"Slaughter of Innocents"
By: Rylaa Lyssander - PC

Location: Tae'Sollar Desert
Date: Vadris 19, 4ABY

***

Arid, hot, unforgiving, the desert is not a place for the unwary to the travel. It is a harsh place populated only by predator and prey. But it is here that some of the Kir'thana make their homes.

They are a semi-nomadic people, enamored deep in their religious and ritualistic ways. The majority make permanent homes around the oasis' that dot the Tae'Sollar desert or near the mountains to the west. The rest travel back and forth between the various villages, trading livestock on trinkets and bringing home the profits. Occasionally a band of men will head towards the nearest civilized outpost to trade for what little technology they can afford.

A single tiny aircraft piloted by a droid brain circled the area around one such village of several hundred people, nestled quietly in a small valley. The houses were made of baked clay and were very simple by galactic standards. Both men and women wore full length garments of light cotton to keep the sun off while children ran around naked. A steady stream of young women could be seen heading towards the deep oasis to draw water for cooking and drinking.

A small marketplace was set out towards the north end and vendors in open stalls hawked their wares and goods. Every man in the village, and a good number of the boys, had weapons of every make and style. Most carried simple ancient slug throwers, but the rest had sleek modern blaster rifles, recently looted from a helpless caravan trying to make its way across the desert. The village still had a peaceful air about, though, and none of its simple inhabitants were aware of the death and destruction about to rain down upon it.

*** 0900 Hours, Ares Command Vehicle 01-A ***

"Sir," a technician looked up from his console at Rylaa Lyssander, who stood in a holotank evaluating data. "We've got live feed from the drone. It looks like the Kir'thana received our 'special packages'."

"Excellent," Rylaa replied. "Keep me informed of anything they do. Have Alpha squad move up just under the ridgeline and Zeta move around to the other side. I don't want any contact between the Kir'thana and our men, this is going to be a surprise, just like we planned."

"Yessir," the tech flashed a quick salute and bent back over his console. He spoke quietly into his headset as he relayed the boss's orders.

Rylaa tapped a few buttons on the control panel inside the holotank and watch as a 3D map of the area was displayed in front of him. He could see each villager going about their daily tasks, each head marked by a tiny red diamond. His own men, the two squads fitted with experimental weaponry and powered armor, as well as his ATSTs were opposite sides of the valley. Each squad consisted of only thirteen men, but what they carried more than made up for the numbers the Kir'thana had on them.

"Launch the pictcasters, Have them take up position above each squad but keep them low for now."

"Roger, sir."

He watched on his map as the small droids flew from a hatch on his huge command vehicle and flew the ten klicks to his squads. Alpha squad, who ran with the ATSTs, were armed only with light weapons. The heavy work would be taken care of by their walker protectors. Zeta squad had the heavier stuff, the big guns and the heavy assault-style power armor. Both squads would attack simultaneously in order to create confusion. They were both made up of company men, part of the small army Ares had put together to protect it outer-laying assets. All of them had been trained in recent days by Major Two-Thumbs and his company in special squad tactics.

"Send up another drone, I don't want my holo-imagery going out on me during this."

"Roger sir."

"And make sure the feeds from the suits are being run through the computers, I want all the information we can get out of this.

"All feeds are green, sir. All checklists are complete and we are ready to go."

The chubby criminal and now CEO looked around at the assembled technicians and scientists and smiled. "Alright people, lets make sure this goes off without a hitch. As soon as the second drone is overhead, order the assault commencement." He wished Lani was here, she was always a comfort to him. But she refused to watch and opted to stay behind at the company suite that was provided for them.

*** North of Kir'thana village ***

Sergeant Vidgaard, Ares - Security Division, sweated in his heavy power armor even with his climate control set to max. There was something about having thirteen inches of durasteel and blast shielding separating you from the world that put the mind into overdrive. As he stared out the transparisteel faceshield at the rest of his squad, he could not help but think about his family back home in New Plouton. Soon his mind began to wander and he almost didn't hear the call from HQ when it came in.

"Alpha and Zeta squads, begin your assault." That was the voice of his new boss, Rylaa Lyssander. Vidgaard didn't know much about the man, but every he met said he conveyed both charm and power.

The power armor that Vidgaard and the rest of his squad wore was lovingly nicknamed "The Monkey Suit" by the scientists that built them. They weren't so much armor as they were tiny assault vehicles. They came in two types; the soldier model that the normal troopers wore incorporated a heavy repeating blaster in the right arm and a heavy missile pack sprouted from the back. The command model that Vidgaard wore replaced the missile pack with an extensive sensor and communication suite, but kept the blaster and added a small flamethrower. Both models contained focused exhaust ports that allowed the operator to propel themselves short distances.

"Light'em off boys, lets make this quick and messy." Vidgaard brought up his combat display on his HUD and thumbed the knob that would rocket him over the ridgeline and into full view of the villagers waiting down below. Like all of the new security leaders, Vidgaard had been hand selected for this position by Rylaa himself, and now he wanted to make a good impression on the boss.

Thirteen plumes of smoke and fusion exhaust rose and fell as the squad lifted over the ridge and down into the valley. The surprised villagers reacted quickly though and soon a torrent of blaster bolts and slugs were bouncing off the power shielding that protected the suits. Targeting crosshairs alighted on the torsos of three of the closest men and all Vidgaard had to do was swing his arm until his reticule centered on the crosshair and then pull the trigger. The three men were cut down by the hail of bolts. It was just like playing a holovid game!

*** Ares Command Vehicle 01-A ***

Rylaa watched from his holotank as the slaughter began. Sergeant Vidgaard's men were the first to reach village, aided by their powerful jump jets. He saw them cut down the first three villagers with ease before shifting his view to the other side of the valley. The lieutenant's walkers were having slight difficulty navigating the steep and sandy valley walls. When their heads crested the ridge, Rylaa could almost hear the screams of shock and fear coming from the village.

He smiled sinisterly. For some reason he couldn't fathom, he was enjoying this. The oversized metal heads of the ATSTs began to spew fire and death as soon as their guns were free of the sand. Villagers were cut down by the score. Slugs and blaster bolts began to bounce off the thick armor of the chicken-legged walkers, neither to much effect. Alpha squad, carrying much lighter arms and armor than their Zeta companions, ran between the legs of the walkers.

The experimental blasters that Alpha squad carried used a different type of firing chamber and lens than the normal blasters mass produced by such companies as BlasTech and Merr-Sonn. They did not fire as fast, but they were much more accurate. Practically every weapon could be quickly modified as a sniper's blaster or longlas with much effort at all. They all wore light combat armor made of plasteel coated in a special ceramiplas mixture. The result was a light armor with the stopping power of thick combat suits. It was an expensive process, but there were many who would pay the extra cred for that much more protection.

"Sir, Alpha and Zeta squads are both engaged. Zeta squad reports heavy resistance in their sector."

"Right, let's see how Zeta is doing." Rylaa manipulated the holotank to reflect Zeta's position and saw that the squad was being hard pressed by well over fifty men. The shield systems in Zeta's power armor was highly experimental and prone to overloading if it absorbed too much power. A pair of nodes on the suit's shoulders, however, acted as both a screen emitter and a discharge system. Zeta leader, wearing the command suit, already had blue lightning arcing between his shoulder nodes. Even as Rylaa watched, a bolt arced out and slammed a would-be Kir'thana defender into a wall.

He thumbed a button that would allow him to communicate with his squad. "Sergeant, you've got several men coming up your left flank. After you take them down, begin to deploy satchel charges. I want those buildings taken down."

"ROGER sir," came Vidgaard's tinny reply.

*** Zeta Squad ***

After Vidgaard finished with the boss, he sent one of his men to the left to head off the Kir'thana that were trying to flank them. He kept thinking to himself that this was too simple. These primitives were no match for them, even with the old blaster rifles they possessed. Then he saw something that stopped his heart, something that could indeed do serious damage to him and his men.

On top of a building several Kir'thana were hefting a heavy Merr-Sonn portable missile launching system. Before any of Alpha squad could respond, three micro-missiles flew out towards sergeant Vidgaard. The sergeant's armor sensors picked out the LADAR used by the launcher and picked up the missiles. Using it's energy discharge system, it evaporated the missiles without its operator having to do a thing.

Vidgaard let out the breath he had been holding and cut the Kir'thana on the roof in half with a hail of blaster fire. "Alright boys, start placing your charges," he said over a private vox circuit. Each squad member carried six thermal charges on them, each capable of wiping out a small city block. After they left, the charges would be set off and no one would ever be able to tell this valley hadn't always been a smoking crater.

*** Alpha Squad ***

The walkers had been performing well. The brains at Ares R&D had slap-fitted a shield generator for the ATSTs but it overloaded early into the battle. Still, the hardened armor would shrug off all but the strongest of land-based weapons.

Resistance dissipated under the furious assault by the walkers and their Alpha squad infantry. Nothing the Kir'thana had could stand against the chicken-legged machines so they decided that it would be best if they left them alone.

Many of the Kir'thana were trying to flee. Men, women, and children all were mowed down by the hail of blaster bolts that Alpha squad laid down like so much grass. The squad had spread themselves out in order to contain the runaways, and so far none had gotten away. Soon there would be none left.

*** Ares Command Vehicle 01-A 1000 ***

Rylaa was pleased. The operation was going far better than his experts had predicated. The scientists were practically dancing at the success of all their toys, even with the small glitches that had cropped up here and there. Even better, none of the Kir'thana were getting away.

After the first thirty minutes, resistance in the village had weakened so much that now there were only pockets of it here and there. Alpha and Zeta squads patrol the streets, occasionally rooting out a patch of opposition. The four ATSTs stood in the center of town and took potshots at any Kir'thana that dared showed their head.

The bodies of the villagers had been stacked in the exact center of town by cargo droids who would later have their memories of the event wiped. Everything was winding down, even though Rylaa kept the pictcasters droids in the air to record the events.

"Sir," a technician ran up to Rylaa, still in his holotank, "both squads are reporting that resistance is down to almost nothing. All charges have been placed with detonators set."

"Very well, pull our guys out of there. Make sure they watch their backs, you never know what these Kir'thana might be planning. How many of our weapons did we recover?"

"We found enough for two of the trucks, sir, but the other is missing. The Kir'thana probably spread the contents of that truck around to the defenders, which would explain the high level of technology present. If these Kir'thana were from Thanatos, sir, I'm sure that the weapons would have already been sold off, though they would have kept the biggest ones and probably put up a much better fight."

"Alright. The weapons that were found on the bodies can stay where they fell, I don't want them after they've been contaminated by criminal hands." Hah! Now that's funny!

"Alright sir, I'll tell the squads." The tech rushed back to his console and began barking orders to the squad leaders.

Rylaa watched the strategic retreat in his holotank. Well, Empress... you got your slaughter as well as a demo of the latest things to come out of our workshop. Now I'm going to give you the splendid ending always seen in the holovids. As soon all his men were at a safe distance he said, "Get the droids up at a safe level then blow the charges."

Only an hour ago the Kir'thana that resided in the village lived out relatively peaceful lives, unhindered by the rest of the modern galaxy. Then everything had changed and now most of them were dead or dying. Any that had thought to escaped the murderous rampage by hiding in houses or cellars would soon learn their mistake.

Thirty seconds after Rylaa gave the command, the charges placed around the village went off. The white-hot fireball of a contained fusion explosion vaporized everything in the valley in an instant and turned the hills into glass. The head of the explosion reached an apex of several thousand feet and could be seen for over a hundred miles in either direction, if anyone was watching that is.

In orbit around the planet, media satellites picked up the explosion and tried to home in on the area. All they were able to capture was the roaring fury in the valley that had once contained a large gathering of Kir'thana Later, newscasters around the planet would tell the story of a renegade group of Kir'thana that had gotten their hands on a fusion bomb from unknown sources and had inadvertently set it off with their ignorance. Rylaa had paid the media well to keep the story under wraps. Money wrapped with the promise of violence should anything but the prepared news release be said while on the air.

"Alright people, good job out there," Rylaa said. The holotank now sat dark behind him as he sat in his comfortable command chair. "Let's get that data back to HQ as soon as possible and begin working on improvements right away. I want the vid from the droids run through a cleaner to pretty it up. Add a date/time stamp and then send it up to my office. After that, everyone has one week paid vacation."

A cheer ran through the cramp vehicle as the news of a paid vacation. Rylaa wasn't stupid. He knew that the men and women that worked here were just company men, not hardened thugs. This event had disturbed them, even though they all had been chosen because of their dossiers and loyalty to the company, so he rewarded them. Plus, after a week paid vacation, most of them would forget the event altogether.

He hoped the Empress would be pleased with what she saw, and that she signed off on the contract. Not only did the company need the contract, but he did as well. His slush fund was running dangerously low and the first allotment from his laundering contact wasn't due until the end of the month.

The huge tracked vehicle shuddered as it began to roll along the desert towards the awaiting transport ship. During the transit, Rylaa had thought of a plan that to help garner the aid of some powerful individuals. He would make copies of the recordings and send them to certain sentients he knew would appreciate them. Sentients like Jadda the Hutt.

This deal, though it left a bad taste in his mouth, certainly was proving much more lucrative than he originally anticipated. Rylaa crossed his legs and steepled his fingers as the command vehicle climbed up the ramp into the transport. His head was bowed in deep thought and a smile crossed his face. Yes, lucrative indeed.

---

"Victory Celebration"
By: Nieme Yaresh

Location: Arcadian Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

The cramping in her sides that had developed from excessive laughter was but a nagging reminder of her physical constraints, though it hardly dampened her joy and lessened her hearty giggles not a touch; the throne-room's marble walls rang coldly with it.

Again and again the recording played, ending only to begin once more so that Nieme might relive the brilliant light-show Rylaa had created for her. Flames crackled as dry, combustible grasses caught fire, burning huts with amazing speed and scorching their inhabitants even faster. Her wide, crazed eyes eagerly looked on as a burning victim fled wildly from his home, whirling madly like a bonfire touched by the wind to extinguish the orange flames consuming his flesh. Nieme writhed in ecstasy upon the floor at the sight, at the shrill screams and unheeded pleas.

In the background, the rumble of her new ATSTs gave Nieme a surge of pride. They were an extension of herself, performing her will's bidding. Fellow Kir'Thanan the victims might be, but Nieme found no less pleasure in the sight of their demise. Their cries must be silenced for her to find a moment's peace, and death was the surest way to do so. Yet, still she now revelled in just those cries of terror as shots rained down on them from the skies, picking them off one by one.

Nieme clapped excitedly when the desperate villagers discovered the conveniently dropped weapons laying upon the sands and futilely sought to fight back with incomparably weak firepower when faced with the devastating strength of her Walkers. One by one they were thrown back and obliterated. Without armour to dampen the impact, the bolts tore into them, tossing severed body parts in all directions.

Nieme jolted upright and clenched her fist triumphantly. They had dared to oppose her and had failed; as the projected image exploded in bright white flame and the deafening boom of the fusion bomb incinerating the entire settlement vibrated through her very bones, Nieme knew her enemies would not dare defy her, not after they witnessed her destructive powers. She and Dani could rule without opposition, and never again would she have to bargain her lover away to a potential ally. They would be indomitable enough on their own.

The holographic playback flickered at its completion, and cycled back to the beginning to replay the slaughter. Although she was laughing, Nieme was mildly distracted by the blur of tears in her eyes. A steady drip of the secretions upon her knees were agony and resounded painfully in her head. With an anguished cry, Nieme curled in on herself and planted both hands over her ears. They had taken Dani away and had paid for it. But why had she not returned to put the demons to rest?

Even still they tormented her, robbing her of sleep and a moment's silence. They were voices of the past, and a vision of those who she had yet to meet, warning her of a future she could not escape. Groaning and writhing again upon the floor, only in anguish this time, Nieme wept for Dani's return. She could no longer see her smile, those violet eyes watching her with untamed desire and love. Hugging herself with trembling arms, Nieme sought to contain the longing and loneliness, but only created further reminder of the embraces she could not receive from Dani.

Behind her, the villagers' screams rang out, inspiring Nieme's laughter once more. It mingled with her sobs, reducing Nieme to a confusion of emotions and raging dementia. "Dani," she gasped convulsively. "Please...answer me..." But only the cacophonous susurrations in her mind responded.

Nieme gazed up at the ceiling with deadened eyes across the invisible expanse separating them...and knocked the back of her head against the hard, unyielding marble beneath. "Shut up," she murmured numbly. "I can't hear...her." Another loud crack sounded as her skull made contact again with the slab of marble. The voices only intensified. And once more, Nieme beat her head on the floor, but her mind remained possessed by the spirits residing within. "Dani," she whispered weakly, her eyes fluttering as her skull impacted repeatedly. "Dani...come home..."

With a final, heavy blow, the voices went silent at once and her vision blackened. Blood slowly trickled from the tear in Nieme's scalp, and both arms fell limply to her sides, open and waiting for Dani to rush into her embrace. In unconsciousness, she could hear her lover's voice, envision her smiling face, and hope she never awakened to the terrors in her mind again. Oblivion with Dani was far more appealing than reality. Next time, Nieme vowed to do more than knock herself out senseless, for true oblivion only came with death, and only then could she and Dani be reunited for eternity.

---

"On the Same Page"
By: Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
Analesse D'vrishay

Location: The White Noise, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

Merrick Braston sat on the corner of Zale Tregat's desk as he stared intently at Zale, who was seated at the desk. They'd been staring like that for the better part of fifteen minutes, broken up only by Saris arriving with the caffe Moril had just prepared. Merrick took a loud, slurping sip of the caffe and smiled inwardly as Zale winced. He made a show of placing the beverage onto the desk at his side and crossed his arms over his chest. The staring continued.

Zale let out a loud sigh after another minute. "I'm not doing it," he finally said. "Not after all that. Not after she played me. Not after the things she said about me. I was only looking out for you and your club, you know."

"She didn't see it that way," Merrick said. "You forced her into going to the club with you."

Zale rolled his eyes. "I don't understand where the pain and suffering is there," he said.

"That's because you can't spend fifteen minutes with yourself to realize just how painful it is," Merrick said. "In the end, it was a fight for control. You trying to hold on, and her trying to keep you from it. Personally, I think you both were completely stupid, but that's just me. That's one of the reasons I try to make as few business decisions as I can. That type of control play leads to trouble when you have two people trying to do it. The two of you will have trouble getting along, I'm sure, but I'm sure you can do it."

"What you're asking is for me to just give up on it, and let her have complete control," Zale said. "Because you and I both know she won't give a millimeter. And, don't try to argue with me, Merrick. You know she's just as stubborn as I am, and unless you've secured some deal with her, she's not going to let anyone except you have any say in this. And, the only reason she'll let you have a voice is because she's nearly obsessed with you."

"She's a fan of my music, sure," Merrick said. "But, I'm certain that if both of you put your stubborn pride aside for this, we can make something great. Are you willing to try, Zale?"

Zale sighed. "Will you talk to her about her stubborn pride?"

"I'll talk to her about it, yes," he said. "I don't think it'll be a problem, but I'll talk to her."

Zale was quiet for several moments as he stared through Merrick. It was a wholly uncomfortable feeling, but one Merrick knew he'd have to endure if they were going to get anywhere with this.

"The situation with Kaysa is getting worse," Zale finally said and his eyes focused once again on Merrick. Then he let out a long sigh. "Sure, I'll do it. Just...if I lose all my money on this, I'm holding you responsible."

"I understand," Merrick said. "I'll go ahead and contact her. Meeting tonight at the Noise?"

"That'll be fine," Zale said. "Same time, unless she'd prefer earlier."

"It's going to work out, Zale," Merrick said. "Trust me."

"Don't worry, my friend," Zale answered, then smiled at Merrick. "I do trust you. Go contact her."

***

Drinks were being stared into rather than consumed, and the performer on stage ignored entirely in favour of drumming fingers idly beating against the tabletop. Merrick Braston, the mediator of this gathering, watched both stubborn Zale Tregat and Analesse D'vrishay as they purposefully diverted their attention away from one another. D'vrishay sighed airily and absently pushed a curl of auburn hair away from her brow, then dropped her hand onto the table once again to cradle the untouched tumbler there. She glanced up briefly, though, to smile at Merrick apologetically for his wasted efforts, then resumed looking into her glass.

"Okay, this isn't getting us anywhere," Merrick said. "Let's go back to my dressing room where we can talk, and have a meeting. This silent fuming and sighing is just wasting time."

"I would gladly apologize," Analesse said firmly, glancing pointedly at Zale, "if someone would cease shooting me vicious glares."

"I'm sure he'll stop if you will," Merrick said with a glance between them both.

Analesse frowned at Merrick, her supple lips forming a perfectly irresistible moue. Then, in an instant, she was chuckling and leaning back comfortably in her chair. "Agreed." Cocking her eyebrow at Zale, she prompted, "Right?"

Zale watched her with a guarded look for a moment, then his expression relaxed. "Right," he said. "Should we stay here, or go somewhere we can talk and get things rolling?"

"Certainly." Rising, Analesse smoothed out her dark pants with one hand, and lifted her drink with the other. "Your dressing room again, Merrick?" she asked with an odd familiarity to Zale.

"Best place I can think of," Merrick answered. "In addition to privacy, it has a fully stocked bar."

"Then I can have seconds," Analesse quipped, tipping her glass at him.

"Especially if you plan to finish your firsts," Merrick said with a grin. "Isn't this much better than glaring at each other?" With his own drink in hand, he led the way back to his dressing room, Zale and Analesse following behind.

Neither spoke to one another as they went, though Zale courteously allowed Analesse to precede him through all doors, and then on into Merrick's dressing room. She thanked him with a polite nod and took the liberty of taking a seat in Merrick's armchair. Crossing legs at the knee, she began swinging her foot lazily and waited for Zale and Merrick to settle into their own seats. "This dressing room really is grand," she observed casually. "We won't have to do much to it, I think." Her brown eyes flicked to Zale meaningfully. "Don't you agree?"

"I don't think so," Zale said as he looked around. "I imagine luxurious accommodations is the least we can do for the star of the White Noise for having to put up with a pair of stubborn renovators."

"Oh, if we do that, it'll certainly go to his head." She smiled teasingly at Merrick. "We can't have an overly pampered musician who is also our business partner parading around here like he owns the place. Simple it is, I believe."

"Actually," Merrick cut in, "I do own about forty percent of this place." He grinned at her. "So, regardless of whether my dressing room is decked out in silks with the finest chavriat money can buy, I'll still be an owner." As he brought his glass to his lips for a drink, the wink he gave her was just visible.

She chuckled and turned her head towards Zale, though keeping her eyes on Merrick. "Looks like we're going to have to stick together, Mr. Tregat. Seems Mr. Braston is a force to be reckoned with."

"Oh, I could have told you that," Zale said. "Though, I don't think you have to worry about him flipping you over a table and nearly breaking you in half."

"What?" Analesse asked laughingly. "He doesn't look the type." Sizing Merrick up briefly, Analesse questioned incredulously, "Could he?"

"That's what I thought," Zale said with a laugh.

Merrick just looked at the both of them, the slightest of smiles curling his lips, and shrugged innocently.

Analesse glanced between them both, then shook her head, chuckling. "Alright...the dressing room is yours to design. That is," she added, eyeing Zale questioningly, "if my business partner agrees...."

"I'll agree," Zale said. "If it weren't for his interference, we wouldn't be working on this right now. I guess he at least partially deserves it. For now."

Merrick chuckled. "Well, thank you for not sticking me in the utility closet at the end of the hall."

"You two have a very strange relationship," Analesse observed curiously. "How long have you known one another?"

"I think it's been about a year now," Merrick said. "And it is a very odd relationship, but it keeps us going."

Zale stretched and nodded. "You'll find that there's a lot of our personal lives that is...very strange, and I think it keeps getting more strange with each passing day."

Analesse bobbed her head slowly. "Well...this strange relationship won't cause any problems, will it?"

Merrick and Zale exchanged a glance, then turned back to Analesse and replied in unison, "Shouldn't."

"Great, then I imagine you can both behave yourselves in public?" She waved her hand vaguely and clarified, "Such as a social event where some of the planet's most influential people will be in attendance?"

"Oh, I'm not sure about that," Merrick said with a grin.

"I'm sure we can handle ourselves," Zale said. "Neither of us are strangers to that sort of thing."

Analesse chuckled lowly. "Who knew you two were high society? I really have chosen my partners well. Tomorrow night then? I'll have my assistant send you all the details."

"That'll be perfect," Zale said. "If you'd like, we can hook our assistants up to help coordinate details. I know you won't find anyone better than Moril for things like that. High society is just something I have to deal with in my position; Merrick is high society with chavriat on top."

"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," Analesse mused, watching Merrick with a wholly intense gaze. "He looks the part, but there's more substance to him than those arrogant, dull aristocrats. No...he's nothing like that." She grinned and broke off her stare to joke, "Though, he does dress sharply enough. That just makes it easier to be seen with him in a public setting."

"True enough," Zale said, "but you'd be surprised the effort he has to go through to get here."

Merrick laughed. "Me? You're the one who has to spend an hour making sure all of his braids are just perfect." He grinned at Analesse. "It's really an amusing sight to see, actually."

"And one I would rather not witness," she laughed. "That's reserved for your wife, Mr. Tregat. And on that topic...feel free to bring her along. She's welcome."

"Oh, that wouldn't be a good idea these days," Zale said with a tight smile. "My wife...she isn't quite herself lately. Remember that question about behaving in public? She has a little trouble with that."

Analesse nodded soberly. "Oh... well...Merrick?" She looked to him and asked with some reluctance, "Is there anyone you wish to bring?"

"I can't think of anyone else," Merrick said. He smiled at her. "If you don't have anyone, perhaps Zale can be our chaperone."

Zale nearly choked on his drink.

She smiled only for Merrick. "Just as I was thinking." An unspoken sentiment passed between them as Analesse and Merrick stared in silence at one another, until Analesse laughed softly and turned her reddening face away from Merrick. The blush spread from her cheeks, to her bared chest, and unconsciously Analesse began plucking at her shirtfront to circulate air and to quell the sudden warmth consuming her. Merrick Braston did have a very charming smile after all.... "Well," she sighed, rising smoothly, "I think we've covered everything. Shall we adjourn for the evening?"

Zale blinked and then nodded. "That sounds fine," he said.

"Did you need an escort home?" Merrick asked as he, too, stood and took Analesse's now-empty glass from her.

Her eyes flicked briefly towards Zale, and hoping the offer didn't extend to him she answered, "There's no need...but it would still be appreciated."

"Then it's settled," Merrick said with a grin. He turned to Zale. "Thank you both for coming together and agreeing to this." He put a hand on Zale's shoulder. "You heading back to the office?"

Zale nodded. "A few things to work up, and I wanted to get some information prepped for Moril in the morning. Moril and Saris are watching the baby, so I'll be swinging by there before home."

"I'll see you later then," Merrick said.

"Definitely," Zale answered. "Now, I'll go ahead and head out. Stay safe out there. The city isn't as safe as it used to be."

"We'll be safe enough," Analesse assured him with a smile and a glance Merrick's way.

Zale glanced between the two before his gaze finally settled on Merrick. "We'll need to have a chat later," he said. "Just...just don't do anything you'll regret." With that, he hastily left the room before either of them could respond. He didn't want a scene in front of Analesse, but he had to warn his friend. The looks the two were giving each other had definitely set off warning bells for Zale. Despite their troubles at home, he didn't want to see Merrick throw all that away.

Analesse, still frowning in puzzlement, looked to Merrick as he watched Zale's retreat. "What was that about? He still thinks me a vicious reisacat?"

"No," Merrick said. "Actually, the opposite. There's something I need to explain, about myself and Zale. I'm married, Analesse. Zale and I are both married to the same woman. It's a long, complicated story that I'll tell you one of these days, but if you remember the song More's the Crowd, that sort of tells the situation. The problem is that I like you very much, and...and my marriage is in a bad state right now. That's what that was about. Zale just wants me to be sure if something happens between us."

Analesse's shock registered blatantly on her face, when otherwise she would have maintained a neutral expression. But this wasn't a business negotiation where such aloofness would be an asset. Analesse was stunned and could do nothing to hide it. "You're...married," she whispered, then emitted a wry chuckle. "That wasn't written anywhere in your files...I should have my assistant fired." Her attempt at humour fell flat, as did her smile. "I didn't know. I'm sorry. If I had, I wouldn't have been so...forward with you. Mr. Braston, you should..." Analesse wanly smiled. "You should go home to your wife. I can find my own way, don't worry. Tomorrow night then?" She forced a cheerful demeanour. "It'll be...interesting to meet your wife. I'd really like her to come."

"Trust me when I say you really don't want to meet my wife," Merrick said. "She's a very unpleasant person right now. She's battling against substance abuse and a partying lifestyle that is detrimental to her marriages, and her own health. But, she is unwilling to listen to anyone about it. I am enjoying my time here talking with you far more than I could at home. She probably isn't even there right now. It's...it's a very difficult situation, and not easily explained. But, to be honest, I'm not happy at home lately."

"Then if you need a confidante" --she emphasized the word to ensure no misunderstanding-- "I'd be happy to listen. We can stop by a café for something to drink...but I'm afraid it would be inappropriate if you escorted me home." Analesse sighed and told him apologetically, "I'm a principled woman, Merrick, and I have a reputation to preserve. If I were to be seen inviting a married man alone into my home.... You can imagine how that might look, and I don't need that sort of controversy in my life. So..." Smiling companionably, she held out a hand to him. "Friends?"

"Friends," Merrick said with a smile and took her hand. "And, how about I take you as far as your door, but don't follow you inside? Deal? Friend?"

Analesse chuckled. "Fine...but no hanky panky," she warned.

"No hanky panky," Merrick said with a smile. "And, thank you. I could really use a friend right now."

"Then you should've told me you were married a lot sooner!" she chided playfully, then, chuckling to herself, collected her coat from the back of her chair and began slipping it on. " 'More's the Crowd,' " she muttered to herself. "I was wondering where the inspiration for that one came from."

"Life's a trick when your heart's too big for one," Merrick said, quoting the song as he pulled on his own coat. "Come on, let's get you home. We've got a big meeting tomorrow. I don't know what's going to happen with my marriage, but a friend who isn't mixed up in the whole big mess is more welcome than you can imagine. You wouldn't believe what a sordid affair my homelife is."

"Oh, I'm guessing I'll find out soon enough." Analesse turned to Merrick once she secured the last button of her jacket, smiling wistfully at him. "You know," she mused, pulling his lapel between her thumb and fingers to straighten it, "it's too bad you're married...." Her soft gaze found his. "I was looking forward to getting more...acquainted with you."

Merrick chuckled. "I think a part of me would have liked that," he said. "We'll have to see where things are going with my marriage. At this rate, it may not last long. Only time will tell."

Analesse shrugged and lightly patted his chest. "I won't wait for you, then. You aren't the type to just let love go that easily." Leaning in, she grinned and confided, "Your songs say so." And giving him a knowing wink, Analesse sashayed off towards the door.

With a laugh, Merrick followed her out. The night was very chilly as they stepped out of the White Noise. Freshly fallen snow covered the ground as they walked off into the night, content with each other's company, but not quite content with the situation in which they found themselves. If only was the dominant thought in each other's mind. If only things had been different...

---

"Desperation"
Zarrak - Bounty Hunter/Slaver
Nieme Yaresh - Empress of Tae'Karada

Location: Arcadia, Arcadian Palace
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

Zarrak was getting desperate. He hadn't had a job in two days. He mainly was desperate due to boredom and somehow getting into a cantina fight wouldn't fill up that gap for him.

As usual he sat at his corner booth, drinking some Jawa Beer imported from Tatooine. Next to him at the table was his datapad and his comlink.

The Dug was hoping that his job on taking out Femat Ovif would get him noticed. If that wasn't a load of crap than he wouldn't know what was. He didn't have a reputation on this rock like he did back on Tatooine. At time the miniature bounty hunter wondered why he left, so what if he stole slaves from his boss to sell to other crime lords?

Zarrak was reclining in his chair, his thick fingers were drumming along with the exotic beat the band played. His yellow eyes were fixed on some of the dancers. At least watching them and envisioning them dancing for him kept him from growing bored; boredom would then lead him to start shooting at random objects.

His idle thoughts were interrupted by his comm. It beeped and beeped, and when he answered it in agitation, the flat, monotonous voice of a young female spoke. "Mr. Zarrak, Empress Nieme has accepted your request for an audience. You will come now."

"Well that's wonderful," he growled into his comm, a sarcastic edge was audible in his voice. "But I don't know where the hell the damn the palace is. So you send me a damn speeder or something. If not then you can tell her royal highness to find another bounty hunter."

For a moment Zarrak almost wondered if he went too far but he shook that idea out of his head. He still held his comm in his hand as he waited for a response.

"Mr. Zarrak," came the dispassionate response, "the Empress will not care one way or the other if you attend her. She has many mercenaries at her disposal. We are located at the Arcadian Royal Palace. If you wish to benefit from Empress Nieme's generosity, you will arrive within the hour. Do you comprehend, sir?"

Zarrak released a long string of Huttese curses. "Yes, I comprehend. I'll be there," he snapped in Basic.

He flagged down a man in speeder and he pulled out several credits. "These are yours if you take me to the Arcadian Palace and make it fast."

The man smiled and increased his throttle. The sudden increase in speed caused Zarrak to get sucked into his seat. Within several minutes the Dug could make out the faint shape of a large building of some sort. He realized it was the palace and soon the man stopped his speeder and Zarrak handed him the promised credits. He climbed up the ferrocrete steps and stopped in front of a guard.

"I'm here to see Empress Nieme," he said. "Take me to see her now."

"She is expecting you," the guard responded curtly, and behind the two sentinels, the grand heavy doors parted with a deep groan.

Standing in the centre was an equadi-clad young woman with glossy brown hair falling around both shoulders. As beautiful as her features were, both dark eyes were cold and dead, hardening the young girl's looks. She bowed stiffly to Zarrak. "Follow me." And turned, her bare backside facing Zarrak, and started down the long corridor.

Zarrak's yellow eyes were resting on the girl's backside as he licked his lips. He may have been a different species, but that didn't mean poodoo to the Dug.

"So what is your name?" he asked her. "Maybe after my mission, if her royal highness allows it, maybe I could take you to my hotel room and uh..." A smiled touched his lips.

Unfazed by the lecherous remarks, the clone continued forward. "If it is your desire, you must request permission from Empress Nieme," was her flat reply. "I am certain, however, it will be denied." Stopping at the end of the corridor, before two more doors smaller than the first, the Yara clone turned to Zarrak, essentially cutting off his view or her rear. "This is the empress' throne room. You will be respectful, sir."

"I'll try my hardest to be polite," he grumbled. If there was one thing that should be known about him was that Zarrak's mouth was bigger than he was.

Paying little attention to his reply, Nieme's aide faced the doors again and walked forward, pushing them open. Perched on the tall throne was her highness, though hunched and pale, and looking frail. Her eyes, however, still held their fire, even if there was a manic cast about them. She beckoned Zarrak forward with a feral smile. "You're the bounty hunter?" Nieme sized him up and snorted derisively. "Are you so sure you're worth the credits?"

Zarrak glanced up at the woman, for a moment he was about to say something that would be considered rude but he stopped himself. Something about her scared him.

"Who cares about what I think." He licked his lips nervously. "The real question is this: are you so sure that I'm worth the credits? Of course I believe I'm worth the credits but what counts is how a future client views my skills."

"What skills?" Nieme retorted. "What is it you can do for me, Mr. Zarrak? I have many tasks to be completed." She smiled deviously. "Do you murder people?"

Zarrak smiled. "Yes I murder people," he told her. "I hate bringing in live bounties. I'm also a slaver." He placed the tips of his finger-like toes together. "Now let's get down to business. Is there a mission you wish me to do?"

"There are plenty of people I wish dead," Nieme drawled. Her shadowed eyes lost their focus, staring distantly into whatever twisted thoughts had entered her mind. "There are so many," she whispered. "So much blood...you might drown. Will you risk it? Can you?" A manic giggle trickled from her lips as she wrung her hands compulsively in anticipation. "Then, you won't hear them in your head, Niemiesh. Not anymore. Not ever again...."

"Yes I will risk and I can." He watched Nieme carefully as his left foot reached for his right Scatter pistol just in case she tried something. She was obviously insane.

"I'll make you a deal. You tell me who to kill or enslave and when I complete this task you will allow her to spend a night with me." He gestured to the girl. "And for allowing me to spend a night with her I will put you on the top of my list. What I mean by that is if, let's just say, another person and yourself hire me at the same time I will complete your mission first. Do we have a deal?"

Nieme's compulsive rocking stilled, and her narrowed eyes flashed towards Zarrak warily. "I could kill you, you know," she rasped. "If you betray me...I could kill you. I would kill all my enemies" --Nieme's lips trembled as a whimper escaped and her knees were drawn up to her chin-- "it's just...I can't leave here. They're out there - so many voices...the walls here, they keep those others out." Her crazed eyes flitted spastically to all the corners of the room, and she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "They're here...everywhere. They can hear us talking. I can't keep them out, though. Not these ones.... The walls won't keep these ones out. You-- You have to kill for me because I can't...can't go out there," she forced out between her clenched teeth. "You have to go to the desert...and you have to kill those desert rats so that she can come home." Nieme's breathing hastened. "You have to kill Pack and Yannick! You have to! I'll give you the girl. Just...just kill them!"

Zarrak nodded. "You have yourself a deal. Consider it done. I'll bring you their heads." With that he turned and walked out of the room.

Nieme shook with silent laughter, but her face registered only panic and desperation. She was one step closer to her lover's return...and an even larger one towards hell, where Thana would no doubt banish her for murdering Her children. Nieme was willing to accept such a fate, if Dani would be joining her there.

---

"Getting Away, Part 1"
By: Talara Sorenne
Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Vendra, Northern continent of Tae'Karada
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

The sun was hot as it shone down on the myriad vacationers clustered across the sands of Vendra. The northern continent of Tae'Karada held some of the premiere vacationing resorts on the entire planet. The heat wasn't nearly as devastating as the deserts on the southern continent, but it made for a very nice spot to spend a vacation.

With Nieme and Dani on the throne in Arcadia, the temperate areas of the southern continent had fallen into a sordid state of depravity. At the empresses' urgings clothing was not required, and open displays of sexuality were strongly encouraged. As each day passed, the cities slipped further and further into immorality. Many of the citizens of both New Plouton and Arcadia had fled to Vendra and other areas of the northern continent.

While the baring of flesh was accepted in Vendra, the attached hedonistic pleasure-seeking of Arcadia was not present. The nakedness allowed on the beaches was done so casually and comfortably, bodies displayed in their natural state. While perhaps thoughts slipped through the minds of the beachgoers of more amourous activities, none of those activities were ever conducted openly.

Taking a vacation from the Jedi Temple for a day, before their vacation from the planet entirely, had been encouraged by Kallia Brael. She told the foursome to go, and relax after everything they'd been through. She had come very close to using the Force to put them on a transport to the vacation resort. With much laughter, Raeila, Ferrig, Kael and Talara had finally given in, and packed some belongings to see them through their trip. And off they fled.

>From the chair on which she reclined, Talara sighed and opened her eyes. She was wearing a pair of black bikini bottoms, the top of which had been discarded as soon as she lay down. Occasionally, she'd felt a twinge of discomfort when she spotted someone looking at her. But after a moment, the safe feeling of her hand in Ferrig's or the presence of those she loved most in the world (with one notable absent exception) would make the knot in her stomach disappear. And, as Ferrig had pointed out, she wouldn't have any tan lines. She looked around again, and realized, unlike the Arcadian Palace or Jadda's Palace, she felt safe here. The dangers of life in either of the other places weren't present here.

She turned to Raeila next to her and smiled. "We really should get away more often," she said. "This is very nice."

Raeila opened one eye slowly and looked aside at Talara somnolently. The sun had certainly thrown her into a state of utter relaxation. "It's a nice distraction," she agreed, sighing. "Everyday is like this in the desert...except without all the water." As opposed to Talara, Rae had chosen modest dress - a one-piece, pink bathing suit over which she wore a gauzy robe. Her skin glistened with a layer of bronzing lotion. Turning onto her side and propping herself up on one elbow, she smiled at Talara directly. "You're feeling better then?"

Talara nodded. "It helps getting away and...and just being us," she said. "It also helps that some creep hasn't bent me over a chair to have his way with me despite how I'm dressed...or not. It helps. I...I was even able to...to let Ferrig kiss me goodnight last night, real kisses. It's slow, but I think I'll be better again soon, especially with days like this."

"You'll...you'll cry sometimes," Raeila confided solemnly, and from her far-off gaze, it was apparent Rae was staring into the past and her time with Jadda. "It'll be alright, though. After a while you just sort of...forget. Being with friends helps that."

Talara nodded slowly as she gazed off into the distance, at the swirling patterns reflecting off the water. "You and Kael, are you two able to...to...well, now? Is it...is it alright?"

Raeila blinked slowly, emerging from the pull of her memories, and gave Talara a rueful smile. "Most of the time, yes. But...it doesn't matter anyway. Kael and I--" Her words caught and Raeila quickly looked away to conceal her tears. "We can't have children - I can't, at least. It's taking some time to get used to that."

"Oh Raeila," Talara whispered. "I'm...I'm so sorry. There's been so much pain here...I mean, before...it's just." She fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "At least we have each other, all of us."

"And that's something we can be grateful for," Raeila told her a touch cheerfully, and reached across her chair to seek Talara's hand. Once found, she clung to it tightly. "We...we don't need a baby of our own," she insisted, though whether or not she was speaking to Talara or simply trying to convince herself was unclear. Her eyes were again distant. "I...I can be happy without one. As long as I have Kael...as long as he doesn't find someone else who can give him a baby and get rid of me." She smiled weakly. "We'll manage, I'm sure."

"I know you will," Talara said. "And, Kael loves you so much, Raeila, with or without a baby. You should have seen the way he was looking at you on the trip here when you fell asleep. I hope Ferrig looks at me that way when I don't know he's looking at me."

"But he does," Raeila whispered fervently. "Tala, even when you were with Jadda, I could tell he was thinking about you by the way he'd stare off into space and sigh wistfully." She grinned. "He's definitely hooked, Talara. You two are bound now."

Talara smiled happily. "He's so afraid he's going to hurt me when we're together," she said. "I...I think he's probably a little scared we won't be able to be together again, like we were before. I know I want to, inside, but...but I'm not ready yet. I...I hope I can be soon...I...I do want to be with him again, Raeila."

Raeila sighed. "Don't rush, Tala. Just enjoy one another's company right now. In time, you'll be able to be as close as you were. And in the meantime, you'll get a chance to know each other better. Isn't that great?"

"It is," Talara said with a grin. "Last night, he managed to get a late night snack out of Orn, and he brought it to me in my room. It was so sweet."

"He's always been like that," Raeila remembered fondly. "My big brother... He's always taken care of me, you know? He's just that type of person and always will be." Squeezing Talara's hand, Raeila smiled and whispered, "You two will be just fine."

"Thanks," Talara whispered. "And, you and Kael will be too. When we're together, Ferrig talks about you a lot. I'm so glad I get to spend more time with you, Raeila. You're the sister I never had."

She chuckled. "Same to you. Now...do you wanna go for a swim?" Raeila nodded towards the tame green ocean laid before them. "I can't go in too far, but I'm sure we can still get ourselves wet enough."

"Sure," Talara said with a happy grin, then glanced around, and then picked up her top and started putting it on. "Lying still is one thing, but...but they really start to look when I'm moving around."

Raeila surveyed the area around them for onlookers, then shrugged and hopped out of her chair. "Who cares? They only look because they want to touch." Giggling, she laid out her hand to Talara. "They can't see a thing once we're in the water...so shall we?"

Talara looked at Raeila's hand, then at the top in her own hand, then with a laugh she tossed the top aside and placed her hand in her friend's. "Yes we shall!" She hopped out of her chair and hugged Rae. Then the two raced off together toward the water.

***

Their plates had been cleared away as the four vacationers leaned back in their seats. Talara groaned. "Oh, I think I ate too much," she said. "It was amazing though. We have to bring Orn here so he can learn some of these, not that every night at the Temple isn't a feast already."

Ferrig chuckled as he made a show of loosening the belt on his pants. "I think I'm ready to just fall asleep right here."

"I guess that means the night's over," Raeila quipped, pushing away her half-finished meal. "Does this mean no one's up for dessert? I was so looking forward to that!"

"Oh," Talara said, remembering clearly the dessert cart that had been wheeled past earlier, "I think I still have some room." She patted her belly with a grin. "Besides, after everything, I think I need to put a few kilos back on."

"I'm sure the desserts here will take care of any missing weight in no time," Kael said with a chuckle. "I've got some room left, so we can flag down our server next time he goes by."

Rae nodded eagerly, and as the three waited briefly in silence, she leaned over to Kael and whispered, "Who's paying for all this anyway? I mean, luxurious dinners and dessert? Will we have enough?"

"I've got it," Kael said with a smile. "Master Liam Zaneth is helping a little, and I've been saving my stipend as a Jedi. We'll still have enough for our big vacation too."

"And after it's over?" she asked. "What will be left then?"

"Enough for us to start our new life together," Kael whispered with a warm, loving smile.

She grinned. "Good. That's what I was worried about. Our home in the desert... That's most important, Kael."

"We didn't have much of a chance, but I think I saw an area where we might want our home," he said. "Did you see that spot just north of where The Rhack used to be? They've got some other new homes there now, and I thought I saw a school too."

"A school?" she hollered excitedly. "What kind? We...we could go, Kael. I mean...I know how to read now and everything."

Kael chuckled. "I'm not sure yet," he said. "I was able to see it as we went by. But, maybe before we all leave, we can stop by and see. We can find our dream home together."

"Have you--" Raeila glanced at Talara and Ferrig, engrossed in their own conversation, then moved her lips closer to Kael's ear and whispered, "Have you asked Liam Zaneth yet? Have you told him you're moving away?"

"Not in detail," Kael answered in a hushed tone, "but he's aware of it. I'll talk to him in more detail about my plans as a Jedi, and then our plans as husband and wife. I don't know if the Jedi will want to lose me permanently, but after everything I think they'll allow for us to arrange our lives as we need to for our happiness."

"You really think so?" Raeila asked sardonically. "I doubt they care about you or I. They're selfish that way."

Kael thought for a moment, and then shrugged. "They won't have much of a choice," he said. "While I support the cause of the Jedi, I will not set aside my family or our future."

"Not anymore," she reminded him. "Not again, I hope."

"Not again," Kael said. "While a part of me will always be a warrior, I must now learn to become a healer."

Raeila giggled as she wrapped her arm around his and pulled him in for a brief kiss. "And a lover, right?"

With a low chuckle, Kael gazed into her eyes. "I like to think I'm already good at that part," he said. "If you'd like a demonstration later, I'm ready and willing."

Raeila snickered and buried her face into Kael's shoulder. Giddy with delight and expectation of their future together, Raeila could do nothing to cease her muffled laughter. It would have been far more joyful, however, if they could conceive the child she'd always desired. But, that time would come if fate was on their side.

"What are you two giggling about," Talara asked with a laugh. As Raeila and Kael glanced over, Ferrig had seated himself on Talara's lap, an amusing sight considering their differences in height.

"Oh, nothing much," Raeila lied with a large grin. "What exactly are you two doing?"

"Ferrig claims his chair wasn't comfortable anymore, and he had to see if mine was," Talara said with a look that said she wasn't sure if she believed him. "He didn't bother to wait for me to get out of my chair before checking though."

"It's much more comfortable than mine," Ferrig said with a grin.

Raeila chuckled. "Well I imagine Talara isn't. If you want to feel her up, you could use a more direct method, foolish brother of mine!"

"Well, I wasn't sure if she'd be...you know," he said. "So, I figured...maybe if I sat on her lap, it wouldn't be quite like...and remind...if you know what I mean."

Talara smiled up at him. "He can be so thoughtful sometimes, can't he," she said to Raeila. She reached out and took Ferrig's hand in hers. With a happy smile for him, she kissed his hand and then placed it on her breast, thankful the patrons behind them wouldn't be able to see. "There, you're allowed to touch there as long as you have my permission."

"You're sure?"

Tala looked down at his hand, then up at him again.

"I guess you are, or my hand wouldn't be there, right?"

"He's smart too," she said with a giggle. "Just stay on the outside of my top so they don't throw us out of here."

"And us along with you," Raeila informed them, then smiled. "Go on. You two get out of here and have some fun."

Ferrig glanced back at Talara, who looked up at him, and nodded shyly. "I want to walk on the beach," she said softly. "I've always wanted to."

Ferrig smiled and slid off her lap. He held his hand out to her, which she took eagerly, and the two were off toward the beaches.

Kael watched them go. "It's nice to see her spirit returning," he said. "I was worried for a bit."

"I still am," Rae sighed. "If she's anything like me, she'll have her good days and her bad days where it's hard even to get out of bed. But...I hope it's not like that for her."

"Well, just like she has Ferrig to help her through, you'll always have me," Kael said. "As long as Ferrig doesn't try to take her too far, too fast, she'll bounce back, I think. There are many days when I have my doubts about their relationship, but they love each other so much and I can't bring myself to say anything. I'm too happy for their happiness."

Raeila smiled wanly. "Won't the Force work it out for them, in the end?"

"There are some things where yes, the Force guides us," Kael said, "but I believe that to rely solely on the Force for your happiness, you won't be very happy. There are some, some of the older Masters specifically, who rely on the Force's guidance in all matters. For my life with you, I prefer to let my own feelings guide me."

"It is better that way," she mused. "I mean, if you hadn't listened to the Force before, you never would've left the desert. We...we could have had a child by now."

Kael nodded. "But, I guess on the other hand, you could look at all the things that happened because of me leaving the desert. Pack and Yannick have turned Thanatos into a prosperous township where the people have hope again, a place where we can be happy to raise a family." He was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Though, of all the other things, I'm not sure if the cost was too high, and not just for us."

"For who then?" she asked softly, brushing a wind-blown strand of golden hair away from her eyes as she watched him.

"It's so difficult to see all the ties binding events together," Kael said. "But, Nieme and Dani may not have ended up on the throne, and the whole planet wouldn't be suffering for it. Talara wouldn't have gone through what she had. There's just so much, all connected. I think, of all people, we were the most affected by it. Even so, your brother wouldn't have fallen madly in love with Talara if we hadn't left. The Jedi still wouldn't know what good cooking was. And, I would never have seen you in a bikini."

"You could have still," she chuckled. "We might still have gone on vacation together." Her mood darkening, Raeila whispered quietly, "We could have a baby, Kael. I...I can't get over that. I can't stop crying over what we've lost. I don't know if I ever will."

Kael took both of her hands in his. "I know, Raeila," he whispered. "I do, too. I can't help feeling angry and bitter. I can't help wanting to go to Arcadia and bring the palace down around Dani and Nieme's ears. There are moments when the power of the dark side is so very tempting, if only to let loose my rage and burn those two to ashes where they stand. But, if I did that, I would lose myself and I would lose you.

"We will have a child, Raeila. We'll have a beautiful son or daughter. Whatever Nieme did to you, I will find a way to undo. I promise you, Raeila, I will learn whatever power it takes, and we will have a baby of our own!"

Raeila sobbed quietly, her grey eyes drowning in tears. "I know, Kael," she whispered. "I just...you don't know how I feel. It's like...I'm hollow inside. I'm so cold and empty.... I want a baby so badly, and it's killing me to know I can't. It's killing my spirit, Kael."

"And there's nothing at all I can do," Kael said sitting back and watching her. "I do know how you feel, Raeila, to some degree. I can feel it from you through the Force. I can feel your despair... Please, Raeila, don't give up...don't give up on me...don't give up on us."

"I'm not," she told him quickly. Taking his hand, she brought it to her lips and kissed it ardently, then pressed it to her chest. "I'm not giving up on us, Kael. That's just how I feel sometimes. I don't want to feel this way, but so much has happened... I need time to get over it all. And I can only do that" --Rae smiled warmly-- "with you helping me."

"And, you can count on that for always," Kael said as he returned her smile with equal warmth. "And, perhaps you and Talara can help each other through this as well. I think of all of those we know, she's the only one who has experienced it too."

"I know," she admitted softly. "But that may not be it completely, Kael. So much has happened...and I think I've just finally reached my breaking point." Laughing quietly, Raeila snuggled up against Kael and whispered, "But...you'll mend me. You always know how."

"Well, we have some mending to do tonight," he said as he nuzzled his lips against her throat. He suddenly chuckled softly. "It looks like Tala and Ferrig found some friends." He nodded toward the doorway.

---

"Getting Away, Part 2"
By: Talara Sorenne
Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid
Ferrig Mullerin
Tralesha Zibel
Orinth Neerou
Yelara Neerou
Leshie Zaneth

Location: Vendra, Northern continent of Tae'Karada
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

Ferrig and Talara were still holding hands, but beside them were friends from the Temple. Next to Ferrig was Tralesha Zibel laughing at something Ferrig had said. Beside her was Orinth Neerou, looking as happy as the man had looked in some time. The reason for his joy was easy to spot in his granddaughter walking at his side with little Va'Lesh happily swinging his legs. She had visited the Temple for a short time, and had always seemed on the edge of despair, but now she seemed happy and was even laughing along with the others.

"Look who we found," Talara said with a big, happy smile for Raeila and Kael.

"Tralesha!" Raeila hollered, pushing out of her seat and rushing towards them. "You're here!"

Tralesha laughed as she was caught in a hug by Raeila, and returned it happily. "I thought I heard you four were headed this way," she said. "This is wonderful! Leshie got his first swimming lesson today. We were just coming in for some dinner when we saw Talara and Ferrig." She glanced back at Ferrig and blushed at the look he gave her. She quickly looked away, chiding herself for her reaction. "Looks like you guys are just finishing."

"We're not interrupting, I hope," Orinth told them, while Talara tickled Leshie's belly with Ferrig looking on; Yelara watched the two with more ease now, and smiled at her son's joy.

"No, don't worry, we're finished," Rae assured them genially. "We can walk together."

"He's such a beautiful baby," Talara said as she grinned up at Yelara. "Did he enjoy the beach today?"

"He did," she answered slowly, almost suspiciously. But, Leshie's beaming smile at the girl abated some of Yelara's apprehensions. "I think this is his first time," she added. "I'm sure he'll want to come again."

"He's such a beautiful boy," Raeila breathed. Leshie wrapped his hand around her finger and brought it up to his mouth to suckle. Raeila smiled wistfully at the child. His beauty and affection made her own loss felt more deeply.

Kael came up behind her and put his hands on Raeila's shoulders. He couldn't help the pang he felt as he looked at Yelara, and she didn't even recognize him. He kissed the top of Rae's head. "Hopefully our child will be just as beautiful," he said. "But, if he gets his looks from my side, there won't be much hope."

Raeila laughed weakly and eased her finger free of Leshie's hand. He watched her with large, violet eyes and a smile so full of wonder. Raeila choked on a sob and turned into Kael's embrace. Yelara watched with much concern.

"Tralesha," she said quietly, "I think Leshie and I should go back to our room. He needs some rest."

"He does?" Tralesha asked softly as she gazed up into Yelara's eyes. She gave her friend a knowing smile. "These are good people, Yelara. But, if you will want to go, I'll take you two up."

"Stay with your friends," she urged Talara gently, and smiled softly. "We'll be fine."

"Do you want me to bring something up to you when I come up? Everything looks so good," Tralesha said.

Yelara chuckled. "No...it's alright. We've already had a snack." While assuring Tralesha, she accepted her heavy child from Orinth's arms and kissed his forehead. "Well...it was nice meeting you all," she told the small group of strangers. "I hope you enjoy your vacation."

"It was very nice meeting you," Talara said with a bright smile for Yelara.

Kael looked away, turning his body to comfort Raeila more fully. The Yelara he knew was gone, and this one had no idea who he was. With a sigh, he closed that door into his past, and allowed the energy from it to focus into his future with Raeila.

"Maybe we'll see you again before we head out tomorrow," Ferrig said with a smile for Yelara, though his eyes were on Tralesha.

"If Leshie's up for it," Yelara replied, glancing down at her boy. He responded with a squeal and flapped his arms in ready agreement. Yelara laughed lightly. "Well...that settles it. We'll meet again tomorrow morning."

"I'll go up with you, dear," Orinth told Yelara, then bowed his head companionably at the four. "Have a nice evening. You children deserve it." And placing a thin arm around Yelara's shoulders, the three started away through the sands.

Tralesha watched them go, then turned back to the others. "I know you guys have already eaten, but I'm starving," she said. "If you don't want to sit with me, that's okay," she said.

"Oh, I don't mind," Ferrig said. "I've still got room left."

Talara looked up quizzically at Ferrig, but said nothing. She turned to Raeila, who smiled lightly at her friend. "We were just ordering dessert. You can join us, Tralesha. You'll sit beside me, won't you?" Raeila added to ease Talara's apprehensions.

"That'd be great," Tralesha said with a grin as they all turned back to the table. "It's actually been really nice here. I can't remember the last time I was able to just relax like this. Between everything else, it's been a hectic few months. My father's given up on me now, though, so I guess I'm feeling safer now. So, how are you guys doing?"

"I'm just glad to be back at the Temple with people who care about me and who don't just think about me as an object." Talara looked at the others. "I'm just so happy to feel loved again."

"You always were," Rae reminded her, reaching their table. "But, we're all together now, right? It almost gives everything that happened a purpose."

As they all resumed their seats and Kael flagged over one of the servers, Ferrig glanced across the table where Raeila had asked Tralesha to sit, and almost chuckled. His sister had obviously seen him looking. And, why not look, he thought. Tralesha's an attractive woman, and there was no harm in enjoying a glance. He reached down and took Talara's hand in his and kissed it. "So, we're out of here and back to the Temple in the morning, right?"

"We have no choice," Raeila sighed regretfully. "Kael and I have much to do...and we don't have very many credits to spend."

"Well, if you need any financial help, let me know," Tralesha said with a warm smile. "Orinth and I are looking for an apartment near Yelara, but outside of those expenses, I don't really have a lot else to spend it on. I know there isn't a lot of money coming in to the Jedi, so I'm happy to help out my friends where I can."

"That's very kind of you," Ferrig said with a smile. "Not many people would be so giving."

Kael raised an eyebrow at Ferrig, then turned to Tralesha. "Really, we're alright for now," he said. "After our trip things will be tight, but I'm sure we'll make it. We can't thank you enough for your offer though. It means very much to us that you would be so generous."

"I'm just happy to help however I can," Tralesha said.

"Well, tonight is our treat," Raeila offered with a smile. "We're just glad to see you. We should hang out with one another a lot more often." She watched Talara. "Right?"

"That'd be nice," Tralesha said with a grin as she glanced between Tala and Rae. "As much as I love Orinth, it's nice to be able to spend time with people my own age. Tonight can be your treat, but you'll have to let me cover at least one night of your trip. Just don't leave before I have a chance to get the credits to you. Have you booked passage yet?"

"Not yet," Kael said. "I've got three different possibilities, but haven't decided which."

"Well, don't," Tralesha said. "I'll take you out in the Rose. I think I may be able to round up a delivery to make on my way back, and I'll pick you up when you're done. It'll save you a bunch of credits too."

Raeila looked between each of her friends, then beamed a smile at Tralesha. "Sure...that'd be great. It's a good thing Tala and Ferrig found you guys. What are you doing here anyway? I thought this place was only for couples."

Tralesha laughed. "We didn't really know that when we came here," she said. "We wanted to take Leshie to the beach, but didn't really want to go to one of the beaches...well, we wanted to get away from the oppression. So we came here. We still had fun though, and I think I was propositioned about a hundred times."

Raeila giggled. "Do you blame them? Those clothes cover a lot, but they're too tight to really conceal anything. I just wish I had your curves!"

Tralesha laughed. "Your own curves are just fine," she said with a grin. "Trust me. And, it was worse earlier. I was wearing a bikini, and I think one guy almost drooled on me."

"I can safely say that wasn't me," Ferrig chimed in. "Not that I wouldn't have if I'd been there, of course. I'm sure you are quite spectacular in a bikini. I imagine the three of you would have had jaws dropping all over the beach if you were roaming around together."

Noting Talara's discomfort, Raeila glared at her brother, then covered it with a grin for Tralesha. "He's just joking. He's not really this perverted."

Talara giggled along with Tralesha. "Of course he is," Tala said. "You should have seen how upset he was when he found out he missed me sunbathing without a top on. He wanted to go right back out for more." She slapped his arm. "Pervert."

Ferrig held up his hands in surrender. "Hey, I'm male. It's expected."

"Hey, pal," Kael said. "Don't drag my gender into this. You're gonna have to stand on your own perverted feet."

Ferrig chuckled. "Oh fine," he said with an exasperated sigh. "You three are still the most beautiful in the entire room." He glanced at Talara and kissed the top of her head. "Especially my Tala."

Talara blushed at his attention and stifled another giggle.

That's better, Raeila harrumphed mentally and grinned at the two. "Well...thank you, brother. It's nice to be noticed...even if it is by a lecherous fool."

"That's not what you were calling me last night," Ferrig said with a smug grin.

Before he could continue, the server arrived and took their dessert orders and Tralesha's meal order. Once she was gone, Kael adeptly steered the conversation away from bikinis and toward the vacation they'd be taking.

It wasn't long before food was placed on the table again, and they all dug in with Raeila, Talara, and Tralesha carrying on a conversation between bites. Ferrig and Kael began a conversation of their own, and the time passed quickly. It was a comfortable time, something all five needed. Ferrig's comments slipped into the backs of minds, out of focus, and any discomfort drifted into the past.

As Talara was explaining what her training when she returned to the Temple would be comprised of, she yawned suddenly, then giggled. "I think I'm tired," she said.

"Definitely looks that way," Tralesha said. "I think I am too. It's amazing how quickly Leshie can wear you out, thought Orinth...he may look old, but his spirit is strong and he's got enough energy for two people."

"I can imagine," Raeila replied seriously. "I mean, dealing with Yelara? That must be tough. I didn't know her, but from what Kael's told me, she's a very different woman now."

Tralesha nodded. "I didn't know her before, but...I think she's adjusting. She's not very comfortable around people, especially people who knew her before. I can't imagine what it must have been like for her, to...to be gone, and suddenly come back. I don't think she remembers anything at all. But, I think she's coming along slowly."

Raeila sighed. "That's good. Leshie's such a beautiful boy... He deserves to have a mother who isn't a nut."

Tralesha nodded. "She's trying to start her life over, but it isn't easy for her," she said. "She has this guy who she works with. They seem fond of each other, but...but I'm not sure about him. He seems...odd, but I'm not sure how to describe it."

"Well...is he bad for her?" Raeila asked, now intrigued. "Forbidden love!"

"He's very mysterious, that's for sure," Tralesha said. "I also don't know what species he is. He looks sort of human, but not really. But, she likes him and they seem to be happy when they're together, and I think that's what she needs. I don't know what's going to happen with Yelara and Liam though. I feel really bad for him."

"Me too," Raeila added glumly. "I really like Liam Zaneth. He deserves complete happiness for once. I just wish those friendships he has at the Temple were enough for him."

"Well, we can be his friends," Tralesha said. "Shaza and he used to be close, but...but I think she did some things. I don't think he really trusts her now."

"I don't think he trusts many people nowadays," Raeila pointed out. "He's been kind to Kael, though, so maybe there's hope after all."

"I guess we just have to keep hoping things go well for him," Talara said. "For all of us."

Raeila nodded slowly, wishing for just that. As the waiter arrived to clear their table of hastily consumed tempting desserts, Raeila leaned up against Kael for the comfort of his touch. Everyone's lives seemed in a tumult and no true joy ahead for any of them. The torberry chocolate cake she had ordered, however, brought a moment of contentment. It had done the trick.

***

The climb up the stairs was a long one. The hour was late and they had all eaten their fill as the small group dragged themselves toward their rooms.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to eat anything ever again," Talara mumbled as they reached their floor.

"I know what you mean," Tralesha said with a sigh. "I definitely won't be able to fit into my bikini tomorrow."

Ferrig nearly commented, but a glance from Kael stopped him. "So tired," he said instead. "I think I'm going to sleep all the way until tomorrow night."

"Me too," Rae mumbled, her head laying upon Kael's shoulder and both eyes closed. "I thought vacations were supposed to be a time of relaxation?"

"You are very relaxed," Kael said with a grin. "But, you ate three pieces of that cake, so you're relaxed and full at the same time."

"I was hungry," she protested, then sighed and buried her face into the curve of Kael's neck.

"Don't worry," he said as he turned his head slightly to kiss her forehead, "once we're in our room, I'll help you get perfectly relaxed."

Talara giggled. "I'll close my eyes."

Sinking deeper and deeper into somnolence, Raeila muttered, "I thought you were sleeping in Ferrig's room tonight, Tala?"

"Oh...I...yes, yes...I am," she said. "I guess I'm really sleepy." She reached out and took Ferrig's hand. "We'll see you in the morning." She turned to Tralesha. "It was really nice seeing you again. I guess we'll see you back at the Temple, unless we see you before we leave tomorrow."

"I look forward to it," Tral said. "It's nice having friends again, that's for sure. You guys sleep well."

Rae raised her arm in a sleepy wave, then let it drop limply to her side again. "Night, Tralesha...don't forget to lock your door..."

Tralesha nodded. "Thanks," she said. "I just hope I don't wake up the others when I get to our room. Night everyone." With a final wave and smile, she turned and moved off toward the room she was sharing with Orinth, Yelara, and Leshie.

"Well, I think that's our cue to go in and get sleep," Kael said.

"Me too." And opening her eyes briefly to smile at Ferrig and Tala, Raeila and Kael slipped inside their own room. Raeila briefly speared her brother with a warning stare, then turned away.

Ferrig looked back at Rae as he and Tala were walking toward their door and shrugged. He waved off her concern and smiled. "Goodnight, Rae," he said. "Sleep well, and don't let him keep you up all night relaxing you."

She stuck out her tongue at her brother before the two disappeared inside their room.

***

Ferrig lay on the bed staring a the ceiling. At his side, Talara slept peacefully. He sighed and glanced at her, then sat up. Talara didn't move, and so he slid off the bed and pulled on some clothes. At the door, he glanced back at Tala. With another sigh, he pulled open the door and slipped out.

Walking down the hall, lost in his own thoughts, Ferrig paid no mind to where he was going. He wasn't certain how long he'd wandered before he spotted a figure he recognized.

"Thank you," he heard her say to a man behind a counter. As he looked, he realized she was speaking with the concierge. She stepped away from the counter with a bottle of pills and spotted Ferrig. "Hey there, couldn't sleep either?"

"No," he muttered. "Was just lying there, so I figured I'd take a walk. Fancy meeting you here. Stomach?"

"Yes, I think I ate too much," she said. "This'll help."

"Anything I can do to help?"

Tralesha shook her head. "No, I'm fine."

"You sure," Ferrig said as he came around behind her. His hand brushed her shoulder.

"Ferrig, we really shouldn't be...what about Talara."

"Trust me," Ferrig whispered and kissed her throat. "Trust me..."

Tralesha whimpered softly, but she couldn't pull away. He was attractive and he was touching her in ways she hadn't been touched in some time, and he hadn't even put his hands anywhere sensitive yet. "Ferrig," she whispered, "we can't do this. I can't do this. You're a very attractive man, and...and we just can't."

"Tell me you don't find me attractive, Tralesha," Ferrig whispered. "Tell me there isn't a part of you that doesn't want this."

"Ferrig, I don't...I don't want this...this isn't ri--"

Whatever she was going to say disappeared when Ferrig's lips found hers. Bit by bit, the kiss and his hands on her body melted away the resistances she'd put up against him.

"Don't worry about Talara," he whispered when the kiss broke. "Everything is fine. Come on, let's go find somewhere private."

With her hand in his, Ferrig led them out and onto the beach. His life had been filled with pleasure whenever he desired, and both of the women to whom he could go had turned their backs on him, closed their bodies to him. He was going mad without any contact, without delirious release. He looked back and gave Tralesha a smile. The one she returned to him was hesitant and filled with doubts. Soon he would clear all those doubts away for her. Just as soon as they found somewhere they could have some privacy.

---

"Prelude to Freedom"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
Vaya Bek
VeeTa (NPC Written by Vaya Bek)
WinLos (NPC Written by Vaya Bek)
Other Hjarii NPC's

Location: Hjarii Village, Hjarii Moon World
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

After the uneventful meal with the Hjarii villagers, WinLos and Laedra had returned to the hut to plan out their little mission to see exactly what they might have to be up-against in regards to the Company's defenses. The two had left early in the morning to survey the Company's base of operations.

As suspected, they had witnessed increased security patrols, but the buildings of the Company itself were still maintained with minimal forces in the form of several standard security droids and one living being.

WinLos's grandfather had been away at the mines when the pair had arrived, but on the way back, he had returned. Word had spread to every village and to those of the Company of the thwarted attack upon one of the villages by the Jeedai. Hearing of the Hjarii leaders' condoning of the Jedi to help, WinLos's grandfather agreed to help by taking the Jedi to the Company leaders.

Satisfied with their findings, they then raced back to the village to gather the Jedi in hopes of ending the Hjarii plight peacefully, but to end it none-the-less.

At the Hjarii village Laedra, WinLos and his grandfather joined with Koran, the Padawans, VeeTa and the Hjarii leaders.

WinLos's grandfather humbly approached the Elders and offered a gift before them. He procured a package, an object wrapped in worn leather.

"Hear me, Brothers and Sisters," he said in a gruff Hjarii voice. "I offer this gift, as it is not mine to hold, but rather it belongs to all Hjarii. Long have I toiled among our people to do the Company's work and bidding. Long have I tried to help those who labor day and night. Though I have little faith in the Prophecies, I respect the wisdom of the Great Shaman and the deliberation of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. I have agreed to the Jeedai to bring them before the Company leaders in hope that they might end our burdens and give our world and lives back to our kind."

One of the Elders took the gift and unwrapped up. The elder Hjarii man procured an ivory like staff of wood with carvings. The other half of the story that the Shaman had given to Koran, entailing the trade between the Company and the Hjarii so many generations before.

"I guess," Laedra whispered to Koran as they watched the proceedings, "this means he has agreed to become our escort."

"I think we may be getting closer to an end in this," Koran said. "I just hope we can do so before the Company decides to strike back."

"As do I, and my people," WinLos's grandfather replied. "Word has reached the Company of your presence and actions in defending the village. I owe it to my people to help in anyway I can...I owe it to WinLos who has bravely brought you here. I do not know what you can do, but I know that I can safely deliver you to the Company leaders. I have known for a long time the injustices they have committed upon us, but we have never been a match to throw them from our world."

"I feel that is the case because your people have yet to fully unite towards this cause," Laedra posited. "Do you believe they are close to achieving that at this time?"

"Since your arrival, and your actions at defending one of villages," the Hjarii said. "I believe so. Hope has sparked in the hearts of many. We just don't know what we are to do. We have never been warriors..."

Laedra smiled warmly and answered, "Neither have I. But it is not about brute force, WinLos. It is about organization and mindful planning...and above all else," she added with an encouraging nod, "cooperation with one another. You all share the same goal - peace. Should that not be enough?"

"It should, yes," he replied somewhat solemnly. "I do hope so."

"Then," Laedra suggested, "would it be prudent to form an embassy to visit the Company, with the Jedi as ambassadors?" She coaxed him with a smile. "Certainly they would not be opposed to that."

WinLos's grandfather replied, "They would see you, but I would not expect them to be very gracious, nor to bow out from this world. They have everything to gain and lose."

One of the Hjarii Elders spoke up, adding, "Perhaps we need to show them our unity, as the Jedi have said. Perhaps we all need to make our stand and show the Company that we will have no more."

Another huffed, "Why they haven't already just done away with us is a miracle in itself," he said sourly. "What makes you think they just won't slay us all on the spot and be done with it? The Jedi cannot protect us all if the Company desired to do so!"

"Then sit here and die slowly as we have for generations," another spoke out. "Or stand and die like a true Hjarii with honor, if that is what the Gods will!"

"The Gods would not have returned the Jedi to us were it not that they were here to help give us our salvation," VeeTa said. "But the Jedi cannot do it alone, and they should not. WinLos and his grandfather will accompany the Jedi to the Company leaders, I shall stay behind and help gather our people. We shall all march onward and stand with the Jedi for our freedom."

The Shaman grunted her approval as she joined the conversation.

A Clan Matriarch held out the second half of the scepter that WinLos's grandfather had given. The Shaman took it and gave it to Koran, as VeeTa translated for the Jedi.

"The Shaman says that this is the only tangible proof we have as to the trade that was made with the Company long ago. She says she has faith in the Jedi resolve and wisdom to bring an end to the Company's presence here, as should we all. The broken scepter symbolizes our divided people, Shaman says she hopes that by the end of the day the two pieces can be put back together again to symbolize our unity and the beginning of a new life for the Hjarii."

The Shaman grunted a few more words, and VeeTa said with a smile, "Shaman also says enough blubbering, time to move on!"

Laedra and Koran glanced aside at each other, frowning quizzically. "I imagine that means it is time for us to depart," she told him and regarded the Shaman, to whom she executed a bow. "As you wish. We will return only when we have good news." And with the same show of respect for the elders, Laedra and Koran, accompanied by WinLos and his grandfather, turned out of the hut to begin their journey...

---

"Square One"
by: Reeve

Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY
Location: Thanatos

***

Night had fallen over the desert city of Thanatos.

Gelko, a Rodian with connections in the local underworld, emerged from the cantina. The spice was still fresh in his system, and his entire body tingled from the high. Without a care in the world, he ambled down the dark streets. He did not fear for his safety - one does not live long in Thanatos without learning how to handle a blaster, inebriated or not.

The money Reeve had paid him to contact his "employer" had made it possible for Gelko to really enjoy himself the past few nights. The credits had gone to support Gelko's many vices - namely spice and women.

Of course, other Rodians found Gelko offensive. Normally, Rodians live for the hunt, which is why so many of their kind became bounty hunters. To become dependent on a chemical was rare for their species, and finding the human form attractive was an even worse perversion. So, most of Gelko's species did not find him company enjoyable.

Not that it mattered - Gelko didn't need their approval. He had learned early on that all the blasters in the world didn't do you any good if you were a fool. Gelko knew how to work the angles, how to con and trick. That was all he needed to get by - leave the hunting to the kath hounds.

That was how Gelko had come into the recent fortune. He'd heard the stories about Reeve, and saw it as a grand opportunity - if the rumors about Budo Pumbular's fortune falling into Reeve's hands were true (as they had proven to be), then Reeve would certainly have the credits. And so Gelko approached him, armed with nothing but his skill at negotiation and deception.

And it had worked. Reeve had bought it. Now, he was off somewhere in the desert, probably dead by now, and Gelko was here in the city, living up the good life.

Let the kath hounds have their hunts, Gelko thought to himself as he approached the door of his small home. I'll take the time to enjoy life's simpler pleasures.

Gelko stepped inside his home, fumbled for the lighting controls, found them. He pressed the button, and frowned (or, at least, the Rodian equivalent of one) when nothing happened. He pressed them again, and once more, but still the house remained dark. Dark and quiet.

Must be a short in the power system,~ Gelko thought. It didn't matter - Rodians could see in the dark better than other humanoids, and he knew the house well enough to find his way without the assistance of lights. He was tired now- he would simply find his bed and worry about fixing the power in the morning.

Gelko stumbled through the house, unhooking his blaster and laying it on the table before entering the bedroom in the back. His home was small and sparsely furnished - most of the credits he came across were immediately spent on spice, so he had little furniture. His bed, though, was comfortable, and he was certainly looking forward to it.

As he entered his room, however, he stopped. His vision was not what it might be, due to the spice that was still in his system, but he thought he could see the dark outline of someone standing at the window, looking out onto the street. He blinked, thinking his mind and the spice were playing tricks on him, but the blurry image remained. His doubts as to whether or not it was really there evaporated immediately when he heard the voice - a voice that turned his blood into ice.

"Hello, Gelko."

The figure turned to face him, and even before it did, Gelko knew who he would see.

"Reeve," he said. "I... how did you find me?"

"Why Gelko," Reeve said, tilting his head slightly. "Does that mean you were trying to hide from me?"

"I... no, no, I just... I wasn't expecting you to show up here... now," Gelko stammered. He did his best to estimate where he had left his blaster - on the table in the front room. There was no way he could reach it quickly.

"I hope you don't mind that I let myself in," Reeve said, turning to face the window again. "I had to short-out the lock on the door. It had the unavoidable side-effect of killing the power, which is why your light-switch isn't working. It shouldn't be too difficult to fix... you could even pay someone to do it, with all the credits I gave you."

"Ah yes, those," Gelko said. His mind was racing, even with all the spice in his system. He had to stall, buy himself some time, time enough at least for him to get to his blaster and put Reeve down for good.

"Yes," Reeve said, his voice cold. "Those."

"I suppose you want to know what my employer said about you," Gelko said, slowly inching his way out of the room. "Well, he's interested, but he's a very busy man. Has appointments all the time... he has to find a way to squeeze you in. But he assured me he was interested, he said..."

"Save your lies, Gelko, or I shall tear your deceiving tongue out of your ugly little head."

"Lies? Never! I assure you, I spoke with him just yesterday, and he said..."

"You have the smell of spice on you," Reeve said, still facing the window. "You should be careful with such vices. They make you a much less effective liar."

"Now wait a minute!" Gelko protested. Only about another foot and a half, and he would be out of the room. From there, it was only another foot to the table. He felt certain he could make it if he was quick and careful about. "I have never lied to you, Reeve, and I will not have you invading my home at this time of night so you can accuse me of such a thing!"

"I've come to do more than accuse you, Gelko," Reeve said. "And by the way, if you so much as look in the direction of your blaster, you will be dead before a drop of your foul green blood touches the ground."

Gelko's heart sank. He stopped moving.

"You know, Gelko, I have been called many things," Reeve said, still not turning to face him. "I've been called a murderer. A monster. Some have even said I was evil. Understandable descriptors, all of them."

Gelko tried to think of something to say. He couldn't.

"But I have never been called a liar," Reeve continued, "for the simple reason that I never lie if I don't have to. I find lying distasteful, you see - the act of concealing one's true motives or actions suggests that they are improper, immoral. One should take pride in their actions and motives, even if they do not always coincide with what most people consider 'proper behavior'.

"Which is why I am going to be honest with you now, Gelko. I feel that I owe you at least that much. I'm going to kill you."

"But... why?" Gelko asked.

"Because you lied to me, Gelko, and I've made my attitude towards deception clear. But even more, it's that you tricked me. I don't like to be tricked, Gelko, and pride myself on the fact that doing so is not easy. You stared me in the face and lied to me, and I couldn't tell. That distresses me greatly."

Finally, Reeve turned to face him again. Even through the darkness of the room, which enveloped them both like a shroud, Gelko could feel Reeve's dark eyes on him, piercing him to the core.

"It took me a few days to realize what had happened," Reeve said, "...and even then I had trouble admitting it to myself. To think that a miserable excuse for a sentient like you was able to deceive me is not a conclusion I came to easily. However, as more time went by and there was still no word, I realized that it was the only reasonable explanation."

"It wasn't a lie!" Gelko said. "I have connections, I can make some introductions..."

"It's too late for that now, Gelko," Reeve said. "Come here, and I promise it will be quick."

Gelko did not go to him. Instead, he turned and sprang out of the room. He closed the distance between himself and the table in a matter of seconds. But even as his hand closed around the handle of the blaster, he could feel Reeve's hand closing around his throat. Then, there was a sudden, sharp pain that shot through his arm, and the blaster clattered to the floor. Stunned, Gelko looked down and saw bone poking through his green skin.

The spice was just beginning to wear off. That's a shame, Gelko thought. It might have dulled the pain somewhat.

Gelko wanted to say something witty, to go out with a laugh. Instead, all he could do was beg. And when that didn't work, all that was left to do was scream.

***

An hour later, Reeve emerged from the house.

His blade still hung at his side. He had not removed it from it's sheathe, simply because he did not want to soil the weapon with the blood of a spice-addicted Rodian fool. Besides, Reeve had learned many ways to inflict pain without a weapon from the Imperials.

Gelko had not died well. If he had come to Reeve when asked, his death would have been quick and painless as Reeve had promised. Instead, the idiot decided to go for his weapon, thinking he could move faster than Reeve.

He was wrong. And he had suffered for it. Badly.

Now, as Reeve stepped onto the darkened street and breathed the night air, he took stock of his situation. He was back at square one.

No matter. Something would come up. It always did.

---

"Confronting Injustice, Part 1"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
Vaya Bek
VeeTa (NPC Written by Vaya Bek)
WinLos (NPC Written by Vaya Bek)
Jon'Luk, WinLos's Grandfather (NPC Written By Vaya Bek)
Luur, Adarian Company Leader (NPC Written by Girra)
Bom, Advozse Company Leader (NPC Written by Girra)
Daulty, Neimoidian Company Leader (NPC Written by Girra)

Location: Hjarii Village, Hjarii Moon World
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

The Jedi and their Hjarii escort rounded the hill just past WinLos's village, the one he had grown up within before his father had died. In the small valley below the complex that was the center of the Company's operation on the Hjarii world could be seen, much the same as it was earlier that day when Laedra and WinLos had come to scope out the area. They had seen several patrols on their way, off in the distance - but they were not hassled or stopped. Obviously, it was thought, the Company knew there would be visitors.

Vaya thought about what might transpire, if the Company officials would listen to what they had to say, if they would relinquish their illegal and immoral control over these people. She was sure that the Company officials had to be on-guard, knowing that there were Jedi running about. She could only trust in training, in the skill and wisdom of the Master Jedi, and of course in the Force.

Koran glanced aside at Lae, a slight frown on his face. He searched her eyes to see if she sensed it as he did. The look she gave him told him she did as well. "While I have concerns," he said softly for her to say, "what is coming will be good for the Younglings' growth. But, to be on the safe side, I will stay close to them, and ensure that they remain close to each other."

"I think," Laedra joked mildly, "you have just chosen the far more challenging role." Sobering, she added, "But, I agree. It will be dangerous enough for us all without having to make certain the Padawans aren't harmed."

"I trust that Vaya can look after herself well enough," Koran said. "Zari can do well enough, provided she is not required to go beyond her training. Cole is my true worry. Can you feel it with him too? Besides that, however, he has shown a pattern of recklessness for nearly the entire trip thus far."

The complex grew closer. Cargo haulers and loaders could be seen and heard as the bounty procured from the land and by the blood and sweat of the Hjarii was loaded and shipped off-world to large cargo vessels in orbit. As WinLos and Laedra had seen before, security was minimal. The Company had never needed much security as the Hjarii were seen as little more than aboriginal and having no advanced technologies. WinLos felt that it was all too easy to just drive in as they were, limited security forces or not. He was sure that the Jedi had to feel the same way. Though he didn't share VeeTa's nearly unquestioning faith in such things, he couldn't believe the Jedi to take anything for granted.

"Perhaps we did not see all that we would have needed to," WinLos said worriedly. "I...I'm not sure about all this. Grandfather?"

"They know about the Jedi, for sure," he replied without looking at his grandson. "No doubt they have something planned, but I can only imagine that they would not risk just out right killing them. Perhaps they think they will be missed, and more will come. What else are we to do? We must have faith that they can do what they must."

WinLos understood the wisdom of his Grandfather's words, but he was also unsettled by them. He knew his Grandfather to be a man who made many hard decisions in the interest of their people's survival, and especially for his own family. Though he had long blamed him for the death of his father, he knew deep down that he had the best of interests at heart.

But was it not those best interests that ultimately caused Father's death? WinLos thought to himself, trying to figure out his Grandfather. He was weary that his Grandfather's motives might prove to interfere with the Jedi's mission.

"Even if they have something planned for us," Koran Darr said, "we cannot turn back now. Whatever happens will happen, but we must make ourselves as ready as we can. Vaya, make certain you stay near Zari and Cole." He was uncertain if his Padawan would bristle being under Vaya, but after Cole's erratic behaviour, he could not risk letting the youth venture away on his own. "As the fight in the village, this is no training exercise, and the weapons the Company may wield can kill. Stay together, and I will be nearby at all times. If you become separated, just get out of the complex if you are able without risk. Otherwise, hide. No arguments. There is real danger ahead, and we will not have you chancing your lives against incomplete training."

Zari nodded, then looked up at Vaya and Cole, then back to Master Koran.

"Yes Master Darr," Vaya replied simply and nodding to her fellow Padawans in regards to their mentor's instructions. She knew his words to be true, she didn't make light of the situation ahead, but she also felt that the three of them were capable of aiding their Masters on this mission. She felt pleased that she had the confidence of Master Darr, but also knew it to be a test of responsibility. Vaya knew well that to be a Jedi meant that one held great responsibility. She felt herself at least an equal among her fellow Padawans, she didn't want to do anything to step on any toes, per say, but she would do what she must as she was instructed. Besides, the important thing is the mission and the future of the Hjarii, she thought.

Cole bowed his head in response to his master's wish. He felt angry, even betrayed that Koran didn't believe in him, but looking back he hadn't given his master reason to in the first place. Perhaps that's the first step, He thought. Admitting the fault was his. "As you wish master," Cole said.

"Keep your feelings under control, my young Padawan," Koran said as he turned his gaze to Cole. "I can sense your feelings, and your anger will only lead you down a path I know you do not wish to follow."

Vaya nudged the young man in the ribs with her elbow, "No worries Cole, you are among friends as well. Together," she said as she gave Zari a similar look of serenity and sureness, "there is nothing we cannot accomplish."

Koran nodded, and turned his gaze to the gate they had just passed through. The Company's main offices loomed above the speeder, looking very out of place for the Hjarii's homeworld. Using the Force to reach out to the surrounding area, Koran could feel the presence of life. There were many guards, all armed with blasters. The oversized double-doors that served as the main entrance were guarded by a pair of guards who stood to either side. Their gaze was directed at the speeder, and Koran could sense the others in the area beginning to do the same.

He glanced aside at Laedra and nodded. The speeder came to a stop.

Koran turned to his attention to their Hjarii guides. The Jedi would follow their lead to begin with, but they would have to be prepared for anything. "If anything should go wrong in there, make certain you stay near us," he said.

"For certain," WinLos gulped as he and Grandfather exited the speeder along with the Jedi.

Vaya took a calming and soothing breath. She needed to clear her mind and become focused on the here and now. The Jedi had important work to do. She opened herself up, trying to insure that she was aware of what was going on around her. She knew was not as wise and skilled as her Masters, and knew that she would have to pay attention to their lead.

"May the Force be with us all," she said under her breath as she and her fellow Padawans followed their mentors and the two Hjarii forward.

Cole took up position at the rear, not so much as a rear-guard but he still felt a little uneasy around both Jedi masters as if they were constantly watching him, weighing him, waiting for him to slip up. It was his imagination he was sure, still it didn't stop the feeling from leaving him. Clearing his mind with a soft sigh he followed both Vaya and Zari, who were in front of him, as they in turn followed Koran and Laedra.

WinLos's grandfather approached the guards with some trepidation. WinLos stood by his side but offered no words or actions. "Jon'Lok, of the Hjarii requests audience with their Honors," the older Hjarii said to the guards.

A number of armed guards milled about the entrance with an edginess. Several older model security droids stood at attention, their servo's grinding and whirring with short and jerky motions as if they were fighting the urge to attack the visitors.

An Arconan stood before the Hjarii and the Jedi, flanked by a scarred faced Trandoshan and one of the older security droids. The Trandoshan sniffed the air and growled deep in his throat as the Arconan kept one hand firm upon the blaster at his hip.

"What business?!" the Arconan snipped as he cocked his triangular head. "The mines you should be attending hmm?" he sneered as his large, almond shaped, yellow faceted eyes blinked several times.

"Off-worlders," the Trandoshan hissed with a deep and gruff voice as his razor sharp toothed mouth snapped closed for emphasis of his distaste.

Vaya wondered if he was one of the ones who they had confronted the day before.

"Yes," WinLos said. "Offworlders, who come on behalf of the Hjarii."

"WinLos, please," his Grandfather said. "We wish to speak with their Honors, please. You know me, I have never caused trouble. I have always helped to ensure that there are no troubles between the Hjarii and the Company."

Several other armed guards had inched forward wearily, circling the group in a loose and wide circle.

"We come as emissaries of peace," Laedra assured them in a calm, placating tone. "We wish for nothing more than to speak for the people of Hjari 1. Once we are heard, we will bother your superiors no longer."

The Arconan's com chirped. He placed his hand to his ear to listen, then said to the Jedi and the Hjarii, "Follow me, and don't try nothing!"

He and the Trandoshan led the Hjarii and the Jedi into the Company building with the security droids closely behind.

The building had obviously been constructed upon the Company's arrival, for the metallic, imposing structure was noticeably different from the Hjarii's modest huts. It would seem they planned for a long stay. Their headquarters were heavily defended outside, with armed Trandoshan patrols covering every square foot of the perimeter, and buzzing electricity fields maintaining a barrier to any not permitted to enter. The Jedi had escorts, and although not welcome, they had gained safe passage. No doubt, though, that the building was as heavily fortified within as it was on the exterior, and any preemptive strike against the Company would not end well in the Jedi's favour. Laedra knew it, and one glance at Koran's faintly taut features told her he had surmised the same.

As they moved through the complex, Zari edged closer to Master Laedra. She was doing well enough to keep her fear under control, and her emotions calm. Her Jedi training had certainly paid off for that. Still, if something happened, she did not want to stray from her mentor. Her bare feet made barely a whisper on the ground as she moved, and her robe was clear enough to give her easy access to her lightsaber. She hoped she wouldn't need it.

The building was impressive. Cole had seen similar buildings during his years on Coruscant and the other Core worlds. Military installations, even some so called office buildings held some impressive criminal deterrents. He kept himself calm using his training and continued to scan the area with his eyes and through the Force. Patrols were evident all around, and all were armed.

***

"Do you think they are really Jedi?" the Adarian said with much anxiety in his voice as he and his two partners, a Neimoidian and an Advozse watched a security feed.

The Adarian was tall, humanoid with cream colored skin that had splotches of rusty-red. His head was long and slender, having a hole clear from one side to the other, adorned with some sash-like fabric that was customary among his people.

"Don't be ridiculous," the Neimoidian hissed. "There haven't been Jedi in the galaxy since before you were born!" he sneered as he watched the security screen. "Perhaps that hole in your head has clouded your judgement."

The dark skinned Neimoidian stood with his hands clasped behind his robed back. A large garash head-piece added height to the short statured alien. His lipless mouth smacked with anxiety as his red eyes bored into the screen at the site of the Jedi and the Hjarii being led into the main complex building by their security.

"And even then they were a dying cult of con-artists and parlor tricksters!" the Advozse sneered. "But still, whoever they are, they must be dealt with. We already paid a heavy price to buy the last investigator," he said as he rubbed his pudgy hand over the large and stubby horn that adorned his brow, just above his one large eye.

"He promised our operation would be kept from scrutiny, but clearly we have a problem here!" The Adarian sniveled. "I told you we needed better defences, we could have blasted their ship from orbit, but nooo..."

"Quite, you imbecile!" the Neimoidian growled. "Increased defences would only draw attention to our operation, if we were to have done anything, we should have wiped these Hjarii from existence like I recommended. My companies mining droids would produce three times the out-put than these lazy Hjarii!"

"You know the crystals are fragile, and no droid has the capacity for such work," the Advozse retorted. "The mines have all but been cleared anyway and as soon as we deal with these offworlders, we will deal with the Hjarii as well. We mustn't allow these outsiders to leave and bring to light our operation. Perhaps we should have exterminated the Hjarii long ago. It may have been cheaper to have bought a cloned work force from those Kaminoans, but we will deal with what we have."

The door chimed and the Adarian motioned for the security guard next to the door to allow their guests' entry. The Jedi had arrived.

Led by WinLos and his grandfather, Laedra and Koran, followed by their three Padawans, filed into the conference chambers. Bowing her head at the assembled Company leaders, Laedra announced, "I am Master Vorrel and this is my associate, Master Darr. We are glad we could meet with you gentlemen."

The three looked to each other, the air was thick with their anxiety. The Neimoidian cocked his head as his reddish eyes flashed over the Jedi and the two Hjarii. His thick lips flapped, "To what do we owe this honor?" he said in thick Basic. "We get few visitors here, but you are most welcome, yes...yes."

"We have come on behalf of the Hjarii," Koran said with a slight bow. "They are unhappy with their current circumstances, and believe their treatment at your company's hands has been less than fair. We have come to mediate the dispute on their behalf."

"Is that so?" the Adarian spoke as he leered upon the two Hjarii. "We have had no idea that there were any such, circumstances that have been deemed less than fair."

"I assure you that whatever troubles you may have been told, are not as dramatic as they have probably led you to believe," the Advozse added. "The Hjarii are a primitive people, with no conception of the universe beyond their small world. I am sure, that this is all just a misunderstanding."

"The Hjarii," Laedra interjected politely, "are far from primitive, as we have observed. And they have, as a people, decided that they are no longer content with this arrangement they have with you. They wish for change."

"We witnessed an attack upon one of the Hjarii villages," Koran said as he kept his eyes on the Neimoidian, "and I can assure you the attack was very dramatic."

"Aghh, yes...that," the Neimoidian said with passing interest in the direction of the conversation. "This corporation has operated on this world for many generations, and perfectly legal, I can assure you. What you were witness to was merely our protecting the Hjarii from themselves. They were in the process of being relocated to a safe location. The Hjarii do not know nor do they understand what is best for them...again, as any primitive people would be expected. A misunderstanding, as I have said."

"Protection?!" WinLos seethed. "Relocation?! We are not the barbarians you might try to make the Jedi believe!"

"Your subjugation of the Hjarii has gone far beyond the trade our fore-fathers had made!" WinLos's Grandfather spoke up. "You force us into the mines and into work camps, you have taken over this world and have nearly put us out of existence while you plunder our world and work us to death!"

The Adarian stepped up and confronted the angered Hjarii, "This world and everything of it is ours by right! Including your people! We own you!"

Koran stood and moved to WinLos's side. "I believe that will be enough of that," he said. "We are here to reach a settlement between your people, and that is what we intend to do. If you are incapable of keeping your tempers, we are in for some very difficult times." With a serenity that only a Jedi could manage, Koran regarded the man with a stance that was at once relaxed, yet ready to act without hesitation. "I have taken the time to look at the original agreements made with the Hjarii. Were you aware that your company is in breach of contract for failure to fulfill your end of the agreement persistent with Hjarii custom? I can only wonder what a New Republic investigator would find if one were brought in to investigate this situation."

The Adarian and the Advozse chittered nervously as they withdrew behind the third- the Neimoidian, who was clearly more steadfast in his demeanor, quickly took charge with a rebuttal.

"The New Republic has had an emissary here before," he huffed. "As you must know they have not shut us down nor have they taken over in the interest of these people. Obviously they have found nothing illegal here! You have no say in these matters, I think this conversation is over!"

Vaya kept her focus throughout the banter. She stood between Zari and Cole, right behind their mentors. She sensed something quite aloof about the three aliens who were in charge of the Company. It didn't take a Jedi to see through their stammering and lies, and she began to have a very bad feeling about their situation.

The door behind the Jedi swooshed open, and the Neimoidian extended his hand toward the door, "This world is ours, you are trespassers, leave now and you will not be harmed."

Koran bowed to the Neimoidian, a slight curling of his lip hinting at a smile. "As you wish," he said. "Though, I assure you this is not finished. The New Republic is standing by and ready to step in should our mediation here fail. Your unwillingness to cooperate was anticipated." He turned to Laedra and the Padawans, nodded, then started toward the door.

"Koran," Laedra murmured, "you have a plan, I presume?"

"For the moment, my plan is to return to the ship and contact one of the New Republic representatives," he answered back in a whispered tone. "However, I have a bad feeling about their intentions. Stay wary and watchful."

"I already am," she informed him, "especially after the reception we have just received. I gather they will not be too willing to free the Hjarii."

---

"Confronting Injustice, Part 2"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
Vaya Bek
VeeTa (NPC Written by Vaya Bek)
WinLos (NPC Written by Vaya Bek)
Jon'Luk, WinLos's Grandfather (NPC Written By Vaya Bek)
Luur, Adarian Company Leader (NPC Written by Girra)
Bom, Advozse Company Leader (NPC Written by Girra)
Daulty, Neimoidian Company Leader (NPC Written by Girra)

Location: Hjarii Village, Hjarii Moon World
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

"They will contact the New Republic!" the Adarian whined. "We cannot afford to have another investigation. Surely they will bring back someone not so easily bought!"

"And they are Jedi!" the Advozse exclaimed. "Did you not see their lightsabers! Only Jedi carry lightsabers!"

"Silence!" the Neimoidian hissed as he tapped his comlink.

"Yes sir?" a distorted voice answered over the com.

"The Jedi are on their way down," the Neimoidian replied. "They are not to make it back to their ship, do you understand?"

"Uh, Sir?" the voice said.

"Kill them you fool! All of them!"

***

Vaya followed behind Laedra and Koran with Zari and Cole at either side. Their boot steps thudded on the polished floors, accompanied by the near silent sound of Zari's bare feet. Still she had a very bad feeling, and she didn't know to feel comforted that Laedra had said as much to Koran, or if was to amplify that feeling. Either way, she knew she was to stay calm and mindful, to remember her training.

She glanced at either side to Zari and then Cole as they all filed into the turbo lift from whence they had come up to meet with the Company leaders.

Their escort sneered from a distance as the clear turbo-lift door swooshed closed. Just before the turbo-lift was activated for its decent, the Arconan cocked his head and made a very rude gesture with his fingers.

"Someone has dipped too much into his salt today," Vaya joked with a slight giggle of her anxiety.

"I believe they have all overstepped themselves with this," Koran answered. "Stay on your guard. Neimoidians and their associates have never been known for their wisdom. They will most definitely take a course of action that is unwise. But, the danger here is very real, more so than in the attack on the village. When we leave the lift, stay close to me. Laedra will take the lead, and I will be behind. You three will be between us."

Zari nodded, and even managed to withhold the squeak of surprise she normally would have given.

Cole nodded too, though he didn't know if anyone saw the gesture. He reached out with his senses, mainly checking to see if his lightsaber was easily reachable, which it was.

The turbo lift came to a halt at the bottom level. The corridor was empty. The Jedi stepped out of the turbolift with Laedra in the lead. As Koran stepped out behind the Padawans, the turbolift door closed and zoomed back up.

Down the corner, to both sides of the corridor several Company security personnel poked around and loosed several shots of blaster bolts. But the Jedi were ready.

Seemingly as one, five lightsabers ignited. All of the blaster bolts spattered back against the walls, deflected by Laedra and the Padawans.

"Stay together," Koran said calmly, "and begin moving forward. Do not engage until either I or Laedra say so. Let's go."

The hall did not afford as much room as they had out in the open fields of the Hjarii moon-world, and as the Jedi crept forward, deflecting blaster bolts, the enemy continued to fire with more vigor. Vaya tried to concentrate on her mentor's moves, using her own lightsaber to defend against any blaster bolts that might have passed by the Jedi Master's defense. There were so many bolts flying back and forth, it was all quite confusing.

And then matters took a terrible turn for the worse, as the turbolift descended and opened up again with more villainy. The Arcona, his Trandoshan cohort and two security droids opened fire on the rear of the Jedi. A succession of bolts fired from the rear. Vaya caught a sense of it through the Force, seeing a blaster burn a hole in Zari's side.

Vaya whirled around to defend from the attack, in her mind, and through the Force, it was all like slow motion, but the events were taking place very fast. She deflected the bolt into the ceiling, showering the group with sparks, but took a shot in her back. A searing force of blaster energy caught her in the upper shoulder, flinging her forward toward Koran who was defending their rear against the Company thugs behind them.

Koran's movements as he deflected the barrage of fire from the lift seemed effortless. There was no wasted energy in his movements as his lightsaber moved to intercept each bolt within reach. He reached out through the Force, and with a sweeping of his arm, both of the security droids were flung to the side into piled heaps. The Trandoshan's attacks were deflected off of Koran's blade, and quickly turned the droids to slag.

The buzzing in his head screamed an alarm, and he spun just in time to catch Vaya as the blaster bolt burned into her shoulder. He seemed only to stumble slightly as he caught her and continued his defense against their attackers.

"Stay between us, Koran," Laedra advised, batting away every searing shot that came her way. She glanced aside briefly at her Padawan and gave her a subtle nod. Zari returned the gesture, having interpreted Laedra's silent message, as her Master added, "We will press forward and clear the way safely for you and Vaya." And together, Laedra and Zari intensified their efforts as Zari swung around to aid Koran by dividing the shooters' attention between herself and the Jedi Master.

Koran nodded his understanding, but didn't make a comment. Keeping Vaya safe from the incoming blaster fire was taking all of his attention. He brought his blade around, and deflected a shot back at the shooter. It seemed like for every one they brought down, another was there to take its place. Eventually the Company would run out of personnel to throw at them, but Koran was uncertain if the Jedi would be able to withstand the assault for that long.

Cole turned around to help his master, Vaya was in one arm yet it didn't even seem to slow the Jedi down as bolt after bolt came screaming towards him. Cole took up position on the side Vaya was hampering him, if hampering was indeed the right word. Taking Vaya's lightsaber he spun them around twisting and turning both weapons of light deflecting the bolts, two were sent hurtling back down the corridor only to miss their intended target by inches. The Arcona, by his roars and violent gestures, did not seem amused.

Zari could feel her own heart racing as she felt for the onrushing attacks. As she had done in training, she moved her blade to stop each attack. She didn't try to be fancy and knock the blaster bolts back. It was enough just to stop them from doing harm. The pressure bearing down on the young Padawan was intense, and had it been a year previous she would have been buried beneath the assault. But between Master Laedra and Jae Dyn's instruction, she was managing to stand her ground. She tried not to wince as the attacks were coming ever closer to her body. She couldn't dwell on what failure would mean.

Unwavering focus on battle was impossible for Laedra as her senses probed outward time and time again to the Padawans fighting by their masters' sides. Their well-being was of utmost importance to the survival of the Order on Tae'Karada. If need be, Laedra would willingly sacrifice herself for their protection. The moment for that, however, was not at hand, and provided Laedra a brief respite from her preoccupation with their welfare to push back their attackers. Little by little, she was gaining ground on those positioned at far end of the corridor, using the walls as cover; the cowards refused to show themselves for more time than it took to squeeze off another blast before concealing themselves again. Laedra was growing tedious of simply deflecting poorly aimed shots and pressed forward.

As the bolts flew towards both himself, and his master who was also protecting Vaya wrapped in his arm, Cole felt something through a Force. It was like vibrations, a warning. Anger seeped through the walls of a moving structure. The lift! There were more guards coming. "Master...!" Cole said unable to finish his warning needing to concentrate on incoming blaster fire. Two bolt struck his lightsaber ricocheting up slamming into the ceiling. The first burned the metal surface melting it, the second, which struck a split second later, slammed into the wiring showering hot sparks down onto the ground below.

Trusting the Force, and his own abilities, Cole felt the path of one of the red laser bolts cutting through the air heading towards Vaya. The pulse and deadly energy was followed by several more, but they weren't what Cole was after and for the moment concentrated on the single bolt. His, almost white lightsaber caught the laser and sent it hurtling back along the corridor.

The Arcona jumped out of the way looking back to seeing the lift control panel explode, white hot sparks spewed forth burning one of the guards. It was a costly victory. Cole could only rely on the Force, and his instincts, to deflect and block the bolts that followed. Two must missed his head, but came close enough for the young Padawan to feel the heat from the lasers, he wasn't so fortunate with the third.

It caught him along his neck. Pain shot out through his neck and back. It felt like his neck and shoulder was on fire. It only last a few moments before his Jedi training dampened the pain, at least to a certain point. Remarkably his use of his left hand, holding Vaya's lightsaber, hadn't faltered, obviously due to his hold on the Force guiding his movements.

He wanted so much to stop and grab hold of his neck, put pressure on it as one did when injured with a cut or burn, but he knew it couldn't. Though he'd stopped the lift the guards were already cutting their way through. Liquid metal dripped from where they were burning through splashing on the floor below.

Only mere moments had passed since Vaya took the hit to her shoulder. The shot had whirled her around and back, and it took her a moment to realize that she had never hit the ground. Everything was happening so fast, and the burning pain in her shoulder made it hard for her to concentrate. Using her training, she pushed the pain aside. She could see the burn mark on her upper left shoulder and it didn't seem to her as bad as it had initially felt.

She regained her footing, "I...I believe I am alright to continue Master Darr," she said to the Jedi Master who had been holding her up.

Koran spared a brief glance in Vaya's direction, then nodded and allowed her to regain her own footing.

She took her second lightsaber from her belt, the one she had found and carried with her since before she had met the Jedi of Tae'Karada. She quickly noted that Cole had the blade that her Master, Laedra, had given her during training. She ignited the blade and took a stand beside Cole and Koran.

From ahead, there was a commotion. The Company thugs were backing off down the hall as several of their number fell from the deflected blaster bolts of Laedra's lightsaber. From up ahead a good number of Hjarii were storming into the complex. Vaya felt a warm feeling in her heart at the sigh of the Hjarii.

She had felt Cole's sense of warning, and she too turned to look. Though the enemies that Koran had fended off from their rear were defeated, the lift was moving. She knew it was probably more of the Company's security personnel...or droids. But then the lift had stopped. Vaya noted that it must have taken some damage in the fight. It almost came down, tried again, and then started to go back up.

"Look," she said to Koran as she pointed her lightsaber to the lift. It was two of the Company leaders they had met moments before. Vaya could make out the Adarian and the one eyed Advozse with the thick and chubby horn atop his head.

Koran took a step forward and reached up through the Force, one arm stretched out before him. The sound of gears straining could be heard, and the lift shuddered to a stop. The look of concentration on Koran's face intensified as he worked at bringing the lift back down to the ground. He gave his trust over to the three Padawans to either side, trusting that their blades would protect him for any of the remaining blaster bolts.

The lift lurched downward revealing more of the now-panicked officials inside. Koran's arm was slowly pressing downward, and the lift was moving with it. The lightsaber blade vanished, and the hilt returned to his belt. Both arms now strained to bring the lift, now with gears screaming in protest, down to the ground floor. The occupants of the car were now fully exposed, and shouting panicked orders to their troops below.

"You idiots!" the Adarian sneered. "The Jedi have trapped us! Get us free! get us free!"

"It is no hope," the Advozse whined hysterically as he saw the Hjarii entering from across the corridor. "The Jedi have us trapped! We must surrender!"

"Surrender?!" the other exclaimed with shock. "You sniveling, idiotic, coward!" he cursed as he looked franticly around at the mayhem as he pulled a blaster from one of the dead guards. He quickly grabbed his cohort and pulled him close, pressing the muzzle of the blaster against the Advozse's head.

The Advozse's one eye grew larger and frantic with the new turn of events as he struggled within the grasp of the other.

"Help me!" he screamed feebly. "I will tell you everything! I will testi..."

Thwaam!

The Adarian pulled the trigger and silenced his cohort. The one-eyed man's body slumped to the ground. He laid still and slightly humped over on his knees with most of head splattered along the side of the defunct turbo-lift. He then pointed the blaster at the Jedi and screamed.

In the blink of an eye, Koran's lightsaber was once again in his hand and ignited. "Don't be a fool," Koran called before the man could begin firing, but there was no stopping it. Blaster fire ripped away from the Adarian, but found no target except for Jedi lightsabers. Koran adjusted the angle of his deflection, and sent two right back at the attacker. Both were perfectly targeted, slicing gashes across thigh and bicep.

The Adarian's arm flung back at the same time as his leg gave out from the deflected blaster bolts that seared his flesh and muscle. He slumped down to the ground in pain and fear of his life. He tried to grasp for the blaster in a desperate reach to save himself from the injustices he knew he would have to face.

Vaya was shocked at the actions of the Adarian, having blown the other's brain matter against the wall and then futilely taking aim at the Jedi. She stretched out with her feelings, feeling the blaster through the Force she imagined it coming to her hands, but instead it skittered across the corridor floor with more force than she had planned. As the blaster skidded to a stop several meters down, she grinned at Koran and Cole and rolled her eyes as her cheeks took a slight rosy hue of embarrassment.

Cole grinned, winking at her. He knew exactly what Vaya was feeling knowing the using the Force wasn't the easiest to learn, hell he thought hot-wiring a speeder was easier and that had taken him ages to get the hang of, without setting the alarms off. He could still remember his first speeder he'd lifted, a red hot-rod that oozed speed. Of course Cole nearly killed himself while driving it, but if you don't take risks in life what was the point of living.

Toward the front, the Company troops had ceased their firing, but Laedra and Zari still held their defensive stances. Zari chanced a look at her master, then nodded that she was alright before turning her attention back to the troops. Outside, the sounds of chaos could be heard, and occasionally a Hjarii could be seen rushing past the door, a ululating cry following in its wake.

Koran pointed down at the blaster, then swept his arm away, sending the blaster right along with it. He took several steps forward with the verdant blade of his lightsaber pointed up at the Adarian. "It's over," he said.

The Adarian just sagged further in his misery and defeat. The fight was out of him.

"What of the third?" Vaya asked. "The Neimoidian?"

Just then, Girra's voice crackled over their com-links. "A shuttle broke for space from atop the main building," she said. "I couldn't keep pursuit. It rendezvoused with a bigger ship and probably already made a jump to hyperspace. If its of any consequence."

Vaya looked to the Jedi Masters with an arched eyebrow.

WinLos and his grandfather took custody of the Adarian, the only leader of the three left, and he didn't protest - much.

"What are we going to do with him?" Vaya asked. "Take him back to Tae'Karada, to the New Republic representative?"

"I think, perhaps," Laedra mused with a barely concealed smile, "it would be more fitting to allow the Hjarii an opportunity to decide his fate." She looked sidelong at Vaya, and winked. "Don't you agree?"

"That would be fitting," Vaya replied to her mentor, having had the same sentiments. She wondered though, what the Hjarii would do. At their arrival they were a near broken and desperate people, and now they were storming the grounds. Though the Jedi had only come to know the Hjarii a short time, Vaya thought them more civilized than many cultures she had come across in her travels. She knew them to be able to be a just people, but these were strenuous times.

The Jedi followed WinLos and the captive Adarian down the corridor and out into the open. A sizeable crowd of Hjarii mulled about excitedly while an equal number scampered about in and out of the complex buildings. The Helix had landed just off in the distance, smoke plumes drifted up towards the sky from targeted defences that Girra had apparently taken out.

"WinLos!" VeeTa called at the sight of her companion.

"VeeTa! Our day has come!" WinLos said with much joy. "The Company have fallen, we are free!"

The two embraced tightly and took in the sight of the felled corporate outfit that had subjugated their people for so long, took delight in the happiness of their fellow Hjarii- knowing that the next day they would awake a free people with their own world and destiny in their own hands...

---

"Aiding Freedom"
By Girra Zallir (PC)
and Chakka (NPC+)

Location: Hjarii Moon World, Outer Rim
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***

The Helix thundered over the tree line and above the building complex. Down below she could see hundreds of little Hjarii swarming the complex buildings and dealing out a long awaited justice to those security personnel who had kept an iron fist upon their people. She guided the Helix for a round about as she casually targeted the few and meager defense installations about the building, and as her cohort, the Wookiee Chakka sat at the co-pilot seat and helped to dish out a little justice himself.

Neither had any lost love for the perpetrators of the small moon world who had subjugated the Hjarii people for so many generations. Though helping in the uprising and liberty of a small indigenous population was not in her contract with the Jedi, Girra didn't mind. Besides, if she ever wanted to get the hell of that rock and mud-ball, and get home, she figured it would help to blow some stuff up and help ensure a victory. She wanted to go home...she wanted to continue her search for her brother.

Chakka growled and shook a furry paw at the transparisteel viewport.

"I see it," Girra said as she banked the Helix to the left and slapped a control knob on her right. Several anti-craft rockets had been loosed, but all she had to do was bank and engage the flash charges that would attract the rockets and not her ship. She then targeted another laser emplacement on top of the main building.

Chakka again growled with more snarling.

Girra looked out and could see a small group of people heading for a shuttle that was prepped and waiting on top of the main building. She fired several shots at the roof of the building, missing the people and the shuttle.

"Sith spit!" Girra cursed. "Forward lasers are out of alignment again!" she hissed as Chakka growled his own displeasure.

The Helix roared passed and began its wide arc back around. Though a fast and powerful ship for an older and bulkier model of star cruisers and freighters, the Helix had it where it counted. But still, the old Corellian Star Cruiser was in atmosphere and not the outer space it was designed for optimum performance. It took a moment for it to come back around, and by that time, the shuttle had launched off from the roof landing pad and was zooming off. Girra pursued it, as Chakka fired several shots from the turbo turret atop the mid-section of the ship. The shuttle's shields absorbed the energy and returned fire.

Several shots splashed across the view port as Girra juked the cruiser to the right and straightened back out again. The shuttle ahead had gained more speed and was preparing to break from the atmosphere for space.

Chakka babbled on, only half of which Girra got the gist of as she was concentrating on the shuttle. The atmosphere was quickly fading to a starry field, and a larger ship loomed ahead. It didn't look too dangerous, not like a Star Destroyer or anything, but Girra knew it probably packed more of a punch than her own craft could handle.

"Yeah, you're right...we're going back down," Girra said as she arched the helix back down to the planet. "Whoever they were, they were in a big hurry and my guess is that the Jedi pissed them off!"

Chakka huffed his agreement as the Helix roared back down to find a place to land.

---

"Liberating Freedom"
By: Vaya Bek
Cole Slaton
Zari Zathmir
Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr
Win'Los
Vee'Ta
Jon'Luk
Various Other Hjarii

Location: Hjari I
Date: Vadris 19, 4 ABY

***Back at the Hjarii village***

Vaya stepped off the Helix's ramp and stretched her shoulder. She had had it attended to with a small application of bacta spray and synthflesh. It hadn't been all that bad, and the scarring would be minimal. She wasn't concerned about having a scar, she had never really been caught up with such aesthetic concerns, it wasn't very Jedi-like. Cole too was with her, as he had also received a minor injury during their confrontation with the alien leaders of the company.

Vaya looked out upon the Hjarii village. There was a lighter air, a sense of renewed hope and jubilation. She was happy for the Hjarii, and she was proud to have been a part of the liberation.

"You know," she said to Cole. "This is what being a Jedi is all about. Not the lightsabers, the Force abilities...but bringing peace and justice to the people, when there is none. It is very nice to know that when we leave here, these people will have their lives back. I would like to come back here some day, maybe when I have become a Jedi. I'd like to see how they are doing for themselves."

Cole nodded, almost to himself. "We could make the trip together. I'm sure the planet will need time to heal the wounds, but when I'm a Jedi... when we're Jedi, perhaps when we have a free moment or two the opportunity to visit will be too overwhelming." Cole winked at Vaya before taking out her lightsaber. "Yours I believe."

"Aghh, yes," Vaya said as she took the saber from Cole's hand. She smiled at the young man and nodded, thinking how quirky and dangerous he could be, but after seeing him standing with the Jedi how skilled a Knight he may become. "We could definitely return together...one day. Besides, I did say I was your friend and that I would help you...you know, to become Jedi together. I am glad that you and Zari were along on this mission. I look forward to our friendship. You, Zari and I."

As Vaya and Cole shared their sentiments of mutual respect and their aspirations, the Hjarii greeted the returning party. The laughter and joy expressed by the once oppressed Hjarii was infectious, and more than enough to touch even a Jedi Master's well-maintained reserve. Accepting handcrafted jewellery of coloured stones and twine as tokens, and freshly picked flowers from even the smallest of children fixed a permanent smile to Laedra's face. She received each gift with a gracious bow and a thank-you in their native tongue, taught to her eagerly by WinLos' grandfather. And in response, the Hjarii children giggled and would steal kisses upon her hands before scampering away abashedly. Laedra looked aside at Koran, laughing with unrestrained elation, and took his hand before another swarm of grateful Hjarii closed in around them.

Cole had hoped both Masters would get the attention. He was never one for ceremony. Parties, on the other hand, where drink was involved - that was more his style, or was until he became a Jedi Padawan. His hopes quickly turned to ash as Hjarii came towards him, and the other Padawans. Young and old they were like children at New Year's celebrating in a new dawn, a new beginning, and in many ways it was true.

Laughing, unable to contain himself, Cole saw a small boy trying to reach up to him. Without thinking twice Cole scooped the boy up and turned him around so he could be set on his shoulders. The boy giggled, clapping as he soared above the rest.

Putting the young Hjarii boy down, who almost instantly vanished into the crowd probably to tell his parents he'd been on a Jedi's shoulder, Cole eased up to his Master. "Master..." he whispered close to Koran's ear. "Before we go I'd like to check up on a friend..." He didn't want to mention the wildcat-like animal. Last time she was mentioned, and seen, it wasn't the best of times. There was no threat from the Company any longer, the Hjarii were free, they had completed their mission.

"Just make certain you allow your friend to remain in her native home," Koran answered. "We should be leaving within the hour, Cole. Make certain you are back within that time."

"I will, Master..." Cole bowed. It didn't take him long to fade out without people noticing.

***

Within a few minutes he was running through the forest, jumping over fallen trees, swinging off branches. Grabbing a thick branch, Cole swung up into the air, spinning around in a tight ball before landing in a small clearing. Dead leaves rose up into the air from the shockwave of air pushed out from the Padawan's landing.

Rising up, Cole closed his eyes, sending his senses out through the forest. He could feel the reactions to his presence in many animals all around him, watching and waiting with both fear and excitement at the new creature. He pushed further afield trying to locate the animal, the predator. Blinking his eyes open he frowned in thought. There was nothing of her. No trace.

"Perhaps..." he muttered to himself, knowing if there was one place she'd be it was her den with her cubs. So he began making his way through the forest in that direction, his heart beginning to race in fear as if he knew already what he'd find. Calling on his training he calmed himself, infusing his body and mind with the Force.

It didn't take him long to find the den, or what was left of it. A lot had happened since last the young Padawan had seen the animal. She lay on her side facing away from her cub. Of the four Cole had sensed before now only one he could feel. "....oh no..." he whispered, crouching down to the wild animal laying his hand on the poor creature.

"Cold..." He didn't flinch away from her; instead he turned, approaching the small cave which she had used as a home for many years. It was possible she had been using this same cave for many years. She had felt old when Cole had first sensed her, perhaps this would have been her last litter. Within the dark cave, which was surprisingly cool, compared to the outside, Cole found the only living cub. Calling out in small half cries for her mother, her dark eyes opened, taking in the intruder.

"Easy..." Cole whispered, taking his robe off, and once placing the weakened cub into it he folded the thick cloth around the small predator. She struggled at first until she became comfortable, safe in the young Jedi's arms as he picked it up.

Stepping out of the cave, feeling the rush of warm air like an invisible wall, he stopped for a moment to look at the dead mother. For a brief second the thought of burying her crossed his mind, but the cub was weak and needed food otherwise she'd perish like her mother and brothers. She had been the only female of the litter. A sign? Had the Force purposely made him find her?

Shaking his head, unable to answer the questions, he stepped away cradling the young cub in his arms. Somehow she managed to wriggle her head free so she could peek out, watching the trees of the forest pass her by. She hid when Cole looked down at her but only for a moment as if her curiosity won over her fear. Opening her mouth she half yawned half sneezed. She then spent most of the journey sniffing, trying to get rid of a small piece of snot lodged in her nostril. Cole found it rather amusing, sniggering to himself, until he caught a strange look from the young cub, almost as if she wasn't amused by his amusement. Which of course was ridiculous. She wasn't even two months old.

They both emerged into the bright light of a near clear sky. The Hjarii village was in front of them and so was the food for the little one, yet Cole found himself hesitating. He remembered the last time he'd been impulsive and had caused a scene which had almost cost the Jedi their mission. Was this any different? He hadn't thought about the consequences when he'd taken the cub from her home. And here he was doing the same thing again. But he promised the cub's mother he'd return with food, and he had broken that promise. There was little he could do. "I'll just have to weather the storm.... Master isn't going to be pleased..." he sighed, stepping forward, trying to comfort the young cub as he went.

Before Cole was ten paces from where Koran Darr --- who almost appeared to be waiting --- stood, the Jedi Master spoke. "Return the cub, Padawan," he said. "Her home is here, not Tae'Karada and not the Jedi Temple. If she needs to be cared for, perhaps the Hjarii will. She will not be coming with us. I'm sorry. And, do not think to defy me in this; persist in this behaviour and you will be expelled from the Jedi Order."

"I know, Master... I wasn't going to take her with me..." At the moment anyway, he added to himself. "There's time to look for someone to take her in, but she needs food... She's alone, her mother is dead, she'd die without help."

"I'm sure the Hajrii will care for it Cole," Vaya said as she sensed his concern and distress over the fate of the cub. "Just think, one day when we return together you can check and see how she has prospered."

"I will like that..." he said, smiling down at the young cub. Stroking her small head with his finger as he carried her across deeper into the village to find milk, she managed to reach out with a paw trying to grab his finger. Her claws weren't properly developed, though it didn't stop her trying. I just hope she remembers me, he thought.

***

The raucous of the Hjarii began to dissipate as the crowds moved away to make way for the Shaman. The elder and wise woman of Hjarii mystique led the way with the Hjarii Elders, their leaders, just behind. The Shaman stopped before the Jedi and bowed. She moved to the side and each of the Hjarii leaders to bow before the Jedi in clear thanks and reverence for their helping to bring about a day of freedom.

One of the leaders offered to Koran a thick wooden panel that was a relief carving with Hjarii markings, and showed a crude yet artistic rendering of what was a remembrance of the first Jedi that had visited their world and had brought peace to their people.

Koran accepted the panel with a bow. He studied the carving with an odd smile, then bowed again. "So much of Jedi lore has been lost through time, especially due to the Jedi purge by Emperor Palpatine. I cannot thank you enough for this glimpse back again into our past."

"As there is no thanks adequate enough for us," the Hjarii replied. "For helping to give back our future."

Jon'Luk, WinLos's grandfather, too was among the leaders. He offered to Laedra an opened box. Decorated with stars it contained a set of a dozen Hjarii crystals, the ones that their people had been made to mine for so many generations under the cruel thumb of the Company.

Laedra laid her hand on Jon'Luk's shoulder and smiled warmly as she shook her head. "I couldn't. Your people toiled for ages for those. We hardly deserve them for something we should have done long ago for your people."

Jon'Luk smiled, "Please, you must. You have helped to give us back our future. The Company thought these valued above our lives. The Jedi serve a cause higher than the self, and our lives have been returned," he said as he looked to the different hued crystals that glittered in the box. "They are beautiful and precious. I am sure that the Jedi could have them as a token of our gratitude and friendship. We care not of such values, these have not the same worth to us, as the Company had seen in them. No longer do we have to toil for others, now we can go back to the old ways and live in peace and harmony."

"Then" --she slid her hands beneath the box and bowed solemnly to Jon'Luk-- "we are honoured to accept it. But, the memories of our time with you and your people is a gift we will cherish far greater. I hope we have given you memories just as pleasant."

"Yes, indeed," Jon'Luk replied happily. "It will be a day long remembered and told in song and tale for generations to come!"

The Hjarii's Shaman approached the Jedi with a smile of reverence and a sense of humbleness in her body language. VeeTa stood by her side to translate.

"There are no words or gifts that can be exchanged to express the thanks we have for what you have done here," she said. "You have instilled hope and have shed light where there was none. You have helped us to remember the proud and capable people we have always been, but have only forgotten during our time under those of the Company. You have come selflessly in the interest of peace and justice, you have shared wisdom, know that within each heart of the Hjarii from this day on is humbled thanks and you shall always be welcome and have friends here."

"And if your people are ever in need again," Laedra responded, "the Jedi are forever at your disposal."

Koran took a step closer to the Shaman, and bowed to her. "As you begin a new era of freedom for your people," he began, "your path may be hard to find at first. Symbols hold a power that can light the way through dark places. As you are starting anew, having a symbol to light the path of where you have come, and where you are headed will be important." From within his robe, he withdrew half of a scepter, intricately carved in the Hjarii fashion. "The Hjarii are free."

The Shaman took the scepter and held it with the other half. She offered it to the Hjarii clan leaders who took it with great reverence, bowing their thanks and respect to both their Shaman and the Jedi. Many Hjarii gathered closer in cheer as they began to celebrate a new day of freedom.

The Shaman motioned for the Jedi to follow, she had one more matter of business to complete the circle before the Jedi could be on their way back home.

***

The Jedi followed the Shaman and VeeTa back to her hut. Vaya took in the surroundings one last time, knowing in her heart she would return to see what the Hjarii had made of themselves, but knowing it would be some time before that would happen. She had grown somewhat fond of the Hjarii in her short adventure with them. She valued their sense of honor, duty and communal responsibility. She felt as if she could relate to them - she herself was a slave of sorts, under the subjugation of those greater and far more powerful. But she too had been delivered, had been helped to help herself become free, by Jedi. She was proud of their valor in standing against their enemies to reclaim their destiny.

Cole had found the food for the young cub and had found a family willing to look after the cub. They had been cautious at first; who wouldn't with a baby on the way themselves, but one look at the cub and they had fallen in love with her, as Cole had. The young Padawan stepped up beside Vaya, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Taking it all in?" he asked, whispering.

Vaya turned to her friend with a warm smile, "Yeah. To tell the truth, I don't really want to go home!" she laughed. "Not that I am interested in staying here, though it would be nice. It is just...it has been nice to get away and be doing something, you know? I value Master Vorrel's training, the temple is nice and all. But sometimes I still feel like a stranger on Tae'Karada. But I know I haven't been with you all for long. I do feel comfortable and at home at the Temple, but that is just about it. I know very little of the world and its people, though I try to study it some when I have the time. I traveled a lot before coming to Tae'Karada...maybe that is what it is. When I'm a Jedi, I want to travel all over the galaxy in service to the Force."

"Sounds like a plan..." Cole nodded in understanding. "I've been itching to get out of the Temple from day one. I'm a city man, the temple is... for a lack of a better word... boring. You see one rock wall you've seen them all." Cole winked at her jokingly. "Being out here in the galaxy, using our abilities to help people, like the Hjarii... That's what the Jedi should be doing. It's why I became a Padawan."

"Yes, it has been very fulfilling and a great experience to have been here and helped them," Vaya said. "But we have to learn first. The Force offers us great power, and with that comes great responsibility. I imagine even the Masters continue to learn and train in the Force."

"I know I have still much to learn, as my master reminds me constantly." Cole wanted to make Koran proud of him, he wanted to be the Jedi he and the other masters wanted him to be. "But I will be a Jedi some day, a day I will treasure forever."

Everyone filed into the modest hut. The Shaman bowed to Laedra and requested for her to procure the gift she had given her when the Jedi had first arrived and met the Shaman. She then went to the far wall and procured an intricately designed boxed with a simple key-hole lock. She offered it to the Jedi.

"You had offered wisdom," VeeTa translated for the Shaman. "I give to you what is rightly yours."

"Another gift?" Laedra asked. "Your people have already done and given so much."

The Shaman smiled. "It is yours by right, and it was meant for you. I hope it serves the Jedi well, just as I hope your actions and the wisdom you have shared will serve the Hjarii well."

Laedra smiled and bowed to the elder woman as she accepted the box. "We thank you for this." Glancing at the lock, Laedra raised a questioning eyebrow at the Shaman. "May I open it?"

The Shaman nodded. "Use what I have given you before."

Laedra studied the woman with mild curiosity, and focusing on the Shaman's specific choice of words, a smile touched her lips and she nodded slowly. Delving into the inner pocket of her robe, Laedra retrieved the gift bestowed upon her and gingerly unwrapped it, still unaware of what the Shaman had given to her safekeeping when their journey had begun. And into her palm landed a slender, bleached bone that had been rounded on one side and pierced to fasten a dangling string of beads with one bright read feather from its end; the knobby joint had been filed down into a crude key, one that Laedra suspected matched the keyhole on the box awaiting her.

Handling the fragile key with care, Laedra slid it into the box's opening and turned. There was a subtle click when the lock had been disengaged, and leaving the key sticking out from the keyhole, Laedra reverently flipped open the lid. It was difficult, no matter how tightly she held onto her emotions, for Laedra not to express surprise at what was revealed within the box. She quickly looked up at the Shaman, whose smile was distinctly amused, then to Koran. His look of recognition corroborated what Laedra had witnessed, and the pulse she had felt through the Force as her hands touched the box. For cradled within a bed of white cloth was a crystalline cube small enough to fit perfectly into Laedra's palm, and etched onto its four sides were glyphs of very familiar origin - the symbols matched nearly perfectly those existing on the Temple walls on Tae'Karada. A holocron, for certain, but bearing what type of information, Laedra was not prepared to venture. She studied the Shaman curiously. "Where did this come from?"

"From the Jedi of old," the Shaman replied. "The ones who came before you many, many generations before. They foretold the Jedi would return again one day, and that this was meant for you. It has been kept safe all these generations by the Hjarii Shaman. It has always been said that it holds great wisdom, and some Shaman have even claimed that it has whispered to them in their dreams. When you shared the knowledge of those you called the Ancients, I knew that you were the Jedi foretold so long ago."

Koran bowed low before the Shaman. "We cannot thank you enough for this," he said. "The honor you do us is beyond measure. Perhaps, through the help of those such as yourselves, the Jedi that remain can piece together the history that is now lost to time. As we have helped to give you your future, you have helped us to find our past. Our greatest thanks will always remain with the Hjarii."

The Shaman bowed with a warm smile, "The Jedi speak wise and true."

"As our Padawans will attest to," Laedra answered with an easy smile, "we are not always so wise, but we do strive to be. We are honoured that you have recognized our efforts. Perhaps when we next meet, you will find us far wiser because of what we have experienced here these past few days." Laedra bowed to the Shaman and the Hjarii people standing around them, and Koran and the Padawans followed suit. "Thank you for what you have taught us. All of you."

Koran moved closer to the other Jedi. "I believe it is time for us to be on our way," he said. "We have a long journey ahead of us, and there are important matters that we may need to assist with on Tae'Karada." He glanced to Laedra, and gave her a nod.

The Jedi turned to exit the Shaman's hut...and with them followed the Hjarii that had been gathered within, witnessing the gift exchange. And when the Jedi came into the open, radiant sunlight breaking through the dispersing clouds of soot and pollution accumulated over decades of mining, two columns of Hjarii reaching into the forest's edge flanked the Jedi.

Cheers erupted, and well-wishes were tossed their way along with the petals of freshly picked flowers. They fluttered around the small group of five who had travelled lightyears from their home to liberate that of a race none had encountered previously. Waving farewell to their newly-established friends, and wishing both WinLos and VeeTa the best of luck on an upcoming wedding their people would no doubt bless now instead of censuring, the Jedi expedition made their procession to Girra's waiting ship.

It had been a journey undertaken out of Jedi humanitarianism and an endeavour to return a balance to the Force that had been upset by the Company's cruelty; none of them, however, had anticipated creating a bond with the Hjarii people so deeply it would resonate through the Force no matter how far the distance between them. And the Hjarii would never forget the Jedi - presaged as their saviours by Shaman of centuries past - one day landing on their planet, and the next liberating them from years of bondage.

Cole glanced up over his shoulder as his boot touched down on the metal surface of the access ramp. Two large birds were flying through the sky, they were so close their wingtips were almost touching. They were heading inland, towards the Hjarii, almost as if they knew. "Life finds a way..." Cole whispered with a smile before stepping up into the ship.

Vaya took one last look at the Hjarii people; the old who had seen much, to the very young who had a new future ahead of them. It brought to memory the questions the Jedi Council had asked of her not so long ago. She had told them that more than anything in her life she wanted to serve the Force, to help bring peace and justice to those across the stars who were in need. It felt good to do good. She was happy for the Hjarii, and she was honored to have helped in their cause.

In the eyes of the elder and the youngest alike, Vaya saw a twinkling of hope that was not present when first she met the Hjarii. Hearing Cole's faint whisper, she too looked to the sky and then bid farewell to the Hjarii, "May the Force be with you all..."

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