"Questions and Answers"
by Janae Damaris
Moril Astren
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Pink Monga, Daleev Durv's apartment
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

It was just peeking into the early hours of the next morning that Janae finally appeared from the back room, and began turning the last of the dim lights to darkness. Her dark hair was let loose from its simple ponytail, hanging long and shaggy past her shoulders, off-setting nicely with the crimson vest she now wore. She was tucking various instruments into her pockets, and with a final reach of long arms, grabbed a small blaster from the locked stock behind the bar and attached it firmly to her right leg.

"Sorry that took so long," she mused, rubbing her eyes, still half in shadow. "It seems that whenever I'm in a hurry, something always brings a delay. Anyway, if you two are still up for it, Daleev's place isn't far."

Moril nodded and glanced to Kaysa. "We're ready. Anything we can do to help. We'll have to be careful out here. The Empire is stepping up its patrols."

"Of course," she agreed, already walking on cat feet to the empty night. Locking the doors behind her, she set a brisk pace of a determined walk, making straight for a shady back alley two streets over.

She spoke nothing as she walked, occasionally making sharp turns and swift movements, until they had been walking for quite a while. Then, at once, she stopped completely, crouching in the shadows and urging the other two to do the same. They stood, immobile and quite cold in the late night, straining ears for any sound of movement. There was none. After another minute to be certain, Janae set forth again, now moving faster. They went a few more twisted blocks when she all but disappeared into the thin gray door of a rather shabby apartment in a backwater street.

She waited until they were in the lobby before speaking. "Sorry about that. We sort of...took the long way," she confessed, voice hushed and still feeling abnormally loud after such long quiet. "It seems silly now, but I thought there might have been somebody following us out of the Pink. I suppose not."

"Is there any reason anyone should be following us?" Kaysa asked with a pointed look at Janae. "You said your friend might be involved in some...shady dealings, or at least he used to be. Are you the same?"

"Not anymore," she said sharply. "Not for some time now, and they--" Then she softened, face uncertain. "I was about to say, 'they would not be after me,' but that would seem unconvincing in the face of Dal's disappearance, and my own suspicions. I cannot give you more than my reassurances, but I do not believe I am a target. They may know me solely in connection with Dal, if in fact there was someone behind us."

With that, she opened the door to Dal's apartment with a neat movement, and stood waiting just inside the doorway, as though to say that Moril and Kaysa were in no way bound to continue. She crossed to the window, leaving the door slightly ajar, and gazed down at the dimly lit street from the dark window.

"There is no one down there," she admitted. "No shadows, no good watch points. And there is a back way out of the building."

"Hopefully we won't need it," Kaysa muttered as she slipped into the room. She glanced around briefly at the quaint dwelling and sighed. "So...what are we looking for?"

"I don't know," she smiled, bringing the lights to half-view. The room was shabby and monochromatic, varying shades of brown and gray, hardly decorated and certainly not in any way "homey." There were disks, boxes, and papers littered around the corner chair as a focal point, but they seemed tidy enough, and by the two-day layer of dust across the sheets, it was obvious that they had been untouched since Dal's disappearance.

"I don't think the Imperials have been here," Janae said with conviction, crouching near the pile of information. "But somebody was looking for something."

She rifled through the pile, sifting the hard plastic disks in her fingers, and sighed. "I don't know what to--"

At that moment, there was an acute buzzing noise just to her right. She paused, frightened, then relaxed as she realized it was only an incoming holo. "I'm going to answer it," she said quickly to Moril and Kaysa. Before they could stop her, she reached for the vids.

There appeared a shaky image that fuzzed in and out of transmission. A man, perhaps in his forties, with dark hair, stood blinking. He glanced from side to side, as though checking to make sure he was really alone, before speaking.

"Daleev," he said, his voice gruff and grim. "You haven't responded for two days. I can't have that. I need the disk. I know this is a lot to ask of you, but neither of us really have a choice in this matter. You said you still had it, and I need it back. This is vital. Now, I'll be in New Plouton in three days, we'll set a drop point, and you had better cough it up, or we're all gonna die."

The message clicked off with the same bluntness, leaving a silent and dim apartment.

"Well, this just isn't my day," Janae told the holo coldly, and with a sincere touch of anger. She felt completely devoid of consciousness, slow and uncertain. "Fuckin' Dal, why didn't you tell me," she cursed under her breath. Her eyes rose with a flicker of lashes. "Perhaps you two should leave, before you get involved. I understand now, but this isn't exactly what I was hoping to find."

"I'm not going to abandon you, Janae," Moril said. "If you want me to help in this, then I'm not leaving your side. We'll find him and take care of this mess. But, I'm not leaving you to deal with it on your own. Besides, working with Zale Tregat teaches a guy a few things."

She gave him a weak smile. "If you're sure." Putting a fist to her head, she staggered into the clutter that was Dal's kitchen, and began rumbling for some glasses. "I need a drink," she explained, bringing a large bottle of something and a few glasses. She threw back two shots with the quickness, and settled into one of Dal's chairs.

"Nearest I can tell," she surmised, tracing the rim of the glass with her forefinger and looking composed, but irritable, "Dal mentioned to me once that after he left Coruscant, he fell in with 'all kinds of people.' All kinds, yes, but he said that the group of people he ran with longest were big-time smugglers. I don't know what this disk is, or for who - Alliance, freelance, Empire - but Dal apparently has it, and he--" here she nodded to the holo "--wants it, but somebody got to him first."

Kaysa ensconced herself in a rickety chair at the desk and gnawed at her lip pensively. "But if he presumably has the disk on him," she said slowly, "why would they still have him?" Her eyes locked with Janae's as she added gently, "If that information was important enough to abduct him for it, there might no longer exist enough of him to be found. I have a crime lord for a husband; I sorta know how these things work. If someone wanted desperately enough to keep it out of that man's hands, and your friend knew what that disk was for, it would be in their best interests to silence him one way or another."

She nodded, slow and deliberate. "Then it's very possible that he's already dead."

Kaysa sighed. "Sorry... I just think we have to face the possibility. If he is alive, we'll definitely find him."

"I know," Janae said curtly. "The possibility hasn't left my mind since the moment he disappeared. There are two possibilities. One, he didn't know what was on the disk, somehow lost it over the course of time, and is still alive because he's the only link to it. Or two, he did have the disk and know what it contained, and was killed because of it." Her blank pragmatism was static and controlled, and very odd. Janae could have been talking about the chair she was sitting on with the same careful precision. "The question remains - what to do now?"

"We'll have to start somewhere," Moril said. "So, first thing, we do a thorough search here for that disk. Do you know of any other place where he'd stash it? Safe drops or similar things. We should also go around to all the local lock-ups, appearing to be the respectable and upstanding people we are, to inquire about him. If the Imps have him, I doubt they've shipped him to another facility by now. We can bring in some Antorial people to help with the search if we need to. How's that sound?"

Her face drew a tired smile. "It's a start. Thank you, Moril. This search may be useless but...I have to do what I can. I'll scour his apartment tonight, and he could have hidden it somewhere at the Pink or a few other places around town that I know of."

"Well, whatever you're doing, you can count me in to help," he said, and then glanced at Kaysa. "Now, if we're starting here, we'd better get to work."

Kaysa sighed as she pushed herself out of the chair and considered the room before them, waiting to be searched. "If it's a small disk, we could be here a while... I hope my husbands can do without me for another evening."

"From what I hear," Moril said with a sly grin, "is that they might do too well without you."

Kaysa grumbled in response and marched petulantly past Moril on her way to begin the search, muttering to him as she passed, "That's the last time I sleep with you."

"Promises, promises," Moril muttered in response before she was too far away. He then glanced up to Janae and smiled. "So, where should we start first?"

"Anywhere," she suggested gratefully, rubbing her hands together. "We could split up the rooms... You guys could tackle the main room here, and the kitchen, and I'll scour his bedroom. Holler if you find anything interesting," she called over her shoulder as she headed towards a small room in the back.

When Janae was out of sight and earshot, Kaysa scurried back over to Moril and pulled him aside. "You do know this could get us both killed," she whispered. "Are you sure you really wanna get yourself caught up in this?"

"She needs our help," Moril said softly. "I've had enough people risk their lives for me, that I know it's time to start returning the favours. She's alone in this, and I can't just stand by."

Kaysa smiled. "Well...she's certainly lucky to have caught the eye of such a giving, caring man. Though...I really don't think I should help you two, as much as I want to. If Zale finds out..."

"There are worse things that Zale could find out," Moril answered. "And, if he does, we can just tell him the truth. About this part, anyway. You were helping me with someone I want to get to know, and we were drawn into her crisis."

"Exactly," she replied cheerfully. "Though, I think for the rest of this...mission of yours I should probably part ways with the two of you. Other than Zale absolutely forbidding my participation, two people asking questions will more inconspicuous than three."

Moril nodded. "I understand," he said with a lopsided smile. "I'll keep you posted, on everything."

Kaysa laughed softly as she embraced Moril. "Thanks. I've got to have some excitement in my life, don't I?" She kissed Moril's cheek before pulling back, then motioned her head towards the kitchen, smiling conspiratorially. "Go on. She might need some help in there."

Moril smiled, and then nodded in gratitude. "I'll talk to you later, Kaysa," he said. "Go make sure that Zale and Merrick aren't doing anything you wouldn't want them to be doing to you instead."

Kaysa grumbled, "Don't remind me..." With a wink and a little wave, Kaysa was off, leaving Moril to seduce Janae if he so chose.

Pausing just a moment to collect himself, Moril prepared to face Janae alone. Once his nerves had settled, he followed after in the direction she'd gone. "Janae," he called. "Looks like it's just you and me."

She looked up, crouching in what appeared to be a disorganized closet, elbows-deep in a variety of junk. "I never knew Dal was such a pack rat," she muttered before rising to face him. Her eyes flicked to the dark hallway behind him. "I hope I'm not keeping you from other things - like your job," she said, sensing a few reasons why the crimelord's wife had just left. "This is, after all, my problem. I'd hoped to meet you again with a different agenda...ridding this planet of Imperial presence." She sighed, looking dark and confused. "But I can't just let this lie."

"Zale's got everything under control, so he doesn't need me yet," Moril said. "I've got the time to be able to help you with this, and then together we'll all be able to work on getting rid of the Empire. I want to help you with this, Janae. I want to help you track down Dal and get this straightened out. I couldn't just sit back while a friend was in a bad situation."

"A friend?" she said softly. "These are interesting circumstances for friendship. But thank you. It seems I could use a friend."

Moril smiled and took a couple steps closer. "In times like these, friendship is almost a necessity." He held a hand out to her.

She nodded, accepting his hand, but hers was dull and cold. Her mind was elsewhere. "I don't think I can do much more tonight," she said softly, eyes glossing over the large pile of disks and junk strewn in the room. "I'm exhausted."

Moril smiled and then nodded. "I can understand that. Will you be alright getting to your home? I can help you again tomorrow if you'd like."

She nodded. "That would be great...you know where I'll be." A rough laugh. "Though I'll probably open The Pink late, and spend the afternoon searching for information. I have a few favors I can call in for help behind the bar."

"If you need any more than that, let me know and I have a few I can call in as well," Moril said with a smile. "And, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded again, head bobbing with exhaustion. "Thanks Moril. Thanks for everything."

"I'm glad to be able to help," Moril answered. With that, he slipped outside, and then off toward his apartment.

---

"A Message of Hope"
By: Lerrah Breijal [NPC+]
Shrezade Anoran
Rilanna Kir
Hajne Toray [NPC+]
Chamlembac [NPC+]

Location: Riga
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Lerrah Breijal brought her ship down quickly through the atmosphere of Riga, her eyes continuously on the sensor display showing the Imperial Star Destroyers looming back behind her. She was glad she had a load of direllian ore in the hold, or they might have been more suspicious than they already were.

The trip had been quick and mostly uneventful. For the entire trip though, she'd been unable to get her mind off Tasia or on the memories of their time together. She needed to get back to Tase, and with how everything was with Shiv, she needed Tasia more than ever. She still loved Shiv as much as she always had, but she knew it would go nowhere. Tasia, however...who knew where that would go.

Riga Control directed her to one of the vacant berths in the spaceport, and she settled Agarra's Pride into place. She glanced back at Elf who was plugged into the NavComp. She laughed as the droid swivelled his head around to look at her.

"You stay here," she said. "I won't be long. And, don't let anyone into the ship. If someone nosey comes poking around, let me know."

***

Despite her youth, Lerrah had experience at this sort of thing, and it didn't take long to spread enough credits around to get an answer without arousing suspicion. And, with that newfound knowledge, she set down the road intent on delivering the message Tase had charged her with.

At first she wasn't certain if the house she'd come to was the right one. It was too nice, and...domesticated. It was hardly the place a station administrator would want to live. Well, who says she wants to live here? a voice in her mind asked. And, who says station admins can't like places like this?

With a sigh, Lerrah stepped forward and knocked on the heavy wooden door. A sure sign of opulence, she thought.

Moments passed, and the door still remained closed. However, the comm console on the adjacent wall clicked and soon a slightly crackling, nasally voice was filtering through it. "Yes? Who is it?"

"I'm looking for Shrezade Anoran," Lerrah said, making sure to keep her voice down. "I'm a representative of Drogen Imports."

"Really? And--" A reverberating cry from inside the home interrupted Hajne. "It's alright, Chammy-pooh," she whispered. "I'll take care of it." Hajne was heard clearing her throat, then: "You said your name was...?"

"My name is Lerrah," came the answer. She then lowered her voice and leaned closer to the speaker. "I really don't think I should say much more out here...not with enemies about."

"Oh...you're right," Hajne breathed into the comm, causing static to muffle her voice. "Chammy" --the voice sounded distant, as if she'd turned her head completely away from the mic-- "be ready in case it's a trap. Uh...Lerrah? One second and we-- I'll let you in."

The comm cut out and a small commotion could be heard from the other side of the door. Soon, though, the door slid open with no one standing in the opening to greet Lerrah. Suddenly, Hajne's face poked out from behind the wall, her bright red lips smiling at Lerrah. "Come on in. Though, I suggest you leave your weapons outside."

"I only have one blaster," Lerrah said, pointing to the weapon slung low on her thigh. "If you want, I can carefully hand it to you, and then I'll be unarmed. It might look silly to someone passing by if you have a blaster sitting on your front porch."

Hajne chewed her lip pensively, and considering it was Hajne, deliberation took her quite some time. Finally she smiled again and waved Lerrah inside.

Lerrah returned the smile and then stepped through the doorway. "Thanks," she said as she passed the red-lipped woman. "Is, uh, Mrs. Shrezade around? I have a message for her...a real special, secret message."

Hajne's eyes narrowed suspiciously and her painted lips pressed into a thin line as she assessed Lerrah's intentions. "You've got a message for Mrs. Anoran?" she repeated. "Well...I'm her best friend. Tell me and I'll make sure it gets to her."

"I can't do that," Lerrah said taking a step back. "The message is for Mrs., uh, A-Anoran here? I'm supposed to give her the message, and I don't think I should...you know. Tell anyone else." Suddenly, Lerrah backed into something big, and solid. She figured it was the wall until it growled.

Cham howled and whuffed, demanding that Lerrah tell Hajne the message. Not understanding a single syllable of Shriiwook, Lerrah could only scream.

Hajne, in turn, let loose a peal of shrill laughter. "Oh, did I forget to introduce my Chammy?" she hollered above Lerrah's cries of terror. "Chammy, get her and don't let her out of your sight my furry love-nut!" With a little wave, Hajne scampered down the hallway, giggling boisterously the entire way.

Lerrah kept backing away from Cham, nearly tripping over various pieces of furniture and other oddments that happened to be in her way. She couldn't take her fearful eyes off the wookiee, who seemed to be grinning maliciously at her. What had she gotten herself into?

"There she is, Rilanna!" Hajne's whining voice hollered from the end of the hallway. "Don't let her get away, Chammy!"

Cham let out a howl in response, bringing out another frightened cry from the young woman stuck in the corner, fumbling for the blaster at her hip.

Rilanna Kir burst into the room, and noticed the girl in the corner - though, considering they were of the same age, perhaps girl might not be appropriate - drawing a weapon on Cham. Her own blaster cleared its holster in a heartbeat. She had it pointed at the frightened young woman whose hands were shaking so badly, it would be a surprise if she could hit anything at all. Ril sighed. "Put down your weapon," she said. "He won't hurt you. Cham, back."

Lerrah's blaster clattered to the floor and she nearly fainted.

Hajne, however, was still laughing maniacally and Cham wasn't listening, preferring his lover's taunting to her own commanding tone. She wasn't sure when she'd lost control of him, but she knew he would require a talk later. Damn, she thought. I'd just shoot them both if I could.

That Cham wasn't backing down only made the girl scream louder, which seemed to drive Hajne on even further.

Hajne's cackling laughter cut through Lerrah's screams. She just loved it when her Chammy got into the action. Carrying above both Hajne's maniacal giggles and Lerrah's cries of fear, a stern, booming voice shouted for silence. Hajne's lips sealed immediately and Cham ceased his advance upon the woman, whose whimpers could still be heard. From behind both Hajne and Rilanna, the tall, still blonde but otherwise drastically changed Shrezade Anoran strode forward.

Her formerly lifeless, long hair had been shorn off entirely, leaving it cropped close to her head. The golden locks that remained were styled into peaks with short, errant strands coming down her brow in bangs. The tousled look was a far cry from her previously austere hair-do, and her clothing was even more shocking a change. The conservative attire she used to dress in was gone, replaced with form-fitting, leather pants and a white blouse buttoned only half of the way up, leaving a good portion of her chest exposed, as well as the black, lace bra supporting her supple breasts and the hanging pendant gifted to her by Rilanna nestled between them. She had taken to carrying a blaster on her hip now, after a couple of close calls, and when she stopped before the cowering woman on the floor, she pulled her weapon from its holster and aimed.

"Name and purpose," Reza said with a slight, crooked smile quirking her lips. "And make it fast. Dinner is getting cold."

"My name is Lerrah Breijal from Tae'Karada, and I have a message from Tasia Harough in regards to the Drogen Shipyards."

"And you came all this way to deliver it?" Reza glanced sidelong at Rilanna, shooting a raised eyebrow to her friend. "Sounds slightly suspicious to me." She returned her steely gaze to the girl. "How did you come across this message? The station is under siege, which means communication is restricted. How did she contact you?"

"Secure channel piggy-backed off of an Imperial carrier wave," Lerrah said. "I came all the way here because it was safer than sending a message from Tae'Karada to here, where any Imp in between could pick it out of the ComNet. I met Tasia back before the station was taken. She did some work on my ship and we became friends. She knew I was on the planet, so she sent a message to my ship. I have a recording that she sent to me. It also has codes, codes she said you'd recognize that would show you it's legitimate."

Reza's impassive gaze held the girl in its snare as she scrutinized her. Either she was very good at acting frightened, or she really was. Whatever the case, Reza was intrigued. She snapped her fingers abruptly, startling Lerrah, then held her open palm out towards her. "Show me a copy of the transmission and I want to see those codes. Now!"

Slowly and deliberately, Lerrah reached down to the cargo pocket on the side of her pants. She reached in and just as slowly pulled the datapad back out. Once they both could see clearly that she wasn't trying to do anything that would most likely get her killed, she handed the device to Shrezade.

Reza snatched the device from Lerrah's trembling fingertips, examined it briefly, then blindly tossed it over her shoulder towards Hajne and Cham. She hoped her idiot secretary would catch it, and if not, at the least keep from trampling it.

"We'll check it out for you, Mrs. Anoran," Hajne said cheerfully. "Come on, Chammy."

As the two oddities strolled down the hallway, Reza motioned for Rilanna to join her on the other side of the small foyer. She kept her weapon on Lerrah still, but focused her attention on Rilanna. "So? Do you know her? Seen her around the station? A better question is, even if that transmission proves to be authentic, do we trust her?"

Rilanna stepped forward and studied Lerrah. After several minutes of quiet deliberation, she finally holstered her weapon and nodded. "I remember seeing her there, though I wasn't head of station security yet. But, I believe she's telling the truth and it does sound like something Harough would do. And where she is, I'm certain her slicer friend is also close by. We'll have to play this carefully, just to be safe."

Reza nodded slowly, and as suspicious as she was, she trusted Rilanna's judgement. As she was holstering her own weapon, Hajne came scurrying into the foyer, waving the datapad in the air. "It's real!" she announced triumphantly. The woman stumbled to a halt before Reza and handed her the pad. "Cham says the codes look right too."

"Good," Reza replied. After taking the datapad from Hajne and dismissing her, Reza regarded Lerrah again and extended a hand to the girl. "Come on. You can tell us everything over dinner."

As Lerrah placed her hand into Reza's, she visibly relaxed. "Thank you," she said, with a sigh. "There are Imp patrols all over the place out there, but the net isn't very tight yet. If you did want to get back to Tae'Karada, I think you could probably manage it without much hassle."

"And why, my dear, would I want to do that?" Reza asked with an amused smile.

"In case you wanted to drive the Imps off your station and get it back I guess," Lerrah said. "I don't know if you want it back or if you're happy here, but to get to Drogen, you'll have to go through Imps."

"I know this already," Reza informed her. "I had to go through them to get off, after all." The three entered the dining area, where four places had been set and food already laid out. Reza gestured for Lerrah to take a vacant seat, then she moved to take hers at the head of the table. "Now, I don't want you to think you've come all this way for nothing," Reza continued. "But...what exactly do you expect the four of us to do about the station? Free it all on our own?"

"I-I don't really know," Lerrah said. "I was just helping a friend to deliver a message. Though, I've heard there is a growing resistance movement on Tae'Karada. Perhaps they could help you retake the station as well. I've only got a Corellian transport, but I'd help too. I know Zale Tregat, and he's rich and powerful. He and his people rescued me from Dargus Kandran, I'm sure they could help with liberating the Drogen Shipyards."

Reza's arm slowed its extension towards the basket of bread as the name of her old associate struck a chord. "You were a prisoner of Mr. Kandran?" she asked casually as her hand finally retrieved a bun and brought it to her plate. "Is he still on Tae'Karada, then?"

"He's got a big ship in the system," Lerrah said. "His son is my friend's boyfriend."

"Son?" Reza shot an intrigued smile in Rilanna's direction. "Sounds like Dargus Kandran has been quite busy."

Hajne and Cham started a small ruckus on their side of the table, which seemed to climax with Hajne tearing a piece from the bun held between Cham's teeth with her own, complete with accompanying growls as she chewed. Reza rolled her eyes and couldn't help laughing softly. "Do you see that, Lerrah Breijal?" she said to her guest. "They are why I choose to stay. I have sworn to protect them and if I return to Tae'Karada, they may die. If I leave them here, defenseless, while I go back to that planet, they may be tracked down and will still end up dead. I need more than your assurances of a mounting rebellion to get me to budge."

"What can I do?" Lerrah asked softly.

Reza broke a small piece off the crusty bread and popped it into her mouth. She watched Lerrah intently as she slowly chewed the morsel, and a subtle grin took hold of her lips. "Go back to Tae'Karada," she said, leaning forward and resting her elbows atop the table. "And when you get there...you should pay a visit to your friend, Dargus Kandran. That's where you will give him a message from me. Do you understand me, young woman?"

"I understand," Lerrah said.

Reza's smile became a full-blown one, and held with it a hint of self-satisfaction. "Smart girl," she commented to Ril, yet still keeping her fierce blue eyes upon Lerrah. "You've just earned yourself safe passage out of this house. Now, I suggest you eat up. We have much more to discuss."

Lerrah nodded and turned her attention to her meal, rather than the condescending woman still grinning at her. At least the food was very good.

***

From across the living area, seated in her favourite leather sofa, Reza watched the girl, Lerrah Breijal, sitting alone on the large couch opposite her chair, looking quite uncomfortable and nervous. She hadn't touched the drink poured her, and since Reza was almost finished her own, she would simply take it off the girl's hands and finish the amber liquor for her.

Observing her for the twenty minutes of silence in which they sat, Reza was assured that she was incapable of deception, and that her former worker, Tasia Harough, had in fact sent her to deliver the message. In the month they'd been on Riga, Rilanna Kir, her devoted and loyal friend, had taught her much and helped her enhance her already developed talents, such as picking the liars from the sincere ones.

Her favourite lesson, however, had been learning to shoot a blaster. The rush she experienced when she fired upon and killed her first Imp was euphoric, and only after the adrenaline left her system did she feel slightly bothered with the less than chaste kiss she had exchanged with Rilanna. Nothing more had happened after that time, nor did either of them discuss pursuing that direction in their relationship, but it had brought them far closer than they were previously, and now Reza could not picture life without her Rilanna. It also made her fiercely protective of the young woman, and, oddly enough, Cham and Hajne as well. For the first time since Vraner's death, she cared about someone other than herself and it was a nice feeling.

As she laughed fondly to herself, she noticed Lerrah regard her quizzically. Reza apologized for the display with a languid, vague gesture. "Just thinking, that's all." She finished the last of her drink, set her empty goblet down upon the side-table, and relaxed against the plush backrest of her armchair. "Tell me, Lerrah, why did you volunteer to take on this dangerous task?"

"Tasia needed my help," Lerrah answered. "When I was staying on the station...we...we were close, and...and I wanted to do a friend a favour. And, they're trapped in there, and I was hoping to see her again. Also, I hate the Empire...they're...they shouldn't be here. So, I want to do my part to get rid of them."

Reza nodded thoughtfully while her fingers idly brushed over the tops of her breasts. "And so now your job is done? You've done your part to free Tae'Karada and that is that?" She chuckled throatily. "How very noble."

"Tae'Karada isn't free yet," Lerrah said, glancing between the two women. "So, my part isn't over yet. I'm still willing to help out...but, I know I can't do it alone."

"Really?" Reza drawled. "And what makes you think I and my small cohort can?"

"I don't know," Lerrah said. "But, I'll help you. And, I'm sure Zale would help too. Dargus Kandran would want to get the Empire out. If the right contacts can be made, it can be done. And, you don't have to do it all. You'd just be the like the general, rather than one of the regular combat troops."

"A general?" Reza emitted a startling, melodious laugh that wasn't at all pleasant. "Oh, Ril, did you hear that? I get to lead my own army of Rebels. I imagine Vraner would certainly find that ironically humourous."

Rilanna smiled. "I'm sure he would," she said. "Not to mention you're getting quite a promotion. From rankless to the top of the ladder. Not bad."

Lerrah sighed and looked away. Perhaps I should just leave, she thought. Tell Tase, that the woman is far too bitter to want to do anything but sit on her ass in this luxurious house.

"Did you know," Reza went on, her haughty, airy tone cutting into Lerrah's thoughts, "we have bounty hunters tracking us. Ril here has already killed two, but our good friend, Major Weyland, has no doubt sent more after us. If I were to make myself conspicuous, say by becoming the General of this little resistance movement, you do know my life and those of everyone dear to me will be in even more jeopardy, do you not?"

"Look," Lerrah finally said. "If you don't want to do this, don't. Stay here and live out your life. I have a friend on that station, and I'm going to help her. I'm going to do my part to get those bastards off my home, and hopefully out of this galaxy. You don't have to do it, and I'm not forcing you. I'm just the messenger. I carried the messenger with a friend who thought you might want your station back. If you don't, fine. I don't care. I do care about getting my friend out, and I'll try to find help elsewhere if you're not interested. I'm sure there are plenty of people who want to run the station once the Empire is ousted."

Reza's face remained neutral, her expression unreadable, except for the tiny grin softening her lips. Her gaze passed lazily from Rilanna, to whom she gave an imperceptible nod of approval, then back to Lerrah. "I like your passion and fire, young woman. And, now that I'm more confident you are not simply a puling, whimpering idiot, we can truly discuss your offer."

"Let someone turn a raging Wookiee loose on you and see how much whimpering you do," Lerrah said with a laugh. "You do realize those things can completely rip arms from a person's body, right? I happen to like my arms right where they are."

"Oh, Cham's harmless," Reza assured her. "Dear Hajne has tamed the beast. He's here simply for intimidation. If you ask nicely, he may even let you pet his belly."

Lerrah shook her head. "Well, I know that now, but when he's doing all that howling and fist waving, he certainly looks ferocious."

Reza chuckled. "Yes...quite. I believe he will make a fine soldier for our army, do you not think so, Lerrah Breijal?"

Lerrah couldn't help smiling. "I think he would make a perfect soldier," she said. "And, I'm not all that great with a blaster, but there are things I can do. I'll help you however you need me to, Mrs. Anoran."

"Good," she replied. She nodded to Rilanna, then Reza rose from her seat. "We can discuss that in the morning. It has been a long day, Ms. Breijal, and I certainly think better when I've had plenty of rest. Rilanna will show you to your room."

"Thank you," Lerrah said as she stood. "After we talk tomorrow, I can take any messages back to Tae'Karada. I'd give anything to see the look on senile old Tarkin's face when he loses the station."

"How about the look on his face when I press a blaster to his forehead?" The smile on Reza's face was far too jovial for such a gruesome threat, but no one said she was exactly sane. "Good night, Lerrah Breijal. And if Hajne's squeals keep you up, just bang on the wall. That'll shut those two up."

Lerrah laughed again and shook her head. Rilanna motioned her to follow, and she did.

"We have a spare room down this way, unfortunately right next to the woman who doesn't know what the word quietly means and a Wookiee who is nearly incapable of being quiet, especially when he's with Hajne."

Lerrah laughed again, but followed along, soon disappearing down the hallway to leave Shrezade Anoran alone. Tomorrow the plans for retaking Tae'Karada and the Drogen shipyards would begin in earnest. Tomorrow, the plans for freedom would be outlined and she'd be able to see Tasia again. She glanced back at Shrezade one more time, and smiled hopefully at the woman.

---

"One Good Thing, Part 1"
by Symm Ruus Dunn

Location: Outskirts of Thanatos/Thanatos Landing Fields
Date: Eos 20, 4 ABY

***05h00***

Many hours ago, the lush forest Symm had acquired his Imperial bike in had changed to the sparse scrubland and then desert that was more familiar around his destination. The dunes were beginning to become larger and larger with pockets of rocky spires rising amidst them. Symm decided to get rid of the bike. If not, a Stormtrooper could see Symm's approach from miles and miles. Symm shrugged and slowed next to a large spire.

The rock was slightly moist and there were small green sprigs pushing up from cracks. Symm looked for a burrow or fissure in the rock and was rewarded with nothing. He opened the cargo container of the bike and pulled a fusion cutter out. Setting the cutter upon one of the small cracks he was rewarded with a slight trickle of water. Using a trick he had discovered on Aluas 7, he curled a long grass blade up and inserted it into his newly made hole. That enabled the trickling water to run along the grass' edge, so Symm cut a survival tent (one of two he had pilfered from his scout ambush) into several small patches. With one of the patches he made a lean-to of sorts big enough for one of the other patches to receive shade under. Symm shifted the blade of grass so that the trickle would land in this shady spot and then used several of the other patches to cover over his waterhole, and then he sprinkled sand over the top for camouflage.

After that work was done, Symm set about fixing his now over-foliaged Guilly suit. With all of the forest gone, the ferns and whatnot were useless. They would stick out in the bland desert environment. He removed all but a few and made sure that the ones he left were spindly twigs and dried out branches. After doing that he sat up on a small ledge of the spire he was next to and ate a small breakfast of Imperial rations. After the energy bar was done, he pulled his minicomp, also stolen from an Imperial scout, and macrobinoculars from his cargo pockets.

Thanatos is about a three hour walk West-North-West from here and I haven't seen any Imp Patrols yet. Symm thought about Imperial tactics and was scanning the horizon when he caught sight of what he was looking for. Aha! Three troopers, riding Sand Geezu. Two troopers, and one sensor operator. Heading on a typical patrol route for an occupation force. But they are in close! That would mean the patrol routes would be compact and tougher to get into. Oh! Symm shifted his attention to a small freighter, an Etti Lighter, which lumbered across the sky about a mile away and 50 feet off of the ground.

A small burst of blaster fire came from a small turret on the side as the "Lighter" tried to juke right, then left. Symm watched as three TIE Fighters lanced strafing runs into the side where the turret was. He saw the small explosion of energy and flesh as the turret hatch was decimated and its contents riddled with energy bolts. Smoke began to boil from the hole in the Lighter's hull and Symm could almost imagine the pilot frantically trying to set the small freighter down easy. Symm could see that the movements of the Lighter were getting jerky and less controlled, but it did seem to be coming down controlled.

And then the three TIE Fighters were back. A strafing run apiece ripped into the upper hull plating of the stricken ship. Still the Lighter was getting nearer and nearer the ground and seemed to still be controlled. Symm began crawling down the spire, keeping an eye on the drama happening a mile away. Just as it seemed to touch ground, the rear half of the now smoking ship ripped itself apart in a tremendous explosion. The front portions of the ship was lifted further in the air as it cartwheeled ahead of the quickly spreading black cloud and fingers of shrapnel. Symm could actually see two people, humanoids at least, actually leap out of the remnant and fall at least a hundred feet to the sand below. He thought he saw a third as well, but if it was a body, the hull section continued its cartwheel through the poor soul.

Symm leapt the remaining five feet of the spire and collected his things into one of the combat packs he was using. He inspected his water collector and was rewarded with a swallow of refreshing, but bitter, mineral water. He looked in the direction of Thanatos, and then at the smoking remains of a freighter and possibly survivors. Not exactly opposite directions. Oh well, Thanatos can wait a bit more. Symm throttled his stolen bike up and sped off to see if he could find the brave souls.

If there were any.

***0600 hours***

The sun had only been up for an hour or so, having gone up about the time Symm arrived at his breakfast spire. Symm looked through his macrobinocs at the dunes for miles around the charred front half of the Lighter. He could see the spire he had left and he could also see the patrol he had seen before lumbering towards the wreck from the direction of Thanatos. I have an hour, another half an hour if I'm lucky.

He turned back to the front section. His nose wrinkled as what he believed he saw as a third body was one, emphasis on was. The remains were so unrecognizable that species could only be put as red-blooded. Curiously enough, the landing strut he been extended and the small front section landed right side up on it. With the force of the crash and probably not a little damage from the fight, the strut had crumpled and the cockpit was intact. Relatively so. The Glassteel windows were all shattered but, apart from a few crinkles and dents, it turned out to be a pretty intact piece. Symm thought that sometime in the future, it would make a pretty good desert shelter. He didn't want to disturb anything, and turned to follow the supposed path of the ship as it blew apart for what he thought were survivors who chose to leap to safety.

He found them easy enough too. There were two, a man and a teenaged boy. He found them both because the man had a smoking shard of metal protruding through his back. Both bodies had created miniature craters of their impact. Symm could hear and see the labored breathing of the face down boy. Symm saw the jerky movement of an injured body trying to cling to life. Symm knelt next to the body and began his first aid training to tell if there were any bone breaks which prohibited the movement of the body. He could feel several broken ribs, the left arm was essentially mush, but was cauterized, so that had happened in the explosion.

He could see small cuts all over the torso of the boy and two deep ones along the opposite side of the ruined arm. But, Symm knew that he needed to be seen in a medical facility or he would die. That meant speed. He had to get to Thanatos as swiftly as possible. The bike was this boy's salvation. Symm slowly moved him up onto the bike's second seat. There he splinted all of the breaks he could and then strapped the injured boy to himself.

***0715 hours***

Sitting with a broken and bleeding boy, he throttled the bike on and looked up to see the three Stormtroopers advancing on the wreck in a gallop. These three turned to six as another three hundred yards or so to the left of the first group crested a dune. Resigning himself to the fact he wouldn't be sneaking into Thanatos as he had hoped, Symm throttled up and burst towards the sand cavalry. He drew his pistol, his carbine was being used as a back-and-neck splint.

The second group of troopers reigned in and began lancing the area with blaster fire. Bolts of energy sped at and past him as Symm weaved and juked the bike as best he could. He depressed the firing stud of the bike's blasters and saw several swaths set into the forelegs of one of the reptilian beasts that the troopers were riding. He sped past the three and soon realized that the other three had set up a sort of cross fire and he felt several jolts as blaster bolts impacted the bike. He grunted as one glanced across his thigh. He prayed that the boy would make it through this and throttled even higher.

Blaster bolts continued to follow him until he outranged the light blasters used by mounted troops. He kept the throttle full-bore and headed straight for Thanatos proper. Not very long after, He began to see grounded freighters here and there, all with Imperials of some sort around them. Some of the Imps exclaimed and pulled comm gear or something out and tried a pursuit, but the bike he was using was faster than any of the patrol cars that were being used. But the amount of Imps that weren't involved in shouting matches with owners and captains of the ships there were very few indeed and Symm got by without any serious problems.

"Well kid, they know we're comin'. Hold on just a little longer. Just a little longer," Symm said more to himself than the boy strapped to his back. Symm knew that if he could do this one good thing, then the death which he would wreak upon the Imperials would at least partly be atoned for.

---

"One Good Thing, Part 2"
By: Symm Ruus Dunn

Location: Thanatos
Date: Eos 20, 4 ABY

***0900 hours***

A shrill whine of repulsor motors became louder and louder as the empty houses on the very outskirts of Thanatos squatted in the blowing dust. For the past hour, Thanatos had been under a storm system which caused dust devils to spring up and throw obscuring clouds of sand and dust into the air. The repulsor's whine reached a crescendo as an odd figure on a speeder bike zipped past dirty buildings. There was a man intently steering and throttling the bike and what appeared to be another figure behind the first, very close behind.

Symm throttled the bike to a stop and parked it in an unused alleyway between what had been two houses. He began the laborious task of removing himself from the bike, all the while trying to keep the dying teenager as still as possible. Symm looked the kid over once again and saw that his condition hadn't gotten much worse. Apart from the slight jostling of riding the bike the kid had been through worse and Symm hoped he would pull through. The kid just needed medical attention, and fast.

Symm gathered his gear and hid it in the refuse of the alleyway. He grabbed some of the cloth that was there and dressed his worn costume up a little so that he appeared more worn and poor. With his disguise as good as he could make it, he pulled a few pieces of metal from the bike and wood from the houses and fashioned better splints for the boy, trying to do this without further injuring the poor guy. He had realized that weapons, not counting the fact of their origin, would be suspicious as splints on an injured person. Besides, the straighter pieces of whatever he found were better for the bones anyway.

Symm looked down at what he had created and sighed. If you make it through this, guy, you are a stronger man than I. Symm grunted as a few still bruised parts of his own body complained when he lifted the boy onto his back. The "papoose" he had created was better for the boy, but not very easily lugged around. Symm's legs began to ache as he stepped further into town. He just needed to find someone to tell him where a doctor was.

***1030 hours***

Symm's back and legs were now arguing amongst themselves and Symm hadn't yet seen anyone to ask. The dust storm had quit about an hour before, and the sky was clear blue, with the sun shining brightly and hotly. The sweat that had been cooling before, now was getting just bothersome. Symm could see crystallized salt on his pant legs and knew that the same was probably true for his shirt. Hunched over as he was, he regretted the fact that the kid was probably baking, but he was pushed onward by the slight movement every so often by the hurt teen.

***1130 hours***

Symm stared incredulously at the little boy in front of him. He had a stick in his hand and was pointing it menacingly as if it were a blaster pistol. "No further, Impie scum!" the boy said with as much authority in his voice as he could muster. "Go back where you come from!"

Symm was about to speak when a young woman emerged from the house. "Pyre! Leave the man al--" She stopped and stared at the hunched Symm with his burden and after a few seconds, asked, "Mister, what the hell are you doing?" She came closer and then ran into the house, saying, "I'll get some water!"

Symm went slowly to his knees with a close eye on the young boy, still menacing Symm with a blaster stick. He smiled, but the kid just scowled and then stuck his tongue out. Symm couldn't help but chuckle and this prompted the kid to turn and scamper away.

"You really should head a few blocks that way." The young woman was back and was carrying a pitcher of clear water and a rag, which she applied to the bundled teens face and head. "How long has he been like this? I'll tell you what, it will take you too long to head to Doc Tull's like this. I have a dune sled, I'll go get it."

Symm watched the girl head away with the refreshing pitcher of water with a pang in his stomach.

"Oh! Sorry, mister!" The woman turned and came back laying the water at Symm's right side. "Now, I'll get the sled. Take him off of your back."

Symm was sucking on the rag because he knew he would gulp the water if he didn't. He didn't want to get sick in front of the kind woman. He then slowly pulled the back rig off and laid the young body down.

His shoulders, back, legs, and head were screaming at him for rest when he turned the sled into a wide building which sported a red cross on its walls. He could hear several groans and a scream or two coming from the back, but had nowhere else to go. Once his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw that a short fat little human with long sideburns and an equally long ponytail stood looking at him.

"You must be the man I've been told about. Bring that man over here. Help me put him on the bed. Very swiftly, man. Don't move his arms." The little man became a bundle of energy as Symm helped him with the body while the doc talked.

"The name is Tull, Doc Tull. Really! That's the name, the profession came later. Hmm... Lets have a look see shall we?" The Doc began removing the various splints Symm had put on. Symm watched and helped where he could but after a bit, an angry Doc Tull looked up at him and said. "Look, I appreciate what you have done. By the looks of you, it hasn't been easy, but, you're still walkin', that's something my patient doesn't at the moment got... So, if you please, leave. He will be alright. Come see me tomorrow. He should be conscious then. Come back tomorrow, now go...go. He'll be fine, go... Go!"

The little man had been talking in slowly louder tones as he backed Symm out of the small clinic. The door slammed before Symm realized what had happened. He stood looking at the door before turning around and heading back to get his gear.

***1300 hours***

Sitting in the dingy café, Symm was eating the best stew he had ever tasted. He didn't care what was probably in it. His appearance had changed too. He had found another room with comparative ease and had used the refresher to clean up. Feeling like a new man, and in no small part truly a new man, he had set into the city proper to find food and contacts to help him locate the people actively fighting the Imperials for Thanatos. And not just for Thanatos; for the whole planet for that matter. It had to start somewhere. This was as good a place as any.

---

"A Lull's Portence"
by: Symm Ruus Dunn

Location: Thanatos
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

The sky was slowly darkening, initiating the gritty glows of many dirty neon lights. Various bars and cantinas were just starting into their most profitable periods and even though Imperial Patrols were commonplace, there were still people braving the streets to get a cup of caf or stronger.

Symm had been up and down many of the various streets of Thanatos looking for a hint, a sign. He needed to find the rebellious groups here. Without them, he was doomed to work alone and lose his life. It was inevitable in his mind. He hung his head and watched the ground as he trudged dejectedly down an avenue. He was headed back to his rented room, planning on hitting the sack for the night. He could feel his muscles and old wounds angrily telling him that he was over-exerting himself. It was nothing new, but he had usually been too busy with evasion, engaging, or hiding to feel it. In the lull, Symm's body was pleading for rest.

Symm caught his breath short as a flash of white caught his eye. Looking up, he saw that he was alone on the street except for a speeder van parked very close to the front door of a small house. What caught his eye was the white armor of Stormtroopers. At least, the trooper armor's glove. Its wearer had reached out of the front door and accepted a package from someone in the side cargo hatch of the speeder. Symm ducked into an alley as soon as he could and saw a body being passed from the van to the house. Two of the gloved hands reached out for a second and then they were gone, inside the house with the inert body.

Symm considered all he had seen and came to the conclusion that it had to be some sort of insertion house which was dealing in kidnapping and probably interrogation. Agents of the Imperial Security Bureau were probably entering and exiting Thanatos through this house and returning when the mission was done. There was probably many thousands of credits worth of electronic countermeasure gear, sensor baffles, weaponry, monitoring, communications and other equipment in the house. It would be an invaluable asset to have in the hands of the insurrection. The only problem was that Symm was no closer to meeting any of them than he was when he came to Thanatos in the first place.

Symm hurried down the alleyway and exited onto a different street. There, he saw a small café called "Em's Hole" with a small pink neon sign hanging above the front door which was partially burnt out. The only other light on the street was a small lamp a block or so down the street. This caused long and ominous shadows to fall across the street and was perfect for walking without being seen. Once he was at the door, Symm opened it and walked in, taking off his hat and cloak and shaking them free of dust.

The café was small, that was true, but it wasn't one of the cleanest places in Thanatos that Symm had seen. He scanned the place and saw two tables with three chairs each. There weren't any booths and the bar/kitchen took up most of the back wall. A couple patrons sat at the bar nursing various colored drinks in dingy glasses. He chose one of the tables and sat down; putting his cloak and hat against one of the other chairs. He looked up as the barkeep began moving from behind the bar towards him.

"What can I getch ya?" The barkeep was a short Twi'lek who had seen much better days. A permanent scowl had creased his face and one of his lekku had been removed halfway down the stalk. His clothes were filthy but he placed a cloudy glass down in front of Symm with a flourish and tried to show that he was at all interested in Symm's response.

"Caf, please," Symm replied. "One glass should be fine. Say, you wouldn't have happened to see anything interesting recently. maybe in the last few days?" With the last sentence, Symm placed a hundred credit note in the glass and handed it back to the grungy looking barkeep. The barkeep smiled and accepted the glass. He turned and walked back behind the bar. He filled the glass after removing the cash and walked back to Symm's table.

With a look of disdain almost taking over from the scowl covering his face, the Twi'lek said, "Now that you mention it, I did see that I am getting boils." With that, the Twi'lek snorted and almost grinned. He turned and walked back to the bar. Symm heard a couple of the patrons at the bar snicker but after a quick glance back at him, they stopped.

Symm grinned inwardly, realizing that he would have to try new approaches. He also realized that perhaps actions were more persuasive than words. He would need to make a public show of it and then melt into the shadows to be found later. For that, he needed planning. He needed to get back to his room. Hopefully, the streets would be relatively clear of Imps for the walk back. With a sigh, Symm stood, put his hat and cloak on, threw a twenty on the table and left the café with his glass of caf in his hand.

---

"Warnings"
by Yelara Kandran
Dargus Kandran
Leshie Zaneth [NPC+]
and Orinth Neerou [NPC+]

Location: Corellia
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Orinth had been sleeping for hours now, which was a relief to Yelara. It meant she had an excuse to hide away in his bedroom with little interference and few impromptu visits by Dargus. She didn't know why she was feeling the way she was, why she shrank away from his touch and cringed at the sound of his voice; why she gave herself to him reluctantly and received no enjoyment through their carnal acts; or especially why, when she had even a moment of peace, she thought only of Liam.

Dargus had her love now, not her cheating bastard of a husband. Yet...whenever she gazed into Dargus' inscrutable, dark eyes, why did Liam's piercing blue appear? She was convinced she was losing her mind, and refused to admit that this was happening because she still felt something for Liam. How could she forgive a man who had hurt her so deeply? But he was suffering for it now, at Dargus' hands. Wasn't that enough penance for his mistake?

Yelara groaned and lay her head upon her grandfather's chest. Soon, she felt his hand delicately stroking her hair and turned her face towards his.

"Sorry," she whispered. "Didn't mean to wake you."

"No trouble at all, my Yara," he replied weakly. "But, waking up to see you in such distress is not what I would have hoped for."

Yelara sighed and sat up straight, though in her sombre state, her shoulders remained hunched in a manifestation of her grief. "I was just thinking, that's all," she murmured, staring absently at his weathered hand beneath hers.

"Thinking about Liam, no doubt."

Yelara sighed wearily. "Grandfather...please."

"No," he said flatly. "I will not sit idly by and watch you suffer, watch that good man suffer. You must see that Dargus is evil. I can smell it rolling off him like a thick fog. Are you so blinded by him that you cannot see it?"

Yelara's body trembled slightly and a layer of tears washed over her eyes as she stared mutely at her hand gripping Orinth's tighter. The old man nodded slowly. "So...you are beginning to see. It's about time, Yara."

She took in a staggering breath and tore her hand away from Orinth's. "I'm confused, that's all," she explained. "I was surprised by Liam's appearance and...and it just...threw me for a loop."

"It's not that. You're beginning to see the truth about him. Don't look away."

"I can't!" she groaned, jumping to her feet. "I-I can't...." She turned her face from Orinth's view quickly as a tear forced its way down her cheek. "I-I have to go. I'll bring you some food."

"Yar--"

Before he could beg her to listen, Yelara rushed out of the room to escape the truth of Orinth's words.

***

"Yelara," Dargus called out softly as he stepped into Orinth's room. "Oh, I guess she's not here. How are you feeling, Orinth? That was a bad spell you had the other day, but it looks like you're recovering nicely now. You-- you don't like me, do you?"

"Why should I?" he replied gruffly. "Look at the pain you're causing my Yara. You do know she hates you, don't you? That it disgusts her to be with you?"

"I don't know about that," Dargus said lightly. "We actually have some good times together, but I shouldn't tell you about that. I don't think you'd be too enthusiastic to hear what your granddaughter does behind closed doors."

"Does against her will?" Orinth retorted.

"Oh, I assure you, she's quite willing," Dargus answered. "An unwilling woman doesn't scream in quite that way. But, I wouldn't expect you to know something about that."

Orinth shrugged his bony shoulders, seeming indifferent to Dargus' boasts. "I've found that women have great imaginations. She may scream, but that is no assurance that she is thinking of you."

"If it isn't about me, then it's about what we'll do together to Liam Zaneth for the pain he's caused her. Though, she could be thinking about her lesbian lover, Kallia, but Kallia is quite fond of my son Keeve right now."

Orinth's lips twisted into a frown of disgust and he spat at Dargus' feet. "You leave my house! You're made up of everything vile that exists in the universe, and Yelara is realizing that. With my help, she won't doubt it for much longer."

"Oh, not everything by far," Dargus answered. "Actually, I'm just an apprentice to that vileness. There are much more vile and wicked things than me. Though, you are correct. I'm not clean and good, but I do love Yelara. I give her all I can, and everything she desires. And, I will not stand for anything that destroys what we have." He took a step forward, and the entire aspect of his being seemed to change as his body became charged with the energy of the Force. "That little incident with your heart was no accident, old man. If you wish to see your granddaughter again in your life, your great grandson grow to be a man, I suggest you keep all your ideas about me quiet. I could destroy your life in an instant, and Yelara would not suspect a thing. Am I understood?"

Orinth shrank away from the shadow falling upon his bed and creeping closer to him, prepared to engulf him in Dargus' malevolence. "Y-You stay away," he gasped. One hand went to his chest as his weakened heart throbbed painfully. "You l-leave my Yara alone."

"You stay out of this, and Yelara will be fine," Dargus answered. "And, so will you. If you insist on interfering, I can't guarantee your safety."

A shred of courage returned to Orinth and the old man sat up to regard Dargus with fierce eyes. "You hurt me, and you will lose Yelara. But...perhaps that would be a wise course of action, all things considered..."

"If I lose her because of you," Dargus said, "I will kill her. Keep your mouth closed, and you both live. Say a word, or let on that anything is amiss, and...well, I think you're intelligent enough to understand."

"Damn you," Orinth sputtered. "You will burn in hell, Dargus Kandran! And when you do, I will be watching, laughing heartily."

"Most likely," Dargus said with a shrug. "I will leave you to your thoughts. Yelara is returning with your food, and I don't want you casting me any angry glares while she's here with you. It might make the situation...difficult."

Orinth, wheezing and breathless with angry sank back against his pillow and watched Dargus bow unctuously before striding towards the door. The old man chanted an Old Corellian curse at Dargus, then sent up a prayer for his Yara and Va'Lesh. Married to a fiend such as Dargus Kandran, she would need all the blessings of the gods she could get.

Out in the hallway, Dargus met Yelara coming from the other direction. "Hello, my beautiful love," he said. "Orinth is doing much better, isn't he?"

"He is," she replied quietly, distractedly. She glanced at Orinth's door, then at Dargus warily. "You were visiting him?"

"I was looking for you, and I thought you might be in there," he said. "But, you weren't. So, I just checked in on him since I was there."

She nodded slowly, then nodded to the tray in her hands. "I need to give him this. Excuse me," she murmured, then moved past him.

Dargus stepped out of the way for her, but didn't move far from Orinth's door. Using Force-enhanced senses, he could hear everything that was said.

"Oh, Yara!" Orinth cried out, holding out his arms to her.

Yelara frowned with concern and rushed to her grandfather's bedside. She set down the tray of food upon his side table and took each of his hands into hers. "What is it? Grandfather...you don't look well. What happened?"

"That...that monster, that's what! Oh dear, Yara, it isn't safe for you."

She shook her head. "He wouldn't hurt me. He would never."

Orinth's hands tightened spasmodically around hers and pulled her closer. Yelara gasped as she was thrown off balance and forced to sit at Orinth's side. "Grandfather--"

"He's going to kill you," he rasped. "You and Va'Lesh. Dear girl, you have to go. Now!"

Yelara took in a shaky breath and swallowed back all her fear, though her doubts refused to be repressed. "You're not well," she said quietly. "You need to rest, that's all, Grandfather."

"Rest my ear! I heard him. I may be old, but I'm not senile, Yara!"

"Shh... Grandfather, please! He'll hear."

The old man snorted wryly. "I don't care. I need to keep you safe, no matter what he does to me."

"Does to you?" She sighed. "He won't do anything to you, or me for that matter. Please...stop this."

In the hallway, Dargus sighed. He needed his hands to be clean of this, or he would lose Yelara. He couldn't do that, not yet. As much as a part of him wanted to, he couldn't destroy her that way.

In his mind, the figure of his Master appeared before him. The man was smiling despite the black soul that pulsed beneath the kindly veneer. Patience, my apprentice, he was saying, as he had said so often. The hasty action often leads to ruin. Slow and calculating, no matter how hot your blood burns, will achieve the most fulfilling results. Watch and wait, and you will be rewarded.

With a growl, Dargus turned away and strode down the hallway, despite the raging desire to rush to the bedroom door, and obliterate the old man. He rushed to the front door and outside, the duplicitous thoughts in his mind driving him on. He stopped and collapsed to his knees by the roadside, a battle of wills being waged in his mind.

Yelara had finally managed to calm down Orinth by assuring him she would be careful. He wasn't satisfied, but he knew it would take time to break through Yelara's stubborn resolve and convince her she was in danger. Willingly allowing Yelara to spoon the warm broth into his mouth, Orinth sighed and relaxed against the pillow propped against the headboard. Before she could get another into him, Orinth stopped the spoon with his hand and raised one bushy eyebrow at her. "Visit Liam. Talk to him, Yelara. You must."

Before, when her mind was made up and emotions not conflicted, Yelara would have flatly refused. Now, though, she seriously considered. "Finish your soup," she told him gently. She set the spoon down onto the tray and rose from the bed. "I'll take care of everything, Grandfather. Please trust me."

"I always have, Yara," he replied with a wistful smile. "I will trust you."

Nodding her gratitude, Yelara once again departed from the room. The moment the door was sealed behind her, she pressed her back to it and let out a silent sob. To say her soul was tortured was putting it mildly. To say it was being rended into tiny, bloodied shreds was a more accurate description.

She pined for her husband now, so instead went to her son. His eyes would satisfy her need to see Liam for now, but the time would come when she would need him, in the flesh...if Dargus hadn't already killed him.

***

Dargus found Yelara lying on the bed, with Va'Lesh kicking his feet into the air next to her. One hand was smoothing the baby's soft red locks as she softly sang a gentle song to him. Dargus couldn't hear the words but the melody was nice. "How's everything?" he asked as he came into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. As he sat, Leshie gave a whimper.

Yelara impulsively pulled Leshie closer to her, farther from Dargus. "It's fine," she replied tightly. "Just...wanted to see how he was doing. He's not so agitated today."

"Yelara?" Dargus asked as he studied her face. "Is everything alright? You seem...distant. Is everything alright? Is it your grandfather? You know when you're with me, you don't need to be worried. I'll do everything and anything to keep you safe."

She diverted her gaze to Leshie and kept it on his pudgy, cherubic face. "I think... I want to leave today, Dargus. I can't be here anymore, not without being completely miserable."

"I understand," Dargus said. "It must be very difficult for you. But, I'm sure everything will be fine. If you'd like, we can arrange for someone to watch after Orinth. It wouldn't be any trouble at all, and they'd be able to make sure he's eating enough and taking his medication."

Yelara traced the curve of Leshie's plump cheek with one finger, mulling over Dargus' offer. "I-I don't think he would accept. I'll just ask one of the neighbours to look in on him."

"Of course," Dargus said with a nod. "I imagine that would be easiest, and he'd feel most comfortable with people he knows rather than strangers." He took one of her hands into his and brought it to his lips. "He doesn't want me here, so why don't I return to the ship. You can say your goodbyes and arrange for the neighbours to watch after him. I'll have everything ready, and soon as you get back, we'll be off."

"Okay," she said softly. "Thank you, Dargus." She gave him a wan smile, then gently pulled her hand free from his and returned it to Leshie's cheek, where her attention was now fully focused.

A dark scowl passed over Dargus' face, but he let it go. Bide your time, he told himself. "I'll see you soon, Yelara," he said. "We'll be home again before you know it."

"Yes, My Lord," she muttered absently, then placed a tender kiss upon Leshie's brow, thinking how alike his father he really was becoming. She found that it brought a smile to her face.

Dargus turned and strode from the room. He was losing her, but he would find a way to reclaim her. He had to bring her back to him because he knew a part of him would despair to have to destroy her.

***

With Leshie cradled in a sling and strapped to her torso, tugging curiously at a raven curl hanging down Yelara's shoulder, mother and son climbed the docking ramp of the ship. Dargus had dispatched a droid to tend to Leshie's things, which it now pushed on a hovercart up into the vessel. Orinth's neighbours readily volunteered to watch over the feeble, old man, but his passionate pleas belied his weak appearance. He had begged her yet again to turn her back on Dargus before it was too late. She simply kissed his cheek, told him she'd comm when she had a chance, then disappeared. His breath was wasted on her;

she already knew everything he was telling her, and agreed.

Yelara paused momentarily in her ascent, hesitated. If she entered, she wouldn't get a chance to escape Dargus' unyielding snare. But Liam was with him now, and that was reason enough to stay.

"Come on, daddy's little Jedi Knight," she whispered to Leshie. She nuzzled her lips to his coppery hair. "We have to be brave for him. He needs us now and as much as we hate him, we can't help but love him. You'll be brave for mama, won't you?"

Leshie gurgled and tugged gently on Yelara's curl. She laughed softly. "That's a good boy." Still brushing her cheek against his brow, Yelara mounted the ramp and soon it withdrew behind her. She couldn't help feeling trapped, but she had no other choice. As Orinth had said, Dargus would kill them both if she ran and Yelara wasn't about to give him that opportunity.

She made her way slowly through the ship, not too eager to run into Dargus, and unfortunately came upon him in the conference room. A group of men, along with one woman, had just risen from their seats around the large table and were now heading to the door. Yelara stepped aside to allow them passage.

Each filed out in turn, two of the males giving her appraising looks, and the other male appearing uninterested. The woman's gaze, however, seemed disheartened and rueful. Yelara could only imagine why.

Dargus watched the Red Dragons leave, an inward smile only showing in his eyes. He had given them a task that Raxis L'Ygr had readily agreed to. He appreciated the man's loyalty, and it showed that he used to work for the Empire. L'Ygr was smart enough to know that if they worked for him, they would be rich and powerful. If they betrayed him, the man knew what would happen.

L'Ygr and the brutish one, Gort Donovan would remain on the ship and return to Tae'Remok with him. The woman and the queer would remain on Corellia. They would dispatch Orinth Neerou, and then use the Dragon's ship to return. Soon, the man's meddling would no longer provide any interference. News would arrive in about a week stating that his heart had given out, but none would know the real reason. It was perfect.

"Yelara, my love," Dargus said, standing and coming to embrace her. "And, my beautiful little boy. I hope everything went well. The neighbours agreed, and your grandfather is fine?"

"Yes," she replied. "Mrs. Dojek said she'd check in every few hours or so. Are we ready to take off?"

"Yes," Dargus said. "Come, let's go to the main cabin and we can get comfortable. And, I'm sure Leshie would rather be in a playpen right now, wouldn't you, little guy?"

Leshie whimpered and buried his face into Yelara's chest. She whispered soothing words to her boy and gave Dargus an apologetic look. "I should probably stay with him. He might be hungry."

"We can bring him in with us," Dargus said. "We can set up the carrier for him. And, then he can be with us, and loving mama will be close."

Yelara smiled and nodded. "Alright. But only for a little while. He's had a rough time lately... He'll need his sleep."

"Of course," Dargus answered as he began leading them back to the main cabin. "And, when we get back, we'll be able to see what kind of torment we can cause Liam. I do think it would really torture him to watch us make love. I think hearing you screaming my name would drive him insane. He'll realize what a fool he was to cheat on you with Laedra Vorrel."

"I--" Yelara's brow knitted. "I don't want to do that. Can't we...can't we just make love in privacy?"

"How are we going to hurt him then?" Dargus asked. "That's what you've been wanting, right? You want him to suffer for the pain he caused you, for sleeping with that slut, and ruining your life. Please don't tell me that seeing him again affected you, Yelara. That you're going soft on our plans for revenge."

"I'm not," she snapped. "It's just..." She sighed. "Can't you think up something more original than showing him footage of us making love? Maybe...maybe you should let me see him. I'll be there, but just out of reach. He can beg and plead, but I'll remain deaf to his importunities. Isn't that a better way to punish him?"

Dargus smiled. "That's my wife," he said. "Yes, when we return to the ship, then the torture will begin. You'll make him realize what a fool he was for throwing away what you had. And, his heart will crumble as yours did when you found out about him; but, alas, he won't have anyone there to help him rebuild his heart."

Yelara nodded pensively. "Perhaps I should take Leshie with me as well, just to add to the torment. I think he will break easily after that."

"Oh, that will be beautiful to see," Dargus said. "I imagine you may even get him crying. Wouldn't that be a sight to see? A Jedi Knight crying."

It was the last thing Yelara wanted to see, but she laughed nonetheless. "You're evil, Dargus," she teased, though there was a hint of sincerity in her tone. "Incorrigibly evil."

"I am, aren't I," Dargus said. "Though, for you, I am good, Yelara. For you, I am kind and gentle. For you and Va'Lesh."

For how long? she wondered. Despite her pessimistic musing, she craned her neck, then reached up to place a kiss upon his lips, fitting into the role again of the perfect, affectionate wife. "Come. Let's go see what Corellia looks like from space."

Dargus smiled and slipped an arm through hers. "How very romantic," he said. "Perhaps one of these days, I'll buy Corellia for you. It can be our own personal vacation spot."

"Isn't Tae'Karada a big enough playground for you?" she asked.

With a laugh, Dargus shook his head. "Of course not," he crowed. "It's so out of the way and distant from everything. And, there's that pesky Imperial infestation right now. Though, I have a few ideas that will get rid of that rather quickly."

"And...the palace?" she asked, trying to sound at least a little eager. "I've never seen the inside of it."

"Oh, my love, soon you and I will reside in that palace. Of course, we'll have to have it...cleaned after Tarkin is removed. I can only think of what that landmark of Tae'Karada's history must be going through with that man living there."

"I don't know why you didn't depose him before," Yelara said. "You had the manpower. You could have owned Tae'Karada by now. Why did you wait?"

"The time wasn't right," Dargus answered. "Though, soon it will be. I have a few ideas I'd like to see for Tae'Karada, though they might not all be appreciated. Especially by my modest wife."

"Oh?" Yelara raised a questioning eyebrow and couldn't help grinning at him. "Naked women in the streets?"

"Well, if they wanted to be, I wouldn't object," Dargus answered. "Though, I was thinking of making the equadi mandatory attire for women."

"As long as you don't plan on sleeping with any of those women, I'm fine with it. And as long as I get to wear clothing." She glanced sidelong at Dargus and asked quizzically, "I do get to wear clothing, don't I?"

"You will be allowed clothing," Dargus said with a smile. "Amazing, beautiful clothing. Whatever you desire. I would never deny my beloved wife. Besides, I don't believe I would like all those people looking at you."

Yelara chuckled. "Oh, I doubt you'd even let me leave the palace, so that won't be a problem."

Dargus chuckled and brushed his lips against the side of her head. "Of course I would," he said. "I may be a bastard, but I am certainly not that cruel."

Yelara let out a shuddering breath, and was at once filled with confusion and doubt. Dargus could be tender at times, making her realize she truly did care for him. She couldn't simply betray him, not without leaving her a guilty conscience for the rest of her life. "Dargus," she said softly, "can we go to our room now? I want to just...lie with you. Can we do that?"

Dargus' smile was perhaps a little too wolfish, but he didn't hide it. "Of course," he said. "We can look out the window there if you like. Come, my love, let's go be together, and think only of our little family. Nothing else in the galaxy matters."

"Except destroying Liam Zaneth, correct?"

"I tend to put destroying Liam Zaneth on the order of breathing. It's just one of those things a person has to do."

Yelara would have laughed at Dargus' remark if it had been made two days ago, but today, she simply couldn't feel the same bitter hatred he felt towards Liam. Even as they spoke she was formulating plans to see Liam, ways to set him free. But on the other hand, she could only think of how her conscience would deal with betraying Dargus. She did feel love for him - not as powerful one as she felt for Liam, but it was still there. She knew what had to be done, but she simply couldn't do it yet.

Leshie had fallen asleep against her bosom by the time they reached their cabin. She smiled down at her son and kissed the top of his head. "Now, we'll have a little bit of privacy," she whispered to Dargus.

"Just you, me, and all the stars peeking in through our tiny window," Dargus said as he slid a hand sensuously along Yelara's arm.

He had managed to elicit the same reaction he had before Liam's appearance, and Yelara felt guilty for it and even more confused about her loyalties. With a gentle sigh, she closed her eyes, allowing the sensations to thoroughly consume her, and leaned her head against Dargus' chest. "Just you and me," she whispered. "And the stars. Seems so uncomplicated."

With Yelara's head against his chest, she couldn't see his face, and that allowed him to glance up to one of the hidden holo-cams and give Liam, who was being forced to watch at the other end of the connection, a predatory smile. "Just the three of us," he said.

---

"Death and Bad Dreams"
by Cara Landross

Location: New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4 ABY

***

Cara arrived back home on New Plouton and she plugged the keycard into the lock only to find that the blasted thing was already unlocked. She walked in and glanced around. Her father's papers were strewn around the room, her mother's needlework basket was dumped over, the toolbox was dumped over, the entire main room of the house was ransacked.

She moved into her room to see if anything was where she'd left them and noticed that they were not. She cursed strongly and continued through the rest of the house only to find her parents both in a pool of their own blood.

She dropped to her knees and her head hung down...silent tears began to flow down her cheeks.

She scrubbed at them and moved out of the room. She pulled her blaster and returned to the room and fired on the bodies, disintegrating them instantly. "Good-bye, mom, dad...I love you."

She went to her room and packed her things into a bag. "Time to take off, Huntress, we won't be returning back here anymore."

***

Cara returned to the spaceport and glanced around at the people nearby. Her ship, the Huntress, sat on a pad nearby and she made her way over to her, her hand flush against the metal skin of her hull. "Well, girl, we better be moving on, we no longer have a home."

She walked up the ramp and inside the ship. She pressed the control that closed the ramp and made her way to the cockpit. Sitting in the pilot's seat, she thought about what was to happen now.

"I can find work, with my current skills. I should be able to find someone who needs a pilot."

She stood up out of the seat and made her way back out to the spaceport. Spotting someone, she walked over and asked, "I beg your pardon, but could you tell me where I could find a job?"

The man nodded. "There's a place in Yallder, that's about 20km from here."

She nodded her thanks and realized she needed to get transport to the place. She tagged a transport and told the driver where to take her.

***

The transport, some time later, arrived before the building labeled as Zenarr Inc. She stepped out of the cab and glanced up the building. The driver tapped the glass and held his hand out for payment and she paid him. She stepped to the building and asked the person there who she needed to speak to about a job.

---

"Decoy"
by Garnet Seifer
Gengis Zibel [NPC+]
Grand Admiral Tarkin
Kyra Ronso
Aeris Strife [NPC+]
and other minor NPCS

Location: Tae'Remok System & Arcadia
Date: Eos 20, 4 ABY

***

Garnet was in her room watching her plans on her desk. Soon she would acquire two new planets to her army, and that meant new resources, new soldiers and new ships. She thought to herself that was going to be a very difficult war to win, but if she took her steps with caution and if she planned the battles to the detail she might win it. However, Grand Admiral Tarkin was a problem to her. Tarkin was a brilliant strategist, but his rule by fear didn't bring much admiration from the people of the planets which he ruled upon.

"My Queen?" Admiral Zibel appeared through the door. He looked at her, while trying to catch his breath. "Incoming transmission from Emperor Yu, ruler of planet Gallor!"

"My species' home planet?" Garnet questioned.

"Yes, My Queen. He wishes to speak with you and says it is an important matter," Admiral Gengis Zibel responded, watching her get up and walk through the door near where he was standing.

They walked to the bridge in a quick pace. She wondered what the Emperor of the Gallorians wanted to talked to her about. As she entered the bridge she came near the viewing screen. "Emperor Yu. It's a pleasure," she smiled.

"The pleasure is all mine, Queen Garnet Seifer. I have an important communication for you..." The man on the viewing screen bowed. He had a long beard and grey hair, but he was well built and to the other people on the bridge he looked like a man in his thirties or so.

"I am an old man and soon I'll be gone from this world. I have been talking to my Knights and we all agreed to join your army under your rule. The Gallorians are willing to fight on your side," Emperor Yu said.

Garnet didn't know what to say. "Very well, then. I will be in Gallor tomorrow. Queen Garnet out!" She bowed.

The viewing screen turned off. She looked at Admiral Zibel. "This is excellent. Gallor is mine and is an excellent position too since all of the Spira System will be mine. It will cut off the military trading route of the Kamdon System from Tae'Karada. How long to get to our position, to send the decoy?"

"Half an hour, My Queen." Gengis paused. "The map also says that if we conquer the Kamdon System, Tae'Karada will have two fronts. The New Republic and us!"

"If this plan succeeds we will control all of the Kamdon system." Garnet grinned. She then walked out of the bridge and back to her room. She picked up a small comm and turned it on.

A man with white hair grinned as he showed in her comm. "Hi there, Queen Garnet. What do you wish?"

"Are my swords ready, Dr. Ignisiuse?" Garnet grinned.

"Yes they are, as you requested." The man bowed. "When will you collect them?"

"Tomorrow, Doctor. I have some important business to attend too in Gallor," Garnet answered.

"You're coming here? To Gallor? Why?" the Doctor asked.

"Well, let's say that you don't have to work underground anymore. Garnet out!" Garnet responded with all tranquility while she watched the image fading away.

After a few minutes she received an incoming transmission from the bridge. "My Queen, we're reaching our destination," Admiral Zibel informed.

"I'm on my way, Admiral" Garnet told him as she walked out, making her way to the bridge. As she got there she saw Tae'Karada on the viewing screen. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yes, it is, My Queen." Gengis nodded, marvelled for its view.

"Start sending the message and make sure that the Imperial forces intercept it!" Garnet grinned as she stood, still watching the marvellous planet of Tae'Karada.

"Sending message..." one of the officers confirmed as he sent the message. "Message sent," he stated after having sent it.

Garnet stood still, looking at Tae'Karada. "We now have to wait. Soon we will see if Tarkin believes our message."

***An hour later inside the Throne Room in Arcadia***

Tarkin overlooked the gardens. He knew that with time things were getting more and more out of hand, and he wondered whether it was time to take things to a more serious level... His thoughts were interrupted by the doors as a Red Guard opened them. Tarkin turned to face one of his Captains.

"Grand Admiral, sir, the SSD Nemesis has intercepted a message. It has the markings of the Rebel Alliance and seems to be a long distance message... Cryptology has just decoded it!" he stated as he handed a padd to the Grand Admiral.

Tarkin read through it and frowned. "Send for Kyra Ronso and Aeris Strife!" he ordered at once.

Kyra and Aeris were making their way to the hangar. As they were passing the gardens a Red Guard came towards them. "The Grand Admiral requests your presence," he told them.

"What happened?" Aeris questioned.

The Red Guard answered nothing and simply made a gesture for them to follow. Without further questions the two girls made their way into a room where Tarkin was. Walking towards the New Empire Leader they both bowed. "My Liege... You sent for us," Kyra said.

Tarkin bowed his head, ever so slightly. "Yes, I want you to see this message we intercepted. It seems to be from the Rebel Alliance for a long distance," he told them. "Perhaps you could provide with some inner insight on this?" he asked Kyra, as he pressed a button to make the message appear in a full screen.

"That makes sense. The Rebels are preparing a full scale invasion of Tae'Remok system," Aeris said as she looked to Kyra and saw her eyes constantly moving from the screen to her personal datapad. "What?" she asked her.

"Something's not right here, Aeris. I don't know but definitely wrong!" Kyra said with sharpened eyes.

"What do you mean?" Aeris asked.

"Look, the rebels are not this stupid. They have more advanced coding than this. And this is too obvious!" Kyra answered.

"So if that is not a message from the rebels, then from whom?" Aeris asked, looking at the message one more time.

"This is the proof we needed to make sure that we were dealing with another faction," Kyra said. "My Liege, which systems do you have in your control?"

Tarkin frowned. "You know I have many systems!" Tarkin said. "But there a system which is not badly placed. The ones which are nearest are in the Kamdon System... You think this is a decoy?" he asked.

"In better terms, dispatch whatever units you have free to the Kamdon system. It will suffer a major attack," Kyra said as Aeris looked at her for what she said. Kyra was sure in what she was saying.

Tarkin raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "Yes, it does seem a possibility to remove the fleet stationed there... Not a bad tactic. But we have to consider the other possibility. The one of them doing this for the sake that we think it's a decoy and have our fleet sent to the Kamdon system instead of having our true defences here!" he stated, as it seemed a good tactic to him. "Alas, if we see to both we cannot lose!" he grinned. "Thank you for your assistance. It proved most useful once more... You are dismissed," Tarkin told Kyra and Aeris.

---

"Offers and Counter-Offers"
By: Cara Landross
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Zenarr Inc. - Yallder, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Kaysa's eyes looked up from her vidscreen and appraised the woman standing in the doorway. She was pretty enough, and definitely had the look of a pilot, but Kaysa was always wary of strangers. It could as easily be an Imp incognito, attempting to bring down her operation. Or, it could just be an attractive woman looking for a job or offering one.

Kaysa waved her in and decided further assessment was necessary before she sicced Zale's man on her. They were at her service and ready to act with just the touch of one, concealed button on her desk. Now was not the time to take any chances.

"Is there something I can do for you?" she asked the woman.

Cara walked in as bidden and she moved about the room, taking in the furnishings and anything else there. "Um, yeah. I need something to do. My last employer kind of bit it and now I need another job." She scoffed internally, Yeah, that's rich, 'kind of bit it.' Sure, talk about lousy timing.

"Well...alright," Kaysa said slowly. "What is it exactly that you do, Ms...?"

"I'm a pilot. I move things from one place to another, either by legal or illegal means. I'll smuggle, I'll do all that and all I require is about 25 to 30% of the take go into my pocket." Nope, she didn't beat around the bush. Nor would she leave her name till she knew she had the job.

Kaysa motioned for Cara to take a seat; her pacing was becoming unnerving. "Have you shipped goods professionally before?"

"Have you ever heard of Landross shipping?"

Kaysa smiled. "Should I have?"

"If you had, you wouldn't be questioning my skills as either a pilot or a smuggler." She didn't bother to take a seat. "I worked for them for the last six years."

"Still, that doesn't mean you're any good," Kaysa pointed out. "What makes you think you're good enough to work for me?"

Cara stood there, still refusing to sit. "I can do the job. I've spent months out in space, alone, I may add, with little to no effect coming out of it. I've only ever lost one cargo due to the Imps in my entire tenure with Landross Shipping. If that's not good enough for you, then go to hell."

Kaysa bit back an amused smile, but couldn't help laughing slightly wistfully. "You remind me of my girlfriend. She was just as eager for a job when she first walked through that door. But if you can lose the attitude for a minute, maybe you'll understand why I'm asking you all these question. Now, take a damn seat. I hate looking up at people when I speak."

"Whatever." She finally sat down, but not because Kaysa told her to. "On another note, I don't like being laughed at, I don't like being thought of as amusing, and I hate being compared to another person."

"You should think it an honour to be compared to Shiv," Kaysa said. "But then again, maybe you're not alike at all. She at least has the sense enough not to annoy a potential employer." Before Cara could snap of another snarky comment, Kaysa continued: "Now, you're a young woman, and I know you think you can handle yourself, but the Imps are tightening up security on all shipping routes in the Tae'Remok system. If I hire you, I don't want you getting shot out of the sky on your first run. I just want to be certain you won't."

"Sounds like you're be more concerned about the cargo than me." She glanced around in search of...something that would tell her who this woman was. And how in hell could she have not known about the Landross Shipyards? Don't be an idiot, her offices are here, 20 kilometers away, of course she wouldn't know. But then, you'd think she'd know anything and everything there had to be about anyone providing competition.

"I didn't get shot down that one time on my first run. It was my third long distance run. And I've been doing nothing but long distance runs since...that is till now."

"And you're definitely not opposed to shipping illicit goods?" Kaysa nodded slowly, answering the question herself in her own mind. "And you're asking 30% commission?" She whistled lowly. "That's a lot. Are you worth it?"

"I could be asking for 50%." She didn't answer the question, and she realized that. And, she didn't care. "No, I'm not opposed to shipping illegal items. I have secret holds for such items, and regular holds for normal, legal, cargo."

Kaysa chuckled throatily. "Oh, I like how you think. And I can tell you can take care of yourself. So...I am going to give you a shot, even though it goes against my better judgement to hire someone so young. Now, I'm gonna start you out on something easy, just to make sure you can handle it, no offense."

Cara stood up. "I don't need this." She headed for the door. "If you need me, call me at the Yelldon spaceport. I've got a ship there."

"My dear," Kaysa called out, "you appear to believe that I do need you. It would, in fact, seem that you need me. My offer is a reasonable one, but if you enjoy risks, then who am I to hold you back? Now sit that cute butt of yours down and let me make you another offer, one more pleasing to both of us."

Cara looked back. "I have a decent amount of credits saved up, I'll make it for a while on that. In the meantime, I have my former employer's customer base I can take over. I am the one who took the runs when they were needed." She still didn't tell this woman that the Landross' were her adoptive parents.

"If that's all true," Kaysa said, "then why did you come to me?"

"Because I know they won't last. My ship needs repairs, I will need food and clothing and a new weapon. I also have plans to purchase a droid. After purchasing the food, clothes with no holes in them, a new weapon and a couple of spare power packs and the droid, I'll barely have enough to live on for two months. That a good enough answer for you, or do I need to spell it out further?"

"No, that's quite alright. You've already conveyed quite clearly to me the extent of your impertinence," Kaysa retorted. "If you want a job, you may have it. But until you can prove to me that you won't end up getting blown out of the sky along with my cargo, you'll get 15% commission. Is that good enough for you?"

"I've spent the last six years doing this job for my father, I don't need to prove myself to anyone."

Kaysa grinned and relaxed back against her chair. "If that's not good enough for you, young woman, then have a nice day." Still gazing languidly at the girl, Kaysa reached over and activated her vidscreen, indicating the meeting was through and she would be getting back to business. "Good luck out there finding a better offer that doesn't involve you selling your body." Kaysa passed her eyes suggestively over the length of Cara's frame. "Though, I imagine you'd get many lucrative offers for it."

"Is that what it will take, sleeping with you to get what I believe I'm worth as a pilot, a smuggler, a mercenary?" She had noticed the woman looking her over, and no she was no stranger to that angle of a person's personality, or life, or whatever anyone else would call it. "Is it?"

Kaysa laughed in amusement, but there was no mockery expressed. "If I weren't already married and involved with another, perhaps I would have taken you up on that. But that's not what this is about. You're hungry, tenacious and damned stubborn. I admire that in a woman, and I simply wanted to help you out. But it would appear you're too proud for that. The job offer still stands, but it is up to you to take it."

"Yet you won't take my offer of 25 to 30%. Instead you give me a measly 15%. I'm worth the 25 to 30%. At Landross Shipping, I was getting that plus. I'm giving you a deal."

"Then prove it to me," Kaysa replied. "Fly a run for 15% and if you impress me, I'll raise it to 30%."

"I've got a counter offer. I fly a run for you at the 30%, and if I'm not as good as I say I am, you can knock me down to the 15%." By this time Cara was behind the chair she had been offered before and she was bending over it, her hands on top of the chair's wooden back. "Is that something worth your time? Or should I just offer my services elsewhere?"

Kaysa studied the woman's inscrutable face for a moment, then grinned. "25% and it's a deal."

The one thing her father had taught her: always try for the high end...but accept something lower if it's even close to what you really want. The 15% just wasn't what she wanted, but she was more than willing to take the 25%. "You have a deal." She offered her hand to the other woman. "When do I start?"

Kaysa accepted the woman's gesture and shook her hand firmly. "I've got a small job picking up some supplies in an outpost just on the edge of the system. Think you can handle it?"

Sounding confident, Cara nodded. "I can do anything you throw my way." She finally sat down.

Kaysa smiled slowly. "Well, it's about time. Now, it's a small job, but crossing the Imp patrols without having your cargo seized is gonna be tricky." She called up a file from her minicomp and transferred the information to a datapad. "That's your job," she said as she slid it across the desk to Cara. Before the girl could reach out to take it, Kaysa pulled it back. "So, gonna tell me who I'm giving a job to?"

"Cara Landross." She grinned as she spoke her own name and watched Kaysa's face while she computed the information and realized she was not only an employee of Landross Shipping, but she was related to the family. No, not related, but was a member of the family that ran it.

"So, if you're practically an heir to the Landross Shipping 'fortune' why do you need a job from me?" Kaysa inquired. "Not that I mind. Just...interested."

"Not practically, I am. However, I do have to survive and the money I've got from my parents won't last. I know this, and I'm sure you, as a smart business woman, know that too." She glanced her over, realizing then that the woman was quite attractive. "However, if you do not believe I am worth your time, I can go and leave you to find another pilot for the cargo." She stood up and moved for the door.

Kaysa gazed at the girl in disbelief. "Did I not just offer you a job? Ms. Landross, are we not on the same page here?"

"We're not even in the same book." Cara glanced back at Kaysa. "You think that because I'm new to your business, that I'm new to the entire shipping industry. I've been a part of it my entire life, just more intimately over the last six years. I was fourteen...fourteen, when I started doing the short hauls for my father, sixteen when he started me on long hauls. I am not some rookie here. I know how to avoid Imp patrols, whether or not you believe that is up to you."

"Yeah, well I was pregnant by sixteen, smuggling by eighteen and I still get myself into trouble sometimes. You'd be wise not to get too overconfident, especially in this business, Ms. Landross," Kaysa cautioned. "Just some friendly advice for, hopefully, an employee."

"It's not over-confidence that spurs me, it's knowing that I know the job and can perform. You don't get that from too many, I'd wager. My father taught me the business ever since I could walk and talk, and he also taught me to be flexible because eventually, he wasn't going to be around for me and I'd have to find someone else to work for, or work on my own."

"Well, I've offered you a job, Ms. Landross," Kaysa reminded her. "I'm simply waiting for you to decide whether you truly want it or not." She held up the padd containing the job details for the run offered Cara. "So...do you want it?"

Cara reached out and grabbed the PADD. She scrolled through the cargo list and destination. "I'll take it." She had said she wasn't that picky about the runs she would take.

Kaysa sighed. "It's about time!" She smiled gently and rose from her seat. "Welcome to Zenarr Inc., Cara Landross," she said, holding out a hand to the woman.

She reached out and took the woman's hand in hers in a firm handshake. "Thanks."

---

"Mysterious Stranger, Part 1"
by A'Kin [NPC+]
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
and Dani

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

It was late at night, the stars glittering brightly above the busy streets. Everything seemed normal in the city of New Plouton, of course there was the constant Imperial patrols, but apart from that it was relatively normal. The streets were active with people moving into the bars, and various clubs still accepting people in, but most people never noticed the two Jedi walking silently through their city.

No one saw the two figures, their identities hidden by their cloaks, walking through a square, once a booming market, but once night had come the large market was transformed back into the large open space for the huge crowds of people.

At first glance they looked nothing more than travellers going about their business, trying to make a living, but then most didn't have his sight.

A'Kin continued to watch the two Jedi walking, seeming to try their best to mingle with the crowd. By the haze surrounding the two Jedi they didn't appear to have that much ability with the Force, but then he didn't know they were only Padawans and not full Jedi.

Coming out of nowhere would alert them and the other Jedi on Tae'Karada to his presence on the planet. Still there was something about these two. You're not getting sentimental on me now, are you?

"God, I hope not. Would be hazardous in my line of work."

What line of work? You don't do anything!

"But it's the principle of the thing. Should I help them?" he asked, for once not knowing what to do; it was a difficult choice. He never fully trusted Jedi, partly because of what he was and partly for his daughter, whose job had taken her over the edge with the Jedi.

You're asking my advice? What have you got to lose? It's not like you're going to stay here for any long periods. The only reason you came is because of your daughter. Go and ask if they need help. If they don't want it, vanish back into the dark like the dark stranger you are.

The Kel'Ishan sighed, shaking his head, looking at the two Jedi coming towards him. Shrugging to himself he finally stepped out from the shadows, moving towards them behind the pillar lining the walkway at the back of the store at the end of the alley. "Need some help?" he asked, walking up to them. "You look like two lost sheep looking for your shepherd."

Nieme raised an eyebrow at Dani, and slowly the two turned to face the man. Nieme noted that he was a handsome fellow, even though his face was partially concealed beneath a cowl, but the hard, impassive expression he wore made her wary. "We're not lost," she stated. "We're out for a walk...alone."

Dani looked over him and frowned. There was something about his emotions that unsettled her. He was guarding them closely, she could tell, but it was extremely difficult to hide everything from a Zeltron's empathy. "Yes, we come out about this time every night," she answered. "Except for all the patrols, it's a nice city, and we like to walk in it. Perhaps we're not the ones who are lost. How can we help you?"

A smile passed over his face at the question; it was something he hadn't expected and he liked surprises. At his age a little surprise was always welcome. "Doubtfu,l child, but my thanks for the offer. If you intend to continue walking these dark streets I would buy different clothing, a different coat to start with. Jedi aren't a welcomed sight around the city these days. Then again most people aren't."

He lifted his staff and started walking along the alley, stopping just before the two Padawans. "If you change your mind I'll not be far. As you can see, movement isn't one of my strong points. Good night, ladies. Tread carefully," he said, bowing his head, slowly walking along the back alley, looking up at the sky above him.

"Neither is lying," Dani said as she rolled her eyes. She glanced at her attire and then Nieme's and wondered what possibly would have led him to believe they were dressed like Jedi. The robes were stashed away back in their apartment. "Do you think he's trying to proposition us, my love?"

Nieme narrowed her eyes pensively, then her face became lit up by a smile. "Maybe! We could make some extra money. Come on!" The two of them scurried up behind the man, and hopping up, Nieme tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse us, sir. Um...sir?"

"Yes, my dear... I may be slow but I'm by no means deaf..." He turned and looked at her before looking at her friend. "Changed your mind already? I was willing to wait a little longer but I'm glad for the company. There's a hotel not far from here. Don't worry..." he whispered, seeing the looks on their faces, "I'm not as fast as I used to be and I'm sure two young, healthy Jedi could take me quite easily. I know the owner of a quiet place to talk."

Nieme looked excitedly to Dani. They knew they would only be able to take him once before his heart gave out, but they would at least get some money out of it. "To the hotel, then," she told him. Nieme slipped up beside him, and Dani joined him on the other side. "And we're not worried. I think we'll all have a very good time."

"And, we're not Jedi anymore," Dani said. "Just so you know. So, how long have you been in town here? It's a nice city, with lots of places to go. Have you been to the Palace of Stars? We work there."

"Really? But seeing how beautiful you two are that's hardly surprising. I own a club myself, nothing fancy but it pays the bills. I come and go on business, visiting friends and family."

They finally came up to the hotel where A'Kin stopped, looking at the entrance. "If you please, the owner is a little cautious about people he doesn't know. I'll go ahead and talk to him."

A few moments later A'Kin was standing at the reception desk to the side of the main entrance into the hotel. There was a man seated behind the desk, a human by the look of him with a strange tattoo down the right side of his face.

"What the hell do you want?" he demanded, looking from the film he was watching. By the sounds coming from the small monitor it was obvious what the movie was.

"I want three rooms, one with a double bed and the other two with single beds, all on the same floor."

"Forget it! We're full!" he shouted.

This wasn't going the way he was hoping. He knew the owner and this man definitely wasn't the owner. "Where's Kail?"

"He's out! Piss off, old man..." the human shouted, grabbing a blaster from under the desk, pointing it at A'Kin. "...or I'll be the last thing you'll ever see!"

One moment the man was holding the blaster at A'Kin's face, trying to look menacing. In the blink of an eye, A'Kin's right hand came shooting out, grabbing the man's wrist, yanking it up and around, twisting it violently.

The man's arm was twisted around and his face slammed against the surface of the desk. As he made groaning noises, trying to rise, A'Kin took the blaster from his hand and pointed it down, resting it against his head. "Now... About those rooms?"

"Yeah, yeah hold on!" the man shouted, trying to grab the keys for the rooms while still pinned to the desk. A'Kin heard keys falling to the floor, but finally he grabbed the keys and placed them on the desk.

"Thank you," A'Kin said. Releasing his grip in a fluid motion, he took the blaster apart and let seven different parts fall to the floor at the man's feet. He sighed, shaking his head as he took the keys, waving his two new friends over. He glimpsed the man looking dumfounded at the sight of his blaster lying at his feet. Of course A'Kin had held onto the power cell so the blaster, once reassembled, would be useless.

Nieme looked sidelong at Dani, wondering just what they'd gotten themselves into. They stepped into the hotel and with an uncomfortable smile, Nieme reached up and accepted the key from the man. "You know...you really didn't have to. We're more than happy to share a bed with you."

"One of the rules I live by: never sleep with a... No, no that's not it. Always-- No, that's not it either. Oh yes! never sleep with two beautiful ladies when you first meet them, or something along those lines. I forget how it goes but you get the idea. For all I know you could be axe murdering psychopaths, but then, I might be one for all you know," he said with a smile, opening the door for them.

"I'll keep the other two keys. We're on the top floor so try and not make too much noise as sound carries well in this place. Or so I've been told."

Dani stopped and looked at Nieme, and then over to the strange man who was planning. "So, what are we here for if you aren't going to be sleeping with us?"

"Talk, of course! Why else?" The confusion written on his face was fake but practised over a few centuries. He still didn't know why he was even talking two these people but here he was, and sex with these two lovely ladies, though very appealing, wasn't on his mind at the moment. Besides the look the man at the reception desk gave him was still playing on his mind. If he did end up sleeping with these two they'd be put into harm's way and it wasn't necessarily a good first day.

"If you don't wish to that's fine, but I'm going up. You're welcome to join me."

He walked over to the lift. Only the sound of the muffled thuds coming from his staff could be heard from him. The lift door opened, sighing as it slid to the side, revealing the inside. He glided through and turned, looking back at the two young ladies.

Nieme frowned at Dani, and couldn't help thinking how they'd been duped out of a job. "Maybe we can change his mind," she whispered to Dani. "Let's just go up."

Dani thought about it for a moment, then grinned. "I think we might be able to," she said. "Let's do it."

With a giggle, Dani and Nieme hurried to catch up with the man. "We like talking," she said to him with a large grin. "We'll talk all night." The suggestion underlying the statement was made explicit by the sultry wink she gave him.

While in the lift, A'Kin looked at the two ladies. The light mist around them was slowly turning red. A'Kin had to force himself not to smile to himself. Thankfully the lift came to the top storey and the door opened, revealing the long corridor. A'Kin went first as he held the keys. He looked from one door to another, checking the numbers. "Ah! Here we are!"

The door keys weren't actually keys but electronic 'key' cards. He slid the card into the lock and the green light came up. Once he heard the door unlock he opened it and stepped through inside. The room was very spacious, plants were dotted around the large double-bed. A'Kin immediately went over to the table and soft chair a metre from the foot of the bed.

"Make yourselves comfortable. Feel free to take anything from the mini-bar... Everything is paid for..." he said, relaxing on the chair.

"No thanks, not thirsty," Nieme said. She looked to Dani and nudged her head towards A'Kin. With a grin, she sauntered over to him and settled onto her knees at his feet. Smiling sweetly at him, Nieme crossed her arms atop his lap and leaned her chin against his knee. "So...what'd you wanna talk about?"

"Whatever comes to mind..." the old man replied, looking down into her eyes. Using his implant he zoomed in on her eye and could see his reflection. "Perhaps you'd tell me why you're no longer with the Jedi? Why you threw away all chances of being a Jedi Knight? Most people I know would kill at the chance."

He watched Nieme, looking for any response in her features. Though he wasn't a Jedi and couldn't sense what she was thinking or feeling, he could read body language like a master.

"Well," she replied slowly, thoughtfully, "how do you even know we were Jedi to begin with? You've just met us. You know nothing about us." She chuckled and drew one hand up his thigh. "Though, if you want to get to know us, we'd be happy to oblige."

He made no move to stop her but continued to look down into her eyes. "It appears talk isn't on your minds, but in my experience Jedi are more like humans. Their hearts are in the right place but their minds and body are almost always trying to catch up. Perhaps you were listening too hard to the words and not the feelings and missed the important message. But then what would I know?" he said, smiling down at her.

Dani couldn't help giggling. "You are a very funny man," she said after a moment. "We are not Jedi Knights, and we don't want to talk about Jedi Knights. You will have to find something new to talk about, because we won't talk about it."

"As you wish, but the past always comes back to haunt us when we least expect it. I was just offering my advice. If I offended you in any way I apologise. I'm just a crazy old man looking for redemption in the eyes of the young. Perhaps I was asking too much... So!" --His voice boomed, changing the subject quickly-- "What would you say if I offered you two a job? You both are intelligent ladies and obviously can handle yourselves when push comes to shove. How much would be of a reasonable pay for the two of you?"

Nieme looked quizzically to Dani, then regarded him again and shrugged. "What kind of job?"

"Oh nothing special, this and that. Guards for my club, bodyguards for myself when the situation called for it. I won't ask you to do anything you don't wish to do. In my experience it's always bad for business if employees are unhappy. So...name your terms..." His arms crossed over his stomach as he looked over at Dani. He couldn't decide who to look at, Dani or Nieme, but since Nieme appeared to be having all the fun his gaze fell on Dani while he waited for a response.

Dani's look changed to one of skepticism when he started describing what he wanted them to do. "You want the two of us to be bodyguards? You don't even know that we can effectively guard a body."

"Firstly you're both on the same wavelength which is very hard to come by these days. Secondly, with your Jedi training, granted limited, you would be great assets. And thirdly, you'll have me to give you expert hands-on advice. You get paid and trained at the same time while enjoying all the fruits of the job, which are considerable." He smiled inwardly, changing tactics, working in a little reverse psychology.

"But if you'd prefer to remain where you are I quite understand. The place you're working is rumoured to be one of the best... What was it called again...? Probably not important. Please take your time; these decisions shaping our lives aren't to be taken lightly."

"You mean...quit the Palace?" Nieme asked. She looked to Dani dejectedly. "But...we like it there. I mean...can't we bodyguard and work there?" She pouted her lips enticingly, then pushed both her hands higher up A'Kin's thighs. "Please?"

"I wouldn't know if it would work out. I am a busy man..." he sighed, leaning back on the chair thinking, about it. "I suppose we could work something out but are you sure you can handle it? Both jobs are hard work and you may have to choose between one or the other."

Dani looked at Nieme and then back to A'Kin. "Can...can Nieme and I talk it over first? This is something big, and we should really talk about it first. Is that okay?"

With that A'Kin rose slowly as to allow Nieme to move off. "With that notion I think I will retire for the night. Good night and I hope you both have pleasant dreams. I'll be up early in the morning so don't be afraid to come in." A'Kin moved over to the door, smiling at Dani, winking his left eye. He reached for the door handle with his left hand, leaning on the staff with the other.

The door open and A'Kin stepped through, vanishing behind the door as it closed. He looked up and down the hallway, his smile vanishing as he saw a shadow move along the wall, heading up the stairs at the far end. "In the darkness we find creatures of all species coming out to hunt, but meat is not always their prey," the Kel'Ishan whispered, walking up to the door of one of his rooms, sliding the card into the lock. Soon he was inside his room, enjoying the silence.

---

"Mysterious Stranger, Part 2"
by A'Kin [NPC+]
Dani
and Nieme

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

The problem with Kel'Ishans was the fact they needed little sleep. It was the fact they moved so slowly from place to place using walking staffs only, using their full speed when the situation called for it. This was one of the long nights A'Kin couldn't make himself go to sleep; he had too much unburned energy inside him. But he heard a sound from the corridor outside. Opening his left eye he turned slowly, looking at the door.

Through the gap at the bottom of the door a large shadow suddenly passed, moving along the corridor. Using his cybernetic implant he zoomed in on the wall, filtering it out like an x-ray machine. He saw heat patterns of a huge man standing on the other side of the door. He then changed the vision and watched the man, seeing his skeleton and the faint images of his muscles and internal organs working to keep him alive.

"Interesting..." A'Kin whispered, looking up at the ceiling, hearing a sound from above and smiled.

The large man in the corridor was a Goloth, a large lizard-like species with huge eyes perfect for the night vision, and huge powerful arms. They were a slow species but they didn't need to be fast. Their strength was immense and their skin thick as leather. There were few weaknesses to a Goloth but one is its neck. Though its muscles are big, its bones at the neck are considerably smaller than would appear and are easily broken.

"Where have you been?" the Goloth said, turning at the sight of the small, skinny human carrying an overly large rifle. "What do you think you carry, human? That be too big for you! Almost big as you."

The human just growled up at the Goloth who was laughing at him. They moved into position on either side of the door leading into A'Kin's room. The human slid the access card into the lock and then opened the door, storming inside; the Goloth was right behind him, moving into the room. The human took up position beside the open balcony door with the curtains blowing in the wind. The Goloth's hand gripped his blaster and the two of them aimed at the lump under the sheets of the bed.

The human nodded and they both fired. The laser blasts cut through sheets, hitting what was lying underneath but with the noise of the blasters neither the Goloth nor the human heard the thumping noise coming from above them on the roof of the hotel. They stopped firing. The Goloth moved up to the bed, pulling the sheets away to reveal nothing but pillows.

"Pillows!" the Goloth cried, grabbing one of them, throwing it across the room, spilling feathers everywhere. That's when he realised there were still only two of them. "Where be Guam?" he asked.

The human looked around but could see no one and he just shrugged, looking back at the Goloth. "He's always late! I want to know where the damn old man is!"

They never released their companion was being choked to death right above them. All they had to do was step out on the balcony and they would be able to save his life and see the man killing him. The thin wire-wound rope was around the human's neck, his thumb caught in the rope when he tried to free himself before his attacker pulled him up off the balcony.

The low muffled bangs his two companions could not hear were the sounds of Guam's heels hitting the roof, trying to make some kind of noise to gain help, but the longer he waited the less noise his heels made until suddenly he became motionless. His attacker pulled the rope and the human up onto the roof. A'Kin untied the rope and made sure Guam was dead, placing a finger against his neck.

"I like this not!" the Goloth said, looking around the room, empty apart from the old furniture the hotel owned which weren't much to look at. "He promised a killing and a killing we have either the old man or him..."

The human only nodded in reply, putting his rifle down, leaning against the wall as the rifle was heavier than he thought. He had no idea he was being watched and the observer was waiting for just this opportunity.

The Goloth never heard the door open behind him. A'Kin crept up silently behind the Goloth and kicked the back of the Goloth's knee, sending him crashing down on one knee. A'Kin's right hand reached around the Goloth's neck while he was down and, grabbing his head, yanked it around, snapping the Goloth's neck. The Kel'Ishan grabbed the blaster in the Goloth's belt and fired on the human who was trying to bring his rifle up to bear on him.

The blast caught the human in the chest, throwing him against the wall behind him. The human tried his hardest to continue breathing but all he could manage were gurgling sounds as he choked on his own blood. Dark red blood came up out of his mouth, running down his chin as he collapsed, falling to the floor, leaning up against the wall. He slowly slid to the side, blood smearing on the wall behind him.

A'Kin looked down at the Goloth now lying at his feet and then up at the human lying dead. Sighing, the Kel'Ishan grabbed hold of the Goloth and dragged him across the room to the balcony. He then painstakingly lifted him up over the wall of the balcony and pushed him over. He watched as the large man slammed into the ground, kicking up sand as he struck the ground. A'Kin then grabbed the human which felt considerably lighter with just lifting a Goloth. Once the first human was lying beside the Goloth three stories down, A'Kin closed the door leading onto the balcony and walked up to the other door, looking out the corridor.

"Well, looks like the two love birds tired themselves out after I left them. They're still asleep with all the noise I made."

"Don't go congratulating yourself, children from the age of three up to twenty seven can sleep through a hurricane as you well know."

The Kel'Ishan just mumbled to himself, closing the door as he returned to his room and looked at the mess left behind. He sighed at seeing the blood smeared on the wall and on the ground. "That's the trouble with thugs, never clean up after them."

***

"Did you hear that?" Nieme whispered to Dani from within their room. She looked back at her love from where her ear had been pressed to the door, though all she could make out were muffled scuffling noises that now had ended. "I sense...death, Dani," she said. "Do you think we should go take a look?"

Dani nodded in the darkness of the room. "We should," she whispered. "I sense it too, and great anger and pain. Something happened, Nieme. Something awful."

"Then let's go before we lose our first potentially paying customer!" Nieme slapped her hand against the door console and peered into the hallway. There was nothing. Wearing only her waist length shirt and panties, Nieme, stepped out into it for a better view. "I don't see anything..."

Dani quickly pulled her cloak around her body and followed after Nieme. "Let's go check what's-his-name's room," she whispered. "If we're gonna be his bodyguards, we have to make sure his body's alright."

Nieme giggled. "I wanted to make sure before, but the fool wouldn't let us."

"Come on," Dani whispered. "Let's go check on him. And, I bet his bed is bigger than ours too. We'll have to make him pay extra for that."

Nieme nodded decisively and sternly, then marched with Dani over to his door. She looked to Dani, who seemed better at sensing even the minutest of disturbances, and relied on her senses while Nieme kept watch up and down the corridor. "Do you sense anything more?" she whispered.

"I sense calm now," she said. "Though, it's tinged with a very acidic, bitter feel. It's the feeling of someone who enjoys killing people, I think. It feels...wrong. I-- I think it's him, Nieme."

"You mean, Mr. A'Kin?" Nieme's expression was one of clear concern. "Should we run? I don't think I want to get too close to him again."

"I don't know," Dani said softly. "The extra money working for him would be nice, but I won't kill for him. The feeling of...oh goddess, it's...it's so terrible."

Nieme embraced Dani protectively and stroked her lover's violet hair. "It's okay. Close yourself off to it. We won't do any of that, Dani. No one can make us do anything we don't want to, not anymore!"

"Yes," Dani said. "Let's go see Mr. A'Kin. We need to make sure he's alright."

With fierce determination, Nieme kissed Dani's lips, then stepped forward into the range of the door's sensors. It slid open to reveal the two of them standing there, scanning the room suspiciously. "Mr. A'Kin?" Nieme called out. "We heard noises."

He looked up sharply at the wall at hearing the voice. He turned away from the wall with human blood still smeared on it. The red warm liquid trickled down towards the grey carpet, soaking into the material. A'Kin looked at Nieme, his cybernetic eye no longer covered by the contact. He wore just his trousers and a very loose shirt with only the lower two buttons done up.

He still held the blaster in his left hand, the same blaster he took from the Goloth. "Nothing serious, my dears, just letting off some steam nothing more." He stepped to the side to block their view of the human blood, hoping it was too dark for them to see. The room was lit only by the lights from the city outside. So much pain... So many memories... he thought.

He hadn't intended to kill them, he had no choice. Now where had he heard that before? The memory of his late wife came flooding back just as it had done at seeing the red blood smeared on the wall. He tried to fight the feelings down but took several moments before he could open his eyes, though he had no memory of closing them.

"Everything's fine..." he said, trying to keep his voice even.

"You sure?" Nieme asked uncertainly. "We...we felt something, something bad. And...we heard people then...nothing. What's going on?"

He could see he wasn't going to get anywhere without some explanation and for once he couldn't think of a feasible explanation so he stepped to the side so they could see the blood on the wall. "Lights," he said so they could see properly. "I just had some visitors who wanted to say hello. They came and then they left."

"He's hiding something," Dani said, knowing it through both the Force and her own senses. She closed her eyes and concentrated. "Death. There's been death here."

A'Kin sighed, lowering his head, running his hand through his hair. This wasn't what he wanted but like always the universe liked tormenting him. "Look out the balcony, you'll see the bodies. I need a drink..." He walked up to the mini-bar and opened the door, grabbing one of the bottles, twisting the top off, taking a large gulp of alcohol.

"Bodies? You killed them yourself. So, tell us the real reason you want us to work for you, Mr. A'Kin. You're obviously not as old and decrepit as you've been trying to lead us to believe. I've been sensing deceit from you from the very first words you spoke to us. Tell us the truth, or you'll have to find other people for whatever it is you're really looking for."

He nodded slowly, sighing as he stepped over to the bed, sitting down and facing both Dani and Nieme. He took another gulp from the bottle before finally responding. "You would never know how old I really am, though do not look it. I assure you I've been around longer than I care for. Many years ago, before the destruction of the first Death Star, I was lost. I was heading for self-destruction and I didn't care if I took anyone with me...then I met him."

It was like reliving that same moment at meeting him, the Jedi Master from so long ago. "He saved my life and I could never repay him. I have lived in shadows for too long and then I saw you two." His head rose up, his eyes searching the faces of the two young ladies in front of him. "I saw my way to repay him, for redemption for the things I have done. There's money in my coat hanging up beside you, inside pocket. Take it and leave if you wish. The job I have offered will be always be open."

Dani frowned. "What job?" she asked. "You have a bad habit of going off on tangents that have nothing to do with what's being talked about, you know? What do you really want from us?"

"If you'd pay attention to what I just said you would know!" he said a little more forcibly than he intended. "I owe the Jedi for a life debt. Since I couldn't repay the Jedi who saved me from myself I saw that chance when I saw you two. The job is what you make it. I have many businesses. The only one I have at the moment on this world is my club where you may work if you choose. Then there's being my bodyguards. If you don't wish for help just say the world and I'll disappear and you'll never see or hear from me again. Ever."

Dani stared at him for a moment and then glanced to Nieme. "What do you think?" she whispered softly. He was still speaking in riddles and didn't quite make sense. Since they'd left the Jedi Order, she really wasn't sure what sort of redemption A'Kin would find in giving them jobs. Maybe it was just always excuses. "I mean, we could work his club and the Palace, right? Do you want to try that, my love?"

"We really do need the pay," Nieme said slowly. She sighed and looked to A'Kin. "We'll do it. But you have to promise to tell us everything. We don't want you keeping secrets from us that could endanger us. Got it?"

"Everything?" he asked with a smile. "You wouldn't live that long. Perhaps a shortened version?"

He moved his hand, indicating the two chairs positioned at the table. While the two young ladies sat down A'Kin took several deep breaths. "Where should I start? I was over two hundred years old when I left my people. I couldn't tell you exactly how old because I haven't a clue. I stopped counting around the hundred mark. I moved from place to place doing odd jobs, a mercenary, assassin the usual, anything for money. You could say I got into the wrong crowd. All I knew was killing and as you can see... I'm pretty good at it."

He took another deep breath before continuing. "I joined the Rebels going on missions no one would go on. I was there where the first Death Star exploded, commanding one of the X-Wing Squadrons, but seeing the space station explode, something snapped inside me. I started to think about my future, what I was turning into and I didn't like what I saw. So, I left. I took the X-Wing and flew out to the Rim and never looked back." He looked at the two young ladies and smiled. "With me so far?"

Nieme rolled her eyes and grinned sourly at the man. "We're not slow. We got it. Now get to the good stuff!"

"The good stuff?" A'Kin said, almost chuckling to himself. "Be careful what you wish for, my dear..." He paused for a moment, getting back to where he'd left his life history or the parts he was willing to tell. "After leaving in the X-Wing I found myself arriving on a small planet. I landed on the outskirts of a colony where I decided to stay for a time. Everyone ignored me. It seemed they didn't like the way I was looking. I overheard one say I had the look of a Sith which at the time was how I felt."

"The 'she' came into my life, Miya. To cut a long story short she was my life and almost my death. The sun and the moon rose each time I saw her and sank each time we parted... The one day I returned to my home to find the door smashed in and my wife dead, she'd been raped and then had her throat cut and with her died my unborn child.

"To say that I went mad would be an insult to madmen. I woke four days later back in my X-Wing, heading out of the system. I had no memory of what happened in those four days but slowly they resurfaced, first in nightmares while I slept, then in dreams while I was awake."

He looked over at Dani, staring into her eyes. "Do you know of the colony Aszusha?"

Dani shook her head.

"No... Well I'm not surprised. It was the colony I met Miya and it took me four days to annihilate it. I killed men, women and children with no concern one way or the other. I sold my X-Wing for scrap and bought passage on a transport. It was attacked by Imperials and those who managed to get out escaped in shuttles and other vehicles. Myself and several others took a shuttle and left the transport, fleeing in the confusion on the attack, but alas we were followed and were shot down. The shuttle slammed into the surface of a planet I'm sure your familiar with, Dagobah. The Imperials landed on the surface, arriving at the crash site soon after. Myself and five others survived the crash landing."

Dani tried not to yawn at his story, but it was growing difficult. She'd always found it unsettling when people tried to puff up their own accomplishments and make themselves look more important than they were.

"We made it hard for the Imps to get at us but we were losing ground with every second. The stormtroopers were firing on us when he showed up. We did our best but we knew we were doomed. Then, a Jedi appeared from out of the mists, seemingly. There was a fire fight and three of the five were killed the parents of my adopted daughter. The Jedi saved my daughter and the life of the young lady with us, but he did more than that, he saved me from my self. He must have sensed what I was planning and changed my life forever.

"I never had the chance to repay him..." A'Kin said, swirling the bottle around, forming a vortex with the alcohol inside. "I went into hiding and remained that way since that time, that is until I met you two. Two young Jedi, or rather Padawans, wandering around New Plouton all alone. Owing something that I could never repay to the Jedi I decided to help, but it seems you're more interested in sex and money so that's why I offered the job. If I had known how much trouble you'd be I would have shot myself when I first saw you."

"We're not the source of your trouble," Dani answered. "You are. How many times have we said that we walked away from that? You don't listen well, do you? You would think a guy who's lived as long as you had would learn to listen to the things people say. We do not want to be Jedi Knights. We just want to live our lives together here in the city. Money is a necessity of life, and sex is an easy way to make money. We work where we can doing the things we enjoy, all in order to give us the time we desire together. And, given the fact that you've turned us down on more than one occasion, you don't think sex is an important part of life. Sex is life, and Nieme and I are just living. If you want to help people, A'Kin, look for people who want and need help, not those who are helping themselves."

Nieme couldn't help but place her hand on Dani's thigh and smile proudly at her lover. It simply aroused her when Dani was so insightful and brazen.

A'Kin nodded and rose from the bed. "Then I bid you goodnight." The Kel'Ishan placed the bottle on the ground beside him before walking up to his coat. He lifted it up, sliding his arms through the sleeves before his hand opened, grabbing the staff leaning against the wall. "I know you do not wish to return to the Jedi and I had no intention of sending you back to them through force or manipulation. I see my assistance is unneeded."

"We're not your source for redemption," Dani said. "We're no longer associated with the Jedi and I have no idea why you think you'd be paying back any favours by helping us. If you want to give us jobs because you want to give us jobs, then do it. If you want to give us jobs to pay back some Jedi who helped you out of a rough spot, then your assistance is unneeded."

"All we wanted was to sleep with you!" Nieme exclaimed rather indelicately. She looked wide-eyed at Dani and shrugged. "It's true. The only reason we came home with you was because we thought you'd let us pleasure you, then give us money in return. And we agreed to be your bodyguards for the same reason: creds. Why has that changed now? You can repay the Jedi by giving a pair of former Padawans a job so they don't starve to death. You'd be repaying the Order just the same and that's what you want, isn't it?"

It took him several minutes to think about it. What the hell? he thought and nodded at her.

"Come around the club you want and we'll sort out what times you can work, pay and anything else that comes to mind. And let me make this perfectly clear, no sex! With me or anyone else in my club... I find out you have you'll be out of the club and my employment faster than you can say Jedi! When you come over I'll tell you the rest of the rules."

Nieme's eyes grew wide, and emitting a delighted shriek she embraced Dani, then flew from her seat and threw her arms around A'Kin's waist. "Thank you! And we promise to be good. No sex...on the job, that is. Though, if you do ever change your mind, Dani and I would be more than willing."

"You don't have to worry about me changing my mind, it'll never happen," he said with a smile. "Now if you will excuse me I have places to be, things to do... Come around the club. It's The Midnight Hour. It's easy enough to find."

Dani shook her head and sighed. "We'll see you later then. Want to go home, my love? I miss our bed."

Nieme looked back at her lover and smiled warmly. "Sure. Goodbye, Mr. A'Kin. We'll meet you then."

He bowed his head, opening the door of the room, stepping out into the hallway. He never looked back as he walked along the hallway towards the stairs leading down into the lobby. As he walked he started to sing a song he remembered. He knew he wasn't any good so kept it low just for his ears or so he hoped.

"Long day and I'm ready, I'm for waiting for your call, Cause I made up my mind, My...heart aches with a hunger, And a warmth that you unwind, No I can't deny...

So for one night... Is it all right... That I give-e-e-e...you-u-u-u My heart, my love, my heart... Just for one night My body-y-y...my soul Just for one night..."

He went on half-humming, half-singing softly vanishing down the stairs coming into the lobby. He opened the door of the main entrance of the hotel. As he walked past the front of the reception desk A'Kin's right arm lifted up towards the desk. With his hand open, a small blaster shot out from under his sleeve into his open hand. There was a white flash of light as the blaster fired, sending a blue laser pulse, almost white, hurtling towards the man at the desk. The pulse struck him in the forehead as he stared wide-eyed at A'Kin not believing that he was still alive.

The Kel'Ishan looked up the dark street before walking in the opposite direction, seeming not to notice the loud thud of the man crashing to the floor behind the reception desk. His smaller blaster vanished back up he sleeve. Soon the darkness of the night consumed him and he disappeared into the city.

---

"Bombs"
Robin Black [NPC+]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Robin clung to the underside of the building. He held in his hand the charge that Jack had rigged up. He felt slightly guilty about destroying a civilian hotel, however, as Jack had pointed out it was harbouring many Imperial officers on leave. Jack always had a way of explaining things so that Robin could understand.

The moon shone high over the hotel. Robin attached the small black box. It was in a location no one would ever find, even if they did see it; if they touched it, it would go off, if they tried a hostile scan on it, it would go off, if they tried anything, it would go off. Once Robin pressed the little red button he knew he had only three minutes to be out of there. Sweat and fear gripped at Robin's skin as he secured the bomb.

"Alright now the button." He clicked the button and the bomb armed.

Loosening off his security strap he lowered himself towards the ground. Twelve meters from the base of the ground a patrol of storm troopers stopped. Robin froze. Slowly he withdrew his blaster.

"You hear about the bomb on the AT-AT?" one trooper asked the other. "A friend of mine was in it."

"This Rebel threat is getting worse, we should bomb the lot and have done with it," said the other.

"Yeah," agreed the second. The conversation carried on for a few moments. Robin looked up at the timer one minute.

"We've got to patrol the south side now," the commander snapped. "Be alert we had problems with a few locals last time. Shoot to maim not kill." The troopers activated their weapons and marched off.

Robin began to breathe again. He unclipped himself and let his body drop to the ground. He the detached his suspension cord, and landing, scuttled off.

---

"Night Raid, Part 1"
by Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Ferrig Mullerin
and a host of the Empire's Finest

Location: Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

The night had passed uneventfully. Both Koran and Laedra spent most of the early evening in meditation, and then later they talked. They steered clear of discussing too much about the operation. The night of peace would be more productive than the anxiety of "what if?"

In the morning, they both awoke, rested and ready for what would happen later that night. They found a small restaurant whose owners hadn't fled from the Imperial occupation. In fact, it seemed like they were doing very well off of the money the Imperials brought. Later in their room, Koran blandly mused that even Imperial soldiers had to eat.

The basic operation had been laid out during the day. The previous high princes of Tae'Karada were a promiscuous lot, and the palace had been constructed to allow the high princes to slip out of the palace unnoticed for various dalliances around the province. Most, not all of the secret exits had been sealed. Thankfully, the previous high princes were good at concealing their duplicity.

Koran and Laedra would sneak in through one of the exits that hadn't been closed off, near the area that was rumoured to be where prisoners were kept. They would be able to search for Liam quickly and efficiently from there. Once they had freed Liam, they would be able to find a computer terminal and hack their way in. He wasn't entirely confident that that part of their mission would be successful, but he didn't envision any difficulties getting Liam out.

"Thankfully Tarkin's mission here has occupied his time and he hasn't taken to fortifying his position in Arcadia," he said. "That will at least get us through that particular difficulty without incident. Once we're inside, it will be more complex. We'll need to make sure our minds are clear and we are focused. How do you feel, Laedra?"

"Confident," she replied. "And a little anxious. I just want this over with, and I want Liam safe and sound." She regarded Koran with a slightly raised eyebrow and asked, "What about you, Master?"

"The same," Koran said. "I feel peace, despite the anxiety of what may be. This is the path the Force has lead me to, and it wouldn't lead me in error. Force willing, by the end of the night, you and Liam shall be reunited."

Laedra nodded and sighed. "I'm so nervous. I'm not afraid, though; I just don't know what to expect. I start wondering what sort of atrocities they've subjected Liam to and..." She closed her eyes to calm her fears. "I just don't know what I'd do."

"He's a very strong man," Koran answered. "I am certain he will survive whatever it is they put him through. Would you like something to drink, Laedra? We still have some of that fruit juice we purchased last night."

She declined with a polite smile. "Not thirsty."

Koran nodded. He glanced out the window and sighed. "The sun is setting now," he said. "We should be on the move in two hours. Two hours after that, we will make for the palace. We will bring the stealth clothes along, and change close to the time. For now, let's prepare our lightsabers."

"I will retrieve them," she volunteered, then rose from her seat and moved soundlessly towards the bed she and Koran had shared the previous evening. He'd held her while she kept herself awake with worry about the mission and Liam, but eventually his comforting embrace put her at ease and she managed to finally find sleep. Awakening with him still holding her tenderly felt more wonderful than she knew it should have. She loved Liam and Koran was merely a friend...she thought. Pushing aside all distracting thoughts, Laedra grabbed both their lightsabers while Koran cleared the table.

"The change won't be permanent, will it?" she asked, moving back towards him.

"It won't," Koran answered. "Normally it would wear out after around twenty days. But, they also make a solvent that's specifically designed to remove the enamel from the surface. If we wish, they will be back to normal tomorrow. If any of the clothes have any buckles or zips, we should go over those too."

Laedra set down the lightsabers and after Koran's suggestion, crossed the room again to examine their outfits. The mood in the room was far too serious and grave for Laedra's liking, but they required focus to succeed in their task. Though, she wouldn't mind a joke or two...

"The zippers appear to be naturally concealed by the fabric," Laedra told him after a brief appraisal. "What about our belts?"

"We'll probably need to go over the buckles," Koran said. "I feel like one of the characters out of one of those old holo-films. They haven't been made for more than fifty years, but one of the other Padawans when I was at the Jedi Temple loved them. It was all fictitious, but the characters were Force Adepts who went around in dark clothing and did good deeds to help people from the tyranny of whoever was tyrannical."

Laedra sighed wistfully as she once again sank into her chair. With her chin propped up by one fisted hand and her eyes gazing distantly out of the large window, she said, "I've never seen a holofilm before. If we survive this, I think I'd like to."

"I think they have a few places in New Plouton where they show them. Perhaps you, Liam, and I can all go one of these days. Something wild and outrageous and with no basis in reality would be nice."

Laedra laughed softly and turned a curious gaze onto Koran. "So, you're not the stern, conservative Jedi Master you've led me to believe you are? What else aren't you telling me, Koran Darr?"

Koran grinned. "Oh, I can be stern and conservative when I need to," he said. "Mostly, I like to leave that to Kal'Aran. But, with everything that's happening right now, time to step back and recharge is necessary. And, I can't think of anyone I'd rather recharge with than you."

"That might be flattering if you actually knew anyone else, Koran," she teased. She chuckled softly and reached across the table to pat his hand. "But, thank you. I know you're biased...but thank you anyway."

"I know everyone else at the Temple," Koran said. "The only other one there I could see myself spending time with would be Andro. He's got some amazing stories."

"I haven't had a chance to meet him. I was a little...indisposed, as you know." Laedra continued caressing Koran's hand idly, relishing the calm, soothing occasion they managed to find for themselves. She felt at peace with him, more than she'd ever been in her life. It was clear to her that with him, she could accomplish most anything. "I love you," she said quietly. "I really do, Koran."

Koran smiled and brought a hand to her cheek. "And, I you," he answered. "Regardless of what's happened the past week, I wouldn't want to do this without you. You are my student, my peer, my friend, and my heart. With you, I know that I have someone who will watch my back when I need it, and who will fight at my side when things go bad. To me, you feel like the perfect partner."

Laedra nestled her cheek into Koran's palm and sighed contentedly. "I hope I can be tonight. I don't ever wish to disappoint you again."

"So far," Koran said with a smile, "I'm very proud of you. And, I don't see that changing any time soon. You're a strong woman, Laedra. You've been dealt some very terrible blows lately, but you bounce back quickly. You are a good student, and soon you will make a good Knight. And, when you do, I still wouldn't mind working with you as a partner on various Jedi matters. We work well together."

Laedra smiled at Koran in gratitude, then turned her lips into his palm and gave it a lingering kiss. She knew if it were another time, she could easily fall in love with Koran, but there was no room for that now, and she was almost sorry for it. Grudgingly interrupting the tender moment, Laedra gently pulled back and again patted Koran's hand. "We must get those lightsabers ready for the mission."

Koran nodded once, and then gestured to the waiting table. "This should be quick," he said. "And, the buckles on the belt." He pulled out one of the bottles of the enamel they'd purchased. It would turn any of the shiny metallic surfaces black. He set another bottle before Laedra's chair and then glanced back at her fondly as she retrieved their belts. "We will succeed, Laedra. I feel it in the Force."

"As do I, Koran." Willing herself to believe it, she repeated absently, "As do I."

***

Like two shadows in the night, they crept through the darkened city. Their clothing was black as pitch save the small slits that left their eyes uncovered. The palace was heavily guarded, as they had expected. However, the guards were only guarding those places they knew to guard.

"I believe," Koran whispered as they found the small, hidden door, "we should thank the libidos of those old high princes. If it weren't for that, we'd be doing this the hard way."

Laedra cracked a smile beneath her mask. "How so, Master?"

"If they hadn't made these exits to sneak out of the palace for some late night liaisons, we would have our options limited to the front or back doors, or possibly through a window. I prefer this way. The less chances we have of getting detected, the happier I'll be."

"But who's to say there aren't guards on the other side?" Laedra inquired. Her eyes smiled at Koran. "Only one way to find out, right?"

"Only one way," Koran said. To be certain however, he reached out with the Force to the other side of the wall. There was no one there. Laedra moved, as they had planned to shield him as he pulled out his lightsaber. He ignited it quickly and severed the catch. The lightsaber was back on his belt a moment later. The exit hadn't been used in some time, and it took a little work to get it open.

They both slipped inside and Koran pulled the door back to cover the exit. With a little use of the Force, it was once again secure. "Up this way," he whispered.

Laedra nodded mutely and followed silently behind Koran with her senses kept alert to even the softest of sounds, the most miniscule of shifts in the air, and especially any disturbance in the Force. That would be their first and only warning if the Sith were about the premises, and their only chance to evade them before they attacked. Laedra hoped it didn't come to that, but they really had little choice in the matter.

From the musty, damp odour thick in the air, along with the strings of cobwebs draping across the ceiling, Laedra felt confident that these corridors hadn't been visited since the high prince's death. It was also apparent that it had suffered a recent flooding, for every footstep brought their booted feet down into a shallow puddle, and in the distance the steady drip-drop of water from the broken pipes echoed. Laedra shivered slightly from the chill of the corridor, and moved closer to Koran for warmth and comfort.

"You're certain this will lead us to the detention cells?" she whispered, but the acoustics of the tunnel made her voice sound ten times louder.

"I am," Koran whispered in response. "I obtained two different maps of the layout of this place from two different sources. They both confirm the details. We will emerge twenty meters from the main detention corridor."

"And we should expect a large contingent of guards when we get there, correct?"

"Hopefully not too large," Koran answered. "Though, with a Jedi prisoner, you never know. The entrance to the palace corridors should be just up there."

Laedra kept close to Koran, yet put some slight distance between them in case they would be required to draw their weapons quickly. They reached the door with no interference at all and with Koran taking his position directly before it, Laedra slipped aside and stayed close to the wall adjacent the nondescript metal door barring their passage. She kept one hand on the hilt of her lightsaber and nodded to Koran.

Koran stopped in front of the door and examined it. He reached out and threw the catch that held it closed. The door, however didn't move. He examined it more closely, and after a minute realized that it had been blocked from the other side. He then glanced to Laedra and raised a questioning eyebrow.

Laedra was taken aback, unprepared for Koran to seek out her judgement. She was bewildered momentarily, then got her mind into gear and rifled quickly through all the plans that were forming. Her eyes promptly drifted up towards the ceiling - the grate above their heads, more specifically. Koran's eyes followed hers, and once he looked upon her again, she shrugged.

Koran smiled at her then. He put two fingers over where his lips were beneath his mask, and then extended them to press them to where hers would be. He pointed at her to indicate she should go up first.

Laedra cocked an eyebrow at Koran, then smiled and nodded. She focused on the grate leading to the ventilation ducts above the corridor, and extended the Force towards it to pull it down. Koran's meditation techniques had helped her center herself, but it was still an effort to get the heavy metal slab to cooperate. With a gentle grunt of exertion from Laedra, the grate finally swung down. The rusted metal hinges squeaked loudly, but Laedra stopped the grate from swinging further and the noise ceased abruptly.

Laedra sighed soundlessly and glanced at Koran. At his nod, she prepared to leap. Blowing a kiss to him, Laedra craned her neck to gaze into the tunnel above, and channelling to Force through her legs, she sprang upright and caught hold of the edge of the opening. Gracefully and easily, she pulled herself up and slid into the ducts.

Koran moved into place below the grating. With a Force-propelled leap, he went up and through the opening where the grate had been. He rolled back away from the opening and signalled for Laedra to raise the grate.

Once that was done, Laedra pushed onto her hands and knees and began crawling through the duct. She hoped her plan wouldn't fail and would lead them to another opening above the detention area. From there, they could surprise the guards and then search for Liam. She reached out with the Force to seek him, but she could detect nothing, though she refused to let that discourage her from finding him.

Up ahead, shafts of light rising up through the holes in another grate lit the way. Laedra stopped before it and briefly gazed down, then sat back on her haunches and regarded Koran. "It's the detention area," she whispered.

Koran reached out to search the area. "It's safe," he added softly. "The troopers are down the corridor, too far away to hear us. Let's open the grate. We must be swift."

Obeying at once, Laedra pushed open the grate with much effort and gently eased it down. Bracing either side of the opening, Laedra poked her head through and glanced up and down the corridor briefly. With no guards in sight, she slipped her legs over the edge and hopped down, landing lightly and quietly upon the ground. She waved Koran down, and before he could join her, she set about searching for Liam.

Koran landing behind her hardly made a sound, little more than a whisper. He moved to a nearby computer terminal and quickly pulled out the device he'd purchased. He noted that Laedra was searching through the cells as he connected the leads to the terminal. He set it to do a search for Liam's name, and any relevant data about the Jedi. He added in a search for the Sith, knowing they would need whatever information they could find on the warriors they'd faced at the depot.

Laedra came to the last of the cells, growing disheartened by the moment as each occupant turned out not to be Liam. By the time she reached the final prisoner, a pathetic-looking man sprawled on his bed and looking barely alive, Laedra felt all hope lost. She turned to join Koran at the computer terminal, when she felt a twinge of recognition. Curiously, she stepped back to the final cell and studied the bloodied and beaten boy intently.

Even with his cheeks and lips as swollen as they were, and dark rings around his eyes, Laedra knew him from the only time she'd seen him in the desert. She immediately rushed back to Koran's side. "Liam's not here," she reported. "But... Master, I believe I saw Ferrig Mullerin in one of the cells."

"Ferrig? Mullerin. Related to Raeila?"

"Oh, that's right," Laedra reminded herself. She sighed at her own absentmindedness. "He was in the desert when we went to rescue Nieme and Dani. He is Raeila's brother. I have no idea what he's doing here, but he looks to be in bad shape."

Koran nodded. "Do you feel we should try to get him out of here? If he looks in bad shape, he will no doubt require medical attention. I have a suspicion that the Empire won't fund for that."

"For Raeila's sake, I believe we should," Laedra replied. "I cannot in good conscience leave him here, and be reminded of that each time I look at that dear girl."

"Let's go get him out of that cell," Koran said. "Getting him out of here may be difficult, but we'll not leave him behind. I'm not finding anything in-- Wait a moment. There was a comm call from L'Ygr. There's a holo-playback. It'll take a moment."

Laedra felt her heart beating faster, hoping this would be the clue that would lead them to Liam. She nervously glanced up and down the corridor, expecting a guard to appear at any time, then watched the screen again in anticipation. "Is it done yet? What's taking so long?"

"Almost...there," Koran said. He then keyed it to play, but made sure the volume was low. It was a recording of the conversation between L'Ygr and Tarkin. When it finally ended, Koran was stunned, feeling almost as if someone had punched him in the gut. "Kandran."

Laedra staggered back, covering her concealed mouth to force back the sob building up in her throat. "No," she rasped. Tears washed over her eyes and she emitted a whimpering cry as she backed into a wall. "Not Kandran," she said. "Oh gods, not Kandran!"

Koran moved to her quickly, hoping to do what he could to console her before the despair took her again. "Kandran is better than Tarkin," he whispered. "At least we know Kandran will keep him alive. We have a chance, Lae. We just have to get to Kandran, and get Liam free. We can do this. Please, my love, stay focused on our job. We have to get out of here, so Liam can be rescued. We'll save him, I promise."

Laedra clutched desperately at Koran's arms and worked to control her breathing. She called to the Force for solace and managed to find a small ounce of comfort there. She found the rest in Koran's eyes. "We have to leave," she whispered hoarsely. "We...we have to find him.  We have to leave, Koran. Please..."

"Let's go get Ferrig," Koran said. "Then we leave the way we got in. Okay? Come, let's go get Ferrig's cell open."

---

"Night Raid, Part 2"
by Koran Darr
Laedra Vorrel
Ferrig Mullerin
and a host of the Empire's Finest

Location: Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Laedra straightened up, though she still required a firm hold on Koran to support her. She gave him a resolute nod and hurried with him towards Ferrig's cell, whimpering quietly still along the way.

By the time they got there, Koran's lightsaber was already out and ready. In one fluid move, he ignited it and slashed at the locking mechanism of the door. A shower of sparks greeted them, spraying over them both, but doing no damage. Koran waved the door open with the Force and started inside with Laedra. He glanced at her. "Can you get him up and moving? I should go back out there to get the device. It's downloading data right now. And, they may hear us. I don't think we're going to be able to take him with us up into the duct."

"I can manage him. Hurry, Koran." She pressed a hand to Koran's cheek, then rushed into the cell. At his bedside, Laedra whispered Ferrig's name, but she got no reply. She laid her hand across his brow instead and sent soothing, pulsating waves of the Force into the boy. His eyes slowly flickered open. "Ferrig Mullerin? Are you alright?"

Ferrig moaned softly as he tried to focus his eyes on the face before him. His first impulse was to spit, but didn't have the energy. The old man had said he'd be taken to some prison planet, but the transport hadn't come yet, hadn't taken him. The guards enjoyed beating him too much. The face before him resolved into something familiar but distant. He remembered Kael and Raeila -- oh sweet, beautiful Raeila -- and Nieme and Dani -- Kitchen Rat and Purple. He tried to say something but his mouth wasn't working right. He tried again: "Who. Are. You?"

"A friend of your sister's," Laedra replied. "We must leave immediately. If I help you stand, do you think you can walk?"

"Y-yes," he said. "I'll be unsteady, but I can. Rae. How...how is she? Oh Thana, oh gods, how is my Raeila?" At the mention of his sister's name, tears filled Ferrig's eyes as the despair of loss and the hope of renewal bloomed within him.

Laedra slipped an arm around Ferrig's waist and helped him to his feet. "Raeila's fine, Ferrig. Don't worry about her. You'll see her very soon. Now, try and be very quiet. We're not free yet."

Ferrig said nothing, but nodded his understanding. The first couple steps were wobbly, and he nearly sank to the floor, except for Laedra's arm around his waist. After a few more steps, he was managing to move on steady feet. The more he moved, however, the more he realized how much pain he was in.

Laedra aided Ferrig in walking towards Koran, and her desire to reach him increased as voices sounded from farther down the corridor. "Koran!" she whispered. "Someone's coming. We have to hurry."

There was too much data to be downloaded, and the ancient palace computer systems couldn't handle the transfer. "Five seconds," Koran whispered. But, he knew they didn't have five seconds. With a sigh, he pressed a combination of keys. The transfer ceased, and a quick series of characters scrolled across the interface. He smiled to himself, and pulled the device free. "Let's go," he said. "I didn't get it all, but I got enough."

"That's all we need," Laedra replied quickly.

Footsteps coming from down the corridor grew louder, as did the two voices conversing. She wasted not a moment, and bearing Ferrig's weight, led him down the corridor. They got not two feet before a pair of troopers appeared before them from within the darkness. Their blasters were unholstered in an instant, but in another, Laedra flung one arm aside and tossed both weapons out of the soldier's hands with the aid of the Force.

"Koran! Trouble!"

The blasters clattered against the wall, and after the troopers' momentary surprise, they charged forward.

Koran's matte-black enamelled lightsaber was up in a heartbeat, but he didn't ignite the verdant blade. He stretched out a hand, and one of the troopers clattered against the far wall. His partner, however got close to the Jedi Master. Koran spun away from the man's poorly aimed attack, and pressed a hand to the back of his helmet. A moment later, the trooper sagged to the floor. The other had recovered and was charging again, this time at Laedra and Ferrig.

With the injured boy still being supported by her, Laedra had but one hand free. She couldn't risk igniting her blade and hurting Ferrig in the process, so inside she thrust out one leg towards the trooper and caught him in the stomach. Through the protection of his armour, it merely halted him for a moment, but it was enough time for Laedra to raise her hand and send a dense wall of Force energy slamming into him. The trooper was hurled backwards, remaining airborne for some time, before coming crashing down onto the ground.

"Koran! I can't fight without letting go of Ferrig. I can sense the other troopers closing in on our position. We must leave!"

"Go," Koran called, "I'm right behind you!" He was moving up to them, lightsaber in hand. Just as he reached them, the other two troopers came into view. Their blasters came up and they started firing. The verdant shaft the of the blade ignited to intercept the in-rushing bolts of deadly energy. But, Koran caught them all and sent them harmlessly into the floor and ceiling. The alarm, however, had been raised. "Go!"

"Koran! I won't leave you!"

"I'm right behind you," Koran said. "You're just going first. I have to get out of here because someone has to help you rescue Liam Zaneth. Now go before you force me to punish you for being a disobedient Padawan!"

Laedra would have been otherwise amused by Koran's remark, but now she only concerned herself with lugging Ferrig to their escape route. It was slow going with Ferrig dragging his feet, and Laedra looking back every few seconds to see how Koran was faring. She diverted as much of the Force to Ferrig as she could spare, hoping it would give him a boost of energy that would allow him to walk on his own, and Laedra to fight by Koran's side.

"Can you go faster?" she asked him urgently.

"For the chance to get out of this hell," Ferrig rasped, "I'd fly."

"I wish you could," Laedra retorted. "But a light jog will do."

Bearing most of his weight upon herself, Laedra hastened her pace and soon she and Ferrig reached the end of the corridor. Behind her was only darkness, but she could hear the sounds of battle raging, and Koran all on his own. She couldn't abandon Ferrig, yet neither could she abandon Koran. The only choice was to relieve herself of the boy.

Laedra's eyes flicked up towards the ventilation duct above her head, then back to Ferrig. "I'm going to help you into that opening. You must crawl to the next grate. Can you do it?"

Ferrig looked up, and then nodded. "Yes," he said softly. "I'll make it. As long as I get enough momentum, I'll be fine."

"That won't be a problem," Laedra said. She crouched down to allow Ferrig to mount her back. "I'll give you a boost. Hurry!"

Ferrig was unsteady, but managed to get onto Laedra's back. He steadied himself on her shoulders and then groaned softly. "Okay," he said. "I'm ready."

She used the Force to give her the strength she needed to straighten up and raise Ferrig to the opening. With as tall as she was and as tall as Ferrig was, all he had to do was reach above, grip the edge of the opening, and pull himself up. Again, the Force truly became her ally as she surrounded Ferrig in it to keep him steady upon her shoulders, and give him the extra push he needed to climb into the duct. "Are you okay?" she called up to him.

Ferrig nodded, murmuring an affirmative, and then plunged inside, using the momentum from Laedra's push as much as his waning strength would allow to get him inside and through the duct.

Behind her in the tunnel, Koran was moving slowly. He was still deflecting blaster bolts, and it appeared that more troopers had arrived at the end of the corridor. A few lay in heaps on the floor, obviously the targets of deflected blaster bolts.

Beside him, a glowing, pink blade ignited and swung in unison with his. Attached to it was the tall, lissom figure of Laedra Vorrel. "I told you I wouldn't leave you, Koran."

Koran inclined his head in a slight bow and chuckled. "We'll start working our way back slowly. We're going to lose this secret exit, but there are others. If we need to get back in, then we can. Now, let's back away slowly...together."

"Always together," she replied.

With Laedra and Koran blending into the darkness, it made getting a fix on them almost impossible, and even if each shot hadn't been deflected by their lighstabers, it was unlikely they could hit them anyway. The sound of another armour-clad body falling to the ground was heard among the din of blaster fire, and that meant they had one less trooper to contend with. Though, an alarm had already been raised and more would be on their way.

Laedra knew the wall was nearing and their only route of escape was the vent they had used to gain access to the detention area. It meant one would need to remain while the other made their way up. That also meant one of them would be a target while they leapt to reach the opening in the ceiling five meters above them. There was little time to consider another escape route, so it was a risk they had to take.

The grate still hung open, which made things slightly easier, but the difficult part was deciding who would go first. Not for Laedra, though. "I'll cover you, Master. Go!"

Koran shook his head. "I'm better with a lightsaber. Get up there and I'll be right behind you. Go, Laedra, now!"

"Damned stubborn men," she retorted as her pink blade retracted into her matted hilt, now making her almost imperceptible to the firing troops. After clipping it to her belt, Laedra cleared the full ten meter distance to the opening and pulled herself inside.

Koran had managed to block the passage of almost every blaster bolt, but they seemed to be increasing in number, which meant more troopers had joined their friends. It also meant Koran was quickly becoming outnumbered.

"Master! Hurry!"

Koran was edging back toward the opening, still deflecting bolts as they came near him. His blade was moving so fast that it almost appeared to form a bubble around him. He suddenly dropped into a crouch, scoring the floor as he did, raising a shower of sparking debris that was deflected back toward the troopers. The firing faltered momentarily.

As the smoke cleared in the hallway, the stormtroopers found themselves without a target.

From the compacted position, Koran had shot straight up into the opening, and a moment later, Laedra slipped the covering into place. At her concerned look, he nodded, though he was breathing heavily now. "Let's go before they figure out where we went," he whispered.

Laedra embraced Koran briefly, then began crawling her way to the other ventilation opening. Ferrig was slumped against the side of the duct when they reached their destination. His breathing was laboured and he looked barely conscious, but he looked otherwise alright for now.

"We will need to carry him to the hotel," Laedra whispered. "Even with as suspicious as it might appear."

"You go first," Koran said. "I'll bring Ferrig behind. Getting out of here will be tricky, I'm sure they'll be combing the area for us. We'll need to get away from the Palace as quickly as possible. A circuitous route would be best."

"At least the tunnel will lead us clear of the palace. It might give us a short lead on them." Laedra pushed open the grate and scooted over to sit at the edge. She jumped down into the tunnel, sending a spray of murky water up from the puddles below. Wiping off the droplets clinging to her outfit, she looked up at Koran. "Do you need help getting him down?"

Koran nodded. "I don't want to injure him anymore." He carefully lowered the boy down toward where Laedra waited. "From here, back to the hotel. I can stabilize his condition from there. Then we can see if we can make it back to the Temple."

"We will," she assured him. "We must, Master." Laedra held Ferrig close as Koran passed him down, then she eased him gently onto his feet. With one arm around his waist and his arm slung across her shoulders, Laedra started with him down the tunnel.

Koran dropped easily to the ground and quickly started off after Laedra. His lightsaber was out and ready, but he could sense no danger ahead of them. The only danger, a dark black cloud in his mind, was from behind. They dashed off into the night, away from the palace. When they were around one hundred meters from the palace, the alarm began sounding. Shouting could be heard, but was quickly drowned out by the sound of walkers being powered up. "That way," Koran rasped, pointing toward a darkened alley.

Laedra slipped into it with Ferrig still in her hold, and as much as he tried to keep up the pace, he kept stumbling and dragging his feet along.

"All this for us?" she whispered to Koran.

"Of course," Koran answered. "It's the Tyrant Mentality. There can be no opposition to your rule, and anything that threatens your dominance must be punished, made to be an example to all those who would rise in defiance. We must free this planet from that man, this galaxy. I may not have been part of it, but too much effort was put into getting rid of Palpatine to allow this man to do the same. Tarkin will fall, and I wish to be there when it happens!"

Koran's determination inspired Laedra into a faster pace through the darkened alley. She too knew that Tarkin's reign needed to be brought to an end, and looking upon Ferrig's bloodied and bruised face convinced her of that. Tae'Karada was being ravaged by the blight that was Grand Admiral Tarkin, and when they returned safely to the Temple, Laedra would work together with Koran and devise a plan to eliminate him. After she brought Liam home.

---

"Shadows Unfolding, Part 1"
by Qual Tregat [NPC+]
Neron Tregat [NPC+]
Maeren Shivral

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

The hotel room overlooked the whole city, and as he stared out into the vast expanse of New Plouton, he knew his brother was out there somewhere. By comparison, the city was small. Then again, after living on Coruscant for his entire life, all other cities were small.

Across the expanse of street stood the Esri-Casren Tower, the building that housed Zale Tregat's Antorial Industries. Antorial, Qual Tregat sneered. Where the hell did Zale get off using that name?

Movement behind him brought him out of his thoughts, and Qual turned to see Neron entering through the door that connected their adjoining rooms. "Are you ready to go see that show, my little brother? I hear that our little starlet is quite spectacular."

"I've been looking through the holofootage," Neron said. "She's a pretty little one. Maybe not enough to go around, but I'm sure we can take turns." He stopped at Qual's side and scanned the cityscape with a hint of displeasure in his expression. "I hope we finish quickly. I need to get as far away from here as quickly as I can."

"Oh, I don't know, when we were down on the street, you were enjoying the sights well enough," Qual answered with a laugh. "But, yes. This place is so...it smells like Zale. And, I'm sure there's plenty to go around, but we don't want to break her."

"Even if we do, there's still Kaysa, right?" Neron grinned ferally at his brother. "You do still plan on making her fulfill her deal with you, don't you?"

"There has never been a deal that I've gotten into that hasn't been paid in full," Qual said. "And, don't worry, Neron, if you'd like I'll share her with you."

Neron sighed. "I don't know. She's a little old for my tastes. I'm more eager for a taste of the blonde slut. She's been bouncing from bed to bed a lot lately. I've no doubt she'll end up in mine."

Qual laughed. "I imagine you're hungering for a taste of those other two she's been spending time with lately too," he said. "They both do look quite tasty. Though, that would be a distraction from our mission here. We hurt Zale through his relationships, and make him suffer for what he's done to us."

"He looks far too happy," Neron noted. "He could do with a little heartbreak."

"A little? My brother, he could do with a lot. Now, you ready to head out? We don't want to be late to the Palace of Stars."

Neron ran a hand over each sleeve of his jacket and smiled approvingly. "All ready, brother. The hoverlimo's waiting." He clapped Qual on the back and started for the door. He stopped in the doorway upon reaching it and looked back at Qual. "Don't daydream for too long, brother. We've got some hell to wreak."

"Oh, I was just wondering what this planet would look like as part of our empire. I think it would look better as rubble though." He turned toward Neron and started after him with a laugh. "It's time this planet learned what real hell wreaking is like."

***

Strolling into the Palace without a hassle, Qual and Neron felt like the royalty they thought themselves to be. With their breadth and countenance, as well as their exotic features, it didn't take long for all eyes to be on them.

Neron was dressed in a finely tailored suit that fit perfectly over his trim physique. Qual was much larger in frame, and his clothing clung to him like an impassioned lover, but he still managed to always look prim.

Their entourage trailed closely behind them, keeping up their guard and scanning the crowd of onlookers for any suspicious elements. Qual and Neron had reserved a section of the balcony for them and all their men, and once seated there they cast their eyes over the crowd below them.

"Nice place...aside from the fat bantha outside. If we buy this place, we should destroy it," Neron suggested.

"We'll have to have a big party for that," Qual answered. "I've heard that statue out front is actually a self-portrait of the owner."

Neron laughed. "Hopefully he's not too overprotective of his beauties. Maybe we could take a couple home tonight."

"Oh, we would show them a night like they'll probably never see here on this Lek-hole. We've got good seats my brother. I just hope our little, dancing darling notices us."

"We'll sneak backstage after the show if we have to." Neron slapped his brother on the back congenially. "What happened to your enterprising spirit, brother?"

"Oh, I was planning that already," Qual answered with a laugh. "I was thinking during the show. I was just wondering if during her dance, she'd look up and see the two of us there. I imagine she might just miss a step."

"With that vicious smile of yours, how could she not?" Neron quipped. "Go easy on the girl. She looks like a delicate creature. Though...I'm sure we'll toughen her up in no time."

"She's been with Zale before," Qual answered. "To endure anything our brutish brother has put her through, she must be tough. However, we'll start out easy on her. Don't want to wear her out too quickly. I have a feeling she'd make a nice slave girl."

"Well...if you get one, I get one. I think while she dances, I'll pick out some others that look like they'd make willing whores." Neron shifted in his seat and tugged the end of his jacket to straighten out the fabric. "Now...where are our drinks?"

Qual looked around and noticed a scantily clad woman carrying a drink tray. "There's one," he said. "Why don't you convince her we need some drinks, my brother?"

"Me?" Neron snorted. "You just want to look at her cleavage as she bends over my shoulder to take the order."

"You have a problem with that?" Qual glanced sidelong at his brother. "I'll order the next round and convince the woman to blow you when she brings them to us. How's that?"

Neron grimaced, then nodded grudgingly. He abruptly snapped his fingers and a guard stepped out of the alcove. When he returned, he had a barely dressed girl by the arm and was just about dragging her into the room.

"Two wines," Neron sighed, then waved the girl off. She was promptly pushed out of the alcove. Neron cocked an eyebrow at Qual. "Happy?"

Qual rolled his eyes. "Nice, brother," he said. "After treatment like that, I bet I couldn't even get a Twi'lek slave dancer to look at your dick, let alone suck it. When did you turn into such a boor?"

"When I came to this damn planet," he grumbled. "We shouldn't have to travel thousands of lightyears for money that's ours."

"How many men do you think we should waste trying to convince Zale to come back home?" Qual snapped sourly. "We don't have enough storage space for all the boxes they'd be shipped back to Coruscant in."

Neron sighed sharply and folded his arms aggressively over his chest. "I know that. We've just been waiting so long and now we're so close... I can't wait much longer. Just like I can't wait for this damn show to start."

The waitress returned with their drinks on a tray and edged into the room cautiously. She kept her distance from Neron and Qual as she set down each glass with a trembling hand. Once his drink was safely before him, Neron used his well-honed reflexes to shoot out a hand and grasp the woman's wrist. She cried out in surprise, but when Neron's preternaturally blue eyes locked with hers, she relaxed and smiled demurely.

"Thank you for the drinks," his smooth, deeply rich voice intoned. His hand moved up her arm, caressing the pale flesh delicately. The woman visibly shuddered with delight and moaned quietly at the disarming smile Neron shot her. "Come by again in twenty minutes. We'll be needing a refill."

She nodded unsteadily and frowned slightly when Neron withdrew his hand, though only to slip it into hers. When he slid it away again, he left behind a one-hundred credit chip, and a tingling sensation up the girl's arm.

"Th-thank you, sir," she whispered breathlessly.

Neron motioned his head towards the curtains, and the girl clumsily backed into them. With a final giggle for Neron and a little wave, she was gone.

"That better, dear brother?" Neron drawled, taking up his drink.

"Much better," Qual answered as he lifted his to his lips. As he was setting it down again, the lights began to fade. Qual smiled and glanced at his brother. "There, you see? Your mood alters slightly, and things go better. The show is starting."

Neron sighed and settled back against his chair. "It's about time." He scanned the crowd below again, then shifted his eyes to a balcony not far from theirs. Neron chuckled lowly and nudged Qual's arm. "Well...looks like we're not the only audience Ms. Shivral's got."

Qual glanced across the way and started. For a moment, he thought the figure seated with a naked woman (save a few collars and leashes) looked very familiar. But, he was supposed to be dead. At least, that's what his people told him, even though Qual always suspected that bounty hunting bitch hadn't done her job effectively. But, as he stared, he realized he was mistaken. It was someone who looked very similar, but wasn't. As his heart returned to a normal pace again, Qual chuckled. "It will be interesting to see what kind of fan he actually is."

"We'll need to have him distracted if we plan on getting close to the girl," Neron said. "Though...I would certainly enjoy getting acquainted with that beauty beside him."

Qual laughed. "You're not worried about him, are you? He'll just have to stand in line behind his betters. He can have what's left, though I think that little slut at his side would look very nice with her leash in your hand."

Neron gave a crooked grin to his brother. "You just want the blonde bitch for yourself. But...if I get that creature across the way for myself, you can have her."

"Very well," Qual answered. "But, I still intend to share her with you if you'd like a few rolls through the sheets. I'd really like to put that joker in his place. If he's not careful, he'll end up drooling on our girl."

Neron chuckled darkly and turned his attention back to the stage, where the curtain was now rising. The orchestra had jumped into a lively number, accompanied by brisk applause from the crowd. The red drapes drew up enough to reveal the two rows of dancers, all clad in identical, silver outfits, save for the blonde enchantress at the head. Neron leaned forward in his seat and felt the familiar tingle in his groin at the sight of her. "Oh...she's even more beautiful in person. I almost want to take her right now, on that stage."

Maeren Shivral's costume shone brightly as the lights hit it, but when they decreased slightly, it revealed that the base fabric was silver, a bright, metallic silver that reflected the light in all directions. It revealed most of her tanned skin, and was obviously constructed for its alluring impact.

"My brother," Qual said as Shiv started dancing, "I do believe I would join you."

The dance was a sprightly, jovial one, with the girls performing intricate, rapid footwork and frequent spins. Their toothy smiles added to the bright mood of the dance, but it was upon Shiv Neron was focused. Her smile was most alluring, and the way her youthful, resilient curves moved, and her breasts bounced beneath the sheer fabric of her outfit made his arousal grow. He wanted to tear the thin material off her lithe body and ravage her with his lips, and hands. He glanced at Qual briefly, and from the fire in his eyes, Neron could tell he was fantasizing about the same thing.

It was a crime, Qual found himself thinking, that Zale should have a woman like this so close to him and do nothing about it. That she was wasting her time with Kaysa and that musician was appalling. Neither of them could give her what Qual could. Then again, he'd share her with Neron, but she would be his. Neron could have his fun, certainly. But...oh who was he kidding? His brother, loyal to the core, deserved as much of a share in the girl as he did. They would share her together, and nothing their middle brother could say or do would stop them. "She's ours," he whispered.

Neron nodded readily in agreement. "We definitely don't have girls like that on Coruscant. I want to touch her just to make sure she's real."

"Oh, you'll be doing that soon enough, my brother. Touching and more. Just imagine what she must be like in bed."

Neron's lips curled into a large, leering grin. "Oh, I am, and if I keep doing so, I'll need to call that drink girl back in here now for some temporary relief."

Qual laughed. "We could have our own little show up here," he said. "Well, how would you like to miss the last part of her dance while we go and slip backstage?"

Neron nodded seriously. "Good idea. We wanna beat out her overprotective lover."

After signalling to the guards that they were moving on, Neron rose from his seat and straightened out his suit. "We should keep some of the boys here."

"Good idea," Qual answered. "Besides, I think they'll enjoy the show. Too bad the dancers are so clothed though. That would be a nice dance, wouldn't it? Oh, could you imagine that sweet, little thing dancing around out there with even less on?"

"We'll get her to do that for us when we corner her in her dressing room."

Neron moved past the guards filed on either side of the balcony, clearing he and Qual a path to the curtain. An unseen guard from outside pulled back one side of the curtain and Neron bowed under it as he passed through the opening. He instructed only two of their men to follow he and his brother, ordering the rest to stay behind and keep their balcony reserved. Then, they set about to find the exquisite Maeren Shivral's dressing room and hopefully give her a surprise she wasn't likely to forget.

***

When they all filed off the stage, they were laughing and high on the adrenaline rush of the show. As Maeren hugged Arrista and then Dani and Nieme, she felt ready to go out and dance the show again. The little hugfest that followed the show was always nice, and it allowed them all to get closer to each other, a little of a personal touch to what really became something impersonal. Finally, she managed to reach her dressing room door. She waved back to those still lingering behind her, and slipped into her room. Keeve was out there, and she needed to get to him quickly. She had a big surprise for him, and she couldn't wait to see his face.

She started stripping out of her costume, softly singing a song Merrick had been helping her to write. She dropped the top onto the chair and was starting to remove the leggings when she noticed a shape that seemed out of place in the corner. "Who's there?" she said, bringing her arms up to cover herself.

"No need to be modest, Ms. Shivral," a deep, resonant voice told her. "Why hide such beauty?" Neron's piercing, blue eyes penetrated the darkness first as he stepped forward, then came the rest of his tall frame. He passed a casual, yet approving gaze over her partially revealed body and grinned. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Shivral."

"Who. Are you?"

Another figure moved to stand beside the first. "We're friends, Maeren. My name is Qual, and this is Neron. You might say that we're practically family. We watched your show tonight. We were very impressed, and we decided that we wanted to get to know you much better."

Neron's smile became at once hungry as he stepped towards Maeren. "Much better, if you'll let us, of course."

Shiv took an involuntary step away from them. "I-- I think you should leave now. You're not supposed to be back here."

Qual sighed. "I don't think this is going as easily as it was supposed to Qual. I think you'll have to convince her."

"Gladly, my brother."

One moment, Neron was perfectly still, watching Maeren with his lascivious gaze. The next, he was lunging forward and wrenching one of Shiv's arms away from her chest. Before she could cry out, Neron had her pinned against him, with one arm securely around her slender waist and the other clamped over her mouth. Her muffled screams were amusing and Neron chuckled into her ear, even while she squirmed and kicked her feet wildly.

"Oh, brother, I think she's aching for us. Look at her beg."

"Oh, she begs really well," Qual answered as he moved over to one of the tables and brought back a scarf. "So she doesn't cry out and let everyone know how good we are. We don't want them all stampeding us for a taste of what we've got." With a dexterous hand, he managed to get the scarf underneath Neron's hand and into Shiv's mouth. "Now, my brother, do you want her first or second?"

"Oh, how generous of you, dear brother. I think I'll go first," Neron replied with a smooth chuckle.

In one swift move, Neron turned and flung Shiv onto the couch as if her body were nothing but a child's plaything. He was atop before she could even think about jumping up and bolting, then proceeded to aid her in the removal of her remaining clothing. He took little care in the act of pulling off her skirt, and left welts on her abdomen as his fingernails dragged across her flesh. With a grin up at Qual, Neron chuckled and blindly lifted Shiv slightly, then flipped her onto her stomach.

"We'll see just what kind of whore she is by the way she screams when I take her from behind."

"Oh, indeed we will," Qual answered as he positioned himself to where he could watch his brother's act of betrayal against Zale. The first blow in their assault on Zale and his family. Striking through the family was always the most effective way of hurting someone. Loved ones were a weak spot, and Qual always liked to strike at the weak spots. "Let's see what kind of whore she'll be for us, brother. Make her scream."

Neron bowed his head obligingly to Qual, and with one hand holding Shiv down, the other went to the waist of his pants. He roughly undid the button, then drove down the zipper. The sound seemed to send Shiv into a desperate panic, and the girl arched against him in an attempt to throw him off. Neron wasn't planning on budging.

"Oh, sweet girl...don't worry. You've been missing out with that whore of a girlfriend of yours. We're just trying to show you a good time." He massaged his organ to life, which didn't take much doing with the sight of Shiv, naked and struggling against him. Neron liked it when they fought.

"I'll be gentle," he taunted. He chuckled and nuzzled his lips to Shiv's neck. "I promise," he whispered as he poised the tip of his shaft at Shiv's anus.

Shiv's cries were silent with the scarf in her mouth. She could feel hot tears streaking her cheeks as she felt him behind her. She cried out again as he pushed himself inside her with a grunt. He was rough with her, soon finding a rhythm that he liked. There was nothing she could do as he violated her body. She cursed herself again and again in her mind as her body betrayed her, as it had done so many times. As Dargus' prisoner, on the street where Keeve saved her, and again on Dargus' ship before Yelara saved her. She was then glad for the scarf muffling all sound, for her cries too would surely betray her.

---

"Shadows Unfolding, Part 2"
by Qual Tregat [NPC+]
Neron Tregat [NPC+]
Maeren Shivral
with Keeve Kandran [NPC+]
and Kallia Brael

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

"Do women usually take this long to change?" Keeve asked impatiently, pacing restlessly by the backstage door. "She said she'd be right out."

Kallia was lounging gracefully against one wall, and currently holding her own leash. "Sometimes they can," she said. "Though, considering that outfit she was wearing, she might only take a little longer than me to get out of my outfit. Do you want to go check on her, Keeve? I can wait for you here if you'd like."

Keeve shook his head. "No." He stopped, looked up at her and held out a hand. "You're coming with me." When the leash was placed gingerly into his palm, Keeve tugged Kallia gently forward and slipped through the backstage door.

"Kal?" he asked, as they strolled down the corridor. "I...I wanted to ask Maeren...something, but I'm not sure if it's the right time yet. How...how do I know when it is?"

"In your heart, you will feel it is right," Kallia answered. "I don't know if there is any other advice I could give."

"Well...I want to ask her to marry me soon, I think." He grinned at Kal. "You think she'll accept?"

"The way she looks at you," Kallia answered, "I can't see how she couldn't. I do hope you'll invite me to the ceremony. Will it be a traditional Tae'Karadan ceremony?"

"Of course!" Keeve exclaimed. "And for Maeren's sake, I might even invite--"

His steady pace slowed as Keeve's eyes got sight of the two guards blocking Shiv's door up ahead. "What the hells is that?" he asked, rage already building up within him. Keeve tugged on Kallia's leash before she could offer a reply and marched over to the door. The two very large men barely glanced at him and continued their silent watch. Keeve wasn't deterred. "Hey! Who the hells are you?"

One of the guards looked down at Keeve. He stood just over two meters tall, and standing as close as Keeve was, seemed almost that wide. "Tregat Syndicate guard," he said. "This is a private party and you're not invited."

"What?" he spat. "Screw Zale Tregat! I'm a representative of the Kandran Syndicate and I demand that you let me in there!"

The other guard snorted a laugh, and muttered something that included the words "Kandran" and "bantha testicles."

"Just wait your turn," the guard answered. "The girl's a star now, and she has to deal with her fans. So, you'll have to learn to wait your turn. If you like, we can let you know when she's available again."

"Wait my--" Keeve growled and stalked back to Kal's side. He gave her a crooked, impish smile and cocked his head towards the men. "I'll give you a big treat after."

Kallia smiled at him, kissed him on the lips, and then strolled forward toward the two guards. They were both watching her with suspicion.

"You will let us through the door," she said in a monotone, adding a simple waving gesture in the suggestion.

One of the guards, the one on the left lurched slightly. "We will let--"

The other guard, the one who'd been talking, slammed his partner with an elbow, and then threw the other, as a fist, toward Kallia's face. Using her Jedi training, she turned the blow easily, but the blaster bolt caught her in the stomach. Consciousness ebbed as she was tossed back several meters by the blast. She landed on the floor, in a tangled, naked heap, out cold.

In the moment of confusion, Keeve managed to throw back his jacket and unholster his own weapon. The one who'd subdued Kallia quickly found himself slammed back against the door from the force of a blaster bolt landing squarely on his chest. The other reached for his weapon, but Keeve courteously allowed him to be thrown back by another shot from his blaster.

When he was certain both were unconscious, he rushed back to Kallia's side. A brief check of her pulse to ensure she was alright, then a tender caress of her cheek, and Keeve was back before the door, aiming his pistol at the locking mechanism. One shot was enough to scramble the circuits and with a grinding whoosh the door opened.

What he saw in the room halted him immediately and struck him dumb. For a moment, his jealousy raged as the dark man pumped into Shiv from behind while the other watched. Both, however, were looking at him now and grinning. As he caught sight of the tears streaking down Shiv's cheeks, he realized this wasn't simply a private "show" for two adoring fans. Fighting back his rage, Keeve discreetly pressed his thumb to the settings on his blaster and raised it to 'kill,' which was what he planned to do to those two once Shiv was safe.

"Leave her alone," he growled.

Qual glanced away from Neron's fun to the young man standing with a blaster trained on his younger brother. "I take it you've dealt with the guards outside already," he said in a lazy drawl. He closed one hand in a fist, allowing him to easily touch the concealed panic button within. A quick mental calculation told him he had one minute, possibly two before his people arrived. Time to stall, he thought. "How about you put your weapon down, and my brother stops having his fun. Though, the little chippie may not like that. She was actually having some fun with this. If we pull that gag out of her mouth, you'll find she's probably begging for more."

Keeve took a threatening step forward, but was smart enough to realize Qual had a severe strength advantage over him, so he stopped short. "Let her go or I will have a legion of armed soldiers storm in here and slaughter you."

"Fun time's over, Neron," Qual said without taking his eyes from Keeve. "Go ahead and let the girl up. Looks like her protector wants to have a word with us." The words held a double meaning, a code the brothers had developed a long time ago. The hidden message that Qual sent Neron was "Get ready. Trouble."

Neron bowed his head at Qual and grinned viciously at Keeve. He had ceased thrusting into Shiv, but before pulling out, he ran his hand down her spine and over the curve of her rear. After one final violent jerk forward that had Shiv crying out against the scarf in her mouth, Neron pulled out of Shiv with little care.

"You seem like a reasonable man," he said to Keeve as he stepped off the couch, making no move to push himself back into his pants. "I'm sure if you overlook this incident, we can negotiate a business proposition. That is why we've come to Tae'Karada: Business, of the family kind but not limited to it."

"Screw you," Keeve spat. He glared at the two men with barely suppressed rage and blindly held out a hand to Shiv. "Come here, Maeren. Hurry."

Maeren quickly scrambled away from Neron and Qual grasping Keeve's hand as she neared and crushing her body against his. She was making muffled sounds, but with the gag in place they were just mumbling.

"Now," Qual said. "You have your girl. You would be best advised to turn around and walk away."

Keeve brushed his lips against Shiv's brow, keeping his eyes on Qual and Neron. He held her protectively to him with one hand, while the other still brandished his blaster, the one he now pointed at the men. "I have a better idea. Leave now, or don't and I'll just have your bloody corpses disposed of later."

Qual's hand blurred and in a heartbeat, he held a blaster trained at both Shiv and Keeve. "Bad idea, chazbag," he growled. "Back your ass out of here or we see how many bolts your little darling's naked flesh can absorb."

Keeve gritted his teeth and knew if Shiv's life wasn't at risk, he would be disregarding his own safety and all common sense, and would be assailing them with a hail of blaster fire. Instead, he jammed his blaster back into its holster and murmured soothing words into Shiv's ear. "You tell Zale I'm gonna kill him for this," Keeve said with a menacing smile, slowly backing out of the room. "And after I'm done with him, I think I'd like to have a go at you two."

"Oh, before you go, when you kill Zale, could you have him send us the money he owes us first? Well, actually send us all of it. That's why we're here. And, please do it right because we don't want to have to finish the job for you. Those always get very messy."

Neron chuckled smoothly and finally sealed up his pants again. "Oh, and we'd be happy to watch Ms. Shivral for you while you're doing it. A girl like that shouldn't be left alone for even a moment. But...we'll make sure she's well taken care of."

A deep rumble reverberated in Keeve's throat, and he would have lunged forward at them again, but Shiv's trembling body and her tightening hold on him urged Keeve to get her to safety.

As Keeve kept moving, Qual smiled. "Smart boy," he said. "By the way, my name is Qual and this is my brother Neron. We are both Zale Tregat's brothers, and we have no love for our dear brother."

Kallia lurched into the doorway. "Keeve," she rasped. She saw the two brothers across the room and dropped into a fighting stance, which brought a laugh from Neron.

"Oh my my my," Qual said in a sing-song voice. "See, you already have one. Why do you need to go take ours away when you already have one? You do know what they say about greed, don't you?"

A twisted smile contorted Keeve's lips and his eyes flared with a burning bloodlust as he replied, "Yeah...it'll be the death of you."

He pushed Shiv behind him, then slapped his hand to his blaster and nodded to Kallia. Neron continued laughing in the background.

The corner of Qual's mouth twitched into a grin, and he crouched down and dipped a hand into a boot. When he was standing again, he was holding a second blaster. "I've got people coming to me now," he said. "They'll be here before any help you can bring. Walk away, and we will. But, you're blocking the door, so you have to go first."

"Why don't you go first?" Keeve sneered. "You're the unwelcome guests here."

Qual raised both of his weapons, aiming one at Keeve and one at Shiv. "Maybe you didn't hear me," he snarled. "You're standing in my way. Get your ass out before I see what your girlfriend looks like with a hole in her."

Keeve looked at Kallia, tight-lipped and frustrated. He'd have to have a talk with his slave about fulfilling her other appointed responsibilities aside from pleasuring him - like protecting him. With a growl, he pushed Kallia back into the hallway and wound his other arm behind him, around Shiv still cowering there, and carefully backed away with her. "We will meet again, and next time, you'll be the ones leaving, but definitely not alive." Keeve gave them a mock salute, then sidled behind the wall, out of sight.

"Great," Neron grumbled. "And I was having fun with the bitch too."

"At least you got to have some fun with her," Qual said. "And, I don't think her brave rescuer realizes how much she was enjoying that. Did you see how wet she was? I don't think I've ever seen a woman quite that excited before."

"I know," Neron drawled proudly. "I don't think it'll take much to persuade her to meet with us in private. Though, we've got to get that jerk out of the way first."

Qual's grin was feral. "Oh, I think that would be a pleasurable experience. Come on, let's get out of here before he finds some large bodies to hide behind. I have a feeling he'd feel safe picking a fight from there."

Raucous, jeering laughter followed Qual and Neron out of the dressing room. Along the way, they kicked at the two unconscious guards still sprawled on the floor. They groaned and shifted groggily, but Neron and Qual left them behind to come to their senses again and deal with their shame of failure alone. Mistakes couldn't be tolerated, especially when the two brothers had so much at stake.

Maeren's untimely departure was but a small kink in their plan, though Neron had so hoped to satisfy himself with her. Though, there would be time but when it had expired, Neron and Qual would own a fortune and a new empire, with Zale getting trampled underfoot. It was an enticing future indeed.

---

"Confronting Pain, Part 1"
By: Kallia Brael
Maeren Shivral
Keeve Kandran [NPC+]

Location: Keeve and Shiv's apartment - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Maeren Shivral was still shaking when she and Keeve entered her new apartment, with Kallia close behind them. She wasn't clinging as closely to Keeve as when they'd first left the Palace, but she still needed the comfort of his touch. The tears had ceased shortly after they got off the Palace grounds, and the combination of Keeve's coat covering her and his arms holding her tight were enough to finally settle the anxiety that was turning her stomach.

Inside, she stayed in his arms, even though she longed to flop down onto the bed, to curl into a ball, and never come out.

And, then there was the other side of her, the side she found herself despising. For as afraid as she was, that side of her had thrilled at the brutality of their assault on her. They hadn't hit her at all, she barely had a chance to struggle. But they had violated her nonetheless. It reminded herself of the times on Dargus' ship and base, or in the streets just outside the home she'd been sharing with Kaysa and Merrick. She was disgusted and repulsed by that side of her, but at the same time still felt that warm rush of excitement burning inside.

"Oh gods," she finally murmured into Keeve's chest.

"It's okay," he whispered into her hair, pulling her closer to him on the couch. "They'll pay, Maeren. They won't ever touch you again."

"I went into my dressing room, and they were there. I-- I tried to tell them to go, but... Oh gods, Keeve... They were...oh gods. They were his brothers. Why would they--? Why would he--? At first, I thought they were just...just fans. Oh gods, Keeve..."

Keeve kissed Shiv's brow, then shot Kallia a threatening glare. "Do something useful and get her some water," he snapped.

Without a word, Kallia moved over to the sink, found a glass and filled it with water. She brought it back and held it out for Keeve to take from her.

Keeve snatched it from her hand roughly then scowled. "Get out of my sight, you disgusting creature. I blame you" --he motioned his eyes towards Shiv's trembling form-- "for this. Go hide in one of the rooms and don't come out until you're called for."

"You blame me for what?" Kallia said, coolly crossing her arms over her chest. "It's easy to blame everyone else for everything, isn't it, Keeve? What would you have had me do, Keeve?"

"Kill them with those...powers of yours!" he hollered. "You stood there and did nothing! You're worthless, Kal. I should've left you on the ship."

"Kill them? Shoot lightning out of my hands? Squeeze their hearts until they burst with the power of my mind? Throw them repeatedly against the wall until they're a bloody pulp? You want me to become a Dark Jedi, Keeve? Do you really think, if I ventured down that path, you could even come close to controlling me? I care about you, Keeve. In fact, I love you. I would die for you if you asked me, but I assure you that you do not want me to head down that path. For the sake of yourself, for Maeren, and everything you hold dear in your life, you do not want me to cross over to the dark side."

Keeve sighed. "I never said that," he replied more calmly. "It's just...you were there! You saw them, you saw Maeren! They'll come back for her and...and I can't protect her alone," he admitted grudgingly.

Kallia looked down at her weaponless nakedness and then back to Keeve. "I'm a showpiece, Keeve, not a bodyguard. If you wish me to be a bodyguard, I will need to alter my attire. I like it like this, but yours and Maeren's safety is far more important. If you want me to be your bodyguard, I will. But, if I'm protecting you, I can't be lost in submission to you."

"I know," he admitted. He stroked Shiv's cheek idly, tenderly, and knew her safety was more important than having a sexual plaything. "You'll go back to the ship then," he said quietly. "You'll have access to whatever you need to equip yourself with. Then, you'll rejoin me here. The submission can wait."

"At once," Kallia answered. "Shall I return as soon as I am ready?"

"Yes, but ensure that you're not followed. Those bastards could be tracking us."

Kallia nodded. She then turned to Shiv. "Would it be alright if I borrowed some of your clothing? I would be less conspicuous walking across town to the spaceport in clothing."

Maeren looked up and nodded. "Yeah, take whatever you need from the closet."

Kallia gave her a brief smile and then moved over to the closet. She quickly removed the leashes and set them aside. Shiv's clothing was tight on her, but she finally found a pair of pants that fit and a tank top. She pulled on a cloak and found a pair of sandals. Once ready, she returned to Keeve. "I'll be back soon," she said. "And, from now on, I will be your protector as well as Maeren's."

Keeve's stony expression softened and he cracked a smile for Kallia. "I'm sure she'd appreciate it, Kal." He turned his lips back into Shiv's tangled hair and kissed her head tenderly. "I'll see you later," he whispered to Kallia, then watched her leave without another word.

He sighed heavily then, forcing back his rage and disappointment in himself. He'd kill Zale Tregat for this, then he'd go after his brothers. But, only after Shiv was well again. "You should have a bath," he told her gently. "I bet it'll make you feel...better, cleaner."

Shiv nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "You'll help me? I don't want to be alone right now. I-- I want you close, Keeve." She shuddered again, and clung even more tightly to him. "I couldn't do anything at all."

"I'll help," he assured her quickly. "I'm not leaving your side for a minute, not anymore. That's why--" He sighed, then took in a deep breath to gather his courage. "Marry me, Maeren. Marry me so we can just be together always."

"Oh gods," Shiv whispered. "I can't yet. I will, but not yet. Things aren't right with Kaysa yet, and...oh gods...I'm yours, Keeve. But, I can't marry you just yet, not with things so bad with Kaysa."

"This has nothing to do with her," Keeve said impatiently. "Maeren, this is about us, not her! Why do we have to wait? Do we need her approval? Is that it? We can't do anything unless Kaysa's fine with it? Well...I won't, Maeren. I won't live like that!"

"That's not it, Keeve," Shiv said. "It's...she threw me out of the house, Keeve. I don't want to go off and marry you. I've hurt her so much already, and that would... I can't do that. She'd think... Please, Keeve. We will get married, but I need to make peace with Kaysa before I do. It's not her approval."

Keeve sucked in a sharp breath to argue the point with her further, but the feel of her fragile body still quivering against his made it of little importance now compared to Shiv's safety and her happiness. "Okay," he conceded finally. He stroked Shiv's cheek soothingly. "We'll talk about this later. Let's go get you bathed, then settled into bed."

Shiv nodded slowly and brushed her lips against his throat. "Thank you," she whispered. "I want to talk to her soon. I want to make everything better with her, so we can, Keeve. I need to talk to her to make it right, so I can feel right about being with you. I love you, Keeve."

"I love you too, Maeren," he sighed, rising to his feet and drawing Shiv up with him. "Because I love you so much, I'll wait. But...not forever." Before she could interject, Keeve pressed his lips to hers to reassure her that 'forever' didn't mean right now, and that there was still time to sort it all out. "Now," he whispered once the kissed ended, "would you like bubbles with your bath?"

"Bubbles sound nice," Shiv whispered. "I'd invite you into the tub too, but there isn't enough room. You have to sit right next to it though, and you can't stop touching me. I don't want you to stop touching me until...well, until never." She kissed him again. "We will be married soon, Keeve." She swallowed and gazed up into his eyes. "I won't take the name Kandran though."

"And you won't take Zenarr either," he told her gravely. "We'll...think of something else. Now--" Keeve gave her his most loving, dashing smile and easily scooped up her slight weight into his arms. "And I won't leave your side for a second," he promised.

"We could make up a new name, for just you and me," she said with a smile. "It can be something with special meaning to us, and...and it'll be like starting everything over together. Oh gods, Keeve, I love you so much. I...I want you to help bathe me, and...do you think Kallia will be back tonight? It's going to be strange seeing her with clothes on, you know."

"Yes, she'll be here tonight," Keeve replied, though he didn't mention the reason he required her presence. He couldn't protect Shiv if he was out tracking down Zale with the intention of murdering the bastard. "Don't worry, though. She'll stay outside of the bedroom...if her clothing bothers you so much," he said with a grin.

Shiv broke into a wide grin. "Oh, she can come into the bedroom," she said. "I don't mind at all. Though, she has to take her clothes off there. Shiv's rules."

"And when I'm with you," he added, brushing his lips against her chin, "no one else is allowed in the bed. Keeve's rules."

"Not even our sex slave?" Shiv asked with a mischievous grin.

"My sex slave," he clarified.

Stepping into the refresher, he set Shiv down upon the sink, then drew his hands up her naked thighs and kissed her gently. "If you want a sex slave," he whispered, his lips still brushing hers, "I'd gladly volunteer."

"So, you're not willing to share with your fiancée? You would be very well rewarded, my love; I promise." She leaned forward and gazed up at him. "I'd be your sex slave like that too, like her. Would you like that, Keeve?"

His brow furrowed and after a brief, silent moment, Keeve shook his head. "No...not like that, Maeren. You're different, special. You're nothing like them, you'll never be. I just want you as a wife. It's...it's more than the sex. You know that, right? I mean...you feel that way too?"

"Of course, I do," Maeren answered. "And, it wouldn't be just sex. It would be just...just having fun. That's what it's about too. We have to have fun, Keeve. There has to be laughter and joy, and wonderful stuff. I think it'd be fun, Keeve."

"You can have fun with anyone," he pointed out sullenly. "In fact, you probably do. How do I know what you and I have is different from that?"

Shiv sighed and cupped his face in her hands. "But it is different between us," she said. "Can't you feel that it is, Keeve? Isn't it in my eyes when I look at you? I love you, Keeve. Anyone else I've been with isn't like that. The only other people I feel that way about is Kaysa and Merrick, but it's different. I'm going to marry you, Keeve. It is different, very much so."

"Going to marry me?" He chuckled wryly and looked away. "Like that's gonna happen," he muttered, then slipped easily off towards the tub.

Sure, you love me, Maeren...and half of Tae'Karada, he thought bitterly as he stooped over the tub and set the water running. I'll always come last after them, won't I? After Kaysa? Keeve barely noticed his fingers aggressively clenching the bottle of liquid soap as he poured it into the pool of water. As much as she wanted him to, he could never accept how willingly Shiv shared herself. He couldn't help feeling the injustice of giving all his love to one woman, only to get part of hers in return.

Shiv crossed her arms over her chest, obvious hurt showing in her features. "Wh-- what's that supposed to mean, Keeve?"

"What's what supposed to mean?" he shot back, dropping the empty bottle into the water and watching it drift towards the whirlpool forming at the drain. "It means what it's supposed to mean, Maeren. No matter what, you'll keep finding excuses not to marry me. If you don't want to, why are you leading me on?"

"I'm not leading you on, Keeve! I just...I can't while things are bad with Kaysa. After I patch up things with her, and things are okay again, I will. But, I don't...I can't hurt her that way. I can't do that to her, Keeve. Can't you understand that?"

"I'm trying!" he exclaimed, straightening up abruptly and whirling around to face her. "When are things gonna be okay, Maeren? When are they ever okay! Each time we mend one thing, another falls apart. It's going to keep happening and you're going to keep using them as excuses. I know you love Kaysa, but what about me? You're so worried about hurting her, but you don't even care that you're killing me here!"

"How am I killing you, Keeve?" Shiv sobbed. "I'm going to marry you. But you don't believe me. Do you really think I'm lying to you? Do you really think I'm just toying you along? I wouldn't do that to you, Keeve! I love you! Gods! What do I have to do to prove it to you?"

"I couldn't ask any of it of you," he replied with a sigh. "If I did, you'd resent me, Maeren. I want to ask you to forget about Kaysa for now and just think about us, but I know you'd never do that. I want to demand that you be with me, only me, but that would get us nowhere. I'm helpless at this point, Maeren. You're the one with the power in this relationship, whether you admit it or not."

"If I agreed to be with only you," Maeren said softly, "what would you do with Kallia?"

Keeve clenched and unclenched his jaw, then listlessly threw up his arms in defeat. "She'd be my bodyguard, that's all. But I won't let you give up Kaysa, or Merrick, or the other hundreds of people you're with that I don't know about." Keeve smiled wanly at her inquisitive expression and nodded. "I smelled it on you when you came home the other night. I won't ask who it was, but I know, Maeren. And I won't ask you to give any of them up, because I know you'd be miserable otherwise, which means I would be too."

She took a couple hesitant steps closer to him. "Keeve," she said softly, "all I want to do is make peace with Kaysa. I don't like having her upset with me. I need to talk to her, and at least find out of she hates me. I love her, Keeve, and if I were to marry you now, with things so wrong between us, she would think I married you to hurt her. I don't want to put her through that. I...I don't know what will happen. But, I want to talk to her first, and once that's done, then I will marry you."

"And if it's never done?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "If she throws you out again, then what?"

"If she throws me out again, then...then I guess that tells me everything I need to know. I need to talk to her at least once, but then we'll do it. Okay?"

Looking at her pleading gaze, and knowing the horror she'd just been through, Keeve could do nothing but submit. "Fine," he sighed. "But you'll have to do it with me sitting next to you. I'm not letting you out of my sight again, even though I know how you like to sneak around for a stranger's bed to sleep in once in a while. I'll probably have to turn my back for that."

Shiv threw her arms around him and held tight. "Oh, gods I love you, Keeve," she whispered. "And, yes. Though, will you even turn your back if it's sexy Kallia our sex slave? I'm sure she and I could do some very amazing things to you."

"No," he said again, firmly. "Just you." He sighed barely audibly and slipped his arms around Shiv. As much as she drove him insane, he didn't think he could ever love anyone more. "Now," he said softly, "time for your bath." Keeve moved his hands to her shoulders and pushed back the coat she wore, then smoothed his palms over her arms. "I'll watch, if you promise not to splash me."

Shiv grinned. "I promise not to splash you if you smile for me," she said. "And, I really promise not to splash you if you laugh."

Keeve frowned at her. "I laughed already...last week, I think."

"Oh, that just won't do," Shiv said with a giggle. "If you're not laughing at least three times a day, you are taking yourself and life way too seriously."

Keeve allowed Shiv a charming, lopsided grin. "And how else are you supposed to take life? Otherwise, you get nowhere."

"You obviously haven't seen how much money Merrick has," Shiv said with a laugh. "And, you're supposed to enjoy life, Keeve, not stress over every detail. You'll give yourself wrinkles, and wrinkles are very unsexy."

Keeve suppressed a laugh at Shiv's irresistibly pouting lips, and the way her nose was scrunched up in distaste. He looked away quickly before it was too late, which it was, for he soon shook with silent laughter.

"See? Feels good, doesn't it? You know when the best time to laugh is, Keeve? During sex. Not laughing at each other or anything like that, but laughing because you're so happy and enjoying everything, and you just can't help it. Laughter is a very important part of the Maeren Shivral outlook on life, and if you are going to be my husband, you will find yourself laughing all the time. Or, you will be splashed!"

"Me? Splashed?" Keeve grinned mischievously at Shiv and in an instant had her held up in his arms again. "Oh, I doubt that, my love," he told her as he hurried over to the tub and swung her back, threatening to toss her in. "No splashing?" he asked above her squeals.

"No splashing," Shiv finally managed around her squealing giggles. "Oh you don't fight fair! I'm going to have to get tricky with you from now on!"

Keeve brought Shiv back towards him again, cradling her to his chest. "Oh, you could never outsmart me, Maeren Shivral. I'm older and wiser."

"But I'm quicker!" In an amazing feat of nimbleness, she was suddenly holding up his belt...which had been firmly attached to his pants just a moment ago. "You'll never know what my tricky fingers will do!"

"What--?" Keeve looked down at the waist of his pants, then back up at his belt in disbelief. "You thief! Where'd you learn that?" He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Lemme guess...Lerrah?"

"Oh, you would be surprised at the things I learned from her," she said with a laugh. "I learned it from her, and then perfected it. You should see me with a sabaac deck. You know, having a girl around who's good with her hands is a very nice thing."

Keeve's eyes blazed with inflamed passion and his lips curled into a leering smile. "Really? You might just have to demonstrate."

"For you? It would be my pleasure," Shiv said with a wide smile. "And, I have a feeling, yours as well."

"We'll see, my little sticky-fingers." He kissed her rosy lips softly, then grinned. "We'll see."

---

"Darkness Falls"
By: Syan Daywalker - Bounty Hunter
& Karia [NPC+]

Location: Yelldon District, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

The thrumming heartbeat of the Aesir vibrated from her engines and hyperdrive, through the superstructure of the ship, under the floors and up into Syan's body. Footstep after footstep put him back into connection with his ship. At times like these, he could almost believe that it was alive. He knew it wasn't, but it had been his home for long enough now that it had become an extension of him.

Ahead, one of the droids slipped across the main corridor, carrying a piece of equipment in delicate manipulators. R2-G9E, or Genie as Karia had named him, swiveled his dome and beeped interrogatively at Syan as he walked past.

"Back to work," the droid's master ground out of his teeth as he brushed past the droid.

The small lift took him up to Aesir's cockpit in a moment and deposited him in a kaleidoscope. The swirling lights of hyperspace filtered by cockpit screens danced on the polished deck and walls, reflecting back and fourth.

On his entrance, only one of the chairs turned.

Karia smiled up at him from the pilot's chair. "How was your shower?" she asked.

Syan walked up to stand between the two pilot's chairs. "Fine," he replied, looking over the controls. "We're nearly there?"

If Karia was stung by his rather curt response, she didn't show it. "We should be there any second now. Eighteen's watching the clock, don't worry. Wouldn't want to overshoot and end up out on the galactic rim somewhere. All alone. Just the two of us. Hmmm."

Syan directed his hazel gaze at her and shook his head lightly. "Don't even think about it. I have business back on Chimaeria."

Karia tsked and turned back to face forward. "Mmm...kay, but it would have been fun."

Syan didn't doubt that.

Without turning away from the controls, AC-18 cut in. "Master Syan, fifteen seconds to reversion. Perhaps you should take a seat for safety?"

"Good idea. Get up, Eighteen. I'll take it from there."

"Yes, sir."

Eighteen slipped out of the copilot's chair and stiffly made her way back to the communications console where she sat again. Syan dropped into the copilot's chair and glanced over the controls quickly.

Just then, Karia reached for the hyperdrive toggles, resting her fingers on them as the last few seconds ticked down.

It occurred to Syan that he should be a little upset at the presumption, but he wasn't. In the month Karia and he had been 'involved', he found a lot of his controlling tendencies leaving. Not long during the set of goose chases the Dark Man sent them on, they discovered that Karia was a damned good pilot. She claimed it was something intuitive with her species, but Syan had never heard that about Ferrerrio.

She was holding something out on him. Fair enough. He was holding out on her too.

As the last Standard digit rolled down to nothing, Karia eased back on the toggles and the swirling morass of light faded into pinpricks of white before snapping into dots in space.

"By the stars," Karia gasped.

Syan looked out the window at the numbers of Imperial craft in Chimaerian space. When he'd left, there wasn't a quarter this many. What the hell had happened?

"Master Syan, we are being queried."

Karia looked over her shoulder. "I'll take it, Eighteen. Transfer--"

"No!" Syan cut her off, glancing in her direction. "Are you forgetting what you are? Eighteen, transfer the call to my station."

Karia watched him. Syan didn't make eye contact. He didn't want to draw attention to the fact that there might be someone else in the cockpit with him. Ferrerrio were still a restricted species. He didn't much feel like making Karia dress in next to nothing and pose as his sex toy.

The display blinked on and a comm technician appeared on the screen. "Unidentified craft transmit your signal code."

Syan complied, reaching over to tight beam the ship's ID to the querying command ship.

The technician's eyes dipped to the screen, and then faced the vidsensor again. "Vessel Aesir, your craft broadcasts Hunter's Guild ident. What is your business on Chimaeria?"

"Private," Syan growled out lowly, teeth sliding over his polished fangs.

The technician didn't react. "I'll log it as business then. Follow the posted traffic buoys. You are being tracked."

With an annoyed snort, Syan flicked the switch to kill the vid feed. The technician didn't seem the least bit intimidated. Which means the forces here weren't that green. That made them dangerous.

Syan brooded while Karia set the ship on course with the buoys. The path took them under ImpStar Deuce. Compared to the Aesir, the Deuce looked impossibly big.

He felt Karia's hand on his arm and looked over. She was staring right at him. "What's wrong?" she asked with her lips and eyes.

"There's a lot of Imps here. I don't like it."

She smiled and rubbed his tattooed forearm. "It's going to be all right."

Karia turned back to the controls and trimmed the J-type Nubian's descent as they hit the planet's outer atmosphere. Flames kicked off the ship's shields, helping to break their fall. The ship dropped through the upper layers of atmosphere before hitting real air and piercing anvil-topped storm clouds over the southern hemisphere.

"Where're we headed?" Karia pointed at the topo-map of the planet. The info service from the planet traffic authority highlighted the various areas. A left to damnation in Thanatos. A right to purgatory in the outer forests.

Syan tapped the screen and logged their course. "New Plouton. That's where we're going."

"Why?"

Syan smiled a bit. "Cuz that's where the money is."

He got up from the copilot's chair and stood. "Eighteen, rent us a berth for a week. And find us someplace to stay."

The droid turned to her station. "Right away, Master Syan. I will get Genie on the latter. He's so much better at that sort of thing."

"Where're you going?" Karia had risen too, but only half way in case the autopilot ran into a problem. "Eighteen take over for me."

"Yes, Mistress."

The silver droid changed seats into her normal co-pilot position and took over flying the ship. The other droids would handle the rentals.

Karia joined Syan at the port for the cockpit and pushed the button to call it back up. "You're evading the question, hunter. Where are you going?"

Syan met her silver eyes. "I'm going to get on my gear."

The Ferrerrio's brow furrowed. "You didn't pick up a job already did you? You said we could take a break after all that nonsense."

In times like these, Syan remembered what a burden it could be to maintain closeness with anyone. Things needed explanation. "I told you. There's a lot of Imps around. I don't like it. I just want to be ready for anything."

She followed him into the small turbolift and waited until the doors closed. "You're really that worried about me?"

Syan sighed, frustrated and just looked at her impatiently without saying anything.

A slow smile formed on her lips. "I'll take that as a yes." She tiptoed a little bit and pressed her lips to his. Her tongue slipped past his lips and into his mouth and he rested his large hands on her svelte waist. The kiss was quick, but deep and passionate and the weight of her pressing against him threw Syan a little off balance. He stumbled back a little and his body hit the controls for the lift. They started down with a quick jerk. Karia laughed. "That's why I like kissing you. You make the world move for me."

Syan laughed, one of his few genuine laughs and preceded her out of the lift and into the corridors, heading toward the weapons lockers.

Karia followed. A week before, Karia had spent a portion of her cut from the job with the Dark Man to get herself some gear. Gear she insisted be stored with his in his locker.

Syan tapped in the access code and stepped into the ship's weapons locker after the heavy armored security door slid out of the way.

The first thing he reached for was his vest. The armored plates would shrug off a few bolts from a blaster rifle if need be. It would still hurt like hell, but at least he'd be alive. Spaces on the vest allowed him to slip small throwing stilettos into them. He checked the sharpness of each on his fingertip before sliding them into place. The thigh holster for the larger throwing spikes was next. He slipped it on and tightened it. On the other leg he attached the holster for his DD6. His waist strap held half a dozen spare power packs for it. Over the vest he pulled on the tactical sheath.

On its stand, his vibrokatana looked every bit as long, silver and deadly as the Aesir it rode in. It too, like the ship, was an extension of him. He took up the sword as the last piece of his arsenal.

By the time he was done, Karia had long since been ready. She waited in the doorway, watching him with an unreadable expression.

"You ready?" he asked.

Karia nodded. Where he was draped in black like death incarnate, Karia looked like a prized possession. Her golden skin was impressive enough, but over that she wore a bronze-colored leather harness and trousers that provided her some fighting protection and places to strap weapons while doing nothing to lesson her feminine attributes.

She was stunning.

Syan slipped on his darkened visors and flicked them on, testing the systems with the control rods surgically implanted in his retinas.

They both felt the ship's drop in speed and sharp maneuvering. AC-18's announcement over the intercom that they were landing was a little redundant.

Still carrying the sword, Syan walked toward the gantry. From a hook near the door, he picked up his Bantha leather jacket and slipped it on. The sword he carried would be last. The silver blade slashed through the air with a song and slid into the holster strapped to his back

At almost the same moment, they felt the heavy bump as the ship touched down. He was going to have to have the droid's landing subroutines improved, Syan thought.

"Did that landing seem a little hard to you?" Karia asked, almost as if she'd read his mind.

Syan shrugged. "A little."

He jabbed the controls and waited as the ship's gantry opened up and extended to the ground to let them off. There wasn't a whole lot to see outside. The hangar's circular roof doors were very slowly closing, allowing New Plouton morning light to shine down inside and brighten everything.

Syan started down the ramp first and unclipped his comlink from his belt. "Eighteen, lower the cargo door."

"Yes, Master Syan."

Before they reached the bottom, doors farther forward in the ship opened up and a freight lifter lowered to the ground. On it was some cargo and a parked silver speeder bike, thick with power.

Karia followed alongside Syan. She slipped her pair of small blasters into the cross-hip holsters. "I take it we're not renting a repulsor limo?"

Syan looked at her. "No. Too suspicious."

"You're just non-stop fun, you know that?"

"I know."

Syan straddled the bike and grabbed the controls, feeling the massive engines kick in. The screens and gauges came on instantly and everything was in the green. Karia sat behind him.

"Hold on."

Karia slipped her arms around his waist and he twisted the accelerator. The engines whined and the bike leapt forward from the ship, turning just inside the hangar's open doors and side-slipping a bit before Syan held the brakes.

Syan paused for a second to flick on the speeder's comlink. "Eighteen, button her up. Did you send me the info for our living quarters?"

"Yes, Master Syan. It should be available on your speeder's nav screen."

Karia leaned around from behind Syan and asked, "Did you pick us somewhere nice?"

"Genie said that you would like it, Mistress Karia. He knows about these things."

"Thank you, Eighteen." Karia looked at Syan. "At least someone around here knows how to treat a lady."

Syan glared at her from behind his visors and reached for the controls. "When the ship's sorted out, lock her down and get some transport to our location."

"Yes, Master Syan."

He closed the comlink and grabbed the bike's controls again. "We're here now, Karia. For this break you wanted. Now what am I supposed to do?"

Karia tightened her grip around his waist. "Anything you want, lover. You're a bounty hunter with a lot of free time. Who knows what can happen."

What indeed.

That thought stuck with Syan as he pulled the bike out of the hangar and sped into New Plouton and the Yesdol District.

---

"Confronting Pain, Part 2"
By: Kallia Brael
Keeve Kandran [NPC+]
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Keeve and Shiv's apartment; Tregat Residence - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Keeve sat upon the edge of the bed, gazing at Shiv asleep on her stomach beneath the sheets. Her golden hair was tumbled across the pillow and the moonlight through the paned window gave a soft, pallid glow to her normally tanned skin. He knew she would be his wife some day; it was his goal in life, but in the end, it was all up to her. He hoped she didn't leave him hanging too long.

Keeve had reached out to brush his fingers up her bare arm, slung across the mattress where he should have been sleeping, but as he heard the front door open, Keeve withdrew his hand and instead carefully rose from the bed.

"I love you, Maeren," he whispered before he crept out of the room, fully clothed and prepared to go.

As expected, Kallia was waiting for him in the living area, almost unrecognizable in the clothing she wore. Keeve stopped before her and frowned playfully in displeasure. "Covers far too much flesh for my liking."

With a grin, Kallia quickly unfastened the leather vest she wore and opened it for him. The rings in her nipples were still there and waiting for his leashes. "I promise when we're alone or inside, I will remove the clothing for you."

Keeve chuckled and gripped her waist, pulling her in close for a rough kiss. He was still grinning when the kiss broke, and realized giving her up as a sex slave would not be such an easy task. "Well...keep it on for now. I have to go out and you'll be guarding Maeren."

Kallia nodded, and then pressed her lips to his again. She fastened her vest closed again, smiling at the dejected look that crossed Keeve's face once she was covered again. A lightsaber hung at her belt and a blaster was strapped to one thigh. "I'll keep her safe," she said. "And, when you come back, maybe you and I could...it's been awhile for us. If you still want to, of course."

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked in all sincerity. "I'm not married, and likely never to be. I might as well be able to have some fun, right?" He dabbed Kallia's nose playfully with his forefinger, then kissed her brow. "Just don't slip into bed with her while I'm gone, alright?"

Kallia laughed softly. "Don't worry," she said. "I will only sleep with those who you say I can, and for now that's only you. I do have a request." She pressed herself against him, her lips brushing against his ear. "Come back to me soon."

"I will," he whispered with his lips nuzzling her cheek. "Only if Maeren's still here and safe when I do." He grinned and took a step back, realizing she was definitely achieving the effect she'd intended, but knowing he didn't have time for it yet. "Do me proud, Kallia."

"I will, my Master," she said, keeping her eyes on his. "No harm will come to her; I promise. Though, keep yourself safe out there as well."

"Don't worry, I won't be wandering around out there. I already know where I need to go." Kissing her cheek as he passed, Keeve headed for the door, but before stepping out he glanced back at Kallia with a pointed look. "Is that how you guard? Maeren's in the other room, not on my behind."

"I am very aware of everything that's happening in here," Kallia said. "So, while I watch you, I can also sense any danger approaching, and right now I sense nothing."

Keeve's crooked smile returned and he motioned his eyes to his rear, then regarded Kallia again. "Nothing at all? You sure?"

Kallia grinned. "Nothing that we need to worry about or fear anyway," she said. She could feel a warmth spreading through her body, and knew it was because of Keeve. "You should go now, or I think I'll want to keep you here longer."

"Well...that's better." With a self-satisfied smile, Keeve bowed his head to Kallia and slipped out of the door, hoping to have a small chat with an old friend...involving a blaster if he was lucky.

***

The knocking on the front door roused Zale. He assured Kaysa everything was alright as he slipped downstairs to see who would be banging on the front door at this hour. He finally made it to the door and gave a dry laugh when he saw who was on the other side. He tapped the unlocking sequence and the door slid open. "Keeve," he said. "Didn't expect to see you at this hour."

"Oh, no?" Keeve gave Zale's robed appearance a cursory appraisal, then frowned up at him. "You were sleeping? How could you possibly have time for sleep when you're going around sending henchman to rape innocent, defenceless women," he spat.

Zale frowned and wondered if he was still half-asleep. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Rape? What the hell are you talking about, Keeve?"

"Figures you'd deny it," he sneered. "You're a coward, sending others to do your work. Is Kaysa home?" he asked jeeringly. "I imagine she'd like to hear how you sent two men to rape her Shiv!"

"What?" Zale's features darkened and his eyes flashed with rage as he glared at Keeve. "You'd better take that again slowly, Keeve. Why the fuck would I send anyone to do anything to Shiv. Who--? What happened?"

"Don't act like you don't know!" Keeve shouted, taking a menacing step into the doorway. "The guards said they worked for Mr. Tregat and the two you sent...they used the Tregat name like it was their own, so don't fuck with me!"

"Used the--? Describe them! What did they say?"

Keeve's eyes narrowed. "What? I told you not to toy with me, Tregat! I don't know what you're pulling, but you leave Maeren out of it!" His hand slipped furtively under his coat and came up with his blaster in hand, pointed squarely at Zale's chest. "Or, you will be sorry, Tregat."

Zale was rolling his eyes an instant before one hand slapped the blaster aside and his other fist cracked against Keeve's jaw. "Better than a spanking," he snarled as he followed it up with another. "I told you I have no idea what you're talking about, so stop dicking me around and tell me what the fuck happened."

Keeve managed to regain his balance before he could stumble down the stairs, then passed a hand over his bloody lip. He glared at Zale with boiling rage, and emitting a growl he leapt at him with his fist pulled back and ready to crack across Zale's jaw.

"You've always been a stubborn brat," Zale snarled, then used his prosthetic limb to block Keeve's punch. "And, that bastard growing you up did nothing to change that." He grabbed the front of Keeve's coat and slammed him back against the door. Keeve struggled against Zale, but Zale's fighting experience greatly overshadowed Keeve's. The couple of punches Keeve did managed to land seemed to have little affect against Zale in the depth of his rage. "It was them, wasn't it? Tell me before I beat it out of you, you little--"

"Zale!" A shifting form in a white, billowing robe hurried down the stairs, her face as pale as the material she wore. When she reached the landing, Kaysa stopped short and gazed at Keeve with a rueful, wistful smile. "Zale," she said softly. "Stop beating my son."

Keeve laughed mockingly and spat saliva-mingled blood onto the ground near her feet. "Son? Who wants a whore for a mother?"

Zale's forearm slammed against the side of Keeve's head, and then he followed it up by picking the hateful brat off his feet and throwing him against the wall. "You ungrateful wretch," he snarled. He hauled Keeve to his feet again, and lifted him into the air by the front of his jacket, taking care to protect himself in the process. "I don't know what you're doing to fool Shiv, but I can't see what she could possibly see to love in a hateful, vindictive, selfish, conceited, childish fuck like you. Mark my words, brat, I will do everything in my power, with all of my wealth and influence to make certain that she sees you for what you are. Mark it!"

"Zale, stop!" Kaysa rushed to Zale's side and placed a gentle, quavering hand on his arm. "Oh gods," she whispered tearfully. "Let him down, Zale. Please...it's Keeve. My Keeve. Please...."

With considerable effort, Zale pulled his hands away from Keeve and turned away. "They're here," he rasped. "Qual and Neron, they're here. Somehow, they got to Shiv, but...but your son insists I sent them, and won't say any more." Zale's body trembled with barely contained rage, a rage that seemed as if it would explode at any moment. "They're here...and...and they got to Shiv."

Kaysa looked between Zale, and Keeve, who was hunched over and still spitting blood onto the floor. "What do you mean 'got to Shiv'?" she asked worriedly, though she already knew the answer.

"They raped her," Keeve replied less than delicately. "Or at least they tried to, and would have succeeded if I hadn't been there."

Kaysa's hand flew to her mouth to muffle the groan rising in her throat. "Oh gods," she whispered. "Oh gods...I-I have to go to her. My girl...she needs me." Kaysa looked helplessly around the room, emotionally crumbling before their eyes. "I--have to see her. Zale, I have to go!"

Zale's pent up rage finally reached the point where it had to release, and that came in the form of his fist punching a hole through the wall. Accompanying it was a reverberating cry of rage. He turned to Keeve. "Can you take us to her? Those men who did that...they're my brothers, and they're here to get revenge on me. Please, Keeve, take us to Maeren."

Keeve glared stubbornly at Zale and passed the back of his hand across his nose. He looked at the smear of blood there, then grinned contemptuously at Zale. "Find her your fucking self," he spat, then pushed off the wall and staggered towards the door.

Kaysa rushed into his path and blocked him before he could get far. Keeve sneered and moved to sidestep her, but Kaysa gripped his arm and pulled him back. She wasn't sobbing anymore and her eyes now stared stonily at him. "You little brat," she rasped. "You may hate me, but I'm still your mother. I gave birth to you, I love you, and you will do as I tell you."

Keeve jerked his arm from her grip, but instead of starting for the door again, he was caught off-guard by the particularly sharp slap to his cheek, then the hand gripping his chin roughly. "I'm not done talking to you!" Kaysa hissed. "Now, you'll take us to Shiv. If you don't, she'll find out that you denied us our wish and she will hate you. Do you really want that?"

"You wouldn't," he snorted.

A snaky smile curled Kaysa's lips. "Wouldn't I? You don't know me very well, Keeve Zenarr, and if you did, you'd know that I can be one vindictive bitch if I so choose. Don't cross me, not on this. You will lose."

Keeve clenched his sore jaw, and held Kaysa's gaze, resentment in his own eyes. "Fine," he said between gritted teeth. "I'll...take you there."

Kaysa's smile became at once pleasant and she stepped back. "Very good. Zale? You ready?"

Zale glanced down at his robe, then looked between Keeve and Kaysa. "Give me five minutes to dress, and I'll be ready."

Keeve looked darkly between them. "I'll wait outside," he grumbled, then limped towards the door with one hand held to his side.

Kaysa sighed and regarded Zale ruefully. "I...guess I'll come with you," she said quietly, then started alone for the stairs. The more she pushed, the more distance that grew between she and Keeve. She was convinced she'd lost him for good.

"Actually," Zale said. "You go up and start getting dressed. I'd like to have a word with Keeve."

Kaysa turned back and gave Zale a warning, stern look. "I think you've done enough damage to his face for tonight, Zale. Leave him alone."

"I just want to talk," Zale said. "I won't be throwing any punches; I promise."

It didn't take Kaysa even a moment of contemplation. "Alright. I trust you, Zale." She smiled weakly for him, then headed up the stairs again.

Once she was gone, Zale followed Keeve outside. "Do you realize how much it kills her to see the hate in your eyes? Why do you hate her so much, Keeve? She made a mistake ten years ago, and she's regretted it ever since. She wants to make up for that. She wants a second chance with you. Why are you so hard on her? Why won't you give her the chance to be your mother?"

"I don't need a mother," he replied gruffly. "I've got Maeren, I've got Dargus.... If it's redemption Kaysa wants, she isn't gonna find it with me."

"Kaysa needs her son," Zale said. "Kaysa needs to love you, to prove to you she isn't the witch you seem to think she is. You may not think you need a mother, Keeve, but inside, I think you do. And, how long do you think Maeren will tolerate you hating Kaysa? How long do you think she'll be able to sit by and accept you hating the woman she loves as much as she loves you? Why won't you even try? Is it that you are such a cruel, vindictive, and hateful person that you enjoy seeing her suffer for this?"

Keeve pushed off the wall he'd been propped against and turned to face Zale fully. His expression was full of pure hatred and disdain, but he didn't lash out this time. "When I was a kid, I almost died. Do you think she was there for me? Do you think she was sitting by my bedside, cradling me while I reeled in pain? If she'd cared at all, not even her stubborn hatred of my father could have kept her from coming to me! But she never did. Do you really think she deserves forgiveness?"

"Do you think you're the only one who has ever suffered? Dargus Kandran nearly gutted her and killed her. Dargus Kandran cut my fucking arm off. Dargus Kandran kidnapped and repeatedly raped Shiv, and then passed her around to all his men to do the same. And, that's the bastard you're now clinging to as a father! Even if you don't give a shit about what he did to me or Kaysa, how in all the hells can you cling so viciously to a man who did that to the woman you love? Kaysa ran out because she was scared of the commitment. It was wrong of her to do, but it was how she dealt with those problems in her life. She sent all the money she could for you. She has loved you with all her heart every day of your existence, but was too scared after she bolted to come back because her worst fear would be your rejection...which is exactly what she got. If this is what you are, Keeve, an unforgiving, hateful wretch, then I truly hope Maeren sees through you soon before you destroy her life as well."

"I'm not gonna hurt Maeren!" he shouted. "And I'm protecting her from Dargus. I know what he did to her, but he's promised not to touch her again, and he hasn't!" Keeve cried out in frustration, and swung around to slam his hand against the wall. He didn't know why he was defending his position or his loyalties, but he was and it sparked a small hint of doubt in him. A confident man could ignore Zale's accusations and questions without feeling the need to justify his position. Keeve needed to and was failing, and that concerned him. "You're getting nowhere with this," he said quietly. "Instead of trying to guilt me into forgiving Kaysa, why don't you work at helping her move on? I won't be her son, not ever. It's too late for that."

Zale shook his head and sighed. "I guess it's too late for a lot of things," he said. He then turned and started back toward the house. He stopped at the door and glanced back. "If you do hurt her, I will kill you." With that, he went inside and upstairs to get dressed.

---

"Tug-O'-War, Part 1"
By: Kallia Brael
Keeve Kandran
Maeren Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa-Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Shiv and Keeve's apartment - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

The ride to the apartment Keeve shared with Shiv was a slow one with nothing but silence and gloom pervading the speeder. They'd been forced to take concealed routes to avoid the Imperial night patrols, which made for a longer, but safer trek.

Keeve was in the back seat alone, while Zale and Kaysa occupied the front. He'd seen them murmuring briefly to one another, then Kaysa fell silent and assumed a sorrowful vigil out the window. From where he sat on the far right side of the speeder, Keeve peered at Kaysa's profile through the gap between the seat and the sidepanel of the vehicle. The lips and chin, delicate and gently contoured, were nothing like his sharp, strong features. He imagined he got those from his father, whoever he was. Keeve didn't care, just as little as he cared that Kaysa was his birth mother.

Still, watching her as he was, Keeve felt a stir of some longing, one he'd never experienced before, and definitely not like the one he'd felt for Maeren when they were apart. He didn't know where it was coming from, or why he felt it, but the sight of Kaysa had triggered it. There was no way he was going to admit that it was a yearning to accept Kaysa as his mother, or even acknowledge their ties; but he knew somehow that it was the inherent bond that existed between every mother and son being awakened, and there was no way to shut it off.

Lost in thought, Keeve barely noticed Kaysa was now staring back at him, with eyes the same colour and shape as his own. In them was a deep pain Keeve never bothered to notice before, never wanted to, and in the soft smile she gave him was a sadness he couldn't bear to look at. Maintaining his stubborn, hardened facade, Keeve broke the brief connection by quickly averting his gaze to the far window.

He hated the emotions she inspired in him, hated the yearning. But what he hated more was that he quickly realized he didn't hate her. As the long ride continued, Keeve vowed to change that.

***

Inside Shiv's apartment, she was asleep in the bed, covers twined around her lithe body as she sprawled languidly in her repose. The mass of blonde hair splayed out from around her shoulders and head formed a sort of halo, giving her a near angelic quality as she slept. From the other side of the room, Kallia Brael sat watching.

She sensed the people outside before they reached the door. By the time she heard the maglock being manipulated, she was standing on the other side of the door, ready. When the door did finally open, it was clear the two on the other side weren't here to harm Maeren, even given the similarity the man had to those who assaulted Maeren earlier.

Then Kallia saw Keeve's bruised and battered face. She moved to him immediately, concern etching her features. "I take it things didn't go so well?"

"They wanted to see Maeren," he said through clenched teeth. "Come on. We can wait in the living room." Without a glance for Kaysa or Zale, Keeve turned and moved sullenly off.

Kallia followed after Keeve. Once they were down the hall and away from Shiv's room, she used some of her healing talent with the Force to alleviate some of Keeve's injuries. "They weren't involved?"

"In Maeren's rape?" Keeve shook his head tersely. "He appears to hate his brothers as much as I hate him." He sighed as the throbbing pain in his jaw alleviated, and gently brushed his fingers over the hand she held to his cheek. "Thanks," he murmured.

"That's what I'm here for, my love," Kallia whispered, and then brushed her lips over his.

Keeve slipped his other hand into Kallia's and smiled at her. "Let's go sit down. There are some other bruises I think could use your expert touch."

As Keeve led Kallia into the living area, Kaysa and Zale moved soundlessly into the bedroom. Kaysa didn't stop until she was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her star sleep. Her girl's brow was furrowed slightly as if her mind was caught in some unpleasant dream. Kaysa stroked her hair soothingly to ease her discomfort and murmured tender words to her. She was content simply watching her sleep, but she ached to hold her and express her love to her. And to apologize.

Zale moved into the seat that Kallia had been recently sitting in. He watched Kaysa with Shiv, hoping that this would be the reunion they needed. He knew that in order to keep surviving, Kaysa needed Shiv. And, he also knew that Shiv couldn't get by without Kaysa, no matter how much Keeve and Merrick loved her. This had to work out.

All was silent in the room until Shiv finally stirred. She rolled onto her back and slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself gazing up at Kaysa. She blinked several times to assure herself it wasn't a dream. Once she was certain she was very much awake, Shiv bolted upright and into Kaysa's arms. "I love you," she whispered.

Kaysa's arms came immediately up around Shiv, pulling her closer. "I love you too," she replied softly. "I'm so sorry. I keep having to say that, but I really am."

"I know," Shiv whispered. "I should have said something about him, Kaysa. I should have told you, but...but I don't know. Oh gods, Kaysa, I love you so much, and...and I was dying without you. Oh gods, please tell me everything will be alright!"

Kaysa swallowed back a sob, and kept her voice calm and soothing for Shiv. "Everything is alright now," she said huskily. "I was wrong to do that to you, Shiv. I was angry...and scared. I reacted, but it was the wrong thing to do." As she pressed her lips to Shiv's cheek, silent tears pushed their way free of her clenched eyes and rolled down to where her mouth met Shiv's face. "I love you, Shiv," she sobbed. "And if being with Keeve makes you happy, then I won't forbid it. As long as you're smiling, and shining, I'm happy."

"Even if I'm with him," Shiv whispered, "I still will be with you. I'm still your star, now and always. I'm still yours, Kaysa."

"I know," she replied tearfully. "I was just surprised, that's all. I mean...it's my son, Shiv. It's hard to accept. But I will, Shiv." Kaysa moved her lips to Shiv's and kissed her girl deeply, needfully. "Gods, I've missed you," she whispered, their lips barely parting. "Oh gods, come home, Shiv. Come home and be with me."

"Yes," Shiv whispered. "Oh gods, I love you, Kaysa. Keeve won't like it, but yes. It's something he'll have to accept too. He wants to marry me, Kaysa. And...and as long as it doesn't affect us too much, I think I'd like that. I don't know though. Oh gods, it's a big step."

Kaysa let out a shaky breath, and slowly nodded her head, not yet certain what to say. "Marry Keeve?" she whispered. "But...do you...even love him?"

"I love him," Maeren said softly. "I love him, but there are...issues. He loves me very much too, but...but...oh gods, Kaysa. I want him to like you too. He doesn't even understand how much his...his feelings about you hurt me."

Kaysa sighed and cradled Shiv's face in her hands as she gazed at her girl. "Not everyone's capable of unconditional love like you are, Shiv. Don't let his feelings for me ruin what you have. If you love him...and if you really want to marry him, don't let his hatred for me stand in the way."

"I do love him, but I know I can't stay with him if he can't love or even like the people I care most about."

"And if you love me," Kaysa countered, "you will not hurt my son, no matter what."

"Caught in the middle," Shiv said sadly. "I'll figure it out though."

Kaysa smiled gently at her love. "We'll figure it out together," she whispered, then kissed Shiv's lips lightly. "As soon as we get home. Do you have anything to pack up?"

"I've got some clothes here, but I can come back and get them later," she said. "I just need to throw something on for now. Unless you and Zale really want me to walk across the city naked."

Kaysa grinned slowly and let her hands drift up towards Shiv's bare breasts. "We have a speeder," she said, then glanced up at Shiv from beneath her lashes. "With a large backseat."

Shiv's grin widened. "Oh, you love it that you have an exhibitionist for a lover, don't you? Come on, I need to talk to Keeve and tell him. I'm going to invite him to come along. Oh gods, Kaysa, I want you and he to be close. I don't know how to do it, but I can't deal with not being able to be around both of you."

"If anyone can do it, Shiv, it's you." She regarded Shiv fondly and in complete amazement of how truly compassionate and loving a being she was. Kaysa knew there was no one else like her in all the universe. "Come on. Go find some clothing while I send Keeve in."

"Okay," Shiv said happily, and kissed Kaysa again. "Oh gods I love having you happy with me."

"Is there any other way to be?" Kaysa laughed softly and slipped off the bed. "Don't be long. Merrick should be home when we get there, and I want to surprise him." She blew her lover a kiss as she strode towards the door. Catching Zale's eye as she did, Kaysa smiled at him and felt tears slipping from her eyes. "She's coming home," she whispered.

Zale nodded with a knowing smile. He stood and started after her. "It's going to be alright," he whispered back to her.

Kaysa held out her hand to Zale, and once he clasped it, she squeezed lightly. "Soon. One more thing to do, then everything will be perfect."

"How could it not be?" Zale asked as he brought her hand to his lips. "I'm sorry about earlier, Kaysa. I overreacted, and it was wrong of me. Your son, though, is frustrating at times."

"I wonder where he gets it from," she mused playfully. "Just...try and be more patient with him. He's still a kid after all."

"Even though he doesn't look like one," Zale answered. "I wish there was something we could do to draw him closer."

"Well, I doubt what we're about to tell him will do the trick. I think as long as I'm with Shiv...he'll never accept me." She shrugged lightly. "There's nothing I can do about that."

"He'll have to get used to it," Zale said. "Or he'll have to get used to life without Maeren. If he can't be open and accepting of the people in her life, I don't think she'll be very happy. He'll have to grow up."

Kaysa sighed. "Hopefully he can. I don't want to see either of them hurt." She clung tighter to Zale's hand. "He looks so much like Cadwin," she whispered. "It's...disconcerting."

"I can imagine," Zale said softly. "But, I also see some of you in him. The eyes are yours, for certain."

"There's just a little more fire in his, I think." She smiled fondly. "I want him to be my son again. I want to see if he's got my smile too."

"He will be," Zale answered. "Especially if Shiv has any say in the matter."

Kaysa laughed softly and nestled her cheek to Zale's arm as they strolled into the living area. The scene before her of the brunette woman she didn't know clinging desperately to Keeve on the couch and feeding greedily from his lips stopped her abruptly. "Well," she whispered awkwardly, "looks like he takes after his mother after all."

"I guess he does," Zale said. "They certainly look like they're enjoying each other." He then noticed the slight movements between Keeve and his brunette and the fact that she was wearing no pants. "He definitely takes after you, my love."

"Um...we should probably come back," Kaysa suggested, but before they could turn and leave, Keeve's eyes momentarily flashed towards Kaysa and Zale, and after a double-take, Keeve tore his lips from Kallia's and gently tried to pry her off.

"We didn't-- I mean--" Keeve stammered rapidly, but not one coherent statement managed to form. He still gripped Kallia's arms to push her off, but Kaysa couldn't help noting how persistent the woman was being, and Keeve attempting to wriggle out from beneath her only encouraged her to hasten her motions. The blush colouring his cheeks was amusing, and Kaysa couldn't help but laugh.

"Good form, son," she told him.

"Kallia...please," he whispered, the expression on his face conveying only extreme embarrassment.

"Now, that's a woman," Zale said with a laugh.

Kallia finally became aware of the others in the room, and quickly pulled herself off Keeve, exposing the young man to both Kaysa and Zale's views.

Zale gave a low whistle. "Very impressive," he said.

Kaysa gave a cursory glance to her son's erect organ, made a sound of approval, then smiled at him. "Built like your father, that's for sure."

Keeve groped for a pillow and, finding one, quickly threw it into place, covering his groin. "Could I...just-- A minute?"

"Take however much time you need," Zale said as he and Kaysa started backing away together. He couldn't help glancing over the woman Keeve was with and grinned. "Kid definitely has taste."

"Kid's huge," Kaysa replied. "Do you think Dargus had something to do with that?"

"He is, and by the look on her face, she really enjoyed it. So, how big was Cadwin?"

Kaysa smiled knowingly and shrugged. "You know what Merrick says. 'It's not the size of the instrument that matters, it's how you play it.' "

"Yeah," Zale said with a laugh, "but we both know that Merrick's also not playing a pennywhistle. Still, I guess it makes some sense why Shiv loves him so much. Between him, Merrick, and your tongue, she's gotta be one of the happiest young women in all of the sector."

"But he's the only one she wants to marry," Kaysa pointed out. "That's gotta mean something."

"Well, you're married to me and Merrick, and Merrick's married to you. I have a feeling, though, that she'd marry you in a heartbeat if she could."

"If she did that," Kaysa said quietly, "we'd both lose Keeve forever."

"I know," Zale replied. "Though, if she does marry him, you won't lose her. I imagine she knows about Keeve and...and his friend. Hell, knowing Shiv, she's probably tried to get both of them in her bed. I doubt Keeve's the type to go for that though."

"You mean, he's possessive of her?" Kaysa chuckled. "Wow. He's gotta be my son."

Just as they reached the bedroom, Shiv stepped out of it with a bag hanging off her shoulder. "Ready, I see," Kaysa said. "We should get going. It's already late."

"I should go say bye to Keeve," Shiv said. "I just hope he's not too upset about me going. I can invite him to come over too, right? I'll have to make up the time for him tomorrow."

"Well...we didn't exactly get a chance to tell him," Kaysa said, glancing furtively at Zale. "Maybe you should go tell him without us there. It might go over a little better."

Shiv gave Zale a kiss, then Kaysa, and dropped her bag at their feet. "Back in just a second," she said. With that, she skipped her way into the other room, nearly stumbling when her eyes found Keeve and Kallia on the couch. She was riding him with her head thrown back, and his face showed that he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Her reaction at seeing them together was instantaneous, and it took every bit of willpower she possessed to not tear off all her clothes and join them on the couch. Instead, she sauntered over close. She ran a hand down Kallia's arm and locked eyes with Keeve, her own smouldering with desire.

He smiled at her softly, reaching out a hand to caress her cheek. Her eagerness to join was obvious in the flush suffusing her cheeks, but Keeve knew he would never ask her to join, not if it meant having to share her with another. "Kallia," he said, still watching Shiv. "We'll finish this later."

Shiv got down onto her knees so that her face was next to his. "No," she whispered. "It's alright. I need to go home with Kaysa tonight, Keeve. But, that will give you a whole night, and tomorrow I want you to tell me what day we're going to get married. But, you can come to the house with us. Come to the house, and we'll be together there too."

Keeve's hand fell away from Shiv's cheek, and his mouth set into a hard line. "Kallia," he said again, this time his voice carrying an edge to it. "Get off and go wait in the other room."

Kallia gathered her things and slipped out of the room quickly, leaving Shiv and Keeve alone.

---

"Tug-O'-War, Part 2"
By: Kallia Brael
Keeve Kandran
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa-Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Shiv and Keeve's apartment - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

Shiv lowered her eyes to watch her own hands as they twisted before her.

Keeve remained quiet as he made himself presentable again, and even after, he simply sat and watched Shiv. She seemed to always find ways to make him feel second to Kaysa; she always would.

"So...you're going home with her." He chuckled wryly. "Well, whenever you need a place to stay, gullible, naive Keeve will always be here. He's too stupid to realize he can never compete with your one, true love."

"He and I are going to spend tomorrow together," Shiv said, refraining from the sarcasm she wanted to lash back at him. "And, I'll prove to him that his love is just as important to me as hers is. And, he'd better give me a date for that wedding, because I need to pick out an equadi."

"Why? So I can marry you and have to visit my own wife at her lover's house?" Keeve sighed sharply and abruptly rose from the couch. "It's already happening, Maeren! You say it's not true, but you know Kaysa comes first. She always will. Maybe you can get her to father your children too!"

"Keeve," Shiv cried, her frustration showing clearly in how she held her body. "You know that's not true! What's happening is you see any time I spend with Kaysa as a sign that she's first. What do I have to do to prove my devotion to you but doesn't involve leaving her completely? Please, Keeve, I love you, and...gods! It's not like that! I'm going to fucking marry you, you bastard! When will you get that through your thick, nerf-headed skull? Pull your head out of your ass, Keeve! I love you! I'm marrying you! And, if that isn't fucking good enough, then I don't know what will be!"

"That!" Keeve hollered back, red-faced. "Just that! Fight for me, Maeren, and don't ever stop fighting! That's the only thing that will ever satisfy me!" He grabbed Shiv's hand and roughly pulled her into his arms. Still feeling his anger and even his fear, Keeve kissed Shiv aggressively, crushing her body against his. "Just like that," he said quickly before covering her mouth with his again.

Shiv clung to him fiercely, holding her body tight against his and feeling it reacting strongly to both of their emotions. "Oh, gods, Keeve, I love you so much! I have to go with them tonight, to be with them. But, you and I have tomorrow. You and me, and we'll go do whatever. And, you can help me find the perfect dress. And, we'll plan our honeymoon! Oh gods, Keeve, tomorrow. Come to the house tonight! Please!" She dipped her hand down to the front of his pants. "I'll come visit you tonight if you do."

"I-I don't know," he replied while his own hands slipped beneath Shiv's shirt. "Maeren...I don't belong there."

Shiv moaned at his touch. "Of course you do," she whispered. "They love you, Keeve. I love you. You belong where you're loved, where people care about you. Oh gods, please come home tonight. Please be there with us, where we can show you just how much you do belong. I promise it'll be alright."

"I don't want them," he told her. "Only you. I only want to love you." He pressed his lips firmly to Shiv's and even though his emotions were intense and unrestrained now, he gently lay her back onto the couch. Gazing down into Shiv's eyes, Keeve paused to brush his fingers along her cheek and realized then that he could never deny her anything. "I'll come," he relented finally. "I'll come, but only for you, Maeren."

"Good," Shiv whispered. "Soon you'll see they're not that bad, if you let yourself. But for now, coming for me is just as good. I love you, Keeve, and I'll prove it to you. We'll be good together, I promise."

Keeve grinned as he passed his hand over Shiv's breasts. "Oh, we already are, Maeren. We'll be the best." Tenderly and ardently, Keeve kissed his wife-to-be, smiling as he did at Shiv's hands finding their way further down into his pants. "Kaysa's in the other room," he reminded her.

"She is," Shiv whispered. "And, she'll have to get used to you and me just like you'll have to get used to me and her. I love you, Keeve Shivral."

"Shivral?" Keeve made a show of thinking about, then grinned down at Shiv. "Maybe we should keep looking, hm?"

"Sounds good," Shiv said. She grinned at him as she managed to produce a moan from his lips. "Did you want to make it quick, my love? Or would you prefer to wait until later where you can have the full show?"

"With you doing that," he groaned, "I can't think clearly enough to decide. But..." He sighed and pressed his forehead to Shiv's. "I don't think I could handle having my m--" Keeve cleared his throat. "I mean, Kaysa walking in on me again."

Shiv grinned. "Oh, she walked in on you and Kallia? I must say that the two of you look very good together. Please, Keeve, sometime I want the three of us to be together. Me, you, and Kallia. Seeing the two of you together just...oh gods, you have no idea." With one hand she managed to get his pants open, and deftly opened hers as well. "Yes, or no, my love? I can satisfy you now, right here. Or later, behind a locked door."

Keeve sucked in a sharp breath and found his hips voluntarily pushing forward against Shiv's hands. "Maeren...w-w can't. I mean... Oh gods, that's good-- But bad!" Keeve clenched his teeth to fight back the desires overpowering his ability for rational thinking. Finally breaking through the haze of arousal clouding his mind, Keeve pushed off the couch and away from Shiv. He staggered before steadying himself, then took in a deep breath. "You're incorrigible, Maeren," he said breathlessly.

Shiv grinned. "I'll show you just how incorrigible I am later on tonight," she said. "Get yourself closed up before I get any other ideas." She quickly made herself presentable. "Come on, let's go get my bag and head back with Kaysa and Zale. Don't worry, my love, I'll be there the whole time, and it'll be alright."

Keeve nodded stiffly while his hands worked himself back into his pants, with some difficulty. "I should ask Kallia to come. She's your bodyguard now. Neither she nor I will be out of your sight, not ever."

"Yes," Shiv said with a smile. "And, I wouldn't think of her not coming along. She's your friend and companion, and my bodyguard. And, the three of us will be spending a lot of time together, so she should be around us as much as possible. You want to go find her, and I'll go find Kaysa and Zale? If I know them, they're having sex in my bed."

Keeve cringed at that thought. "Thanks for the image, Maeren. I'll sleep a lot better now." His smile returned as he slipped his arms around Shiv again and placed a light kiss upon her brow. "Two days," he whispered. "I hope that's enough time."

"I think it'll be plenty of time," Shiv whispered, "as long as I have a chance to get a perfect dress. And, tomorrow we can start making all of our plans. Oh gods, Keeve, it'll be so wonderful. Oh! Lerrah has to be here! I have to find a way to contact her so she can be here! I can't do this without her here. I'll contact her tomorrow. She's just on Riga, so she should be able to make it back in time. Oh, it's going to be so perfect."

"Well, with Kaysa there and the rest of your extended family, I suppose..." Keeve smiled at the stern frown she gave him. "I'll just ignore them. Besides, how could I focus on anyone but you?"

"Of course them," Shiv said. "Oh. Oh no. Are you going to invite Dargus?"

Keeve sighed. "I-- I think so. I mean...he's my father, Maeren. I mean...isn't that alright?"

"He may be the father who you've adopted, Keeve," Maeren answered. "But he's also the man who nearly killed Kaysa, cut off most of Zale's arm, had Moril kidnapped, and had me raped repeatedly both by himself and then all of his men. Do you think he'd be welcome at our wedding?"

"Kaysa's not welcome, yet I'm not protesting her presence," Keeve riposted. "Why shouldn't I be able to invite who I want?"

"Keeve, what part of 'that fucking bastard raped me repeatedly' are you missing so I can spell it out for you?"

"And what part of 'Kaysa tossed me away when I was a baby' aren't you understanding?" he shot back. "This is supposed to be our wedding, Maeren, not just yours. Dargus has given me everything, and if he wants to be there, I'm going to invite him."

Her fist cracked across his jaw and she turned away. "Bastard," she growled. "Fucking, uncaring bastard. He raped me, you asshole! He fucking raped me! And, then turned me over to his army for them to do the same. They violated my body! Get out! Get the fuck out of my life!" Tears were flowing freely from her eyes and her body was racked with sobs as she propelled herself toward the far corner of the room.

Keeve stared stunned and speechless at Shiv while his one hand absently rubbed his jaw. He'd forgotten how vicious her right hook was. Snapping out of his momentary bewilderment, Keeve started towards her, but Kaysa, who rushed into the room from where she was listening in the hallway, beat him to it. She immediately went to Shiv and folded his fiancée into her embrace. Keeve chuckled grimly. It was obvious she no longer wanted that title, wanted to be his wife. He was beginning to wonder if she even wanted him.

"Fine," he growled. "Have a nice life, Ms. Shivral." Keeve whirled away from the enraging scene before him and stomped to the door, hollering out for Kallia as he went. "And I'm a brat," he muttered under his breath. "I'm not the one calling off a wedding simply because I don't like a couple of the guests."

"No," Kallia said from his side, "she's calling it off because you wish to have the man who defiled her present at what's supposed to be the happiest moment of her life. And, it's a single guest. Think about it, Keeve. How much damage has Dargus Kandran done to this family so far? And, you expect them to willingly accept him? However, if you want to let her push you away because of that, then you're the one stubbornly throwing this relationship away because you want to throw her rapist back at her."

"He's my father!" Keeve shouted. "He's the only family I have, and he's given me everything. Kaysa ruined my life and I'm allowing her to be there. Why is it so wrong for me to have someone I love like a father present at my own wedding!"

"And, you're willing to throw everything you have with Shiv away for that? You're willing to throw a life with Shiv away because you care more about having Dargus there than you care about the pain he's caused the woman you wish to be your wife?"

"It's not the point," Keeve grumbled. "I've given her everything, Kal, made every allowance for her. I've sacrificed more than she ever would for me, and the one thing I refuse to give up, I can't have. Doesn't that count for anything!"

Kallia sighed and put her hand to his cheek. "It does, my love," she said. "However, I think Dargus Kandran is a very tricky situation. He's made so many enemies, and Shiv and all those close to her are part of that. I still hate him, Keeve. He nearly destroyed my life. He's done much for you, but most of the people he's come in contact with can't say the same thing."

Keeve's anger melted away under Kallia's touch and he pushed his cheek into her cradling palm. "But...what if it's always like this? What if I'm always having to compromise for her? It won't work."

"I'm sure you'll find things where her compromising is needed," Kallia answered. "I don't think this is a good point to force her to compromise on. However, I think getting her to wear a very skimpy and revealing equadi would be a nice one, especially given that it might rankle her other loved ones. And, after you're married, you and Maeren get a span of time all to yourselves with no prying others. Well, except for me, but I'll behave."

Keeve smiled crookedly. "I'm sure you will..." He sighed and glanced across the room at Shiv still clutching Kaysa to her desperately. The sight galled him, but that she was crying pained him far more. "Dargus won't like this," he told Kallia.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about Dargus," Kallia said as she nuzzled her lips against his throat and let her hand dip down between his legs. "I'm sure that new wife of his will keep his mind off this. Go to her, Keeve." She kissed his cheek. "And, I have a feeling if you attempt to make peace with Kaysa, you will find yourself taking an even more solid hold of Shiv's heart."

Keeve stifled a moan and gingerly batted Kallia's hand away. "You're encouraging me to reconcile with my fiancée, yet you can't keep your hands off me. Ulterior motive, Kallia?"

"Your fiancée is very sexy," Kallia said with a grin. "I was hoping you'd allow the three of us to be together as a way of saying thank you. That and the two of you are very good together."

"In bed," he retorted. "We're horrible at every other aspect of our relationship."

"That is your pessimism talking, my love," Kallia whispered. "You're a very attractive couple. The only problem, as I see it, is that you and she are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to certain issues. Now, I suggest you go back in there before I bring you off here with my hand...though I think I would like that very much, and so would you."

"Oh, you know I would," he said with a low chuckle. "I just...I don't want to apologize in front of her. It'd be too embarrassing."

"Swallow your pride and do it," Kallia urged. "Think of how much better your apology will go if it's with Kaysa there. If she sees you're willing to apologize in front of Kaysa, that will warm her heart like you wouldn't believe."

Keeve gritted his teeth and channelled all his negative energies to his suddenly fisted hands. He was too arrogant and stubborn to show his weakness to Kaysa - his weakness being the inability to stray very far from Shiv before supplicating himself to her. Though, he'd do anything for Shiv.

Pressing a kiss to Kallia's forehead, Keeve moved past her into the room again. Kaysa was stroking Shiv's hair and whispering something unheard into her ear. Shiv was racked with sobs, the sight of which knotted Keeve's stomach. "Oh gods...Maeren," he whispered once he was close enough. His eyes met Kaysa's briefly, and she gave him an encouraging smile. "Maeren...I-I'm sorry. Please...look at me."

Shiv looked up at Keeve, and swallowed hard. She squirmed for a moment in Kaysa's arms, and then was suddenly leaping into Keeve's. "Oh gods," she whispered. "Oh gods, I hate fighting. I just...it's just...him. Oh gods, Keeve. Anything but him. Oh gods... I love you!"

Keeve closed his eyes as he relished the warmth and sensation of Shiv pressed so closely to him once again. He held her tighter against him, lifting her feet clear off the ground, and reminding Kaysa with a single look that he would never let her come between them. "I love you too, Maeren," he whispered, watching with satisfaction as Kaysa quietly took her leave. "No Dargus, I promise. I-I was stupid to even suggest it. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Keeve," Shiv whispered. "Oh gods, it's okay. Let's get our things and go to the house. I want to feel safe in my home with all my loves. I want to have all of you near me tonight. Oh gods, Keeve, please come home with me."

"I said I wasn't leaving your side, and I won't." He kissed Shiv's cheek, then moved his lips to hers and fed from them ravenously. Kaysa watched from the doorway for a brief moment, smiling ruefully to herself, then sighed and moved off towards Shiv's bedroom again. That they were in love was clear, but it was also apparent that it would be a difficult road for them. She only wondered if her presence was exacerbating the situation.

---

"Tug-O'-War, Part 3"
By: Kallia Brael
Keeve Kandran
Maeren Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa-Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Shiv and Keeve's apartment - Yelldon, New Plouton
Date: Eos 20, 4ABY

***

When the kiss broke, Shiv found herself gazing up at Keeve with a content smile on her face. "Come on," she said. "Let's go get the others and go home."

Keeve grinned as he slid his hands down to cup Shiv's rear. "Do we get our own room?"

"We've got my room," Shiv said with a grin. "You, me, and Kallia can stay in there. But, I do have to warn you, I do want to spend some time with Merrick and Kaysa too. But"--she kissed him again--"I will spend as much of that time as I can with my beautiful fiancé."

"Just...try not to scream so loud when you're with them. I don't think I could handle that."

Shiv smiled and kissed him. "I promise," she whispered. "Though, don't let Kallia make you scream so loud, or I will want to join the two of you."

Keeve grumbled. "She's been asking to join us. Frankly, I don't know how long I'll have the heart to refuse her." He kissed the tip of Shiv's nose and added, "You might just get your wish after all."

Shiv grinned and kissed him, perhaps more passionately than she should have. "Oh gods, you won't be sorry, Keeve. We'll show you how wonderful it will be. Oh gods, we'll both make you so happy."

"You already do," he told her sincerely. "More than anyone ever has. Remember that, Maeren. Remember how much you mean to me. Without you, I'm lost and I'm nothing."

"And, without you," Shiv whispered, "I'm incomplete. I love Kaysa and Merrick, Keeve, but I also love you. In my heart, you are as important as either of them, and without your love, I will crumble. I know it can't be easy to share me with them, but I want you to know that they don't come before you. You are all equal in my heart and life. I promise, as the love in your life and as your future wife, that I will do everything I can to never neglect you. You are a part of me as much as my heart or lungs are."

Keeve searched Shiv's eyes and saw in them the truth of her words, though he'd never truly doubted. "You've got a way with words, Maeren Shivral. And you've also certainly got a knack of keeping me from doing stupid things like walking out on you."

Shiv smiled and kissed him again. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that," she whispered. "I was stupid to get so upset at you and...and to throw you out, but...oh gods, Keeve. I'm so sorry. It's better now though. It's better for us now."

"This time," he said ominously. "But...this has been happening a lot, Maeren. I dunno... It just...is it supposed to be like this? Are almost married people supposed to fight this often?"

"Sometimes they do," Shiv said. "You should see Kaysa and Zale. She and Merrick don't fight much, though when they do it's pretty intense. That we can fight like we do, Keeve, and then come back together even stronger than we were before...it says something about our love for each other. And, the fights are about things we both care very much about. It'd be worse if they were things that were trivial and essentially meaningless. Besides, the nice part about fights is making up after."

Keeve chuckled as one hand slipped between Shiv's legs from behind. "Oh, definitely the best part. We'll have to do just that when we get home. So, go and get Kaysa and Zale, and we'll leave."

"You go find our sex slave, and we'll all be on our way," Shiv answered. She couldn't stop herself from moaning at his touch, and quickly turned back to him, pressing her lips to his. "I'll see you soon."

"You'd better," he said with a rakish grin. "We didn't get to finish what we started." He ran his fingers briefly up Shiv's spine, then backed away slowly from her. With a parting wink, Keeve turned and left in search of Kallia.

Shiv giggled as he disappeared, and then rushed off to find Kaysa. When she did, she tackled her lover to the bed, earning a yelp of surprise. "Ready to go?" she asked after a deep kiss.

Kaysa laughed and looked around at the bed. "Right here? Right now?"

Shiv grinned at Kaysa and slid her hands down her lover's sides. "Keeve's waiting," Shiv said softly, "but if we make it quick, it'll be fine."

"You're especially feisty today," Kaysa replied as she raked her fingers back through Shiv's hair. "But I don't think we should, Shiv, not with Keeve around. As much as you want him to be okay with all this, he isn't, so it might not be the best thing to force the issue with him."

"Alright," Shiv said gently, and then kissed Kaysa. "But, we'll find time tonight for each other. If nothing else, you can just hold me and make believe that everything will be alright."

Kaysa's brow knitted slightly. "Why wouldn't it be, Shiv? We're here, together again... It's all perfect now."

"Of course it is," Shiv said. "Though, with one small exception. I think it'd be even more perfect if we were naked. Come, my love, let's go home...Zale looks tired."

"Beating up Keeve was very exhausting, I imagine," she said aloud, casting a pointed glare in his direction. Her expression softened as she regarded Shiv again, then kissed her girl fervently. "If Merrick's there when we get back, I really think he's going to cry at the sight of us walking in together."

Shiv grinned. "Oh, you have no idea how romantic seeing Merrick cry when he's happy is. Or maybe you do."

Kaysa laughed. "What's that supposed to mean! I do not make Merrick cry. For that... Off with you, wench!" She rolled Shiv onto her back and came up straddling her. Pinning her arms back, Kaysa kissed Shiv briefly, then giggled and hopped off the bed. "I shall punish you further later," she said and held out a hand to her. "Coming?"

"Get back over here and get your hands on my breasts, then I will!"

Kaysa jammed her fists into her hips and haughtily threw up her chin. "I do not respond to pathetic demands from desperate, sex deprived creatures!" She giggled and added, "Not unless they touch my breasts first."

"Oh, well if that's the case," Shiv said with a giggle and sat up, her hands groping for Kaysa's breasts. "Oh gods, all that clothing. Get over here, and I'll give you a touching you'll never forget."

"You'll make Zale quite jealous, I imagine," she told her, coyly backing away from Shiv's outstretched arms and seeking hands. "You need to learn some patience and self-restraint, my dear girl."

"Highly overrated," Shiv answered with a grin. "Besides, you told me to. Or do we have to wait until we're home?"

"I think we should. Can't you see Zale's falling asleep against the wall?" She moved up beside her husband and nudged him awake. "Come on, dear. Home?"

"Oh, I wasn't asleep," Zale said. "Who could be sleepy when Shiv and you start getting frisky? Still, let's get home so you can have sex in your own bed, and not have to worry about keeping Keeve and Kallia up. Though, we may find them...at it, again."

Shiv grinned. "Oh gods they're good together. She's got her...her parts pierced."

Kaysa grimaced. "Voluntarily?"

"I don't know," Shiv said with a grin. "But, she seems happy enough with them. It's both of her nipples and--" Rather than telling Kaysa, she let her hand indicate where Kallia's other piercing was. "She also has a tattoo right on her inner thigh. It's actually quite sexy."

"My little girl sounds almost envious," Kaysa teased. "I'm sure Keeve will give them to you as a wedding present if you really want them. Now, stop daydreaming and let's get going."

"You'll have to get a look," Shiv answered with a grin. "She usually doesn't wear any clothes. She only started again after they attacked me. She's a Jedi Knight."

"A-- A what?" Kaysa glanced up at Zale. "I thought the Jedi were allied with Oot? Why would one of them be working for Dargus?"

"Long story," Shiv said. However, she gave Kaysa the quick account of Kallia and Yelara's history, and Yelara's husband's tryst, and Yelara falling in with Dargus. "It's a very sordid situation, but now Kallia's with Keeve, and Dargus and Yelara just got married. They're supposed to be back from their honeymoon any time. She's a Jedi, but...but her lover is upset with her husband, and therefore threw in with the enemy."

"More complicated than our lives," Kaysa noted. "I feel almost...normal now."

Shiv giggled. "They're nice people though...well, Yelara and Kallia. And they've got the cutest babies! Oh, Kallia's little girl is so precious and wonderful!"

"A baby?" Kaysa's face lit up with a smile, one at once wistful and hopeful. "A little girl, Zale," she said knowingly. "Isn't that what you wanted? One with little braids in her hair?"

Zale smiled. "You know, now that you mention it," he said as he twined some of Kaysa's hair into little braid-like strands. "She'd be just like her mommy and daddy."

Shiv giggled happily. "Oh gods, Kaysa, that would be so great. You a mommy! Oh, it would be so beautiful!"

"Well, nothing to report yet," she sighed, "but I'm hoping to have some news one day soon. Though, what's the rush?"

Shiv grinned. "No rush," she said. "Though, I still think the two of you would make really good parents. And, I can baby-sit!"

Kaysa laughed. "You'd stuff the poor thing with frazzies like you did Keeve." Her smile waned and Kaysa avoided both their gazes. "Though, I guess we all deserve second chances to prove ourselves," she whispered.

Shiv brought her lips to Kaysa's cheek. "We do," she whispered. And, I'll convince him of that if it kills me, she added. "Come on, Zale; your wife needs to go home because her other husband will be missing her. Oh, and you too."

Zale glowered playfully at her. "Watch it," he said. "I know where you sleep, and I have been known to take part in the occasional practical joke."

Kaysa snickered. "I don't think Merrick has forgiven him yet for the one he had played on him." She slipped a hand into both Zale and Shiv's hands and guided them through the door.

"Finally ready?" Keeve asked them once they entered the living area.

"All ready," Shiv said with a smile as she gazed upon her future husband. "And, Keeve and Kallia, I would like for you to meet two people who are very special and important in my life. This is Kaysa Zenarr and Zale Tregat." She grinned again. Second chances.

Kaysa gave Shiv a playfully admonishing glare, then smiled brightly and crossed the distance to Kallia and Keeve. "A pleasure to meet you fully clothed, Kallia." She held out a hand to the woman.

"I've heard much about you," Kallia answered, taking Kaysa's hand. "I must say that Maeren speaks very highly of you."

"I should hope so," Kaysa replied. "She's about to marry my son."

Her gaze went next to Keeve, who was intentionally avoiding it. She smiled mischievously and moved directly in front of him, making it impossible for him not to notice her. "And you must be Keeve Tarell," she said animatedly. "Well, Shiv's lucky to have found such a stunning lad to call her own." His eyes flicked up towards hers, then shifted away. Her smile remained firmly planted as she held out a hand to him. "A pleasure to meet you."

Keeve stared at her outstretched hand for a moment, then across the room at Shiv. Her eyes held such hope and at the same time silently pleaded with him to accept Kaysa's offering. Keeve gritted his teeth and grudgingly regarded Kaysa. Again, he stared at eyes that were his own, yet which were those of a stranger, it seemed. But, when he slipped his hand into hers, it felt like two interlocking pieces of a puzzle finally coming into place. Instead of the bitch who'd abandoned him as a child, he saw a beautiful woman with a slight hint of sorrow in her eyes. He wondered if he had been responsible for putting it there.

"Nice to meet you, Kaysa Zenarr," he muttered, slightly perplexed that he almost meant it.

Kaysa's smile softened, yet her grip on his hand tightened. "Welcome to the family, son." Not daring to push too far too soon, Kaysa refrained from kissing his cheek and instead stepped back.

The sound that came from Shiv was a mixture of giggle, snort, and sob, though in all of it was the sound of pure joy. A glance at her told everyone in the room she was trying her hardest to refrain from jumping up and down and clapping madly. "Oh gods, I love you two," she said, tears trickling down her cheeks. "I love you so much!"

Keeve turned his head aside to conceal his blushing cheeks, and Kaysa could only laugh. "Oh my. I know that look. She's about to explode with happiness."

"It's nothing special," Keeve said with a shrug. "She gets the same look when I tell her we're having frazzies for dessert."

Kaysa grinned at Keeve. "I don't think that's why she's smiling now."

One side of his lips quirked into a brief, crooked smile. "She's sentimental, that's all." He cleared his throat awkwardly and gestured Kallia towards the door before the moment could become any more uncomfortable.

Shiv rushed forward then and hugged Keeve, then Kaysa. She followed the hugs up with kisses, and slipped one hand into each of theirs. After a glance between them, and one for Kallia and Zale, she said: "I hope you guys don't mind."

"I have a feeling it wouldn't matter if I did," Keeve quipped. "How could I possibly refuse you anything?"

"I don't know," Shiv answered brightly. "Though, I hope I never have to find out. Is there room enough in the speeder for all of us?"

"I have the repulsor-limo," Zale said. "There's enough room. Though, keep your hands to yourself in there, young lady."

Shiv giggled. "Don't worry, but you'd better not try telling me that later."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Zale answered as they all started out the door.

Keeve glanced suspiciously between the two of them, but he caught the rolling of Kaysa's eyes and found assurance in the simple expression that their statements were purely innocent. He hadn't realized he'd been staring at her still until Kaysa met his gaze and winked at him. How could he try to hate someone so full of life and kindness, someone who continued to love him no matter how cruel he was to her? He was coming to the frightening realization that he wouldn't be able to for much longer.

As if sensing his apprehensions, Kaysa grinned at him and whispered words to him that were at once foreign, yet completely coherent, words that held meaning to him even though his mind couldn't translate them. It was an expression of endearment she'd whispered to him as a child, each night she'd laid him down to sleep for the short time they'd been together: Fotah d'ru ilv'ah, y'olan. Broyuk. Somehow, as if deeply ingrained in his mind, he knew it meant: "The heart never lies, little soul. Remember that."

Holding her gaze now and feeling his resentment towards Kaysa quickly slipping away, Keeve realized how accurate that statement truly was.

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