"Arsenal of Freedom, Part 1"
By: Karma Arien
Iyika
Neera [NPC+]
Tiraj [NPC+]

Location: Rebel base, New Plouton
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

With her arms wrapped around his waist and her chin resting on his shoulder, Neera sighed. "That's a long way in," she said. "Lots of time for us to be spotted. Night will be on our side though, and I doubt they'll expect us. The lock on the door into the actual storeroom will be a trick, but nothing I can't handle." She brushed her cheek against Tiraj's, smiling at the unshaven bristles there. "There's a chance we won't make it out of there, but I think chances are better that we'll do this. The Imps have too many other concerns all over the place...they won't expect us to hit them there."

"Don't be nervous," Tiraj told her. He brushed his hands over hers, then turned his head aside to kiss her cheek affectionately. He chuckled as he nuzzled his nose into her loose brown hair, that had that fruity smell he'd come to recognize as her own. "Did you get all freshened up for me, or for the battle, hm?"

"Do you really think I'd get myself all prettied up for a bunch of Imps? And, besides, I'm a tech, not a fighter...and I just can't see myself getting all dressed up for a door and an electronic lock. So you, my dear, are it."

Tiraj grinned. "Good. Now's not the time to get jealous. I can save that for when this is over." He turned around in Neera's hold and slipped his own arms around her waist. "You'll be well-protected," he said in all seriousness. "And I'll keep a tracker on you at all times, in case you do get into trouble."

"As long as I have big guns going off all around me, stopping the bad guys, I'll be fine." She grinned at him. "Will you be there protecting me?"

"Can't," he answered. "I've gotta secure the perimeter with the other guys, make sure no one comes in or goes out. Iyika and the other one will be guarding you."

"Them? You saw the way they were looking at me. All I have to say is they'd better be professional in this. If they start acting like they were in the meeting with their dirty looks and acid quips, this won't go well."

Tiraj smiled in amusement, stroking Neera's hair to soothe her. "You'll be fine. Just remind them that we all have a job to do, and there'll be time for the petty fighting later."

"Just as long as they're doing the job and not each other," Neera said. "I'm no prude, as you very well know, but by all the gods that have ever existed, they really should come up for air once in awhile. Tak said he could hear them all night long last night. I just hope they got it out of their system."

"Like us?" He grinned slyly and slid his hands over her rear. "Don't be so hard on them, Neer. They know they might die today. They're just...making sure they don't waste any chances they have left to be together."

"Well, if that's the case, I should throw you down on this table and have my way with you," Neera said with a sly grin. "And, I'm only hard on them because I don't trust them. They're angry and bitter, and people like that are more prone to make mistakes. They'd fight us as quickly as they'd fight the Imps if it came down to it."

Tiraj sighed. "Then I'm sending someone along to watch your back. It'll make both of us feel a little safer." He kissed Neera's brow, then reached past her for his holstered blaster sitting on the table. "We have to go," he murmured, still brushing his lips against her flesh.

"Can't you do that for a little longer," she whispered as she brushed her hand against his. "Or, we can celebrate extra much when we're done. Promise me you'll be alright."

"I will be," he answered, wearing his typical charming grin. "I've done this sort of thing all my life. Infiltrating high security, highly defended facilities was my life, Neer. We can do this."

"What did you do before you became Mr. New Republic?" Neera asked as she trailed a hand down his chest. "You never talk about that, and you get me very curious. You were a super secret spy for someone naughty, weren't you?"

Tiraj waggled his eyebrows at her, and replied enigmatically, "Perhaps... When we get outta this, I'll tell you everything. How about that?"

"You've got yourself a deal, Mr. Super Secret Spy," she said. "And, maybe I'll get another tattoo for you to find. One right down inside my thigh."

Tiraj groaned. "Evil wench... Now I won't be able to concentrate on anything but that. If I get killed, I'm blaming you!" Then he pulled her to him abruptly and playfully nipped at her throat.

"Oh, you'd better make sure you live, Tiraj," Neera said as she slipped back away from him. "If you don't come back to me" --- she lifted her top, baring her breasts to him --- "see what you'll be missing out on?"

Tiraj's eyes grew wide, as did his smile. His hands reached outwards of their own volition, but he caught himself and quickly shook his head, though the image of those two, perfect mounds remained. "Merciless, you are," he muttered as he focused on strapping his holster around his waist. "Though, if you come face-to-face with an Imp, show him those things and you'll be spared, no doubt."

She gave him a grin and a wink. "Why do you think I didn't wear a bra today?" she said with a laugh. "And, if it comes down to that, I will. I just hope it doesn't. While I'm really not all that modest, the thought of an Imp lusting over my breasts isn't really all that pleasant." She let her shirt drop back into place, and moved forward to help him with his blaster. Her own was still sitting on the table waiting to be strapped into place. She just hoped she didn't have to use it. When she spoke again, there was a hint of fear in her voice. "If there is a Force out there, I hope it's on our side today."

"It will be," he affirmed gently. With his belt securely in place, he took her hand into his and brought it to his lips. "We'll see each other again in no time," he whispered, then pressed a tender kiss to her palm. His eyes held hers in a gaze he hoped would imbue her with confidence, or in the least express his affection for her. "We're going on a vacation after this, you and I. There are some things we need to talk about."

"Yeah?" she asked demurely as she reached for her weapon belt one-handed. She had no desire to remove her other hand from his, not for a long while yet. "I happen to like talking with you, you know. And other things. We should go to one of those perfect vacation worlds where you can do practically anything you've ever wanted. I'd like that, Tiraj. I'd like it very much." She watched him for a moment, then smiled. "I'm scared...but knowing I have you gives me strength. We'll be fine...I know it."

"Of course we will," he told her with a dismissive shrug. "We're too good-looking to die." He shot her a wink, and his dashing lopsided grin, then laced his fingers with hers. "Let's get going. It's time."

"It's time," she said and then fell into step beside him. "Just remember to come back to me, Tee, that's all I ask. Just come back to me."

Tiraj chuckled and slung his arms across Neera's slender shoulders. "If dying and never again hearing you cry out my name is the alternative, then I'll definitely see you in a few hours." He grinned and moved his lips to her ear. "And don't you dare plan on getting any sleep," he whispered.

"Sleep?" Neera asked with an impish smile. "Oh, I wouldn't dare plan something like that, not when there's a chance of rolling around with you in bed all night. That will truly be some celebration, won't it?"

Tiraj gave no verbal reply, instead using a deep, lecherous chuckle to convey his answer. And with Neera held fondly in a half-embrace, Tiraj led them both towards the armoury, one step closer to the battle that might take both their lives.

***

Karma's gear had been sitting outside her room when she returned. Lost in thought and totally professional as she prepared of their impending mission. There had been a time this type of thing was too dirty for her tastes, but things had changed drastically since her lesson on Oceana so many years ago.

By all accounts Karma Arien had changed as a result of her experiences. Nothing stung deeper than the betrayal of her own family so she had a right to be just slightly bitter. Lately it appeared like fate was doing its best to beat her down again, but she knew her job on this mission and she would carry it out. There was a time for letting that aura of calm drop and there was a time for strict focus. The latter is what dominated her demeanor now.

***

She stared above her at the ceiling, the strange patterns the different shades of cement mixing with one another. Iyika's eyes continued to look up, thinking about her life and how in hell's name she ended up in this situation. There were so many things she wanted to say, to her sister but most importantly to her father who still remained distant. Not only from her but from her sister and everyone around him; if only he could open himself up to the infinite possibilities of the universe.

"Something for me to do when I get back..." she whispered throwing the covers off her naked form. Karma had returned to her own quarters after a hot night together; a sly smile grew over her face thinking about what they'd gotten up to and imagined a few neighours had some restless hours hearing them. She chuckled as she moved over to her clothes, slowly dressing. Her trousers slid up her long slightly tanned legs; she put her black shirt on before covering it with her favourite leather jacket.

She followed her sleeves up and strapped the small blasters to her forearms; the right muscles with a hand gesture would activate the device, propelling the blasters into her hands; they'd saved her life on more than one occasion. Once they were safely hidden from sight Iyika slid her throwing knives and close-quarters combat knives in their places. Her rifle was leaning up against the far wall, black as night like a silent wraith waiting to be unleashed.

~You ok?~

Iyika smiled at the familiar A.I. speaking in her mind. She grabbed the rifle and stepped out of her quarters, looking back at the door leading into Karma's quarters. "I don't know... I just have a funny feeling...like I'm not going to see her after this is over..."

~Don't worry, you'll be fine and so will she. She's harder to kill than she looks. The Imps won't know what hit them.~

Iyika smiled, turning away from Karma's quarters. She always preferred to be alone before a battle or before she was about to kill someone; being alone came with the job of being an assassin.

She finally came to the mess hall. It was empty as she suspected. She grabbed a cup of hot coffee before sitting down in the darkened corner, waiting for the inevitable beginning.

***

After a quick check of her weapons Karma reported to their staging point. Nervous, yes, but confident they would walk away from this one. Rebels were resilient types.

Tiraj was now clad in his armour, consisting of breastplate, leg-coverings, helmet tucked under his arm, and a single armoured bracer containing a comm device, scanner capable of detecting life-signs, a mini-holoemitter equipped with a portable schematic of the facility, and a receiver for the transmitter he'd attached to Neera's blaster the night before. He may have appointed Iyika and Karma with the task of protecting her, but Tiraj still wanted to track her location in case he needed to get to her.

He glanced aside at Neera, still loading her gear, and now encased in armour that molded perfectly to those supple curves he always appreciated, and smiled to himself. I'm gonna marry that woman...no matter how big a fight she puts up. After realizing he was chuckling, and the men around him were watching, awaiting orders, he cleared his throat and focused his attention on the mission.

Karma was present, but Iyika was not in sight yet. He didn't know how much he could count on either of them, but he'd placed Neera's life in their hands, and whether that had been a foolish idea or not, he'd find out soon enough.

"Everyone has their coordinates?" he asked. Nods were received in return. "When we get in there, radio silence unless completely necessary, got it? And no premature firing; more importantly, no blaster fire in the munitions warehouse. You switch to ion pulses, unless you plan on getting everyone blown up at the wrong time."

His men appeared focused and determined, and just a bit scared, but he knew they'd come through. "Any questions before we head out?"

"Nothing here." Karma's response was a clear indication that she knew her orders and would carry them through. If anything she was more used to piloting a small agile craft but this wasn't so far out of her arena she couldn't handle it. To those that had seen her the night before Karma was a very different person. Rigidly clinging to what many thoughts were long forgotten lessons from a Rebel Colonel and those of her parents before they gave in to the Dark side.

Tiraj nodded slowly, then regarded Iyika, who had finally decided to join them. "And you? No sudden urges to confuse us with your puzzling colloquialisms?"

"My colloquialisms are none of your business..." replied Iyika. A smile crossed her lips as she crossed her arms. She was leaning against the far wall, listening to what was said in the background. Her rifle was resting up against the wall beside her. "Don't look so worried, my dear, I'll watch your pretty behind and make sure you get back..." She didn't say in what state she'd get back in, leaving that to her imagination.

Neera rolled her eyes and glanced to Tiraj, silently asking the question if they needed the two stray bitches they'd managed to pick up. Just strap a pack of Nines to you and see what happens to that pretty behind of yours when it goes off. Get to share that pretty behind with everyone...in little tiny chunks. She smiled at Iyika then before turning her attention back to

Tiraj. At least there was some comfort there.

Her gaze moved from Neera to Tiraj. "The patrols... How many are there and what are their routes?" she asked. Her tone was flat almost like she was asking about the weather. "I'll take them out to clear a path for Neera and Karma before joining up with them. With the patrols down it will give you some valuable seconds to get your asses in gear."

Tiraj sighed. "All that information was in the briefing files I gave you. If you'd spent time last night reviewing it instead of doing...other things" --he glanced briefly in Karma's direction-- "you would know that without my having to remind you. And my boys," he added with a frown bordering on a sneer, "won't need you to ensure their success in this mission. It would seem you believe you're far more important to this attack than you really are, Ms. Iyika, and that's going to get my men killed. So deposit that condescending, self-righteous attitude in the dung heap where it belongs, and pay some fucking attention," he growled. "And if something does happen to Neera while under your care," he added, leaning in closer to the woman, "you won't make it back alive either. Rest assured." He sealed the vow with a feral smile, then straightened up again and addressed his men.

"Teams 1 and 2, we'll get in there, breach their defenses and secure the perimeter. Team 1 will then accompany Teams 3 and 4 while we raid the place. Team 3" --he focused specifically on Iyika-- "you'll break off from Teams 1 and 4, and get to the central power generator. Neera will plant her bomb, and you get the hell outta there. Once that blows, the place, you'd better hope you've managed to get out in time, 'cause there isn't going to be much left after that. Got it?"

Karma simply nodded. Now wasn't the time to pick fights or trade barbs. For now she was content just to complete the mission. That would bring her one step closer to regaining her birthright. To accomplish that it required allies like the Rebellion.

"Got it..." Iyika replied, her voice ice cold. She wanted to say more, that she had been killing people while his grandfather was still sucking on his mother's tit, that she'd survived the Empire and more, but she kept all that to herself. She didn't like being threatened, not by anyone. She'd do her part and keep Neera safe. Until the mission is complete, then her ass is on her own... Iyika thought with a smile. She reached down, grabbing her rifle, lifting it up, resting the butt in her shoulder so the rifle aimed down at the floor.

Tiraj smirked. "Good. We have transports waiting outside for us. Stick with your teams and pack into one. We'll be deposited a kilometer from the factory and make the rest of the way on foot. When we're all in position, I'll give the word and we move." He passed his gaze over each of the men and women in the room, and added earnestly, "May the Force be with you all out there. Come home safely." Then a mask of unwavering determination fell over his face and Tiraj nodded decisively. "Move out!"

The troops filed out of the room and Tiraj watched them go with a knot of anxiety twisting in his stomach. He hated going into battle, especially ones that could be avoided, but the Imps had forced their hand by staking their claim on a planet they had no right to terrorize. Tonight, Tiraj and his team would return the favour ten-fold.

---

"Arsenal of Freedom, Part 2"
By: Karma Arien
Neera [NPC+]
Tiraj [NPC+]

Location: Rebel base, New Plouton
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

Their intel had estimated the perimeter was being guarded by at least ten troopers, and that their shift rotation was due to occur in a matter of minutes. That was when Tiraj and his teams would strike.

"Team Three, you in position?" he whispered through the comm.

"Team Three's in position," came Neera's reply. "I can see three of the guards from where I'm at. What a bunch of lazy nerfs."

Tiraj grinned. "Don't criticize them too harshly. It's their laziness that's gonna get us in there."

Neera laughed. "I love it when they're this predictable and accommodating. Oh, I see the second team coming in now."

Tiraj brought his macrobinoculars to his eyes and scanned the scene. It was time. "Teams 1 and 2, get ready. On my signal, we rush those bastards. Teams 3 and 4, await our communication. If you don't hear anything from us in ten minutes, get the hell outta here."

After receiving an affirmative from each of the team leaders, Tiraj unholstered his weapon, and sent one last communication to Neera only. "Be careful out there, beautiful."

"You too," Neera said after keying her comm only to Tiraj. "Make sure you get back to me. I don't want to celebrate our victory today alone."

"Definitely not alone," he replied. He paused, trying to find courage enough to force out the words resting on the tip of his tongue. Still feeling the coward, he mumbled, "I love you," then cut the connection and ordered the two teams to move out.

Neera felt her cheeks grow hot, and she couldn't help the giggle that came from somewhere. "I love you too," she whispered, then put her comm away.

***

Their black armour blended with the thick, still darkness, one their stealthy maneuvering did nothing to disturb. The overhead lights spotlighting the Imps as they moved in to take up their posts were deliberately avoided; the sentries walking along the ramparts would be easy targets for the snipers once Tiraj and his teams took care of the troops downbelow.

They needed to make the attack quick and clean, for they would have enough of a mess to deal with once they raided the facility. Tiraj and his men worked simultaneously, coming up behind the perimeter guards and driving vibrodaggers into the back of their necks, while the snipers collectively took down the sentries above. There was no time for them to raise the alarm.

Unseen and unheard, Teams 1 and 2 slipped easily into the installation. There was silence, then the sounds of weapons fire erupted. It was less than five minutes later that Team 2 emerged to take up post around the perimeter. Then Tiraj's voice came over the comm. "Teams 3 and 4, get your asses in here now. Our window of opportunity is narrow, so let's move!"

On orders Karma began to move toward Team 3's designated objective, her weapon poised to strike with very little notice. As they got closer to their intended destination she remained extremely vigilant.

Neera moved with the rest, her heavy equipment pack bouncing against her back with each step. She held a blaster pistol in one hand and a scanner in the other. She glanced to her side, where Karma was, and sighed. Why had Tiraj assigned those two to keep her safe? She could take care of herself, and she didn't trust them. No time to worry about that now, she told herself. Get the job done, and then worry. "I'm reading people up ahead of us. Ours, it looks like by the signal. We're clear." She glanced at Karma and grinned.

Karma simply nodded; she was reading the same thing. "Let's get in and out of there." They had to take the opportunity while it was there, though she knew all too well things could go south very quickly.

Several thoughts ran through her mind, but she didn't allow herself to dwell on any of them long, especially if they were unrelated to the mission at hand. When she was on her game, she was really on. So far that was something that these Rebels still needed to come to see. Trust only comes once it's been proven on the battlefield. Those words once spoken to her by her guardian never held more truth than they did now.

Without another word, they slipped inside and on toward their objective. They met very little resistance on the way in, having already been taken care of by the other teams. Once they found their spot, Neera unslung her pack and dropped in place next to the location they'd picked for the explosives. If nothing else, when the weapons depot went up, everyone would know it. It was hard to surreptitiously blow up this much ordinance, especially with the kinds of explosives they were using.

"I'll need five minutes," she said as she started pulling things out of her pack.

She nodded. "If anything changes I'll let you know." Five minutes could be an eternity if things heated up but it wasn't an unreasonable timeframe either.

"Good," Neera said, then she turned her attention completely to her given task. Any wrong move would be disastrous, though not nearly as disastrous as failing their mission.. She'd do what she needed to though, that was what members of the New Republic did. And, the Imps around here would sure get one hell of a surprise.

***

Tiraj swung out from behind the wall he was using for cover and fired off four rapid shots at the Imps in position at the other end of the corridor. They'd planted themselves there almost ten minutes ago, preventing his team from progressing any further. But once Neera did her work, they wouldn't have to worry about taking them all down.

He slipped back behind the ferrocrete wall as the Imps returned fire. Chunks of the stone were torn from the wall protecting him as the Imps' shots impacted. He could feel the vibrations against his back as they hit, even beneath his armour.

From the opposite side of the doorway, where the rest of his team was concealed, Hjil ducked out from behind the wall with his blaster pouring off shots. Tiraj offered cover fire and managed to catch an Imp in the arm. Enemy fire chased Hjil as he folded into a shoulder roll and made it safely onto the other side of the doorway, joining Tiraj.

"Fool!" he snapped, though Tiraj was grinning.

"Got bored," Hjil explained with a shrug, and remained on his knees as he and Tiraj continued shooting, Tiraj taking the top and Hjil the bottom. "Any word from Neera?"

Tiraj shook his head. "She'll come through," he assured him.

"Why?" He fired off a rapid series, then pressed his back to the wall and looked up at Tiraj. "Because she's your girl?" He chuckled, then resumed firing.

"No," Tiraj corrected. "Because she's good." He grinned, then added, "And because she's my girl."

Hjil shook his head, still chuckling, while the Imps remained intent on killing them. Tiraj hoped Neera really could pull through, because reinforcements were mounting and his teams were barely holding them off. And because he wanted to see his girl again.

***

Neera set the last charge in place and activated it. Red glowing numbers started flashing randomly across its surface, a flourish nothing more. She backed away, gathering her pack as she did. "It's set," she said. "We should fly because when this thing goes, it's going to go big."

Karma didn't need any further reminders. "Let's move then." She began to high tail it out of there double time. Truthfully, while it was a light show Arien wouldn't mind seeing she didn't want to be too close when it did blow.

Neera slung her pack over one shoulder and unholstered her blaster with the other hand. She didn't think the Imps would sit down and let them just run off, despite how many of them they'd killed. Imps seemed to breed worse than moophits, and where you had just a half dozen a few minutes ago, soon there would be a few hundred. She double-tapped her comlink, the signal to the other teams that they'd accomplished their part of the mission. Now it was only a matter of running away and waiting for the big explosion.

Karma had her blaster ready as they made their retreat. Extreme vigilance remained her watchword. It wouldn't do to have the efforts ruined by lax attention now. They moved swiftly yet silently towards the designated extraction point.

As they fled through the halls, Neera sent a quick message to Tiraj and his team, letting them know that the bomb was set and ready to go. It was time to evacuate.

Neera burst forth from the building, flying at the head of the wave of New Republic bodies surging from it. As she sprinted to the point where she would meet Tiraj, all of the hells broke free. The building blossomed into a cloud of fire and debris, sending shrapnel everywhere. A hot, sharp pain ignited in Neera's shoulder as she was thrown to the ground, and all around her chaos reigned.

At a full out sprint Karma emerged from the building only to have a piece of shrapnel find its way into her thigh. Even her current adrenaline rush couldn't keep that pain masked. Only a brief second or so later she felt herself hit the ground hard. After that not much clearly registered distinctly in Karma's thoughts except for extreme turmoil.

Tiraj was cursing to all the gods he could recall as he sat on the ferrocrete road where he'd landed, watching the flames lick the sky. He and his team had barely made it out in time, but it was the Imps who found themselves out of luck. Not one of them managed to escape. He hoped Neera hadn't suffered the same fate.

His blaster was hot to the touch from the heat rolling off the decimated building, and his eyes teared up as he watched in awe. The Imps would be out of ammunition when they required it; Tiraj and his teams had made certain of that. With a triumphant cry he sprang to his feet and brought his forearm up towards him. Neera's tracking device was working well...and it indicated she was still dangerously close to the flaming installation. Tiraj again resorted to cursing and dashed off to find her.

"Get out of here!" he called to his men. "Someone'll be coming to find out what happened to their factory!" Then he focused full attention on getting to Neera. Damn woman. Always have to do things with a flare, don't you? "Neer!" he hollered.

"Tiraj," came her faint call. "Tiraj! I'm over-- Ow! Over here!"

Ow? That alone had Tiraj sprinting faster. Visually searching for her was too difficult with the blazing fire so near, so he followed the blip on his bracer's screen. He was nearly on top of her when he looked up, and there she was, struggling to rise.

"Neer! What the hells!" He rushed to her side and gathered her up into his arms. Once he'd moved her far enough away from the fire, he looked her over quickly and fearfully. "What's wrong? You hurt?"

"Shrapnel," Neera said with a weak grin. "It got me in the shoulder. I think I'm okay, but...it just hurts."

"I bet," Tiraj replied with a relieved chuckle. "The boys are loading up onto the transport. Did your friends make it out?"

"I don't know," Neera said. "I made it out of the building, and then it exploded. I don't know what happened after that."

Tiraj muttered a curse, then summoned Iljak, one of his trusted soldiers. The man strode forward, and despite Neera's protest, he handed her off to him. "Don't worry," Tiraj told her, pressing a finger to her lips so she could raise no further fuss. "Just gonna check on them and then I'll join you."

"Just come back to me safe," Neera said. "We have a celebration tonight, remember?"

Tiraj grinned, that charming, breathtaking grin that had won many a woman over. Now, it was only for Neera. "How could I ever forget?" He kissed her brow, then nodded to Iljak. The man departed, with Neera looking back at him until the darkness consumed them.

It wasn't a job Tiraj looked forward to, but he never left a man in the field, even one he knew they were better off without.

***

Karma had managed to make it to her feet somehow despite the pain, carefully making her way closer towards the specified location as fast as she could limp. Wondering if the others made it out as well, but there was no time to dwell on that since she knew they had to retreat from the area as soon as possible.

"Over here," she called, cursing the shrapnel.

The orange flames reflected off the lone figure's dark armour as he approached. When he drew closer, his face resolved into that of Tiraj, who greeted her with his customary lopsided grin. "So you made it, I see." He came up beside her and slipped an arm around her waist for support. "Where's your friend?" he asked. "The one with the attitude and quirky sayings?"

"I haven't the faintest clue," Karma replied honestly. When it came to that type of thing she wasn't Iyika's keeper. Worried on some level, yes, but there would be time to deal with it later, once they were safe. "Yes, I made it. All chaos ripped loose just as Neera and I emerged from the building."

Tiraj pointedly glanced back at the disintegrating building and chuckled. "Yeah...I noticed. We've got a transport waiting. After we get on, we're out of here." He sighed. "That means if your friend isn't on there, she's on her own."

Karma nodded. "Let's get out of here." The response was clearly dictated by white hot pain as much as just wanting to get out of Imperial territory.

Tiraj obliged and led Karma into the alley through which they would meet the transport. He looked back at the smoking, burning ruin of the Imperial munitions factory and grinned. "One win for the good guys," he whispered.

"That it is," she responded just as quietly. It was an almost bittersweet victory given the events which shadowed her past.

When they reached the transport, Neera was waiting for them. She noticed at once that Iyika wasn't there, and frowned. As much as she didn't like the woman, she didn't like the thought of her being left behind, or worse. She smiled at Tiraj as he got closer. "I think...I think everyone else is here," she said. "We can go."

Tiraj set Karma down gently into the transport, then slipped up beside Neera. His arms went around her. "Drive on, Kol." The driver nodded and the transport's thrusters kicked in. Tiraj sighed. "Will it even matter? All this?"

"It'll always matter, Tiraj," Neera said. "When it stops mattering, that's when you turn into them."

He smiled down at her, then kissed the top of her head. "And that's what I have you for - to keep me from becoming that."

"Come on," Neera said with a smile. "Let's go back to my place...it's time to celebrate."

Tiraj chuckled and held Neera closer, taking care not to aggravate her injury. One small victory was all they had, but it was a start. He hoped it made a difference in the end.

---

"Crowning Achievement, Part 1"
By: Dargus Kandran
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth

Location: Dargus' Cruiser
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

"You're certain you'll be fine here?" Dargus asked, his arms holding Yelara close in an embrace. "You're certain you don't wish to join me on the surface? I could make sure you have a good vantage, but still be safe from the action." They were about to separate, and that separation had Dargus nervous for some reason. He knew he had nothing to fear from Yelara, no more than he had to fear from any woman. But, he was nervous nevertheless. "When the battle is won, I will send for you, and together we can enter our new palace."

"It's better that I stay," Yelara told him again. "I mean, if it were only my life I was in charge of, I wouldn't mind. But...the baby..."

Dargus touched a hand to Yelara's abdomen and smiled. "Our baby," he whispered. "Do you suppose we'll have a boy or a girl? A brother or sister for little Leshie. I'm sure he'd like that very much."

Yelara chuckled and placed her hand over Dargus'. "I'm not sure. It's too early to tell... But I think I'd want a little girl."

"A beautiful little girl," he said. "She'd be a little version of you, I think. We could even name her Kallia if you'd like."

"No," Yelara replied, her voice a cold whisper, "I don't think we will." She shifted away from Dargus, letting his hand fall from her stomach, and gazed up at him. "Don't mention that name again around me," she told him. "Not after what you've done."

"It was Keeve's doing," Dargus answered. "And...and the process...can be reversed."

Yelara's features brightened with hope and her smile returned. "It can?" she whispered.

"It can," Dargus answered. "The doctor knows the procedure, and could have it done within thirty minutes. We would only need to find her."

"Well, find her!" Yelara told him, losing hold of her excitement. "I mean...after the Palace...you'll find her, won't you?"

"I will devote every effort to finding her," Dargus answered. "Fear not, my love, you will have a chance to be with her again. And, perhaps she could stay in the palace with us."

"Yes," Yelara said with a smile of wonderment. "Then we could be a family again...all of us."

"All of us," Dargus whispered. "You, me, Va'Lesh, Kallia, Yara, and our little baby girl."

Yelara smiled inquisitively. "Girl? Just humouring my wishful thinking or is there something you aren't telling me?"

"Humouring your wishful thinking," Dargus said with a smile. "If our child is a boy, what do you think of the name...Cade?"

Yelara's features visibly fluctuated and her smile disappeared. Only Dargus could think of naming a child after a monster. Though considering he was that monster, it made sense. "Cade..." she repeated, attempting to smile again. "Of course... Anything you wish, my love."

Dargus laughed. "You don't need to humour me," he said. "I see from the look on your face that you hate it. Actually, now I think it a poor name...not a name I would wish to be associated with. I think that's the type of name you give to a child you wish to be picked on by his friends. No, our son, if we have a son, will have a good name."

Yelara sighed, with obvious relief, and chuckled. "I've always hated it. Such a harsh name, certainly not one befitting someone of your stature."

"Or a child," Dargus said with a sigh. "Would you believe that, translated from Rodian, Cade means 'smelly undergarments?' "

"Really?" Yelara giggled. "And you kept it for so long?"

"It wasn't until recently that I found out," Dargus said. "One night, this Rodian started laughing at me...I finally got the story out of him. I needed a change beside...to usher in this new era of my life. I hope you prefer Dargus."

"The name," Yelara replied, pressing in closer to him, "and the man."

Dargus smiled a wide smile. "Good," he said. "Because so do I. We're running short on time...and I should be joining my men. If you'd like, I will have a holo-feed sent back to the ship for you...so you can witness our finest hour."

"And so I can keep an eye on you," she added. "Don't do anything reckless, alright? Who else will run this ship and keep me warm at night?"

"I don't believe anyone else could," he said with a wide grin. He kissed her. "I don't think anyone could ever truly love you and care for you the way I do. Only me, Yelara. And, it shall always be that way."

"Only you," she affirmed, though in her mind, there were only thoughts of Liam. "Now, go. You'll be late for your own attack."

Dargus kissed Yelara one more time, then he backed away a few steps, eyes locked on hers. With one final, roguish smile, he turned away and started down the corridor.

"And so it begins," Yelara murmured, watching him go. "And ends for you, Kandran."

She sighed and turned her back to him, then took a moment to collect herself before moving off. With Dargus on the planet, occupied with seizing the palace, Liam could finally be freed, and again the Kestrels could fly.

***

Dargus strode into the massive bay where his people were assembling. They were formed up in ranks before loading into assault shuttles. Seeing all of the warriors, clad in their armour, was a beautiful sight. There was nothing more uplifting than seeing a force of men and women, ready to do battle for you, ready to give their lives for you.

He wore his armour with lightsabers clipped to the belt at his waist. A long, flowing cape trailed off his shoulders, billowing out behind him as he walked. He made a fearsome sight, he knew. His armour had been styled to appear to be the body of some fantastical beast, with spikes and other daggers jutting from it. He would make Tarkin beg for mercy today, and then he would take everything, including his life.

He approached one of the young women who served as one of his captains. Her body was tightly encased in body armour, a body similar to the young woman who had made off with Yelara's child. He felt himself stir inside his armour, and told himself he would get to know this one better. "Captain," he said with a nod, "is our force ready to make for the planet?"

"Yes, Master Kandran," the young woman's voice answered from beneath her helmet. "All assault vessels have been prepped and loaded. We are ready to launch, my lord."

"Very good," Dargus answered. "You will be with me during the battle. You will help me coordinate all plans with each of our teams. You are hereby promoted to the rank of colonel."

The young woman bowed humbly at the waist and held a fisted right hand over her heart. "Thank you, Master. I will serve you honourably."

"Come," Dargus ordered, and as she fell into step beside him he managed to resist the urge to grab her buttocks. It was a difficult moment, however. "Our greatest obstacle will be the vehicular support Tarkin has at the palace. Our assault shuttles will be responsible for eliminating them when the time comes. The largest and deadliest portion of his force will be elsewhere, and his attention will be diverted, making our attack much easier. All this I have foreseen. If we succeed in this, you will be raised to a seat on my council. I believe that is a suitable reward for such faithful and honourable service, don't you?"

"Any reward you see fit to bestow upon me is more than suitable, my lord," she replied meekly. "The only reward I require, however, is to fight by your side, to protect you with my very life."

"Then such a reward you shall surely have," Dargus said. "Today, you will be at my side. You should select one other to act as your second, to help you in coordination with each of the teams. He or she will receive the rank of major."

"I will do so, Master. I believe number Eighty-Five will serve you best in that role. Today, you will be victorious. And you shall lead us to that victory, my lord."

Dargus smiled. "Yes, I shall," he said. "And, Eighty-Five will be perfect. Now, let us get aboard our ship. It is time for us to achieve our victory." With that, he strode off toward the command shuttle.

The launch of the assault vessels spoke of the organization and perfection of Dargus' troops, for all ten ships activated their repulsors and fired their thrusters in almost complete unison, preparing to fly into battle.

The heavy doors of the hangar rose and the shuttles glided through the openings. Tae'Karada loomed in the distance and the legion of warriors sailed towards it with the roar of engines ominously sounding their approach. The clones had one singular goal in mind, one they would attempt to achieve even if it meant their deaths: they would win the palace for Dargus, then cheer their master's victory.

***

At the sound of the opening door, Liam looked up. The twins were with him, though they had become more interested in each other at the end of the bed than in him. Perhaps it was the agitation he'd been feeling, the dark vortex of energy swirling around Dargus' ship like a great hole ripped into the bottom of a sea, and all the water was seeking its escape. With the Force-dampening ysalamiri around him, he couldn't sense her...but he saw her. At first, the sensations from the vortex had led him to think that he was free of the small creature's Force-blocking powers...but quickly realized it was only that the energy of the Force was so strong...that not even the ysalamiri could block it out. He moved to the edge of his cell, a smile forming as he saw her. "You grow more beautiful every time I see you," he said.

Yelara smiled fondly at the sight of her husband, then cast a withering glare in the direction of the two pleasure slaves - clones of Maeren Shivral, though she had suspected just that when Liam first described them. "Out. You can continue somewhere else."

The two young women separated from one another, and quickly padded towards the door, giving Yelara a wide berth as they passed her, then they were gone. It was at that moment Yelara rushed to Liam and smothered his face with kisses. "Oh gods, it's finally going to happen, my love."

Liam's arms circled Yelara. "Oh gods," he rasped. "Could it--? It's really? Let's go! Is the ship ready? He won't stop us this time, will he?"

Yelara shook her head. "He's on the planet. He's attempting to seize the palace. That should keep him occupied long enough to get out of here." She slipped off the bed and held out a hand to her husband. "Come on. Va'Lesh has a ship waiting for us."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Va'Lesh? Isn't he a little...oh, the clone. The one you got through to." He smiled, amused at the thought that Yel had wooed one of Dargus' clones away from him. "Let's get out of here then."

"Gladly," Yelara sighed, and hand-in-hand she walked with Liam out of the room, towards liberation.

It was only ten paces beyond the room before the Force returned. Liam gave a sigh of blissful relief. "I hate the feeling of being without that...I end up feeling so disconnected." He glanced at her. "The feeling is very similar to how I feel when I don't have you near me."

"That won't be a problem anymore," she assured him. "We just need to get to Bay 6...and we can fly again, my kestrel." Yelara stroked Liam's cheek gently, gazing into the eyes through which she'd seen Liam's soul and fell in love with it. "There's so much more we need to find out about one another, so much we need to mend," she mused. "And we'll start soon. So very soon."

"I have been looking forward to that for some time," Liam said as he slipped his hand into hers. "I've not been the best husband, but I hope to fix that. I hope to be a man our son can look up to and emulate. I hope to be a man that you can trust again. Bay 6?"

Yelara smiled warmly and nodded. "Our last stop before we leave this pit of filth Dargus has constructed. We'll need to hurry, though. They will try to stop us, and although I have no doubt you can subdue them, it will cost us time."

"We will keep ourselves moving as much as possible. It's not the type of battle I prefer to fight, but I see no other options. If we must, we'll just bring them along as we go, knocking them out as we can, when we can."

"It'll be easier to do while they're wearing their helmets," Yelara noted. "At least you won't have to see their faces."

"I'm just glad I am able to subdue them," Liam said. "Knowing who they are...I couldn't kill them...no matter who they work for or how they came to exist."

"And when we are able, we will come back for them, Liam. We will." She kissed her husband lightly to reassure him, and gave him further reassurance with a loving smile. "Now, let's go. Leshie will be expecting us."

They fled quickly down the corridor. The resistance was present all along their path. Utilizing the Force, Liam was able to easily subdue most before they were even aware of their presence. At one junction, there were two guards, and it required considerable more effort on Liam's part. He ended up with a bruised jaw, but still managed to put down both guards. "One thing's for certain," he said as he and Yelara started off again, "our son is certainly going to have a good right hook."

Feeling optimistic about their chances, Yelara laughed and with one hand lifting the skirt of her dress off the ground, she dashed into the bay with Liam. Freedom was near.

"There's the ship!" she announced.

"Let's go home," he said as they dashed across the bay toward the ship. "Let's find our freedom!"

Many of the soldiers in the bay had spotted them and were already charging. Liam easily knocked them back with a single wave of his hand and the two bounded up the ramp. It began pulling up behind them and Yelara called out to Va'Lesh to activate the repulsors. There was no response.

"Va'Lesh?" Worry marred Yelara's previously hopeful features as she looked to her husband. "Liam..."

"Out," Liam called, but it was too late.

Behind them, a low, dark laugh sounded. It was the sound of something dark and evil rubbing against something vile and disgusting. Liam Zaneth closed his eyes, centering himself and hoping this time, he and his wife would finally win their freedom. He turned to face the owner of the laugh, and knew that they would not have their freedom just yet. "Damn you."

***

A muffled explosion rocked the western quarter of the Palace and alarms blared. Tarkin's forces leaving for the Temple attack had provided an opening in the defense shield long enough for a small team of clones to enter and get to the shield generator. Minutes later, the attack had begun.

The Walkers stationed in the courtyards reanimated and plodded towards the perimeter just as the external shield surrounding the palace fluctuated, then disappeared. From overhead, pulse fire rained down to subdue the targets in closer proximity to the palace without causing damage to the edifice, while the far more destructive concussion missiles were launched at the Walkers near the perimeter, ripping them apart.

The assault vessels came in for another attack run, and once a section of the Imperial contingent had been decimated, the vessels moved in for a landing while a remaining few provided cover fire. Tarkin's elite, genetically modified troops were already too far off to return, and would provide no resistance for Dargus' soldiers; the white-armoured troopers being dispatched to engage Dargus' black-clad warriors were but a minor distraction.

Dargus' clones marched at a steady pace compared to the urgency of Tarkin's men as they moved into position. The stormtroopers were quickly and efficiently laid down by the clones, who marched without further opposition directly into the palace. There would be more futile attempts to stop them within, but Dargus' clones were programmed to prevail, and so to the throne room they proceeded, to secure it for its rightful Emperor, Dargus Kandran.

***

The shuttle banked down toward the planet with Liam and Yelara sitting at the controls. They weren't traveling to the destination they'd chosen though; they were travelling to the destination chosen by the man standing behind them. Dargus Kandran smiled at their meek behaviours.

"The trick," Dargus said only a slight edge in his voice, "is whether or not I should truly be upset at you. You did betray me, after all. I cannot forget that slight, my dear. I cannot forget that you sought to run off with my prisoner. And, when I find the clone you forced to betray me, he shall be punished as well. I'm not sure which would be worse, killing him outright, forcing him to be a pleasure slave, or finding that bitch you sent off with your child, and forcing him to watch me turn her into a pleasure slave."

Yelara's mouth set into a hard line and she said nothing. They hadn't expected Dargus to be on the cruiser, and especially not aware of her scheme, ready and waiting to capture them in the act. She hated him for it, and herself for putting Liam and Va'Lesh's lives in danger. The female clone training a blaster on them made an escape attempt impossible, for even if Liam managed to subdue her, there was still Dargus to contend with.

"This is your fault," she finally said viciously. "You said you would let him go... You never intended to keep that promise, so I was ensuring you did by setting him free myself."

"I had every intention of freeing him if you remained loyal to me," Dargus said. "When you sent your child off, though, I grew suspicious. That you didn't urge me to find your child...it didn't ring true. So, being the type that is prone to paranoia, I decided to let my hunch play out." He smiled. "You performed exactly as I had anticipated. However, I believe an emperor must have his empress, therefore, your marriage to Liam shall be dissolved, and you shall remain at my side, as my empress."

Yelara laughed cruelly. "They would never make you Emperor, Dargus. You can give yourself any title you wish, but do you really believe anyone would honour it?"

"That will be the test, won't it," Dargus said. "When the Empire falls, this planet will need a leader. I intend for that to be me. And, I have four members of poor, dead High Prince Val'reth's council to honour me, through my noble's title, as the new sovereign of this planet. So, I will have my claim legitimized."

Yelara glanced aside at her husband and for the first time, she truly feared Dargus. In power, he could truly turn Tae'Karada into a prison planet by ruling with an even tighter hold than Tarkin had. Tarkin was senile, but Dargus was purely evil. That was the difference, and one that would have devastating consequences on the planet. He had to be stopped.

The shuttle dove into the planet's atmosphere and steered them towards Arcadia; but more specifically, the palace, which was now surrounded by plumes of smoke and flames that billowed high above the monumental enclosure. Dargus had succeeded, that much was clear, but he couldn't be allowed to claim the throne.

Yelara gave no thought to what she needed to do, for Dargus would only have detected it and stopped her. So, relying solely on instinct, Yelara jerked the vessel hard to the left, throwing the clone into the wall and knocking Dargus off balance. She hoped Liam's reaction time was quick enough to take advantage of the opportunity she had given them, but she couldn't spare a moment to worry about that or recovering the ship from its nose-dive; instead, she threw herself at the female clone, already recovering from the fall and grappled for the weapon in her hand.

Dargus and Liam became a blur of motion as the Jedi charged the Sith. Kandran flew backwards with Liam on top of him. Fists and feet, elbows and knees...it was all a blur of motion as each fought for dominance. A kick landed in Liam's midsection, and knocked him back. He recovered quickly and came up charging. A shaft of crimson leapt from Dargus' hand and he threw himself to the side. Blinding pain seemed to stab through his thigh, burning him from the inside out. Liam dropped to the ground, wound throbbing. The crimson blade snapped into place, just below his throat. A simple flick of Dargus' wrist would remove his head.

"Now, now, Yelara," Dargus called, breathing heavily, "release her, and Liam will not be killed."

Yelara already had the seized blaster aimed at the clone's head as she sat atop her, but one look at Liam, wounded and vulnerable, and Yelara tossed the blaster aside. The clone immediately slid out from under Yelara and sprang to her feet. Roughly, she pulled Yelara from the ground and twisted her arms around behind her back.

"Now," Yelara rasped, "let him go."

The blade retracted back into the hilt of the lightsaber. He glanced at the clone and gave her a nod. "Bind them both," he said. "We want no more incidents like this." He reached out with the Force and stabilized the shuttle. "Once they are bound, take the controls and take us to the palace."

"Yes, Master." The Yara clone unclipped a pair of binders from her belt and slapped them onto Yelara's wrists. She then indelicately shoved her to the ground. She moved on to Liam next.

"This is how you'll have to keep me always, Dargus," Yelara growled. "Because I won't willingly be your Empress, not after his."

"You attacked us," Dargus said. "I was merely conveying us all to our coronation. Fear not, my beautiful empress, we will soon be raised above all on Tae'Karada. Your imperial attire shall be waiting for you when we arrive. You may not approve, but I assure you everyone else shall. I am so glad you are young and haven't begun to sag...it would not do for this moment." He took a step closer. "I suggest you become more willing, my dear. If you do not, I assure you that I can make you as willing as...well, as Kallia."

Helpless with her hands tightly bound behind her back, and sitting upon the ground, all Yelara could do in retaliation was shriek as she kicked Dargus in the shin with the pointed heel of her shoe.

Dargus glanced down at the plated guards protecting his legs, then at Yelara, and smiled. "Colonel," he said, not taking his eyes from Yelara, "please contact the doctor and have him prepare the bay for the Brael Process. It appears that Yelara will require some reconditioning, and really doesn't care about playing nicely. She will have to be...pacified." He glanced to Liam. "I do hope you learn to enjoy the Twins, Liam, because I'm afraid that after this Yelara will no longer know you. However, I will make certain that you are witness to every happy moment we share together." His gaze turned back to Yel, dead and evil. "His pain and suffering shall be on your hands now. You could have stopped it, but you remained defiant until the end."

Yelara narrowed her eyes fiercely at Dargus, but said nothing more, for Liam's sake. Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed the clone disappear from the cockpit to carry out Dargus' request. "I thought you liked my fire," she said. "Or was that a lie too?"

"Oh, I like your fire," Dargus said with a leering smile. "However, I plan to ensure...more loyalty. This willingness you have to turn on me just will not do, especially for my wife and empress. Perhaps the doctor could fix that modesty problem you have too."

Yelara laughed wryly. "You just want a naked prize to parade around. Why don't you find a woman who can be that for you and just leave us alone... This is useless, Dargus. You're simply expending energy in a crusade that will likely end with your death. Is it really worth it?"

"You will be that for me, Yelara. You see, the two of you have caused me so much trouble. You nearly killed me once...and I haven't quite forgotten that yet. So, consider this my repayment. Your beloved will be forced to watch you express your love fully to me, happily ruling by my side. This isn't just about your naked body or making you love me. This is about revenge...revenge for the two of you sticking your noses in my business. And, now it is time for you to pay."

Yelara turned her head away and focused on Liam, whose jaw was clenched and who was visibly trembling as he fought off the pain of his injury. She had caused that by extension of her defiance and it only added further to her guilt. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"You shouldn't be sorry," Liam whispered, his leg on fire with the pain of Dargus' slash. "He should. And, he will pay for this. And, we will be free." He turned to face her, his eyes showing nothing but his love for her. "Dargus will pay, and we shall be free. Anor tsi'aka l' otana tir va'lesh." Black chains can never deny freedom.

Yelara smiled tenderly at her husband, and felt for a time that not even Dargus could touch them. But her wishful thinking was interrupted by the return of Yara's clone. "I have contacted the doctor, Master. He will be ready to join us at the Palace when you call for him."

"Very good," Dargus said with a smile. He turned to Yelara. "If you make this difficult, it will be Liam that suffers. If you make this difficult, I shall kill one clone of your son before your eyes for every moment of difficulty you give me. Am I understood? If you do not cooperate, Yelara, others shall suffer for your actions."

Yelara closed her eyes and sighed somberly. "Okay," she whispered. "Just punish me, okay? You can have your revenge twenty times over, but on me."

"Once we're through this," Dargus said. "Once I've been crowned, then you will have your punishment. Before then, any trouble you cause will result in others being punished."

"Fine," she growled through clenched teeth. "You win...for now." And looking away, Yelara let a single tear slip out. All her avenues had been exhausted, and Liam was defenseless now. The only thing keeping her from breaking down completely was the knowledge that at least Leshie was safe...for now.

---

"Marching Into Battle"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Lerrah Breijal
Dresh Kano [NPC+]
Rilanna Kir

Location: The Lusankya
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

Standing on the bridge of the super star destroyer Lusankya, Admiral Jason Tallen felt his nerves unravelling. This would be the biggest battle of his career. This would decide the fate of, not only the outer rim, but of the fledgling New Republic. All of the ships that were battle-ready had been assembled in his fleet, pulled in from all across the core and mid rims.

They were a motley fleet, all travelling together in hyperspace. Unlike the Empire, whose ships matched and all seemed of a similar theme, his came from various worlds. Some ships were former Imperial ships, others were built by the Mon Calamari, the Bothans, constructed at the drive yards of Kuat or Fondor. It was a fine representation of the New Republic.

He looked down at his tactical display and saw they were nearing their objective. His eyes scanned around those assembled around the bridge, all like him...anxious, but ready for this fight. It was a fight they had to win, despite the odds.

"All hands," he called out suddenly, "battlestations. Prepare for reversion to real space. Prepare to engage the enemy!"

***

Around them, klaxons blared. Dresh Kano was delaying as much as he dared, spending a last moment with Shrezade Anoran. He was wearing his orange flightsuit, helmet tucked under an arm. It was how he felt most comfortable. She looked very impressive in her battle armour, a suit of matte black, plastiform plates sewn into a matte black bodysuit. It was designed for assaults like the one Reza would be taking part in, assaults like the one that had Dresh's heart in his throat.

"Stay safe in there," he said. "I'll see you on the other side of the fight." He paused and glanced around, then back to her. "I really wish you had Rilanna at your back for this. I...I know. But, I can't help it. She's damn good, and...and she'd make sure we got to see each other again. I-- I'm going to miss you, Shrezade."

"Oh, we won't be apart that long," she replied, doing her best to keep her voice from trembling. "But...if it's worth anything...I've enjoyed our time together, Captain."

"And, if I have anything to say about it, you'll continue to enjoy our time together." He slipped his arms around her and pulled her to him. He pressed his lips to hers, and it was only a moment or two before both their knees went week. "An incentive to come back to me," he whispered.

Reza smiled lazily at him, while drawing a gloved hand up to his cheek. "And the same to you," she said softly. "I lost one man I cared about, and I'm not losing another. So return to me, Captain--" Reza sighed, then smiled tenderly and corrected, "Dresh."

"And, you to me," Dresh answered. "Return to me, Reza, and we'll see what life is like together in times of peace. Maybe I could even take you out for a proper dinner, rather than a trip to a New Republic starship's mess hall."

"It's the company that matters, in the end," she told him. "And after this fight, I will be wanting your company still." Reza kissed Dresh again, oblivious completely to the soldiers and pilots hustling about around them. This might be their last moment together and it couldn't be rushed. "After this is over," she whispered, still brushing her lips against his, "I want you to consider staying on the station."

Dresh blinked, stunned by her request, but he found himself smiling. "I'd like that very much," he said. "I'll have to make arrangements with the New Republic...but I think something can be arranged. I'll make sure something can be arranged."

Reza grinned and, satisfied, stepped back. "That is a deal I advise you not to renege on by dying out there today."

"You too," Dresh said. "I don't want to make all these arrangements to move to your station if you're not going to be there." He gave her a lopsided grin, then gave a wave as he started backing away. "Stay safe, Reza."

Reza felt her throat closing in and managed an unsteady wave back. "You too," she said, her voice surprisingly thick with emotion. "Kill a few for me out there, will you?"

Dresh grinned. "When you get inside your station, pick me out a nice cabin. I'll...I'll need a place...to keep my stuff." His features wavered as he warred with emotions, but the grin held firmly. "Luck." With that, he spun away and hurried off toward his X-Wing. He didn't think he could continue facing her for another moment before he rushed back into her arms.

Reza watched Dresh slip into the cockpit, and the canopy slide closed over him. She couldn't shake the feeling that they wouldn't see each other again, but was determined to, for she had thought the same before Vraner left for a mission he never returned from. "I will see you again," she declared under breath. And after a final gaze at the man she was growing to care deeply for, Reza turned her back on him and marched to the Pride.

It felt awkward being encased in armour, especially when she had little experience as a soldier...if shooting blasters with Rilanna was considered military experience. But it would keep her alive...if only to see Dresh again.

As Reza reached the Pride, Rilanna was dropping down from the top of the ship. She was clad in her own armour, a suit of dented and worn Mandalorian battle armour that she wouldn't reveal how she came by. She nodded to Reza. "We had a motivator go out, but it's fixed now. Lerrah says everything's ready on the inside, and now all we have to do is shove off."

Reza nodded, keeping her eyes intentionally past Rilanna and on the hull of the ship. She didn't think she was doing a good job of pretending to survey it. "Lerrah knows what is expected of her, does she?"

"She gets us inside, and holds the bay using Pride's guns. She doesn't move until we're ready for evac...and we go to her if we can, otherwise, she bolts out and tries to slip into an emergency bay nearest our position."

"Your position," Reza corrected. "Your team will be in another area, remember?"

"Of course," Rilanna replied, a brittle edge in her voice. "My position will be babysitting all the civilians who might wander into a stray remote blaster cannon."

Reza chuckled wryly. "Be careful, Captain Kir. You're beginning to sound like me."

"You know my skills are wasted there," Rilanna said, trying to keep the anger from her voice. "You know I'm...I'm better than that. Instead, you've assigned Major Edwards as your second-in-command." She shook her head, and wished she had her helmet. When she spoke again, her voice was tempered plasteel. "I'll do my part to get you your station back, Mrs. Anoran, but after that you will need to find a new security chief for Drogen."

Reza shook her head incredulously, wondering how Rilanna could be so stubborn and blind. Rilanna would be grateful once she realized Reza's decision was based on keeping her safe. "As you wish, Captain," she replied coolly, then decided no more time could be wasted arguing and headed for the ramp.

Rilanna glared after Reza, and once the woman was inside the ship let out a growl of frustration. She very nearly punched the ship, which would most likely have stranded them there. The Pride could be very temperamental.

"Problem?" a soft voice asked from the ramp.

"Guess."

"Don't worry about her, Ril," Lerrah said, stepping down from the ramp. "She's Reza and she'll do what she wants, how she wants, and when she wants, the rest of us be damned. For whatever reason, she's decided she doesn't want you in the thick of the fight--"

"She doesn't want me anywhere important. She doesn't want me doing anything that actually helps the New Republic take back her stupid station. After everything we've been through together, how can she just toss me aside like some spent power cartridge. And, now she's got Major Adam Edwards at her side? To listen to him talk, the only force the Republic needs for this entire battle is just him, his wicked slick ship, and his ego. Hell, forget the rest, just send his ego in there, and the job's finished."

"Rilanna," Lerrah said, edging closer, "you're all strapped into that armour, or I'd try to help you relax a little...but, you really need to relax, or you're going to get hurt out there. If you're not concentrating."

"I'll be fine," Rilanna growled. "I've done this enough to know what I'm doing...even if my assigned task is to sit and do nothing. Let's get inside and get out of here. The sooner we're finished with this, the sooner I can leave this place." With that, she stalked back up into Pride leaving Lerrah standing outside the ship. She sighed, and then followed Rilanna up the ramp.

***

Admiral Tallen watched the scanners in front of him closely. This assault would have to be timed perfectly. His mind was a blur of battle calculations, vectors, and velocities. Their tactical profile was strong, and the Empire would not be ready...they'd made certain of that.

"Reversion to realspace in five seconds," he called out.

"All systems standing by, Admiral," one of the men manning the navigation console answered.

He counted down. "Now," he barked.

The order was relayed to the rest of the fleet, and then, as one, the New Republic fleet dropped back into realspace, sitting at the edge of Tae'Remok.

"We've been spotted," Lieutenant Gylus announced. "Imperial ships moving to intercept."

"Attack pattern Omega," Tallen said, falling into the groove of battle, "launch all fighters and support craft."

***

On the Pride Reza had herself already strapped in, prepared for their launch, and was working at soothing her ruffled nerves. The truth was, she needed Rilanna by her side, fighting with her, but it seemed the two were at odds and might never recover from it. As long as it didn't interfere with their effectiveness during battle, their relationship could be mended...if Rilanna would have it.

Reza sighed and stared ahead through the viewscreen. She couldn't see Dresh's fighter from where the ship was positioned in the hangar, but she knew he was still out there. Thinking about you when he should be concentrating on the upcoming battle, she thought, and it brought a smile to her lips. She'd been a fool to get too close, but just how much of one would become known once the battle ended, and if he survived or not. "Good luck," she whispered to him. "And come back to me."

Rilanna Kir had donned her helmet, a mask to cover the pain that was clear on her face, and had taken up a position near the access hatch that Reza's team would file out of before the Pride broke away to take Rilanna and her team off to babysit the civilians. Her mood was dark and not even Lerrah had been able to pull her out of it. She had hoped the closer they got to the battle would lessen Shrezade's stubborn resolve to keep them as far apart as possible. She had removed her from doing any good on this operation, wasting her skills and talents on guarding civilians...and she had replaced her with Adam Edwards. Fine, she snarled inwardly. Let her keep the arrogant piece of nerf droppings if she wants him. Let him keep the security of her station.

Her fists were clenched in rage and if she didn't get control, she was going to end up getting herself or someone else hurt. She sighed, and turned away. If they weren't ready to go, she'd walk out now. She knew that Reza neither needed nor wanted her there...and she doubted that the New Republic even cared.

When the call finally came, Dresh Kano activated his repulsors. His X-Wing lifted into the air and began its slow drift toward the opening in the bay doors. He turned back to where Lerrah's Pride of Agarra sat, engines now rumbling as it prepared to take flight. Shrezade was inside, though he couldn't see her through the thick, durasteel plating. I'll come back, he thought to her. Just make sure you do too. With that, his ship blasted free of Lusankya, and rocketed toward the incoming Imperial fleet. There was no more time for reminiscing and daydreaming. Now was the time to fight for his life, and for the freedoms they all cherished. Now was the time to fight for his right to see Shrezade Anoran again, and to rid the galaxy of this new tyranny.

---

"Preparing For Darkness"
By: Koran Darr
Andro Ki'Ayalin [NPC+]
Laedra Vorrel

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

Standing on the balcony that overlooked the forest below, Koran Darr gazed out into the distance. He had not been alive in this time for very long, but perhaps what loomed before them now was due to his absence during the time when the Jedi fought their greatest battle ever...the last battle that era of Jedi would ever fight. A new era was upon them, and a new threat to their very existence. He glanced at Laedra who stood beside him, gazing out as he was.

"They are coming," he said.

Laedra nodded slowly, reluctantly. "I know... I couldn't sleep last night. Something just...felt wrong."

Koran nodded. "We don't have much time," he said. "They are on their way. I believe, though, that we are ready. You know what you have to do, Laedra?"

"I do," she replied uncertainly. "I just...don't know if I'm capable. You've advanced far more quickly than I. You've managed to grasp their techniques and teachings, whereas I'm still attempting to comprehend what they managed to accomplish." Lae sighed. "I just feel useless."

"You do perform well under pressure, Laedra," Koran said. "I have every faith that when the time comes, you will perform perfectly. Let us go inside and finish our preparations."

As Koran started back into the room, Laedra gently laid a hand on his shoulder to halt him. When he turned back to her, she smiled ruefully and said softly, "I wish... I wish I weren't so confused. I wish I could tell you what you want to hear...that I love you as you love me. But I can't, Koran, not yet. I don't know what I feel anymore." She sighed and pulled her hand away. "I wanted to let you know that before the battle begins and before there wasn't another chance to do so."

"There will be time after," Koran said. "We will make it through this fight, Laedra. We will survive, and we will continue. I don't know if that will change your feelings for me, but I know that is what I feel through the Force. I cannot ask you to love me, Laedra. All I can ask is that you remain true to your own emotions."

She chuckled wanly. "Whatever they may be... But...there are more important things now. There is little time, and much to do."

Koran took her hands into his. "Please trust me, Laedra. Please trust that we will make it through this. Trust in the Force...trust before your doubts and fears twist inside you. Please step away from those dark feelings and emotions."

"I-I am," she assured him quickly, though she felt only more fear in knowing she could potentially stumble onto the dark path again. "I trust you, Koran. And that gives me comfort."

"When you feel yourself caught in fear or despairing," Koran said, "reach out to the Force. Center yourself and let the Force calm you. Just as we've done together."

"I will," Laedra replied, then with a smile added, "Master."

"We will want to meditate for a short period of time. I believe we have enough for that much, to ready ourselves.

"We will also want to warn the other Masters," Laedra said. "If they'll believe us."

"In this, they will believe us," Koran said. "There is no other choice. I am certain they will feel the darkness, the danger. It is all around us, and unavoidable. They will believe. We will make them believe."

"If anyone can," Laedra told him, "I know it is you, Koran." She smiled tenderly, then moved past him towards the door. There was still much to do before the arrival of their enemies, and the spirits had yet to communicate with them after the last encounter. As much as she trusted Koran, she had little faith in the chances of their survival against a foe as formidable as Tarkin's Sith. Laedra couldn't help but fear.

***

All was ready. The next obstacle they would face would be the Sith, and they were close. So very close. All of the masters and apprentices had come out to help in the defense of their home, of their Temple. Koran Darr felt the wrongness approaching. "It will not be long now. They are nearly here. May the Force be with us."

Laedra returned the blessing in chorus with the other Masters and young Padawans. Kael was there, his face an image of pure determination and confidence, something she had never achieved in all her years as a Jedi. Young Aurra Sgall was also present, and if the young Twi'lek was nervous, she was certainly doing a commendable job of masking it. Daemor'rah, the one who had attacked her upon her arrival to Tae'Karada, was also among them, though now fighting with them instead of against, which was fortunate, for they already had enough enemies to contend with.

Laedra took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. The small group of Jedi dispersed to take up their respective positions around the Temple perimeter, but Laedra remained behind for a moment to regard Koran, who had chosen to defend the Temple's main entrance. "Good luck, Koran."

"You too," Koran said softly. "Perhaps when this is over, we can go somewhere together, away from all this, and get to know each other better. As friends."

"You promised me the coast," Laedra reminded with a gentle smile. "And I'm holding you to that."

Koran smiled. "Then the coast it is," he said. "Me, you, and the ocean and sand. No Jedi, no Empire. Just us."

"Just us," she repeated softly. Laedra leaned forward and kissed Koran lightly, then smiled. "Be careful."

"And, you," Koran said. "Come back to me safe."

Laedra nodded her head dutifully and answered with a touch of playfulness, "Yes, Master." Then she departed towards the rear of the Temple.

Koran watched her go, her Jedi robes swirling around her ankles as she walked. He sighed softly once she was out of sight, and then moved to take up his position at the front of the Temple. There weren't enough of them to truly hold the Temple, not against the force Tarkin had sent after them. They did have something Tarkin couldn't combat...the Force of old and the skill to use it to protect their lives and the lives around them. Koran had faith it would be enough.

***

Laedra looked out among the trees and cloudless sky, but there was no sign of the invaders Koran had warned of. She hoped, for once, he was wrong about what he sensed.

Laedra sighed and gazed back down at her foot kicking at the blades of grass standing in the soil. She'd spent her life travelling, never having made a home for herself aside from Ina's ship, yet here she was, at the Temple, a place she'd grown to call home and now there was a possibility she would die defending it. A part of her wanted to run away from the fight like the coward she knew she was, but she knew doing so might mean the death of one of her fellow Jedi. They'd gone through much together, and she couldn't abandon them, no matter how frightened she was. Though, she found that if it was her day to die, she was prepared for it, if only to atone for all she'd done, to Liam, Yelara, to Koran... She deserved death as punishment for her wrong-doings, and if anyone was to die that day, she hoped it was herself.

"You seem in distress," a voice next to Laedra said. "Your mood is dark and your thoughts darker. None of us deserve death this day, Laedra. Not even those who come against us."

Laedra looked aside at Andro, at Ina's former master, and was forced to look away. Such reminders were a distraction today, one she couldn't afford. "Some will die," she told him forthrightly. "And if anyone must, I freely offer myself. I am the one who is least likely to follow the Jedi path for much longer...so is it not better to allow one who will to survive?"

"All life is precious," Andro said. "Jedi and non-Jedi alike. Because you have chosen to step away from our way of life does not make you any less a part of the whole, or any less a worthwhile life. It is honourable that you would sacrifice your life for others, Laedra, but do not be too hasty in casting off your life."

Laedra chuckled weakly, bitterly and shook her head. "My life, Master Ki'Ayalin, ended long ago. In fact...it never really began. Taken on as a Padawan at five, rescued from an environment bereft of love and thrust into another for almost fifteen years... I never had a chance. And I certainly don't deserve one now."

"I was accepted into the Jedi Order when I was two years old," Andro said. "It has been the only life I have known all of my life. When I was still a fairly young man, I saw the only family I had ever known cut down before me, murdered out of darkness and spite. I and the Jedi order have another chance now. We have the chance to be more than we have been. We have the chance to grow and learn...and love. Do not so quickly cast off all of this...because you lacked love when you were younger. You have the chance for love now if you would reach out to accept it. I am an old man, and most of my life has already been lived. You are still young...if you cast off your melancholy, you will also be full of life."

Laedra nodded slowly, saying nothing and pensively weighing his advice. Then she said quietly, "Are those the teachings you passed on to Ina as well?" Her gaze shifted sidelong to meet Andro's. "Did you also teach him to beat his students if they erred? Did you teach him to punish a young, love-starved girl for giving him unwanted attention? Is that what you taught your Padawan, Jedi Master Ki'Ayalin? Because if it is, you certainly taught him well."

"That is not what I taught to Ina," Andro said. "Ina always had a rebellious streak in him, and a dark nature. I tried to purge those beliefs from him, but they were buried too deeply. For what he put you through, I am sorry, Laedra. I wish I could have taught him better."

Laedra chuckled wryly. "As do I, Master. All I wanted was for someone to love me...and he chastised me for that." She sighed and turned fully to face Andro. "But...I don't blame you. Perhaps he was just like me, perhaps he too had parents who showed him nothing but disdain, and this led to his fear of love. So...I blame neither of you. I just wish things could have been different. But one cannot change the past, isn't that what they say?"

"The past cannot be changed," Andro answered. "However, we can learn from the past to help it affect the future. Ina was not the one for you. Perhaps you loved him, but he could not love you back for whatever reason. The key to love is finding someone who feels for you, as you do for them."

"The problem is," Laedra said gravely, "I've been hurt so much, I'm afraid to trust what I feel, afraid it'll only mean more pain. And in the end, I'll just end up hurting Koran because I'm afraid to love him back. And I hate myself for that."

"You need to let go of that hurt and pain, Laedra. You need to allow yourself to feel. Perhaps you will not be able to give your love to another quite yet, but to deny or hide your emotions...you only hurt yourself."

"It's better than hurting Koran, whose only fault was to love someone who is far too emotionally damaged to reciprocate." Laedra smiled at Andro confidently, then, and appended, "But, that does not mean I cannot still fight. For his sake, and for everyone's, I will defend this Temple with my very life if necessary. I offer this freely."

"I only say, do not give your life so quickly. It is commendable that you will make that sacrifice, Laedra. Just...do not be too hasty in throwing your life away because you believe it to be worthless now. Think of those around you...think of the worth you have to them."

Laedra did, then, and did not delude herself into believing Koran felt nothing for her. Of all those at the Temple, her death would hit him hardest. For he alone, she swore to at least fight for her life. "I understand," she replied quietly. "And...I thank you, Master Ki'Ayalin. Your presence has provided me with comfort."

"That shall be a bright star in this dark night," Andro said. "The enemy is close." He pulled his lightsaber from the clip at his belt. "It is time, Laedra."

In the distance, the lights of many transports flared into view. The sound, even at this distance, was deafening. As Andro took a step forward, the ships began to descend below the treeline. It would only be minutes before the troops arrived. The question of readiness was past. It was now a matter of doing what they had trained to do.

The dark side had arrived.

---

"Retaking The Desert"
By: Pack [NPC+]
Yannick [NPC+]
Moff Albren Seare [NPC+]
Various Other Gangers

Location: Thanatos
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

Pack gazed outward from where he and Yannick stood. If the Imps fell for their trap, they'd have their desert back. If the Imps didn't fall for it...none of it would matter. There wasn't much hope, but he had to cling to what little still existed. And, so little did exist.

Today was the day that would decide their fate, the fate of Thanatos, and the fate of all Kir'Thana.

"If I die today, I'm going to kill that bastard," he snarled. "Especially if I don't get to see Raeila again. I'd even pay. If I die, I'll kill every Imp and that bastard Rixx too. He better pray to Thana that I don't die today...or he's dead." He glanced at Yannick, and then frowned. "What are you laughing at?"

Yannick shrugged, then snickered again. "If you die today, I don't think any of that'll matter. Besides, it's bad luck to think such thoughts. We're gonna win today, Pack. We have to."

Pack watched a funnel of sand scatter across the top of a dune and he sighed. "Yes," he said. "We will win. Thana wouldn't abandon us, not now. We'll drive them out of our home, and have the biggest party the desert has ever seen!"

Yannick patted Pack amiably on the back. "Too bad Rae isn't here to blow us all. Now that would be some party."

"That girl could really make you squirm, couldn't she? Could you imagine being Ferrig? I heard she was sucking him off already when they were twelve, and that he took her cha'anga when she was thirteen. Can you imagine growing up like that? Oh bliss."

"Oh, I am trying," Yannick told him with a greedy smile. "And I'm wishing I had a sister like Rae. Maybe when this is all over, we could convince her to visit us. She probably knows what happened to Ferrig, too."

"We could comfort her," Pack said. "She'll need comforting. I think for our parts in this, we'll need comforting too. I think the three of us would do very well comforting each other."

"Though you make sure to keep your hands to yourself," Yannick warned, though he was smiling. "I know how you'd like to get a feel of this." He pointed to his groin, and grinned proudly. "Everyone would. It's the natural reaction when encountered with something so beautiful."

"Hey, I've seen the envious looks you've been giving the front of my pants," Pack said. "You're as fascinated with mine as much as you are with yours. But, who can blame you. It's not every guy who's born with a proton torpedo between his legs. Definitely stretches out the girls, if you know what I mean. Oh, you should have heard Purple and Rat screaming for it. They loved it. I bet if they saw me again, they'd tear my clothes off and have a feast on my rod."

Yannick chuckled, less so than he had the first time Pack mentioned the two girls. He couldn't help feeling that they were beyond petty offenses like tormenting women, that none of that seemed to matter any longer. "Things are gonna be different when this is over, aren't they?" he remarked. "We're not gonna be the people we once were."

Pack's mood darkened slightly, and he nodded. "Nothing will be the same. I wonder if this is what they mean when they say it's time to grow up. We have to be responsible now, more so than we ever were before. I don't know, Yan, I...I think we may end up being...being leaders. Are you ready for that? To have people who aren't your boys looking up to you?"

"I'm ready," Yannick replied, "if they're willing to follow. We can't let all this go to waste, Pack. We can't fight for our freedom, only to end up prisoners again of our own violence, our own stupid, primal ways. We're children of Thana, and we've gotta make her proud, Pack."

Pack held out a hand. "We will," he said, then pulled out a small blade. He quickly sliced at his palm, opening a gash there, and then extended the hilt toward Yannick.

It was a sacred, ancient ritual shared only by two people who felt respect and deep admiration for one another. Whereas they had once been enemies, they would now be brothers in blood, as all Kir'Thana were. Yannick closed his hand around the handle, and made a quick slit across his own hand. The blood trickled out. "Der'Thana," he said, and clasped hands with Pack.

"Der'Thana," Pack said, then grinned. "Now, my brother, let us go and prepare to destroy the Imperials that would seek to steal our home from us."

Yannick grinned. "And our women."

"No one touches our women."

"Not without paying, of course." He snickered and squeezed Pack's hand, sealing the bond they now shared, and vowing to go into battle as allies, as brothers under Thana.

***

Pack rolled out of the way of the blaster fire, barely avoiding being gutted. He came up blasting, aiming for one of the many Imps swarming in the square. He only hoped everything was ready back in the installation because if the Imps didn't take this bait...well, it wouldn't be pleasant for the Kir'Thana, that was for certain. His shots found their mark, and he put one right in the bright, white chest-plate of the Imp who'd been shooting at him.

He glanced around at Yannick, and quickly found his friend laughing as he blasted off two weapons, sending a small group of Imps scurrying for cover. Edging that direction, Pack added his own weapon to the mix, and soon they'd turned those Imps into something much less alive. "Do you think they're picking up on it?" he asked once he was next to Yannick. "There's a knot in the back, not fighting, it looks like they're talking, and one of them keeps looking in the direction of the installation."

"Well, we've certainly got them scrambling!" Yannick whooped as he poked his head above the vendor's cart he was using for cover and fired off a series of rapid shots. He ducked back down again in time to elude a blaster pulse intending to connect with his head. "It was a smart idea to keep the boys moving around, make it look like there are more of us than there are. They'll have a surprise waiting for them when they reach the installation."

"Oh, I sure hope we get back there in time because I really want to see the looks on their white faces," Pack said. "I want to laugh at them, laugh the way Thana must be laughing at them. You know, for having their big, amazing empire, these guys are pretty stupid to fall for a trick like this."

"Or maybe we're just that good," Yannick remarked proudly. He protected his head as a shot glanced off a clay pot on the cart and sent shards exploding outwards. Yannick quickly brushed the debris from his thick brown hair and returned the favour by squeezing off a succession of shots at the Imps.

"That was fairly close," Pack said. "I wouldn't have thought they'd be able to get within...ten meters of us. Maybe they've been practicing." He glanced out from behind their cart and laughed. "Oh, they're starting to take the bait, I think. They're starting to draw away."

"We need to warn the boys," Yannick reminded him, then peeked around the side of the cart and blasted at an Imp attempting to sneak up on them. He toppled backwards as Yannick's shot caught him squarely in his helmeted forehead. "May the hells consume you!" he hollered triumphantly at the fallen Imp, then spat on the ground as an added insult.

"Come on," Pack said as he started edging away from the cart. "We'll need to give them the signal. You know, these tactics aren't half bad. Can you imagine the damage we could have done to each other if we'd used them before?"

"Yeah," Yannick replied, "and I'm glad it won't ever happen."

The two raced towards the next set of carts, which had been pushed together to provide a large barrier for the gangers. Blaster fire chased them as they ran, and both threw themselves into a roll to clear the rest of the distance to their cover. They made it behind the carts with barely scorched behinds.

"You know," Pack said as they started brushing themselves off, "we're pretty damn good at this hero business. I could get used to it. Come on, let's round 'em up and go give those Imps a surprise!"

As Pack spread the word that the Imps were moving off to the installation, Yannick kept watch to ensure none of them were remaining behind to surprise them the moment they left their cover. To his chagrin, it appeared as if the Imperials weren't going anywhere. "Pack! They're staying!"

"Damn," Pack snarled. "Fine. Change in plan. We'll split our team here. Half of us will follow the plan, moving to take the Imps from behind. The rest will remain here, and deal with the Imps that weren't smart enough to follow our plan."

"One of us should stay and one lead the teams," Yannick suggested. "Though, I wouldn't envy anyone either of the two tasks."

Pack looked out at the Imps regrouping at the far end of the square and knew that this wouldn't be the easier of the two tasks. He nodded once, and then looked back at Yannick, his brother in blood. "I'll stay," he said. "You take half and follow the plan. I'll make sure these bastards learn the folly of not adhering to the plan we've laid out for them."

Yannick nodded. "Be careful. And if you need to, you have permission to use Tetry over there as a shield."

Pack laughed. He looked at the large brute known as Tetry and figured he could shield half the group left in the square. "I'll remember that," he said. "You be safe. And, when the day's over, I'm buying you a drink."

Yannick clapped him on the back. "Two." Then he grinned roguishly and moved off to gather his team. "May Thana watch down upon you," he called to Pack, then he and his crew disappeared between two buildings.

"And you, Brother," Pack murmured. He looked around at the gangers remaining to him and grinned. "Come on, let's make them wish they'd never heard of Tae'Karada." With a resounding battle cry, with Pack in the lead, the Kir'Thana charged at the remaining Imps.

***

"Moff Seare!" The lieutenant marched onto the bridge with haste evident in his movements. He halted before the moff and saluted him. "A report from intelligence in Thanatos, sir." He held the padd out towards him.

Seare took the datapad and read through it quickly. His frown deepened and his brows furrowed. "The grand admiral will not be pleased with this news. However, if we can retake that installation, our victory is certain. Have Captain Grava stand by as reinforcements. Captain Paer should be able to handle those children playing at warriors, but due to the territory, have another heavy weapons unit sent to him."

"Aye, sir," the lieutenant said with a nod.

"Does our intelligence indicate any possibility that this rabble will turn their sights here?"

"No, sir. We are too far outside their view. And, the distance they would have to cross would make them vulnerable. They will not strike out at us here."

Seare nodded. "As I suspected. Have the Marauders deployed at the installation as well. They have the command and military expertise, and will certainly strike fear into the hearts of the undisciplined fools that make up the local populace." He sighed and shook his head. "We will win this day, Lieutenant. If we do not, it is all our lives."

"I understand, Moff Seare," the young man answered. "I will convey your orders at once."

"Dismissed." Seare watched him go, and then turned his attention back to the large window overlooking the sands stretching into the horizon. "May the gods help us should we fail to hold this place."

***

The Imps had followed the bait and were marching into the installation. Yannick and his gang watched from the shadows of an alley, waiting for the right moment to come up behind the bastards and take them down. The rest of his brothers were also biding their time in the installation, knowing the shield malfunction they'd feigned was an opportunity for attack not even an Imp could pass up. And it appeared they weren't going to.

"Get ready, boys. They're coming," he muttered to the team waiting in the installation.

The four columns of troops, their white armour gleaming in the intense light of Thanatos' sun, marched through the gates with no sign of urgency or trepidation. They exuded unwavering confidence only those who believed nothing could stop them had the temerity to feel. Yannick was determined to correct them of that. And the moment the firing began within the compound, he set out to do exactly that.

"Okay, boys!" he called out to his team. "Charge those Wetter bastards!"

With one, unified war-cry, the gangers flocked out of the alley and thundered towards the installation. The Imps didn't see them coming.

***

The square was filled with orange, red, and green bolts of deadly energy. A strangled cry was cut short as Weg toppled to the ground, his throat made a ruin by the Imp's weapon. Pack forced himself to move on, repaying the Imp in kind for his treatment of Weg. A bolt burned past his head, and Pack ducked lower, firing blindly in the direction of the shooter.

They'd lost too many already, and a roar across the square filled Pack with despair. That was one of the Imp's vehicles, and as he looked he saw more Imps pouring out of the back of the transport. Damn, Pack thought, but he pressed on.

He found himself behind the same vendor cart he and Yannick had shared before, but his friend wasn't there now. Stay alive, Brother, he thought.

When Pack popped back around the cart, there were more Imps in the square. He squeezed off a few shots, not bothering to look to see if he'd hit anything important, then rushed toward a small group of friends. Imp blaster fire was everywhere, and he was beginning to fear that they weren't in as good a spot as he'd hoped.

He dropped another Imp as the brute charged forward, but another Imp squeezed off a volley that took Mago in the chest.

Damn, he swore to himself.

This was about to get very bad.

***

A gurgling cry rang out from Lau as a spear of red blaster fire caught him in the throat. His body spasmed then went still and Yannick sent a quick prayer up to Thana for his asri. He gritted his teeth and assailed the murdering Imp until he clipped his helmet and felled the white-armoured fiend.

The gangers had caught the Stormtroopers in a cross-fire, but with the limited cover provided by the sand-filled sacs they'd piled beforehand for protection, it hadn't turned out into the swift victory they'd planned. For every trooper they picked off, a ganger went down, evening the death count. Though, the odds were about to turn in the Imperials' favour.

Overhead, the whine of repulsors and the reverberant growl of engines preceded the arrival of four, black shuttles that blotted out the sun. Their shadows loomed over the gangers as the transports descended, causing a storm of sand and wind that battered Yannick and his boys. The Imperials seemed unaffected and continued firing despite the distraction.

As each ship hovered low to the ground, legions of troopers jumped out, already firing. Laser pulses from the shuttles' weapon turrets engulfed the barriers devised by the gangers, and ripped the sacs apart. The gangers, now unobstructed targets, were made easy prey for the stormtroopers.

Yannick heard the tortured screams of his brothers being slaughtered and knew the battle was a lost one. He shouted, calling for a retreat, though he didn't trust his voice to carry above the shrieks of weapon fire. Some of the boys nearest to him heard and made a run for it. Many of them were gunned down before they got two meters. The rest of the gangers remained where they were, stubbornly holding their positions. Yannick felt pride in his boys' determination, but knew it would soon get them killed.

He raised his blaster over his head and fired a series of shots - five to be exact, the signal they had all agreed on. The boys began their retreat. Those that were positioned to the rear of the courtyard hadn't a chance, for they were required to break through the Imperial contingent between them and the gateway. Yannick watched as they were relentlessly subdued by the Imps, though some managed to make it, at the cost of many of the others.

Hot tears streamed down Yannick's cheeks as he watched Hyal take it in the back, and Udan speared through the heart. "Oh, Thana," he groaned, then scrambled to seek his own escape.

From the corner of his eyes he saw four black wraiths scale the wall to his right and open fire with chilling accuracy. He'd heard of the Marauders, and upon witnessing the brutality the four black-armoured soldiers inflicted upon his boys, Yannick knew they had made their appearance.

He pumped his legs faster and harder, closing in on the opening. He heard a modulated voice shout an order for the shields to be raised and Yannick knew if he was caught inside, he was dead. Rapid blaster fire from behind sailed past him, nearly grazing an arm and a leg, and one shot dangerously close to his head, but Yannick knew not to stop.

With one last surge of strength, Yannick threw himself through the opening. He cried out as fire seemed to consume his right arm from the shoulder down and flattened him to the ground. It was then that he heard the hum of the shields activating and the desperate cries of those who hadn't made it out in time. Choking on the sand he'd inhaled upon his fall, Yannick rolled onto his back and watched in horror as the remaining gangers within were dispatched.

"I'm sorry, brothers," he sobbed, then struggled to his feet and staggered away.

He wondered when Thana had decided to abandon them, then prayed she'd at least chosen to shield Pack from the same fate he'd witnessed befall so many moments ago. Holding one hand to his injured shoulder, Yannick couldn't avoid feeling lucky, though if barely making it out alive was considered lucky in their situation, he held little hope that their home could ever be liberated.

---

"Surprise Attack"
by Grand Admiral Tarkin
plus several NPCs

Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY
Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia

***

Tarkin was seated in the throne room. For the first time in a long time there were no red guards standing by his side. They had all been sent in a mission to annihilate the Jedi, thus leaving the Palace and their leader who was awaiting for the good news. News that would bring him power and wealth soon enough.

Alas, all of the sudden, a muffled explosion was heard from the outside. It shook the western quarter of the Palace, which made the alarms sound. The Grand Admiral got up at once as two stormtroopers came barging into the room.

"Sir, we are under attack!" one of them said.

"I know that, you idiot!" Tarkin shot back as he made his way to the command room to check on the status and find out what had happened. It took him but one minute to get there. Waiting for him was a Commander.

"What is going on?" Tarkin shouted as he walked in. He could see that everyone was overlooking the damage assessment and giving orders.

The Commander, however, made his way over. "Sir, there was an explosion in the West Wing. We believe that a small force has been able to insert themselves inside the Palace walls and attempted a guerrilla tactical attack on us," he said.

"Well, find them! We cannot allow for some rebels to just barge in here and do as they please! I want them killed!" Tarkin ordered. He was obviously exalted with the situation, and the worse part of it all was that his elite guards were now too far off to come back and grant assistance. And all the while, this brought but one thought to Tarkin's mind: Could this be treason?

Outside, the AT-AT and AT-ST walkers sprung to life as several stormtroopers made their way to the west wing of the Palace to deal with the intruders. As they went over and covered the perimeter another explosion was heard. But it was a smaller one.

The external shields surrounding the Palace fluctuated and then winked out. They no longer had protection and were now open to aerial attacks. As the Grand Admiral saw this happen he immediately gave the order. "Have the squadrons get to their ships and have them provide with cover fire. This is no ordinary attack. This was well planned..." he said.

His orders were carried out at once and soon, there were pilots running about to get to their ships. Alas, before the ships were on the air and the New Empire's enemies brought down into submission, there was a rain of pulse fire that struck the Palace grounds, hitting almost everything all the way to the edifice.

Of course the Imperial Walkers remained unblemished as they had their shields up. Soon, a rain of crossfire was underway, the Imperial troopers and Walkers trying to get to the points from where it seemed the enemy was trying to win the advantage. From inside, Tarkin saw it all and conducted the strategic battle plan to overtake the advantage from the enemy.

It was by then that some lights could be seen, as they scorched the skies. There was no doubt what they were. Concussion missiles fired from a secure close point to destroy the AT-AT and AT-ST Walkers, the New Empire's main line of defense at this point. And since the huge metal monsters were not exactly fast, there was no way of getting them out or clear the path of the missiles. In huge fireballs, they fell down, ripped apart by the massive firepower in the concussion missiles.

"Where is that air support?" Tarkin asked, irritated. It seemed that the enemy had done his homework and knew exactly what Tarkin's options were. And as each minute passed by it seemed there were less options for him to choose from. "I want every available trooper to get to the gardens, gunners to their stations and have one battalion hold fast at the perimeter to our location inside the Palace!" he ordered.

Outside, assault vessels came in for another attack run. The Imperial gunners in position opened fire, but there were more vessels than guns and the vessels had shields that made the gunners' task more difficult. The enemies' vessels were able to successfully hit a large section of the Imperial contingent and decimate them. After a clearing had been made in the gardens, some of the ships moved in for a landing while a remaining few provided cover fire and engaged the Imperial ships now airborne.

From the vessels that landed, several troopers came out with their guns in hand, blazing and opening fire at the stormtroopers who gave their best to maintain the defense line and stop the incoming foes. But they were outnumbered in all aspects and now pinned down. The situation seemed utterly hopeless and Tarkin knew this quite well.

As the few remaining stormtroopers were subdued in the outside gardens, the Palace was breached and they were now inside the edifice. Shots could be heard as well as small explosions from the inside. The Grand Admiral knew well that there was no more chance of victory in this battle and thus he should retreat. But he vowed to make the one responsible pay for this act.

He calmly turned to the ones in the room, who were for the most part Commanders and High Ranking Officers. He glanced at them as they all looked at him, waiting for his orders. "Get to your ships and retreat to the SSD Nemesis. Contact them and get immediate support. And I want all the squadrons to break and provide cover fire while we depart. Any questions? No? Good!" he said as he left through a passage that led directly to one of the hangar bays where his ship was already prepped for departure.

The stormtroopers inside the Palace continued to fight the incoming troops, but it was all futile. In a few moments, they were marching into the throne room and took the Palace as theirs. The Grand Admiral, however, was not caught and neither were the High Ranking Officers who retreated, as they all got out in their Imperial shuttles and onto the Super Star Destroyer, Nemesis, who was provided with cover and escort at once.

---

"Crowning Achievement, Part 2"
By: Dargus Kandran
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Va'Lesh [NPC+]

Location: Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Selene 1, 4 ABY

***

One of Dargus' black-clad guards snapped a salute as he approached. Liam and Yelara trailed along behind him with the colonel guarding them. He looked over the ruin caused by the battle, and knew that much would need to be repaired. However, now that the palace was his, he could repair at his leisure. "You have done well, Captain. Your squad is to be commended. All squads are to be commended. The palace is now completely ours?"

"Yes, Master," the girl replied. "The shield generator is already being repaired and the remainder of Tarkin's men are being rounded up. Unfortunately, the Grand Admiral fled before he could be captured. Forgive us, my lord."

Dargus laughed. "That's perfectly fine. I'm sure he'll give the New Republic some fine sport before they finally track him down. We control the palace and that is what is important. Have a team see to revising the defenses of the generator. We do not want anyone else using that same tactic to gain access. Are the councillors ready?"

"They are, my lord. They await you in the throne room."

"Very good," Dargus answered, then turned and gestured to the captain he was speaking to and one of the men behind her. "You two, see that Yelara is properly dressed for the coronation. The colonel has it in the case she carries. If she gives you any trouble, stun her and dress her while she's unconscious."

"Yes, Master," she replied, then came up on one side of Yelara, gripping her arm securely, while the male clone did the same on the opposite side.

Yelara struggled feebly as she was forced away, then called out for Liam.

"We'll get out of this," Liam said calmly. "We'll be free. The kestrels shall be free."

The clones led her inside the palace and into a large room off to the side of the main audience chamber. Once they were inside, the door was closed. The male clone approached and indicated Yelara's clothing. "Undress," he said.

"But...Va'Lesh," she said softly, hoping she could get through to another clone. "This isn't right, Dargus is a bad person. Please...help me."

"He is our master," the clone of Va'Lesh stated. "We must do as he says. Remove your clothing so that we may do as we have been bid. Our master will be very displeased if we fail him."

"But I'm your mother," she told him. The Yara clone jerked her back as she took a step towards the Va'Lesh. "He's going to kill your father. Do you want that!"

"I have no mother or father," the clone answered. "My only loyalty is to Dargus Kandran, soon to be emperor of Tae'Remok."

"You will disrobe," the Yara clone ordered, then deactivated Yelara's binders and pulled them away. "Now, or we will stun you as the Master ordered."

Yelara opened her mouth to plea with the clones once more, but she realized they were nothing like Yara and Va'Lesh. Whereas their eyes were alive with wonder and curiousity, those of the two before her were clearly dead. Relenting and finally reaching back to unzip her gown, Yelara thought about her Va'Lesh - both of them - and wondered if she'd ever see him again.

Once her dress dropped to the ground, she noticed the Yara clone had a thin, gauzy equadi laid across her arms. She was to be Dargus' trophy after all, that much she knew, and the dress made that clear. She only wondered what the purpose of Liam's presence was, aside from an object for Dargus to inflict torture upon. The clone helped Yelara into the gown, and when the outfit fell into place her arms were again seized.

"We must return you now. Move." And Yelara could do nothing but comply.

"As long as you do not struggle," the male said as they left the room, "you will not be harmed. Lord Kandran awaits you in the audience chamber. You will become empress there, my lady."

"I don't want to be empress," she spat. "I just want to leave with my husband, that's all."

"Lord Kandran has commanded, and so it shall be done."

Yelara laughed derisively. "Lord Kandran is a fool."

"Lord Kandran is to be emperor," the Yara clone corrected. "He is a great man, and should be respected."

"That's because you're both fools too." Yelara twisted and tugged her arms to free herself from the unyielding grip of the two clones, but it was too late. They marched through the hulking doors of the throne room, and upon the dais, ensconced lazily in the throne atop it was Dargus.

Dargus beckoned them forward, and the clones didn't hesitate in escorting Yelara forward. Below the dais, three men dressed in courtly attire spoke quietly amongst themselves, occasionally looking to Dargus and nodding to each other. To the side of the dais, secured by a large chain, was Liam. Hands and feet were bound and secured, allowing him next to no room for mobility. "My beautiful wife," Dargus said with a bright smile. "Please allow me to introduce Maniod Desh, Torio Kindar, and Esseda Proat. They are former council members to the late High Prince Valreth. They have agreed that I am the most suitable man to take the throne, now that Tae'Karada is free. And, they deem you worthy to become my empress."

"And I'm sure threatening them with an agonizing death had nothing to do with their decision," Yelara retorted.

Dargus glanced to his side, and one of the clones stepped forward. He held a lash in his hand, and he laid it across Liam's back with a loud snap. The Jedi made no sound, but the tightness around his mouth and eyes spoke of the pain he felt. The lash fell one more time, and Liam suppressed a wince. Kandran looked back at Yelara, and nodded. "Of course not," he said.

Yelara looked away with disgust, and said nothing more for Liam's sake. The clones escorted her closer to the throne, and the three men turned to regard her. Their eyes looked over every inch of her body, only covered by a fine sheet of material that did nothing to hide her exposed bosom and torso; their nodding heads expressed their approval.

"She will make a fine Empress, my lord," one of the men remarked.

"Most suitable, indeed," said another. "And, she is with child already. An heir so soon. This is a good thing, my lord. A good thing, indeed."

Dargus only smiled, and then beckoned Yelara to join him.

Yelara resisted, but the clones were far stronger than they appeared. Her bare feet skidded against the ground as she was forcibly pulled towards Dargus. The three councillors murmured inaudibly to each other, though they were watching her and indeed discussing her potential as empress. Her raven curls bounced against her cheeks as she shook her head defiantly, then she cried out when they turned her over to Dargus, who less than gently pulled her to him. "Let go," she growled, staring up into his hard black eyes.

To the side, the lash cracked once, twice, and then three times. On the third, a gasp escaped Liam's lips. Dargus leaned close. "It would be a pity if you ended up killing him."

Yelara sobbed and roughly freed her arm from Dargus' grasp. "Just do this," she rasped. "Then it ends, Dargus."

The whip snapped again, one last time, and Dargus nodded. "Very well," he said. "Bring in the witnesses and let the ceremony begin."

The doors parted and in marched ranks of Dargus' clones, still clad in their armour but without their helmets on. Almost a hundred identical faces stared at Dargus and Yelara, blank faces with not a hint of the reverence they felt for their master displayed there. They were simply there as they were programmed to be, to watch over their master and to witness and praise his triumph, and Yelara suddenly hated them all.

The three men raised their hands in the air with palms facing Yelara and Dargus. Soon, they broke into a monotonous chant spoken in the native Tae'Karada tongue. Yelara understood none of it.

"Don't do this," she pleaded with Dargus one final time. "I don't need to be your empress for you to own me, Dargus. It doesn't have to be this way."

"But, I will have both," Dargus said. "You will be my empress, and I will own you. And, Liam will help me keep you in line. I know you are defiant, and he shall be there to help keep you even-tempered and calm, he shall help me keep you from lashing out. You will accept whatever pain I give you, but I'm not so certain you will continue your defiance knowing that it will only end up hurting him. Please me, and we are all happy; defy me, and Liam Zaneth will pay the price. Am I understood?"

Yelara pressed her lips into a thin line and turned her head away from Dargus. "I understand," she said grudgingly. "But I will hate you, Dargus. You can never change that."

"With him in your life, could you ever feel anything but that for me? You betrayed me, Yelara. How many times in the last three days have you betrayed me? How many times have you planned to drive a vibroblade between my shoulders? I will live with your hate...now that I can have my revenge."

"Then what do you need this ceremony for?" she snapped, regarding him again with narrowed eyes. "Just kill me now! Kill us both! At least we won't have to spend another second in your company. At least we'll finally be free of your stench!"

The whip snapped again and again. "This ceremony is for the people," Dargus said. "It is to make this official." He stood from his throne and stepped forward. "You will stand at my side and make all the words required of you. For every bit of insolence you show, Liam Zaneth will lose a finger, until he has none left. Then his toes. Once I have finished his toes, I will have his cock removed. Piece by piece until nothing remains. Unless you wish to witness such an act, I suggest you change your attitude now. Unless you wish to see your dear, beloved husband crippled, I suggest you obey my every single command. You hold the sanctity of his body in your hands now. What happens to him is on your head. Now face our subjects so that we may be crowned."

Yelara's body trembled and tears washed down her cheeks as she looked at her husband, who was barely able to raise his head and appeared utterly weary, or perhaps it was simply a projection of how she felt. She wished it to all end, even if it meant death for herself and Liam, but she couldn't bear to see him suffer before Dargus mercifully ended his life. She choked on a sob as she unsteadily turned to face the crowd and nodded for the councillors to proceed. The chanting resumed.

The coronation continued, with sprinkled water and sand, chanting and songs. Holovid crews were everywhere, seeming to have appeared from nowhere. Most people were uncomfortable with what was happening, but none dared speak out against Dargus. By the end of the ceremony, Liam Zaneth was kneeling upright again, but there was a tightness around his eyes. He was deep in the Force, using it to keep the pain at bay. His eyes met Yelara's as she and Dargus turned back to take their places on the dais. His love was displayed there, as well as his forgiveness of any actions she may take. He blinked slowly, an unspoken gesture of his love for her.

Yelara mouthed an apology to her husband, and let the tears flow to convince him of where her heart truly was. She stumbled as they climbed the steps to Dargus' throne, but his firm grip kept her from falling. It was a sign of things to come, she knew; Dargus would never let her go, not for anything. She was condemned to be his prisoner until she could no longer amuse him.

As he took his place on his throne, and Yelara knelt by his side, she looked out upon the ranks of noble minions and wept quietly. There was no way out, and any attempt would end with Liam's death. The future was not going to be a pleasant one.

"You look quite beautiful, Yelara," Dargus said with a smile. "I believe it is time we consummate this new union." He pointed to a guard. "Take her to my new chambers."

"Yes, Master," the guard said, and stepped forward. He took Yelara by the arm, and started her toward the exit.

She gazed back at Liam helplessly, then called out his name and extended a hand towards him, but he was too far out of reach. "I love you!"

"And, I love you," Liam called. Dargus laughed, as did those around him. Even as the lash fell, Liam didn't flinch as he gazed at Yelara, filling his life with her so that nothing else existed.

"Come," the clone said. "We must hurry." There was a slight pause, and then he added, "Or we will displease the Master."

"Screw the master," Yelara snarled, though she didn't attempt to struggle; Liam would suffer if she did. "I have to go to him," she whispered tearfully. "My husband... I can't leave him..."

"You will not leave him for long," came the answer. "Take the stairs on the left when we exit the audience chamber."

"No," Yelara sobbed. "I can't-- He'll punish me, but worse, he'll punish Liam. I can't be away from him." She gazed up into where she assumed the clone's eyes were beneath his helmet. "Please...help me."

"Please," the clone said. "Please, keep walking."

"I'm trying," Yelara replied hoarsely. "It's...it's hard. He's my heart...I can't bear to leave him."

"It will only be for a very brief time," the clone answered. And, then with a hesitant sigh, added, "Mother."

Yelara gasped softly and stared harder at the clone, attempting to see through its helmet. "Va'Lesh?" she whispered. "Is it...you?"

"Move before someone becomes suspicious," he answered urgently. "Once we are out of this room, I will explain as much as I can."

Yelara nodded and, containing a smile, she appeared to cooperate with Va'Lesh and moved along more willingly. Once out of the audience chamber and beginning their ascent up the staircase, Yelara grinned at Va'Lesh and hazarded a kiss to his helmet, hoping it was somewhere near where his cheek would be. "I was so worried about you! I thought...something had happened."

"I was waiting in the shuttle for you, but then I saw them coming. I snuck out of the shuttle and hid. When the master captured you, I followed carefully." He reached into one of the cases on his belt and pulled out a long cylinder. "I believe father will want this."

"Oh gods," Yelara breathed. She ran her fingers lightly over the lightsaber hilt. "You brought it... But we have to get it to Liam and I don't know how."

"Emperor Kandran will be speaking with the councillors now. While he is distracted, you might be able to reach Father. With this, you can cut his chains."

Yelara looked wide-eyed at the weapon. "I-I don't know... It's meant for a Jedi. How will I know how to use it?"

"That button will activate the blade," Va'Lesh said. "You will then be able to cut through his bindings. You will need to be extremely careful, however."

"I will be," she assured him. "But...how will we get in there without Dargus noticing?"

"Emperor Kandran will be distracted by his councillors," Va'Lesh said. "While his attention is occupied, you should be able to slip by unnoticed."

"And where will you be?" Yelara asked. "You can't be there, Va'Lesh. You should get away to safety."

"I will be close by," Va'Lesh answered. "I will assist with your escape...as I can. I assure you, Mother, I will be fine. This is the sort of thing I have been trained to do."

Yelara embraced her son, gaining strength and courage from him. When she pulled back she was smiling with no sign of anxiety affecting her features. "We can do this, my love. And then all of us will be free." She then took the lightsaber from his hand and touching a hand to his helmeted face again. "I love you, Va'Lesh."

"I love you too, Mother," he said. "We will be a family again soon. When this is over, we will all be together again."

Yelara brought Va'Lesh's hand to her lips and kissed it tenderly, then started back down the stairs with him, hiding the lightsaber behind her back as she did. "We need to find a side entrance into the chamber," she whispered.

"I have studied the layout of this palace," Va'Lesh answered. "The side passage is in this direction." With that, he started leading them toward it.

***

From behind the heavy, burgundy curtain draped over the opening of the vestibule that led into the audience chamber, Yelara peered in and gauged the distance she had to cover to Liam. Dargus was on the opposite side of the dais, conversing with the councillors as Va'Lesh had informed; the proud, self-satisfied grin he wore gave Yelara the urge to turn the lightsaber on him and relieve him of his head. But there would be time for that after Liam was freed...if she could get there without being detected. "Va'Lesh...is it safe to go?"

"It is safe," Va'Lesh answered, his eyes scanning the room for any potential threats. Dargus Kandran was the greatest threat, but any of his brothers or sisters could end his father's bid for freedom in a moment. "Now, Mother."

With a final smile for her son, Yelara gripped the lightsaber securely in her trembling hands and pushed through the curtain's opening. She felt her body