Location: New Plouton; Agarra
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

"There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is the Force.

"This is the Jedi's code," Liam stated, as he re-stated the words of past Jedi Masters Yoda and Mitth'raw'nurida. "To use the Force, the Jedi must remain at harmony with it. To act in dissonance depletes one's power. The Force is created and sustained by life. The Jedi acts to preserve life. To kill is wrong. Yet it is often necessary to kill. The Jedi may kill in self defense or the defense of others. You may kill if, by doing so, life is preserved.

"A Jedi never acts from hatred, anger, fear or aggression." He moved slowly around where the two young ones stood on their hands, concentrating on his voice and on the room around him. "A Jedi must act when calm, at peace with the Force. To act from anger is to court the Dark Side, to risk everything for which the Jedi stand.

"For the Light Side, you need patience. Control. It is peace and harmony that gives a Jedi strength."

Liam looked over his students and nodded. "Very good," he said. "Rise."

Now donning the traditional Jedi robes, Yara Brael and Va'Lesh Zaneth, former soldiers of Dargus Kandran's regime, gracefully curled their legs in towards their chest and with great control set their feet down to stand upright. Yara regarded their Master, still with curiousity, but now with eyes that held a deeper knowledge than that Dargus had allowed them to acquire. Liam had awakened them to their Force potential months ago, and in it they had found a purpose once lost upon Dargus' death. They were no longer soldiers; now, they sought to become Jedi, just like their father. It brought them both fulfillment.

"Master Zaneth," Yara said, a slightly quizzically frown turning down her lips. "If a Jedi must not act on emotion, yet the desire for peace is our primary motivation, does that not require one to act on one's emotions?"

"A Jedi Knight, being human, does feel emotion," Liam stated. "However, when a Jedi acts, she must be at peace with herself and the Force. If she acts through her anger or fear, she risks falling to the dark side. It all comes down to how. If you act out of aggression, you court the darkness. If you are at peace, in control of your thoughts and feelings, you are acting in accordance with the Force. Does this make sense?"

Yara reflected for a moment, then nodded. "I believe it does, Master. I would like to meditate on it further, but I think I understand."

Liam smiled, pleased with the course of action she'd chosen. "Meditation is always an excellent means to solve an indecipherable puzzle. It allows you to put yourself into even greater harmony with the Force, and in that state the answers come willingly. Va'Lesh?"

"I would like to meditate as well, Master Zaneth," he said. "I feel I understand what you have taught us today, but meditation will help to affirm that. Will we be returning to the Temple again soon?"

"Soon," Liam said. "There are things we need there, and Koran Darr has asked for a meeting of the Jedi Council when we're back on Tae'Karada. I believe Kael will also be preparing to go offworld to search for others with the talent to become Jedi." He glanced in the direction of the cockpit. "It will also be nice to have a change of pace."

Yara shared a furtive look with Va'Lesh. Liam had said little about the purpose of their voyage, and Yara and Va'Lesh had been too obedient to pry. But the two of them were curious and were determined to find out without resorting to subterfuge or espionage of any kind. All they did know was it often created fluctuations in Liam's normally calm aura when he spoke to Shaze in private, or when he visited Yelara's stasis chamber. She was the key.

Shaza appeared in the entrance of the room. She glanced at Liam and smiled. She felt her heart flutter at the sight of him, at the way he looked at his students, at the way he turned to regard her. He caught her eye and she looked away quickly, knowing that what he saw there might not be what he wished to see. "We're coming up on Corellia," she said, focusing her thoughts on Leshie and Yara. "I have a contact in Coronet who should be able to give us a few leads, and we need to recharge our fuel cells. While we're here, anyone want to accept the task of finding a nice place for us to eat? Be nice to sit down somewhere for a change."

"Va'Lesh and I shall do so," Yara volunteered. "Perhaps while we do, Master, we can practice searching out for those with Force potential. Would that not be a worthwhile exercise?"

Liam smiled. "It would," he said. "You remember what to look for?"

"Yes, Master," Yara replied. "We search for a pulsing awareness trapped within the individual's own obliviousness to the Force, or their denial of its existence. In the end, we allow them to come to us."

"Very good," Liam said with a nod. "If you need anything, I'll be available over the comlink."

Yara bowed to Liam, as did Va'Lesh. When she was upright again, all formality was shed when she smiled at her father. "Thank for the day's lesson."

"Yes, Father," Leshie said, then slipped his hand into Yara's. He gave Liam a smile that reminded him so much of his own that it was almost eerie. "I have learned so much."

Liam returned the smiles as Va'Lesh and Yara both stood smiling at him, their auras shining with the light of their happiness. "You both did very well today," he said.

"We are glad we have pleased you, Father." Yara inclined her head at Shaza, and the two departed.

Liam moved over to Shaza, watching her.

She gave him a smile, and then quickly pulled herself into his arms. She sighed happily as his arms folded around her. "So, you're going to help me with supplies?"

"Gladly," Liam said. "It'll give us some time for you to finish that story you started last night before you fell asleep."

"Me? You were the one who fell asleep. Started snoring right at the best part."

"Oh, really? We'll just have to see about that."

Shaza grinned and kissed his cheek. "We will, will we?"

Liam's lips brushed over her chin, and he pulled away. "We will. Now, get this crate on the ground, so we can get moving."

"Yes, sir," Shaza said with a laugh, and started off toward the cockpit, making sure to give Liam something enticing to watch as she retreated.

***

"Thank you, sir. We'll bring this up with the council." Raeila smiled amiably at the young man, who offered her a charming one in return. Once he was through the doors, she sighed and keyed off the computer terminal on her desk. "That's been the hundredth today." She glanced aside at her brother, who was manning the other desk in the small office and swivelled her chair to face him. "I don't know how the Jedi are gonna keep up with this demand."

Ferrig looked at the datapad in his left hand and compared it to the one in his left. "Prioritize," he muttered. "Just have to prioritize. So, which is more important? Missing baby or missing husband? We're going to need more Jedi, that's for certain. And, speaking of Jedi, where is your husband and why isn't he here helping us?"

"Off settling a squabble over property rights," Rae replied with a shrug. "The curse of a Jedi Knight I suppose."

"Maybe we should start hiring," Ferrig said. "Wouldn't hurt to have some more logistics people, you know. We could use a few people working on cataloging information, maybe setting up a database. With all this work, we hardly have time to eat regular meals, let alone other things. I happen to like other things very much, you know."

Raeila smiled at her brother and smoothly pushed out of her chair to approach him. "Other things are to be reserved for when we're not working," she chided him. Raeila leaned her hip against the desk's edge and she chuckled as Ferrig's hand brushed over her waist. "We have important work to do, you know. We're the Jedi's representatives. It's a very serious task."

"Very serious," Ferrig said. "And, we've been doing it all day...for the last couple months. Don't you think we've earned an hour off in that time? I'll make it worth your time, my beautiful sister."

"Oh, I know you will," she replied, leaning forward to kiss her brother's brow. "But what if there's another complaint to be taken? Our valiant Jedi friends would be bored with no one to save."

"Oh very well," Ferrig said. "Can't have bored Jedi. What would happen to the galaxy if they had to twiddle their thumbs for a day?" He put on his most cheerful smile and turned to the door to await their next visitor.

Raeila watched him skeptically, then sighed. "You hate doing this, don't you?" She slid along the edge of the desk until she was directly beside her brother and leaning to one side to catch his gaze. "You don't like being the Jedi's errand boy. That's it, isn't it?"

Ferrig abandoned watching the door and turned to Raeila. "Actually, that's not it at all," he said. "I like this, really. In a way I'm helping people, rather than hurting them. I guess it's just that I'm impatient and restless. I'm not used to just sitting in one place for long periods of time." He took her hands into his. "I do like this, Rae, I promise."

"But," she said slowly, "you'd rather be more actively helping. Like Pack and Yannick...in the desert."

"Pack and Yannick would rather be helping themselves into your pants."

Raeila laughed softly. "That's not the point. Ferrig...do you really want to be here? If it's the desert you want...we can go. Passage is no longer restricted, and Yannick and Pack are doing good things there. We can visit...as representatives of the Jedi."

"I'd like to visit," Ferrig said with a smile. "My place is here, with you, doing this work to help the people we can. I may be restless and fidgety, but I know this is what I need to be doing right now." He kissed her hands. "This is where I belong, Rae."

She nodded slowly and watched as her thumbs brushed against the tops of his hands. "I know why you don't want to leave," she said softly. "Why you can't go to the desert...." Raeila glanced up at him and whispered, "It's Talara. You won't leave until you see her again."

Ferrig shifted his gaze down to their hands. "It's so hard," he said. "I feel...feel like I've lost her already, but I can't give up hope." He was silent for a moment, then he lifted his eyes until they found hers. "You're the other reason I can't leave. My...my place is here, Rae. With you, with Tala when she comes back."

"We won't be so far apart," she told him. "The desert's free. We can come and go as we please. Don't you miss it, Ferrig? I know I do sometimes."

"I do," Ferrig said. "Sometimes, I find myself looking out the window and wishing... But, after living here, I don't know if I could truly go back. I don't know if...if I could leave what I have here now. Could you? Could you go back to the desert again? Leave all this behind?"

"I couldn't leave Kael behind," she answered. "And...this feels like home now - a second home." She smiled at her brother, then sighed. "I guess here we stay after all."

Ferrig wrapped his arms around Raeila. "This feels like home to me now," he said. "Especially our apartment. I think I like the little shrine to Thana we set up."

"I think she appreciates it too," Raeila replied, encircling him with her arms as well. "We're really making a difference here, Ferrig, no matter how tiresome we think this job is. We're finally doing some good. Thana would be proud."

A wide grin spread across his lips. "Who would have ever thought that would have happened? Ferrig and Raeila Mullerin going all respectable?"

Raeila grinned slyly and sank down onto Ferrig's lap. "Respectable, hm?" Sliding her hands down his chest, she whispered, "Hardly," then kissed her brother fully, proving there was still a little Kir'Thana left in them after all.

***

Kael pulled the comlink from his belt. He looked at the information and frowned. He wasn't displeased by the information displayed there, just caught off-guard. "This is Kael," he said into the device. "How may I help you, Laedra Vorrel?"

"You can meet me, for starters," the female voice replied from the other end. "There's a matter I wish to discuss, and I do not want to do so over an unsecured comm channel."

"Of course," Kael answered. "Where shall I meet you? I am available now and can easily reach any location within New Plouton within ten minutes."

"As I said," Laedra replied, "this is an unsecured channel. Reach out through the Force, and you will find me. I'll see you soon, Jedi Knight Selrid." There was brief static, then a chirp as the connection was severed.

Kael returned his comlink to his belt and stepped outside of the apartment he shared with Raeila and Ferrig. He sent his thoughts and feelings out through the Force as he climbed onto his speederbike. It only took a moment, but he found Laedra's unique presence within the Force. He touched the power activator and kicked the bike into gear. He raced off along the streets of New Plouton, letting his sense through the Force guide him to Laedra. He managed to reach her within nine minutes.

Leaving the speederbike, he approached quickly, his hood up to hide his identity.

She remained leaning her shoulder against the ferrocrete wall of the building, with her back to Kael and her gaze focused on the passing vehicles up ahead. Laedra smiled to herself as he drew closer. "Koran always believed you were talented. He was right."

"I have a talent for finding my way, I think," Kael said. He reached out with the Force to examine Laedra.

Her smile tightened and she finally glanced over her shoulder at him. "Stop that, now," she chided gently. "It's still me, Kael. No need to be so suspicious. It hasn't been that long, has it?"

"Only a couple months," Kael said. "I just wanted to make sure you were well, that's all. Despite the fall of the Empire, it is still dangerous out here, even for a wary Jedi."

"Not everyone is accepting of change," Laedra told him. "And most everyone is skeptical of anyone offering aid freely, as the Jedi have." Turning fully to face him, Laedra drew back her cowl to reveal the long, straight strands of brown hair framing her slender face. Her long bangs fell below her eyebrows to shade her eyes, but their brightness still shone through. With a smile, she moved forward to embrace Kael. "I have missed you, Kael Selrid."

Kael smiled and returned her embrace. "It's good to see you again, Laedra," he said. "I've missed you as well. Is there any news? Have you found anything? Ferrig's staying strong, but I know inside he's very worried, and...and almost at the point of giving up. I continue to try to bolster his hopes. Have you come closer?"

"I've been watching them," she replied. "They often go out at night to find men and women for the evening. Talara is always with them. I've yet to find a convenient opportunity to approach her. My fear is that Nieme is becoming stronger by the day, as well as Dani. I am not too eager to confront them both alone."

"Am I to assume that's where I come in?" Kael asked.

"I am not forcing anything upon you," Laedra explained. "I simply need a way to separate Nieme from Dani and Talara. She is the farthest gone of the three, but considering your past relationship with her, I feel you can succeed in at least luring her away from them."

"Whatever you need me to do," Kael said. "Just name it and I'll do it." He gave her a lopsided smile. "You can count on me, Laedra."

"And can I count on you not to tell Koran of this?" She smiled wanly. "I don't wish him to be offended that I haven't contacted him. It just isn't time for that yet."

"I'll say nothing of this to anyone else," Kael said. "No one will even know I was here, except for you, me, and the three of them."

Laedra placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you. I'll contact you again when it's time." She smiled at him and added, "It really was good to see you again."

"And you, Laedra," Kael said. "I'll see you again soon. Stay safe and may the Force be with you."

"The same to you," she replied, then raised her hood again and rushed off, disappearing in the darkness of the alley.

Once she was gone, Kael followed her into the darkness, but angled away to take him back toward his apartment. He only hoped he could be as helpful to Laedra as she expected him to be. It had been awhile since he'd faced Nieme, and he wasn't sure what this meeting would bring. He could sense her though, sense her darkness and hatred. She had to be stopped.

***

Maeren Shivral giggled. "It's so big," she said. "I think you've got a full grown one in there, not a little baby." She glanced at the puff of white fur at her side, also examining the large swell before her. "Don't you think so?" Hope's only answer was to meow and rub her fuzzy forehead against the object of their scrutiny: Kaysa's belly. "Someday that'll be me, too. I can only imagine what Keeve will be like when I'm pregnant."

"When's that happening anyway?" Kaysa chuckled as the reisakitten licked at a spot on her bared abdomen, then fondly stroked the kitten's head. "I think Hope would enjoy a playmate."

"I think so too," Shiv said with a grin. "Results still indicate negative. I really wish they'd program those pregnancy tests with something other than the personality of an astromech droid. Well, except for Elf. Elf had personality."

Kaysa smiled at the kitten as she scooped her up and set the little animal back down atop her distended stomach. She mewed inquisitively, then hopped off onto the bed's mattress again. "You've been trying, I know," she continued, watching the kitten pounce on its own tail. "The doctor says nothing's wrong?"

Shiv nodded. "Doctor says that me and Keeve should try again for the next week starting tomorrow, so we're going to have a marathon. So, if we're kind of noisy and rambunctious, you know why. I hope it happens this time. They say that we're both fine...maybe it's just that Keeve's always so stressed out."

Kaysa sighed. "I don't know whether to be overjoyed, or frustrated. He's just gotten so overprotective since he found out about the baby. And then with Kallia too...." She smiled fondly. "He's going to make a wonderful father when you finally have one, Shiv."

Shiv grinned. "I know," she said. "I'm just glad he didn't take my suggestion of practicing diapers on Hope seriously. I think she'd be very cute, but you should have seen the look in her eyes! At least he's being nice to you now though. I was rather impressed how he was such a gentleman at dinner last night. He even smiled at you."

"And offered to slice my food for me," she quipped. "But...I'm not complaining. It's nice to be able to sit in the same room with him and not be regarded with a sneer. I think he's just excited to be having a little brother or sister."

"Who wouldn't be," Shiv answered with a grin. "Can you imagine how much help you're going to be having with the little one? Just as long as he doesn't try breastfeeding him or her, we should be fine."

Kaysa snickered, startling Hope, who emitted a growl that was more cute than threatening. "Oh my," Kaysa joked, still chuckling, "where's my valiant protector now?"

"Oh don't worry about her," Shiv said with a grin as she ruffled Hope's fur. "She's vicious up to the point where she actually has to make good on her viciousness, then she realizes she just wants attention and love. She gets lots of love, that's for sure. Don't you?" Hope looked at Shiv and let out a trilling meow. "See?"

"We all do," Kaysa replied softly, though there was a hint of wistfulness in her voice. She absently smoothed her hands over her belly and fought back the sorrow that always arose when she thought of raising her child without a father. "Where are they, Shiv?" she whispered thickly. "Why can't he find them?"

"He will," Shiv answered, her voice equally emotional. She loved Merrick, and to have him lost to her was painful. At least Keeve seemed to understand somewhat. It had brought her closer to Kaysa once again, and this time Keeve didn't seem to mind so much. This time he seemed to realize that he wasn't losing her. "Moril will find them; it just takes time to find people, especially now that they've been taken offworld."

"Offworld could be anywhere," Kaysa rasped. "Gods...I want so desperately to go and look for them myself...." Her glossy eyes gazed up at Shiv and she reached out to take her lover's hand. "I want to go back. Why can't we go back?"

"Moril says it's dangerous for us," Shiv answered. "But...but I do too. I hate feeling...feeling so helpless, Kaysa. We can help find them. We can help track them down and bring them home."

Kaysa laughed weakly and gestured to her curved stomach. "Like this? I want to save them, Shiv...but there's also this part of me - a part who wants to protect this baby with her life - that won't let me. And I'm torn."

Shiv nodded. "Maybe we should talk about it with Keeve and Kallia, not that Kallia would be in much of a position to do much either. But, she is still a Jedi. Maybe she could get the other Jedi to help us."

"Moril couldn't get their help before," Kaysa pointed out. "Why would they help now?"

"Maybe because Kallia is a Jedi, she could get them to listen when he couldn't. She seems to be fairly close to that blue-eyed Jedi."

Kaysa nodded slowly, regaining some sense of hope. "What about Qual and Neron? Moril says they're just waiting for us to return."

"I think the Jedi could take care of them," Shiv said. "I could take care of them if I was ready. I think as long as we stay alert and wary, we can do this, Kaysa. We can save them, and then we'll all be back together. Oh gods, I want to feel Merrick's arms around me again."

"Me too," Kaysa whispered. She then held her own open for Shiv, and smiled. "But...will mine do for now?"

Shiv slipped into Kaysa's arms, earning a startled trilling meow from Hope, and held her close. "Your arms always work," she said. She smiled as she felt Hope rubbing lazily against them both. At least they were all content like this.

***

The rock floated into the air. It didn't float far, but it did float. From where she sat, her legs crossed beneath her and her mouth set in a determined line, Zari concentrated with all her mental strength on that rock, willing it to float higher. It was working. It was really working. In the distance, even though she was only at her side, she heard Master Jae Dyn's murmured words of assurance. She was doing well.

Ever since she had started training with Master Jae Dyn four months before, she had viewed the world entirely differently than she would have ever thought it could be. The Force was amazing and the things it could do even more so. She could sense things, know things. She felt amazing and she could jump farther, climb faster.

She reached out and lifted another rock into the air. She concentrated on them together, moving them in sync. Over and over, under and over. She smiled. She reached out for yet another rock.

"Don't try to do too much too soon," came Master Jae Dyn's cautioning words.

Zari hesitated. With a slight nod, she began moving her two rocks once more. She set one onto the ground, and set the other atop of it. She then picked up the one she'd nearly picked up and set it atop the others. While still concentrating on the stack of rocks, keeping them steady, she picked up yet another rock and added it to the pile.

"Very good," Jae Dyn said. "Now, lift the whole stack."

The stack shuddered as it lifted into the air slowly. She managed to get it a quarter of a meter before the first rock fell off the stack. Once it had fallen, the rest quickly followed.

Zari let out an exasperated sigh. "I can do it!"

Master Jae Dyn set her hand on her shoulder and smiled. "I know you can," she said. "You are very talented, Zari, and I know you can do this. But, you're getting tired. Let's get back to the others. I think Hope wants to visit with you."

Zari grinned. "She does?"

"Of course she does. She loves the attention, especially from her best friend Zari."

"I thought Maeren was her best friend."

"Well, she's her best tall friend."

"What about Keeve?"

"Best male tall friend. Subtle difference but it's there."

Zari smiled. "Keeve's here." She turned and saw Keeve step into their clearing. "Hi Keeve," she said.

He waved at them both, and greeted them with a smile as he drew near. "Juggling again?"

"You could say that," Zari said with a grin. "I...I dropped them."

"We were just finishing up and heading back," Jae Dyn said.

"Then I came in time." Keeve came up beside Kallia and slipped an arm around her waist for support she didn't truly require, but which he still offered. "You're not exerting yourself again, are you?" he chided, then smiled as he gingerly rested his hand on her abdomen. "I hope you're telling your mother you need some rest," Keeve told the developing baby.

"She or he has been resting comfortably as we watched Zari upset the rock garden here and move it over there, and over there." She smiled. "Thankfully she didn't do anything too destructive with her lightsaber."

Keeve frowned. "Well...good. I've been telling you to take it easy. And I mean it."

Kallia chuckled. "I know, and I have been," she said. "But I'm not a complete invalid yet, you know. I can still walk under my own power, but it is nice having the escort."

Keeve grinned. "Good." He winked at Zari and motioned his head towards the forest. "Let's get going. I've cooked up something interesting for us today."

Kallia chuckled. "Oh, you have, have you? Well, this I can't wait to see." She slipped one arm through Keeve's and grinned at him. Zari fell in behind them, her footsteps nearly silent.

"It's okay for you to eat nuts, isn't it?" Keeve asked. "I mean...it's not dangerous for pregnant women or anything?" He sighed. "I should've asked the shopkeeper beforehand..."

Kallia laughed again, and then kissed his cheek. "Yes," she said, "it's perfectly fine. I can do pretty much everything I did before, with a few exceptions. Nuts are fine, alcohol isn't."

Keeve grinned. "Good. I made sure it was completely healthy. Gotta keep you and baby in top condition." Brushing his lips against her ear, he whispered, "And for a pregnant woman, you still look very sexy."

Kallia smiled and brushed her hand along his arm. "You have no idea how good hearing that from you makes me feel."

"It's the truth, though." Keeve shrugged. "I know we've had some conflict, but I still care for you, Kal. And I want to care for your child when he or she's born."

"I'd like that," Kallia said. "With Yara too, I'll need all the extra hands I can get. And...and I do want my babies to have a father in their lives."

"Well, can't say I'll be a good one," Keeve admitted. "But I'm gonna try, Kal. I have to take care of you all, and I'm going to, and do it well."

Kallia reached up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Keeve," she said. "And, despite all our conflict, I do still love you."

He cleared his throat and nodded stiffly, displaying his discomfort. "I don't deserve that, Kal. I've done so many horrible things to you.... I wish I could take them back."

"Well, maybe in a way, you can. We'll have to see..."

Keeve smiled curiously at her, then sighed and loosely held both arms around her as they walked. "We'll see," he repeated quietly, then kissed the side of her head tenderly. "We've all come a long way, and I know there's still a longer way to go. I'm looking forward to that."

"Me too," Kallia said. "Especially now. I'm glad we're all getting along now...it makes everything that much more hopeful."

"And it's made me realize I was a fool to trust Dargus. I should never...." He sighed. "I have a lot of growing up to do, don't I?"

Kallia smiled. "We all do," she said. "For the rest of our lives."

Keeve nodded slowly and travelled the rest of the way to their home in silence. He'd learned much in just four months, and felt nearly disappointed that he still hadn't even grasped the basics. He did learn, however, all about love and how strong it really was, considering how cruelly he'd treated both Kaysa and Kallia yet managed to retain their affection. He knew he would do anything now to keep it.

"Renewal, Part 2"
By: Nieme Yaresh
Dani
Shrezade Anoran
Rilanna Kir
Hajne Toray [NPC+]
Cham [NPC+]
Dresh Kano [NPC+]
Pack [NPC+]
Yannick [NPC+]
Koran Darr

Location: New Plouton; Agarra
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

"I'm bored." Nieme pouted and petulantly kicked the bed sheets clear of herself. She frowned at the red-haired boy beside her, sleeping soundly and paying no attention to her. With a growl, she flicked her wrist and loosed a projectile of Force energy that sent him tumbling off the bed. She sighed with some satisfaction and clasped both hands behind her head as she relaxed. "Ever since Neron and Qual took our toys away, it's been no fun, my love."

Dani sleepily opened one eye and looked at Nieme. "What would you like to do for fun? We could go to a club and start an orgy. Would you like that? We could make Tala our star for the night and she could show us how much she's learned."

"I don't know...." Nieme sighed deeply and turned onto her side. She began playing idly with Dani's violet hair spread out across the pillow. "I want to wreak havoc. We can have an orgy any time we want." Her lips quirked into a mischievous grin. "I want to be absolutely wicked."

Dani grinned and reached over to caress Nieme's thigh. "And, what would you say is suitably wicked today, my love? Because, now you're getting me excited."

Nieme chuckled. "Only now?" she teased. "But, I was thinking" --she curled up against Dani and idly dragged her fingertips across Dani's chest-- "maybe we could destroy something, or rob someplace...." Nieme's smile grew vicious. "Or hurt someone."

"Or all three," Dani said with a wicked grin. "I think the idea of doing all three is...sexy. Oh, but where is good for robbing? What do you want more than anything that we could steal, my love? Then we can hurt whoever's there and blow the whole place up!"

Nieme giggled and embraced her lover. "You're so delectably naughty, my flower. So, how about we take a walk and go from there? I hear Kael's in town... Maybe we can pay him and his whore of a wife a little visit."

"Ooh, I like the thought of trying to track him down," Dani said. "That'll be a nice game. And, where she is, you know her brother will be. You can fuck Kael, I'll fuck Rae, and our beautiful Talara can have her way with Ferrig. And, then they can replace our missing toys."

"Damn Qual and Neron," Nieme spat. "When we find them, they'll pay for taking our precious slaves. Zale was turning out so well...."

"Zale was a beautiful slave," Dani said. "And, he was so willing to turn Merrick into a show-whore. I think I really liked his suggestion of oiling down Merrick's body and putting him in with three other naked men to see who could bury themselves in the others first."

Nieme snickered. "Oh, they were quite entertaining. Especially their squabbles. That Merrick...he's a fiery one when he's wronged. And oh how Zale's wronged him. I wonder who would come out alive if we left them alone in the same room...."

"I think it would be very close," Dani answered. "I think maybe we should let them at each other when we get them back, just to see. We won't let them do any lasting damage to each other. I do think that Merrick should have the freedom to choose a suitable punishment for Zale though. I would like to see him take Zale, that would be a sight."

"After all the times Zale's taken him, I think Merrick's earned it." Nieme, then, kissed her lover tenderly but hungrily and positioned herself between Dani's legs. "With Kael as our hostage," she said between kisses, "we could take the palace. We could."

"Maybe we could even convince him to help us take the palace. And, then we'll have Liam too. Just think of all we could do, my love. Just think of the power we could have with them on our side."

Nieme moaned happily and slid down along Dani's body, her hands caressing as they followed. "No one will stop us," she murmured, then placed a kiss on Dani's navel. "No one would dare try."

"No one has the strength to match us," Dani purred. "And, anyone who tries, will fall. We will own this planet, my love, and then we will own all."

"From rabble with nothing," Nieme mused, "to empresses of all the planet." She grinned. "Not too bad, huh?"

Dani moaned happily. "Oh, I like that progression," she said. "I think all of the people here will be very happy to serve us, don't you? Who wouldn't? Oh, and their bids to please us?"

"And if they don't" --she moved her kisses below Dani's waist-- "we just dispose of them."

Dani gasped at Nieme's touch. "Oh, I like that," she purred. "And, disposing of them sounds good too."

"Speaking of disposals...." Nieme glanced pointedly at the Va'Lesh clone, obediently remaining face-down on the ground where she had sent him. "They're simply taking up space, now that their novelty has worn off. How shall we dispose of them?"

"Maybe we can make a present of them and send them back to Liam Zaneth? Though, what could we do that would tell him how we feel about him in our own unique style."

"Send him holofootage of how appreciative we were of his boys?" Nieme suggested.

Dani giggled. "Yes," she said. "And, how much they appreciate each other."

Nieme snickered and again centered her lips between Dani's legs. As Dani vocalized her pleasure with moans and cries, Nieme plotted and schemed for their upcoming heist. Their target: the throne of Tae'Karada.

***

"I think I see him," Rilanna Kir said as she and Reza looked out over the traffic coming off the most recently arriving transport. "There, next to that Wookiee. No, the other Wookiee, the one with the big foofy fur." She looked at Reza and laughed. "Oh my...I recognize that Wookiee."

Reza squinted into the crowd. "I don't--" She was cut-off by a squeal of delight loud enough to echo off the bulkheads of the spacious bay. Reza frowned and shook her head in denial. "Oh dear gods no...."

"Mrs. Anoran!" The petite woman with glistening red lips pushed her way through the crowd with one hand clutching a handful of brown fur as the Wookiee was dragged along behind her. She halted to wave vigorously, then giggled and pushed forward again.

Reza appeared stricken, and the nearer the woman approached, the farther back Reza stepped. "She found us," Reza groaned.

"We weren't very hard to find," Ril said with a giggle. "They look...tanned. Well, she does."

A reverberant honk from the wookiee attached to her hand brought an amused smile to Reza's face. "He looks quite harried. I imagine he's rethinking his relationship with the most obnoxious human who ever existed in this universe."

"Quite possibly," Ril answered. "What did she have done to his fur? He looks like he should be performing in that one lounge we went to down on the planet."

Reza chuckled and slipped her arm through Ril's as Hajne and Cham skidded to a halt before them. Her boisterous secretary flung her arms wide and Reza cringed as she braced herself for the inevitable show of affection. The air gushed from her lung as the small woman locked her waist in a vice-like grip and squeezed. "You're alive!" she announced in typical, nasally fashion.

Reza nodded and in a painful whisper replied, "For now."

At Reza's side, Cham let out a bellow and wrapped Rilanna into a hug. She let out a laugh and hugged him back. He woofed and hooted, bringing up another laugh from Ril. "Well, yeah, but you look happy at least," she said. "And, besides, it's unique." She glanced over at Hajne. "So, how have the two of you been?"

"Oh, it was wonderful," Hajne sighed. Reza managed to escape her hold in the woman's moment of distraction. Hajne continued with her reply, while Reza rubbed her sore ribs. "We went everywhere! Chammie took me home to meet his family." She giggled and latched both hands onto Cham's forearm as she leaned against him. "I think they loved me!"

"Wow," Rilanna said with a laugh. "You took her home?" Cham woofed. "And, they liked her?" Cham woofed again. "And?" Cham barked a laugh and Ril grinned. "I guess I should say congratulations then."

"Yes, you should," Hajne replied, nearly bubbling over with laughter. Finally, it erupted in a shrill giggle and wild bouncing that frightened Reza into taking a step back. "We're getting married!" she announced to all within the flight bay.

"Oh dear gods," was Reza's only reply, and an eye roll was added for good measure.

Rilanna's eyes went wider than she ever thought her eyes could go, but she could only laugh. "Well, as long as you're happy. Your family is alright with this, right?" Cham howled a response. "Well, alright. You're sure you're-- Alright, alright. You're very happy. What about- -?" She chuckled at his response. "Adoption's good."

Reza smiled curiously at Ril, then shrugged. "Well, if everyone's content...." She extended an arm towards Hajne and Cham, then gestured towards the entryway. "Dinner in my quarters? We can celebrate."

Hajne gasped and her red-glossed lips opened wide. "You mean it, Mrs. Anoran?"

Reza braced herself for an ear-shattering squeal as she nodded. And it came.

"Oh, thank you, boss!" The woman giggled erratically and flung both arms as far as they would go around Cham. "Come on, my sexy furball. We're having an engagement dinner!"

Rilanna watched the two of them depart and shook her head. "Never a more odd pairing have I seen," she said. "It is kind of cute in a strange sort of way."

"Cuter than you and I?" Reza grinned at her. "Oh, wait...that was Dresh and I. No one's cuter than the two of us," she teased.

"I think if we get dressed up, you and I are cuter than anyone anywhere," Rilanna said. "Especially when you really let go and go wild with what you're wearing."

"Well, I can't do that on the job," Reza told her. "I'm an authority figure, and my attire must distinguish me as such." She glanced aside at Rilanna, who had on a skeptical expression. Reza chuckled. "Okay, it's just because I enjoy wearing the suits, alright?"

"I do like how that skirt looks on you," Rilanna said. "Of course, with the way it hugs your hips, it has me a little jealous."

Reza chuckled and gently nudged Rilanna's arm with her shoulder. "Jealous of what?"

Rilanna grinned. "Jealous of that skirt," she purred.

"No need to be, dear Rilanna," Reza assured her with a light stroking of her hand. "There's plenty of time before dinner to get me out of it."

"Oh, I do like the sound of that," she said with a laugh. "Me, you, and how much we can work into such a short amount of time. If it's anything like last time, quite a bit."

"It keeps the body fit," Reza explained. "No one can blame us for that, can they?"

"Oh, I certainly hope not," Rilanna answered. "And, if they do, who cares. Our walls are soundproofed."

"Now," Reza amended with a wink. They turned a corner out of the flight bay and started for the lifts. They always seemed to remind her of Dresh, and brought out a wistful sigh. "It's been two months," she muttered. "And nothing."

"I'm sure it just means that he's extremely busy," Rilanna said. "You know those New Republic types, always busy and doing official kinds of things."

"So busy he can't even comm me?" Reza asked testily.

"I don't know about too busy to comm you," said a voice that was definitely not Rilanna's. "But there has been some serious interference around the moon. Finally realized I just needed to get over here myself."

Reza's lips screwed into a reluctant smile, until a short laugh escaped. "I'll be right back," she told Rilanna, then dashed off towards the smooth, charming voice from behind. Strong arms encircled her as their bodies connected, and their lips followed. "Jerk," she murmured between ravenous kisses. "Too long."

"You're telling me," Dresh said as he pulled her even closer. He lifted her into the air and laughed. "You have no idea how much I missed you!"

Reza wrapped her arms around his neck, more for security than affection. He finally lowered her into his arms again, and Reza sighed as they embraced. "Oh, I think I have some idea," she whispered in reply.

"Good," Dresh whispered in response. He kissed her once more then pulled back. "So, do you have any time to make up for lost time?"

"We're actually just off to prepare for dinner," Reza answered. "You should come."

"I'd be delighted," Dresh said. "You wouldn't believe the food they're serving at the base. There are times when I've thought my own leg would be more appetizing."

"Your punishment for not comming me," Reza sang. "Why didn't you?"

"I think the technical reason is the comm is on the fratz," Dresh said. "During the battle, I think one of the comm towers was damaged, and there are black spots in our range, including Drogen. I'm sorry, but I plan to make it up to you if you'll let me."

Reza smiled. "Well, now you've got me intrigued. Is it a surprise?"

"Well, it's not really a surprise," Dresh answered. "But, I haven't got the entire plan worked out yet. In any case, I'm here for a week. Do you think that gives us enough time?"

"More than enough," she replied, then kissed him again for good measure. "You'll need to change," she told him and stepped back. "A flightsuit just won't do."

Dresh grinned. "Well, I did bring some things to change into. If we can get somewhere private, I can let you choose which I should wear." "My quarters," Reza suggested. She wrinkled her nose after sniffing at his jumpsuit, then chuckled. "A shower, too, is in order I believe." After slipping her arm through his, then doing the same to Rilanna, she led them to the lifts and up into her quarters where dinner would be served in an hour or two. She hoped Hajne kept Cham well-groomed; hairballs in the appetizers simply weren't proper etiquette.

***

Pack frowned. "I can't believe they're putting a statue of us up," he said. "Us? It's... I wonder if we'll be in a valiant pose."

"With our chokas raised high in their full glory," he quipped reverently, brushing a hand against his groin. "Besides, we deserve one. We've done a lot for this province."

Pack laughed. "Just as long as the pishcas are crapping on your choka and not mine. They could make a pond below us and all the kids could use my choka for one of those diving platforms."

"Now, don't go crazy here, Pack." Yannick chuckled and slapped his friend on the back. With a heavy sigh, he rose from his seat at the conference table, as they had come to call it, and paced towards the window looking out upon the street they'd fittingly named "Gresch Thana" or, Thana's Way. They hoped it would lead the entire desert to peace. "When's Kovan arranged the next meeting for? Some of the people want better access to water."

"Day after tomorrow," Pack said. "She said she had a shipment of foodstuffs on the way, and possibly a water shipment as well. She's also supposed to be bringing in a transport of moisture collectors for us, to help us pull in water of our own. She says it won't satisfy all our needs, but it'll definitely get us most of the way there with some assist from other sources."

"And new equipment means more security. You know those hellions calling themselves the Borjas are gonna plan a raid the minute they find out about them." Yannick sighed and pressed his hand to the frame of the window. "We're trying for peace, and all they can do is create problems."

Pack sighed. "We'll have to do something about them," he said. "We're the law enforcement now, and we need to enforce our laws."

"But if we just go in there and take them all down, we risk rebellion." Slamming the heel of his palm against the wood, Yannick pushed away from the wall and turned to face Pack. "I think they resent the New Republic presence around here. They think we've traded in one tyrannical regime for another."

"We'll need to make certain they see the truth," Pack said. "We'll have to make sure they can see the good that's being done."

Yannick shot his friend a lopsided smile full of pride. "We are doing pretty good, aren't we?"

Pack grinned. "We're doing much better than I ever thought we would. I think...I think we're turning into damn fine leaders."

Yannick snorted. "Scary, isn't it?"

"The scariest part is they're actually following us."

"Should we be worried?" Yannick asked. "I think they look up to us, and I think we're getting good at this. We'll be fine."

Pack clapped a hand onto Yannick's shoulders. "I think you're right," he said with a wide grin.

"I know I'm right," Yannick quipped smugly. "Now, how about you and I go to the square and check on the progress of our statues?"

"Yeah," Pack said with a chuckle. "We need to make sure they get the size of our chokas right."

"Which means mine better be longer than yours." He patted his friend's back companionably as they walked out into the street - for once in their lives, without a blaster strapped to their waist. It was the most important sign of the peace they were striving towards. The sun felt somehow more invigorating that day.

"We're talking chokas," Pack said with a laugh. "Not egos. Mine's bigger and better and desired and admired by all. I could show you to prove it, but you never are up for that. Not that I blame you...I hear you prefer women, and one look and that may change." They vanished together down the street, laughter following them, a sound once unheard in the desert...now it was just a bit more common.

***

The number of students was growing. Koran Darr watched them with a growing sense of eagerness, knowing that the future of the Jedi Order stood before him. They came from all over, this planet and others. Practice remotes hummed as they darted about, zapping low-powered bolts at the students. Their form was shaky and they lacked discipline, but they were still new at this. In time, their form would improve and their power would grow. In some he could detect definite strength, more powerful than some here at the Temple already. In some, he detected that they weren't quite as strong, but they still contained strength. All present had the potential to become full Jedi in time.

"Good," he said. "Now, everyone return to neutral positions." They did. "Good. Go to your mats now. Begin meditation."

Once they had settled themselves, he turned and moved away. There was a long road ahead, but along it he saw hope.

When he had left the Temple, he pulled his comlink from his jacket, and stopped himself. He couldn't contact her, as much as he wanted...he couldn't.

He returned the comlink to his belt and sighed. He would wait for her to return. It would be difficult. It would feel like forever. He would wait.

With inhuman grace, Koran started off into the forest. He enjoyed these little treks into the area around the Temple. They helped him clear his mind, move closer to the Force. Having spent so long trapped inside carbonite, he missed so much. Now he was free, and he didn't want to remain locked inside a stone temple. He needed to breathe and run and commune with the planet around him, with the Force. As he ran, Koran reached out through the Force. He touched those he knew, Laedra and Liam, Kael and Raeila, those he didn't, brushing briefly across their existence. He felt alive...alive in a way he couldn't remember having felt in a very long time. The road ahead revealed hope.

"Preparing For Departure"
By: Adam Edwards
DB-7 [NPC+]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

Adam went back to work with his spanner. The Shield Generator was being stubborn. It was working fine when he didn't need it, but as soon as he had run the diagnostic, it had failed.

The generator sprang back to life. Figures.

"It's highly probable that at some time, the generator will fail when we are in combat," came DB's voice.

The droid came around the corner, into view.

Adam sighed, "Do you ever look at things positively?"

"It's not negativity. It's a logical conclusion," DB said.

Adam and DB were supposed to have another crew member on this voyage, Raia Osyn, but at the last minute she had chosen to pursue other ventures.

"Is our client's cargo secure in the hold?" Adam asked.

"I secured it earlier today," DB said.

"Excellent," Adam said, making for the bridge. "Let's get ready for departure."

Adam sat down in his chair. After a quick diagnostic over the ship's systems, Adam started to warm up the engines. DB arrived in the cockpit shortly afterwards.

"Ready to go?" Adam asked as he watched the droid sit down and pull himself up to the controls.

"Ready," was DB's simple response.

Adam pressed a button, and contacted Drogen Control.

"Elusive to Drogen Control. Requesting Permission for departure," Adam said into the comm.

After several seconds, a voice came from the other side.

"You are clear for departure Elusive. Safe journeys."

Adam sighed. Not with his luck. He accelerated out of the hangar. The Elusive wove in and out of the Drogen superstructure at full speed, before reaching open space.

"The navcomputer has the coordinates for the Hoth system," DB said.

"Good. Our customer is aboard a space station at the edge of the system. We won't have to go all the way in," Adam said.

Adam pushed the hyperdrive levers, and the ship vanished into hyperspace.

"...jiggity jig"
By: Cara Landross

Location: Coruscant
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

She just had to keep this cargo safe. She couldn't mess this up at all. As she worked to keep the ship from blowing up around her, the R2 unit made repairs on the engines so they could go back to hyperspace.

She fired continuously and finally managed to get rid of the fighters, and it was that moment that the hyperdrive started back up.

Within moments, they were back at Coruscant. She called the landing station and asked for permission to land and receiving it, she landed. Her next stop, back to the boss to give her what she had and maybe get another assignment.

I hate working for someone else, I'd rather work for myself...

"Blackmail"
By: Neron Tregat [NPC+]
Qual Tregat [NPC+]
Zale Tregat
Merrick Braston

Location: Essen Triag
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

"Look at them." Neron chuckled and leaned back in his chair with both hands clasped behind his head as he watched the vidscreen. It was the best part of having two suitably lively slaves. "I knew our brother always tried to deny his animal instincts." He grinned ferally as, despite Merrick's protests and attempts at fending him off, Zale locked his arm around Merrick's neck from behind and thrust into his backside. "That's what happens when one tries to deny his violent nature," he told Qual. "They can no longer control themselves."

Qual glanced at Neron, then back to the monitor. "I always knew that Zale was never that particular where he stuffed himself, but I notice that he's especially zealous when it comes to stuffing himself into Merrick."

"Wouldn't you do the same to the man sleeping with your wife?" Neron asked.

"Most likely," Qual answered with a smile. "Then again, I've seen you with the musician as well, and you certainly seem to enjoy him."

Neron grinned and dropped one hand to his crotch as Merrick's cries increased in pitch, a counterpoint to Zale's bestial grunts. "He's so willing, and although he denies it, he enjoys what I do to him." He glanced sidelong at his brother. "Wouldn't his wife be overjoyed to find that out."

Qual smiled a feral smile. "Why do you think I've been recording every time he's with someone?" he asked. "I have a very nice selection of recordings of them both."

"Only problem is," Neron pointed out, "she won't see it if we can't find her."

"True," Qual said with a smile. "That is unless she tries to contact them." He pulled out a datapad and handed it to Neron with a grin. "That came in this morning."

Neron accepted it with a skeptically raised eyebrow. He scrolled through the information provided, then smiled curiously. "What's this?"

Qual grinned. "That signal there, it's a comm call placed to Moril, Zale's secretary's residence. The call was placed by...Kaysa. Tracking information puts it in the Denoba sector."

Neron chuckled and slowly sat upright. "Then what are we waiting for, brother? Let's go! We've got what we need right here on this ship. We just pick up and go...."

"Oh, but to do that, there isn't the savouring the revelation of what's happening to her lovers. We'll broadcast to that region, and I'm certain she'll see. Perhaps we can time it so we're there to witness her response."

"It'd be more fun to witness it in person," Neron muttered. "But...now that we know where they are, we can always drop in for a visit...after she's been suitably destroyed."

"I think all that footage of her musician enjoying the little girl should help to do that," Qual said. "Oh, they were enthusiastic together, weren't they? And, then him and Dani together? Beautiful, just beautiful."

"Just beautiful," Neron repeated bitterly. "But it's too bad the bitches had to go rabid on us."

"We'll get them back," Qual said. "And we'll teach them the loyalty they seem to lack. They may have power, but we have a power of a different kind. They'll learn that even though they can float objects around the room, they can't compete with our financial might. And, if they get too out of hand, we just reveal their location to the other Jedi."

"Not much of a threat," Neron observed. "They seem to think they're unstoppable. But, maybe if we entice them with a chance to be with Merrick and Zale again, they'll return to us."

"Thinking they're unstoppable and being unstoppable are two entirely different things," Qual said. "I plan to show them they're not as powerful as they believe. The other Jedi will at least force them to direct their attention in other areas, making them more...susceptible."

"That's when we'll strike." Neron grinned. "For now, I think I'll go save Merrick from Zale's brutality. That'll endear him to me further."

"I believe tenderness toward him would endear him to you forever," Qual said. "Though, I know how much you'd love having the love of the musician. Though, that could be useful."

"It's not love I want," Neron reminded him as he rose. "It's devotion and obedience, and I will have both." He tossed the datapad into Qual's lap as he started for the door. "I'll send Zale to you for his daily beating."

"Very well," Qual said with a smile. "I don't think he enjoys his time with me as much as Musician enjoys his with you. Perhaps we should trade."

"Anytime brother," Neron replied slyly. "Anytime." And with a playful salute, Neron was gone.

***

Zale Tregat grunted as he thrust inside of Merrick once more. He knew that Merrick hated and loved this. Hated it because he knew it was something he wasn't supposed to be doing, wasn't supposed to be enjoying. Loved it because he loved the loss of control, the loss of power, and the feel of the beautiful ride Zale was giving him.

Finally, with a satisfied grunt, Zale released into Merrick, bringing out a cry from each of them. "Betraying yourself with that ecstasy there," he murmured into Merrick's ear.

The door behind them opened and Zale chuckled. "Your boyfriend's here," he whispered.

"Fuck you," Merrick groaned.

"Oh, I plan to," Neron drawled. He came up beside the two, and ran a finger up Merrick's arm. "Brother, Qual wishes to speak with you." He smiled fiercely at Zale. "So, get out."

"Give me a moment to pull my dick out," Zale said. "Our boy likes this part."

"He likes it better from me," Neron told his brother, then shoved him clear away from Merrick. "Now leave!"

Zale chuckled. "Alright," he said, "I'm going. But, maybe you'd like some later."

"From you?" He scoffed at his brother, and already began loosening his pants. "Sorry. I prefer the pansy here."

"Well, I don't blame you," Zale said as he headed toward the door. "He does have the mouth and ass for it, that's for sure. I know I enjoy them."

"Oh, we've noticed," Neron drawled. Then he muttered, "So will your wife, soon." And with a chuckle, he pushed down on Merrick's back to flatten him atop the mattress. "Miss me?"

"I missed you," Merrick whispered. "He's not like you. He's...he's inconsiderate. He just...just goes until he's satisfied."

"And I'm gentle, aren't I?" Neron slid down beside Merrick and watched his fingers lightly drag along the curve of Merrick's spine. "Such a strong back," he murmured into Merrick's ear. "You're an impressive man, Merrick."

"Thank you," Merrick murmured. "It means much coming from you. Zale, he only wants to control, to dominate and make me feel worthless. It's different with you."

"Because I care for you, Merrick." His hand smoothed over Merrick's rear, then lightly brushed over the back of his thigh. "You're better off with me, aren't you? I want only to make you content."

"Much better off," Merrick whispered. "I'd rather be with you, Neron. Can you make it...so that...so that I'm only with you? Not with Zale anymore?"

Neron grinned. "Of course. But you'll have to do me a favour first."

"Name it," Merrick said.

He buried his nose in Merrick's dishevelled hair and breathed in his scent deeply. Neron grinned and with his pants shed, slid on top of Merrick from behind. "Will you make a little holovideo with me?" he whispered, then pushed easily inside of him.

"Of course," Merrick whispered, though inside he was filled with dread. "Of course I will."

"Of course you will," he echoed, and with triumphant, long thrusts he proceeded to take Merrick from behind. "Neron-V59," he called out to the hidden recorder in the room, "begin image and voice capture." The holorecorder complied and focused on Merrick and Neron upon the bed. Smiling slyly, Neron whispered, "And don't forget to smile, Musician."

Merrick tried to do as he was asked, but it wasn't easy with everything that was happening. He didn't know how he'd live through this, but somehow he would. He just hoped that Neron and the recorders didn't see the tears brimming in his eyes.

***

"I hear you wanted to see me, brother," Zale said as he strode into Qual's office. He hadn't bothered to clothe himself and casually flopped down on the couch in the corner. He motioned toward his groin. "What some?"

Qual glanced at Zale's not-quite-flaccid endowment and laughed. "You'd like that, wouldn't you. I should make you pleasure me as you do Musician. But, I won't. The thought of your lips on me is more than I could bear. Now, tell me, what do you think of this arrangement here?"

Zale smiled and stretched. "I'm actually liking it. My own personal bitch, good food, and the occasional woman. Not a bad life if you ask me."

Qual smiled and checked the meter to make sure Zale was being recorded. "You have certainly taken a liking to Merrick."

"So's our other brother. For me, Merrick is...a conquest, I guess. He's something different to Neron. They were kissing yesterday, and sucking each other off. I get off on Merrick, he doesn't get off on me. I fill his ass with my cream, he doesn't get near mine. It's nice how it works. Though, he still gets off on it. Last night, while I was pumping him extra hard, he shot off and sprayed the clone. He and the other clone licked him clean."

Qual nodded, but didn't let his disgust show. "You're coming along well," he said. He smiled then, and played back the last bit of their conversation. "We know where Kaysa is, and she's going to hear that."

"You--! You bastard!"

"Of course. Now, perhaps I'll be able to control you a little better, my out of control, brother. Or, you'll give up on your marriage and be more unruly."

"If you don't send--"

"You'll behave? That sounds like a good idea. Very well. And, you'll leave the torment of Merrick to us, yes? Good. Now, there are three women coming into my employ as prostitutes. You will break them in this evening. Understood?"

Zale chuckled. "I understand."

"Good, after that, you will be responsible for entertainment. Neron will have attire prepared for you. You might want to lubricate yourself beforehand."

Zale rubbed his groin. "I will."

Qual smiled. "Other side." Zale paled. "Now, get out of my sight before I put you on statue duty." Statue duty consisted of lots of body paint, and remaining in a single position for hours at a time. Typically, it was some lewd display that involved multiple penetrations. Merrick had been in the middle the last time, with the clones on the outside. "Now go and clean yourself up."

Zale nodded slowly and left. "Yes, brother." With that, he left, though a dark cloud hung over his features. He was obviously not happy.

***

"Here." The small, silver disc sailed through the air, and Qual snatched it up expertly. Neron swaggered into the room with a lopsided grin and sank down into a chair with a sigh. "The musician performed well. I'm sure Kaysa will be impressed."

"Did you have the others placed on here as well? Him with the twins, and Talara, and Zale?"

Neron snorted. "Of course I did. Omitting the best parts certainly lessens the impact, doesn't it?"

"Did you get the one time with Dani? Where he saw her lying on the bed, and just took her? I don't know what got into him then, but he was quite an animal."

"She seemed to appreciate it," Neron drawled. "I heard her crying out the entire night." He chuckled deeply and nodded towards the disc in his brother's hand. "So what are you waiting for?"

He glanced down at the bulge in the front of his pants and smiled. "Just reminiscing. Would you like to do the honour of aligning the array while I prepare a personal message for our dear, lovely friend, Kaysa?"

Neron grinned. "Oh, my pleasure, brother." He slid his chair towards the embedded console and proceeded to punch in the coordinates. He smiled aside at his brother. "Transmitting the frequency. It's showtime, brother."

Qual activated the recorder. "Dearest Kaysa. I hope this message finds you well. It has taken a considerable amount of effort to track you down. My humble apologies for broadcasting this message to the entire sector, but you failed to leave us coordinates for where to find you. With this message, my brother and I send all our love. We hope you are doing well, and hope that you come home soon. But, in the meantime, I do hope you'll enjoy these...home holorecordings. We know you must be wondering what's happening here, so...our gift to you. All our love, and come home to us soon. We all miss you, Merrick most of all." With that, he stopped and saved the recording. He gave his brother a wicked smile. "That wasn't so bad."

"Not until she sees the footage," Neron replied. He uploaded Qual's message, along with the holorecordings. "We hope this finds you well, dear Mrs. Tregat." Neron grinned shrewdly and transferred the data along the established frequency. "Well, this should send her running."

"Oh, I wish we could see her reaction." He smiled as the board indicated the message had been sent successfully. "We could always go for a trip."

"Or we could wait for them to come to us." Neron shrugged. "Let's give it a few days. She won't be going much farther after seeing that."

Qual chuckled darkly. "No, no she won't. She'll need consolation, and then she'll need to free them...if only to kill them. But, we'll be ready."

Neron sighed with satisfaction and reclined in his chair. "So...how shall we celebrate? The Palace?"

"The Palace would be nice," Qual said. "Especially if we get to roast that fat bastard over a blazing fire and serve him to all our slaves."

"He could feed the entire planet," Neron quipped. He studied the ceiling of their mansion, then mused, "Who knew destroying someone could be so easy?"

He smiled slowly. "How good are you at bluffing, my brother?"

Neron raised an eyebrow. "As good as you need me to be. Why?"

"I just thought of an easy way to get Zale to give up his money," he said with a grin. "But we have to convince him we haven't sent any information to Kaysa. And, who says you can't have your sha'sri wefers and eat them too?"

"You're devious, brother," Neron said. Then, he smiled slowly. "This is the first time in my life I've aspired to be just like you."

"I'll try to make it a trend," Qual said with a grin. "Now, let's go get ready. I'm sure that Weibran will be happy to see us this evening, and we want to be looking our best."

"As always." Neron rose from his chair and strode towards the door with hands in his pockets. "We're going places, brother." He paused in the doorway and looked back at Qual. "I just feel it." And feeling pride in who he was and what they were accomplishing for the first time in his life, Neron exited the room.

Qual watched Neron go with a smile on his face. Things were looking up, and finally going in the direction they wanted. There were still some wrinkles to iron out, but success was not far away.

"Big Catch"
By: Kel Deneb, Bounty Hunter

Location: Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

Kel sat in a rather upscale bar in the Yesdol district. Since the month that he had been on planet, Kel had captured 5 criminals, with decent payouts each. They paid the bills mostly, and gave him some extra cash to keep his ship docked and in good condition. But this, this was his first big catch. Some rich person had heard of his work, and had contacted Kel to bring in one of his enemies. It wasn't for Deneb to know what it was about, just that it was mostly legal, and that he would receive a large payout from it.

He noticed his quarry enter the bar, and walk up to a group of his friends. Great, Kel thought. He did not want to have to deal with 6 idiots, just one or two would be better. Kel continued to watch them, his seat at the bar allowing unobstructed view of the group. His name was John Teledorga, some sort of wealthy businessman who had made many enemies. Luckily, Kel had all the time in the world to catch this one, he just wanted it done tonight. Everyone went home at some time, and usually alone, or with a woman. Either way, it would be quick and silent, with Teledorga sedated, and whomever he was with sedated and left.

Kel continued to watch the group, who were getting more and more drunk by the hour. He smiled, sipping on his own drink, avoiding the buzz of the alcohol, and watching his prey grow more boisterous and more inebriated with each drink. He noticed John grab the waitress' ass as she passed, which earned him a smack on the hands and a glower from her. He noticed she was cute, but she didn't take anything from drunkards. Kel chuckled a little, and continued to watch the group.

Soon, it was about 4 hours before the bar closed, and the people were rather intoxicated. He noticed John stand up, more like stagger to his feet, and talk to his friends. "People...this place...has been fun, but we need more fun," he said, his speech definitely slurred. Kel listened intently, figuring that the group was going to change locations soon.

"We need something to entertain us...let us move...to the Palace of Stars," Teledorga said. The group of men cheered at the suggestion, and Kel smiled to himself. Knowing what he did about Teledorga, Kel knew that within 3 hours of being there, John would buy a woman to screw for the next 5 hours. That would be the perfect time to apprehend his quarry. Unwittingly, by moving, Teledorga helped Kel's hunt.

The group stood up, and staggered out of the bar. He noticed the waitress sigh with relief as they left; she no longer had to deal with them. Kel tried not to smile as he passed her, a few moments after Teledorga and his posse had left.

Kel kept a respectable distance from the group, keeping his eye on them as they staggered down the streets, bumping their way past other people. They walked the half kilometer to the Palace of Stars, and entered. Kel stood outside for a few minutes, then ducked in himself. Scanning the crowd, he noticed the group near one of the dancers, giving her money as she danced for them. He sat down at a bar, with a good view of the group. He ordered an ale, and drank that as he kept his eyes on the group. Kel snorted as they started to get a little fresh with the dancer, who obviously was paid to enjoy it. Kel knew it would not be long before he could make his catch.

***2 hours later***

Kel had just returned from the restroom, and noticed that Teledorga had managed to get a woman on his lap. Deneb knew that in a few minutes, they would move off towards one of the back rooms where the person who had bought the woman for a few hours would screw her. Judging by the clothing and her movements towards John, he knew this was one of those such people. Kel finished the draft, and continued to watch. Sure enough, a few minutes later, John and the woman moved off. Kel opted to wait for 15 minutes or so, this way he could catch John unprepared and unable to defend himself. He smirked, knowing that it would be the last time Mr. Teledarga would screw a woman.

After the amount of time, Kel stood up, and headed off to the back bedroom areas. He entered the door, and walked down the hallways. His eyes moved from door to door, trying to decide which room housed the soon not to be happy John. Slowly, Kel continued down the hall. He saw a woman and another man exit, the man heading off and the woman standing in the doorway, watching him leave. Kel approached her, and nodded. "Excuse me, but I'm sure you could assist me," he said.

"Sure thing, sugar," she said, looking him up and down.

"Not in that sense, although there is credits in it for you," Kel said. "I'm looking for the room John Teledarga is in currently."

"Hmm, now that depends on the money," she said with a grin, looking at him.

"300 credits," Kel said coldly to her, his eyes piercing her soul. He saw her shiver slightly.

"Ok...he's in room 5 with Jewel," she said.

"Thank you," Kel said, and handed her a 300 cred chip. She took it, then retreated back into her room. He smirked, knowing she would be afraid of his presence. Kel approached room 5, and saw that it was locked. Simple, he said to himself, and pulled out a pocket sized computer. Typing in a few commands, he put it up against the lock. Within 5 seconds, it had ciphered the code, and popped the electronic lock on the door.

Kel pulled out his blaster, and opened the door. He saw Teledarga there, and the woman was riding him like there was no tomorrow.

"Oh yes...Jewel oh yes!" John cried out as the woman worked as hard and as fast as she could, the bed bouncing quick and hard.

"I hate to interrupt," Kel said from the doorway as it shut, his blaster pointed downward. "And I hate taking you away from the last chance you have at blowing yourself in a woman, but you're coming with me," Deneb added, smirking a little.

"What the hell is this?" John asked, still breathing hard as Jewel suddenly stopped screwing him.

"It's about me and making money," Kel said, walking over to the clothes that were on the floor. He grabbed John's, and pulled out the blasters and other weapons. He then tossed Jewel what little clothing she had. "Here, get dressed," he said to them both.

"What is going on?" John asked, growing angry. "You're going to pay for this!"

"Actually, I'm getting paid," he said with a slight smile. "Oh, and once you're dressed, you will be coming with me," Kel added. He watched as the two got dressed. "Excellent..." he said, and with a flick of the wrist, a dart was embedded in Teledorga's neck.

"AH!" he cried, then slumped over, going completely black.

"Great," he said with a smirk. "Is there a back way out, Jewel?" Kel asked.

"Ye...Yes,"she said, pointing down the hall. "The access code is 3254," she added.

"Thanks, and I hate doing this to you, but I can't have you recalling my face," he said, and with another flick, a dart was embedded in her neck. The great thing about the sedative he gave her was that it erased the last 10 minutes of the person's memory.

Picking up John, he walked out of the room. Luckily, no one was in the hallway as he exited the building. He walked up to a speeder, and hopped on, paying the driver to head to his payer's home residence.

***Later***

Kel deposited John's body on the doorstep, and pushed a few buttons, signalling that he had arrived. After a few scans, he noticed the cred chip pop out of a hatch on the door. Kel grinned, and took the chip. He scanned it, and saw that it had a 1000 credit bonus on top of the 20000 credits he had been promised. Kel nodded to the hidden camera, and headed off, only hearing a hissing sound as Teledorga's body was pulled inside the complex.

Kel hopped onto a cab, and headed back to his house in Arcadia.

"Chance"
By: Vicks Mason- Smuggler and Captain of the Tae'Karada Star
& Xara Q- Freelance Pilot
& Various NPCs

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 1, 4ABY

***

Vicks walked down the ramp of the Star onto the deck of Docking Bay 1 in the Drogen Shipyards. It had been a very long time since he had set foot here. The last time he did, he ended up in custody of the Empire in an icebox, which wasn't really enjoyable for the 30 year-old veteran smuggler. He sighed as Deebo came down the ramp.

"Deebo, stay and watch the ship. I'm going to go scope out the place to find some supplies," ordered Vicks.

The loyal droid complied and walked back up the ramp, closing the hatch behind him and locking it.

I need a drink, thought Vicks as he walked toward the layout of the station sitting on the wall. The last smuggling mission was pretty straightforward: pick up the spice, drop off the spice and then pick up the pay. It was because of that mission that he had plenty of extra credits lying around to pay for a drink, so he made his way to Xayled's Abyss.

Once he arrived, he walked up to the bar and ordered a mug of Storm Water then paid the bartender the required credits and walked over to an empty table. He sat down and sipped his drink as he closed his eyes and listened to the swinging music.

Just outside the bar, a pale-faced young woman was sauntering through the station, rubbing her forehead irritably. Xara Q's appearance had hardly changed much in the last few months, except that she now looked even a little shabbier; her last few jobs hadn't gone well.

Xara's path lead her automatically to the nearest bar; it seemed she was spending most of her time here, not even bothering to return very often to the rented room in Thanatos. Between trying to get work and "down time," Xara Q usually just didn't bother.

Automatically checking the light blaster at her hip, Xara Q slipped into the bar, past a group of patrons, and headed straight for the main bar. "Strongest you got," she muttered to the tender. When he perked a skeptical brow, she grinned sardonically and slid a small bundle of credits across the counter.

After having her drink delivered, Xara Q took a long, grateful sip before turning to survey the room: the usual riff-raff seemed to have congregated tonight. Good. She didn't stand out among riff-raff too boldly. All around was the usual scene of people talking, arguing, laughing...except for one man in the corner, who seemed to be sitting quietly.... Odd, Xara Q thought to herself. Now there's the kind of person who usually gets into trouble fast...closing his eyes to a crowd in a bar...

Still, none of the other bar customers particularly caught her eye, so Xara Q slid down the bar a ways, watching the man curiously as she took another long pull from her glass, wincing at the strong drink.

Vicks opened his eyes and looked at his drink. The cloud that hung over the intoxicating beverage was now lowering down into the glass as Vicks continued to drink. As he lifted the mug for another sip, he caught a pale woman in the corner of his eye staring in his direction. He didn't look at her directly, but rather stared off blankly into the opposite corner of the bar as he inconspicuously unbuttoned the strap holding his DL-44 in its thigh holster. As he brought the mug up for another sip with his left hand, he gently removed his blaster from its holster and kept it at bay. No one would be able to tell that he was holding the blaster at all. He just waited for her to make the first move.

Xara Q continued to watch the man intently, her intensely blue eyes almost black in the bar's dim lighting. He didn't seem to be paying any attention to her, but Xara Q was entirely undaunted.

Leaning back in her seat, she lifted the glass to her lips again to find it was already empty; the tender appeared at her elbow to offer a refill. "Like that one, huh?" he grunted, nodding towards the man.

"Give me my drink and shove off," came a cool, quiet response. The tender did as he was told and scurried away to see to other customers. Xara Q started in on her second drink...damn, not even a buzz, yet. There was something intriguing about the man, to be sure, but Xara Q wasn't the type to play her hand too soon.

Vicks kept staring at the same spot but watched her through the corner of his eye. He was curious as to why she was staring at him, or what she possibly wanted from him. It was probably mere curiosity, but he still kept his guard up, for he didn't want to take any chances.

Xara downed half of the drink quickly. Well, here she was, in a crowded room, in the middle of a space port, low on credits, and she was pretending to be shy.... Feeling a little more relaxed, it dawned on her that this is a helluvah way to spend an evening. Ignoring the tender's smirk as she stood, finding her feet carefully before attempting to walk, she made her way towards the man. Her step was a strange, flat-footed saunter that looked perfectly natural for her as she crossed the room, dodging other patrons and stoutly ignoring any looks that were shot her direction.

Vicks finally turned his head and looked in her direction as he continued to hold the blaster. Though secretly on his guard, he wasn't going to cut out courtesy toward the woman if she spoke to him. If she did have evil intent, he'd have it covered.

Xara Q paused in front of the man's table. At this close range, her "skin condition" was apparent: aside from her intensely blue eyes, her skin, itself, had the faintest blue tint to it, and her almost-white hair reflected back a small amount of green in the dim light. Her hand twitched nervously as she let her arms swing down by her sides, knowing full-well that making any vague movements in a situation like this had gotten better people than her shot. Still, she'd feel a lot more comfortable if she had a grip on her blaster....

Quirking a small, intentional grin that didn't quite reach her eyes, Xara Q inclined her head, never taking her eyes off the man. "Hope I'm not interrupting..."

"No, not at all. Have a seat," Vicks said with a smile.

Xara slid into the seat across from the man, brushing a stray bit of hair out of her face. She took another long gulp from her drink before returning her attention to the man across from her. "I'm, uh...well, I noticed you sitting here alone," she intoned softly in a low voice.

"You're very observant," said Vicks with a smile as he sipped his drink, not taking his eye off of her. "What brings you here?"

Xara shrugged, sniffing in feigned indifference. "The usual...in-between jobs. You?"

"Just relaxing," said Vicks still on his guard. "I'm here to collect supplies."

Xara Q nodded slowly and brushed some of her long hair aside once more, a nervous tick. "I see." Probably better not to ask, straight-out. "Haven't been here long, then, have you."

"20 minutes maybe, how about yourself?" asked Vicks with a friendly smile.

Xara Q looked slightly taken aback at the smile and dropped her gaze suddenly. "Day or so, local. What kind of ship you work?" She took another quick sip of her now almost-gone drink.

"A YT-1300, how about youself, miss...?"

She shrugged again, lifting her eyes once more. "Whatever's out there...and whatever I get paid for. Um...and it's Xara Q."

"Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Miss Xara Q. Don't take any offense from what I'm about to ask you because if you aren't what I think you might be, you're gonna be all right. Are you a bounty hunter, Miss Xara Q?"

Xara Q again gave the man an odd look. Bounty hunter? She'd considered it before, but it usually involved too much risk... Then again...she stared at the drink in her hand. "Anything that pays, Mr....?"

From Vicks' observation and from what she said, she probably hadn't even heard of his bounty. Though to make sure, he kept his blaster at his side pointing at her under the table. He finished his Storm Water and stuck his elbow up on the chair.

"The name's Vicks Mason. I'm Captain of the Tae'Karada Star," said Vicks with a grin.

Xara Q lifted her head slightly. "Captain, huh?" Xara Q somehow managed to keep her tone casual; it was probably the drink. "How's space been treating you?'

"It's been uneventful for the past 4 months. The last action I saw was flying in the Battle for Tae'Karada," said Vicks. "How about yourself?"

"Not much...I ran the Y'Toub system for a while, but work can get...um...kind of thin, there. Mostly the usual amount of action...pirates, patrols..." She flashed another one of her dry smiles. "After a while, it all just kind of runs together, you know?"

"Yeah," said Vicks with a chuckle. "I need another drink," said Vicks as he inconspicuously holstered his trusty blaster. He left the strap unbuttoned just in case he needed it quickly. "Would you care for one too?"

Xara Q nodded gratefully. "I don't know what the heck this one is, to be honest...anything will work." Somehow or other, this guy was getting on her own side. Damn it. She hated people being on her good side.

Vicks stood up and casually walked over to the bartender and ordered two Storm Waters. He really wasn't in the mood for anything else tonight but some Storm Water. He flicked the bartender the necessary creds and walked back, handing Xara Q her drink. He casually sat down and kept his right hand on his blaster just in case. "I don't know if you'll like this stuff, but it's my favorite," said Vicks with a grin.

Xara Q jumped out of the reverie she had allowed herself to slip into upon his temporary absence. Forcing a small grin, she accepted the glass. "Anything works, I suppose. So..." How to ask and make it sound casual? "...How long are you going to be in port?"

"Just here to pick up supplies. I'm looking to lay low for a little while, unless a great offer comes along," said Vicks. "How about yourself?"

"As long as it takes to get a job," Xara Q answered, although she couldn't quite keep the bitterness out of her tone, as much as she tried to keep her voice light. "Work can be a little...um...unsteady if you don't have a ship."

"I know what you mean. I used to be in that situation myself," said Vicks as he downed another sip.

Xara Q looked at Vicks again with her intense gaze. "Not anymore, though..."

"I won my ship in a Sabacc contest. It's how a lot of smugglers get good ships, I find."

"I see...I guess I just haven't had that kind of...chance..." Not that I know of, anyways, Xara reminded herself, wincing slightly as she took a sip of her drink. "I suppose I should be looking in gambling halls instead of bars, then, huh?"

"Maybe. How many creds do you have?" asked Vicks. "Twenty-five thousand will get you a decent used ship."

Xara Q snorted and rolled her eyes in spite of herself. "Nowhere near that...I can't think of a time when I had that much..." She broke off quickly, taking a sip of her drink. She was going to put her foot in it one way or another tonight, it would seem. "Besides," she continued, "I like to leave my options open, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah. Do you work only alone?" asked Vicks.

Xara Q shrugged again. "My last...uh...'partner' and I took separate routes. Haven't really found anyone else since then who was willing to put up with me." She smiled slightly, relaxing a little, finally...having downed already half of her third drink.

Vicks laughed a little before taking another sip. "Yeah, I usually work alone. I've only had three living co-pilots in my entire career as a smuggler."

Xara Q forced herself to laugh. This one didn't look like what she needed. "So then you only have droids as a crew, then?"

Vicks could sense the forced laugh, but smiled nonetheless. "One, he acts as my co-pilot."

Xara Q nodded as she took another gulp of her drink. "You keep any other crew, or just the droid for company? I mean," she added lamely, "not to pry or anything, but it can get kind of lonely out there, can't it?"

"He's good company, and I occasionally run into some old friends, but yeah, it can be very lonely sometimes," said Vicks as he downed the remainder.

Xara squirled the dregs of her drink in its glass as she continued to survey Vicks across the table. "I guess that's one plus to being free-lance; you don't get hired unless there's a crew. Even if most of them are bastards, at least they're someone to talk to."

"Oh, believe me, Deebo and I have casual conversations all the time."

"I'm not saying I wouldn't prefer to have a droid as a companion," Xara amended quickly. "At least you can just re-wire him if he gets too offensive, right?" She downed the last of her drink...it didn't sound entirely like she was kidding. "Sometimes I think droids are simpler than anyone else, at least."

Vicks laughed. "Droids can be just as stubborn. Although more logical, Deebo isn't afraid to share his opinion with me. I can always trust him and that's what I like about him," said Vicks with a smile.

Xara settled back in her chair. So much for this conversation taking the direction she had wanted it to. She knew she was steering into dangerous territory, getting at all unprofessional - something she avoided as a rule - but she hadn't had anything to keep her entertained in over a week, not even a job, no matter what coverstory she had used with potential employers. "That's what counts, then, isn't it," she commented simply in a low, smoothly impartial voice.

Vicks smiled because he knew what she was getting at. "How are you at piloting?"

Xara Q didn't even hesitate: "Not bad, if I might say so..." So he wanted to throw subtlety away entirely. Fine; she was game.

"How good are you at handling big Corellian Freighters?"

Xara Q shrugged. "I came here on one; I've almost come to prefer them."

Vicks trusted her judgement. "There's only one way to find out isn't there? Next job I pick up, if you want in, you're welcome, but understand that I'm Captain of the ship," Vicks said not to be rude, but just to make sure.

Xara Q shrugged nonchalantly, even though part of her wanted to jump over the table and hug him. "I can take orders well enough...if there's pay involved. A girl's gotta eat." And having gone the last three days subsisting on nothing but cheap booze, she meant every word of this statement.

"Food and drink comes with the job. 25% of the assets, and this includes shelter, food and drink."

Normally, it was in Xara's nature to barter; a quarter of the assets, however, was not a bad place to start. Besides, at this point, she was desperate enough that she would have just taken the food and drink part of the offer. She nodded swiftly, quirking her head to the side in an odd, slightly alien motion. "Done."

"Sounds good. My ship is in Docking Bay 1 if you care to meet me there in six hours. I'll be waiting at the bottom of the ramp," said Vicks as he buttoned the strap to his holster. He stood up and smiled.

Xara stood as well (careful not to stumble) with a smile of her own - a genuine one this time that made her look suddenly much younger. "Docking Bay 1. I'll see you then, Captain."

"I look forward to it," said Vicks continuing to smile as he left the bar and headed toward the nearest supply broker.

Xara Q stood, staring after Vicks as he left, the smile still playing about her lips...that was too easy, especially considering the competition.... She turned back towards the bar for a moment, then stopped. The smile slipped as she sighed; never drink just before a job, rule number one. She needed a clear head. Ah, well.... She waited just a few seconds longer, then turned to leave the bar, herself, in her strange, flowing gait.

"Escape Fort Bantu"
Jack Black
Robin Black [NPC+]

Location: Penal Colony Bantu Sector
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

Robin hefted the heavy mallet. Sweat poured off his muscles as he crushed yet another rock. The sun beat down its harsh radiation onto the planet's surface, cooking the ground under his bare feet. Robin had to agree that compared to some Imperial controlled prisons he had seen this wasn't actually too bad. He was practically unsupervised; a hefty anklet transmitted his position to the two-dozen or so overseers. The guards hardly ever beat him; they seemed to save that honor for the imperials. Robin had no sympathy for them, nor for the last two months had he been able to sleep soundly. It had been found out by one of the other prisoners that he had supported the rebellion and in this penal colony his life wasn't worth his next bowl of gruel.

His trial had been slightly farcical. He had been charged with mass destruction of New Republic property; in reality the three X wings had only been crippled and were probably fully functional by now, however that was only one of twelve crimes they had pinned on him. Robin was looking at a thirty-year sentence. He looked up at the hot blue sun. Robin had no delusions of his survival rating. Twelve prisoners had died in the last four months, mostly due to sun related illnesses.

The sun was slowly working its way down the sky towards the horizon. The boiling hot sun would soon be replaced by freezing cold; the planet held little heat for very long and the prefab shelters offered little heat for the prisoners.

"Hey, Rebel." The imperial officers had taken to calling him that; it was meant as a derogatory term but Robin took it with a smirk. He didn't even turn around. It was Major Brax, a powerful imperial officer who had delusions of grandeur and a universe controlled only by humans - all other races were to be wiped out. He had, for some time now been trying to kill Robin. "Hey, Rebel scum!" he yelled and chucked a small rock at Robin. It thumped heavily against the tall man's back, leaving a dirty cut. Robin straightened up and turned around. Brax had three other men with him. They all looked like ex-storm troopers, all well trained and skilled fighters. Robin had taken more than three storm troopers and an officer before, although usually he had surprise on his side, and usually he was better armed. He would have given anything at that moment for a blaster.

"You had better not rest too deeply tonight," Brax warned. "I know what you did in New Plouton, with the bombs."

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Robin replied simply. "Let me get back to work." He turned his back on the Major and his troops and began to hammer the rocks.

***

Jack Black leaned back on the control deck of his newly acquired command carrier. It had taken all of his resources to purchase this death machine but he had managed. The sleek black interior and subtle but efficient controls surrounded the deck, all of his own design. Several human looking people surrounded him, only they weren't quite human; their hand's moved slightly too deftly over their controls, their fingers seemed to have slightly more flexibility and their eyes seemed each to have a will of its own as they scanned two screens at once.

"Troop marauders one through twelve are reporting back, sir," reported the officer on the deck. She brushed her long blonde hair back out of her face and pulled it tight into a combat style pony-tail. "Sir, the troops will be ready to go again in four hours after refueling and resting."

"They are amazing don't you agree, Lieutenant," Jack commented. "Genetically engineered soldiers able to achieve two weeks' rest in four hours, with a skin able to deflect most light lasers, it's only a pity they are so expensive."

"Quite so, sir."

"Right. Have them stand down for eight hours, we are going to travel to the Auralite sector. They are a small up and coming planet with no serious military defense of their own. They have decided to hire us for their planet's protection."

"Setting course, sir." The Lieutenant obeyed without question, however her face was furrowed slightly. "Sir, if they have no military and few resources how do they intend to pay us?"

"Money and resources are not everything, my dear. As it so happens these peace loving people are excellent at genetic engineering. They are the brilliant people who created my soldiers, they also created you, my dear. This protection I am providing will pay for you and another ship's worth of soldiers. Also they have agreed to help fund a second command carrier."

"Sir my tactical knowledge enables me to perceive most outcomes from a given situation."

"Yes." Jack nodded. "That is why I had you created."

"I perceive a 85% chance that the New Republic will perceive you as a threat and try to have you terminated."

"I have also perceived that chance, however, my young prot�g� you are not in light of all the facts." Jack pulled his face mask clear and tried to breathe with his own lungs for a while. In the last four months Jack had been living a high life, his health had improved dramatically, his private physician had begun insisting that Jack work with out the respirator for a few hours a day. Jack found living slightly easier. He could occasionally walk without his staff although he always chose to keep it close for protection.

"What facts, sir?" she asked, returning one eye to her controls of the ship as she locked down all of the fighter bays.

"I'm currently assisting the Republic; they have barely enough ships to control the inner core. They cannot risk sending a couple of command ships to bother me."

"But, sir, how can you know that you will not be perceived as a threat?"

"Because the Republic are trusting fools," Jack snapped. He then returned to his console.

"Sir, Marauder thirteen is checking in. The mission you sent it on?" She looked at the read out. "They say they are in position and are ready to commence under your orders."

"Tell them to wait until the camp is in darkness before they smash and grab tell them to limit casualties."

"Yes, sir."

***

Robin wasn't sleeping well. The imperial troopers were in the prefab with him that night and he was afraid that the attack could come any time. He could hear the troops chatting. His sharp ears could hear discussed attack plans, and tonight he would be shivved. Robin had built his own knife; it wasn't too impressive but Robin knew how to use it. He could probably take one or two of the attackers down before he was killed. Robin tensed his body as he peered through the gloom. They were coming for him.

The first attackers came both from left and right. They tried to grab his arms and legs and hold him down. Robin had been expecting it and managed to wriggle out of their way and get to his feet. He slashed to the right and was greeted by an agonizing scream from the darkness. Robin saw the flash of steel and stepped backwards, avoiding a slashing blade. Robin brought his own shiv up to block the oncoming blade and was greeted with the clang of metal echoed in the prefab.

"I'm going to kill you, scum," called the officer taunting Robin. However Robin remained level headed and used the voice to guide his blade, slicing it deep into the man's side. Ducking into a crouch Robin readied himself for the second wave. A loud bang at the door got his attention.

All of the prisoners were startled as six heavily armored and armed warriors seemed to phase into existence by the door. They all held heavy blaster rifles with long laser blades attached to the ends. They peered through laser enhanced imagers and looked around the dark prefab building.

"Step away from Robin Black," commanded one of the armored figures.

"Who the hell are you!" one of the ex-storm troopers yelled. He didn't live for the response. One of the armored figures fired at the man; the blast struck his body hard, ripping a section away.

"Robin Black?" the first armored man asked.

"Er." Robin paused. "Sure."

"Come with us now," the armored figure ordered.

"You know, I'm up for parole in twenty years. I think I'll wait," Robin glibly responded,

"Negative. You will come with us now."

"Negative? What are you guys, robots or something?" Robin asked.

"NOW," ordered the solder and he stepped forward and with almost impossible strength dragged Robin forward.

"Guards!" yelled one of the imperial officers. "Jail Break."

His call must have reached one of the centuries because soon the alarm rose and shots of laser energy were being fired upon them. The shots of the New Republic pistols had never been exceptionally dangerous but the shots weren't even scoring hits on the Armour of these soldiers. A strange energy field much like what Robin used to having in his body Armour protected them.

"Oh crap, it's Jack," Robin cursed then let himself be dragged into a savage looking craft the like of which he hadn't seen the design before.

"Get in," ordered the solder who had hold of him. He then pushed Robin up the ramp. The troops then began to lay down a suppressing fire, their rifles firing rapid bursts of plasma. Four New Republic troopers were struck and killed by the weapons.

Robin was bundled into the small craft. He could hear them chatting. "Prepare Electromagnetic pulse," one of the soldiers ordered. "Pulse charging."

"Fire the pulse then get us out of here. This ship is no match for that X-wing squadron we saw earlier."

"Agreed." The soldier turned back to his console. "EMP ready."

"Fire."

A blue ball of energy flew down, striking in the center of the camp. Blue energy crackled off all of the structures as the ship rose up into the air. The energy walls that held the prisoners in suddenly failed, as did all of the lights and other weapons on the structure.

Suddenly the prisoners realized they were free and they outnumbered their captures. The revolt was violent and short-lived. With only 18 security staff and no weapons against three hundred angry prisoners the prison was soon over run.

"Scan system for other surveillance devices," ordered the leader.

"All satellite systems are routed though that outpost," reported the second in command. "Our presence here will be traceable except for the EMP signature."

"And that technology is only just being utilized. It will be impossible for them to track us. Check the cargo."

The second solider got off his seat and knelt beside Robin. Grabbing his hair he thrust Robin's head around, checking his skull, then poked his ribs. "He is undamaged."

"Excellent. Mission successful. Report to Lord Black. We will be returning imminently."

***

Jack Black received the news unemotionally. "So, my brother," Jack asked himself, "will you join me now? It has taken me four months to find your location and build up the necessary resources and intelligence to rescue you, you had better make it worth it," Jack mumbled silently. He slotted his staff into its base beside his chair. Slowly his personal computer screen began to light up. The staff passing its ancient knowledge to him flooding information into the computer.

"Staff, tell me your secrets." Jack grinned. He then looked up as the final Maurada pulled out of hyperspace and began to make its way into the ship's docks.

"Welcome home, Robin." Jack smiled.

"Peacekeeper Forces"
By: Jack Black
Robin Black [NPC+]
Anne (Alpha 001) [NPC]

Location: Bantu Sector (outer rim)
Date: Lythe 1, 4 ABY

***

Robin hit the floor of the cell hard. The marauder voyage had been rough on Robin; he hadn't eaten properly for several weeks and the rough treatment of the soldiers during the flight had further weakened him. The cell was bare, a single metal draw-out bed. There were no sheets or bedding - it was a hard cold metal slab. The door was also metal, self locking magnetized metal slab, even a power failure wouldn't open the door. A clever man had thought of this prison very carefully.

Robin rested for a few long minutes, feeling his body scream for sleep. Robin couldn't sleep. He didn't know who had abducted him nor why they had abducted him. He had lost his shiv when he had been dragged into the shuttle. Now unarmed and in prison there was nothing he could do but wait. He pulled the metal bed out and lay back on it, waiting.

Through a concealed monitor Jack Black watched his brother. Jack had never seen Robin looking so helpless. He couldn't help but feel a bit of joy at his brother's discomfort. "For many years you watched me suffer. It's nice for it to turn around occasionally." Jack closed the monitor then he looked up to the young blonde lieutenant on the flight deck.

"You, flight officer," Jack called; the young woman stood up and saluted. "What's your name?"

"I have no name, sir, only a serial number." She nodded, "Alpha Group one Officer one," she snapped off, saluting sharply.

"That won't do.Your name from now on will be Anne." Jack paused. "You will go down and take my brother to a more suitable environment. Your quarters should suffice." Her face didn't even flicker.

"You wish me to procreate with him?" she asked plainly.

"Not really, but you'll thrown him off guard for a moment until I can turn him around to our cause."

"Certainly, sir, my lord." She saluted and walked away. Jack looked at her as she entered the lift. They were perfect, all of his troops were perfect. They didn't think they obeyed. Any mistakes would be his fault for not telling his troops what to do. The blonde girl, Anne, was the epitome of what all his troops were, perfection.

***

The cell door opened up and Robin was on his feet in a second in a defensive crouch, but instead of the huge warriors that had thrown in the cell in the doorway stood a petite young blonde girl. Her blue eyes stared at him with respect. She wore a simple black uniform; there were no decorations of rank or stature on the uniform - it was designed for comfort and suitability.

"Robin Black?" the blonde woman asked. "My name is Anne, I am your hostess for the moment. If you would like to follow me, I can give you a meal and some fresh clothes."

"Who are you working for?" Robin asked. "Is it some branch of the Imperial?"

"We are not a member of that fallen regime, we are a security organization who will bring order to the outer rim for a price," she replied without emotion in her voice. "If you would come with me I will explain."

Robin allowed himself to be led by the young woman. "We have utilized genetic engineering to build the finest warriors possible. The soldiers you just met are each almost infallible in their combat ability. The only warriors stronger than them are the Jedi Knights, and since we are also Peacekeepers it is unlikely that we will have to face them in combat."

"So if you enforce the peace why did you bust me out?" Robin asked.

"Our leader has been looking for a warrior of some skill and charisma to become the face of our operations. Also someone with a military background and knowledge of our capabilities."

"How many of us are there?" Robin asked.

"Troops? There is four hundred of those troops who brought you aboard. All of them are genetic clones, and there are thirty command officers and a hundred maintenance staff. A total of four hundred and thirty three people onboard the ship."

Robin nodded. "Too few for an army and two few to be a threat but perfect for policing a sector." Robin nodded with appreciation. Anne led him to a Spartan officer's quarters. A single bed was positioned against one corner, a desk next to it with a light source. There were no decorations on the wall, no papers on the desk - it was as if it was an empty room. The only thing that made the room look lived in was a spare uniform hanging in the wardrobe.

"If you will rest here for a few minutes I will bring you your change of clothes and food. I'm afraid the food you may find bland but it is nourishing and will sustain you and replace all nutrients you lost in the last few months."

Robin sat down on the bed and cradled his head in his hands. The blonde girl left. Robin looked up out of a small port hole in the room. The stars were shooting past, indicating the ship was in hyperdrive. Robin wondered what he had gotten into. This time yesterday he had been happily breaking up rocks to be smelted into ore. Now what was he supposed to be, police chief for a mercenary army? Robin thought about it. The reminisce of the Imperials had been practically destroyed; there would still be a few soldiers here and there, groups hiding out but no serious threat. It was only then that Robin realized who his new boss was. "Jack." Robin cursed, "You bastard."

The door slid open and a tall figure entered. He leaned on a long metal staff, he was dressed entirely in black. A black face mask gave him oxygen, but Jack's black on black eyes peered over the oxygen mask and his black hair smoothed back was still visible. "Greetings, brother."

"You tried to kill me," Robin accused.

"I merely put you in danger by shoving you into that escape pod." Jack smiled, "As you can see I've used the money well. I'm now giving law to the lawless. I'm helping to build a new era of peace and unity."

"Jack all you ever wanted was power to do what you wanted and sod everyone else," Robin accused.

"That is true. I do want power, however I've realized I should use my power to bring good and peace." Jack shrugged. "I'm currently protecting a planet that has only just reached a level of technology that allows them to travel in space. What is to prevent the Trade Federation or the Malinites from invading them?"

"The Republic is a fair democratic system not a single man. It's not right."

"The Republic lack the strength to deal with inner core let alone dealing with the outer rim. Out here there are pirates, raiders, and even imperial reminisce." Jack Black paused, "Would you rather we let them free or should we deal with them?"

A claxon went off, dimming the entire ship into a reddish glow. A voice came clear over an internal comm. system. "Incoming Pirate ships, heading for sector 001 mark 12."

"Ah what excellent timing of these raiders." Jack smiled. He turned to his brother. "Now follow me."

Robin followed his brother as he made his way up to the command deck; Robin was impressed by the utilitarian design. It was almost perfect. There were twelve officers on the deck, six primary officers and six back up officers.

"Over to you, Robin. You are in command from now on. If you refuse to act the peaceful people on the planet will be destroyed." Jack sneered, "I know you won't let that happen."

Robin waited for a long moment. The pirate ships were of an ancient design. The ships were almost falling apart. Robin paused. He looked at Jack then at the oncoming pirates. Robin tensed himself. "Alright I'll do it. Anne, bring forward cannons online. Send them a request to retreat from this space if they don't comply. Do we have fighters?" Jack nodded. "Then launch the fighters. Two squadrons should be sufficient."

"They are Stalker class one fighters. A single fighter could probably take that lot out." Jack commented, "But best you get a feel for your resources."

"Sir." Anne replied, "We have a communications back. They are telling us to go to hell."

"If that's the way they want to play it." Robin shrugged. "Get your troops to knock out engines and weapons then send one of those marauders to board with the command ship, using the fighters to take out all of their support ships."

"Why board?" Jack asked, curious.

"We appear to be low on funds, maybe those pirates have something worth something on that ship which we can salvage," Robin explained.

Jack nodded. "Remember we do not have the room or facilities to take prisoners so either cripple them and let them go or destroy them."

Robin nodded grimly. "Bring us with in range of the lead ship."

"Sir, the fighters are just leaving the bay now. They will engage the enemy in four seconds."

"There you go, Robin, it wasn't that hard was it?" Jack smiled and returned to his overseer's chair and watched as his brother commanded the ship and fighters to blockade the pirate ships. Soon there was no escape. "Excellent."

***

"How is he?" Jack asked Anne in the meeting room a few hours after the combat.

"Sleeping. His performance today was impressive. Even the tactical officer Alpha 2 stated so," Anna reported, still standing at attention.

"I am planning on contacting the Jedi Council," Jack stated. "I have realized that we must make alliances before I can really start up." Jack looked at Anne. "I wonder if they would send a Jedi to oversee me?" Jack thought about it then he nodded. "It would definitely get the seal of approval from the Republic if the Jedi were to also be involved." Jack looked up. "You are excused. Go and spend time with my brother."

"Yes, my lord." She nodded then left the room.

Jack smiled and turned back to his computer. "Seems my idea of instilling the idea that I am a god into their minds at the genetic level is advantageous; it means they will do anything for me." He recorded onto his diary. "This experiment is proving prosperous. The pirates we engaged today, despite appearances to the contrary were endowed with a lot of wealth onboard their various crafts. My troopers, the peacekeeper commandos had destroyed all of the pirates before we could gather information on the location from where they got all of their supplies. Sometimes it may be a drag having my infallible soldiers."

Jack smiled and closed down the computer.

"Enroute to Elrood"
By: Vicks Mason
Xara Q
D-BO-77 [NPC]

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Lythe 1, 4ABY

***

"Are you sure you made the right decision, sir?" asked Deebo.

"I honestly don't know. If she is a bounty hunter or an imposter I can always take care of her. Keep a close eye on her," replied Vicks.

"Aye, sir."

Vicks wasn't so sure himself why he caved in like that. Maybe I'm losing it, Vicks thought to himself, but he figured there was more to it. Maybe it was fate, then again it most likely was chance. Vicks just shook his head and sighed. He looked at his wrist watch and saw that it was about the time to meet here at the bottom of the ramp.

"Deebo, keeping inspecting the droid brain to make sure we ready for flight."

Vicks walked down the ramp and waited there as put his arm up and leaned it against the bottom of the ship.

Xara Q came striding around the corner into the hangar, still wearing her white sleeveless shirt and plain black pants. She carried nothing with her except the blaster at her side. Her intensely blue eyes swept over Vicks quickly enough, then took a moment to survey the ship, ticking off what she could see of the engines and weaponry from her vantagepoint. Finally, she sauntered towards Vicks, careful to keep her oddly gaiting step smooth and confident; she was always nervous before a job like this. Small crews were usually just a little too personal....

Plastering an easy grin to her face, Xara paused in front of Vicks. "Ready to leave when you are," she uttered in a low, smooth voice.

"Aye, follow me," said Vicks as he walked up the ramp.

Xara nodded and followed after him, running a hand through her pale hair as she glimpsed around the interior of the ship. She also took the opportunity to study Vicks as her eyes swept past him under the pretense of glancing at her surroundings.

"Follow me," said Vicks as he led her toward the rear of the ship into the lounge. "Here's where we like to tough out the long runs in hyperspace." He then showed her the bunks and pointed at one of them. "That'll be your bunk, now to the cockpit."

"Cozy," Xara commented as she followed him. "How long's the run?"

"We're scheduled to make a pickup of spice from Elrood. Should take a fair amount of time to get there, but if we return the spice to my employer in Thanatos, then we should get paid pretty well," said Vicks.

Xara Q perked a brow. "What do you mean 'if'? Any reason we shouldn't be able to make the run?"

"Pirates and whatnot. I also have quite a few enemies at Elrood, so just keep your eye out," said Vicks as he entered the cockpit. "This is Deebo, my trusty droid. Deebo, meet Xara Q."

"I always keep an eye out. Two, if I can." She nodded to the droid. "Elrood...that'll take us through two major trading routes, won't it? Unless you were planning on taking a longer route..."

"I'm gonna take us through the trade routes. I assure you we'll survive," said Vicks with a grin.

Xara Q shrugged nonchalantly, although her pale-bluish lips quirked upwards ever so slightly in what might have been a grin. "Good. I have no intention of winding up as space dust."

"On this ship? Not a chance," said Vicks as he sat down in the Pilot's seat. "Deebo, go to the Engineering station and monitor the engines to make sure we're set for the journey. Xara, take the co-pilot's seat."

Xara slid into the indicated seat, brushing her hair away from her face again. The controls weren't going to be much of a problem, at least, she noted silently to herself. "It's Xara Q, actually. It's...um...kind of an unusual name, but it's the whole thing," she muttered softly, looking down at the displays.

"All right, Xara Q. Deebo, what's the status of the sublight drive?" asked Vicks over the intercom.

"We're good to go, sir. The Hyperdrive is fully repaired as well."

"Good. Prepare for lift off. Xara Q, get on the comm and ask permission for us to leave while I commence the takeoff procedure," ordered Vicks.

Xara Q nodded and flipped the comm switch. "Tae'Karada command, this is the Tae'Karada Star, requesting permission to disembark," she said in a flatly formal voice.

"Tae'Karada Star, you are cleared for takeoff."

Just as Vicks heard it he gently flew the ship and immediately increased the sublight engine speed. "Lock in the coordinates for Elrood," said Vicks.

Xara Q nodded once more and turned her attention to the nav computer. The nervous feeling at the pit of her stomach diminished; the hard part was over. This part was all routine. Provided it stayed that way, she'd be fine. "Coordinates locked in," she reported dutifully as she glanced once more at Vicks.

Vicks leaned forward and pulled back the hyperspace lever as the ship disappeared from normal space into a beautiful and dazzling blue tunnel. Vicks nodded his head and turned toward Xara Q. "Good job, you can go ahead to the lounge, I'm going to stay here for a little bit to make sure all systems are go."

Xara Q perked a curious brow, then turned her eyes momentarily out towards the dazzling hyperspace display outside, before merely nodding. "Let me know when you need me," she said formally, then pushed herself back out of the chair and disappeared back down the corridor towards the lounge.

Deebo was sitting behind the games table after checking the ship's systems. He saw Xara Q stride in the room and reached out his robotic arm showing a sign of invitation. "Have a seat, ma'am."

Xara smirked and took the proffered seat. "I hope it's not outside your programming to not call me ma'am. Just Xara Q's fine; after all, I'm the hired hand, here, not your master."

"I am still programmed with etiquette. Although if you prefer Xara Q, I would be happy to oblige."

Xara laughed. "I do prefer it, thanks, Deebo. So how long have you served on this ship?"

"I've been on the ship for 6 years, but I only served on the ship for 5. Over a year ago Vicks was caught by the Empire and put into Cryo-Stasis and the Empire repossessed the Star with me on it. I was deactivated for a year until Vicks and a former associate of his found me and reactivated me," said Deebo.

Xara blinked. That was more information than she'd been expecting to get. Usually, crews on this kind of ship were tight-lipped, including the droids. "I take it his associate pulled him out of cryo, then?"

"Yes, he did," replied Deebo.

"Just who was his associate? Why isn't he here?" Xara asked in an off-hand voice.

"His name was Jerek Welder and he died in the Battle for Tae'Karada," said Vicks as he swung around the corner. "He was a freelance pit fighter and was my co-pilot for awhile."

"Oh. Sorry to hear that," Xara answered in the same voice, the sort of detached concern you might expect from someone who had no connection with the deceased. "Everything locked down okay?"

Vicks sat down beside Deebo and looked over at Xara Q. "Yeah, everything's in working order for now."

She nodded, brushing a hand through her hair habitually. "Glad to hear it...." For a moment, she was silent, debating with herself whether or not to ask the question that had been nagging at her. But, then again, she wasn't here to make friends, so a little lack of tact wouldn't kill her (hopefully). "So Vicks, mind if I ask why you decided to bring me along?"

"Intuition...it's hard to explain. Something inside me told me to," said Vicks knowing she'd think he was crazy.

Xara frowned, peering closely at Vicks, then finally shrugged. "I guess that's as good a reason as any," she muttered but her eyes still glittered with skepticism. She wasn't going to trust this man, that much was clear, but she was willing to chalk anything up to intuition. Not as though she had a whole lot to go on other than her own intuition most of the time anyways.

"You hinted at trouble once we got to Elrood. Any specifics I should know about?" If she asked all the questions, it prevented those awkward moments when people would try to fill in the silence by making embarrassing inquiries about her.

"Not really anything specific. We just have to worry about raiders and pirates. We may be able to avoid them, but I'm willing to bet that we'll have a little ship to ship combat as well as ground combat. No worries, there isn't anything this baby can't handle," said Vicks proudly.

Xara Q nodded once more. She was used to pilots and ship owners bragging about their ships. Apparently, every ship in the galaxy could out-run or out-gun everything else. She knew better than to take the boast at face value; she'd been on both sides of that equation more times in the last three years than she would have liked to admit. She tossed a stray lock of pale hair out of her face with a quirk of her head and turned her eyes away from Vicks, looking down at her hands folded in her lap. "I see," was all she muttered aloud.

Vicks grinned. "You don't believe me you?"

She didn't bother to look up. "As clich� as it is, I only trust what my own eyes and my own experience tells me. I've been on plenty of ghost chases in payment for believing in anything else. Nothing personal," she added.

Vicks laughed. He couldn't help but think of how she was going to react when she actually saw what the ship could do. "I don't blame you. All I can say is...just wait and see."

"It's the waiting part I can never stand." Xara stood up and paced, finally settling for leaning against the wall. "Then again, I suppose it's better than what usually comes after one of these little adventures. I don't like being shot at if I can help it."

"I know what you mean, but don't worry, we'll get out in one piece," said Vicks with a smile as he stood and walked toward the cockpit.

Xara sniffed indignantly. "Who said I was worried?" she said as her eyes followed Vicks out the door.

Vicks smiled as he walked toward the cockpit. He couldn't wait to see her reaction when she saw what the ship could do. He finally entered the cockpit and closed the door behind him.

"You won't be disappointed, Miss Xara Q. This ship is one of the best around..." said Deebo as he stood up and walked over to the engineering station.

"Xara...Q...no...miss..." she mumbled distractedly after the retreating droid. "Great," she continued to herself. "If I had a dozen creds for every time I've heard that exact claim, I wouldn't be doing this kind of gig anymore."