"Birthday Surprise"
by Raeila Mullerin
Ferrig Mullerin
Kael Selrid
and The Feltreys [NPCs]

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 17, 4ABY

***

"Pack."

Debran shook his head. "No, not Pack. Chatta."

"Chatta? Are you crazy? Chatta can hardly even take care of himself."

Debran laughed. "And, you say Pack can? The only thing he's got going for him is that the women like his endowments."

"Fine. Not Pack and not Chatta. How about Strat?"

Debran shook his head. "Do you really think Strat could run this gang when Mullerin bites it?"

"And who says he is?"

The gangers shifted in their chairs to simultaneously face the doorway. Raeila stood within it, watching them with an icy gaze through eyes swollen from days and nights of pining for her brother. Her face was haggard and sunken from not enough sleep combined with overwrought concern. She stepped into the room and cast a glare at each of the gangers. "What the hell is going on here?" she asked in a hoarse whisper.

"We were just wondering," Debran said. "I mean, if Ferrig was to die...I mean, who would run the Feltreys after that? We were just trying to see who we thought could do it."

"Well don't." She stood before the table and slammed her hands down upon it. "He's not gonna die! He's gonna wake up and when he does, he won't be too happy to hear about you guys planning a mutiny behind his back. You do know what us Feltreys do to traitors, don't you?" Raeila grinned maliciously and glanced down at Debran's crotch. "The rape raids won't be much fun for any of you after that."

"Come on, Rae," Debran said. "It's not like we were hoping or anything. We were just...you know...thinking. We all like Ferrig. We wouldn't want to have to replace him as our leader. He's taking us places."

"You're bloody right he is," she spat. "He's done more for you boys than I think you deserve. He's made you feared and powerful, and you thank him by giving him up for dead and picking his replacement." Raeila straightened up and passed her seething gaze over each of them. "You'd better hope he lives because if he doesn't, you'll be nothing and nobodies, and you'll be bending over for the Razor's while they open their pants for you during their next rape run." She stepped back and smiled ferally at them. "I think this meeting is adjourned, don't you?"

Debran looked around the table and nodded. "Yeah," he said. "Yeah, it's...it's adjourned. We-- we're sorry, Raeila. We didn't think there was a problem...we didn't know. Yeah...meeting...meeting's over." He quickly pushed his chair out as the others were already rushing from the table.

Raeila stood at the centre of the room with her eyes staring straight ahead and her body rigid and tall as the gangers fled past her. It was difficult holding such a stern, intimidating pose when Ferrig was lying in limbo between life and death. Once the final ganger had left, Raeila's shoulders sank and her back hunched forward. The balls of ice her eyes had become for the gangers quickly melted and the tears rolled down her cheeks. Morosely, she trudged back to Ferrig's room and closed the door behind her.

He hadn't moved in two days except for the rising and falling of his chest. The cuts he had received had scabbed and the bruises covering his flesh were darkening to a purple. The large, swollen gash at the back of his head was what worried her the most. It was especially deep and had only stopped bleeding late last night. Some of the gangers had their theories that it was that deep laceration that had induced the fever they thought was killing him, which justified, in their minds, the naming of candidates for next in line. They all knew it, but no one dared say it in Raeila's presence, but if the fever didn't break soon...

Raeila sagged into the chair next to Ferrig's bed where she'd made her weeping vigil for the past two days. She had no knowledge of medicine or the healing arts, but her instincts were still sharp and one thing they told her, something that all desert folk knew, was that the only thing to tame the raging heat of the sands was water; for a land that was in short supply of the commodity, most often settled for a glass of ale or other spirited beverage. So, every hour since the fever hit, Raeila took to the strict routine of patting down Ferrig's entire body with a cloth drenched in the Feltrey's own bootleg brand of gin, hoping it would be enough to cool off his febrile body.

The pungent stench alone should've roused Ferrig, yet still he laid there with his stripped body covered by a thin sheet and his head wrapped in a make-shift bandage. Raeila was afraid to touch him at times for fear she'd do more damage than she'd already done. Something had come over her the day they hit the Rhack. She didn't know if it was grief or rage or even a blood lust for all who stood in the way of her happiness. Whatever it was, it had driven her mad with a hunger to kill and destroy. That she had done, and regarding Ferrig's unconscious body before her, she realized she'd done it far too well.

"Oh, Ferrig..." She slid her hand atop his and bent low towards him. "You've slept enough, brother. You have to wake up now."

Of course, he didn't respond or comply. He hadn't done anything except sleep since she'd started talking to him that first night, which also marked the day before the last time she'd had any sleep. She refused to do so. With the other Feltreys discussing plans to nominate another as leader, she couldn't risk falling asleep and having an overly ambitious rival sneak in and secure his chances of inheriting the position with a quick, very effective pillow to Ferrig's face. He'd protected her for years and it was time she returned the favour long overdue.

"Well...if you're not gonna speak, then I will. I mean, it's rare that I ever get in a word when you start going on and on, and especially when you decide it's time for a joke." Raeila passed a hand over her drowning eyes, but just as spent tears were dried, fresh ones took their place. "Do you-- Do you remember the first time you made love to me, Ferrig?" Raeila laughed gently. "I do. You'd let me into your bed again because Father was getting frisky. I was trembling and whimpering, and you wrapped your arms around me and whispered into my ear: 'I'll hide you in my arms, Rae, that way he'll never find you. Remember that you're always safe there.' "

Her eyes fell closed and she sighed wistfully as she recalled herself, 14 years old and sobbing against Ferrig. "Then...you kissed me. I'd never been kissed like that before, Ferrig, and no matter how surprised or anxious I was, not for a moment was I afraid. Even then you were an expert at calming me. And then we made love. I know it wasn't your first time, but you were more nervous than I was. You were so afraid you'd hurt me, but how could you when you loved me so much?"

She paused for a moment to study his face, in which she thought she'd caught a twitch of something from the corner of her eye. But nothing had changed. "It was beautiful," she said with a sigh, settling into the story again. "I forgot all about our troubles and just reminded myself that at least you'd never hurt me, and you never have."

Sadness and longing overcame her again, and with a sob, Raeila laid her head upon Ferrig's chest and wept. "Oh gods... I can't survive without you, Ferrig. You've gotta wake up so we can earn our thrones and rule this place. Most of all, you gotta make sure I don't do anything else stupid." She laughed, though it was more of a sob, then gazed up at Ferrig. "I love you, Ferrig. Please come back soon."

Raeila wept quietly with her face buried into his chest and her arms strewn across his torso in an awkward embrace. Finally being consumed by exhaustion and grief, she found liberation from the heartache as she cried herself to sleep.

***

At first he thought he was suffocating. Each breath seemed to bring in nothing. It was the feeling of being buried beneath one of the dunes in the deep desert, piled high on top of him, bearing down and crushing. As if swimming, Ferrig knew his only chance was to get to the top. Only centimeters at a time seemed to disappear behind him, but he was still climbing upward. The exhaustion he felt was overwhelming, but he wasn't going to let that stop him. He had to get out. He had to protect Rae because no one else would. He kept upward, climbing with every microgram of energy within him.

Then, finally, with a cry, he broke free. "Raeila," he shouted, even though his voice only came out as a whisper.

Sleep had woven itself tightly around Raeila, who sat in her chair, lying half across Ferrig. Not even the drunken ruckus of the Feltreys after another eventful rape raid had awoken her, but the soft sound of her name seemingly wafting in on a breeze made her stir. She whimpered quietly in her sleep, a sign that her night of crying hadn't drained her of her grief completely, and tightened her embrace on Ferrig.

Ferrig winced as the sands clutched at him again. He had to break free, to find his sister. "Raeila," he called out, his voice a little stronger as he did. "Rae." He took in a long, ragged breath and coughed. "Raeila."

This time, Raeila's senses were reawakened by the harsh sound, and the shifting of the body beneath her disturbed the almost peaceful sleep she had achieved. Her eyes slowly peeled back and she winced as the sun shining through the draped window fell upon her face. She closed her eyes again and groaned. Sleeping hunched over Ferrig had stiffened her back and now as she sat up again, forks of pain along her spine made her feel old.

She rubbed her eyes and when they opened again, she saw through their haze Ferrig's blue eyes staring up at her. "Ferrig?" she whispered, almost fearful she was mistaken. She blinked rapidly to diffuse the bleariness. His eyes still stared up at her. "Oh gods...Ferrig! Are you... You're..." She threw herself back down atop him and embraced him again.

Ferrig half-laughed, half-groaned as he brought an arm up and around his sister. "Oh gods," he whispered. "What happened? I feel like someone dropped a dune on top of me. And, my head hurts."

Raeila grinned up at Ferrig and kissed him deeply before answering. "Well, it wasn't a dune that fell on you. It was the Rhack. You got hurt, Ferrig, and...and we didn't know if you'd--" Raeila's smile turned down as she sobbed. "I thought I was gonna lose you."

The memories of their escapade in the Rhack came back, and Ferrig laughed. "It'll take more than a building falling on top of me to kill me," he said. "So...we got it to come down?" He smiled at the thought. "I think we're going to have to claim that heap as Feltrey territory now. I've always wanted a pile of rubble."

Raeila laughed and kissed Ferrig again. "Well, you got one, along with a nasty head wound. They all thought you were as good as dead, Ferrig, but I refused to believe it. I knew you'd fight to stay alive. I knew it."

"You were right, little sister," Ferrig said with a smile. "I could never leave you like that. You need me, and I need you. We can't part yet, not with so many of our plans still unfinished, and not while I still have much more love to share with you."

"And once you're all better, you can do just that." She sat up to remove the weight she was bearing down on Ferrig's chest. While embracing him, she'd felt that the fever had lifted, and was certain now that once his wounds had healed, they could continue their campaign to rule the desert. "Are you hungry? Thirsty? Should I...should I tell the boys you're awake? No...they'd just come in here and bug you. Tell me what you want me to do, Ferrig. Just tell me and it'll be done."

"Thirsty," Ferrig said. "I'm very thirsty. And, I want some time for just you and me before they all come charging in." He looked around and then frowned. "How long have I been down?"

"Since the 15th. You've been like this for two days, Ferrig. And I want you to stay in bed until I'm confident you won't go falling down!" she said with a laugh.

"Two days? That means...that means it's your birthday today," he said. "Happy birthday, Raeila. I'll have to get your other presents together when I'm up again. I'm sorry."

"No...no, Ferrig!" she stammered excitedly. "This is my birthday present. You awake and alive is the best thing you've ever given me for my birthday. Don't be sorry. This is all I need."

Ferrig smiled. "But, I'm going to get you more when I'm feeling better," he said. "Just because you deserve it." He looked up into her eyes, and the pain of his injuries seemed to vanish as he held her gaze.. "I love you, Rae. If I didn't have you to wake up to, I don't think I'd want to wake up."

Raeila smiled warmly. "Then who would rule this desert, Ferrig?" She slipped onto the bed and curled up beside him. "I'm sorry I almost got you killed," she said quietly, trying to hide the shame in her voice. "I went crazy and...I was so stupid. I'm sorry."

Ferrig slipped an arm around her and smiled. "If I didn't have you with me to rule the desert, it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "The boys are great and all, but you're the only one who matters to me. You and Kael. So, if I didn't have you, I don't care who ruled the desert."

"You're so good to me, Ferrig," she whispered. "And it worries me that I could lose you like I almost did." Raeila brought her hand to Ferrig's stomach and began lightly tracing its gentle grooves. "Ferrig? If something did happen to you...who would you have to succeed you? The boys...they were discussing it and aside from scaring me, it made me think. If you...left, who would run the Feltreys?"

"I can't think of anyone better suited to running this gang than you, Rae," he said. "If I couldn't do it, I'd want you to. If I was gone...I'd want you to run the Feltreys."

Raeila propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at Ferrig with wide eyes and mouth agape. "Me?" she breathed. "But...I wouldn't know how, Ferrig. I mean...how would I get them to even listen to me? I'm a girl and they'd most likely...you know, instead of obeying my orders."

"I'm helping you to be stronger than them," Ferrig said softly. "That and I think you could definitely control them through their dicks. You're good enough in bed that you could take one night to ensure their loyalty forever. And, I know you'd enjoy that night far more than they would."

Raeila smiled silkily and dragged her fingers up to Ferrig's chest. "That sounds nice... But I only really enjoy it when it's you in my bed, Ferrig. Still, though, only you could keep them on top, brother. Only under your leadership will they come to greatness."

Ferrig smiled. "Then, I think that means we're both going to have to stick around for a very long time," he said. "I think together, we can definitely do this better than either of us on our own. And, no one can stand in our way, Raeila. No one at all."

"Not even a caved-in ceiling." Raeila kissed Ferrig tenderly as her hand caressed his cheek. "I'll go get you that drink now," she said softly. "I don't think we have any water and I used all the alcohol to draw the fever out of you. But I'll find something."

"Thank you," Ferrig said softly as he reached out and brushed his hand over her arm. "I'll be waiting here for you."

Raeila giggled. "Of course you will be, silly. I doubt you could leave this bed even if you wanted to." She kissed his bandaged forehead again then slipped off the bed. With a final smile for Ferrig, she waved and stepped out of the room.

In the designated living room, a disorderly, heated discussion seemed to be raging. Raeila figured a game of cards had turned into a finger-pointing match among suspected cheaters, and merely ignored them as she moved into the supply room. She scrounged around for a bottle of something for Ferrig, and finally pulled out a bottle of fizzy Joba juice for him. The argument still hadn't settled down as Raeila walked through the living area again. She slowed her pace to observe them, then simply shrugged and continued along.

One of the arguers broke off from the main group and stepped closer to Raeila. "Hey, what's that juice for, Rae?" he called out. "You know we're on rations until we can hit the general store and replenish."

"It's for Ferrig," she replied without stopping for further discussion. There was no need. Her answer should have been enough.

"Whoa," he said, quickly moving in front of her. "No. We're not wasting our supplies on a dead man. He's half in the grave already, and that wound in his head's gonna put him all the way in. Ferrig can have his ration once we've got supplies again...if he's still with us."

Raeila's eyes narrowed and her grip on the bottle tightened. "Go to hell," she said in an angry whisper. "Ferrig's not dead. He's alive. As a matter of fact, he's awake now and if he hears you talking like this, you're the one we're gonna be digging a grave for." Raeila stepped aside and started forward again.

The ganger reached out and grabbed Raeila's arm and jerked her back. "You're delusional," he said as he plucked the bottle from her hand. "You're just going to have to accept it, Raeila. I know it's hard to lose a brother, but you're a strong woman, you'll get past this. And, we'll all be here to help you. You'll be alright, Rae." The rest of the others had stopped their argument and were now paying attention to the scene playing out between Raeila and one of their own.

She wrenched her arm from his hand and glared at him. "Give that to me now, or you'll be sorry," she said menacingly. "Ferrig is alive, you fool! He's alive and he's thirsty, so give me the fucking bottle!" Raeila shot out her hand to seize the juice from the ganger - the much taller ganger who now held the bottle high above his head and out of reach.

"The back of his head was nearly caved in by a falling building, Raeila. Wake up and face reality. Your fucking brother is dead!"

"No, he's not," came a voice from the other side of the room. Ferrig stood in the doorway, a sheet wrapped around his body and a steely gaze fixed on all of his gangmates.

Raeila paused in surprise to look at Ferrig, then pulled the bottle from the shocked ganger's hand and jabbed him with her elbow as she fled to Ferrig's side. "Ferrig...you should be in bed," she whispered to him.

"It was about to get bad out here, Rae," Ferrig whispered back.

The ganger that had been harassing Raeila stepped forward. "You can hardly stand, Ferrig," he said. "You're in no shape to run this gang. You should step down. We've been talking...and we don't think having a wounded leader is good, especially if we're going to be carrying out your plan. Pack's in charge now."

A sudden murmuring went through the crowd at the other side of the room. "What the hell is going on here?" a familiar voice said. "Dissension in the ranks? Even weakened Ferrig Mullerin could turn you all inside out, and leave you for the sand mites. Now, I suggest you disperse and go find something better to do while Ferrig recovers."

Raeila was having as much trouble standing as Ferrig was once she saw who appeared in the entryway. The bottle of juice crashed to the ground as Raeila squealed with delight and darted across the room. "Kael!" She threw herself into his arms and kissed him deeply and with longing. "What are you doing here?"

"You don't seriously think I'd miss your birthday, do you, Raeila?" He kissed her again, holding her tight in his arms. It was amazing how good she felt there. "You're looking very good, Rae. And, you don't know how nice it is to see you."

"It is?" Raeila grinned and immediately, all trace of her concern for Ferrig and anger at the impudent gangers vanished from her face. "You still have good timing. They...they were trying to get rid of Ferrig, Kael. You have to stop them. He's better now...can't they see?"

"If you want," Kael said as he slipped out of her embrace and took her hand, "I can talk to them." He started over toward where Ferrig stood watching them. "What happened? You tell your sister you found someone better in bed than she is?"

Ferrig laughed. "No, the Rhack fell on me."

Kael grinned. "That'll teach you to try to knock down buildings while still inside. Now, the crisis is averted, get your sandy ass back in bed."

With another laugh, Ferrig did as he was ordered.

Kael pulled Raeila into Ferrig's room with him and slipped his arms around her again. "Are you free tonight, Rae?"

"I...I don't know. I mean...I am, but I should stay with Ferrig, shouldn't I?" Raeila looked over her shoulder at Ferrig climbing back into bed. She smiled at Kael as she moved away from him to help her brother. "I'll get you another drink in a second," she whispered. She straightened out the covers over him and kissed him on the cheek. "And no more getting out of bed."

"Well, now that I know Kael's here to help you get things in order," Ferrig said with a smile, "I'll just lie here, and let the two of you take care of everything. And, if you want to spend some time with him, Rae, you've deserved it."

"But...I don't wanna leave you alone, Ferrig. I mean...will you be alright?"

"I'll be fine, Rae," Ferrig said. "I don't think the gang's going to want to kill me now, especially knowing that Kael's around. So, you and Kael go have time to yourselves. You need it. And, he didn't come all the way down here to watch you take care of me. I want you to have a happy birthday with him. Okay?"

Raeila nodded her head reluctantly, then embraced Ferrig. "I love you, brother. Before I leave, I'll place one of the boys in charge of waiting on you." She looked up into his eyes and smiled softly. "Thanks."

Ferrig grinned. "It's worth it to see that smile," he said. "And, get Pack to do it. Out of all of them, I trust him the most."

Raeila kissed Ferrig again, then returned to Kael's side. "I guess I'm free tonight after all. Let me just go talk to Pack and I'll be right back, okay?"

"Okay," Kael said with a smile, and then gave her another kiss.

He watched her leave, and after a moment, he turned and moved to sit on the bed at Ferrig's side.

"You broke her heart you know," Ferrig said. It wasn't a question.

"I had no other choice," Kael said. "I've started training as a Jedi Knight, and can't stop that, even for Raeila."

"I don't understand it," Ferrig said. "This power you have, it's...it's beyond me. And, I've heard stories about Jedi. It doesn't fit you, Kael."

"I didn't fit me," Kael corrected. "It does now, though."

"So, you've changed. You're wet now."

"I am still Kir'Thana, but I am part of something bigger as well. The Force is everywhere, on this planet and throughout the galaxy. I couldn't expect you to understand, not without having been part of it."

"And, you can't explain it?"

Kael shrugged. "It would be like trying to describe an ocean."

Ferrig nodded as he tried to fathom the concept of so much water in one place and failed. He knew the word, understood the meaning, but it was still much larger than his mind could comprehend.

"I love her," Kael said. "I still love Nieme, and always will. But, I also love Rae. I don't know what I will do when my training ends." He met Ferrig's gaze with burning eyes. "You are lucky that I have changed. If I were as I was, for what you did to Nieme and Dani, I would have killed you."

"I'm sorry," Ferrig said.

"No you're not," Kael responded quickly. "You did what you did to get back at me. You did what you did because Raeila was jealous of the girls. And, you did it because the power they possess. I am the same, Ferrig."

"But you're different!"

"Nieme is Kir'Thana," Kael said. "Nieme is a Child of Thana just as you and I are, just as Rae is. Dani is thoroughly one of the most beautiful young women I've ever encountered, and I nearly tried to destroy her." He looked away for several moments before turning his gaze back to Ferrig. "This is wrong. The violence and death is wrong. It just breeds a never-ending cycle. It needs to stop. You can still be a king of the desert and live peacefully with New Plouton. You must seek a diplomatic solution to this conflict. The fight is wrong, Ferrig. No more people should die from this."

"But they deserve it!"

"Do they?" Kael asked. "What have they done to deserve death?"

Ferrig laughed. "All the pain and suffering they've caused us! How many Kir'Thana died under the yoke of Wet rule?"

"How many recently? Ferrig, those in control are not the ones who warred against the desert so long ago. You are striving to punish the children for the crimes of the parents."

"Someone has to pay."

Kael sighed. "Do they?"

Ferrig was on the verge of answering, and then just shook his head. "We'll never get anywhere with this," he said. "You can't change us, Kael. You can't make us something we're not. We have to fight!"

"If a peaceful solution could be rendered, would you accept it? Would you stop the bloodshed if it were unnecessary?"

Ferrig thought about it for a moment. "If that happened...sure. I don't like seeing the boys die, and...yeah. Yeah I would."

Kael nodded, satisfied. "Good."

"What?" Ferrig asked as a confused look spread over his face.

"I just wanted to know that if such a thing was possible, you wouldn't forsake it out of a need for revenge."

"I don't want the violence, Kael. It's just the only thing that works down here."

Kael smiled. "There are always alternatives to those willing to seek them out."

Ferrig laughed and just stared at his friend. "They have changed you, haven't they? Where'd all this wisdom come from?"

Kael smiled. "The Force is a powerful ally, my friend."

The door opened again and Raeila entered holding a large tray. Both young men smiled at her as she approached.

"I brought some more juice and a little something to eat in case you're hungry." She set the tray down on Ferrig's nightstand. "Now, Pack says he'll come in to check on you every once in a while, and that he'll be listening out for you in case you call him. I've told the other boys that if they want something useful to do, they can go replenish our supplies. Is there anything else you wanted me to do, Ferrig?"

Ferrig shook his head. "That's all I can think of for now," he said. "I think the juice and the food will be good for me. And, getting more supplies will keep the boys busy for awhile. I think once I'm healed up, I want to make Pack next in line behind you. He's doing good."

"A good choice, my wise brother." Raeila giggled and kissed Ferrig. She looked to Kael and held out her hand towards him. "Let's get going. I want to make the most of this day with you, Kael."

Kael slipped his hand into Raeila's and stood up from the bed. "I'll see you later, Ferrig. Rest well, and don't worry about anything."

Ferrig laughed. "I never do," he said.

Kael turned to Rae and grinned. "Let's go, Rae. We don't want to lose any time together."

With one last wave to Ferrig, Kael and Raeila slipped out of the room. She gazed up at Kael with a serene smile and even as they passed the boys playing an animated game of cards, Raeila made no notice of them. "I'm glad you came, Kael. You don't know how happy you've just made me."

As they stepped out the front door into the courtyard, Kael smiled. "I think I have a pretty good idea," he said. "I can see it in your eyes, and right now you're just glowing with joy. And, I have other senses that tell me that you haven't been this happy in a very long time."

"Not since you left...for the second time." Raeila shrugged. "But you came back, like you said you would. I guess now, I can keep hoping that one day it'll be for good."

Kael smiled. "I promised you I'd come back," he said. "I couldn't go back on that, especially since I wanted to come here to see you. And, how could I be away for your birthday? So, where would you like to go on your birthday, my arozeil?"

Hearing the word stole her ability to speak and affirmed what her heart had always told her was true. She was his chosen and although there wasn't a wedding bracelet around her wrist, and wouldn't be for a good long while, they would always be bonded to one another.

With a sigh, she rested her head upon Kael's shoulder and closed her eyes. Happiness wasn't so unattainable after all, especially with a brother who loved her, and her arozeil by her side. "It doesn't matter," she replied wistfully. "As long as you're with me, I'll be content anywhere...my arozeil."

He led her to where a speederbike hovered in place. He climbed onto the front and indicated for her to get onto the back. "Let's go out into the desert for awhile then. I want to spend some time with just you and me. And, we'll have a beautiful night together out on the sand, and under the stars."

He helped her onto the back behind him, and then kicked on the repulsors, and off they sped for a night alone. Both knew that Kael would have to return to the Temple soon, but they would make the most of the time they had together.

---

"Team Meeting"
By: Raxis L'Ygr - Leader, The Red Dragons
Ronan Dayre [NPC] - Red Dragon
Gort Donovan - Red Dragon
Tralesha Zibel - Red Dragon
Laedra Vorrel - Jedi Knight
Liam Zaneth - Jedi

Location: Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 17, 4 ABY

***

New Plouton was conceived in the mind of High Prince Dane Valreth as a centre for trade and commerce. He had grand ambitions for Tae'Karada and felt a metropolis such as New Plouton would be needed to concentrate all the crucial businesses and organizations vital to Tae'Karada's financial stability, thereby better facilitating communication between said businesses and optimizing Tae'Karada's trade industry. For whatever purpose it was built, Laedra Vorrel was interested only in its simplistic beauty and the marvels of its architectural accomplishments.

She had never visited a planet with such lofty structures, sleek and modern in design, yet still managing to present a glimpse into Tae'Karada's lengthy history, and a taste of their heritage. She imagined their homeworld had looked much the same before it became uninhabitable, and to relocate to another planet entirely, yet still retain certain aspects of their culture was a tribute to their race's tenacity and instinct of self-preservation. Or perhaps they were merely arrogant creatures who assimilated another race's entire cultural identity because their way was the better way.

"Or maybe you've been reading far too much, Laedra Vorrel," she muttered.

Liam glanced at Laedra and smiled. "You're talking to yourself again," he said. He gave her a smile as he turned his eyes skyward, scanning the skies for where Corellia would be. He sighed and shook his head. Just imagining things, he told himself.

"And you're thinking about her again." Laedra smiled wanly and looked to her feet hitting the walkway. "You're here, but a part of you has gone with her."

"It's just that I sense...something," he said, and then shook his head. "She has Jae Dyn with her though. If anything happens, Jae Dyn will keep her safe. It's just that part of me feels so helpless about it." He shook his head and laughed. He glanced at Laedra and shook his head again. "Everything will be fine."

"We shall contact them when we return, if only to assuage your fears, Liam. I do not think this meeting with Mr. L'Ygr will take very long."

Liam nodded as they turned another corner and headed down a long street with many vendors. If you wanted to buy something, anything, this was the place to get it. "Did Mr. L'Ygr mention why he wanted to see us when you spoke to him?"

"He did not," Laedra replied. "He did not feel comfortable discussing details over a comm channel. But I imagine we will find out soon enough." She cleared her throat as her gaze wandered to the vendor's lining the walkway. She smiled at a young, brown-haired boy passing her who was sucking happily on a purple treat impaled on a stick. The young blonde woman holding his hand was feasting from another just like it, and when Laedra returned her gaze to the young boy, he extended his purple-stained tongue out at her. Laedra snickered and chewed her lip to suppress a full-out laugh. "We should come into the city more often," she said after returning her attention to Liam. "I like it here."

Liam looked around and then smiled. "I agree," he said. "I've seen far too little of this place. On the next slow day we have at the Temple, let's come here and just sightsee. There's so much here, and I want to take it all in with you."

"I imagine that should rouse suspicion enough. I am convinced Dani already knows and I am more than certain Master Vos suspects something." Laedra shrugged and grinned at Liam. "No matter. I would love to come here with you again, Liam."

"It's important that we get some time to take a step back," Liam said. "And, this city is perfect for it. It's not quite as impressive as Coruscant, but it comes close. It will also be good for us to become more familiar with the city. Those skills will be useful someday, especially with the Temple so close."

Laedra and Liam stepped off the curb and crossed the street towards the Windsor Hotel. "Should we bring up the topic of Dargus Kandran to Mr. L'Ygr? I'm not certain how much aid he can provide, but he must know this city better than we do and may have come across contacts who could be of assistance to us."

"I don't think he should try to go after Kandran," Liam said. "But, as long as he can keep out of the way, he seems qualified as an advanced scout. Perhaps he can lead us to where Kandran is now, along with his new master."

"The only way to find him it to find where Kandran has hidden himself now." Laedra looked up at the cyan sky and sighed. "He cannot elude us forever. We will find him, Liam, and stop him."

Liam nodded as he too gazed toward the sky. "Together, we can stop him," he said. "His power is no match for ours when we're together. We would have had him last time. Next time he won't be so lucky. Next time, we will bring this new Sith order to an end."

Laedra smiled at Liam as she slipped her hand into his. Together... Aside from extinguishing the Sith and Dargus, she enjoyed the sound of that immensely.

***

"We are not late, I hope," Laedra said as they made their way down the corridor leading to Raxis' room. "I hate being late."

"I believe we are on time," Liam said with a smile. "Did you notice how the guy at the desk barely even acknowledged us this time? I wonder if he no longer thinks you're...well...it doesn't really matter what he thinks."

Laedra gave a quick survey of her robes, then looked to Liam with a playful frown. "Is this what the prostitutes are wearing nowadays? Or is there something else about me that gave him the impression I was one?"

"I would imagine he assumes that whenever a woman and a man disappear into a room alone here, that there is only one possibility," Liam said with a slight smirk. "Which makes me wonder why Mr. L'Ygr chose this place over the more reputable places in the other districts, or even in this one."

"Perhaps it was the most unassuming place he could find in which to conduct his operations. At any rate, I am not a prostitute and you are not a customer." She grinned at Liam and added, "I do not recall charging you for my services last night."

Liam laughed. "Oh no, there were definitely no charges for that," he said. "I'm glad you're still in that nearly deserted part of the Temple. I thought for certain someone was going to hear us."

Laedra turned her head away in time to conceal her reddening face from Liam. "My throat is still hoarse from it. I will have to learn to contain my enthusiasm for the next time."

"We can work at containing your enthusiasm again tonight," Liam said with a smile. "For now though, we need to focus." They were still a few meters away from Raxis L'Ygr's door, but there was more than enough time for them to regain their concentration. Before moving closer, Liam reached out and squeezed Laedra's hand once. "Ready?"

"Of course," she replied with a solemn nod. She removed her hand from Liam's hold and once they were standing before Raxis' room, she activated the door chime.

Moments of silence passed as the wall eye at the front of the door went from a clear glass to a shadow. Looking down into the hallway, Raxis mustered a half grin and thumbed the door open to reveal not one but four figures in the room. Two of them were male, however they differed greatly. The smaller of the two was reclined on a sofa with a cigarra lit in hand bent at the relaxed angle that only a female debutante could muster. The fashionable clothing draped about him could give no doubt that this was, in fact, Ronan Dayre. Towering above him with a blaster rifle on his back stood the massive figure of Gort, as his eyes collected every detail of the two newcomers.

Perched upon a chair at the rounded table in the center of the room was the lithe figure of a dancer. Profoundly beautiful with a strong air of aggression about her, she sat beside a chair draped with a red cloak that could belong to no one other than Raxis himself.

The two Jedi had found themselves in the company of the Red Dragons.

"Good day to you two." Raxis nodded as he ushered them into the small hotel room and lowered himself onto his chair. "Come in and make yourselves comfortable."

Laedra smiled at Raxis, but focused her mind on the occupants of the room. None exuded any particular feelings of menace or sinister intentions, so with a nod to Liam, Laedra stepped into the room. "I had not realized there would be others attending the meeting."

"Well, you haven't met the core squad and they haven't met you, and these people here are my lieutenants." Raxis smiled and pointed them out to the Jedi. "Gort, Ronan, and Tralesha. Meet two of our friends from the Jedi Order."

Laedra gave a collective ceremonious nod to the group. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."

Liam offered a short bow to the group and then straightened. "I am Liam Zaneth, and this is Laedra Vorrel, representatives of the new Jedi Order."

The Dragons respectfully nodded and smiled. Tralesha, offered her hand to the two. "I'm Tralesha," she said softly. "Pleased to meet you as well."

Liam stepped forward and shook the offered hand. Then, with Laedra by his side, they moved to a pair of vacant chairs and sat. "Now, how may we be of service to you today, Raxis L'Ygr?"

"Well, it's been a little quiet as of late," Raxis began. "We wanted to make sure that you two were doing well. We've been awfully busy, so we decided to slow down for a weekend to make sure you two were doing fine and get everyone acquainted."

"We are doing quite well, thank you." Laedra passed her eyes over each of the strangers, then addressed Raxis again. "I'm assuming these are members of the Red Dragon Society you mentioned to us earlier."

"Well, if they aren't we're going to have a hell of a time fighting our way out of here," Raxis said with a chuckle. "Yes, they are practically my family."

Liam nodded and glanced around at the Red Dragons, and then at Laedra. Unsure of what they were all doing there, he decided to find out a little bit more about L'Ygr's operation. "So, you said you've been busy. What sort of operations have you been involved in lately?"

"Well..." Raxis said with a smile, letting his first words linger. "We've wrapped up about six different spice dealing street gangs and wanted criminal groups around the slums...delivered them straight to the authorities."

Laedra nodded her head slowly, then asked tersely, "Casualties?"

"Not a single one, although I heard through the grapevine that one of them got put on the prison barge with one of his former enemies and was injured in a fight there."

"Yet I imagine apprehending these criminals requires the use of weapons..." She flashed her eyes towards the large man with the rifle and added, "Much like the kind your friend over there is carrying. If an innocent were to accidentally get in the way..."

"We only use ion and stun bursts," Raxis replied with the lighting of a cigarra. "After the first two we've noticed the homeless will actually leave the alleyway when they see or hear of someone suspicious coming. The squatters are pretty good at avoiding firefights like they are chasing cops. Either way, we scout the locations first to limit any danger and set up a free feeding nearby to try and lure them out."

Liam nodded, but couldn't shake the feeling that the Red Dragons were treating the civilians like they were some sort of herd animal. "And, what of the legal ramifications of your actions? The Imperial remnant under Tarkin is still the authority on this planet until a new system of government takes its place. While we may not like the current leadership, it is currently the active and legitimate government on this planet."

"It's not illegal to carry a blaster and it's not illegal to deliver wanted criminals to the Imperials. I wouldn't be surprised if Tarkin himself wasn't a little pleased about it all."

Laedra shifted forward in her seat and clasped her hands atop the table. "Forgive us for being so critical, Mr. L'Ygr, but we are merely trying to determine if your operations are in fact harmful or malicious in any way. As Jedi, we cannot condone such activities - if they are being practiced - and if we are aware of their existence, our Code demands that we step in and put an end to it."

"That's understandable, Laedra," Raxis said with a nod. "However, we're confident that the people of the city are starting to believe in what it is that we are doing."

"And the authorities feel the same way?" Laedra asked. "I mean, I cannot believe they would so readily accept a group of crusaders taking the law into their own hands. It undermines their authority and detracts from the people's confidence in them. When that is lost, it hinders their ability to maintain law and order, which would mean an increase in crime. Are there enough of you to intercede if that were to happen?"

"There will be," Raxis said with a nod. "Regardless, do you really think that the Imperial regime will reign here at that point? The Empire is gone. We've pulled homeless families from the streets and have had them fed. The government isn't policing these people as they are. Crime syndicates force families into unofficial slavery and keep them to sleeping in the streets while they work for the safety of their families. There's already talk in the streets and it seems that the good people here support us. There are no laws against self defense, Laedra."

"You are correct, Raxis. However, I believe the Imperialists governing this planet now would not agree with you," Laedra replied. "The Empire may have been abolished elsewhere, but on Tae'Karada, it still thrives. I do not support them or welcome their presence, but as of yet, there have been no measures taken to supplant them. There are not enough Jedi to do it, nor are there enough Red Dragons. Through your undertakings, you are making many enemies, including Tarkin and the crime syndicates you seem to be targeting. The support you have received from the people will do nothing to protect you from them. So I ask you: Are you certain this is what you want to do? For your own sake, Raxis, and the sake of those you care for," she said as she motioned her eyes towards his friends in the background.

Liam swept his gaze across the room. "Are the four of you prepared to start a war with the Imperial government and every crime syndicate on this planet?"

"We're not planning to touch a single Imperial, but the crime syndicates? Yes...and when it's time to help these people govern themselves? Yes. Aren't you? Sooner or later the New Republic will be here and we will welcome them with open arms, but until then we have to have underground support."

"And you volunteer yourselves for that position?" Laedra sat back in her chair and sighed. "You are risking a great deal, Raxis L'Ygr. Quite a bit, in fact, to achieve self-redemption. I am not stating that you don't deserve just that, but the way you are going about it may only get you killed. If your actions prompt a war on this planet, the Jedi cannot vow to support you. Our Code forbids us from intervening and therefore we are left with the task of mediating such a dispute. While you are at war with the crime families, who will ensure the safety of the innocents? There aren't enough Jedi to do so and while we are acting as mediators and your group concerned with keeping yourselves alive, how could any of us possibly spare time for their protection? It would put us all in a very uncomfortable position."

Raxis let out a deep sigh and looked over to Tralesha for a moment before looking back at Laedra. "There's something at stake for everybody. This isn't about self-redemption, this is about doing what is right. The crime families are going to war whether we like it or not, and soon the New Republic will probably come to rid the Empire from here as well. What happens then? What happens if the Empire enslaves the people here like they did the hundreds of alien races across the galaxy?"

"He's asking you to trust him, Laedra..." Tralesha said, leaning forward. "Gort and I fought for the rebel cause and all four of us know what will and will not spill over to the helpless population. All out war would be nothing but disaster to everyone including yourselves. All we're planning on doing until the Republic shows up is inspire confidence in the locals to defend themselves against these bastard crimelords."

Raxis' eyes fell upon both Liam and Laedra expressionless. "The Empire survived, so what if the Emperor...hell...Vader himself survived? The Empire's taken post here and that means soon we'll be at the forefront."

"If the Emperor or Vader survived, then you should keep well away from them," Liam said. "However, there is another threat in this area, of a similar nature. I'm not sure if you're familiar with Dargus Kandran or not. He used to be a crimelord on this planet until he was brought down nearly a year ago. It seems that he wasn't killed as we had thought. And, in the time of his absence, he has become very powerful in the Jedi arts, and in the Dark Side. We don't want you engaging him under any circumstances, but if you could keep your eyes open for any signs of his activity..." He looked around, and then sighed. "If this does become a war, four of you aren't going to be a front line."

"I'm asking you two to have faith in us, Jedi," Raxis muttered quietly. "If war's coming then war's going to come, especially if the New Republic comes before the Dragons or I throw even one stone. If that happens, someone's going to have to rally the people because no one else will. We'll lay low. We currently are anonymous and no one knows who we are and we will stay that way. If the time for war comes, trust in me that we'll be the ones to form the militia here to aid the Republic. I'm a soldier, and there are very few soldiers here thinking with the good people in mind."

Raxis took a moment to stub out the cigarra and smiled at the two. "However, I consider the two of you allies and friends, and will listen to your every piece of advice. I'm not some zealot," he said with a chuckle. "If Dargus comes across our eyes, ears, and nose, we'll gather the needed recon."

"Just make sure you're a ghost around him," Liam said, "or he will make you one. And, as for anonymity goes, you'll have a lower profile if you stop interrupting TNN broadcasts."

The Red Dragons fell silent for a moment, staring at the floor. Gort covered his face with one of his massive hands and let out a snort before the entirety of the vigilante group erupted in laughter.

"Okay, okay..." Raxis said, wiping a tear out of his eye. "No more interrupting TNN even if it is to interrupt one of those terrible interviews with slamball players. We didn't know the Jedi were fans of TNN."

"We aren't completely detached from society," Laedra replied with a smile. "And Liam's wife is quite the technician and has made it possible for us to keep apprised of current events, and apparently your antics are a popular news topic."

"I would imagine those news stories are also the reason the Empire is putting out satellites over New Plouton," Liam said. "I have a feeling they are feeling a little blind and in the dark. I would expect closer scrutiny of your work in the near future."

"Ah," Raxis said with a chuckle as he wiped a tear from his eye. "Didn't mean any disrespect but one would assume that Jedi spend their time meditating and not watching holovision. No offense, it was just that we figured we'd have to tell you about it."

"Satellites?" Ronan called from the edge of the room. "No problem. Those things are still using the same signals that they were back on Axan IV."

"He's right." Raxis nodded slowly. "We'll lay low though. I'm sure Tarkin didn't respect his drop in popularity after that message. They'll be gunning for us so we'll just make sure they spend lots of money putting those satellites there for no reason. Either way, from what the word on the street is, we have some popular support from a lot of the unhappy working class husband...so don't be surprised if our next meeting is in a different location."

Liam nodded. "You do realize that the working class husband on this planet believes that his wife is basically his property, should wear little to no clothing, and her primary function in his life is to provide babies for him."

"Well, yeah..." Tralesha butted in. "But you have to figure that there are working class citizens that are in love with their wives and children who wouldn't want to see them harmed, and to live in a better world. It's those people that we're sure to grab."

"What about the street urchins too? These people have been all but shat upon by the government, and from the ones we've liberated from their street squats we've gotten much praise. These are people that are itching at the chance to get a better and less corrupt life, even though the chances of getting that life are slim to none. Not everyone here agrees with the corrupt way of life, and we're merely the first few to step forward and have the balls to do something about it," Raxis added, sliding his hand over Tralesha's.

Laedra smiled gently at the display and was convinced more by this simple gesture than all their debating that Raxis and his colleagues were nothing near self-serving vigilantes. They were compassionate beings attempting to take a stand for the citizens of Tae'Karada, and in the process have a hand in making the galaxy a place where they could live freely, and love freely. "You have my support, Raxis L'Ygr," Laedra said without realizing the words had left her mouth. "I believe you are doing what you think is best and I offer whatever aid you need of me."

The Red Dragons, seemingly in unison, quit their chuckling and moved their gaze to Laedra in respect.

Laedra, in return, passed her gaze over each of them, finally returning to Raxis. "If you want it...of course."

Liam glanced at Laedra and then at the Red Dragons. "The Jedi will assist you as we can, within our own limitations. Order is necessary before the solid foundation of the New Republic can be laid. We will help you keep the peace."

"Thank you very much," Raxis said with a grin. "We'll ghost Dargus and see what we can learn as soon as possible."

"Thank you," Liam said, and offered the Red Dragons another bow. "Just remember to keep your distance from him. He's a very dangerous man, more dangerous than anything any of you have ever faced."

"Very well, Liam. You and Laedra know how to get ahold of us as well if you ever need anything," Raxis said with a boyish grin, as the Dragons respectfully nodded to the two Jedi. "We should have something to report within a month."

Laedra rose and joined Liam at his side. "Whatever information you can provide will be much appreciated, Mr. L'Ygr." She took a step towards Raxis and bowed low to keep her words between she and him. "The Force flows calmly within you, Raxis L'Ygr. I believe you may have finally found the right path."

Raxis bowed low in return with a small smile and a nod. "Stay safe, you two. We'll be meeting again soon."

"I look forward to it, Raxis L'Ygr," Laedra replied. "It has been a pleasure to meet all of you."

With Laedra at his side, Liam started toward the door. He stopped before opening it and turned back to Raxis and the other Red Dragons. "We will be in contact soon," he said. "May the Force be with you all."

"May the Force be with you as well," Raxis said, as he watched them exit.

---

"Misplaced Devotion"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Liam Zaneth
Stormtroopers [NPCs]

Location: Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 17, 4 ABY

***

Liam and Laedra left the Windsor Hotel in silence. As they walked, Liam played the events of the last half hour over in his mind once more. He wondered just what Raxis L'Ygr had called the meeting for. Had there been a purpose other than meeting his associates? Finally he shook his head and sighed.

"I hadn't expected such an impulsive reaction from you," he finally said. "For a moment, I thought they were either going to fall out of their chairs or make you an honourary Red Dragon."

"I merely gave Raxis my support." Laedra shrugged. "I hadn't realized it would be that important to them."

"You merely gave him support, but it could have dragged the Jedi into something we shouldn't be that involved in. We cannot be Raxis L'Ygr's soldiers. And, given the nature of their organization, I'm not entirely certain the Jedi Order can openly support them."

"The Jedi Order is not," Laedra corrected. "I am. I alone do not speak for the Order, therefore my support does not mean an endorsement by you or any of the Jedi at the Temple."

"That's true," Liam said. "However, I was under the impression that we were meeting with the Red Dragons as representatives of the Jedi Order, not as Liam and Laedra. How do we know that the Red Dragons aren't now assuming that they have the support of the Jedi? You may not be a designated spokesperson for the Temple, but there will be people that assume that what one Jedi says publicly is official policy. We have a long road ahead of us to get out from under the shadow Palpatine placed us under."

Laedra halted on the path back to their speeder and turned to face Liam. "Are you telling me that I am not allowed to have my own opinions, that I should cease all independent thought and merely conform to what our Order wishes? I support what Raxis is attempting and I chose to express that. I will not abandon my individuality because you're afraid your new Order will develop a bad reputation. I am Laedra Vorrel, Liam. I speak for myself first and foremost. Frankly, the Order comes second to that."

Liam frowned and turned back to face Laedra. "Then we might as well all hang up our lightsabers and go home," he said. "Do you think I would really ask you to throw away your own ideas and become some Jedi automaton? Is that what you really believe I would think? The Jedi Order is in the public eye, Laedra. And there is a political game we will need to play to exist in this galaxy. Don't you see the problem? We were meeting with L'Ygr as Jedi Knights. Which means when we offer him support, we offer that as Jedi Knights and the Jedi Order. We must be careful, or else we will end up giving hope to a cause that we cannot support." He took in a deep breath and let it out. "You should be a Jedi first and foremost, and the rest comes after. If you are unable to do that, then perhaps you should reconsider the path of your life."

"How can you ask that of me when you yourself cannot do the same? If you were truly a Jedi first and foremost, you would not be a married man, and you would not be cheating on your wife with another woman." Laedra took a deep breath, but it did nothing to calm her. "Liam Zaneth, you are a hypocrite. Perhaps it is you who should decide a different path from the one you are currently on." Laedra spared not a moment before starting back down the walkway.

"Very well," Liam called after her. He stormed after her, but only because she was going in the direction of the speeder. As soon as he got back to the Temple, he'd check the status of transports heading in the direction of Corellia. The sooner he could get off this rock, the better.

Laedra glanced back at Liam, and quickly looked away again only to find two Imperial stormtroopers directly in her path. She stepped aside to pass them, but the one nearest to her immediately blocked her passage. Laedra halted and slowly passed her gaze over the two officers. "Excuse me. Is there some reason you will not let me by?"

The one on the left, whose shoulder was adorned with an orange shoulder pad, stepped so that he was directly in front of her. "We need to see your identification," the man said. "Grand Admiral Tarkin has issued new orders for the city of New Plouton. A curfew has been established, and all citizens are required to carry identicards. Failure to present valid identification will result in harsh penalties."

"I was not aware of this requirement," Laedra replied. "I have no identification on me, but I will be certain to carry some the next time I am in the city. May I be dismissed now?"

"You'll need to come with us," the officer said. "You will be processed and furnished with identification."

"Is there a problem here?" a voice from behind Laedra asked.

The other officer quickly brought up his weapon. Liam put his hands out to the side. "Hey, I don't want any trouble. I'm just out for a walk."

"We'll need to see your identification," the trooper said. "Slowly."

Liam nodded. "I'm afraid I don't carry identification on me," he said. "Makes it too easy for the pickpockets to get ahold of."

"You will come with us for processing."

The officer turned to Laedra. "Please step ahead of us and we'll proceed to the processing station."

Laedra stared into the visor of the trooper's helmet as she fanned her hand through the air. "You don't need to process us," she said. She emitted thin tendrils of the Force towards the man to snake their way into his mind and manipulate his will. "We can head along home now."

The officer shook his head slightly, then brought up his weapon and pointed it at Laedra's chest. "What were you trying to do?" he snapped. The trooper brought up his weapon and pointed it directly at Liam's chest. "Neither of you move."

"You really don't want to do this," Liam said.

"Quiet," the trooper spat. "Get your hands out where I can see them."

The officer's weapon was almost pressed to Laedra's chest. "I think perhaps we should take you directly to Grand Admiral Tarkin himself."

Laedra's eyes flitted to Liam, then back to the Trooper before her. "Very well," she acceded softly. "Do what you must." Laedra knew there was time to pull free her lightsaber and lop off the barrel of the Trooper's blaster, but if the other officer had the chance, he could shoot either she or Liam impulsively. Not yet, she told herself. Wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Liam held out his hands for whatever sort of restraints they would place on him. "If you don't mind," he said as the trooper eyed him suspiciously, "I have a flight to catch off-planet. This isn't going to take long is it?"

The officer motioned for Laedra to bring her hands up as he retrieved a pair of restraints from his belt.

Laedra stood frozen with only her head able to move, which it did as she turned it towards Liam and gazed at him with a stricken gaze. "What? You're leaving?"

Liam turned his head to face her. "What choice do I have here? You told me I should seek a change in careers. I'm a hypocrite, right? If I stop being a Jedi, then I have no place here on Tae'Karada anymore. I figure if there is no place for me here, then I might as well go where there is a place for me." With an annoyed glance at the trooper who was edging forward with the restraints, Liam just raised a hand and sent the man flying back twenty meters. "I've been trying to be a good Jedi, but obviously I'm not."

Laedra felt the barrel of the other trooper's blaster firmly against her chest now, but his head was turned away towards his fallen comrade. The perfect moment seemed to have arrived, and with a quick jab administered by her open palm to his chest, and aided by the Force, the other trooper sailed through the air and landed alongside his fellow officer in a heap. Laedra didn't watch long enough to see the product of her efforts and instead turned swiftly to face Liam. "If you want to be with Yelara, why didn't you just go with her to begin with? Why did you mislead me into thinking you cared for me enough to want to be with me? That is what this is about, isn't it? You're guilty for not going with her and now you're taking it out on me. Well, forgive me, Liam, for forcing you to stay against your wishes. Perhaps I'm the bitch Jae Dyn made me out to be after all."

Liam closed his eyes for a moment and focused his thoughts and emotions. "Do you really believe that, Laedra? Do you believe I didn't want to be with you when I chose to stay here? Search your feelings, Laedra. Use the Force. This isn't about me and Yelara. This argument started because you're putting yourself before your commitment to the Jedi Order. You're putting your own feelings and needs before the Force. And, if you continue down that path, you will encounter the dark side there. I've walked that path; I know what it holds. You don't want the darkness, Lae."

"No. I want you, Liam, but you're ready to catch the next transport and leave me behind, which forces me to believe when you chose to remain, you weren't thinking fully with your mind and more with...other things." Laedra stepped forward, then turned away and shook her head slowly. "All I did was encourage Mr. L'Ygr to do what he believed was right," she said quietly. "Why are you doing this to me, Liam?"

"You told him you gave him your support," Liam said. "That's more than encouragement. And, I'm not catching any transports. I need to stay here to stop Kandran. And, if we can resolve these differences, I need to be with you. But, you have to understand that while I love you, I also love Yelara. If there's any way, I want both of you in my life." He shifted himself around to face her. "The things I have been saying aren't intended to hurt you, but it appears that you and I have fundamentally different views of what it means to be a Jedi. You want your independence and don't want to be an automaton, but being a Jedi is putting the Force and the Jedi Order first and foremost in your life. That you argue against that concerns me."

Laedra met Liam's gaze hesitantly, but held it. "Liam...you must know that when I took my Trials, I was young and still not fully disciplined. My Master may have been negligent in his duty as my teacher by giving me no choice but to attempt the Trials, but...I forced his hand." She sighed. "I don't blame him for my present lack of complete faith in the Force, but I know he had a hand in it. I wasn't ready," she snapped. "I knew I wasn't and refused to be so I could remain his Padawan. Even then, I had trouble with placing emotional attachments before the Force." Laedra laughed dryly and added, "I guess you could say I'm flawed in a way. I don't think that would be an exaggeration."

Liam nodded. "You fell in love with him, but he didn't return your feelings. You pressed matters with him, and to escape having you crawl into his bed one night, he sped you through the Trials before you were fully ready." He took a deep breath. "Do you wish to be a Jedi, Laedra?"

Her shoulders fell forward and her body wilted as if deflated by the deep breath she exhaled. Laedra closed her eyes to keep back the tears she had no power in containing, not now when Liam had hit such a deep nerve, one she thought she'd done well in burying. "I do," she whispered. "I merely never learned how to be, not properly. I was far too busy searching for ways to make him love me to devote myself to becoming a Jedi." She covered her eyes with her hand to hide the tears and sobbed quietly. "What do I do, Liam? Help me."

Liam pulled her into his arms and held her to his chest. "We'll work on it together," he said. "We'll study the Jedi Code together, and we'll be Jedi Knights together. Together, we can make it, Lae."

Laedra clutched at Liam's robes, trying to pull him closer than he already was. She sobbed loudly, but the intensity of it was muffled by her face buried in Liam's chest. "You're not leaving?" Laedra turned her face up to him and blinked away tears. "You're not leaving me then?"

"No," Liam said softly. "I will have to go to her eventually. But, we'll see what we can work out. But for now, I'm not leaving you. We still have to stop Dargus Kandran, we have to make you the best Jedi ever, and I still need to shower you with love."

Laedra laughed softly and embraced Liam tighter. "I should have told you all this before. I just didn't realize that I was lacking in anything. I'm a Jedi, yet I am not. All these years I've been living as an impostor, yet I had to come here and meet you to see that. You're an exemplary Jedi, Liam, and more of a Jedi Knight than I ever was."

Liam grinned. "Maybe I am ready for my trials after all," he said. "While I have embraced the Code lately, it's not too late for you. We can study the Code together, and become true Jedi, experts on what it is to be a Jedi Knight and to live with the Force as our ally and guide."

"But we cannot embrace it too fully," Laedra added. "If we do...we will have to end our relationship, Liam, and I don't think that is one attachment I can give up."

Liam grinned, and then kissed her. "I don't think I could give it up either," he said. "But, then again, I think that our relationship can work as long as we know where to place our priorities."

"And as long as I feel more secure in your decision to stay with me." Laedra looked away and sighed. "I'm sorry. I was angry and jealous...and for a moment, I thought you truly felt it was a mistake staying. Are you certain this is where you want to be, Liam? Truly?"

"When you started getting jealous I began to wonder," Liam said. "But, then I remembered I'd get it worse from my wife." He shook his head and gave a dry laugh. "I feel like I'm grabbing hold of an ignited lightsaber with this situation. I just hope it works out."

She knew if it didn't, Liam would have to choose, but she didn't have the courage to ask him who, in the end, he would decide to give his heart to completely. Laedra sighed as she glanced over at the unconscious stormtroopers, then pulled away from Liam and clasped his hand. "We should leave. We don't want their friends arriving to find them like that."

Liam took her hand and started leading the way to the speeder. "Let's head back for the Temple," he said. "I think we should do some meditating and see if we can come to a deeper understanding on our purpose in the Jedi Order."

"Now I believe I may just have one." Laedra gazed up at Liam and asked, "You won't tell anyone what I've told you, will you, Liam? It's not important that they know."

"Your secret is safe with me," Liam said. The sounds of chaos erupting behind him alerted him to the onrush of Stormtroopers. "We'd better hurry out of here before we have to do something we won't like."

"I agree." Laedra quickly kissed Liam upon the cheek, then with a laugh, she broke away and sprinted ahead of him.

Liam charged off after Laedra. His longer strides brought him up behind her, and they reached the speeder at the same time. He slid behind the controls while Laedra climbed in the other side. As he sensed the stormtroopers drawing closer, he swung the speeder around and rocketed off down the street and away from the danger.

Disaster had been averted on two fronts, but who knew what others lay on the road ahead? Together, at least, Liam and Laedra would help complete the training Master Ina had started, and hopefully together they could find the true paths they needed to walk in the dark days to come.

---

"Asri'tae"
By: Kael Selrid
Raeila Mullerin

Location: Valley of the Seer - Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 17, 4 ABY

***

They'd stopped at one of the general stores and Kael had picked up two large containers of water, two bottles of wine, and a variety of different things for him and Raeila to eat while out in the deeper desert. He loaded up the cargo pouches of the speederbike with his purchases, and once again helped Raeila onto the speeder behind him. And, then they headed out of the town toward the part of the sands every Kir'Thana longed to go to. Out that far in the desert, the connection to Thana was unmistakable. Even as a student of the Force, Kael could not deny that he was also a child of Thana, the goddess of the sands. In his heart, he felt that there must be some tie between the Force and Thana.

They rode for nearly an hour before he finally cut back on the throttle and slowed their progress. He brought the speeder around one tall sand-piled spire, and edged off toward a cliff that overlooked the Valley of the Seer. Many generations ago, a group of elders had all gone into the valley, and were blessed with visions of the future. Ever since then, it had been known by the new name. It was always beautiful to watch the suns rays reflecting off of the sands and crystals that formed in the side of the cliffs. It was one of the more beautiful places in the desert.

Finally, Kael stopped the speeder and gazed out longingly toward the distant sands. After a moment, he turned to Raeila and smiled. "It's been so long since I've been here," he said. "This was the most beautiful place I could think of, so that's why I brought us here. I wanted to share this with you, Rae."

"I've never seen this place before," Raeila said as she gazed out upon the glistening sands of the valley. "How'd you find this place?" She laughed and added, "And how many other girls have you brought here?"

"No other girls," Kael said with a grin. "I'd just turned sixteen, and Tyree brought me here. He'd found some spice on one of the gangers we'd just fought against, and he said he knew this place...and brought me here. I think his father showed it to him before he died."

"Well, I'm glad you're showing it to me. It's beautiful." She kissed the side of Kael's neck, then hopped off the speederbike. She began unpacking their supplies from the cargo pouches and smiled up at Kael. "Come on. We'll go and look for a nice spot for our picnic."

"I couldn't think of a nicer, more beautiful place to take you," he said, and then took her hand as they went off in search of a nice place to spend their afternoon. "Wait until the sun starts setting. The whole canyon lights up. It's really amazing."

"Especially with you in my arms." They walked leisurely along the plateau until Raeila pointed out a flat, secluded area that provided a clear view of the sky, perfect for stargazing when the sun set. "Kael...before anything, I just gotta know. Are you mad at me for what I did to Nieme and Dani? I can't help thinking you hate me for it and...well...that's why you left."

"I am upset that it happened," Kael said. "But, I understand why you did what you did. I love you too much to ever hate you, Rae. I love you, and I love Nieme. You are two different, unique people and there's much in each of you to love. And, I don't want you to feel threatened by her. You are my arozeil, and as much as she shares that part of my heart as well, she also loves Dani. It's very confusing, and I don't know what will come of all of it. But, I know when I am with you, I am happy and alive. I have accepted that Nieme shares herself with Dani, and it doesn't upset me like it did. But, I don't feel that with you and the others you are with. I know my love for you and your love for me is strong enough to withstand all of that. I don't really know what I'm trying to say, but I do love you more than anything, and you are the only one I would ever share this place with."

Raeila gnawed at her lower lip and finally managed to force back the tears Kael had triggered. "And I'll never bring anyone else here either. I mean...there is no one else, Kael. Those men, they're just customers. And Ferrig...I love him and share myself with him, but even then it's not like what we have, Kael. I just wish I could have it all the time. But, I know you have to go back." Raeila glanced at Kael sidelong and asked, "Will you ever come back to me for good, Kael?"

Kael took her into his arms and held her close. "I want that more than anything," Kael said softly. "I love you, Raeila Mullerin. And, I want to come back to you for good. At this time, I can't say it will definitely happen. But, yes. I want to be with you. I want us to be together, for good."

"You mean it?" she asked as her breath caught. "You know I'll wait for you, Kael. There will never be anyone else." Raeila kissed him fervently, then pulled away and started them towards their destination spot. "When do you have to go back? You can stay all night, can't you?"

Kael nodded. "Yes," he said. "I'll be here tonight. But I should go back tomorrow morning. Probably mid-morning, or so. So, we have time together."

"I'm glad we have any at all." Raeila took the blanket from under her arm as they reached the spot. She laid it down atop the flattened sand and settled down upon it with Kael. Raeila giggled as she noticed the back of Kael's head, but more specifically the lock of hair grown out longer than the rest. She pulled it through her hand gently as she studied it. "Who cut your hair, Kael? I think they missed a spot."

"It's the style worn by human Jedi students," he said. "Once I become a Jedi Knight, then I'll be able to wear my hair however I want." He turned his head to the side for her to see the rest of the Padawan style. "There's also a braid growing out there." He smiled. "It's not so bad, and after a little while you get used to it. And, you would be surprised how comfortable the clothing is."

"Is it hard work?" Raeila pulled out the bottle of wine and began uncorking it. "I mean...are they really strict? I imagine that blue-eyed fellow is tough. He just looks mean and scary."

"It is strict," Kael said. "Though, from what I've read, not as much as it used to be. And, Liam -- that's the blue-eyed guy -- is only scary when you get him upset. He used to be a Dark Jedi. Remember those stories we heard about that Darth Vader guy? Well, Liam was like that, except not as powerful. But, he's pretty nice when you get to know him. Laedra, she was the one with the pink blade when we were here, she's nice too, but when she's acting as teacher she's pretty strict. I haven't really interacted with the others so much. Jae Dyn, she had the purple blade, is nice, but distant. She is Liam Zaneth's wife's girlfriend. It's a pretty strange relationship. But, they're nice people, and they're trying to do right. I wish you could be with me there."

Raeila stroked Kael's lengthening hair and sighed. "I wish you could be here with me. But if this is what you really wanna do, Kael...then you should do it. I mean, they sound like nice people and you look good in the uniform..." She smiled wanly and shrugged. "You wouldn't be happy here if I forced you to leave all that, no matter how much I want you to."

"I want to finish this training," Kael said as he moved closer to Raeila. "But, after I finish, then I can come back. I hate being away from you, Rae. I hate not having you around. But, we'll have that again. My training is going really well, and I'm learning so much. Both Master Liam and Master Laedra are surprised with how fast I'm learning. We'll be together soon again. I promise."

"What about...Nieme?" Raeila tried not to frown at the sound of the name, but she couldn't help being bitter. Nieme was with Kael, while she was in the desert without him. It came down to pure envy. "Would you leave her behind? And come to me?"

"It's difficult to tell what will happen," Kael said. "But, I would most likely leave Nieme behind, and she would be with Dani. I know they can find happiness together. But, do not worry, my love. You were the last one I was with, and you will be the only one I'm with for a very long time. Nieme and I aren't...physical in our relationship, not now." He took her hands into his. "I am yours."

"Then marry me, Kael," she said. She set the wine bottle down and framed Kael's face with her hands. "If you're mine, and only mine, then marry me. I want to wear your wedding bracelet, arozeil, as a reminder that you do love me and that you will come back to me."

Kael smiled and looked away. He stared off into the distance for a long moment, and then laughed. When he turned back to her, he was still grinning. "I was waiting until the sunset for this part, but..." He reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a golden bracelet. "I wanted to wait until the whole valley was lit up from the sunset, but I guess now is as good a time. I cannot marry yet, but I can pledge my love to you and give you my heart." He reached out and wrapped the bracelet around her right wrist. "As soon as my training is complete, my arozeil, I pledge to make you my wife, and we will live our life together. And, until that time, I promise to come back to you as often as I can."

Raeila's mouth gaped and shock had distracted her from breathing, but once she ran her finger over the bracelet upon her wrist and realized it wasn't a figment of her greatest hopes, she emitted a squeal of laughter and threw herself at Kael. He landed flat atop the blanket with Raeila on him, feeding kisses upon every patch of flesh on his face. "Oh, Kael! I can't believe this!" She kissed him deeply, then pulled back to shriek with overwhelming excitement. "You didn't need a sunset to make this anymore spectacular than it already is, Kael. Oh gods, this is amazing!" Tears were sliding down her cheeks as she raised her arm to gaze at her bracelet. "I can't believe this," she whispered. "I've been waiting so long for this."

Kael couldn't remove the smile from his face, and didn't want to. He could never imagine more happiness flowing from Raeila than he felt just then. "Before going to find you, I stopped at one of the goldsmiths at the edge of town and got that for you. And, I didn't need the sunset, but the light catching the crystals in the walls of the cliffs and then the gold of the bracelet... It would have been a sight. But, it couldn't be any more beautiful than the look in your eyes right now. I love you, Raeila. And, someday very soon, I will return here, and move that bracelet to your other wrist."

"I wish I could give you one, Kael. I want to give you something to remember me by while you're away at the Temple." She kissed Kael again and delighted at the sensation of her bracelet sliding down her wrist. It was almost as exciting as one of Kael's caresses.

"The memories of our times together are very memorable," he said softly. "And, even then, nothing could make me forget my love for you, Rae. You're in my heart, and a part of my soul. We are bound."

"Oh, I've got to be having a heat-induced delusion," Raeila said with a grin. "This is the most wonderful thing that's happened to me, Kael." She leaned forward and kissed him again, slowly and deeply to convey her yearning to truly bind as one with him. "Kael?" she whispered. "Is it against your Jedi rules to make love to your arozeil?"

"I don't think so," Kael said with a smile. "Master Liam has a wife, and Master Jae Dyn has a girlfriend. So I think I can make love to my arozeil."

Raeila pushed herself upright and gazed down at Kael with a silky smile. "Good, because I don't think I can wait until my next birthday to be with you, Kael." She ran her hands along Kael's chest, down to the ties holding his tunic closed. "This will be like on our wedding night, Kael," she said as she spread open the tunic and kissed his chest. "Except then, I'll be Raeila Selrid, as it always should've been."

"Yes," Kael whispered as he let his hands slide up Raeila's chest. "I don't think I could wait either. No one makes me feel like you do, Rae. No one starts the fires like you can." He moaned softly as her lips traced patterns around his chest. "My beautiful arozeil."

The word again infused Raeila with glee, as hearing it from Kael's mouth always did. For a moment, she wondered if it had been her instead of Ferrig who had been trapped by the falling ceiling of the Rhack. Unlike Ferrig, maybe she'd died and this was her own private asri'tae, a place where her soul would be bound always with Kael's. If it was, death wasn't as horrible as the old folk tales made it out to be. Not horrible at all, especially if she could spend all of eternity in Kael's arms. But one night was all she had for now, and with the promise of his return, that was all she needed.

So, with a sea of shimmering sand encompassing them, and the sky already taking on the orange hue of dusk, Raeila made love to Kael and knew that nothing else in the world existed now besides she and her arozeil.

***

The sun had long vanished, and the bright specks of starlight shone down from above. The chill would be coming soon as night stole the heat of the desert, but for now Kael and Raeila were happy lying in each other's arms. Their gaze was lifted skyward to the stars looking down and watching them. Pinprick holes in the fabric of asri'tae where the many asri resting there could see through, that was what their ancient ancestors had claimed the night's sky to be. It held a romantic notion that appealed to Kael. He'd heard Nieme repeat the names of the stars enough to be able to name some himself. He smiled. "I want to travel among them someday, with you at my side. We can journey far, but always come back here, where we belong."

"We'd have to bring Ferrig too," Raeila said while lazily trailing her finger up Kael's bare arm. "I think he'll need a vacation after he becomes king of the desert. But we'll lock him away somewhere so he won't try to entertain us with his jokes."

"Has he improved at all?" Kael asked with a laugh. "I think there was a time when we were going to tie him down and remove the part of his brain where those jokes are stored. You know, I'd think since you're good at telling jokes he would be too...but, I guess not. But, yes...he'd come with us. You and I would have one cabin, and he could have the other. And, it'd be great."

"Do you really think so, Kael? Do you really think it can happen?" She kissed her way from his shoulder to his neck. "I mean, it seems so far away from now. All hells, the wedding seems even farther! But that's only because I wish we could be married already, this way you wouldn't have to leave me in the morning."

"I know," Kael said with a sigh. "But, I'll be back before you know it. And, next time I'll try to get a few days to come down here, so we'll have more time."

"And...Nieme won't be suspicious? Not that I really care if she knows about us. In fact, I made it a point that she did when she was here."

Kael sighed. "I don't know about Nieme," he said. "I'll figure that out when the time comes to figure it out. Right now, she's barely talking to me. Master Jae Dyn performed a procedure to help bring her out of the mental cocoon she created for herself, and we've been waiting to see how that took. I don't know what will happen with her, but I want you to know that I am yours, Raeila."

"I know that now, Kael," Raeila assured him. She nuzzled his neck with her lips while her hand caressed his chest. "But, I was worried before, and jealous. That's why I did those things to her. I mean...you left the desert to be with her, Kael. You left me for her. You don't know how much that hurt."

"I saw it in your eyes when I came back," Kael said. "And, when I saw you again...I knew I needed you in my life. I do love Nieme, but I was stupid to even think that I could live without you in my life. We belong together, Raeila. You don't have to be jealous of her anymore, Rae. I'm yours, and nothing can stop that."

"Especially considering how talented I am in the art of sexual pleasure." She giggled as she slung her leg over Kael's waist and pulled herself atop him. "I bet you don't get the Mullerin special at the Temple, do you?"

"I don't think I could ever get it like you give it from anywhere," Kael said with a smile. "I miss you at night, Rae. It gets very lonely in my bed at the Temple. But, frequent trips here will keep me happily content."

"And once we're married, I'll even stop charging you." She laughed and ran her hands down along Kael's thighs. "I don't think I've ever charged you, not even the first night you decided to let me into your bed and see what all the boys were talking about. I think I knew even back then you were the one for me, Kael."

"I knew it too," Kael whispered. "Since you, I don't think any other woman has been able to hold my interest in bed. Nieme is a beautiful, sweet girl...but there's a fire in you that she just doesn't have. You know, I think you're the only one who can make me scream."

"That's because I know your body as well as I know my very own. I enjoy studying it," she said as she traced the curve of Kael's pectoral from his sternum and below to his nipple. "You're a fine specimen, Kael. Always my favourite," she commented with a wink.

Kael laughed softly. "Well, I would hope so," he said softly. "You just agreed to be my wife, so I would hope I'm your favourite. If not, I'd have to meet this other guy."

"But you already have. I'm sure you remember him. Tall, brown-haired, and always telling these horrible jokes."

"So, your brother is the close second? Well, at least his horrible jokes help offset that. Has he always told bad jokes?"

She laughed and nodded her head emphatically. "As long as I've been his sister." With a sigh, she slid down beside Kael and craned her head to spy upon the stars again. "I'm gonna miss you when you leave. But it won't be so bad knowing you'll be back."

Kael smiled. "I'm going to miss you too," he said, and then touched a hand to the bracelet clasped around her wrist. "You'll have something to remember me by though. And, I'll try to be back very soon. There may be days where I can even come down for just part of the day too. That way I can be here more frequently."

"You'd do that?" Raeila looked aside to Kael and smiled slightly. "You're different now, you know? I loved you the way you were before too, but now you're so focused and more confident, if you can believe that. Being with you just makes me feel so peaceful. I wouldn't say it's tamed me, because we both know there isn't anyone around who could tame Raeila Mullerin, but then again," she said with a haughty grin, "who would want to?"

Kael grinned and pulled her close. "I feel different," he said. "Stronger mentally and physically. I like who I am becoming. It is so much easier to deal with problems when you are thinking clearly. I hope I'm still as fun as I've always been. They say that Jedi have their sense of humour bred out of them, but I don't think that's true."

"If so," Raeila began with a sudden conspiratorial smile, "maybe we should haul Ferrig over to that Temple of yours and see if they can breed out that annoying tendency he has to tell a joke whether one wants to hear it or not."

Kael laughed and then kissed Raeila. "Oh, I imagine they could do wonders for his sense of humour there," he said. "Such as it is. I still can't believe that one he told about the ganger and the nerf. He was laughing for nearly five minutes...the only one laughing for five minutes."

Raeila giggled and added, "And that was before he even got to the punchline!" She wiped at a tear in her eye as she and Kael laughed at Ferrig's expense, although with good reason. "Oh, Kael... This has been the best day I've had in a long while. Ferrig tries to get my spirits up, and he does a good job of it too, but it's not his fault I can only truly be happy when you're with me."

"That's because I'm your arozeil and he's not," Kael said with a grin. "And, I'm glad I can make you happy. You have a beautiful smile, and when your eyes are sparkling and you're smiling... You're so beautiful. How did you get to be so beautiful and so wonderful and everything I want?"

Raeila smiled bashfully and covered her face with her hands to conceal the blush only Kael had ever managed to put in her cheeks. She finally let her hands fall away and poked Kael in the chest. "I wasn't always what you wanted. You went after Nieme, didn't you, so you must've seen something in her you liked better than you liked me."

"I saw her eyes in a dream," Kael said. "I think it was because of the Force, and it led me to the Temple through Nieme. She's still pretty and I do love her. But, I can't begin to explain why I let myself get pulled away from you."

"It's because you wanted away from the violence, and you couldn't do that while living here. That's it, isn't it? That's why you left me?"

"I wanted away from the violence," Kael said. "I wanted to break that trend, to get away. I took the opportunity that was presented and didn't think of the consequences."

Raeila nodded her head slowly. "And fell in love with the person who offered you that freedom." She remained silent for a few moments, then gazed up at Kael with a beaming smile and said, "I understand, Kael. I don't blame you for it. We all want a better life and would do anything to have it. You did the right thing, my love. Don't feel guilty about it, not ever."

Kael looked at Raeila for several long moments before he finally pulled her into a hug. His emotions were overloading within, and he felt a couple tears slip from his eyes as he held her close. "Oh Thana, I love you so much, Rae. You are truly a beautiful woman, and I can't imagine how lucky I am to have you in my life. I love you, Rae."

"I love you too, Kael." Raeila sighed and felt herself trembling with a sense of relief in Kael's arms. Everything was perfect and the only fear left was that it would all be torn from her once again. "Oh, Kael!" she called out suddenly. "Look!" Raeila pointed a finger towards the sky as a large, glowing ball sailed across it. "You know what that is, don't you?" She smiled at Kael warmly then kissed him lightly upon the lips. "It's Domega and he's found his way home, just like you."

Kael smiled as he watched. "I've always liked Domega," he said. He turned his gaze to meet her eyes. "And, I have found my home, and my heart. And, never again shall I stray, from now until my dying day."

"Well, if that's the case, then I'm gonna make sure you live a long, very productive life, filled with much laughter--" She paused to giggle. "--and even more sex."

Kael laughed and pulled Raeila up atop him. "Well, when you put it that way," he said, "I think we better start again right now!"

Raeila laughed, something that no longer felt forced or unseemly as it had when Kael left her. At that time whenever she heard it, it sounded mocking and jeering as if she herself were poking fun at her own battered and tortured heart. Now, she laughed because it was one of the few ways to express her joy. That and what she was doing to Kael for the second time that evening.

He would be gone again by morning, but the knowledge brought with it no anxiety or dejection. She looked forward to it, in fact, with renewed hope and enthusiasm, for on her wrist she wore a symbol of Kael's vow to her, and every time he came and went, it only brought them both closer to the day when finally, he would be by her side always and forever.

---

"The Art of Having Fun"
By Zen Wayland - Smuggler/Mercenary
Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Niothe 17, 4ABY

***

He opened his eyes slowly, glad to see he had remembered to turn the lights low before he had fallen asleep. He took a deep breath and moved slightly, noting the ache in his lower back. That was to be expected, especially after the night he had just had. A bob of blonde hair slid off his chest and onto an overly fluffed pillow. She still smelled as good as last night.

Zen slid his feet to the floor and stood up. He grabbed his pants and began to redress himself, but he took the time to admire the smooth skin of his night companion. Just lightly tanned with no lines. Rijil's doing he suspected. Maybe one of the other girls'. He took a deep breath as he grabbed his blaster and axe and headed for the door. Once inside the corridor, he turned right, walking further into the bowels of the place. He reached the last door of the hall and rapped twice.

"Ah, Wayland!" The door slid open, the brawny Rijil standing in it. "I take it you had a good time?"

"I did indeed."

"Good, my old friend. Would you like one of the more...experienced girls for tomorrow? How about Lara or Grejan?"

"No, no. Leave me with... I never did get her name," Zen replied, a little perturbed by his own comment. When he had gotten past her shyness, he had witnessed her open up. Not like most girls though. Not into a zombie like trance where they did anything desired without any feeling. She gave into him, with a wanting he had only witnessed once or twice. The entire night was like that, and he definitely wanted to experience that again.

"Delana," Rijil stated with a smile. "Well, I'm glad you broke her in so easily."

Wayland just shook his head and reached into his jacket. He pulled out 1200 creds. "Make sure that gets to her no matter what. For her mother."

"Always such a good pirate," the brawny fellow said, taking the money. "I'll make sure she gets it. Oh and your moody friend left a few minutes ago. Probably looking for you."

"Thanks."

***

Danebra's Den was one of those places referred to as a wretched hive. From the recycled, probably stolen, music playing over out-of-tune audio systems, to the layers of grime and dirt that coated everything - including the patrons, the Den was like home to Syan.

It wasn't as if he felt safe or comfortable there. Quite the opposite in fact. Most of the Den's denizens would slit his throat as soon as they looked at him if they thought they could get away with it. Down here was the Black, the mire of society that, though unpleasant, made it work. People here did the things that no one else wanted to. Like extortion, robbery, and murder. The very oil in the cogs of society. And when they stepped out of line with the wrong person, it was up to people like Syan Daywalker to hunt them down.

A much-battered bartender droid placed his glass of water on the bar before him, and Syan sipped it slowly. He'd had enough alcohol overnight, and it was time to flush it from his system.

He sat at the bar, alone, drinking his water and keeping a surreptitious eye on his fellow denizens. Several of them were already looking at him appraisingly. He pretended to not notice, adding to the telltale body signatures of distraction by thinking about the golden Karia. Her perfume still lingered on his skin. Normally he would have returned to Aesir to take a shower and remove any trace, but did not. Instead he breathed in the sweet aroma.

From his vantage, he could watch the door and saw Zen Wayland walk in, conspicuous as ever.

Zen saw who he was looking for, and ignored some lewd comments from a scantily dressed woman by the door. He walked to the bar and took a seat next to Syan.

"I'll take it you enjoyed yourself?"

"Yes," Syan answered, putting down his glass. "I was going to ask what made you say that, but I don't think I would like the answer. I'd prefer not to know how your mind works. That Rijil barve must owe you big to give you two girls for free. What do you have on him?"

"His life," Zen replied honestly. "I've saved his neck on more than one occasion. For that, he'd give me as many girls as I want for free, for as long as I'd want them. It's how he works. Not everyone down here is a low-life scum. Some of them have morals."

The bounty hunter shrugged and finished off his water. "Morals get in the way."

"Let's go. I want to check on..." Syan's voice trailed off.

Microscopic muscles in his eyes were the cue for the focusing system built into his visors. The magnification on them wasn't as good as macrobinoculars, but close enough. Down the corridor leading to the Den, an Imperial Army contingent was moving, along with what looked like at least one squad of stormtroopers.

"Shit, this place is being raided."

"What?" Zen asked, looking down the corridor. He then saw the glint of white armor approaching. "How many?"

Syan didn't see how a number count would be helpful. "Enough," he answered simply.

"Think we could take them?"

Several others in the tavern had spotted the incoming troopers and were already moving. Armaments to make the Imperial Army jealous were pulled from coats, hips, and under tables. The bartender droid discreetly ducked under the bar and Syan started to remove his coat. "Don't really have much choice. This thing smells unprovoked, which means they aren't going to care what my cover is. Someone's out to prove something."

"Good, cause I wanna have some fun." He unholstered his axe and heavy repeater. He leveled his sites and true to his aim, he fired. Two troopers went down first, the entire squad confused.

The whole corridor exploded in chaos after the first two went down. Windows imploded, hot glass already molten and splattering like orange blood on tables and chairs, and patrons. The blaster shots were angry red and blue bees filling the air.

Somewhere, a dam had broken. Most of the denizens moved on the incoming raiders while stormtroopers meticulously mowed them down. Most of these men and women were wearing better armor than the white crap the Imps gave their people and didn't stay down. Syan followed behind a big Weequay swinging a laser whip. Predictably, the Weequay was shot down like an animal. The spray from his head canoe spattered the bounty hunter in dark red blood. But he'd served his purpose. Grabbing a hold of the Weequay's gunbelt and collar, he held the body up as it was riddled with more shots. Bracing his feet, Syan hurled the body at the Imp troops who either got hit or stepped skittishly out of the way of the flying body.

He followed the body, landing a solid kick just under the side of one stormie's chest armor and feeling the bones give, then hearing them break. The stormtrooper went down wheezing. Syan knew he would drown in his own blood before he could even get his helmet off. Something hot flew past behind him and the bounty hunter turned, raising his Merr-Sonn DD6 blaster from his thigh holster and fired. A regular army trooper went down, clutching his arm.

As much as he was able, he'd have to keep his signature off this fight. Ducking out of crossfire, Syan spared a moment to pull one of his throwing darts out of the forehead of a young man with green eyes.

Zen moved as swiftly as his counterpart. Into the foray he went, ducking behind two burlier fellows, allowing them to take blaster shots in the chest. He swung around, levelling his axe towards the onrush of troops. He was charged by one of the younger Imp troopers. He only guessed this due to the man's tactic of direct fire. Zen's vibro-axe met the man's abdomen slicing through it cleanly, cauterizing both halves of the body as they split apart. The troopers behind him stopped in mid run, a fatal error. Zen's axe came down from its apex and sliced down the man's head. Blood spurted but quickly ceased as Wayland pulled the axe out of the now limp body. He ducked as troopers got close enough to take a swing at him. Turning on the balls of feet, he swung around, slicing the man's head clean off.

"Damn! I love the smell of decapitated stormtroopers in the morning!" the pirate yelled, taking a moment to catch his breath. He saw Syan's success as well, and made his way over.

"Didn't I tell you, that you..." He paused as he unholstered his repeater and shot a trooper in the head. The man was about to make the foolish mistake of tossing a stun grenade at them. "That you'd have a good time?"

Blood dripped from Syan's katana and he looked down at it ruefully. "Not as much as you'd think. I'm not being paid for this."

"Let's get the hell out of here before they come back with reinforcements." Syan slid the blade through two fingers to clean it, flicking the blood on the ground before sheathing it on his back. Leading Wayland, he made is way back through the cacophony that had turned more into a brawl by this point than a battle. This close in quarters it was insane to fire weapons, though some still did it. Syan holstered his DD6 in time to duck a stun baton being wielded by a soldier easily matching his height and surpassing his bulk.

Sidestepping, Syan parried the soldier's arm, adding his own strength to the swing and guiding it down across his shin. Something cracked and blue lightening crackled up his leg. The soldier screamed and Syan ignored him, grabbing the handle of the baton. He struck the man in the stomach with it sideways, doubling him over into the bounty hunter's raised heel. The soldier's head snapped back up and Syan brought the baton down across his head, putting him down, unconscious or dead.

A young man with the trademark purple irises of Yabra humans was away from the crowds, where Syan wanted to go. He wore his uniform beautifully, rank dots displayed proudly on his chest, First Lieutenant. He was fresh from the Academy on Carida, he still had a tan from the brighter sun there. He was drawing his gun.

From his belt, Syan unhooked the glaive. Its two halves unfolded in his hands. He threw it. It moved through the air like a whisper, coming to lodge in the raagawood top of the bar. The young man's hand spasmed as it flopped on the table, pulling the trigger out of reflex and igniting bottles of expensive liquor shelved behind the bar. Ignoring the boy's screams, Syan pushed him out of the way, retrieved his glaive and picked up his coat, pulling it on.

"Come on." He looked at Zen.

"But we were just having fun," Zen replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Forget your ship for now. We can contact that shop owner through internal comms back at Rijil's. Not only will the next wave of troopers be looking for us, but probably shipyard security."

Syan nodded and folded the glaive, slipping it into its holster. "Then we'd better get going. Leave these fools to play warrior in here."

Skirting the fighting, Syan led Wayland through a nest of overturned tables, fallen bodies, and spilled drinks that squished in the carpet underfoot. He pulled his blaster from his thigh holster and shot a storm trooper in the side of the head that was blocking his way, which effectively killed the camera mounted on the side of his helmet to video the battle. The bounty hunter stepped over him and around the corner of the corridor, looking back at Zen. "Are you going to stay at Rijil's? It's too public."

"It's in an out of the way corner, of a corner. It also caters to the very wealthy, and even in that department, it's picky. It's the last place anyone would think a bounty hunter and a smuggler would be," Wayland explained. "On top of that, Rijil knows these shipyards better than anyone. We'll need him to get around."

Too many entanglements, Syan thought. Too many people around him and in his business. Already he'd moved contrary to his nature, looking out for Wayland in the fight when it could have gotten him killed. He didn't like attachments. He didn't like too many people involved in his decisions.

He could just head to the repair decks, take his ship, and blow out of Tae'Karadan airspace and never come back. He hadn't left any traces of his work at the fight, the Guild wouldn't know, and he could coast into some other system and make up for his losses. He frowned, and quickly grabbed Wayland's shirt, pulling him farther into the doorway of the Exotics store they stood outside. Barian primates howled inside. Two squads of stormtroopers jogged past, blaster rifles at the ready.

"Damn," Syan scowled. "Get going, before we get caught."

"Oh stop it, will you?" Wayland said, fixing his shirt. "You're worse than a goddamn woman. I know this area, you don't. This is my turf. These are my type of people. You want to keep this paranoid shit up, go and do it someplace else. Otherwise, quit you're griping and we'll go to Rijil's where no one will look for us. Then we'll wait the day for your repairs to be done, while we get laid by the most beautiful and talented women in this damn sector, and then we'll be outta here. Just relax for once in your life."

Zen turned and walked away, heading back towards Rijil's. He could hear Syan grumbling behind him, obviously not happy about what was going on. The damned man needed to learn to have a little fun.

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