"The Morning After"
by Jae Dyn Brael, Jedi Knight
and Dargus Kandran, Head of the Kandran Syndicate and reputable crimelord

Location: Floating Palace - Dargus Kandran’s bedroom
Date: Eos 18, 3 ABY

***

As Jae Dyn's consciousness floated back up to the surface of her mind, the soft caress of Pathrellan satin against her skin floated across the perimeter of her awareness. Vast opulent wealth greeted her eyes as they slowly opened. The satin she'd felt was actually black satin bedsheets covering a very large black bed. The room was enormous, seemingly bigger than most starports she had been to in her life.

She shifted on the bed, suddenly becoming aware that she was naked. The events of the previous night flooded back in a rush. The capture by the Wookiee, and impassioned lovemaking with --

Dargus Kandran shifted under the same covers she was under. She glanced in his direction and had to smile at the look of sheer contentment on his face. It had been a wild night. She had to wonder if there was some sort of school a man like Kandran went to. A school that taught where a woman's buttons were, because Dargus had hit all of hers last night. She could still feel parts of her body tingling.

She knew that Dargus couldn't be trusted. He was a scoundrel of the lowest order. His vices were petty and demeaning. His actions utterly revolting to any decent being in the universe. He was an evil man, an evil only surpassed by the likes of Vader and Palpatine. He was cruel and heartless. He did not care for anyone but himself. He allowed her in his bed to fulfill his basest needs.

She'd gone to his bed to get closer to him, to fulfill a purpose that made itself clear during their meeting the previous night. There was good in Dargus Kandran, a good that could be nurtured and brought back into the light. It would be a difficult task, but perhaps she was strong enough for it.

And, it would be a challenge. The overwhelming emotions and uncontrolled passions from the previous night were very nice. She had to wonder if the incident would repeat itself. Jae Dyn smiled as she shifted closer to Dargus.

She drew a gentle hand across his exposed shoulder. She watched as Dargus began the process of coming back to the waking world. As his eyes opened, she smiled. "Good morning," she said.

"Morning," he returned with as much hunger as he had taken her last night. He smoothed his hand over her bare chest, cupping a single breast in his hand and kneading it. "So, decided yet what you want from me?"

Jae Dyn bit her lip against the sensations Dargus was causing in her body. Her nipples responded instantly to his touch and she smiled, gazing into his eyes. "Well for you to keep doing that for starters," she said. "After that, I don't know what I want from you. Though, I have a feeling you have some pretty solid ideas for what you want from me. I will admit I enjoyed last night, at least the parts after you dismissed your guards and removed the restraints. So, what do you want?"

"This every day, for starters," he replied slyly. "Or, whatever appeals more to you," he added, giving her breast a sensual squeeze. "Be my bodyguard, or we can skip all that and just go for another romp."

Jae Dyn smiled. "A romp sounds like fun," she said. "I may have to take you up on that." She slid closer to him, pressing her body against his. "I don't know if it would be right for a Jedi Knight to be your bodyguard, you would probably have to change your ways more than you are willing to." She draped one leg over his body and pulled herself up so she was straddling his stomach. "Though, being one of your bodyguards would keep me out of Imperial eyes, wouldn't it?" Jae Dyn slid backwards and guided Dargus inside her with one hand. She looked back into his eyes and noticed the surprise there. He hadn't quite expected that. "I don't know if some of the things your organization does would sit well with my conscience though." She slowly started up a slow rhythm. It felt very good. "I don't suppose you would make adjustments for that, would you?"

Dargus grinned in response, then gently twined her hair around his fingers and pulled her face to his for a deep kiss. He allowed them both to focus entirely on their union, on the ecstasy they found with one another, and once both were spent, he gazed up at her with a lazy smile. "Isn't that incentive enough?" he asked breathlessly. "Besides," he added, cradling her cheek in one hand, "it's not as if I'll ask you to murder for me. Yes, people have died by extension of my hand, but it goes with the business. But you will never have to." He kissed her lips gently, yet injecting passion into it.

"I will have to think about it, I think," she said after a moment. "It's a big decision when deciding whether or not to go to work for a crimelord. I will get back to you though."

"And while you do that," he added, dragging his hand down between her breasts, "stay here - no obligations." He grinned. "Unless you want them. Though, first...what name shall I call out during the height of passion, hm?"

She smiled. "My name is Jae Dyn," she said. "Jae Dyn Brael." She looked at the commlink and back at Dargus. "I will contact you. Though, if you feel the need to seek me out, you can find me in Yallder. I wouldn't mind a visitor from time to time if you ever walk among the unwashed. And, please, if you do seek me out, do not bring your retinue. I prefer my lovemaking in intimate settings, and without audiences. If you need protection, I can provide it when you are in my neighborhood."

"I have a better idea," he told her. "Accept my offer of lodgings. I can provide you with an apartment here, all the luxuries included, and if I ever drop by...." He chuckled, finishing his thought with a lecherous smile.

"I think the idea has definite merit," she said. "I do not particularly need luxury. I have lived my life with a spartan existence, and wish to keep it so. Though, the protection your fortress provides is definitely appealing." She thought about it for a few moments. As she did, she reached behind her and began using her hand to stimulate Dargus. She smiled at the way he responded to her touch. "I will take you up on it. Though, my room is to be clear of any sort of monitoring devices. I don't want you watching me undress or bathe from some remote location. If you wish that, you will need to visit me in person." She slid back onto him again, beginning the same slow rhythm again. She met his gaze and smiled. "And, I want my lightsaber back."

Dargus groaned with contentment, and smoothed his hands over her swaying hips. "Done and done," he whispered.

"Good," she said. "And, I give you my word I will not kill you as long as you give me no reason to do so. You have not given me one yet."

Dargus’ chuckled as their bodies moved synchronously and with a wild fervour. As she felt Dargus’ body climaxing, Jae Dyn let her control waver so she could reach her own.

Once their joining was done, Jae Dyn slid down to Dargus’ side and they rested back on the bed, the softness of the satin sheets caressing their now sensitive skin.

"Was that," he murmured against her ear, "not enough reason to keep me alive, then?"

She propped herself up on one elbow and looked at him. "That statement seems to imply that you plan on giving me reasons to kill you," she said. "I assure you, if your death becomes necessary, the events that lead to it will far overshadow anything we do together in bed." She raised a hand to his cheek, her fingers twining through his beard. "I certainly hope you never give me reason to need to do you harm. I feel after events have unfolded between us, I would regret that. But, I will do as I must." She looked deep into his eyes. "Please, give me no reason to."

He grinned. "Agreed."

"So, it seems as if we have an arrangement then. I can begin transporting my belongings when the room is ready here. What sort of plans did you have for the day?"

"Various business meetings," he replied, idly tracing circles around her erect nipple. "And afterwards, perhaps wile away the time with a couple of my concubines." He grinned at her suggestively, and closed his hand fully around her breast. "Plus guest."

Jae Dyn returned the smile. "I'm afraid I prefer one on one," she said. "Though, if you'd like to invite a few of your concubines over to pass your time, feel free."

Dargus laughed. "Oh, I will, but you will be in my thoughts, my dear."

"Before I head back to my apartment," she said, "I would like to look at the room here. That way I will know if I should purchase anything new or get rid of anything I will no longer need."

"As you wish." He winked at her and slipped out from beneath the silky sheets as he rose. "Don't forget to say goodbye on your wait out," he told her, and after one final, lingering kiss, he strode away from the bed.

Jae Dyn watched Dargus retreating toward the bathroom. She smiled as he disappeared inside. She sprawled back on the bed for a moment, gathering her thoughts about her. She reined in her focus and prepared for the start of the day.

She opened her eyes and slid out of the bed. She found her clothing in a pile at the foot of the bed. She pulled on the leather trousers first and followed them with her vest. She pulled her boots on next and her weapons belt. It had no weapons at the moment, but she would soon retrieve her blaster and lightsaber from Dargus. She draped her jacket over an arm and moved to the entrance of the bathroom.

"It was a nice night," she said.

He turned away from the sink to study her body, encased in leather. "Definitely," he crooned.

"Before I go," she said. "I'd like to get my lightsaber and blaster back. You never know when you'll need them around Yallder."

"Of course," he replied. "They should be waiting for you outside." With a lustful smile, he added, "Don't stay away too long." And as she swayed enticingly out of the refresher he conjured up the many uses for a Jedi with a tireless sex drive.

---

"Hiring The Killers"
By: Jae Dyn Brael - Jedi Knight
Dargus Kandran - Head of Kandran Syndicate

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 18, 3 ABY

***

Jae Dyn glanced around the opulent room Dargus' staff had prepared for her. The apartment was easily twice the size of the place she had back in Yallder. And, infinitely better kept.

She couldn't believe she'd accepted Dargus' offer of residency. But, it would keep her close to him. She could watch him, and try to pull him to the light. But, she could feel him pulling at her too. It would be dangerous here. She could feel the darkness within him drawing at her, pulling her toward him like some sort of fish. She would need to be careful.

The sex they'd shared the night before had been wonderful. She could remember nothing like it ever. And, Dargus' stamina was not human. There had to be some sort of augmentation, or he was using the Force. It was something not normal.

She would have to watch her passions though. To give in to her feelings would lead her down a path she dared not follow. She would need to be careful.

With a final glance around the room, she turned to the door. It was time to seek out Dargus. There were accommodations about which she wished to speak to him. She would need a facility to train, and some of the decor of her apartment would need to be removed. Especially the statue of the naked women...cavorting.

***Dargus' Offices***

"I want the job done with no mistakes," Dargus Kandran said slowly to the shadowed image on the screen. "I know I don't need to tell you how to do your job. Just get it done."

"It will be done as you ask, Lord Kandran," the man said. "Which of the slug's men do you wish to be the target?"

"I am sending a surveillance image," Dargus said. "His name is Dak Revvek, one of Gorda's most loyal. Demoralize the Hutt by taking out one of his best. You have your discretion as to brutality."

"That'll cost."

"Do your job, and the credits are yours. I just want him very dead."

The door to Dargus' office was already open when Jae Dyn started to step through. A part of her suddenly wished it had been closed. That something could have blocked what she had just heard. The voice was unmistakably Dargus Kandran's and his order was one she most definitely did not want to hear coming from him. It would make her habitation here more than difficult, and her association with the man more so.

"I'm sending you all the data, as well as my offer," Dargus said. "Do you find it acceptable?"

"It is quite acceptable, Lord Kandran. Preparations will begin immediately."

Dargus snapped the connection closed with a satisfied smile.

"Conducting a little business, I see," Jae Dyn said, her features impassive and calm. There was a tightness around the eyes though.

Dargus turned to the voice and smiled when he saw it was Jae Dyn. He hoped that she hadn't seen the fleeting surprise and anger at being disturbed. "Just wrapping up a few things. Nothing important. So, how was your transition here? Is everything acceptable?"

Jae Dyn glanced around his office, assessing it. "Most things," she said. "Though, some of the furnishings in the apartment I was given are somewhat more lavish than I'm used to. And, certain activities bother me. Casually extinguishing a life? I do not know if I can remain here knowing that such activities take place."

"Casually extinguishing? Hardly. It took great planning and effort to decide which man was to be killed. Have you ever heard of Gorda the Hutt?"

"By the name, obviously a Hutt," she replied. "Other than that, I have no knowledge."

"Well, this Hutt has killed more of my men than I have his. He and I, we're at war. Unfortunately, death is a factor in all wars."

"Then your agent is going to kill Gorda the Hutt?" she asked. She was fairly certain this wasn't the case. Usually gangsters made big statements by killing underlings. She wondered if this was the tactic Dargus was using. It seemed to fit him.

"Oh no. It would take much more effort than one assassin to eliminate someone as well-placed as Gorda the Hutt. Trust me, the target is not one who will be missed by anyone." He gave her a smile and took a step closer.

"I think you are manipulative and deceitful, underhanded and untrustworthy, cruel and greedy. I do feel good in you, buried deep and secured away. You do not know this person will not be missed. I have found that those who work in the employ of the Hutts are generally there not of their own will. That presents an opening to those who wish to utilize it. Have you truly exhausted all options available to you? Seeking this one man's death is your only course of action?"

"This one man killed thirty of mine, my best. He's hiding now, but I've located him. And, it's time for him to pay for his crimes against me. He will die soon, and when he does, it will start the fall of Gorda the Hutt." Dargus watched her for a long minute, then he turned with a slow smile spreading across his face. "He has killed Jedi."

"Revenge on those you've lost then," Jae Dyn said solemnly. She regarded Dargus for another moment as she pondered his words. He walked a dangerous path between light and dark, and threatened to pull her with him. She felt certain Dargus' motivations for wanting this man dead had nothing to do with the many people or species he'd killed. She was sure his motivation rested on the twenty men he had lost in the war with his adversary. And, that he had killed Jedi was a ploy to anger her, and bring her to his side, to set her against this mercenary. She could not afford to give in to those impulses. "This man is an agent of Gorda the Hutt then. What sort of damage has this Hutt caused you over the course of your...'feud?'"

"What hasn't he done, Jae Dyn? He's killed my people, destroyed my businesses. He steals slaves, credits and ships. He does all the vile things you accuse me of. He's far worse than I though. He does everything he does for the thrill of it. Me, I only do it to survive. Who is the criminal? Now, enough of this. The man will die, and there is nothing that can stop it now. If you dislike my methods, you may leave. Is there anything I may do for you in your quarters?"

Jae Dyn looked around the office and back to Dargus. "Some of the decor is too lavish for my needs. Though, I do not know if my staying here is wise. I feel your activities will only bring us into conflict. I cannot condone the hired assassination of a man, no matter how vile he may be. And, your casual dismissing his death and turning on your charms is unsettling."

"I have asked nothing from you in this. I have not asked you to kill for me, have I? Your conscience can remain clear of any wrongdoing. You will not find a safer place in the galaxy than here with me. Now, in this, I am only defending my self-interests. When you came here, you would have killed me if I tried to hurt you. This man has hurt me, so I will kill him. It is a simple argument, and I really don't see how you are having difficulty understanding it. By killing this one man, I may save the lives of many. If left alive, how many countless others will he kill?"

"If it came to it," she said, "I would likely kill you in self-defense as well. When I was brought here, I was ready to take your life if it became necessary. But, to kill someone because he may kill in the future only breeds paranoia. This mercenary may kill indiscriminately, but that is now. It is hard to say what may happen in the future, he may be the one who will eventually rid the galaxy of the Emperor. If information reaches you that a species on some remote planet may eventually rise to power and crush your syndicate, do you feel justified in destroying that species? Whenever I make the decision to strike down a living being, I do so with great hesitation. But, when I do make a decision, it is with the Force as my guide. A Jedi listens to the Force, moving in the direction in which it leads her. I could have killed you last night, but I did not. I could have killed both your Wookiees, but I allowed myself to be taken and brought here. When a Jedi takes action it is for the good of the many, not for herself." She studied him for a long moment. "When you order this death, it is for the good of you and your syndicate, not because it may benefit the galaxy at large in some future time. You order him killed, because he hurt you. He dies so you can have your vengeance."

"No! He dies so that my men may live. This is a war, Jae Dyn. Kill or be killed is the order, and I intend to be the one left standing. If this man does not die, more of my men will. I cannot allow that. I will end this war as a victor. Even the precious Jedi go to war, certainly you can't find such fault with me and mine."

"Palpatine brought the war to the Jedi," Jae Dyn replied. "Just as he brought it to the Rebellion. I suppose Gorda started this war. But, what was your war started over?"

"He started both wars," Dargus lied. "I have to continue fighting, or else he will kill me. And, then you'll lose your safe haven. I will take out his most valued men, and he will weaken. I will weaken him until finally his bloated body cannot support its own wait and he crumbles."

"There are more honorable ways to wage a war," Jae Dyn replied. "Ways that don't involve assassination. To draw the war out, you only expend more resources. If you feel your position in this is the correct one, then perhaps you should seek to eliminate more than one small asset at a time. I assume your resources are comparable to this Hutt's. Perhaps if you seek a war, you should attack with more force. The Braaku snake is a vicious creature. To be struck by it usually results in death, but not all at once. Each bite, kills more and more of you. If you wage your fight against it for too long, there is nothing left of you when the battle is won, if you win it. To truly win a fight against a Braaku, strike first at its head and the fight is won." She reached out and quickly pinched him on the arm, thigh, and chest. "How many times has this Hutt bitten you already?"

"Twice," he said, looking down at her pinching fingers with annoyance. "To kill Gorda, this man must die. I will then be able to kill only two, instead of many. There is no dishonour in what I do, Jae Dyn; I will be saving the lives of many. When this man is killed, the Braaku snake shall be ground to bits and used to fertilize my gardens." He gave her a smile that would have been pleasant on any other being. "You see? I am concerned about the lives of many. There is good in me."

"I sense the good in you," Jae Dyn said, "but I can also sense you running as far from it as you can. When you kill this man, how severely damaged will Gorda's operation be? When the last two wars were started against you, how dire was your situation? Do you think that Gorda the Hutt will not strike out in another act of vengeance? Is this one man all that stands between you and this Hutt? Is this man an operative or the leader. Is this man a mercenary or a protégé? It does not surprise me that you are stuck in this never ending war, you do not fight to win. If you were to fight this war of yours as the Jedi fight, it would be over. When a Jedi commits to taking a life, the action she takes is to end the fight as quickly as possible. Your wars continue because your opponent still lives. You have fought twice before, but you still insist on taking out the targets around the one who causes you the most grief."

"Gorda's security is too high," he said. "I couldn't get anyone close enough to kill him. Though, with this death, the worm's security will falter, making him all that much easier to kill. I assure you, this will be the last war I ever have with Gorda."

Jae Dyn only nodded. "I am going to move into an apartment in the Drogen Shipyards. I think I would feel more comfortable there, and my conscience will be less disturbed by the things I overhear." His darkness was almost a palpable thing, and the good she sensed in him almost seemed to diminish with each day. If she had any hope of saving him, it would have to be soon if he was not gone already. "May the Light shine on you and cast away the Shadows."

She turned from the door and left without another word.

---