that she was someone of purpose, and by her comments, she obviously was not someone he should know.

"You mean to tell me that you don't know who you worked for?" she frowned. "One word of advice, Mr. Denab...never work for someone you don't know," she told him. "What is it that you do for a living?" she asked him simply.

"No, it's not that I don't know whom I ever worked for, it's simply I don't remember...as for what I do for a living, I don't know," Kel replied. "I lost all memory of who I was, where I came from, everything. I've only been on planet a few days of my new memory, I woke up in some hospital on a planet I don't' even remember, having been in a coma for 4 months, the medical people told me."

"Amnesia..." she mumbled. She was pretty good at reading people, even when they were lying. And this didn't seem the case. She turned to the bounty hunter again and took the vibroblade from his forearms, making some blood spill and obviously hurting the man. She then punched him in the face, knocking him out of his senses and then took the time to put some restraining binders on him. Selena then placed a small distress beacon that sent out an emergency call to the authorities frequency.

"Let the authorities have him... I'm sure he'll have a record of him as a bounty hunter. If you're lucky, he'll be wanted," she told Kel. "My name is Selena, by the way. We should leave this area and go someplace safe. Preferably someplace public enough for anyone not to try anything," she suggested. If his story was indeed true, then this could be far from over. And she didn't want him to be left unsafe.

"I'm Kel, thanks," he said to her. They started walking away. "So, why did you help me?" Kel asked, looking over to her. "I've managed to learn you did not know me previously," he added with a slight smile.

"Call it my job..." she said simply. "I help people who are in need of help. You were in need of help. But I'm afraid that for you this is far from over. If what the bounty hunter told us was true, then you'll have more of them on your trail. In fact, they would have your face up on the bounty hunter's guild network, meaning many would know your face by now. There are only two ways to make that stop. Either have the bounty called off or kill the one who's paying for your murder. Either one require one question answered: who wants you dead."

"Just more and more I keep finding out about myself," he said with a mumble. "I honestly don't even know where to start. About all I know is that apparently I'm good with computers, and I can fly a ship very well, and I have a suit of Mandalorian armor in my apartment," Kel told the woman.

"Mandalorian?" Selena asked. Mandalorians were well trained warriors, though very few were left. Boba Fett would be the best known one, though surely others would be around. But Mandalorians were mostly guns-for-hire, bounty hunters and trained killers. Could this man be part of that? Or maybe the armor he had was something he had acquired somehow. Maybe that was why he was wanted dead. "Well, you must know something else, like why did you come here... After all, you said you woke up on a different planet, so why come here?"

"The medics told me this is where I was from, so I came in my ship," he said to her, shrugging again. "Figured this was as good a place as any to begin searching for who I was, what I did...all that," Kel told her. "Oh, a Jedi, Laedra, figured I was a bounty hunter, judging from my attire and my leaving off planet for a week or two at a time, with no warning...I just remember our conversation about that," he told Selena.

"Curious... I have never heard of a Jedi being friendly to a bounty hunter," Selena commented. "But if that is the case, then it would explain your armor. You could always ask the bounty hunters guild, but being that they are chasing you, it doesn't seem they consider you one of their own. At least not anymore, that is, since they have this code that states that a bounty hunter will not kill another," she said. She knew their code, although she knew that it was more guidelines than actual rules. Many bounty hunters had killed off others out of them being competition for the bounties at hand. "Maybe this Jedi can tell you more."

"Already had long conversation, didn't learn much about myself other than that I was...am...secretive," he said, rolling his eyes. "I was a giant mystery to everyone. Oh, one piece of information is that I'm wanted for killing my sister.." he said, making an expression of what the hell to her. "But the authorities don't have a picture of my face or my name..go figure. This bounty could also be tied to that. Such a convoluted person I was...and for all I know, I was framed for that murder."

"Maybe you were, maybe you weren't... Until you can remember, you would stand at a crossroads," she told him. Could these stories be true? Could this man indeed have murdered his own sister? She herself was wanted and the authorities had no clue as to what she looked like in reality, so it could be possible that they didn't know his features either. On the other hand he could be innocent and in the middle of a grander scheme. "Know this, Mr. Denab... If you are guilty of those crimes, I will come after you myself," she told him. "Now, most amnesia cases tend to pass in time. Some might be inducted into someone through drugs, such as glytheryl. But unfortunately there are no counter agents. The way I see it you have two options... You can stand in the crowd and make yourself noticed, hoping to bait out those who are after you... or you can go undercover and try to find out through underworld agents who placed the bounty on your head," she told him.

Selena then stopped walking. They were now standing in a square, with many people walking past them. "I am not an investigator, so I would not be accompanying you on these investigations, should you choose to go undercover. I am not your friend and certainly not your bodyguard, so don't rely or count on me. I'm just interested, should those who want you dead be bigger fish to fry," she told him. "Now, my advice to you is to lure out anyone who you believe knows you and try to get them to tell you things. But be careful, Mr. Denab, for if you have a bounty, even they might be after you. Trust no one and tell nothing."

"That's not much to go by," Kel said, rolling his eyes a bit. "You're interested, but don't want to help out other than killing? I guess I'm at a loss as to what to ask of you, then," he told her. "I'm kind of flying blind here, you see...I apparently don't have any friends, don't have any family, and can't for the life of me seem to figure out where to start!"

"No, I don't necessarily want to kill anyone. If that was true, then I would certainly have killed that bounty hunter back there...maybe even have killed you," she answered sharply. "That would be foolish and irrational. I am not a mindless psychopath, Mr. Denab, but I am not your friend because you don't think you have one. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that you can't remember one. Besides, I don't recall having told you that you could ask anything from me. You don't know me and yet I saved your life. I want no reward for that, and certainly don't want you to cling to me for having done so..." she added. "But I didn't say that I would leave you to your own fate either. So, the best I can offer you is an understanding... I do whatever I have to do to find out who is after you and you ask no questions and tell nothing to no one. These rules are not negotiable and cannot be bent at any time. Do we have an understanding?" she asked him.

"So, let me get this straight," Kel said, getting a little irritated, "I can't call upon you for help, I can't ask you questions, but you're going to help me, in some unknown capacity?" This all seemed rather odd to him, for someone he had just met. "Well, whatever. Any help is welcome at this stage in the game," he said to Selena.

"Questions lead to more questions and more curiosity, so no questions asked. Don't ask me why I help you or where I come from or anything... I wish to remain as silent about myself as I can," she explained. "But I never said that I would leave you to your own fate, unless you're found guilty of those crimes that you seem to have been framed for, without a good solid reason to do them. Other than that, I will be with you and I will be helping you sort this out. Quite honestly, I do believe in you and believe you're mostly innocent. But it seems that you were involved in some heavy stuff... Any ideas where to start looking?"

"Off hand, I was going to see what I could do with the computer terminal in my apartment, but...well, I doubt that's safe to return to at the moment. Best lead so far is starting off with what happened with my sister, and why is she dead. From there, that might lead us to more," Kel said, explaining the thoughts that he had been coming up with.

"Seems a solid lead... And I would agree with not going to your apartment. At least for the time being, for chances are that people will be expecting you there," she nodded. "As for info on your sister, there should be information on the local authorities. But since you're wanted and I'm not exactly welcome, there's only one place to go to. A crime lord who is willing to tell us what we need to know. But before we can do that, we'll need to be ready. We need weapons and a plan."

Kel shrugged. "I'm sure I used to have access to..wait, on my ship, I bet there's something stored there..weapon wise," he told Selena. "If I was a bounty hunter, it would make sense."

"It would," Selena agreed. "Considering you have Mandalorian armor and all, you should have weapons. I guess we should head to the starport then, and plan our next move from there," she added. It was somewhat of a longshot to try and find out things when there was so little information, but surely enough the criminal organizations would know more, especially considering that there was a bounty on Kel's head. Perhaps an influential crimelord would even know who was 'The Group' that wanted Kel Denab dead.

"Then let's go," Kel said, and the two started heading for the Starport.

---

"Unexpected Help, Part 2"
By: Kel Denab
Selena Rellik

Location: Arcadia
Date: Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

Kel and Selena arrived at the Starport, and Kel looked at his ship. "Well, this is it," he told her, indicating his star cruiser. "I apparently am a fairly decent pilot, at least I knew how to operate the controls with ease," he told her. Walking up, he put his palm against a biometric reader, and the ramp slid down. "Shall we?"

"After you..." Selena motioned. The ship looked well enough, and there was no doubt that it belonged to Kel Denab, or at least he had clearance to go inside. Going after Kel Denab, she wondered how long would he have arrived and how well was this ship of his known. After all, there was a slight chance that bounty hunters or worse would know of his having arrived and would go for the ship. On the other hand, it seemed they had no choice but to go there anyway. "How long has your ship been here?" she asked.

"About 2 days," he said to her. "And, oddly enough, it's registered as someone else," Kel told her with a shrug. "Probably because of who I am," he added, heading into the ship. "I didn't study the layout of this thing too much, so I think we're just going to have to search," he mentioned.

Meanwhile, a security officer had spotted the two people who had walked onboard, and had notified the local law enforcement that Kel Denab had entered the hanger. They started mustering a few people to go and apprehend the wanted criminal. This time, they had him trapped.

Looking around, Selena wasn't too sure where to go look for the weaponry inside the ship. "Where would you keep those kind of items?" she asked him. She knew it would probably be a secret storage room, or maybe an armory with limited access. Hopefully, Kel would recall where it was. "Maybe near your Mandalorian armor?" she added as a chance.

"Good question," Kel said to her. "And the armor was in my residence...so who knows where they would be," he added with a shrug. "Let's check over here, I recall seeing a small room when I was flying back here, so maybe that's where they're at."

As Selena followed Kel she wondered where would the things be stored. If Kel's problem was amnesia he should at least recall some things as familiar. Hopefully he would recall where he kept his things inside the ship from merely wandering around. "Does any of this look familiar to you?" she asked him.

"No, not overly. About the only things I seem to be able to do are anything instinctual, or that I was extremely good at. Like with that bounty hunter, I dropped into some sort of fighting stance... piloting I seem to be very good at, and investigating, well, you saw that I already had ideas as to where to start. But as for faces, people, even vague ideas, no clue. Whatever that chemical blocker is doing, it appears to be blocking everything that I should remember..people, places, my past, those types of things," Kel said. "Hmm, this looks like it might be something," he said as they came up on a closet. Looking at it briefly, he determined that it was a bio-scanner as well, and put his hand against the panel. Almost instantly, the door opened, unveiling a whole host of various weapon systems. "And it appears I kept the weapons here," Kel said to Selena, smiling a little.

Outside, the local law enforcement people entered the hangar bay, and began surrounding the ship. As soon as they were set up, they piped into the comm system of the ship. "Kel Denab, come out..we have you surrounded. If you give up peacefully, you will not be harmed."

"Oh hell," Kel said. "Someone must have tipped them off we were here," he told Selena. "And I doubt we can fight our way out..." he said.

Selena frowned for a while and thought about it. The real question was just how many were there and how well armed. She had taken out groups of people single handedly before, but going up against local authorities could result in deaths, and she would most certainly become one of the most wanted...if she would live through it to tell the tale. After all, nobody was immortal and unbeatable.

"I guess we have two options... Render them a good fight, or get into the ship's cockpit and get out of here," she commented. "The latter seems safer, but they will be on the lookout for us, and now they know the ship's name and requirements. Hopefully this starport doesn't have shield to prevent ships from leaving."

"Well, I didn't want to get you in really deep, but now you are," Kel said to her. "And since I most likely could not stay in the city anyway... I vote we make a run for it," he mentioned. "Come on," he said, and ran for the cockpit. As soon as he got there, Kel sat down and expertly began powering up the shields and engines. He could hear the splattering of blaster fire against the shields once the authorities realized they were not going to come out peacefully. "Hold on," he said, and quickly lifted off from the pad. He heard the controller come through the comm systems, squawking about not having proper flight authorizations. "Looks like they were pretty well prepared," Kel said, pointing to the sensors. There was a patrol craft coming towards them, it's shields raised and ion cannons armed. "You a good shot?" he asked her. "This ship has ion cannons as well as some high level laser-cannons, not to mention missile launchers. I guess I thought of every possibility when I outfitted this," he said, smiling a little.

Selena nodded and quickly moved out towards the cannons. As she sat herself, and fiddled with the controls to get the guns active, she placed a commlink to establish communication with Kel Denab, who was flying the ship. Their pursuers weren't too strong, but they were certainly fast. Surely enough a interceptor type craft to catch anyone who tried to escape the local law enforcement, which was exactly the case. The ship rocked a bit with the ongoing attacks made by the local authorities' ship.

"Set rear deflector shields to maximum!" she told Kel as she armed the torpedoes. She didn't need a direct hit, only to scratch and have their shields drop enough to get them with the cannons. "Come on...closer...closer..." she whispered to herself. When the pursuing ship was close enough, she fired a torpedo at them. The torpedo was fired at close range, which made the use of counter measures that more difficult. With a sharp turn, the authorities' ship tried to dodge the torpedo and launched a flare to try and escape as best as possible. The torpedo didn't get a direct hit, but it was enough to rock them about and drop their shields.

Without losing time, Selena opened fire with the ion cannons and hit their engines as they were regaining stability, sending their pursuers down to the ground. As they were unable to continue to follow them, however, the gunner on the top turret fired a missile at them. A last attempt to get escaped criminals, only this time dead. "We've got a missile on us! Try to dodge it while I try to fire at it!" she told Kel.

"Will do," he said over the comm. Kel twisted the ship around in various corkscrew patterns, the thump of the lascannons reverberating throughout the ship while it was still in the atmosphere. He made a quick pull, heading for the relative safety of space, and did a full barrel roll, the impact alarm still sounding. Suddenly, it went silent. They were still alive, so Selena must have hit it. "I take it you got it?" he said over the comm.

"It seems we're clear...for now, at least," she said over the comm. She then turned it off and secured the cannons. It had been a good thing that Kel knew how to fly pretty well. If it were herself piloting she wasn't too sure she could pull it off. She was good at many things, but piloting wasn't one of them. Gladly enough, handling weapons and shooting was. Leaving her post in the ship's guns, Selena made her way back to the cockpit, and joined Kel. Taking the co-pilot seat next to him, she turned and sighted. "So, what's the nearest starport we can use? Maybe in the desert on the outskirts would be a good spot. I hear it doesn't take too much to go to the city from there, and since the people in Thanatos don't exactly like those from New Plouton, they shouldn't go running to tell them anything," she suggested. "On the other hand, it's more likely to find bounty hunters after you there..."

"I think I'll take the hunters over the local authorities," he said to Selena, pressing a few buttons to bring up the landing display. "We could also just touch down in the desert, it's not like we absolutely need a starport," he told her. "I noticed, again, that this thing has some sort of overland repulsor craft. Must be for when I had to go unseen from the air after someone," Kel said, looking over to her.

"Humm...At any rate, I'd expect them to try to track us down either through heat signature or from outer space surface scanners. A place where we could stay hidden should be best, and as long as we can remain unseen, we should be able to buy us some mote time..." she answered. She brought up a console and started to look for nearby locations that could provide a good hiding spot. It didn't take her too long to find one. "Here..." she pointed out, "in the Tae'Sollar Desert. There's a compound that is used for podracing. We should be able to land there in one of their hangars and catch a land transportation to wherever we want to go."

"All right," he said, and keyed in the coordinates to the computer. "So tell me," Kel started as the ship began circling the planet for decent. "Are you from around here?" he asked.

"No..." she answered simply. "I'm from nowhere, really. It's what happens to you when you move around too much." This wasn't a subject that she was keen on discussing. The less anyone knew about her the better. It was always that way with any Red Eye operative. "So, do you know of any influential crimelords we can pay a visit to? Maybe you can look some up on a database..."

"Well, let's see if this ship's computer has anything interesting in it," Kel said, and tapped a button, a holo-display popping up. He input a few keywords into it, and it started searching. While it crunched through information, Kel looked over to the woman. "Do you have to go anywhere, I mean, you're helping me...I guess I could offer you some creds for helping out, I apparently at least am set in that area," he told her.

"I choose to do what I do for myself. Make no mistakes, I am helping you for the sake of making wrong things right. I don't get paid and my services are not up for hire," she replied. "I mean no offense, but if I were a bounty hunter or a thug for hire, I would probably be your enemy rather than on your side right now," she commented. It was a direct and somewhat harsh comment, especially considering that Kel Denab was apparently a bounty hunter himself. Or at least it seemed so.

There was a brief moment of silence between the two when the computer popped up information of known crimelords or entrepreneurs, as some liked to call themselves. None of them were set in the area or in Thanatos, however, which meant they had to find a means to return to New Plouton. "We should pay a visit to one of these..." she said, pointing out at the screen.

"Sounds good," Kel said after a moment. "First, are you hungry? We could eat something here on the ship...I know all this running around has me running on empty," he said with a slight grin.

"I guess we should eat something. Better to do it here than expose ourselves in a cantina... Especially around these parts. I'd expect this to be a perfect hole of scum and villainy," she nodded. "As long as we don't take too long," she added. She wanted to keep things short and simple, as they were the best way to avoid complications and lose time with secondary things. There was no pleasure on this trip, and it would soon be a either do or die situation.

"This way," he said to her, and walked to the galley. Finally, some food...then on to other things.

---

"Unexpected Help, Part 2"
By: Kel Denab
Selena Rellik
and Keltus Morgan [NPC]

Location: Arcadia
Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

They stood outside the door, a neon sign giving away the name "Nexus Ale" just on top of the entrance. It wasn't a very nice neighbourhood, placing the bar in the middle of a dimly lit narrow street on the border of Yallder District in New Plouton. They had managed to buy their way back into the city from a small merchant who would pick up goods in the Hub city and sell them to the people in the desert. For a small price he was more than willing to give them a ride, and for a slightly larger fee there were even no questions asked.

The place was a well known small time underworld front. It served its purposes well enough for a man known as Keltus Morgan to run his arms and spice deals, while using the bar to launder money and use it for his business deals. The only problem was that he was not exactly accessible to anyone who would walk inside. And Selena and Kel didn't exactly have time to make an appointment.

Selena nodded towards Kel in a reassuring way and walked inside. There were many patrons, but not many who were human. It reminded Selena of the pubs in Mos Espa Spaceport, with its wide variety of scum and villainy. Going around asking questions to just about anyone was unwise in such a place, and they didn't exactly want to gain attention. Hopefully enough, none of the patrons would recognise Kel Denab and try to collect the bounty that he had on his head. Going towards the bar, Selena took a stool and motioned for the bartender.

"What can I get ya?" the bartender asked with a nod.

"Information..." Selena replied sharply. "I need to see Keltus Morgan."

Kel sat down beside her, looking at the bartender, and trying to blend in as much as possible. So far, things had went smoothly, but there was no telling how long that was going to last overall. Kel stretched his arms a little. They had been going non-stop, and hopefully soon, they could take a moments' break. Dinner was a small one, but just enough to recharge his energy a little, nothing more.

Kel turned slightly, and noticed that the place was filling up even more than it already had been. Hopefully this Keltus person would get with them soon.

They were both waiting for the bartender to check in with his boss. It was obvious that things were so, despite them saying that officially there was no personal rooms in which darker and illegal matters were attended to. Selena kept to herself as she knew she should in such a place. One could step over a thin line and find trouble really fast if he or she would go into matters that did not concern them.

"Koona t'chuta?" someone asked from behind. "Soong peetch alay."

Selena didn't have to turn to know that it was a Rodian. One could tell by the tone and way of speaking. It was without a doubt a Rodian bounty hunter, and he was pointing a weapon at Kel Denab. It was just as easy as that, and in such a place, Selena knew that others would not interfere. Not unless they wanted a piece of the prize or of the man to be killed. Turning around, Selena looked at the Rodian. "We're going nowhere..." she told the Rodian.

"Won neechee kochba mu shanee wy tonny wya uska!" the Rodian stated, rather content at himself.

"Chosky nowy u chusu," Selena stated as she pulled out her blaster with incredible speed. It took her only a microsecond to shoot the Rodian, thus preventing him from accomplishing his attempt to collect the prize on Kel's head. On the other hand, this had brought immediate attention onto herself and Kel, which was not good. Selena did the only thing she thought was wise. She stood there, unafraid and secured her blaster slowly. "Go back to your business... This one's mine," she called out, pointing at Kel Denab.

The patrons in the bar slowly started to go back to their business and the music that came from the jizz band resumed. "Sorry about the mess," Selena told the bartender.

The bartender merely nodded. "Keltus Morgan will see you now."

Kel watched as everything unfolded, and shrugged. "What did he say?" Kel whispered as they started walking with the bartender.

"He wanted to collect the bounty on your head, and was happy that he had found you..." Selena whispered. "I told the Rodian otherwise and let everyone else know that you're mine. If they think that I'm here with you for the same reason they would be, then we should be safer. Call it a code they have, if you will," she explained as they walked. It didn't take them long to get to a small corridor that led to a double blast door.

The door slid open, revealing a lavish room in which a man stood. He was rather old looking, though stern and confident. An Aqualish guard stood by him, no doubt one of his guards or henchmen. There was a desk in front of Keltus Morgan, and two hover chairs opposite the table, plus some furniture decorating the place, mainly small statues. "Well, well, well... I had never thought I'd see the day when a man with a bounty on his head would step into such a place by his own choice..." he commented. "Please indulge me, Mr. Denab, why have you come here to speak to me? Why shouldn't I just have my guard shoot you so I could collect the prize myself?"

"That's a good question," Kel said to him. "And, well, because I want to know...who put the bounty out on me to begin with," Kel said to the boss. Hopefully things would not turn ugly, or else...well.

"And why should I help you?" Keltus Morgan asked, rather amused.

Without warning, Selena drew her blaster and pointed it at the crimelord, shaking her head slightly as if to tell the guard to stand down. Morgan was no fool and waved his hand for his guard to let go off his blaster. "Wise choice..." she stated. "Now, to answer your question, you will be helping us because you will die if you don't. I couldn't care less that you make it out alive or not, so do not try my patience. There are a lot more people we can go to in order to get the information we came for."

"I can have this room swarming with guards before you can escape," Morgan forewarned.

"But you wouldn't be alive to tell the tale, now, would you?" Selena argued. "Now, what we need is some answers. Tell us what we want to know and everyone lives."

Keltus Morgan sighed, not amused anymore. "Very well... What do you want to know?"

"Everything. Who put the bounty out, why...and how much," Kel said, his eyes narrowing. He wanted to put up as good of a front as possible, so that people did not realize he forgot everything.

"The bounty was placed by an...offshore organization, if you will. They call themselves 'The Group' and are a rather influential and financially viable organization. As for why you have a bounty on your head, perhaps this is something you should know. Something you did to them perhaps? Or something you took from them? That much I do not know, but I can see why they would place a bounty on you, since I would gladly do it myself..." Keltus stated.

"How much?" Selena asked. It was the one question left unanswered.

"Half a million credits."

"That's a lot for any simple organization, even a criminal one. How does someone contact this Group?" Selena pressed on.

"You don't find them... They find you," Keltus Morgan smirked.

"I see," Kel said, furrowing his brow slightly. This name, 'The Group,' who were they, and what did they want? They were also offplanet, which meant something he had done to them..huh, interesting. "So how would they find me, other than bounties?"

"Well...there is one way, but it's more suicide than anything," Keltus stated. "But then again, I'm sure that for someone who barges into my office and threatens me, and expects to leave unharmed and alive, you wouldn't have a problem with this hard task," he added. He then leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "There is a compound, secretly kept by them, that is underwater. It is rumoured that at least one of the administrators of 'The Group' is always present there. You'd be insane to walk into that place, but I can give you the coordinates to it nonetheless...for a price."

"So, you're willing to sell us information... How helpful," Selena frowned, still pointing her blaster at the crimelord. "How much?"

"I am a business man. I see no reason not to deal. Sounds better than risking my life!" Keltus grinned. "A quarter million credits, non-negotiable."

"How do we know you're not selling us wrong information?" Selena asked.

"You don't," Keltus replied coolly.

Selena nodded. "If you lie to us, I promise to take your miserable life. And that includes selling us out before we get there."

Keltus nodded in agreement, though frowning suspiciously. "Do we have a deal, then?"

Kel thought for a moment, then looked to Selena. "Yes...BUT, payment once we leave here. And half up front, then half after we confirm the existence of this place," Kel said. He remembered seeing how many creds he had in his account, and it could very very easily handle the payment to this scum.

The crimelord hesitated for a moment and then gave a simple nod. "Very well then. Half now, half later... I will have someone accompany you to the door to make sure you leave without harassment. I expect you not to come back, so don't return," he told them. "Anything else?"

"I think that about covers it. You have been most helpful," Kel said with a slight smile. He nodded to Selena, and the two moved to make an exit.

Once they were out, the guard gave them a menacing look. "The payment is expected as soon as you reach the location," he told them. With that much said, he turned and walked away. Selena knew that the underworld was a little bit more complicated, and things had perhaps happened too easily for them to be able to leave with such a sweet deal. Sure it had been somewhat expensive, but still... Something was not right.

They were already going back to a place where they could find transportation back to Kel's ship when Selena turned a small comm unit on. She had left a small microphone hidden under the hover chair she had sat in, and was now listening to what Keltus Morgan was saying.

"...before they arrive. I realize this is a loss of money, but surely 'The Group' will compensate us further. Besides, this way we are sure to stay out of trouble with them. Better to avoid any mess on that part...? Keltus was saying. And if they would succeed still, then we can move and take on the clients that 'The Group' sells to. It is always a win-win situation!?

Selena sighed. "You fool..." she said as she pressed a small button on the side of her comm unit. After that, the only thing the comm gave was static. Something had happened in the bar. Something that had silenced the conversation. A bomb had gone off. A bomb that Selena had hand made and placed into the transmitter of her comm, attached to the microphone. Keltus Morgan was going to sell them out. He had been abruptly silenced before that could be done.

"Keltus Morgan will not be selling us out anymore," Selena stated simply.

"I gathered," Kel said to her. "I guess I need to re-learn about the underworld," he added with a grin. He looked at the coordinates. "So is this someplace on planet, or is it elsewhere?" he asked Selena.

Selena took a brief look over the coordinates. "Strange...the coordinates point to a spot in the sea. But considering that it is a secret place, maybe it's underwater. The best place to hide is where nobody can see you, even from space. Makes sense," she said. "It seems, Mr. Denab, that we need to find a means of transportation that will allow us to go underwater."

"I see..." he said, thinking. "I...have no idea where we would procure such a thing," Kel told her, shrugging. "Maybe if I had my memory back..." he shook his head. "But who knows when that will be."

---

"The Death of Girra, Part 1"
By: Jorrord Zhen, Smuggler (NPC+)
Chakka (NPC+)
Leeza Fjord (NPC+)
Xarax (NPC+)

Location: Alderaan Graveyard
Date: Selene 14th, 5ABY

***

The Helix maneuvered among the rocky debris of what once Alderaan, a shining jewel of a world. Once Upon a time.

"I still don't understand why she wanted to be left here," Leeza groaned as she continued to adjust course. The old model Corellian starcruiser was a bit bulky, but it had it where it counted. "Why not Omwat? I mean hells...this place gives me the creeps. The module will probably just get scavenged, this place is always crawling with creeps looking to make a cred from what people leave behind in memory."

Jorrord looked at the Arcanian pilot, one of several members added to the Helix crew in past months.

"It was what she wanted Leeza, that is all that matters," he said simply. He was never the type to psycho-analyze or make or make articulate and emotional speeches. "Look, the ship is ours now, if it makes anymore sense for you just think of it as a job," he said. "And we always do our job. Girra left instructions, our payment is this ship when the job is done. So the job will get done."

Chakka stood behind the two command seats and offered a woeful mourn.

"It will be alright, I know what she meant to you big guy," Jorrord replied. "There, right there it is," he said as he pointed out the viewport and zoomed in with the HUD.

A large chunk of what used to be Alderaan slowly rotated among the multitude of other debris. It didn't look much different from the rest of debris. But Jorrord knew better.

He commed the ships internal communication system, "We are getting into position Xarax, I'll be on my way down."

"I'm ready down here," Xarax replied from the Helix's main cargo bay.

"Keep her steady Leeza, this shouldn't take long. Come on Chakka, lets get this done and over with," Jorrord instructed as he and the Wookiee exited the cockpit to make their way back and down to the cargo bay.

***

The cargo bay was largely empty. Jorrord stood over a capsule, an oblong contraption of non-descript alloy with a small control panel built into the side. He walked around the capsule, checked the sensors and manually checked the wench that had been connected to the contraption.

He, Chakka, and the Cathar Xarax wore vacuum suits.

"Leeza," Jorrord commed. "We're ready for decompression."

Several snapping and clanking sounds echoed throughout the empty cargo bay as it was sealed off from the rest of the ship, the atmosphere having then been vented by controlled means. Once the bay was decompressed, Xarax slapped a control lever to open the cargo bay doors.

The Graveyard opened up before them, one chunk of debris loomed closer than the rest. Once the door was fully opened, Xarax activated the wench. Chakka and Jorrord took hold of the capsule and walked it to the edge of the bay door where space waited.

Jorrord looked down and out, then he and Chakka stepped out into virtual nothing.

The capsule and two suited figures were attached by cords, secured by the winch inside the Helix. Tiny attitude thrusters built into the suits allowed them the mobility they needed to maneuver away from the ship and down to the rock.

It took some time, no one was particularly thrilled with having the thin layers of a vacuum suit between them and the universe. Once they touched down on the rock, Jorrord punched a few keys on the control panel of the capsule. Several attachment spikes shot out from the edges of the capsule to secure it to the rock.

"We are secure," he commed as he checked the sensors again. He tapped the control panel and the top of the capsule was illuminated.

Eyes closed, Girra lied still and secure within the capsule, perfectly safe and protected from the nothingness around her.

Chakka moaned again for his friend.

"It's alright, relax," Jorrord said. "The inside is powered by its own source, her body will be preserved indefinitely. We're going to set the shields, nothing is going to drop down on her."

Chakka continued to growl his displeasure.

"Yeah I know," Jorrord sighed. "I think it's about the most Nerf brained idea in the history of Nerf brained ideas. Common, we're done. Let's get the frag outta here."

Jorrord commed that they were done, Xarax from the ship reeled them back up and in. Once inside, Jorrord stole another look. The illumination faded.

---

"Struggle To Succeed"
By: Lani Vissip
Master Laedra Vorrel

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 14, 5 ABY

***

Put through her paces for nearly two hours, Lani Vissip arrived before Master Vorrel coated in a sheen of perspiration and heaving breathlessly, but despite the woman's obvious fatigue, Laedra remained impressed - the course had been made deliberately complicated to test not only stamina, but determination. Not once had Lani Vissip balked at the more treacherous portions of the course, and in fact attacked those sections with far greater resolve. It was fascinating to watch, and although convinced about the woman's physical qualifications, Laedra was not yet certain of her emotional stability.

She gestured Lani to a bench in the gymnasium and sat herself. "That went well, I think," Laedra commented. "You're in impeccable condition."

Her breath came hard and she gulped down several mouthfuls of air before she trusted herself enough to talk. "Thank you," Lani replied. It was quite possibly the most rigorous course she had ever been put through since she went through CompForce Scout training. She remained standing for several moments, her hands above her head to open her chest, before taking a seat next to Laedra.

"That course will be much easier once you become acquainted with your Force powers. Is it your desire to do so - to follow the path of a Jedi?"

Lani nodded without hesitation. She had made up her mind about becoming a Jedi long before actually coming to the temple with her lover. "Yes, I wish to follow the path of the Jedi and receive instruction on the Jedi ways."

Laedra's expression remained neutral, portraying no sign of doubt as she asked, "And you understand what that requires of you? What you're required to sacrifice?"

She probably understood better than the Jedi Master realized. Decades of training would be put aside so that an entirely new way of life could fill the void it would leave. Of course, much of her Echani Teachings could meld with the Jedi Teachings seamlessly, she was sure, but the aggression she learned in CompForce and even the skills she learned as a Rebel would be put away until she needed them again. And her renewed relationship with Rylaa. Right now he had a good rapport with the Jedi for having turned the holocron over to them, but what would they say once they learned of his illicit activities. Or even worse, what if they learned that it was he that had supplied the evil Empresses with their AT-STs?

Her mind cleared, a single thought rang out clearly as though a massive brass bell had sounded. I've done it before, and I can do it again. She felt a wash of relief as her resolve settled and her back got a little straighter. "Yes, Master Vorrel, I understand what I will be required to sacrifice."

"It will be difficult," Laedra informed her gently. "At our age, Ms. Vissip, we become accustomed to a certain way of life - of acting on our emotions, of doing as we please without thought to what is expected of us" --she gave Lani a knowing look-- "as well as loving and caring freely for others without consideration of the consequences. Your new life as a Jedi will require many restrictions, Ms. Vissip. Although you may believe yourself capable of divesting yourself of these worldly attachments, your heart may feel differently. It will be...painfully hard."

Her will went from steel to titanium. "I can and will do whatever is necessary, Master Vorrel. But I have a question for you? Why the intense questioning? It's almost as though you are trying to throw a blanket of doubt over my decision to come to the Temple to learn. Master Sharr has already told me everything that will be expected of me and I meditated on that for three months before I made up my mind to come here. Yes, I am willing to give up my former life. Yes, I am willing to give up my former training. I am willing to make every sacrifice, and to make them without emotion." Lani took a deep breath. "If the cold emotionless beast is what a Jedi shows to the outside world, then that is the persona I will take into myself." She met Laedra's eyes. Her own eyes had gone a deep emerald and seemed to have flecks of steel dancing across them.

Laedra smiled faintly in return. "No one will expect you to behave as an insensate automaton, Lani. Jedi are permitted to laugh, and cry - though we may not act on these emotions, you may still feel them. Now, Master Sharr has apprised you of what will be expected of you as a Jedi, so you must understand the purpose of my questioning. It is imperative there is no doubt in your mind, as well as ours, about your ability to withstand the intense training to come your way. The Jedi have lost too many of their own, throughout history, to the darkside. The last thing we want is for the same to happen to you."

"Of course, Master Vorrel," and she let it sit at that. There was no doubt in her mind about her goals.

"Of course," Laedra echoed, her gaze inscrutable but an uneasiness lingering behind it. "I guess this means you'll require a teacher. Have you anyone in mind?"

"Not really, no," Lani said, "I don't really know many of the Masters of the Temple, so I can only assume that you will place me where you think best."

"Then if you have no objections...Master Koran Darr has requested to oversee your training. Consider it an honour," Laedra told Lani, "for he is the head of the council and his skill is astonishing. You'll be well trained."

"Of course I have no objections," Lani blurted out, surprise taking a bit of her good sense. She quickly sobered up and said, "I mean, of course I'm honored to be working with Master Darr. When can I begin?"

"Whenever you're ready." Laedra suppressed a chuckle and added, "Perhaps after you shower?"

Lani comically sniffed her armpits and looked at Laedra with a confused look and a shrug as if to say, "I smell?" Then she grinned and actually said, "I think a shower would be best as well before I meet my mentor. If I go to him smelling like a wet Bantha he might not appreciate it."

"With as hard as you've been working, he'd understand." Before Lani could depart, Laedra touched her arm and spoke gently. "Have you told your friends of your decision? It will mean you can have little involvement with them from now on."

"He knows and he respects my wishes," was all she said before giving a small pained smile to the Jedi Master.

"Then do not let guilt build within you. If you're certain of the path you're following, Lani, there can be no regrets."

Lani sat back down, a worried look on her face. "I know, Master," it was amazing how easily that word came to her lips. For one who had always prided herself on being a solo player, Lani took to having a mentor very easily. "But we had only just rekindled our relationship. I want to be there, but also here. It's not so much guilt for leaving, rather than sorrow for probably missing what could have been the start of something more."

Laedra's features conveyed compassion, as did her gesture as she laid a hand upon Lani's. "This is precisely why the Jedi of old chose only to accept very young Padawans, before they were able to form attachments. Love is the most difficult emotion to overcome, but I'm certain, Lani, that once you find fulfillment through your study of the Force, the void you must feel now will be filled." She smiled gently. "Don't hesitate to discuss any of this with Koran. He'll understand and be very willing to help."

She smiled sadly again. "Thank you, Master Vorrel, for letting me get that off my chest. I must admit that I have felt like that since before I even came here, from when I made the decision as a matter of fact. I believe I will go take a shower, meditate, then find Master Darr. Thank you again." Lani gave the hesitant bow of one not sure what to do and stood to leave for the room she had been assigned.

Laedra watched, reflecting on their conversation and growing slightly troubled by Lani's admission. They couldn't afford for another Padawan to fall to the darkness. However, Laedra was comforted by the woman's strength of will and her determination. If nurtured properly by Koran, she would become an exceptional Jedi. And if she could absolve herself of the guilt gnawing at her, Lani would find serenity and comfort in the Force.

---

"Aiding and Abetting, Part 1"
By: Amii'a Val'or, Diplomatic Liaison to the New Republic (PC)
Laedra Vorrel, Jedi Master (PC)
Koran Darr, Jedi Master (PC)
Vaya Bek, Padawan (PC)
Ng Tay, Jedi Master (NPC+ written by Koran Darr)
with Constable Derix (NPC written by Amii'a Val'or)
and other NPC's

Location: Jedi Temple and Riga
Date: Selene 14th, 5ABY

***

Amii'a stood before the Jedi. A short while before she had arrived to enlist their help. Earlier she had been contacted by her office in Arcadia. The Tae'Karadan colony on Riga recently had troubles with a small band of pirates that had been attacking ships. Riga was a stopping point for many ships to stock supplies and trade goods between Tae'Karada and other worlds within the vicinity of the system. She had informed the Jedi of the troubles, wanting Jedi support.

"Their attacks have been random, few and far between," she explained further. "However, any such actions must not be tolerated, and they have become more dangerous, hitting and running with greater frequency and disregard for life. Our people are frightened, and their security ill equipped to handle these rogues. They have expressed concern for their future well being, afraid that traffic will slow and even stop entirely. They need assurance from the government that they have not been forgotten, and that if in need, we shall act swiftly. I thought it best that I, as a representative of the government go in person, to show that we shall not fear such transgressions and that though they are offworld, their well being is as important as those citizens here on Tae'Karada. Your assistance in this matter would be beneficial, I'm afraid that taking a security squad would only instigate these pirates, where as the Jedi may prove to be a more diplomatic means to an end."

"In short," Laedra ventured, "you require an escort." She glanced aside at Koran, who was among only five in the room, including Consular Val'or. The fourth was Padawan Bek, sitting tall and attentive throughout the meeting; the fifth, Jedi Master Ng Tay, the only Twi'lek teacher at the Temple, was silent, but watchful. Laedra continued. "Is this trip one authorized by the High Princess? If it has not been approved, it would be inappropriate for the Jedi to participate. We wish to remain independent of the planet's government...but we also cannot act entirely in our own interests."

Amii'a was almost dumbstruck at the Jedi Master's words; we wish to remain independent...

"I am fully authorized for what I request, I assure you," she replied with a hint of her aggravation. "I was under the impression that the Jedi were devoted to helping to protect the people of Tae'Karada? I'm not here to assume that the Jedi are a tool in the service of this government, a government you all helped to establish. I don't understand this concern when one of your very own advises the High Princess daily."

She immediately knew that she should have kept it simple, but an argument was brewing within her as she reflected upon past conversations with Mee'resh. More and more she was seeing the Jedi in his own perspective.

Ever the diplomat, she quickly tried to rectify the mistake for the sake of her mission. A debate in politics and ethics of service could be bantered another day.

"I apologize," she said genuinely, though not for her words- just not for expressing them at that time. "I did not expect a discussion, I understand your position. However, our people are in danger this very minute we debate. This is a matter of protecting people, not political policy and interests."

Vaya listened intently, intrigued by the experience of sitting in on a council meeting. It was an aspect of the Jedi she had never been exposed to. Her master's words rang true and reminded her of their conversation within the trees. Yet, she agreed with Amii'a's passion. After all they were being asked to help protect people from pirates, not over throw another government or go into battle. She looked forward with great interest as to how the rest of the meeting would develop.

"The Jedi must be careful in how we allocate our people," Koran Darr said. "After the Empire's purges, as you can imagine, the number of those trained in the Jedi arts is low, and those who have attained the rank of Master or Knight is still quite small. While we are very good at what we do, our resources are not limitless. What do you expect the duration of this mission to be?"

"I cannot say as to the duration, perhaps a few days? Maybe even a few weeks?" she replied. "I would gladly receive the Jedi's aid for as long as they are able, even if it were but one. I strongly believe that with your help this matter can be rooted quicker and more efficient. The intelligence gathered thus far leads me to believe that there must be a small operation planet side," she continued. "Either privateers themselves or in collusion. With the Jedi's aid I would like to root this person or persons out. If I am able, and I am confident of such, I will find out where they strike from and when they are due to strike again. I could order a military force to deal with the rest."

There was a moment of silence as the Jedi took in her request. She tried to size up the room, but she could never get a read on the Jedi. Just then her comlink chirped.

"Val'or," she answered as a voice from the other end delivered disturbing news.

"Consular, we have received word from our agent on Riga," the voice said. "The pirates have attacked again. This time they had landed. We have unconfirmed reports that at least 5 civilians are dead or seriously injured. The security force was unable to repel the attack. Reportedly there was only about 10 to 12 of them, but they were heavily armed. They...they have taken hostages, Consular," the voice finished as his words trailed.

"Thank you, Val'or out," she said as she looked to the Jedi. "I regret that I have little time to discuss this situation any further. With great respect, can you help or not? I must leave at once."

Vaya looked to the masters, surely they would give aid, their numbers and capabilities stretched thin or not. Her Lorddian perceptions could easily tell that Amii'a was conflicted, she genuinely wanted to help these people and thought that the Jedi were the best aid under the circumstances. Vaya could sense the tension radiating from the Consular, both as a Jedi and a Lorddian.

"Masters," Vaya stood with conviction. "If you will allow it, I would offer my skills to aid these people," she said. "Our people," she corrected. "I have been involved on several missions, I am sure that I could be of assistance to the Consular," she finished as she looked to Laedra, hoping that she had not out stepped her bounds after having been allowed to sit in the meeting. "I would assure you that I understand this isn't about jumping in with lightsaber a blaze," she added, she didn't want the Masters to think she just desired action. "Master Vorrel has taught me well here," she said tapping her temple, "as well as here," she finished as she placed her hand upon the hilt of her lightsaber that hung from her hip.

She didn't expect the Masters to allow her to go off on her own, but she would if it were allowed. She wasn't scared, she truly thought she was up to the challenge. She held no illusions, though she had been with them for over six months there was those who had been there far longer. However, she was not a child, she was a young woman.

Laedra was silent and composed, but the faintest of smiles exhibited her approval for the young woman who was her Padawan. "I believe Padawan Bek's words hold merit," she allowed. "And if my student wishes to undertake such a mission, then who am I to disagree?"

"Very well," Koran said with a nod. "I will watch over Zari in your absence. I should remain here in the Temple for now. Would you like Kael's assistance on this mission?"

Studying her Padawan in consideration, Laedra replied, "If Padawan Bek agrees to that, then I would welcome Kael's support." Laedra delivered the most subtle of encouraging winks to her Padawan.

It seemed that all eyes had fallen upon the Padawan. She was relieved that her interruption of the council meeting wasn't taken for a Padawan stepping out of her place.

"As you said Master Darr," she replied confidently. "Our numbers are few and stretched, if Kael is not required I would also welcome his support. I'm sure that Master Vorrel and I can assist the Consular. Were we to be prolonged and there were need of Kael here..." she said. "I don't believe it to be my place to make that decision."

Amii'a waited as patiently as she could while the Jedi debated who, what, when, where and how. She counted her stars that they had agreed to helped, thanks to the student, she thought. How the Jedi managed to survive through the Empire with all of this debate was a wonder to her. She put the thoughts behind her and focused upon the tasks ahead as the Jedi finalized their plans for her mission.

The mission itself was not entirely of the greatest urgency, though the latest revelations did impart prudence. However, it was a matter of pirates, not a regime change as they had all worked together for months before. Still, it was a dangerous disregard of authority and life. Action had to be taken, less other elements and unknown enemies reared their head to challenge the resolve and the viability of the new government, or threaten the new found sense of peace and hope that settled upon Tae'Karada. Amii'a wasn't about to let that happen. She would do anything for her people, even if it meant her own life.

Koran Darr frowned slightly. "Very well," he said. He glanced aside at Laedra. "Perhaps it is best then that Jedi Selrid accompany you on your mission. Hopefully, through his actions and your own, your Padawan will learn to be more decisive when it comes time to make such decisions."

"Perhaps, then," Laedra mused, "this mission will prove a great learning experience for my sometimes hesitant Padawan." Bowing her head to Amii'a, she asked, "When do we depart?"

"As soon as you are ready," Amii'a replied, anxious to be on with the mission. She bowed slightly, mostly a nod of her nod. "My thanks for your help with this situation."

Returning the gesture and acknowledging her sentiment, Laedra furtively watched her Padawan, and although she was maintaining an outwardly impassive pose, her hidden excitement radiated off the girl. Vaya Bek seemed to relish adventures. Smiling faintly, Laedra wondered how disappointed Vaya would be when she made the realization that diplomatic missions were anything but exhilarating.

***

The consular's ship reverted to real space. The orb of Riga grew larger as the shuttle neared the planet. The sun was just beginning to peak from the other side of the world, soon to bring dawn upon the early morning sky of the Tae'Karadan colony that laid upon the worlds southern continent.

Having landed, Amii'a and the Jedi descended the shuttle ramp and were met by three men. Judging from the middle man's stance and posture, Vaya viewed him as the one in charge. He was an older man, slightly over weight, with handsome features. The other two were younger, one appeared to her to be quite the junior of the three. The younger two wore local security uniforms, the older being garbed in an expensive shirt, trousers, knee high boots and slight cloak that whisped gently with the breeze. The cloak seemed rather comical, a size too small in contrast to the mans larger physique.

"Consular Val'or," the older man greeted with a gruff voice as he offered a pudgy hand. "An honor, we are grateful for such prudence," he said as he sized up the three Jedi; Vaya, Kael and Laedra.

Amii'a recognized the man from earlier communications via the holo-net relay, though she had never met the man before.

"Constable Derix," Amii'a greeted as she took his hand in friendly greeting. "I assured you that this matter would be given immediate attention. May I introduce Master Jedi Vorrel, Jedi Selrid, and Padawan Bek," she announced.

In unison, the three Jedi bowed, though Laedra was the only one to speak. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Constable. We do not often get an opportunity to interact with our neighbors."

Constable Derix nodded his acknowledgment of the Jedi, unsure what to think.

"I expected an armed force," he said with interest and wonder, not disappointment. "Honest to the Gods Jedi?" he asked rhetorically as he looked to the Consular for reconfirmation.

"Indeed," Amii'a replied as the group made their way from the landing pad to the security complex. "We did not want to offer provocation with an armed force, at least not yet. We need complete authority and autonomy in this Constable, from the information you and our agent have offered thus far it is very clear that you have an element helping to direct the activities of these criminals," she said as she tapped against her data pad for emphasis. "All the ships hit were vessels that had already landed. They knew what cargoes were worth jumping. What looked random and sparse was in fact the opposite. What is of greater concern is this latest attack and the abductions. Has there been any new developments?"

"Nothing," Derix replied sourly. "Do you mean to tell me someone among us is working for these scum? I'll kill 'em myself! I saw with my own eyes those dregs! They blasted Weta for no reason, she wasn't even armed! All she wanted was to get a ship of her own one day, poor girl," he said as he shook his head of the memory. "I'll kill 'em."

"I'll need to review the security footage of the attack here, as well as names of those abducted," Amii'a continued. "Anything particular come to mind about any of the people who were taken?"

"There were three taken," he answered with great emotion. "Nothing particular, two offworlders and one dock worker. She was a...a young girl, Sehra. Bright. Her and Weta were good friends..."

They had reached the security building, a modest construct that over looked the landing pads. Derix keyed in his id and the door slid open.

"Hael and Pryce can get you what you need," he said as he offered the offices to Amii'a and the Jedi. "The security feed mainframes are down the hall," he pointed. "Only I have access, I shall get the feeds."

"Thank you," Kael answered as he glanced around the room. "We will also want files on all involved in the incident, whatever information you can provide."

Derix nodded as he left the offices, leaving his two men to aid Amii'a and the Jedi. They both took to their stations to pull up the information requested while Amii'a commandeered an empty desk.

Vaya stood next to the one called Hael as his fingers nervously brought up the personal files on the employers, while his counterpart Pryce brought up information on the ships and the crew that were present that day.

Hael hesitated upon the flickering screen that showed the file of Weta, one of the deceased in the attack.

Vaya could sense his sorrow and anger, she laid a hand upon his shoulder.

"You knew her well," she said softly.

He didn't say anything at first as tapped more keys, Weta's image disappeared as the information was saved to a data card which he held up to the Padawan.

"Yeah, since we were kids," was all he could croak.

Vaya took the data card and presented it to Amii'a, just as Pryce was doing the same with his collected information.

Amii'a went over the data with Kael and Laedra at either side.

"I don't know if it means anything," Hael said timidly. "But that man," he pointed to a personal file, "word around here he is kinda shady. Not a local, but he's been around a lot and I guess he and Sehra were sorta involved. She hung around him a lot after work, mostly at the Riga Star where most travelers and port workers hang out. He was taken with Sehra. I don't know what she saw in that guy. Now look where it got her."

"I need a smoke," Hael sighed as he stepped out the door, still visible through the window as he lit up.

Amii'a continued to study the information, comparing the registered ships by arrival and departure times with those that were targeted after having left. "Someone was definitely targeting ships according to cargo," she said. "You can see here," she pointed out as the data scrolled across the screen. "The worthiest of cargoes were the ships targeted after leaving the port, but I see no correlation with any other ships leaving the port at the same time. I'm not sure, but I would guess the mole made contact using a data burst transmission. I can probably run a trace comparison of data burst transmissions. No doubt it would be encrypted, but we could tell from where it originated." She then put her attention towards the personnel files of those who worked at the port, recent ships crews, and compared them to the same parameters that she had set before.

"This man, he was one of the abducted," she said. The information revealed he was a well to do freighter captain, having multiple ships registered to his name. "Probably taken for a ransom." She added out loud, as the terminal chimed. The trace comparison run was complete.

She studied the information for a minute before nearly jumping out of her seat. "It originated right here, from the Constable's console," she revealed as she turned to Laedra and realized that Derix had yet to return. Then the screens flickered as warning message flashed across the screen, "DATA PURGE INITIATED."

Vaya had looked out the window and the other man, Hael was gone. When Amii'a voiced her realization, Vaya didn't wait to be told what to do, or for permission from her Master. She flew out of the office and down the direction that the constable had.

"Stang!" Pryce cursed as he flew into the nearest chair, "No fraggin way!"

His fingers flew across the control board, "I'll try to do what I can, but he must be using the mainframe to erase the data."

"Vaya!" Laedra called, then commented fondly to Kael, "Willful Padawans.... We must find Derix. I will follow Vaya. You must remain here and protect the Consular."

"Of course, Master Vorrel," Kael said as he moved toward a better vantage from which to guard the room.

***

Derix left the offices for the security mainframes down the hall. He glanced over his shoulder through the window as Amii'a, the Jedi and his two deputies went to work.

"This whole thing is fragged," he cursed under his breath as he reached the data records room that held the mainframes. He keyed in his id and the door swooshed open for him, closing behind after he entered.

He sat at a terminal to began his work.

A moment later, the door swooshed open, nearly startling Derix out of his seat as he fumbled for his blaster.

"Sith spit! Hael!" Derix hissed. "What the hells are you doing? Where's the Jedi?"

"It's alright, no one followed," the young man said as he stood in the doorway. "We're fragged aren't we?" he asked with a ghostly tone and ashen face, holding his own blaster at his side.

"We're getting out of here kid," Derix said as he regained his composure. "Nothing like this was suppose to happen, you know that. I'm going to erase it all and we're gettin off this fraggin world."

"NO!" Hael growled as he raised the blaster. "You killed her you fuck! You sorry fuck!" he gnarled through ground teeth.

Derix held up his hands, "Calm down! What are you doing! We're gonna get caught blasted!"

"I don't care! I loved her, you know I loved her! You let her get killed in this half assed shit!"

"I'm sorry kiddo," Derix replied with a tremor of fear and regret in his voice. "You were just as involved as I, you know it! Nobody was ever suppose to get hurt! It wasn't my fault! It was those scum! They shot her! None of that was the plan!" he pleaded in reference to the recent event that had turned everything inside out. "She was like a daughter to me! I didn't want anything to happen to her. They were suppose to take that man Jynne, not shoot up the fucking port!"

"It don't matter, she died!" he said with distraught. "And your gonna die too...for her!"

***

Vaya raced down the hall, following her instincts as to the direction she needed to go. She had heard Laedra's call, but she ignored it. As she flew down the hall and around the corner she thought, Why didn't I stop? I should have obeyed her. However, she didn't know why, she didn't feel that she was acting against her mentor blatantly. She just felt her actions were right.

Pushing the thoughts from her mind, she knew she would we have to deal with it afterward, she stretched out with her feelings. A nondescript sign declared the location of the room Derix had said he was off too. But what of this Hael? she thought, knowing he had snuck off from all three of them. Then it hit her.

A wave of anguish.

Fear.

Disparity.

The hall was eerily dark, ten fold with the washing of emotion that radiated upon Vaya.

Not her own emotions.

Upon closer inspection, the body of Hael laid unnaturally upon the floor. His face was contorted with all the emotions she had just felt. His neck clearly broken, the face staring at her, into the dark by way of a grossly unnatural angle.

She didn't hear footsteps, but she felt the presence of Laedra. Her aura was soothing, such a contrast to empathic turmoil she had just experienced. The sensation ebbed away, but lingered like a stench.

Derix was not accounted for.

"It would seem," Laedra mentioned as she came up beside Vaya to examined the prone body, "this Derix is far more dangerous than anyone suspected. Which," she added lightly, "makes your running off alone to intercept him even less of a good idea."

Vaya gave a simple nod of understanding, though it didn't necessarily mean she agreed.

Looking down the hall she said, "He cannot have gone far Master."

"Then we will attempt to detain him," Laedra allowed. "But...promise you will not do anything hasty, Padawan."

"I promise Master," Vaya said genuinely as she awaited her mentor's direction. She had already gained disapproval, she could feel it, for her misplaced decisiveness.

Laedra tipped her head then dashed off out of the room and down the corridor. "He is either hiding, or he has an escape route," she called back to Vaya. "I am wagering on the latter."

***

The data erasure suddenly stopped. Both Amii'a and Pryce turned their heads to one another simultaneously, questioningly.

"It wasn't me," the young man declared, baffled. "I hadn't finished the protocols."

Amii'a looked to the data screen again. A plan began to form in her mind as they awaited Laedra and Derix.

Turning to Kael she said, "I'm certain that Derix is our man. His authority around here, grossly abused, would be perfect for such schemes. He didn't hide it well, something leads me to believe that the actions of this past day were not planned. We should know more when he is brought back. I need to get in touch with this Jynne's..." she was saying before having been cut off.

Pryce made a foolish move, he had grabbed for his blaster that hung upon his leg. Obviously he knew nothing of a Jedi's awareness.

One moment, Kael Selrid appeared to be standing casually while listening to the conversation, then next he was a blur of motion. A snap-hiss filled the room and as the blaster cleared the holster and came to bear, a bar of bright blue intersected the wrist holding the blaster. By the time the choked scream was torn from Pryce's lips, the lightsaber was already hanging back on the Jedi's belt.

"That," Kael said without any trace of humor as he caught the man before he sank to the floor, "was an unwise move."

Pryce clutched the cauterized stump as a whimper escaped his lips.

"It would seem that you are way over your head," Amii'a said to him. "I think it would be in your best interest to start explaining just what the hells has been going on here."

"Fuck off," he said behind ground teeth, though the sentiment failed to exude the show of resilience he must have hoped.

"If you take a moment to examine your options here," Kael said as he lowered Pryce into a seat, "you will find that cooperating with us is going to be in your best interest. I am certain that answering our questions freely will be quite a bit more pleasant than whatever interrogation techniques the planetary authorities or the Tae'Karada military may employ."

The man was still reluctant to be cooperative, spatting at the Jedi's boots.

Amii'a was quickly loosing patience. She had dead and wounded, and now an inside job to contend with. Judging by the lack of Derix and the Jedi's presence, a fugitive on the run as well.

"Your looking at multiple charges of theft, conspiracy, gross misconduct of authority, abduction and murder," she said sternly.

"I didn't kill anyone!" he exclaimed.

"Perhaps not by your own hand," she said. "However, your actions in collusion with this ill fated plot makes you an accomplish to everything wrong here. So do yourself a favor. Do something smart for a change. Cooperation goes along way in your defense."

Pryce mulled her words over. But it seemed that he still needed more prodding. Changing her tone, she said, "Look, I can see that you never meant for anyone to get hurt. Your obviously not the one who has planned all this, that was Derix job right? You just got sucked into what seemed like a good deal, something that went terribly wrong. Tell us about it, let us help you."

Finally, the young man began to tell all.

At the end of it, he had revealed that Derix had fallen heavily in debt. The spaceport had come under new ownership. With new ownership came pay cuts and the loss of lucrative benefits. The constable had made a few new friends while drowning his sorrows, friends that led him to start an illegal operation of selling acquired goods that mysteriously neglected to be loaded upon freighters. As well as mention of more lucrative cargo that the pirates could hijack. Once in, he couldn't get out. He enlisted the help of Hael, and before long Pryce followed suit. All three had the misguided dream of getting out of their mundane lives, funded upon the misfortunes of others. What Pryce called compensation in respect to the lack of financial security by the ports new owners. At the end of it all, the three were suppose to skip out and go their separate ways. Hael had big plans with his girlfriend Weta, and Pryce had a thing for the other girl, Sehra.

Pryce had confided in Sehra, especially after her interests grew more and more directed towards another man, Urev whom he had pointed out earlier. It had all went to shit from there.

"Where would Derix be going?" Amii'a asked.

"There's a row of warehouses on the far side of the port, where we stored lost goods," he said. "Derix has a small freighter there he has been working on, his retirement. He's probably already getting off this rock," he said sourly wishing he was well on his way.

Amii'a looked to the Jedi. "Master Vorrel should know of this in case Derix has already eluded them. Perhaps young Pryce here can help us stall for time," she said looking to Pryce as she handed him a comlink.

---