"Paying in Flesh"
By: Magnus Kresk
Reinrich Tas
Talara Sorenne

Location: Reinrich's Office, New Plouton; Nocturnal Delights, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 1, 5 ABY

***

"Mr. Kresk...sit, won't you?" Reinrich Tas gestured to the chair opposite his desk, carelessly, as if swatting at a gnitsy fly. He slid a datapad across the desktop before Kresk was settled. "Your assignment," Tas explained.

Kresk took the datapad and read over it. He nodded his head and placed it back on the desk. "I will do what I can," he said. "More than likely I'll use my favorite method. Taking five thin blades and placing them over a fire till the blades glow orange. Then place them under the finger nails...very painful."

"Very archaic," Reinrich noted. "Do such outdated methods truly work?"

Kresk nodded. "They do believe it or not. It does not matter if the method is archaic as long as it brings about pain. Sometimes the most archaic of things causes the most pain since those times were very brutal."

"Much better times, in my opinion," Reinrich mused with a cruel smile. "I just don't want to end up with a blood trail leading to me. My name must never be revealed."

"It won't, you have my word. Now where is the person being kept?" he asked. "I'd like to get started now, if you do not mind, that is."

"It's all on the datapad. I trust it will be destroyed once your assignment is complete?" Reinrich smirked. "No matter...there is nothing on there that can be traced to me. Though, you are reliable, are you not?"

"I am reliable," Kresk said. "And you have my word. The datapad will be destroyed. Where shall I meet you when I am finished?"

"The club - Nocturnal Delights." He leaned back in his chair, grinning in self-satisfaction. "If you impress me...then I'll have my little pet impress you."

Kresk nodded and smiled. He got to his feet. "I will meet you there then. And I'll come with the information." He started to walk towards the door.

With one problem out of the way, Reinrich diverted his attention to the evening ahead - Talara's debut. If her performance wasn't dazzling, his club would fail to draw crowds. "Perhaps she should sing naked," he mused, and smiled lecherously at the thought.

***

As the lights slowly came up on the nightclub stage, bathing it in blue-white light, all eyes were drawn to the figure standing out in front. As the band started into the first song of their set, the lithe, sensual figure began to move with the music. Amplified through the small device that clipped to one ear with a boom sweeping down to her mouth, her voice reached out through the entire club. The crowd roared its approval.

It was difficult to say whether those present cheered for the music, or for the singer herself. While her performance was beyond compare, the scant attire she wore could very well have been what fired the audience into such a frenzy. The black, mesh top she wore did nothing to hide her assets, and the small nipples that topped her breasts poked through the gaps in the top. A black skirt sat low on her hips. If there were any less fabric, it would have been a belt. The first rows of the crowd writhing to the music below, a premium spot in the crowd, could easily see right up under the skirt where the promise of the singer's delights was bared for their pleasure. Thick black boots gave her several additional centimeters in height and helped to show off her long, tanned legs.

She was Talara Sorenne, and she was the evening's entertainment. In more ways than one.

Talara had worked on preparing her music all day, quickly learning all the songs. More than likely, the crowd wouldn't care whether she could sing or not. She doubted they even cared if there was music. As she started in on the hard-driving song "Take Me Now," she felt a hand on her thigh. She looked down to see a man leaning up onto the stage, with help from a friend. He reached up under her skirt, brushing against her. Her song didn't falter, but she felt the shudder go through her body.

"Oh gods," she heard the man cry as he dropped back to the floor, "she's so wet!"

Guards ringed the stage, keeping the crowd back. Had they not been there, the crowd would have very likely surged up onto the stage. Before she'd been sent to Jadda the Hutt in the desert, Talara had been given to the mercenaries who were working for Nieme and Dani. Tied in place in the palace courtyard, lines had queued up to have their time with her. She figured she was used by at least a hundred men that night, as well as a few women. If the crowds here got up onto the stage, she knew it would be far worse.

She was thankful for the guards, even though they would accept credits to allow someone close enough to the stage to try to touch Tala. And she had been instructed to let them touch if they paid their money.

And so the music went on, songs of unhindered debauchery. The guards easily took a couple thousand credits to let revelers get close enough to touch her. One even held out his tongue to her, and she lowered himself down upon his face for a minute. With a slight smile, as she finished up her last song of the night, "Ride Me Hard," she decided it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

She came back for two more encores after that before seeking out Reinrich, to find out where he wanted her to go next. She knew he had plans to put her in one of the special rooms, though he had indicated another surprise, a special surprise he was sure she'd like, when her show ended.

A personal guard led Talara backstage, through the winding corridors to Reinrich's private viewing room. There, he was speaking with a man and upon closer inspection, the same man she had met at the party only one night before. Reinrich summoned her forward, his smile conveying his approval of her performance. "Come and meet my guest. He has been...expecting you."

"It is good to see you again," Talara said, bowing slightly to him. "Did you enjoy the show?"

Kresk nodded. "Of course," he said. He glanced at Reinrich. "I assume everything I received is to your liking?"

Idly tracing the rim of his tumbler with one finger, Reinrich granted, "It'll do...for now. The information you provided is worth" --he smiled cruelly-- "an hour with our star."

Kresk nodded his head. He got to his feet and stood next to Talara. "It is an hour I plan to enjoy then."

"Talara," Reinrich snapped. "Show our guest a good time. But save your energy," he advised. "You have another show in an hour."

Talara looked up at Kresk and smiled. She trailed a hand down his chest. "There's a room down the hall," she said. "Want to go have some fun?"

"Of course," Kresk said, placing a hand on the small of her back. "Lead the way, my dear." He smiled back at her as he brushed some of his raven hair away from his face.

With a liquid smile, she led the way down the hall and to the open door. Within, the room was dominated by a large bed with luxurious bedding, all in satins and silks. An entertainment unit sat against one wall while a seemingly well-stocked bar rested against the other. Upon reaching the bed. Talara turned to regard him. "Would you care for a drink? We can make nearly anything here."

"Some Corellian merlot, please," he said, sitting on the bed. He gazed around the room. Reinrich seemed to be doing well...very well.

Talara picked up one of the bottles from the table. She slipped one end into the auto-opener, and then poured some of its contents into a glass. Glass in hand, she returned to the bed where Kresk was now watching her. She handed him the glass while her other hand began to massage expertly at the growing bulge at the front of his pants.

The Hapan drained the wine in one gulp and set aside the glass. He sighed in pleasure at her touch. His own slender hands were now rubbing at her breasts gently. He had many concubines while he served the Empire and he knew how to please a woman.

Talara let out a catlike purr while her hands dexterously opened his pants. She took her expertly into her mouth and began to pleasure him.

He grunted and sighed in pleasure. His fingers gently pinched her nipples lightly. She was good and a smile sat on his lips. What a concubine she would've made.

"You're good," he told her. "Very good."

She didn't say anything, but there was something in her eyes that suggested a she might be smiling at him. She played him, bringing him to the brink, and then letting the pleasure ease back. Time seemed to drag on, and finally she stood up. In a graceful move, she pulled her fishnet top over her head and dropped it behind her. She pressed in close to him, and kissed him.

He kissed her back while his hands rubbed her breasts again. He was still fully clothed. He pulled away from the kiss only to whisper to her, "If only I had met you first. What a concubine you would've made."

"I don't think Reinrich will let me go," Talara said. She deftly opened the fastenings holding his shirt closed, and slid it back off his shoulders. She reached down and stroked him. "Are you ready for the next part?"

Kresk nodded. "Yes, I am," he said, kissing her lips again.

"Good," she whispered. With a flourish, her skirt fell away, baring herself completely before him. "You'll want to get rid of those," she added, indicating his pants.

The Hapan removed his pants and kissed her again. His hands were exploring her youthful body with great interest...and excitement.

With a look of unbridled sensuality, he locked eyes with her as she climbed into his lap where he sat. The feeling as she lowered herself onto him, enfolding him with her delicious warmth, was almost enough to send him over the brink. She pressed her lips to his as she began rocking her hips against him. Despite the innocence of her look, it was clear that she knew what she was doing and was, in fact, quite skilled. Indeed it was too bad that Reinrich had found her before Magnus had, because her skills would have made any man who utilized her incomparable skills quite rich.

Kresk returned her kisses. His hands explored her back gently. He began to thrust in time with the rocking motions her hips made. He was enjoying himself for the first time in months since he arrived on this planet.

"I don't know what your agreements were with my master," Talara said panting slightly from her exertion, "but I will be performing here every night."

Kresk nodded. "Then I will try to come every night," he said, panting as well. He stroked her hair and then went to kissing her neck softly.

Talara only smiled a sultry smile. She continued to ride him, building them both toward their climax. She kissed him passionately as her hips bucked against his, her chest pressed against his. "It feels like you're almost ready to blow," she whispered. "Where do you want to have your release?"

"It does not matter." He felt himself twitch slightly. "You pick, my dear." He kissed her again while still keeping in time with her movements.

Talara gave him a satisfied smile, then pressed herself to him once more. Her lips found his while she clung to him, riding him for all she was worth. "Next time," she gasped, "make sure you come to me after my last show. That way, we have...more time."

"I will," he told her, kissing her hungrily. Finally he felt himself come to his release. He rested his sweat soaked head against her shoulder, panting and kissing her neck gently.

Talara clung to him, enjoying the tactile sensations of her skin against his. No words were necessary.

Several long minutes passed as Talara and Magnus caught their breath and allowed their heartbeats to return to normal. She leaned in and kissed him once more. "If you will be staying for my second performance," she said. "Perhaps you would like to choose my outfit. Anything you desire."

"I will be staying," he said, kissing her back. "And anything as long as it shows off your lovely body would be fine." He rubbed at her cheek and then her hair.

"Then I will choose something especially for you," she said and slipped off from where she was straddling him. "Let's go find Reinrich. I am certain he will want to know how you liked my services, and I will need to get ready for the next show."

Kresk got dressed before standing up. He drew her in closer and kissed her lips. "Maybe next time I can get a private dance. But I am ready to see your master."

Talara didn't bother to clothe herself as she led him from the private room and down the hall to Reinrich's private office. She looked up at Magnus as he stood beside her. "Next time, you will definitely get a private dance." Then, she knocked at Reinrich's door.

Her knuckles barely touched the durasteel when it slid open. Reinrich was reclined in a chair that faced a large viewing screen. He smiled knowingly at them. "Done already?"

Talara gave him a smile and stepped aside so Reinrich could see Magnus. "I suggested that Master Kresk come to me after my final show the next time, so he can spend more time with me. I will need to shower and find something new to wear for my next performance. Master Kresk would like for me to wear something that shows off my body."

"Mister Kresk doesn't have to worry about that." Reinrich shot the man a mildly unpleasant glare. "Besides, if he wishes to begin making such suggestions, he'll have to offer me far more than he has been."

"I am sorry I have displeased you, Master," Talara said to Reinrich.

He smirked. "I'm sure you are. Go and get ready. You're on again in twenty minutes."

Talara blew Reinrich a kiss, then turned to hurry back to her dressing room, heedless of the heads turning to marvel at her naked form.

Gesturing Kresk further into the screening room, Reinrich asked, "I trust we're even now? You don't seem dissatisfied with my whore's talents."

Kresk nodded. "We are even...and I am more than satisfied." He glanced at the other man. "Perhaps I can work for you full time. A man in your position could use someone of my talents."

Already the Hapan was forming some sort of plan. He didn't know what yet but he was working on something. Kresk would make sure that he'd benefit from this alliance in one way or another.

Reinrich was chuckling. "Oh, I'm sure it's Talara's talents you're more concerned with. But, I believe we can work something out. There is always information to be had, hm?"

"Always," Kresk agreed. "Do we have a deal?"

Reinrich scrutinized Kresk with narrowed eyes. "And what do you hope to get in return? Just so we're clear...."

"More time with the girl." Kresk fixed a strand of hair that escaped from behind his ear. "I assume that is alright with you?"

"It is...as long as you don't form an attachment," Reinrich warned. "She's a whore. My whore. I won't sell her, for any price."

Kresk nodded. "I won't get attached. And perhaps you should do the same."

Reinrich smirked. "Don't worry about me - I don't form emotional attachments. I'm too clever for that. I'll contact you tomorrow about your next assignment. Until then...would you care to stay for the remainder of the show?"

Kresk nodded his head. "I'd enjoy it greatly. And I look forward to my next assignment."

Reinrich chuckled dryly. "I'm sure you do..."

The Hapan got to his feet and bowed his head. He turned on his heels and left the room, heading out to watch Talara's next performance.

---

"Barging In, Part 1"
By: Zari Zathmir
Dev
Keeve Zenarr
Kimara
Maeren Shivral

Location: Keeve's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 1, 5 ABY

***

Zari bounced Kellin gently in her arms as she wandered through the home. He had a fresh diaper and seemed content, though it was strange not knowing. Even so, his eyelids kept closing, and she knew he'd be ready for his nap soon. As he finally drifted off to sleep, she turned to take him back in to put him down, but was stopped by a knock at the front door.

"Who could that be," she whispered to Kellin, then started for the door. The recent encounter with Raeila made her nervous, though that was all taken care of. Unless Raeila had gone insane again.

Cautiously, she checked the viewer, and was struck dumb by surprise. She flung open the door and gaped at the young man standing on the other side.

Dev looked up at her, a bruise darkening his cheek and his eyes heavily shadowed. "I know where Talara is," he whispered.

***

The sound of the front door opening, and Hope's leap from the bed as she raced out through the door, was a sure indication that Keeve, Kim and Maeren were home. Zari grabbed Dev's hand, and tugged at him to get him moving.

"Come on," she said. "We have to go tell Keeve."

"He hates me," Dev answered. "You know he's probably going to try to kill me."

"I won't let him," Zari said, as she quickly checked on Kellin in his crib. With a smile for her baby, she turned back to find Dev staring again. She raised an eyebrow at him and he blushed.

"Come on," he said.

"That's what I said," Zari said, then with his hand still caught in hers, she started out to the other room. Keeve was removing his jacket, and Kim was welcoming Hope. Maeren was shaking snow out of her hair while removing her jacket.

"Keeve," Zari said, pulling his attention away from his jacket. His eyes settled on Dev immediately.

Keeve's expression was inscrutable, conveying neither hatred, nor indifference for the young man intruding on his household. Then, he broke off his stare and turned to hang his jacket upon the embedded hook. "Is Talara with you?" he asked flatly.

Dev shook his head. "No," he said. "My...my father. That day, after she said she'd be my girlfriend. My father, he came into my room, and he said...he said she was a Jedi. Unless she came with him, he'd tell the authorities she was a Jedi, and...and that you guys were here, and there were more Jedi... He took her. To...to Reinrich Tas."

There was more silence from Keeve, but the mood in the apartment changed palpably, Keeve's stirred rage charging the air and creating tension. His back remained facing all as he spoke lowly, "And what took you so long to tell us this?"

"I escaped today," Dev said, his voice shaky. "When...when he turned her over, he moved us. He's had a guard, but...but something happened today, and I got out the window."

"He climbed down from the fifty-seventh floor," Zari added.

"Yeah," Dev said, giving her a look of thanks. "I came here as soon as I could."

"Not soon enough," Keeve gruffly stated and retrieved his jacket from the hook. He quickly threw it on, turning as he punched his arm through the second sleeve. His eyes were fierce, brown slits. "You're coming with me and you're going to show me where she is."

"Sure," Dev said, then glanced at Zari.

"Don't worry," she said. "I'm coming too. I'll make sure he doesn't bite your head off or anything."

"I'm not going to bite off anything," Keeve snapped. "And you're staying right here. You're a mother now, and a mother's place is with her child."

"Talara's my best friend, Keeve," Zari said. "Please, don't make me stay here when Talara's in danger. Maybe Kallia can watch Kellin while I'm gone."

"I could watch him," Maeren said as she reached over and scratched behind Hope's ears. "If it's alright, of course."

Keeve sighed and made a dismissive gesture as he started for the door. "Do what you like. It won't matter - Talara's coming home regardless." He paused in the doorway, and said over his shoulder, "Get Dev a jacket. One of mine should be alright. Don't want our guide to freeze to death, do we?"

Dev looked through and pulled out one of Keeve's jackets. As he did so, Zari ran off to the other side of the apartments. He shrugged into it and looked up at Keeve. "She'd be either at his home, his office, or his club," he said.

"What kind of club?" Keeve's hard stare seized Dev. He would not excuse any lies. "What is Talara doing at this club?"

"It's a lounge," Dev said. "Like the White Noise, but more sleazy. I've never been inside, but I waited in the speeder one time when my dad was there. I hate him."

"Wait," Zari called as she came running out wearing one boot, carrying another in her hand. One arm was thrown through the sleeve of her jacket, while she tried to get into the other. Dev, moved over to help her with the jacket, while she hopped in place to get her other foot into her second boot. "Thanks."

"Tell me more about this man - this Reinrich Tas," Keeve told Dev, ignoring Zari's struggles. He slapped the lift panel, calling one up to their floor.

"He's a businessman," Dev said as he steadied Zari so she could get her boot on. "I don't really know much about him other than he's got loads of money and my father is his partner. He's really scummy from what I've heard, but I haven't spent a lot of time around him. I don't think he likes me."

Keeve smirked. "Not many do, I imagine."

"Meanie," Zari said. "I like him. And Talara does. Besides, you're a guy, Keeve, and you don't like other guys. You hardly like girls."

"Did Talara tell you that?" he asked dryly. The lift arrived and he stepped onto it, though he had the courtesy to hold it open for Zari and Dev. When they stepped on and the doors closed, Keeve watched Dev, unconcerned about making the boy uncomfortable. "She should never have been with you in the first place. This wouldn't have happened if you'd sent her home."

"I didn't think he'd do anything," Dev said. "I didn't know he even knew she existed."

Zari punched Keeve in the arm. "Stop trying to blame him, you bully," she said. "If you didn't drive her away, she wouldn't have gone to Dev in the first place, and none of this would have happened. So, if you want to make him feel guilty, make sure you have a healthy helping yourself."

"You talk too much," Keeve grumbled. "And Talara and I talked through our problem. But Dev didn't have to keep her for such an inappropriately long time." He looked to the young man again. "Dev should know better."

"She came down to see me," Dev said. "She was there maybe fifteen minutes when he barged in."

"Yeah, Keeve," Zari said. "Stop trying to blame everything on Dev. He was being her friend, and his dad is the one you should be mad at. If it weren't for Dev, we wouldn't have any idea where she is!"

"If it weren't for Dev's father, Talara wouldn't be missing," he hollered back. "How could he let someone he cares for near a madman like that?!"

"Hey, I didn't know he was going to do that," Dev snapped. "She'd been there lots before. I don't know why he suddenly did it, and I hate him!"

"Keeve," Zari said, "stop being so stupid. Stop blaming Dev. It's not his fault. It's his father's. If you don't stop being so mean to him, when we get Talara back, I'm moving out and moving in with the rest of the Jedi."

"But you're not a Jedi anymore," he reminded her. "Because of them you almost got your son killed, remember?"

"But at least the majority of the Jedi don't seem to hate everyone they encounter, and don't behave like a general prat to everyone, including the people they do like."

Keeve frowned. "When did you become so outspoken? I liked you better shy."

"I liked you better when you didn't bark at everyone," Zari said, then paused in mock thought. "Oh wait, you were never like that. You've always been a grouch, and have never been nice to anyone. It really won't hurt you to be nice to a few people, including Dev."

"Maybe I could try that," Keeve began sarcastically, "once he helps us find her and makes up for what's happened." He watched Dev with an openly accusatory expression. "Right?"

"Yeah, sure," Dev said.

"Wait," Zari said, rounding on Keeve. "Why does he have to make right on what happened, when it was his father? I don't see you setting right things your mom did. Or all the trouble your dad caused by getting her and Maeren into trouble. You're still just being a jerk, Keeve. I can't even see what Maeren or Kim see in you. Saris is the one with the brains. Thank gods Talara finally gave up on you."

"I didn't give my child away to some psychotic stranger," Keeve riposted. "So don't make it seem I'm the only one in this lift who's flawed!"

"No, I've got a lot of flaws, Keeve," Zari snapped back. "I'm willing to admit to all of them. But, you're just mean to everyone. You've been leading Maeren on for months. You grouch at Dev just because he likes Tala. Just...just be nice to him, and all the people who are your friends and family. I don't want my baby growing up around a constant grump."

Keeve thrust his finger towards the heavens and inhaled deeply in preparation for another scathing jab at Zari, but the lift halted and doors opened. Glowering, and having forgotten the harsh comment he'd formulated, Keeve simply told her sternly, "Say what you want about me, but I care about each and every one of you. If I didn't, I'd let Talara rot where she is, or I would've turned my back on you when you were grieving over your son. Remember that...and if you still hate me after you do, then I don't think anything will change your mind." Sweeping his eyes aside at Dev, Keeve added, "And if you love Talara, you won't run off and hide when things get heated in that club." He set his mouth into a hard, determined line and stalked from the lift.

"Keeve," Zari said, hurrying after him with Dev at her heels. Her tone was more gentle, as she said, "Just...don't be so mean to us. That's all. We love you, and...and it hurts when you're mean like that."

"Enough," he told her tautly, but his tone softer. "We're being petty and getting distracted from our purpose: to get Talara back."

"I know," Zari said. "Just remember that being mean to Dev is being petty and not helping get Talara back." To show she wasn't really upset with him, she took his hand and smiled.

Keeve found it impossible to remain angry with Zari, not when she used her adorable smile to appease him. He chuckled softly, shook his head, and walked with Zari by his side out into the cold night. Keeve even waited for Dev to catch up to them.

Zari and Keeve slipped into the front of the speeder while Dev slipped into the back. Dev gave Keeve directions as he started up the speeder and pulled out toward Reinrich's club.

There was a ponderous silence in the speeder while they drove, Keeve focusing internally on what was to happen when they arrived. There were many ways to deal with the matter of rescuing Talara - strong-arm his way through it, or use more stealthy means. Deciding on a more subtle approach, he looked aside at Zari and asked, "So...you still remember anything from your Jedi training? Anything that could help without exposing who you are?"

"I remember," Zari said with a big grin. "I've also learned a few new things."

"Like what?" he asked slowly, not certain he wished to know specifics.

"Just things," Zari said. "Better control. Tala also taught me how to fight without my lightsaber." She went on to explain some of the other tricks she'd learned from Master Brael and Master Novix, as well as Talara and Eiden. "Aren't you glad I'm here now?"

"No," Keeve admitted. "But if you're the only Jedi we've got, then I'm glad you know what you're doing. We need to get backstage, and quietly. And you need to get us there."

"Sure," Zari said. "I hope you can be sneaky."

"Dargus trained me," Keeve informed her with an air of pride. "I can do it all." He flashed Zari a beguiling smile. "Don't worry...I may be loud and obnoxious, but I can be discreet, too."

She grinned at him. "You should practice that more often."

"Then I wouldn't be me and you wouldn't adore me so much," he teased.

"Well, I figured you'd like having fewer people adoring you," she said, giving him a teasing grin.

He scowled playfully at Zari and pushed the throttle to its limit. Snow flared away from the speeder as it cut through the dense layer carpeting the street. If Talara had ceased to adore him, Keeve wouldn't turn his back on her, not when she was being held against her will. Coming to her rescue might finally mend the rift between them...or encourage Talara's affections again, undoing all they had achieved before her disappearance. But it was of little consequence. Keeve would not be deterred and Talara...she would be coming home.

---

"Barging In, Part 2"
By: Zari Zathmir
Dev [NPC+]
Keeve Zenarr
Talara Sorenne
Reinrich Tas [NPC+]

Location: "Nocturnal Delights", New Plouton
Date: Vadris 1, 5 ABY

***

The lighted sign outside the club announced that Talara would be performing that night. They sat in the speeder for several moments, observing.

"She's in there, somewhere," Zari said.

"Dressing room, probably," Dev said. "They're in the back, and we can probably get to her before the show starts."

"How do you know so much about this place?" Keeve asked warily.

"The layout's like my father's club," Dev answered. "That's all. I don't have any connection to this place."

"Well you're about to." Keeve nodded to his two accomplices and opened the hatch. Zari and Dev followed. "We'll go through the alley. I'm sure there's someone guarding." He smiled at Zari. "That's where you come in. You think you can get us in there?"

"I can," Zari said. "I'll get us in. We'll have Tala back before the day's done."

"Then let's get moving." He motioned Dev forward as Zari went on ahead into the alley. Keeve walked with Talara's boyfriend to the entrance of the alley, where they both stopped and hid against the wall. "So...do you plan on continuing your relationship with Talara when this is over?"

"I'd like to if she wants me to be her boyfriend still," Dev said. "I do like her a lot, and...and I think she really does like me."

"Talara likes a lot of people," Keeve pointed out. He peeked around the corner to check on Zari, who was now talking with one of the doormen. "See...Talara can't help herself. She's got a very sexual nature...so don't feel too special."

"But, she did want to be my girlfriend," Dev said. "Are...are you gonna tell her she can't be my girlfriend?"

Keeve rolled his eyes, wondering what Talara saw in such a spineless bore. Instead of responding, he shook his head in disdain and watched for Zari's signal. When she waved them forward, Keeve tapped Dev's shoulder to relay her prompt then both hurried towards her. The guard stared vacantly at the adjacent wall. Keeve glanced unsurely at Zari. "Is he...?"

"He'll be fine once he finishes counting the spots on the wall," Zari said. "Don't worry. Tala's dressing room is on the left down the hall."

She opened the door for them, and slipped inside. She moved carefully down the hall, senses strained to make sure no one would come upon them in the hall.

Keeve looked to Dev for guidance, since the club's layout was familiar to him. He gestured to the left and they changed course accordingly, but Zari halted them.

She flashed a hand sign at them. When both of them gave her a puzzled look, she sighed and made it again.

Keeve nodded understanding, as he had expected as much: another guard, likely guarding Talara's door. "Can you take care of him?" Keeve mouthed.

Zari glanced down the hall, then back. Not entirely confident, she nodded. She disappeared momentarily from view. A few moments later, she appeared again and motioned them forward.

Keeve could not restrain his impatience as he rushed down the corridor towards Zari. He bypassed her for the door the guard had been posted at. It was locked. "Can't you get it open?" he hissed.

"Sure," Zari said, then pulled out her lightsaber and quickly sliced through the locking mechanism on the door. "There."

As Keeve pushed into the room, Talara was laying on a bed. It was clear she was wearing a flimsy robe and little else. She sat up as soon as the door opened, and her eyes went wide. "Keeve!" She was off the bed, and she rushed to Keeve.

Meeting her halfway, Keeve caught Talara in his arms and held her in a crushing embrace. He struggled to ignore the warm press of her breasts and hips against his torso, noting how her figure had changed over the months. "There you are," Keeve stated casually and chuckled.

"I'm so sorry, Keeve," Tala whispered. "He said he'd get you all arrested if I didn't cooperate. He's such a horror. It was terrible."

Dev came through the door, and Tala saw him.

"Talara," he said.

"Dev," she said. "I'm so sorry. I...don't...don't blame yourself. Please. It was your father, not you."

"I know," he said. "It's all fine now, but we need to leave before another guard comes."

Zari reached in and touched Talara's shoulder. "I'm glad you're safe now."

"Not safe yet," Talara said. "Let's get out of here."

Keeve shrugged out of his jacket and threw it on over Talara's shoulders. "Button up," he urged, pushing the first two buttons through their coinciding holes. "You'll be less noticeable this way than in a robe." He grinned.

Talara quickly finished buttoning up the jacket. She found Dev standing beside her and she gave him an adoring smile. Knowing they had to go, she spared a moment to give him a hug and kiss. "It's so good to see you."

"You too," Dev said. "You're okay?"

"Mostly," Talara said. "I can definitely get out of here. Dealing with all of it, that'll have to wait until later. I think I'll be fine though. I've got my family back." Even though she was holding Dev's hand, she gave a significant glance to Keeve.

"You two can get reacquainted later," Keeve pestered. "This room is likely being monitored...unless you and this Reinrich man have an arrangement...?"

"No," she said. "No arrangements with him. Come on."

"This way," Zari said as she led the way out the door, stepping over the guard seated there as if he might be resting. Without needing help, she pushed him back into the dressing room and closed the door.

Moving like a whisper, Zari started down the hall toward the exit out the back.

"She's good," Dev said.

With a knowing smile, Talara nodded. "I know."

They rushed down the corridor with Keeve taking up the rear. No one was in pursuit. Keeve grinned smugly and turned his face forward just as he rounded the corner behind Talara, Dev and Zari. He narrowly avoided a collision with the three, who were stopped on the other side. Blocking the doorway to the alley was a squad of guards backing a man in a black suit and piercing blue eyes. He was smiling wolfishly at Talara. "Going somewhere, my dearest?"

"It's time for me to leave, Reinrich," Talara said.

"You might want to step aside," Zari said at the head of the group. "You're in our way."

Reinrich sized up Zari, his smirk growing as his eyes reached her chest. "You must be...." He frowned in thought, then snapped his fingers in triumph. "Zathmir. The young Jedi." His smile darkened as he added coldly, "The one with the newborn son. Wonder what will happen to him when the authorities discover who you are."

Keeve stepped forward, growling, "Leave her alone. And move aside. We're leaving."

This amused Reinrich immensely. "You are?" he laughed, glancing back at his armed mercenaries. "I'd like to see you try it. Talara, convince this fool he's making a grave error."

"You're the one in error, Reinrich," Talara said. "We're leaving."

Zari's lightsaber slipped out into her hand and she stepped into a defensive stance. "I guess I'd better get out of here extra quick then, so I can get home to my son." With a snap-hiss her lightsaber ignited bathing the hallway a dusky blue.

Reinrich chuckled, entertained by Zari's heroic display. His eyes impaled Dev next. "Your father won't like this, Deven. Tell your friends to back down...or he'll make sure you suffer."

"I'm not going back to him," Dev said. "Get out of the way, Reinrich. You don't want to get your suit all messed up."

"My aren't we being brave," he mocked. "I wonder how brave you'll be when the Jau discover you're consorting with Jedi." Reinrich's eyes flashed towards Keeve. "And those harbouring them."

Keeve met Reinrich's vicious sneer with a smile of challenge. "And what do you think the Jau will say to your knowingly employing a Jedi?" He motioned towards Talara. "Do you think she'll deny you had any idea about what she is if the Jau ask?"

"Oh, she won't." Reinrich watched Talara hungrily and sashayed towards her. "She's to be my wife, haven't you heard?" He sucked air in slowly through his teeth, savouring the arousal a mere glimpse of Talara inspired in him. "Oh, the nights we've had," Reinrich rumbled desirously. "Tell them you didn't enjoy yourself. Tell them you didn't scream my name."

Talara's jaw clenched and she looked away, knowing she couldn't truthfully deny his claims. She'd spent every night of her capture in his bed, once she was done with work. Most of their nights had been spent in wild, sexual abandon. She couldn't deny that he was attractive, and she couldn't deny that his nearness was affecting her. "But we're not married," she said.

"But we could be," he whispered, drawing near enough to stroke her cheek. Keeve slid himself between them before his fingers could touch Talara. The two men stared down one another, each attempting to quail the other with a mere threatening look.

"Back off," Keeve advised Reinrich lowly.

Reinrich grinned in his obnoxiously arrogant manner. "I don't think that's what Talara wants."

Talara reached out for Keeve, finding comfort as her fingers found his arm. "I don't want to be married to you, Reinrich. And you're not going to be able to use me to try to make Analesse jealous anymore."

"Then you want your friends to be executed before your eyes?" he asked with barely controlled rage. "Is that what you want?" Reinrich's arm shot past Keeve to seize Talara as he bellowed, "Is it, whore?!"

Keeve's hand caught Reinrich's wrist, the other crushing the front of his jacket in a fist. Reinrich was spun around and slammed up against the wall. His men raised their rifles into firing position, but Reinrich halted them with a single gesture. He smirked at Keeve. "It's useless," Reinrich told him. "Even if you can kill me, you'll never get through my men."

"I've got two Jedi on my team," Keeve reminded him. "The odds are on my side." Now it was Keeve's turn to smirk. "And don't think Talara's going to protect you. She likes brunettes."

Reinrich gazed at Talara, encouraging her with a wink. "Come on, my pet. Tell your hound to back off."

"You really should have treated me better, Reinrich," Talara said. "And, I'm not your pet or your whore. Zari, if they open fire, make sure to direct the shots back at them first. If Reinrich tries to run away, and you have a clear shot, you can direct the shots at him."

Zari grinned. "Sure thing."

"Your move, Reinrich."

Keeve waggled his eyebrows at Reinrich and smiled menacingly. "What'll it be, pretty boy?"

Reinrich's eyes narrowed at Talara as he rasped, "I'll find you, you know I will. Next time, I won't be so kind."

"And, next time I won't be so meek," Talara said. "If I see you again, Reinrich, I probably won't kill you, but I will make it very difficult for you to enjoy your favourite pastimes ever again."

"Making you beg?" he quipped and very nearly crumpled to the ground when Keeve's fist buried in his gut. Some of Reinrich's men rushed forward to restrain Keeve. When they pulled him off Reinrich, he slumped forward, hands gripping his knees as he coughed violently. Spittle wet his lips and his eyes were red from the sting of Keeve's blow, but despite his embarrassing position Reinrich glared fiercely at Talara and rasped, "This isn't over."

"Just make sure you're prepared to see this all the way through, Reinrich," Talara said. She stretched her arm out toward one of his men and the man's blaster leapt out of his hand and settled snugly in hers. "Because you really don't want to see what I can do when I'm mad."

"You never know," he growled, "I might like it." His eyes held hers for a protracted moment of unspoken resentment and unsated lust. "You'll be back," he finally murmured and gave a signal to call of his men.

Those restraining Keeve withdrew their vice-like holds; he glared at them while straightening out his clothing. The guards barricading the door parted to allow passage, but kept their weapons poised. "Come on," Keeve called to his party. "Let's go home."

Zari led the way out the door with Dev right behind her. Talara continued to cling to Keeve as they exited, trying as hard as she could to forget the look she saw in Reinrich's eyes.

"Thank you for coming for me," she said.

Keeve looked at her sidelong in disbelief. "You thought I wouldn't?"

"I didn't know if you'd be able to find me," Talara said. "Reinrich was showing me off, but he was careful where he showed me. You'd never be at a party he went to, and I don't think you'd ever pass this place, as sleazy as it is."

"Well then..." Keeve sighed and smiled tightly. "It's a good thing Dev managed to break free. He told us where you were. He's the real hero." Cocking his head towards Dev, trudging alongside Zari with his head lowered dejectedly, Keeve whispered, "Go on. Your boyfriend needs to know you appreciate what he's done."

"I will, but I just want you to know that...that I still care for you very much, Keeve," Talara said softly. "I didn't run away or try to get away from you." She leaned up and kissed his cheek, then hurried over to Dev.

The boy nearly jumped when she slipped her arms around him and snuggled close. "Thank you for coming to save me," she said.

"I just...I wish I could have sooner," Dev answered as he glanced at her. "But, I couldn't leave you there with him."

"Thanks," she said, then kissed him firmly on the lips which nearly caused the two of them to stumble and fall.

Zari glanced back at Keeve and grinned at him as she reached the speeder. She opened the hatch for Tala and Dev, then giggled. "Ah, the lovebirds are reunited," she said to Keeve. "You okay, you look like you just ate a sour beebleberry."

"Nah," Keeve told her, still watching Dev and Talara. "Just wondering if this is really over or if Reinrich's already planned a way to repay us."

"He may not have a plan yet," Zari said, "but he will. I don't think he was bluffing or blowing off steam. I can't pick up emotions like Dani or feel the Force as acutely as the others, but he was very mad. Keeve, after the things that happened, I think we should move."

"I agree. We'll pack up as soon as we get home, and I'll start arranging for a new home." Keeve grinned. "Maybe Vendra. Talara's always wanted to go there."

"She loves the beaches," Zari said. "Though, not in the winter." She slipped inside the speeder as he did. In the back, Dev and Talara were sitting close, whispering. Zari caught Talara looking up at Keeve again, before turning her attention back to her boyfriend. "Let's go home."

Keeve nodded with great relief and once he and Zari were in the vehicle, they sped off, leaving Talara's prison behind. He vowed to ensure Talara never returned there, or to Reinrich's clutches as long as it was within his power, and Keeve didn't plan on becoming feeble any time soon.

---

"Searching for Altdorf"
by Chun Li - Escort Pilot
and Eshka - Bothan Smuggler (NPC)

Location: Mos Eisley Cantina, Tatooine
Date: Vadris 1, 5 ABY

***

Li was standing in front of the infamous Mos Eisley cantina. She had seen a number of holovids about the place where Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan met Han Solo and Chewie. She had just arrived on Tatooine as she figured this was the place she would be able to get some information on the Altdorf. Lazlo had mentioned that they came to Tatooine from time to time, so Li figured that this was as good a starting point as any.

Axon was in Fa'rong, waiting for her and trying to work his way through the landing and take-off list of the last months. She had told him to keep all Corellian Corvettes so she could go over them later. Most ships here were smaller so something that big had to show up. Li looked around one last time before she entered the cantina. She waited a moment at the entrance while her eyes adapted to the darkness inside. Then she moved on towards the bar and ordered a lomin ale.

"Do you know a captain Alekzander," Li asked as the bartender put the drink in front of her.

"Why," the bartender asked. Li slipped some money for the drink and some extra.

"Because he had agreed to meet me here and he's late," she said.

"Alekzander is never on time, miss," the bartender said, palming the coins, "they were here two weeks ago and he said he would be going core-ward."

"Okay," Li said, "I'll see around then."

She drank her lomin ale and looked around. It would be another long search, but she would find them, and then they were going to pay for what they tried to do. She realised that she had to try to capture the captain alive if possible, so she could 'ask' him about the location of Rylaa and Lorgal. Maybe she could use that TRX-7 stuff that had been used on her. She turned to the bartender when as he would probably know his customers.

"Excuse me," she said while sliding another cred coin over, "do you know any Bothans? I need some special equipment that some Bothans can deliver."

"Try her," the bartender said, pointing to one of the Bothans, "her name is Eshka."

Li thanked him and moved to the indicated table. The Bothan sitting there was clearly female, with black and white fur that was in a striped pattern, at least the parts that were not covered by clothing.

"What do you want," she barked.

"I want some TRX-7," Li said, "the bartender said I might be able to get it from you."

"And what was that you wanted," Eshka asked.

"You know what it is," Li said, "I've been already on the receiving end and now it's my turn to play with the stuff."

"But you don't have any," Eshka said.

"True, which is why I came to you," Li said, putting the necklace in front of Eshka, "this is where it was hidden in."

Eshka looked at the necklace. "You're part of Dirge's group," she asked, "I thought he didn't let humans know..."

"He didn't," Li cut her of, "Dirge is no more, at least I think so by now. One of his cronies on Commenor, Fenn, gave this to me."

"You managed to get to Dirge," Eshka asked. Her eyes got a guarded look that Li recognised.

"I wasn't alone," Li said, "but the people I helped afterwards betrayed me and I want to get back at them. For me it was just a job to earn a cred, but they thought that they could get rid of me."

"Clearly they thought wrong," the Bothan said, "okay, I can get you some, but it's going to cost you."

"I had figured that," Li said, "as long as you don't try to rip me off, I'm willing to pay."

"How much do you need," Eshka asked, all business now.

"About twice the amount to fill this necklace," Li said, "I assume that the dose you can give is less then that?"

"You can say that," Eshka said, "that necklace holds enough for three people. That much will cost you 3000 credits."

"Nice try," Li said, "what about 600."

"Are you trying to rob me," Eshka roared, "2500 and not a penny less." Li smiled.

"I can use other agents as well," she said, "I'm ex-imperial intel. I know enough about these things to know that TRX-7 is not the only thing I can use. 1200."

"2000," was Eshka's next offer.

"1600," Li said with a smile. She knew that they were getting close to a deal now.

"Okay," Eshka said, "how quickly do you need it?"

"As quickly as possible," Li said, "preferably today."

"I can do that for 1800," Eshka said, "as it will cost more to have them deliver so quickly."

"Okay," Li said. She could easily afford the amount. She took a cred chip, looked at the balance and handed it over.

"Here's 600," she said, "the rest I'll pay on delivery. You can find me in bay 145 or here."

Eshka finished her drink and stood up.

"I'll see you later today," she said before moving out. Li finished her lomin ale and followed as well.

---

"The Hit"
by Chun Li - Escort Pilot
and Eshka - Bothan Smuggler (NPC)
Cameo by Lazslo - Aldorf Crewmember (NPC)

Location: Mos Eisley, Tatooine
Date: Vadris 1, 5 ABY

***

Li was walking back to her fighter when she suddenly spotted someone she knew. Luckily he was standing with his back to her, so Li could duck into a small alley to get out of sight. It did make her search a lot easier that she saw Lazslo here on Tatooine. Now she only had to make sure that she wasn't discovered before she could make her move, but this would make her search and her move much easier and since Tatooine lacked heavy defenses, also safer.

Li looked around the corner and saw Lazslo move on and she started to follow him while taking out her comm. "Axon," she said, "the Altdorf is here. Can you check the current list of ships and send me a list of all the Corellian Corvettes."

The droid beeped and a list appeared on her datapad. Luckily there were only two corvettes in the spaceport at the moment, which should reduce the amount of time she had to spend to see which one was the Altdorf. None of the two carried that name, but that was not unexpected. Li left Lazslo and moved towards the spaceport to get a better look at the corvettes.

She arrived at platform 23, where according to her list the first corvette was situated. She entered the bay through a side door, on her guard for any surprises. But it was immediately clear that this ship wasn't the Altdorf, unless they had done some serious reworking. This corvette looked more like a private yacht then a warship. Up to the second then, Li decided.

This one was in bay 58, and as soon as she caught a glimpse of it, she knew it was the Altdorf. Walking back to her own ship, she asked Axon to give her everything on the ship in bay 58. Going over the data, she saw that they were scheduled to leave in two days. That would give her enough time to move on with her plan. She started planning her revenge on the ship that betrayed her.

"Ahumm," she suddenly heard behind her. Turning around she saw Eshka standing close.

"I have your goods," she said.

"Very nice," Li said, "I have the money."

Eshka handed over a small sack with six vials of powder. "There you are," she said, "be careful with that stuff."

"I know what it can do," Li said as she handed over a cred chip, "here's the rest of the money. Nice doing business with you."

"Goodbye," Eskha said after checking the balance on the chip. She turned around and walked away now their business was completed.

Li put the vials away in the luggage compartment and entered her fighter. After requesting permission from control to take off she moved out. She even went into hyperspace to make it look as if she was really gone. After ten seconds she reversed back to realspace and started on the second leg of her triangle. That way she would come back out of hyperspace from a different direction. While she was sure that they would after a while make the connection, the fact that she had used a fake name would insulate her from the authorities. As a further precaution she would do the attack run on her back-up engine so the ion trails she would leave wouldn't be the same. Besides she wasn't even sure if the authorities as far as they actually existed on Tatooine would actually care as long as she didn't damage the landing bay too much.

Dropping out of hyperspace a bit from Tatooine she switched to her back-up engine and started her run towards the planet. She angled towards the south pole of the planet, where there were no sensors to detect her approach. She was sure this was deliberately done. Flying low she moved towards Mos Eisley. While flying low would cost more fuel, she had the two pods hanging under her wings which should be enough.

She was one minute from the space port when they picked her up from the background clutter. "Unknown craft at 2-4-1, please identify," she heard in her comm system. She simply closed it and armed her missiles. That would at least give them something to think about.

"Axon," she said, "monitor the comm frequencies, will you."

The droid beeped an answer that she didn't bother to read as she needed her concentration. While in hyperspace she had marked by 58 on her sensor map of Mos Eisley space port and now she could fly directly to her destination.

30 seconds out she pulled the stick towards her to gain altitude. To limit the collateral damage she had to come in from above. That way it would also be easier to hit the Altdorf and not the bay. At 20 seconds she brought up her targeting computer. That too knew the location of the target in bay 58 and started working on a solution. The corvette was big enough to quickly yield a solution. Li had chosen her approach so she would come towards the engines.

Linking her two missile tubes she fired two at the engines and two a bit further up the corvette. She pulled up while the missiles continued their journey. Li circled and did a second approach. The engines would need a good yard to be put together and the middle of the ship also sustained heavy damage. She fired two more missiles in the bridge before pulling up towards space, still on her back-up engine. Her gunboat wasn't very fast at the moment, but the attack had come so suddenly that there wasn't any resistance.

When she was almost out of the atmosphere she saw on her sensor board that some ships had launched and were coming behind her. But she had reached the end of the atmosphere and as soon as she was in vacuum she engaged her two other engines as well, giving her the speed of a TIE-interceptor. Now the other ships started to fall behind and they couldn't catch on before she entered hyperspace.

In hyperspace Li evaluated the attack. Six missiles seemed a lot if you only had ten, but it would have taken a lot more to take out the Corvette in space and then the bloody thing would shoot back. While they eventually would figure out who had done it, it would take time.

---

"Waking Up in Enemy Hands"
By: Marsar Tilimit - Smuggler
Mordous Krull - Bounty Hunter

Location: Forest Around New Plouton, HWK-90 Frigate Dragonfly
Date: Vadris 1, 5 ABY

***

The world appeared to be a dark blur as Marsar slowly came around. She felt something cold wrapped around her wrists and looked at them, noticing a pair of metal binders clamped down on her wrists, tied off with rope to railing on the wall behind her.

"Great probably in some kind of a Jau Death Camp." Marsar looked around herself noticing first of all it looked to be the inside of a small metal room laying on a cheap mat of some kind. She also noted that her overshirt and Jacket were gone and the wounds on her neck arm and chest had been wrapped in bandages. "At least they left me by pants and tanktop...I don't appreciate them taking my boots and socks." A few inches away lay a simple shirt and a set of keys. "This is some kind of a sick joke...it has to be." Marsar pulled her self to her feet carefully and using her teeth untied the slip knot from the railing. She tossed the rope to the floor and attempted to move away from the mat when a section of the metal container opened. Marsar moved to the nearest corner and put sat down hugging her knees as the figure entered her space.

"Marsar I believe." She recognized the Voice and swallowed hard.

"Mordous Krull......what are you doing here," she stated sitting in a corner. Mordous approached her and looked at her. "You're really hard to find did you realize that?" Mordous stated. Marsar looked at him.

"Yeah it goes with the profession, after what you did to our apartment we plan to stick you with the cleaning bill." Mordous laughed then approached her and crouched down in front of her.

"That is if I let you out you go...alive," he told her. "Which I may not depending on why my contractor wants you dead," he stated removing a set of binder keys from his pocket and unlocked them for her. "Now you have two choices either run away and get grabbed by the Jau or you can stay here and give me a hand with something, and I may let you go, seem like a deal?" Marsar looked at him.

"Getting there, can I have my boots back." He nodded pulling the out and handing them to her. "Stay here." Marsar watched him go then shook her head as she searched her boots for the Vibro dagger she usually hid inside them. Unfortunately it wasn't there. "Oh and don't bother looking for that Dagger, I found that hours ago...you've been asleep for two days gave me enough time to insure that you had no weapons." Marsar let out a long sigh then shook her head.

"This can't be happening," she stated as she watched the holding area's door shut and locked.

***

"Master Mordous." Mordous turned to face his Hunter Killer droid then waited.

"What is it Selkis," he asked. Selkis looked his way and waited.

"Is it wise keeping her alive, the bounty didn't say she needed to stay alive in order to collect on the contract."

Mordous looked at the droid then shook his head. "She is a guest right now, I need her alive more than dead right now," he admitted as she opened the port side hatch to his ship and looked around under the camouflage canopy the he and his droid friend had raised secretly over the last few days to hide the salvaged fighter that they had drudged up from the lake. "She is the closest thing to a star ship mechanic we have right now, to fix that!" he stated pointing at the battered and busted Star Viper. "If where ever going to get off this planet we need some more firepower."

---