Star Wars - Tales from the Outer Rim

"Welcome To Kashyyyk"
by Jal Saren
AP-21 (NPC+)
Jasen (NPC+)
Kavaal Trask (NPC+)

Location: STAR-RUNNER, Cockpit
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

It had been two days since Jal's meeting with Wexler, and in the interim, preparations had been made for the trip to Kashyyyk. Wexler had kept his word and seen to it that 250,000 credits were transferred to Jal's account. Jal had sent 50,000 to his mother on Naboo (along with a promise that he would come visit her after his business on Kashyyyk, if only to stop her nagging) and kept the remaining 200,000 for himself, which he planned to spend upgrading the STAR-RUNNER's engines and deflector shields.

Jal sat in the pilot's seat, AP-21 beside him. The droid's metallic arms manipulated the console with a speed and efficiency that organics simply could not match, and Jal had to admit that, despite the droid's sarcastic nature and irritating personality, AP would be a valuable ally on this particular mission. Jal himself could not understand the Wookiee language - Shyriiwook, if he remembered correctly - but among the many upgrades that Jal had purchased for AP had been a language chip that enabled AP to understand over three million different languages and dialects. It wasn't as much as a true protocal droid was capable of, but it was far better than nothing.

Behind them, Wexler's personal aide, Jasen, sat silently. Wexler had insisted that Jasen accompany them on the trip, but had promised that he would not get in the way or impede Jal's progress in the mission. Wexler had said that Jasen knew the situation on Kashyyyk as well as anyone and would help to show Jal around once he reached the Wexler Enterprises Mining Facility.

They had left Tae'Karada the day before, and had entered hyperspace shortly after escaping the planet's gravity. The trip to Kashyyyk had taken the whole rest of that day, and had continued into this one, but a sudden blinking light on the control console indicated that the trip was nearing it's end.

"We're approaching Kashyyyk," AP said. "Coming out of hyperspace now."

This news seemed to bring Jasen out of his trance. Jal had noted that, for the whole trip, Jasen had said very little, and had in fact seemed to have dozed most of the way. Now, though, he stood up and went over to the navigational computer and punched in a few coordinates.

"This is the location the the mining facility," he said. "The facility is equipped with anti-air turbolasers to protect from any pirate raids, so we must transmit the proper codes before they will allow us to land."

"You're just telling us that now?" Jal asked.

"There was no need to tell you before now," Jasen said matter-of-factly. Jal admitted he was right. "I apologize if that upsets you, however. In the future, I will do my best not to keep anything from you."

"Uh... right," Jal nodded. Although he had to admit Jasen was nothing but professional, the guy's rigid, brown-nosing nature had started to get on his nerves. He was glad that the trip was almost over... AP had never been the best of traveling companions, and Jasen was about as talkative as the ship's hyperdrive unit, so it would be nice to have some real company.

"I will transmit the codes now," Jasen said. He punched a few more commands into the computer. A few moments later, another light began to flash.

"Incoming transmission from the surface," AP said. Jal nodded and flipped a switch, and a moment later a man appeared on the viewscreen. He had black hair with hints of grey, and a scruffy beard. His eyes were cold and his expression somewhat annoyed, but the lines on his face made it clear that he was someone who had seen plenty of things in his lifetime. And, most likely, had killed plenty of things as well.

"Transmission of access codes is confirmed, STAR-RUNNER," the man said. "My name is Kavaal Trask. I'm the head of security for this facility."

"Jal Saren," Jal said. "Nice to meet you."

"I'll be waiting for you at the hangar bay," Trask said. The transmission immediately cut-off, and Jal looked over at Jasen, confused.

"You'll have to forgive Trask," Jasen said. "He has always been somewhat taciturn, but I assure you he is very qualified for his position. I imagine he will have some valuable insights to share with you."

"I can't wait," Jal said with a sigh. Somehow, he had the feeling he wasn't going to enjoy himself very much on this trip.

***

Location: Shadowlands Mining Facility Hangar, Kashyyyk

Trask stood, leaning against the nearby wall, and watched as the STAR-RUNNER slowly descended into the hangar. That was no easy task- the trees of Kashyyyk towered hundreds of feet tall and covered the entire surface of the planet. Even though a sizeable area had been cleared for the installation of the facility, it still made piloting around Kashyyyk a somewhat risky endeavor. However, it appeared that the pilot of the STAR-RUNNER, Jal Saren, was proficient enough.

When the ramp lowered and Saren stepped out, Trask walked over to him and looked him over. He wasn't impressed - Trask had seen plenty of bounty-hunters in his time, and he'd found that most of them were nothing but credit-hungry scum. Jal Saren looked no different - indeed, he looked like he might even be a good deal worse than some others that Trask had run into. At least they had special armor, modified weapons, or unstoppable ships.

Yet despite this first impression, Trask had made sure to familiarize himself with Saren's record once he'd heard that the bounty hunter was coming to Kashyyyk. It seemed that, where other bounty hunters thrived on overwhelming their opponent with superior firepower, Saren seemed to make his way mostly through guile, cunning, or often times blind luck. Also, the occasional assistance of AP-21, Saren's modified droid "sidekick", often helped turn the tide of battles in Saren's favor.

Despite all this, however, Trask did not think much of Jal Saren.

"So..." he said, his expression unfriendly. "You're the one Wexler sent to clean up this mess."

"So it would seem," Jal said. "I guess that would make you the one who already tried to clean up this mess and failed, wouldn't it?"

This caught Trask off guard, but he had to admit it was true. His own efforts to apprehend or kill the terrorist leader had all failed... though he had bagged his fair share of Wookie scouts.

"It guess it would," Trask said. "Shall I give you the grand tour, or would you like to be shown to your room?"

"I can sleep on my ship," Jal said. "No need to prepare any room for me or anything."

"If you want," Trask said. "Follow me, then."

Behind Saren, Wexler's aide Jasen (whom Trask also did not like very much), and the metallic, humanoid AP-21 stepped off the ramp. Trask noted that the droid, AP, carried a rather large blaster-rifle slung across its back. Trask knew the droid had been heavily modified for use in bounty hunting, but just what exactly AP-21 was capable of, Trask didn't know.

"Lead the way, boss," Saren said. His sunny disposition had already started to get on Trask's nerves.

***

Location: Mining Facility, Common Area

As the four of them walked through the open area in the middle of the facility, Jal noted the surroundings. All around the outside of the facility, the towering trees of Kashyyyk could be seen, making it almost impossible to see the sky. Indeed, whether or not it was night or day on Kashyyyk had little effect on the forest floor, which was always bathed in shadows cast by the towering flora. Jal had heard that the Wookies referred to the forest floor as 'The Shadowlands'.

"...and so, this facility was installed about a year and a half ago," Jasen said. "Mr. Wexler paid a lot of credits for exclusive mining rights to this particular area, because the soil and rock near here is particularly rich in minerals, which we feel may be used in pharmecutical research."

"When did the trouble with the locals start?" Jal asked.

"Almost immediately," Jasen said. "There were many people - and not all of them Wookiees - who did not want to see Wexler Enterprises return to Kashyyyk, not after the harvesting that went on here during the Emperor's rule."

"You mean slavery," Jal said.

"That is one word for it, yes," Jasen said. "But you must understand that Wexler Enterprises was merely looking out for its interests, and there was a sizeable profit to be made in the slave-trade. The Empires' laws did not ban slavery, and if Wexler Enterprises did not begin a slave trade here on Kashyyyk, some other corporation surely would have. And in defense of our corporation, we did handle the harvesting much more delicately than some of our competitors would have."

"Tell that to the Wookiees," Jal said.

"Yes, they obviously have very little love for Wexler Enterprises," Jasen conceded. "However, once mining rights to this area were legally recognized, most of the Wookiee tribes agreed to leave us alone. But a few months after we began to operate, the attacks started."

"Tell me about the attacks," Jal said.

"They started out small," Trask said. "First, it was just sabotage - the workers would leave the machine out overnight, and the next morning they'd be broken and unusable. Once we wised up and started bringing all the machines in at night, their attacks got much bolder. They hit our mining teams during the day, destroying the machines and frightening the workers. No one actually got hurt, though, until about six months ago, when one of our teams was totally wiped out. Since then, the terrorists have made several attacks, killed somewhere around 18 workers, and cost us about five million credits in damages."

"And there was no provocation for them to start killing you?" Jal asked.

"Hey, I don't give a shit if they had provocation or not," Trask said. "They attack this facility, and they're the enemy. I kill the enemy. That's it."

"I just find it hard to believe that they would go from simple sabotage to outright murder for no reason," Jal shrugged.

"Really?" Trask asked, scowling. "I've seen my men get torn to pieces by Wookiee warriors. They're animals who just pretend to be civilized. They don't need a fucking reason to kill. Maybe they were just hungry."

"Alright," Jal said. "So, what have you been doing to stop them, then?"

"I've led three trips into the wilderness trying to find their hideout," Trask said. "But the Wookiees know the terrain too well. Add to that the fact that they're natural tree-climbers, and it makes tracking them almost impossible."

"The local Wookiee tribes all claim to have no knowledge of the terrorists," Jasen said. "For the most part, the Wookiees live in villages higher up in the trees, and they seldom come all the way down to the forest floor, due to the large number of dangerous predators that can be found down here. If the Wookiee terrorists are actually living down here on the forest floor, then it is likely they are highly skilled warriors, hunters, and scouts. With their leader, the human woman, directing their actions, they are quite capable of inflicting sizeable damage to this operation."

"Right, the woman," Jal said. "What do you know about her?"

"Her name is Dr. Jillian Eios," Trask said. "She is... was... a biologist studying the local wildlife on Kashyyyk. She had actually taken to living by herself here on the forest floor - no small feat considering the number of predators down here. She's apparently quite suited to it, though - I've seen her in a few of the skirmishes we've had, and she knows how to handle a blaster."

"You have a file on her?" Jal asked. "I'd like to see it."

"Yeah, yeah," Trask said. "You'll get it. I'll have someone transmit it to your ship's computer."

"AP, head back to the STAR-RUNNER and make sure we get it," Jal said, looking over at his droid companion.

"I shall inform you the minute it arrives, oh great and wise master," AP replied, before grudgingly turning around and heading back to the hangar. Jal rolled his eyes.

"What the hell's the deal with your droid, Saren?" Trask asked.

"He's mad because I always make him stay with the ship," Jal said. "What I don't tell him is that I do that just so I won't have to listen to him complaining all the time."

Trask merely shook his head - Jal could tell that he wasn't impressed with the way Jal's droid seemed to treat him. Jal suppossed that someone else might scold the droid for it's disrespect - or worse, wipe its memory to teach it a real lesson - but Jal enjoyed AP's volatile, sarcastic personality a lot more than he would ever have admitted to. Besides, Jal himself wasn't really all that impressed with anything Trask had shown him since he arrived, so he figured the feeling was mutual.

"Alright," Jal said. "So when do we get started?"

"It's getting to be too late now," Trask said. "We have to close the gates to the facility each night and erect forcefields to keep out the large predators. Most of them are nocturnal, so you'd be advised to stay inside the facility at night. And if you do go out, don't expect to be let back in until morning."

"What a charming place," Jal said. "And such friendly hosts, too."

Trask scowled again, but Jal couldn't help but grin. It was abundantly clear that Trask didn't like him, but Jal didn't really mind. Trask struck him as a bigot and warmonger anyway, and Jal had never liked the kind of people who actually enjoyed killing.

"Ah... perhaps we should get something to eat," Jasen said, attempting to defuse the situation. "Although we are far from civilization proper, I assure you the cooks are capable of producing some very high-quality dishes. Mr. Wexler spares no expense when it comes to taking care of his employees."

Trask snorted at that remark, but Jal decided to let it go. There would be time later to get to know Trask better, and to further understand just what the situation was down here, but for now he had to admit he was rather hungry.

"Alright, Jasen," Jal nodded. "Lead on."

"Father-Son Bonding"
By: Keeve Shivral
Dargus Kandran
Jae Dyn Brael

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

His return to the Temple was without any incident. His work in the city had kept him longer than he'd hoped, but at last he'd finished and was free to return to his home in the Temple. Many of the Temple's inhabitants were asleep when he arrived, though there were some students up and training already. With a nod and a smile to them, he pressed on toward the apartment he shared with Kallia and Yara.

He turned down the hallway that led to his door and paused. He could sense a familiar presence within, in addition to the two he knew. He started forward, searching his mind to identify the mystery person within Kallia's room. He had no illusions about their relationship. It was for Yara, and each other. They cared for each other, but that was the extent of it. He had made it clear to her, that despite the love he felt for her, he could not give her more, not while staying in the Temple. She'd been satisfied with that. They shared a mutual contentment, one of the few who didn't wish to kill him on sight. And, if not kill, at least look down upon. He wasn't sure if the Jedi would ever truly accept him. Perhaps they would...one day.

Dargus paused at the door, still seeking the name of the unidentified one inside. With a sigh, he realized the easiest way was to just go inside. And, so he did.

Once inside, he was surprised by what he found. Kallia and Keeve lay in the bed together, with Yara snuggled in between them. Dargus raised an eyebrow and approached, his lips quirked in an amused smile. This was an unexpected turn, that was certain. "Well, good morning," he said softly.

Keeve jerked awake and squinted at the figure standing over them. He quickly gathered the falling bedsheet to his bare chest as the intruder was identified. "Dargus," he rasped from his sleep-parched throat. "Some father you're trying to be, abandoning your daughter and the mother of your child for a whole night." The insult lacked impact as Keeve finished with a yawn.

Dargus nodded. "Morning, Keeve," he said. "How's Maeren?"

"Shut up," he snapped and eased himself out of bed, hoping not to wake the two girls. Keeve caught Dargus' gaze shift briefly to his lower body; he smirked in return and rested his hands on his hips, where the waist of his pants reached. "What? Afraid I was with your woman last night? Afraid I took something that isn't mine, like you took my Maeren?"

"That was a long time ago, Keeve," Dargus said with a sigh. "I've changed since then, and I'm trying to atone for the things I did then. And, Kallia is her own woman. I possess no women, nor do I want to."

"Good," he jeered, "because Kallia doesn't want you and neither does Yara." Now finished with his childish insults, Keeve said, "Kallia told me something last night, and I think you owe me an explanation. A really good one at that."

Dargus raised an eyebrow. "And, what is that?" he asked.

Keeve leaned in close and said, "You did something to Maeren so she can't have children. Tell me that's a lie. Tell me that you just abducted her to get a good look at her and didn't lay a finger upon her." He grinned viciously. "Go ahead."

"What I did with Maeren when she was my prisoner was regrettable," Dargus said. "I was a different man then, and I did things that were...that I couldn't do now. But, I didn't do anything that would make her unable to have children. Some of the clones, perhaps they would be unable. But, Maeren was never...physically harmed. Do you honestly think that I, of all people, would make it so she couldn't have children? At that time, I would have wanted her to have my children. Keeve, perhaps you need to cool down a little. You're very upset."

"I'm not upset," he spat. "I just want answers, ones Kallia thinks I deserve, too. You had Maeren, and now we're having trouble conceiving. You're telling me that has nothing to do with your interference?" Keeve chuckled harshly. "How stupid do you think I am?"

"I'm telling you I had nothing to do with it," Dargus said. "I did nothing that would make Maeren incapable of conceiving a child. I made you, Keeve; I know just how intelligent you are. But, in this case, it's not your intelligence that is at fault. It's your stubbornness. Do you believe that I'm lying to you now?"

"When aren't you?" he riposted. "It's in your nature, Dargus, no matter what mantle you're wearing, whether it be of good or evil, and don't think for a second I believe this whole redemption act. I think you'll just keep playing it until you've achieved whatever it is you're looking to gain. But whatever that is," Keeve whispered, narrowing his eyes menacingly, "you leave Kal and Yara out of it."

"For whatever I did to hurt you, Keeve, I apologize. But, I know that you are untrusting, and nothing I ever do will change your opinion of me. But, I assure you I am not playing some game, and I am not going to hurt Kallia or Yara. What do you want me to say, Keeve? What can I say or do that will ever convince you?"

He bared his teeth in a rabid smile. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing...Father." Shouldering past Dargus, Keeve retrieved his shirt from the sole chair in Kallia's quarters and pulled it on. "When Kallia wakes up, tell her I'll drop by soon," he told Dargus as he combed his fingers through his ruffled hair.

"Pity," Dargus said. "I had hoped that you might be more open-minded, willing to accept. But, it's not going to happen. I am happy for you and Maeren, though the two of you make a very unlikely pair."

"And how's that?" he asked snidely. "I don't rape her like you used to?"

"To that, I only need to remind you the procedure you had Kallia put through. You're not the white knight you seem to think you are, Keeve. But, change is possible."

"Even that was your doing, Dargus," Keeve pointed out. "You started that entire series of events, from the day you had me abduct Maeren for you, to the day you were supposed to have died." He smirked. "It's a shame that Jedi fellow couldn't do it right."

"A real man would accept the weight of his own actions, Keeve," Dargus said. "A real man would not take every opportunity to push the blame onto others."

"And you're saying you don't deserve any of it for yourself?" he hissed. "Why do you think all of us have suffered, Dargus? Who do you think caused that?!"

"It was my responsibility," Dargus said. "And, I am atoning for it now. I will not just accept all blame for everything that has happened. You were responsible for the part you played in it. You were responsible for what happened to Kallia."

"You mislead me," Keeve accused. "You twisted my mind...you made me into you and I despise you for that now." Shaking his head slowly, Keeve growled, "You used me, as you use everyone. You believe yourself repented now...but what happens when you turn again? Who will you hurt first?" His eyes flicked briefly towards Yara, still sleeping peacefully against her mother's side. "Or," he mused, "will you go for the unborn one first?"

"The procedure can be undone," Dargus said calmly. "If you resent me so much."

"How the hells do you think I can turn back now?" Keeve hissed. "I only resent you for what you've done to those I love. I fight for them because I know that if you ever falter, they'll be the first to suffer. And you will falter, Dargus," he warned. "Something so evil can't change that quickly."

"For the right reasons, it can," Dargus said. "If I could share my thoughts with you, I would, and you would know. But, I can't ever truly expect you to know and understand. You could turn back, Keeve, but you won't. You like the gifts you were given far too much to reject them now. And, I don't blame you. You are a fine young man with a world of opportunity ahead of you.""

"What opportunity!?" he shouted, and this time Yara did stir. "Whether you admit it or not, you did something to Maeren! How can I fulfill my ultimate wish if you've damaged her in some way?" Keeve took a threatening step towards Dargus and growled, "What have you done, Dargus? What have you done?!"

"I did nothing to alter Maeren's ability to conceive a child and give birth," Dargus said. "There are some women who are unable, without anything having been done to them. I tell you the truth, Keeve, when I tell you I have done nothing. And, keep your voice down, or you will wake up Yara, and I know none of us want that."

"And why is that?" he challenged. "Is it because you know I'll be the one she calls for if she does?" Keeve chuckled derisively and began backing towards the door. "You've lost everything, Dargus, and nothing you say or do can change it. Your path to redemption is an impossible one. Just give it up."

"What would you tell me if I were to raise my voice, and possibly wake the baby up, Keeve? I think perhaps the doctor made some error in the procedure. It's either that or your blind stubbornness has made you stupid. Keeve, put your hate aside for a moment, and look at the situation. You're smarter than this...you're better than what you've become. Please, open your eyes and really look at the situation. Don't let your prejudices and hatreds blind you to the truth, as they're doing now."

"The truth that you're still scum?" Keeve grinned facetiously. "No, Dargus...I think I'm smart enough to have figured that out." And heeding some of Dargus' observations, he quietly slipped out of the room, though he left the man who was once his father with a vicious glare.

Dargus followed him to the door. "You do realize you're leaving them here with me," he called after Keeve. "Leaving them in the attention and care of so-called scum."

"Kallia has accepted you into their lives," Keeve told him bitterly. "If she wants you around, I can't convince her to change her mind. I trust they're safe in your care?"

"Isn't your mind already made up," Dargus asked. "Do you even need to ask questions of me, since you have already determined all the answers yourself. Do you think so little of Kallia, Keeve? Of Yara? Do you believe Kallia is so dull, Yara so obtuse, that they are unable to determine that I'm trying to play them? Is you opinion of their judgement so low?"

"You leave them out of this, Dargus," Keeve snapped. "Don't try and sway me using underhanded tactics. Kallia wants her daughter to grow up knowing her father...whether or not he's a bastard. It's not about intellect, Dargus...it's about her showing you mercy, even though you could never deserve it. She's a better woman than you'll ever know."

"I only hope that one day you realize the ignorance you shield yourself with is no protection at all," Dargus said. "Goodbye, Keeve. May the Force grant that one of these days you do open your eyes and see things for what they are, and not what you wish them to be."

Keeve snorted and scoffed, "And may you one day finally go to hell." Then he was off, stomping through the corridor and working to contain his rage.

Dargus watched him go. Finally, with a sigh he turned and re-entered the room he shared with Kallia. When he glanced at the bed, he saw that she was seated upon it and watching him.

"You know he'll never come around," she said. "He's as stubborn as his mother, and I think when you accelerated his growth, you added in a little extra."

"I did not," Dargus said. "Though, I wouldn't be surprised if somehow it was magnified."

Kallia smiled at him and gestured for him to join her on the bed with Yara. "Don't worry," she said, "I do believe you, in my head and my heart. Perhaps, one day he will as well, but for now there's no point arguing with him. You'll get the walls of the Temple to come around before Keeve will."

Dargus nodded. "I know," he said. "I just wish so few people took me seriously in this. But, I can't blame them."

Kallia nodded. "Don't worry...these are wounds that require time."

"And, if time doesn't work?"

Kallia sighed and watched after Keeve. "Then, you'll just have to make the best of it."

Dargus settled into her arms as they both watched Yara sleeping soundly. At least they would have times like these together, times where the past would not haunt them. In time, perhaps all the horrors would disappear into the past, though Dargus had his doubts. Humans tended to have very long memories for things like that, and he'd definitely given a lot of people many things to remember.

"On the Trail"
By Phalen Maxim, Bounty Hunter (PC)

Location: Drogen Shipyards, Tae'Remok System
Date: Vadris 14th, 4ABY

***

Maxim exited the turbolift on the med-lab floor. The medical facility was busy attending to the injuries and illnesses of those who had come for aid. Being a shipyard and space docking station, Maxim could see that the med-lab would be kept steady. Drogen repaired ships, ships that came in from all across the Outer Rim and the Galaxy at large. Everyone knew that a ship needed to be maintained, and this far out into the Outer Rim one would be wise to be sure that their ship was in as good of condition as possible. He saw techs being treated for various injuries such as burns, crushed appendages, and exposure to toxic substances. There were alien species who had fallen ill from their long journeys under less than desirable conditions out in the deep coldness of space.

Aliens... he thought to himself, having a slight a case of xenophobia; left over sentiments from years of Imperial doctrination.

A lot had changed for him in the recent past, he mulled as he made his way through the med lab to meet the woman he had come to talk to. Though he didn't have much loyalty to the Empire since its defeat over Endor, he was still an Imperialist at heart; he strived for order and discipline. Nowadays however, he mostly sought to find the creature that murdered his family. By any means necessary.

An Ishi Tib security guard approached Maxim. "What business you have? What? You ill? What wrong?" he spoke in broken Basic and a thick alien accent.

Maxim glared at him, it wasn't anything personal - but old sentiments surfaced all too easy.

"I am looking for the coroner, my business is my own," he said coolly and with the ease and command of one who had spent a life time in service as an officer.

"What I look like? What? Secretary droid? Me security! You gotsa 'pointment?" the Ishi Tib replied as he bounced on his heels and made himself to appear of more importance and authority.

"Yeah, I gotsa 'pointment," Maxim growled with impatience. "Unless you want to be waiting in the bacta treatment line, I suggest you quit wasting my time, and show me to the coroner, NOW!"

"Itsa two righties down hall, osakay? No wanna trouble, jus'doin me dooty!" the ish Tib said defensively with his hands up in the air.

Maxim strolled off down the corridor.

Just as the guard had said, there was a turbolift two rights down that lead up to the coroner's section. Maxim took the turbolift and pressed the control panel. The doors opened up onto a floor above, a floor that was a lot quieter than the previous.

Maxim walked down the hall to find the office of the coroner. A few doors down an attractive older woman rounded the corner with her nose stuck in a data file. She turned for a moment, stopped, and then continued toward Maxim's direction. He caught the tag on her smock: Coroner.

"Dr. Veslixov?" he asked.

She popped her head up from the datapad and looked the man over. "That would be me," she replied questioningly. "How can I help you?"

"I'm Dr. Tanniero, from the Coruscant Institute of the Medical Science," he said with all the conviction as if he believed it himself. "I'm the one that had contacted you about the brainless corpses you have."

"Ohhh right, right. Pleasure to meet you, and all this way from the Core...how was your trip?"

"It was fine, fine, travel all the time, nothing new. Listen," he said with some slight impatience. "I really have a meeting planetside, would it be possible for me to see the bodies?"

"Yeah, I was just on my way down to release what was left of a subject to the authorities. Smuggler, decided his cargo was worth his life I guess, go figure."

"I'm sure, yes," he replied with a forced smile.

"Come on with me, I'll take you in to the slabs and you can poke around while I run down to the next floor," she said as she led him down the hall.

"So, what did you say your specialty was?" she asked.

"Xenobiology, for the most. I do a lot of work researching body structures and wounds, particular battlefield casualties."

"Oh okay, I imagine you see a lot of meat grinding," she said.

"Indeed."

"Well, I don't see how this case has relevance on battlefield injuries and casualties, what exactly was your interest in these bodies again?" she said nosily.

"This is more of a hobby, to tell you the truth, investigate strange fatality wounds, for a research paper I am formulating."

"Oh okay, nice. You know I just published some work myself," she said. "I..." she started to say before he cut her off.

"I'm sure it is interesting and all, I'm really in a hurry if you don't mind," he said irritably. "Is this the room here?"

"Yeah...sure, here we are," she said as she made to key in her code to access the room, rolling her eyes at his impatience and snubbery.

"Have fun, I'll be back in a minute...oh, the bodies are in sections Alpha 8 and Beta 8," she said from the hall as the door was closing.

Maxim didn't even acknowledge her. He searched the wall for the appropriate sections. Having found them, he glanced behind to see that the doctor was off. She was gone.

He keyed the control pad to release the body from Alpha 8. The metal door swooshed out, and the slab slid out before him. The body was covered with a deep red synth-cloth. He removed the section from the head to reveal a Twi'lek woman. Her once rich pink skin was a pale shade, only a hint of her former color. He inspected her skull and lekku. Both had been cut open for the autopsy, and sealed back together with a special synth-flesh application that bonded the lacerations like an adhesive, mirroring the surrounding color but it was still noticeable if you gave the body more than a passing glance.

And there they were. The distinct markings about the temples. Maxim inspected them more closely. He then walked over to a prep table and retrieved a laser scalpel. He returned to the body and set to work reopening the autopsy lacerations. The synth-flesh adhesive opened easily for the laser, and the twi'lek's skull separated with ease, revealing a void inside where one's brain matter should have been.

Maxim threw the cloth back over her face and commanded the slab to retract back into the section hold. He didn't even bother to put her head back on.

He quickly inspected the next body, a human male and found the same thing.

Anzat, he thought to himself with anger.

He closed the slab up again, this time not even covering the body back the way he had found it.

He quickly exited the morgue-room for the turbolift before the doctor returned.

"Plans for Possession"
By: Cadwin Tarrel
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Zenarr Residence - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

The house was surprisingly quiet as Cadwin made his way to the couch where Kaysa sat eating a sweetcake, enjoying the brief moments of freedom from watching Aria. Zale had agreed to watch over the baby, and both were asleep in the bedroom. It was a cute and touching sight that made him nearly want to retch. It wouldn't be bad if it were he and the daughter he had with Kaysa. But, as it was Zale, it made him want to spit.

He paused in the doorway as he watched Kaysa. Unlike the woman who had devoured entire plates of food by the near-mouthful, she ate the sweetcake rather delicately. It brought a smile to his lips as he remembered the first time they'd gone to a party together on Bespin. When he arrived, he found her sitting much as she was now, looking just as beautiful. He approached slowly, allowing the sound of his footfalls to reach her ears. She looked up, much as she had then and smiled. It was such a beautiful smile, a smile wasted on the other two. He wanted that smile, that joy, for himself.

"Sort of makes me wish I were a piece of sweetcake," Cadwin said. "Well, except for the chewing and digesting part. You look radiant sitting there, my dear. Seeing you this happy, it reminds me of when we first met...before the trouble started. It's very refreshing."

"A cold glass of milk would be, too," she quipped, then patted the cushion beside her. "But, you can do that after you sit a while."

"I think I can accept that," Cadwin said as he sat on the offered cushion. "Comfortable couch, and the view from here is quite nice as well."

Kaysa smirked at him and curled against his side. "You're as charming as you were when I first met you. Does this mean you'll revert to a jerk again in a couple months?"

Cadwin chuckled. "Funny," he said. "Though, I think I like being a nice guy for a change. I hope you don't mind. I can be a jerk if you really want, but this couch is too comfy, and I'm afraid if I'm too much of a jerk, I might lose my sitting privileges."

"Nah," she sighed, closing her eyes, "I'm too comfortable to move, so you're not going anywhere."

"Oh, I guess I'll just have to stay here then," he said with a lazy grin. "So, my love, how is life after having another child? How is your recuperation going?"

She snorted. "Slowly. Cad, I haven't had a full night's sleep since before Aria was born. It's driving me nuts," she grumbled.

"Well, I was thinking...maybe, if you'd like, of course, we could have a night out on the town soon while Zale watches Aria. We could even stay in a hotel for the night so you can get a full night's sleep."

"Do you really think we'd be sleeping if we did that?" she asked with a sly look his way. "But even so, the night out part sounds good. This motherhood thing...it's tougher than I thought it would be."

"I imagine so," Cadwin said. "I missed it the first time. I'm glad I'm around this time. I get to try to make up for lost time. You don't suppose Keeve would let me try to put a diaper on him, do you?"

Kaysa emitted a burst of laughter. "I'd like to see you try it! He'd probably bite off your hand. He did that to Merrick once, you know."

"He did?" Cadwin said with a raised eyebrow. "I'd say I should put my boy in his place, but...he's a little big for an eleven year old. And, I still don't think he likes me all that much."

"He doesn't like anyone so much lately," Kaysa told him consolingly. "He's even been fighting with Shiv...so don't feel so bad."

"Wow, even fighting with Shiv? That's fairly unbelievable. I should talk to him. I know where that sort of thing leads...ten years apart and a part of you that's just gone. He'd better wise up...I imagine if he pushes her too far away, there's a good number of men who would step in line to ease her heart."

Kaysa cracked one eye open and swivelled it up towards him suspiciously. "And you would be one of those men, I imagine?"

"I won't lie and say I don't find her attractive and desirable," Cadwin said. "But, I've got you, my dear."

She chuckled. "Well...almost. My other husbands also have me...so I'm not entirely yours...my dear."

Cadwin chuckled. "Well, alright then. Then I guess I'll be one of those men." He gave her a wink. "Even so, Keeve better watch out if he pushes too hard. He's liable to hurt himself pretty bad if he does."

"So caring," Kaysa sighed dreamily and nestled her head to his chest. "If Keeve could only hear how much you care for him, he'd come around a lot sooner. But now's probably a bad time. He's going through a phase." She rolled her eyes.

"Hopefully it'll pass soon, and I can be his father again, instead of the object of some of his scorn. See, I'm not so full of myself to think that I'm the focus of all of his scorn...just some."

"You're still full of yourself," she reminded him, then giggled softly and raised her lips to his chin for a fond kiss. "So...you think you can help me get to sleep before Zale gets back with Aria?"

"Oh, I think I can," Cadwin said with a sly wink, then suddenly appeared startled. "Oh, you said get to sleep...I don't know if I can do that. But I'll try."

"Oh, Cad..." she chided playfully and finally wrapped her arms around his waist. "Now, stroke my hair like you care while I fall asleep."

"Just like we used to," Cadwin said with a smile as he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other along her back so he could do as she asked, as they had done so many nights after they'd first met. He gazed into her eyes with a smile. "Sleep tight, my love," he whispered. "And, when you wake, I'll be the first thing you see." He kissed the end of her nose and then her forehead.

Cadwin watched as she closed her eyes and began her journey toward the land of dreams. He smiled as he smoothed his fingers through her hair once more. My other husbands also have me...so I'm not entirely yours... The words hurt, but they did certainly open the opportunity to Keeve's little vixen, especially if she was being neglected. He knew of Kaysa and Shiv's past, and he had a feeling she wouldn't mind if Maeren got closer to the two of them. He smiled again, liking the turn things had taken. Now all he had to do was start pulling Kaysa away from the other two. Perhaps, with the right influences, it wouldn't be so difficult a task.

Cadwin closed his eyes, content that things were falling into place. All he needed now was a little bit of patience, and everything would be perfect.

"Embarking On Peace"
By: Koran Darr
Vaya Bek
Cole Slaton
Laedra Vorrel
Girra Xel-Xux Zallir
Zari Zathmir

Location: Cargo Vessel "Helix"
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

The last of their cargo was being loaded onto their transport by the pilot's labour droid, bringing the start of their journey near. It had taken some time to devise a plan of action among the Jedi Masters and their Hjarii representatives, but all had agreed there was potential in their mediation strategy.

What followed next was a long discussion with Zari, Vaya, and Cole, stressing the importance of their efforts and what was expected of these relatively untried Padawans. Laedra Vorrel had much faith in Vaya's abilities to represent the Jedi, and her Master, proudly, though there was still much concern regarding Zari and Cole. Both were unstable, as history had shown, and both Koran and Laedra would be required to devote some attention away from the peace talks to tend the two Padawans. It would prove challenging for all, in the end.

The easiest of their preparatory tasks was hiring transport, which was attended to by the Hjarii, and packing their provisions, which were kept intentionally minimalistic by Koran and Laedra. Anything not considered necessary was deemed a luxury and rejected, so all the Jedi carried with them were their robes, lightsabers, comm devices linked to the Temple, only those training tools Laedra and Koran reckoned indispensable resources, and finally an allowance of credits provided by the Temple to see to any emergency needs...such as purchasing transport from Hjar 1 if situations degenerated beyond the Jedi's ability to cope.

Of course, they could hardly complete their journey without a store from Orn's kitchen. He refused to give them leave for their quest without a week's worth of hearty, gourmet meals lovingly packed away for each of his Jedi and their fellow travellers. Koran and Lae had acquiesced finally after Orn had threatened to follow them to Hjar 1 and back as ship's cook if they didn't come to their senses. They had decided it would benefit their sanity greatly if they simply agreed and put an end to his insistence. So, onto Girra's ship went their food stores as well, and once the final supplies were loaded, they each started up the ramp, taking their first steps toward leaving their home behind.

Zari stopped at the base of the ramp and looked around. She'd only come to Tae'Karada a few months ago, but it had become her home. Sometimes she missed the trees of her home, but the trees in the forest around the Temple were a nice escape. She smiled and turned back up the ramp to the ship, her bare feet silent on the durasteel of the ramp.

Vaya had looked forward to this day since her master had mentioned such a trip. She had grown to feel at home within the Jedi Temple, and had become accustomed to her new family, but she had only been there a short time. She was used to travel, and she did love going to new places and meeting new people. She found the Hjarii rather interesting, having made a point to do a little research herself, as well as some old fashioned, Lorrdian research.

She had studied the mannerisms of the Hjarii at every possible encounter, trying to the best of her abilities not to offend them. It was in her nature, as a Lorrdian, to pick up on the subtle mannerisms of other sentients; the way they used body language, the tones in their voices, facial expressions... A Lorrdian could tell much about a person by their mannerisms and speech patterns, even if they didn't know the person. Coupled with her Force sensitivity, Vaya had become rather adapt, though not entirely proficient, at such skills. Indeed, she looked forward to this mission. To put her skills to the test, to experience a new culture, and to have her first trial as to what kind of Jedi she might yet become.

As Vaya boarded the ship, she turned to her counterpart, a young man who was the apprentice of Master Darr.

"This will be a nice change from the everydayness of the temple, eh?" she said to Cole.

Cole nodded while he took his first step onto the access ramp. It came as a slight shock to the young Corellian when his master had approached him on the matter of their forthcoming departure. He knew deep down he was ready for a mission but of course there were always doubts in his abilities, if he was indeed ready. A lot depended on the success of this mission.

"With all that's happened in the last week or so..." Cole could still remember the clones attacking the temple. He took one look back as screams of the past filled him. "It will be good to get away for a bit... though I'm sure I'll miss those god-awful stones." Chuckling, he looked back at Vaya. She was a fairly attractive woman and under different circumstances he was sure he'd try and play he cards right, but these weren't different circumstances and he couldn't help the smile knowing Zari was coming along too.

Vaya laughed, "It is nice at the Temple. I enjoy the stark difference of the stone and stained glass from the everyday durasteel and permacrete...but that is just me."

Cole raised his eyebrow, giving her a cockeyed look. "If you say so... Me, I'm a city guy. The noise of speeders passing by, the deadly toxic fumes, the fog in the morning, the screams of those just being mugged." Cole sighed. "The good old days..." Shaking his head he entered the ship with a grin on his face.

Vaya raised her own eyebrow as the other Padawan passed by, and took her place by her mentor.

"You three will be sharing a cabin," Laedra informed them, proceeding forward again now that they had caught up. "You can set down your things there, then join us in the cockpit if you wish to observe our take-off."

Vaya nodded and set off to stow her meager luggage along with her fellow Padawans.

Cole dumped his bag on the floor before sliding it under his bed with his foot. He gave the cabin a once over before deciding he hated it. "Clean... yet... small..." he whispered. ~You could even eat your dinner off the floor, if that's what you wanted to do...~ Shrugging to himself, he stepped out of the cabin and stepped into the cockpit. "Any chance of letting me do the honours?" he asked with a grin, looking at Laedra then his own master.

Girra looked over at the boy with an upturned eyebrow. "I don't think so, short stuff," then she flipped a few switches and engaged the sublight engines.

The engines roared to life outside of the cockpit as the Helix switched from warm-up to take off readiness.

"We're ready for take off," she said as she engaged the repulsor lifts that levitated the Old Republic Star Cruiser from the ground.

The landing gear disengaged as the Helix rose above the tree level. She arced the ship around and slightly skyward as the Helix rose to the appropriate level to engage the throttle.

The two Hjarii offworlders sat next to each other behind Girra's seat, a bit weary of the large, hairy and more worse for wear looking Wookiee that sat in the co-pilot chair next to Girra.

Chakka checked the instrumentations and woofed an all-was-good-to-go to Girra in Kashyyyk.

Girra engaged the engines as Chakka cut the repulsors and the Helix roared into the sky for outer space.

Vaya sat back behind Laedra and Koran, in the middle fold-out seat, facing perpendicular to the Hjarii and Girra. To her left was Cole, and to her right was Zari.

"I'm glad you are with us, Zari," Vaya said with a smile. "We haven't really had the opportunity to get to know one another."

"Thank you," Zari said with a smile. "I was surprised I was allowed to come along. I am grateful Master Jae Dyn allowed me to come along under Master Laedra's guidance. I look forward to getting to know you as well, Vaya."

Vaya smiled as she turned to look out the cockpit. The atmosphere gave way to dark space, speckled with the infinite sparkles of stars, which gave Vaya a sense of deja vu, from a previous vision in her meditations. She was truly amazed by the Galaxy, from the tiniest grain of sand on the beach of a far flung world, to the beauty of the collective stars, planets and spatial landscape that made up the entire universe. She felt like one of those stars, so small among the greatest Galaxy, yet an important piece that burned bright, one link among many that held the Galaxy together. One being that had that will, the hope, the abilities to make a difference.

As the Helix roared out from Tae'Karada's gravitational grasp, the ship arched to a new heading as the coordinates for the jump to lightspeed were calculated.

The two little Hjarii chattered in their own guttural language, Vaya thought they seemed to be somewhat nervous and hopeful of the impending mission of the Jedi. She didn't know their language, but she was starting to pick up on the differences of their mannerisms and language patterns. She knew that their people were of two different clans, and she figured their slight differences in the way they spoke and acted had to do with that. She found them intriguing, and looked forward to experiencing their culture and aiding in their plight.

"Children," Laedra advised as the Hjarii began securing their flight straps, "brace yourselves. These jumps can sometimes be" --she smiled-- "abrupt."

Cole was rubbing his hands together like a little kid knowing something was about to happen. He looked out of the cockpit window waiting for the stars to vanish to be replaced by the swirling tunnel of hyperspace. He'd heard what it was like but had never seen it with his own two eyes. He hadn't had much experience with space travel, a few transports here and there - most notably the transport he got to Tae'Karada that landed him in the Jedi's lap - and all those times he'd never been at the forefront, able to watch. So he wasn't going to miss this opportunity.

>From the view within the ship, many stars whipped by as the Helix roared forward for the jump to lightspeed. The stars outside almost seemed to stop, to stand still, even though the cruiser had been at top sublight speed. The hyperdrive had been engaged, punching a hole from real space to create a path from their location, to another many light years away. The stars that had seemingly stood still for that split second, began to stretch, giving a sense that the ship was being pulled forward or sucked in. The Helix's hyperdrive engines propelled the craft into hyperspace as the starlines melted away to a swirling vortex known as hyperspace.

With the ship's inertia having balanced once again, Laedra nodded to their pilot, then turned to the three Padawans. "There's no need for all of us to be in here. We should all retire to our quarters, then meet in an hour. There is much to discuss."

"Yes, Master," Zari said with a bow to Laedra. And, with that, she slipped off and toward the room she would be staying in for the journey.

Vaya nodded and followed the other two Padawans aft.

Cole bowed at Laedra and Koran in turn before leaving the cockpit. He walked the corridor of the transport turning into the room. He allowed himself to collapse on the bed, bouncing on the mattress slightly as it took his weight. He quickly made himself comfortable, crossing his legs, allowing his mind to empty as he meditated, though it was hard having seen the jump into hyperspace for the first time.

Vaya took a spot on the floor, in the corner.

Turning to Zari she asked, "What do you think of these Hjarii?"

"They seem like very nice people," Zari said with a nod. "I haven't met very many aliens before. I am very happy I was allowed to come along. Until Master Jae Dyn brought me to Tae'Karada, I had never left Agarra before. It's all very exciting." She grinned and nearly giggled. "I'm very excited."

Vaya smiled at her fellow Padawan's enthusiasm as she settled in to meditate before the Master Jedi called upon them.

"Connecting, Part 1"
By: Keeve Shivral
Saris
Kimara
Zale Tregat
Aria Tregat

Location: Zenarr-Tregat Residence, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

It was difficult to leave Kallia and Yara behind without a farewell, but Keeve had to escape before he lost his self-control in the face of Dargus' arrogance. He was maddening, preaching forgiveness and tolerance when Dargus himself had no concept of what those qualities were. He certainly hadn't practiced them when raping Shiv, or murdering his own wife, or every other thing he had done in those waking moments of his life before seeking absolution in the Force.

Keeve spat on his manufactured pilgrimage towards exaltation. Dargus was nothing but a sham, and he would convince Kallia of that sooner or later. But not until he could find a shred of humility himself by making amends with Shiv. If she would even open the door to him. Before attempting it, though, Keeve wandered the city to vent his rage. He was still glowering, which wasn't a good sign, and Shiv would not respond well to it. So, with hands shoved into his pockets and teeth gnashing, Keeve strolled through Yelldon in a very bad mood.

"Keeve! Keeve!" the voice called after him as he turned around. "I've been calling you for three blocks. You must be lost in your own thoughts." When he turned, either Shiv or one of her twins was rushing after him. It took a moment, but it was quickly obvious from the long hair it was Saris. "Is everything alright? I was just out to get some things for me and Moril tonight, and then I saw you. You look grumpy."

Unfurrowing his brow, Keeve managed a weak smile for Saris. "It's...just the sun. It's a little bright today and it's got me squinting...and stuff," he finished ineffectually.

Saris gave him a look that seemed to say she wasn't quite sure whether or not to believe him. "Out for a walk? It's a nice day for it...well, except for the bright, shining sun. Where are you headed?"

He shrugged his slumped shoulders. "Just...wherever. You?"

"Stuff for tonight," she said with a grin. "For me and Moril. We're making dinner together tonight, and since he's still working I told him I'd pick the things up."

"Oh yeah," Keeve said, slightly embarrassed, "you...you said that already. Sorry."

Saris laughed softly. "It's alright," she said. "You've got things on your mind, I can tell. If you ever need to talk, I'm here, Keeve. I know we're not as close, but I owe you so much. It's so-- Oh hey! Look! It's Kim!"

Sure enough, coming down the street from the other direction was Kimara. She hadn't spotted them yet, but would run right into the two of them if she kept right on going.

Keeve started, nearly bolting in the opposite direction. His day was getting worse. "Uh...Saris, look.... I've got to get going." Already he was backing away. "I'd stay longer for a chat...but...well....you're busy, so...."

"Oh, it's fine," Saris said. "I'm really not busy at all. Kim! Kimmie! Over here!"

Kim looked over and saw Saris waving. She broke into a smile and waved back. She started to hurry over, then saw Keeve. Her steps stuttered slightly, but she kept moving. "Hi there, Sarie," she said. "You look great! You and Moril must be so happy together." She glanced at Keeve. "Hi."

He cleared his throat and nodded curtly. "Hi."

"Are you two not talking to each other?" Saris asked as she glanced between them.

"Not really," Kim said with a glance at Keeve. "We had...an incident the other night."

Keeve nearly winced upon recollection of his foolish behaviour. "I had an incident," he corrected. "And Kim hates me because of it, and now Maeren hates me because Kim hates me."

"That's about right," Kim said with a nod.

Saris just laughed. "You two are so funny," she said. "I'd say kiss and make up, but you should at least shake hands or something. You care too much for each other to stay mad, and same with Maeren."

"I'm not mad at her," Keeve stated defensively. "She's mad at me! She's the one who needs to do the forgiving around here."

"Do you want Kim to forgive you?" Saris asked

He snorted. "Of course I do. She's family - why wouldn't I?"

Saris looked at Kim and pointed at Keeve. "Forgive him!"

"You don't even know what he did, Sarie," Kim protested.

Saris crossed her arms over her chest and leveled a stare at her twin. "Does it matter? Forgive him, Kim. You know you want to in your heart anyway."

Kim sighed and looked over at Keeve. "I'm sorry, Keeve," she said softly. "As long as...just...I want to live my life...that's all. But...I know why you did what you did. It's okay."

"So you realize that guy was a jerk?" he asked, then smirked. "Told you so." Saris skewered him with an angry scowl and Keeve quickly wiped the smile from his face. "Let me rephrase that, then..." His gaze turned to Kim. "I'm sorry I beat that creep up for you. He...he wasn't good enough, Kim. Not for you."

"I know," Kim said. "But he wanted sex and I wanted sex, so we'd both be getting what we wanted. I just...you don't know what it's like, Keeve. You have a wife who loves you, wants to be with you, and you have someone to love you, really love you. So does Saris. But...what do I have? Nothing. I just wanted to have sex, that's all."

Keeve groaned and very nearly covered his ears. "Gods! Does it have to be about sex all the time? Can't you...you take care of that yourself?"

"I could, and I do," Kim said. "But it's just not the same. Would you rather take care of yourself or be with Maeren?"

"The way things are going with her," he quipped sourly, "I may just have to."

"Don't be silly," Saris chimed in. "She loves you very much, Keeve. And, she'll love you even more now that you and Kim made up."

Keeve watched Kim inquisitively and uncertainly, not yet convinced they had. "So...are we?" he asked her, donning his charming tilted smile. "Do you forgive me for caring enough to not want you going home with a jerk?"

"I forgive you," Kim said after a moment, then she gave him a smile. "Of course I forgive you. You were a jerk, but you're a lovable jerk."

"I'll take what compliments I can get." Smiling freely now, Keeve asked, "So...you're still moving out, then?"

She nodded. "But I'm really close," she said. "Maybe if you're really nice though, I'll even stay over there every so often."

"Well...show us," he said without thinking. "Saris and I have time." With a pointed look at the other twin, he prompted, "Right?"

Saris grinned, then nodded. "Sure," she said. "I still have some time. Lead the way, Kim."

"Okay," she said. "It's just this way. Come on." And, with that, she led them off to the new apartment she and Merrick had picked out.

***

They all stood in the living room after the tour Kim had led them on. "So, what do you think?" she asked. "It's pretty small, but I don't need all that much room. I love it."

"It's nice enough," Keeve admitted, running a finger over the coffee table positioned in the center of the seating area. "Small enough that you won't be able to entertain strange men," he teased, then grinned at her. "You can afford this?"

"It's going to be tight, but I'm looking for a place to work. I'm doing part time work at The White Noise, backstage and stuff. It's pretty great. And, I'm learning so much."

Keeve frowned as he straightened. "With Merrick? Alone? Why not Zenarr Inc.? I'm there...I'm sure I can find something for you. Or," he added, rambling on, "why work at all? I'm sure you'll be fine. With what you have saved up, it should be enough."

"I've never really worked," Kim said. "I haven't even looked into my accounts, but I've got to be scraping the bottom. And, it's not just with Merrick, it's all the people there." She paused for a moment, and looked up at him. "So, what sort of things would I be doing at Zenarr?"

"You know...this and that," he answered vaguely, though he, himself, had no idea. "We'll think of something. So...come by tomorrow." Adding hastily after remembering his manners, "If you want...of course."

Kim smiled and nodded. "Sure," she said. "I'll come by. Every little bit helps."

Taken slightly aback by her ready acceptance, Keeve smiled hesitantly. "Yeah? Well...alright. Tomorrow morning, then. I can pick you up...if that's okay."

"Sure," Kim said with a grin. "I'll be ready. What time? I'll be ready. Oh, I have to head over to grab a few more things from the house, if that's alright."

"I'll take you there," he offered readily, then awkwardly looked away. "Well...whenever you're ready. I have to be heading back there anyway."

"Thank you," Kim said with a smile. "I'd like that...it's...well, it's not really that dangerous, but it makes it nice to have someone to walk with."

Keeve returned his gaze to Kim and was instantly infected by her charm. He grinned. "Well...let's get going, then. It's a long way." Then he offered Kim his arm, and did the same for Saris. "Moril would kill me if you didn't get home safely...so you'll have the honour of my protection, too."

"Thank you," Saris said with a grin. "The store is right next to our apartment, so you can drop me off there unless you want to shop with me."

Glancing aside at Kim and sharing a secret smile with her, he answered, "Well...we'll just have to see how things go, right?"

Kim grinned back at him. "Yes, we will," she said. "I'm glad to have you as a friend again, Keeve. I'm glad we ran across each other today. I felt really bad being upset with you and everything. I'm glad we're okay."

"Me too," he answered soberly and shared a long stare with Kim until Saris interrupted with a light clearing of her throat. Keeve chuckled and finally turned his eyes towards the door. "Onward, ladies," he announced and escorted them outside.

***

They ascended the steps to Keeve and Maeren's home in silence. After leaving the store where Saris had picked up the fixings for her big dinner with Moril, Kim and Keeve had turned toward home, even though it wasn't quite Kim's home any longer.

"It's getting cold," Kim said as she glanced back into the now-falling darkness. "I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't get some snow soon."

"We're not on Agarra," he mentioned absently, forgetting Kim had never visited Shiv's homeworld. "It's not sunny all the year round." Unthinking, he slipped his jacket off and draped it over Kim's shoulders. As Keeve wrapped his arm around her, he muttered, "You need to learn to dress more warmly."

"I'll need to get new clothes," she said. "Or I'll just borrow all of yours. Maybe living on Agarra wouldn't be so bad, though in the summer it can get so hot and muggy there."

Keeve smiled crookedly. "And how would you know that? You've known nothing but New Plouton's temperate climate and the cold metal of Dargus' ship."

Kim frowned and looked at him. "I'm not sure how I know, but I do," she said. "Maybe it's something we share with Maeren somehow, since we were cloned from her. But I do know it. Which means, we should probably check on Zari, since she'd never been off of Agarra until Jae Dyn brought her back."

"Zari's off with the Jedi somewhere," Keeve told her, frowning to express his distaste of the idea. "Anyway...maybe you'll visit Agarra one day. Maeren and I can show you around."

"I'd like that a lot," Kim said with a fond smile. "It sounds like a wonderful place to go visit." She shrugged her shoulders to indicate his jacket draped over her shoulders. "Thank you very much."

Keeve shook his head dismissively. "I can't have you freezing to death so soon after gaining your forgiveness. That's a little unsatisfying," he joked, idly stroking her arm where his hand rested.

Kim laughed softly. "Yeah," she said softly, "and I imagine freezing to death would be a little unsatisfying for me too."

"And disappointing for me," he teased, squeezing her gently. They reached the top of the stairs, and before opening the door, Keeve paused to smile down into Kim's upturned face. He chuckled at her rosy cheeks and nose, and kissed each in turn to warm them. "Thank you," Keeve told her sincerely. "You didn't have to forgive me and you did."

"I didn't," she said with a warm smile. "But, I had to, for me. I didn't want to stay mad at you, and I know you were just trying to protect me from doing something stupid." With that, she slipped her arms around him and gave him a hug.

Keeve sighed and returned the embrace gratefully. She felt different from Shiv...warmer somehow and more fragile, yet still, Keeve squeezed her tightly. Before either could become too comfortable, and Keeve weak enough to express his true feelings, he pulled back with a smile. "We should go inside," he said softly, still holding her arms.

"You're warm," Kim murmured, then nodded. "And, it's probably even warmer inside. Okay, time to go inside. Have you eaten yet? I'm starved. I don't think I've eaten all day. We could get something to eat if you're hungry."

"You're rambling," Keeve reminded her playfully, rubbing her arms slowly to generate the heat she seemed to think she lacked. He didn't mind either way, and even pressed his lips to her forehead to measure her temperature, at least ostensibly. "You can keep the jacket if you're that cold," he murmured against her brow.

"Thank you," Kim said softly. "It's a really nice jacket. Warm too. Your lips are warm...that feels nice. Now, let's go inside where it's even warmer."

Respecting her wishes, and recognizing her desire not to be toyed with by him again, Keeve stepped back with some reluctance on his part and opened the door. He followed Kim inside and waved at Zale as he appeared at the top of the staircase. "Sorry, it's just us," he called up to his step-father.

"So the two of you are talking again," Zale said with a chuckle. "It's okay. Maeren and Kaysa went out a bit ago with Cadwin, and Merrick's at the club. There should be some food ready in there if you're hungry. Me and Aria had ourselves a feast."

Keeve narrowed his eyes. "What? They went out?" He marched towards the base of the stairs. "When? Where? And how the hells could Kaysa leave Aria behind!? Maeren actually went along with that?"

"Kaysa needed some time for herself, so I'm watching Aria. We were just writing a song that will make Merrick very jealous. You should hear it. Though, it's not quite done yet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a composition to get back to."

Keeve growled. "Wait! You actually let them leave? With Cadwin of all people! And Maeren?" He shook his head defiantly. "Tell me where they are, Zale. It's time Kaysa came home to take care of her three day old child, and Maeren and I to reconcile."

"No," Zale said. "They'll be back later. You can wait for them. Kaysa needed time for herself, and she gets it."

"But--" Keeve sighed, wondering if Shiv had intended on punishing him with this. He deserved it, at any rate. "Fine," Keeve relented. "I'll wait up for them. Is Aria okay? She's not hungry?"

"She's fine," Zale said. "She just had a bottle. And, Shiv didn't have anything to do but sit around and wait for you to come home. So, I guess she decided to take them up on the offer of going out for some fun. She'll be fine, and I imagine they'll all be home soon, safe and sound."

Grumbling as he turned away, Keeve muttered, "What do you know?" and stalked away from the staircase. He eased his petulant retreat as he met Kim's gaze, and approached her calmly. "Do you want to go get your things now? You can stay for a while if you want. I'll still take you home later."

"Let's get something to eat," Kim said. "Zale said there was something already. I'm famished."

Keeve managed a chuckle despite his dourness. "When aren't you? Come on." Taking the jacket from her shoulders, Keeve and Kim started for the kitchen, but Keeve remained deep in thought along the way. "I can't believe she'd do this to spite me," he thought aloud. "I just needed some time to think. Am I not allowed that?"

"You are," she said. "She needed some time to let loose and have some fun. Is she allowed that? It's not like she's stopped loving you, Keeve. She just went out. If you'd been here, would you have gone with them to some nightclub?"

"Of course not," he replied irritably. "Would you?"

"Of course, I would," Kim said with a grin. "I just didn't think you seemed like the nightclub partying type, I guess. Well, when she gets back, you should tell her that she and you should go out together soon. A special night for just the two of you together."

"She won't do it unless I apologize," Keeve explained. "Or she'll demand I confess my undying love to you before she even considers an apology from me."

"Then don't go out with her and stay here and sulk about it," Kim said with a shrug. "Choice is yours, sweetie."

"Connecting, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral
Saris
Kimara
Maeren Shivral

Location: Zenarr-Tregat Residence, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

"No," he told her stubbornly, and stalked past her into the kitchen. When she caught up, Keeve was standing before her, his expression unreadable, but still expressing many things at once. Anger. Frustration. Confusion. Fear. Grief. But most of all, passion. "I won't sulk about it," he said, his tone modulated to a low volume. His eyes held Kim's, and in them she could see his emotions warring. "You know...don't you? You know everything, but you just want it from my own lips, right?"

"I don't know, Keeve," she whispered. "I really don't know...because I don't know if I could...it would...is it better to know now? Or to not really know? If...if that's...I do and I don't...if that makes sense. I do, but...but I'm afraid."

"And how do you think I feel?" he answered. "How do you think I've been feeling all this time? I'm ashamed, Kim. I'm weak and it makes me feel pathetic that I can't suppress it." Keeve smiled wryly. "Gods know I've tried, and it hasn't worked a damn bit."

"Do you really believe you're weak because of this? You're not some machine where you can just change the program and change the output. You're a living, feeling human being, Keeve. You can't turn your emotions off, not for something like this. You're not weak, not at all. Just because you feel something you don't want to feel, it's not weakening or bad."

"But it's wrong," he insisted. "I swore myself to Maeren and only Maeren when we married. If I expect her to remain loyal to me, then she deserves the same from me. Still," Keeve sighed dejectedly, "I've already betrayed her, because I've accepted how I--" Clearing his throat, Keeve lowered his eyes from Kim's and whispered, "Accepted how I feel for you. I just...I can't say it, Kim. I can't betray Maeren like that. I still have a little honour left that I'd like to hold onto."

"I understand," Kim whispered, unable to look into his eyes. "I understand, Keeve. It's just not that easy, though. I mean, with our hearts and the feelings. My head, it understands...but the rest of me doesn't want to listen."

He smiled wanly. "Same here. But...do I really need to say it to convince you?"

She looked up and met his gaze, and in his eyes it was clear that words were unnecessary. Nothing he could say would be able to express more clearly, convince more fully, than what she saw within the depth of his eyes.

At her tearful smile, Keeve understood she had achieved comprehension, and for that he was grateful. Exhaling a laugh, Keeve grasped Kim's wrist and tugged her gently into an embrace. He rubbed her back soothingly; he'd had enough experience with Maeren and her clones to know they were all overly sentimental and quick to weep on any occasion. The slight pressure of her body weighing against his wasn't too bad, though. "Is that better?" he whispered into her hair.

"Much better," she whispered as she slipped her arms around him. "You have very comfortable arms, you know."

"And you're comfortable to hold," Keeve murmured in reply. After revelling in each other's touch for what was not nearly enough time for either of them, Keeve pulled back with a chuckle and raised his hands to Kim's cheeks. "You still hungry or did that pass?"

"Famished," she said with a grin.

Keeve chuckled and kissed Kim's forehead again - the farthest from her lips and therefore keeping them both on the side of caution. "Zale said there was something around here. Have a seat at the counter and I'll get everything out for us."

Kim nodded and moved to take a seat. Once settled, she turned her attention to watching Keeve, seeing him in a new light now, now that she knew what was in his heart. "You did see how close my new place is to here, didn't you?" she asked. "I'll never be far away, just so you know. And...and if you ever want to, you can come over and I can try to make us food. I want to learn to cook."

Keeve grinned as he turned with a bowl of salad Zale had prepared and carried it to the counter. "I can come over tomorrow night if you want. I'm sure Maeren would want to come too." Then he grumped, "If she bothers to come home tonight."

"Oh, I'm sure she will," Kim said with a laugh. "She has to sleep somewhere, right?"

"She can easily sleep anywhere," Keeve reminded her flatly. He peeled back the film on another platter, and made a sound of approval at the mushroom-smothered chops arranged beneath. Those, too, he carried to their make-shift banquet table, while saying, "We don't really have to talk about Maeren now, do we? It puts me in a mood."

"No," she said. "We don't. Let's talk about what we're going to do tomorrow when you come over. I think we should watch one of those holovids."

Keeve's face alit with a grin as he leaned forward and crossed his arms atop the counter. It placed he and Kim at eye-level and gave him a better view of her cheeks flushing with joy and excitement. He had no idea he could do that to her, after only causing her sorrow. "If you're up for it...we could maybe dance a bit...for practice, you know?"

"I'd like that a lot," she said with a wide grin. "It's so...liberating, to be able to just let yourself go in a dance. It's like singing for your body."

He laughed softly, giving his head a shake. "You're a strange woman, Kim. Stranger than Maeren, I'd say. So...different," he mused as his eyes studied her thoughtfully. She was more of what he loved about Maeren - innocent, optimistic, filled with spirit and a thirst for all that life offered. Keeve forced himself to push away from the counter and retrieve place settings before he spoke what was on his mind, though he imagined it was precisely with Kim had always been waiting for.

"Kim?" he asked evenly with his back still to her. "You should.... Why not just stay over tonight and I can help you with your things in the morning?"

"I'd like that," Kim said as she watched his back. "It's getting dark out there, and colder. It's nice and cozy in here." She gave him a playful look. "You haven't rented out my room yet, have you?"

"I'd never do that," he answered with a charming smile, and pondered how Kim could easily share his large bed if she hadn't one of her own. It was written all over his blushing cheeks and large grin as Keeve handed out plates and forks. Kallia's advice truly had sunk in, for now that he was no longer closed off to his feelings for Kim, he was more carefree in action and thought than he had been before. The stubborn, grumpy little boy was finally growing up.

Kim looked up into his eyes and smiled, and found herself blushing as well. "I'm really glad I ran into you tonight," she said. "We'll have to do something special for Saris...since I don't think any of this would have happened without her help, too. I was feeling pretty down before, but...but I'm very happy now. Things...they feel better now."

"I'm sorry," Keeve told her sincerely. "I'll never do that to you again, Kim." Sitting down opposite her, he reached across the counter and covered her hand with his. "I promise." With a gentle squeeze, Keeve smiled and gestured to the bounty before them. "Shall we?"

"A perfect idea," Kim said with a big grin. She hefted her fork and saluted him with it before digging in with relish.

Keeve laughed and with reckless abandon he normally didn't practice, Keeve attacked his meal just as enthusiastically.

***

Maeren Shivral stumbled slightly at the top of the stairs and put her arms out to steady herself. She blinked slowly, her vision still slightly fuzzy. Next time she'd have to drink a little less...or maybe not as much spice. It had been wild and fun though. It'd been so long since she'd rolled up a spice cigarra. She grinned lazily as she started down the hall again, careful to avoid the small table placed in her path. She giggled softly to herself when she realized she was walking too close to the wall. She sighed gently and pressed on until she got to her door. She paused outside it, noting that Kim's door was closed. She stared for a moment, then shook her head and opened her door as quickly as possible and slipped inside. She moved to the edge of the bed and quickly slipped out of her clothing and then under the covers. Without really thinking about it, she found herself snuggling closer to the warm body on the other side of the bed. "I missed you," she murmured softly.

Definitely not languid from sleep, the other body was stiff and unyielding to her touch. His back remained to her as he murmured rudely, "It's about damned time, Maeren," and turned onto his other side to face her. Keeve had not been sleeping judging from his alert, yet displeased expression. He stared at his wife coolly. "Where have you been? And why do you smell like alcohol?" Leaning his head forward, he sniffed at her hair then pulled back with disgust. "And spice?"

"I was out," Shiv said. "I was having fun since my husband walked out on me last night...and didn't bother coming home, didn't contact me in any way. Cadwin and Kaysa thought I could use a little consoling, so they took me with them when they went out. I suppose you would have preferred that I stayed here pining for your return?"

Keeve shrugged. "Not pining, but at least waiting. That's still no excuse, Maeren. You would've demanded to go with Kaysa even if I had been here. Admit it."

"And, I would have taken you with me, if you wanted to go," Shiv said. "If not, I would have stayed here with you. But you weren't here, Keeve. You just left, and I didn't hear anything from you. You seriously expected me to just sit here and wait for you to get back? Just sit? Hoping my stubborn, willful husband would decide to return to me and stop his childish pouting?"

"Maybe," he answered cockily and pushed himself upright in bed. "It's your fault I left, you know. You're always trying to pressure me into things! You're not satisfied until you've got things your way and to hell with how I feel or what I want."

"That's not it at all," Shiv said. "What you felt and wanted were entirely contrary to what you were saying you felt and wanted. I was trying to encourage you to do what you know you really want. There's a really big difference, Keeve."

"So you'd enjoy it if I barged into Kim's room right now, leaving you cold and naked while she's in my arms?" he asked harshly. "Is that what you want from me?"

"It's not all about me, Keeve," Shiv said with a sigh. "It's about you and what you want too. I want whatever will make you happy. I don't want you to go in and snuggle up with her if that's not what you want...but if you do want to do that, then I want you to. I love you, Keeve, but I want you to be happy too."

"I'd be happier if you stayed away from Cadwin and didn't get drunk and wasted around my mother," he told her, his tone still hard and cold. "Have you no self-restraint, Maeren? No sense? You actually let her leave Aria here for the entire night without her mother?"

"I didn't have that much, Keeve," she said. "It was to relax, that's all. It's not like I'm some spice fiend. And, did something bad happen to Aria tonight, Keeve? No. She's fine. Zale is a very good father, and he took very good care of his daughter. Zale and Kaysa are both her parents, and when one isn't watching her, the other is. Stop fretting about things we already talked about and made plans over, okay? Everything and everyone was fine tonight."

"You're right," Keeve replied smugly. "It was. Kim and I had a great time together. No distractions...just us." He smiled sharply. "Happy?"

"Yes," Shiv said with a smile. "So the two of you are talking again?"

"We are," he answered tersely. "I'm helping her with the move."

"That's great, Keeve," she said. "You two are great friends and the thought of you not talking...it's terrible. I'm happy for you! "

Keeve pressed his lips thin in frustration and abruptly swung his legs over the mattress as he rose. "And I'd be happier if you showered. Gods, you reek of that junk, Maeren. I don't want you doing that sort of thing again, alright?"

"Of course," Shiv said, now completely sober. She slipped out of the bed and started toward the refresher. She stopped momentarily to glance at him. "Do you have any other orders for me, Keeve?"

Noting her dejection, Keeve sighed, abandoning his futile attempt to rouse her jealousy. He couldn't bear the wrenching in his gut any longer. As strong as his feelings towards Kim were becoming, his love for Shiv was still stronger. Holding open his arms to her, he ordered softly as requested, "Come here."

She moved to him and slipped easily into his arms. "I'm sorry, Keeve," she whispered. "You were so upset and...and I didn't know...and I was...I felt terrible...they were just trying to cheer me up." She looked up to him, a sadness still lingered in her eyes but the love she felt for him showed even brighter. "Do you...do you want to help me get all clean and smelling nice before we go back to bed?"

"With that pouty lower lip," he answered, chuckling, "how could I resist?" Despite his mind briefly being tugged towards Kim, alone and asleep in her bedroom, Keeve kissed Shiv with all his heart and mind. His body now melted against hers. "Shower," he murmured against her lips as the two shuffled towards the refresher. "Then...baby-making."

"Oh, I was hoping you'd say that," she whispered. "Spice always makes me frisky. With only Kaysa and Cadwin for company tonight, my options were looking pretty bleak until I came across you." She gave him a bright grin as they disappeared into the refresher. "Maybe this time will be the time we really do get to make a baby, Keeve."

"Maybe," Keeve affirmed, and hid his fears well by pulling Shiv in closer and resuming their kiss. If she hadn't gotten pregnant yet, Keeve suspected she might never be. Such anxieties seemed not to be on Shiv's mind as she reached into his nightpants and grasped him with just enough pressure to elicit a groan. They stumbled into the refresher and sealed the door behind them.

Just down the hall, in her room, Kimara wasn't certain if she heard sounds of pleasure coming from Keeve and Maeren's room or not. Perhaps she was, perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. She rolled over in her bed, forcing the thoughts out of her mind. For now, she'd just be content to know that a part of Keeve's heart belonged to her and that the friend she almost lost was closer than he'd ever been before. She sighed softly to herself and closed her eyes. As she finally drifted off to sleep, she thought she heard a cry of pleasure, but paid it no mind.

"Preparing for the Trip"
By Kitana Gellar
Cloud Everblades
Serena Vanian - NPC+

Location: Mountains Plouton, near of New Plouton
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

The density of the air was still a little hard to breathe; she never had been this high before, also living in small huts was hardly her taste of living, but she had no other thing to do.

She motioned outside the hut and saw a small village to the right where some of the rebels where gathering, but the numbers were still not many, that was barely to scout the mountains for enemies. These people were going to be in trouble if at this point the Clone Troopers attacked. She looked to extensive fall that she could see from the balcony of the hut. The view from there was magnificent, that could see the city of New Plouton so vast and with the aid of the electrobinoculars could see the tallest tower of the palace, the final destination.

Wearing a warm fur coat to keep her warm she could see that parts of the mountain and the covered balcony was some snow, which made difficult for any electrical to function and the constant clouds helped to cover the village.

"Princess," Cloud said, entering in the balcony. "I have been rounding the numbers, we have a total of food for the next four weeks, tops six. We probably need more aid than what the New Republic is probably sending."

"I know, Cloud." Kitana looked to him. "That is why I have made some contacts calling some debts, I probably will have a list of names who might aid us. That is why I'm making a few trips offworld, don't worry I will be fine."

Cloud saw that was probably not the best idea, but if they were going to get some aid to win the upcoming battles, that would need any help that they could. "Here." Cloud gave Kitana a datapad. "It is a list of names of people that are in Imperial prisons on Klain those people have extensive knowledge of a rebel fighting and that sort of things. With your skills as negotiator you can bring them here to fight with us."

"Thanks, Cloud. Thank you very much." Kitana looked to him. "In the mean time, oversee the construction of a landing platform. They have been constructing for some time now, but with more labor we can finish it faster. If we still use the one of New Plouton we probably are going to alert local authorities."

"I will. Oh, that reminds me, don't forget to contact this man, he is the one who is in charge of Klain's research department. He has a gadget that will serve us well, tell him that you're a friend of me."

"Thanks again. Now I have to get some sleep; that walk back to the city was hard and tiring," Kitana said, walking back inside the hut.

Cloud exited the balcony to the center of the village where some people were making knots to the animals to carry some bags that Kitana was going to carry. He hoped that Kitana had planned her travels carefully so that she can be faster returning with aid.

Cloud motioned back to the construction that was still in the very beginning, but it was a lot of work to ask of these people. Some of these people were awake about twenty four hours tops and probably for many more. He undressed his warm coat and placed it over the entrance of his hut. He then picked up some tools and went to aid the people constricting the platform, at least one more person adding in the construction, less time it would take, but there was still a lot of work to be done.

"Discussing Paths"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Zari Zathmir
Vaya Bek
Cole Slaton

Location: 'Helix' en route to Hjar 1
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

An hour into the flight, a rap sounded at the Padawans' door, interrupting their time to get acquainted with the new surroundings. An impression of Jedi Master Laedra Vorrel penetrated the durasteel door and touched each of the Padawans. Her presence, however, called to one in particular.

Zari opened her eyes and slid from her bunk. She moved silently to the door and opened it. She smiled up at Laedra waiting on the other side. "Hello, Master," she said softly. "You wish to see me?"

The older woman tipped her head and turned away without a word. She walked fluidly, an example of the grace all Jedi Masters acquired in their movement through training, and with arms tucked into the opposite sleeves of her cloak.

Zari quickly followed after her temporary Master. She wasn't quite as graceful as Laedra, but she carried herself well. She remained silent, knowing that Master Laedra would speak with her when she was ready.

The ship itself wasn't very large, but it seemed so with the winding path Laedra took them on. Not once did she address Zari as they walked, and only shifted around to face her once they'd reached the deserted cargo bay. Now, Laedra bowed. "Do you know why you're here, Padawan?"

Zari returned the bow to Laedra. "Here in the cargo bay with you or here on this mission?" she asked. "I believe I am here on the mission because the Masters would like to give me the opportunity to learn what Jedi do."

She nodded unreadably and gestured to a nearby pair of crates. Laedra took a seat upon one, neatly draping the tails of her cloak over her knees. Once Zari followed suit, Laedra stared straight ahead at the stars blurring past the viewport. "Do you wish to learn what it is to be a Jedi, Zari? Truly? Or is that something prompted by your experiences with Nieme and Dani?"

"I wish to become a Jedi," Zari said. "For me, Master Laedra. I have wanted to be since Master Jae Dyn first told me about it. I...I didn't want to go with Nieme and Dani. I don't want...want that kind of life. I just...I want to be a Jedi, to help people and..." She looked up at Laedra and nodded resolutely. "I want to be a Jedi Knight."

"I see..." she answered slowly. "And do you believe that, with the path that you are currently on, you can achieve such a feat?"

"I hope I am on the path that will lead me to such a goal," Zari said. "Since our last discussion, I am trying to be a better Jedi and a better student. Am I not succeeding?"

"It is difficult to determine," Laedra admitted. "You have not been with us very long, Zari, and not consistently in training. You have been through some difficulties personally and emotionally, and you have already shown yourself unable to adhere to the precepts established in our Jedi Code." She smiled knowingly at the girl. "How long was it before you succumbed to Padawan Slaton's charms?"

"I haven't!" the girl squeaked. "Not since...not since after the last...the talk. We kissed, but that was all! And...that was awhile ago. I'm trying to be a good student, Master Laedra."

She sighed and laid her hand upon Zari's. "Padawan, it's not about trying. It's about - in your heart and in your mind - desiring only to be a Jedi. After you come to that decision wholeheartedly, everything else will fall easily into place. Your struggle to choose between love and the Order will lessen and your path will become clear." Watching Zari, Laedra asked gently, "Do you believe it is right now?"

"It is not as clear as it should be," Zari said. "But it's clearer than it has been since I started. There are still times...when...when it's hard. But, I try to control it, but...sometimes, it can be very difficult. I think I'm getting better at it though."

Laedra chuckled lightly. "The way you put it, falling in love sounds like a condition. It's really not, Zari, not if it's with the right person." Then, Laedra went into the long tale of her disastrous affair with Liam, and the less than impressive beginnings with Koran. Her expression was wistful and grave when she went on to describe the foul game she had played with him. "It was all about power, Zari," she told her sadly. "I needed control...and I gained that from misleading Koran. It was unhealthy...and I was self-destructing. I allowed selfish pursuits and desires to dictate my life, and I completely shunned the Jedi principles and teachings. Salvation only came when I distanced myself from all those temptations - which meant doing something so difficult as abandoning Koran." Now smiling, Laedra added, "In the end, though, I found what I needed. I rediscovered the Force and the Jedi teachings, and finally realized what they both meant to me. Then, Zari, and only then was I prepared to take on a relationship with Koran. It is not what the old Jedi Code teaches, but in love - in true, healthy love, Zari - you can find strength and a greater understanding of the Force. Is that what you believe you can find with Cole right now?"

Zari shook her head. "Not right now," she said softly. "I'm...it's...it's too steamy still. My mind, it gets all cloudy and...and it gets hard to concentrate. I care for Cole very much, and I know he cares for me. But, I don't think I have time to be a Jedi Padawan and a girlfriend, and give both the attention and dedication they deserve."

"I agree," Laedra replied slowly, "but I will not tell you what to do, Zari. That is up to you to decide. Do know, however," she assured the girl with a warm smile, "that whatever you do choose, I will never be disappointed in you. One can never be faulted for following their heart's true yearning, whether it be to pursue a life as a Jedi, or to devote themselves entirely to one person."

"I want to be a Jedi Knight," Zari said with a firm nod. "I can feel the Force, commune with it when I close my eyes. To turn my back on it would be like turning my back on Cole. We are both becoming Jedi. Whatever we are, whatever we become to each other, it will come in time. But, turning away from the path of the Jedi isn't something I can do, not without regretting it for the rest of my life."

"Then today," Laedra announced, "you will begin your journey in earnest towards achieving that. I believe it is why Jae Dyn Brael requested you attend this mission. She has great faith in you, Zari. We all do."

Zari couldn't help smiling. "Thank you, Master Laedra Vorrel," she said with a bow. "I will make every effort to live up to everyone's expectations of me, especially my own."

"Focus on your own," Laedra advised kindly, and patted Zari's knee as she stood from the crate. "Ask the other Padawans to prepare when you return to them. Koran and I would like to discuss with all of you this upcoming mission and what your roles will be." Then, Laedra smiled and admitted, "I enjoyed this talk, Padawan. I hope you will choose to come to me, as well, when you have something on your mind." Following a bow, Laedra departed.

Zari bowed after Laedra, then lingered a moment longer before returning to the room she shared with the others. "Master Laedra asked me to pass on the word that we're to prepare for a meeting. We should be finding out what will be expected of us in the coming negotiations."

He could feel the Force. It was everywhere, yet something was different. His eyes twitched slightly, apart from that small movement his body was motionless. He could have been mistaken for a statue had his chest stopped for each breath he took.

He could see himself! He wore a long leather coat with the hood pulled up and though his face was hidden from view he knew it was him, he knew his presence like he knew the back of his own hand. He had long hair, far longer than the Jedi allow, until he was a Jedi! It was the future he was seeing, his future, a vision given to him by the Force. Yet his inward smile faded at what he saw next. He was standing beside a body, of whom he could not say, but when he looked at the body his felt cold.

His eyes opened when he heard Zari. It took him a while to register what she had said and finally he nodded in reply. "I'll be ready..." he reassured her though his eyes continued forward. He could feel his heart racing within him and he fought to gain control. A vision... I will be a Jedi. Of that he had no doubts, but the body he was standing over, he could not so easily discard, or forget.

Vaya nodded to the young Padawan girl and she arose from her posture on the floor, clear of mind and ready to take her place by her Master's side. She followed Zari out the door, stopped and turned to Cole.

"Are...you alright?" she asked quizzically.

"Fine..." Cole responded with a nod. He glanced back at the bed he'd been meditating on before following Zari and Vaya through the door.

"En Route to Uncertainty, Part 1"
By: Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Vaya Bek
Zari Zathmir
Cole Slaton
Win'Los
Vee'Ta

Location: The Helix, en route to Hjar 1
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

Koran Darr smoothed his robes as he sat. They were occupying the galley area of the ship for the meeting since it offered a table at which the Padawans and Masters could sit. He glanced at Laedra and smiled. "I'm certain things will progress perfectly once we are there," he said. "Though, I'm not satisfied that splitting us all up will be a good idea, but it may be our only option without upsetting anyone. What is your read on the situation?"

"That Zari wishes to distance herself from Cole Slaton," Laedra replied, watching the doorway for the children. "Perhaps splitting them up will be the best for her. It will allow her to focus on being a Padawan and not the other half of a less than functional couple."

Koran nodded. "That's good," he said. "We should still be able to maintain contact the entire time if we need to. I have my concerns about Cole, and I'm hoping that this will be a chance to search out those concerns. Vaya seems to be a very capable Padawan; she'll go far as a Jedi, I believe."

"She already has," Laedra reminded him, "though I cannot take credit for that. She was well-trained before she ever arrived at the Temple." Smiling wryly, Laedra mused, "I wonder if I'll ever manage to promote one of my own Padawans to Jedi Knight. They all seem to...run off on me."

"I'm sure you'll get your chance," Koran said with a chuckle. "So far, we haven't really had great luck. Kael and Alisson are the only ones who have risen to Knight. On the whole, I believe our students are too undisciplined and self-centered. They are all too old to be Padawans, even someone as young as Talara."

"I was too old," Laedra reminded him. "I eventually made it...but the path was long and rocky. I just don't want them to suffer the same."

"The path for me was not long and rocky," Koran said. "I began my training in earnest when I was four years old. The reason Jedi began their training so early in life was that so many of the patterns that are established early in life, the ones that run contrary to life as a Jedi and the code we follow, are not established. That will be our greatest hurdle with students like Cole and Zari and Talara. Cole's criminal past will be his biggest enemy; and I can already feel the darkness pulling at him."

Laedra turned her head towards Koran, studying him quizzically. "What will you do? We already know what can happen - we've seen it with Nieme and Dani."

"At this point, I am uncertain," Koran said. "But, I will do what is within my power to keep Cole from falling to the Dark Side. He has potential, but he lacks discipline and self-control."

"Acting as a diplomat, he will need to practice that." Laedra sighed and folded her hands atop the table as she sensed the children approaching. "This will be a learning experience for us all, I believe."

"I will not argue with you there," Koran said, shifting the conversation well before the Padawans were within range to hear them. "It will be a good experience for all of us, of that I am certain."

Laedra smiled faintly and muttered as the children entered, "I hope you are right..."

Koran gave Laedra a knowing nod, then turned to the Padawans. "Thank you for arriving so promptly," he said. He indicated the table. "Please take a seat and we will begin the meeting. We will be discussing our roles in the upcoming discussions and how we will be proceeding with the Hjarii."

Before the meeting could begin, however, the galley door slid away to admit the two Hjarii latecomers. "Good," Laedra commented, smiling. "You made it after all."

"Our apologies," VeeTa replied. "We were discussing our concerns in regards to your arrival upon our world. As we have told you, we are each of the two the Clans that make up our people."

"Though we are one people, we do have differences, but we are in agreement for this cause, just not in how to pursue it. That is of course why we both had come to seek your wisdom," WinLos finished as they took their seats for the meeting.

Vaya was the first to speak up, she had taken it upon herself to do a bit of research into the Hjarii, though she had found little as their people were little known.

"Masters," she said, to announce that she wished to offer something into the meeting. "Are we to represent the Hjarii in their plight with this corporation?"

Koran nodded. "Yes we are," he said. "It is a role the Jedi had maintained for centuries. It will be good for us to step into this role once again. It will be a good step in making ourselves known outside of Tae'Karada."

Cole couldn't really see where this mission would lead, he could not see a way to solve the Hjarii's problem without violence and two Jedi, and three Padawans, could not retake a planet. Jedi were not soldiers. "Masters, I cannot see how we will accomplish what these Hjarii wish..." He paused for a moment as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "As I understand it this corporation, in control of the planet, is making thousands, if not millions, of credits using the Hjarii as... for a lack of a better word... slaves. I do not see them giving this up for anything and will likely fight to keep control."

"Our duty, Padawan Slaton," Laedra corrected gently, "is to ensure it does not come to that. It will be a challenge, but to simply resort to brute force is not what we practice as Jedi." She eyed each of the children pointedly as she added, "Nor do our Padawans."

"From what I understand," Vaya said, giving Cole a raised eyebrow, "the habitable moon of Hjari has always been their home, and that this corporation, the Interstellar Mining Corp, was under an Old Republic Charter granting them the rights to the moon for the mining of materials."

Vaya paused. She had never been on such a mission with these Jedi, or her new mentor. She looked to Laedra for a positive gesture for her to continue. She received it in the form of a subtle look that only she recognized from her Master that none of the other Padawans could.

"I tried to look up anything that might be of use, but there is very little in the intergalactic database query," she said. "But what I did find might prove to be of some help, Masters."

Vaya wasn't sure if it would help, she wasn't experienced with such things, but she knew well enough to trust her instincts.

"It would seem that the charter is based on the premise that Hjari, the moon world, was void of...civilized life, as stated in the report I came across. Clearly, the Hjarii are not an uncivilized people, perhaps the charter was granted under some false pretenses, as the Hjarii were at the time a more aboriginal people, void of such technologies that we take for granted as a sign of sentient civilization," she said as she looked to the Hjarii couple with a smile, not wanting to offend them with her try at explaining what she knew, what she felt that she thought she knew at any case. "Not in direct relation to the Hjarii, I read some mandates on such charters, which basically told that such operations were often granted on similar worlds, with similar people. A legal dupe I guess. Under Old Republic law, these native peoples were allowed a certain stipend for the rights to mine their world, your two cultures have certain leaders who work with this company in the organization and implementation of these mining activities yes?" Vaya directed to the Hjarii, as she glanced at the Masters.

VeeTas answered, "Yes, several of our Clans' Patriarchs and Matriarchs have taken such roles," she said with a quizzical look at the young female Padawan and then to the Jedi Masters and her companion WinLos. "They are...supervisors, directly in control of our people, who mine the crystals for the Company. They have, over the years, become quite distant from the rest of our kind, not very well looked upon."

"Yes, they are no better than those of the Company," WinLos interjected. "They care nothing of our people, they forget that they come from the same villages. They work for the Company now, with little regard for their own people's well being!" he spat in disgust, his face flushed with emotion.

"I believe," Vaya continued, "that the Hjarii, all the Hjarii, may own a sort of ownership in this company, as the land owners of the moon-world, Hjari. At least in respect to the operations on their world. It may be that the company is indeed under violation, and that these leaders with the Clans may be the key to the resolution we seek. Perhaps the rights of the Hjarii and their world are not known to them, harbored by these leaders in favor of the company. I admit I don't understand much of these laws and regulations, I have thought this information over...but I think that perhaps it may be worth looking into. Perhaps their leaders don't even realise the fact that they are actually in a sort of legal partnership, blinded by their materialism or even under the threat of the company..."

The Hjarii both looked at each other questioningly.

"Our people don't keep such records of things, we live the way we always have," VeeTa said. "Our history is told and passed down generation to generation by song and tale, such businesses are solidified by the trading of goods, not the signing of contracts."

"If what you say may be true, I don't see how it could be of any use," WinLos said. "The leaders who oversee our work for the Company are not going to just step aside because of what you think you know. Our Clan Patriarchs and Matriarchs are not so blind that we would not have known such a thing and continued to break our backs all these generations!"

"If the Jedi mediate this dispute," Koran said, "we can open the door to a petition to the Republic. While the Jedi are unable to fight this fight, the Republic could if it comes down to that. And, it may not even come down to a fight; the pressure of a fight may be enough to sway this company to step aside. It sounds like the dispute against the Trade Federation that was starting up back before I was frozen, but the Republic is a different entity now. Before we can fully assess the situation, we will need to meet with leaders from the clans and the company. We should arrange for a meeting with each upon our arrival."

The Hjarii couple exuded much anxiety as they fidgeted in their seats.

"We can see the wisdom in this, and perhaps you shall have more luck than we have in the past," VeeTa said. "But there will be danger, there are those who do not wish for change, and there are those who have already died for their acts of insubordination."

"If you desire to meet with the heads of our Clans, and those who lead the operations on behalf of the Company, we can help to arrange it..." WinLos stated a bit reluctantly. "You shall not be received very...well, I'm afraid. Veeta and I, we...well, did not have the blessing of our parents, who are the respected Clan Patriarchs and Matriarchs. But once you are there and they see that you are to help us, they will receive you," he finished with a lowered head, embarrassed and ashamed at not having told the Jedi beforehand that the two had come on their own volition, taking it upon themselves to request the Jedi's help on behalf of their people's woes.

At the new information suddenly revealed, Koran cast a wary glance in Laedra's direction. He turned back to the Hjarii. "A meeting as soon as possible would be preferred," he said. "Now, if you will excuse us, we would like some time to plan our strategy in private."

The Hjarii left the Jedi without another word, knowing that they had gained some displeasure from the Jedi.

Once the Hjarii were gone, Koran looked around at the others. "This new information may pose problems, but perhaps nothing too drastic. I believe our first task once we arrive is going to be to talk to the leaders of the clans and ascertain whether they wish for us to pursue this. I do not believe that we can mediate an entire planetary conflict on the request of two citizens of a planet who have no authority on the planet itself."

"It must be the desire of the majority," Laedra concurred. "We cannot impose upon their way of life and enforce a change in their practices simply because two individuals are unhappy. It is not our place, and as Jedi, you must first learn when to intervene, and when doing so is considered interference."

"I understand, Masters," Cole replied looking from Laedra to Koran and back again. He had a feeling this was more than a simple mission, he had a sense there was something else behind it. What, he didn't know.

"Perhaps the majority does desire help in this situation," Vaya offered. "Surely the Hjarii did not come all this way if there was not a strong sentiment for a change in their future, but as they have said, life is harsh and they can't seem to make the changes solely for themselves. Perhaps our presence will help to instill motivation? An our investigations may help bring to light the means by which they can seek freedom?" she asked.

"Our investigations will not begin until we've spoken with the leaders of the Hjarii," Koran said. "Perhaps the majority does desire help, but perhaps only a small faction that is not representative of the whole does. We will not charge in and solve all their problems against their will. Once we know their will, then we can assist. And, the Hjarii didn't come all this way, two members of their society who are not their leaders, who came to us without the consent of their leaders, and who indicated that we will not be well-received when we arrive there. We cannot afford to overstep ourselves here, no matter how much we want to help these people."

"That is called diplomacy, Padawans," Laedra explained without condescension. "As tedious as it may be, we are obligated to practice it. We are outsiders in this situation. They could easily tell us to mind our own business, but since we are interested in providing help, it would not do to alienate ourselves so early on." She smiled at the Padawans. "Patience above all else."

Zari's gaze was fixed on Laedra and she nodded her understanding. Patience was definitely the key, in more matters than just the upcoming negotiations. "Master, do you think the company will react with violence toward our presence?"

Laedra chose not to dissemble. "It is a possibility, and something we must all be prepared for. But even then, you must all show restraint. It would be far too easy for even Padawans in your stage of training to do harm. Draw your weapons only if there is no other option available."

"A Jedi uses her weapon for defense," Zari said with a half smile. "We'll follow yours and Master Koran's leads, Master." She bowed to her temporary Master, showing her willingness to obey her directives.

Laedra merely bowed her head in acknowledgement, desiring only to give the young girl a form of approval without overt praise. She was not quite far enough yet in her recovery to deserve it, and Laedra knew Jae Dyn would not appreciate her Padawan being coddled. With her brief gesture executed, she quickly turned her attention away from Zari. "I believe we have covered much, Padawans," she sighed. "If there is nothing else, you may retire to your quarters once again, or avail yourselves of the large training space provided by the cargo bay."

Vaya nodded and bowed to the Jedi Masters, and followed her fellow Padawans from the room.

"I think we have truly a great cause before us," Vaya said to her friends after they had left the company of the Masters. "I feel we have a good situation to play on, though it is most unfortunate that our Hjarii friends were less than forward in their request of the Jedi."

In other words, they lied... he surmised, walking beside Vaya. "Let's not jump to conclusions, we have yet to speak with the Hjarii Clan Leaders, they may spell a different story all together. But if what they say is true, I agree... this is an opportunity not only to help the Hjarii but also to tell the galaxy the Jedi are back."

"I hope their leaders are not too displeased with them for what they did," Zari said. "Or with us for being there. I do not think their company will be pleased that we are there, either. I hope the Hjarii let us stay to help them; if they do, we can learn so much here."

"I am sure that the company will not be pleased, and I think that will be the more pressing obstacle in our mission," Vaya replied. "I feel that though the Hjarii came under some rather false pretenses, that their people will allow us to help them. I can see from the mannerisms and conviction of those two, that they truly believe we are needed and we will be allowed to help them."

Vaya stooped by the doorway that led down to the cargo hold that they could use for training, "I am going to practise for a time before I meditate, are the two of you going to join me?"

"I'd like to join you," Zari said. "If things are going to get...hectic, I could use a little extra practice time. I've also...I'm...it helps me when I'm nervous."

Vaya smiled at the other female Padawan. "That's great! I could use the extra practise myself, especially after the night we had when those clone troopers attacked the temple. How about you, Cole? Care to come spar with us?"

"I'll watch..." Cole nodded. He didn't feel much like fighting, something about his vision disturbed him. If it was indeed a vision. The way he stood over the body, it almost seemed he was enjoying it, he could feel rage, anger. The trouble was he wanted more.

Zari grinned up at Vaya. "Let's go!"

"En Route to Uncertainty, Part 2"
By: Vaya Bek
Zari Zathmir
Cole Slaton
Win'Los
Vee'Ta

Location: The Helix, en route to Hjar 1
Date: Vadris 14, 4 ABY

***

The two girls jumped into the cargo bay that had been provided for the use of the Jedi. Vaya procured two of the training sabers and tossed one to Zari. The two took position, ignited their blades and bowed to one another before beginning.

Zari took a ready position as she watched Vaya doing the same. She used a two-handed grip with her blade, opting for the greater control it would give her. Master Jae Dyn had also told her that against a stronger, larger opponent, the two-handed grip would be better for her. She opened her awareness and readied herself for attack.

Vaya took her battle stance, legs spread for balance and standing at a slight angle. She held her lightsaber in one hand, pointed towards her opponent, her body slightly shifted to the side while her other arm was outstretched for balance. Vaya was lithe and limber, her greatest strength was not brute force, but rather her speed and agility.

Vaya twirled around with momentum and lashed out at her fellow Padawan with her blade, as if the blade was actually an extension of her own self.

Zari stepped back away, making sure to keep her blade before her. Vaya was much more skilled than she, and there was no way she could hope to beat her. But, the most she could do was hope to at least keep herself from losing points. Her blade fluidly came up and she saw Vaya's attack before it struck. Zari's blade was there. She smiled to herself, happy at her foresight, but then nearly was skewered during her brief moment of celebration. She blinked at Vaya's blade, then redoubled her defense.

He watched the two Padawans, his friends, dueling in the middle of the cargo bay. Zari had improved since last he saw her. Vaya, well she'd been always good with a lightsaber. She was a natural. He could feel his hands clenching into fists, watching them fight - even practising - he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to join them, his eyes kept looking in the direction of the rack holding the practise sabers. Cole didn't trust himself, he still had a lot to learn about controlling his emotions. Calming himself he took a deep breath, leaning back against the wall, forcing himself to look away from the rack.

Vaya maintained her offensive, using quick and decisive strokes as her mentor had taught her. To keep the offensive...and to not think so much. She kept an awareness about her, of her surroundings, but had her focus on her opponent. She was open to the Force, as best as her skills could allow at that point in her training. She also watched Zari's shoulders for extra insight to a possible change from her current defensive parries to an offensive strike.

Even though this was just practise, and not true battle, Vaya kept a perception of its realness. She knew little of Zari, other than she was younger. Her defensive moves were quite good, Vaya thought. But Vaya had yet to step up her attack. She wasn't out to beat the Padawan down, but she surely wasn't going to hold back. Having enough of testing her opponent, Vaya stepped up her attack, using the same maneuvers that her mentor Laedra had used on herself.

She quickly stepped into her attacks, using quick and fluid motions to keep her charge going forward. She switched her slashes from left to right, upwards and downwards. As she got closer into her opponent's space, the two girls locked sabers, and Vaya used a twisting motion to try and fling the other girl's blade from her hand.

Zari very nearly lost the grip on her saber, but her two-handed grip kept the weapon from being dislodged. She used Vaya's momentum to quickly disengage, hoping to overbalance her opponent. Vaya had been ready however, and was ready in a heartbeat.

Taking another step back, Zari leapt backward, propelling herself using the Force. She maintained the backflip and came down gracefully with her weapon held in High Guard. Vaya was pressing the attack, already charging by the time Zari had come back down.

The younger girl's blade flashed quickly to parry the attacks. The Force filled her, gave her preternatural awareness of everything around her. She could see the attacks before they came and her blade was there to meet them. It was the art of the lightsaber and what allowed the Jedi to perform so many of their amazing feats. Had she been less focused, Zari would have taken the time to celebrate her newfound clarity. The celebration would have to come later, and for now was the furthest thing from her mind.

She returned one of Vaya's attacks, blade slashing toward an exposed shoulder. Too late, she realized her error, and the target that had been there was gone. She tried to adjust her attack, to regain some defense, but Vaya had already altered her attack to cut through Zari's defenses.

Vaya kept up the attack, inwardly praising the other's skills and tenacity. Vaya thought she was quite skilled and truly seemed to be keeping her own. Vaya stole a quick thought, that if Zari were older and more experienced, that it would be she, Vaya, that would be more on the defensive.

Time to change tactics, Vaya thought as she swung high with a pivot of her body, her blade clashing with Zari's.

Then, at that moment the blades struck, Vaya knelt down low to the ground in a surprising move. She swept her leg around in the opposite direction to knock Zari from her feet, while she brought her blade around to counter a possible attack, or to deal the death blow if it presented itself. Vaya could see this happen through the Force, but she also knew that the Force was with her opponent.

Zari could feel both the blade and leg sweeping toward her, an attack that would force her to defend different regions of her body at the same time. She brought her blade up, and gauged the attack. She knew she couldn't stop both, not without opening herself further to another attack. In the end, she decided her best tactic was not to be present when the attacks landed. So, she used the Force and leapt. Her legs came up tight to her body as she flipped back and away. She could feel the heat of the practice blade as it whistled close to her body, but a well-timed twist kept it mere centimeters away. She unfolded from her flip, and tried to snap her blade back into position, but Vaya's blade was faster. As Zari glanced down at the blade pointed at her throat, she knew she had not completely escaped, though she had done well. She deactivated her blade and smiled to Vaya. "Very good fight," she said, trying to catch her breath as she bowed to her opponent.

Vaya thumbed off the blade, smiled and bowed.

"Indeed it was," she said. "You have a very strong defence, Zari, I was honored to spar with you."

"That is kind of you to say," Zari said with a smile. "I would not nearly have been so good had not my opponent been so good as well."

Vaya gave the girl a toothy grin. "I appreciate the compliment, and it was a very good spar. We should try and practise together more whenever our training schedules permit. I'd like to grab a drink, let's go find something!"

As the two padawans sparred in the cargo bay Cole stepped away from where the other lightsabers were stacked. He positioned himself out of the way of Vaya and Zari but leaving himself enough space. Standing straight he closed his eyes. First he started with his breathing, controlling it, concentrating on the air infusing his lungs, giving him life.

Cole began to move around the cargo hold, sweeping motions with his hands or legs, turning with fluidity and speed but never losing the control. It was a form of martial art that helped the mind, a meditating technique the Jedi use. Taui-Chai was its name. The Corellian could feel Zari with the Force,

he could also feel Vaya as they fought one another, but strangely Zari was more profound, more sharp. It may have been due to his feelings for her, or perhaps they were connected on another level?

His leg lashed out, hitting the imaginary target at head height and he quickly rolled into a tight ball, coming up into a sweeping move called The River Bridge. It was relaxing and his worries about his vision began to fade to the back of his mind. There was nothing but him and the Force which ran through his muscles, his veins, his whole body.

***

WinLos paced the small cabin they were afforded aboard the Helix. A look of worry about his brow and deep within his eyes.

"You must try to relax and trust in the Jedi, WinLos," VeeTa said to him from their bunk. "We have not turned around, the Jedi are still coming to Hijari."

"I know..." he sighed as he batted the air with a frustrated fist. "But you saw the look upon their faces, especial the dark haired one...Darr?"

"Yes...they see us as having been deceptive," VeeTa said. "But they do not know the lives we have lived, they do not yet realise that they will be welcomed, that they are indeed needed. Our people may not have sent us in so many words, but their need called out to us, we did the right thing, even if the Jedi see it as less than so."

"But what if they are rejected by the Clan Elders?" WinLos asked. "What if they are most angered by our actions and send the Jedi back? It would be for nothing. You know how one-minded they can all be."

"Do you not remember the story of the Two Kindred Souls, my love?" she asked him. "The one our Shaman tells us upon every boy and girl's Right of Passage?" she asked of a Hjarii ritual, a rite that dealt with the passage from childhood to adulthood.

"It is just a story, a good story...but what does that have to do with our situation?" he asked.

"This will not be the first time that Jedi have been on our world, nor the first time that Jedi have intervened in the future of our people," she replied with much conviction. "Remember that the Shaman told that the Jedi had come to our world, many, many generations before. Our two Clans were at war, but in the midst of that war were a brave boy and a brave girl from opposite Clans, close to the age that they would take up the Rite of Passage to adulthood."

"Yes, I remember..." WinLos said with a raised eyebrow, not connecting the st