"Foot In The Door"
By: Zale Tregat
Saris
Moril Astren
Introducing: Analesse D'vrishay

Location: Antorial Industries, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

The reception area of Antorial Enterprises was nicely decorated, far more so than it had been just a few months prior. Both Zale Tregat and Moril Astren agreed: it was Saris' touch that had brightened the area. As each had feared (Zale more so than Moril), it would be turned into an area that was far too womanly. But they were pleasantly surprised when the changes were done and the reception area was efficient, yet comfortable.

Saris had done what she could to keep the costs down, but the room was filled with sleek lines in black, silver, and white. A touch of colour had been added in places, to break up the feeling of any starkness. And now, as Saris sat in one of the chairs, facing Zale Tregat's first business appointment of the morning, she was thinking of changes she might make to improve the room even further.

Moril approached with a tray filled with fixings for some Bespin tea and set it on the table before them, taking a seat in the chair beside Saris. He was impressed with how easily Saris fell into the role of host in situations like this. As she finished her story, both herself and Ms. D'vrishay laughing softly with amusement, he took the chance to hand steaming cups of tea to the women.

"I'm very sorry he's late, Ms. D'vrishay," he said. "Zale is usually very prompt in arriving. That he did not respond when I tried to call him is a sure indication he's on his way." He glanced at Saris, and back. He forced a smile. "I hope."

"As do I," the red-haired woman answered sternly, but she maintained a smile for her two hosts. After a sip of her tea, she made a sound of approval and nodded to Moril and Saris. "He's lucky you two are so good at stalling or I would have left forty-five minutes ago."

"I'm just glad we had enough for a second round of tea," Moril said with a sigh. "And, I assure you, this is very uncommon with Zale. He takes his work here very ser--"

"Sorry I'm late," came the call from the other side of the room as Zale rounded the corner. His longcoat was fluttering behind him as his various braids danced against his back. He stopped and smiled at the woman seated before Moril and Saris. "Ms. Analesse D'vrishay. I am very sorry for my tardiness, but I hope Moril and Saris helped you pass the time in my absence better than just waiting might have. I would have been here sooner, but my daughter had an appointment at the doctors, and my wife neglected to inform me until I was on my way out the door...just as she informed me she needed more sleep and I should take her." There was a clipped tone in his voice that was doing an adequate job of hiding his frustration, but not quite adequate enough. "We can begin our meeting whenever you're ready, and by all means, you may bring the tea in with you." He sucked in a breath and let it out, exchanging a silent word with Moril as he did. He flipped his gaze back to Analesse and smiled.

Ms. D'vrishay offered a serene smile to Saris as she asked, loud enough for Zale's ears, "Is your employer always so frazzled?" Her dark eyes slanted his way. "That doesn't bode well in our upcoming meeting...for him."

"Only when it comes to Mrs. Tregat," Saris said with a shy grin.

"Don't worry," Zale said as he reached his door and turned. "I've got a very comfortable chair in here, and it always helps to calm my nerves."

"Good." Analesse rose, carrying her teacup with her. "You'll need it." Tipping her head at Moril and Saris in gratitude, the tall woman strode confidently towards Zale's office. She didn't hesitate to offer him an admonitory smile as she slipped inside.

Zale glanced back at Moril and Saris, who both grinned and waved at him. With a shake of his head, he turned into his office and closed the doors behind him. He moved to his desk and took a seat. "Again, I apologize for being late," he said. "I was going to contact the office from the medical center, but got hit in another one of the Empresses' rolling communication blackouts. One more of those, and I'm going to put up my own comm gear. It's a disruption to legitimate business that... Well, that's a political discussion, and I'm sure you'd rather talk about relating to our business, and not Arcadia's."

Analesse gave a curt nod and seated herself in the chair across from Zale's desk. She leaned forward, setting her cup atop the black, marble desktop and her briefcase at the foot of the chair, then moved back and crossed both legs at the knee where her skirt's hem ended. Watching Zale flatly, Analesse asked, "Are you certain you're prepared for this meeting, Mr. Tregat? Your mind seems to be elsewhere. I need an ambitious, level-headed individual for what I envision. Can you be that person, or should I not waste my time and my best suits" --she glanced down at the finely tailored jacket and skirt-- "and just leave now?"

"Meeting's started," Zale said as he leveled his gaze in her direction. "That means I'm here, and we're getting down to business. Whatever problems I may be experiencing outside this office and at home stays out of this office. When I step out of that lift and into here, the only problems that concern me are those that affect Antorial. Some mornings, it takes an extra minute or two, but I assure you I'm prepared. Now, let's see how we can make something work between us."

Shrugging only with a brief arch of her brows, Analesse retrieved the briefcase from beside her chair and laid it flat upon her lap. "You're familiar with Utopia Building Corp., are you not, Mr. Tregat?" she asked.

"Newcomer here on Tae'Karada," Zale said as he searched through his memory. "Definitely an up and coming. Pretty much hit it big after the Empire pulled out. There was one of the largest opening ceremonies in recent history for the reconstruction and unveiling of the Arcadian Spires last month."

Analesse smiled with reserved self-satisfaction. "I pride myself on brilliant marketing strategies. And you pride yourself on fierce competitiveness. Or, Mr. Tregat," she asked goadingly as she pulled a datachip from her case and handed it to Zale, "have you lost some of that edge?"

"I assure you I've lost nothing I haven't been willing to lose," Zale answered. He slipped the datachip into a reader and glanced at the display screen with a raised eyebrow. Before him was an image of a nightclub more than passing familiar to him: The White Noise.

"Intrigued?" she drawled, and again sat cross-legged as her briefcase was set aside. "If not, you will be. Shall I go on?"

Zale pulled his gaze from the image and looked up. "I am," he said. "And please do."

Analesse nodded, curls bouncing against the soft curves of her jaw. "The White Noise - a moderately popular establishment in the Yesdol district. Moderately," she stressed pointedly, "but hardly meeting its potential."

"It has a very loyal clientele, and I happen to know their featured talent very well. So, your plan is to help the White Noise reach its full potential? Definitely intrigued."

She emitted a short, dry laugh. "Then move on to the next section." Watching his eyes grow a little wider at the graphic of the White Noise's proposed face-lift, Analesse left her seat to wander casually towards the large windows overlooking Yesdol. She smiled to herself at the brilliant scope of her architectural vision, and gazed out upon the city with an unquenchable hunger. "That, Zale Tregat," she told him with hushed reverence, "is the White Noise, or what it was meant to always be like, that is."

"That's quite a change," Zale said. "Bigger, and I assume stocked with all the latest amenities no club should be without. So, other than the very impressive facelift, what other changes are in your plans? Or is that page three?"

Analesse threw a smug look his way and answered, "Pages three through eight." Pushing away from the window, she strode towards Zale with a boldness in her stride. She invited herself to perch on the edge of his desk, closest to where he sat, and explained, "The best acoustics you'll find anywhere, and the best drinks will be its main focus, but there'll be fine cuisine, glamourous decor, and, of course, the best entertainment from all over the rim once I put my promotional skills to work. You?" Analesse shrugged. "You'll be a partner. And," she added as if a triviality, "provide financial backing."

"And, how much of a financial backing are we talking about here," Zale asked as he flipped through the pages of the datachip.

"I'm projecting a budget of $3.4 million creds." Analesse appeared unimpressed and unfazed by the amount. "Reasonable, wouldn't you say?"

"That's a healthy sum," Zale said. "And, what percentage will I be getting once this is up, running, and raking in customers and credits?"

"While you're in your clearest state of mind and not wandering late into business meetings?" The younger woman shrugged. "65 percent. While you're behaving in a manner that could potentially jeopardize this venture?" Her expression developed a hard, stern cast. "Not a damned thing because I'll have found someone more stable to help me develop this project. Is that an acceptable offer?"

"That's acceptable," Zale said. "Though, I assure you that if you take this to someone else, you'll be hard pressed to get past the wall of money you'll run against trying to tear down the place. Merrick Braston happens to like the White Noise the way it is, and I'm sure he'd drop a considerable amount of his own wealth to see it pulled from under him."

Analesse laughed with derisive amusement. "The singer? Mr. Tregat, you don't seriously believe a mere performer could stand in the way of what I have proposed? Money holds no meaning if one hasn't the knowledge of what to do with it. He'll run his beloved nightclub into the ground if he makes such a foolish move." Draping one forearm across her thighs, Analesse leaned forward to gaze levelly at Zale. "You're interested, Mr. Tregat, no matter your posturing. With my company handling the development aspect, and your financial backing, we could have a monumental success on our hands. And all it would require is some tweaking of the structure that's already standing." She smiled crookedly. "Mr. Braston will still have a stage to play on while we renovate, he can rest assured."

"As long as Mr. Braston won't get tossed aside once the new stage is in place," Zale answered. "You won't find talent brighter than his this side of Corellia. You may want to consult with him on some of the points in there. He's a fine singer and musician, but he's got a technical knowledge of music that would outpace a Bith by a good margin."

"You sound like a fan," Analesse observed playfully. "I had no idea you were interested in such mediocrity."

Zale shrugged with a glint in his eye. "I figured someone looking to renovate a club where music is central to the operations would know something about good music. Wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard a single note from Merrick Braston based on that observation."

Analesse cocked an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge, Mr. Tregat?"

"Could be," Zale said. "Have you ever been to the White Noise, Ms. D'vrishay?"

"Not personally," she admitted. "My advisors visited the site when my company was surveying it. I trust them enough that I wouldn't have to take time out of my busy schedule to visit it myself."

"Well, open up your busy schedule for a night," Zale said. "Tonight if possible. Before we agree to anything here, you've got to take in one show. And, lucky you, Merrick Braston is performing tonight."

"Lucky or unlucky?" she retorted and smirked as she raised herself from the edge of Zale's desk. "So, if I don't see this Braston person perform, you won't even consider my offer?" Analesse shook her head curiously. "Why is this so important to you? He's just some exorbitantly paid, overrated cabaret act. He has nothing to do with this project."

"Watch his performance before you judge," Zale said. "He's a close friend, but I'd say this even if I didn't know him. Unless, you think I'm the type of person who would claim to like something even when I don't. And, if you don't see Merrick, your loss. If you won't see a performance in the White Noise, no deal."

"Mr. Tregat, if this is your way of coercing me into a date with you," Analesse warned, "then you're far less imaginative than I initially thought."

"Not quite," Zale said with a laugh. "Think of it as a business meeting. If you'd like to bring a date, however, by all means."

"If it's a business meeting," she told him, unamused, "then a 'date' would be inappropriate." Reaching down to retrieve her briefcase as she returned to her chair, Analesse added, "And if it's a business meeting, then don't forget to bring your credchip." She pointed to him decisively as she turned to regard him. "You're paying."

"I never had any doubt," Zale said with a smile. "So, tonight at seven?"

"I'll meet you there," she confirmed with a nod. "And even if I still detest this Braston fellow's music, you'll seriously consider my offer?"

"Honestly," Zale asked as he met her gaze, "have you ever heard his music?"

Analesse smiled mysteriously and shrugged. "Does it matter? I've heard all about him. That's all I need to know, just as your reputation was what convinced me to initiate this meeting."

"I guess it doesn't matter," Zale said. "And, yes, even if you don't like his music, I will seriously consider your offer. I'll see you tonight then?"

She nodded a final time and took her leave, stopping just long enough outside to give Saris and Moril a brief farewell before moving on.

Once the lift doors closed, Zale appeared in the doorway of his office. He glanced at Saris and Moril who were both looking at him expectantly. He grinned and shook his head. "Well, that was certainly interesting," he said. "Get me everything you can find on Analesse D'vrishay."

Moril held up a datachip.

"You never cease to amaze me," Zale said as he took the chip. "Hold all my calls for the next hour."

With that, he disappeared into his office. The morning hadn't started out very well, but it was certainly looking up.

---

"Intervention"
By: Tralesha Zibel
Orinth Neerou
Yelara Neerou
Va'Lesh Zaneth

Location: Jedi Temple; Yelara's apartment, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

Tralesha Zibel stopped at the edge of the bay and glanced back. She smiled fondly at the ship she'd just departed, her ship. The Rose seemed to look affectionately back at her. Whenever things weren't going well, she knew she could find solace in her ship.

After her encounter with her father, she needed the time. She'd contacted Orinth so he wouldn't worry, and Shaza so she wouldn't tear the planet apart. She told them both that she was fine and that her father had forced himself back into her life, and promptly thrown her out. She neglected to tell them about the bruises or the cuts, not wanting to worry or upset them any more than they already were.

Her time away, along with the help of liberal bacta patch use, had healed the injuries. She felt mostly whole again as she turned away from the Rose and started toward the waiting speeder bike. With a smile, she climbed onto the bike thinking that it would be good to see Orinth again. The bike roared to life, and she sped away, off through the city and into the forest that hid the Jedi Temple.

***

Tral dropped her bag off in her room, pausing long enough beside her bed to debate the benefits a nap would have. In the end, she needed to see Orinth, and so slipped out of her room and through the Temple to where his room was. Things were up in the air and so convoluted now, that she really wasn't sure where things were going.

With Yelara back, but off elsewhere, she wasn't sure what to do. She had a feeling that perhaps Orinth would prefer to live closer to his granddaughter.

She found his room and moved into the open door where she could see him stooped over a writing desk, working on some project. She smiled affectionately and a feeling of calmness spread through her at his proximity. After her encounter with Gengis, Orinth was the father she wished she'd grown up with. If she had, her life would have been so very different. She knocked lightly on the door, not wanting to startle him.

"Guess who's back," she said softly as he turned.

The old man's mouth worked soundlessly and the watery film over his eyes was obviously not the result of staring too long at his work. With a joyous, grateful chuckle, Orinth dropped his writing stylus and staggered from his chair towards her. "Tralesha... Tralesha...is it you?"

"It is," she said, coming into the room and going into his outstretched arms. "You wouldn't believe how much I missed you when I was away. I had to, though. After running into him, I just...I needed some time. Though, I think I would have really been better off here." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I definitely know better now."

Orinth smiled warmly at her, though his features still held a hint of worry. "When you didn't return, Tralesha, I had thought the worst...." His throat tightened, cutting off anything else he'd intended to say. Instead, Orinth rubbed Tralesha's back soothingly, content to simply have her back.

"I'm sorry I couldn't talk long or elaborate when I contacted you before going," Tralesha said. "I...seeing my father again, it...it was very bad. He blames me...for the death of my mother and brothers, thinks I stole some papers...I just...I needed to clear my head." She looked up at him and smiled warmly, tears shining in her own eyes. "I should have come to you."

Orinth chuckled thickly and patted Tralesha's cheek. "Yes, you should have," he chided affectionately. "But...I forgive you. I always will, my girl. So, you don't have to tell me anymore if it's too hard. But if it isn't...." Orinth smiled fondly. "I'll be here to listen."

"I don't really know what he wanted," Tral said. "At least, what he wanted before he wanted to blame me for everything. It's better forgotten." She sighed and smiled. "Do you like living here, Orinth? Here in the Temple, that is?"

He sighed wistfully. "The Temple...it has an air of tranquility, doesn't it? But, it's the people in it that really matter. I only enjoy living here when I have those around me I love. Yelara has gone...and you had gone..." Shaking his head sadly, Orinth admitted, "There was no joy here without you, Tralesha, as there wasn't when Yelara left. I had thought to follow her, but..." He simply shrugged. "You're here now. That is enough for me."

"I heard she's living in the city now," Tralesha said as she sat on the edge of his bed. "What...what would you say to moving out of here, and finding a place. Maybe we could find one near where she's living."

"You don't wish to live in the Temple any longer?" Orinth asked with concern as he seated himself beside her. "Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing wrong. It's just...I guess, I don't feel like I really fit in here, and it's so remote. Would you like to live in the city? I'm not sure if I'd like it or not, but it'd give you a chance to be near Yelara and Va'Lesh. And, we wouldn't have to go all the way into the city for supplies and such."

"True," he answered slowly, "but what of my garden here, Tralesha? I would have to visit it often. I can't simply let my plants wither away."

"I'm sure we can come back," Tralesha said. "We both have friends here, and Liam is here too. I know the two of you have gotten a lot closer. Is...are things any better between him and Yelara now?"

Orinth shook his head ruefully. "They fought, Liam said. She kicked him out...but I believe they have come to an arrangement. She's just...not the same person, Tralesha. Even to me she's a stranger. I don't even see her anymore."

"When's the last time you saw her?" Tral asked.

"A week or so," he sighed, staring at the floor with a wan smile. "I had thought I was getting through to her...that she might have remembered. But...." Orinth's shoulders slumped in defeat, but he still maintained his composure. "It would be a harder loss," he continued, looking aside at Tralesha, "if I were truly alone. But" --Orinth covered Tralesha's hand with his own-- "I am not. I will manage, in time."

She put her other hand over his. "Would you like to see her? I can take you into the city, and maybe when we're there we can look around at neighbourhoods that look nice. We don't have to rush, but we can start looking."

"I would like to see Va'Lesh again," he answered, then nodded decisively and smiled at Tralesha. "After a hot meal for you, we'll get going. How's that?"

"We can grab something in town," Tralesha said with a grin. "If they're not busy, maybe we can take them out with us. Do you think Yelara and Va'Lesh might like that?"

"Perhaps..." Chuckling, Orinth rose and said, "It's certainly worth a try, isn't it?"

Tralesha smiled at him. "I'm ready to go now if you are," she said. "We can borrow one of the Temple speeders to get into the city."

"I am ready," Orinth declared somberly, then gave Tralesha a cheerful wink and offered her his arm. "Let's go, dear. We have much to catch up on."

Tralesha smiled at him, and kissed him on the cheek before standing up and then helping him to his feet. "After just five minutes with my father, I have to say coming home to you here is the most wonderful thing in the world." She helped him with his jacket while he also put a hat on.

With that, they left the Temple and borrowed one of the Jedi speeders to head into town.

***

"This one or the next one," Tralesha asked as they stopped before one of the apartment doors.

Orinth squinted at the number, then back to Tralesha and shrugged. "I'm not quite sure, my girl. I've never been here before. Shall we try?"

"Can't hurt," Tral said with a grin. She stepped up to the door, and knocked in as polite a manner as she could.

They waited for a time without a response. Tralesha and Orinth looked to one another, tacitly deciding to move on. The door behind them opened just as they'd turned away.

"Orinth?" a bewildered, soft voice called.

The two stopped and faced the apartment's occupant. Orinth's face beamed as he regarded his granddaughter and great-grandson in her arms. Leshie let loose a squeal and flapped his arms at the two. Yelara smiled hesitantly, and watched Tralesha guardedly. "What's going on? Who's this?"

"Yelara, this is someone very close to me," Orinth told her. "This is Tralesha Zibel."

"Hi, Yelara," Tralesha said with a warm, almost-sisterly smile. "We were talking, and decided that we'd like to consider maybe living in the city instead of the Jedi Temple. And, Orinth had said it'd been awhile since he'd seen his granddaughter or great-grandson, so we thought we'd stop by...and if you hadn't eaten, we thought, maybe you'd like to join us."

Yelara bounced Leshie in her arms to attain a better hold on the fidgeting child, while still watching the duo warily. "I don't...know about that. Leshie's tired."

"He certainly doesn't look it," Orinth told her jovially, tickling the underside of Leshie's chin. He giggled. "Yelara, if you're not hungry, then perhaps we can come in for a while. We came all this way...."

"I just...I don't know," she sighed. "I understand what you're trying to do, but maybe it would be better if we didn't."

Tralesha looked up at Orinth and sighed. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I thought...or, I guess I didn't think." She turned to Yelara. "I know you don't know me, and you probably don't care to. When I was fifteen years old, I ran away from home because my father was the most disgusting grog on the entire planet. I didn't know what it was like to even have a father until I met your grandfather. I hope you know what you're throwing away by turning us out. I bet Va'Lesh can really use his great-grandfather." She met Yelara's gaze. "And, I know Orinth could do with not having his heart broken again."

"Not you too," she sighed wearily. "Liam...he says the same things to me."

"Then perhaps he's right," Orinth told her frankly. "You may not think it's your responsibility because you can't remember a thing, Yara, but you are hurting people and you know it. To consciously do it is very wrong, dear girl, and I taught you better than that." With Yelara taken aback and speechless, Orinth harrumphed and gestured a wrinkled, spotted hand towards her apartment. "Now, are you going to let us in?"

As if affirming his grandfather's words, Leshie burbled irritably at his mother. Yelara smiled faintly after recovering from her initial shock, and sufficiently chastised, she stepped aside. "Well." She cleared her throat. "Welcome."

"Thank you," Tralesha said, then stepped in after Orinth had marched directly through the opening. She looked around. "This is a very nice place."

"It is," Yelara agreed, following them inside. "I believe it was purchased for us by Dame Oot Kovan. Liam maintained the lease and...here we are." She smiled tightly at her guests and waved to the couch. "Sit. I can make you some caffe if you like."

Orinth, still taut-lipped with chin upraised, nodded and took the offered seat.

Tralesha glanced between the two again, hoping that she might spot some clue that would make everything make sense. "Some caffe would be nice," she said as she took a seat beside Orinth.

"May I hold him?" Orinth asked Yelara.

"Oh..." She glanced down at her smiling child, then nodded uncertainly. Leshie giggled boisterously when he was placed on Orinth's lap, and Yelara immediately stepped away from the stern old man. "I'll...get that caffe," she told them softly, then moved off towards the kitchen.

"He's a beautiful baby," Tralesha said as she watched Orinth and Leshie. The boy seemed incredibly happy bouncing on the knee of his great-grandfather.

"He is," Orinth agreed proudly. "I truly hope Yelara doesn't do something foolish and keep him from all those he loves. He will resent her for it."

"Looking at how happy he is now, it's hard to imagine he could feel anything like resentment," she said. "But, I think you're right. He needs to be around people who love him...and I think she does too."

Orinth nodded firmly. "She believes cutting herself off from everyone will make things easier on her. She's very wrong, Tralesha. I hope she can see that."

"I hope so too," Tralesha said. "For herself, and everyone who's trying to be here for her." She glanced up as she heard Yelara approaching.

"It's not the best caffe," she told them, raising the tray for emphasis, "but some sugar might help." Yelara smiled awkwardly as she set down her load and handed out the mugs, and demurely opened up a package of biscuits. "I wasn't exactly prepared for guests," she explained of the bland, crumbly wafers. "They're Leshie's. He seems to like them alright." And Yelara took her own seat in the sole armchair, far from her two guests. "I hope everything's alright."

"It's perfect," Tralesha said as she picked up one of the wafers. "Are you sure you won't go out for a meal with us later? I'm sure we can find someplace that will have something Leshie would like, and it means you wouldn't have to prepare anything for yourself."

"I don't know," Yelara answered grudgingly. "I'm a little tired."

"Taking care of a baby is hard work," Orinth told her. "You're a single mother now. But that doesn't mean you can't ask for help once in a while."

"Liam's helping me," she reminded him, though with a hint of doubt in her voice. "It's fine. Really."

Orinth continued as if Yelara had never spoken. "You should bring him by the Temple from time to time. I'm sure the others would love to see him." His pale blue eyes watched her with an openly critical gaze. "I would like to see him more. He's my grandson, Yara. He needs his family, whether or not you do."

Yelara sighed and averted her eyes to the wafer she was picking at in her hand. "I don't want him at the Temple. It isn't good for him."

"I don't understand why it isn't good for him," Tralesha said. "His father lives there. His great-grandfather lives there. People who love him live there. How could going to a place where he's loved and adored be a bad thing?" She paused for a moment, and frowned. "But, that's not it, is it? You're afraid of losing him there. Yelara, you won't lose him, not to the Temple...not to anyone. You're his mother and everyone knows it, and no one would try to take him away from you, no matter how much you close yourself off and push people who knew you before away."

"They're all strangers," she explained. "All of them. The worst is that most of them are Jedi. Leshie is Force-sensitive. I don't want him to know that. I don't want him to follow in his father's footsteps. I want him safe and the only way to do that is to keep him here, with me."

"Then you're a fool," Orinth told her with a disapproving frown. "You're keeping him closed off from those around him. You think that's protection? You think that's in his best interest? All you're doing is teaching him to be paranoid of those around him, to distrust, as you do, to reject love when it is being freely offered to you." As Yelara sat stunned and quiet, Orinth shook from the intensity of his emotions. "I didn't raise a fool, Yelara," he rumbled. "Don't prove otherwise."

Yelara blinked slowly, utterly chastened by Orinth's lecture.

"Everyone is a stranger before you take the time to know them," Tralesha said. "And, they're not the Empire. They won't just take him away from you if you don't want him to become a Jedi. Leshie's very happy now, but if you continue to keep him isolated from everyone who wants to love him, that happiness won't last."

"He's happy," Yelara insisted. "And...you're free to come here and visit him whenever you wish. That's not isolation, now is it? I just...I'm not ready for all that, yet. You don't--" She sighed and lowered her head as her eyes closed. "You don't know how hard it's been for me. You just can't understand it."

"We can," Orinth told her, gently now, "if you'll let us. My dear girl, let us into your lives. What is the harm in allowing yourself to be loved?"

Yelara exhaled shakily and covered her eyes with one hand to stop the tears. "I...I don't know," she whispered. "I just haven't had a moment to think. It's been a whirlwind...I'm just trying to get myself firmly planted in the ground. Just...a little time..."

"If you need help with planting, I can't think of a better person to help you than your grandfather," Tralesha said gently. "He's the best gardener I've ever known."

A weak laugh escaped her lips, and Yelara finally turned her tearful eyes onto Tralesha and Orinth. Leshie was watching her quietly, yet with a child's curiousity. One thing she had learned about her son was he had a keen sense of a person's true character, and was very particular about who he allowed to be near him. There were those he shied away from - people Yelara herself was wary of - then there were those he adored unequivocally. Orinth and Tralesha were those people. Her son, no matter what Yelara decided, would love whomever he chose to. Nothing she could do would alter that, and denying him that love would grieve the boy.

Leshie grinned at her as she watched him, sensing Yelara's decision and approving. "Alright," she said softly, then looked to Tralesha and Orinth. "We can try with weekly visits - here," Yelara stressed. "If all works out...maybe I can let him visit you all at the Temple. Is that agreed?"

Orinth smiled at Tralesha and the two exchanged satisfied nods. "That sounds like a wonderful plan, my child."

"If you ever find you want a friend," Tralesha said as she turned to Yelara, "I'm here. Ever since I met Orinth and he told me about you, I've thought of you...almost like a sister. I know it sounds crazy, but...but I'd like to be a friend for you if you need one."

"That isn't something to be arranged beforehand," Yelara reminded Talara. "Friendship develops. It can't be forced." Though, she did smile wanly to take some of the harshness from her statement. "But...thank you for the offer."

Tralesha smiled. "But, now you know that I want to be your friend," she said. "Maybe that will make it easier."

Yelara nodded slowly. "Perhaps..." Made uneasy by Tralesha's earnest smile, Yelara broke off eye contact and sought to focus on something other than the girl. The mess of her broken wafer atop the table caught Yelara's attention. She chuckled and brushed off her hands. "I'm a horrible hostess... You...you two mentioned something about dinner?" She glanced up briefly, and Orinth was certain he caught a hint of a smile.

"As a matter of fact, we did," Tralesha said. "On the way in, we saw a lot of places. Do you have a favourite? Or should we go out together and pick one?"

"I...don't really know the city, so you'll have to pick," Yelara admitted. With a significant smile at Orinth and Tralesha, she added meaningfully, "I trust you."

Orinth made a quiet grunt of approval at his granddaughter's turnaround. Even Leshie showed his support with a giggle.

"Well, I say we bundle up the little one, and go see what's out there," Tralesha said. "We can even let him pick for us. See which restaurant he'd like to eat at."

"And I'm sure he'll not hesitate to tell us," Yelara chuckled, and rose to retrieve his coat and boots.

Before she was very far, Yelara felt a delicate touch upon her shoulder, and curiously she glanced back to find Orinth standing behind her. Smiling inquisitively, she turned to him, but before she could say a word, Orinth was patting her cheek tenderly and whispering, "You'll find your way home soon, my Yara. I will help." And leaving her no time to reply, even if she had been able despite her loss for words, Orinth returned to the living area.

Yelara watched him go as her hand absently covered her cheek, where Orinth's own hand had been. She felt his warmth there; the same had been in his smile, and more than any amount of words could have accomplished, that alone was enough to convince Yelara she was safe with him. He would never abuse her trust, neither of them would.

Confident now of Leshie's safety in their arms, Yelara continued forward to find his clothing, without a single look back.

---

"Awakenings"
By: Kel Denab

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

Kel awoke with a start, looking around. He was drenched in sweat, but he no longer had his armour on. Blinking, momentarily disoriented, he searched around, panic almost setting in. Where was he? Who had him? The last thing he remembered was burying Jordan in the jungle, and at that point, his consciousness blacked him out. He wasn't certain if he fell in place, ran, or died. Perhaps he was dead, and this was the afterlife.

Pretty dark for the afterlife, he said to himself. Kel stood up, and looked around. Suddenly, lights in the room came on, at a very soft luminescence however. He then recognized the masonwork of the Jedi academy. How the hell did he wind up here? Kel closed his eyes for a moment, and started to induce some meditations that he was taught that would bring back memories that had supposedly been forgotten. Suddenly, he remembered. He had taken off running through the jungle, trying to flee his own anger, hatred...for what Jordan had done. His mind becoming unclouded, the rage in him started to build again. Why had she done this?!

He noticed his mandalorian armor laying in the corner, so whomever brought him in at least left that. Kel stepped out into the hallway, and looked around. He did not see anyone he recognized off hand. Who brought him in, and what was he to do now?

---

"Harmonious Negotiations, Part 1"
By: Zale Tregat
Analesse D'vrishay
Merrick Braston

Location: The White Noise - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

Zale Tregat arrived well before the appointed time when he was supposed to meet with Analesse D'vrishay. The crowd at the White Noise looked to be a large one for the night. Perhaps that was a good omen for the business venture he was about to get involved in. A part of him wondered at D'vrishay's interest in the club, though he thought it was probably little more than a chance at profiting from the club's success.

He had decided to dress up for the night, and had a feeling such would draw comments from his companion. It was a suit of dark fabric, black or deep blue depending on how the light hit it. The tailoring was impeccable from the creases in the pants and how they broke over the shining tops of his shoes to the double-breasted jacket. In his defense, the White Noise was a high class establishment, and so he wouldn't be out of place.

Merrick and Zale had arrived together, with Merrick receiving ample warning about Zale's companion for the night.

"Just so you don't get the wrong idea," Zale had told his friend.

"Given the way things have been going at home lately," Merrick had answered, "there's a part of me that wouldn't have blamed you."

With Merrick now in the back of the club preparing for his show, Zale had time to reflect on the words of his friend. There was definitely a bitterness underlying the words. And, as Merrick had said of Zale's own situation, Zale couldn't blame Merrick at all.

He stepped away from the wall he'd been leaning against while watching the pedestrian traffic pass by, stopping briefly to tamp out his cigarra in one of the sand-filled bins near the door. A smile spread on his lips as he spotted Analesse approaching from up the street. He gave her a wave and approached.

A mantle of black velvet secured at the throat by a satin ribbon draped over Analesse's shimmering blue gown, a vibrant offset to the sea of black tuxedoes filtering into the White Noise. She slowed momentarily upon recognition of Zale, then resumed her fluid, swaying gait as she returned his wave of greeting. One side of her cloak fell away from her shoulder as her arm raised to reveal the lines of the dress following every curve closely, and the low-dipping neckline of loose folds that added an elegance to a dress that could have easily become scandalous. The bodice was supported by two thin straps disappearing over each shoulder.

When her bare arm dropped back beneath the dark mantle, her dress once again became concealed, drawing all focus to her rich auburn hair. It, too, glistened and the only motion made was by the bouquet of curls held back tightly in an open-faced bun. By the time she reached Zale, the cold air had coloured her cheeks a healthy pink to match the shade of her lipstick. "Mr. Tregat," she greeted pleasantly, a stream of fogged breath issuing from her full lips. "You're early. This is quite a surprise."

"You see? I'm not quite the complete waste of time you thought earlier," he said. "This evening, I didn't have anything to hinder me from arriving on time. Shall we go inside? Our table is right near the stage. One of the best seats in the house."

They turned together for the doorway. "So close?" she asked him, lifting the gown's hem clear of the ground. "We can hardly discuss business that near to the stage. We might offend the musician's sensibilities if we aren't utterly captivated by his music." Analesse smirked.

"We'll manage," Zale said with a chuckle. "And, somehow, I think you'd prefer to offend everyone's sensibilities, rather than not."

"Do I seem crass, then, Mr. Tregat?" Analesse inquired without taking offense. She thanked Zale with a nod upon allowing her to enter first.

"Not sure if I would call it crass," Zale said. "I just get the impression you like to be under people's skin."

She chuckled. "Isn't that the best way to gain one's cooperation - wheedle them to the point where they'll acquiesce simply to be rid of you?"

"Not really," Zale said. "But I guess if it works for you, it's doing its job. That isn't going to leave the best impression on the person you're dealing with. It's not bad if you never need anything from them again, but if you need something in the future...those who have done what they could to get rid of you may not be so eager a second time."

"In a business setting, yes, that is quite true," Analesse agreed. "However, that is only the case when I'm dealing with someone I feel I can intimidate, manipulate. For others, tact and charm works best." She smiled cunningly and finished, "As for social situations...it certainly is the best way to deter admirers. Most men are such bores."

"I don't think either gender is free from that crowd," Zale said. "Would you like to order a drink before we take our seats?"

Analesse paused with Zale beneath the columned entryway at the edge of the hall, surveying the establishment. As inviting and elegant as it was, Analesse was convinced the White Noise could definitely benefit from her touch. Untying her cloak and sliding it off her shoulders, Analesse replied distractedly, still envisioning all she could do with the Noise, "Yeah...a drink would be good."

Zale motioned to one of the servers. Recognizing him, she came over immediately. "Good evening, Mr. Tregat. The usual."

"Yes, please," he answered. "And, for Ms. D'vrishay..." He looked to her expectantly, hiding a smile as she snapped back out of her thoughts and looked at him. "What would you care to drink?"

"A Tabrulean Ice Flower if you have them," she answered. "And bring them to our seats," Analesse added.

"Of course, ma'am," the young woman said and quickly disappeared off to get their drinks.

Once she was away, Zale gestured toward the main part of the floor where tables were set up. Many already had occupants, but the one they were heading toward was empty save for the settings and a small card stating that the table was reserved.

"How will this be?" Zale asked once they reached the table.

"It's fine," Analesse told him. She draped her cloak over one chair-back, then selected another for herself, that with the best view of the stage. Zale, gentlemanly, slid out the chair for her and Analesse took a seat. As Zale was taking his own, Analesse leaned forward to confide, "The first thing I'm doing when I renovate this place is getting new uniforms for the serving staff. That girl looked very much like a casino dealer. Not the type of image I would want to convey. It's rather tasteless."

Their drinks arrived and were placed before each. Zale took a sip of his and waited until the server had gone. "What sort of change would you suggest for the uniform?" he asked.

Tasting her own drink, Analesse shrugged. "Something reflecting quality, glamour," she answered, swallowing. "The new uniform designs will be only one aspect of the proposed renovations. Nothing will be overlooked, I can assure you of that, Mr. Tregat, including the drinks." She nodded towards her glass of ice-blue liquid. "Not of the highest quality, don't you think?"

"The drinks I've had here have been good," Zale said. "Not the best, of course. Really, the best will require the highest quality of ingredients. As long as the money brought in will support it, I don't see a problem."

"Well." She sighed and reclined against her chair back. "I know we can make something wonderful of this place. Though, I can foresee already that you're going to be stubborn and difficult to work with."

"You're asking me to put out a considerable sum of money on this venture," Zale said. "I'm going to make sure my money is well-spent. If your plans are good ones, you'll have no problems. If I see possible flaws or problems in your plans, then I'm going to be stubborn."

"Just as you should be. But if you're going to continue to base your decisions on whether or not I attend concerts with you," Analesse informed him, "then you'll be far surpassing stubborn and falling more into the category of conniving." Smiling over the lip of her glass, Analesse quipped, "Is that how you secured your wife?"

"Not quite," Zale said. "She and her girlfriend picked me up in a bar and took me home. Things sort of happened from there."

Analesse blinked slowly. "Her...girlfriend? What do you mean girlfriend?" Upon review, Analesse held up her hand to stay Zale's response. "You know...I think I'd prefer not to have that clarified. Potential business partners shouldn't have such intimate knowledge of one another's personal lives."

Zale grinned. "Probably a good idea," he said. "My point was that I don't believe it's possible to take on any task like this without knowing what you're getting into. The White Noise isn't just a club. I don't think you could successfully do this project without spending at least a night here. You have to know the people who are coming here, the people who are working here, and include them in your equations. You're in for a rough road if you don't plan for them as well."

"Don't worry, Mr. Tregat," she assured him, "I've done this before. I know what I'm doing."

"If you haven't thought of the people here, then you haven't done it right before," Zale said. "That is, unless you want to alienate the current staff and customer base. You can now look around here, see what the people come for, why they work here, and when you do up your plans, you can incorporate it all in and make even more money. You do want to make even more money, don't you?"

"The point of any business venture is to turn a profit," she affirmed indirectly. "Mr. Tregat...it will all be alright. I've been building things for years. I know how to make things work in my favour." Analesse leaned her chin on her fisted hand and smiled curiously. "Are you always so paranoid?"

"Only in regards to certain things," Zale answered. "This club is a favourite of my family. I hope you could see how sudden and drastic changes, things that change it from what it is right now into something altogether different, might cause me some concern. That's why I say that success will come in knowing what people want here, what they like. If you just give us what you want us to have, you may not be giving us what we want, what we had. And, I hope you don't intend to tell us that you know what's best for us."

"I just know what's best for this establishment," Analesse told him. "And one thing I've already determined of the White Noise is its talent takes far too long to get his ass on stage." She grinned smugly and tipped her glass at him. "Are you getting me another drink?"

Zale waved over the server. "I'm sure in your White Noise, all of the talent will show up onstage twenty minutes early." He reordered their drinks, checking to see if she wanted the same. He held up a timepiece for her to see. "He has five more minutes. So, that's five more minutes of business before we have the opportunity to offend the talent's sensibilities."

"Lucky for you," she drawled and drank back the last of her beverage. As suggested, more business was discussed and datapads were even pulled out to record details. Analesse paused at one point to gesture towards Zale with her stylus and say, "That's a surprisingly dapper suit. I wouldn't have expected something like that from you. Are you certain this isn't really a date?"

Zale glanced down and then up at her. "I clean up well," he said with a chuckle. "And, you really must look in a mirror and ask me that question. If you want this place to be a class act, you have to dress the part." He indicated his suit. "See, class act."

Analesse snorted and rolled her eyes. "You're just trying to impress. It won't work. I'm not that kind of woman."

"And, I am a married man," Zale said with a laugh. "And, next time you don't want to be that kind of woman, dress down a touch. You'd think we were at the royal ball. It is a very nice dress, by the way. I'm just saying--"

But, whatever Zale was saying was cut off by the dimming of the lights and the spotlight shining down on the stage.

Immediately, a peppy tune started up, and Merrick Braston appeared through the curtains covering the back of the stage. Wearing a white coat and tie with a pair of black pants, he cut a very impressive figure. The lights followed him as he reached the front of the stage where the microphone was set up. His voice filled the room with its rich baritone as he started into the first set.

Of those in the room, it was only obvious to Zale Tregat that something was bothering his friend. Zale was very familiar with it, since it was the same thing bothering him. But, music was Merrick's release, and tonight he'd allow it to be his own as well.

Analesse followed the singer as he covered the stage, but reserved her opinion and kept any sign of it from her face. Instead, she watched impassively, yet allowed numerous thoughts to cycle through her head. He was handsome, talented, and he appeared to have the audience enraptured. But would he be enough to draw people to the new White Noise? That remained to be seen until she witnessed the audience's reaction following the end of his set.

As Merrick Braston segued into his next song, his eyes focused briefly on their table and Zale. She noticed the slight nod Zale gave his friend, after which Merrick shifted his gaze to her. They locked eyes, and at his dazzling smile Analesse's stony facade nearly cracked as she returned the gesture for a moment. Then, his brown eyes released her from their captivating grip and moved on to the rest of the crowd. Analesse cleared her throat to hide her momentary reaction and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. One thing was for certain: Merrick Braston wasn't so popular just for his music; the women likely had other reasons for their admiration.

Merrick continued on, easing through his set with comfort and style. When he was on the stage, he owned it, and few in the audience could bring themselves to look away. As he reached the end of his fourth song, he smiled brightly and stepped to the mic one more time.

"Thank you," he said with a slight, grateful bow. "We're going to take a quick break while servers bring out more food and drinks. We'll be back in five for the next set, and a treat: a song from the new album."

Analesse politely participated in the applause and shot an unimpressed smile at Zale. "I'll need another drink if I'm to sit through more of that."

Zale regarded her for a moment then shook his head. "No," he said. "No need to put you through more torture. We can go." With that, he stood and picked up her jacket.

Sitting back, Analesse chuckled and teased, "What? You're not going to take me backstage and introduce me to the talent?"

"I hadn't planned on it since you didn't seem to care for his performance," Zale said.

"I don't have to be a fan to receive an introduction," she told him and rose from her seat. Resting both hands upon her hips, Analesse watched him pointedly with raised eyebrows. "So? Are you going to escort me?"

"Back to your ride, sure," Zale said. "Though, if you need a ride, I can take you." With a gesture, he indicated the exit.

"Not very courteous of you," Analesse admonished and turned to retrieve her cloak. She slid it across her shoulders and began tying it before she paused, glancing sidelong at Zale. He shook his head questioningly, then emitted a surprised grunt as Analesse's cloak came sailing towards him. "Hold that," she told Zale, who had caught it easily. "I'll be back." Analesse was already making her way towards the rear of the stage.

"What the--" Zale muttered as he disentangled himself from her cloak and watched her disappearing through the mingling crowd. He shook his head and started after, but he had a feeling there was no way he could catch up.

As expected, Analesse was halted at the backstage entrance by security, but a few whispered words to the men, and a toss of her head towards Zale, was all it took to gain their cooperation. They stepped aside and granted her passage. The door closed behind her before Zale could reach her position.

Zale wondered if he should call security as he reached the door to the backstage. It was opened without hesitation, and he hurried through to try to find Analesse. He had a pretty good idea where she was headed.

---

"Harmonious Negotiations, Part 2"
By: Zale Tregat
Analesse D'vrishay
Merrick Braston

Location: The White Noise - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

He caught just a glimpse of her shimmering blue dress as it disappeared around a corner. When he rounded the same turn, Analesse was at Merrick's dressing-room door, awaiting a response to her knock.

Zale stopped in midstride, biting back a string of curses. As he heard the door opening, he put his hand to his forehead, at once steeling himself for what was to come, and trying to figure out if that actually was a headache beginning.

Merrick Braston appeared in the doorway and glanced between the woman before him and Zale down the hall. He turned his attention back to the woman. "Hi there," he said. "Can I help you?"

She extended a hand to Merrick and smiled politely. "Analesse D'vrishay. Business associate of Zale Tregat." Looking past him into the dressing room, she asked forwardly, "May I come in?"

Merrick glanced at Zale, then back to Analesse. He hesitantly accepted her handshake, and then smiled. "Sure," he said, the confusion on his face clear. "Don't have much time before I have to go back out on stage, but sure."

"Thank you." Analesse bowed her head in gratitude and stepped into the room, sliding her hand from his. "Very large accommodations," she observed with an appraising nod. "Do you always require such luxury?"

"No," Merrick answered. "But, it was either this or the supply closet across the hall. What exactly is your association with Zale Tregat again?"

Analesse smiled over her shoulder, then turned and settled herself gracefully onto Merrick's sofa with legs crossed and arms spread out atop the backrest. "Won't you sit? I'll explain everything. And Mr. Tregat," she called out to him, "are you going to stand in the hallway the entire time?"

"That was my plan," came the reply from the hall. A moment later, he entered the dressing room and closed the door.

With one last look at Zale, Merrick took the offered seat.

"I saw you perform out there," Analesse began, swinging her right leg lazily as it draped over her left. "You were good - better than good. You had that crowd taken with you in the first five minutes."

Merrick smiled. "Thank you," he said. "It's a great audience tonight, and I think they deserve a lot of the credit as well."

"Don't be so modest," she told him, chuckling. "I've heard your music before and on its own, it's great, but hearing it live and watching you perform it?" Analesse nodded approvingly. "You're a born entertainer, Mr. Braston. That's why I want you to sign a contract with me to perform at the White Noise for a term of no less than five years." She waved her hand languidly, as if her next comment was of little relevance. "After its renovation, of course."

"I'd need to see the contract of course," Merrick said, the confusion not disappearing from his face. "But I'm sure we could-- Renovation?"

Analesse bent her hand at the wrist, while her arm remained supported on the backrest, and studied her polished fingernails from a distance. "Renovation," she affirmed absently. "Mr. Tregat and I have already negotiated a deal. He'll be a new partial owner of the White Noise, and my company will be contracted to develop the project." Smiling aside at Merrick, she added, "It'll be a place finally worthy of your talent, Mr. Braston. And I'd like you to act as a consultant on all matters involving the entertainment aspect of this construction."

"Sure," Merrick said.

"But watch out," Zale said from near the door. "You can't trust the words coming out of her lips or the expression on her face. You have to watch her when she doesn't know you're looking, and perhaps you'll glean a hint of what's going on beneath the surface. You still need that drink to make it through the rest of the show, Ms. D'vrishay?"

She chuckled with mirth and shifted to the edge of the sofa where she could confer more privately with Merrick. "He's just upset that I was bluffing him and he didn't notice it. You're a wonderful musician, Mr. Braston - sincerely. In fact" --she glanced briefly up at Zale, shooting him an impish look-- "I own all your albums. If you don't believe me, I'd be more than happy to show you...both of you." She sighed and sat back, addressing both men now. "That's why I'm inviting you both to my home after the show. You can see for yourself that I truly do want your assistance in this proposed renovation" --Analesse smiled softly-- "and your blessing."

"Well, I currently don't have any plans," Merrick said with a smile. He glanced over at Zale.

"Yeah," he said with a frown. "Sure."

"Zale," Merrick said, eyebrow raised.

"Actually, I did notice that she was bluffing," he said. "But, she wouldn't admit it, despite the fact that when she was watching you perform, her face was glowing like the sun." He took a couple steps closer. "Ms. D'vrishay, if you expect me to be a partner, you're going to have to be a lot less secretive and far more open with me. I'm not sure if you still believe my actions in bringing you here were foolish or not, but I assure you that I had only the success of this venture and the people who love this place as much as everyone here tonight in mind."

"And I'm not a complete amateur, Mr. Tregat," she told him firmly. "You may think I'm a conceited, untalented upstart in this business, but I know what it takes to succeed, and I certainly know how to appeal to the wants of those people out there. This, as far as I'm concerned, was just an intimidation tactic that didn't go your way. Now, you may not be used to working with women of my caliber, but you'd better do so quickly." Analesse smiled passionately. "Because we have great things ahead of us, Mr. Tregat." Shifting her gaze to Merrick, she echoed, "Great things."

"So, you're telling me tonight was a waste of your time," Zale said. "You know the uniforms are ugly, the drinks are bland, and they couldn't ask for a better star, despite the fact that his dressing room is overly-luxurious. Tell me you would have known that staying at home. And, tell me you would have been sitting next to Merrick Braston, all of whose albums you own, if I hadn't insisted on this night. It wasn't an intimidation act, despite what you may think. You'd never set foot in this place before, but you decided it was the perfect fixer-upper opportunity. Tell me you don't have a better idea of what it needs now. Tell me tonight was a waste of our time."

Rolling her eyes, Analesse rose from the sofa. "If it's praise you want and need, Mr. Tregat, then I'll give you as much as you want. But only if you promise to cease with your sermons. I only came here truly to see Mr. Braston perform...again." Regarding Merrick, she brightened and continued, "I haven't done so since I arrived on Tae'Karada. It's probably been a year or more. You're still just as entrancing as you were that first time."

"Thank you," Merrick said, growing uncomfortable at the obvious feud boiling between Zale and Analesse.

"Fine," Zale said. "Deal's off. I can't work with someone who is unwilling to admit their mistakes, and tries to turn every argument into someone else's fault. Find someone else to put up your money. The investment isn't worth the headache of working with you." With that, he opened the door and stormed off into the hall.

And that is when Analesse turned to Merrick, and again extended her hand. "So...will you still accompany me home? We have much business to discuss if you're going to become my new partner in this venture."

"I'm not a businessman," Merrick said. "I'm an entertainer. But, sure." He took her hand with a smile. "Just so you know, for business matters, I go to Zale. Not sure what happened between the two of you, but I'm guessing it was a struggle for power and each doing things your own way. He is a good man, and knows business. Not sure if there's anyway to get him back. I'm guessing no, though, because I doubt you want him on-board. I'm guessing all you wanted him for was his money, and not actually being part of the team."

"That's not true," she told him, their hands still clasped. "I admire Zale Tregat. I truly do. But his tactics are arrogant and condescending. I know all about this place, Mr. Braston. I didn't need to come here for convincing of how special it is. I've watched you perform here, seen you sparkle on that stage, and even then I knew you were better than this place, that this place is better than its owner has ever given it credit for." Analesse spoke with a sincerity and a wonder that set her face aglow. Smiling fondly, she covered Merrick's hand with her other and encased it. "I want to do this, Mr. Braston - for you, for myself, and for those people out there. It doesn't matter how much you know about the business of it all - leave that to me. I just need your passion and your vision, and I think we'll do just fine...with or without the temperamental Zale Tregat." She chuckled lightly.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight," Merrick asked. "Watching the show, I mean."

Analesse smiled enigmatically. "Did you see the look in my eyes?"

"And you resent Zale for bringing you here tonight why?"

She shrugged. "Because it was just business. I'd rather be here to enjoy myself, not listen to Zale Tregat boast. It cuts into the enjoyment factor, don't you think?"

"What boasts did Zale make tonight?" Merrick asked.

Analesse sighed and withdrew her hands from Merrick's. "You don't believe me either, do you?"

"I believe that you've set your opinion about Zale," Merrick said. "And, I believe you're finding fault with his actions where there really are none. I don't know what went on between you and Zale, but I do know Zale. He's not the type to idly boast. From what I saw between you two in here, there was a severe power struggle going on. I have no desire to get in the middle or get involved in something like that. I have my guesses why you may not like him, but I know right now in my life, that's not a struggle I need."

"Zale Tregat has withdrawn his financial assistance," Analesse reminded Merrick. "There will be no struggle. There is no struggle. But if you won't accept that...." She smiled appreciatively and lowered herself to one knee to collect her fallen cloak. Dusting it off as she rose, Analesse continued to watch Merrick with a softened gaze. "No matter what, I'll remain a fan, Merrick Braston, no matter what Zale Tregat believes about me. 'Bitter winds may carry us apart,' " she recited with feeling, " 'But the reach of our hearts will stop us drifting too far.' " Analesse chuckled wistfully to herself. "My favourite," she whispered and inclined her head at Merrick. "I hope the rest of your show goes well, Mr. Braston. Good night." Laying the mantle over her shoulders, Analesse departed.

A voice calling her name followed her down the corridor until finally a hand caught her elbow. "Don't go," came the hushed voice from behind her. "I'm sure we can work through this, and I can talk to Zale for you. You've got the best seat in the house, promise me you'll go out and watch the rest of it, and then after we can go back to your place and you can tell me all about your plans."

Analesse turned to study Merrick Braston's face searchingly. "So, you're interested?" she asked.

"From the first moment you mentioned it," Merrick said with a smile. "It's just that...if you want someone here for financial backing and all that, Zale's the one you want. Besides, Moril is probably the best guy for organizing anything on this entire planet, and probably this whole section of the galaxy."

"I know that," Analesse told him. "I've met Moril. He was far more charming than Zale Tregat, and I would enjoy working with the man. But I don't believe he'd betray his employer by coming on as advisor for this project." She sighed curtly and smiled wryly at Merrick. "Is he always this short-tempered? Or only when he thinks someone is ridiculing him?"

"You didn't appear to be giving him a whole lot of slack," Merrick said with a chuckle. "And, it sounded like you weren't telling him the truth about some things. I think he believes that trust was broken there. In any sort of relationship, business and personal, trust is the most important thing. Zale's really big on trust, especially since he's had some bad run-ins by trusting people who later hurt him. If I talk to him about this, will you give him another chance on the project?"

Analesse looked away, conflicted over her desire to have Zale on board and wanting to simply avoid his participation altogether. She refused to jeopardize her reputation on this planet by having a partner pull out of a project before its completion. That was the fastest way to end her career. But, a single glance at Merrick's expectant smile, and the friendly touch of his hand against her elbow, and Analesse was chuckling grudgingly. "Fine...I'll do it. Just remember to tell him - if he agrees - that he owes you one. You're far better a friend than he deserves."

Merrick laughed. "He and I both know that," he said with a wink. "So, when I get back out onto that stage, I expect to see you in your seat there. Afterwards, your place and your plans for this place. And, I'll stop by Zale's office in the morning tomorrow and set everything straight with him. Deal?"

"Deal," Analesse answered in disbelief, taken aback by this practical stranger's generousity. She grinned and slowly backed away from Merrick. "I'll meet you back here after the show?"

"Count on it," Merrick said. "I'll talk to the door staff and make sure they let you right through without any hassle. If you'd like a drink, go ahead and put it on Zale's tab. I'll sign for it." He gave her another wink and started back down the hall where he could enter the stage.

"Will do," Analesse called to him cheerfully, then shifted around to face the exit with a chuckle. Losing one partner, but gaining another in the bargain, Analesse had confidence her dream of rejuvenating the White Noise and giving it the boost it needed to meet its potential wasn't so far-fetched.

Pulling off her cloak and folding it over her arm, Analesse stepped outside into the music hall just in time to catch the first chords of Merrick's next song. She halted suddenly, recognizing the tune. Then Merrick was on stage, and the crowd applauded his return, but quickly fell silent as the lyrics began issuing from his lips. Again they were entranced, and again Merrick's eyes met Analesse's. She shook her head laughingly at his trademark wink and resumed her original seat eagerly, not intending to miss one moment of Merrick's suitably chosen 'Heart's Reach.' The night had become promising after all.

---

"Making a Home"
By: Alexis Soren

Location: Thanatos
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

Alexis had made a decision. He quite liked Thanatos, he had been here little over a week and he had forgotten all about his troubles. He had lost everything he had and it no longer troubled him, because Thanatos was his kind of place. It was disreputable, it was dangerous, smugglers, bounty hunters, criminals all mixed together. It had taken Alexis one day to find a new ship, he had won it gambling. While not an especially good gambler he did know how to cheat and get away with it, so he had done that. He had cheated as much as he could all night long, won the ship and then purposely lost all the rest of the money he had won, to avoid being brutally murdered for being a suspected cheat. But he had a ship, which meant he had a place to stay, a secure roof over his head. It also gave him a business, he was back being a smuggler. He already had some work lined up, things were most definitely looking up.

Alexis was trying to decide whether he should stay. He liked Thanatos, it had been good to him. It had some fantastic bars as well, every night he had been here he had ended up drunk, and in a very nice way. Still even Alexis had noticed that something was happening on this planet, a big government thing, best to stay out of it, Alexis decided. Revolutions were tricky things, the new government could welcome smugglers or it could crack down on them. They could be worse than the old government or be the saviours of the planet, but should Alexis stick around? The galaxy was a big place, and he had already made some enemies on the nearby shipyards. Well, for now he didn't have enough money to leave so it wasn't much of a chance.

Alexis decided it was about time he gave his new ship a name. His last ship never had one, but it seemed wrong for a ship to remain nameless, he thought for a second. He didn't want to pick a name that screamed smuggler, that was a trap smuggler often fell into, ship after ship was given a daring name, just telling the authorities who to search. No...a good name would be the...Drifter, yes he liked that. Alexis resolved to paint the name on the ship.

Alexis had to go and meet his new contact, he was going to smuggle some stolen ship parts to another planet, it was paying well too. His contact wasn't human, that was about as much as he could discern, he was big though and tough looking. Alexis picked up his new blaster and placed it in it's brand new holster and walked out.

Alexis met his contact in a seedy bar, he handed him his instructions, little was said, Alexis understood everything. He left the bar, he liked seedy places but this place looked too rough for him. Alexis quickly made it back to the Drifter, he had to pick up his cargo and then be away, quickly.

---

"Right Reasons, Wrong Feelings"
by Kel Denab
and Quinlan Vos

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

Kel walked down one of the hallways, his mind and emotions still in chaos, mostly exhibiting hatred and anger at what Jordan had become when he killed her. He was betrayed, betrayed by the love of his sister. Who can you trust, if not your own sibling? Now Kel wondered if he could really trust anyone ever again... to have someone so close to you be a falsehood, a fable that led him along until he dug deeply and found the truth.

He noticed someone approaching him down the hallway. Kel did not recognize the Jedi, he assumed it was a Jedi of some sort or another from the robe and the fact not many non-Force users would be in the academy or temple, whatever this place was.

"Greetings. I am content to see you have awakened..." the Jedi Master said. "I am Quinlan Vos, one of the Jedi masters here at the Temple," he told the man. He could feel the man's hatred and pain, but he knew that he should not protrude into that...yet. "How are you feeling?"

Kel nodded to Quinlan. "I am feeling ok. I take it you're the one who found me?" he asked. Kel was still not completely certain what had fully transpired after he buried Jordan, but perhaps he would find out.

"No," Quinlan shook his head. "But nonetheless, you were brought here. Perhaps you would like to eat?" he suggested as he motioned for Kel to go with him. "You should re-acquire your strength."

It had been a while since Kel had eaten. "Ok," he said with a shrug. "I have not seen you around before...oh, I'm Kel Denab, by the way," he added, his mind clouded, his thoughts distracted by recent events.

"Pleasure to meet you, Kel Denab," Quinlan nodded. "So then, I can assure that you have been here before... May I inquire what about?"

"I helped Laedra find someone, and she helped me once in return," Kel said as they continued walking slowly through the halls. "Plus a few other things that a Jedi has a hard time doing," he added with a smirk.

So the Jedi had used Kel's services before. What for remained unknown to Quinlan. Not that it mattered all that much, for surely Laedra Vorrel would have valid reasons to do so. Quinlan stopped before they reached the kitchen area.

"Forgive my bluntness, but what exactly were you doing near the Temple?" he asked. He knew that Kel meant no harm to the Jedi, but he did feel some hatred and pain coming from the man. Being a Jedi Master he could feel Kel's presence and even probe his thoughts, but it did not seem the right thing to do. Not without giving him a chance to speak for himself.

Kel had known that this was coming at some point, the Jedi and their cursed ability to pick up emotions without probing too much. Or, for all he knew, he just had the look about him that he was pissed. "To be honest, I'm not certain how I got in front of the temple," Kel said. "I blacked out after..." Kel shook his head. "You're just going to pick up my surface thoughts, even though I do have some mandalorian training in thought control, so I might as well relate the story," he said. "You have a few hours?" Kel said, a slight smile cracking his face for a brief, almost fleeting, moment.

"I have enough time," Quinlan assured him.

"It all started probably 4 or more months ago, I think I've lost track now...my sister came to me, having fled the planet she and her husband lived on. I hadn't seen her in years, so it was somewhat of a surprise when she contacted me. Anyway, she arrived, and said that some powerful gang or group had killed him, and they were after her now. I took her in, and immediately, I thought something was odd. She would come back bringing different people, sleeping around and what not, so I decided to start digging. Initially, my attempts were unsuccessful, but then I caught a break, and from there, I learned that she was the head of the group of people, had been using me all along just to get to this planet, and that the group was bent on the take over of her old planet's government, and her husband had stood in the way, as he was some elected official..." Kel explained. "I also learned she was the one who actually killed him," he added after a moment of pause. "In turn, I had to eliminate her before she could cause any damage to anyone else. I buried her somewhere in the jungle, and once that happened, I blacked out until I awoke here," Kel explained.

"She wounded me, back stabbed me, and used me just to further her gains," he said. "The one person in the world I could trust, turned out to be the enemies I usually hunt for bounties."

"It is difficult to forgive when hurt badly by someone that we care for. No one can harm you like a friend, I guess..." Quinlan stated. "The question you must now ask yourself is the true reason why you did what you did. Was her death the only solution or did you kill her out of hatred for what she'd turned herself into?"

He let his question sink. "I am not a judge of actions and I am not judging you. Whatever the reasons that led you to it, her death cannot be prevented now. But neither should it haunt you further," he told Kel. "I recall something that someone once told me. Death must be a last resort, but when you have no other option, then you must take your opponents life without doubts that your actions are righteous."

Quinlan then smiled briefly. "I'm sure that it is much different between a Jedi and a bounty hunter... But even so, you ought to meditate on that."

"I know the words, and I generally pick bounties based on if I believe that they are for a worthwhile cause, or if it'll further justice. This, I knew this had to be done, but when it's someone from your family, your own sibling, it hurts, and it hurts even more because of the trust you placed in them, then it turns out they are using it against you just to further their own self righteous gain, no matter how good intending, or in this case, how evil it is," Kel said.

"If you thus believe...why the anger and hatred and pain?" Quinlan asked. Not that he wasn't aware that killing your own sibling wouldn't be hard. But still, there seemed to have been alternatives. Perhaps giving her over to the local authorities and let her actions be judged in court. Kel had simply been the judge, the jury and the executioner, all at once. It was a heavy burden to carry when not sure.

"I could have done that, but then what? Some technicality would have gotten her out, some thing that I did not do correctly, and she would have still been in society. How could I let a criminal I did not know escape like that, and this one just happened to be my sister, which made the decision hard, but I knew what had to be done.. if that is a crime, then I shall take whatever punishment I deserve. Bounty hunters are supposed to have no remorse about anything they do, going for the all mighty credit or for their own personal beliefs, but..." Kel was going to say something, but then shook his head.

"But you're different..." Quinlan finished. "Yes, I can tell that much. You are different, Kel Denab. I can see why Master Vorrel trusted you. But you must not let yourself be consumed by your anger and pain. Believe me, it can destroy you."

"It's all I have, now," Kel said to him. "Perhaps I have let my emotions become too much a part of me, perhaps I need to become detached...cold...like I used to be."

"Detach from it," the Jedi master pressed softly with a nod. "Anger, pain, hatred... Those are tools of the dark side. They will consume you from within and you may find yourself doomed for an eternity," Vos warned him. Believe me, I know...I was close to that myself, my friend, he thought to himself.

Quinlan knew that it wasn't half as dangerous for a person who was non-Force sensitive to become lured by the dark side within him or her. But being that he was a Jedi, and thus a peace keeper, he had to try and have Kel Denab make a comeback.

"Perhaps you ought to clear your head of questions and meditate..." Quinlan suggested. "You may stay with us for as long as you like."

"I have no idea how to meditate.." Kel explained, looking at the Jedi.

Quinlan chuckled. "It is not hard. I can teach you how to do so... But first, you should regain your strength and eat. Come," he offered, motioning for them to go into the kitchen area.

---

"Delusions of a Drug-Addled Mind"
By: Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Zenarr-Tregat Residence, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

He'd spent the last hour trying to put the fighting out of his mind. Though, it really hadn't been much in the way of fighting. It was two people with egos bigger than themselves, and a stubborn streak that could stare down a raging bantha. She'd been suspicious of his every move and had kept information to herself, information that could have eased a lot of their sniping. Of course, he'd pushed her, but only because he didn't trust her. She expected to just walk into his office and have him turn over large sums of credits to rebuild the White Noise. Yet Zale had seen her company's record, her record. She was good at what she did and had produced impressive returns on every investment she'd made.

He shrugged and started up the steps to the home he shared with Kaysa and Merrick. Wouldn't Kaysa love to know that Merrick was getting cozy with another woman. Not that she'd notice, running out the way she had been with Cadwin lately. If she managed to peer through her drug-induced stupor long enough, she'd see a vague outline. He had a feeling Kaysa would see nothing clearly for quite awhile.

With a sigh, he entered the house. If only he could find time alone with her, where they could sit and talk. She'd been busy and finding her in a moment when she wasn't rushing off somewhere, or crashing into the bed and unable to think coherently had been the norm.

He heard a sound above, and wondered who was home. Kaysa had gone out, Merrick was at the club, and Keeve, Maeren, and Kimara were avoiding the place because of Kaysa.

"Hello," he called, moving cautiously toward the stairs.

The only reply Zale received was another loud thud resounding from the ceiling. Other crashes, bangs, and rushing footsteps echoed, followed by its source, who came pelting down the staircase in the process of pulling on a jacket. One heeled shoe was gripped in her hand, making it difficult to push her arm through the jacket's sleeve; she shoved the shoe into her pocket, solving her dilemma, and finished attiring herself as she reached the landing.

Her eyes caught sight of Zale briefly, enough for him to glimpse the redness and drowsy eyelids indicative of someone having indulged in too much Spice. She smiled lazily, but not at Zale; her mind was focused elsewhere, likely on the evening of fun still ahead. Kaysa Zenarr, wife and mother of Zale's child, gave him no sign of acknowledgement as she hurried past him for the door. He had become nothing more than an obstacle to bypass.

"Hey there, my wife," Zale called as she was reaching for the door. "It is very good to see you. Before you depart for another night of drugged debauchery, might I have a word?"

She halted, hand raised to the door panel. Kaysa said nothing, simply swaying on her off-balanced feet. Chuckling giddily, Kaysa steadied herself with a hand on the door and used the other to slip on her shoe. It seemed to solve the problem of her disequilibrium, and satisfied, Kaysa again reached for the door. " 'Night," she slurred. "I'll...be back or something..."

"I'm sure that'll make your daughter a whole lot happier," Zale said. "Kaysa, we really need to have a talk. I know you have to get back to whatever new drugs Cadwin is feeding you, but...can't you give me five minutes?" He moved close to the door, ready to press it closed if he needed.

"Gods," she sighed, "do you have to be so jealous?" Kaysa turned, flattening her back against the door, and stared up at Zale viciously. "You don't have anything to say to me. Admit it! You just don't want me going out that door to Cadwin."

"I'm not jealous," Zale answered, "but I really have to wonder about the direction you're going. I don't want you filling your body with that trash. I don't want you neglecting your daughter. I don't want you to try to pull Maeren in with you. She's trying to get her life in order, to not lose Keeve, and she doesn't need the influence of Spice and wanton sex right now."

Kaysa threw her arms wide and asked, "Is she here now? Am I hurting anyone right now, Zale? And what's so wrong with a little spice, hm?" Grinning at him, Kaysa dropped her hands to his chest and whispered, "You aren't so innocent yourself, Zale, so who are you to dictate to me?"

"That's my past," Zale said. "I don't bring that into the house, and I don't bring it anywhere where it will affect my daughter. Right now, you're only hurting yourself, but Keeve and Maeren are taking steps so you won't hurt her any longer. How many nights is this now, Kaysa? And, how much spice have you had?"

"Does it matter?" she snapped and pushed past him into the living area. "You're so oppressive! I'm having fun, alright?! What's so wrong with that?" Whirling to face him in the entryway, she spat, "Just because Aria's around doesn't mean I have to slow down, Zale. I...I can't be here all the time! She just...cries so much. How can I handle that?! I can't sleep, I barely have time to eat before she's screaming again for me. That's not how I'm supposed to live, Zale!"

"It won't always be like that, Kaysa! But she needs her mother! You can't just run off to a party as soon as things become too stressful, especially since this is the third night in a row. Kaysa...whatever you're feeling, we can work through it together. Don't just run out...go off with Cadwin to let him feed you whatever spice might take you away. We can work through this, Kaysa...just give it a chance."

"How?" she groaned. "How, Zale?! I just...I just want a little fun. Don't I deserve that?"

"You passed a little two nights ago, Kaysa," Zale said. "When it gets to be the third night in a row, you're now in the realm of forsaking all else in the name of fun."

"All else what?" she rasped, her face twisting into an ugly mask of bitterness. "It's not as if you were here. Where were you tonight, Zale?" Kaysa flicked the lapel of his jacket in disdain. "Pretty sharply dressed, Zale. So...who was she, then? Having a little fun yourself, were you?"

"I had a business meeting with a potential client at the White Noise," Zale said. "And, before you jump to any conclusions, the plan is a complete renovation of the Noise. And, trust me, she was far more interested in Merrick than me."

Kaysa's eyes narrowed. "How do you mean?" She growled and slammed both fists into his chest. "What do you mean!?"

"I'm just trying to say that I wasn't out having fun and the woman I was with wasn't interested in anything personal," Zale said. "I was out on business, and nothing more. That is all I mean."

"That is not what you mean," she spat. "You think Merrick's cheating on me? Say it, Zale! You know something!"

"I think that she was completely gone on him," Zale said. "But, I think Merrick is far too devoted to you to go behind your back with anyone else, despite how you've been treating him lately."

Kaysa glared at Zale. "Who is she? Tell me who she is, Zale."

"Just a woman," Zale said. "Just a fan, a fan like the fans who attend his shows every night. Don't trust Merrick any longer, my love?"

"Gods damn you, Zale," she rasped. "You're trying to make me crazy." Kaysa screamed and flew at him with hands clawing. "Damn you! You bastard!"

Zale's longer reach kept Kaysa from doing any serious damage. "Kaysa," he shouted, hoping it might snap her out of whatever drug-induced dementia she had apparently stumbled into, "stop it! No one is cheating on you! I just want you to be aware that you've been focusing an awful lot of time on Cadwin and this partying, and you have two other husbands who are part of your life as well. Don't force us out...don't turn us into nothing more than conveniences..."

"I don't know what you want from me!" she shouted, struggling to free her wrists from Zale's grip. "If you're jealous of Cadwin then come with me instead of running off with other women!"

"I'm not jealous," Zale said. "I'm just pointing out that you've been spending a lot of time out partying lately, and perhaps you'd better think about what you want from your family and your two other husbands. If that's the life you want to lead, getting doped up and going out to all-night parties, then I think we all need to have a talk about the direction this mutual marriage is taking."

"And will Cadwin have a say?" Kaysa asked snidely. "He says you two are trying to keep us apart. He says that you would push him out of the picture if you had your way. Is that what this is about?"

"He's one of your husbands, and he gets a say," Zale said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Though, I hope you can see that despite what he says we're doing, he seems to be trying to do the same thing."

"He's doing nothing but understand me. He's giving me what I need to be happy!" Kaysa exhaled heavily to calm her breathing. It seemed to provide her with a moment of patience. "Zale...what have I done wrong? Taking a little spice, spending my nights out with Cadwin... Why is that so bad?"

"Kaysa...when have you had to resort to intoxicants to actually have fun? When have you had to resort to practically forcing Shiv to have sex to have fun? The way Shiv described it, it was practically an orgy? Is that all that gives you happiness now?"

"There was only the three of us," Kaysa informed him defensively. "She wanted it, Zale! She only stopped because Keeve planted doubts in her mind. I bet if we asked her now, she'd willingly join us again."

"Why don't we not do that," Zale said. "I think any more strain on her marriage, and it'll snap. Neither she nor Keeve need that right now."

"Then we won't," Kaysa agreed curtly, and stepped past Zale with a final scathing look. "I'm leaving. This is getting us nowhere."

Zale stepped aside. "I'd try to make some time for Merrick soon," he said as she wrenched open the door. "Before the temptations he's no longer getting at home starts to look good at the club."

Kaysa stopped in the doorway, gripping the door's edge tight enough to turn her knuckles white. "We'll see about that," she hissed, and was gone.

"I sure hope we do," Zale muttered once she was gone. After a few moments, he shut the door with a shake of his head. The family was falling apart, and he couldn't see anything he could do to stop it. With a sigh, he left the entry and moved off to find a drink. At this point, after Analesse and Kaysa, he definitely needed one.

---

"Meeting the Natives, Part 1"
By: Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Vaya Bek
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
WinLos
VeeTa

Location: Hjar I
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

Laedra and Koran had found a comfortable patch of land to stretch out on as the night progressed without a word from the Shamans. Stars like they'd never seen on Tae'Karada dotted the black-blue sky, and although Laedra had opted to remain sitting instead of reclining, she nonetheless craned her neck to watch the lightshow of streaking comets and the moon's course across the heavens. She chuckled to herself upon a reminiscence of another time spent under the stars with Koran, though it was hardly the time or place to discuss such things, not with the Padawans likely to show up at any moment. Still, Laedra affectionately stroked Koran's hair as his head lay in her lap and smiled down at him. "Are you tired?" she whispered. "You can rest if you'd like. I'll stay awake in case WinLos and VeeTa return."

"As much as I'd like to," Koran said with a content smile as he followed the path of one meteorite until it was gone from view, "I think I'll stay awake. But, lying here is restful, as long as you don't mind." He shifted his gaze to her. "I didn't get much sleep on the ship with the heat. But, some meditation later should keep me going for awhile." He reached up and took her other hand. "But for now, this is nice. We can switch spots in a little bit if you'd like."

She sighed peacefully. "It's alright. I'm fine. I've got youth on my side; you don't, so rest." Laedra averted her gaze to the skies again as she grinned to herself.

Koran chuckled. "Just make sure to have my walker ready when the Shaman comes for us."

She laughed softly and bent forward to kiss his brow. "Don't be foolish," Laedra whispered. "You'll live longer than any of us, especially if you can put up with me."

"That's the easy part," Koran said with a smile. "And, as long as you're around, I definitely have a reason."

"Then go to sleep," she advised. "You'll need your strength if you're that determined to torment yourself. I won't make things easy for you." Laedra smiled wryly. "I haven't thus far."

"When things are too easy," Koran said with a smile, "things get boring. I like it just like this."

Laedra chuckled amusingly. "What's this? A masochistic Jedi Master? We're all truly doomed." Again, she smoothed back his hair and kissed his forehead. "Now...sleep."

"As you wish, Master Vorrel," Koran said as he grinned up into her face. With a soft sigh, he closed his eyes and tried to do as she'd commanded.

***

WinLos and VeeTa returned to the small hut-like place where they had offered the Jedi some food and drink previously. They had spent some time together walking and talking, reassuring each other of their devotion to one another and the cause at hand.

Not seeing the Jedi Masters Koran and Laedra, they took a seat and waited.

"The stars are out and bright this night," VeeTa said as she gazed upon the night sky. "The souls of our ancestors look down upon us..."

WinLos looked up to the sky, pointing out a constellation of one of their gods as a shooting star streaked across the sky, and then another, and another.

VeeTa whispered, "Did you make your wish, my love?"

"Indeed, and you?"

"Of course."

A rustling came from atop the path, and the Shaman stood illuminated by the glow of the silvery discus that served as a moon for the world that was in itself a moon. She stood atop the small hill that led down to where the two had led the Jedi earlier. She gazed upon the sky and the shooting stars, and called upon the Hjarii to gather the Jedi.

It was a short time before which they discovered Laedra and Koran seated in a secluded area of the small village. The two looked up at the Hjarii. "It is time?"

"Yes," VeeTa replied with a smile. "The Shaman is ready for us."

Laedra nodded and both Masters picked themselves up from the ground. As Laedra dusted off her robes, she asked the two Hjarii, "Have the Padawans returned to camp?"

"I am here, Master," Vaya said as she walked up to the group from the small path. "I've not seen Zari or Cole since I left the ruins, surely they are close by...I shall go look if you would like," she offered.

"No need," Koran said and indicated Cole and Zari directly behind Vaya. He gave the padawan a knowing look, but neglected to say anything about keeping better awareness of her surroundings. "The Shaman is ready for us now." He turned to WinLos and VeeTa with a bow. "And, now we are ready."

Zari looked up at Laedra as she approached and gave her master a smile.

She searched her Padawan's eyes for any indication of dissemblance, then glanced aside to Cole. "You two will be more punctual, I hope. Now, let's not keep the Shaman waiting." Slipping each arm into the opposite sleeve of her robe, Laedra stepped past them and followed the others to the hill.

Cole allowed Laedra's comments to wash over him, though he didn't feel angry even bitter at her jumping to conclusions before any of the facts were presented. The fact that Cole and Zari had appeared at the same time was beside the point. Even Koran's eyes seemed to give Cole a once over as if the suspicions that Laedra had were shared. What did he have to do to prove himself worthy of their efforts to train him? I will be the most powerful Jedi! he swore to himself, following the others several paces back mindful of his thoughts and feelings, keeping them hidden.

Zari nearly stopped as she watched Laedra, but managed to keep her steps moving forward. She bit her lip to keep the hurt from showing, and tried to force her expression into a stoic mask. She looked up at Cole as they walked together and sighed softly. "I'm sorry," she mouthed, then gave him a slight smile. They'd agreed to focus on becoming Jedi, but they were still friends. Someday their relationship may resume again, but they both knew the immediate goals took precedence. But, that didn't stop her from loving him. She allowed her hand to brush against his, a sign of affection but one they both agreed would be more than likely acceptable. But time spent alone was still suspect, and she knew that despite her training and goals, she could not give up her friendship with Cole. The intimacy had been mostly easy to leave behind, but he would always be her friend.

The Hjarii led the Jedi up the small path and back to the Shaman's hut. The Shaman had lit a large fire outside, its embers crackled and fizzled as mild sparks flew up to the sky and were lost among the infinite stars that burned.

Vaya noticed the odd shadows that were created by the fire light, shadows created from the many poles with their carvings and strands of leathers with beads and feathers. She found the contrast of the light and shadow rather mystic.

The Shaman was babbling on in her Hjarii chanting, as if cursing to the stars she swatted her staff to the sky, and then batted the ground upon their feet. The Shaman then did the same of the air around her, as if she were communicating to the elements themselves.

"The Shaman is calling forth the protection of the Spirits," WinLos explained. "She is commanding them, to obey her and to serve our cause, by the authority that the Gods have granted her."

Laedra nodded with interest. "Has she an answer, then? That she's beseeching the Gods for our protection seems to indicate things did not go so well with the council and we're now on our own...."

"No," VeeTa assured the Jedi. "You misunderstand, Shaman has spoken with the Gods, and we have their blessing. The Shaman will be taking us before the Clan leaders, you will surely have the will of our people."

"That would be greatly appreciated," Laedra answered, "for we have much work to accomplish, and it would seem we don't have a lot of time remaining to do it."

The Shaman stopped her chanting and beckoned for the Jedi to come nearer. One by one the Shaman used a warm and soft cloth to wipe from their foreheads the markings she had made earlier. After having wiped their foreheads, she threw the cloth into the fire, mumbling in Hjarii. She then procured from under her tunic a small rolled up piece of cloth. She said something in Hjarii to Laedra, and turned to VeeTa, clearly wanting her to translate.

"The Shaman has given you a gift, but she says to keep it close to you and do not open until your journey here is complete," VeeTa said. "She says that your wisdom in the offering of the Ancient People was received with much gratitude, and that she hopes to return the favor before you leave."

The Shaman went to a table and retrieved a long stick of what appeared to be of an ivory-like material. She showed it to the Jedi as she pointed out the different glyphs that had been carved upon them, all the while speaking in her own tongue.

"The Shaman says this is a gift to the Jedi to help in your journey here," VeeTa explained. "The scepter she holds is a record that has been in safe keeping for many generations. It is one of two that were made when the offworlders, the people of the Company, came to our world. It tells of a trade that was made as is customary. The barter was not honored, and the Shaman of the time broke the scepter into two pieces. She says that the other piece has been lost to the Hjarii and is in the hands of the Company. She says that with the other piece the truth will set us free."

The Shaman, satisfied that the explanation was made, wrapped the scepter half in cloth and gave it to Koran. She walked over to the table and took a clay pot. She took the pot to the fire as it sloshed with water. The Shaman poured the water onto the fire and smashed the pot to the ground and she chanted a small prayer.

"Shaman says the fire is extinguished and will not burn again until our people are free from the Company, and that it is now time to go before the Clan leaders," VeeTa explained.

Koran bowed low to the Shaman, and then to VeeTa and WinLos. To VeeTa, he said, "You will continue to guide us, I hope? We are ready to go before the Clan leaders if you are ready to guide us there."

"Of course, Master Jedi," VeeTa bowed with her reply. "I hope to help aid you, to help my people in any way that I am able."

"With the blessing of your Shaman," Laedra told them, still reverently holding the gift given her, "I am certain we will succeed."

The Shaman gathered a satchel and motioned for everyone to follow, it was time to meet the Clan leaders. As they filed out of the Shaman's hut, WinLos spoke of what to expect from their meeting with the Clan leaders.

"The Shaman is highly revered," he began. "We have little doubt that our leaders will not respect her wishes. The Shaman will bring us before them and make it known that you are here to help and that the Gods have given their blessing. You will want to offer the leaders a gift, and once they have heard you and the Shaman out, they will decide then and there whether or not to support your help. I see no reason why they wouldn't, the Shaman is very persuasive and you already have the Blessing of our Gods."

"So, this is simply a formality?" Laedra interpreted. "The Shaman's blessing seems to have secured their cooperation from what you've said."

"The leaders could refuse your help," WinLos said more as a groan, clearly not having much faith in those who governed his people. "But the Shaman is well respected and holds much authority. She is in effect our earthly link to the Gods. While there are some who have lost their faith in the Gods and the Shaman, most people still believe in their graces. Their are some who believe that our woes are due to the fact that we allowed the Company here to begin with. That we are in a sense being punished for allowing what was given to us by the Gods, to be taken as it has by the Company," he explained as he sat for a moment in thought. "That is one of the reasons I acted as I did earlier, and I apologize. I sometimes wonder myself if our Gods have forsaken us."

"I'd suggest that the fact that you're here and we're here would counter that feeling," Koran said. "Will we require speeders to travel to the clan leaders? If it's not too far, I'm sure our young ones could use a little more exercise if we can walk."

"We can walk the distance yes," VeeTa replied. "It is a little more than a standard hour away."

Laedra passed her gaze pointedly over each of the Padawans, saying, "We can easily tolerate that, VeeTa. It will be a delight to see more of your planet along the way."

***

Zari seemed to be filled with an unlimited amount of energy. As the group walked along, she was filled with questions and comments about the landscape, forest, and small creatures found within the forest. There was little animal life, but to the Jedi the small creatures were noticed through the Force. She grinned up at her Master, happy for the opportunities here, and for the trust Master Laedra seemed to be extending to her. The stern comments of earlier were all but forgotten.

The Shaman, WinLos and VeeTa had been leading the Jedi towards their villages, and to meet with the their Clan leaders. The Shaman didn't say a word the entire way, but WinLos and VeeTa tried to explain some more about their culture and of their leaders for the Jedi.

They explained that they had been two separate Clans who traded with each other for as long as anyone could remember. Back then, they had many villages that were blessed by the Gods, though now they were reduced to only a few. Villages from either Clan often married into the others, and their people started down a path of union, to become one people. Sometimes it was by consent and mutual love, other times it was by promise of the parents, a trade agreement for prestige and mutual benefit. VeeTa had explained that a young couple had wanted to marry, each being the child of a different Clan, but they both had already been promised to others. The couple had run away, causing each Clan to believe that the other was not honoring the promise of marriage...which led to war between the two peoples for sometime.

VeeTa explained that, according to the stories, visitors to the planet came from the stars. The first two people they met of the Hjarii, were the young lovers. The lovers told the visitors everything that had transpired, as they had been praying to the Gods for help, they saw the visitors as being sent from the Gods, since they came down from the stars. The two lovers took the visitors to the Shamans, as they had promised to help try and reunite their people and end the senseless hostilities. Eventually their wisdom and great skills helped to end the conflict, their people achieved peace and unity, and with the marriage of the two lovers, their people were whole again.

"The visitors spent much time with our people, and with our Shamans," VeeTa explained. "They shared much wisdom, and those visitors, so long ago...the Shamans have always told that they were called Jeedai," she said in Hjarii.

"They were Jedi," WinLos added. "Never has there been a Jedi upon our world since. I, like many others, didn't know they really existed. Many believed the Jedi to be messengers of the Gods, not actual people as you all are."

"The Shaman has spoken with me on many occasions about the Jedi," VeeTa continued. "The Shaman has said that it was prophecy, that the Jedi were to return as the Jedi had foretold the Shaman of that time so many generations back. As you know, I had sought the blessing from the Shaman and the Gods to seek out the Jedi...the Shaman and I prayed together, until the Gods told us where to find you."

"Many people know of this prophecy, and our people have been suffering for a long time. And no Jedi came, many think the Gods have abandoned us." WinLos added to reinforce his thoughts from before. "Where have the Jedi been?" he asked.

Following behind his masters, and their guides, Cole reached out with the Force using the time to further his training. His grasping of the Force had yet to become the instinctual act his master was leading him to, yet it was becoming easier with each time he used it. All the animals around immediately came to him in his mind, feeling them as if they were right beside him. A smile came to him when he found a specific animal which was stalking them, though she kept to the jungle around them she was definitely stalking them. He could feel her emotions, her hunger for food.

An idea came to him. "If you'll excuse me for a few moments..." Cole said, bowing his head, not giving his masters time to reply.

"Cole--" Laedra sighed and frowned at Koran as Cole left the path and instantly vanished into the jungle.

He felt the predator following, seeing her opportunity at a meal, she'd been waiting for them to lead her to a meal or hoping one would separate from the rest. Now Cole had given her that chance. Running through the jungle Cole felt the rush of the Force as it infused his muscles, his blood, his every breath pushing him faster and harder.

He jumped up at a tree standing in front of him. Becoming a tight ball the Corellian somersaulted before hitting the tree with his feet, pushing off in a different direction, spinning around, landing effortlessly on the ground this time beyond the predator before running off in another direction. The wild animal turned around, losing her back foot as her paws slid on the hard ground, but being an agile creature she soon was on her feet and pursuing her prey.

The scent filled her nostrils pushing her on. She needed this, she needed to feed, not just for herself. Her young were already weak.

It was then Cole felt what was beyond the animal's hunger. What he thought was just a need to feed had hidden what was driving her so hard. He came to a stop on a small dirt trail looking back the way he'd come. Guilt at what he'd done rose from the pit of his stomach, and it tasted vile. "Stop..." Cole said, reaching out with his hand.

The animal came bursting out from the bush Cole had emerged from only a moment ago. The size of her shocked Cole, not seeing an animal of such size with the speed and agility she had shown, but then a mother could manage incredible things when it regarded their young. Cole projected his thoughts into the animal, trying his best, with what training he had, to calm her.

Blinking she looked at him. At first she thought him to be prey, she had not hungered two-legs before but she was desperate. The thought of ripping his flesh from his body returned once more when she remembered her young, but it passed within moments not even having time to take hold.

"Trust me..." Cole said, stepping up to her, crouching in front of the predator. Slowly, ever so slowly, he reached his hand towards her, pausing for a moment when she growled, showing her white fangs, he ran his fingers through her fur. "Trust me..." he repeated, wanting to make amends for wasting her time and energy on his stupid selfish game. But then, perhaps it won't be a waste of time after all... An idea came to him.

***

"It was a time of great tragedy," Laedra continued explaining in response to WinLos' question. "The Jedi--" A terrified scream from the village ahead, then a chorus of them cut Laedra off. She and Koran quickly looked to one another, and with unspoken acknowledgement, they bowed quickly to their guides. "Remain here. Padawans, follow!" And with a burst of speed, they were off through the forest, towards the cries of fear.

With the hilt of her lightsaber in hand to make sure it didn't fall off her belt during the run, Zari loped easily alongside her master. She was still very young, and running like this was practically second nature.

Just ahead of Laedra, Koran reached out with the Force as he ran. He knew that his wayward Padawan was at the center of whatever commotion was ahead of them. He had hoped that these sorts of problems were now in the past, but his Padawan seemed to have other ideas. Tonight, they would need a very long talk.

Cole stood at the tree line with his new companion crouched low to the ground growling at what lay before her. Cole could feel her growing anxiety and his calming influence was fast losing its hold. "Remain calm!" Cole shouted, both at the screaming people, and at Shayna. He had decided she needed a name, he wasn't going to call her mother, for obvious reasons. She had yet to respond to the name but he had some small hope.

"Please remain calm!" he shouted again, placing his hand on Shayna's shoulder, feeling her tense muscles beneath her fur. No matter what he said the people of the village continued to scream and run seemingly in all directions. It was utter madness; why couldn't they see there was no danger?

Laedra, Koran, and the Padawans reached the edge of the village. They all halted, and Laedra sighed wearily. It was far worse than she could have expected. "Padawan Slaton!" she shouted, her voice ringing clear and loud despite the shrieks of horror. "What in the name of the Force are you doing?"

"My job!" he said with more force than he intended. He knew she was a master but sometimes it wouldn't kill her, or any of the other masters, to hear him out before jumping to conclusions. He could tell by her voice he was in serious trouble no matter what he said or did. "We're here to help this planet... she was hungry, her young are weak and they need food." He ran fingers through Shayna's fur trying, more successfully, to keep her calm.

"Currently," Koran said, stepping forward, "to everyone's point of view but your own, it appears that you're trying to set the beast loose on the town. There is no need for you to interfere in the circle of life here, to upset the balance as it exists on this planet, for this creature to feed her young. I'm quite certain she could manage on her own without your assistance."

"The balance of this world has already been upset... her hunting grounds have more than halved, what's left has little food. Please, Master, let me help them..." He would not back down, he knew he was right!

"Cole, what would you have us do? Take food out of the mouths of this village for them? Would you have us hunt for them? How do you suppose that would affect them and their survival? Your compassion is to be admired and nurtured, but we have a mission here, Cole. We can't stop off to help every stray, hungry beast in the forest. Once we are able to set the balance right, then we can focus on matters such as this. You are delaying our mission to save this entire planet by turning our attention to this one family of beasts."

They're not beasts! he wanted to shout but averted his eyes, looking down at the animal that now sat beside him. Why do you always hold me back! Why?! He finally nodded though reluctantly, crouching down in front of Shayna. "I'll bring food... I promise..." he whispered. Though he knew she couldn't understand his words he gave the impression of what he meant through the Force.

She growled once before she turned, leaving the village, returning once more to the jungle to hunt. When I become a Jedi I will help everyone... not just humanoids who can speak... he swore this as he rose to his feet.

"Cole," Laedra called out gently, "there will be time to save your friend. But before we can do anything, we must first gain the blessing of the clan council. Do you understand?"

Cole nodded slowly before turning away from the jungle to face the two Jedi masters. "It seems I still have more to learn before becoming a Jedi, I do not want to endanger this mission, but sensing her suffering - and that of her young - I had to help her." He didn't apologise, he didn't see the need to, he was right to help her. Despite everything Laedra and Koran had said.

"Cole, what you need to understand is that by undertaking our mission, we help every creature on this planet, sentient or not. You chose to delay us by singling out a single suffering creature, and by doing so all the others who are suffering must wait. That is the fault in this, not that you chose to help, that you have forsaken all others to assist one."

"I understand, Master..." Cole muttered, lowering his head, pulling his robe tighter. He only wanted his master to be proud of him, was that so much to ask?

WinLos and VeeTa beckoned to the Jedi, the Shaman had already cleared the tree line and was making her way toward the people of the village.The village was spread out in a clearing among the trees. The area was dotted with similar thatched roofed huts as the Shaman had. At seeing the Shaman a small crowd had begun to form about her and the other two Hjarii. Some seemed rather hesitant at the sight of offworlders, and the commotion just before. They all chattered away in Hjarii.

Vaya rolled her eyes at Cole's actions, a part of her felt a sense of compassion for his act, but another part was just in wonder as to what the boy was thinking. Then she saw the crowd of Hjarii gathering about the Shaman, and all such thoughts dissipated. She could sense great sadness in the Hjarii, she could feel the ingrown fear that was probably escalated by the sight of the Jedi, strangers to their world and lives just as the Company was. It nearly brought tears to her eyes.

---

"Meeting the Natives, Part 2"
By: Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Vaya Bek
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
WinLos
VeeTa

Location: Hjar I
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

The Jedi gathered beside VeeTa and WinLos, making their procession in as respectfully a show as they were capable of. Laedra bowed to their guides. "If you will, please express our apology to your people for what has happened. Our...Padawan's intentions were indeed innocent."

WinLos and VeeTa set to work reassuring their people that all was well and that the visitors were friends, brought forth by the Shaman. The people had more interest in asking the Shaman and gaining assurance from her, than what VeeTa and WinLos tried to convey. Their anxieties were soothed by their Shaman, their inhibitions of the offworlders were replaced with great curiosity as they chattered excitedly, touching the Jedi robes and throwing dozens of questions and comments upon the Jedi that they just couldn't possibly understand.

Vaya blushed slightly from all the Hjarii attention, poking, prodding and the numerous questions. Though she couldn't make out the words, the way they emphasised their speech and conveyed themselves with body language told her that they probably didn't get visitors very often, and especially not those brought by their respected Shaman.

A young Hjarii spotted her lightsaber attached to her belt. The young man reached for, but Vaya quickly closed her robe and took a slight step back. She smiled at the Hjarii, to let him know it was okay, but she also shook her head and waved a finger, signifying that he could not do what he had intended. The Hjarii smiled and nodded his head in understanding, all the while chattering on excitedly.

The Shaman, apparently having enough of it all, thumped her staff upon the ground three times and clearly called out to her people, "Ny'chomka Jeedai d'joopa nehfa! Toocommo nyappa'pa swoinko!"

The crowd quieted, and parted for the Shaman and the Jedi. Then she led them deeper into the village while a crowd of Hjarii followed at a safe distance. Vaya could still hear their chatters, but they certainly did their best to constrain themselves.

"What did your Shaman say to them?" Vaya whispered to WinLos.

He grinned and whispered, "Shaman said to shut up, move out of the way, or she would turn them all into swine for the rest of the day!"

Vaya just raised an eyebrow, but inwardly she grinned. She could be a bit of prankster herself so she saw the humor in it.

"Is this the village belonging to one of your clan, VeeTa?" Laedra asked. "You said the council is comprised of both, correct?"

"The Clan leaders are of both," VeeTa replied. "And this is one of the villages belonging to my own Clan yes. In past years many peoples of both Clans have come together as the people of their villages have passed away. Those of WinLos's people are work leaders, in charge of making certain that the work crews comply as the Company wills us. Most are not bad people, and act in every possible way to protect those, like my own people. Some...are not very pleasant, caring for only themselves and their own families. It causes much trouble, but the Company is just as harsh on WinLos' own people when there are problems. We all try our best to do what we can for one another."

"Then this village is a success in merging the two clans harmoniously," Laedra commented, gazing ahead at a couple of children surreptitiously whispering and giggling back and forth to one another, both belonging to different clans. She wondered if the other Hjarii could soon follow in their footsteps.

"This is so," VeeTa replied with a smile as she looked upon the children. Her smile turned towards a frown though, as she thought of the uncertainty of their future. "Before the Company came, we enjoyed many generations, living among one another, trading with one another, even marriage," she said as her words trailed to a whisper, thinking of her and WinLos' own desires to be with one another. "If we can reclaim our world, our people will rise again, as one. I know it will take time, but I would dedicate my life to our people's healing and union. I know that WinLos would as well."

"And the Jedi are honoured you sought us to participate in this planet's salvation," Laedra told her humbly.

The Shaman had continued to lead them through the village. Vaya made it a point to commit to memory the path they were on; how many huts, distinguishing landmarks such as the carved pillars of wood with similar designs and glyphs etched into them as the Hjarii Shaman had had about the grounds of her dwelling. She noticed many smells wafting from the cauldron fires next to some of the huts. There were strips of meats drying, woven baskets of grains, clothing set out to dry and several Hjarii who were hard at work in their crafts, weaving baskets, carving wood, and various textiles at different stages of completion. The concept of the Hjarii being a lesser people due to their lack of sophisticated technology never came to her. She just saw them for who they were, a very cultured and talented people going about their lives...albeit during a time of greater distress.

She could imagine what life must have been like for them generations back, when the land had not been raped and their people had not been subjugated. A cool gentle breeze fluttered her long chocolate brown hair, with it a sense of detriment struck her to her soul. Whether the Force or her own instinct, if the two were not in fact entwined, she knew that a pivotal moment was upon those people. Perhaps too for the Jedi, for in their very essence, the responsibility of the Hjarii was their own.

The path the Jedi were on widened and the huts seemed to spread out, giving way to a large open area that was in the middle of the village. Ahead of them was a larger hut, larger than any in the village they had seen so far. A thatched overhang stretched out from the front of the hut where there sat a small group of Hjarii. A sizeable crowd had already followed the Jedi, with the Shaman in the lead. An equally sized crowd also had gathered about the hut and those who sat before them.

The Hjarii under the overhang rose as the Shaman led the Jedi before them. There were five Hjarii there, three men and two women. They were older and wore robes, each of different colors and designs. Vaya knew them to be the Hjarii Clan leaders. They stood and greeted the Shaman with bows and conveyances of welcome in their native tongue. Two of the Hjarii leaders stepped forward as did VeeTa and WinLos.

The two leaders embraced VeeTa and chattered away in the Hjarii tongue, while WinLos stood next to them.

"By the Gods, daughter!" one of the female Hjarii leaders exasperated as she smothered VeeTa with embrace. "Where in the Stars have you been? We were all worried sick!" she questioned in Hjarii as the other leader, a man, took WinLos by the shoulder and pulled him close.

"I have taken you in and loved you as a son," the Hjarii man said with great concern about his face. "I prayed to the Gods that you were with our daughter and that she was safe, we were all stricken with worry! What is the meaning of all this?!" he asked as he motioned to the Jedi, as well as in reference to the young pair's absence of late.

The Shaman tapped her staff upon the ground and announced herself to the council; pointing to the Jedi, she declared that there be a meeting of great importance.

All of the Hjarii mumbled and chattered, to the Jedi it was clear that they were all concerned and that the Jedi were the center of the Shaman's declaration of a meeting.

The Hjarii leaders called for silence, the crowd soon obeyed. The Shaman bowed to the leaders and stepped closer. From her satchel she procured a wooden box. She opened the box and took out several leather pouches, clearly containing something. She rattled off a few words in Hjarii, set the pouches back into the box and laid the box before the leaders' feet. She had given them a gift to signify her desire to deliberate a matter.

VeeTa, still standing next to Laedra, explained what had transpired, and that the Shaman was now explaining to their leaders why she and WinLos were gone, that they had gone on a journey with the blessing of both the Shaman and the Gods, to bring forth the Jedi as told in prophecy. She continued to explain as the Shaman told the leaders that after much counsel with the Gods, she has brought the Jedi before them on the matter of reclaiming their world from the subjugation of those of the Company.

"Our leaders understand Basic," WinLos added to the Jedi. "Most of our people have a limited understanding of your language, as it is spoken by those of the Company, but do not speak it as well as VeeTa, myself and the Clan leaders."

The Shaman bowed to the leaders, she turned and bowed to the Jedi and stepped aside, to allow the Jedi and the Clan leaders to speak. Another of the Clan leaders stepped forward, and studied the Jedi.

"To the leaders, a gift you should give so that they will hear your intentions," VeeTa told the Jedi.

Koran Darr stepped forward with the gift for the clan leaders. He moved to a respectable distance before the leaders, then bowed low, placing the gift before them where it could be easily brought to them by a servant. "We, as representatives of the Jedi Order of the Outer Rim, greet you with humblest respect. Please accept this gift so that you may hear our petition to aid your people in their struggle against those who would seek to end your way of life."

The Hjarii leaders bowed in return and motioned for one of their own to retrieve the offering. The young Hjarii procured the Jedi's gift and gave it to the council members as another stepped forward to speak to the Jedi.

"Shaman says to Hjarii, that Jeedai come in peace. That Jeedai come to right the wrongs of Company?" the elder Hjari said in broken Basic. "Shaman say Jeedai come from Prophecy, come to give peace and unity to Hjarii as Jeedai of old, so many, many generations past. Why Jeedai? Why now? How can Jeedai help?"

"We are peacekeepers," Laedra answered respectfully. "We will act as mediators in discussions between the Hjarii and the Company. If possible, we will restore the balance that has been lost on this planet," she finished. "We had not known of your struggle here," Koran explained. "Had we, we would have come. Only now is our order rebuilding from near-extinction, but it is our hope that we have not come too late to aid you, as our brethren did in your past."

The Hjarii chattered amongst themselves for a few moments, before the eldest of them addressed the Jedi again.

"Dark times are upon the Hjarii," he said gravely. "We can only imagine what else has transpired across the heavens," he said as he gazed up to the sky and swept his hand across. "Jeedai have come, the Shaman says they have the Blessing of the Gods, what more must we deliberate? With each passing season more of us join our ancestors..."

His fellow Hjarii mumbled in their various responses of agreement, doubt and agreement. The crowd was suddenly silenced as several Hjarii came galloping into the village square upon beasts of burden.

"Joo'Pa's workers have gone on strike!" one of the mounted Hjarii exclaimed in his own tongue as he pointed off to the horizon.

From the horizon there was a faint orange glow. As the Hjarii turned their attention to the horizon, many gasps and unintelligible chattering filled the air.

"Silence! Silence!" the Hjarii leaders all called out to their people.

"The Company is burning his village!"

"Jeedai, you have come to help?" the Clan Elder asked, looking around to his peers for approval.

They all appeared to be in agreement.

"The Company attacks one of our villages, can you go to their aid?" he asked of the Jedi.

"We can," Laedra affirmed. "This is our pledge to your people, and we will honour it. Remain here. We will do our best to rescue the villagers."

Zari stepped up next to Laedra, ready to do her part to help the Hjarii.

"It would be quickest," Koran said as he checked over his gear, "if we had a faster means of transport." He glanced at the riding beasts, then back to the Hjarii.

Vaya agreed with Koran, but their own speeder was a good hour walk back towards the Shaman, and perhaps half that atop the equestrian looking beasts the Hjarii rode. "I'm sure Girra could be here in just a moment if we commed her!" Vaya suggested. "We could transport the Hjarii back here aboard the Helix."

"Padawans, contact Ms. Xel-Xux," Laedra ordered. "Master Darr and I will proceed on the Hjarii's beasts."

"Yes, Master," Vaya replied as she commed the Helix.

With that taken care of, both Koran and Laedra ran for the Hjarii mounts. Once they were both mounted, they kicked the beasts forward and raced off to where the Company was, yet again, causing trouble. This time, however, there would be someone to stand in the Company's way and prevent them from freely abusing the Hjarii people.

***

The village was in flames. Tongues of fire lashed about, sparks of embers crackled as the wooden and thatched roofed huts smoldered. Dark plumes of smoke wafted into the night air as the screams and shouts of the villagers pierced across the small valley.

"If you won't work the mines your village burns!" a very large and menacing Trandoshan hollered above a small corralled crowd of Hjarii men, women and children.

Another Trandoshan flicked a stun whip to usher the helpless people towards a cargo vessel, while yet several other slavers continued to destroy the village and terrorize the other villagers who ran about in fear and panic as their homes were set ablaze and their friends and loved ones were brutally beaten, shot at or herded off towards the Trandoshan's ship.

Just up the hill that the village was nestled against, one of the Trandoshans spotted movement. He saw mounted riders descending the hill and closing in on his position.

"Hjarii poodoo!" he spat as he barked an order in Trandoshan to another of his kind.

They were both mounted on similar beasts as the Hjarii had brought to the Jedi. Equestrian beasts having long necks, broad yet streamlined heads, long bodies carried by four powerful legs. The beasts' rear legs were a bit shorter than the front, bulkier and providing the beast with power and speed. They had long scruffy manes and beards, the tails were long and flipped around wildly like a whip.

The Trandoshan pair kicked their heals and sent the beasts off in a run to meet those they saw coming down from the hill. The beasts honked out with a guttural war cry as their Trandoshan riders commanded them forward.

Riding side by side, Koran Darr and Laedra Vorrel bore down on the Trandoshans. Their mounts surging forward kicked up clouds of dust in their wake, honking out an answering cry.

Koran shifted and climbed up until he was crouching in the saddle of his mount. Through the Force, he could feel the approaching riders and their riding beasts, the Hjarii beyond, Laedra at his side and their mounts as well. He expanded his perception and descended into the depth of the Force, joining Laedra in a Battle Meld as he did. The plan was shared and agreed upon through their minds without conscious effort. They were ready for action.

Like a rocket, Koran Darr leapt skyward. He soared over the heads of the charging Trandoshans, flipping his body in mid-air and igniting his lightsaber. Laedra twisted hard on her animal's mane, coaxing the creature with a gentle Force suggestion, to turn the beast sharply left and veer them away from the slavers before there was a collision. Meanwhile, Koran came down behind the two with cloak fluttering. He could sense the sudden surge of confusion from the pair. He slipped into a ready stance as they reacted to the sudden change.

The beasts honked to one another, as if in asking, "Hey, don't I know you? Yeah, right, right...well what in the hells is going on around here?!!"

The pair that held the Trandoshans were none to pleased with the flying Jedi over their heads, and it didn't make them none the happier as the Trandoshans wildly kicked them in their sides and jerked their reins for an abrupt turn. Both Trandoshans snarled angrily as a millennium of warriors' blood coursed through their veins and urged them to battle. One wildly snarled at his comrade to pursue Laedra, headed for the slaves, while he bore down on the Jedi with the glowing lightsaber before him. Charging forward the Trandoshan brandished a long force pike, and he meant to run the Jedi through.

Koran adjusted his stance to provide as small a target to the Trandoshan as possible. The Force filled him, seeming to slow time as the beast with assailant drew ever closer. Just at the point where it seemed too late, Koran leapt away, sweeping his blade behind him. The end of the force pike clattered to the ground, leaving the Trandoshan with the severed haft.

The Trandoshan growled and quickly stopped his mount for a quick turn about. He jumped from the beast and brandished a vibroblade in one hand and a Rodian Cryogen Whip in the other. He snapped the whip about as it cracked the ground near Koran's feet. The whip was made of flexible metal plates, having a core that circulated super cooled chemicals that chilled the outer plates. On contact the extreme cold of the whip was known to cause a near-explosive chemical reaction that generated a stunningly cold blast and a loud crack as it had at the ground before the Jedi's feet.

The Trandoshan charged, pivoted and struck out with the whip at the Jedi.

Koran Darr sensed the approach of the weapon, cooling the air as it passed. He stepped a half-step to the side, and propelled himself into the air with the Force. As the whip snapped with a violent burst of energy in the spot where he'd just been standing, Koran brought his weapon down just past the haft clutched in the taloned paw of the Trandoshan. His other hand whipped around, snapping against the wrist that held the vibroblade. As the blade dropped from the now-numbed hand, Koran said, "I would not suggest resisting any longer, it will only get you hurt."

The Trandoshan riposted with a series of grunts and sibilant hisses, and stubbornly attacked again, this time with his thick, jagged tail, warning Koran that he was of a warrior caste and knew well how to use his weapon. There was a low whistle as its tail cut through the air towards Koran.

Koran shifted his stance, taking a step back as he did. His lightsaber snapped his blade up into a defensive position. There was a whooshing sound as the thick extremity hit the blade. The smell of burnt flesh washed over Koran, but he managed to not gag. Koran raised an eyebrow at his opponent, now unbalanced by the loss of his tail and crashing to the ground. The severed extremity wriggled spasmodically. "That really wasn't very smart."

Howling in pain, the Trandoshan scrambled away on all fours across the sandy soil in surrender.

Koran watched the thug go, knowing it would return to tell the story of what had happened here today. With a sigh, he turned back to face the rest of the chaos caused by the Company's actions.

---

"Meeting the Natives, Part 3"
By: Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Vaya Bek
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
WinLos
VeeTa

Location: Hjar I
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

The roar of sublight engines echoed in the small Hjarii valley as the Helix roared over the tree tops. An older model modified Corellian Starcruiser, reminiscent of the days of the Old Republic, the Helix circled around the village. Vaya had affixed a headset comm-unit to her head and relayed orders to the Jedi's pilot, Girra. She stood with Zari atop the extended ramp, lightsabers in hand. The pair were ready for battle if it was what the Force willed, but were set to help rescue the Hjarii as their main purpose aboard the Helix.

Cole sat in an underlying compartment staring straight ahead of him waiting for the holographic systems to come online. Power was quickly fed into the system and the green display screen came up, bathing him in colour. Grabbing the control sticks, each having a red button for the lasers, he moved the turret around, getting a feel for its movements.

He could feel the anger, the pain, the panic in the Hjarii but it seemed to be drowned in the bitterness and anger that radiated from the Trandoshans. "Come get some!" Cole whispered before squeezing the triggers.

Girra steered the Helix about to target the slavers on the ground. The turrets spewed warning shots upon the ground, kicking up sod and slaking dust, but far enough to spare the already frightened Hjarii. It gave the Trandoshans cause to pause, but not for long. Girra huffed a laugh at the look on the reptilian Trandoshan faces. She wasn't a gun for hire, and all she had agreed upon was delivering the Jedi and waiting around to take them back to Tae'Karada. She wasn't much for the ideology of saving the weak, but she abhorred slavery, and was all too willing to head the Padawan's call to aid.

Girra commed to the two Padawan girls to tell them that she was leveling the Helix low enough for them to jump down, and that she would maintain a perimeter to prevent the Trandoshan shuttle from lifting off with the abducted Hjarii.

Vaya gave Zari a thumbs up, signalling they were ready to jump down to aid the Hjarii. Before they could act, Chakka came barreling through the rampway armed with a bowcaster across his back and wielding a very lethal looking Wookiee battle scythe. Chakka was Girra's ship-hand, a more worse-for-wear of a Wook if Vaya had ever seen one. He snarled and howled his way past the two Padawans and leapt up and off the ramp to the ground below as if he could sprout wings and fly.

If anyone ever asks me 'Does a Wookiee fly?' I'll not know what to say!, Vaya thought as she leaned over to see the raged Wookiee tear into a Trandoshan duo. "I guess Wookiees really don't like Trandoshans!" she yelled to Zari as she winked and hopped out herself, using the Force to somersault to the ground. She sprang to her feet, ignited her lightsaber and took up a defensive position between the Hjarii and the crazed the Wookiee.

Cole continued firing the laser, cutting into the ground. For what seemed the hundredth time the bright laser beam sliced through the ground kicking up dirt and underlying stones as he tried to separate a group of Trandoshans from a family of Hjarii. But once again as the dust and soil settled the Trandoshans, unphased by the laser fire, roared out as they pursued their slaves.

"This is insane...!" Cole shouted. His hand hovered over a red button; clenching his hand into a fist he struck the button activating the ejection. The metal floor beneath him opened out, it almost seemed as if the ship spat the lonely dark figure from the ship as he plummeted towards the ground.

He struck the ground, rolling forward into a crouched position, shaking the stars from his mind. He was about to rise when he felt something, or rather someone. "Nekvra! Herik'Shalon!" He didn't understand what they were saying but the whining sound of their weapons he did understand.

Two Trandoshans - two very large Trandoshans brandishing force pike and cryogen whip flicked the air with their branched tongues, scenting Cole. They hissed at what they detected as an enemy, no matter how powerless in appearance, and bared their rows of pointed teeth at the young Padawan. Without warning, the one planted his force pike to the ground for leverage and launched himself over Cole with the spring from his powerful tail; the other wasted no time in lashing his whip towards the boy.

Cole suppressed a growl as the Trandoshan landed in front of him, he had yet to call his lightsaber - he was waiting for the right moment. Sparring with his master, and other Padawans, had taught Cole to wait, to be patient. He wasn't disappointed. Sensing what the Trandoshan was going to do Cole reacted instantly, the Trandoshan behind Cole lashed out with his whip; the charged hum filled his ears as the whip sailed past his right side.

The Corellian's right hand opened and in a blink of an eye his lightsaber was tightly grasped, the light blue laser sword ignited into life, slicing up into the whip. There was a loud almost snapping sound as the energy from the whip reacted with the lightsaber; the control node on the handle shorted out, exploding into a shower of sparks. The Trandoshan roared in anger, dropping his weapon.

"Not as powerless as you thought..." Cole whispered with a grin, once more in a crouched position. His left hand was on the ground in front of him, his right hand up high holding the lightsaber outward.

As Cole gloated over his victory, it gave the other Trandoshan a chance to make his move. The haft of the force pike came down hard on the Padawan's wrist, sending a spike of agony right up into the youth's brain. The lightsaber deactivated as it was knocked to the ground, and the taloned foot of the seasoned veteran mercenary kicked the weapon aside.

He brought the weapon around again, cracking it against the side of Cole's head as he raised it for a killing blow right down into the Padawan's heart. A distant thumping filled Cole's ears, the sound of death coming for him. The ground beneath the young Padawan vibrated and the pounding crescendoed to reverberate in the air around him, to move outside of his body and dispel the notion of his death knell sounding.

There was only a brown blur and the pungent smell of commingled musk, sweat, and filth to Cole's left; then, there was a flash of glowing pink that disappeared briefly as it passed through the Trandoshan's arm. Both tumbled away in separate directions when the severed hand released its grip on the pike. The Trandoshan staggered away in shock.

Before anything could register in Cole's mind about what had transpired, the faded pounding again grew in volume until it was nearly atop him. Instead, it stopped suddenly and was replaced by a whickering snort. Cole gazed up, and staring back down was Laedra Vorrel on the back of a very large, very odorous equine with lightsaber in hand. "You let your guard down," she told him plainly. "It's a mistake you won't make again, I trust."

Cole could feel the heat rushing up to his face; he was sure his cheeks were rose red. "Yes, Master..." he replied, retrieving his lightsaber. It was a mistake he'd never repeat, he would see to that. He turned quickly, returning to the fighting, hoping Laedra would forget what she had seen, Cole making a schoolboy error, but he had a feeling she wouldn't and Koran would find out sooner rather than later.

He couldn't believe how foolish he'd been! Dropping his guard like he did. Despite his training as a Jedi he did nothing to drown the anger that was building up, he could have been killed, on a backwater planet for no reason! He wanted to make his mark on the galaxy, he wanted his name to be whispered for centuries after his death as if he still lived, he wanted to be the most powerful Jedi!

***

Vaya used the distraction made by the Wookiee Chaka and Cole to try and usher the Hjarii away from the conflicts towards the treeline until the attacking Trandoshans were dealt with. Her Force attunement warned her of danger, just as a Trandoshan charged her, barreling over a crowd of smaller and frightened Hjarii. She knelt down and pivoted, using the mass motion of the reptilian humanoid to her advantage. He was flung over her head, but he quickly regained his footing as he skidded in the dirt on all fours and lunged for her again with a very large and menacing vibro-blade. He slashed out at her, but she dodged right and left, with each of his attempts. She spun around twirling her lightsaber and sliced his hand clean off. He growled and spat as his hand plopped to the ground, cauterized by her blade. Before he could regain his composure, Vaya struck out with her lightsaber, aiming for his chin with an upper cut. Before she made contact she thumbed the power button and the brilliant energy blade dissipated, as the metallic cylinder cracked him in the lower jaw. She could hear the cracking of his jaw, and for good measure she swept down and kicked his feet out from under him. He fell to the ground with a thud and was out cold.

She spared no time with any personal acknowledgement of satisfaction. He was a threat, she dealt with him diligently, so she turned her attention back on the Hjarii who were more keen to accept the offworlders' help after she had dispatched with one of the vile aliens who were hell bent on terrorizing them.

Zari had done her best to avoid what she could of the fight. As the smallest of the Jedi, and by far the least experienced with fighting, she knew with certainty that getting into the middle of something violent with a Trandoshan would only bring her trouble. Her lightsaber was in hand, but had yet to be used against any of their foes. She'd spent what time she had on the surface helping to get the Hjarii to safety and away from the Company attacks.

She waved a small group of Hjarii toward the hut next to her. They would be safer there than standing out where the Trandoshans still fought against the Jedi and whatever Hjarii they could get close enough to.

She turned and started toward Vaya, but stopped short when a shadow of a warning chilled her bones. Her lightsaber snapped to life and she spun around in time to block the force pike swung at her head. She wasn't fast enough to catch the tail that accompanied it. The extra appendage slammed into her chest, and threw her back against the side of the hut. Zari crumpled to the ground as the thug rushed forward, raising his weapon to strike.

The Trandoshan only made it two steps as a spinning verdant blade removed his weapon hand at the wrist and a sharp kick brought him to the ground. Koran Darr rose over the reptilian man, and touched him briefly on the side of the head, using the Force to drop him into a deep sleep.

Koran took a glance around at the others before rushing to Zari's side.

Vaya was busy guiding the Hjarii from one of the shuttles to the Helix. She silently thanked herself that there didn't seem to be very many of them, and only hoped that wasn't due to the current transgressions of the Company's henchmen. She took a quick collection of what was going on around her, she didn't want any more surprise attacks like the one she had just dealt with. She saw Cole with Laedra, and Koran...but she didn't see Zari. She wanted to look for her, but she thought her first concern would have to be to the safety of the Hjarii. She hoped Zari was alright, and that she wasn't making the wrong choice as she put forth her concentration back to the safeguarding of the Hjarii.

***

Girra had circled around the village and ensured that non of the shuttles were taking off. In fact, it had seemed to her that they had gotten there just in time. There were only three shuttles, and each of the Jedi Padawan had went off-board to each of the shuttles, with the aid of Chakka of course. She could see the two Jedi Masters as well, and Chakka was in the thick of things with two Trandoshan slavers. Girra was a smuggler, among other talents. She was used to being in such situations, and she thought the Jedi were fortunate to have her help. As an after thought she figured the Hjarii were even more lucky. She had dealt with similar slavers in the past, and she had made numerous cargo runs with people as the cargo when she worked with the Rebellion. Though she wasn't thinking of it now, the trip to the Hjarii also helped her to get her brother off her mind, something that had been eating away at her over the past few days.

Girra had expertly disabled the shuttles with several shots of her medium ion canon, to prevent them from being able to lift off. After circling around she had set the Helix down just behind the shuttles to allow the Jedi to direct the Hjarii to her ship. She saw that Vaya was ushering the Hjarii toward her, so she had made her way to the ramp to help load the passengers. She helped to usher them in as Vaya guided them to the ship.

***

Chakka had practically flown out of the Helix before the Padawans had disembarked. If there was one thing a Wookiee despised above all else, it was Trandoshan slavers. During the early years of the Empire, the Trandoshans had aided the Imperials in the subjugation of the Wookiee. Most people didn't have the longevity of a Wookiee, they knew not the history between Wookiees and Trandoshans, nor did many fully know the transgressions perpetrated upon them at the end of the Clone Wars, when the Old Republic had fallen and the Galactic Empire had arisen. Chakka had some years on him and he had seen much in his time. Though the last several decades of his life were not well spent, his recent friendship with Girra had helped to turn things around. He had a lot of pent up issues and now he had a perfect release.

Chakka had jumped out and down upon two Trandoshans. He growled, snarled and bellowed an ancient Wookiee war cry as he slammed down upon the two lizard-men. He slashed out with his battle scythe, knocking one Trandoshan forward with the momentum of his attack, and the other was gutted by the blade of his weapon. Chakka rolled from the ground and skidded around nearly on all fours as he took a battle stance to deal with prior Trandoshans that had been knocked down and forward.

The Trandoshan snarled and snapped his jowls, cursing the Wookiee and his mother. Chakka boiled with fury and went into a Wookiee rage, charging towards the Trandoshan. The two locked arms in mortal combat. The Trandoshan was quite large and powerful, an equal match for the Wookiee. Unlike the others, this Trandoshan was different, and Chakka knew it from the beginning. Chakka knew this one to be a professional, he knew from the size and demeanor, and the fact that unlike his cohorts, this one had no tail. The others were just lackeys, but the one Chakka engaged was a fully trained and skilled Trandoshan warrior.

The Trandoshan cursed at the Wookiee in his own tongue as he twisted from Chakka's grip and slashed with the sharp talons at the end of his fingers, raking the side of Chakka's head. He howled in pain and fury, but did not let it change his mad focus. He spun around and slashed out himself, his sharp clawed hands raking across the Trandoshan's forehead, just missing his yellow slitted eyes. The two embraced again in a deadly struggle of life and death.

Chakka and the Trandoshan had locked arms, each struggled to over power the other as they both roared ferociously nose to nose. Chakka was finally able to twist out of the arm lock and took a hold of the other's head. His powerful arms and hands clamped down on the Trandoshan as it howled its frustration. With a quick powerful jerk, the Wookiee snapped the reptilian's neck. Chakka pushed the limp body to the grown and howled with triumph.

***

"Koran!" Laedra Vorrel, still astride her equine beast, trotted up beside Koran after their thorough search of the camp. "I don't detect any more of the Company's men." She noted his gaze, fixed upon the burning village and joined him in witnessing the utter destruction. "It can't be saved now. I wish we could do more for them."

"As do I," Koran said. "Let's see them to safety, then we must arrange a meeting with the Company leaders. Zari was injured, but I believe she'll be fine. One of the Trandoshans got an attack through her defenses. She was out for a few minutes, but there is no lasting damage." He glanced around at the village, the feeling of loss strong at the sight of flames stretching into the sky. "Perhaps, when this is over, we can do something to help them rebuild here."

Vaya approached the two Jedi Masters, "I have helped Girra load the Hjarii onto her ship, there aren't many," she said as she looked about the ruined village. "Some of the others are collecting the less fortunate."

"I understand," Laedra replied grimly. "We can begin tending to the injured and return to WinLos' village. Is everyone else safely on board?"

Vaya took a look around. All who remained were the Jedi and the few Hjarii were seeing to the wounded and the dead.

"Go join them then, Padawan," she advised gently. "There is no point in dwelling on the loss of life yet. We have lives here to save and your energies are better spent there; later, we can all meditate on the day's events."

With a bow of respect Vaya said, "Yes, Master."

She made her way back towards Girra's ship to settle the villagers for their short trip back to Win'Los and Vee'Ta's village.

>From the ship, a small shape appeared and hobbled toward where Koran and Laedra stood together, surveying the damage. The shape became Zari as she drew closer, limping slightly and breathing in a steady but pained manner. Despite those conditions, however, she felt better than she had since the Trandoshan attacked her. "I'm feeling better, Master," she said with a smile for Laedra. "Just got the wind knocked out."

Koran regarded her. Her body was in pain, but her spirit was strong. One day, she would make a fine Jedi. "It's good to see you up and around, Padawan. You had us worried for a bit there."

Zari blushed slightly. "I blocked his thingie, but I forgot he had a tail." She rubbed at her breastbone. "I'll never forget Trandoshans have tails again though."

Laedra smiled gently and laid a hand on Zari's shoulder. "You performed your best. Always be proud of your bruises and aches and pains, because they mean you put forth an effort instead of giving in to your fears and running. That is admirable, Padawan."

"Thank you, Master Laedra Vorrel," Zari said. "I do hope I am able to improve with my lightsaber skills. But...but I guess I did okay, didn't I? Cole...was Cole okay? I saw him for a bit, but then he was gone. And, Master Darr, he's surely alright. I doubt anything could ever hurt him."

"Don't worry," Laedra told her, laughing softly. "Everyone is well. Focus on recovering. The Hjarii still need us all."

Koran looked between the two and nodded firmly. "Come on," he said. "Let's get on the ship and get the survivors to safety. And, then we have a meeting to arrange with the Company."

The three disappeared back to the ship. Once inside, the ship roared into the atmosphere and sped off to carry the Hjarii to safety. They had survived, but there was no way to call what had transpired a victory. Perhaps there would be a victory soon, but Koran Darr doubted that anything could be truly considered a victory after all the pain, suffering and death to get there.

Cole was walking, or rather tiptoeing, around the Hjarii in the back of the ship. They all looked the same, thankful for being alive but at what cost. Many hadn't made it while many of those onboard looked like they wished they hadn't too. Women clung to loved ones, men clung just as tightly with tears streaming down faces. "Hey..." Cole whispered, spotting two large eyes watching him. They belonged to a small girl wrapped in her mother's arms. Crouching down Cole looked at the mother before returning to the small girl. He pointed to her dress and when she looked down flicked the end of her nose.

She giggled. A sound that brought tears to her mother's eyes. Cole could feel her suffering, deep within her heart was hardening against the loss she'd suffered. "It will be all right..." Cole whispered placing his hand on the woman's hand. Cole paused for a moment as a second, very small, hand touched Cole's.

"Seji Kitty..." the little girl laughed wriggling within her mother's arms. Cole smiled at her as he rose up. He gave the mother, who looked far too young even to his eyes, another reassuring smile wishing he could do more before moving off. There were others like her, families torn apart, sons and daughters missing. And for what! Cole didn't know, but either way he was glad he was here to help. He only hoped he could make the Company pay, without his master's knowledge. He would make them pay dearly!

---

"Collecting Casualities, Part 1"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Cole Slaton
Vaya Bek
Zari Zathmir
WinLos
VeeTa

Location: Hjarii I
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

The Helix had landed outside of Vee'Ta's village. Girra and the Jedi helped to off-load the villagers whose village had been attacked.

"Padawans," Laedra called out, helping Koran support an immobile Hjarii, "continue aiding Girra. We will report to the council on this tragedy."

Cole bowed his head towards Laedra still embarrassed at her having saved him from a messy situation back at the village. "It's all right, you'll be safe here..." Trying his best to reassure those stepping down the access ramp his words felt hallow, empty compared to the loss they had endured. Their emotions radiated out, washing over him. It felt like oil running over his skin, the hatred, the sorrow. It was all there and more.

The citizens of Vee'Ta's village were quick to come to the aid of their distant neighbours, it was almost as if they'd gotten prior information of their return with the refugees. He quickly remembered the Shaman who seemed to be at the heart of the relief and aid, warm blankets were wrapped around the young and old alike. Even children came, as if sensing something wrong, sort out those of similar age offering a way out with playing and laughter. Though it was mute, inaudible laughter it seemed almost alien in the grim reality.

"So many..." Cole whispered, watching several children in the background playing some kind of game with a small ball. "So many who have lost someone... who suffer..." How could this have gone unanswered for so long! How could the Republic just sit by and watch, how could they do nothing?!

WinLos and VeeTa helped the Padawans with the Hjarii villagers. Vaya noted that VeeTa was quite stricken with sadness and her face showed her perplexity. WinLos' anger emanated like a hot poker, but he fought his emotions back to help his people.

Vaya put a hand on the female Hjarii's shoulder and gave a comforting smile, "Is there enough room for the villagers here?"

"We will make it so," VeeTa said with a strained voice. "Everyone will have somewhere to go by day's end."

Vaya nodded and added, "Your leaders have asked for the help of the Jedi, I do not want to give false hopes," she said. "But by Force I am certain that we will help your people, VeeTa. I cannot imagine the Force directing us here, were it not to be so."

Tears streamed down VeeTa's face as she fought back the sensation of wanting to break completely down.

"I know, I would not have come to the Jedi did I not feel in my heart that it would be so," VeeTa replied. "I'm sure it will not be easy but I also know that this," she continued as she turned and pointed around to the bustle of displaced Hjarii, "cannot continue and won't."

***

"I don't understand it," Zari said softly. "I don't understand why people like these company people do what they do. It doesn't make any sense. What makes people want to just...hurt others like that?" She glanced between her companions, not sure if there would ever be an answer to her questions.

"Greed..." Cole muttered softly. "... power... but most importantly... money." It had been the same back on Coruscant living on the streets. Those same three words came up more often than anyone could believe, money lead to power, the more power you had the more you wanted. Greed soon followed. It was the way of life. Cole's hand flinched into a fist, forcing his anger into it, not wanting his companions, or his masters, to become aware of the emotions he was feeling.

"Anger leads towards the darkside!" The words he'd heard time and time again rang in his mind. Anger, hate, fear. He hoped both Koran and Laedra could talk sense into the Company, but he doubted it. Even with all their skills he couldn't see the Company releasing their grip on this world, not after so long, not without a fight.

Vaya put a hand on Cole's shoulder. She could sense from his voice and body language the anger he felt. It didn't take a Jedi to see that. She could tell he was trying to hide it, but she was a Lorrdian after all, and there wasn't too much, short of a Jedi Master, that one could hide from her in that regard.

And it was a fight Cole was looking forward to.

"It is an unfortunate reality of life," Vaya said softly to both her companions, but more for the benefit of the troubled Cole. "Where there is darkness, there is light, good...evil...happiness...sorrow," she continued. "That is why we are what we are, Cole, to combat the darkness of the stars for those who are wronged and without help. Do you not believe there is more good among the stars than bad?"

It was a harder question to answer than even he realised. "Yes..." he whispered with a slight nod. "Though at times it's difficult to see... If so much suffering on this planet could go on for so long without the Republic's knowledge, or worse still, the Force not tell us... what else is out there?" Cole's gaze moved to Vaya who stood beside him already looking like a Jedi and not the Padawan he knew her to be. "What else are we blind to?"

He swallowed despite the dryness of his mouth and throat. He stepped forward not waiting for either Vaya or Zari to reply to his question. He wanted to be alone. Faces looked at him, smiling, speaking their praise, but he didn't feel like returning those smiles, or speaking to anyone who approached.

Not knowing where his feet were taking him, or where the Force was leading the young Padawan, until he felt the leaves brushing up against his face. Blinking as he found himself standing within the trees, the buildings and noise of the village long behind him. He quickly found himself reaching for the Force, reaching outwards further and further with his mind connecting to all the animals around him. He found what he was searching for.

She was there. It was a relief to find something in his world he thought he could help, despite his master's opinion on the matter. He felt her stopping, listening to the forest; she was on a hunt and becoming more desperate. Her young were hungry and weak. He wished he could go out and hunt with her, to find food your herself and her offspring. But it was impossible. Koran, nor Laedra, would allow it.

It made him angry that he couldn't help everyone - no that was a lie. He wanted to help everything! Why, the Force was so powerful, could it not do this?

Zari watched after Cole and sighed. She turned to Vaya, studying her friend for a moment. "I'm worried about him," she said. "His...his control...I know I'm not the greatest with the Force, but...but I can tell he has trouble controlling his emotions. And...and I think it may be bad that he's always so angry. What would happen if he...he fell to the dark side?"

Vaya pondered the girl's concerns. Having not known Cole for as long as she probably did, Vaya figured her concern, with what Vaya had felt from the young man, was justified.

"I'm sure that Masters Laedra and Koran will guide him well," Vaya said. "But as fellow Padawans and friends, we should help him as much as we can. Do you think that this should be brought up to the Masters? Though I cannot imagine that they wouldn't be aware of his emotions."

"But, what if they aren't aware," Zari asked. "What if they're too busy with other things or...or something. Should we talk to Master Laedra and Master Darr? Maybe they can't see what's happening with him. Master Jae Dyn Brael said that sometimes the dark side is hard to see...what if that's what's happening?"

"Very wise, Zari. I do believe that we should talk to them," Vaya replied, wondering if it would be prudent to speak of this now with their mentors knowing that they had the concerns of the Hjarii. She didn't feel that Cole was on such a path that he would become a danger ro himself or anyone else at the moment. But if they waited to long, it may hurt Cole and others down the road. "Perhaps under the circumstances we may talk to Cole ourselves and try to help him. We are in the midst of an important mission."

Vaya's thoughts trailed somewhat in regards to the Padawans of the Temple. She heard all about Dani and Nieme, and had heard some stuff about Talara. She wondered how it was that these Padawans could be going astray, and now to think of Cole and his emotional issues. But as soon as the thoughts crossed her mind she quickly set them aside; they had more immediate concerns.

"I...I think it's because we're all too old," Zari said. "I mean, we're starting older than they used to start training Jedi. We're set in our ways and...and...I don't know. When he comes back, let's talk to him if we have time. It may be a little while yet before our Masters return."

"We will talk to him then," Vaya said assuringly as she thought of the girl's perspective. She knew that the Jedi of old trained from a very, very early age to move past the natural prejudice and materialisms that most people were raised into. But then, Vaya thought, everyone had the ability to choose for themselves. And while some might have chosen to partake in extra-curricular exploits, Vaya only cared to study the ways of the Force and to become a Jedi.

***

The forest seemed to part like opening doors, the trees were replaced with the noise of the Hjarii village. The noise struck him like an invisible wave so preoccupied with thoughts of Shayna and her cubs, they weren't going to last much longer. The talks with the Company needed to be sped along, though he couldn't see how he could accomplish this. It was in the hands of the masters. He hated it when he could do nothing but sit and wait. He was a Padawan he knew but his training was fast coming close to ending. He was close to being a Jedi, he knew it, he could feel it.

"I am a Jedi..." he muttered to himself quickly falling silent as he approached the village. His eyes caught sight of Zari and Vaya watching him, he frowned, pausing for a moment before continuing forward.

Zari saw Cole look in their direction so she gave him a smile and a wave, a silent guilt twisting her insides at what she and Vaya had to talk to Cole about.

"Come, Zari," Vaya said to her friend as she put a comforting hand upon the girl's shoulder. "Let us go speak with Cole before our Masters have need of us."

Zari nodded and started forward to where Cole stood. "I hope he won't be upset with us," she said before they were near enough for Cole to hear what they were saying. Then, once they were close enough, she smiled at him again. "Hi, Cole. How...how are you feeling? You...you seem distracted. Would you like to talk...about it?"

"I've been wondering when you would get it off your chest..." Cole muttered under his breath as he crouched down to the ground. He had his fingers through the loose topsoil, for some strange reason finding it a comforting feeling, the soil against his skin, possibly because it reminded him of a passionate night with Zari, or perhaps not.

He turned to look at them as he stood up. "I'm perfectly fine, thank you for asking..." there was a slight undertone to his words, bitterness, anger, sorrow all mixed and mashed together. "How are my two favourite fellow Padawans doing on this fine day?" The sarcasm wasn't lost though it was hard to pin down to which subject it referred, the two being his favourite Padawans, or this day being so fine.

Zari just stared at Cole for several long moments. "Never mind," she said. "If that's the attitude you're going to take, then...then forget it Cole. I'll just talk about my concerns to Master Laedra. If you're going to get sarcastic with me then there's nothing I can do, despite how worried I am about you. I'll just...I'll talk to Master Laedra."

Cole's eyes twitched angrily but he held back what he wanted to say to her. She's just jealous of me! Jealous that I've passed her and my training is progressing faster... he thought bitterly. "I'm fine..." Cole repeated. "I can't understand why everyone is so concerned, I have always done what my master wishes. I strive to become a Jedi, the best Jedi I can be, my attitude is only as it is because I'm tired with everyone treating me like a child."

"Maybe when you stop behaving like a child," Zari said flatly. "Maybe when you stop running off and pouting like a spoiled brat when you don't get your way. Maybe when your first reaction to everything isn't anger, Cole. Maybe when you stop walking so close to the dark side that everyone is afraid it won't be long before you go as bad as Nieme and Dani! Stop being such a conceited, arrogant know-it-all, and let Master Koran Darr teach you! I bet you think you're even better than he is! Don't you see where that leads, Cole? Don't you see where you're headed? You don't have any control over your emotions, and your reaction to everything just takes you closer to darkness. When you can prove to everyone that you're not a child whose arrogant tantrums and moodiness will lead him to the dark side, maybe you won't be treated like a child."

"Perhaps it is just that we are children in the ways of the Force, Cole," Vaya said. "Not that you are looked upon as a child. Laedra and Koran care for our well-being and development, I am sure. I have not known you long, but as Zari says, you are quick to anger. Would you not rather talk with your friends and fellow students, than to receive such beratement by the Masters?"

Anger was what kept him alive back on Coruscant, if they saw any kind of weakness you were as good as dead. "Anger is what I know..." Cole said, keeping his eyes away from Zari. What she said had hurt him, he'd never thought he'd hear her say those things to him, but then a lot had changed between the two Padawans. "... it kept me alive... and sometimes it's hard to let go. I do my best to control my emotions, but seems my best isn't enough at times."

Vaya didn't think they were getting anywhere with Cole, she thought him to be stubborn and reckless. She wanted to leave and inform Laedra, but she had told Zari they would try to talk to him first. Vaya thought that Cole had to trust that they were just trying to help, else to go tattle to the Masters, would probably only fuel his ill disposition.

"I'm sure Darth Vader and the Emperor thought it was hard to let go of their anger too, Cole," Zari said. "I'm sure that Nieme and Dani have really bad anger issues, and that's why they're where they are. You've been through the lessons, Cole. Anger is the beginning, but it all leads to darkness. I love you, Cole! I don't want to see you turn into something like that..."

"We are your friends, Cole, fellow students in the Force," Vaya added. "We only want to help. We all know how much you want to become a Jedi, as we all do. Wouldn't you want to rise above this, and prove to the Masters how worthy you are to become a Knight? That is true power, Cole, to overcome ourselves for the better good."

Cole nodded slowly, almost as if to himself before looking from Zari to Vaya and back again. "I know you're my friends, I want to be the Jedi the Masters want and see I can become, I want to be... hand... of peace in the galaxy." He paused over the word hand, the first word he thought of was blade. To be the blade of peace, the blade of Jedi. "I don't want to become like Vadar, or Dani and Nieme."

Pausing for a moment he looked at both of them before adding. "Will you help me?" he asked.

Vaya gave Cole a warm smile as she looked to Zari, "Of course you Nerf-brain!" she giggled with a relief of anxiety and satisfaction at the young man's coming around.

Zari playfully punched at his shoulder. "You don't even have to ask if we'll help, Cole," she said. "Of course, we will." She smiled up at him. "I always will."

Cole pulled a face as he rubbed the area where Zari had struck him, acting as if it hurt. "Ouch..." he muttered before grinning. "Anyone tell you that you punch like a girl?" he asked jokingly before stepping back, expecting Zari to react.

"Just remember that," Zari said with a grin as she shook a fist at him. "There aren't many of us, Cole, and we have to watch each other. If the Jedi get divided, it only hurts us. So...so you're stuck with me."

"There's a flip side to that coin..." Cole said with a smile. "You're stuck with me too... both of you." Cole winked at Vaya before doing the same to Zari, though slightly more seductively before looking away towards the forest. Folding his arms across his chest he allowed his robe to fall closed in front of him, hiding his hands beneath, his right hand subconsciously rubbed the cold metal of his lightsaber while he watched the Hjarii.

Vaya could see that the evening meal was being prepared as the Hjarii were all gathering about the village common.

"Well then," she said. "I don't know about the two of you, but I wouldn't mind a bite to eat. I find the Hjarii food quite nice. Nothing fancy, but flavorful none the less," she said with a smile as she headed for the common. She didn't look back to see if the other two were following. She guessed they had a bit of a history, and maybe they wanted a moment alone. Or something.

---

"Collecting Casualities, Part 2"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
WinLos
VeeTa

Location: Hjarii I
Date: Vadris 18, 4 ABY

***

The stir outside had abated very little as all Hjarii hurried to the aid of their injured and fallen brethren. Within the hut occupied by the village's council, a grim atmosphere prevailed. The Hjarii were conferring with one another in hushed tones, shaking heads gravely and sighing over the loss of such innocent life. Laedra Vorrel and Koran Darr were seated on two upright logs in the centre of the semi-circle formed by the six Hjarii leaders, waiting respectfully to be addressed. Neither had any idea how the tragedy would affect their mission.

"The situation in the village attacked by the Company is contained for now, and the survivors have been brought here," Koran said, continuing his update of the situation to the Hjarii leaders. "We only wish we could have arrived sooner, but our actions in the village may have exacerbated the situation, and thus we must move in our next phase as swiftly as possible. We must meet with the Company before they can send any more teams out for reprisals. All we ask is for a guide who can take us to where their leaders are. We do not wish to place your people in any more danger than they are already in."

"No matter what else you might have been able to do," one of the clan Elders replied with a heavy head. "The Company has and always will do as it pleases."

"No doubt more would have died and been shipped away, never to be heard from again had you not intervened," a female Elder said. "No doubt will be there a repercussion once word is out. VeeTa, WinLos, will the two of you continue to assist the Jedi? They need guides, and they are already familiar with you both. There is little else around here you can help with."

"Of course," VeeTa bowed. "It would be our honor to continue to help the Jedi if they would allow us."

"We thank you for your continued assistance," Koran said. "And we will do everything in our power to assure that there is a time soon when the Company will no longer be able to do whatever it wishes. If it is within our power, we will make sure that you have a long future ahead of you without the Company's presence."

"And more importantly," Laedra put in, "we will do what we can to prevent any more deaths."

The Hjarii leaders mumbled amongst themselves for a few moments before one of the Elders, a female, spoke up to the Jedi.

"Whatever we can do to help, we shall," she said. "My grandson was saved in the village, my only living family and heir. You give us hope, Jedi. VeeTa and WinLos will guide you to where you will find where the company lies. They are capable and spirited, that much they have already shown."

"They have proven themselves more than capable," Laedra informed the elders. "We would be grateful for their help once again."

"We shall attend to our people and prepare for the evening meal. You are all welcome to join of course, otherwise, we leave you to what you must do," the Hjarii woman said to the Jedi. "Ask of us, what you may need and we shall give if capable."

The Hjarii Clan Elders dispersed to help settle in the rescued villagers and to organize the evening meal. VeeTa and WinLos remained with the Jedi.

"It has been a long standing custom with our people, that the village eats together. Many things are done as such, even the raising and teaching of the young. It is the duty of the entire village to see to everyone's needs and care. The Shaman will tend to the wounded," VeeTa said to Laedra and Koran. "The evening meal will be just after dark, if you plan to stay and eat I know a nice place you Jedi may use for peace and thought. WinLos and I would join you, or you may call for us if you would rather confer among yourselves."

"There is nothing we wish to hide from either of you," Laedra assured him kindly and bowed her head in gratitude. "We will join you."

VeeTa bowed her head, "My thanks, come with me, I will show you where we may speak until the evening meal."

VeeTa and WinLos led the two Jedi Masters from the village square to a small hut at the edge of the village. Inside the hut, which was rather bare save for a table, four chairs and bed in the corner made of straw and animal furs, the faint glow of candle light illuminated the hut warmly. WinLos set about starting a small fire at the hearth, while VeeTa motioned for the Jedi to make themselves at home.

The table was carved out, and filled with sand. Several carved blocks of wood and stone were upon the table. VeeTa set about arranging the stones and wood pieces about the table, tracing lines in the sand as she did so into what appeared as a rough map of the local area.

"Here is our village," she said, pointing to a carved block of wood nearest to Laedra. "This path here leads to the village that was attacked," she said as she retraced the line she had drawn in the sand. "Beyond are the Barren Plains, once used for the grazing of our stocks, though they are fewer and the grasses don't seem to grow back much anymore. Herders still take what few animals they have out into the Plains to find patches of feed. The Plains are a good day's walk long, until you come here," she pointed, and drew a curving line that divided the table in half. "This is the River, it used to be that the river was as wide as the eye could see, but it has long since been dammed here," she said as she placed a square rock down the river some ways nearest to where Koran sat. "Across the river here are the Dead Woods, a petrified forest where it is said that the Spirits wander until the Gods have judged their souls. Beyond the Woods are some hills," she pointed, "and then that is where WinLos's Grandfather's village lies. His village lies nearest to the mines, and the Company is located there."

Having started the fire, WinLos had joined the others at the table, "There are three connected buildings," he added, placing three stones next to one another to represent the Company's outpost. "And the loading pads where the materials that are mined are loaded and shipped off-world. This middle building here is where the Company leaders preside. To the left, a warehouse, to the right supplies. Most of us have never seen them," he said in reference to those who ran the Company operation. "But Grandfather has told that he has on occasion. Mostly they send their droids to order us to work, as well as those others that you fought off this day."

"We will need to go to the center then," Koran said with a nod and confirming glance with Laedra. "Do you know what sort of defenses they keep for that building? Not that I'm expecting a full tactical analysis. I imagine for those measures you have seen, they have several others you haven't. In either case, I doubt their defenses will be that much of a deterrent for us, but it is always good to be prepared for such."

"We are not completely sure," VeeTa said looking to WinLos. "It is known that they have a handful of armed security personnel, and their droids. Perhaps...perhaps WinLos could venture ahead of us and gather some information?" she asked the Jedi but mostly directed it towards WinLos, knowing he would have to see his Grandfather.

WinLos's face crinkled in a deep frown, his relationship with his Grandfather had been quite strained since the death of his father and his self-imposed exile from his own Clan.

"I...don't know if that would be a good idea. But if you all think it would help...I will go. Grandfather is one of the labor force leaders, and our village lies very near to the Company buildings. It has been several years since I have been back, but I am certain he would see me and I could see with my own eyes what kind of security they have these days. I know that they patrol the mines, and there are always several security droids guarding the shipments coming out of the mines and to the loading platforms."

"That is a rather dangerous task," Laedra cautioned. "But such surveillance would provide us with valuable information. Not, however" --she smiled pointedly at the two Hjarii-- "if our scout does not return safely. That is why one of us shall accompany whoever decides to undertake this."

"Well I will definitely be the one to go," WinLos said with some dread. He wasn't afraid, but he didn't look forward to confronting his Grandfather. "Perhaps with one of you along, my Grandfather may see things differently, and that I'm not just obsessed with unrealistic hopes and desires for our people."

"Perhaps," Laedra explained gently, "your grandfather is simply afraid for your well-being. The Company obviously doesn't seem tolerant of ideas that contradict their own. I'm certain, in some way, he is proud of your efforts."

"Well he sure hasn't shown it," WinLos growled under his breath. "I don't know if he will be of much help, but it is of no matter. We could leave at sunrise, and use your speeder to get there quicker than by foot or a Bordoki," he added. "The creatures you rode today."

Laedra bowed her head in agreement. "Sunrise, then." Glancing aside at Koran, she stated with the barest hint of humour, "You and VeeTa will remain behind to tend to the children, no doubt?"

Koran bowed, though there was a hint of strain behind his eyes. "Of course," he said.

She suppressed a chuckle and nodded solemnly in return. "Of course..." And regarding WinLos once again, Laedra suggested, "You and I should remain awake some time longer to finalize our plan. You are up for it, I presume?"

"I am, Master Jedi," WinLos said with a sigh from the stresses of the day. "I doubt I could sleep anyway."

A young Hjarii girl came running to the hut asking for VeeTa. VeeTa conversed with her shortly and turned to the Jedi.

"Dinner is ready," she said. "Perhaps it will do us all some good to have a bite and relax for a moment before we continue, yes? Or, if you like, I can bring something to hut."

"That is alright," Laedra assured her, and rose from where she was seated at

the makeshift table. "We will join you and your people for a time, then WinLos and I really must plan."

VeeTa smiled and led the way from the hut to the village common where the Hjarii were gathering for the evening meal.

---