"Nothing Personal, Just Business, Part 2"
By Iyika - Bounty Hunter, Assassin, Intelligence Spy

Location: Capital City of Naboo
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

It was early morning when her eyes finally opened, not that she would have known in her current place of residence or if she even cared. When her eyes did finally open and adjust to her new surroundings she looked around and found herself in what appeared to be a cellar, concrete walls with a wooden rack for wine bottles; there were three bottles still in the rack. She turned her head and saw the door leading into this little paradise with five wooden steps which led up to the door. The only light came from an old style bulb that hung from the ceiling on what appeared to be a single wire. It hung not four inches above her and the light was killing her. She already had a headache from the laser pulse or whatever was used to knock her out, but the light was just agonising torture.

"Oz... Oz you there?" she whispered wincing, looking away from the light or at least trying to but every direction she tried one of her eyes caught the intense light, so she ended up letting her head droop down into her chest. "Oz?" she asked again not getting a reply the first time.

"No doubt you've realised you're A.I. isn't responding. I'm afraid you're all alone dear, sweat lady..." That voice was familiar to Iyika, it was the voice she had heard before everything went blank. She looked up and saw a man standing in front of the open door of which she didn't recall hearing open.

The man, who made his way so he stood in front of her, was the guy she'd been sent to bring back to her employers, a human with a long dark brown almost black beard and hair that had no style to it at all, just hanging in all directions like it had never heard of a comb let alone seen one.

"Well now you don't look too good. You know you shouldn't have blown that droid. She wasn't good but she cleaned the house and made decent enough food while we were waiting for you. She didn't deserve to be blown into small chunks of metal." He crouched down so he could look into Iyika's eyes and smiled. "You look even more beautiful in person; your photo doesn't do you justice."

"Photo?" she managed still feeling the effects of the blaster. She watched the smile creep over Bu'Los as he stared at her, his head tilting to one side as he watched her.

"I'm afraid you've been set up by some very influential people, namely my employers, who saw your continued successes as a growing threat. They felt that sooner or later you would be paid to take them out and so it was decided to hit first while you didn't suspect anything. I volunteered for the chance to put my skills to the test against the number one Bounty Hunter. Quite frankly I was disappointed," he said, standing up, walking over to the wine rack, grabbing one of the bottles, and opening it. "I thought you would put up more of a fight, but then I suppose age is finally getting to you."

"Release me..." she whispered.

"What?" Bu'Los asked, smiling, not believing what he had heard.

"Release me now...and I'll leave you the use of your legs," Iyika replied, her eyes staring up at the human; it wasn't her words that washed the smile from his face but those cold eyes that looked up at him. She never saw the blow coming from her side as she was staring up at Bu'Los. The side of a blaster crashed into the side of her head, whipping her head around, almost knocking her over with the wooden chair she was tied to.

"Shut up, bitch!" the Alugan shouted. He was one of Bu'Los's friends in the profession of bounty hunter but they hadn't had any big scores yet so they were relatively unknown, until this little gem fell into their lap. The Alugan was a large alien. Looks were in this case far from deceiving; he could easily crush a man's skull with ease but sadly had the brains of an Alluna ox.

"Let's just shoot her and get it over with!" he growled, looking over at Bu'Los, his dark blue eyes looking down at the blood trickling down the side of Iyika's face.

"Now, now...calm down..." replied Bu'Los, walking up to his large friend, placing a hand on his shoulder, but after the look he got from the Alugan he instantly retracted it, wiping it on his clothes. "We're going to enjoy the spoils of our little prize here, and then you can kill her to your heart's content."

"But I have three hearts!" he roared, grabbing Iyika by the throat, lifting her up, the binds digging into her arms as he almost lifted her up off the stone floor.

"Armak put her down..." Bu'Los said. "Now!" Grumbling the large Alugan complied and released her. He turned and walked up the steps, vanishing into the house, leaving the Acaran coughing and panting, taking in much needed air. Though she could breathe through her eyes, the pressure from being lifted that way had closed the pathways.

The laps of skin from her gills flickered over her eyes as she regained her breath. Luckily by the time Bu'Los returned to her she'd regained enough of her breath so her gills no longer fully opened and the flaps of skin remained unnoticed. Now that they were alone and the door closed, Bu'Los slowly moved up to Iyika, his hands resting on her knees. They slowly slid up her thighs and when they reached her crotch Bu'Los reached up with his right hand, grabbing her brown hair and pulling her head back as his fingers roamed up and down.

"You like that?" he whispered licking the side of her face. Her eyes caught the glimpse of Bu'Los's dagger sheathed on his right hip; her eyes looked up, meeting his and she smiled.

"Of course..." she said while smiling, which made him pause for a moment. "Stopping already?" His smile before was nothing compared to now - evil and full of excitement, seeing what was in store for him. He reached up and almost ripped her top as he pulled it open, revealing both of her slightly tanned breasts which he grabbed with both hands, squeezing them painfully tight. His mouth sucked on her left breast before moving to the right hungrily.

Unfortunate for him, his right hip came up that inch too close to Iyika's hand. When he stopped sucking on her right breast he moved up to kiss her which was just what she was waiting for. Using all the momentum she could get, from being tied to a chair, it wasn't a great deal, but it was enough. Her forehead crashed up into his head, knocking him back, slamming into the stone floor. With the dagger now in her right hand she slowly reversed it and started to cut through the binds.

She was nearly there when Bu'Los began to stir; his right hand reached out to the side of him as he fell to the ground once more. He was beginning to get his balance back, looking up at the light hanging from the ceiling. He winced at the sight, covering his eyes with his hand. Finally her right hand snapped free from the binds and, spinning the dagger around, she sliced through the rest, freeing herself from the chair.

By this time Bu'Los had regained most of his senses while Iyika watched him constantly while freeing herself. When the last of the binds snapped she surged up from the chair and just in time as Bu'Los was grabbing the blaster at his side, bringing it to bear on her. She had to drop the knife held in her right hand before reaching up, grabbing his hand that held the blaster. Her left hand punched into his side repeatedly, feeling one of his ribs break. She turned, grabbing his right hand, holding the blaster with both her hands, pulling him around her.

She instantly twisted his wrist, putting pressure where needed and he flipped over, slamming to the ground on his side, yanking his arm around, shattering his wrist. She took the blaster out of his hands then noticed it was her own. She turned the crying man over onto his back, aiming the pistol down at him.

"Please..." he whispered looking up as tears streamed down his face. The last he saw was the blaster firing. Hearing the blaster fire was last sound he was ever going to hear in this life. She quickly did up her top, making sure he hadn't ripped it, as it was one of her favourites, then she checked the dead body over for weapons. She never gave the smoking remains of his face a second look while going through his pockets.

"Nothing personal..." she whispered looking at the chair she'd been tied to. "Just business..." Then she climbed the steps up to the door which slid to the side, sighing as it moved, revealing a corridor beyond.

"Where have you been!?" roared the Alugan as the door opened. The look of surprise on his face when he saw Iyika step out and now Bu'Los was almost hilarious to her. She raised her blaster and fired twice, hitting his chest both times. The lasers exploded out through his armoured back, passing through bone and flesh like they were wet tissue paper. The Alugan dropped to the ground like a ton of bricks with the two gaping holes cauterized by the lasers, but blood still trickled out onto the floor from the dead body.

She came out into the hallway on the ground floor almost like she'd just entered the building. She tried to shift but found the affects of the blaster was still troubling her and she could only becomed partly invisible. It took some effort to even do that so she eased out of it. She'd been so occupied in trying to shift that she hadn't heard the human come up behind her, arms wrapped around her chest, pinning her arms so she couldn't lift her blaster to fire on the man who now appeared in front of her.

"Hold her!" he cried moving up towards them. Not knowing what else to do she sprang up on her feet and placed her legs around the second guy's throat. With a twist she snapped the man's neck and he fell lifeless on the floor, while his friend watched in terror.

She then sent her head crashing back into the man's face, hitting his nose, feeling it break. While he twitched in pain she widened her arms, spreading his and ducked under his right arm while taking hold of his wrist, bringing it with her. Yanking his right hand up behind his back she sent him flying into the wall of the hallway. Stepping back she lifted her blaster still in her left hand and fired. The guy jerked back as everything happened so fast and he remained upright as if his mind hadn't caught onto the fact he was dead. He then slid along the wall, crashing to the ground, leaving a smear of red blood along the wall.

Iyika walked into the kitchen to head towards the back door when she saw all her things laid out on the kitchen table, from her coat to her throwing knives. She grabbed them and once she slid her arms through the sleeves of her coat she was out the door and into the city, vanishing into the crowd. I definitely need to add some secret pockets, she thought as the crowd swallowed her.

The moment she stepped out of the house the familiar voice of Oz came screaming into her mind. Oz! I'm not deaf you know, stop shouting, I'm fine! Come and pick me up we're leaving.

About bloody time as well! Oz still shouted though he had turned down the volume on Iyika's request.

Also when I'm aboard contact Gredda the Hutt... I want a word with him... about setting people up... The people on Naboo never knew what really happened in the large house. They found the dead bodies two days later after someone reported an awful smell coming from inside. Their deaths still remain a mystery.

---

"Aborted Journey"
by: Jemul - Droid Trader

Introducing Wymba [NPC+]

Location: Droid Haven - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

Jemul was looking into the tank of his beloved pet sandworm. It wasn't moving. Some of the rat poison must have spilled into the tank, which at least meant a swift and merciful death. The Jawa had heard of a desert city named Thanatos which might have a supply of sandworms on hand.

As anyone could tell you, a desert meant large quantities of sand. Jemul wondered... Perhaps he could find a new sandworm there to cheer his spirits.

Only a couple hours after sunrise, Jemul rose early to deal with his journey. Few people were up, and an Imperial patrol hassled him for his citizenship papers. Jemul had them at hand, as these 'routine safety inspections' were becoming more and more frequent.

The hyperspace capacitor had been installed in his hidden escape pod, which was once again space worthy. If the growing Empire presence became much worse, he would consider using it. Thinking of the Empire reminded him of his family, slain on the deserts of Tatooine.

The Jawa almost forgot to take a water jug, but he remembered at the last second. Fuzzilla was busy and couldn't make this trip. Besides, he hated the way the desert pelted his fur with sand. So Jemul pulled out a map given to him by a fellow employee of the space port showing the way to the desert outpost.

The journey would start by going north until he reached an oasis, then he would have to turn towards the large dunes.

Jemul was almost to the gates of Thanatos when he heard something totally unexpected. A high pitched female voice said clearly in Jawaian, "Flee! Thanatos is being ransacked!"

For once, Jemul was speechless. It was another Jawa refugee! The woman introduced herself as Wymba, and asked for a ride to safety. Being ever polite, Jemul invited her to stay at Droid Haven until more suitable quarters could be found.

---

"Bacta Visions"
Symm Ruus Dunn
and Doctor [NPC+]

Location: Asleep in Yallder
Date: Eos 16, 4 ABY

***

The street was filled with flying shards of sandstone as the TIE/Starfighters finished another pass. The sound of their ion drives racked the ears and minds of Symm and his friends as they cowered in their hiding places. School had just sounded the mid-day bell and they were all running, walking, skipping, or stalling towards the doors into their classrooms when the fighters struck. They had been hiding in cover like this for a couple hours now.

Symm looked out into the street in front of their schoolhouse and saw several masses of flesh; thick, wet, and thoroughly unrecognizable. Even after seeing the change from human form to what was in front of him, he still didn't believe that they were gone. A fast forward and everything was back to being peaceful again. Except for the distinct smell of ozone and burnt wood in the air, the town was normal. The melon birds were on the wing and everyone seemed to be preparing for the summer. Symm was running down the street carrying his tapp ball when he heard a rumbling in the air that made him stop.

Rounding a corner a few blocks ahead was a large vehicle bristling with blasters and white-armored figures. Behind it came another, and another. Alongside the second and third vehicle was a line of these white-suited figures trotting along pushing people out of the way and generally looking intimidating.

Suddenly, a pop, then hissing sound from the vehicle's direction and Symm saw the front of the lead vehicle burst into flames. He thought he heard the sound of broken glass too, but he wasn't sure. As if the whole world had erupted, a cacophony of sound knocked him to the ground and he lay flat on his stomach as two more firebombs went off and the troopers began firing at anything moving on the street. Explosions and the sound of blasterfire went on for another five minutes, maybe six, but Symm wasn't counting. He just lay there, on his stomach, until everything went quiet.

Symm looked up and saw that the block up ahead had been reduced to piles of rubble and that there were bodies in the streets. Quite a few bodies were partially covered with the native building stone and the scent and sight of crimson was everywhere. After slowly crawling to his feet, he watched as the wind slowly dispersed the smoke and revealed the burnt carcass of one of the large vehicles but no white-armored bodies. He stared at this in confusion until he heard the rumble again, closer now, and ran.

As he ran, he watched a small group of men run ahead of him carrying an odd assortment of hunting blasters and rag-topped bottles. He cried out to them to stop, but one of them just looked back at him and yelled for him to clear the street. He ran after them, wondering what they were doing. They had just begun crossing a street with Symm not half a block behind them when they ceased to be.

Symm stumbled to a stop, going to his knees as he watched the slow disassembly of the men by a hail of blaster bolts. He even watched as some of the bottles ignited, engulfing the remains of the men in a storm of flame. He then watched as one of the rumbling monsters ran slowly over them and turned down another street; its white-armored figures running alongside.

"Buddy, hey buddy." Symm slowly began to wake as someone called to him to rouse him. "Buddy, wake up. You didn't die. Came close but didn't. You're one tough shit let me tell ya. Come on buddy wake up." Symm opened his eyes to a white blur. "Wake up guy. Sorry 'bout your clothes, they had to go. Infection and all that."

Symm's eyes weren't focusing the way they were supposed to. And he couldn't move his body at all. Only his neck. He tested his fingers and toes and they worked; he felt strapped to something. He could barely make out a slightly whiter blob standing in front of the larger white blur. It moved.

"Look, buddy, I don't know who you are, but you need to start talking about some sort of compensation. I had to use half of my bacta supplies on you. I don't know who hurt you and judging by the binder marks on your wrist, let's just say I don't wanna know." The white blot moved away. Symm followed it with his head as best he could. "I'm glad you're up. It should be a couple of days before you can heal fully. Well, not fully, but as much as you're ever gonna. Your left hand, while still there will be missing some appendages. Too much use after initial injury. Having no blood supplied to them was partially at fault too. The good news is, there will be no permanent injury or impairment for the future. But you gotta get a new job. Listen, I hear on the street that Thanatos is in pretty rough shape. What are the Impies doing there? Hmmm?"

Symm cleared his throat to talk and promptly was encased in the warm blackness of unconsciousness. Once again he was back in his past.

Symm looked down at his find. A slate grey twisted shape of metal with a group of skeletal hands and other remains laying about around it. The large red symbol of the Imperial forces on Holt shone dully off of a wind eroded stabilizer. Why it was still here after so much time didn't make any sense. Symm shrugged against the wind and tied his riding nerf to a spiralling shard of durasteel before walking into the belly of the wreck.

Inside, the remains of quite a few people were strewn about the site as if they were tossed about before dying. There were no armored remains and even the pilot had scraps of normal clothing on its tattered shoulders. Symm also saw several remains that only could be infants and he shuddered to think of the last few seconds of this terrible ride.

Searching through the craft, he found a small holorecorder, several manuals on the Lambda courier shuttle, a craft he hadn't seen a lot of since the occupation, and a courier's satchel in rather good condition. He decided on collecting them and left the wreck to get back to his ranging duties. There had been a rash of nerf losses in the area and he was investigating the reason. He decided to take a picture of himself at the crash and quickly mounted the irritated nerf and headed back onto the animal track he had seen before.

Suddenly the image flashed and it changed to show the flight of a Lambda taking off from a public field to the astonishment of its pilots, who were eating lunch at the field saloon. The image zoomed in on a frantic young Symm throwing switches and pushing buttons as the Lambda struggled to do what the inexperienced pilot told it to do.

Again a flash. This time to his parents, standing on the lawn of the house Symm's dad had built during the homestead rush of '54. They were embracing and his mother's tears were staining his father's shirt. A grey-uniformed Imperial stepped forward and grabbed his mother by the arm and yanked her away. Another stepped forward, raised a blaster pistol and fired into his father's temple with one motion. The dream stops.

"AAAAAAHHHH!!" Symm's eye's flew open and he saw that he was not in a hospital as he had hoped. It seemed like a humble house, shrouded in twilight. He was sweating and chills were racing up and down his spine. He noticed that he had sat up; the straps that were holding him down hung loosely from the sides of the bed he was on. A wizened old human in a tweed jacket rushed to his bedside.

"Son, you spooked the hell out of me! Something spooked you too from the look of it." The man reached into a pocket and dabbed at Symm's face with a handkerchief. "Your strength is slowly building. You have to eat something soon. I have made nerf hash if you want." The man held a bowl of hash in front of Symm and gestured for him to take it. "I ain't no cook so ignore the taste. But, it'll fill ya up. And you need it ya bugger." The old man smiled and returned to the rocking chair he had been in.

Symm wolfed down two spoonfuls before speaking. "Who are you, and where am I?" He looked around. "This place sure seems different from the alley I sat down to nap in."

"Ah yes. You should be ashamed of yourself. Sitting against the wall of a perfectly good clinic to nap when you were in the state you were in. We just brought you into our private room. You see, we believe that you will be attracting some bad company soon, ya know? We are gonna keep you here until you're good enough to leave. At which point, you will leave." The old doc waved his finger at Symm. " No argument."

The doc stood up and turned to leave. But before he closed the door, he leaned into the room and said, "And there is the matter of your bill." He smiled and Symm could hear him laughing as the door locked with a soft click. He looked around the room. A bed, two chairs, small stable, and a flower vase were all that was in the room. A small door that stood ajar led to a dirty refresher. Symm tried to get out of bed and fell back as his legs didn't respond.

---

"Complications"
By: Adam Edwards - Smuggler

Location: Aquilaris System
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

The Elusive emerged from hyperspace in the Aquilaris System. The main planet in the system, Aquilaris 1, loomed bigger and bigger in Adam's window.

"Jadda gave me some coordinates to land at, DB. Let's hope they're correct," Adam said to his droid.

DB looked at him. "If Jadda wanted this job to get done, it is unlikely he would give us false coordinates."

Adam laughed. "That's one thing you need to learn about everyone, DB, everyone has their own agenda and no one could give a care about you."

The Elusive made its way through the atmosphere. The clouds parted and gave way to the ground below. The terrain was rocky. A busy spaceport loomed ahead. Speeders raced back and forth and people went about their business.

"That's the hangar. Jadda was nice enough to reserve it for us," Adam said.

The ship hissed as it touched down inside the hangar. From inside the cockpit, Adam could see several figures to meet him, none of which looked like you would want to meet them in a dark alley.

Adam turned to DB. "Keep your eyes open, huh?"

They descended down the ramp, Adam keeping his hand near Blastech. DB followed behind with a Concussion Rifle strapped on his metal frame. There were three men, two humans, and a Twi'lek

The human on the right spoke up, "We were sent by Jadda. You have the cargo?"

Edwards nodded. "My droid will unload it."

As DB left to get the crates Adam noticed a small blaster almost perfectly concealed in the hand of the Twi'lek. Being suspicious already, Adam's hand went to the hilt of his Blaster.

"So what do you do for Jadda on this planet?" Adam asked.

"We help manage his investments in this sector... Is gonna this gonna take all day?" one said.

Edwards drew his blaster and took a step back. "No, in fact I think we're done."

The Twi'lek attempted to draw but Adam's blaster pointed directly at the alien's head.

"Hand it over," Adam ordered. The Twi'lek gave him the blaster. "Who are you and what do you want with this cargo?" Adam asked.

The lead human laughed and said, "I think you're smart enough to realize that the crates aren't just supplies, aren't you? We've found some of Jadda's shipments can be quite...rewarding if we are able to capture them."

Adam smiled. "Sorry this one is staying with me."

The human quickly reached behind him and pulled out a blaster. Adam fired first, catching the man in the chest. The second human and the Twi'lek attempted to attack, but Adam dove out of the way as he heard the thud of DB's Concussion Rifle fire. The other two were hurled into the air.

As they lay dead, another group entered the hangar. Adam immediately trained his blaster on them but they made no threatening moves. They were both Whiphids.

The first spoke through a translator. "Thank you for dispatching those pirates for us...they have been bothering Jadda for some time. Here is the code Jadda said you would receive to know the true receivers of his packages." The Whiphid gave Adam the code, which was the one Jadda had given him.

"Looks like you check out. I'll have my droid unload the cargo," Adam said.

Several minutes later the cargo was unloaded and Adam was back in the cockpit.

"Never a dull moment, huh, buddy?" Adam asked.

DB looked at him with his usual stare.

Edwards activated the main power. "Let's get back. I've got a large paycheck comin' ."

---

"Droids For Sale"
by Jemul - Droid Trader
with Jack Black - Smuggler/Trader
and Wymba [NPC+]

Location: Droid Haven - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

Jemul heard the jingle of the bell, which meant someone had come into the outside area of the shop. For once, it wasn't that tax-collecting Stormtrooper. Even better, it was a customer!

"Greetings! Today is a good day for 'Bots," Jemul opened. The newcomer was dressed in dark shades and was all business.

"I have need for several service bots. What do you have on hand?"

"At the moment, I have four perimeter droids, and two security bots. I am also assembling a tactical battle robot which I hope will defend my home from the growing taint of Stormtroopers. I also maintain droids at the space port, and can easily get Protocol or R2-type androids. And if you want some other kind of droid or computing device, I have contacts which can get all but the rarest items. But please note this kind of order would take time to fulfill because it's not stock on hand."

Jack thought for a moment. Security bot's would be useful. He hadn't planned to use them yet, but any advantage could be useful especially armed droids. "I would like to see your security droids." Jack paused and glanced around the well kept little shop. The Scalies had been right, this probably was the best shop to go to.

Wymba emerged from the sleeping area, where Jemul had given her a pallet to use. She peeled some potatoes, sliced an onion, and put the kettle on a slow boil. Pausing only a moment, she asked her host for a coin to buy some milk for a proper soup.

The coin was given grudgingly, as the Tax Collector left him only smaller currency. Jemul pressed three coppers into her palm as he turned to hear Jack's decisions on purchasing. Wymba left, traveling to a shepherd she had learned about. A bladder of milk was soon cheerfully simmering its way into the heart of the potato soup.

Jack leaned against his staff, looking at the transaction going on. "Sir, I would like to see your security droids. I have a droid I am interested in seeing repaired and reprogrammed. Secondly, I will need two R2 units." Jack paused for breath. "I am also in need of a few Imperial service or messenger droids, not sure of the serial number but they're the small black ones which the Imperials use for maintenance." Jack paused. "This tactical droid... Could I see that as well? It may be useful."

"Certainly, I should be able to retrieve a couple of R2 units and the maintenance drones by the end of the week without arousing suspicion at the space port. Meanwhile, let me introduce S5D2 and S6D1, my security bots. They are equipped with both blade and blaster weapons to get rid of most obstacles. They also have a pair of independent restraint tentacles to hold items still, in the event someone or something is to be detained but not harmed."

Jack was surprised, but did not show it. Most security bots were the type to nullify threats. The option to preserve the 'target' for questioning had not been expected. His keen mind saw how this feature could be useful. He would pay well, provided the devices worked as advertised. This Jawa definitely knew quite a bit about maintaining droids, and it was always good to have the best suppliers available.

Before Jack could muse further, the diminutive salesman continued, "And T-3, the tactical Droid, has just recently been assembled. It has several advanced features, such as autonomous target acquisition, surveillance modes, and a modern computer processor which rivals most current Imperial models. A variety of IC chips can be plugged in to sockets, further customizing this device."

"Sounds interesting." Jack admired the short droid seller. "I can pay well for such a droid." Jack smiled at the small Jawa. "I see you have no love for the Imperials, perhaps you would be interested in investing in a small venture to liberate some of your hard gained cash from their clutches."

"They killed my family! I was the only one to escape!" Jemul began. "They see us as a fragile species to eliminate. I was fortunate to meet Wymba here, for few of us ever leave our home world. But what could I do? I am small..." Jemul sniffled, a sign of despair. "But perhaps you know something I can't see. What is your proposal?"

"I respect the Imperials, they have power, strength but they fail to use it correctly. I myself have come to blows with them on occasion, and--" Jack paused. A thought crossed his mind to tell the Jawa that his family had been killed on Tatooine, but then he realised that as soon as this Jawa met his brother he would realise that the Imperials hadn't been involved. "Let's just say I intend to cause the Imperial forces much harm, while looking out for myself." Jack's black passive eyes looked at the Jawa's golden glowing inquisitive eyes. "My brother and myself have killed many Imperials and we want to finally gain something from it. There is a large Imperial Credit reserve on this planet in this very city." Jack let his words sink in to the Jawa's mind.

"I begin to see your plan. I could program some maintenance droids to disrupt power to the area of the city where the depository is located. That should cause enough confusion to make a theft possible."

"I have a plan of using messenger droids loaded with small explosives to cause chaos all over the city, then I will use some droids to extract the money from the treasury," Jack explained

"R2 units could move the credits, however, their presence will be noticed. Unless we slaughter all the Empire's lackeys in the complex, they would quickly trace the droids back to me. That could get ugly..." Jemul said.

Jack paused for a moment and looked down at the small diminutive shop keeper. "You are of course correct, should we fail to annihilate everyone they will be traced back to you." Jack looked around. "Using R2 units we could deliver incidium, a poisonous gas into the complex."

"Eureka! R2's can carry plenty of cargo inside their shells. If they initially contain poison gas... The gas takes care of the Emperor's men, then droids pick up and remove the credits inside their shells, then scamper out to a pick up vehicle..."

Jack said passively, "By the time the power outage is fixed, the droids will be long gone with lots of Imperial cash. As an important Imperial facility, they may have a backup power generator. We'll have to shut that down as well. My brother can deal with that, however."

Jemul replied, "I would be willing to supply two or, at most, three R2 units for this venture, programmed to release the gas and retrieve the credits."

"Six or seven R2s could move the money much faster," Jack noted.

Jemul knew droids. It was his area of expertise. "Think, Friend. When you see a couple of droids on the street, do you give it much thought? Droids are fairly common these days. However, a platoon of six droids would arouse curiousity. Not many people can afford that size of an armada. Too much, and we would be caught before our scheme works. The only problem I see is where to obtain the quantity of gas we would need."

Jack smiled wickedly. "Leave that to me... I know a few people who might be able to supply what we need. I can even launder the money after we've scored. That much wampum would raise too many eyebrows if we spend it in large quantities...."

Jack leaned back and listened to the Jawa's ideas. For a limited intellect race this was an exceptionally intelligent Jawa.

---

"Desperate Hope"
By: Yannick - Leader of the Razors [NPC+]
Tallan - Leader of the Erynxs [NPC+]

Location: Gang Headquarters - Thanatos
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

"How many'd we lose this time?"

Tallan wiped the dripping sweat-mingled blood from his brow and grimaced, realizing it wasn't his own. "Twenty as far as I could tell. The rest retreated," he replied breathlessly.

Yannick cursed and flung his half-filled bottle of Doba juice angrily across the room. As it shattered against the wall of their gang headquarters, he sank wearily into his chair. "We're getting nowhere," he muttered. "This is the third fight we've lost. We've got weapons coming outta our asses, but we don't know how to beat those bastard Imps."

Tallan remained silent, hesitant to draw Yannick's attention and his rage towards himself. "Look," he began cautiously, "we just need to come up with a better strategy. The more we fight them, the more we learn about them."

"And what?" Yannick snapped. "We keep fighting, keep learning until we're all dead?" He rose abruptly from his seat and searched Tallan's clear blue eyes. He saw fear in them, but not of him; Tallan knew just as well as he did that the cause was a hopeless one. "We don't have what it takes to beat them, friend. The more defiant we get, the stronger they become, it seems." Yannick sighed and began pacing thoughtfully about the room. "We need an edge of some kind. We need someone who knows their weaknesses, knows how they think."

Tallan sucked in a breath, preparing to volunteer information to Yannick, but he instead sighed and remained silent. Yannick halted and gazed inquisitively over his shoulder at the Erynxs' leader. "Speak up. Don't go holding out on me now, Tallan."

"I-It's nothin', Yannick. I mean...there's this guy, the one who's been going around town causing trouble for the Impies." Tallan's eyes lit up and an almost child-like, whimsical smile touched his lips. "Some say he's a legend. They say he has no love for the Empire. They say he's been all around the galaxy, takin' down Imps wherever he goes." The hope in his eyes faded, and Tallan frowned slightly. "But he's one man. Sure, he's caused trouble for a few of them, but--"

Yannick's hand clamped down on Tallan's shoulder, and a vicious, hungry grin twisted his lips. "But, he knows them, knows how they fight. Which means he's just the man we need to slaughter those bastard Impies."

Tallan looked wide-eyed at Yannick. "But--"

"Find him," Yannick interjected. "Take Pack with you, and find him. We need to have a little meeting with this-- What's his name anyway?"

The wonder seen in Tallan's eyes returned, and he replied reverently, "Rixx...Kelvin Rixx."

Yannick nodded slowly, the name bearing no familiarity. "Kelvin Rixx..." he repeated, getting a feel for name. "Contact him and tell him of our cause."

"Will do, Yannick," Tallan replied eagerly. He scampered towards the door and swung it open. Before disappearing into the night, Tallan looked over at Yannick and added, "He'll help us. I know he will." Then he was gone.

Yannick could only chuckle at Tallan's excitement and obvious faith for a man who was most likely a fraud out to raise the hopes of a poor oppressed people, offering to free them from the Imp tyrants, and run off with their money before he finished the job. They needed this, though - something to give them a fighting chance. If Kelvin Rixx was the key to that, Yannick wouldn't rest until he was on their side. If he refused...he'd just kill him where he stood.

---

"Far Away From Home"
By: Kael Selrid
Raeila Selrid
Zion "The Worm" Xandler

Location: Zion's Ship, En Route to Nar Shaddaa
Date: Eos 11 to Eos 16, 4ABY

Kael had moved back to the window and took a seat there. He didn't know how long he'd sat there staring out at the stars and feeling his world, the world he was nowhere near and could no longer see, crashing in around him. Why had he and Rae fought? The first answer that came to mind was: Zion. Raeila's friendship with Zion was the problem here. Her devotion to the man who had helped her during her time on the streets was interfering in their life now. She couldn't see what Zion was doing. He didn't know if the large slicer was completely clueless and didn't realize what he was doing, or if this was all a carefully orchestrated plan to drive a wedge between them.

Kael sighed. He knew he was being overly suspicious, but he knew that there was a kernel of truth to what he was seeing. He would have to protect Raeila from Zion's attempts to drag her away, despite her protests that she could never be drawn from him.

Kael looked out the window and sighed. Staring out there, into the depths of space, it seemed so cold, especially without Raeila with him. He lowered his head, replaying their fight in his mind. He knew she was somewhere on the ship, alone. Possibly feeling as alone as he.

He quickly swung from the window and started toward the door. He didn't know how long they'd been apart after the fight, but he knew he couldn't take much more of it.

Using his Force-trained senses and a little desert intuition, it didn't take him long to find her in the cargo bay. She'd climbed up atop some crates and used a tarp as bedding. He crept up beside her, unable to keep his eyes off of her. He could see the traces of tears on her cheeks, and it nearly ripped his heart from his chest. Oh Thana, he thought, how could I have hurt you so soon after our joining? How could I have done this to my heart?

He reached out tentatively and brushed a lock of hair from her eyes and lowered a kiss onto her brow. "Raeila," he said softly. "Raeila, it's Kael."

In her light sleep, Raeila easily heard the voice whispering into her ear, but as yet, she didn't know it was Kael's. She whimpered gently as she began to stir and her eyes, suffused red from crying, opened. She blinked slowly, and turned her head towards the figure kneeling over her. When she realized it was Kael, her bleary eyes teared up again and her lips began to tremble. "Kael?" she croaked. Raeila sat up to face him fully, and with a sob, she fell forward into his arms.

Kael welcomed Raeila into his embrace willingly, hugging her close. "Oh Thana, Rae, oh I'm so sorry. I never want to make you cry again. I never want to do anything that causes you anything like that again, never again. Oh Raeila, please forgive me?"

"I already do," she whispered. "I just...I don't know why you're being this way. I don't understand what's wrong."

"It's...it's just that...I don't trust him...don't trust him to keep you safe like I could," Kael whispered. "I can't do what he asks of me, Rae. Not after he's lied to me like he did. I know he's your friend and you care for him, but I can't help him after he's tried to deceive me like that. I can stay here and make sure you're alright while you help him do whatever he wants you to do...but if you have to go in there and help him..." He shook his head and looked away. He tried to surreptitiously bring a hand up to wipe at his eyes.

"Maybe I won't have to," she said. "I-I could do everything from the ship. I don't want you to go against your beliefs, Kael. I don't want you to do this if you feel it's wrong." Raeila turned her lips to Kael's cheek, and kissed the salty tears. "It'll be okay, Kael. It'll all work out. Don't worry."

"As long as I have you," Kael whispered. "You're all I need in my life, Rae. You are my happiness and joy. You are everything. I love you so much, Raeila. Let's never fight again. It was...it was terrible; I hate that feeling. Never again."

Raeila pulled back and regarded Kael with a loving smile. "I knew you'd come for me. I knew everything would be okay...eventually. It's our day of joining, Kael. We shouldn't fight. We should be happy and hopeful..." Her smile became bashful. "We should be making love."

A grin spread across Kael's face. "Do you suppose Zion's ever had anyone make love in his cargo bay before?"

Raeila looked around at her makeshift sleeping area, then giggled. "I don't know why not. It's very comfortable. Especially with you here now."

Kael climbed up atop the crates with Raeila and nodded. "It is very comfortable," he said. "I wonder if Zion would mind if we just moved in here. Not much of a view of the stars, but with you in my arms, who needs that?"

"Oh, Kael..." Raeila shook her head, though her blushing cheeks betrayed her flattery. She looked at Kael again, smiling with yearning and anticipation. Her legs came up around his waist and she pulled herself into his lap. "Kael?" she said softly, running her fingers through his blonde hair. "I think we need a vacation alone, with no one around to cause conflict. I don't want this to end before it's even begun, not because of others."

"We will then," Kael said softly. "When we finish with this thing and get back to Tae'Karada, we'll go somewhere together. I've heard there are some very nice beaches on Tae'Karada. Maybe we can just go there for a vacation. Away from everyone we know and everything that can intrude in our lives. We won't tell anyone where we're going. We'll just go."

Raeila's face brightened and she embraced Kael happily. "Okay. We'll just...go and not worry about anyone or anything. Let's do that, Kael. We need this. I-I need you and I don't want to lose you, not now, not ever."

Kael nodded, a smile brightening his features. "Maybe we can go and never come back. It is tempting, to just leave it all behind."

"What do you mean?" She frowned inquisitively at Kael. "You mean...leave Tae'Karada behind? Forever?"

"Well, maybe not Tae'Karada," he said. "We could move somewhere else, just be you and me. And, maybe we could get a ship too, and we could go other places when we wanted. We could be free to do whatever we want, wherever we want."

"You don't like it at the Temple anymore, do you?" Raeila surmised.

"I do," Kael said softly. "I like the learning and the Jedi things. But, I think being a Jedi...I don't like the commitment to the Jedi needing to be placed above my commitment to you. Before we do everything, I have to ask permission and explain and be accounted for. It makes me feel like a child. I want to be able to be with my wife when I want, or go to the desert or the coast or to another planet when we feel like it. I want you to be first in my life, and I don't know if I can do that with the Jedi."

"But you can't give it up, Kael," she said. "This is what you're meant to be. You're so good at it." She kissed him tenderly as she brought her hands up to frame his face. "I know I'm first, Kael," she added. "Don't worry about that. I'll always know that I'm important to you. Finish your training, then we can decide what to do."

Kael gazed at her for a long moment, and then nodded. "I will," he said. As he continued to caress Raeila's skin, touching her, kissing her, and making sure she felt his love for her, he glanced back behind him and then back to her. "I really hope this bay isn't monitored somehow."

Raeila's hands moved over Kael's chest as she asked, "Does it really matter, my love?" With a gentle ripple of laughter, she pushed Kael onto his back and reconciled twice with him in the cargo hold, Kir'Thanan style.

***

Ever since their reconciliation, Kael and Raeila had been inseparable. The crew of Zion's ship found their behaviour cute as they wandered around, clinging to each other, quietly whispering endearments. It was the classic behaviour of the recently married, and the newlyweds managed to take it to a new level.

On the morning of the day that would finally bring them to Nar Shadaa, Kael and Rae were sitting in the small kitchen area. Kael had found some ingredients in the galley and whipped up a quick meal using what Nieme had taught him about cooking. He looked down at the bowl, then up at Rae. "It's probably not as good as Orn, Nieme, or Liam Zaneth could make, but I think I did a pretty good job."

Raeila reached over Kael's shoulder, dipped her finger into the batter, and lapped it off. She emitted a sound of approval and kissed Kael's cheek. "It's wonderful. You do know this means you'll be doing all the cooking from now on."

"Oh I will, will I? I think I'd rather get one of those machines they have now where you can just put in one of those meal packs, and it comes out with a full meal. It doesn't taste as good, but it's more extravagant than I can manage. Besides, I really don't think we want flatcakes for every meal."

"I wouldn't mind, especially if they taste like that." Raeila suckled on Kael's neck as he continued stirring, and provided further distraction by slipping her hands down the front of his pants.

Kael chuckled and squirmed against Rae's touch. He realized that the batter in the bowl in front of him wasn't the only thing being stirred. "Well, alright then. From now on, my tir'kareen, I shall provide you with life's sustenance as Banwea did for Onlea."

"And in return, I shall reward you with many offspring." Her hand caught hold of Kael's organ and her teeth, his earlobe. She nibbled on it gently, then laughed huskily. "We can start now if you wish. I think I'd enjoy seeing if that batter tastes better when I'm licking it off your--" Instead of finishing her thought, a mischievous smile pulled her lips taut and Raeila simply chuckled lowly.

Kael turned, then brought his hands to the hem of her loose-fitting shirt and pushed it upwards. "I think I have a few curiousities of my own," he said. "And, you know I'm the type who always has to sate his curiousity...just as you are." He brought his lips to her throat, kissing his way up to her jaw and then down to the neckline of her shirt.

Raeila let out a heavy breath and pushed her chest gently forward to receive Kael's kisses. "And I'm the one who shall allow you to sate those curiousities." She leaned back against the island in the center of the galley and unlaced the ties of Kael's pants, while his hands cradled her breasts still hidden beneath her shirt. "This is very bad," she said. "I mean...however will I be able to concentrate on the mission if you keep doing that, and give me reasons to want more? Instead of keeping an eye out for Zion, I'll only daydream about this or...or maybe the bathtub next time."

Kael pulled back slightly and smiled at her, a mischievous expression that Rae had come to know so well. "Very well," he whispered, "but only if I get my turn after you've finished your task."

"Oh, definitely," she purred. Just as Kael was lifting her onto the counter, the pilot's voice sounded over the internal comm system, announcing that they were preparing to land on Nar Shaddaa. Raeila sighed miserably and her bottom lip stuck out in a pout. "Couldn't we circle the planet just one time? Just so we can finish?"

Kael glared at the comm, then looked back at Raeila. "If we're quick..."

The sounds of voices heading in their direction, however, quickly made him realize the folly of that idea. "I think, my love, we will have to postpone. And, I will be sure to let them know my feelings about this inconsiderate intrusion at the height of our passion. Quite rude, I think."

"Very," she agreed with a curt nod. As the voices drew closer, Raeila laid one final, passionate kiss upon Kael's lips, then giggled as she pushed him away. "Get cooking, Mr. Selrid." She brought her hands to her breasts and massaged them sensually for Kael's discomfort, adding the perfect amount of seduction in her voice as she said, "Your wife's hungry. Give her what she wants, Kael. Come on..."

Kael couldn't take his eyes from her hands, and felt himself moan softly. "I always give my wife what she wants," he said, and then slipped his hand back inside of his pants. A slow smile quirked his lips, as he began massaging himself in a manner similar to Rae.

Raeila watched Kael breathlessly and felt a tingle rising between her legs. The voices were almost upon them, but she didn't care, nor could she hold out. Letting loose a grating moan, Raeila leapt from the counter, into Kael's arms, and tackled him to the ground where her hands worked madly to pry open his clothing. "Feed me," she begged him, whimpering softly. "Oh gods, Kael...feed me!"

"As my wife demands," Kael rasped, barely able to get the words out as he fumbled with the fastenings at the front of his pants and tunic. Finally, he gave up his attempts to work his own clothing, and instead decided to hike the skirt Raeila was wearing higher. Finally he felt a cool breeze across his bare skin, telling him she'd managed her task. "Almost there," he whispered.

"Oh gods," Raeila moaned. She climbed onto Kael's waist and kissed him desperately. Her hands reached beneath her skirt to drive down her panties, and even though she heard the delicate fabric tearing, she continued tugging them off. "Oh gods," she breathed again. "Oh gods, Kael..." She sat up straight, prepared to slide Kael's erect organ into her, when her gaze drifted up towards the figure looming over them, wearing a large smile on his face. "Oh...gods."

"We don't mind an audience," Kael said, delirious with need and desire, "but please keep any comments to yourself until afterwards. Oh Thana, we need this so bad...so, please..."

"Kael," Raeila whispered. "We can't!" She motioned her eyes towards the crewman. "Not in front of him."

"Oh, I don't mind," the leering man said. "You can keep going."

Kael looked up into Rae's eyes and then he smiled. He leaned up and kissed her tenderly. "Hopefully Zion's mission here will be quick," he whispered. "Come on, we should get this place cleaned up. We don't want to leave him a mess, do we?"

Raeila frowned, then nodded grudgingly. As she and Kael began picking themselves up off the ground, the crewman watched them in mild confusion. "Wait. So... you're not gonna let me watch?"

Kael glanced at the man. "Well, you may watch if you want," he said, "but you'll be watching us clean up the galley. My wife does not want an audience while we make love, and therefore we won't have one."

The man sighed, shrugged his shoulders, then moved to the counter and snatched up a Goza fruit from the bowl filled with them. "Well, if you change your mind, just comm me," the crewman said before strolling out of the galley whistling a lively tune.

Raeila giggled and threw her arms around Kael. "I love you for that," she said.

Kael held her close. "I'm sorry for almost making you do something you wouldn't have wanted to do," he said softly. "From now on, let's make sure we stick to our room...or at least remind me to close the doors. Let's get these things cleaned up before we get there. We don't want Zion getting upset because we left his ship a mess."

Raeila nodded in agreement, then proceeded to adjust her clothing. Noticing her panties were so torn they weren't worth salvaging, she slipped them off and with a boisterous giggle, tossed them at Kael.

With inhuman grace, Kael snatched the garment from the air, and carried the movement into a deep bow. "I am honoured for this token, my lady," he said gravely, and then burst into laughter.

"As you should be, my lord." Swiftly, Raeila moved up behind Kael and swatted him on the rear. In another instant, she was shrieking and fleeing from Kael's frisky hands as he chased her in an interminable circuit around the island, while the ship made its final approach to Nar Shaddaa and, most likely, danger.

***

Kael and Raeila slipped onto the small bridge of the transport. At the front of the small room a large transparisteel bubble showed the planet ahead of them. All around it, ships flitted, going about their business.

Standing hand in hand, Kael and Raeila were speechless. When the ship had left Tae'Karada and orbited, it had been the first time they had ever seen the place of their birth from orbit. It was truly an awe-inspiring sight. Now, here, at Nar Shaddaa, they were witnessing for the first time in their lives an alien planet so far removed and distant from the place where they had spent their entire lives. The vastness of it all was a humbling experience. "Wow," Kael couldn't help whispering.

Raeila nodded dumbly in agreement. "It's...it's so big," she muttered. "How many people did you say live here, Zion?"

"I dunno..." Zion replied. "Millions, I'd say. Mostly gamblers and robbers and smugglers and crimelords... Mostly that kind of people. Not many honest people live here, if any at all!" he laughed. "Which makes it the best place to get things that you wouldn't get anywhere else, or develop what may need secrecy, in a certain way."

Kael glanced over at Raeila and then back to Zion. "So, once you land the ship on the planet, what is your plan?"

Zion sighed. "Like I told you before...I'll have to get into a large corporation building with certain access codes I don't have, get to the top floor of the building, which means overriding the several security systems they own, and get into a vault that is served with the best quality systems to prevent someone to get into it. After that I hack into their main system computer and copy the files for their new secret project and destroy their own... Then I just have to bail out," he explained. "I was hoping to get your aid, but I guess it's not totally impossible to get it done by myself."

"I am sorry," Kael said. "I can't. Not after before. What will Raeila's part in this be?"

"If she agrees, I need her to control the cameras, so that I'm aware of my surroundings. Be my eyes where I cannot see..." Zion replied. "To do this, however, she has to be more or less near the complex. About fifty yards within... I can't secure a connection from farther away, not with security systems trying to prevent it!"

"Not on the ship?" Raeila looked to Kael and frowned slightly. "That...that should be alright," she said to Zion, then. "We'll just need to find me a secure location. No point in both of us getting caught because I wasn't properly concealed."

Zion nodded. "My thoughts exactly! And I promise to find the safest place possible. Maybe a room could be arranged or somethin'..." he said, then looking to Kael: "Maybe you'd like to take her to her location and stay there?" he asked.

Kael nodded. "Are there apartments near the place you'll be? Perhaps we could stay there to do what you need of her. That way she'll be safe, and out of harm's way."

Zion nodded seriously. "If we can get a secure link anything's possible. But to ensure that, I'll be using a special system which will allow a secure link without the chance for tracing. Of course there is a catch, which is to stay moderately close. About fifty yards, like I said," he explained. "We'll have to check the grounds for a safe place though."

"Fifty? That's practically right next to you. If you need her within fifty meters of you, there's no possible way she could be outside of the facility."

"No, no, no... Not fifty yards from me, but from the compound itself! It means any adjacent building. And I think one of them is a hotel!" Zion explained. "And its fifty yards not meters... It should be fine as well as safe for her," he added, not telling Kael that he would never place Raeila in any danger at all.

Kael frowned. "What the hell is a yard?"

Raeila stepped forward and answered for Zion, fearing the two men would get into another row. "I-It's a measurement of some sort, Kael. I think Master Darr mentioned it to me during one of our lessons. I'm not exactly sure how far it is...but Zion says it's far enough. Don't you?"

Zion nodded. "It's more than fifty meters... Not even in the same building, so I'll be the only one who'll be trespassing really... Shouldn't be a problem for you at all. I personally took care of the security measures you'll have, so you won't get any detection problems. It's like you're not even there!"

"See, Kael? It'll be fine," Raeila assured him.

Kael nodded, though he cast a wary glance at Zion. He decided, for Raeila's sake, not to inquire about the security measures he'd already taken care of, even though it seemed like he had no idea how he'd get inside or where exactly they were going to be staying. The slicer still wasn't telling them everything, and it made Kael nervous. He wouldn't leave Raeila's side for anything once they were on the planet. "So, when do we go?"

Zion looked at the viewing screen. He could tell that they had just docked. He turned to Kael and grinned with a nod. "Just about now... You ready?" he asked.

Kael gave Rae's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I think we're ready," he said. "Lead the way, Zion."

Zion nodded and took lead out of the bridge and into the hangar bay in Nar Shaada. Buildings ran high and the main colour was grey. Several species could be seen roaming the nearby alleys that stood high above ground level, ranging from Rodians to Weequay and even Aqualish. Zion knew that he was near the place he had to get into, but first they were due for the hotel next door...

---

"Finding Hope"
By: Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

Laedra grudgingly opened her eyes, knowing that when she did, Liam would not be lying beside her, holding her tenderly in his embrace. She did however, for the dreams were almost worse than reality. She'd tried to reach out to him, to help pull him from the snare of his opponents, but each time, he was simply too far away and she too weak to be of any use. The dream was the same over and over again, tormenting her worse each time they came.

As her vision caught the first rays of daylight coming through her window, Laedra's swollen, throbbing eyes teared up again. She couldn't go on, not without him. Her bed hadn't been vacant for the past two days, and the trays of food Koran had asked to be brought to her remained untouched upon her bedside table. It didn't seem fair that she should have even such modest luxuries while Liam lay dead, or powerless against the torture that was no doubt being dealt to him if he still lived.

She needed him back, but she felt too weak, too helpless to do anything about it. She'd failed him; he'd trusted in her and she failed him. Never would she forgive herself for that.

Once again, Laedra curled in on herself and wept weakly. She had no more strength left to even cry for Liam in the manner that was befitting a man she loved. But, she'd received her punishment for failing him in every way. It was a cruel smite from the gods, but an appropriate one. Her lie was now truly a lie; she would not give Liam a child. Her hopes for that had literally gone down the drain the other night after an agonizing stomach ache. The blow to her abdomen by the Sith had been painful enough when she first received it, but the other injury related to it, the unforeseen one, hurt far worse in many more ways than one.

As she had lain on the floor of the shower, holding her stomach and rocking in pain, she watched the blood that spilled from her, and the child she had unknowingly conceived with Liam, going with it. If she'd known, she would never have taken the risk. But she hadn't, and it didn't matter now. He...she...whatever it would have been was gone, just as Liam was.

She had nothing left now and nothing worth living for. A mournful cry spilled from her trembling lips and Laedra buried herself beneath the sheets once again. The gods hadn't been kind enough to bestow death upon her. They hadn't been kind at all.

***

The door to Laedra's room opened and Koran stepped in with a tray of food. He'd decided that this time, he would bring her the food, and hopefully use his influence with her to get her to eat...at least something. Using the Force, he levitated the untouched tray from the stand by the bed over to the side of the door. He placed the new tray on the table, and pulled over a stool to sit upon. "Laedra," he said softly. "It's Koran. We need to talk."

Laedra pulled the sheets more tightly around herself. "Koran...please. Just...go away. I-I need time alone."

"You need to eat," Koran said. "And, you've already had three days to sit and lie in here alone. I know what we had is gone, Laedra. I know whatever existed between you and I can never be brought back...if it was here at all. However, the Jedi Order still needs you; Liam Zaneth needs you."

Laedra shook her head slowly. "I'm useless to you, to everyone." She hesitantly shifted onto her back and looked to Koran with red-rimmed eyes. "You know I love you, Koran, but not as you love me. I... I was using you. I'm sorry. I don't deserve your concern...not after that. So please...just leave."

"Then you are giving up as a Jedi? You are going to quit your training and leave the Order? Is that what you're saying, Laedra?"

"I'm not a Jedi, Koran," she said hoarsely. "Have I acted in a fashion befitting of someone in the Order? All I've done is cause pain, to you, to myself... How can you even want me here?"

"Because when you are focused, when you are in tune with the Force, you are good. Like this, you're right; you're useless. Now, if you wish to be a Jedi Knight, if you wish to help me save Liam Zaneth, you will need to focus again. You will need to put this behind you. You will need to begin acting like a Jedi Knight, Laedra."

She laughed wryly. "You know I'm not. I'm still just a Padawan. I'm nothing, Koran." She sobbed. "I've always been nothing. I'm a vicious, cruel creature. I used you for my own personal gain, I allowed myself to succumb to my jealousy for Yelara... A Jedi Knight would not do those things, Koran."

"Are you asking me to expel you from the Jedi, Laedra? Are you asking me to turn you out because you are no longer willing to act as a Jedi should act? Do you want that? If you leave me no choice, then that is what I will have to do. I don't want to, but...but it will have to happen if you are no longer even willing to try."

"I've been trying," she groaned. "But it hasn't worked! So much has happened.... I'm just so confused."

"Close your eyes," Koran said as he reached out and placed a hand on her forehead. "You need meditation, assisted meditation if you cannot do it on your own. Now concentrate on your breathing. From there, I want you to reach out into the Force."

Laedra attempted to resist at first, raising her hand to pull Koran's away, but soon the calming waves of the Force gripped her and Laedra's eyes fell closed. "Koran," she murmured in a feeble, last effort to protest. "I-I can't..." she whispered, but soon, her rapid, unsettled breathing slowed and regulated. A gentle whimper was the only sound that accompanied her exhalations, but other than that one indication of her emotional despair, Laedra's body was otherwise relaxed and her mind sought out the Force. "What-- What am I looking for?" she mumbled.

"That is an answer that only you can answer, Laedra," Koran said softly. "It would be easy for me to guide you in the direction I would like you to go, but it is unfair for you. You must decide for yourself what you seek."

"I-I don't know anymore," she whispered. She hesitantly allowed her being to surrender to the hypnotic ebb of the Force within her, and felt her corporeal form melting away. All that existed then was her inner thoughts and self, Koran's soothing voice, and the Force. Within it, she saw the child that hadn't been, the child she had yearned for so desperately. Liam's eyes looked back at her as she gazed wistfully at the boy, and immense grief overwhelmed her. The anguish was too great and Laedra was forced to look away. "It's hard," she sighed. "Koran...I don't want to look."

"If you don't look, Laedra, you can't ever go farther. If you don't look, you will be stuck here. Life is ahead of you; yours, Liam's, and the lives of all the Jedi. Please, Laedra...you must look."

"Look at what?" she whispered. "All I've lost? All I've done? I don't even deserve to live."

"Focus, Laedra," Koran said more sternly. "Search for your centre. Search for the Force, and listen. Listen to the Force, and allow it to guide you. Open yourself to it, and allow it to take you where you need to be to get through this."

Laedra raised her hand to once again try and pull Koran's away. Instead, she settled it down upon his and used the touch to remind her that he was near, that he hadn't abandoned her. She allowed the Force to enshroud her again and let it guide her to whatever it was she searched for. Again, the child appeared. This time, though, she didn't ignore it and knelt before him. As she searched his blue eyes, the resentment and blame she expected to see there were absent. Still, she whispered an apology to it, hoping that someday she would be forgiven and would be able to do the same for herself.

Bitter tears rolled down Laedra's cheeks and she reached out to embrace the child, but its illusory form shimmered and fluctuated before dissipating completely. She remained kneeling by the emptiness and wept silently. Her heart beseeched the Force for guidance, to lead her to a source of strength that would allow her to continue on, to keep her from self-destructing completely.

The mists surrounding her then whirled gently, answering her pleas. The dense clouds surged up and spiralled rapidly. Laedra watched raptly and anxiously until finally the fog cleared and left behind that which was the key to her sanity. She looked up at the tall, glowing man who was the physical representation of her salvation, and smiled queerly. It wasn't who she would have expected, but found she was not disappointed. And when he held out a hand to her, Laedra accepted it without hesitation.

Touching him as she was, she felt at peace again and her grief palliated. She embraced her new source of strength and perseverance, the symbol of her desire to remain a Jedi, and closed her eyes. When they opened again, he was still there, but without the ethereal glow around him and the swirling mist. Just him and his gentle eyes gazing upon her. Laedra sighed and smiled for the first time in three days.

"That is a beautiful sight," Koran said. "I can sense the strength of the Force within you again. I can sense your resolve to continue forward, Laedra. I am proud of you."

"I know I'm not alone, Koran," she said softly. She lightly brushed her fingers over his hand, still covering her forehead. "Please...stay with me a while? I-I have to speak with you. I have to tell you some things."

Koran nodded slowly, and then smiled. "I will stay with you as long as you desire, Laedra. But there is one condition." He let his eyes drift to the tray of food. "You must be starving."

Laedra's smile faltered and she gently shook her head. "I-I can't. I'm not very hungry, Koran. Maybe after I get everything off my chest, I'll have some room for that."

"Very well," Koran said. "So, what do you need to tell me, Laedra? From now until you decide you don't want me in your room anymore, I am completely at your disposal." He slowly pulled his hand from her forehead and put it down on the bed next to hers.

Her brow furrowed in slight distress as the comfort of his touch vanished. Laedra promptly covered his hand with hers and held it tightly. "Just because you don't want to be with me anymore, Koran, doesn't mean you cannot still be a friend to me. Please?"

"Of course," Koran said, and gently squeezed her hand. "And, my feelings for you haven't changed, Laedra. I shall always be your friend, especially now when you need a friend the most."

"A friend who used your feelings for her to aid her in giving another man a child?" she asked, unprepared for what the impact of her admission would do to Koran.

The truth revealed was difficult, but with the aid of the Force, Koran's reaction was minimal. It was merely an admission of what he'd already suspected at that point. "I understand why you did it, Laedra," he said. "And, yes, I am still your friend, and forever shall be."

"I know that," she whispered with a smile. "As much as I don't deserve that, I know you won't leave me." Laedra sighed softly and pushed herself upright, resting her back against the bed's headboard. She shifted aside slightly and motioned her eyes to the vacant spot next to her. "Do you think you could.... I would feel more secure if you were closer, Koran."

Koran slid himself along with the stool closer to her until he was against the edge of the bed. From there, he gracefully slipped off the stool and onto the bed next to Laedra. "This alright?"

Laedra smiled wanly, knowing that was as far as it would ever go with she and Koran from now on. "That's perfect," she replied quietly.

"Now," Koran said, taking Laedra's hand in his own, "what is it you wished to talk to me about?"

"How about how sorry I am and how foolish I feel for letting myself sink this low?" she replied, still wearing a smile, though a guilty one.

"The nice thing about sinking low," Koran said, "is that reaching higher does become much easier for those willing to reach. And, with the renewed vigour I sense in you, Laedra, I have a feeling you're ready to reach very high now."

"I have to be," she said resolutely. "If I want to help rescue Liam, I can't let my grief overwhelm me. And...I have a lot to make up for, with you especially. I'll need all my focus to accomplish that."

Koran smiled again. "I am very proud of you, Laedra. It may be a little premature, but I believe today we may have taken a solid step on the path back to your knighthood."

Laedra couldn't help laughing. "Again?"

Koran smiled. "When we started on this path together, do you feel that you have fully walked on the path, Laedra?"

Her humour lessened and Laedra shook her head somberly. "I couldn't. I was focused only on securing Liam for myself. There was no room for anything else."

He took both of her hands into his. "And, I can now feel the conviction to go through with this in you," he said. "I can feel that we are going in the right direction now. I have confidence this time that we will reach the end of this path."

"Together?" she asked with slight concern and with desperate hope.

"Together."

---

"Unexpected Returns, Part 1"
By: Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Riga; En Route to Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 16 - Eos 18, 4ABY

***

Merrick stared out across the rolling dunes from the top of the hatch. The sun was going down again, and soon would throw brilliant beams of red-orange light everywhere, and the clouds in the sky would be painted an amazing pink and peach. Normally, those weren't colours he particularly favoured, but when the sun went down here, it was quite amazing to behold.

An arm slipped around his waist and lips nuzzled close to his ear. He smiled. "Zale, you know Kaysa doesn't like it when you do that," he said, and then looked down into Kaysa's beautiful eyes. "Oh, Kaysa! I mean...not that we...so, how are you, my love?" He pulled her to him and kissed her, dropping the befuddled act. "You're just in time for the sunset, you know."

"I know," she said. "That's why I'm here. Well, that and the company." She slipped in front of Merrick and leaned herself against him as she settled down between his legs. His arms came around her waist from behind and Kaysa sighed, relishing the security they provided. "Aren't we supposed to be leaving?" she asked softly while her eyes took in the splash of colours across the sky.

"As soon as the sun goes down," Merrick said. "I just wanted to see this one more time. We really don't get sunsets like this on Tae'Karada. It really makes me wish we'd taken in a sunset when we were on Bespin. I've heard the sunsets there are legendary."

"We were busy doing other things," she told him, smiling fondly at the memories of their honeymoon on her homeworld. "But, this is still good. If only Zale would get his butt out here and enjoy it too."

"Earlier, he'd said something to the effect of it just being light hitting at a specific angle, and nothing all that special. He's hopelessly unromantic, my love."

Kaysa laughed gently. "In every way." She crossed her arms over Merrick's and let her head rest against his chest. "At least I have my musician to inject some romance into my life."

"Please," said a voice from above them, "if you're going to get all sappy and sentimental, at least keep it quiet while I enjoy this beautiful sunset."

Kaysa craned her neck to gaze up at Zale staring down at them from the top of the ship. "You're just jealous because Merrick's better at the gushy talk."

Zale grinned. "Well, that's because he writes all those songs. Just wait though. I'm going to write a song, and then we'll see who's gushy and romantic. Now, if you two want to see the sunset from up here, there's an alcove back and to the left, just hit the green lever, and it'll bring you right up to the top."

"I thought you didn't want to hear Merrick's romantic utterings?" Kaysa asked.

"Not while there's a romantic sunset to watch," Zale answered. "Romantic sunsets are always better than the romantic mutterings of a musician. Now, get up here so you can watch that sunset in style."

Kaysa rolled her eyes and shifted around to face Merrick. "Come on. Let's hurry before we miss it all." Both she and Merrick rose from where they had been seated comfortably. She slipped past him, deftly taking his hand into hers, and led them through the ship. "Don't mind him," she told Merrick. "He enjoys picking on you. I think he was neglected as a child."

"After meeting his brothers, I'd think it was more that they dropped him off the tallest buildings they could find," Merrick answered as they slipped into the small lift together. He hit the green lever, and the small platform rose quickly up to the exterior of the ship.

Zale was sitting down over the bulge where the entry hatch was, and he was waving them over. As Merrick and Kaysa hurried to his side, Merrick guessed there was another minute left before the sun dipped down to the horizon and sent up the beautiful wash of colours.

"I've also got the ship's recorders set to record all this, but I don't know if it'll be anywhere near as amazing on a holographic recording. Still, I thought Shiv might want to see."

Kaysa laughed softly and moved with Merrick over towards Zale. Once behind him, Kaysa lowered herself to her knees and leaned over Zale's shoulder. "You really are sentimental," she whispered, then she kissed his cheek.

"Let's just keep that between ourselves, shall we," Zale said with a smile that said that he wasn't serious. "With you, how could I not be? Now, here it comes..."

Off in the distance, as the sun hit the horizon, the sky shifted to bright pinks and oranges, lighting in a variety of patterns over the clouds scattered across the horizon. It was truly a sight to behold.

"Wow," Kaysa breathed. She sat with legs folded to one side and hugged Zale from behind, watching the display with delight and awe. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized she had almost been unable to share this moment with Zale, but watching with him now, she truly grasped how lucky she was to have him and Merrick and Shiv. She sucked in a calming breath to settle her emotions, then laughed softly. "It's beautiful. I don't think there will ever be a more beautiful moment than this."

Zale blinked several times, but couldn't stop the tears from trickling down his cheeks. To think that he'd almost lost this, lost the possibility of this moment, or of being with Merrick and Kaysa, it was almost too much. He turned back to Kaysa, shifting himself so that it would be easier to see her and touch her. "I love you," he whispered, and then gently kissed her.

Kaysa passed her fingers over the purple bruises still discolouring his cheek and smiled tenderly at her husband. "I know. Even through it all, I always knew that. Never once did I question that. I never will."

"Good."

Merrick's hand slipped into Kaysa's as he shifted even closer to her. "Even though we ran into a lot of trouble on this little vacation, and it nearly ruined us, I think in the end, I think it brought us much closer. I think it turned into a good thing."

"As good as such an experience can be," Kaysa retorted. "I know once we get home, I'll feel much better. Especially once I can hold my girl. Then I'll be sure everything really is perfect."

Merrick smiled as his thoughts turned to Maeren as well. "I wonder how she's managing in that big house all by herself," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't have Lerrah and Moril over every night with her."

"Hopefully sleeping on the couch," Kaysa added with a stern frown. She then softened her expression with a smile and kissed both Merrick, then Zale. "The sun's gone, so we'd better get going. If we get home ahead of schedule, we might just be able to catch Shiv in the act with one of her many lovers," Kaysa joked.

Merrick laughed. "She could really surprise us and we could walk in on her with that large-breasted ditz that tried to jump both me and Zale when we went to the Palace. Thankfully Shiv has better taste than that."

"Oh, you mean Arrista?" Kaysa asked as she rose. "Not my Shiv. I don't think she likes blondes." She smiled facetiously at Merrick, then strolled towards the lift.

Merrick laughed, and quickly followed after her. "No, I don't think she does either. Well, let's let Zale get this crate up into space so you and I can get home to our beautiful dancing girl before she forgets all about us in our absence."

"She could never," Kaysa said. "And if she does, I'll have to give her a very pleasurable reminder."

"I think it would have more impact on her if we both did together," Merrick said. "She needs to remember where she gets all her loving. I miss her. It's funny, I roll over in bed expecting her there, but she's not. So, I roll back the other way, and there you are. It's a weird life having two loves, I can only imagine what three must be like."

"Very...time consuming to say the least," she replied. "But I'm not complaining." Kaysa slipped her arms around Merrick's waist and sighed. "I have more love with you three than I've ever had in my life. I'm not trading all this in for anything."

"Good," Merrick said. He'd thought about saying something about not wanting to be traded in, but instead decided to just kiss her as the lift took them back down into the ship. It was only when Zale's prompting from above broke through Merrick's consciousness did he try to squeeze out of the little chamber. "How would you like to find some place secluded once we get back up into space?"

Kaysa caressed Merrick's cheek and smiled warmly. "I'd like that. Just you and me?"

"That sounds nice," Merrick said with a smile. "Though, I think in this newfound togetherness, as much as I'd like to have you all to myself, we should wait for Zale to get down here and ask him to join us."

Kaysa shrugged. "If that's what you want... You do know we're allowed to have time alone, Merrick, don't you?"

"I wasn't absolutely certain," he said, "but the three of us together is fine too. Perhaps a little later you and I can find some time alone, and then you and Zale. But, after that sunset, I think the three of us should be together. Zale shouldn't be left out after that."

"No, you're right," Kaysa said. "And I don't want him left out. I just wanted you to know that you don't have to feel obligated to include him every time. Sometimes, just you and me is just fine."

"Of course it is," Merrick said with a sly grin. "And, I hope that you and I alone in a few hours will be fine as well, because while I don't mind sharing you with Zale, I do really enjoy the time we have to ourselves as well."

"What about the time that you and I--" Zale grinned. "Oh, never mind. Just as long as Kaysa and I have some private time as well. And, this time, you will be on the other side of the ship, rather than singing those silly songs of yours through the wall. You know it's impossible for anyone to make love in four-seven time."

Kaysa snickered, rolled her eyes, then proceeded to walk away from the two silly creatures she'd been foolish enough to take on as her husbands.

"Go after her, you dolt," Zale said, pushing Merrick along after their wife. "See that she doesn't get into too much trouble before I get there. I'm going to go tell the pilot to take us home."

Merrick caught up to Kaysa and linked his arm with hers. "Come along, my love, let's not get into trouble."

"Me? Trouble?" she asked innocently. "I wasn't. I was just going to say 'hi' to Gred in the cockpit. No trouble at all."

Merrick laughed. "Oh, I know how you say 'hi' to him, and usually that's only part of it. The rest is, 'Move over, shorty, it's my turn to fly this thing.'"

Kaysa feigned a look of shocked dismay. "I do not. My way is far more effective and crafty." She pulled ahead of Merrick wearing a large, self-satisfied grin. "I just flash him my breasts," she called back.

"Hey, those are ours! You can't just go flashing them to whoever you see the way Shiv does. She was raised on a jungle world where she doesn't know any different. But you, you're civilized and refined...and...well...Gred doesn't deserve to see your breasts!"

"He does if it gets me flying the ship!" With a shrill giggle, Kaysa darted forward to her intended destination: the cockpit.

"You're going to have him salivating all over the controls every time he sees you," Merrick called as he sped after her.

When they reached the cockpit, Zale was already there talking to Gred. He glanced back at Kaysa and gave her a look that said: "Keep those things where I can't see them."

Kaysa narrowed her eyes at him playfully, then smiled sweetly and moved to Gred's side. "Hiya there," she said silkily. Her fingers pulled up the hem of her skirt as she leaned her rear against the console and crossed her legs. "So...getting tired of flying yet, Greddy, dear?"

"Uh, we haven't gotten into space yet, but sure," Gred said as he cast nervous glances between Merrick and Zale.

"Do remember, Gred," Zale said, "that your employment review is coming up soon."

Gred glanced back to Kaysa, a pained expression on his face.

"What?" she said with an exaggerated pout. "You're not gonna let me fly?" Kaysa hiked her skirt up higher. "Are you sure?"

Beads of sweat dotted the pilot's forehead as he glanced between Zale and Kaysa, each time his gaze lingering for longer on the hem of Kaysa's skirt. In the background, Merrick was supporting himself with a wall or else his laughter would have sent him toppling to the floor.

"So? What's it gonna be, Gred?" Kaysa shot him her most sultry smile. "Gonna let me take over?"

"I'm sure there are many employers looking for a decent pilot," Zale said. "Even one whose loyalties are questionable."

"Hey!" Kaysa frowned at Zale. "I'm your wife. That means he should be just as loyal to me as he is to you. You're just afraid to let me fly. You don't think I'm a good pilot. Admit it!"

"He gets paid to pilot the ship," Zale said. "But, I guess if you'd rather stay up here flying the ship, that's fine. Merrick and I will just go back to the cabin and have some fun without you."

She snorted. "Right you will. You wouldn't know what to put where without my help."

"Shac'tae Master," Zale said with a knowing smile. "Remember? Come on, Merrick."

Merrick had stopped laughing and was picking himself up off the floor when he nodded dumbly to Zale. "Sure, Mr. Sex Master. I guess you'll finally get to show me what you think a man's made of."

Kaysa narrowed her eyes at her two disobedient, insolent men, then sighed sharply. "Fine!" She pushed away from the console, but stopped before she could go too far and leaned over Gred's shoulder. "I'll see you when it's time to land," she purred. After placing a feather-light kiss to his cheek, she straightened up and moved towards her two men. "Jerks," she muttered playfully as she pushed between them and strode into the corridor.

"Oh my," Merrick said with a chuckle.

"Oh yes," Zale answered. "I believe by the set of her hips and the way she has her chin raised, Kaysa is telling us she wants it...wild. We'd better hurry before she changes her mind."

"Indeed," Merrick said as both men quickly rushed off after their wife.

***

Three days on a ship never had made Kaysa as restless as she was now. She could see Tae'Karada in the distance, and Shiv's beaming smile lighting a path home for them. She'd sworn to Zale that if Gred didn't move the ship faster, she really would push him out of the way and man the controls herself. Sufficiently threatened, Zale had submitted and ordered Gred to push the ship to its maximum speed. Kaysa showed her appreciation by shoving Zale into a utility closet and giving him the best reward a man could ask for. That alone, though, couldn't smother her yearning for Shiv.

She sat cradled in the viewport embrasure with her hand pressed to the transparisteel and her eyes watching the stars shoot by. All she needed was one minute with her star and everything would be right again. One minute and all her bad memories of Coruscant would be forgotten. Only Shiv could give her that kind of liberation. Only her Maeren had that power.

"I miss her," she sighed. "Zale...I don't ever wanna leave Tae'Karada again."

"Or if you do, you bring all of us with you? We're heading into final approach now. Surprisingly enough, Gred says they've cleared us a berth right next to Stiletto."

Kaysa smiled softly. "I hope Shiv's waiting there for us. Though, it would've helped if we'd told her when we were arriving."

Zale chuckled. "Well, we didn't know that Merrick would want to go sunset hopping. I'm just glad it was only the two on one planet or we would have never gotten home."

With a sigh, Kaysa resumed gazing distantly at Tae'Karada, picturing herself watching a sunset with Shiv on a beach somewhere. That was one thing she had to remember to do. Though, speaking to Shiv the other night as she was on the beach with the crashing ocean waves in the background was almost as good as being there. Almost.

"I told her, you know," Kaysa murmured, remembering her conversation with Shiv that night. "I told her about...what happened. I don't know if I should have or not, but I did."

"I'm sure it was a good idea," Zale said. "It's good that she knows. And, it's good that all of us are able to move past these sorts of bumps on the road. And, I think it might be a good idea if after we're back, if you and Shiv get some special time to yourselves too. With everything else, and her new dancing gig, she hasn't had much time free. I'll put a little pressure on Weibran if I need to."

"Thanks," Kaysa said warmly. She finally tore her gaze from the stars and looked aside at Zale, reclined on the bed and reading through a datapad. They had talked about what happened and easily mended things, but there was still a lingering pain that wouldn't go away. "Does it still hurt?" she asked him quietly. "I mean...what you did. Does it still hurt you? Because...it still hurts me a little. I just don't want to be alone in my suffering, that's all..."

"It still hurts very much," Zale said. "To know that I did that, that I hurt you. Hopefully the pain will lessen someday, but for now it's still very strong, and I'm very careful with what I do. I don't want to screw up again, and it's made me...much more cautious. I almost lost you, Kaysa, and I can't risk ever doing that again."

"It's okay," she said with a shrug. "I'm getting used to heartbreak. This was practically nothing compared to everything else I've been through; this was nothing."

"In the end," Zale said as he slipped off the bed and approached where Kaysa rested in the viewport, "I think it made us better off than we were, though I never want to go through something like that again. It made me realize how fragile all of this is, and how quickly it can crumble. And, it made me realize just how deeply and passionately I love you."

Kaysa smiled wanly. "You couldn't have realized that before you went and cheated on me?"

"I should have realized it," Zale said. "I was stupid and thoughtless, and...and I think certifiably insane."

"Definitely certifiable," she teased. She pressed her hand to Zale's cheek as he knelt before her. "Don't worry, Zale. It's passed, now. I just need to get over the residual pain. Please don't worry, my love."

"I'm not worried anymore," Zale said. "I look into your eyes or feel how you touch me, and I know I have nothing to worry about. And, I hope when you look into mine, you can see the same."

She laughed softly. "They're open to me, now. I remember our first night, you were doing your best to be as mysterious as possible. Nothing got through those dark brown eyes of yours. It certainly kept me interested, and also kept just a little too much distance, which prevented us from getting completely close to one another in the end." Kaysa leaned forward and kissed his brow. "I like them a lot better this way," she whispered.

Zale slipped his arms around Kaysa and held himself close to her. "So do I," he whispered. "I know I can't get as poetic or romantic as Merrick, but I do want you to know that for as beautiful as that sunset that we shared was, there's nothing more beautiful than a sunrise, and you, my beautiful wife, are the sunrise in my life."

"And you, my love," she said, twining his hair around her fingers, "have just beaten out Merrick for the most romantic utterance ever. I didn't know you had it in you."

"You will find that I'm actually still quite full of surprises," Zale said. He glanced out the window and sighed. "However, we'll be on the ground in about ten seconds. Maybe we can lock ourselves in here, even though we're almost landed."

"Shiv will be able to sense the naughtiness we're up to in here; we'd have no privacy at all." Kaysa pulled back slightly to allow her lips to cover Zale's in a tender kiss. "Don't worry," she told him. "We have plenty of time for all that. If you're done working, though, you can carry me to bed and we can lie together for a while. I figure now would be as good a time as any to pick out baby names."

Zale lifted Kaysa out of the viewport, and took her to the bed, never taking his eyes from hers. As the ship settled to the ground, he set his loving wife into the bed while whispering more romantic utterances, and thoroughly putting Merrick to shame.

---

"Infiltration"
By: Kael Selrid
Raeila Selrid
Zion "The Worm" Xandler

Location: Nar'Shaddaa
Date: Eos 16, 4ABY

***

They left the ship with little fuss. As he and Raeila walked, Kael's senses were strained to the maximum as he sought to detect any dangers to the two of them. His lightsaber bounced comfortably against his thigh beneath the black cloak he wore.

"I sense danger here," Kael said soft as he leaned close to Rae. "Stay close to me. We'll be safe."

"I wouldn't stray from you for a second, even if it were safe," she replied.

Kael smiled and gave Rae's hand a gentle squeeze. "I like the sound of that," he said. "I've heard there are a lot of Hutts here. Liam Zaneth described them one night. They're very disgusting."

"Then we should steer clear of them," Raeila suggested. She watched yet another cloaked figure rush past them haphazardly, shouldering Raeila as he or she did. She cursed softly under her breath and shot a scowl at the careless pedestrian's back. "Even people in Thanatos aren't this rude," she told Kael.

Kael glanced after the person, and found himself surprised that the being was still alive. Just a couple months ago, he knew the person would have been dead. How quickly things change. He glanced at Raeila and smiled. "I love you," he said softly.

Raeila laughed gently. "I love you too. Why?"

"Just...watching them, and realizing that I didn't kill that one who ran into you, it makes me realize how much I've changed. And, how much I love you."

Raeila blushed slightly and shook her head. "I don't think that was me. It was your training. It's made you a good man, Kael. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you," Kael said softly. "But, that training has allowed me to see things differently. When I look at you now, everything is so clear and bright and beautiful. Our love is stronger now, Rae. And, if I hadn't changed, I don't think I would feel that way, know that what we have is so special and perfect."

"Well...I would have told you," she replied with a facetious grin. She laughed softly, then looked around them. "So...where did Zion say he was to meet us?"

"He said we were supposed to meet him by a big statue," Kael said. "I guess he was making arrangements for that hotel room where we'll be waiting for him while he breaks inside." He looked around and then frowned. "I really hope he's not planning on trying this during the day."

"Oh, I think he's smarter than that, as much as you would like to underestimate him. There is still some planning to do, so I think we've got a little more time left before it's carried out."

"Well, let's go meet him, and see what we're doing. I think the stat-- Oh Thana. What in the hells is--" Ahead of them, Zion was leaning against a statue, munching on some snack he'd purchased. That wasn't what had caught Kael's attention though. Above Zion, a large, slug-like creature stared out over the city. There was a look of immense pain and surprise on its face and a large plaque below was written in a language Kael didn't understand. "That...that must be a...a Hutt."

Raeila's face contorted into an expression of disgust and she pressed in closer to Kael as if fearing the creature would reanimate and gobble them up. "That...that's so gross, Kael. It looks like a big sandworm. Those things don't actually exist, do they?"

"If they don't, I do not want to meet with the artist whose imagination conjured that thing up," Kael said softly. He then nodded across the square where a smaller Hutt was scooting itself across the ground. "How utterly revolting. I think we should encourage Zion to hurry."

"Ugh... What's the trailing behind him? Is that--?" Raeila cringed. "I think that's mucous."

Kael shuddered visibly. "I really don't want to know what that thing would smell like," he said. "I always thought watching your brother eat was the most disgusting moment in my life. He'll be happy to know that he's been surpassed."

Raeila smiled with a touch of rue. "Yeah... Well, hopefully we won't see too many more of them during our stay here."

"And, hopefully all at a distance," Kael said. "Come on, let's go meet with Zion."

Raeila approached the large statue with slight trepidation, but managed a smile for Zion when they reached him. "So...whatcha been up to?"

Zion grinned at them. "Just got you your room... Got me one also, so I can rest for a while!" he said as he glanced at the skies. "Got an extra five hours before the sun goes down... So, I'll show you to your room, tell ya what ya have to do and leave you to yourselves. How's that?" he asked.

Raeila looked to Kael and grinned, then regarded Zion again. "Sounds good. Though...there aren't any Hutts sharing the hotel, are there?"

Zion burst into a laugh. "Don't worry... The Hutts here don't need hotels! They own the planet anyway! They have much better accommodations, I'm sure..." he told her.

"I'm sure," Kael said. "So, the accommodations you're setting us up with are alright, right? I mean, I saw one of those things moving, and I can't imagine what decent accommodations are for something that leaves a trail of goo and probably smells like a rotted beeja rat that's been left too long in the sun."

Zion laughed at Kael's remark. Indeed, powerful as they were, Hutts did smell bad. "You better watch it, Kael... Those creatures are more powerful than you can tell! Anyway, yeah, the accommodations should be fine. Not luxurious, but nice and clean..." he nodded.

"That's fine," Raeila replied. "I mean, we won't be here long anyway...right?"

Zion nodded. "Right... As short as possible really. I don't really like Nar Shadaa!" he said. "You ready?"

"Definitely ready," Kael answered. "The sooner we get out of here, the happier I'll be."

"Then let's get moving!" Zion grinned as he led the way through the crowd. The hotel was nearby, a tall metallic-like building, like most in Nar Shadaa. Not too flashy and definitely not posh, as nothing was in this vile and wretched place, but it would do.

Zion walked up to the front desk where a Rodian woman stood. He talked to her and she gave him two key cards for the rooms. As they went up to the 15th floor and entered one of the rooms, Zion turned to face Raeila and Kael. "Ok, this is where you'll be staying. I have set on the table over there your computer. Are you ready to learn what you have to do?" he asked her quite seriously, as he almost never was.

Raeila nodded resolutely. "I am. I won't let you down, Zion."

"I'm sure you won't," he smiled as he turned around to face the computer. "You have three monitors... You will basically have to pay attention to them. They show all the cameras of the building I will be in. I want you to stay here and watch them carefully. Then, you have this headset through which you will be able to contact me and tell me if there is anyone coming my way," he told her.

He then turned the computer off. "Don't worry about the cameras spotting me because I have tampered with their system, so that the monitors that the guards watch are not what the cameras are actually catching in video..." He grinned.

Raeila smiled slowly. "Smart. So, all I have to do is track you and tell you if anyone is closing in on your position. Sounds easy enough."

"Yeah, looking will be easy. It's the getting in that will be tough. But if you keep me posted I ought to do fine!" he grinned. "Any questions?"

Raeila looked to Kael, shrugged, then regarded Zion again with a smile. "When do we start?"

"In a couple of hours, after nightfall. I'll be next door, and will let you know when I'm ready..." Zion said as he left the room.

***

Zion knocked at Raeila and Kael's door. It was after nightfall and he was ready to proceed with the plan, being all dressed in black with several gadgets on him and a small backpack. Even his hair had been dyed in black. "Raeila? It's Zion..." he called.

Raeila answered the door promptly and looked over his attire with wide eyes. "Well... I think you'll be almost invisible when you get in there. I guess you won't need me after all."

"Don't wanna get shot at, now that I'm goin' alone!" he commented. "You ready to start your part?" he asked her.

"I am," Raeila replied without hesitation. She looked to Kael questioningly. "We ready?"

Kael nodded after shooting a caustic glare at Zion for the attempt at making him feel guilty. "Yeah, we're ready," he said.

"Good! In that case, I'm off!" Zion said as he made his way out the corridor and out to the streets. Not many people could be seen around, but he was sure the ones who did lurk outside were the worst ones. He had chosen a side entrance, so he made his way, making sure that he was out of sight.

When he got to the entrance he could see that it was closed and could only be opened with a handprint ID. He smirked and put on a device over his gloves that covered most of his palm. Placing his hand over the scanner he pressed a button on the back of his hand, forging a signature to open the door. The door opened almost immediately, as if he made his passing there and did have ID. "Ok, I'm in... What's the status on the guards nearby?" he asked over the headset he was wearing.

Raeila typed in a series of commands on the computer console and focused in on the area surrounding Zion. "There are two about ten meters away in the north-east corridor," she reported into the headset she wore.

Zion turned to face the corridor that was still a bit far off. "Ok, keep me posted," he said as he made his way in the opposite direction. He turned and followed the south corridor until he got to an elevator. He had no key for it so he used a tool to open the command console beside it and over-rode the code, then being careful to close the panel once more. As the elevator opened, he stepped inside and opened the top panel over it, jumping to the top of the elevator, inside its shaft.

Zion then closed his way back and placed on a pair of goggles. Pressing a button he had to sight. The shaft was rigged with several laser triggers to set off an alarm. Zion searched in his backpack and got an ascending gun from it. Holding the gun in his hand he took a small device. It was an EMP emitter, meaning it would nullify all electronic devices near it. Zion activated the small device and shot the gun to hit the top of the elevator shaft, pulling himself upwards.

Once upstairs he secured himself and touched the earpiece again. "Raeila, I need to know if the coast is clear to open the elevator doors..." he whispered.

Raeila suddenly felt so nervous. Zion's life was basically on her shoulders, so there was no room for error. She scanned the surveillance footage, then switched to thermal sensors just in case. Nervously, she glanced up at Kael for support. "Uh...everything looks good, Zion," she replied. "It's-- Oh, wait! Um...about fifteen meters to the left, there's one guard. Watch out for him."

"Does he have a clear path of vision if I step out the elevator shaft?" he asked back, not wanting to step out into the mouth of a nexus.

"He's not looking your way," Rae replied. "He's actually walking in the other direction. If you step lightly and head to the right, you should be fine." I hope.

Zion touched the elevator doors with care and opened them, stepping outside slowly. He could see the guard as he was walking away and made his way out. He was on the tenth floor, and that meant he had two more to go before being in the right one. He made his way down the corridor and into an office.

There were cameras everywhere it seemed, and he was glad that they were not seeing what Raeila saw... Zion kneeled down, touching his earpiece. "Ok, now listen, I will need about two minutes to get past the next room, but I can't risk being seen. How many guards can you see and tell me if any of them are near my current location or coming this way..." he asked Raeila.

Raeila read the data being relayed from the sensors, then correlated the readings with those coming from the motion detectors and thermal scanners. "Behind the door on your right, there are two guards. The one up ahead is clear, but beyond it in the next room are two more. They look like they're on a patrol, but they're not coming towards you. I think it looks safe, Zion."

Zion nodded and made his way, careful not to make sounds. He got to the door and this was the first tricky part! He was facing a retinal scan with a keycard identification that he didn't have. He went into his backpack and took a small device with a cord that connected it to a card. Inserting it into the slot he turned the machine on, so it could fake the code and pass. It took about forty-five seconds but he got the green light.

Sighing, Zion then opened the second panel with a special bolt remover tool and rewired it into a small portable computer he had with him. "Come on..." he whispered as he punched a few codes and cracked his way into the system of that local machine. Once there he placed his own signature and looked into the retinal scanner. When the second green light was turned on the door in front of him opened. Zion was careful not to erase his files and closed the panel.

Now he only had to pass through a room with a floor which he couldn't touch as it triggered an alarm. And it was five meters across, so he couldn't jump... But Zion had done his homework and was ready for this. He took a couple of electric magnets and attached them to the ceiling. Now all he had to do was to hang on and slide over slowly, moving the magnets. He was about half way through when he heard footsteps. He froze until the noise was gone and he made the rest of the way.

Once clear, he swiped the sweat off his forehead and touched his headset. "Raeila, I need you to tell me how many people I'm facing from here to the elevator and which is the best way to the staircase."

Raeila looked up nervously at Kael, then returned her gaze to the screen. She tried to think strategically about which route would bring Zion into the least danger, then sighed and again looked to Kael. "This is your sorta thing," she whispered to him.

Kael looked over the information. "It looks like there's a concentration of them just ahead of you. About fifteen meters and around the corner to the right. Looks like just singles or pairs after that. Best route I can see is head to the left at the next intersection, and then take the stairs up. We can keep an eye on anyone entering the stairwells."

"Ok..." Zion whispered as he made his way slowly. As it was, it seemed he had the best way, but it wasn't enough to keep him from getting nervous. One single sound and he would be done for! No way out, or better yet, no easy way out, and he wasn't much of a fighter to go against guards.

Zion got to the stairs clean, but wasn't so sure once up the stairs, since it would be odd to have the safe without any guards. But then again, it could be since it would be considered impenetrable anyway... Once almost at the top Zion touched his earpiece once more and whispered. "What am I looking at beyond this point?" he asked.

Raeila cringed as she looked over the various enemy signatures on her display. "Um...you're gonna have to do some fancy footwork if you plan on getting in there. Looks like there's four guards behind that door, another two in the antechamber...and yet another four outside the room leading to where the safe is. I think you're in trouble."

"Is there an alternative route? An air conduit maybe?" he asked. "Check the blueprints..." he whispered.

"There are, of course ventilation shafts running vertically along the ceiling, but how are you going to reach them? They're fifteen feet off the ground, and there'll still be guards waiting for you on the other side," Raeila told him.

"So, no alternative route that I can take?" Zion asked to confirm.

Raeila sighed, feeling as if she'd suddenly let Zion down. She scanned through schematic after schematic, looking for something she'd missed. She was about to apologize to Zion when something odd caught her eye. "Wait...that's not right..." To be certain, she scanned the area in different wavelengths and frequencies, then grinned. "Zion, to your right, do you see a wall panel? If you haven't already seen it, it might be almost inconspicuous. It should be two feet off the ground and approximately ten feet towards the center of the wall. Do you see it now?"

Zion looked around and saw it. A small panel that was almost unnoticeable. "Yeah, I see it. Where does it lead to?" he asked Raeila.

"You won't believe this," she said, barely containing her excitement, "but right into the vault! I'm sure there's massive security you'll have to bypass and probably some traps, but it's a direct route to the safe."

Zion reached the panel and opened it, pulling himself inside. It was quite spacious, so he would have no trouble going down to the other end. He placed on a pair of nightgoggles and activated an infrared vision to check for traps.

What he saw then was enough to make anyone quit. There was a mad configuration of triggered bombs and lasers that were surely alarms... Zion sighed briefly. He knew that if he used the EMP emitter the guards in the nearby room would probably have their equipment out as well, and that would alarm everyone by itself. Unless if he could recalibrate it for a much shorter distance than it was!

With much care not to make sounds, Zion took a small kit and opened the EMP emitter. He fooled around with it, and it took him almost ten minutes to get it right where he wanted it, which was four feet wide. Shutting his eyes, he clicked the button, hoping that nothing went wrong.

Hearing nothing, he continued on his way, placing himself in fetal position and sliding slowly down the tube. Once on the other side he touched his earpiece to speak to Raeila. "Anyone inside the vault?" he asked her.

"Not inside," Raeila said, "but directly outside, which means there's probably motion sensors or something within. Be careful, Zion."

Zion sighed as he frowned. "I always am..." he said in a whisper as he thought about it. He could recall from the blueprints and specs of the vault that it had a floor with sensors to touch, a room temperature that triggered an alarm if raised by two degrees, and sound sensors that would set off the alarm as well. There were also some cameras that were detached from the main computer, meaning he couldn't control those at all, although Raeila could see what they transmitted.

He took a small optical cord and slid it through the gradings to check it out. There was a total of four cameras in each corner that he could see, and the main target was right in the center of the room. He took four small metallic devices that seemed oval in shape and pressed a small button on top of each. Various small legs sprouted from the small metallic shapes, making them look like tiny robotic spiders and moved about.

They went into the room, climbing the walls and each going in a different direction, setting themselves on top of the cameras and attaching themselves to it by sticking their legs in the battery units. This should close them down. Zion then touched his headset. "Can you still see the room inside?" Zion asked her.

Raeila downloaded the images being transmitted to the computer via the link-up established by the small arachnid droids. After a moment she smiled. "I'm getting some good images here, Zion. I'd say it's all clear. I'll keep an eye on the guards as well to give you a heads up in case."

"Ok then..." he whispered as he fumbled around in his backpack for the last of his tricks. He had planned this for a while and had time to think it all through thoroughly. He took what seemed like a small robot with big wheels that had a grappling hook and a command of some sort, and a large metallic rope.

Zion then took his time to silently open the grate and took a glance at the room. Sound, temperature and the floor was all he had to be careful with now...

He attached the rope to the small bot and tied the other end to himself, then activated the robot and placed it on the wall, just outside the open grate. The robot seemed to stand as if glued to the walls and Zion drove it slowly across the wall and up into the ceiling, stopping right on top of the target.

He then secured the other end of the metallic rope on the conduits and zip-lined himself with an automatic mechanism for that purpose. In no time he was safely transported across the room, dangling from the ceiling right on top of the target.

Zion breathed deeply but slowly, so as not to make sound and studied the target. There was a small device, a portable computer unit with holographic blueprints to whatever it was that it contained, probably with a triggered alarm in case anyone touched it. Zion turned on his infrared vision and glanced at it. He could see no alarms, so he picked it up and came back down to the conduit, retrieving his gear and closing the grate behind him.

Touching the small hologram, he gasped. He could see why it was so important and kept it in his pocket. He touched his earpiece to speak to Raeila. "I have what I came for and I'm moving out..." he told her as he made his way back. He was almost at the exit when the alarm went off.

He could hear the guards going into the vault room and even saw some more pass by as he watched them from behind the panel door. Once they were inside he popped out and closed them inside. "Raeila, I need an escape route, fast!" he told her.

Raeila's fingers flew across the key console, but she gathered nothing new from the schematics. "Uh... I don't see anything! I...I'm looking, but--" Raeila looked up pleadingly at Kael. "I don't know what to do!" she whispered.

Kael studied the board. "South," he said suddenly. "Head to the south. There is a door there that leads to a utility shaft. If you have some means to make a descent, that will take you within fifteen meters of a door, and currently the door has no guards near it."

Without time to question Kael's words or even thank him for the info, Zion made his way. Behind him he was able to hear the footsteps of the guards as well as the banging on the doors he had shut. He got to the utility shaft and had just opened it when he heard a guard approach and open the door.

"Oh shit!" Zion exclaimed as he threw himself into the shaft and shot the ascending gun to keep him from making a much too big of a fall. He was able to get down, although he knew that he was still far from his pursuers. He knew the way on the floor he was in, so he didn't even bother to ask the way out!

Making his way, Zion was almost free from the building by using the same entrance he had used to get in. He was but a corridor away when he heard a click just as he turned the curve. There was a huge humanoid of some kind, who seemed to be chief of the guards, pointing a blaster at him.

"You ain't going nowhere says I!" he grunted.

Zion gasped. There was no way out, so he stood still. He was taller than the humanoid, although he didn't think he would be tougher or stronger even.

"You the one who got into the vault and stole the plans?" the grunt asked with a grin.

"What vault?" Zion asked, trying to buy some time as he thought about what he could do...

"Very funny... Perhaps I'll shoot you and search your dead corpse!" the grunt threatened as he grinned even wider and tightened his grip on the blaster. It was obvious he was into killing for the pleasure of it...

"But then you'd miss the opportunity to learn how I got in..." Zion smiled, as he thought about it and tried to see a way out of that situation. "Besides, you might hit the plans if you shoot me!"

"Wrong answer!" the humanoid said.

Kael and Raeila were able to hear everything that was going on, including the guard's guttural orders. The young Jedi turned to Raeila and gaped. She was staring back at him, and he knew what he was seeing in her eyes, and he knew he would regret it.

"Oh gods..." she whispered. "Kael...we can't abandon him. They'll kill him!"

Kael nodded. "I-- I'll go to him," he said. "You stay here though. I don't want you getting hurt in this, Raeila. Just...just stay here, and guide me in."

Raeila sprang up from her seat and embraced Kael tightly. "Oh gods, be careful. I love you, arozeil."

Kael wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. "I'll be right back," he said. "The Force is with me, and I'll bring Zion back safe and sound."

"And yourself too," she reminded him. "Go on. I'll watch out for you."

Kael blew Raeila a kiss and then rushed from their hotel room. His cloak was fluttering about him as he raced out of the building and across the street. With a gesture, the door flung open before him, and he charged inside. He'd put on a headset that was linked to the comm station that Raeila sat at, and would allow him to talk to her. "I'm in," he said. "Which direction to Zion?"

"To the right," she told him. "I don't think it's safe to follow the same route he did. I'm going to try and bring you into a position to outflank them."

Kael's lightsaber was in his hand, but he kept the blade shut down. He followed along the directions Raeila was giving him as he hurried toward where Zion was. They were moving him, probably back to an area where they could question him. Though, Kael had an advantage: the Force. "I can sense them ahead," he said. "I don't have much time."

"No," Raeila agreed, "you don't. More guards have just shown up and they're hauling him away. Kael...I don't know if you can take them all on."

"I'll be careful," Kael answered. "I have to get him out of there, Rae. I can't let them take him away. I'm going in. As soon as we're coming out, be ready to leave. We'll have to make for the ship and get out of here as quickly as possible."

"Oh gods... Be safe, Kael. Just be safe."

Kael sped along the long hallway that followed the path Zion had been taken down. A sudden warning through the Force stopped him in his tracks when he reached a corner. He ducked lower and hazarded a glance around the corner, spotting Zion on five guards. One of them had driven a fist into Zion's jaw and the others had their blasters trained on him. "Five against one," he murmured. "Time to even it up."

Summoning the Force within himself, Kael leapt around the corner, igniting his lightsaber as he did. The guards were surprised completely, nearly causing one of them to discharge his weapon. They recovered quicker than Kael had anticipated, but he was ready. As their blasters started firing a calmness settled around him. It was a void without emotion or thought, just the purest guidance of the Force. His blade arced and slashed, intercepting each of the blaster bolts fired in his direction.

Had Kael been consciously thinking about his situation, he would have been surprised at how fluid and precise his movements were, about how in tune with the Force he was. As he parried the shots one handed, he reached out and seized the bag Zion had been carrying. He tugged it free, and tossed it toward the slicer who was suddenly backing away, though being careful not to get himself shot.

Kael started forward, putting Zion behind him as he did. "To the door," he called as he formed a lightsaber-wielding body shield. "I'm right behind you."

Once he could feel Zion retreating, Kael started backing out after him. He sent a perfectly placed blaster bolt scorching back between the feet of one of the guards, reminding the man of his imminent mortality. They were hesitant now, uncertain whether to pursue the youth with the lightsaber or to call for backup.

Kael solved their dilemma by stepping around the corner after Zion. He found the slicer there, waiting. "Go!"

They both ran for the door at the end of the hallway, the sound of heavy boots following behind. Blaster rifles began singing once more. Surprising himself, Kael reached his arm behind them and deflected two of the blasts that would have hit him.

Zion was through the door, and Kael just behind him. A lightsaber driven into the controls brought the pressurized blast door crashing down into place, luckily just as bolts of iridescent energy shattered themselves against it on the other side.

"Out!" Herding Zion along with him, Kael made for the door. "Raeila, we're coming out to you! Be ready!"

"I'll be waiting for you outside!" Raeila severed the computer's link to keep anyone from tracing her location, then moved to pack up all the equipment in a hurry. She kept the comm line open and told Kael she was on her way down, then bounded out of the room.

"We're just getting to the front doors," Kael said. "Stay close to the building when you get outside. We've got people pursuing, but a blast door slowed them down." As he reached the front door, with a deft motion of his hand, it opened. "We're outside!"

"Almost there," Raeila told him, thundering down the stairs.

The equipment hanging in cases from her shoulders, and the rest hugged to her chest, made the trek arduous, but there was no time for caution now.

"I'll be out in two seconds!"

Raeila leapt off the second last step, her left foot catching on one of the low-hanging equipment cases and throwing off her balance. She came crashing down hard and skidded on her stomach across the floor. The equipment slid in all directions, making quite the ruckus. Raeila groaned, but made no effort to move just yet.

"Raeila?" Kael called into the comm. "Raeila what happened?"

"Nothing," she managed, trying to push herself onto her knees. "I fell. I-I'm gonna gather everything again and I'll be right out."

"We're heading in that direction," Kael said quickly. "If you can't grab everything, leave it. You're more important than any gadgets!"

"I-I can do it! I don't wanna leave anything behind that can be traced back to us!"

Raeila scrambled to find and retrieve everything that had fallen, whether they'd been broken in the accident or not. Her fingerprints and DNA signature were all over everything she'd touched. Zion had warned her that that sort of thing could be detected, but Rae wasn't going to let that happen. Fighting against the soreness in her ankle and the stinging scrapes on her knees and elbows, Raeila worked frantically to find everything. Items spilled out of her crowded arms and she bent to pick them up again, only to see something else fall. "Kael! I can't hang on to everything!"

"Almost there," Kael called. He sprinted forward, keeping one part of his mind on Zion trudging along behind him. He charged through the door and saw Raeila across the way, scrambling to pick up everything. His lightsaber disappeared to his belt. "Here," he rasped as he started gathering the equipment with her.

"I'm sorry," she said tearfully. "There was just too much. Oh gods, I'm sorry, Kael!"

"It's alright," Kael said. "We still have time. We're still alright." He'd removed his cloak, and had managed to bundle a fair amount of the equipment into that. He glanced around and, once satisfied that they had everything, held his hand out to Raeila. "Let's go home, my love."

Raeila nodded hastily and slapped her hand into Kael's before the two sprinted for the door. Outside, Zion was waiting for them, and up ahead, their pursuers were spilling out of the building. "Oh gods! What are we gonna do?"

"Run as fast as possible," Kael said. He thrust his cloak, still filled with the equipment, into Zion's hands. "Go! I've got our backs!"

Raeila hesitated. "But, Kael--"

"Go," Kael urged. "I've got a lightsaber to stop whatever's coming in. Just go!" Blaster fire started up across the street, and Kael's blade was out in a heartbeat. His movements as the crimson bolts came in seemed effortless, slashing and parrying, and driving each of the deadly blasts harmlessly into the permacrete surface. He continued backing away, moving as quickly as he could while defending his wife and Zion.

Raeila watched in an astonishment that overshadowed her fear, but at Zion's nudge, she tore her gaze from Kael's inhumanly fast movements and started down the street.

"Zion," Kael called back, "call the ship in! We'll never make i