"To Be Or Not To Be: Part 1"
By Gideon Kherris, Master Jedi
and Jeron Kes-Allia, Jedi Padawan

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 16th, 5ABY

***

Gideon found the young man outside the Temple. Laedra had asked that he speak with the newcomer, test his apparent Force capabilities and judge his character for consideration in training to become a Jedi.

Gideon was more than happy to oblige, and he knew that this was as much a test for himself, as it was for the young man named Jeron. Were he to be accepted in the Temple among its current Masters, he knew that they would of course want to gauge his abilities and insights of such responsibilities befitting a Jedi of his experience and rank.

Gideon could feel the Force from the young man, he certainly had the potential when it came to that aspect. From what Laedra had told him of the young, Kael had found him in the desert, some unruly place known as Thanatos. Apparently he had been raised by Tuskens, and for so many years of his life he wasn't even aware that he was Human. Gideon found the little he knew of Jeron's past to be intriguing, and wondered if there might be some family relation to Master A'Sharrad Hett, from before the Purge. so far as Gideon knew, the Tusken Jedi had perished with so many others- but the Force always worked in mysterious ways.

After several thoughtful moments Gideon introduced himself, "You must be Jeron," he greeted with a welcoming smile and a short bow. "I am Master Gideon Kherris. I understand that you are not only knew to the Temple, but to Tae'Karada as well?"

Jeron gave Gideon a nod of the head. "Indeed, Master Gideon. I had never left Tatooine before," Jeron confirmed. "But when I decided to leave, I was able to purchase a ride aboard a freighter. It stopped here...well, actually in a place far from here, called Thanatos, where I met Kael Selrid. He was the one who told me of the Jedi and who brought me here. But since you knew my name, I will assume that you already knew this as well."

"Indeed," Gideon replied. "Master Laedra Vorrel has told me about you. I am new to this world myself, and these Jedi, though I have trained in the Force all my life. I have dedicated myself to the life of a Jedi. I understand that you are interested in learning the ways of the Force. I can sense the Force about you Jeron, it is a rare and special gift that you possess. The Force can offer a person great power and wisdom, but with that comes an awesome responsibility. One not to be taken lightly nor for the wrong reasons," Gideon explained. "What reasons have brought you to the path that may lay before you Jeron?" Gideon finished as he motioned for Jeron to walk by his side about the Temple grounds.

Jeron walked with Master Gideon as he thought about his question. Was this already the trial that he was supposed to endure? Ultimately he decided that there was no true reason not to be authentic. Besides, he wasn't sure what the right answers would be, and whether they even existed at all.

"Well, for me it is complicated..." he admitted. "I grew up thinking I was a Tusken, like all Tuskens in my tribe. Since showing body parts is forbidden, except when in private with a mate, I never even thought I was different from them. But humans and Tuskens are not compatible by nature. A human cannot mate with a Tusken. And, perhaps for that reason, I was never paired with another. When I discovered that I was not Tusken, which was only recently, I decided that I had no place there anymore. And although I will always be part Tusken, I knew that I had to find my true path, as a human," he said.

"But then, I knew nothing of where to go, and I disliked Tatooine's human settlements. So, I decided to leave and ended up here... I am not sure why I crossed paths with Kael Selrid, and whether that was by mere chance, but when I came here, I knew that this was right. There were no reasons... It was more a gut feeling," Jeron explained.

"Very true," Gideon replied. "I will tell you it was no mere chance you found yourself here, or to cross paths with Jedi Selrid. It was the will of the Force. Often we Jedi are led by *gut feelings*," Gideon explained. "It is the call of the Force that helps direct us and gives us our insight and much more. I too was led here to Tae'Karada for reasons I could not put into words. The Force guided me here for reasons that are still unfolding and for reasons I am sure that have yet to reveal themselves. In a galaxy with very few Jedi, to be reunited with a close friend, to be in the company of fellow Jedi...and now to meet you Jeron. The Force works in many ways, and even for the most accomplished of Jedi, our path is one of constant learning. Even a Master Jedi is still a student in the ways of the Force. I can understand your desire to learn more about being *Human*, and I can emphasis with your recent discovery. For the Jedi, it matters not if you are Human, a Tusken, a Wookiee, a man or woman. We are all brothers and sisters in the Force. We are dedicated to knowledge and the selfless service to fellow beings, for the pursuit of justice and peace. To follow in the ways of the Force and become a Jedi offers many great rewards, but it also consists of many sacrifices Jeron. The Jedi live to serve for the good of all, even at the cost of our own personal desires and even our own life. Were you to become a Jedi Jeron, you must be prepared to give yourself completely. It may be very well that you never see the sands of Tatooine again, it could be that you never live among your Tusken brethren again. Would you be open to such a thing greater than the self Jeron?"

Jeron considered the words. Never seeing Tatooine again, or his Tusken brethren. Never was indeed a strong word and almost made him wonder how strong it would be... But something within made him feel like he knew this was right, that coming here and finding the Jedi was something that he was indeed destined to do. Perhaps his father had died so that Jeron would leave the desert and find this path. Perhaps there were many things behind his coming here. But all in all, the Temple seemed to ooze a feeling of righteousness into Jeron.

"I am open to giving my true self and do my very best to learn what you have to teach, Master Gideon," he answered. "I'm not sure that I understand what the Force is, or if I ever will understand it, and right now I seem to have more questions than answers. But I am sure that this is what I want to do, the path I want to seek, no matter how hard or harsh it may be. At least this is what I can feel is right..." he explained. "But perhaps you can explain what the Jedi are, though I have asked Kael before."

The two walked in thoughtful silence for a moment; Gideon considering Jeron's words and using the Force to aid in his insight as for the young mans true intentions and goodness of spirit. The future was always in motion with multiple paths, but Gideon felt nothing that would otherwise warn him against a possible future of Jedihood for Jeron.

"The future is always in motion Jeron. Yesterday you thought yourself a Tusken, destined to live out your life as such. Today you find you are Human, far from home and the life you have always known. When you last awoke on Tatooine you had not the first idea where you would be standing now; with the possibilities that lie before you," Gideon finally said. "True the life and demands of a Jedi can be difficult, but in time you will find that the rewards are fruitful. Learning to better yourself, to serve those in need just because it is right and not for personal gain of power and riches...That is what it is to be a Jedi. We seek knowledge for wisdom, to be better people and better Jedi, and to better serve and protect the innocent. As a Jedi one can learn many great things to help fellow beings. Throughout history the Jedi have been called upon to act as ambassadors of peace to end and avert wars, Jedi have helped to heal the sick, offered their insights from the Force to help guide future generations, and of course the Jedi have been known as skilled warriors- but only when peace has failed," he explained.

"As a Padawan Jeron, you will learn many things, and you will have many questions. As I said before, even a Master Jedi still seeks to learn in the ways of the Force. In time you would find your own place among the Jedi, your own path of service. A Jedi gains their knowledge and skills through the Force, it is the Force that gives us such powers and insights," Gideon continued as he waved his hand from his chest to Jeron, and to the environment about them. "The Force is just that, a living force of energy created by all living things. When you learn to be at peace you will hear the Force calling to you, feel its pull as it guides you. The Force is all around us Jeron, within us and binding us. You will come to learn that all things are relative, intertwined and connected with great and vast purpose in the universe."

Using the Force, Gideon picked up a sizeable chunk of rock that laid alongside there path. With but an outstretched hand he commanded the rock to levitate up and down, turning over on its axis, and then down to the earth again.

Jeron was amazed by the ease with which Master Gideon had lifted the sizeable rock. And though the Jedi Master hadn't physically touched the rock, Jeron could tell that it had moved through some form of invisible connection that the Jedi had with it. And all of the sudden it became that much easier to understand what the Force was...or at least part of what it was and what it was capable of. Still, Jeron decided to keep his amazement to himself and listen to the Jedi Master.

"A Jedi need only to think about what needs done, and through his connection, understanding, and relationship within the Force, he can accomplish such things," he added as he then levitated himself and Jeron from the ground.

The two men floated on thin air, higher and higher as they rose up among the branches of the forest. At the very top the two came to stand upon a thick limb that overlooked the forest and the bustling city far beyond. He sat down and motioned for Jeron to do the same.

"I can teach you many skills Jeron," Gideon told the bewildered man. "I can teach you to be a better man, and to become a Jedi. However, only you can choose the Jedi you could become. We are always our own worst enemy. With such knowledge and skills there are those who would use the Force for their own self gain, thinking themselves so far above all else," he said as he pointed out to the world beneath their feet. "A Jedi's truest strength is in their character, using all the Force has to offer to help those of need- not to overpower them."

Gideon looked Jeron in the eyes, "The choice is always yours." He stood and said, "The choice and path is yours alone to make. Motioning for the man to stand, offering a hand. "Now close your eyes Jeron. Close them and calm your thoughts."

Gideon stepped off from the limb and nimbly touched back to solid ground, many meters below Jeron who still stood at the treetop.

*You must trust yourself Jeron,~ Gideon said through the Force, projection his thoughts to Jeron just as if he were speaking to him upon the limb. ~Trust your feelings, be at peace, and take your first step.~

Still seated atop the tree, overlooking the magnificent landscape of forest, with the city of the far edge, Jeron closed his eyes and thought on the words. A life of learning, a life of helping those who needed help, a life of peacekeeping. And all not for personal gain or for a quest for power, but to better one's self and creating a better future. This was truly a valiant and very noble cause, although not without its obvious dangers. It could very well be the grandest test that Jeron had performed.

And then came the words to him that he should calm down. Calm his thoughts. He listened all around him. He could hear small animals that surely lived in the forest, amidst the trees, and the gusts of wind howling as it passed through the branches and whistled, so very different from Tatooine's lifeless dunes of sand. Jeron breathed hard and tried not to think, to simply erase any thoughts. But there was so much on his mind that for a moment he thought it would be impossible to calm down. But then came the thoughts of concentrating himself, even from when he was a Tusken warrior.

Relaxing himself, Jeron concentrated and breathed deeply, drawing a deep breath. He repeated the actions, and slowly started to shed the mental burdens that he had. First, the sounds that surrounded him started to blend into a mix that sounded more like many whispers all at once, and then they started to fade out. He pictured it almost like a sand dune that was blown away into nothing... And then came blankness and he finally felt relaxed and drawn in.

It was then that he started to see something, even though he had not opened his eyes. It felt like a stream of weightless water that seemed to pour from the obstacles that surrounded him. It came from the boulders and trees, from the ground and from the plants, and even from Master Gideon. At first Jeron could not see it, and for a moment he even lost its sound. But as he kept breathing deep and relaxing, the image came to him, a stream of white light. It was soothing and the most beautiful thing that Jeron had seen.

*When at peace does the Jedi gain knowledge, and from knowledge the Jedi gain strength,~ Gideon said to the young man as he projected himself through the Force. He could feel Jeron's presence, even greater as the young man attuned himself to the Force. Gideon was impressed with the *Tusken's* potential. He found Jeron to be something rather unique, and already he had decided that he wanted to take charge of the young mans training.

"A Jedi must be ready for anything at all times," Gideon proclaimed with his own voice as he *threw* an open fist up into the treetops. A forceful, yet hardly harmful, force of energy smacked unto Jeron- suddenly removing him from his peaceful perch.

"Even when at peace," Gideon continued as he watched Jeron tumble from the upper limbs. "A Jedi must be aware of their surroundings and the possible intentions of even those who would seem to be a friend," he said with a grin as he placed his arms into the folds of his Jedi robes and watched to see how the brave and skilled Tusken warrior would resolve his current plight.

Jeron had been caught by surprise. He hadn't expected an attack and didn't foresee one by anyone, let alone the wind. He knew that, such as the rock before, it had been Gideon's doing. Never having been before in such a situation, and never even knowing how trees would react and what could be used in a forest, Jeron had no chance but to completely rely on his instincts. His concentration had been broken and his attunement to the light flow had been severed, and now with his eyes open he saw the branches and leaves as he passed by them in a rolling tumble.

Reaching out, he grabbed onto a thin branch. It wasn't strong enough to hold his weight, and thus bent towards the trunk. Jeron kicked the tree, jumping backwards. He placed his hands on a thicker branch and swung himself into a controlled vertical drop down to the ground. Due to the still somewhat large height from which he was jumping down, Jeron rolled over as soon as he hit the ground, in order to break the fall. He was lucky that the leaves covered the ground and helped to soften his landing some.

Getting up in a flash, Jeron turned to face Master Gideon. Although he had heard the lesson words, he wasn't sure that he could trust the Jedi not to try another attempt to attack him. With his hands raised in a defensive stance, Jeron squinted his eyes a little. He wasn't sure what he could do against a man who could throw a punch over thin air, but if fighting was the case, then he wasn't going down easily.

"What's next? We fight? Would you take on an unarmed man with your abilities?" Jeron asked. "I thought the idea was to use your powers to help others, and not for personal gain."

Gideon was impressed with Jeron's natural skills. He knew that in time and with training, those skills would benefit him when enhanced with the Force.

"What have I gained Jeron?" the Master asked calmly, not at all taken back by the young man's words or questioning of Gideon's motives. It wasn't lost upon him that Jeron was but a child to the world of the Jedi, the Force, and of *human-nature*. Gideon liked that about him, he saw it a strength to be built upon, not a weakness.

Still standing with his arms in the folds of his robes he said: "Are you so unarmed because you do not have a weapon in hand?" he asked rhetorically. "In selfless service you will be caught high in the branches with hard decisions to make. As always the choice is yours; to fall like a rock, or land as a leaf in the wind. There will be times in your life when friends become enemies and enemies become friends. You will come to crossroads that will make you choose between right for the wrong reasons or wrong for the right reasons. Does the good of one outweigh the many? Or is the whole greater than that of but one of its parts?" he said as he turned and walked away. "Yesterdays questions are today's answers are tomorrows questions."

After a few meters he stopped and said over his shoulder, "Things are not always as they appear Jeron. Sometimes you have to close your eyes to see what is right in front of you," he concluded as he continued to walk away from the young man, leaving Jeron alone with his thoughts for a time.

Seeing no immediate danger of another assault, Jeron let his arms down as he watched the Jedi Master leave. He repeated the last words Gideon spoke in his mind and silently repeated them to himself. He could certainly relate to the fact that being in a high position was difficult when it came to choices, and that certain decisions were hard to make. There was always the good of the whole that could go against good of a single person...

Even for the Tuskens, they had a saying for that... *Anyone with two hands can hold a gaderffi*. But there were always those who became injured, and sometimes rendered incapable of holding a gaderffi for the remainder of their lives. For a Tusken warrior there was nothing more honourable than for a warrior to end his own life because he was injured beyond being capable of recuperating. And being nomads, the injured would slow down the tribe.

Jeron knew that things life these were hard choices, and now he saw that they were constant not only in Tusken ways. Perhaps this was what Master Gideon had meant for Jeron to find out. That perhaps Tusken concerns were not so different from basic human ones. That he had been closer to being human more than he knew so far. And that, despite the obvious differences, not all first impressions were the right ones. Though sometimes they could be.

Not entirely sure and still with questions left unanswered, Jeron decided to go seek the Jedi Master.

---

"To Be Or Not To Be: Part 2"
by Gideon Kherris, Master Jedi
and Jeron Kes-Allia, Jedi Padawan

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 16th, 5ABY

***

Jeron found his way back to the Jedi Temple, after having been left alone to consider what he had learned and what lied ahead. While he was not sure that he had figured out what he was supposed to learn, he did know that he had learned new things. And perhaps that was something to begin with. Jeron felt inspired and eager to learn, something that he had not felt for a long time, from when he was first taught how to survive in the desert.

But this was very different. The lush green forests, the howling wind, the small animals that made noises... These were all things that were new to him, and he was amazed by them. They made him wonder if the Jedi, or anyone for that matter, were as amazed by the wonders of nature as he was. And even though he was stunned by the colours and sounds and variety of plants and life that now surrounded him, they made him feel calm and exited at the same time.

Finally, Jeron reached the stone structure that was now home to the Jedi. A stunning old construction, that was only enriched by the area that surrounded it. In the path that laid up to the entrance was the Jedi Master Gideon Kherris. Jeron walked up to him and bowed his head.

"Master Kherris... I take it you were waiting for me," Jeron stated.

Gideon felt the young mans presence before he came into view or spoke. He thought that Jeron had a unique aura about him, something akin to that of a child; in respect to his infancy in the Force and his lacking understanding of human-nature, as well as Jeron's curiosity to learn and grow. "Perhaps," Gideon said thoughtfully. "Let us go inside Jeron," he said and entered the temple.

Gideon didn't know much about the temple, but he remembered with ease the path to one of the training rooms that Laedra had led him to. He had decided that he had learned enough from Jeron with the previous mind games, and it was then time to test some other skills that would be relevant to a Padawan's training.

Entering into the room, the two were alone. Gideon procured a pair of training sabers and remotes from storage. One saber he tossed to Jeron: "This is not the real thing, but it will give you a good feel for the weapon of a Jedi. It is called a lightsaber," Gideon explained as he ignited his own training blade. The blade snapped to life with bright azure blue energy.

"A lightsaber can negotiate through just about any substance, save that of another blade. To those without proper training and atonement to the Force the holder can easily cut off his own head. These blades are designed to not do so, and will leave no permanent or fatal damage," he said as he nodded to Jeron to ignite and test his blade.

The hilt of the lightsaber seemed somewhat light. Jeron tightened his grip around it while looking at Master Kherris' blade. It was the same type of weapon that Kael had, and the same type of weapon that he knew from the Tusken tales of old, though one was good and the other bad. Overall, Jeron decided that it was not the weapon that was good or bad, but rather the person who held the weapon. And that was true for any weapon.

Now trying to concentrate he ignited his training saber. Snap-hiss, the blade came to life, the same azure blue as its counterpart. Jeron was caught confused that all of the weapon's weight was in the hilt, as the blade itself was virtually weightless. It was so very different from any other solid blade weapon, that it became easy to understand why it was so hard to adapt to. At first, Gideon's words on the true weapon's holder being liable to sever off his own head, unless he had proper training, made it seem that other pupils were clumsy. But now he understood it better.

Jeron tried to get a better feeling of the training saber, spinning it in a circle. He then pointed the tip of the blade downwards and looked back at Gideon. "And now, Master?"

Gideon held out a dark piece of cloth, "A common exercise for students is to be blind folded. The eyes can deceive or you may loose the use or reliability of your sight," he said as he proceeded to wrap the cloth around Jeron's head, covering his eyes. Satisfied the young man could not see through the cloth he said: "I am activating a remote. It will shoot harmless energy darts at you. It may sting a bit, but I assure you that it is harmless. You must rely on your senses Jeron. Listen to the world around you, smell, taste, feel if you cannot see. Open your mind to the Force. A Jedi gains their reflexes by seeing and sensing into the future, if only as a little as a few seconds. Sometimes a few seconds are more important than an entire lifetime. Try to anticipate the attack, let your instincts help to guide your hand," he instructed as he activated the remote.

The small metallic globe whirred to life. Its tiny repulsors kept it afloat as it fluttered about the training room. A small optical scanner chose its target, Jeron, and fired a small dart of energy.

Gideon could sense the young mans feelings. It was always unsettling for a student to be blinded, and to be shocked from out of nowhere. However, it was a good tool. "Do not allow yourself to become discouraged, nor distracted by being shot. At all times a Jedi must keep focused, even under anxiety and pain. You will learn."

Jeron felt the numbness of the shot. It was, as Master Gideon had mentioned, harmless in a broad sense, but left a surge of numbness that followed the sting when it struck. Jeron tried to rely on his other senses. He heard the remote at it moved about, and since there were no other sounds about, it was easier to hear the sound and where it came from. Keeping his training saber up, Jeron tried to position himself as best as he could.

Another shot was fired and struck Jeron, this time on his hip. He flinched to the side and gritted his teeth. It wasn't easy to sense things when he was being shot at. Do not be distracted. Focus, concentrate... Jeron told himself as he sighted. He remembered his past training as a Tusken, the harshness of the desert and its dangers. A krayt dragon could come out of nowhere and make a surprise attack. As a hunter, Jeron had been taught to always pay attention to his surroundings, to the shifting of the dunes and the sounds of moving sands. And then there was that feeling from before, when Master Kherris showed him how to focus, how to feel the Force.

He heard the remote moving, but kept on emptying his mind of his surroundings, of his stress, of the numbness he got from the shots he took. And then there was that silence, that same stream of light that surrounded him. And at that point he didn't need to see to know what surrounded him. It was as if he could feel Master Gideon there, and even the remote, even if it was different.

Jeron's body moved, as if commanded by pure instinct, without him having to think to act on what to do or where to move. He brought his training lightsaber upwards in a crossed movement just a split second before the training remote shot. Only this time the shot was met by the blade and deflected. The drone moved to the side and fired two more shots, but once again both were met by Jeron's blade, as his body moved to counter, taking a step to the side for a better stance. The drone moved about and fired again. Jeron also moved, but his blade missed and his reaction came a little too late. The shot hit him in the chest.

Taking a step back, Jeron pointed his training saber down and immediately realized that the remote had stopped. Taking his blindfold out, Jeron rubbed his chest and looked at Master Gideon Kherris. "I really could feel the remote," he stated, somewhat surprised at himself.

Gideon offered a smile of approval, "You did well and in time you will learn more. Always trust your instincts if nothing else," Gideon explained. "Stretch out with your feelings, let go of the conscious self. When you learn to be at peace, even in the middle of chaos, the Force will guide you - it is the Jedi's ally. The Force is a tool to be learned, just as is the lightsaber; but we are just as much the tool as is the lightsaber. Our relationship with the Force is an intricate balance of give and take. Remember that all that you take, you must give back and that which you give shall be received," he said thoughtfully as he swung the training saber playfully, thinking of the next test.

"There is an ancient saying among Humans, an attaché that has been reiterated time and again among all beings of the galaxy," Gideon said with a more serious tone. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely. When I told you that the Jedi are capable of great powers and knowledge, I also said that it comes with a great responsibility, Jeron. In all things of the universe there is a balance, and sometimes the lines between right and wrong are blurred. In every aspect of life there is what we call good and evil. You cannot have one with out the other. It is an intricate circle. There are people and events that follow a path of good, those of evil, those who walk the thin line. The Jedi have always dedicated themselves to the good, to protect against the evil. There are those who take what they learn and use it for evil, sometimes not intentionally, but the darker side of the Force has a seduction and an allure you must always be cautious of. When you act out in anger, fear, hate, despair, revenge...those are the path of the dark side, and it can lead you down a terrible and dark road. Your feelings and emotions serve you well, but you are always your own worse enemy. Always be mindful."

"I will do my best to learn, Master," Jeron nodded. After the last exercise he could better comprehend what the words that Master Kherris spoke, words such as power and knowledge. They were indeed truthful, though also certainly dangerous if used for personal gain. He could only scarcely grasp the seriousness that would come of using those same powers for personal gain. One would be certainly most dangerous. This made him wonder where the Jedi drew the line, for thin the line would certainly be...

---

"Unlawful Activities"
by Selena Rellik - Death Dealer

Location: Yandrosa District, New Plouton
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

The sky was barely visible for someone who walked the streets at ground level. One would sooner find out whether it was daytime or nighttime through the reflections the sun made on the metallic and mirrored buildings, than by actually seeing the blueness up above. All of it could be simply compared to Nar Shadda's better districts, even when considering the large number of alien races that seemed to live in Yandrosa. Of course, nothing could really be compared to Nar Shadda. After all, that was probably the worst planet or scum and villainy. It seemed almost nothing was legitimate there.

She had already seen Yallder, which she had first learned to be the roughest district in the large hub city. But now that she took a stroll, minding her business, though checking the city and its surroundings, she could understand why the two were not very well seen. Not as rough as Yallder, Yandrosa was still a place that many would easily dismiss for a regular stroll location. It was clear that this place had been built to provide housing for alien races. Typical of the Empire to ostracize alien races. In fact, Selena was somewhat admired that they had not sent them off planet all together... Or worse, taken them to slave camps.

Still, it had picked up on some few humans that could be seen. No doubt those who could not afford a more comfortable living. As she passed amidst the crowd, she could understand that most people were minding their own business, but some few seemed interested in other people's business. She realized that there were certain areas that seemed under the influence, or maybe even control, of a specific race group. Kind of like gangs who ran smaller areas inside the district.

This caught Selena's attention. People walking the streets seemed ok with this and paid little attention, though whether out of being accustomed to it, or by being afraid, she wasn't sure. She had stopped at a small local vendor's store when she overheard something that she was obviously not supposed to. There was a man with a comm device, and he was talking rather low. However, not enough that Selena could hear him.

"...so I can count on you then? Good. I would hate to tell the boss that you were not cooperating with us. I will see you later."

The man then grinned to himself and started to walk away. It could just be a minor infraction, like gambling. It probably was just some sort of betting system for the brutball matches that took place in the nearby Yandrosa Dome, and someone had not paid his lost bet. On the other hand, it could also be something much bigger and worth checking out.

Just for the sake of things, I better check it out... Selena told herself, as she began to follow the man.

***

A few hours later, as the night began to fall, Selena watched from up above a bridge. The man she had started to follow was a small time thug, as it seemed. He collected money from any and all those who were rather poor and unable to defend from themselves. He would promise protection from other criminals as long as they would pay up. This was a scheme that Selena knew well. Protection was an illusion, an excuse. But all those who failed to pay up would somehow get hit by some criminal. And as much as Selena would love to get to this thug, she knew that he was only one in a sure network of thugs working for someone. Someone bigger.

Now, as this thug's day seemed to come to an end, with his satchel quite full of dirty money, he made his way to a small building. She could see that there were others there too, just like the man she had followed. Their satchels were also full of money, which meant that this must be some sort of HQ for them. She followed them up and positioned herself in a taller adjacent building. She took out her electrobinoculars and watched as all seemed to deliver their goods to a bulky looking character who sat across a desk. Their boss, no doubt.

She waited and watched as they all delivered the money and left. When the man was alone, she jumped through to the building across and positioned herself in the ceiling above the boss' office. Selena then took out her blaster and started to fire towards the ground, hitting and shooting clear through the ceiling and into the office. Moving in a circle around herself, she opened a hole around her, falling into the office.

"What the...!" the boss began to explain. But Selena already had her blaster pointed at his face.

"So, you're the big cat around here. Stealing money from the poor who can't protect themselves," she interrupted him. "I should shoot you where you stand. Tell me, what does it feel like? Not being able to stand for yourself..."

"You have no idea who you're dealing with, you bitch! You're dead already!" the boss answered.

"Really? Enlighten me... Why should I not turn you over to the local authorities?" she asked.

"Because I am local authorities! Tae'Morad... I'm untouchable. Harm me and every single Tae'Morad will be on the lookout for you. That's why nobody can do anything against me, and that's why I run these streets. You're the first one to be stupid enough to try, and you're not even on my payroll. So, I guess I should be asking you, what do you think about being up against a Captain of the local authorities?"

"Nothing worse than a corrupt man like yourself... You swore to protect the people and yet you're a menace to them," she said.

"And what the fuck are you going to do about it?" the Tae'Morad Captain asked, a grin in his face.

"Kill you..." she said as she pulled the trigger. She killed the Captain and then sighted. "I guess if I'm going to have all the Tae'Morad on the lookout I might as well kill this one before he can do any worse. And I have better chances if there are no witnesses left anyway," she spoke aloud, as if telling the dead man who sat across the desk. She then pulled herself up through the ceiling again. It was her best escape route.

She was long gone before the authorities did get to the location.

---

"The Final Test"
By Gideon Kherris, Jedi Master
Jeron Kes-Aliia, Padawan

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 16th, 5 ABY

***

Gideon and Jeron walked to the lake, partaking upon friendly small talk as they unwound from the grueling tests of the day. Gideon thought it good to give the young man a brief respite from the tests with a nice evening stroll, and to just talk as two new friends. It was important for a master and a student to form such a bond, their relationship was to transcend that of just the teacher and the student. The Jedi were, after all, a brotherhood that few outside their ranks could ever truly understand. As usual though, Gideon had other motives. There was just one test left for Jeron, a test that could dominate his future as a Jedi.

Unlike many of the new generation of Jedi, Gideon was of the old order, though he was only a child. The completion of his own training was a far cry from the order of past, but like those Jedi of old he was taken in as an infant. The Jedi was all he had ever known, unlike those coming into the Force in present days; like Jeron who had grew up among the Tuskens of Tatooine all his life. Training to be a Jedi was hard work, a life's time of learning. By all normal accounts Jeron was already a grown man, Padawans of his age were nearly complete in their training, back in the day. That was the greatest concern Gideon held for Jeron - a grown man and skilled warrior he may be, but a child in the ways of the Jedi he most definitely was.

Still, Gideon thought to himself as the pair came upon the lake. He shows promise, a hunger to learn, and he is untainted by the social norms and desires of civilization.

"This spot will do nicely Jeron," Gideon said as he motioned for Jeron to sit. "We have discussed much, I know you must have many questions. In time, more answers will come as you learn and grow in the ways of the Jedi. Some questions will only be answered after years of experience. It is important to always take in as much as you can, but do not rush, let things come in time. A Jedi will spend more time in reflection than in action. Meditation; communing with the Force, is our greatest gift. Many things can you learn for yourself. You will see and sense things, things from the past, the present, the ever in motion future. In time you will learn to decipher such things. If nothing else, Jeron, when you are at peace and serve the greater good, you cannot go wrong," he explained. "Now, close your eyes and open yourself fully to the Force. Reach deep down, let the Force penetrate to the core of your being..." he instructed as he walked away, his words trailing.

With his eyes closed, Jeron took upon himself the task to once more focus and concentrate and feel the Force that surrounded him. Now, even after only having done so twice, it was easier for him to reach the initial stage of meditation. The Force surrounded everything, and that was what Jeron felt. The rocks, the trees, the lake, the small animals that surrounded them but did not dare to approach... Even himself and Gideon as living beings. And through them, and as part of them, the stream of light that Jeron had learned to be the Force, or part of it.

Jeron reached down, letting go of his present thoughts and emotions, trying only to focus on his surroundings, breathing steadily and slowly. And with each breath he felt more light of being, more at peace with himself and less worried or dazzled by the new experiences that he had just gone through. Gideon was right, he did have many questions, but at this point they were of no importance anymore. His mind became blank for a brief moment, and then he could finally see all his life before him, though as if he himself was an outsider to it.

Gideon stood within the tree line, completely enveloped in its shadows where the lunar illumination could not penetrate. He quieted his mind and opened himself to the Force. He could sense the young man's presence within the ethereal plane of the Force, he could sense Jeron's thoughts and feelings. Gideon searched deep and found what he was looking for.

The Force was indeed strong among the temple grounds, Gideon used it to help channel his thoughts to Jeron, projecting a Force Illusion within the young man's mind, feeding it from Jeron's own deepest thoughts and emotions.

There was desert...all around.

The landscape was unfamiliar to Gideon, it was not of his design, but that of Jeron's. Gideon used it for the purpose of his test, letting Jeron's thoughts and feelings guide his illusion.

There was a small village of simple huts. There were bodies and their parts strewn about the sand. The air of death was thick; charred flesh and blood, excrement, fear, anger, hatred and despair were all smothering to the mind's eye. A shadowy figure stood among the carnage. A blood red blade cast an eerie hue across the tragedy before Jeron.

Somewhat confused, Jeron looked around him. He had somehow gone through back to Tatooine and back to a Tusken encampment. He could feel the wind and see the dead bodies scattered around, pools of blood mixed with the sands and the cold night air. Butchered as no animal would have done, it became immediately obvious that there had been no mercy to what had happened to his Tusken brethren. Not even women or children had been spared.

And before him stood the one who had been responsible for it. That much Jeron knew. And a lightsaber he held, with the scarlet blade almost the same colour as the blood that was all scattered around. Was it a Jedi? Or perhaps those who Jeron had been told about. Those who were enemies of the Jedi and who had turned to what Gideon had explained to be the dark side...

No, a Jedi wouldn't do this... Would he? Jeron thought to himself, not wanting to believe it.

He didn't need to press forward for the dark figure before him to see him either. Jeron had seen first hand what the lightsaber was capable of. But even so, that did not mean that a person who wielded one would be unbeatable. On the other hand, Jeron himself did not have a lightsaber to use, not that he would know how to use one properly. Instead, he grabbed a gaderffi - a weapon he knew well - from a nearby corpse.

There was only one thing to do... Fight... And kill or be killed.

The faceless shadow converged upon Jeron as the crimson blade cut through the air, lashing out at the young man. Gideon felt Jeron's confusion, his outrage at the atrocity of the slaughter of his people, Jeron's instinct to fight. He allowed it to play out, helping to feed the illusionary vision, but not to direct it. He had to be careful to allow Jeron command of what transpired.

Jeron jumped to the side, avoiding the blood red lightsaber. He already knew what it was capable of, so he had to remain out of it's range. Even the gaderffi would be of no use if both weapons clashed. The shadow figure struck again, off to cut Jeron's head off. But Jeron rolled under the trail of red that was left by the blade and stuck his gaderffi deep into the shadow figure, stabbing him in the gut.

He watched as the dark one took a few steps back, staggering. The dark one pointed his lightsaber at Jeron, as if accusing him. Jeron grinned, thinking he had a sure win and justice over what had happened. Alas, the lightsaber flew straight out of the dark figure and into Jeron's chest, trespassing him. Jeron fell to his knees, the surge of pain coursing through his body as he looked down to see the blade and lightsaber that had struck him down. When he looked back up at the figure he could finally see it's face.

It was his own self... Jeron could see himself in the dark one he had just fought against.

Eyes wide open, confused about the whole thing, Jeron felt a dizziness. At first he thought that this was it...his own end. But then, everything around him seemed to melt and the pain was gone. When Jeron came about to his full senses, he was inside a hut. He realized that it was a regular Tusken hut, with little inside. Before him there was a human woman who had been beaten up and was quite battered and left to die. She couldn't even support her own weight anymore. Holding her was a young man, crying over her impending death. The woman whispered something loving to the young man and then died.

Jeron watched as the young man's expression went from pain over her loss to suffering and then onto pure hatred. Jeron could almost feel the rage that consumed the young man, as he got up and shot out of the tent to confront the Tuskens who had first imprisoned the human woman and left her to die. It then became clear that this was what had led to the butchering that Jeron had seen before. Only now he hadn't seen himself as the young man.

The whole image disappeared and Jeron woke up from his trance. At first he saw everything blurry, as if there was too much light. He then saw Master Kherris there, near him. Jeron got up, still somewhat confused at what he had seen. "What happened?" he asked.

Gideon stood quietly, contemplating the recent event. His participation had ended with the battle, he had not been privy to Jeron's latter vision.

"In time perhaps you can find the answers to that question, Jeron," he replied softly. "The Jedi must strive to not act on our emotions. We cannot ignore them, they are a part of us. We often exist on a thin line between right and wrong, the two can be blurred. Sometimes when we stray, we do so with the best of intentions. Take with you what was given here tonight. If the Jedi accept you, which I am confident they shall, learn from it."

Jeron considered Gideon's answer. Perhaps what he had seen was some of the things that could taint a Jedi to become their own sworn enemy , those who used the Force and the abilities that they were capable of doing for own personal gain and destruction of others. Perhaps this was what Gideon meant when he had said that a person can very well be his or her own worst enemy. Jeron did not like what he had seen, nor the idea of becoming something so vile and dark as the dark figure he had seen... himself. And that alone was enough reason for him to want to learn and want to train, so he could become the very opposite. And perhaps, in his new journey of life, he would find how to do so.

---

"Excursions"
by: Eiden (PC)
Jae Dyn Brael (PC)
Zari Zathmir (NPC+)

Location: Arcadia
Date: Selene 16, 5ABY

***

Eiden woke up with the biggest headache he'd had in his limited memory.

The alarm from his wall panel was still going off, though it was supposed to have woken him more than twenty minutes ago.

With his head pounding, Eiden flew out of bed. He went through the standard motions of getting ready for work. This hurried ritual was getting to be a daily occurrence, and Eiden could almost do it in his sleep now.

He arrived at his small shop in the port's sublevel just before the shift clock rang out. Marl, his boss, was there.

"Eiden," he said cheerfully, "good news, you can take the day off, there's nothing for you to do today." He waved his hands around at the nearly empty room. "Go ahead and enjoy the day."

"Thanks, Marl," Eiden replied, his mood picking up. "See you tomorrow."

"Seeya," Marl replied to Eiden's back.

Eiden still had a couple hundred credits in his pocket from the last few days of work, and he decided to get out and see what things were like during the day, having lived a more nocturnal life since arriving on Tae'karada.

He had just arrived on the upper docking level of the port, and was about to head out to the street when he noticed a small transport was loading not at a close by slipway. The sign over the small walkway into the transport's belly said 'Arcadia, Royal City Daily.' Deciding on a day trip he walked over and paid the small fee.

As he boarded, he noticed that most of the people going to Arcadia were well dressed and groomed, not the type to be daily commuters. He found a seat just before take off.

The trip was short, though he did feel slightly uncomfortable among the other, obviously more wealthy, passengers. The port in Arcadia was much nicer than its counterpart in New Plouton, cleanliness maintained by diligent droids, and no junk in the corridors. The streets of Arcadia were just as nice, lined with trees and shrubs, it had a natural feeling. Eiden felt a peaceful sensation washing over him, as though he felt somehow connected with the serenity of the environment.

A woman and young girl stood ahead of where he walked. Before the pair was a building with an inscription carved above the door and a plaque to its side. The woman appeared to be explaining something of significance to the girl, who was clinging to a fence that surrounded the building as if to get a closer view. Both were dressed identically in dark brown cloaks and tan pants and tunic. The girl wore no footwear, but the woman was in boots.

"I believe it was around one hundred years ago," the woman was saying. "History is a little nebulous around that period due to a number of factors dealing with various factions that wished to assume the mantle of High Prince. But, this is where the last High Prince was born."

"What about the High Princess?" the girl asked.

"We'd have to go to Bespin for that," the woman answered, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she smiled down at the girl. She looked away, and met the eye of the stranger. She gave him a courteous nod.

Eiden felt a familiar sensation as he neared them. A sort of 'buzz' at the edge of his senses. He nodded back to the woman, then turned to look at the building they were studying.

As the girl continued to study the building, the woman turned and gave him a smile. "Out seeing the sights too? I never realized there was so much to see here."

"Yeah," Eiden said, smiling at the woman, "I just got a surprise day off, so I took the daily shuttle from New Plouton to have a look around." He looked back to the old building. "What were you saying about this place?"

"Many of Tae'Karada's past high princes were born in this very house," Jae Dyn said. "They all resided within the palace, but when it was time to give birth, they returned to this house. It supposedly dates back to a time before the palace was constructed. I am Jae Dyn Brael, and this is Zari."

"My name's Eiden," he replied, still regarding the building rich with Tae'karadan history. That strange sensation still nagged at the edge of his perception, barely noticeable, but still bothersome for its lack of attainability.

"Why this place?" he asked. "Is there something special about it?"

"Mainly because it's a piece of the planet's history," Jae Dyn answered. "And, Zari was asking about the High Princess from before, so after seeing the old chambers within the palace, we decided to look around the old buildings out here. The buildings are interesting, but sometimes just wandering around looking at anything can be interesting. So, what do you do for a living, Eiden?"

Eiden cracked a sardonic smile.

"I work at the Yeldon spaceport," he said, "but I wouldn't exactly call it a 'living'."

He looked back to Jae Dyn. "How about you?"

"For the moment, teaching Zari to become a Jedi Knight, and raising my daughters," she answered. "It definitely keeps me busy. Today was a visit to the palace to meet with two of the Jedi Padawans staying there, and then off through the city to take in some of the sights."

Jedi. The word jumped out in Eiden's mind again as he silently spoke it. This was the second person in as many days who had mentioned it to him. His eyes automatically flicked down to Jae Dyn's belt line, where he noticed the same kind of cylindrical device that the girl Calyn carried with her. He felt his thoughts on this subject becoming clouded again, like they had the previous night when talking with the young girl. His demeanor obviously changed as he furrowed his brow.

"You know," he said, eyes locked on the object at her belt, "I own a device very similar to that. It's back in my quarters. It doesn't work. But, still, I can't figure for the life of me what it is." he said, his confusion showing through on his face. "I know, somehow, that it was mine. That I built it. But, I can't remember how, or why. Can you tell me anything about it?"

Jae Dyn touched the cylinder clipped to her belt. "It's a lightsaber," she said. "It's the weapon of a Jedi Knight. You said you built the one you have?"

"Yes," Eiden replied, his eyes still on the dormant lightsaber, "though my memory of it is dim at best." He looked back, meeting Jae Dyn's eye. "I have little recollection of my life before I arrived on Tae'karada. I was found aboard a derelict ship somewhere near the system. The object I spoke of was one of the few things in my possession. I was even told that I wouldn't let it go, even while I was unconscious during the trip to New Plouton." His eyes flicked again between Jae Dyn's and her lightsaber. "Does that hold any meaning?"

"It may," Jae Dyn answered. At her side, Zari was watching the two grown-ups curiously, but keeping her silence. Thankfully, Jae Dyn thought, knowing full well the girl could be a true chatterbox. "I do not know of any non-Jedi who have ever constructed a lightsaber. I would need to see yours to know if it truly is a lightsaber, or merely a replica. You said you built it? Just a feeling, or do you have another reason for saying so?"

"That's one of the only things I am certain of," Eiden said. "One of the few things I've been able to remember is me, hunched over it as I assembled it from various pieces and crystals. Someone was with me, talking with me about 'the code' as I worked. That's all I remember of it, though." He sat down on the bench right behind him, his face suddenly drawn, as though greatly fatigued with the effort of remembering. "I'd be more than happy to show it to you if that could get me any closer to understanding who I was."

"I'd be happy to help, Eiden," Jae Dyn said. "I have to admit that the mystery has piqued my own curiosity. We were about finished here, if you have time."

"Absolutely," Eiden replied, "and we won't have far to go once we get to New Plouton, I live in the spaceport's lower levels." He looked down at his timepiece. "In fact, there's a shuttle headed there in about an hour." He stood up from the bench. "Shall we?"

---

"Excursions, Part 2"
By: Eiden (PC)
Jae Dyn Brael (PC)
Zari Zathmir (NPC+)

Location: Arcadia
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

The passage from city to forest was quick, and before long at all the three were walking through the grand hallways of the Temple. Jae Dyn led them to one of the main sparring rooms within the training wings. "I'm going to give you a training blade," she was saying to Eiden. "You'll be up against a remote. If it hits you, it'll sting for a bit, but do no lasting harm. Do you need to change into more suitable attire?"

Eiden was awed by the vast, seemingly ancient structure. He couldn't help but gawk around at the massive stonework. Yet the situation was somehow familiar. Like deja vu, or a strange dream that later comes to pass, this felt... right.

When he heard Jae Dyn tell him about the exercise he was to engage in another voice crowded hers out, but spoke the same words. Eiden seemed distant for a moment as more words began to surface. He took the training saber in an absent gesture and began to whisper a repeating of the words the voice in his mind was uttering.

"There is no emotion, there is peace..."

Suddenly aware that a question had been asked, Eiden snapped back to himself.

"This is all I have to wear, honestly," he said, with some embarrassment. "But, it should be alright. I'm ready when you are," he added.

Jae Dyn nodded to Eiden as Zari climbed up onto a meditation cushion, her legs crossed beneath her.

A feeling of comfort started to settle over him. He couldn't understand it, but he didn't try to defy it either. He began to notice things. Things like the fact that the room was a square exactly ten meters by ten by ten meters. The air was cool, but not cold. The texture of the stone under his feet was very smooth, that would make footing an issue in the shoes he was wearing. All of these factors among others were suddenly cataloged and noted, and he somehow knew to keep them in mind.

He took a deep breath, and ignited the blade. The sound and the shimmering blue suddenly brought him into deep focus. He swung the blade around, getting a feel for it, unexplainably knowing about it's lack of heft or balance. Then, he sank into a low stance, saber in his left hand blade pointed horizontally to his right, right hand on his hip.

Jae Dyn held a small spherical device before her. It's surface contained evenly spaced crystals of some sort. As she tossed it into the air, it began to emit humming as it zipped around through the air around Eiden. "The remote will fire blaster bolts at you," she said. "The key is to use the blade to stop them. Get ready."

As Jae Dyn uttered the words, an orange bolt jumped from the little sphere. Eiden sprang backward, trying to get the blade between himself and the incoming projectile. His timing, however, was off, and instead of catching the small bolt with the training blade, it hit him square in the shoulder. Eiden winced and grunted, he had been told it would cause pain, but it was still rather unexpected.

The drone had apparently stopped, hovering in mid air while Eiden shook off the sting, but resumed its course once he raised his blade again. Eiden watched it carefully.

"Rely on your instincts," the voice in Eiden's mind interjected, "don't think. know."

Just then another bolt leapt from the drone. This time, Eiden was able to get his blade in front of it, though it was more luck than anything else.

"Don't concentrate. You must feel your way through."

Another bolt. This one caught him in the thigh. Pain shot through him again, but Eiden gritted through it, maintaining some composure.

"Let go."

Eiden suddenly gained a glimmer of understanding. His mind cleared, like cleaning a dirty window. Though he continued to circle with the drone, he closed his eyes, taking deep, slow breaths. He could feel the movements within the room, the subtle shifts of the people watching, the drone as it darted about, his own heartbeat as he took the saber in both hands.

Then there was a flurry of action. The drone jolted high into the air and loosed another bolt at Eiden, which he blocked with a quick move. Then another. Blocked. And another. And another. The drone fired a fifth bolt, which Eiden also countered, though this one was sent back at the drone, instead of being deflected away harmlessly. The hit caused the drone to emit an odd crackling noise just before dropping from the air, and bouncing with a hollow metallic sound on the stone floor.

"Very well done," Jae Dyn said with a nod. "I would guess that you are definitely no stranger to the handling of a lightsaber." She indicated the blast helm resting on the floor. "Go ahead and put that on. I want to see one more thing." Zari had already scrambled off her cushion and retrieved another remote from the cabinet to the side of the room. "I want to see if you're able to rely on your other senses still."

Eiden nodded as he deactivated the saber. He walked over and took the helmet, placing it on top of his head, but not fully pulling it down until he returned to the center of the room.

Behind the helmet's blast shield Eiden once again closed his eyes, and remembered the lesson...

"Let go."

He could feel his senses reaching out. He heard the drone push itself through the air with its tiny air jets, his skin registered the minute changes in pressure, giving him an idea of where it drifted to, he could even smell the ozone made by it's minute repulsorlift. He re-ignited his training blade, taking it in both hands, holding it close to his chest. He was so caught up with the enhanced sensory input that he was taken by surprise by the drone's first shot, and it lanced into his back. The pain had been enhanced along with his senses, and Eiden bent to one knee.

As the pain passed, Eiden returned to his feet, keeping the saber close. His senses reached out again, only with more focus. This time he literally felt the drone hanging in the air, behind him still. This time he felt its action, and knew it would come. His saber flashed up over his head, deflecting another bolt aimed at his back. Eiden spun, trying to deflect the next one, but again his timing was slow and the bolt instead hit him in the chest. Eiden quickly set the pain aside and deflected another bolt. Then another. Then the probe jolted to his right and fired again, catching Eiden in the right arm, eliciting a loud grunt of pain.

It was difficult to retain the calm that had aided him through the pain. His senses were becoming hazy. He spun on the probe again, deflecting another bolt, but took a follow up shot to the hip. Sweat was starting to drip from his head. The slickness was a further distraction. Another bolt, another deflection. It was growing more difficult by the second. Another bolt, this one hitting his hand as he tried to deflect it with his blade. The pain shot up his arm as he dropped the saber, it clattered on the floor as it deactivated.

Eiden stood, rubbing his hand for a moment.

Jae Dyn reached out and brought the remote to her waiting palm, deactivating it as she did. "Not bad," she said. "It appears that your body does remember how to wield the blade, but your mind doesn't remember the Force. I don't exactly know what it means, but I do think it is something more than a man who built a lightsaber and learned to fight with it."

"I felt something," Eiden replied as he took the helmet off. "Like I wasn't in total control of what I was doing, yet my body would do what I required of it, only..." he stood puzzled for a moment. "And I could almost see and understand things a split second before they happened. It was the strangest, and at the same time most comfortable thing I've felt since I can remember."

"Some of what you learned before may be coming back," Jae Dyn said. "In what you can remember, Eiden, have you meditated? We find that helps us to be closer to the Force, and when our minds are quiet, we learn more about ourselves and the world around us."

Eiden walked over to where Jae Dyn and Zari were sitting, and found a cushion of his own.

"Not that I can remember, no" he said as he sat, "but I would be very interested to learn how... again."

"Given your situation, I will need to speak with the Council," Jae Dyn said. "But, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to begin your training again."

"Thank you, Ja..." Eiden said, interrupting himself, "or is there something more formal I should be calling you?"

He was suddenly nervous at Jae Dyn's mention of a council. For an odd reason he felt uncomfortable with the idea that his fate would be decided by a 'council' of people he'd never met. Yet, he somehow knew that was to be expected.

"I guess with your possible return to training here at the Temple, Master Brael would suffice," she said. "But, I have never been one to hang on formalities, so Jae Dyn or Master Jae Dyn is fine as well."

"Will Eiden have to wear robes, Master," Zari asked as she unfolded herself from the cushion and sat on its edge.

"He will, and I imagine we should find some for you," Jae Dyn said. "We have some droids for constructing clothing. I'm sure we can get your measurements and get some prepared for you. Padawan robes are all the same, and once you've been raised to the rank of Jedi Knight, you'll have the freedom to choose your own robes. You will see some Padawans not wearing the proper robes, such as my barefoot apprentice here." Zari gave her a sheepish look and tucked her feet beneath her. "But, special considerations are made on a case-by-case basis by the Padawan's Master. Talara Sorenne was given permission by her former master to wear robes commonly worn by Twi'leks, and Master Vorrel has honored that. If you'd prefer, I can have Zari take you to be measured for your robes while I seek out the members of the Council."

Eiden nodded and stood up from his cushion. Then he turned to Zari.

"Lead the way."

---

"Back to the Butterfly"
By: Brenna Hennely - Smuggler
Marsar Tilmit - Co-pilot (NPC+)

Location: New Plouton, Yesopol and Yelldon District
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

Marsar sat up slowly sat up and looked out the window at the massive city. She yawned and looked over at the empty hospital bed next to her. "Where the heck are you Brenna," she said aloud as she got out of the hospital bed pulling a pair of slippers and a robe on as she stood up. She strolled over to one of the windows and looked out over the city. Morning had come and already the streets were crowded. "How long was I asleep?" she asked herself looking out at the passing ships and shuttles.

"For all of yesterday and till about ten this morning." Marsar whirled around to see Brenna approaching her holding a duffel bag. Brenna tossed it across the room to her and she caught it. "Here I brought you some clothes," she said. "The Doc says you're free to leave as long as you promise to take it easy for awhile." Marsar glanced at her.

"You're actually going to give me a few days off?" she asked. Brenna nodded

"How does three sound?" she asked. Marsar studied her for a few seconds. Why was Brenna all of a sudden acting so generous. Between have there ship being sabotaged and almost stolen by pirates, Brenna should look as though she had touched the Darkside.

"You sure you're ok?" Marsar asked.

Brenna nodded. "Ok I'll go change."

She let out a long sigh. "Is there something your not telling me?" Marsar asked. Brenna smiled and ushered her towards the bathroom door.

"Just change so we can leave," she insisted. Marsar let out a long sigh then walked into the changing room and looked at the clothes that Brenna picked out for her. "Is this really my stuff?" she said looking over the contents of the bag. Everything, the gray pants, the boots, the belt, her favorite Maroon and Gray hooded cloth jacket, it was all there but the red silk shirt and red and black scarf, weren't her regular attire.

"Aren't these yours?" she asked through the door. She waited a few seconds then Brenna responded.

"No they're from your stuff." Marsar stared in shock at the clothes.

"If you feel surprised join the club, so do I," Brenna replied. "Now let's get out of here." Marsar looked at the shirt and let out a long sigh. Last time she ever wore anything like this it was when she had too much to drink.

"I hope she doesn't suggest partying after this."

***

Brenna brushed her fire red hair aside and looked over Marsar. They were on board a local ferry shuttle that operated regularly between the several districts in the city. She smiled at Marsar who looked extremely nervous and worried. Brenna didn't understand why she knew that Mar was going to love her surprise. "So you're really ok?" Brenna asked.

Mar nodded still a little shaky.

"Look, Mar, I realize that once again this was my fault and I really really feel bad about it." Mar looked at her.

"No you don't," she laughed. "You're just glad you didn't get shot." Brenna stopped to think about her response.

"Maybe a little." Upon hearing that Marsar laughed and playfully hit Brenna in the shoulder.

"You little fiend you," she replied. "Always worrying about yourself and never me," she sighed then looked over at Brenna again. "So what's the next move, find another job?" she asked. Brenna shook her head.

"No we're currently under the watchful eye of the Air Patrol now, We need to wait and repair our ship," she insisted. "Think when they aren't bothering us, we take on a new job." Marsar smiled at her. "Besides I figure we could both use the rest...you more than anyone," she insisted. After a few minutes of silence the shuttle landed at it's terminal. The shuttle pilot looked back at the two and glared at them.

"Ok, Girlies, three credits....each," he hissed. Brenna backed off and looked at Marsar.

"I got no worries," she said as she paid the shuttle pilot then exited the craft. She put her right arm over Marsar's shoulders as they entered the hanger that held the Butterfly. "There she is," she said smiling at Marsar. Stealthily she removed Marsar's necklace from her jacket pocket and clipped it on. "The officials in New Plouton's air patrol sent this in, it came from one of the pirates, I believe it's yours." Marsar smiled at her and hugged Brenna.

"Hey, hey, hey, take it easy," she insisted. "I have one more surprise for you." As they got closer to the ship to the ship the ramp started to lower. "Give a little whistle," she insisted looking up the ramp. Marsar walked over to her and whistled at the base of the ramp. There was a long silence followed by a short yapping noise. Marsar's eyes went wide as she looked over towards Brenna.

"You didn't." Brenna nodded then looked back up as a four legged little creature rushed down the loading ramp right towards Marsar. "Oh look at him....he's so cute." She bent down and picked up the animal and held it close. Brenna looked at her and smiled.

"The Gand who I bought this little call from called it a SeviePup, according to him this little guy is very bright." She walked forward and scratched the little creature behind its ears and smiled at it. "Well he's to take care of," she said. "Don't make me regret this Mar I'm begging you."

Marsar nodded at her. "No if you excuse me I'm going to go on board and see what I can do to fix our turret problem ok," Brenna said. Marsar nodded to Brenna.

"Mind if I take him for a walk?" she asked.

Brenna looked at her. "He's your pet you do what you want with the little guy ok," she replied. "Just keep him on a leash ok," she said. "I don't want him getting hit." Brenna stopped for a moment then looked at him again. "What are you going to call him?"

Marsar looked at him and smiled. "Carbuncle," she said. "I always wanted to have a pet named that." The SeviePup let out a little yap of approval and she smiled. "He likes it." Brenna smiled at her and went onboard'

"You two be safe," she called out as she dropped back into the pilots seat and looked out the viewport towards Marsar and Carbuncle head away from the hanger. "Well well well time to get to work."

---

"Ante Up"
by: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
Rylaa Lyssander - Crimelord
Karia - Hunter's Assistant (NPC)
AC-18 - Protocol/Pilot Droid (NPC)
Morgal - New Dawn Operative (NPC)

Location: Remnants of Tigris III, Tigris system, Outer Rim
Date: Selene 16, 5ABY

***

An almost imperceptible tremor vibrated through everything. It vibrated through the floor plates, through the bulkhead, through the air itself. It vibrated through the tough, rubberized soles of Syan Daywalker's boots, resonating with in his bones.

The tremor belonged to the old J-Type Nubian's engines and felt almost like the pulse of ship. Aesir was alive and moving, deep in the black between stars and tearing a hole through it like she was designed to. Syan understood the 'rightness' of situations like these. That rightness extended why he had pointed Aesir in this direction and was now being hauled along to a meeting with a crime lord; who were not always the safest people to be around.

Syan wasn't afraid of this Boss; or anyone for that matter. Being called out to remote locations at the whim of unscrupulous men and women was the natural order of things. After all, Syan was a bounty hunter, up to the highest bidder, and available to hunt anyone if the price is right. Since it wasn't the time for deep thinking, he banished the thoughts and focused on the here and now. He was standing in the back of the cockpit in full hunter's garb. Black durawear clothing with protective mesh sat against his skin with armor and weapons strapped over it. Hanging over his shoulders was a heavy dewback coat lined with crimson protective mesh. Against his dark skin, the clothes transformed him in to a standing shadow, forbidding in its stillness.

In front of him, the protocol droid he'd confiscated from a client who couldn't pay was in the pilot's chair, utilizing the upgraded abilities Syan had paid to have installed. Beside the silvery droid sat a golden woman, in Aesir's co-pilot chair. Syan had rescued the ex-stripper and prostitute from an Imperial raid and she'd stuck with him ever since, serving as his hunter's assistant and lover. Since she wasn't qualified yet to pilot a ship Aesir's size, the droid flew and Karia got some experience as co-pilot. A soft beeping started at the co-pilot's console. Karia turned her chair to the auxiliary screen, studied the readings for a moment and then turned back to face the pilot. "Eighteen, we just passed the marker with the ID tag we were given. We're on course." After confirming the reading, the droid replied, "Stand by for reversion," and reached for the hyperdrive levers. Outside the cockpit window, beyond the long, gleaming prow of the ship, hyperspace swirled in a maddening kaleidoscope of colors for a few disorienting moment before the droid pushed the levers up, disengaging the vessel's hyperdrive engines. The milky swirl of color burned to black and white blades shrunk back to the lights of distant stars. Syan spoke up now from the rear of the cockpit, "Send the signal. Let's see if anyone's home."

The asteroids of the field in front of the ship lazily rotated in the microgravity around a large hunk of debris left over from a ruined planet. From deep within, someone answered their signal with a quick double beep. A set of coordinates were sent to the ship as well as an astrogation chart of the asteroid field. The chart had a timer on it set for fifteen minutes, after that, it would delete itself, leaving any ship not at its destination stranded among the asteroids.

"We've got something, Syan," Karia called, beckoning him over. Syan approached, leaning over the chair to read the particulars of the compressed databurst. After a moment, he turned to the droid and ordered her to follow the course provided.

Karia touched the hand that was still resting on her shoulder. He looked down to see her looking back up at him. "I haven't been in this as long as you have, but it feels to me that this is much more secret than usual, isn't it?"

Syan nodded. "There are some movers out here. Something big going on out here in the rim. Things aren't usually this quiet in the core."

"Maybe we should just go back," the gold-skinned woman said, looking back out the window at the monolithic rocks spinning silently ahead of the dagger-shaped ship as the droid piloted them to the rendezvous point.

"Too late now. I want to know who made me drag my ass way back out to the Rim again, and why." When Karia squeezed his hand, he added, "We'll be fine. And we need the money."

"Eighteen," he said, calling to the droid.

"Yes, Master Syan?"

"Take us to the money."

Navigating Aesir to the indicated location, the droid did just that.

The ship ran through the given course without incident, though there were several close calls. They were scanned several times as they approached the massive hunk of rock deep in the heart of the field, then they got the landing coordinates. A metal docking bay irised open, ready to accept the ship.

As soon as the doors had finished opening, Aesir's engines reignited in blue flame, goosing the ship forward through the gaping mouth of the floating rock. The ship passed through a shimmering atmosphere field, its mirrored hull glittering with coruscating light as it slid through the electrostatic wall. Suddenly inside atmosphere, Aesir's engines growled and the thunder of them rung through the bay.

At Syan's direction, Eighteen and Karia brought the ship in, choosing a paint-marked berth to land. Aesir slewed to port, vectoring the repulsors as the ship eased to the ground. Tripod landing gear perched the ship above the deck and hisses of RCS thrusters and hydraulics venting joined the whine of ship's radial engines spinning down.

Day looked out the window at the party there to meet him and then turned to head for the small lift at the back of the cockpit.

Karia spun her chair around and grabbed his arm, halting him.

"Day, take me with you. You should have backup," she reasoned.

Syan shook his head. "You aren't ready for a meeting like this yet," he said, and gave her body an assessing glance, "and you might draw attention I don't need. Stay here. Keep the ship hot."

Syan had become more acquiescent to Karia's desires, but not in all things. It was safer for him and safer for her if she stayed where she was. She apparently accepted his answer because she released his arm and determination showed in her eyes as she turned back to the console, ready to watch his back.

Behind her, Syan continued to the ship's small lift and rode it down to the lowest deck. He retrieved his sword from the locker he'd left it in by the door and sheathed it in the scabbard strapped to his back before hitting the control to lower the ramp.

A section of Aesir's reflective surface split and swung down, extending a ramp that reached the floor with a shudder. Syan walked down the ramp and stopped for a second to signal Karia to close the door behind him as he walked under his ship to meet the people who had called him.

Four members of the welcoming party wore strange looking armor and helmets that fully enclosed their heads. The fifth member was a Barabel draped in what looked like yards of shimmering black cloth. Blue-green scales reflected the dim lighting of the cavernous landing bay and he was grinning. Two things happened when a Barabel grinned at you; you were either eaten, or you were welcomed. This has caused many misunderstandings between Barabels and other species.

"Greetingss, Daywalker," the looming alien hissed. "I am Morgal, and it is my pleassure to welcome you to thiss ssstation in the name of the 'New Dawn'." He bowed slightly, keeping his eyes at all times on the deadly form of the bounty hunter. None of his guards had their blaster rifle drawn, but they appeared ready to do so at any moment.

Syan stayed just out of the considerable arm's reach of the Barabel, all but ignoring its guards after an initial assessment of them. After estimating their threat to him, he turned his attention back to the heavyset alien. While he had never hunted a Barabel before, some of his quarry in the past had had them as bodyguards. They were formidable, but not invincible. Either way, Syan was neither intimidated nor antagonized by the being's presence and filed that away as well.

"You're not the one in charge," the bounty hunter stated matter of factly. Barabels were most suited to muscle, not initiative. "Take me to whoever called me here."

"But first," Syan added, holding out his hand, "My retainer for coming here."

"Of coursse," Morgal said, still showing his teeth. He reached into a fold of his robe and pulled out a small, flat wooden box carved with whorls. "Your payment," a long claw slid out traced a groove. The lid slowly opened to reveal a small Dathomirian Fire Diamond. The rare gem was easily worth a couple thousand credits anywhere in the galaxy. "There will be more, once ssservices have been rendered."

The bounty hunter reached in to the box with his gloved hand and plucked out the gem. He balanced the gem carefully in the middle of his palm and took a good, hard look at it.

Syan considered himself a naturalistic bounty hunter for the most part. He wasn't one to butcher his body with cybernetics. Still, over the years, he'd had one or two modifications made to make his job easier. One of them was to the hazel eyes behind the dark visors he wore. Small receptors implanted in his cornea controlled the hardware built in to the visors, scanning through frequencies of light as he focused on the gem. When the gem registered as genuine in the various wavelengths he'd checked, he put the Fire Diamond back and took the box, slipping it in to one of the coat's pockets.

"Lead on," he said to the Barabel, simultaneously gesturing an 'all clear' behind himself to Aesir's cockpit video feeds before following.

Morgal nodded and turned while the soldiers with him drew up as an honor guard. They walked through a winding corridor that never seemed to branch and ended up at a large door with the Starburst symbol of the New Dawn in the center. "Insside here will you find whom you hunt," he hissed. The door doors opened soundlessly and Syan was ushered into what looked like total darkness. As soon as the Barabel announced him, however, the back wall of the room illuminated.

Eight figures sat around a long conference table carved from what looked like some sort of dark wood. Each of their bodies was cloaked in carefully placed shadow though a good majority of the room was lit up. "Syan Daywalker," a voice intoned, seemingly from everywhere at once.

"That's me," Syan said, momentarily surprised at how well the room amplified his voice.

He took a few long steps forward, black leather coat billowing behind him, revealing the crimson cortosis lining inside before he came to a rest and the coat shrouded him again. From behind the visor he focused once on each of the shapes, curious as to the theatrics but not curious enough to bother asking why the need for it.

"I was told you have a job for me."

"Yes," came the voice again. There was no movement from any of the figures, though each had a distinct silhouette. One was obviously a Devoronian, the horns showing clearly against the illuminated backdrop, while another could have been a fat Twi'lek. "There are two. The first will be simple, a test. The second much more difficult. You will be paid at the end of each just as you were when you arrived." The figure had the head of the table moved slightly, placing a hand into the light. The hand held another Fire Diamond, this one slightly larger, but of a finer cut.

Mercenary to his core, Syan focused on the Fire Diamond for a moment, admiring its attributes. Ordinarily he didn't tolerate any testing of his skills as his name was already established. But the pay is good, he thought.

"Tell me the nature of these assignments so I can get on with it."

"The first is simple. There is a man who has greatly wronged an affiliate of ours, and we want him brought before us." A holo in there center of the table activated and the bust of a young man began to rotate slowly. The name under the holo said CIRRAN TYRIS. "He has been spotted recently on the shipyards orbiting a planet known as Tae'Karada, in the Tae'Remok system. I believe you know of it."

The holo shifted to show a ship that had obviously undergone recent renovations. "This is his ship, the Fool's Hope." The holo shifted again, this time to show what appeared to be a quick photo of a man standing next to Tyris, all but dwarfing him. "And this is his closest friend on the station, Sergeant Walker Coin, a dangerous man. More information will be uploaded to your ship. This is a simple snatch and delivery. I want him alive, Daywalker, dead he is of no use to me. When this simple assignment is completed, I will give you your next. Do you agree?" The holo snapped off and the only sound in the room was the thrum of the powerful power generators deep within the asteroid.

While the data had hovered before him, Syan's mind assessed the implications. The target didn't seem especially formidable, but the fact that people so interested in cloak and blade theatrics as these bothered with him suggested he was important. The described 'dangerous man' could be more of a problem.

"I agree to bring back Cirran Tyris for you for the price shown. But I will negotiate the proper price for this... second assignment, when this one is complete. If you seek to retain my services for long-term use, we will have to negotiate that separately from these two assignments."

"Very well, Daywalker, we shall speak after you return with Tyris." The illumination from the back wall began to fade but snapped to full brightness as Syan spoke.

"Another thing..." Syan called out as the thought occurred to him. "Is there a price on Walker Coin for his capture or elimination?

There was silence for a moment, and for once each of the figures moved, if only slightly. It appeared they were speaking with each other. "Negative," the voice intoned. "Sergeant Coin recently assisted us, though he knows it not, and for that we will grant him this boon. We would prefer it if you avoided him, but if he tries to interfere, neutralize him temporarily. We have nothing further to discuss." The back wall darkened as the door behind Syan opened and Morgal stepped through, still wearing a grin.

"If you walk thiss way Ssyan Daywalker," he hissed and motioned down the corridor, "I will lead you back to your sship were you be provided with another assstrogational chart." The Barabel bowed deeply and began to walk away.

Syan did as bidden, following the Barabel back toward the landing bay. He had a good sense of direction and could have found his way back, but he never took people's security procedures around him personally. On the contrary. He would have thought them stupid not to have something in place when dealing with his kind.

As he followed the Barabel's hulking form, Syan's eyes remained narrowed and behind the visors they held a faraway look. He was being sent back to Tae'Karada. He had left that place in his thruster wash and happily so. Now he gets called all the way out here from the Core, only to be sent back to that hellish backwater.

Clenching his jaw and grinding teeth in annoyance as he thought about it, Syan decided money was money. And if their second assignment involved Tae'Remok, he would tack on a grief penalty to the price.

Syan's mood brightened considerably from dour to less dour when they turned a corner and ship fumes hit them. Across the way, under the bright lights, his ship gleamed.

Morgal stopped at the entrance to the cavernous hanger. "Thiss isss where we depart, Syan Daywalker. Hunt well, and may you find challenge with your prey." The Barabel must have taken a liking to him. A group of Sullustans disconnected a fueling hose from the ship and scattered as the bounty hunter approached, chattering in their language. A one-eyed Gungan with a scarred face sneered when he handed him a datapad.

"Thisa will takes you from dis place, but it'sa only good for so so long, eh," the gungan said in a deep voice.

Syan took the datapad and gave it a cursory glance, looking over the Gungan's shoulder at the ship. Nothing appeared out of place so Syan brushed past the alien and continued on to his ship. As he approached the side, the hull split and lowered the ramp. Syan could feel the eyes around the landing bay watching him as he climbed the ramp.

Karia was there to meet him. She smiled in nervous relief as he walked on and closed the ramp behind him.

Syan was starting to unstrap equipment from his person when she stopped him. "So.... How was it?"

"Lucrative," he replied, taking out the box and handing it to her.

Karia opened the box and gasped audibly at the gem... "I don't feel so bad about coming out here now."

"You will," he said. Reaching past her, he hit the intercom on the wall. "Eighteen, prep the ship for launch."

*** Fifteen minutes later ***

The doors to the council chamber opened and Morgal stepped though into the now brightly lit room. Rylaa Lyssander sat at the head of the long conference table with his fingers steepled before him. A monitor to the right clearly showed the bounty hunter's ship as it ducked and weaved its way through the asteroid belt. Remote cameras all over the belt picked up the energy signature of the engines and handed it off to the next. If need be, the asteroid those cameras were mounted on could easily turn into defense stations. The crimelord shot the Barabel a fierce gaze, his face demanding a report.

"The beacon was planted, we'll know whether or not he goes to Tae'Karada," he said.

"Good, alert our people that know about the Tyris situation. Have them keep an eye on our friend and report frequently. I want to know everything he does. Helga," the matronly secretary appeared in the same mysterious manner of butlers and secretaries the galaxy over. Though she had strong opinions about many things, such as the cigar Rylaa kept in his pocket, she had no compunctions about working for a criminal. It was that sort of thinking that forced Rylaa to keep her, despite the many downsides. "Let the Bounty Hunter's Guild know that our contract for Tyris is still good, and then let the information that Tyris is on Drogen leak out to them." The woman nodded but said nothing as she vanished in the same manner that she came. "Another game is afoot, gentlemen," he said his assembled lieutenants and Morgal, his second in command. "Let's see just how this one plays out."

As Aesir approached the edge of the ruined planet's weak gravity well, Syan was at the controls now, with Karia next to him and the droids off assembling the data that was sent.

Karia smiled at him and he nodded. "Go ahead."

As his assistant reached for the hyperdrive levers, Syan glanced over at the display terminal on the wall. The J-Type 327 Nubian's arrowhead shape was drawn out the screen in glowing wire frame. Blinking in the holographic frame was the tracer.

It wasn't the first time Syan had had tracers planted on him for a job. Once he determined that it wasn't explosive, he stopped worrying about it.

If they wanted to make sure he did the job, he'd let them.

---

"Walk of Faith"
By: Liam Zaneth
Kael Selrid
Yelara Neerou
Meer'esh

Location: Royal Palace of Arcadia
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

Kael Selrid stepped through the corridor of the Palace at the side of Liam Zaneth. His mind was racing as he tried to piece together everything Liam had told him, everything that could be causing Yelara's condition to fail, and everything he might be able to do to repair the damage. He had studied as hard as he could over the last several months, and had made more progress than he'd hoped. One of the rooms of his home with Raeila had been turned into an office, and that office was now filled with as much information as they could pack into it on medicine and healing. He had scoured every bit of data he could at the Temple on how the Jedi of old had utilized the Force in the aid of healing.

What faced him today was not something he had expected to face so soon. And, especially so soon after failing in his mission to bring back Cole Slaton.

"Her rooms are this way," Liam said, and Kael hoped the Jedi Master didn't thank him again for coming so quickly, or apologize for the need for his presence at all. The Jedi seemed to read Kael's wish, and only added, "She's nervous about this, but will cooperate as much as she's able."

Kael nodded slowly. "I will do everything within my power," he said.

"Right at the end of this hall." Liam led the way down to the ornately carved door. It was closed, but he knew that Yelara was within. He stopped at the door and knocked, hoping that this meeting would go well and lead them toward a brighter future.

It didn't bode well, however, when Meer'esh opened the door. His severe frown was indication enough that Yelara had informed him of their plan, and that Liam's presence was entirely unwelcome. "She is ready," was his curt report.

"Thank you," Kael said as he pressed his palms together and bowed to Meer'esh. He followed Liam in, and tried to ignore the waves of negativity that seemed to be rolling off of Yelara's companion.

When Liam led him to Yelara, Kael gave her his warmest smile. He and Raeila had been practicing so that he could project a warm presence to those under his care.

"High Princess Yelara Neerou, I would like to introduce you to Jedi Knight Kael Selrid, and the first Jedi Healer in more than twenty years," Liam said.

"It is an honour to meet you once again," Kael said as he bowed once more, this time lower in respect to Yelara's position. As his eyes were focused upon her, he also attuned other senses only available to those sensitive to the Force. "Liam has explained your situation, and so I am aware of your condition. How are you feeling now?"

"Fine, considering," Yelara answered genially. "I thank you for coming. I will be grateful for whatever assistance you can provide me."

"When did you first begin to feel that something wasn't right," Kael asked. "Medically speaking. Was it prior to the incident the other night, or was that the first time?"

"The headaches have plagued me for months," she answered, and insinuating himself into the conversation, Meer'esh added from beside Yelara's bed, "Shortly after she was being revived." He shot a resentful glare Liam's way.

Liam ignored Meer'esh's glare, but Kael frowned at the man. "Does your companion exhibit such emotional behaviour whenever any man is near you, or just Liam?" he asked softly.

Yelara smiled apologetically and gently grasped Meer'esh's hand to silence him. "He is only concerned about my welfare. To further answer your first question, the headaches began three months ago, followed by dizzy spells, blurred vision, ringing in my ears, and a tingling in my extremities. The paralysis came on so suddenly...."

"I'm going to need to examine you through the Force," Kael said. "It will take a few minutes, but I will need to concentrate to do so. You just need to sit there." He closed his eyes and focused his senses upon her once again, seeking out the cause of her headaches and collapse.

Yelara was calm throughout, still holding Meer'esh's hand for strength, and watching Liam for assurance. She smiled at him warmly. Her eyes spoke volumes to him, whereas she could not otherwise, so as not to disturb Kael. Gratitude, no matter what happened, was the main sentiment she wished to express to Liam now.

The silence seemed to stretch on as Kael searched through the Force. It was just as the doctor had described, yet through the Force he could see more. The neural pathways were deteriorating, and if something wasn't done he couldn't say how much longer Yelara had to live. But, Kael Selrid wasn't going to do nothing. He raised a hand before him and reached out with the Force. The Jedi Healing Trance was one skill a Jedi was taught shortly before becoming a Knight. However, there were applications other than repairing one's own body. He sank deeper into the trance and began to work with the pathways, using the Force as a surgeon would use laser scalpels. It did not take much, just a nudge in the right places, and the Force took over to do the rest.

Slowly, Kael came out of his trance and opened his eyes. He looked questioningly at Yelara.

Deeply focused, Yelara was silent as she assessed her state of health. She felt the same, although the mild throb in her head that had irritated her for months seemed to have dissipated. Her legs were still immobile, but no longer insensate. She passed her hand over one thigh and distinctly felt the pressure of her fingertips against it. She could also feel that her feet were cold. Laughing softly, Yelara looked up and nodded happily. "Whatever you did...I-I feel better." Her laughter rang louder and filled with sheer joy. "I don't think I'll walk today, but I can feel my legs again. Is this permanent?"

"I can't be certain yet," Kael said. "I am hoping it is, but it's too early to tell. I'd like to check in on you again tomorrow. I'm going to leave my contact information here. If you feel any changes that don't feel right, or the headaches return, contact me. I can stay here longer if you'd like, just to be sure of the progress. And, I will be back tomorrow morning to check in on you. How does that sound?" He gave her a smile of genuine warmth, truly pleased that she was feeling the improvements already.

"Why don't you all stay?" she offered. "I'll have a meal prepared."

"You should be resting," Meer'esh advised gently. "They should be going."

"Staying longer and sharing a meal would allow Kael the opportunity to monitor your progress for the next little bit," Liam suggested, pointedly not glancing in Meer'esh's direction.

Kael took a long look at Meer'esh, as if sensing him through the Force as well. A look passed through his eyes briefly that suggested he didn't like what he was seeing. "I think that would be a good idea," he said. "If there are no objections." He turned to Yelara, leaving the decision to her.

"Of course not," she responded graciously. "Meer'esh," she addressed, barely glancing his way and thereby conveying her displeasure, "please have that arranged. And you may take Jedi Selrid as well. I do not think he's had a tour of the palace yet."

Meer'esh's expression changed from incredulity, to mild anger, and finally resignation as he nodded curtly to Yelara. "You are coming with me, Jedi," he told Kael tersely. Deigning to nod Liam's way as he passed, Meer'esh departed without waiting for Kael. Yelara pressed her lips thin and shook her head slowly in disappointment.

"I am sorry," Kael said to her. "I'll return soon to make sure you're still doing well. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy some glower-free time." With a smile for her and Liam, he hastily followed after Meer'esh.

Out of earshot now, Yelara caught Liam's gaze and held out a hand towards him. "That went well," she quipped. "Don't you think?"

"I thought it was very encouraging," Liam said and slipped his hand into hers. "I tried to follow what Kael did but I got lost pretty quick. It's the first chance I've had to see him at work; I was very impressed." His face seemed alight with pure joy. "This is great, Yel."

"I'm glad you think so. Meer'esh doesn't seem too pleased." She sighed. "He's always so tense. I don't think he likes Jedi."

"Perhaps," Liam said. "I don't think he likes having other people around you. I believe he fears that he's going to lose you to someone else, at least that's what I sense from him. It's jealousy with heavily fearful undertones."

Watching Liam meaningfully, Yelara stroked the back of his hand with her thumb and murmured, "Maybe his fears aren't misplaced." And quickly comprehending what had spilled from her lips, Yelara smiled awkwardly. She gripped his hand tightly and pulled herself into a sitting position. "Help me stand," she said quietly.

Liam blinked, showing surprise at her comment, but quickly stepped in to help her to her feet. By the time his arms were positioned to take her weight, he had recovered. "Misplaced or not," Liam said softly, "I don't think his attitude when we're around is helping anyone, including himself."

She chuckled dryly and shook her head, wisps of her hair brushing against Liam's cheek. Her arms looped tightly about his neck, hesitation still present about standing on her own. "I've assured him that you're a good man. He's a very suspicious man. I-I think it's his past...whatever that is," she muttered wryly.

"He won't talk about it," Liam asked. "It's not healthy for your relationship if he's suspicious and jealous of everyone who comes close. Do you think there's anything that will help him overcome his fears?"

Shrugging, Yelara admitted, "Your leaving and never returning to the palace."

"I don't think I can be quite that accommodating," Liam said with a sigh. "I have no intention of abandoning my son, not to mention the friendship that we have now. Hopefully he can find a way to get over his fears without forcing you to give anything up, and without shutting me out from my son."

"I won't do that," Yelara assured him fervently, gazing up at him. "If I have to choose - if it ever comes to that - he may just come up short." Sliding her hand around his neck and upwards to cover his cheek, Yelara smiled. "Things between us are good now. I can't let that change, not for anyone."

"I'm happy with how things are between us now," Liam said. His grin brightened as he added, "And it really shows with Leshie."

She chuckled. "He's less fussy now, isn't he? I guess that was my fault," Yelara admitted. "I was so cruel to you, Liam. But, I'll make it up to you." Glancing down between them to her feet lightly touching the floor as he supported her, Yelara said, "After I get walking again, hm?"

"With Kael's help, that could be very soon," he said. "I really hope that Meer'esh doesn't treat him poorly because of me."

"I think Kael can handle himself," Yelara assured Liam, then she nodded decisively. "Okay...I think I'm ready. But if I look like I'm going to fall...you'll catch me, right?"

"I will," Liam said. "Just say when."

She loosened her hold on him, while his hands remained firmly about her waist. "When," she whispered and closed her eyes. The first sensation was of her bare feet touching the cool marble, and the slight shiver it triggered through her. Her legs trembled beneath the strain on them, so long out of use, and her knees knocked together, but Yelara was upright and with only minimal assistance from Liam, though much concentration was required. Overjoyed, Yelara grinned and her eyes opened quickly. "I'm standing," she breathed. Her accomplishment was short-lived, however, as she fell into Liam, but still, she was laughing. "With a little more practice, I should do well!"

"Won't be long and you'll be running again," Liam said. He helped her over to sit again to catch her breath. "That was great, Yel. If you want to try again, maybe we can get something to help you balance."

Yelara watched him sidelong and said wittily, "I've got you for that, don't I?"

"Yes, I guess you do," Liam said with a chuckle. "And, I have a feeling soon you won't need me for that, but I'll always stay close just in case."

"Come on now," she chided, covering his hand with her own, "you're here for more than that. You're my best companion, Liam."

"Well, there are other reasons why I want to be close," Liam said fondly. "I am very happy for our friendship. Being with you feels very comfortable and natural, and I feel most at peace when I'm near you. I enjoy our friendship, especially now. Even with the troubles, things are good."

"I know," she sighed. "If only I weren't charged with the ruling of this planet...we could go away - you, Leshie, and I. That would be so wonderful..."

"I'd like that very much," Liam said softly. "Maybe one of these days we can sneak out of the Palace to visit with Orinth. I know he doesn't like the big, drafty palace with all of its highfalutin ways, but I think he would be delighted to get a visit."

Yelara snickered and twined her arms around his as she leaned against Liam. "I'd like that, too. Do you think we can make it happen soon? I mean, if things take a turn for the worst...."

"I'm sure we can," Liam said. "How's your schedule look tomorrow? Maybe after the morning meetings we can sneak away to visit with Orinth. Leshie will be so excited."

"Then," Yelara decided brightly, "I think my schedule is all free for tomorrow. Go ahead and make the arrangements."

"I'll get ahold of him first thing after our meal," Liam said. "And, I'll make sure we have a non-descript speeder to get there."

"Thank you," she whispered, gazing up at Liam curiously. "You're...you're different from how I always perceived you to be. You're not selfish, Liam. Not at all."

Liam laughed softly. "I try not to be," he said. "I used to be, and I know some thought I was quite selfish in my quest to bring you back." He met her gaze and smiled. "I spent so much of my life before as a bad person, it's nice to focus on others now. It feels right to help...there's so much pain and suffering on this world and so much others; I know there's only so much I or the Jedi can do, but I do what I can. Though, I'm not quite sure if you're getting any preferential treatment." He gave her a playful grin.

"Do you mean to say you'd rather be off performing humanitarian work instead of being locked up in this stuffy palace?" she teased.

"I think the best humanitarian work I can do is here, where I have the ear of the High Princess," Liam said. "As much as I do like getting my hands dirty in the thick of things, here is a good place for me."

"As long as you are keeping your hands from Yelara," a taut voice rasped. Separating from Liam, Yelara twisted her upper body until a frowning Meer'esh with deeply knitted brow came into view. Kael Selrid was standing behind him just outside of her bedchamber door. Yelara sighed wearily. "Please, Meer'esh...just stop this. Can't you just stop?"

Liam turned to face Meer'esh. "Yelara is my friend, and I have no intention of setting that friendship aside. That is a fact you must deal with. I have no intention of coming between the two of you, but this jealousy of yours will if you continue it."

"Then you should be not so close to her," Meer'esh pointed out, noting their overly familiar proximity to one another. "Is this what Jedi seduction is looking like?"

"Meer'esh," Yelara hissed. "We'll discuss this later. Now stop!"

Kael glanced between Liam, Yelara, and Meer'esh. "I need to go to the comm station to check in with the Temple," he said. "In the meantime, the intensity of emotion in this room will not be conducive to Yelara's healing." He flashed a glance to Meer'esh, who was the only one exhibiting higher amounts of negative emotion, beyond Yelara's own exasperation. "I can find my way to the comm center, but I do hope that all parties in this room will begin to work toward seeing Yelara's conditioned improved, and not in starting fights out of perceived slights."

"I am only perceiving what is being plain to see," Meer'esh riposted bitterly.

"Kael," Yelara said calmly, "I will have you summoned once we're prepared for dinner. This is a discussion that requires completion" --she glared at Meer'esh-- "permanently."

"Of course," Kael said with a respectful bow. "Once I have completed my call, I will be in the gardens." With that, he bowed to Liam and gave Meer'esh a respectful nod, then departed.

Liam watched him go, then turned to Yelara. "I will leave too, unless you wish for me to remain," Liam said.

"Stay," she told him, and firmly to Meer'esh, "sit down."

His first impulse was to refuse, but the stern look he received from Yelara urged him to do otherwise. Clenching his jaw to contain his shame in bowing to Yelara's demands before Liam, Meer'esh stalked to the bench adjacent Yelara's bed. Seated, he folded his arms across his chest and glowered at the floor, though his violet eyes swivelled Liam's way now and again with undisguised hatred.

"You know this has to stop," Yelara began gently. "Don't you care about how this makes me feel? About how hard it is to get better while I'm trying to keep you two from each other's throat?"

"He is...insinuating himself," he explained, struggling to find the words in his frustration. "He is wanting your love again."

"Is that what you want, Liam?" Yelara decided it was best Meer'esh heard Liam's true intentions from his own lips, confident it was only her friendship he sought.

"I love Yelara and always will love Yelara," Liam said. "But the relationship we shared is in the past. She is a close friend, but she is not my lover. There is a part of me that would gladly return to what we shared, what we lost during the turmoil of the past, but it is unrealistic of me. Perhaps if you are unable to control your emotions and you drive yourself away from her, I would explore the feelings in my heart, if Yelara wished the same. But she is with you now, Meer'esh, and no matter what you may believe of me, I have no intention of trying to force my way into your relationship and steal her away from you. I am her friend, and I will continue being her friend. If you care so little for her feelings and have so little faith in yourself, that you would seek to push me away, know that I will not back down...and if you ever hurt her, you will pay the price. I want Yelara's friendship, and that is all I am seeking."

Meer'esh smirked. "And that is being your word? How do I know what that is worth?"

"That is for you to decide," Liam said. "But, that is how it is. Why is it, Meer'esh, that you are unable to trust Yelara? There is a saying that it takes two to duel, and if you believe that I am going to try to steal her from you, then you must also believe she will allow herself to be stolen. So, how much is Yelara's word worth to you?"

"I am not worried about what she will be doing," Meer'esh informed him coolly. "It is what you will be making her to do with your...powers," he spat.

"Manipulation through the Force is only effective on the weak-minded," Liam said with a hint of humour in his eyes. "I think Yelara is safe from any Force manipulation on my part. You don't disagree, do you?"

Yelara was smothering a laugh with her hand when Meer'esh looked her way. Then, his sharp gaze found Liam again. "You are being mocking?"

"No," Liam said, "I am not mocking you. This situation, however, is so exceptionally frustrating, that I cannot help but find some amusement in it. I have a feeling if I were to ask you what it would take for you to accept what I say as the truth, you would tell me to stay away from Yelara. That will not happen. I am her friend, and have no intention of abandoning her. So, you will have to find some way to accept the fact that Yelara is able to love you and still be a friend to me, and that I have no intention of stealing her away from you. To demand that Yelara give up a friendship that is very important to her because you cannot get over your own jealousy is unreasonable and selfish, and it disrespects the woman you love."

"If you won't trust Liam," Yelara pleaded softly, "then will you at least trust me?"

Meer'esh sighed and scrubbed a pale hand through his white hair to work out his anxiety. It was after a time of quiet contemplation that Meer'esh raised his eyes to the two, and allowed quietly, "I will not be bothering you with this again. I...I cannot be. But you are to be better off with me, Yelara. There are things...things only I can be protecting you from. You must not be turning me away."

She smiled ardently. "I won't. With two protectors, I should be safe enough."

"I doubt," Meer'esh informed her regretfully, "that even a Jedi could be protecting you better than I."

Liam glanced at Meer'esh, and there was something unreadable in his eyes. "Oh, I don't think so," he said.

"Liam made a vow to stand by me and keep me from harm," Yelara interjected before the two men abandoned restraint and lunged at one another. "I can't just relieve him, Meer'esh. So" --she smiled brightly, albeit with slight fatigue at having to play mediator in her condition-- "I'll have two champions. Now...shall we go eat and end this once and for all?"

"I don't know about anyone else," Liam said with a grin, "but I'm famished."

Meer'esh rose stiffly and bowed deeply to Yelara. "I will be retrieving Liam Zaneth's Jedi friend and have dinner served here."

"Meer'esh, stay," Yelara urged gently. "Liam can find Kael better than you can, I imagine. I want you to help me up. I could use some practice walking."

Glancing between Yelara and Liam skeptically, Meer'esh acceded to Yelara's request. His eyes followed Liam as he moved towards Yelara, and although lost on her, his predatory stare was clear to Liam. "If you'll be excusing us...." Meer'esh stopped at Yelara's side and extended his hand to the door, gesturing Liam out. "I am taking care of her now."

"I guess it isn't over after all, is it, Meer'esh," Liam said as he turned to Yelara. He bowed before her and held himself in place. "By your leave, Your Grace."

With restrained tenderness, Yelara touched her fingertips to Liam's cheek. "I'll see you soon," she assured him dulcetly.

Liam rose from his bow and strode easily from the room, his cloak fluttering in his wake.

Content to be alone with Yelara, Meer'esh was truly ecstatic when he bent forward to kiss Yelara, which shook him doubly when the stinging crack to his cheek landed. Against his pale flesh, the vibrant pink imprint of Yelara's hand was extremely conspicuous, as was Yelara's rage when Meer'esh gaped at her dumbfounded. Her eyes blazed, but her outward demeanour was as composed and stately as if she were presiding over a meeting of the planet's most influential politicians. She had learned much in her time as High Princess.

Meer'esh was stupefied, too much so to speak or comprehend the words flowing serenely from Yelara's lips. "If you ever shame me or insult my friends again, I will have you turned out of this palace, and my life, before you can even think of placating me with your sweet words and tender caresses. I was mistaken in allowing you to do so up to this point," she informed him in a dangerously low whisper, "but I won't err a second time."

"Yelara," Meer'esh managed to utter, but was cut short when Yelara snapped, "Don't interrupt me. I am the High Princess of Tae'Karada and no one, not even a man I care deeply for, will prevent me from being heard. I have tolerated your insolence far longer than I should have, only because of the bond we share. But that will not do any longer, Meer'esh. You will treat Liam with respect, or at least make a good show of pretending to. You will also apologize for your behaviour towards him, and," she added, her tone softening, "you will cease to be threatened by him. He and I will never recapture what we once had, but you're making it difficult for you and I to have any involvement."

Sufficiently chastised, Meer'esh lowered his head in submission and disgrace. It was always easy for Meer'esh to assume that tendency to cow beneath the inexorable stare of a superior, but then, he had been a thrall for decades. In obeisance, Meer'esh dropped to his knee before Yelara and insisted, "I will not be embarrassing you again. Forgive me. I...I was...."

"Get up," she urged him firmly. "Go out there and join the others at the dining table. And," Yelara added, further strangling any pride he still possessed, "ensure that Liam is seated to my right. You've no place there tonight, not after all you've done."

Sinking deeper into despair, Meer'esh could only bow his head obediently and rush from Yelara's chambers. Yelara, in turn, remained to cease the rapid beating of her heart and tamp down hard the guilt rising in her gut. It was indeed difficult to censure Meer'esh, but it had to be done. And now that it was, Yelara could focus on healing without worrying over what insult Meer'esh would inflict upon Liam next.

The first step was to stand on her own, and without Meer'esh to convey her to dinner Yelara had no choice but to make her own way there, on her own two feet. She would do so, no matter what, even if it took all evening.

***

Liam and Kael stood together in the dining room, talking as they looked out over the city from the window. They chatted amiably as they waited for dinner which they were assured would be ready in just several more minutes.

"Each day," Kael was telling Liam, "the Temple has fewer and fewer. Everyone's off on missions and important Jedi business. It's nice to see actually."

Liam chuckled and nodded. "I can imagine. I'm going to need to stop in soon before Koran gives my seat on the Council away."

Before Kael could respond, the door at the other end of the room opened to reveal Meer'esh. Kael decided, given the volatile nature of Yelara's suitor, to keep whatever he'd been about to say to himself. He nodded to Meer'esh.

Reluctantly, Meer'esh returned the gesture and noticeably avoided the Jedi's gaze as he took a seat at the table - that which would place him on Yelara's left.

Liam raised an eyebrow as he watched Meer'esh sit, and it was then he noticed the reddening on the man's face. As he moved toward the table, he realized what he was seeing was distinctly the shape of a hand. He approached the table slowly, moving toward the seat that Meer'esh had avoided. He sat slowly, but the outburst he had been expecting never came. Though, was that a wince he had seen from Meer'esh? Kael took a seat on the other side of Liam.

As they waited for Yelara's arrival, Liam couldn't help noticing the way Meer'esh's shoulders slumped slightly as he sat, or the way his sullen gaze never rose high enough to look either Jedi in the eyes. He did not know what Yelara said to the man, but it certainly seemed to have an effect. Though, he had a suspicion that the handprint on his cheek had some impact on his change as well.

Liam allowed himself a slight smile as he settled himself into his chair and began looking forward to what would hopefully be some peaceful times ahead. Hopefully.

---

"Fleeing Ghosts, Part 1"
by Omri Kedemoth - Former Rebel Scout and Bodyguard

Location: Edge of Tae'Karada Space
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

Omri applied more oil to the bantha hide rag. The strong scent saturated the stale air recycling through the ship. He lovingly caressed the long blade on his lap with the cloth. Omri found it relaxing to care for his targa, the traditional weapon of the nexi warriors of Sacorria. A targa was to a nexi an extension of the warrior himself, and a symbol of swift justice, or retribution.

The navicomputer's alert tone echoed through the ship. Omri slid the oiled blade back into its scabbard and placed it on its mount over his bunk. He left his quarters and slid down into the TIE scout's cramped cockpit, just in time to see the streaks of stars come to an abrupt halt as the ship dropped out of hyperspace. Slipping into the pilot's seat, Omri made a quick check of the scanners and verified his location.

The screen readout displayed a sector map. Ralikane System. Omri confirmed the distant planet ahead as Chimaeria. Relieved that the hyperdrive had survived one more jump, he engaging the ion engines and set course for his destination, Drogen Shipyards. Someplace he had never been...a place with no memories.

He smelled the scent of the blade oil lingering on his hands. Oddly enough, it conjured up memories of his wife. After all, they had regularly performed the ritual maintenance of their weapons together.

Omri closed his eyes, the form of his late wife filled his mind. Kai was beautiful. "Too beautiful to be so deadly" someone once told him. Omri had to agree. With long black hair and dark eyes, she was intoxicating. He remembered the exhilaration of fighting by her side. Graceful and gifted with both blaster and blade, she inspired admiration.

For Kai and himself, to fight together was second only to the marriage bed in intimacy. During a battle the heart pounded, adrenaline flowed...and the danger. Danger enhances the senses. Victorious battles often lead to the throes of passion....he stopped. An ache gripped his heart. Those times were gone forever. It had been harder moving on than he ever imagined.

Soon the hulking shipyards appeared through the cockpit transparasteel. Easing back the engine a bit, Omri turned his thoughts to the events of the last month.the search for Kai's killer.

Omri recalled easily gaining access to the Mos Eisley apartment and silently shoving his punch dagger through the neck of a fat gammorean guard before he could snort. With a rebel security kit, he had broken into the bounty hunter's room. Instantly the skilled rodian bounty hunter was up and reaching for a force pike.

"For you Kai", Omri remembered whispering.

Omri's memory blurred at this point. His blinding rage had overwhelmed him. Arcing to block the thrusts of the pike, his curved sword appeared to move of its own volition, swinging fiercely around the wide-eyed rodian. Omri remembered moments of intense pain, glancing blows of the pike that struck his arms and found gaps in his blast vest.

Finally, grabbing the pike as the rodian thrust it forward, Omri side-stepped and lunged forward. With a powerful strike, the blue steel blade bit into the rodian's neck and swept through flesh and bone. The body instantly collapsed, the rodian's head landing with a thump on the floor.

Wounded and exhausted, Omri snatched a long lock of familiar black hair hanging from the bounty hunter's armor and walked out the door.

Omri was no fool. He knew killing the bounty hunter would not bring back Kai. But it gave him a sense of closure. He had performed for her a final act of love, slaying her murderer and restoring her honor. After that he left the Alliance. He wanted to escape. Escape the politics of the galaxy. Escape the memories of the life he shared with Kai, because he couldn't bear the empty pain.

As he gazed blankly out the cockpit, the voice of a traffic controller on the comm snapped him back to the present. "Confirm Identification TIE Lone Scout". Omri replied, "Independent vessel Griffon requesting permission to dock."

Although the Griffon still had the paint scheme of the Alliance, he now considered it and himself loyal to no one...at least for now.

The answer came back. "Permission to dock granted".

---

"Fleeing Ghosts, Part 2"
by Omri Kedemoth- Former Rebel Scout and Bodyguard

Location: The Griffon/Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

The Griffon's comm lit up as the traffic controller directed Omri to dock on the far side of the station. As he guided the re-fit TIE scout around the structure, he remembered reading Alliance reports about Tae'Karada and the shipyard's liberation from imperial control. The reports read that the former station administrator and the head of station security lead forces into the facility and slew the imperial administrator themselves. "A beautiful irony," Omri had thought.

Omri watched the variety of vessels coming and going, noting a number of New Republic ships. A lively place to be certain. That did not encourage him. Omri had never been comfortable in a crowd. He would get over it, he thought. He had to get out of this tiny ship or bang his way out of its hull with his fists.

Who knows, opportunity lies in such a place as this. Omri was directed into a small bay designed for smaller craft. A young blue-skinned chiss officer waited impatiently as Omri powered down the ion engines.

The Nexi warrior stopped in his cramped quarters. He retrieved his targa sword, almost lovingly strapping the strangely curved weapon to his belt. Next, he picked up the heavy Morellian slug pistol and stuck in it his shoulder holster, then put on his long black cloak. Finally, he shoved a katar punch dagger into his belt.

Turning to leave, Omri caught his own reflection in a small wall mirror. Touching his cheek with his hand, he traced the tattooed symbols. Despite the bounties and lingering imperials, he would no longer hide the telltale tattoos across his forehead and on his face. "Markings of the Nexi Warrior", he thought, "should be a source of pride."

Climbing out the Griffon's hatch, Omri surveyed the bay, then strode purposefully towards the docking officer. The blue-skinned man took an involuntary step back as the Nexi Warrior halted in front of him. Omri was amused at the chiss's reaction, and stifled a slight grin.

Handing Omri a datapad, the deck officer composed himself and proceeded, "Here are the station regulations and rates for services and billeting. Please confirm your manifest and personal information. You are aware that station security reserves the right to search your ship for illegal cargo?"

Omri, glanced up from the datapad and paused. "Yes, of course." He gave the man a brief, insincere smile.

Omro spoke up in a calm but firm voice "Schedule an overhaul for my hyperdrive. I will meet the mechanics before they begin their work." This was not a request, but a requirement. The chiss nodded in acknowledgement.

Omri could have stayed on the Griffon, and his quickly dwindling credit balance would have benefited, but he had to get off that ship. "Kai is the true spacer, she can spend weeks in space at a time." He thought. "Could have", he reminded himself. She was gone. It had not been easy getting used to that.

Handing the datapad back to the docking officer, Omri strode out of the hangar.

---

"Breaking In - Part I"
by Selena Rellik - Death Dealer

Location: Yallder District, New Plouton
Date: Selene 16, 5 ABY

***

The night had fallen, and there weren't too many people roaming the streets in Yallder. Fact was that not many ventured out in that district at night, unless they went in a large group or were somehow connected to a criminal organization and were known enough not to be messed with. And then there were the others, like the prostitutes who tried to get clients, and the drunks who had no place